#fried chicken to soothe the soul

[43sol]

The Rising but KFC break-up

[kimberly40]

One staple of growing up Appalachia is Sunday supper. This isn’t to say that we didn’t have dinner every other day of the week. We did. But none were as grand as those Sunday’s with your family around the table together.

Family in Appalachia is not confined to the people who live under your roof. It is your grandparents, your aunts and uncles, cousins; first through third, and even a neighbor or two. Those are the faces that you can expect to see around the table at Sunday supper. You’ll likely eat fried chicken or soup beans and all of the fixens’. It’s what we call Southern comfort food.

After supper, we would all move to the front porch. The adults would line the porch in the rocking chairs and porch swings, while we kids played hide and go seek or caught lightening bugs. There’s no place that soothes my soul as well as my grandparent’s front porch and those Sunday’s with family...

(-Kim W)

[mother2monsters]

(No title yet)

Forwarning...I'm not that fancy, never blogged before so I have no idea how to make this look appealing...maybe one day between my million kids and million jobs I'll figure it out.

Here goes nothing.... please don't be tooo harsh lol.... y'all I feel like my writing is trash lol.....ugh... ok fuck it.... Yoongi didn't raise no bitch!

He recognized the yearning in her eyes. If he allowed himself, it was the same yearning for her reflected in his.   It was the last show, fuck it, he thought to himself, I’m going to enlist soon, I can have this one thing. Looking to where he’s seen her every show prior, she’s gone. 

Meanwhile she cries tears of anguish watching him for the last time from afar. 

Curious eyes look down on them both from above. Curious about the despair they see in her face and the lost look only they are able to distinguish within his eyes. Even more curious, when the guest comes out, she is inconsolable, leaning into her friend for support. During the show he seems to be looking for something in that particular spot but doesn’t find it. He checks all 4 corners and the lost look remains.  A quick question is posed to the guest as he arrives to sit with the onlookers and he declines but is captivated none the less by the beauty and pain he sees in her face, he recognizes that pain.  Deciding to put it off for now, the eyes above watch the show in pensive contemplation. 

The show was amazing! she tells her friend as they plan their next move for the night. They’re both numb due to all the emotions he left on the stage. She’s emotionally raw and physically drained but thankful she was there. Or at least that’s the mantra she keeps repeating over in her head as they exit the arena for the final time. 

That was phenomenal! A perfect ending to an amazing run! His family and friends tell him backstage. He isn’t sure what he’s feeling at this point yet, everything is too fresh, too new, his tears haven’t even dried yet. He regrets not finding her or trying sooner. He internally mourns what could have been and what may never be. 

Meanwhile her and her friend roam the streets of Seoul in search of something to soothe the tumultuous emotions raging in their souls. They fear the announcement they know is coming come morning, “HELLO THIS IS BIGHIT MUSIC…”.  �� Coincidentally they end up in a cafe surrounded with pictures and mementos of their idols, not the fried chicken that they’d set out for but not an unworthy substitution by any accounts. 

[rnm-magic-space-xsd]

“Hm, hhmm~” Shiri hummed softly as she fried the homemade dinner. ~ I hope Juju would like the food.. I’m a little worried because-~ “tkhgh !” Shiri winced in pain, a drop of oil blistering the back of her palm. “I really am not used to cooking.. I hope my clumsiness won’t ruin the taste of the meal for Juju.” Shiri mumbled to herself, anxiety slightly pricking her heart.

But eyeing the schnitzel, it seemed tasty, a perfect golden brown crust. She covered it in the special sauce and toppings, she hoped it would taste as well as it looked. Shiri then plated their homemade dinner at their dining table.

“I’m all aglow, and now I know. The key to our Heaven is mine..”

Coming in late, exhausted from work Jumin sighed. A sound unnoticed by our flighty wife, lost in daydreams.

“So this is what makes life divine, h hm huhummm~”

Hearing the sound of his love’s sweet voice he could feel his soul becoming soothed by her clear, loving energy. Her soft singing making him smile warmly.

Wanting to surprise her, he embraced her in a big, bear hug from behind, startling her. “My lovely Shiri, I missed you so much.”

Quickly after her alarmed hic, she recognized her beloved’s warm bassy voice whispering in her ear. His hug, whisper and touch made her melt and feel like a puddle of gooey honey, warming her from within.

“I’m so happy you’re back, HanniBunny ! I, um. I cooked something for you !”

“Oh? Oh. Come to think of it I do smell chicken.”

“It’s Schnitzel Parmigiana, your childhood favorite! I thought you’d like a little nostalgia. I wanted you to more thoroughly enjoy your meals, rather than just eating them to satisfy your dietary needs. Life is meant to be enjoyed !”

Shiri turned, hugging JujuBear, this time initiated by her own sweet self. “Just like how I enjoy being embraced by your loving, tender and passionate heart.”

“Heh, just hearing you say that makes me feel so lucky and blessed to have you, Shiri. You’re so charming and sweet, yet so genuine and poetic. It’s no wonder I fell so deeply in love with you, my lovely wife Shiri.” Juju’s slender fingers gently tilted Shiri’s face upwards to meet his silver gaze, quivering with love, as he leaned down to softly and languidly kiss his sweet Cherie’s rose pink lips.

His hot tongue caressing her own made both their hearts flutter and race like birds’ wings set free as their souls intertwined into one, fully melting into their own private inner world.

“J-Juju..” Shiri sighed her love’s name, exhaling raggedly, eyes glossy with desire, love and overwhelming heat, encompassing her entire being. “We- We should eat the food before it gets cold.”

Juju, wiping their shared saliva from the edge of his lips, he licked the remnants of Shiri’s mark from his slightly damp hand. Intense gaze never leaving his precious wife’s.

“Well, when it comes to you, Shiri, my hunger knows no bounds. Your touch and taste are far sweeter than any candy in the world. I can never get enough.”

“But I wouldn’t want your efforts to go to waste, with all of the love you poured into it so-“

With a last passionate kiss, Juju hugs Shiri fiercely and protectively to him, keeping their bodies so close she could feel Jumin’s rapid heartbeat racing reverberating in her own chest. Their heartbeats creating a precious melody of their own, mixing with the sound of their moans and love-filled sighs.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Finally seated in their comfy and plush chairs by their window balcony after their passionate welcome back home greeting, they started eating.

Shiri felt fluttery and nervous as she eyed Jumin taking the first bite of her homemade meal.

“Shiri, this is. It tastes so warm and filling..it takes me back. When I used to have evening dinners with Jihyun’s family when we were younger. This is, an absolute delight to the senses.”

Her eyes glimmered in delight at Juju’s words. “Really? Oh gosh! I’m so happy! I’m sure we could arrange for an all RFA gathering soon so we could catch up on what each of us has been doing lately! You probably miss Jihyun, huh? After all he is your first and best childhood friend.” Shiri smiled knowingly and affectionately, before quickly and hurriedly clarifying “Oh, not that I’m jealous ! I know how you cherish us is both equal yet different.”

“Yes, my angel. You know me so well. You are my greatest gift of love, and Jihyun is like- a brother from a long lost family of mine. Both equally dear to me. And you know no one could ever replace you, my dove, right?” Jumin reached out his hand to tenderly and lovingly caress my cheek from across the small table.

“Yea..I know, my love HanniJuju.” Shiri replied, smiling contentedly as her hand gently covered his.

During their romantic meal, Jumin caught a glimpse of one of their engagement (pre-marital) photos, hung up elegantly upon the wall above their shared bed. In that picture was Shiri, peppering loving, playful yet slightly possessive kiss marks all upon Jumin’s face; his being beaming brightly at her affections.

(Art Credits : ShiawaseJanaiyo)

Just being reminded of that time made Jumin’s heart feel so warm and blissful. Like the smooth velvety creaminess of drinking hot foamed coffee during winter times (or, if you consider Shiri’s taste; it would definitely be hot cocoa). It reminded him of home. Shiri was home to Juju, in everything she did she always poured her heart and soul into it if it meant helping and cherishing her loved ones.

“Remember our engagement photoshoot Shiri?”

“Oh. The one you felt was as important as our future wedding photoshoot because it showcased deeply and dearly how-“

(Both at once): “it encompassed the way our love blossomed through the years.”

Amused by their synchronicity, they couldn’t help but chuckle and giggle a little.

“I love you. You’re my one and only” Shiri confessed a loving reminder, adoring her HanniBunnyHubbyBear.

“You’re my only love as well, dear soul. I hope our love will continue to blossom through many more years to come as we live our lives together.”

[yuelun]

GET TO KNOW THE MUN.

Interrupting writing (only momentarily) because everyone is doing this thing and after-dinner fatigue is absolutely kicking my ass. And also, let it be known, Min, that I hope you knew exactly what me answering this was gonna look like. /drum rolls (also I need people to know that this has been playing in the background this whole time and I'm jamming out).

What's your phone wallpaper: Zhongli. But I edited the picture way too monumentally much in Photoshop. On my phone, it has a black background., I've dimmed it because I don't like my backgrounds to be overall too bright, I've selectively brightened some of the veins/lines along his arms and legs— he's a beautiful man and he's beautiful on my phone, he's been on there since I first found the picture months ago.

Last song you listened to: 'Saturn' by Sleeping at Last, but specifically the violin version with Tim Fain. Since I called myself out on this yesterday, the following should come as no surprise: it's my ultimate favourite song for Zhongli/Guizhong, specifically from his perspective after her passing. Aside from that however, it's also simply one of my absolute favourite songs that soothes me to the core every time I listen to it. .

Currently reading: It's been paused for a while, but things I've most recently picked up and haven't finished? 'City of Souls' by Cassandra Clare, a franchise I love dearly, even if nothing will measure up to the first three books.

Last movie: Final Fantasy VII: Last Order, I'm a huge Zack Fair fanatic. But also, it's been a while since I've actively engaged in watching a full film because I don't currently have the attention span for it.

What are you wearing: I live in loungewear or a mix/match of lounge/sleepwear and other clothes; I'm just that kind of girl. Granted, with all the moving abroad twice over in the last two years— I no longer have all of my comfy things. I'll restock. But currently my pyjama pants, short sleeved turtleneck, fuzzy sweater and fuzzy socks. If you ever see me inside of my home without fuzzy socks or fuzzy slippers (you know, like those that look like animals? I'll be 65 one day and still wear them), you know I'm not doing well.

