#it looked like they were making coffee or matcha art

[kirstythejetblackgoldfish]

[soupofmushrooms]

Karasuno Hair Salon!AU headcanons

I went to get a haircut a while ago and my hairdresser had silver hair like Suga's and it inspired this whole mess. Also, I don't know much about the hair salon business so take this with a huge chunk of salt?? Mostly assessing based of the qualities of the characters. Do not look too closely because there will be gaps.

Characters: All of your Karasuno volleyball team favourites + Yachi, Kiyoko, Ukai, Takeda

Sawamura Daichi

He takes on a senior/ manager role, has plenty of experience under his belt.

Makes small talk with the customer

Knows the regulars by names

Assigns shifts

Trains the rest of the staffs and is fairly good at all the roles

Covers whoever who can't make it

Used to give his siblings haircuts while they were growing up

I feel like he'd be open to going around to elderly homes and giving them free haircuts

Man's a guy who serves the community!!

Sugawara Koushi

He is so loved by all grandmamas and children.

Man can butter up ANYONE

and he lays it on thick

He's respectful, cheerful, and a good yapper

Children thinks he's kind and friendly

Generally pleasant guy

Will bribe children with candy so they stay still

Azumane Asahi

He knows the way he looks may scare kiddos away, so he uses his long hair to his advantage and styles it with lil' butterfly clips, pigtails and other accessories.

Has won a couple of hairdressing awards

Mostly the go-to person for more experimental styles

Has contacts in the modelling and fashion department which brings in a ton of money for the salon

The less shy children would go up to him and demands he lifts them like a lil' plane

He will never say no

Man makes a mean matcha though

Shimizu Kiyoko

Handles the makeup and photography should anyone come in with needs for bridal makeup services and other events.

Works closely with Asahi

Sometimes, they'll be out in the city together for side quests

She's a woman of many talents so pre-booking required!!!

Has a popular Instagram account dedicated to the bridal looks, mostly spread through word-of-mouth

Ennoshita Chikara

The hair salon prides themselves on incredible service as how they were trained under Ukai Sr.. So expect a nice lil drink while getting your next hairdo. The person behind the delicious coffee? Ennoshita.

Personally handles the coffee stock and orders

Has a good working relationship with the roasteries in town

Ensures each cup of coffee will brighten up your day

Does some cute doodles sometimes on the cups

WILL NOT GIVE OUT PHONE NUMBERS!! MAN'S KEEPING IT PROFESSIONAL

Cakes and other drinks are served too

Kinoshita Hisashi

Don't tell me this guy isn't the biggest gossip in this place. He easily encourages his customers to talk more, and is good at giving advice and reacting in an affirming way.

Him and Suga is always on top with the neighbourhood tea

He isn't a snitch but will act dumb about the drama

Narita Kazuhito

He plays a regular hairstylist role but helps out with Kageyama at the hairwashing station on busier days.

Has an adaptable personality so Daichi pairs him with new customers to have a feel for their personality

Tanaka Ryuunosuke

What many don't know about him is that he is a rather creative and artistic guy.

Paints nails and does incredible nail art

Can get eerily focused unlike his usual loud self

Practices new skills on Kiyoko (HIS WIFE!!)

Kiyoko ofc gets compliments and directs them to her incredible husband

And he recommends his WIFE'S makeup and photography services

SUCH A COUPLE

BUSINESS IS BOOMING

BIG MONEY BIG MONEY

Will also rock some sick nail designs, man does not care

The team also enjoy getting their nails done by him

Hinata's down for whatever's brightly coloured and funky

Kageyama doesn't do colour but does a clear coat

The team usually play with colours and designs but no rhinestones for them since it can get in the way

Nishinoya Yuu

When you need a dye job, he's the man.

Gets very excited when someone needs his services

Will talk you through the process, how to care for your new hair, and recommends the right shade for your skin etc

Does a very thorough job in explaining it all

Has a little steppy stool

I feel like he will change that dyed part of his hair quite often. Different colours. Same part. It's kinda funny.

Is very patient throughout the process

Will send a complimentary cake your way as a thank you for the many hours it takes

Hinata Shouyou

Makes light conversation with the regulars when he gives them a haircut.

Daichi also sends new customers his way since Hinata has a certain knack of interpreting someone's requests

Loves it when customers give him free reign

Usually uses that opportunity to film those blind pick challenges

Nails it usually

Kageyama Tobio

King of scalp massages

Gives a killer scalp massage

And a neck massage

Is very attentive to his customers and will always ask if the pressure is too hard or too soft

Instantly relaxing

Plays an assistant role to Noya, incredible eye for colour mixing

Approaches every task with dedication.

Man's also turning to Asahi for advice on creating the next big look

Star employee!! Despite being a little socially stunted

Is working on that though!!

Yamaguchi Tadashi

Apprentice under Ennoshita and handles social media with Yachi

Appears in their TikToks

Likes making different latte art designs. His current go to is a bear since it appeals to everyone. The peacock is a challenge though.

Brainstorms a lot of the content ideas with Yachi, but he's usually the face of it

Has a strong online presence though despite being a little shy in real life

Occasionally, he goes to Suga to ask for tips and learns from him. Suga's more than willing to share his knowledge!

Tsukishima Kei

I see him as taking this only as a part-time job though just for the money.

I see him working together with Daichi to go around giving free haircut to the community centres

He's being paid for it and that's fine by him

It's not the ideal part-time job but it's near his college, pays decently and fits his schedule

His best friend works there and enjoys it, so that's a little bit of a bonus too

I can imagine his brother being the type to be quite fond of caring for the community, so it rubs off on him a bit too

Daichi is understanding of his frank personality. In the end, it really is just a job so no big deal.

Yachi Hitoka

Handles marketing and social media.

It started as a kind deed to help the small business grow but ended up liking the team and stayed on.

Is definitely why they're blowing up online

Usually films the TikToks but plans the content with Yamaguchi

Very on trend, very quick on trends

Also knows who what the people want to see

Ukai Kenshin

Runs his mother's store but spreads the word about the hair salon.

His grandfather started hair salon, and when his dad married, his dad didn't realise that tending to the farm would be incredibly demanding and it was impossible to hold on to both businesses.

The hair salon went to his uncle for a while until he fell ill.

Somehow it fell into the hands of the Takeda family.

Completely entrusts it to the new team to run it.

Is very fond of the new team.

Takeda Ittetsu

He grew up going to the hair salon.

His grandfather used to hang out there with Ukai Sr. all the time.

They'd sit outside and have a smoke, next to lil Takeda who would be doing his homework.

Has many good memories with his grandfather at that hair salon.

So when it was struggling, he struck a deal to run it instead.

Now he's out building opportunities for them, getting them signed on with new businesses and partnerships.

He has a meeting with Shiseido next week.

[miraculousverse]

Six strings of a broken heart

Part 1

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug (AU)

Pairing: Luka x Felix

Notes/Warnings: non miraculous AU; the characters are in high school, except Luka who is two years older, finished high school and now is taking a year off; Marinette and Luka dated and recently broke up; Felix lives in England and had a good relationship with Adrien; slow burn; my first attempt at writing; I need to share my love for these two dorks with the world lol; Adrien is a little sunshine;

***

Felix remembers how the first time he met and spoke to Luka, he nearly rolled his eyes so hard he almost saw his four past lives.

Adrien finally convinced him to go with him to see his friend’s performance at their school’s charity event, organized by the students to help spread awareness about the importance of self-care and emotional well-being.

“The soul speaks through music when words cannot be heard,” was the sentence that made Felix want to tell the older Couffaine sibling to shut up and look the other way.

First of all, Felix hated all these douchebags high on their own spiritual cold brew, blond roasted coffee farts, who dedicated their lives to mastering the art of pretentious jabbering.

And secondly, and perhaps most importantly, Felix resented everyone unable to engage in concise and rational conversations.

If your words “cannot be heard,” it’s either that the other person is an idiot or you’re the one incapable of constructing a coherent argument.

Luckily for Felix, his interaction with Adrien’s school friends was limited by their involvement in the event, and he was soon left to himself, free from attempts at polite but entirely meaningless conversations with people he barely knew and would probably never see again.

He mostly stayed upstairs, observing the crowd and watching the students perform in the talent show—the main driving force behind this charity event.

Felix hated every second of that lame performance. At some point, he was so bored that he even considered finding Adrien and talking to him instead.

But Adrien was busy backstage, helping the “Hello Kitty” band get ready for their performance. They were going last, a detail Adrien apparently forgot to mention, and Felix, who against his better judgment promised his cousin to stay for their performance, had to sit through the entire charity event to see Adrien play the damn synthesizer.

“Ah… it’s Kitty Section,” Felix mumbled under his breath when the principal announced the last group coming on stage. The band members wore colorful masks and shoulder pads, looking so incredibly dorky that Felix couldn’t help but chuckle into his plastic half-empty cup as he took a sip of the lukewarm sparkling water. Somehow, Adrien fit perfectly among them.

Their two songs, despite their cliché lyrics and generic pop sound, were still the highlight of the event. Although there was hardly any competition.

***

Apparently, Luka wasn’t a fan of caffeinated drinks and preferred tea instead because “coffee made his sleep worse.”

“I enjoy bubble tea from time to time, but it’s a little too sweet for me,” Luka smiled as he ordered a matcha latte, standing next to Felix at the counter. Felix never asked him if he liked coffee or tea. He just told him to go ahead and order first.

After the charity event, the group headed to the nearest coffee shop, and Adrien, buzzing with excitement and joy, dragged Felix with them, reassuring his cousin that it would be “a ton of fun.”

Felix glanced at the group of high schoolers behind them in a large cozy booth, noticing that Adrien sat next to Marinette, who blushed furiously every time the blond turned to her with a big smile.

“Same as him,” Felix gestured to Luka’s latte and paid with his card. Luka was still standing next to him, waiting for Felix to get his order, and for some reason, Felix felt slightly uncomfortable. He felt like something was expected of him, like small talk or anything that would make this situation less awkward. He wondered why Luka didn’t go sit with the group. There were two seats available next to Marinette.

“You play guitar very well,” Felix finally said when he realized that the barista was taking too long to give him his order. “It was nice. The show and your group’s performance.”

The compliment sounded robotic, and Felix hated how stupid it made him feel. He probably looked like a socially awkward idiot.

“Thank you.” Despite everything, Luka’s gentle smile seemed sincere, yet his eyes had a glint of mischief in them. Felix thought that Luka didn’t believe him but appreciated the effort Fathom was making.

Finally, Felix was handed his drink, and they walked toward the group, who were too busy monitoring social media, looking for any mentions of the event. Alya was reading out loud the comments under her post in the LadyBlog, and Felix was happy that everyone’s attention was on her.

“You didn’t get any dessert?” Marinette asked when Felix took the seat next to her, but she was quickly satisfied with his brief “no” and turned back to the group when Luka joined Felix. There was a sudden but very subtle shift in the air, and Felix couldn’t stop himself from glancing at Luka. The blue-haired boy was smiling softly, but Felix noticed how his fingers tensed around the paper cup. Just a little and for a very brief moment, but Felix caught that.

Oh…

Felix turned back to the group, only half listening to what they were talking about. He was happy that they barely talked to him, and he only had to engage in very surface-level conversation about England’s climate and his favorite subject at school.

“And do you like Paris?” Felix wasn’t sure if Rose was genuinely curious or was only trying to be polite because everyone else was starting to accept that he wasn’t going to be very talkative and were thankfully getting bored by his one-sentence replies. If he was lucky, Adrien might give up on his quest to socialize Felix with his friends.

“It’s pretty. A lot has changed since my last visit,” Felix said and heard a light chuckle and turned to its source. Luka was looking at his almost empty coffee cup with a smile and then shot a glance at Felix when he felt his eyes on him.

“I thought that we should visit the Eiffel Tower while you’re here,” Luka smiled innocently, and Felix couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The guitarist seemed very chill, but Felix caught the mischievous spark that lit behind his eyes for a second.

Felix absolutely hated that tourist spot.

For a moment, Felix doubted his judgment of Luka and was slightly disoriented because immediately after that quick exchange, Luka was called by his bandmate, and he turned away from Felix to discuss their performance at the event.

And once again, Felix had to hold back the urge to roll his eyes when Luka made a comment about the “heart guiding you through the music notes,” but this time Felix was suspicious that this cringy behavior was genuine.

[saturnine-saturneight]

Writerly Questionnaire

@davycoquette posted this up and it looks fun :)

About You

When did you start writing?

I started writing poetry somewhere in my early teens, then expanded to short snippets when my school had a creative writing workshop as part of a week long retreat. I did some minor roleplaying on the [Country redacted] version of Facebook, then started roleplaying on a fandom specific forum at 17... Started running with a group on Discord and Tumblr and learned how to write well with a dictionary always open in another tab. It's how I learned the majority of both my conversational and my writing English!

Are the genres/themes you enjoy reading different from the ones you write?

There are themes I really don't like to watch or read, but love to write, for example medical horror and body horror. I get squicked out when I'm not in control of those. I also adore detective fiction, especially Poirot, but don't have an interest in putting together a murder mystery myself.

Is there an author (or just a fellow writer!) you want to emulate, or one to whom you’re often compared?

I think the way I write is very conversational and very stream of consciousness. I'm a child of the internet, and you could make an easy comparison to other people writing indie online, but I'm not sure the comparison is as easy when you're looking at bigger, traditionally published authors. I think about the way I write in comparison to the Realism art movement sometimes. I want to emulate how people really talk, and I want to get deep into the nitty gritty of a psyche.

Can you tell me a little about your writing space(s)? (Room, coffee shop, desk, etc.)

Laying down ✌️

What’s your most effective way to muster up some muse?

Daydreaming! Dozing, napping, taking a walk, doing the dishes; anything that lets my mind wander.

Did the place(s) you grew up in influence the people and places you write about?

Not really. See above, child of the internet, but I'm also not sure I can capture what my country is really like. I never feel all that informed or all that "with it" here.

Are there any recurring themes in your writing, and if so, do they surprise you at all?

Come back with a warrant, lmfao.

Your Characters

Would you please tell me about your current favorite character? (Current WIP, past WIP, never used, etc.)

This is hard for me to decide because I really do love most of my characters equally when I just spend enough time with them. Of course it's Ron right now, I'm writing his story and he's living in a bigger corner of my brain than usual. I never really figured out what he had to say until pretty recently, he's always been a very taciturn narrator and loathe to talk about his feelings in dialogue. Throwing him into a fully moving plot and inflicting The Horrors on him really makes him react, and it's endearing him to me a lot.

Which of your characters do you think you’d be friends with in real life?

Matcha! She's goofy and sweet and she has a lot of things to talk about. We'd just need to set boundaries early because I'm not a fan of being flirted with. I also think I could get along with most of the rest, at least on friendly terms.

Which of your characters would you dislike the most if you met them?

Nat is an amalgamation of the worst traits and tendencies that I see in other people and myself. They're also a bully, which is something that personally makes me see red. They can go be a sympathetic villain somewhere else.

Tell me about the process of coming up with of one, all, or any of your characters.

So the very first one of the bunch was Teo. He was originally a pirate, and I made him to be weird and angsty and complex, but also kind of a liar who'd just boast about things unfounded. I thought this was easy to figure out, but I started noticing people taking him at his word, so I made Haru to call him out on his shit. These two were good foils, but didn't talk that much, so I made Rabbit who can never shut up to deliver some exposition.

When I make a character, they fill a niche in a dynamic, and/or have behaviors and beliefs that I want to write about. The rest is vibes.

Do you notice any recurring themes/traits among your characters?

I try to make them pretty diverse from each other, but there's always a general sense of overcoming and survival that I think is fascinating and write a lot about.

How do you picture them? (As real people you imagined, as models/actors who exist in real life, as imaginary artwork, as artwork you made or commissioned, anime style, etc.)

I don't have 20/20 vision in my imagination, things are pretty fuzzy. Real people, but stylized, I think.

Your Writing

What’s your reason for writing?

To create a space where I can really dig into the things I like and the things that are on my mind. I'm also pretty competitive towards myself. I always want to be better at something than I have been so far.

Is there a specific comment or type of comment you find particularly motivating coming from your readers?

I love comments that really pinpoint which moments or beats a reader enjoyed...

How do you want to be thought of by those who read your work? (For example: as a literary genius, or as a writer who “gets” the human condition; as a talented worldbuilder, as a role model, etc.)

Just some guy, please.

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a writer?

Character depth and dialogue.

What have you been frequently told your greatest writing strength is by others?

Dialogue also, and a certain sense of... chaos? Urgency? My longer form stuff has been described as 'one long rollercoaster'.

How do you feel about your own writing? (Answer in whatever way you interpret this question.)

Eh. I'm happy when it turns out well.

If you were the last person on earth and knew your writing would never be read by another human, would you still write?

Oh that's a mean question. I do have a little bit of a "what's going to be my legacy" thing going on. Yeah, I think I would still write, though. I really do it for the fun of it as well. It's just a lot less fun when I can't bounce it off other people and see what it turns into where it meets their lives and their experiences.

When you write, are you influenced by what others might enjoy reading, or do you write purely what you enjoy? If it’s a mix of the two, which holds the most influence

On a line by line basis, I have an issue of trying to write to a worst faith reader that I'm trying to work through, but the larger picture is completely just what I enjoy and not written to a specific genre, reader, or market.

I am tagging @marlowethelibrarian @fortunatetragedy @paeliae-occasionally @lychhiker-writes @rotting-moon-writes and YOU 🫵

[mythoughtsbysms]

Date Night

Since making plans with Matt, you and Matt have been working on your own projects with text conversation in between projects. The both of you are checking on each other and talking about life and projects. You celebrated New Year's with your best friends and partied all night. You were thinking about Matt that night and wish he was there with you. However, he didn't forget about you. He sent you a text at midnight.

