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Ily ushijima wakatoshi I'm in awe of ur tism

[signalno5]

TWST Cast Mid-Effort Snacks They Make

Listen I'm no wizard in the kitchen but I think I can make some half decent snacks. That being said, this post is long, does not have accurate measurements for half of it, bc why the hell would I actually write stuff down I Totally Don't Forget Things All The Time.

Also like. mid-effort snacks. You know, you're not just Opening a bag of chips but you are going to need. At least a microwave. (also, using minimal dishes possible nobody wants to clean up). This is all stuff I've made or at least eaten, myself, lmk if you try it or if I missed a vital detail LMAO

ANYWAYS if this post is popular enough I'll share some like. Actual recipes as well, the Culinary Crucible thingy finally came in and I feel INSPIRED, some of these have little uhh like 'justification' or story behind them some don't bc I feel like it's obvious. GTAT refers to the section at the end, I got tired of writing it out over and over again sldkjhklsjdf ---------------------------------------------------

Heartslaybul

Riddle - (Dark) Chocolate Strawberry Bark

Materials and Ingredients: - Parchment paper - Cutting board/cookie tray - Microwave-safe bowl - Knife - Strawberries (it's okay if they're overripe, as long as you can still cut them safely) - (Dark) Chocolate chips or Nutella, your choice - Peanut butter - Sweetened condensed milk (scm) - Plastic container - Freezer

Instructions:

Cut your parchment paper to about the size of a cookie sheet, but really it depends on how many strawberries you're using (I do not remember how many I used, I think it was like 8, you do not need many, especially if you cut them really thin) and put on top of cutting board/cookie sheet. A flexible cutting board is best, but it's whatever fits in your freezer.

Destem your strawberries and slice them thinly while they're standing upright. Like the part you destemmed is against the parchment paper. (or cutting board but y'know. Why Dirty It). Place them laying down on the parchment paper as close to each other as possible. I found like. Fitting the triangle shapes together like teeth was the easiest way but something else might work better for you. Dice one or two strawberries and set aside.

In a bowl, measure out about a cup of chocolate. If it seems like too much, you can just. eat it ig or dip leftover strawberries into it like I did. If it's not enough, babe just add more it's okay lmao. If you're using chocolate chips, add some sort of fat before you microwave (any oil, lard/Crisco, butter, margarine, etc.) in fifteen second intervals. (if you don't have a microwave, there are instructions under 'General tips and tricks' to hopefully help!). If you're using Nutella, just pop that bad boy in there for fifteen second intervals. In both cases, mix in between intervals until it's kind of runny.

Pour chocolate evenly over the strawberries, at least enough to cover them completely from the top/fill any gaps that are present. Wash the bowl, and repeat the process with peanut butter.

This is optional I really like chocolate and think it's more aesthetically pleasing than peanut butter, but peanut butter doesn't harden as well as chocolate does to bind the strawberry layer together so I couldn't put it first. I did another layer of chocolate on top, but it was thinner than the original one.

Sprinkle diced strawberries on top, and drizzle SCM to your hearts content. (Any leftover SCM needs to be put into a separate container and can stay in your fridge for up to 3 weeks).

Freeze it. It's just faster this way and helps the peanut butter out. I left mine in there for a day, but I think it's okay after like an hour, idk, you decide.

Snap/cut your bark into smaller pieces, use the parchment paper to help line whatever container you're going to use and store your treat in there. I enjoyed these treats best frozen or on top of vanilla ice cream, but they do need to be kept at least refrigerated. Fair warning, if you're a slow eater, these will get messy if you wait too long slkdjfhlkjsdfsdf recommend you eat with a fork.

THE REST ARE UNDER THE CUT WOOT WOOT (Riddle's is easily one of the higher effort ones, so do not be dismayed! There are some on this list with only 2 ingredients, I just talk a lot LMAO)

Trey - Tanghulu No baking required, still satisfies his sweet tooth.

Materials and Ingredients: - Stove (someone said you can use a microwave, IIIIII don't Like That for this, but I'm sure you can) - Fruit (doesn't really matter what kind. I used kiwis, strawberries, and grapefruit.) - White sugar - Water - Bowl of ice water - Fork (skewers are better but I didn't have any, and toothpicks...don't fw toothpicks for this okay??) - Parchment paper\Plate (you just need to make sure it's hardened BEFORE you put the fruit on it kdfjhsfjkd)

Instructions:

Ensure your fruit is washed/dried, peeled or otherwise "ready to eat" before starting

Use a 2:1 sugar to water ratio and put it in a pot. (So 2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of water, or a more likely amount you'll actually use up is 1 cup of sugar to 1/2 cup of water)

Heat on medium and watch closely, it's not suggested you mix it, I did, just by swirling the pot to make sure all the sugar was in the water, but then I left it alone. You'll see it starting to change colour to yellow-y rather than clear. Use a spoon/fork to dip into the sugar mixture and then immediately into the bowl of ice water. If it appears stringy or is still soft and sticky to touch, it's not ready yet. Keep boiling until your test drop solidifies on contact/within seconds of being in the ice water.

Turn the heat down slightly and use your fork or skewer to poke your fruit, and dip carefully into sugar mixture. Immediately, (but carefully) place your sugar covered fruit into the ice bowl. Once you take it out, it should only take a moment to harden before you place it on a plate/parchment paper.

Intended to be eaten immediately, does not store very well. Check 'general tips and tricks' for how to clean the pot/fork

Cater - Spicy Garlic Cheese Bread

Materials and Ingredients: - French Bread (works the best, but you can use whatever bread you have on hand) or premade garlic bread - Butter/Margarine - Salad herbs (like the premade mix or whatever, other seasonings optional) - (Shredded) Cheese - Jalapenos - Other toppings + hot sauce (optional) - Bowl - Spoon - Microwave - Oven

Instructions:

If using premade garlic bread, skip to step 3. Otherwise, get your bowl and chunk of butter (if using french bread, I would say about a half cup) and pop it in the microwave just long enough to get it soft, but not melted. Measure salad herbs with your heart and mix with a spoon.

Cut your bread in half and slather that son of a bitch in butter, having worked in a bakery I know that premade garlic bread literally gets a Handful of "butter" (it's margarine) that just gets. Slathered onto half of a day-old French bread loaf. (Safeway. Looking at you.) If you want to try putting on some BBQ sauce or tomato sauce now would be your time to add it. If you are adding sauce, a little less butter is recommended otherwise it will get Soggy

Put on as much cheese as you want. Whatever cheese you want. I'm not the boss of you.

Throw on jalapenos and any other toppings you want. (red onions, bell peppers, make it a meal with some chicken or something idk)

Broil on high until It Looks Right, as in the cheese is melted and golden brown in some areas (assuming it's marble cheese), or wrap in aluminum foil (risky with The Cheese) and bake at 350 F for like 10 minutes (I still recommend baking over broiling but it's your choice bestie)

Drizzle with hot sauce if you want/any other condiments.

French bread is pretty big, so cut into smaller pieces and share with friends/family/your neighbour/ whatever or full send it or you can try to store it, I think once it's cooled, a plastic bag would be the best bet for storage, and only for a day or two before your bread gets Sad.

Deuce - Ants on a Log He used to love it when his mom would send him to school with these.

Materials and Ingredients: - Cutting board (unless you would like to be a heathen like me) - Knife - Celery - Peanut butter - Raisins/Chocolate chips/Cereal/whatever you want

Instructions:

Decide if you even want to bother cutting your celery, you can leave it whole if you really want.

If you want to cut your celery, cut it according to taste or break that motherfucker with your bare hands just to hear it snap and get that little bit of Emotion and satisfaction out of it. Not recommended if you want bite sized pieces. Generally only cut in a way that keeps the 'sides' of the celery in tact, like you should have a little 'dip' to put peanut butter in, but its ok if its not comfortable to eat it that way and you need to cut it vertically as well, nbd, BUT DON'T CUT IT THAT WAY YET it's so much harder to get the peanut butter on.

Use a butter knife to add peanut butter to your celery. It should fill the little valley in between the sides of the stalk. **Now would be the time to cut again if you want Planks if you know what I mean

Add your toppings, be it raisins, chocolate chips, etc. along the peanut butter to represent the ants slkdjhflksjdf

Ace - Oreo Mug Cake His brother showed him once and he didn't stop since.

Materials and Ingredients: - Oreos - Milk - Fork - Microwave safe mug - Microwave - Whipped Cream (optional)

Instructions:

Get your mug.

Throw 4-6 Oreos in. (4 for an 8 ounce mug, more for a bigger one) and soak in 1 less tablespoon of milk than the amount of cookies you put in. (so 3 tbs for an 8 ounce mug)

The longer you soak them, the easier it is to crush them and break them up, it should become kind of cakey texture already

Pop that bad boy in the microwave for a minute, and in 20 second intervals after that as necessary. Its not like it matters if it's 'raw' though.

Let it cool until you can handle the mug comfortably, add whipped cream or other toppings and enjoy!

Savanaclaw

Leona - Bacon Wrapped Sausages

Materials and Ingredients: - Baking dish (should have some depth to it) - Parchment paper - Cocktail sausages - Bacon - Scissors/Knife - Toothpicks - Brown sugar (optional) - Oven

Instructions:

Cut your bacon in half

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Roll up cocktail sausage in half a rasher of bacon and secure in place with a toothpick.

Place parchment paper in/on baking dish and place the rolls inside

Once you've prepared as many as you'd like, you can sprinkle brown sugar on top.

Bake for about an hour

Ruggie - Elote Loco (Mexican street corn/ 'crazy corn')

Materials and Ingredients: - Canned corn - Mayo - Lemon/Lime - Salt - Pepper - Cayenne - Bowl

Instructions:

Drain your corn can, then add corn to your bowl

Literally. Add everything else according to taste. Heat if you want to, or put in the fridge to eat cold. (I like it cold).

Jack - Fruit Leather (this is a higher-effort, more time-consuming recipe)

Materials and Ingredients - Cutting board (not optional this time :/) - Knife/Corer (if applicable) - Stove - Large saucepan - Water - Blender/Potato Masher - Lemon/Sugar/Cinnamon/Nutmeg, Etc. (optional, but recommended) - Parchment paper - Baking tray - Oven - Pizza cutter (makes things easier, not necessary)

Instructions:

Prepare your fruit. (Wash, peel, destem, core them, remove pits, etc.)

Chop into chunks, and simmer in 1/2 cup of water for every 4 cups of fruit while covered for 10-20 minutes, or until fruit is cooked. You can mash by hand or just go ahead and transfer everything to a blender, but you will have to transfer back into the pot after.

Taste, and add sugar/lemon/spices according to your preference.

Simmer and stir until everything is mixed in completely and the puree has thickened. (5-10 minutes)

Preheat oven to 140 F (check GTAT at the end for troubleshooting). Puree thoroughly in a blender/food processor.

Line baking tray and pour puree evenly onto it, it should be about 1/4 inch thick. Bake for 8-12 hours.

Use pizza cutter to cut into smaller pieces. You can cut the parchment paper underneath and roll the pieces accordingly to store.

This is a more labour intensive snack, BUT it keeps for sooo long. It can keep at room temp in ziploc bag for a month. In the fridge for 6 months. In the freezer for a year. Also a really good way to use overripe fruit.

Octavinelle

Azul - Funnel Cakes >:D (I had to look up a recipe to base the measurements off of, I did not memorize this, but I changed a few things when I Actually Made them)

Materials and Ingredients: - Stove - Large pan - Oil (Vegetable oil, but I think coconut or sunflower oil should work too if you have certain restrictions) - 1/4 cup Milk - 1 Egg - 1 tbsp Water - Splash of Vanilla extract (splash is generally between a 1/4 tsp and 1 tsp To Me) - White sugar (to taste) - 3/4 tsp Baking powder - Pinch of Salt - 1/2 cup Flour - Powdered sugar (to taste) - Cinnamon (to taste) - Plate - Paper towel - Large measuring cup - Fork or tongs - Other toppings (optional)

Instructions:

Throw all the Wet ingredients into the large measuring cup and whisk

Add sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder, whisk until combined

Add oil to pan and start heating on medium, it should be about an inch deep to deep fry. Add flour to measuring cup and whisk until smooth.

(Refer to GTAT at the end to know when oil is hot enough). Use the measuring cup to drizzle the batter in a line around the pan and overlap as desired. Honestly, the thicker the lines the better imo. Cook for 2 minutes until golden brown, then flip and repeat.

Once cooked, move carefully to plate with paper towel to soak up the oil, and add powdered sugar on top. Add other toppings as desired.

Jade - Roasted Chickpeas Easy protein to bring on a hike

Materials and Ingredients: - Can of chickpeas - Baking tray - Parchment paper - Olive oil - Seasoning as you wish (Personal recommendation: garlic powder, salt, paprika, pepper and a little cayenne) - Oven

Instructions:

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 400 F.

Drain your can of chickpeas, rinse, then drain again. Try and dry them out a bit before you season them, either leaving them in a colinder or letting them sit out on paper towels or a cloth...or on the tray if you've got time to kill. **If you don't like the feeling of oil on your hands, you might have an extra dish to wash but thats okay. Add your chickpeas to a glass bowl before the next step.

Transfer chickpeas to the tray (if you're not using the bowl) and coat with a generous amount of oil. Add seasonings as you wish, then mix with your hands (or a spoon if you're using the bowl, then transfer to the tray.)

Bake for 20-30 minutes, shaking the pan gently about every 10 minutes to help rotate the chickpeas. Once they're golden brown and crunchy, they're done.

Best eaten straight away, but you can keep them in container for a few days.

Floyd - Trail Mix (AKA the ADHD snack Ever imo)

Materials and Ingredients - Anything you got in your pantry that already kinda qualifies as a snack food - Something to put it in (bag or bowl/container with a lid is preferable) - My favourite mix to make is granola, cranberries, raisins, and chocolate chips

Instructions

Grab your materials

If you're using something that should probably cut up, (like fruit by the foot or something idk) just rip it and throw it in the Container.

Mix everything in a bowl or bag. Use more of your Favourite Ingredient than everything else, then close your storage thing.

Shake that motherfucker

Put everything back (or do this As You Add it so you're left with nothing to clean up at the end)

Scarabia

Kalim - The Forbidden (I made this when I was like 6 for a week straight after school, I DO NOT recommend) He came up with this as a midnight snack and didn't want to bother Jamil.

Materials and Ingredients - Microwave - Microwave safe bowl - Chocolate chips - Mini marshmallows - Fork - A very high tolerance for Texture and Sweetness

Instructions:

Put chocolate chips and marshmallows in the bowl

Microwave for 15 second intervals, mixing with your fork in between.

When it becomes a sticky amalgamation from hell and looks like a dung beetle would be proud of it, it's done.

Jamil - Fattoush He saves the leftovers of the dishes he makes for Kalim throughout the day in order to make some version of Fattoush

Materials and Ingredients: - Cutting board - Knife + Pizza cutter (not necessary, but fun) - Lettuce - Tomato - Cucumber - Radishes - Pita bread - Pan - Stove - Olive oil - Salt + pepper - Bowl x 2 - Glass measuring cup - Lemon juice - Garlic powder, dried mint, and sumac (you don't have to use these) - (I like adding Granny smith apples and goat or feta cheese, but it's not traditional)

Instructions:

Cut up your veggies like you would for any salad and throw em in a bowl

Use the pizza cutter to slice pita bread into smaller, bite sized pieces.

Fry the pieces with a little bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, then set aside in a different bowl so they stay Crunchy

In the glass measuring cup use about 2 tbsp of lemon juice, add some garlic powder, dried mint, salt, pepper, sumac, and whisk.

Slowly stream in about 3 tbsp of olive oil and whisk continuously until it combines. (this might take a while to emulsify, yes you can use a hand mixer on low if you want)

Drizzle dressing over your salad portion, and add pita chips as you wish

Pomefiore

Vil - Parfait He let the French man into his life, also this is bougie parfait, you don't have to follow this exactly lmao, this is just how I used to make it for my mom

Materials and Ingredients - Cutting board + knife - Grapes, red and green if possible - Granola - Blueberries (they can be frozen) - Cherries, cored/halved except one (can also be frozen) - Yogurt (I prefer vanilla for this stuff, Vil probably uses plain Greek yogurt and some honey for sweetness) - A wine glass, otherwise just a clear glass makes it look best, but it doesnt really matter - Spoon

Instructions:

Dice those grapes as small or large as you like, mine are generally the size of like. The eraser end of a pencil. Set aside.

Get your glass and gently spoon yogurt into the bottom, up by about 2 inches. If you have the patience, gently arrange the blueberries into a 1 berry layer. If not, just grab less than a handful of blueberries and put them on top of the yogurt.

Add another inch of yogurt to completely cover the berry layer, and add a thin layer of granola. Cover completely with yogurt again, using another inch-2 inches to do so

Again, if you have the patience, you can arrange your cherry halves into a nice circle to completely cover the yogurt layer. If not, do the same thing as the blueberries.

Cover with another inch-two inches of yogurt. Add a thicker band of granola this time, and top with yogurt once more, to nearly the top of the glass.

Add your whole cherry to the middle of the parfait, and add the mix of diced grapes around it. ** if you used frozen fruit, let it thaw for a couple minutes so you can see the colour bleed into the yogurt a bit bc it looks cool. I'm the boss of you for this one rule because I'm right about it sdlkjfhsldjkf

Rook - Maakouda A guilty pleasure of his. He remembers them fondly from home. Works best with leftover mashed potatoes.

Materials and Ingredients: - Mashed potatoes (if you don't have left overs, just boil chunked potatoes in lightly salted water. Once they're soft, drain them, use a handmixer to mix, add some butter/whipping cream, season as you wish (garlic powder, salad herbs, salt, pepper), add shredded cheese if you want idc. Once everything is mixed you got yourself. Mashies.) - Egg - Garlic, Parsley, Cumin, Tumeric, Salt, Pepper - Flour in a bowl - Oil - Pan - Stove** - you can use an air-fryer for this if you want - Slotted spoon/tongs/fork - Plate w/ paper towel

Instructions:

For every 2 cups of mashed potatoes, you will add one egg, but don't do it yet. Add seasoning to your mashed potatoes first so you can taste and adjust the flavour as necessary, THEN add your egg(s).

Start heating oil, (about 2 inches) in a pan at medium heat. While you wait for it to get to temperature, (Look at GTAT to know when the oil is hot enough) roll your potato mixture into small balls and roll in flour

Fry until golden. Remove from oil using your utensil of choice and let it drain on the paper towel

Repeat until all the "batter" is used up

Epel - Dulce de Leche + Apple Slices Ruggie showed it to him

Materials and Ingredients - Sweetened Condensed Milk (if you don't just have dulce de leche on hand) - Apples (Granny Smith recommended) - Two glass baking pans, one larger than the other - Water - Oven

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 F

Pour SCM into smaller glass pan, cover with foil

Place smaller glass pan into larger glass pan. Fill the larger glass pan with as much water as necessary to cover the level of SCM in the smaller pan

Throw it in the oven for like 2 hours and monitor periodically to refill with water if necessary. Keep cooking until it's the colour golden brown you want

Once it's to colour, remove from oven carefully, remove foil, and remove from larger glass pan carefully.

Once cool enough, store in glass jar if possible, or wait longer and store it in a plastic container.

Cut up apple and whatever is left in the pan, scrape it out with the apple and eat it lmaooo unless you have a silicone spatula ain't no way you getting all that caramel out of the pan. Serve yourself more as necessary lmao

Ignihyde

Idia - Worms and Dirt Baybeeeeeeee The far less healthy version of a parfait

Materials and Ingredients: - Crushed Oreos (Oreos + double bagged ziploc bags and you Gamer Rage sldfhlskdjfhlsj) - Whipped Cream - (If making from scratch, you'll need whipping cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar + hand mixer. Just throw ingredients in to taste and mix) - Chocolate pudding - Gummy worms - Rolling pin (optional) - Mixing bowl (glass or metal preferable) - Spatula - (Clear) Glass

Instructions:

Crush the Oreo's by any means necessary. Obliterate them.

Pack the Oreo remains into the bottom of your cup

Mix your whipped cream with the chocolate pudding using the spatula to fold it into each other until it Tastes Right. That is subjective, so if you Like it and it's Brown you Did It.

Spoon/plap how much of your chocolate mousse you'd like into your cup. Throw in a couple gummy worms, add more oreo corpse if you want then fill to the top with chocolate mousse.

Top with more oreo ashes and more gummy worms

Leftover mousse is pretty versatile if you have it with fruit or make more worms and dirt, but it only keeps for a day or two in the fridge

Ortho - :(

Diasomnia

Malleus - "Snow Cone"

Materials and Ingredients: - Rage - Double or triple ziploc bags - Ice - Hot water - Grenadine, Maple syrup, Lime and salt, something else (Choose ONE per serving or embrace Lilia's energy and regret it) - A bowl + spoon

Instructions:

Double/triple bag ice

Run bags under hot water for a few minutes to help melt the ice a little bit (assuming you don't have already very small pieces of ice)

Crush the ice via brute force (its a good work out) OR I GUESS you could use a BLENDER but where's the fun in that

Get rid of any extra water and serve very finely crushed ice in a bowl

Top with your desired flavouring to taste

Lilia -

REDACTED

Silver - Refried Beans Another Ruggie special lmao I love him so much

Materials and Ingredients: - Canned black beans - Salsa (optional) - Chicken bouillon - Oil - Pan/Stove - Wooden spoon/potato masher - Chips or some sort of bread

Instructions:

Drain a little more than half of the Bean Juice

Over medium heat, add a little bit of oil to the pan, (enough to cover the bottom), and add the Beans

As it heats up and the remaining Bean Juice starts to bubble, add chicken bouillon and salsa to taste.

