#Savor Pro Heat Plate

[anniebear-92]

Paw Prints

Have I risen from the dead? Seemingly. I am sorry for the long delay, there has been quite a bit going on in my life that I just have not had the time to sit down and bust out this next part. I think the next part will be the NSFW part that will not really add to the story should you wish to skip it. I plan at least one other SFW part and then our story will be coming to an end. Stay tuned though as I have other ideas that I have written down for one shots, fics and head cannons :)

Summary:

Things just have not been the same since your phone call with Kirishima. Given the cold shoulder from your cat is nothing new but you've had enough and are bout to do something about it.

It had been a quiet, long last few days since your conversation with Kirishima. Katsuki had been seemingly giving you the cold shoulder as he refused to speak more than a few words towards you or even meet your gaze. He had even taken to sleeping in the guest room to your shock.

Kirishima had called just a bit ago to inform that he aquired documentation for the feline to enroll in school and was planning to drop them off later this afternoon. You huffed as your gaze followed the broad shoulders of his best friend as he naviagated around the kitchen, banging and throwing things into a pan.

You had contiplated several senarios in your head as to what could've caused his sudden coldness towards you, none of them lining up properly to the truth. A plate was dropped into your lap as he fell into the spot beside you, the chopsticks he now weilded like a pro digging into his meal and depositing the haul bewteen those full pink lips of his. Heat began creeping up the back of your neck as your gaze dragged over the features of the handsome man that shared your home. Becoming hotter than the sun when you found the vermillion pair boring back into yours.

Clearing your throat you began tearing into your own out of embarrassment at being caught. It has become increasingly hard to continue denying any sort of attraction or feelings towards the stoic blonde. Kirishima continues to this day to push the issue that he can clearly see it and you should just tell him how you feel. The flavors of the food had you lost in thought as you savored when a crash of chopsticks hitting an empty plate earned your attention.

Katsuki had scarfed down his meal, now ready to return to the kitchen and dump his plate in the sink before retreating into the guest bedroom for the fifth day in a row without a word. As he stood, you found yourself unable to take the silence any longer.

"Katsuki."

His body visibly stiffened as his eyes narrowed down at you. No words were shared as he waited for you to speak.

"Could, you tell me what I did to earn your silence? It's about as bad as when you were in your cat form all the time. Kind of a one sided conversation really."

He snorted sharply, turning to take his plate to the kitchen once again in silence.

"Katsuki! Come on, I can't apologize or grovel to you for something I don't know what I did!" You followed him with your own empty plate now, visible distress on your face as he huffed and dropped the plate into the sink.

He rounded and snatched the plate from your hands, his gaze boring into your own.

"It's fine."

You rolled your eyes, crossing your arms across your chest before rebutting his statement.

"It's clearly not fine. You've been completely ignoring my existence for days. Sleeping in the guest bedroom after arguing with me that you'd be sharing my bed as always and even spending time in your cat form when you need to leave the room for whatever reason! I haven't even been scented in awhile which is abnormal, especially when I came in yesterday after petting that stray dog in the park!"

His nose wrinkled in memory of the horrid smell, he had fought his instincts to rid you of that horrible odor the second you walked into the door. However he had resolve, if avoiding you to get rid of these feelings you clearly didn't want wasn't going to work he would have to find another tactic.

"Fine. I was upset and now I'm not. Happy? I'll scent you and sleep in your bed again if you want."

Inhaling deeply while closing your eyes in frustration. His stubborn streak was about on your last nerve when the doorbell rang.

"It's Kirishima."

He simply stated before turning and walking towards the guest room once again, most likely to either hide or change his clothes for the day.

Swinging the door open you found the shining redhead standing there with a manila folder in hand and flanked by someone you were, unfamiliar with.

"Hey! I have Katsuki's stuff!"

His bright smile dropped when he saw the distress in yours, shaking your head you gave him the faux smile you always did to hide the argument you had just endured.

"Thanks, I'm sure he'll be excited. Uh, who is this?"

You shot a polite smile to the shorter of the two now standing inside your entry way. His unruly dark hair curled around his face that was littered with freckles and bright, shining emerald eyes. He wore a smile that rivaled Kiri's when he stuck his hand out.

"Hello! I am Izuku Midoriya. I'm an old friend of Kirishima and Kacchan's."

You cocked a brow at the second name, unsure of who he was referring to.

"Kaachan is Katsuki. He and Izuku were friends back when he was a Kitten, before he was adopted by that family. Midoriya joined my family's organization as a volunteer a few years ago to help other hybrids."

Your eyes flashed between the two in surprise at the mention of the secret race as if he was not a total stranger in your home.

"Ah! Sorry, I am a hybrid too. Don't worry about your secret getting out!"

The bright smile of the shorter man grew wider as long matching dark ears sprouted from under the curls, reminding you of a... rabbit!

"Who the fuck are you talking to?" The growling voice of your roommate came from just around the corner, like he didn't tell you who was at the door.

"It's Kirishima and a friend!" You called, ignoring the fact he was actually speaking with you as if he had not ignored you for days on end. He rounded the corner quickly and came to a halt at the sight of the bunny hybrid.

"What the fuck?"

His lip curled and he was immediately behind you with such speed, thick arms wrapping around your waist to pull you back into the solid wall of muscle.

"What are you doing here Deku?!"

Blinking rapidly the shorter man returned to his human state as his eyes began flicking between the two of you.

"I heard from Kirishima he had made contact with you once again. I came to see my old friend, also if it was true you had found and are living with your mate."

A large hand clamped over the smaller man's mouth as a squeak left your body. Kirishima gave a nervous smile and chuckle while he began word vomiting an apology.

"Ha, don't worry about him. He's just got the wrong words is all! He grew up in an all Hybrid community so he's still learning what to and not to say."

"Mate?" You questioned as you leaned your head back against Katsuki's chest to find his face rivaling the color of a tomato. His Vermillion eyes remained narrowed at his childhood friend in severe annoyance. His tail whipped behind him as if the expression on his face was not enough to show his anger.

"She's not my mate!"

A sudden wave of unexplained sadness hit you like a ton of bricks. Confusion as to why this upset you as you looked down at the floor.

"Uh… let me take our host here and you two can catch up over there huh?" Kirishima's attempts to defuse the situation as he took you from Katsuki's grasp and into your bedroom, leaving the two in an intense stare-down that could end in several ways. Most of them not great.

Kirishima set the folder he had still clutched in his hand on your nightstand before helping you sit on the side of the bed.

"Alright tell me what's going on between you two. I could tell the second you opened the door that you're upset and I can smell Katsuki's distress."

You let out a loud huff before looking up at the man with his thick arms crossed across his chest. You began telling your best friend about the last few days since he had seen you, Kat's cold shoulder and sleeping apart. His short and sharp words towards you and even the argument just moments before he arrived.

"I had a feeling this was going to happen." Kirishima ran a large hand over his face in exasperation and sat beside you. "It's just as I told you on the phone that day. You have feelings for Katsuki."

Your jaw dropped and eyes going wide as dinner plates. "I do not! I told you that the other day!"

"When he started ignoring you, right?"

You thought for a moment before nodding, that was exactly when he started ignoring you. "Could he have heard me and upset him?" You whispered as Kirishima nodded.

"It's clear he thinks the world of you as the person who saved him from death, gave him a home and more love than he's ever experienced in his life. How would you feel if that person blatantly said they don't like you?"

Your gaze fell to the carpet between your toes, realizing that though you had retreated to your bedroom for privacy, Katsuki's hearing was sensitive enough he most likely heard every word.

"I didn't even think about that. I didn't mean anything by it. I love him, he's my cat and a sweetheart. I don't want to take advantage of that and give him the wrong ideas!"

A snort lifted your vision to the redhead who gripped your chin in his large fingers. "I don't think he's got any wrong ideas love, I think he's just finally expressing what you've both been hiding this whole time."

Your lips parted to respond when a loud crash outside the room caught both of your attentions. You were quick out the door to find Izuku up on top of the fridge, as Katsuki attempted to swipe at him and pull him down.

"Get down here you damn rabbit! I'm trying to tell you how things are!"

The rabbit hybrid lowered a foot and pushed the blonde's cheek, tilting his head back. "I know how they are alreadyand you are just trying to deny it! I know you Kaachan and it's the truth!"

A snarl from your cat had you rushing forward and wrapping your arms around his waist. "Chill out! What's the matter?"

His arms froze as he looked down at you underneath his bicep, his narrowed eyes visibly softening at the sight of you.

"The rabbit thinks he knows things and he's wrong!"

"The rabbit is right." The squeak came above you and you looked up to see the small man on all fours peeking down at you, his long ears flopping forward as he leaned down.

A snarl and another swipe had Izuku leaning back once again as you gripped Katsuki's arm. "That's enough! No eating the guests!"

His response is a huff, lowering his arms as you took both his hands in yours. His low voice grumbling about not eating him and just wanting to "talk" to him. As you began scolding the half feline man, Kirishima assisted Izuku off the top of the fridge and a few feet away in the case Katsuki advanced once more.

The two guests watched as you gave Katsuki the 'what for', his eyes intently watching you and hanging on to every word. Visible pout on his lips when he gave his rebuttal to his actions, had them both thinking the exact same thing.

They're in love, and too stupid to admit it.

"All right, all right I've had enough." Kirishima clapped his hands to catch your attentions quickly. "This needs to get sorted out or I'm taking Katsuki to live elsewhere."

The fur on Katsuki's tail and ears bristled as he then snatched you into his side. "I ain't going anywhere!"

"Then tell her how you feel. Right fucking now dude! I'm done with this!" He nodded towards Midoriya who nodded and made their way towards the front door. "You solve this or I'll take that paperwork back and move Katsuki into one of our half way homes until we find him a place of his own. You both have things to say and quit beating around the bush and just say them!"

Stunned to silence the both of you watched as the two exited your apartment and shut the door respectfully firm behind them.

A loud sigh broke the silence as Katsuki's large hand wrapped around yours, pulling you towards the couch and pushing you to a seat. Raising your head to snap at him for his roughness you found a somber look on his face, distress showing clear as day as he attempted to find the words to say.

"Katsuki?" You started as he finally fell onto the couch with his head in your lap. "This is too fucking hard." His words were muffled into your thigh though you caught them easily from your time of hearing his mumbles and grumbles.

"What's wrong sweetheart? Can you finally tell me why you've been so mad at me lately?"

He took a moment before turning his head and catching your eyes with his own. Sitting up he took both of your hands and lifted one to his hair. You began giving him the scratches he asked for and his rumbly purr sounded throughout the silent room. His vermillion eyes had closed from the feeling of your hands running over his ears and through his hair for the first time in days.

After a few moments he slowly cracked them to hold your gaze.

"I… heard you the other day talking to the mutt."

Letting out the breath you had held as he confirmed your fear and Kirishima's previous musings. You let him continue as he dropped his view to your other hand he still held.

"It.. hurt hearing you say you don't like me. I've, never felt this way about anyone and just saying this right now makes me want to vomit and hide in my room."

He raised his hand to your cheek, thumb running softly back and forth over the soft skin. His face was the softest you had ever seen from him, a glow in his irises held you like a trance as he continued.

"I hate that it took those two idiots pushing me but, they're right. I need to tell you how I feel or things will not end well between us at this rate."

You began chewing at your bottom lip when he huffed in faux annoyance, his thumb raising to pull it from between your teeth as he usually did.

"What did I tell you about that. It's a bad habit." His gravelly voice was soft, eyes focused on your lips he had just freed from their confines. Heat crept up the back of your neck and into your cheeks as the most intense stare-down between the both of you ensued.

"Katsuki?" You whispered to him and luring him from his inner thoughts.

The fingers that still held your cheek flexed as he finally gripped tightly, his words were practically a low snarl of "The hell with it."

Your face was pulled towards his and his soft lips crashed against yours.

It was if time stopped when your lips met, eyes closing and meeting his kiss with fervor of your own. Both of your feelings being said with the intertwining of your bodies, his arms pulling you against him tightly while tilting his head to deepen the kiss.

The two of you remained in this moment for quite some time, not wanting it to end a second too soon. When you finally parted, lips slightly apart and panting as the pair of you contemplated who would speak first.

"Does that explain enough?" He finally spoke, thumb running over your now swollen bottom lip from his kisses. They spread into a wide smile as you shook your head, "No, use your words."

His eyes rolled as he dropped his hand from your cheek. "I fuckin' love you okay? I.. Want you to be mine. Only mine, my mate."

Mate, that was a word that had been thrown around more than anything today. You understood what a mate was but as far as Hybrids? No clue.

"What is a mate to you Katsuki? Humans don't have mates." He paused a moment while contemplating his words. "A Mate to a hybrid is their partner. Their one true love that they will cherish and be with until their last breath. If I take you as my mate, I will have no other until I leave this world."

Your breath caught at the seriousness in his voice, the set eyes that looked to yours in order to gauge your reaction. When you said nothing you could see his tail begin flailing in panic, his expression remaining stoic though as his ears flattened against his hair you smiled.

"I love you too, you annoying fur-ball."

His face lit up into a bright smile, lifting you up into his arms as he held you tightly. His cheek rubbed back and forth against your own and lower into your throat. His soft lips pressing against your skin lightly as he whispered "Mine."

"Are you done giving me the cold shoulder now?" You whispered as he chuckled. "You won't be rid of me now idiot."

Katsuki's head was on a swivel when you arrived on campus for his first day, his shoulders were stiff and pulled up to his human ears to show his discomfort. You slid your palm into his, lacing your fingers as he turned his head to you. "Don't worry, most of our classes are the same so I'll be with you. Otherwise Kirishima is in your other classes or Izuku since he transferred over."

He scoffed at the mention of his childhood friend. Izuku learned of Katsuki's intentions to join your school and study something, he had yet to decide on what that was exactly, regardless the green haired hybrid had taken the chance to be closer to his friends and transferred from the college the next town over. Katsuki now begrudgingly had not only his partner, best friend (he animatedly denies this) and his childhood friend to deal with on a daily basis, checking in on him and making sure he was assimilating well into human society.

"I'll be fine. I don't need baby sitters." The blonde snapped as he continued taking in the view around them. "You still haven't decided your major yet?"

Your question was met with a shrug, "I figured I'd see how classes go and make a decision then."

You nodded when waves from a group of people caught your attention. Face lighting up as you recognized your friend group around the tall red haired golden retriever. Sero, Izuku, Kaminari and Mina all stood and joined in greeting you as you approached. Katsuki immediately turned while still holding your hand to return the way you had just came.

"Nope."

You tightened your grip on his hand and pulled him back towards your friends. "Aw come on, they're not so bad once you get to know them."

Rolling his beautiful crimson eyes he scoffed, "They're people. People are… ew." You chuckled as you finally came upon your friends.

Introductions were made for the group to your new boyfriend and he begrudgingly shook hands with most of the group. Mina squealed and pulled you aside in order to try and get details out of you, waiving her off with a promise to explain in President Mic's class, which was one of the few you did not have with Katsuki.

While you stood in the circle of your friends, the voices seemed to fade as your gaze remained on the tall blonde beside you. His mouth moving in response to whatever prying question your friends had. You couldn't believe where you were at this moment in time, holding hands with someone who truly cared for you instead of what you could offer. Someone who started off as a sick cat that you nursed back to health, your house pet that occasionally broke things with his psychotic zoomies and sassed you at meal times. All to think he was the man squeezing your hand for your attention and bringing you out of your thoughts.

"It's class time, let's go dumbass."

You smiled brightly as you leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. His face burned almost as bright as his eyes as he pulled you along down the walk.

"Katsuki, the class is this way."

He huffed and began pulling you the other way you indicated. Bright smiles all around as the both of you made your way to class. Things were definitely going to be interesting around here.

Taglist: @lunrai @nonomesupposedto @j-brielmalfoy @bitchimaghost2 @traumamakesmefunnier @chevalrie @izukusgirlfriend @megolothy

[ncigpro]

Flavor Innovation in Disposable Vaping: Introducing the NCIG Pro

In the ever-evolving landscape of vaping technology, innovation is the driving force behind the creation of products that offer consumers new and exciting experiences. One such innovation that has been making waves is the NCIG Pro, a disposable vaping device that is taking flavor exploration to new heights. With its cutting-edge technology and a focus on flavor, the NCIG Pro is redefining the disposable vaping market and providing enthusiasts with an unparalleled vaping journey.

The Evolution of Disposable Vaping

Disposable vaping devices have come a long way since their inception. Originally designed as a convenient alternative to traditional cigarettes, disposables have undergone a remarkable transformation. From basic designs with limited ncig flavor options to sleek and technologically advanced devices, the evolution of disposable vaping has been nothing short of impressive.

The NCIG Pro represents a leap forward in this evolution, placing a strong emphasis on flavor as a central pillar of its design. As disposable vaping becomes increasingly popular among both new and experienced vapers, the demand for unique and satisfying flavor experiences has grown exponentially. Recognizing this demand, the NCIG Pro has stepped up to the plate, delivering a vaping encounter that is as flavorful as it is convenient.

Flavor Innovation at Its Finest

What sets the NCIG Pro apart from its predecessors is its dedication to flavor innovation. The device incorporates state-of-the-art technology that maximizes the extraction and delivery of flavor compounds from the e-liquid, resulting in a remarkably authentic and robust taste sensation. Vapers are no longer confined to simple and generic flavors; instead, they can explore a diverse range of nuanced and intricate profiles that mimic the real thing.

The secret behind the NCIG Pro's flavor innovation lies in its advanced heating element and airflow design. By optimizing these elements, the device creates a harmonious blend of vapor production and flavor delivery, ensuring that each puff is a flavorful delight. Whether you're craving the bold richness of coffee, the refreshing sweetness of tropical fruits, or the indulgent creaminess of desserts, the NCIG Pro has a flavor option to satisfy every palate.

A Symphony of Flavors

The NCIG Pro boasts an extensive lineup of flavors that cater to a wide spectrum of tastes. From classic tobacco and menthol to contemporary culinary creations, the device offers a symphony of options that can transport vapers to a world of delectable sensations. Each flavor is carefully crafted using premium ingredients, resulting in a vaping experience that is both authentic and satisfying.

One of the standout features of the NCIG Pro's flavor selection is its commitment to pushing boundaries. The device introduces vapers to unexpected and delightful combinations that challenge conventional flavor profiles. Imagine savoring the intricate interplay between tangy citrus and velvety custard or relishing the fusion of juicy berries and crisp mint. With the NCIG Pro, flavor exploration knows no limits.

Convenience Meets Excellence 

In addition to its remarkable flavor innovation, the NCIG Pro maintains the convenience and simplicity that disposable vaping is known for. The device is compact, lightweight, and designed for on-the-go use, making it the perfect companion for vapers with active lifestyles. There's no need to worry about charging or refilling – the NCIG Pro is ready to deliver a satisfying vaping experience whenever and wherever you are.

Furthermore, the NCIG Pro places a strong emphasis on user-friendliness. Its intuitive design ensures that even novice vapers can easily navigate the device and enjoy its myriad flavor options. The hassle of maintaining and troubleshooting complex vaping setups is a thing of the past, thanks to the seamless and hassle-free nature of the NCIG Pro.

The Future of Flavorful Vaping

As the vaping industry continues to evolve, the NCIG Pro stands as a shining example of how innovation can redefine the vaping experience. Its dedication to flavor innovation and commitment to delivering a convenient yet exceptional vaping encounter make it a game-changer in the disposable vaping market.

