#The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice

[picturessnatcher]

Ochazuke no aji [お茶漬の味] (Ozu Yasujirō, 1952)

[thethirdbear]

[blinkbones]

movies i've watched recently and quick thoughts on them:

The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice, Yasujirou Ozu (1952) my second ozu movie. i still struggle matching the slow pacing of movies like this, but i enjoy them nonetheless. it's simple and touching. i loved how cheeky it could get at times, you can't help but find the characters endearing in their everyday flaws. and most of all, i enjoy looking at the picture of society in a certain time and place that's being painted. it feels like observing fish swimming in the river. it's not the flashiest of spectacles, but i think we can all enjoy it.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) aha! what a fun ride! joy of this month. i wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as i did. nothing bad or emotionally complex to say about this one because i just straight up enjoyed it. among things that delighted me: 1. the paladin, in all his big titties and an even bigger heart glory. what a darling. 2. how his and holga's fighting styles were so distinct -- his clean, heroic strikes and her raw & brutish energy. 3. the sorcerer's self-confidence arc, i love him 4. druid both cute and completely brutal, love that for her and also she is so sapphic right, you guys agree 5. perhaps most of all, how seamlessly so many elements of lore were explained. i'm thinking of the dragon's faulty spark shown first, then his breath catching fire against lava so you know it's actually flammable indeed. i'm not familiar with dnd but i never struggled understanding what was going on at any point, and i think that's really impressive when so much is, indeed, going on.

Jonas, Christophe Charrier (2018) i found this one a little hard to watch, but only because it conveys the roughness of its story so well. it's sad. it's devastating how sad it is. the constant juxtaposition of the lamb-like teen and the scorched adult was like whiplash every time. it kept me on my toes. i couldn't decide if i felt safer in the bright natural light of the teenage strand of time, or in the gritty neons of the adult strand. and then, of course, the mystery of how the transformation came to be is solved, and you know why jonas has grown the way he has, like a tree that survived a thunderstrike. he's destructive, yet his warmth towards his patients made him magnetic. you want to see him get better so badly. it ends rather well, i should say. it ends with a little hope, a little tenderness. i always feel self-conscious judging acting skills, but i think they all did really well there. the one playing the younger brother, i thought, was able to convey a complex node of emotions and reactions, a hostility interwoven with empathy.

[tippytopoftrees]

Flavor Of Green Tea Over Rice (1952) HD Full Length Movie - Dir. by Yasu...

[petite-anni]

💗Diet Smart - Stop Feeling Hungry💗

we simply deserve beauty and peace

1. Hydrate

Sometimes hunger is just thirst in disguise.

Sip on water, herbal teas or infused beverages to keep cravings at bay. Plus, your skin clears, flushes out toxins and it‘ll give you a natural glow

2. Hunger Shields

Lean proteins, such as chicken, tofu or lentils, and fiber-packed foods, like chia seeds, oats and veggies keep you full.

They are a must-have in every diet.

+ Smart Snacking

healthy and satisfying snacks come hand in hand with a rich diet. A hand full of almonds, a boiled egg, a Banana or apple slices with nut butter can be mighty. Just be extra careful with the amount, especially on nuts. They are healthy, but have lots of calories that can easily bring you out of your deficite.

3. Slow Down

Chew slowly, savor the flavors. Your body needs time to register fullness. Eating is an act of mindflussness, create the time you need. Appreciate the fact that you are able to have a meal on your plate. Be thankful, you are blessed 💕🙏🏻

4. Embrace Volume Eating

Load your plate with low-calorie nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli or else. You can always add veggies to your plate. They are filling and healthy.

Also, choose Potatos over rice and noodles. I will die on that hill. They are low calorie and more than filling and low in calorie.

5. Search Distraction

Hunger can easily just be boredom.

Dive into a book, sketch, take a walk, study, go for a walk, water your plants, chat with friends and family.

Keeps your body and mind busy.

6. Respect Real Hunger

Eating is a blessing. Respect your bodys function and fulfill its needs. The fact that you choose a nutritious meal is the sign of a strong mindset. Dont punish your body with damaging food, such as sweets and sugary liquors, just to satisfy a craving. It deserves the right treatment. Care for your body by eating and that in a healthy, filling way.💗💗💗

[creampuffqueen]

Avatar Yangchen's Favorite Foods

My winter break boredom combined with my chronic writing procrastination have combined to form Yangchen Thoughts at never before seen levels.

AKA, I was doing a bit of research into potential Air Nomad cuisine and suddenly found myself needing to know what Yangchen's favorite foods would be. So here we are.

Most of the foods listed will be primarily of Tibetan origin, considering that is the main cultural inspiration for the Air Nomads. However, because Yangchen spent a large portion of her life in different Earth Kingdom cities, there will be some dishes taken from other cultures as well. I will be providing links to as many recipes as possible! (Note: some of the recipes themselves are not vegetarian, but could easily be modified so to fit with the Air Nomads' vegetarian lifestyles).

Now, when it comes to food, Avatar Yangchen strikes me as someone who prioritizes function over flavor. Obviously she prefers her food to taste good, but she's more concerned with what said food can do for her, convenience-wise. She prefers foods that can be eaten on the go, snacked on while working, or downed relatively quickly. As well, she wants her food to be on the filling side, which lessens the amount of time she has to spend eating. She's quite pragmatic about her food. (Is this a good thing? I suppose that's up to you to decide). Finally, her cooking skills are pretty minimal, so most of her favorite dishes are quite simple to make.

Most of this post will be under a cut because, as per usual, I can never make anything short :)

Butter Tea

This is a very traditional Tibetan drink, and it's one that Yangchen would have grown up drinking. It's actually mentioned in The Dawn of Yangchen! It's a drink she would find very comforting, as well as filling due to it being nearly half butter.

Breakfasts

Tomato Egg Soup

It's quite literally what it sounds like. This is a breakfast dish, probably very common in the Earth Kingdom and/or Fire Nation. It's simple to make, but hearty and warm.

Shom-Dae - Rice Pudding

This is a rice pudding made with yogurt. It can be eaten with fruit as a filling breakfast, or sweetened to be made into a dessert. Yangchen doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, so she prefers this for her breakfast.

Snacks

Bhobi

This is basically a Tibetan burrito. A soft, thin flatbread wrapped around various fillings. Typically these can have anywhere from 3-5 different fillings, consisting of things such as stir-fried vegetables, noodles, eggs, you name it. Yangchen would absolutely be a fan of the versitility, and would likely make these to use up leftovers for a tasty snack.

Shogo Khatsa - Spicy Potatoes

As the name implies, this dish is made up of spicy potatoes. I think Yangchen would actually be a huge fan of spice, and as such would totally love these. She would probably also dip them in Sepen, which is a Tibetan tomato-based chili sauce.

Various Street Foods

Yangchen would love trying local street foods at all the places she visits, but she has a few favorites. Fried tofu, spring rolls, and spicy cucumbers. They're all very easy on the go snacks.

Onion Tingmo

This snack is definitely more of a comfort food. These are a type of steamed bun with green onions folded in, and I think these would be Yangchen’s guilty pleasure; the kind of food she could eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Meals

Tenchung - Lentil Soup

The Air Nomads would certainly be fans of lentils, considering their high protein and iron content. This is another very simple soup, but would be very comforting and nostalgic for Yangchen - as well as quite filling.

Mokthuk - Momo Soup

Momos are Tibetan dumplings, which Yangchen would enjoy eating on their own, but when added to a hearty soup the dish is called Mokthuk. As you're probably starting to figure out, I think Yangchen is a pretty big soup fan. Just like in the attached video, Yangchen would load her soup up with chili oil for added spice.

Pishi - Tibetan Dumpling Soup (also known as "Lemur-Face Soup")

This soup is extremely similar to Mokthuk, but the dumplings are made in a different way and more resemble wontons. This dish is often colloquially referred to as "Lemur-Face Soup" by Air Nomad children, as the folded dumplings resemble the faces of flying lemurs. Because the dumplings for this soup require a bit of extra effort, it would have been a rare treat growing up. Yangchen loves it both for the flavor and the fond memories it brings.

Desserts

Tenshi-Bhakthuk

This is a fried pastry covered in a sugar syrup that is typically served at New Year's celebrations. They are small, crunchy little snacks that Yangchen would love eating each year at the celebration.

Bulug

The best way I can describe this is that it's a Tibetan funnel cake. This is also served at New Year's celebrations. When Yangchen was younger, she and her sister Jetsun would always get one of these to split. It's a bittersweet memory now, but she still absolutely loves the food.

----

And there we have it! A whole selection of foods I think Yangchen would enjoy. Feel free to use this in fics, art, headcanons, whatever, and your own as you see fit!

Due to all this research I've done, I also have lots of ideas for foods that could be added to the Air Nomad cuisine as a whole - who knows, maybe that will become a separate post of its own!

Pretty much all recipes came from Palden's Kitchen ; would absolutely recommend checking his channel out! His videos are very high quality and his voice is incredibly soothing, honestly I want this man as my grandfather now.

Finally, I also need to give a shoutout to @atlaculture for providing inspiration and resources for my Tibetan food deep dive!

[theereina]

Self-Care Starter Kit

Exfoliation

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub Coconut Lime

Tree Hut Watermelon Shea Sugar Exfoliating & Hydrating Body

Dry Brushing Body Brush, POPCHOSE Natural Bristle Dry Skin Exfoliating Brush Body Scrub

Moisturization

eos Shea Better Body Lotion- Fresh & Cozy, 24-Hour Moisture Skin Care

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin

NIVEA Shea Nourish Body Lotion, Dry Skin Lotion with Shea Butter

Eucerin Skin Calming Lotion - Full Body Lotion

Body/Feminine Wash

Dove Body Wash Deep Moisture, Sensitive Skin, Cucumber and Green Tea, and Shea Butter & Vanilla Collection 4 Count Skin Cleanser

Vagisil Feminine Wash for Intimate Area Hygiene, Unscented

Monistat Boric Acid Feminine Cleanser, Fragrance-Free Feminine Wash

Summer's Eve Fragrance-Free Gentle Daily All Over Feminine Body Wash

Skincare

Mighty Patch™ Original patch from Hero Cosmetics - Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch

Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rose Water

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Books/Journals

Feeding the Soul (Because It's My Business): Finding Our Way to Joy, Love, and Freedom

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

The Four Agreements

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery

Self-Love & Self-Care | The Shadow Work Journal: 150 Prompts & Exercises

The Shadow Work Journal (Boho Themed): 150 Prompts & Exercises

The Self Improvement Journal: A Guided Prompt Journal for Beginners

Hot Pink Inner Child Shadow Work Journal with 100 prompts for beginners

Orange Shadow Work Journal with 100 prompts for beginners

Healthy Snacks

KIND Protein Bars, Variety Pack, Dark Chocolate Nut, Crunchy Peanut Butter

Quaker Rice Crisps, Gluten Free, 4 Flavor Sweet and Savory Variety Mix

*I may continue to add to this list and reblog it as I do.

