#pita-storm

[doubledaybooks]

Read an Excerpt from "Between Two Moons" by Aisha Abdel Gawad

Bay Ridge was about to fast for a whole month of fifteen-­hour days. We would be one dry mouth, one rumbling belly, one pounding head. Mothers would wake at least an hour before dawn to make the suhoor meal, to scramble eggs and basturma in skillets. And when the children and the husbands finally woke up, usually with only a few minutes to spare, the mothers would stuff the mixture into pita halves so their families could eat more quickly, in time to perform wudu and pray with the sun. It was your last chance to eat and drink and smoke and fuck and curse and gossip and think unkind thoughts until the sun set again in the evening.

Baba shuffled after Mama like a bad dog. Lina stood up and yawned, letting out a long moan. Mama made us a breakfast of hard-­boiled eggs, mashed fava beans, and sliced tomatoes. We sat around the kitchen table, shoveling food sleepily into our mouths, letting bits of egg dribble down our chins. After we’d eaten, Mama stood sentry over us and watched as we each downed three full glasses of water.

“I’m going back to bed,” Lina said after she’d finished.

“Haram, ya binti,” Mama said and grabbed the collar of her Wu-­Tang T-­shirt.

The sun was creeping up the horizon and we still needed to pray Fajr. Mama dragged the coffee table to the corner of the living room to clear space for the four of us to pray all lined up. Then she brought us a basket of delicate white prayer scarves with edges like doilies. Lina and I each slipped one on, and then Mama pointed to the bathroom. We zombie-­shuffled over to it, purposefully knocking into each other as we went.

Lina and I stood side by side in front of the bathroom sink. Silently, we washed ourselves with cold New York City tap water. We were efficient and thorough. In the name of God, state your intent to perform wudu. Wash both hands up to the wrists. Rinse your mouth three times. Clean your nostrils, breathing in water and blowing it out three times. Rinse your face three times. Wash your arms up to the elbows three times. Slick your hair back like an Italian mobster, once. Wash your ears. Wash your feet. Do you feel cleansed? Are you ready?

After we had performed wudu, Mama wanted Baba, our patriarch, to stand in front and lead us in prayers, but he was annoyed about being late to the shop. Baba didn’t like to pray—­sometimes, when he was feeling nostalgic about the old days in the old country, he would tell me about the time he was eighteen and he stormed out of his village masjid back in Egypt.

“That stupid imam, he tell me man come from ball of clay and clot of blood, and I tell him, What, are you stupid? Man, he come from monkey, not clay! So I leave and I go home and I tell my mama, Mama, I’m not praying anymore. And ever since that day, I never pray again.”

Except, of course, he did pray again. Countless times. But I think I know what he meant. He meant that he never really felt it again, never again believed that it would help him ace a test or publish the poems he wrote in the margins of his school notebooks. He prayed now like a man following orders, like a man too tired to put up a fight.

The clock on the mantel chimed. It was like a cuckoo clock, except instead of birds it opened to reveal a tiny golden Ka’ba that spun and played a recording of a famous muezzin from Egypt reciting the call to prayer. A robotic voice told us that prayer is better than sleep. There are no minarets in Brooklyn. God’s name does not echo across the buildings. There is nothing but a clock on the wall.

Baba was persuaded to stand in front of us, his womenfolk, and lead prayers. But he rushed through all his rakat, touching his forehead to the carpet for only a moment before standing up again. The rest of us were only halfway through when we heard the door close behind him.

When we had finished, Lina and I squeezed together in her bed. I tried to close my eyes and determine whether I felt any different on the first day of the holy month. The month when, a zillion years ago, the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelations up on that mountaintop. He thought he was just a poor illiterate orphan escaping to the mountain to rest his mind. But then the Angel Jibrail came down, and—­bam—­all of a sudden he was a prophet, the prophet.

For some that summer, the next thirty days would be filled with prayers and reflections and recitations. Bodies and minds would be purified. But for the rest of us, it would be thirty days of waiting for the sun to set so we could eat and drink without incurring the judgment of all the collective mothers and grandmothers and aunties of Bay Ridge, who with one wagging finger and one cluck of the tongue could banish us into a prison of guilt.

The waiting. Every Ramadan, people waited for Lina to change. To be struck with the spirit of Islam, to ditch her cutoffs and halter tops for a nice, modest abaya. To hang out after prayers with the good Muslim girls at the Starbucks on 3rd instead of drinking with the Mexicans in Sunset Park. And every Ramadan, Lina waited for people to go ahead and give up on her.

Baba waited for Mama to mellow, to hang up her abayas, put down her Qur’an, and become once again the quietly irreverent girl he had married.

Mama waited for us, her husband and daughters, to believe as we ought to.

They both waited for Sami, their boy, their firstborn, to come back to them.

I waited for something without a name. A jolt, a tingling, a filling up.

Ordinarily, I didn’t care much about Ramadan. But that summer, with our high-­school graduation only days away, it felt momentous. Suddenly the things around me—­tables, books, clouds—­were imbued with meaning that I was supposed to be able to decipher but couldn’t. In September, I would go to college, and I was sure that by then I would be different. I would push and the world would stumble in response.

Lying next to Lina that first morning, I closed my eyes and tried to imagine the woman I was destined to become. I saw a glimmer of my own future arm, thinner, with a figure-­eight tattoo curling around my wrist. I smiled to myself, but then I realized that I had stolen this wrist off the girl who served us pizza yesterday after school. It was her tattoo, her skin, her body. I had plagiarized my own imaginings of myself. So, eyes closed, I kept waiting for knowledge to strike me like an arrow in the heart.

These are the normal kinds of waiting that fill the long, dry-­mouthed days of Ramadan. But this Ramadan, this particularly long and hot Ramadan, there was another kind of waiting that we all shared. It kept everyone in Bay Ridge strung together on a long, tenuous thread, knocking into one another like prayer beads.

[cariantha]

Hunger Pains

Book: Open Heart, Post-Series

Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks)

Rating: Explicit

Warning: 🔥NSFW, ⛔18+ Only, contains explicit sexual content

Category: Fluff, Smut, Halloween

Word count: 2.6K

Summary: Sawyer is in a bad mood. Ethan helps her calm down.

Prompts:

🫦From Anon: Can I get a fic with Ethan giving MC a love bite or hickey?

☀️From @peonierose: Ethan & Sawyer + “sunshine”

🍬From @jerzwriter: "Actually, I like candy corn!"

Events:

🎃For @choicesoctober event: Costume / Halloween / Vampire / Meme

🥰For @choicesprompts Flufftober 2023 event: I want to take care of you.

“Mr. Cox. An appropriate name for such a dick,” Sawyer thought to herself, blood boiling as she exited Room 513. 

The patient being cared for inside could easily steal the title of “Biggest PITA” away from the infamous Nigel Platt. And only making matters worse, her consultation had been interrupted multiple times by a cocky intern eager to show off. 

Once the door closed behind her, she spun on Dr. Perkins. 

“How many times have we told you not to interrupt when your resident or attending is speaking with a patient? If you do that again, I’ll make sure you are written up.”

Sawyer strode to the nearby nurses’ station to update Mr. Cox’s chart. The obstinate intern followed. 

“How am I supposed to learn anything around here if I’m not allowed to ask questions?” he argued.

“You start by shutting the hell up and listening. Had you done that in the first place, we wouldn’t be standing here having this conversation. If you were really trying to understand something back there, you would have directed your questions to me. Instead, you attempted to conduct a medical history interview on an extremely agitated patient minutes before he went to surgery,” she scolded. 

“This is–”

Her patience was wearing thin, and Sawyer spoke over him. “Jaaackie, get Dr. Know-It-All away from me before I go all Ramsey on his ass,” she demanded through gritted teeth. 

Having caught the exchange's tail end, Jackie looked up from her tablet. 

“I think you just did,” she answered, “and Perkins, the patient in 506, needs a new catheter. Now.”

“But that’s not even my pati-” he complained.

With one harsh look from the Chief Resident, Dr. Perkins finally tucked his tail between his legs and sulked down the hall.

"You're breathing fire today," Jackie quipped as she rounded the desk to leave.

Sawyer ignored her and continued typing furiously on her tablet.

Jackie and Bryce traded places down the hall, getting on and off the elevator.

“Hey, have you seen Brooks? I mean Ramsey. Brooks-Ramsey?” Bryce guessed, unsure what to call his friend since she and Ethan surprised everyone by eloping a couple weeks ago. 

Jackie pointed in the direction of the nurses’ desk. “I hope you brought snacks. She’s in a mood again,” she warned as the steel doors closed between them.

