Just a crush!۶♬*゜

(mentions of heavy content, read with care)

READ EVERYTHING BEFORE MAKING A REQUEST. THANKS!!

Franchise(s) you can request for:

Mouthwashing

I accept:

One shots

Headcanons

Fluff

Angst

LGBTQ+

-deres

Disabilities

Heavier topics such as toxic/dysfunctional relationships, verbal abuse, physical abuse, mental health.

More than one character x reader/headcanons for more than one character

I don’t accept:

OC x character

NSFW

Incest

Character x character

Substance abuse

Suicide

Self harm

Lemon + lime

Crossovers

List of all franchises you can find on my blog which I have previously written for:

Total Drama

Danganronpa

That’s Not My Neighbour

Heathers

Finding Frankie

There is a chance I may return to some of these unless I have explicitly written otherwise, so please keep your requests to the franchises I have outlined in the beginning as they are my current fixations.

Everything will be written in a x female reader format- unless specified otherwise.

Be as specific as you like so I am able to give you something that meets your expectations!

Please remember that like you, I am a human with a life and priorities outside of Tumblr. Depending on how motivated I am, I may take a while to complete your request.

Any request that doesn’t abide by my circumstances, is impolite or straight up morally wrong will be ignored.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this! Whether you end up sending a request in or not, I hope my blog's brought you some joy today. 💖

For when your requests do open... do you still write for total drama??

-ty 4 reading my question!

Helloo!

Hii lovely, sorry for not replying to this soon 💖

A few months ago, I made a decision to discontinue writing for tdi, but now recently, I'm kinda leaning into writing oc insert comissions for tdi and other franchises.

Has always preferred short hair, ever since she was younger. Long hair is just uncomfortable to her.

She has an older sister whose name also starts with A and is seven years older than her.

Anya’s mom died by the time she was four.

Good relationship with her dad, but she hasn’t seen him since she moved out.

Has a ragdoll cat called Bianca. Whenever she goes on missions, her big sister looks after it.

She used to have a lot of friends, but she put them aside for studying.

Enjoys playing Overwatch.

Has travelled to Mexico, Canada, Japan, Greece, Italy, Germany and England.

Enjoys coffee and strawberries.

Her socks are always striped.

Wants to learn German, and she knows basic phrases.

Definitely wore overalls a lot as a kid.

When she was a teenager, she had blue highlights and was obsessed with butterflies.

Also was obsessed with sparkling belts. She would never leave the house without one.

She absolutely loves House.

Anya believes in the power of dream catchers, but stopped bringing hers on board when made fun of.

One of her favourite memories is when she was younger, she and her friends were at a park and ordered fast food at midnight.

Christmas is Anya’s favourite holiday.

Her sister taught her how to do makeup.

Has sensitive hearing.

Her dad put her in piano classes for eight years.

Loves gummy bears, they have been her childhood favourite.

Anya doesn’t trust herself to cook since one wrong move could cost her health.

She had one boyfriend, but broke up with him since he didn’t support her aspirations.

When Anya was around seven, she was obsessed with skateboards, so her sister got her one as a birthday gift. But after realising the patience she’d need to even glide on a smooth path, her dad exchanged it for a bicycle. Anya still feels bad about it despite her sister not remembering it that well.

Anya once spent the day crying because she wanted to ride a pony she saw on tv.

I know you probably see a lot online, but if you could take just a moment… I’d be so grateful.

💫 A reblog of my pinned post could help our story reach someone who cares.

🌿 And if you’re in a place to give, even a small donation could bring comfort to my daughter and help us feel safe again.

@sajagz, thank you for listening.

Even gentle support creates strength.

From one heart to another — thank you 🤍

I hope you’re all doing well. 🌿

I need your help to share my family's story and raise awareness about our struggle. Every voice counts, and your support means the world. 🙏

💬 Please reblog my pinned post or, if you're able, consider donating just $5—it could be life-changing for those facing unimaginable hardship.

Your kindness and solidarity make a real difference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 🤍✨

@aboodfmly

Awww this is so wholesome!! Thank you so much for sending this in, I hope you like it!😊💖

I’ll give Deputy a voice that’s understandable since he doesn’t have one in the game!

