#Bakery Ordering System

[getbakeroo]

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[overseepos]

Overseepos' Premier Restaurant Ordering System in Dubai

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[fyuyushia]

°|Capture target:You!

Sung Jinwoo 'accidentally' bumps into you on the way to a bakery. What a coincidence! Seems like fate is really trying to get you two together (not)

Masterlist for the series

Idk idk how to write leave me alone🫂🫂

Sung Jinwoo is confident he's lost his mind.

One way or another, he just did. If not, how would he have ended up accepting the ridiculous quest?

He stares at the blue screen hovering right in front of him. Your name is etched in white letters. Long fingers run through his hair, ruffling it with mildly aggressive scratches as he rethinks his life decisions.

He never could've guessed he'd end up here when he obtained the system, thinking about romance. It's not like the quest wasn't voluntary either, he had the choice and he chose to accept. No takebacks from here on out. Still, the fact that the system had offered him a quest to go on a date and the fact that he accepted it made Jinwoo wonder just what happened for him to give into whims.

[Sub-quest: Go to a food establishment together with [name] for the promised date

Reward: +5% affection | 500 exp]

His lips form a thin line, disbelief written plainly on his features. Shifting his balance onto another leg, he narrows his eyes as the holograph follows him around. A date? He really must've gone insane.

Still, he can't directly deny a quest, and ignoring you just shortly after he promised to catch up with you seemed rude. His mother taught him well, and ghosting a person wasn't one of the virtues his mother taught.

No, he was a decent man with decent social etiquette. If anything else, while he has no problem with killing, hurting an innocent civillian's feelings for no apparent reason is a big no in his books.

Especially if that someone was you. Wait, no, he's not talking in that way—he meant—especially someone who he knew before.

And so Jinwoo formed a plan. He wasn't very proud of it, but it would hopefully get the job done. Seeing as your previous number was no longer in use, and he wasn't close enough to anyone from the reunion to ask them for your number, he ended up with the final option.

Summoning his shadow soldiers to look for you for a few weeks after that night, the soldiers gave him confused looks—he couldn't really see their expression, but just from their stance alone he knew they were bemused. He was glad they couldn't speak and didn't question his authority, since that meant he wouldn't have to think up a justification for this necessary act.

He familiarized himself with your schedule, which he noticed, formed a routine. From morning till noon, you'd be off at work, then, when evening came, you'd frequent a small cafe, then head home.

He had it all memorized, had it all accounted for his plans. There are off days when you wouldn't and would visit, but you would surely visit every Friday and spend your time relaxing there. 5 pm sharp, you'd arrive, order your favorite, and then sit down and enjoy the peace the humble cafe brought.

He'd argue it isn't stalking if it wasn't, but Jinwoo admitted that it was, for the most part, stalking. Again, not his proudest act, but it had to be done if he wanted to finish the quest he started.

Standing by a stray tree just a few steps away from the small business, he stood there patiently, waiting for the moment your face would appear and join the crowds. Routinely checking his watch, he bides his time, ignoring any passersby that spared him a glance.

What was the goal here? But of course, a simple, accidental encounter with you.

What better way to meet again than letting fate guide the two of you together to cross paths? Well, it's not really luck, but what you don't know won't hurt. It's not like you'd find out, he'll make sure you don't find out.

He glares at the system window once more, expression twisted into a scowl. If it wasn't for this system, then he wouldn't have to go through such lengths. You would've remained a memory burned in the back of his mind, and nothing more.

But it seems the system had other plans for him, satiating its penchant for drama by digging up old memories and forcing the people who partook in it back in his life. This was probably the most out of character the system had been.

After long minutes spent waiting, his efforts were soon rewarded when he saw your silhouette in the distance, followed along with the sound of your footsteps. He stands up straight, fixing his posture the moment you neared the door to the usual bakery you visited.

There you are, he notes. He tucks his hands on his coat's jacket, and, with a sigh, enacted his plan.

Taking a step, he suddenly pauses for a moment, really noticing you. You walked amongst the crowd, blending in but still so recognizable. He's yet again reminded of how much you really changed, no longer just the you of the past, but so much more. From the refined look, your tired posture that, despite the exhaustion, still had a pep in their steps, you've really grown.

He felt a sharp tug at his heart, his breath stuttering for a brief moment. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly, lips pressed into a thin line whilst he observes your approaching figure.

Gaze raking over you, he catches himself staring. You looked so familiar yet so different, the sight of you dredged out memories he thought he's gotten over—moments in the past he thought he knew would make meeting you more difficult.

Digging his fingers against the palm of his hands, he snaps himself out of his trance and walks against the crowd, swerving through each and every one of them with a swiftness that came from a man rushing against the time. He counts your steps, measuring the time it would take you to reach the door of the establishment that bustled softly with life.

Then, with a quick pace, he approaches your general direction, aiming for an 'accidental' bump.

"Ah!"

You crash onto his lean back, stumbling in response. Taking a few steps back to balance yourself from the recoil, you fail to take it back and nearly tip over. Fortunately for you, a kind soul grabbed onto your wrist and helped you prevent your fall before you could go and embarrass yourself to the public.

"Ah, thank you, yes I'm fine."

"Are you alright?"

A familiar voice brought you out of your stupor. Taking the chance to see who saved you from potential humiliation, your eyes widen when you take in the equally familiar features of the man.

Still keeping your wrist wrapped around his hand, he tilts his head as he worries about your well being. You flinch once you realize just who exactly was keeping you afloat.

"Jinwoo?" You gasp, awe struck. Pulling away from him once you regain your sense of balance.

Jinwoo let's go of you when you try to pull back, allowing you your own space. He feigns a surprised look as well, brows raising in recognition once he realizes it's you.

Your name leaves him in between surprised glances. "What a coincidence, what are you doing here?"

Hah, what a lie. He doesn't dwell too much on the thought. This was a predetermined event, something bound to happen sooner or later. He's only finishing the quest as quickly as possible to erase it from his logs.

You pause, easing up into conversation with him. "I come here regularly! This place has just the right ambience to help me relax. What about you?"

"My little sister's been raving about this place, demanding I bring her back some pastry from here." He smoothly lies. His sister didn't know about this place, but she was the easiest one to lie about.

"Jinah?" Your eyes soften at the mention of his younger sister. "Speaking of, I'm beginning to miss her too. How's she been?"

Your smile grows into a more comfortable one. "I assume she's been well, seeing as she's able enough to order her brother around?"

Jinwoo chuckles, the sound showcasing his (mock) exasperation. Rubbing the back of his head, he nods, looking resigned.

"She's doing good. The older she gets the more cheeky she becomes. That girl, I swear she'd gotten more and more insufferable as time passed."

You laugh, enjoying Jinwoo's Half hearted annoyance when it comes to his sister. The last time you saw Jinah was during graduation, and it was with a bittersweet farewell did you part ways with her. The little girl was someone you grew acquainted with by association, since you were friends with her brother, you soon got to know her as well. Whenever you visited his house, she was always there as well, making herself known and chatted away with you.

"Sounds lovely. Say hi to her for me, won't you?"

"I'm not so sure about lovely, but I'll keep that in mind."

The little bubble that consisted of only you and Jinwoo popped when another person pardoned themselves, hoping to get inside. Realizing your blunder, you quickly move aside along with him.

You coughed awkwardly, ashamed to have inconvenienced someone unintentionally.

"So, do you have time?" He knows you do. "Would you like to continue this conversation inside?"

You blink. "Oh, of course! Is that alright?"

"No, no problem at all. I can spare some time before heading home." He leans in a bit, lips curving into a grin. "Besides, I never did get around to the coffee I promised you, right?"

A small giggle leaves you. Right, you've almost forgotten. He did say that before.

"Then I'll graciously accept. Who am I to turn down a gentleman's offer?"

Jinwoo pushes the door open for you, waiting for you to come inside before he follows after. Lining up, you readily give him your order—the usual thing you always ordered, he noticed, during the few weeks he spent observing you?

He leans down, scrutinizing the desserts presented neatly in front. Which one would Jinah appreciate the most? Though she really wasn't the reason she's here, he had to commit to the bit. And he's sure Jinah wouldn't complain about free food.

Jinwoo had to admit, the sweets were appetizing to look at. Decorated meticulously, it seemed almost a shame to eat them.

"Which one should I get..." He murmurs to himself as you wait for your turn. "Do you have any recommendations? You frequent this place, right?"

You hum, leaning closer to the glass display. "Let's see here," your gaze swept over to every pastry put on display. "If I remember correctly, Jinah likes strawberry flavored sweets, right?"

Your gaze landed on a strawberry shortcake. "Then maybe that one? It's a classic, and it's for a reason too. It's devilishly delicious."

"Then I'll get that." He takes out his wallet, you follow. "Still, I'm surprised you remembered her preference."

"You're silly, why would I forget? Sisterhood isn't that easy to break, and I don't easily forget what my cherished people enjoy"

Jinwoo's lips quirked upwards, amusement and fondness swirling in his eyes just faintly. Right, you were this kind of character. He wordlessly pays for both the shortcake, yours, and his chosen dessert.

"Huh? You didn't have to, I can pay for mine just fine." You frown, troubled by his smooth action.

"I insist, think of it as a thank you for helping me choose. Besides, isn't the guy supposed to be the one paying in this situation?"

You blink. Since when was he so gentlemanly? Well, he was always a nice guy even back then, so perhaps it's not that surprising. You laugh, cheeks growing a smidge warm.

"Alright then," you take a seat on a table just beside the window. "Somehow, you feel more reliable now."

Jinwoo sits across from you, arms resting on the empty table while waiting for the order. "I've been told that a lot, have I really changed that much?"

"Well I don't know about the others, but to me, you do." You lean closer. "It's like watching a puppy become a wolf!"

"You've really changed. You know, I had a hard time recognizing you. I thought you didn't come again during the reunion so imagine my surprise when you did, not at all looking as timid as before!"

Jinwoo chuckles, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes.

[Sub-quest: Go to a food establishment together with [name] for the promised date (undergoing)

Reward: +5% affection | 500 exp

(Hint: Reconnect with her! Fondly reminiscence about the past and show how you've changed! Make her swoon!)]

He had a really good feeling that the system was enjoying being a wingman. This was the most out of character the system's ever been. For once, it wasn't just a boring system that exists just to help him get stronger. This time, it felt teasing, like a friend trying to fluster him by pairing him up with his (former)crush.

"Hey?"

"Hey, earth to Jinwoo!" Your loud call brings his attention back to you.

He snaps out of his thoughts, looking a bit frazzled when he is suddenly brought back. Quickly recovering from his blunder, he hums and force shuts the quest window as naturally as possible.

"Yes?"

"Goodness, you seem a bit out of it. Is something the matter?"

