#no guac is complete without it

[swizzlemynizzle]

Underneath the Noise - George Clarke

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Masterlist

Chapter three: Laugh Track

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By the fifth pub, Y/N’s voice is starting to slur at the edges.

Not dramatically—just enough to notice it herself. Her cheeks are warm, her thoughts a little looser than they were two hours ago. She's riding that golden middle ground between anxiety and abandon, the space where self-consciousness starts to soften around the edges.

She doesn’t quite trust it, but she’s letting herself sit in it for now.

ArthurTV is waving a receipt like a victory flag. “Ten pubs is a scam,” he announces to no one. “It’s just capitalism in a different hat.”

“Mate,” Bach replies, gesturing at him with a chip, “you just spent thirty quid on nachos and a single pint.”

“It came with extra guac,” Arthur says, affronted.

Y/N snorts into her drink.

She doesn’t remember the last time she laughed this much with people she barely knows. Her default setting has always been cautious—a little held back, always scanning the room, looking for cues on when to speak and when to disappear. But today, dressed like a walking punchline and surrounded by people who don’t seem to care about how they’re perceived, it almost feels... safe.

“Okay,” Bach says, peering at the bingo list again. “We still need to: swap shoes, skull a pint on the street, and get a stranger to sing to us. Oh and swim? Even though we did but it was for a bonus point?”

“Who made this list?” Y/N asks, squinting at the chaotic scrawl. “Are they okay? Mentally?”

“Chris,” ArthurTV answers, deadpan. “So, no.”

“Explains a lot,” she mutters. “It’s giving energy drink and repressed trauma.”

Bach grins. “It’s giving ‘second breakfast is the only joy I have left.’”

“Yeah,” Arthur adds. “It’s very ‘Frodo, but with a YouTube channel.’”

Y/N laughs, sharp and surprised. “Are we just bullying Chris for being short now?”

“Not short,” Bach says solemnly. “Hobbit-sized.”

They dissolve into laughter again, loud enough that a guy at a nearby table gives them a look.

By the time they reach the sixth pub of the afternoon, they’re starting to feel the buzz settling deep into their bones. The city around them seems blurrier, friendlier. A drunker London, Y/N thinks, is a slightly more magical one.

They’re halfway through convincing a guy in a Tottenham jersey to sing Bohemian Rhapsody when her phone buzzes again.

Chris

> Tell Bach his big nose is getting in the way of our win

> Also we’re at pub 6. Suck it.

Y/N shows the message to Bach without saying a word.

“Tell Chris I said I hope Sauron wins,” Bach says immediately.

Arthur nods. “Tell him to enjoy his pints in the Shire.”

She grins as she types. Being the group’s designated roaster-by-proxy wasn’t on her bingo list for today, but she’s not mad about it.

Then she sees him again.

George.

Across the street this time, stepping out of a corner shop with Arthur Hill. They’ve got plastic bags in hand and smiles that look way too relaxed for a competition. George spots her first, raising a hand in casual greeting.

She returns it—awkwardly. Her stomach does a weird little somersault.

She hates how aware she is of him. Like her body’s antennae pick up on him before her brain does. It’s not helpful. He hasn’t even done anything new. Just exists nearby, and her pulse decides to act out.

“Earth to Y/N,” ArthurTV says, waving a hand. “You good?”

“Yeah,” she says quickly. “Zoned out for a sec.”

She doesn’t explain what she was zoning out about. No one needs to know she’s mentally editing the way George said Nice shirt earlier like it’s an embarrassing voice note she can’t delete.

Eventually, they do manage to get a stranger to sing for them—badly, loudly, and completely off-key. Bach gives him a standing ovation like he’s just watched Les Mis.

Challenge complete.

By the time they reach pub seven, Y/N’s voice is scratchier and her legs are sore, but the warmth hasn’t left her chest. She feels... light. Like she’s slowly unhooking from the weight she didn’t realize she walked in with.

They wedge themselves into a booth again, chips in the center, drinks in hand. ArthurTV offers her a sip of something that tastes like battery acid. She politely declines.

Then George shows up again.

Of course he does.

He wanders in like he’s not part of a competing team but just happened to find them. Pint in one hand, smirk in place, like the universe told him she was finally starting to relax and he took it personally.

“Thought you guys might be in here,” he says casually.

“Or you were stalking us,” Bach offers.

George ignores him and looks straight at Y/N. “You surviving?”

“Just about,” she says, shrugging. “Haven’t been hit by a car yet, so I’m counting it as a win.”

He chuckles. “Low bar. I respect it.”

