[home]

[id]

• Characters
• Writing
• Projects

[ego]

• About Me
• Terms
• Interests

[superego]

• Requests
• Submissions
• Commissions

[intersubjectivity]

• Community Carrd
• Community Server

[characters]

The characters who shape the worlds I write.This is a catalog of the minds that refused to stay in the background.

• [ayea]

• [ciel]

• [kalas]

• [kaskel]

• [nox]

• [ria]

If you didn’t think I went overboard with my dedication to my craft already, there was also the time I built an entire gastropub employee ecosystem to make Kaskel’s world feel more lived-in. In the Bonus Features world hub, you’ll find the staff directory and other orbit characters.

• [bonus features world hub]

[writing]

I write the way Hawks hands over the Meta Liberation War book—casual on the surface, coded underneath.It’s all in layers: light tone, heavy subtext, and meaning tucked where you’ll catch it if you’re looking.If you read between the lines, you’ll find what I left there for you—quiet truths, rough edges, and the things I can’t say outright.This is where I keep the stories that matter to me: the messy ones, the sweet ones, the ones with teeth.

[Fandom Projects]

I build things. I run things. I accidentally become staff in places—often because I build and run things.Much like Tyrion, I drink and I know things.Here’s the collection of fandom servers and projects I’m currently keeping alive through sheer force of will and varying levels of involvement.

[active servers]

The communities I currently run or help maintain administratively.
If I'm in the admin logs at 3 AM, it's probably one of these.

The Aviary

Role: Founder, head admin, infrastructure gremlinVibe: A verified 18+ supportive multi-fandom creative community server that is currently MHA-heavy because Hawks brainrot spreads like a virus. It’s multi-national and mod-supported. Ever eldrtich-feline coded, I mostly drift in and out depending on how my CPTSD is behaving. I keep the lights on; the team keeps the vibes good.Status: Active
Access: Application-based, invite-only, but open-invite.

The Flock

Role: Head adminVibe: A server I inherited that’s evolved into a more focused writing and beta-reading space, with structured sections for authors that the larger server can’t accommodate. I pop in when needed, but at this stage I’m mostly hands-off and let the space run itself.Status: Active
Access: Application-based; ask for link

The Rookery

Role: Head adminVibe: Once upon a time, The Aviary allowed bot creators in. The majority voted them out, so this space was spun up to over support with the expectation of ethical use—"for fun" use, not "write my story for me." I only pop in for infrastructure support; otherwise, it runs itself.Status: Active
Access: Application-based; ask for link

Ulthar

Role: Founder, head adminVibe: My bunker when the CPTSD acts up. It's a small, cozy space that functions more like a blanket fort than a server. It's a mutual-support space where everyone looks out for each other, and it's where I'm most active when I'm regulating.Status: Active
Access: Invite-only

Fifth Wing

Role: Founder, head adminVibe: A mything-coded space built around layered access tiers and collaborative needs. Part sactuary, part storytelling engine, part "you must be this feral to enter."Status: Active
Access: Application-based

The Esoteric Order of Dagon

Role: Founder, head adminVibe: My tight-knit gaming server. Pure, unfiltered chaos with a side of eldritch nonsense. It's small, loud, and exactly the level of unhinged you'd expect from the Diety from which its name is derived."Status: Active
Access: Private, invite-only

The Constellation

Role: Founder, head adminVibe: A very small, private space for my family and family-adjacent folks, and the parts of life that don't belong anywhere else. Quiet, close-knit, and intentionally tiny. More hearth than server.Status: Active
Access: Private, invite-only

[mod roles]

Spaces where I'm not the founder, but I try to help keep things running, the bots behaving, and the gremlins contained.

MHA Heartache/Slash Bang

Role: General mod, beta mod, writing mod, beta readerVibe: An event server dedicated entirely to emotional damage as a community sport, with structured spaces for writing, art, and catharsis.Status: Active
Access: Event applications

[archives]

Nothing lives here yet. Everything I've built is still running, still evolving, or refusing to die out of sheer spite.

[external projects]

Blogs, event hubs, and other infrastructure that live outside this Carrd. If it's not a server, but still part of my chaos, it goes here.

MHA Heroes in Every Hue

Role: Writing contributorVibe: A collaborative multi-creator zine project celebrating diverse heroes and storytelling. I am contributing a written piece to the anthology. One of the rare times when my work lives outside of my servers.Status: Active
Access: Public release pending project schedule

LOV: A Kinder Fate

Role: Carrd build & maintenanceVibe: A dedicated Carrd for the zine "LOV: A Kinder Fate". It's clean, structured, and designed to keep the project information organized. I built the layout from scratch using the provided information and graphics and handled the updates.Status: Active
Access: Public
Link: LOV: A Kinder Fate

[About Me]

[about]

I’m Nope—writer, editor, long-term Hawks apologist, and dedicated scholar of one very complicated bird man. I am the menace behind Hawks’ Flat Ass and write Hawks-centric character-driven fic; overanalyze narratives; treat Hawks like a full-time research project. Oscillating between serious meta and feral bird-man brainrot, I pick apart characters and delve into their psychology. This Carrd collects my writing, boundaries, projects, and ways to connect with me.I’m a cat-coded sanctuary builder, powered by devastating fiction, colour-coded spreadsheets, and an alarming amount of stimulants.If you’re here for Hawks content, OC brainrot, emotional damage, or general fandom chaos— welcome home.

[terms&conditions]

[boundaries]

I’m here to have fun, write too much about Hawks, and build spaces that feel safe, cozy, and a little unhinged in the best way.

Please respect the following:

Fandom and writing are a sanctuary, not a battleground.

[content expectations]

My writing and spaces include:

If you found your way here, you probably already know what you’re signing up for.
If not—welcome to the deep end.

[dni]

For everyone’s safety, including my own, please avoid interacting with me or my work if you:

This isn’t personal—it’s about keeping my spaces safe and functional.

[permissions]

Here's what you can do:

Here's what you cannot do:

If you’re unsure, ask—I don’t bite unless provoked.

[communication]

I’m one person with limited energy.
I respond when I can, I lurk often, and I disappear sometimes.
None of this is personal.
If you message me:

Cat-coded means I disappear sometimes. I’m not ignoring you—I’m regulating.
I promise I’m friendlier than Hawks; I just tend to vanish like him, too.

[final notes]

This space is built with intent, care, and a frankly embarrassing amount of Hawks research.
I write to regulate.
My creative process is shaped by neurodivergence and trauma-literacy, including ADHD and CPTSD with structural dissociation.Treat it—and me—with respect.If you’ve read this far:
Hawks would be proud of you.
I’m proud of you.
You may proceed.

[interests]

I collect interests the way Hawks collects intel—obsessively with a questionable amount of enthusiasm and emotional investment. These are the things that shape my writing, my spaces, and the way I move through fandom—and the world.

[fandom anchors]

I connect with characters who are messy, morally complicated, emotionally literate, observant, or catastrophically repressed. I like stories with teeth—the kind that bite back when you least expect it. If it has psychological depth or aftermath energy, I’m already halfway obsessed.

[creative fixations]

My brain latches onto motifs and symbolism, then refuses to let go. If a theme hits, I will dissect it, rebuild it, and turn it into a multi-chapter emotional vivisection that leaves them in beautiful, complicated pieces.

[design obsessions]

I treat design the same way I treat writing—intention, precision, and a bit of caffeinated chaos. If it can be colour-coded, it will be.

[neurodivergent delights]

My brain runs on pattern recognition, hyperfixation, and stimulant-powered sprints. I love systems, routines, and anything that makes the chaos inside of me feel navigable.

[things that spark joy]

Not everything has to be serious. Some things just make my brain go brr.

[fandom boundaries]

Some things drain the joy out of creation faster than a Commission memo. These are the patterns I avoid like the plague.

[other obsessions]

Not everything I love fits neatly into fandom boxes. Some things just feed the brainrot.

[final notes]

If you share even one of these interests, you’ll probably feel at home in my spaces. If you share several... well, you might never leave.

[requests]

A centralized place for people to ask for help, feedback, or creative support without DM-sniping me or guessing what I’m up to. If you’re here, I assume you’ve read my T&Cs, Commissions, and Interests.Before you submit:
• Read this page
• Respect the boundaries
• Don’t assume availability

[what you can request]

[what I won't take]

[How to submit a request]

Send the following in your message:

If something is missing, I'll ask once. If it's still unclear, I'll decide.

[Turnaround expectations]

If I’m in a CPTSD downswing or real life gets busy, everything slows down
I'll do my best to be upfront about my bandwidth.

[queue & boundaries]

[the form]

[commissions]

I take on small-scale technical commissions for people who want their spaces to feel functional and a little bit magical. If you need fancy text, structured layouts, or a Carrd that won’t fight you, I’ve got you.

[services offered]

I currently offer the following:

Each service is tailored to your needs, aesthetic, and comfort level with technology. I work collaboratively and communicate clearly. While I can work off “vibes”, I prefer transparent expectations and active feedback.

[rates]

All pricing is hourly and in US Dollars unless otherwise noted.
I keep things fair, simple, and upfront.

Standard vs Premium

[add-ons]

Additional services I consider part of the above and subject to the same rates, but worth explicitly calling out

[events & freebies]

I will create free event Carrds under the following conditions:

This keeps things fair, sustainable, and fun.

[policies]

These keep things running smoothly for both of us:

[boundaries]

Important notes for you to know:

Respect me and my time, and I’ll give you my best work.

[what to expect]

Working with me means:

I don’t rush, I don’t cut corners, and I don’t disappear mid-project.
(Unless I’m regulating—but I’ll tell you first.)

[process]

Simple. Clean. No paperwork.

[portfolio]

A curated selection of past commissions, layouts, and UI builds.

Carrd: personal endeavors

• [this carrd]
• [server carrd]

Carrd: commissions

• [wertle]
• [prettyliminal wip]

Carrd: events

• [lov:kinder fate]

CSS/HTML: personalMultiple works on My AO3 have custom HTML and CSS stylings. I also post site skin edits on my socials and Discord from time to time.

[contact]

If you're interested in commissioning me, reach out via:

Tell me what you’re looking for, your timeline, and any references you have.

[characters]

• ←[back to characters]

[ayea]

Sharp-tongued, warm-hearted, and impossible to intimidate, Ayea is the rare kind of person who sees straight through the hero façade. Hawks fell for her the moment she refused to be impressed by him—and loved him in a way that changed the shape of his life.

[model] | [mother] | [partner]

• [character info]

Name: Ayea Dahl
Age: 18 at introduction
Occupation: Model (Foreign Talent Commission)
Affiliation: Civilian
Quirk: Transference - reflects sensations across corresponding points in another person’s body, including emotions
Status: Deceased (cardiomyopathy)
Family:
- Partner: Keigo Takami (Hawks)
- Son: Kalas Takami

[personality]

Warm, grounded, and perceptive.
Ayea has a sharp tongue when pushed, but she leads her family with empathy and emotional intelligence.
She’s the kind of person who makes you feel safe without trying.

[relationships]

[hawks]
Their relationship began with friction and honesty—she was one of the first people in his life who didn’t care about his reputation.
Over time, she became his anchor, offering a kind of love he didn’t know how to trust but desperately needed.[kalas]
Ayea was an attentive, affectionate mother who built a home full of warmth, routine, and co-regulation.
She’s the glue that held the family together.