"Ah," he purses his lips. "Sorry, I just finished clearing a dungeon you see, I must be a bit tired."

Again, another lie. Not necessarily a lie given he really did just finish dungeon raiding, but he wasn't tired enough to doze off in the middle of the conversation. You didn't have to know that, though. Really, Jinwoo finds himself lying more often these days, if he continues this whimsical quest, he fears he might actually get too accustomed to giving white lies.

You immediately get off his case the moment he mentions raids. Leaning against the backrest of your chair, your features shift into a more sympathetic look.

"Is that so? That's got to be tiring, I imagine."

He nods. Gaze flitting on top of you, where another window showcasing your affinity lies.

[Lvl 1. Acquaintance

  ♡ = 7.5% (+ .5 )

  Feeling: (Locked.)]

"Are you sure it's alright for you to stay with me here?" You tilt your head, lips curled into a frown. "I'd hate to bother you by forcing you to be with me when all you really want is to get back home and rest."

"No, it's alright. Sometimes I appreciate having company as I rest too." Looking around the cozy bakery, he nods. "This place seems cozy too, so I don't mind."

"Are you sure?" You cast him one final glance. "Then alright, I'll believe you for now."

The waitress soon came, bringing along your dessert and Jinwoo's take out. You rejoice, clapping your hands a bit in joy.

"They're finally here!" Your mood visibly lightens up, a wide grin splayed on your features.

Normally, you would've taken a picture of them, seeing as the bakery always created picture-esque products. However, out of consideration for the probably tired Jinwoo, you refrained from doing so. Not to mention, it didn't feel right taking a picture of it when it wasn't you who bought it.

You take a sip of the drink you ordered alongside your pastry, swaying a bit in delight.

"You seem to enjoy these a lot."

You nod, shoulders sagging the moment you took a bite of your food, relaxing quickly. "I do, they're so good—I don't know what they put in these, but they're just so good."

"Is that so?" He takes a sip of his coffee, simply observing you as you take a bite.

"Oh? Jinwoo, you didn't order anything for yourself?"

He shakes his head. "No, I'm not the biggest fan of sweets."

"Really?" You frown. "Still, you must be hungry after clearing the dungeon. Are you sure you don't want to eat something?"

Lifting up the plate, you cut a part with your fork and bring it close to him. "The food here all tastes really good, you know? For example, this! Take a bite! I promise it tastes spectacular."

"No, really, you don't have to—"

"I insist! Going on an empty stomach isn't a very fun experience!"

Jinwoo flinches, taken aback by your insistence. He stares at the slice, and then goes back to you, then sighs, defeated.

Reluctantly parting his lips, he takes a bite out of the cake, the one you offered up to him.

His gaze met your stubborn ones, and tension crackled between you. His fingers twitched, itching to do something to rid itself of the jitters he felt as you closed in the distance.

[Achievement unlocked!]

The moment quickly gets interrupted.

[Firsts and goals: "Indirect kiss? Kya! How lewd!"

Reward: 100xp]

He nearly chokes when the achievement window popped up without prior notice, bringing along a mortifying realization and achievement.

What.

He refrains from groaning out loud. He should've known, the prompt itself was ridiculous, he really should've known that there would be more nonsense laced with this seemingly harmless quest.

Ugh.

His face remains still, if not a bit too stiff as he fought hard to furrow his brows and glare down the window. No, he couldn't do that right now, not when you were right in front of him—if he let any semblance of an annoyance show, then you'd end up being on the receiving end, given that you don't see the status window. If that happened, you'd surely be offended, and that wasn't an intended goal.

Still, he couldn't help but feel the urge to just show his exasperation. His face muscles twitch, barely reigning in the need to scoff

Did the system really need to pop up now, showing this ridiculous achievement which, in turn, puts him in a juxtaposition between feeling flustered or annoyed.

"Jinwoo? Is something wrong?"

Noticing his rigid posture, you furrow your brows. Did he not like it?

Then, as if realizing something, you freeze as well. Slowly pulling away the utensil from his mouth, his heart skips a beat as you suddenly move robotically. Your gaze meet his, and this time, the initial stubbornness melts into an empty stare, like the calm before the storm.

The eye contact stretched on for what felt like forever, and you could hear the sound of your heartbeat growing louder and louder by the second.

Oh.

Oh.

Your jaw falls, mouth agape once you realize the implications of what you've just done. Hastily putting down the utensil on the table, your heart races as you scramble for composure.

"Sorry! I was a bit too pushy, I didn't realize—I did it without thinking, sorry sorry."

You force out a chuckle, trying to play this off as something silly. Calm down! You've shared lunchboxes and more with him before—he may look like a total dreamboat now but that didn't mean he changed! He's still the same Jinwoo you shared everything with during highschool, definitely, totally.

"No, it's fine." He quickly answers, recovering his nonchalant demeanor. "You had my best interest in mind, I appreciate it."

Despite his words, you still couldn't help but feel a bit flustered. This was horrible! You could feel old feelings bubbling up from beneath the surface, and you didn't quite enjoy the butterflies that fluttered around in your stomach.

You partly wondered if he was flustered too, but the lack of changes in his expression gave you the other idea. He didn't really mind it, it seems, but still, for you and your overthinking soul, you couldn't rest easy knowing what you'd just done.

It wasn't anything scandalous, but it was just enough for your heart to begin beating erratically with countless thoughts. You cursed yourself internally, trying to stop these childish thoughts from surfacing in your head. You were a grown adult now, getting flustered over something as small as this is ridiculous.

Unbeknownst to you, Jinwoo was battling in his own thoughts as well. Not as innocent as yours, but it was far more chaotic. His eyes look into the distance, seemingly admiring the road, the view just outside the window. He swallows thickly, his adam's apple bobbing in his throat.

"Uh," Jinwoo thinks up a way to calm you down. "The cake, it's sweet."

"Well, it is cake."

"Not like that." He clears his throat. "I mean it's good. I'm not normally a fan of sweets but this one is good."

You nod, feeling your cheeks heat up the more you thought about your thoughtless act.

"Is that so?" You hummed, unable to meet his gaze, but still willing to keep up the conversation.

"Then," you cut the cake in half, splitting it up in two. "Would you like to share it? I'm not that hungry since I just ate a few hours ago. If you don't mind, of course."

Jinwoo freezes once more, but regains his cool composure quickly. "If you don't mind, then, alright."

Oh, that was not what he was supposed to say. But rejecting you when you already split it in half would probably only worsen your embarrassment.

A small, traitorous part of his mind admits to enjoying the sight, but he'd never admit to agreeing to the thought.

Maybe this isn't so bad.

Again, you nod. "Then, I'll go and get another spoon."

"Please do."

You part from the table shortly after, giving Jinwoo a time to be alone if even for just a bit. His gaze lingers on your retreating back, watching the percentage twinkle as it changed and rose in amount.

[Lvl 1. Acquaintance

  ♡ = 15% (+ 2.5 ) (+ 5)

  Feeling: (Locked.)]

Resting his cheek against the palm of his hand, he stares at the cake clumsily split in half. Covering his lips for a bit, he allows a giddy like expression to take over his features for a short while.

[Sub-quest: Go to a food establishment together with [name] for the promised date {complete!}

Reward: +5% affection | 500 exp]

The system window blinked, informing him of the quest's completion. For a moment, he ignores the hologram, caught up in his own thoughts.

Jinwoo surprisingly found himself caring little about the fact that he finished the ridiculous sub-quest, something he thought would've brought him relief. Instead, his heart races ever so slightly, not unlike the feeling he got whenever he fought strong enemies but also oh so different.

Swirling in the depths of his mind, a long forgotten emotion flickers back to life.

Taglist:

@minh907 @daiyanomochi

[sheepispink]

Sweet Like Sugar ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི

ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི COD MASTERLIST Sweet as Sugar Masterlist

ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི pairings: simon riley x (afab) reader

ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི Summary: Trying to advertise your bakery is particularly difficult, especially when no one seems to want to try anything new lately, still stuck in their old ways. Thankfully, a particular masked man is also particularly fond of the tea you make along side your signature pastries.

ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི WC: 2.5k

NEXT

You’ve grown up in Wales nearly your entire life, living not too far from a fresh farm and yet so close to a little town you call home. The weather is typical for Britain, always a little dreary though sometimes the sun would shine so bright the grass on these hills looked like those in the movies. You’d run up those hills as a child, laughing as the sheep would make noises after your every whim.

Today was particularly dreary though; the sun struggled to peek through even with the large gaps between each cloud, only leaving behind a desolate grey on the town. It was your turn to take over the shop for the day, seeing as your parents were out of town on business details. A few named your shop to be ‘the littlest around’, since it wasn't exactly the biggest area nor did many know of it. After all, it had only opened recently after the last owner left their business to rot out. It took practically months to renovate the dusty walls of this shop even more so that your family were on a tight budget. However your parents believed in it and so did you.. or you thought you did anyway. Maybe you had watched too many movies as a kid because this business was definitely not booming, infact you had spent the majority of the past week trying to advertise the best you possibly could.

Either way, it was bound to be quiet today so you decide you may as well use it as a testing day. The menu was finalised already however you were eager about one thing to add, a selection of freshly brewed teas. It wasn't the most viable since it required a lot of customers at the same time in order to taste the actual freshness— otherwise it’d just go cold and icky. Placing the portable burner down— something you picked up since most days used to be spent in a caravan— you place a pot atop and light the flame. You had not travelled very far, but due to your grandparent who was particularly interested in plenty of cultures, you picked up a few handy recipes for delicious teas.

Unfortunately, you didnt have much on you today after using your last stock on the small opening party. So, you’d have to make do with what you had. You hum as you boil the water in the pan, before slowly adding the milk and some spices— cardamon and cinammon to be exact. It’d make a rich flavour which was perfect with the right amount of sugar, and so, you let it brew as you hummed, debating whether you were allowed to play your favourite tunes here or not.

Seeing as no one had showed up in a while, you plug your phone into the speaker system, letting a soft song play throughout the little patisserie as you grin and nod your head along. What you hadnt expected was the bell above the door to jingle, heavy boots dragging against the wooden floor as they grow louder. You snap your head up, looking a little startled before you quickly stand infront of the counter again, putting on your best sheepish smile.

“Welcome! What can i get for you today?”

The strange man wears a balaclava over his face, his eyes showing and a few tufts of blonde peeking out the back as he bends a little to look over all of the pastries available. Eventually he stops, pointing at one the sausage rolls, before his gruff voice finally breaks his silence. “Two o’ these.”

You nod quickly, grabbing a paper bag before carefully placing the two pastries inside and sealing the bag.

“Actually, since it’s a weekday, all the pastries come with a dessert or drink. Is there any one you would like?”

