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cressidagrey · 6 months ago

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Recipe for Love - Peach Cobbler

Summary:

Azriel finds a bakery and creates his very own reward system.

Warnings:

Kinda Rhys Bashing, but when don't I do that?

A/N:

thanks to @k-godling for listening to me rambling on about this and finding the perfect name for that Bakery! This will eventually be a series consisting out of One-Shots, so if you have an idea, shoot it my way! (Also, if anybody actually tries out that recipe, let me know lol)

Peach Cobbler Filling 2 ½ cups sliced canned peaches ¾ cup canned peach syrup ¼ cup brown sugar (packed) 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch Few grains salt Dough 1 tablespoon granulated sugar ⅛ teaspoon baking soda 1 cup prepared biscuit mix (or your own biscuit recipe) ⅓ cup cultured sour cream 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (if needed) Sweet or sour cream for topping

Place peaches in bottom of casserole. Mix peach syrup, brown sugar, cornstarch and salt. Pour over peaches. Set casserole in hot oven, while mixing dough. Stir sugar and soda into biscuit mix. Add cream and milk to make soft dough; mix lightly. Place by spoonfuls on top of hot peaches. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until well browned. Serve warm with sweet or sour cream.

The Spymaster of the Night Court was contemplating killing his High Lord.

Or maybe it was Azriel contemplating killing his brother.

Maybe it was both.

Whatever it was, Azriel was definitely mentally planning Rhys’ tragic demise as he trudged his way through Velaris.

It wasn’t the first time he had done it. Wouldn’t be the last time either.

He would never actually go through with it.

(Probably.)

Regardless of how annoying Rhys was… regardless of how the words of last Winter Solstice were still echoing in his head.

Alone the thought of a pleasure hall made him want to throw up these days, after all.

He didn’t. Azriel knew better than that.

It didn’t matter. It shouldn’t matter.

It was his own fault for allowing himself to fall in love with a mated female. It was his own fault for thinking that maybe he had a chance…for thinking that maybe…

He had never had a chance. Pretending otherwise wasn’t going to help him.

Rhys had made himself clear months ago and then had done the same again today…today when Lucien had asked Elain to dinner and she had agreed.

Of course, she had agreed. Azriel had taken himself out of the running months ago.

Azriel had followed his High Lord’s order to the letter.

Azriel had done everything that was asked of him, even when it had broken his fucking heart and left him…desolate.

And as a thank you, he got Rhys’ crooning in his mind that See, Az? They worked things out.

They had. Good for them.

The food had tasted like ash in his mouth and he hadn’t managed to get down more than half a plate. Not more before he had excused himself, citing unrest in Spring…and had walked out of the River House without even properly seeing where he was going.

Away. Far, far away.

He had half a mind to let the shadows take him away. Maybe somewhere deep in the Illyrian Steppes, where there was no being anywhere near him. Where he could throw his magic at a mountain and destroy some rocks with the fury that embered deep within him…

You should get a treat! The shadows told him brightly at that moment, nearly making him stumble.

What?

Maybe it shouldn’t have surprised him.

The more forlorn he got, the more depressed…the more optimistic they became. The more they tried to get him to smile…the more they fed him with petty gossip included in their intelligence gathering… the more they did everything to make his life easier for him.

They were trying.

It was sweet.

I am not a dog, he grumbled back to them. He wasn’t.

And besides…he didn’t deserve a treat anyway. For what? Doing his job? Surviving another week? Not killing Rhys during lunch that day? Not wringing Lucien’s neck for politely asking Elain to dinner? Not scratching out somebody’s eyes like a rabid…

Of course not, Master, the shadows agreed easily. You should still get a treat. Something nice, just for yourself.

Something nice, just for yourself, he turned these words around in his head.

He did have a lack of that in his life, but then he always had. He had never really had started to amass anything…collect anything…no little things to litter his rooms with…not even as much as a hobby, unless one called insomnia and stabbing the practice puppets in the House of Wind until they were reduced to rubble that.

All of it was just…his job was his life and that was it.

And it wasn’t like he deserved it anyway.

Just like he didn’t deserve a mate, didn’t deserve Mor and didn’t deserve Elain…He didn’t deserve a fucking treat either.

He clearly didn’t deserve anything that made his life easier.

There’s this little bakery, the shadows proposed quietly. You could buy yourself a slice of cake!

A slice of cake. A slice of cake before flying back to the House of Wind, barricading himself into his room and writing another report.

A slice of cake before he would let the loneliness take over completely…before he would never even allow himself to look at any female ever again because he was not going to go through this pain again.

Being a little bit overdramatic, Master? the shadows asked him with a sigh and he wanted to growl.

No. No, actually, not really.

Why shouldn’t he be overdramatic?

At least in his own damn mind. It wasn’t like he was throwing that into anybody’s faces. Even when he had wanted to. He had wanted to scratch that smug little smile off Rhys’ face with his bare hand and…

You don’t, Master, the shadows sighed. You didn’t even want us to steal his favourite jacket.

They had offered. They had offered to make Rhys’ life filled with annoying inconveniences. Azriel had said no after that Winter Solstice. Now he was reconsidering it.

The problem was just that it wasn’t going to make him happy.

The shades would be petty and that would be it, but he wouldn’t…it wouldn’t make him feel better.

He would still feel unfairly treated…he would still feel always pushed to the edges of his family…the one whose emotions didn’t really matter…who’s happiness wasn’t a priority, not even a footnote, set firmly behind whatever was good for the court and that was that.

He was the one send to do the dirty work, the one expected to deal with it, because clearly it didn’t bother him… which was a lie. Of course, it bothered him. But his skillset made him the obvious choice so…

Mor and whatever these 5 centuries had been…Mor who could have outright turned him down when he had yearned for her and had never bothered to do so. He was still waiting for her to do it. Even now.

His hands clenched slowly, the scars feeling tighter. Autumn was coming…as soon as the leaves began to turn, the joints started to hurt him.

They have double chocolate chip cookies, the shadows whispered like it was a state secret. He couldn’t help but bark out a laugh.

Sugar was his one weakness.

The shadows knew that.

It would just be a few copper coins…maybe a silver one or two…his steps faltered.

One slice of cake? As a treat? Just a few minutes sat in one quiet corner of a bakery…alone. With just his shadows…that did sound…nice.

As a treat for not killing Rhys, Azriel proposed. and for not doing anything, saying anything…for keeping his temper in check.

He could work with that, right?

It could be his very own reward system. One slice of cake for…for surviving another week. For not faltering. For not scratching anybody’s eyes out…for not loosing his temper and go into the illyrian Steppes and destroy a small mountain in a fit of rage.

Huh.

Maybe the shadows were onto something.

One shadows wrapped himself around his wrist and started tugging him along and Azriel followed.

Down the bustling streets of Velaris, towards the outskirts of the Rainbow.

There, Beehive Bakery took up the ground floor of a brownstone Townhouse…a yellow and white striped awning stretching over the length of it. It’s name was screamed from it’s sign above the door that was pushed open, quiet but lively conversation reaching his ears from within. There were three tables outside, filled with people, but as he walked into the shop, careful to tuck his wings into his body…there were still one or two tables left. Even one right there in one corner.

It smelled heavenly in there…like vanilla and almond, wafting out of the oven thet must be in the backroom…a young High Fae was manning the till. She looked young. More a teen than anything, dark curly hair covering her head…Her limbs hadn’t yet lost all their coltish length.

“Welcome to Beehive Bakery, what can I get you?” she asked him with more enthusiasm than he had seen in a long, long time.

For a moment, he came up short, eyes roving over the baked goods laid out behind the glass of the counter…and then finally snagging on the first cake in front of him…Peach Cobbler. It looked…great with a golden brown crust…there was one slice missing so he could see the perfect orange of carefully sliced peaches peeking out.

“One Slice of Peach Cobbler, please,” he requested.

“Coming right up,” she chirped brightly. “Some tea as well?”

Azriel answered in the affirmative, quietly charmed by her sheer enthusiasm…A few moments later he exchanged a couple of silver coins for a plate holding a slice of peach cobbler, topped with a dollop of cream and a delicate teacup.

He took both to the table he had sussed from the beginning. Clearly the worst place in the whole shop…but for his usage, it was perfect.

The darkest corner, right in the back…covered in shadows…nobody would be able to peek at anything if he did choose to read some reports…and nobody could surprise him from the back.

It was perfect.

Perfect was also the only word he could imagine for that Peach Cobbler. Quite frankly it was best thing he had ever eaten. Tart but Sweet…and the topping crumbling and the peaches ooey gooey…it was so good it was startling. He could just get a teeny tiny bit of cinnamon in there…

Alone that Peach Cobbler had been worth every single coin.

By the first forkful, he felt likes osmehting in his chest was easing. By the time he was left with only a third of it he was already dreading to finish the whole piece, because then it would be gone.

And that just didn’t seem fair.

He watched the people entering and then leaving again, some just coming for a single loaf of bread, some of them buying pastries or slices of cake to go…some sat down with a friend and conversed with them…The Beehive Bakery seemd to be a quietly buzzing hub of Velaris.

The young girl behind the counter was busy fulfilling orders and smiling at every customer, some that called her by her name, Juniper.

Halfway through the afternoon, a new female joined her behind the yonder. This one older, much tinier, her body filled out with lush curves…Blonde hair tumbling over her shoulders, held back by a handkerchief.

“Done for the day?” she asked Juniper, and Azriel watched silently how she nearly absentmindedly fluttered around the space, replacing empty displays and generally making sure everything was in order.

“I can stay if you need me, B,” Juniper said quickly but the blonde female waved her off, handing her a envelope from one of the pockets in her frilly pink apron. It had strawberries all over it, Azriel realised with some amusement. Juniper took the envelope, opened it to sneak a peek and then stared at her again.

“That’s too much,” Juniper complained, clearly longsufferingly but B just laughed.

“No, it isn’t. It’s just enough,” she promised and Juniper hugged her in thanks.

“Thanks, B,” Juniper mumbled, before hanging up her apron and disappearing. Leaving B or whatever her name actually was, clearly in charge.

In the meantime, Azriel had the shadows find him some of the reports he needed to read that were enchanted for secret keeping, only been able to be read by his eyes and his eyes only.

B knew seemingly everybody that came into the bakery, knew the names of every customer, knew their order…and so Azriel settled in at that table and spend the rest of the afternoon, reading his report and draining his tea until only dark dregs remained.

He listened to the cadence of her voice as she talked and relaxed in that little corner, where nobody paid him any mind. Nobody flinched away from him.

Nobody cared.

It wouldn’t stay his only visit. It would become a weekly tradition, a habit that he shouldn’t have but still had.

Because he wanted to go to the Beehive Bakery.

It was the one thing he wanted.

What Azriel wanted had never mattered.

Not really.

Unless it was right here. Unless it was him buying himself Peach Cobbler and cream.

Unless it was him sitting in the darkest corner and just watching.

#acotar fanfiction #azriel x oc #azriel x reader #my writing #azriel fanfic #azriel fanfiction #Recipe for Love

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brittle-doughie · 5 months ago

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Cookie Flipside: Light Cream Cookie

Was inspired off of a branched idea from this ask as well as this comic that features a more sour Light Cream if you want a mental image of how it would look like.

Essentially Light Cream Cookie, in a bid of hopefully bringing House Scone back from the brink, goes along with Elder Custard’s method of education and training Clotted Cream Cookie.

His success had gotten to her head, acting professional and cold around Clotted Cream, believing that logic mattered more then feelings.

Unfortunately, this was your son and this was something that YOU had problems with, wanting Light Cream to be there for Clotted during his times of need and not treat him as a tool to maintain her House’s reputation. She didn’t want to listen, thinking she wasn’t doing anything wrong. And you were her spouse! Aren’t you supposed to be her biggest defender and supporter of her dreams?! Some partner you were….

“You can’t keep doing this to him! You need to stop acting like a stranger to your own son! He needs his mother to be there for him!”

“I’m doing this for his own good, you know House Custard is already pouring a lot of coins to make him the best that he can be!”

“For his own good?! I refuse to believe that you are doing this just for our boy. House Scone being brought back from the brink surely has nothing to do with this decision.”

“So what! Do you want to see my family fall and be forgotten?! To end up like House Abalone, is that what you wanted? Do our vows mean nothing to you? If you don’t like what I’m doing for everyone’s sake, then you’re free to leave…

“…Fine.”

“What?”

“I’m leaving, Light Cream Cookie. It’s over between us.”

You left the Creme Republic since that day, never looking back. It pained you dearly to never say goodbye to Clotted Cream Cookie face to face, but knowing what you just pulled, you wouldn’t be welcomed anywhere near him….

