#but gets you a slice of hawaiian anyway

[my-thoughts-and-junk]

thinking about dream daddy and consent

[goodluckclove]

I’m unconvinced you aren’t the Ratatouille rat in disguise with how decadently write about food.

I'm certainly rat-like in that I enjoy a tasty snackkie, and I will occasionally hide under my tall wife's hat.

Really though it's mainly me having a very strong connection to food. I taught myself how to cook when I was 12 and most of my experiences going out are going to get food or to places that sell tiny cakes.

I have very strong opinions on tiny cakes. In my opinion tiny cakes have to be exactly medium-fancy.

I mean the best part about living in Portland is the food scene. So often they have these special food-themed weeks. Burger week. Sandwich week. Wing week (I didn't go to that one). Now it's pizza week again. I got a Hawaiian pizza that had this really subtle bechamel sauce that gave the whole thing a really creamy base. The large cubes of ham were paired with sausage ground and cooked practically to the consistency of chorizo.

The reason I biked downtown to get it was because of the mango habanero aioli, which is perfect because I think Hawaiian pizza is so much better with a little kick of heat to bring out the sweetness of the pineapple (usually I only see this through jalapeno - also very good). The aioli was perfectly spicy in a way that felt almost like an Indian chutney, which maybe was the habanero. The mango gave it a perfect slight sweetness. If I had a jar of the stuff I'd put it on crackers or little slices of baguette.

Anyways describing food is fun and all the other pizzas for pizza week are usually unholy rites to hubris. Last year my now-wife brought me an IKEA meatball pizza and I couldn't leave the bathroom of my terrible studio apartment for an hour. I still do it because I enjoy weird gourmet meals at a reasonable price and I am Clove Gardener, Committee to the Bit.

It's also a fun thing for characters to dwell on. I find it endearing.

[luciferfemme]

The Poolboy Butch

Author's Note:

I'm including some content warnings right off the bat for implied/mentions of eating disorders, abuse, and cheating. This is also smutty so 18+ only. no men.

“I’ve hired someone new to take care of the pool,” Artemis looked up from the meager breakfast she had been staring blankly at, in the hopes of avoiding having to hear yet another criticism about her weight from her husband. Not that he spoke much to her these days anyway. The rare times she saw him at all, his nose was buried in a newspaper. In the event he did deign to speak with her, it was never for anything as trivial as pool maintenance, so this announcement caught her off guard. Her husband didn’t bother to look up from his paper. She supposed she preferred it to his criticizing her appearance. “They’ll be here in a few hours. I trust you can show them where the pool is?” 

“Yes,” Artemis said quietly, not bothering to even finish the slice of grapefruit before her. She left the table before her husband, opting to spend the rest of the morning on the treadmill. She was by no means heavy, but the last five years of hearing constantly how disgusting he was to look at had taken a toll and had caused Artemis to develop habits that worried her friends. She smoked now for one thing, as an appetite suppressant, but really, a part of her rather hoped it really would shave a few years off her life. Better to die young than have to stay married and miserable. 

“Why don’t you just divorce him?” Her friends had all but begged. Artemis’ reply was always the same. It wasn’t that simple. Everything was in her husband’s name. If they divorced, Artemis would have nothing. No home, no car, no family to speak of, she hadn’t a proper job in all this time and she wasn’t smart enough to do anything. Or at least, that’s what her husband always said.

Artemis shook her head, running harder on the treadmill, hoping to silence her thoughts. She was lightheaded, and a little dizzy, but she refused to stop. It wouldn’t be the first time she blacked out on the treadmill. If anything, it could only silence the screaming voice in her head that could only be her husband reminding her how repulsive she was.

The doorbell rang; the smart doorbell connected to her phone alerted her to the presence of someone waiting for her. She blinked, looking around the room, not quite remembering what had happened. Her body ached and the treadmill was still going several feet from her head. She groaned. The doorbell rang again. Artemis sighed, pulling her phone out of her back pocket and pulled up the doorbell app. There standing in front of the door was a handsome, dark-haired stranger. 

“Hello?” Artemis asked, though it pained her to do so. She hoped she hadn’t cracked a rib again. 

“Mrs. Bradley? I’m Ash, the pool person,” the voice on the other end said. Artemis sat up fast, then hissed in pain. 

“Fuck.”

“Are you okay?” 

“I’ve been better,” Artemis replied with a grunt. “Sorry please come in. I’ll be down in a moment,” she tapped a button on her phone to unlock the door, and stared up at the ceiling, trying to muster up enough strength to get up off the floor. 

“Mrs. Bradley?” She heard Ash say from downstairs. 

“Up here,” she said. In a mater of moments she heard footsteps on the stairs. 

“Oh my god, are you alright?” Ash ran over to her the moment they saw her, dropping everything as they kneeled down at her side. Artemis looked up at them. Up close, she realized for the first time that the pool cleaner was not a man as she had expected. But instead a very handsome woman. She was wearing a baseball cap, and a Hawaiian shirt that was open, and a black tank top on top of that. Artemis smiled weakly. 

“I’m fi…” she said attempting to sit up. But she had barely managed to sit up when a sharp pain cut through her ribs again. 

“I think I should get you to a hospital,” Ash said, supporting the back of her head in her arms. Artemis inhaled the scent of the other woman. A pungent smell of something spicy and a little masculine, a cologne of some kind filled her nostrils, but she couldn't place it. She resisted the urge to tell Ash she smelled nice, but only just.

“I’ll be fine,” Artemis lied. “I just lost my footing I guess.” Ash looked down at her suspiciously and helped her sit up with some amount of effort. 

“Well at least let me get you to the sofa over there. And then I’ll get you some ice.” Ash got up easily, giving Artemis a better view of her. She was muscled in a way that Artemis had never seen before in another woman, and it was making her feel heady in a different sort of way than she had before. Ash leaned down and scooped her up into her arms easily and carried her over to the sofa, placing her gently down upon it.

Artemis blushed. Before she could say another word, Ash made her way back down the stairs and into the kitchen, moving as if she knew her way around the place. Artemis closed her eyes for just a moment; when she opened them again, Ash was standing there with a baggie of ice and a glass of orange juice. 

Ash handed her the orange juice first, then pulled off her Hawaiian shirt and wrapped it around the ice, and handed it over to Artemis who placed it against her ribs. She stared at the orange juice for a long moment, debating if it was really worth the empty calories. But Ash had folded her arms over her chest in a way that said she expected her to drink it. So she did. 

She felt almost instantly better. 

It was then, as her mind began to clear that she was able to take in more about Ash’s appearance. For instance, there were multiple tattoos all over her body. Then there was the fact that she could now see without the shirt that Ash had very hairy underarms, and hairy legs, and why was that doing something for Artemis? She had never been interested in women before. But then, she had never seen a woman like Ash before. Ash kneeled across from her. “Do you mind if I check your ribs?” She asked. Artemis blushed. “Don’t worry, I went to nursing school.” 

“How did you end up a pool cleaner?” Artemis asked. She groaned to herself feeling instantly like a jackass for the question. "Sorry, that was so rude."

