#Honey & Spice

[heistcinema]

HEIST FILMS + dancing 💃🕺

Happy birthday, Robin! (@madeline-kahn)

[insomniumstella]

spice & honey

bucky x baker!reader

summary: cinnamon buns and wickedly strong coffee must be the only reasons James Buchanan Barnes visits your bakery daily, despite the inconvenience of driving to a small town on the outskirts of Upstate New York. right?

warnings: first dates and crushes (absolutely classified as warnings), mead consumption, a curse word or two, soft!bucky

word count: 4,565

author's note: i've been watching Gilmore Girls a little too much lately (hence the little easter egg). on another note, autumn is my favourite season, so prepared to be sick of James attending harvest festivals and drinking apple cider 🍂🥧🎃

all the stories i've written

September 21st marks the official arrival of Autumn. Though the weather has been rather cheerful lately, today’s air is much crisper and heavier with the promise of looming rain. The streets of Eldermont remain far too green to your dismay, but Spice & Honey—the bakery you’ve owned for the past five years—is rich in shades of marigold and copper. A wide assortment of mugs, mostly in various shapes of pumpkins, and spiced teas, line the shelves, while the fresh jars of apple butter are neatly stacked alongside the register. Besides the usual treats, the glass display teems with seasonal favourite pumpkin tarts and apple cider donuts. 

The everlasting chatter of customers and soft sounds of a vintage record you scored at a neighbour’s garage sale just last month saturate the space as you place the second batch of cinnamon rolls on the counter. The clock reads 10:57 AM, and though you’ve been attempting to conceal your excitement, Vivienne could sense it the second you stepped through the door, teasing you about the very special visitor who’s always in need of sugary buns and black coffee at exactly five past eleven. 

James Buchanan Barnes is a regular customer, you often argue. The nervous babble, flustered movements, and beaming smiles convey otherwise. And so yes, you might have a little bit of a schoolgirl crush on the freakishly tall, muscular brunette who brings in the latest editions of The Culinary Canvas magazine each Monday and notices the smallest of changes in your recipes. Just maybe, you reluctantly ponder when your thoughts inadvertently wander to that charming grin and baby blue eyes every time you knead the dough for his adored treat — a dessert once reserved for Autumn suddenly available year around. 

“Staring at the entrance won’t make time pass quicker,” Vivienne whispers, arranging butterscotch cupcakes by the pumpkin tarts. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you whisper back, covering the pans with aluminum foil. 

Perhaps hiding the pastries, a favourite amongst Spice & Honey shoppers, is not the best business decision, but Eldermont is merely a small town in Upstate New York. If it wasn’t located a thirty minute drive south of the Avengers compound, most people wouldn’t be aware of its presence in the first place. And besides, everybody in Eldermont is connected to everybody — the town holds no secrets, including the pastries you keep warm and frost fresh. 

“The tall, dark, and handsome man,” she points out, “still has a few minutes. Perchance the preparations of Eldermont’s Annual Harvest Festival made it trickier to find parking.” Vivienne turns to you with a mirthful grin, the cupcakes resting perfectly positioned in the glass case. “You should invite him. Heard Brad brewed an incredible batch of apple cider mead this year.”

You sigh, snatching the golden tray out of her grasp. “I’m not asking Bucky out.” 

“Ah! Bucky!” The woman’s grin widens. “Forgot his name for a second.” Shades of mischief dance in her tone as she marks Elijah’s, the eccentric owner of Marigold Meadows flower shop across the street, special order of fifty maple bacon BLTs as completed. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“Only that you mention Bucky at least seven times a day.” 

“Seven’s oddly specific,” you note and swiftly, “also I do not,” disagree.

“Bucky smelled great today,” Vivienne mocks your voice, the grin you’ve come to love—and hate—remaining on her features. “Should I add apple to the cinnamon rolls? I wonder if Bucky would enjoy apple cinnamon rolls with brown butter and maple icing unless he’s a creature of habit. Maybe I should suggest a sprinkle of nutmeg in his coffee to test the waters first—“

“Vivienne,” you groan, yet she persists.

“What’s the worst that could happen? Bucky could say no. Bucky could also choose The Sugared Whisk. Bucky wouldn’t. I adore their croissants, but the coffee is terribly weak, and even their tea selection is mediocre. Indigo should include spiced teas. And sure, Luke's doesn't offer spiced teas, but Luke’s sells great coffee and danishes, except the danishes are only available on Wednesdays.” She recites a recent monologue of yours, and if you weren’t mortified, you’d actually be quite surprised at Vivienne’s ability to remember conversations as if they happened minutes ago. 

The doorbell chimes before she has the chance to finish, and you’re highly unsure of whether it’s a saved by the bell kind of situation or if you’d rather the floor magically swallow you whole. 

“Good morning.” James smiles, and it’s then that you decide you’d rather the floor split open because you’re awfully flustered by his entrance despite secretly anticipating the moment since the sun arose. 

“Hiya, Bucky,” she returns the favour, secretly nudging your side. “Have you ever been to the annual Eldermont’s Harvest Festival?” 

“Cannot say I have,” he chuckles, breaking eye contact between the two for just a second to glance at her. 

Though you’d never admit it aloud, those eyes, baby blue on sunny days and resembling the ocean on the ones of rain, cross your mind more than a pair of eyes should. This infatuation borders on obsessive, you often contemplate. James Buchanan Barnes is an Avenger for heaven’s sake, and you’re almost sure a man of his maturity and composure wouldn’t agree to a date with a baker, a clutz one at that. It’s not that you’d want to, nevertheless. The two of you have a great thing together — you serve coffee, he survives on coffee, and if time allows, the lighthearted conversations you have bring colours to otherwise monotone days. 