Until years later, where Custard Cookie III gave you a letter…

“It has been some time since you were last here in the republic, Y/N Cookie. It would be pleasant if you could visit to come see how much progress Clotted Cream Cookie has made since you last saw him. He is most eager to see you once more after all this time and he isn’t alone. Your..ex-wife, Light Cream Cookie, has also been requesting that I send you this letter. She wants to apologize for her foolish behavior and hopefully make amends with you. You are under no obligation to come, but it would please the two if you did. Sincerest regards, Elder Custard Cookie of House Custard.”

“Are we going, Y/N Cookie?”

“N-no, Custard III. You don’t need to worry about this at least until your coronation….it’s a long story…”

#cookie run x reader #cookie run x you #cookie run #cr x reader #cookie run kingdom #crk x reader #cookie run kingdom x reader #cr kingdom #light cream cookie x reader #light cream cookie #cookie flipside au

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feyburner · 2 months ago

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Cast iron loaf pan continues to be one of my favorite things ever, it consistently delivers perfect loaf cakes. In a perfect world my kitchen would have enough storage for cast iron pans of every imaginable size.

Recipe under cut, it’s basically the NYT Lemon Poppyseed Pound Cake but with some tweaks.

LEMON POPPY SEED LOAF CAKE

INGREDIENTS

zest of 2-3 lemons (the more the merrier)

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup buttermilk (1/2 cup milk + 1.5 tsp white vinegar or extra lemon juice, stir, let curdle 10 min) or sour cream

1/4 cup (4 Tbsp) lemon juice

3 eggs

1 3/4 cup flour

1.5 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2/3 cup oil

2 Tbsp poppy seeds

glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350°. Grease 1 x 8-9” loaf pan.

2. Mix together lemon zest and sugar in a large bowl, stirring and smearing until the zest releases oils and the sugar is very fragrant and looks like wet sand.

3. Whisk in lemon juice, buttermilk, and eggs.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt.

5. Whisk dry ingredients into wet. Whisk in oil and poppy seeds until smooth and combined.

6. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour until a knife inserted in the center comes out moist but clean. Let cool at least 30 minutes before slicing.

7. To make glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Taste and add more sugar or lemon as desired. Brush over cake while hot to get a translucent crinkly glaze look, or drizzle over when cool to get a clean icing look.

NOTES

- Can use batter to make muffins (fill cups almost all the way to the top). Double recipe for a bundt pan.

- Instead of glaze, can also boil together 1/3 cup white sugar + 1 Tbsp lemon juice. When cake is fresh out of oven, poke top all over with a toothpick and pour lemon syrup over to soak in.

#recipes #food

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toxicanonymity · 2 years ago

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All Recipes

1.4k words / stepdad!Joel x f!reader

Joel master list

Warnings: I8+, stepcest, treating Joel like a piece of meat, mildly dubcon reader behavior, mutual masturbation, fingering, cum swallowing, kissing. I8+ MDNI

"You shouldn't dress like that if you don't want the attention," you say.

Joel looks up from the mixing bowl and scoffs. His short sleeves are almost cutting off his circulation as he begins to stir the casserole harder. "You're the one who shrunk my laundry," he says. "The mess you make when you're home for ONE week." He stares into the bowl as he stirs.

"The mess I make. . ." you look around his disaster zone of a kitchen.

He looks up. "You know damn well what I'm talkin' about." He puts down the rubber spatula, wipes his hands on his apron and shakes his head.

Your mom walks into the kitchen and grabs her keys off the wall. . . "What are you two bickering about now?"

"I tried to help with laundry and Joel's pissed that I shrunk his clothes."

"Give her a break, she was trying to help. We'll get you some more." She looks him up and down and adds "Kinda like it, actually. . ."

"Yeah?" Joel asks her saucily. "Got ten minutes?" Then he shoves his tongue down her throat and grabs her ass.

Your chest tightens. "Gross!"

Your mom breaks the kiss and clears her throat. "Wish I did."

Joel starts pouring the casserole into a dish, and he's getting it all over his hands as he tries to contain it to the pan. When your Mom leaves, you ask him, "What the fuck? What was that?"

He laughs, "That?. . . No, sweetie. What is this? Whatever you're doin'. . ."

"What, you want me to stop?"

He looks at you like it's a trick question.

"Didn't think so."

"I want you to tone it down. Damn." He wipes his hands on the apron and takes it off.

"Got somethin' for ya," you tell him. You reach under your short, jersey stretch skirt and step out of your thong, then slip it in the pocket of his joggers. His face reddens and he shakes his head. He backs away and leans against the counter.

"I'm tryin' to do somethin' here, do ya mind?" He leans with one elbow on the counter and studies his phone. His free hand rests at his groin and fidgets with his shrunken joggers right next to his considerable bulge. His hand is so masculine with its perfect veins. He has to know what he's doing to you. You stare and the corner of his mouth twitches. He forces the smile away. You can hardly stand how hot it makes you seeing his hand at his groin.

"Let me help," you say and come over to look at his phone. He smells like laundry and his own manly scent. You press yourself up against him and he's at least somewhat hard already but he turns his hips and rolls you off. You shift your attention to his phone.

"Really, Joel? If you're following All Recipes you're already screwed. You think she's not gonna know the difference?"

His fingers are getting sour cream all over his phone.

"Forgot where the damn recipes are," he says, looking around the kitchen. "Your mom said she already told me five times."

You roll your eyes. "You coulda asked me." You open the cabinet right behind him and he rolls his eyes at himself.

"Yeah and what would you make me do for it, huh? Too late now anyway." He puts his phone down, grabs the casserole dish with one massive hand, and goes to put it in the oven. When he bends over, his shirt leaves a sliver of soft, tan skin above his waistband and his ass looks delicious.

"Oh, now you're just trying to bait me," you say. He sets the temp and timer, and when he turns back around, his shirt has ridden up to show an inch of belly and he doesn't bother tugging it down.

He comes to the sink and you hop up to sit on the counter, short skirt and all. You intercept one of his hands and bring it to your mouth. You slowly suck the sour cream off each finger, making eye contact with him. When he breathes deeper, your arousal intensifies.

"I know why you won't touch me," you tell him.

"Doesn't take a genius."

"No. . ." You bring his hand to your breast for the first time and a trance falls across his face. "You don't wanna ruin my idea of how good you might be" you continue, and cover his hand on your breast with yours. "You think I'm just assuming you're so good at everything. . ." You massage your breast using his hand. "Don't want me to find out you're not." You use your dangling feet to try to bring his body closer, but he doesn't come.

"Tryin' to make me prove it?"

You open your legs.

"Jesus," he says, but doesn't look away. You drag his hand down your torso, over your skirt, then under it.

"Not happenin', sweetie," he says as he slides his hand up your inner thigh. Your skirt stretches over his hand as he reaches your pussy. His brow furrows as he rubs your wet folds. He inserts two fingers into you then finds your clit with his thumb and circles it lightly as he pumps his digits in and out of you. His chest expands with air. He palms himself with his free hand and a rush ripples through your body.

"What do you call this then?"

"Lube," he says, and frees his stiff member from his shrunken joggers. He cruelly takes his hand away and slickens his hard cock. He keeps his head down and looks up at you darkly as he begins to stroke himself. In a low, hushed tone he says, "I dunno what's gotten into you."

He keeps pumping himself, massive bicep flexing, ready to burst out of his t-shirt.

"I know you want to," you retort.

"You're playin' these games," he says, shaking his head.

"Yeah? What are the rules?"

He lifts his head. "Heh," he laughs. "Tryin' to drive me crazy. . ." His Adams apple hypnotizes you whenever he talks.

You can't resist touching yourself, watching his hand glide firmly up and down his perfect shaft. You don't know what's hotter - his hand or the dark look on his face.

He brings his hand back between your legs to gather more lube and his breath becomes shaky. His hand returns to his cock and he grunts as he jerks it. You need his cock in your mouth so badly. His face looks like he's close to coming.

You slide down off the counter and kneel. He moans and pumps himself faster. Then, right when he's about to come, you open your mouth and he finally lets you have it. You suck the firm tip of his cock into your mouth just in time for his salty spend to shoot into the back of your throat. You suck and he groans as he empties his balls into your mouth. As soon as he's finished, he puts it away then crouches down and looks you in the face like he's about to say something mean then walk away, but as you're admiring his face, something in it changes.

He engulfs your crotch with his hand and helps you to your feet then pins you against the counter. He rubs you in just the right way, and the light pressure of his thick middle finger does something special. He thrusts two fingers up into you again and says "This what you're lookin' for?" as he curls them. He's just showing off.

In no time, you're seeing stars, clenching around his fingers, moaning, "Jo-"

A hand around your jaw cuts you off as your climax goes on. His eyes are dark and he growls, "told you not to say my name like that."

His face is an inch from yours. You read each other's eyes, then his snarl fades and his grip loosens. Your face drifts toward his, and he doesn't pull away. When your lips meet, he moans softly into your mouth, offering his tongue which you hungrily accept. He takes his hand out from between your legs and leans into you with his whole body. Your faces don't separate for a good fifteen seconds.

Then he releases your mouth and mutters, "Fuck."

Click the #stepdad!Joel☠️ tag on this post for prev. stories w/ the same Joel/reader: Instagram, Snapchat, and Uber.

Next up: Fandango

Thank you so much for reading and engaging! I appreciate every comment and reblog 🖤.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR CONTENT SETTINGS. My posts seem to get flagged very quickly now even if they aren't explicit (like lincoln 1) so if you don't want to miss anything, you might want to follow me and check my profile regularly (filter to "my fics" from my header) or get on the joel tag list.

All joel: @ethanhoewke @silkiers @eiviea @evyiione @xdaddysprincessxx @queerly-anxious @chernayawidow @ambassadortotrilliusprime @not-a-unique-snowflake-blog @jasminespringtime @romanarose @fandomsfallnomore @djarinxore @lokanda @blackvelveteen1339 @manazo @wolvesandvampires @taeslarityy @str84pedro

Sorry I messed up my tag list initially.

#joel miller x reader #joel miller smut #stepdad!joel #stepdad!joel miller #stepdad!joel☠️#toxicanonymity ☠️#joel miller/reader #pedro pascal smut #pedro pascal #pedro pascal fic #joel miller/you #joel jacks off #PPCU jacks off #PPCU jacks off ☠️#someone jacks off

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warping-realities · 4 months ago

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Found Family

The sun was pouring through the dusty window of an old SUV, driven by a beautifull woman in his late thirties. But that light didn’t seem to warm the sour expressions of a couple of boys sitting in the car. The reason for their attitude was right outside the window, in the beautiful coastal town they’d just moved to. After a long and messy divorce, Amanda Sullivan (formerly Williams), the boys’ mom, decided it was time for a fresh start. Being an amazing cook, she chose to move to the picturesque beach town of Santa Maria, where she spent most of her childhood vacations, and open a restaurant there, bringing her kids, Robert and Benjamin, along for the ride. The two weren’t exactly stoked about the whole moving thing. They were in their senior year of high school. Robert, older than his brother by about ten months, had tons of friends and a sort-of girlfriend. Ben, on the other hand, had a tougher time at school and had never dated, which might make someone think he’d be more open to changes, but in reality, it was the opposite; he was even more pissed than his brother because it meant leaving their dad behind. He was always closer to his father than his brother. Amanda's second pregnancy, a few months after the previous one, was complicated and the boy was born prematurely. He remained small for his age, and his father was always his protector. At least he could count on having his brother in the same class to help him. That oddity made his classmates call them twins and the nickname stuck. Everyone called them that, except for their father, who always seemed to have a slight preference for his youngest son. A father who was distant and absent, but still their dad, and he knew the distance would only make things worse.

“Come on, boys, I know you’re bummed, but I promise you’re gonna love it here. I had a blast when I was a kid and loved it even more when I came back to find our new home and the best spot for the restaurant. By the way, this is the first thing I wanna show you: the restaurant space is right over there, close to the beach.” A smiling Amanda said, looking at her two grumpy kids, who got out of the car and followed their mom to an alley near the beach, filled with little shops. The restaurant that their mom had worked so hard to open was situated between an ice cream shop and a surf store.

“So, the place is perfect, right?” She asked in an excited voice toward her kids, who stared back at her with little enthusiasm. “You guys could at least pretend to be happy for me.”

“They won’t need to pretend for long, I’m sure they’ll feel at home in no time.” Said a cheerful male voice. The three members of the small family turned toward that voice and were faced with a handsome guy. He was sitting in front of the surf shop, with a surfboard beside him, in his 40s, with the sculpted physique of a hard-working man, long blonde hair, and a bright smile, radiating the energy of a guy who, despite his age, was still living life to the fullest. “Guys, this is Sean Hale, he’s been a great friend, helped me a lot with everything around here.”

