#then a chocolate cone so so so so rich that it makes you feel sad

[beedreamscape]

Nothing breaks my soul like post purchase guilt does

[pookiepoodle]

Hiii I’m new to your blog but I checked out a bit and you’re a really good writer. If you’re not bombarded already with requests, can I get either Ushi or Daichi and the most rich, most decadent chocolate cake you can create 😂 just as sappy and as FOREVER-Y as you can make it 😂 I could really use the comfort of someone steady and reliable right now.

😘 thanks love

Hi baby! Thank you so much for the request. I decided to do something a lil crazy (i’m like that lol) so I hope you enjoy this!!! *coughs* ORDER UP!!! I have a hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows plus a slice of chocolate cake with a side of Daichi AND Ushijima for @fuckinuchihas

You sighed, glaring at the tattoo on your wrist. 

Are you okay?

Most people envied having something so ordinary, your best friend always complaining about hers reading,” Mmm, dat ass!” So, in some ways, you knew you should be grateful… but still, the question made you worry. What state was your soulmate going to find you in? 

You were currently at the beach with your family, trying to enjoy the summer sun and blue waves but a large crowd of boys screaming and laughing made you grit your teeth. Couldn’t they be more respectful towards the other people?

You sat up, glancing over at them. They seemed to all be playing a game of volleyball and they looked good at it. Maybe they played it as a sport… well, whatever. You were thirsty and you deserved a shaved ice cone. Maybe cherry flavour would be good or pineapple. 

You stood up, making your way to the stall when suddenly, something smacked you on the side of your head, making you stumble to the ground and into the sand. 

“Are you okay?”

You were about to respond with an angry no when you realised several things.

One. Those were the words your soulmate would say.

Two. Your wrist, where the words were located, was burning up.

Three. It had been two voices who had said those three magic words.

“Wait, there’s two of you?!” you exclaimed, looking up to see two very attractive men standing in front of you.

One had dark brown hair and a concerned expression as he bent down next to you whilst the other was simply standing there, his olive green hair messed up by the slight ocean breeze as he calmly looked at you.

However, once you said those words, both men seemed startled, glancing down at their own wrists which seemed to burn, the words glowing.

Wait, there’s two of you?!

For a long time both boys had puzzled over the message… well.

Daichi was confused by it, constantly looking up cases of similar words but only found a few in which a person had two soulmates. It was rare, but it made him a bit sad, knowing he’d never be someone’s special other alone. He’d have to share.

Ushijima had been bewildered when he first saw it as a child, but quickly ignored it, figuring that time would tell.

But, as they both stared into your eyes, they realised that you were the one. 

“Is this… normal?” you exclaimed, astonished by this sudden revelation.

“Well, I’ve done a little research and it’s pretty rare,” Daichi smiled, forcing out a light chuckle as he moved to touch your hand, feeling that little spark between you and him grow.

“So… we’ll share her?” Ushijima suddenly said, making you jump. You’d forgotten about him for a second but he too sat down on the sand, reaching out to grab your other hand. 

“I guess so,” Daichi grinned, shaking his head at the strange turn of events. It was weird enough to meet your soulmate after spiking her head with a volleyball, but even more so to realise he’d be sharing her with someone he knew. Better than a stranger though.

“I think we need to talk about this some more, but… do you guys want some shaved ice?” you interrupted, giving them both a smile,” After all, I kinda wanna know my soulmates a bit better. Oh! I’m Y/N by the way!”

“I’m Daichi.”

“Ushijima.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet ya,” you grinned, moving to stand up whilst still holding their hands,” Soulmates!”

[angst-fairygodmother]

🧠 for Hargreeves favorite ice cream flavors? 🤔

A/N: I love headcanons! This was a bit of a challenge, mostly by not making it sad (i.e. headcanons about the first, and/or in some cases last time they tried ice cream because I doubt Father of the Year Reggie ever got them ice cream) Word Count: 341

Luther likes the classics. A nice vanilla bean, maybe with some hot fudge and whipped cream and a cherry. Usually, he eats it from a dish, but sometimes if he’s feeling “indulgent” he’ll get a sugar cone

Diego likes to pretend he’s too cool for ice cream. However, he’s actually a huge fan, but doesn’t eat it often. His favorite flavor is probably cookie dough, in a classic sugar cone, no toppings. Now when it comes to other frozen treats like popsicles, it’s a different story: all orange creamsicles, all the time baby. They’re dessert, they’re a quick breakfast substitute, they’re a medicinal treatment (the cold feels good on a split lip). 

To Allison, ice cream really is a special treat (neither she nor Patrick wants Claire to be the type of child that expects dessert every night) so when she has it, she tends to go all out with luxury. Rich flavors, hot fudge, caramel. 

Though you might expect Klaus to be the sort to always go ham on it, he actually isn’t much of a fan of ice cream. For one thing, when he gets something to eat he prefers it to be hearty and filling since he doesn’t know when his next meal will be. For another, he prefers warm foods (like fresh waffles or cookies). 

Five likes coffee ice cream (duh) or mint chocolate chip, though never together. He’s not much for toppings, although a little whipped cream now and then or some chocolate sprinkles aren’t totally repulsive to him

Ben was a strawberry or black raspberry person. In a waffle cone (preferably a chocolate-dipped one), with rainbow sprinkles or mini m&ms. He has very specific tastes and will not apologize for them. 

