#plum foiled

[themonkeespaw]

God bless Thai food.

[zahroreadsthings]

You have an uncanny knack for NUCLEAR PHYSICS,

knowledge is knowing that the rutherford model on the shirt, while revolutionary in identifying that atoms have a positively charged nucleus, is hilariously outdated and niels bohr actually won the nobel prize for his model of the atom a few years after this model was made, and if jade knows nuclear physics she would know this

wisdom is knowing that having the rutherford model on a shirt is fun anyway

[sodaabaa]

birthday 

anthony bridgerton x wife!reader wife!reader is excited to celebrate her husband’s first birthday since they got married only to wake up and find anthony missing. she takes a trip to mayfair to ask the bridgerton family where anthony has disappeared to.

tw: grief, mentions of a parent's death.

a/n: hi everyone, wanted to take a second to just thank you for all the support. i started writing these just for fun and decided on an impulse to start posting my writings, not expecting them to get past even 15 likes! i really enjoyed writing this oneshot and navigating anthony's feelings in this one. let me know if you'd like to see a part 2 within this story line or similar stories within the bridgerton universe!

The first rays of dawn broke through the curtains, pulling Y/N from her sleep. She reached to the side, feeling the bed for her husband to find only the absence of his warmth. She sat up, it was unusual for Anthony to be gone so early in the morning. The two of them had a habit of starting their mornings together before he went off to tend to business, the vacant spot on the bed puzzled her – today was Anthony’s thirtieth birthday, the first one they would spend married. She already had a plan for the day; dotingly wake him up with kisses in all the spots he loved, take their breakfast in bed (a special one at that – she requested the cooks to make his favorite marmalade with the first plums of the season), pack a basket with light sandwiches and his favorite wine to picnic by a nearby lake, and end the night with his most favorite activity. Y/N pouted, upset that her plans had been foiled by his absence. She pushed the duvet off and dressed herself, wondering what possibly could have been important enough for him to leave without telling her. 

“Amelia,” she called out to one of the maids. Amelia had been working at Aubrey Hall for years, she knew the ins and outs of this place like the back of her hand, maybe she’d seen Anthony this morning? 

“Yes, my lady?”

“Did you happen to see the viscount this morning?”

“No, my lady. My apologies,” she paused, “though – you may want to check with the dowager viscountess.”

She tilted her head in confusion, “Whatever for?” 

Amelia fiddled with the rag in her hands.

“Amelia, what is it?”

“Every year, on the viscount’s birthday he…disappears. He usually slips out before dawn when we’re all just getting started with the day. But we’ve never seen where he goes.” 

Y/N’s confusion only deepened. Amelia waited for Y/N to dismiss her – she did so, waving a hand and offering a gracious smile for the information she provided. Amelia exited with a curtsy, leaving Y/N with no choice but to pay the Bridgerton clan a visit. Perhaps they could give her some insight into her husband’s mysterious birthday habit.

She managed to reach Mayfair before the sun had peaked in the sky. The carriage approached Bridgerton House, Y/Npeered through to see if Anthony might be somewhere around. He was nowhere to be found, much to her dismay. She stood before the double doors of Bridgerton House, signaling to the footman to announce her arrival. In the blink of an eye, her favorite Bridgerton sibling came running to the door.

“Y/N! How lovely it is to see you!” Eloise exclaimed, pulling her in for a hug. She returned the hug, grateful for the way Eloise managed to instantly raise Y/N’s spirits. Violet followed Eloise, a knowing smile on her face. Y/N pulled away from Eloise’s tight embrace to greet Violet.

“Can’t seem to find Anthony, can you dearest?” Violet said when she pulled away from their hug.

“I see this is a regular occurrence then?” She replied, feeling left out – why had no one bothered to inform her of this habit of his? She would have saved herself from the disappointment of foiled plans. 

“Come in, you’ll catch a chill if you stand at the door any longer,” Violet ushered them upstairs. 

“Y/N!” Hyacinth and Gregory were the next to greet her as she walked into the drawing room.

She gave the two little Bridgertons a hug, commenting on how tall Gregory had gotten and the length of Hyacinth’s curly hair. The pair immediately began updating her on all the things they’d gotten up to while Y/N was gone – though they didn’t get far.

“Hyacinth, Gregory – please give Y/N a moment to rest from her trip. I’m sure she’d love to hear all about your mischief later,” Violet said. The inseparable duo pouted for a moment before taking a seat in their usual spot. Y/N herself took a between Violet and Eloise, turning to ask her more about her husband's whereabouts.

“Do you know where he goes off to? Surely his mother might know.” 

“I’m afraid I do not. I do, however, know the reason he disappears,” Violet looked over at her youngest children, ensuring they were engrossed in whatever they were doing before continuing. 

“Since Edmund died, there has not been a birthday where he does not run off like this. It started when he turned ten and nine. I know it has something to do with his father, I am certain, but I cannot figure out where he goes. The first year, I checked Edmund’s grave to no avail. I’ve searched and searched my mind for places that held significance to Edmund, to Anthony,” she explained, throwing her hands up with a defeated sigh.

Y/N took a moment to process Violet’s revelation, guilt slowly eating her up. She had been so involved with her ownplans for Anthony’s birthday and then felt so disappointed but all this time, he was taking time to grieve. Her heart shattered for her husband – her valiant, loving, sweetheart of a husband. 

“If I may,” Eloise cut in with the raise of a finger, “perhaps he simply despises the concept of birthdays and wishes to avoid all the commotion by hiding out in some pub somewhere?”

“Eloise!” Violet exclaimed.

“My, my, what do we have here? Viscountess Bridgerton has come to visit us!” Benedict interrupted the three women on the sofa, shooting a warm smile towards Y/N.

“Benedict, it’s lovely to see you,” she replied. She rose from her seat, giving Benedict a quick embrace before he took his seat across from them.

“Allow me to guess – Anthony’s disappeared?”

Y/N nodded, “I don’t suppose you happen to know where?”

Benedict clicked his tongue, “I’m afraid not.” 

She sighed, “Well, when does he usually return then?”

“The next day. And to make matters worse, he acts as if it were totally normal, avoiding all questions about his whereabouts until you simply surrender trying to figure it out,” Benedict said.

That night, Y/N retired to their bedroom though she had no intentions of sleep – how could she manage to when her husband was off God knows where, in what condition. It kept her up with worry, so she decided she’d stay up and wait for his return. Staring at the walls had become tortuous as the hours droned by, she wrapped herself in a robe and made her way toward Anthony’s study. Perhaps she could find something here to clue her into her husband's habit. She poured herself a glass of Anthony’s whiskey, choking down the bitter liquid, and sat back on his chair with a sigh.

She looked around the dimly lit room, a portrait of Anthony’s father hung up to the left of the desk. She wondered what he was like, Anthony rarely ever spoke of him. Her heart ached at the thought of her husband at eighteen, witnessing what he’d witnessed and resuming to take on the mantle that’d belonged to his father in the midst of such trauma. Her eyes scanned the painting – catching on a pocket watch in her late father-in-law’s hand. She stood, leaning in to get a closer look at the watch. Realization dawned on her. This was Anthony’s pocket watch – well, it had been his father’s but this was the same watch he carried with him everywhere. She had noticed early on his habit of checking the time almost obsessively. She always wondered why he had such a fascination with time. 

I could never surpass my father. He was a greater man than I. Anthony’s words echoed in her mind.

It all fell into place – clicking like a lock in her mind.

She ran back upstairs, rushing to wear something more appropriate. She quietly ran back downstairs, grabbing her cloak on the way out. The September days were cool and refreshing but the nights were cooler, which Y/N usually savored but the cold air only increased her adrenaline tonight, causing a chill to run down her spine.

She summoned a carriage, willing it to come faster as it approached her. 

“To the chapel, please.”

As the carriage moved closer to the chapel, she could make out the vague silhouette of a man sitting on a park bench facing the clock in the center. The moonlight illuminated the small square, the scene before her looked to be straight out of a painting. She stepped out of the carriage, rushing towards the silhouette.

She stood behind him for a moment, afraid to disrupt him – afraid of what his reaction might be. She knew her husband preferred to grieve alone but this was beyond grief; Anthony feared his birthdays, feared the clock running out of time. 

“Anthony?” 

The man in front of her startled, inhaling as he turned around. She sighed in relief.

“How did you find me here?” He said, motioning for her to sit with him.

She walked around the bench, placing a kiss on her husband’s forehead as she sat beside him.

“Your pocket watch.” 

He let out a breathy laugh, a humorless action. He held the watch, thumb circling its frame.

“You are not bound to time, Anthony,” she said gently.

He looked up at her, eyes red from the long day he must have had.

“Are we all not bound to time? Some simply have less.”

“You cannot know that for certain, dearest.”

“I know I am less of a man than my father was yet he merely had eight and thirty years,” his voice was hoarse.

“You are just as much of a man as he was. You’ve fought so hard for this family, do not belittle your efforts,” she took his face in her hands.