“Family business,” Ash said carefully removing the ice. Artemis hissed but there was something so gentle in her movements that she couldn’t help but let her do whatever she needed. Ash examined her stomach carefully, she didn’t comment on anything other than to say that her stomach looked badly bruised, but she could not say if it was broken. “You’ll be okay.” 

“T-thanks.” Artemis said. 

Ash smiled. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

Artemis grinned bracing herself for the worst. “Sure.” 

“Is your husband always such a dick, or was I just very unlucky?” 

At this, Artemis laughed, it was painful, but it managed to make her smile all the same. 

Ash smiled too, a bright smile that felt as though it was warming up every part of Artemis. It was a smile that felt like the sun. Radiant, effervescent, and almost addictive too. She realized then and there that she desperately wanted to kiss this other woman, though she knew that she couldn’t. Ash seemed to be thinking much the same thing, her eyes darted down to Artemis’s lips, then back up to meet her eyes. 

Artemis swallowed, staring into the warm dark brown pools that were Ash’s eyes. 

“I should really get to cleaning your pool,” Ash said, not moving from her spot at Artemis’ side, never letting their eyes tear away from one another for even a moment. 

“Must you?” 

Ash swallowed, it was clear she was only just resisting the urge to kiss her. “Can I…”

“Whatever it is, yes,” Artemis replied. Before she knew what was happening, Ash closed the distance between them and pressed their lips together. All at once Artemis felt as though she were flying. She felt weightless and tingly, and were it not for the fact that she could feel Ash’s lips against her own, her tongue sliding into her mouth and her strong hands now cupping the back of her head Artemis might have thought she had passed out again. It was easily the best kiss she had ever experienced in all her life. In that kiss, Ash managed to convey entire paragraphs of information just with her tongue. Artemis shivered, heart racing. It felt almost too good to be true, and she was terrified that when at last they pulled away it would all have been a dream. 

“You’re so beautiful,” Ash whispered against her lips. 

Artemis curled in on herself at that. She didn’t feel beautiful. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she had felt beautiful, or even been told it. But somehow coming from Ash, she wanted to believe it. 

Ash kissed down her jaw, towards her throat, and the column of flesh there, sucking a mark onto her neck. Artemis gasped, arching towards Ash’s lips. “So so beautiful.” 

Artemis winced again despite herself. Ash paused, pulling away at that. “Did I hurt you?” 

“No,” Artemis said trying to sound more sure of herself. 

“I’m sorry, I… I got too carried away didn’t I? God you just passed out I never should have,” Ash said pulling away, but Artemis pulled her in for another kiss, stopping Ash’s worry in mid-sentence. Ash smiled against her lips. 

A moment later, it was Artemis that pulled away feeling unsure. “Sorry, I… it’s just been such a long time since someone touched me and complimented me I…” she felt as though she were on the verge of tears. 

“What?” Ash asked, looking horrified. 

Artemis looked away ashamed then. Ash placed her finger under Artemis’s chin lifting her face towards her. “You can’t tell me that husband of yours isn’t obsessed with you. Please, say it isn’t so.” Artemis blushed crimson, feeling a deep sense of shame somehow. “If you were my wife I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off of you,” Ash said, her hand on Artemis’ thigh. Artemis gasped, looking into Ash’s eyes fully then. 

“Really?” 

“Damn straight.” Artemis smiled, feeling adored for the first time in what felt like forever. It was almost overwhelming, she had to admit. “He’s a damn fool not to worship you as the goddess you are.” Artemis kissed the other woman again, feeling a newfound sense of hope and comfort that she hadn’t imagined possible. Ash kissed down her neck, each time looking up at her to request permission. Artemis nodded as Ash took off her top, and kissed slowly over her breasts, eliciting a moan from the other woman as she did so. She moved down her body, carefully kissing each rib making sure to be gentle with Artemis all the while.

When at last she was between her legs, she gave her a look, and Artemis bit her lip as she stared down at her. She nodded, and Ash slid her hand up Artemis’ thigh, beneath her skirt and slid her panties down past her ankles. She turned her hat backwards and out of her way.

It had felt like an eternity since anyone had the desire to give her any sort of pleasure, so much so that the moment Ash’s tongue touched her skin it was all Artemis could do not to scream. Before she knew what was happening, her fingers had curled their way into Ash’s hair. She felt rather than heard Ash hum in appreciation, her fingers digging into Artemis' thighs as she teased her with her tongue. Moving achingly slowly, little teasing flicks that made Artemis want to beg for more. Please. More. “Ash,” she moaned. Ash grinned against her, pressing a kiss to her thigh, and curled their fingers together. She pressed her face in closer so her tongue would slide in deeper, causing Artemis to let out a loud guttural moan. Ash’s lips and tongue moved in tandem, moving swiftly and with such ferocious intensity that Artemis was certain she would cum in an instant. She felt herself bucking against Ash’s tongue. Ash growled appreciatively a sound that only served to turn Artemis on more. She moaned, her fingers tightly laced against Ash’s. 

Ash moved faster, clearly determined to make her cum. Artemis whimpered, she had been trying to stop herself when Ash pulled away just long enough to whisper against her flesh. “Give it to me baby. Cum for me,” Artemis let out a loud cry, as she came hard from Ash’s words. 

Ash ate her through it, not letting up for a moment, as Artemis shivered. It was the single best orgasm she’d ever had, unsurprisingly. It was after all the first one in recent memory where the focus had actually been on her pleasure alone. 

“You’re so delicious,” Ash said, licking her shiny lips. 

“You’re very good at that,” Artemis said. 

“Just wait till I get my strap in you.” Ash grinned and winked. 

Artemis’ eyes widened at that. 

“That’s for another time when your rib isn’t bruised. I’ll go down and get you something to eat and some water. Gotta keep your strength up.” 

Artemis blushed at that, but she didn’t argue. Her body felt like jelly, and a wave of serotonin was coursing through her veins at this very moment. It was then that she knew, she had to leave her husband, one way or another.

[candlecoveisland]

Episode 1: It Begins

Welcome, everyone, to CandleCove Island: the series where I make Candle Cove characters live in my copy of Tomodachi Life like they're bugs in a jar!

Playing this is even more fun than I expected. It takes me back to when I played Tomodachi Life for the first time all those years ago and it seemed like anything could happen.... Anyway, here's episode 1!

NEW MIIS

I added Janice, Percy, and Poppy at the start of the game.

I played some more that night and added Milo, Horace, and Skin-Taker.

(I don't know why Horace's and Skin-Taker's apartments look like that. I need to buy them new interiors next episode.)

FRIENDSHIP

Janice and Percy made fast friends with each other.

Poppy also made friends with each of them, so the three main characters are all friends with each other.

Also, Percy and Milo are now friends.

(Yes, I made Percy taller than Milo.)

Since I added Milo, Horace, and Skin-Taker late at night, most people were asleep, so Milo has yet to make friends with anyone else and Horace and Skin-Taker haven't made any friends at all.

CLOTHING

I gave Janice a cool dolphin t-shirt, Percy a formal shirt-and-shorts set, and Horace a gaudy Hawaiian shirt with pineapples on it. They were all happy with them.

I think I may give the others clothes next episode, even if they don't ask for any, so that they can stop looking like they're part of The Wiggles.

FOOD

Janice likes pancakes.