Matt: Happy New Year’s! 😘

Y/N: Happy New Year’s! 🎉❤️

After New Year’s, you continue to work and finish unpacking which was a huge weight off your shoulders because now you can enjoy your place without boxes getting in the way. Alyssa was sweet enough to help since she saw how stressed out you were with everything going on. You and Alyssa hung out a lot during this time and you told her everything that was happening between you and Matt.

Alyssa: What’s been going on with you and Matt? You barely tell me anything.

Y/N: I know. I was trying to keep it private to see where things go. Matt is a person and I want to be respectful towards him especially since, in the past, I saw a couple of people treating him like any other celebrity and share private messages online. Otherwise, Matt and I are doing well. Him and I are going on a date the night of January 20th. Im really excited to see him.

Alyssa: That’s understandable. I’m glad you and Matt are going well and I’m very happy for you. I know it’s been hard for you to open up to someone, let alone going on a date with someone. I’m very proud of you and you should be proud of yourself! You’re growing as an individual. That’s something to celebrate!

Y/N: Thank you. I am proud of myself. Im taking it one step at a time and letting things happen rather than trying to prevent them. If it’s meant to be - it’s meant to be. I’ll tell you what happens with Matt and I and our date.

Alyssa: I’m really looking forward to hearing about it! I want details haha.

January 20th, 2023

Morning

You had a hard time sleeping the night before because you were excited to see Matt. You tossed and turned trying to sleep but couldn’t sleep until around 2:15 am. Your alarm goes off at 7:00 am but you needed more sleep. You set the alarm to 8:00am so you can get an extra hour. 8:00 am comes around and your alarm goes off. You wake up and do a light stretch. You felt a little better getting the extra hour of sleep. It was cold in your room since you forgot to close the window last night and you were starting to get hungry. You got out of bed and went to the kitchen to make yourself a hot matcha latte with honey and some breakfast. You ended up making yourself a bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top with a side of strawberries and blueberries.

Once you were finished, you went into your room and started to get ready to get out of the house. It was one of those mornings where you wanted some fresh air and go to the local coffee shop to get a coffee and something sweet. You changed into a dark heather gray hoodie, comfortable black flare leggings, a black puffer jacket, and black fuzzy socks with the UGGs. After getting ready, you put on your shoes and grabbed your keys. You went to the coffee shop and ordered yourself a decaf honey latte and a banana muffin. After getting your coffee and muffin, you sat at the front while watching what was going on outside for the next hour.

You ran to an art store to pick up some supplies and went back to your place to warm up and relax until it was time to get ready for your date with Matt.

Evening

It was 4:30 pm, and time to get ready for your date with Matt. Matt was going to pick you up at 5:30 pm so you only had an hour to get ready. The good thing is you showered this morning and everything else so all you had to do was get dressed, make up, and freshen up. You were looking through dress after dress and having a hard time picking out something to wear. You ended up wearing a red rose bud design black midi-length cami style fitted dress with a slit on one side with black heels.

5:30 pm rolls around and you hear a knock on your door. You look through the peephole and Matt was standing there waiting for you to answer. You answered the door and let him inside. He looked at you and couldn't keep his eyes off of you.

Matt: Y/N... you look beautiful tonight.

Y/N: Thank you. I was worried that I may be dressed a little too casually or too dressed up for our date.

Matt: No, you are not too casual or too dressed up. You look beautiful and I can't keep my eyes off of you.

Y/N: Oh good. Here, let me grab my bag and we can go.

Matt: Okay. I'll wait here.

*You grab your purse and walk back to him.*

Matt: Ready to go?

Y/N: Yes, I'm ready to go.

You and Matt went downstairs and walked to his car which is parked outside in front of your apartment complex. The both of you went into his car and drove 30 minutes away to a high-end Italian restaurant. You thought this was sweet because you mentioned to Matt earlier that a couple of your favorite foods are pasta and mostly Italian meals. Once you arrived, Matt helped you get out of his car and you held onto his arm as you two walked into the restaurant. Matt told the waiter he has a reservation for two and the waiter walked you and Matt to your table. Matt kept looking at you under the restaurant’s low lighting.

Matt: You look gorgeous… I’m sorry that I keep saying that to you but it’s true. I can’t keep my eyes off of you. Your [ your eye color ] are beautiful - the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.

Y/N: Thank you. You look amazing yourself. Thank you for taking me out to dinner. This is a very beautiful restaurant.

Matt: No problem. I’m happy we were able to make this work especially with our busy schedules.

You two went on to order drinks and food. You ordered [ favorite drink ], a cup of water, and classic gnocchi with basil pesto and parmesan cheese with a side of garlic bread. Matt ordered red wine, a cup of water, and gnocchi with tomato sauce and parmesan cheese with a side of garlic bread. He thought what you ordered sounded good so he ordered the same thing as you with a couple of changes. You and Matt were talking about your life and life goals until your food arrived.

Matt: How’s your life going? Anything exciting happened since we were together last?

Y/N: It’s been going great! Not a lot happened other than work, hanging out with friends, art, and I was able to finish unpacking. Of course talking to you. *laughs*

Matt: That’s great! *laughs* “Of course talking to you.” That’s very true we have been talking a lot.

Y/N: Yeah. *laughs* Do you have a life goal? Did you already achieve that life goal?

Matt: Yes and no. I wanted to make music since I was young and now that I’m a rapper, I would say that was my life goal. However, I feel like I haven’t achieved it because I feel as if there is something missing.

Y/N: Oh. What’s the one thing you are missing?

Matt: Someone to be with me along the way… you.

Your drinks and food have arrived and you start to eat. You were taken back because you didn’t expect Matt’s answer but, at the same time, you were full of love and looking at him - you knew he was the one. Matt noticed you were a little anxious. He grabbed your hand and held it while telling you everything is okay. You instantly relaxed knowing you were okay. Matt apologized but you told him he didn’t do anything wrong and that he didn’t need to apologize. You two go on to finish your meal and Matt paid the bill. You offered to pay your portion of the meal but he insisted on paying the bill. You were very grateful and thanked him.

You two were still a little hungry but for something sweet. There was an ice cream place near by and thought about getting ice cream. You and Matt went into his car and drove to get ice cream. You wanted [ favorite ice cream flavor ] on a cone and Matt wanted vanilla on a cone. Once you got your ice cream, you and Matt went back into his car and started to head back to your place. Matt had his arm around you and you laid your head on his shoulder. You felt loved and safe with him. The drive from the ice cream place to your place was 45 minutes. During the 45 minute drive, you fell asleep. Matt saw you were asleep and let you sleep until you both arrived at your place.

You both arrived at your place and Matt woke you up.

Matt: Hey Y/N. Wake up. We’re back at your place.

Y/N: *Half asleep* Oh! Sorry, I fell asleep.

Matt: It’s okay! It’s late. I don’t blame you.

You both got out and Matt walked you to your door and made sure you were inside and safe. You offered Matt a space to crash for the night since it was very late. Matt declined the offer since he had some things to get done before his upcoming concerts. Before he left, he kissed you and said he had an amazing night and that you both should do it again after his tour. You smiled and told him good night.

He closed the door behind him and you locked the door. You put on your pajamas and went straight to bed. You fell asleep quickly after getting into bed.

[inksandpensblog]

For the questionnaire: question 1 for NGD!Dark?

What is the character’s go-to drink order?

He didn't know a lot about drinks while he was on the pc.

Not even the difference between regular drip coffee and an Americano, or regular iced coffee and a cold brew. All he really knew was that dark roasts were stronger than medium ones, and he probably only knew that because noogai looked it up while Christmas shopping or something.

Orange would sketch various different beverages as art studies, and Dark was happy to taste-test them. He ended up liking many of them, as long as they weren't overly sweet.

(He did not like the unicorn frappe. That was...that was not a good day. He never figured out whether it was because Orange imagined it incorrectly, or because it's just inherently an abominable and abjectly-disgusting drink, and he's never been willing to try a real one and find out.)

Anytime he asked Orange for a drink, though, instead of just letting Orange make one for him because he felt like it, he'd usually just ask for a coffee or a water, nothing elaborate. Mostly because, if he was asking for a drink, then it wasn't for enjoyment; rather, it was because he'd be working on something for hours at a time and he wanted to stay awake or refreshed while doing so.

As for the extended timeline...

If he's drinking coffee because he needs to stay awake, he won't even look at the menu, he'll just look the poor barista in the eye and say he wants the strongest, darkest drink they have. He doesn't care what it is, or whether it's hot or cold, or how much it costs; though he gives the impression that he wants it made as quickly as possible. He leaves before the barista can count out his change and he's already downed half the coffee by the time the door swings closed behind him.

If he's drinking coffee for leisure, he'll have a brief look at the menu and casually order the first beverage with the word "latte" in its name that catches his interest.

This could be a regular latte, or a matcha/chai/turmeric latte, or any other variety; he's willing to be a little experimental about the taste, because what he really wants it for is so he can stare at the milk foam art while he drinks it. It...makes him feel nostalgic.

If it's a regular latte he usually has a specific request for the art, but if it's his first time trying the drink he'll let the artist surprise him with one of their routine designs.

If it ends up being a sweeter drink, he'll have some complimentary spices added to it (whether powdered, like matcha, or whole, like anise stars or cinnamon sticks). It's...always more spice than you'd expect a person to be able to handle.

Will tilt his cup 180 degrees to get every last dreg.

Waits until right before he leaves the venue to tip.

If he's a guest at someone's house, he's more likely to ask for some kind of fruity or herbal tea, or even cider, mulled or otherwise. Though if he knows there will be coffee he might bring along a bottle of Amaretto to leave at their house for next time they invite him over. (He'd wondered what Irish coffee tasted like back on the pc but figured it wouldn't be a great idea to drink one while he was attempting to figure out escape plans. When he finally got to try one it ended up being too sweet for his liking.)

[apriiicotx]

Lady killer I(1)

This is a heavy draft and I’m having fun, so don’t be a dickkk lol. also tumblr is being a dick as well with the word count, so im uploading part one into two parts

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Beep, Beep, Beep! The loud ringing sound of the alarm clock echoes throughout the small dormitory space. The rays of sunlight slightly peek through the curtains as a chill breeze makes its way into the small aperture of the cracked window. Vira rubs her eyes, letting out a slight groan as she reaches under her pillow to stop the alarm on her phone. She checked her lock screen and read 8:00 am‒It was time to start her day. Vira had a schedule she followed every day: Make her bed, shower, skincare, and then study before class. She sat there looking through her finance notes, her phone buzzed from a message she received. Vira checked the message, 

“Wanna grab brekkie? Pls pls say yes, don't be a bum.”

It was Vira’s friend named Kash. She met him at her job, they were coworkers for a few months but he later quit and hasn’t left her alone since. Yet, she doesn’t block him, and fun secret: she enjoys being friends with him. Vira closes her notebook and slips it into her bag, packing up her utensils and school supplies.

“Can’t you eat breakfast by yourself bruh”‒Vira

“No. mwah, come to louty hall. We should get coffee. I’ll buy u ur grass fed premium gmo gluten free zero calorie tea”‒Kash

“you think you’re funny. Matcha is actually good wym”‒Vira Vira tossed her leather jacket on along with her black bag and headed out the door as it closed behind her. Placing her dark green headphones on her ear, she pushes back the curly pieces that caught her helix piercing and tucks it behind. Today was awfully bright for such chilly weather, the multiple trees that surrounded the side of the walking path, and the leaves were a beautiful orange tint‒fall. Step by step by step, Vira felt the leaves crunch under her boots as more fell from the tree onto the sidewalk. She reached her location within a few minutes, luckily the town was small, so everything was within walking distance. Vira walked in and the cafe was quite busy. Since it was morning, people from town would come in and purchase from the cafe before it was student hours. Vira pushed past the mini crowd near the cash register and headed towards the back to find her friend. She looked to the left of her and saw Kash sitting on the patio outside, he gave her a soft smile and a wave to come over. Vira opened the patio door and walked towards the table, setting down her bag. The red ceramic cup steamed from the coffee table, it had one of those latte leaf art, Kash laid out their hand in the direction of the seat in front of him and the matcha.”Seeee” he paused. “I told you I got your boujee ass tea”. Vira pulled back the chair and sat down, “Oh, I hope it didn’t hurt your pockets too bad”. She giggled and puckered her lips in a teasing way. Kash rolled his eyes and smiled. “Tuh!” She placed her headphones on the table and picked up the red cup, taking a sip. She scrunched her brows at the taste‒the matcha was more on the bitter side, did she really look like a no-sugar type of girl? Vira stared into the distance, watching the little river flow down the rocks and the huge white oak tree hanging from the edge of a hill, seeing small parts of its root exposed at the bottom. The wind blew a few leaves into the river as it flowed along the current to wherever the bottom was.

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authors note:

Tumblr was giving me a really hard time... part two here

[captainmarsupial]

another fanime for the books! the weekend isn’t over, but i most likely won’t be going tomorrow, so im gonna grieve it like it’s over right now even if i do end up going lol. had a ton of fun even if my wallet hates me for buying so much stuff :’D

yesterday we got there kinda late, around 11:30 maybe. registered and then went to get food since we only wanted to check out the artist alley and dealer hall but they weren’t open until 2. so we got tacos and then walked to get some coffee and matcha at academic. artist alley was cool, it was like wading through treacle as always but snagged some really awesome art!

i ended up seeing a print and regretting not buying it, then deciding to walk all the way around the whole thing again to find it and that taking forever. when i finally found it there was a girl there talking to the artist, and eventually she moved aside to let me place my order. she noticed my bag (i wore a clear bag &put some pcs in it) and recognized the kyu pc i’d brought where he’s eating in n out and wearing the paper hat lmao. she was like “IS THAT…….” and it turns out we both love suju TT-TT and 2nd gen groups in general. we fangirled together over snsd a little bit too lol. tbh i get a little nervous showing my suju stuff in public just bc kpop stans are so vicious online. but i was happy to make another 2nd gen friend :))) anyway, besides the print i also got a couple of gifts for my siblings.

then we left and got food again bc we were hungry already. and then returned for dealers hall!

dealers hall was super tame since it was day 1. bart had a booth so we got some merch and freebies including a cute station stamp! also found survive said the prophet’s merch booth n bought a sick ass looking shirt. tbh i was amazed fanime was able to pull them, they’re super good. as for the rest of the hall, i managed to control myself for the most part even tho there was sooo much stuff. after wandering all the aisles we went home, &i managed to squeeze in the gym after all of that.

day2! we got there hella early, like 930? and went to academic again for coffee. then we returned to the artist alley to beat the crowd, and somehow i ended up buying EVEN MORE. a couple more prints, a few mini prints and some jjk stickers. then we went to the car to put our prints away but decided we were already hungry even tho we both ate before leaving home. after lunch we went to this kpop random dance thing, which was fun but i didn’t recognize any of the new gen stuff… after that, we went to one panel about detective conan and another one about jpop oricon hits of the 2000s. soo much nostalgia from that one! i forgot about music i used to listen to like morning musume and arashi and more. and old dramas like hanayoridango. middle school me was very satisfied.

after that we checked out a car hall, got some dinner and snacks, then went to see survive said the prophet! they put on a fucking show. soo good. we were legit lucky that that was just included with our ticket, like wtf. so worth it! &really glad i brought earplugs, bc rock music is louddddd.

after the show we went to one of the dance halls and just spent some time dancing around. a girl gave me a kandi matching my haikyuu hinata cosplay, which was such a sweet experience. i’ve never been to a rave so i’ve never received kandi before! she even gave me a hug lol. maybe that’s standard practice but i thought it was so cute and kind!

then we went home. i made a sandwich bc i didn’t realize how little i’d eaten all day. &now im exhausted afffffff so goodnight!

[maddieonthemovee]

May 17 - Odaiba

Today was such a packed day! First, our class went to the Fuji Television Museum. We walked around their gift shop on the ground floor and then up to the observation deck. Unfortunately, the actual museum itself closed, so we were able to head out from there early. The actual building itself was huge and super impressive to look at from afar. 

Next, we walked to a Japanese BBQ spot for lunch. We had unlimited soda refills for an hour and a half which I took advantage of, of course. I was expecting the restaurant to be like Korean barbecue places, where you sit down at a table with a burner between the seats. However, this restaurant had full grills and the seating outdoors. One of my friends took on majority of the cooking work, thankfully. She grilled beef, pork, chicken, and rice coated in soy sauce. My favorite things I ate were the chicken and the rice. 

Our last stop for the day was TeamLab Planets Tokyo, a museum full of immersive and interactive artworks and experiences. Before our reservation time, my friends and I checked out their cafe, which was all vegan! I had coffee ice cream and a green tea chamomile latte with rice milk. My ice cream didn’t really taste like coffee, but it was still tasty and refreshing on this hot day! My tea tasted like nothing I’ve ever had before; I’m glad I tried it instead of getting my usual iced matcha. Our experience inside the museum began by us taking off our socks and shoes and putting them along with our bags in lockers. I didn’t know this before today, but many of the exhibits either are filled partially with water or require you to be able to feel elements of the exhibit with your feet. The first exhibit was a steep walk with a thin layer of water to a small, glowing waterfall. Next, was a small room filled with a black bouncy, cushiony floor. The floor wasn’t all the same height, as at some points, my feet sank deeper into the ground compared to others. This exhibit was called “Soft Black Hole - Your Body Becomes a Space that Influences Another Body”. The next notable exhibit was a large room filled with strings of LED lights hanging from a tall ceiling. The LED lights changed colors and brightness at various times; my friends and I had a fun time trying to time our photos with the lights. One of my favorite exhibits was called “Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People - Infinity”. We entered the exhibit by a small ramp. The exhibit was filled with a milky whit’s water that went up to the middle of my shins. I saw bright, colorful streams of light throughout the water. Once the scene came into focus, I realized that the streams of light were swimming koi fish! I’ve always loved koi fish and how peaceful watching them move is. My friends and I waded through the exhibit and just before the exit, I noticed that the koi fish were swimming in a circle around us, so fast that it looked like hundreds of light beans were circling us. We went through many other indoor exhibits and two outdoor ones. After we left, I read about the koi fish exhibit and learned the light projections are generated in real time, and that previous projections can never be repeated. I found this so impactful because what are the odds that the koi fish would happen to circle my friends and me? I hope to be able to visit another TeamLabs location in the future; the art was so engaging that I feel like I couple spend hours upon hours inside!