DAD! DEPUTY DUCK X FEMALE! READER COMING OUT ONE SHOT

You had been trying to repress this secret for a long time. You tried telling yourself it wasn’t true, it was just a silly thought that would go away. You’re not lesbian, it’s just a silly phase. First it was a week. Then it was a month. Then a year. The “silly” thought had morphed into a piece of your identity.

You knew you couldn't deny it anymore. You wanted to be happy, but when Deputy Duck came into mind, your body went cold. Deputy Duck was the closest thing you ever had to a dad. He was a slight ditz, though it would be foolish to ignore his awareness, his ability to make judgement. So you were really nervous about what he would say when you came out. What if he hated you? What if he kicked you out? What if he said he never wanted to see you again?

You took a breath. These questions… You weren’t going anywhere with them. This secret has been haunting you for a long time. If you don’t say it now, when will you?

It’s the day. You were going to tell your dad that you’re a lesbian. The two Venuses must have lent you some strength, because you have no idea where on earth you got it from.

You cautiously entered his area, his police station scenery. Police officers were supposed to be kind, weren’t they? They were supposed to be supportive of everyone they help, there were even laws that said so. Well, human police officers did a terrible job reflecting that, but your police dad was a duck. And ducks were far kinder.

“Dad?”

Deputy Duck’s head rotated to you,"Yep?"

You swallowed some nervous spit. His big eyes were on you. Big, attentive, loving. Don’t back out, don’t back out, don’t back out,“I…have something that I need to tell you.”

"Yep?"

Your hands were trembling. He could probably sense your fear. Oh God, why? You hid them behind your back, considering if it was too late to switch topics. Yeah you know what? You could survive, live the rest of your life without telling him! You’ll just have to spend more time washing it out of your mind. Everything was great between you and Deputy Duck, so why risk ruining it by telling him this? It wasn’t that important.

Yet as if by some external influence, your tongue continued the original plan.

“Dad… You said that you’ll always love me. And that I’m always going to be your daughter.”

“Yep?”

You froze on the realization of what you had said. Was this it? Were you finally telling him? Your heart was echoing in your ears. No going back now.

Please accept me, please accept me.

“So… I hope you can still love and accept me as your kid, when I tell you that, for a long time, I’ve realised that…” the white, orange and pink were oozing out of your face, a beauty you concealed, looking away,“I’m lesbian.”

The heavy two shapes of Venus were out. Your stomach dropped. Any minute now. Those big loving eyes would set anger, disgust, hatred ablaze, raining down all over your realtionship, rusting the gold of the past, the orange would be mouldy grey, the pink a dirty raging red, your position as beloved daughter expiring now-

“Oh. Okay.”

Huh?

Anxiety had dissolved.

You cranked your head up. His face was the same.

Your heart took a minute to process, such simplicity. Any minute now.

“Really…? Just okay?” you were waiting, just waiting for the bomb to drop.

He nodded,“Yep. I still love you.”

“Really? You…still love me?” you turned his affirmation into a question, not believing it. Was this a dream? Were you only dreaming that,“You’re not…angry?”

He huffed. For as long as he could remember, he knows that you were quite an emotional person, always seeking his approval. You were a good kid, and he didn’t understand why you were so nervous to tell him about your sexual orientation. Like that’d change anything,“Angry? Over that? It’s not a crime. I'd never be upset with you being yourself, (Y/N)."

Oh my God.

You were so convinced, so convinced that rejection was in your fate. You were so ready to turn backs with him forever, with ubiquitous failure on each sense of yours for eternity. It wouldn't have been nice... The tears you had stored up came out anyway, tracing your cheeks with a different emotion. Venus was glowing!

Deputy Duck saw and hopped towards you worriedly,“Why are you crying?"

“Sorry…" you sobbed, running your hand under your wet eyes,"You don’t know how happy I am right now. I thought you would have hated me… or…or that I'd have to leave and never see you again."

Deputy Duck shrieked at your ruthless version of him. Where had this fear come from? How long has this been haunting you for?,"What what? No, never! I love you." a flashing motion of a beating 2D heart appeared on his belly.

Hello, lovely! I hope you've had a wonderful start of the week and many thanks for sending this request in!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did when I wrote it 💖

FRANKIE X LITTLE SIBLING FIGURE! READER HEADCANONS

You were so drawn to danger, always trying to get in the incinerator.

Other Frankie monitoring you and yelling frantically into the mic wasn't enough to protect you so Monster Frankie guarded the waste incinerator.

