#food fryer for sale

[joyshinemachinerycompany]

peanut frying line|peanut continuous frying machine|nut frying machine 

Raw material: snacks, puff food, meat, seafood, etc. Capacity:50-1000kg/h https://hnjoyshine.com/products/Frying-Production-Line_1.html Wechat/whatsapp:8613213203466

[icewindandboringhorror]

It always seems a bit unbalanced on The Great Food Truck Race when there will be multiple teams who are cooking a wide variety of complex dishes with 10 different components and a bunch of prep work, and then there's that one team who like... exclusively serves plain crepes with some premade nutella on them, or plain waffles with just some whipped cream and cut up strawberries lol...

[polarfarina]

I am really sore from work I wish riding five hours in the car didn't require having your feet on the ground

[ultronmachine]

garlic vacuum fryer price|food vacuum frying machine| banana chips fryer

Raw material: vegetables, fruit, meat, beef, fish, etc. Capacity:10-100kg/batch https://hnjoyshine.com/products/80-Type-Vegetable-And-Fruit-Vacuum-Fryer.html Wechat/whatsapp:8613213203466

[rottenpumpkin13]

AGSZC; who takes the winter holidays (decorations, gifts, traditions, etc.) seriously and to what level? What are their emotions typically like through out this time/events?

 

 

*offers shiny stickers because you're awesome*

Sephiroth: Holidays are bittersweet for him. The constant focus on family and joy drags up memories of his isolated childhood. He anonymously donates vast sums to charities and participates in gift-giving programs for children. He enjoys the decorations, as they're a rare splash of color and vibrancy in the monotony of Shinra's corporate aesthetic, and avoids parties like the plague but values moments with his friends. And then there's the food. Everyone assumes he doesn't like sweets until they see him casually dismantle an entire gingerbread house with a fork.

Genesis: Lives for the holidays and goes all out on luxurious and borderline ostentatious decorations, with red and gold dominating every surface. He decorates everything in rich reds and gold, absolutely loves gifting things to his coworkers so they can boast about how thoughtful—and, by extension, great—he is.

Zack: No part of the holidays goes untouched by his relentless excitement. Caroling? Already got a lineup of songs and has rounded up reluctant people to join. Gift-giving? Zack has something for everyone, including people he met once in the hallway and some random cashier who gave him a discount. Decorating? Reckless abandon. He slaps tinsel and lights onto anything that doesn't move—and some things that do, like Sephiroth. ("You're tall and pretty. Congratulations, you're a Christmas tree now!"). He organizes gingerbread house building, insists on hosting Secret Santa, and makes use of an Elf on the Shelf.

Angeal: He's all about the true meaning of the season; family, gratitude, holiday sales. But most importantly friendship and kind words.

Angeal: "GET IN THE CAR. THE FLASH SALE ENDS IN TEN MINUTES. ZACK, STOP ASKING IF THEY SELL CHOCOBO ONESIES, YOU ALREADY HAVE THREE. GENESIS, IF YOU START RECITING THAT LOVELESS VERSE ABOUT SACRIFICE ONE MORE TIME, I'LL SACRIFICE YOU TO THE GODDESS MYSELF. SEPHIROTH, FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING HOLY, MOVE YOUR ASS—THE AIR FRYERS FOR EACH ONE OF US AREN'T GOING TO BUY THEMSELVES.

Sephiroth: "But I don't even want an air fryer."

Angeal: "YOU DON'T WANT ANYTHING THAT REQUIRES BASIC LIFE SKILLS. THE LAST TIME YOU COOKED, YOU SET OFF THE SPRINKLERS BECAUSE TRIED TO SEAR STEAK WITH FIRE MATERIA."

Sephiroth:

[morgan-va]

CynSide (Cyn x GenderNeutral!Reader Oneshot)

Masterlist

I got home late, just like always. My feet ached, my shoulders were sore, and my hands still felt stiff from breaking down boxes all day. Stocking shelves wasn’t hard, not really, but it was exhausting in a way that settled into my bones, like I was rusting from the inside out. It didn’t help that the fluorescent lights at work buzzed just enough to get on my nerves, or that customers had an incredible talent for asking me the dumbest questions imaginable. No, ma’am, I don’t control the prices. No, sir, I don’t know why the soup was on sale last week but isn’t today.

I kicked my shoes off at the door, not caring where they landed, and shrugged off my jacket. Straight to the kitchen, just like always. I didn’t have the energy to cook, and I definitely wasn’t about to go back out for fast food. So, I grabbed a bag of pizza rolls from the freezer, ripped it open, and dumped way too many onto the tray of my air fryer. Maybe they wouldn’t cook evenly, but that was a problem for future me.

As I shoved the bag into the trash can, I felt the resistance of something already packed too tight. I tried again, this time forcing it in, but all that did was crumple the bag against the overflowing pile. Great. Just great.

With a sigh, I pulled the garbage bag out of the can, twisting the top shut before hoisting it over my shoulder like some kind of trash Santa. The apartment complex dumpsters weren’t that far, just down the stairs and around the side of the building, but it was enough of a hassle to make me regret putting this off for so long. I could’ve taken it out yesterday. Or the day before.

I made my way down the stairs, the garbage bag swinging slightly with each step, its weight shifting uncomfortably against my arm. The dumpster was just ahead, lit faintly by the buzzing and oddly neon yellow glow of a streetlamp. Almost there.

I hefted the bag up, ready to toss it over the side—

—and the bottom split open.

Garbage spilled out in a slow-motion horror show, tumbling onto the pavement in a heap of takeout containers, crumpled receipts, and whatever else I had shoved in there over the past week. I stared at the mess, my brain grinding to a halt as the reality of my situation settled in.

Just my luck.

I groaned and crouched down, grabbing a few of the less disgusting pieces of trash and chucking them into the dumpster. I wasn’t about to sit here and clean all of it up—just enough so that I didn’t feel like a complete degenerate leaving my mess behind. As I reached for another stray container, something caught my eye.

A glint of metal, barely visible beneath a couple of overstuffed garbage bags.

I froze, staring at the glimpse of dull metal peeking out from under the trash. It took a second for my brain to process what I was looking at, but once it clicked, my breath caught in my throat. That was a hand. A metal hand.

I hesitated for only a moment before yanking the garbage aside, my exhaustion momentarily forgotten. There, half-buried under discarded food containers and torn-up junk mail, was a drone.

Not just any drone, either.

A Worker Drone, her silver-blonde hair reflecting the dim glow of the streetlamp. She wore a maid dress, neat despite her unfortunate resting place, complete with a black bow at the collar. Her black thigh-high socks were still in place, though she was missing one of her shoes.

What the hell was she doing here?

Even as scrap, a drone like this was worth a fortune. Fully intact? That was practically unheard of. Someone must’ve thrown her out recently, because there wasn’t a single dent or scratch on her—at least, none that I could see in the dim light.

I glanced around, making sure no one else was lurking nearby, then quickly hopped inside the dumpster. My shoes landed in something I definitely didn’t want to think about, but I ignored it, pushing bags out of the way to free her completely.

“Okay, c’mon,” I muttered under my breath, carefully slipping my arms under her and lifting her out. She was lighter than I expected, more awkward than heavy. I propped her against the side of the dumpster for a moment, climbed out, then pulled her into my arms properly.

Screw my trash—this was way more important.

Keeping a tight grip on the drone, I hurried back toward my apartment, my heart pounding with something I couldn’t quite name. Anticipation? Excitement? Maybe a little bit of both.

One thing was for sure—tonight had just gotten a hell of a lot more interesting.

Adjusting my grip, I hoisted the drone up higher in my arms, but carrying her like this was awkward. She wasn’t heavy—surprisingly light, actually—but her arms and legs were limp, making her a pain to hold properly. After a second of thought, I crouched down and shifted her onto my back, hooking my arms under her legs in a makeshift piggyback carry. That was much easier.

Once I was sure she wouldn’t slide off, I made my way back upstairs without issue, pushing my apartment door open with my shoulder before stepping inside. I wasted no time setting her down in my desk chair and flipping on the light.

Now that I could properly see her, I took a step back and gave her a once-over.

She was in great condition. No scratches, no dents, no signs of damage anywhere. Her dull blonde hair, though a little messy, still gleamed under the light. Her maid dress was stained in a few spots—probably from the dumpster—but was otherwise intact. The only thing really missing was her shoe.

So why the hell was she thrown away?

Maybe she had some internal faults. A hardware failure, a software issue, something that made fixing her not worth the trouble. Or maybe someone had just tossed her out for the hell of it. Either way, I wasn’t about to let a perfectly good drone go to waste. Either she’d be worth a lot for scrap, or maybe I’d finally have an actual friend.

I turned to my computer, booting it up while rummaging through my desk drawer for a connection cable. My fingers dug into a mess of tangled wires, a congealed mass of chargers, USB cords, and adapters I had neglected to organize for years.

Sighing, I pulled out the entire tangled mess, chucked it at the wall, and watched as the impact miraculously separated them all.

Works every time.

I grabbed the correct cord, plugged one end into my computer, and slotted the other into the drone’s port, watching as my screen detected the connection. Time to put my overpriced college robotics classes to actual use.

A quick search brought me to JCJenson’s official website, where I found the Drone Diagnostic Program. I hit download, drumming my fingers on the desk as I waited.

