#and she was like “what’s an itadakimasu”

[john-smiths-jawline]

growing up nonwhite in america is just like *your white friends don’t do this* *your white friends have never heard of your favorite food* *your white friends think the way you celebrate this holiday is weird* *your white friends still don’t pronounce your last name right even though it’s been literal years* *your white friends

[kiwiikato]

mommy’s here // ken sato x reader

Chapter Eleven

masterlist

note! hi everyone, im really sorry for the long, and i mean, LONG waiting time. motivation comes and goes for me and i'm really sorry you were all at the end of that stick. this chapters not that long but i hope you guys can forgive the wait. thank you to all the comments who waited and send me good wishes. i'll try to update soon again ♡

"come on, stand up, we have to measure you." a soft voice spoke out, their words gentle as they ushered the giant baby kaiju to stand up fully. "and analyze, your entire genetic makeup." mina added, trying to explain the situation as best as she could to the scared kaiju.

the baby kaiju whined, scared still of professor sato, seeing him as a stranger. you turned to see that ken had finally woken up, taking a small nap on the couch earlier from the emotional stress.

even though he wasn't the baby kaiju's biological father, it was clear as night and day that he had found himself growing closer to the baby, emotionally claiming it as his own. the same in fact could be said for you.

"what are you doing?" ken let out a yawn as he spoke, rubbing his eyes as he went to stand to the right of you. his dad turned around, quickly but softly responding. "we need to examine her so that we can plan a training regimen to protect emi from predators."

your eyes widened a bit hearing the name, not being able to hold back a smile at the love story professor sato had told you countless times. you heard kenji stutter, his words almost caught in the back of his throat. "emi? what? huh? you named her after mom?" he asked, his tone confused but slightly affectionate hearing his mothers name.

"i think she would approve." professor sato spoke, his voice holding a sweetness to it, almost like a smile was behind it. he looked down, reaching into his bag on the side and pulled out the same colorful bunny that helped the baby kaiju, now known as emi, stay calm when fixing her dislocated arm.

"okay emi, stand up nice and tall!" he happily spoke as he raised the toy up. you watched as kenji's face dropped, almost in a slight shock. "oh my god, my dad is a kaiju whisperer." you turned to see emi get up with ease, her red scales shining against the laugh of the underground lair as she chirped excitedly.

"yeah but you're a kaiju dad, that's even more shocking." you joke with him, instinctively moving to the sides and hitting your hips with his own, making him chuckle. "well that makes you a kaiju mother." you smiled at his response. "i know, i know." your voice holding a vulnerable emotion at the sentiments you had found yourself growing for emi.

you turned to your left, watching mr. sato's voice turning serious for a second. "mina, please prepare to insert the micro tracking device." he said as mina floated closer to emi. in an instant, his voice changed back to being soft. "emi, can you do like bunny?"

he held the bunny up again, stretching out their plush right arm to be up. emi chirped as she adorably held out her hand, her beady eyes full of curiosity. mina watched as she pulled out an injector, naturally floating to emi, who looked a little fearful.

mina injected her quickly, offering her words of reassurance. "good girl!" it was always sweet to see the twos interactions. emi looked up, enjoying the lack of pain from the tracking injection.

you and kenji watched in awe, taking in how mina listened to professor sato with ease. the urge to snap a photo gnawing at you, but you resisted. "mina, treat, please." mr. sato asked politely as mina gave him a pink donut.

emi saw it, walking closer in joy at the sweet treat. "and before we eat, we always say, 'itadakimasu!'"he says excitedly. emi walked closer, until she suddenly stopped. her cheeks puffed up, making you and kenji back away instinctively.

"professor sato, i believe that emi is experiencing a bit of nausea from the medicine." mina said, as she floated away too. the sight would have made you laugh if it wasn't for your concentration on not being barfed on.

"uh, dad, step away. seriously." kenji said as he grabbed your hand, pulling you with him. "professor, i really think you should step away." you said concerned at his stubbornness.

"oh she's fine! itadaki—" professor sato was cut off as emi's nausea finally caught up to her, she vomited, sending mr. sato flying as his back hit the wall. "—masu." he said in shock.

you watched as his glasses slid from his face, his body completely soaked. your mouth gaped open at shock at how far he flew. it was quiet for a second till you heard emi slightly giggle, he chirps ringing through the room. you couldn't help but to snort and laugh with her, trying to stop yourself from laughing at kenji's dad who laid there helpless.

▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄ (each paragraph is a compilation scene in the movie)

"get back here right now, missy!" kenji yelled out in his ultra form as you fought to pick her up with your ultra form. your hands scrambled around, making the both of you spin. emi ran away from the both of you, making you both lunge at her, only to trip in unison and give up as you both laid there.

you now suddenly sat on the couch, watching the tv. kenji hands fumbled the ball, making it slip out of his hands as he struggled to pick it up. "that's another loss for the giants, making it six in a row." the commentator said as the giants coach watched with a straight face.

kenji sat on the toilet reading the newspaper, jumping slightly at the door slamming open. emi peered inside, chirping for him but was quickly pulled away by your ultra form as kenji slammed the door shut. his one second of peace was quickly ended when mr. sato walked in without a shirt a towel around his waist, slamming the door open. he casually walked in like he owned the place as kenji yelled into the newspaper in annoyance.

you stood in your ultra form as you grabbed emi, helping her put on her arm floaties. professor sato stood pointing at a chalkboard, showing three steps. "1) swim. 2) catch. 3) eat." each one with an adorable drawing of emi doing those steps.

you watched in fear as you watched emi sink down in the water from the lair. your hands pulling at your hair as you moved to go into the ocean. only stopping when you saw kenji in his ultra form diving down and quickly swimming to get her.

you ran on a giant treadmill of sorts, with emi behind you. a blue holographic image in front of you of three cute fishies to entice emi's motivation to catch the fishes.

kenji sat hunched over on the table, his head on the palm of his hands. he looked up to see his dad come to him, holding a cooked container of noodles. he set it down gently, making sure he ate. he left as you came in holding a blanket. you gently placed it over his body, making sure he was warm. you smiled, placing a kiss on his lips before walking away with kenji smiling.

emi held the familiar giant blue baseball bat as she copied kenji's swings. she swung, practicing her form to hit baseballs much better than the last. now kenji stood, helping one of his teams members. he fixed their hand placement on the ball and then did a swinging motion once again. the member copied him, smiling at his hit.

professor happily read an book to emi, kenji, and you and he copied the ultraman poses. he made laser sounds, jumping up in joy. it now showed ami reading a cartoon ultraman picture book as her daughter peered over, excitedly beaming at the photos.

kenji stood focused as he hit the baseball with a loud slam. the crowed cheered for him, jumping with excitement as the roared in excitement. emi cutely posed as she put on her water floaties, quickly cutting to her being held in ultramans arms as he guided her swimming, while chasing fishes. he pushed her forward, emi swimming in small pushes as she caught a fish in her mouth.

a holographic city showed as KDF jets chased after the four of you. emi ran following you as you ran by her side. kenji ran with professor sato on his back, making you laugh at the strained emotion kenji had.

the games commentator spoke up. "climbing back into contention, the giants are just one game out of first place!" kenji bat swung forward hitting the ball that came flying at him. his teammates cheered out as they jumped from the benches.

ami's voice spoke. "the giants are really coming together, thanks to a more mature ken sato." she said as they showed ken talking with his teammates, everyone focusing on him, showing respect to one another.

emi jumped up from the holographic training, a laser beam shooting out of her mouth, hitting the fake jets and making them explode. you jumped up in your ultra form, picking her up and hugging her for the progress she's made.

"we're going to the playoffs! sato's home run clinches a playoff spot for the giants!" the commentator yelled as ken gave his teammates high fives and smiles, making his way down to the locker rooms.

"i don't know what's happening with sato, but something has changed for the better. not only is he shining on the field, but he had brought this team together." ami spoke as it showed sato laying down hugging you in his ultra form. you held emi in your arms, as professor sato laid on emi's head, the four of you lulling to sleep.

TAGLIST - CLOSED

@ilovemyhusbandaaravos @miffysoo @ldykir4 @chaoticotaku @channit @shingsoluvely @m00nd0v3 @mixvchelle @ifharbingerbad--whyhot @dreamayy @justanotherkpopstanlol @bat1212 @angelitadiaz @snowbusiness @witcwitchy @mizzowizzo @buggs-1 @mmeerraa @everywonuu @nevermorekisses @f1uveryysblog @t4naiis @stxrrielle @ixqiix @arrozyfrijoles23 @sincerest-one @imsimping4life @sassy-cat-in-town @jack-of-all-trades-696 @flutterfly365 @eternalgoddessofart @hulyenl @leabrainrot @sunmigs @m3q3kic @lynbubble @leviannx @call-me-nyxx @gurofushi @ya-boi-v @im-sidney @haitani-zoe @mtheooo @chreiiii @secretlyapartofthisfandom @greenmanshoe @badbishsblog @reallysparklychaos @deimmortales99 @ashsallyblue2 @matchalatte06 @random-3455 @reivelmin @jennyfernan @solatiiium @liliabrary @maxi-ride @22carolina08 @coffetears @vyxnn-xage

[anonymousbardd]

꒰ ☕ ꒱ ┊: Personal Chef

↳ Gun x FemReader

"How could you say no to such an adorable face like mine? You can't! So go and make Japanese food for dinner! Pretty please~..?"

Gun couldn't say a word, he was tired, exhausted, and irritated. He didn't want to run extra errands after a long tiresome day. Besides, he's Gun Park, everyone is scared of him, so he could easily intimidate the person who made such a request.

But why the fuck did he find himself waiting in line to pay for all of the ingredients for a big ol' dinner?!

Gun sighed as he patiently waited in line, his cart was filled with a lot of stuff such as noodles, dried seaweed, sticky rice, and other Japanese ingredients.

