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jo-harrington · 1 year

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Corrective Action (Eddie Munson x Store Manager!Reader)

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Reader

Summary: Reader and Eddie have been hanging out for a little while and a lot of people seem to think it’s ok to voice their opinion around her.

Previous Part: Interview Prep

Warnings/Themes: AU where the Upside Down doesn't terrorize Hawkins. Reader works at the Claire's at StarCourt. Eddie works at TapeWorld. Mutual pining and slow burn (yes still, always). Bullying, manipulative/helicopter parents, ACAB, all around shitty people that might trigger some things. Thick skinned reader who is sick of said shitty people. Sad boy Eddie. Hurt/Comfort. Pinky promises.

Note: I really hope this one is good guys, I feel like I wrote half of this in an airport wishing I was actually drinking (I did and I was, but I'm sober and kind of currently wishing I wasn't). If this is me fishing for compliments...I guess this is just yummy bait.

You can find my masterlist here for more featuring our resident Store Manager (in chronological order because I’m chaotic and I’m not gonna stop writing this way) and all of my other random Eddie Headcanons.

Please do not interact if you are not 18+.

Enjoy!

---

It started with Stacey at work.

You were sitting at the little desk in the stockroom, working out payroll and the next schedule, when she came to clock out.

“Hey, good job today on upselling diamonds,” you told her, incredibly proud. While she was great at customer service, she really had a hard time getting customers to add to their basket. You had worked on coaching her and she was quickly becoming your best sales associate. “I’m proud of you, you’ve been doing so great!”

“Yeah thanks! All of these rich PTA moms I swear to god,” she rolled her eyes. “I guess my mom was only a hard ass if I asked her to buy me things though. If anyone else tried to sell things to her, she always caved.”

She continued going on about her mom getting all the upgrades when she got a new car.

“…Mr. Harrington almost started singing when she finally signed the lease.” She laughed but then sobered up, glancing around the stockroom to see if anyone else was around. Stacey cleared her throat. “Hey I’ve been meaning to ask…”

“What’s up?”

“Are you, like…dating Eddie Munson?”

It would have been an innocent enough question if not for her tone. Or the way she grimaced and scrunched her nose, as if just saying his name put a bad taste in her mouth.

Eddie had been wary of your interactions with Stacey from the beginning, you recalled. And when you had asked him why later on, he beat around the bush a little before giving in.

She was someone who had been in his classes for as long as he could remember, she was not a cheerleader but certainly one of the popular girls, and when her jock boyfriend got a job at the local insurance office after missing his chances at getting an athletic scholarship, she stayed behind too and made all of the local gossip her business.

And for some reason, even if he swore he never remembered saying more than two words to her at any given time, she made rumors about him her specialty.

You’d been at a loss. On the one hand, you knew Eddie dealt with bullies and rumors even if he never outright admitted it to you. But on the other, you had no reason to distrust Stacey. All you knew about the people you worked with were just what they told you and what you were able to witness while working together. And you knew Stacey engaged in all sorts of gossip. But Eddie’s name had never exited her mouth.

Until now.

“What?” You were so shocked at the entire scenario that you didn’t even realize she would take that as an invitation for her to continue.

“Well he’s been hanging around the store and I’ve seen you guys sitting together sometimes. But like…well, haven’t you heard?” She got closer and sat in the chair next to you. “He, like, sacrifices virgins in the woods and has, I don’t know, summoned demons before. He’s a Satanist, a freak.”

You bristled at the name-calling and the accusations.

“Stace—“

”And you’re new so of course you don’t know—“

“Stacey I’m gonna stop you right there,” you held up your hand and she immediately shut up and sat up a little straighter. “First of all, it is incredibly inappropriate to ask me about my personal life. About any aspect of it, outside of what I willingly share with you. I am your boss, I’m not your friend, this isn’t high school. We are all entitled to privacy and I am incredibly uncomfortable discussing this with you.

“Second, again not that you need to know, but no. I am not dating Eddie. Eddie works here in StarCourt and you make friends with people when you work at a shopping mall. That being said, Eddie is not only an employee at StarCourt, but also a human being and a neighbor to all of us—”

“Ew no he isn’t. He lives in that—“ she started but you weren’t having any of it.

“And because of that he deserves some respect. Calling someone a freak and spreading rumors isn’t respectful. Which leads me to the last point.

“One of the values of this company is integrity. Doing the right thing, even if it’s hard to do. And I’m sorry but bullying, under any circumstance, is not the right thing to do. So even though you are off the clock, you are still on company property and you are certainly not operating with integrity. I’m incredibly disappointed that I have to have this kind of conversation with you, but I will consider this a warning for next time.

“If I hear talk like this coming from you again, there will be disciplinary action,” you concluded. “Do you understand?”

You hated to do it, you hated to put on the manager pants. You hated that Stacey’s eyes welled with tears the longer you talked and that she trembled as she finally nodded. But even if Eddie wasn’t your friend, you wouldn’t condone this kind of behavior. You held your team to an incredibly high standard and this wasn’t it.

You sent Stacey home and got back to the schedule with a sour taste in your mouth.

---

The next time, you were actually out with Eddie.

He had told you that the sunrise at the old quarry was second to none and when you confessed that you had never actually watched the sunset or the sunrise before, he immediately figured out the best day for you to go together.

He had put together a picnic with all sorts of breakfast foods, because apparently no one made pancakes, bacon, and eggs better than he did—

“Got an A+ in home ec, thank you very much. Didn’t help me get my GPA up but Wayne is pretty happy when I have breakfast waiting for him after a double shift.”

—and treats from the gas station since he insisted that you needed to experience all of the convenience food he loved. There was a thermos full of coffee and a boat load of blankets in the back of the van. He picked you up at your apartment, ringing the bell at ass o’clock in the morning looking way too energetic for someone who woke up so early.

“What do you mean? I never went to sleep!”

The radio was low as he drove you towards the outskirts of town; he’d also surprised you with a replacement of your old Boston cassette that you had nearly played to death, and he hummed along and tapped his fingers against the steering wheel along with Foreplay.

You reached a certain sign on the road signaling the quarry was up ahead, only for the tell tale lights and “whoop whoop” of a squad car to sound off from behind you. Eddie cursed and pulled off to the side of the road.

“Sweetheart can you grab me, uh” he motioned for the glove box. You’d already popped it open and dug through to find his registration as he pulled the wallet from his pocket. “Thanks.”

The crunch of gravel caused Eddie to look at this side mirror and groan a low, drawn out “fuck.”

“Munson,” the officer greeted roughly once the window was rolled down.

“Callahan,” Eddie replied. “Hopper got you on traffic patrol now huh?”

“Very funny,” Callahan deadpanned. “You know why I pulled you over.”

“Actually I don’t,” Eddie chuckled dryly. “License plates are up to date, I wasn’t speeding, and that tail light you busted last time you pulled me over is fixed.”

What the fuck?

"I don't like the tone you're taking with me, kid," Callahan spat. "Not a respectful bone in your body, any time I have to pull you over. It's for your safety after all. And the safety of the entire town."

How many times had this guy pulled Eddie over? 5? 10?

“Anyway, we just broke up a party over in Loch Nora about an hour ago, lot of kids high and wasted,” Callahan continued and there was no way you could have guessed the words that were coming out of his mouth next. “I know how you like to hang around parties like those, do a few deals. Maybe you decided to take advantage of some pretty girl who doesn’t know where she is.”

Callahan leaned down a little further and shined a flashlight into the van, directly at you.

“How you doing tonight miss? Can you tell me your name please?”

Your world was shaken to the core.

“Excuse me?” You scoffed, clenching your fists.

“You got your wits about you, or do I need to call an ambulance or something? Maybe your mom, if she needs to come pick you up?”

“I’m fine, officer, but I don’t like what you’re implying about my friend here.” You responded harshly. “Or about me. I am a grown woman, I am in this van of my own volition, with full mental capacities other than the fact that I’m maybe a little tired because I just woke up 20 minutes ago to go see the sunrise with my friend.”

Callahan stumbled over his words for a second, immediately backtracking as Eddie sat speechless in the driver's seat.

“We were never at a party in Loch Nora. Eddie didn’t kidnap me. Neither of us are drunk or high. So I’m pretty sure this is an unlawful traffic stop officer,” you concluded.

Both officer Callahan and Eddie looked at you with dumbstruck expressions.

“What, it’s true. So unless you have another reason to have pulled us over, officer?” You asked. “Can we be on our way now?”

He cleared his throat and handed the license and registration back to Eddie.

“Must have seen another van outside the party. An easy mistake to make,” he replied. “Got yourself a smart girlfriend there, Munson. Don’t fuck it up like you usually do ok?”

Callahan did another “whoop whoop” before pulling away and heading back to town, but Eddie continued to sit stiffly, refusing to move.

“You ok?” You asked, putting a hand on his arm.

“I can’t…he didn’t…” Eddie stumbled over his words. “I’m not like that ok? I don’t…I don’t take advantage of girls at parties. Fuck. Please don’t think—”

“I didn’t,” you assured him.

“Callahan always has it in for me, man,” He explained. “I don’t even know what I did. Caught me smoking weed on school grounds with the guys one summer way back and it was like a permanent target was placed on my back.”

“Small town cops with a big ego,” you explained, knowing fully well how douchebags like that were. “And you’re the resident bad boy.”

“You gotta stop calling me that,” he groaned in, what you believed to be, embarrassment.

---

And it kept happening.

Whispers when you went out for pizza, eyes watching you at the grocery store with pity or disgust, you didn’t know for sure. The one time you both stopped in Montgomery Ward on lunch to get a new dress (and for Eddie not to spend his lunch alone) and the saleswoman kept hovering as though you were about to steal.

Well, not you. Eddie.

No one usually dared to say anything to your face but you could still hear it. “She hangs around that Munson boy. Ugh such a troublemaker. Poor girl. Someone should tell her. He’s a trickster, that one.”

And no, you knew it wasn’t everyone. Just the busybodies who didn’t know what they were talking about.

You’d usually roll your eyes and continue on with your day. You could take whatever was thrown your way—some people just sucked and they couldn’t keep their mouths shut—but you knew how it affected Eddie. You could see it when you were with him, how deflated he became.

Your friend, one of the best people you knew, regardless of your stupid crush on him. He became distant, shrunk like he wanted to take up less space in the world.

You just about had enough of it.

And it all came to a head one day, a week after you hired Chrissy Cunningham as a part-time associate.

Her mother dropped her off after Cheer camp one day and wanted to see the new store.

You had a pretty solid parent policy that you made known to your teenage associates, just as your old store manager did when she first hired you at 16. Parents could come in and visit, shop, sure. But they weren’t going to interfere with the business. No calling to complain if the schedules conflicted with family nights. No calling in sick on their kids behalf.

“If you’re old enough to take on the responsibility of a job, you’re taking all of the responsibilities, ok? Even the not so nice ones.”

Chrissy, just like the others, understood.

Chrissy’s mom, on the other hand, had a bit of a problem with that.

You were nice enough when they first got in, getting to hear how the whole family was so excited about her first job, how it would look great on college applications come Fall. Chrissy, of course, had told you all of this in her interview; she was a sweet kid who clearly was trying to take on a lot and once you met her mom, you understood where the pressure was coming from.

Your mom was like that too, in her own way. Picking and picking and picking.

“Oh actually,” Mrs Cunningham started and from her tone you knew it was just going to be the beginning of a whole to-do. “I was meaning to ask if Chrissy could change her schedule? I saw you had put her on Saturday afternoons. But there’s a junior cheer team at the park district that she helps coach and they have meets on the first Saturday of the month.”

The too-big, overly-whitened smile was an unspoken threat of “you’re going to give me what I want or else.”

You explained that weekends were a mandatory availability for your associates who were still in school, but it didn’t mean they would always be scheduled. You had already told Chrissy that you would give her the days of her meets off, if she let you know the dates at least 2 weeks in advance. It was only once a month, after all.

That smile fell, like it always did, when someone like Mrs. Cunningham, like your mother, like all the other Stepford-wife types in town, didn’t get their way.

She tried once again to explain, this was important to Chrissy and she could trade Saturdays for another day. Maybe Thursday afternoon? Only if she didn’t have too much homework, of course.

But there was no way to know that when you were writing the schedule two weeks out, you argued.

"Then I guess you'll just have to find a replacement for her shifts if she can't come in," Mrs. Cunningham argued.

“Ma’am, I leave the responsibility of schedule and availability to my associates when I hire them,” you explain. “Not their parents. You said you were excited for Chrissy to have a job. It’s only been a week. If she thinks she can handle Saturdays—or even if she doesn’t—I’ll leave it up to her. School hasn't even started yet; let's just give it some time before we try to make changes ok?”

And as one does when they feel attacked, she went after low hanging fruit.

“I wouldn’t expect you,” she sneered, “to know a whole lot about responsibility…or planning ahead for the future. You work in this little shop; it's not even a real job. I’ll bet you didn’t even go to college.

“And Chrissy said you’re friends with the Munson boy right? That he shows up sometimes to talk to you. He’s never known a day of responsibility in his life. He’s…he’s a drug dealer, a troublemaker—”

“Alright that’s it,” you interjected. “This is a place of business—my place of business—and we’re getting busy, so I will have to ask you to leave Mrs. Cunningham. Unless you want to stay for a piercing, I do have paying customers to tend to. I will discuss the schedule again with Chrissy. I promise.

“But for now, thanks for stopping by, it was so nice to meet you.”

---

“God she was such a bitch,” you complained as you watched Eddie throw cardboard boxes into the bailer.

This was typical for lunches spent together. You would both run trash down to the loading dock and complain about work while Eddie smoked—allowing you to luxuriate in his secondhand smoke for a little while—and then you would head to the food court to eat and just…spend time together.

Listen to music, talk about movies or books or whatever else came to mind.

This friendship was still new, there was plenty to talk about.

You kind of hoped there would always be something new to talk about. And that you two would be talking and having lunch together for a long time.

Best not get your hopes up though.

Currently, you were recounting the interaction with Mrs. Cunningham, purposefully leaving out the way she brought him into conversation.

What he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Right?

“Poor Chrissy,” you sighed.

“Poor Chrissy?” Eddie scoffed. “Yeah, really sucks to be on top.”

“You know, she might be on top at school—”

“And her family might be rich, and she might live in a big house, and she might only need to work so it looks good on college applications. See where I’m going with this?”

“—but it sucks to have a parent constantly shitting on you. Even if they do it for ‘your benefit...'.”

“Why can’t you do anything right?”

“I stayed at home with you kids and this is the thanks I get?”

“I can’t make you respect this family. But don’t you have any self-respect?”

Maybe you were just projecting...

“Speaking of Queen Bee, here she comes now with her lover boy,” Eddie said, batting his eyelashes dramatically, and then he made a gagging noise. You were exiting the service corridors and spotted Chrissy, who had clocked out for the day, walking towards the food court with a very clean, athletic-looking blond boy.

“Now if you wanna talk about a bitch, look no further than Jason Carver.”

He proceeded to tell you all about how Jason and Jeff were neighbors, how they used to be friends as kids. How they stopped talking once Jason started up with sports, and he started picking on Jeff once he made varsity.

“He had some macho, roided up growth spurt last year, and that paired with the self-righteous bible thumping meant that Hellfire was an easy target. Those meathead jocks picked on us before, sure, but…I dunno, Jason is a whole other level of cruel.

“And he doesn’t hesitate to beat up the younger kids, but if I’m around…well needless to say they’re a little scared of me, they don’t want to take a chance that I’ll put a curse on them or something.

“I’ll do whatever I need to, I’ll be their villain, if it means keeping those kids safe.” He rubbed the sleeve of his flannel against his nose and sniffled lightly. “But it’s not like there’s anything I can do aside from that. I have to just sit there and take it, let my friends take it, because if I don’t…if I don’t, then I become everything they say I am. Angry, dangerous, a menace, a criminal.”

“Eddie that’s terrible,” you grumbled, Chrissy’s mom and your own troubles forgotten. "You don't deserve to be picked on like that."

Eddie hummed in contemplation for a moment.

“Ok enough of them, do you want to share chili cheese fries?” He diverted. You hesitated, not wanting to drop the subject entirely, but also not wanting to push him. Eddie flashed you those big, pleading eyes, though, and you caved.

Asshole knew exactly what he was doing.

“Sure,” you smiled.

“And you’ll let me buy today,” he continued, holding his hand out before you could argue. “Because you feel bad for me you’re gonna let me do it.”

“What logic is that?!” You exclaimed. He giggled maniacally and motioned for you to find a table before he practically skipped to the line to order.

He was lucky that he was cute.

---

Chrissy approached you the next time she had a shift together; you were planning to pull her aside at the end of her shift to double check that she was sure about her availability and to go over the parent policy once again. It was kind of a relief that she took the initiative instead.

“I’m sorry about my mom,” she began timidly. “She shouldn't have come in here just to interfere. It's just that I do have a lot going on, and when I told her I wanted to work at the mall too...well, she just..."

"Chrissy, I understand," you interjected. "Really I do, you don't need to explain. I knew when I hired you that you had a lot on your plate."

"Thank you again, by the way."

"I just want to make sure that you're sure this is the right move. Do we need to look at your availability again?" you asked. "If your mom comes back to have this conversation again, I'm not going to stand for it. I need employees who are responsible for their own time."

"No I know..." she sighed. "I'll talk with her. I really do like working here."

"I like having you work here," you reassured her. "You're doing a really great job so far."

"R-really?" she smiled, eyes getting a little glossy. "Thank you. I'm trying. My mom...never seems to be happy with anything I do. If it's not what I do, it's how long it takes, and if it's not that, then it's how I look, and--" She was starting to breathe a little heavily and you sighed.

"Hey listen, I get it," you said gently. "Mom's...well, sometimes they can be the worst. They know exactly what buttons to push. And I don't want to sound insensitive because I want you to know you can talk to me any time, I'm here for you. But we are on the sales floor.

"I know your shift is almost over, if you want to take a few to go in back and settle down before you leave, you can," you encouraged her. It wasn't a busy day; you could afford to give her a few extra minutes to herself.

"You're sure?"

"Yeah, Mindy will be back from lunch in a few and I can come and grab you if I need you."

Chrissy gave you a watery smile and then headed back into the stockroom.

There were a few minutes of restocking bracelets before the shop bell rang as a new customer walked in.

"Hey! Welcome in!" You greeted brightly, mindlessly, before looking up to find Chrissy's boyfriend standing there. He smiled and nodded in greeting.

"Hey, I'm here to pick Chrissy up," he explained.

"You're a little early," you laughed, trying to be cordial despite Eddie's words about him echoing in your mind. "She's just in back finishing up. I'll let her know you're here."

"Nah, that's ok," Jason shrugged. "I wanted to talk to you really quick."

You frowned at him and narrowed your eyes.

"Boyfriends unfortunately don't qualify for the employee discount," you stated lightly, hoping that this was the only thing he had to ask. "So if you have a little sister or something--"

"No, it's about Eddie Munson," he continued. "You really need to stay away from him."

Yeah. That was exactly what you were afraid he would say.

Ugh, you were really getting tired of this.

And it wasn't just that you were sick of people meddling, it was this boy in particular who was really rubbing you the wrong way. Gossipy sales associates with jock boyfriends, useless troublesome cops, nosy housewives, and well-meaning grandmas were one thing.

But a high school boy who was still wearing a letterman jacket in July, with a too nice smile and the audacity to have a savior complex when he was the one tormenting other kids?

That was where you drew the line.

You just wondered if you were willing to lose your job because of him.

“I'm telling you this for your own good. The crowd he’s a part of…,” Jason leaned closer as though it was a secret. “They’re a bunch of wastoids, listening to that devil's music, trying to lure virgins into the woods to sacrifice. And if you want to sit with the right crowd at lunch when school starts--”

You barked a laugh at this, right in his face, and he backed away looking confused.

Ok, so this wasn't "lose your job" worthy.

You mentally pulled on both your Disappointed Older Sibling and Angry Store Manager pants to gear up for this fight.

