#meanwhile crack an egg into a little bowl

[pride-of-storm]

i'm? way happier with this attempt at dressing up leftover pasta than i expected to be?

[nhlclover]

𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒 | 𝐋𝐔𝐊𝐄 𝐇𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐄𝐒

— cozytober masterlist !

summary: you convince luke to bake with you despite his ineptitude in the kitchen.

warnings: sweet fluff! mentions of food + baking, also a joke about a diet

word count: 0.96k

notes: fic number two in cozytober! love my sweet boy luke, so i hope you guys enjoy this as well

The kitchen was filled with the warm scent of spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all blending together as you gathered the ingredients for your latest baking project: chai pumpkin spice cupcakes. The golden afternoon light streamed through the window, casting a cozy glow over the countertops. Luke stood beside you, his brow furrowed as he eyed the stand mixer with a wary expression.

“Alright, babe, this is gonna be easy,” you said, splitting the ingredients into the wet and dry. “You’ll be handling the wet stuff—eggs, milk, oil. I’ll take care of the dry ingredients.”

Luke let out a small laugh, running a hand through his hair in that endearing, slightly self-conscious way you loved. “I still don’t know why you trust me near anything that requires precise measurements.”

You laughed. “Because everyone can learn, and besides, you’ve got me here to make sure nothing catches on fire.”

You handed him the recipe card, nudging him towards the eggs. Luke cracked an egg into a bowl, watching it slide down with a satisfying plop. But as he went for the second, you saw his eyes widen in panic. “Uh, I think I got some shell in there.”

Sure enough, tiny shards floated in the mixture. Luke fumbled to fish them out, his fingers hovering over the bowl with intense concentration. You couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him so focused.

“You’ve got this,” you encouraged, watching as he managed to extract the last piece. He breathed out in relief, grinning at his victory.

“Crisis averted,” he said, clearly pleased with himself.

“Good job, babe,” you said, giving him a playful nudge. “Now just measure the milk and oil, and we’re good to go.”

Luke nodded, his expression serious as he measured with the precision of someone about to perform surgery. Meanwhile, you whisked together the dry ingredients — flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices. The excitement bubbled inside you as you worked; there was something magical about baking in the fall, and sharing it with Luke, even with his shaky kitchen skills, made it even better.

Once Luke had his wet ingredients ready, he looked over at you, a proud gleam in his eye. “What’s next?”

“Just pour the wet stuff into the stand mixer and then add the dry ingredients,” you said, moving to line the cupcake tins. “Oh, and make sure to turn the mixer off before—”

Before you could finish, Luke, with a little too much enthusiasm, dumped the dry ingredients into the running mixer. A cloud of flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg exploded into the air, enveloping everything like a powdery storm. You gasped as the flour coated the countertops, the floor — and, of course, Luke.

Luke scrambled to shut off the mixer, the cloud of flour settling around him. Luke slowly turned to you, his face a comical mix of shock and regret. “Fuck…”

For a split second, you stood there in stunned silence, and then a laugh bubbled up, uncontrollable. Luke’s startled face, combined with the mess, was just too much. He started to laugh too, shaking his head as he wiped flour off his nose.

“Babe, I’m so sorry. I-I’m hopeless,” he groaned, though his grin betrayed him. “You should just take over before I somehow set off the smoke alarm.”

“No way,” you said, still giggling as you grabbed a spatula. “We’ll scoop up what we can, and it’ll be fine. Besides, you’re not getting out of this that easily.” Luke sighed dramatically, but the playful spark in his eyes told you he wasn’t really defeated. Together, you salvaged what you could from the countertop, adding the flour back to the mixer with no further disasters.

“See? Easy fix,” you said, brushing off your hands.

“Easy for you,” he mumbled, though there was something soft in his expression—an unspoken warmth that made your heart skip. Moments like this, the small messes and shared laughs, were what you loved most.

You handed Luke the cupcake tin, insisting that he scoop the batter into the liners. “This part is foolproof,” you said, “Just fill each one halfway.”

Luke took the task with the utmost seriousness, carefully spooning batter into each tin. To his credit, not a drop was wasted, and soon the cupcakes were in the oven, the kitchen returning to a peaceful calm as the scent of spiced cake filled the air. When the timer dinged, you both glanced into the over, and Luke grinned as the perfect golden cupcakes came into view.

"Not bad, huh?" you said, proud of the teamwork.

Luke nodded, partially surprised that something he had made turned out so good. “They look amazing.”

With the cupcakes cooling, you worked on the icing — cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and more spices, blending together in a sweet, velvety mixture. Together, you spread the spiced cream cheese frosting over each cupcake, the final touch to your masterpiece. Once the cupcakes were frosted, you both sat down to taste your handiwork.

You took a bite, closing your eyes as the flavors hit. “Oh wow,” you mumbled, “These are so good.”

Luke took a bite, and for a moment, you saw his eyes light up, the deliciousness taking him by surprise. But then he frowned, feigning seriousness. “Oh man, these are so sweet…I think just destroyed my diet with one bite.”

You rolled your eyes, laughing. “Please, like one cupcake is going to ruin you.”

He grinned, licking some frosting off his thumb. “Yeah, but I blame you if I can't skate as fast tomorrow.”

You reached over, brushing a bit of flour from his cheek. “Well, if cupcakes are your downfall, I’ll gladly take the blame.”

Luke laughed, his hand finding yours by your side. “As long as you're there to bake more.”

[eternally-racing]

how do you like your eggs? | lando norris

pairing: lando x reader (w/ best friend Danny Ric) 

genre: fluff 

wc:1.2k

summary: Lando’s determined to show you how much you mean to him by cooking you breakfast, even if he is horrible in the kitchen.

— — — — 

“You’re being way too loud, mate, you’re going to wake her up.” 

There’s too much rummaging through cabinets as Daniel asks Lando if he can get his sifter out from the cabinets. It sure as hell would be a lot easier to find if Lando actually knew what a sifter was, but as a boy who’s gotten most of his meals delivered to him and has become a creature of habit for the select few that he does make on his own, it’s safe to say that he is an absolute menace in the kitchen. 

After your boyfriend Lando had last minute decided to go to Australia to visit Daniel, you received enough facetimes and text messages from him begging for you to come visit that you had finally caved to spontaneity and flew into Perth the night before. 

Lando was nothing but a gentleman, and he wanted to do something special to show his appreciation for you going out of your way to spend time with him. Every sacrifice that you make definitely does not go unnoticed, and in the little time that he has during the offseason Lando likes to make sure that you know how much he loves everything that you do for him. 

And somehow that led to his master plan of wanting to cook breakfast for you. He knew that he was no masterchef, but Lando had hoped that having his former teammate help him out in the kitchen would be enough. It started as a plan to make a full English breakfast. Then Lando realized that Daniel’s fridge looked like he hadn’t gone grocery shopping since the two of them were teammates, so the plan got switched to just eggs and homemade biscuits. And after two failed attempts at making dough for biscuits that had only led to a colossal mess on the kitchen countertops they finally settled for making just eggs. 

“There’s a really great breakfast cafe down the road, Lando. I’m sure Y/N would like that just as much as..” Daniel’s voice trails off as he looks at what he used to be able to recognize as his own kitchen “whatever this is that you’re doing.” 

Meanwhile, Lando is at eye level with his bowl of freshly cracked eggs as he is carrying out what he can only describe as a “rescue mission” to fish out the pieces of eggshell that have fallen into the bowl. 

“Shut up Daniel, it’s a labor of love, you wouldn’t get it.” He continues to pick out a concerning number of pieces of shell.

“More like a labor of salmonella” Daniel snickers as he leans against the counter. 

The Aussie is quick to jump out of the way when Lando throws a piece of shell at him and misses, only adding to the mess in the kitchen. Luckily, he’s saved by the bell when you finally stumble out of the bedroom, sleep still clouding your eyes. 

“Good morning sunshine!” Lando yells from the stove as he’s finally gotten into action cooking said eggs. 

With the promise that in 2 minutes there would be fresh eggs for breakfast, Lando guides you to sit at the table. You hadn’t realized until this moment that you’d never seen Lando cook at all, let alone cook for you. He was a great sous chef when he asked you to be, but you weren’t sure of his abilities when left to his own devices. 

“Breakfast is served!” Lando says as he lays the plate in front of you. You raise your eyebrows in surprise, biting your tongue to keep your initial reaction from slipping out. 

“They’re poached!” your boyfriend exclaims with a smile.

Lando looks so proud and there’s no way you can break his heart over what is certainly a non-edible, definitely not poached egg that he has placed in front of you. 

“Thank you, baby” you smile as you pinch his cheek.

You can see Daniel posed behind Lando wildly shaking his hands and mouthing “DO NOT EAT” as he watches you toy with the runny eggs in front of you. You would do anything for Lando, including eating an icky egg, so you pick up your fork and dig in.

It’s definitely still raw, which you expected from its appearance, but there’s subtle hints of vinegar and sugar and something spicy that feels especially vile on your tongue. Your best attempt at a poker face cracks near the end as you try to swallow, but you’re quick to try and cover it up. 

“Wow, you did something really special with these Lan” you say, choosing your words very carefully as you try to wash out your mouth with a non-suspicious amount of water. 

Lando offers to try them and you figure there’s no point in stopping them as he piles some egg onto a spoon. You swear it barely even touches his mouth before he spits it back out right onto the plate. 

“Oh my god - you swallowed that??” The British boy doesn’t even dare to put his tongue back into his mouth as he tries to brush the taste off his taste buds. You can’t help the giggle that bubbles up inside you as you and Daniel start to keel over in laughter. 

“Mate - you let me serve this to my girlfriend?? I could have killed her or something with this!” Lando turns to Daniel in his rage.

The Aussie is laughing and is trying to rationalize that the egg is probably not deadly as he continues to gasp for air. It’s Lando who makes the next move to grab the plate and dump it in its entirety in the garbage.

“That’s a porcelain plate, Lando!” you exclaim from where you’re sitting. 

“”Please, it’s probably a biohazard at this point. I  think I owe Daniel an entirely new kitchen at this point anyways, so he can just add this to my tab.” Lando jokes as he pulls you towards the bathroom, gesturing towards the mess on the counters as you both walk away.

