#tapioca challenge

[zaahaaz]

Prompt 9 - unique foods

My favorite breakfast/afternoon coffee food <3

explanation in the bottom of the post (:

So, this is a tapioca with a filling of romeo e julieta (romeo and juliet).

Tapioca is made of cassava starch and the filling is cheese and goiabada.

The cheese that is used it's called queijo minas, which is similar to cottage cheese. Goiabada is guava paste that it's made in a big block or sometimes in jam.

Why the combination of cheese and goiabada it's called romeo and juliet? I have no idea.

I think it's because the cheese is salty and de goiabada is really sweet and they taste amazing together.

Traditionally tapioca is eat with only butter and cheese, but you can put anything in it. Sky is the limit.

[mirimage]

[voodoo-tofu]

When you became the unofficial fourth member of the team, it took some getting used to.

Joaquin was the most welcoming, Sam being a very close second. It didn't matter that you didn’t have super strength or the specialized training required to take the sky with wings, you were valued and wanted by the whole team--for both your skill and your personality.

Although Bucky took a bit longer to get into the groove of working with you, he eventually became close friends with you. So much so that he even engaged you in whatever internet trends you and Joaquin were currently obsessed with. This time, you and Bucky were doing the Take A Sip challenge.

The two of you were armed with your favorite drinks; Bucky with a peach tea with tapioca pearls. You thought it was a disgusting combo, but he liked those better than the popping boba so you didn't give him too much grief. At least he was trying new things, figuring out who he was as a person.

The two of you sat by yourselves at the base, watching as airmen and airwomen milled around doing their jobs. It wasn't often you and Bucky had free time, but when you did you made it a point to do pointless and fun things as a break from the traumatic lives you lived.

You both got to about two-thirds of your drinks when everyone cleared out, likely leaving for a lunch break or meeting or something.

"Huh, guess the game's over." You mused after a few moments of silence.

"Guess so." He smiles in resignation, beginning to stand but stops the moment a pair of footsteps are heard.

Bucky turns to flash you an amused look before you both wait in anticipation to see who's walking in.

Oh.

Sam and Joaquin.

Well, you are still playing.

You and Bucky make eye contact before both taking a long sip from your respective drinks, you barely stop yourself from choking on the liquid at this new found information.

Sam gives the two of you a nod as he continues to his destination, but Joaquin slows his step the barest amount. Analyzing eyes take in yours and Bucky's casual demeanors.

He picks up his speed to match Sam's stride before they disappear into the next room.

The moment they're gone, you risk giving yourself whiplash as you look at Bucky, finding he's staring deeply into your eyes.

"Spill. Now."

He smirks, "You first."

"No way." You lean back, eyes flitting around the empty room. "You sipped first."

He shakes his head just as stubborn as ever. "No, I didn't. Plus, I asked first."

"No."

"Youngest first."

You're about to fire back a weak excuse when Joaquin and Sam both reenter, eyes trained firmly ahead... Snapping to look at the two of you just in the knick of time to see you both sipping again.

Sam grins, but says nothing.

Joaquin hurriedly looks away, once again following Sam out of the room.

You mentally count to ten before narrowing your eyes at your friend. He returns the favor, immediately going into a contest even long after you'd already blinked.

You rub your watery eyes. "God, does the super soldier serum make blinking unnecessary or something? Quit giving me the blue eye stare."

He huffs out a laugh, shaking his head fondly at you. "Come on, I won fair and square. Who were you sipping over?"

You mulled it over carefully. You trusted Bucky with your life, but was he trustworthy not to ruin it with this kind of information? He seems like he'd have field day running his mouth the moment he had the chance.

When it becomes clear you're not breaking so easy, he sighs. "Fine. Guess we'll figure it out soon enough." He tilted his head at the door to his right with a grin. "Sam's walking in five...four...three...two..."

Except, Sam doesn't walk in. Instead he peeks his head in, and you and Bucky both sip. Sam laughs something boisterous before ducking back in.

You barely catch him saying something to Joaquin before the door shuts behind him.

You feel like you know exactly where this is going, and before you can warn Bucky that the two of you have been set up, Joaquin comes through the door... Holding an open soda can.

His eyes sparkle with mischief as he makes quick work to come sit across from you two, forming a sort of obtuse triangle. He eyes both of you while purposely taking a long sip.

At having been caught, you sip yet again. After all, you'd rather confirm his suspicions and busy yourself so you'd have an excuse not to speak.

You're saved (and maybe doomed) further when Sam follows in Joaquin's footsteps, sitting beside him to form a solid square, with his own drink in hand.

He raises it in the air, as if making a toast.

"To my beautiful and emotionally constipated teammates."

He takes a sip.

[arlucent]

Title: Adepti-Approved Sugar Rush

(GN!Reader x Shenhe, Established Relationship.)

(Authors note:pls wish for me to get her I really need her,but anyways I hope you enjoy this)

✧༺☄️༻❄️༻✧

A Civilized Introduction to Modern Liyue

The idea had seemed simple enough—introduce Shenhe to one of Liyue Harbor’s newest and most popular modern treats. You hadn’t expected it to become a diplomatic incident.

She observed the bubble tea stall with the same detached focus she applied to tracking demons. The cheerful vendor, unaware of the danger, held out a sample cup of tapioca pearls.

"This one’s our bestseller! The pearls are made from—"

"I see." Shenhe interrupted, lifting the cup to eye level. "They resemble the eyes of a defeated foe."

You sighed. "They’re chewy. Sweet. You might like them."

She gave you a look that suggested she was humoring you. "If you insist."

Her first sip was measured—adepti-trained restraint in action. She swallowed, paused, then frowned slightly.

"The texture is… unusual."

"But?"

"But not unpleasant." She took another sip, this time catching a pearl between her teeth. "However, the straw is inefficient."

You watched in mild horror as she removed the lid entirely and drank directly from the cup, chewing methodically.

The vendor looked faint.

✧༺☄️༻❄️༻✧

The Great Straw Debate

Over the next week, Shenhe developed a very particular set of opinions about bubble tea:

1. Tapioca pearls were acceptable, but only if evenly distributed

2. The straw was, in fact, "a crutch for the weak"

3. Any flavor containing "excessive floral notes" was a suspect.(You found this out the hard way when you brought her a rose lychee tea.)

"This," she said after one sip, "tastes like perfume."

"It’s a popular flavor!"

"Then popular opinion is incorrect." She pushed the cup back toward you with the solemnity of a judge passing sentence.

Still, you noticed she never refused when you offered to share your own drinks.

✧༺☄️༻❄️༻✧

The Incident Witnessed by Chongyun

The turning point came when Chongyun stumbled upon the two of you near Third-Round Knockout.

He froze mid-step, his own drink slipping from his grip as he took in the scene:

Shenhe, the legendary disciple of the adepti, was holding a pastel pink cup with a heart-shaped straw while you argued about whether mango or taro was the superior flavor.

"A-Aunt Shenhe?"

She turned, completely unbothered. "Chongyun. Your presence is… timely." She held out her cup. "Which of these would Cloud Retainer prefer?"

Chongyun’s eye twitched. "I—she—what?"

You took pity on him. "We’re doing market research."

Shenhe nodded gravely. "The mango has superior tactical advantages."

Chongyun made a noise like a boiling kettle.

✧༺☄️༻❄️༻✧

The Boba Experiment

When you mentioned offhand that bubble tea could be made at home, Shenhe took it as a challenge.

Cloud Retainer’s kitchen had never known such peril.

Phase 1: The Tapioca Offensive

Shenhe approached the boiling pot of pearls like it might contain an ambush. "They’ve expanded. This was not in the instructions."

Phase 2: The Milk Tea Mutiny

"The ratio is incorrect," she declared after tasting the brew. Before you could stop her, she’d added what appeared to be an entire qingxin’s worth of leaves. The resulting tea could have stripped paint.

Phase 3: The Assembly

The final product resembled a science experiment gone wrong. Shenhe studied it critically.

"It lacks structural integrity."

You took a brave sip. Your vision blurred momentarily. "It’s… unique."

She nodded, satisfied. "Next time, we will improve our strategy."