A minute later, Bryce slunk next to Sawyer, bumping shoulders to get her attention.

“Finally. What took you so long?” Sawyer rebuked, shoving the tablet towards him. “Here, take this guy away. And while you have his head open, feel free to poke the part of his brain that disables his speech.”

“Well, aren’t you a pocketful of sunshine this morning,” he teased.

“After a few minutes with this asshole and you’ll understand why,” she said, storming off.

“Annnd, Dr. Ramsey, it is,” he decided. 

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

Shortly thereafter, Sawyer sat in the diagnostics office and stewed silently as the team meeting ran over schedule. Her annoyance grew more intense with each passing minute as Ethan and Harper debated, and Tobias egged them on for his own amusement. No longer able to take it, she interrupted. 

“Do you need me? Because, if not, I have patients who do.” 

Her three colleagues snapped their heads in her direction, surprised by the bite in her tone. With raised eyebrows, she looked at the team leader and challenged him to respond. 

Ethan cleared his throat. “Uh, let’s see how the labs come back and continue this discussion when we have more information.” 

Harper and Tobias quickly got out of Dodge as Sawyer stacked her notes and gathered her things. When she stood to follow, Ethan reached for her hand and held her back.

“Hey, what’s wrong? What’s got you so wound up?”

She exhaled deeply, his touch instantly calming her.

“I’m sorry.” Frustrated tears welled in her witch-green eyes. “I'm super cranky. These third-trimester hormones are no joke. My mood the last few days has been…” 

A single teardrop fell down her cheek.

“Come here,” he urged, pulling her into his lap. “It’s been, what?” 

“It’s either been hangry or hornery or both,” she pouted and sagged her shoulders.

Cracking a smile at her dramatics, “I know what ‘hangry’ is, but ‘hornery?’”

“Horny and ornery.”

With a shake of his head, Ethan caressed her swollen belly. “So, what I hear you saying is you’re irritable because you're either hungry or horny…”

“Right now, it’s both,” she interjected, her fingers seductively dancing up his chest.

“And the cure for this condition is to either feed you or fuck you?”

“Look, I’m not saying food and sex would solve all my problems, but it would sure help me calm the hell down,” she admitted with a coquettish grin.

“Well, as much as I’d like to help you satisfy your hunger pains, all I can offer right now is this.” 

Ethan reached for the bowl of Halloween candy on the conference table.

“Boo,” she scowled playfully. Sawyer stood and sifted through the options, “I’ll take the candy corn off your hands and leave the chocolates for you. I know they’re your favorite.”

“Actually, I like candy corn,” he said, ripping a small package open with his teeth and pouring them all into his mouth.

“Seriously?” she asked, surprised.

“My dad loves them. We always had a bowl out during the season. I used to push them up on my canines when I was a kid and pretend I was Dracula.”

“Aw, cute. Well, if that’s true, then I’ll take some of these too,” she reached back into the bowl and stuffed her pockets. “Supposedly, chocolate is a good substitute for sex. Feed two birds with one scone.” 

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

A couple hours later, Sawyer was at the lab demanding the results for one of her patients.

“What do you mean it will be another four to six hours? I ordered these tests yesterday!” 

Her raised voice began to draw the attention of others, including her indirect supervisor. Ethan was just finishing a consultation with the hospital’s lead hematologist when he heard the uproar. 

The lab assistant snapped back. “Look, lady, we’re doing the best we can. The tech will run the test when he returns from lunch.”

“Lady?! Do you see this badge? That’s Dr. Brooks to you.” 

Sawyer spewed red-hot anger as she spun on her heels. From several feet away, Ethan could practically feel the heat radiating from her. Her neck and cheeks were crimsoned, and her fists clenched at her sides. 

“That’s enough,” he admonished, taking Sawyer by the wrist and swiftly pulling her into a familiar, dark supply closet.

Ethan loomed over her as he backed her into a corner.  

“I know… I’m sorry,” she apologized. Sad cat-like eyes pleading for forgiveness. 

“This kind of stress isn’t good for you or the baby,” he advised. “This is serious, Sawyer. You leave me no choice but to help you calm down.” The corner of his mouth began to turn up in a sly grin as he ran his hand over her hair. 

“Oh, thank god,” she sighed, crashing into his lips.

“We’ll…have to be…quick…and quiet,” he murmured between desperate kisses.

As Sawyer slipped out of her shoes, Ethan lent a hand, sliding her pants and underwear to the ground. As she stepped out of them, Ethan unzipped his pants and pushed them down to expose his rising need. Their white lab coats provided a curtain of privacy if anyone walked in on them. 

Lifting her up around his waist, Sawyer tried to wrap her legs around him. With several extra inches around her midsection, she had a hard time locking her swollen ankles behind him and finding a comfortable position.

“Ethan, my belly. This isn’t working,” she squirmed under his hold.

Determined to make this work despite the cramped space, Sawyer slid down. She shrugged off her lab coat, turned her back to him, and placed her hands on the wall.  

Ethan took the hint immediately. His hands roamed under her shirt, starting at her sore back. His thumbs applied light pressure as he worked down her spine, earning a few grateful groans. He also spent a few seconds massaging her ass, finishing with a gentle squeeze. 

Closing the small gap between them, Ethan reached around and tenderly appreciated her baby bump. Then, slithering his fingers into the cups of her bra, he ghosted around her sensitive nipples. 

Sawyer felt his breath next to her ear and turned her head to meet him in a passionate kiss, his erection poking and teasing her backside.

Navigating in the dark, Ethan leaned back to align himself with her entrance. “God, Sawyer,” he gasped, easily gliding between her slick folds. “You are so ready for me.”

She looked over her shoulder with a smile and jokingly reminded him of her libidinous mood swings. “What’d I tell you? Me so horny.” 

With an amused shake of his head, he pulled back gently and then began to pump his hips. Slow and soft at first.

“Mmmmm, that feels so good, babe,” Sawyer mewled.

Ethan picked up the pace. He pushed harder and deeper but was careful not to get too rough with his pregnant wife or her precious cargo.

“Ohhhh,” she let slip a little too loud.

“Shhhh, baby,” he breathed heavily, working up a sweat.

As her legs began to tremble, Sawyer kept her hands firmly braced against the wall for support. 

“I’m close… cover… my mouth,” she panted.

With a hand on her hip to hold her close and steady, Ethan reached around with his other and gently covered her mouth. He leaned in and pressed his chest against her back, resting his chin in the crook of her neck. “Let go, beautiful,” he mumbled against the feel of her rapid pulse.

After a couple deep pumps, Sawyer’s whole body shuddered. She moaned her satisfaction into Ethan’s hand. The vibrations pulsing through her body and the warm breath against his palm provoked his own release. Clamping his mouth onto her neck, he muted himself.

The euphoria made her forget all her aches and pains. So, when Sawyer tightened her muscles around Ethan’s still bursting length, it hardly registered when he bit down hard on her throat.

They didn't spend much time basking in the afterglow to avoid getting caught. Ethan gave his wife a loving kiss, and when he was certain she could stand unsupported, he pulled up his pants and helped Sawyer step into hers. 

With a quick peek into the hallway, Sawyer checked to see if the coast was clear. “Hold on… it’s Wen,” she whispered, holding up a hand to halt him. 

When Dr. Wen disappeared around a corner, they exited the supply closet.

“Do you think she heard us?” 

“If she did, I’m sure she assumed it was only one of the ghosts that she believes haunts these halls,” Ethan chuckled. “The more important question is, are you feeling better?”

“Much better, thank you.”

“Well, let’s make doubly sure and head up to the cafeteria for some lunch.”

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

Later that night, at home and in the shower, Ethan pushed wet hair away from Sawyer's neck and discovered the frightful bruising.

“Oh, Soe, I’m sorry,” he expressed, carefully skimming his fingers over the bite mark. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Sawyer touched the tender spot and moved around him to see her reflection in his shaving mirror. 

“Oh my gosh!” she laughed as she traced her fingers over the imprints of his teeth. “I married a freakin’ vampire!” 

“I’m sorry. But, hey,” he innocently smiled back in the mirror, “...only a vampire can love you forever.”

He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face into her neck. “Mwahahaha,” he snarled at her ear before placing a delicate, healing kiss on the love bite.

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

The next day, the newlyweds arrived at work hand in hand and walked toward the attendings’ locker room. Pausing just outside the door, Sawyer turned to face her husband. 

“Hey, just a reminder that I volunteered to help in the clinic this morning. Carrick said he would do rounds for me.”

“I remembered,” Ethan said, bending down to give Sawyer a quick but loving kiss on the lips. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. I’ll see you later,” she returned, reluctantly releasing his hand.

