#only bust it out for the big occasions. it's the fancy plates you get out for the dinner parties or something | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

loser-hub · 4 years ago

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This came out a lot sooner than I expected so enjoy! Warnings: Mild spice, me being an Endeavor stan.

All Might

Super, super chill.

The chillest out of everyone.

His day is so hectic as All Might and as a teacher in his Small Might form so he wants a quiet, homemade dinner with you so you can both unwind and relax.

Grabs the essentials after he oh-so rudely broke your cuddle session because he felt for stomach rumbling.

Joining him makes him that much happier that you like his idea of a calm and peaceful night. His massive hand holding your own as you two walk to a nearby convenience store.

Since this was after his fight with All For One and his existence as Small Might was known to the public the proprietor was having a head attack while insisting everything was on the house. That made V-Day that much better.

Coming back home Toshi crowded the kitchen and dragged you inside so you could cook your meal together, everything always did taste better that way. Combining your favorite foods...

And absolutely failing.

For whatever reason luck was not with you anymore and the stove exploded, microwave died, water caught on fire. Safe to say dinner was not happening.

The Fire Department was called and a couple of hero's showed up to tend to your flaming kitchen.

Sighing Toshinori rented a hotel room because why not? Its almost like he planned it...

Chilling out on the massive king sized bed while ordering room service wasn't what you expected but with your hero? Can't say thats any worse.

Endeavor

Daddy is so conflicted.

On one hand, he wants to spoil you, take you out on the best night on the town he could possibly give you. On the other, he doesn't want to make you uncomfortable or push you out of your boundaries.

If he pushes too hard you might leave him! That's something he can't handle, even as an intrusive thought.

The big flame man tip toes around you, he really does. He thinks about his actions at least five steps ahead before he starts to take one. So he makes sure he's thought about every little detail and thinks it through.

It's decided, he's taking you out!

A nice candlelight dinner by a lake? No wait, movie? Hiking? Maybe he didn't about this enough.

His foot his stomping on the floor as he fidgeted with his pen, none of his agency paperwork getting done. How could he when his mind was so distracted?

Ends up taking you to a nice, private rom-com movie after he flipped a coin and let fate decide.

Like actually pick you up, sweeps you off your feet, carries you bridal style and refuses to let you down.

Gets the all access, red carpet deal for your date, the secret fancy wind giving secret deal so you both can avoid getting hounded by paparazzi.

The seats might be the beds but you bet your ass Enji is taking you and putting you between his legs so you can lean back and use him for comfort instead.

So fulfilling for him to see you resting against him while you steal kisses during the super romantic scenes.

Hawks

Oh, don't get me started on this birdbrain.

He loves surprising you and taking you out of your comfort zone, that is how you discover things you never knew you liked before after all.

Sometimes his ideas are a hit or a miss.

Mostly misses.

His bright idea this time?

To take you clubbing!

A long night on the town, club hopping and dancing sounds like a great idea to him. To him, conveniently forgetting what's on his back. That's a bit of a hindrance when so up and close to other people. Though to his possessive ass that's a good thing, grinding up on you while his wings cage him in.

He knows exactly what he expects at the night of Valentine's Day.

The day is chill until night falls and the city comes alive, Hawks appears at the balcony door and knocks for you, grinning as he sees your chosen outfit.

"Lookin' nice, Baby Bird. Now c'mon, let's go and have a real nice time."

One flight down and you two go to your first club and it was poppin, seems like going out and having fun wasn't only his idea. It was pretty packed, the dancefloor was shoulder to shoulder.

So the first place was a bust as within a couple of minutes Keigo's flight feathers had been stomped on so who was up for a drink?

The night went on and on, bar hopping, getting progressively tipsier and tipsier until you two somehow, by some miracle stumbled your way into his apartment.

Eraserhead

The second most casual V-Day participant.

Wants to fake you out because he's that kind of guy, especially in a relationship.

Wants you to be mildly disappointed only to be even happier when he surprises you with a date.

It's weird, it's a little mean but Aizawa is a little weird and mean on occasion.

The day starts out as normal. You wake up without in, his side cold and partially made. That was normal, he had to be up and at it before the sun even starts to rise.

Getting yourself ready you find the left behind coffee pot was still on and was warm. At least he did that much at least.

Your phone dinged with a message and Shouto sent you his usual morning apology, at least today of all days it was welcomed.

How could you be mad at him for having to work on Valentine's Day? He's a hero and a teacher, his plate is going to be full and then some.

The day goes on and you two text over your breaks and receive no indication that you two were going to do anything later.

Shame but you understood, he wasn't the most social person, especially around holidays.

Right when he was going to pick you up from work just as the sun set Aizawa rolled up in a limo of all things, his signature unusual smile on his face.

"Think I'd forget to do something on V-Day? You're foolish, absolutely foolish."

It was a stupid fancy way to go back home complete with champagne and dipped fruits of your choice.

At home he had someone line the floor with rose petals and candles where he ordered your favorite takeout. A stupid fancy presentation, just how he likes it.

#mha headcanons #bnha headcanons #mha x reader #bnha x reader #valentine's day #Valentine's Day headcannons #All Might x reader #Endeavor x reader #Hawks x reader #eraserhead x reader #tw: fluff #tw: mild spice

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ladyofmaidensandwine · 4 years ago

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Day Three

Day Three of the Hello Spring 2020 Writing Prompt Challenge

Characters- Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Castiel, Fem! Reader

Prompt- 50′s Diner

Warnings- None, except my horrible knowledge of American 50′s slang, I’m so sorry luvs

Wordcount- 1,017

He’s a recent regular. The tall- and very handsome- man had begun showing up at the little diner owned by your aunt two weeks ago, and you had yet to serve him that day, but you’ve already got his order ready. Dean Winchester appeared to be a creature of habit, asking for the same thing on every occasion. “Your best burger, a slice of pie, and one of those strawberry shakes, sweetheart.” You had practically committed it to memory, and as he came each Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday during your shift, began telling the cooks to have it waiting for him.

“Jeesh, Dean! I’d’a asked what you wanted, but looks like you got a knuckle sandwich already!” You exclaim, eyes going wide at the shiner the green-eyed man sports. “Hey, sweetheart.” Dean greets, smirking up at you as you slide his plate and strawberry milkshake to him. “So, what’s buzzin’?” You prompt, hand on your hip. This was the best part of your week- Dean was a bit of a trouble maker, which is part of why you fancied him so much, and every week he had a new story to tell. “Guess the big guy didn’t take so kindly to me interrupting back-seat bingo with his gal. You snort a laugh that makes his grin all the wider and more smug, before rolling your eyes.

“As if the great Dean Winchester isn’t out havin’ a bitchin’ time necking some poor girl in her daddy’s ride.” You accuse playfully. He was a ladies’ man, and you’d heard other men call him a bird dog when their gals beat feet to ogle the new man in the small town, but he was mostly harmless. “Got me there, sweetheart, but it ain’t bitchin’ unless it’s you I’m necking.” Dean winks. You hate to admit that he makes you blush. “Oh, cut the gas, and quit it with the apple butter.” You scold, swatting him with your notepad. Dean chuckles, the sound low and rich. “Anything else I can get you?” You ask, returning to your work. “Well, maybe another milkshake, and your number if it’s on the menu.” Dean says with a charming smile. “I’m a classy gal, Dean, gotta at least buy me a shake first.” You laugh and turn away before he can see you turn as red as your lipstick, and jot down his milkshake order as you go.

By the time his shake is ready, your shift is ending, and you give the waitress taking over a friendly smile as you head to Dean’s table. Everyone at the diner was adamant Dean only ever came on your shift, and exclusively to see you, but you ignored their smirks and teasing jives. You do not fancy Dean. Not even a little. “Alright, Winchester.” you smile. “Have a seat, sweetheart. Haven’t gotten to talk to you much today. You’ve always got a good one to make me bust a gut.” He grins, and you laugh as you slide into the booth beside him. “Well, there was one customer...” You begin.

Halfway through your story, and a quarter through the milkshake Dean insisted you finish as he was too full to do so himself, you look over to find he’s already staring at you, with warm green eyes and gaze so fond you have to look away before you turn an embarrassing shade of crimson, or melt into the boothseat of your Aunt’s diner. “What? Am I bashing your ears?” You ask, worried you’ve been rambling too much about the woman with triplets and the fiasco she resulted in earlier in the week. Dean’s quick to shake his head, leaning to catch your gaze until you look back at him. “Nah, your stories are the second best part of my week.” Dean reassures. “Only second best? Who I am losing to? The Big Daddy givin’ out free knuckle sandwiches?” You tease, deflecting the attention from you before you could grow any more flustered than you already are. Dean laughs, grinning broadly at your joke. No matter how stupid your jokes were, he always laughed, and genuinely too. “Best part of my week is seein’ you.” Dean winks, and you don’t even try to hide the redness of your cheeks- it would be futile, anyways. You’re saved from a response by the waitress coming over so Dean can pay, insisting he pay for the second milkshake even though you drank it.

“C’mon, sweetheart, I’ll walk you to your car.” Dean smiles, offering his arm. You beam back and take it, leaning into his warmth. “So, how about now?” Dean asks. You pause from unlocking the car, giving him a confused look. For once, his cocky and suave demeanor is nowhere to be found, and he looks nervous instead. “What are you jabbin’ about, Dean?” You ask curiously, now even more intrigued by his flustered expression. “Gettin’ that number. Said I had to buy you a milkshake first, so uh...” Dean chuckles, fidgeting slightly and rocking back on his heels. You turn fully to him in disbelief. “Are you messin’? This better not be a bit, Dean Winchester.” You threaten, narrowing your eyes. “No, Y/N, I swear, no bit. Just a coupla shakes with a swell gal. Think I’ve been comin’ around every week on your rounds just for the burgers? I told you, best part of my week is seein’ you.” Dean smiles, looking sincere. “Well, ain’t you sweet.” You grin at him. You jot down a string of numbers on your yellow diner notepad, and hand it to Dean, who gives the biggest boyish smile you’ve ever seen, and turning your knees to rubber. “Say, I know this diner, it’s the cat’s pajamas. If you wanna pick me up at 5, maybe get some milkshakes, have a bitchin’ time.” You offer with a sly smirk. Dean laughs. “You’re one cool cat, Y/N.” Dean grins. “See ya tomorrow then, Dean. Don’t you be late.” You wink. “Like I said, ain’t bitchin’ without ya. I’ll see you at 5.” Dean promises.