Vanya’s a bit old school and likes flavors like vanilla bean or butter pecan. But mostly to her ice cream is a vessel. She’s really in it for the other sundae toppings like m&ms, gummy bears, strawberries in syrup, whipped cream, hot fudge. The more she can fit on there, the better.

[thesvenqueen]

Dark Knight

HAPPY CHRISTMAS IN JULY @moredibell! I am your secret santa!!

So, I ran with your Batman AU idea and I came up with this! It’s a bit odd having Kristoff as Batman but, hopefully I made it work character wise? Also, ignore the horrible, horrible title lol

A bit of background:

Anna is a reporter for the Daily Planet, recently moving to Gotham City just a little over a year before. Her first big story is that of Kristoff Bjorgman; the new CEO of Bjorgman industries and the largest industry in Gotham. Not much is known about him or his adoptive family. Only that a few years ago, his adoptive mother and father vanished without a trace, leaving the company to their only son, Kristoff. Before that, the family was very private, barely speaking to the media unless absolutely necessary.

While waiting for the interview at the mansion, Anna stumbles upon the mysterious Kristoff. She finds him having a wound being stitched by his family butler Olaf and his best friend and business partner Sven (a friendship started in grade school, and the only friend Kristoff really ever had) after a sticky situation with a couple of thugs. Cape on the floor and mask close beside it, Anna realizes who exactly she is dealing with. Sven catches her spying before she can run but, Anna boldly offers her help in aiding Kristoff.

It is then a new member was brought on to this ‘team’ of sorts, and there started the relationship between Anna Rendell & the Dark Knight.

This happens about a year after, hope you enjoy!!

For once she absolutely hates the drive to the mansion.

Most times, Anna would enjoy the surrounding hills, the winding roads that lead to a beautiful view above the city, letting her windows down as she enjoyed the long ride away from the hustle and bustle of Gotham; but today she despised it.

It was too long of a drive, not short enough, and she swore as she took a turn a bit too quickly and heard her tires squeal.

She had seen the headline from across the room at the gala,

“Batman vs. Joker: Joker Escapes Once Again”

Her heart was already thundering in her chest as she got close enough to her Lisa Cortez report from just a few blocks away, standing in front of a blocked off street,

“--witnesses say the fight was quick but the Joker ultimately got away once again, after yielding a knife in the latest altercation. One witness described seeing Batman struggle to get back to his vehicle, even falling at one point as he made his way back. Police advice local residents to stay in doors until the surrounding area can be cleared. Traffic has been--”

She started for the door before she could hear more. Movement across the room caught her eye as she saw Sven excuse himself and head for the nearest exit as well.

Their eyes meet for a moment and it is immediately understood where they were both heading.

In record time, the mansion came into view and she can vaguely spot a pair of dim lights in the woods behind the mansion slowly disappearing below the earth.

Pulling up to the front of the mansion, Anna slams on the brakes.

She takes the stairs three at a time, gasping as she reaches the door and Olaf (bless him) is already holding the door wide open for her.

The mansion is much less of a maze, as it had once been a few months before. Now, Anna can get through it blindfolded if need be and she is in the cave in meer minutes.

It’s there she spots him. A broken mess beside the car, clutching at his side.

He had tried to get out of the car, but had barely made it and was on the floor of the cave; Anna can tell he is struggling with every breath he takes and it is when he finally collapses completely to the floor that she moves.

She can see the blood before she reaches him.

Anna kneels beside him, taking in the scene as quickly as she can. Small cuts here and there, the cape torn in places, many cuts to his forearm guards. It’s the large gash that Kristoff still clutches that makes her pause. It is the worse she’s ever seen, his armor already soaked in blood.

“Anna”, he breathes and it is then she finally looks at his face. His eyes are barely opened, he is pouring sweat and he is looking at her in recognition but she can see his eyes glazing over.

Thinking fast, she grabs hold of the train of her dress, ripping it and beginning to wrap it around his wound.

“Ok Bjorgman, we gotta move.” She says, bringing his arm around her shoulder.

She struggles, trying desperately to pull him to his feet.

Footsteps echo across the cave and announce the arrival of Sven.

“What did you do now you lug?” He jokes, pulling Kristoff’s other arm around his shoulder and together they move him to the nearest table.

For a time, it seemed the bleeding wouldn’t stop. Anna had frantically began cleaning it at best she could, Olaf supplying anything and everything she needed. With shaky hands she sewed the wound together, watching his breathing as she did.

Finally, finally, he was stable. A few painkillers and bandages later, he lies on the table still.

It is just them now, Sven and Olaf leaving after Kristoff had calmed (Anna prayed to god they didn’t see the tears that were threatening to come the whole time he was on the table). It is just them and the sound of the nearby waterfall echoing through the cave.

“Your dress.” He says with a frown, feeling the material in his hands, eyeing the blood and large rip.

“What?...Oh,” Anna says, peering down, “It’s ok, I’ll...I’ll get a new one.”

“No.”

“No?”

“I’ll get it.”

“Kristoff no. I bought it, I’ll get it.”

“And I ruined it by being bullheaded and nearly bleeding out.” Kristoff said, looking at her with a soft smile. “It’s my fault it’s ruined, so, I’ll get you a new one.”

“I..you..thanks.” Anna says, blushing as she finds the bandaging across his chest suddenly very interesting.

“You look beautiful by the way.”