Stepping into the locker room, she spotted a familiar face. Well, sort of. 

“Whoa, that looks soooo good, Elijah. Gross, but so realistic,” Sawyer awed. 

“Thanks! Those in the research department agreed to dress up like lab experiments gone wrong.”

“Well, mission accomplished. And, Happy Halloween, by the way. I know it’s your favorite day of the year.” 

As Elijah excitedly talked about his zombie character - which, of course, was inspired by a new John Carpenter video game - Sawyer tugged on her white coat and checked her reflection in the mirror. 

The bruising on her neck was much more prominent the day after and under the hospital's harsh fluorescent lighting. She tried to adjust her hair and fix the collar of her jacket, but it was no use. She dug through her bag, searching for her makeup case, quickly realizing she had left it at home.

“Shit,” she thought to herself. 

“Aren’t you dressing up this year?” 

Elijah’s question brought her back to the conversation, and an idea popped into her head. 

“About that… do you have any more fake blood?”

“Yeah, there’s a tube in my locker. Help yourself,” he offered on his way out.

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

Down in the free clinic, Sawyer examined a very inquisitive eight-year-old who noticed the bite mark and the two drips of dried blood on her neck. 

“Say ‘ahhhh!’” she instructed, using a tongue depressor to check the back of his throat. “Good, no swelling back there.” 

“Doctor! Did you get bit by a vampire?” 

“I’m afraid I did,” she admitted, putting on a bit of an act.

“Was it Dracula?”

“That’s still up for debate,” she laughed to herself, picturing little boy Ethan with candy corn fangs.

“Did it hurt?”

“Uh-uh.” 

“Did he suck your blood?”

“Justin, for goodness sake,” his mother chided and rolled her eyes.

“It’s fine,” Sawyer waved her off.

“Did he make you into a vampire too?”

“No,” turning her back to the young patient and facing his mother, she muttered, “...he just got me pregnant.” The patient’s mother cackled out loud.

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

That afternoon, Sawyer was on the fifth floor to check on a patient when she spotted Ethan stepping into the hallway with Esme and her intern. When they were safely out of the patient’s earshot, he wheeled around on the intern and launched into a stern, familiar lecture. 

“...It doesn’t matter that you’re still learning… Whether this man lives or dies is on you… There is no room for mistakes…”

When he finished his tirade, Ethan marched to the nurses’ station and began tapping away on an iPad. 

“Don’t sweat him. He’s all bark and no bite. Isn’t that right, Dr. Brooks?” Esme asked as Sawyer approached the scene. 

Mrs. Ramsey shook her head vehemently. “Oh, no,” she spoke loud enough for Ethan to hear, “he bites alright.” When he looked up with a raised eyebrow, she winked and kept walking. 

A couple minutes later, Ethan’s phone pinged with a text notification.

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @potionsprefect @jamespotterthefirst @annfg8 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @jerzwriter @quixoticdreamer16 @mysticalgalaxysstuff @inlocusmads @txemrn @trappedinfanfiction @mvalentine @takemyopenheart @openheartforeverinmyheart @coffeeheartaddict2 @genevievemd @starrystarrytrouble @hopelessromantic1352 @kyra75 @lsvdw-blog @rookiemartin @headoverheelsforramsey @zealouscanonindeer @lilyoffandoms

[pavo-ocxllus]

𝟏𝟗:𝟐𝟕

CYNO really, truly despises how you keep talking during films.

recently, fontaine had created new technology that depicted photographs actually doing things inside of a medium. naturally, when proven not to be a rumor, it took teyvat by storm. after all, it wasn't every day when innovational devices are invented, right?

it was to be expected when you approached the mahamatra almost instantly after news, eyes sparkling with glee. never mind the rather odd sight of an unfamiliar figure at the akademiya walking up to him out of the blue, he was meaning to watch one of these "moving pictures" (as it was dubbed before finding out the proper terminology) himself, he agreed to bring you to the akademiya, where they planned to study this particularly alien item (cyno didn't exactly disclose that they were going to study your reactions of watching this for the first time, but he digresses.)

only a few minutes prior to the beginning of the film, it clearly didn't take a graduate of the akademiya to tell you were going all out. yes, the event was very special indeed, yet not to the point where it warranted you enthusiastically handing pita pockets to everybody in the vicinity. the argument of basic lab safety was bound to be shot down swiftly, so cyno simply remained silent. he wasn’t a buzzkill or anything, and the subtle, yet rather messy munching sound the students made while eating (perhaps due to the fact that they were starving themselves in order to graduate) didn't reach to the point it was disruptive to the experiment, gratefully enough.

and yet, another problem arose.

cyno genuinely wanted to watch the film. it isn't very noticeable to the untrained eye; you could just tell that he was looking forward to this. maybe it was the slight glint in his eyes, or maybe his rather minuscule mercy when it came to students who were found to be academically dishonest.

either way, he was in a good mood. or at least was. it was strange, to see that the small bout of eagerness peaking through his stoic expression, only to miserably collapse like somebody trying to build a tower out of genius invokation tcg cards. 

luckily (or not so luckily in his case), cyno knew exactly what was going on: the constant chattering not from the film, but another source. now, it would've been a much different case if it was the students at fault—except it wasn't.

the sounds of the researching students scribbling ink on their paper joined as soon as you opened your mouth, recording every time you would exclaim at every remotely interesting detail that shows up or attempt to interpret every single action that the characters were doing.

it was just so... so frustrating—aggravating, even—that your seemingly never-ending voice was more interesting than a literal cutting-edge invention. how your own input appeared way more appealing than the actual thing itself.

unbeknownst to him, the scholars completely switched the focus of their research entirely on his rather interesting facial expression.

𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝! <𝟑

[rothjuje]

Cultural differences here that most locals don’t realize aren’t a thing other places:

* so many Dunkin’ Donuts. I asked a friend why there were so many and she said New Englanders are serious about coffee.

* other chains are limited. No Yogurtland, no Panda Express, no Baskin-Robbins. They have McDonald’s and Starbucks in the bigger towns but only cities have other chain restaurants and fast food places.

* Targets here are sad. I tried to explain what a Super Target was to a friend and she didn’t get it.

* not smiling at strangers. I get the weirdest looks, but I’ve been doing it for 36 years and don’t know how to stop.

* most people here aren’t huggers. And they’re more serious in general.

* salads here come with pita. I was at a friend’s house for dinner and she said “don’t pretend you don’t know what the pita is for” and apparently it’s a thing, you are supposed to make a wrap with your salad.

* people don’t talk about snow management, this huge undertaking is just an unspoken thing. During a snow storm I told a friend I felt trapped in my house like a caged animal. She said she never feels trapped, she likes a good snow storm walk. (That’s a no from me, I need the Target dopamine.)

* serious social etiquette. Being overly nice or overly friendly is weird. Asking questions of a personal nature is rude. Men and women do not commingle unless longtime friends. You’re late if you’re not five minutes early. Proper/conservative attire (unless you’re in high school apparently, do high schoolers wear pajamas everywhere? I don’t recall it being a thing in other places).

* New Englanders are thick-skinned. A friend mentioned that living here will toughen me up, and Justin disagreed. Time will tell I guess.

I’m sure there are others I’ll think of later. I get the lack of ice cream chains though, their local ice cream is amazing.

[gucciwins]

It’s my birthday can we get some bel and H?

happy birthday bestie!!! hope you've had a wonderful day 🤍 here's a little update on bel and harry 💜

+

Bel lays in bed with a bowl of hummus and pita chips at her side as she scrolls through last night’s award show content. She had been asked to attend, but Bel decided to stay home with Harry. It’s what she preferred. She also knew that jet lag would be a bitch to her. Harry wasn’t aware she was invited until Viola sent her the final reminder to confirm if she was attending for one or two. 

It’s something they have discussed. Sure they’ve done premiere red carpets, but it’s always a quick second, and sometimes they don’t step out together for a photo. They discussed the Grammy’s and Oscars, both award shows they are top nominees in the running to win. Harry’s award shows are first, and Bel has happily decided to join along for the Grammys and the Brits. Harry understood if she couldn’t attend, but she was free and able, so she’d be there by his side. 

While on Bel’s big night, Harry would be in Thailand. Of course, she was upset when they checked his calendar, but she understood. This was a tour everyone wanted to see. Harry was disappointed too. He tried to say he’d reschedule, but she shut him down before he could even get the word out. Bel loved him for his big heart and how he showered her. He was willing to put her first, but she’d never put his career at risk for an award show. She promised him there would be more. 