If you were running towards it, Monster Frankie'd either lure you into a game of tag away or drag you back.

He was both a guard dog and second big brother to you.

You were able to teach him high low chicka low and ribena!

Naturally, there were times when you squabbled.

With Monster Frankie, it’d typically end with him chasing you and you feeling makeshift security that in whichever direction he ran, you’d run the other...until he jumped over whatever centre chasm there was.

Other Frankie never got involved unless you bawled, which meant Monster Frankie would be sent to the time out room.

No matter whose fault it was.

With Other Frankie, it’s more general winding up; like taking an intentionally excessive bite of your food, so you would take some of those green papers with the old guys and numbers on that he was so infatuated with.

You didn’t know what they were used for, but they were special to him.

You’d even draw on them or make doves with them.

Other Frankie can't complain about the extra responsibility or the occasional annoyance since it's all he knows and to imagine a world without you, is simply impossible.

“I want to be just like you when I grow up!”

It was bittersweet being the role model.

Being moulded with a much more childlike functioning than him and Monster Frankie, you had a tendency to forget why you couldn't go in the big red pool, but could go in the blue one.

"What if we had a pool with ice cream instead of water?" you asked, a picture of scoops of sweet frozen flavour softening within the space of water presented nicely in your infantile brain.

Other Frankie encouraged your imagination,"That'd be a lot of ice cream, (Y/N)!"

"Or how about a tv that makes hot dogs whenever you sneeze?" you asked, the new hypothetical quickly kicking out the former into loss.

His ears perked slightly in amusement,"Interesting. Why sneeze, (Y/N)? Why not on command?"

"Because hot dogs always makes me feel better after I sneeze! And jelly." your grin was laced with innocence,"Why do we sneeze, Frankie?"

"Well little one. When you sneeze, it's your body trying to get rid of any germs caught in your adorable nose." he explained, tapping the edge of it.

"Cool!" you squealed, excited by such a mundane thing,"But if I always smile like you, does that mean I’ll never sneeze again?"

Frankie took his hand off your face to scratch his chin,“What gave you that idea?”

“You’re always smiling and you don’t sneeze, ever. So if you smile all the time, does that do something to your nose so the germs never get in?” you didn’t even realise he didn’t possess a body like you!

In tribute to my holiday to Barcelona a while back🤩

Also for logic's sake, imagine him to be a human (or not that would be funny)

- He held your hand as you came marching to the beach, which was surprisingly quite empty for a warm day.

- "Frankie, it's the playa!" you called out.

- "The what? Beach?"

- Since he spends a lot of time indoors, he loves going into the ocean.

- He wanted to go in with you, hands held all the way.

- He still wore his gloves and hat.

- When the stronger waves came, he held onto you tight and you were able to withstand the strength of the ocean with his tall physique.

- After you had your fun, the absorption of seawater slowing your stride, you asked,"Do you want ice cream?"

- "Ice cream?" he repeated, squeezing the water from his gloves,"Yes, of course!"

- He asked for the confetti ice cream.

- To the Sagrada Familia cathedral.

- "Woah, look at how tall that cathedral is!" you exclaimed, neck nearly hurting at how far back you extended it.

- Frankie shelters his eyes with his hand,"Are they still building it, contestant?"

- "Yep!"

- "Why would they call it a landmark if it's still being built?" he asked followed by a chuckle,"Looks like I won’t be confessing my sins today.”

- "You do know you can go in, right?" you informed, pointing at the queue of people.

- "Oh, that's nice! No."

- He bought you a flamenco souvenir.

- He left all communication to you since he couldn't speak any other language to save his life.

- Besides, he was freaking out the locals with his solid smile.

- He's not a very picky eater so he let you pick what to eat for the both of you:

- "Queremos las patatas bravas por favor."

- “You’re a natural, contestant!” he aimed his smile at you.

- You didn't know what was the big deal,"All I said was we want the spicy potatoes."

- "I mean in general! You have a gift for speaking tongues!"

- You shake your denying hand,“Noo no I don't, my pronunciation is so off.”

- He folded his arms,“It’s far better than mine! How did you learn to speak Spanish?”

- You snorted. This is something that could have been asked a while ago,”I did a course for it back in high school.”

- After the delicious meal, you told him to ask for the bill.