[timeline]

[extras]

[trivia]coming soon[creator notes]- coming soon[inspirations]coming soon[unused concepts]

• [character art]

[characters]

• ←[back to characters]

[ciel]

Raised in isolation and taught to disappear into obedience, Ciel moves through the world with a softness that hides the depth of what she’s endured. She learned to survive by being small, warm, and attentive.Every version of her story starts in the same place. No matter the timeline, she’s the same wounded girl with the instinct to care for others even when no one ever cared for her, still trying to learn what safety feels like.

[survivor] | [wife] | [comfort girl] | [caretaker] | [chef]

• [character info]

Name: Ciel Rioux
Age: varies by timeline
Occupation: None
Affiliation: Civilian
Quirk: Stellar’s Jay - a mutation that causes iridescent blue wings on her back and birdish traits
Status: Varies by timeline
Family:
- Parents: estranged
- Partner: Keigo Takami (Hawks)

[personality]

Quiet, sweet, and deeply attentive.
Ciel is gentle to a fault— the kind of person who apologizes for taking up space.
She’s warm in small, careful ways, but everything she does is shaped by fear, conditioning, and to avoid harm.
Her softness isn’t naivety; it’s survival.

[relationships]

[hawks]
Their marriage begins as an arrangement, but Ciel approaches it with the same diligence she applies to everything. She’s wary, traumatized, and unsure of her place in his world, but she notices everything—his moods, his silence, and the way he tries to be different with her. In some timelines, they grow into something tender. In others, they remain strangers orbiting the same home.[rory rioux]
A controlling, violent man who treated her as property and sold her time to others. This relationship shapes much of her fear and her difficulty trusting safety.[quirkless parents]
Quirkless members of an anti-quirk cult who hide her mutation, taught her to hate that part of herself, and raised her to be “wifely.” Their neglect and indoctrination form the foundation of her trauma.

[timeline]

[extras]

[trivia]coming soon[creator notes]- coming soon[inspirations]coming soon[unused concepts]

• [character art]

[characters]

• ←[back to characters]

[kalas]

In the beginning, there was love and presence—a warm, steady foundation. But with the untimely death of the family’s nucleus, Kalas had to learn early how to read the room and adjust himself to bring others peace.He’s the child who became the caretaker, the son who became the anchor, and the young man who’s still trying to figure out who he is when no one needs saving.He learned to regulate himself so he wouldn’t drown in the feelings around him, and now he’s trying to remember what his own emotions feel like.

[son] | [observer] | [parentified child] | [caretaker] | [empath] | [civilian]

• [character info]

Name: Kalas Takami
Age: Varies by fic
Occupation: Student
Affiliation: Civilian
Quirk: Blackbird - iridescent black wings that sense emotional currents
Status: Alive
Family:
- Mother: Ayea Takami (Dahl) [deceased]
- Father: Keigo Takami (Hawks)

[personality]

Quiet, sweet, and deeply attentive. Kalas notices everything—the shift in someone’s breathing, the tightening of someone’s voice, and the tension before a fight. He’s intelligent and observant, but he’s also tired in a way that comes from growing up too responsible, too early.He’s competent. Hyper-competent. The kind of competence that looks like maturity from the outside and emotional malnutrition from the inside.He’s not a hero, not because he couldn’t be, but because he’s already spent his childhood saving someone.

[relationships]

[ayea]
A presence full of warmth and love for the first eight years of his life, she gave him the emotional support and nutrition that sustained him through his father’s alcoholism after her death. He feels a sense of loyalty, keeping a watchful eye on his father in her memory.[hawks]
Their bond is built on love, guilt, and the closeness that forms when a child becomes the emotional stabilizer in the home. Hawks never meant to lean on him so heavily, but intent doesn’t erase impact. Kalas loves his father fiercely, but leaving for university forces them both to confront the space between them—the distance Hawks tries to give, and the ache Kalas doesn’t know how to fill.[peers / classmates]
He keeps people at arm’s length. Not out of distrust, but because he’s used to managing emotions, not sharing them. Friendships come slowly, but when they do, they’re deep and loyal.

[timeline]

[extras]

[trivia]coming soon[creator notes]- coming soon[inspirations]coming soon[unused concepts]

• [character art]

[characters]

• ←[back to characters]

[kaskel thorne]

Kaskel grew up learning to make himself sharp enough to survive and small enough to hide. A mixed-race orphan raised under the weight of someone else’s expectations, he learned early that love was conditional, affection was earned, and approval was only attainable on performance he could never quite perfect.On the outside, he is all bite—short, stylish, loud, and quick to posture. But beneath the bravado is a soft, aching center: a boy who was never chosen, never protected, and never allowed to simply be. His vitiligo blooms into a loon’s pattern across his skin, a reminder of the parts of himself he can’t hide, no matter how hard he tries.He’s young, angry, lonely, and luminous—a creamy, sad nougat wrapped in feathers and fury.

[loon] | [orphan] | [survivor] | [minimalist] | [loverboy in denial]

• [character info]

Name: Kaskel Thorne
Age: 18-19 at introduction
Occupation: Gastropub Owner
Affiliation: Civilian
Quirk: Looncall - black-and-white wings, red eyes, and vitiligo all iconic of a common loon. He has an expanded lung capacity that allows him to easily stay underwater for up to 5 minutes. His wings can serve as rudders or as underwater propulsion, enhancing his efficiency as an adept swimmer who moves quickly and silently. He can emit short-range sonic shockwaves that disorient targets underwater or in tight spaces. It’s taxing on his vocal cords, though, and repeated use saps his voice’s efficiency until it’s lost and he develops laryngitis.
Status: Alive
Family:
- Foster Mother: Reiko Morimoto
- Foster Father: Hajime Morimoto
- Foster Brother: Satoru Morimoto

[personality]

Short, sharp, and bristling with performative confidence as a defense.Kaskel talks big because he was never allowed to feel big. He’s quick-witted, observant, and stubbornly independent. But every bit of bravado is covering a sensitive heart.He’s a minimalist by necessity and temperament—he doesn’t take up space, he doesn’t ask for more, he doesn’t expect care or affection. He’s used to being overlooked, used, or compared to someone he’s never even met. His anger is real, but it’s rooted in hurt; lashing out is an SOS signal flare for help he doesn’t know how to ask for.He’s not fragile—he’s exhausted.
He’s not dismissive—he’s self-protective.
He’s not unloving—he’s terrified of wanting too much.

[relationships]

[reiko morimoto]
His tiger-om foster mother, obsessed with sekentei and appearances. She used Kaskel as a stand-in for her “ungrateful” biological son, molding him into a tool for her image. Her control shaped his shame, his internalized homophobia, and his belief that affection must be earned. Even her texts cut like a knife.[hajime morimoto]
Present in body, absent in every other way that mattered. He never protected Kaskel, never intervened, never offered comfort, and never told him he was worth it. His silence taught Kaskel that he was on his own.[satoru morimoto]
A ghost for most of Kaskel’s life—fifteen years older, an adult on his own by the time Kaskel arrived. When they finally meet, he’s nothing like the shadow Kaskel grew up under. He’s kind, principled, and happy. Their bond forms quickly, built on shared survival and healing from the woman who raised them.[naoka "nao" ishizawa]
The general manager at Torimono and all Auntie energy. She’s not a parental figure, but she is the competent adult Kaskel never had. Her support style is to step in and relieve Kas, reminding him: I’ve got this.[tomoaki "aki" hirabayashi]
The chef de cuisine at Torimono. He’s not a father figure in the “parenting” sense, but he will stand between Kaskel and the world if he has to. While Kaskel thinks he speaks in riddles, he offers the guidance one might expect from a grandparent or uncle. His support style reminds Kas: You’ve got this.[torimono staff]
All the people who work for Kaskel at his gastropub have become a found family. Their loyalty was earned not through fear or even his management of the business, but his management of them as people, giving them the support he was starved of and they lacked from their previous owners.[hawks]
A mess of desire, jealousy, tenderness, and bad timing. Their relationship begins as a bluff, then a transaction—and spirals into something neither of them expected. Hawks buys a restaurant to win a night with him, dreams about him, pampers him, and keeps coming back even when he shouldn’t.
Kaskel lashes out when he’s hurt; Hawks absorbs it with as much grace as he can. They emotionally bruise each other, comfort each other, and slowly learn how to truly be with each other. Hawks stands up to Reiko for him. Kaskel learns to let himself be held. They paint each other’s feathers, kiss in neon light, and navigate the mess space between secrecy and love.
It’s toxic. It’s healing. It’s complicated. It’s real.

[timeline]

[extras]

[trivia]coming soon[creator notes]- coming soon[inspirations]- Honestly, I was working on one of the Ciel timelines and decided that, when asked what her favorite bird was, she liked loons. I learned that male loons make a specific version of the tremolo that serves no other purpose than to piss off other male loons, and that was the basis for Kaskel. A loud, rambunctious counterpart to gay!Hawks. From there, I concluded that this personality must come from a “Napoleon Complex”, and made him short as hell. They wrote The Wail, and that’s where his design solidified. PrettyLiminal helped me lock it down with some gifted art as she listened to my unhinged rants during development.[unused concepts]

• [character art]

[characters]

• ←[back to characters]

[nox]

Raised like a weapon and treated like a warning, Nox grew up learning that she was something to fear, control, and contain. A feline heteromorph with low external presentation, she was punished for the way she looked long before anyone cared about who she was. Pain, isolation, and sterilization shaped her childhood—but so did the boy who refused to leave her side.She’s ethereal and dangerous, both soft and feral. A jaguar girl that is about as cuddly as a cactus, but with a heart too gentle for the world that made her. She survives on instinct, loyalty, and the thin thread of trust she built with Hawks in the dark Halls of the HPSC. Her story is a fight to reclaim her body, her freedom, and her right to exist without being feared.

[heteromorph] | [survivor] | [weaponized] | [jaguar] | [abandoned mate]

• [character info]

Name: Nox
Age: Introduced at 7
Occupation: Pro Hero (Fatgum Agency)
Affiliation: Hero Community
Quirk: Jaguar — mutation; enhanced senses, strength, speed, obligate carnivore with a heat cycle and hybrid denture. Feline biology with low external presentation.
Status: Alive
Family:
- Biological Father: unknown
- Biological Mother: unknown

[personality]

Predatory grace wrapped around deep vulnerability and protected by barrel cactus thorns. Nox is wary, sensory-sensitive, and slow to trust. She’s grumpy in the way a black cat is grumpy: defensive, prickly, but starved for affection she doesn’t know how to ask for.She’s loyal to a fault, gentle in small ways, and shaped by a lifetime of being treated as a critical threat. Her softness is real, but it’s hidden under layers of survival instinct and the constant fear of being taken away again.She’s not cruel—she’s cautious.
She’s not cold—she’s guarded.
She’s not dangerous—she’s protective.

