#you have a thing that washes your dirty dishes and it stores them until they are ready to be washed? magic. to me.

[nature-played-a-trick-on-me]

I dream of having a dishwasher..... must be so nice 🥲

[twistedwonderlandshenanigans]

TWST Cast Mid-Effort Snacks They Make

Listen I'm no wizard in the kitchen but I think I can make some half decent snacks. That being said, this post is long, does not have accurate measurements for half of it, bc why the hell would I actually write stuff down I Totally Don't Forget Things All The Time.

Also like. mid-effort snacks. You know, you're not just Opening a bag of chips but you are going to need. At least a microwave. (also, using minimal dishes possible nobody wants to clean up). This is all stuff I've made or at least eaten, myself, lmk if you try it or if I missed a vital detail LMAO

ANYWAYS if this post is popular enough I'll share some like. Actual recipes as well, the Culinary Crucible thingy finally came in and I feel INSPIRED, some of these have little uhh like 'justification' or story behind them some don't bc I feel like it's obvious. GTAT refers to the section at the end, I got tired of writing it out over and over again sldkjhklsjdf ---------------------------------------------------

Heartslaybul

Riddle - (Dark) Chocolate Strawberry Bark

Materials and Ingredients: - Parchment paper - Cutting board/cookie tray - Microwave-safe bowl - Knife - Strawberries (it's okay if they're overripe, as long as you can still cut them safely) - (Dark) Chocolate chips or Nutella, your choice - Peanut butter - Sweetened condensed milk (scm) - Plastic container - Freezer

Instructions:

Cut your parchment paper to about the size of a cookie sheet, but really it depends on how many strawberries you're using (I do not remember how many I used, I think it was like 8, you do not need many, especially if you cut them really thin) and put on top of cutting board/cookie sheet. A flexible cutting board is best, but it's whatever fits in your freezer.

Destem your strawberries and slice them thinly while they're standing upright. Like the part you destemmed is against the parchment paper. (or cutting board but y'know. Why Dirty It). Place them laying down on the parchment paper as close to each other as possible. I found like. Fitting the triangle shapes together like teeth was the easiest way but something else might work better for you. Dice one or two strawberries and set aside.

In a bowl, measure out about a cup of chocolate. If it seems like too much, you can just. eat it ig or dip leftover strawberries into it like I did. If it's not enough, babe just add more it's okay lmao. If you're using chocolate chips, add some sort of fat before you microwave (any oil, lard/Crisco, butter, margarine, etc.) in fifteen second intervals. (if you don't have a microwave, there are instructions under 'General tips and tricks' to hopefully help!). If you're using Nutella, just pop that bad boy in there for fifteen second intervals. In both cases, mix in between intervals until it's kind of runny.

Pour chocolate evenly over the strawberries, at least enough to cover them completely from the top/fill any gaps that are present. Wash the bowl, and repeat the process with peanut butter.

This is optional I really like chocolate and think it's more aesthetically pleasing than peanut butter, but peanut butter doesn't harden as well as chocolate does to bind the strawberry layer together so I couldn't put it first. I did another layer of chocolate on top, but it was thinner than the original one.

Sprinkle diced strawberries on top, and drizzle SCM to your hearts content. (Any leftover SCM needs to be put into a separate container and can stay in your fridge for up to 3 weeks).

Freeze it. It's just faster this way and helps the peanut butter out. I left mine in there for a day, but I think it's okay after like an hour, idk, you decide.

Snap/cut your bark into smaller pieces, use the parchment paper to help line whatever container you're going to use and store your treat in there. I enjoyed these treats best frozen or on top of vanilla ice cream, but they do need to be kept at least refrigerated. Fair warning, if you're a slow eater, these will get messy if you wait too long slkdjfhlkjsdfsdf recommend you eat with a fork.

THE REST ARE UNDER THE CUT WOOT WOOT (Riddle's is easily one of the higher effort ones, so do not be dismayed! There are some on this list with only 2 ingredients, I just talk a lot LMAO)

Trey - Tanghulu No baking required, still satisfies his sweet tooth.

Materials and Ingredients: - Stove (someone said you can use a microwave, IIIIII don't Like That for this, but I'm sure you can) - Fruit (doesn't really matter what kind. I used kiwis, strawberries, and grapefruit.) - White sugar - Water - Bowl of ice water - Fork (skewers are better but I didn't have any, and toothpicks...don't fw toothpicks for this okay??) - Parchment paper\Plate (you just need to make sure it's hardened BEFORE you put the fruit on it kdfjhsfjkd)

Instructions:

Ensure your fruit is washed/dried, peeled or otherwise "ready to eat" before starting

Use a 2:1 sugar to water ratio and put it in a pot. (So 2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of water, or a more likely amount you'll actually use up is 1 cup of sugar to 1/2 cup of water)

Heat on medium and watch closely, it's not suggested you mix it, I did, just by swirling the pot to make sure all the sugar was in the water, but then I left it alone. You'll see it starting to change colour to yellow-y rather than clear. Use a spoon/fork to dip into the sugar mixture and then immediately into the bowl of ice water. If it appears stringy or is still soft and sticky to touch, it's not ready yet. Keep boiling until your test drop solidifies on contact/within seconds of being in the ice water.

Turn the heat down slightly and use your fork or skewer to poke your fruit, and dip carefully into sugar mixture. Immediately, (but carefully) place your sugar covered fruit into the ice bowl. Once you take it out, it should only take a moment to harden before you place it on a plate/parchment paper.

Intended to be eaten immediately, does not store very well. Check 'general tips and tricks' for how to clean the pot/fork

Cater - Spicy Garlic Cheese Bread

Materials and Ingredients: - French Bread (works the best, but you can use whatever bread you have on hand) or premade garlic bread - Butter/Margarine - Salad herbs (like the premade mix or whatever, other seasonings optional) - (Shredded) Cheese - Jalapenos - Other toppings + hot sauce (optional) - Bowl - Spoon - Microwave - Oven

Instructions:

If using premade garlic bread, skip to step 3. Otherwise, get your bowl and chunk of butter (if using french bread, I would say about a half cup) and pop it in the microwave just long enough to get it soft, but not melted. Measure salad herbs with your heart and mix with a spoon.

Cut your bread in half and slather that son of a bitch in butter, having worked in a bakery I know that premade garlic bread literally gets a Handful of "butter" (it's margarine) that just gets. Slathered onto half of a day-old French bread loaf. (Safeway. Looking at you.) If you want to try putting on some BBQ sauce or tomato sauce now would be your time to add it. If you are adding sauce, a little less butter is recommended otherwise it will get Soggy

Put on as much cheese as you want. Whatever cheese you want. I'm not the boss of you.

Throw on jalapenos and any other toppings you want. (red onions, bell peppers, make it a meal with some chicken or something idk)

Broil on high until It Looks Right, as in the cheese is melted and golden brown in some areas (assuming it's marble cheese), or wrap in aluminum foil (risky with The Cheese) and bake at 350 F for like 10 minutes (I still recommend baking over broiling but it's your choice bestie)

Drizzle with hot sauce if you want/any other condiments.

French bread is pretty big, so cut into smaller pieces and share with friends/family/your neighbour/ whatever or full send it or you can try to store it, I think once it's cooled, a plastic bag would be the best bet for storage, and only for a day or two before your bread gets Sad.

Deuce - Ants on a Log He used to love it when his mom would send him to school with these.

Materials and Ingredients: - Cutting board (unless you would like to be a heathen like me) - Knife - Celery - Peanut butter - Raisins/Chocolate chips/Cereal/whatever you want

Instructions:

Decide if you even want to bother cutting your celery, you can leave it whole if you really want.

If you want to cut your celery, cut it according to taste or break that motherfucker with your bare hands just to hear it snap and get that little bit of Emotion and satisfaction out of it. Not recommended if you want bite sized pieces. Generally only cut in a way that keeps the 'sides' of the celery in tact, like you should have a little 'dip' to put peanut butter in, but its ok if its not comfortable to eat it that way and you need to cut it vertically as well, nbd, BUT DON'T CUT IT THAT WAY YET it's so much harder to get the peanut butter on.

Use a butter knife to add peanut butter to your celery. It should fill the little valley in between the sides of the stalk. **Now would be the time to cut again if you want Planks if you know what I mean

Add your toppings, be it raisins, chocolate chips, etc. along the peanut butter to represent the ants slkdjhflksjdf

Ace - Oreo Mug Cake His brother showed him once and he didn't stop since.

Materials and Ingredients: - Oreos - Milk - Fork - Microwave safe mug - Microwave - Whipped Cream (optional)

Instructions:

Get your mug.

Throw 4-6 Oreos in. (4 for an 8 ounce mug, more for a bigger one) and soak in 1 less tablespoon of milk than the amount of cookies you put in. (so 3 tbs for an 8 ounce mug)

The longer you soak them, the easier it is to crush them and break them up, it should become kind of cakey texture already

Pop that bad boy in the microwave for a minute, and in 20 second intervals after that as necessary. Its not like it matters if it's 'raw' though.

Let it cool until you can handle the mug comfortably, add whipped cream or other toppings and enjoy!

Savanaclaw

Leona - Bacon Wrapped Sausages

Materials and Ingredients: - Baking dish (should have some depth to it) - Parchment paper - Cocktail sausages - Bacon - Scissors/Knife - Toothpicks - Brown sugar (optional) - Oven

Instructions:

Cut your bacon in half

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Roll up cocktail sausage in half a rasher of bacon and secure in place with a toothpick.

Place parchment paper in/on baking dish and place the rolls inside

Once you've prepared as many as you'd like, you can sprinkle brown sugar on top.

Bake for about an hour

Ruggie - Elote Loco (Mexican street corn/ 'crazy corn')

Materials and Ingredients: - Canned corn - Mayo - Lemon/Lime - Salt - Pepper - Cayenne - Bowl

Instructions:

Drain your corn can, then add corn to your bowl

Literally. Add everything else according to taste. Heat if you want to, or put in the fridge to eat cold. (I like it cold).

Jack - Fruit Leather (this is a higher-effort, more time-consuming recipe)

Materials and Ingredients - Cutting board (not optional this time :/) - Knife/Corer (if applicable) - Stove - Large saucepan - Water - Blender/Potato Masher - Lemon/Sugar/Cinnamon/Nutmeg, Etc. (optional, but recommended) - Parchment paper - Baking tray - Oven - Pizza cutter (makes things easier, not necessary)

Instructions:

Prepare your fruit. (Wash, peel, destem, core them, remove pits, etc.)

Chop into chunks, and simmer in 1/2 cup of water for every 4 cups of fruit while covered for 10-20 minutes, or until fruit is cooked. You can mash by hand or just go ahead and transfer everything to a blender, but you will have to transfer back into the pot after.

Taste, and add sugar/lemon/spices according to your preference.

Simmer and stir until everything is mixed in completely and the puree has thickened. (5-10 minutes)

Preheat oven to 140 F (check GTAT at the end for troubleshooting). Puree thoroughly in a blender/food processor.

Line baking tray and pour puree evenly onto it, it should be about 1/4 inch thick. Bake for 8-12 hours.

Use pizza cutter to cut into smaller pieces. You can cut the parchment paper underneath and roll the pieces accordingly to store.

This is a more labour intensive snack, BUT it keeps for sooo long. It can keep at room temp in ziploc bag for a month. In the fridge for 6 months. In the freezer for a year. Also a really good way to use overripe fruit.

Octavinelle

Azul - Funnel Cakes >:D (I had to look up a recipe to base the measurements off of, I did not memorize this, but I changed a few things when I Actually Made them)

Materials and Ingredients: - Stove - Large pan - Oil (Vegetable oil, but I think coconut or sunflower oil should work too if you have certain restrictions) - 1/4 cup Milk - 1 Egg - 1 tbsp Water - Splash of Vanilla extract (splash is generally between a 1/4 tsp and 1 tsp To Me) - White sugar (to taste) - 3/4 tsp Baking powder - Pinch of Salt - 1/2 cup Flour - Powdered sugar (to taste) - Cinnamon (to taste) - Plate - Paper towel - Large measuring cup - Fork or tongs - Other toppings (optional)

Instructions:

Throw all the Wet ingredients into the large measuring cup and whisk

Add sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder, whisk until combined

Add oil to pan and start heating on medium, it should be about an inch deep to deep fry. Add flour to measuring cup and whisk until smooth.

(Refer to GTAT at the end to know when oil is hot enough). Use the measuring cup to drizzle the batter in a line around the pan and overlap as desired. Honestly, the thicker the lines the better imo. Cook for 2 minutes until golden brown, then flip and repeat.

Once cooked, move carefully to plate with paper towel to soak up the oil, and add powdered sugar on top. Add other toppings as desired.

Jade - Roasted Chickpeas Easy protein to bring on a hike

Materials and Ingredients: - Can of chickpeas - Baking tray - Parchment paper - Olive oil - Seasoning as you wish (Personal recommendation: garlic powder, salt, paprika, pepper and a little cayenne) - Oven

Instructions:

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 400 F.

Drain your can of chickpeas, rinse, then drain again. Try and dry them out a bit before you season them, either leaving them in a colinder or letting them sit out on paper towels or a cloth...or on the tray if you've got time to kill. **If you don't like the feeling of oil on your hands, you might have an extra dish to wash but thats okay. Add your chickpeas to a glass bowl before the next step.