You tilt your head, as you place the bag on the counter, already tapping in the current bill. He pauses and glances over at the sweeter desserts, but even you could tell just from his appearance that he doesnt seem to be too fond of them. Instead, his height allows him to easily peek over the counter and he can instantly smell the pot of rich cardamom tea brewing. “Is that for sale?” He raises an eyebrow at you, and you can only tell from how the mask lifts a little. You pause, wondering if you really should be giving them out to customers just yet.

“It’s a taster really.. would you like to try?” He lets out a grunt in agreement and you walk back over, ladeling a creamy cup of the tea for him before stepping over to him once more. He taps his card down for the items he bought, taking the steaming cup in his hand but he doesnt intend to drink it and reveal his face—clear from the way he glances around the shop. “Is it always this quiet or are you about to close?” He raises a brow, wondering if he had just accidentally forced you to stay open longer than you should. Your hands wave in front of you frantically as you shake your head. “No! No— um, it’s been a little hard to promote business recently. We only opened last month..” Today you decide not to mention that last weeks rain had nearly drowned the entire shop floor, instead just giving him another sheepish look. “I’m trying to look for any opportunities we can to show off our bakes. I’ve been looking at fairs recently.” You hum and he nods, before lifting his mask without a second thought and sipping down the hot tea you made him. “You should promote this aswell, i can see this tasting good with a dessert.” He offers his advice and you nod readily, smiling at him since he just indirectly said that the tea was good. “Well, i’ll make sure to have lots more flavours too!

A month later and unsurprisingly your family’s little shop isnt any more popular than the last time you took charge of it. That strange man appeared a few times afterwards but you hadnt seen him, busy with your own part time job to try and bring some extra income in. Today you were finally back though, the peak of winter hitting like a shock but it didnt stop the excitement brimming through the town.

At the start of December each year, the town would host a market in the main plaza, which was particularly big for the town’s size. There was everything from crafts and fresh fruit, flowers and trinkets to the toastiest hot chocolate and clothing. This year you were determined to make your mark, selling sweet pastries and the spiced tea at the same time. He did say it’d draw in at least a bit of attention, right? Well, you sure hoped so because you were using a portion of your personal savings to try again with the tea. You’d never know if you didn't try and, in the worst case scenario, you could give it for free to the other vendors as a sign of good sportsmanship— maybe you could even trade. You grin eagerly as you set up the stand, glass covers above all your decorated pastries, sweet and savoury waiting to be bitten into. Perhaps you went a little overboard with the baking but this was a big event—even neighbouring towns travelled here!

The fair kickstarts around five thirty, the time when most get off work and so many are already flocking to find something for their hungry stomach. You practically bubble with excitement when you get your first three orders, only to turn and see the hot burrito stall’s queue which looks like it’d shadow your stall next. With a small frown, your demeanour drops as the orders only get rarer, a few commenting on not being sure to try something so exotic. About tea. Literal chai. Customer service was not for the weak clearly, since you had to restrain yourself from lunging over the table right then and there, giving the lady a forced smile before she walked off. You let your head rest in your hands, groaning a little too loudly, but it wasnt like anyone was even close enough to your stall to hear anyway. The only thought that consumed you was frustration; you knew damn well that all the bakes here were delicious, that the recipes were to die for and the tea was an absolute soother for any cold or strain. Though, no matter how hard you tried no one seemed to want to hear you out.

“Are you taking a break?”

A voice rings out, gruff, a little muffled and stern but most of all— familiar. Your eyes snap up, meeting the gaze of that stranger from before, well now he looked entirely different. “You… from before.. you’re a soldier?!” You have to forcefully lower your voice before you cause his ears to bleed through his balaclava. He was decked out in full tactical gear, apart from the weapons of course and the helmet held in the crook of his elbow. Though not just him, an entire team of soldiers aswell who surrounded your stall, practically brimming with excitement at the tasty baked goods they’d finally try.

“Finished a day long training in the cold. Thought i’d bring ‘em to your stall for a break. You dont look good yourself though” He bluntly states the last part out, already suspecting that you’d sigh next. “Orders are still slow...” You murmur, and he nods, as if he’d expected that. Before either of you can speak, one of his soldiers perks up, “Miss, how much would it be for two of these pie slices and one of your sausage rolls?”

Your lips part in surprise and you hurry to the till, typing in the amounts before announcing the price to him. The reasonable cost of your goods and the great quality is enough to catch the attention of his teammates, and soon enough you have them lined up waiting to buy their share too.

You cough to get his attention when the queue finally draws to a blank and he slowly approaches as you gesture to the pots of tea steaming beside you. The soldiers had taken the majority of your stock, even asking for refills but one large cup was saved for him. “On the house, for a regular.” You say cheekily and he nods, the sides of his mask creasing up into what you think could possibly be a smile. “So, how did you even convince your boss to let you bring your whole team here anyway? I always thought those ‘sergeant’ people were like.. really strict.” He chuckles at you, deep and gruff and for a second you’re confused, tilting your head at him. “Hey— what’s so funny? I’m being serious!” He finally stops, his eyes crinkled slightly as he looks back at you. “I’m their Lieutenant.” ” He says still with that monotone voice and your jaw practically drops, cheeks flushing in embarrassment as you groan loudly. “I’m very sorry..”

Now sitting upon the benches, they chatter amongst themselves whilst others eye the other trinkets available, looking for something for the loved ones back home. The man with the skull mask still stands nearby though watching you fill up a cup full of the tea before handing it to a customer.

“Do you take large orders too?” He finally pipes up, glancing over at you with that filled cup still in his hand. “Well.. we don't have any official set up..” Being his acquaintance was a severe exaggeration, and yet you couldn't stand to disappoint him right now. Especially seeing as much as he’s done so far,perhaps not intentionally, but what intrigues you even more is that his soldiers seemed to be over the moon about your pastries. You hadn't really thought about the fact soldiers are probably dying for the taste of a good home cooked pastry, especially in the winter months, and now it seems like this could really boost your business.

“But..I could just give you my number?” Putting that forward seems a bit odd, but in truth you were being completely innocent about it even if he seems to believe otherwise, smirking beneath the mask before he nods. He takes his phone out of his pocket, unlocking it and hands it over to you before gesturing to you to do the same. When you receive your phone back, you see the new contact, ‘Lieutenant Ghost (sausage roll)’ and snicker a little; you’re pretty sure you can remember him without the assistance but it’s amusing anyway. “I’ll text you later regarding any big orders we want to make.”

He gives you another nod and you quickly agree with his words, grateful for the opportunity he’s provided you with.

“Thanks for bringing all your soldiers here.. i dont think we would’ve garnered this much attention otherwise.” People had already noticed the brand on the soldiers' cups and bags, making their way to the stall and eyeing some of the goods left from their rampage. He only shrugs, ignoring the fact he had any part in this. “By the way..” You hum, glancing at the untouched tea in his hand curiously. “Why haven't you drank any yet— it’ll grow cold soon.” He leans against your table slightly before he just nods firmly again, looking back at the crowds. “Dont like to show my face.” That makes you blink, confused since he had easily shown you in the shop a month ago when he tried it for the first time. “But—“

Before you can answer, his phone buzzes and he glances down before beckoning his group over. “Oi, all of you. We’re leavin’ in ten— do not make us late.” Suddenly you dont feel at all bad for calling him strict earlier, even snickering a little at how stern his voice had suddenly gotten even if he’s usually monotone to you too. The soldiers eyes grow wide and they quickly jump to buy the rest of their things making you snicker.

“Guess that’s the last I'll see of you, ‘Lieutenant’. See you soon.” You grin, waving as he throws the now empty cup in the trash— when did he drink that? He lifts a hand to give a short wave at you too before stepping away to join the rest of his men. “Dont worry, you will.”

That night you’re left dumbfounded as you stare at your phone, the text lighting your eyes up in the darkness of your room. ‘Tomorrow night is the second day of the fair, right?’ The first part reads, and you mentally nod, remembering how your parents said you’d take the first day and they’d handle the second. When you responded with a yes, but also clarifying your stall is also available, he wrote back one more text.

‘Good. I’ll be taking you around with me this time.”

------

NEXT

Sweet as Sugar Masterlist

buy me a kofi :)

[heliosundercover]

Special customer

Redhood

Special customer Redhood who gains the title by beating up some shady guys attempting to break into your bakery and apartment above it, and after the job was done, you begged him to stay around until you got a new security system installed. But even with it installed, he seems to be in the area. One night, you offered him a coffee, and now every night on patrol, he comes for his coffee.

 

Special customer Redhood, got a pretty sweet drink, not something a vigilante would drink. It was a black coffee with 5 pumps of caramel and a dash of cinnamon sugar. Something about the unlikely order was cute in a way.

 

Special customer Redhood, doesn't know that you have an alarm set, so you can wake up late enough to catch him and give him his coffee. One day he catches you, though. You come downstairs to check to see if he was there yet, and he sees you in pajamas, your hair up so you can sleep comfortably, 

 "Wait, were you sleeping?" He looks you up and down. 

"Nice pajamas" 

Only then does he look up the hours of the bakery, seeing that it closes at 10 p.m., whereas he's coming in between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. That was when he first realized how considerate you were.

 

Special customer Redhood finally asks you about your day after two weeks of him coming in for a cup of coffee and a weirdly comfortable silence while he drinks and unwinds from his long patrol.

"How was your day... You look exhausted." He took a long pause, realizing he didn't know your name, but to his surprise, you laughed, and after that one small gesture, he knew he wanted to hear it again. 

You and him talked for a few hours until his headset pinged that there was something suspicious going on in the area he was supposed to be patrolling, but here he was flirting with a baker.

He never got your name.

 

 

Special customer Redhood, gets the same thing every time, so eventually you give his order a special name. His own secret menu item. special customer, Redhood, who asks

"Did you name this drink after me?" When you say 

"One red cup coming up." The name was Corny, and it slipped up before you could stop yourself, and now you cringed as you could hear the smirk in his heavily distorted voice. His question was immediately met with denial. 

 

Special customer Redhood enjoyed talking with you and learning about you. He also liked how you weren't pushy, not asking anything that could put his identity at risk. Here's a list of things he told you.

He liked classic literature.

He had never tried matcha before you made him try your new matcha white chocolate cookies. 

He loved animals and always wanted a big dog.

His favorite color was green, which was surprising considering his choice of name.

He never went to college. 

 

New customer Jason Todd, who made you raise an eyebrow when he ordered a "red cup," had a barely noticeable smirk like he was thinking of an inside joke.  Your eyebrow raised a bit more when a younger-looking guy asked

"Jason, why this bakery? It's not even a real coffee shop; they just happen to sell three types of coffee and a special lemonade. And its super put of the way."

His words were met with a flick to the back of his head by Jason.

"Because I like it here."