Cloud Retainer banned you both from the kitchen for a month.

✧༺☄️༻❄️༻✧

A Quiet Moment

Weeks later, you found Shenhe waiting by the harbor stall at sunset—two drinks in hand.

"You were late," she said simply, pressing the less-sweet one into your hands.

You smiled. "You remembered my order."

She looked away, but not before you caught the faintest curve of her lips. "It was… no trouble."

And as the lanterns began to glow above Liyue, the great disciple of the adepti sipped her mango slush in peaceful silence, one arm brushing lightly against yours.

Some traditions, it seemed, were worth adopting.

[superfreakfranky]

Franky discovering the types of books you like to read 🥵

Cw: 🔞, afab, thigh riding, hair pulling, dirty talk, oral (you receiving), fingering, wall sex, unprotected sex (wrap it, kids), creampie, smut for smut's sake.

I apologize for this. I wanted to be normal about him, I really did...

Another 3am wakeup.

Another warm night on Sunny.

Another morning you find yourself awake before the others, sneaking down into the kitchen to make yourself some tea and enjoy the silence as you read a book.

Only this morning, the door swings open as you're pouring.

You startle, hand coming to your chest.

It's Franky, looking dashing in the low light.

You hush a hello as he approaches.

"Jeez, you're up early. Or...stayed up late?"

You smile softly. "Been having a hard time sleeping."

"Oh, yeah?"

"I wanted some bubble tea. Would you like some?"

You offer him the cup, grab him a straw. It'd been a special request you made for Sanji to pick up at the last port.

"Oh, Hell yeah!"

You laugh, make yourself a cup as Franky plops down at the table.

"Don't tell Sanji I'm in here."

"Especially when you're barely wearing anything," Franky comments, mid-sip.

You glance down at your shorts and oversized t-shirt.

"They aren't panties," you defend, "I'm clothed."

"Sure, sure. But we shouldn't talk too loud. Cook's probably got this place bugged for these exact moments."

Your jaw drops. "Oh? And he'd be able to pull that one off himself, yeah? No help from someone like you, right?"

He laughs.

"Got me."

There's a moment of comfortable silence between the two of you.

You take a sip of the drink, chewing the tapioca balls with a pleased hum.

It makes early wake ups like this worth it.

Your eyes take in the kitchen. You adore this space, had always dreamt of a kitchen this glorious back home.

When your gaze sweeps over Franky, your heart skips.

He's. Reading. Your. Book.

"Hey!" You round the counter, frantic to get it back.

"So this is the kind of filth you like to read."

"Give it back!" You approach him, reaching for the book, only he holds it above his head, far out of your reach.

You stretch more, trying to ignore how close you are to him, how you're between his knees at this point.

"Franky, please!"

"Please, what?"

You're now aware of the gruffness in his voice, your attention no longer on the book in his hand, but on the way he's observing you, how his chest is pressed against yours.

"This what you're into? That 'push-me-against-the-wall-and-kiss-me' kinda thing?"

He lowers the book now that he's got your attention, gauges your reaction before continuing, "the 'ride-my-thigh-and-get-me-super-worked-up' kinda thing?" He tucks your hair behind your ear. "This okay? Can I touch you?"

"Yes," your voice is hushed. It feels like it's just you two on the ship.

He drops the book down on the table. The thud startles you. You lean into his touch when he grips your hips.

"You're sure these aren't panties?" he teases, lifting the hem of your shirt.

You tap his shoulder in jest.

"Ooh, don't start that. I might like it."

You hold his gaze, his fingers caressing your hips over your tiny shorts.

"You sure you're not an avid romance reader?" You challenge.

"Would you blame me if I said I skim 'em and use 'em like instruction manuals?"

"You're all talk."

He grins. "A challenge, then."

You raise a brow, say nothing.

In seconds, he's got one hand grabbing your ass, the other behind your head, pulling your mouth toward his.

The kiss isn't rushed, but you feel the urgency. Chills cover your body, even though the room is warm.

He guides you down onto his left thigh, tensing his muscles there as he maneuvers you, and grinds his thigh upward to stimulate your clit.

You gasp out, greedy for the sensation.

His fingers grip your hair, yanking lightly to expose your neck. He peppers kisses there, nips gently - all playful - while he's guiding your hips still.

You feel him hardening as you ride his thigh. All wandering hands, he seems pleased just by being touched.

You can't get enough of him. It felt like a loss when his lips left yours, and you're eager to meet him with the same need he showed you.

Gripping his hair, you dip your head down to unlatch his lips from your neck, meet him with a greedy open-mouthed kiss.

You're pawing at him, wanting to feel him in your hand; how big he is.

"Oh, fuck..." he moans when you reach between you two.

Each grind, you pump your hand around him, feel him tensing beneath you.

"That's it-" he pulls away and in seconds, your back is against the table.

You feel his lips on your thighs as his large fingers pull your shorts and panties down.

"Mmm...so fucking pretty," he plants open-mouthed kisses. "May I?"

"Yes. Hell...Please, Franky."

He chuckles darkly against your skin.

His large fingers at your clit, mouth lapping at you, you let out a gasp and cover your mouth.

"Oh, no..." he shakes his head. "I wanna hear you." His tongue swirls around your clit then he tenses it and licks up and down harshly.

You grab his hair, back arching off the table.

It's so good, but you want more.

His hand cups you while he kisses up your body.

His middle finger plays with your opening and you almost worry his hands are too big.

As if reading your reaction, he urges you to suck on his finger, prep it.

His gaze is intense as he watches you suck his finger; erection twitching in his briefs. When your tongue swirls around his fingertip, he groans lowly.

And then he's slipping it out of your mouth before slowly easing it between your legs.

He acts gently, is aware of your reaction, and moans when you take it like a champ.

Shortly after he curls his finger inside you, his thumb presses to your clit as he rubs and the stimulation sends you into overdrive.

Gripping his shoulders, digging your nails in, you cry out for him as you come.

He pumps a few more times, chuckles when you pull him in for another kiss.

The urgency slows for you as you wrap yourself around him, kissing him deeply.

Wordlessly, he picks you up. You're pressed against a wall in moments.

Your breath leaves you from the impact.

He steps out of his briefs then guides himself between your legs.

A few tantalizing seconds and he's filled you, leaning his head against your shoulder as he presses his hand to the wall, other hand holding you up with ease.

The pace he sets is devilishly slow, enjoying every sensation.

Too overwhelmed to speak, you selfishly capture his lips again; the kisses heated and needy.

You're clinging to him. It's been so long since you've been touched. Longer still since you'd been fucked like this.

And he meets you with the same desire, as if needing you wholly as well.

"In your books, I'll bet this is the part where the character says some sexy stuff, huh?"

You laugh out loud.

"Give it your best shot."

He's silent a moment then shakes his head, nuzzling into your neck.

"No thoughts, head empty," he laughs. "Only thing that comes to mind is: it'd be damn irresponsible to not do this again."

"Agreed."

He's captured your hands above your head now so you can't touch him and his thrusts have gotten more intense.

The lack of touch makes you groan, but he makes up for it with more greedy kisses. You can't help but grind into him harder. You feel a bruise forming from your position against the wall.

"Gonna need you to come soon, honey," he hums against your mouth.

The urgency pushes you on and before you know it, you're gasping through another orgasm.

"Mmm...wanna touch you. Please, Franky."

He lets your hands go, leans into your touch when you pull at his hair.

"You feel so damn good," he compliments. "I'm close, damn it. Where do you want it?"

When you say, "in me," he's almost in tears.

"Yes, ma'am," he growls, nipping at your neck before his thrusts become slow and deep.

His breathing is heavy as he cums. Watching this large cyborg fall to pieces makes you feel something. It's almost powerful to be the one to shatter him.

You can't stop touching him. Not after he's slipped out of you, not as he sets you on the floor, not while you get dressed, and certainly not while you finish your bubble tea. You're enamored- playing with his fingers or touching his arms. He seems pleased.

"Same time tomorrow?" He teases.

As you wash the dishes, he comes up behind you, wraps his arms around you, and kisses at your neck.

You realize you never want to leave.

