#my mom said something about Italian bread

[druckkugelschreiber]

I know I’m deep into the character hyperfocus when someone in real life will say something funny and my first thought is „Omg character X would find that so funny“

[unabashegirl]

Enticing 29 (HS)

Summary: Harry is a young billionaire and CEO of his own company. He mostly keeps to himself, he is stern and very meticulous when it comes to business. He also likes to keep his personal life very private for the sake of his newly born son Oliver Styles. It isn't until he meets Y/N Y/L/N that everything changes. She becomes his new nanny after his previous one quits due to personal reasons. She is young, caring, and sweet. Will they ignore their feelings? Will Harry's girlfriend accept their love and leave them? Will she be able to cope with his busy agenda? What about Oliver's mother? Where is she? Who is she?

Author's note: Hello everyone, sorry this chapter is a bit late! I got caught up with a few things at home. As promised here is a new chapter of enticing. Happy reading. 

word count: 1.6K

— all chapters of enticing —

Y/N stood in Gran station with a heavy heart as she waited for her mother to arrive from Philadelphia and to say that she was nervous was an understatement. She hadn’t seen her in so long. Y/N also needed to apologize for cutting her off her life so abruptly, and she was planning on it. She just didn’t know where to start.

Y/N smiled at her from warm away and waved. It was easy to spot her. Elizabeth and Y/N had the same color hair, same doe eyes, and same nose. It was as if Elizabeth had procreated with herself and not with her father. She was terribly similar to her mom as opposed to her little sister.

“Hey, you,” Elizabeth said as she dropped her bag and pulled her into a tight hug. Y/N hugged her back immediately and felt profound peace. She had missed her mother too much. She just wanted to make amends with her and wanted to share with her the news. Y/N was anxious. She was scared that her mother would turn her back on her especially now that she was pregnant and when she needed her the most.

“Hey Mom” She sniffed as they pulled away from each other.

“You look beautiful.” Elizabeth held her hands, “I’ve missed you” She admitted. Elizabeth knew that what had happened that night had been partially her fault. She knew that she never again should choose sides. She regretted it, especially after seeing the type of girl that her youngest daughter had developed into. She was very spoiled and felt very entitled just like Y/N had said that night.

“So do you! Come on let’s get something to eat.” Y/N hooked her arm with hers as they exited the train station.

It was a very sunny, autumn day in Manhattan, and even though the sun shone brightly, it was pretty cool due to the cold wind. Y/N decided to take Elizabeth to a small Italian restaurant by the apartment. She had been there before with Patrick, long before she was hired in the Styles’ household. Her mouth watered when thinking about their bruschetta and chicken Alfredo pasta.

“Are you finally going to tell me what’s going on with you?” Elizabeth asked after they had ordered their drinks and food.

“Yes” Y/N cleared her throat, “I just think we should first talk about what happened that night. I think it would be good for us to dissect it a bit, so we can move on”.  She explained her reasoning just as the waiter came back with their drinks and a basket of complimentary bread.

“That’s very mature of you. Let’s talk about it.”

“I’ll like to start with apologizing. It wasn’t my place to judge you or your way of parenting. I know that you are doing your best Violet, especially after Dad passed away and I moved away. I-I’m also sorry for cutting you out of my life, so abruptly and not writing or calling. I can only imagine how hard it must have all been for you.” Elizabeth’s eyes watered as she remembered the night after the flight that she spent crying. The remorse of kicking her daughter out of the house on Christmas night, ate her away every night. “Please don’t cry because I will cry too”.

“I want to apologize for kicking you out that night and for siding with your sister. I’m your mother I should have known better, and I should have handled the situation better. I certainly shouldn’t have sided with your sister. I also understand now what you were trying to say that night.  Most importantly, I accept your apology. I just want us to move forward and not look back.” Y/N agreed with Elizabeth as she dried her tears with a napkin. “I am happy you called and reached out. I didn’t do it sooner not because I didn’t miss you. I missed you terribly. I just didn’t call you because I was too proud. I’m sorry”.

Y/N reached out and held her hand over and across the table. She could tell that it had hurt her even more than it had hurt her. She wanted to take the pain all away. Elizabeth was everything that Y/N had. The only family that she had left after her father had passed away. She was her pillar, which she desperately needed now.

“I love you.”

“I love you more princess” Elizabeth smiled through her tears. She inhaled and exhaled loudly, feeling an immense weight off her shoulders. “I feel good”.  She giggled and Y/N wished that it stayed that way and that she began feeling better after she told her. “Now. Tell me! I am dying here”.

“Mom —” Y/N’s eyes filled with tears, and she choked up. She couldn’t believe the words that were about to leave her lips. “I am pregnant” she revealed.

Elizabeth wasn’t a woman that masked her emotions. She was a very blunt woman and preferred to apologize for saying aloud her thoughts and bottling them in and lying to the people she loved. She wasn’t surprised. From the tone that Y/N had called her that morning, she had supposed news just as big as this one.  Elizabeth was her mother. She could easily read her. For a second Elizabeth thought that Y/N was incredibly sick and that’s why she was calling to make amends. The last time that she had received the news in the same matter had been when Y/N’s father found out that he had cancer. After someone in the family dies from cancer. Every other piece of news becomes a walk in the park. She was relieved.

“Alright,” She nodded and took a sip out of her red wine. “How far along are you?”

“3 weeks? I am not that sure. I took one of those pregnancy tests at home” Y/N explained as she studied her face carefully, still scared that she would flip.

“First thing first we need to find an obstetrician and make you an appointment with them.” She reached out to her pursed and pulled out the red leather journal that she always carried with herself ever since Y/N was a little girl. She wrote important things on it and her thoughts which explained why she had hundredths at home. “Do you or the father have someone, particularly in mind?”

Y/N frantically shook her head at her mother.

“We also need to get your prenatal vitamins, but I am sure the doctor will prescribe you specific ones,” She wrote in her journal. “I guess we could see if my obstetrician can fit you in.” Elizabeth sighed as she thought of all the different things that her daughter would have to do to get prepared. “Is there something else that I should know? Who and where is the father?”

“I lost my job, and the father doesn’t know, and I don’t plan on telling him.”

“Why?” Elizabeth quickly asked, surprised by the choice that she had already taken. “Is he a married man? Is he an abuser? Why?”

“He already has a baby. He won’t want this one” Y/N frowned, “I don’t want him to reject the baby”.

“And this is just an assumption, honey?”

“I know him, Mom. He is just going to turn us away.”

“You are making a big mistake, Y/N. You are possibly depriving him of getting to know his child and raising him. I support you either way, but as a mother, it is my job to tell you that you could live with the consequences for the rest of your life, and they will only get worse” Elizabeth warned her, she didn’t know the mystery man, but he deserved to know. She knew that what his daughter was doing was wrong.

Y/N nodded and wiped her tears.

“I understand, and I’ll think about it” She nodded trying to compromise. “Anyway, enough about me! How is violet? A senior now, right?” Y/N asked just as their food was being served.

“She is fine. She has proven to be exceedingly difficult. She says she doesn’t want to go to college. I’ve had to stop her from dropping out before graduation.”  Y/N couldn’t believe what her mother was telling her about her youngest sister, but just as she was about to say something her phone interrupted them.

“Hello?” It was an incoming call, with no caller ID.

“Y/N. William here. I am finally able to get a hold of you. How are you?”

“Hey, William. Fine. You?” She had thought that it was an automated message and not one of Harry’s close friends. If she had known that it was William, then she wouldn’t have answered the call. She just hoped that he wasn’t calling to let her know something about Harry. She didn’t want to know anything.

“Pretty good” He shared, and it was quiet for a few seconds, “I am calling in regard to your job.”

“What about it? Is this about Harry? Because —”

“This call has nothing to do with Harry” William abruptly interrupted her “I am calling about the contract that you signed to work with us Y/N. I am calling to let you know that your job is still waiting for you and just to get an estimate as to when you can come in to start.” Click below and join our community on Patreon if you wish to continue reading Enticing and get access to 10 more chapters.

TAGLIST: @0oolookitsme, @happycupcakeenthusiast, @kennedywxlsh, @hsfics, @stylesbrock, @cuddlingwithharry, @sucker4angtt, @bluemoonedwings, @cherriesrae, @vornilla, @mellamolayla, @harryscurls21, @stilesissaved, @be-with-me-so-happily, @harryssattelitestomper, @jerseygirlinca, @tenaciousperfectionunknown, @lomlolivia, @stylesfever, @daphnesutton

[happyk44]

Jasico prompt for @butt-puncher based off this tweet

---

Leo peered over Jason's head. "Who's XghostkingX?" His chin came to rest on Jason's shoulder. "Sounds likely a freaky dude."

Jason swiped away the notification and kept watching the dog training video Piper sent with the caption "You" and a pink heart emoji. "Just this guy who sends me recipes." Jason frowned as the video ended and typed a quick rebuttal back at Piper that just because the dog was a golden retriever did not mean it was him. "I don't know him."

Leo's breath went hot against his cheek. "Then why," Leo said, drawing out the "I" sound for as long as his breath lasted. He rolled over, locking his head backwards over Jason's shoulder, face to the curling and finally inhaled. Coughing briefly, he continued, "is he DMing you?" Leo flicked his cheek. "What, he is a potential booty call?"

Jason scowled. "I don't do that, Leo."

"You should," Leo huffed. "I got pegged on Tuesday by a hottie boom-booty and her boyfriend. All with the sweet send of a "You down to clown?" meme."

Rolling his eyes, Jason shifted ever so slightly and grinned when Leo slid off his shoulder and crashed to the ground. "You give all aroace people a bad name."

From the ground, Leo swatted at Jason's ankles. "Just because I don't get the attraction part doesn't mean I don't know what good feels like. And there are some angles only the thick fingers of a college football player can hit, alright?'"

Jason snorted and opened up Instagram. He switched to the messages section and clicked the top one. A link to a recipe popped up. Above it were a thousand other recipe links. No messages, no words, no comments.

Just other people's posts.

Jason didn't know who this Nico guy was. It was spring break in his sophomore year of high school. His step-mom dragged them all out to some meditative retreat that banned all use of electronics. It was supposed to be some kind of spiritual cleanse. All Jason remembered was doing yoga, eating really bland meals, and Thalia sneaking out of their room through the window in the middle of the night and coming back six hours later smelling like weed and wearing someone else's bra.

She had a lot more fun than he did.

But when he finally got his phone back, he had twenty-three messages from XghostkingX, all recipe posts from different accounts. He checked out the account, trying to figure out who "Nico" was. But the account was private. He checked out the recipes too. They weren't weird. Seemed like completely normal recipes. Bread, pasta, Mexican dishes, Indian dishes, pastries, keto, high protein, vegeterian. Pretty much everything except Italian.

Which Jason found interesting. He wanted to ask about it but...

He turned and flashed a sprawled out Leo the messages. "They're just recipes. He started sending them to me when I was on that no-phones thing with my family."

Leo snatched the phone from him and begin scrolling at top speed. "Wasn't that, like, five years ago?" Jason shrugged. Leo stared at him unamused. "Seriously, man? And you haven't said anything?" He shook the phone. "You don't even know this guy!"

Jason reached for his phone but Leo rolled away, spring up to his feet. "Leo, give me my phone."

"Just one second," Leo said, very clearly typing something.

"Do not talk to him, Leo!" Jason shouted, shooting out of his chair and towards his best friend.

"I'm just gonna hit him up!" Leo yelled as he scrambled away on his gangly twig legs. "See what's up!"

Jason grabbed a pillow off his bed and hurled it at Leo through the doorway. Leo squawked loud, without dignity, as it beamed him in the back of the head and knocked him down. Darting through the doorway, Jason threw himself over Leo. All the air fwooshed out of his lungs.

Grunts and grounds filled the air as they wrestled for the phone. Leo curled inwards of himself. Jason rolled him over onto his back. Leo kicked at him. Grabbing at his legs, Jason pinned him down and started tugging at his arms. He ripped the phone of Leo's hands and sat on his chest in retaliation.

Leo spread his hands behind his head and fluttered his eyelashes, before wheezing, "Why, why Mr. Grace, you're so forward."

Jason shoved his foot in Leo's face. Leo shouted and slapped it away with spluttering indignation. "Fuck off and suffocate, Valdez." He turned to his phone. His heart exploded in his chest. Panic induced upwards his throat. "Oh my fucking gods, Leo." He shoved both his feet into Leo's face again, kicking at his jaw.

Ignoring Leo's protesting yells, Jason scanned the string of messages in the chat. The first one started off okay. Yo, who is this? Then they slowly began to deteriorate into complete nonsense. Probably as Jason and Leo were fighting over the phone.

Crap, crap, crap, he thought, as he began typing out apologies.

Sorry for that, it was my friend, he was wondering why you keep DMing me even though we don't know each other. He sent the text and closed out of the app before planting both feet beside Leos face and flaring down at him.

Jason bonked him again then twitched as his phone buzzed. The notification read XghostkingX sent you a message. Leo squirmed under Jason's weight. "Did he respond? Is he telling you why he keeps sending you messages? Is he hot?"

Leo batted his eyelashes Sweetly. Jason bonked him on the head with his phone. "I am going to eat you one day, Leo."

"I don't care what you do to me, so long as I get to come first," Leo said.

Jason swatted at him as he opened up the text.

Haha, no problem. I was wondering when you were going to say something. I'm Nico. Sorry for all the recipes. I was sick with the flu and couldn't remember how to save them to my notes app. I meant to send them to my sister, but I messed up on her username. I'm dyslexic. Powered through it but it does get worse when I can't think straight. Actually using speech to text right now. Filling in the punctuations after the fact. Anyway, you never said anything so I just kept saving there here to refer back to. Kind of easier than opening my notes app all the time to be honest.

Another text popped up. A picture this time. Followed by a series of more pictures. All of food. Jason recognized some of them from the recipes he'd clicked through out of curiosity. The plating was different. A little less professional, but they looked just as good as they had in the videos.

Some of the photos had a cute boy in the background. He presented the plates with a shy look on his face. His dark shaggy hair was pulled back in a few photos.