 

New-ish customer Jason, who came in mornings ordering the same thing every couple of days every so often, had a person or two with him. But while Jason wasn't consistent, but you like him any.

 

Special customer Redhood, who had been planning on asking you out as Jason for months. It was now winter, and the snow on the ground made him think of you. He knew winter was your favorite season, and it was the first snow of the season today. He knew it had to be today. 

 

Innocent bystanders Dick, Damian, and Tim watched their brother go mad over a baker. A mix of happiness and impending doom lingered amongst the group they had started taking bets on when he would finally ask her out a while ago. And so far, Alfred is the closest to winning. 

 

Regular customer Jason Todd, who had run into the bakery with flowers in hand right before closing, Slightly out of breath, he asked 

"Will you go out to dinner with me? Saturday night at 8 p.m.?"

"Sure." You smile happily, accepting his offer  and you watch as his eyes light up and he hands you the bouquet of flowers. 

 

Boyfriend Jason Todd, who is surprised when you, after a year of dating, reveal that you've been suspicious since day one, All because of a stupid drink with a corny name. 

 

Boyfriend Jason Todd, who can't help but tease you,.

 "So it was named after me?"

 

Boyfriend and soon-to-be fiancée Jason Todd, who proposes to you on the roof of your apartment and bakery the whole roof was decked out with a vine covered arch and fairy lights. 

"So, will you marry me?"

 

He gets on one knee, opening a gorgeous engagement ring with your favorite precious stone inside. It was your dream ring, and he was your dream guy, and of course you said yes.

 

Fiancée Jason Todd, who pulls you into a passionate kiss when he hears the words leave your lips, couldn't be more excited to spend the rest of his life with you.

[mochinek0]

Daminette December: 25-

Alya stormed her way into the bakery, side stepping the customers and went up to the counter.

"Where's Marinette?" She demanded, "She's not answering my texts."

Tom and Sabine were momentarily startled by Alya's outburst. Sabine quickly glared at her, pulled Marinette's phone out of her pocket, and placed it on the counter.

"She's grounded!" Alya groaned.

Tom cleared his throat. "I believe it's time you leave, Alya."

Alya suddenly realized this wasnt the happy couple that always welcomed her into their home; they were business owners. A quick peak around told her she was holding up the line and everyone around her was getting upset. Even the customers were glaring at her, so she quickly left. Once outside, she sighed and texted Nino.

ALYA: Mari grounded. Can't watch twins.

NINO: Another time then.

Alya's leg bounced, impatiently, as she waited for Marinette to get to class.

'Knowing her, she'll be late. I need to know how long she's grounded for so Nino and I can replan our date.'

Lila entered the classroom, sobbing.

"Lila, what's wrong?" Rose asked, running up to console her.

"Marinette was sending me horrible texts yesterday." The liar continue to sob.

Alya slammed her hands on her table, "Well that explains it!"

"Huh?" Lila looked at her, sniffling.

"I was gonna have Marinette babysit, yesterday, so Nino and I could go out. Her parents must have caught her texting you, because she wasn't answering." Alya huffed, "I went over to talk and her parents confiscated her phone. They showed it to me."

"How long is she grounded for?" Alix asked.

"I don't know!" Alya shouted, "Even her parents seemed upset and just told me to leave."

Lila sniffled louder as she walked towards her seat with Alya. Alya sighed and patted her on the back, not really giving her the attention she desired. Lika supposed her wrath towards Marinette worked too.

By lunch, Marinette still hadn't shown up for class. Her name hadn't even been called, but with her tardy record, they figured, what was the point in calling her name if she was always late anyways?

Alya angrily took a bite out of her sandwich, "I can't believe she is throwing a tantrum."

"What do you mean?" Asked Nino.

She scoffed at her boyfriend, "She's grounded and now she's just...not showing up to class?"

Nino looked at her confused, but could see she wasn't paying attention to him anymore. His girlfriend was so fixated on Mari being the reason they couldn't go on a date yesterday that she wasn't thinking.

'I know when I get grounded, they make sure I go to school and go straight home. For me, my system board would be taken away, but for Mari, maybe her sketch books? Something isn't adding up.'

After lunch, Ms. Bustier announced to the class they would be planning a field trip.

"Alya; you'll be in charge." She smiled.

"Me?" Alya cried out, "That's Marinette's job!"

Caline stated at her and noticed several of the class nod along.

"Oh!" She murmured, "I thought you all knew."

"Knew what?" Rose asked.

"Marinette left Paris and moved to a different country." Caline answered.

"What?" Shouted Adrien.

"When?" Questioned Nathaniel.

"Last week." Their teacher replied.

The class tried to remember what day they saw her last. She had been there on Monday because they had called her out on dumping punch on Lila's new dress.

"Lila, you said Marinette was texting you?" Ivan pressed.

"She was!" She cried out.

"But Tom and Sabine have her phone with them. They showed it to me." Alya replied, "How could she text you?"

"New number." Lila shrugged.

Chloe scoffed, "And what, she just told you 'Hi. This is Marinette. I'm going to keep insulting you.'?"

"Uh, guys." Spoke up Juleka, "Can any of you see her social media?"

Try as she might, Caline couldn't get the class back in order.

"It's gone!"

"I even typed her name in and I can't see it."

"I can't see her on Twitter."

"Not tiktok, either."

"Did she delete her accounts?"

"Do you think she blocked us?"

"All of us?"

"Her fashion site is down, too!"

"What?"

"I was gonna order from her next month!"

Adrien's arm shot up, "Miss Bustier, where did she go?"

Caline frowned, "I don't know either. I was only told she was leaving the country."

"Maybe....she's in Shanghai." Adrien mumbled to himself. "Sabine has family there. I saw her there once, but Gina is Italian."

"Wait!" Nino spoke up, "You saw here there? When?"

"A few years ago. I had a shoot, there, and Mari was visiting her Great Uncle. " he declared, "He thought we were dating."

The class didn't say a word.

"She told him that?" Asked Mylene.

"No!" Adrien cried out, "I was. Apparently I said too many nice things about her and he assumed I was trying to join the family. As soon as Mari heard him, she explained we weren't dating. While my Mandarin is pretty good, I need to brush up on the cultural aspect, too."

"She did?" Kim pushed.

"Yeah." The model nodded.

The class looked at each other. If what Adrien was saying was true, it called Marinette's bullying of Lila into question. She had out right denied a relationship with her crush.

"Ms. Bustier, do you know how long Marinette will be gone?" prodded Alix.

Caline winced, "As far as I am aware, she isn't coming back. She didn't sign up for a foreign exchange program."

"So, we might never see her again?" questioned Juleka.

Their teacher sighed, "That is a possibility, but her parents are here, so she may very well visit during the holidays." trying to give them some hope.

The class went to the bakery after school and were shocked to see Marinette's parents glaring at them.

"Can we help you?" Sabine stated.

"We didn't know Mari left Paris." Mylene spoke up.

"I'm surprised you noticed." Her mother commented.

Mylene backed off at her hostile tone.

"Can you tell us where she went?" Alix asked.

"No." Tom responded.

"Uh, how about how long she'll be there?" Nino interjected.

"As far as we're concerned, indefinitely." Tom declared.

"But-" Rose tried to speak.

"Why did Mari leave her phone?" asked Alya.

"You mean why did she not let you bully her anymore?" Sabine commented.

"Huh?" a few questioned, confused.

"We're not-" Alya began.

"You mean like the way you stormed in, the other day, because my daughter wasn't answering her phone." Sabine stated, "She couldn have been busy helping us, babysitting, making dinner or doing homework. All you cared about was yourself."

Alya looked down, ashamed.

Tom sighed, "Marinette has been getting death threats."

"From who?" Adrien shouted.

"Not from any of you, as far as we know, but the police are looking into it." her father replied.

"The police!" Kim cried out.

"Yes." Sabine responded.

"So, she is in witness protection." Max assumed.

"No." her mother answered, "Her boyfriend's family took her in."

"Boyfriend!" shouted a few.

Her parents sighed again. They hadn't believed it when Marinette told them she no longer saw the classmates as her friends. She said she didn't see a reason to tell them anything.

"I think it's time you all leave." Tom spoke.

"But we have more questions!" Rose cried out.

"I'm not going to give answers to people who are not friends with my daughter." Sabine replied.

"We are friends!" Adrien declared.

"No, you're not." Tom answered, "You all know that."

Adrien tuned to his friends and saw they looked ashamed.

'Did something happen and I didn't notice?'

The class dispersed from the bakery in silence.

@maribat-calendar-events

TAG LIST- DAMINETTE: @meme991001 @umbreon-worshipper @stainedglassm @jasmine-the-fox @psychicdelusionwerewolf @vixen-uchiha @mysteriouschar @missmadwoman @kanamexzeroyaoifangirl @dissarraymania @tundra1029 @abrx2002 @mrsjacuinde @ledalasombra @animegirlweeb

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[pankowcrumbs]

Heyyy an idea just popped in my head, about chef Luca going shopping with reader for the arrival of their baby girl or boy, it’s up to you ! 😊

MasterList

Will Poulter Masterlist

“I think we’ve officially become those people,” I muttered, holding up a pastel pink muslin cloth with tiny embroidered strawberries.

Luca raised an eyebrow. “Those people?”

“You know. The ones who say ‘We don’t want anything too girly’ and then buy twelve strawberry-patterned cloths and a bunny lamp.”

He looked down at the cloth, then at the overflowing trolley. “I blame you. I wanted grey. Neutral. Scandinavian.”

“You said ‘grey is for sad people’ two aisles ago.”

He didn’t respond. Just smirked, picked up a matching baby onesie, and tossed it in the trolley like it weighed nothing.

“Unbelievable,” I said, grinning.

We were in the baby section of a department store in Islington. It was raining, naturally. The kind of day where your coat feels too warm and the air smells like bus brakes and bakery steam. My back ached. Luca was holding a coffee in one hand and a baby sling in the other like he was born for this.

Which, frankly, was unfair.

Because if anyone looked like they belonged here calmly assessing breast pump options while I nearly had a breakdown over how many muslins was too many muslins it was him.

“Do we really need three different swaddles?” I asked, watching him gently inspect the fabric like it was a delicate herb.

“She might have a preference.”

“She’s not even born yet.”

“She’ll still have opinions. She’s your daughter.”

I gave him a look.

He bumped my shoulder. “I’m just saying. She’s going to scream the loudest and eat the most. I can feel it in my bones.”

“And I suppose she’s going to love jazz and hate coriander?”

“Exactly.”

Luca wasn’t a talker. Not like me. He didn’t fill silences unless they needed filling. But with the baby, something in him had cracked open just a little. Like he wanted to be ready. Wanted to understand every part of this new world we were building.