"I'm going to bathe before the others get up." You manage quietly, as if in secret. "Bring my book. Let's reenact a scene."

"You're after my heart."

[puzzlingphronistes]

Absolutely great episode. A little scared at what the iceberg melting means for the rest of their journey, and sad that Evan didn't get chosen in piss bc of what he said in the last adventuring party (bleem mentioned he thought the goat stamp on his ass meant that the goat claimed him, which is why tad could only leave a paw print rather than his whole pussy) but! All around great!

"I already have power I'll take knowledge"

"my tiddies? Brown."

"tell weugan I said hi" HOLY SHIT! THAT GOAT FUCKED THAT WOLF!!!

and above that, I love LOVE how much Aabria is trying to get them to fight these concepts of magic, and how much the misfits are straight up refusing the call. She had to start the episode with a check just to try to hurt them

THEE great sky serpent! Quetzy! A being of great hate and malice that they made friends with by letting it go home! Fuck that rocked

The scale here seems really interesting, too. Earlier this season Evan mentioned something about how wizard civilization diverted from normal civilization around the Advent of the printing press? But this ep confirmed it as old, older than what we know as recorded history.

And that they were barking up the wrong tree! God what a save by Danielle. That they assumed the funnels and the well were all necessary for magic, a truth of magic, instead just another Bombini classic. my guess is magic, true magic, used to look a lot closer to standard DND style, and the OG founders created the well to make magic easier, and this magic was less efficient, so less people could perform it.

And I love LOVE how Aabria is challenging everyone's preconceptions about magic. At the top of the season when K broke their wand, they spoke about the fact that they *can* break their wands with almost. Incredulity. "No way I would break my wand!" Type attitude. And slowly but surely everyone loses theirs one by one, wrapping up with jammer realizing that it's not necessary, it's not even good to have, it's holding him back.

And last one. The components! So cool. Performance intention and material, and that it doesn't necessitate something specific. The material of K throwing dirt could just as easily been rocks, or holding up a sheet of paper. It's giving "someone just replaced the blood component in a summoning ritual with tapioca and it worked" but across everything magic needs - almost like it's all just folk magic at the bottom, and everything beyond that is just having fun, messing around.

[novastar-creations]

ROTTMNT ART CHALLENGE DAY 8: HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!!

showed this to my mum and she said “lesbianism isn’t feminism nova” like??? They’re not even that gay in this one???

Yes this is the one of the fits I designed in this post

I think they’re all drinking bubble tea or smthn

Sunita’s definitely a tapioca pearl girl she’s going all in with the milk tea mhm

April’s probably got like fizzy fruit tea? Maybe strawberry? Or mango??

Cass probably would switch based on what she feels like

(Also I headcanon Sunita sometimes uses crutches to help herself stay up bc she has trouble keeping her form, but some days are better than others and some days she gets tired and starts to liquify so she’s sometimes brings her crutches out but they’re kinda bulky so she’d just be walking with crutches kinda awkwardly like oh well better safe than sorry)

au masterpost

[swampgallows]

i wanna get boba wiith garrosh i want him to complain that it's too sweet and get a tapioca pearl caught in the back of his throat and make a bunch of wayy too loud guttural noises makin a giant embarrassing (for me) spectacle so people are turning and looking before he launches it twenty feet from his gullet spattering it on the pavement then throws the cup to the ground and shouts A CHALLENGE UNBECOMING OF MY NATURE. I REFUSE TO CONTINUE WITH YOUR PALTRY OFFERING

[punkeropercyjackson]

Todomomo is the best shonen m/f ship but only when you're not an idiot about them being poc4poc and queer-coded like please shut up about your white masculinity adjacent Shouto characterization and waifufication of Momo,they go on cat cafe dates and do the chubby bunny challenge but with tapioca balls and buy Dual Kawaii matching drips and have Ghibli movie marathons and schedueled tamagotchi parents caretaking sessions and Shouto writes years of poetry on his feelings for Momo because he's been raised to hold in 'those' types of feelings as they're 'embarrassing' and Momo uses her quirk for Shouto's testosterone and she uses kaomojis nonstop in their texting convos and he does shopping runs for her and they take nonsexual baths together and she does the puffed out cheeks thing so often he starts poking them let her let out the air on instinct and calm her down and Momo calls Dabi Danii with the honorific for older brother and he treats her like his baby sis

[adore-laur]

BEAUTY

— harry & nadine’s meet-cute 🕊️

——

SIX YEARS AGO

Grey skies loomed over Loire Valley with the promise of an April rainstorm. The slow-moving river snaked through the scenic countryside and stretched beyond what the human eye could see. Trees rustled in a favorable breeze, stirring up aromas from nearby fruit orchids. Firecrests and turtledoves chirped in the distance, signaling the start of spring.

Nadine savored it all while crossing the bridge on her Beaumont bicycle. In the front wicker basket was her canvas tote bag containing her Kodak camera protectively wrapped in a pillowcase, a serving of fresh tapioca pudding she had impulsively purchased from the local farmer's market, and an unknown flower she had found under the oak tree in her backyard. Her yellow raincoat crinkled as she pedaled vigorously to get to her destination before the clouds burst. The scrape on her knee she had gotten from falling off her bike in her gravel driveway dully ached. Maybe the rain would wash away the dried blood.

The Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire opened its annual International Garden Festival that morning, which Nadine wouldn't have missed for the world. It resurfaced fond childhood memories of strolling through the enriching gardens with her family and getting lost in the creative landscapes showcased by landscapers, architects, and photographers far and wide.

Nadine planned to take photos to build her modeling portfolio. As a curvy girl with distinct ethnic features, getting her foot in the door had been challenging, but the alluring backdrop of the gardens would make her stand out. The theme was Gardens of Sensations.

In the past, it had been no easy feat to photograph herself with her less-than-adequate camera and awkward self-direction. However, she prepared to make these sacrifices for a prosperous career. Loire Valley only had one modeling agency, which meant she had to start somewhere small and affordable before traveling north to Paris for more lavish opportunities.

To earn a living, Nadine provided housekeeping services for surrounding chateaus. The work was rewarding, but it did not spark any passion for her. As a young girl, she had been fascinated by the aesthetic of posing in different environments and making fashion statements after seeing magazine spreads of French models strutting down the catwalk. But she had never been able to imagine herself in their shoes—literally and figuratively. Those six-inch heels seemed killer. With her thick eyebrows, pesky cellulite, and blemished skin, she had been the complete opposite of what model scouts sought.

Once Nadine became wiser over the years, she knew her worth. Her natural beauty just needed to be highlighted by the right scenery and garments.

When she arrived at the festival, she locked her bike on a rack and slung her tote bag over her shoulder. The historical Chateau-de-Chaumont on the sprawling lawn caused her to stop and stare for a moment. It was grand and beautiful, just as she remembered. Her new-fangled perspective left her wondering what inspiration she would discover.

After purchasing an admission ticket, she walked under the arch of the chateau to reach the garden path that weaved through twenty-one hectares of artistic garden exhibits. Each display differed depending on where the landscaper originally hailed from, like Japan, South Korea, Great Britain, and countless other countries. Among the trees was a greenhouse kitchen where vegetables were grown and offered to visitors. Nadine remembered eating juicy little tomatoes there as a teenager—they were called 'the nipples of Venus.' The memory made her smile faintly.

She glanced around for a pretty scene to photograph herself in just as rain began to sprinkle. Shivering, she pulled the hood of her poncho over her head. Maybe today wasn’t the best day to embark on a modeling adventure. Maybe she should have turned around and gone home.

But further in the gardens, Nadine stumbled upon a peculiar situation. An exhibition was still being set up, nestled in an opening surrounded by greenery like a secret oasis. Landscapers worked diligently to put the finishing touches on it. Their work had been delayed by the unpredictable climate in central France. It was a blessing that the rain didn’t fall much through the canopy of trees above.

There was a rectangular vat of water with a wooden path winding through it, similar to a Candyland board. The landscapers removed leaves and branches from the water with pool skimmers. Red bamboo canes stood tall around it, hugging the scene with vibrant color. There was something simple yet entrancing about it, and she was drawn to the energy of tranquility that called to her.