Transfer chickpeas to the tray (if you're not using the bowl) and coat with a generous amount of oil. Add seasonings as you wish, then mix with your hands (or a spoon if you're using the bowl, then transfer to the tray.)

Bake for 20-30 minutes, shaking the pan gently about every 10 minutes to help rotate the chickpeas. Once they're golden brown and crunchy, they're done.

Best eaten straight away, but you can keep them in container for a few days.

Floyd - Trail Mix (AKA the ADHD snack Ever imo)

Materials and Ingredients - Anything you got in your pantry that already kinda qualifies as a snack food - Something to put it in (bag or bowl/container with a lid is preferable) - My favourite mix to make is granola, cranberries, raisins, and chocolate chips

Instructions

Grab your materials

If you're using something that should probably cut up, (like fruit by the foot or something idk) just rip it and throw it in the Container.

Mix everything in a bowl or bag. Use more of your Favourite Ingredient than everything else, then close your storage thing.

Shake that motherfucker

Put everything back (or do this As You Add it so you're left with nothing to clean up at the end)

Scarabia

Kalim - The Forbidden (I made this when I was like 6 for a week straight after school, I DO NOT recommend) He came up with this as a midnight snack and didn't want to bother Jamil.

Materials and Ingredients - Microwave - Microwave safe bowl - Chocolate chips - Mini marshmallows - Fork - A very high tolerance for Texture and Sweetness

Instructions:

Put chocolate chips and marshmallows in the bowl

Microwave for 15 second intervals, mixing with your fork in between.

When it becomes a sticky amalgamation from hell and looks like a dung beetle would be proud of it, it's done.

Jamil - Fattoush He saves the leftovers of the dishes he makes for Kalim throughout the day in order to make some version of Fattoush

Materials and Ingredients: - Cutting board - Knife + Pizza cutter (not necessary, but fun) - Lettuce - Tomato - Cucumber - Radishes - Pita bread - Pan - Stove - Olive oil - Salt + pepper - Bowl x 2 - Glass measuring cup - Lemon juice - Garlic powder, dried mint, and sumac (you don't have to use these) - (I like adding Granny smith apples and goat or feta cheese, but it's not traditional)

Instructions:

Cut up your veggies like you would for any salad and throw em in a bowl

Use the pizza cutter to slice pita bread into smaller, bite sized pieces.

Fry the pieces with a little bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, then set aside in a different bowl so they stay Crunchy

In the glass measuring cup use about 2 tbsp of lemon juice, add some garlic powder, dried mint, salt, pepper, sumac, and whisk.

Slowly stream in about 3 tbsp of olive oil and whisk continuously until it combines. (this might take a while to emulsify, yes you can use a hand mixer on low if you want)

Drizzle dressing over your salad portion, and add pita chips as you wish

Pomefiore

Vil - Parfait He let the French man into his life, also this is bougie parfait, you don't have to follow this exactly lmao, this is just how I used to make it for my mom

Materials and Ingredients - Cutting board + knife - Grapes, red and green if possible - Granola - Blueberries (they can be frozen) - Cherries, cored/halved except one (can also be frozen) - Yogurt (I prefer vanilla for this stuff, Vil probably uses plain Greek yogurt and some honey for sweetness) - A wine glass, otherwise just a clear glass makes it look best, but it doesnt really matter - Spoon

Instructions:

Dice those grapes as small or large as you like, mine are generally the size of like. The eraser end of a pencil. Set aside.

Get your glass and gently spoon yogurt into the bottom, up by about 2 inches. If you have the patience, gently arrange the blueberries into a 1 berry layer. If not, just grab less than a handful of blueberries and put them on top of the yogurt.

Add another inch of yogurt to completely cover the berry layer, and add a thin layer of granola. Cover completely with yogurt again, using another inch-2 inches to do so

Again, if you have the patience, you can arrange your cherry halves into a nice circle to completely cover the yogurt layer. If not, do the same thing as the blueberries.

Cover with another inch-two inches of yogurt. Add a thicker band of granola this time, and top with yogurt once more, to nearly the top of the glass.

Add your whole cherry to the middle of the parfait, and add the mix of diced grapes around it. ** if you used frozen fruit, let it thaw for a couple minutes so you can see the colour bleed into the yogurt a bit bc it looks cool. I'm the boss of you for this one rule because I'm right about it sdlkjfhsldjkf

Rook - Maakouda A guilty pleasure of his. He remembers them fondly from home. Works best with leftover mashed potatoes.

Materials and Ingredients: - Mashed potatoes (if you don't have left overs, just boil chunked potatoes in lightly salted water. Once they're soft, drain them, use a handmixer to mix, add some butter/whipping cream, season as you wish (garlic powder, salad herbs, salt, pepper), add shredded cheese if you want idc. Once everything is mixed you got yourself. Mashies.) - Egg - Garlic, Parsley, Cumin, Tumeric, Salt, Pepper - Flour in a bowl - Oil - Pan - Stove** - you can use an air-fryer for this if you want - Slotted spoon/tongs/fork - Plate w/ paper towel

Instructions:

For every 2 cups of mashed potatoes, you will add one egg, but don't do it yet. Add seasoning to your mashed potatoes first so you can taste and adjust the flavour as necessary, THEN add your egg(s).

Start heating oil, (about 2 inches) in a pan at medium heat. While you wait for it to get to temperature, (Look at GTAT to know when the oil is hot enough) roll your potato mixture into small balls and roll in flour

Fry until golden. Remove from oil using your utensil of choice and let it drain on the paper towel

Repeat until all the "batter" is used up

Epel - Dulce de Leche + Apple Slices Ruggie showed it to him

Materials and Ingredients - Sweetened Condensed Milk (if you don't just have dulce de leche on hand) - Apples (Granny Smith recommended) - Two glass baking pans, one larger than the other - Water - Oven

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 F

Pour SCM into smaller glass pan, cover with foil

Place smaller glass pan into larger glass pan. Fill the larger glass pan with as much water as necessary to cover the level of SCM in the smaller pan

Throw it in the oven for like 2 hours and monitor periodically to refill with water if necessary. Keep cooking until it's the colour golden brown you want

Once it's to colour, remove from oven carefully, remove foil, and remove from larger glass pan carefully.

Once cool enough, store in glass jar if possible, or wait longer and store it in a plastic container.

Cut up apple and whatever is left in the pan, scrape it out with the apple and eat it lmaooo unless you have a silicone spatula ain't no way you getting all that caramel out of the pan. Serve yourself more as necessary lmao

Ignihyde

Idia - Worms and Dirt Baybeeeeeeee The far less healthy version of a parfait

Materials and Ingredients: - Crushed Oreos (Oreos + double bagged ziploc bags and you Gamer Rage sldfhlskdjfhlsj) - Whipped Cream - (If making from scratch, you'll need whipping cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar + hand mixer. Just throw ingredients in to taste and mix) - Chocolate pudding - Gummy worms - Rolling pin (optional) - Mixing bowl (glass or metal preferable) - Spatula - (Clear) Glass

Instructions:

Crush the Oreo's by any means necessary. Obliterate them.

Pack the Oreo remains into the bottom of your cup

Mix your whipped cream with the chocolate pudding using the spatula to fold it into each other until it Tastes Right. That is subjective, so if you Like it and it's Brown you Did It.

Spoon/plap how much of your chocolate mousse you'd like into your cup. Throw in a couple gummy worms, add more oreo corpse if you want then fill to the top with chocolate mousse.

Top with more oreo ashes and more gummy worms

Leftover mousse is pretty versatile if you have it with fruit or make more worms and dirt, but it only keeps for a day or two in the fridge

Ortho - :(

Diasomnia

Malleus - "Snow Cone"

Materials and Ingredients: - Rage - Double or triple ziploc bags - Ice - Hot water - Grenadine, Maple syrup, Lime and salt, something else (Choose ONE per serving or embrace Lilia's energy and regret it) - A bowl + spoon

Instructions:

Double/triple bag ice

Run bags under hot water for a few minutes to help melt the ice a little bit (assuming you don't have already very small pieces of ice)

Crush the ice via brute force (its a good work out) OR I GUESS you could use a BLENDER but where's the fun in that

Get rid of any extra water and serve very finely crushed ice in a bowl

Top with your desired flavouring to taste

Lilia -

REDACTED

Silver - Refried Beans Another Ruggie special lmao I love him so much

Materials and Ingredients: - Canned black beans - Salsa (optional) - Chicken bouillon - Oil - Pan/Stove - Wooden spoon/potato masher - Chips or some sort of bread

Instructions:

Drain a little more than half of the Bean Juice

Over medium heat, add a little bit of oil to the pan, (enough to cover the bottom), and add the Beans

As it heats up and the remaining Bean Juice starts to bubble, add chicken bouillon and salsa to taste.

Mash the beans while they cook to mix in flavouring and to get beans to the right consistency. They'll be done when there's no liquid left sloshing around, but you can decide how Dry you want your beans

Add beans on top of tortilla chips, sprinkle cheese on top and call it done, throw some in a burrito or on top of salad, lightly toast some bread, put some mayo on it and add the beans, do what you want <3

Sebek - Salmon Croquettes

Materials and Ingredients: - Canned salmon - Diced bell peppers (choose your favourite colours)**go to GTAT for other substitutions and notes - Diced red onion - Egg (if you don't have any just add more mayo) - Worcestershire sauce - Mayo - Garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, other seasonings (your choice) -Bowl - Flour - Panko (optional, or substitute bread crumbs) - Oil - Stove/Pan - Tongs (you can try to use a fork but it won't always work lol) - Plate w/paper towel

Instructions:

Prepare your veggies, and drain salmon

Mix in with canned salmon, and add mayo, Worcestershire, and seasonings to taste. Add just a tiny bit more than you think you should in regards to spices because when you throw the flour in, it'll 'dilute' the flavour a bit

Lightly beat 1 egg for every 5 ounces of salmon (should be on the can) and add to mixture, using hands or wooden spoon to mix.

Add just enough flour and breadcrumbs to the mixture that it doesn't stick to your hands.

Set up your pan with oil, (just enough to cover the bottom), over medium heat and make little 'patties' out of your mix.

Fry your patties until golden brown (2-3 minutes) on both sides.

Remove from heat and place on plate to drain.

Staff

Crowley - Fuckit Fudge (AKA Rocky Road Fudge)

Materials and Ingredients: - Parchment paper - Cake pan - 2 cups Chocolate chips - SCM (14 oz = 1 3/4 cups, should be on the can) - 1/4 cup Butter - Vanilla - Marshmallows - Almonds - Anything else you want (just be aware you'll have to add more chocolate and you'll likely have to cut down on the other fillings as well) - Glass bowl - Spatula - Microwave/Double boiler (GTAT tells you how to make one) - Patience

Instructions:

Melt chocolate chips, SCM, and butter (about 90 seconds in the microwave)

While it's melting, set up your cake pan with parchment paper

Add a splash of vanilla extract and mix with spatula until smooth

Stir add-ins into mixture, and pour into cake pan carefully

Make sure mixture is spread evenly, and refrigerate until it solidifies (depends on how deep you made the fudge)

Cut into chunks and serve. Stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Trein - Raspberry Cordial Not a 'snack' but like if the Shaftlands are known for ruby berries I feel like this is close enough. It's from Anne of Green Gables, shhh its soooo good

Materials and Ingredients - Raspberries (GASP can you believe it) - Lemon/lemon juice - White sugar - Water - Sparkling water/Ginger Ale works too. Sprite is a stretch. - Pot/Stove - Fine mesh strainer - Pitcher - Ladle - Glass measuring cup

Instructions:

We're making a raspberry syrup, so you can use fresh, overripe or frozen raspberries. For every cup of raspberries, use just under a half cup of sugar, (3 cups of raspberries = 1 1/4 cups of sugar), and put both into a pot/saucepan.

Cook on medium/high heat and mash with like. the bottom of a ladle or something. It'll take like 20 minutes to have it cooked down to a liquid.

Strain into the measuring cup. If there are still seeds or pulp, strain again. Squeeze lemon into it in small amounts and taste as you go until you get the flavour You Want. This is your syrup. At this point, if you want to save some to use for other recipes or something, set some aside.

Boil the water (Use one cup more of water than you did of raspberries) and add it to the pitcher with your raspberry syrup. Mix, then let it chill in the fridge. ** if you would like to use sparkling water/lemonade or ginger ale instead, you'll just have to mix for longer is all, don't heat those

Serve and garnish with lemon or mint.

Crewel - Carrot Salad idk man I'm running out of steam and ideas lmaoooo

Materials and Ingredients: - Carrots, peeled - Grater - Bowl - Lemon, salt, cayenne - Fork

Instructions:

Grate your carrots into the bowl you're gonna eat out of

Squeeze your shredded carrots to get rid of the extra Juice (look at GTAT)

Add lemon/lime, salt and cayenne according to taste, and mix with fork

Tastes best chilled, eat immediately

Vargas - Deviled Eggs

Materials and Ingredients: - Saucepan/pot + Stove - Water - Eggs - Mayo - Salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne - Bowl + fork - Lime juice (optional) - Knife and cutting board - Bowl with ice water

Instructions:

Choose how many eggs you're gonna want to make, idk, maybe 6? Put them in the pot and gently fill with just enough water to cover them. Add salt and lemon juice (GTAT) to the water and heat on medium

Prepare your bowl with ice water. Let your eggs boil for about 8 minutes before draining the water and running them under cold water until they're cool enough to handle for a few seconds to put in the ice bath

Wait until your eggs are cold enough to handle for you to crack the egg shells off. I love using my hands but if it's easier to put it in a container with a lid and shake it gently, go ahead, just shake it enough to break the shell in a way you can remove it.