[relationships]

[hawks]
Their bond begins in childhood, when he sits beside her in the infirmary and strokes her hair to soothe her pain despite being told she’s “too dangerous”. He protects her from Ren, sleeps beside her during nightmares, and becomes the only safe thing in her world.
Puberty twists everything, as it often does. Her heat, his feelings, the HPSCs’ manipulation all tangle together until they’re bound to each other in ways neither of them fully understands.
He leaves her at eighteen. She enters the world alone. He comes returning to “claim” her. She moves cities to escape him.
He loves her. She loves him.
But love under the HPSC is never as simple as it should be.[all might]
Her benefactor and the only adult who ever truly advocated for her. He pulls rank to give her a few moments of freedom and helps keep her on the right path from afar.[ren]
Her handler. Controlling, clinical, and terrified of everything he believed she represented. He orchestrated her bond with Hawks and monitored her like an experiment.[yokumiru mera]
Hawks handler, and distant ally. He grants the small concessions and, later, helps her uncover her origins and their hidden future.[fatgum]
Her first real chance at a life outside of the HPSC. He sees her potential, not her appearance, and gives her a place to belong—and a life-sustaining paycheck.[dabi]
A temptation. He recognizes her pain, offers answers she’s desperate for, suggestions an opportunity to soothe her aches, and nearly pulls her into the PLF. Their dynamic is sharp, dangerous, and rooted in an adjacent shared trauma.

[timeline]

[extras]

[trivia]coming soon[creator notes]- I never actually said she was a black jaguar; just that she was a jaguar. This is a head-canon that my community has made around Nox, and I’m kind of here for it.[inspirations]-coming soon[unused concepts]

• [character art]

[characters]

• ←[back to characters]

[ria orimo]

Born into wealth, tradition, and expectation, Ria grew up in a world where her value was measured by the alliances she could secure and the image she upheld. A textile prodigy overshadowed by a father who took credit for her work, she learned early to swallow her brilliance and play the part expected of her. But beneath the silk and etiquette was a woman desperate for autonomy and a life that belonged to her.When she met Hawks at a hero tech conference, something shifted. He saw her, not the heiress, not the ornament, not the bargaining chip. Their connection was impulsive, electric, and freeing in a way she hadn’t felt before. It cost her her inheritance, her position, and her father’s approval—but it gave her back her life.Ria is quiet, reserved, and empathetic, with a calming presence that settles around people near her like a warm blanket. She grows things like herbs and medicinal plants, because nurturing life is the one thing that no one ever took from her.

[heiress] | [textile designer] | [environmentalist] | [submissive]

• [character info]

Name: Ria Orimo
Age: mid-twenties
Occupation: Textile designer; former corporate heir
Affiliation: Civilian
Quirk: Calmweave — emites a subtle, calming effect when stressed
Status: Alive
Family:
- Father: Seiha Orimo

[personality]

Soft-spoken, elegant, and quietly formidable. Ria carries herself with a gentleness that masks iron beneath. She’s empathetic and grounded, with a presence that soothes others without effort. But she’s also someone who has been dismissed, underestimated, and spoken over her entire life. She learned to lead with calm, unshakeable authority.She’s sensual without being showy, confident without being loud, and deeply attuned to the emotional needs of the people she loves. Her strength is quiet, deliberate, and rooted in self-knowledge.She grows plants and cares for her cat with patience and care.

[relationships]

[hawks]
Their connection began impulsively, but it has become something far deeper. Hawks is fascinated by her calmness, her intelligence, and the way she sees him without the hero veneer. Their dynamic explores trust, vulnerability, and shifting power—especially as Hawks grapples with postwar identity loss.
Ria gives him the space to unravel and be imperfect.
He gives her the freedom to be wanted for who she is, not what others can gain from her.
They learn each other slowly, building a relationship rooted in mutual respect, honesty, and the kind of intimacy that takes courage.[orimo family]
A gilded cage. Her father used her talent for his own gain, arranged her marriage for business advantage, and dismissed her attempts to be herself. Losing her inheritance was painful, but liberating.[her company]
Ria’s offshoot is cut off from parent-company funding, and she inherits the responsibility but not the authority. She faces constant dismissal from male colleagues who underestimate her until she stops asking for permission and starts taking decisive action.[ruble]
Her best friend and source of love. He makes it clear Hawks is merely tolerated in her life.[her plants]
Her sanctuary. Her penthouse arboretum is filled with herbs, medicinal plants, and rare species she cultivates with devotion. It's the one place where she feels entirely in control and herself.

[timeline]

[extras]

[trivia]coming soon[creator notes]- I started this series high AF and sleep-deprived at 3 am.[inspirations]-coming soon[unused concepts]

• [character art]

[characters]

• ←[back to characters]

[bonus features world hub]

The characters that make Kaskel’s world feel more lived in and alive. There’s more to the universe than Pro Heroes, Villains, and the UA kids, after all. Here, civilians are given a world, and Hawks just lives in it.

[the morimoto family]

A complicated part of Kaskel’s origin and the closest thing to family he’s ever known—complex, freactured, and deeply influential on his life. Their history casts long shadows, and each member plays a different role in the man he becomes.

• [the morimoto family]

[orbit characters]

The people who shape the world outside of the restaurant—friends, additional family, chance encounters, and characters who otherwise stuck in the gravitational pull. These characters connect Torimono to the wider story.

• [orbit characters]

[torimono staff directory]

The heart of the story—a modern gastropub built on found familiy, individual brilliance, and the strength of community. Explore the space, the philosophy, and the people who make Torimono feel alive.

• [torimono staff directory]

[characters]

• ←[back to bonus features world hub]

[the morimoto family]

Before Torimono, there was the Morimoto household. It was a quiet, polished place where affection was conditional and perfection was the price of acceptance. These are the people who built Kas' earliest world, for better and for worse. Their influence lingers long after he leaves their home, shaping how he interacts with the world.

• [father]

[hajime morimoto]

[father] | [emotionally absent] | [passive survivor] | [insufficient lover]

Age: 60s
Role: Father
Vibe: a quiet, apologetic, and work-worn man who learned early that silence was safer than resistance[personality]Hajime is defined by his passivity. he learned long ago that resisting Reiko’s control only led to unwinnable conflict. So, he stopped trying. He became a ghostly presence in his own home. He rarely speaks. When he does, he is polite, distant, and emotionally unreachable.He’s not cruel or malicious. But he’s not present.He loves his children, but that love never becomes action. It is insufficient and ultimately useless against Reiko’s dominance.He is the very embodiment of: “I cared, but not enough to protect you.”[relationship to reiko]Their marriage was arranged, formal, and rigid. It was not often for an Inari to marry outside of vulpine heteromorphs, and it was not something you turned down.He learned:
• don’t challenge her
• don’t contradict her
• don’t intervene
• don’t start anythingReiko dominated the household, and Hajime retreated into work, after-hours drinking culture, and ultimately, silence. He became a man who never begins anything. The irony is that his given name means to start.There is a strain between them, but it’s exhausted. He stays because leaving would require courage he never developed.[relationship to satoru]Hajime loved his son passively. Satoru largely grew up on his own, without his father’s emotional presence. When he eventually cut ties with the family, Hajime didn’t fight him. He cared, but he didn’t know how to fight for anything.Reiko still rants about Satoru. Hajime listens, nods, and if he says anything, it’s passive agreements.He misses his son and stays passively intact through texts, where Reiko could never know.[relationship to kaskel]Kas was adopted after Satoru left. He was Reiko’s second chance at a “proper” family.Hajime liked Kas. He even loved him, in his insufficient way.He never:
• protected him
• corrected Reiko
• challenged the sekentei obsession
• said “you’re enough.”
• intervened when Kas was shamed or controlledWhile Satoru could see past this and maintain that relationship with his father, Kas was not the same child. Instead, Kas internalized his lack of parental attunement as: I’m not worth defending.”When Kas left, Hajime didn’t keep in touch. Just like with Satoru, this was not out of malice or apathy. But because the look in Kas' eyes screamed of his failures in ways he did not experience with his biological son.This is why he freezes and panics when Hawks shows protective fury. He has no template for someone stepping in on his behalf.[work habits / lifestyle]• Workaholic
• Participates in after-work drinking culture
• Uses work as escape
• Rarely home
• Emotionally unavailable even when present
• Avoids conflict with his wife at all costsHe survives by disappearing.[strengths]• Observant
• Not intentionally harmful
• Capable of gentleness and compassion
• Regrets everything
• Loved his children in the only way he knew howHe’s not a bad man.
But he is a weak man.[weaknesses]• Passive to the point of harm
• Conflict-avoidant
• Emotionally absent
• No initiative
• Let’s Reiko dictate his life
• His silence is complicityHe is the shadow of the father his sons needed, but never had.[role in the story]Hajime is the absence in Kas' childhood. He leaves behind a space where protection should have been.He represents:
• The cost of passivity
• The damage of silence
• The way children internalize neglect
• The generational patterns that must be brokenHe is not a villain, or a monster. But he is not a father. He is a man who has never started anything in his life, least of all being a father.

• [mother]

[reiko morimoto]

[mother] | [fox heteromorph] | [conditional love] | [weaponized propriety]