Piercings / tattoos: Neither. I don't even have my ears pierced and it's not even for any specific reason, because I'd like to get them pierced. I just never... got... around to getting them pierced? I would like to possibly get a script tattoo under my collarbone, or something on my inner lower arm in white ink (I do have specific ideas as to what, shh).

Glasses / contacts or both? I'm nearsighted, so glasses, technically— but my eyes either got worse or better over time and my old glasses now give me a headache. I haven't gotten new ones yet, but I see well enough to be okay in the meantime. But soon.

Last thing you ate: ... Chocolate. But I heated up my chicken stew. I love, love, love a good stew or roast. And honestly, I'm on a fries and cheesy pasta binge, so I'll likely have one of those later tonight as a snack as I will, very likely, once again stay up until 6am writing and doing my own head in, because I'm right back there.

Favourite colour(s): Depends on whether we're talking clothes or otherwise. Black is a safe answer, but I like a lot of my accessories in white.

Current Obsession: Guizhong, (Kay, don't look) Zhongli, the Guili Assembly, Liyue the greatest nation in any game to have existed ever; yes, in that order. I guess also coffee. And also, none of these are only 'current' obsessions, they're going to be my obsessions well into any kind of perpetuity. No, I don't need help, I'll drown here very happily. :)

Do you have a crush? Are we including video games because of so... absolutely not, obviously. Geez.

Favourite fictional characters? /takes a breath. Guizhong, Guizhong, Guizhong— oh, others? Okay, uh, Zhongli... Madame Ping, Cloud Retainer, Osial, Marchosius/Guoba because I'm absolutely insane, Yaoyao (did you know that Yuegui, her bunny, was made by Cloud Retainer? I still cry over that), Nahida (she's the only non-Liyue character but I'm in total and utter love), Ganyu (I'm so close to adding her as an NPC on this blog, I swear to god), SKY BRACER-- I have a problem, I'm aware. I'm just absolutely feral over Liyue and it's fine. Let's move on before I expose my love for them too much more.

Tagged by: Literally no one, no one asked for my madness; they knew better Tagging: Be sneaaaaaky. <3

[causalitylinked]

TAG NINE PEOPLE YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW BETTER! ♥

   favourite colour(s): i don’t think i really have a favourite colour, per say, but i do prefer softer hues that are less glaringly bright on my eyes (hence why the theme for my multi has such a soothing colour scheme).

   favourite flavour(s): well, i do tend to really hate flavours that are bland (ie: cucumbers, pasta in tasteless soup my grandma makes, etc), so i guess flavors-wise, i really like spicy things (like some sauces you would put on chicken), foods with a creamy texture (think butter chicken or cream of mushroom soup), and anything with caramelized onions in it. seriously, i could probably eat a whole plate of cooked or fried onions, so if something tastes like onions? i’d probably enjoy it.

   favourite genre(s): I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS COULD POSSIBLY BE REFERRING TO, but when it comes to roleplay, i do prefer fluff, angst with a happy ending, and slice-of-life oriented threads, especially since most of my muses happen to be human, so its very interesting for me to delve into the daily going-ons of their lives in a more modern sense. video-games wise, though, i do tend to notice i favour horror games or jrpgs the most.

   favourite music: honestly, i mostly like EDM or music that’s fast and upbeat, but overall, my playlist really varies because i happen to enjoy a lot of things. seriously, on one hand, i’d listen to Loreen, but i’d also listen to songs by TeZATalks, NEFFEX, or bubbly j pop artists like CHIHIRO or Maiko Nakamura, so people at my workplace would randomly hear ‘Bye-Bad-Bye’ or ‘Endless Tears’ randomly playing from the speakers.

   favourite movie: maybe ‘A Silent Voice’? i honestly don’t watch a lot of movies, but i did remember it leaving a very lasting impression on me.

   favourite series: The Caligula Effect series... hands down! i also like the Trails of/Kiseki series for having the most rich, engrossing lore and interconnected world building i’ve ever seen with more than one character i’ve wanted to take on as a muse at one point, but alas, aside from Gaius Worzel, i sadly never got the chance to write more than one. i’m also fond of Fairy Fencer F and the Spirit Hunter series, because the universe, lore, and characters is also pretty interesting to me.

   last song: ‘Nobody can Hear You’ by ALIUS feat. Ariela Jacobs

   last series: uhhh...if we’re talking about series that have more than one instalment, it would have to be Soul Hackers (specifically Soul Hackers 2).

   last movie: it was probably something on netflix, but i can’t exactly remember, otl.

   currently reading: does Umineko count, considering it’s a visual novel?? it’s been rather slow going, though, because i have the attention span of a goldfish and the lets player who i’m watching tends to go on long tangents, that it’s hard for me to consistently pay attention for long enough before i’m pausing the video, otl.

   currently watching: someone’s playthrough of Umineko.

   currently working on: a headcanon post and various different open starters for my oc, because i happen to have lot of muse for her at the moment!

TAGGED BY: @paenseo​ ( thank you, veena! <333 )

TAGGING: @spiritpyro, @reevateiru, @ofliminalities, @pyreign​ and whoever else would like to do this!

[mimieyhhee]

Journal Entry #1 4 August, 2024

Roommate House

On Sundays, most of my roommates go home. I'm left alone. Suddenly, my roommate Zatty invited me to go back to her house in Sungai Buaya, Rawang. I was a bit shy at first but I had no choice but to stay alone in the hostel. Without any confusion I immediately agreed to accompany her during the 2-day holiday. The next day, after class we both went to the train station and left for Rawang. For 2 and a half hours we were in the train. I was able to enjoy the beauty of the scenery after a long time without sightseeing.

At 4PM, we arrived in Rawang. We were picked up by Zatty's mother. Zatty's mother had time to ask me a few questions, like what my father's job was and so on. At that time, I remembered my mother who was in Alor Setar. I miss my mom so much. After that, Ibu Zatty bought us food such as laksa, satay and fried chicken. We ate heartily because we were hungry after several hours on the train. We both finished the food quickly!. IT'S SO DELICIOUS!!!! Thanks to Zatty's mother. Finally I able to taste the food that always comes out of Zatty's mouth. After we eat, we pray and watch horror stories with Zatty's sister. Although I'm a bit scared but once in a while I dare myself to see with Zatty. That was the end of my day, very enjoyable and I was able to take on a new experience in my life.

Sincerely,

-mimiey

Journal Entry #2 15 August, 2024

Healing Day!

After a long time we did not return to our hometown in Dungun, Terengganu. This time we got the chance to go home with my cousin. I am very excited because this is the first time we go together without our parents besides. This time I was also able to take pictures and upload them on social media. That way I can also tell my friends that this is my beautiful village. My grandmother house also faces the beach, so it's a really beautiful and enjoyable view to relieve stress. The sound of the waves is also very soothing to our souls when we appreciate the sound of it. I also had time to walk around the beach. We as a family were able to get together after many years of not seeing each other. This time, I really like it because we can talk about each other's stories and also ask how each other is doing.

In our village there are also many unique and delicious foods. For example such as Nasi Dagang. It is very easy to find around here. After that, our big family plans to have a picnic facing the beach scene. I'm so excited and really miss moments like this. Oh god I wish I could stay here forever. But it is very likely that I will not have the opportunity to stay here. It's okay, life must go on. After that, our family brought out all the food to eat in front of this beach. Imagine eating while hearing the sound of the waves and smelling the water from the beach. Oh GOD!

Sincerely,

-mimiey

Journal Entry #3 25 August, 2024

Unexpected Outing!

On Monday, my friend named Adriana and her closed friend planned to go out to get some fresh air from the dormitory area. Adriana invited me to go with them once at that time. Without thinking twice, I agreed to go with her. The three of us got into Adriana's friend's car to go to the Putrajaya area to see the sunset. While heading to our destination we chatted while playing a song. After a few minutes, we arrived at the place. Adriana and I were amazed to see the sun set before our eyes. We sat on the bench and enjoyed the view. We had time to take pictures of the scenery and obviously don't forget the picture of the three of us.

After that, we stopped at one of the mosques there to perform the Maghrib prayer. After a few minutes we finished praying, Adriana invited her friend to go to Mixue to buy a strawberry milkshake. We rested there for 5 minutes and finished our food there before returning to the hostel. I feel very happy to be able to spend time with my friends here. I was also able to take in new experiences that I never thought I would experience like this. Thanks to them for giving me the opportunity to enjoy these memories.

Sincerely,

-mimiey

[acent006]

Comfort Foods for Fever: A Soothing Guide to Feeling Better

When fever strikes, the last thing you probably want to think about is food. However, nourishing your body with the right kind of sustenance can not only provide comfort but also help you recover faster.

Comfort foods, packed with nutrients and easy to digest, can play a crucial role in boosting your immune system and relieving the discomforts associated with fever. Here's a look at some of the best options to consider:

1. The Classic Chicken Soup

Chicken soup isn't just a nostalgic remedy; it's backed by science. The warm broth helps to soothe a sore throat and clear congestion. Chicken provides protein for energy and repair, while vegetables like carrots and celery offer essential vitamins and minerals. Studies have even shown that chicken soup may have anti-inflammatory properties, helping your body fight off infection.

2. Hydrating Broths and Soups

Fevers often lead to dehydration due to increased sweating. Replenish fluids with broths (vegetable, chicken, or bone) and clear soups. These options are easy on the stomach, packed with electrolytes, and can be easily digested. Add some noodles or rice for a heartier meal.

3. The Soothing Power of Ginger

Ginger has long been used for its medicinal properties. It's known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects, making it a great choice for fever-related nausea or stomach upset. Sip on ginger tea, add grated ginger to your soup, or simply chew on a piece of fresh ginger.

4. Bland and Easy-to-Digest Options

When you're feeling under the weather, your appetite may be diminished. Opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods like toast, crackers, rice, oatmeal, or bananas. These foods are gentle on your stomach and provide essential carbohydrates for energy.

5. Yogurt's Probiotic Boost

Yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support your gut health and immune system. Choose plain yogurt with live and active cultures to reap these benefits. Add some fruit for sweetness and flavor.

6. Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables with high water content are excellent for staying hydrated during a fever. Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and berries are all great options. Additionally, many fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which may help boost your immune response.

7. Herbal Teas for Comfort

Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger offer a soothing and comforting experience. Chamomile can help with relaxation and sleep, while peppermint can ease nausea and indigestion.

Foods to Avoid During Fever:

While comfort foods can be beneficial, there are certain foods that you should avoid during a fever. Greasy, fried, and sugary foods can be difficult to digest and may worsen nausea. Spicy foods can irritate your stomach and throat. Additionally, caffeine and alcohol can contribute to dehydration.

Listen to Your Body

Remember that everyone's body reacts differently to fever. It's important to listen to your body and choose foods that feel right for you. If you have any specific dietary restrictions or concerns, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

Incorporating Comfort Foods into Your Recovery

Comfort foods can be more than just sustenance during a fever. They can offer a sense of warmth, familiarity, and emotional support. Whether it's a bowl of your grandma's chicken soup or a simple cup of ginger tea, these foods can nourish both your body and your soul, helping you feel better faster.

Conclusion

While comfort foods can't cure a fever, they can certainly make the experience more bearable. By choosing nourishing and easy-to-digest options, staying hydrated, and avoiding problematic foods, you can support your body's healing process and find solace in the simple pleasures of food.

[jheelrestaurant]

Redefining Comfort Food: Indian Classics for Every Occasion

In the vast landscape of global cuisines, Indian classics stand out as epitomes of comfort, transcending mere sustenance to become cherished companions for every occasion. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene corners of Kerala, the diverse subcontinent offers a palette of flavours that redefine what it means to indulge in comfort food. This article delves into the essence of Indian classics, exploring the rich tapestry of flavours that make them the perfect choice for any event.

The Heartiness of Street Food

Chaat: A Symphony of Flavours

Chaat, the quintessential street food, is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of Indian flavours. Whether it's the tanginess of tamarind chutney or the crunchiness of fried chickpea flour, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. From the iconic "Pani Puri" to the comforting warmth of "Bhel Puri," chaat caters to a spectrum of palates, making it a delightful choice for casual gatherings and festive celebrations alike.

Homely Delights

Dal Tadka: A Bowl of Comfort

At the heart of every Indian home, a steaming bowl of "Dal Tadka" is a symbol of comfort and familiarity. The aromatic lentils, tempered with cumin, garlic, and ghee, create a soul-soothing experience. Whether served with fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan, Dal Tadka is a versatile classic that adapts effortlessly to any occasion, bringing a sense of homely warmth to the dining table.

Festive Feasts

Biryani: The Crown Jewel of Celebrations

No celebration in India is complete without the grandeur of Biryani. This regal dish, characterised by fragrant basmati rice layered with succulent meat and aromatic spices, is a testament to the culinary opulence of the subcontinent. Be it a wedding feast or a joyous festival, Biryani stands as the crown jewel, embodying the spirit of togetherness and celebration.

Culinary Heritage

Butter Chicken: A Culinary Legacy

Butter Chicken, with its luscious tomato-based gravy and tender pieces of tandoori chicken, is a culinary legacy that has transcended borders. Originating from the kitchens of Delhi, this dish has become synonymous with indulgence and celebration. Whether relished with naan or steamed rice, Butter Chicken continues to redefine comfort, making it a must-have for special occasions.

Regional Wonders

Dosa: South India's Culinary Marvel

The crispiness of the thin, fermented crepe, complemented by the spiced potato filling, makes "Dosa" a marvel of South Indian cuisine. Versatile in its appeal, Dosa caters to both casual breakfasts and festive feasts. Served with coconut chutney and tangy sambar, this dish exemplifies the regional diversity that adds to the richness of Indian comfort food.

Sweet Endings

Gulab Jamun: A Sweet Embrace

No culinary journey through Indian comfort food is complete without the sweet embrace of "Gulab Jamun." These golden orbs, made from khoya and soaked in sugar syrup, symbolise the joyous moments shared during family gatherings and celebrations. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and the sweetness that lingers make Gulab Jamun a perfect conclusion to any meal, adding a touch of sweetness to life's cherished moments.

Indian classics redefine the very essence of comfort food, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary indulgence. From the lively streets to the heart of homes, each dish tells a story of cultural richness and culinary finesse. Whether it's the street-side Chaat, the homely Dal Tadka, the grandeur of Biryani, the legacy of Butter Chicken, the marvel of Dosa, or the sweet embrace of Gulab Jamun, Indian classics offer a gastronomic journey that transcends occasions and brings people together in the shared joy of delightful flavours.

For more information visit- top Indian restaurants Bella Vista

Jheel 

G02/8 Century Cct, Norwest

NSW 2153, 

Australia 

Contact no: 02 9894 7766 Email: info@jheel.com.au

[culinaryburst]

13 Asian Comfort Food Recipes: Satisfy Your Cravings

Introduction:

Asian comfort food is always an enjoyable way to satisfy our cravings and fill our tummies with something memorable and familiar. There’s just something special about eating a meal that reminds us of good memories or just feels like home. In the world of comfort food, there are many choices available, but have you ever tried Asian comfort food? It’s a fusion of flavors that are delicious, filling, and bursting with unique tastes. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular and satisfying Asian comfort dishes, so get your chopsticks ready and let’s dive in!

What Is Asian Comfort Food?

So, what is Asian Comfort Food? It’s the perfect blending of eastern flavors, spices, and cooking techniques that provides a unique blend that satisfies our soul and our palate. Asian comfort foods are typically high in flavor, full of spices and herbs, and served in warm bowls of goodness. Not only do these foods provide immense pleasure for our taste buds, but they’re also excellent for our overall health and well-being.

Benefits Of Eating Asian Comfort Foods

Asian comfort foods offer a delightful culinary experience with a myriad of flavors—sweet, spicy, sour, and umami. They provide a comforting and exciting sensory experience.

Not only are these dishes tasty, but they are also packed with nutrition. Ingredients like ginger, garlic, turmeric, and herbs used in these recipes have potent health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Asian comfort foods are well-balanced with proteins, vegetables, and carbs, making them a wholesome meal.

In addition, the warm soups and broths common in Asian comfort foods are great for hydration and can help soothe the common cold. Lastly, these dishes allow us to connect with different cultures and appreciate the diversity of Asian cuisine.

Popular Asian Comfort Food Recipes

If you’re ready to embark on a culinary journey, here are some popular Asian comfort food recipes to get you started:

Ramen (Japan):

A satisfying bowl of ramen is an iconic Japanese dish. The broth, typically made from pork or chicken bones, is simmered for hours and served with noodles, slices of pork, a soft-boiled egg, and vegetables.

Ramen Recipe:

Ingredients:

Pork or chicken bones for broth

Noodles

Slices of pork

Soft-boiled eggs

Vegetables

Instructions:

1. Prepare the broth by simmering pork or chicken bones for several hours.

2. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and set aside.

3. Slice the pork into thin slices.

4. Soft-boil the eggs until desired consistency.

5. Prepare the vegetables by chopping them into the desired sizes.

6. In a serving bowl, add the cooked noodles, slices of pork, a soft-boiled egg, and vegetables.

7. Pour the simmered broth over the ingredients in the bowl.

Pho (Vietnam):

This aromatic noodle soup is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat.

Ingredients:

Beef or chicken broth

Rice noodles

Herbs (such as cilantro, Thai basil, and green onions)

Meat (beef or chicken)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the broth by simmering beef or chicken bones in water for several hours. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.

2. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the herbs by washing and chopping them.

4. Cook the meat separately by grilling, boiling, or stir-frying it. Slice it into thin pieces.

5. To assemble the soup, place a portion of rice noodles in a bowl. Add the cooked meat and herbs on top.

6. Pour the hot broth over the noodles, meat, and herbs.

7. Serve hot and enjoy the aromatic noodle soup!

Note: Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities based on your preferences.

Bibimbap (Korea):

This hearty bowl of rice is topped with an assortment of vegetables, beef, a fried egg, and a dollop of spicy gochujang sauce. It’s a meal that offers a myriad of flavors and textures in each bite.

Recipe: Beef Bibimbap

Ingredients:

Cooked rice

Assorted vegetables (such as carrots, spinach, mushrooms, and bean sprouts)

Beef (thinly sliced)

Fried egg

Spicy gochujang sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Julienne the carrots, blanch the spinach, sauté the mushrooms, and blanch the bean sprouts.

2. Cook the beef: Stir-fry the thinly sliced beef until cooked.

3. Assemble the bowl: In a large bowl, place a serving of cooked rice. Arrange the vegetables and beef on top.

4. Add the fried egg: Fry an egg and place it on top of the vegetables and beef.

5. Drizzle with gochujang sauce: Add a dollop of spicy gochujang sauce on top.

6. Mix and enjoy: Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly before eating to combine the flavors and textures.

Enjoy this delicious and flavorful beef bibimbap!

For the complete article, visit www.culinaryburst.com Enjoy an enhanced reading experience with rich content and valuable insights!

[homelander-rp-blog]

He's captivated by that eyes of hers, cat like attractiveness to them and that smile.. it tells a different story. "no, I don't want to be the richest bastard, just enough money so I can be up and on my feet again.." because once he takes things in his hands, there won't be any need to wish for money anymore, money makes money itself He willingly sells his soul, it was rotten anyway, all those people he killed, terrorized, tortured were a heavy weight on his shoulders, sometimes he swears he can hear their scream in his nightmares and he's becoming more dependent on the alcohol to sooth the pain, if the summoning hasn't worked, he'd be dead with a bullet in his head, suicide will be the last solution, sweet freedom. John isn't a spring chicken, first thing he does is trying to buy the lower ring of the system, local pushermen and small club owners "I can always move to another city.. start a new life but I'll miss this place, I wanna make my own roots here, that won't be hard, hm? soon I'll sit on top, like those Godfather movies, eh?" the demon lady soon becoming his new housemate and it's only couple of days since she started living with him but feels like she's been always here, and John finds himself getting used to have her over, even hearing her voice.. her laugh especially. am I falling in love with a demon goddess somehow? John notices Eris brings him luck, like a charm but devilish effect and they weren't wrong saying Los Angeles is possessed by demons. He's making steaks in the kitchen for himself and Eris, the new home is a nice apartment at downtown with sea view, noisy neighbors but know enough to mind their own business. "if you're free to walk on the earth freely until that time our contract ends, does it include when I get shot too?" cracks some eggs in the pan after he serves the fried meat in two plates "or you're stuck with me forever?" does it mean Eris also guarantee his safety too? or she's just waiting around for when he dies..