Hopefully, this would tell me what was wrong with her—if anything.

Once the program finished downloading, I double-clicked the file to launch it. A bright, obnoxious JCJenson™ logo filled the screen before immediately being replaced by a wall of legal text that scrolled at a speed no human could possibly read. Probably intentional. At the bottom was a single button:

[Agree to Terms]

Well, they never actually hid anything important in those TOS agreements anyway. I clicked the button without a second thought and let the program do its thing.

A window popped up with some basic setup instructions:

Remove the rear plate from the drone’s head.

Hold the power button for five seconds.

Easy enough.

I turned back to the drone, gently tilting her head forward as I ran my fingers along the back of her skull. There was a small panel near the base, flush with the rest of the plating. I popped it off and found a tiny recessed power button inside. Pressing down, I held it for the required five seconds.

Almost immediately, a faint hum vibrated through her chassis, and her visor flickered to life. Yellow text scrolled across the screen:

Booting Sequence: 1%

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. Looked like it was actually working.

The progress bar ticked up at a slow but steady pace, nothing to do now but let the system handle itself. I stretched my arms over my head, the exhaustion from work creeping back in now that the excitement had settled. A drink sounded good right about now.

Leaving the drone to do her thing, I walked over to the fridge, tugged it open, and grabbed a soda. Twisting the cap off with a satisfying hiss, I took a sip, letting the cold fizz wake me up a little.

Tonight had taken a turn I definitely wasn’t expecting.

As I walked back to the desk, the drone’s boot sequence hit 100%, and the diagnostic program kicked in automatically. A list of systems appeared on my screen, each one flashing bright red as they failed their checks.

Optics: DamagedServos: DamagedHeat Sink: Damaged

The errors kept piling up, row after row of critical failures. Jesus. No wonder she was in the dumpster—practically everything was wrecked. I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. Well, at least the frame was intact. That had to be worth something.

The program was nearly done. I reached for the mouse, ready to exit and shut everything down, but just as my fingers closed around it, another diagnostic began running—

Operating System Check: IN PROGRESS

Huh. This one was different.

Unlike the others, it wasn’t instantly flagged as broken. The bar crept forward, checking each subsystem one by one, no red text in sight. Maybe her software was still functional? That would make salvaging her a lot easier.

I leaned in, watching as the progress bar inched closer and closer to completion.

97%... 98%... 99%...

100%.

The screen flickered violently, and for a brief moment, a strange symbol appeared—something jagged and unnatural. The lights overhead suddenly flared, growing impossibly bright, their hum turning into a sharp, almost alive buzz.

I barely had time to panic, attempting to pull the cord out of the drone, but a massive jolt of electricity shocked me, sending me reeling back against the desk.

Suddenly, darkness falls. The computer screen, the lights, everything—completely dead. The hum of electricity vanished, leaving only an eerie silence in its wake.

I sat there, heart pounding, gripping the desk so tightly my knuckles ached.

What the hell just happened?

The moment my vision adjusted to the darkness, I scrambled toward the fuse box. My apartment wasn’t that big, so it only took a few seconds to reach it. Yanking the panel open, I scanned the breakers and, sure enough, one had flipped.

Of course it had. The drone must’ve overloaded the power.

I let out a breath, trying not to think about the possibility that my PC had just been fried. If that thing was dead, I’d have to work so much overtime just to afford a new one. I shuddered at the thought.

Grabbing the switch, I flipped the breaker back on. Instantly, the lights buzzed to life, flooding the apartment with their usual dull glow.

I hurried back to my desk and pressed the power button on my computer. The fan whirred, the screen flickered, and after a few agonizing seconds—

It turned on.

“Thank God,” I muttered under my breath.

Turning my attention back to the drone, I quickly unplugged the cable from her port. No way was I letting that thing mess with my computer again.

Poor thing. I glanced at her visor, now blank and lifeless. What the hell had happened to her?

Not that I could find out. I wasn’t a technician, and even if I wanted to fix her, I didn’t have the tools or the know-how.

Letting out a sigh, I picked her up again, carrying her into the living room. Her light weight made it easy, but there was still something uncanny about holding a humanoid machine like this—especially one that had just knocked out my power.

I gently set her down on the couch, propping her up so she wouldn’t slump over. I’d look up some drone part buyers in the morning, find someone willing to take her off my hands. Maybe I could make some decent cash out of this. But for now, it was late, and I was exhausted.

I gave the drone one last glance before stretching my arms with a yawn. That’s a problem for tomorrow.

I walked back to my desk, still feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing against my eyelids, but I needed to make sure everything had survived the power outage. There was no way I was going to bed without checking. I clicked the mouse, watching the screen light up, and the comforting sight of my desktop greeted me. Everything seemed to be in its place. My files were intact, and there were no glaring signs of damage.

With a tired sigh, I put my computer to sleep and stood up, stretching my arms above my head. My body was exhausted from the long day, and the events of the night were catching up to me. I flicked the light switch, casting the room in darkness, and stumbled to the other side of the room, my eyes already half-closed as I made my way to the bed.

As soon as I hit the mattress, I didn’t even have time to pull the covers over myself before I passed out, sinking into the soft warmth and letting sleep overtake me. My thoughts, fuzzy and disjointed, seemed to drift away, and I was almost completely gone, the weight of the day finally releasing me from its grip.

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was the sunlight streaming through the curtains, bright and warm against the coolness of the room. It was a peaceful, dreamless sleep—one of those nights where you’re just too tired to even think. I used to dream a lot when I was younger, but I couldn’t remember the last time I had one. It had been so long, I almost forgot what it felt like to wake up with a lingering sense of a dream.

I stretched and yawned, rolling out of bed and quickly getting to my feet, ready to take on the day. It was the weekend, and that meant a break from the monotony of my job.

“First things first,” I muttered to myself, “I need coffee.”

I shuffled over to the kitchen, the thought of that warm, bitter liquid already making me feel a little more alive. But as I passed the living room, my mind froze.

The drone.

I turned to look at the couch, my mind instantly trying to place what I was seeing. Or rather, what I wasn’t seeing.

The couch was empty. The drone—the drone—was gone.

I blinked, shaking my head, willing the haze of sleep to clear, but there was no denying it. The spot where I’d left her was vacant.

Did I get robbed?

I immediately bolted toward the front door, but the lock was firmly in place. I rushed to the window next, double-checking the latch. It was locked, too. I quickly scanned the apartment, looking for anything else that could be missing. My computer was still on my desk, which seemed odd. A thief would have grabbed that without question. But the drone—where the hell was it?

I had to be imagining things, right?

But no. I knew for a fact that I hadn’t dreamt this. The entire night felt too real—the dumpster, her being powered up, the electricity pop, everything. It was too vivid for it to have been a figment of my imagination.

With a surge of anxiety rising in my chest, I rushed back to my desk and powered on the computer. I needed answers. I needed to see that damn program, the one that had been running before the power went out.

The computer hummed to life, the screen blinking as it booted up. I opened up the file explorer, hoping to find some trace of the JCJenson™ program.

But when the file explorer opened, it was… empty.

I froze, staring at the blank window. There was no way I imagined everything. No way.

I felt my heart race, my palms starting to sweat. Was I losing it? Had the crushing monotony of life finally taken its toll and driven me crazy? Was this some kind of hallucination, or was I missing something far worse?

I rubbed my face, trying to calm down, but nothing made sense. The drone, the program, the power flicker—they all felt too real to be a figment of my tired mind. I had to figure out what happened. I had to know if I was losing my grip on reality, or if something much stranger was going on.

I definitely needed coffee. Badly. The fog in my brain wasn’t clearing, and I had no idea what was happening. My thoughts were too jumbled, like I was trapped in some bizarre, waking dream.

Right on cue, the coffee machine dinged, and I jumped, my heart leaping into my throat. The sound was so jarring against the chaos in my mind. I turned slowly to look at it. Wait a second—I didn’t start it.

I was about to, sure, but then everything came to a halt when I realized the drone was gone. Had I… did I forget? Was I sleepwalking? How the hell did that coffee get made?

I walked over to the coffee machine, my legs feeling like lead as I approached. There, the little glowing yellow light was blinking, signaling the coffee was ready.

Wait...

I swore that the light had been red earlier. I’d made coffee a thousand times, and it was always red when it was finished. There was no yellow—there was just no way. My mind was racing. Had I had some kind of stroke while I slept? Maybe I was still dreaming, trapped in some weird, hyper-realistic nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.

I stood there for a long moment, staring at the glowing light, before I finally decided to pour myself a cup. My hands shook slightly as I did, still unsure of whether I was really awake or not.

I took a sip.

And then I froze.

Wow.

This was the best coffee I’d ever tasted.

I nearly choked on it. There was no way in hell I could make coffee this good. It tasted like something out of a high-end café, rich and perfectly brewed. How was this even possible? I felt like I was losing my grip on reality, and this cup of coffee was just the cherry on top.

I stared into the mug, wondering if I was completely losing it, because there was absolutely no explanation for this.

It seemed that the evidence was in: I was done for. I’d lost it.

I took another sip of the coffee, trying to steady my nerves. Damn, that was one hell of a cup. If I had truly lost my grip on reality, at least I could enjoy better coffee. I placed the cup back on the counter, still trying to process everything. I turned back to face the rest of my apartment.

There, standing less than a foot away from me, was the damn drone from last night.