She wished she could show him how much of a man he truly was. He'd raised his siblings and taken on the burden of being a viscount to allow for his brothers to pursue their dreams. He ensured his sisters were well provided for and he dealt with his mother's grief for years -- all without complaint. Because of this, it was a privilege to call Anthony her husband, if only he could see himself how she saw him.

“You are not leaving me behind in a mere eight years, Anthony Bridgerton. I will fight death himself if that is to be the case.”

He chuckled, a hint of real joy behind his eyes as he did.

“I have no doubt you would give it a valiant effort, my love.” 

He leaned forward, placing a kiss on her lips.

“It’s late and cold, shall we head back to the house?” 

She nodded, grateful to return her husband to where he belonged – at her side, with his family surrounding them.

[tanuki-kimono]

Majestic black ground furisode depicting birds flying over hazy distant mountains covered in all seasons plants (cherry blossoms, peonies, maple leaves, chrysanthemums, plum blossoms).

It also presents poems scattered all across (the gold foil has seen much better days...)

[punk-in-docs]

🕸️ Pretty Girls Make Graves 🕸️

Eddie x Pencils - 🎃 Halloween 🎃one shot

2.7k words

Summary: pretty much what it says on the tin. Halloween one shot with our dearest Eddie x Pencils. Enjoy. Pure fluff. A tiny suggestion of smut at the end. Inspired by this lovely photo set & this prompt post that got me off my ass to write again.

Also another shoutout to the gorgeous @tvserie-s-world who made this amazing Eddie x Pencils edit that I’m still gooey over. 🖤

“So, what brings you to my dark and creepy neck of the woods?”Came a cocky taunt as soon as the trailer door swung open after your knock.

It’s usual rusty-screeching melody preceding its occupants flirty remark. The sound of the Smiths comes slithering out the creaking door behind him. The tape you bought that got lost in the avalanche of both your cassettes that slide and slip, congregate on his passenger seat.

He will not smile for anyone. And pretty girls make graves.

The lanky shadow of your boyfriend cuts across the warm yellow glow of the lights that slant out the doorway behind him. His costume makes you grin. Sheer moronic love.

You stood halfway up the steps. Candles flickering and throwing dozy pools orange in Jack-o-lanterns across the toes of your boots. They’re all wonky and have imperfect slanted mouths and jagged eyes. Loping together on the uneven porch steps. Fat orange gourds all drunk with gravity.

The very same pumpkins you’d helped him carve a week ago, after a misty morning weekend trip to Merill’s pumpkin farm. Eddie had the rather dastardly and determined habit of choosing pumpkins bigger and heavier than his actual van tires. You ended up with so many.

Your kitchen has smelt like squelchy pumpkin innards all week. You’re still finding seeds cropping up under the toaster or in the corner of the cabinets. As per Eddie’s way with most things, It wasn’t exactly a neat process.

You can’t help but laugh at his greeting too.

“I distinctly remember making plans to invade the spooky neck of your woods tonight, my little death trap.” You smile as you edge your way up the sloping steps. Holding a huge pumpkin shaped bucket of candy in your arms. The contents rustle as you move.

Everyone’s touting pumpkin buckets tonight. Driving in and even on the street back home, you saw a load of elementary kids walking around the park in their costumes. Ghosts in bedsheets. Aliens. Bats. One very ambitious papier maché pumpkin. Superhero’s. Clowns. Home made astronauts clad in crinkly tin foil and bulbous helmets. All wandering with an adult in tow and buckets clutched in their hands, ready to be filled.

You opted for a simple witch costume. Stripy tights and your dark thrifted docs. A black dress with a little cape tied around your shoulders and a witches hat. You applied dark purple-plum lipstick and dark smudgey grey eyeshadow, and liner. Your eyelids glitter like purple constellations. He finds stars to gaze at so often in those pretty eyes.

Eddie had gone for an Alice Cooper inspired look. Top hat. The dripping dark eye makeup that you’re amazed he managed all on his own. Hair it’s usual long rocker mess. Gothic black and lots of it. A huge goth belt with studs and buckles. You spy a cane grasped by his side too. A fake toy snake looped around his neck. Just like the man himself. He really does go all out.

The fringe benefit being he looks hot as hell to your eyes.

“You’ve got me under your spell, O’ bewitching one. How could I possibly resist.” He opened his arms out to you as you came to the last step.

“Bet you say that to every witch who shows up at your door on hallows eve.” You smile. Unashamedly grab the snake that’s looped around his neck and reel him in by it.

“Only ones who bought me jolly ranchers.” He preens. He can see the multi coloured hue of the wrapped candy in the huge bowl you’re carrying.

At the same time, he plucks the flimsy pointed witches hat off your head so the brim doesn’t get in his way. You unconsciously move towards the same goal together. It’s spooky. Sometimes it’s like you have the same brain. You’re one entity mashed together in a frenzy of melding hearts, music mania and relentless adolescent infatuation.

He lopes forwards and gladly slots his slanting smirk onto yours. Tasting of orange sweet candy corn and beer. His thumb and forefinger meet on your chin. Your hand slid for his neck. Fingertips along his jaw as you share a giddying kiss. You mouth at the plushness of his lips. He does the same to you.

You pull back before he makes you swoon dangerously down these steps. His kiss should come with a warning sign; dangerously addictive metal head. May possess body and soul.

You can tell already that you’ll have to wave goodbye to this lipstick. It’s now smeared all around your mouth and most of his. Now he looks like Alice Cooper doing nine to ten in Arkham Asylum.

“Hello.” You beam. Rubbing smudged purple off his lips. Vamptastic Plum the colour name.

“Hi.” He smirks like a lunatic. End of his nose rubbing into yours where he gazes at you.

He does it a lot. It’s honestly so lovesick you should be kinda nauseated.

When you’re studying. Watching a movie. Eating popcorn or pizza. Every now and again he’ll just rest his chin in his hand and smile all warm and stupid at you. Cheeks bunched and crows feet at his eyes. Even when you have paint flecked across your forehead. Or pizza cheese slung in a string across your chin. Or when you’re frowning at your fingers when you smear your nail drying polish. He loves watching you just be near him.

It always ends the same way. You’ll feel his eyes burning their fond cinnamon gaze into you. You’ll turn and meet his eyes. And that smile lopes even wider. He’ll loop a pinky though yours and kiss the back of your hand. Or your forehead.

“Permission to enter your lair?” You seek.

“Thought only vamps had to ask permission to come in?” He flirts with you. Eyes on your mouth again. Your lips all kiss bruised makes him ache. In fact, makes another sort of serpent twitch in his jeans.

“Misdirection. I am actually a vampire. The witch outfit is a clever disguise to work my cunning way into unsuspecting trailers.” You raise your brows naughtily.

He grins. “Clever subterfuge.”

He slips aside from the door to let you come in. Another kiss pressed to your lips before he lets you sidle on past him. He hangs your witches hat on the coat rack with his spare jacket and Wayne’s denim.

“Need me to park your broom?” He jests.

“Left it in the car with my black cat. You’re safe.”

“How many more witchy jokes could we stretch this out too?”

“I reckon I’ve a few left knocking around…” you guess. Placing the bucket of candy on the kitchen counter. Hopefully Eddie doesn’t pilfer the whole lot before Wayne’s home. You hope he leaves his uncle a treat or two. And doesn’t scarf the lot like a damn seagull.

This trailer hugs you any time you enter. You thought that when you and Eddie started dating. And you still think it now. Capital H home. This place. Filled with his and Wayne’s memorabilia. And a few more other things tonight;

You haven’t seen your boyfriend as much of late. He’s been out hitting the teenage party circuits with his metal lunchbox. Making a healthy chunk of change by the looks of it. He’s strung up plenty of decorations to help pep this place up with Halloween spirit.

There’s pumpkin paper garlands arced in loops up high. Orange and black twisting streamers over the mug shelves. Fake rubbery bats hanging down from the kitchen island cupboards. Dancing skeletons hanging on the little spare space the walls have to offer. The coffee table is cleared of its usual junk and absolutely heaped in candy and snacks.

Butterfingers. Butter popcorn. Pretzels. Red vines. Cheez balls. Mallomars. All of which happen to be your favourites. He has two cold beers side by side. And a fat tight joint sits waiting in the ashtray too.

He’s even bought those fake filmy cobwebs to spread in a few places with fake plastic spiders - to join in with the real ones dusted around in forgotten corners.

All your tensions melt down right to your toes. All is right with the world. Halloween night. No school tomorrow. And Eddie. And a whole uninterrupted night of movies and bliss. You’ve lost count of the amount of times a movie night has ended up getting dirty on his couch. Tape flicking to the end whilst you’re attached lip to lip with wandering hands.

You sigh gladly as you stand to toe off your shoes. Putting them aside. Heat slides into your stomach all squirly and scorching as he stands from behind you and his hand reach around and skilfully undo the cape around your shoulders.

“Let’s get you comfy my temptress of the night. Beer?” He seeks. Throwing your cape over his shoulder. It lands nowhere even near the coat rack.

