Note about Alex's dorm: I don't have anything pre-written. Please send me asks if you need to know and I will respond to them privately. Thank you.
trying on a metaphor

blake kathryn
DEAR READER
No title available
Three Goblin Art
No title available

if i look back, i am lost

@theartofmadeline
todays bird
noise dept.
wallacepolsom
PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH

#extradirty

shark vs the universe
d e v o n

Janaina Medeiros
Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her
taylor price
almost home
Xuebing Du
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States

seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States

seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States

seen from United States
seen from United States

seen from Türkiye
seen from Bangladesh

seen from Malaysia
seen from United Kingdom

seen from United Kingdom
@shsl-kitchen-experiment
Note about Alex's dorm: I don't have anything pre-written. Please send me asks if you need to know and I will respond to them privately. Thank you.
"Yay! I, Kaede, am very happy to hear that!"
The artist chirped cheerfully, nuzzling his cheek against Alex's. He felt comfortable and happy there, wrapped around the chef, hearts beating against each other. He felt safe, and warm, and alive. There were emotions filling him that he'd never truly experienced before, and he was relishing in all the new feelings.
"Hm... Al-chan, would you like to stay here tonight? It would be very nice to stay in your arms, as I feel very safe and happy with you!"
He asked the other boy, innocently unaware of any cheesiness or implications his words held.
Alex chuckled a little, letting his fingers absently stroke through Kaede's hair. He wanted to say yes, yes of course he would stay, but he needed to consider it for a moment. Would he get in trouble for it...? Well, he supposed not. After all, Hana had been staying in the dorm room with them and she certainly wasn't getting in trouble for it. Not yet, at least.
"Most certainly, Kaede," he said after a time. "I'll stay with you. I would--I would like to a lot." Alexander's arms tightened around Kaede, a protective gesture in a way. Despite how many film cliches he must have been living out, he couldn't care--his life could be ended in an instant, who knew? There was only so much future-thinking he could do, and for now his future consisted of a night in the nature artist's room.
Perhaps he'd be able to show Kaede some of his old drawings that night.
"Oohh, I see, I see!"
Kaede nodded, understanding. He leaned into Alex again, tightly hugging him affectionately.
"Although, I, Kaede, would not mind marrying Al-chan! I would like to stay with you forever!"
He cheerfully crooned, oblivious to whatever implications his words held.
Alexander's face heated up violently, the radiation of his blush hot against the hair that rested near his cheeks. He let out a laugh, perhaps more touched than he had felt in a long time. The chef kissed Kaede's head gently.
"We'll stay together as long as we can," he assured Kaede. "On my honor, I'll make it happen. Alright?"
He stroked Kaede's hair absently with one hand, even though his heart beat heavy against his chest. Alexander had to wonder if Kaede would notice it or care about it. This was... the closest he had been to anybody since his last girlfriend, Cassandra, and that hadn't ended well at all.
Kaede nuzzled against the chef, happier then he’d been in awhile. But, then, a bunch of thoughts started flooding in to his mind. He pulled back a bit, looking at Alex with a serious, questioning expression.
"Al-chan, does this mean that we have to get married now? My mother and father have always said that when you kiss someone, you must be married! Or else you will get sick! Although my tutor said that this is not true, shouldn’t we be careful?"
The look on his face was completely innocent and serious. This boy really was naive.
Alexander needed to take a moment to process Kaede Masagaru's questions. He was a little shocked to hear the word marriage mentioned right at that point, and therefore had to collect his thoughts. Finally, he smiled and laughed a little, tucking some of Kaede's hair behind his ear.
"Married?" Alex repeated, sounding amused. "Kaede, no, there's no need to get married. Kissing isn't--it isn't like that."
His expression flickered with darkness for a moment as memories floated into his thoughts, before he shook his head slightly and continued.
"At least, it's only like that if you're sick," he laughed, managing to lighten up again. "Kissing itself doesn't make you sick." The chef planted a kiss on Kaede's forehead, grinning. "And it doesn't mean you have to get married, either. So, don't worry about it. You're too sweet."
