#MAT MY DAY

[mat-my-day]

Exploring the Charms of Berlin's Extensions: A Guide to Erweiterungen

Berlin, a city steeped in history and culture, is not just confined to its well-known landmarks and bustling neighborhoods. Beyond the beaten path lies a network of charming extensions, known as Erweiterungenin German, each offering its own unique allure and character. Let's take a journey through these lesser-known areas and discover the hidden gems that await.

1. Neukölln: Nestled in the southeastern part of Berlin, Neukölln has undergone a transformation in recent years, evolving into a vibrant and multicultural district. Here, you'll find a blend of hip cafes, eclectic boutiques, and bustling markets. Don't miss the historic Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned sprawling park where locals gather to picnic, cycle, and fly kites against the backdrop of the city skyline.

2. Wedding: Situated in the northern part of Berlin, Wedding is a neighborhood brimming with character and charm. Known for its diverse population and thriving arts scene, Wedding offers a mix of traditional German architecture and modern urban development. Explore the streets lined with cozy cafes, quirky galleries, and colorful street art, or wander through the historic Volkspark Humboldthain for a tranquil escape from the city bustle.

3. Moabit: Located in the heart of Berlin, Moabit is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This island neighborhood is surrounded by waterways, offering picturesque views and a sense of seclusion amidst the urban landscape. Explore the vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions that dot the streets of Moabit, or take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Spree for a glimpse of local life.

4. Prenzlauer Berg: Once a working-class district in East Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades, emerging as one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods. Known for its bohemian atmosphere and thriving arts scene, Prenzlauer Berg is home to an array of cafes, galleries, and vintage shops. Explore the leafy streets lined with restored 19th-century buildings, or relax in one of the neighborhood's many parks and green spaces.

5. Friedrichshain: Situated in the former East Berlin, Friedrichshain is a dynamic and lively neighborhood known for its alternative culture and vibrant nightlife. Explore the bustling streets lined with graffiti-covered buildings, or immerse yourself in the neighborhood's rich history at the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall adorned with colorful murals. Don't miss the iconic Oberbaumbrücke bridge, which connects Friedrichshain with the neighboring district of Kreuzberg, offering stunning views of the city skyline.

In conclusion, Erweiterungen Berlin offer a glimpse into the city's diverse and ever-evolving landscape. From the multicultural streets of Neukölln to the bohemian vibes of Prenzlauer Berg, each extension has its own story to tell and treasures to uncover. So next time you find yourself in Berlin, venture off the beaten path and explore these hidden gems for a truly authentic experience of the city.

[matmyday]

Embracing Bio-Haarpflege: Natural Hair Care for Healthy Locks

In the realm of hair care, the pursuit of healthy, luscious locks often leads us down a path of endless products laden with chemicals and artificial ingredients. However, a rising trend in the beauty world offers a refreshing alternative: Bio-Haarpflege, or bio hair care. Embracing the principles of nature, bio hair care prioritizes using organic, plant-based ingredients to nourish and rejuvenate your hair without harmful additives. Let's explore the essence of Bio-Haarpflege and why it's becoming a favored choice for those seeking healthier hair.

Bio-Haarpflege is grounded in the belief that the key to beautiful hair lies in harnessing the power of nature's bounty. Instead of relying on synthetic compounds that can strip the hair of its natural oils and vitality, bio hair care products are formulated with botanical extracts, essential oils, and other plant-derived ingredients. These natural elements not only cleanse and condition the hair but also work in harmony with your body's own processes, promoting long-term health and resilience.

One of the primary advantages of Bio-Haarpflege is its gentle yet effective approach to cleansing and nourishing the hair and scalp. Traditional shampoos often contain harsh detergents and sulfates that can strip away the scalp's natural oils and disrupt its delicate balance. In contrast, bio hair care products utilize mild, plant-based cleansers that cleanse without stripping, leaving your hair feeling clean, soft, and balanced.

