#Professional Pumpkin Carving Tools

[prokitchendeals]

The 5 Best Knives For Carving Pumpkins At Home

Pumpkins are a popular decoration for homes across the country, and with good reason. They’re easy to carve, look great on a table or mantelpiece, and can be filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients to make pumpkin pie. You don’t need any special tools to carve pumpkins, but you do need the right knives. In this article, we’ll take a look at the Pumpkin Carving Tools At Home at home and tell you all about their features so that you can make the most of your pumpkin-carving experience.

What are the 5 best knives for carving pumpkins at home?

If you're looking to carve some pumpkins this Halloween, here are the five best knives for the job!

The Artisan™ 8-inch Chef's Knife is a sturdy, heavy-duty knife that's perfect for carving. It has a 3-inch blade and is made from stainless steel for durability.

The Wusthof Classic 5-inch carving knife is also a great option for those who want an easy and comfortable experience when carving pumpkins. It has a sharp, 5-inch blade made from high quality stainless steel and comes with a leather sheath for storage.

If you're looking for something more specialized, the Ginsu 7-inch Gyuto Carving Knife is perfect for detailed carving work. It features a thin, razor-sharp blade made from Japanese Steel and comes with an etched guide to make sure your pumpkin turns out perfectly shaped every time.

Finally, if you'd like to go with a budget option, the Hamilton Beach 6-inch Chef's Knife is perfect for novice carvers who want something simple but effective. It has a sharp 2½ inch blade made from high quality stainless steel and comes with a soft grip handlefor added comfort and control while carving.

So which of these five knives is right for you? The choice really depends on your individual needs and preferences as each one offers its own unique benefits and advantages when it comes to carving pumpkins - so be sure to

[buckys-little-belle]

Oh! What about hcs for Bucky and little! Reader during the fall? I get cold super easy but I love the colder months!

Fall Fun

Bucky Barnes x Little!Reader (They/Them Pronouns Used)

Warnings - Talks of pumpkin carving, talks of Bucky being the Winter Soldier (Very very vague), Talks of (Bucky's) memory loss, Fall Fluff

Notes - I love fall! It's my favourite season and I had genuinely so much fun writing this!

SFW - Please keep all interactions with this post, and this blog, SFW.

. ☆ . ☾ . ☆ . ☽ . ☆ . ☾ . ☆ . ☽ . ☆ .

Bucky loves the fall, it's his favorite season. He's not too hot, or too cold, and he finds he enjoys seeing how beautiful change can be. But most of all he loves all the activities the two of you can do together.

Most activities are ones done outside, and he is aware that you react to the cold different than him. Sure this is his perfect weather type, but you don't have the same super soldier blood he does.

So he keeps an extra jacket and sweater in his truck for you in case you're in need of an extra layer. He's also got a flannel blanket at the ready for long drives, and when buying the truck he made sure to buy one with heated seats. He never uses them, but with how often you turn yours on, he knows it was a worthy purchase.

He loves the pumpkin patch to an annoying extent. He could truly spend days there, especially with you by his side.

He has a whole seasons pass that allows unlimited corn maze trips, as many hay rides as he wants, and a total of 10 professional photos at those cute little stands where you stick your head through and end up being a pumpkin person. Trust, he has every photo framed around the house.

He also loves picking pumpkins with you, you'll give them all names and he'll do his best to remember which one was named Frank and which one was named Jeff. And he can't say no to you, he really can't, so the front porch of his house is home to 20 pumpkins by the end of fall.

He only lets you carve three, because he know you'll get bored if he tried to get you to do more. You tell him what you want them to look like and he'll do his best to sketch and carve the pumpkin the way you like.

You'd never tell him but he's actually not very good at art things like pumpkin carving, and you think you could do a better job, but he won't let you touch the sharp carving tools so your kitty cat pumpkin is lopsided, the flower looks more like an explosion, and the classic pumpkin face carving has two very different shaped eyes.

Bucky has a Pinterest account, he does, and he always is looking for new things to do to entertain you and him. Which is how you end up in the middle of a forest collecting all types of different leaves, putting them in a small book to press and dry.

You love all the colours, and Bucky takes a bunch of photos of you playing in the leaf piles, or just photos of you walking through the pretty forest, and his favorite photo is the one of you holding two leaves up proudly with a big smile on your face. (They were the biggest leaves the two of you found that day.)

Bucky always makes you wear mittens even if you don't think you need them. You argue that they're winter accessories but Bucky won't have it. He buys you mittens with pumpkins on them, or little leaves, so they look cute. He secretly has a deal with the grandma two doors down, she knits him your mittens and he buys her copious amounts of yarn.

Also fall baking? Bucky isn't a baker, but he does his best when you suggest you two make cupcakes that look like pumpkins. They actually turn out well, but the kitchen ends up a mess! And Bucky vows to never bake again ... Which was a short lived vow because two days later you two are back at it again making chocolate chip cookies with orange coloured chocolate chips.

All in all fall goes well every year. And it's the only season Bucky actively records. You don't know this for a few years but he actually scrapbooks every fall. The books are in his office and he pulls them out when he needs to remember something good.

Pictures of you in the forest line a bunch of pages, some selfies of the two of you are tucked in there, and every picture taken at the pumpkin patch has a spot. Leaves that you two pressed are glued to the pages with care, and he makes sure to photograph what your carved pumpkins look like each year.

He finds he likes making scrapbooks. Once in his life he forgot everything important to him. And sometimes he wonders what he still doesn't remember because there's nothing to remind him. So he keeps these tucked away in case he ever forgets, he keeps them so no matter what happens he'll always have proof that he loved you, that you loved him, and that beauty can exist during change.

[your-local-simp-writers]

Masks and Revelations

Word Count: 801

Warnings: None

Terry Mcginnis x Fem!Reader ︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

The crisp October air was filled with the scent of fallen leaves and the distant laughter of children planning their trick-or-treat routes. You had always loved Halloween, the one time of year when everyone could be someone else, if only for a night. This year, you had a special surprise for your significant other, Terry McGinnis.

You slipped into your Batgirl costume, the fabric hugging your form like a second skin. The cowl was the final piece, and as you looked at yourself in the mirror, a thrill ran through you. Terry, with his love for all things Batman, would never see it coming.

Meanwhile, Terry was in his room, struggling with a decision. Halloween was complicated for him, given his nightly escapades as Batman. He chuckled at the irony of it all—here he was, trying to choose a costume when he already had the most authentic one at home.

A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. “Terry, are you ready yet?” his brother’s voice called out, muffled by the wood between them.

���Just a minute, Matt!�� Terry replied, finally settling on a simple Robin costume. It wasn’t the real deal, but it was close enough.

When you arrived at Terry’s doorstep, Matt greeted you first, his eyes wide with excitement. “Wow, you look just like Batgirl, Y/N!” he exclaimed, twirling in his mini Batman costume.  Matt, the mini Batman of the house, was running around, his cape fluttering behind him as he practiced his best superhero poses. 

You laughed, ruffling his hair. “And you make a perfect Batman, Matt. Is your brother ready?”

Matt nodded eagerly, and as Terry stepped out, you couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of him in the Robin costume. “I thought I’d keep it in the family,” he said with a grin, taking in your Batgirl outfit.

You teased Terry about his choice of costume. “I never took you for a sidekick,” you said, a playful glint in your eye.

Terry just smiled, a secret dancing behind his eyes. “You’d be surprised,” he murmured, his voice barely audible over the sound of child laughter. Terry’s arm slipping around your waist.

“Happy Halloween, Y/N,” he whispered, and you leaned into him, feeling the contours of his costume against your own.

“Happy Halloween, Terry,” you replied, unaware of the true depth behind his mask, the real hero that stood beside you.

“Alright, team,” you announced, “let’s get these pumpkins carved. Batgirl and her sidekicks can’t have a dull doorstep on Halloween!”

