deercountry | there's a monster in my closet

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there's a monster in my closet

MAY 2022 EVENT

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Half man, half goat gazing through the sky in front of mountain.]
[Image Two: Deer-like skeletal creature talking in a forest.]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Bees crawling out of and over a calm man's cheek.]
[Image Two: Humanoid figure with honeycomb skin.]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Skull beside dried flowers.]
[Image Two: Red wilting flowers. ]

[NAVIGATION]

Prompt 1 • Prompt 2 • Prompt 3 • Plotting • Newsletter

[JUMP TO COMMENTS]

SELF EVALUATION

WHEN: May
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Body horror, heavy themes of dysphoria and body dysmorphia, acceptance of self, forced physical transformations.

An excerpt from Book of Bausphomette:

"They say you should walk a mile in someone's shoes before casting judgment. The true rhetoric can be applied to Bausphomette's version of 'self-evaluation.' It shouldn't come as a surprise that a Pthumerian would have a very different idea of self-evaluation than the typical person, but here we are and I'm going to give you a heads up: don't freak out about the fur.

Or scales. Really, it could be anything, but when your body starts to change into something you can't recognize, you're not going crazy and you're not turning into a Beast. Or okay, you're turning into a beast but not a Beast with a capital B. You will be yourself, have your normal personality, your normal thoughts, your normal habits...You just...Won't exactly look like yourself. People have been known to turn into minotaurs or sprout ten wings or become half-goat on top and all fish on the bottom. Either way, you're not going to be physically recognizable.

But you will be yourself. You will just have new vocal cords or have to learn a new means of communication. Telling your loved ones about your sudden transformation might be a bit alarming, but I think that's kind of the point. Bausphomette seems to believe the monstrous transformation will allow people to consider different parts of themselves that are usually hindered by social judgments. Are you really happy with yourself enough to not mind being a beast? How does this impact your relationship with your body? Does your body matter to you as much as you believed? Can you adapt to this new body and come to love it?

Granted, not everyone has hated this process. It has made some parts of life especially exciting...If you know what I mean. Thankfully the process doesn't last! The general idea is that once you have accepted something about yourself you will begin to turn back to your usual body! Of course, for more stubborn folks, this has been known to take a few months...Try not to be too stubborn or resistant to the new change! ...It will only make it worse."

QUICK FACTS 1. Your character can have various monstery attributes during May. They should be monsterous - not cute little ears or a non-distracting tail.

2. The lesson the characters learn can vary greatly and depend on what players choose to explore.

3. Feel free to go as heavy-handed with the body horror. Your character can magically just wake up with the body or go through some painful transformation.

4. Characters should NOT have mental alteration during this period. The point is that they are still themselves regardless of their new appearance.

5. Have the size of the beast be appropriate to the setting's size.

6. Temporary powers can be gained through the beast's body for the month. Do not break the setting.

HUMMING IN THE SKIN

WHEN: May
WHERE: Everywhere
CONTENT WARNINGS: Increased bouts of mindless violence, optional insect-based horror, insects in skin, honeycomb in skin, bodies as hives for insects, extreme body horror.

An old article clipping was gathered from a newspaper that used to run in Trench. It seems like the rest of the article is missing except for the end:

"And, he said, "They will say that I have shed innocent blood. What's blood for, if not for shedding?"

We do not know what this Sleeper's intent was, but we do know the impact lasted. Reports of symptoms include feeling as though your skin is humming, that there's itchiness you can't quite get rid of like something is always crawling over your skin and around inside of you. Some people claim that this remains a mental only terror that keeps them up at night. Some have been known to scratch open holes in their skin and pull themselves apart just to make sure they aren't filled with bugs. We wish we could say that it was only a paranoid curse, but it seems there is some foundation to the concern.

Some who have gotten cuts or other injuries at this time will discover various insects, but especially bees crawling out from exposed wounds. Once you have gotten an injury, the humming seems to get worse. A descent to madness happens swiftly, but all at once, you become calm and content with the situation. Your skin slowly becomes honeycombed, bees moving in and out of you freely. You become a walking, talking hive.

But of course, that's just the worst-case scenario. For the most part, people who are itching mindlessly seem to be driven to bouts of violence, wanting to get rid of the feeling by randomly attacking those nearby. Strangely enough, the bloodshed during these attacks does not seem to contribute to blood pollution.

