#benefits of basil seeds

[rajanjolly]

What are Sabja Seeds | Basil Seeds | Nutrition | Benefits & More | Rajan...

[howdyhuman-forall]

Why Basil Seeds Are a Superfood You Should Be Eating

The Science Behind the Nutritional Value of Basil Seeds

Basil seeds are quickly gaining popularity as a superfood that you should be eating. These tiny seeds come from the basil plant, which is commonly used in cooking and garnishing dishes. However, basil seeds are more than just a garnish; they are packed with a variety of nutrients that make them a great addition to your diet. One of the main benefits of basil seeds is their high fiber content.…

[suchananewsblog]

5 Healthy And Interesting Ways To Add Basil To Your Daily Diet

Basil has been broadly grown and utilized in India since historical instances. In different international locations too, it has numerous medicinal in addition to culinary functions. If you might be on the lookout for a special sort of herb so as to add to your food plan, you need to contemplate basil. Apart from vitamins, this herb additionally comprises important oils which can be mentioned to…

[redeyerhaenyra]

perv neighbor basil smut im begging u

Perv!Neighbour Basil finds your camgirl account

Summary: Basil is your neighbour, and after having formed a parasocial relationship with you, he finds your camgirl account. Things get.. a little out of hand.

Warnings: Oh man this one is filthy- Stalking, Parasocial relationships, m masturbation, cum tribute, professional sex work, cumming untouched, jealously, crying, like alot of crying, sextoy use, f reader

Notes: Myself and @ominoose have been bouncing this headcanon around in the dms for a bit and I finally have the opportunity to write it! I hope you like it baby tysm for requesting xx I really got carried away like this is SO LONG my goodness- This can be read as a part 2 to this fic but can also be enjoyed standalone x

Basil has been watching you for a while

You're his neighbour, you moved in to the flat opposite him a couple months ago, and the only verbal interaction you'd had with him was a polite introduction through his letterbox when he wouldn't open the door

You hadn't seen him at all, physically. He'd seen you though.

Oh had he seen you

His heart swelled every morning and evening he'd watch you leave and come home from work, nights out, trips to the shop, ect

His relationship to you, practically non-existent as it were, at least from your perspective, was... complicated

Half of Basil understood you two were already dating, loyal to one another. The other half of him understood that that was a fantasy, and he often found himself caught between the two realities

Poor Basil so desperately wants the untruth to become the truth. He wants to kiss you, profess his love, have it be your hand tugging him off instead of his own every night

But since the... accident, he wouldn't dare let you see him. You'd never accept him- no one would. He was a monster

Poor baby, so insecure 😔

Eventually, jerking off whilst peering at you through the letterbox whenever you enter or exit your home isn't enough. He needs to see you, properly. Stare at your beautiful face and take in all it's contours and shapes without having to have you do the same to him

And so.. he goes online.

He knows your name- you'd told him when you'd tried to be a nice neighbour and say hi, and so with a little sleuthing, he finds your Instagram

Basil spends hours pouring through your every photo, getting wildly jealous and crying (yes he cries poor baby) when he sees photos with other men, and roughly pulling on his cock until its red and raw, having cum so many times over his thighs and chest.

He becomes even more obsessed, his need to see you covered in his cum in some way or another becomes an vital as eating and drinking

He starts printing out your photos and cumming on them- considers laminating them so he can wipe them clean and go all over again

But then what about keeping them covered? Forever staining you with his seed? He can't pick

One day, when he's going about his ritual of jerking it to your insta, he finds a new link in your bio;

"18+ site! Adult only content! Click here❤️"

That perks his interest

Sure he's not stranger to porn, or camgirls, what with all the time he spends alone watching porn, but you? He'd never have assumed.

Basil's heart races, and his dick twitches beneath his sweats

Tentatively, he clicks on the link

Your website looks professional, all properly set up

The first thing he sees is a trailer video- and oh boy

He literally cannot stop the sudden, untouched orgasm flooding through him when he sees the sneak peak you've put together of your content

He's so loud moaning and whining, tears well up again in his eyes becuase he's so sensitive but he needs more

This teaser video of you playing with your nipples and rubbing your tiny pussy through your panties isn't enough

And so, Basil goes to your subscription page. Immediately gets the highest sub deal, he doesn't care if he can't afford it. He needs you so much he'd bankrupt himself if he had to

The benefits of this subscription are many; He gets access to your work DM, he gets two video calls with you a week, and he gets to request some content from you.

Basil couldn't not be happier, he even forgts about his facial insecurity when a few minutes later he sees a message from you pop up on his notifs;

"Hi baby! Thankyou so so much for becoming one of my top donors! It really does mean the world x"

He forces himself to respond, anxiety creeping up his shoulder;

"Yeah np love your work."

Jesus he didn't mean to come off so dickish

You quell his feelings of worry with a smiley emoji, and ask him "So, what's with the username? "Lightningface"?"

He gulps. "I just like lightning is all."

"It is such a pretty phenomenon."

Pretty.. you'd called it pretty. The thing that had maimed him, his deformity... might you have called that pretty too?

"Soooo you're due to request some content from me! What would you like?"

And honestly, Basil isn't sure

Anything you'd give him, he'd take

"I don't mind."

"Are you sure? It is your request that you've paid me for, you can ask for whatever you like!"

Basil really thinks for a moment. A real head scratcher.

"Can you say my name?"

Basil doesn't realise how possessive he sounds

"Sure can!"

"Can it be my irl name?"

"Of course! What is it?"

The man holds his breath as he responds; "Basil. Like the herb."

"Omg!!! That's such a cute name!"

He giggles to himself, you're so fucking adorable he loves you so much

You tell him you'll make his request into a segment during your next livestream

He's jealous, he doesn't want you performing for anyone else.. but like I said, he'll take what he can get

Most of the time until his segment of your livestream he spends crying and jerking off in a strange cycle.

You're his, you shouldn't be showing off.. he feels like you've betrayed him. But at the same time you're the most beautiful thing he's ever seen

Poor Basil is so conflicted

Finally, however, his request segment begins

You smile sweetly at the camera, and wave

"So, next up, I have a request from one of my top donors, he has such a cute name! Said he didn't mind what I did so I think i'm gonna surprise him~"

You reach to the side, pulling forth a clear silicone dildo

It's big. Basil gulps, could you take it? What if it hurt you?

You place it beneath you on your bed and slowly tease it between your folds, having already discarded all your clothes at this point

Basil chokes, his worn out cock stirring to life again

And then.. oh then..

You moan out his name, slowly sinking yourself onto the sextoy

Basil moans with you, and figures you must have an expensive microphone because the sounds coming from the screen are all but blasphemous

He loses himself to the rhythmic squelching of your cunt and your moans of his names

He cums so quickly, and there's so much of it, all over his chest

Poor baby whimpers, trying desperately to coax his poor dick back to life, not wanting to have finished so quickly

He wanted to last longer for you..