Alright, so maybe you fancy Dean. Just a little.

TAGS-

@ibwhellowriting

#ibw: hello spring 2020 #dean winchester x reader #y/n #50's diner au #supernatural

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seenashwrite · 5 years ago

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Some Dean

Word Count: 4K Category: One-shot, On-The-Hunt, Humor, Creature Feature, Behind-the-scenes Canon-Compliant, Teamwork, Friendship… and, to hell with it: Fluff Rating: Teen & Up Character(s): Dean, Sam, Cas Warnings: None Anti-Warning: There’s no images or links to anything creeptastic below the cut, those of you with squicks/phobias need not worry, I’m not that big of an a-hole Author’s Note(s): *This is a re-post minus tags & links in an effort to get it to show in searches*; if you’ve no knowledge of the children’s story “Charlotte’s Web”, this may not be for you; more post-story Overall Summary: Sometimes good things come in small, albeit eight-legged, packages.

Dean had always liked spiders.

Well, “like” may’ve been overstating; Dean had always held an appreciation for spiders. They weren’t nasty like rats or sneaky like snakes, with spiders you knew where you stood: in his experience, anything supernatural aside, you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone. Plus, they were badass - spiders packed a lot of intimidation into a small package, could be killing machines when they wanted to be, and mostly he appreciated that they were efficient and effective when it came to dealing with the annoying bugs that occasionally popped up. He did live in a basement, after all; the world’s tiniest were not deterred by any amount of warding or weaponry.

So when he’d notice small, barely-there wisps of webs in far corners or between the bottom of a bookshelf and the wall, stretching from the carved wood to the sticky bricks, he’d leave the homemade traps be for a week or two if they were empty, and sure enough, they’d have captured some crawlers next time he made a run-through with the vacuum. It was an amicable relationship - Dean never saw the spiders, just their handiwork, and the webs seldom popped up in the same space twice. Plus, they seemed to know the kitchen was a no-fly… spider… zone, so all was well.

And then came Charlotte.

Charlotte - as Dean had eventually started calling the garden spider, much to Sam’s dismay - did not have any regard for the out-of-sight, you-don’t-get-the-boot arrangement, nor did she have any regard for giving Dean his space. The day they met, he’d sauntered into the garage, popped the Impala’s trunk, tossed in a bag and a shotgun, yelled at Sam to hurry up, then went to reach for the driver’s side handle, caught movement out of the corner of his eye, and froze. And he wasn’t the only one.

The web was thick at the edges and delicate in the middle, stretching from the side mirror to the handle, upon which Charlotte perched, her crafting put on hold. She wasn’t terribly small, but not remotely large; she would’ve easily fit on the pad of his thumb. And she was clearly of the brave - or stupid, perhaps - sort, because she didn’t immediately scurry off. She took in the sight of the giant creature before her - technically, there was eight of him, what with her four pairs of eyes and all - and she opted to see what would happen.

What happened was that Dean turned, grabbed a shop rag, and began cursing under his breath as he whipped the web into nothingness; by the time he stopped, Charlotte had skittered to places unknown.

Dean tossed the rag away, gave the handle a good eyeballing before he grabbed it, opening the door and saying in a low voice through grit teeth, “Not. The. Car.”

“What not the car?” asked Sam, bounding up the garage steps.

“Nothing,” Dean replied.

This nothing continued for six weeks.

Charlotte was a determined artist, it seemed, not to mention a fast one. She spun webs of all sizes and shapes, covering the license plate in quilt-panel squares, weaving long, ropy trails around and between the wipers, and at one point obscured the back window in a lacy pattern that Castiel noted looked like a fine guipure. She liked to travel, too, as more than once the brothers would exit a given roadside motel room to find Charlotte had been busy during the night, Sam’s personal favorite being when she’d decorated a hubcap in a complex Fibonacci design, though he’d never have let on to Dean.

On the initial occasions following such a discovery, if Dean happened to spot her, he would scold her with a sharp “NO!”, walk in her direction briskly, and she’d retreat, slipping into the trunk or under the hood, but it wasn’t long before she’d stay put, even edge closer, cutting the distance between them, eventually so bold as to crawl onto the roof of the Impala, watching as he dismantled her webs.

“Really?” he asked one morning after the latest wipe-down, bending slightly so they were eye-to-eyes.

She calmly extended one leg to the side, held it out til he got the hint, turning his head, following what he’d presumed was a point, and sure enough, he’d missed some cottony puffs that were still stuck on a tail light.

Looking back at her, he said - begrudgingly - "Thanks.“

Dean had dealt with stranger things.

"One day I’m expecting to come out and see ‘terrific’ in a web,” Sam commented during a return trip from the latest hunt.

“What?” Dean asked.

“You know - the kid’s book. Charlotte’s Web. You read it to me when we were little. About the farm, and saving Wilbur the would-be bacon?”

“Charlotte’s anti-bacon?”

“No, I don’t think— it was— it— she was just pro-pig.”

It was after this conversation that Dean took to calling their frequent tag-a-long Charlotte. To be specific, it was after he’d brought a BLT with him into the garage while working on the car, and she’d happily investigated a bit of bacon that had escaped his plate. A point to the pro-bacon column, he thought.

Dean informed her that he was fine with her hanging around, he was even fine with her fancy webwork, but she needed to cool it when it came to the car, explaining with lots of gesturing to make sure the message got across, just in case. He’d looked it up. Spiders did not have ears.

He’d also looked up things on spider life spans, and arachnid health in general. Sam found him in the library one evening doing just that, frowning at his laptop screen as he scanned. Castiel was nearby, returning some books to their places on the shelves.

“What is he doing?” Sam asked in a hushed voice, and Castiel opened his mouth to respond, but Dean spoke, diverting their attention.

“Did Charlotte look pale to you earlier?”

Now Sam frowned. “Dean… what?”

“I mean, she’s light brown, but she looked a little yellow earlier,” Dean explained, scrolling further down a page, but then closing the window with a huff and turning in his seat to face Sam. “Can’t find anything.” A pause; a thought. “Hey, I should put out a devil’s trap drawing for her, maybe a new pattern’ll perk her up.”

Sam was, in a word, startled. “Do you think of her as a pet?”

“Why do you care?”

“Oh, I dunno - because a spider is stalking us, and you’ve named it, and you talk to it, and—-”

“What, you got a thing about spiders to go with your thing about clowns, even though your imaginary friend was a clown?” Another pause. “Come to think of it, that explains a lot.”

“Sully’s not a clown, and no, I do not have arachnophobia, what I do have is a worry that - if it is a female - it may lay a bunch of eggs, then we’ll have an infestation. Is that what you want? Bunch of spider babies in your Baby?”

Dean rolled his eyes. “She’s not gonna do that.”

Sam narrowed his eyes. “Did she pinky swear?”

“Would you like me to have a look at her?” asked Castiel, and the concern in his voice was less for Charlotte and more for Dean, and less in the sympathetic way and more in the tiptoeing around someone who’s slipped into psychosis way.

Sam crossed his arms. “Taking it outside hasn’t worked, neither has trying to leave it wherever we’ve been hunting - this is getting ridiculous, will you just kill it, already?!”

Dean stood, walked over to him, defiant. “We not been doing enough killing for you lately?”

“It’s just a spider, Dean!”

“I know that! Maybe I just don’t wanna be scraping moist spider guts off my boot.”

“Does this spider communicate with you?” Castiel asked, the concern still floating under his words.

He was ignored.

“It’s not your pet, it’s a tiny insect - you don’t even know if it could be poisonous!” Sam exclaimed.

“Not an insect, genius, and Charlotte would never bite us—-”

“What is wrong with you?!”

“Have either of you considered the possibility that this is no ordinary spider?” Castiel suggested.

“Gee, thanks, Cas - no, hadn’t noticed that this is weird,” Dean shot back with a look.

“So you get that this is weird?” Sam checked.

“Our life is weird, what’s some more? And at least this is fun weird, is that so bad?” Dean replied, and the touch of melancholy in his voice caused both Sam and Castiel to stay quiet for a few moments.

The silence was broken by the ring of Dean’s phone - a case awaited them.

And, of course, Charlotte.

Dean looked up from the map as Sam came back into their motel room, six pack in one hand, phone in the other, kicking the door shut as he spoke.

“Jane called. She says a container ship from the UK was bringing in illegal cargo, for some rich people who wanted exotic animals for canned hunts—”

“Douche move.”

“—and apparently when they went to unload, the crates were all busted up. The hold was covered with what was left of the bodies of the animals. All except for one. Three guesses.”

“Big bad bacon?”

“Yup. And she thinks we’re looking at… ah….” Sam trailed off and chuckled.

“Yeah?”

“A cryptid. It’s called The Beast of Dean, a.k.a. the Moose Pig.”

“Why do I think that somewhere, somehow, whatever’s left of Crowley just got a chub.”

They were in a rural area of Virginia, not too far from Portsmouth, and had been for a week, tracking what sounded like a rabid boar, but there was enough of a bump-in-the-night bend to the word on the street that they’d been confident it fell in their wheelhouse. Now that they had confirmation, after a night of research and weapon prep, they were ready to knock out the most recent mission and get back home. The Dean-Moose was large, and it was anything but subtle. The hunt should be an easy one, wouldn’t take long, nothing to it.