Instead, blood shed during this time of month seems to be instantaneously soaked up by your immediate surroundings. The bees from these people have been seen flying everywhere, and instead of collecting pollen, they seem to be collecting blood magic. Either to bring it back to their walking hives or using it for other deeds..."

IMPOSTERS

WHEN: May-June
WHERE: Outside where flowers can be found
CONTENT WARNINGS: Demonic, violent, blood thirsty flowers?? Parasite style monsters.

From Plantlife and You: Trench Edition:

"This is a tricky subject as it does not technically have to do with actual plantlife but rather the nefarious imitation of plantlife.

As spring begins be cautious of the plants around you. It might be lovely to see tulips popping open and other spring delights coming to light. We all like to see the splashes of color pop up around Trench, especially after such cold, long months...But be wary.

Among these flowers are insidious imposters. Telling them apart from the original flowers is almost impossible. You can only do your best to be careful around any plantlife you interact with. They look like flowers, but these creatures are demonic beasts who have perfectly cultivated a flawless mimic. Instead of sunlight and water, they soak in the blood of Trench up through their roots. If you pick the wrong flower, blood will squirt out from the roots and vines.

The bees from Sleeper bodies seem intent on pollinating these exact flowers with blood, leaving little bloody streaks in their wake, but the bees jump between normal flowers and the imposters, making it difficult to properly figure out which is which.

I know what you're thinking: okay, so what? They eat blood, big deal, they are just flowers...

Ha! Did you really think it would be that simple? No, no, these imposters will invade your gardens and your homes. Their little vines will wrap around your foot when you're in the garden or taking a walk. It's not evident at first, but it doesn't take much for a flower to grow on your body. Harmless, painless, but they will suck your blood dry. They have been known as silent killers, parasitic, draining you of life and energy and magic slowly but surely.

And the catch is once you have one flower growing on you, more will come, and it can distort your personality and make you feel or act as though you are drunk. Things won't make sense and you won't exactly know how to ask for help. Your only luck is that someone else will notice. Taking the flowers off requires an icy bath or shower and some serious salt scrub. To prevent this in general, you will want to keep your skin covered thoroughly and not allow pollen to brush against you since that's all it takes. Good luck!"

CODING

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Ochako's words barely breach the sickly haze that has clouded Dito's mind. He hears the soft padding of Bakari's paws as she heads off to collect Ochako's supplies, feels himself being carried into the next room, but all of it seems detached and faraway, as if he were several fathoms underwater. He leans into her hand as she glides her fingers through his hair, uttering a soft noise that might have started out as a word at some point.

It's strange, really. Dito typically doesn't like people touching his hair, but this feels... nice.

Then he feels her hands reach down to his trousers, working to loosen his belt. Dito's eyes snap open, his already overtaxed heart jolting painfully in his chest. His cloven hooves slip and skid on the smooth porcelain of the tub as he struggles to push himself away from her, already feeling the coy, disarming smile brought on by years of practice working its way unbidden across his face.]

Wait... w-wait, wait Five! M-maybe we should save the intimate healing for later, yeah? Wouldn't want you to get sick too, right? I-I don't think I really have the strength for it tonight, anyway-- you don't wanna break your favorite toy again, do you?

[Ochako blinks, tilts her head to one side a moment, then when the pieces snap together, her face goes on a bit of a journey - shock, embarrassment, worry, then a hard sort of scowl at the last bit. It takes her a moment to reorient herself into a semblance of being professional again - Ochako is still young, after all, and she isn't quite as able to hide her emotions as well as she thinks she is - but after a slow breath, Ochako manages.

She doesn't really know what to say, doesn't even want to address the implications, because Dito's not in his right mind now, and she's sure he would never divulge something like that willingly. And she won't take advantage of that when he's like this. It's not her place, she's just here to heal and take care of him in his time of need, like any good Hero ought to.]

Dito-san, I'm only to take off the excess, but if you want to remain dressed, you can. It'll just be a bit harder to get this plant off. [She reaches for his hand, mostly to steady him, and ease him down from his heightened state.] ...I won't do anything you don't approve of, I promise. E-Even if you can't really hear me.