“Yes please my lovable nightmare.” You sass. You walk over to the couch. Spying an absolute mound of VHS’s ready to go by the TV. The colour seemed to dip in and out sometimes. The set was old. Eddie had to whack the side sometimes to get it to behave. You find it more endearing than a set that worked seamlessly.

You pluck pieces of popcorn out the bowl and throw them onto your tongue. Crunch them down as you sit with your knees tucked under you.

Eddie kills the music and slings himself down next to you on the lumpy couch. Frame squeaking and rattling as he settles.

“Damn. You got a great selection, Munson. What did you do, bribe Harrington with your soul to score all this?” You remark as you peer at the videos on the coffee table.

1941 Wolfman. Christopher Lee’s Dracula. The Fog. Halloween. House on Haunted Hill. And Friday the 13th. You loved old school movies as much as he did. The old swelling suspense of a good black and white.

“Nothin major. Just a little selling of my body and charms. Deviant sexual acts. Just so you know I’ll have raw knees for a month.”

“Mm you filthy slut.” You hush. Impressed.

“Finest slut in the Midwest.”

“So I’ve heard.” You grin. Leaning in to kiss him. Seemed too infeasible not too. He cups the back of your head as you do. Keeping you close as he dares. Sweet kiss like icing sugar dusted across your lips.

He makes a small ‘mmm’ noise before you pull back.

“Besides. I consider The Fog a film that makes me think fondly of our very early courtship.” He remarks.

Snoopy bed shorts. A tin of Campbells. His lunatic escapades of climbing in your window late at night.

“And, well, only the best for you, Pencils.” He grins.

You tilt your head. A sigh caught in your throat.

“You must’ve busted your ass to get all this. You didn’t need too. You know I don’t need all this. I’m happy just to watch crappy reruns with you and order a pizza.” You tell him.

Concerned about the cash he would’ve laid out for tonight. The decor. The snacks. The primo shit from Rick. All must’ve cost a pretty penny.

“You’re worth every damn cent. When you’re dating a spooky awesome girl you gotta put in the ultimate spooky effort.” He tells you. Gripping his beer bottle and leaning back.

You clink your beer bottle to his.

“Please tell me you overcharged those meathead jocks for your product.”

“…. And then some.” He winks.

That’s my boy. You couldn’t be more proud.

“I’ll drink to that.” You murmur. Taking a pull on your cold beer. Cool heaven sliding down your throat.

“Thanks to Tina’s party last week, I mean, man, I scored big time. So many stoners invited. Walk in the park.” He smiled.

That deserved a kiss. Which you gladly give.

“Kinda love you for that.” You suppose. But there were no two ways about it - you were completly head over heels for him.

“Good to know.” He supplies. Hand rubbing your back.

“We better put a video on before I maul you.” You threaten with a great deal of flirt. Dragging your purple painted fingernails down the front of his top.

“Mmm kinky.” He grins. Leaning over to press a spitty kiss to your cheek. Before diving for the pile of VHS.

“Ok, roughly how long do you wanna argue about which one we watch first?” He seeks.

You narrow your eyes. Taking a sip back of your beer. “Depends if I win or not.” You look at him all cunning.

“House on haunted hill?” He bargains. Crouching and pointing the VHS at you.

“Don’t point that thing at me.” You smile. Stealing another handful of popcorn. Eating it with a grin.

Let the bickering commence…

~

The credits rolled to your third film of the night. Halloween the 1978 original. Orange twinkle lights flicker in the warm yellow lights near the kitchen. The rest of the trailer in dozy darkness. The sounds of kids trick or treating and laughing, batter against the trailer side in the night air.

You magnanimously let him pick the film. Maybe you’re growing soft in your old age.

This found you and Eddie slumped down together on the ratty couch. Limbs tangled. Joint smouldering in the ashtray. Verdant smoke in the air. Beer bottles empty. Only popcorn kernels left in the bottom of the bowl. The snacks had been pilfered and pinched at your leisure.

Eddie was pressed down onto you like a lanky weighted blanket. Snoozing happily with a belly full of beer and cheez balls. Socked feet hanging off the end of the couch. Hands slung all over you like a gangly octopus. He’s currently letting out content little breathy snores with his head cushioned against your boobs. A little spit of drool by the side of his mouth.

He’d nodded off sometime around Michael Myers fifth victim with the boyfriend and the blonde pigtails. You’d been carding your fingers through his hair. Scratching his scalp. Made his eyes flick back in his head.

You swear he was one step away from twitching his foot in contentment like a canine at the work of your hands. Made his brain short circuit.

More so when he was on Indica. Just the kinda hit he needed for a slow sleepy and spooky night in. You can’t deny you’re fighting the effects of it yourself.

A couple of puffs. Eyelids drowsy. Your limbs feeling like cotton stuffed pillows. Indolent and slow. And now you’ve got your perfect metal head keeping you pressed down.

“Guess the party circuit wiped you for six, huh babe?” You smile. Thumbing his cheek. He mumbled something incomprehensible.

You shift your leg up. Which tumbles his knee more into your lap. He snuffled. Nuzzling his head further onto you. His breath was all sugary red vines, and fruity weed.

You kept on stroking his hair. Leaning forward to nuzzle a kiss to the crown of his messy hair. Apple shampoo and that lost tang of American spirits.

“Edward?” You ask.

You get a sleepy, sticky gurgle from him.

“I’ve got a really nice bra and panties set on under this dress, y’know.” You whisper at him.

Another mumble. You smile and rest your cheek on his warm head.

“You’ll have to let me move to put the next movie in, babe.” You tell.

“No. S’comfy.”

Then you hear him grumble. “Boobs.”

“Great boobs.”

You chuckle. Honestly.

“Knock yourself out. Munson. You smile.

Shifting down to let sleep come and gently take you too.

“Oh, and Happy Halloween.” You add. Letting your eyes close. Letting the static at the end of the video ebb you softly into dreams. Along with the sound of wind kindly rattling the roof. Brushing along the walls outside. All the trick or treaters have been coerced indoors. Safe inside with their candy spoils.

Much later on. You hear the rustle of clothes and feel the heat of his breath. The warmth of his limbs leeches off you when he moves. Coldness sneaks in.

You wake with bleary-sticky eyes to those brown ones staring back at you. Cheeks all flushed. The tell-tale sign of a tented zipper bursting at his crotch.

That dripping eye make up looks smeared and downright dangerous. He looks absolutely ravishing and you suddenly shake off your tiredness to see him looking so good like this.

“You said something about a bra, Pencils…” he smiles. “Be a shame not to show it off now-“ He beams. Waggles his brows.

“Heard that did you?” Your brow crooks.

Happy Halloween, indeed.

This is for everyone; but especially for @tvserie-s-world @lunatictardis @heyndrix @callmeloverr @joequinnswhore @atabigail @thewrathoffemalerage @lurkingprincess @songforeddiemunson @palomahasenteredthechat @babybluebex

[harrywavycurly]

Southern Comfort Part 13: Till the Cows Come Home

Masterlist: here

CW: Mentions of loss (death)

Tag List: @wedontknowherorhimorthem

A/N: The time has come for you to try Harry’s baking and he is fully panicking and loses all his manners but he does learn more about you in the process, enjoy✨

Harry nervously twirls his gold S ring around his pinky finger as he waits for you at a little picnic table that’s situated on the back patio of a little cafe near the beach you mentioned you like to take your walks on. He doesn’t exactly know what’s making him so nervous, it could be just the fact he’s about to spend the afternoon with you or that you’re going to give him your opinion on his sad attempt at baking that consists of a batch of brownies he has safely packed in a plastic container sitting on the bench next to him, but if he’s being honest with himself it’s a good mixture of both. He looks at his phone that’s on the table to check the time before he lifts his head and looks around the crowded space, it’s not until a waiter moves out of the way and heads back into the cafe that he sees you and his face instantly breaks out into a grin.

“Hey honey.” Your voice is music to his ears as you maneuver your way around a few people while Harry stands up and walks to the front of the table so he can greet you.

“Hello love.” You smile as you place your purse on the table so you can wrap your arms around Harry’s middle for a hug. His arms wrap around your shoulders bringing you closer to his chest making him chuckle as his chin finds its usual spot right on top of your head. Harry loves how it feels to have your arms wrapped around him, he also enjoys the fact you fit so nicely against him and he thanks the heavens that you’re also a hugger.

“You look cute sugar you meeting someone special?” Your tone is only half teasing as you pull away just a bit so you can look up at him after giving him a little squeeze. Harry is dressed in a black short sleeved button up that he’s opted to keep undone revealing just a solid white tank top that has a pair of sunglasses tucked into the collar and a pair of cream colored shorts, a look that’s not as casual as the jeans and t shirt you’ve seen him in. Meanwhile you are in a pair of shorts and a shirt that says “not my first rodeo” in bold red letters.

“Eh just someone who’s going to rip my baking abilities to shreds.” You laugh as he looks down at you with a slight pout.