“The decorations, the food, the people are phenomenal.” You might have to assign the redhead to kneading duty if she’s heading to that territory. “This beauty right here could take you on a real good tour. Eldermont is gorgeous this time of year.” Enjoy kneading bread, Vivi. 

“Is it?” James grins, his stare flicking between you and Vivienne.

“Drop dead,” she reiterates, “much like the women.” 

“Vivienne,” you suddenly cut in, “the coffee station is out of paper cups. Could you bring some from the back?” 

She gives you another grin, less mischievous and more understanding, nodding at Bucky before she disappears into the kitchen. The heavy wooden doors create a boisterous sound once they close, and you couldn’t be happier for a distraction because you cannot look at the brunette just yet. The bakery is sweltering, and your hands are sweaty, and, if it wasn’t evident you’ve been nurturing a crush on James, Vivienne practically plastered a HEAD BAKER IN LOVE WITH SERGEANT BARNES sign out front. 

“The station’s out of cups?”

“Yes!” You glimpse behind the shoulder, deciding to keep the lie alive. “Spice & Honey gets busy during the afternoons, and we run out quickly.” The words leave your mouth rushed and a bit muttered, but the effort is there. “Black coffee and a cinnamon bun?”

“It’s a habit,” his smile is as charming as always. James hesitates for a beat, observing you locate the plastic to-go containers. “The festival Vivienne touched on, have you ever been?”

The atmosphere stills for an awkward second as you gawk at him. “Oh, sure,” you answer at last, praying her babbling wasn’t too obvious because you couldn’t fathom Bucky choosing The Sugared Whisk. “Every year since I was four. The festival’s great. Brad brews the best mead, and Johnny, the mayor, is comically strict about the decorations, so it’s all pumpkins, and string lights, and festive garlands,” you mumble, scrambling for the pan and cream cheese frosting. “I’ve even heard whispers of fireworks this year. It’s next Saturday if you want to drop by. Cassie bakes the best apple pies.” 

“Better than yours?”

“I don’t serve apple pies,” averting your eyes to study the grinder seems like the best decision to avoid his piercing gaze. 

“I’m sure they’d be the best if you did.” Bucky beams, leaning against the counter as he observes you make coffee. 

“Thank you,” the expression of gratitude melts into somewhat of a question despite your best attempts at keeping your voice level, “but the pies I bake often turn out horribly wrong. The apples were overcooked, and the dough raw last time I tried.” 

“How undercooked?” 

“The trash can enjoyed most of it.”

James laughs at that, the sound of it hearty and endearing. “I’m sure it found the pie delicious.” If he’s flirting with you, you can’t tell, and you don’t exactly want to, for expectations are the fool’s hope. “If you’re not terribly busy during the festival,” he speaks after a protracted moment of doubt, “I’d love to take you up on that tour Vivienne mentioned.”

“Tour?” The man in front of you must almost all but hear your heart pounding rapidly inside your chest.

“The tour of mead, pies, and decorations.” 

“Oh?” You tinker with a couple napkins, peering at him. “I’m not sure I could give you a real good tour, I’m barely a guide, believe me. I got lost in that new Target on Cedar Lane, and I cannot understand maps, and—“

“I’m asking you out on a date.” Bucky chuckles at your flustered visage, baby blues never once breaking the eye contact. 

“Shit,” the curse word leaves your mouth before you can stop it, and you silently reprimand yourself for the rash impulse of colourful words. “Alright.” 

The sergeant titters at your sudden reaction, a shy smile dancing on his lips. “We don’t have to do this if you’re uncomfortable. I just thought we might have something between us, chemistry of sorts, and that it might’ve been fun,” he briefly pauses, eyes wild and roaming around your face. “It’s just that Vivienne mentioned Eldermont being gorgeous in the fall, and it got me thinking that I’ve never truly experienced it, because the only thing I visit in this town is your bakery, not that it’s the only place worth visiting—“

“Bucky—“

“There are many stores I should probably check out, and Samuel’s birthday is in a couple of days, which is convenient. I wouldn’t describe Sam and I as the best of pals, but Steve likes him, so I should probably get him a gift.” 

“Who’s Samuel?” You ask puzzled, but the flustered soldier standing before you continues to ramble.

“Something small to indicate I remembered but not necessarily care. Something that screams I’m not a total jerk, but you are for reminding the whole compound that your birthday’s on the twenty third. A wooden statue of a bird. Sam likes birds, particularly Redwing, though Redwing’s not technically a bird. A wooden bird statue would certainly insult him, so it’s settled — the plan is to visit Artists & Wood on Land.” 

“The shop’s name is Woodland Artistry,” you correct with a gentle smile. 

“Right!” James clicks his tongue, studying your softly amused features. “We should probably forget this conversation happened. It was a stupid idea too—“

“Yes,” you interject. “I mean no.” Surely, this scenario is a strange dream that wicked mind of yours created to punish you for the sins you assumably committed in every single one of your previous lives. It’s the only possible explanation for the sergeant’s flustered behaviour. “I would absolutely love to go on a date,” you say and pinch the flesh of your thigh for reassurance, but the scene remains as it was, “with you.”