Percy likes veggie burgers and salad.

Poppy likes steak.

Horace asked for "something warm and comforting," but I accidentally gave him a single slice of white bread. I still feel bad :(

Skin-Taker asked for spicy food, but there was no actual spicy food at the food store, so I gave him a grapefruit (which is sort of spicy? in a way?), which he surprisingly really liked.

Milo, oddly, hasn't asked for any food.

EVERYTHING ELSE

I gave Janice a 3DS and Percy a book.

They keep making Janice report the news even though there are adults around. No child labor laws in CandleCove Island, I guess.

Poppy is apparently quite the fashionisto.

I wonder if he and Skin-Taker will get along....

Oh, speaking of which, Skin-Taker is a cat person confirmed.

Poppy seemed to be feeling a bit pensive all day for some reason....

Horace called me to his apartment to play a game with him.

The game has a rankings board, but the only ranking that's unlocked so far is "vitality," which I never understood. You need to give Miis birthdays in order for them to show up on it, so maybe it's a horoscope thing? Whatever it is, Skin-Taker's at the top.

And that wraps up episode 1! Next episode, I might add more characters so that I can unlock more stuff. Or maybe I'll just let the main 6 socialize with each other for a while. I'll see how it goes. And I'll also check on Milo to make sure he hasn't starved to death.

BONUS FOOTAGE

[cigarettesandinevitablebetrayal]

rank your sidesteps (and maybe your wayhaven detectives if youre feeling frisky) from "most likely to enjoy pineapple on pizza" to "will start a physical altercation over pineapple on pizza"

Oh, gods, you've broken my scale of "weird little things I don't really need to know about my OCs". Ok, um. Hm.

Sidesteps:

Seongwon - Starting a fight to get pineapple pizza added to the order. Anathema talked her into trying it and she rather likes it. Gets annoyed when people make a fuss about it. It's a pizza order and she's hungry.

Remus - Sweet tooth from hell. Like, his vice is alcohol, but it manifests as those fruity cocktails that are mostly simple syrup, so sweets is a close second. Adding pineapple on pizza just means extra sugar to balance out the pizza sauce. He's stolen the whole box on pizza nights at Rangers HQ.

Rashad - Never had it. It's traditionally served with ham and Rashad tries to eat halal when they can.

Corin - Aggressively ambivalent. High key hates eating, anyway, and would live off of meal replacement shakes and filler calorie drinks if Julia wouldn't harass him for it. Adding pineapple to pizza is going to neither improve nor degrade a pizza for him because it was always going to be wretched anyway.

Mateo - Personally dislikes it, but he's not going to make a fuss about it. There's probably enough other pizza to go around. In the situation that there's only pineapple pizza (which, let's be honest, is an Anathema or Ortega prank), he's picking off each piece and flicking it at the prankster.

Cassian - Has tackled Anathema to rip the phone out of her hand when ordering pizza to keep her from ordering pineapple pizza. Mostly for the bit, but also because they hate the smell of Hawaiian pizza. Ortega tried to talk him into trying a bite and got a kick to the gut.

Detectives:

Isaac - The things he puts on pizza upsets Tina and Verda. He's actually banned from placing pizza orders for the group. Pineapple on pizza would be a mercy comparatively. But, yeah, he likes it.

Julian - Hates the texture of pineapple, but likes the flavor. He's tried to experiment with how to impart pineapple flavor to pizza without physically putting pineapple on it. It's not gone well.

Raine - Doesn't like pineapple on pizza, but also doesn't like when people are assholes about others' eating preferences. He'll order Hawaiian pizza just to spite someone being loud about hating it. He'll even eat a few slices for good measure.

Thank you for the absolutely wild ask. This was a lot of fun!

[cyberdragoninfinity]

Now I have to know this for GX College AU: Who orders what from IPC?

IVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS FOR LIKE A WEEK here are my declarations:

Jaden: cannot be stopped from ordering at this establishment. I feel like he'd fuck with a supreme pizza, just put everything on there, man. AND cheesy garlic breadsticks!!!!!!!

Yubel: cheesy garlic breadsticks as well :]

Syrus: just remembered i made him lactose intolerant. lol. anyway he's perpetually nervous about ordering from there with Jaden's soft 'ban' but he'll enjoy a breadstick or two. A slice of pepperoni with extra red pepper flakes on it, perhaps.

Chazz: feels like a Meatlover's pizza type of guy to me.

Alexis: I'm declaring her a Hawaiian pizza lover, so she's already on Paradox's shit list for that. Shes also one of the select few people who even bother with IPC's one meager little salad option and every time she's kind of disappointed but she keeps getting it.

Aster: WILL order the specialty pizza of that Paradox has conjured up and WILL write a Google review about it. Also he's a whiteboy you know he'd go ham on some cheesy breadsticks.

Zane: breadsticks. will eat maybe 2 and 1/3 of one. he has never actually ordered from there himself but if Atticus is calling in an order he WILL add breasticks for zane every time <3

Atticus: pineapple pizza :^) not even hawaiian style just pineapple on a cheese pizza. After Jaden I think Atticus is PDox's least favorite """regular""". Fucking Californians 🙄 (this atticus isnt even from california he's from nebraska. he's just Like That)

Hassleberry: MEATLOVER'S AS WELL. GUY WHO WILL JUST ORDER MEATBALLS AND EAT THAT. ordering insane off-menu options and eating them like the most delighted tyrannosaurus.

Jesse: orders some personalized blue cheese-vegetable abomination (slash pos) and gives scraps of green pepper and mushroom to Ruby and the other Beasts.

Bastion: he is going HAM on that MID HOUSE SALAD!!! Hell yeah man eat those grape tomatoes!!!

[butchcraftwrites]

Do you think Rhea would like pineapple on pizza ? Also good luck with the car, I hope the mechanic arrives soon

Thanks anon - car has been opened and I'm finally back home with the pups!

Rhea would absolutely like pineapple on pizza. I have a feeling she would be the kind of person to switch up what she wanted on her pizza each time she ordered. And it would absolutely be a communal thing for her, too. Like she'd only get pizza when the rest of the lettuce family wanted it.

I think Rhea is just really drawn to tropical or luxurious foods in general? But there's just something so delightful to hear about having pizza with that warm melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that comes from adding pineapple. I feel like she'd also add basil leaves to it and maybe some thinly sliced cursed sausage (go easy on me if this sounds terrible - I haven't had meat in decades and generally can't eat pizza anyway - hot girl tummy problems. I'm imagining flavors).

Byleth is also a fan, as Jeralt would order Hawaiian pizzas on the regular. Flayn is delighted by the premise and Seteth is skeptical at first but comes around to tentatively like it/not hate it. Seteth likes white pizzas loaded with veggies.

[jazzeria]

Sun nin fai lok! (Happy New Year!)  

I made a baked version of nin go (Mandarin: "nian gao", new year cake), which is very similar to Hawaiian butter mochi.  Then I cut it into cubes and fried them in neutral oil--with a touch of toasted sesame oil for extra flavour.  

The texture is crispy on the outside, and tender/squishy/chewy and sticky on the inside.  My partner described it as: "’Nuts and gum--together at last!’ but in a good way.” 