He was fortunate enough to live in a nearby grocery store that has a lot of native Japanese goodies. His mind lingered back to what happened that lead him in this situation.

It's simple.

He's a big softy for his wife! When she asked for him for Japanese food due to missing her home country, he couldn't say no.

If he did, he'd not only be facing a sad looking puppy, but the wrath of the three headed dog Cerberus.

Gun looked at the time, it was 4:30pm.

He wanted to get dinner started as soon as he could. Once he got home, he was met by his dear wife, "Welcome back~..!" She giggled as she wrapped her arms around him.

"Hello, my love, can you please help me out and take some of these bags to the kitchen?"

The young woman happily helped Gun with the groceries and began to prepare the things he would need in order to cook her desired food.

Gun then came to the kitchen and put on his apron, he washed his hands and smiled at the organized utensils and pots he would be using.

He then neatly arranged the ingredients for the first thing he was going to make, Miso soup.

After Gun had finished preparing everything, he began to start with the other dishes that he had planned for his wife.

While he was cooking, (F/n) snuck into the kitchen and surprised him by hugging him from behind, "Ohh~, honey, that smells delicious!" She exclaimed with excitement, Gun chuckles and keeps cooking.

"Prepare the table, love, I'm almost finished," he said.

(F/n) hurriedly began to neatly prepare the table for Gun, she then helped bring the food to the dining table.

"Itadakimasu!" They both say in union once they finally took their seats, (F/n) filled her bowl with noodles and other delicious cuisine that Gun had prepared.

With a satisfied grin, (F/n) looked at Gun and giggled, "Thank you, my love, the baby and I are enjoying the food you made!" She said.

Gun smiled and nodded, "You're welco-... Wait you're pregnant?!"

(F/n) giggled and rubbed her belly, Gun looked at his wife dumbfounded, "No wonder your appetite is bigger than usual..."

[aishangotome]

Kagari Amagase: As Long As You Care For Me

From A Hidden Oath: King of the BEAST (2024 Election) - Collection Event

—

(Is tonight the night of the battle?)

The wind caressing my cheek bears the omen of conflict.

This kind of premonition has never been wrong.

(Should I sleep while I have the chance?)

Holding my sword, I close my eyes on my usual perch on the tree branch. But before long, the presence of an amateur approaches.

Looking down, I see Ohii-san* appear, carrying a package containing dorayaki.

*Ohii-san can mean "spoiled princess"

Emma: Ah, there you are, Prince Kagari.

Kagari: What is it? An offering of dorayaki?

Emma: Yes. I found this new product at my favorite shop, and I thought we could share it.

Kagari: I'll take it.

(Nice packaging.)

As I'm about to jump down from the tree, Ohii-san stops me with her hand.

Kagari: Why?

Emma: I'll come to you, Prince Kagari.

(That's reckless.)

I think so, but before I can stop her, Ohii-san reaches for a tree branch.

It's the first time I've seen a woman try to climb a tree by herself.

(This is dangerous. She'll die instantly if she falls.)

Despite being weak and frail, Ohii-san continues to climb with all her might.

Emma: I made it—ah!

At the last moment, she slips, and I grab her tilting body and pull her up.

As I help her sit on the branch, Ohii-san lets out a sigh of relief, her face pale.

Emma: Thank you... I thought I was going to die.

Kagari: Me too.

Emma: But look, I almost climbed it all by myself.

Kagari: Congratulations.

(Was she interested in tree climbing? It's a mystery.)

It's a mystery, but seeing Ohii-san's proud face, I couldn't say anything.

Emma: Well then, here's the dorayaki—

Emma: Oh no!

Kagari: What now?

Emma: The dorayaki... it's completely flattened.

(Didn't she notice?)

During the climb, Ohii-san had been desperately hugging the dorayaki so as not to drop it.

Now the dorayaki is a rice cracker.

Kagari: The taste is the same.

Emma: But...

Kagari: Itadakimasu.

I take the flattened dorayaki from the dazed Ohii-san and put it in my mouth.

(This is... peach filling?)

Kagari: Delicious.

Emma: ...It was actually much fluffier.

Kagari: The crushed dorayaki has a unique texture.

I tear off a piece of the dorayaki and bring it to Ohii-san's mouth.

Her hesitation is fleeting, and her small mouth opens like a baby bird's.

Emma: ............It's delicious.

Kagari: Right?

(It's even more delicious than usual.)

(Maybe the secret ingredient is Ohii-san's effort.)

Meanwhile, Ohii-san's smile is shadowed, and her voice is subdued.

She seems quite depressed.

(Should I cheer her up?)

(I'm not sure how to go about it, but...)

Kagari: Don't worry. You won't die.

Emma: Huh?

Kagari: Even if the dorayaki is crushed, you won't die.

Kagari: If you won't die, there's no need to worry.

Emma: ...Your way of comforting people is unique, Prince Kagari.

Kagari: Is that so?

(I rarely comfort people.)

Emma: But thank you. As long as I don't die, I can try again and again, right?

Emma: Next time I'll try to climb the tree without crushing the dorayaki.

Kagari: You're going to climb again?

Emma: You're usually up in the trees, Prince Kagari.

Kagari: I could come down.

Emma: No, I'll do my best to come to you, Prince Kagari.

Emma: I'd feel bad if you had to go out of your way for me every time.

(So that's why she climbed the tree. How unusual.)

Kagari: You'd go that far to see me?

Emma: Is it a bother?

Kagari: On the contrary. If it were a bother, I wouldn't have helped you when you were about to fall from the tree.

Emma: I'm glad to hear that.

(Her smile is back.)

I feel a sense of exhilaration, like I've finished a task.

Having finished the first dorayaki, I look at the second one Ohii-san is holding.

As I continue to gaze at it, she willingly offers me the flattened dorayaki.

As I open my mouth to receive it, Ohii-san smiles with satisfaction.

(She wants more attention.)

(Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the day after that, forever.)

But to achieve that, I first need to finish the battle that will likely come tonight.

In Kogyoku, it's not uncommon for someone who was healthy today to be a corpse tomorrow.

Ohii-san is no exception, and not dying is the most difficult thing in this country.

(Especially since Ohii-san is weak and frail. It wouldn't be surprising if she died tomorrow.)

Emma: Prince Kagari?

I come back to my senses when she tilts her head in front of me.

Kagari: ...It was delicious. Full marks, Ohii-san.

Emma: I'll bring you more delicious dorayaki when I find them.

Kagari: I'll do the same.

Kagari: So, Ohii-san, don't die on your own.

Emma: ...?

Kagari: Live.

Emma: U-Understood... I'll live.

Kagari: It's a promise.

(I'll protect Ohii-san's tomorrow.)

(As long as you continue to care for me like this...)

(I've decided not to kill you.)

FIN

[onlyrains]

[7:15am]

— t/w: none

sachio was awakened by a loud familiar voices and laughter. he's trying to open his eyes because he's sure enough that he just slept for no longer than 3 hours. the chaos downstairs is quite annoys him since he can't sleep in noisy circumstances.

he glances at the clock with his barely opened eyes. it is pasts 7. he hurriedly get up from his bed and head to the kitchen where the noises were heard.

he sees two people cooking as their back facing him. he knows one of them is yui but he doesn't sure about the other one. it's definitely not his mother. but it's clearly a familiar posture.

“babe?” he calls out doubtly.

you turn your head and smile to greet him. “good morning.”

his eyes almost fell to the ground when his guess turns out true. it's definitely you—his girlfriend.

“what are you doing here?” he asks with a wide smile yet still couldn't believe his eyes.

“she cooks for your breakfast.” yui replies.

“really?” he approaches you, still in his pajamas.

you nod twice. “go to the bathroom first, sachio. wash your face.” you say softly. but it invites yui to laugh when her brother immediately going to the bathroom.

“he must be so embarrassed now.” yui says still laughing. “i don't understand why he acts differently when he is with you. it's new to me to see this side of him.” she continue.

you can't hide your smile and look at yui. “what do you mean?”

“i always see him in his calm and mature demeanor, even when i was a kid. but the first time i saw him with you, he was so clumsy and often got distracted. it's so weird, you know, it's so new to me.” yui explains.

you smile as you stir the soup in the pot.

not too long after that, sachio comes back and can't hide his smile seeing the sight of you being so close with his sister. he withdraw his thoughts thinking that the noise was annoying a few minutes ago. this turns out warm his heart and he can't describe how happy he is now.

actually, he still couldn't process what is going on. you—his girlfriend, being in his house this early, in the kitchen to be precise, with his sister, and you both cooking together? you both are just dated for 3 months now and he introduced you to his family a week ago and now you're here without him knowing? how can he not be excited?

he clears his throat and try his best to look calm and not pull you to his embrace since his sister are there.

“can i help you with something?” he asks and standing beside you.

“no, thanks, we're good.” you answer. then he notices your hair is untied.

“or maybe not.” he moves to stand behind you to tie your hair into a messy bun with a hair tie that always on his wrist.

“ow, thank you.” you grinning. he smiles and pat your head twice.

“please aware that i'm still here and don't do anything in front of me or i'll call sawamura to come.” yui utters and not wanting to look at you and her brother.

“yui!” sachio respond quickly. he still not used to the fact that his sister is dating his best friend.

you and yui are laughing automatically seeing his reaction. his frown fades after seeing you two are so get along together. the fear that you can't be easily accepted into his family also dissipates in instant.

“okay, okay, relax.” you place the soup you made in a pretty bowl. “can you put this on the table, please?” you ask softly.

“as you asked, miss.” he nods and starts to arrange the plates and bowl that filled with his favorites breakfast menu along with the cutlery.

