ask-skull-and-muffin

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

OMG THE BG ART IS SOO CUTE AHHHHHHH✨❣️❣️❣️😭😭😭💕💕💕💞💖💖💖💜💜💜💜💜

I know right!? It was one of the first ever fanarts I received! Made by the amazing @cloud-chaser-2224 here on tumblr! I adore the way they draw the Bois!

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

Khr Poll Time!

I freaking love that there's so many scientific names for different kinds of clouds!

If you wanna, let me know why the Cloud you chose reminds you of Skull!

Oh! And reblog for bigger sample size, please!

1. Cirrostratus Clouds

2. Cirrus Clouds

3. Cirrocumulus Clouds

4. Altocumulus Clouds

5. Altostratus Clouds

6. Nimbostratus Clouds

7. Cumulonimbus Clouds

8. Stratocumulus Clouds

9. Stratus Clouds

10. Cumulus Clouds

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

Khr Poll Time!

I freaking love that there's so many scientific names for different kinds of clouds!

If you wanna, let me know why the Cloud you chose reminds you of Skull!

Oh! And reblog for bigger sample size, please!

1. Cirrostratus Clouds

2. Cirrus Clouds

3. Cirrocumulus Clouds

4. Altocumulus Clouds

5. Altostratus Clouds

6. Nimbostratus Clouds

7. Cumulonimbus Clouds

8. Stratocumulus Clouds

9. Stratus Clouds

10. Cumulus Clouds

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

If you are a fan fic writer and you're alright with people making fan art of your fic, reblog this 💚

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

You guys are commenting on the fics you read right? You’re at least leaving kudos on the Astarion smut and the pairs that have less than 20 fics for them too? You’re bookmarking stories you really like that are still being updated and ones that haven’t been touched in over a year right?

You know that even the smallest interactions are like cocaine to fic writers right? You understand how important a string of emoji hearts left behind on chapter at three am is right?? Right????

You’re treating AO3 like a community and not a content factory….right?

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

i know it’s been said before, but it bears repeating: a big, big part of maintaining your confidence & self esteem as a creator is fully embracing the concept of “you don’t have to be good like them.  you can be good like you.”

for example, i’m not someone who’s particularly good at coming up with complex, elaborate plots or incredibly unique ideas.  it’s just not how i choose to write.  and it would be easy for me to look at someone with an elaborate, super unique plot & decide that because i don’t write like that, i’m not a good writer.  after all, unique plots are good, and my writing lacks those, so my writing must not be good, right?  well, no, actually.  i just have different strengths, like taking a simple premise & digging super deep into its emotional depths.  that’s what i do well & it isn’t any better or worse than people who do elaborate world building or come up with really creative and unexpected plots.

your writing is never going to be all things to all people.  it just isn’t.  inevitably, you’ll have to make creative choices that favor certain aspects of writing over others.  there is truly no getting around that & it’s honestly a good thing, because it means you’ve developed your own style.  but you’ll always encounter other creators who posses strengths that you don’t.  it doesn’t mean one is better than the other or that your writing isn’t good enough. 

comparing yourself like that would be like taking a piece of pizza & a cupcake & going “oh no, that cupcake is so sweet & my pizza isn’t sweet at all.” or “gosh, the garlic crust on that pizza is delicious and my cupcake doesn’t have ANY garlic.”  obviously your pizza isn’t sweet.  obviously your cupcake doesn’t have garlic.  a food can’t have every single delicious flavor at once.  the cupcake is good like a cupcake.  the pizza is good like a pizza.  so you don’t have to be good like them.  you can be good like you.

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

🔹 Someone else's fiction cannot cause you physical harm.

🔹If someone else's fiction is causing you emotional or psychological harm, or distress, you can put it down and not read/watch it.

🔹Your emotional well-being is not the responsibility of fiction writers.

🔹Someone else's fiction is not about your personal trauma.

🔹When reading or watching fiction, you always have the power. You can always stop. You are never reading fiction without your own consent.