Age: 60s
Role: Mother
Quirk: Fox heteromorph
Vibe: an immaculate, elegant, rigid woman who performs perfection so hard it becomes cruel.[appearance]Reiko is a fox heteromorph whose beauty is secretly curated rather than inherited.
• White fur
• Black "painted" accents along her ears, tail, and cheek markings
• Small triangular ears that are always angled in a way that says, ‘I listened, but I did not hear you.’
• A single, meticulously groomed tail as a symbol of her restraint and curated image
• Sharp amber eyes with slitted pupils when displeased
• A soft, floral scent that should be comforting, but to Kas, signals oppression
• A voice like silk that’s polite, quiet, but precise.Like a museum artifact, she is immaculate, cold, and untouchable.[heritage & shrine lineage]Reiko comes from a prestigious Kyoto family tied to an Inari shrine. They are a lineage of sacred white-fox heteromorphs, known for their purity, elegance, and spiritual symbolism. Her family lives on shrine grounds, serving as caretakers, ceremonial figures, and living embodiments of the shrine’s mythic identity.Reiko’s younger sister is the perfect white fox who embodies the family lineage. Her three kids all carry the Inari mutation.Reiko, on the other hand, failed to produce a fox child. Her biological son, Satoru, is quirkless. Her husband is quirkless. Her foster child is a bird, not a fox. Still, quirkless offspring can be married into the family, in the event there isn’t a suitable fox.But in a family where purity is identity, Reiko is the flaw in the lineage. She hides it with immaculate grooming, rigid propriety, and a suffocating obsession with sekentei. Her entire life is a performance meant to compensate for the shame she carries.Her cruelty is not born of malice. It’s born of fear—the terror of being seen as impure, lesser, or unworthy of a family that worships perfection.Kas became her second attempt at purity. Her mulligan, the do-over. Her chance to prove she is not a failure. And when he grows into something she cannot control—a bird who flies instead of a fox who bows—it is nothing but betrayal.[worldview]Reiko’s worldview is rigid and inherited:
• Sekentei is the only true way. Reputation is reality. Image is morality.
• Gratitude is expected, not earned. Children owe obedience, while parents owe nothing.
• Love is conditional on performance. Affection is a reward for compliance.
• Purity is a duty. Even if one must fake it.
• Failure is shameful. It must be hidden at all costs.She believes she is right. She believes she is benevolent. She believes Kas should be grateful.[personality]Reiko is neither loud nor dramatic, nor overtly cruel.Her harm is:
• quiet
• polite
• elegant
• relentless
• overbearingShe corrects with a smile—Shames with a sigh.
She controls with expectations, not threats.
She punishes with silence, not violence.
Her disappointment is the scalpel, while her approval is the leash.She is the kind of mother who can ruin a child without ever raising her voice.[relationship to hajime]Their marriage was arranged as a strategic pairing between a prestigious inari fox and a quirkless mate.Reiko dominated, and Hajime relented. She sees his passivity as weak and her control as inevitable.Their dynamic taught both children: “Resistance leads nowhere.”[relationship to satoru]Satoru was her first project. He was the biological child meant to embody her ideals.He failed her by:
• being quirkless
• being introverted
• being aro/ace
• choosing a solitary profession
• refusing to perform the image she demandedSo she became stricter. Sharper. More controlling.He left, and she never forgave him.Kas grew up in the shadow of a son he never met.[relationship to kaskel]Kas was the second chance. The do-over. The child she would mold correctly this time.She loved him conditionally:
• when he was quiet
• when he was obedient
• when he performed gratitude
• when he upled her imageShe never protected him. She never reassured him. She never said “you’re enough.”Kas internalized her worldview as: “If I am not perfect, I am unlovable.”Her influence explains:
• his freeze responses
• his shutdown when confronted with anger
• his disbelief at Hawks’ protectiveness and unconditional love
• his instinct to apologize for existingReiko is the architect of Kas’ shame.[relationship to hawks]Reiko despises Hawks for one reason: She believes he corrupted Kaskel.Not because he’s a hero. Not because of class. Not because of status.Because he is a man. Because he is queer. Because he represents the life Kas chose for himself, rather than the one she curated for him.Hawks showing up in a dress, especially a cheongsam, would be her personal hell.[strengths]• Immaculate self-presentation
• Social intelligence
• Emotionally sharp
• Strategic thinking
• Ironclad self-controlShe is formidable.[weaknesses]• Rigid worldview
• Inability to accept differences
• Emotionally cold
• Obsessed with image
• Conditional affection
• Fear of failure fueling perfectionism
• Deep insecurity about "impurity"She cannot love freely. She cannot let go. And she cannot admit when she is wrong.[role in the story]Reiko is the antagonist of Kas’ childhood, not as a villain, but as a force.She represents:
• conditoinal love
• the weight of expectations
• the harm of control
• the legacy that Kas must unlearn
• the reason Hawks’ care and attunement feels impossibleShe is the past Kas escapes but feels in the shadows.

• [brother]

[satoru morimoto]

[older brother] | [aro/ace] | [no contact] | [quiet survivor]

Age: Mid-30s (15 years older than Kas)
Role: Biological son of Reiko and Hajime; estranged older brother
Vibe: introverted, perceptive, and rebellious, he’s a man who escaped the family system and built a life on his own terms[appearance]Satoru looks like the kind of man who lives on caffeine, code, and spite.
• Human, no heteromorph traits
• Messy black hair that never quite behaves
• Glasses with perpetually smudged lenses
• Blue button-down, sleeves rolled, slightly wrinkled
• Soft "dad bod" from too many all-nighters and not enough sleep
• Bold, black wrap-around collar tattoo that reads 役者ではない ("not an actor")
• Matching hand tattoo with 皮肉 (“ironic”) left to right and the letters A and F stacked vertically to the right.He is someone who stopped caring about appearances the moment he left Kyoto and never looked back, and he certainly looks the part.[personality]Satoru is introverted, dry-humored, and deeply perceptive. He doesn’t waste words. He doesn’t perform. He doesn’t pretend.He is the opposite of Sekentei.
• Aro/ace, comfortable with it
• Low social battery, but rich inner world
• Emotionally intelligent, but non-demonstrative
• Blunt, but not cruel
• Protective, in a covert way
• Sees through people instantly, especially people like ReikoHis name means to understand, and he lives up to it.[heritage & family position]Satoru is the biological son. The one who was supposed to carry the Inari lineage forward for Reiko.Instead:
• he was quirkless
• he was introverted
• he was ace
• he preferred solitude over performance
• he rejected the family’s expectations
• he refused to be a symbolTo Reiko, he was the first failure. To himself, he was simply a person trying to breathe. He grew up in the shadow of purity and image, and left as soon as he could.[relationship to reiko]Satoru is no contact with Reiko.He left home as soon as he was legally able, and he never looked back. He survived her expectations, her control, and her disappointment. He refused to let her shape his adult life.He knows exactly what she is. He knows exactly what she did to him. And he knows exactly what she’s doing to Kas.He carries no illusions. No nostalgia. No guilt.
Just clarity.[relationship to hajime]Satoru has a quiet, private relationship with his father.It’s not warm, but it exists.
• They text occasionally
• The share updates
• They avoid talking about Reiko
• They avoid talking about the past
• They have a mutual understandingHajime never protected him. Satoru never forgave him. But he doesn’t hate him.It’s a relationship that is built on small, careful threads that acknowledge the past but pay it no mind.[relationship to kaskel]Satoru has never met Kas before the events of the story.But he knows of him.He knows:
• Reiko adopted Kas as a "second chance."
• Kas was raised under even stricter expectations
• Reiko was disappointed that Kas’ adult plumage was not a Red-Throated Diver, linking him to a prestigious, Hiroshima-based family
• Kas internalized the shame Satoru escaped
• Kas is gentle, anxious, and deeply conditioned
• Kas is living the life Satoru was able to fleeSatoru empathizes with him from afar. It’s instinctive, and painful.When he finally meets Kas, he sees:
• the fear
• the politeness
• the freeze response
• the wings that tense at conflict
• the boy who grew up in the shadow of a mother who demanded perfection and the ghost of a boy who escaped itHe was fully prepared to endure Kas’ ire. For him to lash out. And he decided, without fanfare: “I’m not letting her do to him what she did to me.”[relationship to hawks]Satoru didn’t know Hawks personally before meeting him at Torimono, but he knows of him—and not just because he’s a Hero. Reiko had been ranting about “that man” for weeks, and Hajime had quietly passed along the updates.When they finally meet, Satoru sees everything he needs to know in a single glance:
• Hawks is protective in a way that Kas never experienced
• Hawks is gentle in a way that Reiko would despise
• Hawks is irreverent in a way Satoru respects
• Hawks is the exact kind of person Reiko fears Kas will chooseAnd Satoru likes him immediately. Not for his charm, but because Hawks is the antithesis of the Morimoto trauma.Their dynamic is dry, understated, and instantly aligned:
• They bond over the trauma he shares with Kas
• They trade deadpan commentary about Reiko
• They both instinctively shield Kas
• They both understand what it means to survive herSatoru doesn’t warm up to people easily. But Hawks earned it by existing in Kas’ world.He see’s the way Hawks protects Kas and thinks: “Good. Someone finally showed up for him.”He sees Hawks’ irreverence and thinks: “Anyone who pisses Reiko off that much can’t be all bad.”He sees Hawks loving Kas openly and thinks: “Maybe escape doesn’t have to be lonely.”Satoru became an unexpected ally. He’s not loud or emotional, but he is steady. He doesn’t insert himself into Kas' relationship, but he approves. He supports them and decides: “If Hawks is in his life, Kas will be okay.”[career & lifestyle]Satoru works in cybersecurity for a nonprofit that protects vulnerable communities.It's:
• solitary
• technical
• meaningful
• antithetical to sekentei
• exactly what he wantsHe lives far from Kyoto, both physically and emotionally. He has a found family of friends, coworkers, and community members who accept him as he is.He is proof that escape is possible.[strengths]• Deeply perceptive
• Emotionally grounded
• Covertly protective
• Honest but not cruel
• Loyal to the people he chooses
• Able to see through Reiko's facade instantlyHe was the first Morimoto to choose truth over image.[weaknesses]• Socially withdrawn
• Conflict-avoidant in personal matters
• Carries guilt for leaving Kas to weather the storm alone
• Struggles to express affection
• Overworks himself to avoid thinkingHe's healing, but imperfectly.[role in the story]Satoru represents:
• escape
• clarity
• the possibility of a different life
• the sibling Kas never had but always needed
• the first Morimoto to break the cycleHe is the living contradiction to Reiko's worldview.
Where she says love is conditional, Satoru says: "You don't have to earn it"
Where she says compliance is safety, Satoru says: "You can leave."
Where she says image is everything, Satoru says: "Be real."He is the first person in Kas' family who chooses him, even if Kas does not choose him in return.

[characters]

• ←[back to bonus features world hub]

[orbit characters]

These are the people Kas meets outside of the kitchen. They're friends, confidants, troublemakers, and unexpected anchors. They're not Torimono staff, and while their interactions may be brief or limited in context, they matter just as much.

• [civilians]

[mari kurokawa]

[vip server] | [iridescent] | [unbothered queen] | [chaos deflector]

Age: Early 40s (exact age unknown, she never answers directly)
Role: VIP server at EL IMINT
Vibe: sleek, iridescent, confident, unbothered because she’s seen it all[heteromorphic species]Mari is a black sunbeam snake heteromorph. While she is mostly human in appearance, she has smooth, glossy scales where the skin is nearest to bone. Such as her cheekbone, jawline, bridge of her nose, knuckles, and collarbone. These scales have a mirror-like iridescence that shifts between violet, teal, and deep green depending on the light.Her heteromorph traits include:
• scales where her bone is near the skin
• slit-pupils
• thin, forked tongue[personality]Mari is unbothered. She’s sharp, observant, and impossible to intimidate. She’s made her career working around Pro Heroes and understands the meaning of discretion. She’s done it all, seen it all, and there’s little that impresses her.She’s warm and kind, but will ruin your night in a heartbeat if you try to interfere with the business, its clientele, or its guests.[relationship to kaskel]Mari is one of the people outside of Torimono to look out for Kas as he is—not for cooking, his politeness, or his trauma-trained emotional labor—even if it was her job.Having served Hawks since before he was old enough to drink, she was the first to clock the situation with him.[work habits]• Moves like she’s gliding
• Handles VIPs with a perfect, but dominant, charm
• Mixes drinks with flair
• Knows every regular’s order and emotional state
• Has a sixth sense for troublemakers
• Impossible to flirt or fight withShe’s the shining star of the VIP experience. While she might come off a little 'jersey mom', she takes no prisoners.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• A bit sarcastic
• Either has the patience of Job or no patience at all, there is no spectrum
• Definitely too old for this shit
• Has a temper, but it’s coldComposed but not invincible.[strenghts]• Perceptive
• Socially fearless
• Unshakable
• Reads others quickly
• Can dismantle people in ten secondsFor better or worse, she knows what the VIPs need, even if it’s not what they want.[how he fits into the orbid]Mari is the old, tired aunt we all need in our lives. Confident, non-nonsense, and not afraid to call it as she sees it. She’s been one of the few who call out his stress or his messy feathers without triggering trauma.Mari is not part of Torimono, but she is part of Hawks' world, which makes her part of Kas'.