“Happy to help, Amanda, it wasn’t long ago that Ollie and I were in the same boat, and we would’ve loved to have some friendly faces around. Speaking of which, here comes the devil. The boys and their mom turned in the direction Sean was pointing and saw what looked like a younger version of him, in the late teen years. The kid, Olliver, had the same blond hair, an enviable physique, and a youthful vibe.

“Hey, Dad! Mrs. Sullivan! Great to see you again, and I see you finally brought the twins with you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, guys. I know you’re not super hyped about the move, but Santa Maria is a magical place.” The two boys exchanged furtive glances, how the hell did this random dude know so much about them? Quickly, those looks turned angrily toward their mom, as if Amanda had been trash-talking them to her new friends. More pissed off than his brother, Benjamin spoke the first words of his day, although far from friendly.

“Fantastic, Mom, not only did you drag us to the other side of the country, but you also share our private stuff with the first people you meet.” He turned back toward the car, not even glancing at Sean and completely ignoring Olliver’s outstretched arm in a failed attempt at a high-five that was awkwardly met by a shy Robert.

“Hey, um, Ollie? Sorry about Ben’s behavior; just because we didn’t wanna move doesn’t mean we have to be rude to those who welcomed us so nicely. Also, I apologize to you for my brother’s attitude, Mr. Hale.”

“You can call me Sean, Robert, that’s what everyone calls me. And I get it; all this change can be a shock. It’s a shame Benjamin stormed off like that; I would’ve loved to explain to him that I’m not a complete stranger, actually, your mom and I have known each other for many years here on this beach, when we were younger than you guys are now. And we’ve crossed paths again over several summers until she never came back.”

“I had college on the other side of the country to attend, then there was the wedding and the kids, and my ex-husband hates the beach... but the truth is, when everything changed, I ended up being drawn back here, it was almost like a magnet pulling me back to Santa Maria.”

“I get you; when my wife passed away last year, I felt the same. I sold everything I had, moved here with Olliver, and opened the surf shop. I’ve always been passionate about the waves and have been bringing Ollie every summer to teach him how to surf, so it felt natural to open the shop and teach the sport to the tourist kids.”

“You surf, dude?” Olliver asked Robert.

“I can barely swim, Olliver.”

“You can call me Ollie or bro; our parents are old friends, we don’t need formalities. And about not knowing how to swim, let me help you; in no time, you’ll be owning the waves, and trust me, girls love a surfer, even if it is useless to me”

“Um, I’ll think about it, Olliver.”

“No thinking, and call me bro, bro. Let me show you our boards; I bet you’ll wanna grab one and jump in the water as soon as you see them.” Olliver said, dragging Robert inside the shop.

“Ollie, since you’re going in, ask Harry to come here; I’ll need his help unloading Mandy’s stuff.”

“Yeap.” Responded his son, already inside the shop.

“Sean, there’s no need for that; we can handle it ourselves.”

“I know that; from what I gathered, you’ve been managing on your own for a long time, even before the marriage ended, Mandy. But it doesn’t have to be like that; I’m here for you guys.”

“That’s really kind of you, Sean, and I can’t deny the truth in your words, it’s been so tough. Rob is upset, but that should pass soon, but Ben... Ben is different; he still misses his dad a lot, my ex was his idol, so being left behind... he’s really mad, and how does he deal with that? He refuses to admit his dad’s abandonment, so he chose to take that anger out on everyone else, including me.”

“That’ll pass, believe me; if you want, I can try to help, or maybe Ollie; the age proximity might make things easier.”

“Would you do that?”

“Sure, I’ll ask him to drop by your house tonight, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course, I don’t mind; I’m really grateful.”

“You don’t need to thank me; it’ll be a great pleasure.” Sean concluded with a radiant smile.

…..

“This is the last one, Mrs. Sullivan.” Said a huge black young man, with a contagious smile, as he dropped the last box at Amanda’s new house. This was Harrison, Sean’s surf shop employee. A young man with massive muscles but an easy laugh and a laid-back vibe, evidenced by his head full of dreadlocks. It was a big shock to discover that a guy that big was only nineteen, having just graduated a few months ago with Olliver. But despite his size, the kid was so friendly and cheerful, exuding so much happiness that even Ben let his guard down a bit when he met him at the beach.

Speaking of Ben, Harry, as he preferred to be called, turned to him. “You’re a senior, Ben? So you’ll be classmates with my brother Micky; I think you guys could hit it off. You both give off the same vibe.”

“Um, thanks.” Ben replied, at least acknowledging it, before heading inside the house.

“I wonder what that vibe would be. Crybaby teen?” commented a much friendlier Robert, who quickly hit it off with Harry and Olliver and started to think that maybe this whole moving thing wasn’t so bad after all.

“I’d say more like a future family killer.” Harry replied, smiling, giving Rob a high-five.

The end of the day didn’t have any other significant events, being filled with the work of organize the house, which was already furnished. Thanks to the chores, even Benjamin loosened up a bit and started chatting, still a bit grumpy, with his mom, while Robert seemed like a different person, chatting excitedly at dinner about thinking over Ollie’s offer to learn to surf.

“You’re a terrible swimmer, Rob; just because you wish for something doesn’t mean you’ll get it, bro!” Ben commented with the first smile of the day.

“I think you’d be surprised at the power a wish has.” Someone said at the dining room door. Standing there was Olliver Hale in all his golden glory.

“Sorry to interrupt, but the door was open, Mrs. Sullivan. My dad asked to see if you needed help with anything.”

“Ollie, sweetheart, don’t worry, you’re very welcome; we’ve got everything sorted. Since you were so kind to come here, would you like to have dinner with us? Tonight I made my famous bolognese lasagna. Since I’ll be serving lighter dishes at the beach, if I were you, I wouldn’t miss out.”

“Oh, I certainly wouldn’t, excuse me.” Said the kid sitting next to Benjamin, who then stood up and stormed out, irritated, without saying a word.

“A tough crowd.” Olliver joked.

“What do you mean by that?” Robert asked.

“My dad asked me to come here and try to befriend you guys to make things easier for both of you. But from what I can see, Benjamin isn’t interested.”

“He’ll get over it; it’s just that things have been intense the last few months.”

“I get it, bro. And until then, I can dedicate all my time to you. Speaking of which, stop by the shop tomorrow after school for your first surf lesson.”

“Hey, I said I’d think about it, Ollie.”

“And I said don’t think. So, no arguments, surf lesson tomorrow afternoon. Wow, this is the best food I’ve ever had, Mrs. Sullivan; trust me, I’ll be spending a lot of time here. A new bro and food like this, I’ll be calling your place home soon.”

…..

Ben woke up with a bitter taste in his mouth after his impromptu exit from the dining room the night before; he locked himself in his room, kicked the bed, lay down, and cried himself to sleep, mad about his situation, missing his dad, and also embarrassed about his attitude toward Olliver. He and his dad seemed like cool guys, but they represented everything he hated most at that moment. Still, he would have to apologize to them for his behavior.

After a quick shower, he got ready for school and headed down to the kitchen for breakfast. And to his surprise, he found himself face to face with Olliver, in an animated conversation with Rob. “I can’t wait for my first class, bro. Surfing is so awesome...”

“What’s going on? What are you doing here?” Benjamin abruptly interrupted, suddenly abandoning all thoughts of apologizing.

“Enough, Ben. Ollie stayed up late last night chatting with me, and I invited him to sleep here. We all get that you’re bummed, but that doesn’t mean you have to be rude!”

“Until yesterday, you didn’t want to be here either, and now you’re all happy and making friends; I thought we’d find a way to go back home.”

“Grow up, Benjamin; this is our home now, you said that yesterday, just because you wish for something doesn’t mean it’s gonna happen.”

“Bro, chill. Ben, can I call you that? I understand what you’re going through; when my mom died and my dad decided to move here, I wasn’t happy either, and I’ve known Santa Maria my whole life, but let me tell you, it’s a magical place...”

“Magical place, you’ve told me that already. And look, I’m sorry for my behavior, but... Hey, there’s someone at the window!”

“What?” the other two boys said in unison, turning to the kitchen window, but there was no one there.

“Ben, just apologize and we can move on with our lives.” Rob said to his younger brother.

“But it’s true, there was a black kid standing right there...”

“Alright, the choice is yours, bro.”

“But I...”

“Ollie offered to give us a ride to school; grab your stuff and let’s go; he’ll pick us up when we’re done so we can start surfing lessons.”

“I didn’t agree to that, and besides, I’d rather go to school alone.” Ben replied, leaving without having breakfast.

“A really tough crowd.” Olliver commented, watching the other boy leave the room.

Ben almost regretted refusing Olliver’s ride; it was tough finding his way to school, but he finally made it. The first days of school are always the same boring routine, and Benjamin thought he could count on Rob, but at that moment, he wanted to be as far away from his brother as possible, sitting as far from him as he could. Throughout their lives, they’d always been there for each other. But now Rob was a traitor, selling out for a friendship with a brainless surfer and the promise of learning a sport he had no talent for. And thinking about how much water his brother would have to swallow, with a certain malicious satisfaction, he scanned the rest of the room. To his surprise, sitting right in front of the class, looking at him with an unreadable expression, was the kid he saw at the window during breakfast.

Ben found out the kid’s name was Michael, but he had to wait until the end of class to ask what he was doing at the window in the morning. Which wasn’t an easy task, since the kid seemed to disappear from the world, leaving the classroom as soon as the bell rang. It was only during the period before lunch that he finally got his chance, when he walked into the classroom and saw the kid again and chose to sit next to the classroom door, blocking him from leaving without passing Ben. And that’s exactly what he did; when the kid walked past him without saying anything, Ben pulled him aside, trying to get some answers. But he was caught off guard by the kid’s expression; there was so much fear in his eyes.

“Let me go, please, I promise I’ll stay away, don’t do anything to me, I swear I’ll stop trying to figure it out...”

“Figure out what? What are you talking about?”

“I saw you with them yesterday at the beach. You’re one of them.”

“What do you mean by ‘one of them’? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“If you’re not one of them yet, you will be soon; you’re too close to them. Now let me go.” The other kid finished, breaking free and running away.

“Michael, come back here, MICHAEL!!! What the hell is going on?”

……

Ben decided to ignore his brother’s text messages, first asking about lunch and then what he was doing after school. He also ignored his mom’s worried messages, opting to walk along the beach in an attempt to figure out what the hell was happening. It wasn’t until Amanda left an angry message saying she was really worried about him and that if he didn’t show up in the next fifteen minutes she’d call the cops, that a reluctant Benjamin called her to say he was heading home.

After a long lecture about her son’s childish behavior, she informed him that she would be staying late at the restaurant preparing things for the opening that would happen that weekend, but that there was food ready and that Rob was already home. With one last motherly plea, she asked Ben to make an effort to at least sort things out with his brother since apparently, that wasn’t going to happen with her anytime soon.

Sighing heavily, Ben entered the living room of the house, and upon doing so, received the biggest shock of his life. Sitting at the table, studying, was Rob, but this wasn’t the same Rob from that morning. Shirtless, with the sun-kissed skin of someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, extra pounds of muscle, and light blonde hair almost golden, anyone would think it was another person, but the face and aura were all Rob, altered, but still him.

“What the hell happened to you, Robert?” Asked a truly desperate Ben upon seeing this totally strange version of his older brother.

“What happened is that I got tired of waiting, bro. If you don’t wanna hang out with me anymore, fine. So, once you grow up and stop acting like a crybaby, you can come talk to me.”

“I... I’m not talking about that, Rob. Your hair, your skin, your muscles, how did this happen?”

“Dude, this is what happens when you go out and live your life. If you had gone surfing today, I would’ve shown you how great it is.”

“But that’s impossible... Rob, there’s no way such a change can happen in a single day.”

“What are you talking about, Ben? Of course, it can’t happen in a day. I’ve been surfing for almost a year now, ever since our parents split and I moved in with Uncle Sean.”

“Uncle Sean? Rob, that doesn’t make sense. Sean isn’t our uncle, and we moved here yesterday. We met him yesterday. None of this makes sense.”

Apparently, Ben didn’t make sense to this different Rob either. Because he stared at Ben with a look that was probably a mirror of what Ben had at that moment. And with a sigh, he finally said, “Alright, Ben, if that’s how you want things, fine. When you’re ready, you can come talk to me, bro. I’m your brother, we are the twins, try to remember. I’ll always be here for you, as long as you don’t push me away like you’re doing now. I’m done studying, I’ll go help Mom with the restaurant stuff. Don’t wait for us, but if you decide to be yourself again, stop by to help; we’ll be really grateful for both decisions.” Concluded Rob, getting up, putting on a shirt, and walking out the door without looking back, leaving a stunned Benjamin standing there with his mouth agape in the middle of the living room.