"I'm simply trying to guide you to an option that is more... a challenge, something with a little more fun for me, see I've had many a human wish me for wealth, bargain me for gold and coins and notes, years ago they used to beg me for food, their families fed.. what I'd really like is someone that dreams bigger, that wants more... more than what their temporary mediocre life has, to have the world and then more." she sighed softly, her fingers were alluringly soft, almost in a way that was sin itself because a demon shouldn't be soft at all, it made her seem human and that was dangerous wasn't it? shouldn't she have been molten fire and fury and instead, she looked more of a succubus, an embodiment of greed and lust.

Her wicked smirk curved her lips, she could feel his excitement, the beating of his heart, the rush of blood and her own excitement toyed at the mention of a soul, his specifically. "Eventually." she answered truthfully. "eventually i'd like your soul but i'd like our agreement to remain.. open, if you please." she hummed, those eyes of hers, the essence of darkness lingering within them, seemed to like right into his soul itself and all she portrayed was a longing, deep hunger. "An open deal means I'm tied to you, it means I get to roam the world until the day comes I take your soul.. it's almost like a passport, my deal being in limbo means I get to remain in limbo guarding it. Does that make sense, john?" with her chin titled she was unwavering, holding his eye contact. "Hell is fun but earth is my playground. A word of advice. Add a section stating that you'd like time to enjoy your riches John, best to be smart... if you're not specific enough I could give you riches and take your soul the very second after. That wouldn't be fun for you and it's dull for me too." she hushed those words, a little secret hint she wasn't under any requirement to give. That meant that despite the rabbit pace of his heart, she enjoyed his bravery, his steel.

"The surface changes so fast, I want to enjoy it and all it's changes before I return." her shoulders shrug. "What do you say John?" there was a sort of essence that clung to her, that wanted her, like the darkness in the room slowly seeped towards her, it craved her. "We could have so much fun together, couldn't we?" her whisper beckoned.

[kiyoors]

kids at the mall (iv)

Ushijima Wakatoshi x reader 

wc: 1.2k 

a/n: @peachysamu  this is for u, my love, I've been thinking about this ever since you told me I reminded you of Panda Express and orange chicken <3

also! u can find parts 1-3 on my m.list here! (no particular order needed to read tho! :))

It's endearing to see Ushijima, and all his six feet and two inches of height, carefully make his way around the people at the mall food court, balancing a tray of your lunch orders in his hands while he's at it. He steps around tiny children and courteously lets people in his way go first, all the way until he makes it to the table where you've been waiting for him.

You're smiling up at him, and he clears his throat to hide the hint of shyness he feels whenever you look at him so adoringly.

"Two orange chickens," he murmurs, setting your bowl down first before he settles in his seat beside you, the shopping bags taking up the seat across from you.

You kiss his cheek, smacking your lips against his skin in the way you know makes him huff in amusement. "Thank you, 'Toshi."

You each unwrap your chopsticks and begin to eat; you hum in satisfaction and him in approval.  

"That red coat we saw through the shop window was so nice, don't you think?" In between bites, you add to the chatter of the food court. Your voice fills the space between the two of you, and Ushijima smiles as he listens.

"I'm sure your mom's going to love it!"

In the years of your relationship, Ushijima has found himself deciding that christmas shopping with you is one of his favorite seasonal activities to do. He can bear the long lines and crowded stores, if only because he gets to see the excitement in your eyes as you pick gifts for your loved ones. He thinks it's also cute that he can keep track of where you are by simply looking over the crowd and following the bobbing pompom of your winter hat as you move through the store. He keeps that detail to himself, though.

He nods and hums in agreement as you continue to babble about what stores you wish to visit next, who you still need to buy gifts for, and who you can cross out of your list.

He works through his bowl of orange chicken and fried rice, and, just as he's opening his mouth to take his second to last bite (his eyes momentarily look down to your own dish, only half eaten as you motion with your chopsticks in the air about the look Tendou is gonna have on his face when you give his gift), he feels, in the farthest depths of his being, that he's being watched.

He shifts his attention from you to look around the food court. All around him, people laugh and yell: he sees a little boy picking at the peas on his dish, a little girl kissing one of her chicken nuggets before taking a big bite out of it, an elderly woman giving what he assumes is her grandchild a coin to buy himself a cookie, and-

There.

Across the court, a tiny pair of startling, deep, hazel eyes is looking directly into his soul. Ushijima is used to stare-downs, being no stranger to looking directly into his opponent's across the volleyball court, and yet, he has never felt this watched before. He subconsciously rubs a hand at his chest, trying to soothe the perturbation he feels.

Beside him, he notices you've grown quiet. He also notices the hand you place comfortingly on his thigh as you follow his line of sight.

He hears you call his name, but it all sounds too distant to him as those eyes continue to stare into him, "are you okay?"

He only motions his head towards the little girl, now making his way towards him.

You blink at the way your boyfriend seems to try to retreat deeper into the bars of the back of his chair's backrest.

Walking towards you is a little girl, maybe six or seven years old. To you, she seems relatively harmless, if anything, she seems a little too mature for her age, but you suppose you're not the one at the end of her stare.

Ushijima sputters as she comes to a stop beside him, letting his chopsticks fall to his almost empty plate.

You think it's funny, the way Ushijima moves his arm to hover protectively in front of you, as if a first grader could do you harm. Still, she doesn't seem to really take note of you as she continues to look at your boyfriend.

She points at his bowl of fried rice and orange chicken. "Is that good?"

Ever the man of few words, Wakatoshi opens his mouth, closes it, opens it again, then closes it once more, only to give the little girl a look that you can only describe as flabbergasted.

"Excuse me?"

At a closer distance, Ushijima can make out the green and gold flecks that decorate the girl's eyes– still, quite disturbingly, boring into him.

"The chicken," she repeats, pointing again at the last piece on his plate, "is it good? Would you recommend it?"

Meanwhile, you, silently, amusedly, watch the whole thing unfold. Something in the little girl's straight forwardness reminds you of your boyfriend.

Ushijima looks down at his plate, the last piece of chicken still untouched. For the first time since meeting the girl, he meets her eyes.

"Would you like to try some?"

You choke on the sip of water you were in the middle of taking.

The girl only nods her head. She doesn't smile, at least not with her lips, but, in her eyes, you see it– seen it before, too, in the way the man next to you smiles.

Ushijima takes a hold of his chopsticks again, and the little girl opens her mouth expectantly, shifting on her feet in what you can only describe as eagerness.

There's a soft smile playing on Ushi's lips as he lets the girl take his last bite of food from his chopsticks.  

The girl closes her eyes as she savors the food: chicken in all its friend glory, covered in sweet, sticky orange sauce.

She opens them after she's done chewing.

He raises a brow, expectantly–  well?

"It's good," she determines with a satisfied nod.

Ushijima smiles now, fully, "Ah, I am glad to hear that."

The little girl takes a couple of steps back, looking behind her at the line to the food court. She gives a curt nod of her head to Ushijima and sends a wave of goodbye back at you, before leaving, a tiny smile playing on her lips.

Your boyfriend looks down at his now empty plate, smiling to himself. He doesn't look at you but the sound of your laugh has the tips of his ears warming, he moves his palm to cover the stupid smile that's etched on his lips.

Finally, finally, he meets your eyes. His heart bursts with emotion.

Maybe, someday, he'll be able to feed another little girl from his chopsticks– one that looks like you, laughs like you, with eyes just like his.

back to series m.list

[rikuugan]

BECAUSE   OF   THE   WAY   THEY   HAD   BEEN   TIED   together   -   no   one   knew   how   to   be   cruel   to   satoru   like   the   dark-haired   man   before   him   did.   no   one   knew   how   to   dig   their   claws   straight   into   the   beating   muscle   of   his   heart   so   efficiently.   each   of   satoru's   rawest   edges   had   once   been   soothed   by   suguru's   gentle   hand   -   his   sweet   dulcet   tones   and   kind   words.   despite   their   clashing   temperaments,   where   the   gojo   heir   had   been   a   storm,   suguru   had   been   an   unbreakable   rock,   holding   steady   in   the   face   of   all   his   whims   and   bringing   him   back   down   from   whatever   high   would   possess   him.   with   that   power   -   came   weapons   in   abundance,   the   ability   to   gouge   out   what   remained   of   his   withered   soul   with   a   butter   knife   and   leave   it   splattered   upon   the   carpet.   he   was   a   wickedly   cruel   thing   -   already   holding   the   shattered   pieces   of   the   gojo   heir's   love   in   his   hands,   and   choosing   to   fragment   them   further   by   taking   a   shot   at   his   pride.

the   ripple   of   his   power   is   a   tangible   thing,   hand   raising   to   free   his   gaze   from   the   bandages   that   served   to   protect   better   than   glasses.   for   as   gojo's   power   grew   -   so   did   six   eyes,   and   thusly   the   information   he   continued   to   take   in   did   as   well.   no   longer   did   simple   sunglasses   suffice.   not   to   mention   -   the   one   presence   that   had   been   good   at   helping   him   handle   the   constant   overstimulation   had   left   him   in   front   of   a   busy   kentucky   fried   chicken   on   a   sunny   tuesday   morning.   satoru's   glossed   lips   peel   back   from   his   teeth   at   the   memory,   bared   like   an   animal   as   he   advances.   blue   eyes   glow   bright   in   the   dim   lighting   of   the   nondescript   apartment,   and   he   hates   and   loves   that   look   on   suguru's   face   -   hates   that   vulpine   smile   because   he   knows   it's   not   his   real   one   (   when   had   he   last   seen   suguru's   real   smile?   )   -   hates   that   he's   on   the   receiving   end   of   it.