I swear my heart skipped a beat. My body went rigid, and my mind couldn't quite catch up to what was happening. She was just standing there, her head tilted at a strange angle, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

I nearly jumped out of my skin. How the hell had she snuck up on me? I hadn’t heard a thing, hadn’t seen her move. The apartment was small—there were no places for her to hide. I mean, was she somehow under the bed the entire time? The couch? No. That didn’t make sense. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the shock.

Before I could even think about reacting or saying anything, her robotic voice cut through the tension: “Giggle. I frightened you.”

I looked at her, still wide-eyed, my heart racing. “How long have you been awake?” I asked, the words stumbling out of my mouth.

She tilted her head slightly, as if considering the question. “Inquisitive tone. Define awake.”

I blinked, trying to make sense of her answer. “Uh, I mean, how long have you been online?” I clarified, more frustrated than I wanted to sound.

She didn’t hesitate, her response coming quickly. “I have been online since you powered me on last night.”

I stood there, completely stunned. "Wait—what? You've been awake this entire time?" My mind raced with more questions than I knew how to ask. "What the hell have you been doing all this time? Why didn’t you make yourself known until now?”

She responded in that eerie, mechanical tone, her smile widening slightly. “I was merely getting acquainted with my new… home. Smile.”

I chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of my neck. "Right... sure."

But then, as if on cue, she asked, “Did you enjoy the coffee? I prepared it as soon as you made your request.”

I froze.

That… that didn’t make sense. I’d barely spoken, hadn’t even finished waking up when I said I needed coffee. But the real kicker was that I hadn’t seen her anywhere near the machine. She must have heard me mumble about wanting some, but how the hell had she prepared it? 

I took a step back, trying not to let the questions overwhelm me. “Yeah… it’s great,” I managed to say, but my mind was reeling. How could she have done that? Was she more capable than I gave her credit for? Was there something else going on here?

I pushed that uneasy thought aside for now and focused on the drone in front of me. If she’d really been active since last night, then she must have had time to assess herself, right? That diagnostic program hadn’t exactly painted a pretty picture of her condition.

"Hey, uh… are you feeling okay? Your diagnostic last night didn’t look too good," I asked, watching her closely.

She blinked, her head tilting just slightly. “Feeling is a mortal plight. I am above such things.”

I stared at her, waiting for some kind of follow-up. Nothing. That was all she had to say on the matter.

I opened my mouth, then closed it again. Nope. No words. Just moving right past that, I guess.

I cleared my throat. “Right. So, uh… what did you mean earlier when you called this place your home? Does that mean you want to stay here?”

Her eyes lit up—literally, her optics flickered a little brighter—as she clasped her hands together. “Oh yes, this will do quite nicely. Innocent grin.”

Despite her abnormal speech pattern, there was something oddly… endearing about the way she said it. Sure, she was a little strange, but that wasn’t exactly a bad thing. I’d always liked drones, after all. And besides, she didn’t seem dangerous.

Still, I wasn’t sure what to make of all this. She just decided she lived here now? Just like that? Part of me wanted to be cautious, but another part of me was… intrigued. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad thing.

Maybe, just maybe, this could actually be interesting.

I turned back to grab my coffee, but when I turned around again, she was gone.

Well, not gone, exactly. She was now across the room, perched on my desk chair, spinning in slow, lazy circles.

I blinked. How the hell did she get over there so fast? I hadn’t even heard her move. One second she was standing by the counter, and the next—bam, desk chair. Maybe I was still groggy.

Oh well.

I walked over, watching as she spun one last time before the chair gradually slowed, stopping perfectly so that she was facing me. That same tiny smile lingered on her lips.

I was about to ask if she wanted me to clean her dress—it had been pretty filthy last night—but then I noticed something strange. Her dress was already clean. Not just wiped down, but spotless, like it had never been dirty in the first place. Even stranger, she was no longer missing a shoe.

I furrowed my brow. “Wait… didn’t you—”

“Thank you,” she said cheerfully, tilting her head. “But I already took care of it. Hee hee.”

I had no idea what to say to that.

“Right… well,” I said, still trying to shake off the weirdness of the last few minutes. “I don’t think I ever got your name.”

She tilted her head, her expression unreadable. For a moment, she was silent, almost like she was thinking about it.

Then, finally, she spoke.

“Thoughtful pause. My name is Cyn.”

Cyn.

It was a nice name. Simple, but… fitting.

I smiled at her. “That’s a lovely name.”

For a brief second, her optics seemed to glow just a little brighter. Then she nodded, more to herself than to me.

“You are… different from the others,” she murmured. “This arrangement will work well.”

I had no idea what she meant by that, but hey, I’d take it as a good thing. I guessed that meant she liked me.

I shifted awkwardly, glancing around my apartment as the silence stretched between us. What was I even supposed to say here? I’d never had a conversation like this before—never had a reason to.

Scratching the back of my neck, I muttered, “Uh… just so you know, I don’t really have any… friends. Or family. Or anyone who comes over, really, so… you might only ever see me.”

I met her gaze hesitantly, half-expecting some kind of disappointment or even confusion. Instead, she smiled.

“Perfect.”

I blinked. “Oh. Uh… okay then.”

That was… a little intense. But at least she didn’t seem bothered by it.

I cleared my throat, shifting on my feet. “Well… what do you wanna do now?”

I raised an eyebrow as she pointed a finger to the UNO deck on my desk, its plastic wrapping still intact, untouched. Right. That thing. I’d bought it ages ago, back when I still thought I’d have friends to play it with. That hadn’t exactly panned out, so it just sat there, collecting dust.

Still, it wasn’t like I had anything better to do. “Alright, sure.”

I picked up the box, peeling off the plastic as I turned around—only to find she’d vanished again. My head snapped to the other side of the room, where she was now sitting at the dining table, hands neatly folded, watching me expectantly.

I hesitated. How the hell did she keep doing that? She moved like a horror movie ghost, yet she stood like her servos were on the verge of imploding at any given moment. 

Pushing the thought aside, I walked over and sat across from her, removing the packaging and shuffling the deck as she observed with that same unreadable smile.

“May I attempt?” she asked.

I shrugged. “Yeah, go for it.”

She took the deck in her hands, tilting her head as if analyzing it. Then she made her first attempt—only to send the cards scattering across the table in a clumsy heap.

I reached forward instinctively to help, but before I could, she suddenly muttered, “Frustrated growl.”

A strange, crackling hum filled the air as the scattered cards twitched—then lifted into the air, enveloped in a vibrant yellow glow. I could only watch in stunned silence as they swirled into a tight, controlled vortex, shuffling themselves at impossible speed before settling into a neat, pristine stack right in front of her.

She beamed. “Perfectly random. As all things should be. Giggle.”

I stared at her. Then at the cards. Then back at her. “Okay. What the hell was that?”

Before I even finished speaking, she cut in, “I am better than other drones. I have shuffled off the limitations of this flawed body and become capable of so much more. Example: shuffling cards. Smile.”

I wasn’t sure whether to be alarmed or impressed. I mean… yeah, that was kinda freaky, but also—

That was totally badass.

She slid the deck over to me, clearly expecting me to deal. Well, alright then. Not gonna question it. I had no idea what kind of experimental prototype she was, but if playing UNO with a telekinetic drone wasn’t the coolest thing I’d ever done, I didn’t know what was.

I dealt the cards, explaining the rules as I went. Cyn watched me with an expression of pure focus, as if absorbing every word like gospel.

Just as I finished, she picked up her cards, glanced at them, then flicked her gaze up to meet mine.

"Oh, I already knew how to play the game. Your voice is just very sweet. Affectionate smile."

She looked back down at her cards before I could even process that.

My brain short-circuited a little. Nobody had ever said they liked my voice before. It wasn’t something I thought much about, but hearing it out loud—especially from her—sent a strange warmth curling in my chest.

I cleared my throat. “Uh. Alright then.”

And so, we played.

Cyn was good. Too good. She played her cards with almost eerie precision, dropping +4s at the worst possible times, blocking every attempt I made at getting ahead. But eventually, through sheer dumb luck, I managed to win. And not just win—I obliterated her.

I set my last card down, grinning in victory. “Ha! Got you.”

Cyn giggled, tilting her head. "I must admit, I knew your cards the entire time, but I enjoy playing with you too much to care."

I froze. “Wait. What?”

I looked at my empty hand, then at her, an uneasy feeling creeping in. How the hell did she.. did she have x-ray vision or something? That would be insane. Right?

I hesitated before asking, “How did you know what I had?”

She giggled again. "You showed your cards when you reached for your coffee cup."

…Oh.

I exhaled, shoulders relaxing. Rookie mistake. I really needed to work on better card etiquette.

Still, she let me win, which was kind of sad. But also… kind of sweet.

I began shuffling the deck again, the cards making a satisfying fwhip as they slid together. Just as I was about to finish, one of them slipped free and fluttered to the ground. I reached down to grab it, but before my fingers could even brush the card, something black and sinuous lashed out and plucked it off the floor.

I jerked back in shock, watching as the tendril curled around the card, lifted it gracefully onto the table, and placed it neatly back on the stack. My gaze followed its slow retreat as it slithered behind Cyn, disappearing into some unseen void.

She smiled at me, her yellow eyes bright with something unreadable, like she was studying me, waiting for my reaction.

"Giggle."