- Frankie initially shook his head,"I'm unsure, contestant, I would insult the Spanish with my poor linguistic skills."

- “Nah you wouldn't, they know you're a foreigner." you rested your chin on your hands, smiling,"Come on just say A cuenta, por favor. If you do it, I’ll give you a kiss.”

- He instantly beckoned to the server and mimicked exactly,"A cuenta, por favor!”

- You covered your loud laughter at Frankie's lack of hesitation.

Ohhh yes! Thank you so much for sending this request in, I hope everyone’s been having a great Saturday and enjoy reading!☺️💚

Content warning: abduction

YANDERE! FRANCIS MOSSES X READER ONE SHOT

——

You were handcuffed on his bed in his dark bedroom. Francis calls them “our”, but you would never dare disrespect yourself by linking some kind of connection between you and him again. He had tricked you. It was all your fault, you should never have trusted him. He invited you over and you accepted, not knowing you were never stepping back out. You thought it was the last breath you’d take, but you were so insanely wrong.

He had been keeping you as some sort of pet. A doll of affection for him to kiss and play with after he was done with delivering milk bottles. You could never have imagined a reality where your tired, but kind milkman, neighbour had in fact been delaying his erotic desires every time he saw you.

You wonder, if you never stepped in, would things be different?

The bedroom door opened and you winced, the whiteness of Francis’ uniform was a blindness to the darkness you’ve adapted to. You don’t know how long you’ve been here, though not a scratch on your body, some on your brain, certainly. The first night was horrific, confronting and spitting at him for deceiving and trapping you. Now that you never worried about him physically hurting you, you only worried about how long it would take before you were free. Monotony has taken over your days. You never thought you would miss going to work, you were probably replaced by now. All you do is just sit there in the dark. Francis has left plenty of things for you to do while restrained, books, the tv remote, but liberation was a no no. He claimed it was because he…”loved” you. What a sick excuse.

"Mmmm pretty (Y/N)..." your neighbour murmured, kissing your lips,"I have your food for you. It’s your favourite.”

"Francis, you've been getting my favourite for a week now." you sighed, the fire of your soul not put out, gazing down at the ready meal on your lap. It wasn't your favourite anymore. It was disgusting, revolting. You can’t believe you have to put another one of these in your mouth,“If you’re going to keep me trapped here, at least let me pick what I’m going to eat.”

"Mmmm you are always asleep before I can ask in the morning…” Francis tenderly explained, scooping a plastic spoon into the food and rose it to your lips.

The sight of it wrinkled your nose. You were going to have to eat it, since if you managed to knock it and spill it onto the floor, Francis would simply clean up and buy a replacement,"You’re sick. You'll never get away with this." the snarl left your teeth, like it has every other night.

Francis lowered his arm, getting the implication you wouldn’t eat just yet,"Mmm… Why do you say that?”

“The police will figure out that you’ve been holding someone hostage here, Francis.” you spat. You hated that man in front of you so much.

A tiny mocking smile sprouted on his lips,“Mmmm you think the police care about abductions when there's dopplegangers on the loose? Besides, you are safe, aren’t you? I haven’t hurt you, you’re fed, no dopplegangers here.”

You would much prefer being murdered by that monster, than rotting with this monster,"They'll care more about a vacant apartment!"

Francis rested the spoon in your food,"No they won't. They'll think you got murdered on your way home and write it off as that."

You were taken aback by Francis’ risible claim on the police's hypothetical actions,"They're not stupid!"

"But they are, sweet (Y/N). How can I leave your safety to such people, mmm? I don't want anything bad to happen to you." he whispered, caressing a cold finger across your cheek again.

He was the bad thing. This physical touch will never silence you,"Someone in this apartment building surely cares! Someone in here must suspect you!” It just felt sad. Had you really glazed over the warning signs?

Your desperation for some kind of outside help was feeding Francis’ own assurance,"Mmmm no... No one suspects the tired milkman to have you here like this."

It was painful to think about all those times you flashed him a smile and said good morning to him,"I trusted you."

"You still can trust me..." he murmured, tilting your head up with both hands under your chin and kissing you on your forehead. A bit of you died with every forceful kiss he placed on you.

"No, I can’t. Not after you’ve done this to me.” you attempted at biting his hand, which he had retracted back instantly,“I’ll make sure you rot in jail.”

