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woso-story · 21 days ago

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Pregnancy

Ingrid Engen x Mapi Leon

Ingrid's pregnancy was a revelation that brought unparalleled joy to her and Mapi. From the moment they found out Ingrid was pregnant, their lives were awash with excitement, nervousness, and love. Mapi, in her typical fashion, vowed to take care of every single detail to make the pregnancy as smooth as possible.

---

It started with Ingrid’s cravings. At 2 a.m., she'd wake up craving churros and hot chocolate. Mapi, bleary-eyed but unwavering in her determination to keep Ingrid happy, would slip into sweats and head to their favorite late-night spot. “You know,” Ingrid said one night, watching Mapi bundle up, “I don’t need this churro. I just want it.”

“And I want to make sure you get it,” Mapi replied with a wink, planting a kiss on Ingrid's forehead before heading out.

Their fridge became a chaotic mix of pickles, mangoes, and other odd combinations. The team teased Ingrid mercilessly when she brought a jar of peanut butter and cucumbers to practice one day.

“Don’t knock it till you try it,” Ingrid said with a shrug as she munched contentedly.

---

Despite her growing belly, Ingrid insisted on attending training sessions. She scaled back to light workouts, sticking to stretches, yoga, and some ball drills. It gave her a sense of normalcy, a way to stay connected to the team and the sport she loved.

Mapi, however, was a different story. She hovered constantly, adjusting water bottles, fetching towels, and shooting glares at anyone who came too close during drills. “She’s pregnant, not made of glass,” Alexia teased one day, only to be met with Mapi’s signature scowl.

When Ingrid bent over to tie her shoelaces during practice, Mapi sprinted across the pitch. “You shouldn’t bend like that! Let me do it,” she insisted, dropping to her knees to tie Ingrid’s shoes.

“Maria, I’m fine!” Ingrid protested, half amused, half exasperated. “You’re making me feel like I’m 80.”

“You’re pregnant. That’s basically a license for me to spoil you,” Mapi countered, grinning up at her.

---

The rest of the team found endless entertainment in Mapi’s overprotectiveness.

“Mapi, can I breathe near Ingrid, or is that off-limits too?” Patri joked one day during a team lunch.

“You can breathe,” Mapi shot back, “just don’t breathe too hard.”

But beneath the jokes was an undercurrent of admiration. The team adored how Mapi doted on Ingrid and often stepped in to help. Aitana once surprised Ingrid with a homemade lasagna when she heard about her sudden aversion to cooking smells. And when Ingrid mentioned how her back was sore, Alexia gifted her a plush heating pad that quickly became her favorite.

The entire team had taken to calling Ingrid "Mama Engen" and frequently joked about how the baby was already part of the squad. Alexia even gifted the baby its first tiny Barça jersey with "Baby Engen-León" on the back. Ingrid teared up at the gesture, and Mapi made a vow to frame it when the baby outgrew it.

---

At home, Mapi was unstoppable. She installed baby-proof locks on cupboards, "Maria, the baby isn’t even here yet!” Ingrid laughed, researched prenatal massages, and even downloaded meditation apps to help Ingrid relax.

“It’s sweet, really,” Ingrid told Alexia during one of their chats. “But sometimes I just want to remind her that I’m pregnant, not dying.”

---

One evening, Ingrid came home to find Mapi assembling a crib in their living room. Tools were scattered everywhere, and she looked frazzled but determined.

“Babe, the baby won’t need a crib for months,” Ingrid said, sitting on the couch with a bemused smile.

“I know,” Mapi muttered, tightening a screw. “But I want everything to be perfect.”

Ingrid walked over, wrapping her arms around Mapi from behind. “It’s already perfect because it’s ours.”

---

The first ultrasound was a moment of pure magic. As they saw the tiny flutter of their baby’s heartbeat on the screen, Mapi’s eyes filled with tears.

“Can you believe it?” she whispered, clutching Ingrid’s hand.

Ingrid squeezed back, her own emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “We’re really doing this.”

---

Though the journey had its overwhelming moments, Ingrid wouldn’t have had it any other way. Mapi’s protectiveness, while occasionally exasperating, was a constant reminder of how much she was loved. And as they lay in bed one night, Mapi’s hand resting gently on Ingrid’s belly, Ingrid couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re going to be such a good mom,” she whispered.

“You too,” Mapi replied, pressing a kiss to Ingrid’s temple. “But for now, my job is to take care of both of you.”

Ingrid rolled her eyes affectionately. “You already do. And you’re pretty good at it. Just don’t drive me too crazy in the meantime.”

Mapi laughed, “Deal.”

And as they drifted off to sleep, dreams of their growing family filled the room, wrapping them in warmth and hope for the future.

#ingrid engen #mapi leon #woso #ingrid engen and mapi leon #woso community #barca femeni #woso fics

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mamawasatesttube · 1 year ago

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an excerpt of the kon & cass genderisms fic im very excited about but still nowhere near done with:

The idea of Kon looking like a girl is kind of absurd, when Cass first thinks of the word. It brings to mind Steph, first and foremost. Brenda, too, though. And others.

But some of Brenda’s friends were tall, or broad-shouldered. Some of them dressed like Kon. The thought brings with it a pang, as always; Cass wishes she’d gotten to know them better, before…

Before.

But anyway. Not the point. The point is, Cass has seen Barbara call people without skirts or breasts girls or women, sometimes, too. So maybe Kon looking like a girl isn’t as weird as he seems to think it is.

She hums, cocking her head to the side. “What is a girl?”

“Huh?”

Next to her, Kon blinks. He frowns up at the stars, then rolls over and props himself up on one arm, and reaches over to playfully poke her nose.

“Well, I dunno exactly. You were Bat-girl, weren’t you? Shouldn’t you know?”

But that isn’t because of any… kinship with the word. No… what’s the word? Affinity. No particular affinity. Or is it connection? Something like that. Regardless, Cass shakes her head. “Barbara’s name. I just kept it.”

“Oh.” Kon frowns slightly. “I dunno, either, honestly. I mean, TV will tell you a girl is someone who likes girly stuff, but that’s stupid, ‘cuz plenty of girls don’t like girly stuff, and I mean, I do like so-called girly stuff, I guess, like knitting or baking, and I’m not a girl. So…” He shrugs, rolling back over onto his back. A moment later, though, he picks his head up and peers at her. “Are you—is this—I mean, are you trying to tell me you’re not a girl?”

The way he holds himself makes it seem like that’s some kind of a big deal. Cass just shrugs. “Dunno.”

“Oh,” Kon says, again, more softly this time. “Hey, I mean—nothing wrong with that either. It’s cool.”

Cass shrugs again. “It’s just a word. To me, anyway.” It’s her turn to frown in thought. “What makes a boy a boy?” She lightly nudges his side. He’s warm against the slight night chill, and she scoots in a little closer with a hum. “You were Super-boy. Tell me.”

Kon blows out a breath. “Hoo, man. Now ain’t that just a fine pickle and a half?”

Cass wrinkles her nose. “What do pickles have to do with it?” She likes pickles. Ma Kent has a jar of crisp ones in the pantry, homemade from cucumbers grown in the garden out back. Cass likes the way they crunch between her teeth and splatter vinegar-juice on her tongue.

“Nothing. It’s… actually, I have no idea why that’s something people say.” Kon lets out a wry snort. “I came pre-programmed with slang and idioms, y’know.”

“I know,” Cass says, and pats his arm. “Pregnable.”

Kon lets out a bark of bright laughter. It reminds her of the stars. He seems so very at home here, under the night sky. The starlight matches the gentle glow of his eyes. When he isn’t wearing his glasses, it’s easy to see the inhuman blue.