**Thank you for any purchases made.

⬇

***Disclaimer: This list contains affiliate links that direct you to Amazon. Through purchases, I will earn a commission.

[saltylittlecreature]

D100 Food list

A friend asked me to make this for an RPG thing. Now it's run into complications, so here is a list of 100 different foods that can be considered for whatever characters you have in mind.

Hamburger helper

Phantasmal popcorn that shows visions of the past.

Grilled Eggplant lasagna

Fried chicken sandwich

Sloppy joe

Vegan gluten free mac and cheese

Microwave bacon

Bread

Cake that changes its ingredients based on the eater's mood.

Ramen noodles with fried egg

Ghost pepper wings that cause time dilation effects.

Pizza

Mysterious stew that induces vivid hallucinations.

Sushi

Hamburger

Fried chicken

Biscuits

Buttered rum

Neocí

Transdimensional tea that allows glimpses into alternate realities

Raw butter

Champagne armagnac mir lemon drink with caramelized butter on top

Pound cake with carigold butter

Satan sausage (Spicy meat sausage with marsala sauce)

Omlett

Anything with paprika

Cold coffee

Anomalous spicy noodles that change flavor every bite.

Mozzarella sticks

Classic Margherita pizza

Well done smores

Biscuit burger

Black bean tacos with avocado

Raw Eggs

Mentaiko spaghetti with lemon, butter, and soy sauce

Meatball sub

Beef stroganoff over egg noodles

Ravioli

Thai green curry with chicken

Cold pizza

Steak

Convenience store  brand grilled chicken breast

Protein bar

Salmon Onigiri

Mediterranean quinoa salad

Muscle chicken

Vegemite

Creamy mushroom risotto

Pineapple

Steamed chicken pack (Convenience store preserved chicken)

Chicken bars (Minced and boil chicken breast)

Egg salad sandwiches

Ratatouille served with crusty bread

Chocolate satin pie

Banana

Mint chip cookies

Fish and chips with tartar sauce

Strudel

Nabi

Pork katsu

Smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese

Spam

Shape-shifting salad that takes on the form of the eater’s favorite vegetables.

Fried fish

Sugar that enhances or dulls emotions based on color.

Rice

Savory apple and cheese tart

Strawberry shortcake

Roasted vegetable medley

Royal milk tea cake

Yaki micu

Chocolate quesant

Pad Thai with shrimp

Burnt ends

Fresh fruit smoothie bowl

Baked potatoes with sour cream and chives

Barbecue

Falafel wrap with tahini sauce

Saki soaked rice

Butter nails lobster

Grilled octopus with lemon and herbs

Chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream

Pork belly bao buns

Stuffed bell peppers with rice and beans

Vegan lentil soup

Cloud cake that makes the eater feel weightless.

Inverted soup that serves as a window to another dimension.

Whispering wine that reveals secrets when drunk.

Any Parfies

Ethereal pizza that changes toppings based on cravings.

Grilled fish tacos with slaw

Metamorphic cheese that changes texture with each bite.

Almond croissants fresh from the bakery

Dancing donuts that move when not being watched.

Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with cheese

Okonomiyaki that lets you stretch more

Arugula salad with lemon dressing

Tiyaki that increases your sense of taste.

ratatouille

Muffins

[qrowsofafeather]

F, Lamb-bae

I had the pleasure of writing for @julia-loves-cupcakes in the @obeymeholidayexchange this year. Best of wishes for 2025~ Also on my AO3!

Luke doesn’t believe weird anime foods actually exist in MC’s world so Barbatos decides their next baking collaboration will be one such dish.

After the fifth “Last photo, no seriously!” they managed to extricate themself with the promise to take and upload photos to their Devilgram the entire time. Not caring if anyone was watching, they carefully tucked the knot of their bundled apron between their teeth and bounded down the hallway on all four hooves.

At first, they had been worried the brothers would judge them for the strange habit, but then they’d seen Belphie charge into furniture like a bull, Satan running up the stairs like a cat, and even Beel clinging to the ceiling to nonchalantly eat in peace.

The doors of the House Of Lamentation swung open without so much as a whisper, seemingly aware - and fond - of the little sheep. They were running so fast, they nearly bowled over the guest waiting at the base of the front steps.

“MC!” the short angel cried, bouncing happily in place, “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!” Luke grabbed the sheep’s forehoof and took off running. MC stumbled after him, laughing.

They’d long-since gotten used to the Devildom, to RAD and its students - something they never would have believed in a million years had someone suggested it just a few years ago. They’d also believed the little angel, who wore his passionate heart on his sleeve, when he constantly professed his disdain and outright contempt for demons - but here he was, a big grin on his face as the two rushed to the Demon Lord’s Castle.

They were greeted by Barbatos at the door, giving them the slight bow he insisted they deserved as honored guests of the Devildom and treasured friends of its Lord. “Welcome MC, Luke. Please, follow me to the kitchen.”

.

.

.

They looked at the assembled ingredients - thrice-drowned-rice flour, albinic hell ostrich egg, a wide variety of frozen dairy products, and, oddly enough, a box of almonds from the Human World - trying to guess what dessert they would be making today.

Barbatos smiled faintly, “I happened to overhear Levi complaining that you said his anime was full of nonsense of a scene involving the use of a flamethrower in the kitchen.”

“But that’s silly!” Luke protested, “Burning food means you cooked it for too long.”

“I thought it best to demonstrate with ice cream, a dessert from the Human World. It’s called ‘Baked Alaska’, have you perhaps heard of it, MC?”

They were already drooling. “Ice cream…” The sheep had clearly spent too long in the company of Beel. Blotting the corner of their mouth with their apron, MC undid the bundle’s strings and tied their cute custom-ordered apron around their midsection with deft hoof motions. “Can’t wait to try it out!”

Luke���s face was red with a defiant pout as if expecting to be teased for it, reaching into a side cupboard and pulling out his own apron - apparently such a frequent visitor to the Castle’s kitchen to warrant keeping spares there - which was decorated with three small puppies.

Barbatos’ apron had been a gag gift from MC, just as a joke, one that made Diavolo laugh until the towering demon nearly cried, but it had definitely been used and laundered with special care. “The recipe I settled upon calls for multiple layers, and I felt we should each choose a flavor to represent this unity amongst the Realms.”

MC hopped up on the stool reserved specifically for them and drifted their hoof across the labels; they weren’t picky, but what did they feel best represented the Human Realm? Finally, they settled on a pale rainbow swirl - not bubblegum-flavored, sadly.

“I pick… this one!” They turned to see Luke hefting a large tub of tan cake-themed ice cream above his head.

“Then I shall finish with this.” Barbatos held out his own container. “Green tea, for a mild undercurrent.”

Ooh, that did sound good, actually.

“Would you please store them in the fridge for now, while I return the others? Our choices must be soft enough to spread, but not melted entirely.”

The young angel excitedly carried the three containers as directed, too enthusiastic for his usual ‘we should not associate with demons!’ protestations. Food truly could surpass cultural differences, even across gaps as large as those between the Three Realms.

“MC, I will trust you with crushing the almonds and chocolate. Luke, will you handle the meringue, please? The dry ingredients have yet to be measured and your attention to detail will make it extra soft and fluffy.”

The MC had a big grin on their face as they poured the blanched almonds into the blender and hit the start button. Grinding it by hoof in a mortal and pestle would’ve been more fun, but there was still the hellishly dark cacao to break up. Wielding the large knife with a gleeful flourish, they attacked the chunks in their bowl.

Barbatos hid an amused smile as he observed his proteges at work; Luke was so intent on whipping the egg whites that his tongue was poking out of his mouth in concentration. Once the right amount of chocolate had been chopped, he poured it into a pot of melting butter.

Luke handed over most of his mixture after folding in the sugar for Barbatos to finish the cake batter. There was a brief squabble between the younger pair over what order the ice cream layers should be, but it was quickly and amicably resolved.

.

.

.

“Are you ready?” the butler asked, holding a bottle of cooking Demonus over the assembled dessert, ready to pour into the half-shell nestled atop a colossal mound of eggy goodness.

MC looked at the blowtorch in Luke’s eager hand with some alarm and quickly hopped down from their stool. “I’ll start putting things away, don’t worry!” What if their wool caught on fire and they had to run in panicked circles around the room until someone could put it out!? As they hustled out of flamesreach, a loosened apron string caught under one hoof and they fell over with a startled bleat, sending a mixed cloud of superfine sugar and flours into the air.

At that exact moment fire shot out to ignite the alcoholic spirits dripping down the dish’s sides, suddenly jumping to the ultra-combustible particulates that filled the room.

There was a loud silence, followed by a single “Oh, dear,” from Barbatos, who really should have seen that coming.

Luke scrambled over to a very singed-looking sheep, who made a pathetic sooty cough. “Oh no, are you alright?”

MC nodded, being lifted to their hooves and giving a full-body shake with several sneezes, revealing that their pretty pastel wool was mostly unburnt. “Sorry,” they apologized, wrinkling their snout as Barbatos delicately wiped first Luke’s and then MC’s face clean with a handkerchief he pulled out of seemingly nowhere; a good butler was prepared for everything.

“Is the Baked Alaska okay?”

“MC, is that really the most imp-”

“I’m certain it will be fine,” Barbatos reassured the sheep, knowing how much they detested conflict. They also didn’t like other people worrying over them, so he had to redirect Luke’s concern before his dearest MC grew upset. “Mistakes happen all the time, and many delicious discoveries are the result of either accidents or simple curiosity.”

Nobody said a word, but they were in complete agreement that Solomon’s dishes had never been - nor would they ever be - a part of that esteemed group.

[raineyana]

What is your normal grocery list? I’m about to be living at a dorm and I am looking for stuff to stock up on, I can’t really keep frozen foods though

i actually dont even cook all that much so i dont keep a lot of frozen foods either. this is my regular list when i go, usually weekly.