[Dito-san. The honorific cuts through the miasma of panic that's temporarily taken hold of his brain. Someone had called him that once, hadn't they? Someone with a young and sweet voice, who'd smiled at him as if he were someone to be respected. As if he weren't just a servant. As if he weren't just another one of Five's prized possessions.

Dito's struggles cease. His body sags, trembling with exhaustion and residual terror. It takes the last of his energy to raise his head and give the owner of the voice the slightest of nods, his expression as tight as if his head were on the chopping block. Bakari, having fetched the materials Ochako has asked for, watches this grimly from the other side of the tub.]

He'll behave now, I think. He's too tired to do anything else.

[When he sags, Ochako's grip gets a little tighter, just to make sure Dito doesn't fall accidentally, trying to keep the claws that still linger on her renewed fingers and still feathery arms from cutting into his skin. Best to keep what remainder of his blood is left inside his body. She'll also need to call help, too, after the scrub, in case he'll need a transplant. Dito may not be a warmblood like herself, so she can't risk mixing the blood types...and that's potentially dangerous regardless.]

He's doing just fine... Thank you, Ms. Hyena.

[Said to Bakari, but Ochako's eyes don't leave the young man for a second, as she begins to remove his excess clothing, just so she can properly scrub him down. Her face scrunches up as she sees more vines covering his body, weaving into his skin to mimic the pattern of lightly colored veins. No one would really know, unless they really stared. How terrible...

And once everything is set up, Ochako gets to work, easing him into the salted bath and beginning a vigorous scrub, patting his hair and face gently each time she has to be more rough than she'd like. The water starts to turn a mixed color, and she has to drain and refill it a few times, but the work is worth it.

She'll save him, no matter what. He's going to be okay.]

[Dito is once again adrift. Soft voices seem to echo around him, but he can't hear what they're saying, and after a while he stops trying. He feels as though he's floating in a vast ocean, and although normally he would be disgusted at floating in an environment that fish regularly defecate and copulate in, it doesn't bother him as much as it normally would.]

Maybe I'm dying. [The thought comes to him idly, as if he were merely considering going out for a stroll.] Strange. I always thought it'd hurt worse than this.

[It's not clear to him how long he remains floating in limbo. He suddenly begins to feel waves of tingling throughout his body, flowing through his bloodstream. It feels like his first time in the hot springs, encompassed in delicious and radiant warmth after suffering through the bitter cold for so long.

Dito opens his eyes to see that he has somehow been transported to his bed. The feeling of the covers against his bare skin reveals that he is shirtless, and he abruptly sits upright in alarm before he realizes that he's still wearing his trousers.]

...the hell...?

[And when Dito sits up, he should be able to see a groggy, pale-looking Uraraka rouse suddenly beside his bed. She'd pulled a chair close by to watch over him while resting a bit herself, still slightly covered in fur and feathers but mostly herself now that the transformation has worn off. Her hands are still clawed, the digits looking like a raptor's feet, and tiny, downy feathers cover her forearms and face, the longer ones making up her hair, but...it's undoubtedly her.

She looks tired, run down and just...drained. Literally drained, because the bandage on her forearm indicates she gave up her blood for a transfusion. She was lucky enough that her blood wouldn't cause Dito problems, and a Blood Minster was close enough by that they hurried over right away. Everything went fine, and the parasitic flower was dealt with as well...meaning its remnants were burned to a crisp. Hell, Ochako even deep cleaned the house with rubbing alcohol and bleach to make sure no seeds or spores remained, as an extra precaution. Her smile is small, but honest nonetheless.]

Ah...Dito san! You're finally awake, ne? D-Do you need anything? I can get it for you.

[He doesn't answer her question right away. Slowly his eyes pan about the room, from the girl currently slouched in the chair beside his bed to his omen lying on the floor at her feet. For a moment it looks as though Bakari is sleeping, though she quickly disproves that by raising her head and gazing pointedly in his direction.]

She's never left your side the entire time you were afflicted, runt. Under the circumstances I think a 'thank you' would be appropriate.

[Dito doesn't respond to Bakari's comment either. His hands come up to rub wearily at his eyes, though in all honesty he doesn't feel tired. In fact, he feels better than he has in ages-- all of the aches and pains he's accrued over the past few days are completely gone. He briefly passes a hand across his hair, pausing for a moment as he realizes the horns are still there.]