🔹Fiction writers are not responsible for other people's mental health.

🔹The content of a piece of fiction does not reflect on the morality of its author.

🔹Just because someone writes about bad things happening, doesn't mean they want those things to happen.

🔹Don't like? Don't read.

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

Hi,

It’s you friendly neighbor fanfic author here. In the light of this apparent new trend of people feeding unfinished fics to AI to get an “ending,” and some people even talking about “blanket permissions,” let me just say this:

I EXPLICITLY FORBID ANYONE TO FEED MY FICS TO AI. DUDE, THAT IS ABOUT THE LEAST RESPECTFUL THING YOU CAN DO. IF YOU DO IT, SHALL YOU BE EXCOMMUNICATED FROM YOUR FANDOM AND WALK ON LEGOS BAREFOOT TILL THE END OF DAYS.

That is my anti-permission.

Thank you for your attention.

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

The third of his kind! I may make this a daily thing. They are fun and easy to draw! :D

Help him... Pls...

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

I'm trying to figure out where to post these. Should I post them here as well?

Another tbh!Hibari! I like making these :>

He watch his skool...

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

Let me just post this here as well! My first journey into the world of digital art! Of course, I had to draw him :'3

He has charmed you with his stare... Reblog him to let him bring discipline to your blog too!

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

Goodnight Story #9

[Plain Text: "Goodnight Story #9" bigger and cursive /end pt]

Today was supposed to be a normal, peaceful day for Verde. Unfortunately, Skull, Reborn and Fon somehow ended up bored. So Verde has some slightly annoying company.

Skull is still inspecting Verde's forging oven, naively crawling halfway inside it, unnecessarily fascinated with the way it's set up. Of course Reborn pushes the door shut, making Skull squawk in surprise, before addressing Verde much too nonchalantly. "What are you drawing?"

Verde doesn't look up from his work, calmly continuing to sketch, even as Fon hovers over his shoulder, curiously watching him work. Verde just barely remembers Reborn likes to have his questions answered. "Schematics."

Fon hums inquisitively, shaking his head just a tiny bit. He would not be able to read half of the Italian Verde used in this schematic, so his confusion is understandable. "No... No that's a human arm."

Verde doesn't sigh, but he wants to. Fon is just curious and wants to learn, his lack of a formal education is not his fault. So Verde educates him, his tone gentle. "Prosthesis, Fon. I'm designing a prosthetic arm."

Fon hums softly again, leaning just a bit closer. Verde can feel the body-heat rolling off of him now. The awe in Fon's voice is entirely genuine. "That's pretty cool. It looks... So life-like."

Of course, such a comment draws Reborn near and that man knows no personal space. Verde just huffs when Reborn drapes his weight over his shoulder, snuggling close shamelessly and taking a look himself. The momentary pause that follows really says more than enough, but Reborn voices his opinion anyways. "Are you... Sketching from memory?"

Verde hums faintly in acknowledgement, adjusting himself under Reborn's weight and once again losing himself to focus just a little. After a minute, Fon's weight is a little added surprise, but Verde honestly doesn't mind. At least they're resting on both of his shoulders now and distributing their weight more evenly.

Skull speaks up then, no longer in the Forge, instead he's admiring Verde's indoor garden. He's gently cupped his hands around a still-green orange, fascinated and endeared. "I still can't believe you build all this yourself."

This, of course, meaning the highly sophisticated watering and lighting systems that support Verde's little garden. That was one of his first private projects Verde was able to fund. It's been years since then. "I can build anything. All I need are materials and time."

Of course, Reborn has to be a little shit, sounding entirely too amused as he reminds Verde. "And money."

Verde promptly shakes Reborn and Fon off of his shoulders, frowning to himself. That reminder was unhelpful and uncalled for. Verde quickly resolves to ignore them starting now-

But Reborn sighs, over-exaggerated and impatient. You can practically hear the eyeroll and Verde turns to him, the words to tell him off already on the tip of his tongue. But...