FASTING FOODS

okay so youre probably like. raine you arent supposed to eat anything when you fast. hear me out bc this is how i consistently fast a 20-4 schedule everyday, with a lot less binges than before, AND getting all of the benefits of fasting. and yeah, i still binge from time to time, but my binges are far less because my stomach actually cannot handle being fed over 1000 calories anymore, especially not all at once.

these are my ESSENTIALS so theyre pretty much the only things i consistently buy weekly.

cucumbers

chicken broth (0cal kind)

seaweed snacks

pickled ginger

tea (any, but i like trying new flavors ! my favorite is lemon ginger because it helps digestion, and green tea because it speeds up your metabolism. also a lot healthier than diet coke with the same amount of caffeine, also less likely to spike your blood sugar and kick you out of ketosis- which will make your cravings for food much worse)

...dont get me wrong i couldnt live without diet coke. but sometimes ill go for the healthier option.

why i eat these foods while i fast

these are foods that have extremely low cals and carbs (like less than 2 grams per/serving) so they wont kick you out of ketosis (which is the major benefit to fasting, where your body burns fat at a higher rate). when youre in ketosis, your body stops sending you as many cravings, which is why sometimes it feels easier to fast 24 hours after you last ate as opposed to 3 hours.

because i spend the majority of my time fasting, (and i would never be able to do that without these foods) i go through these items pretty quick.

but otherwise i only have to buy other healthy foods on a biweekly or even monthly basis, because i wont eat them as fast ! heres some things i rotate through depending on how sick of them i am lol.

regular food

built bars - essential for me. tons of protein, less sugar than other bars, and relatively low cal.

somebody on here introduced me to these and im soo glad they did. i dont remember who but if youre seeing this ilysm.

tuna creations packets - rly good for on the go, tons of flavors, lots of protein so they're really filling for only being 70-90cals depending on the flavor

blueberries + apples - so hard to over eat these two items, plus fiber

rice cakes - self explanatory

pistachios or sunflower seeds - great for curbing hunger, but im a little sick of them rn

a low cal air popped popcorn - i forget which brand i have rn, but its pretty good and has a lot of fiber.

chobani yogurt + yogurt protein drinks (50cal) - the fact that these r 50cals amaze me for how good they taste. the yogurt drinks are my favorite bc theres actually a shit ton of protein and taste pretty good without actually having to make myself a protein shake. the cookies and cream and peaches and cream are my favorites ive tried. good for breaking a fast with.

thats all i can think of atm ! sry for the fucking essay i hope this was a little helpful at least.

typing this out manically made me realize im a little crazy. i cant say with my whole chest that you should listen to me and my d1sordered thoughts, but i think everyone on here knows that already so... uh

please be kind to yourselves. take ur vitamins (even while fasting) i genuinely love you all every one of you fucked up bitches like me.

goodnight <3

[omentranslates]

Trigun Stampede Chugai Grace Cafe Collaboration - I Translated Another Menu :3

Hey long time no Trigun on here! Some pictures from this collab were recently brought up in a server I'm in and reminded me that it existed so I thought I'd list out the menu here in English for anyone who wants to try and recreate these treats :D

I did this almost a year ago for the collab that was running at that time and it was much longer bc I literally just rewrote the entire website, but this time will ONLY be the menu since this one is like way over I think this was from 2023. Transcript starts under the cut as usual, just a flat rewrite of the menu text my own notes will be in parenthesis, happy gunning trigang idk

Dragonfly Grass Napolitan

napolitan with sausage and confetti vegetables

cheese shaped like Vash's sunglasses and a cracker

Punisher Black Curry

black curry

black sesame rice

confetti vegetables

leafy greens

punisher wafer (doesn't appear to be pictured, look up monaka (最中))

Partners' Parfait

desc: Double donuts like Vash's sunglasses, a cigare cookie sprinkled with bamboo charcoal powder and a pointy cone* top this parfait fit for two. (*could be read as either cone or corn, i put cone bc that's the shape but honestly i think it's probably just both since it looks like a corn chip. like that is a bugle.)

strawberries

strawberry syrup

mango chunks

mango whipped cream

mango sauce

vanilla ice cream

whipped cream (yes more (regular this time))

mint

Twins Cremet d'Anjou

desc: A desert plate of Cremet d'Anjou — Angel's Cream — in the image of twin brothers Vash and Knives

cremet d'anjou

strawberries

mango sauce

whipped cream

blue curaçao (does not say where or how)

powdered sugar

white chocolate shaped into angel wings

Orange Sunrise *Vash's Drink!! <3

orange juice

raspberry syrup

orange slices like Vash's sunglasses

Overdose Coke *Nicholas's Drink

cola

energy drink in the ampoules pipettes

Wing Apple Tea *Knives's Drink

apple tea

wing sliced apples

mint

Welcome Home *Special Drink

desc: nonalcoholic whiskey imitation drink

apple juice

whiskey flavoring (no further specification)

lime

Plant Soda

blue curaçao

mojito green jewel (this is like a jelly/jello that you can kind of see sitting at the bottom of the jar in the picture. it's a specific product look up mona jewel (モナジュエル) mojito green is the color)

sprite

ice ball

And that's all! The cups with character art are just lattes. Thanks for reading hope it's tasty ;3

[reyaint]

culture of HAIQIN | foods + cuisine

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

date: november 9, 2024

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cuisine

Staple Foods

Staple Foods:

Key staples include grains such as rice and millet, legumes, and a variety of vegetables and fruits. Seafood is particularly prominent in coastal provinces like Valero and Naidya, while the arid northern regions favor hearty dishes that incorporate drought-resistant crops.

The cuisine of Haiqin features a variety of staple foods, including grains like rice and barley, fresh vegetables, and a wide range of fruits. Commonly used spices and herbs add depth to the dishes, which often focus on fresh ingredients.

Common Ingredients:

Grains: Rice, millet, barley, couscous

Vegetables: Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, corn, turnips, and beets; leafy greens; tomatoes; chili peppers, lettuce

Fruits: Tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, and pineapple in coastal areas; apples and berries in cooler regions. tropical citrus, berries, apples, and melons

Proteins: Game meats (roasted, grilled), seafood, meats, legumes, and dairy products (especially in more temperate regions)

Herbs & Spices: Canyon herbs, cactus flower, cinnamon, citrus, cumin, coriander, and chili pepper

Dairy & Fermented Foods: Yogurt, pickled vegetables, and fermented fish are often paired with meals for added texture and taste.

Drought-Resistant Crops: In the northern arid regions, dishes often incorporate crops like quinoa, beans, and hardy grains that thrive in dry climates. Haiqin created drought resistance crops as well, in general, using technology

Regional Dishes

Stellis:

The fusion capital of Haiqin, Stellis is known for its vibrant, cosmopolitan food scene. The cuisine here mixes influences from global trends with traditional Haiqin ingredients. Spicy noodle dishes are a common staple, alongside seafood paella inspired by coastal influences. Street food culture is very prominent, with everything from dumplings to gourmet burgers offering a contemporary twist on local flavors.

Eldariaz:

Renowned for its royal traditions, Eldariaz specializes in rich, spice-laden dishes. Royal Spiced Lamb, a succulent dish flavored with local herbs and exotic spices, is a signature offering. The province also boasts an abundance of tropical fruits, which are often used in vibrant, refreshing salads and desserts. Eldariaz is a place where history and culinary heritage intertwine.

Nirin:

In Nirin, the cuisine is shaped by the challenging desert environment. Nirin Stew, a hearty, spiced meat and vegetable dish, is the region’s standout dish. Cactus salad, made from locally sourced desert plants, is a staple, while floral teas from the city of Waterlight are celebrated for their unique, refreshing qualities. The emphasis on grilled meats and spicy foods is a reflection of the region’s rugged spirit, with southern American-style dishes also being popular, like grilled game meats and cornbread. The food in Nirin mirrors the Southern American style, with grilled meats, spices, and robust flavors. I'm scripting I'm from here...(i can't live without some of the foods in my cr man I CAN'T)

Primos:

Known for its mountainous terrain, Primos offers meals designed for sustenance in the rugged landscape. Roasted game meats and vegetable stews are often prepared over open flames, drawing from the region's strong connection to nature. Hiking trails and outdoor activities are integral to Primos culture, with communal meals often enjoyed in nature during seasonal gatherings, such as mountain festivals.

Mian:

The cuisine of Mian, the capital province, is known for couscous and flatbreads, which are often served with pickled vegetables. The traditional Mian communal dining culture plays a central role in local cuisine, with dishes often shared in large gatherings that foster strong social bonds. Mian’s emphasis on communal eating creates a sense of togetherness, which is further reflected in the region’s culinary approach.

Valero:

The coastal province of Valero has a cuisine centered around seafood, particularly grilled fish and seafood paella, both of which showcase the bountiful offerings of the ocean. Festivals in Valero often feature communal feasts, where families and communities gather to celebrate the sea's abundance. Tropical fruits and citrus-based dishes also add a refreshing touch to the region's cuisine.

Naidya:

Known for its tropical climate, Naidya features cuisine that relies heavily on fresh seafood and tropical fruits. The islands host vibrant food festivals where local seafood dishes and traditional cooking methods are celebrated. Sustainability plays an important role in Naidya’s food practices, with an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients and maintaining environmentally responsible food practices.

Agrios:

The industrial heartland of Haiqin, Agrios blends traditional food with industrial influences. Smoked meats and grain-based meals are common, reflecting the region's industrial past. Agrios is home to bustling local markets, where artisanal foods are sold, including smoked cheeses, cured meats, and hearty breads. The food here is practical and filling, mirroring the hardworking nature of the people.

Dridells:

In Dridells, food combines urban influences with traditional flavors. The cuisine features river fish and vegetable stews, with an emphasis on combining fresh, natural ingredients. Stews are often slow-cooked, allowing for deep, rich flavors. Dridells has a strong focus on urban sustainability, with eco-friendly food practices and a culture that supports organic farming and local produce.

Luminiaz:

The lush, fertile province of Luminiaz is known for its commitment to sustainability. The region’s cuisine features organic vegetables, local grains, and wild herbs that are hand-picked from the surrounding ecosystem. Luminiaz cuisine celebrates earth tones and nature-inspired dishes, often incorporating wild edible plants and herbs into both savory and sweet dishes. Sustainability is a central theme, and many of the dishes celebrate the biodiversity of the province’s environment.

Food Practices

Communal Eating:

One of the most cherished food traditions in Haiqin is communal eating. Whether during family gatherings, festivals, or celebrations, food is often shared. Large platters of dishes are served, and people sit together to enjoy the meal.

Festivals and Feast Days:

Certain festivals are closely linked to food practices, where traditional dishes are prepared and shared during celebrations. For example, harvest festivals often feature seasonal produce, and coastal feasts celebrate seafood, with people coming together to enjoy the best of what the region has to offer.