“c'mon, let's eat.” he says as he push back the chair next to him, inviting you to sit down. you take off your apron before sitting down.

yui sits across you two and showing her grumpy face. “he wasn't like this lately,” she looks at you. “he is not even want to breakfast with me!” she add.

you giggle because you clearly know why he is like that.

“itadakimasu.” sachio voiced before starts eating his soup.

“actually,” you begin. “he always take his breakfast… with me.” you confess.

yui glares at her brother then shrugs. “he's head over heels.” she sneers.

“eat your food, yui.”

you chuckle at the siblings. you realize you didn't make a wrong decision to date him. and just now everything feels right and you're finally sure of your feelings.

[evereinefaust]

. . . ⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 ࿐ྂ

Pairing: Naruto Uzumaki X afab!Reader

Sypnosis: Being Naruto's mother is never easy, especially when MC is a single parent raising a troublemaking child. But she loved her son, nonetheless. And on this special day, he wanted her to feel loved as well.

Word Count: 601

You were currently making dinner for your son, Naruto. He's been in many fights nowadays, and he always gets beaten up. You don't know why he acts like that, but there must be a reason behind that. Though he is troublesome, your son is kind and cheerful. Whenever you're upset, he will be by your side to cheer you up.

Today, you are excited to cook the curry for your child. After some time cleaning the apartment, you and Naruto are residing in and buying the needed ingredients for the curry, you are now here, busy in the kitchen. You also ran into problems regarding Naruto while you were in the village. The Hokage summoned you, and then there is some advice coming from other moms.

"No matter what they say, Naruto will still be the same. No one can change him" You sighed and then smiled to yourself. You plan to talk to your son tonight, about his behavior at the academy and to other people. "Mom! I'm back!" Naruto's loud voice echoed inside the apartment.

Finally, the curry is done. "Ah! Naruto dear, welcome back!" You greeted him back while turning the stove off. "Man, I'm starving. That Sasuke is being a jerk today, I'm gonna beat him tomorrow" You heard your son mumbled in the living room, you couldn't help but smile.

"Here! Dinner for today!" You placed the pot down on the table. "Wow! This looks delicious! You're the best mom!" Naruto beamed at you with his eyes full of excitement. "Thanks" You smiled. "Now, let's eat!" You told him then grabbed a spoon.

"Itadakimasu!" Both of you said in unison. Naruto ate his meal with happiness, savoring each flavor of the vegetables. You can't help but smile while watching him eat. "Naruto..." You called him."Yes?" He stopped eating for a while and then looked at you in confusion.

"It's been a while now, and I wanted to talk to you properly and seriously" You took a deep breath. "It's about your attitude towards others. I wonder where you got that, it's just that you always got beaten whenever you come home" You told him, concern in your tone.

He looked down then looked back at you. "They always say that you are a monster because you had the nine-tails in you, and whenever I hear that, I try to defend you from their insults. For me, you're the best mom ever!" Naruto explained, and then he beamed at you during his last sentence. You feel happy because your son is as concerned about you as you are.

"Oh, Naruto! You don't have to do that" You went to him and then hugged him, tears filling your eyes. "But I have to! They are insulting my mom, after all," He protested. "It's okay, son. If you say that I'm the best, then I'll ignore their insults" You pulled away from him then flashed a heartwarming smile.

"Yes!" He nodded. "Oh, I forgot! This is for you, mom!" He perked up and then got something from his back. "What is that?" You asked him. "A gift!" He responded with a bright smile on his face. You accepted his gift and then unwrapped the wrapper. 

"Oh my gosh, Naruto! Thank you!" You placed a hand on your mouth as you tried not to cry. Naruto bought you a silver necklace with a heart locket. "Happy Mother's day!" He said as you hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Naruto!" You cried on his back. "No problem!" He grinned.

[geek-fashionista]

Amakuchi

Ulquihime Week 2023 Day 1: Spice

~*~

"Ulquiorra-kun, on a scale from one to ten, how spicy do you want your curry?" Orihime yelled from the kitchen.

Ulquiorra had been forced to go on enough group outings at curry restaurants to know that he was in no danger. He had eaten the highest spice level multiple times and had suffered no more than a slightly sore throat. Therefore, he did not even look up from the book he was reading as he replied, "Ten."

"Okay!"

"Oi." Tatsuki, who sat across the table with her chin in her hand, blinked at him slowly. "Do you have a death wish?"

Ulquiorra flipped to the next page. "I do not understand your meaning."

"Have you eaten Orihime's curry before?" She held up her other hand to cut herself off. "You know what, never mind. I'm going to let you discover it for yourself."

"The woman has access to the same ingredients as her beloved restaurant chains. How different can it be?"

Orihime swept into the room carrying two large plates. She set the first before Tatsuki: a normal, thick brown curry with potatoes, carrots, and small pieces of beef. "Mild curry for Tatsuki-chan, and for Ulquiorra-kun..."

Ulquiorra set his book aside in anticipation of the meal. The plate that landed before him looked nothing like Tatsuki's, however. The fumes coming off the bright red sludge drenched over his modest helping of rice made his eyes water. He leaned away from it. "Woman. What is this?"

Orihime came back to the table with her own plate. Her curry was equally red. "It's spice level ten, like you asked!" She clapped her hands together. "Itadakimasu!"

Ulquiorra watched her swallow a heaping spoonful of food. She let out a hum of delight and took another bite. When several seconds passed and she neither reached for her water glass nor died, he picked up his own spoon. Tatsuki arched an eyebrow at him. He glared back at her. Even so, there was a slight tremor in his hand as he dipped his spoon into the rice, scooping up only a small amount of the curry, and lifted it to his lips.

A week later, when Grimmjow asked him why his tongue was so swollen, his only response was a bitter, "Thut up."

[opreaadriann]

Yay! An update! Itadakimasuヽ(✿ﾟ▽ﾟ)ノ ANNND the random events! Love them! And love your little humor too! MC can be so chill on the surface but roast everyone in their mind XDDD I missed your hint about not taking advantage of Connor when he got drunk at the party on my first playthrough xD And I was surprised when he called, like wow, Connor, you're capable of being friendly!!! AND I chose Angela to help me. Despite not contributing much, she's so adorkable XD Then, we have Dylan, oh, Dylan... The way he's trying to maintain his popularity is so not cool (?). Like, the bullies are intriguing because of their natural charm or how they terrorize the people around them (LOL) but Dylan isn't _(:з」∠)_ Still, the talk with him in the maze made my heart ache QwQ Can't wait to learn more about the ROs' opinion on the Tragedy ヽ(●´∀`●)ﾉ

Glad you liked it! Poor Dylan is doing the best he can 😭

I can’t wait to actually get to the part where I write about their thoughts on the Tragedy since they all have very interesting perspectives. Some will be more upset about what happened while some are still laughing about it to this day. And you will be surprised with some of their opinions 🤫

Except Isaac, we all know Isaac’s likely opinion on the Tragedy…

[meltastic]

Reptile Rehab and Your Eyes Only/As Luck Would Have It for the WIP ask game :D

↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ Reptile Rehab was an obamitsu au idea that never really made it past the outline stage, but I still love the concept and think its super cute, I might revisit it some day!! The alternate title was Itadakimasu!

▷ the premise is that Obanai has a youtube channel/social media presence where he rehabilitates a ton of different reptiles and adopts them out. He always gives them super cutesy names, he's almost never fully on camera, it's just mostly his hands. whenever he does show his face, his mouth is bandaged/covered (because of the facial scars ofc.) he has a niche but dedicated following! his fans are obsessed with his asmr-like voice :)

◁ || Mitsuri is a mukbanger with a huge following. she started the channel at the suggestion of her therapist, to help get over her disordered relationship with food. she never eats in public because she's self-conscious of how much she eats-- and neither does iguro because that would require him showing his whole face. all of their off-camera meals are very lonely...

◁ unbeknownst to each other, they are each other's biggest fans. they eventually end up collabing for one of mitsuri's mukbangs, but iguro doesnt eat anything and just stares at her with heart eyes the whole time.

i wanted it to culminate in them both helping each other eat in pubic together for the first time! on their first date :,)

⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹

And oohh I'm so glad you asked about the second one, because that's a one-shot WIP I've had mostly-written out since like, January, with that title picked and everything, and then I'm perusing the uzen tag and what do i see but TITLE TAKEN!! And the fact that it's your fic (i think), just makes that way way funnier omg. That other working title, I don't know where I got it from. It doesn't have anything to do with the themes of the story, so, I've no clue..

Anyhow, it was like a small idol au concept. wherein Tengen is Zenitsu's producer/manager, the wives are Tengen's former starlets-turned makeup/choreo/costuming team, and Zenitsu is a fucking mess (naturally).

ıılıılıılıılı ♬♬ Zen basically cannot perform until he passes out from crippling stage fright. Then he performs while unconscious and he's flawless onstage. But his eyes are always closed during his sets, of course. And his fanbase, while rabid with speculation, never get to see his gorgeous sad wet baby cow eyes. Only Tengen does :)

♬ It basically culminates in like, a very fluffy somno smut scene full of praise kink and post-show aftercare. Tengen basically worshipping his little star... damn now I really wanna revisit and finish writing this thing... anyways here's a very rough snippet under the cut >:3

[yurayura-kurage]

A3! Troupe Event: MY WORST WEDDING | Event Story Translation (3/11)

Neither Japanese nor English is my first language so please forgive me if I made mistake. However, feel free to point me out, I’d love to hear your feedbacks on the translation ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶

Translation under the cut

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Azami: Persimmons and kiwis are rich in vitamin C.

Sakyo: Expensive. Grapes are on sale today.

Azami: Just a little bit is fine. Don’t be so stingy!

Sakyo: Only 10 yen, and then 20 yen. Piling up that a little bit can cost your head. One month, then one year, they’re gonna accumulate and become a larger amount and then… et cetera, et cetera–

Izumi: W-well! We will buy persimmons and kiwis at the next sale!