Admittedly, Alex had never thought he'd be in the place of needing to answer a question like that. But hey, there was a first for everything.
Kaede's eyes widened in surprise as he felt the chef's lips make contact with his own. His face turned a nice shade of pink, and his eyes fluttered shut again as he leaned in to kiss the other boy back. His heart was all aflutter; he felt warm and tingly, and very, very, happy. It felt right like this. Alex tasted so foreign on Kaede's lips, like the strange but pleasantly flavorful food he must make. The inexperienced Kaede didn't know exactly what to do, so he just let the other boy kiss him.
After some time-- he wasn't sure how long, maybe seconds, maybe minutes, maybe hours-- Kaede gently pulled away from the chef. He tilted his head to the side and smiled, softly and happy, face still bright pink.
"I, Kaede, like Al-chan very much!"
Alexander's face was a shade to match Kaede's, seeming a little stark against his fair hair and skin. But a smile spread across his complexion which was so broad it threatened to spread off of his face. Alex softly nuzzled Kaede's cheek, laughing gently.
"I like you very much, too," he murmured. And to say that really meant something now. He was a little awestruck, frankly, but that wasn't going to keep him from enjoying the nature artist who shared affections with him. He buried his face against Kaede's neck, holding the other boy close. Was that his own heart pounding between their chests, or Kaede's? Did it matter?
He would have given everything to freeze that moment in time.
Kaede nodded against Alex's shoulders. He took the other boys hand and wrapped their fingers together, bringing the entwined hands to his heart.
"Yes. I, Kaede, promise that I will stay by Al-chan's side, always and forever! I promise."
He closed his eyes, smiling warmly. He loved the feel of Alex's body against him, so warm and comforting. He truly did want to stay by Alex's side, just like this.
There was a flutter in Alex's heart that was distinct and undeniable. He felt his cheeks flush with heat and he gave Kaede's hand a gentle squeeze. There was a promise, there were words with intention, and they rang in Alex's ear for a few moments. He promised.
Alex felt a little breathless in the next moments.
"I promise too, Kaede," he breathed. "I'll--do my best b-by you."
Could he hold up his end of the deal?
The chef leaned his forehead against Kaede's forehead, closing his own eyes. Would Alex...? There was a moment's hesitation, a chance where he could've changed his mind or stayed in place. He was so close to it, though. So close to the moment of make it or break it. Alexander squeezed his eyes more tightly closed.
He closed the tiny gap between their chins and mouths tenderly, in a soft motion. Alexander didn't know what had overtaken him, but it wasn't stopping. Alex's nose brushed past the artist's own nose gently as his lips made contact with Kaede's.
You better do your best, Alexander, his thoughts crooned in his ear. You can't fail. You can't fail now.
"Yes, yes! I, Kaede, think you are doing very well."
He nodded, smiling cheerfully now. He was much happier himself, and could tell that Alex was feeling better as well. It made his heart feel all light.
"I, Kaede, will also try my best! I will stay by Al-chan's side, and we will do our best together!"
He exclaimed happily, wrapping his arms around the other boy in a tight hug.
Alex couldn't help but let out a gentle, genuine laugh at the emphatic embrace. He couldn't help but pull Kaede close, holding onto the warmth and happiness and hope that was Kaede Masagaru. Something told him that he shouldn't stop feeling scared just because Kaede was there to comfort him, keep by his side, but... Well, he was reassured anyway.
The chef leaned his face into Kaede's hair, feeling it brush against his cheek softly. He felt a soft tremble in the center of his chest at having Kaede so near. "Together... yes, together," Alexander confirmed in a whisper. "You... you promise?" he asked after a moment. His fingers curled a little, a fear resurging despite himself. "Promise we'll stick together, Kaede?"
Alexander wasn't sure he could do his best if he was on his own. A part of him would always be isolated in some way, but he didn't want total isolation. He wanted just... a little help.
Kaede leaned in to the chef, gripping his hands gently. He smiled, kindly but somewhat sorrowful.
"I, Kaede, think that you are very brave."
He said softly, moving one hand to lightly stroke Alex's hair.
