#one pan pork chops

[weaselle]

i had to make a solution for this for myself, mostly because of depression, but it makes a nice How To for folks who are low on spoons or could use some help in the kitchen.

Fortunately i was a professional cook for over a decade. UNfortunately the first post i made explaining it was suuuuper long. Let's see if i can do better

So you select any protein that you can cook in a frying pan -- chicken breasts, ground beef, pork chops, sausages, steak, chicken thighs, whatever. You also select one or two types of veggie (mushrooms or tubers also work, i just did this with potatoes and carrots for dinner tonight).

[i like cooking for vegetarians, but this is how i cook for myself when i'm low on spoons - perhaps i'll do another post for meatless meals]

You'll also need some kind of oil, and a sauce or two of your choice in a bottle. All cooking gear is a large frying pan with lid (i prefer non-stick) a spatula, a cutting board, and a knife.

You cut the veggies into bite size pieces, cut up enough for two meals. One kind of veggie is fine, or you can do mix two or three

Put frying pan on medium heat with a little oil. Tubers or mushrooms or go in the pan a few minutes before the protein. 2 portions of the protein goes in the pan, about 5 minutes with lid (don't worry you can still get a good sear on both sides)

Now flip your protein if it's flip-able and add normal veggies, put the lid back on another five-ish minutes.

Take your protein out and put it with one portion of the veggies in a microwave safe container. That's going to be your lunch tomorrow. Put the other portion of protein on a plate to rest (you have to let a cooked protein sit a couple minutes before you serve it or when you cut into it all the juices run out and it goes dry - the liquids thicken as it cools, preventing this drying out if you let it rest, the goal is to serve it very warm but not hot hot)

While it's resting, pour some sauce from your bottle in the pan with the rest of the veggies and turn up the heat. A single sauce/bottle is fine, i like to get fancy and mix a couple. Two examples of personal favorite mixes are 1: bbq sauce and a hot sauce like sriracha 2: roughly equal parts low sodium soy sauce and worcestershire (makes something similar to a teriyaki sauce) A swallow of wine is almost always a great option if you want to add that to your sauce too, just add it to the pan before the other sauces so the alcohol has time to burn off.

...

Here is the important bit. While your veggies are finishing, wash your cutting board and chef knife. Then when you dump your veggies and sauce over your protein on the plate, while it is still too hot to eat, you wash your frying pan and spatula before you eat. Now the only dishes you have left to do are your plate and fork. Maybe a steak knife.

...

The whole thing takes about 35 minutes even with washing the dishes, and that includes your lunch for the next day- just pour a different sauce on and stick it in the microwave for a couple minutes (or five minutes back in the frying pan) and you have a full healthy lunch with a different flavor

You can use this technique every single meal and it yields hundreds of combinations, from pork and potatoes bbq, to salmon and broccoli teriyaki, to chicken and zucchini in a soy glaze.

It will keep you down to less than an hour of kitchen time per day total for both lunch and dinner including all dish clean up, uses the least dishes, the least effort, requires the least technique, and is, depending on what you pick out, very affordable

here are a couple more examples from this month; i didn’t take pictures of the salmon i did recently, but you get the idea

it's not super fancy, but it is easy, affordable, quick, and any flavors you want. Hope this helps some folks

Happy Cooking!

[artful-gallery]

One pan creamy butter pork chops. 🥩🌿

[ice-cream-writes-stuff]

Sapor

{The Apothecary Diaries / Reader}

《Coming back from your travels, you run into a familiar face...》

[2]

-

Blinking at him, you hold out the plate easily. "Here, this should put some meat on your bones." You glance back to the pot. The scent of spices and fried meat wafting through the area.

The male gulps, the aroma, while delicious, something was off.

You were a friend of the Apothecary Maomao, though not mentioned much. The few times he's ever heard of you; you were given the title of odd. Even SHE, had found you... Intriguing.

"Well?" You spare him a glance, keeping a steady rhythm when stirring the soup. 

The eunuch sweats as his eyes narrow to the food, squeamish.

Maomao looks away from him, trying to enjoy her meal in peace. She never thought the supposed cool head "Moon Prince", could be so picky. He tried the food at the market, so why now? Smirking at the flaw, Maomao thanks you in her thoughts.

"If you're that scared, it's alright." You state, peeking at Maomao, you note her joyous smile as she sips at the stew.

"But, I would have liked to share a meal with one of Xiaomao's friends."

You say with a soft grumble as the poor eunuch feels his heart race. Guilt clawing at his stomach as he lightly taps the wooden bowl.

Maomao deadpans at the tactic, while efficient (since it would often work with her), it was still bothersome to see.

The male grabs his spoon with a fidgeting hand. Dipping it lightly into the warm broth, he closes his eyes before taking a bite. Swallowing down the smooth flavorful liquid as his eyes open wide at the texture.

"...It's, delicious. Thank you." He smiled, stomach roaring at him for another bite.

"Oh? Good. I'm glad." You cease your stirring, going to the pan beside you. Lifting the lid as the sizzle of steam overtakes the room, you wave it down as you grab another plate.

"Here, 'had some leftover pork, thought' it'd be best to use it with company." You head over to the table, placing down the fried meat.

With a casual hand, you pat his shoulder kindly. Placing the items on the middle of the table for everyone to have.

Face flushed, he takes a eager bite of his meal. Unable to look you in the eye.

Maomao scrunches up her nose in distaste at the male. Stabbing into her portion of meat as she dismisses the idea... Choosing to ignore it and save the headache for another day.

-

"Huh... "Apprentice"...? You sure?" You ask the smaller human, chopping up some cabbage as she hands you another. "You told me that you would cease your traveling for the time being. Possibly an opportunity to learn of the culinary dishes in the palace as well."

"Hmm.." You knew there was more to it than that, but you didn't ask. Grabbing a few plates, you lay the grilled meat onto the porcelain.

"Alright, do I need a interview?"

"You passed the first step." She eyes your actions. "You have skill of what's edible and what isn't, most don't. You're care for what you serve and do it with caution." Maomao nodded as you huff mirthfully.

"You would have to ask your friend Jinshi, I doubt he'd take my word for my supposed, "skill." " You smile, handing over the plate. Maomao scoffs at the thought of HIM being a friend.

 "I will put a good word in." Xiaomao mumbled, "I.. Would not mine to teach you more, of course. And I'm sure I can learn from you as well."

Maomao is quiet, snacking on the fruit you had cut as she eyes your back.

"Found' some mushrooms on my traveling, I don't know if they're poisonous or not. Figured you'll have more fun figuring it out."

You reply as an excited gasp leaves Maomao as she goes to grab your bag. Eagerly digging through it until she found her prize. 

-

Slamming the table, you keep steady on the dough. Flour sprinkled here or there on your skin as you hum. 

"If you're gonna' keep staring, you might as well help." You don't look away from the task as the purple haired beauty blinks at the forward remark.

Playing it off with a polite smile, he emerges closer into the room with his servant behind him.

"I wanted to see to it personally on how your first week is here."

Slamming the dough harshly, the two men jump at the sound, They honestly thought the table would break in two.

"It's very hospital, thank you."

Jinshi walks a few steps closer, peering over your shoulder in quiet curiosity. A small laugh leaves you at the sight of him.

"Would you want to try?" You offer politely. 

Surprised, the young man raises his head at you. "Kneading it isn't always the fun part, but..."

You slam the dough down more softly. "You need patience, being careful with each step." 

*Slam!*

"Because without that, the dough can't rise to its needed structure."

Jinshi blinks, taken aback by your words...

He leaves your side for a moment, going over to the washing bucket. Cleaning his hands and drying them off before returning back beside you. Stary-eyed with a strange smile as Gaoshun pinches his forehead, exasperated at him.

You look at him, "So, you wanna' learn then?"

-

"NO!" You bemoan. "You can't just expect it rise without yeast!" You chide as you hand over the specific item. Albeit strained with your teachings, you helped the poor man with his goal of making bread.

He was a bit overconfident in the beginning though..

"Ah I see.. So like this?" His chest puffs happily, showing you a barely mixed batch of mix.

You watch him focus on his task, sweat on his brow as he flattens the dough. He was diligent, not one to give up so easily, you could give him that.

You tap his shoulder. "I'll take over from here," you reply as the man stops. Looking as if he wanted to retort, clearly, he wanted to finish up. "Yes, thank you. (L/N) for this impromptu cooking lesson." His servant steps forward, nodding to his Master with a frown,

Jinshi's lips curl into themselves, a hint of pout on his face. Yet he relents. "Thank you for the experience and wisdom. I shall take my leave." He flounces out of the room, his smile more than polite.

'That was hard to watch...' Maomao complains, watching you finish up. A proud look crossing your face, the girl is taken aback. Here she thought that look was reserved for her...

'Damn him...' 

Without much thought, you take the bread out of the oven, showing the final product.

"Hmm... It's not bad."

-

Notes:

I wanted to try writing a Senshi inspired reader without being blatant! Just a small idea I've had for awhile! I think Jinshi is a interesting character to write for! And moamao is utterly hilarious! Just felt like trying something new! 

- 

[If you liked it! Let me know! If yall wanna see more of my idea let me know! Thanks for reading! Reblogs, likes, comments are always appreciated!]

[ot8xbangchansgirlsblog]

ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕜🧸

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ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕦𝕣: "who used my kitchen?"

Word count: 4036

Summary: In this chapter, Y/N wakes up to find Felix asleep beside her and makes her way to the kitchen to prepare a big breakfast for her new packmates. Chan praises her cooking and offers to help set up a garden for her, which she gratefully accepts. Y/N has a tense encounter with Hyunjin, who reacts coldly and dismissively. Upset, she retreats to Felix’s room where I.N and Lee Know comfort her. Lee Know speaks with Hyunjin, helping him confront his fears and pain about getting hurt again. The mood lightens when Changbin and Minho’s playful food fight breaks out in the kitchen, making Y/N smile and feel more at ease.

Warning: Angst/comfort, cursing, hate, insecurities,

The next morning, Y/N woke up feeling the weight of Felix’s arms draped around her waist, her legs tangled in the blankets. She groaned as she stretched, trying to ease the stiffness in her neck without disturbing Felix, who was sleeping soundly and peacefully. The pressure on her bladder made her discomfort even more urgent.

Reluctant to wake him, Y/N carefully extricated herself from his embrace and tiptoed to the bathroom. This was the first time in ages she’d slept in a bed, and she savored the comfort. She glanced at herself in the mirror and sighed—she looked disheveled. Knowing she couldn’t face the day like this, she quickly freshened up, borrowing a few items from Felix’s makeup bag: some chapstick, blush, mascara, and concealer.

Feeling somewhat presentable, Y/N made her way to the kitchen. The house was still quiet, the soft snores of her new packmates just audible thanks to her keen omega hearing. The spacious kitchen brought a smile to her face. She had always loved cooking and gardening, memories of her childhood cabin in the woods flashing through her mind. Her father had built it for her, a sanctuary where she could indulge her passions. Although she missed her old pack, she felt a growing sense of gratitude for her new one.

Y/N glanced around the kitchen, methodically pulling out pots and pans. She made a mental note of where each item was stored, ensuring she wouldn’t disrupt Leeknow’s precise organization. With a quiet determination, she set to work, contemplating her options for breakfast. “What to cook?” she murmured, rifling through the ingredients before deciding on pork kimchi jjigae and some pie. It seemed like a perfect choice for the boys.

Her hands moved with practiced ease as she prepared the dish, multitasking by brewing coffee and squeezing fresh juice. She hummed a lively tune, her hips swaying rhythmically. Cooking was her sanctuary, a place where she felt truly at home, and she embraced every aspect of it.

As she chopped vegetables and stirred the pot, Chan wandered into the kitchen, his eyes widening in surprise. “Wow, you’re up early,” he remarked, noting the contrast to his usual routine. Chan was typically the first one awake, starting his day with coffee and catching up on work while the rest of the pack got ready for practice. Today, however, he was greeted by the sight of Y/N already bustling about. “It smells amazing in here,” he added, his voice tinged with genuine appreciation.

Y/N looked up from her tasks, a warm smile spreading across her face at the sight of Chan. “Good morning, Chan!” she chirped, her voice bright with enthusiasm. She gave him a quick, respectful bow before turning back to her cooking. “I’ve made coffee and fresh juice if you’d like some. I wasn’t sure if you’d prefer a fruit bowl, and I couldn’t quite find any,” she explained, her brow furrowing slightly as she looked around the kitchen.

Chan chuckled, clearly entertained by her earnestness. “You’re quite the early bird. I usually get up first, make some coffee, and work on my laptop until the others are up. But it looks like I’m not the only one with a morning routine now.” He approached the counter, his gaze taking in the array of dishes and the inviting aroma filling the room. “And it smells absolutely delicious. What are you making, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Y/N’s cheeks flushed with pride. “I’m making pork kimchi jjigae. I thought it would be a nice treat for everyone. I love cooking, and I wanted to start the day on a good note.” She paused, then added with a playful smile, “I hope it turns out okay. I’m still figuring out the exact flavors they like.”

Chan’s eyes softened, and he leaned against the counter, looking genuinely impressed. “It’s really kind of you to do this. We’re all lucky to have someone like you around. I can tell you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

Y/N’s smile widened at his compliment. “Thank you, Chan. It’s nice to hear that. I’ve missed having a kitchen to cook in. Back home, my dad built me a cabin where I could cook and garden to my heart’s content. I really enjoyed those times.”

Chan nodded, understanding the sentiment. “I can imagine. It must be comforting to have a space where you can do what you love. You know, if you’re interested, we could set up a little garden for you here. I’d be happy to help build one.”

