#strawberries are flowering vigorously

[butts-for-days]

plants!! 🌱 🪴 🌿🥬🫛🍅🌶️🍉🥒🍓🥕🌷🌸

[veronicaphoenix]

the unmaking of a warrior | epilogue pt. 2

word count: 10k | reading time: 40mins. aprox. | series masterpost | my works ✨

Tags & trigger warnings: this takes place 2 years after the events that took place in epilogue part 1. Established relationship, dad!noah, angst, fluff, pregnancy, birth giving (flashback), mentions/descriptions of blood, sexual innuendos regarding bondage/rope play, skinny dipping, sexual content including oral sex (fem. rec.), p. in v. unprotected, creampie). Fluff, fluff, and a lot of fluff because dad!noah dad!noah dad!noah 🥹 can't get enough of him. I've wanted to write dad!noah for ages and he's finally here. And again, I've never given birth, i've never been pregnant, so excuse my lack of accuracy on that matter. If there's anything I've missed, please let me know. x

Nearly two years later

Winter had lingered longer than usual, but at last, spring had arrived, bringing with it a burst of color and warmth. The sun was gentle, neither too hot nor too faint, while a soft breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers.

As soon as the weather brightened, Noah and I began spending more time outdoors—whether it was venturing deep into the valley, lounging by the river’s edge, or simply relaxing in our garden.

This morning, I sat on a blanket spread across the grass in the front yard, with Trouble resting behind me. Her large, furry body made for a perfect backrest as I watched Levi carefully pick flowers and place them all over Trouble’s fur. At first, Trouble lay still, tolerating Levi’s enthusiastic flower-decorating, but as the pile of blooms grew, she huffed in mild protest. Once, she even let out a low growl, and I gently reminded her that he was just a baby, before telling Levi to give her a little break.

“But she looks so pretty!” he insisted, his version of “pretty” sounding more like “piuti”.

“She’s already got enough flowers on her,” I said. “Why don’t you put some on Mommy instead?”

“Yes!” he shouted, delighted by the idea. He wobbled over to me on unsteady legs, and began placing the flowers carefully on my hair. 

His shoulder-length brown hair, which we had only trimmed a couple of times since he was born, had been neatly tied up in a bun earlier that morning. But after hours of running and playing a few soft strands had escaped and now hung loosely, framing his sun-kissed face. He looked so much like Noah.

When one of the flowers fell into my lap, I picked it up and held it out to him. 

“Do you know what this one is called?”

He took a quick glance and shook his head before resuming his task of adorning my hair.

“It’s a daisy,” I told him.

“Daisy,” he repeated slowly. 

I reached for the basket sitting nearby, filled with a mix of toys and snacks. Levi’s attention was quickly diverted when I picked a box that contained fresh strawberries cut into tiny pieces. Their sweet fragance filled the air when I removed the lid. I picked one out and held it out to him.

“Strawberry?” he asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

“Strawberry,” I confirmed, smiling. I brought the fruit to his mouth, and he took a small, eager bite, juice dribbling down his chin. I wiped it away with my thumb. “One more?” I offered, holding up another.

He nodded, this time more vigorously as he leaned in for a second bite, his tiny hands grabbing at mine to get the strawberry faster into his mouth.

With a full mouth, he mumbled something incoherent, his eyes darting to the basket, no doubt looking for more treats. I reached inside and handed him one of his toys. He eagerly accepted a wooden cart and started to roll it back and forth over my legs. At least that was better than him rolling it on Trouble’s fur and igniting her fury. 

I spotted movement on the path leading from the village. A tall and slender figure made itself visible as it approached us, and that familiar flutter in my stomach came back. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of my husband. 

Noah was walking toward us. He looked so effortlessly striking wearing all black, his katana at his side and a radiant smile meant just for us. His hair, tied back in a loose bun, was longer than it’d ever been, and one loose strand was swaying gently with the breeze. 

He wasn’t alone.

Nestled against his hip was Sakura, one of her small hands on his shoulder, grapping tightly at his clothing. Though she was Levi’s twin and nearly two, she couldn’t yet walk, but that didn’t slow her down—she was happy to crawl everywhere. Her brown hair was tied up in a tiny bun to match her Papa’s, and it gave her an air of determination and pride. She loved mimicking him in everything. She was a courageous and bold little one, just like Levi.

“Look who’s coming,” I said to Levi, drawing his attention toward the path.

Levi’s eyes widened, and a grin spread across his face as he spotted Noah and his sister. 

“Papa!” he called out, his small body bouncing with excitement. He started to run toward his father but stopped when I pulled him back toward the blanket, keeping him close.

As Noah reached us, he bent down just as Sakura squirmed in his arms, extending her body and arms toward me. I scooped her up, cradling her close and planting a kiss on her cheek, her little nuzzle against my chest filling my heart.

With his arms now free, Noah crouched lower and scratched Trouble’s fur. 

“What happened to you?” He teased. “You look more colorful than usual.”

Trouble huffed, but as soon as Noah was laughing, she lifted her head to lick his hand. Noah smiled, rubbing her head before turning his focus to Levi.

“Hey, little warrior,” he said warmly. “How you doing?” He swept Levi up with ease and tossed him into the air, eliciting shrieks of joy. Levi giggled uncontrollably, his laughter filling the air as Noah caught him and repeated the throw.

Once Levi settled, he pointed excitedly at Trouble, his eyes sparkling. 

“Look, Papa! I put flowers on her.”

“I saw it. That’s a ton of flowers.”

Levi beamed proudly, then, as if remembering something important, pointed to me. 

“I put flowers on Mommy, too!”

Noah’s eyes shifted, softening as they landed on me. I was holding Sakura in my arms, who was eagerly nibbling on a piece of strawberry now. Our gazes met, and in that moment, for just a couple of seconds, everything else faded. The warmth in Noah’s eyes was as if it had just struck him again how lucky he was to have me by his side, as his wife. His gaze held mine, filled with both admiration and love, and I felt the familiar heat rise to my cheeks.

“She looks soooo priti!” Levi shouted, his voice high with excitement.

Noah’s lips parted.

“Prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”

His words sent a rush of warmth through me, and despite all the years we’d spent together, I still found myself flushing under his brown eyes. 

But the spell was broken by Sakura’s small voice. She raised her hand and waved it, her tiny fingers catching Noah’s attention. 

“Me?!”

Noah sat down beside me on the blanket, letting Levi wander off to pick more flowers.

“You,” Noah began, poking her cheek, “are the prettiest babygirl I’ve ever seen.”

Content, Sakura gave him one satisfied smile, a bit shy at her Papa’s compliment as her cheeks tinted pink and she defleated in my lap. 

Noah laughed. I would never get tired of the way he smiled at our children—of the joy they brought him.

A couple of minutes later, distracted by her brother’s doings, Sakura crawled out of my arms and followed Levi, and Noah and I both watched our twins explore their little world. 

“Was she okay?” I asked Noah without taking my eyes of the children. 

“She was as good as ever,” he told me. “Sat still on her spot during most of the training session, clapping everytime someone lifted their sword. Pretty sure she’s ready for a nap now.”

Seeing her playing lively with Levi raised some doubts. 

When I turned to look at Noah, I caught him staring intently at me. A second after, he was leaning over me, tucking some hairs behind my ear and kissing the corner of my mouth. 

“You look beautiful today,” he whispered.

“You said that yesterday,” I retorted, but the grin spread through my face nonetheless. 

Noah shrugged, still leaning to me. 

“I am merely stating facts.” 

I tsked my tongue and placed a hand on Noah’s jaw to bring him to me and kiss him on the lips. Right as I was doing so, we heard a yelp. 

Sakura, who had been crawling with purpose, always trying to catch up with her more mobile brother, had stopped by a bush. With her tiny hands she had tried to reach up for a flower perched higher than she could comfortably grasp. And as she tried to stand on wobbling legs, she toppled over, a small gasp escaping her as she fell back onto the grass.

Noah was up in an instant, rushing to her side before I could even react, his speed startling in its swiftness. Levi stopped what he was doing to look between his baby sister and his father with wide eyes,

I exhaled, seeing Noah scoop Sakura up into his arms, checking her. She wasn’t hurt, just surprised. I watched Noah’s face contorn in concern, and I was suddenly thrown back in time, to the day the twins were born.

We hadn’t known I was carrying two babies. After I had given birth to Sakura earlier than expected, we thought the ordeal was over. I had been sore, exhausted, and overwhelmed with joy as I held our daughter in our arms and then when I passed her to Noah. But before I could relish much in the moment, my screams pierced through the room, Sakura had been taken out from Noah’s arms, and he’d been ushered out.

To this day, it was still the worst and best day of Noah’s life. 

He thought he was going to lose me, unaware that the pain that was seizing me had to do with the fact that there was still another baby inside me, desperate to come into the world. Levi had been bigger than Sakura from birth. Noah held this belief that he’d been taking care of his sister inside my womb and he had been a gentleman and let her out first. However, the contractions that came with him were at full force. The surprise and intensity of it all left me feeling drained, my body struggling to cope. The second birth had been arduous, and by the time Levi was born, I was too weak to stay conscious. I had also lost a lot of blood.

After Levi’s birth, Rika had rushed to find Noah. 

“What happened?” Noah had asked, frozen as they placed his babygirl back in his arms, but the familiar cry he heard didn’t come from the baby he was holding. His mind was racing. He looked around. Then, he spotted Milla not too far. She was holding his babygirl. In a heartbeat, the truth hit him. He was holding a boy. There were two babies. Twins. 

His gaze flickered back to me immediately, terrified of what he would see. He spotted me, pale and unmoving on the futon. Panic filled his chest as he stared at the blood beneath me. 

“She is… She’s going to be okay, right?” he asked, because there was no other possible question—or outcome. His voice had barely been steady as he held our son close, unable to tear his eyes from my motionless form.

Rika reassured him. 

“She’s going to be okay. She lost a lot of blood, but she’ll recover. She just needs time. In the meantime, you need to be with your children.”

As she said this, Rika placed Sakura into Noah’s free arm. He stood there, arms full, cradling both babies at once. He looked down at them, their tiny faces nestled against his chest, his long arms able to hold both of them securely. His heart swelled with joy at the sight of his twins—one boy, one girl—but worry gnawed at him because I wasn’t there to share the moment.

Noah carried them over to where I lay, sinking down beside me on the futon. He sat quietly, overwhelmed by this mixture of happiness and fear. Our children drifted into sleep, their little breaths soft and steady. Soon, we were alone. The four of us—my family. 

Hours passed, and eventually, I began to stir. My body ached, and my vision was blurry at first. I blinked, trying to focus, my head heavy on the pillow. The first thing I saw was Noah, sitting by my side, his face drawn with exhaustion and relief. He was whispering softly, his voice low and calming, but it wasn’t until I tilted my head slightly that I realized who he was speaking to.

There, lying beside me on white blankets, were two wide-eyed babies. Both were staring up at their Papa, their small bodies wrapped in soft cloth. The boy yawned, his tiny hands stretching out as he blinked at the world. Sakura’s dark eyes were fixed on Noah’s face, her little fingers twitching as if already reaching for him.

I blinked, disbelief flooding my mind. Two. There were two.

“Noah...?”

He turned to me, relief spreading through him like a soothing balm as he realized I was awake. His smile was tender, and though his words were quiet, the weight of them was heavy with love. 

“We have twins,” he said, as if he still couldn’t quite believe it himself. “We have two of them.”

As Noah sat back down beside me, holding Sakura close, Levi resumed his flower hunt, and I cherished the fact that our children had been born in a safe space where they could explore and grow to be who they wanted to be. Noah’s presence beside me had always felt like an anchor, always there when I needed him, but since he’d become a father, his attention and support had doubled. He caught my eye and smiled, as if reading my thoughts. I smiled back, feeling that familiar tug of affection, the one that never seemed to fade, even after everything we’d been through.

Just as I reached over to brush a stray petal from Levi’s hair, a soft rustling behind us caught our attention and I saw Rika approaching.

Noah stiffened slightly, always on alert. Rika smiled warmly, hands clasped together as she approached the front yard.

“There’s someone here to see you,” she announced. She lingered just long enough for my heart to stutter with curiosity—and a hint of worry. Sensing the suspense, she quickly added, “It’s your grandmother.”

The tension eased from my shoulders. Beside me, Noah chuckled, shaking his head.

“Always keeping us on our toes,” he said with a grin, glancing down at Sakura, who perked up at the mention of a visitor, at the same time as Trouble thumped her tail excitedly. 

Grandma had always been a frequent visitor, long before Noah and I were even married. I’d tried to convince her to move into the Sanctuary, but she loved her little house in the village too much. It wasn’t far, and she promised to visit often—and she did. Her visits had only become more frequent after learning she would soon be a great-grandmother, a title that seemed to fill her with boundless happiness.

Noah stood, settling Sakura back onto the blanket next to me. 

“I’ll go give her a hand,” he offered, knowing Grandma could use the extra support these days, now that she leaned on a walking stick. She’d probably appreciate Noah’s arm to hold onto.

As Noah walked toward the path from the center of the Sanctuary to greet her, I leaned back on my hands, watching him go. He moved with that quiet strength, always so sure of himself, even when the world around us felt uncertain. It was hard to believe how far we’d come since the chaos of the twins’ birth—the exhaustion, the fear, and then the joy that had followed. Now, here we were, with two vibrant, curious children and the life we’d always dreamed of.

Sakura, back to her usual determined self, began to crawl toward Levi, her hands gripping the grass as she tried to keep up with him. Levi, busy with his bouquet of freshly picked flowers, spotted her coming and toddled over to meet her halfway, offering a dandelion he’d plucked from the ground. 

Inside the house, the air was warm and filled with the comforting scent of tea brewing. Noah was in the kitchen, preparing cups for everyone while the children played on the floor. I sat across from my grandmother, listening to her stories, her voice like a soothing melody.

Before long, Sakura set her sights on Noah’s katana, which hung temptingly on its stand by the entrance. Her little body wobbled on all fours as she began her mission and crawled toward it, her eyes gleaming with determination. I watched her from my seat, knowing Noah wouldn’t let her get far. Sakura seemed to sense this as well, for she paused midway and tilted her head to peer toward the open kitchen, where her Papa was busy pouring tea. Cleverly, she veered toward a cabinet, hoping to slip out of his sight. It was a smart tactic, but despite her stealth, the soft patter of her tiny hands and knees on the wooden floor soon caught Noah’s attention. Pausing, he raised his brows at the suspicious sound. The noise came again, like a small animal sneaking through the room, then silence. A grin tugged at Noah’s lips.

Moments later, a tiny hand peeked out from behind a piece of furniture, and Noah stifled a laugh as he resumed his work with the tea. 

Without looking up, he said, “I can see you.”

The instant he spoke, Sakura knew she’d been discovered. Her hands slapped the floor with renewed urgency as she crawled faster. 

Setting down the kettle on the kitchen island, Noah stepped out and scooped her up just before she could make her grand escape. Her little body squirmed in his arms.

“Not so fast,” he teased, tickling her belly.

Sakura’s giggles echoed through the room, filling it with a joyful energy that made all of us smile. Her small hands immediately reached towards his katana again, her fingers curling in the air toward the glimmering handle as she babbled the word: “Kitana, kitana!”

“That’s Papa’s. You’ll have to wait a little longer.”

Noah bounced her in his arms as he carried her back to the living room. 

Grandma, who had been pleasantly observing, had a spark in her wrinkled eyes as she laughed.

“She’s going to learn her way with a katana before she learns to walk, isn’t she?”

I couldn’t say no to that, looking at our daughter, whose fascination with her father’s sword was growing by the day. Noah set Sakura on my lap, her tiny hands still making grabby motions toward the weapon in the distance. She was relentless.

“She’s got a strong will, that’s for sure,” Noah said, watching her as she tried to wiggle free from my grasp to make another attempt for the katana. “Just like her Mama,” Noah added, casting me a glance before heading back to the kitchen to retrieve the tray with tea and snacks. 

“With a father like you, it’s no wonder she’s drawn to swords,” I teased back. 

Noah chuckled and finished preparing the tea, the soft, floral scent of jasmine filling the air as he brought the tray over to the low table in the center of the room. The sliding doors were open, and a breeze swept through the space, carrying with it the scent of the garden and the occasional sound of Trouble chasing chickens outside. 

“Levi, come sit with us and Grandma,” I called softly, watching Levi abandon the block tower he was building. He ran over with his usual burst of energy, his brown hair messy and strands hanging loose from his earlier play. 

Sakura was already seated beside Noah, nestled against big pillows that propped her up comfortably. Her eyes were wide with curiosity as she watched her Papa take a sip from his tea. Noah handed me my cup. He smiled knowingly as he passed a cup to Grandma, then turned his attention to Sakura. 