Luckily you finish not too long after him, he wants to swallow all of your sounds with his mouth

He's never seen such perfection

Glistening with sweat and panting, satisfied, you address the camera for the final time that night;

"I hope you enjoyed Basil, again thankyou so much for donating, I love you all so much, goodnight!"

You end the stream, Basil is plunged back into the dark loneliness of his flat

He sits for a few moments, taking in what just happened..

He soon finds himself looking at wedding rings online

[mooishbeam]

『♡』 Strawberry Lemonade

♡ featuring: toji x f!reader

♡ synopsis: you plan to make strawberry lemonade for the summer, but life has other plans. wc: 1.7k+

♡ cw/tw: just some fluff, toji kisses :3

notes: idk why i kept thinking about soft cottagecore toji my brain fhioshafiohiaf this was so self indulgent srry for any mistakes ive been sick for a few weeks lol <3 comments and reblogs are appreciated!

After heavy rain showers, sun rolled in and devoured everything beneath it.

Toji doesn’t like summer. He wasn’t exactly fond of the heat rays rippling across the pavement, his black slides bonding like tar if he stood in one place for too long. His bangs would mat to his forehead, and it was overall a hassle to tolerate. He’d much rather laze under air conditioning for the entire season.

Until you came along.

He’d never met someone so delighted over sweat and mosquitos before you. Maybe that’s why he slowly became accustomed to such weather. You weren’t shy about your strange habits. After all, on your third date it poured like no other, and instead of taking cover, you skipped through the rain. It was strange, yet he cracked a smirk at your wide grin.

You’re happy and that’s good enough for him.

You were elated at the promises summer bore, specifically for your plants. Fruitful flowers meandering on branches, the first sign of hibiscus blooming. Every year around that time, you carried your plants outside to bask in her warmth. It was all an invaluable gift from Mother Nature, and you did your best to honor her.

Of course, Toji had to purchase a house with the most sunlight, and a backyard to match—not with you in mind, at least that’s what he’d day as he avoided your gaze. He knew your housewarming gifts would consist of planting tools, but the sheer amount of it was staggering.

It was no surprise you planted your seeds the next day and watched them like a hawk. Toji was sure to mention how much of a “weirdo” you were for spending so much time caring for your perceived babies. A weirdo he loved, because he left marks of his affection in every nook and cranny. Sure, he feigned annoyance over it, but you knew better when he did things you didn’t ask for. Toji isn’t a verbally expressive husband, but his actions make up for the rest.

Like when he built a wooden potting bench to store the inventory accumulating in the corner by your plants. You came home as he was applying the finishing touches and embraced him for what felt like hours. He rolled his eyes, pretending to be unfazed by your gratitude, though you could still see the growing ghost of a smirk; “Don’t thank me, that thing was an eyesore.”

It benefited him, too, to gaze through the screen door in the afternoon and see the gorgeous sun-kissed glow on the apples of your cheeks. He adored your soft eyes that diligently monitored the seeds starting to sprout with a tender smile.

You filed chunky soil into terracotta pots you painted with various designs. The one that resembles a tiny cactus with a face grew a bundle of basil. The other one similar to a tiered strawberry cake grew a fitting crown of strawberries. You weren’t looking to bake an outstanding cake or be the best gardener. For the fruits of your labor, the only thing you wanted was—

A single pitcher of strawberry lemonade.

Toji trudges down the stairs half-asleep and enters the kitchen to pour the usual cup of coffee you make as you wake before him. However, there’s no jug awaiting him. He opens the screen door and finds you kneeling over the pots, sporting a bow knot straw hat and an overall romper in the sweltering heat. Your brows are furrowed, and you pick at the foliage.

He leans against it and scratches his ankle with the tip of his slides. The screen clicks the side, and you turn to him.

“Oh, hey.” There are somber notes in your voice, and something in his body wants to reach out and protect you from whatever’s pulling your face into a frown.

“Hey.” He walks over to you. Your lips are tucked behind your teeth, poking at the strawberry in your palm. He kneels on one knee and you glance at him, flashing a meek smile. He wishes he didn’t have a closer view as your eyes threaten to brim with tears. Oh…his heart, tight and struggling to beat.

Toji was used to loud, ugly love. But you—your love was as gentle as the petals of an orchid, and you’d changed him without even trying. That’s why he adorned your ring finger with precious diamonds. He became a better man and husband in your arms, and in turn he’d give you the world if you desired it. So why were you about to cry?

“What’s up?”

“Nothing…” His eyes follow yours, to the flourishing bunch of basil. And then to the lackluster strawberries.

The ones still hanging from their stems aren’t award-winning. They’re deformed, with multiple nubby ends protruding from every side. They look more like hopeful raspberries than anything else. There’s a considerable pale color washed over half of them. You mold one in your palm.

“Can’t be nothin’.” He picks the strawberry from your hands and observes it with two fingers. It lacks seeds and a deep, rich red. “I just don’t know what went wrong.”

"Who said somethin' went wrong?" You lock eyes, and he pops it in his mouth.

Yours widen, and you cup his face to try and force it out his mouth. “Don’t!”

Toji bites, and in an instant utter sourness prickles his tongue. There’s a strawberry flavor, but not enough to combat. The sting is strong, and when it coats his throat, his tongue contorts to fight the sheer bitterness.

Somehow, he remains stone-faced—a battle with his gut reaction. He can’t bear to break your spirit, not like this, not when you’ve spent months strategizing and waiting for your efforts to ripen. Toji tells the harsh truth, but when it comes to you, he’s willing to be selfish.

He continues to chew while you nervously fiddle with your fingers. You gaze at him, doe-eyed and anticipating his response. The lining of his cheeks excretes copious amounts of saliva, and he finally swallows.

“S’good.”

“R-really?” You’re shocked that they’re edible in this state. He nods and it relieves some of your worry, though you’re unsure about his honesty.

He thumbs the wetness on your lashes away. “Said I like it, so make some of that lemonade ya talked about so much.”

You place a handful of strawberries on the kitchen counter and get to work. You haven’t tried them out for yourself yet, but you don’t want to waste any considering how small they are. Toji stretches out on the chair, black tank riding up as he watches you slice the tips off the strawberries. Your delicate fingers handle them with such care, just so you don’t disappoint with an unpalatable drink. Cute.

When you’re done, the rose-colored liquid fills half the pitcher. You top it with basil and stir it around. You pass a glass to Toji, heart-shaped ice cubes floating on the surface, and sit across from him.

“Let’s try on the count of three.”

“Mhm.”

“Okay! One, two-“ Toji doesn’t stop for the counter and begins to gulp the drink. You take a sip of yours. The tooth-rotting sugar did some to quell the taste, but it was still insanely sour. Your lips purse and you shut your eyes, emitting a tiny squeal. It’s your first attempt and you know you shouldn’t be so critical of yourself, but you can’t help but feel like a failure.

When you open your eyes again, you’re dumbfounded at the empty cup in front of Toji. He licks his lips, “It’s good, baby. Why you look like that?”