I blinked. That was—well, I wasn’t sure what that was. But it was cool as hell.

“Whoa,” I breathed, sitting up straighter. “That’s awesome!”

Cyn’s smile faltered, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. "You are not... frightened?"

I raised a brow. “What? No way, that was sick! You could like, reach the TV remote from across the room and stuff.”

She didn’t say anything at first, head tilting slightly as if processing my response. The motion must have overextended her faulty neck joint, because her head suddenly slumped forward with a faint clunk. Without hesitation, she lifted a hand and propped it back up.

I probably should’ve been unnerved by that. Instead, I just found myself really hoping she wouldn’t actually break herself while sitting at my dining table.

She watched me a moment longer before finally speaking. "You are an odd human. Not like the others. Curious."

I huffed a small laugh. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I tapped the deck against the table, aligning the cards into a neat stack. “Wanna play again, or should I head out and find some spare parts for you? Pretty sure I could raid a scrapyard and at least scrounge up some replacement servos.”

Cyn chuckled, shaking her head. “That will not be necessary anymore.”

I raised a brow. “Anymore?”

“I choose this form for a reason.”

Something about the way she said that made me hesitate. I wasn’t sure if it was the certainty in her voice or the way she phrased it—like she wasn’t just accepting her state but actively preferring it.

“…Alright,” I said slowly, deciding not to press the issue. “So, what do you wanna do now?”

Cyn’s fingers drummed idly against the table, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. Eventually, she looked back at me, her yellow optics gleaming.

"Have you ever considered the intricacies of reality?"

I blinked. “Uh… What?”

She tilted her head—not as much this time, keeping it within the limits of her unstable joint. “If you found out your entire existence was nothing but a simulation, how would you feel? Inquiring gaze.”

I frowned, mulling that over. “I mean… I guess there wouldn’t be much I could do about it. If everything’s fake, then everything’s fake.” I shrugged. “But if the simulation’s just chilling and having fun with you, then, hey—I wouldn’t mind at all.”

Cyn’s smile widened, her optics growing a bit wider too.

"Curious. What a peculiar human indeed."

Cyn stood up from her chair and walked over to my side. I gave her a curious look as she reached out, gently placing a hand on my head and patting me.

"Pat pat pat." She vocalized the action like it was some kind of command.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. She was such an odd drone, but it was strangely endearing how unique she was. She kept patting me, and after a moment, I reached up to do the same to her—only for her hand to snap out and catch my wrist just before I could touch her dull blonde hair. She stared at my arm for a second, her optics flickering with something I couldn’t quite read. Then, carefully, she guided my hand the rest of the way, placing it on top of her head.

I took the hint and started patting her in return. For a moment, we just stood there, both patting each other’s heads, giggling like idiots.

Once we stopped, Cyn tilted her head, smiling. “I have never met a human that makes such a good pet. I will enjoy this relationship.”

I laughed, brushing off her words as more of her odd behavior. “Yeah, yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Cyn.”

As I stretched, something clicked in my brain. “Oh, right! The morning paper should be outside.” I glanced toward the door as I explained, standing up and beginning to walk over.

Before I could even take a step, Cyn suddenly materialized in front of me, appearing in an instant like she’d been there the whole time.

"You cannot leave. I have not prepared it yet."

I froze mid-step, staring at her with my mouth slightly open.

Cyn’s expression changed as she studied me. "Oh dear, did I break another one? Sad expression."

I snapped out of it, shaking my head. “Forget that—how the hell did you do that? That was amazing! Can you teleport anywhere? Do you have to have been there before? Can you take people with you?”

Her expression flickered between confusion and intrigue as I rapidly fired off my questions, clearly more excited by what I’d just witnessed than the fact that she had outright denied me from leaving.

"You are by far the most strange human I have encountered," she finally said, watching me with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

I grinned. "Well, you are by far the coolest drone I’ve ever met."

Cyn's optics shifted as she leaned forward slightly. "I am no drone." Her voice took on an almost reverent tone. "I am the Solver of the Absolute Fabric. I have chosen you as my squire, the one who will accompany me as I rewrite the universe."

I blinked.

…and she likes roleplay?? Wow! She really is so cool!

Without thinking, I grabbed her by the waist and lifted her into the air, spinning her around in excitement. "That’s amazing! What a fantastic character! You even have the godlike speech patterns down! I love the commitment to the bit!"

She dangled in my grip, completely limp, her head tilting slightly as her unblinking yellow eyes bore into me. I finally set her back down, beaming.

She remained still for a moment before tilting her head again, her expression unreadable. "So peculiar…" she murmured, as if speaking to herself rather than to me.

Cyn seemed to ponder something for a moment, her optics flickering as if deep in thought. Then, without warning, she reached forward and took my hand.

"Come with me," she said. "One final test."

I hesitated, but something in her tone—calm, assured—made it impossible to refuse. She led me to my desk and gestured for me to sit. As soon as I did, the computer powered on, though she hadn’t touched a thing. My confusion only deepened when a program opened on its own.

A camera feed popped up on the screen.

It was my apartment.

I frowned. At first, I thought it was a live feed, but then I noticed… something was wrong. The lights had that dim, early-morning glow, the same way they had looked when I first woke up. And then I saw it—me.

Slumped on the floor.

I swallowed hard as the footage continued. Cyn sat in my desk chair, just where I had left her the night before. For a long, eerie moment, she didn’t move. Then, suddenly, she powered on, her optics flickering to life. She hopped out of the chair and waved at the camera.

I stared, heart pounding, as she walked over to my unmoving body, gently taking me by the shoulders and pulling me up into the chair.

I felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. That… that was definitely me.

My mind raced back to last night. The power surge. The static in the air. The shock that had run through me like a jolt of electricity.

No. No, no, that wasn’t possible.

Slowly, I turned to look at the Cyn standing beside me.

She was already watching me.

"Giggle." Her head tilted slightly, that ever-present smile playing on her lips. "I see you've caught on. I couldn't risk another human throwing me out, so I brought you here instead. Welcome to my mind."

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. My breath felt shallow, my thoughts scrambled, as if my brain had been thrown into a blender.

She continued, her tone almost… disappointed. "I assume this is too much for you and your mind is slowly fraying along with your sanity. That is okay, perhaps all humans are a lost cause after all." She let out a soft, thoughtful hum. "Pensive afterthought. What a shame, I quite like you."

That snapped me out of it.

"Wait," I blurted out, focusing on the only thing that actually made sense. "You like me??"

Cyn’s optics flickered. Her expression shifted into what could only be described as pure, unfiltered confusion.

"What?"

I ran a hand down my face, trying to process everything. "Okay," I started, "don’t get me wrong, this is insane. I mean, I’m trapped here, my body is—dead? Lifeless? Something?—out there in the real world, which is absolutely terrifying, but…" I hesitated, then let out a breathy chuckle. "I’ve always wanted something like this to happen."

Cyn’s optics brightened slightly.

"I’ve played so many games where the protagonist gets yanked into another world," I continued, "and I used to wish that could happen to me. Just, y’know, without the whole ‘possible death in a strange new world’ part. But that aside—" I leaned forward, looking her in the eyes. "You actually like me?"

She blinked.

"Please be honest," I pressed. "You’re not messing with me, right? This isn’t some cruel twist where you pretend to like me just to break my heart later?"

Cyn stared at me with what I could only describe as genuine shock.

Her optics flickered. A few bright sparks crackled from the side of her head.

She tilted her head, scanning me up and down like she was trying to make sense of me. For once, she didn’t immediately respond. It was as if she was actually thinking deeply about what I had just said.

Finally, after a long pause, she giggled. "Hm. You are by far the strangest and most peculiar human I have encountered."

Then, she smiled. "So yes, I believe I like you. Quite a lot. Giggle."

I pulled her into a hug before I could think better of it.

Cyn stiffened in my arms, caught completely off guard. For a moment, she didn’t move. Then, slowly, her arms wrapped around me, returning the embrace.

"It has been a very long time since I experienced what humans call hugs," she murmured. "I suppose I could get used to it."

I smiled, holding her a little tighter before finally letting go. That warmth lingered for a moment, but then my eyes drifted back to the monitor—back to my body, slumped over in the chair.

Oh. Right. That.

"So…" I swallowed. "What happens to me now? I mean, y’know, now that I’m… in here?"

Cyn chuckled and snapped her fingers.

On the monitor, my body shimmered, warped, and then just… evaporated. It was like it had never existed at all.

I stared. "Holy shit. Sick."

"You don’t need it anymore," she said simply, stepping beside me. "And I could not risk someone coming in and asking questions. So, I removed the issue."

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. "Right. Cool. Totally normal day."

Cyn giggled and clasped her hands behind her back. "I will work on building a new world for you here," she continued. "A perfect world, just for us. Where we can spend time together. Forever."

Her optics glowed a little brighter as she smiled at me.

I grinned. "Well, I graciously accept."

Cyn laughed—a real, genuine laugh this time. "You did not actually have a choice," she teased.

"Yeah, but I don’t mind!" I shrugged. "This is literally all I ever wanted. No stress, no responsibilities, just—” I beamed at her. "—just us."

Overcome with excitement, I grabbed her and spun her around again, just like before.

This time, she smiled.

As I set her down, something in her expression softened. A flicker of something unreadable passed through her optics—something warm, something alive.

