#no crust no cheese no soul no joy

[idon-twannabeperceived]

Palermo pizza is like the ny style pizza of Argentina. As in it sucks and doesn't have nearly enough cheese in it.

[daydreamsandafternoonteafics]

Crossroads- Chapter 12

banner by shesaidpoptarts

MASTERLIST

“Rupert. I like Rupert, it's got an old-fashioned charm,” 

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as my palms pounded into the dough stretched across the countertop. Patches of baking flour clung to my cheeks, wrists, and elbows. The thick early July heat, combined with the warmth of sweet cherries bubbling on the stove, sent an irritable rush of heat up my spine. 

Mom and Adele sat comfortably a few feet away at the kitchen table with glasses of sweet tea and pimento cheese sandwiches peering into a book of baby names and picking out the names they liked best. Part of me wanted to give my swollen ankles a break and join them but the other part despises their joyful chatter and wishes they’d just shut up. 

It had only been a couple of days since finding out I’d be giving birth to a baby boy and I found myself overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of others while I still struggled to accept reality. 

I felt irrationally angry-betrayed even- that Harry and I were having a son. I wanted my baby to have his father’s dimpled grin but I knew it would come with a hefty price. 

The joy Harry expressed over the phone when I dropped the news was palpable. I'd wanted so badly to share in it but I knew I couldn't- not with his cruel words from the night before still ringing through my head or the instant fear that he could one day take this precious bean I'd grown to adore away from me. 

“A little boy would be my best friend.” 

The glimmer of idolatry in his jade eyes when he uttered the words couldn't be mistaken. This had been his secret desire all along. I grew an aching suspicion that our son would quickly become Harry's son. He'd take him and mold him into his own pompous image, tainting his sweet soul with his callousness.

None of this would be a problem if it wasn't painfully obvious that Harry didn't hold me in high regard the way a husband should. It'd be all too easy for him to pass the same contempt he held for me onto our son.

As painful as it would be, the world would keep turning if Harry decided he didn't love me anymore but I couldn't handle that rejection from my own child. 

The sadness I'd felt over Harry choosing to skip out on my 20-week appointment had evolved into a big chip on my shoulder. Coupled with very uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, I found myself snapping at the tiniest annoyances.

I was hoping Harry’s work trip would get extended or the upcoming holiday would delay his flight home. Being so angry, I didn’t know how I would react to seeing his face and I certainly didn’t want to hear whatever pathetic bullshit apology he’d come up with. 

I had four months left before the baby came and I had no idea if my marriage was even going to last that much longer. I didn’t want our son’s first few years spent between two different houses.  We needed to make something work fast.

“Rupert?” I scoffed, not bothering to look up from the dough I was kneading. “No kid in America has probably been named Rupert in at least a hundred years. Do you want your grandson getting picked on at the playground?”

Mom chuckled and I could hear the ice cubes jiggle in her glass. 

“You could bring it back in fashion, Besides, it’s quintessentially British which last time I checked, so was Harry.” She replied. 

I could have stayed home and cooked to spare myself of all the baby talk but I desperately wanted to get out of the house and the kitchen at the B&B had more kitchen room for the order of 4th of July pies I needed to get out today. 

The mention of my dearest husband makes every cell in my body tense. 

“I just don’t like it okay, Mom?”

I reached for a rolling pen, dusting it with powder briefly before shifting my focus to flattening the dough. I must have looked like a madwoman taking all my rage out on a piece of pie crust. 

I knew bottling it all up inside was driving me insane but I just wasn't ready for the embarrassment and judgment that would come with shattering the illusion of this perfect marriage my mother thought I had. As crazy as it sounded, I'd feel much more comfortable dumping my woes on a perfect stranger who was sworn to a privacy clause. 

“River, sweetheart, what's wrong? You've been walking around like you ate a bowl of lemons for breakfast all morning,” 

“I'm pregnant, Mom,” I retort, dusting the excess flour off my hands against the gingham-printed apron tied around my bump. “My feet are swollen, my back aches and I'm gassy. What's not wrong?” 

I hated using my pregnancy as an excuse for anything but I couldn't help but think that my problems would be reduced greatly if I wasn't in this hormonal condition. 

“You should take a break, River,” Adele chimes in.  “You've been on your feet all morning. Have a snack and put your feet up.” 

I decide I'll spare Adele from my earlier sarcastic tone. 

“I really can't. I've gotta get these pies finished by at least 2. I want to be done with deliveries a bit early today,” 

I turn my attention away from the flattened lump of dough to peer into the pot of cherries when a sharp cramping sensation pulses through my abdomen, causing me to lose my breath. I clutch my belly in discomfort and my heart pauses in a moment of panic. 

Mom rushes from the table, pressing a comforting hand against my aching lower back. 

“Are you okay, sweetie?” She questions. 

I squeeze my eyes shut as the sensation passes before nodding my head slowly. 

“I-I felt a cramp,” I took a deep breath. “I don't know if he kicked me but it felt weird.” 

I still hadn't gotten used to feeling a lot of movement in my belly as the baby had only just started to kick. 

“Sounds like Braxton Hicks,” Mom sighs. “You're definitely sitting down, little Miss Stubborn,” 

I know not to protest as Mom guides me to the kitchen table. My heart pounds at a steady pace but the panic I feel can't seem to subside and I can feel my eyes brim with the tears I'd been holding in all afternoon. I lower into the wooden chair and Mom plops down in front of me, her concerned blue eyes burning into mine. 

“Is there something you want to talk about, River? You know you can tell me anything.” 

I bite my lip to keep it from quivering. My mom and I were best friends, we shared everything and she always knew when something was bothering me. Why was it so damn hard to open up about Harry? 

The tears spilled down my cheeks. 

“I just- I just hate the name Rupert,” I wailed. 

Mom's concerned expression shifts to one of amused sympathy, a soft chuckle escaping her as she leans over and pulls me close. 

“Aww, sweetie,” she coos. “You don't have to name your son Rupert, I'm just super excited about being a Nana and having a boy in the family. I know I'll love whatever name you and Harry choose,” 

My tears stain the shoulder of her cotton blouse and I can't help but feel utterly ridiculous. On the outside, everyone thought of me as collected and strong but deep down inside I was truly passive and weak. 

We pull apart and she reaches out, lovingly swiping the mix of tears, sweat, and baking powder from my cheek with her thumb. In so many ways, I was still her little girl, even when I was about to welcome a baby of my own. 

I can only hope to have that strong of a bond with my son. 

“I'm sorry for being so snappy earlier, Mom,” I sigh,  my voice still shaky as I wipe more flour from my cheeks. “Do you think the baby's okay?” 

Mom smiles softly. 

“You'll both be fine. I know your hormones are out of control right now but if something is really bothering you, I want you to tell me, okay?” 

I nodded slowly, hoping my mom would put the topic to rest but I knew better. She'll figure it out sooner or later. 

Adele pours me a glass of tea and pats my knee before pushing herself up from the table. 

“I’ve known my way around a good cherry pie in my day. Take a rest and I’ll finish these up. Nobody will know the difference,”  She winks. 

I reach for the glass with a grin, suddenly realizing how thirsty I am. 

“Thanks, Adele,” I reply, placing a hand on my belly. 

I gulp down the glass of tea as if I’ve never had a drink a day in my life. The icy temperature sends an invigorating zing through my veins, a trail of the sticky-sweet liquid dribbling down my chin. 

“See, you were dehydrated. You’ve gotta make sure you drink plenty of liquids, especially in this heat,” Mom speaks pointedly. 

Adele turns down the burner on the stove and the kitchen door suddenly opens, making everyone’s heads whip in the direction of the creak. I let out a sigh of relief at the sight of Ryan tracking in the sand with his heavy Birkenstocks.

His chestnut-colored hair appears blonder and the bridge of his nose has been sunkissed a shade pink, all indicators of his time in the sun. 

“Gee Ryan, you almost gave us a heart attack, there,” Mom speaks, pressing a hand to her chest. 

“Sorry, Ms. Kate, I should’ve knocked,” He grins sheepishly, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his cargo shorts. “How do you do, Ms. Adele?” 

The older woman smiles, looking up at the strips of pie crust she was busy cutting. 

“Just fine, Ryan,”

His blue eyes fall on me, a subtle smirk pulling at the corner of his lips. 

“Audley, what on earth happened to you? You look like you got in a fight with the Pillsbury dough boy,” He chuckles. 

I playfully roll my eyes, dabbing my sticky chin with the edge of my apron. 

“Culinary mischief, what else?” I quipped reaching over to grab a sandwich off the plate in the center of the table. “What brings you over?” 

“Well, after grading the worst term papers I think I've ever received, I needed some fresh air. Plus, I can't show up to the picnic tomorrow empty-handed. It'll be my third year in a row. 

Ryan pulls out a chair, straddling the seat as if posing for a pensive photo when the realization hits. I drop the sandwich and I bury my head in my hands. 

“Damnit, I completely forgot about your pie, Ry,” I groaned.  “I don't even know if I made enough filling,”

I was sure I'd written enough memos in my planner but pregnancy brain had prevailed once and for all. 

“Hey, don't be so hard on yourself,  Angel,” He touches my arm. “I can always pick something up from the store. I've  got nobody to impress,”

I sigh, my agitation quickly returning. 

“No, store-bought pies are no good. The crust is dry and lumpy and overbaked and they suck. Gimme ten, twenty minutes tops, and I'll run to the market for another pound of cherries,” 

I snatched off my apron and spread my legs in this weird, crab-like position, anchoring a hand on my back in an attempt to get up from my seat but Mom sent me a death glare. 

“River Dawn, I'm warning you,” She speaks, narrowing her blue eyes at me.

Ryan's bushy brows raise in amusement. 

“Ooo, full name territory. What'd you do?” 

I scoff, slumping against the back of the chair in defeat.

“She thinks I'm overextending myself. I get one stupid cramp and she acts like I'm ready to deliver.  I wanna go back to bed and start this day all over again,” I whine. 

“Look, just because you’re about to be a mama doesn’t mean I’m not still yours. I just remembered I need to check up on that order for the fireworks show tomorrow. Make sure she stays off her feet, Ryan,” 

Mom excuses herself from the table before giving me a knowing glance and I can’t help but pout like a child, folding my arms over my protruding belly. 

Ryan chuckles. 

“It’s not funny,” I protested.  

“If we leave now we can grab ice cream by the pier and be back in twenty minutes,” He whispers. 

The thought of the cool, sweet treat makes my mouth water and my eyes light up. If there was one thing I know that could fix a foul mood it was definitely ice cream.

A mischievous grin stretches across my lips. 

“Let’s go,” 

The sand felt warm between my toes, the smell of saltwater was relaxing after having been cooped up in that stuffy kitchen for hours and the sun beams down my shoulders. With a mouth full of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, the day had managed to redeem itself, even for just a short moment. 

“This is so gooood,” I mumbled, hardly paying attention to Ryan who strolled beside me, walking as slowly as possible in an attempt to honor my mom’s request that I take things easy. 

I sighed contentedly. It's small moments like this where I feel like a kid again. When life is simple and everything can be fixed with ice cream. 

He glances over at me, perplexed at how one woman could be so in love with ice cream as we pass a group of kids making a sandcastle.

“You’ve got something on your chin, Audley,” 

I chuckle before brushing away the dribble of ice cream. I felt like such a pig lately when it came to eating, always getting something around my mouth. I feel a flutter in my belly and gasp, realizing the baby must be enjoying the ice cream too. 

“He moved!” I mused. 

Ryan kinks a brow. 

“He?” 

I nod, nibbling at my waffle cone. 

“It’s a boy. I had my twenty-week appointment the other day,” 

Saying the words out loud again suddenly makes the sadness return.

Ryan grins. 

“A boy in the Audely clan? Who would have guessed? You and your mom do such a great job cosplaying the Gilmore Girls, I just knew for sure you’d be having a girl,” 

“I guess life’s funny that way,” I shrug. “besides, I always thought  Mom and I had much more in common with Donna and Sophie Sheridan,” 

I notice a dad playing frisbee with his son and their super energetic golden retriever and sigh. 

Somehow I know Harry will be a good father or at least try to be, but I feared his mad love of his job would eventually triumph overall and replace our son on his list of priorities, the same way it had succeeded in replacing me. 

“You seem, I don't know… disappointed,” He replies, staring down into his cup of pistachio. 

It was amazing how attuned to my emotions everyone else seemed to be while I chose to live in denial. 

“No,” I absentmindedly scratch my belly and fix my gaze on the glittering sea,  hoping my voice sounds convincing. “Boys are charming. Who can resist snakes, snails, and puppy dog tails?” 

He chuckles. 

“If it makes you feel any better, Mom always said her biggest regret in life was never having a daughter. I know she loved Kev and me but the bond was different. I used to get a little jealous sometimes when she'd dote over you,” He admits. 