Matt was the first to dive into the task, his small hands scooping out pumpkin guts with a look of fierce concentration. “I’m gonna make the scariest face ever!” he declared, his eyes alight with the excitement that only a child on Halloween could possess.

Terry leaned over to whisper in your ear, “I bet he’s going to give us a run for our money.”

You smiled, taking up your own carving tools. “We’ll just have to step up our game then, won’t we?”

As the three of you worked on your pumpkins, the front porch became a canvas of creativity and laughter. Terry was meticulous in his carving, creating a bat symbol that looked almost professional. You went for a more traditional approach, crafting a grinning jack-o’-lantern that seemed to reflect the joy of the evening.

Matt looked between the two of you, his eyes wide. “You guys are so good at this!” he exclaimed, his own pumpkin taking shape under his determined hands.

“You’re not so bad yourself, little man,” Terry said, ruffling his brother’s hair. “That’s going to be one spooky pumpkin.”

Once the carving was done, you all stepped back to admire your handiwork. The pumpkins were lined up on the steps, their candles casting a warm glow against the darkening sky.

Terry wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you close. “Not bad for a night’s work,” he said, pride evident in his voice.

Matt bounced on the balls of his feet, eager to show off your creations to the neighborhood. “Can we go trick-or-treating now?” he asked, his voice tinged with impatience.

You laughed, nodding. “Yes, we can go now. But first, let’s get a picture of the Bat-family with their pumpkins.”

The three of you huddled together, the camera capturing the moment perfectly—a snapshot of Halloween happiness.

As the night progressed, you, Terry, and Matt wandered the neighborhood, collecting candy and compliments on your costumes. The air was filled with the sounds of Halloween—shrieks, laughter, and the rustling of leaves.

It was a night of masks and merriment, of heroes in costume and the simple joy of being together. And though you didn’t know Terry’s secret—that he was the real Batman—it didn’t matter. Because tonight, he was just Terry, your Robin, and that was more than enough.

[miniscrew-anon]

HSH Pumpkin Carving Headcanons

It’s spooky time y’all

Twilight - The traditional pumpkin carver. Can make absolutely perfect pumpkin faces that look straight off of pinterest. Happy, sad, scary, funny - doesn't matter, Twi can carve it. He can pump them out en masse, too. When it comes to pumpkins, Twi is in his element. 9/10 Only because he’s limited to faces. But damn if they’re not impressive.

Sky - Does not carve a pumpkin. He starts to but then loses interest as soon as the guts come out. He stalls when it comes to creating a face; he wants to do something more creative than just a generic face but he doesn't know what else to do. So he ends up as Twilight's helping hand instead. He’s very useful because he can magically carry twenty pumpkins at once. It's his Halloween party trick. 2/10 he’s got no pumpkin but he’s got spirit

Legend - He doesn’t make a face but a sigil. A very elaborate, carefully crafted sigil to ward off malicious spirits. Stuffs it with herbs and charms too. Also he uses a very large turnip instead of a pumpkin to keep tradition. But he also fucks up cutting the lid and it keeps falling inwards and ruining his candles, which he bitches about even though it was his fault. 7/10 very atmospheric and aromatic

Hyrule - If he can get some time off, Hyrule does enjoy a good pumpkin carving. He's not great at it so his faces are a little wonky. But he has fun and that's what's important. His little happy pumpkin is an adorable addition to the front porch and Time is sure to put it front and center. 8/10 the littlest pumpkin on the porch with the biggest smile

Warriors - Draws an ahegao face on the pumpkin with a sharpie. His pumpkin is the first to magically disappear from the front porch. Banned from touching all future pumpkins forever. 0/10 and someone stuffs pumpkin guts into his pillowcase in retaliation

Wild - Starts carving, gets distracted halfway through. He scoops the guts out and then comes up with a great recipe idea and disappears into the kitchen to roast some pumpkin seeds. Twilight happily finishes carving his pumpkin for him and enjoys whatever amazing pumpkin flavored treat Wild cooks up. Wild never realizes he forgot to actually carve his pumpkin. 3/10 another without a pumpkin but he gets more points because his comes with pumpkin spice cookies

Champion - Carves his pumpkin very professionally. Looks up "pumpkin carving ideas " and then literally just copies whatever he finds. He does it very, very well too. It comes out looking amazing, if a bit generic. He cannot be convinced to personalize it in the slightest, though. No, it's by the book or not at all. Does not hesitate to defend his gourd by force when Warriors comes by with that damned sharpie. 8/10 very professional looking

Wind - Doesn't care about carving pumpkins. He hates the icky feeling of touching the raw guts and he doesn't give a shit about carving a face. At best he'll draw a generic face on with a marker and at worst he won't even touch a pumpkin. He's the boring guy who just puts a plain pumpkin on his porch. -10/10 he doesn’t even have the spirit

Four - Uses this as an excuse to use all his favorite power tools. His pumpkin comes out looking like a fucked up little freak. A true frankenstein creature that's half flesh, half metal. A serious safety hazard with all the loose screws that have been drilled into it. It's a monstrosity. The blood in it is not decorative: it’s from all the ankles of everyone who didn’t watch out. God help any unsavory characters who show up to cause trouble because Time will use it as a projectile in case of an emergency and it will be a critical hit. 7/10 very cool but actually a safety hazard.

Time - This man has zero artistic ability. He can kill a man with a knife three hundred different ways but can't carve a fucking straight line in this goddess damned pumpkin. What the fuck is this? A cosmic joke? Why does his triangle come out looking like a square? Why does his smiley face look like a straight line? Why did the damn pumpkin split in half? He barely even touched it??? The dude goes through several attempts before finally coming to something that looks vaguely okay. Only to then realize that he forgot to coat the pumpkins insides with vaseline so the local squirrels eat it immediately. 1/10 all that’s left is an eaten carcass. Malon laughs at him.

Malon - Another master pumpkin carver. She's a little more artistic than Twilight and makes more than just faces. Entire scenes and landscapes. Skeleton animals, a headless rider on a motorcycle. She's got major talent. Plus, she's won the regional pumpkin growing competition ten years in a row. 10/10 This woman is Queen of the Pumpkin Patch.

Dark - Enjoys pumpkin carving in a more freeform way. Draws cartoon "x" eyes and punches a hole through the pumpkin to make the mouth and exit hole. He stuffs a fake gun into the "mouth", guts spilled out onto the sidewalk out of the hole in the back of the gourd. Thinks it's hilarious. 4/10 His pumpkin is really ugly but he literally punched a hole through it so yeah that’s worth some points right there

Shadow - Doesn't carve but does steal. Menace to all gourds, taker of jack-o-lanterns. 0/10 Picks tricks over treats every time

[onyxbird]

Are you a professional pumpkin artist? I just saw the Miles one and holy shit. How did you do that?

Nope, just an amateur who really enjoys this art form and has been practicing it for years. 🤣 Thank you--that's very flattering!

The short(ish) version of how:

Plan out your design in advance, paying attention to how each shape that isn't fully cut out will be supported--it's a very specific art form. Tracing is good for getting a recognizable silhouette, and expect to spend a lot of time tweaking until you get it to both look good and be carvable. (Or use a proven design from someone else.)

Big pumpkins let you do more intricate designs without the pieces getting too fragile. (But they also take longer to scrape/carve.)

Scrape the pumpkin shell out pretty thin, especially if you have any peeled sections that need to shine through. I like to see the glow of the light source through the entire pumpkin shell, and it makes carving easier due to less material to saw through.

Have one full-size copy of the pattern to transfer onto the pumpkin (it will be destroyed) and another copy to look at. To transfer your pattern, tape the paper onto the pumpkin at a couple of places (e.g., top and bottom or left and right) and make cuts in the paper and overlap/tape the pieces down until the pattern conforms to the curvature of the pumpkin. Check that the design still looks right and supports are intact. Then use something like a thumbtack to punch through the paper and into the pumpkin rind along the cut lines to mark them as a series of little punctures.

