#Like what is even tuna gravy???

[ilikethisnamebutter]

[hitomisuzuya]

yandere!hybrid scaramouche x fem!reader. smut. porn with a little plot. breeding kink. cunnilingus. masturbation. cream pie. degradation. scara in heat. aggressive/possessive behavior.

i just wanted to write about scara as a hybrid for a bit. don't mind this high nonsense. it turned out way long, oml, i'm sorry😭

you could never have cats growing up. so when the opportunity to take one in presented itself, you naturally took it. scaramouche was very weak, and very injured when you found him laying underneath a cardboard box in an alley.

you couldn't bear to leave him out in the cold, and freezing rain. scaramouche huddled further into the cardboard box, hissing when you crouched down to reach for him. he fought you the whole time, hissing, scratching and biting until you finally managed to wrestle him into your arms, wrapping your jacket around him and cradling him to your chest so he could get warm.

the whole time you were cooing to him soothingly. "shh, kitty, it's okay. we will get you inside, and fed. i promise. and get you feeling better." scaramouche was incredibly startled finding out your voice was soothing.

a few instances on the way home, he thought he almost fell asleep listening to the sound of your heartbeat. it made him focus a little less on the pain in his very injured leg, and pain from being weak and starving. fuck it, it would be an opportunity to rest indoors out of the cold, and get something to eat before he bailed on you the next day.

and he was going to find and fuck up that alley cat he got into a fight with. maybe he would come back to your house, yowling for food before he fled entirely.

scaramouche sure didn't know what to think about you. what the fuck was up with you? any normal person would've just dropped and abandoned him after he hissed and clawed at them, but not you. you took it all with a calm, patient smile. he decided he would fiercely test that patience.

humans weren't as good as they liked to think, in his humble opinion.

scaramouche watched you with narrow eyes as you flitted about the kitchen, looking in cabinets to see what you had for him to eat. "i'm afraid you'll have to forgive me kitty, i still have to go the grocery store this week. if you don't like anything i have, i'll go back out to the store, and see if i can't find you something."

so test you he did. he turned his nose up at tuna, some cubed chicken breasts with gravy on them (even it smelled super good, he thought), some roast beef.

he thought, this is it! he was going to turn out to be right. you would undoubtedly get frustrated and put him back out on the street. or so he thought.

nope, you just made him a soft little nest on the couch with some blankets and pillows. turned on the tv for him, and told him you would be back with some other stuff. that you would find what he wanted to eat, it wasn't a problem.

you even looked happy to be taking care of him. and why the hell were you starting to smell really good every time you walked by him. he waited, curled up warm in your little hand made nest, glancing away from the tv at the door every now and then.

back you came, your scent more magnified than before to him. you brought fish, varieties of tuna, some cat treats and cat nip. you'd even stopped by the deli and picked up different things. for him. you didn't bring home any dinner for yourself.

scaramouche supposed he would feel like an asshole if he refused all of it. you'd gone back out in the freezing rain and wind to get food for him, getting nothing for yourself. he decided he was only going to be half the trouble, accepting some chicken and gravy that tasted better than he anticipated.

after that, you treated his injured leg and read to him until he fell asleep. he opened his eyes the next morning to discover you hadn't slept until he did.

scaramouche was incredibly weak from his injury. so much so that he couldn't transform into his more human form to make recovery easier. and if he had it his way, you would never know about it. a few days and he would be gone.

or so he told himself. before he knew it, one day turned into two. two days turned into a week. he got stronger everyday. oh how you smiled and clapped when he stood up without limping. your smile was beautiful, he admitted.

you'd put up with him all this time. the healing scratches and bite marks on your arms and hands proved that. what was in it for you? nothing. everything you did was for him. he couldn't find one hint of an ulterior motive. you even seemed to purely enjoy his company.

scaramouche was really starting to hate whenever you left the house, especially when you couldn't take him with you. why did you need to leave? he knew you needed to go out for food and things, but it would be so much better if you took him with you. you seemed way too nice. it probably made you really naive.

you were naive enough not to realize he was actually a hybrid with a very human form, and a name. A name you were talking about him needing eventually. a very human form with very human needs. you were smelling better and better every day. he almost couldn't stand it sometimes. it was intoxicating.

he was starting to jump on your bed with you at night to sleep, moving a little closer to you every night. one morning, you found him curled up asleep on your chest, purring softly. he avoided you for hours after that happened, darting off hissing in embarrassment.

that wasn't the worst thing for him. a few mornings later, he'd unknowingly shifted in the middle of the night into his human form, waking up very naked with a very hard cock. his arms wrapped around you, tucking you possessively against him.

to your credit (and his amazement), you didn't scream or send him away. he supposed he should've expected that. you didn't even throw him out when he scratched up your curtains, tore a hole in one of the couch pillows, and knocked what he thought looked the most valuable vase off the table, completely shattering it.

"scaramouche," he grumbled, his ears flicking as he looked away in embarrassment. "scaramouche is what you can call me," he could barely look at you that day. he spent most of his time in his cat form, hiding under the bed, or lingering from a distance, watching you suspicious eyes. undoubtedly your true nature would come out. a strange boy had woken up next to you, naked and hard from good you smelled. how warm you felt.

you, with your soft hair that looks oh so pullable. you, with your pretty lips and fragile body he was pretty sure he could break in half. now that he thought about it, you seeing his human form was really the best thing. now he could leave the house with you, and protect you from all the horrible things that would jump out from around every corner and snatch you away.

snatch you away from him. he couldn't have that, no matter what. especially not when you accepted him so completely.

as much as scaramouche tried to swallow these feelings, he was abruptly forced to accept them one day. he walked into your room while you were changing. he saw every bare dip and curve of your breakable body, caught sight of your breasts reflected in the mirror. something snapped in him after that.

of course, he hid away from you after that. only coming out to kick up an angry fuss about you running an errand. he snapped at you when you asked if he wanted to come with you, refusing out of pride and embarrassment for walking in on you earlier.

he was forced to accept two things that day. he was going into heat. and he was consumed with thoughts of breeding you. breeding you so fucking full that there would be no question who you belonged to.

what the fuck had you done to him?

while you were gone, he spent that time writhing on your bed, fisting his cock to thoughts of impaling you on it. making you cry and claw at his back to cum inside you. even better for him that you were starting to become twice as shy around him, looking at him with a blush on your cheeks.

he scented all your clothes, rubbing on them and rolling around on them in his cat form. he rolled around on your sheets and pillows. and as for you, he scented you while you slept. this is what was best. if you smelled like him, no one would so much as dare to take you away from him.

you are his, damn it.

when scaramouche is in heat, he gets twice as possessive. he was incredibly suspicious and weary of anyone that approached or even looked at you, especially another male. if he thought there were too many people around, he insisted on taking different ways home to avoid them. he can and will snap at people if he felt they got too close.

especially when you let him get handsy with you in a moment of weakness one night. he pinned underneath him on the couch, grinding his straining cock between your legs while he pawed at your clothes. his teeth nipping at your lips and skin in between angry and frustrated kisses. you just smelled so fucking good he couldn't control himself. you moaned and mewled so sweetly underneath him.

it did happen one day. he didn't want you to go into the cafe to get your hot chocolate. he insisted on doing it for you, but in the end relented and let you go inside. everything was going smoothly until the barista asked you for your number. you didn't need someone's phone number to give them a cup of hot chocolate. this asshole didn't need your number.

you already had scaramouche. was he blind? that was what went through his head. he wanted to tear the barista's head off. he bet it would pop off so easy, like a bottle cap under too much pressure. if it wasn't for your voice pleading with him to calm down, he would've gotten physical with the barista.

anybody would've gotten fed up and exhausted by now. especially since he raised a further argument when you both were banned from ever coming back. he bartered down for you to be allowed back but not him, since you didn't do anything wrong. that you really liked the whipped cream on their hot chocolate.

scaramouche is the type of hybrid that you have to isolate with when he is in heat. that much was obvious. and that was what he needed the most right now. to be with you, and hide you away from the world, making sure nothing and nobody touched you while he was in heat.

he knew you were strong, but that's exactly why you needed him to protect you.

after the incident at the cafe, scaramouche only completely calmed down when he was fucking his tongue into your cunt. "such a doting, delicate little thing, aren't you," he hissed, looking up at you from between your thighs. "it's going to be a pleasure breeding you," your fingers tightened in his hair, tugging on his ears in an intoxicating way as you pushed his mouth down onto your pussy.

his tongue swirled around your clit, groaning as you grinded on his mouth. he didn't know what was sweeter. the way you tasted or the way you moaned as he latched his lips around your clit.

how good it felt to finally sink his claw into his delicate little mate. you put up with him. cared for him. doted on and indulged him. you'd made him fall so in love, so much so that it was too late by the time he noticed.

now he was going to take care of you in the way you deserved.

and in the dizzying pleasure of cumming on his tongue, you didn't quite know what happened. but what you did know is that you were in love with him to. you didn't expect this cat you found injured to be the force of literal nature that was scaramouche. complete with cute ears. before you knew it, he'd pulled you right in, and you were happy to let him do it, in all the comforting weight of his dominance.

"i want to hear you scream it, slut," scaramouche moaned, his hands tightening on your hips possessively. he had the perfect view of his cock pumping in and out of your pussy from behind. your walls squeezed around his cock hearing him mock your moans as he bottomed out into your sweet spot over and over again. "babble about how badly you want to be bred."

your sopping cunt clutched tight and warm like a glove, your walls gummy and perfect. his eyes rolled into the back of his head how good you felt squeezing his cock.

"please, breed me. you feel so good inside me," you cried out, drool soaking the pillow under your cheek. he chuckled shakily behind you, you were always so eager to please him. even the way you shook, creaming hard on his cock was an intoxicating sight to behold.

a truly delicate gift for him to break.

the harder he made you cum, the more you begged him to fuck you full of cum. "cock drunk whore," scaramouche moaned, his thrusts turning sloppy as his cock pulsed cum inside of you. he doubted you could hear his soft whimpers of bliss over your own, which were much louder.

[bogleech]

At least being an extremely picky eater as a child means my adult life became filled with brand new food experiences.

Among the things I never tasted until my 20s and up include pizza, waffles, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, fried eggs, meatballs, sausage of any kind, fish other than canned tuna, shrimp, crab, steak, ice cream other than plain chocolate, cooked vegetables in general, jam or jelly of any kind, gravy, stew, curry, vegetable stir fry, nuts, berries, and tomatoes.

Before roughly some point in my very late teens for some reason the thought of eating any of those and countless other things repulsed me. I liked only smooth bland textures with one simple flavor. My meal of choice was pasta with nothing on it but butter and a pinch of salt. Yes like just a bowl of pure starch. The only vegetable I liked was every form of potato, and lettuce. Like I just ate plain heads of lettuce.

Now I love every food so much I eagerly anticipate the next time I'll be hungry but then I'm paralyzed by choices. Even sandwiches I can make at home feel like an indulgence sometimes. I plain overlook some things for years, like I just realized today I don't know what a "banana split" is like but I had a banana and some ice cream. Now I do! I like ice cream a lot better with a banana I think! Im forty

[ohsohoney]

When it comes to love you're just as blinded.

Part Ten

Eminem x Musician

Summary: It starts with a drunk embarrassing video, it spirals into something a whole lot more.

Note: Later than usual, sorry! But I've been busy with a whole load of shit ngl, it's just been stress:) Let me know if anyone else wants to be added to the taglist though, I realise my updating is a bit sporadic? Maybe? Just a little? Lmao, anyway here's 10, hope you enjoy!

| Set in 2014, just after the release of LP 2

taglist: @thelastemzy

Masterlist

Jacket potatoes were a fucking delicacy.

Any Brit back home would tell you that. You could top ‘em with all sorts; Chilli, Tuna, Cheese, Chicken, Stuffing, Coleslaw, Bacon, Gravy, Bolognese— some people even liked them plain. But my favourite, as well as the only real and true way to serve a jacket potato, was with an ungodly amount of butter and baked beans.

Being in the States, it was a rather hard dish to come by. But, seeing as Marshall always appeared to go above and beyond, beans (No, none of that shoddy American shit) could be found in the little basket he’d gone and gifted me the day before. A little wicker bowl full of goodies to soothe that little ache of homesickness. 