Once all your eggs are shelled, cut them in half the long way, (be careful they are Slippery)

Remove the yolks gently without ripping the egg white. Generally, you can just use your fingers or turn the egg upside down orrr very gently push the yolk out from behind into the bowl.

Add mayo and seasonings at your discretion. (if it feels like it's missing something, you can try adding diced pickles/pickle juice, bacon bits, dill, or mustard.) Mash together with the fork until smooth, or if you're using a lot of eggs you can use a hand mixer. Mixture should be creamy.

Gently spoon the mixture back into the egg whites. Any leftover mixture will be great on sandwiches!

Sam - Sausage Bites

Materials and Ingredients: - 1 Pillsbury OG Crescent Roll dough - Sausage of your choice, cut into 1 inch pieces (unless it's cocktail sausages, leave them as is) - 1 Egg + 1tbsp for an egg wash - Baking sheet + parchment paper (oven) - Flour - Pizza cutter (more fun than a knife) - Plate w/ paper towel - Sauce: 1/2 cup Mayo, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tbsp ketchup + Cajun seasoning to your hearts content or a simple chipotle mayo works too

Instructions:

Make your sauce, throw it in the fridge to cool, set your oven to 350 F.

Lightly flour your counter and spread out the Pillsbury dough. Cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles. Place sausage on wide end of the triangle and wrap it to make kind of like. A donut around it.

Place on baking sheet and add egg wash. I don't have a basting brush so I kinda wing it with whatever bright idea strikes me first. Usually I just end up using my fingers lol

Bake for 15 minutes, until pastry is golden brown

Once done, place on plate and allow to cool. Add toothpicks if you'd like, and serve with your dip.

Others (BONUS, come on guys I'm pretending like this is something people actually want to read LMAO)

Jack T. - Vanilla Latte Bars

Materials and Ingredients: - Coffee beans - Vanilla - Pitted dates - Rolled oats - Food processor - Cake pan + parchment paper

Instructions:

For every cup of oats, match with pitted dates + 1/2 a cup. (2 cups oats = 2 1/2 cups of dates). For every cup of oats, add a 1/8 cup of coffee beans. (2 cups oats = 1/4 cup coffee beans). Add vanilla with your heart. Everything goes in the food processor and gets blended.

Pinch the 'dough' between your fingers. If it doesn't crumble, it's ready. If it does, add a splash of warm water, blend again, and repeat until the dough holds it's shape.

Press mixture into cake pan evenly and refrigerate

Cut and serve once hardened

Che'nya - Cheez-whiz, pickle and mini-marshmallow sandwich Oh, context? Yeah my dad said this was his childhood snack and I wanted to be like him when I was like 5. Do not recommend. But I also don't like processed cheese.

Materials and Ingredients - White bread, Wonder bread is ideal - Cheez-whiz - Sweet pickles, sliced - Multi coloured mini marshmallows - A psych assessment

Instructions:

You don't get help with this. You know what you're doing.

Falena - Chicharrones (Like. Pork bites.)

Materials and Ingredients: - Cutting board + knife - Pork cutlet (I only need to feed myself, so a huge cut of meat isn't necessary - Salt - Baking tray + parchment paper (oven)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Cut your pork cut into ~1 inch cubes, or smaller. Place on baking sheet and use a generous amount of salt to season. Mix with your hands.

Cook until you can easily pull the pork apart

I like to use a little lemon, a little homemade tortilla and some crema to eat them, but just lemon or using them to top nachos works too

Cheka - Poor Man's Horchata He just likes it more because he can set it up mostly by himself, and he can share it without worrying about nut allergies.

Materials and Ingredients - Pitcher - Water - White sugar - Oats - Vanilla - Cinnamon - Ice - Wooden spoon

Instructions:

For every cup of oats, add half a cup of sugar into pitcher (or cup for a personal serving)

Bring 3/4 full with water and add ice to bring it as high as you are comfortable stirring.

Add remaining ingredients to taste, and add sugar/water/oats as necessary

Najma - Mango with Tajin

Materials and Ingredients - Cutting board and knife - Mango - Tajin - Bowl

Instructions:

Cut your mango however you like. I typically cube my Haden mangoes, but Ataulfo I do the grid thing and pop it up

Add Tajin to your preference. If you don't have Tajin, use lime, salt and cayenne.

Neige (and the dwarves) - Tarte Soleil (higher effort snack) It's easy to share and 'sun tart' feels fitting

Materials and Ingredients: - 2 puff pastries, cut into equal size circles - Egg for wash, like Sam's - Black and white sesame seeds, (Optional) - Garlic butter (softened butter w/ garlic powder, salt, lemon and parsley to taste) - Baking sheet + parchment paper (oven) - Water - Cup/Glass - Knife

Instructions:

Cut your puff pastry so it's just small enough to fit on your baking sheet. Leave one on the sheet and put the other in the fridge for now. Preheat your oven to 350 F.

Spread the garlic butter on the circle, leaving about a half inch untouched all the way around the circle. Place in the fridge for 5 minutes to set.

Dab the edges of the crust with water and set the other puff pastry on top, gently pressing the edges together (not squishing)

Put the glass smack dab in the middle, or at least best you can, and upside down. (Do not Press.) Use your knife to cut away from the glass and make a bunch of 'rays' (easiest way is to quarter the dough, then cut each quarter into sixths.)

Remove the glass and gently press where your 'ray' meets the circle the glass made to prevent it from ripping as you twist it. Repeat for every 'ray'

Egg wash, (just like Sam's), sprinkle sesame seeds and bake until golden brown (30-35 minutes)

Let it cool, transfer to serving plate, and rip off the rays to eat.

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

GENERAL TIPS AND TRICKS

If you need to melt chocolate and don't have a microwave (been there love, I know), you can use a small pot with water in it, I would say about a third of the pot is good, and a glass bowl big enough to sit on top of it. Boil that motherfucker and melt chocolate in the glass bowl, this is basically a poor man's double boiler

To clean melted sugar from the pot, there's a couple ways to go about it. I can't relax when I know there are dishes still waiting for me, so I used my kettle to boil more water, poured it into the pot, mixed it around with the fork I used, and most of it dissolved. I poured it down the sink, then used a sponge, soap and brute force to get the rest of it out. The other option is similar, where you just add fresh water to what's left of the sugar mixture, let it sit overnight, boil it again, and then dump it. (don't use cold water it will harden against the pot and be even more difficult to clean)

Some oven's don't go that low, I think the other common lowest temp is 170 F. That's okay! You can use a pair of metal tongs to keep your oven slightly ajar, just check in on it every once in a while. I use the same trick when I make meringue cookies and it works perfectly. Makes it wonderful during winter, but in summer make sure you don't overheat love <3.

You'll know the oil is hot enough to deep fry if you 1. put the back end of a wooden spoon in the oil and bubbles form around it, or 2. drop a small bit of the batter/flour in and it starts bubbling.

If you don't like bell peppers, you can shred carrots or zucchini, just make sure you squeeze and drain out the water first. You can do this with a cheese cloth or just your hands and pouring the water/juice out of the bowl over the sink. The dryer you can get it the better.

Adding lemon juice to the water helps separate the shell from the egg

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

I did this shit in like 8 hours gooooooooooooooooooooooooood I hope it doesn't flop. But if it does, I hope whoever it does reach, enjoys it, I had fun making it.

[scarletwinterxx]

hyuck hugs and cuddles - haechan oneshot

heelloooo, i've been getting a few more messages now and it's so fun interacting with u all💛🥺 if you have any question for me or anything really, just send them my way and i'll answer when I can!

This one is a request. Hope you like it! if you have a request or scenario you want me to do, just send me a message I'll see what I can do😊💌

For my other works you can check them out here, and for my other story series’ you can check them out here.

and if you want, u can buy me coffee(totally optional but any donation is very much appreciated!) thank you🥺💛

All works are copyrighted ©scarletwinterxx 2023 . Do not repost, re-write without the permission of author.

(gif not mine, credits to rightful owner)

"Love, I thought you were resting"

You let out a sigh as you rinse the bowls and plates in the sink, feeling a presence beside you

"I thought you were resting, you said you weren't feeling okay"

"I thought I asked you to wash the dishes this morning" you mumbled, annoyed.

It's not totally his fault. You're on your period and everything is annoying to you at the moment. You really do feel bad right now, your cramps are at a level 8 on the pain scale and you woke up with the worst headache. Hence why you asked Haechan to do the dishes.

In his defense he was going to do it. But then he got distracted by other things. It's his fault you found the dirty dishes first before he did, he knows you hate telling him to do things twice. It's a flaw he's trying to work out.

"I'm sorry, baby. I was going to do it"

"You weren't, you didn't. I'm doing it now, can you just go?"

You didn't even notice you were crying until he wipes a few tears away. He takes the gloves off of your hands, he also knows your hands get an allergic reaction if you don't wear gloves which is why he's the one who does the dishes most of the time.

He wipes your hands with a towel, taking the apron off of you before pulling you in for a hug. You don't say anything, you just let him hug you then you walk upstairs to your bedroom.

Haechan let you have some time, finishing the remaining dishes before he follows you. There he finds you on the bed, tears in your eyes streaming down your cheeks.

Silently crying your frustrations and a bit of pain away.

You feel the bed dip before a pair of arms hug you.

"Shhh, it's okay" he mumbles, you turn around so you could bury your face on his chest. He feels you shake against him, crying.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you" you say in between cries while your boyfriend pats your back gently, trying his best to provide comfort for you

"Hey, no need for a sorry. I'm at fault here, I'll do the dishes okay don't worry about that. I'm sorry I didn't do it earlier, I went to the store to get you chocolates and your favorite bread that's why I was out"

"You got me bread?" you asked, resting your cheeks on his chest. Haechan smiles down at you, kissing your head a few times while his hand rests on your hand.

"Yep. Your favorite ones, if you want I'll cook you ramen too. I know you love that" he tells you. If he could he would take the pain instead. But you and him both know you can handle it better, you'd probably laugh at him if he ever agrees on trying that cramps simulator thing which he strongly said no to because he hates those things so much.

So when it's that time of the month for you, he tries to be the best boyfriend ever and get you everything you need. He hate seeing you in pain which sometimes can get real bad for you, but there's only so much he could do. He makes sure you have your heating pad, your favorite snacks, some medicine if you need it.

He loves taking care of you, he loves seeing the smile on your face when he brings you your favorite things.

"You're not mad?" you mumble, lips frowning.

He chuckles, leaning down you peck you on the lips a few times. You can feel his smile while he does this making you feel a lot better.

"Never, how can I ever be mad at you? How about I make us snacks while you pick a movie for us to watch? Or we can just cuddle, put on your favorite playlist. Whatever you want to do"

"Don't care what we do, just want to cuddle now" you mumble, Haechan all but combusted right then and there. Finding you the most adorable right now. He hugs you tightly, cuddling you close

"Sounds like a plan, Hyuck hugs coming now"

[macravishedbymactavish]

Dishes Vs. Laundry Headcanons (TF141 + Alex)

Based off the theory that every couple has someone who prefers doing laundry while the other prefers dishes. NOT an x reader HC list

| Blog HQ | Modern Warfare Masterlist | Modern Warfare 2 Masterlist | Ghosts Version | Taglist Open |

Amazing at fitting all the dishes into the dishwasher.

Soap // Dishes

Not to mention it takes care of all the work for his dishwasher safe items (95% of his kitchen)

The other 5% (all his cutlery - somehow he ended up with all handwash only) is washed and drying in under 10 minutes.

Side note: he runs out of forks the quickest and can't quite figure out why.

Then it's waiting for the dishwasher to be done, the dishes to be dried and quickly putting them away.

Gets so, so sick of the guys making jokes about his codename in regards to this.

The first time was funny, the 10th time gets you a soaked shirt and Scottish swear words.

Doesn't hate laundry necessarily, but definitely not big on folding his clothes.

He just kind of accepts the fact that they're going to get wrinkles.

Accepts the fact that he'll be ironing his clothes for the rest of his life.

"Can't let those lessons from Ma go to waste"

Has, on more than one occasion, started doing his bedding in the morning and forgot about it until he was ready to sleep for the night.

Something about the meticulous process with sorting, folding, and putting away clothes just clicks with him.

Ghost // Laundry

Always sorts whites from colours

Has a seperate hamper by the washer for towels

Folds everything (even the underwear) into small little bundles when he packs for a trip or work.

Soap's entire worldview on laundry stresses him out a bit. Adding steps to a chore you already don't like?

Why

WHY

Not a fan of doing dishes. Somehow finds it more repetitive, time-consuming, and soul crushing.

Has thrown out 2 plates in his life because he couldn't be bothered with washing them

Has also genuinely contemplated Soap as a housemate when doing dishes.