Anna laughs, blowing a few wisps of hair from her eyes, “I’m sure the blood is a nice touch.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok.”

“No, not for that.” Anna eyes him, “Ok, yes I am sorry for that but...I meant..the gala...I know it meant a lot and you worked hard to get into it and--”

“It’s alright Kristoff.” Anna said, taking his hand. “It was boring anyways.”

“You’ve been talking about it for weeks,” Kristoff huffs a laugh, “I doubt it was boring.”

(In truth, Anna had been over the moon about the gala. It was the one thing she’d been dying to cover since coming to Gotham. The biggest names of the city came just to mingle, talk business over wine and champagne. It was the biggest party of the year and Anna, this year, had been chosen to cover it.

She had talked about it constantly, something she thought would annoy Kristoff to no end.

“It’s nothing but snobby rich people.”

“But there the biggest names in Gotham Kristoff! It’s a huge party.”

“Eh...it’s ok.”

“Wait...does that mean you’re going?”

Kristoff had paused, momentarily stopping in his tracing of her freckles along her back, “...maybe?”

Anna had turned over quickly then, squealing in excitement, “Oh this gala just got so much better!”

Kristoff smirked at her, “I thought you were already excited for it.”

“Yeah but now I know you’ll be there, and you’re going to wear a tux which is an added bonus!”

He chuckled then, “You like it when I dress up, huh?” leaning closer to her,

“Mhmm,” She giggled, biting her lip, “It’s very sexy.”

“And you’ll dress up too right?”

“Yeah,” she sighed as he kissed her neck.

“Mmm, maybe the gala won’t be so bad after all.”)

“...Ok, yeah...it wasn’t terribly boring and I did snag a few pictures, but still not all that exciting and glamorous like I thought plus...,” Anna pauses, biting her lip, “You weren’t there so, it wasn’t as fun.”

He squeezed her hand and Anna looked up.

“I’ll be at the next one.”

“No cape?”

“No cape.” Kristoff said with a grin, “Just a tux, and some roses.”

“Roses?”

“To go with your gown.”

Anna blushes bright red, looking down a their hands. “The press would have a field day with that one.”

“...and?”

Anna looks at him, confused.

All their time together, Kristoff made it a point to keep his life private. No matter what, nothing about his personal life went public. He kept very much to himself, as he and his family had done for so long. It was natural, easier that way he would say. Having people nosing around in his business, constantly trying to find the darkness in his past since he was brought into the family as a child, having grown adults working diligently to make him, a young boy, seem unfit to be apart of his family or discredit the family entirely; it was gross. The words people wrote, what they said, the lies they painted on so many things; he hated it.

He hated it all. So, he kept it all locked away in the mansion. Away from the public eye.

Their dates they had were in secret, discreet. Most were at his mansion, to make it easier on them. Anna never pestered him about it; she understood his hesitancy and distrust of the public.

But there was always a small bit of sadness deep inside on the fact they couldn’t hold hands in public, be seen talking too long, riding together in his car, venturing out for an ice cream cone; the normal cute date things Anna loved in her romance novels.

But this was not a knight in shining armor in a cute romance novel; this was the Dark Knight, this was Kristoff. Shy, quiet, unsure of the world and what it held but still so kind and full of love that Anna pushed the sadness aside.

Kristoff sits up, gasping as he does so. Anna moves to help but Kristoff grabs her hand once more and pulls her close. He leans against her lightly, his hands grasping her waist and as she settle hers on his shoulders.

For the millionth time she finds herself lost in his chocolate brown eyes.

“I don’t...I don’t want to be quiet anymore. Not about this.” He cups her cheek, “Not about something I care about.”

Anna smiles softly, “Kristoff--”

“I’ve been so...quiet, so shut away from people for so long and didn’t want to trust anyone but...you...you’ve helped me see the good. That there is still good in this crazy city. And I want people to see the woman that made me change, see how wonderful you are, see the good that I have in my life.” Kristoff smiles, “I want people to see the woman that I love.”

Anna giggles in excitment, tears threatening to come, “Are you sure?”

“Anna,” He whispers, “I’ve never been so sure in my life.”

[hellomissmabel]

Vino O Gelato part 1

MASTERLIST

Pairing: Steve x reader

Warnings: The reader grew up believing someone else was her father. Her real father had been sent away by his family.

Word count: 3.329

Summary: Y/N travels to Italy in search of her biological father. As she’s looking for a place to stay, she walks into the small artisanal gelateria where Steve works. He helps her get in touch with her father and introduces her to his friends. But is Y/N really ready to meet her father? Or is there another reason why she should stay in Italy?

A/N: Written for @yourtropegirl

Series masterlist can be found here

The bus dropped you off in this little municipality in the middle of nowhere, that probably carries more history in one brick than all of your high school history books combined. Checking the address you had written down on the piece of paper in the palm of your hand, you began your quest for the tiny but quaint B&B Bruce had booked a room for you. You had a map of Italy downloaded on your phone and as were searching for the right street name, you found yourself getting more and more lost in the twists and turns of this rural town.

You knocked on several doors and came up to a couple people on the street but none of them spoke the sufficient amount of English to set you on your way. So completely discouraged, dehydrated and famished, you set foot in an artisanal ice cream shop or gelateria, hoping that somehow someone would be able to point you in the right direction.