Francis hummed,"Mmmm I don't understand what you are complaining about... You get to live without any worries. All I ask is that you love me in return." and he leaned in again to lick behind your ear lobe.

Oh that warm wetness of saliva you never asked for! The disgust never faded away, loudly gagging, screeching,"Love you? Never. You can’t keep someone in your home for the justification that you love them and expect them to like that! This is psychotic behaviour, and I will never accept this inhuman position you’ve forced me into!”

Crisping your disgust, Francis had taken his time sucking near your ear, forcing the back of his twisted head in your sight, how badly you wanted to set it on fire, and only when he was done, he made his answer, face to face,“Mmmm, fine by me. I still have you here, right where I can see you everyday.”

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!! Whether you have a romantic partner to share this day with or not, Frankie is here for all viewers ! ;) <3

Frankie used to really not care about Valentine's Day until you came into his life.

“Lucky contestant, do you know what day it is today?” the giant rabbit asked, rubbing your shoulders.

You rotate your puzzled head to him. To you, it was just an ordinary day, so you have no clue what occasion Frankie could be enamoured about,“Uh... New Year’s?”

He shakes his robotic head,“Try again!”

“Uh...” It couldn’t have been Christmas, since you did just have it,“Your birthday?”

His head denies it again,”It will be in eight months! Try again!”

He was sentient enough to know his own birthday? Wow. You began to deceivingly think about how it would be when his birthday does come up. Will he celebrate it? Will he expect you to do something? He did give you a pretty sick birthday celebration, so maybe there's that expectation to give back. 

You were never going to get the advantage of knowing beforehand. There were billions of other holidays out there, so you answered:

“Uh... Yeah, I give up.”

“Give up? That’s not like you! You’re not one to give up! Don’t you at least want a hint?” Frankie attempted futile persuasion, removing a hand from your shoulder, oblivious to that quick stream of thought of yours.

“No, I’m fine. Tell me.”

“Tell you?” he spun you around to face him,“I’ll show you!”

He reveals his hand to you.

Paper?

He handed it to you. It was...a handmade card?

You immediately blushed and covered your face, the card dropping on your lap. For a material so light, you unexplainably felt the grounding of Frankie’s time and hypothetical heart poured into this gift for you. Glitter had been glued around as the border of the front, glimmering whenever you moved it, a lot of hearts drawn on and words “Valentine for my contestant!” in felt tip red cursive pen. Ah. That's what it was, Valentine's Day. So it was February already?

“Wow, how did you... When did you do this?” you asked in astonishment, flipping it around for inspection.

“While you were asleep for three nights.” Frankie’s permanent smile shifted into a smirk, gesturing to the comfy corner where you slumbered,“Go on, open it, contestant! If you don’t, it’s just wasted decoration!”

“Right right.” you let out, gently opening the card. The double pink pages empty, save for the delicate words:

Dear Valentine!

For as many ratings as you brought in is how much I love you!

The real Frankie

And another sticky red heart glued on the bottom of the page.

“Wow Frankie... For a hand as big as yours and for paper as small as this, this is really nice!” you hugged it close to your chest, gripping eye contact with him,“Thank you. I wish I knew Valentine’s was today so I could do something for you.”

“No gift is needed in return, contestant! All I ask is your satisfaction.” Frankie assured, wiggling a large finger.

Okay so that kinda answers for every other holiday,“Then yes-“

“But wait, that’s not all!” he pointed and a packet of sweets appeared in the palm of his gloved hand,“Tada!”

Disbelief stretched your eyes,“Gummy hearts?” you named, receiving it, the fresh packet rattling gently in your fingers, the field of red trapped in the plastic reminding you of Frankie’s bowtie,“Ohh... I love these. Thank you.” you smiled, tearing open the packet and plucking one out,”Here. You can have the first one.”

“Me?” he points to himself, pinching it off you,“Why thank you!” he chirped, throwing it in his teeth, and munching away on it visibly.

You snickered at the display,“The way you eat is so funny, Frankie.”

He paused and gazed down at you,“Funny? That’s a word I wouldn’t expect about my eating. Why?”

“Just that you can close your mouth, but you don't have lips like I do so whenever you eat, it’s just like, anyone can see the process of you chewing and...” you tried to explain as best you could, laughing here and there,“Nang nang nang. It’s like how a cartoon would eat.”