Y/N blinked, taken aback by the offer. “Oh, you don’t have to do that,” she said softly, her cheeks flushing with a hint of shyness. “It’s really generous of you, but…”

Chan smiled warmly. “I insist. I know how important gardening is to you, and I think it would be a great way for you to feel even more at home here. It’ll be a nice project for us to work on together.”

Y/N’s eyes lit up, and she hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Well… if you’re sure, I’d really appreciate it. It would mean a lot to me.”

“Great!” Chan said, clearly pleased. “We’ll get started on it soon. For now, let’s focus on enjoying this delicious meal you’re preparing.” Y/N’s heart swelled with gratitude as Chan moved to assist. 

“Ah, this is adorable! But honestly, I think you’ve done more than enough. I’ll handle setting the plates and grab some coffee, if that’s alright with you?” Chan offered, his tone warm and appreciative.

Y/N shook her head, a determined look in her eyes. “No, Chan. You’re the Alpha; Alphas don’t work in the kitchen. Only omegas and betas do,” she said firmly, a playful note in her voice.

Chan raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. “No, Y/Nnie. We’re all equal here. Just because I’m the Alpha doesn’t mean I can’t help out. Please understand that,” he said, gently taking her hand and beginning to massage it.

Y/N started to whine in protest, but Chan gave her a playful, almost mischievous glare. She felt her cheeks warm, her defiance melting away under his gaze.

“Alright, Channie, but today let me do this to say thank you,” she said, her voice softening. She knew it was a little white lie to make Chan feel at ease, but she was caught off guard when Chan looked at her with furrowed eyebrows and then broke into a giggle.

“You know,” Chan said, still chuckling, “I can see right through you. You’re trying to make me feel better, but it’s really sweet of you. If you insist, I’ll let you take charge this time, but remember, we’re all here to support each other. It’s a team effort.”

Y/N’s eyes twinkled with a mix of relief and mischief. “Okay, okay, you win,” she said with a smile, her earlier shyness replaced by a genuine grin. “I’ll let you help next time. But for now, enjoy the breakfast!”

Chan’s laughter filled the kitchen, making the atmosphere even more cheerful. As he helped set the table. 

As Y/N finished stirring the kimchi jjigae, Chan approached with a mischievous glint in his eye. Before she could react, he gently lifted her onto the counter and stood between her legs, the sudden closeness catching her off guard. Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks as slick grew between her legs. what a turn on she thought.

“You know I can hear your thoughts, right?” Chan’s playful remark made Y/N’s face turn a deep shade of red. She jolted slightly, her pulse quickening at his unexpected proximity. could he actually? they weren't mated yet! he must be just playing with her feelings.

“Oppa, you can’t just do that!” she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and fluster.

“I can and I will,” Chan said with a teasing grin. “So you might as well be honest with me.”

Y/N huffed, trying to maintain her composure, but she couldn’t help but laugh. “It feels like you’re testing my boundaries,” she said, trying to sound stern but failing as a giggle escaped her.

“Then stop trying to hide things. The pack alpha always knows,” Chan chuckled, his laughter warm and reassuring. Y/N playfully nudged him, a soft smile on her lips.

“Will you two horny bastards keep it down? Some of us are trying to sleep,” Han’s voice cut through, his tone a mix of irritation and amusement as he passed by the kitchen toward the bathroom. Both Chan and Y/N burst into laughter at Han’s grumbling.

“Sorry!” Y/N called out, her laughter lingering as she returned to setting the table.

Chan grinned and said, “I’ll go get everyone up,” before heading out of the room.

Y/N took a moment to savor her coffee and the quiet before the day’s rush. Soon, the house was alive with the sound of the boys preparing for the day.

“Good morning, sunshine!” Changbin greeted enthusiastically as he entered the kitchen, giving Y/N a cheerful kiss on the top of her head. His scent quickly filled the kitchen making her omega purr. “This looks amazing, and I’m starving!” He quickly sat down, eagerly eyeing the breakfast spread.

“Please go ahead and eat. There’s plenty more, so dig in and tell me about your night,” Y/N said, gesturing to the breakfast spread as she encouraged Changbin to start eating. She was eager to hear how he had slept and what their plans looked like for the day ahead, knowing it was going to be a busy one.

Changbin took a bite of the pork and looked at her with a curious expression. “How are you feeling this morning?”

Y/N sighed contentedly. “I’m feeling great. I had the best sleep ever—the bed was so comfortable.”

Changbin chuckled, “That’s good to hear, jagiya. When we checked in, you, Han, and Felix were all out like lights.”

“It was a long day,” Y/N grumbled, “Sleep is crucial, and I don’t know how you alphas manage it all.”

“Hey! Those ‘alpha powers’ are what help us get through the day,” Changbin teased with a grin.

“Still, it feels so unfair!” Y/N pouted, rubbing her eyes and stifling a yawn. The conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps, and she turned to see Han and Felix walking into the kitchen, both already dressed and ready for the day.

“Good morning!” Han greeted enthusiastically, taking in the spread of food. “This looks amazing! Did you make all this?”

Y/N smiled, pleased with their reaction. “Yep, I thought I’d treat you all to a big breakfast. Help yourselves!”

Felix took a seat at the table, his eyes lighting up at the spread. “Thanks, Y/N. Everything looks fantastic.”

She handed both Han and Felix a glass of coffee and asked, “How was your night, guys?”

Felix grinned and took a sip of his coffee. “Mine was good, but someone”—he cast a playful glare at Y/N—“left me in a cold, empty bed all alone!”

Y/N pouted in mock indignation. “I had to make breakfast! Now sit and eat before it gets cold, and let me know what you think.”

Han quietly took a seat next to her, pulling her onto his lap and wrapping his arms around her waist. He laid his head on her back, his warm presence a comforting contrast to the chill of the morning. Y/N nestled into him, savoring his fresh, sweet scent, feeling like she could stay like this forever.

“You should go get dressed, love,” Chan said as he re-entered the kitchen, grabbing some food for himself. “Most of the boys are already ready.”

Y/N giggled at Han’s reluctant response. “Okay, oppa. I’ll be back soon.” She gently put some food on Han’s plate and fed him a bite. His eyes remained closed, and he nuzzled closer to Felix, who was now seated beside him. “Someone’s definitely not a morning person,” Y/N chuckled, handing Han his chopsticks.

“M’ tired,” Han yawned and pouted. “I wanna go back to sleep.”

“Let her get dressed, Ji,” Chan said with a laugh. “She’ll be back soon.”

Han huffed but reluctantly released his grip on Y/N’s hand.

Felix called out as Y/N started to head to the hallway, “I laid out some clothes for you, sweetie. And Channie-hyung said you could use his hoodie, so I left it on the desk.”

“Thanks, Felix!” Y/N said, heading towards the hallway with a warm smile.

frames decorating the walls. The vibrant images and snapshots offered a fleeting distraction, but it was in that moment of distraction that she collided with a solid, unyielding figure.

“Watch where you’re going, damn it!” The voice was a harsh growl that cut through the morning calm, and she felt her entire body stiffen at the sound. Hyunjin.

Her breath caught in her throat. “S-sorry,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m really sorry. It won’t happen again. Are you okay?” She scrambled to her feet, her face flushed with embarrassment and panic.

Hyunjin’s gaze was icy, his eyes narrowing in irritation. Without a hint of sympathy, he looked her up and down with palpable disdain. “Just know your place,” he muttered under his breath as he brushed past her. The forceful jolt of his shoulder against hers sent a shiver through her body, leaving her feeling bruised both physically and emotionally.

Her heart pounded violently in her chest as she watched him walk away, the harshness of his words echoing in her mind. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill over. She turned and fled towards Felix’s room, her steps frantic and uneven. Fumbling with the lock, she finally secured the door behind her, the click of the latch echoing loudly in the quiet room.

“Y/N, are you okay?” The concerned voice of I.N came through the door, his tone laced with alarm. She could hear the urgency in his knock, the sound of his voice filled with concern.

“Y/N, what happened?” Lee Know’s voice joined in, his words carrying a similar worry. It was as if they were silently coordinating their concern, the murmur of their conversation drifting through the door in hushed tones.

“I’m okay,” she called out, her voice quivering as she tried to calm herself. “Just feeling a bit down.” She wiped the tears from her cheeks, trying to regain her composure before opening the door to her worried friends.

When she finally swung the door open, the immediate scent that hit the air was unmistakable—Hyunjin’s sharp, blueberry fragrance. The recognition was instant, and she saw their eyes widen with realization. The atmosphere in the hallway shifted, the concern deepening into a palpable tension.

“Oh my God, it was Hyunjin, wasn’t it?” I.N’s voice was thick with anger and frustration. His words were a mix of disbelief and indignation, his feelings clear even without seeing his face.

Lee Know’s gaze softened as he took in the sight of her. “Are you alright?” he asked, his voice now more tender, though still tinged with concern.

As if on cue, the harsh scoff of Hyunjin’s voice rang out from the hallway. “I didn’t do anything,” he said dismissively, his tone dripping with casual indifference. The sound of his footsteps grew fainter as he retreated, carrying a plate of food as if it were the most mundane thing in the world.

“I’ll go talk to him. I.N, stay with her and make sure she’s alright,” Minho said firmly, his expression a mix of concern and determination. Gently, he pushed I.N into Felix’s room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Minho’s footsteps echoed down the hallway as he made his way to Hyunjin’s room, the weight of the situation heavy on his shoulders.

He knocked softly on the door, but the response was a muffled groan from inside. Undeterred, Minho reached out through their bond, his voice calm and steady. Hyunjin, it’s me. Can we talk for a moment?

Go away, hyung. I don’t want to talk to any of you, Hyunjin’s voice came through the bond, laced with irritation and a hint of vulnerability. He was seated on the bed, the breakfast that Y/N had prepared spread out before him. Despite his irritation, the food was undeniably delicious, a painful reminder of home that he was reluctant to admit he enjoyed.

I know this is hard for you, my love, Lee Know responded through their bond, his tone gentle yet persistent. Can I come in and we talk? I just want to understand what’s going on and help you through this.

There was a moment of silence before the door creaked open slightly. Taking this as a sign, Lee Know pushed it open and stepped inside. The air was thick with the sharp, sour scent of Hyunjin’s frustration. The room smelled of a bitter, angry beta, a stark contrast to the comforting aroma of breakfast. Hyunjin was sprawled on the bed, surrounded by his mini studio equipment, which was scattered haphazardly across the bedding. His hair was pulled up in its usual bun for practice, and his face was etched with irritation.

“Talk,” Hyunjin said curtly, his eyes fixed on the plate of food, which he picked at with a sense of begrudging acceptance.

Lee Know sat down beside him, aware of the emotional walls Hyunjin was trying to maintain. He knew that beneath the surface of irritation was someone deeply hurt. “Hyunjin,” he began softly, “I understand you’re struggling right now. But you have to give Y/N a chance. This isn’t just about you; it’s about moving forward and letting go of past hurts.”

Hyunjin’s jaw tightened as he continued to eat, clearly torn between his desire to push everyone away and his inherent longing for connection. Lee Know reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension in his muscles.

“Look,” Lee Know said, his voice firm yet caring, “I know you’re in pain. I know you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of this. But isolating yourself and pushing others away isn’t going to solve anything. You need to confront these feelings and be open to the possibility of healing.”

Hyunjin’s eyes met Lee Know’s for a fleeting moment, filled with a storm of emotions. There was a flicker of vulnerability in his gaze, quickly masked by a scowl. “I just don’t want to deal with this right now,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. “She’s going to hurt us, hyung. Why can’t we just be eight? Why do we have to be nine?”

The words cut through the room like a knife. Hyunjin’s chest ached as he thought about the trauma they had all experienced when “he” left. The fear of going through that kind of pain again was almost unbearable. “What if I get attached? What if she leaves? You know how my beta reacted last time. I can’t go through that again... I refuse to,” he said, his voice breaking.

Tears began to well up in Hyunjin’s eyes, and he struggled to hold them back. The emotional dam he’d built up was finally breaking, and he let out a sob. Minho, who had been listening closely, gently pulled him into a hug. He knew that Hyunjin needed comfort more than anything right now.

“You need to give her a chance,” Minho said softly, rubbing Hyunjin’s back in a soothing manner. “I know it hurts, and it hurts us all. But we’re trying to move on, and you know deep down you feel a connection with her. Have you not seen your paintings for the past few months?”

Hyunjin sighed heavily, his tears flowing freely now. “I’m sorry for yesterday. I was a jerk, and you all didn’t deserve that. I ruined everything,” he admitted, his voice choked with guilt.

“It’s okay,” Lee Know reassured him, wiping away Hyunjin’s tears with gentle hands. “Just try to get to know her before shutting her out completely. I know she’s eager to understand you, and if you don’t like her, we can take it from there.”

Hyunjin looked up at Minho with red-rimmed eyes, his heart heavy with regret and vulnerability. “Thanks, hyung. This means a lot,” he said quietly, his voice filled with gratitude.

Minho smiled, his eyes softening with warmth. “Anytime, Hyunjin. Just remember, we’re all in this together. Give her a chance, and give yourself a chance to heal.”

As Minho pulled back, Hyunjin took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside him.

“I really needed that,” Hyunjin chuckled, his earlier tension melting away. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Lee Know replied warmly.

“I love you both!” Changbin’s voice rang out dramatically. The two betas, still squeezed in the hug, burst into laughter as Changbin pretended to weep theatrically before pulling them both into a tight embrace.

“Have you been there the whole time?” Minho asked, giving Changbin a mock glare.

Changbin, still grinning, shrugged sheepishly. “I couldn’t help it, okay! I smelled my baby beta was upset, and I had to come or I’d have gone mad.”

“Dude, you seriously need to stop walking into conversations,” Hyunjin said, lightly punching Changbin’s arm.