Well. One thing. One sort-of big thing. Even though it was also a small thing. Sam’s pro-pig storybook spider and their companion, they’d come to find, had more in common than just a name.

STOP

There, stretched across the Impala’s grill the next morning, was an undeniable message, and given Dean’s jaw-dropped state, it prompted Sam to speak on his behalf.

“Um, Charlotte? Listen, I don’t know if you… you seem nice, and… really smart, but… look, this thing isn’t like that pig in the book.”

“Because she’s read the book,” Dean said sarcastically, breaking out of his stupor and stomping over to the car, sharp eyes looking for the sassy spider; no joy. “Hey, guess what?” he said loudly. “I’m gonna drive so fast that by the time I do stop, your web’s gonna get shredded, how do you like that? I told you my car was OFF LIMITS!”

With one last glare at the web, Dean got into the car, and Sam followed suit. They put on the radio and chatted about anything but spiders and pigs for the better part of an hour as they bumped along the winding back roads. And after parking at the edge of the woods where the most recent sighting of the beastly hog had occurred, they opened the trunk to find another message, one that unfurled neatly, springing open as the lid of the weapons compartment lifted.

REALLY! STOP, STUPID.

Punctuation, and all.

“You know…” Dean began, but trailed off with a shake of his head, snatching up the shotgun and pocketing a handful of the shells with the special filling he and Sam had cooked up the night prior.

Sam removed the freshly-etched-with-symbols machete. Dean slammed the trunk shut. Charlotte did not emerge.

As they walked deeper and deeper into the woods, Sam spoke in a quiet voice.

“When we get back, I’m calling Cas. This is out of control, Dean. The spider’s obviously somebody - or something - dicking around with us. Maybe that’s been the plan, keeping us from killing this thing.”

Dean didn’t look at him, rather kept scanning their surroundings as he responded. “Maybe. She… it… came around before that ship got here. But, yeah. Maybe something’s up.”

Sam reflexively sighed in relief, and at that moment Dean stopped, extended his arm to stop Sam’s progress, as well.

“Shhh. Listen.”

The growl was only audible for a moment before the foliage began to stir.

The hunt, it turned out, did not last long. The defeated brothers wearily tossed their dented weapons into the backseat and practically fell into the front. Dean immediately turned off the radio - the chanting of Duran Duran’s “Wild Boys” had come screaming through the speakers.

“It does kinda sound like they’re saying 'wild boars’,” Sam noted.

“Shut up.”

After they’d returned to the motel and showered, cleaned up their scratches and cuts, swapped torn clothing for intact, Sam went back to researching, while Dean went out to the Impala, damp washcloths in hand, and opened the trunk. It was barely even six o'clock, and there was still enough sunlight that he could see every trace of the webbing was gone. But he wanted to check that his little - former - friend hadn’t done anything else.

She had.

Sitting in the driver’s set, Dean’s eye was drawn to the thin, nearly opaque message across the radio, anchored by the knobs and an ejected tape.

BAD JOB

Dean swiped it away without a word, uttering a small groan and clutching his bruised ribs as he climbed out. He took a few steps, but then pivoted. He opened the door again and leaned in, voice tense as he spoke.

“Tell you what, how’s about I bring you some toothpicks and you join in tomorrow, help us out, get in a few stabs? Be useful, show us how it’s done?”

Dean fell asleep wondering if he’d completely lost his mind.

THIS IS DUMB .

Sam ran a hand through his hair and closed his eyes - he’d been out the door first, so the newest message, covering the entirety of the hood, immediately made him brace himself for what was coming next.

But, surprisingly, Dean kept his temper in check; he merely set down his bag, returned to the room for a towel, and briskly wiped down the hood.

“Ready?” he asked Sam, forcing a smile that was likely more unsettling than intended.

Sam kept quiet, answering with a thumbs-up.

Their Everything’s Fine! charade was short-lived.

As with the prior morning, Charlotte had chosen to reinforce her message, wrapping the steering wheel so thickly it was barely visible, and her stance on their mission came through loud and clear.

THIS IS ACTUALLY DUMB .

Sam thought the choice of having the final “dumb” in bold italic for emphasis was a nice touch. And he noted the copious amount of webbing wound around the gear shift with raised eyebrows. And he gulped when he spotted more strands of said webbing emerging from the ignition. He cut his eyes over to Dean and, upon seeing his expression, took a step back.

This time, Charlotte did not hide. She’d positioned herself on the dashboard, right near the puffed-up wheel, standing with what could be described as quite the petulant posture. And much like the day the spider and the hunter had met, Dean froze.

Charlotte held her ground.

Dean’s nostrils flared.

Charlotte crossed her front legs as if they were arms.

Dean’s jaw clenched.

Charlotte tapped a back leg, as if to say Well get on with it.

Dean was still unmoved, and so Sam said, “You know, when you freeze like that, it’s really not as intimidating as you might—-”

“CHARLOTTE!” Dean bellowed.

She turned and sashayed to the glove box, crawling inside without the first indication she felt in any danger whatsoever.

Thankfully, the motel was just shy of a mile from from a modest gas station-diner combo. Sam talked Dean into a breakfast - with extra bacon, a thumb of the nose to both the beast and its defender. After they easily convinced the owner to loan them his truck, explaining their car’s fuel gauge was apparently broken, buying a can of gas for show, they promised they’d have it returned to him by morning.

As they drove back to grab their gear, Dean asked, “You hear from Cas?”

Sam nodded. “Reception’s crap, though - I can only hear parts of his voicemail. He found something about Charlotte, at least, I think. But he didn’t sound upset, like she was dangerous.”

“Let’s just roast the pig and get the hell outta here.”

“I’m sorry she’s not… you know, fun-weird anymore,” Sam said.

Dean lowered his foot, gunning the engine. “Yeah, well. Story of my life,” he muttered.

The truck was returned way before morning, this encounter with their newest foe having gone as well as the first. Then they found that Charlotte had removed all the web from the Impala, though the door to the motel room held some snark:

NICE HEAD

Dean barely glanced at it - possibly a little hard to do with the near swollen-shut, a breath away from blackened eye - and didn’t even bother to clean it off. There was no message from Charlotte the next morning. Dean did bother to wonder if she was gone.

The sound of the tree cracking sent both of them diving behind a small knoll, gasping for breath, cringing as it crashed down just where they’d been not seconds earlier.

“I’m empty,” Dean said, returning his gun to his waistband. “You?”

“About ten minutes ago,” Sam answered.

The beast’s growls now turned into a piercing scream, a most furious howl, angry it couldn’t find them. They heard it turning up earth with its tusks, sending rocks flying, then ramming its head into yet another tree, the trunk buckling under the strain. Dean had managed to send a bullet into its snout, likely preventing it from sniffing them out, if the occasional gurgling snorts were any indication. Sam had earned himself a minor goring to his calf, but otherwise they were intact.

“Think you can run?” Dean asked, gesturing to the bandanna-wrapped wound.

Sam nodded. “Yeah, I think so. That the plan? Just make a run for it?”

“You got any better ideas?”

“On three?”

“One… two…. three!”

They dodged trees, though the beast didn’t bother, taking out the smaller ones along the way, picking up speed with every moment that passed, while the brothers were losing speed at the same time.

Dean noticed a large branch in their path up ahead and started to veer off from Sam, pointing to it and yelling, “Keep going! I’ll try to knock Porky out!”

“No!” Sam yelled back, grimacing each time his leg made contact with the ground. “It’ll kill—- HUUUURMMPPHH!”

Sam went down, Dean not far behind, something tripping both of them, causing them to fall with such force that whatever air they had left in their lungs got knocked out. Disoriented, they raised their heads only to immediately duck them, covering up with their arms, as the beast was still plowing ahead. Its hooves hit the ground in between them, tossing dirt everywhere, its speed too far gone for it to stop on a dime. They expected to soon hear it reversing course, so Sam opened his eyes, trying to spot a place to hide, Dean doing the same, trying to spot the branch.

Instead, the sound of the most meek squeal one could imagine reached their ears, prompting Dean and Sam to turn their gazes directly ahead.

They were at the bottom of a small incline, and they watched as the boar’s head rolled their way, their heads slowly turning as they observed it leisurely passing by. It came to a sudden stop against something near their feet. They shared a look, moving in sync onto their knees.

“Uh, Dean?” Sam said.

Dean looked up from inspecting the severed head to find Sam with his hand extended, pushing under something that Dean couldn’t make out, but a shift in position and a tilt of his head allowed him to see the bright moonlight glint off the surprisingly thick, iridescent rope running across Sam’s fingers.

Another look, another in sync movement as they stood, then tentatively walked forward til they reached the body. This time, Dean spotted it right away when he crouched, the finely-wound strands that were stretched between two trees, at just the perfect height to relieve a squatty hog monster of its head. He flicked it with a finger, as one would a string on a guitar, and it was just as taut.

“She clotheslined it,” Sam said, awestruck. “She tripped us so we wouldn’t… That could’ve clipped us at the knees. She… she…”

Dean looked up at Sam, and a slow smile spread across his face. "She’s awesome!”

Sam shifted his weight off of his bad leg, and grinned. “Think she’s any good with stitches?”

How Charlotte managed to spin their salvation in such little time, they’d never know, and they also had no idea how she beat them back to the car, but the evidence was there, across the driver’s side window. .

SOME PIG .

They laughed, Dean saying, “You ain’t lying.”

But before he could say anything else, Charlotte crawled out from under the handle. She scurried up her web, and as they watched, she whipped the “P” into a “D”; the “I” went “E” in a few short passes; the “G” was partially dismantled, then spun into an “A”; and in mere seconds, there appeared an “N”. .

SOME DEAN .

After a quick hop from its tip, a slide to the outside of one of the long connecting end pieces, and a drop of a new line of silk, their eyes followed her as she leapt, letting the momentum swing her clean up onto the roof. And then - Sam would swear to it, many times over the coming years - she curtsied.