"Solving each other's problems"

Has an expansive plastic cutlery collection.

Not even the type you'd buy in a large bulk pack from the store; but like cutlery, you get from takeout.

Argues that it's amazing for on the go lunches (you toss it out) and uses the forks to stir his coffee in the morning.

I would be lying if I told you this man hasn't thought of buying bulk everything to last him a month just so he doesn't have to clean.

Price // Neither, but does them anyway

Except Ghost pointed out that the bulk underwear would itchy, and Laswell refused to let him use her Costco card for this.

Not that he's messy or gross - no, no.

He is a rather clean guy but absolutely hates the process of getting there. It's mundane. It's exhausting.

Has walked by the washing machine, full of laundry he's waiting to swap over and muttered "fuckin' hell" when he realized it's not done yet.

Glares into the cupboard when he realizes his favorite mug is dirty, promptly glares at the mug for being dirty.

Then internally complains the entire time he's washing the thing. Despite having many other, perfectly suitable mugs in your cupboard. John.

He has the utmost pride in his appearance and is fairly meticulous about the care of his clothes.

Gaz // Laundry

It helps that his dad was the same way in his youth and taught him all the tricks to keeping things bright, getting stains out, and having the nicest smelling laundry.

Happily gives this advice out to his teammates and friends (no, I'm not doing your laundry for you. Wankers)

While doing dishes is sort of the same concept (different care needs for different things), he finds it too much of a pain when cooking.

As Kyle is the "seven knives" meme.

Yeah.

It also doesn't help that he always organizes the cupboards and drawers before all the dishes are done

Then, he has to start re-doing everything when he runs out of room for bowls.

Which typically ends up in the surplus of clean dishes stacked neatly on the counters or table.

Not by concious choice

Alex // Says he doesn't mind either, but it's actually neither

He truly doesn't mind either. he's just too much of a free spirit about it.

I'm talking: "eh, I'm fine to do it on the weekend"

Then, realizes he has one set of clean boxers left on a random Wednesday night.

Or forgets the clean laundry in the washer until it gets a weird smell and needs to be rewashed

Kyle had no other advice other than:

Just don't forget it in there then???

The same goes for the dishes in the dishwasher (minus the weird smell)

80/20 split on dishes, though (clean, sitting in the dishwasher)

80% of the time, he'll grab whatever dishes he needs for meals or cooking from the dishwasher as he goes.

20% of the time, he'll take everything out and put it away.

100% of the time, he promises himself to get the entire process done in one day (then 80% of the time forgets)

Taglist (all content): @bloodonmyhands-1221 @v1naco @bowtruckleninja

Taglist (Alex content): @glitterypirateduck @deadbranch @gcing-back-to-505

[adrienneleclerc]

Fighting

Pairing: AU Ajax Petropolus x Hispanic!Reader

Summary: in an AU where Ajax and Y/N live in an apartment together near their college, they get into a fight and Ajax was watching the news about a car crash, the car matching Y/N’s, and Ajax gets very worried, thinking Y/N was in the accident

A/N: inspired by @luci-in-trenchcoats Jensen Ackles imagine, definitely one of my favorites. In this AU, Ajax is not a gorgon so he has his beautiful hair

Ajax and Y/N have been dating since they were 15. When they found out that they were accepted to the same college, they decided to get an apartment together near campus, both having part time jobs. The rest was paid by Ajax’s parents (the rich Greeks) but this way, Y/N didn’t feel like she was mooching off her boyfriend.

They were now 20, in their junior year of college. Ajax’s parents give the a budget to spend on groceries and other things. Y/N was making the list of groceries to get because they were almost out of milk, eggs, etc.

“Estoy jodida, there’s no way I can buy food before class tomorrow. Ajax, amor, do you have class tomorrow morning?” Y/N asked from the kitchen counter. Ajax walked out in pajama pants, with his toothbrush in hand.

“No, my Monday class doesn’t start until 5. Why?” Ajax asked before going back to the bathroom to spit and rinse.

“I need to get groceries but I don’t think I can get them before my class tomorrow and if I go around 3, there’s going to be a lot of people in shop rite or stop and shop. You think you can go?” Y/N asked. Ajax came out of the bathroom and sat next to Y/N.

“Yeah of course. When is your class tomorrow?” Ajax asked.

“It’s at 10, ends around 1, there’s enough eggs for a quick omelette with some quesadillas for us. I was planning on making lomo saltado so I need you to go to a butcher and ask for a pound of steak, unless you can find them at the grocery store, everything should be on the list, I’m already soaking the potatoes I cut in salt water so i need to make it tomorrow.” Y/N said.

“Don’t worry, I have everything handled.” Ajax said, kissing Y/N. “Now let’s get to bed so you can feel rested before your class tomorrow morning.” Ajax said and they walked into their bedroom.

Thursday morning came, Y/N left a note for Ajax to get the groceries and she drove to campus. Ajax woke up a few minutes after Y/N left when he got a phone call from his friend Kent.

“Hey Kent, what’s up?” Ajax asked.

“Hey, you think we can meet up for paintballing? Danny canceled on me and I would hate to waste a ticket.” Kent said.

“I cant, I have to get something for Y/N.” Ajax said as he made his breakfast.”

“It’ll be quick, please.” Kent said.

“Alright fine, text me the address.” Ajax said and hung up. He ate, got dressed, and went to his car to meet up with Kent.

At 1:20, Y/N arrived at the apartment.

“Ajax, did you get everything?” Y/N asked as she entered. She then saw the dirty dishes in the sink. “You couldn’t have washed the dishes? Did you take your car to the shop, I don’t see it in the garage.” Y/N walked around and saw that Ajax’s shoes was missing, there were no grocery bags, his keys were gone. “Hijo de la chingada.” Y/N said.

Ajax and Kent were on the final round and Ajax won.

“That was awesome! We have to do it again.” Ajax says.

“Come on, let’s get dressed” Kent said as they went to the locker rooms to change into their regular clothes. Ajax checked his phone to see that the time was 3:30 and he had 16 missed calls from Y/N.

“Shit, I’m dead, I gotta go, Kent, Y/N is going to kill me.” Ajax said.

“Maybe i Can say it was my fault, would that make her less mad at you?” Kent suggested.

“I doubt it.” Ajax said. He left in a hurry and arrived to the apartment to see Y/N on the couch, watching TV.

“Where the hell were you? I asked you to do one thing, Ajax.” Y/N said.

“Sorry, I was with Kent and completely forgot.” Ajax said. “You went to the grocery store?”

“Of course I did, I wasn’t going to starve and we need to stock the fridge. I bought everything because apparently you were too busy to do it.” Y/N said.

“Y/N, whats the difference between me getting the groceries in the morning with you cooking at 1:30 and you getting the groceries and cooking later? Either way, you got groceries and we have food.” Ajax said.

“The difference is instead of helping me, you goofed off. Instead of us eating TOGETHER, now I don’t have enough time to do homework until I come back from work. My shift starts in 20 minutes, I gotta go, we’ll talk about this later. Food is on the stove, when you’re finished, pour the rest in the Tupperware, put it in the fridge, and clean the pots.” Y/N said and she left. Ajax was upset because Y/N was upset. Ajax served his plate and did what Y/N asked.

It was 9pm and Y/N was getting home. She put on her pajamas and washed her face. Ajax went into the bathroom after she came out.

“Y/N, why is the floor wet?” Ajax asked.

“I was washing my face, it happens.” Y/N said.

“You couldn’t wipe it off after?” Ajax asked.

“Do you want to fight now, Ajax?” Y/N asked.

“No, of course not.” Ajax asked.

The rest of the week, Y/N and Ajax were fighting over little stuff, leaving their shoes on the floor, not washing the dishes, not wiping down the stove after frying, stuff like that. It was Saturday when it started bubbling over. Y/N had a morning shift and asked Ajax if he could vacuum the apartment and do the laundry. When Y/N came home, the floor was still dirty and their clothes were still in the laundry basket, and Ajax was playing video games.

“Turn it off Ajax.” Y/N said, walking in front of Ajax’s blocking his view from the TV.

“I’m about to win.” Ajax said and Y/N unplugged the TV. “Hey! What is your problem?”

“What’s my problem? Oh my god, my problem is you. Tengo que estar detrás de ti diciendo que es lo que tienes que hacer como si fuera tu madre (i have to be behind you, walking you what you need to do like I am your mother)! You couldn’t even vacuum? VACUUM!” Y/N shouted.

“What about you? In Thursday I had to be the one to out gas in your car because you won’t even do it until there’s a quarter left. A quarter! Wait any longer, I’d have to pick you up with a tow truck. I even cleaned out your car, why the hell did it look like the inside of your purse?” Ajax said.

“Gas prices are ridiculous and as long as the car gets me form pint a to b, who cares who clean it is? You won’t even clean the table or stove after you make yourself breakfast! I had to work while you literally do nothing!” Y/N shouted.

“I started my game 20 minutes ago! I was studying for a text I have on Wednesday and I needed a break!” Ajax shouted back.

“It’s almost 2, how come you didn’t make yourself something to eat. We’re you waiting for me to cook you something, is that it?” Y/N asked as she opened the fridge. “There’s nothing.”

“Yeah, i cant cook if there’s nothing to cook.” Ajax said.

“Is there anything in the freezer?” Y/N asked as she opened it. “There’s just ice cream. You couldn’t have gone to shop rite?”

“Oh my God, all week we’ve been fighting! Is it your period? Is that why you’ve been irritable all week?” Ajax asked and Y/N rolled her eyes.

“I can’t believe you just said that, I’m going out to get groceries myself, AGAIN, because you couldn’t be bothered to do it, AGAIN!” Y/N said, taking her car keys

“I could go and get groceries since apparently I don’t do anything.” Ajax said trying to get the keys out of Y/N’s hand.

“No no, I’ll get the groceries, I wouldn’t want to bother you while you’re studying for a test. Plus, you still have to vacuum the apartment and do laundry, unless that’s too much for you.” Y/N asked, condescendingly.

“Fine, Don’t use up too much gas.” Ajax says as he went to the living room to continue his studying and Y/N went to the garage to drive to Stop and Shop.

“Ugh, he better be in a good mood when I get back.” Y/N said. She turned on the car and her phone was connected to Bluetooth, half way through the drive to Stop and Shop, her phone died. “Chingada madre, i Don’t have the car charger. Oh well, time to drive in silence.” Y/N parked her car, got the shopping cart, and went in the store.

Ajax finished studying and moved on to do some homework. He turned on TV for some background noise and was about to change the channel when he heard something that caught his attention.

“There has been a car accident in the Hutchison Parkway, the car was a (whatever your car is, or, a light blue 2020 Honda CR-V), the driver of this car is in critical condition but we haven’t been able to inform the family members or identify the person.” The news lady said and Ajax’s heart just drops.

“That’s Y/N’s car, please Can she be alright.” Ajax got off the couch, ran into the room to where his phone was charging and called her but it went straight to voicemail.

“Hi, you’ve reach Y/N L/N, sorry I can’t come to the phone right now, leave a message.” Y/N’s voice said and Ajax panicked even more.

“Please be okay, please be okay.” Ajax said. The news was still talking about the accident and he couldn’t just sit still. He vacuumed, did the laundry, he called Y/N 5 more times in the last hour, still went straight to voicemail.

Another hour has passed and Ajax was worse, she never took this long to get food, Stop and Shop was 20 minutes away in car. Ajax felt like crying, they’ve been fighting too much, he felt like it was his fault, if they didn’t fight, if he did what he was supposed to do, she wasn’t supposed to die at 20, they were supposed to get married when they graduated.

Y/N was driving back when she saw the accident. Damn, that poor soul. She had to go to the detour route and went to a shop rite to get some of the fast meals like ramen, Mac and cheese, bertolli (freezer meal pasta, I love it), and shop rite was closer so the cold stuff won’t get warm.

Ajax was in the bedroom, watching his phone, waiting for a call from the hospital. It’s been 4 hours since Y/N left, he was about to call his parents when he heard the keys jingle.

“Y/N?” Ajax asked as he wiped his eyes.

“Papito, Can you help me with the bags? I still have more downstairs..” Y/N placed a bag down when Ajax hugged Y/N, and spun her around.

“You’re okay.” Ajax mumbled in Y/N neck, placing kisses. “Thank God you’re okay.” Ajax said, his voice breaking a little, refusing to let Y/N go.

“Mi vida, are you okay? Did something happen when I was gone.” Y/N said, trying to see him but Ajax squeezed harder, burying his head in her neck even more, Y/N then felt something wet on her neck. “Papito, why are you crying? It’s been a long day, we haven’t eaten anything, of course we were going to fight. I’m sorry I took so long, there was an accident and I had to go to another store because they didn’t have those bertolli things in Stop and Shop. Baby, I feel you shaking, want to tell me what happened?” Y/N asked. Ajax put Y/N down to look her in the eyes.

“Um, when I was doing homework, the accident was on the news, it was the same car as yours, you take that parkway to go to stop and shop, youths news lady said that driver is critical but they weren’t releasing a name, you weren’t answering your phone. Baby, I thought something happened to you. I was waiting by the phone, I was about to call my dad, I didn’t know what to do.” Ajax said, his eyes tearing up and voice breaking as he explained to Y/N

“Papito, It’s alright, I’m here now, okay? In one piece.” Y/N hugged Ajax, petting his hair.