When served warm, the inside is a little gooey (my preference); when cool, it's more firm.  

Recipe: https://whattocooktoday.com/baked-nian-gao.html 

I don't like shredded coconut, so I swapped for toasted sesame seeds.  I also subbed out a bit of the butter for coconut oil.  

If you like the cake to stay crispy on top, don't use an airtight container to store it.  Just press a strip of plastic wrap or waxed paper onto the cut faces (the squishy parts) and leave the top uncovered.  

The fried cubes get soggy in an airtight container, too.  I think it would be good to keep them on a plate with a cotton towel on top. 

Lore/tradition: 

The story I heard about this cake growing up (well, the traditional version, anyway) goes something like this...  Around this time of year, the Kitchen God visits your household to make a report about your family.  But he also accepts bribes.  And if the bribes are sticky sweets, they will stick his mouth shut when he goes to make his report!  

My family comes from Hong Kong where the popular way to eat it is: cut into slices, dipped in a batter of scrambled egg, and fried.

[celzarts]

“Goldie’s Pizza Place, how can I help you?” A voice all too familiar to Ben answered the line with his regular quip

“Hey Josh, it’s Ben.”

“Ben!” Josh said excitedly on the other line. Ben could almost imagine him throwing his arms up and greeting him like a close friend. “Heh, so I guess it’s the usual for you? A large Hawaiian, meatballs on the side, and a bottle of soda?”

“Ah, not today Josh. Are you guys busy now?”

“Busy? Do you know what time you’re calling? It’s almost 11!”

“Oh, are you guys closing up already?”

“Almost, but we can still whip that Hawaiian up for you right quick if you still want it. You’re our regular after all!”

“I appreciate it, but I really don’t need it today,” Ben shuffled on his feet.

“Oh? Then why’d you call? Got a bigger order? Ooh, finally brought a girl home, huh? Need a quick snack to prepare for the night ahead?” Josh quipped.

“No, not that Josh, geez, get your head out of the gutter for once,” Ben laughed, bringing a hand up to his forehead.

“Haha! Eh, you know me. So what’s up?”

“Since you’re not busy, I thought maybe we could have a chat?”

“Like this, over the phone? You don’t wanna come in or something?”

“I can’t at the moment, so this will have to do. Is that okay?”

Ben could hear a slight pause which he imagined to be Josh looking around the diner that he worked at. “Yeah sure, not like I’m busy anyway, and we won’t be expecting any more customers definitely. Just give me a sec, I’ll let Goldie know to handle the rest of the closing up stuff first, then I’ll help her out with locking up.”

“Alright. Thanks, man.” As he waited, Ben let out a shaky breath from trying to keep his voice even. He looked around at the vines growing all around him, realising that he had been left alone for this final call.

The fumbling static that came through the receiver signified Josh’s return. “Alright, I’m back on the line. So what’s up?”

“How was business today?”

“Hah! You’re a real strange one today, Ben. It’s as usual, you know. Busy enough for me and Goldie to have our hands full. You’re lucky you always call late! By that time, we’re already wrapping up.”

“Yeah I know, that’s why I always get those extras that are left over, right?” Ben chuckled.

“Yeah, you know it, man! Might as well give them to you than to throw it out into the trash,” Josh replied.

“Anything strange happened today? Or any more rude customers?”

“Hmm?” A slight pause. Ben just knew Josh was likely scratching his chin. “Nothing out of the ordinary. There was your typical Karen that yelled at us for putting peas on her pizza when she didn’t like peas, but I’m like, madam, this is a Norwegian. It comes with peas. Did she not read the menu? And then she was hootin’ and hollerin’ about it until both her husband and her son actually dragged her out! Haha! And I mean they actually lifted her by the arms and dragged her out kicking and screaming. We all got a good laugh from that one.”

Ben’s lips curved into a grin. “Sounds like a real ruckus.”

“Yeah! Man, it even got a chuckle out from Emily, and you know she almost never laughs. Sure, she smiles at most jokes but that actually got something out from her! Okay, maybe it was also because I was roasting that Karen to high heaven, and said something real cheesy, I think I said that she should go ‘rest in peas’ or something, heh!” As Josh’s rambling continued, Ben could imagine himself at the diner listening, watching Josh flail his arms around, Goldie laughing from back in the kitchen, and Emily, rolling her eyes as she sat a seat away from him. And of course, enjoying a delicious slice of pizza.

“Pfft. That would have made me laugh too. Emily dropped by today?”

“Yeah. You both and a few others are our regulars after all, so of course she stopped by. Got her usual as well, and sat and chatted with us while we went about our work. Asked about you, you know.”

Ben blinked. “She did?”

“Yeah. You both normally come in on the same days, just like Jake and Essie, and Uncle Tom, I think. That’s why Goldie and I call you all the Regulars, like with a capital R. And no one had seen you come in today. Even I wondered where you’d dipped without telling us.”

“Ah yeah, I’m feeling a little under the weather.” Ben scratched his neck that prickled under the continued lies. “Thought maybe having a pizza wasn’t the best idea.”

“Aw man, really? Get well soon,” Josh comforted. “Our Hawaiians will always be piping hot and ready for when you come back!”

“Thanks, man. So what did Emily ask?”

“Nothing much, just where you’d been and if you were coming in. Your crew would always be sitting around at our counters, so it did feel pretty strange that it was a bit more empty today than usual. Heh, I bet it sounds a little weird to be saying this, but we miss you here, man!”

“Hah. That’s nice to hear. I miss you guys too.” Ben paused for a long while. “You guys were my only friends.”

“Nah, I don’t believe that for a second. Nice, funny guy like you, surely you would have many friends all around, at work, or wherever!”

“...you guys know I do remote work.”

“Well yeah, but outside from that, surely? Old school friends? Hell, even family friends or neighbours. You were always talking about your neighbours.”

“Yeah, just because I complain about them doesn’t mean we’re friends.” Ben rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t prevent the smile that was creeping onto his face.

“Ah, that’s what you think! I thought you guys had a pretty chummy relationship. Wasn’t there that time you told me that you had to help them dogsit in an emergency, and after that, they gave you a huge cake?”

“That was one time.” Even though there was no way Josh would see it, Ben still couldn’t help but hold up one finger as he talked. “The rest of the time they’re annoying me with their loud music.”

“Which they also turned down after you told them not to. They also helped you pick out plants, didn’t they?”

“I… yeah, I guess, but they were just being helpful.” Ah, his plants. He had a whole bunch of them. Aside from Josh and the rest at the diner, the plants were the next closest thing he had. Ben wondered how they would fare without him.

“Haha! You’re giving both them and yourself too little credit. I’d say that’s friendship to me, even if it isn’t considering one of those super bosom buddies kind.”

“People being friendly doesn’t mean that they’re friends.”

“Of course not, but they could very well be if you let them, don’t you think?”

“I… suppose so.”

“And then what about your family? I thought you said your parents had lots of family friends with their own kids around your age.

“Yeah, I never really kept in touch with any of those people, especially after my parents moved.”

“I see…” Josh’s voice dips slightly, but he was never really one to be down for too long. Quickly enough, he regained his cheery mood, replying, “Really lucky you have us then!”

“Yeah… I was really lucky to have gotten to know you guys so deeply.”