“Aish!” Changbin exclaimed with a playful wince. “Well, I’m just glad you’re feeling better. Sorry to interrupt this love fest, but hyung says we need to go downstairs. We’re leaving soon, and Minho and I.N haven’t had breakfast yet.”

“By the way!” Minho suddenly jumped up, darting into the corridor. “Who used my kitchen without asking?!” His voice echoed through the house.

In response, there was a chorus of giggles and muffled laughter. Y/N, who had been sitting in the other room, smacked her forehead in realization. She had completely forgotten to ask permission before using the kitchen. Guilt was written all over her face.

I.N snickered and playfully mimed zipping his lips shut before tossing the imaginary key away. Y/N giggled at his antics and quickly ran into the bathroom to get dressed, feeling much better than she had before.

“Han, I swear if it was you, you’re going into the air fryer with tissue in your mouth!” Minho’s voice carried through the house, followed by a cacophony of running footsteps, yelps, and bursts of laughter.

Y/N emerged from the bathroom, now dressed in a skirt and crop top that Felix had picked out for her, she quickly grabbed the hoodie chan had let her use. As she made her way to the kitchen with I.N’s hand in hers, she hoped that no one had snitched on her. But when she reached the kitchen, her face turned bright red with embarrassment.

The sight before her was enough to make her heart race. Minho and Changbin were in the middle of a playful food fight, their laughter echoing through the room. Pieces of breakfast were scattered around, and the chaotic scene was a far cry from the calm, organized kitchen she had envisioned. She stood frozen for a moment, her cheeks flushed, feeling as if she had walked straight into a comedy show.

I.N gave her a reassuring squeeze, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he noticed her embarrassment. “Welcome to the chaos,” he said with a grin. “Looks like you’re in for a wild morning.”

Y/N laughed nervously, her earlier anxiety melting away in the face of the lively, chaotic scene.

🍄🌻🥞🌿

Dont forget to reblog and follow! <3

Taglist: @ihrtlix @bowsnbang @katsukis1wife @thegingerthatwaited @thicccurls (open)

[tonysaintborgi]

my parents for my entire life would make these god awful porkchops. like they'd put them in the oven with no sort of marinade or glaze or rub or anything, on a roasting pan, uncovered, and be like "huh why is this a dry puck of sadness?" "Anthony why don't you like porkchops?" and then I made pork chops Once where I like cooked them in a baking dish with a white wine mixture and my mom is like "they're so much better! how do u do it?" well I don't mummify them for one

[foodshowxyz]

Kimchi Jeon (Savory Kimchi Pancakes)

Yields: 4 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup well-fermented kimchi, roughly chopped

1/4 cup kimchi juice

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup potato or corn starch

1/2 cup cold water

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3-4 scallions, thinly sliced

1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil or neutral-flavored cooking oil

Optional additions:

1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for extra spice

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Other vegetables: thin strips of carrot, onion slices

Dipping sauce ingredients:

Soy sauce

Rice vinegar

A pinch of sugar

Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, potato/corn starch, kimchi, kimchi juice, egg, water, and scallions. (Include any optional ingredients you'd like). Mix until a slightly thick batter forms.

Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Add a thin layer of oil to the pan.

Cook the pancakes: Pour about 1/2 cup of batter into the hot pan, spreading it into a thin, even circle. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Repeat: Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.

Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Add sesame seeds if desired.

Serve: Slice the pancakes into wedges and serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

Tips:

Well-fermented kimchi: Using older, well-fermented kimchi provides the best flavor and acidity.

Consistency check: The batter should be the consistency of a slightly thick pancake batter. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water. If it's too thin, add a bit more flour.

Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook one or two pancakes at a time to achieve the best crispiness and an even cook.

Experiment: Feel free to add seafood, thinly sliced pork, or other vegetables to your pancakes.

[nohoney]

Bakugou would listen to you rant all about work. Even though he’s the one out on the streets with more exciting stories to tell, one of his favorite things is to hear you talk about your own work. He follows and nods along with whatever work story you have for him for the day, always attentive but never telling you what you should do to handle it (as he had learned from a prior relationship).

“I can tell he fuckin’ hates me, you know?” You continue on about your current work events as you sit on the countertop and watch Bakugou cut vegetables, “He keeps on bringing up my old manager as if she has anything to do with it now. Like, no motherfucker! You answer to me now and I’m saying pay your stupid invoice!”

The vegetables for dinner are set aside while the oven is still preheating. Two pieces of pork chop are taken from the fridge and is set aside on a clean plate as Bakugou looks for spices to rub into the meat. “So what happened baby? Did he pay? Y’said you were dealing with this for almost two weeks.” He asks you, genuinely curious if your annoying client is actually complying with you. The thought in his head is wondering how you handled it.

“I have to read you this email that I wrote. I gotta say the professional ways of dissing someone in email is something I finally understand now.” You laugh as you pull up your work email on your phone. Word for word you read out your well thought out response to your difficult client, not backing down and upholding work policy as you are expected to. Bakugou had never really bothered with any type of skill of being professional through communication in his job; it’s what his team is for while he gets the really privilege to cuss as he pleases and have his team handle it for the public. “Here is how I signed off, I think it’s probably my most eloquent and business-like ‘fuck you’ I’ve written so far.”

You clear your throat first before reading aloud, “‘I hope that the explanations of how to navigate your account has cleared up any confusion you may have and that you are able to move forward in compliance with our company policy, if you have any further questions then please let me know.’ God I know he’s going to hate me as soon as he reads it!”

He chuckles, happy that you know how to stand your ground in such a manner that Bakugou knows he struggles in. “You tell him, baby.”

“I fucking did Katsuki!” You boast with a proud little smile as you hop off the countertop and go to his side as he heats oil in a pan. “Sorry, I’ve been going on about this annoying client for a while. I wanna hear about your work today Tsuki.”

Bakugou shakes his head though and urges you to talk about what else happened at your work. The meat sizzles as he presses it into the pan, crackling and sizzling in a way that’s reminiscent of his quirk but to a much lower degree. The oven beeps to indicate that preheating is finished and you move to put all the vegetables into the glass pan and stick it in for him, already setting a timer before he can even ask. “What about that other guy? The one who keeps on saying that he’s getting investors so he wants to make you wait a little longer?” He asks you when he recalls another client you complained of a few days ago.

You excitedly pop off about your work again, unknowing how you calm Bakugou down with your own work stories. Your series of responsibilities that he wouldn’t know the first clue how to handle are interesting to him to hear how you handle yourself. It’s simple compared to what he does but in no way is it easy either. To see you struggle sometimes with your own career wasn’t easy for him but you were also strong enough to handle it all the same.

And he liked to think that he made it easy for you to handle because he wanted to hear anything and everything about your job that’s so different from his. “Tell me about the parking permits, did that get solved yet?” He asks as he starts to set food on the plates.

“No! I’m on week three of dealing with it and it’s ridiculous! I sent everything in so early and they deal with it so late!!”

Bakugou listens with a happy heart to hear you talk, never wanting you to apologize over the things that frustrate you. And by the end of your rants, even he feels a little lighter as he readies to get in bed with you.

And the next day as he’s just about to enter a meeting in his agency, Bakugou gets a text from you.

[1:57 pm] omg i need to tell you what this mofo emailed me when we’re home

He looks forward to it, letting a little smile come onto his face. He can see you all cute and puffed up and mad, and he can’t wait to hear about it.

[1:58 pm] can’t wait baby. love you.

You text him back within seconds.

[1:58 pm] love you!!!

Bakugou can’t wait to be home and listen to you.

[bakugo-softski]

In which Izuku is left quirkless, so they find a new reason

Katsuki stayed crouched above Izuku, pinning one arm with his foot and clasping the other, pressed to the floor of the training mat. Almost in an exact replica of their fight at ground beta all those months ago, minus one arm and a slight change in hand placement. They both stay like that, breathing heavily, staring into eachothers eyes with the mutual feeling of impending doom sat heavily between them.

Because Izuku was getting weaker.

Katsuki had noticed, though he tried his best to ignore it. They both did, afraid to speak it into reality. Afraid for their dynamic to change. But as Katsuki had an easier and easier time pinning Izuku, as the embers slowly died out, they both found it hard to ignore that this…whatever it was they had, was coming to an end. Katsuki felt frantic, empty. Watching as something dear died before him, completely out of his reach.

Izuku had resolved to accept his fate, his eventuality. He didn’t mind being quirkless again. The loss held between them came from a different place, and they both knew it.

“…Kacchan?” Sad. So sad.

Katsuki released his hold and stood up, before offering Izuku his hand to help the boy up, too. They stood in silence, Izuku still breathing heavily and looking embarrassed about it, unable to find the words to express what they both clearly wanted to say to eachother.

“I’ll make katsudon tonight.” A common condolence when Izuku suffered yet another decline in power. It seemed now that one for all was gone for good, the embers inside izuku were dying at an increased rate than what All Might had gone through. The embers seemed to die at a steady rate regardless if Izuku used OFA or not. When they’d realized, they’d fought eachother deep into the night, openly crying at eachother and throwing punches. A silent agreement they’d do this as often as they could, until they couldn’t anymore.

This.. felt like a goodbye. Katsuki stared into Izuku’s eyes and felt like he was at a funeral.

“…okay. Thank you, Kacchan.”

With one last look into Izuku’s eyes, Katsuki turned and walked out, Izuku staying behind to put distance between them. To give eachother space. Katsuki managed to stifle the sob caught in his throat till he made it onto the elevator.

.

.

.

Katsuki poked the pork frying in the pan on autopilot. In his head, he thumbed through the same stack of thoughts sitting heavily in his mind like clockwork. He felt lost, weak, trapped. Condemned to a fate he had no control over. They wouldn’t be able to keep sparring. Izuku had stopped being able to keep up with catch-a-kacchan months ago, and they had been staying ground-level for a while but they both knew even that was too much for him now. The embers were barely even there anymore.

Katsuki hadn’t seen Izuku since he’d left him at the gym. They hadn’t texted eachother, either. What would they even say? There weren’t words. Katsuki didn’t have the words.

At this, Izuku makes his first appearance in hours, to slink into the kitchen and stand beside Katsuki. He’s silent for a moment.

“…Can i help?”

Katsuki is relieved those were the words that came out of Izuku’s mouth, instead of..well.

He lets out a little breath of relief.

“Sure. Grab the egg, mirin and soy sauce for me.” Mix those together-equal parts, four eggs, and chop some of those green onions while you’re at it.”

“Got it.” Izuku flits around the kitchen grabbing ingredients and settling again beside Katsuki, beginning his task.

They don’t know how to bring it up, but the silence is somehow comfortable, each settling in to their tasks, accomplishing the same goal of katsudon together. Katsuki can’t say it, but he’s thankful to have a reason to be near Izuku like this. Even if it is just making a meal together. They don’t say much else, afraid to break whatever fragile comfort they’d created.

They ate in silence. And then stared into space together, in silence. And then Katsuki said he’d wash their dishes, and then Izuku left, in silence; and Katsuki wished he’d asked for help instead.

.

.

.

10:24pm.

Katsuki stared into the dark, in silence. Thought about texting Izuku. Couldn’t find the words.

.

.

.

It’s Saturday. Katsuki came down to make breakfast. Hoped to see Izuku, but he didn’t show. Thought about taking the food to him, put it in the fridge instead.

.

.

.

4:24pm. He’d stayed in the common room the whole day, but Izuku never showed, and Katsuki couldn’t find the words to give him a reason to seek the boy out. What could he even say? “You haven’t eaten all day.” ? As if. How stupid for Katsuki to care about that when…when he couldn’t even..

Fuck it. A reasons a reason, he supposes.

Katsuki sped through the curry prep, in a hurry to get it to Izuku’s door and tell him he hasn’t eaten all day. With two steaming bowls held on a dish platter, because he didn’t want his to get cold while he ate alone, he marched his way up to Izuku’s room and knocked firm, once, twice, and waited.

Izuku opened the door quickly, and Katsuki saw he was in a similar shape to himself, dark circles under his eyes. He hasn’t slept either.

“You haven’t eaten.” An observation, a request, a plea.

Izuku looked at the bowls, took one. Stood in the doorway, awkward.

At the same time Katsuki makes to turn away, Izuku speaks up. “Do you want to come in? You just, you have two bowls. You don’t have to…but. Um. I’d like you to.”

His response was immediate. “Yeah.” A breath, a small relief. A break from the pain.

They both settle down on Izuku’s bed to eat, backs against the wall. Close, even if neither one of them acknowledged it. They didn’t speak. Until,

“Um. So, theres a show I started a couple days ago. Do..you wanna watch it with me?” Izuku digs around for the remote. Kacchan grunts for him to go ahead, so he turns it on from the beginning and they settle back in to eating, watching together.

.

.

.

8:52pm.

They’re on episode five now, bowl’s of curry empty and forgotten on the floor beside the bed. They’ve pulled Izuku’s blanket up over their legs and are zoned into the show, a merciful relief. A reason. Katsuki hides his yawns as subtly as he can, and Izuku pretends not to notice.

They both pretend not to notice when Katsuki subtly shifts further into the bed, afraid to break the spell. They’re both tired enough to not think about it.

.

.

.

6:46am.

Katsuki blinks his eyes open and finds the clock on the wall that doesn’t belong to him, and then feels legs that also don’t belong to him entangled with his own. He can’t find it in himself to feel embarrassed about it. Izuku is sleeping peacefully, soft snores and breaths coming out in little puffs, one hand resting peacefully on his chest and the other holding Katsuki’s forearm, which was sat snuggly against the curve of Izukus side, being held in place in the air. Katsuki didn’t dare move. The TV sat dark and paused on the wall, long forgotten. He’d have to check to see when they both fell asleep so they knew how far back to go, he thought idly. A problem for later, though.

He closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

.

.

.

When he woke back up Izuku was silencing his phone, his ringtone for Uraraka being cut short and detangling his legs from Katsuki’s in order to stand up from the bed.