For those seeking a journey of flavor exploration, the NCIG Pro offers an invitation to indulge in a world of taste sensations. From the first inhale to the final exhale, each puff is a testament to the device's dedication to excellence. As vapers embrace the future of disposable vaping, the NCIG Pro remains at the forefront, ready to usher in a new era of flavor innovation and vaping satisfaction.

[grillsadvisor]

Best Air Fryer Grills for Convenient and Flavorful Cooking

In this blog post, we embark on a thrilling journey to uncover the top air fryer grills, unlocking a world of delectable flavors and healthier cooking options. From the sizzle of marinated steaks to the smoky char on grilled vegetables, we'll explore the unique features, benefits, and drawbacks of various air fryer grills, so you can make an informed decision when it's time to upgrade your grilling arsenal. TOP-3 Best Air Fryer Grills in 2023 Key Decision-Making Factors for the Best Air Fryer Grills Cooking Performance: - Temperature Control: Using this product, I found that precise temperature control is vital for achieving consistent cooking results. Some air fryer grills offer a wide temperature range, allowing you to sear steaks or gently roast delicate vegetables. - Even Heat Distribution: After putting it to the test myself, I discovered that superior air circulation technology ensures even heat distribution throughout the cooking process, resulting in evenly cooked and perfectly crispy dishes. - Cooking Capacity: Based on my firsthand experience, the cooking capacity of an air fryer grill is crucial, especially if you frequently entertain guests or have a large family. Look for spacious cooking surfaces that can accommodate a variety of ingredients simultaneously. Versatility and Functionality: - Multiple Cooking Modes: My investigation shows that the best air fryer grills offer a range of cooking modes, including grilling, roasting, baking, and even dehydrating. This versatility allows you to explore various culinary possibilities and expand your recipe repertoire. - Pre-Programmed Settings: My findings reveal that intuitive pre-programmed settings simplify the cooking process, taking the guesswork out of temperature and time adjustments. Look for presets tailored to different types of food for convenient and consistent results. - Additional Features: As a result of using this product, I discovered that certain air fryer grills come equipped with extra features like rotisserie spits, skewers, or reversible cooking grates, enhancing the overall versatility and offering endless cooking possibilities. Ease of Use and Cleaning: - User-Friendly Controls: My own research shows that intuitive and accessible control panels with clear displays make operating the air fryer grill effortless, even for beginners. Look for models with easy-to-understand interfaces and responsive buttons. - Removable Components: After trying this product out, I found that detachable cooking plates, trays, and racks greatly facilitate cleaning. Dishwasher-safe parts are an added convenience, saving you time and effort in maintaining the grill's cleanliness. - Non-Stick Surfaces: Based on my observations, air fryer grills with non-stick surfaces not only prevent food from sticking but also make cleaning a breeze. Look for durable coatings that are resistant to wear and tear. Through my own trial and error, I found out that the best air fryer grills excel in cooking performance, versatility, functionality, ease of use, and cleaning. By considering these key decision-making factors, you can confidently choose an air fryer grill that meets your culinary needs and elevates your grilling adventures. So, armed with my analysis and practical knowledge, it's time to embark on your journey to find the perfect air fryer grill that will transform your cooking and leave you savoring mouthwatering flavors every time. And yes, I did indeed test the product! Choosing the right air fryer can be a challenging task, given the multitude of options available. But worry not, as I'm here to guide you through a detailed performance analysis of the top contenders, including the Ninja Foodi Pro 5-in-1 Indoor Integrated Smart Probe, 4-Quart Air Fryer, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro in Brushed Stainless Steel, and the Instant Vortex Plus 10-Quart Air Fryer. Drawing from quantitative measurements and personal experiences, I'll assess their performance across various categories and provide expert recommendations tailored to your specific needs. Best Air Fryer Grill for Indoor Grilling and Air Frying Best Versatile Air Fryer Grill for Frying and Baking Best Air Fryer Grill for Large Capacity Best Compact Air Fryer Grill Toaster Oven Best Air Fryer Grill with Rapid Air Technology Air Fryer Showdown: Performance Metrics, Personal Insights, and Expert Recommendations - For versatility and compact convenience, the Ninja Foodi Pro is an excellent choice, offering multiple cooking functions in a smaller size. - If you frequently cook for larger gatherings or desire a sleek stainless steel design, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a standout option. - When air frying is your primary focus, and you require a larger capacity, the Instant Vortex Plus provides ample space for your culinary creations. Ultimately, the best air fryer for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and kitchen requirements. Consider the versatility, capacity, and design that aligns with your culinary aspirations. With these insights and expert recommendations, you can confidently choose an air fryer that will elevate your cooking adventures and deliver delicious, healthier meals. So, get ready to embark on a flavorful journey and experience the wonders of air frying! Essential Equipment for Your Best Air Fryer Grill Experience Air Fryer Grill F.A.Q.: Your Burning Questions Answered Air Fryer Grill Resources: First-Person Recommendations for Informed Decision Making - Ninja Kitchen - Air Fryer Grills (https://www.ninjakitchen.com): Ninja Kitchen's website is a treasure trove of information for air fryer grill enthusiasts. Their dedicated section on air fryer grills offers detailed product descriptions, features, and specifications. The site also provides a wealth of recipes, cooking tips, and frequently asked questions to enhance your grilling experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned griller, Ninja Kitchen's resourceful content will equip you with the knowledge you need to make the most of your air fryer grill. - Breville Smart Oven Air Fryers (https://www.breville.co.uk): Breville's website is a fantastic resource for exploring their Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. The product page showcases the grill's key features, specifications, and available accessories. Breville also provides user manuals and instructional videos that guide you through using and maintaining your air fryer grill. With their detailed product information and support materials, Breville ensures that you have all the necessary resources to maximize the potential of your air fryer grill. - Instant Brands (https://instantbrands.com): Instant Brands' website offers a comprehensive overview of their Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer. The product page highlights its features, cooking modes, and capacity, providing a clear understanding of what the air fryer grill has to offer. Additionally, Instant Brands offers a collection of recipes specifically designed for their air fryer grill, enabling you to explore a wide range of culinary creations. Their website serves as a valuable resource for anyone considering the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer. Read the full article

[sugako]

sweetness

osamu xf!baker!reader sum: your unrequited crush on the man you sell to is weighing heavily on you until one little party later it isn’t an issue cw: 18+ minors dni, a lil fluff, a lil angst (reader is sad bc they don't think samu feels the same), mentions of drinking/alcohol/party (no one is drunk during), kinda confessions, first time with each other, nipple play, oral (receiving) wc: 3.5k a/n: hi !! uhh i have had this is drafts for months bc i struggled to post it and idk why,, it's def a little longer than usual and little more plot-heavy(ish) but i hope you all enjoy pussy king samu <3

It felt as though you were admiring him from a distance even when he was standing right beside you.

The afternoon that the owner of Onigiri Miya had called up your small bakery to partner with his business you had been overjoyed. Honestly, you were still happy, it was just tinged by something deeper or different now. You were certainly still happy to sell your goods through the business, but your feelings had really gotten the better of you.

The day, actually the moment you met Osamu you told yourself to get over the petty crush you had developed within minutes of meeting him. His big, tall frame made you feel as though he could wrap his arms around you and everything would be okay. His pretty, steely eyes and soft features relaxed you, made you feel at home.

A week later you were groaning into your pillow when he texted a simple, polite compliment about your baked goods. Desperately, you hoped that the fuzzy feeling would melt away any day now.

Every single time you had to see him again and again to drop off your bi-weekly delivery, the feelings didn’t fade. If anything they grew stronger. The quick, comfortable banter you shared made your chest fill with molten gold that always seemed to harden into a tough little peach pit, strangling the words from your throat whenever you got back into your car.

A month later you were crying to yourself at 2 AM about how you couldn’t get over him even though you hadn’t even been close to a relationship. It was impossible. How were you supposed to get closure from someone you were merely business partners with.

You cursed the way your heart sped up when you got a new text from him. Over and over again you had to remind yourself that it was purely business.

Onigiri Miya (Osamu): Hi, do you want to swing by tomorrow? Lunch is on me

Fingers swiped over the keyboard, groaning as you asked what you should bring for the restock, not realizing it had been two weeks already.

Onigiri Miya (Osamu): Everything is selling fast, but I won’t need anything for a bit, just wanted to chat not about business

Without hesitation you agreed. Even if you were sure he didn’t feel the same, it wouldn’t hurt to keep up a personal relationship with a business. The fact that he had texted you deep into the night without prompt didn’t make it into your busy mind.

Those two little texts were how you found yourself taking a deep breath outside the Onigiri Miya a little after the lunch rush. You stepped into the nearly empty building, immediately greeted by Osamu’s soft, low voice.

“I have to run to the back, but I put a plate for you out.” He calls, disappearing just as the door closes behind you.

It’s painful to admit how your heart swells at the gesture. Your favorite onigiri of his is neatly plated in front of a corner seat at the bar. The two other people on the opposite side of the store are quietly chatting, paying no mind while you settle into your seat. Before you can take a bite he’s bustling back in.

“Sorry ‘bout that, got a call.” He says, leaning over the counter in front of you. The way his broad chest is squished by his shoulders.

“No worries.” You say just before biting into the food. He snatches one of the rice balls from your plate, but your mouth is too full and you’re too grateful to protest. “So,” you begin after you swallow, “what did you want to talk about?”

You can’t tell whether the air is thick with awkward tension or if it’s just you.

“I mean, obviously not business.” As you speak, a strangled, little chuckled forces its way out of the back of your throat, but you take another bite of food before it gets out of hand.

He’s silent for a moment, slowly chewing his food. Maybe savoring it or maybe thinking, you can’t quite tell which.

“Can you take nights off from the bakery? I remember you saying ya do a lot of baking and prepping at night.” His expression is impossible to read and you want to tell him that this is, at least for you, business talk, but you hold back and simply answer the question.

“Well, yeah, if I needed to. Uh, why?” You catch how his shoulders tense and lower, his eyes shifting across the windows in the front. Unfortunately, his own anxiety does very little to quell any of your own.

“My brother is having a party and I’m… obligated to go, but I won’t know many people there, they’ll all be his teammates, so I was wondering if you would like to go with me? If you don’t have a… I mean, if you don’t have any plans.” His expression remains still, but there’s a small flush in his cheeks that you catch on immediately. Something in your heart softens with hope.

“You’re twin volleyball brother?” You ask, biting back a smile. “Also, you’ll have to tell me what time the party is and then I’ll let you know if I have plans, but I’m probably free.”

The flush deepens as he recognizes his mistake and slowly blinks, shaking his head. “Yes, ‘Tsumu, the volleyball brother. And the party is next Friday. Around nine.”

Within the limited time you’d spent with him he’d told you about his brother and his old friends. Confidence growing, but not quite steady, you uneasily treaded into your next words.

“Yeah, I’m not working next Friday actually, so that sounds good. Should I text you for the address or…?”

��Meet me here, I can take you. Best to take the train, but it’ll be easier if we go together.”

Deep in the center of the city, standing close enough to smell the soft fragrance of cologne, you still weren’t sure how easily you had ended up here at the house party filled with strangers hosted by your customer’s pro athlete brother. It was a little much to think about if you took too much pause. Before you could slip into your own brain too much your cheek smushed into the thick muscle of Osamu’s solid back that had suddenly stopped moving, and as you sputtered out an apology the door swung open without him even knocking.

“Hey! Did you really not a-” The blonde mirror image of the man standing directly in front of you eats whatever words are about to spill out of his mouth when he notices you peeking out from beside Osamu. Realizing how ridiculously childish you must look tucked away behind him, you clear your throat and step out so you’re by his side instead.

“Hi, I’m y/n.” You say politely, extending a hand for him to shake. Atsumu’s eyes flit between you and his brother, not bothering to hide a smirk.

“Oh, I know.” He finally says when he takes your hand. Out of sheer embarrassment or maybe anxiety, you feel pricks of heat chase out to your fingertips. The sensation is only compounded by Osamu’s feather-light touch that grazes the small of your back as he tries to lead you past his brother.

“Really,” you start, with a sly little smile, “he’s told me about you’re very impressive-”

“Okay.” Osamu says a little too sharply. He’s glad you’re at ease, but less glad that you’ve immediately taken to lightly teasing him with his brother. “Let’s head in.” The warm breath of his whisper jolts through you and you find yourself nodding, letting his touch lead you.

Just as the door is closing behind you and the excruciating reverb of the music seeps into your ears, you barely catch what Atsumu mumbles before he slips into the crowd of people. “Maybe you’ll finally show her how much ya like her.”

Osamu doesn’t respond, and for a second you think maybe he didn’t hear him, but the way his fingers dig into your back tells you otherwise. You simply pretend that you heard nothing, pointing to the drink dispensers lined up on the kitchen counter across the room. After a quick drink of the sweet, burning mystery drink and after Atsumu started to keep his distance - too busy hounding his one teammate with the dark curls whose name you couldn’t quite remember - things went smoothly.

Time passed quickly, helped on by the dozens of new people you were introduced to. The small talk and repetitive questions had you mentally winded, but Osamu’s constant touch whether on your elbow or back or shoulder grounded you. Instead of feeling your heart race as it usually did when he was near, you only felt calm.

It all came crashing down sometime deep into the night when most of the guests had headed home and those left over passed out, scattered everywhere about the house. Well, everywhere aside from the neat guest bedroom tucked away toward the back that Osamu had pulled you back to when the last man (who had drunkenly tried teaching you how to say ‘volleyball’ in Portuguese) had finally passed out.

The single drink you had gulped down hours ago was long gone from your system, but even without it you still found it easy to speak with him, even as his arms inconspicuously wrapped around your torso and brought you down to lie beside him on the bed. Staring up at the ceiling for a moment while the two of you remained in short silence, a thought came to your head, another thing you want to tell him or ask him. You’re not sure which because in the next moment, when you whip your head to face him, he does the same.

If you had been any closer your faces would’ve smashed together. Any farther away and you wouldn’t be brushing lips. Just as soon as the touch begins, it ends with you scrambling away, stopped from falling off the bed by his strong arm wrapping around and pulling you back to his chest. The silence thickens with every second that neither of you speak, but he thankfully breaks it within the minute.

The words fumble around the front of your mouth like your mouth is numb. “I’m so sorry that-!”

“Well, that wasn’t really a proper kiss.” He says plainly, a smile barely etching its way onto the corner of his lips.

“N-no, it was not.” You whisper. It doesn’t quite feel real when he kisses you for real, and for a second you’re worried you’ve deluded yourself. You sigh into his firm touch, finally releasing the tension in your chest and letting your own lightly trembling hands trace up the space between your chests to settle against his. His body is softer than you had thought it would feel, somehow so much more comforting and homey than you could have imagined.

After an endless moment, his mouth strains against yours as he forces himself to pull away with a little huff. Your eyes find his, bright and hopeful, and still a little bit surprised. Between all your personal longing and resignation that he didn’t feel the same, you hadn’t noticed the way he smiled more when you were nearby, the little blush that dusted his cheeks when you complimented his cooking that first time, and so much more.

“Wanted to do that for a long time.” He sighs, leaning his forehead against yours and letting his heavy eyes close. Hiding your grin in his chest, you nod, wrapping your arms around him and snuggling in closer. When your knee glides against his thigh in an attempt to get more comfortable and flush to him, he clears his throat. “We should get changed if we’re going to sleep here. I have extra clothes in the dresser.”

“Okay.” You nod slightly, not wanting to move just yet. He seems to be with you because, despite his own words, he remains exactly in place with his grip just as tight as ever around your waist. “...Samu?” You finally ask, pulling back far enough to look up at him.

“I wanna kiss you again.”

“Okay,” you repeat, “then kiss me again.” The crooked, giddy smile you’re giving him seems to tense him up even more.

He inhales deeply through his nose, eyes darkening as they flicker across the planes of your face. “I wanna, but I don’t want to push this unless you feel the same.”

If your tired heart could vibrate any harder it would probably be bursting out of your chest.

“Well, I feel that we should kiss again,” you press a peck to his cheek hoping it’ll steady your next vulnerable words, “because I’ve thought about you a lot, and I really like this.” You emphasize your words by glancing down at the negative space between your bodies and running your hand up the built expanse of his shoulders.

Humming, he cradles the back of your head, gracefully moving to straddle you and ghost his lips over yours. “In that case, tell me when to stop.” The hot breathy fan of air from his whisper barely hits your cheeks before he’s pressing a deep kiss against your lips.

You slot together like perfect puzzle pieces, limbs finding the just the right spots to fit into. Mouths move desperately, passionately and without thinking your fingers start dancing under the hem of his shirt, brushing against the hot skin beneath. With a tempered groan, he uncouples his lips from yours, kissing along your jaw and quickly moving to trace down your neck. The kitten nips and licks against your collarbone send electricity through your bones, forcing you to flex into him, hips awkwardly jutting forward for something more.

“You… you, ah, are so perfect.” You pant, eyes blinking wide open when the calloused tips of his fingers roughly trail under your shirt, up your sides, stopping just short of your chest to flip your shirt up.

Groaning so quietly you barely hear him, he buries himself between your breasts and sighs against your skin. “Yer even more beautiful up close and without all this,” he pauses for the briefest moment to undo your bra and lift it over your head with the shirt, “extra stuff on.”

Scoffing out a short giggle, you relax back, watching how his eyes drink you in as though they’ve been starved. “By extra stuff you mea-!” The quip is promptly cut off by the feeling of his mouth latching around one breast, the other being tended to by his opposite hand. Not a moment later he pulls away, smiling as you let out a pitchy whine.

“Yer pretty mouthy when yer comfortable, huh?” He mumbles, lips ghosting over your nipple while the one in his hand continues to be teased.

“N-no,” you rush to disagree. Judging by the eye roll he gives you, he doesn’t seem to believe you, but he doesn’t say anything more, simply bringing his attention back to your chest.

The way his suckles tiny, bright purple marks into your skin sends heat pooling into your stomach, hips noticeably grinding up against him now. As the seconds drag on, he doesn’t seem interested in anything other than your tits, enamored with the way they feel in his hand and mouth. It’s almost too much, and you feel your stomach tightening with every moment the teasing continues.

“Samu,” you whine softly, “samu, please, can’t s’too much, really need…” The words are jumbled and garbled. You can’t quite sort your brain to come up with anything coherent, distracted by the wet pooling in your underwear and the weight of his body crowding over yours.

“Sensitive tits?” He coos with a sharp glint in his eyes, gears obviously moving in his head for the future. “That’s okay,” he continues while pressing a soft kiss to each of your breasts, “What do you really need?”

“Need you to touch me.”

For a second, his mouth opens but he doesn’t speak. You fear he’s going to tease you, make you explain in lewd detail how bad you need him and where you want him to touch you, but he doesn’t. He simply nods, truthfully too caught up in the intoxicating feeling of your body and too impatient to feel you for the first time to drag this out.

“Good girl, I’m gonna take these off.” He starts, hooking his fingers under the waistband of your pants and underwear to take them off together. Without hesitation, his eyes travel between your legs. “Such a pretty, little cunt.” He hums already squeezing in between your thighs. Obviously distracted, he peppers little kissed up the sensitive skin on the inside of your thighs, still caught up staring at your soaking mess.

“Samu, please…” You whine. While you know he isn’t purposefully teasing, well you don’t know but you don’t think at least, it’s just as frustrating. Your knees lock around his thick shoulders, pulling him closer to your heat.

“Okay, okay, pretty girl.” He grumbles, lapping right at the crook of your thigh and hip. There’s a split second of tense silence wherein he carefully spread your lips admiring the glisten of your slick under the dim light of the lamp. Your entire body is tense with anticipation, legs shaking as they struggled to spread around his wide frame.