….

Ben needed answers, more than that, he needed a way to get his brother back to normal so they could get out of there together. Talking to their mom was out of the question; she was probably the first one to be... dominated? Hypnotized? One person popped into his mind. Michael, he knew what was happening and thought Benjamin was part of it. He needed to find Michael and convince him to tell him everything he knew and fast.

The next morning, he woke up before sunrise, after a sleepless night where he had to pretend to be sleeping when his mom came to say goodnight. He hated doing that to her but wasn’t sure if she was infected or not; unlike Rob, she hadn’t shown any significant changes in behavior or appearance, unless you counted her sudden desire to settle in Santa Maria, which, despite his disapproval, was nothing compared to what happened with his brother.

Sneaking out quietly to avoid being seen, he headed to school, praying that Michael hadn’t freaked out enough to decide to skip classes. Apparently, some higher power heard his prayers, as Michael not only showed up for class that day but after a bit of persuasion agreed to talk to Ben. In an empty classroom, Ben started his plea for any kind of answer.

“I swear I’m not infected or zombified or whatever the hell is going on, but they took my brother and maybe my mom too; you’re the only one who seems to know something about what’s going on, so please, help me.”

Michael looked at Ben with unreadable eyes for a few seconds before sighing and speaking. “Okay, let’s say I believe you; what happened to your brother?”

“Long story short. My parents split up last year, after which my mom got it in her head to move us here and open a restaurant by the beach, dragging my brother and me along with her. Something neither of us agreed to. We didn’t even like the beach. Until we arrived here two days ago at least, when Rob started hanging out with Olliver Hale, and since then he’s been acting different, but that’s not the worst part; he seems different and acts like things have always been this way. Calling Olliver’s father ‘Uncle’ and we barely know the guy.” Benjamin replied in one breath, afraid of sounding ridiculous. But Michael just asked another question: “Have you met my brother, Harrison?”

“Harrison? Harry? The surf shop employee? Wait a minute, are you the Micky he was talking about?”

“No one, no one has ever called me that, at least not until a few months ago. So, please, keep calling me Michael. But yeah, that Harry. So let me tell you my story. Although I still don’t have the slightest idea if you have bad intentions...”

“I promise I’m not lying; you saw my brother at the kitchen window yesterday, and don’t deny it, because now I’m sure it was you. Wait until he shows up at school, and you’ll see the difference in him. Believing me is your choice, but you heard my story. I think I’ll lose my mind if I don’t understand what’s going on.”

“Then I’m sorry to disappoint you, because I don’t have the faintest idea of what’s going on. I can only tell you what happened to me. But before I continue, you told me you met Harry. Take a look at this photo here and tell me what you see.” Michael said, handing Benjamin a worn-out photo. It was a picture of two skinny Black boys, both wearing glasses; one of them was clearly Michael, while the other could be some other brother or close relative, as the resemblance was striking.

“Benjamin, you’ve met Harry; now I present to you Harrison. We took this photo together a few months ago; it’s worn out because I keep it with me so often just to make sure I’m not crazy.”

“I don’t get it; this isn’t possible...” There was no way the kid in the photo was the giant Ben knew, even with steroids; there was still the height issue, Harry was at least a foot taller, and the hair, hair like that doesn’t grow overnight, even if it was some kind of wig...

“Think, Benjamin, you just told me about your brother; I’m telling you what happened to mine. I thought finally someone would believe me; you have no idea how many times I’ve tried to show this photo, without success, but no one believes me. It’s not like I have many people to support me; since our parents died, it’s always been Harrison and me, taking care of our grandma. Even so, I thought someone would remember, that someone would look at the photo and help me. All the other photos and videos show Harry, not Harrison; for some reason, only that one remained. But people think I’m trying to pull a prank or something stupid like that.”

“Michael, that’s not possible; no one changes that much...” Ben repeated.

“Your brother hasn’t changed?”

“Yeah, but he’s still... him. Maybe he already gained those muscles and I didn’t notice, and his hair might be dyed, and he could have a fake tan... maybe this is all a huge prank in response to my behavior... and maybe you’re in on it too; yeah, confess, Harry asked you to do this, didn’t he?”

“Don’t try to rationalize, Benjamin; I tried, and it just frustrated me even more; there’s no space for reason in what’s happening. But there’s an easy way for me to prove to you that I’m not messing with you. Tell me, have you seen your brother today?”

“No, that’s impossible; there’s no way this is real. You’re joking; you’re all joking. I get it, I’ve been unbearable the last few days, but doing this to me is bullshit. Stop messing around, Michael, I promise I’ll go home and apologize to my mom and Rob, and then I’ll apologize to Sean and Olliver too.”

“No, don’t do that; they’ll find a way to grab you too; I’ve been feeling that they’re close to getting me; I feel it’s an increasing attraction every time Harry is near me or when I get close to his work; they want you too, and if they took your brother and your mom, they definitely want you.”

“Why? Why us?”

“Because you must have something they care about. Let me finish my story. It all started when the Hales moved here a few months ago. Harrison was almost done with his last year, probably would’ve been the class speaker and would’ve landed a scholarship at a good college. He worried about what would happen to me, being left alone at home with a sick grandma. But I always told him those were opportunities he couldn’t miss. But then the Hales showed up, and Olliver became Harrison’s classmate. And my brother felt attracted to him like a moth to a flame. After that, everything happened so quickly; one moment Harrison was going to college, the next he was kissing Olliver Hale, talking as if he’d known him for years, and finally... finally he was Harry, like you knew him, that mountain of muscles, all smiles and joy, without a care in the world other than surfing, working a mediocre job, dating the owner’s son, and... me, I guess. Harry seems to like me just as much as Harrison liked him, but I... I can’t like him back... I need my brother, not him.”

“Wait a minute, you’re telling me Harry and Olliver are together?”

“Seriously, out of everything I told you, you choose to worry about two dudes being together?”

“No, that’s not it; do you think this... thing... happened to your brother because Olliver was into him? Because Sean seems pretty interested in my mom; on the day we arrived, I watched them from a distance, and he was flirting with her the whole time. Still... I don’t know what to say; I want to believe you because you believed in me, Michael, but this is too much.”

“Do you know where your brother’s locker is, Benjamin? Let’s go there.” Concluded Michael as Ben nodded.

There were still a few minutes until the bell, but standing in front of Rob’s locker was a big blonde kid with his back turned to the two approaching. When he turned around, Benjamin was even more surprised than the night before. It was Rob, but not really. This Rob looked way more like Olliver Hale’s younger brother than Benjamin’s brother.

“Good morning, bro, good morning, Micky. So good to see you guys getting along; if I’d bet with Harry, I would’ve lost!”

“R-Rob?”

“Sorry, bro, but I gotta head to football practice. Mom and Dad will be stoked to know you’re making an effort just like Harry, Micky, as long as you guys aren’t up to anything! See you at lunch, Ben?”

“I don’t...”

“No, no, bro, we’re having lunch the three of us, and after school, I wanna see you two at the shop. Mom and Dad had to leave town and won’t be back until tomorrow, so we can do something just us. I wanna introduce you to someone important, bro. See ya, please don’t leave me hanging.” And he walked towards the classroom, leaving behind two stunned boys. “What the hell was he talking about, about Mom and Dad? Our dad’s not here; he’s on the other side of the country, and they’d never hang out again, not after the divorce.”

“I don’t know, but I bet you’ll figure it out soon. And did you see how he talked to me, like he knew me, and I can assure you I never spoke to him in my life.”

“This whole situation is so complicated... At least we have proof we were telling the truth. Which leaves us with one question: what the hell are we gonna do about this?…” Michael and Benjamin decided to keep as far away from their brothers as possible until they had some idea of what to do; the problem was precisely that: they had no clue what to do. They vaguely discussed the possibility of investigating the surf shop, but that would put them directly in the enemy’s den. There was also the issue that, even if Michael wasn’t affected yet, that didn’t mean the same would happen to Ben, especially with him being so close to the center of everything. The two skipped lunch, and after class ended, Ben ran home, stopping to grab something to eat and locking himself in his room, hoping to avoid any conflict. Unfortunately, as soon as he got home, he found himself face to face with an irritated Rob.

“I don’t know why I was so dumb to think things were getting better, bro. I thought that after our talk yesterday, you’d make an effort to try to adjust, and when I saw you and Micky together, I thought you were finally starting to accept that this is our new reality.”

“Rob, how can’t you see what’s going on? You’ve completely changed!”

“Enough, Ben. I get that you’re bummed because our mom decided to move back in with my dad after all this time. But I want you to remember I was by your side when Ollie decided to move in with our dad because his relationship with your dad was crap. I stuck around for you. I expected the bare minimum of effort from you, just a little gratitude!”

“Rob, let me...”

“No, let me tell you something. My dad may not be your dad, but our mom decided to go back to him for a reason, and yeah, Ollie and I are super happy about it, and I repeat, we understand why you might be feeling bad. Ollie felt the same way when Mom married your dad; I was too young to remember, but I bet I felt the same way too. So, we get it, bro. And I’m sorry, but your dad’s a piece of work; he doesn’t give a damn about you, but my dad is here for you, just like he is for Ollie and me, if you let him.”

Ben was once again stunned by what he heard, to the point of standing there in the middle of the room, speechless, just staring at what should be his brother. “You’ve got nothing to say, Benjamin? Great! Then you can go to your room and lock yourself in there like you’ve been doing for the last few days. I was gonna introduce you to Jessica tonight and then take you to your first beach party, but you don’t deserve any of that.” Not knowing what to do, Benjamin went to his room, sat on the bed, and cried, for his brother, for his mom, but also because that distorted version of Rob was speaking the truth: his dad didn’t give a shit about him. And, most likely, Sean Hale would be a good dad, so maybe... But before he could finish that thought, he was distracted by a noise outside his room. Standing at the window, just like the first time he saw him, was Michael, waving and seemingly asking Ben to meet him outside the house. Benjamin quietly slipped out to meet his new friend.

“What? Why the hell are you here? You could’ve sent me a message.”

“I did! I sent several messages; when you didn’t reply, I decided to come find you. Sean’s out…”

“Yeah, I know, and apparently now he and my mom are the parents of Rob and Ollie. That’s what Rob was talking about this morning when he said Mom and Dad were leaving for a day. Dude, this is so fucked up. I lost my brother!”

“I know, I’ve had that same thought for months. Look, Harry asked me to go to some kind of party on the other side of the beach; Olliver and your brother are going too. With Sean out, this is our chance to at least check out the surf shop; it’s a long shot, but…”

“But it’s all we’ve got. And besides, I don’t know how much longer I can take this; I was about to give up when you showed up.”

“I know, I almost agreed to hang out with Harry when he hugged me. Dude, I just want my brother back.”

“And what’s worse is that they seem so happy.” Ben said, pointing to Rob leaving the house at that moment, accompanied by a pretty girl, both smiling and radiating total happiness.

“Dude, it looks like his hair grew even more in the last few minutes; this is so…”

“Fucked up, I know. Let’s go.” …

The two boys ran to the beach, with Michael leading Benjamin to the back of Sean Hale’s surf shop.

“How are we gonna get in?”

“I grabbed these keys when Harry hugged me.” Michael said, showing a set of keys with a mischievous grin, the first one Benjamin had seen. As soon as they entered the shop, Benjamin turned to Michael again and asked, “So, what are we looking for? Some kind of device, a spell book, some alien goo?”

“Maybe a bit of common sense?” Interrupted a deep, serious voice. Standing in front of the two, with an irritated expression, was Harry. “Boys, you’ve crossed every imaginable line. Michael, it’s about time we caught up, bro. Benjamin, your brothers are waiting for you in front of the shop so you can settle in too.” He said, holding Michael by the shoulders.

Benjamin took a good look at his friend’s face and, with an apologetic expression, ran out the back door. And he ran, ran until his legs hurt so much he forced himself to stop, collapsing in the sand and crying for the second time that day. And that’s how he stayed for hours until he fell asleep in the sand.

It was late evening when he was awakened by a deep voice. “Finally I found you. Hey, bro, what are you doing here? I know things aren’t great, but I thought we were friends; you know you can always count on me, Benji.” Benjamin, wiping the sand from his eyes, found himself facing a muscular black kid who looks... just like his brother.

“Mi-Michael?”