❝   don't   look   at   me   like   that.   ❞   a   snarled   sentence,   time   and   space   ebbing   and   flowing   as   he   advances,   pushing   the   cultist   back   further   and   further   further   -   until   his   spine   hits   the   nearby   wall   and   satoru   is   peering   down   into   his   dark   eyes   with   anguish.   infinity   gone   again,   the   pressure   of   satoru   gojo's   power   still   remains   -   as   he   cants   his   head   in   a   way   that   is   predatory,   more   deified   than   anything.   their   chests   press   flush,   satoru's   own   body   heaving   in   air,   hand   pressed   to   the   wall   beside   dark   silky   strands   while   he   fights   to   reason   with   his   emotions.    ❝   don't   play   with   me   like   i'm   your   food,   suguru.   don't   rub   salt   in   the   wounds   you   know   you   left   -   ❞   there   is   the   crunch   of   drywall,   an   abundance   of   cursed   energy   burgeoning   into   the   beige   paint   to   fracture   it   beneath   his   touch,   as   his   voice   dips   to   hiss   out   the   next   words,   ❝   don't   fucking   pretend   with   me.   just   -   don't!   ❞    a   pulsation   between   his   temples,   pain   behind   his   eyes,   and   satoru   winces   -   gaze   shuttering   a   moment   as   he   fights   the   onset   of   a   migraine.

@rikuugan continued <3

He had earned Satoru Gojo’s ire, a heartless act to dispose of their friendship as if it had been the last, fetid strand tethering him back to his origins. It was the inception of his new truth, the revelations that their world could no longer continue on this linear path. So long as curses existed, as sorcerers existed, there would be anguish & adversity in equal amounts. He doesn’t expect Satoru to understand him, yet there is a small fragment of his withering heart that wishes it to be so. If Satoru had witnessed him relentlessly slaughter, bothered more by the sanguine sullying his robes than the lives he snuffed out, would he be repulsed ? If he had seen his parent’s bodies disfigured & heaving their last, pitiful breaths, would he have recoiled from him ? They are questions that do not require an answer, he accepted that their friendship too would perish by his hand. It did not mean that each subsequent moment was not pervaded by the exquisite agony of knowing their world was irrevocably changed. He texts him. It’s such a casual thing. Back before everything had descended into darkness had they not passed messages back & forth as if each mundane part of their lives were woven together. He recalls waking to a selfie of Satoru, immaculate groomed as if he rose from bed utterly perfect, going to sleep to a slew of emojis & a sweet, seldom seen sincerity embodied in a single sentence. Goodnight. There is nothing but the dregs of that unshakeable bond within him now, the traces of recognition in their colliding gazes as the door opens & Satoru, using his ability, shoulders his way inside. ❝ should I have cut contact entirely, never spoken to you again ? ❞ there’s no kindness within his query, his dark eyes distant & cold, carved obsidian reflecting those penetrating blues. He does not wear the benevolence he adorns for the sake of those lesser beings, the cruelty he has armed himself with lingers within his expression, even if it so very badly wants to revert to familiar fondness. They would never be entirely free of one another, they were inextricably connected. He could be loathed by every person he had ever come in contact with, his friends, his allies, Satoru himself, but they would never be emancipated from this hollow sense of absence. ❝ Come now Satoru, I’m not so cruel as to never again utter your name. ❞ how they circle one another, those brazen fingers unbothered by the danger they precariously grace, dark, silken hair easing between them. ❝ You would have blocked my number, had you truly wanted that outcome. ❞ it’s unfair, isn’t it, the way Suguru can nonchalantly call out his faults, reveal to him the reality that flows alongside his hasty steps, fraught with many, tumultuous emotions. Within the cavernous depths of his gaze, swallowing every shift of his expression, there’s an echo of longing, as if he had eagerly awaited the day this barren hall might serve as a backdrop to his advent. ❝ So the question is, why. Why Satoru ?  ❞  it’s a challenge, dark hair spilling over his shoulder like cascading water. ❝ Why did you choose to come ? ❞ he smiles, knowingly. ❝ We both already know that answer.❞

[chubbybubby]

Jack eats his feelings, cause a full belly is better than an empty heart.

(AN: This has been in my inbox for so long but my sad heart wants to project via sorrowful horny nonsense 🤙)

-

Jack found far too much comfort in the form of eating. Being able to order the galaxies finest dishes, spreading out a mouthwatering array of dishes that take up the entirety of his desk, soothed already merely by just the intoxicating smells...

Yeah, Jack loved food.

He wanted anything bad for him. Healthy stuff wouldn't ail the aching in his soul - only something coated in grease, thick with fat and salt, or smothered in desirable chocolate, fluffy and moist and heavenly. He ordered so much take away, dishes that fill him up the best, and seduce his taste buds every time. There's the juicy, greasy, diner style burger oozing with fat and sauce, calling his name like a syren song. There's noodles, pork balls, chicken wings, fries, ribs, pizza with a stuffed crust, cheesy bacon roll ups that looked almost sinister in how unhealthy it must be, but tempted Jack all the same. Sweet treats were plenty too, with cakes, doughnuts, brownies, ice cream, all patiently waiting his eager mouth to devour.

It was beastly how feverish Jack's appetite was. He felt like a sideshow freak, at times, but also knew he deserved it. A childhood of neglect and starvation, it taught him harshly, influenced his adulthood tenfold to indulge gluttony. As he picked up the burger and bit into it, juice pouring down his chin, dripping into the cardboard container it was packaged in, he felt the kid inside him rejoice. Warmth. This was deserved.

It didn't matter how full he got, he craved more. He picked at various plates, letting his fingers get sticky in all the various sauces, and cherished the many flavours distracting the darkness. Eating helped him forget. He couldn't possibly find room for melancholy if he stuffed himself to the brim. Everything tasted so good, and that's what mattered.

Savoury then sweet. Most plates were bare, with a few scraps left behind. He let out an egregious belch, the rumbling churning his packed belly a little. He laughed, patting his rounding belly as he reached for his first slice of cake. The stretching of his skin feels almost sensual, really, accentuated by every swallow. Crumbs gather around his mouth, chocolate staining his synthetic mask. He feels like an overstuffed pig, and that's good-- no, it's amazing. If only there was someone to rub his belly, encourage him to keep eating even when he feels winded from fattening himself up.

If someone else were there, he could fully surrender his brain, let go beyond what was going on. He could give himself over and let them shame him, worship the greed he can't control. How could he be sad or hollow if there's a voice praising his hard work?

Shoving a brownie in his mouth, he hastily starts tapping numbers into the phone on his desk. He might know someone willing to play with his belly...

[snaileer]

Chips & Salsa - Chapter 9

“-remember-?”

Who was that?

“Do you-”

What are they saying?

Why does my head hurt?

Light burst into Lance’s eyes with the pain in his chest.

He jolted forward, stuck, hurt-

Haggar.

He could see her glowing eyes now. Staring at him from just under the darkness of her hood. Even without pupils, he could tell that she was focused solely on him. As if he would tell her anything.

Lance jerked against his restraints. Restraints? “What do you want from me, you hag?!” He shouted, pulling against the metal cuffs again. Though they already felt bruised. His head pulsed with similar aching.

“I said, What..” She creeped forward, clamping her hand around his chin, “Do you remember?” Her voice crawled out of her throat like slime coating his skin.

What do I know? He tried to pull away from her again, “What the hell are you talking about, you freak!?” She was asking about his team, his family… Voltron. “I won't tell you anything. You’ll never get your hands on Voltron!” He struggled for lucidity against another flash of pain in his ever-growing headache.

An odd mix of satisfaction and anger flitted across her face, curving it into a sneer. “We will see about that yet, Paladin.”

He had no idea where the satisfaction came from. The anger, he understood. He’d seen plenty of his math teachers with the same expression; but satisfaction? She had nothing to be satisfied about. Not if she thought she could get anything from him.

“You’re not going to be able to break me, not in this lifetime or the next. I’ll never betray my team!”

A strange hissing growl came from her as she pulled her hand back and turned to the other druids. Other druids? Why hadn’t he seen them? He should have noticed them. Was he really that focused on just Haggar?

“Take him to the cell,” She glanced back at him out of the corner of her eye, “Leave him there for a while. We’ll see how he responds when I come back with further improvements from this information.”

He barely had time to panic before a druid had placed a purple hand on his arm and he felt magic course through him. It wasn’t electricity, thankfully, but it tensed every muscle in his body, paralyzing him in place.

God, the cramps he would get from this. He needed a massage. With coconut oil. And music. Hell, at the very least, a hot bath and copious amounts of bubbles.

When the other druid reinforced the magic to carry him out of the room, he came to the unfortunate realization that he would be getting neither any time soon.

The hallways faded past him in a blur. A tingling feeling niggled at the back of his neck, You should remember this. Pay attention. Listen! It screamed. This has happened before! SOMETHING’S WRONG! It whispered.

It sounded familiar.

Lance tried to pay attention to his surroundings, he really did. He knew it would be important if he wanted to escape. To know where he was going. But every time he tried to focus, the directions and pathways slipped from his mind like sand through a net.

What felt like seconds later, Lance was thrown into the darkness of a cell. And suddenly, feeling rushed back to him in a tsunami. Pain, pins-and-needles, sharpness, bruising, the sting of wounds rubbed raw at his wrists.

The druids moved away, uncaring at the shout he gave in shock when he hit the floor. The door closed behind them unceremoniously.

Lance groaned from his place crumpled on the ground, “Nothing like little torture and paralysis to get ya’ kickin’ in the morning, amiright?” He sighed to himself.

Displeasure sunk into him as the grime crawled its way into his pores.

Reluctantly, Lance pulled his hands and arms under his body, pushing up from the floor. At least he could lean against the wall, presumably less dirty than the ground. God, his head hurt. And his arms. Everything was sore, the thick manacles on his wrists feeling heavier by the second.

With a series of grunts, Lance finally settled himself into a corner of the cell. There was very little light, and most of it seeped in from the space under the door or the half dead purple-lightbulb-in-a-cage right above it.

Still, when he rolled his head to the side in exhaustion, there was enough light to catch on something written- no, carved into the wall next to him.

He raised his shaking fingers up to it, trying to feel what marks he couldn’t see.

D-n--or--g-t

-o--for--

No, there was a space in between there.

Do-t- fo--q-t

He squinted at it, leaning closer. The light caught on the curves of some of the letters. The ones he couldn’t accurately feel. It was an ‘N’, a ‘G’, an ‘R’ and maybe.. an ‘e’?

Oh.