Use the right carving tools--you want something like a pumpkin saw you get in pumpkin carving kits, not just a kitchen knife. Something like small wood carving chisels work for removing sections of rind.

Leave yourself plenty of time--scraping and carving always take longer than I think it will (multi-hour process at minimum), and you don't want to accidentally cut the wrong thing piece (or yourself!) because you were rushing.

More elaboration below the cut, because you activated special-interest mode I love this art form and hope more people will have fun with it!

Patterns:

The key constraints are that you only get 2 or 3 colors (depending if you're going to peel sections of the rind) and any shape that's not a full cutout has to be supported (not just connected, but connected by pieces study enough to hold it). That makes the the art form both tricky and really satisfying when you figure it out.

Nowadays I usually draft mine on the computer in black for intact peel, orange (for parts where I'm going to peel just the rind off), and yellow for cutouts, to make it easy to envision what the final product will look like. Then I flip the colors to something that won't use up all my printer toner to print it out (black to white, orange to light gray, yellow to medium gray). (E.g., my Sandman design)

Don't hesitate to trace stuff to get recognizable silhouettes! Miles was traced directly from an official image (I think a promotional image?). So were Dream from The Sandman design and Andy from The Old Guard (below). If you're using a computer program that supports image layers, keeping stuff on different layers is really useful for tweaking relative sizes and positions to get the silhouettes to work. For Miles, I had his traced image and the spiderweb on different layers and adjusted them independently to make sure his silhouette was clearly recognizable (e.g., his elbows/heels/etc. are visible against cutouts so that you can easily recognize how his body is positioned).

In terms of supports, a good example is my The Old Guard design (below). I tweaked the axe position and the overall sizing of the silhouette vs. the circle a lot before getting here. The axe just connects to the edge of the circle at the handle and one tip of the blade, and the other side of the blade touches her shoulder. That means the axe, which has the narrowest/most fragile pieces of pumpkin, is very well supported even though it reads as a distinct, separate shape. (Having it diagonal instead of horizontal also made the image more dynamic, which is a bonus. 😉)

Pumpkin prep:

Put something down to protect your work surface and catch the pumpkin scraps (multiple layers of big sheets of paper/newspaper work well--the moisture from pumpkin innards will soak through a single layer). I wash the outside of my pumpkin before cutting, both because I use some of the pumpkin for cooking and in hopes of delaying my hard work rotting away.

I prefer to cut the opening (with a kitchen knife) at the bottom of the pumpkin and display on a plate instead of cutting a "lid" around the stem. This means 1) no need to worry about the lid getting damaged or not sitting right, 2) you can somewhat adjust the angle at which your pumpkin sits based on how you cut it, and 3) your candle/light can sit on a flat surface and be lit before you set the pumpkin down on top instead of it sitting on uneven pumpkin interior and having to reach down from the top to place/light it.

Once you get most of the stringy "pumpkin guts" and seeds out, you can scrape down the pumpkin flesh to thin out the shell. My favorite tool for this is the edge of a round cookie/biscuit cutter about the size of my palm--I hold it on one side from the dull/folded-over edge and scrape with the cutting edge. The scraped pumpkin flesh comes off as sort of "fluffy" scrapings, which I use as-is in pumpkin bread (it also freezes well for later use--I usually get multiple pounds from scraping a large jack-o-lantern pumpkin).

Carving:

When you transfer your pattern onto the pumpkin with a thumbtack, the lines appear as a series of small punctures in the rind. For areas with intricate details, corners/sharp curves, or lines running close together, keep the spacing small; for long gentle curves or straight lines, you can space them farther apart. Keep an intact copy of the pattern close by to reference when interpreting the punctures later, and if you're having trouble seeing the marks, you can rub a little bit of flour over the surface to highlight the holes.

My pumpkin-carving saws are just from one of these kits, like the two saws on the right with the straight handles. They're held like a pencil and go straight in-and-out like a sewing-machine needle. The saws are really the only thing I use from the kits--IMO big metal spoons and my cookie cutter work much better than the plastic scoops and I prefer a thumbtack to the "poker" (I have no idea what the crayon is intended for).

When starting to carve, you'll be pushing/pulling on the area you're cutting, and everything you cut out weakens the shell of the pumpkin in that area, so be strategic--you don't want to be carving a section that's already tenuously supported. I generally start with peeled sections (which only remove the outer layer of rind and don't significantly weaken it) and small, finicky cutouts, and then I typically move from the center of the design outward. So for Miles, his (peeled) chest design and eyes probably came first, then the tiny spiderweb sections framing his body and the area between his legs, then the larger spiderweb sections working outward.

To peel, I use what I think were originally wood-carving tools. I use a sharp tool to slice just through the outer rind along the marked edges of the area, and then work a small chisel under the rind to peel it up in small chunks. (Thin lines are peeled with a little trough-shaped blade.) For cutouts, I generally try to saw either straight in (perpendicular to the surface) or angle the blade slightly away from the piece to be removed to the cutout piece will easily push into the interior of the pumpkin and there will be fewer interior edges impinging into the cut out area. In thin sections, err on the side of leaving them well-supported in the initial cut and adjust afterwards.

Finally, if you are using a candle, do cut some kind of vents at the top of the pumpkin to let the heat/smoke escape. I usually cut some small triangles on the back side of the pumpkin top. For the Spiderverse pumpkin, I think the spider cutout to project on the wall served as my vent.

Timing:

As I mentioned, jack-o-lanterns always take longer to complete than I expect. However, once you carve and expose all those little pumpkin pieces, the clock starts ticking down to your jack-o-lantern drying out (making pieces start to shrivel and distort) and/or starting to rot/getting attacked by bugs. 🤷 This is an inherently transitory and perishable art form.

I prefer to carve the day-of so it looks its best, but since Halloween is not a work holiday, schedules do not always support that! Prepping/scraping the pumpkin the day before and then carving the next is one option for squeezing in a freshly carved design.

In my experience, my jack-o-lanterns usually look good for more than one day, so carving in advance can work, but it will depend on pattern/weather conditions/etc. Small pieces that stick out unsupported (e.g., the two unsupported pieces of the axe head above) are the most vulnerable to dryout/shriveling; designs like the Spider-Man one are less vulnerable because most of the pieces are anchored at both ends and thus can't collapse in a way that significantly alters the silhouette. A design that uses only peeling or has cutouts but no thin/delicate pieces of pumpkin (e.g., the classic simple jack-o-lantern face) will hold up best.

[flowerfan2]

I can't believe it's Halloween... I haven't written anything new for spooky season, much to my dismay. But I offer up for your reading pleasure this lovely Halloween fic from a few years ago.

Love Is Kind of Crazy (With a Spooky Little Boy Like You) M, 28 k. Jack/Bitty.

Jack is contemplating what to do after retiring from the NHL, so he and Bitty take some time off to enjoy autumn in New England. They hadn’t counted on the scary stuff that would happen, both of the Halloween variety and of a more personal nature.

Chapter 1

Bitty spreads newspaper on the kitchen island, and carefully lays out their carving tools and his second best knife. Jack is going to be home any minute from a Halloween event with the Falconers, and he had promised to bring home two of the best pumpkins for their own carving session.

It’s been a difficult time for Jack lately. Ever since deciding to retire from the Falcs, he’s been at loose ends. He had never fully recovered from a knee injury in his fourth season that kept him off the ice for six weeks, and after limping (literally) through the rest of the year, he had come to the conclusion that he would never recover fully enough to play professional ice hockey again the way he wanted – needed – to be able to play. 

Bitty remembers with a wry grin a conversation over drinks with Bob and Alicia, outside on a warm summer night in the backyard of their Montreal home. Jack had been so worried about the whole discussion, his hands clenching nervously in his lap.