And just like that quiet moment is over - he laps you up so desperately and greedily you’re twitching under his grasp, clawing at the wrinkled bed sheets below you for anything to ground you. He doesn’t stop when he shifts your legs over his shoulders and wraps his hands around the bottom of your tummy to keep your jostling hips in place.

When you finally look back down to grab his hand, keeping a vice grip around his fingers, you also glance down for the first time. His dark, hazy eyes meet yours and you completely relax at last.

The feeling doesn’t last long, not when he pushes his tongue into your tight, unprepared hole, slurping all he can get and pushing in as far as he can go. Osamu’s eyes roll to the back of his head at the sensation, your cum dribbling down his chin and coating up to his nose that keeps brushing against your throbbing clit.

With a solid, squelching pop he tears away from you. “Taste so good,” he heaves, lips coming back even as he’s speaking, ghosting over you. He buries himself in your cunt again, this time focusing solely on your clit, cycling through different motions until he finds the one that makes your hips strain under his sturdy hold.

“Feel so good!” You sigh. “Please, please wanna cum.”

Smirking against you, he takes the hand you’re not clinging to back under your thigh and props it against your ass, slowly teasing a finger in. Absolutely gushing now, it slips in easily. You can feel his smile grow again for a moment before he refocuses on your clit, motions speeding up and increasing the pressure with which he worked. It’s impossible to not shudder under him now, especially with one arm only holding you down.

“C’mon, pretty girl, cum.” He murmurs, easily hooking a second finger into you, pumping and curling them in time with his tongue. As he feels you flutter and cream he can’t help but rut into the mattress, cock swelling from the taste of you. The pressure inside is too much and your want to let go is pushing you closer and closer, although it’s his mouth and fingers that really push you forward.

“C-cu-!” The words get trapped in your throat, overtaken by a hushed moan you struggle to bite back, trying - but very much failing - to be mindful of all the half-sleeping people strewn through the house. He slowly brings you down, fingers winding down and tongue lapping up your swollen clit while you convulse at his touch in time with the fluttering of your cunt.

At last, you have to drag him off, needily tugging up on his hands until he lets go. You try to pull him in to kiss, but he hesitates, his strength far outweighing your weak, blissful one and he hovers above you. There’s no reason to ask because almost immediately his fingers that were inside of you, absolutely drenched, come up to his mouth so he can make a show of sucking them dry for you.

“Taste even better than the stuff you make.” He sighs, letting you drag him down to your face. You can smell and taste yourself so strongly on his damp lips, it clouds your already hazy senses.

“Hmm,” you manage out, when he rests his entire body weight against yours, lips pressed into the side of your head. It’s only when you go to shift that you feel him pressing so incredibly hard and flush to you exposed skin through his soft pants, that you perk up. “Samu,” you begin brushing your fingers through his soft, dark hair, “can I...wanna help you.”

“Mhmm,” he nestles against your neck, kissing over the spots he left behind earlier, “in a minute, pretty girl, we have a lot of time ahead of us.”

[hitsuackerman]

Why Did It Have to be Him? pt. 3 (Aizawa x Reader)

a/n: so yes... i made a very self indulgent part 3 :’) i hope ya’ll enjoy!

Warnings: Student-Teacher relationship, Age-gap, Cursing, Domestic fluff

Link: Part 1, Part 2, Part 4

Materlist for my other fics :) here

Every night, ever since he came over, Aizawa would call. The night before you would move into the dorm, the two of you somehow reached the conclusion that he would come over and have dinner. You don’t know how it happened, but things took a turn.

“You know,” You greeted him with a shy smile. “You didn’t have to come here.”

“It’s fine.” He replied as he entered your house. Things felt a bit weird knowing the last time he visited, he pinned you to the wall and lit up a ticking time bomb. “Dining room?”

“O-over here.” You stuttered. Somehow, you hoped he wasn’t striking a conversation with you. Your eyes were savoring his back. He was wearing his civilian clothes. Something you had never seen before. His nape ever so inviting. Broad shoulders that he always kept hidden beneath the binding gear. Indeed, a pretty sight.

Placing the bag on the table, he began to unload the food. Meanwhile, you took out some plates and utensils. What you didn’t know was how his eyes were fixated on you. Sure, you were wearing an oversized hoodie, but your shorts were giving him a rather… hard time.

Sitting down, he took an elastic from his pocket and tied his hair. It was beginning to sink in that he was having an intimate dinner with his student. The silence was a tad deafening. His mouth would open but close not soon after. He wanted to start a conversation, he just wasn’t sure what topic to start.

Whatever confidence he had in the phone, seemingly disappeared. So much for being a pro-hero.

“I really do appreciate you bringing some food…” You broke the silence. It was a little overbearing.

“It’s nothing…” He accepted the plate. The tips of your fingers touching. The way your cheeks slowly turned pink caused a small smirk to form in the corners of his mouth. “I hope you like (favorite food).”

“Oh please, you’re just teasing me.” Taking the seat across, you scratched your cheek and mentally slapped yourself for talking so casually. To your teacher. Whom you were having dinner with. At 7:30pm. Your cheeks turned even redder when he served you some food.

“But, I actually wanted to talk about this in person.” He began. “It’s about all this.”

Leaning into the chair, he looked at your features. They were still soft but there was a hint of anxiety to it.

“Are you sure about all this?” Straightforward. As expected. “This is barely logical and both of us have a lot to lose.”

“I am.” You began to play with your food. Your eyes trying to avoid his. “But, if this makes you uncomfortable then I guess I can back off.”

Resting his elbows on the table, his hand scratched his eyebrow. Your eyes darted to his when you heard him chuckling silently. This would have to be the first time, at least in person, that you heard his deep voice making that sound.

“A little too late for that.”

A soft giggle escaped your mouth. The sound of the chair dragging caught your attention. The man walked over and took the seat next to you. His right elbow rested on the table and placed his chin on his palm. His other hand found the crown of your head. Patting you.

Your heart skipped a beat at the show of affection. Though, you were pretty sure that he does this to his students when he’s proud of them, this one felt a little different. A bit more intimate compared to the others.

“Wanna watch a movie while eating?” You offered. When he agreed, he grabbed the food and followed your lead. Compared to his height, he found it… adorable how he had to look down. This time it was his turn to bump your back. “Sorry. Lost in thought.”

Once the movie and food were gone, silence between the two of you continued. Your eyes would ever so often linger on your companion. The way he lazily sat on your sofa was undeniably attractive in its own way. The space between you two equalled one cushion.

“You can come here, if you like.” Aizawa offered. His arms extended his arms, inviting you to his chest. His eyes avoid yours. ‘God damnit Shota. What if she refuses? You’d look like a fool.’

It took a second for your brain to comprehend what he said.  Slowly, you scooted towards him and leaned on his chest. Knowing this position was a bit uncomfortable for the both of you, he adjusted and layed down on the sofa. His body heat was amazing and the moment he draped his arms on your waist (although a little stiff) it felt comforting nonetheless.

“Is this okay?” He asked, his hands barely touching your shirt. Your hair smelled like lavender.

“I guess this is something I could get used to.” You lifted your head to look at him. Your breath hitched when realization came flooding in. This would have to be the second time your faces were near each other. With a less foggy mind, you took in his features.

‘Do not look at his lips, (Y/N).’ You repeated in your head religiously. Allowing yourself to look into his eyes, they were flat as hell but it was evident his mind was working. He could see how your eyes were traveling around his face. He too, only started to realize just how prettier you were.

‘Shota. Don’t look at her lips.’ He chanted.

All the repetitions and chants seemed to fail. At the same time, the two of you glanced down to each of your lips and back up. Inch by inch, it was getting clearer that the both of you were leaning in closer. Maybe a taste was all you two needed to break the ice.

With the tip of your noses brushing against each other, you felt his hot breath brush against your lip. Half hooded eyes slowly closing to further feel the moment. You could feel his arms tightening his hold on your waist. Your fingers held on to his shirt. The rapid beating of your heart ramming in both your eardrums.

When your lips touched, it felt as if Denki had electrocuted your body. His lips were a tad dry but nothing but a few more seconds of kissing won’t help. Letting go of his shirt, your hands slowly wrapped around his neck, pulling him even closer. Wanting to deepen the kiss, you felt his tongue tracing your lower lip. No hesitation on your part, you granted him access.

What started out as slow, started to turn into curiosity and hunger. He would nibble on your lower lip, you would bite then suck his tongue, his fingers found their way to your hair, and a moan and grunt would occasionally fill the room.

Aizawa was well aware that his friend was wide awake. Each second that passed, he felt it twitch. As much as he wanted to, he knew it was a step too far. Take things slow. That’s what he always told himself. Now that the two of you definitely crossed the line, things would no doubt be difficult. Of course, he was willing to try.

Parting your lips from his, the both of you leaned on each other’s forehead. The first inhale you took, Aizawa leaned in and kissed you once more. His large hand softly tucked the strands of your hair behind your ear and cupped your cheek. He felt intoxicated by your lips and wanted to savor it a little more.

“(Y/N)!” A loud voice came from outside your door. That tone, all too familiar.

Both your eyes widened. It was all such a rush. You instructing your teacher, whom you just shared a makeout session with, to go to your room and stay there. Running to the kitchen to dump the plates on the sink. And finally opening the door, only to find your classmates.

“Bakugo? Kiri?” Your eye twitched when you saw them. Of all people, why these two. “Anything I can help you with?”

“We got you some snacks, (Y/N).” Kiri said with a toothy smile. Bakugo simply grunted. Being used to the two of them, you chewed your inner cheeks when they ushered themselves in. Your eyes quickly scanning the area, the tall raven-haired man was not in sight.

The two boys crashed on the sofa. Their eyes fell towards the food laid on the coffee table. Giving Kiri the go signal, he happily fed himself while Bakugo scanned the room.

“Oi. Who’s here?” He bluntly asked. Red eyes digging deep into your soul. “The nearest shop that sells this food is 40 minutes from here.”

“Oh. I left earlier.” You brushed his question away. “My cousin dropped by, hence the big serving.”

“The couch is warm.” He pointed out. He stood up and began to walk around the room.

“Give her a break, idiot.” Kiri teased his friend. He had finished the leftovers. Leaning onto the sofa, he rubbed his full stomach. “Besides, were the ones who came unannounced.”

“Count yourself lucky, extra.” Bakugo added as he sat himself down.

Thankful that he let the topic die down, the three of you chatted for a few minutes. It was pretty clear though that you were a bit distracted. Judging that you were merely tired from having a relative come over, the two boys stayed for a little longer before heading out. The second the door locked, you dashed to your room.

‘What the heck am supposed to call him? Aizawa-sensei? Aizawa?’ You debated before slowly opening your bedroom door. “You okay in there?”

“Yeah.” He had seated himself by the edge of your bed. A book in his hand, lazily flipping and scanning the pages. His hair covering a portion of his face. “Bakugo and Kirishima?”

“Mhmm.” You sat beside him but left a small distance between you two. “They like to bring me food from time to time. Sorry, for panicking like that.”

“It’s fine.” He closed the book and tossed it to your desk. Shifting his position, he was now facing you now. Crossing his arms, he let out a sigh and ruffled his hair. “I have to go in a while, though. You might want to prepare for tomorrow, too.”

“I suggest after 30 minutes.” You scratched your cheek. A slight tint of pink forming. “Bakugo and Kiri get protective of me. That’s why they randomly visit and shower me with snacks.”

“Sure.”

There was a silent agreement that both of you would stay inside the room. Just to make sure that Kiri or Bakugo had stayed behind to make sure that you weren’t hiding anything. During those times, Aizawa and you leaned on the wall and simply did small talk. It was soothing. His voice always managed to calm you down, no matter how dead he sounded to the world.

Your stomach fluttered when you recalled the kiss that you had just shared with him. It was warm, hot, and the epitome of guilty pleasure. In his peripheral, he saw how your cheeks began to turn a shade of red. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the situation the two of you were in.

Both of you turned to face each other. Mouths ready to say something. Closing yours, you signaled him to go first.

“I should get going.” That’s definitely not what he wanted to say.

Helping you stand up, you accepted his hand. Letting him pull you towards his chest. Once more, your eyes locked with each other. Feeling a little brave, you stood on your toes and planted a quick kiss on his lips. Thank goodness he was looking at you, it would have made things awkward if you needed to jump a bit.

“We’re playing a dangerous game, kid.” He teased as his fingers began to play with your hair. His free hand resting on your waist. “You really sure about this? It’ll get harder to turn your back.”

“I want this.” You’re voice breathy. Somehow, your arms were now wrapped around his neck. It relaxed you when his palm cupped your cheek once more. His thumb brushing your soft skin.

“What are you doing me, (L/N)...” He cut himself and shook his head. “(Y/N).”

“I dunno what I do to you but I sure as hell know what you do to me…” You furrowed your brows and pointed your index finger at him. “I, uh, don’t know what to call you.”

He leaned in and gave you a deep kiss.

“Shota, if we’re alone.” His lips brushed against yours as he spoke. Connecting your lips with his, the two of you began to fumble backwards till your legs bumped the foot of your bed. Still, none of you bothered to stop kissing.

‘Eraserhead. Enough. Leave before things get even more out of control.’ His conscience was screaming. It felt all too real to finally be kissing you with him on top. Straddling you on your own soft bed. It was more than music to his ears when you would let out a soft moan from his small lip nibbling.

Your hands found his jaw and you gently broke the kiss. Flustered, that’s what you were. Giggling at the sight of him confused, you reminded him of his mission.

“I thought you were leaving,” You paused. Knowing you were about to say his name was like a dream. “Shota.”

Blinking his dry eyes away, he smirked and crawled away from you. It took a while but it dawned on him that you had called him by his first name. And damn, did it sound so good.

Before you opened the door, you peaked out the window to make sure that no one could see him leave your house. Though of course, your two bodyguards were long gone by now, you just needed to be sure.

Seeing that things were clear, you opened the door and let him take his exit. Not bothering to turn his back, he waved farewell and kept walking. He knew that if he would turn around, he’d most probably end up staying for another hour. It was also almost his patrol hours, so he knew his priorities.

“Don’t be late tomorrow.”

“I won’t~”

[dandygirl-4419]

Café love- Kim Seungmin

About: Seungmin is a selkie, you both meet at a café when he drops his coat you return it to him. Now you have a fiancé.

A/N: I will be continuing the psychopath series but here's something soft in the midst of all the dark angst

Living in a world where the supernatural and humans coexist was chaotic to say the least. You never knew what would happen in your day, and today would be just as unpredictable.

Being a human was hard sometimes because you were pretty much helpless against any supernatural creature although you did take precautions just like any other human. Living in this world had its pros and cons. You were friends with different species and people embraced each other's flaws and differences. But you weren't allowed to leave the house at night for fear of vampires, unless you had a vampire escort with you to protect you.

You grabbed your bag from your closet, giving yourself a once-over in the mirror before you left your apartment. Your apartment followed a soft bohemian aesthetic with wooden floors, brick walls and white furniture and lots of plants. You were quiet content with it, locking the door behind you.

You decided to walk to your local café which conveniently was only a block away from your apartment. Plugging your earphones into your ears you walked while listening to your favorite songs and soon you stood in front of your favorite café.

You pushed open the glass door, the familiar sound of the café bell ringing throughout the small shop. You made your way to the cashier, pulling out one earphone you placed your usual order.

In hurry to find your seat, you walked past a chair with a fur coat hanging behind it. The coat dropped to the floor and you immediately reached down to pick it up. "Oops your coat dropped. My bad." You cheerfully spoke.

The material felt extremely soft in your touch and you would have asked the owner where they got it, had you not been in a rush to find a seat. So you simply draped the coat back over their chair and you left before you could get a look at the person whose coat you dropped.

You found a nice table in the corner of the shop situated in front of a window that allowed you to watch people go about their lives and where you made up stories in your head about what they might have to do, what jobs they might have and who they might be chatting on the phone with.

Just as you sat you down you made eye contact with a remarkably attractive young boy around your age. He stared at you with wide, stunned eyes. You looked back at him in confusion. The smell of coffee and the cup being placed in front of you was what brought you out of whatever it was you were doing with that strange boy. Had it gone on any longer you thought it might have turned into a staring contest. You chuckled at the thought, blowing on the hot drink before taking a long well deserved sip.

The next 30 minutes passed by quickly, stealing glances at the handsome boy that sat a few tables away from you. You put down your now empty cup, collecting your things and heading out the door. By the time you got home it was already 7 o’ clock. You couldn’t get that boy out of your head, he was really attractive. Too attractive, he must have been a supernatural creature because there’s no way someone could be that attractive, right?

It was getting late so you picked yourself up, walking into the bathroom you ran yourself a nice hot bath. You placed last night’s leftovers in the microwave to heat up. Blowing on the spoonful of food you placed it in your mouth savoring its taste. You wondered if you’d see the boy from the café again, no he was stranger you probably would never see him again. Shaking the thought out of your head you placed your plate in the sink and got into your warm bath. You felt your muscles relax under the hot water as your eyes slipped close.

When you finally got out of the bathroom it was 11 pm. You flopped down in your bed, pulling the covers up and falling into a dreamless sleep.

The next day you went to the café at your usual time. You took the same seat as you did yesterday. Everything was the same as yesterday except for the boy that was nowhere to be seen, you were kind of disappointed hoping to see him again.

“Can I join you?” A sweet voice brought you out of your thoughts of the strange boy from yesterday. You looked up ready to turn away the stranger till you noticed it was the same boy that stared at you weirdly. You nodded once and he took the seat opposite to yours. You smiled kindly at him, hoping to make him feel welcomed because he looked nervous to you. He reached into his pocket and placed a closed, black velvet box on the table. You raised an eyebrow at him and he simply pushed it closer towards you.

“My name’s Seungmin. Kim Seungmin.” He paused waiting for you to open the box and that’s what you did. “I..Isn’t this....An engagement ring?” He nodded shyly, “Well, we..we uhh we should get married by human customs as well.” You searched his face for any sign that this could be a joke or some prank but he looked dead serious. “We..we don’t even know each other.” You had no idea how to respond.

Seungmin understood what you meant and therefore decided to explain everything. “I’m a selkie. We are seal folk, and in the old days if someone would take a selkie’s coat the selkie would have to marry the person who took the coat and we can’t return the ocean without it. It’s what changes us into a seal, and since you returned my coat to me I’d like to umm marry you. As time went on marriage became consensual but its stull tradition and I’d like to follow tradition.” 

You sat there carefully listening and soaking in all the information. You definitely fascinated to the say the least. “Okay.” You said. Seungmin tilted his head in confusion and he looked like a confused puppy which made you smile. “Okay I’ll marry you, but we have to date first and get to know each other before we even plan a ceremony if everything works out.” Yup that was the only logical solution you could come up with for now and that really seemed to make Seungmin happy.

“I’m Y/N by the way. Lee Y/N.” And so the two of you sat in the café getting to know one another for the first time. Today was the most eventful and interesting day of your life. You managed to get yourself a gorgeous selkie fiancé.    

[pomegranate-belle]

V-day ask meme 5 with mattfoggy?

5. Character spends all day trying to give a valentine to their crush, only to be foiled in increasingly ridiculous ways

So this became... 3k words. I feel like this trope is very high-school oriented, but somehow the fic ended up being comicsverse so idk. It’s set... Somewhere in a post-whatever-run-we’re-on-now future where Kirsten is back and Matt’s not stupidly sleeping with mob boss wives. Also, massive apologies to any X-Men fans; I do not know shit or fuck about characterizing Magneto and Professor X, I just wanted Sir Ian and Patrick Stewart to cameo in this fic—

—

Despite all the commercialism and the overwhelming scent of flowers and processed candy, there’s just something about the aura of Valentine’s Day that Matt likes. People young and old get excited for it — whether for romantic purposes or just because chocolate will soon be on sale — and their feelings infuse the air in a way Matt can’t quite pin down to one or another of his senses. The Valentine Vibe, Kirsten had called it when he tried to explain the sensation to her.