“You want some?” he asked. Immediately, he dipped his index finger into his cup and offered her a tiny drop.

Sakura leaned forward, her tiny pink lips pursing as she tasted the warm tea from the tip of his finger. Her eyes lit up, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. Of course she loved it—she was my daughter after all. 

Noah glanced at me. 

“Just like her Mama.”

After a while, with Levi nestled between Sakura and me, enjoying some snacks, I kept an eye on them, waiting for any sign they might be ready for a nap. Despite the day’s activities, however, both twins seemed wide awake. As the adults chatted, I didn’t notice when Levi, responding to Sakura’s insistent whispers, dipped his finger into my tea to offer her a few more drops.

It was Noah who caught him. 

With a slight frown, he said, “Levi, stop giving tea to your sister.”

“But she likes it,” Levi replied earnestly.

“You won’t like it when she gets all wired and keeps you up later,” Noah warned gently.

Levi blinked, likely not fully understanding his father’s point, but he obediently wiped his finger on his shirt and muttered a soft, sweet “Papa says no more” to Sakura, who looked at him with hopeful eyes.

A while later, with the twins still wide awake and showing no signs of tiring, Noah decided to take them out to the garden to burn off some energy. 

“Come on, you two, let’s tire you up,” he said with a grin, scooping them up. The twins squealed with delight as he hoisted them up high.

Once they were in the garden, he set each of them on one of his shoulders, holding them steady with his hands.

“Papa! ‘s very high!” Levi exclaimed. 

“This is called weight training,” Noah told them, pretending to strain under their combined weight. Levi and Sakura giggled, clutching his hair for balance as he wobbled dramatically. 

“Hey! Easy on the hair, little minx.” 

He pretended Sakura was about to slip off his shoulder, making her squeal, then shifted his balance as if Levi were the one tipping off the other side. Their peals of laughter echoed across the yard. It was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard—made all the more precious because it was Noah who was causing it.

Noah held them firmly, with the practiced ease of a father—and a Samurai, of course— who would never let them fall. Eventually, he set them down, and the two darted off across the grass. A short while later, Levi discovered a fallen wooden branch, smooth and straight—perfect for his purposes. His small fingers gripped it with a sense of destiny, and he swung it around with wide, serious eyes. 

“Papa!” he called. Then announced proudly, “I Samurai!”

Sakura, his biggest fan, started clapping her hands as she sat on the grass, hair messy and her face alight with admiration for her brother. Noah chuckled, kneeling down beside Levi, his own eyes twinkling.

“Show me your stance, little warrior.”

Levi straightened up, glancing at his father with fierce concentration, and clumsily attempted to imitate Noah’s stance, one foot forward, knees slightly bent. His little face was full of focus as he held the stick in front of him, eyes narrowed. Noah bit back laughter, unable to hide his delight at the sight of his son’s determined expression.

“You look like a real samurai, Levi,” Noah praised, giving him an approving nod. “But remember,” he added, “a samurai must have patience and strength.”

Levi nodded solemnly, gripping his wooden “sword” with purpose. 

“And they look after their baby sisters!”

Noah nodded. “They look after the girls they love,” he corrected. 

Sakura crawled over at full speed to join them bouncing on her hands and knees with enthusiasm. Noah, still kneeling, extended his arm to offer her support in case she wanted to try and stand up. 

From our seats in the living room, Grandma and I watched the scene unfolding in the garden. The sliding doors were open to the porch, and the breeze carried the sounds of Noah’s laughter and the twins’ gleeful squeals inside. We sipped our tea as we observed the little family scene—my little family.

 “Noah is so devoted to the children,” Grandma commented, “and to you. It makes me so happy to see this man so committed to his family.”

“I can only imagine how devoted he’ll be when there’s three of them,” I said, almost absently.

Grandma turned to me, her eyes widening in surprise. 

“Three? What do you—?”

I gently placed a hand over my stomach. 

“I think there’s a third one on the way,” I whispered.

“Oh, darling!” she exclaimed, immediately wrapping me in her arms. I hugged her back, feeling her love and excitement surround me. As I glanced over her shoulder, I caught sight of Noah looking toward me from the garden, a quizzical expression on his face. I waved him off with a quick shake of my hand, signaling that everything was fine.

“Does he know?” Grandma asked, pulling back and searching my face with a mixture of tenderness and curiosity.

“Not yet,” I replied. “I don’t want him to start worrying about me or the baby too soon. He’d only stress himself out and live in a constant state of panic.”

A soft, delicate smile spread across her face as she nodded in understanding. One last glance down at my stomach, and her eyes showed a new light as she processed the happy news. 

“You’ve built such a precious family,” she noted, squeezing my hand. “This is what you deserve.”

I nodded, feeling the truth of her words settle in my heart. It was everything I’d ever dreamed of.

My attention drifted back to the garden, where I spotted Sakura crawling across the grass again, her little body wiggling as she explored every inch of the ground. Levi toddled after her, a tiny, determined protector, keeping an eye on her every move as he held the stick in his hand. When Sakura reached out for a small, spiky stone, Levi waddled over, furrowing his brow in concern. 

“No, sis! Don’t touch!” he scolded in his limited but emphatic vocabulary, holding out his hand to stop her.

Despite her brother’s warnings, Sakura only giggled, flashing him a mischievous smile before crawling even faster, forcing Levi to chase after her. His little legs moved quickly, stumbling slightly but with determination as he followed her across the garden. Watching the two of them, Noah leaned back on the grass, a proud smile spreading across his face as he witnessed the bond between our kids. 

When Sakura crawled back to her Papa, Noa brushed a stray wisp of hair from her face. 

“Why don’t we practice your walking skills a little bit, huh? Enough crawling around,” he said, tapping her tiny nose. “Until you can stand on your own, babygirl, how do you plan on holding a katana?”

Sakura probably only caught the word “katana”. Nonetheless, she raised her arms up to him, and with his help, she planted her feet in front of her. Levi, always eager to be part of his sister’s milestones, scrambled to her side. He grasped her small hand. Noah placed his huge ones around her little body.

“Come, sis,” Levi encouraged. He tugged her hand forward, his eyes never leaving hers as he and Noah helped her up and steadied her. Sakura wobbled, almost losing her balance. She took a shaky step, then another.

Levi coaxed her along with a beaming smile, glowing with pride at his sister’s efforts. 

“You’re doing it, sis!” he said, pulling her forward with all the enthusiasm his small frame could muster. Sakura responded with another happy squeal, her trust in her brother absolute as she stumbled forward, gripping his hand tightly.

From the edge of the garden, Trouble lay stretched out under the sunlight, her black eyes tracking every move. She watched Sakura’s attempts with rapt attention, her tail swishing with encouragement as if cheering on our little one.

Sakura took a few more shaky steps, her hand still gripping Levi’s for balance, until she finally lost her footing. But just as she began to teeter, Noah scooped her up into his arms before she could fall. Sakura clung to her Papa, and Trouble, as if sensing the moment, lifted her head and let out a triumphant howl, celebrating our tiny human’s success.

Noah laughed, cradling Sakura close as she snuggled into Noah’s chest, exhausted but utterly thrilled, while Trouble wagged her tail even harder, her proud gaze following. It was as if she understood the victory of Sakura’s steps and was just as invested in every small victory as the rest of us.

As Noah held Sakura, her head rested against his shoulder, her hair now loose—the bun undone, and the hairband lost somewhere in the garden. Her eyelids began to flutter, the day’s activities finally catching up with her. She gave a little sigh, her fingers curling sleepily into his shirt as she drifted off. Noah turned to Levi, extending his free hand. 

“Come on, buddy.”

Levi obediently took his father’s hand, and together they headed back inside, with Trouble padding along behind them.

Once we were all back in the living room, Trouble trotted over to me, her keen eyes meeting mine with a knowing glint. She pressed her nose against my stomach, nudging me softly. I stroked her fur and gave her a gentle “Shh,” hoping she’d keep our little secret just a bit longer. 

Meanwhile, Noah adjusted his grip on the now-snoozing Sakura, and glanced at Levi, who was yawning and rubbing his eyes.

“Let’s get you two to your room for a nap,” he murmured, giving Levi’s hand a squeeze. Levi didn’t protest, his tiredness starting to show. “Go give Mama and Grandma a kiss.”

Levi leaned in and placed the softest kiss on my cheek, whispering, “bye, Mama.” Then moved to hug Grandma.

As they made their way to the twins’ shared bedroom, I watched them disappear down the hallway and Trouble settled down beside me, resting her head on my lap. I scratched behind her ears.

After a little while, Noah came back.

“They’re both out like lights.” He settled into his seat with a relaxed sigh, picking up his cup and taking a long sip of his tea. He noticed Trouble, who was still comfortably nestled with her head on my lap. “Hey, big girl,” he said with mock indignation, arching an eyebrow. “Where’s my share of the cuddles?”

As if understanding his request, Trouble lifted her head from my lap and trotted over to Noah, plopping down beside him with a huff. He scratched her behind the ears and ruflled the fur on her neck. She leaned into him, accepting his attention with her usual grace.

The peace didn’t last long, though. Less than an hour into their nap, I noticed Trouble’s ears perk up, her attention shifting to the hallway. She slipped away from us, heading toward the children’s bedroom. 

She had sensed them waking up. 

Sakura and Levi weren’t the type to cry when they woke; for the past year, they’d developed a habit of waking each other with little noises and soft giggles, almost as if inviting each other to play. 

I got up and followed Trouble, who smoothly squeezed through the gap Noah had left in the door.

When I opened it fully a moment later, I found Levi already out of bed, his face alight with excitement as he tried to wrestle with Trouble, charging at her and pushing with all his tiny might. Trouble looked thoroughly amused as she lay there with perfect patience, moving just enough to make him feel like he was putting up a real fight. His laughter rang out as he finally managed to clamber onto her back. In response, Trouble rolled over gently, pinning him beneath her massive paw in a playful but controlled move.

Not wanting to be left out, Sakura, who was obviously also awake, crawled over, her eyes fixated on Trouble’s tail as it swished enticingly from side to side. With a little pout, she reached out, trying to grab it, but Trouble swayed it just out of reach, starting a game of chase. Sakura crawled faster as she tried again and again to capture the elusive tail.

“Catch Trouble!” she called. 

Levi, now up on his feet, toddled around the room with all the confidence of a young explorer, and Sakura was quick to follow, her rapid crawling fueled by her intention to keep up with either her big brother of the wolf. Her little hands slapped against the floor as she tried to match their pace, but every so often, she would fall just a bit behind, her face scrunching in frustration.

Noticing this, Trouble ever so heedful, decided to pad over to her and lay down directly in her path, as if offering a solution. Sakura’s eyes lit up, and she eagerly clambered onto Trouble’s back, settling herself with a triumphant smile as she shouted “catch!”. With her tiny hands buried in Trouble’s thick fur, she held on tightly as the wolf rose slowly, careful with each movement and letting her enjoy her “victory”. Then, with Sakura perched securely on her back, Trouble began to walk at a measured pace, following Levi’s toddling path around the room. Sakura squealed with joy, her laughter bright as she held on, her little body bouncing with each step.

I watched them all, my heart full as I leaned against the doorframe.

Come evening, we prepared for the nightly ritual of bath time, one of my favorite moments of the day, while Grandma prepared dinner. I’d insisted she leave it to us, as she was our guest, but she insisted on cooking while we took care of the children. Noah and I filled the tub with warm water, adding just a hint of baby shampoo that filled the air with a soft, sweet fragrance and created a layer of frothy bubbles on the surface. After I undressed Sakura and Noah undressed Levi, we eased them gently into the water, ensuring their little bodies had time to adjust to the warmth.

Sakura, a water enthusiast, started kicking her legs right away. The instant her tiny feet touched the water, she sent splashes flying toward me, Noah, and her little brother, setting off giggles that only grew louder as she saw our crinkled faces.

Once seated in the tub, Levi joined in the fun, slapping the bubbles with his hands and gathering foam to blow into the air—a trick he’d picked up from watching me when they were a bit younger. Noah and I washed them carefully, shampooing their hair, which sometimes turned into a bit of a juggling act as they squirmed and giggled, forcing us to keep a steady grip so they wouldn’t slip beneath the water.

“Close your eyes,” Noah called out when it was time to rinse their hair. They both complied, but Sakura’s face always tensed a little, still a bit wary of the water streaming over her head and face.

Finally clean, smelling fresh and looking irresistibly pink-cheeked, with their skin moisturized and their hair tangle-free, we bundled each of them in thick, fluffy white towels, wrapping them snugly into two little burritos. They looked up at us, eyes half-closed, as if already starting to sink into the cozy warmth, the softness of the towels hugging their tiny bodies.

I stayed behind in the bathroom to clean up as Noah carried our little bundles over to our bed. I gathered the twins’ bath toys, placing them in a basket, then paused just outside the doorway to watch. Noah knelt on the bed, playfully towering over their tiny forms as they lay side-by-side, snug in their towel cocoons. He was using his playful, bedtime voice. 

“Who are Papa’s favorite little warriors?” 

Sakura and Levi gurgled and giggled under their Papa’s attention. Levi reached out, and Noah leaned closer, letting the tiny fingers brush his cheek, only to “accidentally” shift so Levi’s hand tapped his nose instead. Noah widened his eyes in surprise, prompting a delighted laugh from Levi. With a grin, Noah lifted Levi’s chubby feet, playfully nibbling at his toes before turning his attention to Sakura, who had been watching his antics with wide-eyed fascination. 

“What about you?” he asked. “Are you a brave little warrior?”

Sakura stretched an arm toward him, and he took her tiny hand, pressing a kiss on her knuckles. Then, tracing a line down her face, he murmured, “You’re Papa’s fearless princess, that’s what you are,” finishing with a tender boop on her nose.

He unwrapped her towel just enough to blow soft raspberries on her belly, then did the same to Levi, sending both of them into fits of giggles as they tried to curl up as if trying to escape.

“Who’s got the giggles now, huh?” Noah chuckled.

Noticing me in the doorway, he reached out a hand, and I joined him, bringing over the kids’ pajamas from the drawer. 

The next morning, Sakura was suprisingly the first to wake, her little voice calling for me. I could tell immediately that she was hungry, so I scooped her up and took her with me as I sat in the rocking chair in the room, where the quiet of the early morning enveloped us like a cozy blanket. As I fed her, the soft light filtering through the window illuminated her delicate features, and I couldn’t help but smile at how sweet and peaceful my daughter looked, with her Papa’s same eyes and hair.

“Slept well, babygirl?”

With her hands around the bottle and her lips glued to the tip, her eyes found mine and she nodded. 

Once she was fed and fully awake, I reminded her that Levi was still asleep, so I carried her with me back to the master bedroom, where Noah was still tangled in the sheets, lying on his stomach, shirtless, with one hand tucked beneath a pillow.

“Papa,” Sakura called.

Just hearing her say his name was enough to coax a smile from him, even with his eyes still closed. I let her climb onto the bed, and she crawled right over to him, nudging his tattooed shoulder with a soft insistence.

“Papa!” she repeated, louder this time, her tiny hands pushing against him.

“Yes, babygirl?” Noah mumbled, rolling over slowly to face her.

Sakura babbled something that neither of us quite understood, and we shared a laugh, enchanted by her morning enthusiasm.

“I know, I know,” Noah replied, stretching his arms overhead as he sat up, the sheets slipping away to reveal the entirety of his muscled tattoed torso. 

After a few moments of morning cuddles, Noah got dressed and decided to take our daughter out into the garden, where they were greeted by Trouble. They settled on the porch, where Noah cradled our baby girl in his arms, the two of them framed by the glow of the rising sun.

As the first light of day crept over the mountains, Sakura cooed and babbled happily, her little hands pointing at the sky in wonder. Noah murmured softly to her, sharing snippets of thoughts and observations about the world. He pointed out the way the colors changed in the morning light, the birds flitting about, and the way the leaves shimmered with dew.

After the entire family woke up and had finished breakfast, Grandma called out the children into the living room. 

“I have some surprises for you, little ones. Come here sit with Grandma.” On the floor in front of her were colorful packages wrapped in bright paper, each adorned with shiny ribbons. “Look what I brought for you!” 

Levi dashed over, tugging at his sister’s hand to urge her to crawl along behind him. 

Grandma began by handing them each a small package. Levi ripped into his with the fervor of a true little boy, revealing a set of brightly colored building blocks. His eyes widened in awe. 

“Look, Mama!” he exclaimed, holding them up proudly.

Sakura, on the other hand, took her time, delicately unwrapping her gift with tiny fingers. When she finally revealed a plush white bunny with extremely long ears, her face lit up with pure joy. She hugged it tightly to her chest, her delight evident as she nestled her head against it.

“Do you like your new bunny, sweetheart?” Grandma asked, her heart swelling with happiness.

Sakura nodded vigorously.