“Don’t worry I’ll be gentle.” You reassure him as you drop your arms from his middle making him reluctantly remove his from your shoulders so the two of you can take a seat at the table. Harry smiles as you place your purse in your lap and he can’t help but stare as you lick your lips while you begin rummaging around in your bag. “Here we go.” You grin as you take what looks like a folded piece of tin foil out and place it on the table.

“That doesn’t look like banana bread.” You roll your eyes at Harry’s words as you gently unwrap the foil to reveal a single chocolate brownie and he can tell just by looking at it that it’s going to put his to shame.

“I figured banana bread was something we needed to make together so,” Harry feels his heart actually feel like it skips a beat at the mention of the two of you baking together. “I thought I’d just make the same thing as you.” You just smile at him as you push the brownie closer to his side of the table.

“You know what I hear helps someone judge a persons baking?” He asks with a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth while you just raise an eyebrow at him. “When they tell you more about themselves.” He watches you place your bag on the bench next to you before you lean forward so you can rest your forearms on the table, he notices that you make sure your elbows are hanging off and that makes him smile because of course you use proper table manners.

“What do you wanna know sugar plum?” You ask as Harry finds himself absentmindedly leaning forward in an attempt to get closer to you, his forearms and elbows on the table.

“Everything.” He doesn’t mean to say it, but once it slips past his lips there’s no taking it back and when you just clasp your hands together and turn your head to look at the beach he takes it as a sign that maybe you’re about to tell him your life story which he would be delighted to hear because he truly does want to know everything about you.

“You ever lose someone that makes the only place you’ve ever known to feel like home…all of a sudden not feel like much of anything besides just a place to live?” Your words take Harry by surprise, he can hear the slightest undertone of sadness and he wishes you weren’t still facing the ocean so he could see the expression on your face.

“I can’t say that I have.” He replies and you let out a quiet sigh.

“That’s good because I’m not gonna lie to you honey it kinda sucks.” You finally look back at him and he wants nothing more than to reach over and grab your hands but he doesn’t want to cross any boundaries so he just gives you a reassuring smile. “I lost my granny four years ago and that’s the reason I’m here.” Harry just nods as you look down at your hands and he sees a small smile form on your face when your eyes land on the ring you wear on your index finger, a simple silver band with an initial engraved on it. “She used to tell me all the time that Texas was big but the world was a hell of a lot bigger and that I needed to see it.” You smile as you talk about her and Harry can tell she meant a lot to you just by the way your face lights up at the mention of her.

“She sounds lovely.” Harry can’t help himself this time as he reaches over and gently takes one of your hands in his so he can give it a squeeze.

“She was wonderful and now don’t get me wrong I love my momma till the cows come home but my granny was my bestfriend.” You laugh at Harry’s visible confusion at the phrase mentioning cows but he doesn’t say anything and lets you continue on. “We were like two pigs in a blanket and when I lost her I just didn’t feel like I had anything keeping me there anymore and I knew she’d just be mad as all get out if I didn’t at least try and see the world.” You let out a sigh as you look down at your hand that’s still in Harry’s. “So about a year later I bought a plane ticket and here I am.” Harry gives your hand another gentle squeeze making you look up at him.

“Did she teach you how to bake?” He asks trying to lighten the mood of the conversation just slightly and you just nod and point with your free hand to the brownie that’s sitting in front of him.

“That’s her county fair blue ribbon brownie recipe so if you don’t like it then I’m afraid you just don’t have good taste honeybuns.” He knows you’re joking but Harry can’t help but feel his nerves coming back as he lets go of your hand so he can carefully pick up the brownie that’s in front of him. He’s sure to use both hands so he doesn’t accidentally drop it and he can feel you watching his every move as he brings it up towards his mouth.

“Smells good.”

“Just eat it honey.”

“Don’t rush me I like to take my time.” He doesn’t even need to look at you to know you’re smirking at him because he knows exactly how that little mind of yours took his comment.

He closes his eyes as he takes a bite and the moment the brownie hits his tongue he knows he’s done for. He feels his shoulders slump as his eyes remain closed as an actual sigh somehow escapes him and he swears he’s never tasted anything so delicious in his entire life and he normally doesn’t even care for sweet things. His eyes open as he takes another bite and he sees you just smiling at him and it makes him wonder if this is a common reaction people have when trying your desserts.

“Holy fucking-”

“Language.” Harry can’t even be bothered to be embarrassed by you reprimanding him because he’s too busy taking another bite of the brownie making you just laugh.

“Why’d you only bring one?” Is all he asks as he finally puts the now half eaten brownie back down on the tinfoil. When you reach for it to wrap it back up Harry is quick to pull it away from you making you send him a playful glare. “I’m sorry love but this one is mine and it’s not polite to just take things without asking.” You roll your eyes.

“I wasn’t taking it from your sugar I was just wrapping it back up so you can finish it later.” This explanation doesn’t sit well with him so he picks the half eaten brownie back up and takes another bite out of it.

“Who said anything about saving it for later?” You watch with wide eyes as he talks with his mouth half full and when he opens his mouth for another bite you can’t help but stand up so you’re able to lean all the way over the table and snatch the brownie out of his hands making a frown take over his face as he watches you wrap the remainder of it back up in the foil.

“Lord have mercy Harry you have one decent brownie and all your manners just go out the damn window.” Your words are rushed as you fuss at him and if he wasn’t too busy licking the last remnants of brownie off his fingers he would smile because he loves the way your accent sounds when you’re annoyed, especially at him.

“It’s a bit rude to just snatch a man’s snack away from him like that.” He mumbles as you place the wrapped brownie back on the table but just out of his reach so he’s not tempted to grab it.

“You’ll be fine.” Harry lets out a huff as you raise an eyebrow at him as if you’re waiting for him to tell you something so after a few moments of him staring at you without saying anything you ask, “So what did you think?”

“I think I’m actually a little angry that I only have one of those and not a whole pan.” Harry wishes he was joking but he is being serious, he can actually feel himself getting upset at just the thought of finishing the one brownie you brought him and based on the way you just nod lets him know he’s not the first person to feel this way.

“Well imagine you had six of them okay? And you eat one in the morning thinking nothing of it because you know you have five more then lunch comes around and you snack on another one and after dinner of course you’re gonna have one because why wouldn’t you?” Harry just nods along and leans in closer as you talk and he feels his heartbeat quicken at the thought of running out of the same brownies he’s only taken a few bites of, as your mouth turns downward into a slight dramatic pout. “But then when you do the same thing the next day you realize you won’t have anymore left but it’s too late because you already finished the one you were saving for dessert so now all you have is an empty-”

“That’s enough.”

“You’d be angry wouldn’t you honeybuns?”

“Livid…absolutely livid.”

“That’s why I only brought you one.” You reach across the table and give Harry’s hand a little pat. “I’m glad you liked it.” Harry can tell you’re being sincere because your tone is softer than it just was and he can’t help but return the smile you’re giving him.

“Best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.” He waits for his words to register in your mind and he’s glad it only takes a few seconds before your leaning your head back and laughing, the kind of laugh that makes your eyes crinkle as you clap your hands together in front of your face. It’s the laugh that Harry thinks is one of the best sounds he’s ever heard.

“Oh sugar I’m so honored.” You dramatically place your hands on your chest as you finally get your laughter under control. “So did you bring me anything?” Harry slowly looks to his left and down at the plastic container sitting next to him and he wants to lie and say no he didn’t make anything but he knows your toes will just start to tingle and he’ll be forced to give them to you anyway.

“I’m sorry in advance my darling.” He mumbles as he picks up the container.

“Wait don’t I get to know something about you?” You question as Harry slides the it across the table towards you.

“What would you like to know?” He asks as you take the lid off the container.

“Everything.” Harry rolls his eyes and chuckles as you try your hardest to mimic him but even you can’t take yourself seriously making yourself laugh.

“Well I’m in a band.” Your eyebrows raise as he reaches into his pocket to pull out his phone. “I’m not sure if you’re familiar with uh One Direction?” You watch him type a few things on it and then he’s handing it to you.

“Oh my heavens y’all are precious.” Harry’s cheeks get pink as you bring the phone closer to your face so you can get a better look. “Is this you? Where are your tattoos? You look so naked.” Harry laughs as you turn the phone around so he can see the screen and sure enough you’re pointing at him.

“That’s me and uh that’s Niall,” he points to the blonde one standing next to him in the photo. “And then it’s Liam and Louis and that’s Zayn.” You just smile and nod as he points each boy out. “But that photo is a little bit after we became a band.” He explains as you hand him his phone back.

“I could’ve sworn I only heard your voice singing that fruit song in Target though?” You ask and Harry rubs at the back of his neck as you reach into the container for a brownie.

“Yes that’s uhm because we are on sort of a break? Or like whatever you want to call it but we are all doing our own things.” Harry looks down briefly as he speaks and when he looks back up he feels his eyes go wide as he watches you open your mouth to take a bite of one of his brownies. “You can’t eat that!” He doesn’t mean for it to come out so loud but he’s glad it did because it causes you to jump slightly making the brownie fall from your hands and land back into the container.

“Harry Edward what the hell has gotten into you?”