Our group split up for the day after completing the TeamLabs experience. My friends and I browsed some stores in the DiverCity Mall. We got Indian food, saw a beautiful sunset outside, and we are now on the way back to the hotel. Later tonight, we are going to celebrating the birthday of someone in our class; I’m excited to hang out with more of my classmates and make some memories!

Academic Reflection:

In today’s reading about Odaiba, I learned that it was constructed with the goal of creating a paradise, a fantasy of consumption. In our morning’s class discussion, we talked about how Odaiba is close to a theme park because it is such an idealized “dreamscape” of Tokyo. On page 81, Murayama and Parker write “Odaiba has become an all-embracing consumer experience and the gap between a ‘real’ or ‘authentic’ place and a theme park has seemingly never been narrower than in Odaiba.” I found this quote interesting to hear; I also learned that the UF football team was staying at the Grand Nikko, a highly rated hotel in Odaiba, while they were visiting Japan. I found it interesting that this hotel was the hotel the football team chose to stay in, as it is not considered a truly authentic area in Tokyo.

I found it interesting to learn about the conflict between the quality of leisure activities compared to the quality of life in Odaiba. The tourism here flourishes, and Odaiba “has become a major center for business activities”. However, “the large number of visitors overwhelms those who live on Odaiba and the location of the residential elements has also been flawed.” I recently, in the past couple of years, have learned how Hawaii’s tourism both positively influences their economy but simultaneously negatively impacts their native residents. I found a connection between these two places despite one being in a large city and the other an entire state. I wonder if the experiences of one of these cases can inform the solutions for the other.

[isabella-111]

<3

my pronounce are she/her and I’m bi. I’m 5’4 with medium length dark blonde hair that’s always pretty much untameable. I’m and Aquarius. I’m really into astrology and that sort of things. I make taylor swift my whole personality tbh. I collect crystals and always carry at least one with me. addicted to black eyeliner. I consider myself to be and extrovert but my social battery runs out really fast. really obsessed with fashion and makeup. my clothing style is pretty much whatever I feel like wearing. I’m really loud and outgoing, but deep down I’m really anxious and insecure. I’m a professional over thinker. sleeping is my hobby. I love books but I’m a very slow reader. I adore watching movies and writing reviews. art is what keeps me going. I suck at any type of sports. I love food, cooking and baking is my love language. I’m a great example of what listening to Lana Del Rey at 12 can do to a person. oh and I love matcha. 

If you’d pair me with a marauders era character I would be on cloud nine :)) 

congrats btw <3

A/N: you give off such iconic vibes very much lana del rey also literally same started listening to Lana perhaps a little too young now 5 years later mentally ill but living 😩 anyways i hope you like it <333

I ship you with remus lupin

- you and remus met at a crystal shop that sirius dragged him too ( remus loves crystals but will never admit it , he wont deny it either but he’ll never say it out loud for some reason)

- you guys were standing next to each other looking at the rose quartz and citrine that were next to each other . Thats when love story starts playing and you were internally fangirling. Little did you know so was remus well you were about to find out

Remus : oh i love this song * remus mutters almost talking to him self *

You : samee i love Taylor

Remus : * smiles at you * so do i

You and remus talk for about 30 minutes before he has to go but before he leaves he writes his number on the receipt( which not to get ahead of my self is framed in your guys future apartment along with the ticket stubs from the time you guys went to taylor swift concert )

-staying up late talking about astrology then moving on to the most bizarre topics >>>

- its quite funny actually cause remus is a introvert with a long social battery and your a extrovert with a short social battery....i guess opposites do attract

- late night baking with remus is a go to

Probably will end up in a flour fight and a few stolen kissed but it’s definitely fun and you guys love it

I ship you with Spencer

- you and spencer met at a book store

- you were sitting there for a little too long and he just walked up to you and asked “ are you alright”

You had to explain to him that your just a a slow reader and not like having a crisis (even tho a constant crisis is always a mood )

Spencer: oh sorry about that then

You : no no its no problem I appreciate you coming over to check on me

Spencer : * smiles * hey um ik i like came here and bugged you but would you maybe wanna go get coffee or something

You : make it matcha dr reid and you’ve got your self a deal

Spencer: *confused * wait how did you kn-

You : you have your badge on your bag * you smirk *

Spencer: *looks down at his bag * oh

You : * standing up from your seat * ready to go dr reid

Spencer: id love to but can i get your name first

You : its y/n

Spencer: thats lovely

- you guys drank your tea and had a conversation about your favorite art pieces ( foreshadowing for your second date which was a museum

- dropping off cookies and brownies to the bau team when they’re in the office is the best

- watching movies with Spencer but the end is just you guys critiquing them >>>>

- professional overthinker meet Spencer also a professional over thinker . (Communication is key with you guys but it’s definitely something thats easy to talk about since you both understand the feeling if being overwhelmed and racing thoughts

- no matter how bad you feel that day Spencer is always there to remind you how beautiful, gorgeous, hot and amazing you are

[mythoughtsbysms]

Date Plans

Do not repost this post. This is my original work.

Sunday Morning

It’s 7:00 am and you woke up to your alarm going off. The room was warmer than usual because you decided to close the window since it was raining badly the night before and didn't want water going into your room. It was foggy outside and you decided to get up and open the curtains all the way and open up the window to let some fresh air into the room. 

You grabbed your phone and went into your kitchen to make yourself a honey latte since you really liked it yesterday. You made yourself peanut butter toast with some banana slices and strawberries with a couple of hard-boiled eggs. You sat down on the couch and opened up your phone to see if anyone texted you during the night. You saw a notification that Matt has texted you very late last night, you were asleep at this point. 

Matt: Hey Y/N! Sorry for the late text. I wanted to make sure you are okay and say I'm sorry about the kiss tonight. I didn’t want to come off pushing or trying to rush things since we are now getting to know each other. I understand if you don't want to go on with our friendship. I want to make sure you are happy and feel respected. 

Y/N: Hey Matt! I’m seeing your text now. I was asleep when you sent your text. You didn't do anything wrong! I appreciate that you wanted to make sure I felt respected. I was worried that I did something wrong. You left so quickly. Are you doing okay? Of course, I still want to be friends with you. You're really cool and sweet. 

Matt: Hey. Yes, I am doing alright. I’m happy that you want to continue our friendship. I really enjoy spending my time with you. You're an amazing woman and I’m grateful to have you as my friend. 

Y/N: Aww... I’m grateful that you are my friend too!

You were so happy that you both are on the same page and communicated what was going on on both sides. After you were done eating, you went and got dressed so you can run some errands. You wanted to go to Blick’s art store to purchase some Prismacolor color pencils, some Copic markers, bristol paper, and a couple sketchbooks. You also needed to stop by the store to pick up some groceries and flowers. Flowers make you happy because they are calm and feel as if they have a personality of their own. [ Your favorite flower(s) ] is/are your favorite. 

Errands

While you were getting ready, you picked out an outfit. You are wearing black flare pants, a loosely fitted cream sweatshirt, a black beanie, a loosely fitted black shirt jacket, and a pair of black ankle-height UGGs. Once ready, you grab your water and stopped by the local coffee shop to get yourself a matcha latte with honey and went to go Blick’s. 

While shopping at Blick’s, you were picking out some colors from the Prismacolor pencil section thinking about texting Matt to see what he is doing but decided not to because he could be busy and you didn’t want to disrupt him from his work. You went on the purchase the supplies you needed and wanted and went to the grocery store. Before you left, you wrote down what you needed because you planned on baking more treats since you and Matt ate the other ones up. 

Whole Foods List:

Fruits: organic honeycrisp apple and avocado.

Vegetables: organic cucumber and baby romaine lettuce.

Pantry: 100% organic cacao powder, 100% organic cacao bar, canned pumpkin puree (2), canned refried beans (3), and organic peanut butter.

Dairy/Dairy Alternative: soy milk (2).

Misc: flowers for the kitchen table.

You got what you needed from the grocery store and walked home. Luckily, it wasn’t raining outside, so nothing got wet from the rain. When you got home, you put everything away and took care of the flowers. The flowers were [ your favorite flower ] and looked amazing on the kitchen table. I made the space look complete. Now that everything has been taken care of, you made yourself a classic peanut butter and homemade raspberry jam sandwich with some chips on the side. It’s simple but it was good. Sometimes, having something simple hits the spot, especially on a busy day. 

 A few hours later, you were relaxing on the couch eating a snack, and watching some [ your favorite genre of videos ] on YouTube on TV when Matt texts you.

Matt: Hey Y/N! I wanted to see how you were doing. You’ve been on my mind all day. 

Y/N: Hey! I’m doing alright. I’ve run some errands earlier and now I’m watching YouTube on TV while eating a snack. What’s going on?

Matt: Cool. Nothing much just been working on some music for an upcoming single. May I ask you something?

Y/N: Oh cool! Of course, what’s up?

Matt: I know we just met and started becoming friends but, I was wondering if I can take you out to dinner sometime? I’ve been developing feelings for you and wanted to take you out but wanted to take it slowly so you didn’t feel rushed.

Y/N: Matt, I would love to go on a date with you! What date and time were you thinking?

Matt: Awesome! I was thinking before my tour starts (January 27th) since I’ll be busy with music for the next couple of weeks. How about January 20th at 5:30 pm? 

Y/N: *checks calendar* Yes, that should work!

Matt: Great! See you January 20th at 5:30 pm! I’ll pick you up.

Y/N: Perfect! I’m looking forward to seeing you.

Matt: Me too. :)

You spent the rest of the night watching TV and relaxing, You went to bed with butterflies and love in your stomach. You were so excited but the date is a month away. You wrote on your to-do list things you need to get done prior to the date to help make the days fly by quicker. 

[rocksandrobots]

Phantoms of the Past Chapter 28 - The Halloween Hunt - Part 3

 "The Lucky Cat..." Rapunzel read the sign on the cafe door out loud. Normally she would have found the inviting atmosphere of the cafe exciting, but knowing that Varian might be inside, waiting for her, tied her stomach into knots.

 Thus far she hadn't allowed herself to think about what their meeting would be like after so many years. Would he still hate her? Did he still blame her for everything? Would he attack her again, and endanger all of the people here, or would he simply sulk and make vague threats to her? Would he be remorseful of anything? Would he even care about helping Corona? It was once his home too, but he had vowed to destroy the place himself many times before, and had come very close to doing just that on more than one occasion.

 "Quick question," Lance said, interrupting her bad memories. "How are we supposed to get Varian to go along with anything? I mean, it's not like we can arrest him and drag him back to Corona with us like this... Can we?"

 As if to prove his point, he tried to open the door and his hand went through the door handle.

 Eugene sighed, "I don't know, but he doesn't have to know that we can't... Let's just ask him about the scroll first and go from there."

 Just then a customer walked out of the cafe, and Rapunzel tried to shove all her doubts away as the trio hurried through the open door. Only to find out when they entered that she had been worried over nothing. Varian wasn't there.

 "Hi, Welcome to The Lucky Cat!" A petite woman with short brown hair called out to them. She was all smiles as she placed a coffee pot on a stand next to a bunch of cups and wooden stirrers. "Happy Halloween! Today's special is our mean green matcha mocha. How may I help you?"

 Rapunzel started to breathe easier. This was the warmest welcome that they had received since arriving in San Fransokyo and Rapunzel decided that she liked this enthusiastic woman. "Hi, nice to meet you. Oooh, what's a mocha?"

 The woman blinked in surprise, but then quickly recovered with another beaming smile. "Oh, well usually it's hot chocolate mixed with coffee, but in our matcha mocha special, it's matcha green tea with white chocolate."

 "Both those sound great!" Lance said. You could practically see his mouth watering.

 "Oh wonderful... so you like one of each?" The woman said as she walked around the counter to take their orders. "We're also offering a special 'trick or treat' sale today. Buy any drink and get one of our specialty made treats, like our monster muffins or ghostly donuts for half off."

 "Oh cuuute!" Rapunzel bent down to see the decorated sweets behind the glass counter. The 'ghostly donuts' were frosted beignets; round and covered in powdered sugar with black frosting forming eyes and mouths.

 Eugene lightly coughed in his hand to gain his friends' attention and put them back on task. "As delightful as that sounds, we unfortunately don't have any money." This announcement elected disappointed frowns from everyone present, but Eugene ignored them. "We're actually new in town and we're looking for a particular person. We were told, by an old acquaintance, that we might find him here."

 The woman behind the counter tilted her head. "Oh... and who's that?"

 "His name is Varian." Rapunzel said. "We saw his raccoon outside and figured that he was here."

 "Yes an honest assumption to make seeing as how he's never seen without the little vermin," Eugene hastily added before the woman found the explanation odd,"Does... does he frequent this place often?"

 The woman gave a soft laugh. "Well, I should say so. He lives here! Oh, but I'm sorry, you've just missed him. He's probably at the school by now."

 "The school?" Eugene echoed.

 "Oh yeah, they're holding a big Halloween event at the SFIT campus. It'll go on all night, so you still have time to get there. Are you three from the art institute instead?"

 The trio exchanged confused looks with each other, unsure how to respond to that question.

 "Umm... not exactly..." Eugene stuttered, debating on what to tell the woman. He decided to turn the tables instead. "How do you know him, by the way?"

 The woman smiled again and offered her hand to them. "Oh, I'm his Aunt Cass."

 "Cass?" Rapunzel whispered. They may have shared a name but she couldn't picture two women being more opposite than this baker and their Cassandra.

 However, Lance was far more interested in the woman's title than her name. "Aunt? You mean we have another aunt!?" he excitedly blurted out.

 Eugene gave Lance a warning glare, and the taller man shrank back as he realized that he had given too much away.

 For the first time however, the smile faded away upon the kind woman's face. "Wh-what do you mean... 'we'?"

 Eugene coughed again, "What my brother means... is... you wouldn't happen to know an Edmund would you... or maybe a Quirin?"

 "Or an Adira, or a Hector?" Lance added, despite himself.

 Aunt Cass slowly lowered her hand and Rapunzel could see the transformation on her face as her friendly demeanor was replaced with a more guarded one.

 "Quirin? You mean Varian's father. You're from Corona." It was a statement not a question.

 Eugene sighed, there was no point in skirting the truth now. "Yes, we're from Corona. I'm Eugene Fitzherbert, this is my adopted brother Lance..." Lance waved at her enthusiastically, "and my lovely girlfriend Rap-"

 "Just call me Raps." Rapunzel hastily interjected. She didn't want a repeat of the conversation with the police officer, and there was no telling what Varian had told the woman.

 "Yes, well, as it turns out that my father, Edmund, and Varian's father, Quirin, were brothers, and we only just all found each other again after several years of being separated." Eugene gave a nervous chuckle, "Honestly, we're still trying to piece together the whole family tree as it is, and we were just wondering how you may fit into it."

 The woman closed her eyes as realization hit her and her beaming smile returned. "Oh... now I see." She gave her own awkward laugh. "Sorry, no, y-you wouldn't recognize me. I'm not his biological Aunt... I've just been fostering Varian while he's here in the states."

 "The states?" Rapunzel echoed.

 "Oh, yes, the US. " Aunt Cass noticed the trio still staring blankly at her... "the United States of America."

 "Oh.. America!?" Rapunzel shouted. "Yes... I can't tell how exciting it is to finally see the Americas. I've only gotten to read about it in books before. They really undersell how insanely amazing this place is. Like those horseless carriages everyone rides around in. I've never seen those before."

 'You... you mean… cars?" Aunt Cass asked surprised. "They don't have automobiles in Corona?"

 Rapunzel shook her head, not understanding why the woman was surprised. "Oh no. Everyone has horses in Corona. Like Maxumis, he's the best horse ever! So sweet... Come to think of it, I haven't seen any horses here at all. Do they just not have them in America?"

 Aunt Cass tried her best not to laugh at that question. "Oh, no, we do have horses here, just not everybody owns them. Especially here in the big city." She flashed them another wide smile. "Listen, there's no other customers right now. I can take a short break. Why don't you all have a seat and I'll bring us some drinks. On the house. Would you prefer coffee or tea?"

 Eugene tried to politely turn down the invite, not the least of which because they couldn't drink anything in this state. "Oh no, you don't have to go out of your way just for us."

 "Nonsense, any family of Varian's is more than welcome in my home." She insisted. "How about I brew up some of that matcha? I'll go put the kettle on." And with that she walked behind a swing door into the cafe's kitchen.

 "Quick, we need to get out of here." Eugene whispered in a panic.

 "We can't just run away now." Rapunzel whispered back. "She'll think something is wrong for sure and warn Varian. Besides, we might learn a thing or two by talking to her."

 "Like what? How to brew tea?" Eugene hissed. "In case you haven't noticed right now, we're kind of incorporeal right now."

 As if to prove this point, Lance tried to take a seat in one of the chairs and fell right through it. He rubbed his backside as she stood up again.

 "Oooff... Incorporeal or not, it still hurts when you land on your rear end."

 "See!?' Eugene squeaked. "If we don't get out of here now, she'll definitely know that something is wrong."

 "Ooh... where is that white chocolate..." They overheard the woman's voice call out to them. "Hey, do you mind if we just had plain green tea instead?"

 "Uhhh... anything is fine with us!" Rapunzel awkwardly called back into the kitchen. "Heh... Take your time. No rush."