"Not all people can be normal in this situation. It is good that you are still a kind person!"
He looked up at the chef, beaming a brighter smile.
"You, Al-chan, are doing as well as you can, I think!"
Alex swallowed, smiling a little bemusedly. "That's... what you really think...?" He looked slightly taken aback, though he was flattered by Kaede's positive assessment. The artist thought Alex was brave, of all things. Brave! If only he understood how cowardly Alex really was.
Was Kaede touching his hair? He was. It was... pleasant. Soothing.
He ruffled Kaede's hair gently, laughing. "I'm not doing too well, in all honesty," Alex admitted, "but if you think I'm doing well... ahah, well, then I must be a little better than I thought." The chef's smile seemed to widen a little as he gave Kaede's shoulders a light squeeze.
Gripping Alex's hand, Kaede silently led the way back to his room. It was a peaceful silence-- they knew they were relying on each other for comfort, and the quiet seemed to be what they both needed until they were somewhere safe.
At first, it had taken Kaede a long time to find his room's location, but now that he knew where it was he could walk there on instinct. That's mainly what he was doing now, relying on instinct; his mind was clouded with thoughts. He barely realized when they reached the door, but he pulled out the keycard to open it and led Alex inside, closing the door behind them with a soft click.
It didn't seem like the other boy intended to let go of Kaede's hand, so he brought him to the bed and sat down.
"Al-chan... Are you doing alright?"
That was what Kaede decide to say, breaking the silence, tilting his head with an expression of worry for the chef.
"I'm scared."
Alexander laughed, a lighter laugh than seemed appropriate. He licked his lips, trying to pull himself together. There was dissonance in him.
"I'm--I'm really scared, Kaede," he said, his Japanese conventions slipping. "Terrified, more than--more than I've ever felt in my life, maybe?" He held Kaede's hand in both of his, looking down at the artist's soft hand. "I shouldn't--I should be stronger, you know? I'm weak for letting it get to me."
The chef bowed his head, before gently putting an arm around Kaede and pulling him close. Alex could hear resounding words of chastisement from his father inside his head, telling him to pull it together and be a man. Yet, even hearing the sound in his head, he was scared for his father. His family. Everyone he knew and cared for. Even everyone within the walls of this deranged city.
Alexander was dumbstruck as he watched the execution unfold. Gang-li had literally been standing right next to Alex, and in a flash the man was gone. It was hard to believe. Frankly, it turned the chef’s stomach—when the debater finally died, the supposed brain aneurysm getting to him in the end,…
Kaede watched the debater’s execution in silence. It made him sad, somehow, but he couldn’t place exactly why. He hadn’t been particularly close to Gang-li. Maybe it was because the boy just wanted to find love, and although the method was twisted and sickening, Kaede couldn’t help but feel a little bad for him.
He felt Alex tap him on the shoulder, heard the urgency to leave in the other boy’s voice. He turned to him, nodding softly and offering a small, somewhat sad smile.
"Yes, that is a good idea. Let us leave, Al-chan."
He said quietly, grabbing the chef’s hand and squeezing it tightly before leading him out of the courtroom.
Alexander held firmly to Kaede’s hand, unable to let go. There was warmth and life and he felt his heart begin to best heavily against his throat. He realized he was scared, perhaps more scared than he had ever been in his life. He was scared of being alone, of being cold, of living in a world of no life. Alex didn’t want lifelessness. No no no, he needed to keep the life. Grab it like the flame of a candle and let his—it’s—warmth fill him.
Focus on the living, Mister Moore. The living are the ones who matter.
Absently, he twined his fingers through Kaede’s and did his best not to let the breaths of fear pass his lips too readily. Was this what desperation felt like? Real, pure, unadulterated desperation? They couldn’t go back to the hotel kitchen, not for a while. Not for a very long while.
"Where…?" Alex breathed. His brow furrowed slightly, corners of his eyes twitching downwards. Alex was only just hanging onto a lifeline at his side, but whether this was betrayed in the subtle shake of his grip was unknown. He cleared his throat, trying to force a smile but only managing to bring a quaking expression to the front. "Where to, ah, Kaede-san?" He finally got the phrase out of him, not meeting Kaede’s sad-eyed gaze.