And if that meant spending two hours debating the absorbency of newborn nappies, so be it.

We moved to the prams next. Which was where things got… dramatic.

“What’s the difference between travel system and pushchair combo?” I asked, blinking at a sign like it was written in code.

“No idea.”

“Do you reckon we’re being scammed?”

“Absolutely.”

A sales assistant appeared like a guardian angel. She looked about nineteen and terrifyingly competent.

“First baby?” she asked gently.

“Is it that obvious?” Luca said, amused.

“Only because you’re reading the tags like you’re choosing a flat,” she said, laughing.

We did a demo. Collapsed a pram. Put it back up. Failed twice. Luca managed it third time round and looked ridiculously proud. I think it was the first time I saw him flustered all afternoon.

“She’s going to think we’re idiots,” I whispered.

“She’s going to think I’m a god,” he replied. “And you’re my assistant.”

I elbowed him. “She’s definitely your boss. I’m just the one who makes her laugh.”

“Like I said. Assistant.”

By hour three, we’d acquired:

Seven muslin cloths (two of them strawberry-patterned)

One bamboo baby bath

An absurdly chic changing mat

A set of bibs that read “Chef’s Special” (Luca’s pick, obviously)

And a tiny jumper that said “Little Sour Dough” which nearly made me cry

We stopped at the café on the second floor.

He ordered decaf. I got a hot chocolate and ate the foam with a spoon. My belly felt huge. He rested his hand on it without thinking, like it belonged there.

“You alright?” he asked, voice low.

“Yeah,” I said. Then paused. “Just… weird. It’s all so close now.”

He nodded.

“I keep wondering if I’m going to mess it up. If we are.”

His thumb rubbed circles into the side of my bump. “We will. At some point.”

“Wow. Comforting.”

“But then we’ll fix it. That’s the point, isn’t it? You fuck up. You fix it. You keep going.”

I looked at him.

“Kitchen philosophy?”

“Life philosophy.”

It made sense. He’d spent his whole adult life building something with his hands breaking it down, starting again. Taste-testing and reworking until it felt right. Love, I realised, wasn’t that different.

On the way home, it started pouring properly.

We ran to the car, bags shoved in the boot, hair dripping. My coat stuck to my skin. He cranked the heater up. The windows fogged.

We sat there for a second, listening to the rain drum on the roof.

Then he said it. Quiet. Matter-of-fact.

“I bought her a chef’s apron.”

I turned.

“For when she’s older. Like, five.”

“You bought a five-year-old an apron?”

“I just...” he shrugged. “I want her in the kitchen. With me. Flour on her nose. Telling me I’ve oversalted something I haven’t.”

“You’ve absolutely oversalted it.”

He smiled.

“She’s going to love you, Luca.”

His throat bobbed. “She’d better.”

“She will.”

We got home. Unpacked. Set things up.

He spent twenty minutes adjusting the angle of the cot mobile. I folded clothes that were smaller than my forearm. The flat smelled like lavender detergent and clean wood.

Later, curled on the sofa, I watched him looking at the car seat instructions like it was a bomb manual.

“You know you’re going to be amazing at this, right?”

He didn’t look up. “You have to say that. You’re stuck with me.”

“I’m saying it because it’s true.”

“Even when I put the nappy on backwards?”

“Especially then.”

He leaned back, running a hand through his hair. “I can cook a perfect egg. I can’t figure out which buckle is which.”

“Yeah, but when she’s old enough to eat solids?”

He grinned. “Game over.”

Before bed, he wrapped his arms round me from behind and rested his chin on my shoulder. My back pressed to his chest. The baby kicked once firmly.

He kissed the crown of my head.

“You okay?”

“Yeah,” I whispered. “I think I’m ready.”

“Me too.”

A beat.

Then, “Maybe.”

I laughed.

And she kicked again.

[puckinghischier]

haven’t been doing great today and could really really use some comfort for one or all of the brothers.

they’re all so good at comfort in their own ways i feel like

like luke comes to mind first for me, because he’s such a sweetheart and just screams comfort to me. and he knows exactly what kind of comfort you need when. bad day? he’s ready and waiting with a warm blanket and your favorite movie. you’re sad? he’s yapping away and tossing jokes in every few minutes to make you laugh. you don’t know why you’re feeling off? he’s making an ice cream run and pulling out the board games to occupy your mind.

jack is a little louder with his comfort. he’s so finely tuned to you that he knows when you need comfort before you even do. he can tell by the punctuation you use in a text if you’re having a bad day, or the tiniest of inflection of your voice over the phone. so he puts together a distraction before you even get home. he calls your friends, organizing a whole girls night for you to come home to. of course, his buddies are going to come over too, bc he doesn’t want to be bored while you’re having fun, so the girls night eventually becomes just a weeknight get together, but you don’t even care. you didn’t know you were even stressed until you feel the relaxing nature of the room around you. snacks on the table, everyone (yes, even the guys because you roped them into it) wearing face masks. the guys are playing whatever the latest video game is while you and your friends take turns painting each others nails. you’re sitting on the floor, your back against the couch where jack sits, caged in-between his legs, loving how he seems to calm your storms before you even know it’s raining.

quinn is also quiet with his comfort, but he’s sneakier with it than luke. quinn knows how you are, not wanting to be bothered when you’re in a bad mood, but also too stubborn to ask for it when you want to be coddled. but like jack, he’s tuned into your whole being, so he’s figured out how to work the system that is you. it’ll start with him offering to order take out when you start getting overwhelmed with the idea of cooking dinner after a particularly rough day. then the offer of him going to get it, because he needs to ‘run by the nutrition store anyways’. and while he’s out, if he just so happens to stop by your favorite bakery for a large slice your favorite chocolate cake, well that’s purely coincidental. and when he plates your food as well as his and tells you to pick a movie, well it’s because you watch more tv than him, is all. but when he starts off sitting on the opposite end of the couch from you, only to gravitate towards you as the night goes on, inching closer and closer everytime he gets up and sits back down, well…maybe that’s on purpose. but asking to share your blanket was only because he was cold, too. and tucking you into his side was just for added warmth, duh. it’s not his fault if you cuddle back into him, asking him to lay down so you can lay on his chest so you can see the tv better. but when you thank him for such a relaxing, stress free evening before dozing off on his warm body, he basks in his triumph of another successful deception.

[getbakeroo]

Manage your bakery’s people, production, inventory, learning management, orders management, catering, work health safety, and food safety from one platform. Did we tell you it's built by bakers?

Bakery Management Software,

Bakery Ordering  System,

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[thesightstoshowyou]

Hi hi! I was wondering when you come back to writing requests, could I ask for a Pennywise/Bob Gray FanFiction with a Fem reader sharing her first time with him but it’s noncon but he tries to be gentle with her. She knows about him through the town they live in, reader is home from college which thrills him and finds a way to take her. Maybe some chest play from Penny? I really hope this is okay to ask! I love love love your penny stories there so good! Can’t get enough ❤️❤️

You are an angel for waiting so long for this. Thank you for your patience 🙇🏻‍♀️

Idk if Penny can be considered gentle in this one, but I suppose he’s gentle compared to how I usually write him 😂

~~

Use

Bob Gray/Pennywise x F Reader (NSFW)

Warnings: Noncon in the back of a van baybeee, social anxiety, age difference, objectification, degradation, supernatural elements, nipple play, fingering, loss of virginity, threats, crying, a little daddy kink, put that reader in a mating press—readers love mating press, creampie, cum eating

It starts with a prickle.

The fine hairs on the back of your neck and along your arms raise as your skin tightens and tingles. In your belly, unease writhes like a thousand snakes. Your shoulders tense as your feet dig into aging tile, ready to flee should your nervous system give the order.

Except…. You’re standing in the middle of the grocery store bakery, a warm loaf of freshly baked French bread clutched in your white knuckled grip, paper cover crinkling against your palm. It’s 1:00PM on a Thursday. Why on earth do you feel like a cornered animal here of all places?

Cautiously, you glance to your right. You find nothing more than muffins, croissants, and danishes all gleaming temptingly from their plastic containers. An employee restocks the organic section, her back to you.

To your left….

Your throat goes dry when you meet the piercing blue gaze of the lanky man hovering at the end of the aisle. Buck teeth peek out between full lips, lips that glisten with spit and curl into an unnerving grin. Long fingers slip from a tattered, tweed pocket and raise to greet you with a cartoonish waggle.

Recognition is instant. Robert Gray is unmistakable, even if the last time you saw him was as a child. Though, why the hell he’s staring so intently is beyond you. You barely know the guy.

And he hasn’t aged a day….

Suddenly, the room tilts and your stomach lurches. Your shoes squeak on tile when your legs flail, as though they’ve come unstuck from the ground beneath you. Wildly, you reach out to grip a shelf when you begin to float right up into the air.

You blink.

The feeling vanishes as quickly as it came. Your feet are flat on the floor. On the shelf, your hand shakes as you hold on for dear life.

Had anything even changed at all?

Mr. Gray still leers at you from the end of the aisle. Gasping, trembling, and not knowing what else to do, you raise your own hand and tentatively wave back. He responds with a titter and a wink before slinking away.

Once more you glance around, wondering if anyone else saw this bizarre exchange or your strange behavior. You’re only a little relieved to find yourself alone. Saved from embarrassment, but not the fear that still clings to the back of your throat.

**

At the checkout sits Marge, as round as ever. You recall the powdery smell of her perfume, unchanged from when you clung to the hem of your mother’s dress as a child. Derry remains as static as ever.

She greets you generically as you set your purchases on the conveyor belt. The beep as your goods are scanned fills the space between the two of you and saves you from conversation. You’re thankful she doesn’t recognize—

“Well, goodness gracious, I hardly recognized you!” You spoke too soon, it seems. Marge says your name like a question and you force a smile and a nod. “Where have you been, missy?”

Awkward chuckle, “Ah, college. Just back for a few weeks, visiting mom.”

“Oh I bet she is loving that.”

“Ha, yeah….”

“You kids just grow up so fast. So, tell me about school! How many boyfriends do you have?” You bite the inside of your cheek when she ends her question with a self-satisfied giggle.

“Oh, no, nothing like that. Just…focusing on school, you know….”

You continue on this like for another agonizing minute or two, forcing out answers to Marge’s barrage of questions until she prattles off your total and hands over your groceries.

“Say hi to your mom for me!”

“Will do, thanks Marge.” The bell above the door jingles as you flee to the parking lot. Afternoon sun catches you full in the face and momentarily blinds you. You manage a scrunched glance left and right before crossing the road to your vehicle.

Strained huffing from somewhere nearby makes you pause. Furiously blinking to adjust to the light, you find Mr. Gray at the rear of the white panel van parked next to your car. The back doors are wide open as he attempts to load what appears to be a folding table all on his own. Attempting, and failing.