“I’m sorry but you just can’t eat these.” He reaches over for the container of brownies but you just smack his hand away making him frown.

“It’s rude to try and snatch a woman’s snack away from her like that.” You say with a glare as you grab another brownie and before Harry can do or say anything you take a bite out of it. He watches you slowly chew and your eyes don’t leave his as you keep chewing for what feels like minutes and Harry feels his face get hot as you look away so you can reach over for a napkin.

“Oh god.” He’s never wanted to just disappear more than he does right now as he watches you try your hardest to keep your face together but he knows, he just knows you put one of the worst things you’ve ever tasted into your mouth and it was something he made.

“Honey what does your sugar container look like?” Your voice is soft and sweet and he imagines it’s the same tone you use in your classroom when talking to one of your students as you wipe your mouth with the napkin after you tried to subtly spit the bite of brownie out into it.

“Uh it’s white with an s on it.” He answers and you just nod as you place the lid back onto the container.

“And what do you keep your salt in?” You ask as you hand the container back to Harry.

“It’s uhm also…in a white container with an s on it.” Harry realizes the mistake he’s made as soon as he’s done talking and you just give him an encouraging smile as you reach over and grab his hands.

“It’s a common mistake sugar it’s okay we can fix it.” He just lets out a huff as he leans his head down so his forehead is resting on your hands that are holding his.

“I just thought they’d taste burnt..or maybe dry…but salty?” You try to hold back a giggle as Harry lifts his head so he’s sitting up and he looks utterly defeated as he glares at the container holding his overly salty dessert. “I didn’t see that one coming.” You just give his hands a squeeze and run your thumbs over his knuckles trying to help him feel better.

“Tell me more about your band.” Harry is glad for the subject change as you give his hands one last squeeze before letting them go. “How long have y’all been on this break thing?” You ask as you dig around in your bag for your chapstick.

“Uhm a few years I-”

“Years? So y’all aren’t getting back together then?”

“I think we will one day.” Harry says with a shrug as you put your chapstick back in your bag, he knows that’s not really an answer but it’s all he has right now.

“What’s a song I might know from y’all?” He smiles as his mind automatically goes to one song in particular that he feels everyone knows, even you.

“Have you heard a song called what makes you beautiful?” The look on your face tells him that it’s not ringing any bells. “You’re insecure not sure what for-”

“Oh my god that’s y’all?” Harry chuckles as your face lights up at the familiar opening line. “That is such a cute song.” You add with a smile as you grab your bag and stand up to get off the bench making Harry raise an eyebrow.

“Uhm where-”

“Let’s take a walk sugar plum.” Harry watches as you grab his container of brownies and shove it into your bag before you hold your hand out for him.

“That’s your hand.”

“It is.”

“Am I allowed to hold it or is this a sick joke because I made saltwater brownies?”

“I’m not that cruel honey.” You wiggle your fingers at him just like you did the very first time he met you in the grocery store. “Come on I don’t bite.” Your voice is teasing but Harry just smiles as he stands up and quickly grabs his foil wrapped half eaten brownie and shoves it into his pocket before taking your hand.

“Lead the way love.” He gestures with his free hand making you laugh as you feel him interlock his fingers with yours.

“Don’t I always?” With that Harry just playfully rolls his eyes as you begin walking towards the steps that lead down to the beach and he’s well aware that even if you didn’t offer him your hand he would’ve agreed to walk on the beach with you because honestly Harry would follow you just about anywhere.

[classicbarbiebracket]

Propaganda:

Barbie in the Nutcracker--The very first of the classic Barbie films, Barbie plays Clara, who is shrunken into doll-size by the evil Mouse King. To return home, she must work the Nutcracker to find the Super Plum Princess. Fans of this film remember the dramatic reveal of the Nutcracker's true identity as the prince of the realm, the beautiful costumes, and the fights between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker.

Barbie and the Three Musketeers--The very last of this era, in this rendition of the Three Musketeers, Barbie plays Corinne, a wannabe musketeer who travels to Paris, though she can only find work as a maid. Alongside three other maids, Corinne begins secretly training to be musketeers under an older maid. They discover a plot against the king's life but are expelled from the castle before they can convince anyone of the truth. Together, they foil the plot and save the kingdom. This film directly targets sexism and focuses on a strong central cast of women.

[mariacallous]

Chicken tabaka is a western Georgian dish where a whole chicken is flattened and pan-fried while being weighed down by another pan or heavy object. The chicken ends up golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. It is so delicious and simple that it has become wildly popular in homes and restaurants across the Caucasus, Central Asia and former Soviet countries.

Tabaka (or taphaka) comes from the name for a Georgian frying pan called a tapa, which is traditionally used to make this recipe. You can make chicken tabaka with any heavy bottomed skillet or cast iron pan, along with something you can weigh the chicken down with, such as a second heavy skillet, a heavy pot or bricks wrapped in foil. You can also make this recipe on a grill by cooking the chicken directly on the grates while weighing it down. This dish is similar to spatchcocked chicken (where the backbone is removed from the chicken), but for chicken tabaka it is common to flatten the chicken by simply cutting down the center of the breastbone. Flattening and pressing the chicken allows it to cook quickly and evenly while creating the perfect texture and taste. 

This rustic and simple dish is often served with garlic sauce or tkemali, a Georgian wild plum sauce. Chicken tabaka pairs perfectly with fried potatoes or rice, and with a big, simple salad of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. I like to serve mine with a Georgian garlic cilantro sauce made in the same pan you cook the chicken in, along with lemon wedges to squeeze on top for an extra pop of flavor. 

Note: Make sure to cook the chicken over medium-low heat. If the temperature is too high, the chicken will burn on the outside. This recipe works best with a smaller chicken that is between 3-4 lbs, if you’re using a larger bird the cooking time will take longer. 

[gamegem92]

(IO/Splatoon AU) Profiles thus far

Name: Joy Yoru

Species: Inkling

Subspecies: Firefly Squid 

Ink Color(natural): Yellow/Blue gradient 

Weapon of Choice: Dapple Dualies

Headgear: Sun Visor

Clothing: Lime BlobMob Tee

Shoes: Cyan Trainers

~~~~~~~

Name: _____ “Sadness” Egea 

Species: Inkling

Subspecies: Glass Squid (Egea Inermis)

Ink Color(natural): Blue

Weapon of Choice: Bloblobber

Headgear: Full-Moon Glasses

Clothing: Tenured Turtleneck 

Shoes: Blue Slip-Ons

~~~~~~~

Name: _______ “Anger” Rossi

Species: Inkling

Subspecies: Chilean Bobtail Squid

Ink Color(natural): Red

Weapon of Choice: Carbon Roller

Headgear: Skull Bandana

Clothing: King Jersey

Shoes: Buckle-Down Boots

~~~~~~~

Name: ______ “Disgust” Loligo

Species: Inkling

Subspecies: Longfin Inshore Squid

Ink Color(natural): Green

Weapon of Choice: REEF-LUX 450

Headgear: Squidbeak Shield

Clothing: Plum Barazushi Wrap

Shoes: Onyx 01STERs

~~~~~~~

Name: _________ “Fear” Ivieran

Species: Inkling

Subspecies: Long-Armed Squid 

Ink Color(natural): Violet 

Weapon of Choice: New Squiffer

Headgear: Fake Contacts

Clothing: Office Attire

Shoes: Baggy-Sock Fringe Loafs

~~~~~~~

Name: ____ “Anxiety” Koystvo

Species: Octoling

Subspecies: Blind Cirrate Octopus

Ink Color(natural): Orange

Weapon of Choice: Painbrush

Headgear: Noise Cancelers

Clothing: Striped Rugby

Shoes: Clownfish Basics

~~~~~~~

Name: ______ “Envy” Bluu

Species: Octoling

Subspecies: Blue-Ringed Octopus

Ink Color(natural): Cyan

Weapon of Choice: Foil Squeezer

Headgear: Fishfry Biscuit Bandana

Clothing: Crustwear XXL

Shoes: Bubble Rain Boots 

~~~~~~~

Name: _________ “Ennui” Vitrele

Species: Octoling

Subspecies: Glass Octopus (Richardi)

Ink Color(natural): Lilac

Weapon of Choice: Undercover Sorella Brella

Headgear: Annaki Beret

Clothing: Negative Longcuff Sweater

Shoes: Octoleet Boots

~~~~~~~

Name: ______ “Embarrassment” Pacifico

Species: Octoling

Subspecies: Giant Pacific Octopus

Ink Color(natural): Pink

Weapon of Choice: Splatana Wiper

Headgear: Snaxolotl Hood

Clothing: Whale-Knit Sweater 

Shoes: Pink Dadfoot Sandals

[mannylikessims]

The True Story of the Villareal Family [2.5]

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Crickets chirped outside the Villareal residence, a mansion that lay nestled in the center of its own private island. A place so isolated, no one in the town of Windenburg could hear you even if you cried out.

“Dinner’s ready!” Hugo cried out.

After a few nights of rest, he felt refreshed enough to cook for the family again.