• [hero industry]

[taro ishikawa]

[hero industry liaison] | [clout-chaser] | [predatory flirt] | [hawks clinger]

Age: Late 20s
Role: Hero Industry Liaison / PR Handler / Professional Plus-One
Quirk: Non-combatant
Vibe: sleek, slippery, polished, opportunistic, and always knows exactly where the cameras are[appearance]• Tall, lean, sharply dressed and always looks like he's on his way to a rooftop mixer with Kyushu's elite
• Emerald eyes
• Hair is styled to look deliberate but effortless
• Tailored clothes, expensive cologne, accessoried
• Charming, but his smile never reaches his eyes
• Wears a lot of rich greensHe's curated, head-to-toe.[personality]Taro is charismatic in a way that feels false and constructed. Every laugh, every touch, every compliment is calibrated to have a certain effect. He gravitates towards fame, power, and novelty. He doesn’t love people, but he loves being in their proximity.• He sees people as doors, not destinations
• He pushes boundaries under the guise of “just having fun."
• Knows everyone, remembers no one
• No matter what he says, every connection is transactional
• He’s competitive, especially with other men who hold the attention he desperately craves.He’s not exactly a villain, but he sees opportunity before he sees humanity.[relationship to hawks]Taro is a 'before'. He is someone Hawks hooked up with casually during his emotionally numb, hyper-functional era.• No real intimacy, just convenience and proximity
• Taro remembers it fondly; Hawks remembers it as a symptom
• Taro assumes he still has access
• Hawks' stiffness around him is instinctive, not nostalgic
• He's used to Hawks being detached, so seeing him soft and attentive with Kas is a shockTaro thinks he knows Hawks better than anyone.
He doesn't know Hawks at all.[relationship to kaskel]At first, Taro barely registers Kas a threat. He's just another pretty face in Hawks' orbit, young and easy for the Hero to coax to bed, which should make Hawks easy to distract.• Initially dismissive; he assumes Kas is just the lay de jour
• When Kas starts to come out of his shell, he gets Taro's attention
• He realizes Kas is a rare bird, with an interesting quirk and emotionally vulnerable
• Touches Kas without 'understand' (caring about) Avian boundaries
• The photo attempts are opportunistic; a viral moment, not too peopleHe completely underestimates Kas and the nature of his relationship with Hawks.
That's his mistake.[strengths]• Reads social dynamics quickly
• Knows how to navigate hero PR circles
• Charming enough to get into any room
• Makes himself useful to powerful people
• Understands optics, timing, and attentionHe is very good at surviving the hero-celebrity ecosystem.[weaknesses]• Boundary issues
• Shallow emotional intelligence
• Underestimates the quiet and the sincere
• Assumes he has access he hasn’t earned
• Clout-drivenHe’s not built for real intimacy. He only performs it.[role in the story]Taro is not a villain, but he is a foil.
• Catalyst for Hawks' protective instincts
• Window into Hawks' old life
• Contrast to Kaskel's sincerity
• Reminder of what Hawks refuses to be any longer
• The spark that pushes Hawks to get Kas home, come what mayHe exists to illustrate the difference between being wanted and being cherished.

[characters]

• ←[back to bonus features world hub]

[torimono staff directory]

鳥物 (Torimono) wasn't supposed to be anything more than a failing gastropub Hawks bought for a kid he barely knew in the worlds strangest trade. Kaskel turned it into something else entirely—a fusion hub in Hakata, a second chance, and the place where he built the closest thing to a real family he ever had.

• [front of house]

• [back of house]

[characters]

• ←[back to torimono staff directory]

[torimono front of house staff]

• [hosts/greet staff]

[haruto senda]

[host] | [earnest] | [people-pleaser] | [younger-brother-coded]

Age: 21
Role: Host, Full-Time
Vibe: anxious golden retriever energy wrapped in polite Japanese customer-service formality, filling an incredibly uncommon role in the culture.[personality]Haruto is the kind of earnest, soft-spoken kid who tries so hard it’s almost painful. He’s polite to a fault, always a little nervous he’s doing something wrong, and genuinely wants every guest to have a good experience. He overthinks everything — greetings, seating arrangements, whether he bowed too deeply or not deeply enough. But his sincerity makes him endearing rather than awkward.He’s the emotional sponge of the FOH team: he picks up on the tension instantly, tries to smooth it over, and apologizes even when something isn’t his fault. He’s the type who tanks the kitchen for their hard work every night, even though he doesn’t have to.Underneath the anxiety, he’s warm, loyal, and deeply proud of Torimono. He just doesn’t know how to show it without wringing his hands a little.[relationship to kaskel]Haruto absolutely sees Kaskel as an older brother figure—even though Kas is younger—because Kas is the first boss who ever treated him like another human being instead of a replaceable service worker.Kas:
• checks in on him
• notices when he's overwhelmed
• covers for him when he's sick
• eventually teaches him how to set boundaries
• gives him real praise, not platitudeHaruto would walk into traffic for him.
Kas has no idea.[work habits]• Shows up early because he’s terrified of being late
• Overprepares for every shift
• Memorizes regulars’ preferences
• Writes little notes to himself on the host stand
• Gets flustered when complimented
• Apologizes to guests even when they’re the ones being rude
• Has a ‘customer service voice’ that is noticeably higher than his normal one.He’s the kind of host who makes people feel welcome without even trying.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Chronic guilt about callig out
• Pushes himself too hard
• Terrified of disappointing Kas
• Internalizes Stress
• Gets stomachaches from anxiety
• Has trouble saying 'no'He’s the FOH staff that everyone wants to protect.[strenghts]• Empathetic
• Observant
• Reliable
• Genuinely Kind
• Excellent memory for faces and names
• Creates a warm first impressionHe’s the quiet backbone of the front podium.[how he fits into Torimono’s found family]Haruto is the ‘little brother’ of the FOH team; the one everyone teases, protects, and relies on more than they would ever admit. He’s not flashy, but he’s indispensable. He’s also one of the first people who made Kaskel realize Torimono wasn’t just a job—it was home.

[ren moriyama]

[host] | [apologetic] | [chronically late] | [college kid energy]

Age: 19
Role: Host, Part-Time / Front of House
Vibe: breathless, apologetic, always jogging in from the train with a backpack half-unzipped[personality]Ren is a sweet, slightly frazzled college student who is always running ten minutes behind life. He’s apologetic to a fault, bowing as he rushes in, hair still wind-tossed from sprinting the last block. Despite the chaos, he’s genuinely warm and eager to help—the kind of kid who tries to make up for being late by working twice as hard once he’s there.He’s friendly, approachable, and has a natural ‘you can trust me with your coat and your reservation’ energy, even if he’s still catching his breath.[relationship to kaskel]Kaskel is soft on Ren in a way he doesn’t fully realize because Ren reminds him of his younger self: overwhelmed, hustling, trying so hard to be good at something within the structure to support it.Kaskel never scolds him for being late. He sends him to the back and tells him to breathe.Ren would follow him into a burning building out of gratitude alone.[work habits]• Arrives late but never leaves early
• Apologizes at least five times per shift
• Learns quickly and tries to anticipate needs
• Helps Haruto with the host stand when they’re both on shift
• Has a surprisingly good memory for faces
• Always has a textbook in his bag “just in case.”
• Gets flustered when praised
• Tries to hide how much he admires KaskelHe's the kind of part-timer who becomes a quiet favorite among regulars.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Chronically late due to train schedules
• Overcommitted between school and work
• Easily overwhelmed
• Struggles with confidence
• Apologizes even when he hasn’t done anything wrongHe’s earnest, but stretched thin.[strengths]• Friendly and approachable
• Quick learner
• Good under pressure once he’s settled
• Naturally warm presence
• Reliable during the shift, even if not before itHe’s the kind of host guests remember fondly.[how he fits into Torimono’s found family]Ren is the baby of the FOH team—the one everyone keeps an eye on, the one everyone keeps an eye on, the one Haruto quietly mentors, and the one Nao threatens to staple to a schedule. He brings a youthful, slightly chaotic energy that balances the more polished staff.Kas sees himself in him, and Ren feels that, which makes Torimono the first place in his life where he feels genuinely supported.

[hanae mori]

[hostess] | [nervous] | [eager to please] | [hawks fangirl]

Age: 18
Role: Host, Part-Time
Vibe: Sweet, anxious, wide-eyed, and clutches the seating chart like it's a sacred artefact[personality]Hanae is new, nervous, and trying her absolute hardest. She's soft-spoken, earnest, and hyper-aware of every mistake she thinks she's making. She wants to do well so badly that she overthinks absolutely everything: greetings, table numbers, and whether she smiled too much or not enough.She's warm, polite, and kind. When she relaxes, she's charming and fluttery. She does apologize too much at first, but slowly blossoms into her confidence.[relationship to kaskel]Kas oversees her training personally. She’s young, new, and desperately needs someone patient.She looks up to him with earnest, big-sibling admiration. She had called him “Kas-san” for the first few weeks until Yui corrected her.She fawns over Hawks, but her reasons are more sincere than others.
• He’s so effortlessly cool...
• Kas-san, how do you stay calm when he talks to you?
• Do you think he’ll come back today?While Kas may be blessed to hide blood rushing to his cheeks, Hanae absolutely notices.[work habits]• Shows up very early because she's terrified of being late
• Practices her greetings under her breath all day
• Writes tiny notes on her seating chart
• Double-checks everything
• Easily flustered
• Lights up when praised
• Gets starry-eyed when Hawks hangs around
• Slowly gains confidenceNot just a new hire, but new to the work life in general.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Nerouvs and easily overwhelmed
• Overthinks every mistake
• Struggles with confidence
• Fustered by any attention
• Does not assert herself with rude guestsShe's learning and doing her best.[strengths]• Warm and polite
• Eager to learn
• Great first impressions once she relaxes
• Takes direction well
• Empathetic
• Gentle and great with kids during the lunch shiftA little heartbeat at the stand.[how she fits into torimono's found family]Hanae brings “baby sister” energy. She’s sweet, nervous, and doing the best she can. Yui takes her under her wing. Tomoya immediately tries to recruit her into the gossip pipeline, but Kas shuts it down quickly.She adores everyone on the team, and she idolizes Hawks.She grows over time, from the anxious new hire to the welcoming face of Torimono.