Religious and Spiritual Influence:

Although religious fasting is not widespread, certain communities in Haiqin observe dietary practices in honor of deities. Some regions may refrain from consuming specific foods, such as pork, in deference to sacred animals or local beliefs.

Street Food:

Especially in urban areas like Stellis, street food plays an integral role in Haiqin’s food culture, offering affordable and diverse options for the masses. Markets are vibrant and buzzing with vendors selling everything from dumplings to skewers.

[blinkbones]

"HOUSE OF CALORIES"

The Flavor of Green Tea over Rice, Yasujirō Ozu (1952)

[lumine-no-hikari]

Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #384

I still seem to be in a bit of a funk. The empty feeling persists. Oh well.

Today, it seemed to manifest as a sensation of being disconnected from everyone and everything. I figured maybe my body just needs resources for whatever it's trying to do. So I made myself a tea...

...I also made myself a salad to go with the tea. It's got mixed greens, bell peppers, cilantro, and scallions in it. I put salmon, the rest of that burrata filling, and some ranch dressing on top:

At some point, I did some dishes, and that was cool. J did a bunch of them, too.

This feeling of disconnect is not reflective of my reality. I am loved and understood by M and J. My brain is just... being a brain right now. And that's all right; we'll just wait for it to go back to normal. We can still do stuff in the meantime.

...Stuff like making confit garlic. I dunno if you remember me writing about it, but I wanted to try to see about making the garlic cloves really dark – I think I talked about leaving it in the oven for some 6-8 hours instead of 3 or 4. I wanted to see if I could make confit garlic that has more of a black garlic type of flavor to it – one in which all the sugars are deeply caramelized and any proteins have had the Maillard reaction occur.

...I don't actually know if it'll work. It could be that I'll just end up ruining some butter and some garlic. I guess we'll see how it goes. It's been in the oven since around 2pm, and it is still in the oven now, at 8:30pm. My kitchen smells AMAZING right now.

That said, the garlic cloves, they tend to float up in the butter once everything gets hot. I tried figuring out some way to prevent this, because if the cloves aren't submerged, the side that is in contact with the air will roast instead of get soft and mushy in the oil. It's not a bad thing, necessarily, but it's not quite what we're going for. So... I improvised a way of keeping the cloves weighted down:

...Yes, it is just a bunch of small mason jar lids layered inside a larger mason jar with silverware keeping it held down, ahaha... I know it's very silly. I know. But it seems to be working, at least for now. Though I think I'm gonna hafta find a more practical way of doing this in the future.

...I'm looking forward to the results. For sure, they smell good so far.

I made another food today, too, out of the various leftovers in the fridge. This is some rice cooked in the leftover chicken drippings, filled out with water:

Here is an omelet that J requested; it's made of eggs, tomatoes, and the leftover cheesy broccoli I made before.

...And here is the bowl of yummies I put together with these things. I added some heated-up frozen meatballs to it to fill it out...

At the moment, I kinda feel a bit like a wind-up toy – just clunking around and going through the motions of whatever. Rationally, I understand that the weirdness will pass, but... well. The thing to do in the meantime is to just endure. I can do that, no sweat.

In a bit, J and I are gonna try to play StepMania on my laptop. We tried to put it on his laptop, because my laptop hinge is broken, which makes it difficult to move it around. But his laptop is Apple; mine is Windows. Apple can't run StepMania, but it can run a similar program called OutFox.

While the pad does work on J's laptop, the OutFox software does not properly recognize it when two arrows are pressed at the same time. So, at least until the developers of OutFox fix it, J's laptop is a no-go. Oh well.

He's thinking to move the pad over to the dining area where my laptop is set up, from the living room area, so we can play StepMania on my machine. Maybe some movement along with some jaunty tunes will help me a little. Who knows.

...Well. I had a nice time. I don't have the endurance that I used to, but... it's still fun.

Anyhoot! Here's how the garlic turned out:

This was in the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for around 6 hours. It's deliciously sweet and savory. This is probably the best batch of the stuff I've made yet. And... I think it could stand to stick around in the oven for even longer, still. Here's why:

It looks burnt, maybe, but I promise you it's not; it has a sweet, almost chocolatey flavor with all the savory of the garlic, but with very little of the allium zing. It's rich and intensely flavorful. And, given that it comes off of the surface easily when moisture is applied, I think it's primarily made of sugar.

...If all the cloves of garlic could reach this consistency...!!! Oh my goodness...!!!

I'll have to try to make something out of wire to keep the garlic cloves submerged next time. Because there will be a next time. I think this jar isn't gonna last very long; it was everything I could do to avoid eating it all in one sitting; it really was that delicious.

...There are so many things I wish I could share with you. Confit garlic, lovely tea, rice cooked in chicken drippings, and StepMania are just a few delights I wish I could show you. I have so many more...

...It almost seems unfair...

...I guess that's it for today. My brain feels kinda like it's blocked up like a clogged sink, so... I guess I'll stop writing now.

I love you. And I'll write again soon. Please stay safe out there, okay?

Your friend, Lumine

[moonbaby26]

Get To Know Me

Rules: Answer and tag 6 people

Favourite colour: To wear? Black. Because it matches everything. I live in black tees and dark wash jeans with black boots or black tennis shoes. In the winter, just add a black coat over the top. But to look at? Hues of light blue mixed with a little green. Think mermaid colors. I dress in dark colors and probably look as perpetually burntout as Trafalgar Law. But if nothing mattered, I’d have everything around me in bright mermaid aesthetic, blues/greens/purple/pink and sparkle. That’s my two sides. 🖤🌈🧜‍♀️

Last Song: I have one ear bud in at all times with my music library on shuffle or custom stations. And yes, I can relate every song I know to Doflamingo. As I type this it’s “Love Me Dead” by Ludo in my ear. An excerpt:

You suck so passionately

You're a parasitic, psycho, filthy creature

Finger-bangin' my heart

You call me up drunk

Does the fun ever start?

You're hideous…and sexy!

Currently reading: Nothing! *le gasp*. I was an avid reader when I was younger though. It might sound basic as he’s so mainstream, but my favorite author was Stephen King. Horror all day long. I liked his short story compilations the best. But I remember Salem’s Lot actually scaring me when I was a teen, reading it alone in the dark. And Rose Madder sticking with me as well for the dark themes.

The most I read now is short One Piece oneshots that you lovely folks post either here or on AO3.

I’m trying to hold off on reading anything multichapter currently. Because my brain is super weird and strongly internalizes the character voices of whatever I read. So when I read someone else’s stuff, I can lose my own style. The word “style” being used extremely loosely here of course. I just type whatever comes out of my squirrel cage of a brain, I know. But it’s still me. And it would change if I was regularly reading anything else, One Piece or otherwise.

Currently watching: I don’t watch TV (a time constraint thing 😩). I do have Crunchyroll to stay caught up on the One Piece anime though. I rewatch arcs too on there or with the “One Pace” website where it’s a little more condensed. I’m rewatching Punk Hazard now.

Currently craving: Nothing, I ate a hibachi shrimp bowl with rice and veggies for dinner earlier. It was yum!

Coffee or tea: Neither. Seriously, I love water. Ice cold water. It’s all I want when I’m thirsty. And if I need sugar or flavor, then I want food. I drink water if thirsty, eat food if hungry. But if someone handed me a fancy coffee or tea my brain would go, “This is not food…but is just dirty water? No thank you 😅.” *goes sit in timeout for these social transgressions*

I know the larger Doffy crew has already been sharing this back and forth, but linking you guys back to share mine to you. 🦩💗@physics-of-one-piece , @saracrossing02 , @ladycrocy , @tuquidflamingo , @ohnomyhooves + anyone else that wants to interact/share

[adminbryantsaki]

Greed God Barista AU

Greek gods Café Au x Female! Reader.

(I do not own Hades, Poseidon, or Zeus. They belong to Homer. And references to Epic: the Musical belongs to Jorge Rivera-Herrans. Nor do I own any franchises or brands mentioned in the story. If this isn’t your cup of tea, blend of spices, or brew of coffee, move along. Reader discretion is advised)

TW: Greek gods, mention of multiple lovers, dating with a god, flirting, going on a date, romantic interactions

WC: 10,263

We open to three unique cafes with their own special styles. One is placed within a forest protected by the National Park Service where the owner is assisted by a group of young ladies, another is a café truck along the side of a boardwalk in a beach city with a beautiful backdrop of the ocean surrounded with the noise of crashing waves, and finally, deep in the inner workings of the large city nearby is our last café, bearing a darker themed shop, holding a sharing bookshelf where customers can read a book or even donate some books to enjoy during their visit there.  Zeus

We focus in on the first café. The medium-sized building is set in a small clearing along the main road of the National Park that is it’s home. The shop looked like any other Starbucks that you’d see outside of the park but there was something different about this one. Something that seemed to lure you to this specific coffee shop.

You open the door and the smell of coffee and freshly rained-on grass fills your nose. You enter the shop and see a small table with three plates of cookies sitting there, You saw chocolate chunk cookies, snickerdoodles, and peanut butter thumbprints all labeled with a sign that said ‘help yourself and make yourself at home, someone will come give you a menu momentarily.’ You took a cookie and wandered around the shop, checking out some of the other merchandise before you went to one corner of the shop that had an oak barrel as a table and chairs made from barrels as well. You sat down in one of the chairs while you ate your cookie and looked around at the rich forest green and navy blue that lined the walls, with an accent wall of a forested silhouette of trees all colored various shades of green.

Chocolate brown stained wood framed the painted walls and lined the floor, helping to make the colors pop. An ambient soundtrack of thunder and lightning storms added to the environment to pull you into a relaxed state, allowing you to close your eyes, just for a moment. You felt something poke you awake. You opened your eyes to see a young woman with green hair and pink streaks throughout look at you with warm brown eyes staring at you with a look of concern.

“Are you alright?” She asked. She wore a green and brown plaid shirt, blue jeans, and a black apron over her clothes with leather hiking boots on her feet. She held a menu in her hands that she wanted to give you. “I’m fine. This place just seemed so relaxing when I came in that I thought I’d lay back and close my eyes for just a moment.” You told the waitress and she looked relieved.

“That’s a relief. I’m Juniper. I’ll be your server today. Here’s a menu and take your time. Welcome to Olympic Brews.” She said and handed you the menu. You thought the name a little odd but it fit the masculine theme of the shop. You read over the menu, seeing your options displayed on the recycled paper that had been dyed green from what looked to be matcha powder and spinach leaves. On the menu were the many options that the café offered. You read the items silently to yourself.

