#christmas biscuit bars

[thetockablog]

Hertzoggie Bars

Hertzoggie Bars Ingredients360g cake flour2 tsp baking powder40g granulated sugar200g Kerrygold butter, cubed and cold2 large eggs80ml milk500g apricot jam4 large egg whites200g desiccated coconut170g caster sugar MethodPrepare a 38 x 24cm baking dish with baking paper and set aside. To a large mixing bowl add the cake flour, baking powder, and sugar. Add in the cold, cubed butter and rub into…

[pitchsidestories]

A love like in the Christmas movies II Lea Schüller x Reader

romantic masterlist | platonic masterlist | word count: 1133

summary: Lea and Reader do a cozy Christmas movie marathon together. requested

author's note: Dear readers, have you spot the easter eggs from met someone ? Nonetheless, enjoy the fanfic. 🫶🏻🫶🏻

Everything was set for a great Christmas movies evening, the overhead lights were out, instead fairy lights and candles turned everything into a warm glow including your girlfriend’s and your face. It was perfect until a phone call interrupted the peaceful atmosphere.

“Wait, I’ll just take the call and then I’ll make us two cups of hot chocolates.”, Lea promised.

With an innocent smile on your lips, you asked her: “Okay. With marshmallows too?”,

 “Of course.”, she loved warmly.

“Thank you.”, you mouthed still smiling as the blonde answered the phone call.

The Bayern Munich player didn’t expect to hear her friend this evening, the brunette was on the mission to find love in a queer bar which Georgia recommended. From the disappointment in Lena’s voice she could tell that it wasn’t going according to plan.

While the minutes’ passed by Lea was looking longingly at you cozying up in her sweater on the sofa, oh, what the forward would do to be back in your arms to watch a few Christmas movies sipping some hot beverage.

“Tomorrow at my place? I’ll cook a lot of hot chocolate and then we’ll watch a stupid romcom?”, the blonde offered her best friend.

“Didn’t you do that today already.”, the midfielder returned the question in a teasingly tone turning the older players cheek soft pink.

Touché, Lena knew her teammate all too well. Even though the younger woman mocked her lovingly, she agreed to come the next evening to do exactly what the striker suggested.

“Was that Lena?”, you asked your girlfriend curiously once the blonde ended the phone call.

“Yes, Lena’s not coming, the finding love in a bar sadly didn’t work out for her, but that means more space for us on the sofa. Do you want some Lebkuchen along side the hot chocolate.”, Lea nodded.

“Homemade or shop bought?”, you questioned.

“Sorry, I’m a very busy person just like yourself, so it’s not baked by me.”, your girlfriend chuckled, putting some gingerbread biscuits on a festive plate as the blonde waited for the drinks to be ready.

“That’s okay. I don’t trust your baking skills yet anyway.”, you teased smirking referring to the first time you properly met each other.

“Oh my god, it’s hard to cook while being filmed by such a gorgeous woman behind the camera, okay?”, she protested, her cheeks turning into an even deeper pink which you thought looked adorable on her.

 “Oh, yeah sure.”, you replied and laughed nervously. Receiving compliments wasn't exactly one of your strengths. Although you knew that the striker meant every sweet word that crossed her lips.

To show that she was serious about it, she gave you an encouraging smile as she finally handed you a Christmas mug. “Trust me.“

“At least your hot chocolate is good.“, you subtly changed the topic after you took a sip from the hot chocolate, careful not to burn your mouth.

“It is, right? Have you chosen a Christmas movie yet?”, Leah asked while sitting back down on the sofa.

“I have. I hope you like it too.“, you nodded and pressed play.

You were not surprised that she recognised the movie within the first few minutes.

“Happiest season?”

“Yes?”, you confirmed, uncertain if she even liked the movie.

Lea tilted her head as if she was considering your choice for a moment. “I mean sure. Even though Audrey Plaza and Kristen Stewart should have ended up together, so if they ever do a part two and you direct it, it needs to be about them getting together.“

You tried hard not to laugh as you reminded her: “Lea, I do sports documentaries.“

“Just saying.“, she shrugged.

“Okay, I will tell my agent that she should keep an eye out for that.“, you joked.

Lea nodded with a grin: “She better should. I know you would do a better job.“

“You think so?”, you laughed.

“Yes.“

But you could tell that Leas thoughts were somewhere else all of a sudden. She had been staring at the plate of chocolate covered gingerbreads without saying anything else until you realized what was going on.

“Are you calculating how many Lebkuchen each of us get? You’re such a math nerd.“

The striker looked back up at you, her mouth opened in a little offended O. “What do you mean math nerd? Who wouldn’t? I just want to share them fairly.“

“You know what I meant.“, you continued to tease her with a smirk.

Rolling her eyes, she agreed: “Yeah, I do.“

“See.“

You only spend a few minutes watching the movie in silence until Lea asked: “What would happen in a Christmas movie you made?”

You tore your eyes away from the screen, taking a moment to think about that question while Lea watched you curiously.

“Easy. I’d let protagonist A and protagonist B meet three Christmases in a row. The first time A is in a relationship while B is single, the next Christmas it would be the other way around and then on the third Christmas they would finally get together.”, you explained.

Leas eyes narrowed: “Wait, this is our story.”

“Says who?”, you asked innocently.

“So I’m person A.”, Lea concluded.

“Maybe yes, maybe no. Fiction doesn’t work like that, meine Liebe.”, you shrugged. The truth was that it was in fact about the two of you. Two years ago, you had been working on a short documentary about Leas career and immediately found that you liked her but she was in a relationship.

You kept in touch and a year later you accidentally ran into each other again right before Christmas but at that point you were dating someone who you thought could be the right person. Until Lea. And now you were sitting in her living room as girlfriends and discussing if your story would make a good plot for a Christmas movie.

“Yes, it does!”, Lea protested.

“If you say so. You can choose the next Christmas movie.“, you said while pointing towards the TV where the credits flickered across the screen already.

“Okay, fine.“, the football player agreed but instead of taking the remote, she just studied you.

“What? Or… do you want to do something else?”

“I mean I have a few suggestions.“ Her blue eyes lit up as she flashed you an innocent smile.

“Which ones?”

You watched Lea bite her lip in response, a flash of impatience on her face as she got up from the sofa. She gently pulled you up with her and winked: “Let’s go.“

You made your way to the bedroom. The lights on her Christmas tree were still on and the hot chocolate mugs stood forgotten on the coffee table. It didn’t matter. You both waited too long to finally spend this Christmas together.