Don't Forget.

Lance dropped his shackled wrists to his lap and huffed a laugh at his efforts. At himself. And then he spoke to the darkness.

“Oh don't you worry, creepy wall carving, I think it’d be pretty hard to forget this.”

-x-x-x-

Lance sat in the darkness for hours, days, however mind-numbingly long it was that allowed him to actually recite his entire family tree through 4 and a half generations. Extended family included. He even started including hypothetical nieces and nephews based on what he thought his sisters would name their kids.

He absentmindedly wondered if all of them were still hypothetical. How long had he been gone? What had he missed?

What had changed without him there to see it?

Something rumbled in the back of his head. It felt hidden behind his absolute monster of a headache now coming back.

Except… wait. No. He recognized that rumble…

Blue?

Blue! It was the Blue Lion! His Lion!

Something broke free in his mind, a small section of fog lifting.

Her presence and his own pressed against each other in his mind. A piece he hadn’t quite noticed was missing.

How could he ever have forgotten Blue?

Her presence purred, the vibrations automatically soothing him, comfort pushing through his bond. Something still felt… off. The bond felt farther, more strained, even though he could feel Blue on the other side. Feel her desire to come closer, feel the worry tinging the edges. Something still kept a distance between them.

He didn’t know what it was but something in his own mind told him to leave it be. It was important. It had to be like this.

Whatever this was.

Lance wasn’t able to figure it out soon enough, their mental conversation interrupted by the harsh grinding opening his cell door.

“Get up,” a discourteous voice commanded.

He looked at them with hooded eyes and a forced smirk, “Don’t you know it’s rude to interrupt somebody?” Not that they knew he was having a conversation, but still… point stands.

Their glowing eyes narrowed, “Get up, or suffer, Paladin.”

“Didn’t anyone teach you manners? I didn’t even hear a please. Honestly, people these days have no- AAH!” Lance’s scream cut off his own words as purple lightning struck his body.

The druid barely even moved their hand and pain ran through his muscles. When the lightning stopped, Lance was left heaving for breath on his side.

He felt like the Extra Crispy option on a fried chicken menu. Was God trying to make him go vegetarian through sheer number of shared experiences? Screw that. In fact..

Lance glared back up at them and forced out the words, “Screw. You,” from between clenched teeth and struggling breaths.

He wished he could see the fury he knew was behind those masks.

The druid lifted their hand again and though Lance tried to fight the flinch, he wasn't sure if he succeeded. Instead of lightning, he felt the tight restraints of their magic envelope him and lift him up. He couldn’t even struggle out of it.

“Bite your tongue, child, or Haggar may decide to teach you some manners,” The druid growled and turned around, making their cloak swirl dramatically. Lance wished he could scoff at them, but the paralyzation made that difficult.

“And she will not be as merciful as I was.”

He settled for a particularly scathing, derisive glare. Lance thought they got the message anyways.

He was so focused on trying to burn a hole through their back that he almost missed where they were going. Almost. He hadn’t thought any of the directions stuck through his headache, but now… they were going back to the same room as before.

To Haggar.

He knew he was right when he spotted the Lady Hunchback herself leaning over a table. Seriously, when was the last time that woman stood up straight all the way? When she finished sharing tips and tricks with Satan and Hitler?

“I’d hate to be your chiropractor, lady. I bet it’s costly to find someone even able to tolerate your presence.” He was hoping for at least a twitch as the Druids forced the manacles into place on the table.

Instead, it was his heart that skipped a few paces upon realizing it must have been the same table he’d woken up on.

“I can’t imagine anyone would willingly come near you, despite being paid,” He sneered. It worked as a good enough distraction from what he knew was gonna happen. At least, it worked until she turned around.

“Quite the contrary, little Paladin,” Haggar reached her hands out to his head, clawed fingernails keeping him from leaning away, “I think you and I are going to get very close.”

Lance screamed again as pain shot through his skill. It felt like needles being shoved through his eye, he couldn't even-

It burned. It burned. It burned!

Please! Please Somebody! Help!

I can't-!

“Show me your team, Paladin,” A voice whispered, “SHoW ME Voltron!”

Pain surged again in time with his screams. Idly, some part of him wondered if he could burst his own eardrums.

His thoughts were crushed beneath crashing waves of searing, hot, burning, hot, it’s too hot, it hurts, it hurts it hurts, please please I can't do this I don't want-, somebody please!

Sharp claws cut a path through his mind. These ones didn't hurt.

No.

These claws came from soft padded paws. Metal and yet somehow gentle. Cold and soothing. He walked towards them, down the path they had laid for him, desperate for whatever small relief they could provide. Some distant piece of his soul recognized his bond between lion and paladin. But she was so far away. He could see the doors opened for him, welcoming him home, home to the water. But the path was so long and so dark.

He glanced down.

Dark?

No. It wasn't meant to be dark.

Burning tingled at his fingertips when he looked harder. His lion was blue. A gorgeous sky blue, ocean blue, ice blue. Then why….

Why was there purple leaching its way across it?

He looked behind him.

The heat worsened, pain closer than he remembered it.

His footsteps were clear behind him, each one oozing sickly, purple slime that curled its way around the light. Covering every inch of the gentle blue.

This wasn’t right. Something wasn't-

Sharpness spiked across his skull, snapping his head forward.

“Focus. Focus! Closer. Get closer! You cannot resist me! Not weak like you are!”

Something forced him forward and he stumbled on the path, falling to one knee. He reached to steady himself on the path; and different worlds flowed through his mind.

You’ve done this before, Cub. You can do it again.

They were his words. And they were Blue’s.

But he knew what they meant. He remembered it now. How Haggar was trying to get to his team, to Voltron, to Blue.

What she wanted from them. From him.

no. No. No!

“You cannot have her, Haggar! Not ever!” Lance turned around and moved away from the doors. The bond. Away from Blue.

Fresh agony layered on his skin. Heavier and thicker and stronger with each step.

He could hear Blue behind him now, calling out for him in mewls and cries. She wanted them to do this together. But he couldn’t, they couldn't do it together without endangering her. Endangering everybody. So he kept running. Pushing through what felt like thick slime until he was struggling to keep moving.

The smog pressed itself down his throat, burning, scalding and tearing him up on the inside.

Haggar was shouting out behind him too. She could only go so far, only get so close to her goal with him.

“I will take control, Paladin! You cannot stop me!” Claws grabbed his upper arms and pulled him back. They left deep gashes on his biceps and shoulders, but he pushed against their leverage.

“You don’t think I can stop you Haggar!?” He glanced over his shoulder at her glowing yellow eyes, “Watch Me!”

He turned around and reached into the darkness of her body without form, clutching onto the thickness he felt inside of it. Even as its essence burned like hot acid on his skin.

And then he threw his body backwards, taking her with him.

Away from the doors and through the barrier of Haggar’s magic. Away from Blue and through the pain.

Off of the path.

Almost immediately he felt Haggar get thrown from his mind.

He gathered what little peace he could find. The crashing waves came to a standstill for just one moment. It was enough.

It had to be.

He wanted to cry. Tears welled up in his eyes. He knew this was the best chance he would get to do so, but he couldn't. Not until it was over. Then he could break, could cry, or do whatever the hell it is that is supposed to come after this.

He looked back to stare through the thick, writhing purple of Haggar’s magic. He could see the glimmer of his bond with Blue. Of the ‘path’ they had laid that first day together.

It was dimmed now. Not just by the smoke obscuring his view, but by the purple sludge seeping into its bricks.

She’d gotten farther this time. Closer. More so than Lance had ever wanted Haggar to get. He knew he was struggling, struggling to keep the distance between his bond and her corruption.

It was weird. To be able to look back and remember himself forgetting something. Forgetting how many times they’d had this battle. This push and pull in his own mind.

He still didn't know just how long he’d been fighting back to keep her away. Just that he had. And that he’d keep doing it.

But he was losing.

A traitorous part of his heart told him this couldn’t go on forever. Something had to give, and as it was, Lance was not liking his odds. Something would have to break eventually.

But not yet.

He couldn't let go of her yet. He couldn't. Even if that made him weak, he couldn’t.

Not yet.

He just wanted to stay here a little longer. Stay with her a little longer.

The corrupted magic clearly disagreed with this prospect. Its char-colored surface rippled back to life. Waves were heard in a distance that did not exist.

They were not the bright, colorful waves of his home, nor the cold but fierce waves of his lion, these were riptide waves. Powered by the undertow and ready to pull him under. Drowning and suffocating him, farther, farther down.

He lost sight of the glow at some point, and the darkness snatched him under instantly.

-x-x-x-

The druids stared at the body of their mistress over the Voltron Paladin. So many times before, it had been the same. The same resistance and weakness from him. The same ignorant stubbornness as he protected what their Emperor deserved. He would fall to their magic eventually. As the one before him, and the countless subjects before that. He would fall.

But there were doubts.

They watched as Lady Haggar was flung back from the Paladin as she had been so many times before.

The doubts stood still. Ever wavering, faltering but not falling.

Lady Haggar lifted herself up and neither druid so much as twitched to help her. They knew better.

“He thinks himself strong, thinks himself righteous,” She crowed in that tone that said he so clearly wasn’t, “But his naivety costs him. I grow closer by the day.”

They saw barely a flash of white when Lady Haggar bared her teeth, “But that Lion keeps reminding him, keeps undoing my spells. He needs to be broken; and soon.”

The Druid refrained from mentioning that the spells for the invasion of his mind could only be broken by the strength of ones own quintessence. Reminded of strength, yes; but not given it or shared.

He was a Paladin of Voltron for a reason, though flawed that reason may be.

Lady Haggar finally turned attention to her druids, to fulfill their purpose under her command.

“Rid him of his weaknesses. No weaknesses, and nothing to chance.” She growled as low as a female galra could, “I will get that Lion from him, one way or another.”

As Lady Haggar stepped back, the druids stepped forward, up to the helpless paladin. His face was clear, unburdened and untense. That would change soon. They reached out with their arms and their magic, delving into the surface mind of this Paladin. Only the surface, Lady Haggar would do the rest.

The druids looked to each other, then to their mistress. He was ready, the spell prepared once again.

And from the front of the table, magic shot forward from her fingertips, into the mind, body and quintessence of the Child Paladin.