Harry joined her in bed, tucked in her side, resting his head on her chest as they both looked at the red carpet and listened to winning speeches.

“That one is nice.” Harry points out Jessica Chastain’s spiderweb dress. 

It really is stunning. 

“Oscar de la Renta never misses,” Bel tells him. Having had the honor to wear many of their pieces created for her. 

“Look at Quinta Brunson, stunning!!!” She stops scrolling to zoom in close on all the details. Harry laughs at Bel’s excitement because it’s genuinely a fantastic dress. 

“Wow!” Harry agrees. “Happy she won.” 

Bel agrees, “sent a bouquet of flowers her way. I love her so much. Always rooting for her success.” 

Harry places a kiss right over her heart. “You’re a sweetheart, Bel.” 

She brushes his comment off. He knows the effect he has on her. 

“You know the Abbott Elementary cast really owned the red carpet, from their looks to awards.” Harry expressed as he saw Bel stare at Tyler James Williams in awe. 

She giggles, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. “It’s fun.” 

“You aren’t upset you aren’t attending?” He asks.

Bel sets down her iPad. “No, not really. Nowhere else I rather be,” she tells him honestly. “Also, that is a California storm I am happy to miss out on.” 

He has to agree. His friends had called to share how bad it was. 

“We’ll be in Los Angeles soon enough,” she reminds him.

That is true. They have the final three shows for the Los Angeles residency. As well as the last two tour dates added to conclude the North America Tour. The final shows will take place in Palm Springs, a birthday celebration for Harry. 

“Should be fun,” Harry mutters. 

“Your birthday is going to be one to remember. Are you excited?” Bel runs her hand through his hair as he slows his breathing. She knows he’s close to falling asleep. 

“Mhm…lots.” 

She giggles, “I’m excited too. My best friend is turning 29, and I might have only been in his life for maybe close to two years. He's taught me how to love and laugh. Taught me what it’s like to believe in myself and always always make time for a trip to Italy,” she teases. 

“Bel,” he pouts. She can’t see his face, but she knows him well enough that his eyes are shining with tears. 

“I’m going to sing you the mañanitas, your favorite.” 

“Cake?”

Bel laughs, “not a birthday without cake.”

“Or sex.”

She sits there, shocked. “Harry, my goodness.” 

“I’m looking forward to birthday sex with you, my love.” 

“Only because you know I’m going to love on you extra. Leave a few more love bites all over you.”

From the moment he wakes up, Harry is loved by Bel to the moment he goes to sleep and sometimes even in his dreams. He knows that he'll always be loved with her by his side. He’s lucky enough that she can follow his life on the road or agrees when he tells her he wants to go to Italy. She doesn’t question him, only packs a bag. His birthday is only a few days away and he’s ready to celebrate with everyone he loves. 

[https-heizou]

case files: leila. [info sheet]

name: leila

age: 22

pronouns: she/her

species: human

vision/weapon: geo catalyst

job: dancer at the zubayr theatre

love interest: n/a

home country: sumeru

known relatives: nilou (sister)

known nicknames: nilou often calls her 'lele' and leila in return calls her 'nini'

claimed emoji: 💎

lore. leila is the twin sister of nilou, a renown dancer of the zubayr theatre. leila is also a dancer alongside her sister and they often do performances together. leila is a close friend of kaveh however she doesn't have many other friends.

leila did attend at the akademiya and graduated from the rtawahist darshan, specialising in astronomy and the stars. this is reflected in her attack styles. she however went straight back to dancing with her sister.

whilst nilou is a talkative young lady, leila is much quieter and will keep her head in astronomy books. both sisters are prone to helping out everyone they can however leila is less likely to be the one that the people around zubayr theatre will go to.

further lore is wip.

notable songs from her playlist. run - onerepublic. scars to your beautiful (acoustic version) - alex g. habibi (albanian remix) - ricky rich.

voicelines.

hello: "my apologies, i didn't hear you approach - i've been reading this book on stellar structure all morning. i'm leila from the zubayr theatre. for today's performance schedule, please speak to my sister."

chat: darkness: "people live in fear for most of their sorrowful lives. how will the stardust in us shine, if we keep fearing the darkness our whole lives?"

chat: nap: "nilou isn't around, is she? can you watch my back while i take a quick nap?"

chat: performances: "sometimes my sister and i perform late at night. it's more time friendly for our spectators but i wish i could spend those moments under the stars."

when it rains: "it's raining... we best lay low until the rain stops. it's impossible to use the stars to navigate in this weather."

when thunder strikes: "is this necessary? can't we hide indoors until the storm passes? what? me... scared? of course not! let's keep moving."

when it snows: "snowflakes are like the stars, they are all unique and not one is the same. in a way, settled snow is like a frozen cosmos within our reach."

when the sun is out: "this weather is perfect for performing but... it gets me all sweaty so quick. if only i could take a nap instead."

when the wind is blowing: "make sure you don't lose your balance! here, hold onto me."

good morning: "good morning. i didn't expect to see you here this early. hm? oh, i like to watch the sunrise before my daily perfomances. you should join me next time."

good afternoon: "it's lunch already? collei stopped by this morning with her homemade pita pockets, have you tried one before?"

good evening: "nilou and i are about to perform, are you staying to watch?"

good night: "my sister says it's good to let your frustrations out before you sleep so remember that the stars will always listen to your troubles should you speak to them."

about leila: sweet tooth: "i can never say no to sugary foods. it's awful, really. i need to eat healthy for my work."

about leila: astral performance: "the akademiya long shunned the performing arts before lesser lord kusanali's release so i made a habit of going out to the avidya forest to dance. there's no one to judge you, just you and the stars. to perform to them is the highest honour."

about us: travelling: "you've travelled all over teyvat, right? im so jealous... can i perhaps join next time? i'll have to request a month's leave from the theatre but i'd like to witness the stars from the highest peaks of liyue - you know someone who knows good locations? even better!"

about us: constellations: "i'd like to teach you some of the constellations. hm? well the stars are a great source of navigation on your travels, you can always count on them to get your bearings. i'd hate for you to get lost before you get to see one of my shows."

about the vision: "i got my vision during my first performance under the stars. i vowed that night that i would dedicate my life to performing with my sister. i'd been so lost on the path of my life before then. i like to think the geo archon listened to me."

something to share: "it's important that we endure the tough moments in life that come from hard work. if we don't, we fail to see our potential shine in our accomplishments."

interesting things: aranara: "have i ever heard of the aranara? oh... so you can see them too? theyre quite fond of my performances. hm? how can i see them? that's a secret."

interesting things: mourning flowers: "mourning flowers hold such a dark beauty. they bloom where battles have been fought and blood has been shed. it just shows even the most beautiful things hide secrets."

about nilou: favours: "nilou and i are always the first ones the zubayr theatre come to when they have a problem. we don't mind but my sister has a tendency to never know how to say no... i wish she could stand up for herself instead of overworking herself."

about nilou: flower crowns: "when we were children, nilou and i would always venture out of the city to sit on the grass and make flower crowns. she was always much better at it than i was."

about kaveh: "kaveh is a little dramatic sometimes. when we were students, i'd often walk quicker to act like i wasn't with him when he would rant loudly. you know, it's embarrassing to study in the house of daena when he's angry at his roommate."

[simstryingtheirbestok]

Highlights (well... marginally notable moments) from David and Ruby's Snowflake Day Gift-Giving Party:

Trigger Broke, Buck Broke, and Odin Crosby developing an unhealthy fixation on Eloise, Ruby and David's middle child, booing and heckling her whenever she appeared in their field of vision. It was hate at first sight for these freaks and the why of it remains a mystery.

Evan and his, er, nephew, Adrian Ivanov, befriending each other immediately and being inseparable throughout the party

Emmaline being such a PITA with respect to routing/being in everyone's way that I sent her out to rake leaves in the backyard (and I'd do it again, too), then, uh, sort of forgot about her? until she stormed back in to use the facilities. Once she was through, I sent her back out to the yard to dispose of all the leaf piles. On a positive note, the backyard looks so much better now. We're all ready for Spring!

David having to Ask Everyone to Leave in order to end the party at 1:30 in the morning because Snowflake Day occurred on a Wednesday/a school night; more importantly, because none of those assclowns would LEAVE without that kind of, ah, encouragement.

Mags Newbie refusing to die even though she's 1000 years old, but insisting on smelling the place up with her poor hygiene until I snapped and resetSim'd her tf out of there

Pics below.

Gross, guys! Leave her alone!

(Fortunately, Dimitri is in the backyard. Nonetheless, I had Ruby convince Diphda to go flirt with Dimitri, then had Ruby engage Odin in conversation. Crisis averted.)