Kaede could see and feel Alex’s sadness and desperation; the shaking and twining of his hand in Kaede’s, the way his voice sounded. These emotions… They were truly deep, despairing and desperate for something. Keade realized how much he wanted to comfort the chef, and acting almost on impulse, he turned and wrapped his arms around the other boy.
"Al-chan… Everything is going to be okay, okay…? Al-chan is still alive, and I, Kaede, am too. That is good, right?"
He whispered softly into Alex’s shoulder, hugging him tightly but gently.
"Let us go to my room, okay? I believe that it would be the best place to be alone and calm."
He suggested, releasing the hug with a soft smile and grabbing Alex’s hand again.
Alex found his arms right around Kaede when they embraced, breathing the scent of his hair and his skin and his hopefulness. There was hopefulness, a living being. He wanted to be calm, he radiated the aura of peace that Alexander so desperately needed.
A soft, shuddering breath was drawn inward before Alexander could muster up a nod in reply. Alone, to a safe space. As safe as they could get, here in this place. He squeezed Kaede's hand in confirmation, trying to repeat the words in his head. 'Everything is going to be okay, okay...?' Yes. Yes, it was okay. They would be okay. Alex would make sure of it.
"T-thanks," he stammered out. Alexander bit his lip, embarrassment and apprehension rolled into a disgusting taste in his mouth. God, he was pitiful. "Thank you, Kaede-san," he said, a little slower to control the stammer. He followed Kaede, every footstep measured and metered. Maybe if he didn't misstep, maybe if he played the part of perfect, nothing else would happen. It wouldn't have to. It would be... alright.
Alexander wasn't going to let go of Kaede's hand anytime soon.
Alexander was dumbstruck as he watched the execution unfold. Gang-li had literally been standing right next to Alex, and in a flash the man was gone. It was hard to believe. Frankly, it turned the chef’s stomach—when the debater finally died, the supposed brain aneurysm getting to him in the end,…
Kaede watched the debater’s execution in silence. It made him sad, somehow, but he couldn’t place exactly why. He hadn’t been particularly close to Gang-li. Maybe it was because the boy just wanted to find love, and although the method was twisted and sickening, Kaede couldn’t help but feel a little bad for him.
He felt Alex tap him on the shoulder, heard the urgency to leave in the other boy’s voice. He turned to him, nodding softly and offering a small, somewhat sad smile.
"Yes, that is a good idea. Let us leave, Al-chan."
He said quietly, grabbing the chef’s hand and squeezing it tightly before leading him out of the courtroom.
Alexander held firmly to Kaede's hand, unable to let go. There was warmth and life and he felt his heart begin to best heavily against his throat. He realized he was scared, perhaps more scared than he had ever been in his life. He was scared of being alone, of being cold, of living in a world of no life. Alex didn't want lifelessness. No no no, he needed to keep the life. Grab it like the flame of a candle and let his--it's--warmth fill him.
Focus on the living, Mister Moore. The living are the ones who matter.
Absently, he twined his fingers through Kaede's and did his best not to let the breaths of fear pass his lips too readily. Was this what desperation felt like? Real, pure, unadulterated desperation? They couldn't go back to the hotel kitchen, not for a while. Not for a very long while.
"Where...?" Alex breathed. His brow furrowed slightly, corners of his eyes twitching downwards. Alex was only just hanging onto a lifeline at his side, but whether this was betrayed in the subtle shake of his grip was unknown. He cleared his throat, trying to force a smile but only managing to bring a quaking expression to the front. "Where to, ah, Kaede-san?" He finally got the phrase out of him, not meeting Kaede's sad-eyed gaze.
Raspberries and Wine (a.k.a I Can't Believe I Did This)
SO I WAS HAVING FEELINGS ABOUT ALEX AND KAEDE AND I WROTE SOMETHING SO I’M SORRY
SHIPPY SHIT UNDER THE CUT
Cooking wine was certainly an ingredient to behold. Alexander loved working with it, and the way it imparted the richness and subtlety of flavor to any dish he was creating. He would almost venture to say that cooking wine was one of his favorite things to cook with. However, he wasn’t working with the cooking wine at that moment.