“No way.” He tilts his head like he didn’t just consume a liquid jawbreaker. “Hm?”

“It’s…it’s really bad, Toji. You don’t have to lie to me.” You avert your eyes and stare at the condensation running down the glass of your unsuccessful project. He wraps around the table and leans against it while you’re sitting. He cranes your neck with a calloused hand underneath your chin.

“Look at me. I’m here”

“I really wanted it to work. I spent so much time on it.”

“I know, don’t take it so hard. I like it.”

“You just don’t wanna hurt my feelings.” You weren’t entirely wrong.

“It tastes good 'cause you made it.” When you don’t respond, a malicious smirk spreads on his mouth. “Wanna try?”

Toji bends down. He squeezes your face to puckering and plants a deep kiss on your lips. Rough and meaningful, and you melt into it. He releases his grip and follows it with warm plush kisses chasing your contact. His lips are soft but slightly chapped, fleeting hints of cane sugar and just enough basil to notice. Bitter like the descent of a bleeding sunset, the chill of autumn’s return. Silent assurance, that everything was okay, and will be okay.

He parts when you tap his sturdy bicep for fresh air. “Ya done bein’ a baby?” You giggle. Perhaps you overwhelmed yourself obsessing about it for months. He brings you back to Earth, and after the overthinking subsides, you think the outcome isn’t too horrible. A long deserved break is overdue.

“Yea” you sniffle, and he lifts you from the chair into his arms. You lock your legs around his back and bury your face in the crook of his neck.

“Now c’mon, I wanna lay down.” Lay down is his go-to phrase, but he actually means cuddle. He’d never say it, even when lying down quickly became Toji turning on his stomach and shuffling his massive weight onto your chest. It’s what you need right now, and the way his palm rubs up and down your back reduces your mind to mush.

“I’m being a bother” you mutter. He pecks your jaw.

“Nah. Love takin’ care of my little crybaby.”

Laying down becomes cuddling as you predicted, and you massage his scalp until he dozes off in slow breaths. Your favorite weighted blanket traps you between his muscles, and you happily accept.

You’re reminded of his vulnerability, his eagerness to trust without words. He took your problems and made them his. You both surrendered your fears and insecurities to love each other. You traded walls for strawberry kisses, and there’s nothing more you could ask for.

Daylight peaked at its highest point, and as you drift to sleep you wish summer wouldn’t end.

[gardeningloverfamily]

Introduction to Gardening for Beginners

Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic hobby that can transform your outdoor or indoor space into a thriving sanctuary of plants, flowers, and vegetables. Whether you aim to create an English cottage garden, grow organic flowers, or cultivate a vegetable garden, starting as a beginner can be both exciting and overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the best way to start a garden, covering everything from selecting plants to understanding garden design principles.

Understanding Your Space

Before you begin planting, it's crucial to understand the space you have available. Whether you're planning an indoor garden, an English cottage garden, or a vegetable garden, the key is to assess the light, soil, and space conditions.

Indoor Gardens

For those interested in indoor gardening, consider the amount of natural light your home receives. South-facing windows are ideal for most houseplants, providing ample light throughout the day. If your space lacks natural light, consider investing in grow lights.

Outdoor Gardens

Outdoor gardening requires an assessment of your yard or garden plot. Observe how much sunlight different areas receive, noting which spots are in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. This information will guide your plant selection, ensuring you choose plants suited to your garden's conditions.

Choosing the Right Plants

Selecting the right plants is vital for a successful garden. As a beginner, start with plants that are easy to grow and maintain.

Easy Indoor Plants

Spider Plant: Hardy and adaptable, perfect for beginners.

Pothos: Low maintenance and can thrive in low light.

Snake Plant: Tolerant of neglect and ideal for low light conditions.

Succulents: Require minimal watering and are great for sunny windowsills.

Easy Outdoor Plants

Marigolds: Bright, cheerful flowers that are easy to grow from seed.

Sunflowers: Fast-growing and visually striking.

Lettuce: Quick to grow and perfect for salads.

Tomatoes: Popular and rewarding, providing fresh produce for your kitchen.

Garden Design Principles

Designing your garden involves more than just planting; it requires planning and understanding some basic design principles.

English Cottage Garden

An English cottage garden is characterized by its informal, densely planted flower beds. To achieve this look, mix various flowers, herbs, and vegetables, ensuring a continuous bloom throughout the growing season.

Plant Variety: Combine perennials, annuals, and biennials for a dynamic and colorful display.

Pathways: Create charming, winding paths using natural materials like stone or gravel.

Focal Points: Incorporate elements like arbors, benches, or birdbaths to add interest and structure.

Vegetable Garden

A vegetable garden can be both beautiful and productive. Consider the following tips:

Raised Beds: Ideal for beginners as they improve drainage, reduce weeds, and make planting and harvesting easier.

Companion Planting: Grow plants together that benefit each other, such as tomatoes with basil or carrots with onions.

Succession Planting: Maximize your garden’s yield by planting different crops in the same area throughout the year.

Gardening Tools and Supplies

Having the right tools can make gardening more enjoyable and efficient. Here are some essential gardening tools for beginners:

Hand Trowel: Perfect for planting and transplanting small plants.

Pruning Shears: Essential for trimming and shaping plants.

Garden Gloves: Protect your hands from thorns, dirt, and blisters.

Watering Can/Hose: Ensure your plants get adequate water, especially during dry spells.

Garden Fork: Useful for turning soil and mixing in compost.

Preparing the Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Here’s how to prepare your soil:

Test Your Soil: Determine your soil’s pH and nutrient levels using a soil test kit.

Amend the Soil: Based on your soil test results, add compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve soil fertility and structure.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Planting Techniques

Understanding proper planting techniques will ensure your plants establish well and thrive.

Spacing: Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each plant to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.

Planting Depth: Ensure seeds and transplants are planted at the correct depth, typically indicated on seed packets or plant tags.

Watering: Water your plants thoroughly after planting to help them settle into their new environment.

Caring for Your Garden

Regular maintenance is crucial for a healthy and productive garden. Here are some tips for ongoing garden care:

Watering: Consistent watering is essential, especially for young plants. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.

Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Fertilizing: Feed your plants with organic fertilizers according to their specific needs.

Pest Control: Monitor for pests and diseases. Use organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using natural sprays.

Indoor Plant Care

For indoor plants, consider the following care tips:

Lighting: Ensure your plants receive the appropriate amount of light. Rotate plants regularly for even growth.

Watering: Avoid overwatering by checking soil moisture before watering. Most houseplants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.

Humidity: Increase humidity for tropical plants by misting them or placing them on a humidity tray.

Repotting: Repot your plants when they outgrow their containers to provide more space for root growth.

Creating a Sustainable Garden

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in gardening. Here are some ways to create an eco-friendly garden:

Composting: Recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste to create nutrient-rich compost.

Rainwater Harvesting: Collect rainwater in barrels to reduce water usage.