It’s one of the few shops that stays open throughout the entire day, whereas other shopkeepers prefer to take a small siesta during the afternoon. There’s virtually nobody in the gelateria except for the tall, muscly blond man serving himself a scoop of chocolate-flavoured ice cream. His eyes meet yours just as you’re about to walk in, and he chuckles softly as he licks his spoon clean. A rosy blush tints his cheeks with soft embarrassment as he quickly stuffs the spoon away in his back pocket.

“Ciao bella, posso aiutarti?,” he asks you in broken Italian, his American accent clearly shining through. (Hi beautiful, can I help you?)

“You’re American?,” you reply with a high-pitched tone of surprise. you didn’t expect to find an American in such a remote village.

He looks you up and down, smiling warmly. “What can I get you, ma’am?,” he chuckles politely and you must admit it’s charming to be called ma’am and not girl for a change.

Holding out the scrap of paper that holds the address, you show it to him and ask for directions. “It’s called May’s Ostello. Do you know it?”

The blond nods instantly and your heart flutters in relief. “Yeah, I know where it is. I’m staying there, too.”

“You do?,” you pipe up with a squeak, taking back the piece of paper with a grateful smile. “Is it far from here?”

Brushing his hands off on his white apron, he grins at your eagerness. “I’ll walk you there if you want. My shift’s almost over.” He gestures towards his watch to indicate it’s almost 4 o’clock. “Bucky will be here soon to take over. Why don’t you have an ice cream while we wait?,” he suggests, leaning with his elbow on the counter as his crystal blue eyes gaze into yours.

With a royal blush staining your cheeks, you shrug casually and pretend you’re not as affected by this handsome stranger as you really are. Looking over the royally filled counter, various ice cream flavours beckoning your eyes with their rich colours and even richer taste, you decide you might as well make the most out of it and have an actual, authentic, artisanal Italian gelato.

“I don’t even know more than half of the flavours,” you confess gingerly, not daring to take your eyes away from the counter and look back at the blond.

“Well,” he chuckles lightly, “I can make you some suggestions.” Opening the glass door to the cooler of the ice cream, holding a cone in one hand and a spoon in the other, he scoops up three flavours for you to try. “On the house,” he winks at you as he hands over the cone.

“Oh,” you gasp softly at his gentle offer, your hand slightly brushing his. “Thank you so much. What flavours are these?”

You take your first lick of the top flavour and moan at the soft and subtle taste of cherries. “That one is amarena, made from the finest cherries.”

“It’s so good,” you mumble as you bite one of the cherries embedded in the ice cream.

“The other two are straciatella, with the bits of chocolate in it, and nocciola, my favourite.”

“They’re all so good,” you agree immediately, eagerly devouring your ice cream cone. “My name’s Y/N, by the way.”

You extend your hand and the blond shakes it firmly. “Steve. Pleasure to meet you, doll. What takes you to Italy?” Steve rounds the corner of the counter and sits down on a nearby bench, patting the empty seat next to him.

You’re a little taken aback by his forwardness, but this is Italy, so you shouldn’t be so astonished if the people here are a lot more extroverted than back home. “Well, it’s a long story.” You hesitate momentarily as you join him on the bench. “You sure you wanna hear it?”

He eyes you with interest and childlike curiosity, his youthful, ruggedly handsome features lighting up as he smiles reassuringly at you. “We’ve got about 10 minutes before Bucky arrives, will that be enough time to tell me your story? I’ll tell you my story after, too, if you want.”

Finishing your ice cream, you swallow thickly and play with the hem of your shorts as you start off. “Long story short, I don’t come from money and my mother was a cleaning lady.”

By now you half expect Steve to judge you and block off your story, like with many others have done before him. But instead, he continues to listen intently, not interrupting you once as you tell him about your father.

“The son of the family she worked for was a big spender and a real womanizer. My mother sometimes is too nice and always has a hard time saying no. She really liked him and when he made a pass towards her, she fell for him like a brick. They had a fling, a couple one-night-stands really. When his parents found out she was pregnant, they fired her immediately and sent him away to Europe.”

Steve places a gentle hand on your knee. “I’m sorry, Y/N.”

“My mother then got a job at a travel agency, where she met my step-dad,” you finish your story, eyes cast downwards and studying your shoes. “Up until recently, I always believed Bruce was my real father.”

“How did you find out?”

Looking back up at Steve as he squeezes your knee, you smile half-heartedly. “I was cleaning out the attic and found my mother’s old yearbook. There was a check inside, and with the check came a note. My mother insisted I’d get the education she was deprived off, but it left us in great debt. That check is more than enough to settle everything.”

Steve nods sympathetically. “What about the note?”

“It read, “for our daughter” in a handwriting that I didn’t recognise. It certainly wasn’t Bruce’s because his writing is pure calligraphy. Immediately I rushed downstairs and asked my mother to come clean. She told me about my father, how he tried to worm his way back into her life and how she blocked all his attempts to reach out.”

“And you’re here hoping to find your Dad, hm?”

“Exactly,” you confirm, smiling down at where Steve’s hand still rests on your knee. His touch is warm, his palms slightly sweaty in this Italian summer heat. It’s a nice feeling and you’re a little sad when he catches you staring and retracts his hand.

“I didn’t have much to go on except for the check, so I called up my uncle Fury who’s a NYPD detective. He helped me dig a little deeper and here I am, with a name and an address. Apparently he travelled around Europe for many years but eventually settled down in Italy.”