Some of my successes, the next message read.

Quickly Jason texted back, Is that you?

Yeah, Nico's reply read. My sister took them to send to my grandma in Venice. I usually just photograph the food. I have other pictures on my page. You can follow if you want.

Jason didn't hesitate before replying, Okay.

He clicked Nico's username and hit the follow button before waiting patiently. A second later the page opened up for him. Nico had a lot of pictures of food, dogs, paintings. There were few pictures of him as Jason scrolled mindlessly through his accounts. The ones that did feature him were always flocked by two other girls - one white and tall, with a braid tucked over her shoulder and fierce eyes, the other short and black with a wide smile, typically tucked under one of their arms.

Jason clicked on a picture of what looked to lasagna roll-up but much fancier and sent it to the chat. That looks good. I don't remember seeing a post for it.

That's my grandma's recipe, Nico typed back. It's a chicken cannelloni. Trade secret though. Can't give it to you. There was a brief lull before another message popped up. But I could make it for you, if you're interested. Make up for spamming you these last five years. Laughing face emoji.

Jason paused. Then, Does it travel well? Who knows if the USPS will keep it fresh.

My dad lives in the Bay Area, Nico replied with a laughing face emoji. And I'm here for the next couple months. Another brief pause while Jason's mind caught up with the air in his lungs. If you didn't want people to know where you lived, you shouldn't post pictures of yourself at university. Congrats on your win by the way.

A deep heat crossed Jason's face. So Nico had checked out his page? What did he think of the personality Jason exhibited through carefully selected photographs and captions? Did he think he was cool?

Beneath him Leo was still struggling and wheezing. Jason ignored him as he typed. I'd be creeped out, but that cannoli thing looks too good, so yeah, why not?

Nico's reply was a cute smiley emoji. Here's my number, he wrote. Call me when you wanna come over. Takes a while to make the pasta from scratch but I'm sure I can keep you entertained. Another smiling emoji.

Jason swallowed around his rising emotions. Sounds good. I'll let you know when I'm free.

A thumbs up and another smiley face.

Finally, he slid off of Leo's chest and landed on the hardwood floors. Leo inhaled dramatically then coughed rapidly before flipping over to his stomach. He groaned as he pushed himself up to his knees. Jason exited the chat.

"So, you getting that dick or what?" Leo drawled. Jason shoved him back as he laughed deliriously.

"Shut up." He pushed up to a stand and dragged Leo off the floor. "He's gonna make me one of his recipes."

"Ahh, dinner date."

Jason cuffed Leo's shoulder before wrapping him in a headlock. Leo laughed boisterously and didn't fight back. Instead he licked a long line down Jason's arm. Jason rolled his eyes and pinched his ear before letting him go.

"It's not a date." He smoothed down his shirt and began looking through his calendar. "He's just trying to make up for spamming me these last five years."

"Uh huh," Leo said, with a twinkle in his eyes that Jason sometimes loved and sometimes hated.

"Yeah, uh huh," Jason muttered back.

Another notification popped up. Without a second thought, Jason clicked it. A picture of a small cake with elaborate icing work and chocolate drips. Nico was in the background, crouched low so all you could see was his face, flour in his hair, a little bit of icing smeared on his cheek. He was smiling wide, eyes glancing up at the person taking the picture. Underneath the photo were the words, For dessert?

Jason hearted the photo immediately and wrote, Sounds good. It looks delicious.

Leo leaned over his shoulder. "He does look pretty delicious."

Jason swatted him away, cheeks burning. "Fuck off, Valdez." Leo cackled behind him before jogging back into Jason's bedroom. Jason turned back to the photo. Nico did look really nice. Messy in a cute way.

Maybe if Jason played his cards right, he could score more than a free dinner and a cute dessert.

[tyranasauruslex]

do you think rome has ever made a mixtape songs for lukas when he gets bored?

Roman takings tips from those early 2000's Cosmo "How To Impress Your Man" lists. I actually see Lukas as the mixtape guru - he'd make Roman his own Spotify playlist.

Bored Roman would wander around the house and send Lukas multiple voice notes about the stuff he finds:

"What's this green stuff in your fridge? It looks gross. Eww... it tastes like grass. Why are you eating grass? There's nothing normal in your fridge by the way... even your bread is weird. What is Limpa? Ohh ok that actually tastes nice... Eww pickled fish. Your country is weird. I ate all your bread by the way."

"Your mom called so I told her you abandoned me to work... she's gonna send me baby Lukas pictures via email. I might put them on insta... I haven't decided yet... Oh my god you look like a baby giant... Your poor mom having to shove you out of her vagina. Ok you're actually kind of cute for a baby giant with your little knitted hat on... Aww baby Lukas at the zoo... ha, that giraffe must be related to you. All my baby pictures are with the nanny... or with Shiv looking like a bald egg. Thats depressing."

"We should go to that new Italian on the upper East side... I called and they said they'd do plain pasta for you... only if you want to though. You probably have boring work stuff to do or Tom will want to take you to show off. I can just go with Shiv and listen to her complain about how the baby ripped apart her vagina for the millionth time. Having a baby sounds gross but at least Lilly is cute... and small, not a baby giant like you were. I'll just take Lilly to the Italian. Babies can eat pasta, right?"

"Just so you know I've taken one of your sweaters cus I can't work out the heating system. Why are your arms so long? Like, how to you even operate them? Ohh this kinda cosy... you'll have to buy another one because I'm keeping this one. I'm in your closet by the way and it's giving serial killer. Nobody is that organised. Or neat. I bet if you decided to murder me this is where you'd hide my body. Or you'd stitch me up inside a bear carcass. Ohh cool... you have the shirt I wore when I first stayed over. You're such a dork. But in, like, a cool way and FUCK! Don't worry I'm not dead, I just tripped over one of your massive shoes. Is that how you came to the US? Via shoe-boat? You know, cus your Mister Viking and stuff... Ok, so I have a question... Are your stupidly big feet an indication of how big other stuff is? Cus it kind of feels that way when you cuddle me but... actually forget I asked that. I'm just gonna delete this..."

"You're asleep when I'm sending you this but I think you need to know how much you look like a dead body when you sleep. Here... I'm sending you photographic evidence... Why don't you make any noise? Like at all? You keep telling me I say a bunch of random shit in my sleep and... oh you moved. I'm gonna whisper from now on... Wait, what if you're actually dead? I'd get the blame and end up in fucking prison being molested by the guards. I can't go to prison so I'd have to dismember you in the bathroom or something. Also thank you for not being mean about the whole dick to shoe ratio... and for the drawing. Cus you know i've never really... well, anyway it makes it less scary even if you can't draw for shit. I'm just going to pet your hair for a bit cus I know you like that... Oh fuck I woke you up!"

[gildedpanic]

Now that I have my own kitchen, I've been cooking more. I made donuts (and various other foodstuffs)!

More of this week's recipes below the cut :-)

~~Donuts~~

Dough (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/no-yeast-homemade-donuts/#wprm-recipe-container-18314

Glaze (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 tbsp water. For the chocolate I added some unsweetened cocoa powder.

Notes: I used Bobs Red Mill Egg Replacer, storebrand vegan butter, and water instead of the buttermilk because I accidentally left my milk out and had to throw it away. I made my own powdered sugar by combining granulated sugar and cornstarch in a blender.

~~Bread~~

Recipe (⭐️⭐️⭐️): https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/no-yeast-bread/

Notes: I've been using this recipe for years. It's super simple and easy if you just want something quick. I've found it to be better for more savory recipes if you add in some Italian seasoning to the dry ingredients and brush it with olive oil so the crust is a little crispier. Although, my sister loves the recipe as is and often eats it with just jam/butter.

~~Chickpea Concoction~~

Main(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hgCPzx1u478

Flatbread (⭐️⭐️⭐️): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RYvU-25g-Ow

Notes: I didn't have a chili or red pepper, but I added a bunch of spinach for the extra iron. I also forgot to buy turmeric last week so I had to do without that. It was obviously pretty bland at first, so I just kept adding spices/seasoning until it tasted right. This recipe came out really good, but I honestly couldn't tell you how to replicate it yourself. The base is a good start, so just follow your cooking instincts and believe in yourself? The flatbread was nothing special; used a tiny bit of maple syrup in place of the honey and it came out fine. (PS. There's rice beneath the chickpeas) (PPS. Save the aquafaba! You can do a bunch with it, including making homemade mayonnaise)

~~Seitan~~

Recipe (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxNaThLDrsk&t=204s

Notes: Second time making this recipe. I didn't have sage but I added a tiny bit of Italian seasoning. Used sriracha instead of the sweet chili sauce and left out the garlic because I ran out. I think I accidentally added too much oil to the pan, so watch out for that. ALSO: Make super duper sure you are not cooking this too fast. I didn't add the sauce while it was in the pan because, again, way too much oil. I should honestly give this recipe 5 stars for how easy this seitan was compared to literally every other recipe. Would go well with some broccoli.

~~Bannocks~~

Recipe (⭐️⭐️⭐️):https://www.scotchandscones.com/scottish-bannocks/

Notes: Really good use of oats if you're someone (like me) who hates the texture of oatmeal. Only blended the oats 3/4 of the way so there were still some full bits. Added ~0.5 scoop of vanilla protein powder and used vegan butter. The chocolate topping is just peanut butter mixed with a bit of cocoa powder. I baked it for a little longer than the recipe said to. Pretty good, but next time I would probably add some more stuff like cinnamon/maple syrup/apples/etc. Also you could definitely add some vital wheat gluten in there if you are looking to get better macros as the baking powder should get rid of any strange taste.

~~Microwave Red Beans and Rice~~

Recipe (⭐️⭐️⭐️): Rice, canned red beans, canned diced tomatoes, and a buttload of cajun seasoning.

Notes: When my mom went away to college she complained about missing my grandma's red beans and rice, so my grandpa bought her a dozen cans of kidney beans to eat raw out of the can. This is a half-step up from that. It takes like three minutes. It’s just some cooked rice out of the fridge, add ~1/4 can tomatoes + ~1/2 can beans, microwave for 1.5 minutes, and dump in the seasoning.

~~Crab Sushi~~

Recipe(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XiN-QyUWt8c

Notes: Okay, I know it looks gross. But! This crab salad is very very good. I've made it 3 times now (or 4? When I made it the second time my mom ended up eating all the crab salad before I could roll it up and I had to make a whole new batch). My sisters like it even though they hate sushi. My dad likes it even though he dislikes veganism. When I made it this week I didn't even have any cucumber or avocado but it still tasted /okay/. I would recommend julienning some carrots if you have any extra, but that's just because I like my maki to have some crunch. Also, if you make a lot of sushi please make your life easier and pick up some Mizkan Sushi Seasoning.

~~"Arepas"~~

Recipe: 2 parts corn meal/flour, 1 part AP flour, some salt and oil/butter. Pour in warm water until it forms a dough, then fill with some beans and mozzarella and fry.

Notes: Please no one get mad at me for calling them arepas. Good with avocado if you have it.

~~Macaroni and Seitan Nougats~~

Macaroni(⭐️⭐️⭐️): https://theeburgerdude.com/vegan-instant-mac-cheese/#recipe

Seitan(⭐️): https://www.sixvegansisters.com/2018/08/24/seitan-fried-chicken/

Notes: The mac was super easy, and TheeBurgerDude has never led me astray so I suspect the recipe would be at least four stars if I wasn't missing literally half the ingredients. I didn't have mushroom seasoning, lactic acid, or msg, but I added some extra salt and nooch yeast. I also still didn't have milk so I mixed flour and cornstarch with water and used that for both the mac and nougats, along with some extra butter. The seitan was pretty gross, but I think that was mostly my fault. From what I can tell, I may not have kneaded the dough for long enough, my chicken broth:water ratio was off, I simmered the seitan at too high of a heat, and I fried it too quickly. Glad I only made a half batch. Maybe would have tasted better with a thick layer of breadcrumbs?

~~Seitan Nougats 2: Electric Boogaloo~~

Recipe(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️): https://www.stephsunshine.com/vegan-life/crispy-fried-tofu/

Notes: I've used this recipe a ton and it works well with regular and lentil burmese tofu. I usually add some extra spices to it, but this time I only added some paprika to get it kinda similar to what the original seitan recipe called for. I used the leftover seitan dough from the previous recipe (boiled, but not yet fried) and pressed the pieces into very flat discs because the seitan puffs up while frying. It came out much better, maybe 3.5 stars. Did not pair well with the macaroni though. The end result oddly reminded me more of tempura than anything else, so it might work well with that sorta stuff? If you were making it from scratch, I would replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Relatively cheap and filling, though (this photo is ~$1.87, 823 kal, 46g protein, 115g carbs, 31g fat. Two servings of mac + One serving seitan)!

[stereax]

🦆😈

🦆 If I were to make a summoning circle for you, what food could I summon you with?

There are a lot of options. Either any of my Polish grandma's cooking, or tacos from that amazing place in the center of Geneva, or the Italian bread rolls from the probably-a-mafia-front Italian place close to my home in Jersey. Or just anything from Trader Joe's. That place is heaven.

😈 What is your weirdest head canon about an NHL player?

I don't know what qualifies as "weird" anymore because like, Dawson Mercer canonically builds things out of hockey sticks in the offseason, Curtis Lazar is colorblind, Nico Hischier will never pass up the opportunity to tell you how much he idolizes his big brother (he chose 13 because of Luca! his biggest role model is Luca! aaaaaaa), Tyler Toffoli rollerbladed everywhere as a child, Jack Hughes almost always squats down to talk to kids at eye level, when Vitek Vanecek's favorite hibachi place closed he broke in goal about it, and Timo Meier (with mom and sister) hosted the Swisses for Christmas dinner and made raclette for them. I'm aware all of these are probably soft and cute and not "weird" but. Like. My team is funny enough already! Nothing is "weird" to me anymore! Uh, that being said, I know Eliot @jonassiegenthighler and I were discussing the other day something about Mitch Marner showing a lot of ADHD tendencies. Let's go with that.