Reborn is holding an envelope, thick with whatever is inside it. He sounds smugly amused again. "Let me finish. You need money for your projects."

Reborn offers the envelope to Verde, something distinctly fond in the look in his eyes. Fon and Skull are nearby too, looking adorably excited now. Somehow Reborn still sounds like he's teasing him. "This is for you. Happy Valentine's, you nerd."

Verde blinks rapidly, briefly glancing toward his calender, before accepting the envelope, entirely suspiscious. Fon and Skull look almost too excited. From that alone, Verde can deduce that this present was probably some kind of group effort.

Verde picks the envelope open, raising his eyebrows in surprise when he unearths an actual stack of bills. By the looks of it alone, this is at least 30.000 Euro. This might just be enough to finish Verde's next 4 projects!

Verde looks at his idiots again, his chest oddly warm, even as his voice comes out unsure and stern. "Why?"

Skull speaks up this time, fidgeting his hands together, shifting around. He's blushing, the way he does when he thinks he's in trouble. "Actually... It was Viper's idea. Cause I kept going on about... Feeling bad for breaking your glass stuff..."

Oh, yes. Months ago, when Skull was in a particularly helpful mood, he'd dropped a whole box of glassware. Several beakers, numerous vials and even some syringes and droppers where lost. But nothing particularly important was broken. Verde had told him it was fine. He'd even outright forgiven him after Skull brought him some new glassware from who knows where.

So this is just silly-

Fon gently brushes his knuckles over Verde's cheeks, pulling him out of his thoughts entirely and giving him a very warm smile. "Skull and Viper came up with the idea because of that incident. But it's supposed to be a gift first and foremost."

Reborn is standing back a bit now, his arms loosely crossed, a subtle indication he is not entirely secure with the vulnerability he is about to present. Verde sometimes wonders if Reborn is aware of his own tells actually. "We know how much you love your projects."

Skull and Fon nod their agreement and Verde blinks down at the stack of cash again. He won't reject this, cause that would be quite idiotic, but... It feels wrong to accept this much without somehow returning the favor. So, after just a moment of thought, Verde offers the one thing he can give freely. ".... Thank you very much. May I hug you?"

Skull almost chirps like a bird, nodding enthusiastically and bouncing in place. He is in Verde's arms before Verde has even fully stood up out of his seat.

Fon chuckles at Skull's eagerness, but he too nods, flushing faintly. He moves more slowly, careful to control his strength when he cuddles into Verde's embrace next to Skull.

They are both so tiny in Verde's arms, their cheeks barely rest comfortably against his shoulders. Verde makes sure to give both of them a good squeeze, placing two tiny kisses on top of their hair, before looking at the last person that has earned a hug today.

Reborn is blushing surprisingly brightly, his arms crossed just a bit tighter and he'd averted his eyes for just a moment. Verde catches his eyes when he looks at them again. Verde wordlessly gestures that Reborn can absolutely join this hug, but Reborn hesitates.

So Verde gently pats Skull's back and presses light on Fon's shoulder, slowly breaking their embrace, so both of his arms are free to accommodate Reborn. He offers the hug again, silently. And the hesitation completely leaves Reborn.

Reborn is a bit taller than Fon and Skull. He can rest his chin on Verde's shoulder quite comfortably, but he also hugs like a vice. If Verde hadn't preemptively reinforced his skin with just a touch of lightning, he might've gotten a bruise from that tight squeeze.

Instead, Verde is perfectly content like this, cuddling Reborn closer for a moment, before moving to put a kiss on the man's head. That accursed fedora gets in his way though, which very briefly gives Reborn a case of the giggles. Then Reborn tips his hat back and goes up on his tiptoes, placing the gentlest of kisses on both of Verde's cheeks.

And just like that, Reborn breaks the hug and tugs his fedora back down again to cover his expression. He's blushing and smiling and immediately turns to leave the room, because that was probably more than enough vulnerability for him, for the rest of the month.

Verde will also feel very warm and loved for about a month at least. Especially since Fon and Skull overcome their shyness and bashfully request another hug.