How long was I out?

[Ochako holds up her hands, looking between the Omen and its charge as if she were stepping into a family debate or something. Goodness gracious, is this how they all are? Ochako still hasn't met her own Omen, so she has no idea. But if so, then...she's going to have a hell of a time.]

Th-That's really not necessary!! I only did what anyone ought to do...so you don't have to thank me, really. [Ochako blinks though, at the question, and she actually looks a little...confused. Her head turns a bit, here and there, as if searching his room for a clock or time piece of some sort.] I...actually don't really know myself.

[So when Bakari said she never left his side, she really meant it. Ochako has stayed close by for all the time she's been here. She actually hasn't eaten in...a while. But that's not exactly new to Ochako, so she barely even registers the hunger. She was too worried to be hungry.]

[Dito's stomach, on the other hand, takes this opportunity to voice its displeasure loudly and abundantly. An angry growl erupts from his middle, causing him to turn beet red and wrap an arm around the offending area with an inarticulate noise of embarrassment.

Bakari lazily cocks an ear towards him.]

Your belly seems to know what time it is, whelp, even if you don't. Best get some food in you before you inconvenience us by keeling over again.

[Dito's retort is irritable and chagrined.]

Sh-Shut up! It's not like I asked to be laid up like this! How 'bout you get me somethin' to eat if you're so worried about me, huh?!

[The hyena's eyes open just the slightest bit, but not in a manner that indicates she intends to move a muscle.]

Last I checked there wasn't anything wrong with your legs. Stop being a lazy useless male and take some initiative for once.

[Ochako really did walk into a family feud here, didn't she? Thankfully, she's pretty good at calming down the situation, and now that the anxiety of potentially having a dead friend on her hands has passed, she's starting to feel the need for nourishment herself, too. Probably also because she did give away quite a bit of her blood so that Dito would be okay, but...you know. Details.

She reaches down a bit - grasping onto the back of the chair because hoo boy, that sure is some vertigo there for a second, yup - and scratches affectionately at Bakari's backside. Dogs like that, right? ...Are hyenas considered dogs?? Ochako has no idea, but she assumes that she'll enjoy the scritches nonetheless.]

It's fine, he's fine... Don't be so hard on him right now - none of what happened could be helped. I'll make us all something to eat, so don't worry. None that I can actually use my hands again!

[They still have feathery bits on them, and they still resemble birds' feet with curved, black talons at the end of each digit, but...they're hands!! Ochako can actually grasp and hold shit now that her big, meaty paws are gone. And she can...actually fit in a kitchen without knocking shelves over.]

[Bakari lets out a pleased huff of sound as Ochako's talons make short work of that hard-to-reach spot. Her back leg even begins to thump the ground, the way a dog's would.]

I wouldn't be so hard on him-- ooh right there, that's the spot-- if he wouldn't get himself into these sorts of messes to begin with. Which he does often. Usually it's the fault of that puny thing between his legs.

[From the bed, Dito lets out an offended, embarrassed squawk as he glares in outrage at his Omen.]

Wh-- Y-- It's not puny, you fucking liar! You've seen it!

And I wish I could scrub that particular memory out of my brain. In any case, there's no point in quibbling over the details. I'll help you with putting together a passable meal, child.

[This last is to Ochako as Bakari gets to her feet, keeping close to the young hero in case she needs some extra support while walking.]

[...She is too fucking tired for disso shitto.

And might need an adult.]

[MOVING ON.

Ochako will gladly take any help she can get in the kitchen, thank you very much, considering she still feels a bit noodly from the blood transfusion and sore from sleeping...like a pretzel, honestly. That chair wasn't very comfortable at all. Stretching, and wincing at the bits or pops and cracks, Ochako waves her hand for Bakari to accompany her in the kitchen as she starts to peer through the cupboards and pantry.]

Thank you, Ms. Hyena, I could definitely use the help finding things... [Since she's not familiar with this kitchen.] ...There's a good amount of things here to make something tasty, though a few of the veggies aren't totally fresh.

[Not expired, but not 100% quality. She can still work with that, though. Honestly, Ochako knows how to cook with practically nothing. When you're dirt fucking poor, you learn to adapt and improvise with what you got.]