“Aw, man,” Kon says, still grinning. “You remember that? I forgot I said that way back then.”

“It was…” Cass tilts her head. “New to me. Memorable, for that reason.” She grins mischievously. “A pregnable boy.”

Kon laughs again. Cass snuggles up to his side and throws her arm across his ribs. She likes to feel the rise and fall of his chest as he breathes.

#rimi writes #kon #cass #koncass #<- not romo just deeply affectionate friendship #they are two touch-starved little fellas #so they are all over each other <3 #the thing about cass and gender is that like... so much of it is tied to language and social custom #two things cass only very recently started to understand #so her perspective on a lot of it is just so. Whatever. it feels removed from her #whereas kon has so so so many issues about how he's perceived by others because for him privacy didn't even exist for the first few years #and the constant scrutiny of child stardom got into his head #and putting them both together about gender and presentation and figuring it out. its SOOOO juicy. to me at least #genuinely am sooo excited about this fic. i just have to write the other 2/3 of it

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stardewremixed · 2 years ago

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First Kiss with Harvey

@nectar33n requested Harvey first so here goes. I’m not sure if you wanted canon or non-canon or if you wanted a female or male or nonbinary Farmer. I’m going with canon/female Farmer. I wrote a freakin’ novel so spoilers... haha! Once I started, I couldn’t stop. Hope you don’t mind.

It was the morning of the surprise. Harvey set his alarm for 5am. He knew the Farmer was an early riser, but he wasn’t sure how early. The night before he tossed and turned in bed. He was nervous. Not because of the height of the hot air balloon ride, but because he hoped beyond hope that today would be the day. Today he would confess his true feelings to the Farmer, the woman who stole his whole heart.

As a doctor, Harvey knew he could not survive without his heart. Logically. If she rejected him, he wasn’t sure how he would survive, except that he wanted her to be happy. And then it would be awkward at two thousand feet above ground if she said no.

Argh! Harvey had been paranoid about missing his alarm, and so he woke up at a half past four. It was much too early, but he slipped his glasses onto the bridge of his nose. Laying his head back against the pillow, he tried a self-soothing technique that had worked for years. Deep breath in. Hold. One. Two. Three. Four. Exhale.

After ten more deep breaths, his heart rate slowed. Still, when he tucked his arm behind his head, he saw only five minutes had passed. The time mocked him, the little red digital light aggravating his brain. Grunting once more, he resolved to get up, and mustered strength to swing his legs over the bed, one at a time.

It was too late to take it back. His invitation. He scribbled a note on a piece of memo paper from his doctor’s pad, asking the Farmer to join him right before dawn for a surprise. If he went back now, he would look like an idiot. He already felt stupid staking out her place to make sure she was in for the night before he timidly slipped the note in the mailbox.

Perhaps he should have thought it through more and used pretty stationary. Like the kind she always slipped in with her homemade jar of pickles. His heart always skipped a little beat when he saw a fresh jar waiting for him outside the Clinic in the morning. A sign she was thinking of him.

Or when she dropped by on blustery afternoons to bring him coffee, always when he was fading the most. The little hearts she drew on the cup sleeve brightened his days and mindset. Somehow she just knew he needed a pick-me-up. It was a sixth sense. As a man of science, he didn’t always trust the mystical, what others described as “gut feelings.” And yet, Farmer made him want to believe in a deeper connection to the soul, and to a Higher Power.

Farmer always checked the mail first thing. He liked that about her. She had her routines. He had his own. Predictable, and yet open to surprises. She shared with him once. With that same little head-tilt and charming smile that could sweep a man off his feet. Or in Harvey’s case stumble over his own two feet. He winced as he tripped into the bathroom and flicked on the light, wishing he had the sense to slid his toes into slippers before padding around in the dead of night.

Reaching for the shower handles, he turned the water to scalding hot. The heat would relax him. He liked it to feel like a sauna. His apartment above the office was modest, small, just big enough for him. No space for a bathtub, but he didn’t mind. He was usually in a hurry. Harvey yanked his black tee shirt over his head. The mirror was already fogging. He stared into the glass after wiping away some of the steam. His eyes looked tired. His hair was wild. And he could have sworn he saw a wrinkle near his forehead.

Perhaps he was selfish to ask her to be his girlfriend. She deserved someone younger. Someone who could keep up with her endless energy. Someone who wasn’t so preoccupied and could help out more around the farm. He wasn’t a “spring chicken.” He hoped the age gap wouldn’t bother her, and he assured himself that it never had before. She even confessed once that she was attracted to older men after one too many pale ales at the Saloon.

Removing his pajama bottoms and boxers, Harvey stepped into the shower before he changed his mind. He was older, but he was no slouch. He worked out once a week with the ladies - good cardio at Caroline’s studio. And he took walks once a day all over the village, sometimes twice a day if he was facing a particularly challenging medical problem. Sometimes Farmer joined him, and he grew to like her company. No, he ruffled shampoo through his hair, he grew to love her company.

Even with doctor-patient confidentiality in a tiny town where everyone knew everyone, Harvey could still vaguely discuss different issues he faced. She listened intently, engaged in the conversation, offering an encouraging head nod or smile as needed. He could tell she liked to listen to him talk, even when he felt like he was rambling. Her eyes shone.

Harvey puffed his chest out a little with pride as he soaped up, thinking about his mother’s insistence that he take vocal lessons as a teen. Learning Latin for mass (which helped in medical school) and singing tenor (for the ladies) paid off. His patients often said he possessed a soothing voice and kind bedside manner. Or one very special lady. He smiled to himself as he stepped from the shower and wrapped himself in a towel.

A half hour later, dressed, everything packed into a picnic basket, Harvey padded over to his kitchen to brew a pot of coffee. Even the particular brand of beans reminded him of Farmer. She grew a coffee plant just for him in her greenhouse so he could have his favorites year-round, and roasted the beans with the help of Gus at the Saloon. Her thoughtfulness knew no bounds.

A steady rap at the door downstairs startled him. Harvey glanced at the clock. Almost 5:45 a.m. He had checked the paper so he knew the sun would rise at ten after six. Was she early? He plucked his cell phone from his shirt pocket, but it did not reveal a text message. Harvey slid into his familiar brown loafers and walked downstairs.

“Evelyn?”

His eyes widened with surprise to see his elderly neighbor standing on his doorstep. She was bundled up warm in her typical red coat and the pair of black leather gloves her husband George had purchased to help her poor circulation. Her smile told him he had nothing to worry about, but he couldn’t help himself.

“Is everything okay with George?” he asked, stepping aside so she could step into the clinic.

George was one of his most temperamental patients, and frequently didn’t listen to his advice. It had taken almost two years for George to trust Harvey as a doctor. And even then, he grumbled about asking for help.

“Yes, yes,” Evelyn said. “He’s still sleeping like a log. The machine you suggested though does cut back on his snoring. I barely hear it anymore.”

She removed her gloves. Harvey nodded.

“I’m glad it was useful for him. How can I help you?”

“I saw your light. And I was up anyhow.”

She reached into her bag, revealing wrapped hot bread. Freshly baked. Evelyn told him she often rolled doughs when she had trouble sleeping.

“I thought,” her blue eyes twinkled. “You and the Farm Girl would appreciate this.”

“How?” he ran a hand through his hair. “...did you?”

She smirked. “I’m not psychic, Doc. I just know you. And you were running all over town this past week making special preparations for a ‘special’ date with a ‘special’ someone.”

Harvey’s face relaxed into a smile. “Oh I was that obvious?” He chuckled ruefully. “I guess, I was.”