“Micky, dude. Don’t say it like we don’t know each other our whole lives.” Ben didn’t even try to argue this time, too worn out from all the weirdness; he just turned and run again. However, when he arrived at the main street he came face to face with Rob and Ollie waiting for him.

“Thinking about sneaking out again? No way, little bro. We’re going home; Dad wants to talk to you, and I can add that I’ve never seen him like this. Good luck.” Thinking it was better to just get it over with, Benjamin gave up and followed them...

Benjamin stayed quiet during the whole journey, he didn’t wanna argue with anyone; besides, he felt overwhelmed by equally large amounts of shame for ditching the closest thing to a friend he’d made in this town, guilt for what had happened to that person, and anxiety about what would happen to him. All of this was made worse by the fact that this new version of Michael - Micky - was nothing like the Michael Benjamin had known; Micky was cheerful, playful, and outgoing, and genuinely seemed hurt by being ignored by his supposed best friend. It was unbearable how nice he was, to the point that Ben couldn’t help but return the hand touch and the farewell hug offered by him when they finally reached their destination.

“See ya, bro. Chill, everything will be alright.” That was Micky’s farewell phrase. Before Robert turned to Benjamin.

"Benji, I don't know what's happening to you, but I'm really worried, bro. This isn't you, talk to dad and let him help you, little brother. I want my twin back." And then he hugged him, easily wrapping Benjamin's body with his long arms, and as much as he wanted to get away, he felt comfortable in that place. His brother smelled of coconut and salt, but underneath it there was still his own scent, which Benjamin knew so well.

Wiping away the new torrent of tears, he turned around and without looking back entered the house. As he entered the living room he found himself facing Sean Hale, sitting shirtless on the couch with a worried look on his face.

What do these people have against shirts? Was the first thought that crossed Benjamin's mind before he was hit with another feeling: the most intense anger he’d ever felt in his life. Standing in front of him was the guy responsible for the absurd situation he was in. But before he could say or do anything, Sean turned to him: “I think I owe you an explanation. I’m really sorry, Benjamin; it’s all my fault, I didn’t think it was necessary. But apparently, just like your buddy Micky, you have this crazy resistance to change, and for things to go the way they’re supposed to, changes need to be embraced.”

“You know when I’m gonna accept that? Only in your wildest dreams.”

“It’s funny you mention my dreams, Benjamin, because my part in this story actually starts with my dreams. My dreams of a big, happy family. But this story, our story, goes way back. Do you know why this town is called Santa Maria, Benji?”

“Don’t call me that, and I don’t care what this town’s called; I just want my brother and my life back.”

“And you’ll get it if you listen to me. Santa Maria was the name given by Spanish conquistadors to this land in an attempt to assimilate the native peoples into the Catholic faith when this part of the country was still under Mexico’s rule. When they got here, they heard a legend about a local female deity. A woman whose son had been killed and who, in her grief, threw herself off a cliff into one of the caves along the coast. Over time, this cave became a pilgrimage site for native women seeking help with their children. For Catholic preachers, the association with the Virgin Mary was obvious, and so a church in honor of the Mother of God was built on a hill, giving the town its name. The church was destroyed when the region was integrated into the United States. But secretly, over the years, countless generations of mothers sought out the old cave, praying to the virgin or the mother of the legend to intercede for their kids. When you’re a mom and you need divine intervention, the source of that intervention doesn’t matter.”

“I don’t get where this is going...”

“Please, just chill, Benjamin; you’ll understand soon enough. Your mom and I actually met when we were kids on this beach, and we heard all about the old legend together. Our paths diverged; your mom met your dad, and I met Lilly, my late wife, although, at this moment, that story is being rewritten, and soon I’ll forget it, which hurts me so much. But this is the path Lilly set for us. She and I came here every summer for our vacations. The tradition continued after Olliver was born, and the three of us were really happy here. But about a year ago, around the same time your parents started the divorce process, something terrible happened to us. Olliver came out, which wasn’t a problem for us; parents usually know about these things long before their kids, and we’ve always loved him as he is. But not everyone’s like that. One day, those who were supposed to be my son’s friends pulled what they thought was a prank on him, basically a huge act of homophobia. Ollie didn’t take it well, and one thing led to another, in this case, a beating followed by a coma. You have no idea how horrible it is to see your kid lying unconscious, fighting for his life, with doctors saying there’s no chance of survival. It tears you apart inside.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that, Sean, but I still don’t get what the point of all this is...”

“Hang tight, I’ll get to that part. Over the years, my wife also heard about the legend, and in her desperation, she went to the mother’s cave to ask for help. But the legends she heard were wrong; they spoke of blood sacrifices, of one life for another... and in her hopelessness, Lilly jumped into the abyss.”

“Oh my God.”

“Yeah, a terrible, sad decision, I think she decided she couldn’t live without our son... But her sacrifice awakened something, or someone. Santa Maria really is a magical place. And you and I both experienced it. The next morning, Oliver woke up, and within a few days, he was literally brand new, healthier than ever, stronger, taller. And only I seemed to notice. As for Lilly, her body was never found. I thought I’d never set foot on this land again, but a strange feeling in my chest, like a pull, kept bringing me back here. Until I finally gave in and came. The day my shop opened, that pull reached its peak, guiding me to the cave. And inside it, kneeling in prayer, was your mom, asking for help with her kids. So I knew what to do; I approached her and offered the help she needed. At that moment, I didn’t know something like what’s happening now was possible. Of course, not long after, Ollie met Harrison, and suddenly, I had an employee named Harry who was also my son’s boyfriend. Still, when you guys came here, I thought things would just flow naturally. But I realized I was wrong again when I watched the transformation happen with Rob, with a new set of memories about him entering my head, first of him knowing me his whole life and moving in with me right after Amanda’s divorce. Then the memory changed again, Rob and Olliver became my sons with Amanda, as if Lilly had never existed. At the same time this situation infuriated me, it also scared me. I looked for your mom at the same time she was looking for me, and when we were together, we both felt that pull again, so we came to the same conclusion: we should go to the cave.” He sighed and looked at Benjamin, his eyes sympathetic. “Now things get really complicated, Benjamin. When we arrived at the cave, both Amanda and I were overtaken by a force, something much bigger than the two of us. We were invaded by alien memories, of a mother hugging her son and her lover, both dead, in that same cave, and jumping off the cliff. Then, countless mothers kneeling there, begging for their children, the intervals between those visits getting longer and longer. Until the consciousness that was there fell asleep. Then, Lilly... I was forced to witness the prayer and sacrifice of my wife, Benjamin. In her final moments, she didn’t just pray for our son’s life but also for my happiness, so that I could find a family like I always wanted. She shouldn’t have done that; Lilly’s sacrifice gave the entity more power than it had in centuries, and it used it. It found another desperate mother seeking help and put her in my path, ensuring that Lilly’s last wishes were fulfilled. Ollie is happy with the boyfriend he always wanted. Harry never had the courage to come out until he met Ollie and always worried about leaving his brother alone with a sick grandma when going to college. Your mom wanted a stable father for her kids. Rob wanted friends and a girlfriend. Micky wanted a brother he could connect with. And me, I just want a family, a big happy family. So now it’s your turn, what do you want, Benjamin?”

“I want my dad back, my brother, and the life we had.”

“I figured you’d say that. But that’s not possible. The entity can’t grasp the concept of love between a father and son. The father of her son was the one who killed him when he found out about his relationship with another man. She made it very clear to me that I only got what I wanted because it was what was best for your mom and our kids. But understand, Benjamin, the power from Lilly’s sacrifice is running out. That’s why she summoned us to the cave; she doesn’t have much time to fit you in. I’m afraid your dad’s absence in the last few months is a side effect of my wife’s desire. Your mom would’ve liked to be here and tell you all this in person, but she took the first flight back to her old city this morning, trying to track down your dad, and she was successful... Benjamin, I’m sorry, but he doesn’t remember you or your brother; he’s got another family and another life.”

“No, no, you’re lying.”

“Look into my eyes, Benjamin. I’m not lying. I care about what happens to you just like I care about my other kids. Understand, the entity can’t be guided or have its power reversed. At this point, I have two sets of memories in my mind; in one, I’m the father of two boys; in the other, I have three. Your mom is going through the same thing; she’s desperate, Benjamin, please accept what’s being offered to you!

“I don’t know...”

“You want a dad and a mom who love you and are by your side; you want your brother by your side. Even if the flow of events were reversed, it wouldn’t happen the way you want, Benjamin; your dad and mom weren’t happy in their marriage. They were hurting each other, and if you’re honest with yourself, you’ll admit they were hurting you too. So I’m begging you, let me be the dad you so need. I want the set of memories with the three boys to be real. I’ll also be letting go of an important person in my life; Lilly will cease to exist for me, but it’ll be worth it; you’re worth it.”

“I... I...” Unable to respond, Benjamin closed his eyes and just nodded as he felt the tight embrace of strong arms around him...

…..

The sunlight streamed through the kitchen window of a big beach house, lighting up the space and an eighteen-year-old kid busy preparing breakfast for the rest of his family. This kid had golden hair like the sun shining on him and a smile so bright. He seemed carefree, humming a happy tune while setting the breakfast table. Distracted for a moment while making pancakes, he didn’t notice the handsome blonde man standing at the door, watching him with an admiring smile. “Good morning, Benji!” said the man, finally deciding to interrupt the kid.

“Dad, you scared the hell out of me.”

“Watch your language, kid.” replied the dad, still smiling. “It’s just that you remind me so much of your mom when she cooks.” Of his three children, Benji was the most physically similar to him, a little shorter than his brothers and with a more robust build. But his behavior was all Amanda.

“Someone had to learn how to cook since you and none of my brothers can whip up a dish that doesn’t make everyone sick.”

“Oh, the harsh truth. Speaking of your brothers, where are they?”

“Ollie hasn’t woken up yet, and Bobby spent the night with Jessica, so it looks like it’ll just be us for breakfast.”

“Couldn’t ask for better company, son. So, what’s on your plans for today?” said Sean, stacking pancakes and pouring a generous amount of syrup on top.

“Nothing much, Bobby will meet me here so we can go to school together, Micky will meet us on the way. This afternoon we’re gonna surf, and I promised to help Mom with the restaurant tonight.”

“Hey, how come I don’t get a hand at the shop?”

“Because you’ve got an employee and your two other kids to help you with that, and both of them are incapable of frying an egg so that’s up to me. Aaand do I need to remind you I’m already giving surf lessons to the younger kids with Micky?

“Alright, you win. You win.” Sean replied, still smiling.

“I always win, Dad; Mom always says I’ve got your face but her brains, and her brains always beat you.”

“Smart woman. But we’re talking about you, kid. And I just want you to know I love you tons and I’m super proud of you, son. You’re everything a dad could want.”

“I love you too, Dad, and I couldn’t ask for a better one.” Benji replied, finishing his meal in a hurry and getting up from the table.

“What’s the rush?”

“We gotta swing by Micky’s place before school, and you know how he is; he can take longer than Ollie in the morning, and I don’t wanna be late, we have football practice.”

“I get you’ve got a busy day, but stop by the shop before heading to your mom’s restaurant.”

“Sure, see ya later, Dad.”

He said as he ran out of the kitchen. In a few minutes he was back with his backpack on his shoulders and heading out the door to meet his brother who was waiting for him on the sidewalk. He was followed the whole time by the gaze of his father who, upon seeing his sons greet each other with the greeting of the moment, could not resist calling them, making them both turn around.

“Boys!!! Before you go, where’s my hug?” He asked, which was met with all the affection from his sons.

…..

That afternoon, Sean and Amanda were at the beach, watching their three sons running after each other like they were still little kids, the resemblance between them was so strong that anyone looking from the outside might think they were triplets. It was only on closer inspection that an outsider would realize that one of the boys was slightly older than the other two. After Ollie they had longed for a girl, but But what was the surprise for both of them when they discovered that they would be parents of twins? The pregnancy had been complicated and they had gone through some tough times but somehow everything worked out and the boys were now grown men or should have been...

“Looks like these kids are never gonna grow up.” Sean commented to his wife.

“What did you expect? Their dad never grew up.” was Amanda’s cutting reply.

“Ouch! That hurt.”

“Stop whining. You know very well I prefer it this way. I wouldn’t have married you for almost twenty years if I didn’t love that goofy surfer vibe of yours.”

“So, no regrets about not going to college to be with me?”

“You know I don’t regret it; I have everything I could want, a job I love, three wonderful boys, perfect copies of their dad, the love of my life. I’m sure some higher power guided our destiny. And you, aren’t you happy with everything we’ve achieved?”

“I’m the happiest man in the world. And I’m super grateful for everything we’ve got. I think even in other lives I wouldn’t find a better family.”

…………..