Native Plants: Choose native plants that are adapted to your local climate and require less maintenance.

Organic Practices: Avoid synthetic chemicals and opt for organic fertilizers and pest control methods.

Inspiration from Botanical Gardens

Visiting botanical gardens can provide inspiration and ideas for your own garden. Here are some famous botanical gardens to explore:

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK): Known for its diverse plant collections and stunning landscapes.

New York Botanical Garden (USA): Offers a wide variety of plant species and themed gardens.

Singapore Botanic Gardens (Singapore): Features tropical flora and the iconic National Orchid Garden.

Butchart Gardens (Canada): Famous for its beautifully designed flower displays and themed gardens.

Connecting with the Gardening Community

Joining the gardening community can provide support, advice, and inspiration. Here are some ways to connect:

Local Gardening Clubs: Join clubs to meet other gardeners and participate in events and workshops.

Online Forums: Engage in online gardening forums and social media groups like the #houseplantcommunity or #gardeningtips.

Garden Shows: Attend garden shows and expos to learn from experts and discover new plants and tools.

Conclusion

Starting a garden as a beginner can be a fulfilling journey that enhances your connection with nature and provides a sense of accomplishment. By understanding your space, choosing the right plants, designing thoughtfully, using proper tools, and maintaining your garden diligently, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden. Embrace the learning process, seek inspiration, and connect with the gardening community to grow your gardening skills and enjoy the many benefits this hobby offers.

Additional Tips and Resources

To further assist you on your gardening journey, here are some additional tips and resources:

Gardening Books for Beginners

"The Vegetable Gardener's Bible" by Edward C. Smith: Comprehensive guide on growing vegetables.

"The Flower Gardener's Bible" by Lewis Hill and Nancy Hill: Detailed instructions on flower gardening.

"Indoor Gardening: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Grow Beautiful Plants in Your Home" by Leslie F. Halleck: Focuses on indoor gardening techniques.

Gardening Magazines and Websites

Garden Gate Magazine: Offers gardening tips, plant profiles, and design ideas.

Fine Gardening: Provides expert advice on all aspects of gardening.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Wealth of information on plants, gardening techniques, and garden design.

Gardening Apps

PlantSnap: Helps identify plants and provides care instructions.

Garden Answers: Allows you to ask gardening questions and receive expert advice.

GrowIt!: Connects you with local gardeners and offers plant recommendations.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize, here's a step-by-step guide to help you start your garden:

Assess Your Space: Determine light conditions, soil type, and available space.

Choose Plants: Select easy-to-grow plants suited to your environment.

Design Your Garden: Plan your layout, considering aesthetics and plant needs.

Prepare the Soil: Test and amend your soil to ensure optimal growing conditions.

Plant: Follow proper planting techniques for healthy establishment.

Maintain: Water, weed, fertilize, and monitor for pests regularly.

Learn and Connect: Continue learning through books, magazines, and the gardening community.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and thriving garden.

[haruharuz]

Let's talk about one of my upcoming DIY's! If you love plants but say "oh but I don't have a balcony/lots of light/a yard" this is for you.

The most important thing to note about this entire project is that you need to be intentional about what you're buying and doing. So ask yourself a couple questions:

What kind of plants am I going to grow? How big are they?

Do I need to automate things or will I be able to do everything on my own?

This helps you determine how big of a glass cabinet/greenhouse you need and if you're going to be using smart plugs or not.

Now you can absolutely just buy a damn greenhouse online and put it inside. Don't let no one tell you that you can't. But if you're a DIY hottie and like to do things yourself and learn, you could benefit from doing this yourself.

You'll need some tools, for assembly. Probably a circular hole saw to cut a hole in the bottom of your cabinet, some magnets or something to keep the lights up and basic skills. Also a bowl of water to help humidity can be put at the bottom.

"What kind of plants can I grow?" Basically anything that can fit. Plants that need heat and lots of sunlight should be placed towards the top, plants that are okay with a tiny bit less heat and sun should be at the bottom.

"I don't know what to grow!" Cool, Here's some ideas:

Basil

Parsley

Tomatoes

Green onions

Lettuce

Peppers

Lavender

Rosemary

Chamomile

Dandelion

Garlic

Carrots

Marigold

Generally the more space, the better. So if you can get a really tall cabinet and just use a big step stool to reach the plants, do it! You can also buy acrylic shelves to place inside to promote airflow.

Plants can get big, don't be afraid to cut them down a little if your greenhouse becomes more of a jungle than you're okay with.

You can automate this whole thing (save for the watering, kind of) using smart plugs to turn off the fan and lights. For watering, you can buy self watering plant spikes for some of them (unless you want to water them, then that's fine)!

You'll want fertilizer (you can DIY it, or you can buy something like fish fertilizer), soil, and some pots of some sort.

Groceries have been god awfully expensive and this can help save money over time. Less trips to the grocery store and most importantly- you're not riding on someone else to make the prices for you. You pay for the electricity to run it, the water, the materials, and seeds. That's all you need.

example :

good luck and remember: DIY with caution and care!

[balkanradfem]

What it takes to grow little transplants in my apartment!

I'm starting my first plants of 2023, and I'm going to go thru every single step I have to take in order to have them grow! This is extremely diy, no budget, we use resources we find on the street, I picked out these seeds from a vegetable I got from a friend, type of thing.

The first step is creating the place to put the plants. They need to be inside where it's warm, but get as much light as possible. I have these big french windows in the kitchen, and it’s the place that gets the most light in the morning. I will often carry the plants to the other side of the apartment for the afternoon, especially if there's sunlight! I don't have enough space on the windowsills to put all the plants there, so I have to create a makeshift table for them.

Now the way I usually make a table is I go to the basement, pick out a board (I collect abandoned boards next to the trash), and put it on the top of a big cardboard box. The cardboard boxes can actually take a lot of weight, so they work fine as a table stand, especially if the board is heavy. I found the board I used the last year, and then realized, that my roommate took all of my cardboard boxes when she was moving out, and I do not have an appropriate box to use! I went outside to see if anyone had abandoned a cardboard box, and in about 10 minutes, I found one:

And this is how the construction works:

Now that is taken care of, I need to decide what seeds I'm planting. Have I ever shown you my seed box? This is my seed box:

It looks messy, but all of the seeds I collected are in little packets I made from envelopes, and then they're sorted into categories, and each category is kept together by a piece of elastics. I just had to take out the brassicas (kale, cabbage, broccoli) and some early tomatoes, peppers and basil. I decided to sow a lot of kale and cabbage, and 5-6 little dwarf tomatoes, they’re an early variety and they'll give produce as early as May! I've had both basil and peppers successfully grow, sown as early as January, so I'm taking a chance at them again. These plants may not make it, since there's not a lot of light yet, but if they do, they'll give me the earliest produce in the year, and it's worth the effort. If it doesn't work out, I'll sow them all again in February.