“Lando, she’s so in love with you because you couldn’t pay me to eat that shit.” Daniel says as he watches the both of you share the bathroom trying to brush the vile taste off your tongues with your toothbrushes.

Lando keeps the toothbrush in his mouth as he goes to wrap his arms around your waist, something that has you shrugging away since you’re pretty sure he’s drooling on your shoulder, and you tell him exactly that. From the side Daniel can’t stop laughing as he stares at you two. 

The British boy stays attached to you as he leans over to spit out his toothpaste, mumbling something you can’t quite understand.

“ I sdflksnjo sdlkgsnd” 

You almost choke on your spit listening to Lando’s babbling as you hunch over to do the same in the sink. 

“I was trying to say that I’m so lucky to have you baby. I love you.” 

You can't help but smile against Lando’s lips as you pull him in for a kiss. There’s still a vague taste of vinegar and egg that you know will linger for a little too long, but more than anything, he tastes like love.

---

author's note: this was just something fun and sweet inspired by Lando's recent interview about his Australia trip! Thanks for all the love :) Until next time! - Em 🤍

[ginax0916]

✿𖡼 𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝, 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐟, 𝐌𝐮𝐭𝐞 𖡼✿

Sturniolos x little sister (LS)

Warnings: Blood mentioned

Synopsis: The triplets and their LS decide to try the blind deaf mute challenge, without knowing the chaos it would cause.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚✩

LS POV:

“Hey everyone! Welcome or welcome back to our YouTube, so today we’re doing another part to our Blind, Deaf and Mute series. But today we have our little sister here so she will be joining as well” Nick introduces the video.

“Since there’s 4 of us, one of us will have to be both blind and mute so we’re gonna do rock paper scissors to determine who is what” Matt adds on.

“Ok ok Rock paper scissors shoot!” Chris’s says as we all play the game. The winner of each round gets to pick what they want to be, the last one is the one who will be blind and mute. And due to my luck, it was me.

“Ok so I will be mute, Chris will be deaf, Nick will be blind and y/n will blind and mute!” Matt says.

“Thank god I won’t have to hear her annoying voice” Nick mumbles quietly.

“Hey! I heard that!” I angrily say.

“Alright alright enough let’s start” Chris yells not knowing how loud his voice is because of the noice canceling headphones which are blasting music in his ears.

I put on my blind fold and put one of Chris’s bandanas over my mouth and so does Matt meanwhile Nick puts on his own blind fold.

Truth be told not being able to see is quite scary. Especially around my brothers.

“Ok let’s fucking start already get the stuff out!” Nick screams.

“Shut up Nick I can hear your loud ass voice even with the headphones on!” Chris screams back.

It hasn’t even been 5 minutes and the screaming matches have already began. I know for a fact it’s only about to get worse.

As I’m emptying the bag of cake mix into the bowl, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I jump from the sudden touch but then I realize it has to be Matt since he hasn’t said a word. He carefully hands me 3 eggs which are needed.

I proceed to crack the eggs into the bowl using my hands to guide where the bowl is. As I’m about to crack the last one, Nick pushes me as he’s trying to get to who knows where. The egg falls onto the counter and completely shatters causing it to go everywhere.

“Ughhh” I groan into the bandana.

“Nick you made a fucking mess!” Chris screams at him as he sees the mess all over the counter.

“I can’t see mother fucker it’s not my fault!” Nick screams back.

“So then stop moving around dumb fuck!” Chris replies.

All their screaming isn’t going to help clean the god damn mess up. I start growing irritated at them from screaming instead of helping me get paper towels since I can’t see either.

I feel two hands on my shoulders, I’m guessing it’s Matt, who guides me to the counter on the other side where the paper towels are. But then the hands let go.

“Matt get off!” Chris screams. Well there goes Matt into the fight.

I feel around the kitchen with my hands trying to find the counter where the paper towels should be. Finally I find it, but to my luck, once again, it’s a closed packet of paper towels. I try to feel around in hopes of finding an opened roll but nothings around.

I grab the pack and try to rip it open with my hands. It doesn’t even budge. I feel around some more and I finally touch something other than paper towels. It’s scissors. I carefully try to place the scissors at a correct angle to cut through the plastic. Without a thought I snap them shut.

“Oh my god” I say, muffled through the bandana. A stinging sensation starts to form. Only getting worse and worse. I rip the blind fold and bandana off with my free hand only to be met with the sight of blood on the counter and on the scissors. It’s not a huge amount but it’s still there. I look at my finger and it has a pretty deep cut. Not deep enough for stitches but deep enough to bring tears to my eyes. I don’t do good with blood so I start to panic. With my shaking hand I grab some of the paper towels I just opened and put them on my finger.

“Guys I need some help” I say with a trembling voice.

“Stop being fucking idiots and mix the fucking batter!” Nick screams at Chris and Matt.

“You’re being an idiot you aren’t holding the bowl strong enough so every time I mix it moves around moron!” Chris screams back. Matt only groans loudly since he can’t speak.

“Guys seriously I need help” I say a bit louder.

“NICK STOP!” Chris screams louder if that’s even possible.

I can’t do this. The screams. The blood. The stinging. I start to breathe heavily and my eyes fill with tears. I run out of the kitchen and up to my room quickly. As I shut the door I burst out into tears holding my bleeding finger close. Small blood stains get all over my shirt. What am I meant to do?

Matt pov:

“Y/n can you pass me another spatula please?” Nick asks.

“Y/n?” Chris calls out.

We all turn around only to find her nowhere in the kitchen. We all take off the stuff we had and realize that she isn’t in the kitchen at all anymore.

“Ok guys seriously where did she go?” I ask.

“I don’t know but there’s fucking blood on the counter” Chris says with panic and he points to the counter opposite from us.

“What the fuck” Nick says as we all walk to the counter with blood and paper towels.

“Ok c’mon let’s go find her she’s obviously not ok” I suggest while walking to her room, my brothers following behind.

As we get to her door, I knock three times but no answer.

“There’s blood on the counter and she wasn’t in the kitchen I’m not fucking waiting for her to answer the door. God for all I know she could be dead!” Chris says as he barges into the room.

“Don’t say shit like that!” Nick replies before following us into her room.

“Y/n?” I call out.

“What do you guys want” She responds with an angry tone while walking out of the bathroom with a first aid kit in her hand.

“What happened? We saw blood on the counter” Nick asks.

“You would know what happened if you had answered me when I asked you guys for help but you were too busy screaming at each other to even hear me” Y/n says angrily as she digs through the first aid kit for bandaids.

“Look we’re sorry. We didn’t mean to get into an argument” Chris speaks up.

“The video was meant to be fun but I ended up with my finger cut open and you idiots going at each other” Y/n says with an angry tone.

“Y/n please. We’re really sorry ok? We didn’t mean to ruin the video and we didn’t mean for you to get hurt” Chris speaks while walking closer to her.

“Here let me help” I say as I grab the bandaid from her trembling hand.

“Does it hurt?” Nick asks.

“Mhm it really stings” She nods while flinching as I try to put cream on her cut.

“Hey it’s ok” Chris says hugging her as he noticed tears prick at her eyes.

“We’re so sorry we ruined the video y/n I know you were looking forward to it” I say as I finish putting a bandaid on her finger.

“It’s ok just try to get along better sometimes please. I don’t like watching you guys scream at each other all the time. Especially when we’re trying to do something fun” She speaks.

“I know and we promise we’re gonna try ok?” Chris says, still hugging her.

“Alright then” She smiles.

“Last one to the kitchen has to clean all the mess!” Y/n screams and takes off running in a fit of laughter.

“Hey that’s not fair we weren’t ready!” Chris screams as we run after her.

Low key hate this 🤗

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Musician Age Gap AU Pt 15

Kara sleeps hard and deep next to Lena that night, when they finally run out of energy and tension and need. She wakes hours later flat on her back, a starfish-shaped pillow for Lena to wrap herself around.

Realizing the younger woman is indeed tucked against her side, Kara curls her arm around Lena's shoulders, earning a moan of malcontent. "Five more minutes..."

Kara is more than willing to give Lena more than that, but a knock at the door pre-empts that idea. Lena groans, this time loud enough to be petulant.

"No can do," Jess calls from the other side of the door. "You don't pay me enough to tell your mother no!"

It must be a long standing joke between them, because Lena snorts, even as she reluctantly rolls onto her back.

"I have coffee!" Jess adds to lessen the blow.

Lena perks up a little, but still takes her time stretching against the sheets. "Fine," she calls. "Tell her we'll be in the kitchen in five. She can join us."

"Thank you!"

Kara listens to the exchange with her eyes closed, mentally preparing herself to peel away from Lena. Lena seems equally disinclined. Finally, Kara cracks a smile. "You should pay Jess more, if it'll get us more than five extra minutes."

"There is no amount of money on Earth that could convince Jess to cross my mother." Lena sighs. "Honestly I don't blame her. If she wasn't *my* mother I'd be running too."

Kara wisely keeps any thoughts she has on the matter of Lillian to herself. The woman has yet to look on her with any other than complete and utter disdain, and Kara is more than happy to let that be as far as it goes. She suspects that if she and Lillian were ever truly at odds, well.... she doubts recent-girlfriend would win in a contest against mother-manager.

Eventually, they manage to crawl out of bed and throw on some pajamas for decency before making their way to the kitchen. Lena's cooking an omelette for herself when Lillian joins them, with Kara hunched over a bowl of cereal.

"Charming," Lillian comments, to Kara's consternation. It's just cereal. But Lillian has already turned to Lena, so Kara settles for sticking her tongue out while the woman's back is turned.

"You have a meeting with Morgan Edge this morning at 10:30am," Lillian announces.

Lena stiffens at the stove. Kara catches the stillness immediately, but keeps quiet.

"You mean *we* have a meeting--"

"No, I have a meeting with Maxwell Lord. If I'd meant we, I would have said we."

Lena turns to her mother. "We agreed--"

"You are an adult, Lena, and capable of conducting a meeting without me," Lillian chides. "The label simply wants to check in on the tour and your recent... escapades. Meanwhile I be sorting the details of releasing your newest single."