I smacked the can down onto the countertop and levelled Rosie with a long stare.

“You’re serious?” She asked me around a wary glance, extending her arm out cautiously to get a better look at the bright blue tin as though she thought the contents might just reach out to try and grab her back.

“Deadly.” I remarked, attempting to keep my smile hidden when I met her question with a raised brow, “You’ll love it.”

Rosie didn’t look too convinced about that fact and yet, she rolled up her sleeves and took a seat at the counter to watch me work, helping out with the few things that she could. 

She had waltzed in through the front door a while earlier, just a second after I’d made it up the stairs, and the grin she’d worn when she had spotted me had had my heart warming and the pair of us wandering into the kitchen, arm in arm and already talking at a mile an hour. 

I was sauteing some mushrooms in a pan after having peeled and diced them up, whilst she kept a keen eye on the warming potatoes. “So Dad’s finally found some inspiration then?” Rosie asked me after a while, peering into the oven.

I smiled when I peered over at her, seeing how the orange glow of it washed over the side of her face to softly illuminate her features. “Seems so, we got a lot done but he was on a roll by the end of it.” I told her in reply, shaking the pan again and blinking at the sizzle that sparked up, “What do you mean anyway? Finally.” I dragged out that last word in a small singsong which made her chuckle as she stood to her full height once more and turned.

“He’s been trying to write for a couple weeks now, I think. Or months.” She shrugged, stepping back to watch the mushrooms fry with a slight wrinkle of her nose, “Not sure, but he keeps complaining about it whenever he’s on the phone.”

With a small hum, my eyes flickered back over to her, then to the pan again, “He didn’t mention it.”

Rosie blew out a faint chuckle and leant back against the counter, knuckles wrapping around its edge, “Why would he? He hates jinxing himself.”

It was cute that she noticed things like that about him, something I’d begun to note in the short time I’d been staying with the two, but I didn’t know... A large part of me wished that Marshall would have said something about it before, or at least alluded to it. It made me feel a bit bad for bowing out so early now. 

Still, my mind was quickly recaptured by the task at hand and then the story that Z deemed to tell me about, apparently a teacher thought that one of her friends was a shoo in for these auditions that they had coming up soon. The familiarity of the scene made me think back to Lottie, to everything that was happening back home, and I wished, silently and not for the first time, that it could be possible for a person to exist in two places at once. 

The spuds took their time baking but soon enough they were ready and piping hot, fluffy on the inside and with a crisp exterior. Rosie gathered up the butter and cheese at my signal, face lighting up at the prospect of being able to drown her own in the latter, whilst I pinched the tops of the spuds with a clean tea towel and plated them up, spattering them with a small amount of herbs.

I was going to keep Marshall’s wrapped up in tinfoil, if only to save it from going all horrible before he had the chance to try such a delicacy, but thankfully he’d worked his way back up the stairs just in time. I wondered how he’d managed it.

“Hey, you’ve got table duty.” Rosie exclaimed as soon as she saw him bustling over the threshold, handing the cutlery she was already holding to him without a second thought, which caused Em to blink down at his hands whilst he struggled not to drop the sudden weight he'd just been shafted with.

“‘Scuse me?” Marshall prompted, brow furrowed as his gaze wandered about the rest of the kitchen. I wondered what he thought of the bubbling pot of red sauce sitting on the hob, as well as the absurd amount of butter both Rosie and I had already lumped onto our steaming plates.

“You can set the table, Dad.” Z explained as she jumped back to help me with the mushrooms, her voice edging the line of a whining lilt, “We cooked! So it’s only fair.”

Marshall stared at her for a second longer before he ultimately snorted, “Right.” He murmured, recapturing his hold on the silver he held and eyes finding mine, before he spun round on his heel and left the room once again with a small smirk. When he returned, his plate was almost ready and just about to be loaded up with– “The hell’s that?”

I withheld my snarky reply in favour of smirking when Rosie answered for me, her eyes widening in the face of her father’s obvious leery expression. “Beans, Dad. El told me it’s one of her favourite meals, she wanted to share it with us.”

It wasn’t hard to hear the undertone there, the kind that told him to keep quiet on how he felt about the bubbling bowl I was currently holding because Z obviously didn’t want me feeling disheartened in any way. It was adorable, as was the stern face she’d paired with it, the same face that her dad found hard to waver against. His shoulders slumped ever so.

“Right.” He repeated for the second time tonight, dragging the first syllable out a tad, “Looks good?” He tried. 

I had to laugh then, “That a question or statement, Mathers?”

His eyes flickered over to meet mine, but I motioned for Rosie to get a start on heaping the cheese we’d grated onto her plate, the girl’s responding grin was giant. 

“I–” Em appeared stumped for a split second before he eventually just pressed his lips together and decided to jump in on helping us. Although he did complain when he spotted the frying pan sat off to the side, “Mushrooms too?” But with Rosie’s short warning of Dad, Marshall only appeared to raise his hands in mock surrender and then moved over to grab the plates so that he could carry them off into the next room.

I shared a conspiratorial smile with the younger girl before we followed after him, the three of us settling into the same seats as we had occupied the day before. Marshall still looked wary, even with his beans being hidden beneath a thick layer of cheese that I figured he had reasoned to himself would mask whatever taste was under it, but Z, to my utter surprise, looked ready to dig in.

“Changed your tune there, lovely.” I mentioned with a sly smirk, my gaze lingering on her long enough to catch the sheepish reaction she bore before she just shrugged and dipped her head around a grin, fork already in hand.

“Smells good.” Was the excuse she used and so I softened my face into a smile too.

“Well you helped so of course it does,” I quipped easily, picking up my fork as well before nudging Em’s forearm, “Come on, you big baby. Just try it. If you hate it, I’ll order you whatever you want. On me.”

That had him rolling his eyes, but he picked up his knife and fork with a determined expression.

I bit back a round of chuckles I could feel bubbling in my throat and used my chin to getsure for the pair of them to get stuck in. Rosie was quick to tear into hers and I was silently thankful for the way the potato easily broke apart under her knife, its texture fluffy and golden.

“Oh wow, this is so good.” She blew out the second that she could, already moving onto her next bite whilst Marshall was still working his way up to trying his own. “When you first showed me those beans? I was so sure I was gonna puke.”

I snorted quietly at that image, perfectly content with the plate of home I’d gone and conjured up for us, whilst Em’s face wrinkled. “Well if you had hated it, you’d have only had your Dad to blame, he’s the one who bought them.”

“I jus’ looked up British shit, they were top five on every list.” Marshall defended before he finally took a bite, slow in the way he raised his fork to his mouth, his eyebrows raising a little as he let the taste settle in, “Shit.”

My eyes narrowed a tad around the smile that I was chewing on to keep hidden but I watched him cut further into the potato, beans and melted cheese puddling around the sides. “That a good shit or bad shit?”

“Three dollars.” Z acknowledged, voice muffled by the food she still had in her mouth.

I laughed at that and shook my head in fond amusement before I turned to Em for an answer. He took another bite, a big one, something I took to be a good sign, and just nodded. My brow quirked in hope. “So good?”

He hummed, one shoulder shrugging, “Ain’t gone die if I finish it.”

Snorting, I could only shake my head at him, hiding my smile behind my fist. “Idiot. You like it.”

Marshall rolled his eyes, though the gesture was obviously fond as he raised his fork to point at me, “Just grateful you didn’t burn down my damn house.”

Rosie’s giggles filled the room and with them we all settled in to enjoy. Marshall asked after his daughter’s day and the girl was all too happy to ramble and rant to him, face lighting up at the prospect of it. She mentioned her English lesson, the book they had started on and how her teacher had explained this one paragraph to her class, then she went into detail about the play that was set to happen just before the Christmas break. I chimed in here and there, putting in my two cents where it was worth, but in truth, I was perfectly content to simply listen and watch on. 

The clean up that followed was mainly made up of me and Z messing around and singing to the music Em had stuck on, never the type to linger in silence. The pair of us did manage to rope the man into joining us once he had loaded up the dishwasher though, something he thoroughly complained about but followed through on all the same. He was just a sucker for his kid's smile, I reckoned, went above and beyond for the girl and it was all too easy to see.

It was a lot later that we all fell into a comfortable silence around the tele, Rosie sat crossed legged on the sofa with her homework whilst I offered help whenever asked. Marshall had joined the two of us a little later, after his phone had rang and he’d stepped out to take the call, he’d padded into the room with only the explanation of ‘Royce’ before he’d fallen into the seat beside me. I’d hummed but was too distracted by Rosie’s newest question to prod him further on it.

By the time she had finished up, handwriting practically perfect, her books had fallen into a heap on the coffee table and she’d slowly but surely scootched her way further up the sofa. I kept my eyes on the tele when I’d outstretched an arm in quiet invitation but hadn’t missed the grin she’d given in turn before she’d settled into my side, head coming to rest on my thigh. I caught Marshall’s watchful stare from out of the corner of my eye but didn’t glance back over, smiling at the scene that played out on the screen whilst my hand smoothed over the girl’s hair. 

I wasn’t sure how much time had passed between us before Marshall’s quiet cough broke the peace we’d since created, but the sky was more of a hazy cast of dark blue now rather than the ruddy auburn that had lined it much earlier. I stifled a small yawn.

Rosie sniffed softly in my lap, twisting a tad to cast her Dad a quizzical glance. Throughout the duration of the film that Z had picked out for us to watch, the man had gotten close enough that he now only had to drop his shoulders to poke at her cheek.

“Bath and bed, kid.”

The scrunch that overwhelmed Rosie’s face at the order had me grinning and so I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before moving my hand to pat her shoulder. “Up and at ‘em, soldier. Heard what the old man said.”

“Do I have to?” Z huffed, just as a hand came up to rub at her eye. Marshall’s mouth ticked ever so slightly into an amused smirk, his fingers replacing mine in an effort to smooth the front of her hair. 

“School tomorrow.” He reminded her all too gently, dropping his hand lower to shuck the underside of her chin which only made the girl smile sleepily. “You know the deal.”

She sighed heavily in retort, but did eventually make the move to push herself up and out of my lap, legs stretching across the couch cushions before her feet found the floor. It was just as she went to stand that she turned to face me though, her expression a little meek but rapidly losing the residual somnolence it had just held. “Will you do my hair again for me tomorrow?”

I was caught by surprise at the question she’d asked. I wouldn’t lie, but I didn’t let the reaction show as I smiled warmly back at her, reaching out to tap a finger on the top side of her hand, “‘Course. Anything you want, lovely.”

Rosie’s little grin had her eyes squinting and forced the corners of her mouth to pinch upwards in a move that only deepened her dimples. She leaned over to give me a hug of thanks, whispering the word into my ear before she pulled away and rounded the sofa, kissing her Dad’s cheek on her way out.

“No messin’ about, Z. An early night, ‘kay?” Em reminded her, leaning against the back of the couch so that he could tilt his head far enough to see her, “I’ll be up soon.” He added, his words met by another charming grin whilst she shook her head in fond exasperation and slipped out of the room, leaving just the pair of us and the tv. 

It was a long while before Marshall disturbed the quiet once more, the film we’d been watching had finished some time ago and so now all that was playing on the screen was a couple repeats of South Park and the odd advertisement. “She’s different with you.” I heard him voice.

With a furrowed brow, I let my head turn to find him. He was perched in the same position he had been, but now with an arm stretched along the back of the sofa and a knee bent to fill the small gap that still separated us. “What d’you mean?”

When he replied, it was low and soft, a murmur if not for the sincerity behind it. “She don’t act like that ‘round nobody.” He told me, fingers jumping in a steady rhythm on the back of the cushion, his eyes peering between mine. “Me, sure. She’s a fuckin’ koala when she wants to be, but with other people… it’s something she second guesses.”

His words confused me. Or rather, threw me. “I don’t get it.”