“This doesn’t have to be a bad thing, Jack,” Bob said, glancing quickly at Alicia, who nodded in agreement. “I know you have interests other than hockey, much as you might try to hide it from the world. Now you can spend more time on something else.”

Jack looked helplessly at Bitty, who laid his hands over Jack’s and gave them a squeeze. “That’s what I keep telling him,” Bitty said encouragingly.

“I just don’t know where to start. I’ve been getting calls and offers ever since the news broke. It’s…”

“Overwhelming,” Alicia said. “I remember those days. Isn’t Melinda helping you?”

Melinda was Jack’s agent-slash-assistant; when Jack came out, he had enlisted her help, wisely realizing that it might be of use to have someone not on the Falcs’ payroll helping him navigate the shark-infested waters of the media. She’s been called in on various occasions ever since.

“Yeah, but she wants to know what I want to do so she can narrow it down. And I don’t know what to tell her.”

“You don’t have to decide right away, son,” Bob said, leaning over to refill Alicia’s glass, which had been drained rather quickly.

“I know, I told her I’d let her know by the end of the week. But-”

“A week? That’s not exactly what I had in mind,” Bob replied, a smirk growing on his face.

After further discussion, Jack and Bitty had decided that he would take six months, more or less, before committing to any other long-term obligations. So Jack had continued to help with Falconers publicity events, sat in on board meetings of various national organizations, been a guest coach for hockey leagues large and small… and still didn’t know what he wanted to do. Lately Bitty had been sending away for brochures for masters’ programs in history and photography and teaching and leaving them lying around their apartment, and while Jack accepted them good-naturedly, he hadn’t expressed any interest in finding out more information.

Bitty doesn’t want to rush him, but he thinks that Jack’s indecision itself is starting to upset him. He really hopes something strikes Jack soon, before he worries himself into a complete inability to make up his mind.

“Honey, I’m home,” Jack calls out, a smile in his voice as he shoves open the front door with his hip. He’s carrying two gigantic pumpkins with ease. His knee doesn’t bother him much most days, at least if he doesn’t push himself too hard. Jack sets the pumpkins down on the kitchen island before accepting a hello kiss from Bitty.

“Lord, those are big boys,” Bitty says, and flushes when Jack winks at him. “Shush, you. You know I meant the pumpkins.”

“Fine.” Jack presses Bitty up against the counter and kisses him again.

Bitty winds his arms around Jack’s neck, happily obliging. Jack seems much cheerier right now than he has of late, and the words pop out of his mouth before he can stop them. “What’s got into you, sweetheart? Weren’t you just carving pumpkins for hours with elementary school kids?”

Jack laughs and steps back. “Yes. But all the way home I kept thinking of you, getting ready to draw your pumpkin face for the year, that little frown crumpling your eyebrows…”

Bitty regards Jack curiously. “You were thinking of me while playing with the kids?”

“After I was done playing with the kids. And yes, I was.” Jack leans in for another kiss, prim this time, and then motions to the counter. “So, which one do you want?”

Bitty considers his options. “This one.” Bitty points to the slightly narrower pumpkin. “I want to do a scary face this time, and this one seems scarier.”

Jack doesn’t question his decision, although Bitty has no idea why that pumpkin seems scarier to him. “Okay.”

They get to work, cutting around the stem on the top of each pumpkin and scooping out the insides. Bitty gathers up the seeds for toasting; he’s going to use them in a pumpkin seed granola recipe he found online last week. 

“How was today’s event?” Bitty asks, as he searches for a better pencil with which to sketch his design.

“Same as last year. Except they had a different story for me to read.”

“Oh?”

“Yup.”

“What story?”

Jack pauses with a paring knife in his hand, and looks at Bitty. “Any chance you know what the origin of ‘Jack O’Lantern’ is?”

“Um, who’s the history nerd here?”

Jack makes as if to flick a pumpkin seed in Bitty’s direction, but continues. “There’s an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. He invited the devil to have a drink with him, but didn’t want to pay. Things went downhill from there-”

“I can imagine.”

“And so when Stingy Jack eventually died, the devil wouldn’t let him into hell. Instead he sent Jack off into the night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with it ever since. The Irish took to calling him ‘Jack of the Lantern’ or ‘Jack O’Lantern.’”

“Well, that’s not a very nice story to read to kids.”

Jack harrumphed. “I know, right? But I guess the idea is that people started to carve scary faces into turnips and potatoes and eventually pumpkins, and put them in the window to frighten Stingy Jack and other evil spirits away.”

“So the kids all made scary pumpkins to scare Stingy Jack away?”

“Exactly.”

“Still sounds like a bad story to read to kids.” And not a very nice story to make Jack read, either. He’s no evil spirit, whether he quit the Falconers or not. Bitty can’t imagine that the Falcs publicist meant anything by the choice, but he still doesn’t appreciate it. And he has the feeling Jack doesn’t either.

Bitty looks at the pumpkin in front of him and starts to rub off the pencil lines. “I changed my mind. I’m making a happy face this year.”

Jack doesn’t say anything, and when Bitty looks up at him, his eyes are wet. “What?” Bitty asks. “I can change my mind.”

“I love you, Bits,” Jack says, his voice low.

Bitty puts down his knife, wipes his hands on his apron, and takes Jack in his arms. “Love you too, sweetheart. Always."

Read the rest of the chapters on A03 here.

[dadgamerhq]

Autumn DIY Ideas for Dads: A Humorous Guide to Crafting and Chaos

Autumn is upon us, which means it’s time for dads everywhere to dive into seasonal DIY projects – with equal parts creativity and mischief. Here's a list of DIY activities that are fun, slightly chaotic, and perfect for showing off your "dad skills" while keeping everyone entertained.

1. Leaf Blower Art: Unleash the Blower, Create Chaos

Who needs rakes when you have a leaf blower? Turn raking into a creative (and chaotic) endeavour by transforming your garden into an art canvas. Grab a leaf blower, gather the family, and blast autumn leaves onto a large canvas or sheet. The result? Pure, abstract brilliance – or something only a dad would appreciate. Either way, there’s less actual raking involved. Dad Rating: ★★★★☆ Loud fun with minimal raking – a solid dad win.

2. The DIY Bird Feeder: High Rise for the Birds

Autumn is when birds look for winter shelter, so why not put your carpentry skills to the test? Build a bird feeder – or, if you’re feeling ambitious, a bird mansion. Use scraps of wood, old nails, and possibly that forgotten chair in the shed to create a feeding station fit for a king (or at least a robin). Dad Rating: ★★★★★ Perfect mix of carpentry and neighbour envy.

3. Pumpkin Carving: Battle of the Blunt Knives

What’s autumn without a competitive pumpkin carving contest? Grab the family, pick some pumpkins, and go wild with your design. Bonus points for the most intricate or ridiculous creation. Pro tip: avoid sharp knives, because blunt kitchen tools add extra challenge (and safety). Dad Rating: ★★★★☆ Messy fun, but worth the effort – even if it means cleaning pumpkin guts from your hair.

4. DIY Fire Pit: Go Full Caveman

Nothing beats a cosy fire pit on a chilly autumn evening. Instead of buying one, show off your DIY prowess by building your own. Grab a shovel, some bricks, and a bit of gravel, and dig yourself a hole in the garden. Light a fire, roast some marshmallows, and embrace your inner caveman. Dad Rating: ★★★★★ Fire, warmth, and minimal effort – the holy trinity of dad activities.

5. Autumn Wreaths: Pretend You’re Crafty

Yes, wreaths. Hear me out! You don’t need to be the crafty type to pull off a DIY autumn wreath. Raid the garden for leaves, acorns, and twigs, and get the glue gun out (because, admit it, glue guns make everyone feel like a professional). Stick it all together and hang it proudly on the front door. Bonus: it might convince the neighbours you’ve got your life together. Dad Rating: ★★★☆☆ Low effort, medium reward. Watch out for glitter – it gets everywhere.