Now the next step is finding the containers for them; I have lots of both found and gifted stuff, but my favourites by far are the yogurt cups, they're the ideal size for a pepper or a kale plant, and I can just fit a lot of them next to each other! I'm also trying these tiny black containers, to see how I like them. I'm using the food container with a lid to grow basil, because I've noticed basil germinates more willingly in damp conditions, and once I close that lid, the water won't be able to evaporate. Also all these containers need to have a decent sized hole on the bottom!

Now before I go on to get the soil and start planting, I figured I should make the labels! Once my hands are dirty I will be unwilling to wash them just to cut some labels out. My labels are just a random piece of thin cardboard (like from a chocolate box) cut into a strip, and then I write the name of the plant there. Otherwise I will immediately forget what I planted where. These are short-lived, for a lasting one, I've seen people cut out plastic containers into strips, and write on them with a permanent marker, that would last! But I only need these temporarily, I don't mind if they decompose later.

Now, the soil! If I hadn't been prepared for this, I would have to go to the forest, or some area where a lot of leaves were decomposing, to get my soil, but I always remember to take some home in the fall, so I already have a bucket filled with soil here.

This bucket is great for it because it has a lid I can close, and soil can't dry out in there. Soil benefits a lot from being kept damp, so all of the useful bacteria can keep living inside it. If it goes dry, it loses a lot of its biodiversity! This specific soil is from the forest, dug from under a rotten tree trunk. There's a lot of clumps and pieces of bark and roots, so I'm taking a minute to clean it out a little, I'm taking bigger pieces out so they can't obstruct my little plants. When it's all good, I'm mixing it with some more water! Ideally, your soil would be nice and warmed up before you're about to plant, because seeds like warm soil to grow in. But, if it's not, you can cheat and mix it with warm water to warm it up!

Now to fill the containers:

And now I have all of them filled up, I can finally plant. These cabbage seeds on the picture are new and untried, I ordered them online because I want to try and make sauerkraut this year! I'm excited to see if they grow well.

The only thing you really need to know about sowing seeds, they're supposed to go twice as deep as they're wide. Since all these seeds are tiny, all I need to do is to gently push them under the soil, and then pepper some soil on top. Like this:

I put two seeds in each container, just in case. Now they're all sowed, I'm spraying them with water gently, so that the soil would properly settle on top of them. If you were to water them with pouring water, it could easily displace the seed, so it's recommended to just gently spray on top!

There's one more important step to this; all of these containers have holes at the bottom, and they need to be put in watertight containers, so that they wouldn't leak when you water them! I always have bunch of old food containers on hand for this purpose:

Now with this setup, it's very convenient to bottom-water them. This means you never water the top of the soil; instead, you pour water in the watertight container, and all of the soil in the containers with holes will soak up exactly as much water as they need. This takes care of the risk of overwatering, your plants will not drown in this way, and also their roots will be encouraged to grow deep down to the source of the water.

And now they’re on their makeshift table! All the attention these need now is to get some water every few days, and to be in the brightest place possible.

[orthodoxadventure]

2nd Saturday of Great Lent: Memorial Saturday

Commemorated on March 30

Only Creator, with wisdom profound, You mercifully order all things, and give that which is needed to all men: Give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Your servants who have fallen asleep, for they have placed their trust in You, our Maker and Fashioner, and our God.

Saturday is the day which the Church has set aside for the commemoration of faithful Orthodox Christians departed this life in the hope of resurrection to eternal life. Since the Divine Liturgy cannot be served on weekdays during Great Lent, the second, third, and fourth Saturdays of the Fast are appointed as Soul Saturdays when the departed are remembered at Liturgy.

In addition to the Liturgy, kollyva (wheat or rice cooked with honey and mixed with raisins, figs, nuts, sesame, etc.) is blessed in church on these Saturdays. The kollyva reminds us of the Lord’s words, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24).The kollyva symbolizes the future resurrection of all the dead. As Saint Simeon of Thessalonica (September 15) says, man is also a seed which is planted in the ground after death, and will be raised up again by God’s power. Saint Paul also speaks of this (I Cor. 15:35-49).

It is customary to give alms in memory of the dead in addition to the prayers we offer for their souls. The angel who spoke to Cornelius testifies to the efficacy of almsgiving, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God” (Acts 10:4).

Memorial services for the dead may be traced back to ancient times. Chapter 8 of the Apostolic Constitutions recommends memorial services with Psalms for the dead. It also contains a beautiful prayer for the departed, asking that their voluntary and involuntary sins be pardoned, that they be given rest with the Patriarchs, Prophets, and Apostles in a place where sorrow, suffering, and sighing have fled away (Isaiah 35:10). Saint John Chrysostom mentions the service for the dead in one of his homilies on Philippians, and says that it was established by the Apostles. Saint Cyprian of Carthage (Letter 37) also speaks of our duty to remember the martyrs.

The holy Fathers also testify to the benefit of offering prayers, memorial services, Liturgies, and alms for the dead (Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Saint John of Damascus, etc.). Although both the righteous and those who have not repented and corrected themselves may receive benefit and consolation from the Church’s prayer, it has not been revealed to what extent the unrighteous can receive this solace. It is not possible, however, for the Church’s prayer to transfer a soul from a state of evil and condemnation to a state of holiness and blessedness. Saint Basil the Great points out that the time for repentance and forgiveness of sins is during the present life, while the future life is a time for righteous judgment and retribution (Moralia 1). Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Gregory the Theologian, and other patristic writers concur with Saint Basil’s statement.

By praying for others, we bring benefit to them, and also to ourselves, because “God is not so unjust as to forget your work and the love which you showed for His sake in serving the saints...” (Heb. 6:10).

[Text from OCA]

With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your servants, where there is neither sickness nor sorrow, and no more sighing, but life everlasting.

[mexicain-sans-frontiers-v2]

For @masondixonn

Veggie garden update

The basil didn’t think would make it after a sudden heat wave. Has gone to seed though.

Various peppers that need to be potted.

Mint that is going ham

Zucchini that is going apeshit. Actually harvested a couple last week and they were bussin👌🏼

Yellow squash that is probably too close to the zucchini but still putting up a fight

Peep this little guy

And lots of tomatoes

Forgot the snap peas that got soo fat they bent the trellis.

Anyway, grow your own food. If not for the nutritional benefit then for your mental health!

[beautyandlifestyleblog86]

Top foods for overall health -

1. Olive oil: Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that can be used for cooking, salad dressings, and drizzling over dishes for added flavor.

2. Garlic: Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be added to a variety of dishes for flavor and health benefits.

3. Turmeric: Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory spice that can be used in cooking, smoothies, or teas.

4. Leafy greens: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for overall health.

5. Whole grains: Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats are rich in fiber and nutrients that support digestive health and provide sustained energy.

6. Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a versatile and nutritious addition to snacks, salads, and smoothies.

7. Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil are rich in antioxidants and can add flavor to a variety of dishes without adding extra calories or sodium.

8. Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a rich source of probiotics, protein, and calcium that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for sauces, dips, and smoothies.