Mash the beans while they cook to mix in flavouring and to get beans to the right consistency. They'll be done when there's no liquid left sloshing around, but you can decide how Dry you want your beans

Add beans on top of tortilla chips, sprinkle cheese on top and call it done, throw some in a burrito or on top of salad, lightly toast some bread, put some mayo on it and add the beans, do what you want <3

Sebek - Salmon Croquettes

Materials and Ingredients: - Canned salmon - Diced bell peppers (choose your favourite colours)**go to GTAT for other substitutions and notes - Diced red onion - Egg (if you don't have any just add more mayo) - Worcestershire sauce - Mayo - Garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, other seasonings (your choice) -Bowl - Flour - Panko (optional, or substitute bread crumbs) - Oil - Stove/Pan - Tongs (you can try to use a fork but it won't always work lol) - Plate w/paper towel

Instructions:

Prepare your veggies, and drain salmon

Mix in with canned salmon, and add mayo, Worcestershire, and seasonings to taste. Add just a tiny bit more than you think you should in regards to spices because when you throw the flour in, it'll 'dilute' the flavour a bit

Lightly beat 1 egg for every 5 ounces of salmon (should be on the can) and add to mixture, using hands or wooden spoon to mix.

Add just enough flour and breadcrumbs to the mixture that it doesn't stick to your hands.

Set up your pan with oil, (just enough to cover the bottom), over medium heat and make little 'patties' out of your mix.

Fry your patties until golden brown (2-3 minutes) on both sides.

Remove from heat and place on plate to drain.

Staff

Crowley - Fuckit Fudge (AKA Rocky Road Fudge)

Materials and Ingredients: - Parchment paper - Cake pan - 2 cups Chocolate chips - SCM (14 oz = 1 3/4 cups, should be on the can) - 1/4 cup Butter - Vanilla - Marshmallows - Almonds - Anything else you want (just be aware you'll have to add more chocolate and you'll likely have to cut down on the other fillings as well) - Glass bowl - Spatula - Microwave/Double boiler (GTAT tells you how to make one) - Patience

Instructions:

Melt chocolate chips, SCM, and butter (about 90 seconds in the microwave)

While it's melting, set up your cake pan with parchment paper

Add a splash of vanilla extract and mix with spatula until smooth

Stir add-ins into mixture, and pour into cake pan carefully

Make sure mixture is spread evenly, and refrigerate until it solidifies (depends on how deep you made the fudge)

Cut into chunks and serve. Stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Trein - Raspberry Cordial Not a 'snack' but like if the Shaftlands are known for ruby berries I feel like this is close enough. It's from Anne of Green Gables, shhh its soooo good

Materials and Ingredients - Raspberries (GASP can you believe it) - Lemon/lemon juice - White sugar - Water - Sparkling water/Ginger Ale works too. Sprite is a stretch. - Pot/Stove - Fine mesh strainer - Pitcher - Ladle - Glass measuring cup

Instructions:

We're making a raspberry syrup, so you can use fresh, overripe or frozen raspberries. For every cup of raspberries, use just under a half cup of sugar, (3 cups of raspberries = 1 1/4 cups of sugar), and put both into a pot/saucepan.

Cook on medium/high heat and mash with like. the bottom of a ladle or something. It'll take like 20 minutes to have it cooked down to a liquid.

Strain into the measuring cup. If there are still seeds or pulp, strain again. Squeeze lemon into it in small amounts and taste as you go until you get the flavour You Want. This is your syrup. At this point, if you want to save some to use for other recipes or something, set some aside.

Boil the water (Use one cup more of water than you did of raspberries) and add it to the pitcher with your raspberry syrup. Mix, then let it chill in the fridge. ** if you would like to use sparkling water/lemonade or ginger ale instead, you'll just have to mix for longer is all, don't heat those

Serve and garnish with lemon or mint.

Crewel - Carrot Salad idk man I'm running out of steam and ideas lmaoooo

Materials and Ingredients: - Carrots, peeled - Grater - Bowl - Lemon, salt, cayenne - Fork

Instructions:

Grate your carrots into the bowl you're gonna eat out of

Squeeze your shredded carrots to get rid of the extra Juice (look at GTAT)

Add lemon/lime, salt and cayenne according to taste, and mix with fork

Tastes best chilled, eat immediately

Vargas - Deviled Eggs

Materials and Ingredients: - Saucepan/pot + Stove - Water - Eggs - Mayo - Salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne - Bowl + fork - Lime juice (optional) - Knife and cutting board - Bowl with ice water

Instructions:

Choose how many eggs you're gonna want to make, idk, maybe 6? Put them in the pot and gently fill with just enough water to cover them. Add salt and lemon juice (GTAT) to the water and heat on medium

Prepare your bowl with ice water. Let your eggs boil for about 8 minutes before draining the water and running them under cold water until they're cool enough to handle for a few seconds to put in the ice bath

Wait until your eggs are cold enough to handle for you to crack the egg shells off. I love using my hands but if it's easier to put it in a container with a lid and shake it gently, go ahead, just shake it enough to break the shell in a way you can remove it.

Once all your eggs are shelled, cut them in half the long way, (be careful they are Slippery)

Remove the yolks gently without ripping the egg white. Generally, you can just use your fingers or turn the egg upside down orrr very gently push the yolk out from behind into the bowl.

Add mayo and seasonings at your discretion. (if it feels like it's missing something, you can try adding diced pickles/pickle juice, bacon bits, dill, or mustard.) Mash together with the fork until smooth, or if you're using a lot of eggs you can use a hand mixer. Mixture should be creamy.

Gently spoon the mixture back into the egg whites. Any leftover mixture will be great on sandwiches!

Sam - Sausage Bites

Materials and Ingredients: - 1 Pillsbury OG Crescent Roll dough - Sausage of your choice, cut into 1 inch pieces (unless it's cocktail sausages, leave them as is) - 1 Egg + 1tbsp for an egg wash - Baking sheet + parchment paper (oven) - Flour - Pizza cutter (more fun than a knife) - Plate w/ paper towel - Sauce: 1/2 cup Mayo, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tbsp ketchup + Cajun seasoning to your hearts content or a simple chipotle mayo works too

Instructions:

Make your sauce, throw it in the fridge to cool, set your oven to 350 F.

Lightly flour your counter and spread out the Pillsbury dough. Cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles. Place sausage on wide end of the triangle and wrap it to make kind of like. A donut around it.

Place on baking sheet and add egg wash. I don't have a basting brush so I kinda wing it with whatever bright idea strikes me first. Usually I just end up using my fingers lol

Bake for 15 minutes, until pastry is golden brown

Once done, place on plate and allow to cool. Add toothpicks if you'd like, and serve with your dip.

Others (BONUS, come on guys I'm pretending like this is something people actually want to read LMAO)

Jack T. - Vanilla Latte Bars

Materials and Ingredients: - Coffee beans - Vanilla - Pitted dates - Rolled oats - Food processor - Cake pan + parchment paper

Instructions:

For every cup of oats, match with pitted dates + 1/2 a cup. (2 cups oats = 2 1/2 cups of dates). For every cup of oats, add a 1/8 cup of coffee beans. (2 cups oats = 1/4 cup coffee beans). Add vanilla with your heart. Everything goes in the food processor and gets blended.

Pinch the 'dough' between your fingers. If it doesn't crumble, it's ready. If it does, add a splash of warm water, blend again, and repeat until the dough holds it's shape.

Press mixture into cake pan evenly and refrigerate

Cut and serve once hardened

Che'nya - Cheez-whiz, pickle and mini-marshmallow sandwich Oh, context? Yeah my dad said this was his childhood snack and I wanted to be like him when I was like 5. Do not recommend. But I also don't like processed cheese.

Materials and Ingredients - White bread, Wonder bread is ideal - Cheez-whiz - Sweet pickles, sliced - Multi coloured mini marshmallows - A psych assessment

Instructions:

You don't get help with this. You know what you're doing.

Falena - Chicharrones (Like. Pork bites.)

Materials and Ingredients: - Cutting board + knife - Pork cutlet (I only need to feed myself, so a huge cut of meat isn't necessary - Salt - Baking tray + parchment paper (oven)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Cut your pork cut into ~1 inch cubes, or smaller. Place on baking sheet and use a generous amount of salt to season. Mix with your hands.

Cook until you can easily pull the pork apart

I like to use a little lemon, a little homemade tortilla and some crema to eat them, but just lemon or using them to top nachos works too

Cheka - Poor Man's Horchata He just likes it more because he can set it up mostly by himself, and he can share it without worrying about nut allergies.

Materials and Ingredients - Pitcher - Water - White sugar - Oats - Vanilla - Cinnamon - Ice - Wooden spoon

Instructions:

For every cup of oats, add half a cup of sugar into pitcher (or cup for a personal serving)

Bring 3/4 full with water and add ice to bring it as high as you are comfortable stirring.

Add remaining ingredients to taste, and add sugar/water/oats as necessary

Najma - Mango with Tajin

Materials and Ingredients - Cutting board and knife - Mango - Tajin - Bowl

Instructions:

Cut your mango however you like. I typically cube my Haden mangoes, but Ataulfo I do the grid thing and pop it up

Add Tajin to your preference. If you don't have Tajin, use lime, salt and cayenne.

Neige (and the dwarves) - Tarte Soleil (higher effort snack) It's easy to share and 'sun tart' feels fitting

Materials and Ingredients: - 2 puff pastries, cut into equal size circles - Egg for wash, like Sam's - Black and white sesame seeds, (Optional) - Garlic butter (softened butter w/ garlic powder, salt, lemon and parsley to taste) - Baking sheet + parchment paper (oven) - Water - Cup/Glass - Knife

Instructions:

Cut your puff pastry so it's just small enough to fit on your baking sheet. Leave one on the sheet and put the other in the fridge for now. Preheat your oven to 350 F.

Spread the garlic butter on the circle, leaving about a half inch untouched all the way around the circle. Place in the fridge for 5 minutes to set.

Dab the edges of the crust with water and set the other puff pastry on top, gently pressing the edges together (not squishing)

Put the glass smack dab in the middle, or at least best you can, and upside down. (Do not Press.) Use your knife to cut away from the glass and make a bunch of 'rays' (easiest way is to quarter the dough, then cut each quarter into sixths.)

Remove the glass and gently press where your 'ray' meets the circle the glass made to prevent it from ripping as you twist it. Repeat for every 'ray'

Egg wash, (just like Sam's), sprinkle sesame seeds and bake until golden brown (30-35 minutes)

Let it cool, transfer to serving plate, and rip off the rays to eat.

---------------------------------------------

GENERAL TIPS AND TRICKS

If you need to melt chocolate and don't have a microwave (been there love, I know), you can use a small pot with water in it, I would say about a third of the pot is good, and a glass bowl big enough to sit on top of it. Boil that motherfucker and melt chocolate in the glass bowl, this is basically a poor man's double boiler

To clean melted sugar from the pot, there's a couple ways to go about it. I can't relax when I know there are dishes still waiting for me, so I used my kettle to boil more water, poured it into the pot, mixed it around with the fork I used, and most of it dissolved. I poured it down the sink, then used a sponge, soap and brute force to get the rest of it out. The other option is similar, where you just add fresh water to what's left of the sugar mixture, let it sit overnight, boil it again, and then dump it. (don't use cold water it will harden against the pot and be even more difficult to clean)

Some oven's don't go that low, I think the other common lowest temp is 170 F. That's okay! You can use a pair of metal tongs to keep your oven slightly ajar, just check in on it every once in a while. I use the same trick when I make meringue cookies and it works perfectly. Makes it wonderful during winter, but in summer make sure you don't overheat love <3.

You'll know the oil is hot enough to deep fry if you 1. put the back end of a wooden spoon in the oil and bubbles form around it, or 2. drop a small bit of the batter/flour in and it starts bubbling.

If you don't like bell peppers, you can shred carrots or zucchini, just make sure you squeeze and drain out the water first. You can do this with a cheese cloth or just your hands and pouring the water/juice out of the bowl over the sink. The dryer you can get it the better.

Adding lemon juice to the water helps separate the shell from the egg

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I did this shit in like 8 hours gooooooooooooooooooooooooood I hope it doesn't flop. But if it does, I hope whoever it does reach, enjoys it, I had fun making it.

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New Discovery at the Western Ruins

The farmer has always had a way of making Eiland spill everything on his mind.

Eiland x Gender Neutral Farmer

Confession fic, more of a third person POV focusing on Eiland's perspective.

Thanks for reading. Still trying to figure out how to write for FoM but I was consumed by visions of this the last few days so I had to get it out of me. Already thinking of a sequel but lmk how you like this one. I really did take cues from Stardew fics in which the farmer is a blank slate instead of being an oc or a reader fic.

If he were a different man, Eiland would almost be jealous of how many artifacts around the town the Farmer has been able to find in almost perfect condition every time. Instead, Eiland is delighted that someone else was able to do the hard labor so that he’s able to study the specimens. However, he can’t help wanting to get his own hands dirty sometimes. Inside of the pit at the Western Ruins, Eiland dusts off the newest mound he's found today. The summer sun blared back in his face from the yellowish dirt below him, making it hard to make out any details. Sometimes, his sister would've accompanied him, cataloging new or repeated finds. Today, it was only him and so he hoped, if memory serves him right, this could be a new find. 

A wave of coolness comes over his back, and then his head, and then over his dig. The shadow was too dark and too still to be a sudden little cloud. Eiland's eyes moved from the dusted antiquity below him to the border of where darkness met the yellow sun on the floor. He was familiar with the shape of this cloud.

“Good afternoon, Farmer.” Eiland peers over his shoulder. He can’t see the Farmer’s face from all the way down where he is crouched but from the small laugh he hears, he imagines them smiling.

“ Afternoon, Eiland. Find anything today?”

“A few clumps of clay and broken pieces of the bricks around us but right here I hope I found something.” Eiland looked back to his mound and, now in the shade, it was easier on his eyes to see. It looked like tile but he thought that of some other rocks. The Farmer is quiet behind him as Eiland keeps excavating. His body is still hot from the sun so the consistent shade was a relief. As he pulls the possible artifact from its imprint in the dirt, Eiland sighs as he turns the white rubble around in his hand.

“More brick.” Eiland relays to the Farmer and the shadow on the dirt shuffles around. “Still important. I would love to be able to match up the pieces found to where they were on the structures around here. Perhaps,replicate their design and structure.” Eiland continues as he stands up with the rubble in hand. As he rises, though, his vision skews for a second. Nothing dizzying but enough to make him stumble for a second. 

Eiland feels the Farmer press onto his back with their hands on his sides. Eiland doesn’t need to let the Farmer carry his weight, but as his own body regains balance, Eiland reconsiders it. The heat from his clothes is squeezed onto his skin when he’s leaning on the Farmer but Eiland tingles only where the Farmer grabs at. 

“Woah!” The Farmer blurts as Eiland feels their hands grip onto his torso. They don’t pull him up, but guide him as he stands up and stay on him. “I got you. Are you okay?”

“Yes, yes. Thank you, I appreciate the catch.” Eiland holds the rubble in one hand as the other pats one of the Farmer’s arms. One of the Farmer’s strong arms, with hands that make him think too much of where they touch him.

“Of course.” The Farmer responds, still not moving their hands away. “Let’s go to the tent. Have you had water today?”

At this point, the Farmer is nearly manhandling Eiland as their hands still don’t move but the Farmer starts to move towards the tent. Eiland can’t remember when he last took a drink, and he definitely can’t focus on the two jugs he brought with him here. 

“Yes, but it has been a while.”

The Farmer lets go of Eiland as the two of them make their way out of the pit, and Eiland feels empty where the hands had held him. His heart is beating quickly but he knows it’s not from the summer heat. Eiland watches, at the tent, as the Farmer pulls out their own jug of water from their backpack. Strong hands that he wants, but will refrain from thinking too long on how he wants them. Yet, the more he tries to not think of them, and the body they’re connected to (and the person who wields them), it encompasses him more. He’s seen statues in other museums and he can think that perhaps the artist also knew someone like the Farmer, and like him could not stop thinking of them, and had to get it out of their system, therefore creating an image that would stand the test of time. 

“A category of the oldest sculptures and arts found are called Venuses.” The Farmer looks up to Eiland, eyes locking with Eiland. It makes him consider exactly what he’s talking about but the words don’t stop. “Considered crude by most standards, they are figurines of what seem to be human with disproportionate… sexual features. Most likely not one-for-one from a model, but it’s thought of to be evidence of what was considered heavily attractive in older civilizations. None of them have hands or really much detail.” The Farmer is either so interested in the topic or so considerate to pay attention. “We, evidently, have art today that still expresses the same interest as our ancestors but, uh, I think we still lack some diversity.”

“Diversity in our sexy sculptures?” The Farmer asks with a half-smile. Eiland wants to dig a new pit to bury himself in and let the next generation find him.

“ It’s, uhm, a shame.” Eiland is still trying to save this conversation. He’s never been concerned about rescuing a conversation before, letting the talks die when they die, but he finds the small embarrassment horrific. “They could definitely take more inspiration…” Eiland trails off. He hopes it's a fine place to end it.

The Farmer passes the open jug to Eiland. He pops off the top to start sipping at it. At the Farmer’s water jug. Should he be putting his lips on it?

“From what should they take more inspiration from? Any opinions?” The Farmer asks as Eiland focuses on the mouth of the jug.

“You would be a good model.” Eiland responds before he can refocus on the topic and it almost gets past him. Eiland freezes. “Not that, you would be a great model for modern Venuses.” Nope, Eiland thinks, that might not be a good way to phrase it. “I mean, you would be a good interpretation of modern attractiveness.” Way to splay his thoughts out for you, Eiland thinks more. “Objectively, you are attractive in ways that I don’t think the ancient Venuses ever could encompass.” Closer, but where is this going. “Not to say, these sculptures are our only pieces of evidence for human sexuality but they are insightful and different subjects could round out conversations regarding it. Especially for future humans…” Eiland cannot think of anything else to save this. He has done pages upon pages of dissertations, contributed to dozens of digests, given lectures and speeches. Eiland has always been able to keep a topic going to get to his point. Today, he might have to admit defeat.

The Farmer’s brows are furrowed, mouth in a tight line, and their eyes are looking right at Eiland. Eiland doesn’t know what this face means. Eiland can’t figure out if he’s said something wrong, factually or personally.

Eiland opens his mouth again. He can’t think of what he wants to say but needs things to be clear and squared. Eiland does not want to worry what the Farmer might think but needs to know what the Farmer thinks. Before a sound can come out of him, however, the Farmer pushes and tilts the water jug to Eiland. Eiland looks down to it before looking back to the Farmer.

“Drink some more water, Eiland. I think you’ve been out in the heat too much.”

Eiland drinks, as asked, but his mind still buzzes. When he pulls away from the jug, he tries to speak again but all that comes out is “uhm…”

“Please keep resting.” The Farmer tilts the jug again. The other hand is one Eiland’s shoulder, pushing him down to sit on the bench inside the tent. “Talk in a little bit. I think you're trying to think too much and are still tired from the heat.” 

Eiland latches back onto the jug, no longer worried about his lips touching where the Farmer’s has. He still thinks about what the Farmer thinks but he tries to calm down. Did he spill out how hot he thinks the Farmer is? Yes. Does the Farmer know this is a personal opinion or do they think it is still academic? Not sure. Can you find someone attractive solely academically? Eiland looks at the profile of the Farmer as they dig through their bag, pulling out different fruits. A white jar comes out next. The Farmer turns their head to look at Eiland with a smile. 

“I made some more cream from that one recipe you gave me. Get some. If it’s been awhile since you’ve had water, I don’t even want to ask about food. The berries are the last bit from spring so I wanted to share them with you before they’re done.” The Farmer twists open the jar and sets it down on the bench with the rest of the produce. 

Eiland can’t help his own smile as he sets the jug aside and grabs a wild berry from the pile. Dipping it into the cream and eating it quickly before it drips, Eiland thinks while the flavors melt in his mouth, this kind of attraction can’t be only academic. The next berry he dips he cups his hand underneath to catch any melting cream before bringing towards the Farmer.

“Get some as well.” Eiland tells the Farmer. The Farmer takes hold of Eiland's hand, keeping it steady as they eat the berry. As the Farmer eats it, and hums in delight, they don’t immediately let go of Eiland’s hand. This kind of attraction is not academic, Eiland is sure of it in his mind as he imagines being able to twist his hand a little bit in the Farmer’s hand to interlink fingers. Watching the Farmer lick their lips and they let go of Eiland’s hand to grab the jug and drink from the mouth of it, the flavor of the sweet cream and juicy berries suddenly can’t rival something else.

Walking back to town later on, Eiland trails a little behind the Farmer as they walk slightly ahead, turning back to Eiland nearly every step. The rest of the afternoon went by snacking on the fruits and organizing the pieces of bricks. None seem to line up with the walls still standing in the area but they are most definitely from the same structure. Eiland talks about the records of what was once built here as the Farmer lifts up the broken pieces to different spots to fit the puzzle pieces together. As time went by, the two decide to leave the rubble on the ground to try and fit with pieces that will be found. Friday night was not something Eiland wanted or could miss. Walking through the Narrows, Eiland can’t help but feel pampered with the Farmer’s constant watching.