And it's only been a few weeks at most since the last time Verde felt this Treasured and Beloved!

.... Verde knows he's earned this affection. They all did.

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

Goodnight Story #8

[plaint Text: "Goodnight Story #8" bigger and cursive /end pt]

Skull really likes hugging Reborn.

Yes, that sounds odd, there are many better people to hug. Kinder people... Softer people... Even people that like hugs as much as Skull does! But Reborn specifically.... Radiates warmth and comfort when he truly relaxes into a hug. And it's the most calming thing to Skull.

The only issue is.... Reborn doesn't seem to like hugs very much. He never initiates physical contact, he's stiff as a board whenever Skull does wrap his arms around him and he's always the first to pull out of any hug Skull manages to trap him into! Hell, sometimes Reborn even leaves the room as soon as he notices that Skull is in a huggy mood!

But.... Tonight is different. Very different.

Skull just got his Carcassa goons out of a difficult situation, when Reborn showed up out of nowhere and made himself into the biggest nuisance. So much so, Skull ended up trapped in his bedroom.

Reborn must've got kinda bad news about some private thing. He hunted down Skull's airship, broke into his bedroom, refused any offered coffee and has yet to let go of Skull's sleeve. And he's very purposefully keeping Skull from leaving the bed. It's very awkward.

Eventually, Skull gives up and stops trying to pull free, sitting down with a sharp huff and giving Reborn a throughly annoyed look. Reborn just blinks at him, seeming absurdly innocent. Skull's voice comes out more frustrated than he really feels. "What is it with you today??"

Reborn blinks at him, his posture relaxed, his expression calm. An odd twinkle in his eyes. And of course he is as cryptic as ever! "I heard the news and came here to celebrate. Obviously."

Skull claws his free hand into his pillow, frowning and pouting as hard as he can. Cause sometimes Reborn does soften on him when Skull gives him puppy eyes. That's not the case this time. Skull tries to shake Reborn's hand off of his sleeve again. It doesn't work. Why does Skull still sound frustrated-? "Celebrate what, hm."

Reborn sighs the faintest bit and Skull freezes up, feeling oddly chastized immediately. Reborn has way too many parent vibes sometimes... Right now, he somehow sounds a bit fond, as well as disappointed. "I'm here to congratulate you on your first successful solo mission, Lackey."

Skull frowns again, mentally going over the past few days, but he honetsly has no idea what Reborn is on about. So he's very honest, finally twisting his arm free and soothing his reddened wrist a little with his other hand. "What are you on about..?"

Reborn spreads his arms, gesturing vaguely. Now he sounds just the slightest bit puzzled himself. "Didn't you save some Carcassa subordinates from an enemy Mafia just yesterday?"

Skull blinks rapidly, very clearly remembering that, but.... That's not a mission, is it? Skull just did what anyone would've done! ...Right? He blinks at Reborn, feeling a little silly. "That wasn't a mission... Right?"

"That's not what I heard. " Reborn still has his arms spread, which is getting a little awkward, even if he looks perfectly comfortable, graceful and relaxed. Skull keeps blinking at him, obviously not seeing any implications.

So Reborn rolls his eyes, quirks a little smirk and grabs Skull's shirt. He just... pulls him against his chest, even as Skull flails a little in surprise. And Skull wraps his arms around him instinctively, blinking some more before the action registers as a hug and he finds some words. "A celebration hug...?"

Reborn nods above him, sighing faintly and pulling Skull close until they are hugging properly. Skull snuggles very close, very much touch starved and happy for any affection. And this time, Reborn doesn't break the hug! Which means...

Oh.

Reborn doesn't dislike hugs. He just views them as something that should be more meaningful...

That's so damn cute, what the hell...

[Muffin here! If you like my Goodnight Stories, pls give them a reblog! I want to reach more khr Fans and provide them with good sleeps and sweet dreams! :D]

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

Goodnight Story #7

[Plaint Text: "Goodnight Story #7" Bigger and cursive /end pt]

Kyoya obviously had a bad day. Skull doesn't need to know what happened to know that much at least. As soon as Kyoya got home, he shucked off his jacket, threw his tonfa down the hallway and went into his bedroom with the biggest huff!