 No sooner were the words out of her mouth before everyone started running around the cafe looking for a solution. Yet everything they touched passed through their hands as if made of air.  

 "Do you want any sugar?" Aunt Cass called out again.

 "That'd be wonderful, thank you!" Eugene yelled back as he tried and failed to get on a bar stool. Beside him Rapunzel sunk through a booth; only her nose and eyes were visible over the top of the seat cushion.

 "Whatta we do?" Lance whimpered.

 Eugene widely cast his eyes around for anything that might help.

 Then Rapunzel stood up and grabbed their hands. "Quick. I have an idea!"

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

  "Nervous?" asked Trina, as she and Varian tuned their instruments.

 Varian softly laughed. "Nervous? Me? Naw, we both know that my ego won't allow me to be nervous."

 Trina smiled at the joke. "That's true. Your big head probably swells up so much that it blocks your ear drums and prevents you from hearing the audience's boos."

 Varian snorted as he failed to not laugh. "Yeah, well how about you? Are you ready to show everyone what you're made of?"

 "Umm... titanium steel alloy and circuit breakers?" She giggled. "Don't worry, we've been rehearsing for weeks. We got this."

 "Drums are set up." Megan called down to them from the stage. "And Mole said that the sound system is ready to go. We should do a sound check before everybody gets here, though."

 "Well, looks like things are going smoothly over here." Tadashi called out as he sauntered over to them with his usual cheeky grin.

 "Hey, Tadashi." Megan waved.

 "How's the haunted house going?" Trina asked.

 "It's almost done. I asked Carol to help Gogo and Honey Lemon with unpacking the concessions, she should be back over here in just a minute." Tadashi explained. "Hey, umm... Varian can I talk to you for just a moment?"

 "Sure... What's up?" He asked as he followed Tadashi out on the manicured lawn that connected the various buildings on campus. It was called the Quad; so named because there were four main structures spread out in each direction on the compass.

 Tadashi sighed and cast a quick look about them to make sure no one was nearby to hear them. "I... don't want to worry you... but I just got a call from Chief Cruz. He... he was asking a lot of questions."

 Varian raised an eyebrow. "What kind of questions?"

 "Well mostly the usual.. 'How are things? What's Megan doing? Is everyone safe?' but he mentioned you by name and asked if 'you were alright'... You wanna tell me what that was about?"

 Varian just shrugged. "I don't know what he's talking about. Everything's fine.... Unless you told him about the fainting incident last week."

 Tadashi closed his eyes in exasperation. "And why would I tell him that?"

 "Because you're over protective and you won't let things go." Varian accused.

 His brother snorted. "Look who's talking? Listen, if I was to tell anybody about your fainting spell it'd be Aunt Cass. I'm not exactly on the Chief's good side."

 "Then why did he call you?" Varian asked, confused.

 Tadashi awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "I think he knows something is up... with Big Hero Six, I mean. He hasn't come forward, probably because he doesn't have any concrete evidence yet... but he's onto us."

 "You mean he's on to Hiro. We're not superheroes, remember?"

 "That's just it. He didn't mention Hiro. He asked if you were alright, specifically, made some small talk, 'casually' mentioned watching a special feature on the news tonight about the 'Portal Pirate'... and then said 'You know it's Halloween tonight. There's a lot of weirdos out there. Keep an eye on your brothers, and make sure everyone's safe. Call me if anyone shows up trying to start trouble.' and then hung up."

 Varian blinked in confusion as he tried to figure out the policeman's cryptic warning. "Do you think he knows something we don't? Like maybe a supervillain escaped jail again?"

 Tadashi shook his head. "I think he would have been more forward if that was the case. If he honestly thought anybody was in danger tonight he'd step in, regardless of whether or not he had evidence for it."

 Varian once again mulled over the officer's words in his head... "If he just thought I was the one in trouble... then why didn't he call me instead?"

 Tadashi shrugged. "I don't know... maybe he didn't want you flipping out and running off again."

 Varian narrowed his eyes at the cheap shot. Tadashi met his glaze coolly.

 "And you've not done anything stupid lately, like poke around Madam Canardist's anymore?"

 Tadashi sharply inhaled before stopping himself from snapping back a harsher retort. Once his initial anger subsided he slowly exhaled. "For the last time... I was only trying to help..."

 "Well don't. I don't need your help, no one does, there's nothing happening... that old lady is just trying to toy us and if we ignore her she'll go away."

 Tadashi looked at him as if he had suddenly grown two heads. "Nothing's happening?... You traveled here from another world, you invented time travel just to rescue me from a fire, and now there's this creepy old woman who somehow traveled from the same world that you came from who owns a weird glowing rock that caused you to faint. And I still can't figure out how I was able to read that incantation in the first place, it wasn't in English or any other language that I could recognize."

 Varian rolled his eyes and started to walk away. He didn't want to discuss this with Tadashi now. Yet, his older brother wasn't done. Tadashi firmly grabbed him by the shoulder and forced him to turn around.

 "Look... I know that your past is traumatic and that you don't want to be reminded of it... but it's just not going away. Especially when you're actively trying to get back to Corona again. As long as you keep fooling with that portal we could all be in danger."

 "No one is in danger Tadashi!" Varian pushed back. "Nothing can get through that portal without my knowing."

 "Oh and what about Canardist? How did she get here then?"

 "I... I don't know." Varian mumbled.

 Tadashi didn't say anything more but Varian could feel his stare. Varian refused to meet his gaze and after a moment Tadashi continued.

 "It's magic, isn't it?"

 Varian sucked in his breath as if he'd been punched in the stomach, but he didn't deny his conclusion. Tadashi pressed on.

 "This Canardist has figured out how to harness the power from those radioactive rocks that you said destroyed your home, and she has one just sitting in her shop right now."

 Varian bit his lip. "Wh-what did the stone look like?"

 "It was black, with a mirror like sheen... b-but it started to glow blue whenever I read that spell written on it."

 Varian darted his eyes back and forth across the field, still refusing to meet Tadashi's gaze. "Was... was it pointed at the end.. like a spike?"

 "Yeah..." Tadashi slowly nodded, encouraged that at least Varian was asking questions now. "... and it had a symbol on it. Hiro said, that      you     said, that it came from your father's home country."

 "The seal of Umbra... the mark of the brotherhood…" Varian finished.

 "What does that mean?"

 "The rocks come from Umbra... they destroyed my father's home first. Be-before they started to spread... I.. I really don't know much. All I could find out from his diary was that our family were knights sworn to protect the rest of the world from the rocks. He and his siblings were trained since childhood to be these protectors. That's why they're called the Brotherhood, I guess.... Anyways, they failed. The rocks took over the whole kingdom, causing everyone to evacuate,  and the plague was free to travel wherever it will, destroying more homes in its wake. "

 "B-but how?" Tadashi asked, more gently this time. "How do the rocks keep spreading… I mean, they're rocks... is it the radiation coming off them, this 'magic' or... wh-"

 "Tadashi, can we please just drop this!" Varian hissed as he blinked back tears. "What does it matter!? The rocks can't get here. It's a whole other world, alright, and there's no magic to be had in this one. I.. I just fainted, alright. I must have gotten a bad migraine from the blaring music at the dance hall or something. It was just a coincidence and there's no reason to keep bringing it up!"

 Now it was Tadashi's turn to roll his eyes as he grew exasperated with Varian's constant excuses to avoid the subject. "If you had just 'fainted' like you said, then you need to go to a doctor, because people don't just 'faint'. There's a reason for it. So either you need medical attention or there's something to this magic business after all. Either way, a check up wouldn't hurt you."

 "Baymax already looked me over. I'm fine, and this conversation is done."

 Varian turned and started to storm away again. Tadashi glared after him as he left and pulled out the cloaking sheet from his back pocket.

 Varian hadn't made it ten paces before Tadashi suddenly reappeared in front of him, as if by magic himself, and Varian fell back with a surprised yell.

 "Don't do that!"

 Tadashi ignored him as he finished pulling the sheet off his head. "What are you afraid of Varian?"

 "I don't know!? Maybe my big brother, jumping out of thin air and giving me a heart attack!"

 "That's not what I mean, and you know it! Why are you afraid to talk about the rocks? What are you afraid of us finding out about you? I know it's painful to think about your past, but its been months now and none of us know the full story!"

 "Why do you need to know anything? What does my past have to do with Cruz calling? I'm here now and I finally have my life together again. Why isn't that enough, Tadashi!?"

 "I don't know!? If all this really was enough, then why do you need to keep fooling with the portal?"

 "You know why..." Varian's voice dropped to a dark whisper.

 Tadashi frowned. "Look... I want your Dad to be safe too... alright? But if you're going to keep messing with magic then we need to know what we're dealing with."

 "For the last time, the portal isn't magic."

 "Oh, isn't it?" Tadashi stepped forward, arms crossed. "What powers it up then?"

 Varian titled his head to the heavens. "Electricity. Same as everything else in this very, non-magical city."

 "What about that focusing device you need?"

 Varian stiffened. "Wh-what about it?"

 "Hiro said it was a yellow rock, from your home. Is it related to these rocks?" Tadashi smugly thought that he was winning the debate. After all, if Varian was experimenting with these radioactive crystals in order to return to his homeland, then surely they needed to know more about these experiments.

 Varian however didn't agree. Suddenly he snarled and lunged at Tadashi. And before he knew what was happening, the smaller teenager had grabbed him by the shirt collar and lifted him off the ground.

 "Woah!" Tadashi's eyes went wide. "Talk about your adrenaline rush."

 Varian didn't appreciate his attempt at humor. "Stay away from the amber. Stay away from the rocks, and stay away from Canardist. Do you hear me?"

 "I told you, you don't get to order me about."

 Varian gave him a firm shake, before finally letting him go in a huff, almost flinging him to the ground. Tadashi had to react quickly to keep from falling as he righted himself.

 "You're a fool." Varian spat. "Stop messing with things you don't understand."

 "I would understand them, if you'd just talk to me, you hypocrite!" Tadashi indignantly shouted as he straightened out his shirt collar.

 Varian screwed up his face and looked for a moment like he would retort, but instead gave a wordless cry of frustration before turning to leave yet again.

 This time Tadashi let him go, before shaking his own head in annoyance and stormed off in the opposite direction.

 "What was that about?" Carol asked as Varian rejoined them on the stage.

 "Nothing... my brother is just an idiot." Varian dismissed as he grabbed his guitar. "You got the sound system set up and ready to go Mole?"

 "Sure do buddy." The short twelve year old said with a thumbs up. "With your band and my DJ-ing skills this party is going to be off the hook!"

 "All right, first sound check in 3.. 2.. 1..."

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

 "Alright, the tea is ready." Aunt Cass called out as she re-entered the cafe carrying a tray with a tea pot and china cups. "And I brought out the good china-"

 She stopped abruptly when she saw her guests. They were all sitting on the floor!

 "Haha... Old Corona tradition..." The young gentlemen called Eugene explained with a tight smile. "We always take our tea sitting on the ground."  

 "Oh… Oh like in Japan?" Aunt Cass recovered, "Oh, well I have some seating cushions and floor pillows up stairs if you want me to go get them."

 "Oh no, don't trouble yourself on our account, we're quite comfortable, aren't we?"

 The other Coronians nodded enthusiastically and so, Aunt Cass found herself sitting on her knees as she placed the tray between them. Fortunately the little stand was still large enough to hold all of the cups. She poured out the tea for each of them and then filled her own glass. "So... Umm... I hope you had a nice trip over here." She said as she picked up her cup and leaned back on her haunches.

 "It was a breeze." Eugene lightly dismissed.

 "Yeah, and hardly took any time at all." His step brother said. "It was over in the blink of an eye."

 "Well, I'm glad your flight went smoothly." Aunt Cass politely commented. She was having difficulty navigating the conversation. She was too afraid to dive straight in with the questions that she really wanted to ask, and it was also clear that her guests were equally nervous at meeting her.

 She decided to make with some small talk. "Does Corona have a nice airport?"

 This must have been the wrong thing to ask however as the trio all exchanged bewildered looks.

 "Umm... does Corona have airplanes?" She asked, "I just assumed... though I guess you could have come here by boat. I'm sorry that was rude of me."

 The young man with the goatee gave her a wide, tight smile, "No... no, it's not rude at all... Ummm, it's true, Corona has limited flying transport..."

 "Though the Saporians have hot air balloons!" Lance eagerly butted in.

 Aunt Cass stiffened. She recognized that name. They were the rebels that Varian had joined. Her foster child hadn't told her much, but she knew that they were fighting for their independence from what they believed to be oppressive Coronian rule.

 What did these people know? Probably more than her, that was for sure. Whose side were they on? Indeed, if they were on anyone's side? Surely they were here to escape, just as Varian had... Also, who used hot air balloons in combat?

 Aunt Cass was too taken aback by the casual mention of what she believed was an ongoing war to notice the disapproving glare that Eugene gave his brother. She was also too caught up in her own worry and paranoia to notice that none of the Coronaians had even tried their tea.

 "Th-that interesting. Soooo, where are you staying while you're here in San Fransokyo?"

 "Oh, uh... we won't staying for very long." The woman with the cute Rapunzel costume replied.

 "Yes, unfortunately we are a bit on a time crunch..." Eugene explained. "In fact we really should get going if we want to see Varian again before our... uh... 'flight' back..."

 Aunt Cass blinked in surprise. "Go back? You're going back there?"

 The tone of her voice caused everyone present to look at her in confusion and suddenly Aunt Cass felt very foolish. Who was she to judge their home like that? She had next to zero knowledge about the conflict. Maybe things had calmed down...

 "I mean... so soon? You just got here... Why... yo-you haven't even tried your tea yet."

 Once again she noticed her guests giving each other awkward stares. She frowned. Had she forgotten something again? She looked down at the tea set as she took a nervous sip from her own cup. That's when she noticed what was missing.

 "Oh, the sugar! I'll be right back."

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

 Rapunzel watched the kind woman stand up and rush over to a counter where sugar, and what looked to be other spices, were placed next to a stack of more cups and wooden stirs.

 "Whatta we do now?" Lance whispered to her. "We can't drink anything like this."

 "I still say we should make a break for it." Eugene said through gritted teeth as he watched the woman with a plastered smile, in case she turned around and saw them conspiring together.

 Rapunzel took a deep breath. This wasn't going to work, unless they could touch something; anything. Maybe if she concentrated really, really hard...

 She tried to envision in her mind the way a teacup should feel in her hand as she reached out and tried to grasp the handle. She imagined she could feel the cool, hard porcelain between her fingers, and could swear that she almost felt it's smooth texture pressed against her fingertips. She dared not look down, for fear that wouldn't be the truth, as she lifted up her hand.

 The baker turned around just in time to see Rapunzel lift the cup up, she saw nothing unusual in it. However Rapunzel couldn't have been more delighted as her companions looked on with awe and admiration.

 "I did it! Haha!" She crowed.

 "Did what?" The woman innocently asked as she sat next to Rapunzel and placed the sugar on the table.

 Rapunzel momentarily lost her concentration with that question and the cup slipped through her fingers once more as if she'd been made of air. The china teacup shattered on the ground.

 "Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry." Rapunzel moaned.

 "Oh, no, it's okay. It's okay." The woman gently cooed as she grabbed a towel to clean up the mess. "There's plenty more where those came from."

 She smiled as she picked up the broken pieces and placed them in the towel. "What kind of cafe owner would I be if I didn't have more cups?"

 She stood up. "I'm going to throw these away and I'll be right back with a new one for you."

 Rapunzel pouted as she watched the kind woman hurry away into the kitchen once more.

 "Well that was an abject failure." Lance commented. "Maybe we should cut our losses and just run for it."

 Rapunzel hung her head in her hands as embarrassment washed over her.

 "Hey, don't worry about it sunshine." Eugene said as he rested a comforting hand upon her shoulder. "When she comes back out again, we'll just simply ask her where this school is located and then politely excuse ourselves."

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

 "Can you believe that guy?" Tadashi complained as he joined Gogo at the concession stand. "Here I am, trying to help, and he practically throws me across the yard."

 Gogo gave him a frown, but said nothing.

 "Oh. You think I'm overreacting?"

 "No." she sadly shook her head, and sighed. "Varian has a bit of... an anger management issue that he's working on."

 "So you agree with me then? He's the one who's blowing this out of proportion." He reached out for a cupcake and Gogo lightly smacked his hand away.

 "No."

 Now Tadashi was just confused. "'No', as in 'you can't have sweets right now', or 'no' as in 'I don't agree with you'?"

 "I don't agree with you." She plainly said as moved the plate of cupcakes out of reach. "Also, don't eat our profits."

 "Who's side are you on?"

 "I'm not on anybody's side. You're both wrong."

 "How am I wrong?"

 His girlfriend gave him another pout. "Do you like talking about the car wreck?" she gently whispered.

 Tadashi stiffened. "Th-that's different."

 Gogo crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow at him.

 Tadashi relented with a sigh. "Ok, fine... maybe I should have been a little more tactful, b-but.. I really believe that this itsimportant an-"

 "And you're the only one who's obsessing over this." Gogo interrupted.

 Now it was Tadashi's turn to pout. Gogo gently cupped his cheek. "Babe, I know that this past month has been.. stressful.. to say the least... But ever since we rescued you from the fire you've been... sort of... well... sort of..."

 "Roguishly handsome, and devil-may-care?"

 Gogo rolled her eyes at the joke. "Been acting kind of crazy."

 "Ooof.. ouch, again." He over dramatically placed his hand over his heart.

 "Okay, yeah, saying it out loud, that did sound harsh, b-but you know what I mean right? It's like... it's like you're trying too hard to fit back in, and you don't have to. We're just happy that you're here."

 Tadashi sighed. "I... I know I may have gone a little overboard on a few things lately, but this isn't about trying to fit back in... not anymore. I'm genuinely worried something might be wrong, now. You weren't there, you didn't see it, but I'm certain that whatever that stone was in Madam Canardist's shop it's connected to Varian, and his home world."