"I'm okay, Farmer. It wasn't heat exhaustion earlier, I assure you. Sometimes, when I think of a certain matter so much, it comes spilling out of me. I'm sure you've noticed before." The two of them are on the path to town by March’s and Olric’s place. If the Farmer kept an eye on him like this the whole night, other people were sure to worry too.

"You think a lot about how attractive I am?" The Farmer gazes over their shoulder at Eiland with a smile on their face, and with the setting sun lighting them in a beautiful glow, the question is not the only thing making Eiland speechless.

"... I hope it doesn't make you uncomfortable." Eiland responds. His heart has a grip on his windpipe as he can't bear to respond straightforwardly. Even the thought of him answering sends warmth and chills all over. Eiland had hoped the whole debacle earlier had been forgotten. It would be good to know for sure how the Farmer felt about the idea of being always on Eiland’s mind, but Eiland can’t be sure his heart can take being exposed.

“Not at all. In fact, it’s flattering if it’s coming from you.” The Farmer turns to face Eiland fully. “I think we think the same things about each other. So, it’s flattering to know that I’m not the only one.”

Eiland is trying to wrap his brain around what the Farmer has just said but is helpless to jump to his conclusion. Do they think the same things about each other? Does the Farmer trace the outline of his shadow in the dirt because looking straight at him would make them lose all track of thoughts? Does the Farmer find artifacts with color still on them that makes them think of his eyes, his skin, his lips? Does the Farmer read through old poems of lovers and imagine being able to wax the same poetry about him?

“What are you thinking of right now?” The Farmer steps closer.

“Most of the well-preserved texts found  at historical sites are usually religious or instructional in some way but, uhm, a love poem between a king and a deity of fertility is one of the oldest pieces of text around.” Eiland cannot stop his mouth. The Farmer quirks their head to the side. Their eyebrows go up while the rest of the face is neutral. 

“Really?” The Farmer replies and Eiland considers his next words carefully.

“ I think of love poems to write about you, statutes to create of you, carvings to make records of you… Things that would stand the test of time and record every quality of a moment with you in brilliance… I want to memorialize you in so many fashions that future historians may think of you as a type of deity, and even if it's not factual, it would be true.”

The Farmer straightens up and their mouth gapes. The pink hue of the setting sky camouflages any blush on the Farmer's face but the shaky smile growing convinces Eiland. Eiland steps closer, “Would that be ok with you?”

The Farmer gets even closer, Eiland can feel the heat emanating from their body and can count the lashes that frames the Farmer's large pupils. “On one exception.”

“Anything.” The agreement slips out of Eilands lips. 

“Could I get a kiss for every poem, every engraving, every moment you think of?” 

Eiland chuckles, “We would never be able to perform any duties like that. We'd be stuck for so long in one spot to compensate for all the ones I have already thought of.”

“I wouldn't mind being stuck to your lips. I can also accept kisses in advance.” The Farmer's hands come up to drape over Eiland’s shoulders. A shudder shakes Eiland. Even in the dark swallowing them up, Eiland's eyes frantically move up and down the Farmer's face. Eiland can't figure out if he should be maintaining eye contact or focus on their lips, so close yet so far from him. “Would you be ok with me kissing you?” The Farmer's voice interrupts his internal debate and again Eiland's voice slips out before he can think.

“Yes, please, yes.”

It's not a surprise that both of their lips are a little chapped. Despite all of the water and shade, spending a summer day in a pit will dehydrate anyone. Eiland presses up against the Farmer's lips however like he's a fresh spring. Eiland's hands are shy to grab at the Farmer like the Farmer's hands grab at him. The chilly night nips at the skin of Eiland that isn't covered by the Farmer and it's even more enticing to press fully onto them. When the wet tip of the Farmers tongue licks into Eiland's mouth, the heat under Eiland's skin crawls all over. He's eager to learn , to explore, and presses his tongue fully againsts the Farmer's.

The sound of crunching dirt comes from the direction of town. The Farmer hears it before Eiland as they jolt against him and are the first to pull away. With the dim lighting of far away streetlights, Eiland can make up the outline of two familiar figures, one much bigger than the other who's dress trails behind them.

“ Ah ha, there they are, Lady Adeline.” Errol's clear voice cuts through the sound of crickets in the night. “All in one piece it seems, and with the Farmer as well!”

“ Fantastic.” Adeline rushes forward. “Everyone was worried when you weren’t at the Inn. I knew you were going to go excavate today so I asked Errol to come look for you. I thought you might have fainted out there.”

Eiland holds out his hands and Adeline grabs them both with her hands. “No, no, I’m sorry, adeline. I only got sidetracked talking with the Farmer.” 

Adeline turns to the Farmer, letting go of one of Eiland’s hands to grab the Farmer’s shoulder. “I'm glad you were with the Farmer. Even if it kept you busy, there’s almost no one else I would trust to make sure you were fine.” Adeline smiles. “Had I known I wouldn’t have interrupted.”

“You're ok.” The Farmer replies. “I was bringing over a gift to him earlier and ended up spending the day looking at artifacts with him. I should’ve paid attention to the time going by.” 

“Well, no harm done, Farmer.” Errol chimes in. “I doubt Eiland was keeping an eye on the clock either.” Errol chuckles and turns to the town center. “Let’s head back together. The night is still young, after all.”

The group walks together to the Inn through the middle of town. The Farmer and Errol walk and chat, seemingly about something related to the mine but Eiland can’t make out the conversation too well. Next to him his sister walks step in step with Eiland and he can see her in his peripheral staring at him. Eiland turns his head to his sister and meets her eyes.

 “Are you sunburnt?” Adeline asks.

Eiland touches his face but there’s no pain. Nothing is sensitive or rough. He tried to not stay in the sun too much and once the Farmer joined him, Eiland was entirely in the shade the rest of the day. “I don’t think so. I tried to keep out of the sun.” Eiland replies.

Adeline softly pinches at Eiland’s cheek and hums. “I see. Your cheeks are very pink though. Do you have a fever?” Adeline lays her hand flat on his forehead, then on his cheek, then on the side of his neck. “Not a fever, but you are warm all over even though the sun’s been down for a moment. Were you working hard on something?” 

Eiland thinks about the Farmer for a second before shaking his head. 

“You got more flushed right now. Did you think of something?” Adeline points out and Eiland pulls away from his sister’s hand. They have always been so attuned with each other but Eiland can’t help but wish she wasn’t for a moment. Turning away from Adeline, Eiland faces forward and sees the Farmer with their head turned back to Eiland. The grin on their face adds to the heat on Eiland’s face and as they turn away, Eiland is left to deal with his sister’s questions. Eiland tries to remedy his sister’s concern but in the back of his mind he thinks to himself, he is going to have to owe the Farmer for a few thoughts right now.

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Itty Bitty my beloved, welcome to the world in your entirety <3 :o)

Read Here

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THE PREFECT’S CAT CAFE ꒱ ❝ dormleaders. ❞

SUMMARY: after an off-handed comment made by Idia, you find yourself taking what he said into genuine consideration. instead of just bringing some cats into your guest room though, why not find a way to have both cats and profits while being comfy?

warnings; gn!reader x dormleaders. long post. the keep reading line may repeat a bit of text, but please continue reading if it does. inspired by this video. by interacting with this post you agree you’ve read through my navigation and i hold no responsibility for the content you view. part i. part ii. part iii.

PROLOGUE.

“Are you really sure about this, Henchman?” Grim asks, crossing his arms as he huffs, jealousy laced in his voice. He was used to your occasional strange idea, but he considered something to be sincerely wrong with you at the moment if you thought bringing other stray cats into his territory were a smart idea, not to mention the way you were cuddling them and scratching their bellies. Where did you even find this many cats? Did you make a deal with Azul?

Puffing your cheek slightly, you ignore your cat’s comment while putting the collar on the last one. “Do you want to have fancy tuna?” You reply, fixing the collar’s bow as you smile at your hard work. “You’re not believing in me, Grim. This is an untapped market potential, in case you forgot we have a whole dorm here at school dedicated to gamers and introverts practically. And you know what they like? Cats and silence!” You tell him as you look at your array of cats.

You’d found yourself surprised that Professor Trein actually entertained your question if he knew where to find cats on sage island, even more so when Crowley eventually relented to letting you keep a few cats in exchange for not bringing up the fact you’ve been through how many overblots against him for awhile. This was a chance you could not lose. “There’s cat cafe’s in my world with relatively simple rules and a quiet atmosphere. We simply need to make it a reality, and lucky for us we have a magical furniture tool and an investor.” You say, getting up from the chair and walking toward your little notebook to check off another item off the list.

“You have an investor?” He asked, not quite believing you as he raised a brow. Hearing his disbelief you chuckle a little, pointing your pen at a corner of the room to which he jumps in surprise, letting out a shock ‘nyagh!’ “Idia has been here for the past two hours, ever since I told him what I was going to do. I don’t know how or why he has money, but he has it and that’s enough for me.” You say, Grim still surprised he hadn’t notice Idia once in well over two hours. He still wasn’t convinced on your plan, but if it got him tuna and money, your plan surely can’t be that bad?

HEARTSLABYUL. riddle rosehearts.

RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS.

“Are there any rules I need to follow while I’m here?” Riddle asks, a little antsy as it were his first time in a room with so many cats before. It were against the queen’s rules to bring cats to a formal affair, but this wasn’t too formal, it were a cafe. And you did get explicit permission from the headmage so indulging in you just a tiny bit wouldn’t hurt, right? With a laugh, you point in the direction of one of the walls with the rules on display next to a signed plaque from the headmaster giving his approval to your whims.

“The rules are really simple. No forcing or disturbing the cats, do not go around picking them up, do not let them have your drinks, and refrain from running around and making too much noise. Outside drinks, food, and shoes are not permitted for sanitary reasons. You can only feed the cats treats sold by the prefect or in the gacha machines, and you have to log in which cat you’ve fed to ensure one cat doesn’t get particularly overweight.” You read off the board the rundown as he nodded, determined to follow the rules. As he stepped inside your now transformed guest room, his eyes sparkled as one of the cats immediately begun purring at him. Perhaps a cat cafe truly wasn’t too bad a place.

Riddle was really weary of your little project when you first told him about it. He really stopped lecturing you after you explained you had all the proper permission and even an investor. He had no idea who on campus would help you with this, but after hearing it were Idia he thought that maybe you were actually a bit more serious than he realized about your cat cafe plans. He takes awhile to convince to actually come, but after maybe seeing a picture you text him of the kitties with the caption, “I want Riddle to play with me!” he concedes ever so slightly into your demands.

His eyes light up in genuine happiness as little cats meow at his feet. His only other real experience with cats was Grim as his mother would not let him near them, but now he understands what the appeal to cats is about. They’re all so soft and he may use an occasional toy, but he also gets to hear their affection purrs as they nudge him nearly making him forget why he was so angry just ten minutes prior when he was collaring a student again. He isn’t a regular since he’s busy, but whenever you happen to ask he tries to make time, only because you’ve asked him to or his dorm members ask him to visit, not because he’s succumbed to being a cat person, he says, lying through his teeth.

His favorite cat is a Queendom of Roses (British) shorthair with pure dark grey fur and orange-yellow eyes. He wasn’t too sure how to act around the cats but this one plopped it’s chubby body onto his lap while nipping at his hand demanding to be pet while meowing right to his face and Riddle could not say no to that face. The cat is not as furry as the others and he quite prefers that, less hair to clean off of his clothes. He thought he would of preferred a less demanding cat, but Sesame is very calming and distracting for his anger. He at some point also noticed cat collar’s slightly changing and asked you about it.. and you found a gift from him, more specifically Sesame received a gift. His previous yellow collar replaced with a higher quality rose-red collar with white outlines of rose petals engravings. Now instead of a silent bell he had a rose attached to the front of the collar, and at the back of the collar was a bow designed to resemble leaf petals.

Absolutely plays favorites, he’s still a bit weary for long haired cats to approach him but won’t tell them to go away, and he always feels guilty if he pets a cat that is not Sesame. He would be willing to buy cat popsicles and cat treats on occasion but tries not to overly them as he knows you’re trying to not get them to be overweight and stay within a healthy range. He’s also able to get some work done when he visits, though not too often as his cat takes up most of his time and does not like him to share his attention with his paperwork, deliberately plopping down onto the paper if he deems he has not received enough attention. You could probably get away with asking him a single stupid question while he is relaxed. Only one, so use that question wisely.

Overall is a good guest since he keeps quiet to himself and his cat, and if he’s talking he’s really quiet about it since he respects your rules. He follows every single one to heart, not only that but also makes sure other guests are taking it to heart as well.

SAVANACLAW. leona kingscholar.

LEONA KINGSCHOLAR.

“Shut up, herbivore.” The beastmen hissed as you tried to hide your overly smug expression. “I haven’t even said anything yet, Kingscholar.” You tease as he opens one of his eyes and snarls at you in a nonthreatening manner, one hand running through his hair as the other runs his fingers through the fur of the sleeping cat on his chest, unable to stop you from taking pictures without disturbing said cat.

“Aren’t you two adorable?” You can’t help but snicker as you snap another photo of the annoyed beastman. You were definitely going to post this on your magicam story when you were free. Distracted by your phone, you fail to notice his ears twitching ever so slightly as he looks away from you, his face just a little bit darker in color than before as he shuts his eyes, going back to sleep.

Leona had no interest in being friendly with a bunch of strays you brought in from who knows where. He actually laughed in your face the first time you offered him some coupon to your cat cafe, he had no interest being near rowdy students. That was until he had the most annoying day alive, a conversation twice with Malleus in a single hour and he used you as his stress relief, nearly knocking you onto the floor as he plopped onto you after following you into your cat cafe.

No one else was there as you hadn’t opened, and he understood the appeal. The room wasn’t overcool with regulated temperatures perfect for a cat, with dim lighting and soft music. You even had different parts of your cafe for different guests as you place him onto one of the longer sofas, finally getting him off of you as you poor him a drink and listen to his complaint. At some point he had a group of cats just laying on him and purring against him and snuggling and he’s fallen asleep, not waking up until you inform him you’re closing for the night, and not to move too abruptly with the cat still sleeping on his chest.

His favorite cat had claimed him during their first fateful encounter, being a persian breed. The cat is very fluffy with creamy white fur and golden eyes, enjoying swaying her tail against Leona’s nose and kneading at his chest, arms, feet, wherever she gets her paws on. She does not enjoy being disturbed but does enjoy the occasional pet and spends most of her time just napping with Leona and pawing at him. He claims the cat is noisy every once in awhile but he can be seen petting her with one hand as the other shields his eyes as he lays down, letting her purr against him. He flat out told you he was replacing her stupid black collar with a new one, a brown silk collar that’s just a tad bit loose, with a few golden engravings and a beautiful bow on the back in a lighter brown and golden moons. Nebula also gets cat popsicles every once in awhile that he gets Ruggie to buy from you.

He is used to a bunch of different cats crawling over him as they seem to naturally approach him, and he’s very smug about that to Malleus, but he does have his favorite. Nebula is his number one cat and he will pick her up even though you have a no disturbing the cats rule and he will place her beside him as he has a drink as he lays down in his unofficial spot while she climbs atop him and goes to take a nap. He’s not jealous but he just does not allow other people to touch his cat is all. Whenever you come over to bring him a drink he’s trying to pull you down and shamelessly puts an arm around you as you ignore his clinginess and return back to your cats and cafe. May use a cat toy on occasion but not when you are watching because you get a stupid grin and ask him if he feels like pawing at the toy and he tries not to leave you on a street corner.

Overall a horrible guest but a decent guest. He definitely does not follow every rule and acts grumpy but he’s very quiet except the occasional snore. He will also take a very long time to leave because you need to scratch his ears because he’s not “fully awake”. But in terms of cat parenting he’s a pretty good guest.

OCTAVINELLE. azul ashengrotto.

AZUL ASHENGROTTO.

“So… do you still want to complain?” You ask, raising a brow as you stare at the bespectacled boy with a smug grin. He swore that there was zero charm to a cat cafe and that you stole his business from him just two weeks ago, but now he had a cup of coffee between his fingers sitting on the sofa with his eyes closed, a purring cat on his lap with documents on the table spread out as he worked. Azul’s face flustered a slight tint of red as he let out a small cough much to your and the twin’s amusement.

“That was the past, prefect. We found a way to make this arrangement mutual benefitting now, no need to bring up old problems.” He tries to sound professional as you snicker. Two weeks ago was not really a distant past, but you did work thing out. “Whenever you want a refill just let me know, I’ll leave you guys alone for now, I’ve got more to do.” You say, deciding not to tease the octomer further as you retreat back into the kitchen, leaving him to be teased by his two ‘friends’.

Azul had stormed into your establishment one day with a single goal in mind, to figure out how you had stolen his business. He came perplexed, how were you allowed cats on campus? Where did you get the money for renovation? Who was your supplier? Most importantly why did everyone favor the prefect’s cat cafe over the Monstro Lounge with quality service and quality food?

He had sat you down trying to be scary but you ended up putting him. You had offered him a proposal of a collaboration. If anyone orders a special item off the Monstro Lounge menu that day before coming into your cafe they’d be eligible to receive a little something from your cafe for free such as a cat popsicle or an extra thirty minutes added onto their time. He was weary at first but people came to the Monstro Lounge as though they were giving away free money as they came in groups. You both benefitted from this as you did not want food near your kitties that weren’t for them as that posed health and safety issues. He doesn’t know how but he also finds himself on occasion coming to your cafe during breaks as it was surprisingly calming despite his absolute hatred for these innocent cats when he originally entered.

His favorite cat is a Queendom of Roses (British) longhair with dark orange-esque fur with a fluffy white front and light blue eyes. He has no clue as to how but somehow this cat became his favorite as he purred against Azul’s shoes, nudging at him before eventually crawling into his lap. The cat makes little disturbance as Azul works, the purring soothing the octomer as he finishes up, occasionally finding his sleeves being tugged at when Butterscotch declares he’s been working enough by demanding pats. Butterscotch has also found himself on the end of receiving a lot of cat popsicles recently, and a collar upgrade. His collar went from a plain leathery texture to some high quality collar blue collar with tentacle engravings, and a sea patterned bowtie at the front of the collar, the center being a pretty shell.

He entertains other cats but keeps an eye out for his favorite, always reserving his lap space just for him. He mainly spends his time at the cafe after a large rush or when he has time off to work in the silence with his cat instead of the silence of his office. He actually finds himself working a lot faster in your cafe than all alone and he gets free refills on his coffee, so technically he is profiting than if he used his own supply, he justifies to himself. When he finishes work he may on occasion be found talking to you attempting to flirt poorly as you remain oblivious as he has no interest in manga or gaming. May occasionally be found brushing his favorite kitty’s fur and telling him he is going to become fat like he once was then still feeding him the treat regardless because he is very polite.

Overall is a very good guest as long as he has his kitty. Gets a bit antsy if he has to spend his time without his favorite as though he had been replaced but does not cause a scene or whine. Please make sure before you close he gets to squish his cat’s paw and knows he has not been replaced with a different cat dad.

SCARABIA. kalim al-asim.

KALIM AL-ASIM.

“Aha, prefect! Could I have another cat treat, please?” Kalim pleaded with you as you shake your head, doing your best at giving the puppy eyed dorm leader a firm no. He already had two today, that was enough. “But look at Taffy, she’s starving!” He says as you raise a brow, staring at the cat that was getting plumper by the day.

“Kalim, I love you like my actual child but no more. She’s even eating the other cat’s leftovers now at lunch time.” You scold the boy as he apologizes and pleads he will stop after maybe just one more treat as you sigh, putting your foot down and eyeing Jamil pleadingly who only pretends he can’t see you as he plays with his cat. “I’ll even pay four times the amount!” He said, pouting as you shook your head, ready to dive into the same discussion you’ve had with him the past three days.

Two hours, that is how long it took for Kalim to hear about your business venture and ask, beg, you to let him see. Apparently Idia had told Ortho who told the board game club members and word got around to Cater and Cater told him and Lilia and now he was bouncing off the walls in excitement with Jamil in tow. He was already prepared to meet the kitties and Jamil said it was okay so could you please go now? When he hears that there’s rules to follow he listens intently and follows them as best as he can remember, but he’s just so excited about the cats and trying your drinks! Also looking at the interior and more. Wait you also have gaming pcs and manga? He has to check those out too! His hyperactiveness could not be contained and you were a little concerned for the cats.

You were right to assume Kalim could not be contained for more than two seconds as he pspspspss at all of the kitties, toy in both hands as he was already playing with them, cats crawling on his lap and nudging at him, biting at him playfully and surrounding him as he held a cat popsicle out towards them, talking your’s and Jamil’s ears off about how fluffy and wonderful of a place this is. He had to tell every single person in his dorm about it, and his family, and people from other dorms as well, this was the greatest place on campus so far! Do you also need help buying the cat food or anything? He’d be willing to be another investor in a heartbeat but Jamil talks him out of it, partially. His favorite thing is official a cat in his lap as he drinks your own tea brew that he gifted you from his country… which may cost more than your entire life.