Nadine slowly approached, attempting to act invisible so as not to disturb them. She would wait until they were done before taking photos. Perhaps sitting on the path and posing near the bamboo would be adequate. Yes, that would be a fantastic shot. Unique, too, which was what she strived for.

Her childlike wonder pushed her closer until her attention snagged on something else. Something a little more intriguing.

A man stood waist-deep in the water, rearranging bamboo with sedulous care, his bare back turned to her. He had the most muscular, contoured back Nadine had ever seen in her life. It was sculpted in a way that captured her gaze, but she should not have been surprised. He was some sort of landscaper, which was a labor-intensive job. His tendons were surely robust. Sacré bleu, why was she thinking about his tendons?

She snapped out of her man-induced hypnosis. She had a job to get done. Her future was at stake! With that thought, she unwrapped her camera from its cocoon just as a couple of landscapers brushed past her with metal buckets, paying no mind to her lingering presence. She must have looked like a mere tourist.

Nadine delicately cleared her throat in an attempt to catch the attention of the man with the beautiful back. He was the only one still tending to the exhibit and did not seem to hear her.

"Excusez-moi?" she said, removing her hood to appear more approachable.

The man's large hands, which were also gorgeously sculpted, halted around the lithe bamboo sticks. His face turned before his body did, and goodness gracious! Oh wow. He was pleasing—to look at, she meant. His foreign face was a masterpiece of symmetry. While he did not look French, remnants of European features still adorned his face. A well-chiseled bone structure and an elegant straight nose. Pink lips that were parted. A firm chest with a ridged midsection. Disheveled, rain-soaked hair.

"Bonjour," he replied, sounding perplexed. Soulful green eyes stared intently at her.

Nadine's gaze desperately wanted to wander south again, but she remained strong. "Is this exhibit open to visitors?" she asked.

He regarded her for longer than normal—not scrutinizingly, but rather in a mystified manner. "Yes. My apologies; I was just perfecting a few details."

"I did not mean to intrude. I—" She paused and searched for the proper words. "Well, I was hoping to take pictures for my portfolio here."

"Your portfolio?" he echoed.

Nodding, Nadine nervously tucked her damp hair behind her ears. "For modeling. I want to broaden my use of compelling backdrops, and this festival has plenty of them." She waved a hand, the flourishing nature around them not needing further explanation. "Anyway, this particular exhibit caught my eye. Would it be possible for me to take some pictures?"

The man glanced behind her, his brows furrowing. "Where’s your photographer?"

"I do not have one," she said shyly. "I just place my camera on a flat surface and set the timer."

It was far too expensive to hire an entire crew for a photoshoot. She would have rather saved money by gaining hands-free experience herself. Besides, people in the modeling industry admired humble beginnings. She was building her career from the ground up.

"Would you like some assistance?" he asked, raindrops gently falling from his chin. Nadine detected a lilted British accent.

"Oh, I do not want to be a nuisance," she said. "I’m sure you’re busy."

He walked to the edge closest to her and shook his head, a handsome smile pulling at his lips. "No, not anymore."

Feeling thrilled, Nadine's heartbeat pounded like a stampede of wild animals. "All right, then."

It was an unexpected turn of events. As far as she was concerned, she had not expected to meet someone as generous as this man. She hadn't expected much of anything out of today since the weather put a damper on her mood, and her dreams often felt unattainable.

"What's your name?"

Handing over her camera, she answered, "Nadine."

"I'm Harry," he said. "I'm a landscape architect, which might not help your situation, but I did get a passing grade in a college-level photography class. Is that good enough?"

"I don't know," she countered playfully. "I might interpret a passing grade differently from you."

He laughed, his nose scrunching. "B-minus."

She pretended to mull it over before saying, "I will accept that."

"Merci." He sat on the wooden path. "So, do you have any specific ideas in mind for the photoshoot?"

"I know I want to be a part of nature. Close-up shots are preferred. And..." Nadine looked at the exhibit, pondering. "Am I allowed to go in the water?"

"I don't see why not."

"Will I get into trouble? I couldn't stand being banned from this place."

While fidgeting with her camera, Harry said, "This is my exhibit."

This had been designed by him? It was highly impressive, and it made her feel better knowing a person with a meticulous brain and a keen eye for design was helping her. It was also attractive knowing he had constructed it with his bare hands. Did his fingers have calluses? Were there blood, sweat, and tears involved? No, don’t think about him sweating!

"You're letting a stranger interfere with your creation?" she asked, willing away the heat rushing up her neck.

As Harry raised the camera to his eye and pointed it at random things, seemingly testing its functionality, he murmured, "You would be adding beauty to it."

In the middle of removing her sandals and poncho, Nadine’s breath hitched. It was quite bold of him to make such a statement. She had to tread carefully around this male enigma. She was there for business and business only.

"Hop in," Harry said. "The water is heated."

She felt vulnerable in her white camisole and brown silk maxi skirt. Her curves were accentuated by the spring breeze blowing through the fabric. Her feet sank into the dirt. To remain true to the theme of nature and its rawness, she had opted not to wear any makeup.

Shimmying down her skirt and letting it pool on the ground, she was left wearing beige underwear. Without a single word spoken, the mood turned intimate.

While she dipped one leg into the water, Harry's gentlemanly gaze remained fixed on her face. He was right—it was a glorious temperature, like sinking into a lukewarm bath after a long day. She was submerged up to her rib cage.

"Are you new to Loire Valley?" Nadine asked, curious about how this beautiful man showed up in her hometown.

"I live in England. I was invited to this festival to create a United Kingdom exhibit."

"Ah, oui. It must be such an honor. Do you like it here so far?"

Harry nodded. "It's gorgeous. The architecture is brilliant."

"I hope the sheer number of chateaus we have is not overwhelming,” Nadine said, slicking her hair back with wet palms.

He chuckled and stood up. "Shall we get started?"

Nadine leaned against the edge of the vat, swaying trees and clusters of red bamboo behind her. She settled her expression into her "model face," which was basically just her looking slightly pissed off at something, but in a sexy way. With her chin tilted up, she showed off her sharp jaw and neck muscles.

Harry knelt on the wooden path and held the camera steadily. Leaning forward, he zoomed in at a low angle. There was a look of concentration on his face, and she felt elated that he was so serious about assisting her.

The shutter clicked a few times. By moving her face just a smidge, she subtly posed. It was all natural to her once she was in the moment—like breathing. She loved immersing herself in working the camera to her advantage. She made it her best friend.

"Regardez-moi," Harry murmured, sending a delightful shiver down Nadine’s spine. She looked at him with her lips pursed attractively, and he snapped more photos. "Parfaite."

"You speak very good French."

Still adorably focused on his task, he hummed in acknowledgment. "I studied architecture at Versailles and took French classes. It's a romantic language."

"I agree." She switched her pose by spreading her arms in the water and trying to smize, as invented by Tyra Banks. The camera’s shutter sounded dozens of times.

To get the best angles, Harry contorted his body in semi-ridiculous ways. He then got in the water and stood near her. Nadine’s heart rate spiked since he was even more ethereal up close. There was a gentleness to his presence, and she was undeniably attracted to it.

"What do you call an angry French aunt?" Harry asked, setting up a joke.

"Oh, boy. What?"

"A crossaunt."

Nadine let a giggle escape. Slowly lowering the camera, Harry stared at her in awe. His smile was stuck in place, as if making her laugh stopped time.

"Fossetes," he whispered. Dimples.

A powerful blush expanded across her face and spread to her chest. Suddenly, her smile turned shy. She had never experienced such attention from a man before. The feeling was both daunting and exhilarating.

Water sluiced down Nadine's body when she stood at her full height. "Thank you for doing this," she said, her voice weak.

"It was my pleasure,” Harry replied. “You made my job easy."

She was going to burst into flames if she kept blushing. "Can I repay the favor in any way?"

His lips quirked to the side as he hummed thoughtfully. "What are your plans for next weekend?" he asked.

"I will most likely be back here again."

"As will I."

"So...” Nadine chewed on the inside of her cheek. “I will see you then?"