[onceuponanewlifebooks]

Book Three: Chapter One

READER WARNING! Taglist Once upon a new life... Masterlist Book Three: Marcus

I opened my eyes with a small gasp and looked up into the blinding sun. A small groan escaped my throat as I sat up, rubbing my eyes.   What a strange dream that had been, it almost felt too real. Even now, while I was wide awake and the phantom pain had long since faded, did my body feel strange.   I removed my hands from my eyes and looked at them. They were small with long, slender fingers and a beautiful chocolate brown. Neatly manicured nails finished them and made them look very feminine. A soft breeze played through my hair, making it slightly cover my eyes. The black curls seemed to dance in the wind, and I managed to catch a lock between my fingers. The curl resting between my fingers was thick yet soft and shone with a red hue in the soft, winter sunlight. For a moment I felt confused. As if the body I am in right now is my own, yet it isn’t.   “There you are, baby sis! We have been looking for you.” A deep almost growl like voice came from behind me. I quickly turned saw the big muscled like a serious weightlifter body of one of three of my adoptive brothers. His eyes were black, and his eyes were dark and curly. In any other case this man would look threatening, and every cel inside my body would have screamed to flee, but it was the toothy grin on his thin lips that assured me he meant no harm. The irony of it all was, even though I grew up with these gorgeous yet dangerous creatures, my entire body still shot straight into fight of flight mode whenever one of them sneaked up on me. My eldest adoptive brother, Jasper, always praised me for it. He said it was a strong survival instinct that many humans seemed to lack in this century. A small smirk formed itself around my own full lips.   “As if any of you have any trouble finding me, dear brother.” I said as I let him help me up. The coldness of his skin could barely be felt due to the cold weather around us.   “True. Come on, hop up and let’s go home. Dad is home early from the hospital and mom made you your favourite!” I gasped dramatically as a response. “Lasagna with cheesy garlic bread?!” Emmett simply nodded before pulling me on his back. I squealed in delight as he took off towards the house. Within mere moments did we reach the back door of the large mansion that led straight into the kitchen. The mansion was large and graceful, rectangular and well-proportioned, painted a faded white. The southern wall was almost entirely made of glass, with a view of the Calawah river. A secret addition to it was that it was equipped with a steel shutter to protect the family from an attack. Not that the vampires necessarily needed the additional protection, seeing as vampires are near indestructible. But for a human such as myself, it was a nice additional security to have just in case something might attack us.   “Delivery for mom!” Emmett shouted into the kitchen as he gently dropped me. My adoptive mother Esme smiled brightly. She had the same pale, beautiful features as the rest of my adoptive family. Something about her heart-shaped face, her billows of soft, caramel coloured hair always reminded me of the ingenues of the silent-movie era. She was small, slender, yet less angular, more rounded than the others. She quickly approached me and held me tightly against her hard frame.   “I am very glad you are back home, my dear. Dinner will be ready soon!”  she said as soon as she let me go and returned her focus on the pans on the stove. A delicious aroma of Italian spices and garlic entered my nose, making my mouth water.   “Thanks mom! How has your day been?”  

My mother talked about her day and some of her new architecture designs while we waited for the lasagna and bread to cook in the oven. Soon enough it was finished, and I was in literal heaven! As I was eating the remainder of my siblings walked in and everyone chatted about their day at school. Life was perfect the way it was, and nothing could ever disturb this peace that we felt...

[veronicasanders]

Let's talk holiday season food. What’s the family/friends favorite that always gets trotted out for every occasion, what food is a “special” holiday favorite?

Yay!!! So excited for this. You already know I’m gonna go off so here’s a read more. 😜🤣

Okay I’m starting with Thanksgiving, which is my favorite food holiday. In my family, the meal is 100% vegetarian friendly except the turkey and gravy (which I despise anyway), and totally centers on local autumnal produce. Also, EVERYONE, and I mean every single person over the age of 10, contributes. Even if it’s like, my cousin who has no culinary skills - he mixes drinks. Or my uncle who is the DJ and who sets the table and does a phenomenal job—with like, local flowers and origami napkins. Or my other cousins who do an art project with the younger kids, so even though they aren’t cooking, they make centerpieces and shit. 

One year, I got a fantastic deal on purple potatoes at the farmer’s market, and my brother used those for the MOST delicious mashed potatoes that were loaded with cream and garlic. That dish was a staple for many years, although in recent ones, he’s been doing smashed potatoes—or, when he’s super ambitious, Hasselback potatoes—and the crispiness is absolutely delightful.  

I have made cornbread every year since I was about 12 or 13. It’s this incredible recipe that includes fresh corn and browned butter - usually cornbread is dry, but this is amazing and doesn’t need any butter or anything on it. Sometimes I add jalapeños or red pepper for color/flavor - which one depends on how many baby-mouths are coming.

We always make fresh cranberries, too, not that canned shit. The cranberry bags have the basic recipe, but it comes out way too sweet that way, so instead we use about 1/4 of the sugar and a little orange juice. I like putting walnuts in, but not everyone in my family likes nuts, so I’ve found that chopping an Asian pear and tossing that in right before serving serves the same purpose of a crunchy element. 

My great-aunt’s sweet potato pie recipe is SO fucking good. It’s one of the best things on the table and the one year my mom said maybe we don’t need it because too many carbs, I staged a protest. I actually like it better than any of the desserts (and for some reason it's on the dinner table even though it's 100% a dessert--it's got a graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallow top, for fuck's sake). But anyway...

My favorite, or at least tied for favorite with like 5 other things, is my mother’s stuffing. (Well, dressing, since it’s not stuffed into the bird's ass, but the word dressing is weird to me for a substantial side dish.) She uses a mix of cornbread and regular bread, a shit ton of celery and carrots and caramelized onions, and veggie stock that smells so good, it makes me homesick just thinking about it. 

Occasionally there’s also something like Mac and cheese or fresh bread/rolls, or green bean casserole or wild rice. Kind of depends on who’s coming and how many people are there, etc, because you always need everyone to contribute. 

Then of course, we have tons of roasted or grilled vegetables, whatever looks fresh and beautiful, or what the more talented people have grown in their gardens: Brussels sprouts, eggplant, corn (bonus if we can find red corn) green beans, broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, carrots (bonus for purple or multicolored ones), butternut squash, cauliflower (bonus for purple). And a big salad with dark greens like rainbow chard or kale (usually grown by one of my aunts), avocado, radishes, multicolored peppers, sunflower seeds or roasted pepitas. I’ve seen other people’s Thanksgiving tables and I’m generally shocked by how much brown and beige there is. Our table is a glorious fucking rainbow. 

The past 5 years or so, I haven’t been able to go home for Thanksgiving, so we now have a tradition of repeating the meal (or at least, the favorites) on Christmas Day. 

Speaking of Christmas…

So, there’s an Italian-American tradition called “Feast of the Seven Fishes” that takes place on Christmas Eve. (I’m not positive how it started, but I am guessing it had something to do with how expensive seafood was in the “New World” and so it was reserved for truly special occasions.) We don’t usually do all seven, but we always make my grandmother’s shrimp recipe, mafaldi with a spicy red lobster sauce, baked lobster, and usually some kind of salmon my dad can grill. (He also cooks the Thanksgiving turkey on the BBQ. We find that his energy in the kitchen can be neurotic and thus enjoy sending him outside.) And of course garlic bread or something fresh-baked to soak up all the sauces. (Grandma called it a sponge.) Also we always have Panettone (the kind with chocolate, not the fruitcake one) for dessert, heated up with ice cream and ganache.

Then, Christmas morning is usually French toast (made with Challah so that the Jews feel represented), or this cheese blintz dish we learned from my dad's cousin.

Which reminds me, oops, I skipped over Chanukkah. Traditions there are more flexible since we don’t celebrate every day and often miss the whole 8 days and remember later in the month. Mostly since my dad doesn’t give a shit and my mom’s not Jewish. But we always at least have latkes (my brother’s are outstanding, and a few years ago he made the regular ones and I made sweet potato and they came out divinely.) Also we do chocolate-covered macaroons (not to be confused with the French macarons) since they’re my mom’s favorite, and my grandmother’s vegetarian version of chopped liver which is SO GOOD, and noodle kugel. And if we’re up for it, we’ll also make rainbow cookies, which I’ve talked about before at length. (Marzipan-flavored “cookie” layers that are basically a very decadent sponge, raspberry jam, dark chocolate. 

New Year’s Day: lentil soup! Black-eyed peas! Which I think supposedly serve the same good-luck purpose. 

Not specific to a particular holiday but a couple of times a year, my family does polenta parties. A huge pot of polenta and a bunch of homemade toppings, like tomato sauce, pesto, veggies, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, different cheeses, meat that I don't care about, etc.

I’m gonna stop now. I could go on for fucking ever. (Super Bowl Sunday? Easter? Fourth of July? I care about nothing except the food.) I love food and I love my family and I love eating with them. I'm so excited that this year, I'm gonna be on the East Coast for a whole month visiting people. 🥰

[sfarticles]

Soup is a welcome winter comfort food

It’s the time of year, at least in the Northeast, where a piping hot bowl of soup, gumbo, broth, chowder or consommé is a welcome comfort food on a cold and blustery, winter day. And don’t forget a slice of hearty crusty bread to go along with it. Perhaps that’s why January is National Soup Month.

Soup is a versatile dish and can be prepared using ingredients that are probably already in the fridge and pantry. Gluten-free, vegetarian, low-salt, dairy-free or vegan recipes can be adjusted to accommodate almost any diet. Soup is an economical meal, using leftovers and inexpensive ingredients. And it is easy to prepare, using just one pot, making cleanup a cinch.

No matter what country, region or culture you choose, there is a quintessential soup to experience. For example: pho is a popular Vietnamese soup, gumbo a traditional Creole dish, borscht from Eastern Europe, bouillabaisse from Marseille, a favorite of mine from Greece, Avgolemono, and of course, in the U.S., New England Clam Chowder.

Whatever soup you enjoy, here are interesting tidbits about one of our favorite dishes: in the U.S., we savor over 10 billion bowls of soup each year; women order a bowl twice as likely as men in a restaurant; soup has been around since 6,000 BC (very surprising ingredient, check it out), and believe it or not (I didn’t believe it at first) bar owners in Nebraska can’t sell beer unless they have a pot of soup on the stove.

Homemade soup is a favorite of mine, especially this time of year. Always looking to add to my repertoire; “101 Greatest Soups on the Planet: Every Savory Soup, Stew, Chili and Chowder You Could Ever Crave” by Erin Renouf Mylroie (2022, Page Street Publishing, $25.99) was added to my collection.

The photography is superb; I could almost smell the aroma of the steaming soup. The creative recipes such as Chicken Parmesan Soup With Mozzarella Croutons; Smoky BLT Tomato Soup With Homemade Croutons; Four Cheese Ravioli Soup; and Pennsylvania Leftover Roast Beef Stew caught my attention.

The author also shares recipes of her twist on more familiar soups: Italian Wedding Soup, French Onion Soup, Minestrone and Chicken Noodle Soup.

It was a delight to chat with the author who grew up in a large Italian family. She remembers as a very young child crawling to the counter to watch mom cook. When she was about 8, mom even let her assist in preparing a few recipes.

When asked what inspired her to write a cookbook (this is her third), she mentioned that she used to write family cookbooks for relatives for the holidays. Mylroie went on to talking about the many recipe contests she entered (National Beef Cook-Off, and the infamous Pillsbury Bake-Off, among many others).

Her appearances on Guy Fieri’s “Ultimate Recipe Showdown” on the Food Network and the “Rachael Ray Show” also inspired her to write cookbooks. The ultimate decision was when during one of Mylroie ‘s monthly cooking segments on Studio 5 Salt Lake, another guest doing a segment asked if she was interested in writing a cookbook. That guest put her in touch with a publisher….the rest is history.

There are many soup cookbooks in the market, so I asked what separates hers from the rest.

“Variety, there’s something for everyone; upscale, ease of prep, budget friendly,” she said.

Mylroie also includes vegetarian and vegan options plus slow cooker and Instant Pot instructions for each recipe. She shares these options only if it works.

Her answer to how she would describe her cooking in three words: “Intuitive, adventurous, celebratory.”

She enjoys engaging with her readers and seeing the photos they send of her recipes that they prepared at home. One even made all 101 recipes from the book. Now that speaks for itself!

Here are a few to get you started. For the recipe for Smoky BLT Tomato Soup With Croutons, go to https://bit.ly/495fLMX.

Bacon Jalapeño Cheeseburger Soup

The headnote says: “Hand this steaming, beefy bowl to anyone who tries to tell you that soup isn’t substantial enough for dinner. With tender potatoes, smoky bacon, juicy ground beef, spicy pickled jalapeños with a drizzle of their puckery juices and melted Cheddar cheese, this soup is filling enough to turn anyone from hungry to happy.”

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef

2 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeño, minced

2 large carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt and pepper, as desired

⅓ cup all-purpose flour

3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or 1 tablespoons dried, plus more for serving

1 tsp dried oregano

5 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed

1 cup half-and-half

½ cup sour cream

2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, plus more for serving

2 tablespoons brine from a jar of pickled jalapeños

Pickled jalapeño rings, for serving

½ pound crumbled cooked bacon, for serving

Directions:

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. When the meat is almost browned, add the butter, onion, garlic, jalapeño and carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the veggies begin to soften. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, or until the flour is no longer white and powdery. Add the potatoes, parsley, oregano and broth. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the half-and-half and sour cream.

Bring the soup back to a low simmer and stir in the cheddar and brine. Remove from the heat when the cheese is just melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and add a little more broth if the soup seems too thick. To serve, ladle the soup into six bowls. Top with cheese, pickled jalapeño rings, bacon and a little parsley.

Slow cooker instructions: Follow the recipe as instructed through adding the broth. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

Instant Pot instructions: Set the Instant Pot to the simmer mode. Follow the recipe as instructed, using the Instant Pot, through adding the broth. Close the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Use the natural release method. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

Four Cheese Ravioli Soup

The headnote says: “You can make your own cheese ravioli for this gentle, comforting soup, or you can do what I most often do — purchase a package of fresh ravioli in the refrigerated section of the supermarket. If you can’t find fresh ravioli, you can use tortellini or even just plain pasta, but add plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan when serving.”