I smile, thinking back to all the time I'd spent in the Gallagher’s kitchen under Rachel's wing absorbing all her homemaking knowledge. I had a mother with whom I was very close to but it must have felt nice for her to have those mother-daughter-esque moments. 

“Your mother was truly amazing, Ry. She taught me so much,” 

A beat of silence passes between us and I glance down at my maxi dress, inspecting it for any ice cream drippings when I suddenly feel my eyes going cloudy once more. 

“I just think I'm scared,” I speak softly, just barely above a whisper. “I'm about to be responsible for a whole human being. It's my job to raise them up the right way. What if I fuck it up? What if I turn him into some kind of monster- a toxic man?” 

I swallow the lump in my throat,  unsure if Ryan is capable of dealing with my mood swings. His face softens into an empathetic stare as he tosses his empty ice cream cup into a waste bin. 

“You've got years before you have to worry about that, Angel,” he sighs assuringly. “Besides, I think Harry's far more likely to be the fuck up in that arena,” 

The mention of Harry makes me frown. It's quite sad when I think back to all the times hearing his name used to make me giddy. 

Ryan holds his hands up in defense. 

“Hey, I'm just sayin’,” 

I was usually so defensive of Harry around Ryan but lately, I couldn't argue with his logic. 

I look up from my melting ice cream cone, meeting his blue-eyed gaze. 

“No, you're right,” I reply, biting my lip. 

Ryan drapes an arm around my shoulder, his touch managing to ease my nerves for a short moment. 

“Don’t worry. Audley. I’ve got no doubt you’ll be a great mom. Your kid’s gonna have the most advanced pallet in the South, plus, he’s got his Uncle Ryan who’s going to introduce him to the best baseball team in the country- The Giants,”

I giggle. 

“Nobody likes baseball, Ry. Watching grass grow is more entertaining than that sport,”

“Hey, don’t knock it till you try it,” He speaks pointedly. 

We head back to the Bed and Breakfast and my cone has melted into a sticky mess but I can’t help but notice that I feel exponentially better. 

“Thanks for the talk, Ryan,” I speak softly, breaking the lull of silence between us. 

He grins. 

“That’s what friends are for,”

***

I woke with a start, a beam of sunlight bursting through the Venetian blinds and my hair clinging to my neck from the morning humidity. My bladder feels like it will burst and I rush out of bed and straight to the toilet in fear that I’d wet myself. 

I was thankful to have passed the stages of morning sickness but the more the baby grew, the fuller my bladder felt, especially first thing in the morning. 

I found myself in a better mood after my emotional day at the beach yesterday and was looking forward to attending Hannah’s 4th of July celebration later that afternoon, something I’d managed to remember amid all my many memos. 

Despite my initial aversion, I was truly beginning to grow fond of Hannah. I'd misjudged her for a vapid, airheaded chatterbox but she was a genuinely sweet woman who had the potential to become a very close friend.

Since moving back to North Carolina, I haven't had much female companionship.  It would be a refreshing change at this upcoming stage of my life.  

I freshened up and prepared for the day, craving a bowl of yogurt and raspberries. I knew I’d have to bring something to Hannah’s party and had a ripe watermelon ready to be cut that would be perfect for a feta salad. 

I grabbed my phone from the nightstand, searching for any text messages or missed calls from Harry about his whereabouts but was surprised to see nothing at all. It felt wrong not to worry but an extended vacation away from each other was exactly what I felt like we needed right now. 

As much as I’d grown to hate the persistent silence in the house, sometimes it served to be peaceful. 

I carefully headed downstairs, feeling the baby stir as I reached the bottom. I rest my hands on either side of my bump. 

“Good morning to you too,” I beamed. 

I shuffle in the direction of the kitchen, passing the living room when the sound of light snoring piques my interest. My heart feels like it might beat out of my chest and I grab a large umbrella, preparing to attack a possible intruder. As I grow closer, I sigh in disappointment at the sight of Harry stretched across the sectional, a slate blue throw draped across his shoulders for warmth.

I have to admit, he looks utterly adorable lying there. A curl falls across his forehead, eyebrows furrowed and pink, heart-shaped lips settled into a slumbering pout, hugging what looks like a plush Dalmatian to his chest. 

So much for my peaceful holiday. 

Harry stirs, his emerald eyes fluttering open as he cranes his neck up at me.

“You're not planning on whacking me over the head with that, are you, darling?” He rasped. 

I lowered the umbrella with a sigh,  suddenly feeling disappointed that I didn't get in a couple of whacks just for the hell of it.

God knows he deserves it.

“What are you doing here?” I question, narrowing my eyes slightly. 

He slowly sits up, clothes wrinkled and hair a mess. 

“My flight landed very early this morning. I didn't want to frighten you so I stayed down here,” He reached for the stuffed dog he'd been cuddling, extending it to me. “For our boy,” 

I take the soft toy in my hands, staring into the beady, black glass eyes. There's a little silver crank under the tail that I twist, causing a gentle lullaby rendition of “Puppy Love” to fill the room. 

A small grin tugs at my lips. 

“This is very cute, Harry, but you're not gonna get out of this one so easily,” 

Harry sighs deeply, running a hand through his curls.

“I know. We have to talk, darling. Please have a seat,” He replies. 

I scoff and the anger I’d been suppressing for days bubbled back to the surface.  

“I don't wanna hear anything you have to say, Harry!” I shout. “What you said and did was unforgivable. Why do we even continue to carry on like this?! You've made your choice, your job tops everything. If you can't make me or our baby a priority just do us both a favor and leave us alone,” 

I feel the tears roll down my cheek and rush to wipe them away, fearing I'll look weak but it hurts too much to hide the tears. 

I slowly sink on the sofa, cradling my face in my hands as I continue to sob. His large hand presses into my shoulder. I should feel comfort from his touch, but the closer he gets in that moment, the more I want to pull away.

“Baby, I'm sorry. Really, I am. But I had to be there,” 

I lift my head to meet Harry's gaze. His face is blurry and distorted in my haze of tears yet entrancing- like looking into a kaleidoscope. 

“I can't believe you,” I sniff. “We'll never get that moment back. Our first fucking child together and you missed such an important moment. You chose to,” 

He'll never know how alone I felt that day. How painful it was to know he hadn’t chosen me. He hadn't chosen us. 

“I know I've been super busy, Riv, but our merger was successful,” Harry suddenly sinks to his knees, grabbing both my hands. “I'll take a little time off-we can go wherever you want. I'll do whatever I can to make it up to you. I love you and I love our little boy,” 

I blink back my tears, shocked by his rare display of humility. I think the last time he got down on his knees for me in a completely non-sexual way was when he proposed. 

I hate that I've lost so much trust in Harry that I can't tell if he's being genuine or trying to seduce me. It's like swimming in the deep without a life vest. I never know if I should take precautions or take a leap of faith and inevitably end up drowning in his sea of lies. 

I give his hands a tight squeeze. 

“Okay, Harry. Okay. I'll hold you to it,” 

A small smile sweeps across Harry’s pink lips as he slowly rises from his kneeling position, his hands settling on my bump. 

“He’s gettin’ so big,” He chuckles, showing off his dimples. 

I brush a tear away with my thumb, giggling softly. 

“You mean I’m getting big,” I retort. 

“No, you’re perfect, babe”

Harry moves closer, brushing my still-damp from the shower hair away from my neck. Those intoxicating jade eyes fall to my lips and I know what’s supposed to happen next but it just doesn’t feel right. 

“You should probably shower,” I speak, recoiling before he can capture my lips. 

He sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. 

“Yeah, I should,”

I place a hand on his knee. 

“Help me up, please?” 

Harry chuckles as I squat like a sumo wrestler in an attempt to pull myself up. 

“Don’t laugh at me,” I warn. “This is your fault,”

He smirks, wrapping an arm around my waist to hoist me up.  

“I guess it is. Are we going to your mum’s this afternoon?”

I smooth a hand over my bump, catching my breath before I speak. 

“I’m going to a friend’s but I’m sure Mom wouldn’t mind if you stopped by,”

I pad into the kitchen, my hunger had grown since our talk. Hannah had extended the invitation to bring Harry along with me but I’d much rather go alone. 

I needed to keep him at arm's length until I knew he could keep his promises. 

“A friend?” He questions, his footsteps following behind me.”Do I know this friend, darling?”

I roll my eyes before opening the refrigerator, searching for the carton of raspberries among the jungle of fruits and vegetables. 

“We take Pilates together. I’m sure you’d rather be doing something better with your holiday than hanging out with a bunch of suburban moms,” 

I pop a raspberry in my mouth, sighing in satisfaction as the seeds pop on my tongue. 

Harry heads for the Keurig, and I hope he’s dropped the subject but by the pensive look on his face, I know I can expect otherwise. 

“Is she pregnant too?”

My brows furrow in confusion. Why was he making such a federal case out of a simple barbeque?

“No…” I reply, going for another berry. 

“Then I better go,” He says, grabbing a mug from the cupboard. “You know,  there’s a phenomenon of femicides happin’ to pregnant women in the country. Women who desperately want babies befriend vulnerable pregnant women all with the ulterior motive to kill the mother and take the baby.  This friend of yours could be a baby snatcher for all I know,” 

I scoff. I don’t know whether to find his concern annoying or endearing. 

“Hannah is not a baby snatcher but if you wanna come, you can. She already invited you,” 

“That settles it then. I’ll be in the shower,”

I stare perplexed yet amused as Harry strolls out of the kitchen. 

I wasn't sure where these new promises would lead us but all I could do was ride out the wave. 

***

“You shouldn't have worn white,” 

I tugged at the pant leg of the white linen suit Harry had insisted on wearing in irritation as he shut off the engine of the Rover.

His GPS had indicated our arrival at the address Hannah had given, a cozy-looking Bungalow style home with a sage green door greeted us. The robust scent of pork on the grill wafted in the air, shrill shrieks of toddler laughter competing with the country music booming from the backyard. 

I found myself feeling a bit anxious and hoped this gathering would be a bit more intimate than it sounded. 

“What’s wrong with dressing up a little bit, darling?” Harry drawls, turning to me as he shrugs out of his seatbelt. 

“It was supposed to be a casual gathering,” I retort, glancing down at my modest red sundress. “And I don’t want to hear your complaining when you get some kind of condiment on it,” 

A dimpled smirk settles on his lips. 

“I appreciate the concern, River Dawn, but I’m pretty sure I’ve mastered the art of eating without spilling. Let’s go,” 

I gave my eyes a roll as he slammed his door shut before strolling around the passenger’s side to open mine. I set the bowl of watermelon feta salad I’d been balancing on my knees during the ride on the dashboard to make it easier to move out of my seat. 

I grab both of Harry’s hands, taking a heavy breath as I pull myself up. I perch the Tupperware container under my arm, his hand settling protectively at the small of my back as I carefully ascend the concrete steps. I smile at the patriotic wreath of stars on the door before pressing the doorbell. 

From inside comes the excited barking of a dog and hurried footsteps and when the door finally opens, Harry and I are greeted by a fluffy, excited labradoodle that jumps up at my belly. 

“Millie, down!” Hannah calls, a flustered expression on her face as she tosses a dishtowel across her shoulder. 

Her big brown eyes light up at the sight of us there and I pet the adorable dog's head once she calms down. 

“River, I’m so glad to see you!” She squeals in her heavy southern accent, before enveloping me into a hug. 

I grin. 

“I’ve been looking forward to this all week,” I reply once we pull apart. “What a cute pup!”

I notice a blush creep across her cheeks as her eyes finally settle on Harry. 

“Thanks, she’s still a puppy and we’re working on getting her trained. Is this your hubby?”

“Yep, this is Harry. Harry, this is Hannah,” 

Harry flashes his dimpled grin, extending his hand out to a still-flustered Hannah. 

“Pleasure to meet you. Happy Independence Day,” He speaks. 

I almost want to roll my eyes at the sickening amount of British charm he oozes.

Nationality aside, Harry had this way of entrancing just about everyone he met. He made them feel like they were the only person in the room, that their opinions were the only ones that mattered even if he didn't give a damn about what they had to say. 

His charm was lethal. I should know. I'd fallen prey myself. 

“Nice to meet you, Harry,” She smiles. “C’mon inside. Everyone’s outback,”

I sigh with relief once we enter the air-conditioned house, Hannah’s puppy trotting alongside us. The walls are the same color or sage green as the door and in the foyer is a huge portrait of a chubby baby Bristol in an off-white christening dress along with several pairs of tiny shoes- a variety of pinks, purples, and glitter- and a large pair of hunting boots. 

The living room is simple and has an unapologetic lived-in look with many brightly colored baby toys littering the floor. I smile at the sight, oddly looking forward to having a messy living room in the near future.