[With another disdainful sniff in Dito's direction, Bakari falls into step behind Ochako, claiming an unobtrusive spot in the kitchen as Ochako busies herself with finding ingredients.]

Please, call me Bakari. Ms. Hyena feels misleading, considering I'm only assuming this form.

[She pauses, her ear cocked toward the bedroom just in case Dito's listening in. When she speaks again her voice is quiet, conspiratorial.]

I have to be hard on him, you know. You don't know what thoughts whirl inside that diseased mind of his. He's had a hard life, his ability to choose for himself taken away from the very beginning, but he's also never been taught anything more than the selfish hedonism of the world.

He's like a brushfire let loose in a gallery of paintings-- never stopping to admire the virtues of the world, only wanting to blacken and destroy and devour as much as he can before he burns out. I have to be hard on him. It's the only way I know to keep the maelstrom roaring inside of him in check.

[She shakes her head with a soft animal sigh, settling to the floor and resting her head on her forepaws.]

...He likes stew, by the way. It's his favorite.

Edited 2022-08-11 14:51 (UTC)

[Oh, that's right...Omens can sometimes change their shape, even if it's incredibly rare. Supposedly, Izuku's did at some point, but she has yet to see his. Or Bakugou's...hell, even hers has remained MIA since she's arrived, though Ochako really hasn't had need to call on it yet, really. Not that she thinks, anyway... Maybe just not the right time.]

Alright...Bakari-san. [Ochako pauses, her movements slowing somewhat to listen, brow furrowed and lips turned in a prominent, downward frown. That sounds a lot like...many people, victims mostly, that Ochako knows. Where their choice was taken away, their lives governed by horrible people that only sought to use and abuse them. A little girl comes to mind, and Ochako takes a deep breath.] I think I understand, but being rough on him all the time isn't great either, you know. I bet he went through a lot of hardship already...so a little give-and-take is probably better for him, you know? Some kindness can go a long way - at least that's what I think.

[Stew, huh? That's actually extremely easy to make. And judging by what she found, though not completely ripe in terms of veggies, she can make something super yummy. A very simple beef stew, or--...hell, she could probably make a mean cream stew, too. If the milk didn't go sour, that is.]

Easy. Are there any spices? Even just salt and pepper is fine.

Bakari-san. [The Omen sounds amused.] An acceptable moniker. I'll allow it.

[Her ear flicks once; twice. She rises to a sitting position and takes the opportunity to scratch a particularly stubborn spot before addressing Ochako's second point.]

He wouldn't accept kindness from me, even if I were to freely give it. He's been mistreated all his life under the false pretense of kindness and love, so much so that he's now repulsed by the very thought of it. If I were to treat him any differently than I do now, he would immediately withdraw to where I couldn't reach him. As his Omen, I can't risk that happening.

But I think that maybe he would accept such kindness from you. [A pause.] The spices are in the cupboard behind you.

[That...sounds miserable. Truly, undoubtedly miserable, and Ochako's not really sure what she's feeling right now. Upset? Anger? Pity? Sadness? It feels like everything combined into one, because no one should live their life shunning kindness - sincere kindness - because of something that happened to them. Ochako most definitely would love to toss whoever hurt Dito that way into the sky and not blink twice, but...alas.

If she can do anything, even a little, of course she's going to try. Nodding her head quietly, Ochako helps scratch that itch for the hyena and goes to get the spices from where they were indicated.]

Thank you. I'm going to do the best I can, so you do yours too, ne? Thank you for looking out for him - it really does sound like he needs someone like that...

[Ochako sighs, then gets to work. It doesn't take long at all - stew's not particularly difficult to make, honestly, and the kitchen begins to start smelling of simmered meat, rich spices, and boiled veggies in no time. She had thought to make a Japanese style beef stew for Dito at first, but after finding all the right ingredients...Ochako decided on a specialty of hers - a staple favorite in the wintertime at the Uraraka household. Cream stew, a recipe her mother taught her because Ochako loved it so much, will be brought out to her friend in no time, as well as some water and bread with melted cheese on top as a side.]

Dito-san, I've finished cooking!! My mama taught me this recipe when I was a lot younger, it's one of my favorites! I hope you like it...