After unwrapping the toys, Grandma reached behind her and brought out two beautifully folded outfits.

“For my little warrior,” she announced, holding up a small, traditional outfit for Levi—a miniature warrior’s attire, complete with delicate, intricate details that mimicked one of his father’s. “And for my little princess,” she continued, revealing an elegant white kimono adorned with tiny embroidered blossoms.

We’d kept both children in modern, comfortable clothes—soft cotton jumpers, leggings, and joggers that allowed them to move freely and easily. But seeing these traditional clothes, made with such care and attention, felt like a small window into the past, connecting them with the roots of their heritage.

Levi darted over to Noah, who was sipping black coffee by the garden, one hand cradling his mug while the other rested on Trouble’s thick fur, who stood at Noah’s waist even on all fours.

“Papa! Can you help me wear this? I’m going to be just like you!” Levi’s eyes sparkled with excitement, the bundle of cloth and miniature armor pieces clutched in his tiny hands.

Noah set his coffee down and motioned Levi closer. He knelt, carefully fastening each part of the outfit, steady hands adjusting every strap and buckle with the same focus he might bring to his own armor. Levi stood stock-still, his chest puffed out proudly. When Noah finally stepped back to take in the sight, Levi looked every inch the little warrior. 

Noah chuckled softly, reaching out to smooth our son’s hair. 

“Looking good, Levi,” he murmured, feeling a tug of pride at the familiar look in Levi’s eyes. It was like seeing a younger version of himself, bold and ready for anything. “Did you say thank you to Grandma?”

As if realizing his mistake, he turned around and shouted, “Thank you, Grandma!”

Grandma’s smile only grew bigger.

As we admired Levi’s transformation, I noticed Sakura still sat on the floor, a look of frustration and sadness spreading across her face. She was tugging at her sweater, trying to pull it off by herself, her little face scrunched up in concentration—and then she started to cry silently, overwhelmed by her desire to join in but unable to undress on her own.

“Oh,” I muttered as I walked to her and kneeled down. “Baby, it’s okay. We’re going to help you.”

“No need to cry, come on,” Noah interjected, scooping her up and settling her on his lap as he took a seat on the couch. “Arms up, baby.”

She lifted her arms, sniffling a little as he gently pulled off her sweater and guided her tiny arms into the sleeves of her kimono. He adjusted each fold with care, and then tied the delicate sash around her waist. Once she was dressed, Noah lifted her and propped her up on his thighs. She stood there, balanced in his hands, her big eyes taking in the soft white fabric that flowed elegantly around her tiny frame. The kimono’s delicate folds shimmered in the morning light and made her look like a tiny princess straight out of a storybook.

“Look at you. My beautiful babygirl,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Sakura stood still, gazing up at him with a tiny blush blooming on her cheeks, her admiration shining so openly that it made Noah chuckle.

“I think your daughter might be in love with you,” Grandma commented with a smile.

“You have no idea,” I interjected, and all of us laughed. 

I walked over to them, smoothing my hand over the soft, white fabric of Sakura’s kimono, adjusting a fold even though Noah had already done it perfectly. She gazed up at me, her big eyes bright with excitement, and I couldn’t help but smile, my heart swelling as I took in her joy.

“You look absolutely beautiful, sweetheart,” I murmured, brushing a stray curl from her forehead. I glanced at Noah, letting a playful glint spark in my eyes. “Daddy did a great job.”

Noah smirked, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes. 

“Pretty good with belts and knots, aren’t I?” he murmured, his voice low enough that only I caught the edge of his joke. I shot him a wide-eyed look, barely able to hold back my laugh. Typical Noah, sneaking in a comment like that while Grandma and the kids were right there. Lucky for him, everyone else seemed blissfully unaware.

Then, with that familiar, warm smile, he slid his arm around my waist and tugged me closer. He didn’t even have to say anything for me to feel how much he loved being here with us, with his family.

Sakura watched us, her little face brightening as she glanced between her father and me. “Papa, kiss Mama,” she piped up, clapping her hands together.

Noah chuckled, his gaze meeting mine with a look that held years of shared stories, a million unspoken words. Then he tilted his chin up, I bent down, and he kissed me, a soft press of his lips that was so familiar yet always felt like a quiet thrill. Sakura’s giggles filled the room, the kind of laughter that made everything feel lighter, as if we’d slipped into one of the fairytales she loved so much.

After spending time with Grandma and taking a walk down to the heart of the sanctuary that morning, we met Rika’s family and other neighbors. Lunch was a communal affair in the main hall, where the air was rich with the scent of fresh rice, vegetables, and miso. Levi and Sakura spent the afternoon running about, playing with Rika and Milla’s children, giggling as they chased one another—eighter on two or four legs—, and even cautiously patting and feeding the deer that roamed around.

Trouble stalked nearby, her tail held high and a low, protective growl rumbling every time one of the other animals got too close to Levi and Sakura. She was overprotective, and it was clear she took her self-imposed role as a guardian seriously. 

Eventually, we made our way back to the house, the golden afternoon light filtering through the trees. While Noah went outside to feed Trouble, Grandma approached me with a knowing look in her eye. She took my hands in hers, her warmth and wisdom wrapping around me.

“Why don’t you and Noah take some time for yourselves?” she suggested. “I’ll stay here with the children.”

“But you only just got here,” I protested, reluctant to impose. “You don’t need to jump right into babysitting duty, Grandma.”

She gave a small laugh, her eyes crinkling.

“Maybe because I think Noah should know the news,” she said.

I paused, feeling a soft swell of emotion at the thought. Her hand squeezed mine as she looked into my eyes. 

“I know he’ll be even more protective and likely won’t let you out of his sight for a moment, but he deserves to be part of this journey and not miss a day. Let him share in the joy and excitement with you.”

I took a deep breath. She was right, of course. Noah deserved to be a part of this new chapter from the very beginning, and I could already picture the joy in his eyes when he found out about the life growing inside of me. 

I bit my lip, but eventually nodded. With my heart grateful, I gave Grandma a warm hug.

After a quiet moment, I made my way outside, finding Noah as he leaned against a tree, watching Trouble with a satisfied smile as she finished her meal. He looked up as I approached. 

“Why don’t we go out for a bit?” I suggested, doing my best to sound casual.

Noah raised an eyebrow, casting a glance toward the living room where Levi and Sakura were happily playing with Grandma. 

“Again? I think both the kids and Grandma might be tired…”

“Just the two of us,” I clarified, cutting him off with a small smile.

He turned back to me, his expression shifting from confusion to understanding, realization dawning in his eyes. 

A slow smirk crept across his face. 

“Just us?” he murmured, his tone lower.

“Yes,” I replied, extending my hand toward him. He took it without hesitation, his warmth making me feel all the more eager to share this not-so-little secret with him.

Inside, we gathered a picnic basket and filled it with a blanket, fruit, and other snacks. We said goodbye to the children, who didn’t seem too preoccupied with us leaving thanks to Grandma’s presence. As we made our way to the door, Trouble followed us, glancing over her own back every two seconds, clearly undecided between following us or staying back with Levi and Sakura.

“No worries, Trouble. You’re in charge here,” Noah told her. She hesitated, giving us one last look, before trotting back inside and settling herself protectively beside the children, her tail curling around Sakura and tickling her in the face, making her scrunch her nose and cover her face with her arms. 

Noah and I left the house with a loving laugh. 

The weather was perfectly warm and clear as we set off up the path toward a hidden pond not too far, eager to savor the last few hours of sunlight. It was a secluded little haven we had discovered just before I got pregnant with the twins—a place Noah and I had made our own, keeping it a secret even from the kids for now. As much as we loved being parents, we cherished our time alone, too. Though Noah hadn’t said it outright, I could tell from the glint in his eyes how much he appreciated Grandma’s gesture in giving us this moment to ourselves.

We spread out the blanket on the sand surrounding the pond, the warmth of the late afternoon settling over us as we unpacked apples, peaches, berries, and pastries from the basket. Noah settled down and I knelt beside him, reaching eagerly for one of the chocolate pastries. But before I could take a bite, he gestured for me to sit between his legs. I moved over and leaned back into his arms, savoring the comfort of his warmth and the easy rhythm of his breath against my neck.

With his arms wrapped around me, he held a box of berries in front of us and began feeding both of us, occasionally rubbing a blueberry over my lips to tease me, pulling it back with before I could catch it. When I gave his thigh a playful pinch, he yelped, and I turned my head to meet his gaze with a glare that said, “You deserved that.”

After a while, with our appetites satisfied, I relaxed against him, my head resting on his shoulder and his chin gently perched on mine. His cheek brushed against me, warm and slightly rough—just the way I liked it. His arms held me close, my hands resting atop his as we took in the view together: the slow sway of the water, the vibrant reflections of the sun across the pond, the birds soaring overhead, and the flowers tilting upward as if reaching for the fading sun.

I felt the soft ghost of Noah’s lips graze the crook of my neck, where my skin was exposed. Instinctively I tilted my head to give him more access.

“I love the way you smell,” he murmured, his voice a low vibration against my skin. 

“What do I smell like?”

“Hmm. Lavender and… baby powder.”

I snorted, laughing softly. 

“So do you,” I teased, leaning in at an odd angle to nuzzle my nose against his cheek. He pulled a face.

“Please don’t tell me that,” he groaned. “A Samurai smelling like baby powder? Not exactly intimidating.”

“It makes you a responsible, caring dad.” My voice softened as I looked up at him, our faces so close I could see the flecks of darker brown in his eyes. “You’re the best father to our children I could’ve ever asked for.”

“Because you and our kids deserve only the best,” he replied, his hand sneaking up to touch my chin with a finger. He tiped it up. Then his palm cupped my cheek and he brought our lips together. 

We kissed under the trees, surrounded by the earthy scent of the forest, birdsong, and the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Gradually, my body melted beneath his touch, and he shifted until I was lying back on the blanket, his mouth never leaving mine. 

Since the moment I got pregnant, Noah’s affection and care had grown, and he had never stopped showing how much he loved me and how beautiful I was in his eyes. He was a grown man now; gone was the teenage boy I’d watched training tirelessly on my father’s grounds. But his heart remained unchanged, and every now and then, he’d still wear that peaceful expression while he slept—the look of that young boy I’d first fallen in love with. Now, Noah was my husband, my soulmate, but he would always also be the boy that stole my heart.

Lying on the blanket, his hands explored my body, slipping beneath the fabric of my kimono to find my skin while my fingers trailed through his hair, drawing soft sounds from his lips that stirred a warmth deep within me. I hooked a leg around him, arching to meet him, offering myself without hesitation. Noah murmured something against my mouth, and as I ran a hand down his back to slip beneath his shirt and touch his muscles, his grip on my waist tightened.

“Behave,” he ordered, his voice rough. His eyes remained closed as he untied the laces of my kimono, spreading the fabric to either side and exposing my skin to the open air, a chill raising goosebumps.

“Or what?” I teased, nipping at his lower lip.

When he opened his eyes, they were dark and narrowed, though a playful glint lingered in them. 

“Or I’ll find a good use for this belt,” he replied.

“Oh? And then…?”

His brow lifted, slightly taken aback by my boldness. 

“Then I’ll place these berries on every spot that makes you shiver,” he murmured, his fingers tracing down the valley between my breasts and along my sides, tickling lightly. My giggles bubbled up, and he laughed with me, though his intent was clear. “And I’ll eat every one of them off you before letting my tongue wander between your legs.”

Heat pooled low in my belly, but I maintained a calm facade. 

“And you’re going to act so indecently out here in the open?” I teased, tilting my head toward a nearby deer quietly grazing in the shade.

Noah followed my gaze. 

“They’ve witnessed far filthier things than that, done by you,” he teased right back.

I couldn’t suppress a wide smile before his mouth descended on mine. In a matter of minutes, my underwear was gone, and Noah was making good on his promise with focused, deliberate devotion. I lay exposed on the blanket, berries scattered across my stomach as his mouth traced every inch of me, savoring each berry he plucked from my skin. He licked away the juice that dripped from them, glancing up at me every so often. 

Eventually, he shed his clothes as well. I watched him with a blissful smile, sated from my first climax, his skilled mouth having left gentle love bites along the inside of my thighs as the breeze carried away my gasps. When he finally entered me, I felt complete, holding tight to his shoulders as he moved within me, my legs locked around him and my eyes fixed on his. I lifted my head to meet him in a kiss, tasting the faint tartness of raspberries lingering on his tongue.

“Sometimes,” he said, his voice strained as he withdrew slowly, inch by inch, making me feel every exquisite part of him, “I still can’t believe you’re mine.”

I tangled my fingers in his hair and pulled him back down to me. 

“I’ll be yours,” I whispered hoarsely against his lips, my nose brushing his, “until the end of days, Noah.”

Our eyes locked, and as we moved together, he would reach up every so often to tuck stray strands of hair behind my ear or simply to cup my cheek with quiet affection. At one point, his hand wandered to the box of berries beside us. He held a strawberry to my lips, feeding it to me as he held still within me, his body warm and solid against mine.

“Sweet?” he asked hoarsely. 

I nodded, my cheeks flushed, overwhelmed as always by the press of his heavy body and his cock filling me completely.

“That’s exactly how you taste,” he murmured, punctuating the words with a deep, slow thrust that left me gasping. “No,” he corrected himself, withdrawing slightly, his muscles flexing under my hands as I clung to his biceps. “You taste even sweeter.” He thrust again, harder this time, drawing a cry from my lips. “That’s it,” he coaxed. “Let the Gods hear you. Let them know how good I make you feel.”

“Please, Noah,” I pleaded. “I’m so close.”

He knew, and he didn’t hold back, guiding me to the edge and staying with me as I fell, a soft whimper escaping my lips as his name echoed through the trees. He followed soon after, his released spreading through me, our bodies trembling together as we clung to each other, complete in the quiet of the forest.

Not long after, Noah led me to the water. We cleaned ourselves off, then I wrapped myself around him like a koala. He spun us in circles, making me laugh until my sides ached.

When we emerged, my hair dry because I’d kept it tied back with a kanzashi stick, we dried off and slipped back into our underwear. Feeling utterly content, I lay down on the blanket, my hair spilling around me as soon as Noah pulled at the stick with a cheeky smile. He settled beside me on his stomach. He’d collected a small bundle of flowers—jasmine, sakura blossoms, and a few other delicate wildflowers. One by one, he began placing them over my belly, just as he had done earlier with the berries. When my skin was adorned with petals, he tucked the last sakura blooms in my hair.

The sight of those particular flowers stirred memories. They were a tender reminder not only of our daughter now, but of all those years ago when Noah would visit me at my grandmother’s village home at night, stealing moments with me under the moonlight and the sheets. He would leave in the early mornings, just before sunrise and before I would wake up. When I did, he was gone, but he always used to leave a bunch of sakura flowers on the pillow as a reminder of his love.

Now, the flowers were a reminder of our past and everything we had endured—of the strenght we had found in each other and how much we had accomplished, of the man and the woman we had become. 

“I have to tell you something,” I murmured, feeling the nervous tickling settling in my lower pit. 

He paused, holding a jasmine in his fingers, his eyes bright with curiosity. Without another word, I guided his hand to rest on my flower-covered belly. I watched as his brows furrowed, and then his eyes widening as he began to piece it together. The jasmine slipped from his fingers, settling delicately at my navel.

A quiet breath hitched in his throat as he took in the meaning of my gesture. His eyes filled with wonder, his lips parting slightly as he looked down at my belly, his hand pressing carefully—almost reverently— over me, protective and awestruck.

His question—“Are we having another baby?”—uttered so softly and carefully, as if he believed saying it too loud might shatter the truth of it, melted me. I nodded, my smile bright and cheeks warm, the blush deepening at the comfort of his strong hand resting over our child—our third. 

I felt weightless, floating in a dreamlike state as I looked into the warmth of Noah’s brown eyes, seeing the light of love and devotion that always glowed there. Not a day went by that he didn’t express how lucky he felt to have found me and to have fought for me—to had me fight for him—, how proud and grateful he was that I’d given him not only my heart but a family. I had given him happiness, the kind he’d been raised to believe he’d never deserve. 

After a beat, when the news settled in, his lips found their way to my flower-covered stomach, pressing a tender kiss right where our little one was already learning the love of their Papa. 

Back at home, our girl Sakura and our boy Levi played together, blissfully unaware that soon they’d have someone new to protect, to dote on, to share their world with. Just imagining their excitement and fierce protectiveness over their new sibling made me laugh, my eyes misting. Noah must have been thinking the same. He pressed his cheek against my bare skin. When his eyelashes fluttered, they sent a ripple of lovely goosebumps across my body. 

My hand slipped into his hair, fingers threading softly as we lay there together, wrapped in the quietness of our deserved joy. I had a husband, an adopted wolf, a daughter, a son—and another baby on the way, created from the endless love I shared with Noah—my soldier, my warrior. 