He dropped his gaze, blowing out a small but mirthful huff through his nose, his thumb dragged along the edge of the sofa. “You known her what, three days? And she don’t think about gettin’ close to you. Sure she’ll be coy with it, sly even, but that’s ‘cause she don’t wanna overstep with you. Like that right there–” Em said, getsuring his chin out towards my lap, I followed the gesture, then blinked back up at him, remembering the way she’d approached me, “She don't do that with people.”

My face must have given away to the fact that I was still trying to process the weight of what he meant, because his smile was soft, warm even.

It made me think of Lottie, who was always so open with her affection, who gave it out without thought or focus, her smile always great, always there. Then of myself. I tended to avoid affection where it mattered, a reason as to why I’d never let many people too close to my heart, why I hadn’t had something fulfilling to divulge when Marshall and I had spoken about past exes, I supposed. It baffled me to see some of the same tendencies I’d shown growing up in Rosie, in a girl too sweet, too loving, too happy to be so aware of how to guard herself.

I looked to him again and let him have his fill, allowed him to see how his words, the sentiment behind them, had pierced through the armour I’d long since moulded around myself. 

One side of his mouth lifted and he used the hand resting on the back of the sofa to circle my wrist, leaning in a little closer, filling that previous gap. “Ro’s had her mom, her sister. They’ve been there. They love her, and she loves them. I know that. But with Kim, it ain’t always parentin’, it’s fun and games. It’s showin’ off, not showin’ up. It’s messin’ around until she finally grows–” 

He paused there, eyes flickering left and then right as his tongue swiped over his lower lip, almost as though he was resentful of the term he wished to use. 

He settled for, “Bored. Or maybe jus’ tired, you know? She’s there until it's her time to step up and do the job she’s ‘sposed to, til it's missed recitals and forgetting pick-up, that’s when she reacts. Pulls away.”

He sighed, gaze caught on his fingers, on the easy way they engulfed my wrist. His thumb brushed over the freckle that dotted the bone, and continued on through a slow exhale, “Ayla, she’s a lot older. She does her own thing, she’s got school, work, friends. Z obviously filters into all that, but there's always been a small divide. I like to think it’s just ‘cause of their ages– it’s how me and Nate worked growin’ up, you know? But there’s this whole idea that fuckin’ messes with my head, like maybe it's all down to me. Ayla’s my niece, but she’ll always be one of my own. I love that girl as much as I love Rosie. More than life itself. But I know I hurt her, havin’ her here, watchin’ me fail and fuck up whilst she was growin’ up. And jus’, maybe I can’t help but wonder if I ever let her know that enough, that I loved her, if it’s that that’s impacted her relationship with Z.”

I was quick in my attempt to soothe his doubts, the hand he didn’t hold jumping over to lay across the top of his own. “I’d call you an idiot, but I reckon you already know that.” I chuckled halfheartedly, though my smile was genuine when his eyes snapped up to meet my own, “You’re an amazing father, Em. I honestly believe that with my whole heart. And it doesn’t take much to see it either. I mean, I was here not even a day and was so quick to see the love you held for your daughter. I saw it in your reactions too when we called, when you spoke of them, however brief it was. I haven’t met Ayla but I don’t think I’d have to for me to see that your worries are just that, worries. I’m sure that girl loves you in the very same sense that I am sure that she knows you love her. That you see her as much more than just your niece.”

My thumb trailed over the back of his hand, skimming knuckles, taking in their slight discoloration, the faint white lines that could have only been age old scars. I dipped my head a tad so that my gaze could align with his shadowed blues, prompting him into lifting his eyes from off the floor.

“I’m also honoured that you think Rosie’s comfortable enough around me to mention the gravity behind it, that you’d trust me with her company, let alone her affection.” I said sweetly, gifting him another smile, it was close lipped but one that appled my cheeks. His stare caught onto it, fingers tightening around my wrist by a fraction in a squeeze that showed only his appreciation. So I squeezed back, fingers fastening over the top of his fist. “Z’s hard not to love, she’s all of your best parts and more. Sometimes…” 

I took a small breath, fretful over saying what I had intended to until Marshall met my flickering gaze once more, silently prompting me on. I swallowed thickly, feeling the force of it travel through my throat, but did follow through, “Sometimes it’s just hard raising kids, I guess not everyone’s made out for the harsher reality of it all. Of having to be a parent and not a friend. I mean, it was forced on me in a way, I’ve been raising my siblings since Danny the day came along, since before I knew what being a mum meant. What one was.” The weight of that admission had me reeling for a split second, at the truth it held. But I pursed my lips before allowing my eyes to find Marshall’s once more, “Kim, I’m sure she tries, I’m sure it’s more than my mum ever did, ever could do, but it’s okay for you to fear that it’s not enough for Z, too.”

Marshall worked his jaw, blinking for a second before he eventually spoke, voice rasping with the emotion he felt. “Kid deserves the world.”

I found myself grinning at that, the teary kind which glossed over your eyes but was strong enough that you couldn’t prevent the fluid motion of it. It was without thought that my arms came up to wind their way around his neck and I relaxed further in the gesture when I eventually felt his face come to rest against my shoulder.

“She does.” I murmured, hand cupping the back of his neck, fingers resting over the fine hair which lined his nape. “She does.” I heard myself repeat again as my eyes slipped closed. 

When we parted, I watched as Em knuckled the corner of his eye, grunting faintly to clear his throat and rid the room of any tension that then clouded us. I felt the corner of my mouth twitch, but did look away towards the tele when he started to shift once more, giving him a sense of security that he hadn’t been caught out, that I wouldn’t dig too deeply into his reaction. 

“Thanks.” He murmured after a stunted moment and it was only then that I glanced back over to him. I smiled in turn.

“Nothing to thank me for.”

When we parted ways for the night, I chose to head on up to bed, mind so full of thoughts that I found it hard to latch onto a singular one, whilst Marshall stopped at the bottom of the staircase to gift me a quiet goodnight, eyes caught on the reflection of moonlight that crept its way across my cheek, the sight mirrored on his own face.

I didn’t know it then but I would eventually, he’d never felt so inspired.

So as I’d slipped beneath my duvet, my mind stuck on the words we’d shared, Marshall was back down in the studio, writing away once more. But this time, it was for a completely different reason.

[wren-dy-flowergarden]

𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂 𝒊𝒔 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒆

*ੈ✩‧˚₊⁀➴For a whole world defined by the idea of fairytales, you did not feel as if you were living one. But Cinderella got her Prince Charming eventually! Maybe you end up with your own fairytale ending once you finish your hellish shift. 

*ੈ✩‧˚₊⁀➴ A/N: Sorry! A repost that only 12 people have saw before (the special ones) and I thought more ppl need to see my boi Floyd. Thank you for filling my insecurity  (ノ*°▽°*).✧.*✦ *.✧  

*ੈ✩‧˚₊⁀➴ Word Count: 4.3k   Floyd x gn!reader

*ੈ✩‧˚₊⁀➴ Tags: friends who want more, long shifts = loss of logic, fluff and deals, a little spicy at the end? hands, Hands, HANDS! 

For a whole world defined by the ideas of fairytales, you did not feel as if you were living in one.

Life has been "hectic" to put it mildly. From being pushed into a carriage (which should be considered kidnapping logic blasted away between gaps in worlds), dealing with egotistical boys that turn into a monster of repressed issues, and on top of all that studying 24/7 to even catch up with the grade level is too much to handle.

Oh, and to keep up with Grim's insatiable appetite, meaning he ordered twenty plates of tuna behind her back at Lounge Monstro leading to said terror to complain that his "poor paws" can't soak or they become little wet stubs. Not only that the animal language test was coming up and you really needed all the help you could get. Therefore, you took up some extra shifts that were available at the Lounge.

The only shift being dishwater duty.

Plummeting her hands with washed-up food and soapy water felt disgusting.

It felt like a pre-prince charming Cinderella fairytale.

Scratch that, you felt like a poorer pre-prince charming Cinderella. At least Cinderella got a fire to sleep next to (though Grim acted as a nice heater if he didn't twist and turn so much at night.)

Dousing wrinkled fingers, with clean water from the spout you gave an audible groan as the busser just pushed at least twenty more dirty dishes to her. He gave a small sorry before dashing off again.

You eyed the mess of gravy, picked clean bones, and a mountain of stacked soda glasses about to tip over. A job is a job but this is ridiculous.

Starting with the plates first you grumbled, "Stupid Azul being cheap-" scrubbing harder against a stain, "scheduling only one dishwasher today." All of a sudden, oxygen left your lungs as something heavy collided into you.

"Koebi-chan! You're here today~" Floyd grinned as he put most of his weight onto your body.

Being "hugged" by Floyd felt more like being "mauled" by a bear. A strange, friendly, sharp tooth instead of nails type of bear but mauled either way.

"You're heavy", you grumble hunching over, chest almost touching the tip of the basin, "get off me!"

You are not supposed to poke the bear but in this case Floyd really didn't mind, "Hehe~. Koebi-chan is super fun when they’re red!"

Like his twin would say, 'There is no stopping Floyd from getting what he wants without measurable danger.'. The danger might be your neck being squeezed or maybe losing a finger to pointy teeth but really what could be worse than your kidnapping from another world situation? Not much.

Yuu steadies her hands against the sink as eyes glaring at yellow, “At least help me with dishes. With you, on cooking duty instead of Jade there are at least triple the number of pans."

He leans back relieving some of the weight as he explains with clear disinterest, "Ehhhh, but I just got off!"

He snakes one arm around your waist pulling tight as you let out a squeak, his lips getting closer before he breathes out.

"Let's just stay here~" You feel his lips close to your ear, “Forever~”

You flayed, pruned hands covering your ears as a crimson red ran up your cheeks as you broke out of Floyd's grip gaping at him.

"You- You!"

Floyd breaks out into his signature grin, mirth dancing in his eyes, "Hehe. Koebi-chan gives the best reactions ever!

You glared back before turning to at least an hour’s worth of dishes that need to be done before Azul sent you home tonight. Then it was the homework and also finding the time to make a quick dinner, and ugh- "Just help me out would you? My feet are already hurting from tonight's dinner rush."

"Nahhh." Floyd says stretching his arms above his head a few pops and a shrug later he crosses his arms with the smirk of someone who would get at least 8 hours of sleep tonight, "Azul said I'm done tonight."

Well duh, you heard all the wrong orders going out. Azul probably wanted to preserve if/any profits were made tonight.

"Besides! Washing dishes are supeeeer boring." he tilts his head to the side frowning, "Not really into that."

You sighs and tries to outweigh the odds in her head:

Option one: Floyd will go bother some other poor soul after a few moments of silence.

Or

Option two: If he did try to clean the dishes Yuu is almost 99.9999% sure that the show-off would try to recreate his basketball moves using plates as the ball which would eventually break and YOU would have to clean up.

Or get your pay docked . . .

Option one it is.

"Fine Floyd. I'll see you tomorrow then."

A slow blink before the six-foot man unrolled his arms, confusion in his voice, "Huh?"

You focused on scrubbing at a black stain on one of the pots, it's a 50/50 if it looks clean or not, "I said 'fine'. I will see you tomorrow." You would not turn back around. You are focused. Focused on these hellish stains.

So focused, you did not even notice Floyd stomp off.







An hour and a half later, wrinkled chicken skin and tender feet that hurt to walk on you were finally given the ok to head home.

It was worth it though, you gasped when Azul gave a copy of his notes. Diagrams, arrows, and color-coded entries determine which grammar was being used. If Azul wasn't such a devil when it came to business he might have been an angel.

Stuffing the notes into her book bag, she winced glancing at her feet and feeling her skin rubbed raw.

Note to self: wear better socks.

Shuffling slowly to the entrance two figures shadowed the bar, Jade polishing a glass and Floyd's with his head down on the counter.

Jade gave a perfected smile, "Ah Prefect, thank you for working so hard today," his eyes glanced down to his brother sulking on the counter, "Floyd told me you were very focused today."

A whine came from Floyd, like his puppy (do merpeople have puppies?) just got kicked. Yuu shuffled around to a bar stool leaning against it, "Well I was trying to get home before ten, but it seems like that wasn't the case tonight."

Floyd kicked his feet against the bar counter another whine leaving him.

Jade blinked, expression turning inquisitive to a not-very well-hidden smirk, "Pardon my manners, but Prefect you seem rather stressed. Isn't that right Floyd?"