He shuddered slightly as he knocked back a mouthful of cooking wine, leaning his head back against the kitchen wall. Alexander held the bottle of cooking wine firmly in his hand, not allowing the shivers to overtake his body. It was time for this to be over now, wasn’t it? So many good people, gone. Taken by tragedy. The tragedy of circumstance. It made him sick.
"Fuck…" Alex mumbled under his breath. He rubbed his temple firmly, attempting to distract his thoughts. Wasn’t that the point of the cooking wine? To try and distract himself? There was too much injustice for him. Perhaps if his constitution had been different, he would have taken his own life. But that wasn’t something he could do.
Sitting in the hotel kitchen hadn’t felt the same since a dead body had been discovered there, but it was still some sort of sanctuary. He wanted Soumei and Hana to have the dorm, so Alex spent more and more time alone in the kitchen working in solitude upon his own business. Alexander missed his mother and his dad, he missed his best friends and his godcousins, he missed everyone at home.
As Alex was taking another drink from the cooking wine bottle, he heard someone slip into the kitchen. He let his eyes slip shut, hoping that maybe he could disappear if he didn’t look at this uninvited guest. Of course, Alexander had no such luck. He heard soft steps come up to his side, then the soft thump of someone taking a seat.
"Al-chan?"
Alexander recognized that voice, and his eyes snapped open. There next to him was seated Kaede Masagaru, the SHSL Nature Artist. Oh god. The chef’s cheeks suddenly flared with a blush—the sweet artist had caught him drinking.
"K-Kaede-san," he stammered. "I—uh—oh shit…" Alex looked down at the bottle of cooking wine in his hand.
Kaede looked up at his green eyes, his eyebrows twitching a little. “What are you drinking, Al-chan?” Kaede asked him innocently.
He gulped. “Er.” He hesitantly extended the bottle to Kaede, showing off the label—fine red cooking wine. The chef withdrew the bottle before Kaede could inspect it any further, setting it at his side and putting his hands over his face. “I’m sorry.”
There was a beat of silence, then the soft scuffle of scooting. Kaede’s body heat radiated against Alexander’s side for a brief moment before he felt the tender embrace of the artist’s arms around his shoulders. He tensed for a moment before relaxing.
"I, Kaede, forgive you," he mumbled into Alex’s shoulder.
Maybe it was the intonation of the phrase against his skin that soothed him, or perhaps it was that it was Kaede who uttered it, but there was something spiritual in how it felt to hear him say it. Alex reached up and touched Kaede’s hair gently, leaning his cheek against the artist’s head. Was the alcohol getting to him? Or was this just… the place which he belonged?
Kaede let out a soft giggle at Alex’s touch. “Al-chan, I have a question,” he sang softly. “I got an item from the Monomachine—I think you’ll really like it!” He let go of Alex briefly, a sensation Alex didn’t like, to produce a plastic clamshell of raspberries and set it on his lap. “I, Kaede, was wondering if you would like to share them with me?”
The chef blinked, popping open the clamshell and pulling out a plump berry. It did appear to be a raspberry, as it appeared. Alex sniffed it, then stuck it in his mouth. It was so tender and ripe that the slightest pressure of his tongue seemed to melt the fruit into its essential flavors in his mouth. A smile pulled at his mouth, and he chuckled lowly.
"They’re good," he remarked. "Would you like some, Kaede-san?"
"I’d love to try some if you think that they’re good!" Kaede chirped. He snapped one up and popped it between his lips, humming immediately at the flavor. "Mmm—! Al-chan, it’s delicious!" The young boy giggled, eliciting the extension of Alexander’s smile significantly.
"It certainly is." He picked up another berry, but extended it to Kaede instead. "Try this one, I bet it’s good."
As Kaede picked up the berry from his palm and ate it, Alex picked up his wine bottle again and took a sip. The wine now tasted especially bitter in comparison to the sweet berries, but Alex wasn’t sure he cared. Kaede lifted up his head and frowned softly at Alex.