[And because it's a family recipe, that means Ochako has perfected it through many years. The Uraraka family is extremely close, and they show their love in simple ways. Cooking is one of them, at least on Ochako's mother's side. The meal will be rich and decadent, the cream lightly dusted with hints of pepper and other spices, the chicken and potatoes practically falling apart in one's mouth, and the carrots and other green veggies cooked, but still firm and adding just a bit of chew to make it hearty. Ochako's not a master chef by any means, but the few recipes she was taught, she knows them well and can create them in her sleep with pinpoint accuracy.]

[The smell reaches Dito before Ochako's voice does, a heady, thick and heavenly smell that causes his stomach to set up another one of its famished caterwauls. Dito tosses the covers aside and slips out of bed, tossing on a modest white shirt he quickly picks out of his chest of drawers.

Almost hesitantly he enters the kitchen, his eyes widening at the set table and the steaming bowl of food.]

Is that...?

[It's hard for a hyena's facial features to indicate amusement, but Bakari somehow manages to pull it off.]

Stew, yes. Your favorite, I believe. If you're going to stand there with your mouth open you might as well start putting some inside it. It's not getting any warmer just sitting there, you know.

[Dito doesn't bother to dignify that with an answer. Sinking down into the chair, he scoops up a spoonful and blows on it before putting it into his mouth. The taste fairly explodes over his tongue, sliding down his throat and causing radiant warmth to blossom in his stomach. Dito licks his lips, his shoulders rolling in a shrug.]

This's okay. I mean, I've had worse.

[His attempt to underplay his reaction is completely thwarted as he quickly eats another spoonful, and this time he can't quite suppress the soft moan of pleasure as he's enveloped by the sublime taste once again. Bakari snorts.]

I'm glad you can find it in your heart to choke it down, whelp. What a noble sacrifice you're making.

[There's some bread to go with the stew, too, considering its intense richness and how thick and hearty it is. It's supposed to be eaten on colder days, but can be had whenever, really...and aside from corn soup and Kansai style ozoni, cream stew is one of Ochako's personal favorites. She's sitting down, only having a cupful for herself (her appetite is fairly low because of the transfusion), but seems to sort of sink in her seat from the initial comment...until perking up again at how rapidly he's eating.

Ah, so he's like Bakugou then - stupid, very tsundere, but a bit of a gourmet in some regards. A smile starts to form on Ochako's face as she munches her own little portion, kicking her feet on her chair like a little kid.]

Ehehe, I'm glad you like it. If I had some different spices, maybe the taste could have been a little richer, but I think I did okay. ['Okay'...she's being a bit humble here. The food is made to perfection - even the carrots and green beans are still crisp and add a nice chew and slight crunch to the otherwise melty potatoes and savory, lightly peppered broth.] Maybe I'll try making some beef stew sometime, too!! It was friend Iida-kun's favorite back home, but I could never get it how he liked. Beef is a little harder to cook for me.

[S-Since beef cuts are expensive and Ochako hardly ever got them growing up. She's not super used to cooking with beef cuts that aren't thinly sliced or ground.]

[She'll probably never know how much he's enjoying this. Or maybe she will, watching Dito savor every spoonful as if it's an expensive wine he's sampling. His own stew-making skills were all right by his standards-- nothing to particularly write home about, but it filled his belly. Ochako's attempt, on the other hand, has a certain... he doesn't know how to describe it. There's something rustic about the mix of flavors-- something warm and cozy and almost homey, even though home for him was never anything pleasant.

The high and flute-like timbre of her voice washes over him as she explains her methods, seemingly unaware that her demure deflections are falling on deaf ears. It's only when beef stew is mentioned that his ears perk up, and Dito momentarily pauses in his eating to glance up at her.

If it tastes anything like this, nothing would make me happier. That was the thought that passed through his mind. What he said to her instead was:]

Knock yourself out. I'll be your test subject. Like I said, I've had way worse.

[His sentiment expressed, Dito once again leans over the bowl again, intent on making sure not a single stray droplet of the stew escaped uneaten.]

Edited 2022-09-08 01:35 (UTC)

[Maybe she won't know the full extent of his culinary delight, but Ochako sure can guess. Usually when one is quiet and focused, they're enjoying the food. The fact he's eating it, slowly, and has his eyes mostly forward on the bowl is also a decent indication she outdid herself a bit. It only makes her smile grow wider, really.