Skull almost instantly started on some fried rice, instinctively resorting to the comfort food Kyoya cooked for him that very first day they shared this space. It only takes half an hour and by the time Skull puts it all in a bowl, the anger that's been permeating the air has faded significantly.

Skull walks up to Kyoya's door and knocks lightly, waiting for permission, but no answer comes. Skull prods his flames into that room and-Yep. Kyoya is definitely in there. Curled up on his futon by the feel of his flame. He also waves one hand dismissively when Skull pokes him with his flames, disinterested but not angry at Skull at least.

Skull cracks the door open just a little. "Hey-? I made some fried rice... If you'd like a quick snack..."

Kyoya has his face buried in his pillow and he still doesn't reply, only hugging his pillow closer and grumbling faintly. Skull hesitates just a second longer, before Kyoya's flame nearly physically drags him into the room. Kyoya may be angry and upset, but his flame is gentle despite it all, curling into Skull's rugged edges gently. Almost like it's a whispering breeze, brushing a nice chill over the sore, torn ends of Skull's former bonds.

Skull easily shakes the sensations off and closes the door, approaching the futon slowly and taking a seat there. Kyoya still has his face buried in the pillow, very actively sulking. Skull makes sure his voice is gentle, even if he can't mask the confusion perfectly. "Do you wanna talk about what happened?"

Kyoya shakes his head immediately, still hiding in his pillow. His denial is... Understandable. And Skull doesn't need to know anything actually. He reaches out and carefully brushes a hand through Kyoya's hair, watching quietly when a shiver runs down Kyoya's spine.

Kyoya isn't crying, but it feels like that's just barely a fact right now. Whatever happened must've really upset him... Skull lowers his voice, tapping into his mostly unused parental powers to add gentle authority to his words. "Will you try the fried rice? Pretty please..."

Kyoya just hugs the pillow tighter, his next breath a bit shaky. He doesn't sound vulnerable, he just sounds emotionally sore. "You've never cooked for me before..."

Skull would love to hug Kyoya right now, but with how his baby bro is laying down, that would be a tad uncomfortable. Instead, he brushes his hand through that fluffy hair again, scratching the back of Kyoya's head for a second, before replying easily. "I've wanted to plenty of times. But I'm not going to do that when you want to use your kitchen yourself..."

Kyoya heaves a sigh, finally lowering the pillow just a bit, to give Skull an actual, adorable pout. His eyes are sparkling, so he is close to tears, but they aren't red-rimmed, so he hasn't been crying at least. Kyoya's voice still doesn't sound like they're anyhow safe from tears. "Cooking is... A declaration to me. If you don't love me, don't cook for me."

Skull raises an eyebrow, before sighing and placing the bowl of rice aside, scooping Kyoya up and pulling him upright a little. All just so Skull can gently hold those cheeks and swipe the pesky tears away from those pretty lashes. He's holding Kyoya's face because he needs him to actually pay attention. "Listen Kyo... Of course I love you. That was never up for debate..."

Kyoya pulls out of his hold a little. Not fully, just enough so he can bite his lower lip and avert his eyes. He sniffles faintly when his tears start to fall, before just dropping back into the pillow and hugging it close again. Now his voice is small. Not shy, just... Soft. "You have to tell me things like that, stupid herbivore..."

Skull sighs softly, not entirely understanding what's going on. But, once again, he doesn't need to know everything. Kyoya is crying and needs some comfort. So Skull brushes a hand through his hair again, just saying what crosses his mind next. "I never didn't love you, silly... I can promise that much, at least."

Kyoya whines, a bit like a wounded baby animal, before he abandons his pillow and slams his head into Skull's stomach full force. Skull nearly wheezes, but then Kyoya's arms wrap around his waist and... Well. This may be the first time Kyoya initiated a hug of his own accord. Skull pulls him closer and just holds him as best he can.