Christmas/Winter Oneshots

if you enjoyed this story reblogs, comments and likes are always appreciated !

[cod-dump]

the boys reaction to getting Price to laugh at their shenanigans. It is just them stopping and slow turning to look at Price crying laughing with shocked looks at him. after that it is a competition to see can get him to laugh meanwhile Ghost can do it by saying just the right joke. (sorry for paragraph! i like ur incorrect quotes!!)

Price wasn't easy to make laugh. A full belly laugh had never been heard before by Soap and Gaz in the entire time they've worked with Price. Which is why when the magic finally happened they were stunned. He was sleep deprived, was a bit high on pain meds accompanying blood loss from a relatively non-lethal injury. All those combined led to the perfect conditions for a laughing Price.

Soap throwing pens at Gaz while the man was trying to sneakily steal a candy bar from Ghost's pocket relatively wasn't the funniest thing they've ever done. But for the reasons listed, Price found it hilarious. One pen nailing Gaz's neck and their captain starting laughing. Ghost was the only one not fazed, only caring for his almost lost candy bar.

Price had passed out not long after he coughed a lung up for laughing so hard. Soap and Gaz were changed men after that. Ghost couldn't understand why they were so stunned, Ghost had Price laughing over the Christmas themed biscuit tin they found from five years ago.

He's gotten the man to cry from laughing over an officer's surname. From mocking an agent behind their back with an exaggerated accent. Price laughs a lot. Why are they acting like he hasn't before? Do they not pay attention?

"You two are pathetic."

They didn't even fight him on that, that's how much this was getting to them. Unbelievable.

[i23kazu]

GENSHIN MEN & DOING CUTE AUTUMN THINGS .

characters. zhongli diluc kaeya childe neuvillette alhaitham kaveh x gn!reader genre. romantic fluff. an. happy almost october. which means happy almost christmas | please reblog!! im getting back into writing and reblogs with tags and comments will make me want to write more :D

zhongli

autumn, with zhongli, is sitting around a bonfire together. his hands are tightly wrapped around you, with you leaning against his shoulder – liyue never had seasons like these, so experiences like these came far and few. it was lovely all the same, sitting nestled in the leaves with you.

diluc

autumn, with diluc, is helping him with the autumn harvest. carts of grapes, pumpkins, cantaloupes, tomatoes, and more were filled to the brim, with two satisfied smiles on your faces after as he pushed the cart back to the manor. a sweet tradition, always ending with a glass of the harvest's finest wine at the end of the day.

kaeya

autumn, with kaeya, is always filled with baking and your household smelling like the grand mixture of cinnamon, butter and nutmeg. pumpkin pie, apple pie, cinnamon rolls, pecan bars, apple crisps and so many more left no more room for actual eating at the kitchen counters – time to host another soirée!

childe

autumn, with childe, is always competing to gather the biggest pile of leaves outside to jump into, within the coziness of your backyard. some years, the children eagerly watched the you go against each other, only for childe to tackle you into your pile of leaves. you always forgive him, though – you can't stay mad at your favourite ginger.

neuvillette

autumn, with neuvillette, is taking a stroll through the cold gardens of fontaine. the air seems to whisper and flitter about, and the melusines skip around as happily as ever. neuvillette forgets about all his worries the moment his hand slips in yours so perfectly – it seems as if your hand was made exactly for his.

alhaitham

autumn, with alhaitham, is booking an isolated cabin in the woods – and spending your most favourite two weeks of the year there. the air is sweetened with the scent of cinnamon biscuits and browned butter. you and alhaitham finally get to take a breath away from the bustle of sumeru city, and curl up within each other to read and live.

kaveh

autumn, with kaveh, is booking every single haunted house and maze you can find on the sumeru websites. you laugh as you watch your boyfriend's face turn from pleasantness to a horror-filled shock, the most high-pitched squealing and shrieking you've ever heard extract out of his body when the jumpscares start. he may have grabbed your hand too tightly, and now there's a red mark.

taglist: @tiredsleep @loptido @raincxtter @chichikoi @ladyadii @soulsanta @sheiiths @genshinparty @eowinthetraveler @moonbyunniee @legitnoi @lemontum @manager-of-the-pudding-bank @starz222 @ilyuu @cherry-colored-petals @mondaymelon @tartaglia-apologist @soleillunne @m1shapanda @aimynx @smokipoki @adeptuscharm @diorlumx @vennnnn-diagram @ryuryuryuyurboat @yuminako (send ask to be added to taglist)

reblogs w/ tags & comments help me lots !!! if you liked this, consider dropping me a follow as well :-)

[cinnamon-piastri]

Christmas cookies and kinder bars | Lando Norris

A shorter little blurb about Lando Norris for day 2 of my Christmas fics, I was running sort of behind today but I still had fun writing a whole thing about Lando based on watching him eat kinder on stream 🤣

Summary: You ask him to get you one thing from the supermarket

Warnings: None 🧡

"Oh no how am I supposed to make Christmas cookies now!" You shouted out from the kitchen as you were kneeling on the counter and digging through the cupboards desperately searching for the cinnamon.

Not long after, Lando came walking out to find out what the crisis was. "What is it babe what can't you find?" He asked with a chuckle struggling to take the situation seriously, as the image of you trying to reach the top cupboard was too entertaining.

"I thought I had cinnamon in here somewhere but I can't find it, and I can't make my cookies without it" you said with a pout as you got off the counter and faced your boyfriend.

"Do they need cinnamon?" Lando asked as if he was seriously suggesting you just skip the cinnamon. "Yes of course if they don't have cinnamon then they're just plain cookies and I can't take those to the work christmas party tomorrow" you said in a panic as your boyfriend approached you.

Lando slowly pulled you in for a hug shushing you. "It'll be fine, do you need me to go get you some?" He asked you with a smile.

"Yes please it's very important" you said as you put on your best puppy dog eyes to try and convince him. He simply laughed "alright I'm here to save the day, I'll grab you some cinnamon little lady don't you worry" he said with a proud expression.

"Thank you so much babe you're my hero" you said as you kissed him on the nose. "Hang tight baby I'll be right back!" He assured you as he grabbed his wallet and headed out of your shared apartment.

He arrived quite some time later with several shopping bags full of various snacks and treats. "Lando what is this?" You asked him almost shocked.

He smiled widely as he placed the bags down. "I got us a few extra bits while I was there, I got your favourite tea, those little chocolate biscuits you like to dip in it before bed, did you know they actually sell kinder Buenos in there!" he said holding up the box with an accomplished expression. "That's more than a few extras babe that's a whole cupboard" you said with a chuckle.