Gently placing a twenty on the counter, James gleams at you. “I’ve never actually given you my number, have I?” 

"No," you shake your head to indicate disagreement, pinching the flesh of your thighs once more. “Only the pleasure of our little chats,” the response makes you wince. The pleasure of our little chats? Something’s definitely wrong with me.

Chuckling, James grasps one of the pens you keep by the cash register and scribbles down a series of numbers on his receipt. "If I don't reply, Steve must be holding me hostage.”

"Duly noted," you grin, folding the piece of paper to tuck it into the back pocket of your denim shorts.

He stands there for a second as if absorbing the situation. “Good. It’s a date, then.” he smiles in the end, taking the coffee and the plastic box, and peeks at you behind his shoulder. “And keep the change, please. These treats of yours are more than worth it.”

A timid smile spreads across your lips at the compliment before you sink your teeth into the soft of your bottom lip, observing the soldier scramble out of the bakery, the phone in his flannel jacket ringing for attention.

“Next time,” the redhead appears beside you once James disappears out of sight with a final wave goodbye, “you should give the man coffee and buns on the house," Vivienne nudges you, "both of them." 

A surge of warmth rushes to your cheeks at her innuendo. “It’s great you suddenly possessed the ability to teleport and all, but the dough back there won’t knead itself.” 

“No,” she gasps, and you only laugh at her realisation, turning to help the next customer. 

It’s a date.

The evening of Eldermont’s harvest festival is pleasant, neither too blazing nor cold, but despite the temperature and the appropriate sundress you’ve chosen for it, you’re on the verge of fainting. I cannot faint on our first date, you think and decide it’s the man next to you’s fault, really. The smell of his cologne is too addicting, the hints of pine and cinnamon in his aftershave too intoxicating. James is a gentleman, which you expected and appreciate, but it’s overwhelming, the way he holds your hand to lead you through crowds and attentively listens to your overdrawn stories about the origins of pumpkin carving. Heavens help me.

“Have you checked out the corn maze yet?” Brad asks cheerfully. He’s surrounded by large beverage urns and stacks of disposable drinkware. “Mary mentioned Elijah’s still in there,” he chuckles, pouring two paper cups full of steaming apple cider mead. “The fool must’ve gotten lost or something.” 

“Must’ve,” you glance at him, the corner of your mouth quirking up into a half smile. “Happens every year.”

“The two of you should go,” Brad speaks once again before smiling at Bucky. “It’s a great first date activity.”

James chuckles, and you wonder if he regrets asking you on a date. The small town you call home is ludicrously close, and if Vivienne didn’t spill the beans to Mary as she promised, Mary must’ve spread the ‘rumours’ around herself. The town’s beloved bookshop owner is an incredible woman, but she loves to gossip, and you should’ve expected the second person after Vivienne to consistently insert themselves into your dating life to jump to conclusions. Though the situation isn’t precisely comfortable for you, it must be worse for James. Whilst he has never outright mentioned, the soldier has important reasons to stay under the radar. Bucky has witnessed a lot, horrors you’ve even heard about on the TV, and currently, every resident of Eldermont is aware that James Buchanan Barnes is on a date. With a local baker, nonetheless. Participating in acorn tossing and harvest bingo and conversing with Brad Monty about all kinds of sneaky activities couples get up to in the corn maze. You're certain that James is bound to vanish without a trace due to the town's antics if your diffident and often rather awkward behavior hasn't already scared him away. The anxious parts of your brain have even compiled a mental list of today's disasters: 

Johnny wiped his sweaty hands on Bucky’s jacket, realising the blunder only to mumble “I love this jacket, Sergeant Barnes”, and pretending he wanted to initiate a hug before he disappeared.

Cassie offered you a sample of pecan pie, which you eagerly tasted due to Bucky’s “If I had to choose the second best pie after apple, it would be pecan” comment, and completely choked on. 

Vivienne located you in the farmer’s market to say “hello”, and persuaded James to purchase a pair of beaded bracelets, the two of you had ridiculed moments earlier, for “every first date needs a souvenir to remember it by”. 

James guided you to Mary’s bookstore because you conferred a series of rare hardbacks Mary hides in the back for special customers, and the older woman steered you towards a selection of intimacy guides. 

Indigo, The Sugared Whisk owner, pleaded with James for Captain America’s number in the middle of a busy intersection and discussed his “timeless looks” for the next couple of minutes until a car almost struck the three of you. 

Elijah phoned you in distress, panicking about “having to live out his best years in a smelly corn maze”, which disturbed the sergeant and resulted in an “Elijah will find the exit eventually” monologue on your side. 

You accepted to take a photo of a tourist couple, accidentally dropping the wife’s phone and shattering the screen because James stood so close, your hands wouldn’t stop shaking. 

“Thanks, Brad,” you fumble with your wallet, hastily placing a ten on the stand. “See you around.”

“Doll,” Bucky doesn’t move once you attempt to remove him from the nightmare that is the situation the two of you found yourselves in. It gives you a second to evaluate his expression, and much to your surprise, his features are as soft as ever. James is blushing, too. “I wanted to pay for that.”

“You paid for the apple pie,” the words slip past your lips mumbled because the only thing you can truly concentrate on is the fact James is blushing. Blushing as a result of Brad’s stories about couples so in love they simply cannot be bothered to locate the labyrinth’s exit before proving their emotions to the world. Couples that could be the two of you. Possibly. A sane person shouldn’t rush to assumptions unless they earned the sweetest nickname from a dream of a man. You’ve never paid much thought to whether you would enjoy being called a ‘doll’—you do, but you would probably adore every label he’d choose. The notion steers your head toward unexpected and dirty waters, and you couldn’t be happier for Brad’s decision to chime in.