His favorite cat is a maine coon with black fur and green eyes. This cat has the world’s finest at her fingertips if she just meows. Kalim knows it’s wrong to pick favorites but he can’t deny that she is his favorite when she headbutts his chin and meows at him for minutes at a time even if he’s petting her. She’s extremely fluffy and starting to become pudgier but he doesn’t mind that as he gets her more treats. Her pink collar has long since been discarded as she now has a full wardrobe, but her collar is now the finest white silk and handmade embroidery with real gemstones and solid gold for the silent bell. Even the bow on the back of the collar is large and beautiful, she’s worth more than the students that actually visit the cafe and you hope you aren’t robbed.

Kalim does play favorites but also doesn’t. Things are very clear he has a favorite cat but he will play with any and every cat that approaches him. He respects your do not disturb the cat rule, really, but he just really wants to pet every single kitty. He always says he wants to try one of the pcs but ends up forgetting as he works on his homework failing to pay attention while petting Taffy and giving her kisses and then eventually falling asleep because he’s all tired out. He has read a few of the mangas but he reads it to Taffy specifically and Jamil has to remind him to be quiet for your other guests. He may have also asked his family to visit your cafe so you may be visited by one of the world’s richest couple in the future when the campus opens for outside guests.

Overall a great guest for the cats but a nightmare for you as he looks like a sad puppy when you refuse to let him buy treats. Also occasionally forgets and makes a loud noise when he enters and sees his favorite cat, and he can be a little distracting because he can’t sit still for too long at times.

POMEFIORE. vil schoenheit.

VIL SCHOENHEIT.

“When in Twisted Wonderland did this happen..?” You mutter to yourself as you brewed another cup of tea for Vil using the brand he specifically gave you for himself when he visited. He was adamantly refusing to even set foot in your guest room after hearing what you had done, but now Rook was taking a photo of him elegantly sitting down in one of your lounge chairs with a cat on his lap, purring loudly looking at the camera as though she understood how to pose and was a natural born model.

You bring the tea over to his table as he thanks you, lifting the cup and saucer elegantly as Rook takes a photo, already singing praises on how great it would look on his magicam as Vil looks confidently smug. You couldn’t believe this all happened just because Rook had said something about Neige and how cute it would be for a boy like him to be surrounded by cats. “Thank you for your patronage.” You say with a small smile on your lips, amused. Well at least a happy Vil is free promotion for your business on campus.

Vil was happy for you, really, but he was not going to visit the cat cafe even if you pleaded by his feet and rose someone from beyond this mortal realm to drag him in. That was until he heard Rook talking to you and Epel about how Neige would surely be so beautiful surrounded with cats and you agreeing and throwing in a comment about how it would make him seem more likeable and relatable. He knew Rook was a Neige fanboy but he couldn’t have you converting into one too, are you forgetting he’s the fairest of them all, and the only celebrity you should praise like that? If it is relatability you truly desire he can spare one afternoon at your cat cafe since he needs to check up on the place his dorm members have been spending their time at recently to ensure it is up to Pomefiore standard.

He originally looked as though he was going to fight one of the cats with how he was trying to mentally tell the long haired cats to stay away from him. He was so intimidating to even the cats that none were willing to approach him but one, a very snooty girl that begun pawing at his ankles, jumping up into his lap and kneading him as she claimed her seat. He found her demeanor pleasantly charming as she wasn’t that furry and she was good enough, he thought. He managed to get some high quality photos that did trend on magicam for the rare domestic sight of the Vil Schoenheit and a cat. It was surprisingly soothing for him and he did eventually come back where the cat once again claimed him as her’s.

His favorite cat is a siamese with cream white fur and black siamese patterns and bright blue eyes. She’s rather thin and does not shed fur all over his lap like some of the other cats. He makes sure to keep her fur shiny as he brushes her down and uses some toys on her. He refrains from often buying treats as she doesn’t seem fond of them and he doesn’t want her to be too overfed, a model should keep a strict diet. Her collar was replaced without even informing you, the old white one did not fit his or apparently her standard so he simply had to replace it for her. It was a pretty fancy dark blue color with golden engravings in the pattern of pomefiore’s insignias, a purely custom design, with a pretty bow in front, with a silent bell. It’s hard to believe she was ever a stray at one point.

He does not entertain most of the other cats beyond looking at them as he pets Iris. He knows his cat is a complete snob and will likely not entertain other guests, perched up high in her cat tree bed until he comes along so he would never cheat on her with being another cat’s dad. He has full faith that he is the only one that she will ever go to so he does try to stop by every once in awhile to make sure she’s getting the attention and grooming that is needed for a cat of her standard. He’s not into your gaming pcs or your manga corners, but does appreciate you do have school textbooks to borrow and a quiet study nook so that he can elegantly pet Iris with a cup of fine tea while doing his assignments as Rook fawns over them.

Overall a very good guest as long as you leave him alone. Follows your rules, does not talk loudly or much, and goes above and beyond with taking care of your cat that you begin to think it’s actually his cat he’s just letting you keep. You’re a little concerned he may just tell you he’s taking your cat with him once you graduate, but he is a rather good cat dad, at least!

IGNIHYDE. idia shroud.

IDIA SHROUD.

“I-di-a” You coo, bending down and whispering in the ear of the man currently on the floor, two cats surrounding him as he feeds them cat treats. The blue haired boy physically jolts upwards letting out a small whimper of utter shock of being spoken to as you chuckle. “Are you having fun?” You ask as he blushes, looking away from you as he turns his attention back to the cat pawing at his pant leg. “Ehehe, this is even better than watching the series finale to an anime live.” He whispers as one of the orange kitties crawls into his arms, headbutting him.

“You flatter me, glad to know you think so highly of my hard work. Ahem, our hard work.” You say as you pick up the other kitty, fixing their collar as you lightly run your fingers through the cat’s fur. Giving the cat a kiss to his nose and boop, you set him back down as you notice Idia staring at you only to blush insanely red as he looked away quickly from being caught. “Thank you for your hard work… prefect.” He quickly whispers much to your amusement.

Idia has become the number one patron. From the second class ends to the time you close for the evening Idia is right there petting the kitties. He’d actually volunteered to work for free, not as a waiter or anything but as a sort of cat playmate. He’d make sure the cats are satisfied and not bored and no one can touch him or look at him, but you said no, he needs to share the cats.

He’s the reason your wifi is amazing despite your run down dorm, and he makes sure absolutely everything regarding technology is perfect. It took him a bit to understand what you want and why that was necessary beyond you just saying cat cafes in your world have these things, but he understands what bliss is now. Anytime some machine seems even remotely broken he fixes it at a record pace.

His favorite cat had claimed him awhile back. A pure white ragamuffin that is extremely fluffy. The cat is extremely docile and she’d claim her spot in his lap, purring as he’d read manga or play on one of the cafe pcs, occasionally nibbling his finger when he squirms too much from gamer rage. Her original collar was a nice shade of orange, but he not so subtly changed it into one he got. A pretty light baby blue shade with small jewel engravings, a little silent bell at the front with a pretty bow on the back with golden stripes. You are partially convinced he genuinely does believe Ivory is his firstborn child.

He does play with other cats but has a favorite. He always pays for one cat popsicle a day at minimum to feed the cats and pays for other cat treats whenever he can because he is weak. He also is rigged at crane games so he can easily snack through the day never leaving the cafe. There are occasions you tell him stop feeding human snacks to the cat, they will get chubby. He ends up looking super offended on behalf of the kitties you dare said any one of them are chubby. When he’s not pampering the cats you can find him gaming in one of the pcs, grinding through an event. At moments like these do not approach him and leave him alone so he can forget he is actually in public and not his bedroom.

Overall a very respectful guest. He’s quiet, makes sure to respect the boundaries of the cats and the rules you’d set up, and does not cause any scenes. The only issue is getting him to leave may be a little difficult as he tries to give one more kiss… Or that he tries to come on your days off just to keep the little babies company. there’s also the occasion every so often that you can feel his gaze on you, only for you to catch him as he hides his face, the tips of his hair turning pink as he watches you work.

DIASOMNIA. malleus draconia.

MALLEUS DRACONIA.

“Child of man, could I please have one of those.. cat ice creams I believe they’re called?” Tsunotarou asked, eyes sparkling ever so slightly in childlike wonder as you let out a charming laugh, handing him a popsicle that was specifically made for cats to eat. He had always been fond on ice cream but now he had the ability to share it with someone else he liked, the cat that had claimed him a few weeks ago.

“Just one though, we don’t want to feed them too much now.” You say but know it will fall on deaf ears as you didn’t wish to ruin his fun. You didn’t think he had experience with cats before so you were pleasantly surprised one of your cats had practically claimed him, but it all worked out. “Worry not child of man, I won’t give him too many treats. Though I’m sure if I too were eating your cooking right now I wouldn’t be able to stop myself either.” Flustered by his comment, you leave him to play with the cat as you retreat behind the counter, he really was dangerous for reasons different than rumors.

He heard about your business venture from Lilia and was ready to pay a visit not caring if he scared off your guests but halted in his tracks when he heard you telling Sebek you were going to invite him. His mind tells him he has won the lottery and he retreats to fix his outfit waiting in the lounge for an hour until you reach Diasomnia’s doorsteps to speak with him. He is not listening as you greet him with a hug and tell him you’d like for him to come to Ramshackle for a surprise. Something about you also not opening the cafe today so it’d just be you and him so he’d be comfy, there’s really no reason to try and continue speaking he’s been charmed for over an hour, prefect.

He practically vibrates from sheer joy as he’s frozen, then rapidly shaking, then beaming as a cat waltzes up to him as though he owns the prince. He basically blue screens momentarily as the cat with such soft fur and pure innocent eyes meows up at him, pawing at his feet to be picked up. He picks up the cat as you watch curiously, finally figuring out he wasn’t listening to you at all as he stares at the cat’s eyes and then your’s. “Our child is beautiful.” He says as you raise a brow, shrugging it off as you tell him you’d brew him a black coffee and to sit wherever he would like. He instead chooses to sit at the counter bar, watching you and the cat that’s on his lap nipping at his fingers and demanding his attention as well. For the first time in awhile he feels as though something doesn’t fear him other than you.

His favorite cat is a ragdoll cat with white fur and black splotches and deep blue eyes. He claims this cat is your child and you have no idea what he’s thinking of but he seems happy as he shamelessly pulls out a cat toy and plays with him. Also slightly insults the cat by calling him brave or stupid as though a cat can comprehend what he means while mewling at him. Also asks you if he can also have a custom collar after Lilia tells him about his cat, and after you allow him to replace the old red collar he’s excited. Black is the color of royalty in the briar valley and Oatmeal has the privilege of wearing it on his new collar. A pretty black collar with green wings beside a silent bell that may be made of actual gold, along with a little dragon hood-cape and short plush horns you got him so your boys match.

Very possessive of Oatmeal. He will applaud other cats if they dare approach him but everyone knows he has a bias. He practically has been claimed by his cat and no one else is brave enough to go near his cat and no cat is brave enough to approach him, they are a perfect match. He has tried to take your cat back to Diasomnia but you have to remind him that the cat stays with you, he needs a proper schedule, friends, and he needs to stop being fed so many treats. He’s also incredibly smug about it and will come to the cafe on your off days as he talks to you petting Oatmeal and glaring at Leona on the opposite couch who’s busy petting Nebula but refrains from getting physical or suffer your wrath. You’d kicked both men out for an entire weekend.

Overall a good guest personally, but his reputation may cause some people to be scared of visiting. Regardless, he’s very polite to you and treats his cat very good, making sure to give him treats and enough exercise with a toy. May also overpay for coffee and start fights with Leona when you aren’t even open yet. In fact, how on earth did the two of them even get into your cafe? You literally just woke up and they’re spitting insults at one another.

EPILOGUE.

“Fnaygh! I guess I really am a business genius, Henchman.” Grim said as he dug into a can of fancy tuna, one that you had bought without having to worry about your budget for once. You expected success from Ignihyde students, but it seemed like your little business venture went above and beyond with students from all different dorms trying to be booking ahead of time and trying to visit your cat cafe.

“Right right, you’re the genius, Grim.” You laugh in response to your friend as you finished checking on the other cats, finishing up for the evening. In terms of profit, almost every single day you were fully packed with as much people you’d allow in at once, and you had to temporarily increase the charging rates. Despite the increase people still begun to visit, who knew the school filled with villainous kids would be so excited to pet some cats? Especially your regulars, they adored these cats enough they got the cats gift, not you, but the cat.

It was tough work to manage the guest room cafe all by yourself though, you had to admit to yourself. Perhaps you should take up Ace’s offer and idea at hiring some part time employees, your first year friends had already offered, so maybe you’d start training them for help?

a bit of a long post but i have had this thought for awhile ever since reading Idia’s guest room lines? So I figured I would just turn my headcanon into an actual written work. I have more ideas though for a separate post, but I am unsure if I’ll post it, but I do need to share my thought’s of Floyd’s favorite cat being a sphynx cat named prune that is very vocal and has a cozy ugly little sweater that Floyd likes to bathe with you.

©idiaa-shroxd. do not plagiarize, repost, translate, or use my works to train ai.

[signalno5]

easy.

pairing: kamisato ayato x reader

word count: 5.5k

synopsis: the yashiro commissioner is a difficult man, yes, but kamisato ayato is so very easy to love.

a/n: prequel can be found here!

It is no secret that Kamisato Ayato is a difficult man.

You’re quite sure that most of the common folk would agree with your assessment, despite never having met the Kamisato clan head face to face before. As the head of one of the most eminent and illustrious clans in Inazuma, surely the Yashiro Commissioner must be a man of high standards and demands, they sympathise with you, shaking their heads in pity. The Yashiro Commission’s festivals and events are all meticulously planned with consideration for the people, but I heard that he only has one personal assistant. Surely he must work you to the bone!

Contrary to what they think, however, Kamisato Ayato is difficult for a completely different reason in your eyes.

It’s only a few weeks from the Irodori Festival, the very first celebration of cultural exchange that Inazuma will be able to enjoy ever since the Raiden Shogun closed the country’s borders years ago. Because of this, the anticipation among the citizens have only been growing ever since it was announced, with many townsfolk passing by eagerly asking after details with bright, excited smiles.

In stark contrast, however, the inside of the Yashiro Commission resembles a swarm of ants on a hot stove, messengers and officials rushing frantically to and fro as you make preparations for the event. And the preparations seem to be only increasing the closer you draw to the date, with your master being called to Tenshukaku more and more frequently for discussions. There is still much work to be done, however, which explains why you’ve been holed up alone in your master’s study for most part of the day with a sore back from hunching over papers and an inkwell that’s fast running out.

Just as you’re about to reluctantly start on a fresh batch of paperwork, you’re interrupted by the door to your master’s office sliding open. Thoma stands in the doorway, just as he has several times over the last few weeks, wearing a guilty grin on his face. While the sight of him used to be a welcome break from work (you are a seasoned taste tester for the fusion desserts he enjoys experimenting with), now you only let out a long, vexed groan and promptly knock your forehead against the expensive Yumemiru table.

“My apologies…” Thoma begins sheepishly, but you don’t seem to be listening.

“He’s got to be doing this deliberately,” you declare in frustration, setting down the pen so that you can massage your temples. “You’re telling me that milord forgot his umbrella again?”

Keep reading

[signalno5]

what ,,, what if i make a filipino genshin college smau (im sorry its so specific but im in college rn pls let me romanticize it or else ill start thinking about my career)

its a venti x reader,,,, and i dont have much ready but,,,

[signalno5]

put a ring on it.

premise. snippets of daily life between a humble servant and an increasingly clingy master.

word count. 5.4k

note. reader full of snark + dumbass in love ayato = gratuitous amount of banter. i have to say that ayato never goes out of line though, and you're not actually bothered by his advances; you're just a massive tsundere.

“With all due respect, I don't believe being your headrest is part of my duty, my lord.”

“Is that so?”

The noncommittal response pointedly marks the end of his acknowledgement as Ayato makes no effort to sit up, remaining slumped against your frame. His head rests upon your shoulder, a ticklish sensation blooming where your neck and chin meet. Light blue hair trail prickling heat where it grazes your skin, an itch you can't quite scratch away.

Even so, the discomfort doesn't reflect on your face, frigid expression carefully layered with blankness. His sinking weight fails to impede your immaculate posture, refined poise a great disparity from his leisurely disposition. It paints an odd picture, the ordinarily faultless heir lacking decorum—though granted the freedom to do as he wishes in the private confines of his room, it is a mystery why a servant such as you is... graciously permitted to bask in his exclusive company. In the private confines of his room. You feel the need to emphasize that detail.

In his hands lay a scroll concerning governmental affairs, urgent matters that demand his attention, so you can't begin to comprehend why he insists on using this time to harass reward a lowly attendant with his valuable presence when there is business to attend to.

He leans more of his weight to your side, and he—you nearly sputter indignantly—mimics an action that can almost be described as nuzzling. “Mhm. This is convenient for me, since I've hardly found the time to rest today. Do you find it intolerable?”

Ignoring the last bit, you advise, “Perhaps it would be more effective if you were to rest in your chambers. I will come call when the Kanjou Commission asks for you.”

He pretends to consider it for a moment, the silence filled with the quiet jingle of wind chimes. But predictably, the corners of his mouth hook up to an impish smile. “I would prefer to stay, if you don't mind?”

Resigned to your fate, you can only say, “Of course not, my lord.”

For reasons you cannot fathom, the head of the Kamisato household harbors a strong attachment to you.

In normal circumstances, this fact would be taken as great news; presently, you are little more than puzzled and unfeeling. Rather than delight, dread stirs in your stomach whenever he calls your name in a volume louder than necessary—a conscious decision, you presume, since he seems to interact with other servants just fine. Curt and polite, keeping his words concise, preventing further delay from addressing his responsibilities.

Had you not known better, you wouldn't be able to identify him as the same man who indulges in trivialities when he invites you to share snacks, engaging in frivolous chatter over tea and pastries. With increasing frequency nonetheless, and with varying refreshments each time to boot, an assortment of exquisite wagashi produced only by the best. Strawberry daifuku on one tea break, mizu-yokan on the next, sakura mochi on the day after that... You've been serving him for a considerable amount of time, but he's never been much of a sweet tooth until as of late.

Ayato hums thoughtfully, savoring the sweet taste on his tongue. “The mild flavor is pleasant. I believe it might be to your liking.”

He offers you a cup, steam curling above the warm brew. The pink beverage glistens beneath the sunlight, rippling with movement when you take it into your hands. It doesn't require much thinking to conclude the tea leaves must've cost a fortune, but it leaves you plenty of questions just as well. Why would a benefactor give you a taste of luxury?

But you would be a fool not to appreciate it while it lasts, so you lift the cup for a sip.

The flavor of spring bursts in your mouth, fragrant and tasting of sweet nectar. Your frosty guise wavers under the bribery, bliss crossing your face before your lips quirk up to a small, almost imperceptible smile.

Deeming your elated reaction satisfactory, Ayato nudges the plate of confections towards your side of the table. “Eat. They pair well with the tea.”

Who are you to say no to your lord? Therefore, the correct choice must be to accept his gifts with gratitude!

(Distracted by desserts, you fail to see his amusement in the way you stuff your cheeks full adorably like a chipmunk.

But he's aware it's not the right time yet, so he suppresses the urge to pinch your face.)

Kamisato Ayato is often praised for his intellect and cunning mind, but sometimes you wonder if he'd finally gone stupid. It was only a matter of time.

“My hand feels cold,” he laments, as if he hadn't chucked away his gloves ten seconds prior. “Can I hold yours for a moment?”

Ayaka, for her part, looks ashamed on her brother's behalf. With a graceful flick of her wrist, her fan snaps open and obscures the mortified expression on her face. Thoma's bottom lip quivers, valiantly repressing his bubbling laughter though he turns quite ugly in the process.

Sending a prayer to the heavens, you hope your face looks as unreadable as you think it to be. “...I'll fetch you a pair of gloves,” you say, side-stepping the pair he just abandoned on the floor.

“Mhm. That won't be necessary,” he counters, tugging on the edge of your sleeve. “You see, I heard those granted Pyro Visions have warmer body temperature...”

That is undoubtedly a lie he conjures up on the spot.

“...So I was hoping to sate my curiosity today,” he finishes, looking far too pleased with himself. Ayaka avoids your gaze when your eyes sweep past her (she absolutely knows it's an idiotic idea because going by that logic, she should have a colder temperature... but that is obviously not the case), and Thoma is blatantly ignoring your requests for assistance, whistling an awkward tune.

You have half a mind to shift the responsibility to another retainer similarly bearing a Pyro Vision, who is currently trying his hardest to stifle his pained grunts when you pinch his forearm admonishingly, but there's really no way out of this. Ayato would certainly craft another bullshit reason to coax you anyway. (A part of you thinks it might be fun to keep up the charade just to hear what he'll say next.)

You hold up your hand, and Ayato's eyes flicker with mischief. His slender fingers wrap around your wrist, brushing over the jut of your bone. He marvels at the size of it, dwarfed by his large hands, and he curls his fingers tighter.

...He doesn't seem to be assessing your temperature.

But you are mindful of his, a searing heat devouring your senses. His light touches settle heavily on your skin, a prominent warmth amidst the cold gale. Where his fingers rest leave imprints of fire, trails of scorched ash in his wake.