“Which was the source inspiration for my being!” he replied lightheartedly, taking a gummy heart from the bag and holding it to your mouth where he popped it in upon opening.

"Mm..." the strawberry gelatin softens under your teeth. You chewed excessively until it had all slid to your stomach. Mouth now free, you used it on Frankie's cheek,"You're a cute bunny."

"And you’re my cute lucky contestant!" he added, patting your head,"Happy valentine's day!"

🌸Yes of course! Thank you so much for sending this in, I hope you enjoy this and have a wonderful day!🌸

STEVEN RUDBOYS X READER HEADCANONS

Always offers to take you with him on his flights.

Obviously gives you first class treatment.

Any country or state you want to go to, he'll arrange to be the pilot of that flight.

Otherwise, he'll just arrange with whoever it is in charge of the flight and get you the free ticket anyway.

That’s his idea for a date.

He's the type to only smile if he finds something funny, so you don't take it personally if you meet up with him and his face is cold.

He also doesn't like talking a lot.

He prefers physical contact instead.

Never expect him to take his sunglasses off unless you're at home when it's just you two (besides his father).

And his eyes are pretty suave.

Since he's a pilot, his schedule is very irregular, but he cooks and cleans for you when he can.

He's not the best cook so he asks his dad to help him.

He prefers colder environments because he gets warm really easily so that gives you an excuse to be near him.

Seriously he's the type to bathe in ice baths and since you refuse, he can only really do them when he's abroad.

You met him by being in the same pilot beginner class as him years ago, but you quit halfway through.

He always kisses you when you least expect it.

He's the big spoon all the way, but he is quite short.

Both his dad and him are allergic to cat hair, so you couldn’t get a pet cat. 

But he did get you a cat plush!

Of course you can!!! Thank you so much for sending this request in, I apologise if this was short, I hope you enjoy nonetheless and have a marvellous rest of the week!!!!❤️🌺

FRANCIS X NACHA FLUFF

Nacha had stepped outside to water the flowers she hanged around her porch, when she spotted a familiar man in the stairwell.

“Francis!” she called, watering can in one hand.

“Mmm...” the milkman tipped his hat as he rotated his head,“Nacha?”

“Helloooo!” the curly haired lady beamed brightly, waving energetically,“Is your shift over?”

“Mmm yes. I’ve come in now.”

“Well, why don’t you stay over for a bit? Come in, I’ve just finished cooking stir fry!” Nacha gestured welcomingly.

Francis’ eyes slid from the stairs to her door,"Oh... Are you sure? I don't want to burden you, mmm.."

"No no, it isn't a burden at all! Please come in!" she insisted.

After a second of thinking, Francis would walk down the second floor to the fourth apartment, leaving his shoes outside. Nacha would go ahead, setting the watering can back in the storage room and headed into the kitchen to make sure everything was ready for dinner. Anastacha was on the couch, watching the black and white screen.

She briefly looked up and waved,“Mmm hi dad, or whatever.”

Francis waved back,“Hello Anastacha... Are you well?”

His daughter nodded,“Mmm.. Mhm.”

Nacha had set the napkin across Francis’ lap, to Francis’ awkward surprise at being back in this kitchen, and had poured him a glass of water by the steaming bowl of stir fry she served him. The milkman let the aroma of spice and noodles rest in his nose. It was a breath of all things good in life with more vibrancy in his eyes. The hot flavour of the homemade meal sitting in front of him had swept a kind of delight from the past, when those eye bags weren’t so predominant.

“Mmm thanks…” Francis murmured in a lighter tone, picking up his utensils and began eating. Oh. It was a slice of paradise laughing on his tongue. This meal... This warm meal... He couldn’t be more thankful for Nacha, or her inviting speciality in cooking.

“How is it? I hope you’re enjoying it!” the cheerful woman asked, digging in her own plate like it was a common dish. He couldn’t comprehend how easily someone could chew and move on to the next bite with food like this. Maybe he was the weird one and Nacha was the normal one. How generous one’s reality is when this is the norm.

“Mm...it’s delicious, Nacha. Thank you for this meal.”

“Of course, Francis!” Nacha chirped, pleased to hear he enjoyed it,“You’re always so tired... How many hours do you sleep?”

Francis swallowed the bit of food he was chewing,“Well… I sleep at eleven, and have to be up again around four.”