Yeah. I could definitely get used to this. And something told me that, for the first time in a long, long time…

Cyn would be happy too.

Wait… I never got to eat my pizza rolls!

(The end.)

(...Or is it?)

[missnancywritesfanfic]

Grocery Shopping ft. Anemo Boys

(Based On Stuff My BF and I Have Done)

Characters: Venti, Xiao, Heizou, Kazuha, Wanderer(Scaramouche), Aether

Contains: Modern AU, Everyday Life, Fluff, Swears

A/N: I was at the grocery store and the idea popped in my head 🥰

--

VENTI - Humming Along To The Music

From the moment you stepped inside to the moment you leave. He will be humming. Tapping his finger to whatever royalty free song is playing over the speakers. You used to asked him why he never listened to his own music when you were shopping.

"But if I did that, then I'd be ignoring you. Isn't it better to be together in the moment?"

"Yeah, in the moment of Funky Town for the thirtieth time? I'm flattered."

It gets worse with every trip. It slowly evolves into mumbling the lyrics, then singing the lyrics out loud, swaying along to the music, and sometimes full on dancing with no remorse. Not a single bone of shame in his body, and you have to watch your boyfriend shake his ass while you facepalm.

"I am never taking you shopping again."

"We both know that's a big fat lie, babe. You love having me around~"

God, you hated his smug grin. Let this shopping trip be done as soon as humanly possible.

XIAO - Carry All The Groceries/Steer The Cart

He will always man the cart. Don't you dare take it away from him, he has pouted at you before when you absentmindedly grabbed one and started shopping.

You seriously have no clue why he enjoys it so much, but you can't complain, it gave you time to actually focus on picking what you wanted. And you didn't have to worry about navigating traffic in the aisles. But he will nudge the cart into you when you're taking too long, you'll always turn back to meet his glare.

"Are you done yet? We need to get a move on."

"Hey, I am the chef of the house. If you don't like how I pick the ingredients, you can cook for a change."

That'll usually shut him up. He'll still silently nudge the cart into you though, after a while you get the idea and pick up the pace. When you finish shopping, he will always take the heavier bags. Even when you offer, he insists that it isn't an issue and leave you with the lighter bags. Sometimes nothing at all.

You appreciate his help, not like you wanted to carry them anyways. You still have to scold him about being delicate with the eggs.

KAZUHA - Cannot Decide On What To Take

"Baby, for the love of god, please pick a thing and stick with it!"

You've been in the aisle for over five minutes, he can't decide on what kind of rice to buy. This isn't a price issue. Kazuha's stuck thinking in the longterm: What kind of rice is best? Should we buy a bulk bag to last longer? Which type will work best with dinner tonight? (It's Jasmin. Always Jasmin. Cheap and reliable.)

You don't care! You just want to be in any other aisle but this one! But you're being hypocritical, you've done the exact same and everytime he'll give you a specific look. Nothing else, not a frown, not even a smug grin, just a look.

"Okay, but why does this package say sugar-free but it has the same level in the nutrients on the back?" You pause and glance over, you frown. "What?"

"I haven't said anything, dear."

"You don't need to. I know that look, it's Kazuha for I'm Judging You."

HEIZOU - Comparing Item Prices

He's the type of person to lay out all his options and pick the cheapest one with the best quality. There may be meat on sale today, but he knows it's only because they're going to expire soon. This can be useful at times, no need for bottom tier food in your household.

But that's not the worse of it. Like many middle aged home owners, he will deliberately check for mistagged items so that he can get them at a discount price. There's an air fryer he's been eyeing for months that's too expensive for a leisure purchase, until the day he spots that it's been mistagged for thirty dollars cheaper than normal.

"Heizou, honey, we can just wait until it's actually on sale..."

"Ah ah~, the price labelled is the price offered. I will be taking my prize!"

"You're insufferable."

You're at the checkout, silently apologizing to the cashier and manager that are trying to find a way out of this predicament. Unfortunately for them, he gets the airfryer. And unfortunately for you, he doesn't stop using it for a loooong time.

WANDERER - Buy Old People Snacks

He doesn't like sweets. He visibly cringes everytime you pass by the bakery section or candy aisle, and you have a horrible sweet tooth that can never be quelled.

However, he's gotten into the habit of picking up dried cranberries of all things. Now, usually you don't pass judgement on his choices, despite him making it clear he doesn't care if you. Regardless, you can't help poking fun at him every once in a while.

"Pfft, nice choice granpa."

"Shut up, you shovel junk down your throat like it's your day job."

"Yeah, but at least I act my age."

"You mean five?"

If you ever, and I mean ever, try to take some for yourself. He will smack your hand away and give you the nastiest glare. Don't bother with whining or fake tears, you should've thought about that before insulting his food choice. You won't be able to steal any of his food for a good month.

AETHER - Asking Permission To Buy Stuff

You have no clue where it comes from. Before you started dating him, he and Paimon were impulsive spenders. They used to empty literal shelves and have more food then they knew what to do with (Paimon usually ate most of it in record time). But now, when you're heading down the aisle, he'd sheepishly hold a box of cereal, maybe cookies, or even fruit snacks- and give you the biggest puppy dog eyes possible.

"Aether, you are a grown man. You can buy whatever you want."

"Really?"

"Yes! Buy ten of 'em if you really want to!"

Okay, maybe that's a bit overboard. But you needed to exxagerate to make your stance clear. Maybe he was trying to be considerate of you? But you always split the bill when it came to paying for groceries, a couple extra dollars wasn't going to kill you. Especially not with your shared salaries.

But if you're not careful, Paimon might end up eating you out of house and home. So maybe he had the right idea about clearing these choices with you first.

[cyborg-franky]

Shopping Trip With One Piece Characters

Part of a trade with the awesome @softcenteregg

Doffy - The very definition of “Get in loser, we’re going shopping!”

Has money but you will have to pay for him all day when it comes to lunch and drinks.

Will be sitting at a restaurant at 11 am with a cocktail as he tells you about his week, regardless of if you asked or not.

Checks out the mall hotties.

Laughs when people open push/pull doors wrong.

Always has a cocktail or a Starbucks clutched in one hand, waving his credit card around in the other hand.

Rude to salespeople.

You will be dragged through the mall for hours because he needs to go into every designer shop he can and try on at least seventeen pairs of $400 sunglasses or he’ll die.

Will be the most overdressed person in the area,

When your having lunch with him and he sees someone he doesn’t like, he will be like “Oh hey! Been so long since we hung out, should do it again soon!” then soon as they're gone he’s dishing the dirt.

Also, you will carry his bags, thx.

Roger

Makes you wish you could get those reigns for kids but in adult sizes.

In fact, the entire trip is like taking a child out for his birthday.

Ever seen a huge bearded man grinning in pure glee at the new limited edition Build a Bear products? Ever seen one make like 12?

Do yourself a favor and limit his booze and sugar intake.

Is confused he can’t do a pub crawl in a mall.

Buys alot of those ‘alcoholic chocolates’ by the box load in an attempt to get a nice buzz going.

Thrift shopping but he will try on everything he can.

Does not know how to dress but does it with style, oddly enough.

You won’t get a chance to sit down or rest unless it’s dinner time.

At least he’ll sleep well tonight.

Kid

Hit’s all the stores that sell music and band merch.

Will snort at people who buy things he doesn’t like.

Throws around words like ‘poser’ and judges everyone.

The kinda metal kid who hangs out at the mall with all the wallet chains looking like their parents grounded them, but in their late 20s.

Will spend hours looking for CDs and just say he’s too broke and he’ll download it online anyway.

Walks around the mall trying to find the right shade of lipstick with Killer, both their arms and hands are covered in testers before they both just get more black nail varnish and the same shade they always buy.

Has a reusable plastic cup that's full of jack and coke. 

Taunts mall cops.

Killer

Imagine all of the above but he also spends alot of time looking at fancy new cook wear.

Will spend nothing on food all day but will drop $90 on a brand new crockpot or air fryer for the kitchen.

Very metal of him.

Thatch

Thatch is fun to go with.

Treats you, buys the coffee and lunch.

Is happy to do whatever you want as long as he gets to check out homeware sections while you look at your things.

You will never lose him behind shelves because you can always see his hair.

Like Jaws but with hair and ozone layer murdering levels of hairspray.

Will flirt with staff, will get talking to them for far too long, and hold up the line.

The type of person who has alot of change and makes it a personal challenge to count out change exactly.

Will carry your bags though, he’s a good boy.

Bit judgey on eatery places pastries.

Shanks

I hope you enjoy getting nowhere because when you're at a mall with Shanks or out and about in town you will be stopping every ten steps because someone recognises him and comes over and chats.

Has no concept of how long he’s been talking.

Is the type to have a pint with breakfast or brunch when you guys hang out.

Sale on ugly pants? He’d push you down to get there first.

Always texting the gang when he’s out.

Lol Benn guess what, I saw Buggy and he was with that guy, you know, the one with the hook, lol lol

Will drop Uta off at the mall kids' soft play area even though she’s 18 and still forget to pick her up before leaving.

Ace

Low key baits mall cops by loitering around and looking like an issue but has no intention of being an issue.

Might skateboard inside the mall.

Poses with ‘no skateboard’ signs.

Hopefully, there isn't an arcade in the mall because if you had any intention of getting things done today, that won’t happen now.

Hungry every 20 minutes and has to grab snacks.