Floyd let out a sound that Yuu could not tell if it was an agreement or not, but Jade knew as he placed a perfectly polished flute on the counter.

He smiles, and it sends a small shiver down your spine, "It seems you're unsteady on your feet Prefect, your shoes giving you difficulty?"

He tilts his head to his twin, grin not leaving his face, "It may come as a surprise, but Floyd may be able to help your situation."

Floyd stops kicking the bar and you are trying to make heads or tails of Jade's words. It was late. You were tired. You wanted to go home to whatever rickshaw/graveyard dorm you called a home when other dorms had where place in literally different geo spheres.  

You shake your head, "No thanks, I rather deal with my bloody toes another day."

It was as if Jade expected that answer because he just nods, in full understanding, and Jade never fully understood unless it was for his gain you've learned, "It's unfortunate, but I believe this be for better than for not. Remember our favor?"

And no, you don't remember, because there could be a billion favors you owe Jade- from him giving tips to you to keep up with rush hour or simply holding the door open for you- because every act of kindness from him is a disguise for his amusement.

You stare at Floyd, who was oddly quiet at this moment, and you want to collapse but it was better not to ask about favors in front of them both.

They tend to get a little jealous and the rest of your day is gone trying to make one of the two contents until they forget. That person usually being Floyd, because Jade rarely forgets.

You groan, placing a hand on your head to stop your incoming headache.

Fine. What's the worst that can happen?

You probably couldn't imagine what the "worst" was through the pounding in your head as Floyd jumps up, joy evident on his face as he pulls you with him with Jade waving goodbye.

The "worst" was actually being carried chest to chest spinning around in circles through Octavinelle's public lounge which thank god there were nobody in sight, or should you say blurred with the way Floyd keeps twisting you around and around like a whirlpool.

You complain once about Floyd's freakishly long legs walking too fast and this is what you get.

The only way to balance yourself was ducking into his neck shutting your eyes waiting for the experience to be better. You dig in close and Floyd in response is to squeezes you closer.

…It’s not that uncomfortable.

"We're here!" Floyd shouts and you immediately put a hand over his mouth, you don't want to wake anyone else up to this embarrassing scene, for your own sake.

Floyd lowers you to the floor where you gently let go of his neck, your distress evident enough on your face because Floyd is grinning like a kid who just made bank at the candy store.

The door opens one side to messy clothes littered over every droppable surface there is sheets twisted to one corner of the bed, and papers scattered across his desk. In all honesty, it would not be that bad if not for the fact the other side looked like those real state showrooms. Nothing was out of place, no crease on the bedding, and everything was ironed and hanging on a clothing rack not very far from an organized desk. Must be Jade’s side.

Floyd pushes you a bit and you stumble toward his side of the room.

"Hey! I can still walk you know." Dodging some thrown clothes was more difficult as Floyd closes the door.

"Ehhh, but you were just staring Koebi-chan." He gets closer knocking you onto the edge of his bed. Huh. Your heart feels like it's running at a thousand miles per hour as Floyd puts two hands on your shoulders pressing you into the bed so that your sitting, "Relax, relax~ we're just getting started!"

Wha- What does he mean by that!?

His fingers glide gently down your arms, and it feels like fire touching ice for the first time. A strong goosebump sensation travels down leaving just a strange warm feeling filling up your body. It's weird and you don't know how to handle this as he keeps trails down to your hands before gripping them.

You never noticed how much he engulfed you as he gave you a tight squeeze, before lowering onto his knees. He would be between your legs if you weren't squeezing your thighs as hard as possible together. Knocking on your kneecap like a door he gives childish smile, "Move your legs Koebi-chan~" It was to- to much for your poor little heart.

You call out, well it comes out more as a half shriek half whimper as you push at Floyd who was slowly pushing one of your legs aside, "Hey- that! That's too much!"

Floyd blinks, "Too much?" He leans downward, chin onto the edge of your thigh and frowns similar to how you imagine a dog being yelled at. You do everything in your power to stop your voice from shaking, but this was the furthest you have ever gone in your life, and you haven't even kissed!

You mind was quickly turning into a vortex sucking in every single scenario locked in the back of your head and just when you feel the tip of your ears about to burn off a whine interrupts you.

"But Koebi-chan, I just need my tools."

Forget the ears, your whole head was exploding off your shoulders, "T-to-tools!?"

Another nod, "Yup," a pop of the 'p', "ya know to fix your shoes." And your face must be ridiculous because Floyd gives such an uncontrollable laugh his head tilting back before wiping a stray tear from his eye. He grips your ankle loosening the collar between shoe and skin. You let out a small wince as the shoe peels apart from bloody skin, him delicately wriggling out the rest of the shoe off.

He flips the crew shoe upside down, "You see. Koebi-chan’s foot is getting all mashed up like shark food. See, see?" You kind of notice, only the tip of the show is scrubbed off along with a large part of the heel.

Floyd flips the shoe again as he shows you the inside, the heel is worn down to the sole and there is wet blood on the side as he clicks his tounge, "Koebi-chan~ You should've given Azul the right size, now you're payin' for it!" And you would if you could, but only men's sizes are available and that kind of screwed you over a bit for your small feet.

"So- so the tools you were talking about..."

He slides his arms underneath the bed pulling out a worn wooden box. A grin blossoms to life as he unclasps the top of the box revealing what you could only assume to be a cobbler set. Unlike everything else in his room, the tools are polished to a worn type of satisfaction- like an artisan who created each imperfection to conceive perfection.

It wasn't what you were thinking of at all.

It. Wasn't. That. At. All.

Floyd’s smile widens as he sees your puffed-up cheeks, meanwhile scrunching into yourself to hopefully create a black hole to swallow yourself in rather than face embarrassment of misreading the conversation.

"Woah- this is a new phase for Koebi-chan!"

"Just! Just fix my shoes Floyd!"







You look at the clock located on Jade's side of perfection. It read 11:43, and you were surprised that Jade hasn't come back yet, well scratch that, he is dedicated to his craft. You flip over on the bed as Floyd is still extending the collar of your crew shoes. It's a different look you don't see often. Mostly Floyd will be hopping around from area to area with either a smile or frown on his face, but now he just stared in concentration using his tools to create.

You never have seen him like this, and that bothered you- just a bit. You were so used to his voice filling every space of the conversation that all you needed to worry about were your next words. Now all you had were you, him, and your thoughts.

You hate to say this, but maybe it was because you were bored?

A small cough leaks through your mouth, just enough to garner attention and it doesn't even distract him. You frown and just when you are about to turn around to stare at the clock Floyd giggles, "Koebi-chan looks like they're drying up on hot sand."

Rolling your eyes you respond, "Well I am just laying here." Floyd must be amused because you can hear him hum a little tune under his breath as he grabs a canister from the box and a small brush.

"Hey, Floyd."

"Hmmmm~ Whatcha want?"

You think of the best way to ask these questions, but you assume the simpler the better.

"Why do you know how to fix shoes?"

"Hmmmmmm dunno."

"You don't know?" You take another glance at how meticulously he handles every instrument like he carved each one from hand for its own individual purpose. You decide to rephrase, "Is it another hobby?"

Brushing another coat of the mixture onto the tip he cracks his neck turning his lamp to the side, "When I was little, Jade and I sometimes see land-dwellers on land twirling and dancing around.” He tips his brush back into the mixture, “We don’t need feet because it’s not needed ya know. Yet you guys decorate your feet in so many styles its super interesting you know. Just cause we have fins doesn’t mean we paint them weird colors. Suuuper funny you know.”

He clicked his feet together and it was just then you noticed the difference of the style of Floyd's shoes compared to your own brown ones. They were in pristine condition, as the white cut the heel and toe into two parts separating them from matte to a glossier finish with no marks on them. It was much different than the beaten-up ones he currently had between his fingertips.

You never really looked down when talking to Floyd because he was so much taller.  You guess you never did notice how pristine his shoes were compared to how frumpy he wore his uniform.

"Heh, seeing how land-dwellers had so many styles for their feet is so funny." He looks at your feet, already bandaged up with some disinfectant, "It's like you have to wear 'em. You landies are so delicate that you need shoes to protect your feet! That's sooooo different~"

You're starting to understand, "And that just makes us all the more interesting huh?"

He grins in a way you can see a sharp tooth poking out on top, "But your wayyyy more interesting than the others Koebi-chan~ .”

Your cheeks start to warm up, but you don’t fall for the bait, “Oh really?”

"M'mhm almost done~"

You roll to a cooler side of the bed, "And I was just getting comfy here." It really was miles above your own cardboard spring bed, you were sinking into this bed than just laying on a rock with some sheets thrown ontop.

Floyd swivels around on his chair and just wheezes as he looks at your form, "HA- Koebi-chan looks like a starfish now!" And you can’t disagree this is one of the comfiest beds you have been on yet it was all disturbed with Floyd gripping your ankles pulling you slowly to the edge of the bed.

“Wake uppp, you have to try em on now.” He whines as you groggle. Sitting on the edge of the bed again, you have purer thoughts this time as Floyd gets down own knee. He folds up your pant leg a couple rolls to expose your ankles better.

Satisfied, he cautiously takes one of the shoes and opens the collar gently guiding your toes in making sure not to catch any of the band aids on the side. You look down at him and again he is so focused, it’s so unlike him yet it doesn’t look that unfamiliar.

Catching the heel in place you are in awe. Instead of the front frow of your toes being squished there was now enough room to wiggle, and your heel wasn’t digging into the back of the shoe anymore. Not only that a new coat of paint was layered of scratches and on the rim of the sole you could see accents of white and grey cutting the style of the shoe leaving it with a trendy type of look.

You twist your foot back and forward looking at his craftsmanship. It’s amazing its spare detail that makes you feel like it’s yours. Something made for you. You and nobody else.

It almost felt like you were Cinderella fitting on the glass shoe.

“Soooo?” He whispers breaking you out of your thoughts, “Perfect fit?” He knows it because he is wearing a grin that reads as ‘say it! say how much you like it!’.

You roll your eyes, “Perfect fit Floyd.” He’s still looking at you with those puppy dog eyes. It’s a little outside your comfort zone but you raise a hand to his scalp and rub in circles, “I really like them.”

They really were perfect. So perfect a concern crosses your mind, “How much does it cost?”

Lazy eyes blink as you stop massaging his head, “Hmmmm?” He thinks for a moment, “Well I’m feelin’ pretty nice today Koebi-chan~” And automatically your brain thinks ‘free?’ but of course this is the dorm of deals akin to mercy so Floyd continues, “How about a kiss?”

…

A kiss…?

Your thought you were in the safe but your brain short circuits all the way to outer space and back, “A- A kiss!? What are you talking about Floyd. That’s- What!”

He pouts, “Well cause after you land-dwellers finish the last song usually you guys kiss right?” He sighs sitting on the floor crossing his legs, “Ya know I dance all the time, but I’ve never kissed anyone after.”

There are so many things wrong with that logic, but your short, circuited mind isn’t making sense, so you say something just as dumb back.

“We aren’t dancing Floyd.”

He looks at you in a way that makes you look like the dense one, “Duh Koebi-chan, that’s why this is the price!” He points to his cheek, “Right here! That’s where I want the kiss!”

Being flabbergasted is an understatement to how you feel right now, Floyd just keeps looking at you expectantly from the floor as he keeps tapping his cheek. It’s just a kiss on the cheek you say to yourself, what’s the worse that can happen? You’ve kissed your mom on the cheek this is fine!

“…fine.” Floyd lights up like its Christmas and you must wonder in the back of your mind if this is really just some elaborate scheme you are playing into. He is not getting up and you are embarrassed beyond the universe as you slide off the bed onto the floor, “Tilt- tilt your cheek to the side.”

He does so without hesitation, you can still see half the smile he is wearing on his face as you put an arm out to steady you as you lean closer and closer- oh please god don’t let my heart kill me- and right when your close enough to close your eyes and quickly press your lips against cool skin you hear a chuckle.