Steve fiddles with his hands in his lap, unsure of what to do with his hands. It felt nice, his hand on your knee, but his hand lingered a little longer than he intended to and he isn’t quite sure why. “I take it he doesn’t know you’re coming?”

“Nope, not at all. My mother tried to talk me out of it but I have to meet him. I just have to,” you reply with adamant determination. “My stepfather Bruce and I planned this entire trip on our own and I left earlier this week without telling my mother where I was going. But Bruce must’ve told her by now. She hasn’t tried to contact me on my phone yet, so I have no idea if she’s gonna kick me out when I get back, if I get back.”

“Why wouldn’t you go back?,” the blond asks with a puzzled expression.

“It’s just,” you sigh heavily, glad to release this burden from your shoulders as the words rush out. “My mother has this plan for me and I have to adhere to that plan. I went to college, even though we couldn’t afford it. I studied business and economics so I could step in the family business and help Bruce with the travel agency.”

Steve chuckles in understanding. “But I take it you don’t want to?”

“Absolutely not. I – this is gonna sound silly – but I actually wanna bartend for a while. Up until last year, I did it to pay for expenses. I love coming up with new cocktail recipes and I’m a hoe for a glass of decent wine, which is pretty hard to come by back home.”

“That’s not silly. I completely get it.”

You turn your attention to Steve and his striking gaze, a sad glint to your eyes. “I grew up staring at pictures of exotic destinations far away from home. I grew up in a travel agency even though we don’t have any money to travel ourselves. I hated it.”

Steve’s lips move but there’s no sound, his words stripped from his mouth as soon as his friend Bucky enters the ice cream shop. “Buon giorno, Stevie,” the brunet greets him with a lopsided grin. “E chi è questa bellezza?” (Good day) (And who is this beauty?”)

“Bucky,” Steve introduces you to his friend, “This is Y/N.”

“Ah, an American beauty,” he winks at you with an obvious smug smile. “Bucky Barnes, nice to meet ya, doll.”

Steve stiffens slightly as he stands up next to you, watching with his bottom lip captured between his teeth how you shake Bucky’s hand and his thumb runs over your skin. Bucky’s ever the charmer and Steve never feels like he can compete with the brunet. He listens quietly as you and Bucky exchange small talk up until you touch his arm and shake him from his thoughts.

“You wanna walk me to May’s, Steve?,” you ask with a sweet smile, unfazed by Bucky’s attempts to talk you up. He’s friendly and attractive, but he isn’t your kind of guy.

Bucky winks at Steve from behind you, Steve shaking his head at his friend as he smiles down at you, too. “Yeah, I’ll walk ya, doll.” Steve turns to Bucky who gives him a subtle thumbs up. “See ya later, Buck?”

“Sure, Steve,” he smirks at you, waving at you both as you leave the gelateria. You walk down one street as it merges into another and a few silent moments pass before you clear your throat and have collected enough confidence to pick up where you left off.

“So how about you? What’s your story?”

He sighs heavily, carding his fingers through his short blond hair. After taking off his sunglasses, he stops near a little fountain at the side of the street where people are filling up their water bottles.  “I had an Italian girlfriend,” Steve says with a little hesitation.

“She was an expat in America. We dated for two years until she had to return to her own country. Man, I was head over heels,” he reminiscences with a dry laugh. “So love-sick Steve enlisted for the foreign exchange programme and got himself a scholarship at an Italian university. I called her as soon as I landed at the airport, expecting her to pleasantly surprised.”

You hold up your hand to protect your eyes against the burning sun as you squint at him. “Guessing by your tone, she wasn’t?”

“Absolutely not,” he heaves out with a disappointed chuckle. “She had already moved on and hung up on me. So here I was, in a country I didn’t know, without a girlfriend or any other friends for that matter. Luckily I managed to get a last-minute room in an international student house with lots of other Americans, like Bucky, my best friend. Then I graduated and Bucky and I kinda stuck around. I share an apartment with him and some other expats at May’s hostel. She likes to take in strays.”

You laugh at his comment and Steve releases some of the tension he’s been piling up. It feels good to talk to somebody other than his friends about this. Despite only knowing you for a few feeble hours, he feels so at ease around you. “You’ll meet the squad soon enough, I believe everybody will be home by the time we arrive at May’s.”

“So now you work at the ice cream place?,” you inquire gently, following Steve into another tiny street. You can already spot the sign of the hostel and exhales happily.

“I’m an American with a degree in history, so it was very easy for me to get a job at the local tourist information centre as a tourist guide. Bucky and I help out at the ice cream shop every now and then. The owner, Coulson, is May’s brother and also American.” Steve points at a reddish brown door, the entrance to May’s B&B. “We’re here.”

It’s an old brick house, a picturesque four story home with a classic front. It’s typical Mediterranean style, emphasised by the rustic little plants and fruits decorating the window sills, enhanced with elaborate crowns and frames. It’s got a low-pitched flat roof with wide, overhanging eaves supported by decorative brackets. The tall windows allow plenty of light to enter and your eyes ball out at the elegant interior once Steve opens the door for you and you step inside.

“Hi Steve!,” a chipper voice calls out from the kitchen.

We turn face to face with a little brunette, a genuine smile permanently tugging her lips upwards. Even the sound of her laugh is infectious. “Y/N, meet Wanda. Wanda, meet Y/N.”

Wanda is a lovely girl and she envelopes you in a big, warm hug. “Hi Y/N! you’re just in time, I’ve just finished making dinner. Everybody is already at the table. You can put your bags in the living room for now, we can take them up to your room later.”