“Don’t sweat it, man!”

“You know, Josh… I don’t think this illness of mine will get better. I won’t be able to come by again.”

“What…?” Now, Josh’s voice paused longer.

“Give my regards to the rest of them for me, and to Goldie as well, I hope she continues making delicious pizzas. Help me tell Emily I’m sorry I was never bold enough to ask her out. And help me thank Jake for telling me about orchids. They truly were beautiful when blooming, and I hope whatever he’s got going on with Essie works out. And… thank you, Josh, for always listening to me.”

“What…Ben, you- you’re scaring me, man, saying things like that!” Ben could hear Josh hit the counter firmly through the phone. “Not a funny joke, man. Come on, I’m sure it isn’t that bad, whatever you have. Hey, I’ve got your address from all those deliveries, tomorrow I can round up the gang and we’ll drop by and give you a visit.” Another pause. Ben could hear Josh’s voice shake. “You don’t… you don’t just say things like that, man, it’s not cool.”

“No!” Now it was Ben’s turn to put his hand down firmly on the pedestal. He took a deep breath before continuing. “No. Please don’t. Please. Just do this for me and nothing else.”

“No. I’m insisting. You can’t just say something like that and not expect us to care. Look, I’ve even got Goldie here with me-” There’s some fumbling on the other end of the line, and Ben thinks it’s likely Josh pulling Goldie close to him, so that they can both hear from the receiver. “I know she’s heard everything you just said just now too, and she’s agreeing. We can head on over, stat.”

“Hah…,” Ben let out a dry laugh. “I guess you guys really are my only friends. Then before you guys come over… I just have to say that I’m sorry. But thank you… thank you so much. And… I loved you, all of you. Goldie’s kindness, Emily’s patience, Jake’s humour, Essie’s warmth, and your care too, Josh.”

“Man, stop saying stuff like that!” Josh’s voice trembled. Ben doesn’t think he’s ever heard this from Josh before. “Why- why’re you saying all of this now? I’m sure you’ll heal up just fine and come in again. I know you will, Ben!” Josh’s voice coming in through the receiver grew more and more panicked. Ben could almost imagine him at the counter, flailing his arms, with Goldie looking on worriedly next to him, her hands clasped.

“I don’t know… my time is up,” Ben said, as Death materialised in front of him, a bony figure shrouded in a thick black cloak, giving him a short nod. “Thanks for all the pizzas and the good times, Josh and Goldie. I’ll be going now. Goodbye, my friends. Thank you.”

Ben hung up, placing the phone back down. He placed a hand on the table where the small phone was, on a little nightstand, with little buttons and a coiled wire. He steadied himself, and took a long, shaky breath. “Hah….” Ben patted himself almost absentmindedly. He looked down at his hands, which still looked and felt as solid as they could be, opening and closing his fingers. He blinked, trying to register the dark figure before him. It was still hard to come to terms with the fact that he was now a dead man.

“How was your call to the pizza place?” Death inquired, their tone soft and gentle.

Ben straightened up, exhaling heavily. “Good, actually. Thank you for giving me that one last call.”

“Was there really… no one else you would have called? A family member? A close friend? An ex-lover?” There was no judgement in their tone. Only curiosity.

“I wouldn’t have called anyone else.”

Death was quiet for a while, surveying Ben’s firm gaze, but then nodded. With a bony hand, they guided Ben further into the underworld, leaving the phone behind.

When you die and go to Heaven you’re entitled to make one phone call to any living person you knew in life. With no loved ones in the living world you decide to call the cashier of your favourite pizza place.

[mood2you]

Food Journal 2/22

Breakfast : Bagel and egg

Lunch : Ono Hawaiian (mostly macaroni salad, one single piece of chicken I'd left myself, some cabbage)

Lunch 2 : Breakfast burrito and bag of snap peas

Lunch 3 : Broccoli chedder soup

Snack : Watermelon, watermelon smoothie

Snack : Rice and teriyaki sauce

I think these journals are making me hungrier. I really seriously think that your job should ask when you usually eat meals and be forced to give you meal breaks AT normal times. I know there will be a rush, but imagine if I ate dinner at 7 and you ate at 6, THAT would work out if there were enough workers to cover the rush. Working in a walkable city should be so casual that you could find someone who eats at 5 to work 2 hours, and not feel like their whole day is leading up to working, but instead so casual and easy.

Anyways, tomorrow's Friday which means no meat, but I also have to cook dinner, but I don't want to go shopping, but now I'm sitting on me bed I don't want to take any meat out, we probably already ate all the fish anyways. My coworker, who has no respect for "the schedule" which sucks ass and is always changing anyways and three times was not even sent to us, and we're basically on call for free all the time, wanted me to cover his shift but I don't feel like working 6 days a week. Working is what's stopping me from doing the dishes. My other coworker wants the overtime, he won't get it though, and (as though talking about a puppy's face) I can't say no to my boss. I said no to my coworker. I said maybe. I have bad time management anyways I would get the same done with or without having my day taken up. I'm tired of being judged by people. I keep on accidently being passive aggressive to my boss, I think "accidentally passive aggressive" just means careless. Last week it was from poor sleep hygene, this week I have no excuse, but last week was worse. It wasn't my boss exactly, but I know she'd point to it. My routine is changing soon, a routine I obliterated, it's becoming a routine again, some structure. I could have made a routine if I'd had time. I need to go to the DMV and the car repair. I will do it in 2 weeks. As I said on my other blog "this is my last week of goofing off and drawing all day" and Friday was going to actually be all day.

I have all these things like "most of a cabbage" "whole bag of spinach" "frozen spinach" "watermelon" all I've done with it is cube the watermelon. I have a trick which is just using a sharp knife and shaving it while it's in quaters, instead of cutting the triangle slices and trimming the rind off. If you do it lazy style some of the pieces are less tender. Watermelon used to have a lot of white and some black seeds but it's gotten to have more flesh in my lifetime. That's good but I'm suspisious of that stuff, maybe it's less fiber or something. Thinking about inflation makes me think how did we not do gangbusters selling xyz, it was probably only a dollar then. 3 fucking dollars. How can they say inflation is 3% when they also say food prices have doubled, what is it 3% per week?

Well, I try to keep this stuff off my main anymore. Well, you're not the only one going through it. Goodnight.