~~Drinks~~

Bull- classic redbull with fruit flavors added.

Storm- London fog tea

The Divine Wrath- blueberry lemonade zinger refresher

Master Bolt- Four shot americano.

Springtime drink- pomegranate salmonberry refresher with a black rice inclusion.

Morning Sunshine- breakfast blend tea with bright orange and lemon flavors.

Evening Moon- nighttime tea made from lemongrass and chamomile.

~~Food~~

Wise Owl-kale salad with balsamic raspberry vinegarette, strawberries, crasins, pinenuts and sunflower seeds and optional feta cheese.

Ram-Line of jerky with different flavors. Turkey, chicken, pork, beef, pea protein, chickpea, and tofu.

Hephaestus(forging/creating)- some kind of build your own food.

Hermes( messenger)- envelope sugar cookie and a caduceus shortbread cookie and the flying shoe cookie.

“Thunder Bringer”- a protein packed snack box with hard boiled eggs, ham cubes, turkey cubes, cheddar, mozzarella, grapes, peanut butter back, apple slices, nut mix ( cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds) yellow thunder bolt toothpick across the top.

Aegis- dark chocolate chip cookie.

 Scroll- phyllo dough in the shape of scroll. With fruit filling

Oak tree- solid chocolate acorn with white, millk, and dark chocolate. 

Steer- beef au ju ( bread , meat, beef broth)

Lightning bolt- bolt shaped phyllo dough pastry with either mxed berry filling or goat cheese filling.

Eagle- smoked salmon bagel with goat cheese ( dill or grape chevre) with capers.

~~Assortments and add-ins~~

The Vinyard- grape juice box. Frozen grapes as a treat. Cookies in the shape of a grape cluster iced in green or purple.

Nectar shots available and aquafaba cream cups for your pet upon request.

You looked over the menu again until Juniper came back to get your order.

“Did you decide your order, hon?” She asked and you looked up at her and told you wanted. “I’d like the ‘Thunder Bringer’ and the ‘divine wrath.’ I’d also like to know what nectar is.” You asked and Juniper’s eyes widened. “Do you not know what nectar is? Its only the drink of the gods. I haven’t had it myself but the boss says that is sweet like honey and very good! It gives a boost of energy too.” She spoke as she held a menu tightly to her chest.

“Why not? Add some to my drink, love.” You spoke and she took your menu, running back to the kitchen to put in your order. “WE HAVE ANOTHER ONE.” You heard her call out to her sisters in the kitchen. A small cheer can be heard coming from the kitchen. You see a tall, middle aged man with white streaks in his otherwise black-as-night hair coming off his temples and down the middle of his beard, an olive skin tone and strikingly blue eyes walk over to you with a gentle kindness in his eyes. He sat across from you in another oak barrel chair. He wore a similar uniform to Juniper, just he had a black and white plaid shirt instead of the green and brown one, blue jeans and the same black apron. He also wore a light brown knitted beanie on top of his head.

“I see you’ve heard of nectar before? Have you heard of the Gods as well, little one?” You asked

As he leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “I Have. I read about them in books when I was little. They seemed to be all fictional though.” You spoke and the older man chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with crow’s feet as he laughed, showing a sign of his age. He fatherly air about him seemed to give you a strange sense of familiarity and comfort as you gazed into his eyes. He watched you as your eyes widened as you realized who he was and laid back in realization that all the stories about the Greek gods and monsters were all real and not just made up. You noticed a small flame of attraction sparking inside of you as your looked at him more, growing ever more attracted the more you watched the man. You finally averted your eyes when Juniper brought over your food and drink on a golden platter.

“Here you are, love.” She spoke and set the drink and box of food on the table next to you. She saw Zeus and jumped a little. “Oh, I didn’t expect you to come out here, boss.” She said to the man who waved her away as he wanted to be alone with you a little longer.

Juniper hurriedly walked away with her head down as she followed her boss’s order to leave him alone with you. “Tell me, what is your name, my dear?” His deeper rumbling voice sounded, sending a shiver down your spine. You couldn’t resist not answering him so you instinctively responded with your name while keeping your eyes shut. You heard a quiet, almost thunderous chuckle come from the man when he heard your name. “Such a nice name for such a pretty lady. I’ve seen you around the visitor center before and I’ve had my eye on you for a while now. I’m glad you finally came to visit my shop.” He spoke and your eyes widened. You had seen him around the more populated areas of the park with a coffee cart serving drinks to the people enjoying the park and the views. You would catch him staring at you as he served the patrons their orders from the cart. You looked up at him with a serious look in your eyes.

“Who are you?” You asked as a glimmer of lightning flashed across the man’s eyes. He leaned forward with his elbows across his knees as he watched you lovingly. “Take a guess darling.” He spoke with a hint of mischief. Your mind wandered as you thought back to the menu you read only a few minutes before and thought back to the bedtime stories of Greek heroes like Heracles and Perseus, and the gods and goddesses that your mom would tell you as you grew up. You looked to the man and I finally realized who he was.

“You’re Zeus.” You said in an excited realization. The man smiled as a crackle of electricity flashed across his eyes.

“You’re correct, sweetheart.” He spoke and leaned forward on his knees with his elbows. He called for one of the girls that you were now realizing were dryads top to the seating area. The one you recognized as Juniper come to the front carrying a brushed gold tray in her arms.

“Juniper, darling? Could you bring me a Master Bolt with some of the cashew cream please?” He asked her while looking to her and holding her hand gently. Juniper blushed visibly, nodding in agreement, and running back to kitchen to make Zeus’s order. The god looked back at you, leaning back in his seat, and crossing one of his legs over the other.

“I’m glad you came to visit today, what drew you here today?” He asked “I hadn’t visited this place yet so I thought I should.” You said stiffly as the memories of how many women he slept with over the millennia came coming back from the stories you read and had read to you when you were a child by your parents. “Well, I’m glad you came to visit anyways, y/n. I would love to see you visit mem more in the future. He says in a flirtatious tone that makes you feel disgusted. You knew he wanted to add you to the long list of lovers he had and you were insistent that you wouldn’t be as you knew his reputation. You also knew the result of his lovers when his wife, Hera, the goddess of marriage found out that her husband had cheated on her yet again.

 You stood up and went to the door. Zeus grabbed your wrist to make you stay. “Where do you think you’re going?” He asked, a look of frustration in his eyes, hinted with worry that he will never see you again. “Oh no, you don’t. I won’t face the wrath of your wife.” You spoke, grabbing your food and drink to sit outside. Zeus’s face flashes with disappointment as he watched you leave. He received his own drink and followed you outside as you sat at one of the outside tables to pick at the food in your snack box. Zeus sat across from you with his arms crossed across his chest, occasionally sipping at his coffee as he watched you try to read your book.

“ Stop ignoring me and pay attention.” He says in almost a whiny tone. “I’m not going to entertain a man-child just because I don’t fall into his arms when he throws his charms at me to try and woo me.” You say, closing your book, finishing your drink, and taking the rest of your snack box with you back to your truck to go back to your cabin. Zeus was at a loss for words as he watched you leave his café and drive off. Days pass and you go about your duties at the park , cleaning up trash, refilling the flier holders, and answering questions from visitors of the park.

As you did so, you’d constantly see Zeus standing in the corner of your eye or see Juniper and her friends who you found out later were dryads attending the cart they would bring out in the popular areas of the park and hand out information to where their café was in the park. You’d avoid the cart when Zeus was tending the cart and swarmed by a group of women who all thought him attractive and trying to get his number. But you’d try something else out on the menu only when the Dryads were tending the cart and Zeus noticed. He furrowed his brow when he saw you at the cart when he wasn’t there and it got under his skin. He decided to do something about it.

One day, you were milling about a larger crowd of people that were at the visitor center that day helping answer questions and take care of crowd control. You could see Zeus not in his normal attire like he was in the café the first time you met. Today he was wearing a navy-blue button up shirt with the top two buttons undone and black slacks. Not your usual garb when going to spend a day in nature. He had the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to just past his elbows to show off his muscular forearms that had simplistic lightning bolt tattoos on his arms and laurels around his wrists.

You pretended to ignore him but to no avail. He had gotten in line to get a question from you when asked for people to make lines to make some sense of order amongst the crowd. He just had to choose the line you were at the head of. He kept his eyes on you as the line went down and he grew closer and closer to you. You kept a neutral expression until you noticed him right in front of you. “Hello there, how may I help you today?” You asked as you checked something on the desk in front of you before you looked up into his piercing blue eyes. He seemed upset about something and you raised an eyebrow curiously.

“You need to stop avoiding me. I know you have been purposefully trying to avoid me, Y/n.” He spoke as he placed both hands on the desk, staring you right in your eyes. You remained your aloof expression, only letting a slight grin spread across your lips.

“If you have any comments, complaints, or requests, please fill out this form and send it in. Our park rangers will get back to you in one to three business days.” You said and handed him the slip of paper he needed to fill out. Zeus took the paper and left the visitor center disgruntled. You watched as he got back into his 4x4 truck and drove off, probably back to wherever a god stayed when they were living alone in the woods.

A few days later, you’re outside the visitor center again and Zeus is there, looking a bit sheepish. He was holding a stem of your favorite flower and a box of pastries from his shop in hand. You saw inside the clear plastic box that there were: two filled lightning bolts, a scroll, the caduceus, the envelope, the flying shoe, and a couple chocolate cookies in the box as he stepped forward. Zeus looked to have an envelope in hand that he passed to you. You opened it in front of him and it was the slip you gave him only a few days before. It read:

“I am sorry I was too forward, Y/n. I did not mean for you to just be another woman added to my list. I care for you and I find you attractive. I’d be honored if you’d at least go on one date with me. That is my request.” You read to yourself and looked up to the god.  He handed you the box of pastries and the flowers, waiting your answer. You accepted the flowers and the treats, looking at them before looking up to Zeus who was hoping you’d say yes to just the one date.

“Fine. One date. If I don’t want to see you again, then that is that. If I want to see you again then we will talk. But I will not be sleeping with you on the first date. Is that understood?” You asked, keeping your gaze and tone firm. Zeus looked up at you with a look of understanding. He nodded and rubbed the back of his head.

“When would you like to go out?” He asked.

“This Friday at 7:30pm. We will meet here.” You spoke, crossing your arms across your chest.