My Samurai.

✨ Author's note:

*cries* *cries more* *cries some more*

*continues crying*

Thank you, thank you, thank you for reading this story, for all your support, for encouraging me to keep going after I posted the first part (which was supposed to be a one shot). Thank your for sharing your thoughts, for commenting, for reblogging, for messaging me about this fic and sending my brain on overdrive with your brainrots. Writing this story has been a dream, firstly because I always wanted to read a romance story with a Samurai and Noah made the perfect muse for it, second because it gave me an excuse to do a lot of research on Japan and its culture and history. This is in no way an accurate historical fic, but there's so much I've read online and s much I've learnt. I wish I could've made this fic into something better and make it more accurate—perhaps longer, too. But I'm currently very happy with what we've created together, yes, together, because half of this wouldn't exist without all of you that have showered me and my works with love and care. I'm forever thankful and glad that writing and sharing these so many words have brought me close to so many of you wonderful creatures.

I hope you know that, while this is the end of the fic, I have some exciting plans for the future involving samurai!noah. I don't want to say more for the time being, but don't say goodbye to him just yet.

I hope you loved reading this as much as I loved sharing it with you and reading your comments and reactions.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🥹

V. 💕

*proceeds to sob*

Taglist:

If I forgot someone, I'm so sorry! I love you! There's just so much going on in my head!

@girlfromrussia-universe | @kankuurohs | @somebodyels3 | @missduffsblog | @respectfulrebel

@badomensls | @shilohrosechicken | @moreyoulove-moreyouknow @concreteangel92 | @alwaysfightforwhoyouare

[hedgehog-moss]

Some plant news! I've been waiting impatiently to see if the stuff I planted last autumn had survived the winter, and it's looking good so far. All my young fruit trees are blooming (quince, cherry, apple, mirabelle)

The persimmon has no blossoms but some microscopic leaves, I hope it grows more vigorous... I only lost one baby chestnut tree, which seems to have been massacred by a very angry animal. A boar having a bad day? I'll have to plant a couple more this autumn and protect them better. I can just use the remains of one of the many types of fences that Pampe has defeated.

My greenhouse now has to wear a blanket in the afternoons so it doesn't get too hot inside. I planted four flowering shrubs around it in November, so their roots will consolidate the new terraces, and I'm happy to say they are all accounted for—these two have already doubled in volume, they seem thrilled to be there:

Whereas these two all but disappeared during the winter, the ground just swallowed them; I wasn't too optimistic but they showed up again last month, with timid new leaves :) (The pics are very zoomed in, the resurrected shrubs are about the size of my fist but I'm proud of them)

Also I found wild redcurrants by the stream last year and I snapped a few small branches and just stuck them in a pot without really believing it would work. Internet said it would work but it seemed impossible. I left the pot outside all winter, never watering it or taking care of it in any way, with these four bare sticks that I sometimes looked at dubiously. It worked!!! They have leaves now! I made new redcurrant plants by sticking branches in dirt, it feels magical. They're my favourite berries too...

(My project for next autumn will be to propagate elderberry cuttings alongside the fence.) And speaking of berries, I got to eat my first aquaponic-grown strawberry today, it was delicious <3 Congratulations to the 42 fish who are hard at work fertilising the plants in the towers. There are many more strawberries in preparation!

I leave the greenhouse doors open all day when it's sunny so there are pollinators busily flying in and out, doing their job. I tried to relocate a few ladybirds to the strawberry towers to eat aphids but without success, I think they left immediately...

My lettuce and tomato plants are doing great, but the courgette plants got decimated by slugs despite my efforts to repel them. I ended up buying some organic antislug product a friend of my mum's recommended. I started new courgette seeds, and I'll wait until they're bigger to transplant them to slug territory.

The little Mexican orange tree is blossoming, and finally making new leaves (the new ones are yellow) after looking worryingly bald for a while this winter. The blossoms really do smell like orange blossoms! I know it's right there in the name but I'm still like oh look at you you talented orange tree, you got the smell of your flowers right on the first try and everything

Congrats to Mascarille who was looking for the greenhouse entrance in the above pic (she always has to walk around it a few times, she's confused by glass walls) and eventually triumphed over adversity.

Oh and I'm still getting fresh peas, in homeopathic quantities. I found that they grow well in the middle of winter so I'll plant a lot more this autumn when the towers aren't full of strawberries and herbs; for now I've started just eating them raw like little green candy.

Last but not least, Louise Michel the new hen has finally learnt how to climb my homemade stairs that lead to the greenhouse! Look at her showing off her new skill, all casually like this problem hasn't stumped her for weeks:

[maccreadysbaby]

Project: Killcode

batfamily + oc insert

tw: none

wanna read more? here’s the table of contents!

want to read the first fic in the hundred days series so you understand what’s going on here? here it is!

just a cute chapter with a little ANGST sprinkled in, your favorite

part thirteen

❝ DESCENDANTS AND A SADIE HAWKINS ❞

SUNDAY — JULY 22 — 12:47AM

"YOU OKAY, RED? You haven't said a thing since we got here,"

Bentley snapped back into reality, glancing across the table at Vera and Layla over the strawberry milkshake they convinced him to buy. He hadn't as much as sipped out of it. 

The ice cream shop hadn't been as far as he'd assumed — it was only maybe a minute off of campus, out of the most populated area of the city. A small, stand-alone parlor made to look like a diner — red tables, checkered floor, neon lights and all. Apparently that was popular, although it didn't have the waitresses-on-roller-skates thing they had going on where Georgia worked.

Ah, Georgia. The one thing he couldn't seem to stop thinking about.

"I'm fine," He murmured, running a hand through his hair to force himself back into some semblance of reality. "Last night was just... a lot. I didn't sleep much."

"I feel you. The party crew was pretty crazy," Layla commented. She had a huge banana split in front of her that was about the size of her face, while Vera had a plain vanilla milkshake that the blonde dubbed boring. Layla was wearing a sundress — pink, with tiny flowers — with her hair all curled and nice. Vera, in true Vera style, was wearing black jeans and a gray t-shirt with questionable looking symbols all over it. She had her gigantic bomber jacket in her lap.

He glanced up at her, and she was staring at him intently, brown eyes seeming to bore into his very soul.

"Don't," He ordered immediately. She blinked, lifting her hands up in surrender.

"Fine, fine,"

"I'm serious,"

"Okay,"

A moment of silence passed, and Bentley sipped his milkshake. It tasted nothing like real strawberries, but it definitely tasted like... pink, he guessed. It was good either way.

"Okay. I have an idea," Layla suggested, taking a break from vigorously mushing up her bananas into an unidentifiable sludge. "We hardly know anything about each other, really. So let's play truth or truth."

Vera glanced over at her with a deadpan look on her face. "Truth or truth?"

"Yeah," Layla announced, glancing between them. "It's like truth or dare but no dares. Just... truth. Truth or truth."

"Couldn't we just ask each other questions, then?" Vera asked.

After a moment of silence passed, Layla nodded. "Oh, yeah. I guess."

"Okay, genius, you start then,"

Bentley cringed. Being barraged with questions wasn't exactly his kind of thing — especially since about eighty-five percent of his life, between secrets and superheroes and kidnappings and the like, was off limits for sharing. (If only his father wasn't a psychotic raging supervillain. If only his dad wasn't the superhero who defeated him. Then maybe he'd have a shot at conversation.)

"Alright," Layla said, smiling lightly, averting her gaze to Bentley. "B. Have you always lived in Gotham? I heard it was scary there."

Bentley blinked once, twice, ignoring the way both of their pairs of eyes seemed to drill into his skull. "No. I used to live in another town. With my real father."

Layla hummed in curiosity. "What happened to him?"

"Layla!" Vera scolded, turning and whacking her in the shoulder. "Are you serious? You don't just ask people that!"

"Oh,"

"It's fine," Bentley murmured, spinning his milkshake cup around on the table. "He's in prison."

Silence ensued, and when he looked back up at them, Vera punched Layla again, harder. "Good job, doofus."

"It's really fine. I have no connection to him anymore," Bentley shrugged lightly, glancing between them, then down at his drink. "Except the way I look, I guess."

A moment of silence passed where Layla and Vera just looked at each other — the latter was probably scolding the former in her mind, Bentley assumed.

"Your turn," Layla stated, glancing over at him with a sort of temporarily hurt look on her face. (He wondered what Vera told her.)

He blinked a few times before he managed a couple of coherent thoughts. "Why did you guys show up to the gala if you live here?"

"That's easy," Layla replied with a sudden smile, expression flipping immediately. "Vera's aunt is like, super-mega-rich-business-woman. Vera lives with her, so when she goes out, sometimes she takes us."

Bentley glanced over at Vera, but to his surprise, she didn't do any scolding that time.

"We've been all over the place," Vera smiled lightly. "Almost all fifty states. I think North Dakota and New Hampshire are the ones we're missing."

"Wow," He breathed. Bentley couldn't imagine going to forty-eight out of fifty states. He'd only been to New Jersey and New York, and his life had been quite adventurous enough.

Vera hummed. "Your powers. You were born with them, right? Did you-"

She trailed off, apparently because Bentley did a bad job at keeping his face blank. He looked down at his milkshake as she continued: "...You're not a natural meta?"

He shrugged. There was no point in hiding things from a girl who would read his mind anyways, he guessed. Plus, his reaction had made it painfully obvious. "Nope," He deadpanned.

She and Layla shared a few wary glances. "You mean someone did this to you?" Layla muttered, slightly stunned. "I've never met a lab meta before."

Lab meta. That sounded like a nice thing to be called.

"I mean, I've definitely heard of them around school and stuff but... huh. Cool," She continued. "Do you like them? The powers?"

Again, Bentley shrugged. He'd probably have died a handful of times without them, but, in hindsight, they were typically the reason for his near-demise. Memories of being tossed around like a ragdoll and impaled in the biggest battle of his life flashed here and there, and he pushed them away with a sigh. "I guess. Not sure what I'd be doing without them."

"Does that mean Asten's were from a lab, too?" Vera questioned, and Bentley met her eyes for only a second.

"Yeah," He replied.

"Fire and water," Layla muttered. "Funny scientist."

Yeah. Funny.

Layla's phone suddenly dinged, and Bentley was thankful for it, because it took their eyes off of him. She pulled out a phone with a blindly pink case (did her dress have pockets?) and tapped on it, and within three seconds, was snapping Vera repeatedly in the arm and bouncing in her chair with this absolutely ecstatic look on her face. "V!"

"What?" Vera questioned, exasperated, shoving her hand away at the same time she was leaning toward the phone.

"The Spring Musical is Descendants three!" She exclaimed so loud some people around them turned to look. "I'm so excited!”

Vera looked at her blankly. "Last year we did Descendants one and two, Layla. Of course we're doing three."

"Don't ruin my moment. I'll get to play Evie again!"

Bentley blinked a few times, taking another sip of his milkshake. "What's Descendants?"

They both looked at him like he was utterly stupid.

"A super-cool disney franchise about the kids of supervillains turning to the good side and learning how to live there," Layla explained, almost too fast for him to understand. "I played Evie last year, in the school plays. She's my favorite! You've never seen the movies?"

Bentley hardly heard the last part. The kids of supervillains, turning to the good side and learning how to live there. That sounded oddly familiar, oddly similar to someone he knew. (Someone who's name may have started with a B and ended with an -entley.)

"Uh, no," He replied, fiddling with his straw. "I like older movies. With not so much... singing."

Vera made a painfully offended face at him. "You don't like musicals?"

He shrugged, again. "They just stand up and start singing in the middle of everything, and everyone just goes along. It's weird."

"It's the peak of cinematic experiences," Vera replied. "Layla and I audition for the school musical every year."

"Doing it in person is fine. Just not in movies,"

"Wow. Uncultured," Vera tutted, taking a sip of her milkshake. Bentley did the same, pretending that being called uncultured wasn't both completely accurate and slightly bothersome. (At least he was trying to be a normal teenager.)

"Tell me you've seen High School Musical?" Layla asked, leaning forward like it was a very important question. "At least High School Musical."

"I've seen it," He replied, a small smirk creeping onto his features at their intensity toward the situation. "Didn't like it."

Layla made a sound akin to a dramatic gasp, but a little squeakier. "I can't believe you said that."

"Oh, Layla!" Vera piped up, turning to the other girl as if she'd just remembered something and whacking her arm. She had this sort of mischievous look on her face. They seemed to whack each other a lot — it sort of reminded Bentley of Asten and Nico. "Guess what?"

"What?" Layla was quick to reply, looking over at her. "A new season of HSMTMTS is coming out?!"

"Eh, no. Well, maybe. I don't know," Vera shook her head. "Doesn't matter. What I was gonna say is Summer told me the back to school dance is a Sadie Hawkins!"

Bentley, completely oblivious to what any of that meant, said nothing. 

"A Sadie Hawkins? Wha... oh," Layla trailed off, her face turning suddenly red. "A Sadie Hawkins."

Bentley furrowed his brow. "What does that mean?"

Vera glanced over at him with a funny look on her face. "A Sadie Hawkins dance is a dance where the girls ask the guys to be their date, instead of doing it the other way around," She said, looking at Layla with a massive smirk. "It's next Saturday."

"I've never been to a school dance," He replied, glancing at his hands then back up. "Do we have to go?"

"Well, no," Vera replied with a shrug. "They're pretty fun, though. Not boring like public school ones with stupid slow music playing all night long. And you don't have to have a date or dance to go. It's pretty much a social night and free food and music if you want it to be."

Bentley hummed in acknowledgment.

"But it would be kinda good for you to go if someone asked you,"

Bentley was too busy imagining how weird going to a school dance would be that he missed the way Vera subtly elbowed Layla in the ribs.

"Yeah... it would," The blonde replied, with an additional spurt of nervous giggling.

He glanced back up at them, eyes flicking from one to the other. Layla's face was still dangerously red, and she was staring really hard at her ice cream. "Well, lucky for me, I don't think anyone's interested in the kid who had a panic attack his first day on campus."

Vera said nothing, and Layla erupted into another bout of nervous laughter.

Bentley, with a few blinks, glanced back down at his drink. Girls were really weird.

"Anyways — I'm pretty sure it's your turn," Vera stated, gesturing to Bentley but giving Layla a pointed look. "Ask away."

Bentley tapped his fingertips on the table, spinning his glass around again. "Uh... have you always gone to school here?"

"Yep. Since I was old enough. Layla, too," Vera replied. "Our families are friends with the headmistress — Summer's aunt. So we pretty much had no other choice."

Bentley nodded.

"Um..." Vera started, glancing around the restaurant. "How are you liking New York City so far?”

“I think it’s really cool. What I’ve seen of it, anyways,” He replied, swirling his straw around in his cup. “I thought Gotham was big.”

Vera chuckled. “You seem like… you’d be a farm boy. From, like, Alabama.”

Bentley scrunched his face up in protest. “What?”

“A farm boy. Y’know, with a dumb accent and straw hat. I can imagine you like that,” She replied, scanning him intently. “You don’t really scream city kid.”

He shrugged. “I’m not sure what I am.”

Bentley didn’t mean for it to come out half as solemn sounding as it had, but thankfully, Vera didn’t seem to pick up on it. Her response was a snicker with a quick: “Does anyone?”

Bentley hummed in response. Did anyone? He wasn’t sure about everyone else — they all seemed to know where they were from and what they were supposed to do, how people like them were supposed to work. Everyone had a way about them. Koa was from California, and everyone could tell. Asten was from Crime Alley, and no one was ever surprised when he said it. Vera and Layla were from New York, and it was obvious.

And Bentley was just… Bentley.

—

When he got back to the dorm, a keycard, a few school supplies, and a box of uniforms had been left on everyone’s beds. 

The uniform reminded him of Gotham Academy. There were five of them in the box — consisting of seven parts each. A blazer, black with a dark green and gold crest on the left shoulder, a solid white button up, a dark green and gold sweater vest, a green and gold tie, slacks, white socks, and dress shoes. Each piece was meticulously and painstakingly crafted, probably really expensive. Bentley wondered how much money the school spent just on uniforms for all the kids there. Varian said the kaycards went to the main dorm room door — that the electric locks only engage once the school year starts so there’s no confusion for the move-in days.

After that, he and Asten struggled through a painfully long (three and a half hour), painfully lied-through call with Dick, Jason, and Bruce.

They’d basically demanded they tell them every detail of their entire two days, which mostly consisted of lies, lies, and more lies. They couldn’t tell them they’d left campus (Bentley twice), they definitely couldn’t tell them about the party, and they couldn’t tell them about the drunkenness that happened after. He wasn’t gonna tell them about the panic attack. So really, the call was pretty boring. Bentley took up most of the time by dissecting each of their roommates and explaining everything about them that he knew excruciatingly thoroughly, just to stave their curiosity. He told them about what happened with Bellamy. He told them about Varian trying to teach them phase ten.