Moreover, Bio-Haarpflege is free from synthetic fragrances, colorants, and preservatives commonly found in conventional hair care products. These additives can irritate the scalp, trigger allergic reactions, and contribute to long-term damage to the hair and skin. By opting for bio hair care, you can minimize your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and reduce the risk of adverse effects on your hair and overall well-being.

Another compelling aspect of Bio-Haarpflege is its environmental sustainability. Many bio hair care brands are committed to using responsibly sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and sustainable production practices. By supporting these brands, you not only nourish your hair with wholesome ingredients but also contribute to the preservation of our planet's natural resources for future generations.

In conclusion, Bio-Haarpflege offers a holistic approach to hair care that celebrates the beauty and abundance of nature. By embracing natural ingredients and gentle formulations, bio hair care products provide a nourishing and sustainable alternative to traditional hair care. Whether you're seeking to enhance the health and vitality of your locks or minimize your environmental footprint, Bio-Haarpflege invites you to embark on a journey towards healthier, happier hair, one plant-powered product at a time.Top of FormBottom of Form

[fuupan]

drew these for heart pirates day and uhhhh ep1115

[moeblob]

So does he, Gallagher.

[shiggybrainr0t]

dabi isn’t good at comforting people. aside from the fact that it was never really something he was given as a child up until now, he doesn’t have anyone he cares about enough to actually try. until you.

you’ve only been “dating” for a few months, and he’d rather die than admit it, but you’ve dug yourself a comfy little spot in his heart already. it’s the way you look at him, with understanding eyes. and the way you touch him with your soft fingertips-whether it be across his scars after you two have fucked or swiping a speck of dust off his coat.

dabi isn’t good at comforting people, so whenever you come home after work one day and your jaw is clenched and your hands are shaking, he’s at a loss. you don’t even look his way at where’s he’s sitting on your couch eating your snacks. you kick your shoes off and they land messily next to his (which he always lines up neatly because he thinks its a cute sight, his boots next to your smaller ones, like you live together or something).

whenever you stalk past him into the kitchen, he gets up for some unknown reason because he definitely wouldn’t have followed anyone else when they were this visibly upset. you’re standing in front of the coffee maker, jabbing at it aggressively whenever it doesn’t turn on. brows furrowed, he slowly comes up behind you and settles a hand on your waist.

“it’s not plugged in doll.”

“well why isn’t it?!”

you spin around at this, and dabi is horrified to see tears slipping down your cheeks. he’s never seen you cry before, and to see you reduced to tears is jarring.

he’s unsure, but he raises his hands to cup your face, using his thumbs to swipe away the tear tracks marring your pretty face. (because, he’s noticing, you’re still pretty even when you’re crying)

“want me to beat up the coffee machine for you?”

he’s relieved to hear you let out a wet chuckle, pushing your face harder against his hand.

“go change doll, and we can cuddle while you tell me about it.”

dabi isn’t good at comforting people, but he thinks it’s not so bad when it’s for you.

[syl-stormblessed]

everyone loves talking about the batshit worldbuilding in WoT but I feel like everybody tends to overlook the Vaguely Evil Elves From Another Dimension that have their own officially licensed chutes and ladders-esque board game that you Cannot Ever Win

[all-rock-and-roll-is-homosexual]

Double sided Suede tour ad, 1993

scanned by me

📸: Danny Clinch

if you like my scans and want to help out you can do so here

[shittywriterbrain]

i love watching ofmd over and over again because every two minutes i'll hear a line and be like ohhh that's where that thing i say every day is from

[mat-my-day]

Unveiling the Charm of Friseur Lichtenberg: A Hair Salon Oasis

Friseur Lichtenberg, nestled in the heart of the vibrant Lichtenberg district, is a hidden gem that beckons to those seeking a transformative hair experience. This salon, with its blend of modern aesthetics and traditional charm, offers more than just a haircut; it provides a sanctuary where style meets artistry.

Embracing Tradition with a Modern Twist

At Friseur Lichtenberg, tradition intertwines seamlessly with contemporary trends. The salon's ambiance exudes a sense of warmth and sophistication, inviting clients to relax and unwind while their hair is expertly crafted into works of art. The skilled stylists at Friseur Lichtenberg are not just hairdressers; they are artisans who understand the nuances of hair care and styling.