“We uh...we fell asleep last night.”

“…Yeah.” A yawn.

“The show’s good. Whats the last part you remember? We’re probably gonna have to find where we left off.”

“Oh uh, i think..the new guy, the blonde one had just fought with that guy in the boat restaurant. I think he was gonna leave.”

“Huh? The last thing I remember is whats her name and whats his face playing some drinking game.”

A chuckle. “I’ll go back and find our spot tonig-when we-um. Anyway. I’m..I’m glad you liked it, Kacchan.”

“I’ll come back tonight. And we can watch more.” Small reliefs. Small reliefs, small reliefs.

A smile, small, shared. “I’d like that.”

Silence.

“So. Um. It’s..it’s Sunday.”

Sundays they typically spent the whole day in the gym, sparring, being in each others company. Katsuki didn’t get much physically from their sparring sessions these days, they both knew it. They seemed to be at an understanding though, of what they got from their Sundays together.

Suddenly, Katsuki had a thought. The words are out of his mouth before he can think better of them, eager to run from the conversation he so badly feared having.

“Lets go play some fucking baseball, Zuku.”

Izuku’s eyebrows shoot up and he looks funny like that, Katsuki thinks. It makes his stomach do a weird little flip that he usually only felt in the heat of the moment during their fights and sparring sessions, back when Izuku was at full strength. The feeling puts a surprised little crease between his own brows.

“…hah..what?” Izuku’s smiling, confused.

Katsuki keeps going, fueled by the quick return of the feeling he hasn’t felt in months, replacing the impending doom.

“C’mon, nerd, let’s go to the batting cages back home and play some fucking baseball. Maybe we can stop at your moms and say hi or something while we’re out.”

Silence. But..different this time. Better. Expectant.

Izuku huffs out a little laugh, relief of some sort.

“Yeah, Kacchan, that sounds good.”

It does sound good, Katsuki thinks.

.

.

.

“Hold your fucking arms higher, nerd!”

“Shuddup! I know how to hit a ball, Kacchan!”

“Getting cocky? Since when do you talk back to me you little shit?” Katsuki hasn’t felt this much like himself in months.

“You make it easy being such a know-it-all, Kacchan.”

“I’m a know-it-all, because i know it all, you little asshole. Don’t you patronize me.”

They’re both laughing, and Izuku is trying his best to hit the baseballs flying towards him in between snorts of laughter and playful banter. It’s so easy like this. Katsuki had imagined the day Izuku’s ember’s went out a million times, he imagined it like death, but this didn’t feel like death at all. This felt like..the birth of something new.

Then, suddenly,

“Lemme show you how it’s done, nerd.”

Izuku backs up and turns to hand Katsuki the bat but Izuku misinterpreted what he meant, because Katsuki turns him back around and comes up behind him with his hands on his shoulders.

“Pick your arm up dummy, higher, angle it like this, you want to meet the ball at the same angle its coming at you.” Katsuki takes Izukus arm and imitates hitting the ball the way he wants him to, and then pushes Izuku forward again. Izuku is weirdly quiet, now.

“Try it like that. And don’t be pissed when it’s better than your way.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Kacchan.”

*CRACK*

“…Fine. Don’t be rude about it, though. You’re still a know-it-all.”

Katsuki can’t contain his shit eating grin, and that feeling in his gut is back with a vengeance.

“There’s a reason for that, Zuku.”

.

.

.

Inko was delighted at the unexpected visit, flitting around to whip something up for the two and offering apologies for not having more ready for them both. In the end, they’d eaten curry for the second day in a row, but neither of them commented on it, happy to be in Inko’s company, happy to see Izuku happy. Eventually they’d thanked Inko and ushered themselves off into Izuku’s bedroom for a while before they went back to UA.

Izuku was pulling All Might merch and knick knacks out of every corner of the room, handing them to Katsuki along with stories and “do you remembers” and Katsuki felt overwhelmed. The feeling in his stomach only grew the longer the day went on and he found it harder and harder to keep the stupid, easy grin off his face. He felt so happy it almost felt wrong.

“Ah! kacchan! Do you remember when we drew these!”

They were two sheets of paper, one, in big letters, labeled “KACCHAN”, punctuated by tiny explosions in between each letter, and the other, “IZUKU” written neatly, simply across the top of the page. Underneath each name was a drawing to match, the both of them drawn in crayon as heroes, in gear that hadn’t quite matched up with what they’d grown accustomed to.

Katsuki took the papers from Izuku and stared, and stared, and stared, and only snapped out of it when a single tear drop hit the page.

And then it happened again. He spoke without meaning to.

“I don’t want to go back to the way we were before, Izuku. I-i don’t even care that we can’t spar anymore. I don’t care about that. I just-i wanna keep hanging out with you. I don’t care what what we do. I just-“ he was shaking, fat tears rolling down his cheeks. He’d feared this conversation, so.. why did this feel like relief too?

Katsuki just let himself cry, tiny sobs crawling the way into their atmosphere.

He looked up through wet lashes just in time to see Izuku launch himself into his arms, throwing him back into the bed and burying his face into Katsuki’s neck, sobbing with all the intensity Katsuki felt in his soul.

“I wanna be with you too, Kachhan, always, always. I-i..just want-to be around you...”

Katsuki wraps his arms around Izuku and lets the relief wash over him. Katsuki doesn’t know what compelled him to say it.

“I love you.”

Silence.

Izuku pulls back just enough to look into Katsuki’s eyes. His heart is hammering in his chest, stunned speechless, and as Izuku searches Katsuki’s face he feels the boys breathing become panicked, coming out in short puffs verging on hyperventilation. Katsuki barely opens his mouth to take it back, to unscare Izuku when he seemingly realizes this and smashes their lips together in an effort to stop him.

It’s sudden, scared, mutual. Blissful.

It takes Katsuki all of two seconds to come back online and fit his hand into Izuku’s hair in an effort to keep him there, and returns the kiss in full. Izuku grunts out a little sound that seems pained but somehow matches that feeling in his own gut, swirling and verging on the side of too much too much too much

They break the kiss at the same time, leaping away from eachother and doubling over themselves, anxiously giggling against their will and breathing heavily. Izuku leaps to his feet and starts pacing, muttering all the while, energy buzzing within him with the same intensity as one-for-all and Katsuki feels it seep into everything, feels his limbs buzz, heart racing, mind running a mile a minute and somehow not at all.

“Ahhaah, AHHH, Kacch-i love you, FUCK I love you, holy-sh-shit, holy shit, oh my god. kachhhANNNN OH MY GOD.”

Izuku’s yelling and Katsuki finally yanks himself out of his shock to speak up just in time for Izuku to run out of the room screaming.

“Hey-what the FUCK, IZ-get back here!” And then he’s off the bed too and running out the door behind him, leaving a stunned and confused Inko sat on the couch.

.

.

.

Katsuki catches up to him already at the bus station, pacing circles around the bench, laughing and crying hysterically. He catches a glimpse of Katsuki right as he stalks up to him and grabs Izuku’s arm.

“Caught you.” He grins triumphantly, and so, so happy, and doesn’t even give Izuku the chance to respond before he captures the boys lips again.

Relief.

[feyburner]

hiii, do you have any good fall recipe recs? sweet or savoury I don’t mind I just regard you as a cooking god and am looking for inspiration

Yes! Here is my current To Make list.

Many I’ve made before and some are recipes I want to try.

I’m linking specific recipes just bc I’m copy pasting from my own list. Sorry for all the instagram reels, you can just google the name of the thing and find it.

I’m going apple picking with my friends sometime in early October so I’m already planning all the apple things I want to make 🤤🍎

And Friendsgiving… so many pies…

SWEET

- French Apple Cake/German Apple Cake

- Apple Tarte Tatin

- Apple Crunch Tart/“The Best Apple Tart in Paris”

- My auntie’s date pecan bread, one of my favorite quickbreads of all time. Yes you are reading that ingredient list correctly. This is for real fruit & nut enjoyers only. If you can’t play with the big boys go home.

- Pumpkin Bread

- Pumpkin Pie (I use the Libby’s recipe but double the cinnamon & ginger, brown sugar instead of white, 1 extra egg, and add 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp cardamom, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, a few cracks of black pepper, and lemon or orange zest. AND let the filling chill in the fridge overnight!!)

- Sweet Potato Pie (my own recipe, I’ll put under the cut)

- Pecan Pie (same)

- Cinnamon Roll Focaccia/Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough

- Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake

- Pear Almond Tart (Tarte Bourdaloue)

SAVORY

- Arayes (made already, so good)

- Crispy Pork Scallion Buns

- Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Sheet Pan Soup (+ Any Vegetable Sheet Pan Soup)

- Veggie Filo Crinkle Cake

- Peanut Noodle Soup

- Fall Squash Galette/Butternut Squash & Caramelized Onion Galette

- Crispy Parmesan Carrots

- Garam Masala Roasted Carrots

- Zucchini Cornbread

- Homemade (sourdough?) pizza with roasted butternut or kabocha squash, goat cheese, figs, caramelized onions

- My dad’s red beans and rice :)

- Spicy Korean Fried Chicken

- Potato Tart with Zucchini & Feta

- Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup

- Channa Masala

MY RECIPES:

SWEET POTATO PIE

MAKES: 1 x 8-9” pie

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ lbs sweet potatoes (2-3 potatoes) (3 cups flesh), whole, to be roasted

1 x 12 oz can evaporated milk

1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar

2 eggs

5 Tbsp (70g) butter, melted

1 Tbsp lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)

1 tsp lemon juice

1 Tbsp cinnamon

½ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp ginger

¼ tsp nutmeg

a few cracks (⅛ tsp) freshly ground black pepper

+

1 disc (½ recipe) All-Butter Pie Crust*

*I’ve posted my pie crust recipe on tumblr before tagged “recipes”

DIRECTIONS

1. Roast sweet potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with foil. Wash and scrub whole sweet potatoes. Pierce potatoes all over 3-5x with paring knife. Roast 45 minutes until fork tender. Let cool, then collect 3 cups flesh.

2. Prepare crust: Roll out pie dough (12-14” diameter circle, ¼” thick). Press into tin and crimp edges. Chill shaped shell in fridge or freezer until ready to use.

3. Preheat oven to 350°.

4. Make filling: Put all ingredients in food processor. Pulse 3-4x until smooth. (You can also use a blender, or simply beat ingredients until fully combined.)

5. Pour filling into pie shell.

6. Bake 45-60 minutes until puffed and firmly set (toothpick clean) everywhere except the very center, which should retain a very slight jiggle (but not look liquid). The center will set as it cools. Start checking at 45 minutes and continue baking at 5 minute intervals until set. (If crust gets too brown, shield edges with foil.)

7. Let cool completely before serving, at least 1 hour.

NOTES

Roast the potatoes whole, in the skins, so the sugars & starches properly caramelize. Do not steam or boil potatoes, even whole. They will take on water and make the filling soggy.

You can roast the potatoes up to 1 week in advance. Collect flesh day of.

PECAN PIE

MAKES: 1 x 8-9” pie

INGREDIENTS

2 cups (250g) chopped pecans

1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar

1 cup light or dark corn syrup

¼ cup (56g) butter

4 eggs

1 Tbsp vanilla

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp cinnamon

+

1 disc (½ recipe) All-Butter Pie Crust

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare shell: Roll out pie dough (12-14” diameter circle, ¼” thick), press into tin, crimp edges. Chill shaped shell in fridge or freezer until ready to use.

2. Preheat oven to 350°.

3. Cook sugar syrup: In a saucepan, bring sugar, corn syrup, and butter to boil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to cook sugar. Take off heat. Let cool slightly, 3 minutes.

4. Temper eggs: In a bowl, beat eggs until lightened and frothy. Slowly, while whisking, pour ½ cup of warm syrup into eggs. Whisk to combine. Then, while whisking, slowly pour egg mixture back into the remaining syrup mixture. Whisk until smooth.

5. Whisk in vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.

6. Pour chopped pecans into bottom of pie shell. Pour filling over pecans.

7. Bake 45-60 minutes until fully set everywhere except the very center, which should retain a very slight jiggle. The center will set as it cools. Start checking at 45 minutes and continue baking at 5 minute intervals until set.

8. Let cool completely before serving, at least 1 hour.

NOTES

Many recipes do not require you to cook the sugar before baking the pie. However, pre-cooking the sugar (and tempering the eggs) ensures the ideal gooey, silky, perfectly smooth texture.

Toast pecans if desired: Arrange pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in preheated oven 5-8 minutes.

[cas-skz]

Back to you (Crumble pt 2.)

Wooyoung x FEM!reader

| non-idol au | drama/romance | 18+!! |

Weeks apart from Wooyoung and San have effected you mentally and physically. Your travel companion has no luck breaking through to you and with all your energy drained, you pass out. What happens after the hospital will change everything.

[writers note]

THANK YOU SO SO FLIPPIN MUCH!!!! I seriously always feel so touched when I get good feed back & responses. It means a lot & I appreciate your support so so much!!!

I hope this pulls at your heart strings just as much as the first

Tag List: @a-teez-4-exo @ppeachyttae @pearltinyy @yujuvly @kiwimash12 @neteyamandloakisfoine @mayblues @miaatiny

Every part of you felt numb. Your body was heavy and heart shattered. The whole event of last night played through your head over and over again, hurting more each time.

You didn’t want it to be real. You didn’t want San and Wooyoung to be gone.

“Wake up. We’re here.” The males voice came from the front seat.

You sat up to look at your surroundings, a small cabin on a lake front with not much else in sight. To most it would be peaceful, but to you it was hell at the moment.

You took Ella from her car seat, holding her in your lap as you sighed quietly. “Guess we’re here.” You told her, exiting the car.