9. Berries: Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are packed with antioxidants and fiber that support immune health and help reduce inflammation.

10. Lean proteins: Lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes are essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall health.

[healthy-benefits]

7 Herbs That Can Reduce High Blood Pressure:

Several herbs have been traditionally used for lowering high blood pressure. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating them into your routine, especially if you're already taking medication for hypertension. Here are some herbs and their potential effects:

1. Garlic: Garlic contains allicin, a compound believed to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Some studies suggest that garlic supplementation may modestly reduce blood pressure levels.

2. Hawthorn: Hawthorn is known for its cardiovascular benefits. It may help dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure. Research indicates that hawthorn extract may be beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate hypertension.

3. Basil: Basil is rich in eugenol, a compound that may help lower blood pressure by relaxing muscles around blood vessels. Some studies suggest that basil extract supplementation could contribute to blood pressure reduction.

4. Celery Seed: Celery seed contains compounds like phthalides, which may help relax the muscles in and around arterial walls, leading to lower blood pressure levels. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

5. Cinnamon: Cinnamon contains compounds that may improve blood vessel dilation and reduce inflammation, potentially contributing to lower blood pressure. Some studies suggest that cinnamon supplementation may have a modest effect on blood pressure reduction.

6. Ginger: Ginger has been traditionally used to lower blood pressure. It contains compounds like gingerol, which may help relax blood vessels and improve blood circulation. However, more research is needed to establish its efficacy for hypertension.

7. Turmeric: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may benefit heart health. Some studies suggest that turmeric supplementation could help lower blood pressure, but more research is needed to confirm its effects.

Remember that while these herbs may offer some benefits for blood pressure management, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

[spicyvegrecipes]

How to make Ayurvedic Spiced Ajwain Wali Chai

Ayurvedic Spiced Ajwain Wali Chai To prepare Spiced Ajwain Wali Chai, the process typically involves brewing regular tea leaves or tea bags in water along with ajwain seeds and other spices like ginger powder, cardamom powder, pepper, basil, clove etc. The combination of these spices creates a warm, aromatic beverage that is believed to have digestive benefits and is commonly consumed in some…

[bts5sosempire]

Was this basil seed thingy something you came up with or an actual thing?

It's both. I first got it from a show I used to watch and got inspired by it, so I searched it up to see if it was a real thing, and it is. Basil (also known as sabja or tukmaria), if used in the medical field, has many healthy benefits too, but in this story, I'm using it to show the nasty side effect.

[veronicasanders]

Hello V I have a food question and I thought more people would benefit from this 😊: I'm meal prepping and I can't find the slaw recipe you gave me, so this is me asking for it (or anything else yummy you want to share 💖)

Oooh, okay!! Well the TL;DR of it all is multiple kinds of shredded cabbage, fat, acid, salt, and a generous amount of seasoning, tossed vigorously. Then top with something crunchy. 

Here’s the full recipe, which we’ll call ‘Auntie Em’s Shredded Slaw:’

Always start with at least 2 kinds of cabbage, like white and purple, cut thinly on a mandolin, or shredded into thin strips with a knife. Usually at least a few other cruciferous veggies too, like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, etc, also cut small.

Add some other crunchy veggies: shredded or matchstick-cut carrots, radishes,  celery, jicama, beets, whatever you’ve got. Bonus points if it makes things colorful.

Add little oil/fat

Add whatever vinegar or acid goes with the rest of the meal (IE balsamic, red wine, apple cider, or rice vinegar, harissa, or lemon/lime juice, even hot sauce)

Optional: If you want a creamy coleslaw, add a spoonful or two of Greek yogurt or sour cream

Season LIBERALLY, with whatever spices or fresh herbs go with the meal. Always include salt, pepper, a little chili powder, and garlic & onion powders, but everything is optional. 

STIR AGGRESSIVELY UNTIL THE LIQUIDS AND SPICES HAVE EMULSIFIED AND COATED THE VEGGIES. TASTE AS YOU GO AND ADD SEASONING IF NECESSARY.

(Examples: an Italian meal might mean: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, fresh basil, fresh parsley, fresh minced garlic, a few spoonfuls of pesto, dried oregano or rosemary, etc. A stir-fry might get peanut oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, fresh Thai basil, green onions, cilantro/coriander leaves, star anise, cloves, etc. Mexican food might get lime juice, fresh cilantro, cumin, cayenne, ancho, chipotle, hot sauce or Tajin.)

Also optional: add-ins like tomatoes, olives, peppers, artichoke hearts, capers, cucumbers: things that are juicy or more delicate. They get mixed in now, more gently.

Finish by sprinkling something crunchy on top: toasted nuts or seeds, croutons, fried noodles/onions, etc. Et voila. Auntie Em’s Shredded Slaw.

(Which stores brilliantly, btw, because the flavors only get better as they all marinate together and because the base is hearty and crunchy things, it doesn’t get soggy and gross like most leftover salad.)

One more tip: you can do a lot of veggie prep ahead of times and then just store the already-cut ones in your vegetable bin to make it go even faster.

[sixpossumsinatrenchcoat]

Regrowth

(I wrote ch 1 as a oneshot, but life comes at you fast.)

Basil sleeps on his side with his knees hugged to his chest, like a seed that’s only just begun to sprout. 

It’s warm. He’s warm and there’s an arm draped heavily over him. When he starts to stir, it tightens around his belly.

“Mh,” he mumbles. “S’ny?”

The arm slides up his chest, pulls him in closer. 

“You’re lucky I’m not the jealous type,” a voice rumbles in his ear. Not Sunny’s. Aubrey’s. Aubrey. He’s in bed with—

Basil is suddenly, violently awake. 

“Ohhh,” he whispers. “Oh, wow.” 

There’s a rough little snicker, a puff of warmth against his neck. “I haven’t even done anything.” 

“M-Maybe you could, though?”

“Heh heh. Yeah, I think that could be arranged.” 

So... The good news is, Aubrey likes him back. Even though that’s insane, and illogical, and completely impossible… Against all odds, it also appears to be true. 

—Or is that the bad news? Basil isn’t sure. Because an unrequited crush is, it’s—inconvenient, obviously. Personally. And of course it’s more than a little painful. But at least it’s self-contained. The only one who gets hurt is you. You can’t blow up a relationship that doesn’t exist. 

Requited feelings, though. Dating, though. That’s—wow. That is a lot more pressure. There are a million trillion ways it can go wrong, even if you’re a normal person who doesn’t go around systematically setting fire to everything you love.

So… Once more from the top! The good news is, Aubrey likes him back. The bad news is, Aubrey likes him back. And the really bad news is: there is no way that Basil isn’t going to fuck this up.

###

Aubrey’s cute in the morning. Obviously. Aubrey’s always cute. She’s cute when she kicks down the door to his apartment on a sunny Sunday afternoon, and she’s cute when she’s picking a bar fight with some loser who won’t stop hitting on the nice girl she met in the bathroom. Aubrey is cute with a bow in her hair and a spark in her eye, and she’s cute with a bat in her hand and blood in her teeth. 