Personalized Consultations for Every Client

One of the hallmarks of Friseur Lichtenberg is its dedication to personalized service. Each client is treated as a unique canvas, with consultations tailored to their individual preferences and lifestyle. Whether you seek a bold new look or a subtle change, the stylists at Friseur Lichtenberg listen attentively to your desires and translate them into stunning hairstyles that reflect your personality.

A Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Friseur Lichtenberg prides itself on using premium products and staying abreast of the latest trends and techniques in the hair industry. From cutting-edge color treatments to precision haircuts, the salon offers a diverse range of services designed to cater to every client's needs. With a focus on quality and innovation, Friseur Lichtenberg ensures that each visit is a memorable experience.

Creating Beauty Beyond Hair

Beyond its exceptional hair services, Friseur Lichtenberg is a place where beauty extends beyond hair. The salon's attention to detail, from the elegant decor to the personalized care, creates an atmosphere of luxury and comfort. Clients leave not only with fabulous hair but also with a renewed sense of confidence and self-expression.

Conclusion

Friseur Lichtenberg is more than just a hair salon; it is a destination where style, tradition, and innovation converge to create a truly unforgettable experience. Step into this oasis of beauty in Lichtenberg and let the skilled hands of the stylists transform your hair into a masterpiece. Discover the allure of Friseur Lichtenberg and unlock a world of beauty waiting to be unveiled.

[matmyday]

Embrace the Beauty of Natürliche Haarpflege: Nourishing Your Hair Naturally

In a world filled with synthetic beauty products, the allure of natürliche Haarpflege, or natural hair care, is gaining momentum. As we become more conscious of the ingredients we apply to our bodies, the shift towards embracing the beauty of nature's offerings becomes increasingly evident.

Natürliche Haarpflege involves the use of natural and organic ingredients to nurture and enhance the health of your hair. Gone are the days of harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, as more individuals are opting for holistic and sustainable approaches to hair care.

One of the key benefits of natürliche Haarpflege is the avoidance of harmful chemicals commonly found in conventional hair care products. Harsh sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, breakage, and long-term damage. Embracing natural alternatives allows your hair to thrive without the risk of exposure to these potentially harmful substances.

Natural oils like coconut, argan, and jojoba have become staples in natürliche Haarpflege routines. These oils are rich in vitamins and nutrients that provide deep hydration, strengthen the hair shaft, and promote overall hair health. Incorporating these oils into your hair care routine can leave your locks looking lustrous and feeling silky smooth.

Herbs and botanicals also play a significant role in natürliche Haarpflege. Aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender are just a few examples of nature's gifts that can soothe the scalp, reduce inflammation, and promote hair growth. Creating homemade hair masks or using natural products infused with these ingredients can transform your hair care routine into a pampering and revitalizing experience.

In conclusion, natürliche Haarpflege is a holistic and sustainable approach to hair care that emphasizes the use of natural and organic ingredients. By making the switch to these wholesome alternatives, you not only support the health of your hair but also contribute to a more eco-friendly and mindful beauty routine. Embrace the beauty of natürliche Haarpflege, and let your hair shine with the vitality of nature.

[mistfallengw2]

Thought I'd do a friendly reminder to, well, remind people to stock up on basic mats for the Homestead crafting feature.

Most importantly, do NOT refine them into planks, ingots and so on unless you need them for something, because as far as we've seen in the stream, the crafting Refined Homestead Wood requires logs!

Even with the weekly limits, the first few weeks will probably see TP prices skewed upwards for all those mats, and they're already higher than before the JW announcement. If you can, make sure you have enough to comfortably craft for a few weeks, because we don't know the upper limit yet nor how long it'd take to reach, so even such a stockpile might go fast anyway.

This is also valid for people who are not interested but will want to craft something else that requires large quantities of basic mats.

And if your stacks are full, stash 'em in your bank or in an alt's inventory!