"Absolutely." He cleared his throat and held her gaze. "I was wondering if you would fancy doing something with me afterward. We could visit all the farmer's markets. Perhaps stroll along the river at sunset. You could show me your favorite spots and tell me why you love them."

Nadine inhaled a little gasp. If he wanted to spend an evening together, he had surely felt the connection too. It was palpable, hanging thickly in the air like a storm cloud. She could feel the electrical charge with just a single glance. It was definitely worth exploring.

"Unless you're taken,” Harry added uncertainly, combing a hand through his hair. "Sorry, I should have asked first. I just find you so pretty, and you have a lovely laugh." He paused briefly, glimpsing at her lips. "I'd love to hear more of it."

She walked toward him, her pulse going haywire. Her palms rested against his chest as she softly kissed his clean-shaven cheek and said, "I’m available.”

"Oui?"

"Oui."

Harry's eyes crinkled when he smiled. "Splendid. I'm looking forward to it, dove."

Gleeful flutters took flight in Nadine's stomach. She had been yearning for a serendipitous moment for ages. The prospect of being wanted always felt unreachable to her. No boy had ever decided she was worth a chance. Now, there was a glimmer of hope.

When Nadine arrived home later that evening, she perused through the pictures on her camera—there were at least a hundred. Each one captured her in a certain light that had been unknown to her. Through the eyes of someone else, she found herself desirable.

All thanks to the man with the beautiful back.

——

[whalesforhands]

Okay, digest your feelings series.. but reader and shoko are doing the pocky challenge and reader accidentally kissed shoko infront stsg?

Anyways already falling inlove w/ your stsg fics🫶🫶

hello my lovely first non-anon ♥️

honestly? stsg would NEVER allow shoko to kiss you. not when they’re watching, of course.

sure, they let her tease them a bit here and there using her shoko privilege, but if she tries to pull moves that will definitely make you fall for her even an increment more, absolutely not!

stag are possessive over what they think as theirs, and even if shoko is one of their closest (and only) friend, they can’t allow that. they just can’t.

but let’s say it’s something they let slip their sight. an indirect kiss. mwah

can we kiss? (shoko x reader, mention of gojo x reader x geto)

You stare at the can of tapioca juice Shoko held in her pretty hand.

It was a scene in some anime Gojo was showing to you. A cheesy romance depicting a lovesick boy with his love interest.

The girl had taken a few sips of the chilled drink during a hot, crowded summer festival, before offering it to him.

“N-no way! A-a-a-an i-i-i-indirect KISS?!”

A smile on her face as she watched the boy’s face erupt into a comical red, his nose spewing an exaggerated amount of blood for comic relief as the coveted can touched his lips.

You blinked. What’s so intimate about that?

Gojo watched your lack of reaction with interest. Sliding closer next to you before he held up his can of melon soda.

“Wanna try?”

You don’t think you’ve felt thirstier. You don’t even like the taste of tapioca juice. You just wanted to drink it from Ieiri’s can.

She notices your gaze, adamantly pinned to her half empty drink. She quirks a brow.

“I thought you hated this.”

You shudder at the way she drawls out her words, so elegant, so prim, so pretty.

Just like her.

(You like her too much, is what you decided.)

“I think I may change my mind if I tried it again.” You said it with an apparent shy lilt in your voice, your eyes still glued to the can that Ieiri’s precious lips touched.

(You now have a profound understanding of how that anime character felt.)

Ieiri, intrigued by your current behavior, decided to humour you.

“That so? I can go buy you one right now.”

No. You don’t want that!

“A-ah, I don’t think I have it in me to stomach a full can.” Your nervous gaze meets her own teasing one.

“Yours would- um, do perfectly fine! If you don’t mind that is!” Perhaps you sounded too anxious, too excited, but it felt as if she saw right through your plan.

She hummed in mock thought, before waggling a finger towards you in a ‘come hither’ motion.

You never got out of your desk so quick.

She held the drink out for you, moving it to the left. Then to the right. Up. Down.

(You were following the damn can like it was a delicious hamburger steak. What is wrong with you?!)

Shoko laughed, before simply placing it in your hand.

“Go nuts.” She had said, watching you with a grin on her face.

Your hands shook as you gripped the can as gently, as gingerly as possible, stare zeroed in on the imprint of her lip gloss on the edge of the can.

Before you knew it, your entranced state had taken a sip. The taste of tapioca that you had initially found odd had turned slightly sweet, a small hint of cherry on your tongue as it rests on the imprint of her lips.

You gulped down the remainder.

“It’s… Better than last time.” A smile on your face as your cheeks lit with a blush, staring down enchantedly at the can.

“I’m glad you liked it then.” Shoko was now giggling at your absolutely awestruck expression, sneaking a quick photo of you on her phone to show off to the two later.

masterlist

Note:

Upon showing the SG duo the photo that Shoko had made her wallpaper, they had requested for it to be sent to them.

Shoko refused.

You started receiving random cans of tapioca juice from Geto all of a sudden.

“I don’t think I can finish all these…”

“Well… Wanna share?”

He figured it out after piecing together Gojo’s recollection of watching the anime with you, and from the way you looked at Ieiri’s drink.

You had rejected Gojo’s offer to drink his opened can of melon soda. It was left on his desk for so long you saw ants crawl inside.

[backtothe99]

(18Trip Translation) Tao Kinouchi SR: Welcome to Prison Island - This is how you get hyperfixated

Title: Literally means 'This is the entrance to the swamp', 沼 (swamp) is also a slang term originating in the mid 2010s which means you get addicted to some kind of media and can't get out of it. So, uh, hyperfixation? lol

Part 1

Location: HAMA House West Room

Chihiro: We have tomorrow off, so TaoTao, let's play Anigun like we promised tonight!

Tao: This is my first time playing a Full Dive FPS…

Chihiro: It's pretty much the same thing as mahorova, so you don't need to worry so much. It's okies ☆

Tao: mahorova?

Chihiro: Wuzzat? You've never logged in that?

Chihiro: It's a virtual space on the net— It's probs easier to experience firsthand than explain~

Chihiro: Alrightie, first we gotta put a patch behind your ear—

Tao: Alright.

Tao: It can measure brain waves and observe movements like this? That's pretty awesome.

Tao: (Things sure have improved since the era of polygon games where you'd put a metal rod in your shoulder if your arm broke.)

Chihiro: All done with the patch? Now you gotta pick an Animal to play as! (1)

Tao: Each animal’s got its own set of abilities and skills, and also different fighting styles, right?

Chihiro: Yeah. Chii always uses the cat. The Field Trickster ☆

Tao: (So Chihiro focuses on speed… In that case, I think a type that can switch between defense and offense depending on the situation would have the advantage over him.)

Tao: (What should I do? Since it's my first playthrough, going with a balanced type and seeing how things progress would be a safe bet…)

Tao: I'll… go with this bear.

Tao: (It's power-focused with high HP stats. Seems suitable for both DPS and tanking.)

Chihiro: You chose carefully~ Nice~! Looks like I won't need to go easy on you ♪

Chihiro: Round 1! GL~ Game Start!!

[Flashing]

Tao: (The scenery's changing…)

Tao: (I'm entering the game's world—)

Part 2

[Flashing]

Tao: Ah… Damn, I lost! You really are strong, Chihiro.

Chihiro: You're strong too, TaoTao! It was your first time playing, but you did real good ♪

Chihiro: You're a gamer through and through. If we keep going at it, Chii might lose…?

Tao: Should we try this multiplayer mode next time, instead of the training grounds? We can play against other users, right?

Chihiro: OFC! Let's co-op as a duo next ♪

-

Tao: … We lost. Sorry, I wasn't much help.

Chihiro: No probs! Chii's just enjoying this without caring if we're winning or losing.

Chihiro: TaoTao… Are you having fun?

Tao: I'm having lots of fun. Actually, we should try again.

Chihiro: Okies. For hardcore gamers, the real challenge’s at the top ♪

Tao: Alright– Let's go!!

-

Tao: Ah~Damn it, we lost! One more time!

-

Tao: I totally messed up my aim… Damn. And we were so close, too… One more time!