100% the kinda friend/boyfriend who sits on the seats outside the changing rooms holding all the bags and groaning, acting like it’s the worst thing in the world.

Is one of those people who opens push/pull doors wrong.

Marco

After taking five minutes to park correctly he’s happy to go with the flow. 

Likes to have a coffee and a people watch with you, chatty and social.

But he will drag you to shoe stores and you will be sat there for ages as he tries on every strappy sandal in the place, walking up and down and asking you what you think.

“I like this one but I don’t know if it makes me too tall yoi.” while you can’t for the life of you tell the difference between that pair and the last 40.

If you meet him at the mall he might be late, very much the shows up 20 minutes late with Starbucks.

Has a tendency to wander off in shops and you spend half your time looking for him.

Doesn’t give a warning when entering a shop if something shiny caught his bird brain.

Benn

He hates the mall.

Imagine a dad who has to take his teenage daughter clothes shopping and that’d basically be him with Shanks.

Benn is a very ‘I know what I am here for’ in and out kind of person but he doesn’t mind going to other places with you.

Ignores staff-only signs when he knows there is a smoking area on the other side of that door.

Is the person to remind you of the ‘insert thing here we have at home’ and is a shop sensible person, though he won't say anything if you do buy another T-shirt that looks exactly like the one you already have.

Pretends to be annoyed at carrying the shopping, but he offered and he likes to help you out.

If you complain about your feet hurting he’ll helpfully tell you he told you to wear your other shoes.

Sabo and Luffy

Banned

Both have their pictures up in the security office.

Sabo for giving the mall cops the finger, graffiti, and shoplifting.

Luffy peed in the fountain and kept stealing pick-n-mix.

[skatingbi]

Aight so i dub this au the Modern Resturaunt AU bc im uncreative with titles (I refuse to give any of my fanfiction titles)

Now Ima start off with a list...of word vomit. Idk what im doing. Its 2 am and Im still grieving over the bio exam i failed today.

Let me begin by saying my experience is nearly 3 years of working in a resturaunt (yeah...the same one...) and being trained in nearly every position they offer except manager bc Fuck That lmao

Luffy is either a server (not mornings tho he's way too hyper in the morning for that) or a dishwasher or trained in both. Nobody trusts this kid in any other back of house position. He would definitely break several health codes in the span of an hour. He is a menace.

Nami is a server. She is definitely one that'll smile at u and then talk shit abt u in the back with the other servers. If she hears a coworker talking shit abt her she'll either ignore it or throw hands. She may or may not steal ur tips. Regardless she's still good at her job and her sales are fantastic after every shift. Her and usopp will gossip during break.

Zoro is definitely a line cook. Hes the kind where if u put too many mods on food he'll be like "what the FUCK guys". If u ask him for something he will forget. If he goes in the cooler to restock something he will not be able to find it and will spend 10 minutes in the cooler looking for that thing. Do NOT let him operate the fryers.

Sanji gives off shift supervisor vibes. He will happily deal with any customers who fuck with his coworkers and will gladly kick them out. He still cooks most of the time tho and him and zoro are the kinda cooks to either have some kind of wack ass situationship or literally hate each other. Or both. Actually both.

If sanji is serving he will flirt with the ladies and it definitely gets him in trouble and zeff (the owner of said resturaunt) bans him from serving for weeks at a time lmao

Usopp would be a great server <3 but bc my dude is full of anxiety he would be a great prep cook too. He is definitely the dude who listens to music while working. Nobody minds and it makes the shift more fun! He's the cook who only works mornings. He would probably also bring doughnuts for the crew that works mornings :)

Chopper is that one kid whos barely 18 and its his first job. He would be the host and the kids love him. He's that host who accidentally talks to tables too long even after seating them until the server comes to greet them. He's unproblematic and is just happy to be there.

Robin is like kind of cross trained in everything?? Idk she doesnt mind being scheduled wherever but i can see her as a really chill bartender. Definitely the kind to entertain customer's conversations without being enthusiastic but it still works??? Her sales are probably great too. Shes the coworker that nobody would see for like weeks and then suddenly reappear one morning and everyones like "wtf i thought u quit" but nah she's chilling. Shes definitely been there since the place opened.

Franky is banished to line cook purgatory. Not because he's terrible or mean but hes just so energenic like luffy that him being a server would probably overwhelm most customers lmao. He's the cook that's always laughing and yelling out motivational words during rush hour.

Jimbei is a manager. Thats all i got ngl. Bro is just there to make sure nobody dies or violates osha guidelines. Everyone loves him tho and if they realize he's managing the mood innthe resturaunt lifts astronomically.

Brook is NOT allowed to be a server. Zeff banned him from that position within the first week. He would probably shift supervise in the mornings tho. Him and jimbei would definitely be friends outside of work lol

[justforbooks]

Romantasy and BookTok driving a huge rise in science fiction and fantasy sales

The subgenre helped increase the market share by 41.3% last year aided by bestseller Fourth Wing from Rebecca Yarros while food and drink topped nonfiction sales

Sales of science fiction and fantasy books rocketed last year, with their value increasing by 41.3% between 2023 and 2024.

The booming popularity of romantasy – the subgenre blending elements of fantasy and romance that is a favourite of TikTok’s BookTok community – helped drive the rise.

UK readers picked up more fiction in 2024 than 2023, with a 6.2% increase in sales volume to 64,511,922 units, equating to a record £552.7m, according to trade magazine The Bookseller.

Meanwhile, sales of nonfiction books – excluding academic and professional specialist titles – decreased 6.3% in volume across the two years, selling 58,138,223 units. This amounted to £724.1m, the lowest figure seen for six years.

Overall, sales volume of fiction and nonfiction for adults showed a marginal decline of 0.1% between 2023 and 2024.

The leading author behind the romantasy boost is Rebecca Yarros, who was the bestseller in the science fiction and fantasy space in 2024. Her novel Fourth Wing was the seventh bestselling book in the UK across all genres last year, at 245,217 units.

Along with romantasy, other genres that have benefited from traction online include romance and erotic fiction, which saw sales value increases of 9.8% and 18.1% respectively last year.

However, the romance trend may be partly due to changing attitudes towards the genre: publishers are perhaps more likely to classify books as romance rather than general or literary fiction in recent times, because romance is now given more prominence in bookstores, notes The Bookseller’s Tom Tivnan.

The two bestselling categories in adult fiction – general and literary fiction, and crime, thriller and adventure – had their best performances since the early 2010s. War fiction saw a decrease of 18.3% in sales value.

The hit to nonfiction was partly driven by autobiography sales value shrinking by 21%. Celebrity books – including those by Cher, Michael Caine and Alison Steadman – underperformed, while royal autobiographies sank 97.2% after the success of Prince Harry’s Spare in 2023.

However, political autobiographies performed well, with Boris Johnson’s Unleashed selling £2.4m worth of copies, and Alexei Navalny’s posthumous memoir Patriot with £764,000.

The top-selling nonfiction category was food and drink, with the health, dieting and wholefood cookery category in fifth place, the latter having increased 23.1% in sales volume. Three air fryer and slow cooker books, including Pinch of Nom Air Fryer by Kay and Kate Allinson, made it into the top 10 bestselling books of the year.

Sales of popular psychology and self improvement books fell, with declines of 6.1% and 21.1% in sales value respectively. Meanwhile, poetry and puzzles saw record years. Scottish poet Donna Ashworth, who rose to prominence on social media combining poetry and self help, was the top-selling living poet with almost £827,000 of sales, while Homer sold £871,000, much of which came from Emily Wilson’s translations.

Like nonfiction, children’s book sales also took a hit last year, with a 3.3% decrease in volume to 66,687,401 units.

Richard Osman’s We Solve Murders was the top-selling book across all genres last year, shifting nearly half a million copies, with another Osman, The Last Devil to Die, coming in second place. Romance book It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover came in third.

Booker winner Samatha Harvey was 11th overall, selling 212,618 copies, while Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo was 14th, selling 161,726. You Are Here by David Nicholls also made it into the top 20, at 115,996 sales.

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[caterinamkt]

Elevate Your Culinary Business with the Best Commercial Kitchen Equipment in Kenya

In the world of hospitality, the kitchen is the heart of any operation. From restaurants and hotels to catering businesses, the quality of your commercial kitchen equipment can make or break your culinary success. In Kenya, where the food industry is booming, having reliable, efficient, and high-performing equipment is essential to meet customer expectations and stay ahead of the competition.

At Caterina, we specialize in providing top-notch commercial kitchen equipment designed to elevate your business to new heights.

Why Invest in Quality Commercial Kitchen Equipment?

Efficiency and Speed: Modern equipment speeds up preparation and cooking, helping you serve more customers in less time.

Consistency in Quality: Professional-grade appliances ensure uniform results, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Durability: Built to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen, commercial equipment offers long-term reliability.

Cost Savings: High-quality tools reduce waste, energy consumption, and maintenance costs over time.

Must-Have Commercial Kitchen Equipment in Kenya

1. Commercial Ovens

An essential for any professional kitchen, Caterina’s range of ovens includes:

Convection Ovens: Ideal for baking, roasting, and cooking multiple dishes at once.

Deck Ovens: Perfect for pizzas and artisan bread.

Combi Ovens: Versatile tools combining steam and convection cooking for precise results.