"Did you even get what I sent you for?" You asked genuinely before he nodded in response. "Yeah! It's in here somewhere....." He said sheepishly as he glanced down at the bags trying to remember which one it was in. You simply chuckled and pulled him down for a kiss. "I love you" he smiled widely at you. "I love you too babe, now let's get those cookies baking so we can relax with a hot chocolate".

[dizzymisslizzie]

2024 Fic Round Up!

Inspired to do this by @caterpills's post!

Most of my fics were published in 2024! Going back, I realized how much writing I did this year! This is my first foray into writing in fandom and I've found it so soul-enriching.

So here's the list of my 2024 fics! Note: These are all RWRB❤️🤍💙

January

Model Behavior: Model!Alex AU, Words: 67,876

March

New Friend Silver, Old Friends Gold : PWP! Words: 4,683

May

May the Fourth be with You: Post-Canon Fluff!! Words: 1,764

June

Biscuit Land: Single Dad!Alex and Baker!Henry

Looking for Orion: RWRB x Star Trek: TNG AU! Doctor!Alex with cute kids and Commander!Henry. This one is angsty but as always a happy ending! Words: 32,245

July

Fireworks Reflecting on a Lake: Post-Canon Fluff! Words: 812

September

beautiful, curious, breathing, laughing flesh [fic & podfic] by esbielle, LK_42: This is my first collaboration!! Olympic diving AU! Words: 32,431, Podfic 4 hours

October

All, All Mine, Beloved: Omegaverse! Lawyer!Alex and Prince Henry in a rushed marriage. There's plenty of sex but LOTS of plot too!! Words: 69,193

November

Crystal Heart by LK_42 for magicmelinoe: Anywhere with You gift exchange! This story was going to be 3K words and ended up at 34,147!! Witch!Alex and Faerie!Henry quest to find answers to a magical bond.

Say My Name: Ok, this started out quick and dirty and has grown into a second chapter and likely a third at some point! A bathroom stall at a gay bar; Words: 3,964

December

Merry Christmas, Henry Fox: PWP!! Y'all, this is just some hot Writer!Henry and Lawyer!Alex sex. Words: 1,743

I have so many WIPs that I'm playing with! My Camping AU: Wildness & Artifice is very summer themed and the ending needs fleshing out so I think I'll keep that one for the Spring.

BUT! I have at least two more winter themed fics that will be coming out in the next month or so! There's also Gilmore Girls AU and Sugar Daddy Pez in the works!

I love RWRB and the whole MCQ universe. This fandom their books have relit a love of fiction (I read a lot of non-fiction history) in me that I thought was gone. This fandom and their words got me through a tough pregnancy and kept me sane during my first months as a new mom.

The words of the authors of this amazing fandom have made me weep, rage and laugh out loud. Thank you for your words and inspiring me to keep writing mine.

Open no pressure tags!

@miss-minnelli @tailsbeth-writes @firstprincehornyramblings @aforgottennymph @botaboxed @suseagull5914 @onthewaytosomewhere @marz-rm @magicmelinoe @cha-melodius @anincompletelist @fullsunsets @starrypiscesao3

[honeypotdrops]

✿Note from Honey: this is just some crumbs i have to sprinkle for you on a new OC i’m working on, i’ll post more about her background and story soon if it’s wanted but i had to get this one outta the box first- consider this a light snack from me to you <3

✿side note: I REALLY hope you enjoy this- being new to this game, i was so hesitant to post this because i don’t feel as though my writing is to the quality to do so just yet but i just thought WHAT’S THE WORST THAT’S GONNA HAPPEN :) anyway, enjoy!

Disclaimer: literally nothing i don’t think? the slightest mentions of alcohol, soft soft, cute times of people reminiscing about home!<3

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ────── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

♡ 𝒮𝓅𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓁 𝒟𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 ♡

OC Calico X Task Force 141

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Missing home was a part of calicos’ daily routine.

During the spare hours of the day she’d be thinking of the next time she’d get to cram onto a busy tube from Victoria Station.

She’d dream of the first time after a long time of standing in the cold and shielding from the rain with her friends outside an overpriced bar in Central London, sipping Prosecco, even though she’s always hated it, but never had the heart to tell them..

She missed the way home made her feel- Some days, more than others.

This was in fact, one of them days.

She was swamped head to toe in paperwork, deadlines, mission reports, “that person’s injured”, “this person wants to arrange a meeting” and the list unfortunately went on..

She huffed and moved away from her desk, throwing her head back and feeling tears form in her eyes and stress taking over her body.

her thoughts were disturbed by a knock at the door- 

“Come in!” She called half heartedly.

Gaz struggled as he entered the room, holding a large box, covered in brown paper with small tiny illustrations of christmas trees and Santa hats all over it.

“this, my darling was left, for you” he smiled brightly, dropping the heavy package on the desk making a loud thump as it left his hands.

Calico furrowed her brows, inspecting the parcel on her desk.

“For me?” she replied in disbelief “What for?”

All Gaz responded with was a shrug “No idea, was just labelled as ‘special delivery’ and addressed to you” he smiled softly at her, turning to leave the room.

She forcefully ripped off the paper, the amount of sellotape on this thing was criminal.

with one last pull of the plastic, the box was finally open.

she delved inside, rummaging through layers of red and green tissue paper.

She found a small card, written on it was “To our Frankie”

she flopped back down on her chair, opened the envelope, and pulled out the card. 

There was a picture on the front of two penguins in hats and scarves ice skating around a Christmas tree. She smiled to herself and read the inside;

Frankie, 

Home feels strange without you here, we spend everyday missing you and thinking about you, we hope that this helps you in the same troubled times, and we hope it helps you remember the feeling of home..

P.s don’t eat them all at once, and remember to share, we know what you’re like!

All our love,

Mum, Dad and Freddie 

x x x

the tears that were looming over her began to fall, she smiled and held her hand to her chest, the warmth of love radiating inside her, like a glowing orb where her heart once was- 

she wiped her tears on the back of her hand, placing the card upright on her desk beside a picture of her, her parents and her younger brother. 

she got up and dove into the parcel without a second thought, she found all sorts of her favourite goodies and treats she loved from back home that filled the box to the brim.