Lena's cheeks splotch with color, though she does her best to hide her distress. "But--"

"Morgan's schedule is already strained Lena. If you cancel this meeting, you risk losing the faith of the label, as would rescheduling my meeting with Lord. You're fully capable of handling this on your own."

"But--"

Lena's protest dies in her throat under Lillian's withering glare. She swallows thickly, ducking her head. Satisfied, Lillian nods. "It's settled then. You have a photo shoot at 2pm, and we're due at the hangar at 7."

Lena nods, but her gaze is distant. Her features are neutral, but Kara knows its a mask. Even so, if Lillian sees as much as well, it doesn't bother her.

"And try to dress presentably, dear. If you intend to convince him you have... this," Lillian waves vaguely in Kara's direction, "under control, you'll need to look the part."

Lena nods, prompting her mother to nod approvingly. "Good. Don't be late."

With that, she turns and leaves them alone in the kitchen. Kara watches Lena, who doesn't move, not even when the smell of just-burning egg begins to fill the room.

"Lena?"

Blinking back to awareness, Lena hurriedly turns off the stove. Her fingers fumble on the knob, and Kara sees that they're trembling.

"Lena?"

"I'm not that hungry after all," Lena says distantly. Before Kara can press further, she continues. "Do you mind staying here today? Well, not *here*, just--"

Just not with her.

Kara nods quietly. "Yeah. I've got some work I can do."

It's not a lie, but it's definitely an acquiescence. Lena clearly doesn't want company for the impending meeting, and Kara has no reason to insist she go with her save concern.

"Thank you," Lena returns, distracted. "I should go get ready."

She makes a swift exit. Kara retreats to her own suite soon after, her own appetite quashed by the sudden change in mood. By the time she re-emerges, Lena is nowhere in sight, and there's no answer to Kara's knock on her door.

Doing her best to ignore the ball of worry churning in her belly, Kara sets up shop at the kitchen island. She's all but taken a leave of absence, but Eve sends her enough to keep busy for the morning. Lena texts that she's on the way to her photo shoot, confirming she won't be returning to the hotel. Jess would pack her things and arrange their delivery to the airport.

Sure enough, Jess arrives barely half an hour later, cheerful and busy as ever. She offers to take care of Kara's things as well, but shrugs amiably when Kara declines. As she works, Kara takes her laptop and retreats to her bedroom.

After a quick check of the time difference, Kara facetimes the only person who could give her comfort.

"Hey," Alex greets cheerfully from the screen. "How's Paris?"

"Fine," Kara allows, but lacking enthusiasm.

Alex frowns. "What's wrong?"

Kara hesitates. She knows Alex will keep her confidence, but sharing what she saw this morning feels... intimate. Perhaps too intimate for the fact Lena has only met Alex via phone call a week ago.

"I've got a bad feeling," she allows carefully. "And I don't know what to do about it."

"About Lena?"

"More like... for Lena? Lena's been-- amazing. But this morning... I don't know."

Alex considers Kara's words, taking a moment to determine her path of approach. "Sounds personal," she allows. "But it doesn't sound like it has anything to do with you, or your relationship?"

Kara nods. "It's not about us."

"Then I think... I think you should consider whether it's something you should get invovled with."

Resistance flares in Kara. "But I care about her--"

"I know," Alex confirms quickly. "And I'm sure she does too. So if she hasn't shared with you about what's making her uncomfortable, maybe she just doesn't want to."

On the screen, Alex sits on her bed. The room is still around her. Kelly's probably already at work.

"You care a lot, Kara. You always have. And I know Lena is even more special."

Kara can't deny it. She's loved before, but not like this. Her commitment to Lena has been swift and complete-- but from Alex's tone now, it's something she should be wary of.

"Hey," her sister says softly. "Why don't you come home for a visit? Esme would love to see you."

Resistance twists Kara's stomach into a knot. But this time, Kara stops to examine it. She came to support Lena, but... she's also made Lena her world, even if just for a few weeks. Does her resistance to leaving mean she thinks the distance would lessen the feelings she has for Lena?

Or does she trust that they'll remain, even with an ocean between?

After a moment, Kara makes her decision.

"Yeah. I can catch a flight tonight."

At the very least, at the end of this visit she'll know whether her feelings are more than a proximity-fueled addiction. And when she comes back... she'll have her head on straight, and hopefully feel more grounded than she does right now.

On the screen, Alex smiles broadly. "We'll make sure to have the guest room ready for you. Esme is going to be so stoked. Prepare yourself for the inquisition."

Kara grins.

"I look forward to it."

[raisin-shell]

🍪 Leo please

You and Leonardo had been dating for a couple of months, Leonardo being very new to a relationship found himself in deep thought. A dilemma of sorts you’d say, he had taken Mikey’s advice and invited you over to make Christmas cookies. It was a date! And oh how he wanted to impress you. Luckily for him, Mikey had offered all his top secret recipes and Donatello offered to help obtain all the ingredients needed. Raphael? Well let’s just say he stood there, leaned against the kitchen doorway with this smug look on his face. The reason for this smirk was… he knew a little secret.

Leonardo sighed. What was he to do? You would be there in 15 minutes and he had no earthly clue how to cook, much less bake.

“Surely it can’t be as hard as it looks.”

He swept around the kitchen making sure everything was in order. Glancing up at the time as he paced the floor he thought of an idea.

“Donnie! Our ear coms! You guys can talk me through it!”

“Talk you through what?”

You huff a bit winded from your travels. With that the now confident leader was first to greet you at the entrance of the lair.

“Oh it’s nothing. Come. Let’s get you out of that jacket.”

He chirped now ready to get to this baking. You cooly walked around the kitchen, thoroughly impressed by all the ingredients stacked neatly along the kitchens island. With a curious look the leader helped you put on one of Mikey’s cooking aprons.

“Alright then… you read off the ingredients love and I’ll um…”

He trailed off as his eyes darted around the kitchen, quickly settling on the huge mixing bowl in the center on the island.

“I’ll mix! Yes. How silly of me.”

He held the bowl up nervously and set it back down patiently awaiting your command. You chuckled a little at his uncertainty but it didn’t waver you as you begin listing off each ingredient.

“Let’s see… one cup of butter.”

You began as the leader reached into the refrigerator retrieving a box of butter sticks.

“Donnie… how do I know how much one cup of butter is? They’re sticks.”

He whispered into his ear com as his brothers quickly came to his aid.

“Two sticks. It should be two sticks Leo, you got this.”

Donatello was eagerly sitting at his monitors watching everything that was going down in the kitchen. Leonardo unwrapped the sticks of butter and plopped them down into the bowl.

“Alright, what’s next love?”

“One cup of sugar.”

You rattled off proudly as you watched him moving around the kitchen like a champ.

“Ok. Sugar! Take the clear measuring cup and pour it to the line that says one cup. Easy peasy.”

Mikey piped up into his own com as he joined Donnie’s side in front of the monitors.

“Next ingredient.”

He hummed confidently as you read off the following additions.

“One egg, one teaspoon vanilla, two teaspoons of baking powder and three cups of flour.”

You eyed him as he began grabbing each ingredient listed, filling them to the correct measurements and adding them into the bowl. However your brows furrowed when he put the entire egg into the bowl without cracking it.

“Leonardo don’t you think you should…”

“Not now love. I’m on a roll! Let’s mix these together then shall we?”

You couldn’t help but comply. He had so much excitement in his eyes you didn’t want to ruin the moment. You figured if anything you could just toss the eggshell cookies while no one was looking. The plucky leader reached up into the back of their cupboards to retrieve their electronic mixer Donnie had invented. He turned the mixer on and before you could stop him, he pressed the spinning utensils into the flour, misting the entire kitchen area with dust and chunks of butter. Meanwhile you could hear the commotion and laughter coming from the monitors.

“Hold on just a second Leo. And don’t touch anything I’ll be right back.”

You huffed, determined to find out just what was going on. You stormed into the belly of the lair only to find a disgruntled Donatello and Raph and Mikey laughing hysterically.

“What is so funny?”

You demanded as you approached the three in front of the monitors. You could see a flour covered Leonardo in the kitchen fidgeting madly and talking to what appeared would be himself.

“Well um we were just um…”

Donnie’s voice trailed off as did his glance from you to the floor.

“Yer boy wonder can’t cook. These two knuckleheads been tryin’ ta talk him through it so he can impress you.”

The massive terrapin in red boomed with laughter but not to your amusement.

“Give me those ear coms.”

You held out your hand and demanded much their dismay.

“I suggest you guys find something constructive to do. I’m going back and we’re going to make these cookies.”

You marched right back into the kitchen with a huge smile on your face. He was found in front of the sink trying to wash away all the dust from the flour. You slipped up behind him, tucking your arms around his waste as your lips met the hardness of his shell. He turned around, scooping you up into his arms as your kiss met with his. It was these warm moments that mattered despite the mess that was made.

“You know… you don’t have to hide things from me. I love you for who you are not what you can and can’t do.”

You hummed deeply as you lost yourself in his blue eyes. The leader smiled sheepishly as a deeper color of green graced his cheeks.

“Well, if it wasn’t obvious love… I can’t cook. But perhaps you could teach me?”

And with that, you and your handsome Beau began to clean up the mess and started a new batch. You showed him the proper way to measure things, also cracking the egg open this time and you also allowed him to mix again.

“Now go ahead and place the utensils in the bowl before you turn it on. Start on the lowest setting.”

You walked him through each step one by one until you were surrounded by cooling cookies and the aroma of freshly baked treats filled the room.

“I…I did it! Oh um… we… we did it!”

His voice was squeaky with excitement as you both call everyone into the kitchen. You had made snickerdoodles, peanut butter cookies, sugar cookies and of course Mikey’s favorite chocolate chip. The sugar cookies were cut into tree and stocking and candy canes. All blank and ready for everyone to decorate. Leonardo dipped his finger into the icing and brought it to his lips.

“Who knew that baking would be so delicious and fun.”

He chirped as he put his arm around your waist.

“When I’m with you, I can do anything.”