“Where are we?” You asked the male, who was grabbing the bags from the car.

“Somewhere safe.” He simply replied, motioning for you to follow him to the cabin.

You rolled your eyes at his answer, following inside. It was decent enough, a living room with tv, the kitchen was stocked with new pots and pans, and a pile of groceries were stacked on the floor.

You made your way down the hall, glancing in at the bathroom before finding your and Ella’s bags in a room at the end of the hall. You got her freshened up and grabbed a bottle before setting in a crib that had been set up.

You laid on your side on the bed across from the crib, watching as she played with the toys and stuffies Woo had grabbed for her. You couldn’t help but cry again, feeling hopeless and confused.

San and Wooyoung had always kept the business side of things hush hush, but over time you started to pick up on little things. Woo arranged boxing matches where people placed high bets to watch San fight an opponent.

99% of the time San was victorious, in exception for Leeknow. Every few weeks the boys would come home after a loss and chat over how to defeat him the next time. Woo always said the loss left a dent in their wallets.

The knock on the door woke you up. You groaned quietly, not even realizing you had fallen asleep.

“Sorry…she’s been fussing. I can take her if you want.” The male said.

It was only now you realized who had been accompanying you this whole time. “Mingi?”

“Yea..I didn’t think you remembered.” He chuckled, taking a few steps towards the crib.

“No.” You said quickly, “I got her.”

You rushed to your feet to swoop Ella into your arms, hushing her as you dug through one of the bags.

“Sorry.” Mingi said quietly, scratching the back of his head. “I have dinner going. It’ll be ready soon.” He smiled softly before turning and heading back to the kitchen.

You didn’t exactly remember Mingi, but he had been one of your elementary school friends and you thought he’d left town years ago.

Once you found a soother for Ella, you both made your way into the kitchen. You didn’t know how long you’d been asleep, but the cabin looked much cozier than when you arrived.

A small play area had been set up in the living room, which you placed Ella into after giving her a kiss on the forehead.

“Are you hungry?” Mingi asked from the kitchen.

“Uh, no. No thanks. Ella’s probably starving.”

“I made her mashed peas and potatoes. There’s a few pieces of pork chop cooling for her too.”

To your surprise, the food at prepared correctly for her age and was made into a smiley face on a cute dinosaur plate.

“Don’t worry, I know how to not kill a baby. I have a three year old and a handful of nieces and nephews.” Mingi smirked, passing you the plate and a baby spoon.

“Thanks.” You mumbled quietly.

You sat inside Ella’s play area and propped her inside the bumbo seat before feeding her dinner.

“I think she approves.” Mingi said from the kitchen table as he munched down on his own meal.

You ignored his comment, focusing on keeping Ella’s face clean as your thoughts wondered to Woo and San. You couldn’t help but worry and wonder where they were, if they were okay. Not to mention the hurt you felt from then suddenly leaving you.

The day creeped into night and you went along with your normal routine with Ella, bathing her and reading a couple of stories before settling her down in bed with a bottle.

Mingi had made himself comfortable in the smaller bedroom, setting up a little gaming station and some mood lighting. It seemed like he was always making someplace feel like home.

“You still haven’t eaten.”

His deep voice creeped out from his room, you peaked in to see him sitting on a bean bag chair, playing gta on a small tv screen.

“I just don’t feel hungry. I’m fine though.” You smiled softly before turning towards the bathroom. “I’m gonna take a shower. Do you mind listening out for her?”

“No problem at all.”

The hot water washed over your face as you sobbed as quiet as you could. There was a million questions running through your head. Why San would just send you off without explanation. Why they couldn’t go with you. There was no off button to the mess in your head.

As you opened the bathroom door, Mingi gave you a small wave, “She’s snoring. I’m heading to sleep soon.” He stretched out before standing up and heading to the door, leaning onto the side as he started to close it.

“Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks. Night.”

You tried to comfort yourself with Woo’s shirt, the familiar sent of him brought you mixed emotions, which you tried your best to push aside. At some point you drifted to sleep on your tear stained pillow, thought it was nothing compared to falling asleep in Woo’s arms as he fucked you slowly.

The next few days felt numb. You went through day by day, moment by moment just focusing on Ella. You were a mess. You had barely eaten, barely spoken to Mingi. The only update you had gotten was that Leeknow had thrown a fight and his people were angry with the loss.

You were too exhausted to focus on what was being told to you as Mingi filled you in the latest events.

“I guess it’s almost resolved. There was some sort of confrontation but they ended up actually chatting.”

Your eyes tried to focus on Mingi cleaned dishes, but the room started to spin.

“If all goes well, you should be going home pretty so-”

Your body fell to the ground with a hard thud as you blacked out. The lack of food and hours of crying finally had you hitting a brick wall.

Mingi cursed as a glass dropped from his hand, he ran to your side and patted your face a few times. “Fuck. Come on, wake up.”

He grabbed your glass of water off the table and splashed it on your face, “Y/N.” He tapped your face a little harder as you woke a bit, still very fuzzy and spaced.

You remember being in the car as Mingi drove towards the nearest hospital. Ella was strapped in her seat and you laid fading in and out on the seat next to her.

The beeping of a heart monitor rang in your ears as you came out of unconsciousness, you mumbled to yourself as the nurse greeted you and let you know what was going on.

“We gave you some fluids but you’re going to need to eat before you leave, other than that, you and the baby are overall fine.”

“What?” Your tone was unexpectedly harsher than you expected.

“Well we had to run a blood test just to make sure it was lack of nutrients…I-I’m sorry, if you didn’t know.”

You stared blankly for a moment, “No-“ you paused to look at her, offering a small smile. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” You laughed quietly as a tear fell down your cheek. “Thank you.”

After following the doctors orders and apologizing to Mingi and Ella for not taking care of your self, you were happily on your way home.

Though your heart ached for Wooyoung more than ever, you couldn’t help but smile down at your stomach.

“I think you should name them Grey.”

“Grey?”

“Yeah. It’s my favorite color - well actually charcole, but that’s a weird name for a kid.”

You shook your head and laughed as the drive continued, filled with small chat and plans to make the best of things.

“By the way” Mingi started as he pulled into the long driveway down to the cabin, he paused and quickly checked his phone before pointing to a car parked near the house. “You have a visitor.”

Your eyes filled with tears at the sight of your brother as the car came to a stop, you rushed out and over to hug him tightly.

“I swear to god if you ever do that again”

“It won’t happen again. Ever.”

“Promise.”

“Promise. We’re going straight.”

San explained how Wooyoung had made a deal with Leeknow’s people to get them out of the game and in exchange they would own and operate a car repair shop.

As San continued to speak, your eyes drifted to the cabin door opening and you took off running towards Wooyoung as he walked out.

Tears were streaming down your face as you leaped into his arms, kissing his lips as deep as you could.

“You came back.” You whispered against his lips, pressing your head against his.

“I’m not going anywhere ever again.”

“Good. Ella and her little brother or sister are gonna need their daddy.”

Woo looked down at you with a look of shock and wonder, which you nodded a few times to confirm what he was thinking.

He wrapped his arms around you again, spinning you around as he kissed your cheek repeatedly.

“Get a room!” San yelled with a laugh.

Woo gave him the finger as he carried you back into the cabin and closed the door behind him.

You laughed in his arms and held onto him until he put you back on the ground, “Go get your daughter.” You laughed, giving him another kiss.

“Our daughter.” He whispered.

[balkanikabg]

Chinese Cuisine

Hello everyone! I survived the first month of my studies! Woohoo! xD

So, I finally managed to finish the content for this month! March theme is Chinese Cuisine!

I hope you like it!

30/03 - for Donators ; 13/04 for Patrons

 Steamed Veggie / Chicken / Pork Buns - is a type of yeast-leavened filled bun[1] in various Chinese cuisines. There are many variations in fillings (meat or vegetarian) and preparations, though the buns are most often steamed. 

Misua - is a very thin variety of salted noodles made from wheat flour. Plain misua is usually served plain with pork hocks (猪腳麵線) in stewed broth as a Taiwanese birthday tradition.

Mapo Tofu - is a popular Chinese dish from Sichuan province. It consists of tofu set in a spicy sauce, typically a thin, oily, and bright red suspension, based on douban (fermented broad bean and chili paste), and douchi (fermented black beans), along with minced meat, traditionally beef and vegetables.

Xihongshi Jidan Tang - is a common Chinese soup. It is made by beating eggs into egg drops and pouring them into the soup, then adding seasonings and chopped green onions. 

Mooncake - is a Chinese bakery product traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節). Mooncakes are usually eaten in small wedges, accompanied by tea.

Water Chestnut Cake - is a sweet Cantonese dim sum dish made of shredded Chinese water chestnut. The cake is usually cut into square-shaped slices and pan-fried before serving. The cake is soft, but holds its shape after the frying. Sometimes the cake is made with chopped water chestnuts embedded into each square piece with the vegetable being visible. One of the main trademark characteristics of the dish is its translucent appearance. 

Baijiu - is a colorless Chinese liquor typically coming in between 35% and 60% alcohol by volume (ABV) and usually distilled from fermented sorghum, although other grains may be used; some southeastern Chinese styles may employ rice and glutinous rice while other Chinese varieties may use wheat, barley, millet.

Suanmeitang - is a traditional Chinese beverage made from smoked plums, rock sugar, and other ingredients such as sweet osmanthus. Due to the sour plums used in its production, suanmeitang is slightly salty in addition to being sweet and rather sour. 

ALL ITEMS WILL BECOME PUBLIC 4 WEEKS AFTER ORIGINAL RELEASE, YOU CAN FIND THEM ON CURSEFORGE ALL FREE ITEMS!

[speedyartist30]

In your arms

So apparently Botw anniversary was yesterday so happy anniversary to my fav game✨ This art was done two days ago but I held it back to write a story for it✨ Enjoy!

It was a peaceful evening in Faron, the end of a long yet nice day begun to wind down. However, after spending the majority day out running errands, letting Lucas explore the beauties of the woods and playing at beach it was time to settle down.

In the kitchen, Jay chopped up some veggies before settling them over the pan to cook. The aroma of a home cooked meal wafts through the minka and in the background a small voice of his son is heard. Along with his laughter the sound of pattering feet hurrying up and down the hallway let Jay know Lucas was letting his imagination run wild.

“Kids got a lot of energy.” Jay smiled and began to plate the food.

Cleaning his hands, Jay stepped into the living room to see Lucas running around in one of his Hakama Jackets. It was way too big and looked more like a robe on the four year old, who seemed to be in the middle of a big battle with his sand seal plush. 

“Still fighting the bad guys kiddo?” Jay chuckled and crouched on his level.

Lucas nodded, his brown curls bouncing. “Yeah, I’m keeping our home safe. Like you!” He squeaked and waved his sleeved covered hands.

“I see. Sounds like alot of work for such a young warrior. You ready to eat or is your mission not complete?”

A faint growl came from Lucas stomach and his little face became a red as a ruby Laughing softly, Jay helped Lucas out the jacket,” Don’t worry even the strongest warriors get hungry. I made Katsudon.”

Standing up, Jay led Lucas to the low table to sit,”You want juice or milk?” He asked while walking back to the kitchen 

“Hmmm…Juice.” He hummed and climbed into his seat.

“Ok, sit tight.” Jay plated the food and got Lucas his juice that he made earlier this morning. His tail flicked and his eyes landed on the window.

“Looks like a possible storm.” He mumbled to himself. Gathering everything he needed Jay returned back to the living room and passed Lucas his cup and bowl. “Enjoy kiddo.”

Ready to eat, Lucas took the bowl with a quiet thank you and picked up his fork. He hummed with happiness at the pork cutlet crispness. Across from him, Jay picked up his chopsticks and ate quietly with his tail tucked behind his chair.

Sipping his juice Lucas asked,”Are we going to the Zoras house tomorrow?”

“Yeah we are going to Zoras domain. They need a little help with lizalof clean up.”

“The sparky ones?” Lucas asked with a small frown,” I don’t like them…their scary. Do you have to?”

Jay looked up at Lucas anxious expression,”Yeah, but I’ll be ok. I’m not fighting by myself this time.” Wiping his mouth he adds,” And Hyrule is the safest it’s ever been and nothing is gonna stop me coming back to you, okay?”

Smiling he promises,”When I come back we can go swimming with Ms Mipha and Sidon. It’ll be like last time we visited.”

Hearing that from his papa eased some of his worry, but Lucas was a anxious kid at heart. Seeing this Jay reached and placed his hand on Lucas head. “Hey, I’m not going anywhere.” He said softly 

Lucas rubbed his nose and ducked his head.“O-Ok papa.” He said shakily before a single tear fell. He quickly scrubbed his face with his sleeves 

Pulling his hand away, Jay stood up and walked around the table and sat beside him. Lucas face slowly grew pink as he tried holding his emotions back. His small hands gripping at his chest.

Jay wasn’t upset with him, he wasn’t frustrated at the tears and he wasn’t going to tell Lucas to stop crying. Jay understood the anxiety Lucas feels. To him fighting was something small, he grew up with it and lived with it for years. For Lucas fighting meant violence,danger, pain and fear. Despite how young he was Lucas knew the real dangers in the world because that was all he was exposed to and he had every right to feel upset.

Wiping Lucas face with his own sleeves, Jay pulled him into a hug,”Your emotions feelin a little too big?” He asked gently while rubbing Lucas back to hopefully calm the boys anxious tremors.

When his son nodded his head Jay shifted his hold and brushed some curls off Lucas face,”Ok, let’s get them out. First we’ll take a deep breath together and blow them out okay?”

“O-Ok.” Lucas hiccuped and grabbed Jays hand. Following Jays lead the two went through a series of breathing exercises. Rain began falling outside causing a steady rhythm above them. Feeling calmer, Lucas hugged him.