That… was about all he could tell them.

After that excruciating call was over, he and Asten exchanged a silent moment of mutual guilt, and then Bentley went to bed feeling like nothing more than a full dumpster with a flimsy Wayne Enterprises sticker dangling off the side.

(He had the name, but what was he, really?)

Then, at five-forty-five in the morning, the day school was supposed to start, someone started screaming.

It was a terrible, gut-wrenching kind of scream that was muffled from being doors and walls away. Bentley, hardly awake, sat straight up in his bed so fast he nearly whacked his head on the top bunk.

Asten’s first instinct was to practically throw himself off the top bunk with a urgent: “B?”

A moment of pause filtered between them as Asten realized it wasn’t Bentley screaming, because Bentley was staring at him, looking pretty bewildered. They blinked at each other for a solid five seconds. Then, when logic and common sense pushed it's way through the fatigue and panic in Bentley’s head, he pulled himself out of his bed and, with a pat on the shoulder from Asten, swung the bedroom door open.

The lights were on in the living area, now, and three out of four bedroom doors were open. Koa was standing in his and Varian’s doorway, looking like he might’ve still been asleep, and Valor was in the middle of the room in nothing more than a pair of shorts. Rockie was hovering near their room, and Varian was bent over at Bellamy’s closed door, messing with the handle. They all seemed on edge, slightly panicked — and Bentley wasn’t sure if he knew it or not, but Valor’s wings kept fluttering and twitching on his back like an anxious bird.

Bellamy’s room was where the screaming was coming from.

Varian seemed to be attempting to open the door, but it wasn’t working, and Bellamy was still screaming.

Bentley jogged over to him with a curt little: “Move.”

Varian did so without argument, and Bentley turned toward the kitchen, summoning a small few threads of water from the faucet. The five of his roommates watched in silence as they twisted and turned like snakes, slithering through the air to the door and slipping right inside the lock mechanism.

Bentley listened closely, allowing the water to feel out the space inside — to weave between parts and through crevices. He listened hard to how it moved.

About five seconds later, the door unlocked with a click.

Bentley didn’t even as much as glance back at his roommates before he swung the door open just enough to fit through.

The room was dark, and Bellamy was on the bottom bunk of his bed, thrashing around like someone was attacking him. Pale, and coated with sweat, he was screaming like it, too — vague sort of half-words that sounded too much like frantic begs for mercy. He was crying in his sleep; no, sobbing, throwing his tiny shred of weight around so hard the bunk beds were moving a little. The entire bed was unmade, the sheets even yanked off of the corners, pillows and blankets and one stuffed frog all sprawled on the floor.

Bentley wasted no time kicking the door closed behind him and crouching beside the bed. “Bellamy.”

He didn’t wake, but he did have some reaction to the word — a more violent thrash and strangled scream.

Bentley reached up and grabbed one of his arms, shaking it lightly, but hard enough to wake him up. “Bellamy!”

Bellamy thrashed himself into alertness with a horrified scream, brown eyes wide and wild, flicking around the room like someone was lurking in the shadows, coming to kill him. He was catapulted into a coughing fit that seemed more like him choking on his own tears, shooting off of his back and coiling himself into an impenetrable little ball on the edge of his bed, against the wall.

“Hey — you’re awake,” Bentley tried, but he didn’t think Bellamy quite heard him — he was crying so hard it was still making him choke, and he couldn’t really seem to breathe. After a moment, his brown eyes finally locked onto Bentley’s.

He wasn’t sure if he was really cut out for this kind of thing.

Without any other words, in one sudden, jerky movement, Bellamy threw himself off the bed and collided with Bentley hard enough to nearly knock the wind out of him. Bentley wasn’t sure what was going on until he comprehended that Bellamy’s arms were around him.

“Oh,” Was his first reaction — not very helpful, he guessed. He brought his arms up and around him quickly. “It’s okay. You’re awake.”

Through the terrible crying and choking, he felt Bellamy ball up the back of his t-shirt in his hands.

“You were dead,” He mumbled almost incoherently, hiccuping over and over like little kids did after long bouts of crying. “You died right in front of me.”

Bentley exhaled heavily, rubbing Bellamy’s back lightly. “I’m here.”

Bellamy said nothing, but seemed to cling to Bentley like he would literally die if he didn’t, so Bentley just let him. Wasn’t that what he ended up doing on his second nightmare in the Manor? With Tim after he saw Tim die? He sighed and rubbed his back again.

When Bentley looked at Bellamy, he saw himself.

(Hopefully, Bellamy wouldn’t become too much like him.)

—

dedicated to @sassenashsworld ❤️

—

tag list! (If you want me to remove or add you, ask in comments!)

@fleur-alise @sarcopterygiian @flyrobinflyy @gayboss-too-close-to-the-sun @xiaonothere @skylathescholarly @beatyoutothatusernameloser

[kokofromwattpad]

ALL BECAUSE OF MACARONS

Featuring: Sateriasis Venomania (Gakupo)

Plot: Duke Venomania was slowly but surely building his harem filled with beautiful women from across the land. Although, he will forever has his heart set on the person who saved him with just their voice and a few macarons.

Cw: yandere! Duke Venomania! Gakupo, gn! Reader, yandere themes, baker!reader

A/N: Gakupo holds my heart and soul I swear on god

This story begins a long, long time before the main plot had even decided to take place.

In a small village, deep within the mountains, was a young boy. He wasn't very liked by the other children in the village. He was pushed and shoved all the time. His purple hair was pulled and tugged all day and his deformed face was smacked and punched. From sunrise to sunset he was hated.

It went down hill when his close and only friend rejected his feelings towards him. It was all because of his deformed face. That was the only reason that he was hated and scorned upon.

He walked along the gravel roads after breaking free from the cellar his father kept him locked in for all of his short life.

He walked past a bakery, where there was a faint light coming from the kitchen within the little building. He opened the door and a bell rang, signaling his entrance.

A short child around his age came out from the illuminated room and came to greet him.

The small boy's eyes twinkled with adoration at his peer's face. They seemed really nice.

"Is there something you need help with?" the child lightly asked the boy.

The other child's voice sounded so nice. It sounded like sweet honey spread over the sweetest flowers. And it seemed that they did not mind how ugly and deformed his face was.

Immediately, the little boy was enamored with this person.

"I- uh- don't have a-any money-y" the little boy stuttered out.

"Oh! Alright then, but would you like to have something to eat though?" the pickney queried.

The boy nodded his head vigorously. The other child grabbed the young boy's hand and dragged him to the attached kitchen.

The boy, Cherubim as the other child learned, stood in the corner of the kitchen as the other one pulled a hot tray out of the wood burn oven.

Small pink macarons sat in lines on the tray as the boy's peer swung a thin cloth back and forth over the desserts to cool them quicker.

After about five minutes of swinging the cloth, the kid scraped a row of five macarons into a small brown bag and handed it to Cherubim.

"Here you go! I hope you like them." the youth exclaimed happily.

The purple haired boy flushed a deep red. He smiled shyly at your words. He hugged the bag of macarons to his flat chest and ran out of the bakery and into the night.

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

Those events happened many years ago. The baker child grew up to be a fine adult who ran their inherited bakery with ease.

The adult received a thin letter one day as he was getting ready to open up the bakery. It was just an order for a cake that someone wanted delivered.

After the adult finished putting their employees to work, he went straight to work for order he was given.

The cake was a simple chocolate drip cake with blood red strawberries chopped over the top.

The human gently placed the cake into a box and ordered one of his employees to keep everything in order while they were away.

The baker held the cake box as they looked over the letter to see where the cake need to be delivered. It was a place dubbed 'the Venomania manor'.

The baker had heard of the rumor surrounding the manor for a while now. Rumors about how beautiful women will go in the manor and never come out. Luckily, since the adult did not dub themself as beautiful nor ugly, they did not have any fear about having to go that manor at all.

The trail that lead up to the Venomania's home was difficult to say the least. There was several times when they thought that they would trip and accidently squash the cake from their weight.

When the tall manor slowly started to creep in the baker's field of vision, they took several heavy breaths before they paced to the front door.

They tightly wrapped their fingers around the golden knocker and slammed it three times against the wooden door. The sound of metal slamming against wood echoed through the baker's ears for a good minute.

When they released the knocker from their grip, the door slowly creaked open by itself. The adult poked their head threw the crack in the doorway and saw almost no one.

They passed the box to their other hand and opened the door wider to let themselves in.

Their was a sweet smell in the air. The adult had almost no idea where it was coming from. They had an undeniable urge to follow the smell to it's source, feeling like if they do, good things shall happen.

The baker followed the smell to a another large door. They opened the door, only to be met with the back of seemingly rich man.

"Uh...hello?" the adult squeaked out.

The man's attention head was flicked upward, and he turned his entire body in the baker's direction.

He was a beautiful man. Long purple hair tied in ponytail. He had matching purple eyes which seemed to sparkle in the chandelier light.

The man's expression went from surprised to ecstatic. He speedily ran to the baker and pulled them deeper into the room. The duke lifted the box out their hand and held it above their head.

"Are you the owner of this manor?" questioned the baker to the taller man.

The duke smiled down on them and said in his velvety voice, "Of course I am dear. I suppose you are the baker I ordered this cake from?"

"Indeed..."

The baker felt uncomfortable in the man's presence. They felt the abrupt need to run for their life, but just can't seem to move their legs.

"Would you like to stay for a while and have a slice of cake?" questioned the duke happily.

As if their voice activated by themself and as if their mouth moved by themself, the baker answered, "Only if it is for a short while..."

The man's face spilt into a wide and happy grin. He wrapped his arm around their shoulder as he walked with them to the dining hall.

The pair walked down several flights of stairs until they were met with a woman.

She was a cute one. With green hair tied up in two separate ponytails that curled at the edge. She was wearing a skimpy pink dress with black lace adorning the edges.

"Mikulia, be a doll and cut us two slices of this cake for us." gently ordered the duke.

The girl smiled brightly as took the cake and ran off, leaving you and the man alone by yoursleves.

"Who was that?" asked the baker.

"That was one of my wives." he replied.

"Wives? As in plural?"

"Indeed."

And with that, the baker felt instantly uncomfortable.

Duke could tell how they were feeling about the matter to which he told the baker that all of his wives were aware of each other and are comfortable with it.

The two entered a large, extravagant dining room. There were other women, supposedly the duke's other wives, who were conversing with each other, but when they noticed that their husband had walked in, they all turned in adoration towards him.

The man lead the other adult to the end of the long dining table, where he sat at the end and with you on his left side. The woman from earlier came back with the cake you made on two small plates and placed them in front you and the man.

The woman then stood next to her husband, as if waiting for his command. The duke patted his thigh, and with glee, the woman sat herself on the duke's lap. She wrap her lender arms around his neck as the baker started to place small bits of the cake into their mouth.

"I don't think you have told me your name yet dear." noted the duke while he started to eat his slice of cake.

"My name is {Y/N}{L/N}..." the baker replied quietly.

The man nodded his head at their words.

"My name is Sateriasis Venomania. But I am better known as Duke Venomania.

Although, you know me as Cherubim." he proudly announced.

It then struck the baker like a bullet to the head. The little deformed boy that they gave free macarons so many years ago, was now all grown up and has a harem full of beautiful women.

The adult would sometimes wonder what happened to the boy that they fed. Did he die? Did he make a life for himself? These questions ran through their mind for a while after the two of them had departed ways.

"Well... it is lovely to see that you have survived this long." the baker commented.

The duke chuckled at their humor. Of course he would. Since the moment the baker opened their mouth and spoke such kind words to him, he was completely obsessed. He wanted to make himself someone worthy of being in their presence.

"I... wanted to repay you for those macarons you made me." Sateriasis explains as he gently pushes his wife off of his lap.

"How so...?" nervously asked the baker, their instincts starting to spike.

"I was hoping..." the duke starts as he stands up to stand by their side.

Steadily, the duke pulls a small velvet box from the right pocket of his purple tailcoat. All of the women in the room gasped at their husband's motions.

The duke bends down and gets down on one knee by the bakers side. He opened the small box to reveal a large jeweled ring. There was a jewel for every color.

"Please, let me make you mine. You deserve everything this world has to offer. Ever since I saw you come out of your family bakery's kitchen, I knew that I wanted to be with you for the rest of my life." the duke preached with a determined look painted on his face.

The baker panicked. They jumped up from their seat and ran for the door.

"NO! COME BACK!" screamed the duke, desperation embedded into his voice.

One his wives tackled the baker to the ground before they could make it to the door in time. Sateriasis got up from his knee and hurried over to their side, where he then peeled his wife off of their shacking body.

"Don't worry dear, you will learn to love me and my home with all your heart, just like me."

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

[moongirlcleo]

hi levy! i hope you’re doing well:) feb 15th is my birthday, so i was wondering if i could get a bit of a 3 in one kind of list of headcanons if that’s okay with you!! all 3 headcanons being birthday headcanons on how sting, laxus, and mystogan would go about celebrating their girlfriend/crush’s birthday (fairytail gf/crush ofc!) and what it would generally look like (individually by the way haha). love you always!!

Hi anon!!! Happy Birthday to youuu !! I'd be happy to do this for you <3

Sting x fairy tail s/o (SFW/NSFW CW)

Sting will have had an idea on how to celebrate your birthday at least two weeks before your actual day. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he wanted to make sure he spoiled you rotten because you worked so hard every day.

He asked Rogue, Yukino, Minerva, Natsu and Erza to help coordinate times and details to ensure you would be free and available during his surprise.

Sting would make no indication he even remembered it was your birthday until the morning of.

He would 100% wake you up with morning sex, focusing solely on you and your pleasure.

He'd pretend it was just a normal day, which would make you feel down at first, until he couldn't keep it a secret anymore before having Minerva use her magic to teleport the two of you back to your guild hall, where everyone was waiting to yell "surprise!"

The look of love and surprise on your face was worth it to him. After all, you are his princess.

Laxus x fairy tail s/o (SFW/NSFW CW)

Laxus isn't really a romantic type of guy. As it is, he shows his love for you through tasks and simple gestures to make your day easier.

Your birthday is no different. Erza and Mira both were on his ass about not planning a party or anything for you, and it irked him that they thought so little of what he does for you.

So this man will huff and puff down to the market and buy you your favorite flowers and a chocolate cake because it was your favorite, but to hell with anyone if they gave him shit about it.

Before you woke up, he'd set the flowers out next to the cake at the kitchen table and decided to give you your present to wake you up. (yes, dragon slayers all seem to share one singular brain cell when it comes to thinking sex is the best present lol)

He gives it to you slow and sensual, knowing you preferred it over his rough and vigorous nature most of the time. He really took his time with you this morning.

Mystogan x fairy tail s/o (SFW/NSFW CW)

Okay, lets be honest Mystogan is probably the best out of all three boys when it comes to planning a birthday. He is really intuitive when it comes to your needs and likes.

He hired Mira to make you a strawberry cake for your birthday and commissioned Reedus to paint you a picture of you and Myst's favorite place in Magnolia- where you two fell in love.

He also made sure Natsu and the gang were out for the day so you wouldn't have to mother them - as you tended to whenever your friends got rowdy.

Mystogan wanted a small intimate party for you since bigger crowds overwhelmed you, so Mira, Makarov, Mystogan and Levy were there to sing happy birthday to you as you blew out your candles and made a wish, which caused you to cry happy tears.

After he brought you home, you hinted at wanting birthday sex, so he nervously agreed. (you cant tell me this man is super experienced, sorry shy boi) You two shared your first time together in the candlelight of his apartment all night long.

You couldn't have asked for a better birthday with your soulmate and friends.

I hope you liked these anon! Again, happiest of birthdays <3

[royalhenoil]

My daily berry harvest this time of year.

I highly, highly recommend growing berries if your climate is suited to it. They are cheaper, tastier, and more nutritious than supermarket berries, and they are not that hard to grow. They are easier than most vegetables.

I thought I would give a review of the four berry varieties shown here:

• Blueberry 'Sunshine Blue': This is an ornamental blueberry. It stays small, has very pretty leaves and flowers, is mostly evergreen, and is self-fertile (most blueberry varieties are not). However, it is not as productive or as tasty as non-ornamental blueberry bushes, though it will still taste much better than anything you buy in the supermarket.

• White alpine strawberry: Alpine strawberries are fun to grow. They are very tidy, pretty plants and do not send runners everywhere. There are many different varieties, all of which make very small, cute fruit. They are famously very sweet and tasty. However, I think white alpine strawberries (which have a slight pineapple-like flavor) are not as tasty as the red ones. The big benefit of the white berries is that birds don't seem to notice them, so you don't have to use any bird deterrents to get lots of berries.