Azami: Tsk. Then at least do your sleeping duty properly. It won’t cost you anything.

Sakyo: … Will try my best. (*)

Izumi: Then, I’ll pay at the cash register!

*Shifts to Mankai dorm*

Izumi: Ah, that’s right. If they are rich in vitamin C, how about persimmon and kiwi curry next time?

Azami: No curry, please–.

Sakyo: No, thanks.

Izumi: You two are really in sync at times like this…

Sakyo: It seems to be edible if it’s only persimmon or kiwi curry, but you can’t put both into one.

Young girl: …

Izumi: ?

(That girl... She is looking inside Mankai dorm, I wonder if she needs something)

Sakyo: —Why are you here?

Miyako: Ah, onii-chan…!

Azami: Onii-chan?

*In the kitchen*

Izumi: I wonder if the younger sister would prefer orange juice rather than tea… Do we have any desserts here…

Azami: I brought some Monakas from my home last time. (**)

Izumi: Ah, that might help. Azami-kun, you can sit here.

Azami: It’s awkward to be over there so I’ll help you here.

Izumi: Eh? A tense atmosphere there?

Azami: Sakyo only comes home once in a while, so they’re still not close enough to talk when there are just two of them.

Izumi: I see…

*Shifts to the living room*

Izumi: Here for Sakyo-san is the Japanese tea, and for the younger sister, would you like to have orange juice?

Miyako: T-thank you.

Izumi: There are also some Monakas that Azami-kun got from his home, so if you’d like to, please feel free to have some.

Miyako: Itadakimasu…

Sakyo: …

Izumi: (Uhm, the air here is really awkward. Sakyo-san looks like he doesn’t know what to do either.)

Do you come here to meet Sakyo-san today? 

Miyako: Y-yes… I need him to help me persuade my step-mother.

Izumi: Persuading?

Miyako: Actually, it seems that my step-mother didn’t have a proper wedding ceremony when she first got married and when she remarried to my dad. 

But she said that she used to yearn for wearing a wedding dress back then, so I was thinking about getting her and my father a wedding photoshoot this time…

Their wedding anniversary is getting near soon.

Azami: Wedding photoshoot?

Izumi: Instead of organizing an actual ceremony or reception, in order to commemorate, the brides and the grooms will wear dresses and tuxedos for taking photos. 

Miyako: I told her that this is the right time to wear a dress for commemoration. But she said that she was not young enough to wear a dress anymore…

Izumi: These days there are lots of couples celebrating their 60th birthdays, so I don’t think age really matters. (***)

Miyako: I know right!?

Azami: That reminds me Omi-san once said that he did that sort of work too, not only the pre-wedding photoshoot, but also the anniversary photoshoot for couples’ 10th wedding anniversary.

Sakyo: Did you tell step-father about this?

Miyako: Yes… But step-mother’s feelings are the most important after all… 

Sakyo: That’s right…

Miyako: However, step-mother said that she used to wish to wear a dress back then… Onii-chan too, you also heard that last time, right?

Sakyo: I think mother also feels glad that you want to do this for her, but it’d be difficult to persuade her since she’s pretty stubborn. 

I tried to be filial to her before, but she refused after that. She told me to spend my money more on something else. 

Miyako: Step-mother is such a frugal person, isn’t she…

Sakyo: If we can convince her, I’ll pay all the expenses for the wedding anniversary celebration. 

But if mother still sticks to what she wants, then even me can’t persuade her either. It can’t be helped.

Miyako: I see…

*Shifts to outdoor*

Sakyo: I’ll take you to the station.

Miyako: It’s still bright and it won’t take too long, so it’s okay.

Izumi: Please feel free to come over again anytime.

Miyako: Thank you for your treat.

Izumi: I hope that Miyako-san’s feelings can be conveyed to your step-mother as well.

Miyako: I wonder if my step-mother saying she didn’t look good in a dress is perhaps a matter of principle, that she has some reservations about her ex-husband. Like she cannot forget her ex-husband or something…

Sakyo: That won’t happen. It’s been decades since my father passed away.

And when she decided to remarry, mother also reported it in front of the Buddhist altar with a bright look on her face.

Miyako: I see… Thanks for letting me know, onii-chan. Sorry for bothering you.

Sakyo: Be careful on your way home.

*Inside the dorm*

Izumi: …What you said before, will it be alright?

Sakyo: It’s no use forcing her to receive the care she doesn’t want to. She is not someone who likes luxury things in the first place, so she won’t let anyone spend money on her… 

You guys don’t need to worry ‘bout it.

Izumi: …

Azami: She is Sakyo’s mother after all, and even though we know she’s frugal, if we say it’s to commemorate, she’ll agree, won’t she.

Izumi: I heard that Sakyo-san once got refused before when trying to buy his mother an apartment. Maybe that’s why he is afraid of being refused again after persuading her. 

I think Sakyo-san also really wants to be filial to his parents.

Azami: (Filial piety…)

*Shifts to Room 106*

Azami: Oi, hurry up and go to bed.

Sakyo: I still have work to do. Go to bed first.

Azami: Didn’t you say you’d sleep properly instead of buying persimmons and kiwis.

Sakyo: Tsk, you still remember that… I’ll turn off the light then.

Azami: ——Hey.

Sakyo: Hah?

Azami: ..No, nothing.

Sakyo: ?

*Flashback*

Sayuri: “Actually, Mom wanted to wear a dress too.”

*Back to present*

Azami: …

Translator’s note:

(*) He is using 善処する here, which means “I will try my best but can’t guarantee the result”. I don’t want to make the sentence too long but couldn’t think of any phrasing that can express this nuance, so I noted this.

(**) モナカ (monaka) is a type of dessert (wagashi) which is served with tea.

(***) In Japan, people celebrate their 60th birthdays, which is called “kanreki” (還暦). Kanreki is celebrated as a rebirth or re-entry into childhood.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Previous || Next

[fictionblossom]

My Eyes On You

“So that’s the kind of expression she puts on your face” [Itasaku][Non Massacre AU]

Short drabble in which Itachi recalls the time Shisui pointed out his behaviour that one morning (I was also inspired by a scene in Akatsuki no Yona. I wish there were more eps! :S)

Itachi stares at the hot steaming bowl of rice in front of him. He sees a feminine delicate fingers coming to and from his line of vision as Sakura takes the chopsticks in her hand and passes small bits of fish and vegetables into his bowl. His eyes dart towards her face, to her hand and to the food she lays for him. He hears her muttering words on the fish, telling him that the multiple nutrition today’s lunch is. The words don’t seem to register in his mind as he observes the sparkle in her eyes as she speaks. 

He catches sight of her finger tapping at her chin, whilst the chopsticks are in her hands as she thinks of what other food that she could make for him when he goes to her home after a gruesome mission or the Hokage tower or his clan’s meeting. He takes in the fact that her mind is a whole library of its own, even bigger that the infamous Uchiha library, that Itachi hasn’t been able to fully discover even as they have been speaking almost every day now.  They are not lovers of any kind at this point, but he would very much want to shower (more like, drowning) his feelings, his explosive, enormous, ardent, I-can’t-contain-it-any-longer feelings that he has been harboring for her. 

His stress lines fade slightly into his face as he gives her a small smile of his own. 

He nods at her occasionally, assuring her that he is listening to her, acknowledging her presence and all the sunshine she carries everywhere. He could not grasp how this kunoichi could express so much of her emotions on her sleeve yet she’s one of the most accomplished medic nin Konoha has ever seen. His peeks at her byakugou, her years of grit, hard work and resilience in harnessing not just physical skills expected of a Konoha shinobi, but also one of the many jutsu that seemed like only she could pull off for the entire village. 

“You’re staring! Lunch wouldn’t be good if it’s cold!” she grins at him. In the privacy of their presence, he chuckles and returns her grin. “Itadakimasu,” he whispers. He picks up the chopsticks laid by her, and gathers a negligible rice onto and captures in his mouth. Something so simple yet so much skills poured into a small lunch. So very Sakura.   

His lips curved and he savors the taste of the rice he picked up earlier.  

“So that’s the kind of expression she puts on your face” he recalls his meet up with Shisui earlier that morning as his cousin points out that he seemed different, less agitated, less brooding, after telling Shisui that he had plans with Sakura that afternoon. 

\End/

[rozaceous]

Road to Ninja!Mariko? Or maybe a zombie apocalypse au Mariko? I’m sorry I only have very stupid ideas.

An AU where she is reincarnated earlier in canon? Like around 2nd or 3rd war?

anon, you had no way of knowing this, but my original naruto oc was not in fact mariko, though the two share any number of traits! i ended up abandoning that line bc i couldn't wrangle the amnt of foreknowledge required to make canon come out vaguely canon-like, my ideas about canon kept evolving, and there wasn't a plot so much as a few scenes i had in mind.

but here, have nohara yua, who got assigned to uchiha shisui's genin team. (yes, that nohara) she's end-of 3rd war era, approximately, bc kishimoto's timeline is...flexible. i know this isn't quite what you were poking at, but it's what i've got so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Yua all but slams down the last of the dishes on the puny dining table in Sasuke's puny apartment before slamming herself down in front of it all.

"All right, kid," she says, starting to serve herself from the pot of stew. Sasuke warily follows suit. "We're gonna have a talk, and it'll be a bit gross because feelings are a thing, but bear with me. Itadakimasu."

"Itadakimasu."

Yua prods her stew until it's fully mixed with her rice. "Right. So, excepting my older sister with whom I do not get on most days ending in a y, and a friend who's probably crazier than me, I've basically lost everyone I've ever loved. Family, friends, mentors--my heart's a graveyard. And this isn't my idea of attempting compassion," she says warningly, not missing Sasuke's sudden curled lip. He frowns at her instead, caught out. "I'm telling you this because you should know from the get-go that I'm not what you might call emotionally stable. On the other hand, most shinobi aren't, but then again, most aren't quite the level of fucked up I've attained. Though I can name a few. Whatever. That said, I'm also really fucking good at my job."