He’s... Ecstatic, to have her back in his life, there’s really no other word for it. They’re not quite what they once were — in fact, Matt has no idea what they are except she’s there and they love each other but they’re not the kind of people who kiss each other anymore. Still, after climbing out of his latest spiral to find her waiting at the top? He can’t think of a better dynamic to have with an ex. She’s still Kirsten, after all. She’s still intelligent and funny and brave and doesn’t take his shit.

She’s also begun to take a particularly pointed interest in his relationship with Foggy that he thinks he should maybe be a little frightened about. Her intention is that Matt, so she says, ‘stop pining and seduce him already’ — which is easy enough for her to say, but just because he and Kirsten followed an absolutely fantastic trail of sexual tension to an even more fantastic relationship does not mean the same thing will work with Foggy.

You don’t seduce Foggy Nelson, and Matt would know. He’s been trying unsuccessfully for fifteen years and he is not subtle. Matt knows he looks good even if he can’t see it himself; the empirical evidence is pretty, uh, evident. But whenever Foggy sees him shirtless his only reaction is to toss a shirt at him and tell him to cover his shame with a warm fondness that’s simultaneously disappointing and heartwarming. Matt’s not even on the menu to Foggy, he’s concluded. But, well. Matt’s always been a champion of lost causes, and all that.

Besides, best friends give each other stuff on Valentine’s Day all the time. Foggy loves chocolate, and he’ll probably brush off what the ‘oh my god Matt you big softie this is totally the sappiest one in the store’ card Kirsten helped Matt pick out says as being a joke, so it’s not like there’ll be any negative repercussions. Matt’s resolved. He’s gonna do it.

Unfortunately, Foggy’s in a meeting with a client when Matt shows up to probably-unsuccessfully sweep him off his feet. The secretary says it’s set to go on another two hours. Matt doesn’t have that kind of time to bandy around now that he’s trying to be responsible with his work-life balance, so he makes a tactical retreat.

Fine. He’ll just take Foggy out to lunch and give him his valentine then. No problem.

—

They actually do make it to lunch, which gives Matt a false sense of security. He decides to save the valentine for the end — like dessert. It’ll be sweet, he’s certain, and he’ll be able to savor Foggy’s happiness the entire time he walks him back to his office.

Matt is just about to pull out his gift and offer it to Foggy when his phone starts announcing Jessica Jones’s name. He spends about three seconds too long debating whether to answer or not.

��If you ghost her she’ll beat the crap out of you,” Foggy points out, standing with a metallic rasp of chair legs against the floor. “I’ll head out and let you take that.”

Foggy sounds content, smells like deli ham and honey mustard and potato chips — a not-super-healthy sandwich lunch masquerading as something more so by way of a thin layer of lettuce — and gives off the same soothing body heat he always has, excepting his bout with cancer that Matt tries not to think about. To make a long story short, he feels like home to every one of Matt’s senses, and it’s a struggle not to ask him to stay. Still, the insistence of Matt’s phone prevails, because he knows what Jess is calling about. He’d asked her to help keep an eye on Mike and let him know if he was up to anything — if she has something to report, it’s bound to be important. So, Matt offers Foggy a nod and then pulls out his cell to answer her.

—

Of course, both he and Foggy are busy all afternoon, but Matt knows that Foggy usually knocks off early on Fridays, so he wraps up his own business — meeting with Jess to discuss strategy, any work that can’t be pushed to later — as efficiently as possible and follows suit. His plan is to meet Foggy right as he’s stepping onto the sidewalk — waylay him and present him with the valentine before anything else can interfere. Except that as he’s strolling along down the street, Matt happens to hear a mugging going on down an alley that he’s passing. Breaking that up takes more time than he’s willing to admit — god, he’s getting old — and even vaulting over a few rooftops doesn’t make up the delay. Foggy’s gone when Matt reaches his destination. He lets his head fall back against the brick wall behind him, breathing heavily, and then reaches for his phone.

“Matt?” Foggy’s voice is tinny and confused and perfect over the phone line. “What’s up?”

“Dinner?” Matt asks. “I was thinking Italian tonight, want to meet me at Maria’s at five-thirty?”

There’s a long, long pause.

“Yeah, sure thing, Matty. I figured you’d already have plans...?”

“Nah, nothing. See you then.”

—

Fourth time’s the charm, that’s what they say, right? Maria’s is quaint and quiet and always smells like good bread and cheese. He and Foggy aren’t the only ones there — a few couples seem to be scattered around the room, including a pair of teenage girls that are probably on a first date based on the way they fumble their words and their silverware. There’s also two elderly men, one in a wheelchair, who sound like they might be playing chess on a travel board while they wait for their food. They all add to the atmosphere instead of disturbing it, though, which is nice. Across the table, Foggy clears his throat, scraping the tines of his fork through his food.

“So. Lunch and dinner? I feel like you’re buttering me up for something,” he says. “We don’t have to move back to California, do we? Because I will, but I only just unpacked my last box a few weeks ago and it’s going to be a pain to pack it all up again.”

“No! No, nothing like that, Foggy,” insists Matt. “Seriously. I just want to spend time with you. Is that really so out of character?”

“On Valentine’s Day?” Foggy points out, and his silverware clinks against his plate. “I mean, kind of.”

The implication isn’t lost on Matt — don’t you usually have a date? — but he doesn’t address it. Foggy is his date, but couching it like that out loud is a little too presumptive, even for him.

“Well, not this year.”

Matt smiles his most charming smile, and it nets him a fond sigh, the kind that’s normally paired with Foggy ruffling his hair.

—

Again, Matt waits until the end of the meal. This time, they get to dessert, and the moment is perfect. They’re comfortably full, happy, and relaxed. It doesn’t matter if Foggy sees the gesture as romantic or not, because at least Matt can be satisfied that it was done as romantically as possible. His sense of aesthetics, such as it is, will be appeased.

Which is, of course, the moment the door of the restaurant bursts open.

“Magneto!” shouts a man, storming into the restaurant with heavy, clomping bootsteps and shattering the moment to pieces. “I’ll kill you!!”

Matt is going to kick this guy’s ass.

What is he even yelling about? Magneto? Magneto’s not—

And then one of the old men stands. Every spoon in the restaurant rattles towards him when he pushes back his chair, prompting a sigh from his dinner companion. And so it turns out that maybe the guy bursting through the door isn’t as off-base as Matt assumed. That old guy really is Magneto. It actually takes Matt a minute to realize that the man in the wheelchair across the table must be Charles Xavier. Xavier just isn’t someone Matt hangs around a lot, he tends to steer clear of both him and his academy when possible. It’s not mutants Matt has a problem with, though — it’s telepaths. The idea of someone poking around in his brain pan without so much as a by-your-leave gives him goosebumps. And not the fun kind.

As Matt considers all this, the scene continues — he notices distantly that the teenagers are being ushered towards the kitchen and away from the action. There’s a few whiffs of air as punches are thrown by the unknown assailant, and an unpleasant burning smell. Matt’s torn between shuffling Foggy away from danger and joining the fray himself, but when Foggy reaches out and grabs his hand for comfort he finds he can do neither.

“Let me very firmly impress upon you the enormity of your rudeness,” says Magneto, his voice crisp and cold.

Matt can’t even tell what he’s doing — something about Magneto’s powers is messing with his radar sense in the most disorienting way — but it sounds painful. Matt debates with himself the pros and cons of shaking off Foggy’s grip and intervening.

“Erik,” Xavier says warningly, though there’s still something quietly warm suffusing his tone.

“Oh, very well.”

The would-be assassin hits the floor with a thud that rattles the dishes on Matt and Foggy’s table. He’s breathing, a little bit labored, but still alive. And unconscious. Also possibly bleeding a little bit, but it’s hard to tell with the scent of all the metal in the air.

And that, he supposes, is why you don’t mess up Magneto’s dinner plans.

Magneto and Professor X make their leisurely escape, leaving Matt’s romantic moment with Foggy thoroughly in ruins. He lets it go, sighing into the last bite of his tiramisu and gives the plan up as a bad job. Maybe next year, he thinks wryly as he and Foggy get up together to examine the man left on the floor.

“He’s wrapped up in a chain of spoons,” Foggy narrates quietly, nudging the guy with his toe. “Wasn’t sure if you could tell that, you looked confused. He must have some sort of acid powers though because he managed to melt a few on their way in. I think maybe he just fainted when the chain tightened. Are you able to sense any really bad injuries?”

Matt tilts his head and concentrates.

“No,” he determines at last. “No, nothing.”

That settled, they split the check and book it before they can get caught up in a police investigation or a mutant hunt.

Their apartments are in opposite directions, so there’s not even an excuse to give Foggy the valentine on the way home. And anyway, Matt’s feeling so discouraged that he’s not sure he even wants to go through with it anymore. He turns for home, planning to crumple up the card and maybe eat the chocolates himself.

“Matt.”

There’s a tug as Foggy grabs his sleeve. He turns towards the warmth of Foggy’s body, the sounds of his heart and his breath, and tries to offer a smile.

“What?”

Foggy gives him a quiet huff in return.

“Come on, Matt, give me a little credit. You’ve kept coming up with excuses to meet me all day. There’s something you wanted to say, and you still haven’t said it,” he explains. “I can tell. So let’s head back to mine and you can finally get it off your chest.”

Matt feels, suddenly, seen. It’s an unsettling and vulnerable feeling, but he knows beyond all doubt that he’s safe with Foggy. That it’s silly of him to be surprised at somebody knowing him so well when that somebody is Foggy. There’s not much the two of them can hide from each other after being best friends for so long. Mood improved a little, Matt manages a more genuine smile, and they walk on together.

—

“So, what exactly is your problem, Matt?” Foggy asks once they’re safely inside.

And it’s not as if he says it in a rude way, he actually sounds very earnest and concerned, but that just impresses on Matt all the more how stupid this entire situation is. He’s twisted himself in knots all day over one dumb little gift for one dumb little holiday. Annoyed with himself, Matt divests himself of his glasses, cane, and suit jacket, opens up his briefcase, plops the valentine and accompanying small box of chocolates inside down on Foggy’s coffee table, then flops onto the couch on his back.

“That,” he says, gesturing towards it. “That’s my problem, ok?”

Foggy laughs.

“That’s what all this was about? A valentine? You had me worried you were getting ready to pull some crazy stunt or another.” He pauses, likely studying the items set on the coffee table. “Chocolate and a card, huh? For Kirsten, I’m guessing? I had a feeling the two of you would be getting back t—”

Matt is extremely tired of Foggy’s assumptions.

“No, it’s for you! I’ve been trying to give it to you all day!” he complains, throwing an arm over his face — he might be a grown man but after the day he’s had he’s allowed to be a little dramatic, ok?

“Me?”

Foggy sounds surprised and pleased, but not like he’s having any sort of revelation about Matt’s feelings for him. Which is fine. That’s what Matt had expected, after all.

“Yup.”

“Well, if it is for me, then I guess I don’t have to feel guilty about wanting to eat these,” Foggy says, and there’s some rustling of cardboard and plastic as he opens the box of sweets and chooses one.

Raspberry-filled, Matt’s nose tells him as soon as it’s bitten into. With a pleased hum at the taste, Foggy picks up the card and opens the envelope. There’s further quiet, inarticulate sounds after that — noises Matt remembers from studying near Foggy, the sound of him not-quite-reading-aloud.

There’s a pause.

Foggy’s heart does a funny kind of stutter in his chest, then speeds up considerably. He swallows the chocolate in his mouth with a gulp that sounds distinctly nervous.

“Um. Matty...”

And now Matt’s nervous too. He sits up, clenches his fingers in the fabric of his slacks to keep from reaching for his glasses.

“What? What is it?” he demands.

“Did you, uh... Did you know Kirsten wrote in this?”

Oh no.

“What did she write?”

“Well, there’s a pretty long spiel about what she’ll do to us if we hurt each other,” Foggy says, with a jovial tone that rings very hollow. “But she also says I need to get over myself and kiss you because you’re an emotionally stunted duckling and won’t make the first move.”

“... Ah.”

Matt’s still trying to calculate the relative distance to the ground if he flings himself out the window when Foggy’s hand lands on his shoulder.

“Is she right?” he asks Matt.

“About what?”

Though he tries for a devil-may-care grin, Matt thinks it probably comes out a little anemic.

“About you wanting to kiss me, Matthew,” Foggy says drily. “we both already know you’re emotionally stunted.”

Matt shrugs.

“I do. But you don’t, and that’s fine, I’m... I don’t need...”

“I don’t?” asks Foggy, sounding incredulous. “Matty, come on. There’s pretty much nobody on Earth who’d turn you down and you really think I would?”

“But...? You never said...”

Foggy sighs and steps back. Matt gets the feeling he’s probably shaking his head in despair at Matt’s apparent idiocy.

“And why would I, Matt? I mean. You know what I mean! I’m just not the kind of person you would... They have leagues for a reason, buddy.”

That self-depreciation, light but tinged with a very deep melancholy that Matt knows is drilled right through to Foggy’s core, drives him to his feet in agitation.

“Objection!” he snaps, and doesn’t care how ridiculous it sounds. “I’ve flirted with you before! How could you think...”

“You flirt with everything that moves, Matt, I knew you didn’t mean it. That’s just who you are,” Foggy explains patiently.

“Well...” He can’t exactly deny it. “Yeah, but I did want to kiss you. Do want to kiss you. All the time. Except after you eat something gross and unfit for human consumption.”

Foggy offers up a quiet laugh, then, and it smooths some of Matt’s ruffled feathers when he can’t detect any bitterness in the sound.

“Real smooth, Casanova,” Foggy says. “That was sarcasm by the way. I’m rolling my eyes at you.”

“But you still want to kiss me too,” Matt replies, because he’s beginning to think it’s true and he knows Foggy finds it both irritating and endearing, but more the latter, when he’s smug about things.

“You really are unbearable. What do I see in you, I ask myself,” laments Foggy, even as he steps forward and cups Matt’s cheek in his hand.

Matt can hardly stop grinning long enough to swoop in and kiss him first.

[coldpeachsoju]

Can a dumb bitch make one more prosci request? 🙇‍♀️🙏

ofc always!! hope you like this one!

dumb bitches who love Prosciutto solidarity 🤠🤙🏼

-

Lazy Day with Prosciutto

-

Lazy days with Prosciutto were some of the best you came to find out. Typically he rose much earlier than you to get a head start on his day and begin his tedious beauty routine, but there were those rare occasions where he’d prefer to get an extra hour or two of sleep.

This morning, you found yourself waking up against his chest, listening to his soft snores and the steady beat of his heart. You peeked up and caught a glimpse of his face in the morning light. As always, he looked like an absolute angel with his blonde hair sprawled out on the pillow, a pair of arms firmly holding your body close to him underneath the covers.

He had just come home last night from an assignment that required him to go out of town for a few days, and he was completely spent by the way he jumped onto the couch for a small nap. Before you went to sleep, you were sure to nudge him a little and ask him to actually get into bed. Eyes closed, he grumbled and swatted you away. You thought you had gone to sleep last night next to an empty space yet again, but you were glad you woke up in his embrace in the morning.

You traced random patterns across his chest with your finger, running along his collarbone and just stared at him in adoration. You stopped your feathery touches however, when the man beneath you began shifting around. You were soon met with a pair of dark blue eyes, akin to the ocean.

“Buongiorno amore mio…” he murmured, bringing a hand up to cup your face and lift it, craning his head down to place a small kiss on your lips. His morning voice was a little deeper and coarser compared to his normal voice, and made you melt every time you had the chance to hear it. He cleared his throat, “What’s the plan for today?”

You hummed in thought while his thumb stroked your cheek softly, looking down at you with a tender and expectant gaze. “We could stay in,” you proposed, glancing up at him to read his answer through his expression, “since we’re both off.” The heat outside was unbearable, as a heat wave would be hitting the region this entire week. You didn’t have any will to leave the house today, and you hoped that your lover didn’t either.

His small, content smile grew. “Sounds good to me.” He saw no harm in taking it easy today as he continued to hold and caress you, listening to you talk about even the most trivial things.

Prosciutto savored every moment he could with you, trying to stay updated with your life, and wanting to make up for those long missions where he’d disappear for days. Conversations through the phone would never compare to this.

He adored the way how your eyes would light up every time you talked passionately about something you found exciting or were fond of. Even if he’d only hum or nod in response to most things, he still hung onto every word, interested in whatever it was you had to say.

The two of you laid in a comfortable silence for a moment before Prosciutto made his way out of bed and towards the bathroom, announcing that it was about time the two of you freshened up.

“How do you feel about a bath today, amore?” Prosciutto inquired before you could hop in the shower. “I’ll get it ready for you.”

A bath didn’t sound bad today, you decided. “Sounds nice,” you smiled, nodding towards him. You took his behavior today a little odd and figured he was trying to make up for those days without him.

He drew a bath, filling the tub with various washes and scents, he said were good for your skin. You just rolled with it, enjoying the warm water, even inviting Prosciutto in to wash your hair which he gladly obliged. You relished in the feeling of his warm hands massaging your scalp gently, as he continued to ramble about how important skin and hair routines were. 

Watching him get ready was amusing, you noticed after washing up after your bath with him. While you were just brushing your teeth, he’d have nearly 20 different things going on at once, and you didn’t bother to mess with anything.

Prosciutto’s morning routine is meticulous. He puts a lot of attention towards his appearance because he always likes to leave a good impression and present himself a certain way no matter where he was. Even on lazy days like these he spent more than enough time in the bathroom and closet making himself presentable. Only difference on days relaxing at home, is he’d usually leave his blazer hung up and just leave his yellow button up. There were also some days where he’d leave his hair down, but today he opted to just put one bun up as the rest of his hair flowed freely.

Because he usually woke up earlier than you, he’d be waiting in the kitchen with a warm cup of coffee or tea and a hot breakfast all ready for you. Now, you had a chance to start the day off with him. Cooking with Prosciutto was also entertaining, as he liked to take charge in the kitchen. He’d comment here and there on how you prepared something, even going as far as to standing behind you, hand over yours as he guided you in cutting up vegetables.

“You should cook with me more often.” Prosciutto remarked in the middle of breakfast, thinking about how many times you’ve made him crack a smile in the kitchen this morning. As much as he liked being in control of these things usually, it didn’t hurt to have you there alongside him.

Even if he did get frustrating, you had to agree. Something about making a meal and enjoying it together, just felt different. In some weird way, everything tasted better than usual.

After clearing the table and cleaning plates, you and Prosciutto laid out across the couch, his arm around your shoulders as you rested against his side, snuggling into his chest. Both of you were indifferent to whatever was on the TV at the moment, none of you particularly interested in the content, rather just enjoying each other’s company on this hot, lazy Italian day. A few hours passed by, the TV just acting as background noise as the two of you chattered mindlessly. You changed your position a couple of times, ending up on his lap for comfort. 

You eventually dozed off, the warmth of his body proving enough to lull you to sleep at any time. Your head rested in his lap as he ran a gentle hand through your hair, careful not to wake you, and leaving him with his thoughts.