She takes your hand in hers and guides you through the kitchen towards the table at the back of the house where a neatly arranged garden lies. Around the table, various personalities are seated and talking animatedly. You’re a little intimidated as you didn’t know you’d be walking into a real family dinner.

“Please, sit down!,” Wanda smiles brightly as she shows you to one of the available seats, right next to Steve who nudges your side with a soft look in his eyes.

“Is she always like this?,” you whisper as Wanda places two big bowls of pasta on the table, telling everybody to dig in.

“Yeah, Wanda is always in a good mood. She loves to cook and since it’s Friday, she prepares dinner for the entire house. Everybody’s got a different schedule, but we make sure to spend some quality time together.”

Dinner is spent in comfortable chatter with Steve, talking about where you both grew up and what you aspire to do with your life. Steve first struck you as the outgoing type but the more you get to know of him, the more you find out he’s actually pretty introverted. He tells you about his two sisters, Peggy and Sharon, and how they used to stand up for him while he was little.

“I was a scrawny little kid that depended solely on his big sisters,” he jokes as he pours you another glass of wine. “But then I got my growth spurt and now it was my turn to defend my sisters from all their bad boyfriends.”

You can tell from the tenor of his voice that he loves his sisters very much. Peggy nowadays lives in London, with her husband and children. Sharon is still looking for the right one, just like Steve. In hindsight, he’s happy he got dumped by Valentina, because otherwise he would’ve stayed in his comfort zone for the rest of his life. If he hadn’t made that one, impulsive decision and flew to Italy, he would’ve never have met Bucky and the others.

“So who’s who?,” you inquire once all the plates are empty and everybody is waiting for Wanda to introduce the dessert, May’s famous tiramisu. “I don’t know anybody… Just you.”

Steve hums warmly. “Wanda you’ve already met, and the guy sitting next to her with the silver hair is Pietro. They’re Sokovian. Wanda works at the artisanal bakery around the corner where her brother does the deliveries as well.”

He points to the red-headed woman sitting across from them. “That’s Natasha, she’s Russian and works at the tourist information centre with me. She speaks more languages than I can count on my two hands. And next to her is T’Challa. He’s from Wakanda and still works for the university, as a counsellor for the exchange students.”

“Sam here is also American,” Steve says as he wraps his shoulder around the shoulders of the guy sitting next to him. “He’s a DJ at the local dancing and works most nights. Next to him is usually Bucky’s seat, but as you already know he’s got the late shift at the gelateria. Bucky’s basically the cleverest of us all and works for Stark at his vineyard. Together they make the best wines, even though they can’t stand each other at all.”

Steve laughs heartily and doesn’t notice how your heart constricts at the name Stark. Fortunately your attention is easily distracted as May silences the table. “So Y/N,” May smiles at you, “You must be very tired from travelling all this way. But I’m glad to see Stevie has taken you under his wing.”

“Yeah, he’s been a real gentleman,” you blush shyly, “He just introduced everybody at the table to me.”

“So you know about us but we don’t know anything about you,” the red-head, Natasha, grins at you with a haughty expression.

“Natasha,” Steve steps up for you, scolding her for being so curious.

“No, it’s fine,” you say softly, taking Steve’s hand under the table to let him know it’s okay. Your fingers touch just long enough to intertwine briefly as you exchange looks. “I’m here looking for my biological father.”

“Oh, interesting!,” Wanda chimes in, clapping her hands in excitement. “Do you know who he is? Where does he live? What does he do?”

“I – I know he is American and that his name is Tony.” The entire squad cheers at this, drawing his name from your lips.

“His name is Tony, Tony Stark,” you reveal and immediately, the table tumbles into a dead silence.

Tagging: @avengerofyourheart @a-little-hell-to-raise @marvelingatthewonder @mrshopkirk @hardcorehippos @knittingknerdy @winterboobaer @italwaysendsinafightt @viollettes @hymnofthevalkyrie @feelmyroarrrr @justareader @austinamelio @volklana @4theluvofall @themcuhasruinedme @theoneandonlysaucymo @caplanbuckybarnes @nenyakj @amrita31199 @emilyevanston @minervaem @howlingbarnes @buchananbarnestrash @youandb @you-and-bucky @fvckingsteverogers @thatawkwardtinyperson @barnes-heaven @that-sokovian-bastard @abovethesmokestacks @marvelrevival @marvel-fanfiction @justanotherbuckydevotee @barnes-heaven @heartmade-writingbucky @buckyywiththegoodhair @captnbarnesrogers @mellifluous-melodramas @its-not-a-phase-hux @melconnor2007 @ivvitm1109 @toofuckinfabulous @ailynalonso15 @hollycornish @delicatecapnerd @camigt1999 @learisa @curlyexpat @palaiasaurus64 @fanndas-snow-goddess @crisssivonne @yourenotrogers @tomhollandzs @supernaturaldean65 @beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep @aletheladyinred @beyondbarnes @xbergiex @reniescarlett @promarvelfangirl @capbuckybuchanan @lovemarvelousfics @yknott81 @rrwilson66 @pegasusdragontiger @salty-holographic-stickers @sammyissassy @sebstanchrisevanchickforever19 @kudosia @bellejeunefillesansmerci @lumelgy @mizzzpink @southernbellestatues @daringtodreamawake @neurotic-narwhal @cokamarie24 @blue1928 @movingonto-betterthings @breezy1415 @isnt-the-blog-youre-looking-for @jesspfly @weenie-butt @debzybrazy @fuckingchaotic  @always-an-evans-addict @petersunderroos  @thegreentgirl

Series tag list: @incoherent-smiles @phiauniverse @lostinthoughtsandfeelings @mo320 @suz-123 @wildestdreamsrps @lexicon411 @katemcgraw @youpocketwitch @3dsaunt @void-imaginations @mylittlefandomfanfictions @anotherotter @blackcoffeeandgreenteaforme

Strikethrough means I couldn’t tag you!