"Ok kid, real talk," you started, clapping your hands like a coach would. "I'm not in the business of yelling at teenage boys. And as flattering as it is that you might think I'm still in high school, there is no way a teenager would be managing a store. So there's point number one. Number two, don't assume a lady's age ok? At all. In either direction. That's a life lesson I'm gonna give you for free.

"Number three, and not that this conversation isn't...just really lovely, I need to get a point across and I'm sincerely doubtful you're gonna listen to me anyway. I just need you to understand that...like, whoever is hanging out with who, or going where, or doing what, is generally none of your business. Especially your girlfriend's boss. It's really disappointing that a nice boy like you is gonna cause his girlfriend to lose her job because he can't mind his own business."

And that was the punctuation at the end of the sentence to make him look nervous and a little sweaty.

You felt a little bad saying it, because no, you weren't going to fire Chrissy because of this dumb boy. But hopefully this would be a lesson learned.

"E-e-eddie was hanging around Chrissy the other day," he stuttered, looking extremely out of his element. Never been the person who had to face consequences before; you knew the type. "I saw him in here when I came to pick her up. She said...you were his friend and he was just waiting for you."

"I'm sure he was waiting for me."

"He always had crushes on the cheerleaders," he explained. "He was sniffing around this girl Julie a few years ago and she found out he was into this satanic stuff...I figured either you or Chrissy were next..."

"Oh buddy," you sighed. "And you figured if you came in here and told me not to hang around him, I would be spared...and Chrissy would be too?"

"See? You get it."

"Except that's really not how things work in real life or at a shopping mall, kid," you said. "Everyone is allowed to go wherever they want and talk to whoever they want. And I, as one of the managers in this building, am able to assess what is a danger to myself and my employees and Eddie certainly isn't one of them. Except for his corny jokes, he is harmless.

"You on the other hand," you continued, savoring the moment Jason's eyes got a little wider. "Approached me with a very distinct and threatening energy. So unless you want me to call mall security and make sure you are no longer allowed on the premises, I will need you to...re-evaluate your tone of voice and your intention of visiting.

"So, what was your name again?"

"J-Jason Carver, ma'am."

Ew. Ma'am. Ok you weren't that old. But you could deal with it.

"Jason Carver," your tone changed immediately, back to the sickening Store Manager voice you defaulted to on a regular basis. Eddie had called it unsettling before, to hear you go from your regular tone of voice to that. Jason's eye twitched and you grinned maniacally. "It's so nice to meet you. Chrissy was telling everyone it's your anniversary coming up?"

His eyes shifted slightly, and he laughed nervously.

"Ye-yes ma'am," he agreed.

"And what are you planning to get her as a gift?" you asked. He froze again. Ok, no gift; Chrissy definitely deserved better than that. "I think a necklace would be really lovely. Not from here, I can see you looking at the jewelry wall. But there's a really nice jewelry store downstairs that has birthstone pendants and stuff. I think she would really love something from there."

"I-I think that's a great idea," he nodded vigorously.

The door to the stockroom opened and Chrissy walked out with her bag in hand, ready for you to check it.

"Ok, I'm all set to go then, thank you so much for--Jason!" Chrissy smiled when she saw her boyfriend. "I thought you were going to wait for me downstairs."

He cleared his throat and composed himself.

"Figured I would come up and surprise you," he grinned smoothly. "Met your boss, she's...really cool, just like you said."

Nice save.

Ok maybe he wasn't as stupid as you originally thought.

Chrissy waved goodbye as they left, and Jason had the right sense to keep his mouth shut.

---

You waited outside Tape World as the mall started to slow down and get dark. There was a little coin-operated horse right outside of the store and you leaned against it and wondered, if it was a real horse, how fast it could take you and Eddie out of this shit hole of a town, away from all of the people who said horrible things.

You had nothing to complain about though. Eddie had to deal with it for years. He did so much to protect his friends...all you wanted to do was to protect him too.

The gate opened up and Eddie ducked underneath, grinning at you once it was locked and he was upright once again. He muttered a quick goodbye to the associate who closed with him before he approached you.

"Hey, it's only Thursday," he laughed. "Did I forget we had plans? I thought you opened."

"No, I was a mid," you shrugged. "But I stayed because..."

Should you tell him? You didn't want to upset him, or have him pull away from you, like he always did whenever talk of his reputation around town was mentioned. You wanted your silly, carefree, wonderful best friend not to have to suffer because of narrow minded people anymore.

"Beeeccaauuuuseee." He hums for a moment. "Because you knew that I was planning a Little Debbie taste test for Sunday and that all of the snacks were in the van right now?"

"What?" you laughed. "Oh my God."

"You said you were more of a Hostess person. I am trying to change your allegiance to the Dark Side of the Force." He stood taller, theatrically trying to mimic Darth Vader. "What better way than with a joint or two and a shit ton of snack cakes at the lake."

"Eddie!"

"What? Don't tell me you have never smoked before," he said in mock offense. "What rock have you been living under? I'm going to have to call your parents, young lady. They did too good a job raising you."

You stared at him for a minute as he laughed and you couldn't help yourself; you quickly closed the distance between the two of you and wrapped your arms around his waist. He went stiff for a second before placing one of his arms around your shoulders and his other hand on the back of your head.

"What's wrong?" he asked quietly. "I mean, I know I did good with the Little Debbie, but you don't have to smoke if you don't want to. I was just kidding."

"No, it's not..." you sighed.

Hugging Eddie was nothing like hugging a girl friend--all squeezes and giggles over something silly and stupid--or hugging a relative--stiff and a little cold, your family not really ones for outward affection to begin with. He was just the right hug shape, his arms at the right height, the right length to wrap around you. His cheek at the right height to rest on the top of your head if he really wanted to (which you really hoped he did). His stupid waist that was perfect for you to wrap your arms around and soft enough that you could squeeze a little bit and he would actually give instead of just stiff and there.

An Eddie Hug was a perfect hug.

And hopefully your hug was perfect for him too, so that it wouldn't hurt him or scare him away as you told him...

"You remember last week?" you began. "You said Jason Carver is the biggest bitch I'd ever meet?"

"Y-yeah," he replied hesitantly, getting a little stiff in your arms, but he did nothing to pull away from you.

"Well, I met him and he is," you continued.

"What did he do?" Eddie asked, irritation evident in his voice. "If...if he did something, said something to you, I swear to God I--"

"I handled it," you cut him off. "He tried to scare me away from you. He said...well, it doesn't matter does it?"

"I'm sure it's what everyone says about me."

"And I told him he could get fucked," you said.

"What?!" Eddie finally pushed you away from him, hands gripping your arms tightly, as he laughed. "No you didn't."

"No I didn't," you shook your head. "But I might as well have. I think I scared him."

"Did you do the creepy voice?" he asked.

"Yeah," you giggled.

"I fucking hate that," he shivered.

"One day, Eddie Munson, you will answer the phone with a 'y'ello' and you will forever be turned to the Dark Side too," you mimicked his Darth Vader impression. "Just you wait and see."

"Never, I would sooner die!" He threw an arm across his eyes dramatically and turned away from you. After a moment had passed, he stood up straight again, hands fidgeting at his sides. "So, uh, are we cool?"

"Why wouldn't we be?"

"Because everyone tells you to stay away from me," he shrugged. "That I'm no good. That I'm a freak. I've been hearing it all my life. But I don't think I could stand it if I heard it from you too."

"Eddie," you started, worrying at your lip for a second. "I know how soul crushing it is to constantly have to hear how bad you are, how you're never gonna live up to whatever expectations others have of you. But listen to me, and listen good: you are absolutely wonderful.

"A wonderful neighbor, a wonderful coworker, a wonderful friend. Who cares what other people think about you; who cares, even...what I think about you?"

"I care," he shrugged.

"But it doesn't matter how many people tell me that you're bad, I'm never gonna think that about you ok? You're so many things but you're also just...good. Ok?"

"Ok," he nodded, eyes getting progressively more watery by the second.

"And don't you start with the self-deprecating shit around me anymore either," you weakly swatted at his shoulder and his torso, and he laughed. "I can't take it. Only one of us can be a miserable piece of shit, and I'm older, so I have dibs."

"You're not a miserable piece of shit," he chuckled. "You're wonderful too."

"No more of this...sad sackery then? From either of us?" you asked and held out a pinky to him. "You can't break a pinky swear."

Eddie wrapped his pinky around yours tightly.

"No more. Upon punishment of death."

---

Next Part: Standard Operating Procedures 1.04

Tag List (can I call you guys the Sales Associates? OMG, that's what it's gonna be): @gaysludge @storiesbyrhi @tayhar811 @spookybabey @word-wytchh @maidenofartemis @dreamlandcreations @wickedbelle

Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list! I'm sure I missed some tag requests, but I have been out of town with shoddy internet access so blame that, not me.

#Eddie munson fluff #Eddie munson x reader #Eddie munson imagine #store manager verse #stranger things imagine #stranger things drabble #Eddie munson fic #Eddie munson stranger things

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not-alien-girl-v · 9 months

Text

Disconnected (Matty Healy)

warning: not smut but it might as well be. mentions of doing the dirty but. it doesn’t happen. you know. also george gets roasted sorry georgenation

note: meow

⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:*⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆

he collapses on top of you, sweat coating his bare skin. a long exhale releases from his lungs as he sinks into your body. you keep your hands on his back, rubbing up and down comfortingly, soothing the angry red marks left by your nails just a few minutes ago.

he hums in contentment and places featherlight kisses to the right side of your neck. you giggle and push him off you.

“what? done with me already?” you don’t say anything, expecting him to just fall asleep like he usually does at the end of your ‘after he gets back from the studio quickie.’ it’s not always like this, your sex life with him, this is just one, predictable aspect of it.

it’s almost like you both know how good he fucks you when you ask for it, that it makes up for all the simple, mundane sex you have most of the time.

suddenly, he turns to his side, propping his head up on his hand, and his silent stare is harrowing. “yes?” you ask him, wishing you could read his mind. sometimes you swear he can read yours.

“can i ask you something?” he doesn’t meet your eyes when he says this, and you can only assume the worst.

1. would you still love me if i was gay?

2. will you help me bury the body?

3. when i die of terminal cancer, will you promise not to remarry?

you’ve just been staring at him staring at the crisp white bedsheets and when he looks into your eyes, you are reminded that he can’t actually read your mind, and your attempts at telepathic communication are feeble.

“sure, baby.”

“ok. i’m gonna ask you, and no matter what your answer is, i promise i won’t get mad. you hear me?”

“yes?”

he reaches out to grab your arm, “i mean it, i won’t get mad, i’m just genuinely curious, i’m not fishing for a compliment or anything, i just really want to know.”

what on earth is he on about?

“just ask your question.”

he sighs again. “who’s the best man you’ve ever hooked up with?”

you close your eyes in a mix of both confusion and a bit of disappointment. “like… character-wise or sex-wise?”

“sex-wise.”

you nod, about to say something.

he doesn’t let you.

“i bet it was george, wasn’t it. i’m sure of it. god, when you two hooked up, he was in his prime. i mean, not that he isn’t fit now, i’m sure he still fucks, but back then… i bet he knew what he was doing. how was it with him? be honest, i won’t be upset.”

you just smile silently as he can never shut his big mouth. “that’s pretty gay.”

he chuckles at your response, still egging you on for a real response. “come on, he’s a drummer, so obviously, he’s got rhythm, and he’s a very big boy, so you know he’s got the size.”

you reach forward to brush a stray curl behind his ear, enjoying his beautiful tranquility for as long as you can, because you know he will inevitably get riled up the more this conversation continues.

“i’m starting to think you just want to hear about what it’d be like to fuck your friends,” you brush your fingers through his hair continuously, and he closes his eyes, nearly forgetting about your conversation.

“you’re changing the subject darling,” he leans into your touch.

“so you’re saying you don’t want to know? what it would be like?”

he opens his eyes, “of course i want to know! we’re all straight men in committed relationships to beautiful women, i may never get the experience.”

you rest your hand on the edge of his face, rubbing his temple in circles with your thumb. “you know, if you ever wanted to fuck any of them, i think i’d let you. it’s only fair, since me and george, you know.”

“it wouldn’t be the same, though, because when you and him fucked, we weren’t together yet, i hadn’t told you i liked you. it would mean too much if i shagged my mates now since you and i are you know… whatever.”

you gasp in amusement, “did you really just refer to our relationship as whatever?”

he pouts, but you know he’s laughing on the inside. “i’m sorry.”

“it’s fine, i guess.”

“wait, you never answered my question!”

“alright. i’ll get into it. you ready?” he nods, looking more prepared than you are for what’s to come. “george was… i mean… it was good. to somebody else, maybe it was great. but to me? i don’t know, we just didn’t mix well together.”

“what d’you mean, baby?”

“like, okay, you look at a guy like that, you assume a certain thing from him while fucking. like you go into doing it with a level of expectations, somewhat high, and he just didn’t meet them.”

“can you be a little more vague? i think i’m almost understanding you, god forbid that happen.”

“fine, fine. truth is, he was too gentle. like you said, he’s a drummer, he’s super muscular, and he’s huge, you expect him to give a rough fucking or even something adjacent to it, and like, i mean, i’m a big girl, i can take it, but every 5 minutes was like ‘are you okay?’ ‘is this too much’ ‘do you need me to stop?’ you’d have thought he was a virgin the way he was so awkward and nervous and gentle. it was weird.”

“that is weird. i never thought that’s how it would be with him.”

“did i ruin the magic for you? now that you know fucking your best friend would be underwhelming?”

“it wasn’t magic, more morbid curiosity,” he speaks.

“morbid? it’s not like we’re talking about fucking a dead body, it’s just george.”

“agree to disagree, my love.” he gets up, butt ass naked, and pulls on some clean boxers from his closet. then, he stops in his tracks, and turns around to face you again. “wait, answer the question, for real this time. i won’t be mad.”

“it’s you.” you speak it plain, simple, and true. you wonder why he even debated the question.

“really?”

“really. it’s always been you.”

“aw, that’s so sweet. just don’t go getting feelings for me, i’m a lone wolf, don’t do relationships,” he warns as he walks out of his room, heading to his kitchen.

the irony hits you as heavy as the new engagement ring on your finger he presented to you a week ago. you laugh to yourself, feeling smitten.

he returns in a moment with a glass of water and sets it down on the nightstand next to where you lay. “drink, darling”

you obey, giving him a look over the rim of the cold glass as it rests against your kiss-swollen lips. you swallow, “you’re being pretty sweet to me, for a ‘lone wolf.’”

he smiles, enjoying the near endless banter between the two of you. “every alpha needs their omega.”

“ew, that’s gross, get out of here, you freak!” you gently nudge him off of the side of the bed where he sits.

he gives you his classic dumb smile as he leaves the room with the now empty glass of water, likely returning it to the dishwasher.

when he gets back, you can’t help but continue his dumb conversation. “i think i’m the alpha in this relationship, anyway. you’re my bitch.”

he nods in agreement, “i’m your bitch.”

⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:*⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆

taglist: @indierockgirrl @itssimpleanditgoeslikethis @milkluvr8 @americanangel

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azulsluver · 9 months

Note

HI i lovve ur writing and i saw that requests were open, so can u do hcs on an au where yandere azul falls in love with a siren and traps her in a cage or smth?i hope i was clear enough! Feel free to delete this if it didn't make sense or ir simply not in the mood to do it! That's all, have a great day/night!

-red

Collecting you all like Pokémon(`皿´ ) Ty for the compliment!!!

Also I’m unsure on what AU you’re trying to specify so stop by my inbox after reading this.

tw. yandere, isolation/imprisonment, kidnapping, force feeding, stalking.

Authors note♛ requested fem!reader.

Sirens are said to be beautiful creatures who allure their victims with songs. I can see Azul being one of them but he had a trick up his sleeve.

For Azul to fallen for a Siren is unlikely because he tends to stray away from them. Besides the old tales of their culture Sirens are naturally feared creatures in the sea. So you were most likely outcasted as much as Azul.

Another scenario could be you were one of the more popular kids that used to pick on him, you just so happen to be caught in his hands once he recognized who you were.

Azul has you locked up in a cage for a good reason, you’re very hostile and have a lot of fight in you. He’s sure to overpower you but he wouldn’t wanna risk it. Often times when he’s feeling mean he would request for you to sing him a song.

You are given proper meals everyday, to make sure you aren’t starving yourself he goes through interesting measures to make sure you’re well fed. He has no problem prying your mouth open as you’re secured around his tentacles. Shutting your mouth if you dare bite him or spit it out, his other tentacle will help you swallow by massaging your throat gently.

Sirens have powerful shrieks as much as their songs. Azul could have made a potion where he is immune to your magic, or worst case scenario—he takes away your voice.

Your cage is large enough to fit a shark in a aquarium. You have plenty of space to swim around yet restricted exploration. Azul placed you in a area where trinkets and coins he collected are decorated. His most prize possessions all safe and sound.

You don’t have anyone else to talk to. There are no fish or merpeople besides Azul. Everyday, sometimes since he does leave for important matters. But he always come back with new things for you. Expensive jewelry and even bras laced with silver.

If you ever wish to be free from the cage Azul needa see some progress in submission. That means no bitting him, he already had Floyd to deal with. And once you’ve gained Stockholm syndrome do you earn your freedom. Under close supervision, you’re a missing person after all and Azul wouldn’t dare slip up.

There is a possibility Azul had been stalking you since he was a child. At first it was out of revenge. Seeing what you did and how he can make you fail didn’t go as plan. Instead he’s stalked you even on land, school was important yes but he had people that owe him report back on what exactly you were doing. Having spend time up in land did he find the perfect cage for you<3

#yandere twst #yandere twisted wonderland x reader #yandere twisted wonderland #azul ashengrotto x reader

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jarofstyles · 2 years

Note

Kissing and dancing in the kitchen plz

BDOAJDOA A TINY CONCEPT BUT MY BRAIN MELTED

check out our Patreon!

—-

“No, you aren’t escaping this time.” His playful growl rung through the kitchen after her squeals, pulling her back with his wet hands. Doing the dishes together was domestic… therapeutic, even. It felt home like and the pass and dry method worked wonders for them both, music from the ‘black and white film’ playlist crooned in the background as they settled in their beautiful, comfortable silence.

At least it had been, until Y/N whipped Harry in the ass with the drying towel.

A bad calculation on his part. Their running spanking war had been playful and fun, but somehow he always managed to grab her and her her back! Never getting much of a chance to run, Harry’s long legs always beat her. She hadn’t managed to get but 4 steps away before she was pinned against the counter, a strong hand coming down on her ass to spank her.

“Ouch!” Her whine was child like as she pouted up at him, allowing him to shuffle her in his arms so her back was against the counter. “You did not have t’do it so hard. I barely snapped it on your peachy ass.” She grumbled lowly, though there was that playful sparkle still in those eyes he loved so much.

“Won’t apologize for it. You’ve been a little menace all day, n’it was about time you got it handed back to you.” The amused look on his face only hammered in the fact that yes, she definitely had. Harry was very relaxed and lenient with her but he did always have the last laugh.

It was good that she loved him so much, or he would be even more infuriating.

“But… I think it’s time.” He grinned, the little dimple popping in his chin. She couldn’t help herself, finger coming up to poke it and feel the divet in his skin. It only made him smile wider. The habit and her affection for them made him feel loved. Appreciated.

“Time for?” the question was silly, because she knew damn well. Fishing the phone from his pocket, he clicked the side to raise the volume of the music. The last song was ending and he waited for a moment to hear the beginning notes of the next song.

I want a Sunday kind of love…

Etta James’ voice rang through their kitchen as he took her hand, pulling her into him with the other. Dropping his forehead against hers. “Time to dance, of course. It’s Sunday… and I’m in love with you.” His voice dropped to a whisper as it usually did in tender moments, her heart dropping to her belly as her cheeks heated up and the butterflies floated up.

It never failed to make her swoon. The romantic side of Harry that only she got to see. The kind that curated playlists just for their dishwashing and their days of the week. The one that craved her every touch and went out of his way for the tiniest brush of fingers and the knock of knees. He never failed to tell her that not only did he love her, but he was in love with her.