"Al-chan…" Kaede extended a hand to Alexander. He knew this silent cue. In that moment, he saw the caring eyes of his mother on Kaede Masagaru. There was something too compelling in the request, and Alex handed the bottle over to Kaede. Kaede’s brow softened, and he set the bottle aside where Alex couldn’t get at it. Seeing Kaede’s expression brighten up, it was like a ray of sunshine. His stomach churned from the warmth of alcohol and the tingle of sweetness in his mouth. Why was he feeling comforted…?
"Good job, Al-chan!" Kaede cheered. "Let’s have some more of those raspberries, okay? Since they’re so delicious! I don’t know if they’ll keep if we don’t eat them!"
"Sure, Kaede-san," Alex nodded.
Quietly, they began to eat the raspberries. It was a very calming sort of sensation, sitting with Kaede and eating the summery fruit. He wished that he could keep this moment with him forever, and just return to it when times troubled him too greatly. As they got down to the bottom of the box, Kaede popped the last berry between his lips and held it there.
"Al-chan," he chirped around the berry. "Do you want it?" Kaede giggled, teasingly leaning his head forward to Alexander.
A glamour seemed to come over Alexander’s eyes. Immortalized in his mind was a snapshot of this artist, lightly dripping raspberry held between his lips. He could have reached out for it, but that wasn’t what struck his alcohol-addled brain first.
The chef tilted his head slightly, sitting up from against the kitchen wall. “Kaede…” Alexander licked his lips, squinting a little. He leaned down, bringing his face to Kaede’s level, then fell forward with some purpose and put his lips against Kaede’s. The raspberry squished between their mouths, juice running down Alex’s chin before Kaede’s hand came up to wipe it away. They were kissing each other, or Alex was kissing Kaede and there seemed to be no argument.
Kaede drew back a little bit, licking off his lips of the raspberry remains while he looked on at Alex. There was a tense moment of silence before Alex wiped clean his own lips. A sigh passed out of him, and he bowed his head.
"Kaede-san, I’m so—I’m tired. I’m so tired… I’m sorry…"
Kaede leaned his forehead against Alex’s, touching the chef’s cheek gently. “Al-chan,” he whispered, “please don’t be sorry.” The nature artist planted a tender kiss on Alex’s nose before nesting his head against Alexander’s neck. “It’s okay, okay?”
Alexander put his arm around Kaede’s shoulders, pulling him close. Were there tears pricking at his eyes? “Don’t leave me, please?” He murmured. “I can’t be alone here, not anymore, I don’t want to… go on like this…”
He felt the pressure of a soft nod against his shoulder, then a nuzzle against his cheek. “I, Kaede, will do my best to stay with you always, Al-chan!” There was such hope in those words, such a tender happiness. Alexander wanted to believe in him.
Alex pulled Kaede close to his chest, hugging the smaller boy as if he was his last hope. Because in a way, he was. There was only Kaede. There were raspberries and cooking wine, and Kaede. That was all that he could think about for now. The nature artist, his lively warmth, his bright smile and speech patterns. He was a reason, and a reason was all Alexander Moore-McGowan needed.
"Yes, yes! I, Kaede, am called a nature artist! You're... Al-chan, is it? I think so!"
Kaede nodded vigorously, smiling cheerfully.
"Al-chan stands next to me, right, right?"
He seemed to recall the boy standing next to him in the trial, although he hadn't been paying much attention what with all the arguing and shouting and suspense... But now that was over, and Kaede was here watching Alex draw!
"You got it right," Alexander chuckled. "We stood next to each other in the trial." He paused. "You're a nature artist, hmm? That's a very nice talent, the outdoors is a beautiful subject for art. I'm here on the merits of my cooking--Alexander Moore-McGowan, Super High School Level Experimental Chef."
God, every time he said his name and title at the same time it seemed more cumbersome.
He held out his sketchpad to Kaede so he could get a better look. "Do you think I captured the flower detail well enough?" Alex asked of the nature artist. "I like the way I got the light shining on the rim, but... well, I've always been better with sketching people myself."