“Better kiddo?” Jay smiled 

“Mhm…ok now.” Lucas mumbled into his chest. Shaking his head Jay scooped him up and sat him in his chair,”Good, now let’s hurry up and finish dinner before it gets cold.”

Giving Lucas a small pat on the back, Jay settled back in his seat and they both finished the rest of their meal. Afterwards Jay gave Lucas a bath to wash the days grime away, mainly sand that was still in his hair from the beach. Once he was cleaned and dry, Jay got him dressed and let him run off to play while he cleaned up the kitchen.

When he was wiping down the counter tops thunder rumbled outside. Frowning he peeked out the window when hurried footsteps came behind him and small arms wrapped around his leg. Lucas looked at him wide eyed and breathing quickly, he was scared.

“Hey, hey it’s ok. The weather’s just a little rough.” Jay picked him up,”Is it the noise?”

Before he got a response thunder sounded again and Lucas immediately covered his ears and curled into his chest.” I got you, Lucas. Let’s get your ear plugs.”

Moving down the hall Jay went to a small chest on the dresser. Moving some of his earrings out the way he takes out a small burgundy pouch. 

“Thank you, Purah.” He mumbled as he got the pouch open and took out the earplugs. Moving Lucas hands away he slips them into his ears and Lucas relaxed in his hold.

“See all good.“ Jay ruffled his hair and set Lucas down, he watched Lucas pad over to his futon to grab a small wood box. Holding up the box Lucas asked,”Can I have some paper? I wanna color.”

“Yea, hold on.” Jay said while moving some maps aside to give Lucas a few sheets. The boy had perked up at the small stack and walked out with Jay and claimed a spot on the living room floor. Seeing Lucas was occupied Jay finished cleaning and washing dishes before returning back to the living room. 

The storm that visted them wasn’t long and took the thunder away,but the rain still stayed behind. Sliding the door open, Jay was instantly met a nice breeze and the calming scent of fresh rain. Taking a breath Jay sat on his cushion by the window to watch the rain fall from the thick clouds passing by. 

The atmosphere had made Lucas feel drowsy as his focus on his drawings began to fade. Rubbing his eyes, Lucas grabbed his blanket and toddled over to his papa without a word and climbed into his lap. Jay wrapped his arms around him and leaned back, his tail flicked lazily beside him. His green eyes drifted to the drawings Lucas left on the floor.

The faint sunlight shined over them, Jays eyes softened seeing Lucas had drew them together. He looked down to see Lucas eyes drooping shut as he snuggled closer. Kissing his son head,Jay closed his eyes and let the sound of the rain carry him away.

[buffetlicious]

One of mum’s favourite dining outlet in Northpoint City is Feng Food (台湾味 “丰”). And this Guan Miao Mian with Specially Marinated Pork Chop (猪排关庙面) is her must order dish. She loves the springy and chewy handmade wavy noodles and that juicy pan-fried pork chop.

I had the limited Sunrise Crispy Chicken Cutlet Rice (日出鸡腿排饭) though I have never encountered them being sold out. Love that big piece of crispy boneless chicken leg paired with an over easy egg. The rice is drizzled with the gravy from the braised pork and refreshing pickled cucumber and vegetable for the sides.

[rius-cave]

I firmly believe that despite a horrific inability to cook anything else, Adam has PERFECTED making pizza rolls. Perfect temperature, mind-blowing crust, they never get too soggy, or burn the roof of your mouth.

Meanwhile, pork chops? Burnt to a crisp.

Pasta/ramen? Either barely cooked and still crunchy, or a mushy mess.

Heating up soup? Hope you didn't like that pan/microwave, because it's a smouldering mess now.

But pizza rolls? A+. Every. Single. Time.

-🥠

Anon I regret to inform you that I had never heard of those before (my ass is too Mexican probably) but quick googling gives me two different looking things, I assume you mean the ones that look like cinnamon rolls.

Man. That thing implies making DOUGH and BAKING, using the OVEN..... that is one bold choice to make as your exception for the Adam can't cook rule!

[earthoreo]

Moving in

Day 1 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Noah pulled into the driveway just after noon, the crunch of gravel under his tires loud in the still, wooded air. The house Wes had mentioned in his texts was even more remote than he’d pictured—set back from the road, surrounded by old trees that looked like they hadn’t been touched in decades. Quiet didn’t even cover it. It was still. Like the whole forest was holding its breath.

He climbed out, adjusting the strap of his duffel bag and tugging his hoodie down over his waist. He hadn’t worn anything special—just the same beat-up jeans and hoodie combo that helped him blend in and disappear. It was familiar. Comfortable. Safe.

The front door swung open before he could knock.

“Dude,” Wes called out, beaming. “You made it.”

He stepped out barefoot, wearing mesh shorts and a loose tank that clung to his chest. Noah blinked. Wes looked even bigger than he remembered. Broader, thicker. His chest hair peeked out above the neckline, dark and coarse, and there was a sheen of sweat on his arms, like he’d just finished chopping wood or something rugged like that.

Wes pulled him in for a one-armed hug, hand warm and firm against Noah’s back. He held on a beat too long, gave a friendly squeeze, and then let go.

“C’mon in. Got your room set up. Hope you’re hungry.”

Inside, the house was all cozy wood tones and thick rugs, worn couches, and shelves full of old books and half-burned candles. There was a smell in the air—something rich and buttery coming from the kitchen, layered with a deeper, woodsy scent. Something like cedar, or maybe… musk?

Wes moved around the kitchen like it was his kingdom. Barefoot, tank clinging to his back as he pulled pans off the stove and set out plates already heavy with food.

Noah hovered awkwardly at the doorway. He didn’t quite know what to do with himself. It had been months since he’d seen Wes in person—he wasn’t sure they’d even been close before. But when Wes had offered him a few weeks away from everything, away from the stress, the job hunt, the roommate drama, the constant noise—he’d said yes without thinking too hard.

And now, here he was, in this quiet, almost too-perfect house in the woods, with a guy who looked like he belonged on a lumberjack calendar, already piling food onto plates like Noah hadn’t eaten in days.

Dinner was massive.

Big bowls of creamy pasta, garlic bread still steaming, roasted vegetables drenched in herbs and butter, thick slices of glazed pork that practically slid apart on the fork. Noah tried to keep up, but Wes kept piling more on his plate, laughing, saying things like “You’re not full yet, are you?” and “You gotta eat like you mean it out here.”

It wasn’t like Wes was forcing him exactly. But there was a kind of energy to him—this low, constant push that made Noah want to go along with whatever he said. Wes was just… magnetic. Confident in a way that made everything seem like no big deal.

By the time they were done, Noah’s stomach was tight under his shirt, rounded out in a way that felt more than just bloated. He caught himself rubbing it idly as Wes brought out dessert.

“Pie?” Wes asked, holding out a slice that looked like it had been cut for a bear, not a man.

Noah hesitated, then shrugged. “Fuck it.”

Wes grinned. “Atta boy.”

Later that night, Noah peeled off his clothes in the guest room. The air was cooler here, and the sheets smelled like fresh laundry and something just faintly masculine—maybe Wes’s cologne? Or his laundry soap?

He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Nothing major. His stomach was a little puffy, but that made sense after the dinner he’d just demolished. His cheeks looked a little flushed. The collar of his hoodie had a smudge of grease he hadn’t noticed. And his jaw… he squinted, leaned in. Maybe there was a little more shadow there than usual, but it was probably just the lighting.

Whatever. He was full, tired, and warm in a way that made it hard to care.

As he sank into the mattress, the springs creaked softly under his weight. He lay on his back, hand resting absently on his belly, and stared at the ceiling.

Just the house settling, he told himself, when he heard something thump softly in the hallway. Just Wes moving around.

And the scent that drifted in through the crack under the door? Definitely just more woodsmoke.

Day 2 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Noah didn’t sleep much that night.

The bed was too warm, the air too still. The mattress felt soft in the wrong way, like it sank a little more each time he turned. Every creak of the old house made him sit up, wide-eyed and waiting. The shadows in the corners of his room felt heavier somehow, like they leaned in the longer he stayed still. The radiator clicked and groaned, and the wind outside kept brushing the trees just hard enough to sound like someone walking past the window.

He blamed the food. All that rich, heavy butter and fat sat in his stomach like a stone. His skin even felt… greasy. Not in a gross way, just… extra. Like something was clinging to him, like the meat and gravy and melted cheese were trying to soak into him instead of through him.

By the time morning rolled around, Noah had barely slept an hour. He stared at the ceiling until light crept in, then dragged himself out of bed.

The first shirt he grabbed felt weird going on.

Not tight. Just… wrong. It caught around his upper arms in a way it hadn’t yesterday, dragged slightly across his chest like static was holding it there. His sleeves bunched near the shoulders, riding higher than usual like something had shifted underneath overnight—muscle or swelling or just bloat from the dinner. He kept tugging them down, annoyed, but they kept creeping back up.

He looked in the mirror, rubbed under his eyes. Nothing crazy. Just tired. Pale. Maybe a little… flushed? His skin looked warmer today, but it could’ve been the lighting.

He didn’t linger. He had texting to do.

Noah, 10:08 AM

Jake, dude. Please just come over for dinner. Just once. Wes is nice but like… too nice. And massive. I don’t know. It’s a vibe. You’ll see. Just come.

Jake, 10:12 AM 👍 “bring beer or?”

Noah exhaled, shoulders dropping. The tension eased, just a little.

By the time late afternoon rolled in, Noah had cleaned the already-spotless kitchen three times. He was pacing the living room now, wiping down the coffee table and straightening throw pillows like some 1950s sitcom wife trying to impress the neighbors. He couldn’t stop tugging at the collar of his shirt either—it kept creeping a little higher on his neck, clinging like it was a size too small.

Wes barely reacted when Noah mentioned a friend coming.

No raised eyebrow. No questions.

“More mouths to feed,” Wes said with a slow, easy nod, already heading to the fridge. “Good thing I made ribs.”

Noah froze. “Wait. You… made ribs?”

Wes glanced back, grin creeping across his face like it had always been there. “Was a hunch.”

The smell started early. Meat, smoke, fat. It rolled through the house thick as fog, soaking into the floorboards and Noah’s clothes until it clung to everything. By the time Jake knocked, Noah had opened a window just to breathe something other than roast pork and masculinity.

He cracked the door and waved him in.

Jake stepped inside, took one deep sniff, and blinked hard. “Bro. You live in a steakhouse now?”

He looked around the place like he wasn’t quite sure it was real. Jake was lanky, wiry, dressed like he always was—band tee, thrifted flannel tied around his waist, scuffed Vans, a ring on every other finger, and that ironic charm that usually made people laugh without knowing why. He looked like a cartoon next to this warm, wood-heavy house that smelled like meat and beer and smoke.

And Wes?

Wes stepped out of the kitchen in a thermal that stretched across his chest like it barely fit, sleeves shoved up over thick, tanned forearms. His dark hair looked slightly damp—he’d probably showered—but there was still a hint of woodsmoke clinging to his skin. The guy looked carved out of tree bark and testosterone.

Jake took one look and whispered, “Is this guy real? He looks like he chops wood for podcasts.”

Wes smirked, shook Jake’s hand, slow and deliberate, the way a snake might taste the air. He didn’t squeeze hard—he didn’t have to. His hand swallowed Jake’s completely.

“Nice to meet you,” Wes said. Then, with a little too much meaning, “You’re the backup, huh?”

Jake raised an eyebrow. “Backup?”

Wes grinned. “Just jokin’. Mostly.”

Dinner was borderline obscene.

A pile of ribs that fell apart if you looked at them too long. A cast-iron dish of mac and cheese that looked like it had been baked three times, with a crusty top that flaked like caramel. Cornbread so buttery it left fingerprints on the plate. Green beans cooked down with bacon, soft and glistening.

Noah sat across from Jake, trying not to eat like he had last night. He chewed slower. Sipped water. Avoided eye contact every time Wes said something like “You’re not gonna waste that, are you?” or “You look like you need another helping, man.”

He could feel Jake watching. Not judging exactly, but… clocking it.

He reached for another rib anyway.

Halfway through dinner, Jake tilted his head and squinted at him.

“Hey,” he said, pointing with a greasy knuckle. “You got something on your face.”

Noah froze. “What? Where?”

“Right side. Like your cheek. Is that sauce, or…”

Wes stayed silent, just leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink with his eyes on Noah—like he’d been waiting for this.

Noah grabbed his napkin and wiped.

Nothing.

He rubbed again, slower. This time he felt it.

Not sauce. Not dirt.

Texture.

Something dry. Rough. Not long, but scratchy enough to catch his skin. He stood up without thinking, chair scraping loud behind him.

Jake called after him, but Noah was already down the hall, moving fast toward the mirror.

Under the soft yellow light, it was there.

A faint line along his jaw. Just a whisper of it. But real.

Downy hairs, not many, but thick enough to change the color of his cheek. Darker. Coarser. Visible.

He leaned in closer. Touched his cheek with two fingers. Rubbed. It didn’t smudge. It didn’t move. It tugged just slightly under his fingertips—anchored.

“I don’t… I don’t grow facial hair,” he said, quietly.

Behind him, Wes leaned against the doorway.

“You sure?” he asked, voice low.

Noah turned, chest tight. “I mean, I shave, yeah, but like… once every few weeks. This wasn’t there yesterday.”

Wes tilted his head like a curious wolf. “Bodies do weird things, man. When they’re finally safe. When they’re fed.”

Noah blinked at him.

Wes shrugged. “You’ve been starvin’ yourself, haven’t you? All that stress. All that pressure. Your body’s just catching up.”

Noah turned back to the mirror, breathing slowly.

Jake’s voice floated in from the kitchen, muffled by food and distance. “Y’all good in there? Or are we starting some kind of primal ritual I should know about?”