(Basil squeezes his eyes shut, a little overwhelmed. She’s just. She’s so unfairly cute.)

But she’s especially cute in the morning. Her eyes are puffy and her voice is scratchy and she’s unusually soft, not yet armored in her usual threat-display of bravado and brute force. By light of day, Aubrey is fiercely self-reliant. But in the gray haze just after waking, she's almost needy. When Basil moves to sit up, she grumbles and pulls him closer. 

“Nnn…no.”

He giggles. “No?” 

Aubrey’s grip tightens. “...F’ve more minutes.”

“Ehehe…” He wouldn’t mind if she asked for five more days. “Okayyy.”

Waking up with Aubrey is nothing like waking up with Sunny (which, for all its benefits, is not unlike cuddling a bag of hammers). Aubrey is soft all over. The small of her back, the nape of her neck. The wild tangle of her hair. Even the short fuzz of hair on her legs is flour-fine, like goose down. She smells like salt and honeydew, musky and sweet. 

Basil doesn’t realize that he fell back asleep until Aubrey’s alarm goes off. Violently. With all the sonic force of a pipe bomb.

Basil jerks awake like his life depends on it. Aubrey doesn't even flinch.

“Aubrey?” he whispers. Then he realizes that whispering is probably not all that helpful, in the circumstances. He tries a gentle shake instead. “Auuu~breeyy. Do you want me to turn off your alarm? Or do you have to get up?” 

“..F’ve more minutes…”

“I think it’s been a little more than that.” 

She cracks one eyelid and squints up at him. “Ohhh… Cool hair. Cute.”

His hand flits to the end of his hair. He’d completely forgotten about that, given everything that happened after. Wow, he was totally right. Makeovers really are a great date idea. Sunny is going to eat his words. 

Aubrey blinks a few times, bleary. Then all at once, she stiffens. “Wait. Is that my alarm?”

“D-Definitely.” Basil prefers to wake up gently. Soothing vocals, minor chords. Cat Power, Bon Iver. Widowspeak. Joni Mitchell, if he’s feeling really lively. 

“Fuck.” 

She rolls toward him and then swings a leg over him, trapping him against the sheets. She’s so so close. Her hair falls in sheets around him, blocking out everything else. A total solar eclipse. 

“A-Aubrey?” 

She presses in closer and then, just as his eyes fall shut, kisses him on the forehead.

“Oh,” he mumbles, strangely disappointed.  

“Heh heh. Sorry. Just wanted to see that one more time. But my mouth tastes like a dumpster.” She rolls off of him and roots around in her hamper for a sports bra; gives it a quick sniff and grimaces, but pulls it on anyway. “I’d like to make you breakfast, but I kinda gotta run. Forgot I agreed to cover someone’s shift in—” She glances at her phone. “—yikes. Like… twenty-something minutes. You can stay as long as you want, though! I won’t be back till late, but, you know. Mi casa es su casa. Or if you’re cool to leap into action, I could walk you halfway?”

“I’m coming!” he says hastily. He’s sure that Aubrey’s distressingly hip warehouse-mates are very nice people, but that doesn’t make them any less terrifying. 

###

Their departure gets briefly delayed when they climb out of the basement and find out that it’s pouring. Basil looks despairingly at his pants, which are real linen and also really very pink. 

Aubrey follows his gaze and groans. “Guhh, okay, let me get you something else.”

“I don’t want to make you late…” 

“I’m already doing it!!” she shouts, from halfway down the stairs. 

Half a minute later she’s bounding up with a long gray skirt in one hand and a pair of sweatpants in the other. “Sorry, jeans totally suck in the rain, but I didn’t know if—”

Basil’s already stepping into the skirt and sliding out of his pants, which he rolls up neatly and slips into his knapsack. “I’ve never seen you wear this! It’s cute.” 

“You’re cute.” Aubrey yanks the door open and nods at him to lead the way, slipping him an umbrella on his way past. Basil looks at it and frowns. It doesn’t look like she has more than one. 

“You’re going to get—”

“Fuckin’ soaked, yeah,” she says cheerfully. “Aw, c’mon, don’t look like that. I’m a bike jockey, remember? Staying dry was never in the cards.”

###

She walks her bike beside him for the first half a mile, undaunted by the deluge. Basil is very slightly daunted, but it’s easy to feel brave with Aubrey leading the charge. 

The rain makes her cheeks flush. It beads in her eyelashes, makes her eyes sparkle. And it makes the world feel appealingly small. The patter of falling water washes away the clamor of the city, and blurs the stares of passersby to a vague faceless haze. It feels a little like they’re the only two people in the whole harbor. It’s not a bad feeling. 

When their paths diverge, Aubrey gives him a guilty smile.

“I really am sorry to run out on you,” she says, swinging a leg over her bike. “I’ll make it up to you. So for now just—I guess—try not to freak out too much? Uh… This wasn’t a one-off, it’s not all in your head, I haven’t taken a blow to the head in weeks… Am I missing anything?”

She’s not off-base, but Basil feels a little wounded anyway. “I’m not made of glass.”

“Thank god for that,” she tells him, and winks. “I’d hate to break you. Sunny’s home?"

“H-He should be.” Shouldn’t he? Sunny doesn’t have any classes today, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s home. Oh, god. It hadn’t even occurred to Basil that Sunny might not be home. Who’s going to stop him from being insane if Sunny isn’t home?

Aubrey looks at her phone and grimaces. “Sorry, I can’t get away with being any later than this. But I’ll see you?” 

“Don’t tell anyone,” Basil hears himself say. “Y-Yet. Sunny, and the others... I don’t think I’m ready to… I just think it still feels. Private.”

“Easy,” she promises, pedaling away. “I’ll text you!”

Alright. Okay. That makes him feel a little calmer. If no one knows what happened, last night can remain… a sort of waking dream. A kind of quantum state, where it only happened if either Basil or Aubrey are thinking about it. 

(...Basil is definitely thinking about it.)

The warmth swelling from his chest feels almost too large to contain. For a second he can’t stop himself from grinning, a big dopey smile hidden by the wind and rain and Aubrey’s umbrella. Aubrey likes him. Aubrey likes him. 

It’s almost inconceivable. If they hadn’t spent the last four years painstakingly piecing together the shards of their broken trust, he’d assume it was a prank. But Aubrey wouldn’t do that. Sometimes she doesn’t think about what she’s doing until after she’s done it, but she’s never cruel. Which means that she maybe actually likes him. (For now.)

It’s good. It’s good, it’s impossible, it’s insane, it couldn’t possibly have happened. It couldn’t possibly happen again. Why would Aubrey want to date Basil? Basil wouldn’t even date Basil. Dating Basil sounds like some kind of grim Sisyphean torment, divine punishment for hubris or blasphemy or committing the wrong kinds of war crimes. A fate much, much worse than death. 