Kaede decided to go back to the lobby after the trial. He wasn't sure where exactly he wanted to spend his time today, but the lobby was a good place to think about it! So he skipped on over.
Of course, the first thing he noticed was a boy with a sketchbook. It looked like he was sketching... Plates? And very pretty plates, too! Kaede, extremely happy to find another artist, skipped right on over and leaned over the boy's shoulder to see his drawing.
"Oooh! I, Keade, thinks this drawing looks very nice!"
Alex looked up when Kaede tapped his shoulder, and a small smile arose to his face. He recognized Kaede from in trial--they had podiums that stood right next to each other. Kaede had drawn a picture of the crime scene earlier, which had been very accurate and Alex had personally found it very helpful. A little chuckle escaped him.
"Thank you, Kaede-san," Alex said. "It's nothing special, just--" He picked up one of the plates, showing it to Kaede briefly before setting it back into the stack. "I haven't really got much else to do, honestly." His mind flicked back to Soumei and Hana and a little awkward laugh escaped him.
There was a pause, then he tilted his head a little. "You're an artist yourself, aren't you? Artist in title, anyway?" His smile broadened. "It's quite a nice honor to have a real artist commend my drawing work."
Camp Hope - Alexander - What You Do With Spare Tires (You Put 'Em Out)
Alexander came down from the dorm area and entered the lobby of the hotel. He had been hoping to hang around with Hana and Soumei a little longer, admittedly, but he’d had plenty of friends that had gotten together back home and found his presence awkward. It wasn’t that bad to leave. He’d just have to figure out what to do in the meantime.
He made his way over to the capsule machine. Alex had… two coins? He took out his card and decided to redeem them both. The prizes which were deposited were… interesting, as always. He was at least thankful that he didn’t receive one of those extremely awkward body pillows.
The first item out gave him pause.
Walking cane: For the love of GOD inspect this fucking cane. Ahem… This is a blind cane, with an unfortunately loose bottom piece.
A blind cane? Was one of the students blind? But wait… that would have been noticeable during the first trial, right? Alex reached down absently to see if he could tighten the bottom piece, but then his second capsule came out and he set the cane aside. And oh boy was this a good prize.
China Plates: These plates are plain white, excluding the flower decal in the centre. Probably expensive.
Plates! Alex had gotten plates! And they looked so elegant. Normally Alexander didn’t go for patterned plates—rather, he liked his food to speak for itself—but the quality of the make was exquisite. He set the plates gently down on a nearby surface, then pulled off his backpack and proceeded to put his sketchbook inside. Alex attached the handle of the cane to the backpack, then slipped it back onto his shoulders before gently lifting up the stack of plates again. Oh man would he enjoy putting something delicious on these plates.
He walked out into the lobby with his plates, looking around. There wasn’t really anywhere he could take these… His room was occupied and he didn’t want to leave them in the kitchen to get stolen. So he just sat down in the middle of the lobby, taking off his backpack once again and pulling out his sketchbook. Alex began to endeavor sketching out the plates, because he might as well work on his artistic skill for a while and let his culinary skills take a rest.
Execution Reaction - Alexander - Conceal, Don't Feel
Alex makes his way to the door, and Hana flushes a incredible shade of red that would be impossible if it wasn’t an actual shade on a hex color chart. The little gymnast clears her throat, shifting her weight in the chair as she leans down so she won’t fall over.
"S-sorry, Alex-san, I didn’t realize… Soumei was… I had too… otherwise I would’ve…" Hana fumbles for her words. It doesn’t help that Soumei just is beaming like the sun over there, and she gives the chef a nod.
"T-thank you." Cough. Fidget. Flee, Alex. Flee while you still can.
The evidently still surprised (and overly happy) accordionist seemed to, at first, not notice how awkward this whole thing was for Alex. Perhaps he was still too amazed at what had just happened, or maybe Soumei was just that oblivious, but he seemed unfazed, still happy, and staring towards nothing in particular.