• Blackberry 'Chester': This is a thornless blackberry. I highly recommend only growing thornless or near-thornless caneberries (blackberries, raspberries, youngberries, loganberries, etc.) because they make picking fruit and garden maintenance so much easier. 'Chester' is an extremely vigorous and productive plant, and the fruit tastes better than both supermarket blackberries and wild blackberries.

• Strawberry 'Cambridge Rival': This is the yummiest strawberry I have ever tasted! It is not as productive as some strawberry varieties, and the fruit is on the small side, but it easily more than makes up for it in flavor. (Warning: If you try one, it may ruin other strawberries for you.)

[kdrinksndesserts]

Since no one is paying attention to me yet, I have time to jot down some random ideas~

Drinks & Dessert with my Spiritual Team:

Loki

The Trickster's Tonic:

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz. Midori (melon liqueur)

- 1 oz. vodka

- 1/2 oz. lime juice

- 1/2 oz. simple syrup

- Ginger beer

- Lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add the Midori, vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

3. Shake well to combine the ingredients.

4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.

5. Top off the glass with ginger beer.

6. Garnish with a lime wedge.

7. Serve and enjoy!

Loki's Mischief Parfait:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup crushed chocolate cookies

- 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping

- 1 cup vanilla yogurt

- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries

- Green food coloring

- Edible gold flakes or sprinkles (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the crushed chocolate cookies with a few drops of green food coloring until the cookies are evenly tinted green. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, fold the whipped cream or whipped topping into the vanilla yogurt until well combined.

3. Take a clear glass or dessert dish and start layering the ingredients. Begin with a layer of the green-colored cookies at the bottom.

4. Add a layer of the whipped cream and yogurt mixture on top of the cookies.

5. Sprinkle a layer of diced strawberries over the cream mixture.

6. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the glass, finishing with a layer of whipped cream and a sprinkle of the green cookies on top.

7. Optional: Garnish with edible gold flakes or sprinkles for an extra touch of Loki's mischievousness.

8. Refrigerate the parfait for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the cookies to soften slightly.

9. Serve chilled and enjoy your Loki-inspired Mischief Parfait!

Hecate

The Witch's Brew:

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz. black vodka

- 1 oz. elderflower liqueur

- 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

- 1/2 oz. simple syrup

- Blackberry syrup or blackberry puree

- Ice cubes

- Blackberries or edible flowers, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the black vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

2. Add a few ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously to chill the mixture.

3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass.

4. Slowly drizzle blackberry syrup or blackberry puree down the side of the glass to create a swirling effect.

5. Garnish with a few blackberries or edible flowers for an enchanting touch.

6. Serve and enjoy your Witch's Brew!

Triple Moon Chocolate Tart:

Ingredients:

For the crust:

- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

- 2 cups heavy cream

- 12 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the garnish:

- Edible silver or gold leaf (optional)

- Fresh berries (such as raspberries or blackberries)

- Mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.

3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

4. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute to allow the chocolate to melt. Stir until smooth and well combined.

5. Add the granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

6. Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place the tart in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

7. Once the tart is set, remove it from the refrigerator. If desired, decorate the top of the tart with edible silver or gold leaf for a celestial touch.

8. Just before serving, garnish the tart with fresh berries and mint leaves. The berries represent the abundance of nature and Hecate's association with herbs and plants.

9. Slice and serve the Triple Moon Chocolate Tart, savoring the rich and decadent flavors.

Cerridwen

The Cauldron Elixir:

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz. spiced rum

- 1 oz. apple cider

- 1/2 oz. lemon juice

- 1/2 oz. honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, dissolved together)

- 2 dashes aromatic bitters

- Apple slices, for garnish

- Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add the spiced rum, apple cider, lemon juice, honey syrup, and aromatic bitters to the shaker.

3. Shake well to combine the ingredients.

4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.

5. Garnish with a few apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

6. Serve and enjoy your Cauldron Elixir!

Magical Autumn Spice Cake:

Ingredients:

For the cake:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 cup buttermilk

For the cream cheese frosting:

- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 4 cups powdered sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the garnish:

- Caramel sauce

- Chopped pecans or walnuts

- Cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

8. Once the cake has cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

9. Garnish the cake with cinnamon sticks for a touch of warmth and presentation.

10. Slice and serve the Magical Autumn Spice Cake, savoring the rich spices and creamy frosting.

Apollo

The Sunbeam Spritz:

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz. gin

- 1 oz. elderflower liqueur

- 1/2 oz. lemon juice

- 1/2 oz. simple syrup

- 2 oz. sparkling water

- Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

3. Shake well to combine the ingredients.

4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.

5. Top off with sparkling water for a refreshing effervescence.

6. Garnish with a lemon twist for a sunny touch.

7. Serve and enjoy your Sunbeam Spritz!

Golden Sun Tart:

Ingredients:

For the crust:

- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

- ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the filling:

- 1 cup Greek yogurt

- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

- Zest of 1 lemon

For the topping:

- Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)

- Edible gold leaf or gold sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

3. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan, creating an even layer.

4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.

6. Pour the filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.

7. Place the tart in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until set.

8. Just before serving, garnish the tart with fresh berries, arranging them in a sunburst pattern on top of the filling.

9. Optional: If desired, add a touch of opulence by applying edible gold leaf or sprinkles to the edges of the tart or sprinkling them over the berries.

10. Slice and serve the Golden Sun Tart, savoring the tangy and creamy flavors reminiscent of Apollo's radiant energy.

Freyja

Nordic Enchantment:

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz. aquavit

- 1 oz. elderflower liqueur

- 1/2 oz. cranberry juice

- 1/2 oz. lime juice

- 1/4 oz. simple syrup

- Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish

- Cranberries, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add the aquavit, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

3. Shake well to combine the ingredients.

4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.

5. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and a few cranberries for an enchanting touch.

6. Serve and enjoy your Nordic Enchantment!

Freyja's Golden Delight

Ingredients:

1. Honey: Freyja is often associated with honey and is said to have a preference for it.

2. Apples: In Norse mythology, Freyja is connected to apples and is said to have the power to rejuvenate herself by eating them.

3. Cardamom: This aromatic spice adds a warm and earthy flavor reminiscent of Scandinavian cuisine.

4. Cream: A rich, creamy component to balance the flavors and add a luxurious texture.

5. Almonds: Freyja is associated with beauty and abundance, and almonds symbolize fertility and prosperity.

Recipe:

1. Begin by preparing a honey-infused apple compote. Peel and dice the apples, then cook them in a saucepan over low heat with a generous amount of honey and a sprinkle of cardamom. Stir occasionally until the apples are soft and the honey has formed a syrupy glaze.

2. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until it reaches stiff peaks. You can sweeten the cream with a touch of honey or sugar if desired.

3. Toast the almonds in a dry pan until they become fragrant and golden. Chop them roughly for garnishing.

4. To assemble the dessert, layer the honey-infused apple compote at the bottom of serving glasses or bowls. Top it with a dollop of the whipped cream.

5. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of whipped cream.

6. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds and a drizzle of honey.

7. Serve chilled and enjoy the divine flavors inspired by Freyja!

The Morrigan

Morrigan's Enchantment

Ingredients:

1. Whiskey: Choose a rich and robust Irish whiskey to pay homage to the Celtic origin.

2. Blackberry Liqueur: Representing the Morrigan's association with blackbirds and the dark aspects of fate.

3. Elderflower Liqueur: Symbolizing the floral and ethereal nature of the Morrigan.

4. Lemon Juice: To add a bright and refreshing citrus element.

5. Simple Syrup: A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.

6. Blackberries: For garnish.

Recipe:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of whiskey, 1 ounce of blackberry liqueur, 1/2 ounce of elderflower liqueur, 1/2 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/4 ounce of simple syrup.

2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the mixture.

3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice.

4. Garnish with a few blackberries on a cocktail pick or skewer.

5. Optionally, you can add an extra touch of drama by floating a blackberry or two in the drink.

6. Serve and enjoy the enchanting flavors of the Morrigan's Enchantment!

Morrigan's Dark Delight

Ingredients:

1. Dark Chocolate: Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with a rich and intense flavor.

2. Blackberries: Symbolizing the Morrigan's association with blackbirds and the dark aspects of fate.

3. Blackberry Jam: Adds a sweet and fruity element to the dessert.

4. Whipped Cream: For a creamy and indulgent texture.

5. Almonds: Optional, for added crunch and texture.

Recipe:

1. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon small circles or shapes of melted chocolate onto the parchment paper to form the base of the dessert. Allow them to cool and harden.

3. In a separate bowl, crush some blackberries to release their juices and create a compote-like texture. You can strain the mixture if you prefer a smoother consistency.

4. Take the hardened chocolate bases and spread a layer of blackberry jam on top of each one.

5. Dollop a spoonful of the blackberry compote on top of the jam layer.

6. Add a swirl of whipped cream on top of the blackberry compote.

7. Optionally, sprinkle some crushed almonds on top for added crunch and texture.

8. Repeat the layering process with the remaining chocolate bases, blackberry jam, blackberry compote, whipped cream, and almonds.

9. Place the completed Morrigan's Dark Delight in the refrigerator to chill and set for about an hour.

10. Serve the dessert chilled and savor the combination of rich dark chocolate, sweet blackberries, and creamy textures, reflecting the mysterious and alluring nature of the Morrigan.

Medusa

Medusa's Serpent Sting

Ingredients:

1. Gin: Choose a quality gin as the base spirit for the cocktail.

2. Green Chartreuse: A herbal liqueur that adds complexity and a touch of green, reminiscent of Medusa's serpentine hair.

3. Lime Juice: To provide a refreshing, citrusy element to the drink.

4. Simple Syrup: A sweetener to balance the flavors.

5. Basil Leaves: Symbolizing Medusa's connection to nature and representing her serpents.

6. Cucumber Slices: To add a crisp and cooling quality, reminiscent of the snake-like nature of Medusa's hair.

7. Club Soda: Optional, for a fizzy finish.

8. Ice cubes

Recipe:

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 3-4 basil leaves and a few cucumber slices to release their flavors.

2. Add 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of green Chartreuse, 3/4 ounce of lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup to the shaker.

3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the mixture.

4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice.

5. Optionally, top the drink with a splash of club soda for a fizzy finish.

6. Garnish with a basil leaf and a cucumber slice, resembling Medusa's iconic serpentine hair.

7. Serve and enjoy the captivating and refreshing flavors of Medusa's Serpent Sting!

Medusa's Gorgon Delight

Ingredients:

1. Dark Chocolate: Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with a rich and intense flavor.

2. Pistachios: For their vibrant green color, resembling Medusa's serpents.

3. Honey: To add sweetness and a touch of decadence.

4. Pomegranate Seeds: Symbolizing Medusa's association with nature and fertility.

5. Edible Gold Leaf (optional): For a luxurious and mythical touch.

Recipe:

1. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon small circles or shapes of melted chocolate onto the parchment paper to form the base of the dessert. Allow them to cool and harden.

3. While the chocolate is setting, crush the pistachios into small pieces, resembling the texture of serpent scales.

4. Once the chocolate bases have hardened, drizzle a thin layer of honey on top of each one.

5. Sprinkle the crushed pistachios over the honey layer, covering the entire surface.

6. Garnish each chocolate base with a few pomegranate seeds, representing Medusa's connection to nature.

7. Optionally, for an extra touch of luxury and mystique, you can delicately apply small pieces of edible gold leaf to the dessert.

8. Allow the Medusa's Gorgon Delight to set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

9. Serve the dessert chilled and marvel at the combination of rich dark chocolate, crunchy pistachios, and the burst of sweetness from the honey and pomegranate seeds, capturing the essence of the mythical Medusa.

Metatron

Metatron's Divine Elixir

Ingredients:

1. Vodka: Choose a high-quality vodka as the base spirit for the cocktail.

2. Elderflower Liqueur: Symbolizing the angelic and ethereal qualities associated with Metatron.

3. White Grape Juice: To represent purity and divine essence.

4. Lemon Juice: To provide a refreshing citrusy element.

5. Simple Syrup: A sweetener to balance the flavors.

6. Rosemary Sprig: For garnish, representing wisdom and clarity.

Recipe:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of vodka, 1/2 ounce of elderflower liqueur, 1 ounce of white grape juice, 1/2 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.

2. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the mixture.

3. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice.

4. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary, representing the wisdom and guidance of Metatron.

5. Serve and enjoy the divine flavors of Metatron's Divine Elixir!

Metatron's Heavenly Delight

Ingredients:

For the crust:

- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

- 1/4 cup melted butter

- 2 tablespoons sugar

For the filling:

- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

For the topping:

- 1 cup fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

- Edible gold leaf (optional, for decoration)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

2. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it down firmly. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.

4. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.

5. Remove the springform pan from the refrigerator and pour the cream cheese filling over the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.

6. Arrange the fresh berries on top of the filling, creating a decorative pattern. You can use whole berries or slice them, depending on your preference.

7. If desired, carefully apply small pieces of edible gold leaf to the berries and filling for an extra celestial touch.

8. Place the dessert in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set.

9. When ready to serve, remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the dessert to a serving plate.

10. Slice and enjoy the heavenly delight of Metatron-inspired dessert!

Lilith

Lilith's Temptation

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz vodka

- 1 oz blackberry liqueur

- 1/2 oz lime juice

- 1/2 oz simple syrup

- 4-5 fresh blackberries

- Ice cubes

- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh blackberries until they release their juices and become slightly mashed.

2. Add vodka, blackberry liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and a handful of ice cubes to the shaker.

3. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine the flavors and chill the cocktail.

4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes.

5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.

6. Serve and enjoy the tantalizing taste of Lilith's Temptation!

Forbidden Fruit Parfait

Ingredients:

For the fruit compote:

- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the whipped cream:

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the crunchy layer:

- 1 cup granola or crushed graham crackers

For the garnish:

- Fresh mint leaves

- Edible flowers (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the mixed berries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.

2. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

3. Take your serving glasses or bowls and start layering the dessert. Begin with a spoonful of the fruit compote as the base.

4. Add a layer of whipped cream on top of the fruit compote.

5. Sprinkle a generous amount of granola or crushed graham crackers as the crunchy layer.

6. Repeat the layers, starting with the fruit compote, followed by whipped cream, and then the crunchy layer until the glasses are filled.

7. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

8. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers if desired, for an extra touch of elegance.

9. Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the layers to set.

10. Serve the Forbidden Fruit Parfaits chilled and enjoy the tempting sweetness inspired by Lilith!

Fenrir

Fenrir's Fury**

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz dark rum

- 1 oz blackberry liqueur

- 1/2 oz lime juice

- 1/2 oz simple syrup

- 2 dashes Angostura bitters

- Ginger beer

- Fresh blackberries (for garnish)

- Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Add the dark rum, blackberry liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters to the shaker.

3. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine the flavors and chill the cocktail.

4. Strain the cocktail into a highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.

5. Top off the glass with ginger beer.

6. Garnish with fresh blackberries on a cocktail skewer for a touch of Fenrir's presence.

7. Serve and enjoy the fierce and flavorful Fenrir's Fury!

Fenrir's Bite Brownies

Ingredients:

- 1 cup unsalted butter

- 2 cups granulated sugar

- 4 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 3/4 cup cocoa powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup dark chocolate chips

- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Fenrir-inspired topping:

- 1 cup creamy peanut butter

- 1/4 cup powdered sugar

- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar until well combined.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.

5. Fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.

6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

7. Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

8. While the brownies are cooling, prepare the Fenrir-inspired topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

9. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in short intervals, stirring until smooth.

10. Once the brownies have cooled slightly, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top.

11. Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer, creating a fierce and untamed pattern reminiscent of Fenrir's bite.

12. Allow the brownies to cool completely and the topping to set before cutting into squares and serving.

Wolf

Howling Moon Cocktail

Ingredients:

- 2 oz bourbon

- 1 oz fresh lemon juice

- 1/2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)

- 1/2 oz blackberry liqueur

- 2-3 fresh blackberries

- Ice cubes

- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh blackberries until they release their juices and become slightly mashed.

2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup, and blackberry liqueur to the shaker.

3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.

4. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine the flavors and chill the cocktail.

5. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.

6. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary, resembling the untamed spirit of a wolf.

7. Serve and enjoy the captivating taste of the Howling Moon Cocktail!

Moonlit Forest Tart

Ingredients:

For the crust:

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1 large egg yolk

- 1-2 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

- 1 cup dark chocolate chips

- 1/2 cup heavy cream

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the garnish:

- Fresh berries (e.g., raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)

- Powdered sugar (for dusting)

- Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a tart pan.

2. In a food processor, combine the flour, cold butter, sugar, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of ice water. Gradually add the egg mixture to the food processor while pulsing, until the dough comes together. If needed, add additional ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it forms a smooth ball.