Dairy milk bars, tonnes of them, so many she’s sure she could start her own trade here on base, wine gums,  boxes of Yorkshire tea bags, biscuits, the absolute lot.

as she dug deeper to the bottom, she found a small printed picture of her and her two friends, Shelly and Kate- it was one of the last pictures they had taken while she was on leave.

The three of them outside her childhood home, arms wrapped round one another, smiles and sunburned cheeks, all with glasses of whatever concoctions they were drinking that night.

she turned the photo over to another message, neatly written in bright pink and purple gel pen with small doodles of hearts and stars around it,

“WE MISS YOU TOO! CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU CALI” 

P.S- YOU DON’T HAVE TO SHARE THIS ONE!

LOVE YOU ALWAYS,

-YOUR GIRLS<3

 X O X O

Calico shook her head and huffed out a laugh, she peered into the box where there was two mini bottle of Prosecco and a tacky picture frame that looked like it fell and stumbled out of the nineties, the words “best friends” around the pink and green frame.

she slid the picture in and placed it next to her other ones that scattered across her desk, smiling at the reminders of the people who wished her a safe return home.

She placed the items back in the box and slid it under her desk, taking one of the chocolate bars out and happily munching away while returning to the work ahead of her.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Calicos’ day was now slowing coming to an end, she had made a cup of tea with the goodies sent from her Mum and sat herself down behind her computer, shoving another piece of chocolate in her mouth before tackling the last piece of work ahead of her.

Another knock at the door appeared causing her to almost choke on the mouthful of chocolate she had crammed in.

“Yeah- uh..come in” she muffled out.

“Heard you had a delivery love?” Price poked his head round the door, smiling at her with intrigue in his eyes.

Calico squinted “yeah…maybe..” she replied cautiously while swallowing the evidence to try not to give herself away, her Mum wasn’t wrong- she did not like sharing.

“what’d ya get then?” Ghosts’ body moved in behind Price, his dark eyes making her break and her previous innocent look start to crumble slowly.

“Aye don’t be all secretive bonnie, let us av’ a look then” Soap tried shoving his way past both bodies standing in her doorway but failing and only his head appearing below the Captains.

Calico put her head in her hands and laughed at the sight.

“It’s like you lot get the most minuscule scent of a good cuppa and suddenly become like bloodhounds searching for it” she chuckled, shaking her head “is there more of you or-?”

“Yeah, i’m here too i just- i don’t think anymore of us can fit in this doorway” Gaz called out 

Calico rolled her eyes and smiled, motioning for them to come in and sit with her.

the placed themselves round her little space watching intensely, like small primary school children during show and tell, while she showcased the goods she had been sent.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

 Tea’s had been made and shared out between the group, biscuits had been dunked and wine gums had been shared, much to Calicos’ disgust but, part of her didn’t mind so much after seeing the happy looks upon their faces.

They spent most of the night snacking away as the sky got darker and the base got quieter.

Calico turned to the box and dug out a chocolate bar she had been keeping for herself.

She peeled back the purple wrapper and snapped it bit by bit, she handed a strip of it to each of them, smiling as she did.

They all savoured it, the taste that was so familiar to them all, reminding them of their childhood, Christmases with loved ones or anytime there was a bowl full of treats on the family table. 

Calico smiled at the sight, she nibbled the last piece and sat back in her chair next to Price.

He sighed contently finishing his last square and taking a sip of tea before speaking.

“tastes’ like home” 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Note from Honey: If you made it this far thank yewww for reading <3 i really hope you liked it, i feel like it’s not much but BARE WITH, i have so many ideas for this character.. at the moment they’re all kinda balled up and bundled in a box lmao

Love ya!

-Honeypot<3

[talistheintrovert]

life update

I hope you're all having a wonderful holiday season out there, despite the Everything.

Unfortunately, I cannot say that I am.

Two weeks ago, the van that I've been living in blew a head gasket, which halted our travels and is not only extremely expensive to replace, but was also delayed due to the Christmas period. This has kept us stuck in a small town in South Australia, and I am now living out of the swag (one person tent) and sharing my parents' caravan, which is kind of them, but a tight squeeze for all of us.

On top of this, on Friday my laptop died. No warning, no nothing - worked perfectly on Thursday and was dead on Friday. I took it to a repair shop and they said there was nothing they could do bar contacting the manufacturer directly and as it's out of warranty it'd be more expensive than just buying a new laptop. My only real hope is to bring it in somewhere on Monday and pray that they are able to get any data at all off the internal hard drive.

What that means is that not only do I now have to buy a new laptop - another outrageous expense - but any video progress is indefinitely delayed until I can get one and determine whether or not there's anything salvageable on my deceased brick of a laptop.

My parents are essentially keeping me afloat, but that's not easy on them or their finances either, so I may have to fly back to the UK (using points, flights are also too expensive) or find employment somehow over here.

I'm also still disabled, still chronically ill, and still struggling in general, which these circumstances have obviously not helped.

Christmas has never been a particularly fun or lucky period for me, but this is getting dangerously close to taking the biscuit.

All this is to say that I'm not sure when the next videos of mine will be out or when I'll be able to do any patreon exclusives and I understand if that's frustrating or a deal breaker to some of you. I'm going to do my very best in the coming week to get on top of everything and I will update you all if there's any news, good or bad. I apologise for not having a more productive update, and I hope you're all having a much better time than me lol

if you like me or the things I make and you can afford to, please consider donating to my ko-fi or subscribing to my patreon, BUT ONLY IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO.

Sending you all love and light in these trying times

🫂💜🫂💜

[askwhatsforlunch]

Festive Baking

Today is Saint-Nicholas Day, celebrated across Europe, from Germany to France, Belgium to Switzerland and the Netherlands (on the 5th December for our Dutch friends), and thus I reckon it's a good day to start indulging in Festive Baking! My Christmas Pudding is maturing in the dark and won't be revealed until Christmas Eve or Day, but whilst we wait, there is plenty of time for spiced biscuits, crisp meringues, soft saffron brioches or mouth-watering custard tartlets! And you can even bake a batch of vanilla, chocolate or gingerbread bikkies to decorate your tree --we are getting ours this weekend! It's cold outside, and it is a season for being nice to yourselves, your friends and loved-ones, and nothing says "I love you" like a plate of freshly baked little pies filled with the right amount of sultanas and flaky pastry (especially when your girlfriend designed a recipe specially to cater to your moderate appreciation of aforementioned sultanas!) Have fun baking, friends, and even more fun eating these beauties!