As if she could forget.

Lips brushed hers as he mumbled the lyrics, voice deep and soothing to her as one arm looped around his neck. “And I'd like to know it's more than love at first sight…” ending the soft lyric with a tender peck to her lips, swaying them lightly together as he enjoyed her presence. The moment. Domestic bliss.

She returned the pecks, tasting the wine he had paired with their dinner she had cooked with him. His body was warm against her and the cool summer breeze drifted through their open windows, making her press further against him. She didn’t mind the socked feet, his hands still damp from the washing. This was all she ever needed.

“I love you.” It was whispered against his mouth, feeling her smile grow as he slid his hand under her shirt and ran his fingers up her spine. It was like the universe sent them to one another knowing exactly what the other needed. The challenge and the compliment to each soul. “And I’m in love with you too.”

It was an unspoken rule to always say it back. No matter how angry or tired or upset. They always said it back.

The kiss was firmer than before as he answered her reply, squeezing her hand in thanks. Petal soft lips and warm breath, a slight wine haze and complete love blanket over them. All he could feel and taste was her and his overwhelming love that bubbled in his throat before pulling back from the sweet kiss.

With her face tucked against his neck, she could feel the vibrations as he sang her favorite part.

“And my arms need someone

Someone to enfold

To keep me warm when Mondays and Tuesdays grow cold

Love for all my life to have and to hold

Oh and I want a Sunday kind of love”

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captain-lessship · 11 months

Text

Bonded Over Dislike Pt. 2

It had been a few weeks now. Since Zelda agreed to come get you before the next winter, you decided to make more friends in the village.

They welcomed you with open wings and you made the fair assumption that Rito are a very prideful group. You sat and observed them doing just about anything.

Some invited you to make carriers for their chicks. It was a eye shaped basket with a metal plate inside, then a mix of fur and feathers to keep the chicks comfortable and warm.

“Am I doing this right?” You asked as you carefully measured the fur to what one Rito told you.

“Yes but always do more. You can always take away but you can’t add without sacrificing the integrity.”

Some taught you how to fish. Which sounded basic but it is a rather amazing thing to witness. One will fly ahead and the others will follow behind with a net. Once a signal was given, the net would drop and the Rito would fly until the net gave significant resistance.

The fish they pulled up fed the village and you finally could teach the Rito some things.

All knights had a intense cooking course.

“Now, you take your rock salt and crush it up, this will season the fish. After the fish, add the greens. Some of the oils of the fish with flavor the greens. Then you add it to the rice and Ta da!” You turned and showed the bowl.

Those were the good days. But of course there were the other days.

“You’re holding it wrong!” Revali said, for the thirty eighth time. It was late, the sun rang out in a orange hue. You had been doing this since it hung right above you. Hours were spent and yet: nothing was accomplished.

“I am holding it right, it is just a shitty bow.”

“You’ll get a better bow when you do better with this one.”

“The children have better bows, Revali!” You huffed. You had a bent stick with a thick string that had broke several times.

“And they learned with these first.”

You threw down the bow, irritation reaching the peak, “It has been five weeks! It took you three to start ‘teaching’ me. Other than that, we have accomplished nothing. Zelda asked you to teach me so if you are not, I rather not waste time when I could easily teach myself.”

Revali looked you up and down. A smile coming to him, “Finally. I was wondering how long it would take.”

You were very confused and were getting angrier, through gritted teeth asked what he meant.

“I noticed that you seemed happy doing things outside of archery and I was testing to see if you would keep your eyes on the prize.”

“So you were testing me?”

“Yup! I-“ a shoe hit Revali.

“You are so… mean!” You huffed.

This made him laugh, “I know, I know but now,” he tossed back your shoe, “You can use this.”

From behind the tree he pulled a bow, a beautiful bow that was stained a deep caramel color and was wrapped with a beautiful deep blue fabric around the grip. You held it in your hands as if it was perfectly made to you. It was a art piece.

“It’s… Thank you!” You said, looking at your reflection in the shimmering varnish.

“Those weeks were spent making it.”

You suddenly felt a sense of regret about your inpatient attitude after seeing the obvious care that was taken to make it.

“It really means a lot!” You said, holding it properly. Revali handed you an arrow.

“Try it out. If it needs adjusting, I rather do it sooner than later.”

It then clicked, he made it for you. A huge smile came to your face.

You drew back the arrow and lined up with the target, with a breath out, the arrow flung from the bow and sharply launched into the target, slightly under the bullseye mark.

You smiled and turned to Revali, “Whatcha think about that!”

“It was great,” he noted, “for a first shot.”

You laughed, “I’m never going to get a verbal compliment from you, am I?”

“Not likely, now I think we should go enjoy dinner.”

Off the two of you went, talking about the bow itself.

As the sun dripped into the room, you stirred awake. You had come to enjoy sleeping in the hammock that the Rito slept peacefully in. You found a odd comfort in being able to rock yourself to sleep. The morning sun and quiet was healing in a way, it was never this quiet at the castle, noise never ceased there but here: nothing but the gentle breathing of the wind and creaking wood.

You sat up and began to get down when your eyes caught the sleeping form of Revali. His hammock was on the opposite side of the room and was slightly higher.

He was a decent roommate compared what you had to deal with at the castle. The house was always clean and he took care of the majority of the things and what he couldn’t or didn’t have time to, he humbly asked you, almost as if he was embarrassed.

It was much easier to sew with fingers.

You enjoyed the lack of a wake up bell, a sleep bell, a free time bell. There were no bells. You could spend your time as you wished, which was rare.

Looking around the house and thinking of the friends you had made, you wondered if you wanted to go back at all. True that you loved being a knight and would fight to your death for the royal family but did it make you whole?

This made you whole. This was living. You had control of yourself fully, nothing was timed, nothing was forced and there was very little competition.

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dkniade · 1 year

Text

Offering to Cook Food and Seeing Your Reaction

ITTO, ALBEDO, ZHONGLI, KAEYA

(Not intended to be reader inserts but you can think of them that way.)

Experiment Notes

To get a feel for how Itto talks in English dub and try an informal speaking style

To properly appreciate food and incorporate a character’s setting to their dish

To convey key character traits in a short mundane scenario within a small word count

To imply what the other interlocutor said by the character’s reaction and change in topic in the next lines

Content Notes: Albedo’s part shows him being people-pleasing and having difficulty accepting compliments. Zhongli’s part briefly touches on grief and implied character deaths.

ITTO: Cooking Food

You hungry, buddy? Snacks are great but with that sorta growl— Hah! You’re gonna need something more. Well, you’re in luck~ Arataki “Number One Gourmet” Itto knows a whole menu’s worth of dishes by heart. Fried, sauced, pan-seared, you name it!

ITTO: Dish-Tasting

Tastes good, yeah? Heh, when you’ve got a gang to feed, y’learn to whip up bites that’d keep ya full. ‘Course, they come back askin’ for seconds! I know, I know, don’t be shy~ Get in line. I’ll whip up ten more batches! Hahahaha!

-----

Man, your tummy’s growling—

I know it tastes amazing.

‘Course it’s good! That’s all these years of cookin’ for the gang! That’s right!

ITTO

good at cooking snack food for the gang (think 小摊 or 夜宵 sorta food)

Easy to make stuff that are oily and deep fried, going all ham in sauce

huge ego, lighthearted, cares for Arataki gang

It’s quite surface ‘cause that’s what I got from his Voiceline profile

ALBEDO: Cooking Food

You’re hungry? I suppose I’ve carelessly let time slip by indeed… Very well, I’ll prepare some Sunshine Sprat. I imagine you’ll need a larger serving than me with your constant travels. Still, I hope it satisfies your hunger.

ALBEDO: Dish-Tasting

How is it? It may seem simple, but this dish requires slow cooking over low-heat for the butter to melt into the fish completely. I removed the bones and applied seasoning, but it may still be a bit bland for you. …Ah, it’s delicious? Yes, the ingredients are fresh from lakes at the bottom of the mountain. …My cooking skill? The combination of ingredients to create reactions is not unlike alchemy, after all. In any case, is the serving size okay? I don’t have a big appetite, so— …I— Traveler… Erm, excuse my reaction to… Thank you. I’m happy to hear that…

----

You’re hungry, you say?

If I may ask, do you prefer Mondstadtian snacks or a full dish? …

----

Though seemingly simple, this dish requires

I made sure to remove the bones as they might be unpleasant for you,

…Ah, really? I’m glad it satisfies your hunger, then.

…Ah, it’s delicious? Yes, the combination of ingredients to create reactions is not unlike alchemy.

Because of my skill? It’s nothing.

If you need more— It was the perfect size?

ALBEDO

Good at making Sunshine Sprats and knows some Mondstadt snacks Klee likes

Quality and elegance over size in cooking

Takes great care in cooking and making sure the one eating is satisfied

(wait, he’s asking a lot of questions, this feels a little extreme, ah but it’s taking care of his friend, so he wants to know despite his lack of experience)

Too worried about others’ reactions and living up to their standards

Explains compliments away by linking cooking to alchemy, but eventually takes compliment for himself

This last part was hard to word

ZHONGLI: Cooking Food

The art of cuisine takes patience and skill, so the preparation cannot be rushed. This soup requires a certain technique and seasoning, but its ingredients are minimal so it will only take six hours to prepare… Although, I’ve been advised to prepare it beforehand so you do not suffer from hunger for so long. Please wait for an hour for the last few ingredients to be fully cooked…

ZHONGLI: Dish-Tasting

At times like this, I look back on memories I’ve shared with my companions. Years pass, yet still I wish to taste wine while sailing away from the harbour… Would you like some? …No, that’s all that I ask for. Being able to share mundane moments with you is what makes them memorable. Even osmanthus flowers are more beautiful in your presence.

----

First, one ought to source the fresh bamboo shoots

When preparing dishes, one must have patience

I’d like you to wait a little longer.

----

The simple act of sharing a

Years pass, yet still wine tastes the same…

ZHONGLI

Good at making Slow-Cooked Bamboo Shoot Soup

High quality ingredients, dish has a refined taste that’s complex but not very strong

extra patient, doesn’t mind that something takes 6+ hours to prepare, explains origin of every ingredient

Reminisces on times past and sharing mundane memories with friends

It explores the meaning of the line in the Chinese some more. Here’s a Twitter thread that analyzes the line from the context of the original Chinese poem and also in Zhongli’s setting

Man the bit about sailing across the harbour and drinking wine only makes more sense in Chinese… It’s so bittersweet…

KAEYA: Cooking Food

Oh? Well, you’re in luck. I happen to know a few dishes that pair nicely with wine. …What? You don’t drink? Such a shame that I can’t share this joy with you! Still, I assure you these will be delectable even with apple cider.

KAEYA: Dish-Tasting

What? Surprised that I know how to make ham samples with olives and cooked fish? Hehe, don’t you know Cider Lake provides many ingredients for bar dishes? Of course I can make them anytime I want, but it’s more fun seeing you enjoy them~ Eating with good buddies tops even the best of wine, wouldn’t you say?

-----

Well, I’d say we deserve a break after all this work today.

Such a shame that you can’t enjoy the full experience with me!

Well, I assure you these ones will satisfy you even with apple cider.

KAEYA

good at cooking 下酒菜 (like fried vegetables and fish)

(German ham samples, olives, and cooked fish)

Always knows the best alcohol to pair with the dish

Teases, lazy about work, but confident in his cooking skills while praising the taste of wine

Puts emphasis on praising the Traveler’s presence

Drops a line about how it always tastes better with friends around

The line between explicitly complimenting the Traveler and implying his loneliness is so damn thin

I am flattered writing this

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kmmultifandomshipper222 · 19 days

Text

Author Notes: PSA: I have no idea what fishing is actually like, I just write for the plot aka “Elenaomi” . Since there are so few fanfics of Elenaomi I’m making my own, but only available on Tumblr.

Chapter 1

The Boat

Looking out at the sea Naomi spied a net the crew forgot to haul up. After securing the net, fish tumbled onto the deck. The next day Naomi set out again with her crew until the sun set. Sailing was easy for Naomi, but it got lonely sometimes. All day she would hear the crew talk about their spouses and parters; and families back at shore. Don’t get her wrong, having her Dad to sail back to every day helped, but she waned to go on grand adventures and see the world!! And maybe… one day settle down; have a family someday.

What she didn’t know was that her future wife would come barging into her life in the form of the royal princess. Naomi started her day as she usually would. Eating breakfast, changing into work clothes, and helping to prepare the ship. As the squeaking wheels of the yet to be delivered fish rolled down the pier she heard two locals talking about the boats that kept disappearing; likely someone was stealing them, but no one had seen anything yet. The royal guard had found nothing for days on end… , but there was nothing that could be done.

Spotting the huge dark brown sign “Trading post of Avalor” Naomi walked in. “Same order today Naomi?” the owner said. “Yes, of course” Naomi replied her lips upturned slightly. “Have you heard about the third new ship that was stolen in last 24 hours?” Jamie said with worried tone. “What!? How!? Naomi stuttered, “I need to let my father know right away!!” She sprinted out the back door and up the stair.

“Dad, another ship’s gone missing” Naomi said, breathless from running all the way there. “I’m with the princess, Naomi.” Her father scolded her. The princess? Naomi thought, what is she doing out here in the port? Her train of thought abruptly stopped when she saw the princess’s eyes. Amber brown eyes like the color of a ship that had been freshly painted. She didn’t realize how beautiful the princess was until that moment, but that was to be expected, she was a princess after-all she reasoned. After helping Elena save the boat and her sister, and the daring adventure of riding a jaquin, she was exhausted. She wanted to sleep, but the royal crowing of princess Elena was that night and her father would expect her to be there with him, along with many other guests.

Naomi arrived at the ball in a purple and pink dress. She had trouble picking the right out fit because she wanted to look stunning for the ceremony. “Hey! Naomi nice to see you here! Mateo greeted cheerily. Hi, I didn’t know wizards were invited to these kinds of things.” Naomi jumped! She wasn’t ready for the laughter behind her back. “I’m glad I put you on the grand council! At least now I have someone to balance out Esteban’s humor” Elena said sarcastically with a smirk. Naomi felt her heartbeat speed up at the compliment and her face flush a light red. Naomi was about to thank the crowned princess for the compliment, when it was announced that the palace was closing down for the night.

No one noticed Naomi’s reaction to the compliment, except her father watching with a keen eye and serious expression. “Naomi what do think about the crowned princess” Nomi’s father said with a neutral voice. “Dad, She has a name you know”, Naomi said teasingly. “I think Elena will bring a new age of peace a prosperity to Avalor, with the right people by her side” she said thoughtfully. That was all her father needed to hear, to see that Naomi had built a strong friendship with the princess. It seemed like Naomi did not realize the strong feelings she had for the princess, and only time would tell whether or not it would bloom into something more, he thought to himself smiling. “Well, Elena is young and has much to learn, but I’m sure with your guidance she will make a great Queen”, Naomi’s father replied smiling.

Laying in bed that night, Naomi couldn’t stop thinking of the grand adventure she had and how she felt excited to start her new job as part of the grand council. She still felt nervous about work with the princess, but maybe that was because of how beautiful she is; Naomi thought casually.

Author Notes:

Let me know how I did with the first chapter. I don’t know when I’ll finish the second one because school is really busy for me rn.

Comments are really appreciated! Sorry for any mistakes in my writing, I’m seriously the worst writer you’ll ever read. (Feel free to repost, with credit to me of course.)

#elenaomi #elena of avalor #elena x naomi

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aeoki · 4 months

Text

White Brim - Epilogue 2

Location: Villa Characters: Touri, Tsukasa, Eichi & Hiyori

TL Note:

The term for “maid headdress” is “white brim” in Japanese.

Touri: Oh, geez… I’m speechless.

How strange. I don’t even feel frustrated seeing how we suffered a complete defeat.

Eichi: Well, I’d say you two worked quite hard. It wouldn’t have been strange for us to end things earlier, but you two held on quite for quite a long time until the end.

Tsukasa: Tomoe Onii-sama was quite the nuisance… Who would’ve thought a “prey (fish)” would be armed.

Hiyori: Hehe. Even if one was quick to be stripped of their status, it’s difficult for them to rid themselves of the shackles of this world. And that’s also why it’s difficult for discrimination to completely disappear.

Even in a game that’s constructed in a convenient way for us, the problems of the real world still persist.

Eichi: Yeah. You notice the design flaw behind the weak rules. You deserve praise, Hiyori-kun – you’re surprisingly quite cunning.

Hiyori: Not as much as you, Eichi-kun. Just what on earth are you? A demon?

Eichi: I’ll take that as a compliment.

Touri: …………

Eichi: Hm? What’s wrong, Touri? Do you feel down after being tricked and defeated in such an overwhelming manner?

Are you disillusioned by me?

Touri: No… The Eichi-sama who shines beautifully like an angel on stage and the Eichi-sama who triumphs over everyone like a demon…

I love both sides of you. That’s what I’ve always said.

Eichi: I see. The tears you shed when you thought I had died were real. Even I don’t doubt that brilliance.

You truly care for someone like me.

Touri: Yeah. It looks like you’ve never believed me, though.

So teach me more about yourself – just like how you did this time. I want to learn about and love everything about the Eichi-sama that I adore.

Don’t hide yourself, put up a good front or pretend to be someone you’re not. Don’t show me a fake Eichi-sama – show me your real self.

Please. From now on, don’t distance yourself from me.

Eichi: I’ll do my best. That, I will promise.

I hope at the very least that when I’m truly dead, it won’t be a farewell at the bottom of despair that’s full of grief – I hope you’ll be able to smile if not just a little.

I’ll tell you everything about me. A little at a time. I pray you’ll be able to accept everything without collapsing from it all.

Touri: ………♪

Tsukasa: Hehe. It appears Touri-kun has finally reached the same place as I.

Just like how I received those things from Leader – from Leo-san – I’m glad you’ve also obtained it, albeit a bit late.

Touri: Why are you talking like you’re above me?

Tsukasa: Well, I am the winner this time round. I think the frustration I felt after losing to “Crazy:B” has somewhat dissipated ♪

Eichi: Right. Your virtue is in being straightforward, but there’s no such thing as a straight line in the natural world. You should learn to handle things in a more realistic and flexible way.

Tsukasa: Yes. Thank you for the opportunity, Tenshouin Onii-sama ♪

Now, I understand how enjoyable it can be to reflect and chat about the game we played last night, but I’m sure you’re all busy people.

So shall we make use of the “winner’s privilege” right away?

Touri: ? What’re you talking about?

Eichi: Hehe. We’re holding quite a lavish banquet this time – Would you like to see another wicked and dirty side of me, Touri?

It can be more effective to lie instead of telling the truth at times, you see.

Touri: ………?

Eichi: I’ve talked to Tsukasa-kun and Anzu-chan about this already and it seems Hiyori-kun knows, but has chosen to stay silent. To tell you the truth, the losers of the “Clam Digging” game will serve the winners for a whole day.

Tsukasa: That’s right. That’s the “winner’s privilege” – the reward we received for winning.

Touri: Huh? Serve you guys…? We already faced humiliation when we lost but we have to feel more shame?

Eichi: The winners gain everything while the losers lose it all… Come, Anzu-chan, it’s time to bring out the outfits you made.

Touri: Huh? What? Anzu, why do you have such a happy look in your eyes…!?

Tsukasa: Hehe. I thought it would be odd for Onee-sama to trick and betray you, but I see this was her goal.

Onee-sama must be really wanting to have us wear such adorable outfits.

To be honest, I can’t quite understand those feelings, but as I also like Onee-sama very much, then I, too, wish to understand her.

So, Touri-kun. You’re going to be my cute maid for the day.

Eichi: And Hiyori-kun shall be my maid ♪ Don’t run away now! It’s not your first time, is it?

Hiyori: T–This is why I didn’t want to attend the parties that Eichi-kun is in charge of!

I don’t mind wearing a cute maid outfit, but I don’t want to serve you!

Eichi: Well, why don’t you just admit that you were unlucky?

I know you must have wanted to be the “hunter (fisherman)” to defeat me, making me yield to you.