 Gogo tilted her head and genuinely considered this possibility. "Well... even if that's true... which it might very well be, we don't know... then what makes you think trying to pressure him for information is going to help?"

 "And what do you suggest we do? He's not willing to talk about it, and yet he's still fooling with that portal. What if something dangerous comes through?"

 "Like what?" Gogo seriously asked.

 "I don't know." Tadashi shrugged. "It's another world. It doesn't even follow our rules on physics. There could be anything on the other side that we're not prepared for that Varian isn't considering because he thinks it's 'normal.' Like for all we know, Cthulhu could be considered a pet over there."

 Gogo snorted with laughter.

 "Alright, that maybe a bit of stretch, but you see where I'm coming from now? I just don't want anyone getting hurt."

 Gogo gave him a loving smile and rested her head against his shoulder. "I know what you mean... and I think we're all nervous about Varian's experiments. But all we can do is be there for him. If something comes through that portal, we'll handle it."

 "Because you're superheroes?" Tadashi quipped.

 "No... cause we 're all too stubborn to give up on those we love." She gave him a peck on the cheek. "Now go finish getting ready. The first guests will be arriving soon."

 Tadashi gave in and pulled out his ghost costume. "Fine.. but don't say I didn't warn you. For all we know some bugged eyed, hairy monster could already be roaming the streets of San Fansokyo as we speak, intent on stalking us down, and feeding off our flesh."

 Gogo rolled her eyes again, but this time she smiled at the joke. "Sometimes you're just as bad as Fred, you know that!?" She called after him, and they both had a good snicker before he disappeared under his cloak.

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

 It wasn't a bugged-eyed creature however, that currently sat inside the Lucky Cat. Though he had come from another world, and he was hunting down a certain alchemist...

 Eugene frowned at his reflection that swam inside the tea cup. How he managed to cast a reflection, despite not physically being in this world, he couldn't say. All he knew was that magic was weird, and very,  very annoying.

 They were running out of time and yet if they didn't play nice at this tea party then... well, Eugene had trouble thinking of a consequence. If nothing could touch them then it wasn't like anything could hurt them either, but Eugene hated to give the nice lady before them a fright by walking through the walls to escape or something.

 This 'Aunt Cass' was genuinely trying to welcome them, and treat them as extended family, even if she didn't have any real clue who they were and was not actually related to them at all.

 It was an awkward situation to say the least, and Eugene began to wonder if this was what real family reunions were like. He had heard people complain about such boring get togethers before, but he had always assumed they were exaggerating, until now.

 "So, umm... 'Aunt Cass, (Shall we call you Aunt Cass?) you have a very lovely home here" He told the lady as she finished pouring Rapunzel another glass of tea. "Is that a genuine cashmere curtain?"

 "Umm, I think it's miro fiber?" Aunt Cass gently laughed. "Honestly, I don't know. Those curtains were a house warming gift from my sister and brother-in-law, when I first opened the cafe, and you can call me whatever you'd like. Cass, Aunt Cass... Cassidy... It doesn't matter."

 "Does your sister live nearby?" Lance innocently asked. "What do we call her?"

 Aunt Cass gave a sad smile. "I'm afraid that my sister and her husband are... no longer with us. It's just been myself and my two nephews for years now... until Varian that is. Oh, would you like to see the family portrait? I just got it taken a few weeks ago!"

 "Oh, yes please! I love paintings." Rapunzel answered.

 "Well, it's not necessarily a painting, but I'll show it to you." She got up and walked over to the stairs and pulled a picture off the wall. "He we go." She walked back and flipped the fame around to show them.

 It was a group portrait alright. In the middle stood Aunt Cass and Varian. She was holding a calico cat, while the goggle wearing teen held Ruddiger in his own arms. Beside them were two other teenage boys with dark hair and brown eyes. They looked far more related to each other than the rest of the occupants in the photo, but it was clear from everyone’s smiling faces that they were all a family.

 Aunt Cass pointed to each person in the picture, "This is Tadashi, my eldest, and Hiro here is the youngest, and that is our pet Mochi that I'm holding. There's also Baymax, but he's the one who took the picture."

 "Oh my..." Rapunzel beamed. "and he did such a good job. It looks almost real! Baymax must be very talented."

 Aunt Cass seemed bemused by this comment. "Yeah, I suppose he is. Not many robot nurses moonlight as photographers, I guess." She laughed and went to hang the picture back up.

 "Robots?" Lance asked.

 "Oh, sorry, yeah Baymax isn't human, he's a robot." This elected questioning stares from everyone.

 "I'm sorry, were not familiar with that word..." Eugene suggested.

 "Oh.. oh, sorry, I don't know what you would call them in Corona. But... you know. A robot is a mechanical being… a machine that looks kind of like a person and can walk around but is all metal instead..."

 "Oh you mean an automaton!" Lance said.

 "Yeah, that's it! That's the word Varian sometimes uses."

 "Oh man, is the kid building more of those?" Eugene asked.

 "Well, actually, Tadashi is the one who built Baymax." Cass explained as she took her seat again. "The 'automaton' is suppose to be a nurse... you know, to help people."

 Eugene could barely comprehend what he was hearing. "Wait, wait… You're telling me that you live with two teenage mad scientists?"

 "Three, actually." She proudly smiled. "They all go to SFIT. That's the San Fransokyo Institute of Technology. All of my boys have managed to get scholarships there. Tadashi and Hiro are both majoring in robotics. Tadashi specializes in programing software, while Hiro is more of an engineer. Meanwhile Varian is going for physics."

 Eugene's mouth nearly hit the floor. He was sure that the boys admittance into a university was a notable accomplishment, but what really impressed him was the idea that this petite woman, who was all smiles, somehow lived with and raised such children while doing it.

 Her home must have been swarming with weird inventions, ready to go boom at any second! And if her biological nephews were anything like Varian, she must have had her hands full with their antics.

 "You are the bravest woman I have ever met." Eugene said with all seriousness.

 The woman only laughed at the compliment. "Oh, it's nothing really. So long as you don't mind the occasional appliance exploding."

 "What has the google head blown up this time?" Eugene slyly smiled.

 Aunt Cass's smile grew wider as she realized that these people genuinely were Varian's family. Who else would know about her foster son's chaotic nature?

 "Well, there was that issue with the oven, a couple of weeks ago, but fortunately it was only a small fire." She waved away the incident. "Oh, but you should hear how well Varian is doing in school. You'll be so proud. Professor Granville, that's the dean of the college, she submitted Varian's work to be peered reviewed by a science journal. She says he may be up for a Noble Prize! Isn't that exciting?"

 Eugene didn't recognize half the words that the woman used, but he could tell from her enthusiasm that this was some sort of big deal.

 "Oh, a, uh, a prize? For being the smartest guy around? Yeah... of course we're proud of him. Aren't we, gang?"

 Rapunzel didn't comment. She had remained unusually silent for most of the exchange. Lance however was in his usual good humor.

 "Sure we're proud, but it's not like it's a surprise or anything. Few can match the kid when it comes to alchemy."

 "Alchemy?" The woman echoed.

 "Uh, yeah, that's Varian's favorite science." Eugene explained.

 "Oh, you mean chemistry! Yeah, he loves it. I'm honestly surprised that he didn't major in it, but he's determined to get his portal invention working, and you know Varian, once he gets an idea in his head it's hard to get him to focus on anything else."

 "Yeah… do we know it." Eugene said through a plastered smile.

 "He'll be so excited to see you, I'm sure." Aunt Cass continued. "I don't know what time your flight is, but if you're willing to wait a few hours... Well no, the boys won't be back till late tonight... Umm perhaps we can meet tomorrow? Have lunch together?"

 "That sounds wonderful, Miss Cassidy, but I'm afraid we don't have that kind of time." Eugene saw his opening. "You said that there was this party tonight, at the university, maybe we can just meet Varian there?"

 The smile faded momentarily from the woman's lips and Eugene could sense her hesitation.

 "We just want to catch up with him. Talk about old times." Eugene insisted. "Seeing as how we'll be gone by the 'morrow."

 "Alright then," She said with a sigh and stood up. "Let me call ahead and tell him that you're coming."

 Eugene, Lance, and Rapunzel all hastily stood up as well.

 "Oh, there's no need. We'd kind of like to surprise him." Eugene hurriedly explained as the woman pulled out a small, thin, box. She pressed the screen on the box a couple of times and the box started to ring.

 Everyone was too confused to ask what she was doing. Soon however, Varian's voice, of all things, sounded out from the box.

 Both Lance and Rapunzel hid themselves behind Eugene, while Lance made a protective cross with his fingers to ward off the bad voodoo.

 "Hi, this is Varian. I'm too busy to pick up the phone right now, but just leave your name and message, and I'll see if I can't get back with you as soon as I can. Bye."

 "What was that?" Eugene asked.

 Aunt Cass huffed. "That was his answering machine. The party must have already started. He and his band are performing tonight."

 "Performing?" Rapunzel asked.

 "Yeah, he and some of his friends started a garage band. They're playing tonight at the party."

 "Friends?" Lance echoed. "You mean more of those robots?"

 Aunt Cass laughed in spite of herself. "Oh no, they're human." Then she paused. "... well most of them, anyways."

 After a moment she turned back to the box in her hand. "How about I text Tadashi instead and explain to him what's going on? He's the one in charge of the event. He can help you when you get there."

 "No, really, that's not necessary." Eugene insisted. "After all, your nephew won't know who we are. Maybe it'd be best to save the introductions until we actually get there?"

 Aunt Cass pouted and there was an uncomfortable silence as she hugged her phone. She looked like she wanted to protest, but she couldn't come up with a good enough excuse to fall back on.

 "You're ... just going there to talk to him, right?" She finally asked, her voice barely a whisper.

 Eugene was taken aback. The once smiling woman seemed.. well, afraid. Of them, no less! And this was the woman who'd been living with Varian, of all people, for several months now.

 Eugene spared a quick glance at his friends, to see if they had any ways to deal with the situation, but they didn't. "Ummm, of course... wh-what else would we do?"

 This didn't calm the woman down. "What about?" She hurriedly asked, before excusing herself. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to pry... but Varian... Well he... He's doing so well, and he's been through so much, which I'm sure you already know all that, or maybe you don't, not to the full extent, b-but he's still... He's getting better, we've made a lot of progress, but.. uh... I j-just don't want him to get upset. Do you understand? Not that he'd be unhappy to see you, I'm sure, it's just.. well... certain things can.. set him off..."

 "And make him a teensy bit.. erratic?" Eugene finished for her.

 "Well... I wouldn't say 'erratic' necessarily." Aunt Cass excused. "M-maybe, a little impulsive aaaandd..

 "Angry?" Rapunzel timidly suggested from behind Eugene.

 "Temperamental." Aunt Cass corrected.

 "And violent?" Lance added.

 "Nooo, no," She shook her head. "Varian would hurt anyone."

 The Coronians stood there quietly frowning at her, and all four of them knew that this wasn't quite the full truth.

 "What has Varian told you about Corona?" Eugene softly asked.

 She visibly stiffened at the question. "N-not much... I know about the war, and how he fought in it. He doesn't want to talk about it, obviously, so I don't know anything in great detail. Just that his home was destroyed, and he fell in with these Saporians."

 "Oh don't worry. The war ended months ago." Lance cheerily offered up. "All the Saporians are in jail now."

 This news, however, didn't have the calming effect that Lance had hoped for. Instead the woman's eyes went wide with horror.

 "Lance, I don't think she finds that fact very comforting," Eugene said between clenched teeth."seeing as how the kid that lives with her was a part of that rebellion."

 "Oh.. right." Lance nodded.

 "Y-you said that the war is over?" Cass asked, hopefully. "That's why you're going back? Is it safe now? Then why did you come here to begin with?"

 "We need to talk to Varian." Rapunzel explained, her voice barely above a whisper. "We need him to translate this scroll."

 She unrolled the parchment, so that Cass could get a better look at it.

 "What is it?" She asked.

 "It's a family heirloom." Eugene stepped in. "It's been passed down through generations. We've been collecting the pieces from our Aunts, Uncles, and Fathers, trying to figure it all out. It explains an important part of our family history, but it's written in a code that nobody can read. Varian's the only person who's been able to translate some of it.. before... well, before..."

 "Before his father was injured." Aunt Cass finished.

 Eugene hung his head, unable to meet the woman's gaze.

 "How is is his father?" She asked. "Varian's been talking non-stop about bringing his dad over here  to live with us, which would be wonderful, but I just don't... fully know the extent of his... condition."

 No one wanted to answer her.

 "Has he recovered yet? Can Varian call him?" She hopefully pressed.

 "Oh... there's no recovering from where he's at." Lance sadly broke the news.

 Aunt Cass cupped her hand over her mouth and blinked back tears. "Oh my poor baby." She sobbed, and then suddenly remembered who she was speaking to. "Oh and I'm so, so sorry. He was your uncle. You must have been devastated."

 "Yeah.. th-the news came as a shock to all of us, when we found out about the accident." Eugene truthfully admitted. "In fact my father only found out today and he was very upset. You could tell."

 The kind woman gave a sympathetic sob. "And you came all this way over here just to tell Varian in person.. so he wouldn't be alone. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry, I just... I was worried..." She awkwardly laughed. "Well I was afraid that you were going to try and take him back to Corona tonight. That was silly of me. Let me grab my coat and I'll just drive us down there. I won't be a moment."

 "Oh, well, that's kind of you.. b-but we kind of wanted to speak with him in private." Eugene panicked.

 "Yeah, and what about your business?" Lance added. "Isn't this like a busy night, what with all the trick or treaters."

 "Oh who cares, about the cafe?" Cass said as she slipped on her jacket. "My child needs me. Varian is going to be heartbroken, when you tell him the news."

 "But he already knows." Rapunzel said, flatly. All the usual warmth in her voice had dissipated as she sought to correct the woman. How dare Varian take advantage of this woman's kindness and generosity. "He was there when the accident happened."

 Eugene gave his girlfriend a disappointed frown, but she wouldn't be deterred.

 "I don't know what Varian has told you, about Corona or his dad, but it's probably not the full truth."

 "Sunshine...please?" Eugene patted her shoulder. "What my lovely future bride-to-be means... is that... Varian has never fully accepted the reality regarding Quirin's... predicament. He's not in a good headspace, and possibly hasn't been for a long time, and he's… uh… made some poor choices since then."

 "Such as?" Now it was, Aunt's Cass's voice who turned cold.

 "Such as joining a terrorist group and trying to over throw the government. He told you that part himself." Eugene thought that was an obvious answer, but their host seemed to disagree.

 "He's just a boy! A poor traumatized little boy. Lost and alone, and... those people took advantage of him!

 "Aunt Cass... I'm not saying that you're wrong... I'm just saying that the situation is more complicated than th-"

 "And what about that king? Is he still in charge? Huh?" Aunt Cass pressed. "That leader from your country that persecuted and imprisoned him to begin with? Why, of all the barbaric things..."

 "He's not barbaric!" Rapunzel suddenly snapped. Eugene held her back and gave her another warning glare.

 "Look, we're getting off track here. We just want Varian to help translate the scroll; we're not here to dig up old grudges, or play the blame game." Eugene huffed. This momentarily calmed down Rapunzel, but Aunt Cass was having none of it.

 She stepped closer to him, though she was too short to reach his eye level she stood on tip toe and gave him the fiercest glare he had ever seen."What are you really here for?"

 "No-nothing, we just need Varian-"

 "You are not taking Varian away."

 She then sharply turned around and ran back upstairs.

 Eugene was shocked. "We... we' aren't trying to take him away... we just..."

 Before he could finish Aunt Cass came bounding down the stairs. In her hand she held a large stack of papers. She stopped in front of them and then held the papers up so that they could see them. As if the documents were a shield to protect her.

 Eugene's eyes quickly glanced over them. "Adoption papers." He breathed.

 "You're adopting Varian!?" Lance squealed with joy. "Oh that's wonderful! I just adopted my own two little girls and let me tell you it's the best decision I've ever made in my life! Oh I'm so happy for you. Give us a hug , Auntie!"

 Eugene stretched his arm out to prevent Lance from rushing up to the now clearly bewildered woman.

 Eugene stepped forward. "Listen, Aunt Cass... Cassidy.. ummm, I understand your concern, and while I can't promise that Varian won't get upset by our... uh news... I promise you we aren't here to hurt him, or take him away. We just need him to translate the scroll. It's of vital importance."

 "Important? Why?" Aunt Cass demanded. "What is it for? Is it even an heirloom? Are you even his family?"

 "Everything we told you is the truth." Rapunzel insisted. "Corona is in danger and this might be the only was to stop the roc-"

 "Y-you... you just want to drag him back into that mess he just escaped from." Aunt Cass interrupted. She was shaking with anger and fear now, and all of her previous friendliness was gone. "Well, I won't let you! He's my child, and I got the papers to prove it. True... it'll be a few months until they're finalized and I still haven't asked Varian to sign them yet... but... But I'll... I'll take you to court if I have to. You're not taking him back there to that awful, horrible country!"

 No one knew what to say to that.

 Eugene had always heard that mothers protecting their children were more dangerous than the most seasoned warrior. He had never believed it till now. The short woman was bravely blinking back tears, daring him to defy her.

 “Ma'am... no one here is trying to take Varian anywhere. We physically can't. We're just going to ask him about the scroll and be on our way. And, who knows if he'll even bother to help us, but I would, never, ever, try to deny an orphan a loving home."

 Aunt Cass pouted up at him. She looked like she would cry. She felt foolish now, but she couldn't fully displace her fear.

 Suddenly a 'ding' sound filled the air as the bell above the door rang. Everyone turned to see a large group of people at the door.

 "Trick or Treat!" One little toddler, dressed as a mummy, called out.