 Lebkuchen 

Pastéis de Nata 

 Ava’s Mince Pies 

Saint Nicholas Meringue Mushrooms 

Croissants and Chocolate Croissants 

Cranberry Rolls 

Stained Glass Honey Biscuits 

Apricot, Nut and Seed Florentines 

Chocolate Chip and Caramel Cookies 

Christmas Tree Vanilla Cookies

Salted Caramel Marshmallows 

Homemade Skor Bars

Christmas Tree Chocolate Cookies and Icewine Stained Glass Chocolate Cookies

Lussekatter (St. Lucia Buns) 

Marrons Glacés (Candied Chestnuts)

[the-offside-rule]

Jack Grealish (Manchester City) - Snowman

Day 9 of Christmas

Y/n and Jack had bee running around the house since late last night, making sure that their daughters Kayla and Sophie's Christmas was perfect. They had laid out Kayla's Manchester City kits on the sofa, along with her various other toys from 'Santa'. Jack had taken the pleasure of eating the biscuits and the brandy since Santa apparently prefers a glass or two of brandy before leaving the house and going to the next.

The sunlight had just about shone through their curtains when they heard their daughters barging through the door, Kayla slapping down hard on her Dad, with Sophie trying to jump up on the bed. "Dad! Wake up! Santa came!" Kayla squealed. Sophie had given up on climbing the bed and ran over to her mum's side of the bed and poking her, babbling along. Y/n smiled and lifted the 2 year old before patting Jack beside her. "Jack, love." He grumbled. "Can we skip Christmas this year?" He asked. "No!" The two girls replied. "Silly dad!" Kayla giggled, pulling at his arm. "Can we go? I wanna see the presents!" He groaned and nodded, before hopping out of bed and throwing on his night gown. Oh god how he had turned into such a typical Dad on Christmas day.

They crept downstairs, Jack leading them all. He opened the door slightly and peaked in. "Oh dear, I can only see coal-"

"No!" Kayla nearly sobbed. "Only messing." Jack replied before opening the door fully and turning the light on to show a living room full of gifts, big and small. Kayla ran around, not knowing which to open first. "Y/n let Sophie waddle around, touching all the presents and grabbing some to bring back to help open, whilst Jack sat beside Y/n and watched Kayla run around tearing into her gifts. "Why's it got your name on it?" Kayla asked. "Well, Grealish is your name too, sweetheart." Jack replied. "I would've liked Haaland better." He looked back to Y/n who hid her laugh by smiling with Sophie at her colourful new toys.

As the day went by, Jack helped Y/n in the kitchen as they watched their daughters play outside in the snow. "We'll bring them in soon. Make sure they don't get sick." Jack said as he cut the carrots. "Let them finish the snowman first. This is the first snow they're actually allowed to play in." Y/n said. "I know I just-"

"Hi mum! Hi dad!" Kayla said sprinting in and running upstairs, whilst Sophie stood at the door giggling. "What's funny?" Y/n asked. She pointed at Jack who forgot he had Kayla's Christmas headband still on his head. "What? Do you not think I look stylish, Soph?" He asked while posing and making her giggle even more. "Silly daddy." Y/n chuckled along as she bent down to zip up Sophie's coat a bit more. "You haven't called me that in a while, love." Jack joked. "Jack, I-"

“Dad?” Kayla asked. “Can we use this scarf?” Jack looked at the designer scarf she held in her hands. “That’s Gucci.” Jack said. “You named your scarf?” Jack shook his head. “No, no. It means it's special.” Kayla’s eyes lit up. “So it’s perfect for our snowman. He’s special too.” Jack looked over to Y/n who looked back amused, almost to say 'Do it.' Jack let out a sigh and nodded. “I suppose so.” He said. Kayla cheered and ran outside, chucking the scarf around the pile of snow with coal as a mouth.

"Mum!" Kayla called in. Both parents looked out as Kayla pointed to what they believed to be the snowman. "It looks like dad now!" She shouted, making Sophie burst into a fit of giggles. Y/n laughed. Jack simply looked over to her, the same way he did the first Christmas he spent with her. Oh how the times had changed. From having to spend them away from eachother, to now spending them with their two daughters. He loved this woman and he loved the two little ladies out the back, laughing at something that bared no resemblance to him bar the Gucci scarf. "It's identical." Jack said. Y/n turned back to face Jack and nodded, matching the same face of love and adoration as he did. "The spitting image, love."

[sanssoucisims]

Grandma's back at it with the Cozy Celebrations/Christmas event! ☃️

Would you believe one of the quests for the third week of the event asks you to cook (I thought it was meant to be 'bake'...) chocolate chip cookies!? Of course, it was only fitting that Grandma would make the one classic treat her grand-kids go crazy for.

...Except she doesn't actually have grand-kids. Those would just be the multitude of stray cats that occasionally visits her.

Grandma also had to prepare a traditional Coquito from a bar. She's certainly not one to drink, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do to complete the event. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Although there were a few times where she did have a want bubble pop up saying she wanted to drink at a bar when she went out...

❉ ❉ ❉

Another quest required Grandma to 'have two or more sims watch TV together'. Now, I admit, this one stumped me at first because I thought I'd be able to complete it by having Grandma invite her dear old frenemy Agnes Crumplebottom over so they could spend a little TV time together, but it only counted as ONE sim watching instead of TWO like the quest asked for.

I feel like this just sums up their relationship as a whole, lmao. Grandma's all smiles and just wants to make friends, while Agnes is constantly debating whether to murder her or not. They may be both old ladies, but they're total polar opposites.

I should mention that Agnes actually kicked Grandma's trash can over when she first came by, but after they sat down and unsuccessfully tried to complete the event quest, Agnes actually got up and took the liberty of throwing away the trash in the kitchen AND picking up the can she knocked over. How nice!!

After Grandma sent Agnes home, she figured she could meet up with Ian Moody and Derek McMillan at their home so she could enlist their help with finishing this particular part of the event (and perhaps continue to reassure them that she isn't out to evict them like she inadvertently did in my old save file that probably ended up kick-starting the endless chain of bad luck that has befallen her)!

When Grandma dropped by, Ian was actually grilling some Pollo a la Brasa and they all sat down to have a quick sort of dinner meal!

Afterward, I ended up switching control to the Moody and McMillian household so I could properly get two sims to watch TV at the same time (yep - turns out I needed two sims IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD to actually complete the quest).

While I was at it, I also had Ian and Derek talk about holiday songs as well as with Grandma for part of the next set of quests. Then I sent Grandma home to finish the remainder of the quests: listening to winter holiday music, researching holiday traditions on a computer, and documenting the research.