6. Hedgehog Hotels: For the Garden’s Most Important Guest

Autumn is the season when hedgehogs are looking for a cosy place to hibernate. Why not turn a wooden crate or plastic tub into a luxury hedgehog hotel? It’s easy, fun, and gives you an excuse to avoid cleaning the shed for a few more months. Just line the crate with leaves, straw, and sticks, and wait for your prickly visitor to move in. Dad Rating: ★★★★☆ Low-maintenance and earns you bonus ‘Good Dad Points.’

7. Conker Battles: Channel Your Inner Child

No autumn is complete without a good old-fashioned conker battle. Go conker hunting with the kids, then get creative – soak your conkers in vinegar or varnish for maximum toughness (because let’s face it, dads are in it to win it). Drill a hole, thread some string, and get ready for conker domination. Dad Rating: ★★★★★ Nostalgic, competitive, and free – what’s not to love?

8. Apple Picking and Pie Baking: Culinary Ambition Awaits

If you’re looking to impress the family, why not combine two autumn favourites: apple picking and pie baking? Head out to the orchard, gather some apples, and then roll up your sleeves for some kitchen action. It’s a rare chance to don an apron and pretend you’re on The Great British Bake Off – just be prepared for the kitchen mess. Dad Rating: ★★★★☆ A delicious (and impressive) end to a hard day's work.

Conclusion: Dad DIY – Embrace the Autumn Chaos

Autumn DIY projects don’t have to be perfect; in fact, they rarely are. But that’s the fun of it! Whether you’re carving pumpkins, starting fires, or challenging the kids to conker battles, it’s all about embracing the chaos, making memories, and maybe even learning a thing or two along the way. So go on, put down the remote, pick up a drill (or a leaf blower), and dive into the season with dadly determination. After all, autumn isn’t just for pumpkin spice lattes and woolly jumpers – it’s for dads doing DIY, one slightly chaotic project at a time.

Read the full article

[kentmastersd]

Boning Knife Uses: A Versatile Tool in the Kitchen

A boning knife is a valuable tool for professional chefs and home cooks alike, known for its sharp, narrow blade that excels at separating meat from bones. While its primary use lies in handling meat, fish, and poultry, a boning knife offers much more in terms of kitchen versatility. This article will explore the various uses of a boning knife uses, why it's a must-have in any kitchen, and tips on how to get the most out of this specialized knife.

Removing Bones from Meat

The most obvious and common use of a boning knife is removing bones from cuts of meat. The knife’s long, thin blade allows for precise cutting around bones, joints, and cartilage. Whether you are preparing a rack of lamb, trimming beef tenderloin, or deboning a whole chicken, the boning knife’s sharpness and flexibility ensure that you remove the bones without wasting any valuable meat.

There are two main types of boning knives: stiff and flexible. A stiff boning knife is best for working with tougher meats like beef or pork, while a flexible boning knife is ideal for delicate cuts such as poultry and fish. Both types help in trimming fat and skin with great precision, leaving you with well-prepared cuts.

Filleting Fish

For fish lovers, a boning knife is an essential tool for filleting. While filleting knives exist, many cooks prefer using a flexible boning knife due to its thin, tapered blade that easily slides under fish skin. This knife is perfect for making clean cuts and removing skin without damaging the delicate flesh. Additionally, a boning knife allows you to debone whole fish, ensuring you get the freshest fillets for cooking or sashimi preparation.

Trimming Fat and Skin

Trimming fat from cuts of beef, pork, or lamb can be a tricky task without the right tool. The boning knife’s sharp edge and slim profile allow for more precise trimming compared to a standard chef’s knife. Whether you're preparing a brisket or a pork roast, the boning knife helps in removing excessive fat layers, silver skin, and tough tendons that can affect the quality of your final dish. Its control makes it a favorite tool for butchers and home cooks looking to perfect their cuts.

Prepping Poultry

Boning knives are particularly helpful when dealing with poultry. Whether you are spatchcocking a chicken or cutting down a turkey for roasting, the boning knife's thin, agile blade helps you maneuver around bones, joints, and tendons with ease. This tool makes it simpler to quarter chickens, cut through wing joints, and remove breast meat cleanly. It's also useful for removing the backbone of a bird in one smooth cut.

Versatility Beyond Meat and Fish

Though primarily designed for meat and fish preparation, the boning knife’s versatility extends beyond protein. It can also be used to cut vegetables, particularly those with tough skins like pumpkins or squash. The sharp, narrow blade slices through these hard surfaces more effectively than broader kitchen knives uses. Additionally, the boning knife is excellent for making decorative cuts or carving fruits like melons and mangoes, where precision is required.

Caring for Your Boning Knife

To ensure your boning knife stays sharp and effective, it’s important to maintain it properly. Always hand wash and dry the knife after use to prevent corrosion, and store it in a knife block or sheath to protect the blade. Regular honing and occasional sharpening will keep the edge sharp, ensuring the knife remains a reliable kitchen tool for years.

Conclusion

A boning knife is more than just a tool for separating meat from bones. Its sharp, agile blade allows it to perform a range of kitchen tasks, from trimming fat to filleting fish and even preparing vegetables. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, incorporating a boning knife into your kitchen arsenal can greatly improve your efficiency and precision. With the right care, it’s a versatile tool that can serve you well for years to come.

[photomanipulation1]

Unveiling the Dark Art: A Guide to Horror and Halloween Photo Manipulation

In the realm of digital art, photo manipulation has emerged as a powerful tool to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. As we approach the eerie season of Halloween, the demand for horror and Halloween-themed photo manipulations skyrockets. These manipulations are not just about adding spooky elements to images; they are about creating a whole new world that captivates and terrifies the viewer.]

The Art of Horror Photo Manipulation:

Horror photo manipulation is an art form that requires a deep understanding of both technical skills and psychological elements. To create a successful horror manipulation, an artist must delve into the darker side of imagination, bringing forth images that evoke fear, suspense, and unease. This genre often includes elements such as ghostly figures, haunted landscapes, and unsettling distortions of the human form.

Techniques and Tools:

To achieve a chilling effect in horror photo manipulation, artists employ various techniques such as colour grading to create a gloomy atmosphere, layering to add depth and complexity, and blending modes to merge different elements seamlessly. Tools like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP are popular choices for their wide range of features that cater to the intricate needs of horror photo manipulation.

Halloween Photo Manipulation:

As Halloween approaches, the demand for themed photo manipulations increases. Halloween photos manipulation is all about capturing the essence of this spooky festival. From carved pumpkins and witchy costumes to eerie landscapes and supernatural creatures, these manipulations set the perfect tone for Halloween celebrations.

Tips for Creating Spooky Manipulations:

Start with a clear concept and mood in mind.

Pay attention to lighting and shadows to enhance the eerie atmosphere.

Use textures and overlays to add depth and a sense of decay.

Experiment with different blending modes to achieve ghostly or supernatural effects.

Remember to add small, subtle details that can make a big difference in the overall impact.

Examples of Horror and Halloween Photos Manipulation:

To get inspired, explore online galleries and forums where artists share their horror and Halloween photo manipulation works. Websites like DeviantArt and Behance are great platforms to find a wide range of styles and techniques.

Conclusion:

Horror and Halloween photo manipulation is a fascinating genre that allows artists to explore their creativity and bring their darkest imaginings to life. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner looking to try your hand at this art form, the possibilities are endless. For those seeking inspiration or resources, Photomanipulation.com is an excellent website to explore. It offers tutorials, tips, and a community of like-minded artists to help you hone your skills and create spine-chilling masterpieces.

Blog Source URL:-https://photomanipulationblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/unveiling-dark-art-guide-to-horror-and.html

[affordablekeys]

🎃👻 Happy Halloween Sales: Get Spooky Savings on Microsoft Products! 👻🎃

Don't let the ghosts and ghouls of high prices haunt you this Halloween! At Such As Mskeydeals, we're conjuring up a deal so good it's scary. Whether you're a professional looking for top-notch software or a student in need of essential tools, we've got something for everyone.