“Eh Koebi-chan face is really cute right now.” And suddenly you feel your chin being jerked as your lips contact something so much softer than what you remember as a child. It’s a little cool and somewhat chapped as you press into him and then he moves! You won’t open your eyes because if you do it feels like the butterflies beating in your chest will explode out of you. Floyd moves his hand to stable you as he rubs the other hand behind the back of your neck relaxing you into him as he moves against you in a way that it takes all your concentration to move with him.

A breath and you are gasping for air like a person held underneath water for far too long. Red face forehead to forehead to cool eyes and Floyd slowly licks his lips and looks at you in a way a hunter has just captured its prey. Devious eyes you think before he leans in again and you follow suit because there was something so addicting with the way Floyd pulls your lower lips with his fang and the way he rubs your arm back and forward as if wanting more of you and the only way you can answer is by gripping him tighter between your fingers.

You break apart and you lean against his chest this time catching your breath as he holds you, if you listened to his heart beat it was almost as fast as yours. You gulp air still passing through your lungs, “Was- Was that enough?” It was hard to hear his response through the blood passing through your ears, but Floyd just laughs as you feel his chest move with every breath, he hold your cheek as he tilts your head up craning it towards his dual-colored eyes.

He has a pretty, pink blush on him as well covering his nose all the way to his cheek bones, you can see the fang that tugs your lips barely peeking out of his smile.

“Hmmmm~ Maybe just one more.” And you close your eyes just one more time.





───────────✧.*✦ *.✧.*✦ *.✧.*✦ ───────────────

(Around 11:25pm at Lounge Monstro)

Azul is not having a good day. Not at all. Wasted food and damages, he needed to pay for restoring table 28, 32 and 18 after Floyd for some reason stormed out the kitchen and creating destruction everywhere he went. Azul groans as he flips through number filled papers with red lines and circles.

He thought that he had properly prepared to mitigate these damages when he gave Floyd an early night off but seeing his previous number quadrupled put him into a sour mood.

Reading the clock 11:28, he locks his office ready to get at least four hours of sleep because he still needed to write that business proposal for the headmaster-

“…Jade you’re still here?” He asks taking a step over what seems to be a sleeping bag and a couple books hovering near a campsite lamp, “We talked about this. No “practice” camping in the lounge” Azul warns as he finds Jade near a booth flipping through a book all about mushroom delights.

Jade just looks, with polite smile all he says is, “You can settle all qualms with Ramshackle’s prefect.” As he flips the next page.

Azul groans, Ramshackle’s prefect, another word for headache. Always putting their nose where it’s not supposed to be, but how would that be affecting Jade? Jade being a consistent vice warden understood Azul’s clear confusion and clarifies, “Floyd is with them in the dorm.”

oh….OH

Azul waved his thoughts away, there was no need to deal with this at this very moment instead he hands over the papers in his hand, “Help me with these accounts and you can stay in my room tonight.”

“Oh, how gracious of you.”

“Be quiet. Floyd is working double after tonight.”

[sunny-mercya]

Coffee with Butter

Steve McGarrett x Male Reader

Fandom -> Hawaii Five-0

Masterlist

Danny in his humble opinion of any sane human being, would forever continue with his complainants about Steves—absolutely weird and disgustingly—habit of putting a good chunk of Butter (once even salted) in the coffee.

I mean, who in their right mind does that—but than Danny remembers how Steve once told him, it's a Navy Seal thing and Danny agrees in honesty that this sounds about pretty right of being a truth—because Military and Navy people were just that weirdish in general—so really, whatever Steve put next into his coffee, Danny wouldn't be shocked anymore.

Danny could live—being accepting—with Steve to some extent degree, weird like antics and habits—but what Danny couldn't accept, was Steve teaching those habits to someone else—like you for example.

But here Danny was—in Steve and your kitchen, waiting for Steve to finish up whatever he's doing—watching with disbelief and slight horror, how you too put a chunk of butter in your coffee and stirring it around as if it was something normal, like sugar, to do.

»You should get divorced from Steve, [Nickname].« comment Danny, shaking his head in disappointment and wearily eyeing his own cup of coffee—wouldn't put it past Steve, who had made the pot of coffee to begin with, to have put butter in his cup as well.

»And oh, why?« you asked, looking at your friend in question with slight amusement—knowing well how Danny's friendly banter with Steve was and that he doesn't mean such words in seriousness.

»Simply because Steve is tainting you with his weird ass nonsense navy stuff.«

»Och, Danny,« you laughed, taking a sip from your cup.

With all the things Steve had unintentionally and intentionally already done—like forgetting anniversaries, standing you up on dates, prioritising his job (and these spontaneous missions of going into another country) most of the times over you—and Butter in Coffee is the line which Dannys draws and only valid argument to get a divorce from Steve?

Danny could be so silly sometimes, you mused—still finding it funny, even when Steve had gotten down and asked what joke he had missed.

~~~

»I told [Name] to get a divorce from you.«

Steve wonders why they always have such conversations—be either serious topics or the nonsensical one—(mostly) during a drive and than he remembers, he never actually put a mind of questioning to it anyway, because it always—ever since having Danny as his partner—had been like this.

»Why?« still Steve ask, wanting to know what he had done to make Danny say such things.

»Because, you have corrupted [Name] with your butter coffee nonsense.«

Steve chortled a cough, thought he didn't heard correctly what Danny just said, lips curling up in a smile nonetheless although.

»Danny. [Name] has sometimes pregnancy cravings, where my liking of butter in coffee is harmless.«

»[Name] is a male, but go on.«

Steve retells gladly about your food cravings, which were so random in mixing and put together—that Steve had once voiced to let you get checked from the doctor, which had you made so upset that you didn't eat for almost a whole month.

There was that one time were you asked for chocolate pudding with tuna or chicken with gravy and ice cream or—which Steve had sadly the unluckiest luck to have a bit from it—peppermint jello pudding with sour cream, mustard and cornflakes.

»Valid points and I admit, your coffee with butter sounds indeed saner, but [Name] still should divorce you.«

Steve didn't reply, lips laced with amusement and still curled up in a smile—shaking his head at his friend.

~~~

When Steve has gotten home, later than he had planned, he was surprised to see you still awake on the couch—dressed in pyjamas, he never had seen before, watching television and snacking on some cookies.

»Are these pyjamas new?« Steve ask, pulling his pants off—throwing them onto the armchair.

»No, just never wore them till now.« shrugging your shoulders, eyeing Steve's bare lower half—having half a mind to remind to get naked in the bathroom and not in the middle of the living room, but you were still way too tired to do so.

»Did you stayed up just to wait for me?«

You shook your head, munching on your last cookie, but Steve saw the exhaust on your face and the sleepy expression—signs that you had been asleep before, only to wake up soon enough from nightmares and him not being near you.

Taking a seat next to you, Steve pulled you into his arms—hugging you close him and lips ghosting kisses over your face.

»Shouldn't have drink coffee with butter, although it does taste good...« you mumbled out into his chest, after Steve had stopped his kisses and picked you up—switching off the television with the remote—and carrying you upstairs to the bedroom.

Steve didn't voiced his question of why, but could pinpoint the answer to it as the butter had probably affected your sleep—which hadn't been the best over the past years at all—like most foods and your special cravings does, again.

Lying down with you in bed, cuddle up under the blankets, Steve continues to hold you close—humming a tune in low rumbling, till your eyes dropped close once more and were asleep.

[featherlesswings]

I just realized there are probably lots of you out there who don’t know how to cook, or struggle with “there’s nothing to eat” idling. And especially with finding enough food to eat for what little money you have, in these trying times.

Pending the expected price gouging from the new regime here in the US, here are some suggestions.

Cabbage! It’s cheap, for a LOT of food. Usually under $1 per pound where I live.

Eggs, depending what’s Going On Outside 🙃

Avocados are pretty inexpensive, and you can get 2 servings out of each one. They’re roughly $1 each here. If you have ramen, throw 1/4 to 1/4 an avocado on top of each serving, to make it more of a meal.

Rice is your best friend. You can add it to a lot of things to make more food. Honestly, a can of black beans, seasoning, and some rice, mashed together, makes great veggie burgers.

A small bag of flour, even if you don’t know how to bake. If you have grease left from cooking meat, you can make gravy. Broth or boullion + water, or milk is the only other thing you need.

If you don’t already drink tea, you can get a box of 20 tea bags of whatever flavor interests you, for not very much, and make a cup whenever you want something different to drink. Floral herbals are especially tasty even without sweetener. You can add ice, if you want something cold.

Tofu tends to be cheaper than meat, nowadays, at least where I live. There are lots of great recipes for flavoring and cooking it in ways that are yummy. You don’t have to be vegan to eat it, it’s just a nice, healthy protein in general. Throw some cheese on your tofu, I don’t care.

Check your local “International” section, because some things could be cheaper than the kind aimed at locals. For me, a lot of the stuff in the Hispanic food section is like half the price of the “white people kind.” I just recently learned how to make Sopa de Fideo, without knowing what it was until I saw the pasta cost $.50, and looked up recipes. It’s delicious and incredibly cheap for a LOT of food.

In a pinch, you can make soup out of almost whatever you have left in your space. My grocery money is a day late today, so I made “scrap soup” out of the last bit of cabbage, some minced carrots, leftover chili ramen seasoning, peanut butter, and the last handful cheap dried gnocchi I had left from last week.

Cheap Lazy Vegan and FitGreenMind on YouTube both have great inexpensive recipes. Also the podcast Eating While Broke, while not usually focused on the recipes, always has one or two “this is what I ate when I was poor” recipes, which they cook and then eat together. I’ve found some interesting ideas from that show!

Here are some recipes I’ve thrown together and liked lately:

*Fraggle snack*

Cucumber

Radishes

Mayonnaise

Worcestershire

Lime juice

Cilantro, chopped

Ramen flavor packet

Uncooked ramen, crushed

Use vegetable peeler or mandolin to slice cucumber & radishes. Mix together mayo, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, & cilantro, and a teaspoon of ramen seasoning, toss with vegetables. Top with crushed ramen.

*Version 2* :

Packet tuna

Maybe a teaspoon of anchovy paste

1-2 Tablespoons mayo

Lime juice

Nutritional yeast

Half avocado

6-8 inch cucumber

2 radishes

A handful of walnuts

5-8 saltine crackers

Mix tuna, mayo, lime juice, anchovy paste, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to taste in a bowl. Use a vegetable peeler or mandolin to slice cucumber and radishes, add to tuna mix. Cut avocado into cubes, add to bowl, stir intil combined. Chop or crumble walnuts and crackers on top.

*Crab salad*

2-3 green onions, chopped

2-3 radishes, diced or slivered

1 carrot, shredded

Snack pack of imitation crab

Half an avocado, diced

1 tablespoon kewpie mayo

2 tablespoons chive & onion cream cheese

A dash or two of Worcestershire

Cooked white rice

*Faux Congee*

1/2 - 1 c day old cooked rice

2 c water

1 1/2 teaspoon chicken Better than Boullion

Pepper, paprika, onion powder, parsley, powdered ginger : to taste

2 T sweet onion, minced

2-3 T shredded leftover chicken

One egg

Half an avocado (topping)

Heat water to boiling in a small to medium pot. Stir in boullion until combined, then add rice and break up with spoon. Season to taste, add onions, and cook until onions are cooked and broth is thickened/rice have swelled and split. Add shredded chicken, return to boil, and crack in raw egg. Cover, wait until top of egg turns white, remove from heat. Serve with avocado on top.

Alternatively, you could toss in minced or shredded carrots at the same stage as the onion, or replace the chicken with protein of choice.

*Potato soup*

2 cups water per person (or broth)

1 cube boullion per cup water (omit if using broth)

1 large potato per person

1 large carrot per person

1/8 vidalia onion per person

1 T butter per person

1/4 c milk per person

1/4 c ham per person

1-2 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled, per person

1/4 c peas per person

2-3 bay leaves

Dried parsley

S&p to taste

Bring water to boil in an appropriate sized pot, add bouillon cubes, carrots, & onions. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, add potato, butter, & seasonings. Continue to simmer until potatoes & carrots are tender, add preferred meat, peas, & milk. Simmer 5 minutes more, serve.