Unfortunately, reality doesn’t play out so easily in your favour.

Hiyori: Urgh, how frustrating! I’ll definitely win next year! And I’ll return this humiliation to you a hundred times as much!

Eichi: That’s something a gambler would say.

Tsukasa: That’s right. If you’re frustrated, then just win next time.

…I won’t lose, either – Not again.

Touri: N–No! Just so you know, I lost to Eichi-sama – Not you, Tsukasa!

I guess I’ve got no choice because of the rules, but I wanna be Eichi-sama’s servant at least! I don’t wanna serve Tsukasa!

Tsukasa: Now, stop whining and trying to get away. What are you, a small child?

Touri: Uwaaaaaah! Stop! Don’t force me to wear it! Don’t try to put that white brim headdress[⁎] on me!

Eichi: You must give something of equal value if you’re to gain something in return, Touri.

If you don’t want to wear the headdress that indicates you’re a loser, then grow – be stronger.

And win the next time.

Fortunately, there should be numerous opportunities for you in the future.

Touri: G–Geez, I’ve had enough of this~! Teach me what’s important and unimportant in a normal way, Eichi-sama!

I’ll come to hate you if you treat me horribly, okay? Eichi: Ahaha. I suppose I’ll teach you how to do a good job lying first…♪

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapterf

#white brim

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ritsus-pillow · 1 year

Text

Croissants with a Side of Feelings {Shu Itsuki x Reader}

Relationships: Shu Itsuki x Female Reader Word Count: 11367 CW: Reader has a medical condition, fluff, slight hurt/comfort (like a cinnamon sprinkling of hurt I swear) Set during ! era, specifically around the time of the Tanabata Festival.

“Really! It’s a miracle that you’re still up and standing, foolish girl.”

Shu shook his head at me, frowning as I stumbled to a halt in the middle of the practice room.

“Shu-senpai! You’re earlier than usual.” I rushed to the speakers, stopping the recording of Sacred Youth Games that had been playing.

“Hmph and if this is what you’ve been doing before our practices perhaps I shall make a habit of it…” His frown deepened. “I have no use for broken dolls, girl.”

I scratched the back of my neck.

“I know. But it really wasn’t much, just a quick warmup!”

Shu “hmph”-ed again, moving to connect his own phone to the speakers.

“Shu-kun just doesn’t want you to overwork yourself, Y/n-chan,” Mademoiselle’s high-pitched voice peeped from her spot in Shu’s arms. “He worries about you.”

“Hush Mademoiselle!” Shu snapped.

“I know Mado-chan, but I’ll be careful,” I said. “I know my limits.”

A soft giggle answered me before it was silenced with a glare.

“Ngahh, sorry I’m late Oshi-san, Y/n-chan!” With his usual amount of grace, Mika stumbled into the room.

“Hmph, typical.”

“Don’t be fooled by his attitude Mika-kun, Shu-kun is happy you made it.”

“Ngah, thanks Mado-nee!”

Shu shot another glare at Mademoiselle.

“You’re particularly cheeky today.”

“Fufu, and who’s fault is that Shu-kun?”

Shu clicked his tongue, a scowl on his face. Despite his frustration, he gently placed Mademoiselle on the table next to the speaker.

“Regardless, now that we’re all here, perhaps we can begin rehearsals?”

I rolled my eyes, nodding, as Mika chirped an excited “Yes, Oshi-san!”. It wasn’t as if any of us had been late, in fact, it was a good 10 minutes earlier than we usually started rehearsal. But I knew better than to protest—the lead-up to lives always made Shu testier than usual and the Tanabata Festival was worse than usual.

I shook my head, moving out of the centre of the room as Mika and Shu took their positions for their warmup routine. The workload for the Tanabata Festival hadn’t exactly been light on my end—as Anzu’s fellow producer, she had asked me for help with some of the less major work so she didn’t have to shove it all on Eichi and the rest of the student council. Something about proving her capabilities as a producer without their backing? Not that it mattered to me, I would rather not ask Tenshouin for help.

Sighing, I pulled a pile of paperwork out of my bag. If Shu had bothered to tell me about this before he submitted the paperwork, maybe I wouldn’t be so irritated. But nooooo, he just had to accept Tenshouin’s challenge. I pursed my lips, reading over the proposal for the stage lighting. Well, there were worse things than a bit of extra paperwork. And school-hosted events were far less work organisation-wise than most of the places Valkyrie had been performing at recently.

I glanced up as the warm-up routine finished. Shu looked pleased and Mika looked significantly less flustered than he had been earlier. Shu fished his phone out of his pocket, stopping the piece of classical music that they had been warming up to.

“Hmph, better than yesterday, I suppose.”

“Ngahh thanks Oshi-san!” Mika grinned at the back-handed compliment.

“It wasn’t a compliment, you failure!” Shu pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. I resisted the urge to snicker as the two assumed their starting positions.

As the starting notes for Enthralling Theatre filled the room, I smiled down at my paperwork. Maybe this live would be the push Shu needed to return to the Yumenosaki stage.

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“Non! This simply won’t do!”

I watched as Shu tossed yet another bolt of fabric to the side. Shaking my head, I pointedly turned back to the stack of papers Anzu had asked me to look over. Staging…Lighting…Airspace permissions for Hibiki-senpai’s blimp…I resisted the urge to sigh. Only at Yumenosaki.

Anzu had asked me to proofread the proposals before she handed them to the student council. I’d eventually agreed, but I still didn’t think my involvement would make Tenshouin more likely to approve the plans. But she’d insisted, saying that the Student Council couldn’t very well refute her proposal just because she’d asked a fellow producer for help! (Tenshouin was petty enough to do just that, but Anzu hadn’t lived through the War and didn’t know any better.) I scribble a note on the lighting plan—as much as Ryusetai (read: Morisawa-senpai) wanted flame machines and no matter how “cool” (this was true) or “heroic” (less true) they’d look, they were most definitely a fire hazard at an event that centred around highly flammable bamboo and paper.

Another bolt of fabric was violently discarded, rolling from the towering pile of rejects. I eyed the ever-growing pile and raised my eyebrow at Shu’s back. Across the room, Kiryu-senpai just shook his head before continuing to sew the outfit in front of him.

“Um, Shu-senpai…” I started nervously. “Do I need to make a trip to the fabric store?”

Shu turned to face me so suddenly, I jumped a little, almost dropping my pen to the floor.

“I know I’m not the best at picking fabrics, but if you tell me what type you’re looking for I could send you pictures of the colours? Or I could take some headphones and video call you?” I tapped my pen against the pile of paperwork, breaking eye contact. “You and Kiryu-senpai have got a lot of work to do here right? You can’t afford to waste time searching for fabrics for any unit’s outfits.” Even if it is for Valkyrie.

Shu pursed his lips, his gaze flicking to the nearly empty fabric rack in front of him and then to the pile of completed outfits Kiryu-senpai had finished. As he watched, another was added to the pile.

He sighed.

“Very well. I shall write down what I need and you can fetch it for me. However,” he raised a finger. “You must take someone with you to carry the bolts of fabric. Let me think…Rei should be in his club room…” He stood and wandered over to the cup phone that hung by the window, unhooking it and tugging three times on the string before pulling it taut.

“Rei? Yes, sorry to disturb you. I don’t suppose you could give me a hand? Of course.” He hung the cup phone back on its hook. “Rei will be here in a moment.”

“Senpai, I’m fine to bring the bolts back by myself,” I protested. “You don’t have to bother Rei-senpai.”

Shu raised a hand to forestall any more protests.

“Non! What if you were to drop them on the way back? I can’t have your clumsy hands soiling the fabric before it reaches this room.”

“Fufu, what Shu-kun means, Y/n-chan,” Mademoiselle spoke up from her seat on one of the shelves in the clubroom. “Is that he doesn’t want you to wear yourself out. You’ve been working so hard lately, we can’t have you passing out from overexertion again.”

I flushed slightly.

“Mado-chan that was one time!” I pouted. “I haven’t even had difficulty in getting up and down off the floor lately, I can carry a couple of bolts of fabric!”

“That is not up for debate. Rei will accompany you to the fabric store.” Shu shook his head at me and began replacing the bolts of fabric he’d gotten out on the shelves.

I sighed, turning back to my paperwork. Who knew how long a moment was to Rei Sakuma. All of the Eccentrics that I had met operated on their own timetable. Speaking of, I turned to the airspace permission forms for Wataru’s blimp. Eccentric indeed…

“Shu? You said you needed my help?”

Apparently, Rei-senpai’s definition of a moment was eerily similar to a regular human’s.

“Ah, my friend, you were faster than I expected.” Shu dusted his hands and went to the entrance to the clubroom. “I need some more fabric but neither Kiryu nor I can go. I’d just send the girl but I can’t trust her to carry the fabric back on her own. Would you accompany her?”

Rei-senpai glanced over at me, his lip twitching at the way I pretended that I most definitely was not listening to their conversation, thank you very much.

“Of course. It’s no problem at all.” He smiled at me. “Well then, shall we take our leave?”

I nodded, pushing my chair out from the table, leaving my paperwork where it lay. I’d be back before long—the fabric store that Shu preferred was luckily only a few blocks away.

I nodded goodbye to Kiryu-senpai, who nodded back, his focus on the intricate embroidery on the collar he was stitching.

“Here.” Shu shoved a piece of paper into my hands. “The list. Make sure you bring the fabric back in one piece!”

I nodded, glancing at the paper before shoving it into my skirt pocket next to my phone.

“Anything else, senpai?”

Shu shook his head.

“Be safe y/n-chan!” Mademoiselle called. I smiled, waving briefly in her direction as Rei-senpai and I stepped out the door.

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“So, Valkyrie is finally returning to the stage, hmm?” Rei questioned, hands in his pockets as we walked through the courtyard.

I nodded, glancing at him from the corner of my eye.

“Senpai seems pretty worked up about this live,” I explained. “Something about Tenshouin personally challenging them after the live the other night?”

Rei cocked his head.

“The performance at the live-house Kaoru-kun manages?”

I nodded and he hummed thoughtfully.

“I wasn’t with them, so I don’t know the details and Shu-senpai just,” I gestured vaguely.

Rei nodded sympathetically.

“Shu was Shu about the whole thing.”

I nodded, leading the way out of the school gates.

“Yep. And then Kiryu-senpai asked him for help with the unit costumes, so between the outfits and before and after school rehearsals, he’s been stretched thin.”

“I’ve noticed,” Rei said. “As have the other Eccentrics. And,” he turned his head to look me in the eyes. “We’re thankful to you for taking care of him for us.”

I waved my hands frantically.

“It's fine really! It’s just…he’s done so much for me and Mika-kun…I can’t let him starve himself to death because he’s so busy making Valkyrie look good! It’s my job as a producer to look after him!”

Rei chuckled softly.

“Of course, of course.”

I shook my head, opening the door to the fabric store.

“Alright, let’s see what he wants,” I muttered to myself, pulling the list out of my pocket. Rei peeked at the list over my shoulder, eyes scanning the immaculately written kana.

“...why is wine red satin on here twice?” Rei questioned, pointing at two items written directly underneath each other.

“It’s not. One’s wine-red satin and the other is wine-red sateen,” I explained, pointing at the kanji. “And wine red is our shorthand for Valkyrie red.”

I headed to the satin and sateen section, Rei trailing behind me. Carefully, I inspected the bolts of fabric, eventually pointing to two bolts I deemed Shu would approve of. Rei easily hefted them, slotting them under his arm. I felt my eyebrows rise slightly. A bolt of fabric usually had about 92 metres of fabric on it—lifting two so easily and with one hand, was no easy feat.

At least…I was hard-pressed to lift even one with my full strength. This trip was definitely going to be easier with Rei’s help. Once again, Shu had been correct to send me with help.

Didn’t mean I had to like it.

Though Rei was definitely an improvement over the time Wataru had insisted on accompanying me. Thank goodness the fabric had been slightly glittery already, though the face Shu had made upon seeing his slightly sparkly black fabric doused in red glitter had been hilarious. Wataru had still been banned from the clubroom and from accompanying me on any future fabric store runs. I had been punished with weeks of extra meaningless paperwork—which was not an experience I was eager to repeat.

It didn’t take Rei and I long to find the rest of the fabric on the list. Thankfully, all of the colours Shu had specified had been in stock, so there was no need for photographs or video calls. I paid quickly, apologising to the lady who ran the store for not being able to stay and chat this time. She smiled and laughed it off, promising to come and watch the performances at the Tanabata Festival.

With at least 5 bolts of fabric under Rei’s arm and a bag full of smaller amounts of fabric and other trimmings on mine, we exited the store.

“She seemed glad to see you,” Rei commented as we began the short walk back to school.

I hummed an affirmative.

“It's been a while since any Valkyrie members stopped in,” I explained. “We used to be regulars and the store’s close enough to the school that she probably heard about our fall. She’s a nice lady, she was probably worried about us.”

Rei chuckled.

“You seem to have friends everywhere, Y/n-chan.”

I rolled my eyes.

“I’m not Anzu-chan, Sakuma-senpai.”

He smirked at me. Smirked. The audacity. Why do I hang around the Eccentrics again?

“Oh? But you seem to have just as many friends, though maybe not in such high places as hers. I certainly can’t see you socialising with Tenshouin-kun or Hasumi-kun.”

I felt my face twist in disgust instinctively and Rei’s chuckles turned to full laughter as we entered the school grounds. The. Audacity.

I sighed, shaking my head at him.

“You are the worst, Senpai.”

His laughter echoed down the hall as we made our way to the Handicraft Club room.

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“Hmph, this fabric is acceptable.”

Shu frowned down at the bolts of fabric Rei had laid out on the table before he returned to his own club room.

“Shu-kun thinks that you chose excellent fabrics, Y/n-chan!” Mademoiselle cheerfully explained.

“Aww, thanks Mado-chan,” I smiled.

“Mademoiselle!!” Shu exclaimed. “Please keep your opinions to yourself!”

“Fufu, we both know whose opinions they really are Shu-kun.”

Shu sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Carefully, he rolled the bolts of fabric back up and began sorting through the bag of trimmings, ignoring Mademoiselle’s comment.

“Kiryu-senpai finished for the day?” I asked, pointing my question at Mademoiselle.

“Kuro-kun had a rehearsal with the rest of Akatsuki,” she informed me cheerfully. “He said he’d be back in…hmm…let’s see about 30 minutes now? Tsumugi-chan also dropped in for a bit while you were gone—he said to say ‘hi’. He was just picking up some trimmings for Switch’s outfits, so he wasn’t here long.”

We both pointedly ignored Shu’s snort of “good riddance”.

“It’s a shame I missed him, I haven’t spoken to Tsumugi-senpai in a while…” I mused, tapping my pen against my pile of paperwork. “Though it would be easier if someone didn’t insult him the second he walked through the clubroom door.”

Shu sniffed pointedly and continued inspecting the blue cord I had bought. I shook my head, turning back to my paperwork.

The club was filled with the sound of sewing machines whirring, overlockers clacking, and paperwork being filled in. Kiryu came and left. The sun was almost completely set before I finally completed the paperwork.

“Senpai, it's getting late. Senpai?”

Shu blinked, looking blearily up at me.

“It’s past 6. Don’t you need to get home to Mika-kun?”

“Hm? Kagehira?” He blinked again, before realisation dawned. “Kagehira! Ah, where is my phone…?” He patted his pockets realising it was on the table.

“Ah, he hasn’t returned yet…he and that Narukami girl were going on a shopping trip today. It appears I still have some time…” He placed his foot on the pedal, but nothing happened. He frowned, tried again, then looked over at me.

I sighed, the sewing machine’s cord swinging in my hand.

“Senpai…We’ve had this discussion. You’re not allowed to stay late anymore.”

He huffed.

“Fine then. I shall simply take these costumes home then.”

“Nope. You promised. No working on costumes at home either.” I narrowed my eyes at him, dropping the cord to the ground. “Unless…you want me to message the group chat? I’m sure Natsume-kun or Rei-senpai are still around. In fact,” I turned, tapping my phone against my chin. “Hidaka-kun mentioned that the Theatre Club had rehearsals until late tonight too.” I stopped, staring right at him. “So. What is it?”

Shu had been getting paler and paler throughout my little monologue and now he was almost as white as the costume in front of him.

“I- I assure you that's not necessary!” He hurriedly stood up, grabbing his things from around the room.

I stood watching him, phone at the ready in case he decided to slip some pieces of fabric into his school bag. Before long, we were both heading our separate ways outside the school gates. Watching Shu head towards his house, I pulled out my phone to send a quick text.

|Shu’s Slave|6:27pm| Mission “get-shu-home-at-a-reasonable-time” accomplished

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Shu’s Mental Support Squad

|Magic Man|6:27pm| AMAZING!!!

|Magic Man|6:27pm| a new record~~

|Magic boi|6:28pm| did he take anything home with him??

|Shu’s Slave|6:28pm| he didnt put anything in his bag…

|Shu’s Slave|6:28pm| he probably has stuff at home tho…

|FISH|6:29pm| unfortunatrly there isnt anythign we can do abiut that…

|FISH|6:29pm| sorry wet hands

|Magic boi|6:29pm| niisan if ur going to swim in the fountain at least have something to dry urself off with…

|FISH|6:30pm| hehe ill remember natsume-kun~~

I slipped my phone back into my pocket as the chat devolved into the usual discussions. Rei’s icon had just joined the cluster of ‘online’ icons and there wasn’t much point getting dragged into the group’s antics before I got home for the night. Luckily, I’d gotten all of my school-related work done while I was in the clubroom. The only things left on tonight’s schedule were dinner and bed.

It didn’t take long before I was snugly under my blankets, scrolling through my Instagram. It was a pretty bland feed—I mainly followed the idol groups from Yumenosaki and any notable competitors from Shuuetsu and its sister schools. Nothing caught my attention (except for a sneak peek on Ra*bits page of their new costumes, which I had seen Shu pouring over the day before), so I placed my phone on my bedside table and went to sleep.

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

“One of these days,” I muttered to myself as I fumbled with my alarm. “I’m going to force him to make practice start at a reasonable time.”

I pulled my phone closer to my face, groaning as I looked at the time. 5:45 am. I groaned again. The clock flicked to 5:46. Still groaning, I slid out of my bed onto the floor. After almost two years as Valkyrie’s producer, you’d think that I would have been able to get out of bed for morning practice easily. But no. My body still hadn’t adjusted.

Well…I mused as I fixed my hair in the mirror, it is our first week back at weekly practice in almost a year.

It took me longer than I would have liked to arrive at Valkyrie’s usual practice room. Looks like I won’t have time to run through any dances before Shu and Mika arrive. Though…I rubbed my chest as my heart twinged painfully…dancing probably wasn’t the best idea today. Had I remembered to take my medicine before I left today? I mentally ran through my morning routine, before shaking my head and moving to connect my phone to the speaker. It didn’t matter anyway. I’d live.

Or not, apparently.

I blinked, looking at the room around me. The infirmary? I mentally ran through the day, trying to figure out how I got here. Morning practice had been fine—better than fine really. Classes had run as smoothly as 2-B’s classes ever ran. We’d had P.E. and I’d ended up wearing myself out more than I had expected. I’d planned to head to the rehearsal room and do paperwork until practice finished, then move to the handicraft clubroom to supervise Shu. However, Anzu caught me almost immediately after classes had finished and dragged me around the school to inspect the area of the stage. The last thing I remembered was her excitedly showing me the layout she had in mind, before passing out.

I groaned. Forget the medicine, it’ll be fine, I said. I really ought to know better…I sighed, pushing myself up into a sitting position, cradling my head.

“Hmph, so you’re finally awake.”

I looked over at Shu, standing in the doorway, Mademoiselle in one hand and the other on his hip.

“Are you alright, Y/n-chan?” Mademoiselle asked softly.

“Ugh, I think so?” I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache building. “‘M gonna need some panadol though…”

A packet of painkillers landed on the bed. I took one silently, reaching for the glass of water I knew would be at my bedside. I swallowed it down, then drank the rest of the glass of water. Shu’s eyes followed my movements and the second I placed down the glass, the rant he was obviously preparing started.