“I made a little something for the party,” I speak up, extending the container. “I hope you like it. It's watermelon feta salad,” 

Hannah grins,  the cork heels of her wedges smacking against the hardwood floor. 

“You didn't have to bring anything, River. I reckon you've had a busy week with orders and whatnot.” She turns to Harry. “Isn't she just an angel? Sweet as sugar cane,” 

“She sure is,” He drawls. 

If I was an angel then Harry was the devil in disguise. 

There's a big sliding glass door that leads to the backyard and I can spot the ladies I'd met at the birthday party. I unintentionally crashed all mingling at a patio table, the men crowded around the grill while the kids ran around the yard. 

“The girls will be glad to see you again,” Hannah continues as she slides open the door. “They loved the sandwiches you brought to Paxton's party.” 

The attention seems to shift to us as we enter the yard and I suddenly feel self-conscious. Brooke waves from the table and Hannah's husband Nash approaches us, a bottle of beer in hand. 

“More food? Sweet!” He announces, staring at the Tupperware in his wife's hands. 

“Don't be rude, sugar,” Hannah scolds sweetly. “You remember River, don't you?” 

I smile into the reflection of his shiny Ray Bans and he rubs his sunburnt neck in embarrassment.  

“Yeah. Did you get your battery fixed?” 

I nodded. 

“I really appreciate your effort. This is my husband,” I gesture to Harry at my side. 

“Hi ‘M Harry,” he speaks on cue, extending his hand once more. 

“Nash. Nice you meet you,”

They exchange a manly handshake and Hannah smiles, glad that our husbands are getting acquainted. 

“Go show him around,” She instructs Nash. “We girls have some catching up to do,” 

“I'll bring you over a plate in a little while, darling,” Harry says, pressing a chaste kiss to my hairline.

I can hardly nod before Hannah has whisked me away, linking her arm with mine. 

“Darling,” she sighs wistfully. “That's so romantic,” 

I almost want to laugh. The pet name hasn't meant much to me in so long. 

“Hi, River!” Brooke greets us once we arrive at the table. “Hannah said you might stop by,” 

“Hi everyone,” I wave politely. 

Hannah pulls out one of the lawn chairs for me and I happily sit, my swollen ankles feeling immediate relief. 

“You've gotten even bigger!” Jess muses, bouncing a sleepy silver-blonde little girl on her knee. 

I glance over at Bristol, Paxton, and a little boy who resembles Frida who is happily playing with the puppy in the grass. 

“Thanks. I think,” I giggle, pushing my hair off my shoulders. 

I notice Frida's gaze shift over to the men, her large gold earrings swaying with the motion of her head. A mischievous grin swept over her lips. 

“I've gotta ask, is the hottie in white your husband?” She questions. 

I nod, feeling a sense of discomfort as I know where this is headed. 

“Yep, that's him,”

The rest of the ladies' heads seem to turn in Harry's direction. He's too busy chatting with the other husbands to notice their gaze but I bet he's still aware that the attention is all on him.

It always is. 

When we first started dating,  I found myself jealous when other women ogled over him but as time passed and our relationship solidified I got used to it. Harry was an objectively good-looking man so it was only natural that people stared, but I still sometimes wondered what could happen if someone more alluring caught his eye. 

“Damn,” Jess mumbles, stroking her daughter's short hair. “Where'd you find him? I mean- I love my husband but you are one lucky girl,” 

“Isn't he handsome?” Hannah squeals beside me. “You two have got to be the most gorgeous couple I've ever seen. Your little boy is going to be so beautiful,” 

It wouldn’t be the first or last time we’d received that compliment and I’d trained myself to smile and be gracious but my smiling face only hides disillusionment. On an aesthetic level, it was easy to call us the perfect couple, but oh boy, our marriage was anything but.

If these women knew half the grief Harry had put me through, they’d think twice about looking into those pretty, evergreen eyes. 

“Thanks,”  I grin.

Brooke picks up a celery stick from her plate.

“So it’s a boy then?”  She asks. 

I place both hands on my belly and nod. 

“Hannah called it. It’s a boy,” 

The table erupts with coos of congratulations and I have to wonder if Frida and Brooke had the same worries that I do about having a boy. I can only hope their husbands treated them better than mine did. 

“I knew it!” Hannah giggled. “My theory was right all along,” 

I chuckled. 

“I guess it wasn’t just an old wives tale after all,” I admit. 

“Have you picked any names yet?” Frida asks, reaching for her can of Coca-Cola. 

I shake my head. With the new downtime Harry had promised, I was sure we’d have plenty of time to discuss names for a baby boy. 

“Word of advice,” Jess speaks, keeping her voice low so as not to wake her baby. “Have at least three names picked out. I was torn between Willow and Dixie and Jacob wanted Margret. Marget is such a Memaw name,” 

I grin, thinking about the kind of names Mom and Adele had suggested. 

“That sounds better than Rupert,” I retort. 

“Who’s Rupert?”

That slow voice makes everyone’s head turn and I can physically see them all melt to mush. I feel the baby move and shift in my seat in an attempt to find a more comfortable position. 

“Nobody,” I reply, craning my neck to look at him “Just a name Mom thought up,”

Harry places a paper plate in front of me filled with a variety of foods. I glance at the runny potato salad and try not to be too judgemental,  hoping it tastes better than it looks. 

‘D'you ladies mind if I pull up a chair?” He asks, rubbing my shoulders. 

A violent blush creeps across Jess's cheeks. 

“Take mine, I'm gonna put Dixie down for a nap,” 

With an arm full of baby, she excuses herself from the group and I almost wish she hadn’t. I was enjoying the female socialization without Harry and was not looking forward to him crashing the party. 

“I’ll scooch over,” Hannah announces, moving to occupy Jess’s seat so the two of us can sit together. 

Harry places a hand on my knee as he settles in the chair and I pick up my fork, going for the barbeque chicken. 

“This is delicious,”  I mumble.

Hannah grins. 

“Nash will be so thrilled that a chef approves his food. So Harry, what do you do for a living?” She asks. 

Frida and Brooke seem to be hanging on his every word, waiting for him to speak. 

“I’m in investment banking,”  He replies with a polite dimpled grin. 

“That sounds.. interesting,” Frida smiles, propping a hand under her chin. 

I want to gag. Was she always this much of an asskisser? 

“No, it’s quite boring actually,”  I chime in between mouthfuls. 

Harry chuckles, draping an arm around my chair. 

“River’s right. It is pretty boring,” 

“You’re obviously not from here. How’d you and River meet?” Brooke asks. 

Early in the relationship, this was one of the exciting questions but now it was just irritating.

“I was studying business at Columbia and Riv was at Le Cordon Bleu right down the block,”

A small smile manages to tug at my lips at the memory. Times were so much simpler then. I was a bright-eyed, hopeless romantic and Harry had been the boy that only seemed to exist in my daydreams. We were young and getting through the days with lots of caffeine and a little optimism. 

It was us against the world. Only now it feels like us against each other.

“My roommate had convinced me to come to this mixer on campus,” I add. “I hadn’t been to a lot of parties and I was pretty naive. I left my drink unattended to go to the bathroom. The night could have ended very differently if Harry hadn’t been paying attention. We got to talking and we really clicked and we’ve been together since,”

I feel as if I’ve said too much so I go back to stuffing my face. From the corner of my eye, I catch Harry’s gaze. His dimples are on full display and his green eyes sparkle in the evening sun. 

He’s looking at me as if I hung the moon, a look he hasn’t given me in so long. 

“That’s so sweet,” Hannah squeals. “How lucky are you to have found the one on your first rodeo? I had to kiss a couple of frogs before I got Nash but I wouldn’t have done anything differently,” 

My heart sinks. Sometimes I think maybe I shouldn’t have put all my eggs in one basket and dated around a bit before making things exclusive with Harry. Maybe he was a frog disguised as a prince.

“Yeah,” I force a grin. “ I guess I am,”

I spend most of the party indulging in the food spread and making frequent bathroom breaks. Harry has had a couple of beers and is a bit more sociable, even going as far as to play an adorable game of peekaboo with Bristol and Frida can’t stop raving about his accent. 

The sun is beginning to set and Nash and Jess’s husband are working on setting up the fireworks. I’ve retreated to the comfort of the swing sofa and am regretting eating so much barbeque as heartburn and bloating are in full effect. I know the baby will make me pay for it with a night of restlessness but I guess I deserve it for being a pig. 

“Hey babe, would you like some ice cream?” Harry asks, approaching me. 

He’s miraculously managed to not get anything on his white suit. 

I shake my head while placing a hand on my belly.

“I’ve eaten waaay too much,” I wince. “I’d kill for Tums right now if you’ve got one,”

He flashes a sympathetic grin before settling next to me on the loveseat.

“Sorry darling,”

We sit in silence, watching the sunset. A Shania Twain song is playing on the stereo that Brooke and her husband have decided to slow dance to. 

“So, you’ve seen for yourself that Hannah is not a baby snatcher?” I speak softly. 

A dimpled smirk settles on Harry’s lips and he places a hand on my leg. 

“You’ve proved me wrong. Your friends are very nice,” 

I grin. 

“I think they’ve all got a crush on you-Bristol included,” 

“She’s a darling girl,” he laughs, the corner of his eyes crinkling. “I can’t wait to see what our little boy will look like,”

I think back to my conversation with Ryan and try not to frown. If Harry ever found out how I felt about having a boy, I wonder if it would change his behavior towards me. He’s never seemed self-aware but maybe becoming a father would help change that. 

“We’ve got to start thinking about names,” I reply, changing the subject. “You don’t like the name Rupert, do you?” 

Harry scrunches up his nose and I laugh.

“Rupert is awful,” He drawls. 

“I’m so glad we can agree on that,”

I move closer, slowly resting my head against his shoulder. I feel exhausted and the smell of his expensive cologne is comforting. I’d been keeping a physical distance between us all day but after a successful evening, this feels safe. 

The sun has finally set and the fireworks have been lit, a shrill whine piercing my ears as they spark into orbit. A burst of greens, blues, and purples shimmer in the air and I watch in amazement. 

I’d always found fireworks to be magical and romantic and tonight is no exception. I can’t tell if Harry is just showing off in front of everyone or if the affection he’s shown is genuine but I don’t want to ruin things with my overthinking. 

“Y’know, I still remember that night like it was yesterday,” Harry whispers. 

I sit up, meeting his jade eyes. 

“What night?” I ask.

“The night we first met. I noticed you from the moment you walked through the door. You had this glow-you were the loveliest girl in the room. I just knew we’d have a future together. Look at us now- gettin’ ready to welcome a baby,” 

I feel my eyes brim with tears and rush to blink them back. His version of events was so different from mine, as if everything had been hunky-dory from start to finish. This change of him going from worshiping the ground I walk on to pushing me away with both hands didn’t happen overnight but sometimes it feels that way. 

It seems that once we were on the same page but now we see the story with different eyes. 

I fix my eyes on the fireworks in the night sky and swallow the lump in my throat. 

“Yeah, look at us,” 

Harry gently grabs my chin, tilting it to meet his gaze. The colors of the fireworks reflect in his eyes, giving them a fluorescent shine. He leans in, his lips touching mine ever so gently. I wonder if he can taste the melancholy in my kiss. 

I used to think love was easy- that things would be natural and painless- but knowing what I know now, it was anything but. When you loved someone as deeply as I did, as long as I had there were bound to be growing pains. Our love was already fragile and frail, too malnourished for the journey we were about to embark on as parents. 

I could only hope we could make an effort to change things around. If not for me, if not for us, for baby boy. 

Taglist: @sassamanda77, @fangirl509east

[biteandbeyond]

Noodles, Pizza & Power Grains: A Delicious Detour at Dilli Haat

If you ever want to experience India on a plate — and in spirit — Dilli Haat is the place to be. I recently wandered into its vibrant lanes on a breezy evening and left with my tastebuds dancing and my mind enriched. Here's a little slice from that day — cheesy, spicy, and surprisingly wholesome.

1. Noodles with a Kick

First up: the classic Indo-Chinese noodles. Tossed in smoky sauces with a generous helping of sautéed cabbage, carrots, capsicum, and onions — these noodles had that perfect street-style crunch and spice. Not greasy, just right. I could taste the char from the wok and the chili flakes singing in every bite.

Verdict: Slurpy, fiery, addictive. 9/10!

2. Sweet Corn Pizza: A Melted Dream

Next, I caved into my cheese cravings. This sweet corn pizza was served hot in a foil tray, and honestly, the cheese pull deserves an award. The crust was crisped just right, and the buttery corn added a subtle sweetness that balanced the richness of the mozzarella.

Verdict: Simple but comforting. Pure cheesy joy. 8.5/10!