 "Well, it looks like you have a lot a customers, and we'll just take our leave and get out of your hair." Eugene said, taking advantage of the opportunity. He motioned behind his back to single Rapunzel and Lance to escape through the crowd at they filed in. He started to back away himself as Aunt Cass started to protest.

 "I'm so glad you're open tonight! We got a bus load of kids." One of the customers called out, and Aunt Cass didn't know where to turn, or what to give her attention too as Eugene backed away.

 "Hold the door open for me my good man!?" Eugene requested the customer who helpfully held the door as the last of the children and adults filed in. However, before he took his leave, Eugene paused long enough to tell his hostess farewell. "Goodbye, and thank you, for taking care of Varian. I mean it. The world would be a lot nicer a place if there were more people like you in it."

 And with that sincere statement he ducked under the customer's arm and ran outside.                                              

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

 "Can you believe that!?" Rapunzel fumed as Eugene rejoined them outside, "She called my father barbaric! As if they don't arrest and jail people here too. And.. and how would she know what Corona is like? She's never been."

 "Well, it's not like Varian would have given the place a glowing review." Lance pointed out.

 "Listen, listen..." Eugene interjected, "We need to get to this university before Aunt Cass does, and she probably has one of those horseless carriage things. Not to mention we still don't know where this place is, so we gotta hustle people. Come on."

 Eugene was about to walk off, with Lance close on his heels, when Rapunzel noticed the flier. "Wait! I found it! Look!"

 The poster was stuck to a street lamp and the image of a green skinned monster with large black eyes and a bulbous head was painted on it.

 "'Fight Night' Sic-fi Bash at the SFIT campus this Halloween night. Thrills, chills, and more. Concessions, live music, and an Alien Spaceship to explore." Eugene read out loud, confused.

 "Man, sounds like a party!" Lance cheered.

 "Oh and here's the address, with directions even!" Rapunzel pulled out her sketch book from her purse and wrote the street name down. "Got it! Let's go!"

 She pocketed the journal again and started to march off, followed by Lance, but it was Eugene's turn to stay behind. He frowned at the advertisement before stealing another look at the cafe.

 Aunt Cass was  still busy with the crowd of customers and she wouldn't be able to leave until she got rid of them. They might still have time yet to track Varian down before the woman warned him.

 The thought didn't give Eugene any pleasure. Especially when the kind woman caught him staring and made eye contact with him again. She was no longer angry, just sad, and Eugene felt his stomach turn with guilt.

 "Hey Rapunzel?" He called out to his girlfriend. She paused and waited on him to catch up. "We're just going to ask Varian about the scroll... right? I mean... I know he's the most wanted criminal in the land and all that but... umm... it's not like we have any physical way to bring him back with us, and well, he seems to be doing good here.. and,.." He stopped rambling and gave a sigh.  "I just, I think we need to rethink our plan here."

 Rapunzel looked at him confused. "All I care about is getting the scroll translated, and saving our home and Cassandra." She said. She sounded almost hurt by Eugene's question. "If Varian wants to stay here and not bother anybody, then that's fine by me."

 "But what if he refuses to help?" Lance asked.

 "He can't." Rapunzel said flatly, as if her simplifying saying so out loud would will it into reality. And with this resolution she marched away.

 Lance shared a questioning look with Eugene, shrugged, and then followed after her.

 Eugene however couldn't help snag one last glance at the cafe before hurrying after.

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

 Edmund violently snorted as he jolted awake.

 "Who goes there!?" He hollered as he brandished his axe with his one good hand.

 "No one! You just fell asleep!" Angry snapped back.

 "Oh..." Edmunds eyes went wide with embarrassment and sheepishly tucked the axe back into its sheath.

 'I can't blame him for getting tired." Catalina yawned. "This is worse than watching paint dry."

 She gestured to the princess and the others who were seated next to her. They hadn't moved in hours and the eerie white light still shown from their unblinking eyes. The only thing that had changed was that the green flamed candle in the center was halfway melted down.

 Angry poked Xavier in the arm to nudge him awake as well. The aging blacksmith blinked his eyes rapidly, and quickly sat back up. Pascal fell off his shoulder from the sudden movement.

 "How much longer is this going to go on?" Angry whined to him.

 Xavier rubbed his eyes and took another look at the candle. "They only have a few hours left. Hopefully they were successful in their quest and are speaking with Varian now. I imagine it will take some time to translate the scroll."

 "Who is this Varian guy anyway?" Catalina asked. "I mean, I get that he's Eugene's cousin, but what makes him so special that he's the only person able to translate the scroll?"

 Xavier sadly smiled. "Varian is a most accomplished inventor and scientist. Not to mention a very talented and skilled blacksmith in his own right. Unfortunately, he does not agree with the king's rule and so fell in with Separatists of Saporia before fleeing the kingdom. There's is no telling if he'll even be willing to help us, but we must try."

 Edmund tilted his head. "Surely he must. It's not just Corona at stake but the whole world."

 Xavier only shrugged his shoulders. "Who's to say? Varian can be a very difficult young man to predict."

 Edmund frowned at this description. It didn't sound anything like what he expected Quirin's son to be like. His brother was a fiercely loyal soldier who placed the safety of the community, and his loved ones, above all, but one didn't have to take after one's parents, he supposed.

 "Well if he does refuse to help, can they bring him here?" Catalina asked. "Let him see for himself what's going on?"

 "Oh, I assure you Catalina, no one understands how dangerous the rocks are better than Varian." Xavier informed her. "However, as for bringing him here... I'm afraid I don't know. I would have to research the matter."

 He stood up and walked over to a stone bookcase built into the wall and started to search through his collection of spellbooks.

 Suddenly, screams could be heard outside in the distance and Feldspar, the cobbler, ran inside the shop.

 "The rocks! They're back!" He yelled in a panic. He then saw the princess and her friends sitting in the magical circle like zombies. He let out a little squeal of fright at the sight.

 Angry rolled her eyes. "Feldspar, calm down."

 "Yeah, what do you mean the rocks are back?" Catalina asked.

 Feldspar twisted the strings of his apron as he nervously fidgeted. "Oh me! Oh My! The black rocks are tearing up the kingdom again! They're heading right this way! We need the princess!"

 Everyone shared worried looks before Edmund stepped forward and brandished his axe once more. Poor Feldspar stood there shaking in his boots as the former dark king towered over him.

 "Show me." Edmund softly ordered.

 Feldspar's knees knocked together. "Th-this way." He pointed back the way he had ran from. "They're this way. Oh do hurry. Please. Oh woe is me, my poor shoe shine stand was demolished!"

 Edmund and Xavier followed the lanky shoemaker outside, where the townspeople were already fleeing from the black spikes that appeared in the distance.

 "Girls, stay here." Edmund ordered and started to march forward.

 "B-but what are you going to do?" Catalina asked.

 "Yeah! You can't fight rocks!" Angry shouted.

 Xavier turned to them with a serious frown. "Guard the princess until we get back." His voice was gentle as always, but there was an worried edge to it that he couldn't fully hide. He handed them Pascal, who empathetically squeaked at them, before hurrying after Edmund with a spellbook in his hand.

[honklore]

would you consider doing an au where dream is a high school teacher (maybe a math teacher or english teacher or something?) and he has been crushing on his colleague, maybe an english teacher or an art teacher, and his friends have been teasing him quite a bit for it since he hasn’t had the courage to ask them out, which is quite weird considering he’s usually so confident, but it’s just a lot of flirting and shyness between the two until he final caves and asks them out? maybe even some of the students had begun to call him out on not acting on it? it’s perfectly okay if you don’t wanna do this but thank you for reading it :))

you + me = <3 | dreamwastaken

(math teacher!dream, gn!reader, dream likes u oooooh, cute kids, writer knows nothing about chess or how chess tournaments work, you requested high school but i can’t read so i chose middle school sorry!! this is literally nothing like you requested pls forgive me but i has fun, proceed with caution)

song to listen to: roadtrip by dream

i am setting the scene to say that teacher!dream is hot!!!! like, rolled up sleeves and leather watch kind of hot !!!!!!!

dream with fluffy waves that he sometimes ties into a bun if it gets too hot,,, brown roots and blond hair, brown eyebrows, forest green eyes,,,,,, freckles,,,,,

teaches middle school math!! very patient w his kids!!! but also has been known to go on tangents so long that they last until the bell rings

he’s the teacher whose classroom the weird/shy kids sit in at lunch

reads up on his students special interests and tries to ask them about it and encourage them

doesn’t make kids write out their entire process during testing bc he understands some students work in their head and can’t <3

works with different methods to help each kid learn math in their own way

the sweetest ever omg i can’t imagine a nicer teacher than dream

has a open-policy snack cabinet in case some of the kids can’t buy their lunch

has rlly cheesy anti bullying posters on his wall but actually talks to his students about it and makes sure they know he is someone they can go to

okay this is supposed to be a love story not an i heart teacher dream story sorry

you’re the art teacher of the middle school!!! you are also one of the favorites when it comes to teachers

dream is sort of a practical logical comforter and you’re a more dreamy, imagination-based comforter

so the kids ofc have their favorites

you’re a wonderful teacher !!!!

you let the kids use art class as a sort of art therapy, giving them time to do whatever they want with colors and mediums of their choosing

and assignments are usually fun!! you make it fun by giving them good topics that encourage them to express their opinions and personalities !!!

dream has the FATTEST crush on you

it’s so big and he’s very bad at hiding it

literally buys an extra coffee friday morning

slips into your classroom like “oh? hey ___ ? didn’t expect you to be here!!”

you: “in my own classroom?”

dream: “ANYWHO!! they messed up my order AGAIN and gave me a caramel frappe instead of a matcha so you can have it”

he does this every week

new excuses sometimes but it’s always ur favorite flavor, sitting right beside his matcha in a lil cup holder

dream is the type of guy to make sure your fingertips touch when he hands you your cup

so he can blush about it later and pretend it means something

any time he needs supplies or something he goes to you first instead of the communal supply closet

during his break he’ll come in and try to talk to you while your kids are painting

you sometimes sit with him during lunch!! and the kids that all sit in his classroom love you, even if they don’t have art

and every time you do he stutters over his own words and his neck gets rlly red

the kids all give each other side eyes when he does this

math kids 🤝 art kids : tired of witnessing dream’s bad flirting skills

dream brings you a cupcake on your birthday and a little necklace w a crystal on it :/

“i googled crystals for protection!! because i want u safe always!! and i made sure it was sustainably sourced!! let me know if you don’t like it!!”

how could you not like it :(

his eyes are wide and almost worried and when you give him a big smile he gets so happy like :((

your students are just. super still behind their easels hoping this is the moment you’ll actually kiss him

but no

it isn’t until a few of your kids come up one day and ask about forming an official chess club

they need at least one teacher willing to supervise and go on tournament trips and stuff

half of the team asks you and the other asks dream

but they don’t communicate that to each other

so it’s a saturday when both you and dream show up to the school in your casual clothes, unlocking one of the rooms for the kids to practice in

you help some kids set up while dream takes a few to the side and begins to teach them the basics, since not everyone who joins is an actual player

some just wanted to be w their friends ^u^!!!

but dream keeps catching your eye over the sea of middle schoolers and it makes your cheeks heat up whether u want them to or not

the two of you becoming the unofficial parents of the middle school chess team; you take turns supervising but usually both go to trips for tournaments!!

there are six students who make up the chess team + a few who just come for the snacks and respite

and your team is actually so good they qualify for state

and it’s going to be an overnight trip !!

some parents have also agreed to come chaperone

the team is so excited!!! the entire team got to go even though only a few are competing

theres a lot of lovely support going around

your kids are expressive and bright, all wearing special t-shirts they made that count as “uniforms”

they are twelve and dgaf about what ANYONE has to say

puffy markers and all

and before the tournament they surprise u and dream with ur own shirts :(( they are so sweet omg

and ofc you and dream wear them!!! fashion be damned!!!!!

the shirts are like MR WASTAKEN LOVES HIS CHESS TEAM

TEACHER ___ LOVES THEIR CHESS TEAM

AND THERES AN IRON-ON PICTURE OF YOU GUYS AND UR KIDS — EVERYBODY IS CHEESING AND ITS JUST SO SO CUTE

man they just look up to you guys so much

they really needed a place to fit in and your club gave them that

even the ones who are HORRIBLE at chess are sitting in the bleachers with you guys, cheering on their friends ><!!

it’s all so wholesome omg

and your team ends up qualifying !!!!!!!! it’s huge !!!!!!! you all go out for celebratory milkshakes sponsored by mr wastaken !!!!!

and everyone falls asleep with a big smile on their face that night

the next day is full of driving,, and you and dream share a lil seat at the back of the bus

all the kids are winding down, listening to music or playing games on their phones

and dream is so warm, shoulder pressed against yours when he hands you one of his earbuds and is like ,,,, do you want to listen to music with me?

and ofc you do

so the two of you take turns picking songs

dream adds them all later to a playlist called ___ and dream’s epic roadtrip playlist

now that interstate is paved with memories amirite?

once all the kids are picked up at the school, you are about to call your roommate to come pick you up

but dream is like. i can drive you home

dream is that guy who drives with one hand and keeps the other on top of the gear shift <3

you’re just excitedly recounting all the kid’s faces and all the silly stories you were told in the hotel when dream is finally at your apartment complex

and he just bursts

“i really like you”

and you’re just. stunned bc you knew he was fond of you but you never thought he’d be brave enough to SAY it

“i like you too dream!!”

“would it be too cheesy to walk you to your door and kiss you goodbye?”

“maybe... but i like cheesy.”

thank you for requesting!!!

[yeojaa]

( VELVETEEN RABBIT. )

What do you get when you mix Thumper and Bambi?  Answer:  Jeon Jungkook.

pairing.  french lop bunny!jjk x ragdoll cat f!reader.

genre + rating.   hybrid!au set in college.  super fluffy, a little angsty, with a dash of smut to balance it all out.  explicit towards the end because i just can’t help myself.  oops.

tags / warnings.  honestly, this jungkook should just come with his own warning.  but more realistically, mentions of kook using a scrunchie, kook being cute, kook railing his date after using the world’s worst puns...  the usual.

wc.  4.4k

beta reader(s).  @hobi-gif​ as always become, c’mon.  i’m me.  she’s her.  

author note.  this was written as part of @thebtswritersclub​‘s a hybrid fest and is gloriously late (i’m so sorry @ditttiii​​).  i’ve never written anything hybrid-related before so hopefully you enjoy.  feedback goes a long way!  xoxo

He orders the same thing every time he’s in.  Iced Americano, no room for cream, and a single almond croissant.  (Every once in a while, he switches it up for matcha but that’s exceedingly rare.)  He always pays with a tap of his wrist - a sleek black AppleWatch with rubber band - and flashes his trademark slightly too-big smile.  All the girls swoon.  So do the guys.  Everyone except for you.

He’s unnervingly handsome, with long dark ears that sometimes hang in front of his eyes.  You’ve caught him with them pulled back Lola Bunny-style, knotted with a loose silk scrunchie that looks nearly as soft as his fur.  His hair’s usually unkempt, tossed into a little sprout of a bun, overly long fringe falling all over his big round eyes.  He wears butterfly clips sometimes, though that’s usually on days where he isn’t freshly sweaty and carrying his gym bag.  They appear in his hair when it’s damp from a shower, the smell of papaya and honey clinging to every inch of him.  You know, because you have a great nose - one that’s sensitive to every smell under the sun but especially his.  (You try not to think about it much.)  

It’s a Wednesday morning when you notice the change.  It doesn’t register at first, acknowledgement coming in a curious sniff at the air.  Weird. 

“Thanks,” he says like clockwork, a well-oiled polite machine, deceptively slender hands receiving the exceedingly hot cup without a care in the world. He’s got his usual bag over his shoulder - overly big, black, almost tactical - and a pair of comfortable looking pants on that seem more like they belong on your beloved grandmother.  Somehow, he rocks it (but he always does).  “Have a nice day.”

Because of course he says that.  Of course he steals the words right out of your mouth, turns them back on you as easy as he makes your heart rattle around in your chest like it’s a Friday night bingo ball. 

He moves toward the bar - he only ever grabs three napkins, tucks them into the slot on the left side of his bag - but pauses halfway there.  Rooted to the same spot as always, sleek ears following the imposing line of his shoulders.  

One, two—

The thumping starts, so quiet it’s almost negligible.  But you catch it, because you always do and because you’re the reason for it. 

He turns then, levels you with a look from the corner of those pretty, pretty eyes and you can’t help but laugh, openly, unashamedly, with the back of your hand plastered to your mouth. A true ojou-sama. 

His mouth quirks - does that funny thing where he sucks in his cheek then rolls it back out with his tongue - and you think he might finally say something.  Call you out for writing his name wrong for the past five weeks, finding more and more creative ways to do so every time.  Even occasionally using nicknames - silly things you’d come up with while on the walk home, or during lunch, or in bed.

“Good one,”  he states, laugh lines threading over his face, prominent around his eyes.  His nose wiggles with the sound - another of his traits that comes out to play often.  Your favourite of them all, if you’re being honest.

“Anytime.”  

You don’t realise it’s him until it’s too late, until you’re practically running into him, bouncing off the broad expanse of his back with a startled squeak.  Lucky for you, you’re quick on your feet, catching yourself before your skull can become too well-acquainted with the red brick wall to your right.

“You okay?”  Though he asks, you have a sneaking suspicion he knows you’re not and an even stronger suspicion that he’d been waiting for you, hovering past the entrance of the cafe with his big university hoodie on.

“Barely,”  you manage around a laugh, straightening the backpack slung over your shoulders, packed to the brim with goodies you got to bring home at the end of the night and two of your textbooks.

“Should watch where you’re going.”  

This is the most conversation you’ve had - ever.  But it’s fun, easy, organic and natural.  You wonder why that is. 

“You should watch where you’re standing, actually.”