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

3 celery ribs, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

5 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed

1 (10-ounce package of fresh four cheese ravioli or any flavor

2 cups coarsely chopped spinach or escarole

2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, or until it is no longer white and powdery. Stir in the tomato paste, red pepper flakes and broth.

Bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the ravioli and simmer using the cook times on the package directions as your guide. Add more broth if the soup seems too thick. Just before serving, add the spinach and basil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into four bowls and serve.

Vegetarian option: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.

Pennsylvania Leftover Roast Beef Stew

The headnote says: “I don’t know if this soup is really Pennsylvania-esque, per se, but the recipe comes from my best college friend, Kimmarie, who is from Pennsylvania. We’ve been trading recipes ever since we moved out of the dorms, too long ago to even mention how many years. Everyone should have a friend like Kimmarie, the kind who can swap stories and laughs as easily as she swaps the best recipes. If you have any leftover pot roast on hand after a big family dinner, make this soup a few days later. Although not part of the original recipe, I add a little shredded provolone on top, almost like a Philly cheese steak—another way this soup earns its inclusion of Pennsylvania in the recipe title.”

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 green bell peppers, chopped

8 ounces button mushrooms, chopped

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or use equal parts dried basil and oregano)

2 cups leftover beef pot roast

1 (14 ½ -ounce can stewed tomatoes or petite diced tomatoes, undrained

4 cups beef broth, plus more if needed

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella

Basil leaves, for garnish

Directions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers and mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the veggies begin to soften. Add the Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the leftover pot roast, tomatoes and broth. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until everything is tender, adding more broth if the soup seems too thick. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper. To serve, ladle the soup into four bowls, top with the cheese and basil and serve. The recipes is freezer friendly.

Slow cooker instructions: Place the onion, garlic, bell peppers and mushrooms in the bottom of a slow cooker. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning. Add the pot roast, tomatoes and broth. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours. Season with salt and pepper and serve as directed.

Instant Pot instructions: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Follow the recipe as directed, using the Instant Pot, through adding the broth. Close the Instant Pot and pressure cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Use the natural release method. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

Credit: Recipes reprinted with permission from “101 Greatest Soups on the Planet” by Erin Mylroie, Page Street Publishing Co., 2022.

Stephen Fries is professor emeritus and former coordinator of the Hospitality Management Programs at Gateway Community College in New Haven, Conn. He has been a food and culinary travel columnist for the past 16 years and is co-founder of and host of “Worth Tasting,” a culinary walking tour of downtown New Haven. He is a board member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Email him at Stephen@stephenfries.com. For more, go to stephenfries.com.

[couldntbedamned]

Feels So Right, Can’t Be Wrong - Yellow Tulip

Summary:

The setting: Sanctum General Hospital in Sanctum Heights, New Amsterdam

Starring: Sharon Carter - former Central Security Bureau operative, Selecting Spouse in a horrifically failed Bureau of Civic Spousal Selections marriage, patient AND Anthony Edward "Tony" Stark - owner and CEO of Stark Industries, Futurist determined to rebuild a world his father built weapons to destroy, love interest

With Appearances by:  Nurse Wong, Orderly Rintrah, and Billy the Admin

And Featuring Doctor Stephen Strange as "the Surgeon"

Or, "Five Dates Tony and Sharon Had in Her Hospital Room and One They Had After She Was Discharged"

AO3 Tags/Warnings: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - 1950s, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Marriage of Convenience, Past Sharon Carter/Steve Rogers, Getting to Know Each Other, Dating, Past Domestic Violence, 5 Times, Annoyed Stephen Strange, Tony Stark Has A Heart, Sharon Carter Deserves the World

Author’s Note: So this kind of just popped up as I was kicking around thoughts of just how Tony and Sharon met and eventually fell in love as mentioned in my fic Goodbye Grey Sky, Hello Blue, so this takes place well before the events of and can be read independently of that story.

------

Yellow Tulip

------

After confirming that Sharon wasn’t bound to any dietary restrictions, and after being told by a stern Nurse Wong that alcohol was strictly forbidden, Tony had dinner catered.

He’d managed to acquire another three overbed tables, looped them all together, and threw a simple tablecloth over them. He’d set up a little no-flame candle. Then, after he insisted she close her eyes, she heard him fiddling with something and when he said it was all ready, she saw he’d added a small crystal vase with a single yellow tulip.

Tony helped her into one of the chairs in the private room and rather than pushing her chair in, he rolled the table closer to her before taking his own seat opposite her.

“I’m impressed,” she admitted with a smile. She couldn’t remember having a date be so considerate or thorough… certainly not… no, she wouldn’t think about that man.

Tony grinned and in that moment, he looked as giddy as a schoolboy. It was endearing and had her wondering just how much of his brash, quippy nature was actually a public persona he wore.

“It took like, maybe twelve minutes.”

She snorted, uncaring of how unladylike the gesture was.

“Anywho, I figured I’d start with Italian food, in honor of my dearly departed… nanny.”

That startled a laugh out of her. “I’m so sorry,” she said hastily, when he lifted a brow. “I really thought you were going to say mother.”

Tony didn’t look offended, just amused. “No, I get it. You are definitely not the first. Mom was Italian but Martina raised me, along with our butler, Jarvis.”

“Fair enough,” Sharon said. “So, what are we having?”

Tony lifted one of the shiny domed lids.

There was hot, fresh bread already sliced and olive oil with an herb mix for dipping. 

“How’s civilian life, former soldier-spouse aside?” Tony asked.

“That is a bold opening question!” she exclaimed.

“Fortune favors the bold,” Tony said easily.

“Yes, I suppose it does.” She considered her answer. “Civilian life is… definitely taking some getting used to. Six months in and I’m still trying to learn how to sleep past six am.” She shrugged and dipped another piece of bread in the oil. “Mostly though I’m just so bored; I have far more free time than I’ve had in seven years.”

“Just how structured was life as Mata Hari?” He asked.

“It varied. The CSB had us all in what was essentially boot camp for a year, then trainee work for a year before they sent us on assignments.” She ate another piece of the delicious bread. “That’s really all I’m at liberty to disclose.”

“Fair enough,” he said with a smile, echoing her earlier words.

A small Cardini salad followed with seasoned garlicky croutons that nearly melted in her mouth.

“What brought you to New Amsterdam?” Sharon asked.

“Our mutual friend the Surgeon bought the whole Stark Kitchen Living Collection and I’ve been overseeing the installation.”

The doctor had good taste; she’d considered the collection for her house, though the other occupant had scoffed at such luxury. She pushed thoughts of him away. “Hot Rod Red?” She asked playfully.

“Superior Sapphire, actually,” Tony answered. “The Surgeon prefers a cooler color palette.”

“How is the installation going?”

“Good! I got the first half of the wiring finished this morning and we’ll start installing the refrigeration cabinet and ovens Thursday afternoon. It should be finished by Friday.”

“And after it’s finished?”

He smiled, genuine and charming. “I’ll still have two dates, one Friday night and the last on Saturday night,” he said.

“Let’s hope they’ll be good ones,” she said with a little toast of the sparkling Italian grape juice he’d brought.

The main course wasn’t spaghetti or rigatoni as she’d been expecting, but Chicken Scaloppini with a Marsala cream reduction on top of mashed potatoes with a side of roasted broccolini.

Stark, I could kiss you, she thought as she savored her first taste of the potatoes that had been mashed with hefty amounts of garlic and heavy cream.

“It’s delicious, isn’t it?” he asked, sounding perfectly smug.

She nearly moaned upon tasting the Marsala cream sauce. “Yes, dammit.”

He gave a little fake gasp. “Such language from the lady!”

She rolled her eyes and finished chewing the cooked-to-perfection chicken. “I was a spy, Stark. You have no idea what language is.”

“Want to teach me?”

She looked up sharply at him. His eyes were teasing and he had that easy grin on his face, the grin that had charmed millions.

“That’s more of a second date kind of activity,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to it!”

They traded a few stories, nothing heavy or deep-diving into either of their pasts. It wasn’t the time for that, they knew.

Dessert turned out to be small dishes of panna cotta topped with a peach and blueberry rum compote.

She eyed him incredulously. “I would have been happy with a burger, fries, and milkshake but this is incredible!” She gushed.

He smiled and there was a warmth in his eyes that had her feeling tingly and vulnerable all at once. “I told you, I want to do this right.”

She was trained to discern the truth and there was nothing facetious about what he’d said.

“Well then, dessert and a show? It’s Tuesday evening, so Are You Scared of the Dark? will be playing on Station N1K.”

He made a show of consideration. “That’s the spooky story one, right, where they sit around a campfire?” At her nod, he continued. “I may need you to hold my hand if it gets really scary.”

“As long as it doesn't come between me and the panna cotta, I can definitely do that.”

Perfectly happy with the guise of needing support for the spooky stories being, Sharon let Tony hold her hand until the show ended and he quietly cleared the room and set the vase with the yellow tulip on her nightstand. He pressed a kiss to her hand.

“I had a great time,” he said.

She smiled, happy but tired. “Me too. Thank you for the flower.”

“You’re welcome.”

After he left she let her head fall back onto her pillow. She had physical therapy and rehabilitation in the morning, but she was actually looking forward to it. She wanted to be healed and able to go on a proper date.

She looked up at the knock on her door. Nurse Wong.

“He was a gentleman,” she said before the man could ask. “I had a lovely time.”

Wong nodded. “I’m glad.”

He dispensed her medication for the night and she fell asleep dreaming of a night spent around a campfire, holding Tony’s hand.

____

Author’s Notes (again): Yellow Tulip - sunshine in your smile

[magnificentpatrolstudent]

Sunday mornings with y/n 🌥🌸

aot x reader 

Eren

“Honestly y/n, they should’ve hired me,” Eren said as you applied the serum to his face. Eren lived for the feeling of your gentle touch on his skin. “Okay, reenact the end scene but like how you would’ve written it.” The two of you were doing your skincare routine together in the bathroom while talking about how bad the movie you watched last night was and basically rewriting the script. You giggle as Eren impersonates the actor and does different accents. You give his face one final pat “All done!” Next on the agenda was your yoga routine. Ever since forcing Eren to try it out with you, he always joins you. He says it calms him down but he only likes to do it with you. “Look at this new move I learned,” Eren says as he goes into a perfect headstand. “Woahhh! you say in sheer shock, lowkey pissed that he’s getting better than you 🙃.

Armin 

It’s 8 am and you and Armin are on your way to the farmer’s market, excited to buy fresh berries and bright flowers to place all over the house. As you walk to the market hand in hand, you share a pair of Bluetooth earphones, both listening to ELIO’s “When U Saw Love” as the morning breeze tickles your face. “We could visit the Botanic Gardens and go on the cable car!” Armin exclaimed. “Yeah, and we could go to the gallery and museum!” You two chatted about the trip to Singapore you’re planning for next summer and all the other places you want to see together. “We gotta figure out where we wanna go for our honeymoon,” Armin said in complete earnest. “We’re not even engaged,” you said, giggling as a fluttering sensation filled your stomach. “Not for long!” Armin declared. You literally stopped walking; you looked so stunned that Armin began to laugh.

Jean

“Say cheese y/n” Jean took the picture and feigned a heart attack after gushing about how cute the two of you looked. You and Jean woke up at 5 am to go for a hike to catch the sunrise, something you’ve been wanting to do together for a while. You packed the perfect breakfast picnic together which you guys practically inhaled after the tiresome 3-hour trek. At the crest of the small mountain, you two sat there for hours sitting and talking and taking cute pics together. “I’m gonna send this one to my mom,” Jean said with the brightest smile on his face. “No, take a better one 😠.” When you spot a couple in the distance with their 2 small kids, he says that’s gonna be you guys in a few years. He always says stuff like that and every time he does, your heart literally constricts; he’s literally gonna give you a heart attack omg. 

Connie 

“Hmmm…what should we make today?” You asked Connie while looking into the fridge. “I have no idea. How about we make whatever’s on the page I open in this cookbook?” Connie said while holding up the cookbook you were gifted last year and never got around to using. “Good idea!” “Super Creamy mushroom, Brie, and pancetta croissants,” he said, pronouncing pancetta in his best Italian accent. “That sounds amazing except we don’t have mushrooms, brie, pancetta, or croissants,” you laughed. “How about…coffee walnut banana bread?” Connie looked up at you questioningly. “Okay, I think we can actually make that!” you exclaimed.  “Alexa, play  “Carry Me Away” by John Mayer” Connie shouts at your smart speaker and you both get to work on your (hopefully) beautiful banana bread. While measuring out flour and cracking eggs, Connie tells you about how excited his family is to meet you soon, reassuring you that you have nothing to be nervous about. When the chorus comes on, he twirls you around and then you twirl him around and now you’re having an impromptu dance sesh. 

Levi

You wake up to a quick, soft kiss on the check from Levi. “Wash up and come to the living room, I made you coffee.” The living room smells faintly of the lavender candles you love mingled with the heavenly smell of freshly brewed coffee. You see Levi curled up on the couch sipping on the tiniest cup of tea. He pats on the space next to him, indicating for you to join him. You plop down right beside him, reaching for the mug he set down on the coffee table. His hand resting on your leg, the two of you talk about anything and everything--gossiping about coworkers, showing each other recipes you wanna try and make together, the books you’ve been reading, new music you’ve been into, and Levi raves about the new cleaning product he found the other day 💀. With the morning light filtering in from the windows and John Mayer’s “Say” playing softly in the background, you couldn’t think of a better way to spend your Sunday morning.

[bechloeislegit]

Stronger - Epilogue

A/N: This story picks up five years later. As far as I'm concerned, the most important thing the reader needs to know is that Beca and Chloe are still together.