By the end of it all, Skull still has no idea what happened. But Kyoya stopped crying, ate some fried rice and now they're cuddling.

That's not a bad ending for a maybe bad day...

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

Goodnight Story #6

[plain text: "Goodnight Story #6" Bigger and in cursive /end pt]

Today is... Kind of special. It's been half a year afterall... And maybe the others wouldn't remember, but Skull does! Today is the six month anniversary of the day they first met actually. It feels significant, so Skull goes out of his way to bake some chocolate chip cookies.

He uses this recipe that's just... Stored inside his brain for some reason. He writes it out in Russian and follows his own instructions to perfection. Then.... Then Skull remembers that he's baking for seven very picky eaters. And he panics just a little bit.

Unfortunately the cookies are already in the oven and he can hear footsteps glide down the stairs. Skull speed cleans the kitchen, blushing bright red when Fon walks in on him tiptoeing to put away the mixing bowl. Fon blinks at him, sniffing the air for just a second, before smiling very very sweetly. "What are you baking? It smells nice."

Skull huffs sharply to try to get that blush to fade, but that's impossible when those weirdly familiar brown eyes look at him so very fondly. He whines out the answer, just because he knows Fon will probably hate the cookies anyways. "It's just... Some cookies for everyone. F-for no reason..."

Fon walks over to the oven, crouching down and raising an eyebrow at whatever catches his attention. Now he sounds a bit surprised. "They look nothing like Luce's cookies."

Skull purses his lips faintly, feeling oddly offended by that, before sighing and shrugging to himself. He just... Ends up explaining. "I'm not using Luce's recipes or methods. This is just. Something outta my own brain."

Fon makes a vague 'oh' sound, but that's when the egg timer goes off and Skull rushes to pull the cookies out of the oven. He wiggles the baking sheet, including the cookies, on this free space on the table, before sliding the baking tray back into the oven.

He shuts the oven, just as the others file into the room, each of them still their own version of sleepy. Skull snaps open his designated baking fan, gently fanning cool air at the cookies while the others stare at him uncomfortably. Fon sounds much too bright for the time of day already, but his enthusiasm is appreciated. "Skull baked us all some cookies."

Skull nods, perhaps a bit frantic, cause he meant to have the kitchen perfectly tidy by the time everyone would awake. There is still some mess, flour and sugar, on the ground and he didn't manage to wash all the dishes just yet...

But the others don't seem to pay that ahy mind at all. Reborn walks over and picks up one of the cookies actually, giving it this skeptical look, before just taking a bit. Skull twitches, because he wanted to plate those up first and cool them down further.

But then again... Reborn is just ridiculous. And he does apparently like something that isn't coffee, because he actually leans back against the table and let's his eyes flutter closed for a second as he chews. And Skull knows a few of his tells by now. That kind of relaxation means Reborn is enjoying himself, right?

Skull doesn't have to wait for his answer long, because Reborn finishes his cookie and quickly grabs another, at which point, the others rush forward to grab their share of the still slightly hot cookies.

Skull is left blinking rapidly at the empty baking sheet, closing his fan with a little snap of his wrist and... Feeling a very sweet warmth spread out from his soul.

The others are actually quarreling about the last cookie... Awe...

Skull will simply have to bake some more!

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

Goodnight Story #5

[plain text: "Goodnight Story #5" Bigger and in cursive text /end pt]

It's one of those rare days. All of Kyoya's subordinates are busy with orders and chores, so shopping falls on him. Now this rarely happens, because he would really prefer avoiding crowds, but they desperately need food, cleaning supplies, bandages and more rubbing alcohol.

So Kyoya bites the bullet, puts on some regular clothes, grabs his shopping basket, pockets his wallet and leaves the mansion. He goes by foot, because the weather is nice and he'd wanted to check out the rooftops anyways.