“Cassie outdid herself this year,” he nods. “I’m most definitely going to dream about that blackberry pie tonight.” 

“Yes,” James agrees never once breaking the eye contact with you. “The pies were delicious, and it was my pleasure to pay. It was me who demanded a tour.”

“You may pay for the maze then,” you smile at him, “but leave the ten — I’m not that great of a tour guide, and I’m afraid of the dark.”

“Dates should be fun,” James suddenly speaks. “We could’ve skipped the labyrinth.”

The corn maze is high and intimidating, but Bucky’s presence and the soft glow of an orange sunset manage to silence your fears a bit. The passages are almost entirely empty except for the two of you, and each corner you take makes your heart jump at the possibility of encountering spooky surprises. 

“This is fun,” you reassure, taking a sip of mead. James shoots you a look you cannot truly decipher, but you decide the meaning is somewhere between worried and teasing. “It is,” you hesitate for a beat. “I just keep remembering the haunted corn maze in Greenwood. They have scare actors there, who jump out of the bushes when you least expect it and completely startle you. Vivienne took me there last year, and I cannot shake the memories.” 

The expression on his face melts into sympathy. “If it’s any consolation, I would protect you against all the zombies and monsters this maze might throw at us,” he speaks before, “not that it has any,” adding. 

“If theme’s anything to go by, I think we’re OK,” you chuckle at his offer, referring to the cutesy signs and charmingly painted pumpkins scattered throughout the labyrinth, “unless Johnny decided to include a couple gory scenes at the end, though it’d end worse for him than it would for me.”

“Johnny The Mayor?” 

“Johnny The Mayor,” you take yet another sip, nodding. The beverage is barely warm twenty minutes into the attraction, providing only the comfort of a soft alcohol tipsiness. 

“He’s a charming little fella,” Bucky notes, and you don’t have it in yourself to deny the statement. “I’ve never experienced someone initiating a hug by wiping their hands on my jacket.” 

“Sorry,” you offer sheepishly because what could you say after an occurrence so bizarre. Everyone in this town is strange? James must’ve caught on to the fact by this time. 

“It’s alright, and besides, I now have a humorous story to recount at parties, which is a first,” he gleams at you. “It may come as a surprise, but I’m not usually the life of it.”

“Can I ask you a question?” You shift to gaze at him before emptying the cup of mead to steady your nerves. 

“I don’t promise to answer,” James grins, fiddling with the beaded bracelet, “but yes.” 

“Who’s Samuel?” 

“That’s your question?” He laughs as his flesh arm slithers to rest upon your waist. At least you think it’s his flesh arm. The man wears gloves whether the sun shines or the rain pours. You’ve seen pictures, though, and read stories of The Winter Soldier in possession of a metal arm. Neither raise concern, not for the reason you’re smitten with Bucky. Rather, because James was manipulated and stripped of free will, and if heaven would descend, perhaps because that metal arm is sinfully attractive. It’s a thought forbidden to be mentioned aloud, for the gloves are a large indicator he’d enjoy staying silent about the matter. “Who’s Samuel?” 

“Yes,” you sputter. The butterflies his simple action caused you don’t mention. “I want to hear about this Samuel. I’ve been informed he likes birds, especially Redwing, who’s not technically a bird?”

“The Samuel I was babbling about is Sam Wilson. The Falcon, if you’re a fan of CNN,” James teases, steering you into the left pathway of the maze. Despite your instinct to choose right, you stay silent. “Redwing’s a drone of sorts Sam uses on missions, and, this is a direct quote, for surveillance. I despise the thing.”

“If we get lost, forget the second date,” you playfully threaten. Though the coziness of his body pressed to yours is intoxicating, it does nothing to ease the goosebumps painted on your skin, and as the sky bleeds in shades of crimson and purple, the sun melts into the horizon, teasing you for forgetting a sweater. “I would’ve categorised holding a grudge against an object as below you.” 

“If the shoe fits,” he chortles, leading you down a long passage before abruptly stopping. Hesitating for a beat, he drapes the flannel jacket you’ve come to love on the man around your body. The garment is red and weighty, and it smells of James. The gesture makes your heart swell with admiration, but you ignore it. Dates should be approached with a blank slate because expectations are easily shattered. “I shouldn’t deliver Steve that woman’s phone number, should I?” Bucky’s arm finds your waist again. 

Sinking your teeth into your bottom lip, “on the bright side, Indigo is quite a pleasant woman,” you verbalise the thought. James observes your expression, baby blues studying the same features he cannot resist thinking about at nightfall. Blood rushes to his cheeks at the notice of your fingers on his lower back, the heat of your skin piercing through his charcoal henley. “She’d certainly treat Captain America right. On the downside,” you pause, “Indigo is the exact opposite of Steve as the media portrays him. Come to think about it, both of us are.”

“How so?”

“The media portrays supersoldiers as courageous, but Indigo and I once had to call Luke to get rid of a teeny spider. Steve’s active in politics, whilst we often skip the town’s meetings—“

“Eldermont holds town meetings?” James chuckles, subconsciously drawing you in closer.