The Villareals assembled at the dining table, greeted by an entire roasted bass rubbed in spices and a caprese salad with a tastefully drizzled balsamic reduction.

“Oh, this looks great,” said Luna, glancing up from her phone. “Thank you, Hugo.”

“Yes, yes, what she said,” said Jacques.

Jacques had to be very careful right now after his failure earlier this week. He couldn’t risk his children becoming suspicious of him before his deed was accomplished. For everything to work out to his maximum benefit, he needed to plan the perfect accident.

It was just a few more days of pretending to be a normal father, he promised himself. Then he would be free to pursue his hobbies unfettered for the rest of his life.

If only Hugo would stop staring at him.

He cleared his throat. “So, offspring, how was school today?” Excellent question, he told himself. Very fatherlike.

“They brought some dead frogs to class for us to dissect today. It was upsetting,” complained Max.

“Aw, I remember when we had to do that,” said Luna sympathetically. “It’s pretty gross, isn’t it? I understand how you feel.”

Max huffed but ate his fish quietly, because, in fact, his sister did not understand how he felt. He wasn’t upset that they had to dissect frogs; he was upset that the frogs were delivered already dead.

“Offspring, how about we plan our next Family Fun Day, hm?” Jacques asked. Nicely slipped that in there, he thought to himself. Not suspicious at all.

“Ooh what if we went back to the Von Haunt Estate?” said Luna while Jacques resisted the urge to scold her for being on her phone during dinner. “That was so fun for everyone last time!”

If she had looked up from her phone, she might’ve seen Hugo giving her a dirty look. And she definitely would have seen her father’s face shrivel up like an angry prune at the mention of the Von Haunt Estate.

“Well, maybe we could if someone hadn’t gotten me banned from that cherished tourist destination.” He looked pointedly at Max, who was nonchalantly stabbing his fish, pretending not to notice his father’s ire.

The Von Haunt Estate used to be his favorite place to go to dress up as a knight and play chess. Used to be. Getting banned from his favorite establishment was the final incident that had triggered Jacques’ evil plans. Keep it together, Jacques, he reminded himself. It’ll all be over soon.

“I’ve got it!” he said, changing from scowling to beaming in an instant. “How about a Family Fun Day at the spa?”

His eyes grew as wide as their dinner plates. “Say, wouldn’t it be nice to sit in a sweltering hot sauna for the rest of your lives?”

The table went silent.

“What’s a sauna?” said Max.

“What, you don’t know? It’s a hot, steamy room, and if you stay in there too long, you–“

“Dad, spas don’t exist in our world.” Hugo suddenly interrupted. This was the first thing he’d said since they sat down – he’d spent the entire meal quiet with a glassy, faraway look on his face.

His father fumed. Another ingenious plan of his, foiled?

He slammed his fists onto the table, the tableware clattering. “Well, plum this!”

Luna gasped. “Dad, language! Not in front of Max!”

Jaques stood up and slammed his chair into the table, muttering under his breath as he stormed out of the dining room, the children watching him.

"Cheapskate Watcher. How dare she not have saunas?"

The kids were left alone in the dining room in an uneasy silence. Their father’s mood swings seemed a bit, well, swingier than usual.

Max was still grinning, however, because he had just learned a new word.

“Plum, haha!” he chuckled. “Plum, plum, plum…”

───────────────✦───────────────

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[valoisfulcanelli]

A brief analysis of the Sunset Valley Goth family graves in The Sims 3

I've been meaning to do this for some time, since I used one observation from this within my story. But there are a few interesting points in the Sunset Valley Goth family graveyard in The Sims 3, which I've not seen touched upon in detail in any of the videos I've watched about the Goths. Notably, what's around each grave.

Let's start with Cornelia's family.

Simon Crumplebottom - Cornelia's father

Simon's grave is marked with the smallest tombstone - a tablet - which means he died having earned a total of less than 75,000 Lifetime Points. (This total includes those spent during the lifetime.)

His body is shown as buried within a sarcophagus. Traditionally, sarcophagi were used to bury wealthy people, and leaders.

The only other thing beside his grave is an Ornamental Plumb Tree. There is no such exactly-named plant in real life, but this is clearly a Sims version of the Ornamental Plum Tree, whose meaning is that of hope after enduring a long cold season.

Simon died of old age.

Prudence Crumplebottom - Cornelia's mother

Prudence's grave is marked with the medium sized gravestone, which means she died having earned between 75,000 and 149,999 Lifetime Points.

Flanking her headstone are two evergreens, symbolising eternal life, since evergreens retain their leaves during winter.

Prudence died of old age.

Now let's look at Gunther's family.

Victor Goth - Gunther's father

Victor's grave is central to the Goth family graveyard. His gravestone is the largest one available - a pillar - which means he died having earned more than 150,000 Lifetime Points.

Surrounding his grave is a dark Hilt & Foil Fence with two gates - presumably so his gravestone can be accessed for cleaning - the corners of which are adorned with a total of four evergreens. As with Prudence's grave, these symbolise eternal life, since evergreens retain their leaves during winter.

Victor died of old age.

Gretle Goth - Gunther's mother

Gretle's grave has the most items around it. Her gravestone is the medium-sized one, which means she died having earned between 75,000 and 149,999 Lifetime Points.

Planted beside her grave is an Ornamental Plumb Tree (as per the one planted beside Simon Crumplebottom's grave, this is a Sims reference to the Ornamental Plum Tree, whose meaning is that of hope after enduring a long cold season).

Between the tree and the gravestone is a pot of Calla Lilies. Lilies are traditionally mourning flowers and their white variants are often associated with rebirth and resurrection (they're frequently used in churches around Easter, as well as in funeral wreaths), but in The Sims 3 we only have the pink variant. Pink Calla Lilies are rarer than white ones, and they symbolise love, admiration, appreciation, and oftentimes also romance.

Of greatest interest here, though, is the bench positioned facing the grave. Somebody clearly comes here for some peaceful time, and to be close to Gretle's final resting place.

Gretle died of old age.

Finally, the mystery...

Lolita Goth - unknown

Lolita's gravestone is the smallest type - a tablet - which means she died having earned a total of less than 75,000 Lifetime Points.

The only ornamentation on Lolita's grave are three plots of planted daisies, which have many different meanings, including: innocence, purity, hope, patience, simplicity, and loyal love.

Lolita died of electrocution.

I'm not here to debate all the theories about Lolita: about whether she's actually Frida Goth, or whether she's based on the Nabokov novel (and, if so, which male Sim was 'her' Humbert Humbert). I'm just going to mention what I've used for my story.

In my personal headcanon, Lolita is Gunther's first wife, who died in a tragic accident. In The Sims 3, electrocution only happens after a Sim has already been shocked once: if they're shocked again while still in their 'singed' state, that's the point where they die of electrocution.

There are a few electrical items in the Goth household in Sunset Valley: a fridge, the oven (which clearly is the kind that has electric rings rather than gas burners), five table lamps, four floor lamps, and a number of ceiling lamps. You could also count the Audio Lite portable stereo in Mortimer's room, but - given its portability - it's clearly battery-powered rather than mains-powered. But any number of these items could have been purchased more recently.

When resurrected, Lolita's main everyday outfit looks very 1960s in style, with her mini-dress reminiscent of the style of Mary Quant, and her long hair held back with a wide hairband. Her formal outfit is a little more eclectic, being a corseted long dress, but her sleepwear and swimwear are both flowered, and - of course - the 60s were known as the Flower Power era.

Granted, this doesn't quite fit the assumed timelines of the Sims games (which are kind of all over the place anyway). One item description in The Sims 2 seems to date that game to around the early 2000s. Since TS2 takes place 50 years after TS3, this puts TS3 at around the 1950s. However... the 1950s didn't feature many of the types of item found in the base game, including the Audio Lite portable stereo in Mortimer's room (which resembles something more from the 1980s than the 1950s).

So, just who is tending the graves of the women on Gunther's side of the family? The graves for Cornelia's side of the family have decorations that require little maintenance: occasional trimming of the evergreens and a wipe-down of the gravestones.

But for Gretle and Lolita Goth? There's that pot of flowers for Gretle, which would - in reality - need watering. There are planted flowers for Lolita, which would - again, in reality - need weeding and watering. Gretle's grave also has a bench facing it, which means someone goes to sit out there sometimes. Maybe Gretle passed before Victor, and he put the bench there, or maybe Gunther added the bench. But someone is tending those two graves.

ETA: As if to make a point, in the game that I started up to take these screenshots, Victor came out to haunt on the full moon, and sat by Gretle's grave :'(

[chungledown-bimothy]

Imagine if Lapin had survived and Jet still died.

Lapin and Saccharina would have one hell of a dynamic, I think.

Saccharina initially triggered by the presence of someone who very much looks like a Bulbian chancellor, but then learning he's a warlock of the Sugar Plum Fairy?

I don't think she'd buy it, not until the SPF fight and however Brennan would have handled a warlock fighting his patron. (probably a lot of con or charisma saves? that's not the point here)

And then he's got all this information about the true nature of the Bulb that tears the church to fuckin shreds.