She shovels a couple of bites into her mouth while Sasuke looks on with an expression of vague disgust at her lack of manners. Yua doesn't give a shit.

"The Academy's probably going to be doing away with early graduation entirely pretty soon since we aren't in wartime and no one wants to chance repeating your precious brother--" Sasuke flinches almost imperticibly and Yua tramples on "--but with that caveat, I graduated at the age of nine, got promoted to Chunnin at ten, and was a jounin by the time I was fourteen. I made the bingo books when I was twelve, and right now I'm listed anywhere from B to S rank. Depends on the country, but Suna's shit and practically lives to piss me off, so the day they give me the satisfaction of treating me like a real threat is the day they get snow in their forecast. They're just bitter that I'm better at wind jutsu than them anyways. Iwa and Kiri are better, though, they take me seriously and have a pretty accurate take on my abilities between the two of them.

"My honest self-assessment is that I'm A to S rank, depending on what type of work you're looking for. I'm not an all-rounder by any means. My taijutsu is decent, bukijutsu is acceptable, and my genjutsu are good but my repertoire is pretty small. I'm ninjutsu type, through and through, and that much I'm damn good at. There's maybe two ninja in the village that can give me a run for my money in ninjutsu, and one of them's the Hokage."

Sasuke has virtually abandoned his stew to stare at her beadily, interested despite himself.

"Now I did all that without any bloodline bullshit, without clan techniques, and almost exclusively being self-taught. And since you're clearly wondering why the fuck I'm telling you my résumé, I'll say: if you wanna learn, I'll teach you."

Sasuke's eyes flare wide and, never one to miss an opportunity to pause dramatically, Yua takes another couple bites.

"Why would you teach me?" Sasuke demands as soon as it's clear that she's not immediately going to explain herself. "I barely even know you."

Yua chokes on a laugh while mid-chew and then starts coughing. She ends up having to gulp water to clear her esophagus.

"Yeah, that's true enough," she admits once she has herself under control. "I've got no credentials as a teacher, either; I've always sort of brushed off taking on a genin team even though I'm sure I'd like it. Partly it's because once you teach someone something, even though you're technically responsible, you've got no control over how they use what you've taught them. Students go errant all the time. And partly it's that I'm an emotionally stunted softie who would imprint all over a bunch of baby genin and mother them within an inch of their lives.

"But I'm still hoping that you'll take me on, kid. Itachi wants to fuck up our lives? Fuck that, I say. He wants you to get strong, to live like shit, all full of unhappiness and hate just to have the chance of taking him in a fight?" Sasuke's hand is white-knuckled over his spoon. "Fuck that," Yua says passionately. "Fuck that asshole and fuck what he wants. I'll make you strong enough that there won't be a damn person in the world, not Itachi or anybody, who can tell you how to live your life. Because if I can give you my skill set, your eye magic baloney combined with the fact that you've got talent in spades and a damn good work ethic will mean that you'll be virtually untouchable."

It's true, too. A Sharingan user with perfect chakra control would be able to steal and then duplicate any jutsu like Kakashi on steroids because of the lack of chakra drain from being able to properly turn off the doujutsu and the efficiency in performing those jutsu. A Sharingan user with perfect chakra control who can use substitution jutsu so well that it's basically teleportation? Unmatched versatility in attacking, superior speed, evasion, illusions-- the word invulnerable comes to Yua's mind.

---

Yua decides that it's time to step in when Naruto is unconscious at Sasuke's feet and the transformation granted by the curse mark starts to recede from his body. She substitutes from her place in the trees to a spot atop the water in his line of sight, just far enough away that he isn't going to feel provoked. Nonetheless, he jolts when he sees her, and she feels the chakra rising in him as though to attack.

"Calm down," she says quietly, words nearly lost in the crashing rush of the waterfall behind her.

Sasuke's hands return to his side, but they're clenched into fists and he regards her warily.

"Yua." His voice is raspy, a little dull. And no wonder, if he's just finished attempting to beat the life out of his best friend only for his tutor to show up. "I'll fight you, too, if I have to."

There's no relish in the words.

"No," she says, still quiet, feeling like the moment deserves her solemnity. "I'd say you've demonstrated your resolve to leave. I won't be the one to drag you back."

---

Sasuke stares at Yua, feeling something almost like panic climbing up his throat.

"The--your mission--"

"Fuck the mission, Sasuke," she says gently, and her expression is sad but not accusing.

He doesn't understand. He'd steeled himself as soon as he'd seen her, knowing that for her to show up at such an opportune moment meant that she'd likely been watching the fight between him and Naruto and that she now has a perfect grasp of her surroundings and Sasuke's condition. And Sasuke knows that even if he were in top shape and had the full use of the curse mark, even if his chakra wasn't as weak as the flame of a candle, he would stand little chance against Yua. She'd shown him the gap in their skills often enough, after all, and she's the one that he's closest to ever since everyone died, the one who made sure he ate well and did his homework and got enough rest, who taught him chakra control and how to shunshin, who calls him things like Little Duck and ruffles his hair no matter how much he protests. Naruto may be his friend, but Yua is the closest thing to family that he has left, is the person with the strongest claim to him, the one most likely to make him return, either through force or personal ties.

Even so, he'd been willing to fight.

So for her to stand before him now and announce that she's abandoning the mission that so many of his peers have hurt themselves over, that she'll ignore the orders of her Kage with ease, and all of it without the faintest trace of judgment on her face after he's tried to kill his best friend--he's just like Itachi who stole Shisui from her--

Yua must understand whatever his features are telling her without words, because she says, "I told you at the beginning that the danger of teaching is that the teacher has no control over how the student uses what they're taught."

Students go errant all the time, his memory echoes, as if summoned by her reminder. He feels it like a punch to the gut. He'd known, before, that he was essentially betraying her by leaving Konoha for Orochimaru, but now he knows it the same way that he knows one of his ribs is fractured.

"But I also told you," she says, "that I wanted you to be strong enough that no one could tell you how to live your life. And that's what I want, for you to have the power to make your own destiny. And you think that Orochimaru has something that no one else does. That his offer of power is unique, superior. So, as the one who promised that to you initially, I apologize for failing you."

And she inclines her head--Yua bows her head--

"Stop," he says in a gasp, and there's moisture building in his eyes. If it sounds like he's begging, it's because he is, because if Yua keeps talking, keeps forgiving him, then his resolve will fail him and everything will have been pointless.

"No," she says, with sudden firmness, and she stares him straight in the eye. "You're choosing your own fate, Sasuke, and I won't resent you for it. This is the path you're walking now, and you can't turn back, you can't be swayed. That's what it means to tangle with destiny--there's no room for regret. And if you're going to Orochimaru, there can't be a single doubt in your heart."

"But why?!" The question rips out of him in his desperation to understand. "After all of this, after everything, why would you let me go?! How can I--how--you--"

"Because I love you," she says without hesitation, even though he sees the glossy film covering her eyes and starting to stick to her lashes. The ferocity of her words takes him aback as much as the content. Literally, too; Sasuke takes a half-step back. "Love is the tie that binds us to one another, but it's not a chain. And anyways, I promised you freedom."

Yua starts to walk towards him, and he stands frozen beside Naruto's unconscious form until she's right in front of him. He thinks, somewhat hysterically, that he really doesn't stand a chance against Yua in a fight if all she has to use is a few words before he's as paralyzed as a fearful rabbit. Naruto--and he forces down an absurd giggle--could stand to learn from her.

She pulls him into her chest tightly and he's helpless against her. No matter that she's only barely taller than him now, no matter the muscle and experience he's gained; she overpowers him.

The hand she has pressed to the back of his head trembles. And then, before he's had time to relax into the embrace, she releases him.

"Take care," she says, and a pair of tears streak down past the purple marks on her cheeks. Sasuke studiously ignores the damp spot he's left on her shoulder.

"I--I will," he says.

They stare at each other for a long moment, each aware that they won't be seeing one another any time soon, and that the next time they meet they may very well be on opposing sides. Sasuke feels something burning deep in his chest, something that's been aflame ever since he'd started fighting Naruto in earnest. It hurts him, warms him; he feels like he's going to choke.

"Now get outta here, kid."

Still helpless against her, he listens.

---

Yua's washing her parents' and sister's headstone like she has every fourth Friday for the past several years when Kakashi finds her. She hands him a soft brush; she's learned to bring more than one.

Kakashi, faintly smudged with dirt and smelling of tree sap and algae and sweat, takes it from her wordlessly, crouching and dousing the brush in her bucket of water. His strokes across the stone are precise and thorough, practiced, and they work in quiet symphony for several minutes.

Finally, he leans back on his heels and says, "I thought you were going to talk some sense into him."

If it's not anything to do with work, Kakashi tends to say only exactly as much as he has to, speaking in bare thesis statements without the supplementary paragraphs that show how he's reached his conclusions, and as such, Yua has become extremely good at reading between Kakashi's lines.

Sasuke is gone, and Kakashi doesn't know why she didn't do more to stop him.

She exhales slowly and with purposeful evenness, offering respectful attention to the characters of her mother's name as she washes them. "I think Sasuke is operating from a different definition of sensible."

Kakashi's snort lacks humor.

"He's no fool, Kakashi," she says lowly. "Rash and impulsive, sure, but not stupid. I'm sure he knows exactly what he's walking into. Orochimaru's made no secret of wanting Sasuke's body for his own."

"I fail to see how giving Orochimaru the precise thing he wants fits any definition of sensible," Kakashi says dryly.

"There's a three-year timeline before Orochimaru can take another body," Yua contradicts. "And I think that for Sasuke it'll be plenty of time."