Experimentally, his thumb rubs circles on your palm, tracing over the lines. He rolls the soft flesh, staring at the small cuts and calluses with an attentive eye. Burning the image into his mind. Fiddling with the shape of your fingers. Then, following a brief hitch of his breath, he fits his own in the spaces between yours.

His hand is soft, you think to yourself. Without the presence of leather, it is fully bare, pale and dusted with pink. His knuckles are pronounced, palm surprisingly unscarred in spite of vigorous sword practice, but a writer's callus lays on his ring finger. It is easy to imagine his frame hunched over his desk, pen between his fingers, ink running dry from writing back to missives and signing endless contracts.

(And responding to engagement offers. You would know. They clutter his workspace, scented letters branded by wax seals of a distinguished family's emblem.

He barely throws a cursory glance at them before giving his never changing answer.)

When he gives your hand a squeeze, you finally ask, “Is it warm?”

“Yes.” He sounds somewhat strangled, there, less confident than he was before he took your hand. “Very warm.”

He reluctantly parts with it, stepping back to reduce your close proximity. Ayaka fans herself as she scrutinizes his reddening complexion, and Thoma—partial to the lord, you see, even though he wasn't very eager to lend you a hand before—makes some excuse about a meeting he has to attend to (some beetle fight with Itto, most likely) and if you'd kindly excuse their presence.

“...Please pardon my brother's strange behavior,” Ayaka murmurs when only the both of you remain in the room. “He could be quite straightforward when his curiosity is piqued. He doesn't have weird intentions, really.”

She doesn't appear to believe it herself, but you appreciate her attempts to clean up Ayato's mess.

“It's no trouble, milady.” You flash a placating smile for good measure, reaching down to collect the discarded gloves Thoma nearly tripped on in his way out. “But I'm afraid I'll have to take my leave now as well...”

“Yes, of course! You may go.”

Following her affirmation, you scramble to take a duster and retreat to clean the library.

At least she doesn't comment on your flushed cheeks and colored ears. Small mercies. (There's only so much composure you can exhaust within one day.)

For all that you (privately) complain about the extensive list of chores to tackle in the Kamisato Estate, you find tending to the garden fairly enjoyable. Alas, you can't exactly spend the whole day pruning the shrubbery; the smile on your face drops when you're sent to go on a shopping trip. Worse still, with no one to assist you in carrying the groceries. Thoma has already promised to accompany Ayaka for a mission, and everyone else is busy preparing for the Kamisato head's upcoming business trip.

Said Kamisato head is apparently “free” and “has the spare time to help” despite being the one who should be busy holing himself up in his office.

Regardless of your protests, Ayato insists on tagging along to the market. Which brings you to your current situation, your employer dutifully carrying bundles of cloth and a basket of radishes and carrots with an easygoing smile, while your hands remain empty. He is... considerate, if you were to speak in flowery words. He is stubborn, if you were to be blunt.

However, he is relatively obedient, save for the handful of times he rushes off to chase something that caught his eye. As a result, he keeps purchasing cheap trinkets he'll probably have no use for and his pocket is brimming of candy he sometimes stuffs your mouth with when you have something to scold him for. (To be fair, it's very effective for shutting you up.)

“Please don't interrupt me from speaking,” your words are partly muffled, mouth still chewing on the confection. Ayato smiles innocently, pressing another piece of sugar to your lips.

“Where are we headed next?” He questions, looking around the bustling streets as he tucks the jar of konpeito candy in his sleeve. “Do you still have vegetables you need to buy?”

You shake your head. “No, the cook said he's only missing radishes and carrots in particular. I've also gotten the materials needed to mend clothes Thoma asked for.”

He deflates at that, disappointment painting his expression. “I suppose we're returning, then?”

You purse your lips, considering your options. It isn't like you were told to come back an appointed time, and you could always blame Ayato for your tardiness... “Does my lord wish to visit anywhere specifically?”

The river of stars in his eyes twinkle ever so slightly, flashing a thinly-veiled childish gleam. “Not anything I could think of at the top of my head. Do you have any recommendations in mind?”

“Recommendations?”

“Places you like to visit.”

During your free time, you usually look around to shop for clothing or accessories... but they're nowhere near the quality befitting of nobles. The yukata isn't tailored to your size, made from cheaper cloth of cotton, and aren't as decorative to what your lord is used to; it's what makes it affordable. Whereas Ayato is often dressed in luxurious silks, embellished with golden thread and customized to his liking.

“It's no harm to bring you there... I guess.” You scratch your cheek. “Though I can't guarantee you'll like it.”

“Nonsense.” He smiles amicably. He reaches for the basket before you can grab it, gesturing for you to start walking. “I'm sure I'll have a good time regardless where it is.”

And... he does. He marvels at the extravagant brocades displayed at boutiques, wondering how one could possibly wear so many heavy layers. Though he doesn't buy clothes for himself, he decides to buy a cute purse he thinks his sister would appreciate.

Ayato expresses interest in ornaments and cosmetics as well, to which the shop owner proceeds to happily introduce her entire catalogue for a man she knows has deep pockets. He doesn't disappoint.

“You don't want anything?” He asks when you only answer his questions pertaining to Ayaka's preferences, two steps behind, never taking the opportunity to roam and search for potential additions in your wardrobe.

It's not that you haven't seen anything you'd like to take home, per se. More like everything is too expensive for your pocket money in this high-end portion of town. “No,” you say instead, because it's easier to explain that way.

He tilts his head inquisitively, but doesn't push the topic. “Help me choose a hair pin then. You know what fits Ayaka best.”

He leads you to the display case housing rows of hair ornaments, each one more remarkable than the next. The last one, undoubtedly the most costly whose price would make you weep, teeters on the edge of gaudy. Adorned with silver butterflies, tear drop sapphires, gems delicately shaped like dewy petals and white pearls sitting atop carved gold, they almost blind your eyes.

“...She'd look beautiful in everything,” is the conclusion you come to, because you speak nothing but the truth. “But please don't buy everything. She will get mad at you.”

“I know,” he sighs. “That's why I needed your help picking one.”

You almost drill holes to the items with how hard you're staring at them, but you eventually point at the pin with pink blossoms. “This would contrast nicely with her hair.”

“Mhm. If you say so,” he hums approvingly, tracing the sculpted leaves.

“Then if that's all, I'll go pay...”

“Ah, which reminds me.” He spins on his heel to face you, lips shaped into an apologetic smile. “I'm nearly running out of parchment paper. Could you stop by the stationery store up front? I'll handle things from here and meet you by the entrance.”

“Of course, my lord.”

On your way outside, you resolutely do not allow your curious gaze to steer towards the tables of sparkling jewelry.

--

The trip back to the estate is uneventful, and the rest of the afternoon passes like any other.

Perhaps the only inconsistency in your repetitive days is the accidental nap you fall into, blanketed in warm rays of sunshine and caressed by the refreshing breeze slipping past ajar doors, your cheek resting on the surface of the table you were supposed to be cleaning. How uncouth of me, you think as you wipe your mouth to check for signs of drool. Your only respite is not having anyone witness you in such a state, otherwise you would've long been rudely awakened and received an earful of chastising.

...Is what you think, until you spot a foreign ring you definitely do not recall putting on.

It curls around your finger, dotted with crystals in a hue of blue you're all too familiar with. You see it everyday, gleaming in mischief, darkening with intrigue. Framed by long, long lashes, crinkling at the corners when filled with mirth. Crashing torrents that freeze in displeasure yet inexplicably gentle the moment they meet your eyes, akin to gentle sea waves that pad to your feet.

(You wonder if this is why he insisted on touching your hands so much, just to roughly measure your ring size.)

“I hope you fare well during my absence. Fear not, I will do my best not to prolong my leave.”

The way his words sound so self-assured and full of conviction doesn't sit well with you, and the genuine pity reflected in his irises almost makes your eyebrow twitch. You haven't even spoken a word before he began his theatrics.

“Take as long as you need,” you reassure him. “My lord mustn't rush his work.”

He wilts, but he perks right back up, “No need to put up a front. I'll come back for you.”

Incorrigible.

“Then I await your safe return.” You bow deeply as you swallow back a sigh of defeat, the other servants lined up on either side of the street moving accordingly.

“Please be careful,” Ayaka bids when she walks in front of him. “I've heard of bandits intercepting carriages to steal... I don't mean to undermine your abilities, but you should still be vigilant of trouble.”

Ayato laughs at that. “You don't have to worry, Ayaka. They'll sooner surrender before they lay a single scratch on me.” Glancing at the supplies being loaded on his carriage, he grimaces slightly. “I better get going. I'll see you all in three weeks.”

He climbs to the interior, giving you a final smile before closing the door. You stare at the carriage until it fully disappears, the trotting of horses out of earshot. When Thoma begins to walk back to the estate, you fall into step with him, matching his strides.

“The lord hasn't left for this long in a while,” he comments, to which you hum in agreement. “Think you'll miss him?”

“Three weeks is hardly a long time,” you retort back, complacent for the rare period of peace to follow the next month. “He'll return in no time, as if he'd never been gone in the first place.”

Thoma eyes you strangely at that, but says no more. “If you say so.”

--

The first day is bliss. No disruptions in your work, no unwanted conversation partner as a distraction, no midnight snacks needed to be prepared for the clan head a weird mix between workaholic and slacker.

The second day proves to be the same. No incessant chatter in your ear as you sweep the floor, no complaints for a stack of paperwork to be done within the day, no sudden requests of a shoulder massage for a job well done deserving of a reward.

The third day, you feel like your schedule is lacking, blank spots of free time sprinkled in between.

Ah, right. The tea breaks.

You tell yourself you only miss the fragrant tea, the selection of treats given to you by the young master's generosity. Not his thoughtful commentary for the taste, the chuckles spilling from his lips when you respond to his quips, the brief moments of eye contact before you resume your respective duties.

The fourth day, you're sent to hang the laundry. You tell yourself you don't miss a certain someone's abrupt appearance, poking a head through the sheets to startle you, huffing bright peals of laughter when he attains his desired reaction.

The fifth day, the cook requests your help to prep dinner. My lord doesn't like this dish, the sentence almost leaves your tongue as your eyes track down the recipe when you remember right, he's not here, and milady likes this dish, so it's one of the few chances she gets to eat it.

The sixth day, you clean his office. You organize the account books, restock his collection of pens and paper, and shuffle through his mail to sort them by category (definitely not noting down the number of letters asking for his hand in marriage). Your face flushes slightly when an unassuming bookmark falls out of a book you pick up from the floor, familiar flowers pressed thinly to fit between the pages. (You have only given those flowers on a whim, plucking fresh blossoms from plants you grew outside the Kamisato's garden. You didn't think he'd keep it around; they're not nearly as fancy as what his family owns.)

By the seventh day, you begin to doubt the calendar. There is no way it's only been a single week.

--

“How do I look?”

“Positively charming,” is your dry answer.

“You're not looking.”

Your eyes flit to Thoma's attire. “I am.”

He shakes his head, taking off the robes he's been trying on. “You're always daydreaming nowadays. What are you thinking about?”

Reminiscing the last time you visited this clothing store, which is when you brought the young master in your shopping trip, and also presumably when he bought the ring for you. Recently, you've taken to pondering over the specifics; did he commission it beforehand? But how would he have known for certain you'd be visiting the store that day to give it to you later that afternoon? You were only planning to get groceries... Unless he was planning to give it another time? If so, in what occasion did he want to present it as a gift? What prompted him to give it to you earlier? ...Did he see your longing gaze on the jewelry?!

No, no, no, you made sure none of that showed on your face... Did he mean to give it to you that day? He somehow predicted you'd cave to his whims and show him around town? Then when you were gone, he retrieved the ring he commissioned, hitting two birds with one stone in a single trip?

...Knowing your sly lord, the idea isn't so far-fetched to be unbelievable...

To this day, you have yet to solve the mystery. But Thoma doesn't need to know your current musings. You shake your head. “It's nothing. Are you buying it?”

“Since you kindly gave an approving opinion, sure.” His tone drips with sarcasm as he takes out his money pouch, paying for the clothes. “I think I don't need the answer from you, actually. I'm confident I have an accurate guess.”

Your eyebrows knit together. “What do you mean by that?”

“Who else would linger in your mind?” Thoma sighs in dramatic fashion, stepping out of the premises with you not far behind. “Distance makes the heart grow fonder, after all.”

Bristling, you vehemently refute, “I'm not thinking inappropriately of the lord, if that's what you're implying.”

“I didn't mention any names.”

“But you clearly meant him.”

He holds up his hands. “If that's what you want to believe, suit yourself.”

His gaze drops to the ring wrapped around your finger. The ring has been a topic of interest for the gossip mongers within the estate, wondering who you could've received it from; what other implications can wearing a ring have? Your cold exterior is no secret, your heart guarded with thorns, so who was able to sweep you off your feet in the end?

Thoma only needed one look at the shade of blue to make a correct guess.

“...I'm sure at this point, you know of his intentions,” Thoma says slowly. “And I have plenty of reasons to believe his affections aren't entirely unrequited.”

If they were, you would have brushed off Ayato already, just like you always do with the others. He may be persistent, but he knows how to back off. Yet the most you do is sigh and spoil him, albeit in (fond) exasperation.

“Even if they aren't...” You fidget with the hem of your shirt, averting your gaze from his blazing eyes, “...it doesn't mean we'll work. I'm certain he has better prospects for a spouse, anyway.”

“You mean those daughters from noble families?” He snorts. “He'd barely give them the time of day before running back to you. You should know that by now. Don't you remember when he faked being sick in that lunch meeting so you could take care of him?”

Of course you do. He had pretended to be in a dizzy spell, collapsing on your shoulder and making furtive hand signals asking for your help to get the lovesick maiden off his back. There really is no way to reject people like her without offending his business associate, so he tended to evade confrontations in roundabout ways.

You could excuse his clingy behavior out of necessity; it would be disgraceful to collapse on the floor, after all. The problem lies with the aftermath where you had already steered clear of the trouble but he insists on requiring treatment, body calculatively feeble as he gives you woeful pleas.

In another world, perhaps this would've been a heart-rending experience: a cold man who didn't share his burdens with others asking help from you specifically, because you were special and he trusted you the most.

In this world though, the act is only deserving of a derisive snort. He pulled off this plot for who knows how many times. How would holding your hand help with his throbbing headache anyway?

(You ignore the fact you indulge him each time regardless.)

“In any case, the lord is returning in a week. Not much time left for you to mope.” He laughs even as you elbow his side.

A week.

(That is one week too long.)

--

When Ayato returns five days short of three weeks, you aren't there to greet him.

Instead, you are sick in bed, bundled in a pile of blankets, and suffering from a stuffy nose.

Ah, and delirious from fever. Very much so.

So when Ayato miraculously appears in your bedroom earlier than scheduled, you only sniff in response and brush him off as a hallucination.

But of course, your dismissive attitude isn't enough to discourage him from pestering you and running his mouth. He hovers by your bedside, noting with glee that you keep his ring on a nightstand close by. “This is rare. I don't think I've ever seen you ill.”

But you've seen him plenty, frail and weak after days straight of sleepless nights. He doesn't look too pretty in such a mood, quick-tempered and sharp-tongued at the slightest annoyance. He only ever softens when your expression flits to dismay for a fraction of a second before dutifully offering him prescribed medicine from the family's physician, the saddened expression gone like a mirage.

“How are you this annoying even in my dreams...”

As it turns out, you're even more of a worse case than he is.

“Mhm. Your filter is completely shut down when you're sick, huh.” Ayato laughs, amused at the surprising revelation. He doesn't get to be the receiving end of your blunt words very often. “Alright. How bad do you feel right now?”

“Terrible, since it's the ass crack of dawn.”

It is not the ass crack of dawn, but you wouldn't know any better with the folding screens obscuring the orange glow of the evening. “Do you have an appetite? I'll have a servant bring a meal.” Then, he slyly adds, “I can feed you, if you want me to.”

He doesn't know which part of that statement appeals to you the most but you sit up straight, attentive.

Interesting.

Though Ayato meant it in jest, he has no complaints scooping spoonfuls of porridge to bring to your lips. He patiently coaxes you into drinking the bitter medicine after, quickly soothing you with bite-sized cut fruit to wash away the acrid taste.

“Good job,” he compliments, chuckling when you glow at the praise. Your lips are shiny with juice, trickling from the corner of your mouth.

Absent-mindedly, his hand lifts to caress your cheek, the pad of his thumb wiping it away. You jolt, a startled sound escaping you, and you hasten to clamp a hand over his mouth.

He blinks at you owlishly, dumbfounded.

“Don't,” you speak, your face decorated with a lovely pink. “You'll... you'll get sick.”

Ayato takes an embarrassing amount of time to process what that means. However, when he does, you can feel him grin beneath your fingers. He takes your hand, his huff of laughter tickling your palm.

“I thought we were in a dream? You don't get sick from kisses in dreams,” he teases, pressing a light kiss to your wrist. Your heart stutters in bewilderment but you make no move to pull away, only twitching when he kisses your fingertips.

“It's better to be careful...” Your brows knit together, and he kisses the tiny furrow away too.

“Okay. Let's do it next time then, when you're truly awake.” He gently pushes you to your back, fluffing up the pillows for your comfort and tucking you in the blankets. Indulgently, he presses a final kiss to the crown of your head. “Rest well so I can get that kiss sooner, hm?”

“That's a stupid reason to recover...” You murmur defiantly, stubbornly blinking your drooping eyes open.

In the end, you fall asleep to the sound of his laughter, the fingers combing through your hair, and the rhythmic beat in his chest.

--

When you wake up, you admonish yourself for having such a shameless subconscious, but you acknowledge that you had a good dream.

Then your eyes land on a pair of discarded gloves on your nightstand, one that you remember Ayato putting away before he began to spoonfeed you your meal.

...Fuck.

“With all due respect, I don't believe being your headrest is part of my duty, my lord.”

A thoughtful hum answers you, preceded by a curious glance at your expression. Your legs are folded underneath you, back straight and eyes overlooking the garden instead of the weight resting on your lap. You can feel him shift, turning over where he faces against the porch, his robes wrinkling where they lay below.

“Are you suddenly becoming shy because a maidservant passed by?” He places down the novel in his hands on the wooden floorboards, watching your face burn in embarrassment. “I doubt this is the first time she's seen us, though.”

“My apologies. I'm not as thick-skinned as you are.”

“I'd prefer the term 'proud,'” he pokes the sash around your waist, smiling cheekily. “Who wouldn't want to show off their lover?”

He feels you stiffen, sees the flush of pink crawling outwards to the tips of your ears. “It's inappropriate. We're in a public setting.”

“That's only because you refuse to enter my chambers.” Ayato sighs and you look positively mortified. “I wouldn't ravage you, if that's what you're worried about?”

Not yet anyway, he doesn't say.

“My lord, please be reasonable. Whether you do or not, I will still be seen as your bed warmer. Did milady not advise us to be discreet? Inazuma would be in an uproar if they learned you were... you were...” You purse your lips, unable to spit the last word.

“Wedded.”

“I'm afraid we haven't gone that far, my lord,” you deadpan.

“So will you consider it?”

“My lord.”

“What?”

You give him a look, and he sighs in acquiescence. But he turns to face the opposite direction, expression hidden fron view. You can practically hear the pout in his voice, “I see. [Name] only sees me as a fling. My heart breaks to know this bliss is short-lived, but I will cherish our remaining time together.”

He's begun his theatrics again, you think tiredly, accustomed to his stunts. “In any case, we must be careful. We never know who has loose lips around here...”

He's still not facing you, resolutely looking away.

...Is he sulking for real? Was that a genuine marriage proposal?

“My lord?” You call out softly, in a lover's tender voice. He doesn't respond. Quieter, you whisper to his ear, “Ayato?” yet that doesn't earn a reaction either.

You start to panic, wondering if you were acting too indifferently. The change in your relationship had been a recent one, and you're still settling in a period of adjustment; even if you wanted to properly flirt with him like normal lovers do, bickering came more naturally to you.

You reach for his shoulder, hoping to turn him over and see his face. But then he catches your wrist, and you only have a second to catch a glimpse of his triumphant smirk before he captures your lips in a chaste kiss.

“Mhm, I see. So you're more considerate towards me when we're dating,” he cheerfully notes, tucking a stray lock of hair behind your ear as if he can't see the way your shocked gaze morphs into a cold glare. “I truly am privileged.”

“Incorrigible.” The word drips with poison, but he laughs and kisses you again, thumbing at the ring around your finger.

“Too bad you're stuck with me forever, huh?”

[signalno5]

lmao is anyone still reading oh my god they were roommates,,,, ive kind of abandoned her rip ksadhkjashdksahdkas if anyones still interested in it tho i might continue,,,,,,

[signalno5]

japanese denim | h. shoyo

➳ tags ;; 18+, fem!reader, mutually 'unrequited' love, friends to lovers / idiots to lovers, reader is a bookworm n kinda shy , canon compliant mostly, super fluffy, reader is a bit insecure, vanilla sex / no clear dynamics, praise kink, unprotected sex, hinata making you call him shoyo, alcohol but both parties r v sober, mating press position, ill tag infidelity cause you mention a guy you're seeing, not beta read fully

➳ wc ;; 11.8k (goodbye)

➳ a/n ;; hinata shoyo please get your hand off my neck sir. song inspired by that song by daniel caesear

➳ synopsis ;; you meet hinata shoyo for the first time in highschool. he's a year your senior and the boy you can't seem to let go of, even as a sophmore in college. when he pops up again in your life so suddenly, you're very much reminded of why you fell for him in the first place. what could hinata shoyo be if not engimatic?

