Pickle for your thoughts? (Dungeon meshi x reader)

One step at the time

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“What the hell is ____ doing?”

Everything was going well. . .or at least as well as eating ridiculously quantities of dragon meat in one go could. Everysingle adventurer surprisingly was having a good time, enjoying a meal with the ones they loved and finding new connections. From what Chilchuck said, this was the first time he saw so many different races eating together without arguing over dumb things.

Though that seemed to not stop you from being. . .your odd self, as Izutsumi would put it.

Using your cloak, you wrapped the fabric around your body, like you were trying to hide yourself, before grabbing a pot full of dragon’s soup and ducking down, behind the table, with the utensil close to yourself. Chilchuck slowly blinked, chewing a piece of meat carefully, as if he was trying to understand what in god’s name you were doing.

“Is this the time to play spy?” the half-foot jumped when you suddenly stood up and covered his mouth with your hand “Don’t say another word, I’m trying to not get caught!” you whispered-yelled, looking around and jumping behind the brunette divorced dad of three when an elf walked by to get a refill. . .which was useless because the half-foot’s body could barely hide your own.

“Aaaaalright, that was hilarious” Izutsumi chuckled mischievously, biting down on a slice of meat pie “What’s going on, ___?” Laios asked with a worried tone, to which you simply grumbled, leaving your half-assed hiding spot and placing down the pot of steaming soup on the table “I’m trying to sneak out of the banquet without any of those pesky Canaries noticing me go missing. It’s since we found out Cap that it’s like I’m always surrounded by at least one of them” it wasn’t difficult to notice, after all they did not make any effort to hide it.

"What a mess. They're keeping an eye on you regarding your trial, aren't they?" the half-foot sighed, leaning back in his chair and scowling, earning a nod from you as you crossed your arms. "Unfortunately, that's the case. With the excuse that I've gained a reputation with the Canaries due to my . . .fugitive nature, I'm sure they don't want to risk losing their latest ex-Dungeon Lord." It was bad to say, but it was the truth. And knowing your background as a former criminal . . .they'd most likely be right, too. It's not hard to cover your tracks with the right technique and enough time.

 Not that this didn't cheer you up, you were still pissed that you couldn't enjoy a last supper with your friends without being constantly reminded of your impending punishment. "It's so annoying because I can't even go visit my parents and the rest of the citizens without risking exposing the purple flower to the Canaries... and I'd hate to ruin a good meal." you muttered out, letting a sigh pass your lips. 

"And that's what?" Izutsumi asked you, lifting the lid of the pot, to which you gently slapped her hand away. "This is for my citizens. It's a soup I cooked myself, added extra spices, to help them regain their sense of taste." the cat-girl glared at you, not at all happy at being denied what she wanted.

So as soon as you looked away from the pot, she grabbed a spoon and scooped out a nice helping of soup before taking a bite.

“Which means it’s extremely spicy.”

A second passed before the ninja’s entire face flushed a bright red and her cheeks went up in flames. The teenager immediately spits the contents of the soup at Marcille, who flinched, trying to cover her face and gasping out the cat-girl's name. Izutsumi grabbed a pitcher of water and poured it onto her sore tongue, whining at the pain she was feeling "And that's what I mean" you blankly said, pointing at the poor girl. Laios hummed, placing a hand on his chin with a serious expression, as if he was considering something.