Their druid magic was nothing to the level of Lady Haggar, the Dark Witch of the Galra; and yet, it was their magic that ripped into his mind and made it possible for her to latch onto his memories.

They laid him bare, and she took what she needed.

The Paladin could do nothing. Would continue to do nothing. Not in the face of the empire’s power.

Then why must we keep repeating this process. The doubts whispered.

The druid ignored the words, focusing instead on the drawing of their power for the spell. When it was finished, the Druids stepped back once more, and Lady Haggar drew forward.

How would the Paladin awake this time?

His face began twitching. Slow, just as the last time.

“What do you remember?”

Nothing.

“Do you remember?”

Why did she ask him this? Their spell would only fail at the interference of the Voltron Lion. It was infallible to tricks of the mind.

The Paladin’s consciousness came closer to the surface. Still too slow. Always slow, this paladin. Magic was infallible and uncompromising, but Lady Haggar was not as patient.

She threw a spark of her magic onto the boy’s chest and instantly, he awoke. He jolted forward against the cuffs, no doubt hitting bruising from the pain of his struggles during Lady Haggar’s procedure.

Recognition flashed across his face. Focus drawn only to their Mistress, just as he was meant to. This was important, his mind still laid open for her to search, she drew her eyes onto his as her magic probed for information. Voltron could not hide forever.

The Paladin jerked forward once again, as if he had not learned the first time, “What do you want, witch?!” He shouted, pulling against his restraints. They would hold, this child was weak. Too weak.

“I said, What..” Lady Haggar creeped forward, clamping her hand around his chin, “Do you remember?” Her magic crawled forward, coating the recesses of his mind as she worked to pull forward his thoughts, his knowledge on Voltron.

His efforts to pull away were futile, though expected, “What the hell are you talking about, you freak!?” Voltron. Voltron. The Other Paladins. Tell us. Tell us of Voltron, the magic chanted.

“You won't get anything from me, I won’t betray Voltron!-” Lady Haggar pushed deeper and pain flashed beneath his eyes, “You won't find my team, not through me!” The trench opened in his mind began to close, Lady Haggar’s magic pulling back.

Accomplishment flitted across her face in pairing with irritation. He was still resisting then… surprising but not irreparable. “We shall see if that is true, Paladin.”

The Paladin seemed confused, but then again, he always did. He was weak and feeble-minded after all, nothing more could be expected.

“I’ll never betray my team and you'll never be able to make me! That will never change!” He shouted. So loud, so foolish.

Lady Haggar pulled back her hand as the last of the Druid’s spell closed, they would have to try again. She looked to the druids, and drew the Paladin’s eyes to them as well. He had not noticed them. Poor awareness, weak yet again. This is why the spell worked so well on young, unguided minds. It led them to purpose. The Empire’s purpose.

“Take him to the cell,” She looked back at him slightly, “Leave him there until I summon for you again. We shall see his results after I have viewed the information gained. Succession is at hand.”

“Vrepit Sa,” Both Druids nodded and turned to the Paladin, their hands coated in magic. A paralytic, they were too close to risk escape with this prisoner.

But you have been ‘close’ for a while now, haven’t you?

The paladin’s eyes widened, his heart jumped pace and his quintessence fluctuated before being frozen by the spell. As if the body could fight it, the spell was instantaneous with contact. Simple and complete.

The Druid’s magic worked in concession to lift the Paladin and disconnect his restraints without removing them. Silently, they began the walk to the cell.

They could see the panic and confusion in the child’s eyes as they turned each corner. It was pitiful that the magic coating his mind would leave him helpless for hours. Still, the effort was commendable. A sign of potential perhaps.

His eyes started to glaze over dim, perhaps not then, if he lost presence that fast. He held little use past his title as Paladin.

It was with this thought that they tossed his unpresence into the cell. Without a fight, this Paladin was nothing more than knowledge to be collected and tested.

The Druids moved away, uncaring at the shout when the Paladin came back to himself as he hit the ground. They closed the door without mind.

Then stepped to the side.

Magic made one weak if you allowed it to. Weakness made one vulnerable and vulnerability was to be exploited. So, they waited; to see if the Paladin had changed in the hours under Lady Haggar’s influence.

His groan echoed quietly through the metal door. After much hesitance, and many pauses, the Paladin began moving. His shuffles were quiet, but his vocalizations of his pain were not.

Lady Haggar had left marks on him this time, his upper arms and shoulders were marked with scratches like a wild Krelshi.

They listened to him rest again, presumably sitting rather than laying now. As he always was when they came back.

The metal of his cuff clinked softly against the cell walls. The druids looked to each other, a wonder if the Paladin would remain the same in his patterns.

Indeed, not a minute passed until they heard the unsure sounds of his untranslated, broken language whisper through the air.

Neither of them understood it. These were not words. They could not be translated. They were just sounds. Gripped by craziness or something else, they were still just sounds.

Then, a small laugh. A chuffing. Even in a place like this for the prisoner. Always the same.

“Oh don't you worry, creepy wall carving, I think it’d be pretty hard to forget this.”

Always the same, the paladin. Always the same.

-x-x-x-

In some other world, Lance might have wondered why the words carved into the wall were written in English.

He may have even noticed that the handwriting looked scarily similar to his own despite the pitch black darkness.

This was not one of those worlds.

And he did not notice.

First Chapter: https://snaileer.tumblr.com/post/613092735756402688/chips-and-salsa-chp-1

Next Chapter: Not Out Yet! But Soon!

Also double-posted on fanfiction.net and Ao3 under the same name!

[stillebesat]

Be My Dad

Sanders Sides: Janus, Logan  A Vague AU Writing Prompt: @wildhorsewolf​ asked: Guess I'm a parent now with Janus being the dad and Logan being the kid Blurb: Janus has no interest in being a parental figure to a kid, but trying to convince the universe of that is another thing entirely.  Fic Type: Familial Soulmate!AU Overall Fic Warnings: Mentions of Scars  Taglist in Reblog.

To most souls, a food court was a necessary evil. Loud. Lots of people. But plenty of food options all together in one place. Perfect for those who liked a variety of choices or those who had picky eaters in tow.

It was a place to meet up with friends, family, or business associates. A place where one could sit back and observe society at work. To see people at their best...and most definitely at their worst. 

There was something soothing about the chaos that Janus enjoyed...as a spectator. He could never imagine being right in the middle of it.

Not unless he was doing what he was doing right now. Trying to hide in plain sight in the middle of a crowd.

After all. He was thirty now. Single. Childless.

Obviously a menace to society in a universe that seemed obsessed with everyone being part of a ‘family.’ 

A Universe that had decreed that all adults who remained childless by the age of thirty, would then be subjected to being bombarded with children in need of a proper parent figure to bond with in their lives.

He exhaled, absently brushing against the raised scar on his cheek, barely looking up as a child burst out wailing nearby.

He’d checked earlier. That particular wailer hadn’t had the golden sparks. It meant he was safe. 

For now.

He ran a hand through his hair, flipping another page in his notebook before he continued scrawling on the page. Maybe Virgil had actually been onto something when he said he was vanishing into the wilderness of Europe for the rest of his life. 

Sure, Janus had laughed six months ago when his best friend had turned thirty and begun complaining about all the kids coming out of the woodwork to ask him to be their Dad.

It’d seemed impossible at the time. To have children want to come up to Mr. Shadows Incarnate and expect Virgil to put them to bed and tell a bedtime story.

Now though, he understood why Vee had become more reluctant to leave his house as the year had worn on. Because the mini spawns really had come out of nowhere once his own thirtieth birthday hit. 

And it was awful. 

Wherever he went, it was inevitable that some child would approach him, shimmering golden sparks floating around them indicating that they were looking for a Parent Bond. 

It was also as inevitable that he would scare them away just as quickly. 

After all, his halfmoon scar and creepy yellow eyes had caused plenty of kids to scream and run with a single look years before his thirtieth birthday. 

No, at least Virgil had a bit of that shy emo charm that made him more approachable, even if the merest appearance of anyone under four feet had his best friend going pale as a corpse and ducking out before the kid could take more than two steps towards him.

Privately he was certain Virgil would find a kid perfect for him before the year was out, despite his best friend’s attempt to avoid the inevitable.

He knew Virge would make a good dad. Compassionate. Protective. His best friend had a dozen other traits that would benefit him when the right child flared with him. 

Unlike Janus.

Who could make a grown man cry with less than four words and a glower.  

No. He couldn’t imagine having any child coming to him in the middle of the night expecting comfort. 

He knew he was intimidating.

He knew he could be scary.

It wouldn’t be fair to subject a child to that on a daily basis.

Honestly, it felt like a slap to the face that no matter how much he achieved, how many degrees he got, or businesses he owned, or careers he pursued, or money he made…

The universe felt that one couldn’t be complete unless said person also had a screaming, slobbering, dirty child in tow.

Janus ran a hand through his hair, again brushing the crescent scar on his cheek as he looked up long enough to watch a cluster of mothers with their dozen and a half children in strollers rush by, seeking salvation at the nearest set of golden arches with at least four of the kids already screaming for their happy meal toy. 

Even if he did make a connection with any kid brave enough to approach him...Janus could never imagine trying to coerce a screaming brat into eating their chicken nuggets all by himself. Could never stand to walk around with food, slobber or worse, vomit stains on his best suits like a badge of honor. Could never be patient enough to listen to the long and rambling and pointless stories he’d heard multiple parents suffer through while observing them here in the food court.

No. There was no way Janus would allow the universe a say in how he ran these next five years of his life.

He had goals.

Life plans.

And he didn’t need some interfering Being with an obviously unhealthy parent complex ruining that.

The scrapping of a chair being pulled back broke through the gentle hum the noise the chaos of the food court had receded to, causing Janus to look up from his paper in time to see a boy, wearing a faded black long sleeved shirt with matching glasses and thankfully older than the screaming toddler throwing french fries six tables over, plop down in the seat across from him.

A child. With golden sparks shimmering in the air around him. 

Oh goodie.

Janus barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes. And here he’d thought that the fact that he’d caused a pair of twin girls, a baby, three boys, six preteens, and four other children under the age of five to scream in terror and/or burst into tears before the lunch rush had even started would have been enough for the universe to call it quits for the day on attempting a Parent Bond.