The first time you meet Hinata Shoyo is in your second year of highschool, after he spikes a volleyball into your chest and knocks you flat on your ass on your way into your first class.

You transferred to Karasuno at the last minute, the only school within walking distance of your new home that would accept you in the middle of the year. You had never heard much about the place or what it was like. You knew it was a small neighborhood with a family convenience store smack in the middle, and had a half-way famous volleyball team. As far as you were concerned, it was just another highschool - in a much smaller part of Japan than what you were used to. People spoke with more of a drawl but seemed much more friendly than everyone in the city, at least on average.

Your first day was unremarkable, really the first 3 months had been that way really. The school was small, so nothing really ever happened that was out of the ordinary. You’d been adopted into a small group of friends, but mostly stuck to doing things on your own where you could. You had good relationships with the teachers by kissing ass so that you could get into a decent college, and for the most part you didn’t do much of.. anything. You were grateful that things were relaxed, albeit sometimes it was lonely. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t bored, almost always. Whenever anything happened your mood was lifted for weeks but it was rare.

There were a few things about your highschool that stood out, like some of the rowdy upperclassmen and the way the bathrooms on the third floor never worked right. There, of course, was your sports team too.

Karasuno High had earned itself a reputation for having a good volleyball team. Your friend had gushed to you about it plenty, a bunch of hot third years spiking and playing. She’d tried to pester you into going to games or joining some of the other students in watching the infamous practice. Most of it had fallen on deaf ears, waving her off with a hand and a few comments. You had no prior knowledge of volleyball, and have never had any interest in it. It existed outside of your scope of life. She was probably right about cute guys, but you didn’t have much of an interest in dating back then. A little pessimistic for a high schooler, when you think back on it. You just felt dating was pretty hopeless, so you avoided all of it. Avoid everything, when you could.

You just wanted to focus on yourself, and it was going well. You think you could survive two years like that, just sticking to what you know.

That’s what you believed pretty sincerely too, maybe naively. It’d all been going well, until 3 months into your 2nd year. You decided to take a different route to your class, just to get some water on the way without having to ask right in the middle of the lesson. It was supposed to be a quick weave-around, stop by the vending machines and take the stairs on the opposite end of the hall. You didn’t think twice about it.

You went, innocently, to buy your water with some left over change. After you get it, you open it, drink it, and close it before turning to leave.

It all happened so fast. One second you were on your way to class, and the next a hard smack of rubber landed against your chest with such speed, you get knocked flat on your ass. You blinked, once then twice, only to find it rolling in the opposite direction from you. Your ears ring a little. You can feel the air squeeze out of you like a deflating balloon, rushing from your lungs. You gasp on a breath with a hand pressed to your chest, wincing as the pain kicks in. You can practically feel the bruise forming on your sternum. You blink a few times, leaning on your palms. Before you can regain your stability, you life your head to to be greeted with a good looking ginger boy only inches from you.

The first time you meet Hinata Shoyo, he’s apologizing profusely to you. He’s got these big hazel eyes that blink with concern, tan skin looking strangely pale, and a heap of freckles dusted over his nose bridge and along his cheeks. They’re speckled on his forehead too, and he’s got a mole on his right cheek. He’s saying something to you, surely something important, but all you can think about is the way his teeth are almost perfect. He smells a little sunlight in the summer.

“What class do you have?! I can get the teacher to let you go to the nurses office,” is the only thing you catch him saying. You find yourself in a daze, still, so you blink. Swallowing, your skin grows hot.

“Uhm..Mr.Nakamura is my homeroom teacher,”

He pauses, and nods, holding his hand out for you to take. And you do take it, not really sure of what else to do. His hands are calloused, and he pulls you up from the ground with almost terrifying ease. When you get on your feet, he makes sure you’re still by placing a hand on your shoulder.

If you had to describe Hinata Shoyo in one word, you’re sure you’d use the word magnetic. You think it describes better than any other word in the world. Magnetic.

You let him guide you through the hallways without another word. In the months you’ve been here, you’ve never felt this many eyes on you as you pass through the hallways. Hinata has you in tow, making conversation as you awkwardly trail behind him. Every few steps, he’s greeting some underclassmen boy or waving to some group of girls who clearly have eyes for him - all of which he seems a little oblivious too. You know it’s not really you they’re staring at, but him, so starstruck by his presence. He asks you questions and you answer them quietly, not forcing you to elaborate but always giving you a little smile over his shoulder.

He seems used to all of the attention, and for the most part - he doesn’t stray too far from talking to you. He walks you all the way to your classroom and pulls the door open with startling confidence, ushering you into view. An entire classroom has their eyes on you, and you swallow. Hinata puts his hands on your shoulders with a grin, and you look over at him, borderline mortified.

“Sensei, your student needs to go see the nurse today!”

Your teacher is one of the youngest in the building, rarely ever perturbed. Mr. Nakamura’s eyes go wide, meeting yours for a brief moment. He chuckles at your terrified state, the quietest student in his class being paraded by the world's loudest decoy is quite the sight to see. He hums.

“Is that so?” he asks you. You’re about to tell him no, that it’s fine and you just need 5 minutes to compose yourself, but Hinata steps in before you can even open your mouth.

“Of course it is! You wouldn’t want them injured in your classroom would you?” he asks, scandalized. You want to say something to him but your mouth is dropped open in shock. Mr. Nakamura has something against you, you think, because all he does is laugh, write down a note on a scrap paper and walking it over to you. He gives you a little encouraging smile, like he knows something you don’t.

“Get some rest, Y/N. Hinata-kun, don’t you have a class to be in?”

He scratches his head.

“Ah.. maybe?”

The whole class laughs at that , even your teacher, and you can’t help but be flabbergasted by the absurdity. You want to protest, but he’s already dragging you by the wrist. The hallways are now empty, so it’s just the two of you. He slides the door shut and turns around to look at you. For the first time, you’re present enough to look at him clearly. You notice for the first time that he’s the perfect mix of handsome and pretty, a boyish look to him. You feel yourself swallowed up in his gaze.

“Are you okay?” he asks you, head cocked to one side. You step back, too close, and nod absently.

“I’m.. I’m fine. You didn’t need to do all that,” you say, gesturing at your classroom. His face drops briefly, before he gives you a cheeky smile.

“Yeah, but it’s better than being in class, right?”

You’re surprised by him, again. You mirror his actions, laughing a bit.

“I guess so. Thanks for that, but I might just head back to class, I don’t really have anything to do,”

“Oh! Well, you wanna watch me play volleyball?”

__

You learn quickly that Hinata Shoyo is just as magnetic on the court as he is off of it.

You’d argue even more so.

He walks you to the gym, asking you what you know about volleyball. He seems delighted when you reply that you know nothing. He explains the basics to you, how the game works first and then the roles people play on the court. He tells you that he has the coolest role, a right-wing spiker, and explains the specifics with sound effects and overly excited hand-gestures. The way he talks makes you comfortable, it’s easy to understand and he seems so genuinely passionate it rubs off on you. For the first time, you’ve taken bare minimum interest in the sport.

When you get there, Hinata introduces you briefly to his classmates. Two intimidating tall dudes named Tsukishima and Kageyama, their captain - Yamaguchi, and a pretty third year girl named Yachi Hitoka. Hinata explains the whole story to them and Yamaguchi apologizes to you for getting dragged here. Before you know it, their manager tells you where you should sit if you want to see the best game and that the fun is about to begin. She’s intimidatingly pretty, enough that talking to her makes you nervous, but you try your best to get through it anyway. She invites you to her spot on the floor, and you settle yourself in.

It happens quickly and slowly, all at once. The game starts, and the ball gets served. It’s upperclassmen against lowerclassmen. Yachi watches you through the corner of your eyes, and smiles when she sees it. That expression when people see Karasuno play for the first time.

The movement of everyone is insanely fluid, your eyes wide as you just barely catch the speed of each play. The difference in skill between each team is like nothing you’ve ever seen before, the older teammates moving through each other with ease. The ball is never in place for long. You feel like all you’d have to do is blink to miss what’s coming next. Yachi explains things to you as they happen, the spike, the receive, the set - all of it gets explained to you in real time.

And then, you see it for the first time. Your eyes land on Hinata playing. Everything else in the world becomes white noise, drowned out, as you see him run and jump so high it almost looks like he’s flying. You see the shape of his whole body, the muscles in his legs and abdomen, and that intense look in his eyes all at once. He jumps and jumps and jumps like it’ll never stop and it’s not like anything you’ve ever seen.

“He looks like he’s flying,” you say, just a whisper. Yachi laughs.

“Wait for it,”

In a moment, you see his hand fly up and connect with the ball. The hard plastic material looks snug in his palms as he slams it down with all the force he can - cutting through the court like a hot knife through butter. It shocks you, the force and speed in just that one hit, so seamless. A move that only someone strong could achieve, it has your stomach tied in knots.

“Holy fucking shit,”

Yachi laughs again, smiling softly.

“I know right?”

__

In the months following your encounter with Hinata Shouyou, you can’t really get him off of your mind.

You try though, with everything available in your arsenal - you try and push through your pesky feelings. After all, you’re not the hopeless romantic type. You already have an aversion to dating in highschool. Aside from that, there’s the obvious conclusion that Hinata is very popular and you are very not.

You don’t think Hinata is shallow enough to actually care about stuff like that, but you know better. You know that every single girl in your grade seems to have the same hopeless crush on him and you also know that in terms of his type, you harbor doubt that you are his. You actually have no clue, but you assume. You think of the situation as practically as you can. For starters, he’s a third year and set to graduate and go off to pursue his dreams of volleyball.

It won’t work out long term, plus you should focus on school - and who knows if he even likes you back? You tell yourself not to read into his weekly invite to practice, the almost constant stream of texts, the way he walks you from classes when you can. You try to distance yourself, and ignore the almost painful feelings in your chest when you tell him you can’t attend games or something else trivial. You swallow it down until he graduates, inevitably, at the end of the year. You wish there was more to it, but after that - it simply fizzles out. Not that your feelings go away like you hope they will - but you tell yourself that it’s just because he’s the only guy you had a crush on in highschool. You force yourself to move on.

And it works, for the most part. Your third year, you make yourself so busy preparing for university that you don’t have any time to think about anything but school and work. You study, eat, and work part-time. Some weekends you hang out with friends but you spend most of your time cooped up in all of your responsibilities. You bust your ass and get into your University with a scholarship, and at the end of the year - you graduate from Karasuno High with good grades and hope for the future.

You’d be lying if you said that you didn’t think about Hinata at all. You follow him on social media, so you see small glimpses of his life in Brazil. Going out to drink and party, playing volleyball on the beach - every time he posts, you can’t help but clench your thighs about how much more handsome he’s gotten in only the last year. He’s so much broader, thighs thicker and smile somehow brighter. He really is like a ray of sunshine.

You’re careful not to dwell, not to linger. If you think about it for too long, you get kinda itchy and hot.

You enter university and go about your life in the same way you did in highschool, but now you drink sometimes on weekends. You’ve kissed some strangers now and again. You lost your virginity to a dude you stopped talking to almost two weeks after it happened. Now that you’re in college - the whole idea of dating is much less daunting, but it’s harder to find people you connect with. This time it comes with consequences and questions about futures and a whole truckload of other things you need to think about. Like if it’s worth it to hook-up with a disappointing stranger or if you should just masturbate in your single dorm and call it a night? So many fun choices, really. Your first year of college passes like most of your highschool experience - boring. Not bad but not all that interesting either. Pretty typical for a college experience but overwhelmingly mild in general.

It’s nice though. College is a good experience, overall. You like it better than highschool, and you get to study what you love. You made some really good friends instead of just some okay ones. You’ve got a little more control on your life at least. There’s the terrifying reality of being responsible for yourself - but on average you’re happier. It’s always a growing pain. That’s reason alone for you to try and move on with your life - and away from Hinata Shoyo.

During your first year, you think you did a pretty good job forgetting about him. After all, it’s been a few years now - you’re about to enter your sophomore year of college and you’ve been half-way sorta seeing this guy. Is he anywhere close to your silly little highschool crush? Not really. You’re not sure if you like him, exactly, but he’s decent. You just try not to think about it. You try not to think about Hinata Shouyou, either.

You push on anyway, right into your sophomore year. Hinata Shoyo is just some silly highschool crush, and it’ll stay that way.

It should stay that way.

__

The building that hosts your Ethics class is about all the way across the campus, a terrible distance to track since all the paths there are full of foot traffic. You’re hauling ass and fighting for your life, headphones blasting music and eyes looking down on your phone. You’re just checking your bank info, trying to make sure there’s nothing you need this week that’ll make you spend more money than you really want too.

You’re not paying attention to the things right in front of you, so when you bump into someone - your first instinct is a clumsy apology. You blink a little as you get knocked back, shocked by the force of the other person.

“Oh shit, sorry,” you mumble.

You step back and everything in the world stops. There you see it, mouth dropped open in shock There is no fucking way you’re hearing what you’re hearing. Seeing what you’re seeing

It’s Hinata Shoyo. In flesh and blood, standing only inches from you. A little taller, a little tanner, and more handsome than you could possibly remember. Your mouth drops open, gaping like a fish out of water as the two of you stand in front of each other. Part of you believes he wont recognize you - you hope for it, maybe a little naively.

“Oh, it’s you!”

You press your mouth into a thin, tight-lipped smile.

Hinata looks like he’s excited to see you. You wish you could return to feeling, but the dread in your chest takes a whole nother life in your stomach. It feels like your heart is gonna fall out of your ass, and you’ve got a million and one questions. Like why the hell is he at your campus? And when did he get back to Japan? And why does his chest look so much bigger than you remember?

“H-hey,” you say awkwardly, palms sweating “What are you…? When did you…?”

Hinata laughs a bit at your confusion, securing his thumbs underneath the straps of his bookbag.

“Ah.. there’s a lot to catch up on. I was just about to go eat, did ya wanna join me?”

“I uhm.. I have a class,” you say awkwardly.

“Aw, c’mon - can’t skip for an old friend? I’ll pay for it, too,” he offers, magnetic and horrible for your heart in the same way he was 2 years ago. This is your chance to leave - still a semblance of your sanity intact. All you have to do is turn around and go on your way.

“Uhm.. I guess it should be fine,”

He grins, big and bright.

“Great! Follow me,”

__

Hinata takes you to a cafe not far from your Ethics building, a short 5 or 10 minute walk where he updates you about his life in great detail. As expected from someone like him, you find yourself engaged in every word that comes out of his mouth. He came back a few months ago, and joined MSBY - and decided to take a few classes at the local university so he could learn more Spanish and pick up some English too. He learned he really enjoys traveling a lot, and he’s hoping to do more of it. Plus, he misses playing volleyball on beaches.

You sit at a table, and when the waiter comes - Hinata orders for you with a wink. He remembers what you like apparently, and that fact alone is enough to make you spiral into a fit of despair. You feel like you’re being held together with strings as the reality just barely seeps in. You’re alone with the boy you pined for for years - now a grown man, strong and handsome and much more charming And he ordered for you, which definitely seems like something people do on dates, but you know he’s pretty oblivious, so maybe not. Maybe you’re just reading into it.

After all, he’s only gained more notoriety, but he still feels the exact same. A little mischievous - beaming like the sun on tin roofs. Everything about him still glows marvelously bright, it hurts your eyes to look too long. He crosses his arms on the table and your eyes go to the sheer size of his arms, so big for his frame. You force your gaze away, drinking a sip of water to keep yourself busy.

“How’s my favorite underclassmen been lately? It’s been a while!”

You almost choke on your spit, and Hinata’s eyes get crinkly in the corners. You’re still just as shy as he remembers, so incredibly endearing.

“D-did you mean me?”

“Who else?”

You blink at him, a rush of butterflies fluttering through your stomach. You’re really not sure what to say or do in this situation, absently tracing shapes in the wood table.

“I’ve been uh.. been pretty good, I guess. Nothing super interesting to talk about,”

“Aw, c’mon, don’t be like that. Catch me up, I thought we were friends! What are you studying, what's your living situation - whatever's on your mind,”

He’s always been good at talking, it comes so naturally to him in a way you can’t understand. It makes you wanna talk back, but it’s hard to convince yourself he cares. Or rather, it’s hard to let yourself believe he does even when it’s so obvious. You squirm in your seat, restless as hazel eyes watch you with great interest.

He’s travelled across the globe and there’s still no one who does it for him quite like you.

“Ah.. well - I got lucky and got myself a single dorm so I live on campus. I work part-time uhm.. in the library,” you say, shaking your head “Nothing super interesting. It’s been good though, I like it,”

Fuck, you’re so cute. Hinata takes a sharp breath in, trying to compose himself.

“It’s interesting to me, no worries. Do you still study what you planned to study in highschool?”

You blink again, nodding.

“Uh.. yeah, I do. It’s good. I’m glad I get to do it,”

“I’m glad you’re having a good time. You were always diligent in highschool. It’s good to let loose now and again,”

You pout a little at that, but can’t deny it either.

“I try my best. I party on the weekends if I feel like it, but I dunno. Depends on how busy my life is,”

“I get that. You been seein’ anyone lately?”

The question comes out of his mouth so naturally, you almost miss it. Your eyes widen as it registers. When you look up at him, he’s got a cheek resting on his palm and a borderline shit-eating grin on his face. You pause, reeling, and just like every other time you’ve spoken to him - you talk before thinking twice.

“Uhm. Kinda sorta?,”

“That so? You like him a lot?”

Something in you stirs, molten, in the pit of your stomach. Almost like dread but not quite. You shift in your chair.

“Uh.. not really? I mean he’s.. he’s a nice guy but I don’t know. I’m not super interested in him. We’re not dating or anything,”

“Ah.. that’s good,”

You immediately look at him again, and he’s smiling, giving you questioning eyes - like he’s daring you to ask. You both know you won’t, you’re not even sure if you can. You clear your throat, and somehow it feels like you’ve lost.

“There’s a party tonight, just a little get together. If you’re not too busy, you should come,” Hinata prompts.

“Me? Are you sure?”

“Of course I am. Why would I invite you if I wasn’t?”

“I.. guess I can’t argue with that”

“I’m pretty convincing right?”

You give him a smile when he says that, eyes full of mirth and life.

“Yeah, you really are,”

__

You think accepting Hinata’s invitation was one of the worst decisions you could’ve made in your whole entire life.

The longer you think about the logistics of the situation, the more depressed you become. Firstly, you probably won’t know a lot of people there. Hinata is nothing if not popular, so you know you’ll probably lose sight of him only minutes after you get there. On top of that, you think seeing him flirt with other girls will absolutely crush your spirit and your frail stability is not looking forward to the experience. You can’t help but think of all the ways things might go wrong, and maybe you’re overthinking it (read: you definitely are) but you’d rather not run the risk if you can help it.

You decide the best thing to do is attend late, maybe just show up in the last hour and head home with as much of your dignity as you can. Sure, you spend those spare hours absolutely grieving over what might happen when you get there and sure, but hey. It is what it is.

You start getting dressed at 10, and leave the house at 10:30. You're dressed in your nice going-out clothes, humiliatingly, and your makeup is much nicer than you’d ever normally do it. Maybe you wanted to impress, at the very least if Hinata doesn’t show interest - someone else might.

You get to the spot around 11, right when the parties start to settle down and people are just hanging out instead of actively getting shitfaced. It’s a little chilly, late October air settling around the frat-house. It’s already dark out, midnight painted along the sky. You can feel goosebumps forming on your skin. All the lights are lowlights and people outside on the grass look faded. He wasn’t lying about it being a small kickback, only a handful of people seemingly both inside and out.

He comes outside looking with two drinks in hand and a pretty smile. He looks like someone straight out of The Godfather, but for whatever reason - he pulls it off well. He’s wearing a hawaiian print shirt tucked into a pair of brown slacks, chest open to reveal a little hair on his lower abdomen and abs that look like they were carved from marble. He looks pretty sober, all things considered. You wave at him meekly when he steps outside.

He’s all too happy to greet you, almost bouncing as he makes his way to you.

“Hey! Look who finally made it. I thought you were gonna bail on me for a second there,”

You flush a little at the implication.

“I wouldn’t do that to you,” you insist.

“Oh? I must be pretty special then,”

You don’t reply to that, simply tugging your sleeves over your palms with that frazzled expression that Hinata adores. He grins a little, handing you a cold solo cup full of a foreign liquid. You stare down at it, before looking at him.

“I uh, can’t get super shit faced. I have quiz tomorrow,”

“I figured, it’s mostly juice, promise. Take a sip,”

You do, and he’s right - you don’t think there’s anything in it at all. It loosens your nerves so the ratio must be great. You relax a little, taking a longer drink of it the second time around.

“That’s perfect, thank you,” you say, huffing a little breath. Hinata gives you a little grin and reaches his hand out for you.

“C’mon, I’ve got people I wanna introduce you too,”

You look down at his hand, and much to your dismay, put yours in it. His palms are so big, wrapping around your hands as he tucks you inside.

__

He drags you inside. The smell of sweat and bodies and alcohol permeates the air - even with all the windows open and everyone spaced out. Music is blaring through the house, only loud enough to fill in empty gaps between conversation but not enough to blow your ears out. It's hot and a little sweaty, but nothing over the top. You recognize a lot of the people as friends from campus but a big majority of these people are unfamiliar - and seemingly older than you too. Your brows are furrowed together as you try and take inventory of your surroundings.