[ask-the-usa-manor]

chicken parmesan recipe

(Your sarcastic ask isn't winning today. /lh) "Chicken parm—?" Vermont blinked, "Do we look like Google to y-"

"Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet!" New York started, shoving everything off the counter and slamming said materials down, "Line another rimmed baking sheet with foil! Cut two 12-inch sheets of plastic wrap!!!" Vermont stood, staring at New York blankly.

NY slowly turned back to him, "...Did you hear me?"

"Yes, but-"

Vermont was cut off by an apron smacking him in the face.

"Cut two chicken breasts in half lengthwise, making four roughly equal pieces," New Jersey continued, popping out of seemingly nowhere with a chef getup already on as he sliced the meat, "Place one sheet of plastic on a clean cutting board. Put a chicken piece in the center of the plastic and top with the other sheet of plastic." Jersey stopped to stare at Vermont, knife in hand. After a second of hesitance, Vermont decided he'd choose his battles today and followed the instructions under the very judgmental eyes of his brothers.

Once done, Rhode Island popped out of heaven knows where and started to beat the ever-loving heck out of the chicken with the flat side of a meat mallet. "You just gotta-" Rhode Island was putting his heart and soul into beating up the poultry, "You just gotta pretend it's your least favorite sibling." Vermont cringed every time the mallet met the chicken, "...Am I your least favorite sibling?"

Rhode Island didn't answer. He just kept beating the poultry piece by piece until all the pieces were 1/4-inch thick before carelessly tossing the mallet into the sink. He threw a good amount of pepper and salt on them before walking away.

"Put 3/4 a cup of all-purpose flour in a pie plate and dredge each piece in it one at a time!" New Hampshire went on, scaring Vermont. He didn't hear her get here. Or get her ingredients out. What the-?

New Hampshire turned the chicken to coat and packed the flour into the crevices. She shook of the excess before placing each piece back on the rack.

New York pointed to a kitchen cabinet, "Get a medium bowl."

Vermont grabbed a bowl and paused. Since when did he listen to any of these people???

New Jersey dumped a cup of breadcrumbs, a 1/4 cup of Parmesan, a 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a 1/4 teaspoon of pepper into Vermont's bowl. New York joined in by cracking an egg and dumping a 1/2 cup of milk. Vermont whisked for his life.

New Hampshire dunked the chicken in the mix, allowing any excess to drip off. She then packed seasoned breadcrumbs onto the chicken. VERY gently.

The rest of the excess was shaken off, and the chicken was returned to the rack. It was then sent off to be refrigerated from 30 minutes to 12 hours; no more, no less.

Vermont was shaken. This cooking felt aggressive, "...Are we done?"

New Jersey raised his eyebrows, "Can you magically summon sauce into existence?"

"Well-"

"HEAT 1/3 CUP OF OLIVE OIL in a large pot over medium-high heat," New York interrupted, the stove roaring to life, "3 cloves of garlic. FINELY GRATED. 1 teaspoon dried oregano! 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes! FASTER, MONTY, FASTER! This can only be on for a minute!"

As Vermont scrambled around the kitchen, New Jersey wasn't helping. "Two 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes," NJ listed, leaning against the counter, "3 sprigs basil, 1 teaspoon salt."

After the ingredients were added, the pot was brought to a boil then promptly reduced to a simmer. It cooked on the stove, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. Vermont tried to creep away the whole time, but he simply wasn't allowed. The tomatoes were smashed with a potato masher until smooth. A little extra salt was tossed in.

Meanwhile, New Hampshire poured a 1/2 cup of olive oil into a large skillet on medium-high heat. She cooked the chicken from the fridge for one minute on each side (not cooked through) before placing them on the foil-lined baking sheet, about 3 inches apart.

New York arranged an oven rack to be directly underneath the broiler before preheating it to high. New Jersey and Vermont topped each piece of chicken with a 2/3 cup of the sauce and spread it evenly to coat. New Hampshire sprinkled 1 tablespoon of Parmesan and a 1/2 cup of mozzarella on each one. It was then broiled until the cheese melted and browned in some spots, about 2 to 3 minutes.

12 ounces of spaghetti were cooked until al dente. It was drained and stirred into the remaining sauce, before getting placed into a serving dish and topped with the chicken.

Vermont, after being voluntold, finished the meal by sprinkling more Parmesan and torn basil on top.

Staring at their creation, he looked to the others. "...What now? "Then have Italy take all the credit for your own recipe," America shrugged, taking a dish, "Not that we're bitter. Or anything."

[gag-me-munson]

Shelter me

(PT. ||) (Catch up here)

Pairing: Eddie x Fem!Reader

Warnings: A bit of self harm mentions, abuse is also semi-mentioned but that's about it for this chapter. Kind of a filler chapter as well, but hey.

"Eddie, I know that's not you cooking." Wayne mumbles to himself as he exits his bedroom to find you in the kitchen in front of the stove. He stops in his tracks and watches as you continue to fry bacon, jumping back when the grease splatters onto your skin, cursing under your breath.

"Oh," you sputter and drop a piece of the crispy pork onto a plate, "Good morning... Eddie told me you liked eggs but the bacon is getting ready to expire, so I hope you don't mind. There's, uhm, there's also coffee ready as well." You smile and gesture to the steaming pot.

Lighting his morning smoke, Wayne chuckles and moves around you for a cup, filling it with simple, plain black coffee before sitting down at the table. "Thank you," he states and the ashes his cigarette, "How did you sleep? I notice you made Eddie sleep here on the couch." He laughs under his breath, both of you trying to keep quiet to allow his nephew to continue snoozing.

"I didn't mean to put either of you out," you laugh lightly and shrug, grabbing a bowl to crack and mix the eggs into. You take salt and pepper and a dash of almost expired milk into the bowl and whisk while you talk, "I appreciate you letting me stay... I know I'll need to go home eventually-"

"Young lady," Wayne holds a hand up and stubs out his butt, "You're not going back there while I'm around. Nope. No sir." He grunts as he stands and goes to refill his mug. "What do I have to do to keep you away? To keep you, well, safe?"

You, meanwhile, pour the egg mixture into the hot pan and scramble the eggs to doneness, placing them on a separate plate while you think. Eventually you shrug and point to an empty plate, "breakfast is served."

Wayne goes about getting his bread toasted before filling his plate with the food you provide, thanking you while doing so before grabbing a fork and settling down.

"I smell bacon." Eddie groans himself awake and sits up, running a hand through his tangled mop, yawning loudly. He stretches before standing up and grinning at you before heading to the small bathroom.

"I guess," you begin through a small mouthful of eggs, "I guess there is no saving me. What can you do that the cops can't, after all?" A small sniffle and Wayne looks up from his breakfast and sighs.

"I can keep you. Here with us. We don't have a lot, but then again," he gestures, "it doesn't seem like you're used to a lot. I'll talk to him, at least."

Fear rumbles through your belly and you almost spit up your eggs, "Please... Please don't. I can do this. I can-"

"Handle yourself?" Eddie finishes the sentence as he pulls a fresh shirt over his upper half. "Yeah... been there before." He moves by you gently to fill his own plate before settling in beside his uncle, "what's the worst that could happen?"

You gulp loudly then and drop your fork onto the plate in a clatter, "the worst?" And you bring a hand to your throat, remembering.

"You little whore!" He spits into your face and lifts you off of the ground with seemingly gentle ease. Hand around your throat, he grips tighter, eyes searing, "who was it you were sneaking around with this time? Who?!"

Coughing the thought away you shake your head, "I don't want to talk about it. Wayne, I can be out of your hair today while-"

"You two just... just stay out of trouble and take care while I think, okay?" He nods and finishes his breakfast in one more swift bite. "Just... stay low while I'm away, deal?"

Both you and Eddie nod as Wayne leaves to his room to dress for work. You look at each other sheepishly before you take Eddie's empty plate and put it into the sink, "If I stay again, I'll do those soon."

"You think dishes are that important? When," he sighs loudly, placing his hands onto his face and rubbing it roughly, "when are you ever going to realize that you are important? Not chores. Not pleasing the men in your life. You."

"Okay, I'm off. Behave, stay low and most importantly," Wayne points at you and glances down, "make sure those arms of yours are taken care of. Peroxide and Neosporin. Bye." With that he smiles at you and waves at the pair in front of him before exiting the trailer.

Looking down to your cut and scarred arms, you wish for longer sleeves and rub them quickly. Eddie takes note of this sudden and shy change, reaches for your hand and kisses the top of it.

"Shall we do that first?" He asks softly and you nod.

The bathroom is almost like the one in your trailer, but you note it's cleaner and better kept. Almost like the people here actually want to live, thrive on something instead of just surviving. Eddie busies himself in getting the products and cotton balls while you sit on the toilet and take one.

The work you both set about doing is tedious but welcomed after never taking care of yourself before like this. It was... well, usually cut and go, harsh as that sounded in your mind.

"I never wanted to start this, ya know..." you murmur and dab some more Neosporin onto a particularly nasty wound. "It just sorta happened one day and I felt... so much relief, so much control."

Eddie clears his throat and shakes his head, hair wildly flowing around him, "I can't imagine anyone wants to do this. But... I get it. I can understand needing control." He sighs and leans to rest his back on the wall, watching you finish up.

"You do?"

He nods and gives you a grin, "I do... but let's make a promise today, alright? No more of this. None of it. Promise me whenever you feel like you're in danger... you run, escape however you need to and I'll be here, always." With that he holds a pinky out to you and this, finally, brings a laugh from you.

Locking your pinky with his, you make the promise and then Eddie stands up and dusts his pants off, "let's get outta here for a while, huh? I have a meeting tonight, come along."

Standing now you grab Eddie's hand and thank him for being so understanding, for not turning you away.

"For you?" He smiles and squeezes your hand back, "anytime."

And butterflies float and fly in your stomach for the first time you can ever recall.

[pistachiotalenti]

walking on eggshells: dnf + sapnap

Sapnap hesitates slightly at the base of the stairs, taken aback by the scene past the living room. Seemingly breathless, George and Dream decide not to greet him and instead turn into opposite ends of the kitchen. Dream sets two frying pans on the stove, though he scrambles to find any of the other items he needs to cook. George defects to the snack foods strewn across the island, though by his wandering eyes, it's clear that eating is the last thing on his mind.