[torontoseoulcialite]

 Zapangi 자판기

In an effort to feel like we were on a proper vacation, Hallie from The Soul of Seoul and Amanda from Seoulody Smiles and I ventured out to Mangwon!  The weather has been amazing.  Between sunny skies and colourful walls all around Mangwon, we had tons of opportunities for tasty eats (Bali in Mangwon) and instagram sweets.  We got to Zapangi just as the doors opened.  There was already a line…

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Mangwon-dong(망원동) or Mangridan-gil(망리단길) is quickly becoming a hot spot for cute cafes and sickly sweet desserts.  We had seen Zapangi all over instagram and wanted to check out this cafe with over the top, aesthetically pleasing mermaid mochas and fondant donuts.  They also seem to have a sweet speakeasy style entrance.  We all know how I love to unearth a Seoul Secret…

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Spoiler Alert: Zapangi is actually totally accessible via a big bay window at street level.  The line stretches so long they have to have cones set up to keep savvy snappers in check.  We arrived right as it opened, and there were plenty of Koreans and tourists alike lined up to get the perfect ‘gram and snack.

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Menu at Zapangi  자판기

The menu at Zapangi is pretty much what you’d expect.  The beverages are pretty simple.  They have coffee served black or with milk.  The soy latte is a nice addition, but is (of course) more expensive.  Most people come for the overpriced mocha, however.  The mochas arrive with a whopping pile of pastel whipped cream and pearl sprinkles.  You can add a mermaid tail if you’re into paying another KRW 2,000 for a bland, but pretty, cookie.  Hallie and I split the Aurora Mocha and a Doughnut to start the day!

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Hallie and I shared the iced mocha (served just like a hot chocolate) and the doughnut.  I wanted a pretty mermaid one, but they dished out the heart one so I guess you get what you get.  The iced mocha itself was delicious.  The chocolate was rich and slightly bitter.  The drink itself was insanely sweet, but the rich and bitter elements made it a lovely, decadent drink.  The whipped cream on top wasn’t sweet at all.  For all that gorgeous, auroroa borealis pearl topping, there was absolutely no flavour.  The whipped cream was a thick,sad, unsweetened topping.  Considering much of the drink was this topping, I was a little disappointed.

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While cute, our Zapangi doughnut was a bit on the small side for KRW 5,000.  I wonder if perhaps we should have tried out the tin cake instead.  The cake was fairly dry and bland.  The cake flavour would be comparable to an old-fashioned.  The icing was much thicker than a glaze or even your average doughnut icing and was sweeter than we could have ever imagined.  This doughnut covered each extreme combining bland and sickly sweet.  Great for a photo, but neither of us finished our half of the Zapangi  doughnut we split.

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Vibe at Zapangi 자판기

The vibe at Zapangi even when we doubled back later was pretty chill.  A lot of people just use the door for editorial style shots and don’t even make a purchase.  That’s not cool – if you’re going to hit up Zapangi make sure to earn your shoot and buy a prop.  The cafe itself is pretty big, but the seating isn’t exactly designed for a lengthy stay.  If you want to impress your insta-blogger partner, make a quick trip to Zapangi then venture through Mangwon Market or to any of the many great cafes or restaurants in the area!

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Contact Zapangi 자판기

400-2 Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Open Daily 10 AM – 11 PM

02-325-8185

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MangWon-derful: Zapangi 자판기 Treats and Colourful Streets  Zapangi 자판기 In an effort to feel like we were on a proper vacation, Hallie from…

[beainitaly]

Napoli and Goodbye

Well, here we are! It is my last day here in Cosenza, and the goal has been reached, this is the final post and the blog will be up to date. At the beginning of last week I was lucky enough to go visit the city of Naples, called Napoli in Italian. I travelled there by train on Monday morning, and met a good friend at the train station. She is also an Intercultura student, originally from Romania, and has been living in a neighborhood of Napoli this year. This is the view from next to her apartment building! 

We did the exchange week in Veneto together and hung out at both of the Castellamare camps, so we knew each other pretty well. She was super welcoming and invited me to come stay at her house for a few days, offering to show me around the city! Napoli is rich in history, good food, and beautiful architecture.

I arrived in the early afternoon on Monday, and we decided to take the subway to get to her neighborhood to drop of my bag and eat some lunch. That subway car was PACKED though. Like almost unbearably. And the heat. I can’t even explain how hot it was all three days— everyone was sweat soaked, even with a breeze nothing cooled down. It was a humid heat as well, muggy and thick. Sleeping at night was nigh impossible! Anyways back to the real story here- it wasn’t the heat or the fullness of the subway that made it hard. They contributed, but the real kicker was old italian ladies. Yep. I swear, no matter where you stand or try to get out the way, an old lady is going to shove her way through you complaining “Devo Usciiiiiiireeeeee” with the strength of a small cow. I think I got a few bruises!