You only hesitate for a heartbeat. He’s a weird guy, a bit unnerving with his nineteenth century garb and knowing smile, but he doesn’t deserve to throw his back out.

“Need any help?” you ask, setting your purchases on your trunk and hurrying over to him. Where did he even get this from…?

“What a good girl, gracious little thing, helping old Mr. Gray.” The strange lilt of his voice almost makes you wince. His wide, blue eyes rove over your face and down your neck until the hair on your arms raises in alarm once again. Your own eyes flick down to his wetted bottom lip, so slick it appears drool will spill over any moment. You swallow thickly for him.

“Uh, yeah, let me just, um—

Bob moves to the end of the table still sitting out in the parking lot so you have no choice but to take the other end that is half lodged in the vehicle. It’s awkward, crouching and backing into the van while maneuvering the load, but you manage to shuffle all the way to the front seats until the damn thing comes to rest on the floor of the van. Easy enough—

SLAM.

All at once the sunlight disappears but for the weak imitation trickling in through the windshield. It takes your brain a moment to realize Bob has followed you into the van and slammed the doors shut, though how he managed to move so quickly is beyond you. He now sits between you and the exit, cast in shadow.

“Little treat might be too gracious for her own good, hmm? She makes it too easy for ollllld Mr. Gray.”

‘What are you playing at?!’ The question is there, right on the tip of your tongue, but it freezes and dies when Robert Gray’s eyes glow, glow like golden fire burning unnaturally from the shadowed corner of the van. Terror zips up your spine as you choke on a shout and scramble away, intent on clambering over the center console for the driver’s side door.

Long fingers wrap around your ankle and yank. Your own digits slip on vinyl seats and you crash face first into the accursed table top. Onto your back you roll as Bob slinks over you, wedges his hips between yours, and pins you down with an impossibly strong hand around your neck. Every muscle strains as you try to buck or twist or anything, but he doesn’t even budge, doesn’t even give a millimeter.

How, how…?

Wet warmth splatters onto your cheek. Drool has spilled over his lip, a steady stream of spit that reeks of decay raining down on the side of your face and dripping into your hair. It’s further smeared up to your brow when Bob crushes his lips to the side of your head to noisily inhale. He titters, a little giggle you feel inside your head that rattles your teeth.

“Its fear is unsoiled, yes, fresh like a babe.” Confusion at his words plucks at the back of your mind, but your panic is too intense and overwhelming to spare it full attention.

“What—p-please, please stop, I don’t—

“You don’t, no, no, you haven’t. Have you, little treat?” The deep growl of his voice shakes your own chest. He looks at you expectantly as he speaks, buck teeth on full display, golden eyes wide and staring. One of them drifts to the side and you try your best to melt into the tabletop at your back.

Furiously, you shake your head back and forth and stammer out a, “Bob, please, I d-don’t understand—

“No boyfriends, it says. No fumbling hands that prod and squeeze, no one to use it like the meat it is. Sweet. Untouched. Meat.”

You blink and shake in shock. Your mouth opens but no words escape. Bob laughs, high and piercing and you flinch at the ferocity of it.

How…how could he know that…?

“No hiding from me, little bite. Mr. Gray can see it allllll. Now he has you here, all to himself. And he’s soooo hungry.” The last, rumbled word reverberates around the van and you scream, arch, kick your legs only to freeze in place when Bob ruts against you. The hard girth straining against his trousers slides deliberately along the length of your clothed cunt and, suddenly, the end game becomes frighteningly apparent.

“N-n-no, no, oh god please, don’t—

“Not like you had imagined it, is it, tiny thing? No candlelight. No love. Just old Mr. Gray and his teeth.” He sets them against your cheek, his teeth, as his free hand weasels under your shirt. You loose a protesting grunt when spidery fingers push aside your bra to pinch a nipple between thumb and forefinger. Gently, they tug and, thoughtlessly, you squirm. You tense and fall still when the movement grinds your clit against his bulge, a little zing of pleasure shooting through your belly at the contact.

Bob hums knowingly like he can hear what you’re thinking and twists his fingers ever so slightly. Instead of a grunt, a little whine slips past your quivering lips. More unbidden pleasure, more curling heat where it shouldn’t be.

“Mr. Gray’s good little girl. I can smell it now, needy, needy.” He snuffles along your jaw, and slides his thumb away so he can press slick lips to your fluttering pulse. “You stink like a virgin, too stupid to know what you need, hmm? Let him show you. Let him put your meat to use.”

Again you shake your head and open your mouth to protest, but this time the words are a cry as Bob humps you and tweaks your nipple all at the same time. Your head spins, overwhelmed by new sensation and fear of who…what causes them. Something deep down in your guts knows this is no man hovering over you.

The thing called Bob shifts his hips to the side and you tense to act, to shove, to fight, but he’s so much faster. His hand leaves your breast and burrows into your pants. Tricky fingers find your clit and stroke, perfect pressure that makes your limbs twitch and your lungs gasp. Hands poised to claw just moments ago instead fly to his shoulders and grip on reflex.

His digits sink inside you faster than you can inhale. They curl until they reach some spot you didn’t know existed until now. Even just this stretch is more than you’ve ever experienced, but the surprise comes not in the pain, but the pleasure. It doesn’t hurt, not even a little.

Didn’t they all say it would hurt?

You emit a strangled sound and then, to your dismay, a wanton little mewl follows after as Bob works his hand and rubs euphoric little circles inside you. The nails intent on scratching his eyes out have curled into the fabric of his dingy button-up and your legs fall open like they have a mind of their own. No, no, stop, you’re not enjoying this….

You shouldn’t be enjoying this….

Robert chortles in glee and finger fucks you faster until your eyes go out of focus and you arch—toward, not away this time. Still, your mouth tries to lie about your body’s obvious reaction with a stuttered, “S-Stop, I don’t…want….”

“‘Don’t.’ There’s that silly word again. ‘Don’t!’” He mocks your pathetic timbre. Next, his lips move to yours so he can growl against your panting mouth, “You don’t know what you want. Listen to that slippery little hole, hmm?” He jostles his arm and your cunt squelches in answer. “Desperate for purpose, isn’t it?”

Without warning, he rips his fingers from your channel, grabs hold of the waistband of your pants, and gives three sharp tugs. They’re down and off before you can even think to shriek. Bob grips you behind the knees and shoves, bending you in half and spreading you wide.

Fear returns with the sound of his zipper, trepidation that makes you scramble to grab hold of something and pull yourself away. His iron grip keeps you from budging, however, and you’re helpless when his thick cock lines up with your glistening slit.

“And a one, and a two, and a—

“Wait, wait, wa—

The last ‘wait’ is lost in whatever garbled nonsense escapes your throat when Bob eases forward. Unused muscles part around cock and you experience that foreign stretch and pressure for the very first time. Bob makes an inhuman guttural sound low in his throat when your walls squeeze his girth. It’s a sound that dumps icy terror into your veins, but you think what startles you most is the absence of discomfort.

Maybe it hurts, but the main sensation you feel is…delicious. Blissful. Addictive. You close your eyes to keep them from crossing.

“Useless until I found it,” Bob coos against your lips. Heat jolts in your gut and you can’t help the pitiful moan it brings. Is he the reason you’re reacting this way? Are his horrible words spurring you on? What the hell is wrong with you?

“B-Bob,” you choke out when he bucks his hips. In your shoes, your toes curl. He snickers and does it again, and again, each thrust eliciting more desperate sounds than the last. Moans and cries fill the interior of the vehicle and mingle with the sounds of wet slapping and the harsh grunts escaping from Bob’s throat. Any fight left in your fists is gone, replaced by need that has you gripping his shoulders like you gripped that shelf in the store. You could float away like this….

“Float, yes, that’s right, little girl. You’ll float. But first, you’ll cum on Daddy’s cock.”

“I-I….”

“You want to. Say it.” You shake your head and Bob snarls, “SAY. IT. Or I’ll sink my teeth into that supple little throat and paint us both in pretty red.”

“Iwannacum! I want to, p-please…D-Daddy—

“It’s learning, it’s poliTe.” The “t” sound hurts when it snaps off his tongue and Bob cackles when you jerk and shudder in his grip. Still, you don’t release him. You can’t, the insistent, hot pull in your belly too great to ignore.

Frenzied tears well in your eyes as you beg again, “PLEASE, please, I need…need….”

“Neeeeed, now it knows, now it understands what it NEEDS. Cum for Pennywise, little treat. Give it to Me.”

Pennywise…?

Climax hits you like a runaway train and wipes all sense from your mind. You shake and scream, rippling ecstasy washing over you in wave upon endless wave. Bob follows suit and hilts himself, spilling so deep you feel him twitching behind your navel. There’s so much, too much. It spills over and pools beneath you, a sickly sweet scent filling the air.

Wet fingers prod at your lips and you crack an eyelid open one at a time to find Bob insistently poking at your mouth with slick-covered digits. Not thinking, your lips part and the taste of rancid cotton candy bathes your tongue when the fingers push past your teeth.

You grimace at the flavor. Bob grins, too wide, terrifyingly wide. Fear renews like a bolt of lightening to the heart and rational thought whirs to life in your pleasure-addled brain.

Pennywise…. He’d called himself ‘Pennywise.’ Where had you heard that before?

“Pennywise was right to save you for later, yes, yes he was. Let you marinate. Let your meat age.”

Pennywise…. Pennywise the clown….

Your heart beats so fast you fear it will burst. Bob’s eyes are jaundiced, wide and wild. Familiar.

The clown. The clown from your childhood nightmares. The clown from the house at the end of the street.

Pennywise.

“And now you see it all, don’t you?” Bob’s voice is a warbled whisper, slow and solemn. “Now you know why.”

More tears burn their way down your cheeks.

“Purpose, hmm?” Bob chuckles, light and airy. “You’ll be of good use to IT.”

[radiance1]

Vlad owns a bakery.

It is, however, on the very downlow. The CEO of a massively successful corporation being known as the owner of a mere bakery would make it far too easy for people to access him, which would then lead to him having to hire people to keep said people who didn't come for the bakery out and that would just really ruin the mood.

On the other hand, he's also keeping it a secret from the Fenton family, he doesn't need them trying to install their 'defense systems' into his bakery because first of all, he already had his own. Second of all he's strong enough that most ghosts don't even want to try him and he could take care of any normal human and thirdly, he doesn't want that bumbling fool to bust down his walls because he can't grasp the concept of a door.

His bakery is successful, not enough to be famous, but he has a steady selection of customers. He doesn't want his bakery to be famous either, he would prefer to keep a good pool of regulars that were nice and calm.

After all, money is never an issue.

Of course, he has a few part timers, who he pays handsomely for their time.

Simple logic really.