• [servers]

[mika fujimoto]

[server] | [single mom] | [exhausted] | [fiercely loyal]

Age: 29
Role: Server, Full-Time
Vibe: Tired, practical, and capable of juggling two kids, a double shift, and a rude table without losing her composure[personality]Mika is exhausted to the bone. She's raising two kids alone while working multiple service shifts to keep the lights on. She’s practical, no-nonsense, and deeply competent, with a dark sense of humor that surfaces when she’s comfortable.She doesn’t waste energy on being bubbly or performative. Instead, she’s grounded and steady. Guests trust her because she’s real; coworkers trust her because, while she may call in frequently, her work is A+.[relationship to kaskel]Kas never questions her when she calls out, arrives late, or needs to leave early for her kids. He doesn’t guilt-trip her, pry, or make her justify herself.For Mika—who has spent years being treated like a replaceable cog—that kind of respect is everything. As a result, her loyalty to Kas is fierce. She would defend him without hesitation, and she works harder for him than she ever did for any corporate chain. He treats her like a person, encourages her to prioritize her family, and does not treat her like a problem.[work habits]• Efficient and steady, even when exhausted
• Excellent at reading difficult people
• Keeps her section running smoothly with minimal fuss
• Doesn’t complain, even when she should
• Checks in on younger staff without making it obvious
• Has a “mom voice” she will use on customers and coworkers alike
• Keeps snacks in her bag for Ren and Haruto
• Knows how to handle emotional spiralsShe’s the professional every FOH team needs.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Chronically exhausted
• Overextended between work and parenting
• Rarely asks for help
• Carries guilt about missing shifts
• Emotionally guarded
• Prone to burnoutShe’s strong, but stretched thin.[strengths]• Efficient
• Emotionally perceptive
• Excellent with families
• Grounded
• Protective of her teamThe glue that holds a floor together during a difficult service.[how she fits into torimono's found family]Mika is the “tired mom” of the FOH team. She has seen too much, survived too much, and still shows up. She looks out for the younger staff, including Kas; she keeps Ren fed, helps Haruto calm down, and works seamlessly with Yui and Satoshi.Kas’ kindness toward her is just one of the first signs to the staff that he wasn’t just a spoiled kid, but a good person. And Mika, in turn, becomes his first fierce defender.She’s not loud about it, but it’s there in every shift she pushes through, every problem she solves, and every time she steps between Kas and someone who doesn’t deserve his energy.

[yui takashima]

[server] | [bright] | [chatty] | [customer-favorite]

Age: 26
Role: Server, Full-Time
Vibe: Warm, talkative, effortlessly charming, and able to turn a bad day around with a well-timed joke[personality]Yui is bright, bubbly, and personable. She remembers your drink order, your kid's name, and the story you told her three weeks ago. She’s chatty, but not overbearing, quick on her feet, and naturally gifted at reading the room. Guests adore her because she makes them feel seen; staff love her because she makes the shift feel lighter.She’s the emotional thermostat of the dining room, keeping the energy warm and lively without ever letting it tip into chaos.[relationship to kaskel]Yui notices everything about Kas—especially when he’s ‘off.’But she’s respectful about it. She doesn’t pry, hover, or mother him. She gives him space until the moment is right.She’s one of the few FOH staff members who can check on him without triggering his defenses. Kas trusts her instincts more than he admits.[work habits]• Excellent with customers; she’s warm, attentive, and quick to build rapport.
• Moves fast and efficiently, even during rushes
• Keeps mental tabs on every table in her section
• Helps newer servers without making them feel incompetent
• Notices when Kas is overwhelmed and works with Nao to subtly reroute issues away from him
• Keeps the FOH energy upbeat
• Has a laugh that carries across the dining room in a good wayShe’s the kind of server regulars request by name.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Takes on too much emotional labor
• Sometimes masks her own stress with cheerfulness
• Gets frustrated when coworkers don’t match her pace
• Overextends herself trying to keep the floor “perfect.”She’s bright, but she burns hot.[strengths]• Exceptional customer rapport
• Fast, efficient, and organized
• Emotionally perceptive
• Team-oriented
• Keeps morale high
• Handles difficult tables with graceShe’s one of the pillars of FOH services.[how she fits into torimono's found family]Yui is the big-sister energy of the FOH team. She is warm, supportive, and always ready with a joke or a snack. She keeps Haruto grounded, teases Ren affectionately, and works seamlessly with Nao. She’s one of the first people to sense shifts in the restaurant’s emotional weather, and she quietly adjusts her own energy to stabilize the room.She’s also one of the earliest staff members to realize that Kas is more than just a rich kid with a restaurant—he’s someone who needs gentleness, boundaries, and people who care enough to ask if he’s okay.

[satoshi kuroda]

[server] | [laid-back] | [dependable] | [pressure-proof]

Age: 25
Role: Server, Part-Time
Vibe: Calm, unbothered, quiet, competent; shows up late but handles a slammed floor without breaking a sweat[personality]Satoshi is laid-back and makes his job look effortless. He moves through the dining room with confidence and can juggle six tables, a complicated roder, and a crying toddler without losing his cool. He’s not chatty like Yui or anxious like Haruto. Instead, he’s steady, grounded, and observant.[relationship to kaskel]Kaskel appreciates Satoshi more than he says. He doesn’t add to the chaos, doesn’t demand emotional labor, and doesn’t crumble under pressure.Kas knows he can hand Satoshi a problem table, and it will get solved without drama.Satoshi, for his part, respects Kas’ work ethic, even if he doesn’t always understand why Kas pushes himself so hard. He’s one of the few who can ask Kas if he needs anything without making him feel patronized.[work habits]• Arrives late but immediately goes into the flow
• Excellent under pressure and thrives during rushes
• Keeps a level head when others start spiraling
• Moves efficiently without rushing
• Helps newer servers without making a big deal of it.
• Handles difficult situations with politeness
• Rarely asks for help but always offers it
• Has a dry sense of humorHe’s the server you want on the floor when everything goes sideways.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Too laid-back for some coworkers’ tastes
• Can seem disengaged when he’s actually just calm
• Occasionally cuts timing too close
• Doesn’t communicate stress until it’s reached critical mass
• Struggles with long-term planningHe’s steady, but lacks structure.[strengths]• Dependable
• Calm under pressure
• Efficient and Focused
• Good with difficult customers
• Quietly supportive
• Excellent multitaskerHe’s the backbone of the floor during peak hours.[how she fits into torimono's found family]Satoshi is the “cool older cousin” of the FOH team. He’s relaxed, reliable, and quiet. He balances Yui’s brightness, grounds Haruto’s anxiety, and gives Ren someone to look up to who isn’t as intimidating as Nao.He’s also one of the few who can truly sense when Kas is stretched thin, and does so without making a scene. He helps the restaurant feel steadier, calmer, and more manageable.

[tomoya ishikawa]

[servier] | [gossip-powered] | [uni student] | [hawks fanboy] | [gay af]

Age: 20
Role: Server, Part Time
Vibe: energetic, nosey, and eccentric, he'll sprint into work with a backpack and three new pieces of drama[personality]A whirlwind of chatter, curiosity, and uncontained excitement. Tomoya loves gossip, to the point that he’s not only passionate but somehow competitive, with a frightening memory for details. He’s friendly, fast on his feet, and always in the middle of some story he shouldn’t be telling this loudly.He’s not malicious, but tea is ceremonial, after all. He just prefers a different kind of tea.He is also a massive Hawks fanboy and turns into a golden retriever with a notepad whenever he comes in.[relationship to kaskel]He respects Kas, but also views him as the center of the restaurant’s ongoing telenovela.
• Boss, blink twice if you’re dating him.
• Oh Ehm Gee! Did something happen? Or someone?
• If Hawks comes in today before I get a chance to fix my hair, I will literally die.Kaskel tries to shut him down.
Nao tries to shut him down.
Aki gave up on day one.
Shun and Rika encourage him because they find the chaos amusing.He just wants to know everything.[work habits]• Fast, energetic, and surprisingly good for customers
• Talks too much, but people find it oddly charming
• Brings in gossip from all sources; he’s a pipeline
• Fawns over Hawks in a way that is both embarrassing and, at times, mildly threatening
• Tries to impress Kas by working harder when he remembers to focus
• Has a habit of whisper-yelling "OH MY GOD" when drama happensThe serotonin boost everyone needs[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Speaks before thinking
• Easily distracted
• Overcommits between school and work
• Will tease relentlessly but takes it too personally
• Has a fragile ego when it comes to Hawks noticing him (he doesn’t)Sweet, but chaotic.[strengths]• Friendly and approachable
• Great with guests who like energy, not with those who don't
• Fast learner
• Brings levityA veritable sunshine-gremlin in the FOH team.[how he fits into torimono's found family]Tomoya is "a bit much" in the restaurant. He's loud, nosy, excitable, and convinced he's the main character of Torimono's romantic arc.He adores Hawks.
He adores Kas.
But it takes him a little bit to pick up on what everyone else already knows.He nearly passes out when he realizes they're actually dating.He's chaos, but he's lovable chaos.

• [barbacks]

[koji tanabe]

[barback] | [quiet] | [observant] | [keeps secrets]

Age: 24
Role: Barback (nights)
Vibe: Silent, steady, ghost-in-the-corridor type that you can forget is there until you go to give him a task, only to find him gone and the task already completed[personality]Koji is terrifyingly quiet. He moves through the bar like a cryptid. He is efficient, unobtrusive, and always a step ahead. He doesn’t speak unless he has something worth saying, and even then, it’s usually short and dry.He's observant and calculating. He knows exactly how much time the ice has before it runs out and exactly how much time he has to chisel enough to fill it. Everything is numbers. He never announces his help; he just does it.Being a man of few words, he is a keeper of secrets.[relationship to kaskel]Koji was recommended by Daishi and does not interact much with Kas, choosing to step around him rather than be in his presence.He’ll keep water pitchers perfectly filled. He’ll intercept servers with solutions to their problems. He'll take on tasks before anyone else does.Kas barely notices, but Daichi does, and trusts Koji because of it.[work habits]• Refuses to take any shift but night
• Keeps the bar stocked without being asked
• Anticipates needs
• Cleans as he goes, leaving no trace
• Rarely communicates, and does so in short, precise sentences
• Knows when to appearThe barback who makes the entire team better[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Impossible to read
• Isolated
• Avoids conflict to a fault
• Detached
• Never asks for helpEfficient but isolated[strengths]• Highly observant
• Efficient and precise
• Excellent forethought and anticipation skills
• Practical
• Keeps confidences
• Supports DaichiAn invisible scaffolding of the Torimono ecosystem[how she fits into torimono's found family]Koji is the cryptid of the FOH team. He doesn’t say much, but sees everything. He’s the shadow to Daichi’s sentinel, and the hidden support that keeps things running smoothly. While he is off-putting, staff trust him on the shift, even if they do not know him.He responds to the otherwise unseen tension in Daichi when something is off, and adjusts the environment in hidden, meaningful ways to relieve the stressor.

• [bartenders]

[daichi hayasaka]

[bartender] | [stoic] | [observant]

Age: 32
Role: Bartender
Vibe: calm, steady, unreadable, seen polishing glasses while watching the entire room with a predatory stillness[personality]Daichi is stoic. He rarely speaks, always listens, and notices everything. From the shift in tone, the tension in someone’s shoulders, or the dulling feathers of an exhausted and overwhelmed loon.He doesn’t need to raise his voice to command respect.[relationship to kaskel]Kaskel doesn't understand Daichi’s stillness, but when it comes to customer and employee intel, Daichi is the first to notice.It isn’t until Kaskel’s breakdown at work that he Daichi changes the way he watches his young boss, becoming more willing to intervene.[work habits]• Moves quietly
• Keeps his work area immaculate
• Makes drinks precisely with zero wasted motion
• Speaks with a calm but firm authority
• Notices microexpressions and shifts
• Watches the entire dining room from behind the barSilent, watchful, and mildly terrifying.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Keeps his emotions locked down
• Comes off intimidating
• Does not ask for help
• Shoulders responsibility that isn't hisHe's steady, but isolated.[strengths]• Highly observant
• Extremely perceptive
• Calm, always
• Reliable to a fault
• Excellet at de-escalation[how she fits into torimono's found family]Daichi is like the stoic guardian of Torimono. From his bar, he watches everything that goes on. He’s not efficient, not flashing, cold, frightening, but dependable.He can see through everyone clearly. Their strengths, their cracks, and their exploitable spots. Daichi is there when Kaskel breaks, and embraces his role with a new kind of vigilance in the aftermath.