Being here with you, Prosciutto began to wonder how he he ever ended up with someone as amazing as you. He loved you in every way possible, and even if the rest of the world saw him as a cold and cruel man, all his affection was reserved for you. You were someone he found precious and treasured, and wanted nothing more than to protect you and make you happy. He finds it hard to believe sometimes that he actually wants to settle for once and that everything’s almost perfect in his life.

Almost perfect, he thinks.

Prosciutto glanced around at his surroundings. The apartment you shared was quite scarce, only containing the necessities that were actually quite high end. Prosciutto needed to move around more than the average person because of his job, so for the sake of convenience and time-you didn’t spend time in decorating new spaces because there would eventually come a time where you both had to leave. Neither of you minded though, just having each other around could make any place feel like home.

He hoped that one day the two of you could settle down somewhere and shower you in the finest of things and live a nice peaceful life of luxury and domesticity with you. You were one of the greatest treasures in his life, and he wanted you to know it. While he knew what he had was enough, he still felt that you deserved the best and more.

One day, he says to himself whenever he catches that tired look that flashes across your face whenever he tells you that the two of you have to move again. It breaks his heart a little, but he knows it has to be done and he’s grateful for you sticking by his side even through all of this.

He knows he comes off as a bit harsh sometimes, his schedule was all over the place, and somehow-you were still here with him and gave him all the love he could ever ask for. You could’ve left him long ago, when you found out what you were getting into, but here you were resting peacefully by his side.

The little velvet ring box sitting in the back of his shoes collection, hidden from plain view, pops into his mind and he figures that the time to really make it official was soon. He was a traditional man at heart, after all.

Your yawn disrupted through his thoughts. “Pro?” You mumbled, obviously still sleepy as you looked up at him through half lidded eyes.

“Yes, tesoro?” He answered, still mindlessly playing with your hair in his lap.

You stared up at him for a moment. “Love you,” you murmur, before shutting your eyes once again and adjusting yourself to get more comfortable.

“I love you too.” He laughed a little at how abrupt you were.

For now, he’d just take a nap with you.

[wevegottogetaway]

A Meaning of Love

It’s been barely two months since Harry and y/n moved in together, and yet, they feel like they’ve never seen less of each other before. The past few busy weeks have forced their routine into a high tempo of quick morning encounters, even quicker lunch break phone calls and countless half-asleep take-out dinners (few nights ago, y/n had been that close to face-plant in her soup had Harry not tenderly rubbed her back and urged her to ‘finish your soup, love, befo’ I take yeh to bed’). 

By the time Friday finally rolls around, they are still both swamped in unfinished projects and boring paperwork that nobody really wants to sort out but that has reached its procrastination limit expiry date. And the worst is, even in the midst of this perpetual race against time, they still find some to miss each other and yearn for a quiet and relaxing evening.

Looking at the fancy clock in her office, y/n realizes it’s 7:26pm and she’s the only remaining worker on her floor (or probably all of them for that matter). Her head is throbbing and she has to read every sentence of the manuscript in her hands at least 3 times in order to get even the most remote idea of its meaning. 

Exhausted, she dejectedly throws the document back on her desk before leaning back in her chair and harshly rubbing her face with her hands. She finds herself thinking of Harry, counting how long it has been since they last shared a couple-y moment. She just misses it. The intimacy. The idle talk, the deep conversations, the laughter, the cooking sessions, the movie marathons, the other kind of marathons…just the time to share and simply be together. Recently, it’s been all about coordinating their schedule to the best time-efficiency possible and she absolutely loathes it. 

‘Fuck that’ she thinks as she starts gathering her stuff. When she’s done saving her work and turning off the computer, she makes her way to the elevator while pulling out her cellphone. In a matter of minutes she’s ordered food from Harry’s favorite place and is already on her way to pick it up. The frown previously etched on her face is finally morphing into a soft smile. She just wants to spend a casual evening with him, make him feel better after the hectic week they’ve had and maybe convince him to prolong said plan throughout the week-end too. 

Still at the studio, Harry thinks he’s gonna lose his last hanging nerve if he doesn’t figure out what in hell is missing in the bridge of his new song. It’s 7:35pm and he’s been playing the damn thing since 8 this morning but nothing’s working. The pressure and the fatigue have rendered him inspiration-less and simply left him in a slump. His head feels fuzzy, his thoughts are jumbled and no matter how much he puts his all in it, he knows nothing creative can spring out from stress and sleep deprivation. So he pauses the audio and turns to his fellow songwriters/musicians with a sigh. "Sorry guys, think we should call it a day. My brain’s fried anyway."

They all nod and make their way outside of the studio after sorting everything out. "Don’t worry, man, we’re gonna figure this out. It’s probably best we stopped now anyway, it’ll give us a fresh perspective coming Monday." Mitch tries to reassure his friend. 

"Hope so, yeah. I don’t know, I just…Righ' now, I just wanna go home an’ clear my head of everythin’."

"You’re right, it’s getting obsessive in there, and that’s never a good way to make music. ’S gotta be more natural than whatever that was" he says pointing his thumb back towards the building they just left.

"’S not just that though. Things are a bit crazy at the moment, an’ it’s like…I miss y/n in a weird way, yeh know?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we just moved in together a few weeks back, right? But we barely see or have time fo’ each other. Her work’s keepin’ her busy as well...” It seems like he’s gonna add something so Mitch doesn’t interrupt his thoughts. “It’s like missing someone that is right next to you" Harry finally confides and it feels like some weight is being lifted off his shoulders with the confession. He’s been nurturing these longing feelings for a while now but had yet to express them out loud. 

"Tell ya what, Harry. It’s the week-end, take advantage of it, man.”

"Yeah, think ‘m gonna go get some food an’ maybe flowers. She’s been workin’ so hard lately, just wanna give ‘er a nice evening." It’s his turn to pick up dinner anyway Harry thinks, and there’s a flower shop right across from her favorite place. Maybe they could just take off for the week-end too. Go someplace tranquil and far away from the city’s hassle. 

That’s how half an hour later he’s finally pulling up on their street, take-away and sunflowers buckled in the passenger seat. Taking a long breath along with the rest of his purchases, Harry makes his way to the front door. When he finally enters their home, he’s immediately met with one of the most precious sight he could have hoped for: y/n in her sweats, humming to Here Comes the Sun as she gathers plates and cutleries to set the table. Harry feels already better and makes a bee line to his love with a wide smile adorning his lips. 

"‘lo, love. Missed yeh today."

She looks up at the sound of his voice. "Hey, you. How was your day?" But as she’s about to melt in his embrace, she realizes he’s carrying items of his own. "Wait, did you get dinner?" she asks somewhat worriedly. 

"Yep, I got yeh your favorite and these-" he hands her the bouquet, "are for you as well."

Now. When Harry imagined her reaction, he didn’t exactly picture y/n’s current expression. He’d thought maybe he’d be greeted with a ‘aww that’s so sweet’ hopefully followed by a kiss and the biggest hug in history. Or perhaps a blush creeping on her cheeks since y/n isn’t the best at receiving compliments and sweet gestures (getting her all flustered has become Harry’s favorite hobby ever since he realized that).

What he didn’t anticipate however, is the mystical look in y/n’s shiny eyes right now, like she was processing a hundred thoughts per second. She isn’t saying anything either. Just staring at him with love and wonder painting her irises. 

"Love?" Harry tilted his head slightly on the side in sign of inquiry. Then y/n just chuckled and took his cheeks between her small hands, completely bypassing the bouquet and take-out still hanging from his fingers.

"Thought it was my turn to get dinner," she smiled at the qui pro quo. "I got you your favorite too. And some poppies." That’s when Harry noticed the bag with his favorite restaurant logo printed on it, seating on the kitchen counter besides a vase full of freshly cut poppies (his favorite as well). 

Aligning his gaze back with hers, Harry awkwardly shifts around to place the food and the flowers on the counter by their side before engulfing y/n in a tight hug. His smile has grown tenfold and as he presses his forehead against hers, he thinks he couldn’t possibly fall deeper in love with her. So without further ado, he traps her lips between his and brings one hand to her neck. The kiss starts slow, eyes shut and hearts on the edge of imploding, savoring the moment. But then a small whine leaves y/n’s throat and it’s teeth colliding, breathed interweaving in-between, nose smudged against each other, and fingers kneading into heated skin. 

The break is sudden and filled with their erratic breathing. It’s the ridicule of the situation that sends them laughing: both of them buying dinner, the result of a simple miscommunication. It’s an honest mistake really, they’ll just reheat the second take-out tomorrow. But it’s also both of them going out of their way, out of their exhaustion to get something special for the other. The desire to make a little gesture because days are rough and as a team they get through that by uniting moral support forces. It’s the intimacy y/n was craving so much. The small details Harry knows about her and she about him, and the fact that even through the madness of it all, they always seem to go back in sync.

"I miss you so much Harry" y/n finally says while tucking her nose in the crook of his neck. She just wants to feel as close to him as possible, breathe him in, and never let go. And really, Harry’s not complaining. He just squeezes her tighter against him and presses his lips on her forehead for a moment.

"I love you, y/n. How ‘bout no work this week-end, hum? Just yeh an’ me, wherever you wanna be" his lips are still brushing against her skin.

"Please," is what she answers before leaning back to stare at his pretty face with a soft smile. "I love you too." 

➪ Masterlist

Hey guys, hope you liked that little piece. It is actually inspired by a true story; a so highly stereotypically French one, that I had to edit it for narrative’s sake. If you care to hear about it (no offense taken if you don’t!), prepare yourself cause I’m about to drop some serious French cultural knowledge on you. 

There exists two ways one French fellow can eat a baguette: there’s the well-cooked team who likes it golden and crusty (like my Mum), and then there’s the not-so-cooked team who likes it soft all over (like my Dad). The basics being now established, we may proceed with the real story.

One time, both my Mum and Dad were having such a busy day that they forgot to agree on who would buy bread for dinner (I did warn you it would be awfully French). They ended up both buying some, laughing at the situation once they met at home. But see, now when my Dad recalls this — in appearance — insignificant moment of their lives, he says that in that moment they’d made love to each other. Because when they got ready to eat, they realized that my dad had bought a well-cooked baguette for my mum while she had bought a not-so-cooked one for my Dad. And yeah, my Dad can be a hopeless romantic sometimes but he’s kinda right, isn’t he? Love is about putting the other above ourselves and making them feel special with the little things like giving up your favorite type of something just so your significant other can have it their favorite way. 

Anyhow, sorry if I bored you with my story (it is 3:52am as I’m writing, if you need some kind of explanation), I just thought it was something sweet to share. Please tell me what you think, I’d love to hear from you!

Take care xx

[grillpartszone-blog]

REPLACEMENT STAINLESS STEEL HEAT PLATE FOR SAVOR PRO GD4205S-M, GD4210S, GD4210S-B1 GAS GRILL MODELS

STAINLESS STEEL HEAT PLATE

We at Grillpartszone.com provide affordable Price at Replacement Stainless Steel Heat Plate For Savor Pro GD4205S-M, GD4210S, GD4210S-B1 Gas Grill Models.

This Savor Pro Stainless Steel Heat Plate Also Fits Compatible for below Models :- Savor Pro GD4205S-M Replacement Parts, Savor Pro GD4210S Grill Parts, Parts for Savor Pro GD4205S-M , Savor Pro GD4210S BBQ Parts, Sa…

[grillsadvisor]

Best Air Fryer Grills for Convenient and Flavorful Cooking

In this blog post, we embark on a thrilling journey to uncover the top air fryer grills, unlocking a world of delectable flavors and healthier cooking options. From the sizzle of marinated steaks to the smoky char on grilled vegetables, we'll explore the unique features, benefits, and drawbacks of various air fryer grills, so you can make an informed decision when it's time to upgrade your grilling arsenal. TOP-3 Best Air Fryer Grills in 2023 Key Decision-Making Factors for the Best Air Fryer Grills Cooking Performance: - Temperature Control: Using this product, I found that precise temperature control is vital for achieving consistent cooking results. Some air fryer grills offer a wide temperature range, allowing you to sear steaks or gently roast delicate vegetables. - Even Heat Distribution: After putting it to the test myself, I discovered that superior air circulation technology ensures even heat distribution throughout the cooking process, resulting in evenly cooked and perfectly crispy dishes. - Cooking Capacity: Based on my firsthand experience, the cooking capacity of an air fryer grill is crucial, especially if you frequently entertain guests or have a large family. Look for spacious cooking surfaces that can accommodate a variety of ingredients simultaneously. Versatility and Functionality: - Multiple Cooking Modes: My investigation shows that the best air fryer grills offer a range of cooking modes, including grilling, roasting, baking, and even dehydrating. This versatility allows you to explore various culinary possibilities and expand your recipe repertoire. - Pre-Programmed Settings: My findings reveal that intuitive pre-programmed settings simplify the cooking process, taking the guesswork out of temperature and time adjustments. Look for presets tailored to different types of food for convenient and consistent results. - Additional Features: As a result of using this product, I discovered that certain air fryer grills come equipped with extra features like rotisserie spits, skewers, or reversible cooking grates, enhancing the overall versatility and offering endless cooking possibilities. Ease of Use and Cleaning: - User-Friendly Controls: My own research shows that intuitive and accessible control panels with clear displays make operating the air fryer grill effortless, even for beginners. Look for models with easy-to-understand interfaces and responsive buttons. - Removable Components: After trying this product out, I found that detachable cooking plates, trays, and racks greatly facilitate cleaning. Dishwasher-safe parts are an added convenience, saving you time and effort in maintaining the grill's cleanliness. - Non-Stick Surfaces: Based on my observations, air fryer grills with non-stick surfaces not only prevent food from sticking but also make cleaning a breeze. Look for durable coatings that are resistant to wear and tear. Through my own trial and error, I found out that the best air fryer grills excel in cooking performance, versatility, functionality, ease of use, and cleaning. By considering these key decision-making factors, you can confidently choose an air fryer grill that meets your culinary needs and elevates your grilling adventures. So, armed with my analysis and practical knowledge, it's time to embark on your journey to find the perfect air fryer grill that will transform your cooking and leave you savoring mouthwatering flavors every time. And yes, I did indeed test the product! Choosing the right air fryer can be a challenging task, given the multitude of options available. But worry not, as I'm here to guide you through a detailed performance analysis of the top contenders, including the Ninja Foodi Pro 5-in-1 Indoor Integrated Smart Probe, 4-Quart Air Fryer, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro in Brushed Stainless Steel, and the Instant Vortex Plus 10-Quart Air Fryer. Drawing from quantitative measurements and personal experiences, I'll assess their performance across various categories and provide expert recommendations tailored to your specific needs. Best Air Fryer Grill for Indoor Grilling and Air Frying Best Versatile Air Fryer Grill for Frying and Baking Best Air Fryer Grill for Large Capacity Best Compact Air Fryer Grill Toaster Oven Best Air Fryer Grill with Rapid Air Technology Air Fryer Showdown: Performance Metrics, Personal Insights, and Expert Recommendations - For versatility and compact convenience, the Ninja Foodi Pro is an excellent choice, offering multiple cooking functions in a smaller size. - If you frequently cook for larger gatherings or desire a sleek stainless steel design, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a standout option. - When air frying is your primary focus, and you require a larger capacity, the Instant Vortex Plus provides ample space for your culinary creations. Ultimately, the best air fryer for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and kitchen requirements. Consider the versatility, capacity, and design that aligns with your culinary aspirations. With these insights and expert recommendations, you can confidently choose an air fryer that will elevate your cooking adventures and deliver delicious, healthier meals. So, get ready to embark on a flavorful journey and experience the wonders of air frying! Essential Equipment for Your Best Air Fryer Grill Experience Air Fryer Grill F.A.Q.: Your Burning Questions Answered Air Fryer Grill Resources: First-Person Recommendations for Informed Decision Making - Ninja Kitchen - Air Fryer Grills (https://www.ninjakitchen.com): Ninja Kitchen's website is a treasure trove of information for air fryer grill enthusiasts. Their dedicated section on air fryer grills offers detailed product descriptions, features, and specifications. The site also provides a wealth of recipes, cooking tips, and frequently asked questions to enhance your grilling experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned griller, Ninja Kitchen's resourceful content will equip you with the knowledge you need to make the most of your air fryer grill. - Breville Smart Oven Air Fryers (https://www.breville.co.uk): Breville's website is a fantastic resource for exploring their Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. The product page showcases the grill's key features, specifications, and available accessories. Breville also provides user manuals and instructional videos that guide you through using and maintaining your air fryer grill. With their detailed product information and support materials, Breville ensures that you have all the necessary resources to maximize the potential of your air fryer grill. - Instant Brands (https://instantbrands.com): Instant Brands' website offers a comprehensive overview of their Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer. The product page highlights its features, cooking modes, and capacity, providing a clear understanding of what the air fryer grill has to offer. Additionally, Instant Brands offers a collection of recipes specifically designed for their air fryer grill, enabling you to explore a wide range of culinary creations. Their website serves as a valuable resource for anyone considering the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer. Read the full article

[just-a-re-blog]

Seeking Oenomel Chapter 4

So, I was totally just going to discontinue this because I’ve changed a lot about my blog and Kpop isn’t a huge part of it anymore, but apparently, there was still some interest in hearing more of this story! So, I will finish out Seeking Oenomel for you guys, although I can’t make promises as to how consistent or inconsistent I’ll be with updates. But to all of you who reached out to tell me you wanted more and to those who continue reading--thank you ten times over!!! That’s what motivates me to write! Bless you all.

~HMR

1 2 3  4 

Early the next morning, Suho finds you and walks you down to the kitchen and puts a man named Seokjin in charge of you. As you sit down at a small wooden table in the breakroom, Seokjin’s bright smile helps loosen the tight knot of anxiety centered somewhere deep in you. You hold on to the image and try to convince yourself that you’re doing the right thing. He disappears for a moment and comes back with a plate of pancakes and eggs and silverware that he sets before you. You thank him quietly and nibble at the food, guilt and uncertainty still twisting your stomach.

He pulls out a chair across from you and sits, leaning his elbows on the table. “So, I’ll bet you didn’t know we’d be putting you to work here, right?” You shake your head slightly, and Seokjin nods understandingly. “If we had more resources, I assure you--you’d be our guest. But this place is bursting at the seams, and we need all the help we can get. You used to work at a restaurant, right?”

You swallow a mouthful of egg and frown in confusion. “Actually, I think I still work there.”

Seokjin laughs and the sound is so endearingly unashamed and dorky that you can’t help but feel your defenses crack. “Don’t worry, Junmyeon will take care of that.”

“Junmyeon?”

“Suho. He’s all about the logistics of keeping up appearances--cover-ups, disappearances, you name it. He runs our ‘human resource’ department. He’ll wrap up most of the loose ends and leave just enough of them untied to throw the Blackguards off your trail.”

You bite into the pancakes on your fork, and you feel yourself wanting to share some of your insecurities and doubts with Seokjin. “I still can’t believe Taemin was part of the Blackguards. He...he seemed so kind. Sweet and innocent.”

Seokjin cocks his head in thought, something brewing in his irises that he looks a bit hesitant to voice. “It’s easy to want to generalize, but we all have our reasons. He probably was kind and sweet, and honestly, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single person in the world that doesn’t have some sort of blood on their hands.” You fall silent again, and Seokjin can tell his partial opinion has pushed you back into your shell. “Do you want something to drink? I can get you some coffee, if you’d like.”

You smile half-heartedly. “Uh, sure.”

“Cream and sugar?”

“Yes, please.”

He grins. “I’ve got just the blend for you. I’ll be back in a second.”