-

Tao: O-One more time! I'm really feeling it now...!

Chihiro: W-We're still going!? It's gonna be morning soon, y’know?

Tao: Is it already that late… Sorry for dragging you with me, Chihiro. You can go to sleep, I'll go solo for a while.

Chihiro: You sure...? Chii's heading to sleep first, then. Good night~

Tao: Good night. Thanks for hanging out with me.

-

Chihiro: *yawn*~ Morning… Woah, you're still playing!?

Tao: Morning. I'm starting to get the hang of it. I don't wanna forget what this feeling's like.

Chihiro: Th-That so? I'm glad you're that into it, but still…

Chihiro: Chii's done with breakfast, so I'm going shopping.

Tao: Mhmm. Stay safe.

-

Chihiro: I’m home~

Chihiro: Y-You're still playing!?

Tao: Damn, this guy's good! I'll show you…!!

Chihiro: You've been playing all this time. Isn't it about time for a break?

Tao: I've finally gotten used to the controls, and I'm getting the hang of shooting… Eat that headshot!

Chihiro: Hey, have you eaten? Aren't you hungry?

Tao: Not at all.

[Stomach growling]

Chihiro: Nopes, your stomach's growling.

Chihiro: You gotta put something in your body… That's it!

Chihiro: I've got the tapioca drink Raitin gave me as a gift~

Chihiro: (I'll just hold it up to TaoTao's mouth—)

Chihiro: He drank it all before I could even say “Thirsty?”! Didn't even bat an eye!!

Chihiro: Is… His body seeking the nutrition!?

Tao: Anigun… Is so fun… I wanna keep playing till I die…

Chihiro: Hey TaoTao, let's take a break! Pretty please!

Tao: Shotgun secured— Oraoraora, eat lead!!

Chihiro: You'll starve and die, TaoTaoooo~~!!

NOTES: (1) this gets lost in translation, but chihiro makes to say animals in katakana as an english loanword and then corrects himself and says it in japanese, tao then repeats the japanese word. hence the difference in capitalization

[lilo-jacos]

Valentines Gift Exchange!

Ask: Preferably if it is a ship a lgbtq ship or a fun and lighthearted fic. // Icks Mareven

@kracenstar @nortaeventcouncil

*Long story short I decided to just share this for now. Is it my best work? Not even close. I had some complications with my chronic illness near the end that got in the way of writing but tbh this was modeled after a conversation I had on Chai with Cal and Gisa that I fell in love with and decided it fit the challenge of what this person wanted. If anyone wants the continuation version where they go to the lake after, I'll be happy to continue it! Knowing me it will contain a ton of Marecal, Gisa and Olivia exploring more of their crushes on each other and cute moments with the dog so hey🤷🏼‍♀️ if you're into that let me know!*

---

Marecal and Gisa Crush AU:

Cal drove while “Hot To Go” blasted through the car speakers. Of course he got stuck with driving three teenage girls around for a day out. Gisa and Olivia danced in the backseat while Mare scrolled on her phone and sang the words under her breath taking up the passenger. He didn’t mind the song, the girls made him do a TikTok with them to it and he was all smiles. Liv worked for Cal’s grandmother for years, she and him basically grew up together. She’s like his little sister, especially now that he’s out of the palace and he was able to get her a place across town. They’ve been able to have easier interactions apart from just when he’s visiting Nonabel. Mare has taken a liking to her, and evidently Gisa definitely has with the way they instantly clicked and exchange glances toward each other suggesting more than normal friendship feelings. The car shakes as the vibrations of the music turn everyone into the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, dancing their hearts out as the girls laugh and sing along. Roz, the German shepherd puppy in the boot of the car happily peers over the seats to watch. It only takes a while for them to get to the market.

It’s an alley-like opening leading to rows of shops and produce suppliers, a lot of places to sell food of different varieties. Many sounds overlap each other. Crowds in different conversations, laughing, food sizzling on grills, cars passing by outside the street, Olivia already talking about the boba stall. “I haven’t had boba in so long, I actually need it now before I suffer from lack of tapioca pearls.”

“It’s been two days!” Gisa laughs.

“That’s the equivalent of a lifetime when it comes to boba.”

With how many ovens there are in an enclosed space, the market heats up fast. In reality the weather is chilly but as soon as you walk through the alley a bit you can start to feel your skin warming like a day in the sun. Mare has on a black and white bandana-patterned top that simply wraps around her neck with no sleeves paired with dark jeans. Gisa has a lightweight long-sleeve on filled with light browns and greens. Her curly hair is pulled up into a voluminous ponytail, bouncing with every step she takes.

“You got money?” Cal asks Liv, one hand holding onto Roz’s leash.

“Yeah I brought my wallet this time. We splitting up?”

Mare takes over, happily continuing on further to get to the boba stall. “No, we can stay together. Make a double date out of it.” She winks and Gisa blushes, nudging Mare with her elbow.

The bubble tea shop is on the corner of a turn right next to a ramen shop and custom popcorn bar. That rich, buttery smell of popcorn overtakes the corridor even near the sushi bar. It’s like a movie theater without the movie. The boba store has an oil diffuser going to try to battle the scent but it’s practically useless for everyone but the workers; only managing to make it smell like kernel scented lavender. Gisa got brown sugar bubble tea and Liv got strawberry, Mare got a blackberry smoothie and Roz got a small cup of whipped cream. Cal tries to sip some from Mare’s drink and she immediately swats him away. “You said you didn’t want one!”

“I just want to try it!”

“Get your own then!”

They continue their banter, fighting like they hate each other even with the smiles they have and their interlocked fingers saying otherwise.

Making their way to the normal shopping district the air is cloudy from the smoke of the grills smelling like charred meat and sizzling oil. It clears up the more they follow through but stays when they pass into a small business trinkets shop across the street from a taco bar. Olivia takes Gisa’s hand and leads her to handmade jewelry, holding up gold teardrop earrings. “These are pretty, you’d like nice in them!” She says, holding up the pair for Gisa to see.

“There’s a matching set, one silver and one gold, should we get them?” Gisa smiles, holding up the matching silver pair. There was just enough room on her ear to get a normal piercing for her interchangeable jewelry apart from the stones her brothers gave her when they got conscripted. She still likes the extra earrings, that means extra bling. That’s not the only reason, of course, but each jewel gives her another part of her story to tell.

The shop is filled with many different eclectic pieces - most handmade - from jewelry to plushies and shirts to flags. It smells like dust even when the colors look bright and youthful. Cal is looking at a little leather purse near the entrance. “Would you wear this?” He asks Mare, her smoothie in his hand ever since she let him have a sip and he decided he liked it.

“Maybe, or we could take it to Farley. I’m sure someone at the guard could use something like that.”

By the time they leave Mare and Cal got a few bags to take to the guard and stuffed animals for the nursery; Gisa stocked up on embroidered patches to include in her designs and shipments. The matching earrings were worn immediately after being bought, the girls switching out their current jewelry to the new ones. “March and Mex?” Mare asks. It’s one of her favorite places to get her favorite food. She would travel hours for their steak tacos, she even once said she loved them more than Cal as a joke. That she would trade him in for just one cup of the Mex’s sauces.

“Should I get a burrito or just a taco?” Cal asks on the way.

“The way you eat, probably a burrito.” Mare smiles. Grouped fans line the top of the walls to try to keep the temperature down in the food court making the space even more muffled with the loud whooshing from above. Every corner of the market has space for tables. Some are occupied by couples or friends eating and others are playing cards on the stained wood seats. This station in particular is lined with graffiti. After ordering, they make their way to a little table in the corner fitting four in front of a floor-to-ceiling colorful portrait of a cityscape. The wood is slightly chipped, dirty from its last occupant. Mare sweeps away the crumbs whole Cal settles Roz under the table out of the way from those passing by. Behind the wall is a hot wings stand she’s smelling so he has to make sure the leash is secure.

“You think it warmed enough for the lake yet?” Gisa asks, mixing around her salad. Liv got a bowl, Cal got his burrito and Mare is too busy already enjoying her beloved tacos to answer.

“It should’ve, it should be one of the last good days to go before it gets too cold.” Cal says.