“A lot of the people here are my teammates and other Japanese pros,” Hinata explains to you. You give him a look of concern.

“...Who am I going to meet?”

He grins.

“My teammates!”

He says it so nonchalantly, you damn near choke on your drink. Before you can protest, he drags you into the kitchen where a group of tall and intimidating men stand around drinking beer and conversing. You’ve never felt so out of your element before, feeling an urge to stand up straight as all of them stop their conversation to give you a grin.

“Hey guys, the guest of honor is here,”

You look at him, exasperated. All of his teammates seem to laugh at your expression. These men are massive - most of them seem to double you in size but they’ve got polite expressions. Hinata ushers you to the first group, pointing at his members in order.

“This is our captain, Meian. These guys are Inunaki, Thomas, Oliver - they’re our senior teammates,”

Each of the men give you a polite nice to meet you, but Meian, their captain - holds his hand out for you with a warm smile.

“You must be Y/N” ― he says. You nod, taking his hand and shaking it. His grip is firm and he seems trustworthy.― “Hinata talks about you a lot,”

You seem surprised by the info, and when you look over - Hinata gives his captain a flushed expression. You swallow the lump in your throat.

“It’s nice to meet all of you,” you greet politely. All of them return to the nicety which you appreciate, they seem like they’re trying to make you comfortable.

After everythings said and done, you wave goodbye to the first group. Hinata drags you outside this time, where 3 large and intimidating men are also standing. They seem younger though, and more familiar. It’s confirmed by the way they call Hinata.

“These are my other teammates and people I played with in highschool. Atsumu, Bokuto, and Sakusa,”

The first one to greet you is Bokuto. He’s broad - so wide he looks he would stretch across the ocean and still cover it. He’s got salt-and-peppered hair and smile lines like he never stops grinning.

“Oh! Our guest of honor, huh? Nice to meet you!”

You give him a smile, letting him shake your hand with a hard grip. He proceeds to pat your head a little bit, and you’re not exactly sure what to make of the gesture.

Next is the blonde one, a little skinnier than the rest. At first glance he seems mean, but when he smiles it goes away. He holds his hand out for you to shake and you do. His grip is a little softer, and his hands are the most taken care of in the entire group. His smile defaults to a toothy smirk.

“Atsumu Miya, nice to meet ya,” he greets, an accented drawl thick on his tongue. The kansai dialect is distinct in his tone, but it suits him well. You bow a little and he smiles at you.

Lastly is the most intimidating of the bunch, black curly hair and pale skin. He’s both tall and broad, enough to make you swallow. He pulls his mask down to give you a glance - but he bows his head first, deeper than the rest. You mirror him, and when he shakes your hand his grip isn’t too firm or too soft. He speaks the softest of the group.

“Sakusa Kiyoomi. Nice to meet you,”

Atsumu speaks up again after you’ve made your rounds, leaning back on the railing on the patio. He takes a sip of his beer, chuckling a little.

“We’ve heard so much about you from Shoyo, we couldn’t believe you guys met by chance,” Atsumu comments, amused. Bokuto hums in agreement as you give them all a confused look.

“...About me?”

Hinata shoots his teammates, all of which just laugh instead of answering questions. The ginger clears his throat, grabbing your wrist until you’re next to him.

“Hinata talks about you a lot. He seems very fond of you,”

Hinata glares at Sakusa, betrayal written all of his face. His deadpan friend doesn’t pay attention, just takes another sip of his drink and stares off into space. Hinata gives them a flustered sigh, getting ready to defend himself.

“Ah.. it’s been a long time. I’m glad you didn’t go and forget about me”

“No way I would forget about you!” he corrects in a panic, like you’ve said something borderline offensive. You pause a bit before falling into laughter, the sound doing something bad to his heart, as he stares at you. He can confirm that he still likes you just as much as he thought he did, wonders if he always will.

After your laughter settles down, you give him a grin.

“I didn’t forget about you either, no worries. That means we’re even right?”

Before the obvious tension in the air can get any thicker, Atsumu decides to intervene. He’s not sure how much of his single ass can take of this.

“Hinata, you should show your friend around the rest of the place and maybe have her meet some other players,” Atsumu suggests, just a bit bitter. It falls on deaf and oblivious ears, as Hinata perks up. He immediately grabs your hand again, making you flush before promptly dragging you away from his teammates.

“Oh! That’s a good idea, ‘tsumu - thank you. I’ll see you guys later,”

Before you know it, you’re getting dragged in the house again. You wave briefly to his teammates before Hinata makes you turn your attention back to him. With that you’re off, and you get the feeling it’s gonna be a long night.

__

You’re at the party for about an hour and a half. Most of which, you spend touring around the big house and talking to some of Hinata’s friends. Incidentally, you realize that a lot of these people must be famous. They all seem to know each other, but for the most part - everyones incredibly friendly. You’re most known to be that person that Hinata seems to talk about a lot, the theme of the night. That information ends up being too much for you to handle, so you decide to ignore it in favor of having a good time and not over-thinking.

You decide you should get back to your dorm soon, and Hinata insists on walking you back to your dorm on campus. You don’t find that you have any choice, not being willing to say no.

It’s around 1am, maybe a little later. The area around your dorm tends to be barren, so there’s not many people on the path at all. Drunk or otherwise.

It’s just you, and Hinata - alone for the first time. You’re worried your nerves are gonna kill you, your heartbeat in your throat as Hinata steps in tandem with you. It’s silent, a little awkward but not unbearable.

You decide against your better judgement to cut the tension by talking. You clear your throat a little, hands in your jacket pockets, as you try to find your voice.

“..I had a fun time tonight,”

Hinata perks up immediately at the sound of your voice. His back straightens, and he chuckles - warm breath making smoke in the cold air. He glances at you, smiling.

“Really? I was worried you weren’t enjoying yourself. I know this isn’t really your scene,” He tells you, relieved. You shake your head, tugging your lower lip between your teeth.

“I mean.. it isn’t my scene, but it was nice. All of your.. fellow players are really nice. Super intimidating,”

He laughs again, boisterous. The sound takes up space in your chest, making it tight.

“I’ve had some time to get over the fear, so I forget sometimes. All of them are really nice though, right?”

You hum in agreement.

“Sakusa.. he scared me the most but he was really polite,”

“He’s nice to anyone he thinks of as smart,” ― Hinata says abruptly, laughing sheepishly ― “So Bokuto, Atsumu, and I don’t really see him be nice,”

This makes you laugh too, and before you know it - you’re having fun with him just like you had been before. The feeling makes your stomach curl.

The laughter settles and it goes quiet again, so silent that you’re sure you could hear even the softest sounds. Of leaves landing and pins dropping, it’s almost scary. It’s not unpleasant though, or even uncomfortable. It makes you think, or rather - this brief moment of peace allows you the space to wonder. You can’t quell your curiosity, and it’s Hinata so it’s safe. It’s safe to wonder and ask questions, and you still feel fragile - but it’s fine, because it’s him.

“So uhm,” you start, shortly - words staggered in your mouth “What uhm.. what did your friends mean earlier? When they said you uh… talk about me?”

Hinata goes stiff, and for a second, you prepare yourself for the worst. You ready an apology, clumsily thinking of a way to tell him it’s fine. He doesn’t need to tell you if he doesn’t want to and -

“I uh.. I talk about you a lot, I guess,” he answers, voice gone soft. It’s unusually small for him. It’s not that he’s nervous, but he’s not as confident as you’re used to. Either way it makes you take a sharp inhale.

“...What about me?”

His laughs under his breath.

“Ah.. just about how much I've been wanting to see you since I got back to Japan. I was surprised when you said to lunch that day, but I’m glad,”

“You wanted to see me?”

“You sound surprised by that,” he replies, awfully amused. You flush.

“I mean.. I am surprised. You went half-way across the world and we didn’t see each other for two years.. I’m sure you had better things to think about,” you say, waving a dismissive hand. He laughs again, more breathlessly.

“Nah, not really. It was.. it was pretty much just you and volleyball, I think,”

You freeze, and your heart races. It’s going so fast and so loud you can barely breathe, and you stutter. You turn your head slowly, to look at him - but he’s not even fazed. He’s just smiling softly, the corners of his eyes crinkled playfully.

“Wh-what’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means I like you, obviously. Thought that was pretty clear already,”

Every semblance of stability shatters in a blink of an eye. What was remaining of your fortitude, crumbles to pieces in the briefest of sentences. You stop your movement. It almost feels like your ears are ringing. Your head spins as you blink and stumble back a few times.

“You what?”

He stops now, turns his whole body to look at you. He looks confused.

“..I like you? Wasn’t that obvious?”

You pause, throat closed up. A cocktail of emotions spins through you like a cyclone, suffocating. Your head feels heavy, at a loss for words. You aren’t sure what to do, or what to say - what the appropriate course of action is.

“No. I..I didn’t know. I thought.. I just assumed?”

It’s his turn to be shocked.

“You thought I didn’t like you?”

You nod, dumbly. His face contorts into what you can only describe as utter confusion.

“Why did you think that? I mean.. I guess I was kinda shy in highschool but I thought I made it pretty obvious,”

You stare at him, swallowing.

“I thought.. I thought maybe you were just being nice. And you were really.. like a lot of.. I don’t know - a lot of the girls in our grade had a crush on you. I just kinda assumed you were just being nice,”

“You..thought I just invited every girl to my games? And walked them to class. really?” he asks, voice light. He sounds amused mostly, giggling at the idea. You fluster, feeling just how ridiculous the sentiment is looking back.

Groaning, you bury your face in your hands. Your whole body feels like it’s on fire.

“This is so embarrassing,” you whine, sighing. He chuckles.

“I thought you hated me in highschool,” he admits to you. You immediately go to correct him.

“I didn’t hate you at all,”

“I realize that now. But I thought you like.. really didn’t like me. You always used to dodge me, so I thought you didn’t wanna hurt me feelings or something,”

“No, I always.. I never disliked you, ever. You just always had a lot of attention on you, so I figured it was better to keep my distance or something. Plus you were an upperclassmen and graduating,”

“But.. did you like me?”

You swallow the lump in your throat, voice just barely above a whisper. Overwhelming, so so overwhelming.

“I uhm.. yeah. A lot, I just.. I don’t know. I tried to get over it but I just kind of.. couldn’t,”

You can barely look at his face, but you catch a glimpse. All you can see is the ochre of his eyes, gone glassy - that intense gaze that feels like it could drown you alive. Your stomach flutters, fingers curling in your jacket pockets. You sway, shifting weight from one foot to another. You’re so nervous, you’re almost sick.

“You tried? Does that mean you still like me?”,”

You think for a second, what the right thing to do is. What you should do vs. what you want to do. You think about everything that’s happened and steel your nerves - everything feels so risky. It feels surreal.

“Yeah..I still.. I still like you,” you say, unconfident.

A grin breaks across his features, and he runs a hand through his hair. His shoulders drop, practically folding himself in half.

“I still like you too.. shit. I wasn’t expecting that,” He bends down, laughing.

The sound is airy, truly and utterly relieved and you can’t help but let the good feelings resonate through you. You’ll probably go back to being in your head about it in the morning, you’re sure of it - but for now, you bask in the knowing. The reality that the guy you’ve pined after since highschool likes you back. It’s almost two in the morning and the world feels like it’s spinning, and you’re staring at Hinata Shoyo with a dopey smile, utterly infatuated.

You feel lovesick, and now that everything is out of the way - all you can do is stare. Let yourself admire the face you’ve been seeing through screens for 2 full years. You’re still uneasy, restless as you compose yourself. But for the first time in a long time, you feel.. warm in that way you can only be with someone you like. It helps that it’s Hinata Shoyo, all broad shoulders and tan skin and round eyes. He glimmers, still, just like he did when you were teenagers.

He picks himself back up and shakes his head like he’s trying to realign himself. He steps towards you, much closer than you’re prepared for - and lets his take in all of your features. When his hands reach out tentatively towards your waist, you take in a deep breath.

But you don’t tell him to stop, and when you manage some courage, you look at him too. It’s entirely too intimate for you, too much. He’s too much. Always has been, but you think that’s why you like him so much.

He leans into you, just a little. Your noses bump and your face scrunches up. You’re still so terribly, miserably endearing - so shy. He sighs.

“Hey,”

You giggle a little bit.

“..Hi,”

“If I asked to kiss you, would you say yes?”

Your heart leaps into your mouth, and your hands tremble a little as the rest of his chest. He watches your expression as it twists, hands turning to fists before weakly flattening down to how they were before.

“Yes, I would,”

He breathes, gets closer, too close - like always.

“Can I kiss you?”

You nod this time, no words coming out of your mouth. Instead, you close your eyes and lean in. You press your mouth to his, a soft sound leaving as you feel his hands on either side of your face - cradling you like you’re something precious. His kiss is gentle to start with - not harsh or invasive but this comfortable basking warmth. It’s icy, a frigid night in October but your skin still burns anyway. You go weak against him, knees only barely holding you up. You feel like you’re barely holding on as he kisses you deeper and deeper.

You feel like you’re turning into a puddle when Hinata pulls away from you, making you frown. You’re embarrassed by the brief way you chase his lips, only pulling back and opening your eyes when you hear his voice.

“Hey,” he hums, nudging you

“Hm?”

“D’you.. wanna go back to your dorm?”

You flush, but nod.

__

You’ve never found your dorm room particularly cramped.

For a single dorm, you actually find it to be pretty good. It’s 7x7, and big enough to house an entire closet, desk, and a few other necessities. The walls are decorated with hobby stuff - mostly animanga, and everything is a bit messy but mostly well-organized. You’ve never felt like you didn’t have enough space. For just one person in a dorm room, you actually consider it pretty sizable. You even have a full size mattress instead of a twin size.

It’s never made you feel suffocated - so you get the sneaking suspicion that feeling in your lungs has more to do with Hinata than it does to do with your dorm. You find it hard to breathe when he’s around in the first place, but like this? You’re not sure you ever stood a chance.

All you can do is stare as he hovers above you, eyes heavy as you watch him peel off his jacket leaving him in only the button up shirt he had before and the nice dress-pants. You’re in that tight top and shorts, jacket on a hanger in your closet. You can’t breathe, cant think as you watch him tower over you. In the years he’s been out of Japan - he’s gotten substantial. His shoulders and chest are enough to cover you completely. All you can do is admire the muscle that shows even with his shirt still mostly on. You fidget as you wait, unsure. It’s not like you have no experience, but it’s him. It makes you flounder like a virgin, helpless in the palms of his hands.

He takes a deep breath as he leans back over you. All in your space again, his arms on either side of you. You can feel the way his body hovers above you, close but not close enough. His hands slide up to either side of your neck again. He cradles his face in his palms, his thumb dragging across your cheek as he smiles down at you in the dim light of your dorm. Everything about him is truly suffocating. He’s as a part of you as the air you breathe, sticks to the back of your eyelids with this stickiness you can’t clean off. Even without his physical body, he’s got you pinned helplessly to your bed. You can’t help but whine a bit, his lips brushing against yours.

“Hinata,” you whisper, blinking. He looks at you through lidded eyes, humming.

“Yeah?”

You give him a look, innocent and wanting. He gives you a cheeky grin.

“I know you’re bad at saying how you feel, but you gotta tell me if you want something, yanno?”

Your eyes grow wide at the mischievous comment, the little shit-eating grin that makes you flush. Whatever happened in Brazil has made him even more intrepid, less worried about the consequences and worst case scenarios. More plainly, he’s confident- too confident and a little cocky. You squirm.

“Hinata,” you whisper, half-way to a cry “Want you to kiss me,”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,”

“Mmkay. I’ll kiss you,”― and he does, like always - he keeps his promises ―“What else do you want?”

Your eyes widen when he pulls aways, staring at him in shock. His grin is shining, innocent - he cocks his head to one side as if to question you and not the other way around. You aren’t sure what to do with his prompting, why you have to say it. You get a sneaking suspicion he just likes to tease you.

But you can’t help but be desperate, can’t help but want to touch him so bad it aches. You wrap your arms around his neck and drag him down to your level, your face buried in the crook of his neck. You know the next words you can only come out as whispers, too embarrassing for you to say aloud.

“Want you to.. want you to touch me,”

He kisses you, again - a little deeper this time. It’s a reward for your bravery, an unspoken teasing gesture that you accept with open arms. This time it’s followed with a sweet grind, the weight of his bulge between your thighs that makes you shake.

“That so? Where do you want me to touch you?”

You whine, another thrust. It sends electricity through your spine. Goosebumps appear on your skin as you hold onto his strong forearms.

“Hinata,” you whine this time, shaking. He chuckles a little.

“Shoyo, baby,” ― he coos at you, gentle and easy ― “Call me Shoyo, try again,”

You’re out of your league here, you realize only then. You try to push back the intimacy of calling him his first name, the emotion attached - but you fail miserably. Your mouth curls around the syllables, and you flush. Skin burning, you managed to get the words out, despite how heavy they sit in your mouth.

“Sh..shoyo,” you say, unsure. You shake your head, giving it more effort the second time “Shoyo,”

He kisses you again, and this time - he doesn’t pull away. He’s grinning between each press of mouth. It’s smothering, the weight of his tongue in your mouth - tracing the insides, making your body feel weak against your sheets. He kisses you like that for a long while, enough to make you lose your head.

“Where do you want me to touch you?” he presses. You whine at the lack of contact, shamelessly trying to get him to kiss you again.

“Everywhere. Please, Shoyo,”

The way you call for him makes blood rush to his cock, frenzied. He groans against the warmth of your mouth, and finally gives into you. He’d been dreaming about this for too long to hold out like he wants too. He’ll have to save it for another day. Instead, he lets his hands roam over your body swiftly. Strong, calloused palms that stroke up your thighs, to your waist, stopping only to squeeze your tits with a rough grope. A gasp gets strangled in your throat. He feels so good, his hands and his body - everything makes you feel good.

“Aah,” you struggle to form words out but Hinata understands without having to try. He distracts you by pressing himself sloppily to your mouth before letting his fingers hook into the waistband of your bottoms. He untucks your top and without a second of thought - grabs the ends of your shirt and pulls it up right over your chest. Your bra is a sweet and pale color - clearly tattered. You look shy over it, realization hitting as you go to cover your chest.

You’re fast but he’s faster, as he pins your hands with one hand.

“Don’t be rude,” he tsks. You squirm, trying to get out of his grip.

“I didn’t think anything was happening tonight so I’m wearing whatever,” you explain, clearly dismayed. He laughs, dipping his head down to bite the valley between your breasts, his hands letting yours go just to hold your waist. You whimper at the feeling of his tongue running over the wound.

“It’s cute,” ― he hums, voice heavy ― “You’re so cute. Super cute,”

You giggle.

“Really?”

He pecks you, trailing kisses down your jaw. They’re sloppy and open mouth. He helps you shimmy out of your top, unclasping your bra and taking that off too. All your clothes get thrown somewhere to the floor and before you know it - Shoyo is above you again. He grabs your tits in the palms of his hands, kneading the soft flesh with interest. He pushes them together, fondling you with a certain look in his eyes. Half-way between curious and lustful. It makes you wonder.

“Shoyo? You okay?”

He blinks at you, clicking back into reality as he meets your gaze. He nods, deep in thought.

“Yeah. I’ve just wanted you for a long time, you know? Doesn’t feel real,”

“Oh?”

His mouth closes around one of your tits, and he hums in response. You feel his tongue flatten and circle around the hardened nub. Your spine arches, clit fluttering. Hinata pays special attention to all the ticks of your body. Each of your waxing and waning desires are carefully taken care of. Hinata has always been excessively good at reading people, like he looks at someone and knows the right way to approach. For how hard-headed and brave he is, you think he’d be more misinformed on reading others.

But he does it, easily, without fail. And he touches you like he’s read your mind, listened to all of your nasty fantasies in the years he was gone. He touches you like he’s reaching into you somehow, the soft pacing mixed with harsher grips. It’s just enough to leave you wanting, enough sucking on your tits to make you restless. Enough groping touches and ruts against your clit to make your pussy soak. This lust that’d been festering for years suddenly takes new shape, and in no small part with how well Hinata just seems to get you.

You lay there and he plays with your body. His fingers tweak your nipples, rubbing them with his thumb as you squirm. He lifts his head to look at you.

“Mhm. I thought about touching you everyday,”

You can’t contain your shock, a gasp leaving your lips as Hinata continues to wind you up. His words add fuel to the fire, always been good at getting people to hear him out even if he has nothing to say. You find yourself replying half-heartedly. Your eyes are pressed shut, fingers threading through his hair.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I thought about how pretty and nice you were and how much I liked you. I wanted to make you feel good.. still do,”

You whimper.

“I wanna make you feel really good. Can I? Please,”

He asks you the question with innocent eyes. Somehow he’s even more concentrated than before as he stares up at you. Your eyes widen. You nod, pulling your bottom lip between your teeth with a deep sigh. Hinata smiles at you before ducking his head down. He trails kisses down your navel, and when he gets to your bottoms - he leans to one side. Lifting your legs up, he slides them over you until you’re in nothing but printed cotton panties. They’re unsexy just like your bra, torn on the waistband. The light color highlights the damp spot. You want to hide but he coos at you, endeared by it.