Seriously, Odin, ENOUGH. She's a child!

Mags Newbie, shown at left in her heinous ITF "formalwear," is complaining that someone is in her way because she wants to go upstairs to leave a plate of shitty onion rings on one of the desks there, the available kitchen counters by now being covered in everyone else's shitty party foods that I really wish they would just not bring.

I didn't get a picture of it, but poor Evan wound up having to sleep in the treehouse in the backyard, because the other obsession Odin Crosby developed was with the music box in Evan's room, and Odin dragged his best buddy Trigger Broke into that room with him, in order to better block the door to Evan's room. 😠😡😠

Incidentally, this has been my Supernatural playstyle progression over the years:

Initially: All occults enabled

After every original townie dipshit in Sunset Valley was, through the dark magic of werewolfery and vampiredom, still alive while I was starting the fourth generation of my legacy family: "Fuck werewolves, fuck vampires, let's only have witches and fairies from now on."

After being constantly annoyed by the music obsession of the fairies, that is, currently: "Witches only, bitches."

Anyway, I have got to remember to lock everyone's bedroom doors before inviting these monsters over again... if I ever invite them over again.

[chaletnz]

Puno: Amantani Island

From the floating islands it took about another hour and a half to reach Amantani Island located further out in Lake Titicaca, and in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t seem too bad considering from northernmost to southernmost points in the lake the travel time is 24 hours! The island has 5000 inhabitants and they all must be married. However, once married there is no divorce so they must be certain. After three years together, a couple will either marry or split up as is the custom. For couples marrying, it will be on a Sunday in August. Everyone on the island is invited and will celebrate together for 7 days as your once in a lifetime moment to be the centre of attention. Everyone has a turn to be elected as the leader, with a new leader every year as chosen by the people for the people but if you’re not married you cannot lead. Work is strictly designated as either women’s work or men’s work which is why marriage is so important on this island as a couple must have the combo to contribute to their society. There are no police though so it’s a very safe little island! Communities come together to build houses for each other, all hands on deck to build a house from the ground up in 2-3 days, they need only to ask for help and have their materials ready to go. Our walk was a steep uphill climb from 3,800m to 4,000m above sea level and then we were at the town’s main square with a small shop that opened once we arrived so that we could buy some drinks and snacks. We walked for about an hour around the terraces of the island, stopped by a herd of sheep walking past at least three times. It was very peaceful and quiet, small paddocks with a handful of sheep grazing and sunny skies over the water - I took photos and think you could easily mistake the scene for New Zealand. We’d walked the full circle of the island and it was time to return to the peninsula for lunch in Llachon at Casa de Oliver y Sebastiana. They prepared two courses for us, pita bread with pico de gallo and quinoa soup, and then the main dish which was grilled trout with rice, chips, and vegetables. It was pretty good but gave me a little bit of a stomach ache afterwards. We watched the storm rolling in over Puno and reluctantly made our way into it as we were returned to the city. I dropped off my bag and then headed straight back out to get some photos of the cathedral before it got too dark, and also picked up some pastries anticipating a full day on the bus tomorrow to reach La Paz. I treated myself to a passionfruit tart as dessert too. I’ll never know for sure what exactly did it but at some point here I ended up food poisoning, it started at 10:30pm and woke me up at least four times to throw up. I had chills, fever, the works- but somehow I got through the night, made it onto the bus the next morning at 7:30am, and lived to tell the tale!

[bagariafood963]

Global Culinary Applications of Chakki Atta

Introduction to Chakki Atta in Global Cuisine

Chakki Atta, traditionally known for its place in Indian kitchens, is now taking the global culinary scene by storm. This stone-ground whole wheat flour is celebrated for its rich flavor and high nutritional value. From homemade bread to savory pastries, Chakki Atta's versatility makes it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. In this post, we will explore the varied uses of premium quality Chakki Atta in international cuisines and understand why it is becoming a staple in kitchens worldwide.

Chakki Atta in Bread Making

Artisan Breads

Artisan bakers worldwide are turning to Chakki Atta for rustic breads, valuing its coarse texture and rich flavor, ideal for sourdough and multigrain loaves.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

Chakki Atta can be mixed with gluten-free flours to make tasty bread alternatives, ideal for those with gluten sensitivities wanting traditional bread flavors.

Case Study: A Bakery in Paris

A renowned bakery in Paris switched to Chakki Atta for their signature bread recipe. Within months, customer feedback highlighted the improved texture and flavor, leading to a 20% increase in sales. This case study underscores the growing global appeal of Chakki Atta in the baking industry.

Chakki Atta in Pastries and Desserts

Savory Pastries

Chakki Atta's ability to absorb flavors makes it an excellent choice for savory pastries like samosas and empanadas. It creates a crispy, golden crust that complements the fillings perfectly.

Sweet Treats

For those with a sweet tooth, Chakki Atta can be used to make delectable desserts. Think of classic cakes, cookies, and even traditional sweets like ladoos and halwas.

Statistics on Dessert Preference

A survey conducted among home bakers showed that 75% preferred Chakki Atta over refined flour for making desserts due to its richer taste and better nutritional profile.

Chakki Atta in International Cuisines

Middle Eastern Pita Bread

Chakki Atta, a whole wheat flour, is used in Middle Eastern cuisine to make soft pita bread, complementing dishes like hummus and falafel with its rich flavor.

Italian Pasta

Italian chefs are experimenting with Chakki Atta to create healthier versions of pasta. The flour's high fiber content and nutty flavor add a unique twist to classic pasta recipes.

Asian Dumplings

In Asia, Chakki Atta is used to make dumpling wrappers. The flour's elasticity and texture help create wrappers that hold fillings well without breaking.

Tasting Notes Included with Each Shipment

When you receive a shipment of premium quality Chakki Atta, you also get detailed tasting notes. These notes provide insights into the flavor profile of the flour and suggest pairing options. Whether you're making a savory dish or a sweet treat, these notes help you make the most of your Chakki Atta.

Conclusion

Premium quality Chakki Atta is more than just a flour; it's a gateway to a world of culinary possibilities. Its rich nutritional profile, versatile applications, and growing popularity make it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, Chakki Atta can elevate your dishes to new heights.

FAQs

How is Chakki Atta different from refined flour?

Unlike refined flour, Chakki Atta retains the bran and germ of the wheat, providing a coarser texture and a higher nutritional content. It is also stone-ground, which is a more eco-friendly production method.

Can Chakki Atta be used for gluten-free recipes?

While Chakki Atta itself is not gluten-free, it can be blended with gluten-free flours to create alternative recipes for those with gluten sensitivities.

Where can I buy premium quality Chakki Atta?

You can purchase premium quality Chakki Atta from Bagaria Food, a renowned manufacturer and supplier based in Kolkata, West Bengal. The Bagaria Food website highlights their premium Chakki Atta, blending traditional stone-ground techniques with modern health benefits. It features grain sourcing details, recipes, usage tips, and a user-friendly interface for easy global purchase.

[fakevariety]

i hate being with my family so much i got called down to dinner and immediately my dad was snapping at me and scolding me and was in a bad mood then he stormed off to skip dinner even though a few weeks ago my parents said family dinner would be mandatory every night and ignored me when i protested. then my brother screamed and cursed at me when i asked him if we had pita bread "LOOK IN THE FUCKING DRAWER" and then started apologizing and i know he does feel bad but he keeps victimizing himself and it's fucking working because my mom said nothing to me but rubbed my brother's back as she always does because he's feeling bad who cares that because he's feeling bad he hurt sophie sophie can handle themself they won't break down like their brother will he's the main priority i can tell he's hurting so i'll comfort him sophie is probably hurting too but they can figure it out and then my brother clearly did something earlier i'm pretty sure my parents found out he was watching fucking inappropriate shows on netflix which is usually funny but now my parents were talking about taking BOTH of our netflix privileges even though i didnt do anything and when i asked her about it my mom said dont worry about it and i was like well i think its pretty reasonable to be confused and worried when you might be taking my netflix privileges away and i didnt do anything and she was like it's not a right to have netflix and i was like i just fucking acknowledged it's a privilege (i didnt curse tho) and then she got mad and told me to not worry about it again then my parents had me doing my brother's chores AGAIN and i cant do anything about it because i've tried talking to them about how mad it makes me that i have to do things hes supposed to do and they keep saying to stop comparing myself to him and we're two different people and i shouldn't tell them how to parent him but how am i supposed to not compare us when 'how they're parenting him' is affecting me a lot and its not even the chores themselves it's the principle it's the fact that i have to pick up the mess my brother leaves behind and he gets out of so much stuff because of his emotional issues he can throw a fit and then we all just have to leave him alone but the chores still need to get done so it's automatically my job and my parents get mad at me when i try to bring it up and i'm just so tired of this im so so tired of being less important im so tired of getting my parents' worst because they're exhausted from my brother im so so tired and i cant do anything no fucking wonder i isolate myself in my room mom and dad spending time with you guys is miserable every fucking time

[bharathfranc]

Fried Kozhi Franchise Opportunity 

Fried Kozhi, established in March 2017, has taken the food scene by storm with its diverse menu, featuring mouthwatering sandwiches, KFC-style fried chicken, burgers, pita shawarma, Mexican rice bowls, and more! After gaining extensive expertise and working with multiple QSR restaurants, we’ve perfected a taste that never fades.