[thebearme]

MY EENE HEADCANONS

just going to warn you that this is long

EDgar Joseph

6'9 ft

Demi-Romantic

Caucasian

Pisces 23 Y/o 3/2/1985

Film college major (Jobs: Indie horror film maker, Animal caretaker)

FAVORITE FOOD:

Butter toast & Gravy (duh)

VIBE:

Alien Boy - Oliver Tree

Eight Wonder - Lemon Demon

Turn the lights off - TallyHall

- Arts & craft master

- Has a fursona

- Learned what a shower is

- He's still is a lil gross

- Ed changed his name to Ed so he can match with Eddy when he was 6

- Ed real name is: Bob Horace Joseph

- Lemon demon fan

- The one ed to be dating a Kankers (May)

- The oldest ed (he got left-back a year)

- Has yellow teeth becuz he didn't brush his teeth when he was younger

- Has a pet chicken from Rolf but it's at the barn, can't stay at the dorms :(

- Takes care of Rolf's animals ever so often, he loves when he can help

- Thinks of Dee like a mom figure

- Is on better ground with Sarah after BPS and once she realizes how awful their mom was to Ed

- Ed's the only person with yellow skin that because of all the gravy grease he eats

- Drop the violin to play all types of weird instruments instead

- LOVES crytids, FNAF lore and SCP

- Likes going to haunted places for fun

- Ed's drawings are now ten times more disturbing

- Draws on mspaint

- MUST. HAVE. OVERSIZED. SLEEVES!

- Ed is a food stealer

- Ed and Edd bond with the unexplainable wonders of the world (Deep sea creatures)

- Instead of getting a chewy necklace he just buys chew toys for dogs, they're cheaper and cooler

- Uses weird emojis: 🧟‍♂️🦷🧠🪳🌚

- ASD & ADHD

Disability:

* Has a fractured skull

* Brain hurts fr when he thinks hard

* Frequently lost of balance = needs a cane

EDDward (Double dee) Johnson

6'3 ft

Trans-Masc & Bi

(Afro-Vietnamese)

Aquarius 22 Y/o 2/10/1986

Psychology major / Science engineering minor (Jobs: none, scholarships & grants are paying the tuition)

FAVORITE FOOD:

Tuna fish gumbo

VIBE:

The machine - Lemon Demon

American healthcare - Penelope Scott

I threw out love of my dreams - Weezer

Pretty rave girl

- It was hard for Dee to not pick every major

- Double dee got overwhelmed with the college choices he had so he just followed the eds in to Peach Creek's community college

- The OCD got worse when he got older so the eds made a compromise to help clean the dorm often

- Santa believer

- Has a Costco supply of everything

- He likes scene but doesn't tell the eds

- Can't flirt for his life

- Dee Prays everyday that God will forgive the eds sins

- insomniac

- Double dee is trying to find a Scientific explanation for why their tongues are still dyed by the jawbreakers for years now

- Double dee has to braid his hair back before going to bed or else it would be wild in the morning

- Dee is comfortable in his body, doesn't need a bind all the time

- If you don't let Dee to say big words he'll start speaking like a bimbo unironically

- The Light-skin

- Is a ferret

- He got therapy for the 'dodgeball incident'

- Still wears his hat always, even when the eds already know about the scar

- Still passionate about learning but is slowly being a burnt out gifted student

- Even though Eddy tends to distract Dee from studying, if Eddy left college Double dee would have dropped out with him. A least for a gap year(s)

- Dee is a hugger

- Double dee found out that there's a Chemical compound with in shrooms that lessen the psychological symptoms of OCD...

- Dee has shrooms

- Dee is not afraid to be the bitchy friend to make sure the eds don't get themselves into jail

- Willing to kill for Eddy

- A certified forklift driver

- Mothers Ed

- Writes large paragraphs in text and the small amount of emoticons he uses are: =] >:-( :-D

- ASD

Disability:

* Asthma

* Diabetic (genetic, from both parents) Wears a insulin pump

Edwin (EDDY) McGee

5'3 ft

Pans

Puerto Rican (1/2 mother's side)

Italian American (1/2 father's side)

Aries 21 Y/o 3/24/1987

Undeclared major

(Jobs: whatever job he has that week)

FAVORITE FOOD:

Crafts mac n cheese

VIBE:

Soft Fuzzy Man - Lemon Demon

What's New Pussycat - Tom Jones

Lyin' Awake - Steam Powered Giraffe

Cuphead Rap - JT Music

- Eddy frankly doesn't know how he graduated high school

- Eddy loves old stuff (music, clothes, technology)

- Eddy likes underrated/unappreciated historical figures

- He can still be erratic sometimes and still haves trust issues

- Eddy does his nails

- Once he stopped wearing his brother's clothes he started finding his own style

- He is a FASHION KING, never seen in the same clothes often

- Drag queen

- Still doesn't understand personal space or the difference from complements and flirting

- Still a big sap

- Constantly sleeps in Dee bedroom instead of his own

- Insecure with his curly hair so he gel's it most of the time

- HE'S A BINGUS CAT

- Weed smoker

- Once had the eds do a breaking bad

- Surprisingly nice legs

- Insomniac

- Eddy tends to have depressive episodes

- Occasionally goes to therapy, but keeps making light of his issues or dodging them completely

- Writes his name on his food so Ed won't steal it (It doesn't work)

- Was a Premature baby

- Eddy is actually really smart and can make things, he just doesn't have the foresight or the motivation

- Eddy has a pet mouse

- He's flexible and can do acrobatics

- Eddy is still a little narcissistic

- ADHD

Disability:

* Has a stiff right wrist (has a wrist brace that he doesn't wear, prefers to just use he's left hand)

[contentment-of-cats]

Just give me the coffee, I will do the rest.

Loki is settling in. Mostly, he wants to eat and sleep. The few times I have let him out of the Borg Cube, he's been out for 10 minutes, gets overstimulated, and runs back to his Safe Place. Right now he is learning how to play with toys, and loves his scratching posts and pads. He's been through so much. I have asked that the ex get a visit from his karma.

Unpleasant Subject Ahead

Another thing that this whole thing has driven home is how important it is to get your affairs in order - even if you don't have cancer. Loki's mom was getting a divorce and fell so ill so fast that she was unable to make her own medical decisions within days of admission. Even if you are getting a divorce, even with an actual protective order, your spouse is still the legal default person to make decisions for you. They are your legal heir. If you don't have a legal spouse (marriage certificate), it's your adult children, if you have no kids then your parents make those decisions even if you're a legal adult. If you have no immediate family, then your extended family gets called in.

Power of attorney legal and medical

Will for personal property

Living trust for investments and real estate

Medical orders (supersede those of the POA) such as Do Not Resuscitate

A health care directive like this one.

It's hard to think about, but when your surviving extended family is a mess (like mine) you want these things in order. Hell, have them notarized so that a judge can look at the plaintiff and say, "What the hell is the matter with you?"

Golden Treadmill

I'm strapping myself in with another 'write to spec' contract. Yep, it's more porn. I negotiated for one every six weeks from February to November. I need to visit Amazon and stock up on barf bags and brain bleach. I did say that I won't write noncon or (yes, this is a thing) racist tropes. It's hard for me to write hardcore body horror. I might be writing horrible porn in order to pay off my medical bills that makes my pussy slam shut like an angry clam, but I have standards. That being said, the editor delivered the advance to my freelance bank account and the outline to my inbox.

Whoo boy.

In my defense, I did not know that 'monster fucking' was commercially viable.

Cat in the Kitchen

Rediscovering food has been a wonder. As promised, my rearranged innards make it trial and error, but the errors seem to be self-correcting. Gut flora does come back, but I have not been brave enough to venture into my spicy Indian, Chinese, and Mexican foods.

I've been making casseroles/hotdish because they freeze well and sometimes the fatigue renders me incapable of anything other than pushing a button.

For casseroles/hotdish you need:

Vegetables: Frozen works fine. Canned is saltier, so if you go canned use 'less salt' brands. If you are using mushrooms, frozen, fresh or dried is best. I find canned mushrooms have a very weird metallic taste.

Starch: Potatoes, rice, pasta/noodles, bread. Yes, tater tots count.

Protein: Can be vegetable protein, beans, canned tuna or salmon, or meat. Smoked salmon is delicious in casseroles and soup, so I go to my local deli on Friday to get lox ends and trimmings.

Sauce: Canned soups (cream of ____), jarred or canned pasta sauce, or packaged cooking sauces and gravies.

Topping: Cornflakes, tater tots, cheese, potato chips, stuffing, etc.

Flavor: Dried herbs, onion and celery, garlic, spices.

Slowcooker meals are great, too, and follow the same rules as casseroles/hotdish. But my favorite caserole dish is my Gran's Lancashire hotpot - lamb neck chops, potatoes, onions, and more sliced potatoes on top for a crispy lid.

Back to work.

[rainyfestivalsweets]

Slim Pickins

9/1/24

Ever seen those reels or tik toks that tell you to run to the dollar tree?

Ya'll. Is dollar tree sponsoring just an epic shitton of those videos?

Because I was just there and it was terrible. It was the last of the 3 stores in my vicinity that I hadn't visited yet.

So you know I have some some hauls there before, on the hunt for some healthy shit. Pickles, banana peppers, a hidden gem here and there (True North 4 packs, iykyk).

It is barely worth mentioning today. I did pick up some sf hard 🍬 candies & some little bags of Russell Stover sf chocolates (portion control). The only other notable item was a couple cans of G Fuel. And consumer alert- watch the caffeine content in those. Idk if they all are, but some are 300 MG caffeine.

What else did I get? A 6 pack of pretzels. Again, small bags = portion control. Especially for me with carbs. My activity level is pretty high tho so I am trying to give myself on watching the carbs but.... I am starting to think I have a gluten intolerance from some recent lab work.

I got some drink mixes too, but I am pretty sure they are cheaper at walmart. (Confirmed- $1.08 vs 1.25)

Sf Cherry jello 🍒 4 pack

Some coffee. Jim Beam Bourbon Vanilla small bag.

Green tea.

But I swear I looked for some things that people keep saying to run to the dollar tree for ...and didn't find shit. No fun lotions. No quantity of health food.

You also have to watch out because at $1.25 some items are cheaper at walmart, or in packages too small to be a deal. See the drink packs above and the tuna and salmon below.

I did see a pack of freeze dried strawberries and 1 other freezer dried fruit. But the price point on that should be ... a 6 pack like the pretzels or at least a 3 pack. It was a 1 serving bag.

This time, I knew to pass on the tuna & salmon, spices, and certain other staples. They did have nuts but I passed on those because I have some already and too many nuts can make a deficit become a surplus really fucking fast. And I have been plateaued for a bit now.

The plus side is that the store was well kept and maintained, and it was busy so you know product turn over was high.

I remarked on the store being busy and the cashier said, "Yeah, we are always busy the first of the month." That broke my heart a little because the food picks were pretty damn sparse and like I stated earlier- cheaper elsewhere. If people are on food benefits, those little cents add up and it might mean they don't have transportation to Walmart or a grocery store.

I picked up a couple cans of spaghetti sauce, turkey gravy, & white cheese sauce. I thought about getting some pepper stir fry- which I think is a good price still 🤔 but I think my freezers are full right now.

Alot of their other freezer stuff was .... just pre packaged garbage. I think the pepper stir fry was the only vegetable in sight.

Sometimes saving money means not buying stuff at dollar tree even though all those influencers are highlighting their products. If it isn't a good deal and won't save you time or actual money, it's ok to pass. It's OK to walk to the dollar tree. And be skeptical. Price check.

Also beware of items that have higher prices. I think the reason I used to like them is because I didn't have to think about the price so much just see and grab. But that is when everything was a $1, before the 25% price hike. 🤔 but now they have $3 items and $5 items. Be skeptical!

An example of a time/energy/diet saver is when you are in desperate need of lunch and you are in a sea of fast food places. You see a dollar tree and boom, you could be saved: A jar of pickles, a pack of tuna = $2.50. Spring for a beverage for 3.75 total... that is still beating out most fast food places for a meal... or some of them even a plain ass little burger. Idk about ya'll but without a veggie just a burger doesn't really satisfy me right now.