One last word

So, this is a revised repost of a story I've always liked but didn’t get much attention around here, maybe 'cause it ain't an erotic story. Anyway, since most of my work is that kind of stuff, I rewrote this one so none of the characters are underage. If you’re older, you probably caught the 'The Lost Boys' vibe in this story, and yeah, that was totally my inspo. That was one of my fave flicks growing up, and being the weirdo I am, I always hoped the vampire boss would win and the kids would join his fam so they could all be happy draining blood on the California coast. My story ended up being way less bloody, of course, but still, it’s kinda how I wished the movie would’ve wrapped up. Judge me if you want!"

#male tf #mind change #reality change

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missdawnandherdusk · 5 months ago

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The Confession

The Case The Defendant The Witness

The Auror

Summary: When you talk to Draco again, things that were meant to stay hidden come to light as this case wears you thin.

A/n: Well here it is my loves, some more Draco interaction. Curious to know your thoughts about the nuances of if Draco can be condemned for killing Dumbledore because of his plans. And what do you guys think about Harry? Did he kill Voldemort? Even with the rebound spell what about destroying the horcruxes?

“Shit.” I took breath and drew my wand, aperating to the Manor. I flew up the front steps and knocked on the door.

Draco was there waiting for me.

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” I breathed out. “I got caught up in a meeting and—thank you for waiting.” I composed myself throwing on a fake smile.

“Are you… okay?” His grey eyes held concern. There was something so different about his gaze and Harry’s. I wondered if it would be enough to prove innocence.

“I’m fine.” I said, entering the grand house. “Did you get a chance to look over the case again?”

“I did.”

“Good good,” I muttered. “I have some questions for you if that’s alright.”

“Y/n, are you okay?” He asked again as I searched my bag for a spare quill. I left my other at Harry’s office.

“Yeah,” I said simply.

His face pinched in thought like he didn’t believe me. Which was ridiculous. I was fine. Even if I wasn’t it wasn’t for him to worry about. I had a job to do. I had a case to close, and I might just have to fight the infamous Harry Potter to close it. I was fine.

Everything was peachy.

He offered me a seat in a small sitting room the disappeared for a moment. When I had finally found my spare quill and gotten my file out he returned with a tray of tea and biscuits as well as the folder I had left him last week. He set the tray down and opened the folder.

“I have some notes and questions too,” Draco said, taking the other seat. “If that’s okay.”

I nodded and watched the tea magically pour itself.

“Cream and sugar?”

“Two of both,” I said. “Please,”

An amused smile played at his lips as he complied.

Don’t let him fool you. Harry’s words echoed in my mind. My mood soured again.

“What? Did I do it wrong?” Draco asked concerned.

“No, no the tea is fine.” I said, rubbing my face. “Thank you,”

“Y/n—“ he tried again but I wouldn’t let him. I could not. He didn’t need to care.

“So, I have a couple of questions.” I cut him off quickly.

“Of course,” he resigned. I let out a soft sigh.

“Tell me about the day here, at the Manor. When Potter and his friends escaped.”

“What do you want to know?” He asked kindly.

“Um,” I paused. “Harry disarmed you and took your wand then correct?”

“Yes,”

“Okay. And… When they brought Harry in, and asked you to identify him—you didn’t. You denied you knew who it was.”

“I did.”

“Did you know?” I asked out of my own curiosity. “That it was Harry?”

“When you spend six years being loathed by someone, you don’t soon forget the hatred in their eyes,” Draco said quite cryptically. I thought back to my conversation with Harry and those green eyes that still held the same hate. I nodded in agreement.

“So you knew it was him?” I set down my quill and looked at him.

“I did,”

“But you didn’t tell them?” I didn’t know why I was so caught up on this.

“No,”

“Why?”

“Does it matter?” He asked a little skeptical.

“Um… I don’t know,” My eyes met soft grey ones. Then I knew the difference: it might not have mattered to the case, but it mattered to me.

“Well, if it does, let me know,” Draco said as of it were the easiest topic in the world.

“Okay. Um. Can you tell me about that day in the tower. What happened?”

“I killed Dumbledore.”

For some reason his words made me furious.

“No you didn’t.” I shot back without thinking. Draco looked affronted. I composed myself taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry. Please continue,”

He nodded, and I could see his walls go back up. My temper had just ruined everything. Draco talked about our sixth year of Hogwarts and things I vaguely remembered. Katie Bell being cursed, Ron Weasley being poisoned. The raid on the castle.

“I let them in,” He said with his head hung. “I let them into Hogwarts. Into our home. I killed Dumbledore.”

I wanted to comfort him, but I knew that I shouldn’t. And Harry’s stupid words were still at the forefront of my mind. Was Draco really this manipulative? Was he fooling everyone? Was I fooling myself?

“Draco, your wand didn’t cast the killing curse. It never cast any Unforgivable.” I said simply, keeping my temper in check.

“I was tasked by the Dark Lord to kill Dumbledore,” Draco whispered. “I hurt so many people. I was so scared, Y/n.”

“That doesn’t mean that you killed him.”

“Doesn’t it?” He looked at me desperately. “Whether or not my wand cast the spell, I am responsible for his death.”

“That’s not the same thing.” I said weakly. It was all so nuanced I didn’t know how to explain the difference. Maybe there wasn’t one after all.

But, when he met my eyes, his stare held only sorrow and regret. Lofty and flowing in waves.

“I’m sorry—I…” Draco shook his head as if he wanted to rid himself of the words we had spoken.

Silence fell between us.

“You said you had questions for me?” I recalled, changing the subject before it suffocated us both.

“Yes, well, just one,” He said, reserved.

“Go ahead.” I gave him my attention.

“Why is this so important to you?” His eyes put me on trial. My eyes widened in shock.

“Does it matter?” I quickly got defensive. “We’re going to see this through.”

“Why?” He stressed. “The case has been open for years and no one’s batted an eyelash. Why do you care so much?”

“It doesn’t matter.” I bit, standing. He stood too.

“Y/n. Why.” He towered over me. We were two strong holds opposing each other.

“It doesn’t matter to you why.” I stressed each word.

“I’ll decide what matters to me.”

I stepped away from him. Reserved and cold my eyes focused on the files scattered on the mahogany table next to our tea and biscuits.

“If I don’t close this case—“ the words were like stones. “My future is gone.” My gaze met his. “Everything I’ve worked for in the past six years is gone. I fail. My board. My exams. Everything. Gone. I never get to be a pubic defender. I never get to help people.” His defense faltered but mine didn’t. “So tell me. Does that matter to you? Do I matter to you?”

He hung his head and I had my answer.

“We’re done here. I’ll be in contact later this week.” I didn’t even bother to gather the scattered papers.

“Y/n wait,” Draco called. Despite my best efforts, I paused. “Come back on Friday.” He said.

I nodded once then aperated home.

The Deceased

masterlist

@coffee-addicti @msmcsmutt @ravn-87 @artemismohr18@whygz@crazywritingbug @bitemebro522 @zombiesnips-blog@savingdraco @akari180 @slytherin-emerald @queenfeatherwings @fanficflaneuse @go-whovian-universe @spicyshenanigans @darling-im-not-okay-i-promise @katsukink @takemetothekingdom @strangerr-things @tmnt-queen@hxneybgb @belcvayelena @moviesbooksandfandoms @cocochanelthepupper @ninacotte @braelynn-johnston @jiggllyy @darcypotter-blog @thiccheerioss@lottie289 @beautiful-pegasus@tceedlmao @anonymous034 @bi-andready-tocry @dragonsandbread @the-queen-of-hell-things @alienmotel @oh-itsnothing @sunflowerxsadnessw @fattycooter @fanficsigottaread @gweaslvy @strawberriesonsummer @gaysludge @ray-of-sunrise @artist-bby @shadowsingeraxolotl @quillsareforwriting @wollymalfoy @lilpieceoftoast @paper-cats @floweryjh @hufflautia @livize75 @annie-mcl @riathearora @dudeimnotgonnakms @auriuswolve @carolineesnell

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babsvibes · 1 month ago

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A soup recipe that’s relatively cheap and easy because I cook like a single mother of four

In one pot: brown a pound of beef, strain the grease, then add two taco seasoning packets, a diced yellow onion, a can of corn, a can of pinto beans, a can of rotel or diced tomatoes (don’t strain the cans, dump them entirely into the pot). Cook until flavors combine. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

For fool-proof instructions:

Get a pot. You will only need one pot. Should be big enough that a soccer ball could sit in it (but doesn’t have to be a submerged soccer ball).

Throw a package of ground beef in it (usually around one pound) and cook until the pink is gone.

Can be the cheap tube of ground beef or a different meat, who cares. If you don’t have a fancy way of straining grease so it doesn’t go in your drain, get a wad of paper towels and c a r e f u l l y let it soak up that puddle of grease then throw the paper towels away.

Take two taco seasoning packets and sprinkle that over the beef. Stir.

Yes it’s mostly dry seasoning on beef don’t worry there will be liquid in a second. You can use only one packet if you prefer less seasoning. Add a little extra water if you need to tone it down.

Throw in a diced onion. Stir.

I wouldn’t go for a sweet onion, but it would probably fine if you used whatever kind of onion you have. If you want to use a shallot, go ahead. Maybe try dicing while the meat is cooking. If you didn’t, just take the meat off heat and finish the onion. Put it back on heat once you’ve thrown the onion in. You can skip the onion if you want.

Dump a can of corn, a can of pinto beans, and a can of diced tomatoes into the pot. Stir.

Do not drain them first. Just dump. I try to grab the cans that are like duel ingredients so fiesta corn, beans with jalapeños, and tomatoes with green chilies. Literally all of this is interchangeable. If you have a different kind of bean, sure use those. If you have stewed tomatoes, go ahead. It comes down to texture and slight variations on flavor but because of the seasoning packets it will mostly taste the same regardless.

Bring it to a boil then lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer. Cook until you can see through the onions. If you skipped the onion, taste periodically for the flavors to come together. You can give it a stir every once in a while.

The flavors “coming together” looks like when color saturations all match to form one soup instead of five separate ingredients. Like when you put a filter over a photo and now it looks more balanced? This could be like fifteen or twenty minutes but I don’t know your stove.

If you’re like “this isn’t enough juice to be a soup” give it a few minutes as the ingredients release their moisture. If after like ten minutes there’s still not enough liquid to your liking, pour some extra water in there by rinsing out one of your previously used cans (like if there’s still beans stuck in the bean can, fill it halfway with water, swish it around, and add that).

Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. Hot sauce optional.

If you want to add more stuff, do it. Peppers? Sure. Shallot instead of or alongside an onion? Go for it. More beans? I’m down if you are. If you want to get rid of stuff, sure thing boss. It does not matter. This is simply the easiest recipe.

#babsbles #recipes #soup recipes #this was the first recipe I ever learned #so I wrote the fool proof instructions like I’m talking to someone who has never cooked before #and should know this recipe isn’t something to take too seriously

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orphiclovers · 18 days ago

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Top 6 Grain Porridge in my professional opinion

6. (Sweet) Oatmeal

6/10

Classic, basic. if I can be controversial about it, honestly Overrated.

It's OKAY I see why it's the most popular one but it's not really that good on it's own, it NEEDS topings to taste good. On that account, any topping goes with it, you can do any jam, fresh fruits, chocolate, sour cream anything and it will taste good. it's really versatile so it deserves it's spot I guess

5. (Sweet) Semolina/Манная Porridge

7/10

The nostalgic taste of sunday mornings at my childhood home. Still, this one has some cons. You need a gentle hand to make it the right consistency without lumps so maybe not fit for total beginners, unlike oatmeal that is more forgiving.

The taste is good but what it really shines with is that it's fun to eat. That is, you pour it on a flat plate while it's hot and place a small square of butter in the center. The butter melts and the liquid spreads over the top. Then while it's still hot you drag the spoon around the very edges where it's cooled off, dipping it in the center if necessary. It's absolutely essenciaal to eat it in this spiral way until you reach the middle, that's part of the experience of semolina.

I also add blackcurrant jam in the center for sweetness, but it's good with just butter. No other jams go well with it but bananas and strawberries are good too.

4. (salty) Millet Porridge/小米粥

10/10

SOOOOO DELICIOUS sooo so good I love it. Needs only butter in the center but I highly encourage to eat it plain it's good and the texture is pleasant

3. (salty) Yellow Split Pea Porridge/Pease Pudding

100/10

GODS GIFT TO MANKIND I COULD EAT IT EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE!!! great on it's own (with butter in center) but be careful not to add too much salt. And if you want to die and go to heaven make a small finely cut meat with lard and onions cooked in a pan and pour it over this porridge. Mouth salivatingly good

2. (Salty) Pearl Barley porridge 10/10

Good with the previously mentioned meat and onion, good on it's own. I don't eat it enough

1. (Salty) Groat Porridge 1100000000/10

LOVE OF MY LIFEEEEEEEEE The best food in the entire world I've eaten it every day now. You need good quality barley for this but if you got it it tasted heavenly on it's on with no topics nessecary. Though I still add butter or sour cream on occasion. Not good with jam.