"For?"

"Becoming strong enough to kill Orochimaru and eliminating the threat against him altogether." Kakashi's head turns to her slightly, but Yua only notes the motion in her peripheral vision. "For better or worse, Konoha's changed since either of us were genin. At his age, I was a chuunin in the bingo books of all the major countries and you were a jounin. Don't get me wrong, in terms of comprehensive skill level, Sasuke is above where I was, but I would've won in a fight because of experience. Experience is a hard teacher, but if you manage to survive it, there's nothing better. And with that stupid curse mark and the certain knowledge that he's targeted by Orochimaru, how much field work could Sasuke really have been guaranteed?"

Kakashi's gaze on her is wary, but he doesn't interrupt.

"If he'd stayed, Sasuke would've been trained to the bone, but he would've been coddled from the world outside the village," Yua says. "And Orochimaru's already breached Konoha's defenses, has killed the Kazekage and the Sandaime Hokage. There's no guarantee that he wouldn't do something equally drastic again for the chance of getting at Sasuke, with no attention to collateral damage. And besides, if we were truly capable of keeping him safe, he wouldn't have that curse mark in the first place. So I'd say Sasuke is taking a lot of factors into account."

Kakashi sighs, running a hand through his messy stack of hair. Yua glances over, intrigued as always at the sight. If his hair is stiff and voluminous enough to defy gravity as it does, how does his hand not get caught?

"Then I guess I'm having a hard time accepting that my student is relatively safer in the hands of the S-class nuke-nin that wants to throttle his soul and possess his body," he bites out. "Especially since I like to think that between the two of us, even Orochimaru wouldn't be too much to handle."

"I'm retired from field work," Yua reminds him, though in truth she's warm at the open expression of respect at her abilities considering how long it's been since they've worked together.

Kakashi gives her a flat look. "I seem to remember you holding your own during the Crush just fine."

"I suppose," she says blandly. "But the fact of the matter is that Sasuke doesn't think that he has anything left to learn from me. And maybe he's right; there's only so many chakra control exercises I can give him. I'm in no position to offer field work."

"There was an easy way to change that and you know it."

Yua drops her brush and pours the remaining water over the stones. Some of it splashes at her bared toes. Kakashi offers his brush back and it clatters into the bottom of the bucket.

She joins Kakashi in resting in a squat, butt nearly touching the ground and her arms crossed over her knees, chin resting upon them.

"My goal in teaching Sasuke was to make him strong enough to choose his own destiny. And what he does with what I've taught him has always been his decision."

"Yua--"

"Was I supposed to drag him back?" Yua interrupts, surly. "He's demonstrated his resolve to leave, I'd say. I couldn't love that boy more if he were my own flesh and blood, but I'm not going to chain him down based on some hypocritical idea of what I think is best for him. I can only trust that I've taught him well enough that he'll make it. The other option is despair and agony and I've had enough of that for my lifetime, thanks very much."

She presses her eyes into her forearms. "I've made, Kakashi. I kept him as safe as I could all this time, I trained him and made sure he ate properly, I taught him how to keep house for himself, asked about his grades in school and what he learned in class. But never once did I tell him about my true motive in retiring to hospital work. I wasn't as honest as I should have been, and part of me--I want Sasuke in my life forever, but part of me is glad he's gone so I don't have to worry as much about the fallout of my actions. And part of me is scared of what he'll do when he finds out what I've kept from him."

There is, for a long moment, silence.

"You've always acted according to Sasuke's best interests." Kakashi's voice leaves no room for rebuttal. "If you weren't honest with him, it's because it wasn't safe. You know that as well as I do--better, even, so don't go beating yourself up about it. No one expected you to take care of Sasuke and no one would have asked it of you, but you stepped in where no one else did. You've done a good job with him, Yua, and if you're saying that you think he's strong enough to make it on his own, I'm sure he'll come out on top. Though I don't like it.

"And as for what'll happen when he finds out the truth…" Yua dares to peek up from her arms as Kakashi pauses, and he treats her to an eye smile. "Maa, don't underestimate how much that brat loves you, too."

"Tch." But despite the lingering sense of anxiety, Yua does feel comforted. And then she snickers. "Look at us, having a conversation about feelings like emotionally competent adults. Is there snow soon?"

"You can speak for yourself," Kakashi says primly. "I am certainly not and never plan to be something so dull and mature-sounding as emotionally competent. It's likely dreadful and far too much work. Besides, I have an image to maintain."

"Yes, heaven forbid that I mar your reputation as the Angst Lord of Konoha."

"Precisely."

"My name is Hatake Kakashi, and I like the gloom. My dislikes are sunshine and good cheer. Hobbies include brooding over my tragic past and staring moodily off into the distance. I have no dreams for the future because hope is a delusion for those too afraid to engage with the despair that is reality."

"You know me so well."

Yua laughs.

---

Tsunade hasn't been back in Konoha for very long, but she's been around long enough to hear about how Konoha's once-notorious Nohara Yua, whose fame had reached even derelict pubs and casinos, had turned into the sweet-mannered, harmless-looking woman barely past girlhood that had first greeted Tsunade upon her arrival in the village hospital. Well, Tsunade has nothing against sweet manners or looking harmless, acknowledges their advantages, even, but Nohara Yua had embodied those qualities to the extent that Tsunade had started to think that the girl who had been renowned as the Windwalker and internationally feared as a ninjutsu master had been the result of overblown rumor, carefully planted misdirection, and willful blindness.

Initially, Tsunade had found her to be a competent enough doctor, and generally inoffensive. Upon learning who exactly had briefed her on her new patients' statuses and given her the rundown on current hospital procedures, the cognitive dissonance had been so great that she'd had to be assured that yes, it was that Nohara Yua. No, really.

And the nurse assuring Tsunade had, with the reluctance born of politeness and the thoroughness born of a love for gossip, told an astonished Shizune and skeptical Tsunade in an undertone why the Windwalker was working as a member of hospital staff. And then Tsunade had been well aware that she was in no place to make comments about lifestyle choices after losing a lover.

Still, that the woman apparently took on D-rank home repair missions as a hobby did not inspire Tsunade to believe that Nohara was ever anything other than a reasonably talented kunoichi whose offensive abilities had been rather exaggerated, both out of strategic convenience and a desire by other kunoichi for a female figure to look up to as the next--well, her. And even if Nohara had been as lethal as her reputation had painted her, Tsunade had been sure that that person was as dead as Uchiha Shisui, replaced by someone content to live out the rest of her life in a much quieter fashion.

But Tsunade only had been sure because right now the woman in question is standing in front of her desk next to Hatake Kakashi, explaining oh-so-succinctly about the steaming pile of shit that Hiruzen-sensei had left her to inherit, the ooze and stench of which is still far from stale for all that the rug has been thrown over it for almost half a decade. The same festering dung heap that Nohara has apparently been investigating secretly and under her own initiative, with no one but Hatake in the know, for the last four years.

"So let me get this straight," Tsunade says, in the full knowledge that she'll be getting absolutely plastered later this evening no matter what Shizune has to say about it. "The Uchiha were planning a coup against Konoha leadership."

"Yes."

"And the Sandaime was aware of this."

"Yes."

"And not only did Itachi not go insane and kill his entire clan, but he was acting under orders. From Danzo. Whom Itachi believed to have the Hokage's approval."

"Yes."

"And Itachi is now acting as an undercover agent without a handler in the international terrorist organization known as Akatsuki."

"That's correct."

"While Danzo is currently operating a secret military organization within Konoha itself, which answers only to him, and which the Sandaime falsely believed to have been dissolved as he ordered several years ago."

"Yes."

"And this organization has infiltrated Konoha's active forces on every level with no one the wiser, and has been taking and executing missions without official sanction."

Nohara's gaze slides to the alcove of Tsunade's office, where the ANBU agent on duty is hidden under seal--oh fucking shit--

"ANBU Cat is someone I trust with my life," Hatake inserts smoothly.

"What a fucking relief," Tsunade snarls. "Cat, get over here."

Cat is crouched in front of her in a flash.

"Get that decorative plate off your face, Cat," she snaps. Cat follows her instruction with admirable speed and Tsunade looks into the unassuming features of a man approximately Yua's age who is clearly struggling to master some kind of emotion that makes him look extremely nauseous. "Your name, Cat. Not ANBU designation."

"Tenzou, Hokage-sama."

"Right. Tenzou. How long have you served in ANBU?"

"Seven years, Hokage-sama."

"Long enough to have known Uchiha Itachi."

"We were briefly on the same ANBU team, Hokage-sama, along with Kakashi-senpai and Yua-senpai."

"And do the events that Nohara has just finished describing sound plausible to you?"

Tenzou's eyes lower momentarily before conscientiously returning to meet her gaze. "They sound as plausible as Itachi having a violent mental break, Hokage-sama."

"And do you know of this organization called ROOT?"

In response, Tenzou opens his mouth and sticks his tongue out as far as it will go. For one horrible second Tsunade flounders, wondering if this is some faddish gesture she's too old to understand, and then she sees the seal.

"That bastard," Tsunade whispers.

Nohara snorts. "Yeah, he likes to seal up the tongues of anyone who does work for him so they can't blab. Most of my investigation into ROOT has been looking at what should be there, not what is. You find it by spotting the empty space.

"I know that he has shinobi that he's trained specifically for years, and then there are others who have engaged in missions with him thinking that they're partaking in some extra black black ops, not aware that they're doing anything that isn't perfectly legitimate, if secret beyond all reason. Kakashi got sucked in years ago, before he realized that Danzo was operating off books, and Danzo dropped him like a hot cake and left him to fester under that godforsaken seal. Recon work has been a bitch."