Noah forced a chuckle. “Yeah. Just… sauce.”

He scrubbed again, harder, and winced. The hair didn’t move.

That night, in bed, he ran his hand across his jaw a dozen times before falling asleep. It didn’t feel thick. It wasn’t even visible from more than a few feet away. But he knew it was there. Felt it under his skin like an itch he couldn’t scratch.

And the worst part?

He didn’t hate it.

Day 3 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Noah woke up to warmth.

Thick, heavy warmth under the covers—like his sheets were made of wool instead of cotton, like his body generated more heat than he remembered. The kind of heat that made the air feel thick and damp, clinging to his skin like a second layer. His neck was sweaty, the collar of his shirt stuck to it, and his inner thighs were uncomfortably slick.

He shifted with a grunt, peeling the damp fabric off his skin, blinking in the early light leaking through the blinds. And then he froze.

His legs—bare from the knee down—weren’t right.

The pale, smooth shins he’d lived with for twenty years were gone. In their place: a soft coating of dark hair. Not long, but undeniably there. Curling slightly, like it was trying to become something thicker. It caught the light. Thicker on the calves, especially near the ankle bones. He reached down with a shaky hand and rubbed.

His fingers came away with the faint, oily sheen of sweat.

Nope. No. I shaved a week ago. I barely grow anything. This isn’t—

He sat up hard, heart thudding, and caught sight of himself in the mirror across the room. The shirt he’d slept in—a loose graphic tee—clung to him around the arms now. Not like a fashion choice. Like a fit issue. His upper arms had a fullness now. The sleeve didn’t hang straight anymore—it curved around the new roundness of his bicep.

And under the shirt—was that a shadow on his chest?

He yanked it up with trembling fingers.

There it was: hair. A small patch in the center of his chest, curling dark and tight over his sternum. His fingers shook as he brushed over it—coarse, damp with sweat. It looked like it had always been there.

He caught his scent for the first time, too.

Richer. Sharper. Like he’d forgotten deodorant—but not in a bad way. More like… primal. Earthy. There was musk under his arms now. Not just sweat, but something deeper. Pungent and male.

He blinked, half-dazed, staring at his own reflection. The faint stubble from last night was darker this morning. Spread lower along his jaw. Even his sideburns had crept down. And when he squinted… was there a shadow under his pecs? He pushed his shirt flat. No doubt—there was definition there now. Barely, but it was real.

Downstairs, Wes had coffee already brewing.

He didn’t look surprised when Noah shuffled into the kitchen, hoodie zipped halfway, pulling his sleeves over his hands like it would hide something.

Wes just smiled over the rim of his mug. “Sleep okay?”

Noah cleared his throat. “Hot. I was hot.”

“Body’s workin’ hard. Growin’, maybe.”

“I’m not—” Noah started, but stopped. Even his voice sounded thicker this morning. Not deeper, exactly. But heavier. Gravelly, like he’d been yelling or smoking. Or something.

“Hey, bro,” came a voice from behind him.

Jake strolled in through the back door, yawning and rubbing his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t slept much either—still in the same band tee from the night before, hair sticking up at weird angles. He froze when he saw Noah.

“Dude. You okay?”

“Yeah, just… tired,” Noah muttered.

Jake narrowed his eyes, stepping closer. “You, uh… missed a spot again.” He pointed at Noah’s neck.

Noah rubbed, knowing what he’d find. The stubble was spreading—climbing up toward his cheekbones, thickening down the front of his neck. His skin looked darker from it. Like it had been kissed by dirt and heat and man-sweat.

“You sure you’re not trying something new?” Jake asked. “Beard oil? Bulking phase? Protein shakes or something?”

Noah just stared. Then he grabbed the coffee mug Wes offered him, hands visibly bigger than they were two days ago—slightly puffier at the knuckles, veins starting to press under the skin.

Jake’s gaze lingered a second too long on the arm that lifted the mug. “Your forearms look kinda… jacked, man.”

Wes chuckled under his breath, low and warm. “He’s growin’ into himself.”

Jake raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Wes shrugged. “Some guys just need the right environment.”

Later That Afternoon

Jake stuck around longer than usual. Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe it was the burgers Wes promised. Maybe it was how different Noah looked—stronger, sweatier, more grounded. Like gravity liked him more today.

They sprawled on the back porch. Jake cracked a beer. Wes rubbed steaks down with his bare hands—fingers thick, forearms flexing with every movement. His apron said “Meat Daddy” in block letters.

“This guy’s got, like, barbecue energy,” Jake muttered to Noah as they leaned on the porch rail. “Alpha dad from a soap commercial.”

Noah grunted, scratching absently at his chest. The new hair itched sometimes. Especially when it curled under his shirt. Even his stomach had a patch forming—a trail starting from his navel that hadn’t been there before. He hadn’t said anything. Didn’t know how.

Jake turned his head suddenly, nose wrinkling. “Dude, do you smell that?”

“The meat?” Noah asked.

“Nah, you. It’s… different. You smell like… sweat, but not gross. Like gym sweat. Musk. Like Wes, kinda.”

Noah’s face burned. He tugged his hoodie tighter, but it didn’t help much.

Wes came over with a plate of burgers, smiling like he knew exactly what was going on. “Hope you’re hungry.”

After Dinner

They ate on the porch again. Jake devoured his first burger without question. When Wes handed him a second, he took it like it was expected. His stomach was already full, but something about the smell, the seasoning, the way Wes’s hand brushed his when he passed the plate—he had to take a bite.

It was the best bite of food he’d ever had.

He finished it fast, wiping grease from his mouth with the back of his hand, licking a bit from his knuckle without thinking.

“You’re staying the night, right?” Wes asked casually. “Noah said he sleeps better with company.”

Jake blinked. “Wait, he did?”

Wes shrugged. “He will.”

Noah didn’t say anything. He just sat there, full and warm, rubbing at the itchy new hair curling over his stomach and trying not to notice how good it felt to smell like sweat and meat and wood smoke.

Later, Upstairs

Jake borrowed some clean clothes—his own shirt felt weirdly tight—and crashed on the couch in Noah’s room. They stayed up late watching some dumb horror movie. Noah kept tugging at the neck of his hoodie, scratching under his shirt. Jake pretended not to notice, but something about it made his skin tingle.

The room smelled different now. Stronger. Like boys who’d been working outside. Jake caught himself sniffing once or twice when Noah shifted beside him.

“You okay?” Noah asked, voice low.

Jake cleared his throat. “Yeah. Just… feelin’ warm. You?”

“Yeah.”

Day 4 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Jake had crashed on the couch—half-sunken into the old cushions, surrounded by the scent of wood, sweat, and something meaty that still hung in the air from the grill. The house didn’t just smell like Wes anymore. It smelled like Wes and Noah. Musk thick in the air like a warm blanket.

He woke up to an itch.

Not just a little scratch-behind-the-knee kind of thing—this was deep. On the top of his chest, between his pecs, right where his shirt rubbed raw. He shoved his hand under the collar and scratched.

His fingers hit something coarse.

Jake sat up, eyes narrowing, and marched into the hallway bathroom, slamming the light on. The mirror blinked back at him: sleep-swollen face, pillow lines, and—

“The hell?”

There it was. Right in the middle of his chest: tiny dark hairs, curling like stubborn weeds through cracked pavement. Sparse but obvious. He pulled the shirt off—some old skate brand tee—and got a full look.

The hair went down. Not just a patch, but a trail, snaking down past his sternum toward his stomach. He rubbed both hands over his torso like he could wipe it off.

Did Wes put something in the food? Was this some kinda prank? Testosterone cream or something? But then he noticed something else.

His stomach wasn’t flat anymore.

Still soft, sure, but not like before. There was a roundness now. A slight puff to his belly that pushed out when he exhaled. His pecs weren’t totally flat either. More like… puffed up. And his arms looked heavier. Not shredded, but thicker at the forearm. His skin had a shine to it, like a permanent post-workout glow.

“Yo, Noah,” he called out, knocking on the guest room door. “You up?”

No answer. But Jake swore he heard rustling—low groans, maybe. He pushed the door open.

Noah was shirtless on the bed, sprawled sideways, bathed in soft morning light. One arm thrown over his face, the other rubbing at his stomach like it ached.

He looked different. Again.

His chest hair had exploded overnight. No longer a patch—now it covered both pecs, thick and matted with sweat, curling under his armpits in dark, dense clumps. His pits themselves were… wild. Dark, bushy, and damp with musk. It filled the room, heavy and warm like it was part of the air itself.

His belly was pushing the waistband of his shorts outward. Not big—yet—but definitely not flat. Puffy, with the hint of a crease forming under his navel. Hair spread all across it, curling toward his sides like it was looking for more space to claim.

Jake stood there frozen.

“Bro,” he whispered. “What the hell is happening to us?”

Noah groaned into his arm, voice muffled and deep. “Wes… he’s doing something. I don’t know. But it feels…”

He trailed off, hand drifting over his hairy chest, thumb absently brushing his nipple.

“… kinda good.”

Wes was already up, shirtless in the kitchen. His chest was an open forest, thick and full, the hair so dense it made his already-broad body look even bigger. He was barefoot, wearing gray sweats that clung to powerful thighs, and flipping pancakes with practiced ease.

He turned when the boys came down—Jake still rubbing at his chest like it might fall off, and Noah looking like he didn’t want to admit how much he liked it.

“Morning, guys,” Wes said, with a grin that knew exactly what was going on.

Jake didn’t respond. He just stared at Wes’s stomach—thick, round, covered in fur like a bear in mid-winter. His trail of hair ran like a highway straight down into those sweatpants.

Noah sat at the table, eyeing the food. His stomach rumbled audibly.

Wes set down two massive plates, pancakes stacked high, butter melting into the steam.

“You’re both lookin’ good. Filling out. Way more your speed.”

Jake finally spoke. “What is this place?”

Wes leaned in. “Let’s just say… this house has a way of bringing out the real you.”

That night, Noah caught himself flexing in the mirror. He wasn’t even doing it on purpose—it just felt good to see how his body moved now. The small bulge of his biceps, the soft, hairy roundness of his chest. His beard had officially crossed into patchy stubble territory. And every time he scratched his pits, the smell made his stomach twist in ways he didn’t know it could.

Downstairs, Jake sat on the couch alone, rubbing his stomach. He was shirtless now, too, not even realizing when he pulled his tee off during dinner. His happy trail had thickened. His chest had sprouted more. There was a buzz in his bones, like static under the skin. Hunger. Warmth. Change.

And Wes? Wes was in the kitchen again, cleaning up, smiling to himself. He could smell both of them from here.

And they were coming along nicely. The heat was thick by noon. Heavy. The kind that settled into the floorboards and clung to skin. The kind that made shirts feel like traps.

Noah didn’t wear one anymore.

He stood barefoot in the hallway, fingers digging absently into the side of his softening waist, trying to process just how fast it had all escalated. His boxers barely fit—they rode up over the swell of his thighs and clung damp against the hairy bulk of his upper legs. His calves looked like they belonged to someone else. Coated in a layer of dark fuzz, thicker near the knees, denser around the ankles.

He scratched his side—his hand brushed through coarse hair that hadn’t been there a week ago. His chest was officially full. A wide, soft mat of dark brown fur that curled over his pecs and made his nipples feel constantly sensitive under the breeze of the ceiling fan.

And then there was the smell.

Noah’s musk had become part of the house now—rich, earthy, deep. He caught a whiff every time he moved. From his pits. His belly. The soft crease forming under his chest hair. And somehow, impossibly, it smelled good.

Jake sat at the kitchen table, still shirtless, fidgeting with the waistband of his gym shorts. His gut pushed softly against the table edge. His armpits were dark now—so much darker than yesterday—and every time he lifted his arms, the scent hit like a wave. He didn’t even apologize for it anymore. Just shrugged.

“Something’s seriously wrong with me, man,” Jake muttered, scratching at the wild patch creeping up toward his shoulder.

Noah smirked, barely hiding it. “Dude. Us. Look at this.” He raised both arms and flexed. Not a bodybuilder flex—just a big guy stretch. Hairy pits, thick arms, belly hanging out soft and proud.

Jake blinked. “Holy sh—bro, you’ve got like, lumberjack chest hair now. You’re like a damn werewolf.”

“Look who’s talking. That’s a full-on happy trail, Jake. And don’t even try to say you haven’t noticed the beard coming in.”

Jake instinctively rubbed his chin. The stubble had gotten scratchy. Coarse. There was even a shadow creeping up his cheeks and curling under his jawline. He hadn’t shaved since that first night. Somehow, it didn’t feel like he needed to. The growth wasn’t messy—it was right.

Wes walked in, sweating, shirtless, carrying a cooler of beers like he wasn’t phased by the heat. His gut was glorious now—round and firm under his thick trail of stomach fur, which met his chest hair like a wild overgrown forest. His arms were sun-kissed and dusted in golden hair, glistening in the light.

“Pool day,” Wes grinned. “C’mon. You two need some vitamin D and fresh air before the house eats you alive.”

Day Five –------------------------------------------------------------------

The backyard was all sunlight and green. A long stretch of overgrown grass, a half-forgotten pool, and trees that lined the fence like a secret. No neighbors in sight.

Noah stripped down to just his shorts. His stomach caught the sun now—soft and pale in some places, darker in others from all the new hair. The sun hit his chest, and it shone. A wet, sweaty sheen over a thick rug of curls that clung to his pecs.

He sank into the pool with a groan, arms resting on the edge, chest hair floating lazily on the surface.

Jake followed, slower. His body wasn’t as hairy as Noah’s—yet—but his thighs were coated now, and his chest had sprouted little tufts on both sides that looked ready to connect. He scratched at his thicker forearms and waded into the water, not even realizing he let out a soft grunt of pleasure.