“Very well then, I’l see you here this Friday at seven-thirty pm.” He spoke and turned to leave. “See you then, God of thunder.” You spoke as you watched him get back into his truck and drive off. You were secretly excited for this date and you hoped it would go smoothly. You went about your normal week, only to realize that on Thursday evening you needed to be ready for tomorrow’s date and you hadn’t done any planning whatsoever. You quickly rushed into your bedroom to dig through your closet, hoping you had something appropriate for a date. You luckily found a little black dress that you laid out with some matching black converse and scanned the dress for any stains or tears in the fabric since you hadn’t worn the garment in a while, happy to see none as you hung the dress up on the back of your door, waiting to wear it tomorrow for your date with a god. The next day as you were working your normal shift at the visitor center, Zeus was pacing his silver bullet shaped trailer located in the nearest campsite that the park had given him to live in while he ran the café, stressing over how he looked. He had changed his outfit several times already and had requested that one of his loyal cloud nymphs to assist him in choosing an outfit and the poor creature was at its wits end with the god’s indecisiveness on his appearance.

“You look handsome, my lord. Y/n will think you look good in anything, sir. You’re only taking her to dinner at Lady Demeter’s place, aren’t you?” The nymph asked as they watched Zeus fiddle with his tie in front of the mirror.

“Yes, that is the plan. But I’m nervous! You know how she gets when she finds out I’m with another woman.” Zeus spoke, saying the last part in a hushed whisper as if he were afraid that someone was listening. The nymph raised its head in acknowledgement as they knew Zeus was referring to his wife, Hera. Hera always had known where Zeus was at any given moment, except for now. This was a National Park, a forest that was on his protected land and apart of his domain where Hera couldn’t track him or touch him whatsoever. Zeus had also taken further precautions when making the menu for his café, from avoiding using cow’s milk to denying who he was to his own sons, Apollo, and Hermes when they came to check in on him after he had been absent from Olympus for a noticeable amount of time.

He was careful. He didn’t want to be found. He didn’t know how long he wanted to stay hidden but he wanted to be hidden from his family but he knew that he didn’t want to be found right now. Zeus shook the uncomfortable feeling that Hera was onto him and sending people to seek him out in her stead and adjusted his tie one more before leaving his trailer and getting into his truck to drive down to the visitor center around 7:15pm.

Zeus found a parking spot and got out. He looked around the visitor center area to find you sitting on a bench scrolling through your phone while you waited for him to show up. You looked beautiful to him in your outfit from where he was observing you in his truck. He took a deep breath and grabbed the items he bought for you and exited his vehicle and walked over to you with another stem of your favorite flower in hand as he approached. You looked up at him when you heard footsteps approaching. “I see you decided to show up.” You said and checked your phone again as it was 7:25.

“I Almost thought you were going to stand me up, Zeus.” You told him as you put our phone away and stood up to face him. “I would never.” He said and handed you the flower. You accepted the flower and took his arm and walked with him back to his truck.

“So, where are you taking me tonight?” You asked as he opened the passenger door to your car and helped you inside. Zeus went around the front of the car and got in on the driver’s side.

“I am taking you to a restaurant on the other side of the park. I think you’ve heard of it. Its called ‘The Golden Harvest.’” He says as he starts up the truck and begins driving. You had heard of that restaurant before you’ve wanted to visit the place before but the waiting list was months out. “How did you get a reservation so quickly?” You asked as you looked at him while he drove down the long road to the other side of the park.

“I know the owner. She and I go way back.” Zeus said as he kept his eyes on the road. You looked at him quizzically as your brain was trying to piece together who this friend of his was.You thought of the name, ‘The Golden Harvest’. Then you thought of any other names associated with any of his family members that had to do with the harvest before it dawned on you and you looked over to Zeus. “Your ‘friend’ is Demeter, isn’t she?” You asked as you watched his face for any change in expression.Zeus rubbed his face with his hand as he drove as he forgot for a moment that you were a smart mortal.  “Yes, You’re right. She promised to help keep my location here a secret form Hera while I’m here so I promised that I’d learn how to make vegan or use how to use dairy alternatives so she’d keep her end of the deal.” He spoke and kept driving, keeping his hands on the wheel, almost white-knuckling the wheel out of anxiety.

“Why do you use non-dairy alternatives? Is it because one of Hera’s symbols is a cow?” You asked as he kept driving. “Yes, It is. If I used cow’s milk it would be like sending a homing beacon off to her.” He spoke as he went to the exit that led to Demeter’s restaurant. He parked in one of the vacant spots and turned the car off. He got out and went over to the other side to let you out and he puts his arm around your waist, guiding you into the green, pink, and brown colored restaurant that smelled of jasmine and had a heavy natural and organic food theme. Zeus led you inside and over to a table near the back that had a ‘reserved for Zeus’ sign on the tabletop. where a cluster of wheat sheathes were tied together and placed in a glass jar and set on the windowsill as the décor.

 A moment passes and a flower nymph with little daisies sprouting from her hair that was styled into a braid that fell over her right shoulder handed both of you menus and glass cups filled with water. “My name is Daisy; I’ll be your server for tonight. Anything we can get you started with?” She asked. “We would like two cups of Demeter’s blessing with nectar added.”  Zeus spoke and the nymph’s eyes widened. “Right away, Lord Zeus.” She spoke, walking away to get the two of you the jasmine tea and let you be so that the two of you could decide what you wanted in silence. Daisy set the cups of tea in front of you both before leaving again to tend to another customer. After a few minutes of perusing the menus, Zeus looks up at you, wondering what you’ve picked.

“I’m going for the chicken pasta, what about you?” He asked as he looked at you while you were perusing your menu still. “The mushroom pasta looks good.” You said before looking to him and handing him your menu so he could order when Daisy come back. The nymph came back with a small tablet and pen in hand a few moments later, ready to take your orders. “Are you two ready to order? What would you like?” She asked, looking to the both of you.

“I will have the chicken pasta and Y/n here will have the mushroom pasta.” Zeus said and handed the menus back to Daisy who took them and tucked them under her arm after she scribbled down the order on her notepad.

“I’ll get those cooking right away, sir.” She spoke and walked off to put the orders in. “Now that we’re alone, why don’t you tell me more about yourself?” Zeus asked. You talked about how you grew up going to the National parks with your parents every summer and how you grew to love helping others learn about the parks and care for the parks too and how to care for nature. Zeus set his head in his hand as he watched you talk about things you were passionate about while the two of you waited for your food to come out.

“I think that’s enough about me, why don’t you tell me why the King of Olympus is hiding out in a government protected forest?” You asked as you leaned back in your chair, looking back to the god.

Zeus looked at you with widened eyes before he looked at the unfinished wooden table sheepishly. “I’m hiding from my wife… she and I had a big fight over another child of mine popping up recently and she caused that devastating twister over the American Midwest. I want to be free from her so I can do what I want without the consequences of being married to Hera.” Zeus spoke as he held his head in his hands. “You could divorce her.” You suggested. Zeus’s eyes widened. “I couldn’t do that! Yes, I’m tired of her causing a fuss every time I father another hero and either turning their mother into some animal or plant or causing stress for my kids.” Zeus spoke. “You know what you do by ‘fathering other heroes’ is what us humans call ‘cheating’ right?” You asked the god.

“Yes, I am aware… but your people… the women of your kind are so… damn attractive, I can’t help myself to some of the best in each generation.” He spoke with a soft, reminiscent smile spreading across his face. Daisy came with your food just in the nick of time allowing Zeus to avoid the subject for now as you wanted to enjoy your hot food. You thanked Daisy and began to eat your food while staring Zeus down, telling him that this conversation wasn’t over with the look in your eyes. You ate a couple bites of your pasta in silence, contemplating his words as they made you disgusted and your stomach churn at first until you thought them over and realized he might have a point.

“What kind of women did you deem ‘the best’?” You asked. “Smart, strong, and wise women, queens, and leaders. Powerful women that caught my eye with their beauty. Women like yourself that contribute their time to their community to upkeep nature and educate others in how they can help keep the world clean and care for the forests around them.” Zeus spoke as he held your hand in his. You realized that you fall into the category of women he found attractive.

“I can’t date you… but we can be friends.” You said, giving him a soft smile. Zeus looked a little disappointed but relieved that you still wanted to at least be friends with him.

“I understand your reasoning. You are wise to think that.” He spoke and ate a piece of chicken. You took a few bites of your pasta before thanking him and casually chatting to Zeus for the rest of the evening, asking him questions you had about the stories you read about his lovers, how Hera made Leto not have any rest and how she kidnapped the goddess of childbirth so Leto couldn’t have Apollo and Artemis in Greece, or how he kept Dionysus in his leg after Hera zapped his mom before he was born, and why he ate Metis because of some prophecy and how his head felt when Athena burst forth from it. Zeus chuckled and answered all your questions happily as the two of you ate and split a dessert before he paid for the meal and walked you back to the truck so he could take you home.

“That was a nice meal. Can we do that more often… even just as friends?” He asked as he opened the passenger door for you and helped you inside. “Of course. Just as friends though.” You spoke before he closed the door and got in on the driver’s side of the truck. “Right. Just friends.” He spoke and turned the engine over. “Where do you live? I’ll drive you back home.” He spoke. “Oh, I live in the park with the park rangers.” You told him. Zeus nodded and drove you to the ranger’s residences near the visitor center, stopping in front of your cabin and letting you out. You hopped down from his truck and he walked you to your door. “I hope I’ll see you again at my café again… maybe become a regular customer?” He suggested. “We will see about that.” You told him.

“This is me. Thank you for a nice night, Zeus.” You spoke and went inside. Zeus waited a moment on your front step before going back to his truck and going home, looking forward to your future friendship. The end. Wasn’t that nice? Lets move onto our next Café, one along the sandy beaches and rolling waves of a quiet coastal town.

Poseidon You were walking along the boardwalk in your coastal village on a lazy sunny afternoon when you found yourself craving something to drink and you wanted something sweet to eat. You happened on a type of café on wheels parked on the edge of the boardwalk with the sign of ‘Tidal Wave.’ You walked up to the window and you saw a pretty woman with olive tone skin, green eyes, and black hair look down at you. You saw the name “Amphie” on her nametag as she addressed you.

“Hello there, what can I get for you today?” The Amphie asked as she looked at you with a tender, motherly look about her.

You looked at the menu and saw the drinks and foods they had.

~~~Drinks~~~

Poseidon’s menu

Make It Rain- Refresher. (orange mango pineapple with blue spirulina)

Seagrass- blue and green spirulina smoothies.

Earthshaker- Strong coffee like espresso

Trident- a selection of fruity zinger teas (orange, raspberry, blueberry, or lemon)

Ruthlessness- double strong grey tea

Riptide- coconut water with passionfruit and pineapple energy drink.

Ask for ‘extra sweet’ with your order for a special surprise!