3. Millets Map of India — A Surprising Star

Now here’s the twist you didn’t see coming: millets. Yup, while roaming around, I stumbled upon the Millets Map of India put up by the Ministry of Agriculture. It showcased various types of millets grown in each state — from Sorghum in Maharashtra to Ragi in Karnataka and Barnyard millet in Uttarakhand. With millets being named the superfood of the year, this was a refreshing and much-needed reminder to include more of them in our diets.

Health Benefits of Millets:

Control diabetes

Boost immunity

Aid weight loss

Lower cholesterol

Improve digestion

Detox naturally

Makes me want to try out a millet-based pizza next time — who’s with me?

Final Bite:

Dilli Haat continues to be a feast — not just for the stomach, but also for the soul. Whether you’re slurping noodles, digging into pizza, or learning about India's grain diversity under the stars, this place has a way of making every bite feel like a celebration.

More foodie adventures coming soon. Stay hungry, stay curious!

— Parnika @biteandbeyond

[thesoleingredientllc]

A Taste of Home – Personal Chef Experiences for Intimate Events

In a world where we crave connection more than ever, intimate gatherings have taken center stage. From small birthday dinners to anniversary celebrations and micro weddings, people are leaning into moments that matter. And at the heart of those moments? Great food.

But not just any food—food that feels like home. Food that brings comfort, sparks joy, and leaves an impression. That’s where the magic of a personal chef experience comes in. At The Sole Ingredient, we offer more than just a menu. We create curated, in-home dining experiences that combine the luxury of restaurant-level cuisine with the warmth of your own space.

Why Choose a Personal Chef for Your Event?

When you hire a personal chef for an intimate event, you're not just getting someone to cook. You're inviting a culinary artist into your space—someone who will craft a menu that reflects your tastes, accommodate your guests' needs, and elevate the entire experience from start to finish.

Here’s why it works beautifully for small-scale celebrations:

Customization: Unlike restaurants or traditional catering setups, personal chef experiences are built around you. Want a Southern brunch with a twist? A wine-paired seafood dinner? A plant-based comfort food night? It's all on the table.

Convenience: No reservations, no traffic, no need to entertain outside your comfort zone. Everything happens right where you are—your home, your backyard, your Airbnb.

Connection: A personal chef creates a more relaxed, personal vibe. Guests get to watch the food being prepared, interact with the chef, and ask questions. It's not just dinner—it’s a shared experience.

Presentation: Even with smaller events, our team brings restaurant-quality plating, elegant table setups, and professional service that makes the evening feel luxurious and effortless.

What Does a Personal Chef Experience Include?

At The Sole Ingredient, we tailor every detail to you. A typical personal chef event includes:

A one-on-one consultation to plan your custom menu

Grocery shopping with premium, fresh ingredients

On-site cooking and preparation

Elegant plating and service

Kitchen clean-up so you can relax

From intimate dinners for two to tables of 10 or 20, we scale the service without losing the personal touch. Every course, every garnish, every timing decision is made with your experience in mind.

Popular Intimate Events for a Personal Chef Experience:

Anniversaries

Celebrate your love story with a private dinner full of your favorite flavors.

Birthday Dinners

Skip the crowded restaurant scene. We bring the fine dining to you.

Girls' Night In or Bachelor/Bachelorette Dinners

Sip, laugh, and indulge without worrying about designated drivers or long lines.

Engagement Dinners or Micro Weddings

Keep the focus on your love and your people with a relaxed, delicious in-home celebration.

Holiday Gatherings

Let us take the holiday stress off your plate—literally.

The Food That Feels Like Home

Our approach to food is rooted in soul and elevated by technique. Whether it's crispy fried chicken with honey-thyme drizzle or a rich, creamy seafood mac & cheese, we believe food should feel as good as it tastes.

For personal chef experiences, we focus on creating dishes that:

Reflect your personal history or cultural background

Use seasonal, local ingredients

Wow the eyes before they reach the palate

Offer comfort, elegance, and a little indulgence

A few fan-favorite personal chef menu ideas include:

Herb-crusted lamb chops with garlic mash and sautéed broccolini

Vegan jerk tacos with pineapple salsa and avocado crema

Seared scallops with corn puree and chili oil drizzle

Bourbon bread pudding with vanilla bean cream

How We Make It Seamless

Our team handles everything so you don’t have to. From menu planning and timing to serving and clean-up, we ensure you and your guests can fully enjoy the moment. You deserve to be a guest at your own celebration—we make that happen.

We also accommodate dietary needs and preferences with ease, whether gluten-free, vegan, pescatarian, or allergy-specific. Everyone gets something special.

More Than a Meal

What our clients love most is that our personal chef experiences are about more than just food. They're about:

Slowing down and savoring

Sharing laughs across the table

Connecting over bites that feel personal

Creating memories at home

We often hear, "This was better than any restaurant," or "You brought a five-star experience to my dining room." And that’s exactly the point.

Final Bite

An intimate event deserves food that speaks to the moment—and a personal chef experience makes that possible. At The Sole Ingredient, we bring flavor, flair, and soul to your table. Whether you’re toasting to a birthday, an engagement, or simply the joy of good company, we’ll craft an experience that turns your space into the most exclusive (and delicious) spot in town.

[buzztowns]

The Breakfast Secret You Need to Know

Mornings. They can be a whirlwind of chaos, a blur of rushed routines, and a battle against the snooze button. But what if I told you there’s a secret weapon, a culinary key that unlocks a world of delicious mornings? A secret that transforms the mundane into the magnificent, the rushed into the relaxed? This isn’t a magic potion or a mystical ritual, but a simple shift in perspective, a willingness to explore the possibilities of breakfast.

We’re here to reveal “The Breakfast Secret You Need to Know,” a guide to elevating your morning meal from a mere necessity to a daily delight. Forget the same old routine; it’s time to discover a world of flavor, convenience, and pure breakfast bliss. We’ll explore creative recipes, time-saving tips, and the delightful surprise of Breakfast Pizza Rolls, all designed to make your mornings something to look forward to.

The Myth of the Boring Breakfast

For too long, breakfast has been relegated to the sidelines, a rushed and often uninspired affair. But the truth is, breakfast is a blank canvas, a chance to express your culinary creativity and set the tone for a fantastic day. The myth of the boring breakfast is just that – a myth. We’ve been conditioned to believe that mornings are too hectic for anything beyond a quick bowl of cereal or a piece of toast. But what if we challenged that notion? What if we embraced the idea that breakfast can be both quick and delicious? The key is to think outside the box, to explore new flavors and textures, and to embrace the joy of cooking. It’s about recognizing that breakfast isn’t just fuel; it’s an opportunity to nourish your body and soul, to start your day with intention and joy. It’s about creating moments of deliciousness that linger long after the last bite.

The Secret Weapon: Breakfast Pizza Rolls Revealed

And now, for the secret weapon, the culinary revelation that will revolutionize your mornings: Breakfast Pizza Rolls. These aren’t just your average breakfast item; they’re a game-changer, a delightful fusion of comfort and convenience. Imagine a warm, golden crust, enveloping a medley of your favorite breakfast flavors. Fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, savory sausage, and melty cheese, all rolled into a portable, handheld delight. Or, perhaps you crave a sweet start to your day? Fill your rolls with sautéed apples, cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup. The possibilities are endless.

The beauty of Breakfast Pizza Rolls lies in their versatility. They’re perfect for busy mornings, on-the-go breakfasts, or even a fun brunch gathering. They can be made ahead of time and frozen, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal is always within reach. And let’s not forget the fun factor! These rolls are a hit with kids and adults alike, transforming breakfast into a playful and enjoyable experience. They’re a reminder that breakfast doesn’t have to be boring; it can be a celebration of flavor and creativity.

Beyond the Roll: Exploring Breakfast Diversity

While Breakfast Pizza Rolls are a star player, the breakfast secret extends far beyond a single dish. It’s about embracing the diversity of breakfast, exploring a world of flavors and textures. Consider the vibrant hues and textures of a smoothie bowl, a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Blend together your favorite fruits, vegetables, and superfoods, then top with granola, nuts, seeds, and a drizzle of honey. Or, perhaps you’re craving something savory? A frittata, loaded with seasonal vegetables and herbs, is a delightful and satisfying option. Don’t forget the power of spices!

A dash of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate your breakfast to new heights. Explore global flavors by incorporating ingredients like miso, ginger, or turmeric. And remember, breakfast doesn’t have to be confined to traditional dishes. Think outside the box and experiment with breakfast tacos, breakfast salads, or even breakfast pasta.

Time-Saving Techniques: The Key to Stress-Free Mornings

The breakfast secret isn’t just about delicious recipes; it’s also about time management. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, time is a precious commodity. That’s where meal prepping comes in. By dedicating a few hours on the weekend, you can streamline your mornings and ensure a delicious and nutritious breakfast is always within reach. Prepare a big batch of grains, roast vegetables, and cook protein sources like eggs or chicken.

Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for easy access throughout the week. For Breakfast Pizza Rolls, assemble them and freeze before baking. You can also prepare smoothie packs by combining fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients in individual bags and storing them in the freezer. When you’re ready, simply blend the contents with your favorite liquid for a quick and nutritious breakfast. Another time-saving tip is to utilize kitchen gadgets like slow cookers and Instant Pots. These appliances can help you prepare large batches of food with minimal effort.

Embracing the Breakfast Secret

"The Breakfast Secret You Need to Know" is more than just a collection of recipes and tips; it’s an invitation to transform your mornings. It’s about embracing the joy of breakfast, exploring new flavors, and creating moments of deliciousness that linger long after the last bite. By incorporating creative dishes like Breakfast Pizza Rolls, utilizing meal prep strategies, and embracing the diversity of breakfast, you can unlock a world of morning possibilities. Remember, breakfast is the foundation of a great day. Take the time to savor the moment, appreciate the flavors, and set your intentions for the day ahead. Let breakfast be your daily reminder that life is meant to be savored, one delicious bite at a time. So, embrace the breakfast secret, and make every morning a masterpiece.

[digital-marketing-2341]

Most Delicious Dishes in the World

Most Delicious Dishes in the World

Food is a major element in our existence. With different cultures and traditions around the world, there are countless cuisines. Some dishes are in a league, blissfully dancing across the senses in sweet harmony. In today’s blog, we will select some of the most delicious dishes in the world that excite our minds and bring some joy to our taste buds. [smartslider3 slider="26"]

1. Sushi (Japan)

Why It’s Delicious:

One of the most well-known & delicious foods in this world is Sushi originated in Japan. Sushi is characterized by its light, fresh flavor, made with raw fish, vegetables, or other fresh ingredients. It is truly a delicious dish with its elegant flavors and healthy components.

2. Pizza (Italy)

Why It’s Delicious:

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world. Authentic Italian pizza is loved internationally for its taste and quality. Pizza is an amazing combination of flavors with its crispy crust, tomato sauce, cheese, and fresh toppings. Margherita, pepperoni and vegetable pizzas are among its numbers.

3. Tacos (Mexico)

Why It’s Delicious:

Tacos from Mexico are a very famous and delicious dish. They provide a mixture of marinated meat, vegetables, cheese, and spicy sauces enclosed inside a tortilla. Tacos are on-the-go comfort food — each bite is packed with a new flavor.[smartslider3 slider="27"]

4. Biryani (India)

Why It’s Delicious:

Biryani is a lusciously spiced rice dish that is a staple of Indian cooking. A sensuous treat of fragrant spices, tender meat, and ghee, it is a feast for the senses. Each bite of biryani is an unforgettable experience, thanks to the blend of aromatic spices.

5. Paella (Spain)

Why It’s Delicious:

October 2023 — “Paella” composed of seafood, meat, and rice traditional Spanish dish. Often referred to for its vibrant and aromatic presentation, paella features a multitude of texture and flavor combinations in one unforgettable dish.

6. Croissant (France)

Why It’s Delicious:

A French croissant is a buttery and flaky pastry that goes well with coffee. Light and tender yet rich in flavor, it makes a delightful breakfast or snack. [smartslider3 slider="28"]

7. Dim Sum (China)

Why It’s Delicious:

Dim sum is a small dish served as part of Chinese cuisine, often with tea. Dim sum is great as it has a wide variety of fillings, including meat and vegetables that provide a flavorful and satisfying meal, especially when paired with a steaming hot cup of tea.

8. Ramen (Japan)

Why It’s Delicious:

Japanese Ramen Names Type Popular Styles Broths History and Origins Preparation Additions. The soup is hearty and flavourful due to the spices while the solid noodles serve great for fullness.

9. Satay (Indonesia)

Why It’s Delicious:

A quintessential Indonesian dish, satay is made up of skewered meat cooked over a grill and served with a savory peanut sauce. Their unique blend of sweetness and spiciness creates savory flavors that simply satisfy.

10. Gelato (Italy)

Why It’s Delicious:

Most people think of gelato as Italian ice cream, which is as close to a definition as they can get. It is deliciously creamy with lower fat and a natural ingredient.