"If your goal was to squirrel out ROOT, why didn't you return to ANBU?" Tsunade questions narrowly. "Surely it would have been easier to gather intelligence while on Danzo's recruiting grounds."

Nohara stills, looking discomfited for the first time. "There were several reasons," she says finally. "Part of it is that I wanted to be there for Sasuke, and having a set schedule at the hospital and no missions taking me out of the village made that considerably easier. Part of it's that I want Danzo to think I'm none the wiser to his schemes, and I'd say I've done a good job of being soft and overly emotional, exactly like he hates in shinobi. And then, well, I honestly wasn't in any shape to take on ANBU work." Nohara clenches her hands at her sides, and her stare is borderline defiant. "My partner had just died under suspicious circumstances, my friend and captain had killed his clan and turned missing-nin. Not to mention, I'd just finished recovering from a mission that I'm pretty sure was supposed to off me. Bluntly, I was a fucking mess."

Hatake slides Nohara a look and Tenzou does the same, though Tenzou's look has the distinct tinge of pity whereas Hatake's is merely assessing.

"Mostly though," Nohara continues, "I no longer had faith in the Hokage. Shisui went to the Sandaime about the coup, and the next thing I knew, Shisui was dead and the Uchiha clan was gone. Things had gone extremely and terribly wrong and I knew that either the Sandaime was in on it, or he'd been too ineffective to prevent it. I could never betray the village that Shisui loved so much, that my family died to protect, but neither could I serve under Sarutobi Hiruzen."

Tsunade understands her phrasing perfectly. The village that her entire family--barring one estranged sister--had died for. The village that Shisui had loved. Not Yua.

"I can understand using Sasuke's departure from the village as the the impetus for bringing this to my attention," Tsunade says slowly. "But I have to ask the question: what do you plan to do if I don't pursue your investigation? What if I decide to leave things buried, or even to silence everyone in this room?"

Hatake freezes entirely, expressionless, and Tenzou's eyes widen.

Nohara merely blinks.

"I came to you with this information because I think that you have a sense of justice," she says. "The Sandaime was too focused on mercy, not realizing that mercy without justice is nothing but weakness. Honestly, I think the man was a coward. But you know the pain that I know, Tsunade-sama, and you left Konoha because you couldn't abide the senselessness of the loss, and I think that you're back because you want to see that loss made meaningful. And if that's the case, if what I hope and think about you is correct, then I'm ready to serve you in whatever capacity you think best without reservation.

"But if not." Nohara's voice doesn't harden or raise, her face doesn't shift. Even so, the room feels a degree colder. "Even heaven won't stop me, Tsunade-sama. I'm not interested in revenge, but if you deny justice to me, to Sasuke and Itachi and all the dead, then there will be no stopping me. I won't let anyone demean the ideal that every shinobi on the Memorial Stone died to honor and uphold. I won't let the Konoha that so many have fought and hurt for turn into an empty shell, devoid of meaning. I've done my best these last few years to work so that this wrong can be resolved as peacefully as possible. And even if I let it be a convenient face, I've genuinely tried to live gently and kindly. But in the end, I'm a shinobi. If it means that I can look the boy I raised in the eye, if it means I can take my friend's hands and let him put down his sword, and if it means that when I die I can say to my parents and my sister and my partner that nothing they suffered was in vain, then I will use every scrap of knowledge and strength I possess for violence, and I won't hesitate to cut down you or anyone who stands in my way."

Silence reigns, and Tsunade doubts that her left eyebrow has ever strained so high. Yes, the woman before her is certainly no accommodating doctor. This is a woman who is every bit the efficient killer of her mythology and then some, crafty and slippery and with a diamond will.

She scoffs. "I'll consider myself warned, then."

[tiny-wooden-robot-fics]

治癒 (Chiyu)

Rating: T Media: Bleach Relationship: Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez x Yamaya Umi (Original Female Character) Additional tags: Alternate Universe - canon-divergent, Angst, Heartbreak, Aftermath of the loss of a child, Grief/Mourning, Emotional Hurt/Comfort

Part 8 of Tessellate

Part 1: Tessellate - Prelude Part 2: Tessellate Part 3: Mornings Are For Love Part 4: Girl Talk Part 5: Sex and the Strawberry Part 6: Ternion Part 7: 悲しみ (Kanashimi)

Summary:

Inclining his head to the side, he studies her for a moment. “I wanna say something,” he asserts. “It’s not meant to get any kinda specific response out of you. You don’t even have to respond at all. But,” he goes on, “I need to say it, and I need to know that you’re gonna hear it. Yeah?”

Umi shrugs, her eyes on the bowl of rice in front of her.

“Oi,” he says softly, reaching out and putting a hand on her knee. The motion itself is gentle, and her eyes well with tears in response to it. “Will you do that for me, Umi? Will you hear me out?”

AN:

I wanted these two to begin their healing process, because I have more adventures in store for them. Yes, they will heal… and they'll do it like they do everything else: together. 💙💙💙💙

Thank you for sticking with this series! 💙

Read on AO3

Umi doesn’t want to open her eyes. She has the familiar headache that always comes after a night of too much alcohol and not enough food and water. She burrows deeper into the blankets, covering her face with her pillow and letting out a soft groan. 

“Hey, Skull Face.” 

The voice that greets her from the other side of the bed is low and gravelly with sleep, but the tone of it is soft. Just for a moment, it startles her. Though she has never quite become comfortably accustomed to sleeping alone again during these past few months, it has been the norm. Shame bubbles up in her chest. 

“You’re still here,” she says flatly, her face still buried in her pillow. She doesn’t turn to face him, even when she hears the soft rustling of sheets and feels the bed shifting. She knows he’s looking in her direction, but she refuses to turn and meet his gaze. 

“Yeah,” he agrees, his voice still soft and quiet. “Got tired of sleepin’ in Kurosaki’s spare room.” 

This time, the pang in her chest is guilt. “I can go stay with Hitoka for a while---” 

“Hey…” This time when he speaks, there’s an undertone of hurt in the word. “Why does either one of us have to go anywhere? We both live here.” 

Umi shrugs, but says nothing. 

He sighs so quietly that she almost misses it. She wonders if it’s a prelude to a tirade - if I were him, I would let me have it, she thinks briefly - but instead of more words, she can feel his weight leaving the bed. A moment later, the bedroom door opens and closes as he leaves, and she is once more alone with her thoughts. 

--

It isn’t until she wakes to the sound of the bedroom door opening that she realizes she must have drifted off again. Groggily she turns to face him. 

He’s carrying a tray of food. Umi can’t see what it is from where she’s lying, but it smells delicious and prompts her stomach to remind her that she hasn’t eaten anything since the previous afternoon. 

“You should eat while it’s hot,” Grimmjow says, motioning to the tray with his head.

Silently she sits up, bracing her back against the headboard. “You didn’t have to make anything for me,” she mumbles, avoiding his gaze even as he settles the tray of food in her lap. 

There’s no immediate response on his part. He turns away and Umi thinks perhaps he plans to leave again. Instead, he grabs the chair on the other side of the room and brings it right up to her side of the bed, plopping himself down in it to face her. He looks pointedly at the food, and Umi picks up her chopsticks with a small sigh. 

“Itadakimasu,” she murmurs. “Thank you,” she adds softly, looking up at him again. 

“You been missing meals,” he surmises. There is no anger or judgment in his tone - it is simply an observation, but Umi can hear the concern behind the words. 

“Haven’t felt much like eating lately.” 

Grimmjow nods. “I’m glad to see you eating that.” 

“I missed your cooking.” The words slip out before she can stop them, and she freezes with her chopsticks halfway to her mouth. “Sorry,” she mumbles. 

Inclining his head to the side, he studies her for a moment. “I wanna say something,” he asserts. “It’s not meant to get any kinda specific response out of you. You don’t even have to respond at all. But,” he goes on, “I need to say it, and I need to know that you’re gonna hear it. Yeah?” 

Umi shrugs, her eyes on the bowl of rice in front of her. 

“Oi,” he says softly, reaching out and putting a hand on her knee. The motion itself is gentle, and her eyes well with tears in response to it. “Will you do that for me, Umi? Will you hear me out?” 

She finds herself suddenly unable to speak. She is barely holding the tears at bay; if she opens her mouth now, the dam will burst completely. All she can do is nod her head, keeping her gaze fixed on the blurry rice in front of her. 

Her nonverbal response seems to satisfy him, and he sits back in the chair. “First, I wanna say I’m sorry,” he starts, his gaze shifting to the slice of blue sky visible from the window. “I’m sorry I stayed away so long… sorry I took it at face value when I thought you didn’t want me here.” 

He pauses, the space between his words filled with whatever amalgam of emotions he’s feeling. “I guess I just… I don’t know, Umi.” He puts his head in his hands. “This is new. For both of us. And I was just scared that if I forced you to confront it before you were ready… if I pushed too hard, you might not ever want me to come back.”

“Who’d wanna be with me in this state anyway?” The words are laced with bitterness and guilt, and they come out much more harshly than she intends. 

She still isn’t looking at him, so the sudden scraping of the chair legs against the floor startles her a bit. In the next moment he is kneeling next to the bed, positioned in a way that his eyes can meet hers despite the fact that she’s still looking down at her lap. 

“You got this idea in your head,” he starts, frustration bleeding through his words, “that you-- that I would for any reason not love you as much as I did… before. That you’re somehow… less-than, now.” 

Umi stares hard at him. “Aren’t I?” She laughs, but it is bitter and without humor. “Isn’t that the whole point of this? We lost her because I couldn’t---” Her voice falters. “Because there’s obviously something wrong with me. With my body. Doesn’t that make me less-than?” 