“Thanks,” Dean said softly. “You, too.” With that, he opened the back door, gestured for her to climb inside.

Which, she did.

“Yes… yes… that’s very kind of you.”

Dean, Sam, and Castiel were standing outside the bunker, the former waiting patiently - and occasionally impatiently - as the latter had a conversation with Charlotte.

Castiel looked to them. “She says she likes my tie. The material meets her standards.”

Dean’s expression was completely flat, causing Sam to snicker.

“There any reason you didn’t tell us you could’ve been talking to her this whole time?” Dean demanded.

Castiel shrugged. “You didn’t ask.”

It turned out that Castiel’s message had been to inform them that Charlotte was indeed a most special spider, more so than what they’d already divined. She was an emissary, an information-gatherer, a spy of sorts, though not a nefarious one. And because she herself was quite the accomplished hunter, she chose to spend time with other hunters whenever her journeys brought her to them.

And now, it was time for Charlotte to start her next journey.

Castiel was nodding his head as Charlotte, who was on his collar, near his ear, told him one last thing. “She’d like you to know that Sam was correct - she does need to prepare to lay her eggs, though she would not have done so in the car,” Castiel related.

Dean shot Sam a smug look.

“And she says she’ll name them Dean.”

Dean blinked. “All of them?”

“Yes.”

“How many we talking?”

A pause as Charlotte answered, and Castiel replied, “Anywhere from fifty to sixty.”

“That’s… a lot,” Dean said, because he didn’t know what else to say.

“Not really,” Sam commented.

Another look from Dean - actually, he cycled through several.

“Fine. So maybe I did some research, too,” Sam admitted.

“It’s time for her to go,” Castiel announced. “She says she’s enjoyed your company immensely. And she apologizes for the web you’ve yet to find. It seems she was in a cranky mood that evening.”

“That’s okay. Tell her it’s okay,” Dean said, walking closer. “Tell her that, um… it’s been great knowing her. Don’t be a stranger. All that.”

Castiel smiled. “She knows.” He raised his hand to his shoulder, and Charlotte climbed onto it. “I’m going to give her a boost,” he explained, and then to Charlotte he said, “Please do give Mr. Anansi the Winchester brothers’ warmest regards.”

They watched as Charlotte prepped a silk balloon, and after a gentle wave of Castiel’s hand, off she flew.

“It would be… cheesy of me to comment it is angelic, their flight, wouldn’t it?” Castiel asked.

“Yes,” Dean and Sam answered in unison.

They began to walk back inside.

“What was that at the end? About Anansi?” asked Sam.

“Networking,” Castiel replied.

“I wouldn’t worry about us ever having to tangle with him,” Dean said. “I mean, not with Charlotte on our side. She’ll talk us up. She’s a talker.”

“Plus, there’ll be all the Deans,” Sam added.

“Yup. Exactly. We are cool with the spider kingdom,” said Dean, and with great confidence.

Dean was incorrect on this point, as he and Sam would later learn, during a case involving a young lady by the name of Muffet.

But that’s another story.

Want more stories? My Master Post is linked in my profile, and it tells you about getting on the Tag List, too! If for whatever reason it gives you trouble, don’t hesitate to send an Ask and I’ll link you.

Re-blogs and feedback are fuel for a writer’s soul - please do let me know if you enjoyed. 😘

Author’s Note #2 - The Jane mentioned is a character from my story Supernatural: Revelation, which you can find linked on the master post -or- just go straight to AO3, same author name SeeNashWrite 😁

Author’s Note #3 - This also included a prompt which had languished in drafts - albeit with the note “Anansi” from the get-go, thankyouverymuch! - which was from the cringeworthy submissions:

You can find all the #Nash300 Follower Celebration Master List of Madness stories (wherein I asked followers to send me prompts consisting of three words to make me cringe) via the Master Post.

Author’s Note #4: The beast of Dean mentioned is actually a thing, give it a google! And so is Anansi, check that out, too. If you don’t get the Muffet reference, well, I can’t help you with that. 😉

#Supernatural Fanfiction #SPN Fanfic #Supernatural Fanfic #fluff #Dean Winchester #Nash Writes

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xanthicantag · 5 years ago

Note

alright bro im gonna do all the ask so. U Know You're Doin Em Too

Hot read more since there’s so maaaaaany

1. if you were to have Hanahaki disease, what flowers would you cough up?

I feel like this is entirely based on who i’m feeling the one sided love for? (I googled Hanahaki disease and i’m all about that shit no doubt there) But like, maybe daffodils?

2. if someone were to catch Hanahaki disease for you, what flowers would they cough up?

Uh Roses motherfucker, you’re welcome

3. if you were any historic trope, what would you be? (i.e., the knight, the town baker, the witch of the forest, etd.)

Ok so like on the one hand I love lances, so fucking much, so I’m like big into Knights for that and like protecting people (and/or a beautiful prince cause like, you know), but I also really love the idea of just being like, a traveling fighter of some kind, leading a troupe of loveable idiots or being in a troupe as a loveable idiot. I want to be Iron Bull is what I’m trying to say I guess????? or like, Krem? who knows

4. tell us about your ideal battle outfit.

Ok so I’m torn again. Cause protection and ease of movement are super important, so like a breastplate and some kind of back protection, maybe a shield? or maybe a sick gauntlet arm like Ike from Fire Emblem cause he knows what’s up, and then some minor leg armor to keep the front of my thighs and calves safe and like a shield since those fuck am I right?? On the other hand: If you look like a Thot, the enemy is distracted and an easy target. I’m talking chainmail crop top, plate armor booty shorts, stupid looking heel shoes(?) for maximum thot energy, and of course a whip, either that i use or just have for the thot energy.

5. what would you be a god/goddess of and what would people sacrifice to you?

I think like, a minor deity that helps people make small to mediumish choices (i.e. talk the left or right path, call or don’t call this person), and then like, a cute little charm that people just kinda crush or burn before asking about the choice feels good, feels organic.

6. name five iconic quotes that make you feel things.

Now, I don’t know a lot of quote to be honest, but here’s some paraphrased stuff:

“Now that larping exists dnd is like, not the least cool thing to do”- Travis McElroy

“Yeah I have a pickle allergy, what about it *Pickle eating sounds*” -Me, often

“I fucked your dad” -Me during a quiplash game? And often yeah I’ll admit this

I don’t remember what’s said, but the scene in the Count of Monte Cristo where he just shows off all his sick skills to be like “Yeah I’ll murder the fuck out of your homeboy if he tries to step up to me”.

“All Magicians are inherently inclined to kill” -That unraveled about Megaman robots who get sentience

7. scythe, battle axe, broad sword, spear or trident?

Ok so like, Scythe for formal occasions/when I want to just look good cause I think their a sexy as hell weapon, at me if you want to be I know I’m right. Battle Axes are cool and like, really useful during a siege since you can easily bust stuff down with it and it lets you cut spears in half so you look dope as hell, like, Hector of Ostia if you’re out there, yes you’re correct. Broad Swords are like, just in general really good, you can use it in a duel, a battle, a coronation, magic rituals if you’re really feeling fancy, the list is just endless, a real classic all purpose weapon. Spears are for fucking losers, fuck you if you use a spear sword fight me like a fucking real fighter or get out of here none of this reach bullshit. Tridents are like spears but just, inherently sexier? You know? Like 1 point is stupid and boring, but 3? that’s some good shit. But really fuck all these weapons whips are lances are where it’s at yes feel free to at me again.

8. what combination of natural scents would you use as perfume?

Now this i have like, actually no idea for, but like, just tons of flowers. I just take like a fistful of flowers and rub them on my face.

9. ancient scrolls or leather-bound books?

Oh you know I’m about that leather-bound book life! Fuck A scroll, that is just a piece of paper that is going to tear and be illegible in like 5 years. A nice bound book though? *Chefs kiss*

10. describe yourself as if you were a storm.

A summer rain. It comes in quickly and is gone by the turn of the hour. A brief respite during the dry season, and gone before it can become a disaster.

11. what type of flower (other than a rose) would you offer someone you were trying to court?

First of all op, get the fuck off my back Roses or nothing. Secondly a big sunflower.

12. honey in milk or cinnamon in tea?

Um, neither??????????????????

13. cabin in the woods, apartment in the city or mansion in the suburbs?

Honestly an apartment in the city would be nice but like, living in the woods is the prime chance to be a local mystery.

14. curtains of beads or lace?

Probably lace? Do beads block light?

15. vocal or instrumental music?

I am a big fan of instrumental

16. describe your ideal fantasy outfit

Step one, big cape, it doesn’t touch the ground while on my shoulders but goes about mid calf. Step two, leather armor, it’s light and easy to move in, and provides good protection. Step three, Mask, nothing like flashy, just a plain black mask, preferably a full mask if i’ve got some magic to see with not my eyes, other wise like a typical masquerade mask

17. of all the fantasy races to ever exist, which one would you be?

Fuck. This is so hard. I want to be, so many. No you know what, fuck it. I wanna be a Dragonborn Tiefling hybrid, I’m talking cool horns, I’m talking sweet tail, you already know I can spit literal fire out of my face. Fucking try and get at me I dare you.

18. hard candy, fruit preserves or spice cake?

I love hard candy to just suck on, but my teeth do not.

19. show us an a picture of your ideal crown.

if you don’t think this crown fucks, get out of my face

20. tying your hair up using ribbon, yay or nay?

I’ve had my hair long enough for that like once, and I don’t really like tying my hair up tbh

21. an evening in the forest with elves, a night in the caves with vampires or a morning in the garden with fae?