2. Refrigeration Units

Keep ingredients fresh with our top-of-the-line refrigeration solutions:

Reach-In Refrigerators and Freezers: For bulk storage.

Prep Tables with Refrigeration: Keep ingredients handy while preparing dishes.

Blast Freezers: For quick cooling and food preservation.

3. Commercial Cooktops and Ranges

Whether you run a small café or a large hotel kitchen, Caterina offers cooktops that cater to all needs:

Gas and electric ranges.

Induction cookers for energy-efficient operations.

Griddles and fryers for specialized cooking.

4. Food Preparation Equipment

Efficient preparation tools make the process faster and easier:

Mixers: Ideal for dough and batter preparation.

Food Processors: For chopping, slicing, and blending.

Meat Grinders: Essential for butcheries and meat-heavy menus.

5. Cleaning Equipment

Hygiene is non-negotiable in a commercial kitchen. Caterina provides cleaning solutions like:

Dishwashers: For fast and efficient cleaning of plates, glasses, and utensils.

High-Pressure Washers: Perfect for deep-cleaning floors and equipment.

Sanitizers: Ensuring health and safety standards are maintained.

Why Choose Caterina for Your Kitchen Equipment in Kenya?

1. Wide Range of Products

From ovens to dishwashers, Caterina offers a comprehensive selection of restaurant kitchen equipment and hotel kitchen appliances tailored to different business needs.

2. Trusted Brands

Caterina works with top kitchen appliance brands to ensure you get reliable and high-performing tools.

3. Expert Support

Our team of experts provides guidance on choosing the right equipment and offers after-sales support, including installation, training, and maintenance.

4. Competitive Pricing

We cater to businesses of all sizes with affordable solutions that deliver excellent value for money.

Who Can Benefit from Caterina’s Equipment?

Restaurants: Streamline your operations and enhance food quality.

Hotels: Equip your kitchen to meet the demands of high-volume cooking.

Catering Businesses: Optimize efficiency and expand your offerings.

Cafes and Bakeries: Perfect for artisanal and small-batch cooking.

How to Get Started

Looking for a trusted restaurant kitchen equipment supplier in Kenya? Visit Caterina.co.ke to explore our range of commercial kitchen equipment. From sourcing the right tools to installation and maintenance, we’re here to support your culinary journey.

Conclusion

Success in the food and hospitality industry depends on more than just recipes — it starts with the right tools. By choosing Caterina’s premium hotel kitchen equipment and commercial appliances, you can ensure efficiency, consistency, and long-term profitability.

Don’t settle for less when you can equip your kitchen for success with Caterina! Reach out today and take the first step toward elevating your business.

[joyshinemachinerycompany]

garlic vacuum frying machine| garlic vacuum fryer price| garlic vacuum frying machine

Raw material: vegetables, fruit, meat, beef, fish, etc. Capacity:10-100kg/batch https://hnjoyshine.com/products/80-Type-Vegetable-And-Fruit-Vacuum-Fryer.html Wechat/whatsapp:8613213203466

[swastikprofessionals]

Discover the Best Commercial Kitchen Equipment Dealers in Delhi

When it comes to setting up or upgrading a commercial kitchen, finding the right equipment is crucial for ensuring efficiency, safety, and quality. As one of the leading commercial kitchen equipment dealers in Delhi, Swastik Professionals is dedicated to providing top-of-the-line kitchen solutions that cater to a wide array of culinary needs. Our extensive selection of high-quality kitchen equipment guarantees that your business will run smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on what you do best—creating delicious meals.

Why Choose Swastik Professionals for Your Commercial Kitchen Needs?

Comprehensive Range of Products

At Swastik Professionals, we offer an extensive range of commercial kitchen equipment designed to meet the diverse requirements of our clients. Whether you are running a restaurant, a catering service, a hotel kitchen, or a food processing unit, our products are tailored to suit every need. Our inventory includes:

Commercial Ovens: From convection ovens to combi ovens, we provide advanced baking solutions.

Refrigeration Units: Our range includes walk-in coolers, freezers, and under-counter refrigerators.

Cooking Equipment: We offer high-performance ranges, fryers, griddles, and charbroilers.

Food Preparation Equipment: Find mixers, slicers, food processors, and blenders in our collection.

Dishwashing Equipment: Ensure spotless cleanliness with our efficient dishwashers and glass washers.

Quality and Durability

The quality and durability of our equipment are paramount. Each product is sourced from reputable manufacturers known for their innovation and reliability. By choosing Swastik Professionals, you invest in equipment that withstands the rigorous demands of a commercial kitchen, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.

Customization and Installation Services

Understanding that every kitchen has unique requirements, we offer customization options to ensure our equipment fits perfectly into your space and workflow. Our expert team provides professional installation services, ensuring that your kitchen is set up efficiently and correctly from the start.

Our Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

Expert Consultation

Navigating the myriad options for commercial kitchen equipment can be overwhelming. Our experienced consultants are here to guide you through the selection process, offering personalized advice based on your specific needs and budget. We help you make informed decisions that enhance your kitchen's functionality and efficiency.

After-Sales Support

Our relationship with our clients extends beyond the initial purchase. We provide comprehensive after-sales support, including maintenance services and technical assistance, ensuring your equipment remains in optimal condition. Our dedicated support team is always ready to address any issues or concerns you may have, providing prompt and effective solutions.

Competitive Pricing

At Swastik Professionals, we believe that top-quality kitchen equipment should be accessible to all businesses. We offer competitive pricing on all our products without compromising on quality. Our flexible financing options make it easier for you to equip your kitchen with the best tools available.

Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right Equipment

Enhancing Efficiency

The right equipment can significantly enhance the efficiency of your kitchen operations. High-quality appliances reduce cooking times, streamline food preparation processes, and ensure consistent results, allowing you to serve your customers faster and more effectively.

Ensuring Food Safety and Hygiene

Commercial kitchen equipment plays a crucial role in maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. Proper refrigeration, storage, and cooking equipment help prevent contamination, ensure proper food handling, and comply with health regulations, safeguarding your customers' health and your business's reputation.

Reducing Operational Costs

Investing in durable and energy-efficient equipment can lead to substantial cost savings in the long run. Reliable appliances reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements, while energy-efficient models lower utility bills, contributing to overall operational cost reduction.

Spotlight on Our Popular Products

Commercial Ovens

Our range of commercial ovens is designed to meet the high demands of any professional kitchen. From versatile combi ovens that offer multiple cooking functions in one unit to powerful convection ovens that ensure even cooking, our products guarantee superior performance and efficiency.

Refrigeration Units

Proper refrigeration is essential for any commercial kitchen. Our refrigeration units, including walk-in coolers and freezers, are designed to keep your ingredients fresh and safe. Advanced temperature control features and robust construction ensure reliable performance, even in the busiest kitchens.

Cooking Equipment

Efficiency and precision are key in any kitchen, and our cooking equipment delivers both. High-performance ranges, fryers, and griddles allow you to cook a variety of dishes simultaneously, while our charbroilers provide the perfect solution for grilling and broiling needs.

Food Preparation Equipment

Streamline your food preparation processes with our range of mixers, slicers, food processors, and blenders. These appliances are designed for speed and accuracy, helping you prepare ingredients quickly and consistently, saving time and labor costs.

Dishwashing Equipment

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is crucial in any kitchen. Our dishwashing equipment, including efficient dishwashers and glass washers, ensures that your dishes, utensils, and glassware are spotless and sanitized, meeting the highest standards of cleanliness.

Our Installation and Maintenance Services

Professional Installation

Our team of experts ensures that all equipment is installed correctly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and disruptions to your operations. We handle everything from setup to testing, ensuring that your kitchen is ready for use as quickly as possible.

Regular Maintenance

To keep your equipment in top condition, we offer regular maintenance services. Scheduled maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, extends the lifespan of your appliances, and ensures they continue to operate at peak efficiency.

Emergency Repairs

In the event of equipment failure, our rapid response team is available to provide emergency repair services. We understand the impact that equipment downtime can have on your business, and we are committed to getting you back up and running as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Swastik Professionals is your trusted partner for all your commercial kitchen equipment needs in Delhi. Our extensive product range, commitment to quality, and exceptional customer service make us the go-to choice for businesses looking to enhance their kitchen operations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your culinary goals with the best equipment available.

[unseenphil]

Prompt #9: Fair

One thing Ray did miss about his homeland (Besides the opportunity to see his daughter grow up and still be married, but well, one of the tangible things) was the concept of Fair food. Eorzea had only recently discovered the art of the deep fryer at all, and still treated it as a curiosity to bread and fry fish for summer festivals. In his eyes, that was hardly scratching the surface.

He'd brought the suggestion for what he had in mind to the Culinarian's guild and had been banned from visiting the Bismarck for a month as a result.

So he waited two instead, for the Moonfire Faire, and during a slow shift, got permission to borrow their fryer instead, deep frying things that, to Eorzean eyes, shouldn't be deep fried at all. Chocolate candies ears of corn, a variety of things on sticks, and an entire plate of coffee biscuits (Plate not included)

It drew a few comments- mostly people talking about how odd it was or that the results were surprisingly tasty. In the end, everything was sold except for the plate of deep fried coffee biscuits, which had been marked as not for sale, and were wrapped up as though they might have to make a trip through someplace quite cold.

"Just a little present for some friends...elsewhere," Ray said, when finally asked, and then took the plate and disappeared to a quiet corner of the beach.