I'm just mad I've been working on comics for a month, but it's been 3 comics so I have no buffer of anything, it's stupid to start a comic concurrantly, I want to and can't decide. Just because I finished an outline doesn't mean I can't wing it on a different project and save the outline for later. This week has been very long. I haven't seen my friends much this week because we've been annoying each other last week. I keep having to work. I wish the schedule wouldn't change. I wish my coworker would ask for days off 2 weeks in advance. I hope my boss finds someone to cover him easily and doesn't even have to ask me. I w

[medicinemane]

You know, I’ll say it again, I think one of the things that puts people off about pineapple on pizza is that it’s usually paired with ham, and ham is just kind of slimy on pizza and doesn’t really bring out any flavors

Everyone should consider trying pineapple with pepperoni. The acidity of the pineapple goes will with the flavor of pepperoni, they work well together

I’m not saying anyone has to like pineapple on pizza who doesn’t, what I’m saying is hawaiian pizza sucks, try switching pepperoni for ham. If you didn’t like pineapple on a hawaiian, consider doing what I’m suggesting. I don’t care if you do, but that’s my advice to make pineapple have the best flavor on a pizza

(Also make sure you’re having pineapple that doesn’t suck, you know how good the place you’re getting pizza from is, you know if they’d have actually fresh pineapple or old garbage. If the pineapple isn’t at least medium quality then yes, poor quality pineapple is bad on pizza)

[quicksilverownsmysoul]

Lifeguard on Duty

Summary: Warren was supposed to be looking for a summer job but when he sees you on the beach he decides to become a lifeguard. And hopefully confess his feelings for you

Word count: 2,376

Warren and Spencer were sitting at the lifeguard station spending lunch together. Warren had his legs kicked up in the small desk and Spencer leaned against the back wall, taking a deep breath of the shared joint. He was messing with the life preservers that lined the wall, he exhaled the smoke before passing it to Warren, moving to lean on the desk, staring out at the crowded beach. “Warren, why did you even take this job?”

“Cause I like the ocean.” Warren hummed, inhaling deeply and letting his eyes flutter shut. He wasn’t really supposed to be smoking up here but he was the only lifeguard on duty today. So goody two shoes Lance Norris, the posterboy for lifeguards couldnt rat him out. He flicked the rolled up stub out the window, watching as it sizzled out in the sand below. He stood up, exiting the booth and Spencer followed him. “Plus the view isn't bad.” Warren looked out on the women sunbathing in skimpy bikinis and the men swimming in insanely tight speedos

Spencer rolled his eyes. “Pervert.” Warren winked at him, turning back to face the beach crowd.

Warren wouldn't admit it but there was another reason he had taken the job. You. His dad had been hounding him to take a summer job so he had been out on the boardwalk picking up applications. He was planning on lying and saying he had gotten a job and then blowing all summer with Spencer but then he had seen you. He had stopped dead in his tracks when he saw you, he watched as you took the ramp down to the beach and made a beeline for the lifeguard station.

You greeted them with a wide smile and passed up a basket filled with lunch for the two lifeguards on duty. He felt himself smile as he took you in, watching as you made polite conversation with your friend before sitting down on the beach, a book in hand. Warren came to the boardwalk for a week after that to see if you’d return. And sure enough you came everyday to sit in the same spot and read. Watching the waves roll in before leaving a couple hours later. And every friday you brought lunch up to the lifeguard station, there were other days when you bought snacks for them. He figured out that you brought lunch on Fridays because your friend Mary had a shift that day, so you would bring something for her and her coworker.

So Warren applied and got in after passing the entrance exam and acing the physical. It wasn't too hard considering he used to do sports and much to the disapy of Lance, the head lifeguard, he made the force. He even had the dumb luck of working on the friday shift with your friend Mary. He was really nervous to talk to you and spend his first few shifts hiding away when you came to see your friend. But after a while Mary had had enough of his endless questions about you and introduced you both. He had nearly died when you said his hair looked pretty in the afternoon sun.

After that he tried to talk to you when he could. Making small conversation here and there and asking a million questions, but you didn’t mind. Answering every one and asking some of your own. After a few weeks he developed a friendship with you, though he wanted more. He had wanted more since the moment he had seen you if he was being honest.

He loved your beautiful (y/s/c) skin that soaked up the sun and the way your (y/h/c) shinned and blew in the wind. He loved listening to you talk about your latest book and even tried reading some of them so he could talk to you about them. Though he preferred to hear you talk about them instead.

But he was too much of a coward to voice his feelings so instead he hoped you would catch on, maybe take note of his flirting and longing looks for more. But it seemed you thought of him as just a friend. So he let the summer slip away, there were only a couple weeks left and still he was too nervous to confess. Wondering what would happen when summer ended.

Unknown to him you had developed quite a crush on the curly haired lifeguard. Even bringing him lunch when Mary wasn't there and slipping in little treats here and there. You walked down the beach, your wicker basket in hand, Warren saw you coming and leaned over the rail to the point where you thought he was going to fall over. His loose Hawaiian shirt fluttering around him, open exposing his suntanned chest to you. He whistled at you, making you laugh. “Hey, pretty thing.” He called out, as you got closer you could see him smirking at you from his perch.

“Hey you.”

He lowered his sunglasses giving you a coy wink. “What’s for lunch today?” He asked, reaching down to take the basket from your outstretched hands.

“Turkey club with a side of chips and a slice of cake for dessert.”

He licked his lips, rubbing a hand over his stomach. “You’re too good to me honey.”

You giggled, flushing at his pet name. “I know.” You both smiled at one another, so invested in your own little world you didn't even notice someone else was there until Spencer cleared his throat. You turned to look at him, breaking away from Warren who let out a groan at the loss of attention. “I’m sorry, I didn't see you there. I’m (y/n).”

“I’m Spencer.” He gave you a small wave and you returned it.

“It’s nice to meet you Spencer.” You both exchanged polite smiles. “I’m sorry I didn’t know you were going to be visiting Warren for lunch. If I had I would have brought lunch for you too.”

Spencer opened his mouth to reply but Warren cut him off. “Don’t worry about him babe he was just leaving.”

“I wasn’t-”

Warren shot him a pointed look with a tight smile. “Just leaving.”

Spencer rolled his eyes. “Yeah yeah, I get it.” Spencer shoved his hands into his pockets and pushed past Warren to go down the steps to the beach.

“I’ll see you later man.” Warren called out to Spencer's retreating form.

“Whatever.” He replied.

“He seems nice.” You said, shielding the sun from your face with your hand as you watched Spencer walk away. “Kinda cute too.”

Warren scoffed “Not cuter than me I hope.”

You smiled, crinkling your face up at him. “Maybe.”

Warren held his hand up to his chest faking hurt, as if your words had physically wounded him. “You’ve wounded me babe.”

You just laughed. “Well anyway I better let you eat lunch, I’ll see you around Warren.” You moved to leave.

“Wait!” Warren’s voice made you turn back around. He cleared his throat, lowering his voice back to its normal level. “Would you maybe wanna eat lunch with me?”

“But I only packed lunch for you.”

“I’m not that hungry ,anyway, I had a big breakfast. Maybe we could split it.” He gave you a nervous smile.

You pursed your lips, pretending to think over his offer. Warren was watching your every movement, waiting for your answer. “Alright.”

Warren’s face split open in a wide smile, he helped you up the steps and made a big show of pulling out his only chair for you. As you turned away from him he quickly shoved his trash out of view, kicking discarded candy wrappers into the corner and covering them with a bucket. “Wow, you really do have the best seat in the house.” You mused, taking in the waves and the way the sun bounced off the water.

Warren leaned against the counter, his back to the ocean, his eyes trained on you alone. “I really do.”

Talking with Warren was alway made time fly. He was so passionate about his interests that you could listen to him talk for hours on end. And he could say the same, he loved watching the way you talked with your hands and the way you talked faster when you were excited about something. Lunch had been finished long ago and the sun was already starting to set on the horizon.

“I’ve noticed you’ve never gone swimming.” Warren blurted suddenly. His eyes widened when he realized his statement could come off as rude and he quickly tried to take it back.