An "I'm craving something sweet" could be those freeze-dried fruit packs or sf jello, a beef jerky & a beverage. It's totally worth it if it stops you from going into a different store and being inundated by all the various high calorie prepacked garbage.

[scenetocause]

struck by the need to know what 3 delicious meals user scenetocause is thinking about in intense detail this week

hello anon, i will try to do this without critically doxxing myself

in a sense i am constantly thinking about aubergine (eggplant? fucking stupid name it do not be looking like an egg even the pale ones) curry. it's so good but takes just that slight too much effort to make just for myself and i'm not kind enough to myself to bother. much loved flatmate isn't very moved by vegetarian food but i sometimes convince him to eat it if i add some slow cooked lamb which tbf does fuckin bang. u kno if you remove the connective tissue halfway through cooking a lamb shoulder you can grill it and make like lamb crackling? very good. actually tbf i do just like lamb. with pomegranate and coriander and mint and perhaps a bit of feta and silky dips and a fresh bread out of a stone oven and all spiced with panch puran to cook and then sour chilli paste to eat with it. pickled chillis. mmm. i didn't used to eat meat but have recently sort of started again for various reasons and one of the ways i feel like you can really respect a meat is slow cooking the shit out of it and then putting it in with some delicious spiced aubergines until everything falls apart.

i am also a big fan of and look, you can't come for me about this, i'm right and i know it, instant mashed potato. some of this is being an elderly millennial but some of the rest of it is that it just fucking slaps. you're telling me i can have mashed potato, perhaps cheesy, buttery mashed potato, in less than two minutes depending on how long the kettle is taking to boil? perfection, don't even question it. if you first make the instant mashed potato then the kettle will have cooled down enough to make the instant gravy. i fucking love to make elaborate and well spiced and complex dishes from civilised countries but i can't overlook that the uk got this one right. add sausages and peas. mustard. hot pepper sauce if you're so inclined (i am) i once actually left a social event so i could go home and eat instant mash because i'd started thinking about it and that was it, no small talk was gonna do after that is it. treat yourself better, get instant mash.

i am struggling to pick a third because there is so much food i think about. i have eaten some spectacular sandwiches in my life. some salads that i think about to this day. one time i had milk gnocchi in turin and it haunts me about how good it was despite "milk gnocchi" sounding like exactly the sort of thing i don't like. i love gazpacho. i love noodle soups. i love breakfast mcmuffins. i actually have quite a horrible relationship to food currently because of the horrors but god i love so much of it. pickled chillis. just thinking about them makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up with pure love. sometimes i spend like 20 minutes thinking about maghmour. the only thing i'm not that arsed about is pasta, which i know is a controversial take but it's just not all that for me, despite my love of noodles and dumplings. actually tbf i also don't like a lot of stodge and european/north american fried stuff is also mediocre unless it's fresh fries that are hotter than the sun and burn your mouth and they're so crispy and salty and there is good mayonnaise (bad mayonnaise dni) then it is perfect. bread and hummus and honey and olives. plov. secret and environmentally bad joy tuna and swordfish and oh fuck i love mussels and shrimp. salted caramel twix. mmm.

[hungry-little-owl]

13 May: birthday dinner at 1921 Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds

this was a special dining experience, as Loverboy took me to a Michelin-starred restaurant for my birthday dinner. it was of course exquisite, and still a very comfortable atmosphere. I tried frogs legs, foie gras, and duck, liked everything except the texture of foie gras, and also enjoyed two delightfully strong cocktails.

more thoughts on each course below, but for now 11/10, definitely recommend, and ideally will make our special spot for future celebratory dinners.

we chose to do the 5 course tasting menu, which began with an assortment of canapés, which are extra-fancy hors d'oeuvres. the selection included smoked tuna on an anchovy cracker, tikka frog leg, mushroom croquette & quail's egg, something with beef tartare, something in caviar, and other things I forget what they were but they were delicious little morsels.

1st course: asparagus soup

this was so delectable it made me tear up a little bit. genuinely. I love asparagus to begin with but this "velouté" was next level. the truffels and quail egg were served in the bowl, and then the creamy velouté was poured at the table. I could have licked the bowl clean if it wouldn't have embarrassed my husband.

2nd course: wasabi mooli salad

the restaurant was able to accommodate my shellfish allergy, and made this dish without the mersea crab for me. the substitute was simply more pickled mooli (white radish), which was very good but had a very strong flavour on its own. I know I am not one to critique a Michelin star restaurant, but I do wish that they had actually substituted another more mellow-flavoured element in place of the crab. something like grilled chicken or even tofu, but... what do I know! all that to say, this was good but it was the only dish I did not finish as the pickled flavour of the mooli was just too strong to be enjoyed on its own for me.

3rd course: surf n turf but make it fancy ;)

this was another originally-shellfish dish, but they substituted the scallops for seared sea bass on my plate. chicken wings and chicken gravy complimented the fish unexpectedly well, and I could have eaten a whole basket of the morels alone to be honest. If I could order a full dinner sized plate from the tasting menu selection, it would be this dish.

4th course: duck and white bean cassoulet

the seared duck breast was served with rhubarb, and while I loved the duck I was not a fan of the rhubarb. i ate some of it but not all. I also cut the duck meat away from the strip of fat, which my partner said was meant to be eaten together. I cannot stand the texture of animal fat, so I may have committed a faux pas by cutting it off but I wanted to enjoy the duck meat in the way I knew I would.

the little sauce pan served as a side dish contained a white bean cassoulet (beans and shredded beef, but fancy), and foie gras. I imagine the foie gras was imported or produced ethically, as foie gras production is illegal in the UK. I loved the bean and beef cassoulet, but the texture of the foie gras was not very palatable to me.

in order to not make it sound like I didn't enjoy this course, because I very much did, I want to state in no uncertain terms that the duck was i n c r e d i b l e and also I want the white bean cassoulet served with everything else I eat from now on. just without foie gras ;)

5th course: dessert!

the pastry crumbles, the sorbet, the yuzu curd, the pudding-esque caramel-y strip of delicious goop winding beneath it all was *literally chef's kiss* I could kiss the chef for this. my massive sweet tooth wished for more but my rational, polite side knew it was the perfect little bite of sweetness after the savory dishes that preceded it.

again, 11/10 dining experience. I do not know exactly how Michelin stars are earned and maintained, but I dare say this restaurant is certainly deserving. and I want more asparagus velouté soup.

[tracking-these-wolves]

Blog #8 10.27.24

I didn't forget! I was backpacking all weekend like a cool person.

There is SO much to talk about!! First off, Adam and I had a BLAST! We went to the AMR and hiked the Eastern Lake Loop. It was so much fun and so much to discuss!!

it started at 6:30 AM on Saturday... I realized that, in order to hike the trail from the trailhead, we had to have parking reservations in advance.. Which we didn't have. After seeing sun rain and the clearest double rainbow i have ever seen, I picked up Adam and we went to breakfast to decide what to do. We both got the best eggs benedict i have genuinely ever had (will be going back) and decided to just. wing it and try lol. We got in the car and started driving, and google maps actually took us to the ferry to get across the lake. We didn't plan on this, and asked the ferryman when the next ferry left --- it left five minutes after we got there! We were SO stoked. We got out of the car and talked about zebra mussels before getting on the ferry. The ferry was SO cool --- it was kinda old and rickety, but so awesome!! we had a blast on it!!

After the ferry, we drove through the most beautiful terrain I think I've ever seen, and then we got to the parking lot of the trailhead. Like I predicted, we were turned away... But we found (slightly illegal) parking just down the road! We got out, got our stuff put together, and walked to the creek. We were pretty far from the trailhead, and the creek eventually met up with the same trail that we were trying to get to, so we decided to just follow it. The first time we tried to follow was a bust --- it turned into a verticle cliff lol. The second time worked, though we did have to go through some sketchy property... "dementica". The river is SO beautiful!

we found this really cool, old, wooden pipe --- we followed it for a while before dipping to the river to walk on the rocks. it was so genuinely beautiful, i can't even begin to explain. everything was perfect. We chilled out for a bit next to the river, and then continued on our merry way, eventually making it to the first bridge!! woohoo!!

we continued along the (actual) trail, stopping frequently to look at the incredible views and the trees. I explained to him how to identify certain tree species, and by the time we left, he had it down! we also stopped to loon call haha. we talked about pretty much everything under the sun as we walked, and stopped at Beaver Meadow Falls to admire. It was so genuinely beautiful, I could have died. We decided to eat our tuna then, and broke into the cans (literally broke into... i forgot a can opener oopsie). the tuna was really good, though a little gritty from the rock we used to open the cans. After our tuna break, we continued onto the final stretch --- and finally, to the lake! the lake was the most beautiful thing i have ever seen in my entire life. Massive mountains came down to meet the lake, and there was a unique overhang that gave it a memorable appearance. It was WINDY! windy as fuck! we struggled to put up the tarp, but once it was up, it was great. We set down the wool blanket I brought, and then tried for 20 minutes to zip our sleeping bags together. we did it! but at what cost? keep reading to find out lmao

Then, we made dinner! We drank hot coco (delicous) and made sludge -- I made the mistake of adding a gravypacket, and that made it WAY too salty. Adam said he still liked it though, which is good! The hot coco was REALLY good too. The soup was just okay.... I am so mad at myself for adding the stupid gravy packet! i should've added water, that would've helped. oh well. I also burned myself pretty bad making the soup... and melted the plastic (seriously --- who put that there?) on my boiler.

Once we set up a bear bag (which wasn't really bear proof at all haha) we brushed our teeth and then star gazed a little. We talked about profound things, with me dropping a nuke about the seasons being cased because we live in a snowglobe and Adam dropping a bomb about us dying and returning to the lake. I find comfort in the fact we'll both think of the lake as we die... even if we don't, I find comfort in the fact that we both were impacted by it. I don't want to die, I don't want to leave this life, I don't want to leave Adam. I find comfort in the way we share our lives.

Speaking of, we went to bed and kissed lmao. I asked him what we were, and he asked me what I wanted, but I deflected it by asking him what he wanted. He explained that he really likes just being my friend, but that he likes me, but that he isn't ready for a relationship. I do not blame him! He mentioned that he wanted to focus on platonic relationships, which I also get. It's still only the second month of college, and I don't think that he's been away from home a lot, so I am not upset. To be honest, I am not upset that we're not dating. I like the idea of taking it pretty slow, and even if it doesn't go anywhere, I am so SO grateful the universe has given me the chance to kiss him and hold him again. God knows I missed his touch. I really like kissing him.

My feelings on it are pretty simple. Adam is an incredible person, so whether he decides that he wants a relationship or he just wants to be friends, I'll adapt and be happy. It may seem push-over of me, but I'm being so serious when I say that I'm just happy to be a part of his world. He called me and Ollie two of the best people he knows, and it melted my heart. to be compared to ollie is CRAZY to me! That's what I really love about Adam... We can both be a bit mean (playfully) to each other, but he always makes me feel appreciated and loved. I really appreciate Adam. Anyways. So, yeah, we kissed and it was the best ever and I am so so happy. I don't think I'm going to tell any of my friends... I want to see where this goes before I tell them lol

The night was really rough. Adam slept a little (he snores a little and it's ADORABLE), and we cuddled the entire night... I was not as easily put to sleep. It was REALLY widny and I get a little scared of wind... There was also something circling our tent for a bit, so I was clutching my bear spray for dear life. Then, the second half of the night got WICKED cold... Our sleeping bags (poorly zipped together because of a differing zipper pattern or whatever the fuck) weren't really cutting it, so my feet were FREEZING. It's okay tho <3. I love sleeping with Adam... He's really comfortable lol.

We woke up the next morning around 8:30, though we didn't get up till nine. He's so cute in the morning... His hair gets all messy (of course, whose doesn't haha). We finally got up and broke down camp (all while freezing). It was so goddamn cold!! i swear the windchill made it 10 degrees. Breaking up camp was actually pretty fun, we got all our stuff put away and then said goodbye to the lake and the mountains and the moss. Adam knows a lot about moss -- it's really cool! i never thought about it much until him and I started hanging out. As I'm writing this, I'm thinking of that hot coco we had. That was really fucking good hot coco. Anyways. We got our stuff packed up, said thank you to the trees (esp the cedar) and left. We started on our way back, making a quick detour to see rainbow falls --- SO worth it! genuinely the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. It was so amazing, the way the water cascaded down the cliffs, the rocks themselves, the ice that had formed... it was all perfect! I'll have to post a few photos when I upload them to my computer.