[screwpinecaprice]

[hashtagcaneven]

"It was about a hero who insisted with every breath that he was anything but a hero."

"A Memory of Light" - Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson

[shiggybrainr0t]

the symbol of peace just saw my panties?!

warnings: one creep, reader wears panties but is otherwise gn, not really edited very well probably

you’re standing in your underwear and a big T-shirt outside you’re apartment building in the middle of December with every single other person that lives in the building.

you were rudely awakened by the fire alarm going off in the building loudly, and after jumping five feet in the air and realizing that no, you didn’t dream it, you jump up to start pulling on pants. soon after however, you heard the night clerk pounding on doors telling everyone to evacuate quickly because there was a fire on the fifth floor. you got tangled in the left leg, and were hopping around before the clerk got to your door. his urgency spurred you on out the door, barely having the mind to put your slippers on as you fled. so here you are, pantless, shifting from leg to leg in what you used to deem your pajamas.

your arms are crossed tightly across your chest, trying to keep what little modesty you had left. it seems you weren’t doing that great of a job as the creepy guy from 4B was leering at you openly.

you were just about to yell at him-what were you going to say? probably a slur of curse words and how you could kick his ass even in your panties- when a thick blanket was suddenly draped around you and large, scarred hands where on your shoulders.

turning around quickly, you were shocked to see the symbol of peace smiling down at you gently. deku was clad in his hero suit, and was big. like, really big. you had only ever seen him on tv, so you never realized just how big he actually was. you don’t know how the boy you watched on television during his first sports festival became this hunk of a man. he also smelled really good. kind of woodsy, and all cozy home baked cookies in a cute tin.

as you were gawking at him, mouth hanging open a little, deku shifted a little to block you from the 4B creep’s line of sight. he pulled the blanket tighter around your shoulders, and gave you another smile as he patted your shoulders gently.

“are you alright?”

his voice was smooth, and soft. not too deep but not high pitched either. you think to yourself that anyone would be calmed whenever he was talking to them. you always had thought he had a nice voice whenever you heard him in the television, but in person it was even smoother and softer. blinking out of your stupor, you nod quickly, before gasping in horror. the rising hero deku, who on the fast track at becoming number one, has seen you in your panties.

deku smiles at you again (that famous blinding smile that before tonight you had never seen in person) before stating “don’t be embarrassed! this isn’t the first time I’ve seen someone in their underwear.”

you can only blink at him in surprise, and it dawns on him what his statement implies as he looks at your expression.

“no- wait not like that, well I mean-“

he stops his stumbling whenever you have to muffle your laughter. his grin turns shy, and he brings a hand up to rub the back of his neck.

“um, anyway. the fire was just a toaster, everything is fine. you should be able to go back inside soon.”

your relief is palpable, and deku gives you one last grin before waving at you and walking away. you watch as he approaches 4B creep, the guy’s eyes widening drastically at whatever look deku gives him, and swings his arm around 4B’s shoulders and starts waking towards the edge of the crowd. deku turns to look at you one last time over his shoulder, giving you a wink.

[luuxxart]

takeba family card night

[orig]

[pcttymcrlecu]

dreams of someone ✒︎ m.barzal

summary: all lina’s dreams seemingly had come true – and then she met mat in a time where they both needed ... someone

featuring: mat barzal, lina thorne (oc), sydney esiason martin, and the rest of the martin family in mention

word count: 3.8k

warnings: none -- there is a ton of food mention though especially of the baked variety

dedication: this little one shot was written for bre (@fallinallincurls) for demi's winter fic exchange!

the last time ii wrote about mat was two or so years ago so please give me some grace. but writing this was the exact challenge that i needed so i really did enjoy writing it for you and adjusting it to suit your desires. so, i hope it meets your expectations and that you enjoy it!

and a little dedication as per always to demi (@wyattjohnston) for hosting and understanding that life sometimes happens.