Um. Bold of you to say I’m not hitting up all these parties??? Like def vampires first since the elven party is advertised to go for like 5 hours, but we all know it goes on for like 4 months and I can’t party that long as a mortal you know. And like you hit the fae up last since you literally are gonna be stuck there the rest of your life after one (1) round of truth or dare

22. tell us, in detail, about a curse a witch would put on you.

Like, in all honesty the biggest thing a witch could do to me via curse would just be to make my right arm like full unusable. Not gone or broken. Just like, it’s slow, I can’t always get it to fully hold onto something so it drops everything, there’s always a small feeling of discomfort, not pain just a minor annoyance, in the knuckles of the hand.

23. talking with sylphs or singing with nymphs?

I get kicked out of the nymph singing area after four seconds of

24. mint, rosemary, basil or sage?

I fucking go wild for the smell of basil don’t even try me

25. favorite childhood story? (doesn’t have to be a fairy tale)

I remembered Inkheart recently and like, I honestly really liked that book

26. tell us about an experience you’ve had that seemed unreal or supernatural. (doesn’t have to be scary)

Sophomore year of college, I realized that all the people around me were people I actually enjoyed spending time with, and it just felt so weird to be there after all the just nonsense that had happened up till then

27. would you rather have poison or healing ointment in your traveling pack?

healing duh? You think I’d ever remember i have the poison one? nope not me!

28. tell us three sayings that you live by.

Try and be a little nicer, unless they really don’t deserve it. Walk away sometimes. Eat food and don’t think about it.

29. vials or mason jars?

Oh get me those vials baby!

30. describe your ideal masquerade ball outfit (mask included).

OH HELL YES. Get me that suit, it’s a sweet dark red with rose colored vest underneath, the jacket and pants have flower vines on them that 100% connect to a big ass rose on the back of the jacket. The mask is more or less this guy:

31. splashing around in a river with mermaids or flying through the sky with harpies?

I can literally swim any day so let’s fly

32. what would you end up in the dungeon for?

Ok i didn’t understand this one at first so I’m keeping my initial reply below and the real one is: You know I beat some like high ranking knight or minor noble in a duel to humiliate them and no i didn’t think it through so here i am lol.

3 things: A talking magic weapon (Probably a sword but i’m down for other options). A certain someone is going in and I’m not letting him go in without someone to keep him safe. There’s dragon eggs that work like the Eragon dragon eggs and I am already waist deep in dead enemies getting one of those babies.

33. if you were a fairy, what color would your wings be?

Take a wild fucking guess

34. if you could have any magical item, what would it be?

God this is so hard, but I think a magic flower that when you pluck one if its petals you can undo a recent event, up to like ten minutes or so.

35. what song would the bards sing about you when you passed by?

I’ll say the Death of Me by Meg Myers

36. would you rather be a pirate or a king/queen?

God that’s hard, Like yeah pirates are cool but i’d love to be royalty and just get to do good shit for the people and also not have scurvy.

37. would you spend more time in the field of flowers, the tavern, the docks or the marketplace?

Hmmm, I think the Tavern as like the number 1, and then a tie for docks and field, and the marketplace in last since i hate crowded areas i need to buy things in

38. would you have a painting of yourself?

Only if I ever ride a dragon and then have a painting to immortalize the moment, and only if the dragon helps me paint it

39. what skill are you famous for?

I mean, people know I sword fight, fight fight, and program, so like, those? and I guess my sick dnd skills

40. if you could live any fairy tale, which one would you?

Fuck if I can think of one!

41. stained glass windows or fairy lights?

Ok Stained glass windows literally slap so like, you already know

#romanarcadia

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chardscarf12-blog · 5 years ago

Text

Wicked Healthy - Cookbook Review & Giveaway!

Here's a super fun and exciting new vegan cookbook to tell you about! I am so stoked to be a part of the Wicked Healthy blog tour. This book is so beautiful and interesting!

For years it seemed like every vegan cookbook that was published was aimed at people who had never heard of avocado toast or overnight oatmeal. I like those things as much as the next vegan, but I don't personally need a recipe for them. Also, I'm super, super stoked that there are so many wonderful cookbooks to support people who are starting their vegan journeys. That said, it is so exciting and thrilling when I get my hands on a cookbook that is NOT aimed at beginners.

roasted garlic, oh how I love thee

Wicked Healthy is such an exciting book - it's aimed at a competent home chef who loves cooking and loves innovative and adventurous flavors. The book is absolutely beautiful and is really fun and inspiring just to read. Wicked Healthy is written by two brothers, Chad and Derek Sarno, and there is a distinctly masculine tone to the writing - like two brothers playing and sparring in the kitchen. It's not off-putting though, and it's nice to see this voice in a vegan cookbook, since that genre is largely dominated by female authors. Both brothers are also trained chefs, and that is another cool thing about this book - I didn't just make great recipes from it, I also learned some fun and useful new-to-me kitchen techniques from their recipes. I really love that!! It's so exciting when a good book also teaches you how to improve your own skills in the kitchen.

super, super thin bread slices - a trick I learned from Wicked Healthy:

freeze the bread first and then slice it into the thinnest slices ever! GENIUS.

(this recipe is at the end of this post!)

As soon as this book arrived, I started flipping through it, staring at all the amazing pictures, and writing up a (long) list of all the recipes I wanted to try. Happily, the next week was the birthday of one of my very best besties and I had invited her and her family over for dinner. I decided to make five different recipes from Wicked Healthy to celebrate!

When you love someone that much, you can make an entire 5-course meal out of recipes you've never tried before, because you know they will forgive you if the whole thing is a bust. Luckily, not a single thing I made was a bust. Far from it - we all loved our meal, and we had such a super fun evening together.

1st course:

Cucumber, Celery, Green Apple, and Kale Juice!

(from Juices and Cocktails / Juices and Coolers chapter)

Lately I've been kinda into green juice! I don't have a juicer though, so I pureed everything in my Vitamix and then strained it through several layers of cheesecloth. This recipes makes two big glasses of green juice, but I made 5 little appetizer / palate cleanser glasses - one for each of us. It was very yum - perfect hint of sweet from the apple, and a good balance of flavors!

2nd Course:

Roasted Beet Salad with Citrus and Tarragon Cashew Cream

I have the recipe for this beautiful and delicious salad at the end of this post! Check it out!

Wow, dudes. Check this biz out. I was very proud of myself. I got this plating idea straight from the photos in the book - because as you have probably noticed, I am not generally a plating wiz. I am more like an eating wiz. It was so fun to make something so gorgeous and have it all plated and ready when my friends arrived. I really wanted her to feel special!

This dish was so fun to prepare - there were many components, but none of it was difficult. The beets are roasted, the citrus is supremed, the little toasties are toasted, the tarragon cashew cream is pureed, the greens are tossed in dressing... It was such a pleasure to just take my time and enjoy all the different processes, and especially to have it all come together in such a beautiful and delicious result.

feeling pleased with the outcome!

3rd Course:

Minted Pea Ricotta and Zucchini Toasts

Oh man, I think these beautiful little toasts might have been my favorite recipe of the evening. These were so delicious - delicate and bursting with perfectly balanced springtime flavors. These toasts would be appealing for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! The toasts have a lovely ricotta mixture, topped with lightly seared zucchini ribbons, and a sprinkle of microgreens. I used my panino press to just lightly grill the zucchini ribbons. Lightly cooking the zucchini ribbons made them softer for a more delicate curl, prettier, and more tasty too. Win-win-win!

The Minted Pea Ricotta mixture is absolutely stunning - a hint of lemon zest, shallot, and fresh peas (or frozen if it's not peak pea season!). One suggestion in the book is to use that ricotta mixture in homemade ravioli, which would definitely be 100% amazing and I would like to try that!

The recipe calls for Kite Hill Ricotta as a base for the Minted Pea Ricotta. To that point, this book does call for a few brand name items in some of the recipes (Kite Hill ricotta, Ninja Squirrel Sriracha, Beyond Meat burgers). That's not always my favorite thing in a cookbook, but I don't mind it in this case. If you don't have access to those brands, you could easily adapt. And the recipes themselves really add a lot, so it's never just a recipe for a store-bought burger with ketchup on it or whatever.

You can find this recipe over here at Adventures In Cooking's blog post about Wicked Healthy

SO GOOD

4th Course:

Roasted Cauliflower Fagioli

(from Soups and Stews chapter)

I love a good veggie stew, and I loved the idea of repurposing Pasta Fagioli with a whole head of roasted cauliflower instead of all the pasta... to make it more veggie-dense. Three cheers for veggies! That said, I did also use the optional suggestion to add some little noodles - I used some of my tiny little noodles that are so small they are practically Israeli couscous.

We all loved this summery stew, and there was even some left over for me to enjoy the next day. The recipe intro says that this stew will be even better the next day, and - uh - that was true! Next time I will just make it a day ahead of when I intend to eat it! Ha ha.

This cookbook definitely has recipes-within-recipes: for example, in order to make this, I made the Nana Sarno's Red Sauce. Not paying attention, I ended up making about 8 cups of red sauce, when the Fagioli recipe only called for two cups. I used some later for another recipe from the book and froze some to enjoy later as well.

5th Course:

Drunken Berries with Amaretto Gelato and Ninja Nuts

YESSSSSSSS. Hot DAMN this dessert was seriously something special. I won't lie... it was also a lot of work. But I was in the mood for a culinary adventure and I enjoyed every moment of the process. All the recipes in this book came together as described in the write ups, no surprises and no instances where something took twice as long to cook or burned in half the time. You know what I'm talking about. Because the recipes were so well-written, that made it easier and not stressful to embark on a big project like this.

This was a real recipe-inside-a-recipe adventure:

Make the Mango Sriracha Caramel, to make the Ninja Nuts.

Make the ice cream base, chill, churn the ice cream

Cut and macerate the berries.

Assemble.

EAT!!!