He leans against the edge of the booth, not sitting—just hovering in her space enough to make it feel deliberate.

“You’ve got something on your shirt,” he says, motioning vaguely toward her chest.

She instinctively glances down.

“Just kidding,” he says, already grinning. “Wanted to see if you’d fall for it.”

She groans. “You are the worst”

“Pretty sure you love it.”

She rolls her eyes but her mouth betrays her, lips tugging up into an involuntary smile.

ArthurTV watches the exchange like he’s clocking something but wisely doesn’t say a word.

George lingers for another minute, then disappears again. Back into the noise. The pub feels a little louder once he’s gone. Y/N exhales, not realizing she was holding her breath.

Bach eyes her. “You’ve got a little George crush, don’t you?”

Y/N nearly chokes on her drink. “Absolutely not.”

“Uh-huh,” Bach says knowingly.

Arthur raises a hand. “As a neutral third party, I can confirm: you definitely do.”

She buries her face in her hands. “I hate all of you.”

But she’s smiling. And somewhere under the teasing, the embarrassment, and the buzz of too many half-pints and inside jokes, there’s something else.

Something settling.

Something starting.

———————

I’ve already written 14 parts for this story… it goes into normal life streaming together, etc after this. Let me know if you guys like it!!! It’s very slow burn soz 💛💛

Masterlist

[gracefulserpent1207]

SONIC 3 MAJOR SPOILERS!!!

PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FILM

My Sonic 3 Review:

Opening the film with Shadow waking up to memories of Maria I am SICK

Maria... was playing... Live and Learn... on guitar... omg... my heart...

OZZY'S "You stole my hoomans!" LMAOOOOOO

The fact that when Sonic says to Tom "I don't know what I'd do without you, I'd probably be a completely different hedgehog", they cut to Shadow - that is PEAK cinematography!

SHADOW ON HIS MOTORBIKE!!!

BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY AGENT STONE ON A MOTORBIKE HELLO???

Tails wanted to go the chao garden he is so adorable I love him so much 😭 and the look on his face when they start performing he's just a little guy 🥺

THE WAY THE CHAO WERE RUNNING ABOUT WHEN THE CHAO GARDEN WAS ATTACKED WAS SO FUNNY

Eggman watching telenovelas is so accurate actually

Agent Stone is just so in love isn't he? In fact the Stobotnik scenes in this film were some of my favourite scenes - Lee Majdoub you're amazing

Keanu Reeves was AMAZING as Shadow

Shadow looked so scared when he was put in the tank and it was filling with water poor baby 🥺

One thing that was NOT on my Sonic 3 bingo chart was COMMANDER WALTERS FUCKING DYING??? THEY KILLED THE OLIVE GARDEN GUY???

Maria drawing a bunny face over Shadow in the tank she is so precious I love them both so much 😭

The little montage of Shadow and Maria hanging out made me SICK (in a good way) especially that scene when he's running through the halls pulling her behind him on her rollerskates LOL

NOOOOO SHADOW YOU'RE NOT AN ALIEN FREAK DON'T LISTEN TO THAT STUPID MOVIE

"There's still light, even when the star's not there anymore" okay so I'm just gonna cry into my popcorn now thx

Stone calling Tails adorable he is so real for that

Eggman saying that he's "undesirable to all possible genders" 🤨🏳️‍🌈 'whoa he's bisexual I didn't know that!'

Speed reference!

"It's like we're in a movie and we're both being played by the same actor! *Slowly stare into camera*" That fourth wall break was BRILLIANT

I can't decide whether Tom's puppet of himself is absolutely hilarious or absolutely terrifying

The montage of Eggman and Gerald lol! (but poor Stone was left out ☹️)

The entire London break-in scene was great! Especially when Knuckles finally got to break the glass!

REVENGE GUAC

Can we take a minute to appreciate the complete contrast between Gerald saying "a WOMAN in the MILITARY 😒" and Shadow saying that the girl in the telenovela should kill both the guys fighting over her because she's "not a prize to be won"?

Also Shadow watching a telenovela and telling the girl to kill both guys is so accurate LMAO he really said 'YOU LEAVE THAT LATINA ALONE!'

Ngl for a hot second I GENUINELY thought Tom was dead that was SCARY

Are we gonna talk about the fact that Gerald and Shadow were ready to kill themselves if it meant getting revenge?

The way Shadow's face changes and he flashbacks to Maria when he sees Sonic knelt next to Tom begging him to wake up... The parallels between Sonic and Shadow in this film... Oh my goodness...