• [managers]

[naoka "nao" ishizawa]

[steel magnolia] | [professional menace] | [auntie-energy]

Age: 34
Role: General Manager
Quirk: Perfect Recall—not photographic memory, but the ability to recall any detail with flawless clarity: reservations, customer preferences, vendor prices, staff schedules, conversations, and timing.
Vibe: Polished, unshakeable, sharp-eyed auntie energy with a velvet-gloved iron will.[personality]Nao is the definition of a steel magnolia—warm when she chooses to be, but absolutely unmovable when the situation calls for it. She’s sharp and organized, and she carries herself with the kind of professional polish that makes even the rudest customers sit up straight.She reads people instantly, cutting through their nonsense with ease, and uses strategic, dry humor to defuse tension before it becomes a problem. She believes in the art of hospitality, not the corporate performance of it, and she runs Torimono like a living, breathing organism.[relationship to kaskel]Nao was recommended by Aki and expected to babysit a clueless rich kid at a vanity restaurant when she was brought on.Instead, she found Kaskel:
• genuine
• overwhelmed
• hardworking
• brilliant
• and in desperate need of a competent adultShe stepped into her new role with her full chest. Nao shields him from the worst parts of the job—customer complaints, vendor drama, FOH meltdowns—and forces him to take care of himself when he forgets how. She is supportive but never coddling.She’s the one who makes sure no one exploits him, he breathes before he’s overwhelmed, and disrespect is not tolerated—from customers, or from Hawks.[work habits]• Handles scheduling, payroll, vendor negotiations, reservations, and crisis management.
• Intercepts complaints before they reach Kaskel
• Trains and runs FOH
• Quietly re-arranges schedules to protect staff (especially Kas)
• Makes sure Kaskel eats, hydrates, and takes breaks
• Has a mental Rolodex of every regular’s preferences
• Will shut down rude customers when given the opportunityShe’s the invisible architecture that keeps Torimono standing.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Holds herself to impossible standards
• Rarely asks for help
• Internalizes stress until it becomes a migraine
• Has trouble trusting others to handle things “correctly.”
• Can be intimidating without meaning toShe’s the kind of manager who burns herself out before she lets the establishment falter.[strengths]• Perfect Recall
• Unmatched organizational skill
• Strong intuition
• Professional poise
• Strategic humor
• Fierce loyalty
• Deep understanding of hospitalityShe’s the backbone of FOH and the shield around Kaskel’s heart.[how she fits into torimono's found family]Nao is the autie of the entire restaurant—the one who keeps everyone else in line, keeps the place running, and keeps Kaskel collapsing under the weight of his own expectations. She’s protective without being overbearing, supportive without being coddling, and respected by everyone who works under her.When Hawks begins to frequent Torimono, she gives him a long, assessing stare and threatening to bury him under the walk in. Hawks believes her.Nao is the quiet force that makes Torimono feel like a home—not just for the staff or the customers, but for Kaskel himself.

[characters]

• ←[back to torimono staff directory]

[torimono back of house staff]

• [chef de cuisine]

[tomoaki "aki" hirabayashi]

[chef de cuisine] | [unflappable] | [veteran chef]

Age: 38
Role: Chef de Cuisine
Quirk: Heat Sense—can feel temperature changes within three meters, allowing him to know when a pan is about to catch fire, when a broth is about to boil over, when a grill is too hot, and sear a perfect scallop without a second thought.
Vibe: calm, grounded, soft-spoken, and a man of few words. He commands his kitchen with quiet presence.[personality]Aki exemplifies the phrase, “seen it all twice already.” He’s calm, stoic, and unflappable; a rare kind that doesn’t need to shout or rage to run a perfect brigade. He speaks softly, in short, direct statements that carry more weight than most people’s monologues. His very presence can settle a kitchen.He has zero ego, which makes him an anomaly in the culinary world. He’s steady, thoughtful, and competent, with a penchant for riddles and a humor that surfaces only when he’s comfortable.[relationship to kaskel]Aki was already working at the establishment when the transition happened and was fully prepared to quit. He’d burned out on toxic kitchen culture and wanted something quieter. Then, Kas—young, overwhelmed, and sincere—asked him a question no owner had asked him in years:“When was the last time you got to experiment?"Aki staked because:
• Kas' palate was shockingly good
• Kas' sincerity was disarming
• Kas had no formal training but showed promise
• Kas reminded him of a younger version of himself, needing stabilityTheir dynamic is seamless:
• Kas pitches ideas → Aki makes them happen
• Kas tastes → Aki adjusts
• Kas handles the vibe → Aki handles the execution
• Aki keeps the BOH drama from ever reaching Kas → and there is certainly a lot of it
• They trust each other implicitly[work habits]• Moves precisely
• Uses his quirk to prevent BOH disasters
• Keeps the kitchen running like a well-tuned machine
• Has a look that shuts down any squabbles when Kas is coming
• Adjusts recipes on the fly with near-supernatural accuracy
• Has a perfect palate
• Reminds everyone Kas is the owner, not the martyr, including Kas himself.
• Evaluates every person that enters Kas’ orbit.He makes the vision real.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Carries his stress like a badge of honor
• Doesn’t express his needs
• Struggles to delegate
• Intimidating to new staff
• Still healing from past toxic kitchen dynamics and does not tolerate it in the presence of owners
• Can frustrate Kas with his perceived riddlesHe’s been burned before.[strengths]• Unmatched technical skill
• Perfect Palate
• Heat Sense quirk
• Calm under pressure
• Intuitive
• No ego
• LeaderHe keeps the kitchen from collapsing under its own intensity.[how she fits into torimono's found family]Aki is the stoic father-figure of the kitchen. He keeps everyone focused, keeps the food consistent, and helps to keep staff from burning themselves out. He shepherds Kas to rest, reminds him of his worth, and evaluates every suitor with scrutiny.When Hawks begins to hang around, Aki watches him carefully.He keeps Torimono's BOH feeling like home, rather than the classic battlefield the kitchen often is.

• [sous chef]

[kenta arakawa]

[sous chef] | [blunt] | [tired] | [accidentally rude]

Age: 32
Role: Sous Chef
Vibe: exhausted, straightforward, chronically unimpressed, and mutters under his breath, forgetting others can hear him[personality]Kenta is blunt in the way only a tired kitchen veteran can be. He’s not cruel or malicious, but entirely out of patience for sugarcoating and pussyfooting. He says what he thinks, often while chopping scallions at alarming speed, and only realizes afterward that Kas was standing right behind him.He’s not unkind. He’s just. . .done.Underneath the bluntness is a dependable, hardworking, and surprisingly soft-hearted man. He complains the entire time he’s helping someone, but he does still help.He’s the sous chef fueled by sheer force of will and alarming amounts of caffeine.[relationship to kaskel]Kenta feels bad for Kas—he really does—, but he has no idea that Kas can hear half the things he mutters.Things like:
• “Kid needs a nap and a therapist.”
• “Why is he doing that himself? He’s the owner.”
• “Kid thinks he’s a cactus.”Kas hears all of it, but pretends he doesn’t. Aki hears all of it, too, and corrects him when appropriate.Despite his bluntness, Kenta deeply respects Kas. He sees how hard Kas works and how much he cares, and he has never seen a young owner so involved in every aspect of the business. He just expresses his concern in the most backhanded way possible.[work habits]• Efficient, fast, and brutally practical
• Keeps the line organized
• Complains constantly but works harder than anyone
• Has a sixth sense for when someone is about to go wrong
• Mutters commentary under his breath like running a sassy kitchen mockumentary
• Forgets people can hear him 90% of the time
• Often pushes people out of the way to “do it right.”
• “Tired older brother” dynamic with the rest of BOH.Makes things functional, even on his worst days.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Chronically exhausted
• Blunt to the point of rudeness
• No filter
• Internalizes stress until he snaps
• Doesn’t realize how much people rely on himHe’s tired, not mean, but that line gets blurred constantly.[strengths]• Fast, efficient, and skilled.
• Excellent crisis instincts
• Reliable
• Honest to a faultHe embodies the eye of the storm.[how she fits into torimono's found family]Kenta is the “tired uncle” of the kitchen. He complains the loudest, but cares the most. He’s blunt, exhausted, and perpetually unimpressed, but he’s the first to step in when someone is drowning.He doesn’t coddle staff. He doesn’t flatter or treat Kas like a prodigy. Instead, he treats everyone like a chef of equal caliber.He is also the source of half of the kitchen’s unintentional comedy.

• [the brigade]

[rika sano]

[chef de partie] | [chaos incarnate] | [sharp-tongued] | [romance sniper]

Age: 31
Role: Chef de Partie, Part-Time, Sun & Thurs only
Vibe: elegant chaos and wickedly funny, she can chiffonade basil while roasting you alive[personality]Rika is sharp in every sense—she has a sharp palate, a sharp technique, and a sharp wit. She’s quick, clever, and unafraid to tease or razz. But beneath her sarcasm is a soft heart and deep love for her craft.Her station is best described as “organized chaos" and experimental with flavor. But, she is also the type to tell someone not to look at a disk that’s objectively gorgeous, calling it “ugly."She brings chaos and skill to the BOH.[relationship to kaskel]Rika clocks Kas’ relationship with Hawks immediately.
• So... you’re glowing. Should I be concerned, or congratulate you?
• If he’s the reason you’re crying, I swear to god, I’m poisoning his crème brûlée.
• Well, he is cute. Good for you, Boss.When it turns out that she’s right, she doubles down, confident that she’s never once misread a romantic vibe.Yet despite her teasing, she respects Kas. She leans heavily on his palate and admires his sincerity.[work habits]• Only works Sundays and Thursdays, but does the work of a full-timer.
• Her station is a little chaotic, but she knows where everything is
• Fast and consistent
• When presenting samples, she drops a casual, "Tell me if it's trash."
• Teases Shun and Kenta mercilessly
• Has a sixth sense for the kitchen, needing a morale boost
• Weaponizes her humor to keep BOH energy upThe chaotic older sister of the kitchen.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Sharp tongue can cut deeper than intended
• Overthinks, especially her work
• Takes criticism personally
• Masks stress
• Gets flustered by complimentsConfident, but not invulnerable.[strengths]• Excellent technique
• Flavor instict
• Fast but accurate
• Keeps morale up
• Protective of her line
• Reads people frighteningly wellThe sweet-and-spicy conductor of CDP rotation.[how he fits into torimono's found family]The lesbian, chaotic older sister of the kitchen. She might tease you mercilessly, but she’ll also beat up anyone who hurts you. She keeps her brigade in check and can make Kenta laugh against his will.She’s the first to notice that Kas is actually in love, though he’d deny it. And the first to throw her hands up in the air with a groaned “Finally!” when he does.