In this blog post you will explore the the opportunity for a Fried Kozhi franchise could be promising, especially if you’re aiming to tap into the growing demand for quick-service restaurants offering unique and flavorful chicken dishes. 

If you want know more details about the investment and franchise details click the link to read more 

Now, we're expanding, and you can be part of our journey! Partner with Bharat Franchise for unparalleled support and guidance, and bring Fried Kozhi's unique flavors to your community.

[cariantha]

Hunger Pains (PG-13 Version)

Book: Open Heart, Post-Series Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: Teen Warning: Language; Pregnancy; Sexual Situation Category: Fluff; Halloween Word count: 2.2K Summary: Sawyer is in a bad mood and Ethan attempts to call her down.

Prompts: 🫦From Anon: Can I get a fic with Ethan giving MC a love bite or hickey? ☀️From @peonierose: Ethan & Sawyer + “sunshine” 🍬From @jerzwriter: "Actually, I like candy corn!"

Events: 🎃For @choicesoctober event: Costume / Halloween / Vampire / Meme 🥰For @choicesprompts Flufftober 2023 event: I want to take care of you.

A/N: The original🔥spicy🔥version of this fic, can be found here.

“Mr. Cox. An appropriate name for such a dick,” Sawyer thought to herself, blood boiling as she exited Room 513. 

The patient being cared for inside could easily steal the title of “Biggest PITA” away from the infamous Nigel Platt. And only making matters worse, her consultation had been interrupted multiple times by a cocky intern eager to show off. 

Once the door closed behind her, she spun on Dr. Perkins. 

“How many times have we told you not to interrupt when your resident or attending is speaking with a patient? If you do that again, I’ll make sure you are written up.”

Sawyer strode to the nearby nurses’ station to update Mr. Cox’s chart. The obstinate intern followed. 

“How am I supposed to learn anything around here if I’m not allowed to ask questions?” he argued.

“You start by shutting the hell up and listening. Had you done that in the first place, we wouldn’t be standing here having this conversation. If you were really trying to understand something back there, you would have directed your questions to me. Instead, you attempted to conduct a medical history interview on an extremely agitated patient minutes before he went to surgery,” she scolded. 

“This is–”

Her patience was wearing thin, and Sawyer spoke over him. “Jaaackie, get Dr. Know-It-All away from me before I go all Ramsey on his ass,” she demanded through gritted teeth. 

Having caught the exchange's tail end, Jackie looked up from her tablet. 

“I think you just did,” she answered, “and Perkins, the patient in 506, needs a new catheter. Now.”

“But that’s not even my pati-” he complained.

With one harsh look from the Chief Resident, Dr. Perkins finally tucked his tail between his legs and sulked down the hall.

"You're breathing fire today," Jackie quipped as she rounded the desk to leave.

Sawyer ignored her and continued typing furiously on her tablet.

Jackie and Bryce traded places down the hall, getting on and off the elevator.

“Hey, have you seen Brooks? I mean Ramsey. Brooks-Ramsey?” Bryce guessed, unsure what to call his friend since she and Ethan surprised everyone by eloping a couple weeks ago. 

Jackie pointed in the direction of the nurses’ desk. “I hope you brought snacks. She’s in a mood again,” she warned as the steel doors closed between them.

A minute later, Bryce slunk next to Sawyer, bumping shoulders to get her attention.

“Finally. What took you so long?” Sawyer rebuked, shoving the tablet towards him. “Here, take this guy away. And while you have his head open, feel free to poke the part of his brain that disables his speech.”

“Well, aren’t you a pocketful of sunshine this morning,” he teased.

“After a few minutes with this asshole and you’ll understand why,” she said, storming off.

“Annnd, Dr. Ramsey, it is,” he decided. 

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

Shortly thereafter, Sawyer sat in the diagnostics office and stewed silently as the team meeting ran over schedule. Her annoyance grew more intense with each passing minute as Ethan and Harper debated, and Tobias egged them on for his own amusement. No longer able to take it, she interrupted. 

“Do you need me? Because, if not, I have patients who do.” 

Her three colleagues snapped their heads in her direction, surprised by the bite in her tone. With raised eyebrows, she looked at the team leader and challenged him to respond. 

Ethan cleared his throat. “Uh, let’s see how the labs come back and continue this discussion when we have more information.” 

Harper and Tobias quickly got out of Dodge as Sawyer stacked her notes and gathered her things. When she stood to follow, Ethan reached for her hand and held her back.

“Hey, what’s wrong? What’s got you so wound up?”

She exhaled deeply, his touch instantly calming her.

“I’m sorry.” Frustrated tears welled in her witch-green eyes. “I'm super cranky. These third-trimester hormones are no joke. My mood the last few days has been…” 

A single teardrop fell down her cheek.

“Come here,” he urged, pulling her into his lap. “It’s been, what?” 

“It’s either been hangry or hornery or both,” she pouted and sagged her shoulders.

Cracking a smile at her dramatics, “I know what ‘hangry’ is, but ‘hornery?’”

“Horny and ornery.”

With a shake of his head, Ethan caressed her swollen belly. “So, what I hear you saying is you’re irritable because you're either hungry or horny…”

“Right now, it’s both,” she interjected, her fingers seductively dancing up his chest.

“And the cure for this condition is to either feed you or have my way with you?”

“Look, I’m not saying food and sex would solve all my problems, but it would sure help me calm the hell down,” she admitted with a coquettish grin.

“Well, as much as I’d like to help you satisfy your hunger pains, all I can offer right now is this.” 

Ethan reached for the bowl of Halloween candy on the conference table.

“Boo,” she scowled playfully. Sawyer stood and sifted through the options, “I’ll take the candy corn off your hands and leave the chocolates for you. I know they’re your favorite.”

“Actually, I like candy corn,” he said, ripping a small package open with his teeth and pouring them all into his mouth.

“Seriously?” she asked, surprised.

“My dad loves them. We always had a bowl out during the season. I used to push them up on my canines when I was a kid and pretend I was Dracula.”

“Aw, cute. Well, if that’s true, then I’ll take some of these too,” she reached back into the bowl and stuffed her pockets. “Supposedly, chocolate is a good substitute for sex. Feed two birds with one scone.” 

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

A couple hours later, Sawyer was at the lab demanding the results for one of her patients.

“What do you mean it will be another four to six hours? I ordered these tests yesterday!” 

Her raised voice began to draw the attention of others, including her indirect supervisor. Ethan was just finishing a consultation with the hospital’s lead hematologist when he heard the uproar. 

The lab assistant snapped back. “Look, lady, we’re doing the best we can. The tech will run the test when he returns from lunch.”

“Lady?! Do you see this badge? That’s Dr. Brooks to you.” 

Sawyer spewed red-hot anger as she spun on her heels. From several feet away, Ethan could practically feel the heat radiating from her. Her neck and cheeks were crimsoned, and her fists clenched at her sides. 

“That’s enough,” he admonished, taking Sawyer by the wrist and swiftly pulling her into a familiar, dark supply closet.

Ethan loomed over her as he backed her into a corner.  

“I know… I’m sorry,” she apologized. Sad cat-like eyes pleading for forgiveness. 

“This kind of stress isn’t good for you or the baby,” he advised. “This is serious, Sawyer. You leave me no choice but to help you calm down.” The corner of his mouth began to turn up in a sly grin as he ran his hand over her hair. 

“Oh, thank god,” she sighed, crashing into his lips.

“We’ll… have to be… quick… and quiet,” he murmured between desperate kisses.

Ethan used his hands and lips for several minutes to lavish his new bride. As their activities became more frenzied, more intimate, Sawyer couldn’t help the moan that escaped her lips. 

“Ohhhh!”

“Shhhh, baby,” he breathed into her ear.

“I’m close… cover… my mouth,” she panted as she began to tremble.