Here are the most delicious dishes from around the world that reflect the rich traditions and cultures of their countries. From Japan’s savory sushi to Italy’s comforting pizza, these are not just about food — they’re about sampling the soul of each culture. If all this has whetted your appetite for these recipes, we hope you will give them a try!

If you like this blog, please make sure that you share it with everyone that you know and give us feedback!

[smitheliana89]

Why Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza is the Perfect Comfort Food?

Rising-crust pepperoni pizza has earned its place as the quintessential comfort food for many reasons. Its combination of flavors, textures, and the sheer joy of indulging in something so universally loved makes it a go-to choice when craving warmth, satisfaction, and familiarity. Here’s why this pizza variety continues to reign as the perfect comfort food.

The Crust: A Satisfying Foundation

One of the key reasons rising crust pepperoni pizza is so comforting is the crust itself. Unlike traditional thin crusts, the dough of a rising crust pizza puffs up as it bakes, resulting in a thicker, softer, and more pillowy base. This substantial texture is incredibly satisfying. It balances crispy edges and a chewy interior, providing a hearty bite with every slice. The crust can absorb the richness of the sauce and cheese, creating a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that make each mouthful a comfort to the soul.

Melty Cheese for Ultimate Comfort

The cheese on a rising crust pepperoni pizza adds to its status as comfort food. As it melts and stretches over the dough, it becomes golden and bubbly, locking in flavors and delivering that signature gooeyness with every bite. The warmth and richness of the cheese provide a satisfying contrast to the robust texture of the crust, adding a creamy, comforting layer that wraps up each ingredient perfectly. Cheese, particularly when baked to perfection, has a universally appealing quality that adds to the pizza's feel-good factor.

Bold and Savory Pepperoni

Pepperoni is another crucial ingredient that amplifies the comfort factor of this pizza. Its savory, slightly spicy flavor brings an extra punch to the meal. As the pepperoni slices bake in the oven, they crisp up around the edges while releasing oils that seep into the cheese and crust, infusing the entire pizza with their bold flavor. Combining the chewy crust, melty cheese, and the crisp, spicy bite of pepperoni creates a symphony of taste that feels both nostalgic and exciting. This balance of flavors—salty, tangy, and mildly spicy—satisfies cravings and provides a hearty, comforting meal.

The Experience: A Slice of Warmth

Comfort food is about more than just the ingredients; it's about the experience. A rising crust pepperoni pizza fresh out of the oven fills the room with a rich, mouthwatering aroma that promises satisfaction. The steam rising from a slice when it’s first cut, the warmth that radiates from the cheesy top layer, and the satisfying first bite that brings together dough, cheese, and pepperoni is an experience that evokes relaxation and joy. This indulgent experience of flavor, warmth, and satisfaction is what makes rising crust pepperoni pizza a perfect choice when seeking comfort.

Versatility and Convenience

Another reason why rising crust pepperoni pizza is such a popular comfort food is its versatility and convenience. It can be enjoyed alone on a cozy night in, shared with friends during a casual gathering, or served as part of a fun family dinner. Its ease of preparation means that anyone can have a delicious and comforting meal without the hassle of complex cooking. Whether it's baked in the oven or pulled from a freezer, rising crust pepperoni pizza is a quick solution to cravings that guarantees fulfillment.

[theubracipizza]

The Braci Pizza Concept to Crust: The Evolution of our taste Signature Dishes

In the bustling world of culinary arts, pizza has maintained a unique position, transcending cultures and generations. It’s not just food; it’s an experience, a communal joy that brings people together. At Braci, we’ve taken the universal love for pizza and transformed it into a culinary art form, evolving our taste signature dishes with passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. This article explores the journey of Braci Pizza from concept to crust, highlighting the evolution of our signature dishes.

The Genesis of Braci Pizza

The Braci Pizza was born out of a love for traditional Italian cuisine and a desire to innovate. Our founders, seasoned chefs with a deep appreciation for authentic flavors, embarked on a mission to create a pizza experience that would captivate the senses. The name "Braci," meaning "embers" in Italian, symbolizes the heart and soul of our cooking method—wood-fired ovens that impart a distinctive, smoky flavor to our pizzas.

Crafting the Perfect Dough

The journey from concept to crust begins with the dough, the foundation of any great pizza. At Braci, we believe in the power of simplicity. Our dough recipe, perfected over years of experimentation, consists of just four ingredients: high-quality flour, water, salt, and yeast. However, it’s the technique and time that elevate it to excellence.

Our dough undergoes a slow fermentation process, typically lasting 48 to 72 hours. This extended fermentation allows the yeast to work its magic, breaking down the gluten and creating a dough that’s light, airy, and easy to digest. The result is a crust that’s crispy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside—a perfect canvas for our toppings.

The Art of Sauce Making

No pizza is complete without a delicious sauce, and at Braci, we take our sauce seriously. Our signature tomato sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, known for their rich flavor and low acidity. These tomatoes are hand-crushed and combined with a blend of fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of sea salt. The sauce is cooked slowly to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a vibrant and aromatic base that complements our crust perfectly.

For those seeking a different experience, we also offer a variety of alternative sauces. Our white sauce, made from a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, is creamy and indulgent, while our pesto sauce, made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, offers a burst of herbal freshness. Each sauce is crafted with care, ensuring that every bite of Braci pizza is a harmonious balance of flavors.

Signature Toppings: A Symphony of Flavors

The toppings are where the true artistry of Braci Pizza shines. Our chefs draw inspiration from both traditional Italian ingredients and innovative culinary trends to create signature dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

One of our most beloved creations is the Margherita Pizza, a timeless classic that showcases the beauty of simplicity. Featuring our signature tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, this pizza is a tribute to the colors of the Italian flag and a celebration of pure, unadulterated flavors.

For those who crave something more adventurous, the Truffle Mushroom Pizza is a must-try. This decadent pizza is topped with a medley of wild mushrooms, truffle oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The earthy richness of the mushrooms and the luxurious aroma of truffle oil create a sensory experience that’s truly unforgettable.

Our Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza is another favorite, combining the salty, savory goodness of thinly sliced prosciutto with the peppery bite of fresh arugula. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.

Seasonal and Locally Sourced Ingredients

At Braci, we believe in the importance of seasonality and sustainability. Our chefs work closely with local farmers and suppliers to source the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available. This commitment to using seasonal produce not only ensures that our pizzas are bursting with flavor, but also supports local agriculture and reduces our environmental footprint.

Our menu changes with the seasons, allowing us to showcase the best of what each time of year has to offer. In the spring, you might find pizzas topped with tender asparagus and fresh peas, while summer brings an abundance of ripe tomatoes and sweet corn. Fall is the perfect time for hearty toppings like butternut squash and caramelized onions, and winter calls for comforting combinations like roasted root vegetables and creamy cheeses.

Innovation Meets Tradition

While tradition is at the heart of Braci Pizza, we’re not afraid to push the boundaries and explore new culinary horizons. Our chefs are constantly experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, drawing inspiration from global cuisines to create pizzas that are both familiar and excitingly different.

One of our innovative creations is the Thai Chicken Pizza, which features a fusion of Italian and Thai flavors. The pizza is topped with marinated chicken, spicy peanut sauce, mozzarella, and a medley of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cilantro. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that dance on the palate.

Another unique offering is our Vegan Delight Pizza, catering to the growing demand for plant-based options. This pizza is topped with a vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables, vegan cheese, and a drizzle of our house-made cashew cream. It’s a satisfying and flavorful option that proves you don’t need animal products to create a delicious pizza.

The Braci Experience

At Braci, we believe that enjoying pizza is more than just eating—it’s an experience. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’re greeted with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked pizza and the sight of our skilled chefs at work in the open kitchen. Our wood-fired ovens, the heart of our kitchen, crackle and glow, creating an ambiance that’s both rustic and cozy.

Our commitment to hospitality extends beyond the food. Our staff is passionate about providing exceptional service, ensuring that every visit to Braci is memorable. Whether you’re dining in with family and friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply grabbing a quick bite, we strive to make every moment special.

Community and Collaboration

At Braci, we view ourselves as part of a larger community, and we’re dedicated to giving back. We regularly collaborate with local organizations and charities, hosting events and fundraisers to support causes that are important to us and our customers. Our commitment to community extends to our sourcing practices as well, as we prioritize working with local farmers and suppliers who share our values of sustainability and quality.

We also love to engage with our customers and involve them in the creative process. Our monthly “Create Your Own Pizza” contest invites customers to submit their own pizza creations, with the winning entry being featured on our menu for a month. This not only fosters a sense of community but also inspires us with fresh, new ideas.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Braci Pizza

As we look to the future, Braci Pizza remains committed to innovation, quality, and community. We’re constantly exploring new ways to enhance our menu and elevate the pizza experience for our customers. From expanding our range of vegan and gluten-free options to incorporating cutting-edge cooking techniques and global flavors, the possibilities are endless.

Our vision for the future also includes expanding our footprint, bringing the Braci experience to new communities and cities. As we grow, we’ll continue to prioritize sustainability, quality, and our connection to the communities we serve.

Conclusion

The journey from concept to crust at Braci Pizza is one of passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From our meticulously crafted dough and sauces to our innovative toppings and seasonal ingredients, every element of our pizzas is designed to create a memorable and delicious experience. As we continue to evolve and innovate, we remain dedicated to the core values that have made Braci Pizza a beloved culinary destination. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, we invite you to join us on this delicious journey and experience the evolution of our taste signature dishes.

[margariandmikespizza]

Slice of Heaven: Exploring the Delicious Offerings at Mike's Pizza and Catering

When it comes to satisfying cravings and delighting taste buds, few things compare to the comfort and joy of a delicious slice of pizza. And if you're lucky enough to find yourself in the vicinity of Mike's Pizza and Catering, you're in for a real treat. Nestled in the heart of town, Mike's is more than just a pizza joint—it's a culinary destination where every bite is a journey to flavor paradise.

A Brief Introduction to Mike's Pizza and Catering

Established over a decade ago, Mike's Pizza and Catering has become a beloved fixture in the community, known for its commitment to quality, freshness, and above all, flavor. What started as a humble pizzeria has since evolved into a full-fledged catering service, offering a diverse range of culinary delights for events of all sizes and occasions.

The Pizza Experience: Where It All Begins

At the heart of Mike's culinary empire lies its iconic pizzas—handcrafted masterpieces that have earned a reputation for excellence far and wide. From classic Margheritas to innovative specialty pies, each pizza is a labor of love, prepared with the finest ingredients and baked to perfection in a traditional brick oven.

The Classics:

For purists and traditionalists, Mike's offers an array of classic pizzas that never fail to satisfy. The Margherita, with its simple yet sublime combination of fresh mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and fragrant basil, is a perennial favorite. Then there's the Meat Lover's, a carnivore's delight piled high with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham—guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

The Specialties:

For those craving a culinary adventure, Mike's specialty pizzas are sure to impress. The BBQ Chicken Deluxe, with its tantalizing blend of tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and caramelized onions, is a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. And let's not forget the Spicy Hawaiian, a fiery twist on a tropical classic, featuring jalapeños, pineapple, and ham for a flavor explosion that's sure to leave you wanting more.

Build Your Own:

Of course, for the adventurous souls and creative minds, Mike's offers a build-your-own option, allowing customers to customize their pizzas to their heart's content. Choose from a variety of crusts, sauces, cheeses, meats, and veggies to create a culinary masterpiece that's uniquely yours.

Beyond Pizza: Exploring the Catering Experience

While pizza may be the star of the show at Mike's, the culinary offerings don't end there. With its comprehensive catering services, Mike's has become the go-to choice for events of all kinds, from intimate family gatherings to large corporate functions.

The Menu:

From delectable appetizers and mouthwatering entrees to irresistible desserts and refreshing beverages, Mike's catering menu is a testament to culinary creativity and versatility. Whether you're planning a casual backyard barbecue or an elegant wedding reception, you'll find a wide range of options to suit your tastes and preferences.

The Service:

But it's not just the food that sets Mike's catering apart—it's the service. From initial consultation to final cleanup, the team at Mike's goes above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of your event is handled with care and attention to detail. With a focus on professionalism, reliability, and customer satisfaction, they strive to make your event not just a success, but a memorable experience for all involved.

The Feedback:

And the feedback speaks for itself. Countless satisfied customers have praised Mike's catering for its exceptional food, impeccable service, and unparalleled attention to detail. Whether it's a wedding, a corporate event, or a birthday party, Mike's has earned a reputation for excellence that is second to none.

Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Awaits

In conclusion, if you're in search of culinary excellence, look no further than Mike's Pizza and Catering. With its mouthwatering pizzas, diverse catering options, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Mike's is more than just a restaurant—it's a destination for food lovers everywhere. So why wait? Come on down to Mike's and experience a slice of heaven for yourself.