[killercooksblog]

KillerCook Baking Challenge

Howdy - In celebration of starting this blog, I present a challenge! If you've read the book, you'll know the first chapter was about BROWNIES! AKA the best dessert ever, probably. I'll post it below so if you have no idea what I'm talking about you can catch up and participate!

I love a good brownie, and I think everyone has their own unique way of baking goods that makes the recipe special in its own way! Yes, even box mix, cause I know not everyone is following those instructions all the time. If you're a raw batter eater, you're amongst safe company!

The challenge: I want you to make a pan of brownies with you're own secret ingredient that makes it *chef's kiss.* To participate, you gotta submit a pic of your brownie platter to my submissions or ask box by 3:00 PM EST Saturday, June 8th. Additionally, you need to submit a summary of the flavor and texture of your recipe, without saying the name of your secret ingredient.

For example: in my double mint chocolate brownies chapter, I would summarize it as - a dulcet double layer of cacao richness that's not too cakey and not too moist, that will leave you with a fresh and happy ending.

Or something like that. Get creative! I wanna rate your brownies! I'll be playing along too and for the sake of it, I won't be doing mint chips so I can leave y'all guessing too ;)

With the camera set in place, Killer dusted his apron and straightened his helmet one last time before pressing the ‘Go Live’ button, muttering a quick, "It's show time," under his breath.

“Hello, Killer here,” raising a hand in the air, the quarter sleeve of his dress shirt rolled neatly on his forearm. “Time for another day of relaxing vibes and delicious desserts. Today, I’m making Double Chocolate Mint Brownies. I love a goody, gooey brownie, especially when there’s mini chocolate chips and ganache involved.”

As he spoke the well-rehearsed introduction, Killer wandered around the kitchen pulling out mixing tools and fixing himself a glass of bubble milk tea, congregating on the island countertop. Oven already preheated, eggs and butter on standby and at room temperature. Slurping up a tapioca ball, he paused for a minute while he chewed.

“Mm, ‘scuse me, didn’t expect that one to come up all the way. Tasty. Moving on, you know my number one motto: A clean and sterile working environment is best when dealing with things you intend to eat. And please, enough with the Jason Vorhees jokes, my mask looks nothing like his. I’m trying to make a name for myself as an independent serial killer……of hunger and all your hearts,” he brought his hands together to make a heart shape for the audience.

The ping of a microtransaction being made caught Killer’s attention, leaning close to his phone. Someone had bought and redeemed a highlighted message, and it was one of those moments he wished he hadn’t added that incentive, now being forced to read and answer it live.

“MurderinoSquadAssemble has this to say – ‘a serial killer of hunger and OUR hearts? Seems sus but ok. #redflagbehavior.’ Calm down armchair detective. For the record, I haven’t been caught yet and it won’t be to the likes of you.”

Biting down a chuckle, Killer stepped back to put on plastic gloves, a baking hat, and his favorite apron. It was a faded blue color but what really made it endearing for him, was the print.

That’s Hot

It had a small whisk and measuring spoons sprawled on the bottom, and the capital T had a baker’s hat falling off it. Underneath the text, a stovetop on fire. A gift from Kid on his 25th birthday.

Smiling privately, Killer turned to give the audience his side profile as he tied the apron strings. His dress shirt clung to his muscled arms, threatening to burst if he flexed too hard. His ass looked firm and thick in the dark chino relaxed pants he wore.

Prepping the baking tray, Killer explained the ingredients he was using and his choices for alternatives. He preferred to use ethically sourced chocolate and tapioca flour instead of all-purpose flour. He used vegan butter but liked to brown it first to caramelize a bit before combining it to the batter.

“This flour is what I used to make the tapioca pearls for my milk tea in my 14th video. It’s still up if you want to check it out and give it some love,” he poured the batter into the pans.

Turning around completely, he walked to the oven to place the pan on the middle rack. Killer didn’t need to bend down as much as he did to place the pan inside. He also didn’t need to jut his hips backwards a little to make his butt look bigger on camera, but it was nice hearing the pings echoing in the kitchen as he was gifted with tips and praise. Not that he’d admit that to anyone of course.

Killer turned the volume of his Bluetooth speaker louder, enjoying the lofi channel playlist he chose for the day’s stream. It was hard to find good music these days, not with a DMCA lawsuit one flagged video away.

“You can find where I use the same ingredients for the pre-made mint filling layer in my 20th video, when I made my homemade No-reos.”

Underneath the kitchen island countertop was a small red button that Killer pushed. That was the alarm indicator Kid had installed to notify the redhead that it was time for him stop what he was doing, get dressed, and join the video for the taste test.

Hoping beyond hope that Kid would be wearing the clothes Killer laid out for him, the masked man entertained the audience. Acknowledging the redeemed gifts, answering comments and questions and taking a much needed bathroom break. Letting the ads run a bit longer to milk the revenue, Killer stood at the doorway waiting for Kid to make an appearance. Asshole was running late, unbelievable. HE WANTED to be in the live streams, Killer didn’t ask him to be a part of it.

Shaking his head, he sat down in front of the camera, preparing to be KillerCook once more. The oven had three minutes left on the timer and the smell of chocolate wafted. The stream continuing, he began whisking the ganache to pour over the brownies.

Killer heard Kid walking through the hallway as he whisked. Bursting through the door, shirtless, his golden piercings that littered his nipples, nose bridge and ears shined from the open kitchen windows that showed a beautiful sunny day outside.

Timer going off, Killer fumbled to the back while hissing out, “Put a fucking shirt on! Why do you do this every time?!”

“C’mon Kill, they’re not gonna ban you for male nipples, be real.”

“Not risking it, we’re already on thin ice for using copyright music after 2 warnings. Remember? That’s how you lost Your Job as the video editor. Put on a shirt or I pull the plug.”

Angrily swearing, Kid walked back through the door to find a shirt.

“The last step is pouring the ganache over the mint layer and spreading it evenly for a smooth coating. Then you’ll want to store it in the fridge to let the top layer set. This will take up to an hour or you can keep it in longer until you’re ready to eat.”

Cutting into the pan to prepare a square for Kid, the masked baker placed both the pan and the taste test piece in the fridge. Killer once again entertained the audience for the 5 minutes it took for Kid to come back, in a ruffled black vest that was unbuttoned. Killer pulled out a chair for him and went to retrieve the taste test square, placing it on the table in front of Kid.

Coming into view of the camera with an annoyed pout on his face, Kid shot a sneer at Killer before tightening his jaw and looking directly into the lens.

“Alright, now the reason you’re all really here. To watch me eat shit you can’t have and look hot doing it.”

Standing straight, he stuck out his right arm and flexed, slowly moving it down with deliberate motions that further focused on his bulging muscles instead of the baked good. Bringing it to his face, Kid licked his maroon painted lips before taking a bite with a grin. Letting out an approving grunt.

“How’s it taste?”

“Tastes damn good, brother,” Kid responded, biting into the brownie again.

“Can you uh elaborate some more for the audience?”

“It’s chocolate, tastes like chocolate,” he grunted out in between bites.

Sighing deeply, “Does the texture feel balanced? Is it too dry? Can you even taste the mint I added with the chocolate chips?”

Licking his fingers clean and wiping his mouth with the back of hand, Kid shrugged. “Tastes perfect. Like any good brownie should be, it’s moist,” devilish smirk on his face and he faced the camera.

Feeling Killer’s serious as fuck glare through the mask, “Yeah yeah you can taste the mint. It doesn’t overwhelm the chocolate but it wasn’t overstated either. Like a little nudge wanting acknowledgment.”

“And there you have it, moist and acknowledged. Tune in next time when I make one of my favorite dishes, Spaghetti aglio e olio. It’s simple to prepare and like everything else I make, slays. This has been Faffaffaffa-Food with Killer.”

End Livestream.

Killer lifted his baker’s hat, helmet and took his hairnet off, pulling his hair from the tight wound rubber elastic he’d put it in.

“One of these days you’re going to get me banned, dickwad. Think about that the next time you want to fuck around. All those comments of praise and validation gone just like that,” he snapped his fingers, “Because you can’t stop being a dumb whore for 5 minutes.”