“What were you thinking, fooling girl? Not only did you run to school, but you also forgot to take your medicine. And this morning, you probably did a warm-up dance routine before Kagehira and I arrived, didn’t you?” I opened my mouth to object—I’d done some vocal warmups instead of my usual dance routine—but Shu barreled onwards.

“And of all days to forget your medication, a day you had P.E.?!?! You have had the same class schedule for over a year, how could you forget something so vital? Then, running all over the school with that Anzu girl! You’re lucky that Kiryu happened to be passing by and carried you to the infirmary! You could have been seriously injured!” He paused, face slightly flushed from his rant.

“Aww, so you do care,” I teased.

“I-!” His face flushed even redder, his mouth opening and closing silently. I laughed at his expression.

“It wasn’t intentional, Senpai. I’ll do my best to make sure it doesn’t happen again.” I looked back down at the blankets. “I’m sorry for interrupting practice and distracting you from the upcoming live.”

I heard a light scoff and a muttered “foolish girl” before Shu loudly turned around.

“Well, if you are truly sorry, make sure you take your medication regularly from now on. Come, now that you are awake, you can return with me to the clubroom and finish whatever work you have to do.”

That night was the first night since Valkyrie had decided to participate in the Tanabata Festival that at precisely 6 o’clock, Shu stopped sewing and we walked to the front gates together.

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

The days passed quickly in the lead-up to the Tanabata live. Between morning and afternoon rehearsals, production meetings, and classes, my days were filled to bursting. I arrived at school at just past six in the morning and left at around 6:30—depending on how easy it was to pull Shu away from his work on the many costumes that had been commissioned for the upcoming live. Thankfully, I’d only needed to put a call out to the other Eccentrics once. Both Wataru and Kanata had swiftly appeared and carried Shu out of the Handicraft Club and out the school gate, Mika trailing behind them. Clearly anxious not to repeat that particular experience—“Wet hand, wet hands, can you believe it?!?”—Shu was usually packed up and gone before 6:30.

Despite my busy schedule, I always managed to take time out of my day to practise. Valkyrie practice actually began at 7, an hour and a half before school started. My personal practice started at 6.

I had always dreamt of being an idol. But, my fragile body prevented me from being able to complete the strenuous activities being an idol required. I wasn’t sickly like Tenshouin, just weak. My medicine helped, but even missing it once resulted in disasters like the previous week.

But it didn’t stop me from trying.

I applied for both the idol and production courses at Yumenosaki. I studiously copied dance moves in the mirror after practice, I broke down live performances, I practised singing on the terrace during lunch.

It was never enough. I could never be on the same level as the idols I dreamed to work with. Even Tenshouin, who spent half of the freaking year in a hospital bed, had greater stamina and performance ability than I ever could.

But that didn’t stop me from trying.

After Valkyrie’s fall, I had worked harder than ever, laying the groundwork for when Shu would eventually return. When Nazuna-nii asked me for help setting up Ra*bits, I dedicated myself to the work, doing my best to carve these adorable, fresh-faced first-years who knew nothing of the horrors of the year before a place as idols.

And still, I practised.

Even now, two weeks before the Tanabata Festival, I stood in the centre of Valkyrie’s practice room at 6:30am, Pavilion on the Sand echoing through my ears as I ran through what had been Nazuna’s part.

“Again?” An exasperated sigh filled the room. Shu walked past me, gently placing Mademoiselle on the table, and dropping his bag to the floor.

I didn’t stop dancing.

He raised an eyebrow, tapping his foot impatiently as the dance slowly came to a close.

“Morning, Senpai,” I greeted, belatedly.

He raised both eyebrows.

“Good morning.”

I grabbed my water bottle from where I’d left it on the floor.

“You’re here early…Where’s Mika-kun?”

“Kagehira shouldn’t be long. I happened to rise significantly earlier than usual this morning, so I left as he was beginning his breakfast.”

I nodded, taking the bottle over to my school bag. Shu watched me, lips pursed, foot still tapping.

I sighed.

“Senpai…If you have something to say, just say it already. You’ve been like this for a couple days now, it's starting to get on my nerves.”

“I- I…” He sighed deeply, eyes shifting nervously as he tried to find the words. “I am concerned about this…habit of yours. This…rising early specifically to come here and practice.”

I stiffened.

“I see. Don’t worry, I won’t let it impact my work as Valkyrie’s producer. You have nothing to worry about.”

He frowned.

“That is not-”

“It’s fine, Senpai,” I cut him off. I didn’t want to sit through Shu’s patented “I have no use for broken dolls, if you can’t be useful, I will cast you off” lecture. “Like I said, it won’t affect Valkyrie.”

“I-” Shu shook his head. “Very well then. You are usually well aware of your limitations, if you say that it won’t affect Valkyrie, then I believe you.”

I nodded sharply.

“Thank you, Senpai.”

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

I cut back on my morning practices after that.

Instead of spending the whole hour running through different dance routines from both Valkyrie and other units, I chose one each day and spent half the time focused on the dance and the other half on vocal practice. Aside from a few pointed frowns, Shu didn’t bring it up again. The Tanabata Festival was approaching and he had far bigger things to worry about than my health. The pile of uncompleted costumes was almost done, Kiryu and Shu making quick work of them over the last three weeks. There were only a handful of costumes left to be completed outside of the Valkyrie and Akatsuki costumes, both of them had left their unit’s outfits to last. The beautiful red, grey, and yellow fabrics Rei and I had purchased still sat in the corner of the costume, barely touched.

I shook my head. Costumes—completed or not—were not what I needed to focus on. I scrolled through my playlist, deciding which song to practise this morning. This one…? Too hard with one person. That one…? Too high for me to sing. This? Too low. I clicked my tongue in frustration before my eyes landed on one I hadn’t done in a while.

It was one of Wataru’s, from the days before the war, before the Eccentrics. A solo piece—designed to be danced alone. The moves were tricky and it had been a while since I had rehearsed it, but I was confident that I could remember how it was done. I quickly moved to the centre of the room, tapping play.

Music filled the room, and I lost myself in the dance. It was easier to focus on the movements on the first run-through, left foot there, right foot behind. One arm up, the other outstretched. Turn. The melody was simple, but that didn’t change the vocal complexity. Even thinking about how to sing distracted me, a slight stumble in my step, so I redirected my focus to the dance.

“Oya? I thought I heard a familiar tune~”

I 100% did not jump and I did not scream. I didn’t. I swear.

“Hibiki-senpai!”

“Ah,” He sighed dramatically, laying a hand on his forehead. “So cold! Am I still nothing more than an upperclassman to you, Slave-chan? How often must I beseech you to call me by my given name?”

I sighed, feeling my heart rate begin to return to normal.

“As often as I have to ask you to stop calling me that awful nickname, Senpai.”

It also annoyed him, but that was just an added bonus.

He sighed dramatically again, leaning heavily on the doorframe.

“So cruel~ Ah! But I didn’t come here so early in the morning just to mope about in doorways!” He straightened up, pulling a rose out of thin air. He gestured for me to take it and I gingerly took it from his grasp. In my hands, it transformed into a letter. “A special delivery for you, dear Slave-chan~”

I carefully unfolded the letter, eyes skimming the beautiful calligraphy.

“Senpai…”

“Yes?”

I looked him in the eyes.

“This is in English. I can’t read it.”

He slapped his forehead.

“Of course, my mistake. Here.” He flicked his fingers towards me and the letter wiggled and merged, transforming into equally beautiful Japanese calligraphy.

Wataru Hibiki, in association with Kanata Shinkai, Rei Sakuma, and Natsume Sakasaki, invites you to lunch today, in the secret room.

“This…is a very dramatic way to be asked to sit with you four at lunch,” I said slowly. “I like it. Very aesthetic.” Wataru nodded excitedly. “But, is there a reason that this unusual gathering of the Eccentrics doesn’t include Shu-senpai?”

Wataru’s grin turned mischievous.

“That’s for us to know and you, dear Slave-chan, to find out.”

And with that, he vanished.

I looked down at the invitation in my hands. Shaking my head, I slipped it into my backpack.

Even if I forgot, Natsume-kun would drag me there the second class got out and I knew better than to push for more detail than I had already been given.

I’d find out at lunch I suppose.

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

“Kanata-niiSAN can you NOT drip wateR all ovER my secRET roOM?” Natsume sighed as he dragged me into the secret room.

“Ahh ‘sorry’ nacchan,” Kanata smiled, looking as unapologetic as he always did. Natsume sighed, shaking his head.

“HerE,” he pushed me towards a chair. “siT.”

I rolled my eyes and sat, tucking my legs up in front of me. Natsume plopped himself down on the chair next to me, across the room from Kanata, who pouted slightly.

“Oya? It appears that I’m not the last one here…” Wataru sighed dramatically. “My dramatic entrance has been ruined.”

“Trust me Senpai, you don’t need to try and make your entrances dramatic,” I said, smiling wanly as he sat in the chair next to Natsume. “Are you going to tell me why you called me here? Not that I’m not grateful for the excuse to get out of production meetings for the Tanabata Festival…”

“Someone’s in a hurry,” Rei commented, slipping into the room through one of the side doors. Wataru paused in the slow shuffling of his chair closer to Natsume and Kanata opened his eyes and smiled at Rei as he sat down opposite me, in between Kanata and Wataru.

I shrugged.

“Not really. But I am curious. It’s not every day four of the Five Eccentrics “summon” me to a meeting.”

“You’ve already ‘mentioned’ it,” Kanata hummed. “The ‘tanabata festival’.”

The others nodded.

“I thought so,” I sighed. “You guys worry too much.”

“You can’t really blame us,” Rei rested his face in his hand. “It is Valkyrie’s first performance since the War.”

“We can’t help but be ‘concerned’, y/n-chan,” Kanata chimed in. “Especially after the ‘last’ time. Mademoiselle-chan can only ‘help’ so much.”

“Indeed,” Wataru nodded, his serious side showing. “Even though Eichi~ has relaxed his tyranny and the time of war is over, we cannot exclude the possibility of some ‘over-zealous fan’ repeating the incident.”

“I know. And, Anzu-chan and I are working to make sure nothing like that will happen,” I assured them. “Anzu-chan wasn’t here for the War but she’s been working hard to design a new system that doesn’t disadvantage new units.”

For someone who hadn’t lived through the start of the DreFes system being so quick to overturn it and put something more fair in its place, Anzu really was a kind person, as much as she annoyed me sometimes.

“HmmM, I did catCH a gliMPSE of thE neW plaNS…” Natsume muttered thoughtfully, hand on his chin. “TheY haVE a gOOD chaNCE of succeedING.”

“Hmm Hmm! Anzu-san~ has been working AMAZING-ly hard!” Wataru’s earlier seriousness had been replaced with his usual cheerful mask.

“If y/n-chan is not ‘concerned’, we should ‘leave’ it to her,” Kanata hummed. “I am beginning to ‘dry out’, so I’m going to go puka-puka~”

Kanata pushed himself out of his chair and stretched.

“I suppose this meeting is adjourned then,” Rei said, doing the same as Kanata but with slightly more groaning and cracking bones. “Thank you for joining us, Y/n-chan. Please continue to keep an eye on Shu for us.”

I nodded.

“Of course, he’s my friend too.”

Wataru raised his eyebrow.

“Oho, just a friend, slave-chan?” He teased.

I looked away, blushing, and Wataru disappeared with a laugh.

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

“Stupid Wataru,” I muttered to myself, trying not to stomp on my way back to class. What does he know anyway? Shu is my friend—and that wouldn’t be changing anytime soon.

“Friends, we’re just friends.” Even if I had been crushing on him for a while now…at what point does it go from being a crush to…something else? Not that it mattered, it's not like I could ever tell him.

In the entire time I had known Shu (not that a year and a half is a long time to know someone), he had never confessed romantic feelings for anyone. No prolonged glances at particularly attractive classmates only scoffs and sneers directed in the direction of any mention of romance from his friends or unit-mates. Even his obsession with Nito-nii wasn’t romantic. A little weird and slightly uncomfortable for Mika and I, perhaps, but not romantic.

Besides, even if I confessed, if he rejected me…I could be kicked out of Valkyrie.

I could just see it.

“You harbour romantic feelings for me? Non! This absolutely won’t do. I can’t have your love-sick pining ruining Valkyrie. You are dismissed!”

Then he’d stick his nose up in the air and walk away, leaving me behind.

I sighed.

I was being dramatic. At least after Wataru’s comment, aside from a soft chuckle from Rei, the other Eccentrics hadn’t said anything. Though, if Wataru knew, I wouldn’t be surprised if Tenshouin, fine, the Student Council, and the entire Theatre Club had heard of Wataru bemoan my ‘hopeless, tragic love’.

I shuddered just thinking about it. It was a good thing Shu didn’t pay attention to the school gossip, otherwise, I’d be screwed.

“L/n, what are you doing?”

I nearly jumped out of my skin, turning to see Shu walking around the corner.

“Senpai! What are you doing over this side of the school?”

He crossed his arms—no Mademoiselle?—and frowned.

“Hmph, I could ask the same of you.”

I shuffled awkwardly.

“Uhh, I was in the library?” I offered. “I was heading to the cafeteria now. What were you doing?”

He sniffed, clearly not buying it.

“The library? What could you possibly need from there?” He sighed, shaking his head. “Never mind. Well, I suppose I’ll accompany you to the cafeteria. Perhaps they’ll still have some croissants left…”

I shrugged.

“Okie dokie, I’m just gonna grab whatever.”

A soft ‘tsk’ came from Shu, but he didn’t comment further, so I just ignored it. If Shu had issues with my diet, I’d just remind him of the (multiple) times I had to call Kiryu to carry him to the infirmary when he’d passed out from low blood sugar. At least I had a valid medical reason for passing out, not “I simply didn’t feel like pausing my work to eat”. One cannot subsist on croissants alone. At least since Mika had moved in with him he had been careful to make sure the both of them ate well at home. And Mika had Narukami-chan constantly breathing down his neck about eating well at school (“If you don’t stop eating so many sweets, Mika-chan, your skin will never clear up!”), so it was just Shu who needed reminding.

“Shu-senpai, where’s Mado-chan?” I tilted my head to look at him, surprised to see him already looking at me.

“Hmm? Oh, I left her in the Handicrafts Club. Kiryu’s with her,” he explained when he saw my raised eyebrow. “I can trust him to keep an eye on her while he finishes the costumes for his unit."

I nodded. That made sense. Still, it was a little unusual to see Shu without Mademoiselle on his arm even before Valkyrie’s fall. But, it was probably okay.

“Besides,” Shu muttered so quietly I almost missed it. “She might say something foolish.”

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

“Why’d we hav’ t’ study,” Mika complained, slamming his head against his books. “There’s a live next week.”

I patted his back sympathetically.

“C’mon its the last question, we got this!”

We did not “got this”.

Mika and I both sucked at maths. You’d think between the two of us we’d be able to figure out what the heck the teacher had been explaining in class but nope. I frowned at my notes and Mika groaned, lifting his head from his book.

“Oshiii-sannnnn,” he whined. “Ya gotta help us.”

Shu looked up from the sheets of music he was writing.

“No.”

“Awww,” Mika pouted. “Ya know we’re no good at maths and stuff, ya gotta help us.”

“Yeah Senpai,” I chimed in. “Come on. It's the last question~”

Shu looked at me, unimpressed.

“I have already said that I will no longer help you with your homework,” Shu resumed scribbling notes on paper. “Mathematics is a very important skill.”

“Read through the question again Mika-kun,” Mademoiselle suggested. “You always forget to read them through properly. And Y/n-chan, you always write out your formulas wrong. Check it again.”

“Thanks, Mado-nee,” Mika crowed, rushing to do as she said.

“You’re the best Mado-chan,” I said, giggling at the look on Shu’s face. The embarrassed blush that spread across his face when Mademoiselle spoke his true feelings was kind of adorable.

I shook my head. Now was not the time to be thinking about that. I double-checked my formula and—sure enough—my formula was copied incorrectly.

I smiled at Shu as I corrected my answer.

“Thank you~”

He sniffed.

“Thank Mademoiselle, not me. I did nothing.”

Mika and I laughed.

“Sure thing, Oshi-san.”

Despite claiming that he wasn’t going to assist us anymore, both Shu and Mademoiselle helped us finish our homework for the week. It wasn’t like there was a lot—most of our classes were idol (or producer) related, things like music and dance. Maths, Japanese, English, and History were some of the few academic subjects that Mika and I took. Shu didn’t even take English—he took French. I shuddered every time I saw his homework. Why were there so many unnecessary letters???

Shu caught me frowning at his closed french textbook where it lay on the table and tapped me on the head with his pencil.

“Focus, Y/n, focus,”

I smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry Senpai,” I turned back to my final problem of the night. “There. All done.”

I slid the homework across the table and Shu examined it carefully. Mika noticed and frantically scribbled his final answers on his maths questions and slid the book next to mine.

Shu flicked his gaze between the books, then looked up at us.

We grinned, hopefully.

He sighed.

“The eclairs are in the fridge. You may get them.”

The loud scraping and shuffling of chairs as Mika and I frantically scrambled to the fridge wasn’t loud enough to cover Shu’s sigh. Shu’s eclairs were delicious and he only used them as bribes for homework. He refused to let us have more than two a week claiming that it would ruin all the hard work he put into making sure Mika stayed at ‘an acceptable weight’. But the limits were worth it.

I groaned as I bit into the eclair.

“I would answer a hundred maths problems if it meant I got to eat these afterwards,” I said to Mika, who nodded enthusiastically, a small bit of cream on his nose.

“I’d do anythin’ f’r Oshi-san’s cooking,” he said, wiping the cream off his nose.

“And you get to eat it every day.”

“Mhmm,” Mika nodded, closing his eyes in bliss.

“Are you two quite finished in there?” Shu raised his voice from the kitchen table. “I can hear you, you know.”

Giggling, Mika and I returned to the table to go over the preparations for the Tanabata festival.

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

“Kanzaki-kun!” I shouted. “Stop pointing your sword at Hakaze-senpai.”

Souma lowered the sword slightly, turning his head towards me.

“But Y/n-dono-”

“No. Put it down. Now.”

He still hesitated, but Kanata put his hand on his shoulder.

“Hmmm, now is not the ‘time’, so~u~ma~,” he tilted his head and smiled. “y/n-chan and anzu-san are trying to ‘get’ things done~”

Souma shot another glare at Kaoru, who chuckled nervously, but sheathed his katana.

“Yes, Buchou-dono.”

I sighed, rubbing at my forehead. Tech run-throughs were the worst. Having nearly every unit in the school in the same place at the same time was next to impossible, so Anzu and I had organised it based on the student timetables. Of course, not all students in one unit were in the same grade, but we went with the majority.

Unfortunately, that meant we had Ryuseitai, Akatsuki, Undead, and Valkyrie here at the same time. Anzu had been understanding enough to make sure fine was scheduled later in the day. An early confrontation between Tenshouin and Shu would not have been fun.

“Um, okay everybody, can we just have Undead on stage, please.” Anzu took advantage of the lack of weaponry to start the tech rehearsal. The stage cleared, the other units taking seats in the front row.

As Undead started to sing Gates of the Abyss, I made my way to stand in the tech booth. The members of the Broadcasting Committee gave me a nod before focusing on the lighting and sound.

I leaned against the wall, rubbing at my chest. I wasn’t sure if my meds were less effective lately, or if it was just the stress of the last few weeks catching up to me. I hadn’t said anything but the glares Shu kept sending in my direction told me he’d noticed something was wrong,

“Why are you overworking yourself, girl,” his glares seem to say. “I have no use for broken dolls and neither does Valkyrie.”

I sighed. A Broadcast Committee member shot me a questioning look, but I waved her off. I was fine.

After about half the song, the Broadcast Committee gave me the thumbs up, so I grabbed one of the mics as they cut the sound.

“Alright, thanks everyone, that’s all we need,” I explained. “Give your earpieces to the tech crew and you can head back to classes now.” Undead filed off the stage in an almost orderly fashion.