Sawyer’s whole body shuddered, and she moaned her satisfaction into Ethan’s hand. The sensations provoked his own release, and to keep himself quiet, he clamped his mouth down on Sawyer’s neck. Hard.

They didn't spend much time basking in the afterglow to avoid getting caught. After a loving kiss from her husband, Sawyer peeked into the hallway to see if the coast was clear. 

“Hold on… it’s Wen,” she whispered, holding up a hand to halt him. 

When Dr. Wen disappeared around a corner, they exited the supply closet.

“Do you think she heard us?” 

“If she did, I’m sure she assumed it was only one of the ghosts that she believes haunts these halls,” Ethan chuckled. “The more important question is, are you feeling better?”

“Much better, thank you.”

“Well, let’s make doubly sure and head up to the cafeteria for some lunch.”

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

Later that night, at home and in the shower, Ethan pushed wet hair away from Sawyer's neck and discovered the frightful bruising.

“Oh, Soe, I’m sorry,” he expressed, carefully skimming his fingers over the bite mark. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Sawyer touched the tender spot and moved around him to see her reflection in his shaving mirror. 

“Oh my gosh!” she laughed as she traced her fingers over the imprints of his teeth. “I married a freakin’ vampire!” 

“I’m sorry. But, hey,” he innocently smiled back in the mirror, “...only a vampire can love you forever.”

He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face into her neck. “Mwahahaha,” he snarled at her ear before placing a delicate, healing kiss on the love bite.

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

The next day, the newlyweds arrived at work hand in hand and walked toward the attendings’ locker room. Pausing just outside the door, Sawyer turned to face her husband. 

“Hey, just a reminder that I volunteered to help in the clinic this morning. Carrick said he would do rounds for me.”

“I remembered,” Ethan said, bending down to give Sawyer a quick but loving kiss on the lips. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. I’ll see you later,” she returned, reluctantly releasing his hand.

Stepping into the locker room, she spotted a familiar face. Well, sort of. 

“Whoa, that looks soooo good, Elijah. Gross, but so realistic,” Sawyer awed. 

“Thanks! Those of us in the research department agreed to dress up like lab experiments gone wrong.”

“Well, mission accomplished. And, Happy Halloween, by the way. I know it’s your favorite day of the year.” 

As Elijah excitedly talked about his zombie character - which, of course, was inspired by a new John Carpenter video game - Sawyer tugged on her white coat and checked her reflection in the mirror. 

The bruising on her neck was much more prominent the day after and under the hospital's harsh fluorescent lighting. She tried to adjust her hair and fix the collar of her jacket, but it was no use. She dug through her bag, searching for her makeup case, quickly realizing she had left it at home.

“Shit,” she thought to herself. 

“Aren’t you dressing up this year?” 

Elijah’s question brought her back to the conversation, and an idea popped into her head. 

“About that… do you have any more fake blood?”

“Yeah, there’s a tube in my locker. Help yourself,” he offered on his way out.

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

Down in the free clinic, Sawyer examined a very inquisitive eight-year-old who noticed the bite mark and the two drips of dried blood on her neck. 

“Say ‘ahhhh!’” she instructed, using a tongue depressor to check the back of his throat. “Good, no swelling back there.” 

“Doctor! Did you get bit by a vampire?” 

“I’m afraid I did,” she admitted, putting on a bit of an act.

“Was it Dracula?”

“That’s still up for debate,” she laughed to herself, picturing little boy Ethan with candy corn fangs.

“Did it hurt?”

“Uh-uh.” 

“Did he suck your blood?”

“Justin, for goodness sake,” his mother chided and rolled her eyes.

“It’s fine,” Sawyer waved her off.

“Did he make you into a vampire too?”

“No,” turning her back to the young patient and facing his mother, she muttered, “...he just got me pregnant.” The patient’s mother cackled out loud.

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

That afternoon, Sawyer was on the fifth floor to check on a patient when she spotted Ethan stepping into the hallway with Esme and her intern. When they were safely out of the patient’s earshot, he wheeled around on the intern and launched into a stern, familiar lecture. 

“...It doesn’t matter that you’re still learning… Whether this man lives or dies is on you… There is no room for mistakes…”

When he finished his tirade, Ethan marched to the nurses’ station and began tapping away on an iPad. 

“Don’t sweat him. He’s all bark and no bite. Isn’t that right, Dr. Brooks?” Esme asked as Sawyer approached the scene. 

Mrs. Ramsey shook her head vehemently. “Oh, no,” she spoke loud enough for Ethan to hear, “he bites alright.” When he looked up with a raised eyebrow, she winked and kept walking. 

A couple minutes later, Ethan’s phone pinged with a text notification.

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[pictopye]

Figure Fridays #2

TLDR: First selection of figures picked by friends & family; Haslin 1:10 scale progress check-in; Figure #1 Last Alliance Elven Archer WIP; Failed on taking enough WIP Progress shots - will improve! Start on 1:10 Astarion figure. LONG (Rambley) Version: It's #Figure Friday - so here's a breakdown update as to where things are at from last week!

Last Friday: I asked friends & family on Facebook to pick some numbers/roll some dice for me to blind grab some miniatures from my craft-box to work on.

The current list is: 01. Last Alliance Elven Archer - LOTR 02. Glorfindel Lord of the West/House of the Golden Flower - LOTR/SIL 03. Gimli son of Gloin - LOTR 04. Strong - Fallout 3 05. Gondorian Warrior - LOTR 06. Pippin - LOTR 07. Nazgul #1 - LOTR 08. Cooper Howard/The Ghoul - Fallout (TV) 09. CX404/Dogmeat - Fallout (TV) 10. Ori - The Hobbit 11. Elrond with Mount - The Hobbit/LOTR

(Once I've worked my way through this list I plan to do another blind draw selection from folks who choose to participate!)

I then double-checked my clean-up on the first line up of models - ensuring sprue bits were removed, all mold-lines well sanded/scraped off, and prepped figures for priming.

The weather was alright (though a monsoon storm was on the way!) I lined my first seven up for priming on a paint stick with some tack. I used Vallejo black primer to base-coat everything. I had some gusts come up and get me when I was trying my best with the white Vallejo primer for a Zenithal highlight stage. I still need to work on perfecting how much flow medium to primer I need to use as well as usage technique to reduce speckles; but over all I was pleased with my 2nd use of an airbrush!

(I had primed my 2x 1:10 scale figures a few weeks prior but hadn't started documentation at that point. It had felt pretty easy - but I can tell more technique practice is needed to really 'get good'.)

I then proceeded to absolutely get sucked-into 'the zone' and by the time I realized I hadn't taken any WIP/progress photos I had done the base coat, some mid layers, and started detailing....

Suffice to say it was a facepalm meets a forehead slap moment; and hopefully will be a lesson learned, and retained! I also had prepped a small base for the figure with some muddy ground terrain mix, sand & gravel from my yard, and a small tuft of grass. I primed it all with black, and added some mid-tones to bring up some of the details. I then affixed Figure #1, and started detailing/blending the figure with the base. Which is where we're currently left off on - since the paint needs time to dry.

Other WIPS: (mostly prior to the establishing of Facepalm #Figure Fridays) I had been working on my 1:10 scale 3D printed Halsin from Baldur's Gate 3. I realized (belatedly) that I should have been snapping progress pics as I went along - but it's how I even came to the idea of starting up doing #Figure Fridays, so now you (and I) know that even continued 'oops' moments can have good results! I already had assembled, cleaned up, added to, primed, and base-coated him by the time I really had that thought. I have been working on his face details, and good gods nailing the hair color down has been a PITA! It's warmer than your standard medium brown but not as warm as auburn/reds; lovely for sure, but it's been a challenge to replicate. The clothing/leather/armor though has been a pretty easy-breezy painting experience though, so that's been really nice! I started him with an undertone painting of mixed greens - which really has lent well to the figure remaining cohesive as I work along.

And the last WIP update: After having gotten so far on Figure #1 I had wanted to use up what was on my pallet so it wouldn't go to waste. The colors currently left over were not ones usable on Halsin due to their cool-tone nature; So I started applying an undertone wash of blues, purples, and violets on my 1:10 scale figure of Astarion - also from Baldur's Gate 3. To replicate the success I was having on Halsin with his warm-green undertones. I did manage to catch myself before I completely doused Astarion - to show that yup I had used a Zenithal primer. XD Progress lol!