Likewise how his head perks up like a dog's ears when he hears she'd make a different sort of stew for him. Ochako very subtly throws a thumbs up under the table for Bakari's eyes only - a quiet thanks for the hint into what is most palatable for their surly charge here. She'll have to make sure to practice some how with how to cook beef. Ho-Hopefully Bakugou will be awake by then to maybe give her some pointers...]

It'd be my pleasure. Are there any kind of foods you don't like? Or that might make you sick? [Any allergies, she means. Ochako really should be more mindful of asking those questions when she cooks for people, honestly.]

[The bowl of stew is delicious but unfortunately finite, and eventually Dito is finished with it. He picks the bowl up to slurp up the dregs-- not even caring that Ochako can clearly see him from where she's sitting-- and then busies himself with scraping out the last few drops with a finger.

Busying himself like this means that he doesn't have to think too hard about what Ochako's just said. "It'd be my pleasure", huh? This little chit's definitely not short on platitudes. It's a few seconds before he gives her an answer to her question.]

Not a fan of sweets, to be honest. I mean they're okay, they're just not what I'd go for if I have to choose. And seafood. I hate seafood. The stench, the look of it...

I lived close to the ocean before I wound up here, and low tide always made the beaches smell like fetid death. Plus there was this incident one time with this giant rotting crab-- anyway, I think I've made my point. Seafood triggers my gag reflex.

[Oh my god, he's a slob, and it delights Ochako to no end - who is now clearly unable to hide the gigantic grin on her face as it spreads from ear to ear. Someone enjoying the meal you make them so openly and earnestly that they forgo manners altogether is actually a weird sort of compliment, and she's not about to berate him for it or anything. It's like watching a child eat their first ice cream cone, or their first bit of cake - messy, a little gross, but hilariously endearing.

But when she gets her answer to the question, Ochako does look a little disappointed. Not much, but only because, well...she's Japanese. Seafood makes up quite a bit of her diet in some way.]

Eh, what a shame...but I get it. I'll keep that out of anything I mak--...ah! Actually. I should ask, um...what about things like seaweed and kelp? My world uses kelp to sometimes make broth - dashi - and we sometimes wrap dried seaweed around things like riceballs, or sprinkle it on top of soups and stuff. Just little bits.

[One can easily have sushi without fish, but without nori? ...That's a bit tougher.]

[The last meager drops of the stew have been scraped and lapped up. Dito stares forlornly at the empty bowl, as if he could make more stew appear if he just looked hard enough. Not even the mention of seafood has ruined his appetite, which just goes to show how much he's enjoyed this particular meal. Finally he tears his eyes away to look at Ochako, ruminating on what she's told him.]

Dashi, huh? [The word feels strange on his tongue. He shrugs with a nonchalance he doesn't feel-- he hates to admit it, but the way she describes it sounds intriguing.] I think I can choke down seaweed, yeah. As long as it doesn't stink.

[Bakari snorts from where she's lying on the kitchen floor by his chair.] I suppose that's the most ringing endorsement you're ever going to get from this tactless brat.

[Just wait until Dito learns there's an entire pot of stew in the fridge for him. Ochako doesn't do things in halves - if she makes food, she makes food that will last.]

Mm, it's usually just a seasoning, or soup base. Like there's chicken both, bone broth, vegetable broth...and we have dashi, which is sometimes fish or kelp. Plus there's so much stuff in our broths and soups that gives it flavor, too. Garlic, green onion, ginger, soy sauce, sake, mirin...shiitake. As for nori...it's pretty much heavily salted and dried, so you don't smell much more than that. Khombu can smell like the ocean really only after it's rehydrated, but you toss if after you boil it.

[She's kicking her feet under the table, having finished her meal as well...though at a much slower pace than Dito. Ochako's just having fun talking about something she likes - food, and making it.]

Ehehe, if that's true, then I'll try to make some more things for him sometime.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

there's a monster in my closet

(cw: mentions of sexual abuse)

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1/2

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(cw: allusions to sexual abuse)

cw: very mild MHA spoilers for season 3-4.

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think we can wrap soon.