“I know.” Ajax said. “I’ll bring up the stuff.” Ajax went downstairs to pick up the rest of the grocery bags. He came back up and placed everything in the kitchen. “I vacuumed and did the laundry. I was going to order food earlier but um…I couldn’t eat.” Ajax said as he out the groceries away. Y/N hugged Ajax from behind, leaning against his back and Ajax played with her fingers.

“We didn’t get to kiss and make up.” Y/N said. Ajax pushed her hands and away and turned around so they were facing each other.

“Can you do me a favor, my love?” Ajax asked.

“Yeah of course.” Y/N said,

“Next time we fight, please don’t drive. If you need the space, just go into our room our go to the building’s pool, but please don’t drive. I could even go the building’s gym if you really need the space until we’re both good, just don’t drive. You have no idea what was going on in my head when you weren’t answering,” Ajax said. Ajax kissed Y/N’s forehead and she hugged him again.

“I promise I won’t drive. Do you want to order some Chinese food? It’s been a long day and I think we both deserve some take out,” Y/N said.

“Of course, I love you. You know that I love you, right?” Ajax asked.

“Of course I know that you love me. Do you know I love you?” Y/N asked.

“I do.” Ajax kissed Y/N. “Okay, let’s order some food, I am absolutely starving.” Ajax said.

Hope you liked it! A little angst, that’s something I’m not used to writing

[thebean-17]

I think one thing people won't really fully tell you about when it comes to depression itself is that it isn't just feeling sad. It isn't just having a couple of articles of clothing on the floor. It's not about just having a "messy" desk (although most I've seen would be neatly organized and clean. I genuinely get surprised when people think their organized and clean "mess" looks like a mess to them).

Depression is having piles on top of piles of washed, unwashed clothes scattered around your room. And you don't have the energy to fold, sort, or clean the rest of them.

Depression is leaving piles of dirty fucking dishes until things rot and mould. It's about trying to "hide" your mess from people because you feel absolutely embarrassed. So, everything gets crammed and stored away rather than properly organized. You hiss at anyone who enters your area because of that embarrassment. You already know it's bad. You already know that your own space looks like a rat-infested Denny's drug den.

It's about having ZERO energy to do anything about it, or that when you do try to work on it, it saps every fibre of your being, and you have to wait until the next day to recharge. Sometimes even taking one step at a time, or taking it one day at a time doesn't feel enough.

Your hair becomes unkempt, and your hygiene falters. It just becomes hard to maintain and keep up with. It's debilitating like you can no longer take care of yourself. Your own mind, your own body becomes your prison.

[flannelfoxen]

HORSE IS SO CUTE also apologies if this has already been answered, i tried looking it up on your profile but nothing showed up so i dunno if thats an error on my app or not, but anyway! how do you clean bones? a year or two ago my cats killed a chipmunk and left nothing but the head and tail, so i wanted to get the fur and flesh off the head and thiught i could boil it in some water but the ones i live with told me no because it would ruin the pot and i dont know what to do. its just been sitting in the freezer for forever now lol

H.orse says thank you.

Sorry I took forever to reply to this. It ate my reply the first time and then I forgot. I was cleaning bones this morning and then I remembered. I uh forgot to take pictures.

Don’t boil bones. It will do bad things to the bones. Break and they will never be clean.

I use maceration (using water to grow bacteria to decompose the body). Will be a lil stinky but it’s low maintenance and outside so it should be fine.

Something that small can be left in a container of pure water outside in the heat. No fancy chemicals or anything. Just make sure animals can’t get to it. I have had bodies stolen by stray animals.

An old plastic container with a lid should work just fine (butter, sour cream, etc.). Just make sure to poke some holes in the lid for the gasses to escape. You might top it off every now and then.

That’s basically it for awhile. Wait for the bacteria to grow in the warm conditions so they can decompose the animal. You don’t necessarily have to get all the skin and flesh off. You can just wait a few weeks and it should come off in the water. Don’t change the water until all the flesh is gone. You want to keep the bacteria in there.

Check if the bones are flesh-free. They probably won’t look clean and pretty right now but at this stage it’s just seeing if all the flesh is gone. If it looks good then dump the water and wash the bones off. You can use a little strainer for the teeth if you are feeling fancy. Small teeth get lost very easily.

Then we go to degreasing! I wash and reuse the container I had the thing in.

This will get all that grease out of the bones. Make them actually clean and not slimy. They will last longer.

This step requires some dish soap. I use off brand orange stuff so it really doesn’t matter what kind. You just want degreasing dish soap.

Fill your container back up with water and then add the skull. Pour some dish soap in there and then leave back outside.

This time, change the water about every week or so. If it looks dirty, change it out. You want to do this until the water stays clear.

When that happens, wash off the bones and container and it’s time for whitening. This requires some hydrogen peroxide.

It’s about dollar for a bottle at the grocery store if you don’t already have some at home.

Do not use bleach. That will severely damage the bones.

Set the skull in and fill your container with the peroxide. Make sure it is fully submerged. I know these little skulls like floating.

This will disinfect the bones and make them lighter in color. This will not damage the bones.

The longer you leave the bones in, the lighter they get up to a point. Small bones should only take a few hours to get maximum white. You can always pull them earlier if you like the color.

This also helps get rid of trapped dirt. It might make a fizzing sound. That’s fine.

When that is done, you can rinse and let dry. Glue those teeth in and you are done! Also if any part separated during cleaning you can go ahead and glue them back together.

I use just regular Elmer’s washable school glue so I can get the teeth back out if I want. Works absolutely fine. You can go for super glue if you are up for it.

I forgot to mention that bones look darker when wet. If you want to see the actual color when cleaning, let it fully dry and you will see the real color. You will also see the grease spots when dry. If you see those then it’s not done.

Hopefully this helps with your c.hipmunk!

[forestryfae]

man it is SO nice to find a solution to a really shit problem only for 50 other problems to happen

i am completely alone with zero support in a house i hate, doing as much housework as possible so it can be manageable both in day to day life and so its not hard to just leave when i move, and i still am not getting any help getting rid of the stuff.

i have almost no money and i have to pay to take the train to buy food or neccessities and i was dumb enough to not send a letter sooner so i dont know if ill get my money until after christmas or not, i havent bought more than one christmas gift either cus im fucking broke, and i dont feel anywhere in my body that i want to spend time making something for anyone. my brother still isnt done paying me my money back and literally hasnt talked to me since last time he asked for money, my dad hasnt fucking talked to me in ages and the one time he called in summer it was out of boredom to ask when i was gonna visit them, none of my extended relatives talk to me at all so what the fuck is the point there, and my mom is just. a fucking bitch.

i had her removed as a legal guardian, not even on purpose initially but because folkenemnda or whoever sent her a letter before i was able to have a meeting, so she ofc got fucking offended and now has decided sve cant be involved in anything. she cant call electricians, she cant help fix the house, its "too difficult" for her to have to talk to me or my new legal guardian instead of just buying stuff right away, and she told ME to get a new phone service provider. i had to fix that myself. on top of her being, once again, a useless bitch. dont touch my stuff i say, its fucking embarrassing that you have dirty laundry she implies while moving all my furniture around and doing shit to my kitchen while refusing to acknowledge its my house but still treating it like her own, and not fixing the internet again after they unplugged it.

so i have no access to internet besides my last 150 mb of phone data unless i call some guy to fix it, but they wont be here until next year most likely so its pretty much pointless, and if i buy phone data i have to pay. so if i cant get it fixed ill be literally alone for two weeks straight with no people at all around me and noone i can talk to on the internet. except for fucking. christmas. idk about new years eve. and i dont even fucking like my family, i dont even want to spend time with them, they treat me like shit.

the ac doesnt work since mom got the electricians to look at everything but never actually hired anyone to fix shit and now is completely uncooperative. and after they checked the fireplace in that control like two years ago im not allowed to use it, and mom never actually got that fixed either even though shes been in charge of absolutely everything since forever.

plus both heaters downstairs are set to 27c or max and it still is only like 17 or 19 or so, i have an entire room in the house i straight up cant use cus theres no power and no light and 17c in there and its full of stuff i asked mom to take to the thrift store for me 6 months ago. also i cant leave either heater on if im boiling water or washing dishes cus that overloads the entire fucking thing.

and its just like so much bullshit all at once and ive been spacing out for like 2 hours while writing this cus i get so frustrated and upset and angry and sad. its not fucking fair that my parents literally dont care about me, yet im expected to be fucking sociable and call and visit them and reach out. they didnt reach out to me or support me at all when i was a kid, or a teenager, or an adult, why the fuck would i want to deal with them. but if i dont go to visit them on christmas or i point out that hey. youre not really being fair or nice to me at all, hell breaks loose cus i should be more than happy with the crumbs they give me, as if theyre the best people in the world for fucking. calling once every six months or letting me celebrate a holiday with them.

like. im stuck here for 2 weeks, im broke as shit, no connection to the outside world once i use all my data, i very much am still mentally ill even if im better than before i went inpatient. but once i go back ill have to go back to work and i dont have a psychiatrist to talk to and im not on any meds i think i might need and i havent been tested for anything yet, i havent been had driving practice yet, i can barely talk to my support contact, i need a lot more help than i am being given, im not getting the help i ask for when i do ask for it, and thats on top of shit parents and a shit house and two cats i love but am not sure i can keep given the whole thing where im gone for months at a time. and i just. how the fuck am i supposed to be able to keep a job or ever move out or make friends properly or keep a new apartment or house or be mentally stable. its so much bullshit all at once wtf

[bacteriabusters]

How to Keep Your Home Tidy Between Professional Cleanings

Professional cleaning services can leave your home looking spotless, but keeping it tidy between those sessions can sometimes feel like a challenge. Fortunately, with a few simple habits and routines, you can maintain a clean and organised living space all week long. Here are some practical tips to keep your home looking fresh and tidy until the pros come back.

1. Declutter Regularly

One of the easiest ways to keep your home tidy is to prevent clutter from piling up in the first place. Make decluttering part of your daily or weekly routine:

Set a 10-minute timer: Spend 10 minutes each day tidying up visible surfaces like countertops, tables, and shelves.

Adopt the one-in, one-out rule: For every new item that comes into your home, make an effort to donate, recycle, or throw out an old item.

Have designated spots for everything: Create homes for everyday items such as mail, keys, and shoes to avoid unnecessary mess.

2. Create a Cleaning Schedule

You don’t need to clean your entire home every day, but having a simple routine can help you tackle small tasks regularly:

Daily Tasks: Make the bed, do the dishes, wipe down kitchen surfaces, and put things back where they belong.

Weekly Tasks: Vacuum high-traffic areas, clean bathrooms, dust surfaces, and mop floors.

Monthly Tasks: Organise cabinets, clean baseboards, and dust ceiling fans or vents.

Breaking up chores into manageable tasks prevents them from piling up and makes it easier to keep your home neat in between deep cleans.

3. Adopt the “Clean-as-You-Go” Method

Small messes can quickly add up. Prevent buildup by cleaning as you go:

Kitchen: Wash dishes or load the dishwasher while cooking instead of waiting until after the meal.

Bathroom: Wipe down counters and rinse the sink after getting ready.

Living Areas: Fold blankets, fluff pillows, and tidy up the space before leaving the room.

These quick fixes take just a few minutes but have a big impact on keeping your home tidy.

4. Prioritise High-Traffic Areas

Focus on areas of the home that are used the most, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Since these spaces are prone to getting dirty quickly, keeping them tidy will make your home feel cleaner overall.

Sweep or vacuum entryways daily to prevent dirt from spreading.

Regularly wipe down kitchen counters and dining tables to remove crumbs and spills.

Keep a small basket in high-traffic rooms for loose items like toys, remotes, or magazines. Empty it at the end of each day.

5. Use Storage Solutions

The right storage solutions can make all the difference in keeping a tidy home:

Baskets and bins: Use these to gather loose items in living rooms, bedrooms, or kids’ play areas.

Shoe racks or trays: Keep shoes organised near entrances to prevent dirt from spreading throughout the house.

Drawer organisers: Use dividers in drawers to keep items neatly separated and avoid mess.

Under-bed storage: Store seasonal clothes, blankets, or other items out of sight to reduce clutter.

6. Get the Whole Family Involved

Keeping your home tidy doesn’t have to be a one-person job. Get your family or roommates involved by assigning simple tasks:

Daily pick-up: Encourage everyone to pick up their belongings at the end of the day.

Chore charts: Create a schedule with responsibilities for each family member.

Make it fun: Play music or set a timer for a quick family cleaning session.

Teaching kids to tidy up after themselves also creates good habits that will last a lifetime.

7. Tidy Up Before Bed

Spend just 10–15 minutes each night tidying up your home to start the next day with a clean slate:

Put away dishes and wipe down the kitchen.

Fold blankets and pick up clutter in the living room.

Put dirty laundry in the basket and clean clothes away.

Waking up to a tidy home sets a positive tone for the day and makes mornings less stressful.

8. Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy

Make cleaning convenient by keeping supplies accessible. Store multi-surface wipes, a handheld vacuum, or a microfiber cloth in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom. When messes are easy to clean up, you’re more likely to do it right away.