Almost all the desserts in this book (there aren't too many) are fancy, complicated special-occasion deserts like this. Obviously, you could just make individual components - but based on our experience of this glorious gastronomic delight, I would suggest going the whole nine yards. This was seriously such a special and delicious combo of flavors and textures. Each component - the berries, the gelato, and the nuts - were excellent on their own, and just glorious in combination with each other! I'm quite sure that this was the best homemade ice cream I've ever made. Excellent flavor and texture.

Mango Sriracha Caramel

This caramel sauce is called for in making the so called "Ninja Nuts" that were part of the dessert. It is so delicious! I made a half-batch, and was still left with a whole lot left over (the nuts recipe only calls for 3 tablespoons). Luckily, it is delicious, and it lasts a little while in the fridge. I couldn't find 100% mango juice, so I used mango-apricot juice, which worked wonderfully. The finished product is carmelly, mango-y, apricot-y, with a nice spicy kick at the end. So good!

Ninja Nuts!

These "ninja nuts" (so called because the recipe suggests using Ninja Squirrel Sriracha) are toasted almonds coated with the Mango-Sriracha caramel. I made these tasty little power nuggets to go with our dessert, but then Mr. VE&T completely fell in love with them and declared them to be the "all time flavor of flavors." So I have made several more batches since then! Once you've made the caramel, these are quick and easy to make. But be warned, they are really hard to stop eating!

Beautiful berries macerating in a Chambord base

The "Drunken Berries" component of the dessert was just lovely - fresh berries macerated in a mix based on Chambord liquer. What a great idea. And it was so nice to pour a little extra of the liquid over the gelato. Such a great combo with the somewhat-subtle Amaretto Gelato.

Since that dinner party, I've also made the Whole Roasted Zucchini with Red Sauce

and the Sriracha Kung Pao Brussels and Tofu (but I made it with broccoli) - which was an instant favorite! There are still so many more recipes that I have my eye on to try:

Bibimbap

Grilled Cabbage with Mint and Peanut Butter Sauce

Kale and Avocado Salad with Wild Rice and Grapes

Spring Agnolotti

Black Garlic and Chive Panisse

Corn Dumplings in Corn Broth

Reuben on Dark Rye

Chocoholic Fudge Brownies with Sea Salt and Dried Strawberries

... and so many more!

---------------------------------------------------------------

*GIVEAWAY!!*

I am so stoked that the publishers have offered for me to do a giveaway! To enter, just leave a comment on this blog post and tell me about your favorite fancy recipe to tackle at home, or what you'd like to try from this book, or really anything nice and relatively on-topic! Also, make sure to include your email address or a way to reach you, or I will just pick a different winner. Good luck!

Also, check out their Wicked Healthy Facebook page - they have links to other reviews and giveaways as well as some great videos with more recipes to try out.

---------------------------------------------

Roasted Beet Salad with Citrus and Tarragon Cashew Cream

Serves 6-8

This was the most popular salad at my SAF Restaurant in London. Over the years since then, I’ve served it at many supper clubs and dinners. It’s always a hit. Slow roasting the baby beets gives them a deep sweetness that balances the earthiness. Watercress brings sharpness and bite. Cashew cream contributes richness. Sherry vinegar has the spark. Bread crisps give it crunch. Between the textures and flavors—and even the colors—this sexy dish just hits all the buttons. —Chad

INGREDIENTS

ROASTED BEETS

12 small beets (3 pounds), rinsed, stems trimmed

1½ tablespoons everyday olive oil

3 sprigs fresh lemon thyme or regular thyme

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 slices fresh lemon

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

1½ tablespoons chopped fresh chives

BREAD CRISPS

1 small baguette (about 6 inches), frozen

1 tablespoon everyday olive oil, for pan-frying

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

½ teaspoon sea salt

ASSEMBLY

About 1 cup Tarragon Cashew Cream (see below)

2 grapefruits or oranges, segmented

1 cup small watercress leaves or microgreens

½ tablespoon best-quality extra-virgin olive oil

Squeeze of lemon

Flake salt, such as Maldon

Cracked black pepper

TARRAGON CASHEW CREAM

Makes About 1¾ Cups

INGREDIENTS

1½ cups raw cashews

About 1/3 cup water

Juice of ½ lemon

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1½ tablespoons minced fresh tarragon

METHOD

1. FOR THE BEETS: Preheat the oven to 250ºF. Cut a giant sheet of foil twice the length of a baking sheet and place half of it on the pan.

2. In a bowl, toss the whole beets with the oil and thyme sprigs and season with salt and pepper. Pour the beets onto the foil and scatter on the lemon slices. Leave space between the beets so they can steam. Fold over the other half of the foil and crimp all the edges, sealing the package tightly. Place the pan in the oven and slow roast until the beets are tender enough for a fork toslide in and out easily, 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the beets. Open the package and let cool.

3. When cool, put on some gloves to prevent staining yourself and peel away the beet skins with a paring knife (not under running water). Then slice the beets into small wedges. At this point the beets can be chilled in the fridge for a day or two before serving.

4. Just before serving, toss the beet wedges in a bowl with the vinegar and chives. Taste a wedge, then season with more salt and pepper until it tastes good to you.

5. FOR THE BREAD CRISPS:

Defrost the bread slightly.

6. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.

7. While the bread is semi-frozen, cut into paper-thin slices on a mandoline. Place each slice one-by-one into the hot pan and cook until lightly browned and crisp, turning for even cooking, about a minute per side. Place on paper towels and immediately season with granulated garlic and salt. They will crisp up as they sit.

8. TO ASSEMBLE EACH PLATE:

Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons cashew cream in a line on the bottom of the plate. Arrange the beets, citrus segments, and bread crisps over the cashew cream, alternating the pieces.

9. Toss the watercress with the olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl. Arrange the dressed watercress over the top of the salad. Finish with a pinch of flake salt and cracked black pepper.

PRO TIPS

*To get a jump on things, make the cashew cream and beets up to 2 days ahead and chill them in the fridge. You can even make the bread crisps a day ahead. Then just assemble everything and serve.

*Look for a mix of colorful beets like orange, red, and Chioggia (candy cane).

*Instead of crisping the bread in a pan, you could toss the paper-thin slices with olive oil and bake in a single layer at 350ºF until crisp.

Excerpted from the book THE WICKED HEALTHY COOKBOOK by Chad Sarno, Derek Sarno, and David Joachim. Copyright © 2018 by Chad Sarno and Derek Sarno.Reprinted with permission of Grand Central Life & Style. All rights reserved.

Source: http://veganeatsandtreats.blogspot.com/2018/06/wicked-healthy-cookbook-review-giveaway.html

#read more #see more #check it out #interesting #learn more

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furmark6-blog · 6 years ago

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Wicked Healthy - Cookbook Review & Giveaway!

Here's a super fun and exciting new vegan cookbook to tell you about! I am so stoked to be a part of the Wicked Healthy blog tour. This book is so beautiful and interesting!

roasted garlic, oh how I love thee

super, super thin bread slices - a trick I learned from Wicked Healthy:

freeze the bread first and then slice it into the thinnest slices ever! GENIUS.

(this recipe is at the end of this post!)

1st course:

Cucumber, Celery, Green Apple, and Kale Juice!

(from Juices and Cocktails / Juices and Coolers chapter)

2nd Course:

Roasted Beet Salad with Citrus and Tarragon Cashew Cream

I have the recipe for this beautiful and delicious salad at the end of this post! Check it out!

feeling pleased with the outcome!

3rd Course:

Minted Pea Ricotta and Zucchini Toasts

You can find this recipe over here at Adventures In Cooking's blog post about Wicked Healthy

SO GOOD

4th Course:

Roasted Cauliflower Fagioli

(from Soups and Stews chapter)

5th Course:

Drunken Berries with Amaretto Gelato and Ninja Nuts

This was a real recipe-inside-a-recipe adventure:

Make the Mango Sriracha Caramel, to make the Ninja Nuts.

Make the ice cream base, chill, churn the ice cream

Cut and macerate the berries.

Assemble.

EAT!!!

Mango Sriracha Caramel

Ninja Nuts!

Beautiful berries macerating in a Chambord base

Since that dinner party, I've also made the Whole Roasted Zucchini with Red Sauce

and the Sriracha Kung Pao Brussels and Tofu (but I made it with broccoli) - which was an instant favorite! There are still so many more recipes that I have my eye on to try:

Bibimbap

Grilled Cabbage with Mint and Peanut Butter Sauce

Kale and Avocado Salad with Wild Rice and Grapes

Spring Agnolotti

Black Garlic and Chive Panisse

Corn Dumplings in Corn Broth

Reuben on Dark Rye

Chocoholic Fudge Brownies with Sea Salt and Dried Strawberries

... and so many more!

---------------------------------------------------------------

*GIVEAWAY!!*

Also, check out their Wicked Healthy Facebook page - they have links to other reviews and giveaways as well as some great videos with more recipes to try out.

---------------------------------------------

Roasted Beet Salad with Citrus and Tarragon Cashew Cream

Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS

ROASTED BEETS

12 small beets (3 pounds), rinsed, stems trimmed

1½ tablespoons everyday olive oil

3 sprigs fresh lemon thyme or regular thyme

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 slices fresh lemon

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

1½ tablespoons chopped fresh chives

BREAD CRISPS

1 small baguette (about 6 inches), frozen

1 tablespoon everyday olive oil, for pan-frying

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

½ teaspoon sea salt

ASSEMBLY

About 1 cup Tarragon Cashew Cream (see below)

2 grapefruits or oranges, segmented

1 cup small watercress leaves or microgreens

½ tablespoon best-quality extra-virgin olive oil

Squeeze of lemon

Flake salt, such as Maldon

Cracked black pepper

TARRAGON CASHEW CREAM

Makes About 1¾ Cups

INGREDIENTS

1½ cups raw cashews

About 1/3 cup water

Juice of ½ lemon

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1½ tablespoons minced fresh tarragon

METHOD

1. FOR THE BEETS: Preheat the oven to 250ºF. Cut a giant sheet of foil twice the length of a baking sheet and place half of it on the pan.