👉 30% Off with Coupon Code MO30KEYS 👈

👉 Unleash the Magic of Microsoft Products:

Microsoft Office: From Word to Excel, PowerPoint to Outlook, equip yourself with the finest productivity tools. Windows Operating Systems: Upgrade your PC or laptop to the latest Windows version. Microsoft 365: Access to the cloud, productivity, and collaboration apps you love, now at an unbeatable price. Microsoft Project and Visio: Streamline your projects and create professional diagrams. 🎃 Hurry, this offer won't haunt you for long! 🎃

This Halloween, you won't find a sweeter treat than the 30% discount with our coupon code MO30KEYS. It's as easy as carving a pumpkin! Simply apply the code at checkout and watch the savings appear like magic. But don't dilly-dally; this deal is as fleeting as a ghostly apparition.

Join us at Such As Mskeydeals and say "Boo!" to high prices this Halloween. Don't let this spooktacular offer slip through your fingers. Upgrade your Microsoft software today and enjoy a truly frighteningly good deal.

👻🔑 Shop now at Such As Mskeydeals and use Coupon Code MO30KEYS for a 30% discount! 🔑👻 #specialoffer #offer #discount #sale #onlineshopping #promo #fashion #specialoffers #shopping #offers #special #beauty #discounts https://mskeydeals.com/

[stefs]

CHRYZTAL Pumpkin Carving Kit Tools Halloween, Professional Heavy Duty Carving Set, Stainless Steel Double-side Sculpting Tool Carving Kit for Halloween Decoration Jack-O-Lanterns

CHRYZTAL Pumpkin Carving Kit Tools Halloween, Professional Heavy Duty Carving Set, Stainless Steel Double-side Sculpting Tool Carving Kit for Halloween Decoration Jack-O-Lanterns https://a.co/d/5aNEj41

[bouncyballcitadel]

“Wellness Break” - A Short Snippet

Davy/MC + surgery interns + pumpkin carving

You've figured out that there are two types of people: those who put on gloves before scooping out their pumpkins and those who just go in raw. 

As your co-interns start carving out their pumpkins, you sneak a peek at everyone's progress. Xiao, predictably, has gone all in - pulling out goopy fistfuls of pumpkin seeds with a "I fucking hate this" look on his face. Riley, on the other hand, is just pulling on his gloves, looking at Xiao with visible disdain. 

And you? You have pumpkin juice under your fingernails. 

You glance at Davy beside you, notice that they've laid out the pumpkin carving tools like surgical instruments on a paper towel. You watch as they slip on gloves and then delicately carve out the pumpkin stem before removing the innards with a spatula. 

"How's the patient?" you ask, lightly bumping your hip against them. 

You see the corner of their mouth curve up. "Could be better."

"Do you need an assistant?"

Davy looks over at your "patient" who now has had all its viscera excavated. "What about yours?"

"I'll put in a consult." You pass your pumpkin over to Reese. "Think you can handle one more?"

Reese nods solemnly. "I'm ready."

"You two are ridiculous," Davy says. "You should never scrub in together."

"Excuse you, I'm a consummate professional." You wipe your hands on a paper towel, pull on gloves. "All right, doctor. It's a beautiful day to save lives."

"If you're Derek Shepherd, does that make me Meredith Grey?" Davy sets their spatula down. "Scalpel."

You pass the scalpel to Davy's outstretched hand, feel a thrill of pleasure run through you when their fingers curl around yours for just the briefest squeeze. "Nah. The real McDreamy is Dr. Grey."

"Should I be jealous?"

"Absolutely not." You press lightly against Davy's side before lowering your voice into a purr. "I'm yours."

Davy looks over to you, and even though you're surrounded bv all your other co-interns, it's easy to pretend that it's just the two of you in the room. They have that effect on you, especially when they're so close, their gaze molten. If someone asked you what you found most attractive about Davy, the answer's easy: not their body, not their talent, but the way they look at you with their undivided attention, the way you feel seen.

"Hey," you say softly. 

"Hey," they say back. 

"Can we keep it PG-13?" Xiao interrupts. "Your obvious love and intimacy is making me gag."

Davy snorts, and you laugh - the moment broken. 

"I'm not the one making goo-goo eyes at Diana and Ari every five minutes," you say. 

"I do not!" Xiao huffs. 

"You do," Riley says. "It's sickening."

"I hate you." 

"I think it's cute," Reese chimes in. 

You see Xiao's cheeks flush an even deeper pink. "I hate all of you."

[alsmp-headcanons]

Continuing off the traits carried over HC

Florin Lizzie’s pumpkin head had a raccoon face carved into it (the pumpkin had stripes on its stem like a raccoon tail)

Vampire Scott has a lunar moth brooch holding his cloak.

Flying fox CPK has a plushie of Giant CPK (fruit bats in rescues have stuffies apparently)

Inchling Joey has a shulker shell bed.

Inchling fWhip uses a pillager handtools as full-size tools for himself (spruce handled, beaten metal) like a pillager dagger for a sword.

Next life Sausage has a rosary of St Pearl

Next life Gem has a emerald on her belt (like a master level villager professional)

All of this is very much y e s

(I won’t be tagging everyone because I’m lazy

[onthesandsofdreams]

Halloween Party

Pairing: Steve/Diana Rating: T Summary: “So… we’re throwing the Halloween part this year, right?”

Diana looked up from her laptop, Steve stood at the kitchen’s doorway, leaning casually against it, he bore a small frown. “Yes,” she told him. “Sameer hosted last year. It’s our turn this one.”

“Oh jolly,” Steve walked into the kitchen, opened a cabinet door and grabbed a glass. “So, do you have any plans on how to outdo him?” Words: 1959 Notes: A gift for @steventrevor, here you go Mara dear, your gift!

Read @ AO3

“So… we’re throwing the Halloween part this year, right?”

Diana looked up from her laptop, Steve stood at the kitchen’s doorway, leaning casually against it, he bore a small frown. “Yes,” she told him. “Sameer hosted last year. It’s our turn this one.”

“Oh jolly,” Steve walked into the kitchen, opened a cabinet door and grabbed a glass. “So, do you have any plans on how to outdo him?” He asked as he walked to the fridge and grabbed the pinot that was opened and served himself. Once he did, he lifted the bottle, silently asking if she wanted some.

She shook her head, “No to both your questions, but maybe would turn the house – and I do mean, the whole house – into a haunted house?”

Steve sat down next to Diana, “That sounds like a plan, we’d need stuff though. We have basic supplies, we’d need more.” He thought for a moment, “Could come expensive, but you know what? Worth it. Maybe we could even enter the ‘best decorated house’ contest and win it too. What’s the prize on that, do you remember?”

“A thousand in cash, a week’s worth of groceries and we skip duties on the next potluck.”

Steve nodded, “Worth it. So, let’s make battle plans.”

She and Steve spent a week pouring over websites, google and other resources to decide how to decorate the house. In the end, it was Steve who came with their most impressive idea.

“I got it!” Steve bolted upright, disturbing Diana’s sleep. “Diana, a musical light show!”

Diana, still tired, sleepy and disoriented said, “Steve, it’s the middle of the night, please go to sleep.”

“Diana, sleep later. We can put a musical light show, to two songs: Ghostbuster’s theme and This is Halloween.”

She closed her eyes, resting her head against her pillow, “If I accept, would you let me go back to sleep?”

“Yes.”

“Then fine, we’re doing a light show. I’ll worry about it when I’m awake. Goodnight Steve.”

“Night Diana.”

True to her word, she worried the moment she was fully awake and able to realize what she had agreed to, but Steve showed her some light shows videos, promising to get the best and installed by a professional that calmed her down. They did looked quite spectacular and besides, the light show would only be up the week before Halloween and on Halloween itself – that fell on Saturday, what a luck!