5. Roll out the dough to fit the tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly. Trim any excess dough.

6. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

7. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

8. In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips, heavy cream, butter, and vanilla extract.

9. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir the mixture until the chocolate and butter melt and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

10. Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled tart crust. Spread it evenly using a spatula.

11. Place the tart in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set.

12. Once the tart is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and garnish with fresh berries, powdered sugar, and fresh mint leaves, creating a beautiful representation of a moonlit forest.

13. Slice and serve the Moonlit Forest Tart, savoring the rich and indulgent flavors inspired by the enigmatic nature of wolves.

Odin

Allfather's Elixir**

**Ingredients:**

- 2 oz Aquavit (a Scandinavian spirit)

- 1 oz Elderflower liqueur

- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice

- 1/2 oz Simple syrup (or to taste)

- 2-3 Fresh blackberries

- Sprig of fresh rosemary (for garnish)

- Ice cubes

**Instructions:**

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blackberries until they release their juices.

2. Add Aquavit, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.

4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass filled with ice.

5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary to represent Odin's wisdom and power.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Odin's Apple Crumble

**Ingredients:**

For the filling:

- 4-5 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

- Zest of 1 orange

For the crumble topping:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup rolled oats

- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

For serving:

- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and orange zest. Toss until the apples are well coated with the mixture.

3. Transfer the apple mixture to a baking dish or individual ramekins, ensuring an even distribution.

4. In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the crumble topping. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers to rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture, covering it completely.

6. Place the baking dish or ramekins in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the apple filling is bubbly and the crumble topping is golden brown.

7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the Odin's Apple Crumble warm, and if desired, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Anubis

Shadow of Anubis

**Ingredients:**

- 1.5 oz Dark rum

- 0.5 oz Coffee liqueur

- 0.5 oz Crème de Cacao (dark)

- 1 oz Cold brew coffee

- 1 oz Heavy cream

- 1/4 oz Simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)

- Ice cubes

**Instructions:**

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

2. Add the dark rum, coffee liqueur, crème de Cacao, cold brew coffee, heavy cream, and simple syrup (if desired).

3. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients.

4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice.

5. Optionally, you can garnish the drink with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few coffee beans to add an extra touch.

6. Serve and enjoy the mysterious and rich Shadow of Anubis cocktail!

Anubis' Black Velvet Cake**

**Ingredients:**

For the cake:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 2 cups granulated sugar

- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 large eggs

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 1 cup strong black coffee, cooled

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the frosting:

- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened

- 4 cups powdered sugar

- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1/4 cup heavy cream

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the decoration:

- Black fondant

- Edible gold leaf or gold dust

- Edible pearl sprinkles or silver dragees

**Instructions:**

For the cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, black coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined and smooth.

4. Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

6. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well after each addition.

3. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assembly and Decoration:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top.

2. Stack the second cake layer on top and repeat the process with frosting.

3. Place the final cake layer on top. Coat the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting to create a crumb coat. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

4. Once the crumb coat is set, frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting, creating a smooth finish.

5. Roll out the black fondant and cut out Anubis-inspired shapes, such as the head of a jackal or an Ankh symbol. Place them on top of the cake.

6. Decorate the fondant shapes with edible gold leaf or dust, and add edible pearl sprinkles or silver dragees for additional embellishments.

7. Serve the Anubis' Black Velvet Cake as a grand and striking dessert, paying homage to the god of the afterlife.

[jellye-cannabis-seeds]

Sour Pop Strain

Sour Pop: A Candy-Coated Explosion of Flavor and Yield

Calling all connoisseurs and commercial growers! Sour Pop is a revolutionary hybrid strain that delivers the best of both worlds: mouthwatering flavor and exceptional yields.

Born from Legends:

Sour Apple: This award-winning powerhouse boasts vigorous growth, heavy yields, and an unforgettable sour granny apple terpene profile.

OMFG (Runtz x Red Pop): A vigorous yielder renowned for its fat, frosty buds and a loud strawberry candy aroma.

The Sour Pop Experience:

Flavor Explosion: Brace yourself for a burst of sweet and sour candy notes, a delightful fusion of its parent strains.

Balanced Hybrid: Expect a well-rounded experience with both uplifting cerebral effects and a relaxing body high.

High Yielding Beauty: Sour Pop thrives with vigorous growth and produces high yields of frosty, resinous buds.

Whether you're a seasoned grower seeking top-shelf quality or a commercial operation prioritizing yield, Sour Pop is the perfect choice!

Genetics: Sour Apple x OMFG

Type: Hybrid

Seed: Feminized

Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks

Yield: High

Ready to cultivate a candy-coated masterpiece? Get your Sour Pop Feminized Seeds today! jellye.com

[max-tec3000]

Discover the Best Seeds for Germination with Humidity Domes

Starting your garden can be a thrilling journey, especially when you begin with the germination process. Among the myriad techniques available for germination, using humidity domes has proven to be exceptionally effective. This method not only accelerates the germination process but also ensures the young plants have the best start in their growth cycle. But, not all seeds are created equal when it comes to germinating under these conditions.Understanding the right types of seeds that thrive under the moist, controlled environment a humidity dome provides, is crucial. Some seeds have naturally high germination rates and are more adaptable to the humidity and temperature levels that these domes can offer. From lush leafy greens to vibrant flowers, the variety of seeds that can benefit from this method is vast and varied.However, the success of germination is not solely dependent on choosing the right seeds. Factors such as the quality of the soil, the amount of light, and the ambient temperature play significant roles. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deeply into the nuances of selecting the best seeds for germination with humidity domes and how to optimize your setup for maximum success. Embarking on this journey can transform your gardening experience, providing you with a lush, thriving garden that stands as a testament to the effectiveness of this method.

Optimizing Humidity for Sensitive Vegetable Seeds

Starting your garden with sensitive vegetable seeds requires not just a green thumb but also precise environmental control. The ideal humidity levels within a humidity dome can significantly influence the germination and early growth stages of these seeds. For sensitive vegetable seeds, maintaining a humidity level of 70%-80% within the dome is crucial. This range provides the moisture these seeds need to trigger germination without causing excess water that can lead to mold and seed rot.Adjusting the humidity for these seeds involves a careful balance. Vents located on the dome can be slightly opened to regulate moisture and allow for air exchange, which is necessary for preventing fungal diseases. Additionally, it's essential to monitor the moisture level of the growth medium, ensuring it's consistently moist but not waterlogged. Using a digital hygrometer within the dome can help gardeners keep a close eye on humidity levels, making adjustments as needed to secure a healthy start for their vegetable seedlings. Discover the lush world of gardening where the right conditions can transform a tiny seed into a vibrant plant. For garden enthusiasts looking to give their seedlings a head start, the use of a humidity dome can be a game-changer. Creating a microenvironment where moisture and warmth encase your seeds, these domes are akin to a protective bubble fostering growth in its infancy. Let’s delve into the key seed varieties that stand to benefit most from this greenhouse-like embrace, ensuring your gardening efforts flourish from the ground up.

Seed Varieties That Thrive Under a Humidity Dome

- Tomatoes: Cherished for their versatility, tomatoes respond well to the consistent moisture levels a dome provides, enhancing germination rates. - Peppers: Both sweet and hot pepper varieties find solace in the warm, humid conditions, leading to strong and healthy seedlings. - Leafy Greens: Species such as spinach, kale, and lettuce enjoy the gentle environment, promoting even germination and early growth. - Herbs: Fragrant favorites like basil, cilantro, and parsley germinate more efficiently in the controlled humidity. - Cucumbers: Known for their hydration needs, cucumbers prosper, producing vigorous vines ready for transplanting. - Eggplants: Enjoying the warmth, eggplants emerge strong from a dome setup, setting the stage for bountiful harvests. - Strawberries: Starting strawberries in a dome can encourage better germination and healthier starts. - Orchids: Though not a typical choice for beginners, orchids can greatly benefit from the high humidity, supporting their intricate germination process.Gardening is an art that embraces patience and care. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, understanding the right conditions for your seeds can make all the difference. A humidity dome might just be the secret ingredient your garden has been waiting for. Dive into the world of controlled environments and watch as your seeds unlock their full potential.

Accelerate Herb Seed Germination with Humidity Domes

Increasing the germination rates of herb seeds can significantly shorten the time it takes for your garden to become lush and productive. One effective method to achieve this is by using humidity domes. These simple yet innovative tools create an ideal micro-environment that helps retain moisture and warmth, two critical elements for seed germination. By maintaining a consistent level of humidity around the seeds, gardeners can reduce the germination period and enjoy a quicker harvest.Not only do humidity domes accelerate germination, but they also enhance the overall growth process. The contained environment prevents the seedlings from drying out or being subjected to the harsh conditions outside their safe dome. For anyone looking to start their herb garden, incorporating humidity domes into your gardening practice can be a game-changer. From basil to parsley, your herbs will transition from seeds to sprouts to thriving plants more efficiently, providing you with a plentiful supply for your culinary needs.

Adjusting Humidity Levels for Different Seed Types in Domes

Creating the perfect environment for seed germination involves controlling several factors, with humidity being one of the most crucial. This FAQ section aims to guide you through adjusting humidity levels for various seed types in domes, ensuring optimal growth conditions.

Why is Humidity Important for Seed Germination?

Humidity is vital for seed germination as it helps in keeping the seeds moist, facilitating the absorption of water through the seed coat, and activating the enzymes that kickstart the growth process. A lack of humidity can cause seeds to dry out, halting their development.

How to Adjust Humidity Levels in Domes?

To adjust humidity levels in domes, you can:- Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels within the dome. - Adjust the amount of water you're adding to the environment. More water increases humidity, while less lowers it. - Open or close the vents on your dome to regulate air flow and moisture escape. - Use a humidifier or dehumidifier nearby to add or remove moisture from the air as needed. - Leafy Greens (like lettuce, spinach): High humidity levels (75-85%) are preferred during germination. - Root Vegetables (such as carrots, beets): Moderate humidity levels (60-70%) work best. - Legumes (for instance, beans, peas): Lower humidity levels (40-50%) are sufficient after initial soaking and planting.

Conclusion

Adjusting humidity levels according to the type of seeds you're germinating can significantly affect their growth. Monitoring and making slight adjustments as needed can lead to healthy, robust plants ready for transplanting or further growth within your garden.

Growing Tropical Plant Seeds Under Humidity Domes

Creating the perfect environment for tropical plant seeds can be a rewarding endeavor for any gardening enthusiast. The key to successfully germinating these seeds lies in simulating their natural, humid habitats. A humidity dome provides such an environment, trapping moisture and warmth to encourage growth. This method is especially effective for tropical plant varieties that thrive in high humidity levels. It not only accelerates germination but also supports the tender seedlings during their critical early stages of development.When setting up your humidity dome, ensure that it's placed in a warm area with indirect light to mimic the understory conditions many tropical plants originate from. Monitoring the moisture level inside the dome is crucial; while these seeds love humidity, excessive water can lead to fungal diseases. Small vents at the top of the dome can be opened to allow some air circulation, reducing the risk of mold and promoting healthier growth. By understanding and replicating the natural conditions of tropical forests, gardeners can achieve lush, vibrant growth from their tropical plant seeds, turning an ordinary space into an exotic paradise. Read the full article

[britcision]

Seconding the idea of a wild strawberry “lawn” because ours has been casually creeping up on and overthrowing the grass for years and are now sitting comfortably at 30%

(They’re only the very tiny ones, the biggest berries are about the size of my pinky nail but they are sweet and delicious and wonderful)

Ours are also “pollinated” by the dogs, who love to throw themselves vigorously onto a patch and roll around, during flowering and then later in the summer to make jam

They have been instrumental in the takeover of the strawberry “lawn”

Our tiny little wild berries do extremely well in sandy soil, full sun, shade, and everything in between, they like it wet but haven’t been even mildly deterred by our heatwaves or heavy winters

They’re actually out growing the mint

Oh, and you can finger-pollinate them and also the regular larger berry plants you get at the store. I know this cuz I got my mom one for Mother’s Day once and kept it alive and producing berries for 5 years as an indoor plant

(However, if you’ve never had a bullshit-enormous Japanese strawberry you simply have not lived

Fist sized or bust)

Wild strawberries are a Dionysian orgy of sweet flavorful delight compared with the insipid, hellish store bought strawberries.

Most of my wild strawberry plants' flowers failed to pollinate for some strange reason (I guess there's not very many strawberry plants in the surrounding area?) but the few strawberries I did get tasted like a strawberry starburst but tangier and better

[akshaymehndiratta]

Akshay Mehndiratta - Sweet Delights: Recipes, Tips & Ideas

Akshay Mehndiratta says, Welcome to the tantalizing world of Sweet Delights! Indulge your senses as we take you on a journey filled with delectable desserts, expert baking tips, and creative ideas to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this collection of recipes, tips, and ideas will inspire you to create heavenly treats that will impress family and friends. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let's embark on a delightful adventure together!

Section 1: Irresistible Recipes

In this section, we present a selection of irresistible dessert recipes that will have you reaching for seconds. From classic favorites to innovative creations, there's something for every taste bud.

1. Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover's dream with this rich and gooey delight. The warm, oozing chocolate center will leave you craving for more.

2. Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta: Experience the smooth velvety texture of this Italian dessert, complemented by a delicate vanilla flavor. Customize it by pairing it with fresh fruits, caramel sauce, or even a drizzle of chocolate.

3. Strawberry Shortcake Parfait: Layers of fluffy sponge cake, sweet strawberries, and luscious whipped cream create a delightful dessert that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

4. Salted Caramel Brownies: The perfect balance of sweet and salty, these fudgy brownies will have you coming back for seconds. The gooey caramel swirls add an extra layer of decadence.

Section 2: Expert Baking Tips :

Baking is both an art and a science, and mastering the techniques can elevate your desserts to a whole new level. In this section, we share expert baking tips that will help you achieve bakery-worthy results.

1. Accurate Measurements: Akshay Mehndiratta said, Invest in a reliable kitchen scale to ensure precise measurements of ingredients. Baking is a science, and accurate measurements can make a significant difference in the outcome of your desserts.

2. Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal texture and mixing, allow refrigerated ingredients such as eggs and butter to come to room temperature before incorporating them into your recipes.

3. Proper Mixing Techniques: Use the appropriate mixing technique for each recipe. Whether it's gently folding in ingredients for a light and airy sponge cake or vigorously beating butter and sugar for a creamy cookie dough, understanding the proper mixing techniques is crucial.

4. Oven Calibration: Ensure that your oven is calibrated correctly to avoid undercooking or overcooking your desserts. Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature accuracy and make necessary adjustments.

Section 3: Creative Ideas 

1. Akshay Mehndiratta says, In this section, we explore creative ideas to make your sweet delights visually stunning and unique, perfect for special occasions or simply to impress your guests.

2. Edible Flower Decorations: Enhance the presentation of your desserts by incorporating edible flowers like pansies, marigolds, or violets. These delicate blooms not only add a touch of elegance but also bring subtle floral flavors.

3. Artistic Plating: Experiment with different plating techniques to showcase your desserts in an artistic and visually appealing way. Play with colors, textures, and garnishes to create eye-catching presentations.

4. Flavor Infusions: Elevate your desserts by infusing unique flavors. Add a hint of lavender to your shortbread cookies or incorporate a touch of cardamom into your chocolate mousse. These flavor combinations will surprise and delight your taste buds.

5. Dessert Pairings: Elevate your sweet creations by pairing them with complementary flavors. Serve a slice of tangy lemon tart with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or pair a rich chocolate cake with a bold espresso for a decadent dessert experience.

6. Dessert Shots and Miniatures: Create a dessert spread that's perfect for parties or gatherings by serving mini versions of your favorite treats. From mini cheesecakes to bite-sized fruit tarts, these adorable desserts will delight guests and allow them to sample a variety of flavors.

7. Dessert Mash-Ups: Get creative in the kitchen by combining different desserts to create exciting and unique flavor combinations. How about a doughnut ice cream sandwich or a brownie-cookie hybrid? The possibilities are endless, and these mash-ups are sure to impress.

8. Seasonal Desserts: Embrace the flavors of each season by incorporating seasonal ingredients into your desserts. Fresh berries in the summer, pumpkin and cinnamon in the fall, or citrus fruits in the winter—let the seasons inspire your sweet creations.

9. Dessert Garnishes: Elevate the presentation of your desserts with artistic garnishes. Sprinkle edible gold flakes on a chocolate mousse, top a fruit tart with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, or add a sprig of mint for a pop of freshness.

10. International Desserts: Explore desserts from around the world and introduce your readers to new and exciting flavors. From French pastries like macarons and crème brûlée to Indian treats like gulab jamun and kulfi, broaden your dessert repertoire and share the joy of international sweets.