“Once a month, always on the first Tuesday,” you gleam at him before drawing in a deep breath to calm your violently beating heart. “Last time, we discussed the very pressing issue of Halloween decorations. Johnny insists every business on the main street must participate in the festivities. Indigo and I escaped out the back before the mayor could finish his speech. At the least, Steve would’ve stayed in that meeting, and at the most, he would’ve managed it.”  

“People do say opposites attract.” 

“Heard that before,” you agree. The loose strand of Bucky’s auburn hair tempts you to tuck it behind his ear, but you halt the impulse of committing such a ludicrous decision. “It must be true because you drink coffee black, and I prefer lattes. You have cinnamon buns for breakfast, and I, if time would be gracious enough for breakfast, would choose danishes.” 

“The jury’s decided, then.” The corners of his mouth quirk up into a lazy and wickedly attractive smile, and, you almost wonder if Bucky’s aware of the effect he has on your body because if he isn't, your buckling knees must’ve given it away. “Opposites do attract.” His wildly confident attitude is a new discovery, but you decide you like it. “It would be a shame to ignore matters of the universe.” Confidence is a good shade on him. 

“Is this your way of asking me on a second date?” You tease the man, memorising the pink hues veiling his cheekbones. 

James guides you around the corner, observing the corn maze’s exit, and halts his movements. “Only if the lady agrees,” he shifts to stand before you, catching your forearms in his gloved hands, “which I’m sincerely hoping she does.” 

Resting your arms on his shoulders, you gift yourself a quick moment to explore his features — the stubble gently lining his sharp jaw, the little scar above his eyebrow, and the red lips you, despite hiding it, wanted to kiss since he first visited Spice & Honey. “The lady would love to go on a second date.” 

“Good,” an emotion you cannot comprehend waltzes in his eyes, but, for the sake of your composure, you abstain from thinking it could possibly be lust. “The gentleman is looking forward to it.” There's an argument happening inside him, you can sense it by the way he keeps drawing you closer until the space between your bodies is virtually erased, but retains his posture straight and almost rigid. The weight of should he or should he not lingers in the air around you before James catches your stare and smiles timidly, shattering the flicker of hope you have for him to kiss you. You don’t exactly yearn for him to kiss you. In theory, kiss-less first dates are a great idea, paving the way for deeper conversations and a closer bond. They build anticipation. Anticipation is good, you ponder for a second, but all you can truly focus on is whether James would taste like apple cider mead or the sugary desserts you two savoured earlier. “The night is still young," he speaks, the tone of his voice light and reticent. "It would be a shame to end the date this early." 

“Luke’s open if you want to grab a quick dinner,” you say with a grin, stepping away from him. “Though we should probably exit the maze first.” 

“Yes,” Bucky laughs and extends his arm towards the light at the end of the passage. “Lead the way, pretty lady.” 

[lofeel]

[dissembledthyme]

I had the name "Spiced Mead Cookie" pop into my head, and it only fit one hypothetical, so take a silly crackship kid. T4T toxic yaori

[milkweedman]

So, used up a little of what remains of my beautiful rya lambswool that I had dyed a couple years back I think, to make the second handle on this bag (which is also done, just keep forgetting to take pics). And then I thought, wow, this would be the great base for a bag !

This picture fails to really show the base since it's covered in one of the other yarns I'm using. I had this idea of a very thick felted base (rigid, if I can manage it) and then a much thinner fabric that has a wider circumference so it can bulge out a little, with a drawstring on top. Originally I was going to felt the base first, but I think I want the fabric to be felted also, and I've already played the game of "Can I felt the initial element and then add more stuff and felt again ?". Which for the record, you can, but I've found it's unpredictable how much the first part will felt the second time. So dimensions get much more tricky. So, I will felt it all in one go before I add the drawstring.

Initially I wanted to knit the fabric part, but the base is already so rigid that dpns really didn't work (ridiculous laddering at the corners plus just terrible to work with). Now I am doing double crochet (us terms). I will update with how it goes.

Also, my roommate is going to make seitan with me, which is exciting ! They've made it a few times and I fucking love seitan and want to learn how to make it myself, since vital wheat gluten is currently very cheap at my nearest store. Or rather the thing in the bin next to it which is identical is very cheap, which is basically the same thing.

So I probably won't finish crocheting tonight, but maybe tomorrow ! Pics to come.

[sew-much-to-do]

DIY Spiced Mead Honey Cake

Cakes are an important part of a hobbit’s afternoon tea menu – this honey cake spiked with sweet mead and spices is fashioned after the famous honey cakes of the Beornings!

✖✖✖✖✖✖✖✖

sew-much-to-do: a visual collection of sewing tutorials/patterns, knitting, diy, crafts, recipes, etc.

[weekly-eons]

Glaceon umbreon fusion maybe

Lil bebe 🥺

[cafecourage]

Have now seen the other post. I low-key wanna read the chain all being bunnies for a day.

- Glitter ✨

I’ll do bunny Headcanons for you just so you know what you’re getting into. I had to do a lot of research for this.

Time:

- Time is a Flemish Giant mainly because of them being on the bigger side of the scale. But also they’re apparently the oldest and calmest breed there is.

- I don’t think he is in a rush to be turned back. If anything he is going to just plop into your lap and stay there. He is an old man let him flop over and rest.

- He doesn’t get the zoomies sadly. The most you get from him is climbing on you or following you around because he wants pets. But he will go to take care of the others too.

- Time tends to be the one papping the others to calm down if they start up again. He doesn’t want to hurt them while in this situation but he doesnt want to overwhelm you.