“Relax, Doc, she’s going to say yes,” Evelyn said, reaching up to tap his shoulder. “After all, you’re quite the catch.”

At her words, Harvey felt his cheeks grow hot. Evelyn meant well. She truly was a “Granny” to the entire town. He managed a meek “thank you” and waved, watching to make sure she made it back to her home across the square. When he saw her residence light turn on, Harvey returned inside the clinic. Reaching for his coat, he buttoned up, grabbed his basket of goodies, and tucked Evelyn’s bread inside before stepping back out.

A quick twenty minute jaunt up the hill, Harvey reached the railroad crossing in no time. His heart felt light, even if his stomach felt full of knots. Evelyn wished him well, but could she really know the Farmer would say yes? As he was twisting the toe of his shoe in the dusty ground, wondering if he would “chicken” out, Harvey heard a gentle, familiar voice calling to him.

Instantly, he felt his shoulders relax. He turned to wave at her, then wondered if he was grinning like an idiot. If he was, she didn’t seem to mind. She walked toward him briskly, smiling brightly herself. Today she wore a soft green blouse and jean skirt, matching jacket, and her famous knee-high brown boots. As she drew close, he could even tell she had applied makeup - a little mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner. Perhaps even a light lip gloss. His heart skipped two beats. She always looked good, no matter what she was wearing, but he could tell she made an effort for him.

“How’s my favorite doctor?” she asked, reaching his side.

“Good, and you’re right on time,” he cleared his throat, hoping she couldn’t sense his nervousness.

“Oh for what? What is this surprise?” she inquired, eagerly, rubbing her hands together.

Without thinking, he reached over and took her hands in his own to warm them. He grimaced, almost immediately regretting it. His palms were sweaty. She would know he was anxious.

And yet, she looked up at him, surprise registering in her eyes, but her expression was welcoming. “Oh thank you. I should’ve worn gloves.”

“You can wear mine,” he offered, starting to remove them one at a time.

“No,” she grinned, shaking her head. “This is better.” Her fingers interlocked with his, and she squeezed gently.

He straightened and cleared his throat again, knowing with almost certainty that pink had breached his cheeks. “Look here it comes,” he pointed to the sky.

His anxiety levels skyrocketed as he realized this was the moment as the hot air balloon descended into the open field. However, her excited grip around his fingers and the look of pure joy on her face made him so happy. Harvey wanted her to be happy.

“Are you surprised?”

“Oh my! Yes!” she exclaimed, temporarily releasing his hand to clap her own. “But aren’t you afraid of heights, Harvey?”

YES! He wanted to scream, but he couldn’t. It wouldn’t exactly be manly. And he would never live it down. His heart pounded wildly. The way she said his name, with kindness and concern, helped him catch his breath. Harvey somehow managed to express himself, sharing about how he wanted this to be special for her as she had never ridden in a hot air balloon before. And he had seen the ad and knew he just had to surprise her. She was always doing things for him, going out of her way, and he wanted to repay her consistent kindness.

Marcello, their guide, gave detailed instructions about where to stand, how to operate the balloon, what to do in case of emergencies. Harvey had stayed up nearly all night three nights in a row last week researching rental companies with the highest safety ratings. He muttered this, and to his dismay, the Farmer heard, but she just smiled and told him how much she appreciated his thoroughness.

Harvey offered her a hand as they stepped into the basket. He thought his heart would leap out of his chest. Her grip was reassuring. She didn’t let go until he was securely in the basket and by her side. She flexed her fingers and he realized perhaps he had been gripping too hard.

“Oh sorry,” he mumbled.

“No, it’s okay,” she said. “I am happy to be here with you, and I know you’re nervous. To be honest...” she tilted her head to the side. “I am too.”

“Really?” he hated how his voice squeaked. He cleared his throat and repeated. “Oh really!”

“Yes, but I’m excited too, like...” she grabbed his hand again and laid it against her chest around her left breast.

He flushed, realizing this was the closest he had ever been to them.

“Butterflies!”

They both said in unison, and then laughed awkwardly. He dropped his hand quickly, feeling it improper to linger, even though her heartbeat felt nice.

“You ready?” she asked.

He gulped and nodded. “Yeah, I’m determined not to let my fears hold me back. I want to experience this with you.”

“Me too,” she nodded.

As they lifted off the ground, his jaw dropped open and his eyes widened. This was really happening. They had left the safety of earth behind for the unknown expanse of the sky. He couldn’t take it back now. He coughed and rubbed his jaw a bit, hoping she thought he was trembling because of the cold and not fear.

“I’ll... uh... try... not to get scared,” he mumbled, running a hand through his hair, and flushed hard, realizing he said the words aloud.

“Wow... you can see so far into the Valley already!” she exclaimed.

He had squeezed his eyes shut during take-off and ascent. Nervously, he released his hands from the sides of his head. In the distance, the sky faded from black to blue to a soft purply-pink.

“I thought I’d be scared too,” she shared. “But then I saw this view and relaxed.”

Harvey wished that was all it took for him to calm down. He held the sides of his head, feeling like his heart might burst through his temples. Then he remembered that he forgot the basket of breakfast... 1700 feet below. Could he be any more absent-minded? His fears... (or was it her hand?) had distracted him. He swallowed, thinking about her hand.

As if on cue, she looked up at him.

“Here,” she reached for his hand once more and squeezed. “I promise I won’t let go.”

He could kiss her. He wanted to. So badly. But he wanted his pulse to slow down first so he wouldn't trip into her mouth. She always knew just what to do or say to make him feel at ease. A kiss wouldn’t be appropriate yet. We’re not even dating really. I need to tell her how I feel if I can bring myself to look at her.

“Harvey?” she said, her voice sounding worried.

He squeezed his eyes open and looked down, but the terror flooded right back in. Before he could stop himself, he closed the few feet between them and dropped into her arms for a hug. A hug was okay. Right? This is okay? I’m okay. I’m okay. I’m okay. He repeated to himself.

“You’re more than okay,” she whispered.

He almost wondered if he actually heard her right. Did he actually say “I’m okay, okay, okay” aloud? “Wha? What? We’re up so high,” he gulped.

He felt so dumb. A man of a his age unable to handle heights, clinging to the woman he wanted to be his girlfriend like he was a baby. She’s gonna think I’m such a wimp. He felt dismayed. He could handle blood, guts, puke, sweat, and all sorts of bodily fluids, but heights? Why did I think this was a good idea?

“Harvey?” she lifted her arms to hug him in return.

Whether intentional or not, she was stroking the back of his coat.

“I wanted to impress you with this, but look at me!” he exclaimed burying his head in shame on her shoulder. “I’m a trembling coward.”

“Harvey?” she repeated his name with such tenderness. “You’re not a coward.”

“I’m not?” he pulled his head back, shock registering in his eyes as he connected with her gaze.

He saw nothing but admiration there.

“You’re definitely not. Harvey, I’ve seen you rescue injured people from rock slides and descend into unstable mines to pull out lost hikers. That’s not cowardly. That’s really brave.”

“What? I... uh...” he stammered.

“And you dove into the sea to rescue those little kids who got swept away by the waves during a sudden summer storm. You didn’t stop to think about your own safety. You just took the plunge.”

“I... I... guess I did. You helped too. And you frequent the mines way more often than I do. You have more than enough bravery for the both of us.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Doctor Harvey. You do a lot of things that most people wouldn’t because you care about your patients and about the safety of the lives of those around you. It’s a really admirable quality about you,” she encouraged sweetly.