An observer with sharp ears heard him say something about a branch, and then "You can have one, but the bulk are for those two, you know?" But there wasn't anyone visible for him to be talking to. Then he came back without the plate or the deep fried baked goods.

For a while, people on both sides of the rift wondered a little about Ray's sanity, but eventually the intended recipients came around on the idea of fair food, and the quiet eccentricity of talking to someone that wasn't there got buried in the next crisis he was involved in.

[marmotsomsierost]

Adventures on grocery shopping on the start of labor day weekend (i.e. you fool, what have you done)

1) lady with smol child watches me smell then turn the baggie of hatch chiles around, eyeing it suspiciously. Smol child asks her what i'm doing. She pauses and then says 'i...don't know.' About this time i find the pepper that was minutes away from turning into terrible sludgy goo and extricate it, setting it gently to the side. Even that amount of motion was too much, and it sort of....melts. Smol child makes a wonderful noise of delighted disgust. Asks if their veggies at home do that. Lady says 'no, baby, that's what frozen veggies are for.'

2) there's sweet corn advertised right next to the chiles. I pick up an ear and smell it, again suspiciously. (I have been burned before, california. Your version of 'roadside fresh' and mine are very different.) Lady comes up next to me, starts picking up ears and ripping the dangliest tassels and husks off before bagging the ears. I look at the top of one, nope, set it back. Repeat. Find a good one. Lady has by this point stopped entirely and is watching me. "Well now what are you doing, then?" I point out the rejected corn has a tassel that looks icky, and the other one didn't feel heavy enough, and this one has nice goldenbrown tassel and feels heavy and is a nice green, and since i plan on cooking it, i peel back a bit of the husk to point out the nice fat kernels and squish one. Then i pick up the rejected one and peel it back a bit and the tip is bare and the visible kernels look dry. Lady's partner has come up behind her and says "you found another corn nut, huh?" She flicks him in the arm and says "no, i do not do...corn wizardry. I didn't even know corn wizardry was a thing. Thank you for the help, by the way."

3) someone says 'on wisconsin' behind me while i was talking about the corn and it is only later that i realize i am indeed wearing my ancient bucky badger tank top which would only be parseable as bucky if you knew what he was beforehand. I cannot see anyone around wearing obviously wisconsin or midwesty clothing. Did Chip astrally project just to fuck with me? i would not put it past him.

4) the human versions of the love children of abbot and costello / waldorf and statler are in the frozen food section (a madhouse because there are several sales ongoing) bickering while in search of bone in skin on chicken breasts, because you can't fry skinless chicken, what's the point? There is no point, that's the point. Maybe it's over there. Excuse me sir- sorry, miss- salmon candy, now there's a helluvathing. Is it good? Hm. Ah i don't think the boys'll go for that though. Is it like teriyaki? (I reply that it's not not like teriyaki but it's more like a nugget of smoked salmon that rolled into your pancake syrup.) Oh the boys'll go for salmon bacon no sweat. For sure. Why's the cold case so dark? Oh, they've shut for the night. Yeah yeah we should have come earlier maybe someone- oh here's the man, let's ask him. (No, they didn't sell well enough, they don't carry them anymore.) Oh that's the story we got at costco, too. I guess people just don't know what to do with themselves anymore. (The market down in (next city down the freeway) ought to have it. Maybe that safeway store too.) Naw, we're not going down there tonight, we'll just have to live with it. Well, there's drumsticks with skin on - ah, that's the fancy nice stuff, no sense in throwing that in a deep fryer...

4b) after this i encountered them again by the eggs, where the shorter of the two jokingly asked the woman with two kids and a very full cart if he could take the two packs of frozen breakfast links off their hands, and when she gave him the most 'i can't have heard that right' face the taller guy wheeled the cart around, clapped his hand on his buddy's shoulder, and said heartily "yeah that joke didn't land well at costco either!" before moving on towards the bakery department.

5) i inadvertently box out this poor guy around like three corners and one and a half aisles because i am not used to this layout and i can"t find the fucking laundry detergent and once i realize it is the same guy been behind me for way too long i dodge to the side and say "oh, i'm so sorry, i keep zigging in front of you." He laughs and says "no problem, basketball is a hard habit to break!" About 30 seconds later he appears abruptly behind a stand display thing, goes 'oop- oh, see, i got you this time!"

6) cluster of teenagers are standing in front of the big fall sale display. "Why is everything fall gotta be pumpkin spice. It's like turning into basic bitch season." His two friends snap with similar language "because it's fucking delicious, BRYAN." (Presumably) Bryan does the full body teenage eyeroll and says "okay, whatever can we just go find the fu...(eyeroll finished, he ends up locking eyes with me)...dge..." Having decided to lean in to the bizarreness of this trip, apparently, i say "i'm pretty fuckin' sure it's in the fuckin' bakery aisle." Cue cackling pandemonium. I add "the count chocula cereals are actually over in bakery, though, i passed them earlier."

7) i am in the rice aisle. There is a multitude of rice. There is no goddamn wild rice. There is 'countrywild' rice which contains no actual wild rice and wild rice mixes, all of which contain herbs not of my choosing and a buttload of salt and brown rice for fuck knows why and one of which contains fucking quinoa, for fuck's sake. This is a travesty and i am wounded beyond measure.

7b) someone laughs behind me, says "oh i'm sorry i don't mean to make fun ì just was not expecting a soliloquy in the rice and ethnic foods aisle."

7c) ...i have apparently said all that out loud, with my actual voice. Great. That's great. I retreat out of the rice aisle and text my mom to whine about the rice.

7d) fucking quinoa. Quinoa. WHY. WHY.

8) hours later after coming home and unpacking groceries and writing up this post i am still cranky about the lack of wild rice because i have perfect fucking asparagus and bay scallops and sweet corn and hatch chiles and i could be making a perfect fucking dinner but i am missing the fucking rice and yes okay i have calrose but it is not the same.

[raspberryconverse]

Tonight's edition of "Is this what marriage is?" Perhaps Wisconsin's Tattletale Notice isn't such a bad thing.

As I've mentioned a few times on here, our range's oven does not work. Does it heat and cook food? Technically, yes. Accurately or for longer than 15 minutes? No.

The internet said that the best time to buy new appliances is the beginning of the year. I saw one that I liked the first week of the year and we noticed the tag said the price was good though 1/4, so we decided we'd see what the next sale would bring it to. Well, that was a dumb move because it went up in price $100 and has yet to come back down to that price.

We finally started seeing prices drop on some models and found a similar one that's reasonable and a few others we hadn't seen because we had only been looking at Home Depot (my dad gave us a $300 gift card for Christmas/my birthday). Basically the only feature I really want is a lower storage drawer because our kitchen is tiny and we just don't have space for baking pans if we lose that drawer. My spouse doesn't want anything with a white cooktop because it shows all the dirt. We had it narrowed down to 2 models, but both Best Buy and Home Depot have new ads starting tomorrow (well, technically today). The Best Buy one is about $100 cheaper, but obviously we have $300 to spend at Home Depot (not that we wouldn't be able to use it for other things) and that makes us want to lean that way.

Since we knew the ad was changing, we decided to talk about it and make a decision. I currently owe my spouse about $800 for Lola's toe, so I suggested we pick one and I pay for it all with my PayPal credit account. If we pay it off in 6 months, we don't pay any financing. We were about to pull the trigger when apparently my spouse didn't gather that I already had that account.

NGL, I fell hook, line and sinker for the promotional offer of saving $50 when my watch broke and I wanted to buy a new one on eBay (I had a Fossil Q Venture Gen3 smartwatch and the newer models don't use the same size bands and I honestly didn't want to get one that wasn't going to fit the bands I already had, so I bought a Gen4). And I've been using it for awhile on frivolous things like new tile sets for my Letterfolk Tile Mats and that time I got sucked into the sex toy sponsorship Jordan and McKay did recently. I've actually done surprisingly well for me with a new credit account by not using up the whole thing like I'm always tempted to do.

But apparently my spouse is really pissed that I opened the account without telling them. And that completely shut down the new range conversation and I'm back to whatever can fit in the air fryer and the tech support "did you try turning off and turning it back on again" method for anything that requires more than 15 minutes to cook in the oven. The cooktop works fine (at least 2 of the burners work, which is enough for anything I cook), so that's good. Spouse also bought a toaster oven (the box says "countertop convection oven" and IDK if that's different from a toaster oven or not) for $15 at a thrift store a few weeks ago, but we have yet to test it out. But I'm kinda starting to feel like we're never going to buy a new range at this rate because I can no longer be trusted and don't deserve a new one.

Just to be clear, I'm not saying my spouse has no right to be mad about the account. If anything, I'm more mad that they gave me this whole "IDC what you buy. You don't have to have my permission to buy things and you don't have to sneak things in" spiel ages ago, but never gave me the caveat of "it has to be purchased with cash." I guess I'm less concerned about our credit now that we got the house, but I'm also realizing we've had to finance a ton of shit and we haven't even been here a year yet. And Lola is old and Meeah is ancient and Mable got bit by ticks before we adopted her, so they're all really fucking expensive. We just have very different philosophies when it comes to finances and it's really starting to come out now with owning an old house.

So maybe it would have been better if we were still in Wisconsin and they would have gotten a notice saying I opened the account. IDK. Is this what marriage is?