We never really learned how Lapin felt about the Bulbian faith or the Sweetening Path, so that's harder to call. I have my own headcanons, of course, but I think however he felt, having the foil of Saccharina would have been very, very interesting.

[morethansalad]

Potato-Tomato Gratin with Horseradish (Vegan)

4–6 servings

4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided; plus more for serving (optional)

1 large onion, thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

2½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, divided

3 Tbsp. drained prepared horseradish

1 Tbsp. double-concentrated tomato paste

½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes or 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp. thyme leaves, divided

1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth or 1 tsp. Better Than Bouillon reconstituted in 1 cup water

1½ lb. Yukon Gold potatoes (about 4 medium), scrubbed, sliced into ¼"-thick rounds

1½ lb. plum tomatoes (7–8), ends trimmed, sliced into ¼"-thick rounds

1 (2"–3") piece fresh horseradish, peeled, or 1 oz. vegan Parmesan, finely grated (for serving)

Flaky sea salt

Step 1: Arrange a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 350°F. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-low. Add onion, garlic, and ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt and cook, stirring often, until onion and garlic are softened and translucent but without taking on any color, 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in prepared horseradish, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes, and 1 Tbsp. thyme leaves. Transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2: Combine broth and remaining 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a small bowl or measuring cup, stirring to dissolve salt; set aside.

Step 3: Add potatoes to bowl with onion mixture and toss to combine. Arrange groups of 4–5 tomato slices and 4–5 potato and onion slices in alternating stacks in a 2–2½ qt. baking dish or medium cast-iron skillet so edges are aligned vertically, working your way around perimeter of dish before moving into center. The pieces should be very tightly packed; tuck leftover onion filling into any gaps.

Step 4: Pour reserved broth over vegetables and drizzle with 3 Tbsp. oil. Cover tightly with foil and bake until potatoes are tender and tomatoes are juicy, 40–50 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 425°, uncover baking dish, and continue to bake until liquid is reduced by about half, tomatoes are concentrated and jammy, and potato edges are golden brown and crisp, 30–45 minutes more. Let cool 15 minutes.

Step 5: Drizzle gratin with a little more oil if desired and sprinkle with sea salt and remaining 1 Tbsp. thyme leaves. Finely grate as much fresh horseradish over as you’d like.

[eepyartz]

Side Order Au

Story of the au- this au just adds more characters with the ability to switch the character you can play as. Being able to switch characters adds special levels

A simple side order au but, what if it was more oc based

Characters

Off the hook

Acht

Violet

Fatal Ice (seperated)

4

María

Toxic Jewels (separated)

Since this is more oc based some boss fights require specific ocs to fight it because of their relationship with the other character that they’re fighting.

Toxic Jewels & Fatal Ice are separate for a different reason because the members of the bands are separated from their female members. So, now they climb the spire of order in hopes to find them before they hit the top.

Boss Fight 1

The Captain of skeletal-Ice

Skeletal Snow

Character requirement- Jinx

Boss Fight 2

The Forgotten one

Jellyton 4

Character Requirement- Violet

Boss Fight 3

Overworked idol

Coral Raisy

Character Requirement-Bevy & Saku

Some of these characters already had gained some of the pallets needed to beat these upcoming bosses.

It would be best for them to get upgrades as they climbed the spire

With 8 being more skilled she took bites at the rigorous stages while everyone else did the hard and normal stages.

Though the ida sisters would have to battle together for the time in forever after finding a secret boss fight

Character switch- María —> Coral

Using coral in a run unlocks a level titled “The Floral Soldier” as plum takes a similar appearance as 4 and heleda looking like the skeletal fish enemies

She throws out flower-based enemies, as she runs to take cover. But, they leave the spire together in his words “He came for one thing and he got it”

Secret Boss

‘Lost Parents’

Character Requirement- Marina & María

It seems order had taken control of their parents so, now they had to defeat them to get them back . Once freed though it was not their fault they grieve that they’ve missed so much of 8’s life

Violet’s Palette

Weapon- Order E-liter 4k

Bomb-Suction Bomb

Special-Stamper

Most Common Chips-Power

Second Most Common Chips- Homing Shots

Plum’s Palette

Weapon- Order Rose Roller

Bomb- splat bombs

Special-reef slider

Most Common Chips- Range

Second Most Common Chips- Power

Daisy’s Palette

Weapon- Order N-ZAP ‘89

Bombs-Splash Wall

Special-Tenta Missiles

Most Common Chips-Mobility

Second Most Common Chip-Lucky

Bevy’s Palette

Weapon-Order Splash-o-matic

Bombs-angle shooter

Special-ink vac

Most Common chips- Support

Second most common chips- Drone

Saku’s Palette

Weapon- Order Aerospray

Bomb-sprinkler

Special- Ink jet

Most common chips- Range

Second common chips- support

Helada’s Palette

Weapon-Order tetra dualies

Bombs-auto bombs

Special- Kraken

Most Common chip- Power

Second most common chip-range

Jinx’s Palette

Weapon-Order Foil Squeezer

Bomb-Torpedo

Special- Splash Down

Most common chip-Drone

Second most common chip-mobility

Coral’s Palette

Weapon-Order Splatana Wiper

Bomb-burst

Special-Crab Tank

Most Common Chips-Luck

Second most common chips- Mobility

Bonus!

Acht’s Palette

Weapon-Order Jet Squelcher

Bomb-ink mine

Special-Enemy Stunner

Most Common chip type-Range

Second Most Common chip type- power

(Just wanted to make this)

[Edit-and i also will edit this every now and then when i add something new ✨]

Character Switches- character switches can give different things to the run maybe different dialogues or a special level

For example

Switch María —> Enzo(4)- You unlock a boss fight called ‘Child Star’ against a monochrome hypno shades violet with dialogue of him & pearl

Switch María —> Kamau(3)

Unlocks dialogue being confused why the captain is here along with a boss fight call ‘Octo Captain’ up against María

Also unlocks a little song duo between the two, which is a reprise/cover of Candy coated rocks & color pulse

Switch María—> Callie & Marie

Unlocks fangirling dialogue from marina and a boss fight called ‘Double Trouble’ against violet & 4

Switch María —> Glimmer & Shimmer (neo 3 & 3.1)

Unlocks new dialogue

Switch María—> Deep Cut

Unlocks new dialogue & a boss fight called ‘Out with the old in with the new’ fight with the squid sister trio

Switch María —> Octavio

Unlocks new dialogue & a boss fight called ‘The Ida’s’ between Octavio and his brother

Switch María —> Marina

Unlocks alternative dialogue & a Boss fight called ‘Inner 8’

Bonus! using marina in a run unlocks song reprises or song covers

- Marietime memory (Reprise)

Covered by- Marina & María

-Imperfect Majesty (Side order nasty majesty remix)- covered by Violet & María

-City of color reprise covered by - violet & maría

Side Order Au

Secret Boss

Bleached Infinity

Location of Boss battle: A colorless Octo Valley, the place where the storymode of splatoon 1 took place.

Normally you’d be 8 but, now you’re 3 as you now play as Kamau the captain of the new new squidbeak splatoon wearing a colorless but, tweaked version of his old agent uniform but, still bared his captain hat and main weapon now tasked with the objective to take down 8 taken over by bleached coral sticking out the side of her head.

The boss battle has 5 phases against 8 with her using two of the six maxed out power chips in each phase. Which includes Power, Range, Mobility, Drone , Support & Lucky.

During the fifth phase 8 is slower since she has progressively gotten tired out trying to use different chip combinations to help. The end of the fight finally getting the coral off her face though it left a mark it was a victory.

Extra Fun Fact!- Since the boss battle takes place in the digital version of octo valley after every phase the background always changed to a different area when 8 super jumps to the boss kettle of that respective area

And when you finally defeat her it goes back to the Octo Valley. The music of the boss fight is probably like distorted remixes of the splat 1 bosses, boss music

[fcukfodmap]

Low-FODMAP Gluten-free Tamales

The teen got all excited about making tamales because we had some at the Ren Fest -- look, I know: super period-authentic -- but they really aren't available here in the town we live in. (One thing I miss about living in a bigger city is the variety of ethnic food available. I was just waxing rhapsodic over this one Ukrainian deli, sigh.)

I'm a white person from Minnesota, so I have very little experience making Mesoamerican food other than Tim Walz-style Mexican-themed hotdish. This is my disclaimer that nothing about this is authentic. But I'm always game to try things, so the kid and I waded in. Turned out just fine! To the recipe!

Low-FODMAP Gluten-free Tamales

3/4 c quick grits, not instant

1 c boiling water

3/4 c masa harina

20ish large dried corn husks

1 stick lactose free butter

1 tbsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 c shredded cheese

2 tbsp minced pickled jalapenos

1 c shredded cooked chicken or pork

Put grits in a bowl, whisk in boiling water, and let sit for about 10 minutes until the water is absorbed. Stir in the corn masa to form a dough, cover, and let cool until room temp, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring 2 quarts of water to boil in a large pot, stir in the corn husks, cover, and simmer until soft and pliant, about 10 minutes. (You could also use this time to cook either the chicken or the pork for the filling. I used ground pork here because I'm lazy.)