“You do such nice things for everyone too, like helping bring supplies to the Shadow People camps deep in the underground. That’s really brave. It’s part of why I like you so much,” he continued, and bit his lip, trying desperately to stay focused on the sky in front of him rather than the slowly disappearing ground below. “I’m just not sure...”

“And today you planned this romantic surprise for me even though you are clearly terrified of heights.”

“Romantic?” he squeaked.

She furrowed her brow. “Oh am I misinterpreting?”

Harvey squeezed her hand. “No,” he managed, his voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t let go.”

She leaned into his shoulder, not only returning the hand squeeze, but wrapping her other arm around his from the side. Her hair smelled like jasmine. They stood side by side, and little by little, he felt his pulse slowing. He began to enjoy the peacefulness, the quiet of the air, the coolness of the breeze against his cheeks, the comfort of her presence.

“I think I can enjoy it now,” he said after a few minutes of silence as he tried to think of what to say next.

To tell her how he felt. He wasn’t a poet like Elliott or a songwriter like Sebastian and Sam. He didn’t have the adorable chickens she loved like Shane did, but he did enjoy a good fried egg every once in a while. And he definitely didn’t have the physique of the semi-pro athlete like Alex. He wasn’t the most eligible bachelor in Pelican Town. That alone nearly prevented him from planning this surprise for the Farmer today. He needed to stop comparing himself to others. He conquered this fear. He took the step into the basket and managed this far. Maybe he could manage the next step too.

“Oh... this is incredible,” he laughed nervously. “I think I can even see Mayor Lewis standing in town square.”

“Where?” she asked, leaning forward a little.

Without thinking, Harvey yanked her back to his side. He wrapped an arm around her, and snuggled her against his chest protectively. He couldn’t see her face because he was blushing hard. Why did I do that? He opened his mouth to speak when she suddenly shushed him. He frowned, only momentarily, but then saw what captured her attention. A flock of geese flying in a V flapped in unison by their balloon. It was a majestic sight against the backdrop of the rising sun. Oh! He found the courage to speak from his heart.

“Uh... Farm Girl?”

“Yes, Doc?”

He gulped. “Uh... we’ve known each other for quite a while now and uh...”

It’s now or never, man. Times almost up!

“I...” he could feel the sweat pouring down the sides of his face, even if it was cold at altitude.

She gave him the sweetest smile he had ever seen. Her eyes were full of admiration, encouragement, and dare he hope? Love? She leaned forward, removing any semblance of space between them, placing her hands against his chest. He felt a lump in his throat where the words were stuck.

“I... love... you too,” she whispered, finishing the words for him.

With two hands firmly placed on her upper arms, he leaned down, closed his eyes, and kissed her for the first time. Her lips were sweet, slightly chapped from sun and wind, but she tasted like... strawberries. His favorite fruit. He wondered if that was intentional. His senses grew hazy as he heard her sigh “finally” and he nearly lost all control. Her hands found their way behind his back and she pressed her torso against his, and his own hands slid further down her arms and around her delicate waist. He could hardly believe this was happening.

“I’ve... loved you... for so long,” he managed between kisses. “I... never dreamed...”

“Neither did I,” she said sweetly, reaching up for his neck, pulling him back to her lips eagerly. “I’ve wanted to kiss you... for so long.”

“I...” he couldn’t think clearly.

She was showing him new heights. His kisses deepened. He nearly forgot where they were as he continued with fervor. She seemed to enthusiastically return his desire, matching his speed and intensity with her own. Her legs brushed against his, and he felt weak. It had been so long since he felt this way, if ever. His knees threatened to buckle under the fog of passion, but he pulled back first, as the gentleman in him realized he needed to do something first.

“Will you... be... my girlfriend?” Harvey wanted to make it official.

“Yes, will you be my boyfriend?” she asked, her eyelashes fluttering happily.

Harvey never expected to feel so touched by hearing those words. “Yes.”

He sealed his answer with a kiss. “Yes,” he repeated.

“I love you, Harvey,” she sighed dreamily and leaned her head against his chest once more. “I am so happy right now.”

Harvey felt tears prick the corners of his eyes. He couldn’t bring himself to swat them away, as the heights still unnerved him and he didn’t want to let go of her. He didn’t want to let go of her ever. He calmed himself with a deep breath or two before replying. After a tender kiss to the top of her head, he said, “Me too.”

❤️

#stardewremixed #replies #first kiss #stardew valley headcanon #sdv headcanon #stardew valley headcanons #sdv headcanons #sdv harvey #stardew valley harvey #sdv farmer #ten hearts event #i love this man so much #my heart

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braveclementine · 6 months ago

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Chapter 11

Warnings: None. (Will however be a 18+ reader book)

Copyright: I do not own any Marvel characters or locations. However, I do own a few OCs like Elizabeth, Katherine, Stacy, and Jessie. I do not condone any copying of this.

Clint had pouted the entire time you made dinner, while you tried your hardest not to laugh at his reactions. While in reality, neither he nor Sam actually had a problem eating chicken or turkey when it came time to eat, they loved complaining about eating bird, and everyone liked to tease them on it.

Of course, while you were cooking about eighty hot chicken wings in the multiple ovens that Tony had in the kitchen, that wasn't all you were cooking.

In another oven, you were warming up several loaves of sourdough bread. On the stoves, you had a few steaks cooking with canned mushrooms, letting everything sear together.

You also had a large pot of greenbeans cooking, along with corn and pork and beans. You opened up a few cans of black olives to put in another bowl and stuck that in the refrigerator to cool. You also made a bowl of banana peppers as well.

You had white rice in a cooker, set on a timer.

Then you made homemade mashed potatoes, using a paring knife to cut off the skin of the potatoes, before cutting them into cubes, sticking them in a pot of water, and boiling them.

As everything started to near to the 'finish' stage of cooking, Clint told FRIDAY to let the others know that dinner was almost ready.

You pulled the hot wings out of the oven, slowly transferring them to plates, stacking them precariously so they looked neat. Clint helped carry out the trays to the table that you were using as a 'buffet bar'. You were all still eating in the living room as there were so many people.

Clint also started taking out the bowl of greenbeans, corn, pork and beans, black olives, banana peppers, and pickled beets while you started to put the steak and mushrooms on another plate. While Clint took care of that plate and also started to pull the sourdough loaves out of the other oven, you grabbed a yellow strainer and started to work on your mashed potatoes.

You strained the potato chunks so that there was no more water before putting them back in the now empty pan. Grabbing sour cream, milk, and butter, you added two dollaps of sour cream and three pads of butter before grabbing the masher and started mixing everything around.

Growing up taking care of your sister meant that you knew how to cook meals, big and small. In fact, you actually took pleasure in working in the kitchen, watching your meals become complete, and then feeling satisfaction in how everyone enjoyed your food. Cooking wasn't a chore, it was a hobby. Especially when it came to dinners and dessert. Breakfast was fun as well, but lunch was harder to get some creative ideas.

You added just a dash of salt and pepper to the mashed potatoes that were starting to come together and looking very creamy, adding another pad of butter and another small scoop of sour cream, mixing it once again.

After that tasted test, you decided it was perfect- you hadn't even needed to add milk- and you quickly scooped all of the mashed potatoes from the pot into the bowl.

Clint had also put a milk jug and a water pitcher out on the table.

Those who weren't invested in the search for Bucky like the Guardians, the Wakandans, and the Asgardians were the first to arrive, grabbing plates and heading out to eat.

"Most of them won't come up to eat, will they?" You asked as you nibbled on a piece of sourdough bread. It was the only safe choice with your stomach so upset over Bucky's loss.