After that, we continued on the east river trail. It was a beautiful hemlock forest, classic even. Open space, large rocks, good moss. We walked for a while (with me telling him about Coyote and the Boulder), until we reached a little overlook. We took a break here, and a little nap. I love sleeping on this dude. He's the literal best. We woke up and got out a snack, then kept walking. We hit the road in no time --- it's INCREDIBLE how far you can go when you're not bushwacking! We walked through a beautiful neighborhood (take a shot every time I say the word beautiful) with an even prettier country club, and then made it to the car. At the car, we ate our celebratory sardines and took another nap (for like... 2 hours). Again, he's so comfortable to sleep on. I really appreciate him.

We started driving home. We decided to not take the ferry, as it was pretty late and we weren't sure if it was running. We drove instead to the coast of the lake, and then across a bridge --- it was so beautiful (shot!). The mountains, and the trees, and the waters were so incredibly gorgeous... I couldn't believe my eyes. As we drove, I fell asleep on Adam's shoulder (teehee). We listened to music and his dad called, and my mom called, and etc etc lol. Dropped him off, we said goodnight, and that was our trip! we are def doing it again, it was SO fun!!!!

I had asked Lucy to do my stall on Sunday, but she forgot, so I ahd to go do it. It's okay though. That was my faulltttt...

[carehospitals-india]

Diet After Gallbladder Removal: What to Eat and What to Avoid

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that stores and concentrates the bile made by the liver. Bile works in breaking down fat from the foods you consume. In case of gallbladder infection, formation of stones or other problems, it may require surgical removal through a procedure called cholecystectomy.

Although you can live without your gallbladder, you might have digestion problems after surgery, especially if you do not make certain modifications to your diet. Due to the absence of a gallbladder to hold and regulate bile release, it flows freely into the small intestines. This then complicates the digestion of fatty foods and greasy foods leading to symptoms such as pain, flatulence, bloating, and diarrhoea.

Foods to Avoid After Gallbladder Surgery Here are some foods to limit or eliminate from the diet after a gallbladder surgery:

Fatty Red Meats

Fatty cuts of beef, pork, and lamb tend to be the most problematic after a gallbladder removal. This includes ribs, brisket, sausages, bacon, cold cuts like salami and bologna, and even leaner ground meats, which often mix in fat. The saturated animal fats are difficult to break down without gallbladder and may likely cause discomfort.

Full-Fat Dairy Products

Whole milk, ice cream, butter, and soft, creamy cheeses are challenging without the gallbladder's bile regulating ability. The high fat content of these dairy products can lead to diarrhoea or urgent bowel movements as excess bile flows freely into the intestines. Limit full-fat dairy and choose skim or low fat varieties if you opt to include dairy.

Fried and Processed Foods

Greasy fried foods like french fries, potato chips, and fast food like chicken nuggets or fish sticks tend to be hard to digest after gallbladder removal. The oils they're cooked in create that crispy texture but provide mostly empty calories and fat that overworks your system. Baked goods like donuts, sweet rolls, crackers, and other trans-fat-laden snacks should also be avoided.

Rich, Creamy Sauces and Gravies

Cream or cheese-based sauces, gravies, dressings, and dips are very taxing for the body to break down without the gallbladder's concentrating abilities. Switch to lighter olive oil or vinegar-based alternatives instead. Tomato, pesto, and wine sauces have richer flavour with less fat.

High-Sugar Foods

While not directly linked to fat digestion, sugary foods like soda, candy, syrups, and baked goods can also cause intestinal irritation and loose stools. Limit sweets after surgery as your body heals.

Alcohol

Alcohol usage should be avoided completely in the weeks following gallbladder removal surgery, as it can severely irritate the digestive system. Even once recovered, alcohol tolerance often decreases without the gallbladder, so moderation is key. Foods to Focus on After Surgery While you'll need to limit fatty, greasy food after gallbladder removal, there are many nutritious, easy-to-digest foods to include in your post-surgery diet:

High-Fiber Foods: Consuming foods high in fibre is crucial for healthy digestion and bowel regulation after gallbladder removal. Fibre adds bulk to stool and eases its passage through the intestines. Slowly increase the intake of high-fibre foods like:

Fruits - apples, pears, bananas, berries Vegetables - broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes Whole grains - brown rice, barley, oats, whole wheat pasta Legumes - lentils, beans, peas Nuts and seeds - flax, chia, almonds, walnuts Increase fibre intake gradually over several weeks to prevent excess gas or bloating as your body adjusts. Stay well hydrated while consuming a high-fibre diet.

Lean Protein Foods: Without the gallbladder, protein breakdown also becomes more challenging. Emphasise lean, low-fat proteins like:

Skinless poultry - Chicken, turkey Fish and seafood - Salmon, tuna, trout, tilapia Plant proteins - Tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils, edamame Egg whites or egg substitutes Low-fat dairy like Greek yoghourt or cottage cheese When choosing meats, select leaner cuts with minimal visible fat or marbling for easier digestion. Remove skin from meat before cooking.

Healthy Fats: While dietary fats should still be limited, healthier unsaturated fats can be included in small portions. Beneficial options include:

Avocado Olive, grapeseed or avocado oil Nuts like almonds, walnuts or pecans Nut butters Chia, flax or hemp seeds Olives and olive tapenade Use oils for light sautéing or drizzling rather than deep frying. Consume nuts and seeds in moderation, as they are calorie-dense.

Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that aid healing and provide prebiotics to feed healthy gut bacteria. They also add fibre and water content. Enjoy a rainbow of produce like:

Bright veggies - tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, carrots Leafy greens - kale, spinach, lettuce, swiss chard Starchy veggies - sweet potatoes, pumpkin, beets, turnips Citrus fruits and tropical options - Oranges, grapefruit, mango, pineapple, kiwi Focus especially on nutrient-dense fruits and veggies that offer maximum benefits. Mix up your choices to diversify your phytonutrient and antioxidant intake.

Adequate Hydration: Proper hydration is vital when recovering from gallbladder surgery, both to prevent constipation and help nutrients reach your cells efficiently. Aim for at least 64 ounces (8 cups) of fluid intake per day. Healthy fluid options include:

Water - Still or sparkling Herbal tea - Chamomile, ginger, peppermint Diluted fruit juices Vegetable juices and smoothies Clear broths and consommés Replenish fluids lost through bowel movements, nausea or vomiting after surgery. Staying well hydrated also flushes bacteria from your urinary tract.

Dietary Tips for After Gallbladder Removal Here are some more dietary tips to ensure a healthy recovery after gallbladder removal:

Ease into solids slowly post-surgery to allow your system to adjust Eat small, frequent meals rather than large volumes to prevent an upset stomach Switch to healthier ingredients in recipes – use unsweetened applesauce or banana instead of butter or oil when baking Exercise daily to stimulate digestion – aim for 150 minutes per week Give probiotic foods a try to build healthy gut flora lost during surgery, like kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut or pickle juice Keep a food journal to track triggers if you experience ongoing discomfort The first few weeks after surgery are the hardest, but discomfort usually improves as your body adapts bile flow over 2-3 months. Be patient, take it slow, and stick to a post-gallbladder removal diet to speed up your recovery.

Conclusion Gallbladder removal surgery is common and typically has no impact on an individual’s quality of life, as long as they follow the important nutritional guidelines. Stick to a diet low in fatty, greasy foods and high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Stay active, drink plenty of fluids, and slowly reintroduce fattier foods in the diet. With this approach, you can adapt well and avoid unpleasant post-surgery complications.

[rosiewitchescottage]

Another Brit here. The only one of these I don't eat and love, with no interest in doing so either, are jellied eels. Anything savory in gelatine gives me the heeby geebies. So, nothing doing.

Unseasoned shepherd's pie would be an outrage! You need at least some black pepper in the minced lamb, and even better a good wodge of rosemary. (We might not be as big on using spices as other nations. But we do love our herbs.)

So I'd eat the unseasoned stuff. But it would be a miserable meal.

So too would be the unseasoned and unspecified meat with grey mashed spuds.

That suggests that the spuds haven't seen a drop of warm milk or a bit of butter. And what travesty of mash is that?

Again. I would eat this. It's most likely to be beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey or, if we're being posh, venison.

But unseasoned, it too would be pretty boring.

Salt and black pepper should be in there, and maybe some garlic. But if we knew what the meat was we could also get some booze in there to make a great gravy. Beer/stout, wine or cider, depending on the meat. And, of course herbs.

Cucumber sandwiches sound boring. But the idea is that you add some lemon juice to the butter.

These aren't picnic or lunchtime sandwiches, meant as a meal. They're thin, dainty little things for afternoon tea.

I believe you have these or plain bread and butter first, so that you didn't over indulge on the fancy cakes or creamy scones.

Mushy peas. Have them with fish and chips, or a meaty pie and chips. Yum!

Tuna mayo and sweetcorn. It's at it's best in baked potatoes. Though it's not to be sniffed it in sandwiches, wholegrain bread please, and some crisp lettuce.

Beans on toast. What more can we say? Don't knock it till you've tried it. Have some fruit or fruit juice with it, and it's a fully nutritious meal.

I know people who spice the beans up sometimes. And it can go alongside some eggs, ham, sausages or cheese too.

[uffdah-riley]

Illusion of Permanence || Self-Para

Summary: Riley goes to their parents' house for Thanksgiving and things are changing. Traditions don't matter much to those who want to start anew. Date: 11/23/23 TW: None, it's just Sad.

Riley hadn't been home often which felt weird because they had been literally on that street to learn from Nick, see little Avery (and Isaac but really mostly Avery), and chat with Jessica whenever their schedule allowed. But the dingy white house hadn't had Riley to darken its door in some time.

Bill and Jill hadn't bothered much with calling Riley let alone trying to make amends for the differences they were having. Riley had stopped by a time or two in the interim but it always ended about the same. Their parents thought Riley was unhappy (they were), they wanted Riley to focus on the positives (what positives?), and they just wanted Riley to 'trust the process' (yeah right).

Riley had spent the evening in the dorm kitchens whipping up some tuna noodle salad and Snickers salad (they made sure to leave some of both in the fridge with a label for later). Now they've put on a comfy but still picture-friendly look and headed across town with their goodies to make sure that this holiday is doing just fine!

Getting to the house sent a chill down their spine unrelated to the autumnal air Riley was standing in but they shook themselves, glanced at Jess and Isaac's houses to reassure themselves that they could at least pop by later, and stepped across the threshold.

"Mom! Dad! I'm home!" Riley called and there was silence for a long moment before Bill poked his head into the hallway. He smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Hey, Monkey! Your mom's just popped over to Tiana's Place for a second and—"

"Tiana's Place? Why?"

"Well we figured we'll need a reservation in order to get in the door! No use in cooking if Miss Truitt wants to do it for all of us!" He reached over and ruffled Riley's hair like he'd announced they were gonna go play hockey on the pond back home.

"But... But we always make our Thanksgiving dinner? We've made it the last two years in town! I made salads!"

Riley couldn't believe their ears. Their dad wasn't going to bake a turkey and make the gravy? Mom wasn't going to sit with Riley for what felt like hours to peel, boil, and mash the potatoes? No one was gonna dare Riley to get the cranberry sauce perfectly out of the can? What about the wishbone? It was Dad's turn to do it with Riley!

"I know we did but your mom and I think that we should be joining into the culture here in town more. We're not really Americans now, honey, and those sorts of traditions don't need to always hold up. We'll still do dinner, Riley, but we'll do it the Swynlake way!"

Riley shoved the Tupperware containers into their father's hands and huffed. "Well I'm not going. You can do whatever you want for Thanksgiving but I'm not going." It won't feel like the holiday anyway, Riley thought as they exited the house. I just want my family back. Why is that so hard?