For the first time since he’s come back, he actually looks angry. “We lost her,” he starts slowly, obviously struggling to keep his tone even, “because life ain’t fair and shit like this happens even to good people.” He closes his eyes briefly, taking a deep inhale as though to calm himself. “I’m not a good person in the slightest, Umi… and you probably have enough goodness in you to cancel out all the bad I’ve done, but if you think either one of us deserves blame for what happened--” The words die on his lips as he cuts himself off in an effort to compose himself. “And if you think,” he goes on quietly, “that I could ever love you less for this - or anything else - then you don’t know me at all.” 

She’s almost afraid to let herself think about his words and what they mean. She focuses on her breathing, trying not to break down completely. There are words buzzing around in her brain, thoughts flying faster than she can make sense of them. She wants to voice some of those thoughts, but she doesn’t know where to start. 

Grimmjow seems to sense her turmoil. He doesn’t push; he simply offers her a gentle smile. “You can tell me later,” he says quietly, motioning to her tray of food. “Eat your damn food before it gets cold.”  

And so she does.

~Fin~

[loverofthewindgod]

A Meal Fit for a God

Warning: (18+) Lord Fujin is hungry for something irresistibly delicious, but the thing is...it's not food 😏😏😏

"Ughhh….."

Confined in his chambers in the middle of the night, Fujin released a long sigh of annoyance and relief as he put a halt to his reading. Months of strenuous deity duties have caught up to him and he sure as hell deserved these few moments of peace. 

"Knock knock?" 

Delighted to hear the all too familiar voice he longed to hear again, Fujin turned around to be welcomed by his beloved Sienna, making her way inside wearing a navy blue nightgown with her hair tied up in a slightly messy bun, looking more beautiful than the midnight sky itself. She placed a tray of fresh wildberry tea and mango slices on the table as she greeted her lover with a kiss.

"The elder gods got you working late nights again huh?" Sienna teased, leaning back comfortably against the table.

Fujin scoffed with a soft smile. "A god's work is never done. What are you doing up so late sweetheart?"

"I noticed your lights were still on so I wanted to check up on you, and brought a little something. It's not a lot, but something." 

"Something from you is always everything. Thank you, my flower". Fujin warmly smiled as he took a sip of the tea. The taste was floral, mellow and soothing for the soul. It felt like he was relaxing in a flower field accompanied by butterflies and birds. He stared quietly at the cup for a moment before looking back at Sienna.  

"What is it? Does it taste good?" 

"It tastes wonderful. It's just that there's something I've been longing to taste again. Something more…succulent." Fujin's tone got a bit deeper and much much sexier, making Sienna blush and brush hair behind her ear to play it cool.

"Really? Well what is it my lord has been craving as of late?" 

Grasping Sienna by the waist, Fujin gently pulled her in front of his gentle, yet lust filled gaze. 

"Oh…"

Sienna couldn't keep the smile from creeping across her face. It was so arousing he way he glanced her body up and down, licking his lips while caressing her hips. His mouth watered for her the second she entered the room.

"Mmm….haaa…haaa..." Sienna melted at the wind god's touch, kisses were placed upon her cleavage as his hands dove beneath her nightgown to fondle her smooth bare skin. She leaned against the table until she was mounted on top and laid flat on her back,  legs spread wide open. Fujin frenched her inner thighs, sopping up the trails of her arousal until he stopped to gaze upon her moist pussy. The very sight pushed him past his very limit and it was time to feast.

"Itadakimasu…."

He wasted no time helping himself, greedily licking and sucking her lip. His tongue penetrated deep inside, swirling around to get a good mouthful of her delectable nectar. She tasted of pure honey and vanilla, such a natural flavor that he couldn't get enough of and he wanted more of his honeysuckle. 

"Nghhhh! Ahhhh!! F-Fujin!!" The sensation drove Sienna crazy. She tugged at his hair, her legs nearly crushing his head as she squirmed about. Fujin kicked back his chair, lifted her legs up and held her down as he picked up the pace, too immersed in his indulgence. 

"Mmm, you taste sooo good, I don't wanna stop…" He slurped and gulped her down crazily, like an animal that hasn't had water for days and comes across a refreshing river. 

"Haaa…haaa..fuck baby I'm gonna- nghhh! I'm g-gonna- AHHH! I'M CUMMMING! I'M CUMMING FUUUUCK!!" The shaolin beauty exploded. Fujin made sure to keep her hips still so he could swallow every last bit of her succulent release. Once a dazed, breathless Sienna came down from her high, Fujin towered over her with a smug look on his face. 

"Just as I remember…" He chuckled before tenderly kissing her. 

"Haaa…haha, would my lord care for a second helping?" Sienna teased, wrapping her legs around Fujin's waist. She was down, but not out…yet.

With an accepting smirk, Fujin carried his delectable damsel off the table and moved the feast over to his bed. The man has sampled many delicacies for many years, but Sienna was definitely a meal best fit for the God of Wind. 

[tetsunabouquet]

Basic Instict Chapter 20

Masterpost Akashi showed you the room where you would be staying for a couple of days. "Fujioka said my grandmother's room is across yours, but it's not like she distrusts you. If anything, grandma just seems to be curious about you." "Fujioka is your mother's old butler right?" You asked for confirmation, having heard the name before. "Yes, I've known him since the day I was born." Akashi smiled fondly, and you couldn't help but smile back. "So he's like family huh?" "Kind of," Akashi's gaze faltered, feeling pain at knowing that his butler cared more for his happiness then his father did. Empathic as you were, you wrapped your arms around him, you forehead and his lovingly resting against one anothers. "Pity we were born with such a twisted parent, huh?" You muttered softly. "I wish he just cared about what I want, what I think is important and who I want to be." "I know, I think the same thing about my mom all the time." Akashi pulled you close to his chest, breathing in your scent. Just happy you were there, in his arms, that his father hadn't been able to take him away from you. There was a knock on the door, and you saw a maid who had to be in her thirties smile at the two of you. "Dinner will be ready soon," she said. "Thank you, have you settled in here?" He asked, to which she nodded. "It won't take long for me to have adjusted to this place. Your grandmother is as lovely as I remembered, so looks your girlfriend if I might add." You blushed at the compliment, and Akashi smiled. "I take it you're the maid from Seijuro's household?" "Yes Miss, my name is Yuuki Reiko and I am honored to be of your service. It's great to see the young master happy!" This time it was Akashi's turn to be a little red and the two of you smiled a bit awkwardly at her as she left looking extremely cheerful to have laid eyes on the girl Akashi was so smitten with.

You nervously sat at the dining table, together with Akashi and his grandmother. "I hope miso soup is alright with everyone, I am quite addicted to my chef's recipe." The Kaneshiro matriarch looked at you with the warm smile you would expect from a grandmother. "Oh, it's alright with me Madame Kaneshiro," you answered in the most polite tone you could muster. "There is no need to be so overtly formal. You are Seijuro's girlfriend, you can call me Rima-san." There was a certain firmness in which she said the word girlfriend, like you should act accordingly to your place, as his girlfriend and not some cowering commoner. You immediately held respect for her, as whilst she seemed kind and warm there was some regality to her. Something which she now, tried to teach you. You tried to sit up more firmly, confidently and Seijuro thought you looked like the cutest thing ever, taking her words so clearly to heart. "Now, my driver wanted to ask you some questions so I could know the general basics of your situation, but he felt it was inappropriate when he saw you with such a distressed face. I'd like to have a conversation with you after dinner, but first, let us eat." With an, 'itadakimasu', the three of you began to eat, and the miso soup was delicious indeed. Over the course of dinner, you had an easy going conversation, in which Akashi's grandmother asked you some trivial questions, like what club activities you did at school, if Rakuzan was a nice school and how the two of you had started dating. You could have sworn she seemed a little too curious about the juicy details, but too polite to start prying into her grandson's love life a little too much. She seemed so supportive in comparison to Akashi's stories about Masaomi, you wished, even if it were just for Akashi's sake, that he could stay with his grandmother forever. She clearly cared a lot more for his emotional well-being, and considering that was something you had wished for Akashi for as long as you knew him, you could almost shed tears of joy on his behalf. And you wished, from the bottom of your heart, that the sweet, happy moment you shared at the dinner table would last for a lifetime.

[asknarashikari]

Airi: Irashaimasen.

Airi: Dozou.

Sara: Keiwa look, they have a “Sakurai Blend”!

Airi: Ara, you want to try that unique blend?

Sara: Please do.

Keiwa: Nee-chan, you didn’t even check their other products.

Sara: Datte, aren’t you curious what’s this “Sakurai blend” is?

Keiwa: I am, but, it’s probably someone they know.

Sara: No, look at the Kanji…

Keiwa: So? There are a lot of Tanakas in Japan who share the same Kanji.

Sara: True… still.

Sara: It’s not everyday you encounter a shop with your family name as the name of the blend.

Keiwa: It’s probably for someone they know.

Ryotaro: Here, two Sakurai blends.

Sara: Heh…

Sara: Jaa, itadakimasu. *drinks the coffee*

Sara: Oishiii~

Keiwa: Ja… *drinks coffee*

Keiwa: Heh, this is too sweet.

Ryotaro: You think so to?

Keiwa: It’s delicious but it’s too sweet.

Airi: Ara, Arigato.

Sara: Ne, ne, what’s the story behind this blend?

Airi: That was for Ryou-chan’s friend.

Airi: He likes to put a lot of sugar in his coffee so I tried to make a blend just for him.

Ryotaro: Nee-chan…

Sara: Heeh…

Sara: So we share the same family name, huh?

Ryotaro: Eh, You’re also a Sakurai?

Keiwa: Uhuh, nee-chan was excited when she first saw the Sakurai blend because it shares the same kanji as our Sakurai does.

Airi: Ara, Ryou-chan!

Airi: Maybe they’re related to Sakurai-kun.

Airi: Can you contact him?

Ryotaro: I’ll try, but he’s really busy.

...Wouldn't Airi have the same surname too? I mean, she's Yuuto's wife after all