“I have a prospersition for you.” The boy said, making eye contact. Janus blinked, pen pausing mid stroke as he raised an eyebrow to the child. Prosper...prosper? Oh. “A prop-osition?” He asked, careful to pronounce the word correctly. 

The boy nodded once, pushing his glasses back up his nose. “Prop-osition” he repeated, saying it properly this time. “Will you listen to it? Please?” 

Oh, now there was a please? The kid hadn’t even said hello. Janus exhaled, running a hand through his hair, again fingering the raised scar on his cheek, eyes darting about without much hope for any sign of a frantic adult looking for their wayward offspring as he sat back, tapping his pen on the table. “I’m busy.”  

The boy’s eyes flashed. “No you’re not.”

Janus scoffed, gesturing to his papers. “I assure you that I a--”

“Are doing what you do every Friday. You’re not busy. You just sit here. All day. Reading. Writing.”  

Observant. Janus frowned, again glancing around for a guardian figure. He didn’t think children thought much beyond eating, sleeping, and playing with their peers. “That is considered being busy by most people, I don’t have time to tal--”  

The boy shifted to his knees, the golden sparks dancing around him as he carefully placed eight quarters on the table before pushing the pile over to him. “For your time.” He said, looking up to meet Jansus’s eyes once more.

Clever. Not quite the amount he usually took for a consultation, but he doubted a child could come up with that much cash. Still. It was the first time one of these golden sparked spawns of the devil decided to pay him instead of screaming bloody murder. 

Janus exhaled, laying down his pen, sitting up as he clasped his fingers together, resting his chin on them. “I’m listening.” Though he doubted anything good would come from this proposition. He could already predict the direction this would go.

The boy relaxed, though he stayed half kneeling on his chair. “I need you,” his mouth twisted slightly, grey eyes glittering. “to pretend to be my Father.” 

Father? Ha. Called it. “No.”

Golden sparks flared as the boy lifted his chin. “You didn’t even ask ‘Why.’”

He smirked, ignoring the sinking feeling in his stomach as he pushed the coins back. “I don’t need to.” It was obvious why the kid wanted to play pretend. After all, the sparks surrounding him were only visible to those like Janus. Single. Between the age of thirty and thirty-five. Childless. If the kid needed a fake dad...well this wasn’t his first rodeo with the concept. “You either need protection from some bullies, which--” He gestured to himself. “You think I look scary enough to intimidate them.” Though not scary enough to keep the kid from bugging him in the first place. “Or else you have lied to your friends about who your Dad is or what he does and so--”

“You’re wrong.”   

Janus cut off, tilting his head. “Am I?” He was certain he wasn’t. 

“You are.” The boy kept eye contact, grey blue eyes hard as stone. 

It would be an intimidating gaze once he grew older, Janus was sure. “Enlighten me.”

The boy pushed the coins back across the table. “The Aquarium is having a Father/Son day today. I want to go.” 

Not what he meant by enlighten, but he’d humor the kid. “So?”

The boy rolled his eyes, shifting to his knees so he could better rest his arms on the table. “I can’t exactly partisiis--partissee--par--” 

“Participate?”

He nodded. “I can’t exactly participate if I go by myself, dummy.”

Dummy? Who just helped the kid pronounce ‘participate?’ 

Janus shoved the quarters back to the boy before picking up his pen, tapping it against the table. He could see the kid’s problem though. It made sense why the aquarium wouldn’t want to let hordes of little demon spawn run around tapping on the glass, licking the floors, and breaking things unsupervised. “I’m not spending fifty dollars to play your Dad, kid, just so you can look at some fish.” 

A pet store would work just as well and wouldn’t cost a dime. If he was willing to go along with this.

Which he wasn’t.

He didn’t even like fish. Not since that stupid childhood fishing accident that had given him the lovely scar on his face in the first place.

No way would he willingly go along with some brat to a place filled to the brim with the creatures.

Despite how brilliant of a scheme it was. One Janus would have used himself though under different circumstances. 

Though he supposed, if he felt like admitting it, which he didn’t, but he still---it….hurt in a way, that the kid, even having the sparks, just wanted to use him to get in to see some boring fish instead of trying out a real Trial with him to see if they had any sort of parental bond. 

It was a stupid feeling. 

He should be used to being used. 

The boy adjusted his frames, barely blinking as he shoved the quarters back across the table, staring Janus down. “Adults get in for only ten dollars today. Kids get in free. If.” He emphasized the word. “Their Father brings them.” He shifted in his seat, pulling out a twenty and slid it across the table. “For your ticket.” He said simply, eyes flashing. “I’m only asking for your time. I don’t want to go on a Trial with you. I don’t need or want a Dad. I just need an adult with the time on his hands to pretend to be one and let me esplore the place for two measlely hours.”

Double ouch. At least some kids attempted to do an actual Trial Run with him to see if their sparks would Flare before being so blunt in telling him he wouldn’t be their Dad. 

Janus frowned, already shaking his head. “Kid, I don’t--” 

The boy pulled out another twenty, placing it on the table. “Two hours.” He said simply.  

“You don’t even know me--” Sure, he knew the boy knew he was in the Trial stage of life since the stupid floating sparks thing, even if he couldn’t see his own, went both ways. But that didn’t mean that he should just shove--

The boy placed a third twenty on the table. 

Janus exhaled, running a hand through his hair, again fingering his scar as he glared at the child. “You’re seriously bribing me? Where did you even get that much cash?” Hopefully it wasn’t stolen, but he’d applaud the boy for being so prolific in his thievery. 

“Not important.” The boy stated, pulling out a fourth twenty without breaking eye contact. 

Why was he being so persistent?! Any other child would have run away by now. 

“Why me?” He demanded, leaning forward, sneering in a way he knew made his eyes look even more creepy. “Why not bribe some other--”

The boy hesitated, a fifth twenty already in his fingers as his steely gazed wavered. “If I tell you why, will you go with me to the Aquarium?” 

That was hardly a fair exchange. The answer could be super simple and he’d be stuck with the kid for two hours. “I’m going to stick with my ‘I’m scary theory,’” Janus said instead, gesturing to his face. That was the usual reason kids gave in most circumstances. 

The boy frowned, lifting his chin. “I can be scary enough on my own without your help.” He said shoving the sleeve of his shirt up, revealing an angry red corded scar that wrapped around his arm from wrist to shoulder. “We match, kinda. Your scar looks similar. Makes it easier to pretend that you’re my Dad. That we were in the same accident.” He pushed the pile of money towards him. “And if anyone suspects you aren’t my birth father, then the sparks will show them that we’re on a Trial and that our scars mean we’re meant to be.” 

Meant to be. 

It took a lot of effort to not touch the crescent mark on his cheek. To ignore the fluttering in his chest at those words.

They’re just pretty little lies. 

Sure, there were ongoing theories that families all shared a similar trait that marked them. Whether that was having a mole on the same part of their stomach, sharing a taste in mustard, having an allergy to hay, hair having the same cowlick, or having similar looking scars--Janus kept his hands firmly on the table as he pulled his eyes back up to meet the kids. 

It was hearsay though. Nothing had ever been proven. Not when the sparks flaring between parent and child was a far more accurate indicator that they were meant to be a family. 

No, he highly doubted anyone would Flare with him during this five year tortrue period. Not even this kid despite the sparks dancing between them. 

Janus took a steadying breath. It was fine. He didn’t need a family. Not even a pretend one for two hours. He was better off alone now that Virgil had harred off to who knew where. “How long do I have to wait before you run out of twenties and give up?” He said, keeping his voice cool. “Because I’m not taking your bribe, kid, regardless of the amount. You’d be better off hiring a nanny or something.” 

Though he was curious just how much the boy thought it would take to convince him to go along with this farce. 

The kid made a face. “I don’t want to be coddled the entire time.” He snapped, the fifth twenty vanishing as he shoved his sleeve down. “All anyone ever does is treat me like I’m breakable since--” he gestured to his arm, the scars once more hidden. “And I’m sick of it. You look like you’d happily let me fall off a bridge if I wasn’t careful and I just...I just--” He shook his head. “I need to not be cared about for a bit.” 

Let him fall off a bridge? Ouch. Janus focused on relaxing his clenched hands, one finger at a time. “So you have a death wish? I’m not gonna be complacent to--”

The boy growled, slamming his hands on the table, steel grey eyes hardening even as they shimmered with unshed tears. “No. I just want to look at the fish.” He hissed. “I want to esplore. Learn. SEE. Without having a grown-up hovering over me like I’m freaking china. All you would have to do is stay near enough to keep any other metaling adults away. That’s all I want. For two hours. To be treated like a normal kid.” His hand clenched as he took a breath, bottom lip trembling. “I thought you of all people would understand that.” He whispered, eyes flickering to the scar and back.

It took a lot of effort to not touch his face. To maintain eye contact. 

Sure.

He understood. 

Janus had wasted years chasing that particular dream throughout high school and well into his first couple of years at college. 

It had all been for nothing. 

People judged the book by the cover. Few ever took the time to look deeper. 

And it sucked that Janus was being forced to reckon with the fact that if he didn’t go with this kid and pretend to be his Dad, he’d be like every other adult unwilling to give the boy a chance to be ‘normal.’  

…Great. Just. Great.  

He’d just been guilted into spending two hours looking at the fish. 

Janus broke eye contact, cursing under his breath as he shoved his papers into his book bag and stood, grabbing his jacket and hat off the chair. 

Maybe he should follow Virgil’s lead and disappear into the wilderness for the next four and a half years if the kids were going to start pulling this type of act on him. 

“You got a name, kid?” He asked, fishing out a single twenty from the stack before shoving the pile back at the boy. Enough for the ticket. That’s it. 

The boy caught his breath, eyes going wide. “You mean--”

How could eyes hard as steel one second go so soft like freshly fallen ash the next?

You know what. He didn’t want to know. If the kid knew how to do puppy dog eyes, then he knew how. That was that, but after today Janus would not be falling for them again.

“Name.” He repeated, impatiently gesturing for the boy to follow him as he tugged his hat down over his eyes. “Else I’ll make one up and I guarantee you will not like it.” 

The boy was by his side in a flash, golden sparks swirling. “Logan.” He said, adjusting his glasses with a small smile. “My name is Logan.”