This is a non comprehensive list!! There's many other porridges I love even more than these so don't come for me with "OP you forgot x" okay I know but this post is long enough already

#my posts #porridge #cooking #What do I even tag this honestly

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blitzsicedcoffee · 18 days ago

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A New Day, Chapter 2: Urges

They both collapse on the couch, back in their comfy clothes for the rest of the day. Blitz fiddles with his fingers.

"Soooo watcha wanna do?" He asks, smiling and leaning in towards Stolas. Stolas looks around and his mouth forms a line.

"Uhm-well I didn't think this far ahead" he admits, blushing as Blitz leans in.

Then Stolas yawns, "Honestly I'm so tired every day since the trial. Is this how everyone feels all the time? Always tired?"

Blitz shrugs, "maybe? Or maybe your powers were just making up for some of your lack of sleep".

Stolas rolls his eyes, "I get plenty of sleep". Blitz snorts, "Sure. And you definitely don't talk in your sleep about the cosmos and our future".

Stolas's eyes widen, "Wait-Do I???!" Blitz laughs and play punches him, "Nah, I'm just messing with you".

"Pff rude", Stolas rubs his arm and sits with his legs crossed on the couch, leaning his chin against a hand.

"Hmmm wanna play a board game?" Blitz asks, gesturing to the stack of them that have gathered dust on a shelf. Stolas pouts his beak, "Not really".

"Wanna learn more cooking stuff?" He asks again, and Stolas shrugs, "Whatever you want to do".

Blitz's face sours now and he takes Stolas's hands in his.

"What's up with you? Are you okay?" He asks and Stolas huffs.

"Yes! I'm just...I miss my things. My books, my plants, my hobbies. But I thought it superficial to say something". He looks down and Blitz tilts his chin back up, "That makes complete sense".

"It does?" He asks, blinking. Blitz nods, "Stolas, you lost everything. And those are things you care about. Things you did to pass your time away from the probably horrible stuffy royal shit".

Stolas chuckles, "Yes I often hid from meetings in the greenhouse". Blitz laughs, "See? Your hobbies make you, you. So don't feel bad for them".

"If you're sure...then I really really miss my books and my plants. Andrealphus killed my longest plant too, I just know it", tears escape his eyes and he wipes them quickly, as Blitz kisses his cheek.

"Then I'm gonna get you something", he says, standing up and putting on his coat and shoes.

Stolas blinks and hugs himself, "You don't have to Blitz, you've already done so much..." He trails off but Blitz points to him, his face changing to a serious expression.

"Hey. None of that. If I want to treat my pretty bird then I will. Capiche?" He asks and Stolas nods, blushing.

"I'll be back in an hour", he says as Stolas waves him off.

Stolas didn't like being alone lately. He used to be able to handle it. Well, that was a lie. He used to get uncomfortable when he's alone and drink. Which was...almost all the time. At least when he wasn't tending to stuffy royal duties or at a ball. Or attempting family dinners for Octavia. Anytime he got time alone, he always ended up back at the bottle. He hated it. Hates still how much it controls him. How much he has wanted some these past few weeks.

Blitz, surprising Stolas, doesn't keep alcohol in his home. And Stolas has realized that he does very sober coping mechanisms. Eating mostly. Ice cream, hot sauce, cheese. He admits to himself that the hot sauce and spicy chips he eats does give a good kick that distracts him for a moment. But only a moment. He has needed something to keep him from his thoughts.

They aren't...thoughts he would act on. He's sure of it. At least not anymore. But the thoughts come nonetheless. Even if they're hypothetical. More intrusive than they used to be.

He gets up from the couch and it feels like it takes all his energy, trudging over to the kitchen. He opens the fridge but there's not much. Grabbing the milk, he pours some in a cup then accidentally bumps the fridge when putting the milk back. When he does, the fridge shakes and he hears a bottle clang at the top of the fridge, behind a cupboard. He pushes against the fridge again and hears It again.

He takes his cup of milk and goes to walk away when he stops and squeezes his eyes and sighs, then walks back over. He pours out the milk.

Just a little right? He can't have much up there anyway.

He opens the cupboard over the fridge and finds one bottle inside. It's half full with brandy. His pupils dilate and he closes the cupboard suddenly.

You've been sober three weeks, you're going to fuck it up now?

He shakes his head and steps back from the kitchen. Away from his now empty cup. Holding his hands against the wall and closes his eyes, trying to ground himself. He takes deep breaths and squeezes his shaking hands. Sitting back on the couch he clutches the pillow tight. His claws digging into the fabric a little. He breathes into the pillow, it forcing him to breathe slower. And finally it slows to a low lull.

The whole ordeal makes him more exhausted than he was before, and he passes out willingly against the pillow held to his chest and shoulder.

A few hours pass and Blitz comes home, making a rather loud ruckus through the front door.

"Hey Birdy I'm back-oh", he realizes Stolas is asleep and smiles. "So tired all the time ..", he says to himself. He puts down all the bags he's holding. Pulls out the Chinese food for dinner and sets it up, putting Stolas's near his face that maybe it'll wake him up.

Then he also places four new plants and a bookstore gift card on the coffee table next to his food.

Blitz eats and hands off some bento to Loona when she gets home as well. Stolas however, sleeps through it all.

#helluva boss #blitzø #helluva boss blitzo #blitz #stolitz #stolas #helluva boss stolas #helluva boss stolitz #helluva stolitz #angst #helluva boss fanfiction #helluva fanfiction #tw alcohol #tw addiction #tw sui ideation

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crackedpumpkin · 10 months ago

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|| ʙᴀᴅ ɴᴇᴡꜱ || ᴘᴀʀᴛ ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴ ||

[ 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 ] | [ 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 ] | [ 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ]

a/n: @uwukiity :))) i did it. also i changed the gif guys ! isnt it cute ??? hope u all enjoy this lolololol

“Awww, is our little barista feeling all better now?”

“Shut up before you have to make your own coffee, Hamada,” You snort, handing him his usual order. Hiro inhales deeply, taking a small sip of the piping hot latte you’d just made at his request.

His nose wrinkles, looking up as he swirls the liquid in his mouth. His lips purse, trying to place the flavour. “Is that cinnamon?”

“Yeap,” You answer, popping the ‘p’ as you clean the milk frother. “Is it good?”

“It’s enh,” He shrugs, propping his elbows up on the counter as he leans against it and watches you clean.

“And?” You prompt, awaiting a more elaborately put review.

“It’s decent.”

You plop the cloth down, stopping to stand right in front of him across the counter. “And?”

“And what?”

It’s clear that he’s just messing with you now, judging from the little quirk in the corner of his lips as he suppresses his smirk. Taking a deep breath to calm yourself, you reevaluate your options. You’d have asked Tadashi to taste-test your coffees and experiments, but he’s constantly at SFIT. Cass was more than ready to try them, but she was already constantly busy running the cafe that you didn’t want to pile on more to her plate.

As such, that only left you with Hiro.

“Is it too sweet? Too sour? Does it mask any bitterness or draw it out?”

He takes another long, drawn-out sip, smacking his lips together obnoxiously. “Kinda sweet, but I guess it’s okay. It could do with some more cinnamon to help bring out the fruitiness of the beans more.”

You grin, leaning back. “Thank you, my beloved guinea pig.”

“Anytime, psycho.” He says simply before continuing to sip away at his first coffee of the day. He’d been coming down more often lately, but it was usually in the afternoons. So, mornings like these were rare.

“What’s got you up so early, anyway?” You ask, taking out the dishes and placing them where you’d be able to grab them conveniently when a customer ordered any of the pastries in the display case.

He shrugs. “Wanted to get an early start to the day.”

“Cool,” You toss a damp cloth at him, watching him scramble to catch it without letting it fall into his cup, “help me wipe down the tables.”

“You know, I’m technically your boss too.” He informs you but still does it anyway.

“Tell me that when you give me my paycheck,” You snort, opening the fridge to check on the cans of whipped cream and mentally counting them for the stock take. Once you've confirmed that all your things are there, you begin to make yourself a coffee.

“Just you wait,” He comes back to the counter with his cloth and the spray bottle filled with cleaning liquid, placing them both away. “I’ll tattle to Cass.”

“Snitch. You can try, though I doubt she’ll do anything about it. She loves me too much,” You reply over the hiss of the milk frother. Kneeling down to grab a canister of whipped cream from the fridge, you shake it and start placing some on top of your hot coffee. You can feel his eyes on you, looking back up with a raised brow.

“What?”

“Are you seriously putting whipped cream on your cappuccino?” He says in disbelief.

“Yeah,” You hum, taking a swing and letting a contented sigh slip past your lips.

“But it’s already like, 70 percent milk.”

“And gummy bears are like, 100% pure sugar. So, you’re just eating spoonfuls of sugar. What’s your point?” He’s stumped for an answer, knitted brows and pursed lips trying to find a retort.

“I don’t like you,” He sighs in defeat, frowning as he takes a final sip from his cup and hands it to you expectantly. “More.”

You don’t take it, crossing your arms with raised brows as you wait patiently. He rolls his eyes. “Please?”

Grinning, you grab his cup and pour freshly brewed black coffee inside it. Five sugars and one creamer, that’s how he likes it. “You should really consider why you don’t have a social life.”

“I have friends,” He says defensively, “And says you.”

“Where?” You ignore the second part of his sentence, placing his cup back down on the counter.

“...I dunno- look, I haven’t spoken to them in a while.” He says tightly, his lips pressed together in a thin line as he stares at his coffee.

“Mine are pretty chill,” You hum, making the decision to change the topic. “I think you’d like Noah, though.” The thought of the two together makes you chuckle. Noah, whose carefree and easygoing nature with Hiro who’s incredibly reckless and irresponsible.

“Who’s that?” Hiro asks curiously, intrigued by the mention of a new name.

“He’s the other barista I worked with at my old job. He’s great and helped me a lot when I first came here,” You say with a fond smile, the both of you moving to sit down at an empty table.

“Oh?”

“Shut it, he’s like 19 with a girlfriend. I’m still surprised he even managed to ask her out.” You snort, sitting down opposite him and holding the coffee, letting the heat spread through the ceramic and warm your hands.

“I could have a girlfriend,” Hiro muses, looking offended at the way you choke visibly on your drink.

“You?” You splutter incredulously, coughing violently as the coffee makes its way down the wrong pipe and burning your insides in the process. You glance up through teary eyes, seeing him smile at your current state as he enjoys watching you suffer. Once the violent coughs end, you clear your throat, pretending that nothing happened.

“Aren’t you gonna get back to your work?” You question, glancing at the clock and realising it’s almost time to open the cafe. “Shoo,” You add, dismissing him with a quick wave. He shrugs, hopping off the seat and heading to the basin. You follow suit, wanting to quickly wash your cups so that you can give the table a quick wipe and unlock the door.

You stare at his outstretched hand, looking back up at him curiously. He rolls his eyes, already having pushed up the sleeves of his hoodie to wash his cup. “Your mug, silly.”

You hand it to him with a bright grin, calling out a quick thanks as you leave to do your tasks. The sign on the door is the only thing left, and you take a moment to breathe, staring at the word ‘Open’ before you turn it so it faces the front.

“What are we waiting for?” You flinch, surprised by Hiro’s sudden appearance. His sleeves are back down to his wrists, his hands shoved into his pockets as he waits for a response.

“Nothing.” You clear your throat, quickly flipping the sign over and unlocking the door. You turn back around, about to ask him another question when you spot the back of his blue hoodie heading back up the stairs. Oh well. Looks like whatever put him in such a good mood this morning finally wore off.

The phone rings in the middle of your shift, vibrating strongly in the pocket of your apron as you hold the milk frother in place, narrowly avoiding a cloud of hot steam as you adjust your stance. You place it on the counter, checking the notifications to see a message from your brother.

Hiro catches you giggling when he rounds the corner of the counter, placing an empty cup in front of you. You put your phone away hastily, grabbing his cup and pouring some black coffee from the jug Cass kept aside for Hiro. He eyes the phone in your apron pocket suspiciously, taking the cup back from you and taking a sip. “What’s so funny?”

“Huh?” You’re momentarily confused, but you realise what he’s referring to upon following his gaze to your apron pocket. “It’s nothing, just a stupid picture Luke sent me.” The reminder makes you chuckle again, a bright grin on your lips.