Conclusion:

Akshay Mehndiratta says, With Sweet Delights, the possibilities for creating unforgettable desserts are endless. From mouthwatering recipes to expert tips and creative ideas, this collection is your go-to resource for all things sweet. Whether you're baking for yourself, your loved ones, or a special occasion, let your imagination run wild and bring joy to others with your delectable creations. So, gather your ingredients, follow the tips, and embark on a sweet adventure filled with flavor, texture, and pure delight. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth and create desserts that will leave lasting memories for years to come. Enjoy the journey and happy baking!

[mycthefirefly]

Beggartick and strawberry are both bisexual flowers, where beggarticks cannot self-pollinate and strawberries can. Not being able to self-pollinate--->hybrid vigor--->beggarticks are everywhere. Misshapen strawberries are often times the results of self-pollination.

But you know they are just as sweet. And the flower is still just as pretty.

[ddejavvu]

hi boo!! can you do more cottagecore Spencer Reid :3 I'm obsessed with the thought of having a picnic with him while making flowers crown for each other <3 he's so wholesome & cute oml

usually i'd wait for multiverse monday but i didn't post much this past mvm and i'm too eager to write cottagecore spencer :D

--

One of the straps of Spencer's overalls flopped lazily over his bicep, no longer secured over his shoulder. The cream-colored sweater beneath was more stable, though, clinging tight to his neck. You weren't sure how Spencer got away with wearing turtlenecks in the spring, nearly summer, but the heat of the garden never seemed to bother him.

Not a single drop of the jam that was spread over your sandwiches stained his sweater, but several puffs of dandelions stuck to the knit garment that had drifted down from the messy crown of them resting on his head.There didn't seem to be a day that went by without Spencer having some sort of dandelion disaster, so much so that you'd made it his nickname.

"Dandelion," You mumbled through a mouthful of bread and jam, "Y'see the birds' nest over the house?"

Spencer squinted at the tree that shaded your cottage, mouth hanging slightly open as his nose scrunched. Apparently he made out the nest, though, because a bright grin broke out over his face as he nodded vigorously, sending his hair flying.

He tucked the strands neatly back behind his ears, more fluff falling out of his crown. You were grateful that your own was made of lilies, the petals draping delicately over your forehead instead of making you sneeze, "How many eggs?"

"Three." You announced proudly, "I wanna keep one."

"You know we can't," Spencer scoffed teasingly, "Remember the last time you tried? I thought the mother bird was gonna peck your eyes out."

"I wasn't stealing her baby! I was just helping him." You huffed, "He fell out of the nest."

"They're supposed to," Spencer reasoned, stuffing the rest of his sandwich into his mouth and speaking through his mouthful, "They can't fly right away. They have to do a few test runs."

"I didn't want him to get hurt!" You recalled the poor, screeching bird that you'd rescued, then promptly left behind when the mother divebombed you, "I was being a good person."

"Birds don't like good people," Spencer mused, "They like their babies."

"Can we get a bird?" You turned to Spencer, no longer staring wistfully at the nest in the tree, and instead turning your lethal pleading gaze towards him, "Please?"

"Birds are messy." Spencer's nose wrinkled slightly, "They require a certain level of grime."

"I'll keep the grime to a minimum!" You promised, popping a home-grown strawberry into your mouth, "And once he's trained well he can sleep in the bed with us!"

"Absolutely not." Spencer shook his head, ignoring your pitiful pout, "That's too dangerous!"

--

It only took him three days to come up with an alternative. Dodging the stray cat that frequented your cottage, making sure he didn't trip over the animal that wound itself around his legs, he poked his head through the front door.

"Honey? You in here?"

"Kitchen!" You called out, your hands slightly damp from the fresh lilies you were arranging.

Spencer kept the gift held tightly behind his back, stepping into the kitchen dramatically.

"Whatcha got for me, dandelion?" You stood eagerly in front of him, reaching out for whatever was behind his back. He tutted softly, taking one hand out from behind his back to keep you in place.

"Close your eyes." He ordered, waiting until you were standing with your hands out and your eyes shut to hand you the pillow he was carrying.

You opened your eyes as soon as you felt weight in your hands, staring down at a little white pillow, a yellow bird embroidered on the front. You bit your lip to stop yourself from smiling too wide, but Spencer caught the gesture and his chest puffed slightly in pride.

"We can keep this bird in the bed," He started, "And it won't make a mess."

"Thank you!" You lunged for him, the pillow hitting his back as you wrapped yourself around him, "Did you make this yourself?!"

"Well we already had the pillow," He was thankful you hadn't noticed one of your throw pillows from the couch go missing, "But I stitched the bird on, yeah."

"That's amazing!" You pulled back from the hug, admiring the tiny details on the bird, "Spencer, I love it."

"I'm glad," He grinned, brandishing his very battered, spotty hand sheepishly, "Because apparently, I am not good with needles."

[silentprincess17]

Hi SiPri! <3 I see you've opened up requests! Since I've been having a lot of OoT feelings lately, maybe something cute about young Zelda and Link? Thank you for all your wonderful stories!

Awww! Thank you so much @inkandmoonbeam!!! You are so kind bestie big hugs to you!

So! Here is the first chapter of a three-part fic on OoT Zelink following the child timeline. Your prompt is chapter 1! I hope you enjoy the story as much as I had writing it :)

A Map of Memories

Summary: On a journey through Hyrule, a map of memories forms and secrets of an era are revealed. AO3 Link:

Link crawled through the tunnel for the third time that day, his knees grazed and rubbed raw from the polished stone. 

Noon would strike in five minutes and he needed to time this right. Move one to run around the wall avoiding the guard, move two curving around the hedge in sync with the one walking in front, and finally, crawling up the ladder and walking above the remainder’s ignorant heads.

He was nearly there…! 

Soon enough, the entrance to Zelda’s garden came into view, the butterflies beating against the blooming flowers in full summer, and her silhouette in the distance against the window making him forget all his injuries. 

“Link! You’re back!”

He smiled, nodding, ignoring the prick of pain that him returning to her didn’t mean the same as him returning to her. He swallowed the ugly bulge in his chest that fought for her to remember. It was better that she didn’t. And this is what she had wanted for him: to reclaim his childhood. It was the least he could do, with how much he owed her for holding a fracturing kingdom together whilst he grew up.

“I’ve fulfilled my side of the deal! Here!” She held up an array of lilac feathers in his face, startling him back to reality. “These are what were in the castle’s store. They are the feathers of Castle Town, of the royal family.” 

His eyes widened. “Woah…”

“Yeah! They really do exist! Say… I don’t suppose you succeed in your half of the deal?”

He made a show of rubbing his hand against his chin. 

Her eyes widened in anticipation. “Well?!”

“So, as you know from my previous trip- I’ve found a secret way out- not through the tunnel because Impa knows about that. But… it was considerably harder making up an excuse for Impa to leave you though. I went to Kakariko to see if there was any reason for her to be there and not here like you suggested but…”

Her smile folded in on itself. “There wasn’t anything, was there?”

Shaking his head, he dramatically produced a ticket for the upcoming Kakariko summer fair. “Nope! There was!” 

She snatched it from his grip, eyes vigorously scanning the small leaflet. “OH!”

“Yup! She’ll have to be there as Chief tomorrow!!”

“So that means we can go?!”

“That means we can go!”

She surged into his arms and his face reddened as though he just landed in the pinnacle of Death Mountain’s heat. Oh… she smelt of strawberries too. 

Just as quickly she rocketed backwards, tumbling to the floor and he followed suit. “Okay! So! Our plan is finally going to be in motion.” Zelda fiddled with her belt, pulling out a thin sheath of paper that she placed on the ground. Carefully, she opened it up, revealing a map of Hyrule.

She pressed the purple feathers by the castle, and let her fingers roam the rest of the page. Nodding decisively, she pointed at Kakariko. “That’s our first destination, whilst Impa is distracted.” She dragged out a zigzag, “from there we’ll go to Goron Village… and then we’ll pop by Zora’s Domain… ending at the Kokiri forest.” 

Link scratched his head. “All of that in one day is going to be hard…”

“How long is the fair again?”

“Well- it does say it’ll continue for two days.” 

“Ah.” She leant back, crystal blue eyes burning holes into his own. He flushed again, as she started to speak. “So what do you propose Link?“

“We should… actually.” He studied the map closely. “I think there might be a shortcut to Zora’s Domain from Kakariko. So, if we do those three on day one, that leaves Lake Hylia and Kokiri Forest for day two. We’ll head over to Malon’s for the evening.”

“Malon’s? I’ve never heard of that town before! Where is it?” She leaned closer, nose almost touching the map. 

“Oh whoops,” he chuckled. “Malon isn’t a town Zelda. She’s a girl, her father owns Lon Lon Ranch, here,” he pointed on the map. 

A blush crept across her face. “Oh, shame on me. I should know. Her father delivers milk to the castle and I’ve seen her accompanying him once. We’ve never interacted though.” 

“She’s really nice. She gave me Epona. I mean technically I won Epona but… still.”

Zelda’s hands were busy folding the map again. “Ah, that’s nice of her.”

He nodded. “She’ll let us stay in the barn for sure.”

“Hm. What does Malon like, Link? It’s never a good idea to go to someone empty handed. Especially if we’re going to be staying.”

He blinked. “Really? I’ve stayed for so many nights at the ranch, in the barn.” She looked horrified and he hurried to reassure her, “I-I guess I sort of paid by working on the farm…”

It was her turn to stare before shaking her head. “Alright. I’ll assume you two are good friends then. Still, I’ll bring something because I’m not entirely familiar with her.” 

“She likes to sing if that helps?”

Her brow puckered, and she gave a little shrug. “I’ll think of something, don't worry.” She tucked the map away, back into her dress. “So we’ll meet here at 7 am sharp, Link! That’s two hours earlier than my normal schedule so Impa will assume, hopefully, I’m still in bed before she leaves.”

“Ooooh, so this way, we’ll have moved on from Kakariko before she arrives, right?”

“Yes!”

He smiled, excited in her stead, even if he was a little puzzled over it. 

She reached over and squeezed his hand. “Thank you, Link, for putting up with my whimsical request and coming with me. I promise it’ll all make sense soon.”

He squeezed her hand back as a response. “We’re friends Zelda, and you don’t need to explain why to me. If it makes you happy, I’m happy too.” 

-

Kakariko was a bustling town, packed with people, no doubt fair attendees. There were stalls selling everything from clothing, to intricate Sheikah charms, to an instrumental display, predominantly featuring drum sets. There was live music, too.

Link’s gaze flitted between all the noise and humdrum, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the crowd, pressing up against each other, with stall owners shouting fares and discounts and customers haggling said fares down. 

Zelda reached for his hand, grounding him in the here and now.

She smiled at him, the cloak she was wearing hiding most of her face but he could see the smile peek through. He squeezed her hand, his cloak folding over hers. They were both wearing a subdued indigo tunic and travelling trousers, to blend in as much as they could.

Her hand tugged at his, and he shook his head, letting her pull him through the fair. 

“We’ll start at the top and work our way down! That way we don’t miss anything!”

“Okay.” He chuckled, watching her huff and puff, insistently dragging him arm. “You realise it’s not going anywhere right?”

Mischief featured in her eyes, “We are though! We’re going to be very busy!”

Well, that was a fair point. They found themselves at the Sheikah charms stall, and Zelda picked up a matching pair of bracelets with the Sheikah eye symbol engraved into an amulet held together by purple beads. “How much for this, please?”

“Twenty rupees for you, child. What lovely manners.”

“Thank you.” She held up a set of Sheikah blue hair clips, turning to him. “What colour is Malon’s hair Link?”

“Um. Red?”

“Do you think she’ll like this?” He nodded, and Zelda handed them off to the shopkeeper. “Could I also have these please?”

“Of course, sweetheart. Here. 30 rupees for the lot.”

Whilst Zelda completed her transaction, he snuck off to the stall next door, grabbing two stealth smoothies, made of blueberries. When he returned, Zelda tied the charm around his wrist, and they bopped fists laughing when the charms hit as he gave her the drink. 

The background music suddenly changed, a low tempo slowing increasing in strength and the crowd's noise dimmed as everyone looked around.

A procession began, with an array of Sheikah warriors wearing forest green cloaks twisted and turned through the crowds, in time to the music, and at each beat some of the party jumped off onto the roofs, their moves energising the hoards of people. They synchronously released mauve confetti and paper slips of the Sheikah Eye symbol into the crowd, the pieces scattering into a crowd who shrieked with excitement.

Zelda was open-mouthed, watching the display rapturously. 

He took the time to glance back at the stall, spotting the Sheikah indigo feathers and buying them for her.

The display finished on the dot of the hour, the Sheikah vanishing as Sheik once did with a flurry of Deku nuts and the smoke from the effects dissipated. Everyone began to clap for the performers, with some cheers and hollers also let loose.

Link and Zelda continued across to the art stall, staring at the shapes for a few seconds. They snickered at the language the artist was using, quickly moving on to the much more interactive music stall after they received some glares. 

“Hey! Want to have a go?”

“Oh but- Link- aren’t those for sale?”

He winked, and she squealed when they snuck onto the platform, sneaking around to reach the instruments in the back. He grabbed the drumsticks off the drum set, feet finding the pedals and hashed out part of the Nocturne of Shadow. Zelda watched him for the first few beats, before haphazardly joining in on the guitar, laughing at the ruckus they made, and the cheer of the crowd in response. 

“Hey! Vandals! Get off!”

“Run Link!” She jumped off the platform, boots skidding across the floor.  

He grabbed her hand. “This way!” 

They stormed past the crowd, running behind the flaps of the stall into the shadows, racing up to the fountain. 

Zelda’s hands latched onto the edge, heaving, before she dragged him around and they slumped in a fit of giggles. They spluttered out half breaths, before eventually relaxing with their backs propped up against the fountain. 

“That was insane! What if we’d gotten caught?!”

“We wouldn’t be. They’re never going to fuss with children.”

She side-eyed him. “Have you done this before when you were an adult?”

He thought back to all the places he’d snuck into. “Yes. Most of the ones as an adult did not go well. I was imprisoned in the Gerudo Fortress. And then re-imprisoned when I was stupid enough to get caught. As a child though, how many times have I snuck in to see you? And no one really seems to mind children. We get a free pass.” 

“Huh.” They sipped on their drinks, half of which had fallen in all the excitement. “Link… that song you played.” She pulled her harp out, and his heart froze. Giant hands banging on drums, lying walls, secret floors, guillotines covered with crusty blood flashed through his mind. He shifted, hands fiddling with his pouch. “Did…” Her fingers strung the first few notes. “Did I teach you that?” She glanced around. “Here?”

His throat was like the sand in the Gerudo Desert, dry, sharp and bitter. 

She closed her eyes, apparently satisfied, and strummed through another three notes before her fingers jammed and she heaved upright, gasping for air. 

He rushed to her side, “Zelda! What’s wrong?!”

“I-” She shook her head, turning to face away, mumbling into the air. 

He twisted to face her again, only to be met with her hands covering her face. She heaved a deep breath before shakily smiling at him. “It’s nothing, Link. Just- just a… bad… feeling.”

Concerned, he asked, “Is it a premonition? Like those dreams you… had?”

“No, nothing like that. There’s something at the bottom of the well though, isn’t there?”

He frowned, watching her eyes flicker between him, the well and the graveyard behind them. What was going on? “Zelda are you… sure you’re okay?”

She brushed her cloak down, smoothing out the wrinkles that had formed in their rush to hide. “I’m okay. I promise. It- It’s over now anyway.” 

Hm. He wasn’t happy but he decided to play along for now. When the time was right he’d try again… With that plan made, he opened his pouch and pulled out the Lens of Truth. “I… I got this at the end of the well.”

He handed it over to her. “It shows… secrets. It was really useful, helped me see a lot of false floors and the like.” 

Her face blanched. “It cleared some of the infinite darkness.”

“I- Yeah… I suppose it did.” That phrase… was familiar. Where had he last- 

Her hand pulled on his, carefully handing the lens back and dragging him from his thoughts. “Well, it’s soon going to be 9! We should get moving soon so we can make good progress for the day.” 

Why was she being so erratic? “Zelda…”

She smiled, soft and bright, “I’m fine! Come, let’s go!” 

Well, he’d keep a closer eye on her now. She held her hand out, and he took it, letting the thirst of adventure with his best friend crowd out the thoughts of something being wrong. Maybe she really did just have a funny turn.  

“Oh, Zelda, before I forget.” He fumbled with his pouch, pulling out the indigo feathers. “These are Kakariko’s feathers. For your collection.”

“Aw Link! Thank you! I forgot!” She pressed a kiss to his cheek in excitement, and he froze, turning crimson as she carefully put them away, inside her map.  

Goddesses above she would be the death of him.