"Some of them will. Sam will probably be up soon, even if it's to just take some food back down for Steve. And Stephen will make sure Tony eats." Clint said as he put a piece of steak on his plate, trying to scrape the mushrooms off.

"Oi, picky bird, eat the mushrooms." You scolded. "Believe me, they tasted really good since they've been cooked in the steak juice. It adds to the flavor."

"Alright pretty mama." Clint sighed, putting a few mushrooms on his plate.

You smiled a little at the nickname before the door opened. T'Challa, Loki, Fury, Rhodey, Sam, Thor, and Tony came through the doors.

"Anything?" You asked immediately.

"FRIDAY hasn't found any facial matches." Tony explained, picking up a piece of bread and tossing it from hand to hand instead of eating it. "Which might meant that he's somewhere remote. Stephen is headed back to the Sanctorum to see if he can find Clint in the climate portals."

"Pietro and Makkari called in." Fury said as he loaded his plate with steak and several vegetables. "Neither of them have found anything, so they're doing a slightly slower search. Makkari apparently has some friends she's going to attempt to contact and see if they have found anything."

You nodded. You wanted to ask about the wedding plans and if they were being postponed or what, but you were afraid that it would sound insensitive to ask, like you were more concerned about whether or not you could get married instead of about Bucky.

Luckily, Rhodey said, "If we haven't found Bucky within the next day, the wedding ceremony will be postponed. We just can't do it without him."

You nodded, "Okay. Thank you for letting me know."

Like predicted, Sam took two plates down with him while the rest of us ate here. It took some coaxing for Tony to eat, but eventually he did start to eat.

Loki and T'Challa each sat on either side of me. They could tell that I was feeling out of it. Loki was telling me humorous stories about his childhood. How there was a time when he made a snake for Thor to pick up so that it would bite him. Or the time that he used magic to make all of the warriors in training become naked while they were being presented in front of the King.

Okay, so they were terrible stories, but the way that he told them made you laugh so hard. Meanwhile, T'Challa had this look of utmost horror on his face, contrasting with Clint's amused expression which made everything five times better.

"Okay, but why would you pick up a snake?" You asked Thor after Loki had finished the story. "They're. . . eugh."

Thor let out a booming laugh, "I love snakes! They're so cute!"

"No wonder you love your brother so much." Clint quipped.

You giggled as Loki rolled his eyes. Even Fury let out a cough that should've been a laugh.

"Yes, a very cute snake." You said, lips quivering as you tried not to laugh again.

Loki rolled his eyes. "Careful My Queen."

But once the light mood settled down, you were back to thinking about Bucky and then a horrible thought struck you. "What if HYDRA got him again?"

They all looked at you.

"What if, the reason we can't find him on camera, is because Mordo sent him straight to a HYDRA base?" You finished.

Fury and Tony exchanged a look before they were moving for the door, supposedly to go back to the main room.

"Excellent thinking Y/N." Clint said, nodding thoughtfully. "Let me see where Nat and Bruce are. Maybe we should get the original HYDRA killing team together. Thor, you coming?"

"I should see if I can be of some assistance." Rhodey said, kissing your forehead before following them out.

Shuri called out for her brother. T'Challa squeezed your hand before getting up to move over to the other Wakandans.

You sighed. "Sometimes, I wish we were in the Wizarding World. They we could do a locator spell."

"I have no idea what that is." Loki said.

"Haven't you watched Harry Potter?"

"Not to the extent that I know what a locator spell is." He responded.

"There's basically a spell for everything in that world." You sighed. "Oh well. I think I'm going to go upstairs and see if I can't sleep. It might do me some good and it'll pass the time quicker. I'll see you tomorrow." You kissed Loki's cheek before standing up.

You paused only for a moment to put your dishes in the sink, filling up the sink with soapy water. One of Tony's housekeepers would probably do the dishes later. Or Loki would finish them with a flick of his hand. Depended on how charitable he felt.

You moved out of the kitchen to go out into the hallway, taking the elevator up to the floor that Bucky, Steve, Sam, Nat, and Bruce all lived on. You were hoping to find something in order to make Steve and Sam feel better.

You walked down to the bedroom the three of them shared before opening up the door. Flipping on the light switch, you jumped backwards as an unconscious figure laying on the large King bed startled you.

Who the hell?

You took a few careful steps forward before realizing that you recognized the male profile.

Bucky.

"FRIDAY, please alert the team that Bucky is in Steve's room." You said, relief flooding through you.

You quickly stood over Bucky, leaning over to shake his shoulder. He didn't stir. For one horrible moment, you thought he might be dead. Then he rolled over of his own accord, mumbling under his breath.

You sighed, shaking his shoulder again, "Bucky, come on wake up. Buck, wake up." He just snorted and you finally gave another shake, "BUCKY WAKE UP!"

He gave a start, leaping out of the bed. You nearly tripped backwards over your own feet as you were startled from the sudden movement.

He reached out and you sighed in content that he would be fine.

That is, until his metal hand closed around your throat, lifting you off your feet a few inches off the ground.

⬅️➡️

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pablo-diablo · 2 years ago

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Ask Game: Tag 10 people you want to get to know better (thanks @bigcryptiddies for tagging me!)

Relationship status: married 💑

Favorite color: pink! soft pinks especially, but really every pink.

Last Song | Listened To: this Miku cover of MGMT's Little Dark Age

Song Stuck in My Head: Unholy by Sam Smith ft Kim Petras. I only first heard it two days ago but I'm obsessed.

Three Favorite Foods: this is very hard, I love foods. Papas caldudas (homemade), fried pickles (at most places tbh, Sonic has pickle fries that are great), and ummm pork buns!!!

Last Thing I Googled: "when did Picasso die" (1973)

Dream Trip: a world tour of street foods! Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, China, Mexico, Hong Kong, Pakistan... Trying everything and interacting with big cities. I guess I'd have to have a local guide, since I can't learn *every* language lol.

Something I Want Right Now: there's a CD/record store near here that I really want to go to right now, I'm moving further away soon so I wanna buy some albums before I leave.

I'll tag (no pressure): @ninjazane @lavander-aavaros @maid-of-timey-wimey also anyone else who would like to do it...I'm not great at remembering urls lol

#tag meme #tinyatext

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diya2255 · 13 days ago

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Best Homemade Pickles Near me

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orderocksseo · 2 months ago

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Convenience of Indian Grocery Home Delivery in the USA

As the world becomes more connected and fast-paced, convenience is key, especially when it comes to shopping. For those who love authentic Indian food, finding the right ingredients to prepare familiar and flavorful dishes can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, with the rise of online shopping and Indian grocery home delivery in USA, access to the ingredients you need has never been easier.

Why Choose Indian Grocery Home Delivery?

Living in the USA, you may sometimes find it difficult to locate a nearby Indian grocery store. The search for "Indian grocery store near me" might not always yield the results you want, especially if you live in an area with limited access to ethnic stores. This is where the beauty of home delivery comes into play.

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How to Find an Indian Grocery Store Near You

If you're someone who prefers shopping in person, finding an Indian grocery store near me can be as easy as a quick search online. Using search terms like "Indian grocery store near me" can help you discover local stores that offer a wide variety of Indian products. Many of these stores also provide the option of calling ahead to check availability or pre-ordering items for pick-up.

For those in more remote areas, online Indian grocery delivery can be an excellent backup option. Many services provide nationwide delivery, so you won’t have to worry about running out of essential items like basmati rice, ghee, or masalas.

Conclusion

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maasbesttiffinservice · 2 months ago

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What goes in an Indian Tiffin?

An Indian tiffin is a meal container packed with a variety of fresh, flavorful dishes that are both nutritious and delicious. A staple of daily Indian life, it typically includes a balanced mix of grains, vegetables, proteins, and snacks, making it ideal for lunch.