[rockawayhouse]

Beautiful 1-Bedroom Sublet in Bed Stuy/Ocean Hill (Avail 3/1/24)

We are looking for a regular and/or long-term subletter for our chic Bed Stuy/Ocean Hill home. Beautifully furnished with a mix of mid-century and modern styles, this private 1-bedroom rental is available on a long-term, flexible basis, starting March 1, 2024 (flexible)

VIRTUAL TOUR - https://youtu.be/8f7vyGT6UHE

The Neighborhood:

Bed Stuy/Ocean Hill boasts great cafes, bars, restaurants, and dance clubs. We're located on Rockaway Ave between Somers and Hull Sts in eastern Bed Stuy. Right across the street from Phoenix Community Garden and Farmer’s Market - the biggest Community Garden in NYC, and in the midst of amazing businesses - Daily Press Cafe (live music and events), Bread & Butter, Pita Point, Beets Cafe, All Night Skate, Aux Karaoke Bar, Little Skips East, Nowadays, organic delis, huge grocery stores, just to name a few. Saratoga Park, Cuts & Slices, Lady Moomoo, Saraghina, Bed Stuy Fish Fry, and all the great business on Halsey/Malcolm X are a short distance away.

Transportation:

The C train at Rockaway Ave is just 1 block away, the J is 6 blocks away, and the L is 8 blocks away. LIRR East New York station is 10 blocks away. Citibike station is on the corner. Lower Manhattan is 20 minutes by train, JFK is 45 minutes by train, LaGuardia is 25 minutes by car. B60 is across the street taking you up to Williamsburg or down to Canarsie.

The Amenities:

Washer/Dryer in unit!

Dishwasher!

Great Wi-fi!

Abundant Closet Space!

The roomy and peaceful bedroom with western exposure has an incredibly comfortable Full/Queen pullout sleeper that can double as a couch for more space. 

The newly renovated bathroom features blue Spanish tiles and a brass rain shower. Split unit A/C in the living room. 

The mid-century living room has sunny eastern exposure with lots of plants.

The kitchen is huge (by NYC standards) and 2 people can comfortably cook up a storm.

Cute brick patio out front for sipping coffee, gardening, and people watching.

The apartment has a private and secure entrance. We will keep one bedroom door locked with our personal items for the duration of your stay.

To note:

We are part-time in NYC, and will stay in the unit upstairs for when we're in town. We are looking for a long term relationship with subletters who either are looking to rent for a multi-month period of time, or on-and-off over the course of a longer period of time. Ideally we could navigate a schedule that works for all parties between March and November, but we’re flexible for the right folks. Looking for a minimum 2-3 month commitment sometime starting March 1, 2024 (flexible move-in date) through late November.

This space would be perfect for one person or a couple. No pets, no large parties/events, and no smoking in the apartment.

We have plants in the living room that would love a bit of water, so plant-friendly renters are appreciated!

$2800/month (includes all utilities)

ABOUT THIS LISTER

We are a queer couple in our early 40s who have called Bed Stuy home for over 16 years. We have great relationships with our neighbors and so we’re looking for mature, quiet, and respectful folks who would keep those relationships thriving. We would stay in the upstairs unit occasionally, so we would use the same building stairwell, though the sublet unit is completely private. We have a quiet (a little nervous) rescue dog who loved our last tenants - she is slow to love, but her love is big.

RENTAL REQUIREMENTS

We require 1 month’s rent as security deposit. We also ask for 2 personal/professional references, a copy of government ID, and proof of income/funds, please gather those as you reach out. 

Please email us to set up a time to view the apartment. Because we travel quite a bit, we may not always be able to show the unit in person, but we can go through the virtual tour together and answer any questions you may have. If you are NYC based and we are in town, we are happy to show the unit in person.

We are flexible with rental dates especially for the right person, though we do give preference for longer stays.

Deposit/rent will be paid via Zelle or Venmo.

OTHER MISC

This apartment is about 7 steps up from the sidewalk. The apartment is outfitted with double-paned windows to minimize noise, but Rockaway Ave is a moderately trafficked street, so you may occasionally hear the sounds of NYC. And because we do have a small and sweet dog in the unit upstairs, those with severe dog allergies may not be a good fit.

[marmar147]

Exploring the Delicious World of Mexican Shawarma and Shawarma Beef Sandwich

In terms of gastronomic pleasures, Mexican food is well known for its flavorful and inventive combinations. One such fusion that has taken the food world by storm is the Mexican Shawarma plate and the mouthwatering Shawarma Beef Sandwich. These dishes provide a remarkable gastronomic experience, integrating the bold and tangy savors of Mexico with traditional Middle Eastern shawarma.

The Mexican Shawarma Plate: Imagine a plate filled with thinly sliced marinated beef, cooked to perfection on a vertical rotisserie, just like the traditional shawarma. However, the Mexican twist comes in the form of vibrant spices and seasonings, such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic. This infusion of Mexican flavors adds a unique kick to the dish, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the fusion of cultures through food. The shawarma beef is typically served on a warm tortilla or pita bread, accompanied by fresh and crisp vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. To elevate the experience, drizzle some zesty salsa or creamy guacamole on top. The end product is a dish of Mexican Shawarma that is bursting with flavor and texture harmony. It's the perfect marriage of Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisine, offering a harmonious blend of savory and spicy elements.

The Sandwiches made with shawarma meat: For those who prefer a handheld delight, the Shawarma Beef Sandwich is a savory masterpiece. It features the same succulent beef, marinated to perfection and sliced thin, just like the Shawarma platter from Mexico. The difference lies in the presentation, as the beef is stuffed into a soft, fluffy Mexican bolillo roll. The combination of the tender beef and the crusty bolillo roll creates a delightful contrast in textures, making each bite a satisfying experience. The sandwich is often garnished with ingredients like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and creamy mayo or sour cream, adding a refreshing and creamy element to the dish.

The Mexican Shawarma plate and Sandwiches made with shawarma meat are prime examples of culinary fusion at its finest. These dishes bring together the rich heritage of Middle Eastern shawarma and the bold, spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine. Whether you opt for the plated version or the convenient sandwich, you're in for a treat that will leave you craving more. If you're eager to experience the delightful combination of flavors in Mexican Shawarma and Sandwiches made with shawarma meat, visit marmar.ae.

Find out more today, visit our site.

Arabic Beef Shawarma

meat shawarma sandwich

[jumeirahkyndrestaurants]

KYND Restaurant The Best Restaurant Jumeirah Garden City in Dubai

In the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Jumeirah Garden City, where flavors from around the world converge, one dish stands out for its delectable taste and popularity: Veg Shawarma. This Middle Eastern-inspired delight has taken the city by storm, and it's no surprise that residents and visitors alike are flocking to local eateries to savor this mouthwatering treat. Join us on a flavorful journey as we delve into the world of Veg Shawarma in Jumeirah Garden City.

The Origins of Shawarma

Shawarma, a dish that has become synonymous with Middle Eastern cuisine, has a rich history dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Originally made with thinly sliced marinated meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, it was a favorite among the Ottoman soldiers. However, over time, the dish evolved to accommodate various preferences, including vegetarian and vegan diets.

Veg Shawarma: A Culinary Delight

Veg Shawarma is a plant-based version of the traditional dish, perfect for those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets. It features a tantalizing blend of ingredients and flavors, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a satisfying and meatless alternative.

Ingredients:

Thinly sliced vegetables (often including zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms)

A secret blend of spices and herbs

Tahini sauce

Freshly baked pita bread

Garnishes such as pickles, tomato, and lettuce

The Magic of Preparation

The art of preparing Veg Shawarma lies in the marinade and seasoning. Vegetables are generously coated in a secret blend of spices and herbs, resulting in a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The marinated veggies are then grilled to perfection, imparting a delightful smoky char that elevates the dish.

The final assembly of Veg Shawarma is a spectacle in itself. The freshly baked pita bread is stuffed with the grilled vegetables, creating a mouthwatering filling. This delectable creation is then drizzled with creamy tahini sauce, enhancing the flavors with its nutty richness. Garnishes like pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce add a refreshing and crunchy contrast, making each bite an explosion of taste and texture.

Where to Find the Best Veg Shawarma in Jumeirah Garden City

Jumeirah Garden City is teeming with delightful eateries, food trucks, and restaurants offering their take on Veg Shawarma. For those looking for the best in town, here are a few must-visit places:

Garden City Shawarma Haven: Known for its generous portions and flavorful sauces, this is a local favorite.

Jumeirah Spice Bites: Offering a fusion of Middle Eastern and Indian flavors, their Veg Shawarma is a unique and spicy twist on the classic.

Cedar Oasis: If you're seeking an upscale dining experience, Cedar Oasis serves a gourmet version of Veg Shawarma that will leave you craving for more.

Street Eats on Jumeirah Boulevard: For a quick and delicious Veg Shawarma on the go, this food truck is your best bet.