Beca felt something wet running down her side and reached her hand back. There was blood on her hand when she brought it back around. She grimaced when she realized it was her blood. She then looked up to see Daniels standing in the doorway, holding his stomach with one hand and the knife with the other. He glared down at her and shouted, 'She's mine, and you can't have her!'"

"She was never yours and never will be!" Beca shouted back.

"I'm going to kill you and then show Chloe your lifeless body when she gets here," Daniels said, laughing maniacally as he moved toward Beca.

"No! I won't let you touch her!" Beca yelled just as the knife was coming down at her.

Beca gasped as the knife entered her chest. Daniels laughed and pulled the knife out.

"Who's going to stop me now?" he asked. Then, as he turned to walk away, he called back over his shoulder. "I'll be sure to give Chloe your best."

Beca sat straight up in bed, breathing heavily as tears ran down her cheeks. Her body was shaking as she looked around, fully expecting to see Roger Daniels standing over her.

"I can't believe I'm having that nightmare again," Beca mumbled.

"You okay, babe?" Chloe mumbled, reaching out for Beca.

"Just a dream," Beca said. "A bad dream."

"Was it the one about your attack?" Chloe asked, pulling Beca tighter to her.

"Yeah," Beca mumbled into Chloe's chest. "Only this time, he stabbed me and left me for dead. All I could do was watch him walk away to go after you."

"I'm okay," Chloe said, kissing the side of Beca's head. "I'm fine; you're fine; Roger Daniels is dead, and he can't hurt either of us ever again."

"I guess the upcoming anniversary has unleashed my PTSD," Beca said. "I can't believe it's come back or how much it's affecting me five years later."

"Maybe you should call Dr. Sinclair and make an appointment," Chloe said, pulling back to look at Beca.

"That's not a bad idea," Beca said. "She did help a lot when it first happened."

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

A few days later, Chloe walked into the apartment she shared with Beca.

"Beca? Babe, I'm home," Chlo called out. "I've got the champagne, and I'm ready to celebrate!"

"I'm in the kitchen with my mom and Joe!" Beca called back.

"Oh," Chloe muttered, setting the champagne on the counter as she entered the kitchen. "Sarah, Joe, it's good to see you."

"Good to see you, too," Sarah said and waved her hand at the champagne bottle. "What are you celebrating?"

"It's just an anniversary," Chloe said, waving her hand as if it was nothing. "Mmmm, the lasagna smells good, babe. Sarah, are you guys staying for dinner?"

Beca glared at Chloe, whispering, "What are you doing?"

"Being a good hostess," Chloe said, pecking Beca's lips. "I think we should tell her."

"Are you kidding?" Beca practically yelled, causing Sarah to look over with a raised brow. Beca lowered her voice, muttering, "She'll kill me."

"Everything okay?" Sarah asked.

"Everything's fine," Beca said as Chloe said, "We have something to tell you."

"Chloe," Beca hissed.

"I'm telling her, whether you like it or not," Chloe whispered. "I think we've kept it a secret long enough."

Sarah looked at Joe; they both smiled.

"We have something to tell you, too," Sarah said, turning to look at Beca and Chloe.

"Well, dinner's ready," Beca said, sighing in resignation. "So, we can talk while we eat. Chloe, would you put the salad on the table, please?"

"On it," Chloe said, opening the refrigerator. "Is Italian dressing okay with everyone?"

"Sarah and I are good with that," Joe said, smiling at Sarah again.

"It's okay with me, too," Beca said as she began cutting into the lasagna. "Babe, could you get the garlic bread out of the oven?"

"I'll take the salad to the table," Sarah said, reaching for it.

"Oh, my gosh!" Chloe squealed, setting the salad bowl on the counter and grabbing Sarah's hand. "Is that what I think it is?"

Sarah blushed slightly and looked at Joe.

"What?" Beca asked, looking over at Chloe and Sarah.

"They're engaged!" Chloe squealed, holding up Sarah's hand so Beca could see the ring.

"When did that happen?" Beca asked.

"We'll tell you over dinner," Sarah said, smiling from ear to ear.

"Oh, the bread!" Chloe said, running to the oven.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

"So, Joe asked me to meet him at the station to go to lunch," Sarah said. "When I get there, he comes out of his office and walks over to me. He kissed me and then dropped down to one knee."

"Oh, my god," Chloe said.

"I didn't know what he was up to at first," Sarah said, taking Joe's hand. "Then I saw him holding up this rock, and I started saying yes before he even asked."

Joe laughed. "That's when I said, let me ask first, okay? Then she nodded, and I asked."

"Of course, I said yes," Sarah added. "Everyone started clapping and congratulating us."

"I'm happy for you, mom," Beca said, raising her glass. "A toast."

The others lifted their glasses and held them up.

"To my mom and Joe," Beca said, smirking. "May you be as happy in your marriage as Chloe and I are in ours."

Chloe smiled as Sarah gasped. "Wha-? How? When?"

"I think what your mother is trying to say is congratulations, you two," Joe said, tapping his glass against the others.

"Um, yeah," Sarah said, clearing her throat. "Congratulations."

Sarah took a big gulp of her wine and then looked at Beca.

"When did you get married?"

"Um, a year ago today, actually," Beca mumbled.

"A year ago?!" Sarah squealed. "And you're just now telling me?"

"I'm sorry, okay?" Beca stuttered. "It just kind of happened."

"How, pray tell, does getting married just kind of happen?"

"Well, um, it, uh," Beca stammered, fidgeting in her seat.

"We were in Las Vegas for Ashley and Jessica's bachelorette parties," Chloe explained. "We were back in our room for the night when Beca asked me if eloping to Vegas was something I'd want to do. I thought she was joking and said I didn't care where we got married, and we could discuss it after we were engaged. She then got down on one knee and asked me to marry her, ending her proposal with now, what do you think about getting married in Vegas?"

"I had been planning to ask her for a while," Beca added, shrugging. "I was waiting for the right moment. And that felt like the right moment."

"We started talking about the wedding, and both wanted to have a simple ceremony," Chloe said. "Beca said, let's get married now while we're here. I couldn't think of any reason not to so, the next morning, we went to one of the wedding chapels on the Vegas Strip and got married."

"We didn't want to take attention away from Jessica and Ashley, so we kept the wedding to ourselves," Beca said, her voice trailing off at the end.

"And you couldn't tell me when you got home?" Sarah asked, her arms crossed over her chest.

"I, I mean, we, um," Beca said, looking at Chloe. "I could use a little help here, wifey?"

"Sarah, we honestly didn't tell anyone," Chloe said. "My folks don't know. Not even Aubrey or the Bellas know yet."

"Mom," Beca said, looking at her. "Nothing changed in how we acted around each other, so it was easy to forget that we were married and no longer just girlfriends."

"What do you think about all this, Joe?" Sarah asked, turning her gaze to the man.

Joe momentarily froze. "Honestly, I'm just glad we got that news before you told Beca our other news."

"Other news?" Beca asked, perking up and looking at her mother. "What other news? What are you keeping from me, mom?"

Sarah glared at Joe before swallowing and looking at Beca.

"Don't worry; it's not like we got married without telling you," Sarah said.

Beca had the decency to look guilty.

"And?" Beca prodded.

"And we, um," Sarah said and cleared her throat. "Joe and I are moving."

Beca's mouth opened and closed without her making a sound. Chloe took Beca's hand and gently squeezed it.

"Where are you moving to?" Chloe asked.

Sarah didn't say anything; she just stared down at the table as Beca sat staring at her.

"Tampa," Joe said. "I've accepted the Chief's position with the Tampa Police Department. We'll be moving after we're married."

"Congratulations, Joe," Chloe said. "That's amazing news."

"Thank you," Joe said.

"Sarah, I'm sure my mom will love having you close by again."

"Yeah," Sarah said, finally looking up. "It will be nice to know someone already there."

"Tell Beca the best part," Joe said, elbowing Sarah's arm.

"There's a best part about my mother abandoning me?" Beca asked.

"Beca," Chloe admonished, frowning at Beca.

"Sorry," Beca mumbled, pasting a fake smile before turning to her mother. "What's the best part, mom?"

"Joe's house sold faster than we thought," Sarah said. "And we close on our new place in Tampa next week. So, we decided to go to the Court House in Atlanta and get married before we left for Tampa. I, we'd love it if you two could be there."

"What day?" Chloe asked. "I'll ask my Principal for the day off."

"We have an appointment to get married at the Court House on Wednesday morning at ten," Sarah said. "Then we'll fly to Tampa that afternoon. And be back here on Friday to start packing up Joe's house."

"I wouldn't miss it," Beca said, smiling as she finally looked at her mom. "I am happy for you, mom. Joe's a great guy."

"He really is, sweetie," Sarah said, teary-eyed. "And he makes me very happy. It's just. I'm going to miss you when we move."

"I'm going to miss you, too," Beca said. "Will you need some help packing up your house?"

"That won't be necessary," Sarah said. "That's the second part of the news. The house is yours."

"What?"

"I'm signing the house over to you," Sarah said. "Well, to you and Chloe since you're married. It's all paid for so you won't have to worry about a mortgage or anything like that. I've already packed up the personal stuff I'm taking. You can do whatever you want with the rest of it."

"What about dad?" Beca asked. "Doesn't he have a say in what happens to the house?"

"No, he doesn't," Sarah said. "The house is in my name and my name only; always has been. So, consider the house and everything in it a wedding gift from me."

"I don't know what to say," Beca said, teary-eyed.

"Just say thank you and give your old mom a hug," Sarah said, standing and holding out her arms.

"Thank you, mom," Bec said, moving around the table to hug the woman. "I can't tell you how much this means to me. To us."

"You're very welcome, my sweet girl," Sarah said, hugging Beca tighter.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

The next day, Chloe called her parents to break the news about her and Beca's marriage.

"That went better than I expected," Beca said once the call had ended.

"Of course, it did," Chloe said. "My parents love you. Who should we call next? Stacie, Cynthia Rose, Fat Amy? Or maybe Jessica and Ashley since they're the reason we got married when we did."

"I think you should call Aubrey," Beca said. "She's your best friend and would be hurt if you told the other girls before you told her."

"Why don't we just send a group text?" Chloe countered. "And see who calls us first."

"You're going to have to deal with her sooner or later," Beca said.

"I was hoping it would be later," Chloe said. "She's going to be disappointed that I got married without her there."

"You know she loves you," Beca said, smiling at Chloe. "And she'll be happy for us. Besides, we've been together for five years; I'm pretty sure no one, especially Aubrey, will be surprised that we got married."

"You're right," Chloe said, pulling out her phone. "Let's call Aubrey."

After pressing the call button next to Aubrey's name, Chloe took Beca's hand and intertwined their fingers.

"Moral support," Chloe muttered when Beca looked down at their hands. "Oh, hey, Brey."

"Chloe!" Aubrey said. "I was just thinking about calling you."

"Oh, um, great minds and all that," Chloe said. "So, um, I have you on speaker, and Beca is here with me. We have something to tell you."

"O-M-Aca-Gee," Aubrey squealed into the phone. "Are you guys engaged? Who asked who?"

"Brey."

"When did it happen?"

"Brey."

"I'm so excited for you guys," Aubrey gushed. "And, I'd better be-"

"Brey!" Chloe interrupted. "May I talk, please?"

"Sorry," Aubrey muttered. "I'm just excited." She takes a deep breath and lets it out. "Okay, go ahead; I'm listening."

"Thank you," Chloe said. "We're not engaged."

"What?!" Aubrey screeched. "It's been five years, Mitchell. So what the hell are you waiting for?"

"I, um," Beca stammered; Chloe looked at her and nodded. "We're not engaged, Aubrey; we're married."

The statement was met with silence. Chloe looked at Beca, and Beca stared back at her.

"When did you get married?" Aubrey's voice was quiet as she asked.

"Um, we just celebrated our first anniversary yesterday," Chloe said.

"One year?" Aubrey asked. "Oh, my god, you guys got married when we were in Vegas?"

"Yes," Chloe said. "Beca asked; I said yes, and we didn't want to wait to be married. So, we went to one of the wedding chapels on the Strip. Are you mad we didn't tell you before now?"

"Do any of the other Bellas know?"

"No," Chloe responded quickly. "Our folks know, but you're the first Bella we called."

"Are you happy?" Aubrey asked.

"Extremely," Chloe said, smiling at Beca. "Beca was a great girlfriend, but she's an even better wife."

Beca's phone pinged with a text notification. She pulled out her phone and looked at the message; it was from her mom.

"How can I be mad if she makes you happy?" Aubrey said. "I'm happy for you; for both of you. Now, tell me what's been going on with you. Are you staying in Barden?"

"You don't need me for this, do you?" Beca asked. "My mom texted and asked me to come over."

"No, we're good," Chloe said, pecking Beca's lips. "You can go."

"Bye, Aubrey," Beca said. "You and Chloe will have to catch up without me."

"I heard," Aubrey said. "Tell your mom I said hello."

"Will do," Beca said.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

"Mom?" Beca called out as she entered her mother's house.

"In here!" Sarah called back from the kitchen.

Beca looked toward the kitchen, taking a moment to prepare herself before going in.

"So, what's up?" Beca asked as she entered the kitchen and stopped when she saw a third person sitting at the counter with her mother and Joe. "Dad, when did you get out?"

"A month ago," Ben said. "I've been staying with your Uncle Paul in New Orleans while I looked for a place here. I searched for and found an apartment in downtown Atlanta. It's amazing the things you can do over the internet. I came to see the place and signed the lease. I did that this morning and I will be moving in two weeks. I hope it's okay that I'm here now. Since I was so close, I wanted to see you."

"You're rambling, dad," Beca said with a smile. "Now, I know where I get it from. It's good to see you. You look good."

"Thanks," Ben said. "I hear congratulations are in order for you and Chloe."

"Yeah," Beca said. "She's amazing, and I don't know what I'd do without her."

"I'm glad you're happy," Ben said. "You two really are good together."

"Yes, we are," Beca said. She looked from her dad to her mom when a thought came to her. "Hey, dad, I'll have to make sure Chloe's okay with it, but would you like to come to our place for dinner one night?"