Rinse and repeat...

While taking a break between event quests, Grandma managed to adopt two of the numerous stray cats who like to frequent her home! Their names are Honey Biscuits (the white/grey Himalayan) and Honey Mustard (the orange/tan-colored Ocicat) - they were both originally named "Honey" at first so I tacked on the second names to differentiate them.

That joy was short lived, though, because to add on to the endless string of bad luck that seems to plague Grandma, a fire broke out in her living room. I figured it more than likely happened because there was a rug in front of the fireplace, but before I could have Grandma even attempt to extinguish it, the rug turned to ashes and the nearby couch and coffee table got burned. Grandma took off running, but luckily none of the cats seemed to care even if they became uncomfortable.

Honey Biscuits, in particular, DEFINITELY didn't seemed to mind (legit the "this is fine" meme)... until she caught on fire herself and the firefighter had to stop standing and staring at her and extinguish her. But at least she didn't die??

Grandma ended up getting an insurance payment so she could get everything replaced.

In hindsight, though, maybe Grandma should've listened to the kitties, because one of the other strays, Axel (she didn't adopt him yet), actually went up to the fireplace before everything got burned and looked scared of it. He knew something...

Oh, right, we're supposed to be finishing up the Christmas quests, weren't we?

[theyanderespecialist]

Tai Lung's Kitten😻P1: Yandere Tai Lung X Darling OC (Kung Fu Panda) 

Tai Lung's Kitten P1: Yandere Tai Lung X Darling OC (Christmas Gift For Friend)

[Hello, My Sexy Muffins! I am here with a Gift for A friend and I hope you all enjoy it as well!]

(Disclaimer: Tai Lung is not Yandere In Canon! This is just for fun and not to be taken seriously at all! Simping for Fictional Characters and Shipping them is fine! Just do not be illegal or gross about it! You know who you are! You Dirty, Flaky, Biscuits! Yanderes are not ideal partners to have in real life! Also, remember to separate fiction from reality and headcanon from canon! Thank you!) 

(Tai Lung's Kitten) (Part 1: Kindness) (No One's POV)  Malinal fell flat on her back and groaned as she did. She had somehow been transported to China. She did not know how she got her, she had been at the Aztec Temples and now here she was in China. She got up and looked around. She was a bit away from a village and temple, but on the hill she is, she can see the temple. She would have to travel through the forest and that is what she did. She walked down the large hill she was on being careful. She then made her way through the forest and only came out with a few scrapes and bruises.  For Some reason, she could understand the language. She was confused and asked people what part of China she was in when someone tapped her back. She turns around to see an elderly turtle. 

"My Child, are you the woman from the Aztec temples, Malinal." He asks her and her eyes go wide.  "Yes, I am, why, how do you know that?" She asks him.  "Come with me, I have much to discuss with you." He says. "I am Master Oogway and I foresaw a terrible event, there is one way to stop it and I believe that is you."  "What do you mean?" She asks.  "I cannot tell you the details as it could change everything, but trust me, you are in good hands." He reassures her.  That is how she came to live In China. She did not understand what Master Oogway had planned, but she trusted the grand master, as he was very calm and wise, he also seemed to have faith that she would be able to do what he knew she could... It put her a bit at ease. 

 Master Oogway got her a job at a prison and he said it was to train her for her real challenge, whatever that was and she was in charge of a prisoner there. The prisoner is Tai Lung. She remembers the first day she met Tai Lung.  "Who are you." The Jaguar asks her.  "I am Malinal, I am here to bring you your meal and keep you company." She tells him and his eyes narrowed on her, he felt this strange feeling in his chest for it. He did not know if he liked it.  She gave him his meal and sat down setting her meal down across from him. Yes, she planned to eat with him. She prayed over her food and he stared her down. She then grabbed her chopsticks and began to eat her meal. He trusting her slowly began to eat his meal as well. This began to be a daily thing for them. The first thing she would do when there was bring him breakfast, then talk to him for two hours, followed by making lunch and bringing it to him another two hours of talking, cooking, and eating dinner with him.  She did in fact cook meals for him. As after three days, she told him she would make him something. Today though she made him a nice sweet, that was not too sweet. She was not the best baker at least that is what she thought. So she wanted to make this new recipe she found of Chinese mango pudding. She got very little sleep making it perfect. She hoped it would not be too sweet.  (Fun fact saying a desert is not too sweet in China and some other Countries in Asia is a huge compliment for the desert, unlike Americans they do not like overly sweet things as much!) 

She brought it with his breakfast and quickly made her way to his cell. There he was waiting, pacing. She was late and he was worried something happen to her.  "Sorry that I am-"  "Malinal! Are you okay!?" He demands to know having himself pressed to the bars and his tail swaying as if she was prey.  "Oh! I am fine!" She says with a smile. "I did not mean to worry you, I just wanted to make you a treat last night and had to make it perfect."  He was shocked and she pulled it out, holding it out to him with a bright smile. She worked hard on it and wanted to know if he liked it!  "Y-You made this for me." He asks, stunned.  she was not only making healthier and more tasty meals, but she also took the time to make him sweets. She bought the food and made it herself. He was touched.  "Yes! I hope you like it! I also hope it is not too sweet!" She tells him and he takes it slowly lifting a spoonful to his mouth.  It was so good and it brought him back to when he was small and his adoptive father would make this when they were in season. He was feeling very strange.  He looked at her and saw she was waiting expectingly.  "It is not too sweet, thank you." He tells her and she breaks out into a grin.  He felt his heart race and the tides had changed. Master Oogway had a new vision, this time, Mailina was in danger! The plan he saw before was gone, and she was at risk! 

[YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS another chapter done! This is just part 1 will have part 2 at the end of the first month for the start of the lunar new year!] 

[hp-fanfic-archive]

Rarepair Christmas Masterlist

find the full masterlist directory here

last updated: 12/17/24 | links last checked: 12/17/24

Microfics:

A Snow Game by siobhrag [Draco/Ron, G, 326]

A game of snowball went awry.

Baking Biscuits by keyflight790 [Draco/Neville, T, 531]

Neville wants to decorate some Christmas biscuits, but the last time Draco baked, it ended in disaster.

Baubles of Love by ArielSakura [Harry/Luna, G, 608]

Harry and Luna make their own Christmas ornaments and Harry thinks about how much he loves her.

*Christmas Wish by wynnefic [Harry/Sirius, T, 1k]

Anonymous asked: If you're still taking prompts, Harry/Sirius, Christmas Post-canon, grief/mourning, master of death, happy ending.