“Hm.” He doesn’t say anything, taking another long sip and smacking his lips together, proceeding to chug the rest down. “What’d he send you?” He asks casually, eyeing the coffee stains on the inner rim of his mug.

“I told you, a stupid picture.” You roll your eyes in amusement, leaning on the counter as you watch Hiro clear his throat, spotting the tips of his ears slowly flushing a soft pink. What a nerd.

“I wanna see it.” He waits expectantly, and you oblige his request, regardless of how sudden it is. You open your conversation with him, clicking on the picture and turning the phone around so he can see it. He leans in, not noticing that his hoodie strings are nearly in his own empty mug. You react, grabbing the string and moving it aside.

Hiro blinks. “What is this?”

“Told you it’s stupid.” You laugh at the picture of a forklift holding a tiny plastic fork, turning off your phone again after indulging his curiosity.

“Who’s Luke, anyway? Your boyfriend? Can’t be. You’re too old.” He snorts in amusement, smiling smugly when your smile drops, eyes narrowing into a glare.

“We’re the same age.”

He shrugs. “Yeah, but you’re an old soul at heart, so, doesn’t count.” You roll your eyes. You’re not getting anywhere with this idiot. “Another coffee?”

“You have a serious problem,” You mutter, filling his cup with pure milk. “Here, for the growing boy.”

“I will have you know I’m almost 5 '5,” He says defensively. “It’s just taking a little time to set in.” You knew better. Tadashi had revealed in casual conversation that Hiro’s only 5’0. Oh well, it’s too early to crush the boy’s dreams.

“Yeah, maybe when you’re 25.” Your muffled chuckles attract the attention of Cass, who looks over with a curious smile from the cafe table a short distance away. Hiro scoffs, taking his cup and chugging down all of it defiantly, slamming it back down.

“Wash it and bring it back to me afterwards.” He amends his sentence when you raise a disbelieving brow, using a fingertip to push it aside. “I mean, please wash it and put it aside, I’ll come back later to collect it.”

“That’s more like it.” You wink, taking the cup and setting it down in the basin to wash with the rest of the other dishes.

“Still technically your boss!” He calls out as he leaves. You ignore it, starting on the rest of the dishes.

You continue stacking the plates, putting them away in their respective places when you hear something being set on the countertop.

“Hey sweetie, are you feeling better?”

You smile at Cass, standing back up. “I’m fine, don’t worry. It’s gonna take more than that to knock me off my feet.” To prove your point, you flex your arm cheekily. “Built like an al-dente noodle, as my mom once said.”

A delightful laugh bubbles from her lips, your (actual) boss thoroughly amused. “If you say so. Just in case though, maybe you should rest up tomorrow.”

“I’ll be fine!” Cass tuts, effectively cutting you off with a purse of her lips. “Boooo,” You complain jokingly. “But isn’t there anything else I can do?”

She pauses, a hand on her chin as she thinks of a task to assign you. She smiles slowly, a slight chill running down your back. You didn’t like that smile. Not one bit. “On second thought, maybe I will take that day off…”

Cass hums mischievously. “Actually, the cafe isn’t that busy today, so I can handle it. Instead, I need you to drag Hiro out for some exercise. He’s been cooped up in his room or the garage. It’s like he doesn’t even know what sunlight is!”

A chime sounds through the cafe, drawing your attention to another customer who’s just left. It’s currently the late afternoon, and there were just a few customers in their respective seats. All the dishes are washed and kept, and Hiro’s mug sits cosily in the corner beside the cash register.

If there’s anything you’ve learnt from working in cafes, it’s that times like these signal maximum boredom. You look at Cass who’s waiting patiently for an answer, grinning slyly. “All I have to do is get him out to exercise, right?”

She nods.

That’s all you have to do, but she didn’t say how.

“I’m in.”

— — — — —

“C’mon Einstein, let’s go touch some grass!” You exclaim, happily slamming open the door to Hiro and Tadashi’s shared bedroom. The curtains are drawn shut on Hiro’s side of the room, a small desk lamp lighting the piles of discarded blueprints on the floor. The boy himself is sitting cross-legged on his chair, a single headlamp on his forehead as he frowns at the notepad he’s sketching on.

“That’s you, Hiro,” Tadashi calls out as he puts on his cap.

“Where’re you heading off to?” You ask, noting how his side of the room drastically contrasted with Hiro’s. Sunlight spills past the window, dimming whatever items it can reach with a soft glow. The bed is neatly made, not a single speck of dust on any piece of furniture.

“I gotta go back to the lab.” He answers cheerfully, ruffling your hair with a grin. “Have fun, kids!” He calls out behind him as he leaves. Hiro stirs at the sound of his brother’s voice, turning around. His gaze lands on you, and he arches an unimpressed brow.

“Is Einstein the worst you could come up with?”

“What dentist died and made you their heir?” You counter. He pauses for a beat, mulling over your words. He gives you an acknowledging nod, swivelling his seat back around to focus on his work. You take a tentative step forward, avoiding the scattered cans of Red Bull and stray packets of gummy bears that litter the floor.

“Forget about Einstein, I think he lived somewhere better than this pigsty,” You mutter under your breath, freezing when Hiro clears his throat.

“I heard that.”

“No, you didn’t.”

He shrugs, turning his attention back to his notepad. Upon closer inspection, you notice the corkboard perched against the wall, various tools spread across it. A stack of rewired motherboards and circuits remains unfinished beside it. Below his desk is a mini fridge that once you open, reveals a tooth-rotting amount of gummy bears, along with chewing gum and more energy drinks.

He has everything he needs to stay alive and functioning in his room. With a side of a potential heart attack, of course. This realisation makes you scan his desk, hopefully looking for a way to drag him outside. Something catches your eye and you lean closer, staring at a bot with a yellow smiley face.

You lift it up, inspecting every inch of it with intrigue. “Tell me this is your first-grade project without telling me this is your first-grade project.”

“Believe it or not, my project was a volcano.” He says, briefly glancing at the bot in your hands before continuing to write out formulas anywhere with empty space on his paper. “A solar-powered volcano. Had miniature animals and everything.”

“Huh. Did you get first place?” You ask, feigning disinterest, though you were very much invested in this never-before-heard childhood backstory of his.

“Yeah.” Somehow, the memory is enough to break him out of his trance. He grins. “The volcano worked a little too well. I still remember the looks on everyone’s faces when it caught on fire.”

“Y’know what, that actually increased my respect for you by a margin.” You say, unable to hide your impressed smile. “Then when did you make this one?”

He chuckles, finally setting down his notepad and taking it from your hands with a fond smile. “Like, two years ago? Megabot won me loads of bot fights.” You hum in thought, a seed of an idea growing in your mind and further watered by mischievousness.

“Guess I should take him for a spin then.”

“Wha-?”

Hiro doesn’t get a moment to react when you snatch the bot out of his hands and run out the door with a maniacal laugh. You can hear him chasing after you, footsteps thudding down the stairs. You put on your shoes with record speed, racing out the door.

“What’re you-”

“Gotcha.” You grin widely, taking a step forward to hand Megabot back to a panting Hiro. He takes it from you with flushed cheeks, trying to catch his breath after being forced to do unexpected exercise. “We’re going for a walk.”

“I can’t, I gotta get back to-”

You grab the hood of his hoodie, effectively stopping him from heading back inside his house. “And how long have you been stuck?” You ask, prompting an annoyed huff from him. He crosses his arms sulkily, Megabot dangling from his grip.

“If I’m doing this, I want ice cream.”

— — — — —

People tend to think that taking a walk is simple enough. After all, it’s just moving your legs one step at a time. The cool breeze, the warm sunlight, and even the bustle of the city are more than enough to stimulate their senses. Everyone’s happy and cheerful, socialising and being comfortable with themselves.

Clearly, these people have never had the pleasure of dragging Hiro Hamada outside.

“My ice cream is mine.” Hiro scoffs, swatting away your outstretched hand. You frown, drawing it back. “You wouldn’t have to deal with this if you just let me do my work, y’know.”

“I do know, thank you very much,” You sigh, scowling when he suddenly turns to look back and you withdraw your hand once more at the missed opportunity to get some of his ice cream. “I’m already regretting it.”

“Hey, you’re the one that decided to go all saviour on me.” He shrugs, using his spoon to scoop a large amount of ice cream from his cup, pointing it at you accusingly. “Can’t blame me for wanting a treat.”

“Wow. You’re really gonna use my hard-earned money on yourself.” You drawl monotonously.

He pauses with the spoon in his mouth, pondering in deep thought. “Yes.”

“You suck.”

He merely smiles, raising a brow at your finished gelato. “I thought you were lactose intolerant.”

“I eat what I want,” You reply defensively, watching him scoff down the rest of his ice cream in one go. He winces soon after, holding the sides of his head with eyes squeezed shut. “Brain freeze?”

He confirms it with a nod, and you wait patiently for it to be over. Once it is, he stands back up to throw away his cup and yours, waiting for you at the exit. The door jingles shut behind you, the bustling city greeting your ears once more.

You’re tugged to the side from a sudden grip on your arm, looking up with a scowl before realising that Hiro just saved you from being knocked flat on the sidewalk by a skateboarder. “Thanks,” You say gratefully, jogging to catch up with him. He simply shrugs, dismissing his good deed as nothing more than a passing action.

You force him to follow you to the park, taking a stroll around and waving to the little animals that either bark, meow, or caw back at you. Luckily, he hadn’t complained as much after the gelato. Otherwise, you’d be at each other’s necks by now.

“So, how’s your project coming along?”

It seems to be one of the few consistent questions you ask him these days, and for good reason too. Having the pressure of an older brother and his friends all in the same nerd school isn’t something most can shoulder on their own. You eye the way his shoulders sag when he exhales, sudden tiredness in his eyes. Yet, there’s a spark of determination, and stubbornness that refuses to let anything get in the way of his goal.

“It’s going good,” He hums, pulling out his phone and showing you a picture of various mathematical equations and nonsensical handwriting on what appears to be his tablet hooked up to his monitor. “Pretty sick, right? I’ve got all the backend stuff down, and I just need to keep testing and prototyping now for the neurotransmitter.”

“Right,” You say encouragingly, though the hesitance in your voice gives away how clueless you are about all this. Sure, you’ve done your fair share of research on your own, but it’s only surface-level. Who knows what’s going on in that head of his.

He raises a brow, pocketing his phone. “What about you?”

“I’m working on this article about this new policy my school got put in place,” you grimace, “it’s mainly about how the administrators want the campus to be more ‘green’ and environmentally friendly.”

“Huh.” He brushes off a leaf that lands on his shoulder, watching it slowly fall to the ground. “You don’t seem too excited about that.” He remarks offhandedly, observing your every movement.

“That’s because the actions they’re taking are ridiculous.” You explain with a roll of your eyes. “They’ve implemented bathroom break limitations, printers aren’t allowed to be used unless a teacher gives explicit consent…Sometimes a girl’s just gotta pee, y’know?”

“Well, what do the other students have to say about it?”

You huff out a frustrated sigh. “No one’s happy about it, obviously.”

“Then use that,” He states simply, “you’re a journalist, aren’t you? The voices of the people have to be heard. Get their opinions on the changes, and with a voice that loud? The faculty won’t be able to just brush it aside.”

Your steps slow to a halt, pursing your lips in thought as you consider the idea he’s just presented to you as simply as saying the sky is blue. He’s right, of course, but why didn’t you think of that before?

The student council will never let it pass. But it couldn’t hurt to try….right?

The phone in your pocket vibrates with a new notification. You groan, reading the text that Leo, your fellow aspiring journalist in the same club just sent you. Hiro looks at you curiously, having heard your sigh as you hang your head. “Speak of the devil. I gotta go.”

“Gone so soon?”

“Don’t tell me you’ll miss me, Hamada,” You joke, grinning at the way he sticks out his tongue in playful disgust. “That article I told you about? The deadline just moved up to tomorrow.”

He snorts, chuckling in pure amusement as you begin to walk faster. “Good luck!” He calls out to your retreating back.

You wave a dismissive hand without looking back.

— — — — —

@urfavarab @dee-zbignuts @frogindisguise @mangodamochiii @stars4won @whoisgami @nayleannn @millerworld @bodieohbo @1intrusivethoughts1 @randobeetlehouse @riritvt @louvredea

#bh6 #hiro x reader #hiro hamada x reader #series #baymax #wasabi #gogo #honey lemon #tadashi hamada #fred #hiro hamada #big hero 6 #bh6 x reader #hiro hamada x you #hiro hamada x y/n #hiro hamada x female reader #x reader

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