~~~Food~~~

Skol-a tuna melt with dill.

 Hippocampi- giant naturally-colored seahorse shortbread cookies. At least 8 inches long (Mom loves seahorses and she helped me plan this menu. Shortbreads are her favorite cookie and seahorses are her favorite underwater animal)

 Conch- phyllo dough conch cannoli with cream filling, 

Clams- clam shaped lobster po’boy.

 Equine- horse head pastry with sugar sand dusting on mane and blue berry filling dyed with blue spirulina.

Ocean wave- berries for pearls in their ambrosia with candy pearls on top with some kind of cream

 seafoam- seafoam candy (Lots of holes and very light)

Salt water taffy

 Salty sailor sandwich-

Sushi ( breakfast sushi, lunch rolls [California rolls, cucumber rolls, salmon rolls], sashimi, musubi)

the ocean- A seafood chowder or stew (for the lactose intolerant)

You read the menu to yourself before looking back to the woman to tell her your order.

“I’d like a large earthshaker with some cream and the blue hippocampi cookie please.” You asked.

“Of course, sweetie. Anything you’d like added like whipped cream or extra sweetener?” Amphie asked.

“I see on your menu to ask for ‘extra sweet’ for a surprise.” You spoke and a man appeared from the back of the truck and looked to the woman whose eyes were wide with surprise. He had long black hair tied up in a bun, similar olive tone skin, and ocean blue eyes. He had a short beard and he wrapped an arm around the woman’s waist, telling you that Amphie was his wife.

“Looks like we have another ‘interested customer’.” He spoke with a smile to Amphie.

“What do you think, Amphie? Do you think they’re another one of them?” The man asked whose nametag said “Caspian’ asked Amphie, who looked to be his wife nodded. She told you the total of your order and went into the back of the truck to work on your food. You heard the espresso machine whirr to life and Caspian came to talk with you.

“Tell me, my dear, have you ever felt yourself drawn to the ocean? Hear it call your name at night, beckoning to walk among the shores? Did you ever go on the beach after a storm and find the most exquisite stones or shells, almost as if they had been placed there for you to find?” Caspian asked, a familiar gleam in his eyes as if you’ve known him from somewhere before but you couldn’t quite put your finger on where you’ve seen him before.

You thought back to the many times you and your parents would go to the ocean and the many times you felt the ocean calling to you, as a picture of either a stony shore or a sandy one popping into your mind at the most random of times. You looked up to the man who was looking down at you with a gentle smile on his face as he watched you. Amphie, who you realized was Amphitrite handed you your order and smiled at you gently.

“Have a good day, sweetheart.” She spoke and walked back into the truck to clean up and prepare for the next order. Caspian, who you were slowly realizing was Poseidon himself as you drank your coffee, wondering what was in it that was giving you more than the normal buzz. Amphitrite also hands you a small blue pastry with their card under the pastry.

“Here is your surprise. Have a good day, sweetie.” She spoke and handed you the horse head shaped pastry that was filled with blueberry filling dyed blue. You took a bite and your eyes shot open as the treat had the same sweet flavor like in your coffee.

“What’s in this?” You asked as you looked back to Poseidon and Amphitrite.

“Its nectar of the Gods, dear. Like it?” Amphitrite asked. You nodded and took another large bite of the pastry that was shaped like a horsehead.

“Thank you, ma’am.” You said and walked on, processing the fact that you had just met two gods and survived.

“Of course, darling. Come back anytime now, you hear?” Poseidon spoke as he withdrew into the truck and went about prepping some other item on the menu. Poseidon would occasionally peek out of the walk-up window to watch you walk back up the boardwalk which earned him a playful smack on the arm as she told him to focus on making the dough.

A couple days later you found yourself walking the boardwalk again, wandering in the direction of the truck again, finding that Poseidon sitting out back in a beach chair, enjoying a quick coffee break. You didn’t see any sign of Amphitrite which made you a little concerned for her wellbeing.

You approached the truck and stood up on your tiptoes to peer into the truck, only to find it being empty and a ‘be back in fifteen minutes’ sign sitting on the order window. You sunk down from the bar and paced on the gravel patch in front of the truck, waiting for Poseidon to come back so you could talk to him.  A few moments pass and you heard the side door open and saw Poseidon enter the truck and move the ‘back in fifteen’ sign from the bar and his ocean blue eyes stared at you.

“Hello there~,” He said when he saw you. “What can I get you for today?” He asked. You looked over the menu and decided on the ‘make it rain’ refresher.

“Want it ‘extra sweet’ like last time, hon?” He asks as he writes down your order. You contemplate how the nectar made your mind buzz like it hadn’t before and opened your eyes to the differences around you, revealing the true identities of the god and goddess in the food truck.

“Sure, why not?” You said as the god scribbled something down on the sticky note before attaching it to the active orders and getting to work on your order. You found yourself staring at Poseidon for a bit too long as you were trying to wrestle with yourself about the feelings you had for him as you had feelings for the god.

You wanted to confess to him but he was married. You didn’t know then that he wanted you too but the god wasn’t aware of your feelings for him too as he worked on your drink and placed it on the window. You stopped your pacing when he called your name over even though you were the only customer there. You took the plastic cup from him and your fingers brushed together, making your cheeks flush bright red and you handed him the money you needed to pay for the drink.

“Don’t stress it. It’s been slow today. Its on the house.” He told you with the same smile on his face that gave you a warm fuzzy feeling in your chest. The timing of him being alone in the food truck with his wife nowhere to be seen was almost too perfect. “Where’s Amphie?” You asked as you looked up at him before you took sip of your drink, your eyes widening as the nectar hit you and your eyes widened as the buzz of the sweetness hit. Poseidon looked at you with a raised eyebrow, wondering why you were concerned about his wife.

“She took the day off. She had other things to attend to.” He spoke as he went to clean a piece of equipment and placed a chocolate shell-shaped cannoli in a paper bag and handed it to you. You took the treat and raised an eyebrow back to the god. “Its your surprise you get when you ask for a drink ‘extra sweet.’” He told you before watching you a moment longer, his eyes looking you up and down before he retreated into the truck to care for other items. You lingered around the truck to munch on your cannoli before Poseidon peered out the truck again at you.

“I close the truck around five. Come back then and we can talk.” He spoke and smiled at you. You thanked him for the treat and went about your day, enjoying some time on the beach, building a sand castle, and milling about the shops while you waited for five pm to roll around. You made it to the truck right at five o’clock. You found Poseidon putting away the last things into the truck and locking it away.

“There you are. I was wondering if you were even going to show up.” He spoke as he put the keys into his hoodie pocket and walking over to you. “What did you do during the day?” He asked as he approached you with his hands in his pocket. “I went to the beach and built a sandcastle over there, then I milled about the sand looking at the animals and finding some shells I left on the beach or put on my sand castle before I went back to the town and milled about the shops… really just killing time before coming back here.” You told him.

“Sounds like an eventful day. Do you want some ice cream? I know where a good stand is nearby.” He offered as he walked away from his food truck, leading you down the boardwalk to a little ice cream cart that was run by a man with tan skin and blonde hair who was scooping some ice cream into a cone for a mother and her child as they were headed home for the day. You saw a golden sun as the logo on the front of the cart with the name “Golden sun farms” You about face-palmed when you realized Poseidon had brought you to Apollo’s ice cream cart to talk. The sun god glanced up at the two of you and he flashed you a smile and Poseidon a knowing look since he usually brought his love interests to his cart when he had an interest in them.

“What would you like?” Apollo asked as you look over the flavor options. There was vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, a espresso flavor, a mint chocolate chip, a peanut butter and chocolate one, a pralines and cream, French vanilla bean, Oreo, Neapolitan, a mixed berry flavor, a cookie dough flavor, and a strawberry cheesecake flavor, and finally a berry pie flavor that had visible chunks of pie dough in the ice cream, a sunflower seed butter one that was an alternative to the peanut butter flavor, and a selection of dairy-free gelato flavors. You looked away from the cart since you were overwhelmed with the options. Poseidon put his hand on the small of your back, making your flush bright red as you scanned over the ice cream options. Poseidon leaned in and his breath brushed over your ear.

“Pick what you want. Its on me.” He whispered into your ear, noticing your indecision. You gripped the handle of the cart and told the Sun god what you wanted. You watched him scoop the ice cream into cones and handed your order to you and Poseidon’s order to him. You began licking the sweet treat as Poseidon paid and the two of you kept walking down the boardwalk while eating the ice cream in tension filled silence.

Once the ice cream was eaten and napkins thrown away, Poseidon led you onto the beach to watch the sunset and talk about yourselves a little before it got too dark and he led you back to the lit-up boardwalk.

“It’s getting dark, May I walk you home? Where do you live?” He asked in calm manner. You told him which part of town you lived in and he walked you over, making sure to stop at the end of your walkway to watch you and make sure you got inside your house. You paused to turn to say thank you for the evening with him but he had already disappeared into the night, having left  a beautiful seashell he must’ve found on your walk on the beach together on the porch with a business card to his café and a note.

‘I enjoyed our conversation and the walk on the beach. I hope to see you again at my café soon, y/n.’ The note said. You held it against your chest before going inside your house. The end That story was my favorite out of them all so far. Now onto our final location, the Café of Hades. Hades. You’re walking down the street with your head down with your leather bound book tucked under your arm as you head down the busy city street to a new, hole-in-the wall café you were told about named ‘Stygian Sips’. Your jacket moves with your pace as you’re determined to get somewhere. You duck into an alley way, blending into the shadows as you enter the café, hanging above the doorway to the café was a red neon sign that read the name of the café and glowed brightly against the dark contrasting brick wall.

You slipped inside and found yourself in the queue to order. You looked around the place, seeing the walls lined with floor -to-ceiling bookshelves and reading nooks with accompanying tables for the avid reader to enjoy a cup of coffee and read a book from their lending library. You took in the cozy, dark academia feeling of the café as you got closer and closer to the counter to order. You scanned the menu as you waited in line.

~~~~Drinks~~~~

Menthe- Dark chocolate mint mocha

Kore- Mint pomegranate refresher

Queen of the Underworld- mint tea, hot or cold.

600- 6 shot americano

Hades’ helm- Sheep’s milk latte.

Bident: pomegranate boba tea with coconut tapioca pearls

ask for ‘extra sweet’ for a shot of nectar.

~~~~Food~~~~

Pluto- candied fruit dessert containing blueberries, peaches, apricots, strawberries, cherries, and pineapple.

Serpent- rattlesnake kebabs with roasted vegetables.