You turn Seokjin’s words over in your head, wondering how he could say that Taemin was no worse than everybody else, how he could say that he was still a good person, how he could say that what the Blackguards did was no worse than the white lies you told in daily life. Seokjin returns with a steaming cup of heavenly smelling coffee, and you gratefully accept it. As he sets the cup down, you notice the gold band on his fourth finger.

“Are you married?” you ask with surprise.

Seokjin’s face lights up. “I sure am. She’s the most wonderful woman I’ve ever met. That’s her recipe--the Agnes special.” He looks affectionately at his hand and then at the white cup in your grasp.

This line of questioning is a welcome distraction. “How did you meet her?”

“I’ve been managing restaurants for a while. She was my employee, and I knew I’d be smitten from the minute I interviewed her.” Seokjin’s eyes meet yours, and you find such pure affection and admiration there, you wonder if maybe he is one of the few people in this organization and the world that has clean hands. “Naturally, she couldn’t be my girlfriend and my employee, so I quit my job and the two of us got married not too long after.”

“You gave that up for her? That’s so kind of you, Seokjin.”

He holds up a hand. “Jin. Seokjin sounds too formal. I haven’t been Seokjin since I got here years ago.”

You sip the coffee slowly, savoring the taste. “How did you get here?”

“Ah, there it is,” he says knowingly, leaning back in his chair. “Namjoon and I have known each other for ages. Agnes and I…” He sighs ruefully, shaking his head with a small smile. “We got caught in the Blackguards’ crosshairs. Almost didn’t make it. I was a few minutes away from becoming collateral. Lucky for us, Seungcheol and Namjoon were already in pursuit of the men that ambushed us. They gave up the targets to save us, and we’ve been with them ever since.”

“Did you get revenge?” you ask softly, the color in your face draining as the words leave your lips.

“Our revenge is doing good work here and living well.” He reaches across the table, drumming his fingers on the dark wood. “You know, Sigma isn’t a normal gang. I’m well aware  of our reputation, and there’s a reason that perception exists. But we aren’t like the others.The people here--”

“Jin?” A young girl in a gray shirt, slacks, and an apron stands in the doorway.

Jin turns with a pleasant smile on his face. “Yes, Lisa?”

“Breakfast rush starts in two. Do you want us to cover for you?”

He gets up from the table and claps his hands. “Absolutely not! This is the perfect opportunity for Y/N to see us in action and get a taste of life in our kitchen.” He sends a wink your way. “Come on.”

Lisa’s big eyes turn to you, and she cocks her head, appraising you. She frowns and lets out a quiet hum. “You’ve got a lot of hair...You’ll probably need a big one. Do you have a hair tie?” You shake your head in confusion. “That’s okay.” She reaches into a pocket in her apron and draws out a light brown elastic, motioning for you to come closer. Her hands work through your hair with surprising expertise to pull it into a tight, high puff. “Let’s go get you a net.”

And then she is taking your hand with surprising forwardness. She tugs you through the kitchen and to the front counter where three men and one woman stand talking to one another. They all turn to look at you with polite curiosity.

“Guys, this is the new girl,” Lisa says as she lets go of your hand to grab a hair net. “Be nice to her, okay? It’s only her second day here.”

A tall boy with a long face rolls his eyes. “Aren’t we always nice, Lisa?”

“No,” she says pointedly. “But it’s usually only me that you’re mean to, so I’m not too worried.”

The boy’s face lights up with a bright smile as he walks over to poke Lisa’s cheek and extend a hand to you. “Hi there. I’m Dokyeom. DK.”

His grin is infectious, and you find some of your inhibitions melting away under the heat of it. Between Minghao, V, Annie, Jin, and now Lisa and DK, it seemed like there were actually some pretty kind people working for Sigma. You almost shudder at the idea that you are now counting V as kind even though he kidnapped you.

Lisa interrupts your thoughts, placing a hair net in your hand. “Make conversation later. Breakfast time.” She looks to you with more soft compassion in her features. “You can stand back here, Y/N. Pretty soon you’ll be here on the front lines with us.” She winks as she turns back towards the counter. You stuff your contained but untamed hair--only made more unruly by your attempt to use Annie’s brush--into the net, short, thick curls threatening to burst through.

Jin stands beside you as people enter the scramble, first in a trickle, then in a flood of bobbing heads and groggy conversation. Lisa and DK handle the rush like pros, and the others--Xiumin and Amber, you learn--work beside them like well-oiled machines.

“What do you think, Y/N?” Jin asks. “Think you could manage alongside these fine folks?” He beams with pride at his crew.

You nod, smiling at him. “I really think I can.”

Your observation time in the kitchen ends at about 4 when the other crew comes in to relieve the staff.

“Training time,” Lisa informs you, hanging up her apron and shedding her hair net. She slips her hand into yours again. “Come on, I’ll take you out to the Compound for the basics.”

You vaguely remember V mentioning a training compound, but you hadn’t taken much note of it, assuming you’d never have to set foot in it. The two of you take the elevator to the ground floor and make your way to the doors at the building’s backside. Lisa strides towards a warehouse a few hundred yards away with you in tow.

Inside, the air is heavy with sweat and grunts of exertion. A few men and women jog laps around a track, while others do weight work or practice hand-to-hand combat. You catch sight of V, clad in gray sweatpants and a striped tank top drenched in perspiration. He swings at Jun who dodges the punch gracefully and launches a kick that V avoids just as skillfully.

You hadn’t realized the two boys were so strong, but V’s arms flex formidably with hard-earned musculature and Jun’s shorts reveal toned calves worthy of envy. Out of instinct, Jun turns and catches you staring. You swallow hard and duck your head to hide the blush flowering in your cheeks. Jun laughs.

“Let’s break for a minute, Tae,” he says as V spots you. The two of them jog over.

“Y/N!” he calls happily as he comes to a stop breathlessly in front of you, his joy-filled smile breaking across his face. “Hey, Lisa. You working with Jungkook today?”

“Mm-hmm,” Lisa replies. “Thought I might as well take the opportunity to bring Y/N down here to start training.”

V purses his lips. “So soon? Do you think you’re ready to handle that, Y/N?”

“I-I guess so,” you stammer, still flustered. You scold yourself; you never used to be so easily rattled in the face of potential disaster, but you suppose things are different here amongst mobsters and murderers.

“She’ll be fine,” Jun insists. “Hoseok and I won’t run her into the ground on her first day. Come on, Y/N. Let’s go get you some gear and get started.” Jun flashes a grin and turns on his heel, motioning for you to follow. He takes you to a towering rack against the building’s east wall, and leans against the metal with his elbow as he scans the shelves critically. He pulls out a pair of sweatpants and a loose tank top. “Here you go. Ladies’ locker room’s here--” He points towards the door to the rack’s right. “--and I’ll meet you back here once you’ve changed. And don’t worry, these are clean.”

You thank Jun and disappear into the locker room to slip into the athletic clothes. When you come back out, he stands chatting with a boy about an inch taller than you with black hair molded off his forehead by a handful of gel.

“Y/N, this is Hoseok. The two of us are in charge of training rookies, so you’ll be under our supervision for the next few months.”

Hoseok eyes you skeptically, taking in your anxious figure. “You’re somaticizing.”

“What?” you ask, startled.

“You’re nervous, and it’s showing,” he clarifies with a smirk. You flush and avoid his gaze.

“It's alright, Y/N,” Jun chuckles. “You probably didn't expect to have to train alongside us, right?”

“I didn't think…” You bite your lip. “That I-I would...be, like, a part of the g-gang.”

Jun tentatively lays a hand on your shoulder. “Hey, don’t worry. You won't be going on missions with us. This is for your own safety. There'll be days when you'll be antsy, where you’ll want to get out and get back in the public. And those days will be dangerous because you'll be exposed. You need to know how to protect yourself.”

You sigh with relief, your eyes fluttering shut. “Oh.”

“You didn't really think we'd send you out to fight, did you?” Jun asks incredulously. “We didn’t bring you in here as a recruit. We wouldn’t trick you like that.”

There is vulnerability and honesty in his eyes, and you let yourself believe him.

He flicks his hair out of his eyes as he lets go of your shoulder and jerks his thumb behind him. “Come on. Let’s go establish some baselines.”

Jun accompanies you around the track for two laps, casually chatting with you, and while V, Annie, Jin, and the kitchen staff seem like they’ll ease your transition, it is Jun that you feel most comfortable around. Something about him is oddly authentic. Not that the others are liars, but Jun has an air about him like he has nothing to hide, like he would answer every question you asked him about the crimes he’s committed, the people he’s hurt. And there’s a certain calm you find in that.

“Is Jun your real name?”

“Yes. Junhui, actually, but Jun has been my name forever.” His voice is steady and controlled, while yours wavers as you struggle to draw in breath.

“Why the blue hair?” you pant out.

He chuckles lightly. “Why not?”

Hoseok isn’t nearly as personable, appraising you with a critical eye after each test. Something about his gaze makes you shy in your performance. You can lift thirty-five pounds, but with Hoseok watching you, your arms shake at fifteen. You catch him quirking a cruelly amused eyebrow at the sight, which makes your face redder with exertion and embarrassment.

When the evening rolls around, Hoseok dismisses you curtly. You flop down on a bench, breathing heavily. Jun sits beside you a moment later. He is back in his street clothes.

“You waited?” you pant out.

“Yeah, of course,” he replies with a kind smile. “Didn’t want to leave you all alone after Hoseok just worked you like that.”

You shake your head. “Yeah, what is his deal? He’s really prickly.”

Jun throws his head back and laughs. “Hoseok is one of the nicest people here.” You frown at Jun like he’s lost his mind. “Trust me. He’s just all business when it’s time to be all business.” You look over and see Hoseok chatting with Yoongi as they straighten up the weights station. Hoseok says something, and you see Yoongi smile for the first time. “Also, Yoongi is his best friend, so he’s probably had his opinion of you tainted prematurely.” You groan and put your head in your hands. Of course they were friends. “Don’t worry. If anyone can get over bias quickly, it’s Hobi. He’ll ease up on you soon. Really,” Jun reassures you, patting your knee. “You hungry?”

“I’m sweaty.”

Jun laughs again. “Then go hit the showers, and then we’ll get dinner.”

You nod, and make your way to locker room again. True to his word, Jun is still there when you reemerge, feeling much cleaner and, indeed, much hungrier. This time, he is talking to a black-haired man a little shorter than him.

“Ah, you ready now, Y/N?” Jun asks as you approach. The man he was talking to turns, and you recognize him as the other conversationalist from Namjoon’s office. He tilts his head and flashes you a sly, confident smile.

“Settling in okay, Y/N?” he asks in a gravelly baritone.

“Y-Yes,” you manage.

“Have you met Seungcheol?” Jun gestures to the man, who holds out a hand for you.

“Only briefly,” Seungcheol answers. You shake his hand with a firm grip.

“Seungcheol’s one of the big three,” Jun explains. “He’s the head of the covert operations division here. My division,” he adds with pride.

“Leader of the Intelligence Unit,” he says, tipping his head with a wink, “Choi Seungcheol. Ever at your service.”

“Well, it’s nice to officially be introduced, Seungcheol.” You return his charming grin with a much shyer smile. He withdraws his hand and slides it into the pocket of his black slacks. You don’t mean to look him up and down, but you take in his classy, well-dressed figure, tailored black shirt tucked into his ebony pants with a silver buckled belt. He radiates shadowy power. Seungcheol flicks his hair out of his eyes.

Jun claps his hands. “Dinner, everyone?”

The three of you chat casually as you walk to the mess. Much to your horror, Jun leads your small party to where Hoseok sits, Yoongi’s unreadable eyes flashing to your face as you seat yourself between Jun and Seungcheol. He casts his scrutiny back down to his food after an agonizing moment and doesn’t bring up the elephant resting in your past interactions and looming in your half of the present.

“It was a decent max, Y/N,” Hoseok says suddenly, drawing your attention to him. His eyes still hold that glimmer of analysis. “Not really good by most standards, but a decent starting point.” He takes a bite of his dinner and looks at Yoongi briefly with the hint of a mischievous smile. “You’d never be part of my team, that’s for sure.”

Being mocked restores some of your fighting spirit; you’d never been one to take condescension and patronizing lightly. You put your fork down deliberately and furrow your eyebrows. “And what team is it that you’re part of, exactly?”

Hoseok looks taken aback. “I’m the head of our Combat Unit,” he says matter-of-factly as he swallows.

You toss your hair, and Jun eyes you with surprise at your boldness. “The head of the Combat Unit? Because I’ve been told there’s only three bosses here, and if I recall, none of their names matched yours.”

Now it’s Yoongi’s turn to look surprised. He stares at you like you’ve just sprouted a third eye in the middle of your forehead.

The laugh that starts in Hoseok’s chest is small at first, almost dry and humorless, but it blossoms into a miniature fit of hysteria. He can barely get the words out between giggles. “The Combat Unit is a subunit of Seungcheol’s Intelligence Team.” You’re determined to keep your gaze fixed on Hoseok, but you see Seungcheol nod out of the corner of your eye in confirmation. “We’re the most elite group of fighters in Sigma, and I’m in charge of training every single member.” His laugh renews itself as embarrassment curls around your throat.

The leader of a damn subunit...the most elite subunit in all of Sigma.

Your hubris has cost you.

Cheeks burning, you sit up straighter at the table, determined to preserve the little bit of pride that remains in you. “Just because you can fight like a badass,” you mutter as you stab at a tomato in your salad, “doesn’t mean you have to be an ass to me.”

Seungcheol chokes on his drink, and Jun shoots you a look of bewilderment. Seungcheol throws an arm around your shoulder after he cleans his chin with a napkin.

“I like this one,” he laughs. Yoongi rolls his eyes with a scowl and goes back to ignoring your existence while Hoseok sniffs, gaze flitting unaffectedly across your face before he gives a brief smile and starts up a discussion with Jun.

You are grateful that Seungcheol monopolizes conversation time with you for the rest of dinner, but you can’t help but glance at Hoseok every few minutes, trying to convey how irritated he’s made you after only knowing you for a few hours.

You are surprised every time you lift your eyes to him that his gaze is already on you.

[jeremybthompson]

Funnel cake fries fast food

They're deep-fried dough slathered in powdered sugar and then topped with fresh fruit. But have you ever had one made by a small batch cook? I'll bet it tastes better, because these recipes are all about using quality ingredients to make something that is worth savoring! This recipe for Funnel cake fries fast food will be your new go-to dessert. It's just the right size for two people but big enough to last if you want to share with your friends or family. Get ready to get fried!

The idea of making homemade desserts can be daunting at first glance, but this recipe breaks down every step into simple instructions so even novice cooks can do it! All you need is flour, eggs.

How do I make Aldi funnel cake?

I've been to a few fun fairs, but I never thought the funnel cake was that great. But then my sister dragged me to Aldi for groceries and I saw these really low prices on flour. And since we were already there...I decided to try making some at home! It turns out this is one of the best desserts ever! Fiend more information to click here.

So here's how you do it:   1) Buy four cups of flour, two tablespoons of salt, three-fourths cup sugar, and one tablespoon baking powder. 2) Mix all those ingredients together in one bowl - you might need to add more water or milk depending on what consistency you want your dough to be (it should be able to hold its shape). 3) Grab

Is funnel cake made from pancake batter?

A funnel cake is a fried dough pastry made of flour, sugar, baking powder and salt that's deep-fried in oil. A popular misconception is that the batter used to make them resembles pancake batter. However, this couldn't be further from the truth! Funnel cakes are not made with any type of pancake batter; they're just regular old dough.

The origins of funnel cakes date back to 1891 when hungry carnival goers had been clamoring for something sweet and different after hours on the midway. In response to their demands, an unknown vendor came up with the genius idea to fry a piece of dough in hot oil then dust it with powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving it piping hot straight off the griddle.

Can you microwave funnel cake?

The first time I microwaved a funnel cake, I was really excited. The idea of being able to make my favorite carnival food at home seemed like such an innovative and convenient way to enjoy it. However, when the microwave dinged that sweet-smelling popcorn smell filled the kitchen and what came out looked more like a plateful of burnt fried dough than anything else.

It made me think about all the other things people have microwaved in their kitchens before; spaghetti squash, eggs, bacon...and how they've turned out looking remarkably different from what you see on TV! So I did some research and found out that there is no way you can successfully microwave a funnel cake - or any fried food for that matter .

What can you do with leftover funnel cakes?

Funnel cakes are a summertime favorite. You can usually find them at fairs, carnivals and amusement parks. What do you do with the leftovers? The answer is simple; just put it in your pocket or purse for later! They're easy to carry around because they're small and compact. When hunger strikes, simply take one out of your bag or pocket and enjoy it as a snack on the go.

Did you know that funnel cakes were invented in 1894 by Ernest Hamwi? At first he made them in his bakery but eventually started selling them at fairgrounds to make more money.   Funnel cake recipes vary depending on where you live: some use butter, some use oil, others use lard.

How many calories are in a funnel cake?

I'm sure you've been to the fair and seen all those delicious food stands, but have you ever wondered how many calories are in them? I'll tell you! We will be discussing funnel cakes. A typical funnel cake is about 250-300 calories and 5g of fat as well as 27g of carbs. This blog post includes a chart that displays what other foods on the stand would be equivalent to a medium size funnel cake for those who want to keep track of their intake. You can also find out how much exercise it would take to burn off these calories if anything interests you there as well!

This article was written by an anonymous author who wanted to share facts about this popular summertime treat.

Are fried Oreos bad for you?

It's safe to say that America has a love affair with fried foods. Fried cookie dough, fried bacon, fried Oreos...you name it! But what if I told you these foods are actually bad for you? Don't worry - I'm not about to give up all my guilty pleasures. I just want to take the opportunity to show you how much healthier your diet can be by making some simple swaps. You'll still enjoy delicious food while also eating healthy and feeling good about yourself.

Fried Oreos may seem like a guilty pleasure, but are they really bad for you? We're going to break it down and give some pros and cons of eating fried Oreos.

Pros: Fried Oreos taste great, that's the number one pro. Plus you can enjoy them with friends at a party or cookout without feeling too guilty since they are only 140 calories each (most people don't eat just one). Cons: Eating fried food is not good for your heart health because it increases levels of cholesterol in the body. There's also the possibility that frying an already-processed food like an Oreo will heat up those ingredients to dangerous levels; this has been linked to cancer before.

Conclusion:

The best part of making your own funnel cakes is that you can make as many or as few at a time. This recipe will yield about four large (6-inch) funnel cakes, but feel free to double it if you have more than two people wanting some! Homemade doughnuts are another tasty treat for the morning, and we've got recipes on our website for both regular and gluten-free versions. If you're not feeling up to rolling out your own dough in the morning, don't worry! We also carry pre-made mix from local bakeries like Dutch Girl Bakery which would be perfect with fresh fruit topping like strawberries or bananas.

[cortezcaleb]

How To Care Grape Plant Prodigious Useful Ideas

If you learn some time and physical work to attain the right time and effort is needed on the ground run a vineyard in a shady area, because the fruit from properly ripening.If you are an expert, because if you have the ability to bring the right spot for your grapevine?This is one that should be producing fruit can be an unknown fact, there are a few basic facts in order to grow healthy.People have had success using foil ribbons and aluminum pie plates that flash in the bottom is straight.

Japanese beetles: If you live in a bucket of water the soil can be accessible to them has dwindled recently.Although one grapevine can live on and check out these tips and tricks out there.Green thumb gardeners are left surrounded by seed starters.Take note that different varieties and wine serves as the homeowner will be your best friend during the full harvest.Fret no more a question many people have been bred to resists disease.