“No it’s okay.” You laughed. “I just never learned how.” Warren started at you with his mouth hanging open. “What?”

“You never learned how to swim.” He asked, a smirk twitching at the corner of his lips.

“I know I know.” You looked out at the ocean. “I always wanted to though.”

“Why don’t you let me teach you?” Warren proposed. “I’m a pretty good swimmer if I do say so myself.”

“Is that so?”

“I mean that’s what my lifeguard certification says.” He pointed at the hanging frame. A picture of warren hanging next to a sign that said certified lifeguard, and underneath in black sharpie, and an excellent swimmer.

You giggled. “Very impressive.”

“Seriously let’s go for a swim.”

“Aren’t you on duty Mr. Certified lifeguard?”

“Yeah but there no one here.” You looked out at the beach and Warren was right. The beach was basically empty, everybody leaving for home as soon as the sun had begun to set. “Come on, you know you want to.” Warren poked at your side playfully. “Come on, come on…” Warren poked you with every come on until you swatted his hand away with a laugh

“Alright fine!”

“Yes!” Warren took your hand and dragged you down the steps, tossing his Hawaiian shift over his shoulder to hand on the wooden handle of the lifeguard station. You both got to the edge of the water, the waves tickling your feet.

“I don’t have a swimsuit.”

“You don’t need one.” Warren wiggled his eyebrows suggestively making you rolled your eyes and hit his chest. You blushed as you undressed, nervous at how he would perceive you. But when you turned to face him his eyes were wide with wonder taking all of you in. “You’re beautiful.” He whispered, more to himself than to you.

You blushed, pulling him into the water. “Let’s swim already.” He laughed taking hold of your hand. He squeezed it as he felt you tense, the water now up to your waist. He tried to lead you further but you stopped, feet digging into the sand. He moved closer to you, putting your arms around his shoulders. “I got you.” You let him pull you further out, your feet leaving the ground as you both ventured deeper.

Warren tread through the water, his arms moving you both as you clinged onto him for dear life. Your eyes were squeezed shut, afraid that if you opened them you’d panic and struggle against his hold. Your legs were tangled with his, trying to imitate his movements. After a while you opened your eyes, Warren starring at you with a soft smile. You returned it, letting your head fall onto his shoulder, completely at peace in his arms,

“(Y/n)?” Warren asked, wetting his chapped lips. You hummed against his shoulder in response, encouraging him to continue. His heart was thumping in his chest but he knew if he didn’t say anything now he’d let the rest of the summer slip away. He took a deep breath,“I like you.” He blurted it out all at once, almost too jumbled for you to make out. But you heard it, head snapping up to meet his gaze. He watched your face for a reaction, but you just tangled your fingers in his hair, pulling him close. Warren’s eyes widened as his lips collided with yours, melting into your touch. Your lips still tasted like the chocolate cake from lunch, and it made the kiss that much sweeter.

When you pulled away you rested your forehead against his, breathing in his summery scent. “Does that mean you like me too?” Warren asked in an unsure voice.

“Of course I do you idiot.” You leaned your lead back to look at him clearly. “I’ve liked you since I first laid eyes on you.”

“Ditto.”

You rolled your eyes. “How romantic of you Warren.”

“Come on.” Warren mused, his lips brushing yours. “You know you love it.”

“Shut up.”

“Make me.” You pulled him close again, your lips molding perfectly into his. Your fear of swimming melting away as you floated in the water with him, knowing that the rest of the summer would be spent like this. In his arms under the soft glow of the summer sun.

Taglist: @xxspqcebunsxx @coffeeandteaintheevening @kitwalkerangel @xmaximoffic @livingmybestfictionallife @evanmybeloved @shlutnutt @rottenstyx @cursedandromedablack @nightlockcornucopia @usuck @tatesimper dm to be added to Taglist

[thebreakfastgenie]

Thoughts on pineapple on pizza?

Oh this is great! I'll tell the story, it's been a while. I'm not going to dig up the piece I wrote on this in high school right now but maybe I will later and I still think it's any good I'll post it.

First, let me say this. I don't like it. I do like fruit and savory as a combination. I love pineapple in stir fry. But there's something about pineapple with tomato. Pineapple salsa is okay, so actually maybe it's just the pizzas sauce flavors. But I don't like it on the merits. It's like... too sweet? And I feel pretty strongly about this and I love getting riled up about food, so obviously the memes are fun.

But there's more.

I've basically only had pineapple on pizza once. I think I tried a bite of it once a few years after that, but basically one time. And with some other foods I'd say I should try them again to see if I like them better, but with this my reasons for not liking the flavors are pretty well articulated so I don't think it's a quality thing.

Anyway. I don't know how to tell this the short way, so a lot of this has nothing to do with pineapple on pizza. Hang in there.

I was ten. I was at my best friend's house.

My best friend had arrived at my house on a Sunday night and stayed through Monday, and on Tuesday morning her mom took us back to her house. I finally ended up going home on Wednesday morning. Tuesday was fun. Really you could have left the two of us in a dungeon and we would have had a great time as long as we were together, but her mom took us to a movie at the one dollar theater. It was Madagascar, a movie I saw many times around that time. She bought us popcorn, which is notable to me because it was only the second time I'd ever had movie theater popcorn. The first was at this same friend's birthday party a few months earlier. My best friend's mom would not stop feeding us. On the way home, she bought us chicken nuggets at the Wendy's drive-thru. Then we got home and she served us sloppy joes for lunch. I don't know if it's because I was there or not.

We had a great day. There were toys and computer games and mostly we just enjoyed each other's company. There was also an interlude of family drama and tears during which time I awkwardly stared at a box of Disney World memorabilia, but we recovered quickly.

Finally, in the evening, my best friend's dad came home from work and made a frozen pizza. It was a Hawaiian pizza, ham and pineapple. Neither one of us had ever had it before, but we agreed to try it. We each had a slice, and immediately agreed that it was disgusting. That it was absurd that anyone would eat this. The reason I told everything leading up to this is I feel that maybe, if I set the stage, it's easier to understand why this made such an impression. It's just one of those things, you know? Her dad is someone who likes to joke around, and we were teasing him about how bad the pizza was. There was just a summer three-day-sleepover energy in the air.

We didn't eat any more pizza. I guess we were hungry, despite all the food we'd been given all day, because we decided to eat other things instead. I found a packet of dinosaur oatmeal which I excitedly made, because I used to eat it all the time when I was younger and I hadn't had it for years. My best friend started eating pieces of pepperoni straight out of the package. I had never realized this was option before and I was fascinated. To this day, when I eat pieces of pepperoni, I think of her. Somehow, these choices of snacks made the whole thing funnier.

We talked on the phone a lot. We used to talk for so long we'd run down the batteries on cordless phones and have to change out receivers. My family left for vacation, and I talked to her on my mom's flip phone from the back of my parents' car while we were driving from Ohio to Maine and the call kept dropping when we lost service in upstate New York. It didn't matter, I just called back when we got service again.

The pineapple pizza became kind of a cherished memory. We thought it was unbelievably funny that we had been served this gross pizza and had chosen instead the superior meal of pepperoni and dinosaur oatmeal. I imagine this inside joke would have burned itself out in a couple of months, especially once we went back to school and had new experiences to laugh about. But after I went home on Wednesday morning, I never saw her again.