By incorporating these simple habits and routines into your daily life, you can keep your home tidy and organised between professional domestic cleanings. Small, consistent efforts can make a big difference in maintaining a clean and stress-free living space. Plus, when your next professional cleaning appointment arrives, you’ll enjoy the fresh results even more!

[homeplus-cleaning]

Checklist For Your Winter Cleaning

When summer ends, people start getting ready for winter. Now is the time to do any home and yard maintenance that needs to be done before it gets colder and the holidays come around.

List of things to clean for the winter

Download this printable winter cleaning list to prepare your house and yard for the cold season.

Fill up the refrigerator and freezer.

Now is the time to buy canned and boxed foods to eat all winter. Since you never know when you'll be stuck at home, you shouldn't stock up on old pantry items. Take everything out of the pantry, donate, or throw away what you won't use. Please ensure the shelves are clean of dust and crumbs that could attract bugs before putting food back on them.

Bring out the coat and gloves because it's cold outside.

If you live where winter temperatures can drop a lot, you should wear your cold weather gear a long time before the temperature drops. Start putting away your summer clothes and sandals by giving everything a good wash and putting it back in your dresser and closet.

Sort your summer clothes into those you want to get rid of, those you want to give away, and those you want to keep for next summer. Put your summer clothes in airtight containers to keep them safe. If you are worried that moths will eat holes in your summer clothes, try this natural way to keep them away.

Put away summer bedding to get ready for winter.

Switch out your sheets for clean flannel ones, and add more blankets. All summer bedding and towels should be washed and put away until next spring in sealed containers.

Wash the Window

Cleaning windows isn't fun, but it's incredibly unpleasant to do in winter. Cleaning the windows is an important job that you shouldn't put off because you'll have to look at dirty glass all winter if you don't. You should clean and shine your windows, blinds, and screens from top to bottom.

Warmer and Fans to Get Ready

Changing the filters is a simple way to make the heater work better. Clean the blades of the ceiling fan. For the winter, the blades should be turned around. Ensure your fireplace is clean before you light your first fire. Some Tips on How to Clean Your Fireplace

Make sure the gutters and downspouts are in good shape.

If sticks, leaves, and other things get stuck in your gutters, they won't work. When fall comes around, it's time to prepare your gutters for winter thoroughly. Remember to check the downspouts' connections to ensure that any extra water is going away from your home.

Toys and furniture for the patio

You won't be able to relax in your favorite hammock or lounge chair while eating a delicious meal under the patio umbrella for much longer. At the end of the season, you should hose down the patio furniture and the kids' toys and let them dry in the fresh air. Store the furniture or cushions to keep them out of the sun. Put these things in airtight containers if you don't want rodents to chew through your cushions to find a nice place to nest.

Normal maintenance

Clean the machine.

Make sure the ceiling fan blades are always clean.

Remember to clean the floor when you're done.

Complete the checklist to make sure the furnace is ready to go.

Make sure your smoke and CO detectors are turned on to stay safe.

Make sure to clean the vents.

If there is dust on the floor, turning on the heater may help eliminate it. Taking off the covers is the best way to start cleaning your vents. You can wipe them down and wash them in warm water with dish soap. Dry the area quickly. Use a vacuum attachment to clean the vent of any still dust. After that, put the grilles back on.

If you don't want germs to spread around your house, you should clean surfaces many people touch often. Keeping your house clean is a great way to stop the spread of germs, which can be especially dangerous in the winter. Find out how to clean your home the right way.

Get the garage ready for winter.

Do a cleaning cycle on the washing machine.

Prepare for spring by making a list of the following things that will need to be done once the weather gets warmer again.

When you finish this list of things to do in the winter, you will feel warm, happy, and prosperous. If making a list of things to do is too much and makes you feel down, call us instead. In addition to our regular cleaning service, we, house cleaning services Newton MA, offer a tremendous seasonal cleaning service.

[besthydrationdrinks]

How Can Foodborne Illness Treat With The Ors?

Food poisoning gets attacked by contaminated food with bacteria, a virus, or a parasite. Food poisoning mostly happens when you eat raw or uncooked food, such as seafood, meat, and dairy products.

 What does the food contamination explain?

Food can become contaminated during processing, production/preparation, or cooking. For example, this can be contaminated by:

  The semi-cooked or the not proper cooking, especially meat.

Consuming the uncovered food after so many hours.

Not storing the food in tight air packs or containers as the food gets in contact with the dust or the other gases and air.

Not concentrating on the temperatures and keeping them in excessively cold or hot temperatures.

Reheating/ Microwaving the prepared food multiple times.

Consuming food with dirty hands, especially kids, this as they are not aware of maintaining th hygiene.

  All these things or steps increase the chances of the spread of bacteria between contaminated foods, that is, cross-contamination. Ors drink can cure food poisoning, whatever the reason or cause.

What makes you more susceptible to food poisoning?

 Young babies, childrens, and older people are more likely to get food poisoning quickly if they have diabetes, cancer, or kidney problems. Because these conditions can make your body too weak to fight off the gums that cause food poisoning, if you experience any such situation, visit your doctor to know what is best for you. Also, maintain the water level in your body with the help of Ors Rehydration. 

 What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

  Diarrhea

Nausea and vomiting

Abdominal cramps or pain

Fever

Fatigue or weakness

 How is food poisoning diagnosed?

First, your doctor will ask you all the symptoms, including the condition, and list the food you have eaten recently. Then, when did you eat last? Then they will examine your abdomen and check your skin for any signs of dehydration. Dehydration can occur if you have diarrhea or vomiting.

 Then your health provider will prescribe blood and urine tests to know what type of infection you may have. In the meantime, they will ask you to drink Ors hydration to fulfill a good amount of water in your body.

 What are the remedies for food poisoning?

  You should Wash your hands and dishes frequently in hot and soapy water.

Wash and clean raw vegetables or fruits.

Handle raw meat and food in a sanitary way

For perishable food, use the refrigerator and store it promptly

Cook meat on the proper heat

Defrost frozen food safely and cook them immediately

 How is food poisoning treated?

 You should not eat anything if you are nauseated, but take sips of food poisoning oral rehydration solution ors as often as possible. The following can ease your symptoms:

 Drink liquids as advised: You will need to drink fluids or an Oral Rehydration Solution(ORS) to prevent further dehydration. An ORS solution contains a balance of water, salt, and sugar to replace body fluids that may be lost during diarrhea and vomiting. You can ask your healthcare provider how much Ors powder they need to intake.

 Eat bland foods: After having ORS down for 3 to 4 hours, you should eat something light. Continue your BRATT diet until you feel better; BRATT stands for banana, rice, applesauce, toast, and tea. You should avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, or alcohol until you feel comfortable because these may worsen your situation. Also, if your baby has food poisoning signs, it must be breastfeeding, as usual, to prevent becoming dehydrated. 

 Conclusion

 Food poisoning is a general issue but needs adequate medical attention for recovery. If this gets neglected for a longer duration, this can lead to serious health concerns that may require prolonged hospitalization for recovery.

While taking precautions to avoid food poisoning, you should always ensure that you have proper and authentic health insurance coverage to take care of your expenses in extreme scenarios.

If you are suffering from food poisoning, then consider becoming hydrated. Moreover, food poisoning oral rehydration solutions ors are the best for maintaining your body's liquid. Your doctor will prescribe medicine to slow and stop diarrhea, calm your stomach, or fight a bacterial infection.

 Article source  :  https://www.tcdpost.com/how-can-foodborne-illnesstreat-with-the-ors/

[neverlessonlyblessed]

small steps i've taken to get better; steps that are so small that other people wonder why i take them

also see: omg that is so basic, how did you not know how to do this before?

instead of buying candy, i bake sweets. yes, i am still eating a ton of sugar as i'm not restricting how much i want to eat or how i scratch that itch. i just bake it. but now i'm up doing something (activity/ hobby). and honestly, its probably healthier and cheaper in the long run. and when i'm finally past this phase, i'll have a number of recipes down.

stop buying pizza. there are so many other things to order if you don't have the energy to cook. I've started ordering from an asian restaurant. the dish includes chicken, red peppers, broccoli and bok choi. (also white rice). ordering pizza costs around $30 and so does this. don't just feed yourself. feed yourself well.

buying pre-spiced chicken at the grocery store. i can say that i've started cooking. but i wouldn't call myself a chef. the grocery store near me sells marinated full chickens. done. buy it, put parchment paper on my baking dish to catch everything, and cook the chicken. throw the parchment paper in the garbage and washing the dish is easy. buy a bag of bell peppers, chop them up, fry them with salt and pepper, and store everything in containers or in the fridge. Add it to rice or bread or pasta during the week. easy. i may be eating the same thing everyday, but at least i'm not buying dinner every day.

i bought an electric mop. there are haters out there that say it isn't necessary, but i can honestly say that its helped me keep my place cleaner. buy extra mop pads. buy a bucket from the dollar store for the dirty pads. throw them into the washer. done.

i joined a gym. but not just any gym, a gym that has classes. i don't have to waste emotional or mental energy figuring out what exercises are best for my body or my progress. i just follow the person at the front. i can't afford personal training right now, but until then this is a great option to have a guided workout session. all i need to do is get myself there at a certain time. then i turn my brain off and do what the person at the front tells me what to do. easy. the gym also has credits. i have the option to not buy a membership, but buy credits instead. 1 credit buys 1 class, expires in 6 months. i go when i'm feeling well, i stay home when i'm not. some exercise is better than no exercise. going there is the goal, not necessarily progress. the progress i'm looking for is going there consistently, because i don't have to worry about my physical progress. all i do is show up at a certain time. how many good weeks do i have? how many times will i go for 3 days a week? i'll find out. but the option to go zero days a week without feeling like i'm wasting money is there.

this is what i mean when i say money can help you live your life better and easier. as someone who has depression, the energy that i do have during the day should be spent towards achieving my goals, not basic keeping my self alive. reaching my next financial goal would mean taking cleaning off my task list.

in the name of small steps

it doesn't matter how big the steps are. what matters is that a you are taking them. what might be 1 step to one person might be 5 to another person might be 20 steps for me. don't get caught up in how other people are progressing. just decide what your goals are, research what steps you will need to take, and move forward one step at a time.

small steps are still steps. they will go unnoticed by others in the long run - there is no glory in small steps. but they are important steps.

[outforawalkb1tch]

How to Adult from a neurodiverse perspective. Some tips might also be helpful for anyone with mental illness that makes adulting harder.

It's going to be hard but try to stick to a certain area when cleaning instead zip zooming around doing things here and there. It's going to be a lot more satisfying to have one thing done fully then multiple things partially done.

Go to an area in your home and put away x many things that are in the wrong area.

If I'm having an especially hard time staying on one task I'll either tell myself ok I'm gonna wash the dishes (or whatever task it is for you) for x many more minutes or x many songs before I take a short break.

I try my best to make cleaning tasks more game like like I'm not just picking up dirty laundry off the floor into the basket I'm playing laundry basket ball! Making little games like this for cleaning will help make cleaning fun and something you want to do.

Make sure your breaks are actually short put a timer on your phone if you need to.

If you can't take a shower or bath for whatever reason get two washcloths. Get one washcloth wet and soapy, wash yourself. Get the other washcloth just wet and go over yourself again. I would do this a lot coming home super late from visiting family and my mom would call this a rag bath.

Try your best to fold your clothes out of the dryer to avoid wrinkles so that no matter what your wearing you'll look better put together.

If you struggle with this I suggest getting a clothes steamer its like an iron except theres no ironing board to set up and all that jazz that comes with a regular iron. Just fill this baby up with water and use on your clothes while they're hanging and watch the wrinkles go away.

If your having a hard time washing your clothes all together get a fabric fabreze and spray it on your clothes. This isn't a replacement for washing them but it certainly helps the smell if you're stuggling to get your laundry done. Make sure its fabric though regular fabreze won't help your clothes as well.

If you have delicates that your afraid the dryer might ruin let them air dry by hanging them on the shower curtain rack. Or if you have the room to do so invest in something like this:

Make your bed every day. This is just a good habbit to be in. Along with that make sure to freshen your sheets at least once every 2 months. Having more than one pair of sheets also helps with this because even if you can't get to washing your current sheets you could always just replace them with a different clean sheets and get around to cleaning the other sheets some other time.

Vitamins are great just generally but especially helpful if your sensory issues make it hard to eat certain healthy foods.

When making important phone calls make sure you already have a pen and paper so you can write down things you need to remember on the spot, instead of either scrambling for a pen and paper or thinking you'll remember then forget. Also sometimes it is good to have a bullet point list if you need to remember what exactly to say to this person istead of going uhhh umm and such.

When someone tells you an important date for something write it down right afterwards. Writing it right on the calendar were I can see it works better than using the calendar on my phone for myself as I usually forget about it until the day of if its just on my phone whereas if its on my paper calendar I see it a lot since I check my calendar a lot but this might be opposite for you so do whichever one works better

If you have long hair learn cute hairstyles other than just a messy bun. Its fun to switch it up from braids to pigtails to spacebuns or whatever. I'm putting this as a tip because I have long hair and whenever I am having a bad hair day, my hair is greasy or just do not have the energy to properly do my hair I would always opt for the messy bun. But you know what ? That gets boring and there's no age limit on braids or whatever no matter whatever other people state. Plus imo braids hide greasy hair better than buns.