Sapnap shuffles into the kitchen, the two bodies wordlessly parting around him like the Red Sea. He listens to the quiet open and close of drawers, to the rustling of plastic behind him. And after a long moment, he snickers and says into the open fridge, "You guys are gross."

He briefly turns around. George peers over his shoulder though notably fails to look Sapnap in the eye. Hands raised in the air, he combats, "What did I do?"

Sapnap mocks him. "What did I do?" He grabs the milk gallon and shuts the fridge door behind him. "You guys know the house rule," he reminds, sighing lightly. It makes Dream look up from the stove, and it turns George's cheeks just a slightly pinker pink.

"We– we weren't breaking the house rule," George says unconvincingly.

"Not yet," Sapnap snorts.

"We weren't," George and Dream say in near unison.

Sapnap grabs a bowl and the cereal box from the cabinets. "Sure."

"We actually weren't," Dream emphasizes, a little too strongly. Sapnap doesn't respond. In his mind, it's all just fodder for proving him right.

Not actually wanting to argue with his best friends about this, Sapnap quietly makes his bowl of cereal then turns to lean against the counter. He watches his best friends ease back into the bustle of the morning—Dream laying strips of bacon into the pan with George standing nearby on his phone, not necessarily planning to contribute to the cooking effort but clearly still wanting to exist in the shared space.

"How many eggs?" Dream asks nobody in particular as he turns away from the stove. George chimes in with a "two", and when Dream looks out from the fridge for another answer, Sapnap shakes his head, spoon hanging from his mouth. Dream starts to pluck eggs from the fridge.

George slowly lowers his phone to his side as he hovers over Dream. A beat passes before he suddenly abandons his phone on the counter and wedges himself alongside Dream. "Here, give me some," he suddenly urges, hands out.

Dream's laugh is soft and distant into the fridge. "It's fine. I can hold them all."

"Let me carry some," George repeats, sticking his arms farther into the fridge—and into Dream's personal space.

"It's fine. George–" There's a small struggle that Sapnap can't see, but Dream steps away beaming victorious, five eggs easily sitting in his hands.

Meanwhile, George pouts and follows him to the stove. "Dreeeeaaaam," he whines. "I just wanted to help." He drops his head against Dream's back; the sight makes the corner of Sapnap's mouth upturn.

"You can help by grabbing plates for us," Dream suggests. 

"...No." 

Dream and Sapnap snicker. "Or," Dream adds, "you can help by throwing away these eggshells for me." Dream turns around with a cracked shell between his fingers, goopy with the remnants of egg whites.

George leans away, pulling his hands to his sides. "Eugh, no!"

"C'mon, you said you wanted to help!" Dream laughs, stepping closer with an outstretched hand.

"Not with that! That's disgusting."

Dream giggles. "What do you mean 'disgusting'? It's literally an egg."

"You're literally an egg." George leaps back, giggling just as hard. "Dream!"

The eggshell falls to the ground, splattering the floor with goop. The two throw each other a hard look. Sapnap lets out a blip of a laugh.

Dream glares fake-angry at George as he goes to clean up the mess. Smiling quietly, Sapnap steps aside to grant Dream access to the paper towel roll. Dream rips off a sheet and steps back to the scene of the crime, only for George to take the paper towel from his hands and squat down to the floor.

"See, I'm helping," George lightheartedly points out, wiping up the mess.

Dream watches him for a second before turning away with a small grin. "Uh-huh."

In the time it takes for Sapnap to slurp up the milk in his bowl, George tosses the eggshell in the trash and gets the idea to grab another paper towel. He rushes to Dream's side the moment he sees him crack a second egg into the pan.

"You can put the shells here," George offers. He props up the paper towel in his hands like it's an altar.

Dream turns, surprised, before plopping the shell on the paper towel. "Good idea," he quips, grinning.

"Thank you. I'm full of those." They share another brief look, but this time it's infinitely bright and warm.

Dream continues to crack eggs until five yolks dance and sizzle on the pan. George steps away to toss the shells, and when he returns to Dream's side, Dream turns to smile at him, eyes briefly wandering down George's face. George smiles back, his eyes squinting like he's staring into the sun. They turn away in a mutual, quietly demure laugh.

Eventually, all the food gets dished up. George and Dream start to chow down at the table. After setting his bowl in the sink, Sapnap joins them, snatching a strip of bacon to munch on.

It's a nice, comfy breakfast for a good start to the day. Sapnap likes their mornings like this, all the freaky shit aside. He expresses it the first way that comes to mind.

"You guys should kiss in front of me."

A heavy exhale explodes past Dream's lips. George ducks his head, choking on his glass of orange juice. "What," they both sputter, staring at Sapnap with wild looks in their eyes.

"Okay, not like that," Sapnap laughs nervously. "I just mean, like… it's so much nicer being around you guys when you're not always trying to sneak around and hide all your gross, lovey, PDA-type shit."

"We don't… hide anything," Dream denies, stumbling over his words like he's still gauging their truth.

Sapnap sees right through them. "Not if you can help it."

Dream and George share a look. Sapnap raises his hands in a shrug.

"Listen, you can do whatever you want, and the house rule still stands. Obviously. But, like…" The pitch of Sapnap's voice rises higher. "You guys are my best friends. I want you to know that you don't have to hide anything from me. You're bad at hiding it anyway, but– actually. I'm happy you guys are together. I'm glad you both trusted me enough to let me know about it, and I love you."

Dream's face morphs into a touched pout. George looks like he's on the verge of tears. Sapnap offers them an assuring smile.

"Aw, Nick." Dream clicks his tongue and gets up from his seat to pull Sapnap into a hug. "I love you, too. That means a lot. Thank you."

Sapnap returns the hug, and when a third arm snakes across his back, he briefly leans away so that George can join them, all three members of their little team embracing and laughing and sniffling together.

After a long moment, they break apart from the group hug, but Dream holds onto George's hand. George smiles and giggles shyly at him, not daring to pull away.

Sapnap smiles at them with all the warmth in the universe. Then he walks away with a roll of his eyes. "God, you guys are gonna be so annoying," he groans.

George's voice is still shaky with emotion when he counters, "You literally just said you're fine with us being gross in front of you!"

"Yeah, I am, and I have been for like the past three years," Sapnap snorts. "Doesn't mean I can't complain about it."

Dream guffaws, then looks to George. "He's got a point."

George twists his face into a half-smile, half-pout, signifying his reluctant compliance. Dream laughs and pulls him out of it with a tug of his hand.

"Come on. Breakfast's gonna get cold."

George follows, though not without a final quip. "That would be Sapnap's fault."

Sapnap steals a final bacon strip before strolling away, saying, "Eat your eggs, loverboy."

He smiles at the sound of Dream chuckling behind him.

[wordsvomit101]

12. Chuseok and future plans

(1 year after the death of Mr and Mrs Lee)

On the cool autumn morning, it's the lunar calendar's 8th month, the 15th day dawned with a whisper of anticipation, heralding the joyous celebration of Chuseok. Having arrived at the ancestral home of his grandparents just the day prior, they would be expected to be awake early in the morning to lend a hand with Charye and pay their respects at the family graves afterward, which also includes Raon's parents once they get back to Ulsan.

The day kicks off at the crack of dawn, with Minhyeok and his older brother rising at the ungodly hour of 4:30 AM to pitch in with the cleaning and preparing of fruits and vegetables. He most likely will join in with the cooking once his old man and his grandfather stock up on meat and fish for bulgogi and saengseon, though he remembered that they will also get some makgeolli as offerings.

They sluggishly got to the well-lit and spacious kitchen, prominently featuring a large window that showed the dark sky and the beautiful porch and a cozy patio, nestled amidst a serene outdoor setting that evokes a sense of tranquility. The coldness of the air contrasted with the warm tones of the interior. Looking at the room again, despite being a small component of the modern hanbok, Minhyeok appreciates his grandfather's great design of it when his parents gifted the old couple the house when the man retired from the Marine Corps.

"Good morning you two, Minhyeok are Raon still sleeping?", the gentle voice of his mother pulls him out of his thoughts as he and his brother step down the short stairs to the brown cabinetry over the two working women and they each took baskets of fruits and vegetables from the white countertop to the sink to clean.

His mom and grandmother stopped their chatter and finished cleaning the dishes. With practiced hands, they gather the necessary ingredients from neatly arranged bowls and jars, each item meticulously chosen for its quality and freshness.

Less drowsy than before, he can guarantee to not slur his words to not make a fool out of himself in front of his respected grandmother, especially when he proudly offers his help last night, "Yes, she's still out like a log, but I could try to wake her up. She's a heavy sleeper, but I'm sure she'll be happy to lend a hand once she's up"

With the background noise of the water from the sink, the air begins to fill with the fragrant aroma of rice flour, subtly sweetened by the scent of honey and sesame oil. Minhyeok's grandmother carefully measures out the precise amount of flour, her weathered hands expertly forming a well in the center. Meanwhile, his mother easily cracked open eggs, their yolks vibrant against the pale backdrop of the mixing bowl. With a warm smile when she glanced back at him, his grandmother reassured him.

"Thank you, dear, we're glad to see you all so eager to help out but let the girl rest, she must be tired", her callous hand softly smoothed his ruffled hair as she walked by him to get the kettle, "It warms my heart to have my family gathered together, working side by side on such a special day."

With a gentle touch, his grandmother pours warm water into the well, slowly incorporating the flour until a smooth dough begins to form. His mom and grandmother then begin to work in perfect harmony, their movements synchronized as if they share a secret language known only to them.

While he wanted to protest a bit, he couldn't deny her, he also wouldn't want to disturb Raon's peaceful rest right now, she woke up twice last night in a panic and landed a kick to his rib in her wake, which also effectively wake him up when he falls down from the bed. He had to guide her back to sleep by gently rubbing her head like how her parents used to do so for her when she had trouble sleeping. It was quite a marvel how she went back to sleep within 10 seconds.