“Who’s next?” I asked Anzu, who had joined me in the tech booth. She pointed at the next name on the list as she scribbled down a note underneath Undead’s name.

“Okay,” I said into the mic. “Ryuseitai can you please make your way to the stage?”

From the tech booth, I saw both Tetora and Chiaki jump out of their seats, dragging their unit members with them.

“Kanata-senpai, please leave your spray bottle on your chair,” I said quickly, noticing the blue misting bottle in his hand. Kanata pouted but complied, waving his now empty hands at me to show me he’d put it down.

Ryuseitai’s run-through took a couple of songs to perfect their audio levels, but eventually, the tech team was satisfied.

Akatsuki’s rehearsal went quickly, the tech team quickly finding the correct audio levels.

“Alright, thank you Akatsuki,” I said. “Please return your headpieces to the tech crew and return to class. Valkyrie, you’re next.”

Mika jumped a little and Shu shook his head, pulling him out of his chair by his elbow. Mika stumbled a bit and a “Sorry Oshi-san” echoed through the mics.

“Ehe,” Mika’s nervous laugh filtered through the sound system again, but he didn’t say anything else as he and Shu took their positions for Enthralling Theatre.

I had been watching them rehearse this every day for almost four weeks. It never got any less amazing. Shu’s movements led Mika across the stage as if he really was the marionette doll they were singing about. Even the tech crew was stunned. Even though they found the audio balance almost straight away, they let Valkyrie finish their performance.

“Thank you, return your headsets to the tech crew and return to class, please.”

Shu gave a sharp nod and Mika shot me a goofy grin.

I smiled. Tonight was going to be a performance worth seeing.

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

My chest hurt from all the running around, preparing things for the Tanabata. I sighed, shaking my head as Hibiki-senpai’s blimp appeared in the sky and the crowd loudly cheered. At least I had prepared the paperwork in advance, though I’m sure Tenshouin would have paid any fines Wataru incurred.

Rubbing my chest, I moved to the wings of the stage to watch the performances. My work as a producer was mostly done—Anzu was taking the majority of the work onto herself, leaving me to supervise the units backstage. Not that that required much, this late in the year even the units consisting mainly of first-years knew the protocols.

There was nothing I could do except watch as Valkyrie rushed on stage to protect Ra*bits from fine.

Their performance was spectacular. The tech rehearsal early was nothing compared to now, with the staging and lighting fully complete. Mika’s spins were perfectly timed with Shu’s movements—the illusion that Mika was moving as Shu’s puppet was near perfect. I could almost see the strings stretching from Shu’s fingers, connecting to Mika’s arms, the stage lights reflecting off the golden threads.

I could feel fine’s shock. They joined the audience in watching in silent wonder as Shu and Mika sang and danced, Shu’s art—no, Valkyrie’s art—reaching them after so long.

The lyrics of the piece Shu had been composing during our last study session echoed through my head.

Now, the song of their triumphant return shall resonate once again. The tale of the returning sovereign shall be heard once more.

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

My heart was still beating fast from the adrenaline of Valkyrie’s performance as I dragged Kanata out of the fountain.

“Really, Senpai, you should know better!” I ranted, pulling him towards the stage. “You have a spray bottle for a reason!”

“Sorry, y/n-chan, i ‘forgot’ it,” Kanata smiled at me, letting me pull him along. I shook my head, pulling him in front of me and pushing him up the steps for the stage.

“Just…don’t ruin the earpiece with your wet skin.”

“hehe,” Kanata giggled, patting me on the head. “y/n-chan ‘worries’ too much.”

I playfully slapped his hand away.

“Hurry up! Morisawa-senpai and the others are waiting for you!”

“i ‘know’. shu is ‘waiting’ for you too. hurry and ‘see’ him, okay?” With another closed-eye smile, he skipped onto the stage.

I paused, looking as Kanata joined the rest of Ryuseitai on stage against fine. That’s right…Shu had been lying by the fountain, recovering from the live. Mika was still backstage in case Valkyrie was called back for another performance—the Tanabata system ensured that all of the units would get a chance at first but once everyone had gone, it was randomised. It would be a while before Valkyrie would be called on stage again, but it was best to be prepared.

But it was best to not leave Shu alone by the fountain. He might doze off, or worse—pass out. I had been busy all day and hadn’t been able to make sure Shu actually ate something at lunch instead of slaving over the finishing touches of the Valkyrie outfits.

Maybe I should get him something sugary to drink…Performing with low blood sugar wouldn’t be the best idea Shu had ever had but then again, it wouldn’t be the worst one either. My mind helpfully supplied images of the time that Shu had decided that the only way to get through all of the costumes he needed to sew and his homework was to drink 3 cups of coffee and eat a chocolate croissant and proceeded to go into some sort of caffeine-fueled haze. Which was fine while he was in it…but the crash had been awful.

Needless to say, Shu was banned from coffee now.

Still, I picked up a juice from the nearest vending machine as I hurried back to the fountain. If Kanata had said Shu was waiting for me, there was probably something important he needed to tell me. My chest twinged again as I jogged to the fountain. I was going to have to see the doctor about my meds—clearly, they weren’t working properly anymore.

Shu was still lying by the fountain, in almost the same position he was in when I had forcibly dragged Kanata out of the fountain. I sat down by his head, placing the bottle of juice next to him.

“I didn’t know if you had eaten much today, so I thought I’d pick one up,” I explained, crossing my ankles and looking up at the stars. “If you don’t want it, I’ll just drink it.”

“Thank you.” Shu slowly swung himself into a sitting position, before taking a sip of the juice. “I had gotten so caught up in my preparations for tonight that lunch slipped my mind.”

I hummed in acknowledgement.

“At least you ate dinner, even if it wasn’t much.”

“I- yes. Kagehira was quite insistent.”

I nodded.

“He can be pretty stubborn at times, huh.” I giggled softly and turned to look at Shu.

He was already looking at me, an unreadable expression on his face.

“What? Do I have something on my face?” I asked.

Shu shook his head, but his hand moved forward a bit before he withdrew it and laid it on his lap.

“I suppose Kanata told you that I was waiting for you, didn’t he,” Shu asked, turning his gaze to the sky. I did the same, looking at the faint constellations.

“Yep~. Did you have something you wanted to tell me?”

“I…” He paused and took a deep breath, seemingly bracing himself. I frowned, worried. I didn’t want to speculate on what he was going to say but I was a little on edge.

“Y/n, I…have feelings…for you.” His gaze didn’t move from the stars above us but he shifted slightly closer to me as he spoke.

Wait, what.

“Pardon?” Surely I hadn’t heard correctly. He wasn’t going to say something like “feelings…of disgust” and play it off as a joke, right? Or worse, had the other Eccentrics put him up to this…had he somehow figured out that I liked him? I felt my heart rate start to rise as panic started.

Shu looked over at me, a light blush dusting his face.

“I like you, Y/n. I have tried to hint at it for quite some time but I…I am not the best at expressing it and I just ended up hurting you. I’m sorry…” He reached out a hand to caress my face. “Can you ever forgive me?”

My mouth opened slightly and I stared at him in shock. He…liked me? Shu, Shu Itsuki, former Emperor of Yumenosaki, my crush for the last year and a half, liked me back? I floundered, staring at him in silence, my heart beating in my ears.

Obviously, my silence was taken as something else—disgust, indifference—because Shu’s soft smile dropped and he began to move his hand from my face. Quickly, I snatched it, pushing it back against my face. Shu looked at me in shock, trying to understand what I was doing.

“Shu…I like you too…” I started. “I’ve liked you for so long…I never thought that you would like me back.” Tears began to well in my eyes and I tightened my grip on his hand.

“Y/n…” Shu gently wiped the tears from my eyes, both hands cupping my face. “Y/n…may I kiss you?”

I nodded frantically, closing my eyes and leaning in. My heart rate was so high, I could barely hear Shu’s breathing and he was two centimetres from my face. We were so close, our lips almost touching…

And then, everything went black.

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

When I next opened my eyes, I was in the infirmary. Mid-morning sunlight streamed in through the windows, softly lighting the room. I blinked, pushing myself up into a sitting position. I rubbed at my eyes, clearing the sleep from them. I reached for the glass of water next to my bed, but couldn’t move my right hand.

I frowned, then looked down. Shu was tightly gripping my hand, his head resting on the side of the bed. He was in his practice clothes, his soft pink hair mussed from sleep. I smiled softly, running my left hand through his hair.

Shu liked me back.

He liked me back and he was going to kiss me! And then I had to ruin the moment by passing out.

I groaned out loud, slamming my head back against the wall behind me. Stupid body, causing me to pass out at such an important moment! A tear of frustration trickled down my face and my hand stilled in Shu’s hair.

“Mghm…” A soft groan came from Shu and he slowly sat up. “Y/n!” He jerked upright, his eyes searching my face. “Are you alright? You suddenly passed out and I had to call Kiryu to come and carry you to the infirmary. Sagami-sensei said that you would be alright and I had to go back to the Tanabata with Kagehira.”

His grip tightened around my hand and I smiled tiredly at him.

“I’m fine, sen-...Shu. I’m just,” I leaned my head back against the wall again. “I knew my meds weren’t working properly. I’ve known for at least a week. But did I go get it checked out? Noooo~ I just had to stick it out. And now…I ruined it.”

Tears spilled down my face and I closed my eyes, wishing that I could disappear so that Shu didn’t have to see my tears.

I felt the bed shift underneath me and opened my eyes as Shu pulled me into his arms.

“Oh…mon chère…you didn’t ruin anything.” He gently stroked my hair as I sobbed harder. “Though, it pains me to hear that you knew that your medication wasn’t working and didn’t tell anyone. Though I know that it is a little hypocritical of me to talk about things like that.”

I nodded into his shoulder, my tears slowing as I listened to him talk.

“We have plenty of time, now that we’re both on the same page, yes?” Shu continued stroking my hair. “There is no need to rush, darling.” He softly kissed the top of my head.

We stayed like that for a while, Shu stroking my hair while I tightly squeezed him, my tears eventually stopping. Slowly, I pulled away, sniffling slightly.

“‘M sorry…I think I ruined your practice shirt.”

Shu smiled, handing me a tissue.

“It’ll wash out.”

The door opened with a slam.

“Oshi-san! Is she awake?”

Mika burst into the room with his usual amount of grace.

“Ngah, you are!”

“Even if she hadn’t been, you would have woken her, barging in here like that! What were you thinking, Kagehira?!?”

“Ahh sorry Y/n-chan…”

I laughed softly, blowing my nose.

“It's okay Mika-kun, I would have been overdue for a wake-up call anyway.”

“Mhm mhm! Anyway, its lunch so I brought’cha both something!” Mika smiled proudly, handing each of us a bento. “I promised Naru-chan I’d eat with her so see ya later!” And with a wave, he was gone as quickly as he came.

Sighing, I leaned against the bed frame, shuffling over as Shu moved next to me to wrap his arms around me. We sat there for a while, Mika’s bentos placed on the bedside table.

“Shu?” I asked.

“Yes, my love?”

I looked up at him but I didn’t meet his eyes.

“I know you said there’s no need to rush but…could we…maybe…kiss?” My voice got softer and softer as I went on but Shu’s soft smile encouraged me.

“Of course, mon chère.”

This time when our lips met, I didn’t pass out. The kiss was soft and unsure, but it was a kiss. And that was better than I could have imagined.

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

“Ohoho~ Slave-chan, you’ll never believe what a little birdy just told me.”

I looked up from my paperwork to glare at Wataru. It was a few days after the Tanabata. Both Shu and Sagami-sensei had insisted that I take a few days off to recover and an appointment had been booked with my doctor to work out why my meds had stopped working correctly. But after only a few days, the paperwork had really piled up.

“Hibiki-senpai, I don’t have time for your dramatics right now. Can’t you see I’m busy?”

He chuckled.

“Fufu, I’m sure you are. But this was the most AMAZING~~✩ news,” he placed an elbow on the desk, cupping his face in his hand. “Are you sure you don’t want to hear it?”

I closed my eyes, briefly debating if murdering one of the Eccentrics would truly be a punishable crime. After all, if it was Wataru I would be ridding the world of a great nuisance, right? Maybe I would be free to complete paperwork without any distractions.

“What news did you hear, Senpai?”

Wataru clapped his hands.

“AMAZING~~✩ I knew you’d come around.” He was suddenly sitting on the desk next to me, instead of the seat across from me. He leaned in conspiratorially and I put down my pen to listen to him. “A little bird to me~ that a certain someone finally~ got their act together.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“You’re going to have to be a little more specific, Senpai. I’m not up-to-date with the school gossip.”

“Oya?” He twirled his braid around his finger. “I didn’t think I would need to be more specific when this piece of news involves you.”

I felt my face flush instantly. Shu and I hadn’t told anyone yet, how did Wataru know? Did Shu tell the Eccentrics already and just hadn’t let me know?

“Ah ah ah~ I can hear your thoughts racing! Don’t worry, Shu didn’t tell me. Like I said,” he gave an exaggerated wink. “A little bird told me.”

I groaned, slamming my head onto the pile of paperwork and homework in front of me. Wataru laughed merrily.

“Such a wonderful reaction! But, getting a reaction out of you is not the only reason I came here! I had hoped to find Shu-kun sewing away in here as well, but it appears its just you. Ah well,” he sighed, standing dramatically up from the desk. “I suppose I shall just have to tease him another time.”

“Tease me about what, Wataru?”

Wataru turned to face the doorway, hair nearly whacking me in the face as I lifted my head to see Shu standing in the doorway, a box of croissants in one hand and Mademoiselle resting on his other arm.

“Ah hah! So you have appeared Shu! Such a dramatic entrance rivals one of my own!” Wataru spun around the table, arms outstretched.

Shu sighed, walking into the room, placing Mademoiselle on her usual perch before sliding the box of croissants over to me.

“I got one for you. Feel free to start while I deal with this idiot.”

Wataru gasped.

“Is that any way to treat your friends, Shu?”

“Hmph. It’s certainly the way I treat annoyances.” He crossed his arms, staring Wataru down, which was kind of funny given how much shorter than Wataru Shu was. “Why are you in my clubroom Wataru? Surely you have an actual purpose other than being unnecessarily irritating.”

“But of course!” With a flourish, he pulled an envelope out of his hair. “For you and your dear Slave-chan~”

I looked up from my croissant.

“What is it?”

“An invitation…” Shu mused. “Really…what is the point of having mobile phones if you are just going to deliver these sorts of things in person?” He handed me the piece of paper. I read it over quickly.

“A party…? What for?”

“What for? My dear Slave-chan, it's a congratulatory party! From us Eccentrics to the two of you! Congratulations on saving us from another day of your pointless pining! Congratulations for finally getting your act together! Isn’t the power of love AMAZING~~✩?”

Shu let out a long-suffering sigh, but his face was slightly flushed.

“Fine. In order to spare Y/n and myself from any more of your shenanigans, we’ll agree to attend. Now, get out of my clubroom!”

Wataru smiled widely.

“Ah, I knew you’d come around! AMAZING~~✩” And he skipped out of the room a trail of rose petals falling to the ground behind him.

Shu sighed again, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek before sitting down next to me. I silently slid him the box of croissants.

“Ah, thank you, dear.”

I smiled, brushing the crumbs of my croissant off my paperwork.

“You know,” I said, as I started filling out the post-live paperwork. “I think this is the first time in nearly a year you went and got lunch all by yourself. Normally Mika-kun or I bring it to you.”

Shu hummed, carefully taking bites of his croissant.

“I guess…I wanted to do something for you instead.”

I stopped my paperwork to gape at him.

“What? Do you not believe me?” He asked as I stared at him.

“No, it's not that, I just can’t believe you said it out loud. Normally you’d be like ‘I’m perfectly capable of getting my own lunch!’ and then Mado-chan would pipe in, telling us something like ‘Shu-kun just wanted to make your life a little easier, Y/n-chan!’ y’know?”

There was a slight smile on Shu’s face from my attempts at mimicking his and Mademoiselle’s voices, but he glanced away from me.

“Well, if you prefer I can go back to that. It's just…” he paused, searching for the words. “I am trying to be clearer at communicating my feelings without Mademoiselle’s help.” ‘For you’ was left unspoken, hanging in the air around us.

He…was really serious about us, wasn’t he? Not that I had doubted him but we had only been dating for a few days and even though we’d spoken over the phone, today was the first day we had properly seen each other since the Tanabata.

I smiled at him.

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

He smiled back and we kissed again, illuminated by the afternoon light streaming in through the clubroom window.

✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩ - - - ✩

“ReaLLY…do we haVE to uSE my secRET roOM for this…?” Natsume sighed as we watched as Wataru produced a disco ball and used his hair to attach it to the roof. Kanata laughed and clapped happily, while Rei and Shu were engaged in a rather heated discussion about the pros and cons of electric guitars and their proper place in music.

I laughed a little at Natsume’s forlorn expression, pouring him another glass of the punch he’d made earlier.

“Well, would you rather do this at someone’s house?” I asked. “The only person who lives close enough and has lax enough parental supervision is Shu and I believe this was supposed to be for him, so wouldn’t that defeat the purpose.”

Natsume took the glass from my hand and downed half of it in one gulp. I laughed harder.

“It’S noT juST foR yoU anD Shu-niiSAN,” he huffed. “It’S foR thE faCT we no lonGER haVE to watCH yoU pinE aftER eaCH otHER.”

“Hey~ I can’t disagree with you on my end but Shu pining? I can’t imagine that.”

Natsume looked at me with an expression of pure disappointment.

“No wonDER it toOK you twO so loNG to geT togetHER…” he muttered.

“Hey!”

He looked me dead in the eyes.

“LeT me recreATE a sceNE frOM the laST EccenTRICS meetING.” He cleared his throat and an imitation of Shu’s voice came out. “Ah, but I don’t deserve her. I’ve done nothing but cause her pain, just like the rest of Valkyrie…How could she ever look at me with love in her ey-”

“NATSUME!” Shu shrieked from the other side of the room. “Just what do you think you are doing?!?”

The rest of the Eccentrics burst out laughing. I looked at Shu’s embarrassed expression—his face redder than Valkyrie's stage costume, his eyes wide with fear—and I couldn’t help it. I started laughing too. Soon the room was filled with the wheezes of five people so far gone into laughter that the slightest thing set them off again. In the midst of it all, Shu stood arms crossed, pouting.

By the time we all managed to calm down, we were lying on the floor in the centre of the secret room, absolutely exhausted from our laughter.

Shu frowned down at me, hands on his hips.

“If you are quite finished, can we head home?”

I pouted up at him.

“Come on, we can stay a little longer right?”

All four of the Eccentrics on the floor turned to Shu with pleading eyes. He sighed.

“Fine…fine…we can stay.”

We all cheered and Shu rolled his eyes as he lay down on the floor next to me. I turned so I was on my side, facing him.

“Hey.”

He smiled softly.

“Hello.”

Before either of us knew it we were kissing again, ignoring our surroundings even as Wataru cheered, Rei wolf-whistled, Natsume groaned, and Kanata giggled.

A perfect ending to a perfect day.

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callimaria · 1 year

Text

getting into the holiday spirit except these guys don’t know how to wrap gifts

characters: deuce s., riddle r.

warnings: none, just pining BUT ALSO they get kisses, smooches even

as the holiday season approaches, crowley appears to be more ‘generous’—as if he would ever be—claiming that the holidays just soften him up.

of course, that meant an actual, decent amount of money you and grim have ever laid your eyes upon, and you went out of your way to get your friends presents…

and now one of them has decided to help you wrap them all. (which is, frankly, quite a lot.)

deuce:

your hands meticulously go to work, creasing and flattening and folding; you wrapped a little wooden box—it had roses and hedgehogs painted onto it, a gift for riddle—so efficiently, deuce paused from his own gift to stare at you in awe.

his cheeks were slightly flushed, either from the sudden pick up of wind outside, ramshackle was horrible at keeping heat in and cold out; or due to his (previously) nonexistent skills in wrapping presents. honestly, you couldn’t tell.

“woah,” he lets out, completely awestruck by your deft hands, his work-in-progress left forgotten.

after mumbling your name, he quietly asks,

“how can you do this so well?”

you look up, pushing the box aside.