He crawls up next to you, slotting himself by your side while sliding his hands down your stomach until he’s hovering above your clothed core. His knuckles drags between your soft folding, and he gasps. He does it over and over, listening to ragged breaths.

‘You’re so wet,” ― his voice is thick as he lets his knuckle drag against your swollen clit ― “Is this for me?”

It’s nothing but a ridiculous question, but you’re nothing if not weak to his whims. You throw your head to the other side, trying to face away from him as you answer with a simple “mhm,”

Hinata isn’t having it. He uses his free hand to point your face to his, and you kiss him over the shoulder. He holds your face so that you have to keep kissing him, even as he slides his free hand into your panties. Every gasp or moan you make, he swallows greedily. Your breathing goes shallow as he circles your clit, throbbing with each of his touches. You know deep down, he’s just rubbing the little sensitive bundle of nerves - nothing more and nothing less. It’s just that Hinata does it so carefully. So lovingly, adoringly playing with your pretty pussy with none of his usual impatience. Hinata is so much all the time, but he takes it so slow with you. His big fingers overshadow you, but it feels so fucking good anyway. The way he rubs on your pussy is enough to make you wetter than wet. Enough to slowly unravel that heavy tension you’ve had in your body for him so long. You’re tongue kissing him, practically drooling. Just soft and empty babbles as he rubs your clit for all it’s worth.

When the pleasure suddenly comes to a tide, you can’t do anything but gasp. With your mind filled with lead and body tight, you cum so hard you feel like you might go blind. The pleasure is nothing like you’ve ever felt, an orgasm you can feel with your whole body - a result from the way Hinata has worked you out. You’ve never had anyone go so far

“Haah..! Holy shit,” are the only tangible things you can think to say. Hinata doesn’t seem fazed by the orgasm, instead keeping his movement steady until you’re done pulsing so harshly. Your first orgasm of the night is a quick fall, it hits you and then it keeps going. Your pussy flutters around the feeling of nothing as you throw your head back, almost crushing Hinata’s wrist in the process.

When you come down from it, you blink your eyes open to see Hinata’s smiling face. You blink at him, sluggish from the sudden rush before pushing yourself to kiss him.

“Thank you,” you mumble, almost out of habit. This makes him laugh.

“For what?”

“Makin’ me cum. Normally, I have to do it myself,” you explain. Hinata groans, laughing.

“You’re really gonna kill me, you know?”

“Sorry,” you mumble. He laughs at how worn out you are.

“Do you wanna keep going?,” he asks, concerned. You give him wide, worried eyes.

“Please,” you almost beg. He laughs a little at you, kissing the corner of your mouth as he moves away from you. This time he slides himself down between your legs. You watch him, the way presses soft kisses all over your skin until his face is inches away from your cunt. His big hands go underneath your thighs before pushing them apart. He kisses up those too, taking his time with each peck - pausing to leave little hickies in all the places above the knee. It’s teasing and purposeful, too much for you to handle.

Finally, finally - his mouth hovers above your clit. Sticky and wet, dripping from your first orgasm. It won’t take much effort to get you going again, but Hinata starts slow anyways. The long stroke of his tongue against your sex makes your whole body convulse. You shudder, shake like a leaf in a storm. Hinata drags it once, then twice, until he’s pressed flat against the nerves. You’re already reeling, overstimulated, and the hotness of his mouth secure around your clit only makes you fall further into delirium. You fall deeply into the web of pleasure, secured and sacrificial as Hinata spreads you open and lays you out in a way that feels unreal.

He sucks on your clit with a soft hum, gazing up at you just to check your reaction. When he sees your chest start to get erratic again, he doesn’t hesitate to bring his hands. He pushes your legs out further. You think he gets off on the way your legs spread out. You feel his finger against your folds, the calloused pads of his fingers as they push softly against your hole. You fail at being still or silent, soft whimpers pulled at every move. Hinata is good at being consistent, he touches you in a way that feels even and steady. You gasp at the initial stretch of his two fingers, pussy feeling tight as he scissors them out.

Your second orgasm comes to you much slower, softer. Hinata’s fingers and the heat of his mouth make you feel like your mind is melting, the way he seems to massage your pussy so gently. You can feel the way your body loses itself to pleasure, the strange sense of urgency deep in your gut as Hinata sucks your soul through your clit. His fingers are putting pressure on your gspot, only laughing when he hears you gasp. You’ve got your fingers clawed in the bedsheets, spine arched beautifully as you cry out for him.

Hinata only slows when he hears your voice give out. He pulls his fingers out and you watch with lidded eyes as he sucks on them to clean them off. A small whimper leaves the back of your throat as Hinata pulls himself up and off of you just to kiss you.

You reach down and squeeze the weight of his cock, tucked into his slacks making him choke out a sound. He laughs a little at how innocently you do it, like you seem surprised that it’s even there. The air is still sticky with this tension, no chances of it mellowing out soon.

“It’s…big,” you comment. Hinata quickly unbuttons his pants, letting his pants fall just at his thighs. His cock springs free, enough gravity that it bounces. You watch it in a gasp, it’s thick. Fat and heavy with a hard curve up. The tip is pink and pretty. It makes your throat close up, mouth watering as your hand wraps around the shaft tentatively. Hinata lets out a soft gasp as you stroke it, just enough to make it feel good. He pants in your ear shamelessly, eager to fuck into your soft hands.

“Fuck, baby - that feels good,” Hinata groans. The sound makes you shake a little, and you nod - going harder as you drink down his reactions. Expression creased, breathing shaky. You can’t help but want more. The space is limited and the air is hot - and your eyes are glazed over as you stroke his cock softly. You let your fingertips touch, almost like you’re not sure what to do.

“Shoyo,”

“Yeah?”

“I wanna.. I want you inside. Please,”

Hinata blinks at you and then laughs good-naturedly. It feels like torture, you’re so sweet on him. He doesn’t give a verbal reply, instead pressing his lips to your forehead with a soft hum. He can’t help but dote on you, just a little. Everything about you makes Hinata Shoyo exceptionally restless, so he can’t help but want to kiss you. He can’t help himself but press kisses all along your face until you let out that warm giggle and sigh.

“Yeah.. me too. Wanna be inside you too, but I don't have any condoms,” he says, strained, like it hurts him. You shrug.

“That’s..okay,”

His eyes widen.

“It is?”

You shift, letting your legs fall back as your skin goes warm.

“It is. I’m.. yeah. Don’t worry about it,”

Hinata stares at you like you’ve hung the moon but opts to bite his tongue. Either way, he isn’t sure he would be able to say anything coherent. Instead, he shifts himself to slide his cock between your folds with a deep sigh. The palms of his hands graze against the back of your thighs, falling underneath your knees as he folds you slowly, until there’s no way to move or thrash. Hinata Shoyo knows it’s merciless to fuck you like this, deep enough that his feet fall flat on your little twin size mattress and there’s no where for you to go. You let out a soft squeak at the position, the feeling of his strong form body towering over you makes you feel strange. There’s nowhere to run to, not with the way his thick thighs hold you down, the weight of his body comfortable but heavy over you.

You know it’ll burn tomorrow, but all you can think about is the feeling of his hard dick sliding, nudging your clit softly with each movement. You’re moments away from pleading. Starry-eyed with lust and in a mild stupor, you just need him to fuck you

“Take a deep breath for me, okay?”

You do as he says then you feel it, the thick head of his cock pressing forward. He stretches your pussy out incredibly, molds the shape of your insides to his cock with almost seamless effort. It feels like it never ends. You can’t help but whimper, grasping for him aimless as he pins you down. He goes painfully slow, and each inch makes it hard for you to think. The wind gets knocked out of you as you feel him push and push and push, the slow stretch that makes your walls ache and your mouth water. You can feel spill as he fucks into you, unable to do anything but babble his name in a plea. You’re stupefied, dizzy - so wet every shift lets out a lewd and wet sound. You feel like your brain might fry,

“S-Shoyo.. hnggh - Shoyo,”

“I got you baby, haah, I got you,”

He bottoms out, a guttural moan - the kind that can only come from his chest as he feels you. You feel like silk, hot pressed and slick around his cock. The sensation has him gritting his teeth and grunting. Nothing could’ve prepared him for how fucking good you feel around his cock, pussy gripping onto him for life - it’s begging for something to be inside of it. He can’t help but wonder how he’ll ever tear himself away from something so warm, so pleasurable. Everytime he so much as shifts, you throb and tear up and Hinata has to stop himself from fucking you before your ready.

“Fuck you feel so good. I never wanna stop fucking you,”

You whimper and clench, hard and Hinata gasps. A choked sigh leaves his mouth as he ruts his hips. You’ve gone into a delirium - head swimming and forbade of anything but Hinata fucking you raw and deep.

“Shoyo, Shoyo, Shoyo,” you gasp, fingernails tearing the skin in his back “Please move,”

He doesn’t need to be asked twice. In one fluid movement, he’s pulling out and fucking you deep. You’ve seen that look in his eyes before, when his eyes get a little glassy when he focuses on something before conquering it. You can’t help but feel it weigh down on your chest as Hinata fucks you for all of his worth. His cock spears you over and over, raw and so deep you think you can feel it in your stomach. Everything feels like it’s on fire, your calves dangling pathetically up as he fucks into you with force. He fucks how he spikes, hard and so fast you can’t keep up. His balls slap against your ass with a heavy sound as he moans into your ear.

It feels like the mattress might break as Hinata overwhelms you. You’re so wet each thrust almost makes him slip out but he never does, cock snugly inside of you as he fucks you so deep. Deep enough to make your mind feel static.

The way he has you folded makes your clit grind into his navel with a soft bump. You can feel the way the pleasure builds, staccatos slowly. It comes quickly, like a crack of lightning, impossible to predict. It doesn’t feel like anything you’ve ever felt before - hard and fast. His cock knocks into you like it’s bullying you, harsh against your pretty pussy but not painful. Just too much, enough to make you crazy,

“Gonna cum for me?”

“Oh, god. Oh god, ohgodohgod,”

You cling to him, voice aching in your throat as you cry out - as you cum, a third time, right on his cock. It feels so good your brain melts and your throat collapses in on itself and Hinata is quick to gasp into your ear as your whole body convulses and the string inside of your belly snaps with no hesitance or resistance. You’re cumming and you’re cumming hard, your toes curling as your body aches - thrashing against the bed. Hinata chuckles when he watches you lose your mind over it, but he finds that he’s not far off either. You mewl as he keeps fucking into you - reaching forward to wrap your arms around his neck.

“Cum inside of me, Shoyo. Missed you,” you tell him, dazed. Hinata’s eyes go wide and before you know it - his hips stutter. Hearing that was apparently all he needed to finish and he cums, right inside of you, without a moment of hesitation. He groans as he finishes - thick, hot, white cum spilling deep inside of you.

He lets himself stay inside you as he pulls back and unfurls you. He presses kisses all over your cheeks and face in his post-sex haze, mumbling about how pretty you are as you fall away into nothing-ness.

“I’m glad you came back to Japan,” you hum, soft - sated.

Hinata smiles, pressing his forehead against yours.

“I’m glad too,”

[signalno5]

[03]  In which you’re forced to meet new people

Or skjahdashdkasd

You go to a game to cheer Goshiki on and do some self-actualization while you’re at it! Goshiki introduces you to the team!!!

[ I don’t actually know exactly when Seijoh went against Shiratorizawa. If anyone knows please tell me. I just thought that this would be the best date for it because the wiki only said June for Interhigh… I am so sorry this is so late and idek if anyone’s still reading this fic (if u are thank u!!) ]

Warnings: Hints at Mental Health problems, Dissociation (sorry for the small tone shift)

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Friday  June 15, 2012

You find yourself crowded on the bleachers of Sendai City Gymnasium on a hot summer day, surrounded by other schoolmates cheering on the volleyball team. You weren’t really one for school spirit but you did, however, want to support Goshiki. 

As much as you didn’t like volleyball, you found yourself joining in when the crowd chanted. Each syllable of the school’s name was accompanied by a drumbeat and a rustle of pompoms. The cheers were pretty catchy… 

In fact, you were scared that it would suddenly creep into your mind while you study. You could already picture yourself helplessly staring at your textbooks as “ SHI - RA - TORI - ZAWA ” rings in the cavity of your head, with you not being able to remember when the Meiji Restoration happened. 

You snap yourself out of that line of thought as you hear the loud smack of smack of skin and leather then the impact of the ball to the wood of the gymnasium floor. The crowd around you is quick to react and cheer for Ushijima, who had once again broken through #2 and #12’s block, seemingly unstoppable on the court. #12 looks frustrated and it also seems like his sweat is making his strangely pointy looking hair droop downwards. #2 gives him a hearty swat on the back in consolation. 

Your eyes trail to the side of the court opposite to Seijoh. Shiratorizawa looks composed and calm (maybe except for #5, he looked like he was just joking around with everyone). They were amazing to watch with how they were quick to receive and set the ball up for an attack, with everyone working like cogs in a machine. You couldn’t help watching Goshiki though; he looked good like this, like he was in his element. He belonged on the court the way people said Ushijima did. Even from where you sat, you could see the way his eyes shined as the ball would come to him for an attack. You could see how he loved being there. 

(And you wished, you wished, you wished that someday you’d love something the way he loved volleyball. The books and worksheets and handouts pile up with no end in sight and you sift through words and equations and theories for something that would light you up like how the sport lights up Goshiki. 

Nothing.)

The whistle blows and your schoolmates cheer. You think you cheer with them but it’s a bit of a blur; they meld into globs of purple and yellow and white and- 

Suddenly you’re filing out of the gymnasium and into an empty hallway. It’s rather dark here in comparison to the lights in the court but the monotone colors help you rest your eyes for a bit. You make your way to the vending machine slowly, pressing the button for water and inserting your coins. You wait for the dull thump of plastic-

Your phone is ringing; it’s "Give Lee Give Lee Rock Lee" [1].

…

It could only be one person. You pick up.

“Goshiki.”

“(M/N)!” 

His enthusiasm makes you move your phone away from your ear. If there’s anything you learned in the last months, it’s that Goshiki rarely has volume control.

“What’s up?”, you say as you bend down to get your water bottle then transfer your phone to be  between your ear and shoulder so that your hands can be free. You then twist the cap and take a large gulp of the water that washes down the aftertaste of the umaibo that you sneaked into the gymnasium. 

“Do- shhh!- do you have a ride back to school?”, Goshiki says as you hear the noise of the locker room that he’s in.

You hear someone quickly chanting in the background (“Say no say no say no say no say no”) as if they were willing you to do so and if you took a wild guess, you’d think that it’s #5. 

(It was definitely #5)

“I’m just taking the bus back. Why?” 

You continue down the hallway then take another gulp of your water which was in hindsight a bad idea-

“You could ride back with the team” 

You consider yourself lucky on three accounts: one, the hallway was empty so no one saw you choke on your mouthful of water, two, you didn’t get water on your phone or uniform and third, you were, at least, gonna get a ride back to the dorms with someone you actually know. 

“You okay (L/N)????”

“Yeah, fine!”, you said in a voice that decidedly said that you were not fine. It was high and cracked. 

God, that’s embarrassing.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to!”, he replies, matching your panic. You can hear laughing in the background of his call now, must be some sort of prank that they’re playing on you. 

Ah, so that’s how it is. Jocks picking on a nerd like me. 

“No, no it’s fine. I’m very grateful for the offer. Should I just go to the entrance?”

You hear Goshiki loudly ask the room your question and they gave varying forms of “yes”. 

[You pointedly ignored someone saying “Let your boyfriend come pick you up Tsutomu!”] You decide to not wait for Goshiki’s reply and make your way to the city gymnasium’s entrance. 

“Alright, I’m on my way there.” is what you say before you decide to hang up on him. 

-----

You hear the team before you see them. 

Goshiki is surrounded by the other players and they seem to be… interrogating him? He loudly denies and they continue to grill him, #5 and #10 especially. They’re boisterous, loud. A world away from the team that you watched during the match. You don’t know what they’re talking about but you already feel tired just thinking about having to try to match up to their energy. 

You turn the corner and your eyes meet Goshiki’s. He looks away as fast as he could as if it burned to look at you. You’d continue looking at him but he seemed embarrassed enough so you keep your head down as you walk towards the team. 

#5 turned first as if he already knew that you were coming. Ushijma followed then the rest of the team. Finally, Goshiki let his eyes meet yours again and this time, you want to look away. Their stares (curious, confused, excited, apathetic) bored into you and you wanted to turn tail and run back to school. 

With how flustered you were, you felt like it was very much possible. 

The first to turn was the first to talk and you’re startled when he says, “So this is the famous (L/N) that Goshiki has been talking about!”

Goshiki talks about me? Probably all complaints about how I keep my lights on even until 2 am or maybe complaints about how I’d never know the epic lows and highs of high school volleyball!

Said person looks like he’s about to become one with the floor. #5 is right in front of you now wildly gesturing to himself, you’d think he’s amazingly cartoonish if you weren’t terrified by him and the team. He quickly goes through the names of each member including himself adding little anecdotes about some of them (like Yamagata leaving his phone again) or calling them by a nickname (Semi).

They all listen to you attentively when you introduce yourself, as if what you were going to say was going to be in tomorrow’s test. Then, they ask questions. Actual good thoughtful questions. #12, Shirabu-senpai, asks how you’re finding the math classes, you try not to cringe at the thought of your last homework sheet. Semi asks if you listen to any music while you study. Even Ushijima asked if you enjoyed watching the game. Tendou, for some reason, had a literal list of questions he wanted to ask. Which he fired at you with a rate that made your head spin. 

What’s your favorite flavor of umaibo? Pocky? Do you like the number 8? How about 5? [2] Preferred size of water bottle? Favorite color? Opinion on bowlcuts? Preferred venue for a first date? Shoe size? Favorite season? Have you read the latest Shonen Jump? Do you think you could be our manage-

At the last question, Goshiki covers his mouth with his hand. 

“Ah, Senpai! Shouldn’t we be going to the bus right now?”

Tendou looks at him with his big unblinking eyes, satisfied. He looks at his wrist shocked.

“Right it’s late, we better go back now!” 

He then corrals everyone to the bus and essentially pushes you to the seat next to Goshiki, which you’re not mad at (since Goshiki is the only reason you’re here after all). You put your backpack down and settle into the seat, pushing down the arm rest between the two of you. As you push it down, you notice that Goshiki has gone completely stiff and is looking forward almost blankly.

Sheesh, he must be real tired from the game then.

You decide not to bother him for the drive back. It’s quiet in the bus. They must be exhausted from the game, with its long rallies and back and forths. You were pretty glad you didn’t have to deal with matches, academics, and classroom duties like them. Perks of being part of the going home club. Err going dorm club? Whatever-

You feel weight on your shoulder. It’s Goshiki’s head. You let it rest there and feel his warmth spread to you. You think of the arm rest between you and how it digs into your sides. How it stops the two of you from sitting closer to each other. You think that you shouldn’t have put it down. You wish it were warmer.

(You wake him up when you get back to Shiratorizawa. He’s flustered and apologizes profusely. You say it’s fine then you go back to the dorms. In your room, you go through your nightly routine. He does his routine next to you. It was quiet.)

-----

As you rearrange your stuffed animals for the night, you come to a realization. Tendou-senpai didn’t even have a watch. 

You fall into a fitful sleep.

[1] "Give Lee Give Lee Rock Lee" is the opening of Rock Lee & His Ninja Friends kahsdasj (disclaimer: I’ve never watched Naruto except for the scene where Rock Lee removes his leg weights which I think is the only Naruto content I’ll ever need in my entire lifetime) Also I’m very proud to say that this is timeline accurate because it premiered on April 3, 2012!

[2] bc Go is 5 in japanese hehe :>

[signalno5]

is anyone still reading the goshiki x reader??? ive mostly abandoned it and im not sure if im gonna write the next parts (i have chapter 3 and 7 finished but i dont wanna do the other ones)

[signalno5]

Deku is a fiend about skinship. will pick you up and simply plop you on his lap if you sit too far from him on the couch. drapes himself all over you when you’re doing stuff in the kitchen, nuzzling, kissing your neck, sometimes licking your cheek if you’re not paying enough attention to him. if he’s holding your hand and you have to get up, he’s coming with you. simply refuses to let go

[signalno5]

What hq characters do u see as neurodivergent?? And what flavor of brain juice

THE NEURODIVERGENT GANG

HINATA, Kageyama, Ushijima, Tendou, Kita, Koganegawa, Kiyoko, Yachi, Nishinoya, Goshiki, Hoshiumi, Bokuto, Akaashi

is it autism? is it adhd? you decide.

[signalno5]

I wonder what it feels like to be with Goshiki.

I bet he would hold you as if you were porcelain. One wrong move and you'll break. And he'll also hold you as if it's the last thing he will do.

He would reach out to you. Yearning for your touch, your praise, your attention. Telling him how wonderful he is. He just wants to be loved. He just wants you to know he loves you. He wants to be loved as well.

The way you touch him, the way you talk, he is just enchanted. You are always on his mind, all day, everyday. You are his inspiration to do better. To be better. You push him to be the best and also hold him tight in times of need.

He wants to be the best boyfriend he can be. He would shower you with love and affection every single second he can get.

Oh to be with Goshiki.

[signalno5]

I will not hesitate to block you if you are a minor and interact with my work like !!!

I mean it.