Remember to clean your skin, but also being to harsh with rubbing your face with the cleaner or picking at your face can actually cause more problems! You want your face to not be too oily but also not too dry.

You can tell if your getting enough water by your pee color if its clear or really light yellow your doing good on keeping yourself hydrated if its yellow or darker you need some more water.

Contrary to popular belief/s coffee and cigarettes are not breakfast, and they cost as much as a real breakfast would. Please eat real food instead of bean and sugar soup and nicotine.

Make a budget, ask for help if needed as budget making can be kinda confusing, but make a budget and stick to it. This one has made my life so much better. Be the "crazy" coupon lady if you need to be to stick to it. Be a stickler with the lights and water if you need to be to stick to it.

Speaking of budget the dollar store and the generic grocery store version of things are your friends. The dollar store is a go to for kitchen stuff, cleaning stuff, snacks, some self grooming stuff, and even some of there frozen food and pantry food is pretty decent. They also have plenty of other stuff so honestly if I need anything I usually check there first before another store. Whatever they don't have that I need I can usually find a generic cheaper brand at the grocery store and most the time its absolutely no different than the big brands!

Buy clothes that fit NOW. Don't waste money on clothes that are smaller for inspiration for losing weight. (Or vice versa if you're trying to gain weight) Its important to have fashionable clothes that fit you at the weight you are now because if you don't you'll be stuck in boring sweats and sad because of it. I know. I've been there.

[theperfectlovestory]

Even If It's Not

Summary: It’s always been a good day with Natasha, until Wanda found you

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Reader; Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Theme: Fluff, Angst

Tw: trauma, reaction to trauma, mention of death

. . .

Summary: it’s always been a good day with Natasha, until Wanda found you

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Reader; Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Theme: Fluff, Angst

Tw: trauma, reaction to trauma, mention of death

. . .

It was one fine day, like all the others for the past year. You woke up early, sunlight warmly casting on your face as it peaked through the opening of the curtain. You can hear birds chirping in the background, making you smile

You blinked the sleep away from your eyes, raising a hand to your mouth to cover the incoming yawn. As you move, a warm arm enveloped you, and you smiled at the sight of her

This side of her only coming out when it’s just the two of you

Your beautiful redhead sleeping soundly in your arm, head tucked comfortably in your neck. An arm and a leg on top of your body, clinging to you like a baby koala

You always can't believe that the famous Natasha Romanoff, feared by friends and foes alike in the battlefield, is one hell of a clingy sleeper

You turn your head gently, glancing at the clock on your bedside table

Time to wake up. No work today but you wanted to get some groceries to fill your stocks

You tried to gently wiggle your way out of Natasha's hold, silently cheering when you got out of bed without waking her up. Natasha's soft giggle prove you otherwise, making you pout

"I'll go back to sleeping then" she huskily said before hugging your pillow and burying her face in your smell, curling herself on the bed

You watched her body relax as she falls deep in slumber once more, smiling softly at how peaceful she seemed to be

"I'm going grocery shopping, want to come?" You asked Natasha in between bites, she looked up at you from the file folder she have

She's still doing reports, doesn't mean your on mission vacation, paperwork will do themselves as well

"I'll be wherever you are, detka" she smiled, sipping on her coffee "just let me finish this one and we can go"

You nodded, collecting the plates in front of you, Natasha pursed her lips, debating on wanting to wash the dishes herself since you cooked or finishing the report fast so you can go

You smiled, kissing her cheeks before taking the dishes on the sink. You hummed softly as you finish it up, Natasha, smiling while she listens. Whenever you are around, her paperwork doesn't feel as much a burden as it usually does

Done with the dishes, you went up to your room and changed into more appropriate clothes. As you put on your shirt, Natasha entered just fast enough to see what color of bra you are wearing underneath

She grin, standing behind you as she held your waist, kissing the side of your neck softly, innocently

Yet her intentions are far from one

"Nat" you warned as she nibble on your ear, she continued, right hand going up inside your shirt, your stomach now in full view of the mirror in front of you "we have to go" you moaned as she suck on the right spot under your ear, whining that you need to leave and she's messing up your hair...

"We can go a bit later" she answered, eyes meeting yours on the mirror "we can't, we have a reservation at that restaurant you like"

She grunted in your neck "I am not liking it very much right now" she muttered and you chuckled. Stepping forward before facing her

You pressed a gentle hand on her cheek "Come on, we rarely go out"

She looked at your eyes for a bit before giving up "fine" she softly answered, taking the hand in your face with hers, just as gently

. . .

"Can you pass me one of those bell peppers" you pointed at the container with 3 pieces of what you need. You smiled when Natasha picked one with just the right mixture of red and green. Small things like this are what you love about her. She only asked once and then remember it forever

"Is there a reason why you choose a combination of both and not just the green or the red?"

You thought for a while, blinking at the question you can barely remember the answer "I've always just done it because my mom does that too but I think it's because it's the most perfect condition to either store it or use it immediately"

Her mouth made an 'o' shape, signaling her understanding of the topic

"Oh detka, strawberries" her eyes sparkled as she put at least three packs of it in your cart, you giggled "isn't that too many?"

She looked at you, disbelief in her face "Do you know how much you devour them?" She asked and you chuckled "They're like your favorite thing in the world, you even prefer them more than my lips" she pouted, your fond smile never left your lips as you pulled her in for a kiss

"Now I know you are exaggerating, there is nothing more I love than your lips" you squint "well maybe except for your eyes"

You continued pushing the cart as her cheeks gets dusted in pink, you added a few more, items from the fridge isle before going on the dry goods

You passed by a small and portable fondue fountain, you eyed it along with the chocolates on the side

"Do you want that?" She asked, looking over your shoulder

"I'm interested," you hummed, "but is it worth it?" you sighed "we won't be able to use it as much when we get back to work"

"We can bring it there then and the boys and Wanda can have their fun, Wanda likes chocolate" at the mention of your bestfriends name, your eyes lit up

Now slightly more convinced

She leaned closer, whispering things you can do with the melted chocolate on the kitchen table. Your face blushed furiously as you hit her in the arm but despite that, you took a box and a bunch of carefully picked chocolate

She chuckled, eyes hooded with the thoughts too dirty to be even thinking about in the middle of the grocery aisle

You then looked around some more. Your list has been fulfilled but you opted to roam around to get some snacks or check new things the store has. Natasha obediently followed. Checking the items too and getting some that interests her

Mostly snacks

After you are satisfied with your purchase, you go to the cashier to pay. You will opt for a self serves but they only allow 20 items below, and your cart is obviously more than 20

The cashier greeted you with a smile, you doing the same. Making small talks to try and make the day easier for the kind worker. Natasha smiled admiringly at how easy you are to have a conversation with

The cashier is all smiles even after you paid and left

"I have always admired the way you do that" she said as she help you put the bag on the trunk of your car

"Do what?" You asked, tilting your head

"Talking to people, making them feel comfortable"

You nodded, humming as you continued with your task "It wasn't always as easy, but it comes with the job"

"I refuse to believe that you weren't always rainbows and sunshine" she argued and you chuckled

"Darling, I'm an introvert, the mere mention of conversation terrifies me" she looked at you dumbfounded for a second and you did the same just with an amuse smile instead

"Guess you learn something new everyday even when you are technically, already married" she muttered, closing the trunk "what else don't I know about you?"

She opened the door for you and you got in, making sure to shake of the bottom of your shoes to remove at least a bit of dust on it, Natasha smiled at the gesture

She closed the door once you are settled and got on hers, doing the same as you did before starting the car, making sure it's heat up properly first before starting to drive

You sat in silence for a few second as you think of things she doesn't know yet "well, I used to date guys" her eyes widen, looking back at you then back on the road

"Really?" She asked "what changed?"

"Nothing" you shrug "I just didn't realize I was into girls, the norm is being straight after all, but the first kiss I had with a guy was nothing compared to my first kiss with a girl"

She hummed, "and when was your first kiss with one?"

The conversation flowed seamlessly in your head, every smile and chuckles and groans she responded you with was embed in your memory

. . .

As per your usual arrangement, you and Natasha arrived at the restaurant at different times. Wanting to keep the surprised of seeing each other dressed up beautifully, knowing full well it’s to please the person who will be sitting in front of the other

You arrived in your newly bought shiny short dress with a lot of skin showing but still very decent. You’ve done your hair perfectly that it frames your face and your make up is a bit fiercer, bolder. You wanted to surprise Natasha, show her a different side than the usual girl-next-door

Her brow lifted up, lips in a side smile of surprise. You look edgier than her tonight and it’s making her feel all kind of things in her stomach

“Of course, I can’t go losing you to competition now” you smirk jokingly

She pulled your chair for you and you sat down, she leaned down and gave you one more kiss, not being able to resist the temptation of your red and plump lips

“Competition?” she chuckled, sitting down “We are married, detka, you already trampled all over them”

“Well, you never know”

The dinner continued with all playful banters, giggles and Natasha’s flirting techniques that you admit, did something to you. Not because of the lines, but because of who and how she’s saying it

 Along the lines, someone approached your table and that stopped you from talking to each other. You looked at the person and was surprised to see Wanda

“Wanda?” You called, standing up slowly as you take in her appearance

She looks tired, defeated, broken

“Y/n” she muttered, looking at you with sad eyes “Where have you been?”

“What do you mean?” You asked, lips into a gentle yet confuse smile as you held her arms “I’m on a break, but you know where we live”

“We?” She asked and you nodded “Yeah, with Natasha…are you okay?” you tilt your head to get a closer look on her face “Y/n…” she said, biting her lips “Natasha’s gone”

Your hand gripped the woman tightly as your mind reeled “Wanda…what are you saying?”

“She..” Wanda’s lower lip trembled, her eyes tight shut before she sighed, meeting you with her tired green eyes “She’s gone…she sacrificed herself for the world…don’t you remember?”

A chuckle left your lips, devoid of any humor. You stepped back, hands crossing on your chest “That’s a cruel joke, Wanda” you took a deep shaky breathe “I was just with her the whole time, she is literally right there” You pointed at Natasha who smiled at you like nothing is happening

Your brows furrowed and you were so focus on Natasha that you didn’t notice Wanda’s hand raised to your temple, eyes red and red wisp of energy flowing at the tip of your fingers

Your eyes widened in horror as the Natasha in front of you, smiling as lovely as you remember, slowly turned to ash, pieces of her flowing in the air. Your shaking hand covered your mouth to stop a scream that will never come, stuck in your chest like a painful rock that wedged itself in your lungs

Wanda moved further in your brain

You were back with Natasha in your dining room, eating breakfast and before she could kiss you, she disappeared again into ashes. The same thing happened to when you are on the grocery, before she can put the strawberries in your cart, her body flew away in the air, and the contents of the package spilling on the floor, strawberries roll on your foot as the scene changes again

This time, it’s Natasha and you sleeping on the bed, her arm and leg draped on your body. She tucked her head closer to your neck, this scene that you’ve been watching for the past year that brings you love and warmth and comfort now gives you dread

And pain

Your breathing has become shaky and erratic as you tried to forget the scenes before this one where she all but disappeared into thin air. As if noticing your discomfort, Natasha opened her eyes and called your name

“Nat” you managed to croaked despite the lump in your throat as tears well in your eyes

 Instead of asking the usual ‘are you okay?’ though, she smiled sadly, her face change to that time that happened a year ago

 Her hair in a braid, face white with worry and fear but she remained brave, determined “You’ll be okay” she whispered, hand caressing your face “You will be okay, my love”

 And then, as if the gods have cursed you to a life of loss and pain and suffering, you again, had to watch her disappear. Ashes taken by the wind, her smile never faded, not then, not now…and the three words you never thought would be the last, echoed in your memory

 You stood in front of Wanda, shoulders shaking from crying. Wanda pulled you close to her as she let you cry, whispering reassurances that she will always be by your side and yet, you can’t say the same

 “Wanda, you need to move on as well” Wanda’s tears started the moment yours stopped, you pulled away from her, but keeping her at an arm’s length “You deserve to be happy”

 Your face looked so peaceful despite what you just did, the scars from the battle scattered across your face and yet, to her, you were beautiful still. She pulled you closer to her, her body trembled before you and she watched, and felt, and embraced the feeling

 She whispered in your ears before your body truly disappears, just like Natasha’s “I thought I’m ready to let you go” she sniffed “But I was wrong”. Red magic surrounded the whole area once again, just like from when she arrived in the house you bought for Natasha and you

 "Even if you didn't choose me in this world too, I would just gladly be beside you. As long as you are here, I wouldn't care."

 And once again, you open your eyes. Natasha comfortably cuddled next to you as your lips turned into a satisfied smile…

 . . .

 A/N: "Even if you didn't choose me (don't love me) in this world too, I would just gladly be beside you. As long as you are here, I wouldn't care." (Credit to my wonderful angsty friend @my-wandering-rabbit for crushing my heart with this wonderful line and the title of this story)

[paperficwriter]

Day In and Day Out (Day 3 of Batarou Week)

When Garou came to live with Badd, the hero resigned himself to having adopted another animal rather than living with a partner. It was accurate at first, with how Garou prowled around, situating himself wherever he liked (even if it wasn’t in a place he had been invited to be), taking things that he wanted without asking, and lazing the day away while Badd went out to pummel monsters.