They gathered outdoor decorations, found the skeletons and tombstones they wanted. A fog machine that called her fancy, some lights that would hang from the tree outside in their yard and hanging bats that could be put there too.

For the inside of their home, they bought spiderweb to put all over, a skeleton that when someone passed it by greeted hello, ghosts that could be hanged from the ceiling, bats and spiders to put everywhere, plenty of candy for trick-or-treaters, lights that would flicker every so often, crystal balls that fogged, severed hands to hide in all sorts of places, mirrors with a shadow in it, warning signs, signs with creepy and oblique warnings, two wreath of snakes for their stairwell, an animated doorbell that hand an eye that blinked, skulls, two punch bowls that stood on ravens and plenty of other things. And then, they set themselves up to the task of decorating the moment the second week of October entered.

“Why are we doing this again?” Diana asked, as she looked down from her ladder, as she placed more spiderweb on the corner of their living room. “Why did I agree?”

Steve, who was hiding severed limbs grinned, “Because it will be a memorable party, it will be fun and it shut Sameer up about his decorating skills.”

“Fine.” She looked at her handywork, nodded once and descended. “I’m adding more spiderwebs in the kitchen and hiding some eyes on shelves. What are you doing next?”

“Installing the doorbell. The light show guys will be here in an hour, so I’ll supervising that too.”

“Well then, carry on.”

***

Decorating the whole house took them two days, by the end of Sunday they were exhausted, but quite happy. “The house looks amazing,” Diana said after coming out of the bath. “We really outdid ourselves. Worth the expense.”

Steve, who was lounging in the bed, grinned, “Well, it’ll even itself on years to come. I mean, we don’t have to go all out every year, we can pick and choose what to put and when, but what we got has the quality to last years, so, win. And agreed, the house is awesome.”

She couldn’t help but to smile back at Steve, “It will be a fun party, I’m sure. I can’t believe we actually found enough creepy songs for a full playlist.”

“Halloween, like Christmas sells.”

“That it does.” She let herself fall on the bed, her body ached, but it was the sort of ache she liked, that one that said that her body had been busy. “I’m very much looking forward seeing everyone’s faces.”

“Me too, but I’m beat. Goodnight, goddess mine.”

“Goodnight sweetheart.”

***

One week flew them by, their neighbors had already complimented their house décor. And Steve would always grin and say, “Wait ‘till you see the light show’. It was a moment of glory as they stood outside, after night had fallen for Steve to push the button that would start the show.

The moment it began, her jaw dropped. The lights danced, the ghost shaped lights had mouths that ‘sang’ along to the music. A pair of neighbors came out, and stood there watching as the show went on. Steve simply grinned like a loon and she felt a swell of pride, yes, their home would be the best decorated and win this year.

“It’s amazing,” she said, her voice was barely loud above the music. “Steve, this is fantastic.”

Steve came to her side, threw an arm around her and pulled her close. “See, genius idea.”

She burrowed into his arm, letting his cologne wash over her and his warmth sheltered her against the Autumn chill. She chuckled, “Yes, just try and not have more genius ones when we are asleep. Do be a genius awake.”

Steve let out a mock gasp of indignation. “Well, miss Diana, I’ll have you know that…”

She laid a finger against his lips, “I tease. You are quite brilliant when you’re awake too.”

“That’s a relief,” Steve muttered against her finger, then kissed it gently. “Let’s go inside. Oh, we really need to get the last décor.”

She frowned, “Did we forget something?”

Steve pulled her towards their home, “Pumpkins, for craving and place some candles – electric, of course – inside.”

“Oh. Well then, we can get them tomorrow.”

“We really should wait until Wednesday, I don’t want them to rot or spoil before hand.”

“Very well.”

***

It was Wednesday morning when they got several pumpkins for their entrance, they got smaller ones for the steps up their front door and once they went home, they were going to start craving them. Steve had gotten the tools earlier during their shopping spree.

“How in the hell is pumpkin craving so hard?! The movies make it look so easy!” Steve ranted, irritated as he tried to follow the pattern they had traced on the pumpkin. Steve was going for a ghost, she was going for a face. “I’m not happy.”

She grinned, “Take it easy, love. It’s not that hard.” True to her word, she was doing much better than Steve, she had managed to do it faster and with a steady hand, so her face was coming along nicely. Once she finished, she would move to a smaller pumpkin and crave a spider or a bat. “It’s easy, just follow the design.”

Steve gave her a look, “I know, that’s what I’m doing, but it’s still not coming along.”

She stopped what she was doing, took his project and began to show him how to do it. It was funny that she had such easy, because it was also her first time doing so, Steve had decorated pumpkins before, but it had been quite a few years since he last done so. “See,” she said as she moved her hand and carved the ghost. “Easy.”

Steve had a sharp look, full of determination. “Got it, give me that. This gourd won’t defeat me.”

She laughed. “Of course not.”

Working slowly, but surely, they finished the pumpkins that same day. Steve had bought battery operated candles that would give enough light for them, they made a lovely sight. She would’ve added flame candles, specially if she had added cinnamon to them, or ones that smelled like pumpkin pie or spice. But it wasn’t to be, maybe next year, when they didn’t have so many things on.

The day of the party arrived, she and Steve had been responsible adults enough to make food ahead of time. Said food was things that made things easier, they made sandwiches and they had pigs on a blanket ready to toss in the oven, alongside spicy wings and they had placed a large order of pizzas. Two large punches were ready, an alcoholic and one non alcoholic, plus sodas and strong liquors. For costumes, they decided to match the music and went as Jack and Sally.

And then, they ready themselves for it.

Sameer, when seeing the house sighed and said, “You two crazy kids. You went all out, didn’t you?”

Steve’s grin was smug, “Of course we did, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to throw a good party, don’t you think?”

Sameer arched a brow, “Yes, of course.” He looked around, “And I have to say, it’s magnificent. Now, point me at the food.”

With the music, their friends and neighbor popping in, it was an amazing party, one that lasted well until after midnight. They fell on the bed, “I have to take the make up, but I can’t move.” She said. “I should’ve take it off before coming to bed.”

“I’m beat myself. I also have to take off make up.” Steve turned to Diana, “How do you put on make up every day and then take it off at night and do it all over again next morning?”

She smiled, “Because I can, it’s sort of zen for me. As I’m doing my make up, my mind is blank. That’s another form of meditation for me.”

“Huh. Interesting,” Steve grunted and stood from the bed. “I’ll be back.”

She followed him with her eyes as he went to the bathroom. And while he was gone, she managed to slide off her costume and tossed aside her wig, she didn’t bother putting things nicely, she just tossed everything aside and waited until Steve came back.

When he did, he had his costume under his arm and no make up. She stood and went to wash her face, good thing they had no plans for today. She looked herself in the mirror, even with the make up, she looked tired.

She grabbed her make up remover, then began to take it away. It came off slowly, and when it did, she grabbed her soap and opened the water and waited until it came out warm, she washed her face slowly and enjoyed feeling her skin clean. She closed the tap, grabbed her face towel and gently dried it, put serum and then her night cream and went back to the bed.

Steve was asleep. She smiled softly, crawled into bed with him, turned the light off and promptly fell asleep.

It was later that day, when Steve got a text from the HOA, they had won the décor contest. They both grinned. Victory.

[heroacademiaimagines]

For the Kids

Word Count: 1,319 words Pairing: Bakugou Katsuki/Reader Summary: Somehow, he always managed to show he cared. 

A/N: Also found here on AO3!

It was just supposed to be something nice for the kids.

When you were a hero, the work you did wasn’t all that mattered; the public opinion mattered, the way people viewed you mattered, petty things to most, but that was just the reality of the situation. You had taken to doing charity work involving children after you’d become a full-time pro-hero, knowing you could naturally enjoy your timing doing something good for children, brightening their day with your visits or bringing them new toys to play with (as most of the children involved in this were generally poor, or orphaned). You hardly denied the chance to do this type of charity work, and though it had first started as something you did to build up your public persona, you had found it to be incredibly enjoyable, too.