His brother also pitched in, "We've got this covered. Let Raon sleep a little longer. Also, here we're done, is there something else you need help with?" his brother puts plates of fresh and cleaned plates of decorated fruits next to baskets of vegetables.

Coincidentally, his old man and grandfather also come down to the kitchen, back from their trip from the store.

"We're back. We got the meats and some makgeolli for later", his old man said as the two men set down their brought goods, took off their coats, and hung them on the wall hanger.

His mom turned to his dad when he walked over to her while she was making the filling - a mixture of sweetened sesame seeds, finely ground chestnuts, and a hint of cinnamon. As his old man lowered his head to her right shoulder and placed his hand on her waist, she planted a soft kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you, honey, and thank you, Dad, for your help. Minhyeok, could you please start cooking the bulgogi? And Hyunwoo, could you roll the songpyeon dough into small balls once your Halmoni fills the mixture in? I'll take care of making the daegu-hoe", without missing a beat she took the cod and started to prepare the dish after she examined it.

"That's right. Now, why don't you two set up the altar before coming down to help us with the preparations?", his grandmother addressed the two men and they all nodded in agreement before immersing themselves in the work. Raon woke up at 5:30 and joined them, helping his grandmother with the yakgwa, chattering away in the meantime.

It is mostly mundane topics, from health to what they did last week or what happened lately, but the topic then changes to Minhyeok, Raon, and his brother's education and future plans. The subject got an anxious flinch from Raon, which she shrank further when she noticed how everyone in the kitchen noticed it. They ignored it for her sake and focused their attention on Minhyeok and his brother.

"So, Minhyeok, Hyunwoo, how are your studies going?", his grandfather started as he started to make tea with red ginseng his father gifted the couple yesterday.

"Ah, it has been going well, Harabouji", his brother quickly answered to ease the tension, he continued, "I've been thinking about becoming a dentist. And I want to start my career in the United States"

Silence fell upon the kitchen as what his brother said sank into them.

Well,... It was a shocking new, it got him distracted from his cooking too. It is not that he doubts his brother's capabilities, no, the older teen has always been an intellectual, thanks to his teaching that both he and Raon don't need to go to hagwon like their peers. His strong interest in dental hygiene is very obvious in where he wants to be in life, and always makes it a point to take good care of his own teeth while reminding others to do the same. His crush is also in his school. Minhyeok thought his brother would stationed in Korea.

"Oh? That's quite ambitious. Why the United States?", for some reason his old man seemed a bit less collected than usual, he's not the type to be surprised by this, the few times Minhyeok saw him like that was an incident with his mom's stalker. The strain in his eyes was quite out of place while his mother only looked at them in worry. His brother only calmly continued without missing a beat, yet his eyes never met anyone in the room.

"I've been doing some research, and it seems like the best course of action would be to complete my undergraduate studies first. That way, I can focus entirely on my education without any interruptions", his movements while efficient, becoming more and rigid. His dad also seems to notice and relaxed his face and voice.

"And dental school?", short and straightforward as usual when a tense situation like this happened.

"After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to apply for dental school in the US. I'm confident that with my academic achievements, I can secure scholarships to help cover the costs", he never got these two, they got more relaxed just by the other treating them like colleagues, it's weird.

The scent of the food got his focus back and Minhyeok transferred the cooked bulgogi to a serving platter, the glossy caramelized glaze glistening in the light. He garnishes it with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, adding a final touch of freshness and texture.

While he was doing that, his brother and dad seemed to relax the tension by themselves once his brother reported his detailed plan to defer his military service, from the MMA, MND, to the South Korean Embassy, etc. It's confusing and convoluted, and when Raon and him share a look, their thoughts are understood immediately. Even his mom is looking at them with a now amused smile.

While the others are still focused on his brother and old man, Raon walks over to him, notion for him to lower his head, and whispers, "Hey, Min, what about you?"

"Me?", honestly he expected this question sooner or later but it would be a while before either of his grandparents asked. Raon helped him pick up all the plates of food to the living room table since everything was pretty much done.

"Yeah you, what do you want to do? I mean, you have always been... good at pretty much everything. For me, I think I want to pursue a career in literature"

"That sounds great, Raon. You're good with words. I'm sure you'd excel at it if you put your mind to it"

If she becomes an author, he needs to keep his eyes out for any of her publishing.

Raon smiles giddily, lightness graces her steps, "Thanks, Min. What about you? Have you thought about what you want to do?"

Once they settle all the plating on the table and he thoughts about it. He... honestly doesn't know what to do, he feels too inexperienced to give a satisfactory answer to questions like these.

He likes making friends and he likes spending time with people he loves. He likes sports, he likes arts, he likes cooking and baking, he likes learning new things, he... He doesn't know what he wants to do.

"I have been living quite aimlessly huh..."

Seeing his silence, she awkwardly pats his shoulder, in an attempt to comfort and redirect his attention back from his daze and he looks back at her curiously.

She hesitated for a while and she gripped his shoulder lightly as she tried to find her words, frowning cutely at that. Looking at her face his heart seems to unconsciously untangle itself.

"Seriously, I'm so bad at this...", he waits and he feels some sort of realization forming, "I- whatever path you choose, you- You will be good at it ok?!"

A sudden rise to her voice surprised him and the intensity in her eyes when she looked at him, made his heart do a backflip, his face felt hot all of a sudden.

"A-Also! We- we are still young anyway! We have time to explore our choices. We will support each other during it anyway," the excitement and foreboding gripped his entire body with vice when he saw her blushing embarrassed face.

"Oh"

"You are always there for me so I will be there for you if you don't know what to do", her genuine words left him clinging to them.

"Oh no", this is dangerous, his heart is about to jump out of his throat at this point.

He almost didn't notice Raon raising her hand with her pinky finger to his face, "L-Let's make a pact to always encourage each other to follow our passions, no matter where they may lead us!", her face is furiously red now, it's so lovely, he both want to fold into two and laugh. So he does both.

"Hey! Stop laughing you bastard! I cannot do this heart-to-heart thing so stop making it longer!", she gave him several light-hearted smacks to his back but he saw her growing grin despite her grumpy actions.

"This is ridiculous, yet,...", he looks up at her crouching figure next to him, looking down at him, hiding half of her beautiful face with her arm and the other pinching his left cheek in annoyance.

"I want to be with you and I want to make you happy", a realization never feels easier than this. It feels warmer and nicer compared to the fervor he expected.

He extended his pinky finger and her eyes brightened up and she quickly hooked her pinky with his.

"Every step of the way?"

"Every step of the way"

✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

End notes:

Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving, is a major harvest festival celebrated in South Korea. It's a time for families to gather, pay respects to ancestors, and enjoy traditional foods. The holiday fosters gratitude, unity, and cultural heritage among Koreans.

Charye refers to a traditional Korean ritual conducted during important holidays such as Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and Seollal (Lunar New Year). During charye, families pay respects to their ancestors by setting up an altar with food offerings and ancestral tablets. The ritual involves bowing, offering food and drinks, and expressing gratitude to ancestors for their blessings and protection. Charye is a significant cultural practice in Korea, emphasizing filial piety, family ties, and honoring ancestors' spirits.

Ulsan is a major industrial city in southeastern South Korea, known for its automotive and shipbuilding industries. It also features natural attractions like beaches and mountains, along with cultural events and festivals.

Songpyeon is a traditional Korean rice cake made during Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival. It's a type of tteok (rice cake) that's typically filled with sweet ingredients like sweetened sesame seeds, sweet red bean paste, or chestnut paste. The rice cakes are shaped into small half-moon shapes and steamed on a bed of pine needles, which impart a fragrant aroma.

Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish featuring thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory-sweet sauce. It's grilled or stir-fried until tender and caramelized, often served with rice and side dishes like lettuce leaves and kimchi.

Saengseon is a Korean term that simply means "fish." It can refer to various types of fish used in Korean cuisine, whether they are cooked, raw, or served in different styles such as grilled, fried, or steamed. In general, "saengseon" denotes the main ingredient of a dish fish.

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It has a milky appearance and a slightly sweet and tangy flavor with a low alcohol content. Makgeolli is often enjoyed as a social drink, especially during festive occasions or gatherings with friends and family. It's known for its refreshing taste and smooth texture, and it's sometimes paired with savory snacks or spicy Korean dishes.

Marine Corps: The Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC) is a specialized branch of the South Korean military responsible for amphibious operations and maritime security. Established in 1949, it works closely with the South Korean Navy and is renowned for its rigorous training and readiness to respond to threats.

Daegu-hoe, also known as Daegu-style raw fish, is a regional specialty of Daegu, South Korea. It typically consists of fresh raw fish thinly sliced and served sashimi-style. The fish used in Daegu-hoe can vary but often includes local varieties such as flounder, sea bream, or rockfish. The slices of raw fish are arranged on a plate and served with various accompaniments such as wasabi, soy sauce, sliced garlic, and chili paste. It's a popular dish among locals and visitors alike, especially in coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant.

Yakgwa is a traditional Korean sweet pastry made from wheat flour, honey, sesame oil, and ginger juice. The dough is deep-fried until golden brown and then soaked in a syrup made from honey, sugar, and water. Yakgwa is known for its delicate, chewy texture and sweet, aromatic flavor. It's often served as a dessert or snack during special occasions and holidays in Korea, such as weddings, birthdays, and Lunar New Year celebrations.

Hagwon is a Korean term that refers to private, after-school academies or institutions that offer supplementary education to students. These academies provide additional instruction in subjects such as mathematics, English, science, and the Korean language, aiming to supplement the regular curriculum taught in schools. Hagwons are popular in South Korea, where there is significant competition among students to excel academically. Many parents enroll their children in hagwons to help them improve their academic performance and gain an advantage in exams. Hagwons often operate outside of regular school hours, with classes held in the evenings and on weekends.

Military Manpower Administration: The MMA is responsible for overseeing military service matters in South Korea. They handle enlistment, deferments, exemptions, and other related administrative tasks.

Ministry of National Defense: The MND sets policies and regulations related to military service in South Korea. They work closely with the MMA to ensure the effective implementation of these policies.