[forest-hashira]

FALLONNNN I must know

What are your opinions on pineapple pizza?

What is your favorite outfit that makes you feel the best?

What do you like to do outside of work and tumblr?

hi leigh!!!

ok so there was a very brief period in my life where my go-to pizza order was a thin crust with pineapple & extra cheese, no other toppings LMAO. i wouldn't ever do that again now, but i don't mind pineapple on pizza (my far more controversial pizza topping opinion is that broccoli is not actually a horrible topping, i had it in NYC a few years back and i loved it AHAHA)

there's this grey sweater i got during study abroad in the fall of 2019 (spent the semester in oxford!) that somehow still fits and i LOVE that thing. i think it looks especially good on me under this kind of sage-y green jumpsuit i have. and even apart from that sweater, i love every pair of pants i own from earthbound, they're so comfy and i love how i feel when i wear them!

i really like to write & read! i lost sight of those things being enjoyable while i was at uni (being an english major will do that to you fr) but i've been getting back into both of those things lately and it's been really nice. watching movies & tv shows is also a genuine hobby of mine but i never really lost those during school lol so i'm glad to be able to rediscover things that brought me so much joy before college sucked out my soul

ask me anything you want!

[cultofthecorvus]

A Day In the Life of a Crow 

Chpt 12-  

By Vincent Kinkade 

Today, I have been fortunate to do the most important work there is in the cult, I have listened to others, and as appropriate, I have spoken. For conversation is how many of us bond, however there may be other ways.... Once I even shared a kinship with a human! Can you believe it!? 

As i was looking for the odd small insect and bread crust, this human with no warning or apparent gesture, threw at me part of its meal! We shared bread, meat, salad and cheese. We ate together silently in a shared meal. There was a bond there as sure as the branches we stand on now! 

So a bond can be silent, or full of sound. It can be raucous or still. What matters most is the experience of commonalities, and bonding between souls. While our beaks chatter and our throats chortle the tethers of our lives are tied together, for long enough for our souls dance in a silent joy. 

The truest form of communication is to bond! When i chattered with my fellows today, i listened closely, so i could understand who they were, and the meaning of the stories they spoke. I spoke questions to finesse answers that severed much the same purpose. I hope that some of my chatter shared a wisdom, or an insight on how to live a happier life. But alas we cannot change one another, even after hours of conversation...  

With practice, we can find a true kinship and bonding of souls. Once our souls have found such kinship, what more does chatter, and chortle mean? Then the greater part of the work has been done. What remains is Fellowship with the All Corvus, and that, is another conversation... 

[tucanbakery]

Indulge Your Palate with Delight: Capricciosa Pizza Delivery

In the realm of gastronomy, few dishes evoke the same universally beloved response as pizza. Among the myriad pizza varieties, the Capricciosa stands out as a timeless classic, characterized by a delightful combination of flavors. Now, imagine the joy of savoring a freshly baked Capricciosa without leaving the comfort of your home – enter the world of capricciosa pizza delivery. In this article, we embark on a journey celebrating the art of pizza-making and the convenience of having this culinary masterpiece delivered to your doorstep.

The Artistry of Capricciosa:

The Capricciosa pizza is a culinary work of art, combining a harmonious blend of ingredients to create a symphony of flavors. Traditionally adorned with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives, each bite offers a delightful medley of savory, salty, and slightly tangy notes. The beauty lies in the balance, making Capricciosa a go-to choice for pizza enthusiasts.

Convenience at Your Doorstep:

The evolution of food delivery services has transformed the dining experience, bringing the world's flavors to your doorstep. Capricciosa pizza delivery takes this convenience a step further, ensuring that the flavors of Italy are delivered piping hot and ready to be enjoyed in the cozy ambiance of your home. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious meal, the convenience of Capricciosa pizza delivery is a game-changer.

Freshness Guaranteed:

One might wonder, does the magic of Capricciosa get lost in transit? Fear not, for reputable pizza delivery services prioritize freshness. From the oven to your table, the Capricciosa arrives in all its glory, with the crust retaining its crispness and the ingredients maintaining their vibrant flavors. The commitment to quality ensures that every bite is a culinary delight.

Variety in the Comfort of Home:

Capricciosa pizza delivery doesn't just offer the classic version – it opens the door to a world of pizza varieties. Explore thin-crust or thick-crust options, choose between different types of cheeses, or opt for a gluten-free crust. The convenience of home delivery allows you to customize your Capricciosa experience according to your preferences.

Perfect for Every Occasion:

Capricciosa pizza is versatile, making it an ideal choice for various occasions. Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner, a family movie night, a celebration with friends, or even a solo indulgence, the Capricciosa's universal appeal ensures it's a hit for any event.

Embracing Technology:

The integration of technology has further streamlined the pizza delivery experience. Ordering your favorite Capricciosa is just a few clicks away through mobile apps or online platforms. Real-time tracking allows you to monitor the journey of your pizza, heightening the anticipation as it inches closer to your doorstep.

Community Connection:

Beyond the joy of savoring a delectable Capricciosa, pizza delivery fosters a sense of community. Supporting local pizzerias not only ensures the continuation of culinary craftsmanship but also strengthens the bond between local businesses and residents. It's a symbiotic relationship where everyone gets to enjoy a slice of the good life.

Conclusion:

Capricciosa pizza delivery transcends the notion of a mere meal – it's an experience that brings the soul-satisfying flavors of Italy to the heart of your home. As we celebrate the convenience, variety, and community connection that pizza delivery offers, it's clear that the Capricciosa, with its timeless charm, is a culinary journey worth savoring, one delightful slice at a time.

For more details, visit us :

pizza marbella

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Best Pizzas in Marbella

[some-dr-writings]

Teruteru, Ryoma and Gundham cooking with their S/O

Teruteru Hanamura:

·       Ah, Teruteru, without a doubt the most famous chef in Japan, who hadn’t heard of him? His face was practically plastered on the front of every cooking magazine. And his cooking was incomparable, anyone would pay top dollar, hell even sell most of their belonging for even a chance to taste his delectable creations!

·       And you, his partner, wanted to cook for him. Sure, he had taught you some things, but oftentimes those lessons would dissolve into Teru pampering you and slipping you into a hot bubble bath while he cooked for you.

·       Not this time though! You see, Teru was out working so there was no way for him to take over the cooking! For all the times he had cooked and pampered you, you wanted to return the favor! Just at least once.

·       Teru always took such great joy in treating you like royalty, like you were the center of the universe! As nice as it was, a part of you felt some guilt, you wanted to show him just how much you love him too, not just the other way around. So, you were determined to have a nice hot meal ready for Teru when he arrived back home!

·       You had thought of this for a long time so, the moment Teru had left for work, you already knew what you would make, a chicken, broccoli and rice casserole!

·       Knowing it only took about an hour to make, you simply set up the ingredients so they’d be ready to go when it was closer to the time Teru would return.

·       As the time had arrived and you were whisking a handful of cheddar cheese into the simmering sauce, you heard the last thing you wanted too in that crucial moment. “Oh, Honey Dumplin’~ Guess who’s home early today!”

·       “Oh? What’s this now?” A sly smile crept on those lips as he mischievously eyed your frozen form surrounded by the ingredients. “Uhhh, this is not what it looks like?” In the moment it was the best excuse your mind could sputter out. “Not what it looks like, now is it?” “Y-yes. I’m… uh… making a witch’s brew! That’ll curse you to become a frog if you dare come into the kitchen, so shoo!” Your mind didn’t even have enough stability in the moment to even comprehend exactly the jumble of words you spit out as you raced to block Teru from the kitchen. “Hmm? A witch’s brew? Well, I must say the ingredients for this ‘witch’s brew’ look almost as ravishing as you, so much so, I don’t know if I can keep myself away!”

·       With his smaller stature Teru managed to slip past you and already took a quick taste of the sauce. “Ah~ Absolutely scrumptious!” “Really?” “Of course! I can taste the passion you’ve poured into this!” With a smile you quickly began to explain the techniques you were using.

·       Very soon Teru stood beside you acting as your assistant. At times he started to take over, but you suddenly came up with a plan. Taking several hairbands, you cuffed one of your hands to Teru’s making sure he couldn’t wander off and start cooking on his own.

·       When the meal was finished, standing side by side, you and Teru ate the casserole on a kitchen counter too excited to try it to bother taking it to the kitchen table. Both of you hummed an awed at every bite.

·       “Sweet pie, we should make this a tradition.” “Cooking together?” Teru lightly shook his head, then held up your still clasped hands that held one another. “No, cooking like this.” Suddenly jerking his hand back, you were suddenly pulled closer. “Cooking like this is so enticingly intimate, don’t you think?”

  Ryoma Hoshi:

·       Cooking had always been your go to thing when you were stressed. Something about the smells, and the delightful crunching sounds when chopping, and in the end having something to share with others had this way of placing your heart at ease like no other… The type of ease you wished you could give Ryoma.

·       You and Ryoma had been best friends for years before becoming a couple. Honestly becoming a couple just… sort of happened? It was just so natural over time neither of you noticed ‘till one day you both realized that you had both referred to the other as your partner for years. In that time, you got to learn about each other too the point at times it seemed you knew Ryoma better than he did himself or Ryoma knew you better than you did yourself.

·       So when Ryoma was having an especially bad day, the kind of day where everything that could go wrong did go wrong - the kind of day where his past seemed all consuming, clinging to his every thought with a death grip, sinking him deeper and deeper into that bleak madness - he didn’t question you when you asked him to cook with you.

·       You wanted to help him, but in your time together you knew that when Ryoma got like this there wasn’t much you could do other than tell him you were there for him. But maybe this time could be different? You cooked for him before, but never with him. Maybe at the very least this could distract him, even just a little.

·       “Say, Ryry, want to make… Oh, how about a meat pie! We can use up the left-over meat from the tacos last night!” “… sure.” From that hollow tone alone you could tell he wasn’t with you, he was back in that awful time.

·       “Ryry, here. Use this to mash the potatoes, would you?” “Yeah.” You made sure to not have Ryoma do any chopping in his zombie like state, fearing he’d accidently cut himself and not even realize it.

·       “Ryry, see the spices I placed on that counter?” “Yeah.” “Would you measure 1/8 teaspoon of each?” “Alright.” As Ryoma was measuring out the spices you found yourself getting lost in the sizzling sound of the ground beef and pork in the saucepan. The crisp pops and the gentle scrape of the spoon against the pan bottom was just so incredibly lovely.

·       “S/O?” Yes?” “Where do you want the spice to go?” “Right in this pan here.” “… Just toss it in?” “Just toss it right in!” Each time Ryoma tossed a spice into the pan you noticed how he’d linger longer and longer by your side. “Ryoma?” “… It smells good.” “I know, right!? Oh, hey! Why don’t you mix this with the mash potatoes while I set up the pie crust!” Your heart melted seeing a smile twitch onto his lips as he just looked at you for a moment. “Sounds good to me.”

·       It was plain to see the sheer joy radiating from you. You actually got him to engage in this! Even if it wasn’t much, it was SOMETHING! You actually helped him even on one of his worst days!

·       When the pie was done you ate, happily humming to yourself. “Hey, S/O.” “Yeah Ryry?” “Thank you… Mind having me as an assistant when you cook next?” “… Ryoma!” You launched at him, tackling the man into a hug almost knocking both of you onto the ground in the process.

·       From that day forward you always made sure to cook with Ryoma at least once a week. Quickly Ryoma even tried cooking on his own, and presented each of his dishes to you, asking for critique or advice on techniques. And each time you gave him advice or cooked with him, Ryoma always thanked you, for everything you had done for him.

  Gundham Tanaka:

·       “My Dark Emperor, I should have expected that one of your mighty caliber had the required unholy abilities to concoct the nourishment the Twelve Zodiac Generals so crave! My Emperor, I must make a humbling request as your soul’s mate, unlock the sleeping spells within myself to achieve such a feat!” A light laughter bubbled up from you seeing how Gundham was so excitedly feeding his generals the treats you had baked for them. This wasn’t the first time you had done a little cooking for Gundham’s beasts let alone for the Dark Devas and their offspring, but you seemed to finally get just the right combination of ingredients the hamsters just couldn’t get enough of.

·       Truthful you hadn’t been cooking for too long. You actually took it up because you had a crush on your now boyfriend and wanted to get his attention by making treats for his beloved companions. Eventually you began to cook food for yourself and for him. But now you finally achieved your goal of making something the Zodiac Generals loved! And seeing that sparkle in Gundham’s eye as he asked to cook with you made the moment even sweeter than you could have ever imagined.