- He is probably in the middle of the cuddle pile. He is the biggest rabbit of them all.

Twilight:

- Twilight being related to Time also is a Flemish Giant bun. Though I would think he is a bit more fluffy compared to Time.

- THIS MAN IS SO CONFUSED WITH THIS NEW FORM. Like seriously! He isn’t used to being this type of mammal! He feels a bit vulnerable as buns are prey animals and he was a wolf.

- He will have zoomies as he is going faster than as a wolf. Which is wild to his brain as both animal brains are competing. Twilight is probably more dog then bun still as he probably has chased his tail and looked like he was about to take off helicopter style.

- Twilight is probably on Wild and Hyrule duty as they 100% will wonder off and he is the only one that really can track as an animal.

- He is also going to be in a few cuddle piles. BUT MAN DOES THIS BOY LIKE PETS. Him and Wild are going to have a pile on your lap. AKA Twilight is going to lay on top of Wild to get him to stay still.

Warriors:

- It seems French Lops are the most “prized” for rabbits but I’m doing base research. They are normally sweet, calm and Intelligent which sounds a lot like our captain.

- Warriors is slightly weirded out that he is a bun. In the end he is just trying to watch over the younger ones. He doesn’t really mind it but he really hates the feeling of having dirt in his fur. It’s also nice to have his fur brushed out.

- The captain stomps a lot mainly because he wants some sort of order. He is huffing and puffing as shenanigans keep happening while he wants just some kind of peace. You just cant help but coo over how cute he is even while pouting.

- Warriors also wont start cuddle piles but will be dragged into it. Mostly by Wind. He does something similar to Twilight and lays on Wind sometimes just incase but the sailor doesn’t seem to mind.

- WHAT HE DOES LIKE IS BEING PICKED UP. Warriors doesn’t know why but he loves getting held and can’t help but melt into your arms.

Sky:

- I saw an English Lop and pointed screaming SKY. They are very calm and easy natured and very cute but I’m bias and think long ear rabbits are cute.

- Like Time, Sky bee lines to your lap. He wants you to be his pillow now. It’s revenge really. Sky is going to hinder your ability to figure out how to fix this because as soon as you sit down he is in your lap.

- Sky is also the one’s that keep everyone in the cuddle piles. Because he is a chonk boy he is basically a weighted blanket but smol(ish). He just wants everyone to calm down and enjoy the moment of not being in instant danger.

- He probably has gotten almost everyone here to cuddle. Since he doesn’t really have the zoomies due to him being a sluggish boy but also a more chill boy. He just wants cuddles.

- Sky doesn’t care about being picked up tbh. He doesn’t mind it but he really just wants you to sit and cuddle.

Legend:

- Dutch Rabbits visually look like the rabbits I’ve seen before. Given that Legend is angry about being a rabbit in the first place I think a Docile breed would make things worse.

- He is the only one that can talk still, so he is helping you figure out how to help them as you can’t hold the master sword as your not a hero and your trying to figure out how to use a moonstone.

- Legend doesn’t mind being a bun right now as he really just is used to it at this point. If anything he is trying to fill everyone in about how to be one and avoid getting distracted by you.

- This man doesn’t get zoomies anymore sadly but he is still the fastest of the bunch so he is partly crowd control for the younger and partly trying to get everyone to stay together.

- Legend will succumb to a cuddle or two or three. He is going to flop on Hyrule though.

Hyrule:

- The American Rabbit is apparently a rare breed of rabbit. Which Given Hyrule’s whole thing makes sense. Typically they are good-natured and calm.

- Hyrule is going to wander. Though not to far as he really doesn’t like that he is small and killable. But with Wild. Maybe. He does like the new perspective.

- HYRULE LOVES CUDDLES AND TO BE PICKED UP. He isn’t gonna ask for them as its clear that the others want cuddles from you but he will join any piles though.

- Zoomies are rare for Hyrule as he is a bit anxious. He really just doesn’t want to get lost in this situation. He will give chase if he wants to.

- Please brush his fur, he really likes it when you play with his hair as a normal person so it’s 10/10 as a bun.

Wild:

- Beveren Rabbit’s are highly energetic and curious apparently so perfect for Wild! I was going to make Hyrule this one but give its Wild I thought this would be better.

- Wild is the embodiment of though caution to the wind as he will go explore in this form. Hyrule might stop him but Twilight wasn’t going to let him get lost ether.

- He doesn’t mind getting into a cuddle pile but he definitely minds if SOMEONE flops on him. That being Twilight but if you wanted cuddled then thats no issue.

- Wild was made for Zoomies. He has a lot of energy and we know he wont stay still. He might start chases and play time but that isn’t much of an issue since Wind is always up for fun.

- Wild will also 100% try to eat stuff he isn’t suppose to so please stop him. Just scoop him up and bap him lightly.

Four:

- I pick this one on perpose as I wanted to know what was the smallest domestic rabbit. Which apparently is the Netherland Dwarf Rabbit. The only issue that I am reading is that they are high energy and a bit aggressive. Which given how many times Four is about to fist fight people I am going to wave my hand.

- You don’t understand how pissed this man is to still be the smallest bun around. But this just means he is fun sizes for cuddles! You can carry him around with one hand probably and now he has the advantage because you can do things with him!

- Four is also on watch duty for the ones that tend to be more rambunctious. He had automatically helps Warriors with Wind or Legend with Hyrule. He also is probably the most used to being this small because of being minish size. Though this is obviously a bit bigger I still argue once he gets his movement right he is on his A game.