4. Just before serving, toss the beet wedges in a bowl with the vinegar and chives. Taste a wedge, then season with more salt and pepper until it tastes good to you.

5. FOR THE BREAD CRISPS:

Defrost the bread slightly.

6. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.

8. TO ASSEMBLE EACH PLATE:

Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons cashew cream in a line on the bottom of the plate. Arrange the beets, citrus segments, and bread crisps over the cashew cream, alternating the pieces.

9. Toss the watercress with the olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl. Arrange the dressed watercress over the top of the salad. Finish with a pinch of flake salt and cracked black pepper.

PRO TIPS

*To get a jump on things, make the cashew cream and beets up to 2 days ahead and chill them in the fridge. You can even make the bread crisps a day ahead. Then just assemble everything and serve.

*Look for a mix of colorful beets like orange, red, and Chioggia (candy cane).

*Instead of crisping the bread in a pan, you could toss the paper-thin slices with olive oil and bake in a single layer at 350ºF until crisp.

Source: http://veganeatsandtreats.blogspot.com/2018/06/wicked-healthy-cookbook-review-giveaway.html

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kiddiemom-blog · 6 years ago

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Provides perfect for everybody from the passionate home cook to the restaurant obsessive

It’s holiday time, and thus the mad dash for the perfect present begins. Let this list take over for the food lover in your life, with items ideal for everyone from the avid home cook to the restaurant obsessive.

Find merchandise from the city’s institutions, food that is sure to be a hit at any party, stunning ceramics, and plenty of items in between. The best part is that everything is either locally made or created — and it’s all tested and approved by the Eater New York staff.

Scroll through for all the items, or simply click into the categories below that interest you most. If you’re still stumped after this list, check out Eater’s national guide for more ideas.

For fancy homeware

Dollop dish

Inspired by oyster shells, each of these small dishes — perfect for holding spices, garnishes, sauces, or even rings — is one of a kind. Long Island City artist Nicole Pilar adheres to the philosophy of wabi-sabi, a Japanese view of embracing the imperfect, and small-scale ceramics allow her to employ it in utensils. Restaurants like Gabriel Kreuther and Blanca use her craggly serveware, which brings an organic feel into kitchens.

Price: $38

Mugs and cups

Red Hook-based ceramicist Helen Levi is a total Instagram darling, and her playful mugs and colorful serveware — at NYC restaurants such as Sushi Ko — make it easy to see why. Ceramics made locally and by hand won’t come cheap, but Levi’s mugs and cups make for an affordable, but still luxurious-feeling gift. The mug selection is vast, and inspiration varies from nature — as on the best-seller rock candy mountain style, left — to iconic artists, easily seen in the giant Jackson Pollack-y middle mug.

Price: $48 to $62

Pie plate

These deep pie plates, made in Brooklyn, look good with just about any sort of sweet placed on top. Two sizes — nine and 12 inches — and various colors ensure for understated yet deliberate last-course plating at a dinner party. Creator Wynne Noble is a leader in NYC-made ceramics, with 50 years of experience under her belt and products at restaurants such as Momofuku Ko, Fausto, and Oiji.

Price: $60 to $75

For bringing to holiday parties this season

Japanese green tea bag set

Tea lovers might dig this green tea set from Tea Dealers in Alphabet City, which sources from ninth-generation family producer Inokura in Nara, Japan. Included in the set are two teas — a sweet green sencha and a toasty houjicha — from shaded yabukita plants, the most popular for green tea in Japan. The best part is that these aren’t loose-leaf; while tea obsessives swear by making it that way, this gift allows people without specialty equipment to try this high-quality product, too.

Price: $36

Smiley cookey cakey

The benefits of cannabidiol — a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant said to relieve anxiety and induce relaxation — are questionable at best, but walk into any holiday party with this puppy, and you will be the star of the show. There are 2.5 milligrams per serving of CBD in each cookie cake, which feeds eight to 10 and comes in a stoner-friendly pizza box. Anyone can partake, since this mischievous sweet is from fashionable vegan brand By Chloe.

Price: $55 at Sweets By Chloe or by e-mail with 48-hours notice

Brigadeiros

Brazilians already know and love this special-occasion treat, present at every birthday and holiday. Shaped like a truffle, brigadeiros are much softer and creamier, made with sweetened condensed milk, butter, and rolled in chocolate sprinkles. They’re traditionally flavored with chocolate, but Mariana Vieira at Soho’s Brigadeiro Bakery puts together various gift boxes with flavors ranging from passionfruit to pistachio, easy to hand to a host at the season’s myriad parties.

Price: $24 for 12

For the home cook who values style

Steak knives

Knives are a point of pride for any chef, but for dinner at home, they just need to be sharp and look good. These, from hip steakhouse Quality Eats and made by Fortessa, do the job. The restaurant’s name “quality eats” is inscribed on the stainless steel blade; handsome zebra-wood handles seal the deal.

Price: $60

Korean Home Cooking

With the modern Korean restaurant boom in full swing in NYC right now, it’s natural for home cooks to want to bring the cuisine into their own kitchens. Insa chef Sohui Kim is all over that, with her new cookbook Korean Home Cooking, which has approachable recipes for classic Korean home staples. Each recipe — kimchi pancakes, Korean fried chicken, pork bulgogi — is accompanied by a full-page photo and clear instructions for cooks at any level of experience with Korean cooking.

Price: $22.48

Dutchess oven

This saucy dutch oven is the hottest gift of 2018. Created by former New York magazine editor Sierra Tishgart and Warby Parker alum Maddy Moelis, startup Great Jones is trying to millennialize cookware with bronze accents and attention-grabbing colors like bright blue and mustard. The interior is made of a gray enameled cast iron, which reduces staining while allowing to see changes in food like butter browning. It’s a significantly cheaper alternative to a Le Creuset, with just as much cultural cachet — Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan, David Chang is an investor — to proudly display on a stove.

Price: $145

For those who crave experiences over products

Butchering and wine-tasting classes

Couples just love gifting each other experiences, so partners take note. Top options in NYC include pig butchering and sausage-making classes at esteemed meat shop the Meat Hook in Williamsburg from Eater video hosts Ben Turley and Brent Young, as well as a wine bootcamp at Little Italy bar La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. While many classes around NYC can be overpriced, both of these offer real value: sessions at the Meat Hook come with lessons, snacks, and two Threes Brewing beers, while La Compagnie offers education alongside several blind tastings centered around topics such as orange or Portuguese wines. Both are for meat and wine lovers of all levels, and classes are kept intimate.

Price: $49 to $95

For the craft boozer

Babka beer

Babka and beer are not the most likely of matches, but if there’s anyone who can make it work, it’s Brooklyn brewer Grimm. The East Williamsburg taproom uses Mekelburg’s chocolate babka as inspiration for a beer that is definitely for those with a sweet tooth. The imperial milk stout is brewed with vanilla, cacao, and salt for an ultra-thick, syrupy, and dark result. The sumi babka stout has 12-percent ABV and comes in 16-ounce stylized cans or takeaway growlers. It’s a novelty better for sharing and likely to delight New Yorkers well-versed in Jewish traditions.

Price: $8 to $39 at Mekelburg’s in Williamsburg

Marseille amaro

This ultra-local amaro blends together 36 different tree barks and roots, seeds and berries, and leaves and flowers before getting sweetened by raw honey from Ithaca. Forthave has been making spirits in Bed-Stuy for a few years, but the amaro is a standout. It’s served at restaurants like Frenchette, Contra, and Gramercy Tavern and best enjoyed neat or over ice, which allows the complex earthy and bitter, yet sweet flavor profile to shine. Bust it out at a holiday party, since after-dinner drinks are the ideal dessert.

Price: $30 at Chambers Street Wines, Astor Wines and Spirits, Uva Wines, and Thirst Wine Merchants

Sake and sake cups

This tandem gift will thrill a sake drinker, as well as those keen on becoming one. Industry City’s Brooklyn Kura produces a line of unpasteurized sakes made from American rice, NYC water, yeast, and koji and served at restaurants such as Simon & the Whale and Ivan Ramen. They’re fruity and fresh, ideal for a sake beginner. Serve them chilled in a set from Felicitas, an up-and-coming Brooklyn ceramic serveware company that only sells on Instagram.

Price: $16 to $125

I’m Just Here for the Drinks

Big-name bartender Sother Teague’s (Amor y Amargo, Blue Quarter, Windmill) new drink recipe book will make a cocktail expert out of anyone. I’m Just Here for the Drinks is split up by liquor, with each section full of patient spirit explanations and foolproof instructions. There’s even guides on the proper way to mix drinks, measure ingredients, and choose ice — so much so that the hijinks of your local suspender-wearing bartender will soon be illuminated.

Price: $16.50

For quirky wearables

“I Am Still Hungry” pouch

Carry this sassy pouch, and heads will turn. That’s because everyone can relate to the cheeky siren call of “I am still hungry,” stamped on this handy pouch made by NYC designer Pamela Barsky. She’s been making bags for 10 years, and this particular one came to be after her and her husband feasted at a restaurant and agreed they were still hungry enough for dessert.

Price: $16.50

Anti noodle noodle club t-shirt

Only those in the know will know that this too-cool-for-school shirt reps East Village Vietnamese restaurant Madame Vo. It’s a play on streetwear brand Anti Social Social Club and was originally only made for staffers before customers jealously started requesting their own. Now anyone can join this very inclusive club, preferably while eating chef Jimmy Ly’s deeply flavorful pho.