God, he’s pathetic. Aubrey’s been out of sight for two minutes and he already can’t believe that she’d ever look his way. And because no one else knows about it, it’s almost like it never even happened. Like the whole night was just some kind of waking dream.

Basil unlocks the front door with shaking hands and bursts into Sunny’s room.

“I slept with Aubrey,” he blurts out. Oh, god, what is he doing, that is the absolute worst place he could have picked to start. He just asked Aubrey to keep it a secret and now she’s going to know that he’s not just a tweaked-out little freak, he’s also a hypocrite. “N-No. Sorry. I didn’t—Let me start over. I might be— I think I’m dating Aubrey???? But I can’t understand why she would want to, if it’s a guilt thing or some kind of, I don’t know, penance, or something?” 

Sunny looks dubious. “That doesn’t sound like Aubrey.”

“R-Right, but—” Hm. No, it really doesn’t. Aubrey mostly does what she wants. “Um. Um, but— Even if she did really l-like me, it’s… God, it’s almost worse. It just means that when I m-mess everything up, it’ll hurt her, too, and not just me. Everything is f-finally good again and now I’m about to Yoko Ono our whole world, our entire family, just because I have some stupid crush?”

“The Yoko Ono thing is mostly a misconception.”

“You know what I mean, Sunny!!!!!”

Sunny nods evenly. “But I’m not worried.”

“Why not????”

“Well. I guess I think… If killing Mari didn’t break us up. Probably dating won’t either.”

“...R-Right.” There is an undeniable logic to that, yes. “But—!! No, yeah, you’re p-probably right.” 

Sunny gives him the look that roughly translates to, Obviously. “Did you have fun?”

“Huh?”

“Sleeping with Aubrey.”

“I didn’t mean to say it like that!!!” Basil wails. “...B-But. Um. Yeah. A lot. She’s… really cool, huh? She’s, like. Ehehe... She’s, wow, she is really sort of ridiculously cool.”

Sunny nods firmly. “Then I think it’s fine.”

“I agree with Sunny!” Kel chimes in, popping up from the mountain of blankets heaped behind Sunny. “Oh, woah! Cool hair, Basil!” 

Basil literally falls over. “Kel??? S-So you—I guess you guys… worked things out?” Kel and Sunny have been doing the will-they-won't-they thing for ages. But it looks like they finally actually did.

“Oh. Yeah,” Sunny says calmly. “And Kel and I are in love.”

“Ehehe,” Kel chuckles, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “Totally.”

…Like it’s that easy.

For some people, maybe it is. Kel seems like the type to love recklessly. Obviously Sunny is a more complicated case, but. It’s like the years he spent alone instilled him with a certain carefree nihilism. Like all the fear was burned out of him, and now there’s nothing left in the world that can scare him. 

Not like Basil. For Basil, fear and love have always been two sides of the same Mobius strip. He doesn’t even know what it would mean to love without fear.

He can feel it even now, jolts of lightning fizzing in his blood. It’s with him always, always readying to run. 

Basil’s therapist says that his anxiety is a survival response. It’s just his brain doing its best to protect him against predators and bookkeeping errors and grief and embarrassment and heartbreak. She says that he should try to sympathize with it, if he can. Some of her clients find that it helps to think of it as—a sort of pet. A very poorly-trained, poorly-socialized, violently reactive pet. Like a high-maintenance working breed whose owners really only wanted a puppy, so now it stands at the foot of the stairs all night and screams. 

He squeezes his eyes shut. He shouldn’t have told Sunny. Not like he should never have told Sunny, but he—he should have asked first, at least. He should have texted Aubrey to make sure it was okay. He's familiar with the old, 'ask for forgiveness, not permission’ gambit, but it's always struck him as dangerously optimistic, and just all-around ill-advised. Because some things can never be forgiven. Some mistakes are too big to forget. 

When he opens his eyes, Kel is watching him worriedly. “You okay, dude? Anything I can do?”

“I have to text Aubrey,” Basil says, overloud and abrupt. That might be the biggest thing he learned from the black hole of his past. The longer you hold onto a secret, the worse it festers. Rotting away at your insides till there’s nothing else inside you. So when you screw up, the safest course of action is to come clean, immediately, and skip to the part where everyone’s already mad at you. Because you’re going to get there anyway. All you get to decide is how long to torture yourself first. 

Hi Aubrey. I just wanted to apologize. I know I told you to keep it a secret but I panicked and accidentally told Sunny, but I didn’t see that Kel was here too, so I guess it’s not a secret anymore. I know I’m the one who asked, and I understand that it was really hypocritical of me. If you want to talk about it I’m around all day but if you don’t I don’t blame you. It’s been less than a day and the FIRST thing I did was break a promise and that’s obviously not a *great* sign so if it changes how you feel, I definitely get it. And I’m sorry that this message is so long, I already made you late and I really don’t mean to waste your—

It’s suspiciously quiet. When Basil glances up, he finds Sunny tapping away at his phone. 

“What are you doing??? Y-Y-You’re not texting Aubrey, are you?”

Sunny gives him a scathing look. “Of course not.”

Basil breathes a sigh of relief. Right. Right, of course not. Even Sunny knows better than to do something like that.

“I’m texting Hero.” 

Basil chokes on his breath. “Um??? About— About you and—”

“No.”

“About me and Aubrey???”

Sunny nods. 

“Why???????”

“I’m not good at this stuff,” Sunny says, shrugging. “Neither is Kel. No offense.”

(“No, yeah, I am super not good at this stuff!”)

Basil looks from one to the other. “But—what even is ‘this stuff,’ though?? I’m not sure there’s anything to talk about???”

Sunny raises an eyebrow. “So you’re not freaking out?”

“I’m—” Well. Well… Well of course he’s freaking out. But it’s not like that’s particularly unusual. It definitely doesn’t merit an emergency summons for their most chronically overworked friend. 

Sunny just shrugs. “I told him no one’s dying.”

###

Hero bursts in 45 minutes later, looking windswept and a little gray around the eyes. Somehow, the rain just made his hair look even more artfully tousled, even though it makes Basil’s hang in lank chunks and then frizz up like a dandelion gone to seed. 

“Is everyone okay??” Hero demands. “Sunny said there was a—“ He squints at his phone. “‘Non-medical emergency?’ What’s going on?”

“Basil is dating Aubrey,” Sunny says calmly, from the couch.

“Oh, uh—congratulations? Or—” Mid-word, he notices his brother, who's wrapped around Sunny like a huge spindly overcoat. Hero's eyes bulge. “Sunny??? Are you— After we, uh, talked last night, did you guys…”

Sunny’s eye glitters. “…Onii-san.”

Improbably, Hero turns bright red. 

“I hope that one day, you can think of me as a part of your family,” Sunny tells him solemnly.

Hero massages his temples, at least in part as an excuse to hide his face. “Sunny. You are part of my family.”

“Wow. I never thought it would happen so fast.”

“We must be really good at this!!” Kel agrees.