It was a typical opening morning for Lina Thorne. She’d woken up at 4:30am, showered and got herself ready for her shift. It was a quick morning stroll to her place when the city that never sleeps was a lot quieter than and the sun was still well below the horizon and wouldn’t be painting the skies until the first batch of cookies was in the oven. The woman couldn’t hide the yawn that left her mouth as her key slid into the lock and the front door to the store opened.

Lina never imagined that she be living the dream in New York City, especially since her dreams of staying out in the big city upon finishing her internship with her mentor never came true. Instead, she found herself dreaming of what life in the big city could be for her, working in a bakery out in Boston honing her skills and surprisingly making herself seemingly at home. She had been referred for the position by her mentor despite his own wants to let the young chef go. Working her way into management and securing respect and acknowledgement in the pastry world. All an up-and-coming pastry chef could ask for. It wasn’t until during a prep day that her boss mentioned a position that she was put into consideration for that would lead her back to the city of her dreams and training not only as a baker but rather the head baker of the newest branch of the bakery she’d happily called home for the last three years.

However, as stood in the commercial kitchen under bright cool lights, being able to say she ran the little bakery on the island, she couldn’t help but pat herself on the back. The nerves had initially consumed her and although her boss and the owner of the bakery had been around for training of staff, prepping for the opening and the grand opening itself. Almost as soon as the store was open and running within the week, she was then solely in charge. It was days like this, however, that she loved the most. Mornings where she was able to get back into the very reason why she got into baking in the first place. It was a time when she could take a moment to herself and just breathe. Especially on a day like today when she had a big order to fill out, for none other than one of her newest friends in the neighbourhood.

Lina’s eyes flitted towards the clock, keenly aware that it was fast approaching time to slip the decorated sign on the door and let customers know that they were open. She had since been joined by two baristas and two of the bakers who were due to take over from her once the store opened up whilst she got her deliveries done before working through paperwork. The shout from one of the aforementioned baristas shook her out of her haze as she iced the cookies in front of her. Calling out for a moment, she finished up the cookie she was decorating before placing the pining bag down and reaching for the dishtowel. 

Walking out into the front, she sent a smile to the two college students who were pulling down chairs and wiping tables before her eyes landed on a familiar head of hair tapping their fingers against her counter. Pulling a face of confusion, she moved towards him dropping the dishtowel.

“We’re not open yet.” She spoke before crossing her arms as he turned towards her. A smile that she could only describe as cheeky sat on his lips as he gave her a little shrug before leaning towards her.

“I was told to pick up a cookie deliver. Sydney’s orders,” He spoke with amusement filling his words, “There’s no saying no to that woman.”

“Mat, Syd’s order is set for delivery.” She wasn’t quite sure if she believed in what he was saying but it wasn’t in her nature to be unkind.

Lina had met Mat by chance and obviously all thanks to the woman currently in question. Sydney and a couple of the other wives and girlfriends of the Islanders had dropped by for a coffee date from which Sydney had made it her newest spot and was happily welcomed by the bakery’s staff as a regular. The more time Sydney spent in the establishment, the more opportunities she got to speak with young women and truly it was hard to say no to that woman. Before she knew it, she was being invited to dinners, and girls’ nights – she had even frequented hockey games which was something she hadn’t done since she was in culinary school. The late nights of the games just didn’t align with the early morning that was required of her at the store. It was one of the rare late nights she had free when she was invited by Sydney to a dinner party at the Martin residence and she had run into Mat. The story according to Syd was that Mat was only invited because of a recent break-up and them wanting him to be around people who loved him and wanted nothing but happiness for him. It, and Lina will quote, “is not a matchmaking setup” like other introductions to Sydney’s male friends of the same age as the baker had been.

The two had been seated next to one another and Mat’s glum mood had caught her attention. But not knowing anything of his current situation and maybe having had a little too much fun doing unplanned pres with the hostess with the mostess gifting her looser lips than normal, she had made a remark about his apparent brooding. A thought she assumed was just that but upon hearing the chatter quieten down a little, she realised her words most definitely left her mouth. Slowly lowering her glass to the table, she turned to apologise to the male beside her when the snort that he let out left her sorry and confused. It was all quickly replaced with intrigue when he shot back with a retort of his own, prompting the two adults into a comfortable and playful argument. It was that moment where instead of anticipating the presence of a certain blonde every day, she noticed a certain brunet make a place for himself at the table closest to the counter by the display case.