Nacha’s pair of rare eyes widened in disbelief,“So early! And you're out all day, aren't you?" 

"Mhm... I rarely have time to eat. I just have pre made meals." Francis didn’t know that answer would send Nacha in a rant.

"Pre made meals every day? Be careful with what you eat, Francis! Supermarkets tend to put a lot of processed ingredients to make the food appear and taste fresh for a long time! And yes, it’s cheaper and quicker, but it's unhealthy to have everyday!" did the steam come from the food or passion?

Her voice was still as cheerful, even with the undertones of concern,"Mmmm I'm aware... I just don't have the time to cook." Francis wished that it had boiled some motivation in him.

"Yes yes I know, you can't be blamed, it's not your fault. Your schedule is very packed so it's an easy convenience to rely on pre made meals." Nacha’s response was sympathetic,"I'm not going to tell you what to do, so instead I'll make a suggestion!” she didn’t make it until she had another bite,“Why not spend your dinners here?"

Francis’ eyebrow lifted. That wasn’t what he had in mind. Although, now that he thought of it, it was just like her to ask. Always generous, always wanting to help.

So that’s why he couldn’t,"Oh no, I possibly couldn't... I mean, I know it's standard, but I feel no better than a leech. And it’s quite a scandal for a woman to cook for a man she's not married to."

"Ohh you worry too much about that! It's not scandalous and you wouldn't be leeching, Francis darling! I'm used to cooking large meals everyday, it's not a problem! Besides, dear Anastacha gets full quite easily, so she doesn't eat a lot. You would actually be doing me a favour!" Nacha’s ability to elaborate was very inspiring,"Even if you don't want to physically come in, eat at the table, I could always give you some food containers to take back!"

Yet Francis didn’t want to be a bother,"I'm really going to have to deny... You are a phenomenal woman, Nacha-"

"No no! I will not let sweet talk get you off the hook! I really don’t understand you.” Nacha tossed her cutlery down with gentle chagrin,“What benefit do you gain from rejecting the chance to eat at least one fresh meal everyday?”

Francis’ hand froze in the middle of swirling his next bite,"I think I should be asking that…what benefit do you gain from cooking for me?”

“Why do I need a benefit? Can’t I do something good for someone without expecting something in return?” she asked, picking up her cutlery again.

“Mmm...” she meant well, he know she did; the reason sounded so...conforming,”It’s always women who place anyone else's needs before their own. But why? You work hard enough, you shouldn't have to feed me because you feel guilty."

“It’s not guilt, it’s care!” Nacha’s voice could never project frustration, which was an adorable testament to how compassion was the bane of her existence,“I care about you, Francis, not just as a neighbour or the father of our child or former partner. I care about you as a person.”

Now he really couldn’t focus on eating. A person huh? He hasn’t heard anyone call him that in a while. He was used to working like a dog, taking the harsh heat like a man should, so to hear that was moving.

So moving, he finally gave in,“Mmmm... Very well.”

Nacha clapped her hands victoriously,“Oh! I’m so happy to hear that, Francis! It’ll be such fun! We can talk and catch up about so many things, we can try different recipes, I could even teach you, well, maybe not, since I don’t want to exhaust you even more than you already are! Oh maybe we could even spend breakfast together, I mean, I’m not sure about your off days-“

Always generous. He was happy that she was the mother of his child. He was happy he was on such good terms with her in general. As if under a spell, Francis rose from his seat, slowly approaching her obliviously chattering being, leaning in and

kissed her on the lips.

All chatter died.

He pulled away at the silence and snapped his head away in shame.

Why did he do that? Did all this exhaustion really block his senses? He’s probably made her so much more uncomfortable than it needed to be. Oh God. She won’t be able to see him the same way again. Why did he do that? He didn’t even ask or-

A soft pair of lips brushed his cheek.

A shock rattled his being. He hadn’t even seen the blush on her face until he shyly looked at her again and was met with relief. The smile across her freckled cheeks. She wasn’t offended or uncomfortable at all.

“You’re so shy, Francis!” Nacha commented, brushing her hand against his arm,”I love surprises such as this. Any woman would be so fortunate to have you as their lady!”

A butterfly of hope flapped its wings within his chest. Was it possible they could...?

“Sit back down, we still have lots to talk and finish!“ she gestured, pointing to his vacant seat with a fork.