“Why don’t you just pose for a photo or two, don’t make any of the kids cry, and then you can get lost?” You tilted your head to look back at your fellow pro-hero, one who you’d managed to rope into helping you out on this gig. It was just carving pumpkins with kids, something fun, not too strenuous, and not televised so that on the off-chance a certain someone’s mouth started to run, it wouldn’t plummet his popularity.

“Whatever.” Bakugou scoffed, and you’re pleased to see he’s practicing some self-restraint today.

“Maybe you can blow a few of them up in the end, the unused ones. I’m sure the kids would love that!”

Bakugou was far higher up in the pro-hero ranks than you were, but his popularity went through spikes. He was considered handsome by many, and there was no doubt he was skilled, powerful, capable of protecting those that needed it. But he hadn’t managed to get rid of the abrasive side of him that first bloomed when he was a kid, and though far more mature than he used to be, his temper could still be explosive should his toes be stepped on. And the media very much enjoyed stepping on Bakugou’s toes, just to see what type of response they could get out of him.

One such incident had happened recently, you couldn’t really blame him for telling the cameraman to fuck himself, but unfortunately, the public had opinions about this interaction and none of them had been positive. After many phone calls, and nearly busting down his door as he pushed you straight to voicemail, you insisted that he join you on this fall event at an elementary school. You knew his relationship with children was tenuous at best, but you also had faith that he could hold back any non-child friendly behavior long enough to take a few pictures, and then make himself scarce. You rarely got to spend time with your friend (you’d actually just reached the point where he stopped denying your friendship), so you’d seen it as a win-win situation.

You were both introduced to the children quickly, the courtyard of the school having tables with many pumpkins, all shapes and sizes, spread out among them so that the children could run up and pick whatever they pleased. They’d proceed to bring the pumpkins back to their assigned pro-hero, who would be in charge of carving or retrieving the paint to decorate it, and that was just about it. The laughter is infectious and you can feel a smile spreading across your face as you watched them happily partake, glad you were spending a weekend doing something fun instead of lounging on your couch.

The first part of the event goes well, just as planned, and you steal a few glances at Bakugou when you can; he was biting his tongue, rolling his eyes, but still overall being helpful to the kids under his care. You’d even heard a few of them call him cool, directly appealing to his ego, which certainly put him in a better mood. He had an entire line of pumpkins by the time you started to focus more on carving your own, and soon the kids thinned out, running to get their fall treats for their lunch before the second part of the event began.

You continued to carve out your own pumpkin, thoughts wandering now that you didn’t have to focus on not letting children cut off their own fingers. You were digging into your pumpkin when the tool slipped, and you found it to be much sharper than you’d originally thought.

You winced, quickly bringing your hand to your chest and using your other hand to block the damage; you cringe at the cut, knowing you probably had to go to the hospital to get stitches with how deep it looked. You’re surprised when you’re suddenly hoisted up by your arm, turning to look at Bakugou, who was wearing a completely straight face even as he pulled you away. The other heroes there paid you two no mind, busy wrangling the students and making sure everyone got at least one treat before handing out doubles. Bakugou, like a bodyguard, discreetly pulls you down the halls of the school to the infirmary, finally releasing you so that he could rummage through the supplies that had been left out.

He’s being far too quiet, and now that you were alone, you could practically feel the irritation radiating off of him.

“Just say what you gotta say, Katsuki.” The use of his first name makes his eye twitch and he whipped around to glare at you; if you’re going to refer to him in a friendly manner, than he had no intention of holding back.

“You’re a professional goddamn hero, and you cut yourself carving pumpkins. What the fuck is wrong with you?” A fair question, one you’d thought yourself the minute you’d accidentally sliced into your hand. You shrugged your shoulders which only seemed to irritate him more, and he’s not necessarily gentle as he cleaned your wounds.

The thing was, he was still doing it.

You hadn’t asked him for help, nor had you realized he even noticed that you were hurt. It had happened in a split second and you had moved to cover the blood so you didn’t spook any of the kids who had still been around, but apparently, he’d been paying more attention to you than you’d thought. You’d already been surprised he hadn’t left the minute the photographers made themselves scarce, but now he was helping you, with minimal insults (you admit, you probably deserved his original comment). You watch as he cleaned up the blood, inhaling sharply as he cleaned the wound and wrapped it tightly, saving the situation until you could get to a hospital to treat it properly. You consider making a joke about him being a doctor instead of a hero, but deciding you didn’t want to add burn wounds on top of this cut, you simply smiled at him.

“Thanks a lot. And thanks for coming with me today.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” He muttered under his breath. “Just go get that taken care of as soon as we’re done here, you here me? I’ll walk you there my damn self if you think you can just go home and deal with it later.”

“Wow, you’ve been around these kids so long you’re actually turning into a parent. How did that happen?”

“Shut up.” His cheeks turned pink. “I should’ve let you bleed out.”

“I don’t think your PR team could help you come back from that,” You patted his shoulder, ignoring the fact his cheeks seemed to turn darker when you touched him. “Especially considering I’m your PR team and I’d be dead.”

“Your jokes aren’t funny if you have to explain them.”

“Can we go back to the nice Katsuki who was so diligently tending to my wounds?”

“No.”

The two of you rejoined the crowd, and spent the rest of the event side-by-side.

[nega-aria]

Did you have any Halloween headcanons for the Gravesbeaks family since October is coming up

Yaaaaaas 🎃

-Mark loves going all out on Halloween to the point that he’ll hire professionals to turn his house into the scariest thing in Duckburg because ‘scaring people is super dope’, but he’s a total wuss when it comes to getting scared himself.

-During his first Halloween Boyd drags his daddies to a haunted house attraction because he enjoyed seeing his own home turned into one so much. He spends the entire time introducing himself to all the monsters and comforting his scared daddy Mark. They eventually get kicked out because Falcon can’t stop himself from instinctively punching the poor jump scare employees.

-Mark instantly pretends that it wasn’t scary at all as soon as they’re outside again (despite clinging to Falcon the entire way out).

-Matching family costumes are absolutely mandatory in the Beaks home. Not debatable. 

-Falcon was a complete nervous wreck the first time Boyd carved pumpkins with Mark, and he spent the entire time worrying about his son cutting himself with an impossibly dull kid knife. Nevermind that his idiot husband was busy obliterating his own pumpkin with an experimental laser carving tool.

-Turns out Boyd rocks pumpkin carving. Mark on the other hand produces jack-o-lanterns that look more like a near sighted 5 year old made them.

-Despite his best efforts to keep his boys from going into a sugar coma, Falcon can never seem to find a good enough hiding place to prevent Mark from sniffing out all the candy and binging on it with Boyd. It becomes a ritual candy hunt every year which Boyd enjoys more than actual trick-or-treating. Literally the only thing they ever leave behind is the black licorice.

-Falcon eats all the black licorice. He loves all the reject candy.

-Don’t tell Mark he eats the reject candy.

-Boyd quickly develops a deep love of cheesy old, black and white horror movies. Falcon is surprised to find that he actually really enjoys them as well and it becomes one of his favorite Halloween traditions to share with his son.

-It took at least a dozen houses for Falcon to actually let Boyd trick-or-treat at some strangers door without hovering behind him. Boyd still tended to end up with extra candy because of his scary dad threatening death via glaring at the homeowners from their yard.

-Mark, on the other hand, is a happily sobbing mess every time Boyd walks up to someone’s door because he thinks his baby trick-or-treating for the first time is the cutest thing ever. You bet he documents every second of it to spam his followers with.

-Falcon always hated Halloween, it was pointless and noisy by his standards, but sharing it with Mark and Boyd made him love it just because they love it so much. His parrots have an infectious sort of enthusiasm.