“do what?”

“the.. the, uh, wrapping,” he says, eyes locking onto anything but you.

he felt awfully shy, considering he admired you a lot—his mom was both happy and concerned about the amount of messages and letters she’s received talking about you alone—and he was grateful ace wasn’t here to notice his attitude.

“oh!” a little smile slips onto your face, “it took a lot of effort a while ago, my hands were either too clumsy or too fast, and i lost track of what i was doing—i ended up with a lot of.. mistakes…”

you trail off, eyes focusing on the almost-finished present besides deuce.

“yours looks really good, deuce,” you compliment, happy he had improved in such a short time. there were only a few mistakes, but you pushed those aside.

he both brightens and stiffens up, cheeks going even pinker as he gives you a wobbly smile.

“t-thank you! i’m glad th—“

you cut him off by scooting over, brushing his hair out of the way; and you kiss his forehead.

“good job.”

he sat there, flabbergasted, losing all sense of what he once was; now he was the equivalent to a gaping fish.

“y.. yes, thanks.. prefect..” his cheeks burned, hand brushing over his forehead. you were amazing.

💗

riddle:

as the proud, respectful, and diligent housewarden of heartslabyul, it was simply a must that he assist the lone ramshackle prefect in their duty..

duty… of wrapping gifts? on one hand, he knew he lacked the experience to properly help, but he would rather sit and learn (and spend more time with you) than call in someone as a substitute. that’s what ran through his thoughts—that it was logical to stay—but deep inside? he just wanted to be with you, as time is precious. (like you.)

he furrowed his eyebrows as he unfolded, folded and re-creased an edge over and over again, trying to perfect the last corner of a wrapped box. (he was pointedly ignoring that it was addressed to floyd.) he was so consumed in his efforts that he didn’t notice you leaning over his shoulder, marveling at how neat he was.

“wow, you’ve learned well, riddle,” you noted, looking back at your own pile of finished presents. they were a bit messy, but you didn’t get paid enough to be perfect, anyways.

he flinched.

“have i? ..well, it’s good i’ve learned the material; now it’s just proper execution, prefect, and i haven’t quite mastered it yet, though—though i will..” despite brushing off the compliment, he couldn’t hide how he was already starting to turn pink, some steps away from going red.

“master it? really? i would’ve thought you already did it, your gifts look perfect! super amazing, riddle, take a step back and look sometimes.”

he was red, not like a tomato just yet, but he could feel his heartbeat loudly trying to deny the affirmations slipping from your mouth; he clutched onto something, but if the tape dispenser he was holding were to be alive, it’d be crying from the amount of pressure it was under.

“i.. well, i—i…”

“seriously! and honestly, you’d get a reward, but your present’s already been wrapped, so i just have…”

you grip his shoulders, turning him around to face you. taking hold of his hand, you kiss it softly, looking back up.

“..that; i wasn’t sure if you were comfortable with things like forehead kis—“

“off—OFF WITH—“

“w-wait, wait, riddle?! RIDDLE—“

he liked it. (?)

MERRY EARLY CHRISTMAS 🎄 w two of ur fav heartslabyul boys fr

also deuce is totally considering marriage in that last line ;;;;;;:::; hint hint wink wink

(tbh he seems like that one incorrect scenario where someone goes to propose and the other’s like, “oh! you’re finally propoisng” and the proposer’s like ?? how did u know??? when in reality theyve dropled the ring so many times that the other even picked it up once)

abyways w riddle…. congratulations on being collared during the holiday season

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #fluff #twst #twst deuce x reader #twst riddle x reader #deuce spade x reader #riddle rosehearts x reader #deuce spade x yuu #riddle rosehearts x yuu #twst x yuu

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toreii · 8 months

Text

Lost in the Book with Stitch part 36

Disclaimer: This is a fan translation. I apologize for any mistakes. I’m by no means fluent in Japanese, but I try my best. Please, support the official translation when it comes out. Be kind and friendly, and feel free to support me by donating a ko-fi if you’d like. Link is in my description!

Notes: Fixed my little error from the previous update. Last update is actually part 35 and not 36. I apologize for that. Thank you again for your support.💖

Uninhabited Island - Cottage

Everyone: *eating*

Grim: “This fish is delicious~~!!”

Grim: “When I bite into the fluffy meat, the oil spreads inside my mouth...it's the best!”

Lilia: “Not only is the fish well cooked, but the sauce on it is also delicious.”

Jack: “Yes. It’s sweet and sour. Did you make it out of fruit?”

Jack: “The arrangement was beautiful, I didn’t think such a stylish menu would come out of an uninhabited island.”

Riddle: “That’s right. But, what surprised me the most…”

Riddle: “Is that it was Floyd who made this dish.”

Jack: “He quickly made it saying, ‘This is the most suitable thing to make’…”

Riddle: “Yes. He was very skillful. And, it’s so delicious…I’m honestly surprised.”

Lilia: “Floyd is a great chef!”

Floyd: “Oh? I’m being praised?”

Floyd: “It’s refreshing to receive such compliments~. Well, Azul isn’t always impressed as much.”

Floyd: “Keep praising me. Hey, hey, can you say it’s amazing?”

Riddle: “Uh…”

Floyd: “What’s wrong, your mouth is opening and closing. Have you become a real goldfish?”

Riddle: “…If you keep getting carried away, you’ll be in trouble! I won’t say it anymore.”

Floyd: “Oh, is that so? So then, you don’t need a seconds?”

Riddle: “Guh……a-about that…”

Jack: “It’s annoying, but…it’s so delicious! I want more!”

Floyd: “Oookay. I just finished making the acqua pazza. I made it with random fruits and herbs. It smells good, doesn’t it?”

Floyd: “Here, Sea urchin-chan. Eat up~.”

Jack: “Wow. It looks delicious…THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD!”

Floyd: “…So, what about you, Goldfishy? If you don’t want seconds, I can give your share someone else.”

Grim: “Yeah! Don’t worry! Don’t worry about a thing! If that’s the case, give it to me!”

Riddle: “It’s frustrating……but, I can’t go against hunger and this good smell.”

Riddle: “Kuh…!!”

Riddle: “…Floyd, your food certainly is delicious. Well, I too would like seconds…”

Floyd: “AHAHA! That’s good, that’s good~~~~!”

Floyd: “If you say so, let’s give it to you, Goldfishy-chan. Here you go.”

Riddle: “Ugh, I never thought the day would come when I succumbed to Floyd, but…it’s really delicious!”

Floyd: “Sea urchin-chan is also honest with his reaction. Why don’t you follow their example, Azul?”

Azul: “I compliment you as much as I can. Do you really want me to do that?”

Floyd: “Hmm……it would be disturbing if Azul treated me like that, so I guess it’s just the same.”

Floyd: “The boiled coconut milk is also done. Here, eat up too, Crabby-chan.”

Floyd: “Good job today.”

Ace: “Thanks! …mm, yummy!”

Ace: “It’s all thanks to Floyd-senpai, this food is more delicious even after being tired!”

Floyd: “What about Shrimpy-chan and Stitch? Is it good?”

Yuu:

“It’s delicious!”

“More, please!”

Ace: “Right!”

Ace: “Delicious food, a luxurious cottage, and a beautiful sandy beach...it's amazing to say the least.”

Ace: “The parasols and beach chairs placed in the shade look resort-like, and really make you excited.”

Ace: “Sitting here drinking some fancy tropical juice Floyd-senpai made…”

Ace: *gulp, gulp*

Ace: “Aaahhh—! Seriously, a luxury resort is the best! I’d ask Cater-senpai to take a picture if he were here.”

Azul: “I agree. I thought they were just going to repair what was broken...”

Azul: “The facilities are much better than in the morning. If you operate it as a hotel, you can make money!!”

Jack: “This entire time, that’s what you were actually thinking…”

Floyd: “I’m surprised. There are fences, furniture, and other things that weren't there when I made it yesterday.”

Floyd: “I personally like this hammock. It’s fun to sway in, and I feel like I can sleep well like this.”

Riddle: “Lilia-senpai gave me some advice on relaxing. He also made that hammock.”

Riddle: “Stitch seems to like the hammock, too. He was taking a nap in it a while ago.”

Riddle: “I hope everyone who gathered food can rest well.”

Riddle: “Lilia-senpai taught me real life knowledge you can’t get from books. I learned a lot.”

Jack: “I was surprised by Lilia-senpai and how quickly he worked, I thought there was no way I could lose…”

Jack: “Without using magic, he knocked down the tree in the blink of an eye.”

Jack: “I learned…how to use the body. I won’t lose next time.”

Lilia: “Kufufu. It would be great if everyone could enjoy using my experiences.”

Lilia: “I also made a swing on that palm tree over there!”

Lilia: “So, who want’s to try it out? I’ll push you from behind.”

Ace: “Nah, I’m not a child, so I’ll pass on doing that…”

Yuu:

“Grim, why don’t you go for a ride!”

Grim: “Eeh……wouldn’t there be something wrong with the swing Lilia made…won’t it explode?”

Lilia: “There’s no way it would.”

“I’m in your care.”

Ace: “You’re seriously riding that? …Ah. Well, you’re pretty excited, aren’t you?”

To be continued…

#twisted wonderland #disney twst #twst spoilers #lost in the book with stitch #translations not 100% accurate

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cirilla-fiona-riannon · 1 year

Text

Kicho's Main Story Ch. 13 Part 1 Romantic

These translations are not intended as a replacement for the game. Please support Cybird by buying their stories. Spoilers under the cut. Expect grammatical errors.

Suddenly, I smelled the scent of damp soil outside the window, and as I looked up, another memory popped into my mind.

(Come to think of it, we took shelter together that rainy day.)

------------Flashback------------

Kicho: “As long as you live in this world, the opinions and beliefs of others will make who you are.”

Kicho: “That’s why everyone has unanswered questions.”

Mai: “Everyone?”

Kicho: “Still, don’t forget. Wherever you are, whatever you do, you are you.”

Kicho: “As long as you have your will to live, this truth will never change.”

Kicho: “You are not just someone. You’re Mai.”

Kicho: “Wherever you are, whatever you do, just live as you.”

---------Flashback Ends---------

(Wherever I am, I can live as me.)

(That was what Kicho told me from the start.)

(That's why I...)

???: "Mai."

A low voice replied briefly, and Sasuke landed in the room quietly.

Mai: "So you came from the top today. You really are dedicated to your work."

Sasuke: "Thanks for the compliment."

Sasuke: "So, have you decided? What are you gonna do?"

Mai: "Yes, I'm going home."

Sasuke: "Huh?"

Sasuke: "You're serious. All right."

Sasuke: "Then let's hurry before we miss our only chance."

Sasuke: "Mai, how are you doing over there?"

Mai: "Great. I think it’ll be done shortly."

Sasuke: "I see. I'll go over there and get some water."

Mai: "Okay. Thanks."

I watched Sasuke move deeper into the forest and checked the grilled fish.

(It’s starting to cook well. It’s a little like camping.)

(Well, it’s still hard to start a fire. But what can I do? I’m in the Sengoku period.)

(Alrighty, I’ll check it again while I’m waiting.)

I took out a hastily scribbled note from my bag.

(The Oda army will leave Azuchi tomorrow, and their route will be一)

Sasuke: “............”

Mai: “Waah!? Sasuke, how long have you been there!?”

Sasuke: “A while ago. Sorry, you seemed so focused, so I tried to erase my presence.”

Mai: “Yeah. It was perfect. I didn’t even notice you until I looked up.”

Mai: “Wait, did you fetch the water already?”

Sasuke: “Yeah. But we can't relax even though we're on a break.”

Sasuke: “I have to get you safely back to Sakai before the Oda army arrives.”

Mai: “Yeah. Sorry for getting you into this trouble.”

Sasuke: “It’s okay, don’t worry about it. I’m here to help.”

Sasuke squinted his eyes slightly and picked up a freshly cooked grilled fish.

(That’s reassuring. I couldn’t have made this decision alone.)

(I can’t believe I’m going back to Kicho and not to my original time.)

After making up my mind, I spent the next few days attending war councils to learn Kicho's whereabouts and situation. Then, I slipped out of the castle with Sasuke last night.

I left eight lucky charms and a letter for everyone in the Oda army, apologizing for leaving without saying anything and wishing each of them well.

That letter, full of every thanks I could think of for everything they have done so far, has then probably already been discovered.

(It was painful to say goodbye like that, but I had no choice.)

(It was the best solution I could do.)

Mai: "Sasuke. I'm glad I came to this era."

Mai: "I guess I wasn't wrong in the past when I decided not to get too deep into it, but now that I have someone I care about, I feel like I can live more like myself."

Sasuke: "I see. Actually, I know exactly how you feel."

Sasuke: "After sending you off, I planned to stay in this period."

Mai: "You have someone important, too, don't you?"

Sasuke: "Yeah, a lot."

Sasuke: "So no matter what, I will support you."

Mai: "Okay! Thank you so much."

Mitsuhide: "Lord Nobunaga, excuse me."

Nobunaga: "Did you find Mai?"

Mitsuhide: "No. But the maid found this in her room."

Nobunaga: "A letter? And what are these?"

Mitsuhide: "Probably lucky charms. The maid said it was left there along with the letter."

Nobunaga: "Ho?"

Nobunaga opened the letter he received, and after a moment of silence, he sighed lightly.

Nobunaga: "Her handwriting is very sloppy."

Mitsuhide: "What does it say?"

Nobunaga: "It says that she left the castle silently. She also apologizes for that, wishes everyone in the Oda well, and expresses her gratitude for all we've done."

Mitsuhide: “That’s very typical of that lass.”

Nobunaga: “Typical of her, huh? Then what do you think about this?”

Nobunaga: “The letter ends with this statement.”

Mitsuhide: “I’m a spy who snuck into the Oda army. I see. We’ve been tricked.”

Mitsuhide: “I had no idea she was involved in all the planning, including the bombardment of the castle.”

Nobunaga: “She’s a better actor than you. She fooled everyone in the castle.”

Mitsuhide: “Lord Nobunaga, what should we do?”

Nobunaga: “Naturally, I won’t tolerate anyone who stands in the way of unification.”

Nobunaga: “If that woman has confessed to being a traitor, then we must eliminate her and Kicho.”

Nobunaga: “We’ll head to Sakai tomorrow.”

Mitsuhide: “Understood.”

A few days later一

(All right. There are no guards here.)

Stealthily slipping between the houses, I ran to the main street, then back into the shadows, looking around and holding my breath.

(Don’t be hasty. I need to proceed carefully until I reach the trading post. If they find me here, it’ll be over.)

(I shouldn’t waste Sasuke’s kindness in vain.)

Sasuke and I parted shortly before arriving in Sakai.

The rumors that Kicho himself had spread caused a disturbance in the public order around Sakai.

Because of this, we got caught up in the fighting, so Sasuke let me go, telling me to go on ahead.

(Kicho is in this town. That's why...)

Mai: "Mmhp!?"

Suddenly, someone covered my mouth from behind and put my arms behind my back.

(Crap, they found me!)

I felt a dull ache in my arm as I frantically twisted around.

Mai: "----!"

???: "Stop resisting. If you screw around, you'll break your arms."

(This voice...)

I moved my eyes to look across the street and saw someone approaching, smirking.

Motonari: "You're really bad at sneaking in, Princess."

Mai: “Motonari, let me go!”

Motonari: “Ha? Why are you even saying that to me? That guy is the one who’s holding you back.”

Mai: “Aren’t you the one giving orders to this guy?”

Motonari: “Geez, you’re so loud. Don’t forget, I’m doing you a favor by letting you talk right now.”

Motonari: “If I wanted to, I could cut off your mouth, your cocky eyes, and even your legs.”

Mai: “That’s...”

Motonari: “Ha! See, you can shut up. Follow me.”

Mai: “Fine.”

(It’s frustrating, but if I can’t do anything about it, there’s no way I could escape.)

(I never thought Motonari would find me.)

After capturing me, Motonari passed by the trading post and came straight to the port.

As I followed, unsure of his intentions, I noticed a large ship.

Mai: "Since I'm behaving quietly, can I, at least, ask you one question?"

Motonari: "What is it?"

Mai: "If we're at the port, does that mean we're going somewhere?"

Motonari: "Yeah, we'll move to another port from here. It's a perfect place to wait for the Oda army."

(Another port!?)

Mai: "Then, could you please stop by the trading post first? I have something important to do."

Motonari: "Kicho, right? If it's him, he's not there anymore."

Motonari: "To begin with, that trading post is heavily guarded but deserted."

Motonari: "It's better to have some clear information to spread rumors."

Mai: "Then, where's Kicho now?"

Motonari: "I only allowed one question. I've already answered two. It's time for you to shut up."

Motonari: "Don't worry, I'll take you back to your boss."

Mai: "Is that..."

Once we got on board, Motonari opened the door of one of the rooms without knocking.

Motonari: "Excuse me."

Kicho: "That's what you should've said before twisting that doorknob."

(Ah...)

Sighing, Kicho stood up from the chair and turned around.

The moment he saw me, his eyes widened.

Kicho: "Mai, why are you here?"

Mai: "Umm, I just wanted to apologize for the horrible things I said to you the other day."

Kicho: "Is that the only reason you came here?"

Kicho: "The wormhole will appear tonight at Honnoji Temple, as I observed. It's your last chance to return to your own time."

Mai: "I know."

Kicho: "Do you understand what it means to be here?"

Kicho: "It means you'll be left behind in this period with no way to return. You一"

Mai: "I know!"

Kicho: "..........."

Mai: "I understand everything. I know that's why I'm here now, of my own free will."

Mai: "I told you, don't decide for someone how to live their life."

Mai: "It doesn't matter how you live your life or how I live mine."

Kicho: "Mai."

(Your life is more precious to me than anything else because I love you so much.)

(I want you to live and be happy because your life is irreplaceable.)

(That's the only answer I found after living my life as me.)

Mai: "If you think justice and a villain are necessary for peace, I'll gladly become that villain too. I'll become everyone's enemy."

Kicho: “What are you…”

Mai: “Let me tell you something. There’s no turning back now.”

Mai: “I left a note saying I’m your accomplice, who snuck into Azuchi Castle.”

As I stepped toward the startled Kicho, Motonari burst out laughing behind me.

Motonari: “Ahahaha! You really are fucking crazy.”

Mai: "I-It's not a laughing matter! I made a serious decision."

Motonari: "That's why I'm laughing. As usual, yer head is still full of flowers."

Motonari: "If you're going to stay in this era, you better figure out how to stop this situation without risking the life of someone you care about."

Mai: "Me? Hold on. You know I'm not from this era?"

Motonari: "Yeah. Kicho told me everything. That's why you're the right fella for the job."

Motonari: "If yer head is full of everything about peace, you can easily think of another idea."

(Another idea...?)

Motonari: "Well, you two enjoy the rest of the evening."

Motonari: "It'd be rude to interrupt this emotional reunion any longer."

Motonari turned his back and left the room.

Mai: "You told Motonari everything, and then you decided to fight together?"

Kicho: "Yeah, that's right."

Mai: "Then why didn't you tell me?"

Mai: "I heard you're willing to give up your life in this fight."

Kicho: "That's..."

He frowned and fell silent.

His chest seemed to be filled with conflict, confusion, and many other emotions.

Mai: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound mean."

Mai: "The last time I spoke with you, I didn't realize the truth you were keeping from me."

Mai: "And I asked you terrible things too. I'm sorry."

Kicho: "Raise your head. You don't owe me an apology."

Kicho: "If anyone owes you an apology, it's me."

Mai: "You?"

Kicho: "Yeah. If I had really only thought about you, I wouldn't have gone to see you."

Kicho: "I wanted to make sure you were safe, but I guess I wanted to keep you somewhere."

Kicho: "I wanted you to be in my heart even if you don't stay in this era."

Mai: "Kicho..."

Mai: "I love you, so you don't have to do that."

Mai: "But thank you. Thank you for thinking of me that way."

I couldn't resist running up to him and hugging him, putting all my strength into my arms to convey all my feelings through my heartbeat and warmth.