The baker had been warned against Matt’s teammates but none other than Matt himself. She’d gotten the idea that Matt was keenly aware of his wife’s ability to befriend people and more importantly take them under her wing, if how quickly she was welcomed into the family dynamic of Martins was anything to go by. Regarding dating, who was she to question a man who spent most of his time with said teammates, she doubted she’d ever even meet and if she ever did, so many faces pass through her doors, she wouldn’t even remember them. Which is why the hockey player who had chosen to make himself a fixture had initially garnered a little apprehension from her but without fail, he always came in and grabbed a coffee (and a cake on those days he chose to treat himself), his a seat and left when he was all done, never without a generous tip. He was kind enough to her staff and even kinder to the other regulars who were in at the same time as him, so she let him be. All business is good business, even though she knew for a fact there were coffee shops much closer to his apartment, the arena and even the practice facility. But who was she to complain.

She couldn’t remember when it started but she eventually started joining him when he’d visit in the mornings. Their chats were surprisingly something familiar, and comfortable, like talking to an old friend. They joked and teased but most of the time they just let go. It had been a couple weeks since they first met, and it wasn’t until the second week of them sharing a drink that he’d actually opened up about why he was looking so glum the night they had met and why he was hanging around her café. How he got her store details from Sydney and how he was drawn to the fact that she didn’t handle him as though he was fragile. How all he had wanted when it felt like someone he cared about deeply had uprooted him from his very foundation was normalcy. And that’s what Lina gave him. He was just another friend of a friend to her; he was just Mat to her. Not heartbroken Mat, not healing Mat, not even NHL superstar – Just Mat.

“Well, you’re not all that Mathew.” She had stated to which he could only respond with a soft ‘Exactly’. Ever since that moment, they had shared ample time with one another both in and outside of his coffee trips. And despite the time Mat has been spending within their four brick walls, it was still a surprise to see him at the store before opening.

“Can’t be, she sent me a frantic message at 7 telling me she needed a favour and who am I to fulfil my favourite uncle duties,” He explained before sending a wink her way, “Anything for Winnie.”

“Yeah, she lied to you,” She answered, giving him a double pat on the shoulder and a short cackle before moving over and opening the gate for the man, “One time only, might as well put you to work.”

The two of them made their way to the kitchen and while Mat went to wash his hands (not before Lina pointed a firm finger towards the sink to gently direct him to do so), Lina grabbed him a free apron and tossed it over his shoulder. Moving back to the station where the last of the cookies were waiting to be decorated and then packed away for delivery. 

“So, what can I do?” Mat slipped the apron over his head as he leaned over to observe the spread of baked goods before glancing back over at her. His confident smile slowly slipped off his face as she grabbed a piping bag and handed it over to him.

“I line, you flood.”

“Didn’t you train like three years for this?” Giving the bag a gentle squish and frowning when no icing flowed out.

“It’s basically impossible to mess it up, it’s like colour by numbers,” She explained softly as she grabbed a pair of scissors and snipped the end of the piping bag while adjusting his hand to make sure no icing was wasted. Pulling the cookies, she was previously working on in front of him all lined and ready to fill in front of him, before gesturing towards the piping bag and gesturing back to the cookies. “Match the flood colour to the line colour. Winnie does it all the time.”

“While I know that’s not really true, the dig hurts.” His free hand flew up to his chest in mock hurt before laughing and finally putting icing to cookie with an almost amusing amount of concentration.

“Get filling pretty boy, I will not have my little princess disappointed.”