Persephone’s garden- Ambrosia cup with pomegranate fruit, berries, honey, mandrins, coconut, pineapple, topped with cashew cream, red onions, and a balsamic reduction. Topped with a sprig of mint. (cashew cream can be swapped for coconut cream for those with tree nut allergies)

Cornucopia- éclair dipped in dark chocolate. Filled with either red bean or matcha cream.

Sacred sheep- sheep-shaped cakes filled with red bean, matcha, or pomegranate coconut cream.

If you have a canine or feline friend with you, we have Cerberus shots for your friend. Either have your pet with you or show a picture to get an aquafaba cream shot cup for them.

You read over the menu, deciding what you wanted as you waited for the line to go down. You looked around more to take in what the shop had to offer. Next to one window was a line of white poplar and cypress saplings for sale as a main feature of the shop which you had heard when your friend had told you about the café. You also saw a large bin of coffee grounds for one’s garden next to the lineup of tree saplings. Your turn to order finally arrived and you walked up to the counter. A young woman with blonde hair with green and pink streaks throughout her hair was a striking contrast to her black, gothic clothing and makeup.

“Hello there, what can I get for you today?” She asked in a cheery expression which also seemed odd for someone with her aesthetic. But one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. “I’d like an extra sweet Bident please and a matcha flavored Sacred sheep.” You  told the woman and her eyes widen when you told her to make the drink ‘extra sweet.’ Her expression was kind to you as she rang up the total.

“Very well, that’s five-ninety-five.” She told you and you handed her the cash and walked away from the register to watch the strong, burly man in the back make your drink while the lady who’s name tag read ‘Seph’ heated up your pastry. You watched the man pour in the coconut tapioca pearls into the plastic cup and pour the pomegranate-infused tea over the pearls and put a shot of a bright-pink liquid into the cup before setting it on the pick-up counter and calling out your name.

“Bident for Y/n!” His deep voice called out into the room and you walked over, a deep blush over your face as you grabbed your drink, thanking him in a quiet tone.

“T-Thank you, sir.” You muttered and held your drink close to your person while the pastry was being heated. Seph handed you the treat.

“Be careful, love. Its hot.” She spoke and went to take the next customer’s order. You took the pastry and your drink before going to find a seat, not noticing the man watching you walk away. Seph drew his attention back to her and kissed him to remind him who he belonged to. She seemed to mutter something to him and you saw a glint of a black diamond ring on her finger, signaling to you that he was married to her.

You found a cozy corner to sit down in to enjoy your drink and pull out your book and begin reading. As you sipped at your drink, you noticed small changes in the environment as a customer looked to have translucent skin, another patron’s cat looked a bit too skeletal, and the couple running the stand seemed to pale and their skin turned slightly grey as you kept drinking your tea. You decided to finish your drink and eat your pastry, wondering if you were just daydreaming or that pink liquid the man put in your drink was some kind of hallucinogenic drug. You finished your drink and pastry before tossing their empty wrappers into the appropriate waste containers.

You went back to your seat to keep reading your book on Greek Myths. The story you were on just so happened to be the marriage of Hades and Persephone. As you were reading about how Persephone’s father, Zeus who had arranged her to be married to his brother, Hades who was also her uncle.  You felt internal rage and a twist of disgust in your stomach a you glanced over at the couple running the register and making the drinks seeming to be very relatable to the couple in your story and how some of the features of the pair seemed to match the pair that was in your book seemed to be more and more similar until it dawned on you that the couple being the real Hades and Persephone, the café you were in was themed like the underworld, seeing as four veins of gold, white, red, and a shimmery black metal were striping through the four corners of the stone floor of the café  and meeting at the counter where the transactions were made.

Each one of the veins represented one of the rivers in the underworld. You then noticed a three headed dog silhouette on the swinging door that gave people entrance to the Café which represented Cerberus. You saw a man lingering in the hallway outside the Café who looked to be a type of bouncer. That must be Charon, the man who’s known to ferry people into the underworld. You looked around the room to see more and more references to the underworld until you saw Hades stealing glances at you as he made orders for customers as they came through. On his next break, Hades made his way over to you, walking by as he slipped a business card to you and quickly walked away to where his wife was staring daggers of hatred at you. You picked up the card and read what was on it: Hades and Persephone, King and Queen of the Underworld and Co-owners of Stygian Sips Café along with their contact information. You tucked the card away into your pocket before picking up the book and making a quick exit before the woman who you knew to be Persephone decided what house plant to turn you into and add you to the collection on the windowsill. You arrived home safely before going back to your book.

Meanwhile back in the shop, Persephone had pulled Hades aside. “You can’t be serious about that mortal, Hades. You’re married to me. You won’t be sleeping with any others after Menthe.” She says. Hades fiddles with his fingers. “Iknow, I know. They just looked so cute, my love. Can’t I have them as a friend at least?” Hades asked. Persephone glared at Hades. “It better be just for the companionship. They did have an intelligent look about them after the nectar hit. Go on and try to befriend them love. I trust you with this one.” She told him. Hades looked relieved that she wouldn’t turn you into another plant to add to her garden out behind the café.

Days pass and Hades begins to grow worried that you won’t return. His doubts are swayed when he sees you walk through the door, seeming to have finished the book on Greek myths and wanting to return the book so others may learn the stories being held within the pages. You got in line, waiting to get to the counter, looking up to the menu to decide what you wanted. When you got to the counter, you saw Hades behind the counter and no sign of Persephone.

“Where’s Seph?” You asked. “She’s tending to her garden today.” He told you, a friendly gleam in his eye as you told him what you wanted. “An extra sweet Hades’s helm and a Persephone’s Garden too, please.” You ordered. Hades rang it up and told you the order. You paid and went to the pickup counter. You gazed over the titles on the nearby shelf while you waited for your order to be made. “Order for Y/n!” Hades called out and set the caffeinated drink on the counter, stealing a look at you before tending to the constant stream of customers that came in. You grabbed a new book off the shelf, replacing the book with the Greek myths one before you grabbed your coffee and food and went to go enjoy the book. While you stayed there, Hades kept trying to sneak away to talk with you whenever he could but he either got caught up with another coffee order or a transaction for a tree sapling. Right when he gets the chance is when you’re leaving the café with the book tucked under your arm. Hades frowns ans silently curses his wife for insisting they sell the tree saplings in their shop.

Another day goes by and you come into the café again, this time looking to get a white poplar sapling. Hades watches as you walk over to the counter hefting the giant pot and placing it on the counter with a couple bags of used coffee grounds. “I’d like to get just this please.” You say and Hades rings it up, hesitating to ask you what you’re going to do with the sapling, and hoping you’d offer up the information. “I want to plant it in my backyard and see it bloom in the spring. It will look amazing!” You tell him excitedly. Hades can’t help but smile and point over to one of the built-in bookshelves near an arrangement of succulents.

“That whole shelf should have books on gardening. Feel free to take some home with you.” He spoke, watching you carry the sapling over to the bookshelf and pulling a couple books off and tucking them under your arm, now struggling to carry the plant. Hades puts his ‘on break’ sign up and goes over to help you. “Need help with that?” He asked. You looked up to him and nodded. Hades took the sapling from you and followed you side the café to were you had parked your truck outside the building. Hades set the potted plant into the bed of your truck before turning to you. “Would you like to hang out sometime? As friends of course. We wouldn’t want my wife to get angry.” He suggested. You pulled out of the cab of your truck to look at him.

“Are you sure about that? I don’t want to get turned into an aloe vera for being seen with you.” You spoke as you noticed someone lean against the wall wearing a leather trench coat, fedora, and dark sunglasses. You could see the woman’s yellow eyes staring you down hungrily as if she were waiting for the right moment to pounce on you. Hades followed your gaze to the woman leaning against the wall and his eyes narrowed at the woman. Her eyes widened and she pushed off the wall, quickly blending into the crowd and disappearing.

“I swear she doesn’t trust me.” Hades spoke as he looked back to you as you were a bit shaken up. “What was that thing?” You asked. “That was a Harpy that my wife sent to watch me. Persephone has trust issues you see… One of the times she was on the surface because Demeter still wanted to have her daughter on the surface for half the year, I slept with a nymph named Menthe and Persephone found out and turned her into the mint plant…” Hades said. Your stomach twisted in knots at the absurdity of the event that gave humans mint.

“That makes sense but that’s disgusting… and she’s on your menu? Who suggested that?” You asked. “Persephone did… I think she wanted it to serve as a reminder as to what happens to the women I sleep with and she finds out. But I only wish for your companionship, nothing more.” He says, almost hesitating on that last part.

“I understand. I’ll take you up on that offer. I’ll hang around the café when you’re manning it alone and you can spend one of your breaks with me, okay?” You suggested and Hades nodded, happily going back inside the building, awaiting the day he’d be manning the café alone. You’d come back day after day, getting a small queen of the underworld, hot and reading a book you’d either bring from home or take off the shelf.  Hades was frustrated as Persephone always was nearby or within sight of you, preventing Hades from being able to approach you.

You notice Hades’s stress and get up from your seat, draining your cup and walking over to the goddess to begin chatting to her about gardening and what would be the best way to keep pests off your tomatoes and what to do with your plants when winter comes and they die off. Persephone perks up and begins chatting away about natural pesticides such as spicy peppers or garlic depending on what you wanted to use. You nodded and thanked her as you wrote down the information, watching as Persephone gave Hades a nod of approval before going to her garden outside. Hades took the opportunity to approach you and put his hand on your back, just above your shoulders.

“Shall we take a seat?” He suggested as he was holding an iced tea in his hands. You nodded and he led you over to a table in a quiet corner of the café and let you sit before sitting across from you and asking you what you were talking to Persephone about. “Oh, I was asking her about natural pesticides to use on my tomatoes. The squirrels love eating them.” You told him. Hades smiles and watches you with a look of admiration on his face. “I have some questions for you.” You spoke after a moment or two of silence.

“Oh? What might that be?” He responded. “How do you handle it all? How does one run an entire realm and have a three-headed dog running about the place all the time? How are you not stressed and worried all the time?” You asked. Hades chuckles like a deep bellow rumbling from his chest. “I keep away from my brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews on Olympus. That place is crawling with stressors. Like every other week Hera is at Zeus’s throat with him having his squeeze of the month and the next half-blood that comes up claiming Zeus to be their father… I don’t know how they handle it. I’m glad where I am in the underworld with Persephone, even though she has me on a short leash.” Hades says as he glances out the window to his wife  who was watering the plants. “You love her, don’t you?” You asked as you saw the way he looked at his wife. “I do.” Hades said. The two of you then chatted together. It was a beautiful way to start a friendship The end