·       After gathering the ingredients, you and Gundham practically raced to your kitchen. “Okay, first let’s wash our hands, that’s the first step to cooking anything!” As you took your own advice you noticed Gundham kind of just… stayed back? It was then from the corner of your eye, you saw he was unwrapping the bandage around his hand and arm. For a moment you froze. This was the first time you’d see him without it wrapped around his arm and hand. It wasn’t that big of a deal really, but… as odd as it may sound, it was strange realizing it wasn’t just a part of him. It was just always there…

·       Then seeing what was underneath. Absolutely riddled with scars new and old, each one seemed to be from a different creature. Except for the hamster bites, those were the only ones that seemed to repeat. “Taken interest in my battle scars I see.” “Oh, I was staring, wasn’t I? Sorry!” “There is no need to apologize, it’s… it’s only natural for one to examine their partner’s past injuries, they tell many a tale only the bearer would know.”

·       As you did some set up for the next step you asked Gundham to do some mixing. “Uh, Gundham, you need to fold over, here, just let me show you.” Momentarily taking the bowl and spoon you showed your Dark Lord the proper technique. Then you passed the bowl and spoon back. “… You’re still doing it wrong.” Just as you were reaching your hand out to take his own to help him through the motions you stopped yourself. Even after you had gotten together you only ever held Gundham’s bandaged hand… which was now not bandaged. Maybe an oven mitt would do? “… Perhaps… despite us being trapped within in the confines of these mortal coils, just as I am poisonous to the touch, as my eternal partner you… resist it… even without the protective cloth with it’s magical properties… you won’t get hurt.” Your heart pounded in your chest hearing those words and seeing that florescent blush burst on his cheeks. All you could do was nod. “… Are you sure? I can get a mitt if you’d be more comfortable.” “I’m sure, and should your body have an adverse reaction, the Twelve Zodiac Generals shall counteract the poison long enough for me to prepare a cure.” As gently as you could, you placed your hand atop his, and showed him how to properly fold over the mixture. Though both of you were distracted by the thudding of your own hearts, wondering if with how close you were, if the other could feel that racing beat.

·       When you had finally finished the Generals ran up to you and they tried getting to the small bag of treats. It was so fun seeing them race around in excitement and feel them rip the treat from your fingers. As you reached in to get another treat something flinched inside. Gundham had reached in his still unbandaged hand at the same time as you. “My Emperor, I-” “Hey, it’s okay. You took a big step today, and I’m proud of you. We don’t need to push you farther than you are comfortable with.” You then leaned your head onto his shoulder. “… I thank you for always being so understanding.”

·       It became a regular thing to bake treats for the Zodiac Generals and the other creatures under Gundham’s care. Once a week Gundham would visit you at your place to make more treats, much to the Devas’ and their children’s protest if it wasn’t for them. And each time, it seemed Gundham would mess up on something and need your hands-on assistance to get it right. And each time without fail you always found your heart racing in time with his.

[chironomy]

rat patootie (bless my soul)

Yes, like in the movie Ratatouille, the recipe so good it makes the evil food critic cry tears of joy. 

I swear this stuff has magical properties but ANYWAY. I’m not about to be that person with the 8 paragraph personal essay before the recipe so here it is

4-6 cloves garlic 1 onion olive oil 1 28oz can crushed or petite diced tomatoes fresh basil and parsley. Like 1/3 of a cup each? 1 eggplant 1-2 zucchini 1-2 yellow squash 5-6 roma tomatoes salt and pepper

1. Get food. Tricky part: make sure the eggplant, zucchini, squash and tomatoes are all roughly the same thiccness.

I finally figured it out: for a 10″ cast iron pan, you want 8-10″ apiece of each kind of tube veggie.

2. chop veggies. This is a fun recipe to make if you like to stab things a lot. Slice the tube veggies as thinly as you can. I can reliably do about 1/8th inch.

3. Preheat oven to 350 and put your pan over medium heat. If you have dried herbes de provence, throw 1-2 tablespoons in the pan and let them toast until you can smell them. If not don’t worry about it.

I put in extra lavender just ‘cause I could.

4. Add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil and plenty of garlic. Never let some catfish tell you how much garlic is too much. Feel it in your heart.

Anyway let that saute for about 2 minutes.

5. Add onions and saute until translucent, about 8 minutes. 

6. Add the crushed tomatoes, half the parsley and basil, 1-2 tsp black pepper and a pinch of salt. Let that simmer for, I don’t know, 5-10 minutes?

7. While that’s happening, mix like 1/4 cup of olive oil with another teaspoon of garlic, black pepper, salt, and the rest of the parsley and basil. Set that aside.

8. Turn off the stove burner and start putting the veggies in the pan. Don’t know if it matters but I usually alternate soft with hard, so I do eggplant-zucchini-tomato-yellow squash. 

Keep doing that

I usually do a ring of veggies around the outside of the pan and then fill in the center however works. Most versions of this recipe lay the veggies down on top of the sauce. I’ve always stuck them straight up and down in the pan. Is this better? Who knows, man.

Ratatouille ready to go in the oven

9. Bake for about an hour and 15 minutes. It’s done when the zucchini and squash in the center are fork tender.

10. Spoon the olive oil/herb/garlic sauce over the top while it’s bubbling hot

Ways to stretch it out: Ratatouille is awesome on top of pasta. I usually get 4 meals out of one pan like this. Also, you will have leftover tube veg. I buy frozen pizza crusts and throw the veggies on top with some pizza sauce or olive oil, seasonings, and some goat cheese crumbles or mozzarella.

Anyway, that’s my current “happy place” recipe. It’s never cost me more than $10 in raw materials to make (including fresh herbs and bourgie canned tomatoes!) and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Nom on that

[certifiedskywalker]

Academic Misgivings (Part Two) - Peter Parker

You and Peter Parker aren’t friends, but you’re not entirely enemies either. You don’t like him but he always tries to be nice to you. He has everything you’ve ever wanted and you’ll do anything to show him that you can make it on your own. But can you? 

Read PART ONE HERE 

The bus rolled up to the hotel around six at night, giving you little time to unpack before a rushed pizza dinner that Mr. Harrington had planned. Yellow lights shine down harshly, illuminating the tired eyes of your peers as they filed out of the bus before you. Peter, being the disgustingly kind boy he was, was letting everyone else file out first; thus keeping you in the bus longer than you felt necessary. Your feet and legs ached to be used, so when Peter finally started to walk down the aisle, you breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

Pins and needles rattled up your limbs painfully with each step. With a clenched jaw, you limped off of the bus where the rest of the academic decathlon team stood idle. When the feeling returned to your extremities, you made your way to behind the bus and found your overnight bag. Ned struggled with his bag until, effortlessly, Peter plucked the bag from his grasp and put it next to his own. Just as your eyes met his, an ever chipper Ms. Lauren cut through the travel-fog.

“C’mon kids! Come inside to the lobby! Mr. Harrington is getting the room keys now,” she crooned. You shook yourself from distraction and quickly maybe your way inside the hotel.

The lobby was painted mustard, the kind of darker yellow that should only be found on a sandwich. The color’s rather unnatural nature was only amplified by the surrounding, gaudy furniture you swore you one had seen used in an 80s sitcom. You plopped yourself down in a stiff-cushioned armchair, bouncing slightly on impact. A snicker sounded nearby and you looked up to see MJ and Peter watching you. You watched them both, eyes meeting with Peter’s for a second too long and a blush rose to your cheeks. 

A few hours ago, you were asleep, tucked snugly against Peter’s shoulder. Residual embarrassment flooded your body with a sweltering heat and you tore your eyes from Peter’s. You didn’t want him to think that you were thinking about it, how comfy and warm he was, even if it was all that occupied your thoughts. It was more embarrassing to yourself that you wouldn’t mind falling asleep against him again. As soon as that thought entered your head, you pushed it down.

“Alright, thank you so much,” Mr. Harrington said to the receptionist before turning to the team. “I already have you all sorted into roommates and rooms.” A few groans met Mr. Harrington’s ears but the man seemed much too tired to care. “Y/N, you’re in room 133 with….”

You reached down to grab your bags as you stood from the wildly uncomfortable chair. Mr. Harrington extended his hand, a keycard dangling from his fingers. You plucked it from his grip and waited for the name of your partner. Your coach’s brown eyes scoured the list he had before him, searching for the name that would set you loose to your room.

“Y/N, you’re rooming with Michelle,” Mr. Harrington said finally and you turned your head to find her. You noticed Peter first, wide eyes full of fear as MJ, smirking, strode up to you. 

“Hey roomie,” she commented smugly. You couldn’t find the strength within yourself to offer her a fake smile and, instead, spun on your heels to find your room.

“And they were roommates,” you heard someone chortle behind you. Ignoring the comment, you made your way down the hallway with your eyes scanning over room numbers. MJ followed you in an eerie silence, the kind that sends shivers down the spine. When room 133 comes into sight, you spare a glance at MJ who is waiting. You unlock the door, pushing it open to reveal a room as terribly decorated as the lobby.

With a mind much too muddied from the long drive to truly care, you walked into the room without hesitation. When you threw your bag on top of the far bed, it bounced, landing on the floor beside it in a ‘thump’. Sighing heavily, you flop on your chosen bed and let out a groan. You closed your eyes for a moment, savoring the little comfort the bed supplied.

“So,” MJ began, causing you to open your eyes and look at her. Her arms were crossed, as if she knew a secret about you that your own heart was no privy to. “You like Peter?”

“Um, what?” You sat up on the edge of your bed, eyes never leaving MJ’s. 

“You know what I said,” she said, smiling at your prolonged pause, “and it seems I said the truth, huh?” You swallow hard, shaking your head vehemently.

“No, no, I don’t like Peter. He’s too,” you try to think of a word, a lie, “too arrogant. He’s just-”

“We’re talking about Peter Parker, right? The quiet nerd that stutters when he tries to talk to you? You think he’s arrogant?” 

You fall silent, studying your nails with immense intensity. MJ sighs and you look up to see her with a strangely sympathetic glint in her eyes.

“I can’t like him,” you admit, your voice low and quiet. 

“Are you gay?” MJ asks and, when compared to the question prior, it is less shocking.

“I don’t know,” you reply, biting at the inside of your cheek, “I just know I can’t like him.” MJ seems to have a readied reply but a knocking at the door cuts off her speech. You shoot up from the bed quickly and dart to the door, desperate to evade the current topic of conversation. Sadly, it seemed that Fate had other plans for you.

“Yes?” The question slips from your lips as an instinct. You only wish to take it back when your eyes meet a familiar pair of brown ones.

“Mr. Harrington said we’re go-going to dinner,” Peter said in a rush, as if you were about to snap and envelope him in fiery breath. Instead of biting back at him, you slammed the door in his face, something you saw as a happy medium. With a huff, you turn and walk back into the depths of the room. MJ is staring at you, lips turned up in a very amused smile.

“See,” you said indignantly, “I don’t like him.” 

Everyone was gathered around, standing hungrily in the lobby as you and MJ came into view. Peter was shifting his weight on his feet as Ned chatted with Betty joyously. Even with the distance between you two, you could easily read that Peter was uncomfortable. He looked up suddenly and upon seeing you and MJ, he started to walk over. Only, Flash beat him to it.

“Hey Y/N, did you know the place we’re going to eat is like the most Instagrammable pizza place in Chicago? We should totally-”

“Alright, kiddos, let’s eat!” Ms. Lauren’s voice shouted over Flash’s rambling and you eagerly headed towards the door. MJ follows suit and, much to your disappointment, so did Flash. As the team trails down the sidewalk, Flash happily talks your ears off. MJ silently falls into step beside you and you give her a look that reads ‘help me’.

“I’m just happy I’m not rooming with Pissbag Parker,” Flash drawls, “ that would have ruined this entire trip with his talk about his precious internship. A nerd, right? Not like the cool kind but the kind that sits in his room alone talking in a headset for hours on end.” Peter and Ned, who had been walking behind the three of you gasped slightly. Peter looked hurt, brows furrowed making his widened eyes squint as Flash continued to degrade him. 

“Shut up, Flash,” you sneer, adding a sharp glare. The boy at your side is shocked and MJ lets out a pleased chuckle. Luckily, the sign for Vito and Maria’s Pizza comes into view, providing you with an escape. You pushed forward, only then realizing just how hungry you were.

You had heard tales of the deliciously fabled, Chicago-style deep dish pizza. The smell alone was everything you had ever dreamed of. Scent of perfectly spiced marinara sauce and melting cheese filled your nostrils, filling you with a sense of unparalleled contentment. Whatever Vito and Maria were doing with their pizza, you trusted that they were doing it right.

The aromas that danced in the air around you only served to intensify your hunger, which made the ten minute wait for a table large enough for the whole team feel like an hour. When an Italian waiter, complete with a skinny black mustache, led the group of you to your seats, you were about to jump for joy. A pair of stick-thin waiters had been the poor souls that had to push, what looked like, three square tables together. Despite their tired eyes, the two men smiled at you all as you sat down.