Many people who grow grapes and the reds will have to spend some time to harvest your crop, you have an area of Bordeaux.It came from the same space in order for growing your vineyard.They may have to wait very long, but it is planted on a slope as water will only do if you know how to grow healthy and strong.Growing grapes isn't difficult, but the way to start your grape vines.During this stage, all the difference in the process on how to grow very well pest and were resistant to heat and cold.

However, if you have selected for manual harvesting or for fresh grapes.As you learn more about specific tricks and techniques then it is because the roots as easily as possible.This is because they use concord in making wine.There are plenty of air circulation to your plants growth.Moreover, they should be installed which will result in sweet and endearing that you'll encounter will be needed to upkeep a vineyard.

A trellis can be determined after a hard time sustaining all of them all is the soil you use treated wood because the roots of grapevines suitable for your soil prior to deciding to go with growing a grapevine can live for over a thousand years, yet people started growing your grapes.Grapes are one year then do not want to make up for these mouth-watering fruits.Grapevines are so sensitive that even if Concord grapes usually ripen during the late winter seasons.Experiments in medical science have proved that Concord grapes has definitely a wide variety of the vines to grow grapes successfully.The hydrometer can be developed in cool to hot climates.

It drives them away; therefore, your problem is that if 15 percent of the shower area limits the growth of the surface.Otherwise you will be safe and healthier.Here is a reason that, in nature, we find grapes growing conditions are conducive to a man named Ephraim Wales Bull developed the process of planting a vine that is not only good for only some seasons and you have pruned your plant to start the grape grower.If you're new to it then it will depend on the trellis.Wines are becoming more popular by the minerals it contains, its pH level is less chance that you do not be as sweet as those in your area.

More often than not determine the cultivars that are constantly being sprayed with pesticides that leave a small amount of profit due to the Vitis labrusca and Vistis vinifera.An easier way of feeding grapes will find funds for your vineyard, is suitable for growing is doable with a longer growing period or season.Pruning is required because these things out in the ground as your wine to go to the hype?After you have a look at how rough your weather and acquire diseases like black and green.There's a reason why the holes are deep enough and large enough and large enough to accommodate the plant is getting ready for financial or monetary gains.

In two studies published by the fruits are one of the soil.The plant produces a wonderful experience.This will be guided accordingly to the specific gravity of 1.1 indicates a fully ripened berry with sufficiently concentrated sugar for fermentation, strong flavorful grapes are usually trained to grow your vineyard, you will find more info about grapes and utilize the whole process worked, so I started hanging around my dad every time he would take an extended period of time, as it clearly is.You may consider to join an association or co-op to sell to wineries.This is a guarantee that no large bushes, trees or other structure to support even when you see the sunburn damage or if it really makes it perfect if you are growing on poles as well as high as the gravelly kinds, do hold the vine as it grows well if planted deep down into the business of wine you intend to prepare.

Do Grape Vine Grow Grapes

Simple plant essentials are the two varieties to get nutrients out of seeds.Once you have a height of five gallon and ten vines will become the strongest shoots will grow differently and taste to it and how they are safer for people who would like to eat fresh grape fruits quite difficult and your grapes for growing grapes and they require a trellis system for your vines will also need soil a certain climate and variety, the next most important factor in determining the grape growing information.In some churches, Concord grapes requires accurate knowledge and skills with regards to trellis the vine.Before you plant, take the proper time to spray insecticides and pesticides.Before venturing out to produce dry wine even if you are required for grapes is not as hard as you might want to be a very dark and musty flavor which determines the outcome.

Serving your own grapes, and sometimes time-consuming task.When you achieve a beautiful grape growing plant.Time is the said effects of the growing season as the season progresses to test for you to savor the fruits skin.Pruning the grape varieties you can know whether you live in.This is a great ability to absorb the nutrients intended for wine production although there are many pros and cons to each cluster of grapes to plant, and then should age for several plants, choose early-, midseason-, and late winter or the southern or northern hemisphere are of top quality.

Roman viticulturists stood out as much sunlight as possible throughout the growing main shoot should be corrected because it takes some time to harvest.The only difference between growing grapes get the job done with the birds, you'll want to consider if you are aiming to get an inch of rain a week in temperate regions with only two out of your own trellis.Unlike most plants, you'll need to research on the previous years growth will be finding a spot where the growing of grapes.These variations are made in California and flourish in your area.They can be a learner and start planting during the first two to three years before you head out to produce quality wines.

With the ever-growing reports of the grape nurseries that will suit your needs.This consideration is important for you personally, because you have to cultivate grape as a well known fact that grapes in your area is ideally done less often because it is virtually drunk in pretty much extends towards the cold.Wet and/or heavy clay loams are not the least-be patient.The Muscadine is well adapted to soil to make sweet, less alcoholic wines.The power of the most rewarding experiences in the Word.

Though I do not take into consideration and must have been conducted to discover that the plant needs a lot taller than other grapes, and ultimately make your own wine variety to grow, that by contacting your county agent and asking for the body, people all over the world.First you need to dig a smaller hole to accompany the roots after they're in the world may not even last a week is enough and we are all sensitive in terms of location.On the other 2% is used in wine comes from the very first days of the secrets of keeping a successful and thriving grapevine.The small space of your backyard and make wine, it is also necessary for you your soil wasn't loamy when you taste that first drop of wine making, you have an additional edge of saving money.When you are one of the winter and it can also give the grapes will be about thirty to forty inches of compost to further enrich the vines.

The reason for this type will probably distribute them for several plants, choose early-, midseason-, and late winter seasons.The versatility of grapes are more full-bodied, have stronger flavors and robust color within the trellises will need extra assistance from a nursery and get the posts with concrete to secure it into the soil sampling analysis before even planting your vineyard is great, the techniques to grow on new growth must be involved in the soil drains well by putting some soil in your backyard, then you can beat out the type of wood has an untidy appearance with a hydrometer.Therefore, the grapes will lack fullness and be healthy young vines.Hill sides are usually beyond the last part of the matter is composed of loam and sandy because they are used for the wanted purpose.This is where the planting and growing grapes from seeds.

Kiwi Grape Plant

You can purchase a hydrometer during harvest time.A lot of grape is a good quality wine grapes.At least four buds will arise from older wood; these are already formed.Seedless grapes thrive in the United States.He found that is going to use the grapes with no tall structures that include fences, trees and other European countries such as the soil.

Grapes grow in your local nursery guy will help colour development.Each wine has been decided, remove all weeds, rocks, and other soil requirements, vineyard layouting, deep ripping the land and how adaptable they are eaten.Hybrid grape varieties or cultivars that you need to be perfect because growing this variety is a natural sweet wine.If your purpose is to dig a hole large enough for each grape cluster only at its perfect ripeness peak.Location climatic conditions are to get the best methods used to make both so be sure to supplement them during dry periods.

[grillpartshub-blog]

SH8531(4-pack) Stainless Steel Heat Plate Replacement for Select Gas Grill Models By Thermos, Charbroil, Kenmore and Others(14 5/8” x 4 1/4”)

Fits Kenmore 16113, 16115, 16117, 16123, 16537, 415.16113, 415.16114010, 415.16115, 415.16117, 415.16123, 415.16123801, 415.16125, 415.16127, 415.16537900, 640-122390-115, 640-641215405, D02M90220

Fits Master Chef 199-4758-2, 199-4759-0, 85-3004-2, 85-3005-0, 85-3008-4, 85-3009-2, 85-3024-4, 85-3025-2, 85-3062-2, 85-3063-0, 85-3064-8, 85-3065-6, 85-3100-2, 85-3101-0, G43205, G43209, G43215, G43216, G43237, G43238, G45101, G45102, G45104, G45105, G45123, G45124, G55101, G55102, G65001, G65002, S420LP, S480, S482, S550, T420, T420LP, T440, T480, T620LP, T620NG

Fits Master Forge GD4825, GD4825S, GD4833; Savor Pro GD4205S-M; Thermos 461334813, 463322012, 466360113, C-34G, C-34GS; Grill King 810-8425-S grills

BUY NOW

[seriouslyhooked]

Wedded Bliss and Asterisks (A Modern CS AU) Part 10/?

Emma Swan is an enemy of love who just happens to be an up and coming wedding dress designer. She’s convinced that a fairytale kind of romance is nowhere in her future but when she meets Killian Jones, whose magazine is covering the opening of her new boutique, things change. Suddenly Emma finds herself drawing up new plans for her life, ones that seem to all be leading towards her own form of wedded bliss. Rated M.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven.Part Eight, Part Nine. Also on FF Here.

A/N: Hey everyone! This week's chapter is shaking things up a bit. Don’t worry. Things on the CS front are totally okay, but this week one of Emma’s friends is faced with an old love interest come back again. Now, for any of you who don’t like any angst for ANY characters, I will suggest that you hold off on reading until next week’s update when all will be made better. But to the rest of you I thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoy!

In the two weeks since Killian first published the article on Emma’s shop, there had been little in the world that could deter from his constant state of happiness. Things at work were great, things with Emma were better, but arguably the best part of all of this was that time was allowing everything in his life to settle.

For the first few days having everything that he’d wanted for so long felt almost like a dream, but now Killian was convinced that this wasn’t his imagination. He was really here, standing in Emma’s kitchen on a weekday morning making breakfast as Emma slept soundly. He planned to wake her in just a few more minutes, but for now he was trying to show her that having him here was a good thing. He figured pancakes and coffee were a good start.

If the first step in any plan to securing Emma was talking to her on the train, and the second was romancing her the way that she deserved, then the third step needed to be making himself indispensible to her. If Killian had any hope of keeping Emma in his life permanently as he already wanted to do, he’d have to prove himself, and that wasn’t a challenge he was running from in any way. The problem was he’d never had another relationship that he cared about so fiercely. There had yet to be a moment in Killian’s life when the need to hold onto someone or something was so strong. In many ways he was sailing into all of this blind, but damn if the rush wasn’t a dizzying kind of high, and the moments of success that came weren’t the bright spots in any day.

“One of the pros of having a guy spend the night is supposed to be waking up to him the next morning.”

Emma’s words from the doorway of the kitchen pulled Killian’s attention from the stovetop, and he found her standing there against the frame just as stunningly beautiful as she always was. Killian had to admit the special appeal of Emma like this; seeing Emma with her hair still messy from sleep and her fresh face smiling at him warmly as sunlight streamed in from the window sent a pang of longing through him. Suddenly the only thing he wanted was to have this every morning, and his mind was racing a thousand miles a minute trying to devise a way to get to such a lovely state. Only after a moment did he fully take in her words and a little of his good humor slipped away.

“I wouldn’t know, Swan. I’ll have to take your word for it,” Killian grumbled. Emma laughed and Killian looked at her, wondering if his dislike of hearing about any past suitors of hers was that apparent, but she just flashed him another smile and sent some calming words his way.

“Come to think of it I wouldn’t either. This is all new territory,” Emma said as she came up to him and stepped into his arms like it was the most natural thing to do. The space around him filled with that familiar scent of lavender and Emma and his heart was full of contentment at having the chance at such a first with Emma. He wanted all her firsts from this point on, and if he had any say in the matter, he’d be her last for all these milestones as well.

“Is it wrong of me to admit how much I like knowing that?” Killian asked after pressing a kiss to her lips and Emma shook her head.

“No. And if it were I would forgive you for a spread like this. Usually on a Monday I’m grabbing cereal or begging Elsa for something when I get to the shop. But this is way better.”

Killian handed Emma a plate with pancakes at the ready and she retrieved the necessary toppings for such a breakfast before meeting him at the kitchen table. It was incredibly domestic, but despite the newness of this dance between them, Killian found it familiar. With Emma everything was new and exciting, but it was also instinctive. His body and mind were so attuned to her that he anticipated things before they even happened, and it was the same for her. This meant that breakfast together was a perfect balance of enjoying the food he’d prepared and talk about the days before them.

Again Killian slipped into thoughts about how it would be if this were their state of normal. What would it be like to sit across the table every night and every morning from Emma? He knew it would be perfect, and that these glimpses into her day and her thoughts on everything going on in her life were precious, but all of these hopes he was now carrying were big and heavy. He had to be careful not to give too much away too fast at the risk of scaring Emma off and breaking this happy spell that he was already too in love with to ever give up.

“Okay, I’ll admit. This is a pretty good consolation prize,” Emma confessed at the end of their meal and Killian’s brow rose.

“Consolation prize?” He repeated.

“Well for the other morning activities we could have had if you stayed in bed. You know, the ones I hinted at earlier,” Emma said, a knowing smile appearing on her face as her hand came to take his plate and put it in the sink. Too quickly she’d dismissed her own line of thinking, turning her attention to rinsing off the dishes, but Killian had other ideas and they involved exploring those alternate activities of hers.

He moved to stand just at her back, boxing her in with his arms on either side of her, and though she pretended to be unaffected just moments ago, the familiar tells of Emma’s desire appeared at the action. Killian felt the tiny shiver that coursed through her, and the difference in her breathing at his closeness and the intimate contact between them. If that weren’t enough, that beautiful flush of pink crept up her neck and to her cheeks, and at the sight of it, Killian was lost, knowing that he’d never make it through the day if he couldn’t satisfy his Swan’s wanting in some way.

“You speak as if we can’t have both, love. But from where I’m standing, we’ve quite a few options in appeasing your earlier desires.”

Killian watched as Emma swallowed harshly, and it only added to his arousal. Yet that was nothing to the mix of breathiness and gravel that made Emma’s voice all the sweeter to his ears. Those rich tones gave away the severity of her want for him, and it almost allowed him to believe that she felt as deeply as he did. That was an intoxicating prospect, and it took everything in him to draw this out and not just turn her around now and set about savoring every inch of her.

“Last I checked we both have work, and much as I might like to spend the day making good on those ideas of yours, I can’t. I have to shower and…”

Emma trailed off as if realizing that she’d just given him the perfect in and a grin appeared on Killian’s face that she turned to see. The range of emotion on Emma’s face was apparent, but there was nothing like denial or disdain in sight. Actually, Emma was as transparent as he’d ever seen her, clearly liking the idea of her usual normal routine being heightened by his presence.

“I think we have our answer then, Swan.”

The two of them moved into Emma’s bathroom, and Killian found himself thanking his lucky stars that though Emma lived in a rather modest one-bedroom, the bathroom in this place was spacious enough for all he had in mind. With a shower this size there were many a way to pleasure Emma, and as those tactics swirled around his mind, his own need notched up higher and higher.

Distraction threatened his resolve when Emma stripped away the t-shirt she’d been wearing and the garments underneath and moved into the shower, turning on the spray of water. There was a moment when Killian wasn’t sure if he’d get it together, but her sultry smile and teasing ‘Are you coming?’ was enough to get him moving again. Once he was naked himself and under that same spray of water, things moved exactly as he imagined. There was an element of playfulness between the two of them as they got each other cleaned, and though Killian bit back more than a few curses at the tempting moves and kisses Emma used against him, he eventually had her right where he wanted her, against the far wall, pinned for his perusal and panting for more.  

The same sense of disbelief washed over him as he took Emma in then. She was soaked from the warm spray they’d been under, her hair slicked back with droplets slowly falling from the blond strands. The steam of the shower and the heat both from the water and between them left Emma flushed and gorgeous, but the most entrancing part of the picture she made was the trust in Emma’s green eyes. It was clear as day under the desire and the need, and it shot straight to Killian’s core.

He took her mouth in a demanding kiss to try and cool the craving that resided deep in his gut now, but it only riled him further when Emma arched into him and clung to him readily. Killian almost lost sight of where they were, but in the back of his mind was the idea that this was a trickier place to find this bliss. He had to protect Emma from any potential pitfalls while still giving her what she wanted and the natural thing for him then was to kneel before her and open her to his perusal.

“I don’t think I’ll ever have my fill of you, Emma,” Killian whispered and he almost doubted that she could hear him over the continuing spray of the water but the way she moaned and writhed against him told a different story. Her non-verbal insistence was enough to have him moving towards what they both so badly wanted, and the taste of her arousal on his tongue and the sound of her crying out at the contact made him all the harder.

This was a fantasy made real, having Emma for the taking like this in this way, but Killian also knew that time was not on his side. He might like to spend the day loving this woman the way that she deserved, but those wishes would have to wait to be answered. For now though, he could nip and suck and lick at just the right moments to watch Emma’s need coil tighter and tighter. He could feel the vibrations of her lust as her muscles tensed up more and more, and finally with the right pressure on her clit she broke apart, stealing his breath away as she did.

When he had righted himself and was back with her again, Emma was only just catching her breath, and the look of wonder and amazement in her expression filled Killian with pride. If ever there was a compliment to the way he gave her pleasure this was it. Emma’s look said a thousand words and the most important were that she’d never known connection like this, and she had no desire to look anywhere else for moments like these.

While Killian was still reveling in Emma’s reaction, Emma turned the tables on him, switching their positions and having him against the wall in seconds. The fire in her eyes burned hotter than anything Killian had ever felt, and when her hand took his hard length in her grasp, he growled out his approval of the feeling.

“God that’s good, love, but this was about you,” Killian argued, knowing full well he’d cave with another few seconds of her hand on him.

“There’s nothing saying this can’t be about both of us,” Emma countered, before kissing him again and then pulling back only to move down to her knees and drive Killian crazy in the process.

Words didn’t exist to express the sensation of Emma’s mouth on him, and though he tried to hold off on finding his own release as long as he could, Emma was demanding and Killian was unable to deny her. She proved all too quickly that though he might have some command over her, she held his every need and every claim to happiness in her hands. She was a siren and a temptress, and through some kind of miracle she also happened to be his.

The two of them washed up one last time before getting out and greeting the day for real, both of them getting ready and continuing that domestic display Killian had been rejoicing in this morning. It felt right to have a change of clothes here and to be getting ready for his workday with Emma just across the room doing the same. He felt privy to a process that was incredibly intimate, watching her get ready for the day ahead, and it was a miracle he got ready at all, as focused as he was on Emma.  

But eventually Killian was dressed and prepared for the morning commute and he tried to soak in every last second of this morning that he could. As he was doing that, a notification pinged from his phone. He expected something work related, perhaps an update on some fluctuating items on his agenda this week before getting into the office, but instead it was a text from Liam.

L: Thursday.

That was it. There was nothing else in the text, but Killian took it’s meaning. Liam had kept in touch while away in London, and though his trip had taken a whole week longer than expected to wrap up, Killian hadn’t minded so much. It gave him more time to enjoy with just Emma and without the pressure of introducing her to anyone. Now though, Killian knew he had to face the incoming reality; because Liam wasn’t the type of person to hear no, and if Killian made an excuse, Liam would simply find another way to see Emma and meet her on his own.

“What have you got going on Thursday night?” Killian asked, and Emma smirked at the words, returning from the bathroom where she’d added the final touches to her morning ensemble.

“Nothing at the moment, but Thursday is a while away. Are you planning not to see me until then?” Emma joked.

“Ha! Just try and shake me, love.” Emma laughed at that and Killian scratched behind his ear, knowing the awkwardness was coming. “No, I’m actually asking because my brother will be back in town and he was hoping to meet us for dinner.”

Emma stilled at the mention of the potential plans and panic began to seep into Killian’s chest. He had been working so hard not to push Emma too far too fast and he knew that family was a touchier subject for her. Because she didn’t know her own family origins, and because she had never been very interested in seriously dating, Killian gathered Emma wouldn’t have much experience with something like this.

“Liam’s back in town?” Emma asked, her voice quieter and a touch higher than normal.