A tiffin service near me provides freshly prepared meals, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, delivered daily for convenience and taste.

Here’s a closer look at what often goes into an Indian tiffin.

1. Main Dish

Most tiffins start with a main dish like rice or Indian breads such as roti or paratha. Rice is often accompanied by dals (lentils) or vegetable curries, while rotis are paired with sabzis (vegetable dishes). Dishes like paneer curry, aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower), or chana masala (chickpea curry) are popular choices for their hearty flavors and balanced nutrition.

A typical tiffin menu includes roti, rice, dal, vegetable curry, salad, yogurt, and a small dessert for balanced nutrition.

2. Side Dishes

Indian tiffins frequently include side dishes to complement the main course. These could be dry vegetable stir-fries like bhindi (okra), baingan (eggplant), or a potato-based dish. Small portions of pickles, chutneys, or raitas (yogurt-based sides) add a burst of flavor and freshness. Raitas, made from yogurt and cucumbers or carrots, are cooling accompaniments perfect for balancing spicy dishes.

Food service Slough offers diverse options, from local eateries to catering and delivery, providing fresh, convenient meals for all tastes.

3. Protein-Rich Additions

Protein is an important part of a balanced Indian meal. Lentils, beans, chickpeas, or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are common sources, especially for vegetarian meals. Dishes like rajma (kidney beans) or dal fry make satisfying, protein-packed additions.

A vegetarian tiffin service near me offers fresh, plant-based Indian meals delivered daily, featuring dishes like dal, roti, rice, and vegetables.

4. Salad and Fresh Vegetables

A small portion of fresh salad, usually with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes carrots or beets, is also included. Lightly seasoned with salt and lemon, this salad offers a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the cooked dishes. A Punjabi tiffin service near me delivers authentic meals daily, including favourites like butter chicken, chole, paneer, roti, and rice.

5. Sweet Treat

To finish the meal, many tiffins include a small dessert like a piece of mithai (Indian sweet) or a few slices of fruit. This sweet touch can include treats like laddoo, barfi, or seasonal fruits. A tiffin meal provides a balanced, homemade Indian lunch with essentials like rice, roti, dal, vegetables, and a small dessert.

6. Snacks

Sometimes, Indian tiffins come with crispy snacks like papad or a handful of roasted nuts for an added crunch.

Packed with variety and flavor, an Indian tiffin is more than just lunch — it’s a wholesome, fulfilling experience in every bite. A tiffin Indian lunch box includes a balanced meal with rice, roti, dal, vegetables, and sometimes a small dessert.

What Is Indian Tiffin Service?

An Indian tiffin service is a meal delivery service that provides home-cooked, freshly prepared Indian meals in a tiffin box, typically for daily or weekly subscriptions. This service is popular in India and among Indian communities worldwide, catering especially to those who desire the comfort and taste of homemade food but lack the time to cook themselves.

Tiffin delivery brings fresh, home-cooked Indian meals directly to your doorstep daily, offering a convenient and nutritious meal option.

How It Works

Tiffin services generally operate through local kitchens or small businesses that prepare a variety of dishes daily. Customers subscribe to the service and receive meals delivered to their homes, workplaces, or educational institutions.

Each tiffin usually includes a balanced meal consisting of rice or Indian bread (roti or paratha), vegetables, a protein source (dal, paneer, or meat), and often a side of salad, yoghurt, or dessert.

Meals vary each day to provide diversity, with some services offering customized menus to cater to dietary preferences and restrictions. A Gujarati tiffin service near me offers traditional meals featuring dishes like dhokla, khichdi, rotla, and various flavorful curries delivered fresh daily.

The Appeal of Tiffin Services

Indian tiffin services are valued for their affordability, convenience, and quality. Unlike fast food, these meals are typically made from fresh ingredients with minimal preservatives, delivering nutritious, homemade meals that evoke the flavors of traditional Indian cooking.

What is tiffin service? Tiffin services are particularly popular among office-goers, students, and expatriates who seek healthy, wholesome meals similar to what they might eat at home.

Types of Tiffin Services

What is tiffin? There are various tiffin services to suit different needs and preferences. Basic services offer standard vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals, while premium services may include gourmet or health-focused options. Some services focus on specific regional cuisines within India, like Punjabi, Gujarati, or South Indian.

Non-veg food includes dishes made with meat, poultry, or seafood, offering rich flavors and high protein, which are common in diverse cuisines.

In short, Indian tiffin services offer an easy, budget-friendly solution for enjoying home-style Indian meals without the time or effort of daily cooking, preserving the authenticity and warmth of traditional meals in a convenient, modern way.

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ganitsoni · 3 months ago

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Best Avakaya Pickle in Hyderabad | NatuRaw

Buy the best homemade Indian Avakaya (Mango) Pickle in Hyderabad from NatuRaw. Order now for 100% natural and tasty mango pickles delivered right to your doorstep. Best quality guaranteed

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imaginationofomi · 3 months ago

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Come Together

Twelve

Nayeli could taste her freedom. The end of the week finally arrived, and her only plans were to bury herself in her bed or couch with a mug of hot spiced cider and her weighted blanket. Rest was necessary because the following weekend was the Harvest Festival. Three days of excellent food, good music, a carnival, and several cook offs.

She was most excited for the burgers and fries, hopes high for a repeat of the black garlic and fontina cheese option. She had to pick up a jar of homemade pickles for sure as well. Just after 3 o'clock, Grace was closing the store when Nayeli walked to the front.

"I'm out of here. Do you need anything before I go?" she asked as Grace swept the floor.

"Details."

"About what?"

"You and EJ, duh. Excuse me. Ezra," Grace smirked.

"I have no details to give."

"You were locked in the office together for over an hour last week and no deets? If you don't trust me, say that."

"We had a private conversation. I'm not giving you details on it because it's not my business to share," Nayeli said, removing her phone and keys from her purse.

"Private conversation, hm?"

"Bye, Grace. Have a good weekend." As she walked around the service counter and through the kitchen to the back door that opened up to the parking lot, her phone began to vibrate, "Were your ears ringing?" she answered Ezra with a smile, stepping out into the cool afternoon air.

"Why, were you talking about me?"

"Maybe." She unlocked her car and got in, locking the doors, stepping on the brake and tapping the start button, "How are you?" she asked when her phone connected to the bluetooth and set it in the cup holder.

"Alone. My parents took Tati for the weekend."

She laughed at his non-answer and backed out of her designated spot, "You outside until further notice?"

"No, but I want to see you," he said, his tone making butterflies erupt in her belly. They hadn't been around each other for a little over a week, busy lives keeping their schedules from matching up. She wanted to see him, too, but she wanted to be comfortable and relaxed while doing so.

"I'm leaving the bakery now, and my couch is calling my name. If you're cool with takeout, you can come over."

"Uuuhhh....yeah, we can do that."

"Did you have something else in mind?" she asked due to his hesitation.

"I made a dinner reservation, but if you're feening for the couch, you must be tired. It's okay. I'll cancel it."

"Oh no! Don't cancel! I can make a cup of coffee or take a quick nap or something. You went through all the trouble. We should go." All of the local hotspots were damn near impossible to get into on Friday, Saturday and Sunday unless someone had a connection. With it getting closer to the Harvest Festival, the uptick in tourism made it even worse.

"Don't worry about it. I'd rather just spend time with you anyway. What do you want to eat?"

She was thankful that they weren't on FaceTime and he couldn't see her blushing, "Hawaiian barbecue. I have been craving short ribs and macaroni salad all week," she said.