Delicious Love by ArielSakura [Harry/Fred, T, 721]

Harry's baking Christmas treats for a Christmas party, Fred isn't exactly helpful.

Mistletoe Woes by arynna [Narcissa/Lily, T, 199]

Hogwarts has enchanted mistletoe that screams at students it catches unawares.

Not Just Ornamental by Beth H [Remus/Severus, G, 527]

A Christmas Eve ficlet.

1,000-5,000 Words:

*beneath the winter snow by quidditches [Harry/Cedric, Not Rated, 3k]

Everything's so much harder when Cedric's not around. Or, Cedric and Sirius have a surprise up their sleeves.

*Brass Ring by Innibis [Harry/Ron, T, 3k]

Harry has dating issues

Chocolate & Starlight by Polly_pocket_0622 [Hermione/Percy, G, 1k]

What happens when two lonely hearts turn up for Christmas dinner at The Burrow? Molly is not above meddling and matchmaking to ensure that Hermione and Percy end up with a little miracle of their own.

*Grander Days Ahead by hazellepotter [Hermione/Fred, G, 1k]

Her dreams were always grander than reality. That was always an idealist's downfall, but not this time. For once, one of her dreams came true.

Merry Drunkmas by starrnobella [Hermione/Blaise, T, 2k]

His begrudging attendance at the annual Ministry Christmas Party and an open bar results in Hermione's unlucky pleasure of escorting her drunk and talkative boyfriend home after he makes an exit that no one in attendance that evening would forget.

Newsworthy by hazellepotter [Harry/Luna, G, 2k]

"Is-is he wearing a Christmas sweater with reindeer all over it to a formal event?"

*Sing Me a (Christmas) Love Song by andromedablacc [James/Sirius, G, 1k]

James is a famous Quidditch player, and once upon a time Sirius was famous in his own right.

Snowdrop by Hold_en [Severus/Hermione, G, 1k]

A snippet of Christmas fluff with our favorite swot and git.

The Stocking Confession by ArielSakura [Harry/George, T, 1k]

At the Burrow for Christmas, Harry sneaks downstairs after midnight - only to be joined by George for a little midnight confession.

triad by crazywineaunt [Sirius/Remus/James, T, 1k]

Padfoot and Prongs spend a cold Christmas night with Moony

5,000-10,000 Words:

Christmas the Granger Way by InsomniacAndBi [Hermione/Fleur, G, 7k]

Fleur didn't realise that when Hermione said they were spending Christmas with her family, she meant her entire family.

10,000-25,000 Words:

All I Want For Christmas Is You by JBankai89 [Harry/Sirius, E, 10k]

Harry thought that living with his godfather would be wonderful. He finally had a home and a chance to rebuild their relationship as godfather and godson. Unfortunately for Harry, things do not go entirely as planned when he begins to notice Sirius in a way that goes well beyond platonic love.

*Father Figures by JBankai89 [Harry/Remus, E, 10k]

“I like living with you,” Teddy said sincerely, “I get to be with my two dads that way.” Harry almost choked at his words. “Your two dads?” He asked. “Yeah, you and Daddy."

*denotes personal favorite

[mayaswiterblog]

Confectionery Factory

Written for the art contest on 22 August 2024.

Honey loaded Caramel coated Appels of all kinds They shine like a treasure Tasty like any kind of pleasure

Pastries of all sorts Puffy, fluffy and even more Dream-stuffed clouds of joy One bite makes your heart soar Mind fizzed and which courts

Candies like beads of any colour Like Christmas light on a tree None of these treats can discolour The mood and spirit of thee Little sparkly starts that you can eat

Full of glamour Tastes like clamour One or many floors Opens many doors To flavour and forms Of cake combinations

Crunchy, chunky and even melty Smooth or gooey, sticky to the teeth The countless chemical reactions made Confectionery woven into the wreath And minds and hearts have been swayed

Chocolates, creams and cookies Biscuits, shortbreads and scones Jams, jellies and other sugar goodies Cocoa drinks, castles and ice cream cones Muffins, waffles and pancakes alone Add some syrup and you will feel at home

The fresh and sweet strawberry taste Black- and blueberries make their haste Which flavour will beat the rest? With lemon zest and banana scent All those lovely smells descent

Ice creams melt On tongues that felt The efforts and passion The talent of any fashion Of the artists of the sweet

Puddings - thick or loose Soft, spongy or very smooth Chocolate fountains or other devices The texture and feeling that soothe Liquid sweets for food and other use

Hard candy and gentle fudge Salmiakki and fruity juices Gummy bears and nut brittles Chocolate bars and Eastern eggs Rice crackers and mochi balls

Cheesecakes and lollipops Popsicles and sponge cakes Churros, flans and mousses Macarons, sorbets and rolled cakes Dessert soups and sauces alike

Swirls, nuts and delicious whipped creams Baked treats and chilled goods Any shape and form of decorations Ingredients found in the woods And the best sweets are made by the best teams

[faith-nerd]

And Now It's Time for Silly Songs with Larry: the part where Larry comes out and Sings a Silly Song.

That's right, the VeggieTales Villain Song Showdown is in it's final days, and that means it's time for the Very Veggie Silly Song Showdown!

Playlist is Here. First Round of Polls (barring any major hang-ups) should go up on Sunday.

Match-up list and more details on how the bracket was formed under the cut.

Now, a couple of things: This is every song from a VeggieTales episode that fills the spot traditionally held by Silly Songs with Larry (so yes we do have Love Songs with Mr. Lunt, Obscure Broadway Showtunes, etc.) plus a few that even if they aren't in that specific spot, they're a non-traditional episode equivalent (feature film credits songs, song-compilation-episode premiered songs, and Lost Puppies because it just feels like a silly song).

This number of songs (and the number there would be if I did JUST the official ones) is... not traditional tournament compatible. So, to try to make this as fair as possible, I had to get creative.

First, and the easiest to see on the visual bracket, Semifinals will be Top 3 of the Left and Top 3 of the Right (as opposed to Top 2).

Second, there are 3 Round 1 "Themed" Match-ups. These do get to skip a round, which I'm not a fan of because I feel like it gives them a free pass; however, these also have 3 songs in each, which means to move on it has to beat 2 other songs as opposed to 1, and in my mind that makes it harder, so I'm thinking maybe hopefully it evens out? (If you don't like it... it's VeggieTales Silly Songs, don't take it so seriously).