Kicho: "I never thought you'd thank me."

Kicho: "You really are..."

(Ah...)

Swallowing a slight tremor in his voice, he hugged me too.

(It's okay, you don't have to say anything more.)

(I understand everything. It's all getting through.)

Kicho: "Thank you for coming back to me."

Kicho: "No."

Mai: "Huh? No?"

Kicho: "This is dangerous for you. You should value your life a little more."

Mai: "Someone who tried to sacrifice himself has no room to say that."

Mai: "But you're right. Our current strategy indeed seemed unreasonable."

(I wish I could come up with a quick one, but it's not easy.)

After a brief moment of happiness at our reunion, we remembered that we didn't have much time left, so we started thinking of new plans for the future.

Kicho: "Let me reiterate the situation. First, I had no problem with the actions you took."

Kicho: "There's nothing unusual about the travel guide, and you're not getting sick like you used to."

Kicho: "In other words, we're still able to avoid a war-torn future."

Mai: "You're right. I think what's important is to make the enemies or enemy disappear."

Mai: "However, that enemy must be someone not heavily involved in the history we are about to face."

Mai: "So, Ieyasu, who's about to open the Tokugawa Shogunate, is not allowed."

Kicho: "Yeah. He's too important."

Mai: "If Japan itself is the stage, then we're the supporting characters."

Mai: "Someone who would've remained the same whether they were there or not..."

Kicho: "Mai."

Mai: "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to sound so gloomy, but this is weird."

Kicho: "I guess you're still tired."

Kicho: "Fatigue affects our thinking. Get some rest."

Mai: "Maybe so, but now is not the time to一"

Kicho: "Impatience also has an effect. Anyway, wait here for a while."

He said that and quickly left the room.

(I'm kind of making him worried.)

(I didn't come here to drag his feet.)

Sighing, I plopped down on the table and groaned.

After a while, I heard the door open again.

Kicho: "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Mai: "No, it's okay. More importantly, what did you bring?"

Kicho: "Tea. It's a good thing I left some."

He carefully poured the tea into a teacup, emptied a small bowl, and took something out.

Kicho: "How sweet do you like it?"

Mai: "Huh? Sugar in this era?"

Kicho: "I'm the head of a trading post. I can get almost anything."

Mai: "I see. Then, a little sweet."

Kicho: "Yeah, got it."

He picked a few pieces of konpeito (sugar candy) and put them in the tea, the lovely sugar candy slowly melting in the steamy amber.

Kicho: "Here. You'll feel a little more relaxed if you drink something warm."

Mai: "Okay. Thank you."

Gratefully accepting it, I took a sip and a gentle sweetness spread in my mouth.

(It's delicious.)

(I feel my body warming up gradually from deep inside my stomach.)

Kicho: "There's that look."

Mai: "What?"

Kicho: "You finally smiled."

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cloverpeaches · 2 years

Text

Learn to Love You

Chapter 2/? Ch1 Ch3 Ch4 Ch5

yandere!Childe/reader

CW: general yandere themes, kidnap, toxic relationship, mild dubcon (kissing only)

Word Count: 3,908

Note: Childe is a sweet yandere. Reader is a woman.

Also on AO3

Childe made good on your challenge, grinning with exhilaration.

“Great! I, Tartaglia, will humbly accept your challenge.”

He did not say as much, but you just knew he was comparing conquering your love to the heat of battle. If not for your vulnerable situation, though, you might have found this charming.

To avoid thoughts that might give him an advantage, you quickly reply, “what is your first play then?”

Childe’s smile curled into one of smug delight. He was clearly enjoying this ‘game.’

“Well, I suppose I should compliment you.”

He looked you up and down, scrutinizing your features. You felt small, like a rabbit in view of a fox. You had not realized you were holding your breath.

“You look positively delightful in your new sleepwear,” he said running a finger lightly down the sleeve. “I’m happy you finally put them on. I was worried you didn’t like them.”

It was true that they were excellent quality silk, slippery to the touch. It was just a simple button-up and bottoms. Nothing scandalous. The problem was not the quality or the cut but where they came from.

“I just prefer my own clothes,” you half lied. You had never tried on any of the clothes he bought for you until tonight.

He clearly knew you were lying but chose to ignore it. You chose to ignore why he knew you had never worn these.

“It will take more than lip service to win me over, you know,” you continued.

“Of course, then let me see…” he replied as he flamboyantly tapped his chin though you assumed that this was just part of the show. “How about I start with a list of my good qualities?”

“Oh?” was all you could muster in response. You were curious about what he would consider a ‘good’ quality.

“Yes, well, I already told you that I love cooking. Back home, I cooked for my family. I could catch you fresh fish and prepare it the same way I did back home. Then you will undoubtedly be seduced by not only my delicious cooking but understand my homeland as well. Two birds, one stone.”

“Seduced, right? Is that a comprehensive list of your good qualities?” Your tone was playful, and if you were honest with yourself, you felt cheered up.

“Of course not, and I am happy to brag,” Childe said laughing, lightly touching your shoulder again, “but I imagine that this is not what you had in mind for conversation.”

You only noticed now he had been inching closer to you. You stiffened and caught your breath in your throat. His blue-eyed gaze was only inches away from you now. Though you could make comparisons to prey, Childe’s eyes were soft. He gingerly reached out his hand to brush your hair behind your ear.

His voice was low and breathy as he said, “if you recall, being a good kisser is one of my good qualities.”

You met his eyes, but Childe did not move. He stayed perfectly still, smiling warmly at you as he cupped your cheek. He was waiting for your permission.

What more did you have to lose?

You leaned in and pressed your lips against his. Childe immediately reciprocated by placing his other hand chastely on your shoulder but did not attempt to deepen the kiss. He was warm, like a breath of fresh summertime air. It was a direct juxtaposition of the cold emptiness it must have taken to keep you to himself.

After a few moments, you pull back. You felt like your mind was lagging behind reality as it was still processing what you had done. Maybe that reason is why you allowed him to hold you in his arms.

You were almost in his lap as he directed your head to his shoulder. Childe’s grip was tight, protective. If he was not the person you should be desperately running from, you would have felt safe. You allowed yourself to relax, however. You gave into your touch starvation. You had not touched another human being in months.

You sat there with him in silence for what felt like the entire night. In reality, it was likely only several minutes. Childe placed occasional kisses on the top of your head and caressed your back in comfort. The worst part was that he knew he was hurting you. And rather than stop the blows, he simply applied bandages.

You pushed such thoughts out of your head and closed your eyes. The build-up of anxiety you had carried for months had made you exhausted.

“Love, please stay here with me tonight.” Childe’s voice was quiet, but the vibration of his voice tickled your ear.

You did not answer right away and rather listened to the steady rate of his heart. You distanced yourself from thoughts of surprise that he had one. You were losing your grip on consciousness.

Childe’s grip never loosened, but eventually, he leaned the both of you back and pulled the covers over you. You did not resist, and in fact, you did not particularly mind. You were embracing the unreality of spending the night with Tartaglia.

Childe rubbed soft circles into your back, and you leaned into his chest under the warm blankets. The steady rhythm of his heart lulled you into a dreamless sleep.

When you awoke, the room was barely lit by the sun kissing the horizon. It was just beginning to rise. You pulled yourself up and rubbed the remaining sleepiness out of your eyes. You stretched your stiff muscles all the way down to your toes, and the events of last night started to come back to you as you realized you were not in your own bedroom.

But you were alone. You scanned the dim room quickly but saw no one. The light in the bathroom was off, too.

You hopped out of bed and took a deep breath. You attempted to exhale the loneliness that was gathering yet again in the pit of your stomach. You judged your thoughts harshly, though. After all this time of resenting Tartaglia for what he did, how could you allow yourself to miss him? It should send alarm bells that laying with your captor brought you so much comfort and solace. It should anyway.

You dutifully made up the bed before wandering the halls of the large house. It was mostly quiet save for the morning song of the free birds outside. You poke your head casually into each room on the upper floor, but you ultimately decided that Childe had likely already left for work. You rarely saw him in the mornings, but this was mostly due to your refusal to leave your room until he left.

You gave up your half-hearted search and decided to dress for the day and get something to eat. You attempted to ground yourself to ease your mind. You focus your thoughts on the present like how smooth the polished stair banister felt or how loud your isolated footsteps sounded as they rang down the hall and bounced back at you.

By the time you reached the kitchen, however, your footsteps were not the only proof that the villa was empty. A faint sizzling buzzes through the door. You stealthily place your hand on the door latch and press your ear against it. The sounds of the stove were enhanced by the clinking of cookware and light humming.

Childe had respected your wishes to be left alone in the house since you were given freedom of it. Something did not add up… unless?

All speculation was halted as you heard footsteps approach the door. Shocks of electricity rapidly fired up your arm when you felt the door latch turn. You swiftly removed your hand and took a swift step backward as the door opens.

“Oh! Good morning, beautiful!” Childe’s voice echoed in your ears, pleasant as ever. You were wrong to assume he was already gone.

“I didn’t expect you to be awake so early,” he continued, stepping back into the kitchen, gesturing for you to follow. “I have to go soon, but I made this for you.”

Childe was holding a tray of—frankly—delicious-looking food. The rice was fluffy and the egg on top was a perfect golden orb. He set it down at the small kitchen table you shared dinner at the night before.

Seeing the tray, you assume he was going to take it upstairs to you. Childe was clearly taking your proposition seriously.

You sheepishly thanked him before taking a seat across from him. He simply smiled at you and hastily started on his own portion.

You were not sure what to do. Should you put on a face and pretend to be his loving darling? Or should you just be honest? While your intention was to make him bored of you, you consider if actually falling in love with him would numb the pain.

“To be honest, I didn’t think you were serious when you said you liked to cook,” you said after tasting his dish. It was as good as it looked.

Childe laughed. “Of course! I told you I used to cook for my younger siblings back at home all the time. I take matters of the family very seriously, you know. I would love to make you some of those dishes sometime.”

His tone was genuine yet again. If he was trying to deceive you, he was a pretty good actor. Should you trust that his intentions were genuine? Did it really matter?

Childe hurried through his meal, leaving his plate in the basin he filled with water beforehand.

“I have to leave now, angel,” Childe said apologetically, “but I will be back later. That’s a promise!”

As he passed by the table, he lightly touched your shoulder but nothing more. You decided to trust that he was being authentic. What would change if he was being dishonest? Childe bid you a final goodbye before leaving your side.

As you finished the meal he had lovingly made you, you reflected on the night before. Before, you did not dare dream of one day leaving the house lest give yourself false hope. On the other hand, you did not know how to move forward with your life if you resigned yourself to Childe’s game.

You had not previously considered a third option, though. It would be a disservice to yourself not to give it an honest attempt. After all the pain and emptiness you had felt, you decided that there was not really a downside to letting Childe try to win your affection. That’s what you told yourself.

The day passed faster than the norm of a snail's pace. Maybe it was because you got a good night’s sleep for once.

After the sun had completely disappeared, you wrapped up the extra plate of dinner and left it on the counter then retired to the living room.

You fought against your heavy eyelids as you flipped through the pages of one of the last unread books left. The warm glow of the lantern against the pale moonlight spilling in through the window created homey shadows that flickered against the furniture.

As the moon was high in the sky by this point, you glanced at the clock yet again. You decided that you were losing the battle against sleep and put out the light.

You did not bother heading upstairs in hopes of hearing the door open when Tartaglia finally returned. You did not have anything in particular to say to him, but he promised, right? You should assure he makes good on that promise.

The rhythmic ticking of the clock lulled you to sleep on the sofa.

You awoke with a start at the sound of the front entrance closing followed by footsteps passing by the living room. They were restrained as you heard them ascend the stairs, intentionally dampened. You wondered if Childe took this much care not to wake you up every night. It was still dark outside, but you could no longer make out the time.

You rise from the couch to follow Childe upstairs, wrapping a throw blanket around your shoulders. You were sure he would be going to check on you anyway, and you thought it was pointless to avoid him. You avoided indulging yourself in thoughts about missing him and the relief you felt as he came through the door.

As you took light steps up the stairs, Childe called out from the top.

“What are you doing awake, love?” His voice rang through the halls as he leaned over the banister. He seemed happy to see you. Of course.

You met him at the top and replied, “I fell asleep downstairs.” Your voice was hoarse with sleepiness.

Childe smiled warmly and closed some of the distance between you. He cautiously placed his hands on your shoulder, watching your reaction. You did not resist him as he ran his hands down the plush blanket. He pulled you into his embrace and you closed your eyes. You did not reciprocate yet, but you did not want him to let go.

“Were you waiting for me? I’m sorry to be back so late. I am kind of cutting ‘later’ close though.” Childe furrowed his brow, running his fingers through your hair absently.

“I won’t let you make empty promises,” you reply into his chest, voice muffled.

“I never break my promises. You can count on me to always keep my word,” Childe replied laughing lightly before pausing. “...though I suppose I could try a little harder to get back before you fall asleep.”

He placed a chaste kiss on your forehead before releasing you. You got a good look at his face for the first time. Though his usual warm smile occupied his face, it did not erase the bags under his eyes and clear exhaustion. You could not help but wonder what he had been doing since dawn.

“I made food earlier. It’s probably cold by now, but I left you some in the kitchen.” Remnants of grogginess clung to each word; you had no idea how he could keep up his sunny disposition.

“You went to the trouble of cooking for me again? I would hate for it to go to waste, but I think I would rather get some sleep first. Thank you for thinking of me.” Childe was apologetic.

“It’s no problem… It seemed silly to only make a single serving. It’s no big deal.”

Childe apologized again and wished you goodnight, but as he turned to retire to his room, your body moved on its own. You surprised yourself as you grabbed his hand. Even though today was better, the creeping loneliness consumed you. You were willing to set aside your resentment for another night. You had been waiting for Childe’s return since he left at dawn, and this brief interaction was not enough. You needed more.

“Childe… please stay with me again,” your voice was barely above a whisper. You questioned if the words even left your mouth or if you had imagined it. It was difficult to meet his gaze, but you brought yourself to make eye contact.

Childe was delighted. He gripped your hand and pulled you close again.

“Love, from now on you never have to ask. I will always welcome you to stay with me while I’m here. I’m the one who is supposed to make you fall in love with me, remember?” Childe teased lightheartedly.

You could not bring yourself to say anything more. You tried to focus on his warm rather rough hand holding yours. You felt as though you were being split in half. You were conflicted by the sick feeling you got when you looked into his eyes and the sense of relief you got when he touched you. There was no point in resisting him at this point.

The rest of the evening that followed was similar to the night before. You crawled into his bed, and he held you like a caged bird. While Childe kept up his energy when speaking to you, he was undeniably exhausted. He fell asleep as his head touched the pillow. You were comforted by his soft, even breathing and slipped back into unconsciousness.

When you awoke again, it was like no time had passed. You were still held snuggly against Childe’s chest. You looked up at his resting face. You had never had an opportunity to see him so vulnerable before this. Resting Childe looked more boyish than you would have ordinarily described him. Despite his exuberant personality, there was an eerie darkness behind Childe’s eyes. He was a clear example of how unspeakable battle experiences change someone. You did not allow yourself to dwell on this thought any longer.

You tried to break away from his grip, but Childe only tightened his arms around you. You contemplated wiggling out, but something told you there was no escaping like a constricting snake to its mouse dinner. It was time to wake up.

“Childe,” you say before waiting a moment. His breathing paused for a moment. You tap his arm with your free hand and repeat his name.

This time he opened his eyes. Your heart picked up as you worried about what would come next. Childe only smiled though and nuzzled his head into your neck.

“Good morning, love,” he whispered.

You ignored his greeting and replied, “I want to get up now.”

He loosened his grip immediately. It should not have surprised you given how he had kept his distance all other times; however, you were still surprised how easy that was. He gently ran his hand down your forearm as you sat up.

Childe was so tender with you, and his sleepy morning face was so handsome, almost adorable. His warm smile made you want to cry. The resentment you felt bubbled up in your chest holding your breath hostage. You held back hot tears in your throat.

You were angry! You were angry that he was loving and affectionate and devoted and passionate. You were angry that you missed him when he was gone, and you were angry that you were relieved to be in his arms. You were angry that you liked him so much despite everything. You wanted to hate him, but you also wanted to love him back. You could not let go of the disgust you felt for him either out of self-respect. How could he do this to you?! He ruined everything.

Childe’s peaceful expression morphed into concern as he sat up with you. Silent tears rolled down your cheeks.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” He brushed your hair out of your face and wiped a tear from your cheek. You looked at him with lovesick contempt.

You felt like you were coming apart at the seams. Your patience with the situation had become thread worn.

You abandoned all restraint and leaned in to kiss him. This time, though, you poured the intensity of your feelings into a passionate kiss. You wrapped your arms around his neck and crawled onto his lap.

It took Childe a moment to kiss you back, apparently bewildered at what you were doing. After processing, he wrapped his hands around your waist and matched your intensity. Though you kissed in both the before-times and after, it was never like this. You ran your hands through his hair which was surprisingly feathery and soft. You gave it a gentle tug and voraciously slipped your tongue into his mouth. Childe reciprocated running his hands up your back, groaning at the intrusion.

You dropped one of your hands down to Childe’s chest, unabashedly feeling him up. Unsurprisingly, his muscles were highly toned. You had to see this for yourself. Your fingers glide over the texture of his shirt, looking for the glossy button. Once you find it, you make quick work of the top three. You plant a final kiss on Childe’s cheek before taking a breath of much-needed air. You continued your trail of kisses down his jaw and neck, thoroughly enjoying his skin heat up at your touch.

Once you reached his chest, however, you were interrupted. Childe placed his hands firmly on your shoulders making it impossible for you to continue. You pull back and meet his eyes.

“Not like this,” Childe said softly before pulling you into another chaste embrace. You rested your head on his shoulder and, for the first time, wrapped your arms around him in return.

You said nothing, brain shorting out. You did not want to process what you felt.

“Love… I want you, but not like this,” Childe reassured you, running the fingers of one hand through your hair while the was wrapped tightly around your waist. You sat in silence together once again for a few minutes.

“I’m mad at you,” you say finally, submitting yourself to honesty.

Childe contemplated this for a while, trying to put together how being angry would lead to a quick makeout session. You were not really sure how either to be fair.

“It would be pretty obtuse to ask why, wouldn’t it?”

“Yes, but ask anyway.”

Childe indulged you. “Why are you mad at me?”

You took a deep breath. Maybe it was foolish to put everything out on the table, but what did you really have to lose?

“I’m mad that you ruined everything for us. Things were going so well. I would have been here with you anyway! I wanted you anyway! How am I supposed to love you when I have to live knowing I’m only an hour away from my old life? How am I supposed to love you when you did this to us?! The worst part is that no matter what happens, we can never go back to the way things were.”

You realized you were yelling and your tears had resumed a hot, steady flow down your cheeks. Childe looked at you painfully. He reached out to wipe away your tears as you shook and cried silently.

“I know,” he ran his hands through your hair again as he averted his gaze. “I won’t give up on you, though. I told you before and I will tell you as many times as you need me to: I can be good for you. You just have to let me.”

You leaned back into his embrace, clutching him tighter as if you were hanging onto life itself.

“How can you fix this?” you say voice barely audible.

Childe replied immediately, “It’s okay if you don’t love me back yet, but you have to let me love you. I know that you’ll love me back soon.” His voice was confident but genuine.

“That’s so vague…”

“Well… you say you hate being so close to home. I’m due to return home to Snezhnaya soon, and you’ll come with me. The change of scenery will be better. That’s a start.”

‘You’ll come with me…’ Clearly, this was not up for discussion.

Childe continued, “Let me love you, and you’ll grow to love me too. I promise.”

His words made you shiver despite the morning sun’s rays on your skin. The thought of being taken so far from home was a terrifying prospect, but you felt an equally unnerving sense of hope. The anticipation was a dizzying concoction of conflicting feelings.

Would it be giving up to accept?

Next Chapter

#childe #tartaglia #yandere childe #yandere tartaglia #genshin impact #ajax genshin impact #learn to love you

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