"I'd like that," Ben said, smiling. "Maybe we can plan something after I move if Chloe's comfortable with me coming to your place. Or, maybe we can meet somewhere in Atlanta instead if she's not."

"Okay," Beca said.

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Two hours later, Beca was laughing at something Ben had told her. Sarah was all smiles as her ex-husband and daughter reconnected on an adult level. Sarah leaned over and kissed Joe's cheek.

"Thank you," Sarah whispered.

"For what?" Joe asked.

"For talking me into letting Ben come here," Sarah said, looking at Beca and Ben. "It's going to be good for her to have him around after we leave."

"I agree," Joe said, smiling.

"I hate to break this up," Ben said, standing. "But I really have to go. I've got plans back in Atlanta. Thanks for the tea, Sarah. Take care of yourself. And congratulations again on your engagement."

"Thank you, and you're welcome," Sarah said, hugging her ex-husband. "It was good seeing you."

Just as Sarah and Ben pulled apart, Beca stepped in front of Ben and wrapped her arms around him. Ben was surprised but put his arms around Beca and returned the hug.

"I'm glad you're out," Beca mumbled against Ben's chest. "And I hope I get to see you again."

"If I have anything to say about it, you will," Ben said, kissing the top of Beca's head.

"Come on, Ben," Sarah said. "I'll walk you out."

Beca wiped a tear from her cheek as she watched her mother and father leave. Joe walked over and pulled Beca into a hug.

"You okay?" Joe asked.

Beca nodded and smiled. "Yeah, I'm good."

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Later that night, Beca and Chloe were cuddling on the couch. Beca was telling Chloe about her visit with her dad.

"So, he's moving to Atlanta," Chloe said. "Are you planning to see him?"

"I hope so," Beca said. "I mean, he apologized again, and seemed sincere about having a relationship with me; with us. I think he's changed for the better. I know it's weird to say, but I think prison was good for him."

"If you want him in your life," Chloe said, shifting her position so she lay between Beca's legs. "I'm more than okay with that."

"Good," Beca said. "Because I kind of invited him over for dinner once he moves. He did say if you weren't comfortable with having him here, he'd meet us somewhere in Atlanta."

Chloe hugged Beca to her and kissed her. "I don't see a problem with him coming to our place."

Beca lifted her torso to pull Chloe into a heated kiss. Then, she slowly lowered her body, bringing Chloe back down with her.

"God, I love you," Beca mumbled against Chloe's lips.

"Good thing," Chloe said, pulling back to look Beca in the eye. "Because you're stuck with me for life."

"That's one prison sentence I don't mind serving," Beca said, smirking. "As long as I have you as my cellmate!"

"You're such a weirdo," Chloe said, smashing their lips together.

Beca and Chloe's make-out session was getting heated when Beca's phone started ringing; Beca let out a small groan.

"Why is someone calling now?"

"Stop it," Chloe said, chuckling as she picked up Beca's phone and held it out to her. "It's Stacie."

"Hey, Stace," Beca said, answering the call. "What's up?"

"Can't a girl call her friends just to catch up?" Stacie responded. "Do you have anything you want to tell me?"

"You talked to Aubrey, didn't you?" Beca asked.

"I did," Stacie said. "And you're not the only ones with big news to share. Although getting married and not telling anyone is really fucked up."

Chloe moved off Beca, and they both sat up.

"So, what's your news?" Beca asked. "Did you get married, too?"

"God, no," Stacie said. "The Hunter is not the marrying kind. I called to tell you I'm pregnant."

Beca pulled the phone away from her mouth. "Stacie's pregnant."

"What?" Chloe asked. "I didn't know she was even seeing anyone."

"I'm not," Stacie said, having heard Chloe.

"Wait, Stacie," Beca said. "I'm putting you on speaker so Chloe can be involved in the conversation; she has questions."

Beca switched the phone to speaker.

"Okay, Stacie, you're on speaker," Beca said.

"Who's the father?" Chloe asked. "We didn't know you were dating anyone."

"I'm not," Stacie said. "It was a one-time thing. He was hot, and I was horny. You know how it is."

"What are you going to do?" Beca asked. "Are you keeping it?"

"Yeah," Stacie said. "I've always wanted to be a mom."

"In that case," Chloe said. "We're happy for you. And, you know we are here if you need anything."

"Does the father know?" Beca asked. "What about the rest of the Bellas?"

"The father knows and doesn't want anything to do with the baby," Stacie said. "It's like I said, it was a one-time thing. The Bellas are all excited and said the same thing about being there for me."

"We're a family," Chloe said. "Of course, we'll be there for you and your baby."

They chatted with Stacie for a few more minutes before ending the call.

"Wow," Beca said. "With that news, all the Bellas are now real adults. I mean, Aubrey's a lawyer. Jessica and Ashley are married. We're married. And Cynthia Rose is in the Air Force."

"Don't forget Fat Amy," Chloe added. "She's the biggest surprise us all, showing up with a girlfriend at Jessica and Ashley's wedding."

"I did not see that one coming," Beca said.

"Nobody saw that coming," Chloe chuckled.

"That just leaves Denise," Beca said. "Whatever happened to her?"

"I don't know," Chloe said. "She was there one minute and gone the next with no explanation."

~Stronger~ ~Stronger~ ~Stronger~

Three months later, Beca and Chloe were fully moved into Sarah's house. Sarah had moved in with Joe after they were married.

For their last night in Barden, Beca and Chloe had a farewell dinner for Joe and Sarah. Beca's dad and new girlfriend, Sheila, were there for a Mexican feast Sarah asked Beca to make.

Dinner was done, and the group sat around the living room, having drinks and chatting.

"Dinner was amazing, Beca," Sheila said. "Thank you for having me."

"Thank you," Beca said. "We're glad you could be here."

"I'm going to miss this place," Sarah said wistfully as she looked around. "We made a lot of memories here." She shivered when her eyes landed on the kitchen door. "A few not-so-good ones, but overall there are more good ones than bad."

"I'm lucky to have Chloe and Dr. Sinclair to help me through some of my anxiety about being here," Beca said. "I still have some residual PTSD over what happened."

"Your father told me about your attack," Sheila said. "I'm glad you're doing well."

"Thank you," Beca said and chuckled. "I have to admit, it took me a while to get over it, but at least I can go into the kitchen without having a full-blown panic attack."

"You had to get over that," Chloe said, kissing Beca's cheek. "If not, you'd have to deal with me cooking everything, and neither one of us wants that."

The group chuckled. Ben raised his glass and said, "I'd like to propose a toast."

The others raised their glasses.

"To moving on," Ben said.

"To moving on," the others repeated, clinking their glasses.

They all took a sip of their drinks. Ben whispered something to Sheila. Then, they set their glasses on the coffee table and stood.

"It's getting late, and we should probably get going."

Everyone else stood. Joe reached out to shake Ben's hand.

"Thanks for coming, Ben," Joe said. "Sarah and I appreciate it."

"Take good care of her," Ben said. "She's a special woman."

"I know," Joe said, smiling as he put his arm around Sarah.

"Yeah, dad," Beca said, joining them. "Thanks for coming."

Beca hugged her father and then moved to Sheila.

"It was nice meeting you, Sheila," Beca said. "I hope we'll see you again."

Sheila looked at Ben and smiled, saying, "I have a strong feeling that we'll be seeing a lot of each other."

After all the good lucks and goodbyes, Ben and Sheila left. Beca closed the door behind them and turned to Sarah and Joe.

"Mom, you guys have a long drive ahead of you tomorrow," Beca said. "Why don't you go on up to bed?"

"I am tired," Sarah said, taking Joe's hand and leading him toward the stairs.

"You should go up, too," Beca said as she pulled Chloe into a kiss. "I'll be up after I clean up the kitchen.

"I'll help," Chloe said and started collecting the dirty glasses.

Beca grabbed the last two and followed Chloe into the kitchen. They worked side-by-side and had the dishwasher loaded, and the counters wiped down in no time.

"It's so quiet," Beca said. "Is this what it's going to be like once my mom and Joe leave?"

"Pretty much," Chloe said, pulling Beca to her in a kiss.

"I don't like the house being this quiet," Beca said. "Maybe we should get a dog."

"Or maybe we can have a couple of kids," Chloe countered. "That would solve the problem of it being too quiet."

"Hmmm, having kids?" Beca said, waggling her eyebrows. "That's not a bad idea. Want to go upstairs and get started?"

"You do know that's not how it works, right?" Chloe asked, giggling.

"Yes, I do know that, you weirdo," Beca said, rolling her eyes and taking Chloe's hand. "Let's go to bed."

A note to readers: I hope you enjoyed this final chapter. Thanks for sticking with me. And a big thanks to @anotherbechloeshipper for being my Beta. She's awesome!

[babymetaldoll]

The "Rumple Buttercup" situation (Matthew Gray Gubler/ Reader)

Requested?: Yes!

Hi, I don't know if this is where you take request but I was thinking about a 2nd part to "The devils food cake" chapter about when they think of names they argue about the middle name being rumple (Matthew wants rumple to be the middle name (y/n) doesn't)

Category: Flufflies fluff. Hardcore fluff.  

Summary: Matthew tries to convince his wife to name their first newborn "Rumple Buttercup."

Warnings: Zero. I don't think I even cursed on this one. But you have to know how to handle your fluff.

Word count: 2K

Masterlist

You can read the original one shot here 

A/N: Hello! How is everybody doing this week? Sending love to all my pretty people 💜 I got so excited with this request I made this gif for it ✨

                                         ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

The house was oddly silent when (Y/N) walked in. She smelled the fresh baked cookies and... lavender? That was new. The place wasn't a mess when she left the house that morning, but it didn't look like that at all. Someone had been taking care of everything in her absence.

- "Matthew?"- (Y/N) walked in and took a look around. Everything was clean and in perfect order. It didn't loot at all like the house she had left that very same morning.

- "In the kitchen, Bunny!"- he announced with a cheerful voice and (Y/N) followed the delicious smell and the sweet voice of her husband.

- "Welcome back! How was your day with your mom?"

- "Hey! It was good. I had fun"- Matthew smiled at his wife as soon as he watched her walk into the kitchen and opened his arms to greet her with a warm hug.

- "I missed you, Bunny"- he whispered and kissed her lips sweetly, cupping her face with both hands, holding her cheeks, and caressing them with his lips.

- "I missed you too, honey."- (Y/N) murmured and sighed, enjoying the sensation of Matthew's hands on her.

- "And how's my little baby bean?"- he whispered, and his hands traveled from her face to her belly.

- "Baby Gub is kicking a lot today. I think he is having a rave in there."

The way Matthew's heart skipped a beat each time he heard the words "Baby Gub" killed him. He couldn't get over the fact he was going to be a father in four months. He couldn't believe it yet. It was his dream come true.

So, Matthew hummed in response and kissed his wife one more time before looking at her with a big adorable, and goofy smile.

- "I've got you a little surprise,"- he announced and held her hand

- "Really? I noticed you did some cleaning. Is that the surprise?"- (Y/N) asked as Gubler insisted she sat on a couch and helped her taking out her purple Converse.

- "That's part of the surprise,"- Matthew answered with a mysterious smile- "Now stay here and relax for a minute."

- "But no. Wait, stay here too, I missed you," (Y/N) argued, but Gubler just pecked her lips and walked back to the kitchen.

- "It will only be a second, Bunny! Meanwhile, tell me, what did you do with your mom today."

- "She took our baby bean shopping. Can you help me get a million bags from the car later?"

- "Sure!!"- Gubler yelled from the kitchen- "What did you get?"

- "Mom went nuts and got us so many baby clothes. I don't think our baby will have time to wear it all before it's too small for him."- Matthew chuckled at the idea of their baby wearing tiny socks that didn't fit on his little feet.

- "Then, she invited me for lunch and overfed me, but I can't complain, 'cos I was starving, and she took me to that little Italian place near to their house, and it's just so good! I think I ate my weight on garlic bread."

Matthew frowned and looked at the tray he was preparing. It had homemade cookies, a chocolate milkshake, one cupcake, and a heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

- "So... you are not hungry?"- he asked, hesitant to bring his wife the snack he had prepared for her.

- "Starving, actually. Your son is gonna make me gain a million pounds."- Matthew smiled and grabbed the tray, walking with confidence back to the family room.

- "That's what I wanted to hear, 'cos I made this for you."

(Y/N) widened her eyes in awed, smiled at her husband when he stood by her side and placed the tray on her legs.

- "I cooked all your favorites while you were gone"

- "Matthew Gray, you are the sweetest husband on Earth"- (Y/N) raised her hands and reached his face, forcing him to lean over and kiss her.

- "What do you want?"- she whispered and smiled

- "What do you mean?"

- "I'm your wife. I've known you for the last... nine years. I know you are going to ask me for something"- Gubler gasped, pretending to be shocked and insulted, but (Y/N) shook her head and took a large sip of her milkshake.

- "Really, (Y/N). I can't believe you think I'm nice to you only because I wanna ask you for something."

- "So you won't?"- (Y/N) raised an eyebrow and chewed a cookie- "These are delicious, honey. Thank you so much."

- "no, you already broke my heart"- Matthew sighed and sat at the other side of the couch.

- "Oh, come on!"

- "I was just trying to be nice with my wife."

- "You are adorable. If I weren't pregnant already, I would actually ask you to knock me up"- Gubler tried not to chuckle but failed.

- "Come on, Gub, give me a smile"- (Y/N) giggled and looked at Matthew- "You know you want to smile."

- "Stop it."

- "Come on, honey"- (Y/N) reached out for his hand and held it- "Just tell me what it was that you wanted to ask me"- Gubler bit his inner cheek and sighed.

- "I hate that you know me so well."

- "It's part of the job of being your wife"- (Y/N) smiled pleased and grabbed another cookie- "So?"- she chewed the cookie and gave one to Matthew.

- "Ok... here's the deal"- Matthew ran his hands through his hair and made a pause, trying to rearrange his thoughts. (Y/N) looked at him, waiting and eating all the cookies on the dish.

- "I'm waiting."