South Korean Embassy or Consulate: A South Korean Embassy or Consulate is a diplomatic office representing South Korea in foreign countries. It provides consular services, issues visas, and promotes cultural and economic ties between South Korea and the host country.

[fallenup]

4 large eggs

2 tablespoons whole milk, half and half, heavy cream, or water

Shredded or crumbled cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper (I prefer sea salt and freshly ground black pepper)

Butter (alternate oils include olive oil, ghee, avocado oil, or nonstick oil spray)

This recipe makes 2 servings, 2 eggs each (4 total), in a medium-sized nonstick skillet. In my experience 4 eggs tends to be the easiest to deal with in a standard medium-sized skillet and scrambles the most evenly. For a small skillet, try 2 eggs at a time. If you have a very large skillet (over 11″), try 6 at a time. Always use a skillet with a nonstick coating or a well-seasoned cast iron pan for best results.

If adding cheese, a good ballpark amount to use is about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese per egg.

Let’s talk for a moment about egg quality. You can scramble any eggs and come out with a decent scramble, but if you want to take things to another level, make sure the chickens that laid your eggs were pasture-raised and given plenty of room to roam and forage. Pasture-raised eggs tend to be tastier with more nutritious, bright yellow yolks. Try checking out your local farmer’s market, health food store or even a neighbor with chickens to see if you can score a deal on farm-fresh eggs.

If you plan on adding cheese to your eggs, make sure that the cheese is shredded/prepared and set aside so you can add it to the non-stick skillet quickly. Place your skillet on the stovetop and turn on the heat. I leave the heat somewhere between medium low and medium, so it warms up but doesn't get too hot.

Nonstick skillet preheating on stovetop.

Meanwhile, prepare your eggs. Break them into a bowl with a tablespoon of milk, half and half, or water (I prefer half and half or milk). Add some salt and pepper – I typically add about 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt and a few turns of black pepper. You might use more or less according to taste. If you're dairy intolerant or don't like the taste of milk, feel free to use water – but don't skip adding a little liquid, as it helps to add fluffiness to the scramble. I personally love the way creamy half and half enhances the flavor of the eggs.

Four cracked eggs in a large mixing bowl together with milk or half and half - on a wooden table. Whisk lays beside the bowl.

Use a fork or whisk to beat the eggs briskly for 30-60 seconds, making sure the eggs are fully broken up and mixed well with the milk and the seasonings. Use a little elbow grease here, the more you whip it the better.

Hand using a whisk to scramble eggs in a large mixing bowl, which rests on a wooden table.

Lightly grease your hot skillet, coating the surface with a thin layer of oil or butter. I typically use butter, but only if the skillet isn't very hot – butter has a low smoke point, which means it burns easily. If the skillet has heated up a lot, try using ghee, avocado oil, or something with a higher smoke point. If using nonstick spray oil, use caution and keep it away from any open gas flames.

Pour the eggs into the skillet. Keep the heat on medium/medium low, you don't want to rush it here– if the skillet is too hot the eggs will cook too quickly and become rubbery. Once you pour the eggs in they will begin to cook immediately. Using a spatula (I use a wooden or silicone spatula so I won't damage my pan's nonstick coating), begin pulling the cooked outer edges in towards the center of the eggs. Uncooked eggs will flood the area you just pulled back. If you are adding cheese, now is the time to sprinkle it into the skillet. This will allow ample time for the cheese to melt and integrate into the eggs.

Move the spatula around the edge of the skillet, pulling the cooked edges towards the center and re-flooding repeatedly. Cooked scrambled eggs will gather in the center of the skillet.

Hand with wooden spatula folding scrambled eggs from outside inward in a nonstick skillet on stovetop.

At a certain point, the uncooked eggs will no longer flood and the scramble will all collect in the center of the skillet, but it will still be slightly runny in texture. Begin breaking up the scramble; quickly turn undercooked areas and keep the scramble moving to make sure that all surfaces cook evenly. Never leave a surface in contact too long with the skillet or it will become overcooked.

Hand using a wooden spatula to scramble eggs in a nonstick skillet on a stovetop.

Turn off the heat when the eggs are about 90% cooked. When the eggs are done, serve immediately. Perfectly cooked scrambled eggs are moist but not runny, with no crisp or brown edges. This technique may take a bit of practice, but it is quite simple. With time you too will be making and serving moist, fluffy scrambled eggs!

i know how to make scrambled eggs, but thank you!

[askwhatsforlunch]

Ava’s Bacon and Egg Pies

On Wednesday, I took Ava to one of my favourite places, and after a walk in the woods and an amble around the ponds, we sat for a picnic by the water, with swans, coots and grebes gliding past us. After a stroll in my garden, she’d decided she’d make the main, and baked these absolutely scrumptious Bacon and Egg Pies! My girl is a fine cook, and biting into the crisp pastry, and the rich, fragrant, juicy filling was a sheer delight! 

Today, Ava is gone; Mum is back from Vienna and we are driving to a restful holiday in the midst of Auvergne’s old volcanoes. Perhaps with a couple of these beauties for lunch! Happy Sunday!

Ingredients (serves 2):

1 ½ cup plain flour

½ teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks

½ cup ice water

225 grams/8 ounces thick-cut smoked streaky bacon rashers

2 Green Onions

a small bunch fresh Garden Chervil

1 tablespoon White Port

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2 large eggs

¼ teaspoon fleur de sel or sea salt flakes

�� teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 egg, lightly beaten

Generously butter two 13cm/5″ individual pie plates. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Rub butter into flour mixture between your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually add ice water, until a soft ball forms. Knead pastry lightly, 5 minutes, wrap in cling film and flatten into a disc. Place in the refrigerator for at least, 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the filling. Cut bacon into thick lardons, and place into a medium bowl.

Finely chop Green Onions and Garden Chervil, and add to the lardons. Season with black pepper. 

Drizzle with White port, and toss well, with clean hands, to combine and mix. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 200°C/395°F.

Divide pastry into two portions: one third, and two thirds. Divide the latter into two equal portions and roll each onto a lightly floured surface into a circle. Fit each pastry circle into prepared pie plates, letting the pastry overhang on the edges.

Divide remaining pastry into two equal portions, and roll each on a lightly floured surface to make the pastry lids.

Fill prepared pastry cases generously with Port and herb bacon filling. Gently dig a well in the middle of each pie and carefully break an egg in. Season with fleur de sel and black pepper. 

Brush the edges of each pie with water, top with the pastry lid and, gently but firmly pressing to seal. Trim off excess dough and crimp. Cut four slits on each pie, avoiding piercing the egg yolk, and brush with beaten egg. Cut out little hearts in trimmed-off pastry to decorate the pies, and brush with egg wash as well. 

Place in the middle of the hot oven, and bake at 200°C/395°F, for 35 minutes or until evenly golden brown.

You can serve Ava’s Bacon and Egg Pies hot immediately, or let them cool slightly and wrap them for a picnic.

[greenacrefarm]

Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts These homemade pop tarts a thousand time better than what you'll find in a box! You get a buttery flaky pastry that's filled with a perfectly spiced pumpkin pie filling and they're finished with a creamy vanilla glaze. #Allspice …

[samtec]

World's Best Chocolate Cake by Yotam Ottolenghi

Ingredients (18)

250g unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 1cm cubes, plus extra for greasing

200g dark (70%) chocolate, chopped into 2cm pieces

1 tsp instant coffee, dissolved in 350ml boiling water

250g white sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

240g self-raising flour

30g Dutch cocoa powder

Chocolate ganache

200g dark (70%) chocolate, broken or chopped roughly into 2cm pieces

3/4 cup (180ml) double cream

3 tsp glucose syrup

3 tsp unsalted butter, at room temperature

>>>Get a FREE Keto Recipe Ebook Here <<<

Espresso Cinnamon Mascarpone Cream

1 1/2 cups (375ml) double cream

190g mascarpone

Seeds of 1/2 vanilla pod

2 tsp finely ground instant coffee

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tbs icing sugar, sifted

Method

1.Heat oven to 170°C/150°C fan-forced. Grease a 23cm round springform pan with butter and line with baking paper.

2.To make the cake, place the butter, chocolate and hot coffee in a large heatproof bowl and mix well until everything is melted, combined and smooth. Whisk in sugar by hand until dissolved. Add eggs and vanilla extract and whisk again until thoroughly combined and smooth. Sift flour, cocoa powder and a pinch of fine salt together into a medium bowl, then whisk into the melted chocolate mixture until smooth. Batter will be liquid, but don’t think you’ve missed something; this is how it should be.

3.Pour batter into the prepared pan, tapping base of pan to remove air bubbles, and bake for 50 minutes-1 hour, until cake is cooked and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean or with just a few dry crumbs attached. The top will form a crust and crack a little, but don’t worry, this is expected. Leave the cake to cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes before removing from pan, then set aside on wire rack until completely cool.

4.Meanwhile, to make the chocolate ganache, place chocolate pieces in a food processor and whiz until fine. Set aside, keeping chocolate in food processor.

5.Combine cream and glucose syrup in a small saucepan and place over medium- high heat. As soon as bubbles begin to appear (just before it comes to a boil), remove from the heat.

6.Get the food processor running again, with the chocolate still inside, and pour in the hot cream in a steady stream. Process for 10 seconds, then add the butter. Continue to process until mixture is shiny and smooth. (You can also make the ganache by hand; just make sure the chocolate is chopped very finely before adding the cream mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until almost melted, then add the butter. Stir again until the ganache is smooth.)

7.Use a rubber spatula to scrape the ganache into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, with the plastic touching the surface of the ganache. Set aside for about 2 hours at room temperature until it has set to a spreading consistency. (Ganache can be stored at room temperature, providing it’s not too warm, for 3 days or kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen, although it will lose a bit of its shine when defrosted.)

8.To make the espresso cinnamon mascarpone cream, place all ingredients in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat for 1-2 minutes until soft peaks form.

9.Peel the baking paper from the cake and discard. Transfer cake to a serving platter and spread the ganache on top. Slice cake into wedges to serve, with a spoonful of the espresso cinnamon mascarpone cream alongside.

................................. Keep Reading ...................................