The two of them worked almost like a well-oiled machine. It almost felt like she was back in culinary school, helping out with the younger years. They weren’t always perfect, but their hearts were always in the right place and if there was one thing she had learnt about Mat was that his heart was always in the right place. Almost to a fault. The whole bravado he put on was more like a mask. At least in front of her. He never had any walls up with her, but he definitely had worn the walls she constructed when she moved down. She always knew that those walls had to come down eventually, but she definitely didn’t expect it would come from a chance encounter with a random stranger. The girls and her staff had done their fair share and warming her up and making her feel at home but the first time she ever truly let herself be with no pretences and no fears of being judged and not fitting in was sitting in the store over a cup of coffee with Mat.

Before long, all the cookies, cupcakes, and the grand finale cake of it all were packed into the refrigerated bakery van ready for transportation to the Martins' house, where preparations, if the texts and calls she had received from Sydney were anything to go by, were well underway.  Despite Mat’s pleas to drive, Lina kept a firm hold of the keys until they were safely parked in their friends’ driveway. Grabbing her garment bag from its place hanging in the backseat, she walked up to the front door. Mat’s knuckles were knocking against the wooden door as Lina reached him up on the front step. His eyes were drawn to the bag in her hand, and he couldn’t help but bring up his curiosity.

“What’s with the change of attire?” 

“As if I’m going to spend the rest of the day in clothing that’s covered in powdered sugar, flour and dried batter and dough. Plus, if I’m going to be around kids with surprisingly sticky hands, I’m going to start with a fresh slate.” Her words were light and humorous and before Mat could even attempt a response, the door opened and a hand was wrapped around Lina’s wrist, pulling her into the house quickly.

“Thank goodness you’re here, I need your help.” The blonde in front of her pulled her to the side before aggressively motioning to Mat who was still pulling his shoes off. He almost comically pointed to himself before looking behind him only to be physically pulled into their little huddle a second later, “There’s so much left to sort out and both Alice and Winnie want pancakes. Help Matty and I out?”

“Don’t think I’m your guy, I’mma just –“ 

“Of course we can help, go do what you need to do,” Lina responded, grabbing onto Mat’s arm before he walked away. Sydney gave her a smile and with a blown kiss, she was gone. Once her friend was out of view, Lina’s hand swung up to Mat’s shoulder, “Really?”

“What?” He was greeted simply with a shaken head as she slipped her own shoes off along with her jacket before she walked into the kitchen. Pouting at the lack of an answer, he followed her quickly “What?”

Mat watched as she made quick work of pulling out the necessary ingredients and equipment for the pancakes. Pulling up one of the bar stools, he settled into a routine that was very much a typical evening for them. Since he frequented the store so much, Lina had decided that for all the real estate he was taking away from her other customers, he had to give something back and that was how he became her official taste tester. Once, every other month they’d get together and along with a constantly refilled glass of wine (courtesy of Mat), she’d bake all her experimental recipes and flavour pairings on him. It was one of the things that she loved about him. She loved simply baking with no pressure of it being commercially viable and nothing is better than baking for someone who is more than happy to consume. Even if it means she has to put up with the constant whining about how her goods are going to make a certain someone work harder at the gym.

The two worked in a comfortable quiet, Mat had put music on the Alexa quiet enough not to disturb anything happening in the other parts of the house. Mat was picking at the tester pancake before he hopped off the stool and made his way over to the cupboard and pulled out the Nutella and a spoon, before settling himself beside the baker who was humming along to the music.

“What happened to all that ‘I’m a disciplined athlete’ talk?”

“I’m just a man and you’re out here teasing me with all those amazing treats you made me decorate and now you expect me to not have at least one spoonful of chocolatey goodness?” Forcefully scooping up a spoonful of said spread, her pointed it in her direction for a moment before shoving it in his mouth, “You have too much faith in me.”

“Oh, now that is pushing it,” She said flipping one of the pastries onto a plate before turning to face him as she poured more batter on the hot plate, “Would you please just cut some strawberries and stuff?”

Although it wasn’t without complaints, sure enough, they were working side by side. Lina flipping pancakes and Matt cutting strawberries into quarters as they quietly spoke about their weeks, catching each other up on their respective TV shows. 

“You know this is what I miss the most.” Lina hummed in question at his statement, only slightly inclining her head in his direction, “I miss just having someone to talk to. To exist with. To be with.”