- "Ok, so... we are going to have a kid"- Matthew stated- "And that kid has to have a name"- suddenly (Y/N) knew exactly where that conversation was going.

- "Yes, he has."

- "And we haven't talked about the baby's name"

- "No"- (Y/N) shook her head and crossed her arms on her chest immediately.

- "But I haven't even told you what I wanted to ask."

- "The baby's name won't be Rumble Buttercup."

Matthew opened his mouth to argue, and (Y/N) looked right into his eyes with a deadpan stare.

- "But why not?"

- "Are you serious, Matthew? You already have a "kid" named Rumple."

- "Yes, but it's different, 'cos he is my "first child book," and our baby is our firstborn child."

- "No"- (Y/N) shook her head again and grabbed the sandwich. Yes, she had eaten most of the day, but she really felt hungry. Maybe it was anxiety or cravings, but whatever it was, she just felt hungry the whole time.

- "Come on (Y/N), be fair here."

- "Ok, I'll be fair. Explain your case."

Matthew stood up and cleared his throat, ready to convince his wife. He fixed his hair, though it was a useless attempt to look a little more serious. If anything, he just made her want to laugh more, 'cos he was being adorable.

- "Ever since I was a little kid, I always dreamed about the day I could call my first son "Rumple Buttercup." Rumple is an old family name in the Gubler family, and I am sure naming our baby as his ancestors will assure him a life of happiness and love."

Gubler smiled at his wife, and (Y/N) nodded, chewing the last bite of the sandwich.

- "Who was called Rumple in the Gubler's family?"- she asked, and Matthew almost jumped, looking at her excitedly.

- "Excellent question, Bunny. You'll see, my great-great-grandfather, Rumple Buttercup Gubler, first arrived in America in early 1800, all alone with no family. And he built the first casino of Las Vegas."

- "In the early 1800"- (Y/N) raised an eyebrow and tried not to laugh.

- "He was a visionary. Don't you want our baby to be a visionary too?"

- "I do, I definitely do. But... can we talk about my great-great-grandfather? His name was Yertle, and he also had a vision. And a mustache!"- (Y/N) said and made her best not to laugh, as Matthew raised an eyebrow and bit his lips, trying not to laugh as well.

- "Yertle?"- he asked, crossing his arms on his chest- "Your great-great grandfather's name was Yertle?

- "Yes"- she nodded and smiled- "Yertle the Turtle. It's also an old family name, and most of the man in my family had carried that name after him".

- "I've never heard of one an "uncle Yertle" when we hang out with your family."

- "I've never heard of an "uncle Rumple Buttercup" when we hang out with yours."

- "He has been mentioned many times. All the Rumples of my family has been amazing men."

- "Just like our good old Yertle."

- "But I called dibs on the baby's name!"- Matthew failed and laughed at his own words and sat by his wife, huffing. (Y/N) giggled and rested her head on his shoulder.

- "What if we find a great name together?"- she whispered. Matthew held her hand and played with her fingers between his for a second.

- "Or we can call him Rumple."

- "Rumple Yertle Gubler"- she whispered and shook her head- "I'm not sure."

- "Rumple Buttercup Yertle Gray Gubler"- he corrected and chuckled- "Fine, let's find another name."

- "Thank you, honey"- (Y/N) smiled and sighed- "Wanna split the cupcake?"

- "Yes, please."

Matthew looked at his wife, carefully splitting the cupcake he had made for her, and took half. He could have had a whole tray of cupcakes, but that was the only one that didn't burn. Matthew wasn't really the best baker in the world, but he had tried his best. He wanted to do something nice for his wife. She hadn't been feeling good in the last few weeks. The baby kept her up most of the nights, moving and kicking. She couldn't really rest, and everybody kept telling her it wasn't going to be any better once the baby was born.

- "So... wanna think of names now?"- (Y/N) asked him with a smile- "Wanna think of another man with an amazing vision and incredible mustache to name our baby?"

- "Actually"- Matthew whispered and smiled- "I had a plan B in case you weren't on board with Rumple."

- "Really?"- (Y/N) frowned, wondering what was Matthew going to come up with now- "Suprise me."

- "Vincent"- there was a long silence after Gubler said that name. (Y/N) gave it a little thinking, running all the nickname options in her head.

- "Vincent Gray Gubler"- Matthew added the rest of the name- "What do you think?"

- "LIttle Vincent Gray Gubler... Vince, Vinnie..."

- "Like Vincent Price. He is an amazing man with a vision and an incredible mustache."

(Y/N) kept nodding as she finished eating her cupcake. Her husband turned to her and waited for an answer.

- "I love the name"- she whispered and grinned at Matthew- "What do you think, Vincent Gray?"- she asked, looking at her tummy.

- "Knock once for yes and twice for no"- Matthew giggled and caressed (Y/N) belly. And as if he could hear them, the little baby kicked her once. The Gublers looked at each other with wide-opened eyes, surprised and shocked by the quick answer of their unborn son.

- "It's settled then, Vincent!"- Matthew replied to the belly and kissed it- "You just picked your name!"

(Y/N) looked at her husband and moved closer, holding his face with both hands, and pulling him closer to her.

- "I love you, Gub"- she whispered and kissed him

- "I love you too, Mrs. Gub."

- "Thank you for putting a baby on my belly,"- she murmured, and he chuckled, caressing her hair and looking into her eyes, which were getting a little tearful at the moment.

- "Sorry, hormones"- she excused herself and chuckled- "I'm just so excited we picked his name."

- "I'm excited too, Bunny,"- Matthew whispered and kissed her one more time- "Now, what do you say I get you some herbal tea?"

- "I'd ask you to marry me, but you already did,"- she answered with a huge smile. Matthew kissed her one more time and stood up. Vincent Gray Gubler. Sounded like a dream.  

--------

Taglist: 

@all-tings-diego​

[overkill-max]

Wedding mini-fic

A mini-fic of what happens during and after the wedding. From the perspective of Maya’s mom. 

---

Looking back at the wedding pictures, she thinks she looks out of place. She sees herself without makeup, in a plaid shirt. Having left her husband that same day. He was on a rant about Maya and her “lifestyle choices.” Katherine was cowering, just as her daughter described her. Feeling suffocated. She looked at Lane, all the anger directed towards her daughter, that would soon turn to her, and she felt herself turn into the husk she was before she left.

For an instant, she thought about Maya.

“I have to go pick up ice.” Katherine whispered. Lane did not hear her. He never heard her. Or Maya. Or Mason. Or anyone else.

She grabbed her purse and her mask and left.

 //

She did not pick up ice.

Maya’s house was empty.

Katherine didn’t know where to go. The only other place familiar to her was the fire station.

 //

She walked in not knowing her daughter would be admitting she forgot to write her vows. Carina mentioned that it did not matter, that it was sweet and perfect that Maya, someone who was overprepared and had lists and clipboards, had forgotten to write down a list. She was too excited to start their lives together.

“I love you, and I choose you. Forever.” Hearing her daughter say that with such joy, made her cry. Interrupting their vows. She apologized but the way that her daughter and her soon to be bride looked at her, both lighting up, let her know she made the right choice.

//

Maya and Carina were happy for most of their wedding.

Then they realized that another firefighter had taken her job. Or cost her the job. Katherine was still confused about how a person can get fired so casually.

She thought she would need to hold her breath. Whenever Lane was upset, she would walk on eggshells to avoid setting him off.

Maya looked betrayed and sad. But not devastated. She was not angry. Her wife excused them with a polite smile, then took her outside.

Katherine did not know if she was allowed to follow or not. She wanted to comfort her daughter. Yet it had always been hard. Maya was so much like Lane. Hiding everything away until it exploded in unhealthy ways. Lashing out. Wanting to keep everyone from seeing her in pain.

She worried about Carina.

It was a lovely wedding.

She should not have followed them, but she did.

//

“Maya, it’s okay.” It was soft. “Bambina, you are a fighter and so smart and strong. If this captain job is what you want, you can get it back or get another captain.”

Maya said something too soft for her to hear through the door.

“No, you are an amazing good captain. This is just them punishing you for supporting your fire fighters and not the administration… remember what you told me? Why they were afraid to do what you did?”

//

Katherine went back to the party.

//

She does not remember the rest of the party. Only what the pictures tell her.

//

The thing she does remember is how her daughter interrupted her own wedding to ask her friends to help her move in with them.

Even fire fighters from the other shifts helped. Five men stayed outside with Lane. The rest carried things she pointed to from inside the home she used to call hers. Packed her bags. “Mama B, you need your passport.” Carina… her new daughter in-law said.

It made the room feel smaller. Lane controlled that. He had all of that in his gun safe. In the office he kept locked up.

“Maya.” Her daughter nodded.

They were alone in the room where before she had always been too scared to move. Constantly drowning. No wonder her daughter chose to be a fire fighter. She was used to the feeling of having to work hard to breathe.  

Carina talked at her. Katherine did not have the mental capacity to forms sentences or words. Still feeling on edge. Never safe. Never safe in this house.

She appreciated how at ease the other woman was. How kindly she smiled. Not in that ugly way others did. Where they pitied her. Seeing her as both a victim but also deserving of Lane’s anger for not standing up for herself. For going back.

Carina was just as she remembered her at the spaghetti dinner. Genuinely excited to spend time with her.

It made her feel uncomfortable and happy at the same time.

Even Maya’s patience with her ran thin. Often lashing out in anger. Raising her voice. Narrowing her eyes the way her father did. She was so much like him. It broke her heart to see it.

Yet, Katherine understood that. She was comfortable in that. Had lived with that.

Carina was unexpected.

//

Maya returned with a stack of folders and a gun.

Katherine flinched.

“Maya, no.” Her daughter-in-law commanded.

“But…” Maya tried to argue. “No. Bambina, look at your mother… look at this country… Look at what happens when you have so many guns in the house and so many fears… I don’t want that in my house.”

Maya mentioned her father. It struck a new type of fear in Katherine.

“What makes you think he cannot buy another gun if you take this one? How much angrier is he going to be if that happens?”

Katherine swallows. She hated that Lane had a gun. Feared that he would use it against her. Or worse, the kids. Maya knew that. If he was angry, he might.

Carina understood anger. Escalation. Violence. She saw blood and death. The result of things like this.

“You take your papa’s gun and you have to be ready to shoot him with it. This thing, it will not end well. Leave the gun… this is only about your mama… you take that thing into our lives and you make it about something he thinks is his. You make it into a fight.”

Maya leaves in a huff.

“You are not his. You are yours.” Carina tells her. Firm voice. Needing to be heard. Soft hands. Wanting to comfort.

She nods.

They leave.

//

Everyone that helps set up her room stays at their house.

“It’s the after party.” Carina shouts happily. She puts on music and begins making pasta in her wedding dress.

Warren and Bailey come from the fire station with the men and women that stayed behind to clean up.

Cases of alcohol get brought into the house and people keep drinking and dancing. Victoria sings. Maya comes out in a sleeveless shirt and sweatpants. She kisses Carina and takes the knife from her. Telling her to get comfortable.

“Please don’t angry chop my pasta.” Her daughter-in-law begs. Maya shrugs. Pretending she’s not listening. Mimicking angry chopping.

“Mama B, make sure she separates the pasta and hang it to dry.” Carina shouts, laughing as she leaves the kitchen and bumps into Andy.

 //

The whole night was chaotic and filled with laughter and love.

//

Katherine wakes up early the next day. Not knowing what to do without Lane dictating every minute of her life, she lays there. Unsure of what she is allowed here. This place has her things, but it doesn’t feel like hers. It feels borrowed. Like last time.

She gets up and heads for the kitchen. Tip toeing around the place. Unsure of how quiet Maya and Carina need her to be. She is a guest.

“Suocera!” Carina enthusiastically greets her from the stove. Katherine nods. Confused. “Buongiorno.” She tries. It’s the only word she knows in Italian.

Carina laughs as she shakes her head. “Right... It… it is… you are the mother of the wife?” She asks. Not knowing the word.

“Oh. Mother-in-law” Katherine quickly fills in.

“Yes, suocera.” Carina repeats and smiles. Flipping over the French toast in the pan. Katherine stands there and Carina waves the spatula around. “I made espresso, but if it’s not your thing, you can add the water. Cups are there. Explore.”

“Can you grab me the thing?” Carina asks. Pointing vaguely behind her.

Katherine smiles. Uncomfortable. She likes the house. It is lovely. But Lane liked things to be a certain way. To stay there. For cabinets not to be opened unnecessarily.

“Uh.” Katherine stops. Looking at the counter.

“Maya, the thing! You know, the thing.” Carina says louder. Katherine freezes. Carina turns around, smiling and her face drops. She turns pale. Katherine waits for the explosion.

“I’m sorry.” Carina tells her. Voice softer. Hands moving wildly as she tries to find the words. “I’m sorry, suocera. I know when I get excited it seems like I am yelling. But I am not yelling at you. Or at Maya. I… I am not yelling.”

Katherine feels the tension in herself. In the other woman. As Carina wants to comfort her but does not step closer. She waits. Looking torn. “Boundaries.” Her therapist’s voice says inside her.

Katherine tilts her head down. Looking at the floor. She barely nods.

A small invitation is all it takes to be swept up in a tight hug. Carina pats down her hair and kisses it. “I’m sorry, suocera. I’m learning too.” Is all she says.

She cries and she is held.

The French toast burns, and Maya runs in to witness her wife running with a flaming pan, heading outside. Her mother is coughing. The water is on in the sink. Putting nothing out.

“Carina!” Maya shouts as she stares at her mom. Instead of finding the cold, angry blue she is used to, she finds worry. There is no blame. It feels like no time has passed but her daughter is different. This is not the same woman that told her she needed therapy for thinking what they went through together was abuse. For knowing it was wrong.

She runs out and takes command of the situation. Taking the hose from her wife and making sure there are no flames before heading back inside with a waterlogged piece of bread. Black from the flames. The kitchen is filled with smoke but there is no fire or damage.

Maya hugs her mother and Katherine feels like she can breathe. Even with the smoke. She cries. Her daughter had never been soft. But she changed for love. Katherine never felt strong. But she learned from her daughter. For her daughter.