Of course, the good part was that in many ways Garou was as affectionate as a pet too. When Badd came home, he met him at the door, excitedly rubbing against him, regardless of his gross state. He crawled into bed with him, resting his head on his chest, nosing at his neck and ear and insisting that he pet him until they both fell asleep. And there was humping, but…Badd didn’t exactly use rolled-up newspapers to handle that.

Days off were a bit more complicated.

“Garou, I gotta clean up the apartment.”

“Noooo…stay in bed with me.”

“This is the first day all week I don’t gotta patrol! Zenko’s gonna kill me if it gets any worse.”

Garou let out a thin, high whine, latching himself onto Badd’s body. Somehow he had managed to keep the human monster’s hand out of his pants but now he was literally wrapped around him with all his long, tight limbs.

“Fine.” Badd used the deep stores of energy that he usually got paid to employ and hoisted himself out of bed, Garou in tow. “Have it your way, Stretch.”

One of the many problems Badd had had to learn to deal with when it came to living with the ex-hero-hunter was that their relationship was like one rock and one hard place, both of their stubborn natures clashing until someone got tired—not gave in, not agreed, but very specifically were worn out by the elements of time and fatigue.

“This is the pot on the stove all over again,” Badd groused as something pulled in his leg.

Garou gave his neck a petulant chew. “I used it for tea. It was perfectly clean. It didn’t need to be washed.”

“I don’t know how many times we gotta have this talk, Garou. If ya use somethin,’ ya clean it.”

“I’m not wasting my time on something that just had water in it.”

“And ya didn’t have to use it anyway! That’s what we have an electrical kettle for, dumbass!”

The pot sat there for a month until Zenko eventually washed it. However, when unyielding idiocy became a point of contention in social outings, no one else understood what a pot on a stove had to do with anything, but it always devolved into Badd and Garou arguing.

This time, the breaking point came when Badd was dusting a shelf in the living room. Garou gestured at it with his chin. “Missed a spot.”

That was when they started rolling around on the floor after Badd dropped Garou on his back.

And then that might have led to other horseplay, and that might have wrecked Badd’s thoughts of changing the bed because that was hard to do with two bodies in it.

“Can’t believe you got me back here. Pain in the ass.”

Garou snickered, reaching over to play with the hair on the back of his neck. It was all a mess; Badd never put it up on days off. “Yeah, you really tried to stop me, Metal Bat.”

“Tch. Stop this,” he challenged and leaned over to give him a hard smooch, knowing that Garou would do the exact opposite. Sure enough, they didn’t part until Garou was happy with the full-contact map he had made of the inside of Badd’s mouth.

But the thing was…as time went on, certain things just started happening that were so seamless that Badd almost missed them.

The way Garou would join him in the kitchen when he was making dinner, scooping up dirty dishes to make room for the cutting board, tossing out the shitty ends of vegetables and fluffing the rice when the appliance sang its little song.

And then he started being around more when Zenko got home instead of slinking off to Badd’s bedroom. And, sure, sometimes “helping with homework” was talking about how “math was bullshit,” but when Zenko wanted a snack after school, Badd found Garou more than once holding her up with one arm as she picked whatever she wanted from the pantry.

There were family nights with movies and board games.

And outings with the three of them at the festivals.

Before Badd knew it, he wasn’t always coming home to having to do everything himself after a whole day of hero work. Sometimes the dishes were done. Sometimes the floor was swept. And once or twice there was dinner ready, even if it was either rice with almost-rare meat and zero vegetables or a curry possessing a unique blend of flavors (good luck asking Garou what was in it— “What recipe?”).

He thought about these things when he lay down next to Garou at night, a cool, lean cheek pressed into his as his long arms made him a tight little spoon. “‘Ey, G.”

“Hmm?”

Badd touched his cheek and angled his face back to kiss him. “Love ya. I’m glad you’re here with me.”

Garou smiled and nuzzled him back. “Love you too. But we’ll see how glad you are when you see I ate the last pudding.”

Well. There would always be those moments, too.

[quillquiver]

and it’s good

DeanCas coda to 15x19: ‘Inherit the Hearth’

He hasn’t stopped praying.

From an empty world to one filled with people, Dean has gone to his knees every night—on the floor, the gravel, the dirt—and prayed. Head down. Face pressed to his knuckles. Dear Cas…

From each failed plan to their eventual, anti-climactic victory, Dean shares it all. And when it’s all over, when they wake up the morning after with no Jack, no Cas and no world to save, it’s bittersweet. Confusing. Like being released into the wild after living in a cage.

Where does he go from here? What does he do?

What does he want?

Sam doesn’t have a problem finding his own answers, but then again, he never has; he was the one with the life outside The Life: the college boy, the dreamer. Dean… Dean needs some time to adjust. Regroup. Grieve, maybe—whatever the hell that looks like. So, he serves himself a bottle of Jack, grabs a box of Pop Tarts, and makes his way to his recliner. First day of freedom? Dr. Sexy and sweet oblivion sound awesome.

“Hey, uh, what’re you—” Sam cuts himself off, skidding to a halt in the doorway of the Dean Cave. He’s got that pinched look on his face, the one that means: inevitable bitch face, concerned edition. Dean waves him off.

“Chilling out,” he mutters, taking a long pull from the bottle. “Figure I deserve a vacation.”

Sam narrows his eyes. “A vacation.”

“Yeah, genius. A vacation. You know, a little me time?” Dean takes another pull. “You got a problem with that?”

Sam shifts his weight. Frowns at the floor. It’s weird to see him like this; he’s so big, now, but that move is straight out of his teen years—when he’d been gangly and awkward and angry and unsure. He looks up, resolved, and Dean heaves an internal sigh. Whatever the fuck Sam is trying to do, he doesn’t want any part in it.

“What if you come with me?”

“Nope.”

“Dean—”

“Look, Sammy, we fought the big fight, we won, there ain’t nothing left to do,” Dean says reasonably, bitterly, turning back to the DVD menu. “So I don’t wanna go into town, or to the store, or wherever else you’re planning on gallivanting to today. I’m gonna watch my show, drown myself in booze and pass the fuck out, because that is what I’m owed. Capiche?”

“Eileen texted. I’m… I’m going to go get her.”

It’s weird, Dean thinks, how many times a heart can break. He clenches his jaw and swallows the lump in his throat, blinking rapidly. Allows himself a second—one second—of envy and jealousy before he slaps a smile on his face and nods. “Good,” he says. He means it. “You should.”

“So…” Sam trails off.

“So…” Dean echoes.

“…Come with.”

“Sam, I’m not gonna crash your romantic reunion okay? That’s weird.”

“Dean—”

“Sam.” And there’s more that comes out in that word than he ever intended. It hangs heavy in the air between them before dropping to the ground like a stone. Loud. Shattering on impact. Dean thinks his voice might have cracked and his vision is blurring because this pity? This is fucking worse. Shoving a Pop Tart in his mouth, Dean chews with his mouth open in the vain hope that his table manners will prove an adequate distraction, but that shit hasn’t worked for a long time.

It tastes like sawdust.

“Just go,” he says. “You have to go, man.”

It’s as much a plea for his brother as it is for himself, and for one long, terrifying moment Dean thinks Sam’s going to refuse. That he’s gonna be dragged across the country to witness his brother find happiness in a way he will never be able to have.

…But Sam is kind, not cruel, and when those big eyes of his fill with tears, Dean has never been so happy to have given himself up. He watches as his little brother’s shoulders slump. As he readjusts his duffle.

“I’ll be home in two days,” Sam says. “If you’re dead, I’m gonna pissed.”

“Yeah yeah,” Dean replies, forcing himself to tease. To be excited. He deserves this. “Go sing in the rain or whatever.”

“Or whatever,” Sam volleys back, a smile tugging up the corner of his mouth. He looks so happy, and Dean can’t stop himself from mirroring the expression. It hits him all at once, then—a sucker punch to the gut, the heart—that no matter what, he did right by his little brother. That he’s grown up to be smart, and kind and caring, and now he can be happy. And Dean—Dean’ll figure it out. But Sam’s taken care of and that’s… good. That’s a lot.

“Hey, Dean?”

“Mm.”

“I love you,” Sam says. He’s seven and thirty-seven and Dean feels something inside himself ease and break all at once.

“Yeah,” he murmurs. “I love you, too.”

Sam grins.

***

There’s no more frozen pizza.

It’s already a fucking travesty that the pizza place doesn’t deliver to their secret underground bunker, but Jack polished off the last two pies—and while it’s a little bit hilarious to think of the ‘New God’ (his kid) scarfing down shitty plain cheese in his pjs, it’s also awful, and painful. So Dean slips on his shoes, grabs his keys, and shoulders on the jacket with Cas’s handprint over his hole-y sleep shirt.

It’s not like he’s sober, but he’s done worse.

It feels like a shitty pizza day, so Dean makes a beeline for the Wal-Mart and its frozen section, stocking up on two of every topping from the cheapest brand they’ve got. He grabs popcorn, chips, twizzlers and margarita mix, because fuck it, and smiles at the cashier. It’s not an epic romantic reunion, but this is what normal people do, right? They take an entire day and wallow without the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Dean’s cradling his spoils, twizzler hanging out of his mouth, shuffling out of the garage when—

He freezes.

The kitchen. There’s someone banging around in the kitchen.

Not like aggressively banging—one quick sweep around the area confirms no signs of forced entry—but just like… moving shit. Washing the dishes from this morning, or getting ready to make something new. Dean’s heart is caught between hope and heartbreak and he forces himself towards the latter. It’s probably Charlie, or Bobby or Jody or Donna or, hell, even Jack or Claire. No one else can get in. And if it’s something dangerous… well, Dean doesn’t have a weapon on him, and his damn pizza’s thawing.

But it’s not Charlie or Bobby or Jody or Donna. It’s not Jack. It’s not Claire.

…It’s Cas; freshly showered, dressed in Dean’s fucking clothes, making himself a sandwich.

He’s beautiful. Dean’s shirt—AC/DC, the one with the mustard stain on the collar—is just a little small on him, and he’s humming, and Dean has to blink once twice three times to make sure he’s not a goddamn mirage but no he’s still there, still scooping grape jelly onto the good bread and then putting the dirty spoon on the counter like a friggin’ heathen and—

“Are you gonna wash that?”

It’s sure as fuck not what he’d meant to say, but it gets the job done. Cas drops the spoon—the spoon—and whirls around like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “Dean,” he breathes, like Dean’s name is some kind of benediction. Like it’s important.

Dean clutches his groceries tighter to his chest. “A-Are you…?” he asks. Steps forward. Steps back. Stares because he can’t, he can’t— “Are you real?”

Cas is barefoot. He’s quiet when he steps across the linoleum. His hair is turning fluffy where it’s drying and his eyes are blue and bright and he’s a miracle. “I’m real,” he confirms quietly. His hand twitches by his side, and Dean thinks that’s fair. Thinks that he gets that Cas has reservations because of—because.

But they’re unfounded. 

Dean drops his spoils because they’re an afterthought; nothing is more important than knowing, than reaching out to touch his fingertips to Cas’s shoulder. To his jaw. He can’t stop the tears from springing to his eyes like he can’t stop himself from laughing. Smiling. And suddenly he has Cas in his arms and he smells like Dean’s soap and Sam’s fancy shampoo, and they’re holding—clutching each other, and Dean turns his head because it has to be now he has to say it now: “Cas, I—”

“I know,” Cas interrupts. “You don’t have to—I know.”

“Yeah?” Dean asks, voice high with something like hysteria. The whole thing is so absurd, so insane, so fucked, that it’s all he can do to bury his face in Cas’s neck. To squeeze his eyes shut. To talk. “Well, you’re a friggin’ moron,” he says. “And you got no goddamn idea what you’re talking about, because—because you changed me, too, you dick.” Cas’s fingers dig into Dean’s waist and Dean’s heart pounds like it’s trying to escape and his throat is dry and he’s sweating and he’s gonna be sick, he’s gonna die— “A-And I love you.”

He wrenches himself away, then, glaring like he dares Cas to take the words away from him. “Okay?” he asks, rhetorically. Menacingly. It’s a declaration and a confession and a challenge. And Cas meets his stare unflinchingly. He reaches up to thumb at the wetness on the apple of Dean’s cheek. “Okay,” he says. He nods. Leans in. “Okay.” Their mouths brush. “Good.”

It’s not even a real kiss, so Dean can’t be blamed for how he chases; how he breathes good, in faint agreement like a lovesick fool, and moves until they’re kissing good and proper—slow and sweet and then deep and wet and it’s good, it’s so good, he’s so good.

Later, they’ll have to make every thawed pizza. They’ll drink the margarita mix and share the same popcorn bowl and pay no attention to Dr. Sexy playing in the background. They’ll talk about Chuck and Jack and Sam. They’ll stare. They’ll tease. They’ll flirt.

But for now, Cas twists his hands in Dean’s shirt and Dean buries his hands in dark hair. They pause for breath only to come together, again and again and again.

And it’s good.