- Four is a cuddle bug and will fall into temptation is any of the boys ask for cuddles. He ends up being squish though but it does feel like he is under a weighted blanket most of the time.

- The Zoomies wont take this guy that often. However he will begrudgingly give chase. It’s fine. He doesn’t want to run around the group chasing Wind but here he is. Zooming around.

Wind:

- This is another breed I looked up because I wanted a specific thing. Marsh Rabbits live semiaquatic lives and are really good swimmers!

- This boy is running into so many people as he wants to play. This boy is a ball of energy and will run circles around the camp. He has jump straight into the water a few times.

- Wind loves cuddle times and will take anyone’s offer to cuddle. Four, Warriors and Legend will be his target to bring into cuddles as it’s fun!

- He is also going to chase Four around for fun as the mini bun’s just want to have fun. So they will probably distract each other.

- Wind is just happy for things are more interesting than traveling to one town to the other. He really just wants to take advantage of this.

[heich0e]

LIVIE I'M SO BEHIND ON XMAS PRESENT BUYING T_T Do you have any good gift recomendations for friends?

YES !!

for coffee ppl: local coffee shops in ur area likely have rly nice bags of whole beans (possibly from local roasters) that they will grind for you!! they might also have fun coffee accessories (french presses, hand grinders, pour overs, etc.) to go with it

for tea drinkers: some cafes also have proprietary tea blends that they sell in store, or things like matcha, matcha whisks/bowls, single use bags for loose leaf tea/steepers. if there are farmers markets in your area, I find that lots of stands tend to have herbal tea blends available bc they've dried up their herb harvest from the season to preserve it!!

thrift a cute vintage mug from and put together a little gift w coffee/tea/hot cocoa!! maybe some nice fuzzy socks.

everybody benefits from a nice lip balm at this time of year. hand cream too!!

if there are candle burners in ur life, get them a candle accessories set w a wick dipper, candle snuffer, and/or wick trimmer!! most ppl don't realize how much these things help in making sure ur candles burn clean all the way to the bottom. if you're looking for a slightly pricier gift, candle lamps are also RLY nice!!

if u have flower ppl on ur list lots of flower shops offer subscription services where u can pay for a set number of bouquets that can be delivered/picked up over multiple weeks/months!!

[suchawrathfullamb]

if there's one thing I'll always fuck canon up for is scent. I do not care that Will logically would smell like dogs and fish and sweaty male okay? He smells like Le Dieu Bleu by Astier de Villatte to me (Hannibal's Jubilation 40).

Do not. Do not even come near me with bad smells. Or logic. Do not.

[5051704xoxo]

share my body and my mind with you

[fullcravings]

Homemade Cinnamon Butter

[sheawritesstuff]

Midmorning Breakfast

[Guy x Transmasc Honey]

[Suggestive Fluff - 1360 words]

[Note: There's nothing explicit, it's mainly making out, but there are hints at other "activities" throughout - includes the use of "Daddy" in reference to Honey - if that's not your thing, this probably isn't the fic for you]

When Guy finally decided to get himself up and moving, Honey had already started their work for the day. To keep from waking him, they took their laptop into the living room where they could type to their heart’s content without worrying about the noise. They sat shirtless with a pair of comfy pajama pants, wrapped in a fuzzy blanket to keep them warm. They would have thrown on a hoodie, but at some point, Guy must have stolen them and hid them somewhere for his future use. 

They were about halfway through reading and replying to their work emails when a set of warm hands snuck down their front. Guy leaned over the back of the couch, slotting his head in the space between Honey’s neck and shoulder and shoving his exposed arms into the warmth of the blanket’s embrace. 

“Morning, Honey.” His morning voice was still deep and raspy against their ear. “Whatcha doin’?” 

“Work,” they said with a wry smile. “Always workin’.” Guy grumbled and turned to look at them, brows furrowed. 

“But it’s your day off.” He whined, tightening his arms around them. They shrugged and continued typing. He huffed and glanced down at their screen. “Emails are dumb anyway. You should come hang out with me instead.” He paused for a moment before snickering. “Ha, you should come.” 

Guy giggled at the objectively hilarious turn of phrase as Honey tried their best to ignore his antics. He pulled away for a moment, straight up stepped over the back of the couch, and knelt down on the cushion next to his beloved. His hands quickly found their way back to their previous location with a newfound purpose. 

“I mean, it is breakfast time.” He smirked as his hands dipped beneath the blanket and up their sides. “And a boy’s gotta eat.” Honey continued their typing, unaffected save for the occasional shiver as Guy’s thumbs traced over their top surgery scars and moved across their chest. 

“Guy,” they warned, glaring at his approaching face. “I’m busy right now.” He grinned and tucked his face against their neck, planting a soft kiss where it meets their jaw. His warm breath tickled against their skin as they struggled to stay focused. A few quick pecks followed a trail down toward their collar bones. 

“C’mon, Honey… work can wait can’t it?” His voice was low and sultry as his hands continued their exploration of his partner’s upper body. Honey huffed, embarrassment clear on their face as they stared at their laptop screen. “Your boy is hungry, and you look downright delectable,... Daddy.” Their brain shut off for a brief moment as they struggled between being productive and being reproductive. They slowly closed their laptop and set if to the side, where it would be safe for what came next. 