These themed match-ups also serve as a way to compare similar songs. We've got the three Boyz in the Sink songs (Bellybutton, Mess Down in Egypt, and Bubble Rap), the three Christmas songs (Oh Santa, 8 Polish Foods of Christmas, and Wrapped Myself Up for Christmas), and three Pirates Who Don't Do Anything but-not-their-original-theme-song Songs (Do the Moo Shoo, Credits Song, and Rock Monster).

So that's how I tried to work with there being a non-easily-bracketable number of songs. And as far as how the match-ups were distributed: it looks random, but it's not? It was a lot so I don't want to try to describe it in too much detail, but it is based on grouping them in chronological order, pitting the groups against each other and putting them on opposite sides and in different branches of the bracket. Basically, trying to delay any potential rematches of the ten in the Ultimate Silly Song Countdown until as late in the tournament as possible.

Anyway, now for the actual Match-ups:

Left Side:

A.1: "The Water Buffalo Song" vs "Monkey"

A.2: "Lost Puppies" vs "Astonishing Wigs"

A.3: "Dance of the Cucumber" vs "Sneeze if you Need To"

A.4: "SUV Song" vs "Best Friends Forever"

B.1: "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" vs "Donuts for Benny"

B.2: "The Blues with Larry" vs "Happy Tooth Day"

B.3: "Yodeling Veterinarian of the Alps" vs "Where Have All the Staplers Gone?"

B.4: "My Baby Elf" vs "The Perfect Puppy"

C.1: "Endangered Love" vs "The Hopperena"

C.2: "The Gated Community" vs "My Golden Egg"

C.3 (Boyz in the Sink): "Bellybutton Song" vs "A Mess Down in Egypt" vs "Bubble Rap"

Right Side:

A.1: "The Hairbrush Song" vs "The Biscuit of Zazzamarandabo"

A.2: "Larry's High Silk Hat" vs "Supper Hero"

A.3: "I Love My Lips" vs "Sippy Cup"

A.4: "Schoolhouse Polka" vs "Kilts and Stilts"

B.1: "Song of the Cebu" vs "Pants"

B.2: "Pizza Angel" vs "Asteroid Cowboys"

B.3: "His Cheeseburger" vs "Goodnight Junior"

B.4: "Lance the Turtle" vs "Mac and Cheese"

C.1 (Bonus Pirates [Round 1 Pass]): "Do the Moo Shoo" vs "The Credits Song" vs "Rock Monster"

C.2: (Christmas [Round 1 Pass]): "Oh, Santa!" vs "The Eight Polish Foods of Christmas" vs "Wrapped Myself Up for Christmas"

[dellalyra]

omg imagine gojo with a welsh or irish gf - another irish girl

Gojo would thrive with one of us Irish women

Because let’s face it: we’re mostly all firebrands, strong, fiery passionate women.

That strong sense of loyalty and family (blood or found) oriented attitude? He relishes it, a feeling of belonging - of being truly loved and respected by someone? Amazing. The fiery nature of our blood lends itself a protective nature. The higher ups are giving him shit? Not a chance.

“Eh? Excuse you, you wrinkly sack of shite? What your last skivvy die of? Hush your gob or I’ll shut it for you. Fucking scarlet for ya’, absolute state of ya.”

Sometimes when you’re angry your accent becomes thicker or if you’re a gaeilgeoir you might slip into your teanga nádúrtha and I stg gojo has never gotten a hard on quicker in his life than seeing you spitting fire at that typical angry Irish girl speed of light.

None of his arrogance or occasional push-too-far would float either. None of us have the energy.

“Satoru, for the love of God, if you keep going on about not wanting to do the washing up because you’re the strongest, I’m going to crack up. I don’t have the energy for your shite right now. Now get up off your arse and clean the pan.”

Probably takes him a while to get used to how casually we curse and drink too, like you’re going to see your friends?

“I’m meeting the gang for a few jars tonight, coming?”

“The fuck are you doing with jars?”

The vernacular gets him too.

“SATORU!” Comes a shout from across the house.

“Yes, gremlin?”

“Grab me a few tea cloths from the hot press will you? Good chap.”

“Hot press? Is that a sex position?”

“Oh, Jesus Mary and Joseph.”

If you guys have kids - they’re brought up with the value that the mammy is the centre of the family and nothing goes on without her say so.

Like imagine a little mini version of Satoru running around and sprinting to his dad.

“Daddy, can I have the sweets on the table?” Shiny blue eyes mirror each other.

“Ask your mother, kiddo, it’s her dairy milk.”

The patter of feet is followed by a:

“MAAAAAAA! Can I have your selection box?”

“You can in your hat!”

Satoru sick? Why do you keep giving him flat 7up or cream crackers? Suguru got wounded on a mission, why do you insist on putting sudocream on it?

Christmas rolls around and for some reason in late November it’s a very big deal one Friday night. You have cornered him, Suguru and Shoko and forced them all into Christmas pyjamas and made hot chocolates for everyone and switched the telly on.

“What is going on? It’s not even Christmas.” Suguru asks, completely lost.

“Wha? Sure it’s the last Friday in November.”

The three just sit in silence.

“You three, thick as a plank, the lot of ye. I told ye last week that it’s the Toy Show tonight!”

“The what show?”

“The Toy Show!”

“It’s a show… about toys?”

“Yeah! A load of kids showing off their toys and showing how they work and all. Fierce funny. Robbie Keane usually ends up on it too somehow.”

If ever there’s an issue where some arsehole is annoying you about stereotypes, it’s always an entertaining show for Satoru.

“Can you do a Riverdance?” The stranger asks.

“Jaysus, sure I haven’t done any Irish dancing since I was in 3rd class and my nanny forced me to.”

Introducing him to Irish delicacies?

No I don’t mean coddle, or stew.

I mean real delicacies.

Like a chicken fillet roll or a spice bag. Your Nana’s apple tart. Soda bread or a bottle of Lilt. Bag of tayto (cheese and onion, obviously) or purple snack bars? A curly wurly? Red lemonade or a mikado biscuit? (Fuck, we love sweets I’m realising as I write this) or a decent cup of tea (Barry’s or Lyon’s, I won’t start that debate here).

Most of all, I think Satoru would thrive in the warmth of an Irish woman. We might be temperamental, battleaxes sometimes, and always a bit mad but one thing I know is we love wholeheartedly and fiercely, with every fibre of who we are. That belonging, the nurturing, the warmth and sheer sense of home that we all somehow tend to exude would made Satoru an incredibly happy man.