Anyhow, Monday afternoon we took a bus into the city. We got off at Piazza Dante (shown below) where there is a doorway to the historic part of the city in a section of the old walls. 

We did a small tour of some churches in the historic center, first visiting the Basilica di Santa Chiara, which had these breathtaking super-tall stained glass windows. 

Then we went on to Gesù Nuovo, which doesn’t even look like a church on the outside but is ridiculously, beautifully, and elaborately decorated on the inside. I loved the detail of the marble, covering every surface.

Last, we went to San Domenico Maggiore, which looks like fortress from the outside. Inside the ceiling is fantastic, and the stained glass windows caught the light in the perfect way to create colored patterns all over the inside of the church. I think we got lucky with timing in terms of the light, but it was magnificent.

From there we walked down to the waterfront, pausing in the Piazza del Plebiscito (the city’s main square) to see the replica of the pantheon San Francesco da Paola, built in the neoclassical style drawing pretty obviously from the Pantheon in Rome. 

Here is the view from the waterfront, seen as we walked the Lungomare. That mountain is vesuvius and the city beside it is Pompeii. 

Continuing along the lungomare, we went to the Castel dell’Ovo. This is the oldest fortification in Napoli, being built during the 12th century by Normans, and later used as a prison. We went inside and I got these cool views:

After seeing the castle, we returned to the city center and got the honest-to-god best gelato I’ve ever eaten. I’m so serious right now, if you go to Napoli and don’t eat this gelato it should be a crime. The place is called Il Gelato Menella, and they make their own cones on site and the gelato is at the perfect temperature (kinda drippy) and for an extra 50 euro cents you can get a great big dollop of whipped cream on top. The taste was decadent, I wanted to eat every single flavor there. Just wow. A+++

That night we returned back to my friend’s apartment for dinner and sleep, and seeing as it was truly to hot to sleep and I was at the time reading Harry Potter #3 in italian, I stayed up most of the night to finish the book (first and only book I’ve read front to back in italian!). Also as anyone who’s ready HP3 knows, once you get to the part where the golden trio visit Hagrid’s hut before the execution it’s literally inconceivable to put it down until you reach the end.

On Tuesday morning we went over to the Capodimonte palace (top of the hill), which is also known as the Bourbon Palace. Started in 1738 by Charles the II, King of the Two Sicilies, it was completed by his grandson Ferdinand II in 1840. It was the summer residence and home of the family’s art collection, in fact part of the palace was specifically constructed to house their works. It passed to the House of Savoy with the Italian unification, and later to the Dukes of Aosta. Each group that owned the building added to the collection and the complex history of the space. Today it is free for all people under 18 to visit, which was perfect because we were trying to do the budget tour of Napoli. They had some original Michelangelo drawings, Titians, Bruegels, lots of Flemish works, and many local Neapolitan painters. It was a joy to visit! 

Outside there is a large public park filled with paths good for running, biking, walking, or even horseback riding I think. From there we got this lovely view down to Napoli Centrale with the sea and just the faintest outline of Capri on the horizon!

In the afternoon we went back to the city center to see the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Napoli), which was another residence of the Bourbon kings of the Two Sicilies and later occupied by Murat. It was worked on pretty much sporadically throughout its whole history, starting at its construction during the 17th century. 

They had a suite of rooms still decorated in the original style open to visit (again free for minors!!!) which was awesome. Everything was opulent, even the materials used were gorgeous, and every room had a custom wallpaper. 

One room had this cool contraption, apparently contracted as a pre-web browser system of tabs. You could put a different book on every shelf, and leave them open to a particular spot, just spinning the wheel for fast referencing.

Once we left the palace we stopped at the Galleria Umberto I (kind like a mall but super beautiful with this glass ceiling) where we went to La Sfogliatella Mary. This bakery, which is more like a hole in the wall, is a very traditional place to get the typical Napoli sweet. 

This is my sfogialtella, partially eaten, so good. 

After that we went to Il Duomo di Napoli, which is quite impressive from the outside and painted extensively within. 

Finally, we went to San Lorenzo Maggiore with these lovely windows in the back.

Back here in Cosenza, I’ve passed a busy week. It seems like every day I have planned a visit to say goodbye to a different friend! I also baked some ultimate browned butter chocolate chip cookies, using up some of the stranger ingredients I had brought to my host family’s house. 

On Wednesday I FINALLY went to see the Cosenza castle, Castello Svevo-Normano. I went with my Intercultura friend from Paraguay, and we actually ended up walking all the way there which was quite an accomplishment because it is on the top of the biggest hill that Cosenza vecchia is built upon, creating a 40 minute uphill/stairs walk. 

The castle was pretty cool, but perhaps even more delightful was the view from up there. You could see all of Cosenza, in a way I never had before. A fitting way to “salutare” the city.

Today I’ve been doing a lot of packing, getting preemptively sad about leaving Italy, and dreading the next two days of exhausting travel. However, I am super excited to see you all in the states again! It’s a strange mix of feelings, but I’m sure they will all work themselves out. It has been a lovely year, and I would like to thank all of you for reading this blog. I hope you’ve enjoyed at least some of it!

Love from Italy, Ci vediamo subito! -Bea

P.S. I’m just going to note here that, alas, despite my promise in the first post, I did not get better at limiting comma usage. :)