He’s so much bigger than you, imposingly tall (especially being part of the Leporidae family) and wide in the chest.  Not bulky by any means, but big.  Strong.  Threaded with a strength you don’t normally see in hybrids of his kind.  It probably has to do with how often you see him covered in sweat and panting, basketball hooked under his arm, soccer cleats tied to his bag.

When he speaks again, it’s full of mirth, squeezing his round eyes near shut.  “Got a problem with me standing here?”  

You nod, solemn as ever (which is really never, but that’s besides the point).  “It’s dangerous to block entryways, didn’t you know?”  You’re gesturing to the awning, the dark interior just past the window of the shop.  “You’re loitering, Jungkook.”

“So you do know my name.”  You can tell he’s not surprised - that he’s hamming it up for dramatics, softly pink lips rounded in a little ‘O’.  He’s cute like this, you think.  Playful in a way you’ve never seen before.  

“I do?” 

There’s that cheek thing again.  It’s even more attractive up close, the shape of his jaw thrown into prominent relief when he sucks in a breath.  

“You just said it.”

You nod, thoughtful, finger tapping upon your chin.  “I guess I did.”

“Say it again,”  he states, expression inscrutable, eyes bright.  They’re so glossy even under the dimmed streetlights, impossibly big and undeniable.  So easy to get lost in - if your attention weren’t caught by something else.

“What is that?”  

You’d noticed it earlier in the day, caught the scent in passing sometime during the early hours.  You’d been unable to place it then, too distracted by freshly ground coffee, a girl’s three too many spritzes of Daisy by Marc Jacobs, and baking banana loaves.

It’s heady, masculine.  A strong musk that sinks into your nose and makes it twitch, ears rotating as if that’ll help pin the smell down.  

“What’s what?”  You hadn’t realised how close you’d become, your face five seconds from planting directly into his chest.  (It’d probably be nice - you know how soft your school’s merchandise is.)  “Are you okay?”  He asks because you’re now, actually, planting your face right against the worn navy cotton.  It’s terribly nice, silk upon your cheek.  

You answer more to his clothes than to him, nosing into the fabric. “You smell different.”

You feel more than hear his laughter, the sound barreling past his teeth seconds later.  The vibrations running along his spine jostle you from your position face first upon him but you don’t mind.  It doesn’t send you far, dark eyes peering up into the face of the bunny hybrid.  True to his kind, his nose is twitching, puffs of laughter expanding his cheeks when he meets your stare. 

“No I don’t.”

“You do.”  Tone firm, a finger lands upon the neatly embroidered N on his hoodie.  The white stitching stands in stark contrast to your baby blue nails.  “You smell… off.”

Whether Jungkook’s offended or not, you can’t tell.  He’s got that same strange expression on his face - the one from this morning when he’d received his coffee.  It’s made up of too many moving parts:  the flutter of his lashes, the coil of his jaw, the minute tick of the corner of his mouth.  You can’t read him for shit, somehow more confused now than in your 300-level art history class.  (You’d taken it as one of your optional electives assuming it’d be an easy A.  You were wrong.)

“Sorry you think so,”  he hums, looking down at you.  You’ve seemed to fully forget the meaning of personal space, edged up beside him as if you’re best friends and not just two ships passing in the night. 

“It’s not bad.”  Really, it isn’t.  It’s strong and sensual, vegetal in a way, calming in another.  But it isn’t unwelcome. 

In fact, you think you might like this scent a little more - less sweet than what normally clings to his skin, natural honeycomb rather than processed sugar.  It zings across your teeth, pieces broken up and scattered behind your molars.  You can practically taste it.  Him.

“Is that so?”  

“Yep.”

You share a look - one that says more than all the words you’ve ever spoken, that threads together all the silly laughter, narrowed stares, (written) flirtations.  It settles between the two of you, filling the spaces with something akin to cotton, light and airy and soft.

The desire to speak lingers, hidden just beyond the cotton candy dusting.  Should you?  Shouldn’t you?  You still have no idea what he’s doing here, a street urchin making his rounds on the campus village.  

He beats you to it.  “Can I walk you back to your dorm?”  

You don’t think you could want anything more.  “Sure.”

Silence falls again but it’s comfortable, a caress rather than a crutch.  The grounds are surprisingly quiet - wayward students on their way to the library or heading home from lectures.  There are no picnic blankets spread across the grass, no gaggles of girls dressed in school colours.  It feels like the first day of fall, change sitting heavy in the air. 

“So—”  You start.

He finishes,  “do you wanna go on a date with me?” 

That’s surprising.  (Or is it?  You’re not really sure.)  You nearly trip over your own two feet in your haste to look at him, entire body swivelling on the spot because apparently you can’t just turn your head like a normal person.  Something something all or nothing. 

“What?”  

“Do.  You.  Want.  To—”  He’s being insufferable for the hell of it.  You can see it in his eyes, glossy things shining down at you like he’s got the entire fucking nightsky hung in them.  

“Not if you keep that up,”  you retort, though you both know you’re lying.  You’ve been waiting - wishing, wanting - for this moment since the day you laid eyes on him.  Since Yuri had elbowed you so hard in the ribs you’d thought you’d be bruised for days, since Jae had rambled on and on for his entire shift about the cute new bunny who’d come in that morning.  Since that very first wrongly spelt name on his plastic cup and every visit since.  

“Is that a challenge?”  

“You won’t get it in.”  

He scoffs, loud and drawn out, cheek rounding with disbelief at your disbelief.  How can you possibly doubt him - school basketball star and all-around athletic freak of nature? 

“What do I get if I do?”  The ball rests in his palm, poised to be shot through the hoop, sunk without making contact with the rim.  He’s confident - he’s done it a million times.  

“A pat on the back?”  As much as you tease him - loop mockery around nearly every syllable you speak, you’re endlessly supportive, already carrying the fruits of his labour under your arms.  A Pikachu shoved haphazardly into the purse slung across your body, a Snorlax tucked under your arm at an awkward angle that crushes his poor head, a Sylveon tucked into the side pocket of his joggers.  (The arcade was really into Pokemon, apparently.)  “Me saying thank you?”

“Not good enough.”  He leans in close - those big galaxy eyes practically swallowing you whole - and taps a single finger upon your nose.  It makes your nostrils flare, an itch blooming under his touch.  “Gotta sweeten the deal.”

You must look hilarious because Jungkook’s biting back a smile, smirking down at you.  Then, all at once, without breaking eye contact, he’s extending his arm, flicking his wrist, and— swish!  

In goes the ball, leaving him with a perfect score.  

“I want you to stay the night.”

You think he’s joking.  He must be joking.  This is your third date.  

But he’s staring at you like he’s completely serious, gaze expectant, lips pursed around something that reads like a smile but has your heart doing a strange little one-two step in your chest.  It soars for a moment, high above the clouds like the string orchestra of a choral work - Beethoven’s Ninth in D minor. 

“Are you propositioning me, Jeon Jungkook?”  It’s the same reaction he always has when you say his name: a twitch of his ear, the corner of his bottom lip quirking and then resetting, eyes so sparkly it’s almost absurd.

“No.  I’m just telling you what I want.”

“Huh.”  You should say no.  Guys like him - with charm that oozes out of every pore, whose offhanded smiles break more hearts than you ever have - are almost always bad news.  Too sweet, too funny, simply too much for your feeble heart to take.  

“Is that a yes?”  He’s got you in his clutches - a viper rather than a hare, with a smile so dangerous you’re paralysed by just the sight of it.  (Who needs venom?)

Your words catch in your throat, stick to one another like the deformed gummies at the bottom of the movie theatre bag.  What comes out isn’t what you expect.  “Okay.”

Damn you.  Damn him.  Damn how good he smells and the big dumb grin that spreads over his lips, sunshine in human form, undeniable and warm and cute enough to start a war over.  (That’s probably what’s happening - a vicious battle between your head and your heart.)  

Damn his stupid thumping foot that you can make out over the sound of the video games, the boisterous din.  It’s so cute you can’t help yourself from smiling, mouth pulling and pursing around the delight that begs to be freed.  

“Cool,”  he says, and you almost think that’s not very cool.  He’s so nonchalant, cavalier about it as if it means nothing.  You’d be bothered if you felt like you didn’t know him so well - hadn’t learnt his idiosyncrasies over the last two months.  

How he looks when he laughs really hard, his slightly too-big front teeth taking up all the real estate in his mouth.  How he sounds when he’s tired (groggy, with a lisp that rarely sees the light of day otherwise) or when he’s told he’s wrong (pouty, with his bottom lip jutted out so cutely you want to scream).  How he runs every morning, hits the gym every night, and eats double your protein because fitness, bro!  How his cheat meal of choice is soy garlic fried chicken from the place off-campus and he hates tangy, tart desserts (your lemonade lip gloss not included, he insists).  How he can’t sleep if he’s too hot - which he often is - and he spends way too long combing through his ears with a specialty brush he doesn’t let anyone touch.  How he’s secretly raindrops and gummy bears and hand holding in the car, so much more than his high school superlative of most likely to grace the cover of GQ.

You wonder, because you know those things, does that make you special?  Does it make you immune to the heartbreak that you swear you imagine whenever your mood drops (not often, but often enough)?  

You hope so.

“Let’s go shoot guns?”  He’s tearing you from your reverie, planting an open-mouthed kiss to your temple.  It’s sloppy and not very refined, much less suave than what you’d expect from your school’s soccer captain (and basketball small forward and swim team stand-in).  You suppose that’s why you like him so much - because he’s always surprising you, keeping you on your toes. 

“Let’s.”  You agree, letting your date drag you toward the Time Crisis machine.  It’s blissfully unoccupied, allowing the two of you to slide into place.  He takes the blue gun, you the red.  

He squeezes your hip when you take up position, one eye squeezed shut as you look down the barrel of the plastic weapon.  “Better not let me die.”

“Better not get shot,”  you return.  

He doesn’t listen - failing halfway through the helicopter scene, his shot missing and resulting in some sad miserable death in the form of Continue? blinking across the screen.  Neither of you mind that much though.  He occupies himself on his phone, free hand tucked into the back pocket of your jeans.  You play better when he’s not shouting terrible call-outs, nearly crashing into you because he gets so into it.

(How he’s never got a concussion on the basketball/soccer/etc. field before, you’re not sure.)

By the time you’re done - a good five minutes later, you think - Jungkook’s growing restless, tugging at your belt loops enough that you stumble with every shot, nearly knocking yourself out when you have to steady yourself on the centre console.  

“Kook!”  Your glare is barely that, too affectionate to dissuade him from his childish antics.  

He pulls you forward, traps you between his thick thighs, tattooed hands settling comfortably on your hips.  “Let’s go home.”

“Someone’s in a hurry.”

Of course, he doesn’t deny that.

It’s not the first time you’ve been over.  Not even your second or third.  You’ve met up with him before his games, thrown his jersey overtop and helped him wrap his fingers before hitting the court.  You’d even had to grab his cleats for him once, running across campus as he did drills in his socks as punishment.

This time feels different.  You know why but it doesn’t make it an easier pill to swallow.  It lodges somewhere in your throat, makes it hard to breathe when you kick off your shoes and tuck them neatly beside Jungkook’s.  

“Are you hungry?”  He’s already in the small kitchen, glancing over his shoulder at you as you linger in the adjoining hallway, bag halfway over your head.  

“I’m good.”  You are, really.  You’d eaten one donut too many at the arcade, indulged in a little too much disgusting nacho cheese goodness.  You don’t really understand how your date’s still hungry, a cucumber crunching between his teeth when he turns back to you. 

Standing there, vegetable devoured in quick, decisive bites, he looks every inch the French lop bunny he is.

You reach him in the same instant he finishes his midnight snack.  Arms fold around you like there’s nothing else he’d rather be doing, head dropping to rest comfortably upon yours.  Like this, his ears tickle your cheek - velveteen fur lost to the silk of your hair.  “Are you tired?”  

Another no comes - spoken into the fuzzy fabric of his sweater - and he hums above you, whole frame rattling with the noise.  

“No bed then?”  

At least he’s transparent, you think.

“One track mind much?”  You’re only teasing.  A part of you looks forward to… whatever it is that sits over the horizon, lost past the creaky bedroom door and somewhere beneath his surprisingly soft sheets.  (You’d asked about them once - he’d told you his mother liked to send him housewares to remind him of home.  He was a real mama’s boy that way.)

The monster only laughs, snuggles into your hair like it’s home.  “Can you blame me?”  

You can’t do much of anything when he’s like this - so utterly adorable and enticing and good for your heart that it feels as if you’ve taken a straight dose of morphine.

“Let’s go to bed, Wookie.”  Another nickname, recently coined after you’d spent an evening watching Star Wars for the first time.

“Yes, ma’am.”

You whack him on the way to his bedroom, smack a hand over the arm curled around your shoulders.  He pretends like it hurts, howls in a way he he thinks resembles a wounded animal but really just sounds stupid.  “Not a ma’am.”

“Sir?”  He asks, just to make you laugh. 

“If you don’t shut up—”  

He pushes you through the door of his bedroom while giggling to himself, sound puffing out of his cheeks.  “Don’t be mad, kitten.”  The two of you drop to the bed, a tangle of limbs and silken fur and squeaking laughter.  “You’re so purr-ty when you’re annoyed.”

He’s doing it again.  Dropping those stupid cat puns that make your nose wrinkle, ink-tipped ears folding back against your head.   

“I think I’m hiss-terical, don’t you?”  

Face adamantly buried into his sheets, you don’t give him the time of day.  You don’t even care that your mascara is probably rubbing off against the charcoal fabric, lipstick tint doing potentially irreversible damage.  He knows how unfunny you find these jokes, how you’ve heard them your whole life and roll your eyes so hard your optic nerve might sever every time you face another.  

What’s the point of sharing your pet peeves with him when all he does is lean into them?  Use them against you like it’s the cool thing to do.  Make you wonder what you’d seen in him when he was just another customer, another boy in Seoul National indigo and bedhead so dishevelled it begged to be managed.  

(You’re not sure why you’re so irritated suddenly, caught in the clutches of a moodswing as you curl into your side and ignore his bad jokes.)

Stupid Jeon Jungkook.  Annoying, silly, too-cool-for-his-own-good Jeon Jungkook.  

Jeon Jungkook who makes you second guess your choices, leaves you breathless and confused with just one dumb look.  Who has convinced you into his bed and teases you mercilessly, snickering to himself as his foot bounces against the floorboards because he finds himself that funny.

“Baby?”  The pet name comes, presses itself past your curtain of hair and invades your thoughts.  

You say nothing, adamantly faced away.

He doesn’t like that, sneaking his hands around you and cradling you into his chest as if that’ll lighten the mood.  (It does, a little bit, but you don’t tell him that.)  “Don’t ignore me,”  he mumbles, warmth breath tickling your ears, fingers dancing over the rungs of your ribs as if they’re ivory and not bone, playing a tune only he can hear.

“Stop with the shitty jokes,”  you retort.  You’re being difficult - can feel the vinegar turning your blood even as he tries to will it all away.

You feel the intake, the rise and fall of his broad chest.  You can only imagine how hard he’s biting his tongue, careful to keep his next errant pun at bay.  People don’t tell him no - only you.  Maybe that’s why you do it, to remind him you’re not just like everyone else.  

“Sorry.”  

You don’t tell him to show you how sorry— but he does anyway.

You’re astounded by him, utterly entranced by the way he moves.  How power runs the length of his frame, manoeuvres each of his limbs and turns your own to jelly.  

He’s got you face down, ass up, hands cradling your hips like they’re his home and he can’t bear to let go.  Every upward stroke feels like heaven - feels like a million lifetimes of pleasure you can barely wrap your thoughts around.  He’s impossibly big, thick and long.  The first thought you’d had when he’d stripped his black Calvin Kleins was pretty.  

You realise now there’s nothing pretty about him.  He’s filthy - the devil come to collect as he fucks you across his bed, nearly loses you to the pillows at the head with each snap of his hips.  (What they said about rabbits was true, you think.)

“B-Bunny,”  you sob, scratch over cotton that’s worn soft and smells exactly like your favourite sweater of his.  The linens are defenseless, tangled up and wrinkled with each flex of your fingers, bunched up within your palms every time he buries himself like he’s looking for the answer to life, thinks he might find it within the fluttering walls of your pussy.

“Not my name.”  When he sounds like this, he’s more predator than prey, a thousand volts of electricity shooting up your spine.  He’s demanding and unrelenting.  It makes your head spin.

“Wook—”  

“Not.”  Bunny teeth are just as painful as a feline’s, doing their job as they dig into the flushed skin over your back, marking his territory with two prominent indents right between your neck and shoulder.  “A.”  He ruts into you as if he’s got something to prove, snaps his hips to a beat you can’t keep up with.  “Wookie.”  Grips you so tight you might snap, red blooming beneath his hands.

You sob under him, drool against the pillows because you can’t seem to keep your mouth shut.  (You feel like Jungkook post-win, spewing nonsense as he prattles on about game winning plays with his teammates.)

“K-Kookie.”  It’s what he wants to hear - hits him right in the chest, a bull’s eye to the thing that beats wildly and in tandem with your own.  

His rhythm stutters.  The bed is shaking and not because he’s practically breaking the weak wooden frame.  No, his foot’s thumping, bouncing across the sheets even as he tries to regulate the roll of his hips, return it to the assured, teeth-numbingly good tempo it’d been at.  

It doesn’t work.  You love it anyway.  Like it more, because it means he’s just as affected by you as you are him. Your heart sings, leaps out of your chest on hummingbird wings, and dances around your head.  You’re a goddamn cartoon - Pepé Le Pew in ragdoll form - animated pink shapes circling like a crown.

You don’t care.  You can’t.  Not when he plasters himself to your back and asks you to say it again, begs you to tell him how good he is, tells you how he wants to make you his.  