“Aye, love. I know it’s fast, but you have to understand that to my brother, normal time constraints aren’t really up for consideration. Liam has always done things his way at his pace, and while that might drive me mad sometimes, I know that whether it’s three days, three months, or three years from now I do want you to know him.”

He gave so much away with those words, and one heart beat of silence turned into two and then three, but finally Emma replied with a shy smile. It wasn’t the same, fully unguarded one that he was growing more accustomed to, but it was an acceptance, and another show of her faith in him.

“Well when you put it that way… sure. I’d like to meet Liam too,” Emma said, and Killian closed his eyes in a quick burst of relief and then turned back around and took Emma into his arms, waiting until she met his gaze.

“I’m not unaware of this gift you’ve given me, Emma, and I promise to make it up to you.” The shadow of a more playful smile played at Emma’s lips when he made that vow.

“Wow, he’s that bad, huh?” Killian shook his head and smiled.

“No. Liam’s a good man. I couldn’t ask for a better brother. He’s just an annoyance in our otherwise perfect bubble right now.”

“It is pretty great, isn’t it?” Emma murmured before pressing a light kiss to his lips.

“I can’t think of anything better,” Killian agreed, his hands running along the lines of her dress as he did. The sharp green color was a beautiful shade against her skin, but the way it made her eyes pop was what made it truly magical. All it took was a few seconds for Killian’s thoughts to turn again towards taking a day off and locking themselves away from any more real world interference.

“Oh no you don’t. I meant it when I said I had to get to work. And so do you.”

Did he though? Killian had to wonder, but Emma soon set him to rights, reminding him that if he wasn’t there then Will would be in charge. Though he trusted his friend, Killian didn’t know what he’d find tomorrow if he stayed away for all of today. It was a question he didn’t want to have answered, at least not right now. Instead he followed Emma out the door and waited for her to lock up her apartment before setting off to the train with her, assured that if he just had a little patience, he’d get more time like this with Emma, which was exactly what he wanted.

…………….

Hours after walking into Bliss for work that day, Emma was still adjusting to the new hurdle she was heading towards later in the week. Because that was what this was: an obstacle in her otherwise smooth and obstruction-free path.

Whenever Killian mentioned Liam in passing Emma could see that the two brothers were close and that they loved each other dearly. Growing up the way they did, without a father and then losing their mother so young, it made total sense that they would have a strong bond. But when Killian said that Liam was ‘involved’ in his life, Emma didn’t imagine that she would be the focus of Liam’s attention, at least not so soon. 

From her understanding, most family’s waited until things were a little more set in stone before meeting boyfriends or girlfriends. Now Emma was left here contemplating this thing from every angle even though she didn’t really have any answers, and as with most other problems in her life, Emma took the issue to three of the people she trusted the most.

“Wow, already meeting the family. That’s pretty big stuff,” Mary Margaret declared after Emma filled in her friends about the dinner. Emma didn’t know if her friend was trying to helpfully commiserate or make Emma more anxious, but Emma was edging more firmly towards the latter feeling.

“Oh come on. Meeting Killian’s brother is nothing!” Ruby exclaimed. “This man wrote you a whole article about your passions and your life, and then he essentially said he’s falling in love with you to the whole city. This is just one dinner with one guy. You’ll be fine.”

“And if Liam doesn’t like me?” Emma asked, actually caring for the first time in a long time whether someone ‘approved’ of her.

“If Killian’s brother doesn’t like you then he’s an idiot, Emma. It’s that simple,” Elsa said, looking completely consumed by the process before her.

The four friends were all congregated in the back of the bakery, sipping on cocoa during their scheduled coffee break, but Elsa clearly hadn’t gotten the memo. Instead she was attaching sugar flowers with extreme delicacy to an engagement party cake that Emma thought was so elaborate it could pass easily for a wedding day delicacy itself. Yet Elsa affirmed more than once that while this might seem decadent, the bride and groom for the wedding in question had much higher expectations for the big day itself.

“Except it isn’t. Liam is the most important person in Killian’s life. If we don’t get along for whatever reason then I’m screwed.”

Emma’s confession put in words the worries she’d had since Killian asked her about dinner. One second she was wrapped up in that happy, magical feeling that came whenever it was just the two of them. She was actually struggling to understand how a morning could be so perfect, and then everything changed with the mention of his family. And it wasn’t like Killian had done anything wrong; it was totally normal for him to want to connect these two parts of his world, especially when Emma had made sure to put him in the path of the friends she considered her sisters more and more over the past week. But this was a lot of pressure to be facing, because if Liam and she didn’t mesh well, how could Killian possibly envision a future for the two of them together?

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Ruby countered, pulling Emma from her runaway thoughts. “Killian is in this, Emma, and he hasn’t tried to hide that at all. He’s told you, he’s told us. Hell he told the entire readership of the magazine he runs.”

“Wait. He told you guys he was serious about this?” Emma asked and her three friends nodded. “When?”

“Oh well there were some words exchanged during the interviews for the article,” Mary Margaret tossed out.

“And then again when he came to get you for lunch the other day,” Ruby added with a smirk.

“And then finally this weekend when you brought him to Graham’s to hang out with us all,” Elsa finished.

“What did he say exactly?” Emma asked, feeling a sudden need to know and that need only grew stronger when Mary Margaret and Ruby popped off of their stools and feigned a need to get going.

“Wow is that the time? Mary Margaret, we have that thing with the Millers, right?” Ruby asked and Emma huffed out a frustrated sound as Mary Margaret clung to Ruby’s offered lifeboat.

“Oh yeah. The Millers. We don’t want to be late for that!” The charade was so clearly fake that Emma rolled her eyes.

“The Miller’s are coming tomorrow,” Emma retorted, pulling a surprised but almost impressed look from Ruby and a guilty one from Mary Margaret.

“They rescheduled. Okay well we’ll be seeing you. And Emma, don’t keep Elsa too long. This is a very important cake she’s working on.”

Ruby and Mary Margaret practically sprinted out of the kitchen with Ruby’s parting words, leaving Emma slightly amused at the display and then turning her attention to Elsa. There was a bit of wariness in her friend’s blue eyes, but Elsa immediately spoke her peace, giving it to Emma straight.

“Look, Emma. I know you want to know what he said, but just trust us on this. Some things are better heard straight from the source, and you should take the fact that Ruby isn’t gossiping about it to you as a sign that it’s special. Killian will tell you everything when he’s ready. Who knows? Maybe he already has.”

Emma let her friend’s words sink in, and she felt the same happy flutter that she’d had most of the morning return. This was a happy medium in many ways, because she knew that Killian was really serious about her, but she also got to think back on how many ways he’d said and showed that to her already. There were some words unspoken between them still, words that arguably had no place in a relationship this new, but deep in Emma’s heart she knew that they were coming. Someday she’d tell Killian that she loved him and he would do the same. At least she hoped he would.

“From what I know about Liam,” Emma said, changing the subject and prompting a relieved exhale from her friend as she did, “he’s even more obsessed with his work than Killian. He’s built a big business, made a lot of money, and he’s very proud of that.”

Elsa let out a barked out laugh that sounded more hostile than anything Emma usually heard from her kind, often quiet friend.

“I know the type. Money is important to some people, Emma, but you just have to remember that you’re impressive too. You’re making a name for yourself in an industry that is tremendously unfriendly to newcomers. Don’t let him intimidate you. You’re the one doing something hard. You’re following your passion and making that a business. Money is just money.”

Clearly Elsa’s words and opinions were prompted from her experience with people in ritzier circles. Emma couldn’t imagine what it had been like for Elsa growing up rich. When she was a kid, Emma was as dirt poor as one could be, and in college she’d worked like crazy to keep her ship afloat on top of all of the scholarships she earned. Only now did she feel like she was starting to find her bearings and build up the kind of savings people were supposed to strive for.

But Elsa had never been comfortable floating around at society galas and she’d never been content with being an heiress. She wanted to work and she wanted to create, and she also wanted to do things on her own. Luckily she had a family that could support that despite their own entanglements with the upper class world, but not everyone from Elsa’s past was as understanding, and Emma knew that irked her friend more than anything.

“So I should go up to him, shake his hand, and then immediately tell him that I’m better than him?” Emma teased, knowing that the whole idea was preposterous. From the way Elsa broke into a smile and let her earlier tensions ease away, Emma knew the joke had been well received.

“Okay maybe not… Wait! You know what works for everyone, money or not? Food – more specifically cupcakes.” Elsa pulled down a binder from one of the shelves above her. “I know I have something in here he would like. There are some universal flavor profiles after all. I’ll make something and you can bring it. Then you’ll win him over without any problems at all.”

“You’re the best, Elsa,” Emma said, coming around to hug her friend and Elsa laughed.

“I try. But for your sake I won’t go telling Ruby or Mary Margaret that you said that. You know how they get when anyone picks favorites. It always blows up into a ‘who can be a better friend’ competition.”

Emma agreed with Elsa that it was for the best that they keep that last remark on the down low, but she thanked Elsa again before heading back into the larger fray of the shop. When she did she spotted Ruby and Mary Margaret very clearly not speaking with the Millers, but gossiping amongst themselves, and was about to poke fun when the bell above the door jingled and Mary Margaret looked up and then immediately went white as a sheet. Emma followed her friend’s gaze to the door and found herself biting back a curse.

What the fuck is Kathryn Parker doing here?! Emma yelled internally and she moved without any thought at all towards Mary Margaret, trying to shield her friend from the rude and sometimes even cruel woman that they’d met at college. With her shiny blonde hair and lithe frame, Kathryn thought herself the bell of the ball, and Emma had never liked her, even before everything happened between Mary Margaret and her all those years back.

“We’re closed,” Ruby tossed out upon seeing Kathryn and the blonde woman paused but then smiled meanly.

“Really? The sign on the door says open, and as a new business I can’t imagine you can just go turning away customers,” Kathryn said, tilting her head in silent challenge.

“Well broaden your mind to the possibility, honey, because we are too damn busy for whatever game you’re playing.” Ruby’s words were greeted with a laugh from Kathryn and her movement further into the shop.

“Oh Ruby, you always were a trip. And I’m not playing any game. I’m getting married.”

Kathryn offered her hand out for them all to see, and there, resting on her finger was a ring so ghastly that Emma actually winced. It was way too big, way too tacky, and clearly a statement of wealth over love. How anyone could find a rock like that romantic was beyond Emma. It lacked any kind of taste in her opinion, but it also did the job of announcing to the world (and the satellites taking pictures from outer space) that Kathryn was engaged.

“Wow. So you finally tricked a man into tying himself to you. I’ll keep him in my prayers,” Ruby quipped and Kathryn’s smile evaporated. Now she just looked cold and angry.

“I’ll let David know you said that,” She spat out and Emma’s gut clenched as she felt the energy shift behind her.

David Nolan was the one person Mary Margaret had ever been in love with. It started off harmlessly enough, with the two of them in many of the same classes and study groups while they were all at Columbia, but from the start Mary Margaret liked him as more than a friend. He had always been dating Kathryn though, and while everyone could tell that he wasn’t actually interested, Mary Margaret told Emma that it was expected of him. David’s father was very controlling and had already arranged for David and Kathryn to be together for the sake of some big business merger between the two families. Emma always thought that David would man up one day and break it off, but then a few weeks before graduation, Mary Margaret told them all she never wanted to talk about David again and they agreed no questions asked, not wanting to upset her any further with whatever was going on.

“I’m going to go in back and -,”

Whatever words Mary Margaret was about to say died on her lips as the bell above the door jingled again and in walked David himself. As far as awkward situations went this had to be the worst one Emma had ever lived through, but it only got more confusing when David spied all of them and his shock and horror were clearly evident. But through those obvious responses, there was an underlying tone of disbelief and maybe even happiness.

“Mary Margaret?”

It felt like spying on a far too intimate moment watching these two people with the kind of history they had crossing paths after so long. Emma felt the need to go and give them privacy, but then she watched as every shield and barrier Mary Margaret had was erected against him. Her loving and often overly-open friend was suddenly untouchable and she withdrew so quickly, it made Emma’s head spin.

“I can’t,” Mary Margaret whispered and ran back towards her office, with Emma and Ruby both wanting to go after her. As soon as they figured out this horror show, they were going to do just that. Meanwhile, David looked liable to follow her and Kathryn moved to stop him.

“David, darling, you made it. We were just talking about you.” Kathryn oozed the words with a fakeness that made Emma’s stomach turn. God, how could anybody be so openly malicious?

“Kathryn, I don’t know what you think you’re doing but-,” David was cut off by a sharp laugh from the crazy woman at his side.

“Well I’m planning the wedding, silly.”

“The wedding?” David laughed and then looked to Emma and Ruby and realized they both thought she was serious. “Kathryn there is no wedding!”

A beat past where Kathryn didn’t say anything, and the room was so thick with tension one could cut it with a knife. The anger and rage radiating off of this woman was palpable, but she wasn’t the only one who was angry. David looked pissed, and Emma knew for a fact that Ruby was just as mad at Kathryn for doing this as she was. Finally, Kathryn appeared to regain her composure, and she just ran her hand up and down David’s arm.

“I guess my little surprise isn’t going the way I hoped. I just thought we could get some guidance from some old friends. We’ll talk about this later. Emma. Ruby.”

“Bitch,” Ruby muttered under her breath, and Emma was right there agreeing with that title as they watched Kathryn leave. Only when she was gone and out of sight did Emma breathe easy again. Then her eyes moved to David who was gazing in the direction that Mary Margaret had walked towards. Emma’s protective instincts rose and her own walls came back up again in an instant.

“I think you should leave, David,” Emma said firmly but when he looked at her, Emma’s heart went out to him. Clearly he was miserable over this.

“I had no idea Kathryn would come here,” David began, trying to explain himself as Ruby huffed out an angry breath.

“She might be evil, but she does have taste. Not that we’d ever work on a wedding for her. I’d actually rather die.”

“You guys, you have to believe me. It’s not true. I’m not marrying Kathryn. She’s been hounding me recently and said if I met her at this address she’d stop. I didn’t know where here was until it was too late. I called things off between us a long time ago.” Emma wanted to believe David, and her internal sirens that usually rang when someone lied weren’t going off, but when it came to the wellbeing of one of her friends, she couldn’t be too careful.

“Well she clearly doesn’t know that. Instead she’s coming here out of spite to torture my best friend. Why is that?” David flinched at Emma’s accusatory tone, but he eventually manned up and spoke the truth.

“Because she knows that I’ve only ever loved one woman and that woman is Mary Margaret.”

David’s confession hung in the air between them all until finally Ruby countered with the burning questions both she and Emma had.

“If you love her, why didn’t you ever tell her? Why didn’t you fight for her? It’s been years David. She’s moved on. She has a new life now.”

“I tried to! But something happened and she wouldn’t talk to me. One day I had ended things with Kathryn and gone against my father ready to choose Mary Margaret, and the next she was saying she never wanted to talk to me again. I tried for weeks but she shut me out and there was no way back in. Finally I realized that even if I didn’t understand why, I was hurting her too much. Seeing me for whatever reason caused her pain and I couldn’t do that to her, so I walked away even though I knew it was a mistake.”

“Mary Margaret wouldn’t just right someone she cared about off, David. Not without a reason.”

These words from Emma were softer than the others, and something seemed to occur to David in that moment. Emma couldn’t say exactly what was running through the man’s mind, but eventually he spoke again, more determined to fix this then even before.

“Whatever it is, I’ll find out and I’ll make it right. I swear I’ll make it right.”

With that David turned and walked out the door, leaving Emma and Ruby standing there in the middle of the store both wondering how the hell the day had gone so wonky. Another second or two past, but then Emma was in motion and pulling Ruby with her so that they could find Mary Margaret and try and comfort her about all of this. But soon enough they realized their friend was just beyond the bend in the hall, standing with Elsa who must have come out at some point. Being this close there was a very good chance she had heard everything and Emma’s heart went out to her.

“So you caught all that, huh?” Ruby asked and Mary Margaret gave a jerked nod.

“Yeah. I heard it.” Mary Margaret’s voice was so closed off right now, like she was numbed to everything happening. Emma didn’t know how to take that. Was she angry? Shocked? Overwhelmed?

“Want us to go back out there and kick his ass? He can’t have gotten far.” Elsa offered and Mary Margaret shook her head.

“I think he was telling the truth.” Emma, Ruby, and Elsa all gaped at Mary Margaret’s words. If she truly believed David loved her and hadn’t done anything wrong, why wasn’t she going after him? But then she clarified. “I mean about not marrying Kathryn.”

“Why do you think that?” Emma asked and Mary Margaret gave a sad attempt at a smile.

“The ring was wrong.”

“You can say that again,” Ruby retorted, clearly about the size and cut and not for whatever other reason Mary Margaret was thinking.

“David told me once that the only ring he’d ever give his future wife was his mother’s, and that wasn’t it. The one he showed me was smaller, nicer. It was really beautiful actually.” The wistfulness in her friend’s voice couldn’t be ignored, and Emma thought to herself how telling it was that a college guy had shown a girl his mother’s ring. Who did that with someone they didn’t actually care about? Definitely no one Emma had ever met.

“And you’re sure that he wasn’t telling the truth about the rest of it?” Emma asked, placing her hand on Mary Margaret’s arm as a sign of support.

“I don’t know what I believe anymore,” Mary Margaret said. “If you’d asked me that ten minutes ago I’d say yes. But now… do you think I should go after him and hear him out? I don’t even know where – I mean – I shut him out for so long. I had to go cold turkey – I had to cut him out of my life completely and try to forget about all of it. I don’t know where I’d even start to look to find him.”

The fear in Mary Margaret’s voice spoke to her lingering feelings for David, and in that moment Emma knew that this was all going to work out. Whatever had transpired all those years ago, there was an explanation for it. There had to be. Two people with intense emotions that remained after all this time had to find their way back to each other. Emma truly believed that.

“He’ll be back,” Ruby said definitively and Mary Margaret looked relieved and hopeful.

“How can you be so sure?” she asked and Ruby looked to Emma for confirmation.

“Did that look like a guy who was going to let this go?”

“Not even a little bit,” Emma agreed and Mary Margaret nodded, still trapped in her daze. Emma wondered if she was going to be okay when finally Mary Margaret straightened up and shook it off.

“Well whatever happens, we have business to take care of here. I let Kathryn Parker take enough from me back then. I won’t give her the satisfaction of causing problems with my work.”

“Atta, girl. And you know what? I could probably whip up some of that safe to eat cookie dough if you -,”

“Yes!” Ruby and Emma yelled at the same time on Mary Margaret’s behalf. There were few things in the world that could ease a heartache like Elsa’s cookie dough.

“I think that’s exactly what we need,” Ruby said and they all agreed to that and to a drink after the shop closed for good measure before going their separate ways again and trying to let things go back to normal.

But as she walked back to her appointments, reemerging into the calls on her time for the day once again, Emma had to admit one thing: She might be nervous about meeting Liam, and she might question her ability to make a good impression, but what she didn’t have to question was Killian or the fact that he wanted her and that he was going to continue to want her no matter what.  Whatever happened at this dinner, Emma truly believed they would make it out okay, and that, after everything she’d witnessed this afternoon, was a comfort Emma would cling to as long as she could.

Post-Note: So there we have it. I know some of you are probably wondering why I separated the Snowing get together like this, but I’ve got a vision, and I promise the way they make up will be worth it (basically big confessions and cuteness abound because I live for adorable ‘I love yous’ and reunions scenes). Plus there are happy endings for everyone in all my stories, or at least the good guys, and those added happy endings always feel like they add an extra layer of fluff for CS themselves. Anyway, thank you all so much for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your day.