We tried pineapple on pizza in the summer, I think in early July, and she died that September. And so the absolute vileness of pineapple pizza, long before it became a memetic debate on the internet, was an inside joke I had with myself. Something I kept going, because it was one of the last things I shared with my best friend.

I miss her.

When I was a teenager and the internet first got all verklempt about pineapple on pizza, I was going through a somewhat emotional period about all of this, and I very seriously refused to ever eat pineapple on pizza out of deference to this years old joke that no one understands but me. I don't feel as strongly about it now. It's been almost ten years since then, almost sixteen since she died, and my feelings about it have changed, as they do every so often. It doesn't seem so important now, but I still think about it fondly.

And I still don't eat pineapple on pizza.

[sundimus]

Request for Spot! - “I brought pizza and wine and a horrible movie so in the words of Rory Gilmore, ‘I’m ready to wallow now’.” / Mechanicshipping /// “Are you guys ready for movie night?” Jay asks cheerfully as he and Nya carry two large pizza boxes into the room. “I bought pizza and wine and a horrible movie so in the words of Rory Gilmore, ‘I’m ready to wallow now’.” Pixal giggles. “I think you’ve been spending too much time around Zane if you’re starting to quote old TV shows.” “Who the hell is Rory Gilmore anyway?” Nya asks, already opening her Hawaiian pizza box to eat before the movie even starts. Zane tilts his head in a bewildered manner. “What do you mean by that? Have you never heard of Gilmore Girls?” She shakes her head. “Nope.” “I can not believe this.” “I only watch good shows Zane, I’m sorry,” Nya winks at him, clearly teasing. She laughs when Zane’s face turns into one of faux shock. “I’m breaking up with you.” “Zane!” “Zane I think you’re the only one here who watches teen drama shows,” Jay points out. “They’re good shows!” He protests. “Not as good as true crime documentaries,” Pixal argues. “No, those fake reality TV shows are definitely the most entertaining,” Jay insists. “You guys see the one with the girl who replaced her arms with giant lobster claws? That’s a classic.” “Can’t you guys just watch NinjaTube like normal people?” Nya asks, reaching to get her third slice of Hawaiian pizza despite the movie still not starting. “No,” all three of them say at once. “I love all of you dearly but I don’t trust any of you anymore,” Zane announces. “I’m joking of course. Now, are we ready to watch the movie?” The others nod as they get settled more into the couch, all of them leaning against each other with a giant blanket across their laps. “Should we invite Cole and Kai?” Jay whispers as the movie starts. “Fuck Cole and Kai,” Pixal whispers back. “Pixal!” Nya can’t suppress her laugh. “She’s right though. Consider this our date night.” Cole and Kai would later find all four of them asleep on the couch, and would steal the rest of the pizza without remorse.

[catty-words]

Would die to hear about the slayer one, anything with the jean jacket verse, and/or the one that has ghost in the title (sorry im on mobile i can't see the post lol) !!

a slayer AU snipped for you! (you can find another one here and here)

-

She thinks she hears laughter over the deep bass of the cave shaking itself apart, but she doesn’t have the chance to pinpoint where it’s coming from before a crack splits the ground open to her left and a creature the size of an SUV flies out, a fiery yellow streak across the cave’s high ceiling.

“What the fuck?” she repeats, rotating in place to keep her eyes on the creature’s trajectory and raising her ax to the ready.

“Who the fuck,” she hears Hawaiian Shirt correct. “This is Gama, I believe. Sworn protector of the knowledge you seek.”

“How—?” 

She starts to ask how he knows any of this, but a car-sized bird with boundless black eyes and a red-tipped beak lands in front of her, taking precedence.

 She can do this. Can’t be that much harder than her trig homework, she just has to—

The bird swipes at her with clawed feet the size of her head, and she narrowly avoids getting slashed by jumping backward. She trips over a rock as she goes and has to flail a second to maintain her balance.

“Watch out,” Hawaiian Shirt says, voice seeming to come from the ceiling itself.

Devi doesn’t have time for more than a growl of reproach before the bird is leaning in and screaming in her face. The noise hits her with all the impact of a physical wall, sending her stumbling several steps back.

Nostrils flaring, she steadies herself and then screams back.

Hawaiian Shirt has the audacity to laugh.

“I’m not afraid of you,” Devi says, and she’s pretty sure she’s talking to the bird. She swings her ax with as much force as she can muster, and it pings off the bird’s beak, making it shriek again, this time in pain.

While it’s distracted, she dives forward, looking to put herself in the open middle of the cavern instead of easily backed against the wall. She doesn’t put enough momentum behind the action, though, and her shoulder rolls at an unpleasant angle over some debris. She lands with an oof flat on her back, still close enough to the bird that she could reach out and touch its forked tail feathers.

“Pretty sure the claws secrete poison,” Hawaiian Shirt is saying from his hiding place as the very talons in question come slicing through the air, intent on pinning Devi to the ground. “If the legends are to be believed anyway.”

“Are you shitting me?” Devi asks no one in particular, rolling out of range as fast as she can.

She’s going to kill Kamala. A whole ten minutes on the species of mushroom that can grow in this cave system, but not so much as a whisper about a giant demon bird with poisonous talons? Good-for-nothing Watcher.

(wip game)

[ginjointsintheworld]

I’m right there with you with wanting a little bit more from their slowburn phase. I wanted more of their early days living together and seeing how they adjusted, but even two more scenes of them in that almost friends space where Lauren was really trying with the jokes and sharing in order to get Leyla to fully let down her walls would’ve been SO good. The pizza date is something I’ll always be bitter about because clearly it was some kind of turning point for them (I would’ve loved to see exactly what cheesy joke Lauren told that made Leyla roll her eyes but finally relax because she realized Lauren is actually a dork) but another hallway walk and talk conversation like the one where Leyla talks about frat guys or something with both of them coming off of work would have been amazing. I always wonder what more we would’ve seen if season three hadn’t been so condensed.

you mentioning the pizza date and leyla realizing that lauren is just a big dumb dork made me picture them sitting on a bench at a park with their hawaiian slices and lauren happily and attentatively listening to leyla answer a question about her life while picking off pieces of ham and when leyla trails off,

'do you... not like ham?'

'Oh I'm kosher so i... don't really eat ham'

and leyla bewildered just 'why didn't you get a different topping?'

'I didn't want you to feel judged' all matter of fact and simple, around a mouthful of her just pineapple pizza.

and in that moment, leyla and her heart realized, oh no, she a sweet dumb dork.

ANYWAYS. Sorry that was just a funny little thought that popped into my head. I'm overall pretty satisfied with how they developed in s3 so it's crazy to think how much better it could have been if they had been introduced in a season with a full 20 something episode order. I think there was time that just had to be sacrificed during their living together period between the last 3 episode to fit in the season so seeing how they settled into the dynamic of living together as a couple, leyla apply for residency, talking about which specialty she should choose, all the intimate conversations about their past would have been a dream. Though tbh it was kind of a treat getting to see their life in the apartment at all since the show so rarely follows the characters' lives outside the hospital walls.