Who cares if it’s three dates in, if your meeting was cliched and silly and he’s the campus heartthrob?  

You don’t - because he’s yours and when he flips you onto your back and you curl your fingers into his hair, it’s your name he stutters out.  It’s you who has him coming apart beneath your hands, the feel of his ears like velvet, the little whines he huffs growing louder each time you tug at the base.  It’s you who knows what he sounds like as he falls to pieces, throws himself against you as if gravity demands it.  It’s you who holds him to sleep, whose skin acts as a canvas for the doodles he traces as he drifts off.  

It’s you and it’s him and that’s enough.

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[behindyourbarrette]

like you a latte - matcha latte

← previous | series masterlist | join my taglist | next part ->

pairing: spencer reid x fem reader

a/n: SURPRISE i felt like dropping this a DAY early!!lololololol but here it is! i appreciate the love on the last two parts so so soooo much :) can’t beliEVE WE ARE HALFWAY DONE!! reblog if u enjoyed

—

Needless to say, Twilight Time isn’t very crowded on Thursday afternoons. 

You rarely pick up closing shifts anymore—for reasons totally unrelated to the doctor who almost exclusively arrives in the morning—but you’re covering for Sally, and it’s a nice day out. The rain has let up in favor of mild weather, the sun just barely peeking through the clouds as people drift past the shop. Despite the fact that there’s more foot traffic on the street, not many people come in to order. You don’t blame them. Why have hot coffee on a day like this?

Your back is turned when you hear a group enter, and your heart soars at the prospect of tips. For whatever reason, most people are more inclined to tip when they know their friends are watching. You call out to let them know you’ll be right with them, and after you’re done fidgeting with the settings of the coffee grinder, you turn. 

It’s Spencer. But he’s not alone.

There are a total of four people before you, each intimidating you in slightly different ways. They’re all agents, as evidenced by their not-so-concealed carries. You recognize a few of the characters. Spencer’s told you about JJ, who you assume to be the friendly blonde, and Penelope, who is a vision in fuchsia. That leaves Emily, who’s whispering to JJ, eyes fixed on you. You try to absorb the sight, them together. Spencer looks at ease, a wide smile on his face as he looks between you and the group.

“Hey, Spencer. These your coworkers?” You crack a nervous smile, knitting your fingers together. He nods, introducing them each in turn. JJ grins in your direction, and Penelope waves at you with a fingerlessly-gloved hand. Emily reaches across the bar to shake your hand. You get the sense that there’s something Spencer hasn’t told you.

“What can I get you guys?”

Spencer shrugs, defaulting to JJ and Emily. Penelope pipes up, eyes bright as she peers at the menu above you.

“Do you have matcha, sweetheart? I’ve been meaning to try that. It’s great for your skin.” You nod, pulling a cup out and inscribing Penelope’s name on it. JJ and Emily both order americanos, exchanging a sheepish grin. After setting their cups aside, you turn to Spencer.

“Genius, you should really try the matcha. It’ll give you brain power. Not that you need any more.” Penelope does jazz hands to emphasize her excitement, and Spencer shrugs. You watch them interact for a moment before you realize he’s turned to you for your approval.

“Oh. I really like matcha. It’s green tea, and a matcha latte tastes light and sweet. I think you’d like it.” He nods, and orders it hot. Penelope orders iced; you smile as you consider that they compliment each other, eventually turning away to prepare everyone’s drinks. They’re all relatively simple, and you manage to include latte art in the hot drinks. Spencer’s is last, and you flick your wrist to finish the design. Crossing the bar, you hand each agent their drink in turn. 

Penelope sips at her drink first, the bright green matching one of her rings perfectly. Spencer eyes his dubiously, poking at it with a wooden stirring stick. 

“It’s very green.” He whispers to Penelope, who cackles in response. 

JJ catches your eye as you watch, lingering between the bar and their seats. With a smile, she waves you over. 

“You’ve totally ruined other coffee for Spence. We had to come try it for ourselves.” She whispers, leaning down. You aren’t sure how to feel about her tone; there’s a glint of something in her eye, something playfully secretive. You’re not sure what part of this you’re not in on.The idea of Spencer mentioning you at all is foreign—sure, you’ve told your roommates, and your coworkers found out that you do, in fact, have a favorite regular. Still, you never considered the idea that you bleed into other parts of his life. You steal a glance at him while JJ compliments her americano. He’s sipping at his matcha, a green mustache left behind. 

“You have a magic touch, Y/N. I don’t think I’ve ever had coffee this good in the states.” Emily flashes you a grin as if she can sense your nervousness. You relax a little, asking her about her work abroad instead of getting lost in your head. She strikes you as a diplomat, and a compliment from her feels like something to be savored. Penelope raves to you about the health benefits of matcha, and you immediately feel welcomed by her. If you were to run a study comparing the approachability between pink polka dots and pantsuits, you're sure that polka dots would win.

“Are you an agent, too?” You ask, stirring your own iced coffee with a straw. Eyeing the clock, you’ve decided that this counts as your break. Tyler be damned. Penelope giggles, shaking her head.

“Oh God no. Well, technically. I’m a technical analyst, so I work on the computer and tech end of things.” She explains, and you nod. It makes a lot of sense. While both JJ and Emily exude the energy of most cops—authoritative, with a critical eye—Garcia does’t fit that mold. It’s this that draws you to her.

You learn that JJ has a son named Henry, a surprisingly Southern boyfriend to match, and that Emily has a cat named Sergio. Despite their highbrow titles, you don’t feel out of place. It’s easy to sip at your coffee, the cup cool against your fingertips, and listen.

“Are you in school? Spence mentioned that you majored in literature.” JJ sets her cup down, flexing her fingers against the air. You feel yourself flush now that the attention is on you. The fact that he chose this detail to divulge sticks between your ribs. You haven't told him much about your work—he insisted on reading your thesis, and even reread the source material to better discuss it with you—but apparently, what you have discussed has made an impression.

“Yeah, actually. I’m in my second year of law school.” You admit. Emily nods in approval, reaching out to high five you.

“Damn. With all the assholes you deal with in customer service, you’ll make a great attorney.” You high five her with a small smile on your face, stealing a glance at Spencer. He seems elated, clearly enjoying the dynamic he’s observing.

“Do you want to go into criminal law?”

JJ asks, eyes wide with curiosity. You shake your head ruefully. They take it well, shrugging their shoulders. To their credit, their branch of law enforcement deals with the process prior to prosecution. You shudder at the idea of what happens after they catch the bad guys.

“No, not really. I’m looking at either the entertainment or environmental sector.”

The group murmurs, and the conversation devolves into small talk about law. You look to Spencer for an escape, and he suggests that they take a walk. Once the girls have trickled out of the room, each hugging you goodbye, you’re left alone with Spencer.

“Hey.”

You laugh at the simplicity of his greeting, turning to toss your empty coffee cup into the trash. Spencer flushes a deep shade of red, raking his hands through his hair.

“Your friends aren’t how I expected. Really cool, though. Especially for like, Quantico professionals.” You wipe the counter down, and the reality that you’re on the clock hits you, a little dizzily. Did his coworkers really just want to meet Spencer’s barista? The realization tastes a little bitter, and you bite back any further questioning in favor of looking up at him.

“Yeah. They’re like family.” He looks out the window, hands deep in his pockets. His whole demeanor is stiff, and you resist the urge to reach out and force his shoulders down from his ears.

“Did you like the matcha? I wasn’t sure you would. I used the oat milk you like.” Slowly, he relaxes. With a small smile, he nods.

“It was good. I like most teas, I’m finding. It wasn’t too sweet.” You add matcha to the mental list you keep, of drinks he likes. It’s become your mission to expand it. In the months since he started branching out, you’ve managed to add a few drinks to his core rotation. 

“You know you’re one of my friends too, right?”

This catches you off guard. You pause in the motion of sweeping the floor, carefully raising your eyes to meet his. While nervous, he sounds sincere. When met with your silence, he continues.

“I just wanted you to know.” 

You nod carefully. The implications of this are something you’ll consider later, when you’re alone. He’s only confirming something you’ve already known, but something about it stings. The word crosses your mind briefly, but it sticks. It’s bittersweet.

“I know.” Your voice is low, soft against the din of the coffee shop. Spencer doesn’t look satisfied, opening his mouth to say something then closing it again. He glances between you and the window.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

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[travellingarmy]

║Venti║ Frappuccino

Requested from Wattpad.

Gender-neutral.

Modern AU. Fluff.

Word count: 2.3k

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With the sound of the bell the hang just above the entrance, you would be greeted by the smell of a freshly brewed cup of coffee mixed with a sweet aroma from the many pastries that you would see before you.

Working at the cafe was no easy feat with the many people coming in and out in random times but as a university student that still had to pay for their tuition and dormitory whilst still having extra money left over for food, you couldn't complain. Well, not that you would complain. You found joy in being a barista.

"(Y/N), you're zoning out. Come on, we still have customers to serve to." Barbara taps your shoulder, gaining your attention. "Ah, sorry," you muttered, turning to your station. "Hehe, there's no need to apologies. I assume that you have an exam coming up?" she asks, eyeing you from the corner of her eyes as a customer waltz inside. You hummed and nod slightly. "It's a good thing that I met Master Diluc. Otherwise, I don't think I would be cut out to major in business."

After getting the order from the random customer, she returns to have a chat with you. "Stop with the 'Master Diluc'." She laughs. "It's a bit old-fashioned, don't you think?" And indeed it was, but he comes from a wealthy family so you saw it best to address him formally. "And don't be so hard on yourself and say negative things about your own capabilities! You entered this university by your own smarts! Diluc is smart as well, yes, but he got in due to connections along with his brother. That says something a lot about you."

Barbara was always good at cheering people up and supporting them. One can tell that she was quite popular in high school. She wasn't in the same major as you so you ended up being friends through working in the same cafe. She majored in music-- not that it should surprise anyone. With one look at her, you could definitely tell without even knowing her personally. You saw it best that she would become an idol and her personality will help her with that.

You smile at the blonde. "Thanks." She waves her hand in front of her in small motions in dismissal. "I'm just stating facts." You both returned your focus on your job afterwards, listening in on the chatter of others instead. Most were students so they mainly talked about their studies.

The bell rang once again, getting your attention. Coming in, was a usual customer that you learned comes around at 2 in the afternoon; during your shifts. Yes, there were other customers that you would recognize-- making them usual customers as well but this one was quite distinctive, you'd say. He had dark hair that was always braided on both sides of his head that had a natural teal at the tips of it. He would always come alone, only carrying his backpack- that had his laptop- and a notebook.

You don't know who he was but you figured that what made you so intrigued with him was his fluorescent green eyes that would seemingly glow even in the day. It was truly unique.

You look at Barbara who was busy making another customer's order and decided that you would be the one taking his order. Coming up to the counter, you put on a smile as usual. "Hello, what can I get you?" you repeat the words that you grew to familiarize yourself with as if you were a robot being programmed to say it to people you take orders from. In fact, you already know what he will get but it was something you had to say every time.

"Hi, can I get a venti-sized Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino and two double-chocolate chunk brownie?" he says, not needing to look at the menu. You nod, punching in the code of the ordered drink and snacks. "Please wait at the side." You see him walk away from the counter and take his phone out, seemingly texting somebody.

You made the drink in no time and brought it over to the pick-up counter along with his brownies. "Thank you," he said and take his order, then walking to a table and place his things. He sat down and took out his laptop and started jotting things down in his notebook, looking up at the screen from time to time.

You noticed that he brings in new notebooks every week. A waste of paper, you thought. You wonder what major he was in to go through so many notebooks each week but it was rather hard. You guessed business, but you have never seen him around the area so that flopped. He looked like a porcelain doll with his small, pale face and skinny body- that looked as if it would be easy to break- that you guessed he was probably majoring in one of the arts-- visual arts, drama, music. Something that someone with his size could take. You asked Barbara if he was majoring in music but she answered that she has never seen him around.

Well, no matter. The thought alone doesn't bother you as it doesn't hold any importance.

-

The following week, you didn't go to work and so did Barbara. Well, it wasn't as if you chose not to go to work, rather, it was because the cafe was getting renovated so it had to temporarily close.

Since you had no work to go to, you focused all your energy in your studies. When you aren't studying, you enjoy what little time you had to relax before suddenly getting the urge to study even more so that you don't fail-- sometimes even studying with Diluc outside in the campus grounds.

During those times, you looked out for the guy who usually came to the cafe in the afternoon but to no avail. At this point, you are wondering if he truly goes to the university. That was soon to be answered, however, when you went shopping for more school supplies. The area was located closer to the entrance of the campus so it was quite far away since your department was across the place. The department that was closest to the stores was the arts. It was always lively there with the students showing off their talent and skills. You loved going near there because it looked fun.

After purchasing the needed supplies, you walked back whilst looking at the students and whatever they were up to. Once near the exit that would say that you were no longer in the arts, you hear the strumming of a guitar not too far to your left. It was a rather familiar music but you didn't know what the song was or where you heard it.

You would have just acknowledged that it as a good piece of music and walk away if it wasn't for the fact that when the music stopped, a sigh was heard and the person shifted, allowing you to see their side profile that hid behind a small tree.

Your eyes widened at the sight of the person that dawned familiarity. You finally found him! With that said, your question as to what he was majoring was answered. Music. Looking at him, you see that he looked somewhat annoyed, looking at a piece of paper beside him, brows furrowing. All those papers that you have seen him scribble onto and later crumble it because it dissatisfied him were most likely his other works.

He was so focused on fixing the notes in his paper that he has not felt you watching him. His state made you pity the male. It was most likely a stressful thing to make music with the right notes that satisfied oneself. He was most likely here because the cafe was closed.

An idea came to but you don't know if you should go through with it, not wanting to appear like a creep to him by making a homemade Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino and giving it to him. That thought was quickly changed and decided that you will do just that tomorrow when you looked at him a bit longer.

-

You waited until it was 2 in the afternoon to make him his frappuccino and bring it over. You were glad to see him at the same spot at the same time. Otherwise, you wouldn't know what to do if he didn't show up. Now thinking about it, you always see him at 2 in the afternoon and wondered if he knew of his routine.

Walking closer, you see that he had more papers and notebooks than what he usually brings to the cafe. "Um, excuse me.." At that, you felt awkward that you walked up to a stranger and began a conversation just to give him a drink.

He looks up, his eyes seeming to glow brighter when they landed on you. "Oh, aren't you the one working at that cafe?" he asks, not needing to specify which cafe since he remembers you. You hummed and nodded. "Aren't you majoring in business? What brings you here?" Your breathing hitched when you saw him smile that you almost forgot the reason as to why you were there. It was adorable.

"Huh? How did you know I majored in business?" you ask. "When you aren't working, I see you studying with Master Diluc.. And I heard your conversation with Barbara from time to time," he answers. "Eh? You know Diluc and Barbara?" Your eyes widened in surprise.

"Well, I know Master Diluc because my brother has a business relationship with his father. As for Barbara, I see her exit class every time I go in," he says. Ah, so that's why Barbara doesn't know him. They have different times, you thought. "Anyway, care to answer my question?" His smile was still on his face when he asked. He seemed more relaxed than when he was working in his music. "Oh, right, I saw you yesterday and thought that you might need something sweet." You offered him the frappuccino as well as some homebaked brownies. "Ah! Thank you." His closed smile soon reveals his teeth, closing his eyes that crinkled at the corner. He accepts the drink and snacks. "Hey, why don't you sit down? It is a long walk from where you came from, yes? And it would be rude to just shoo you so soon." He pats the empty space beside him. "Ah.. Okay.." You hesitantly agreed, not wanting to make him sad at your early leave.

When you sat down, you suddenly felt more aware and felt the awkward tension-- well, you only felt the awkwardness in the air. He seemed fine, sipping the drink freely. Then, "Wah! This is good," he compliments. "I can tell when you make my drink and when your friend makes them." He leans close, putting a hand near his mouth as if to whisper to you. "Don't tell your friend, but I really like it when you make my drinks." He winks. You chuckled, feeling warm inside. "So, what is your name?" he asks, leaning away to give you space. "(Y/N). What about you?" "Venti!"

You smiled. "So, Venti, do you only play the guitar?" you ask, eyeing the wooden instrument on his lap. He shook his head. "I play instruments from all families-- the strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, keyboard, and guitar," he says. "However, I don't play the bigger instruments that require to be picked up because they are too heavy. I also don't really like drums. I find them too loud." You were amazed to know that he could play so many instruments. You have only tried a hand at the piano that you later gave up in high school.

"Which instrument do you like the most?" you asked, seeing as he already said which instrument he doesn't like playing. "Oh, that's easy! The lyre!" His eyes sparkled at the thought of the instrument. "There aren't many occasions where I can play the instrument so I play other instruments like the guitar."

It could be because your major was not appealing and boring that you found yourself interested in the topic at hand and started asking more questions. "Did you get a teacher to help you play the instruments?" He shook his head. "I have lots of books at home to learn from so I taught myself." If you weren't already surprised at his talent, you would be now. "All those instruments?" you ask. He nods proudly.

"Oh! Since you are here, care to listen to a song I've made?" he asks, eager to show you what he could do. You nod excitedly. He laughs and adjusted himself to be more comfortable when playing the guitar.

The song wasn't finished but it was enough to have you breathless. "I don't know how many times I had to rewrite the same notes but I hope this one sounded better?" he asks, turning to you when he stopped playing. You nod. "It sounded amazing!" The compliment made him bashful, scratching the back of his head as he chuckles. "I'm glad you think so! I hope I can finish this soon." He turns his head to look at the paper before returning his focus on you. "Will you listen to it when I finished?" You did not hesitate and nodded.

It wasn't too long since you two started chatting but it felt as if you guys had been friends for a long time. When the cafe opened the following week, you greeted each other with a smile with you already punching in his order that you have memorised by heart.

"Here is your Matcha Green Tea Frappuccino."

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