More money = happy = greater efficiency.

Of course, Vlad knows that he's overpaying them more than the normal amount, but does he care?

No.

Because after all, as he has said.

Money is never an issue.

Recently, there's been a man by the name of Constantine coming by his bakery, who came at first by recommendation, took one of his items, paid and then left.

Then came back a few days later, then when Vlad showed himself from inside his kitchen and personally took the guy's order (his usual part timer called in sick) and the guy seemed to stare at him for a second too long, before getting his stuff and leaving.

Then the time he visited became shorter.

And shorter.

Until he was visiting daily.

Constantine seemed to have a certain... interest, in Vlad whenever he was around, and of course, Vlad noticed. Why wouldn't he?

Now, Vlad normally wouldn't have the time nor want to respond to the crushes of people he couldn't care less about, especially when he had Maddie. But, after recently accepting that Maddie has no interest in him and finally deciding to let that obsession that was fueled by spite, pettiness and some misguided feelings go.

Well, you could say he had time.

And Constantine wasn't displeasing to the eye.

===

There was a demon masquerading as a normal man in this bakery.

Constantine was sure of it, the bakery owner didn't feel human, and Constantine could tell from a glance that he wasn't. He wasn't exactly expecting it though, going to a bakery after the one he actually liked shut down due to financial problems, and then finding its owner to be a demon.

He was surprised to say the least, as well as disappointed, because after dealing with the demon in disguise the bakery would most probably shut down.

Except, the owner wasn't going around secretly killing people in the dark or torturing their minds or making them his eternal servants. In fact, he seemed to be treating them well, if what he gathered was correct.

They had a far higher pay than a part timer would normally have, they could call in sick and Vlad would accept that, even say that they just couldn't show up or feel mentally able to do their job that day and Vlad wouldn't care, wouldn't fire them, just tell them to come in when they can.

Weird, for a demon.

So, Constantine stayed his hand.

But he was waiting, waiting for that mask to slip up juuuuust the tiniest bit, make the wrong move, and then Constantine would send him back to hell where he originated from.

It would be shame, the treats he cooked were delectable and completely and utterly normal. But he could just find another bakery to eat at.

Although probably not as good.

[bunny-jpeg]

Hello bunny!!!! I love your bakery series, it's so cute! I have zero clue if you even write for it. But is it possible to get a Jason Todd from DC? Can I get cinnamon rolls with a side of martini & energy drink!

Thank you so much <33333

bakery menu

want to submit your own order? then hit up the menu! there's tons of items on there along with all the guidelines for submitting an order! as for this anon, thank you for submitting it! i haven't received a dc or marvel request so this is very exciting! so thank you, i hope you enjoy!! (if anyone else wishes to submit anything comic related, please do!!)

cinnamon rolls ("no one needs to know.") + martini (mafia au) + energy drink (doggy style) served by jason todd/red hood (dc comics)

cw: smut/pwp, mafia au, doggy style, mafia boss!reader, boxer!jason todd

you wouldn't consider yourself a bad girl. you in a lot of ways were servicing the people of gotham. you were doing what you felt was right in a broken system.

but even one of the most dangerous women in the city needed a little assistance. that was when your beloved boxer came into your life. his name was jason, a boy thrown out then became a broken man. but, you liked to fix broken things.

you gave jason purpose again, even going as far as to tend to his injuries he got in the ring. kissing along his side and across his knuckles. the red hood was your pride and joy and he in turn adored you more than weeds on the sidewalk loved the sun.

you had returned from the art gallery that evening, it was open late on wednesdays and jason wished to come with you. you held his hand the entire time and kissed him gently when he gazed at a picasso.

"did you have fun?" you asked as you slipped your shoes off.

jason nodded, "i did, i mean, you were more beautiful than anything in that gallery." he chuckled as he took off his sweatshirt and put it over the side of the couch.

you looked at him and walked over to him. you placed your hands on his chest. in all fairness, he was more beautiful than anything in that gallery. if a true artist could capture him in a piece of work, they could probably make millions.

even with all the scarring, the damage on him. to feel his heartbeat under your palm felt nice. you leaned up to kiss him on the lips. he wrapped his strong arms around you.

when you pulled away, you ran a finger across a scar on his face and said, "thank you for coming with me." you had to get up on your tip-toes to get closer to his face.

he chuckled, "ah well, who else would go with you? isn't my job to protect you?"

you chuckled, "no, your job is to punch very hard for me." you joked before you pulled him in for another kiss. you did very little to hide your relationship with jason, you didn't feel the need to. as head of the family, who you were with was not a concern to those below you.

one time you had heard an insult fall from the lips of a a rival family and you simply upper cut the man. jason may be at your side as your defender, but you were more than capable of taking care of yourself.

it was just nice to have a companion.

you both ended up in your shared bedroom. jason got you onto the bed and you started to unbutton the blouse you wore. and he took off the white undershirt he wore. you got a better look at all his scarring and once your shirt was off, you reached for him and grazed your fingers across the scar down the middle of his chest.

he never told you what happened, and you didn't want to pry too much. you believed it would all come out at one point or another. even if it didn't, you'd still love him.

"you're looking at them again." he said softly.

"no one needs to know." you said as you met his gaze, "what happened. you're still my jason, whatever happened to you." you said softly in return.

jason felt his chest tighten as he said, "thank you." before he started to get his jeans off, followed by your skirt. then he was on top of you on the bed, his hands planted on either side of you as he pulled you in for a kiss.

you both took off your undergarments down to your socks and laid in be for a moment, naked in each other's embrace.

jason then got you onto your elbows and knees, his strong hands on your hips as he rubbed his cock up against your slick slit. he groaned through his teeth as he continued to do so. it felt so good against him.

the most dangerous woman in gotham in bed with a boxer. what a sight. you felt the love for him cloud your chest, leaving it tight.

"you have my entire heart." you admitted.

"and you have mine." he replied. he slowly slipped his cock into your pussy and held onto your hips. he sank into you with ease. he knew that he was much bigger than you, so he had to be careful as to not harm you.

he kept his pace steady the more he rutted against you.

jason had never felt more alive then when he was with you. he thought that his life revolved around punching the shit out of people in the boxing ring. the sound of his fists hitting against flesh, that was his purpose. that was what made him feel alive.

but you lit a flame in him. the spitfire woman who handled the family with ease. he wanted you, yearned for you in ways that he never thought he would with another person.

his cock nudged against your cervix and you whimpered against the sheets a little with your back arched. you felt like a dream, the perfect woman for him. he sped up the pace a little bit, keeping a steady rhythm against you.

"you feel so good." he said, "i wish i could nail you up against the wall of the gallery. since you're the most beautiful thing there." he chuckled a little bit.

you arched your back a little but, "you're so fuckin' cheesy, jason."

he chuckled a little, "only for you, babe." the sounds of your love making filled the room, he felt hot all over as he continued to move against you.

"please." you panted, "shit." you gripped onto the bed tightly and moaned a little bit, "you feel so good. no one else does it like you, jason." you whimpered.

he clutched onto his hips tighter and moved faster. he swallowed back the pleasure as he continued to move. he buried his nose into the back of your neck, his broad chest against your back. his arms now wrapped around your middle as he bullied his cock into your pussy.

it all felt so overwhelming, hot all over and he thrusted up into you. you felt protected by your lover, he'd always keep you safe. always love you in ways that neither of you could put into words.

you gripped onto the covers under your body and panted wildly into them. you felt the curl of heat in your gut as you raised your hips further to give your lover a better angle.

the solid mass of a man with that streak of white hair hit against the softest parts of you. it made you whine into the bedding. such a submissive position for such a strong woman. jason would always take care of you. with a few more thrusts, you came around his cock.

"please, jason." you panted.

he continued to rut up into you, feeling the pleasure up and down his spine. he gave a few more hearty thrusts before he finished inside of you with a loud groan. his chest was pressed against your back as he yearned to be close to you.

skin to skin. lover to lover.

he slowed down and laid on top of you when you dropped your hips. he then peppered your shoulders with kisses before he pulled out and laid next to you on the bed. his strong body exposed in the low lamp light of the bedroom.

"jason."

"yeah, hun." he said as he tried to level out his breathing.

you were both panting as you rolled to your side and up against his side. your hand on his chest, fingers grazed the scarring. between heavy breaths you said, "my number one."

he chuckled a little as he pulled you closer. he kissed your sweaty brow and replied, "of course, only the best for my girl." then laid a sweet kiss on your lips.

the mafia boss and her boxer, tangled in the sheets. you guessed that he saved your life as much as you saved his. because you'd always find comfort in the beat of his heart. <3

[victonair]

“Maybe this time” - Azul Ashengrotto x reader

Fallen in love with Azul during your time in NRC, you had never gained the chance to confess to him in his final year: you were too late and your chance was lost in the winds of time. After graduating, you find yourself moving on with life and moving on from him, even opening a bakery and coffee shop in a small town near the sea. It was a perfect life for you - and it was all you could ever want. But when he shows up at your bakery one day, you’re not so sure you had everything you wanted in life anymore.

Or rather

In which, you fell in love with Azul in Highschool and after years of moping - you move on. But when he shows up out of the blue one day, you begin to question if you’ve really ever moved on in the first place.

Author’s Note: I enjoyed writing this! I was brainrotting about this concept so I decided to! Aside from this update, I finally got my first request!!! I’m overjoyed and to whoever decided to request me, I’ll be finished with it within a week or so as I’m quite busy with school. In fact, I have a test tomorrow…Oh well, please do enjoy the fic! Also, this fic is based off the song “Maybe this time” by Sarah Geronimo so check it out if you want!

Content Warnings: Not exactly hurt/comfort, more you moved on from the hurt first and then went again into hurt, then finally comfort. Gender-neutral reader. And lastly, amateur writing and off-pacing since the author wrote this at 3 am in the morning.

-

Moving on in life was a daunting challenge that could strike fear into most people’s hearts, because often, new things and routines either intimidated people or raised dislike for most. For many people, change was a facet of life they weren’t ready for, thinking that things would stay like that forever - the happiness, the pain, the routine; it was something that most people thought would stay for forever to come. But, really, does everything truly last forever? In some cases, people think so - but when life hits them in the face with change, it becomes a clear answer.

“A latte and a slice of cake, please!”

In some cases, things last forever - but not for yours. It seemed back then that the pain of Azul leaving and graduating, as well as the fact that you never conveyed your true feelings to him would stay forever. But through years of work, moping, reflection, and the best support system you could ever ask for - you finally moved on with your life and haven’t looked back since. Since you’ve graduated, you took to working yourself to death at first, but after a lot of reflection and coping - you decided to relax and take a hobby.