Honey clenched their jaw and turned to face the gremlin they called a partner. Before they had the opportunity to speak, Guy practically lunged forward and pressed their lips together. It was clumsy and overeager, but gods if it didn’t get the point across. He somehow managed to move himself over into Honey’s lap in the midst of this tonsil hockey chaos and planted himself firmly on top of them. When he pulled away for air, Honey tried to follow, almost forgetting they were upset with him just a moment ago. 

Honey moved their hands up from Guy’s hips, to his chest, and eventually up to his face. It was a slow, teasing, but fluid motion. They cupped his cheeks in their hands and pulled him in for one more sweet, intimate kiss. When they pulled away again, Honey held their lover’s face in their hands, slightly squishing it in their effort to keep him still. 

“Darling, sweetheart, love of my life,” they began. “If you do not chill the fuck out I’m going to throw you out the window.” The words were said in jest, but there was an underlying sense of frightening honesty. They squeezed his head ever so slightly tighter as they stared unblinkingly at him. “Don’t make me defenestrate you.” 

Guy’s rambunctiousness faded a bit as he shrunk down in Honey’s lap like a scolded puppy. Honey released him from their grasp and gently ran their fingers through his hair. He leaned into their gentle touch and gazed at them pathetically, non-verbally asking for forgiveness. They sighed and pushed the hair out of his face before cupping his cheeks again. 

“Fifteen minutes, baby. That’s all I ask.” Their voice was soft now, lacking the harsh edge it had earlier. “I need to get this done, ok?” Guy’s expression landed somewhere between disappointment and indignation, but he nodded and moved to get up. He stood and started back toward the bedroom, where he assumed his best chances at not being a distraction would be. Honey spun in their seat and grabbed his wrist, not roughly, but just enough to get his attention. 

“You can still sit with me, Guy. I’d love to have your company while I finish up.” He smiled and came back. He sat next to them and leaned his head against their shoulder. They lifted one side of their blanket and wrapped it around him, bringing him into their sphere of warmth. They kissed the top of his head as his arms wrapped around their waist. Honey reopened their laptop and got back to work. 

“Honey?” 

“Hmm?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, baby.”

Guy did as he was told, only breaking his silence to ask the occasional question or make a comment about something they’d put in an email. One of his hands had dropped to their thigh where he traced intricate patterns on the fabric of their pants while his other did the same, but reversed, pattern on the couch cushions. You could tell when he messed up because he’d pause, lay his hand flat, wiggle it like he was erasing something from a chalkboard, and continue. He was keeping himself busy and giving them the time they needed in the least chaotic way he knew how. 

After Honey signed off and hit send on their last email of the day, they dramatically shut their laptop and tilted their head toward their ever so patient lover. He peered up at them, waiting to be given explicit acknowledgement. They put their hand on top of his on their thigh and smiled. 

“Now, where were we? Something about breakfast for my boy?” Guy gripped their thigh and giggled in a way the untrained ear may have called nervous, but Honey knew better. He kissed them again, slower this time. Just as before, he sat up, maneuvered himself into their lap, and moved his hands up to their chest. They slipped their hands up the back of his thin little tanktop, savoring the warmth of his skin against theirs. 

They pulled away, looking at him through half-lidded eyes. “What do you say to Daddy giving you a little breakfast in bed, hmm?” Guy shivered and bit his lower lip. He pulled his hands up to the sides of their face and kissed them deep and slow. 

“Yes please,” he whimpered. He sat still for a second before another thought entered his mind. “Can we get actual breakfast afterwards? I’m actually kinda hungry not gonna lie.” Honey sighed and pressed their forehead against Guy’s. Despite their best efforts, they let out a little laugh at their lover’s ridiculousness. 

“Of course we can,” they laughed, tilting their head to look him in the eye again. “Whatever you want, sweet boy.” He smiled and kissed their cheek sweetly. He wrapped his arms around the back of their neck, pushing the blanket off onto the couch. 

Leaning close to their ear he whispered, “Come on and take me then.” A quick kiss was pressed against their jaw as they hefted themself up off the couch. Guy wrapped his legs around their waist and held tight as Honey readjusted their grip on his thighs. They made their way across the apartment to the bedroom and laid him down on his back, pinning him down to the bed. 

“Bon appétit, loverboy.” 

[thebigcomed0wn]

the SECRET to being NAUSEOUS and LOSING YOUR APPETITE is ROMAN EMPEROR DINNER.

[liquidlightandrunningtrees]

Her breath is like honey spiced with cloves, her mouth delicious as a ripened mango. To press kisses on her skin is to taste the lotus, the deep cave of her navel hides a store of spices. What pleasure lies beyond, the tongue knows, but cannot speak of it.

Isabelle Allende

[spicyandburning]

@buncharandos [ Semi-Dash comm, Semi-serious thread. And some character dabbles <3 ]

"How bold of you to demand such a thing. Perhaps one day you will make a fine addition to the swarm!"

Candy Eye Cookie being near by, overhears the commotion, her motherly instincts already kicking in.

"Honey Cookie, right? Maybe when you're older you can spar with Skyline Cookie. I sense that you two would actually get along if you're just as obsessed with fighting as both of these two are..."

"Of corse he is! And I'm not against obtaining new members of the swarm! Well-"

"That is if you think you're worthy enough to withstand the trials?"

"... Honey. If you are, then please start simple, and then work your way up to the axe. Burning Spice Cookie and Nutmeg Cookie can be extremely harsh and unforgiving with fresh cookies like yourself."