[shunpei 'shun' nakahara]

[line cook] | [fast] | [sharp-tongued] | [pretends not to care]

Age: 27
Role: Line Chef
Vibe: quick-moving, quick-witted, sarcastic, and will talk mad shit while cooking perfectly[personality]Shun is fast in movement, thought, and especially his mouth. He’s sharp, sarcastic, and always ready with a quip that toes the line between “funny” and “HR violation.” He pretends not to care about anything at all, but the truth is that he cares deeply—he just hides it under layers of snark.He thrives in the heat and chaos of the line. He’s the type who can fire three appetizers at once, correct and order call out, and roast a coworker in the same breath.He is also the king of background banter, running commentary that keeps the kitchen amped.[relationship to kaskel]Shun pretends Kas is just “the kid boss,” but he does respect him.He will say things like:
• “Yeah, yeah. Baby Bird wants more yuzu, got it, Chef.”
• "Tell him to stop looking at me like that; I’m not adjusting the salt again."
• “He’s too nice for the industry. Someone’s gotta toughen him up.”But the second Kas looks genuinely overwhelmed, Shun shuts up and keeps his head down. Often, even mutters “he doesn’t deserve this shit” under his breath.Kas thinks Shun hates him, but does good work.
Aki knows better.[work habits]• Fast
• Sharp instincts on the line
• Sarcastic commentary 24/7
• Keeps the energy up during rushes
• Pretends not to listen
• Covers for coworkers without acknowledging it
• Works best under pressure, gets complacent when it’s lax
• Has a weird talent for remembering ticket numbers in his headHe makes the kitchen feel alive.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Sarcasm as emotional armor
• Hides behind jokes
• Abrasive, especially when tired
• Struggles with authority he doesn’t respect
• Takes criticism personallyHe’s sharp, but it protects a soft center.[strengths]• Fast, efficient, and skilled.
• Excellent palate
• Great under pressure
• Keeps morale up
• Loyal in a sideways, sarcastic way
• Regulates the kitchen’s emotional temperature with his anticsThe spark plug of BOH.[how he fits into torimono's found family]Shun has “chaotic little brother” energy. He’s loud, sarcastic, and fast. He teases Kenta, respects Aki, and would absolutely throw hands even while complaining about it.He keeps the line laughing during hell-hour, turning stress into momentum. He pretends he doesn’t care, but everyone knows he does.

• [dish staff]

[masao kiritani]

[dish staff] | [gentle giant] | [uncle energy] | [former constructon worker]

Age: 45
Role: Diswasher
Vibe: quiet, steady, and warm despite always being in pain[personality]Masao is a gentle giant who is soft spoken, patient, and grounded. He carries himself like someone who has lived two lives before stepping into the Torimono kitchen. He works steadily, hums while he cleans, and can calm down even the most flighty of staff members.He spent most of his life in construction until a back injury forced him to change careers. The transition was rough physically, financially, and emotionally. It nearly caused a divorce, but he found his footing at Torimono.Kas, understanding the weight of his shift, pays him as close to his former wage as possible while keeping role equity intact. Masao knows this and will never forget it.That generosity saved his marriage, and he will never stop being grateful.[relationship to kaskel]Masao calls Kas “boss” with genuine affection, rather than formality. Like a nickname. He treats Kas like a nephew, proud, protective, and invested in his wellbeing.He doesn’t hover, but he watches with the vigilance he gives his own family.[work habits]• Steady, reliable, and methodical
• Keeps the dish pit running
• Handles lifting heavy things without complaint
• Maintains the cleanliness standards
• Notices when someone needs help
• Doesn’t rush, but doesn’t slow down the flow
• Hums while he works
• Takes any extra shift he canA quiet force of function.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Struggles with chronic pain from his back injury
• Hates being a burden and hides his discomfort and flareups
• Struggles with accepting help
• Frequently worries about being replaced
• Carries guilt about no longer being able to work constructionHe’s strong and fit, but he’s been through a lot.[strengths]• Physically strong, despite injury
• Emotionally steady
• Reliable and consistent
• Loyal[how he fits into torimono's found family]Masao is the uncle of all of Torimono. He looks out for the younger staff, frequently calling them 'kid', and brings a sense of stability that everyone comes to rely on.He makes sure the BOH staff stays hydrated, pushes Kenta to take a break, and shoos Kas away from the dish pit whenever he tries to bury himself in work.He's not loud or showy about his care; he just shows up with kindness in his heart.Torimono wouldn't feel like a home without him.

• [prep staff]

[ayame nishida]

[prep chef] | [quiet] | [experimental] | [secret romantic]

Age: 22
Role: Prep Chef
Vibe: soft-spoken, hyper-focused, brilliant, likely ADHD, and frequently gets lost in her own ideas and forgets the world around her.[personality]Ayame is quiet and peaceful most of the time. She slips into the kitchen early and disappears into the rhythm of chopping, marinating, and experimenting. She loves food; for her, it’s a language, a puzzle, a place to play.In her element, she’s hyper-focused, curious, and endlessly patient. When she’s working on a new idea, however, she gets a spark in her eye and cannot be deterred.She’s also a romantic at heart, though she’d die before admitting it.[relationship to kaskel]Both Kas and Aki encourage Ayame's creativity in ways she never was at home or in previous roles, though she is early in her career.Kas often asks what she's working on, tastes her experiments, and gives feedback instead of just dismissing her as "just prep staff." He treats her like a real chef with ideas worth hearing.Because of that, Ayame blooms at Torimono. Under the leadership of Aki, she tries new techniques, pushes herself, and brings them both samples to try, “If you have time?"Kas always has time, and she adores him for that.[work habits]• Quiet, focused, and exacting
• Loves experimenting with marinades, pickling, and sauces.
• Keeps her station immaculately organized
• Works quickly but doesn’t rush
• Brings Aki ideas first before showing them to Kaskel
• Glows under encouragement
• Has binders full of ideas
• Gushes about Hawks visiting in whisper-shoutsShe’ll become a future star with the right tutelage.[weaknesses/vulnerabilities]• Easily flustered
• Doesn't advocate for herself
• Overthinks criticisms
• Embarrassed when people notice her crush.
• Struggles with confidenceThe imposter syndrome took root in her.[strengths]• Creative and curious
• Excellent knife skills
• Strong sense of flavor
• Detail-oriented
• Learns quicklyA future engine of the kitchen is in the making.[how he fits into torimono's found family]Ayame is the “little sister” of the BOH. She’s sweet, quiet, excitable, and full of potential. Aki watches over her as a mentor while Kenta prepares not to care but always checks her prep, and Shun teases her because he enjoys making her blush.Every time Hawks visits, she’s starry-eyed and gushes with Haruto.While her dreams are eventually dashed, she finds a new obsession in her boss's relationship with her.

[writing]

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Light tone, heavy subtext—now with fire.

• [rot in velvet]

[rot in velvet]

Status: All entries complete, series ongoing
Rating: M-E
Warnings: Dead Dove, Do Not Eat | Major Character Death | Post Canon | Hurt No comfort | Mental Health Struggles | Toxic Relationships | Medication Misuse | Implied Overdose | Body Horror | Psychological Horror | Ideations | J-Horror | Dissociation | Emotional Numbness | Implied Manipulation | Intrusive Thoughts | Self-Loathing | Rage | Survivor’s Guilt | Sexual Content | Hallucinations | Self-Harm | Murder

Hawks is the newly minted President of the Hero Public Safety Commission. This story follows Hawks as he handles a person who is too close to the truth and the aftermath of the war.A story about guilt, grief, and the rot of a legacy built upon lies.No comfort offered here.

[writing]

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Stories built around the characters that wouldn’t leave me alone.

• [amare nox]

[amare nox]

Relationship: Hawks x female OC → Nox
Status: WIP
Rating: T-E
Warnings: Forced Sterilization of a Minor | Mind-Altered states | Species-Specific Behavioral Shift | Romantic Tension | Institutional Trauma | Quirk Discrimination | Underaged Sex (both parties are 16) | Hurt/Comfort | Explicit Sexual Content | Loss of Virginity | Aftercare | Heat Cycles

Nox is a low-presentation heteromorph of mysterious origins. Growing up alongside Keigo as a ward of the state was no easy feat, facing not only discrimination for her unusual biology and striking appearance, but also for the speculations of others. Through all of this, Hawks was her only friend - or is he?Is he the partner she deserves, the partner she needs, or another faceless cog in the system that oppresses her?

• [bonus features]

[bonus features]

Relationship: Hawks x male OC → Kaskel
Status: WIP
Rating: TBD
Warnings: Nonsexual Nudity | Harassment

Kaskel is young, loud, headstrong, and definitely overcompensating - for what is anyone’s guess. But one attempt to call a bluff has him in over his head, but opens up the opportunity of a lifetime.Do the ends justify the means? Is the cost worth the benefit? Or has he bitten off more than he can chew?All drabbles, ficlets, and unedited raw ideas can be found on Tumblr

• [high stakes]

[high stakes]

Relationship: Hawks x female OC → Ria
Status: WIP
Rating: E
Warnings: CPTSD | Dissociation | Emotional Flashback | Daddy Dom | Power Exchange | Multiple Orgasms | Trauma-Informed Kink

Hawks was no stranger to one-night stands, avoiding commitments to sate his more intense proclivities. That was, however, until he met Ria, a woman who gained just as much from their tryst as he did.Together, can they find a connection that transcends sex and becomes something more?

• [the ciel codex]

[the ciel codex]

Relationship: Hawks x female OC → Ciel
Status: WIP
Rating: M
Warnings: Referenced Abuse | CPTSD Symptoms | Nightmares | Medical Aftercare | Power Imbalance | Institutional Surveillance | Dissociation | Protective Behavior | Caretaking Dynamic | Aftermath | Gendered Power Dynamic

This is a collection of character studies set in different timelines, all using the same OC. The reactions and situations around them may change, but the core themes stay the same.A monument to unmedicated ADHD

• [what their wings carried]

[what their wings carried]

Relationship: Hawks x female OC→Ayea | Hawks & male OC→Kalas
Status: WIP
Rating: M
Warnings: Parental Loss | Grief | Bereavement | Emotionally Withdrawn Parent | Parentification of a Child | Referenced Substance Abuse | Referenced Bullying | Hospitalization | CPTSD | Trauma Symptoms | Ethics | Therapy | Miscarriage | Cheating

Wings are more than a quirk—they are implicit memory, burden, and the fragile architecture of identity and belonging. This series traces the emotional aftermath of caregiving, loss, and survival. Through the lives of Ayea, Keigo, and their son Kalas, it explores how love is carried—not just in memory, but in gesture, in silence, and in the things we inherit.A Story of Grief, Love, and InheritanceInspired by the emotional legacy of the banned novel The Things They Carried, this series pays homage to the power of literature in quiet rebellion.Stop banning stories. Teach people how to read them instead.

[writing]

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Where you are the center of the story.
I avoid descriptive terms and stand-ins such as (y/n) to keep immersion seamless.

• [the future we find]

[the future we find]

Relationship: Hawks x reader [female]
Status: WIP
Rating: E
Warnings: Anxiety | Emotional Neglect | Guilt | Cheating Anxiety | Breakdown | Possessive Behavior | Alcohol Consumption | Explicit Sexual Content | Semi-Public Sex | Sex While Intoxicated

This story follows Hawks and his partner, a hospital healer, as they navigate demanding careers and the looming war. Amid relentless expectations, they struggle to balance their duty to the nation with their duty to each other.A story about the rifts carved by pressure, and the connections that keep them from breaking.