They sat in silence for a while, heavy and slow.

Then Wes dropped in beside them, a cannonball of hot weight and laughter. The water surged. When he surfaced, he pushed his hair back and gave both boys a long look.

“You're coming along,” he said, voice low. “Real good. Thick. Solid.”

Jake laughed nervously. “You keep saying that. Coming along into what, man?”

Wes leaned back. “Into who you were supposed to be.”

That night, the air was damp and electric. Noah stood in front of the mirror again, rubbing lotion into his shoulders without thinking. The hair kept coming in thicker. Curlier. His chest looked huge now, not just from fat—but from hair. It clung to his belly, thick around his navel, then down into a thick V leading below the waistband of his sleep shorts.

He turned. His ass was rounder. Meatier. Covered in fuzz, even the backs of his thighs were coated now.

He leaned forward, scratching under his jaw—and froze.

His beard had come in full.

Thick, brown, dense. Framing his face in a way that made his eyes look deeper. Rough around the jaw, darker near the chin. He rubbed it slowly, the sound of bristles like sandpaper on wood. He ran his hand down his chest, over the curls. And smiled.

He liked this.

Down the hall, Jake lay in bed shirtless, staring at the ceiling. One hand on his stomach. His skin was warm and tight over new fat. Hair surrounded his navel now. His pits were soaked in musky sweat. He pressed his nose to his own bicep and sighed.

“No way I’m going back to normal,” he mumbled.

Downstairs, Wes turned the lights out and opened the window. The night breeze carried the scent of their musk into the yard like incense.

He smiled. The house was almost done with them.

Day 6------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day had a thick, almost suffocating quality to it. The kind of heat that made everything feel sticky and overbearing. Noah was awake early, staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. The stubble on his face had thickened again overnight, and his chest hair was more than just a rug—it was a fucking forest. He traced his fingers through the curly mess of it, the feeling of the bristles turning him on in ways he hadn’t expected.

It was like he was becoming someone else. Someone bigger. Someone... more. More what, though? More manly? More like the guys he’d used to idolize? Like Wes? The thought hit him harder than usual as he caught his reflection—his jawline more defined, his stomach fuller, his legs, thick with muscle and hair. The transformation felt... good. Hell, it felt right.

He let out a deep breath, rubbing his hand down his chest again. The softness of his belly was becoming more pronounced, but the hair over it was a badge of pride now.

“Fuck,” he muttered to himself. “I’m turning into a goddamn beast.”

Jake’s voice echoed from the hallway. “Yo, man, I need your help with something.”

Noah smirked, scratching under his armpit as he swung open the bathroom door. There Jake stood, shirtless as usual, looking even thicker. His chest wasn’t just a couple of tufts anymore—it was full on. A thick trail of dark, coarse hair ran down from his sternum, disappearing into his waistband. His arms had grown even broader, and there was no mistaking it now—his stomach was pushing out in a soft, round curve.

“You feeling yourself, too?” Noah asked with a grin.

Jake shot him a glare, but the blush spreading across his face betrayed him. “Dude, I don’t know what the fuck is happening to me. Look at this.” He waved his arms around. “I got more body hair than I had two days ago, and I don’t know what the hell’s up with my stomach, either. It’s—uh—growing.”

Noah didn’t try to hide the way his eyes flickered to Jake’s midsection. His stomach had definitely taken on more roundness, and the hair growing there had thickened in places that used to be smooth.

“Let me guess,” Noah said, narrowing his eyes. “You’re not just worried about the changes, huh?”

Jake’s face reddened more. “Shut up. I’m serious, man. What’s going on here? First we get more hair, then we get bigger, and now my fucking pits smell like a damn locker room.”

Noah laughed softly, the deep, almost guttural sound making Jake bristle. “Welcome to the club,” he said. “You really think I didn’t notice it? My pits are so fucking ripe right now I could probably knock out a grizzly bear with just my smell.”

Jake groaned and sat down on the couch. “Goddamn it. I’m turning into a hairy mess.”

Noah smirked again. “I don’t know, man. I’m kind of starting to like it.”

Jake stared at him like he was nuts. “What the hell are you talking about? This ain’t normal.”

“Normal? Nothing about this is normal,” Noah shot back. “But... fuck, man. I kinda like it. It feels... natural? Like, I feel like I’m turning into someone I’m supposed to be.”

Jake rubbed the back of his neck, the heat of the day starting to make his skin itch in places it didn’t used to. “I don’t know, man. I just... I’m not sure I’m cool with how fast this is happening.”

“I wasn’t either at first,” Noah admitted, walking closer and plopping down next to him on the couch. “But the more I look at myself... the more I fucking love it.”

Jake eyed him skeptically. “You’re saying you love this shit?”

“Yeah,” Noah said, voice low, almost a growl as he ran a hand through his thickening beard. “I mean, look at me. I’m a fucking stud. I didn’t have shit before. No muscles, no chest hair, no thick beard. Now? Now I look like a damn man. And it feels... right. Feels like I’m supposed to be this way.”

“Dude, you’re fucking crazy.” Jake laughed but the sound was a little too tight, a little too unsure. “But maybe you’re right. I’m not—uh, I’m not hating it as much as I thought I would.”

Noah gave him a knowing look, leaning in closer. “You’re feeling it too, huh?”

Jake shifted uncomfortably, staring at the floor. “Maybe. But that doesn’t mean I’m okay with it.”

Noah watched him for a long moment before grinning.

The evening had arrived quietly, the warm summer air settling around the house like a comfortable blanket. The smell of dinner filled the air—something hearty, savory, the kind of meal that could make a person feel full and satisfied both physically and... in other ways. Wes had worked his usual magic in the kitchen, and now it was time for Noah and Jake to truly experience the effects of his “special touch.”

Noah sat on the couch, his body leaning back slightly, a new, subtle heaviness in his posture that he wasn’t used to. He ran a hand through his messy hair, still getting used to how thick it was starting to feel. His shirt, which had once hung loosely off his frame, now clung tightly to his chest and belly, the soft roundness of his stomach visible through the fabric. It wasn’t just his gut that had changed—his arms had thickened too, his muscles not quite as toned, but they were big in a way that felt... comforting. More to hold, more to love. The hair on his chest was becoming thicker, sprouting out in thick patches, each one adding to his growing sense of masculinity. He could feel it, all of it—he was becoming someone different, someone stronger.

Jake sat next to him, his presence always a bit overwhelming, his shoulders broad and powerful, his body a solid mass of muscle and soft curves. But today, he was different—he had grown since the morning. His belly had expanded, rounding out as a thick softness spread across his midsection, the waistband of his shorts pulling snugly against his expanding form. His chest was a wild landscape of thick hair, dark and rough, each strand feeling more and more like a part of him with every passing hour. The thickness of his arms, his biceps, felt heavy, solid—he was turning into something more... real, more powerful.

The tension between the two of them had always been there, but now, it felt different. Noah couldn’t stop glancing at Jake, his eyes drawn to the way his body seemed to radiate confidence, power, and strength. And Jake—well, Jake was staring at Noah with a mix of admiration and something else, something deeper.

“Man,” Noah said softly, breaking the silence between them, “look at you. You’re... massive.” He could feel his heart rate pick up as he took in the sight of Jake’s body, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath. The sight of the dark hair covering his body, his belly pushing out from his waistband—God, it was hot. Jake’s body was a revelation. And Noah couldn’t tear his gaze away from him.

Jake turned to him, a grin pulling at his lips. He looked Noah over, his gaze lingering on his thickening chest, his growing belly, the trail of hair that now ran down Noah’s stomach. “Yeah? You’re not looking so bad yourself, man. Hell, you’re bigger than I thought. All that muscle you’re hiding under there... I can see it now.”

Noah smiled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at the compliment. But he couldn’t help but feel more than just admiration for Jake. There was something about the way he looked at him—like he was seeing Noah in a way no one ever had before.

Wes, who had been observing quietly from the kitchen, finally walked in, his usual mischievous grin on his face. He had prepared the dinner, but he knew the real magic would happen in the moments that followed. “Dinner’s ready, guys,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “You’re gonna want to eat... trust me.”

Noah and Jake glanced at each other, then moved toward the dinner table, their bodies heavy with the changes they were feeling. They sat down, though neither of them could really focus on the food. Every bite seemed to be feeding something inside them—something primal, something growing. And with every bite, they felt it. More muscle, more fat, more hair.

As they ate, the changes continued. It was subtle at first, but soon Noah felt his stomach pushing out even further. He couldn’t help but notice how his fingers seemed to sink into his soft belly as he took another forkful of food. He didn’t mind it though. It felt natural, like he was exactly where he needed to be. His shirt had ridden up, exposing more of his stomach, and the thick trail of hair on his chest had spread down further, now disappearing into the waistband of his pants. He could feel the weight of it all, the heat building inside him as his body stretched and shifted.

Jake was in the same state. His hands rubbed against his belly, feeling the softness there. His arms felt thick, and the veins were almost completely hidden by the layer of muscle and fat that had built up. His chest, wild with dark hair, heaved as he took another bite, his eyes never leaving Noah’s.

There was something magnetic about their connection, something deeper than the transformation itself. The changes in their bodies seemed to heighten their awareness of each other. They weren’t just seeing each other as the growing men they were becoming—they were beginning to appreciate the strength, the confidence, the raw masculinity they both shared. And in that moment, something shifted.

Without thinking, Noah reached out, his hand brushing Jake’s arm. The roughness of his body, the way his muscles tensed under his touch, sent a thrill through Noah. He could feel Jake’s heat radiating off him, the smell of their combined musk filling the air. It was intoxicating, the scent of their shared masculinity mixing in a way that made Noah’s chest tighten.

Jake’s eyes flicked down to Noah’s hand on his arm, his fingers gently squeezing the flesh there. “You’re getting pretty damn strong, Noah,” Jake said, his voice thick with admiration.

Noah felt a rush of warmth flood through him at the words. “You think so?” he whispered, his heart racing as he leaned in closer, his breath shallow.

Without another word, Jake tilted his head, leaning toward Noah slowly. Their lips met in a soft kiss—gentle at first, exploratory. Noah’s hands moved to Jake’s chest, feeling the warmth, the softness of his growing belly under the firm muscle. Jake’s hand slid around Noah’s waist, pulling him closer, their bodies pressing together as the kiss deepened. Noah could feel the heat between them, the weight of their growing bodies, the way their hearts beat faster, the blood rushing through their veins.

Their lips parted only for a moment before they came together again, this time with more intensity. Jake’s tongue flicked against Noah’s lips, a slow, deliberate caress that sent a shiver down his spine. Noah responded eagerly, his tongue sliding into Jake’s mouth, tasting him, exploring him. The kiss deepened, becoming more passionate, as if neither of them could get enough. Their bodies shifted against each other, the heat of their skin mixing, the feel of their growing bodies sending sparks of desire through them both.

Noah’s hands wandered, tracing the thick muscles of Jake’s arms, his fingers brushing the dark hair on his chest. Every touch felt more intense, more real, as their bodies grew together in this intimate dance. They kissed and kissed, their lips slick with desire, their hands roaming over the other’s body, exploring the softness of Noah’s new belly and the rough, solid muscle of Jake’s chest. The deeper they kissed, the more they felt each other’s growth, the changes that had brought them to this moment.

Noah could feel the heat building between them, the electricity in the air that had always been there but was now undeniable. His heart was pounding in his chest as he kissed Jake, his hands sliding down to feel the soft fullness of Jake’s belly, the way it pushed out from under his shirt. Jake’s hands were everywhere—on Noah’s back, his chest, his sides, pulling him closer, feeling him grow under his touch.

They paused for just a second, staring at each other, breaths heavy and shallow. Noah’s lips were swollen, his chest heaving as he gazed into Jake’s eyes.

“Fuck,” Jake breathed, his voice husky with desire. “You’re so fucking hot.”

Noah couldn’t help but smile, his own breath coming in quick bursts. “You are too.”

And with that, they were kissing again, deeper now, their mouths hungry for more of each other. The air between them felt charged, thick with the intensity of their desire, and their bodies—changed, growing, evolving together—couldn’t help but respond in kind.

[bloodismymedium]

Bill and Monas favorite food?

Mona loves meat but is particularly fond of organs and offal, one of her favorite meals from her childhood was pan-fried lamb’s heart with buttered asparagus. Mona also has the mother of all sweet tooths and is partial towards cake, her favorites being spiced apple cake, carrot cake and tiramisu (which is the closest she’ll come to ingesting coffee since she usually HATES coffee). Her love of meat and sweets of course means she loves it when the two flavor profiles are combined, such as in one of her other favorite meals, brown sugar glazed pork chops.

Some of Mona’s other favorite foods includes lobster, hoppin john, butter chicken, blood sausage, fried plantains, cherries, pomegranate, olives, honey glazed ham and vanilla bean ice cream. When it comes to drinks, she loves tea (hot or cold), wine and champagne because she’s a classy bitch 🤣

Overall, I wouldn’t say Mona is a picky eater, she will eat anything you give her and she’s not above eating something that really shouldn’t be eaten either (“expiration dates, what’s that Bill?”) but she has her clear favorites and she has some surprisingly refined tastes too.

Bill really likes fried food in general but fried chicken, coconut shrimp and beer batter onion rings are his absolute favorites. Bill’s also a big fan of seafood, especially oysters (raw and fried) and crawfish boil. He also loves minestrone, corned beef, po’boys, french fries, pancakes, french toast, strawberries, watermelon, peach cobbler, anything involving eggs and coffee… lots and lots of coffee. Bill was also a chronic alcoholic before meeting Mona and he’s tried nearly every kind of liquor out there lol, his favorite drink is fireball whiskey or any drink that’s spicy, sweet and very strong. He’s also a big fan of oyster shots and bloody marys by association.