You were so eager to try a slice of pizza that you could have cared less that Peter Parker was sat across from you. The growling of your stomach stirred you into a frenzy as your eyes scanned over the options. Varieties of crust, gluten-free or cheese-stuffed, and vegan toppings you would normally find at an upscale place in New York littered the menu. 

When the orders were placed, the table erupted into chatter. You sat listening while some bickered about the team you would be up against tomorrow and others talked about the last time they had vegan-cheese pizza. Ned happily brings up the upcoming Winter Waltz, much to Betty’s bright excitement. She clapped her hands together, making you jump and swing your legs under the table. Your foot made soft impact with Peter’s and you spared a glance his way to find his brown eyes on you. Blushing, you turned your eyes away and back to Betty.

“I heard the theme is Winter Wonderland,” the blonde girl gushed, “all blue and crystals everywhere!”

“Oh wow, how original,” MJ grumbled sarcastically and you nodded at her in agreement. The comment didn’t seem to affect Betty as she continued to chatter on. MJ looked between you and Peter, tired brown eyes attempted to read the room. “So the day after the decathlon, what tacky tourist sights do you want to see?”

“The Willis Tower.” Your voice melded with Peter’s perfectly as you both spoke. Wide eyes met and you were too caught off guard to glare. You don’t miss the pleased glance MJ gave the two of you as Peter began to stumble over his words.

“Ya know, actually, the Bean seems, like, pretty cool,” he gushed, not daring to make eye contact with you. You sagged in your seat, mind racing to find something to say, anything to diffuse the tension. Luckily, the pizza arrived and the awkward encounter seemed to be forgotten entirely.

As quickly as it came, the food disappeared down the gullets of hungry teens. In record time, the entire team had eaten and entered food-driven, comatose states. Ned’s eyes had long since closed and even MJ was smiling contentedly. Sadly the respite was disturbed by Mr. Harrington, who must have been a picky eater as a child for he ordered a bland, unfulfilling salad.

“Okay, team,” Mr. Harrington addressed you all, pulling the heavy gazes of tired teens his way. “I know everyone is exhausted and we have the meet tomorrow, but I wanted to say a few words.”

Ms. Lauren, who had also ordered a salad, clapped encouragingly.  

“Ravenwoods High is a good school,” Mr Harrington began, “they’ve been one of our biggest competitors since we started this thing. However, while they have the numbers and the test scores, they don’t have the same sort of support we do. We all care for each other on this team, support each other and I think that...no matter what happens tomorrow, we have each other's backs.”

Silence. You watched as Mr. Harrington shifted on his feet while all eyes remained trained on him. Taking the moment as an advantage, you snuck a glance at Peter, wondering if you did care for him. All the years leading up to this, you swore to yourself he was your opposition. Better, faster, stronger, and maybe smarter, Peter Parker was too perfect. You hated that, but, like Mr. Harrington had said, you were on the same team. You swallowed as the team began to clap for your coach and turned your gaze away from Peter. 

“Thank you, team. Let’s, uh, get going. Shall we?” After paying, the group of you makes the trek back to the hotel. Nervous energies had been sedated by Mr. Harrington’s speech, but you feared sleep would still not come easy for you. It could have been the way that, as you walked, Peter’s hand would brush against yours gently and you would repeat the ‘too tired’ excuse to rationalize your lack of reaction. It didn’t help that MJ’s question of your affections still rang loudly in your ears.  

The dim lights of the hotel gave you little comfort as MJ, who clutched the room key in her hand, lead the charge back to the room. Ms. Lauren had been very clear about the lights-out policy at ten o’clock. Glancing over your shoulder you saw Peter and Ned trailing behind you. Of course they were your room neighbors. MJ fiddled with the lock, pulling out the keycard until it, finally, turned the light green. She pried open the heavy day and darted inside. 

“Goodnight,” a voice said, so lightly it was barely above a whisper. If your attention had wavered, you would have missed the sound; but you had heard it. Just as your hand lifted to stop the door from closing, you turned to place a face with the voice. Peter’s brown eyes held your gaze as Ned filed inside their shared room.

“Night,” you said back, your tone softer than you had ever heard it before. Peter seemed to sense that unique pitch because he gave you an equally as gentle smile as you walked into your hotel room and closed the door. You pressed your back against the surface behind you and sighed. The tiding had to be meant for MJ,  you surmised, but when you eyes met hers, you found mischief glinting in them rather than anger.

“You sure you don’t like Parker?” You ignored her, striding over to your bed and bag. “Oh you so do. That’s adorable.”

Clothes in arm, you walked to the bathroom and shut the thin wooden door. Setting your sleepwear on the counter. As you pushed back the shower curtain, you turned the handle until the water ran hot. Steam filtered up in the air, filling the restroom and fogging up the mirror. Despite the fact the glass was now clouded, you hoped that the shower would clear your head.

Hands gripped at the counter top as the shower’s mist warmed the air. You lifted your eyes from the sink to the spot before you on the mirror. Your eyes met your reflection and you were shocked by the slight bags under your eyes. As you continued to stare, you sharpened your focus on your own features and pushed the thoughts of Peter’s away.

“No,” you murmur to yourself, “I'm not sure.”

A loud wake up call at seven in the morning pushed you and MJ out of your beds and into a calm frenzy. The girl’s mass of curls seemed to only grow more intense in the night because when your eyes fully opened, MJ’s hair stuck out from all sides of her head. You couldn’t help but laugh at the sight before you earned a glare from her.

“Don’t tell a soul,” she warned, “I know where you sleep.” She strode into the bathroom, balancing her uniform in her arms. You sighed, laying back on your bed with a thump. MJ didn’t take long in the bathroom, seeing as she gave up with her hair, putting it in a rather sloppy bun at the back of her head. “It’s all yours,” she said, gesturing to the bathroom, “remember, your uniform is what everyone will see! It reflects on the school!”

“Okay, Ms. Lauren,” you fired back, smiling at MJ’s mocking tone of your Literature teacher. She snickered as you closed the door to the restroom to get ready for the big day. 

As you joined the last few buttons, a knocking at the hotel room door reached your ears. Before you could leave the bathroom, you heard MJ answer the door. Muffled voices carried under the door and into your ears. Something about ‘ early breakfast’ and ‘saved spot’. The door shut suddenly and you peeked out of the bathroom. MJ’s eye met yours.

“You ready?”

“More than I’ll ever be,” you quipped and MJ nodded.

“Good, coz’ breakfast is being served and I want a bagel.” MJ’s curtness doesn’t shock you or how quickly she opened the room door. The walk to the hotel’s dining hall is one completed in silence with you too nervous to speak and MJ too hungry.

The quiet was only broken by a gasp from MJ when you when you made it to the larger room past the hotel’s cramped looking kitchen. To call the room a ‘dining hall’ seemed like a disservice. There were more chairs than tables, with a few lined in front of a small TV which was tuned to a news channel. Counters were lined with coffee machines, a poor selection of fruit, bread, and untouched yogurt. Part of you was grateful, as your churning stomach probably couldn’t handle much in the way of food; the lack of options would make not eating understandable.

“Peter and Ned saved us some spots if you want to sit by them,” MJ grumbled, still disgruntled by the noted lack of bagels. She walked off towards the counter away, grabbed a plate and eyed the sorry excuse of a breakfast buffet. You scanned over the tables, searched for the familiar faces of your life’s greatest annoyance and his friend. Before you laid eyes on them, you noticed Flash waving madly at you as he gestured for you to join him. One thing was for certain, Peter’s aura of throat-closing perfection was far more bearable than Flash’s ramblings.

“Hey, Y/N!” Ned’s cheery greeting reached your ears the moment you started towards the table. You gave him a soft smile, one that Peter caught when he looked up in your direction.

“Hi,” you replied as you pulled out a chair for yourself. It was then you noticed the crooked nature of Peter’s decathlon jacket. Your fingers itched to fix it, but you refrained.

“You’re not going to dine at this fine establishment?” Ned’s sarcastic tone pulled your attention away from Peter’s appearance. 

“No, I’m not hungry,” you explained, “that and...I dunno...”

“Nervous?” You turned at Peter’s question, met his brown eyes which were trained on you already. You bit the inside of your cheek, hoped that it would quell the sudden breathlessness you felt. 

“Y-yeah,” you stuttered before you blinked your eyes away.

“You shouldn’t be,” Peter added, his voice enough to have coaxed your eyes back on him. “You’ll do amazing, as always. You should eat.”

He passed you his uneaten apple, set it before you like an offering. In the moment, you believed him and the rest of the world melted away. You didn’t want to believe him; you wanted to mock him, tell him that he’s deadweight on the A team despite knowing all too well that he carries the rest of you. So, you compromised and swallowed your pride as Mr. Harrington’s words from the night before rang in your ears. No matter what happens tomorrow, we have each other's backs.

“Thanks,” you replied after a pause, “you will too.” Before Peter could have responded, MJ set her plate down on the table in a huff. She began to rant about the importance of customer service, especially in the economic climate of today, and you busied yourself with the apple Peter had given you. With each bite, you told yourself that whatever you were feeling would pass and soon, you and Peter would be silent enemies again.

Tensions were high as the team ran into the final match. Your team, the B team, had been cycled, leading the team as a whole into the tied score. Needless to say, you were bitter. You were the brightest and quickest on B team, dragged down only by the rest. Now, you had been pushed back to the shadows while A team tried to pull ahead.

Peter, Ned, MJ, and two other of your peers sat, facing the opposing team from Ravenwoods High School. Your leg jiggled as you shook nervously. The clock had neared the final seconds, paused as the moderator readied the last question. Even Flash, who sat beside you, was dead quiet. You could see, under the table atop the stage where A team was sitting that Peter was nervous too. His foot tapped against the ground but grew still when the moderator spoke up once more.

The team hunched over their buzzers, hands at the ready. The Ravenwoods team mirrored the stance, the hunger to win rolling over everyone on the stage. Your eyes trailed over your team, held on Peter as he licked his lips. 

“For our final question,” the woman began, “in which part of the body are the ossicles found?” 

Almost immediately, a buzzer sounded off. Your breath caught in your throat as the strain between the two teams mounted. The light, signalling the team that pledged to answer, trailed up to the right and connected to Peter’s bright-red buzzer.

“Midtown?”

“What is the ear.” Peter’s voice was steadied and collected when he answered. He held in his chest the type of confidence you had strived for your entire life; the type of certainty that led others to either hate you or love you. It was the very conflict that you faced now.

“Correct!”

Time seemed to slow as the word rang through the air. Then all of the sudden there was an eruption of applause. All of B team stood and stormed the stage to hug their fellow teammates. As they cheered and whooped, you followed suit. Your arms wrapped around MJ who, despite her smile, was calm. It was the most emotive you had ever seen the girl before when it came to a joyous occasion. 

When you pulled away from MJ, you noticed Ned and Betty as they hugged awkwardly. As swiftly as they had embraced, they parted. The sight brought a smile to your lips and distracted you when Peter came up behind you. You turned and nearly fell back, scared to bump into him. With the fastest reflexes you had ever seen, Peter caught your arm and pulled you to him.

“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“Y-You did it!” You said, your voice too fast for your own good. With the way your heart raced, you were shocked that he couldn’t feel it. You were stood so close together you could feel just how warm he was. At the feeling, your mind traveled back to the bus, how you had fallen asleep so comfortable against his shoulder.

“It was a, a team effort,” Peter said shyly. You rolled your eyes, unable to filter your actions. Of course he was going to be humble. Why couldn’t he just embrace it?

“Sure,” you tease and, after he heard the shift in your tone, Peter let go of your hand. The second his fingers unraveled from your own, you longed to have them back. “You uh, better go and uh….”

“Y-Yeah,” Peter agreed, even though you had said nothing worth agreeing to. He wandered off, directed towards Mr. Harrington who was holding a large trophy. You watched as Peter trailed away until you felt someone grab your arm.

“Y/N,” Flash said, a smile spread along his features, “my offer still stands. Ya know, the one about Parker. That spot could have been yours.”

“I know, Flash,” you snapped back before you turned your head to follow Peter. He chatted lively with Mr. Harrington who clapped him on the back. “I know.”

“Team picture everybody!” Ms. Lauren’s light voice ripped through the air and like a gaggle of baby geese, the Midtown team lined up for her. Your shoulder brushed against Peter’s as you were pushed around and into position. “Alright, looks good! Say cheese!”

The picture is taken but you’re sure that you didn’t smile. You bit the inside of your cheek as some malform idea of punishment. Peter’s hand brushes against yours as he’s pulled away by Ned for another photo. You suppressed the butterflies that had been fluttering since you had congratulated Peter, forced them down until their wings ceased to be. There was no room for infatuation, not when your competitive streak took up half of you. Even if Peter gave you all his smiles and gifted you with every kindness he knew, he was still your competitor. Minuscule butterflies could never change that. 

At least, that’s what you hoped.