Nothing is going on. There isn't even the odd mugging, so Kyoya truly has no excuses by the time he reaches the shopping district. He sighs heavily, jumps down onto the street and quickly slips into the nearest store, just to dodge Yua's, whom is out patrolling. Just as Kyoya told her.

It's just... she wouldn't recognize him immediately in these clothes. So she'd try to punish him for parkouring around, which would be very awkward. Because she'd immediately be apologetic and then everyone would be staring at them and.... It'd just feel odd.

Kyoya shakes the thought out of his head, takes a look at the shopping list Tetsu wrote and goes about the store. He gradually collects everything on the list, even buying some tea and sweets that weren't listed, because he knows they'll be running low again soon.

Then he takes the stuff to the cashier, pays what he owes and goes to leave with a very brief goodbye. Of course it can't be that simple. The cashier recognizes him just in time to make trouble. The middle aged lady practically beams at him. "Oh! Hibari-kun- I didn't recognize you for a second."

Kyoya gives the lady a flat stare and it does nothing to dampen her mood. Even his disinterested voice does no damage to this herbivore's sudden, bright mood. "That's the point of not wearing my uniform."

The lady laughs and grabs ahold of his basket, pulling at it with her smile turning strained. She still sounds bright and there is nothing hostile about her, which is just his luck, honestly.... There is no plausible deniability to be found here. "Come here. You get a discount for that-"

Kyoya doesn't budge, feeling somewhat flattered, but really he's more uncomfortable with the other herbivores staring like they're starting to. So he twists his basket out of the lady's grasp and waves her offer away. "No. Maybe next time."

The lady makes a noise a bit like a whimper, barely stopping herself from stomping her foot like a petulant child. Herbivores are very strange sometimes. These ones especially. "Okay but you've got to actually take it next time-Ah, have a nice day!"

Kyoya hums something like a response, quickly leaving that store and walking to the nearest pharmacy. Two people almost collide with him as he walks, yet still by the time he reaches the pharmacy, his hands are barely shaking. Okay. He can do this...

Luckily the pharmacy isn't very crowded and the pharmacist he pays does not recognize him at all. He manages to leave that building without further incident, but next on his list... The farmer's market. He's been dreading this one the most...

It's absurdly crowded and noisy and the moment Kyoya goes within earshot, he actually flinches. Why do they always have to shout like that?! Goddamn...

Kyoya shakes his head and tries his best to focus on the list instead. He finds a path through the crowd to buy what is written down. And for a while that goes... Fine. He's not feeling okay, but it's fine.

But then a godforbid familiar voice calls out to him and the sweet old lady from the bakery down the street practically hunts him down. She beams at him too, but it's hard to focus on that with so many people moving around them. "Kyoya-kun! Oh it's been ages! How have you been, sweetie?"

Kyoya clenches his hands to the handle of his basket, trying his absolute best to focus. He is not okay, but that's not how this social interaction is supposed to go, right? How does it go again-? Wait-Yes! He does remember! "I'm fine. And you?"

The sweet herbivore, Kamei-san if he remembers right, immediately starts telling him some kind of story of what happened in the bakery the other day. Kyoya barely listens to her, because everyone around him is talking and its incredibly distracting.

Someone mentions his name a few paces behind him, but they're talking about another Kyoya, because that's a common name. It still makes him frown and look. And then Kamei-san knows what's up. She immediately seems very apologetic and Kyoya doesn't really listen anymore. "Oh dear-I forgot you dislike the market. Come on, there's a more quiet spot over here."

Kyoya shakes his head, clenching and unclenching his hands a bit, because he wants to feel the comfort of steel right there. Preferably as he drives his tonfa into someone's stomach. He can't attack anyone unprompted here though. That would cause a mass panic. Which is messy to clean up to say the least!

Kamei-san reaches out to grab his arm so he takes a step back, shaking his head faintly and easily rejecting whatever she was trying to do. "No thanks. Goodbye."

Kyoya doesn't even turn around, he just walks past Kamei-san, shoving past some people, so he can break into a sprint when there is a bit less crowding. Some people shout things after him, but he is very much just trying to get the hell away from that suffocating place.