"That sounds good. Is there a specific place you want it from?"

"Ono on Mission Avenue is the best out here."

"Mission Avenue? Do you know what the traffic looks like right now? Red. Be happy you fine."

Cackling, she turned a corner and got in her left lane, "Thank youuuuuu, and since you're picking up dinner, I got dessert. Any special requests? We can get fancy and make ice cream."

"Ice cream sandwiches?"

"Oh, you're real fancy. Okay, we can make ice cream sandwiches."

They talked for a while longer, planning out a movie schedule and where they would get brunch after he went to church with her the next morning before she hung up to grab some last minute things they would need from the store.

As soon as she was home, she showered to wash the day off of her, let her hair down to be wild and free, and changed into a big t-shirt and a pair of Nike Pro biker shorts. Making her way into the garden, she picked several lemons off of her tree and took them back to the kitchen.

Some of her vegetables needed a little pruning, all of which she would do before watering the following afternoon. She'd be able to harvest soon, and she couldn't wait to get her homegrown veggies in her kitchen, pesticide and hormone free. Ezra text her that he was a few minutes away while she was pureeing raspberries and straining the seeds for the lemonade, and she let him know that she would leave the door unlocked for him.

However, in just a few minutes, she forgot and freaked out when she heard it creak open.

"Nayeli, it's me!" Ezra's voice calmed her, and she slid her serrated butcher knife back into the holder.

"I'm in the kitchen!" she yelled back, pouring fresh squeezed lemon juice over the raspberry puree giving it a good mix before she added sugar and water to the pitcher. The aroma of her short ribs made her mouth water, and she flipped around just as Ezra set their plastic bag on the counter, "That smells amazing, and I'm starving. How was the drive?"

"Like I said, be happy you fine. Downtown is crowded as fuck."

"Sorry." She really was, but only a little, and she already had a way to make up for it.

"Mhm." He embraced her, running his fingers through her curls and down the side of her neck. The antsy feeling that had been plaguing him all week finally subsided. He thanked God she was free and willing to spend time with him despite being tired. Resting his lips on her hair, he hugged her tighter.

"At least you have fresh raspberry lemonade," she said, rubbing the soft material of his olive zip up and leaning her body into his, "Did you have a good week?"

"Yeah. I met with a real estate agent to look at a couple of spots near the beach."

"You want to move?"

"No, for the store. I can't keep working out of the house. I feel like there's no separation, and I don't like that. Home is home. I don't want to deal with work when I'm at home.

"I can understand that. There are some good commercial properties on Docker." Nayeli started pulling their food out of the bag, undoing the rubber bands wrapped around the napkin covered forks and spoons and rinsing the plastic off.

"That was the last street we looked on. I like the spot on the corner across from the custom furniture place, but it's kinda small."

"Is there room to expand?"

"If I buy out the people next door and break the wall. It's an option. I'm gonna look again next week to see if I can find something better."

"My friend, April, is in commercial real estate. I can ask if she knows of anything good or to put out some feelers for you. Just let me know where you're looking and what you're looking for," she told him.

"Thank you. Time to Netflix and chill?" he asked, scooping her up from the ground after she picked up the containers. She screeched in surprise and tried not to drop their food.

"Do the kids still say that? Either way, there will be no chilling, sir. We are enjoying a meal in the dining room and a movie. Now put me down, please. I still have to pour the lemonade." When her feet were back on the ground, she set the containers on place mats and returned to the kitchen for two glasses of the cold beverage.

"You always eat at the table?" Ezra pulled her chair out for her, pushing it back in once she was seated.

"When other people are present, yes. It's better, in my opinion. TVs and phones are distracting, and you end up spending more time with a device than the person you're with. I can't stand it. I want to have a conversation, not scroll."

"You sound like Brandy. She's always hollering about people being on their phones too much."

"It's true! Some act like it's an extension of their hand. Unplug from the matrix, please. Hands." Nayeli held hers out and grabbed his, bowing her head and praying over their food, "Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen."

"Amen. Do you like that movie?"

"What movie?"

"The Matrix."

"I have a love/hate relationship with it. It's my dad's favorite movie. We used to watch it together when I was a kid, but he always had to stop and rewind and tell me things like we hadn't seen the movie together a thousand times. I appreciate the story and the metaphor of Neo being Jesus and saving the world, but I get flashbacks of watching the same part eight times and I'd rather just stay away from it," she explained, biting into one of her short ribs and some white rice.

"Neo is supposed to be Jesus?"

"A representation, yeah. I thought that was obvious with him being referred to as "The One" and him having to save the world and all that, but a lot of people actually haven't made that connection. And some will argue that there are things in the movies that point to him not being the one, but none of those arguments really check out in my opinion. The man died and came back to life, and he was the only one that could destroy the matrix. Jesus tings. I'll give you another one, too. Harry Potter's a representation. A ton of movies are a bit biblical in a sense. The Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan was a representation of Jesus, died on the stone table and came back to life. Man of Steel, Superman was willing to sacrifice himself to save humanity. Hell, Star Wars even did it with Anakin and his birth supposedly being miraculous and sacrificing himself for his son to redeem himself after becoming Darth Vader. The movie Se7en with Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt was based on the seven deadly sins. I mean, they're everywhere, like across all genres."

"You sound like a movie junkie."

"I like to be entertained, but I wouldn't call myself a junkie. Do you have a favorite?" she asked.

"Too many."

"What's at the top of your list?"

"Anything with Adam Sandler or Will Smith."

"Oh my gosh, Adam Sandler has me in stitches no matter what he's in."

"Little Nicky or The Waterboy?"

"Anger Management over both! I feel pretty, oh so pretty. I feel pretty and witty and gaaaaaay." Ezra started to laugh at her, and she followed right behind, a tear coming to her eye when Jack Nicholson's lalala's played in her head, "But if I had to choose, I'd say The Waterboy....mmmmm, no Little Nicky. Well, I guess it depends on the day."

Things were beautiful between them, easy and comfortable. Laughter continued as they ate and conversed, switching the topic from movies to sports and other things. She learned more about his work life, about the businesses he had his hands in and how he got into watch designing. She was as fascinated with him as he was with her, so the questions never stopped. Even after they finished their food and went on to make dessert.

"Can I ask you something personal?" Ezra said as she pulled out the ingredients for what looked like cookies. His cookies. Excitement rattled his bones.

"I'm slightly terrified, but yes."

"Why did you stay a virgin until you were 26? Were you waiting for marriage and gave up?"

"Damn it, Maxine," she groaned and dropped her head, "I wasn't necessarily waiting for marriage, but I was waiting for my husband. I told myself not to let a man enter my body unless I could see myself spending the rest of my life with him. The relationships I had in my teens and early twenties didn't provide me with that."

"So Jalen's the only man you've been with."

"Yes." She was uneasy discussing the topic, even had a slight twinge of shame for not having more experience at her age. She felt like she was behind the rest of the population, though that didn't bother her so much when she thought about the situations people ended up in behind the act, "Is that weird to you?"

"Not weird. Just different. I don't know too many women that can say they've only been with one man."

"We're around," she said.

"Do you still hold the same sentiment? About waiting for your husband?"

"Yes and no. I'm struggling a bit with that to be honest because I feel inexperienced, and although sex itself is self-explanatory, good sex is not. Some people are lucky and it's good with everyone they're with. Others aren't so lucky and you have to find a rhythm with the person you're with. But I don't want to experiment with random men, which puts me back at square one. I can't sleep with someone I'm just dating. I was with Jalen for close to a year before we had sex for the first time." Maybe if she waited longer, she wouldn't have been so stupid for him or he would've left and saved her time.