[leiawritesstories]

The Past Is In The Past

Rowaelin Month 2022, Day 9: Single Parents @rowaelinscourt

Word count: 1,655

CW: some mentions of death/loss/grief, otherwise all fluff and kiddos

A/N: *nervous laughter* Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aelin awakes completely and utterly exhausted, feeling like she’s had zero proper sleep all night long. If she’s being honest, she probably didn’t, given her children’s propensity for keeping her up at all hours of the night. 

But she wouldn’t trade her lack of sleep for the whole damn world. 

It’s only a moment before her bedroom door creaks open, a tousled little blonde head peeking into the space. “Mama?” 

She pushes herself out of bed. “Yes, lovey?” 

“Can we have breakfast?” Her twin daughters come slowly, a little sleepily, into the room, holding hands and yawning. 

Aelin grins softly at her little ones. “Of course. What do you want?” 

Evalin--Evie--the older of the twins, channels the full force of her six-year-old smile. “Pancakes!” 

Sana, meanwhile, has snuggled into her mother’s lap, her gold-brown head of curls burrowed into her mother’s warmth. She perks up at the magic word, tugging on Aelin’s sleeve. “Please, Mama?” 

“Oh, all right,” Aelin concedes, never able to resist her daughters. “We can make pancakes.” 

“Yay!” both little girls crow, excitedly bouncing on Aelin’s mattress. 

“Calm down there, my loves,” she laughs, scooping the two into her arms for the biggest hug she can give. “How about we wash up first?” 

Evie frowns. “Don’t need to, Mama! I already went potty.” 

“Mhmm.” Aelin raises a brow. “Well, I have to wash up, so you can wash your faces with me, okay?” 

“In your bathroom?” Sana begs, already halfway to the master bathroom. 

Aelin shakes her head fondly. “Yes, in Mama’s bathroom.” Using all the tricks she knows to get her girls to come along and wash up. 

Clean and somewhat more alert, Aelin races her daughters down to the kitchen, giggling along with them as she lets their little legs beat her into the cozy, wood-paneled space. 

“We win!” Evie declares proudly, beaming and giving her sister a high five. “Now we get to mix the batter!” 

“Oh, is that your prize, lovey?” Aelin inquires, 

Her daughter nods. “Uh huh!” 

“Hmmm.” She taps her chin. “Are you gonna get all the clumps out?” 

“Yeah!” 

“All right, you can stir.” She rests her hand over the bowl. “After I mix up the wet ingredients, Evie.” 

“Fine,” grumbles the child. “I’m a big girl, Mama. I can stir that.” 

“I’m not saying you can’t.” Aelin settles the stepstool in front of the countertop. “I’m saying that I’m gonna stir it this time.” 

“Can I crack eggs?” Sana pleads, widening her big turquoise eyes. “I’m careful!” 

“Mama’s gonna do the eggs this time, lovey.” 

Soon enough, the twins happily took turns stirring the batter, Aelin monitoring to make sure all the clumps of flour were indeed whisked away and that not too much batter leapt from the bowl onto the countertop. With the griddle hot and the batter prepared, she allows the girls to help her pour out the pancakes, their small hands in hers wrapping tightly around the measuring cup. 

The pancakes come out fluffy and golden and perfectly crispy, filling the small house with the scent of breakfast. Aelin coaxes her daughters to eat some berries with their pancakes, one of her favorite ways to convince them to have enough fruits and vegetables. She herself stacks berries atop her pancakes, so they see Mama eating her berries and follow her lead. When everyone’s done eating, she keeps an eye on the girls as they get dressed and brush teeth. 

“You’re matching again?” 

“Uh huh.” Sana nods. “We like matching.” 

“I see.” Aelin started letting the twins pick out their own clothes when they were three or four, and she’d never made it a point to dress them identically unless it was for family photos. Somehow, though, Evie and Sana currently adored wearing matching outfits, so there they were, wearing identical purple shirts and denim sundresses, Evie’s blonde hair and Sana’s golden-brown curls sporting matching barrettes. “Want to go to the library?” 

“BOOKS!” Evie squeals, sprinting to get her backpack, Sana on her heels. The twins adore the library, have loved going there since they were babies. Aelin’s watched her daughters thoroughly exhaust the librarians by asking all the possible questions about the books they wanted, and oh, is she ever proud of their love for reading, a love she hoped to cultivate in them. 

As she parks in the library lot, she has to take a moment to close her eyes, to loose a deep breath, to calm all the memories this library spurs. 

Some days, the wound of missing Sam slices deeper than others. 

They’d met in college, in class, actually. Aelin was a sophomore, twenty years old and finally able to convince herself that the past was in the past, and Sam was a sophomore who’d taken a gap year before college, twenty-one and full of enthusiasm and eager to make the world a better place. After randomly being assigned as discussion partners, they’d ended up continuing their conversation for hours, still talking animatedly as they’d grabbed food in the dining hall, not even realizing that the sky had turned dusky by the time they finally parted ways. A day later, he’d asked her out. 

Sam was her whirlwind romance, her unexpected--though certainly no unwelcome--baby daddy, her best friend through the hellish stress of finishing college. Until that one night when he was coming home from work, driving carefully in the pouring rain, and a drunk driver in a pickup skidded across the highway. 

She still remembers the way she screamed into her pillow. 

“Slow down, you two,” she calls after her girls as they start to take off, jerking back into the present. “No crossing the parking lot without me, remember?” The twins obediently stop, bouncing on their toes as they wait with no large amount of patience for their mother. She takes each girl by the hand, grinning at them as they all but pull her across the parking lot and into the library building, carefully dropping their old books into the return bin with solemn concentration written all over their young faces. 

Her focus on her girls, she doesn’t notice the man standing behind her until she’s tripping over his foot, stumbling, righting herself in half a second. 

“Gods, I’m so sorry!” she exclaims, turning herself to apologize to whoever--

Her throat is suddenly drier than desert sands. 

“Aelin?” The man’s pine-green eyes widen in shock, his jaw slacking. 

She clears her throat. “Hi, Rowan. It’s, um, been a long time?” To her neverending surprise, her voice is calm, polite even. 

“And then some,” he chuckles, barely a hint of strain in his tone. “I--” 

“Daddy!” interrupts a small voice from the man’s far side. “I gotta go potty!” 

Rowan turns, leans down, exchanging soft words with the little boy at his side, his solemn green eyes exactly like his father’s, his dark hair probably his mother’s. “Evan, buddy, do you remember where the bathroom is?” 

The boy nods. “Can you come with me, Daddy?” 

“Of course, my boy.” Rowan scoops his son into his arms. “I’ve got to go take care of him,” he says to Aelin as he moves away. 

She waves him off. “Of course! It’s not an issue, Rowan.” 

Not long later, she’s browsing through the kid section, keeping an eye and ear out for her girls and accepting the books they bring her to put in their basket, when another set of steps approaches. “Hey again,” she teases, looking up to find Rowan a few paces away. Humor always was her emotions’ mask. 

“Hey.” His grin is wry, fleeting. “That was one way to make a re-introduction, I guess.” 

She laughs at that. “Your son?” 

“Yeah.” His grin softens. “Evan Whitethorn. He’s seven, extremely talkative, and gods, he’s the best thing that ever happened to me.” 

Aelin smiles softly. “I know the feeling.” 

“You do?” 

“Yeah, I--” 

“Mama!” Sana and Evie both tug at her sleeve this time, books in their hands. “Can we get these? Pleeeeeease?” 

Aelin arches a brow at the titles. “More princess books? Don’t we already have a lot of those picked out?” 

“But this one has a dragon!” Evie protests, pointing to the cover. “See?” 

“Oh, all right, you can add the dragon one.” She shakes her head fondly as the girls drop off the book and run off to keep looking. “I should be more excited that they enjoy books the way they do, but there’s only so many princess books I can tolerate.” 

Rowan, apparently, is still trying to process that she has twins. “Bet they get that from you.” 

She chuckles. “Yeah, I’m sure they do. Evie--Evalin--and Sana Galathynius, six years old, both ridiculously full of energy. Twins.” Unconsciously, she fingers the chain around her neck, the simple jewelry one of the only things of her late boyfriend’s that she owns. “It’s just been the three of us for two years now.” 

“I’m so sorry, Ae,” he breathes, squeezing her hand. Swallowing. “I, uh, Evan’s mother passed when he was only a few months old. Lyria. We--we’d been engaged.” 

“Oh,” she murmurs, squeezing his hand tighter. “I’m so sorry, Rowan.” 

He leans into her ever so slightly, taking comfort from her presence, her understanding. And there they stand in silence, no need for words to express their sympathy. So much still hangs in the air between them, so much they yearn to say, but there in the library, for a single brief moment, all of that--all the years of loving and losing and letting go--it all fades away. 

The past is in the past, Aelin reminds herself, forcing the door that creaks in the darkest recesses of her mind to stay shut. Slamming an iron brace across that door. What’s done is done. And she throws the man standing next to her a friendly grin and heads off with her daughters. 

Like she’d never before loved Rowan, and he’d never before loved her.

~~~

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[supercantaloupe]

i feel like someone might ask or want to know so. easy meal recipe time: lazy veggie hash edition

take one medium potato and one medium sweet potato. cut both into small chunks (~1/2 inch cubes) and add to a pan with oil. start heating that bad boy over medium. chop a small onion fine and add that in. then add a garlic clove or two, chop fine and toss that in. let that cook for a bit covered (you can add a splash of water in and/or lower the heat to help it cook more evenly). meanwhile, take a big handful of kale (a little more than you think you want, it shrinks). wash it, cut out the stems, and then cut into bite sized pieces. when the potatoes are about halfway to 3/4s cooked, throw the kale in. season everything with salt and pepper, and whatever else you like (i like some chili powder too). when the potatoes are cooked to your liking, take it out to a bowl or plate.

optional but highly recommended: add a little more oil to the pan and crack in an egg. fry that bad boy to desired doneness and then put that on top of the potatoes. i like the yolk to be runny and the white to be brown and crispy on the bottom. you can omit the egg if you want and just go for the veggies, or alternatively add some cubed tofu to the mix for a vegan version. makes one very generous sized portion or two smaller/side dish sized portions