Process the dough, corn kernels, butter, sugar, baking powder and salt in a food processor until the mixture is light and fluffy, about a minute.

Toss together the meat, cheese, and jalapenos in a small bowl. Working one at a time, spoon in about a 1/4 cup of the dough into the center of the husk. Press a tbsp or so of the meat and cheese mixture into the center of the dough, then roll using the husk so the filling is surrounded. Fold the sides over, then the bottom up. Rip strips off a corn husk to tie around the tamale to hold it together.

When all of the tamales are assembled, fit a large soup pot with a steamer basket, fill with water up to the basket, and bring to a boil. Fill the pot with the tamale packets with the folded side down and the open side up. Cover and steam for 1 hour, checking to make sure the water doesn't boil off, until the filling no longer sticks to the husks.

Of course, it took us a half dozen -- I made a double batch -- to get the hang of it, but it's not as hard to do as it looks. I could have used more of the minced jalapenos in this recipe, but otherwise the tamales were good. I also couldn't find a steamer basket so punted with this jury rigged contraption made out of tin foil. It was fine. Oh, and the original recipe called for 1/4 c butter and 1/4 c lard, but I forgot to get lard.

Honestly, I'm not entirely sure how low-FODMAP this recipe is, though I am sure it's gluten free. Corn can be problematic because of fructans. Corn flour is fine in a decent sized portion -- 2/3 cup -- and both grits and kernel corn are as well. The issue becomes putting all three in the same dish: you could get a FODMAP stacking effect. All the other ingredients are low FODMAP. So I would be judicious with portion size unless you know specifically how fructans affect you. That probably ends up being 2-3 tamales in a sitting.

Everyone liked the tamales and we have hella leftovers, which is great for next week. I don't think I'd make these again just on a random Tuesday, but I can see cranking out a bunch for a party or something. Which is probably why they're associated with weddings and Christmas. In fact, I remarked while we were cooking that the process reminded me of making plum pudding for Christmas: all the putzing and steaming. Glad it worked out.

Disclaimer: I am no dietician. I'm doing my best to minimize FODMAPS in my diet, but it's possible for me to be misinformed or mistaken about various ingredients.

[fruit-salad-ship]

Thanks discord, this wouldn’t leave me alone.

Have some fluff. I nicknamed this ‘a decent proposal’ as a joke but it kind of works.

For the hundredth time since the trio returned from their wonderful holiday, sunned and relaxed, Plum had demanded a fight. Peach being tolerant to her demands, and use to the usual crowd asking to brawl with her, just took it as another little claw at being an irritation. They fought, normally verbally but for months the ranger had taken loss after loss. Not once did the professor throw a punch or act offensively, it was all swift footwork and defence. She refused to raise a hand to her companion. No matter how much she baited her. A benefit to hisui perhaps, she had become far more patient and calm. The taunts from her opponent did not get under her skin, and there was no want in her to take this seriously, she joked about for every battle, and even went as far as to teach Plum some moves as they threw hands, to at least use the time wisely, and help her companion gain some skills. There wasn’t any way in hell that she’d be beaten by someone so small and unassuming, and so this felt fine to do.

And so, like clockwork, the two met after work hours, when all was calm and quiet on the island, grey turning up to sit at the sides and cheer them on, unable to take a side. Most of the time he just enjoyed the time they spent together. He had however, secretly been training plum, and quietly found great joy when she got a tiny step closer to winning. You see, the ranger had a plan. The egotistical woman she battled would get cocky, lazy, she fell into patterns only when she didn’t take you seriously, and so each time they fought, the ranger would take note, developing the perfect counter, the best way to down the giant without getting caught up in it herself. When peach worked, fought the Pokemon 10X her size, and won, she observed. It was weight transfers, pressure points, clever misdirects and the use of an opponents powers against them. She watched. She waited. She learnt.

The two went about their volatile dance, a mocking professor and plum, feigning frustration, leading her opponent to believe she didn’t have a cool collected head on her shoulders, and just as predicted, peach got lazy. Hit after hit she either took the impact, or redirected, footwork anticipated. She plants a foot and feels it get swiped out from under her while her weights off centre. For the first time against the ranger, Peach falls. Grey looks up from his phone, realising the plan had come to fruition, suddenly more invested. He too is aware of the plan Plum has, one she’s brewed for months, since peach had returned from Hisui and been open and honest with them. That moment sealed the trios fate, and set plum’s scheme in motion.

Before there was time to even register that her lazy approach had been foiled, the larger woman was caught in a painful lock, little hands managing to pull her in such a way that the pressure of her own movements hurt. A knee held one limb, plums entire form having to work overtime to stop her just pushing free. To Peach this was admirable, she’d underestimated her opponent, and at no one’s fault but her own, she had found herself in a predicament. Part of her couldn’t help but smile, this was an impressive feat. Through a laugh she relaxed her body, stopped fighting it, her opponent not cracking for a second.

“Congrats you little runt, you win.” The sharp grin as she looked back as far as she could to the ranger, face pressed into the floor stopping her from freely moving. She could hear the exhaustion of plum, the heavy breathing, the shake in her grip that refused to quit, the weight of her entire body pressed into the knee on the larger woman’s back. Peach however felt fine, hardly broke a sweat, could have worked hard to avoid this, but got lazy and after so long, and so many attempts to win, being put on her ass countless times, perhaps it was ok to let plum have this one. The grip loosened, weight on her reduced, and she was able to sit up on her elbows, looking back more, finally turning to face the victor. She looked exhausted, a sight that softened the professor as she got more comfortable, cross legged now, head leant on her hand as she quietly waited.

No words came out of Plum for a moment, still catching her breath, contemplating.

Grey across the room was shocked, she finally did it, finally won a fight, his hand fumbled something in his pocket as he returned his phone, waiting, breath hitched in his lungs.

“Well? Last time you won, by cheating might I add, you asked for something filthy. What’s the request this time?” Her mocking tone and clear calmness to losing was a change, she’d grown a lot, was more impressed with her companions grit, than angry that she’d lost. A notable difference.

“Uh-“ her eyes darted to Grey, his nod of ‘you’ve got this’ comforting, it grounded her, he always did. Peach tracked where she was looking, smiling to the big man, he was grinning, no doubt because of the win and loss that just occurred. “say yes.” Peach reset her gaze on the ranger, focusing on the simple ring in her hand, held out to her. She cocked her head and took it, turning it over in her hand.

“say yes to what? You haven’t given me…anything to…” for someone so smart, and so sharp, she really could be so incredibly stupid sometimes. She shot a gaze up from the item in her grasp, plums face a combination of determined ambition and worry, not a smile, not a frown, brow crunched, not saying a word where she sat on her knees, only just having caught her breath from the fight. Grey watched, seeing the other professor look to him, not sure what to do, as if to look for his confirmation? Support? Help? He too pulled a similar ring from his pocket, grinning with it in his hand. The dots connected, peach seeing this was planned, and suddenly all the months of fighting plum felt kind of dumb. She was just having some fun but this was so much more to them both the entire time.

Plum readied her argument, she’d prepared the fight, not only the physical one, but the emotional one that felt inevitable. Any second now she’d have to bring up all the moments they’d shared, how far their companionship had gone from enemies, to this, something irreplaceable.

She had discussed this with grey, and he had told her what happened when he brought up the prospect of engagement, or even just official commitment, but it was many years ago now, and peach was a different person, someone cold and deceptive. They both knew her now, her true name, her life, how she was raised, what she’d done. There was no more hiding, and it felt like since that moment, things had been the best they’d even been, something none of them wanted to give up or lose. So much so, plum wanted to take matters into her own hands. It was hard to read, but plum could see the other woman thinking hard, the way she scrunched her nose a little a clear tell. She use to think it an angry action but it was a pensive one.

“That’s a…huh…” Stumped, eyeing the simple band in her hand, knowing if she looked at plum, even for a second, she couldn’t think straight, would cave to her without giving it some genuine thought. They deserved an honest answer. After a moment, the ranger opened her mouth to try to find the right words that’d convince her, finally seeing the woman sitting ahead of her look up. “That’s a reasonable request.”

She blinked, hard, not certain of how she got away without having to argue this.

“what?” She wasn’t sure wether to laugh or cry, watching peach don the ring, one of several on her hands. Grey was already on his feet, speedily heading towards them, shocked at the amount his beloved partner had grown, and how they could do something proper about it finally. His big tight grasp bundled them up, and only then did it truly sink in for the smallest of the trio. It was only when they were free to pull back from the tight embrace that both the bigger members noticed plums tears, laughing at her attempts to wipe them away without success.

“you’re such a baby.” A loving, teasing sentiment as peach planted a big kiss on the rangers nose, holding her face to squish it gently.

Grey carried the little victor home on his back, a quite success to the days events, hand in hand with peach, able to feel the new addition to the collection on her hand.