"You take it seriously."

"I do because it's an exchange of energy. You're sharing a piece of your soul with that person, and if they're not a good person, whether it's for you or in general, now you're carrying that energy around with you. It can be traumatic. I've seen women lose their minds behind a man, and it's not because his dick is that good. They're addicted to the energy that comes from it, and it makes them erratic when they don't have it or they know someone else is getting it along with them. It's toxic and a headache."

"Never thought about it like that."

"Most men don't. They're too concerned with getting a nut." And absolutely nothing else. Not if the woman was comfortable or enjoying herself. Nothing but ejaculation and the next notch on their belt, "Why did you ask?"

"I told you. I want to know everything about you. I can see it in your face that you feel ashamed for not being more experienced, but I don't think you should be at all. The choice you made is admirable," he said, trying and failing to catch her eyes as creamed the sugar and unsalted butter, "If Maxine hadn't said anything, would you have told me on your own?"

"Probably not."

"Why?"

"It's not information I'm breaking down doors to share. I don't think people would believe me anyway. Like you said, you don't know too many women who can say the same thing. I'd rather not be called a liar, but I also don't owe anyone an explanation about my sexual history beyond test results when the time comes."

"Fair enough. It would be kinda hard to believe."

"Are you saying I look like a slut?" she demanded and looked up, halfway glaring at him for his comment.

"No, not at all. You're beautiful and a boss. You look like you got niggas beating down your door trying to come in."

"Oh, plenty have tried. I'm just not interested because most aren't worth a damn. They're a squirrel looking for a nut, and I'm not shaking the tree for just anybody."

He chuckled and got behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and watching her mix the eggs and vanilla with the butter and sugar over her head, "I respect it."

"Thank you. I can imagine you being a slut, though," she teased.

"Woooooow."

"Am I wrong?"

"Lowkey. I've had my fair share of women, but I don't fuck anything that moves."

"Good to know." Turning her head, Nayeli smiled up at him briefly and went back to mixing the dough, shutting the electric mixer off when it reached the proper consistency. She lifted the top and pulled out the flat beater to swipe off some of the dough and taste it, "Mmmm. Want some?" She held the beater above her shoulder, watching with hazy eyes as his lips wrapped around a part of the metal. The temperature in the room went up several degrees, and she didn't have an easy escape route with him still behind her.

"It's good."

"Right? Could you grab the baking sheet out of that cabinet for me, please?" she asked and pointed to the correct door, fleeing to the drawer that held her aluminum foil and parchment paper when she had the space. He set it on top of the stove, and she went on a hunt for her large cookie scoop and the chopper for the hazelnuts, "Thank you." Once the treats were on the paper and the oven was done preheating, she popped them in and grabbed what she needed to make their ice cream. She could feel that she was being watched the entire time, and when she finally gathered herself enough to look at him, Ezra was smiling at her, "Was it that good?"

There was so much that he wanted to say but couldn't. The more he talked to her, the deeper he fell, "I'm really feeling you, Nayeli."

"Whaaaaaat? I had no idea! This is brand new information!" She pretended to be shocked, grinning when he rolled his eyes and wrapping her arms around him, "I like you, too, Ezra." Way more than she should.

☼☼☼

Someone was knocking. Had been for the last five minutes. Ezra cracked an eye open. The TV was off, and they were submerged in darkness. The cable box read 11:17 p.m. Nayeli slept soundly on his chest, and while he was confused about how they ended up laid out on the couch, he wasn't going to complain. He rubbed her head, heart thumping faster when she sighed softly. One dream had finally become a reality.

The knocking started again. He thought they would've gotten the hint when no one answered the first time. Who the hell showed up to somebody's house that late with no warning?

"Hey, someone's at the door," he said softly, trying to rouse Nayeli awake.

"Tell them to go away," she mumbled back, half asleep and too comfortable to move. He was still hoping they would without him having to say anything, but knuckles on wood interrupted them for the third time. Exhaling, he carefully slid his body out from underneath Nayeli's and covered her with a blanket, rubbing his eyes as he walked to the front door.

He twisted the deadbolt and then the nob, frowning at the idiot standing on the porch with a pathetic stuffed bear holding a heart that said I'm sorry and and a wack bouquet of flowers from a grocery store. He thought about laughing at the perfect picture of distress in front of him, but defeated eyes quickly turned to fire when they saw him.

"Where's Nayeli?" Jalen asked roughly, trying to look past Ezra into the house.

"She's sleep."

"Wake her up. I need to talk to her."

"I'm not waking her up for bullshit. She had a long week."

"Bullshit? Nigga move. I'll do it." Jalen attempted to bulldoze his way into the house without success. Ezra blocked the door and stood his ground, right fist balled up and prepared to make contact.

"Try it again, and you'll wish you hadn't," he warned. His patience was wearing thin.

"NAYELI!"

Ezra grabbed Jalen's throat and shoved him backward, pulling the door shut, both men unaware that she was awake and making her way to the front of the house.

"Bro, what the fuck is your problem? Whatever you gotta say ain't that damn important."

"Keep your hands off me."

"Get the fuck from in front of her house. If she wanted you here, you wouldn't have had to knock on the door. She's done. You need to leave her alone."

"Or what?"

"Fuck around and find out." Ezra was itching to lay a nigga out. Spars in his gym weren't enough and Jalen was asking to get his ass handed to him. He had no regard for a woman that loved him unconditionally once upon a time, screaming in her house to wake her up like what he wanted mattered after what he did to her. The audacity of him thinking he had a right to Nayeli's time made Ezra's blood boil.

"Jalen, why are you here?" Her soft voice broke their intense stand off. She stepped out onto the porch, wrapping her arms around her midsection to try to keep a little bit of her body heat as she walked up and stopped next to Ezra.

"This is what we do now? You make me wait a year for some pussy, but I haven't been gone a month and you already got this nigga in our bed?"

"Ezra, don't." She grabbed his arm before he could swing and send Jalen to the pavement bloodied with a concussion. She was annoyed, but more than anything, she wanted him to leave. She was over it and over him, "First of all, my bed. You don't live here anymore. Second, we fell asleep watching a movie, and even if I was fucking him, it doesn't have anything to do with you. If kicking you out, blocking you and every number you've tried to contact me from wasn't enough of a hint, we are done. There's no reconciliation in the future, no talking it out, not a goodbye fuck, nothing. Done, so pick up your poor attempt at an apology, get in your car, and go back to LA. You're wasting your time," she said.

"Nayeli, pl-"

"GO, Jalen!"

"No. I'm not going anywhere. I got all night."

"Then enjoy sitting outside in the cold by yourself." Turning on her heel, she walked back into the house. He tried to follow her in, and Ezra shoved him for the second time, hard enough to make him slip.

"Count your blessings and watch how you talk to her. If I catch you alone, it's ugly for you."

With the door between them, Ezra looked for Nayeli and found her pacing in her room.

"Should I call the police?" she asked.

"If he doesn't leave, yeah. Give him a minute." Humiliation would make a man do one of two things; leave or act a fool. If the latter happened, Ezra didn't have an issue performing a citizen's arrest. It'd give him a good excuse to provide Jalen with a right hook.

"I cannot believe this is my life right now."

"That's what happens when a man realizes he lost the best thing that ever happened to him."

"I'm sorry for dragging you into this."

"You didn't drag me into anything. If I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't be." And if he ever lost her, he would fight just as hard, if not harder, to get her back. Women like Nayeli were one in a million, so come hell or high water, no one would keep them apart.

#black literature #black love #black fiction #polyamory #romantic fiction #romance #love #love story

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