Price: $35

Special thanks to

Eater NY

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Madame Vo

212 East 10th Street, Manhattan, NY 10003 (917) 261-2115 Visit Website

by CHLOE

185 Bleecker Street, New York, NY

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Amor y Amargo

443 East 6th Street, Manhattan, NY 10009 (212) 614-6818 Visit Website

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Quality Eats

1496 2nd Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10075 (212) 256-9922 Visit Website

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Meat Hook Sandwich

495 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (718) 302-4665 Visit Website

29B Teahouse

29 Avenue B, Manhattan, NY 10009 (646) 864-0093 Visit Website

Foursquare

Grimm Artisanal Ales

990 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211 Visit Website

328 Douglass Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718) 855-2620 Visit Website

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beau7x-blog · 7 years ago

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Chapter 1.

Beau looked at herself in the mirror as she adjusted the apron on her uniform. She took a deep breath and clenched her hands into tight fists to stop them from shaking "It's just for a week" she whispered to herself. It had taken a lot of courage and determination for the shy, anxious 24-year-old to take the 18 hour flight from Brisbane, Australia to San Diego USA. But, as previously mentioned, she was determined. This may be a once in a life time opportunity and she was not going to miss it. Beau had signed up to serve as a waitress in the "FamilyJules Jamily Maid Café", a patreon goal that was initially set up as a joke, because it never seemed possible that it would happen. But over time, and with enough support and stubbornness, the goal was met, and Jules had no choice. A lot of organization and time went into the project, with it being settled on renting an old empty house for approximately two weeks to run the 'donation-only' (for legal and tax purposes) café downstairs, while having certain guests, mainly volunteer staff, board in the rooms upstairs. Beau knew nobody here. Not really. She'd talked to them online and even skyped with a few but she'd never met them in person. She had never worked as a waitress, she had never been to the States, never boarded with strangers, and all of these things terrified her. Yet, here she was. She somehow felt comfortable with all these 'strangers' around her. Probably because she knew that only "Jamily" members were allowed access to the café, and she knew that they were one of the friendliest and most supportive communities you can find on the internet. Everyone who has or will, step foot in that house, were there for the same reason; to support and share a common interest that they loved. While Beau's anxiety tends to make her catastrophize everything, she had been met with nothing but utmost kindness and smiles. However, she could not shake this feeling of unease. An awkwardness if you will; the feeling of someone watching you get dressed or being spied on in the shower. She looked at her new maid uniform. She liked it; the thigh high black stocking with a white lace trim were soft and fuzzy – not too tight or too loose. The black dress was tailor made of soft cotton that swished a little when she turned. The puffy cap sleeves sat comfortably on her shoulders, and the apron was only as tight as she made it. She scrutinized her face. She rarely wore makeup but felt it an appropriate occasion. Nothing fancy; a little foundation to even out her skin tone, a bit of mascara and eyeliner forming a wing. The hue of lipstick was only a few shades darker than her natural color, nothing too bright or overdramatic. Was it the cat ears? Every maid had a choice of headwear: a bow, traditional frill, or cat ears. Beau had chosen the last thinking it was cute and fairly innocent, but now she doubted herself. Was it too much? Was she trying too hard to be cute and relatable? Maybe it didn't quite fit with her hairstyle; Her long fine brown hair pulled into a tight bun with a side fringe swept to the right of her face. She knew she looked better with her hair down but found it easier to work with it up. It was a good balance of efficiency and aesthetic. It wasn't the cat ears. Beau knew exactly what was making her stomach knot but unfortunately couldn't do anything about it. Underneath the frilly lace collar was a love heart cut out across the bust section of the dress, only making her tightly fitted cleavage even more glaringly obvious. She frowned. She bit her lower lip. She growled quietly low in her throat in indecision. She had the option of adding a long bow to the collar to hang down across the cutout but was afraid it might draw more attention, rather than hide it. She considered asking one of the men next door if she could borrow a tie instead, then remember they had opted for bowties instead. She huffed "No one's going to care, calm down. You are literally the only one making a big deal out of this." She pinned her name badge above her left breast. The black and gold plate read "Beau" with 'Beau7x' in a smaller font underneath it. If anyone were to recognize her it would be by her chat name, not her face. She quietly tiptoed down the hall and to the ground floor. It was only 7.14 a.m. and the café didn't open until 10 a.m. but she was too excited and wanted to get a head start to make sure everything was ready for opening day. The ground floor of the house was fairly large. All of the walls previously separating the rooms had been knocked down so now it was only split into two areas; the main room which would serve as the café, and the kitchen. The main room was set up with tables covered in an assortment of tablecloths and none of them had matching chairs. Some large wingback armchairs left by the original owner were positioned in front of the large fireplace near the front corner of the house, opposite the front entrance. Bookcases framed the wall high windows filled with tableware, books, toys, and board games for patrons to use at their leisure. On the opposing wall were dozens of pictures sent by other Jamily members of themselves, their pets, memes and artwork they had created and submitted to decorate the house. Beau headed to the back of the room towards the serving counter. Two people were already there, one was sitting on a barstool eating cereal, the other behind the counter making coffee. "Good morning." Beau called out quietly "Morning" the man behind the counter replied blearily. "Good morning." The other replied after removing the spoon from their mouth, trying not to spit milk over the counter. "You know we don't open for another few hours." The man behind the counter called over his shoulder "I know," Beau nodded. "Just couldn't sleep" "Same" he replied, taking the first sip of his coffee. Beau took a seat at the counter next to the person eating cereal who introduced themselves as ShinytheLarvitar. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Shiny." Beau smiled at them. The man behind the counter introduced himself as ChaoticMeatball "Coffee?" He offered. "No thanks, I don't drink coffee." He narrowed his eyes at her, "How can you work at a café and not like coffee?" "Because I'm not here for coffee?" She questioned his accusation "But how can you make good coffee if you don't drink it?" "'Cause I don't need to drink coffee to know how to work a coffee machine." "Yeah, but, how do you know if it's good?" "Do you drink or eat every edible item you prepare for someone else?" "Well, no." "Then how do you know if it's good?" "Cause, well...hm. I see your point." he gave up arguing "So, what are you going to do this morning, Beau?" Asked Shiny Beau stretched her back as she thought, "Well, I need to decorate the cakes still, but other than that," She shrugged, "Maybe I can make it last until ten? I also want to set up some more decorations." They both looked around the room filled with balloons, confetti, streamer and I big banner that read "Welcome Home Jamily" across the windows. "Where?" Asked Shinty "Good point." Beau agreed, "I guess, I'll find something to keep me occupied." She added, slinking off towards the kitchen to start work. Throughout the day it seemed less like she was working as a waitress/maid at a café and more like a giant family reunion she was helping out with. People had started to pour in with luggage and gifts, exclaiming arrivals and hugging people they had never met until today. It was the most uplifting and wholesome environment Beau had ever had the pleasure of being present in. "God, why can't life just always be like this?" She shrugged to KelsanFL as she poured them some fresh tea. "I know right? Why do people have to be mean to one another? If you don't like someone, leave them alone. It's literally that simple." "Exactly. Life is hard enough as it is. It actually takes more effort to be an asshole. That's why I love seeing all you lovely people, " Beau beamed, "Reminds me there are good people in the world." Luckily, she wasn't requested to do anything too nefarious, or anything she was uncomfortable with at all. There were rules posted by the front door and on the back of the menus that stated any inappropriate or lewd behavior would lead to the patron being asked to leave, and if they refused, they would be removed by force if necessary. It also stated that if any maid/butler were assaulted, they had permission to handle the situation accordingly, including violence if they so wished, an idea Beau had no problem with. She believed the majority of people were either unaware or too uncomfortable of all the things they could ask the maids to do, so she offered a few things such as feeding them, giving shoulder massages, playing a game, and having a drink with them (Just one though, she did have a job to do.) Her role involved mainly waitressing. Anytime a new patron would walk in she would immediately bow and say "Welcome home." And escort them to a table, take their orders, serve them, clean afterwards and repeat the process. Her back ached and her feet were burning but she didn't want to stop. It wasn't until half past seven at night that she realized she had been working nonstop excluding her lunch break. LadybugSheep tried to convince her to stop and take the rest of the night off. "But, we're only open for another half hour, so I might as well keep going." "Beau you still need to shower and have dinner and if tomorrow is anything like today, you're going to need all the rest and sleep you can get." Beau groaned, "But I'm not tiiirreedd." "No buts! Now get in the kitchen and grab some dinner before the chefs finish up." Ladybug ordered. Beau sighed defeated, too tired to argue now. "Fine." She said and removed her apron and cat ears and headed towards the kitchen. "Finally finished eh?" One of the chefs called out. "Yeah. I've been up since about six or seven so, Ladybug kinda kicked me out." She smiled "Jeez, they really ride you guys hard huh?" "Depends on how I'm feeling on the night" she smirked. "Actually, we can work however long or short we like." "And you wanted to work for twelve hours?" Beau smiled at him and shrugged. "Would you like some dinner then?" He asked "That's okay, I'm just going to steal one of the premade sandwiches." "Don't be ridiculous." He rolled his eyes. "Go sit out there and I'll bring you something." He pointed his knife towards the dining room "Are you sure? You don't have to." "It would be my pleasure" he assured her. "Now go and sit down for once." Beau let down her hair and headed to the dining hall. The place was packed with people talking, playing games and enjoying a few drinks. Not wanting to intrude on anyone she sat down at a barstool by the counter and watched everyone go by. She was watching a couple at a nearby table playing slaps when everyone was interrupted by a loud exclamation from the front of the house "PAPA'S HOME!" A broad smile immediately spread across Beaus face as she stood up and bowed "Welcome home Papa!" Her voice swirled with the chorus of others calling out the same, cheering and clapping Jules had finally come to the café, with a large group behind him including Adrianna, Delcake, Darkages, Jonathan Young, Richaad, and a few other she couldn't see from the back of the café. Too shy to approach anyone and sure it wasn't the only opportunity she would have to introduce herself, Beau was happy to just watch everyone from the back, grinning stupidly, and soaking up the positive feeling of happiness, excitement and love.

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