But when Hana started talking, Soumei, suddenly startled, stared to his roommate and gave a very awkward wave, his already very red face somehow redder. This boy was completely left out! it was horrible! How could Soumei let this happen…? Especially when this was the first time the two had actually formally introduced each other! However… although it made him feel terrible, Soumei definitely wanted to talk to Hana right now.
"Eh, ye… Real sorry ‘bout that! ‘f ya don’ want us t’ do anythin’ right now, we can… talk ‘bout somethin’ else! Or.. you can jus’… I mean! Whatever y’ want to do ‘s fine!"
He chuckled awkwardly, his face still red.
"No really, it's fine, it's fine, I'll just be going so you bothcanhaveanicetimesobye--"
And with that, Alex opened the dorm door and slipped out the way he had come in. No, he didn't really need anything else. Yes, he was happy for Hana and Soumei. No, he really had no clue what he was about to go do with his time. He didn't exactly know many people.
But at least he had his sketchbook.
And with that, he fled from the dorm areas.
Execution Reaction - Alexander - Conceal, Don't Feel
Alex fixes the daki for her. Hana has never been more fond of the chef than she has been in the past, in a platonic way. Which is good. She clears her throat awkwardly, before she snaps out of it. She looks up at Soumei, then over at Alex.
She mouths a brief ‘I’m sorry’ at the chef, before she pivots on one heel and finds a chair. Whether it is Alexs, or Soumeis, she doesn’t know, but she pulls it over next to Soumei, and clambers into it. She has now gained a foot or so in height!
(She balances well. ‘Gymnast’.)
She has a funny look on her face. It’s a combination of embarassment, a bit of firm resolve, and then a little bit more of a ‘if I don’t do this NOW I’m never going to do it’. It’s practically hilarious, if it wasn’t for the tension in the room.
"I like fireworks." She says, practically stupidly, before she leans in to kiss Soumei. Smooch.
><!
"Yes! Fireworks ‘re sure t’… relax! I like em too, quite a bit, actually!!"
Soumei, after saying this, only smiled and stared to the two. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy their company, quite the opposite, actually! It was just… it was probably silly, but there was plenty of excitement about the fireworks for Soumei! They were flashy, loud, and beautiful! Essentially, there was nothing wrong with them!
Besides, weren’t fireworks also… romantic…? The moment he thought this, he immediately was staring to Hana. It seemed his face hadn’t lost its blush the whole time he was here… Oh, God… that was so embarrassing! Especially in a situation such as this! To already be thinking about something so… well… there really was nothing wrong with it, right…?
And that’s when Hana kissed him.
The accordionist didn’t really back away until Hana did (and not only because he didn’t want her to fall!), and for a small while, said nothing, merely standing in place, incredibly red. Then, he tried to speak, his expression quickly turning into a huge smile.
"Oh, gee! Oh golly god…! It’s real silly t’ think ‘bout this here, but… Y’ bring a smile t’ m’ face like no one’s done before!!" This was the only clear thing he said. After this, everything he said sounded like complete gibberish. The fact he was giggling like a little girl the whole time didn’t make it any better.
He couldn’t even think about how awful it was to already be feeling so calm about the situation, because… Hana was the one that was so good at making him feel calm! There was….
For now, he was all right.
And there it went. Sexual tension made way for what everyone must have been internally screaming for them to do--just kiss already--and now that they had Alex suspected that the gymnist and the... accordionist? That they would both be a lot better now that they 'had each other,' as cliched as it sounded.
(A 'congrats on the kiss' cake could be arranged. But that would be a bit embarrassing and 'older brother' ish of him.)
He ran a hand back through his hair with a laugh. "You two lovebirds want me to leave you be?" Alex asked, his eyes crinkled up in amusement. "I can do that, you know. I mean, considering everything that's happened--" Alex decided to cut himself off here with some awkward chuckling. No need to make it harder on them.
Inching towards the door, he said, "I dunno if you fine folk will be hungry later, but if you happen to be, hey, I'll--I'll whip you up some nice pudding or something like that. Yeah? Yeah. Pudding sounds good." Chocolate pudding. That was certainly a comfort food.