Silence flooded through the pair as her head turned towards him as he continued chopping the fruit, a bittersweet smile on his face. She took a deep breath as she felt a wave of emotion flood through her as his words processed in her head. Her hand was on the dial, turning the heat off and placing the spatula down. Her words came out as an unsteady breath as she turned fully towards him.  “Oh Mat…” 

“I know I’ve already talked you to death about … that situation but –“ Mat lowered the knife but still made no effort to look in her direction and shook his head slightly before huffing out a quiet laugh,  “It’s not just that you didn’t treat me like I could break but the time we spent together, the conversations we had. It almost felt like having someone again. Except this time, it was in the shape of friend – someone I can’t lose. Until I kept getting to know how wonderful you are.”

The words to comfort the man in front of her were proving difficult to come by so Lina simply stepped towards him and did the only thing she could think of, wrapped her arms around him. With one arm around his back and the other holding onto his arm, she laid her head on his arm and gave him a gentle squeeze.

“I’ve done the whole break up thing before I don’t know why this time it was difficult. I guess I got too comfortable with the wrong person, I don’t know but I know it was wrong now. I knew it was wrong the moment I had coffee with you for the first time because you made me feel more heard and all you were doing was entertaining a customer who wouldn’t leave your store.” She couldn’t help the laugh that left her, giving him a whole-body nudge and shaking her head as it pressed against his bicep muttering a soft ‘not true’.

Lina felt Mat’s head move to look towards her, moving her own to look up at him but keeping him in her soft hug. She would never admit it to him, considering the subconscious promise she made to herself upon finding out he was still working through his breakup. Their eyes met and he couldn’t help the smile that floated onto his lips until a little embarrassment covered his face,  “Sydney didn’t tell me to come and collect Win’s treats, I just hoped if I turned up, I wouldn’t have to share your attention with your customers.” 

“I’ve told you before Mathew you never have to be jealous of customers taking me away from you. I’ll always be there for you,” She muttered, pulling away before turning him until they were chest to chest, “I know we joke but I truly will always be there for you. Maybe covered in icing but always there.”

“And I you,” At his words, she wrapped her arms around his neck giving him a proper hug.

Inhaling deeply, she felt him do the same as his arms wrapped firmly around her trapping her between them, not that she was complaining. Her mind rushed through the past couple weeks of her life since meeting the man and she couldn’t believe just how close and open she had got with him. There were people she’d met during culinary school and knew for 4 years and worked with in Boston for 3 years who didn’t know as much about who she was outside of the kitchen as Mat did, and she’d barely known him for a couple months.

He had an interest in getting to know her and just wanted to sit and speak with her, whether or not he had his own ulterior motives for appreciating her company, they bonded. They spent a lot of time together doing nothing more than talking in their own little world. Lina would go as far as to say that she knew him and not just superficially but at a much deeper level and she could entirely feel what he was saying about how being with her feels because she felt the exact same way. Releasing him from her hold, she was suspended on her toes as Mat took a little longer to pull his arms away. She laughed softly, keeping her hands perched on his shoulders as she looked up at him with a soft and gentle smile.

“You bring me peace too,” She whispered, letting out a breath as she steeled herself to admit her truth to him, something that she’d become very comfortable with so what did she have to lose this time, “I love being your someone, because you’re my someone.”

If Mat was smiling before, the smile that took over her face at her words was rivalling the sun. A deep sigh left his mouth, and it was almost like all the tension that had filled his body since he started speaking had been loosened instantly. His shoulder dropped as the tension fell away and his hands found hers up on his shoulders, holding them tight between them. He went to speak but a shout of ‘LiLi’ filled both of their ears from the living room. Touching his forehead against hers, they both laughed gently as the shouts got closer and more frequently. Pushing back up on her toes, Lina pressed a firm kiss to his cheek before pulling away. Giving him one last peck on the cheek before she properly pulled away.

“Later?” He simply smiled at her question as the sound of small footfalls got closer.

“Later.”