He can breathe easier again when he ends up on the nearest rooftop, far away from the crowding and most of the noise. After a second, he checks his list again and shrugs off the last few items he didn't get. Someone else will have to find the time to buy those, because he is going home. Right now.

.... Gods he's exhausted. It's really time for a good nap. But first he goes home and puts the shopping he did do away. Tetsuya is overjoyed to see him back, but Kyoya shoves past him too. He needs to go be in his much more quiet and peaceful room...

Kyoya really hates shopping... But he did his best today. And nobody got hurt! That's worth something, right?

[ask-skull-and-muffin]

Goodnight Story #4

[plaint text: "Goodnight Story #4" Bigger and in cursive /end pt]

It's pretty late, but Tsuna just got back from his first week-long stay in Italy. Reborn gave him a very rough introduction to the amount of paperwork the Vongola Boss has to deal with each day... Tsuna's sleep schedule will be a mess for the rest of the week, so is it really surprising that he ends up awake at 2 am? No.

The real surprise is, that at 2 o'clock sharp, his window opens and Hibari-san slips in like it's nothing. They end up awkwardly staring at each other for a couple of moments, before Hibari-san turns around and moves to climb back out the window. Tsuna sighs, not really speechless after the week he's had, so he just asks. "How often do you do this, Hibari-Senpai?"

Hibari-san pauses, mid mounting the windowsill, giving him an odd look, before stepping down on the floor again. Apparently night time makes him just a bit more talkative.... Tsuna will have to remember that. "Just once or twice a month."

Tsuna breathes a tiny sigh, rubbing the last of sleep out of his eyes and sitting up in his bed. They have to talk about this, or it won't leave him be. "It's just.... Why?"

Hibari-san leans back on the windowsill, looking into his room, quietly contemplating his answer for a second. Even with that moment of thought, his answer doesn't make much sense. "You're always crowding."

Tsuna blinks faintly, not really looking at Hibari-san either, because this doesn't feel like a hostile situation. Tsuna fidgets his hands together instead, his voice going softer. "Sorry about that? But why-"

Hibari-san cuts him off, his voice just a bit firm now. "I don't crowd."

Tsuna blinks again, looking at his Senpai this time, because it's hard to make sense of this guy sometimes. Tsuna still tries to. "What does that have to do with breaking into my room?"

It's pretty dark, the only light being the streetlamps outside, but Tsuna's eyes are already well adjusted to the low light. So he very much sees Hibari-san avert his eyes and blush just a little bit. Tsuna is very curious about that, but Hibari does explain himself, his voice going just a bit soft. "I still want to... Be nearby..."

Tsuna blinks rapidly, slowly processing that information. Because apparently, Hibari-san and him are closer than he'd thought. Somehow their friendship reached a new level without him noticing.

That's.... Actually kind of nice...

Tsuna scooches backwards on his bed, until his back is presses against the wall and pats the space besides himself. He smiles at his Cloud, honestly delighted. "Then come here? Let's hang out."

Hibari-san hesitates, frowning faintly, before he pushes off the windowsill and stalks over to the bed. Tsuna does feel a bit like Prey being eyed up by a predator, but he doesn't flinch or cower. There is no real hostility in the way this Cloud carries himself, you see? But of course, Hibari-san is not the most social person. "This won't be a regular thing."

Tsuna nods with more enthusiasm than he probably should in this situation, but it's just... Nice. He has at least one friendship that doesn't need that much maintenance... There's something precious in that.

Hibari-san does take a seat besides him and they actually have a very brief talk about what Italy was like! And then they're just silently hanging out, with Tsuna fidgeting a little every now and then and Hibari-san just watching him.

This goes on until Hibari-san begins to yawn. He takes his leave after a brief goodnight, sending Tsuna a wave before jumping out the window again. Tsuna chuckles to himself, smiling when he catches a glance at the clock. Hibari-san and him hung out until 3 am...

That was maybe the nicest hour of doing almost nothing Tsuna had in a long while...