She wonders what will happen if she stays. If this place becomes her home.

//

Katherine thinks she looks out of place. When the pictures come back.

She does not feel out of place.

Not then. Not now.

Carina is laughing beside her. Pointing out all the pictures that make her smile.

Three months feel a world away.

 //

Katherine was worried about Maya. The offer came from Carina.

She did not want to overstay her invitation. But finding a job as a home maker that was scared of men shouting or froze at every loud noise, meant her prospects were limited. Especially in a pandemic.

She wanted to find her own place. Or even a shelter. To let her daughter build a new life without the old once holding her back. But Carina was so nice. So welcoming. She was so soft and safe that it was hard to feel bad about not trying hard enough.

Maya was different too. She was still reserved. But she was brighter. In a way she never thought Maya could be. The last time she visited there was so much anger. Denial. She was closed off and lashed out when people got too close to the core of who she was. So much like Lane that it hurt to look at her and see nothing but steel staring back. Cold. Lifeless.  

Now she was nothing but awe and love.

Katherine liked it. She liked knowing who her daughter had become without all that pain. Without the constant pressure to achieve. To make Lane proud.

 //

She asked, once. When Maya was not home.

Carina was direct. She never made them guess. She never hid her feelings or what she wanted. She was stubborn. And she always answered. Even when she could not find the words. She would answer. Because Carina liked clarity.

Katherine understood.

Walking on eggshells while not knowing what would set Lane off made her appreciate Carina’s openness. Even when it made her uncomfortable. Or mad at herself for not being able to reciprocate. She still liked who Carina was.

“I get to have a family again.” Carina shrugged. Passing the sheet of pasta through the metal press.

Katherine waited. Carina was the daughter that she always imagined other parents had. She giggled easily and gossiped. Filled the silences with laughter and words.

“I did have a family. But it was before. Then mama left and I stayed so Andrea could go. And it was just papa and me. He was so angry, and their marriage was so terrible that I hated the idea of family… but then…” She smiled softly.

“Then Maya became my home and family was something I missed… I… in Italy… you are expected to move with your husband’s family. To have your suocera and their nonna and all these people constantly in your life… I wanted to have that…” Katherine nods.

“I know it’s selfish to want you to stay. Americans, you like your life to be individual and separate and borders and very yourselves. But… I feel like a momma chicken. I like all of the people I love in my house. In my roof. Happy and in each other’s life… it feels… warm. Like a home.” Carina shrugs. Cutting the pasta into small sheets.

Katherine smiles. Liking the idea that family, home, could be something other than what both her and her daughter have known. What her daughter-in-law has known. That it could be built on new traditions. Starting with a wedding she was underdressed for but still belonged in.

[joontier]

Subliminal in Scrubs | V1;  report ix

pairings: dr. jeon jungkook x female reader

chapter rating: NC-17 | genre: doctors! au; humor, romance 

warnings: swearing

word count: 1.8k

g/n: ((unedited skfslkdf)) also,,, i will be releasing Parallel Palpitations very soon [which features this Jimin hehehehe stay tuned for that] PLUS, im very excited to release the report x AHHHHHH send me your thoughts pleaseee 

[taglist]:  @nottodayjjk @ditttiii @zeharilisharaban @btsbunny07​ @turquoiseandplaidinautumn @aamxxrii @codeinebelle​ @btsmakesmehappy​

Subliminal in Scrubs (the records) |  navi. | m.list

You open your new group chat first thing in the morning, wanting to check on Soomin and Jimin. Just yesterday, the two had informed you of their concerns separately, both worried over the same thing. Soomin’s mother wanted to hold a small congratulatory celebration for her daughter’s KMLE results, and her subsequent acceptance at Woocheon, so there was going to be a party exclusively for all tenants of the building at the restaurant just next to the cafe. 

The two hadn’t worked out their budding acquaintance, as you had practically forced them to greet each other the last time you were at the cafe, so you thought this might be a great way to have them start over their tricky relationship. 

As you’ve expected, both of them had even tried to convince you to come, in the hopes that a mutual friend could help diminish the awkward air around them. You’ve declined each of them politely, not wanting to intrude on their little get-together. Besides, (just like you hadn’t forgotten to mention to them), this was the perfect opportunity to get rid of this wall hindering their friendship (to which, both of them had also quite strongly disagreed upon). 

A mere three hours after their outpour of sentiments, as you’re rewatching episodes of Dr. Romantic with Chohee, the pair drunkenly call you, requesting a video chat. You’re pretty sure not one of them is aware of what’s happening, especially with Jimin refilling his shot glass every thirty seconds; Soomin speaking gibberish, and Chohee literally teasing them through the screen of your laptop and yet none of them seem to mind a damn thing about it. 

So, with hopes that each of them arrived home safely last night, you type in your text message. 

‘What is this place, really?’ you mutter to yourself, slightly regretting your decision to take the subway instead of a cab. You only ride taxis for places you’re not familiar with (such is the case with today) but you didn’t want to spend twice as much solely for transportation so you took the train to the building. 

Now you feel lost. You’ve just gone to the main entrance of the building, but there was scaffolding barring the entrance, and now you’re struggling to look for Entrance B with the singular tarpaulin saying “Please use Entrance B” and a faded arrow below pointing to the left. After a grueling ten minutes of asking people for directions and walking all over the place, you finally find Entrance B and hurry on your way inside. 

There’s already a small crowd forming where the directions for the processing of your license is posted, and you can’t seemingly read the directions all the way down with people clearly taller than you blocking the way. 

“What’s the matter? Can’t see the directions, smally?” 

Your instant recognition of his voice makes you hang your head low. You figure there’s no way you can get rid of this guy anytime soon. 

“Hello, Jungkook.” 

Why is it that he’s always there wherever you are? He couldn’t be stalking me, could he? 

Jungkook almost spits his water on the girl in front of him. Oh, so he heard your thoughts then. “Yeah, you wish, woman. I wouldn’t do that even if you had one million strapped to your neck.” You roll your eyes at him. 

“Wasn’t asking for any conditions for you to do that, but thanks for letting me know your thoughts.” 

“Awh, you mad, babe?” Shaking your head at him, you try to continue peering over everyone’s shoulder to check the post. “If it makes you feel any better, I would for two million though.” 

You were just about to retaliate with a smart comment, but you see a girl walking towards Jungkook while twirling her hair with her newly manicured fingers. “Jungkook-oppa, you’re here!” she says, hooking her arm on his elbow. 

Ah yes, it’s the same brat that kept defending Jungkook’s ass during the KMLE exam. “Why don’t you come with us? My mom works here,” her voice gets down to a whisper, but loud enough for you to hear. “If you come with us, you wouldn’t have to fall in line, then maybe we could have lunch together. 

Jungkook removes her hand from his, “No thank you, I’ll just wait here.” 

“With her?”

The audacity of this bitch. 

“Yes, with her.” Jungkook says, not skipping a beat. “She’s...better company.” Oof, that’s gotta hurt. 

You try not to show much of your currently soaring pride on your face, but you can’t help but clear your throat as a terrible disguise for a snort. The girl becomes silent after that, with most of her friends trying to control their facial expressions after Jungkook’s reply. 

“Fine then, your loss,” she says with a flip of her hair, then makes her exit. 

You're unsure what to do now as the girl has already left, and you’re also not sure if you’re entirely happy about being left with Jungkook now. “Why didn’t you go with her? Could’ve saved you a lot of time considering the people here.” 

Jungkook clenches his jaw, as if in thought. “I don’t like cheating. I believe that there’s a different value in the reward that comes with something you worked hard for.” 

You’re surprised. You really hadn’t expected this kind of quote, coming out of Jungkook out of all people, but you find yourself nodding as he speaks, quite impressed that you share the same principles. 

As the crowd starts to disperse, you and Jungkook finally get your turns to take a look at the poster. “Is it often?” 

“What is?” 

You point a thumb backwards towards where the girl had gone to, “Having girls throw themselves at you all the time?” 

“Oh that,” Jungkook chuckles, then gives you a lopsided smirk, “Yeah, that. Hadn’t realized being this hot was so tiring.” Squinting your eyes at him, it then again dawns on you that you shouldn’t even have asked him that sort of question at all. 

“You know,” he says, nudging your shoulder with his, “I’m quite jealous of you really,” your brows crease together. This can’t be good. “At least you don’t experience all of that, cause you know…” he says, gesticulating his hands over his face. 

He did not just insinuate that you were not...attractive at all. Huh. This bastard can wait for his license alone then. 

“Goodbye, Jungkook.” 

“Hang on! ________, wait! I was just messing with you,” Jungkook laughs, running after you.

The cashier is already scanning the last items on your grocery list by the time Jimin and Soomin had texted you that they were done with their licenses, and you three had agreed on meeting up by the mall’s concierge. It doesn’t take long before you all decide on having Italian for dinner, after seeing the restaurant nearest to where the concierge was. 

“Wait, it took you guys only half an hour?” you exclaim, recalling how you had to endure at least more than an hour with Jungkook as you waited for your licenses to finish. Thankfully though, the latter had other errands to run so you two parted ways as soon as you got your IDs. 

Jimin, always the gentleman, offers to get your group the utensils as well as a few condiments and spices you might need with your meals. “Soomin-ssi, do you know anybody else who’s going to Woocheon too?” he says, setting the silverware atop the napkins. 

Soomin thanks Jimin for the thoughtful gesture, sending a small smile his way. You squeal inwardly, wanting to know what happened last night for them to interact like this. “Um, also, I’m not so sure about the others who will be attending Woocheon too...I only got a glimpse of the list, sorry.” 

“Ah, no worries about that. So, how was the dinner party last night?” 

The two glance at each other, seemingly communicating with their eyes. Oookay, what’s going on between these two? What exactly happened last night? If they wanted to be alone, they could’ve just said so… 

“It was fun,” Jimin initiates, plastering  what seems to be a painfully wide grin on his face. Soomin nods along with him as she adds more, “Honestly, I don’t remember much about last night, but I do recall Jimin calling me ‘sajangnim’ the whole night. And I told him to not call me that, but Jimin here is a stubborn man.” 

“Yeah, you complained about that too last night,” you laugh, cutting your garlic bread into pieces. “Wait, what?” Jimin squints his eyes at you, “Were you there last night? How did you....” 

“I’m guessing you both don’t remember calling me last night too, didn’t you?” 

“We did?!” they say in unison, making your eyes go wide. “Did I do something stupid?” “Please tell me I didn’t say something I shouldn’t have?” 

“Hmm, well, it was quite the conversation last night,” you tease them, wanting to see how far this can go, “plus Chohee was there too so I have another key witness.” 

“What?” Jimin squeaks, lips pressing into a thin line, “what’s the key witness for?” 

“That, my friend, is up to you to remember and figure out.” You give each of them a wink, before turning your attention back to your pasta.  

Transferring all your groceries to one hand, you fish your keys from your purse, shaking it lightly to hear its jingle as you blindly course your fingers through your bag. As the elevator doors open, you see your neighbor down the end of the hall, trailing after a man. 

Ayoung hears the elevator bell ding and turns to your direction. She excitedly points her thumb to her back, mouthing ‘new tenant’ to you. She keys in her code and lets the guy in first. The moment he’s inside, she leans by the doorframe and whispers how hot the guy actually was and how much of a lucky neighbor you were going to be. 

You shake your head at her, leaving Ayoung to entertain her guest. Of course, not forgetting to pray that she manages to score you a hot man next door.

© joontier 2021

[pbandjesse]

I wish I had a less dizzy day. I honestly think it's an iron issue. I usually crave cereal really bad when it's an iron issue.

But it wasn't a horrible day! It was my dad's birthday! And I was excited to wish him well when I woke up. He was also moving to the new rehab center so I wanted to send him something when he got there.

I felt dizzy like I said though. I wasn't having the best time. James went and got me cereal from the store while they were picking up eggs for us. They would put eggs in the steamer for me so I could have egg salad for lunch. And I got to work catching up on my knitting.

I did a lot of that. For about two hours. I am all caught up through today. And I felt good about it. But I was also just so incredibly tired.

Once dad was moved I got the address from mom. I called the rehab to make sure it was okay to send something. And I ordered him an edible arrangement. I got him a small bouquet and a tiny cake. I wrote up a little card and it would be delivered today. They didn't give me an ETA but I was glad it would come today. And the lady on the phone was very nice.

I laid down for a bit but I didn't sleep. I mostly did research and watched videos. I wanted to do stuff but I felt way to tired. The dizzy started to leave my head but I was struggling still.

James went to get groceries. And when they got back they went on a little bike ride. I kept resting.

When they got back they brought up some mail and we had gifts from our wedding registry! A Lego set and a picnic table suitcase. I love the table so much. It smells like good wood and it is so cool honestly. I'm so pleased. And I'm excited to build the Lego lunar model with James at some point.

After we figured out the table we put that away James got to work on dinner for us. An Italian bread pizza. Excellent.

Dad called but my phone was charging in the other room. I called him back as soon as I realized. And he got my gift and seemed really pleased and so that felt good. I hope it made him smile.

After we talked for a bit me and James had dinner. I started researching cords uses for handfasting. And thought about what I would want ours to be. I tried doing some of the braids using yarn I had but didn't love it. Now I'm trying to bead some rope I have. Well see what I decide. It was fun to play around with though.

I finished another totebag. I hope to get one more done before the market on Sunday. Which should work out. I work tomorrow but that is okay, I will get it done a little at a time.

My dizzy feelings got better and less as the day went on. I got a shower and felt a lot better after that. I decided to do a little crochet and started making a circle. Maybe it'll be a blanket someday. Or it'll just be a circle.

Now though I have some juice and I'm going to get ready for bed. I'm at the museum tomorrow for homeschool day. Which can either be a huge group or a tiny one. So we'll see what happens but I'm looking forward to the programs because I get to read stories and I love storybook time.

I hope I sleep good and I hope you sleep good too. Send my dad some good thoughts. He had kind of a rough birthday but I hope he can still be full of love.

Goodnight everyone!!