“I’m a whore?! Oh stuff a brownie in yer mouth and calm down. You’re not you when you’re hangry,” Kid snickered, ducking out of the kitchen to avoid the stainless-steel bowls flung at him.

Bonus: The comment section

ICantEven101: Killer-san, why won’t my sauce stick to my noodles? KillerCook: You may be using too much oil or butter. A good trick is to add in pasta water to thicken the sauce. Corn starch is a good binder as well.

VanillyExtract: PunkNeverDied69 can I take you on a date? 🥺 PunkNeverDied69: You can’t afford my tastes.

GimmeDa’Za: Day 15 of asking for a Heat cameo and dutch oven pizzas. FlamingHot420: Why are you people obsessed with me? I walked into the kitchen ONE TIME.

[deeptrashwitch]

*wakes up from her sleep*

Holy shit! A Villian!Alicia AU-! No, no a Villian!Specters AU

Guuuys! Listen!!

Taglist: @alypink @stuffireadandenjoy @snootlestheangel @islandtarochips @raresvtm

@piouswolf @midnight193 @mutantthedark @justasmolbard @welldonekhushi

@tapioca-milktea1978 @imagoddamnonionmason

So get this...

During her last day captured: What if Alicia didn't tap the code that alerted the rescue teams that she was alive? What if she simply killed Carabalí and let the world think of her as dead? What if she decides that, since someone from the military betrayed her and her people, she'll burn them all? And she just takes over Carabalí's business even before Red Dragon appears in scene, making herself one of the most ruthless and coldest woman inside the underworld.

And yet, she feels sadness for betraying what she believed and what her family taught her.

Like that she will take over especially the mercenary market, she'll get the best mercenary and over all the best weapons she can deal with. Slowly she'll become the biggest weaponry dealer around the world until two years later, Red Dragon appears and at the same time, she gets her hands over the boys. The first one, ironically, will be Elijah.

What if one day Elijah simply gets tired of everything...and he snaps? That's how Alicia will find him, staring down at the cold bodies of the superiors that so much damage they caused at him. She will offer her hand and give him a place with her, and like that, the only thing remaining of him that night was his dogtags under the mud. That night, Delta joins Origin.

And just a week later, all the information about what the dead officers did will be leaked out. All their sins will be out at the light.

The next one will be Luke, but I'll twist a part of his story to make him find his way to the team. During Operation Ironfist, that will be happening later than it did, it all went as the original one did, but the change will come as soon as the place collapses. Instead of looking for him, his team left him behind. A man abandoned, wounded and filled of rage, because in any universe, Luke is loyal too.

For days, if not weeks, he roams around the world without a place to crash. Soon Alicia reaches towards him and she gets her right hand man. Harlem rises as well.

Then Marcus and Alexander will come in a pair, friends from before. Two Marines that ditched for personal reasons and that simply are trying to protect Keyra from the shadows. Soon they hear about Origin and the power she has, probably the only opportunity to shield her and at the same time shield themselves. Poison and Hawk join too.

The next one would be Nicholas, who, tired of not fitting anywhere and being treated as nothing else than a part of some supposed machinery, flees and simply starts working on his own to some sketchy people to intervene comms. It'll call Alicia's attention, and after following his work and him for a while...she extends her hand. She'll offer him a place to fit in, to be part of, and where to work as one of them.

Clover arrives as well.

After him, Eliiot will come. A man that feels how the military doesn't present a highlight or challenge to his supposed unbeatable intelligence. He'll become more reckless during the missions until he and his team go against them. Then Luke will be the one to completely crush his pride and arrogance to the point it'll be like seeing a shell of himself. And at that state, Alicia will offer him to join, promising challenges and using his crushed pride against him.

Wouldn't he like to be better and beat anyone that dares to stand against him? Then show the world his intelligence? Make them all see how he's one made for the spotlight? And like that, Pride joins them too.

After him, Noah would join. He would have been researching on Elijah's sudden disappearence and apparent drop out. During his research, he'll come across with Elijah himself. And Elijah, out of pure emotion and a bit of thankfulness for Noah's tries to help, speaks with Alicia about him and what he does as part of the SEAL 5. Of course it calls Alicia's attention, a demolition expert would be marvellous to have near her.

She will ask Elijah to offer Noah to join them, giving him permission to offer him subtle protection for his family and even use his own guilt against him. And of course Elijah does, making Noah join them while slowly manipulating him to believe they're doing better. Cobalto joins them.

Next one would be Francis, a young and ideallistic man that only needs some pushes to convince him to join. Especially after a bad misson that might cost him a lot, it'd be Noah who would approach him to speak with him. And after some time, he'll meet with Alicia herself, that would be actually kind to him since Francis reminds him somehow of her own sister's attitude. (Also, it's not like she's a complete bitch with the boys...simply a bit colder for now.)

After a while, and involving a lot of manipulation as well, Viper would join them as well. He'd be the one in charge of planning the routes for the ambushes and raids for merchandise.

Next, Jackson. This time, since the Specters aren't formed, he would continue working with the SEAL 3 and inside the carriers until his mind and trauma make him unable to keep working there. When he retires the Navy, Luke will approach him and offer him a place with them, twisting their main objective to make it look more like they are mercenaries. And since Alicia decided to keep her identity a secret for the most part and uses a mask because of that, Jackson only knows her name and the attitude towards all of them...which kinda helps him to not be paralized by his fear. So, Doc arrives as well.

And lastly. Edward Jackson, Eager.

This one will be the most difficult one to convince, especially because he will intercept a couple of ships from Alicia. However, since he doesn't know who's behind all that and thinks that Alicia is dead, then she'll be the one speaking with him. She'll go personally towards him to speak in person.

The only reason she'll tell him who she is, is for manipulating him with their friendship. Because, if she's alive, where is the rest of the 267? There is where Alicia will tell her story using it at her favor. She will tell him about the ambush, that she was captured and escape. After that, she'll plant the seed of doubt.

Who gave Carabalí the information? Why? Was it because the 267 was a threat? How far would they go to keep the teams under control? What else can they do to anyone related to their target?

"How are you sure you aren't the next one, Eddie? They'll do to you the same they did to me, and you know it, right?"

The Specters are complete.

Edward would doubt more than anyone, mostly becauze he still have faith about what he does. That until Alicia gives him a pair of dogtags that belonged to one of the guys from the 267. And that will be one of the few times where Alicia actually shows what she feels, a mix of anger and sadness. Then he'll accept. Eager is on board.

And the potential for Alicia and Alejandro's reunion! Or even an encounter between her and her family! AHHHH-!

[jadestormcloud2]

Dungeon Meshi vegan recipe challenge, Chapter 10: Snacks

I figured gummy candies for the jewels, so I ended up going with Gushers since they are kinda gem-shaped, and supposedly vegan-friendly. I mixed them with a combination of blueberry & blackberry jelly for the Treasure Insect Nest Jam.

Chilchuck said the coin insects tasted like fish, & I know there are seafood (& seaweed) flavored crackers abroad, but I had a bit of trouble finding any in my usual stores, so I went with plain crackers & vegan cheese for my coin bug crackers.

The pearl centipede necklace puzzled me for a while. I was like should I just use peas even though they're green? or some sort of white beans? In the anime, Marcille said they were "creamy," so I was thinking maybe white chocolate? But in the manga, she describes them as "gooey," which led me to the idea of boba. I ended up making some tapioca pearls (badly). I over-soaked them & they fell apart, so I ended up with a pot full of mush. But I at least managed to end up with enough pearl-shaped ones for the picture, though they're much more translucent than the centipede. Oh well.

My take-aways: 1) Not a huge fan of Gushers. 2) Tapioca pearls are hard to make properly, but I do enjoy eating them. 3) I need to stop buying Nuts For Cheese cheeses. I'm not sure that I've liked any of their flavors. I should just stick with Miyoko's (even my wife agrees that their Aged Smoked English Farmhouse is the bomb & she's not even vegan) and maybe Treeline cheeses.

Ingredients:

jelly & Gushers on GF bread roll

crackers with vegan cheese

Large tapioca pearls