Which is how you landed with owning a bakery and coffee shop, even moving to a small town by the seaside since they had no late-night coffee shops and a bakery built - and so you took it upon yourself to set up one yourself. You thank the Lord on high that Azul was able to teach you basic business skills in able to set this up and how to know your audience - luckily, the townsfolk were quite appreciative and friendly which led you to become part of the community quickly.

“Sure! Order up!”

A smile on your face was evident as you made the latte and put the pastry on the plate. You were thriving; you had been thriving for years in this small and cozy community. It was the epitome of peace and coziness in this village, where the wind was different and fresh and where you were awoken by the sounds of bargaining in the market nearby. You had made the right decision in moving on from the pain of the past, instead moving and focusing on the future.

The regular at your shop smiled at you, taking the latte and pastry from the tray and sitting in one of the seats that overviewed the peaceful view of the sea: from the ripples from the waves visible for all to see, to the seagulls that flew in the air above, peacefully flying and searching for food - and to the townsfolk greeting you from outside the window with a smile and nod.

You were satisfied and content with what you had, you wouldn’t look back to the past not anymore - it was better to focus on the future instead.

Continuing your work, you spent your time idly making tasty caffeinated drinks and delectable pastries that was part of the reason you charmed most of the town’s hearts. It was the reason you had so many regulars at your shop, after all. And when it was closing time, you sat down and smiled at what you had done.

Before you could start closing up the store, you heard the bell ring and a smooth yet familiar voice filling the cafe, “Excuse me, are you still open?”

Looking towards the door, you expected yourself to smile and greet the new customer - you recognized every voice in this town and this one was certainly a new one. And yes, that was how well acquainted you were with each villager. But instead of smiling, you found yourself freezing in place and your mouth dropping slightly.

There was little to surprise you these days; you had borne the brunt of overblots, emotional breakdowns, and while violence was nothing to you - you had gotten used to peace as well. Peace from the people around you and the support you had gotten to those dear to you. There was little to shock and surprise you with, and yet right at this moment, you found your knees weakening, rooted to the same spot.

“…”

Silence was often a peaceful presence in your life, it helped you reflect through your days and things you’ve done - however, as of the moment, you wished you could break the silence yourself. For a while, quiet emanated through the shop as you observed the one person who you hadn’t seen or never expected to see till the day you died (or a school reunion at least): Azul.

When he graduated from NRC and left for internships, you had been an emotional wreck - knowing him, he was going to the farthest place and most successful companies to study and work under them. And you were right. He had gone to study and intern under one of the most successful companies in Twisted Wonderland.

Supposedly, you were going to confess your feelings to him back then, but the moment he was boarding the transportation to his final destination - you couldn’t do it. You just couldn’t. You froze and said one word to him, which was ‘Bye’. And you’ve regretted that decision ever since, it was one of the things you regret, but you’ve taught yourself to move on so it didn’t really matter anymore, did it?

“Well, aren’t you going to take my order?” His voice rang in your ears like a siren’s enchanting voice, beckoning you to reminisce on memories of the past. You were almost tempted to, until you realized what he said - making you immediately snap out of the frozen state and rush to the counter to take the order.

He had an amused smile on his face; he looked so similar yet so different to his past. His features were more matured, while he styled his hair in the same way with his curls - he had the same beauty mark, the same cunning eyes, and most of all: he looked as beautiful as the day he had left you.

“Right. W-What would you like?” Your smile was more wobbly than usual, while your voice was more strained

“Just a simple hot latte, please.” He responded, his head was tilted as he smiled at you; this was the same smile that had you on your knees in NRC.

God, you loved that smile.

At a loss for words, you got to work on his latte - inputting the correct amount of coffee and milk into the mixture - including a cute frothy image of a heart on top. It was the only one you knew how to concoct, and somehow, giving it to him made your heart skip a beat in embarrassment. As soon as you served it, he took a sip and smiled at you politely.

“It’s really good, [Name].”

He remembered you. Well, of course he remembered you; the late nights at his office and the time you spent together wouldn’t have resulted in him forgetting you. So, why in the first place, did you question if he forgot you in the first place? You were stupid, that was for certain.

“What would be better, however, is if you sat down and caught up with me.” He directed a polite smile towards you, a calm demeanor, the complete opposite of your current state. But following his words, you nodded and mumbled one word that fell from your lips:

“Okay.”

What ensued was a long conversation that was the both of you reminiscing over what was missed and what was done.

-

From the evening to the point where the sun was arising from its slumber, both of you had talked and laughed from the stories you had shared; for hours, you were graced with his presence and smile - and within the short period of time, you could feel yourself resorting to old memories and habits that you had with him. It was the way you smiled and laughed with him, cracking jokes and references that only the both of you could decipher. To him, it may have been a brief meet-up with an old schoolmate and friend, but to you? It was everything that the past you would’ve wanted.

By the time dawn had come, the both of you had glanced at each other like old lovers meeting each other once again after a brief exit out of each other’s lives a long time ago. It was unnoticeable to you, yet it didn’t go unnoticed to him.

“Are you leaving now?” You couldn’t hide the disappointment within your eyes, a small frown on your face as you held back from holding his hand - a gesture of wanting him to stay with you, obvious that you were pleading for him to stop his leave, and for for just this once: choose you.

“Don’t look so sullen. I’ll be staying here for a month, it’s my vacation. Jade is temporarily handling matters for me, and will only report to me if there’s an emergency.” He responded while sipping another cup of tea you had given him while the both of you were talking through the night.

Despite such a long period, the only thoughts entering your head was for him to stay longer, just a bit longer, just so you could relish his presence and his charming smile even more. You wanted him to stay, to let yourself go and feel the same things that you felt back in high school. You wanted the same chats, more time with him, and what you took for granted back then - to now be cherished.

You wanted a chance, a chance to do what you never did back then. To cherish the time you spent with him, and to finally express your old feelings to him - to live with no regrets afterwards.

“Promise you’ll see me everyday?” You crack a smile on your face, one that was filled with varying emotions: nostalgia, happiness, and courage - it was something you didn’t hide. You couldn’t.

Azul’s face wasn’t poised with a smile, instead his cheeks were coated with a light pink blush as he took in your features. But after a few moments, he smiled back - a smile filled with various emotions as well, feelings that you were too oblivious to pick up on.

“Of course. We have a deal.”

“I wonder if I’m going to get scammed.”

“How cruel of you, I wouldn’t scam one of my dearest old schoolmates.”

“We both know you would.”

-

The rest of the month was blissful, something different from the sort of peace you’re used to. The peace you had when you moved into the village was something you were grateful for, but this was an entirely different experience that you treasured every moment of. Days were spent exploring the town, baking with you, or going to the beach and looking to the ocean where he was reminded of his home. Every moment was sweet and domestic, and you didn’t realize it at first, but somehow - each time your eyes met with soft gazes, each time both of your hands intertwined, and when both of you hugged - it rekindled what you felt initially for Azul into a bright blazing fire of feelings.

You didn’t know what to do but simply laugh when you realized it. Because, how could you? The time you spent healing, reflecting, and spending on yourself, was it all for naught? How could you do this to yourself? When you already know he’d be leaving you by the end of the month, and in turn leaving your life once more. Once again, you were left a pondering and an emotional mess.

You wanted to cherish your time with him, but how could you now? There was. A couple of days left, and you realized something major: you had never really moved on in the first place. How could you see his face without your heart aching in turmoil and the pain of losing him once more? You’d be back to step one, back to how you were like after he graduated.

But despite that, you forced yourself to spend time with him, and unsurprisingly, it makes your heart twist in pain. But you did it, you wouldn’t let him depart without you saying goodbye.

“Doesn’t this remind you of something?”

You had chosen to go stargazing with him as the final activity both of you would enjoy together. You were supposed to be happy, but all you could really think of was how you’d lose him just tomorrow. And what’s more is the fact that this was what you both did together back in NRC before he graduated, you took him to Ramshackle and would gaze at the fireflies and stars.

“Yeah…it sure does.” Your voice was strained, but you managed to clear it out before he noticed it. “Ramshackle was the perfect place for stargazing.”

A peaceful silence made its way to the environment, the only sound being the breeze blowing against both of your skins. The moonlight shone upon each and every little thing, and you really only noticed it as you looked at Azul - his skin glowing as the moonlight showcased every little ethereal detail about him. He looked like a deity under the moonlight.

At that moment, all you could really do was observe his features, admiring them as you’d done in high school when you stargazed with him back then. Then, you laughed. You laughed until you ran out of breath, and until Azul stared at you with curiosity within his gaze.

He smiled at you while chuckling from your laugh, “What’s so funny?”

You took to staring at the stars above instead of staring at him this time, and it helped ease your pain just a little, “I’m thinking. I’m thinking about how stupid I am.”

“You’re not. You passed at NRC, after all.” His reply was disapproving of your words.

Humming in reply, you admired the stars, not bothering to meet his questioning gaze. “No, I’m not thinking about in terms of academics. I’m thinking how stupid I am emotionally - how could I do this to myself?”

You didn’t really care anymore about what happened next, you needed the burden and regret to pass. And so you spoke.

“How could I allow myself to fall in love with you once more? I’m just…frustrated with myself at this point. Once is enough, twice is questionable at this point. Even after years of not seeing you, how is it that I find myself feeling like I did back then within a month?”

Your words were exasperated and tired, it was a wave of emotions and feelings that you were releasing onto him. Unsaid words that were left alone when he was about to leave back then, finally came rushing to the surface.

“I-I don’t understand myself. Just why? I thought I had moved on, but I don’t think I have. I find myself wanting you wholly, to have you within my arms for the time to come and the years wasted on not having you.” You adjust yourself to meet him eye-to-eye, and the only thing you see when you do is a stare with an.indescribable expression. “I’ve loved you since back then, and while things may change, and time will pass - somehow, I think these cursed feelings of mine will change.”

“Forgive me, please. I never wanted these feelings-“

Tears brimmed at the tears of your eyes as you pleaded for forgiveness from him, only to be interrupted with soft lips pressed onto your own. You freeze and after a short moment, his lips detach from your own. “Are you aware that I’ve loved you for as long as you have?” His expression is still indescribable, but with the way his fingers intertwine with yours - you could tell that he was sincere.

“I love you, and I have for a long time. I…just didn’t know if you reciprocated - I came here with the sole intention of confessing what I’ve felt for years to you. So please, just repeat what you feel for me and if it’s truly not what I heard, then I depart the next day and leave forevermore.”

In an instant, you say three words that confirm that everything isn’t just a dream for him, “I love you.” And immediately, he kisses you once more - cupping your cheek in his hand as he pours the years of pent-up affection and feelings into how he touches you so lovingly and gently to the way his lips meld over yours.

And as dawn soon comes, he does not leave, instead he stays; he stays within the boundaries of your loving arms, as you stay in his as well.