Sonic getting mad enough to steal the Master Emerald from Knuckles was also NOT on my Sonic 3 bingo chart - I thought we were gonna see them fight each other for a sec which was CRAZY

I'm not the biggest Wade fan but Sonic effortlessly taking the Master Emerald from him and him replying "well I tried" was comedy GOLD - all that training in the Knuckles series for nothing huh 😂

Sonic turning super for vengeance purposes oh my goodness...

Maria's death scene really gave me goosebumps - the way Commander Walters shouts "don't shoot they're children!" - the way Shadow's face changes when he sees Maria dead - the way Gerald was crying...

I think it really says a lot about G.U.N that in this version, they didn't even shoot Maria but they were still actively responsible for her death - that officer DID shoot and he DID try and aim at Maria and that explosion WAS caused by him

Obviously I hate G.U.N but I actually feel kinda bad for Walters now like he really did try to save her didn't he 🫤

Both Gerald and Walters refer to Maria AND Shadow as children which I appreciate cuz it shows how young Shadow really was when everything went to hell for him - he's just a baby your honour he didn't MEAN to blow up earth 🥺

Sonic attacking Shadow in super form was just... WOW! He was REALLY angry wasnt he?

SUPER SONIC VS SUPER SHADOW??? HOLY SHIT!!! THAT BATTLE WAS EPIC!!! 🤯

Sonic almost killing Shadow over him almost killing Tom was a really great way to relate Sonic and Shadow's stories - Sonic coming around when Shadow points to his heart, thinking about what Tom said at the start of the film parallelling Shadow then coming around after remembering what Maria said to him... This is one hell of a film!

Sonic and Shadow watching the sun come up together as Shadow repeats what Maria says about light and stars 😭

"Don't tell me you've got a catchphrase..." "Yep, and everyone loves it!" Another fourth wall break that did NOT disappoint.

LIVE AND LEARRRRRN!!! HANGING ON THE EDGE OF TOMMOROW— 🎶

THEY DID THE SA2 POSE!!! I REPEAT, THEY DID THE SA2 POSE!!! AND IN SUPER FORM TOO!!!

Did they just... fucking... incinerate Gerald... wtf.... RIP I guess...

Shadow attacked those robots with SUPER CHOAS SPEARS in one scene!!! Which is AWESOME!!!

Eggman switching sides cuz even he knows blowing up the world is a bad idea 👍

I could go on and on and on about the Super Sonic and Super Shadow scene IT WAS SO GOOD!!!

Sonic falling to earth gave me a heart attack. Tails then falling to earth whilst trying to save Sonic also gave me a heart attack. Knuckles going to save them both making me think he was also gonna fall to earth gave me a third heart attack.

The way I physically leaned forward in my seat when Shadow took off his inhibitor rings—

They pissed on the moon.

We've seen Shadow smile so much in this film and it is SO refreshing to see! That smile right before he and Sonic team up to attack those robots Gerald sends after them is my favourite smile we've ever seen on him.

Eggman dedicated his last speech before dying to Stone 😭😩🥹 AND STONE SAYING "I CAN'T LOSE YOU AGAIN" THEY BETTER KISS IN THE NEXT FILM I SWEAR—

Team Sonic hug 🥹

Ending on the race was perfect (bonus points for Ozzy barking with subtitles again because that was HILARIOUS)

WE GON RUN IT RUN IT RUN IT TILL WE RUNNING OUTTA ROAD 💃💃💃

OMG AMY! AMY AMY AMY OH MY GOODNESS AMY! HELLO AMY! I'VE MISSED YOU SWEET AMY! AMY AMY AMY AMY AMY AMY!!! I GOT SO EXCITED WHEN I SAW THAT HAMMER! AMY ROSE! HI!!! YOU LOOK SO GOOD!!! AMY AMY AMY!!!

Oh yeah and Metal Sonic.

AMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!

So great to see that Shadow's NOT dead (although tbf I did kinda expect that - it would've been unlikely that they genuinely kill him off when he's such a popular character)

Honestly I think the END end credits scene was a perfect set up for a Shadow spinoff, like they HAVE to make one now

I also think the two end credits scenes together show that Eggman isn't really dead either - again it would be unlikely for them to kill him off PLUS if Shadow managed to chaos control himself out of there he could've easily gone back for Eggman too (and I mean who else is gonna be responsible for creating Metal Sonic?)

AMY, PEOPLE, AMY!!!

Overall, I think it's pretty clear that I LOVED this film! It was amazing and I'm already excited for the next one lol! ❤️

[charliegyrth]

Go with the Flow - Part 1 of 9

My Husband Kai

Kai was a surfer, which meant two things:

One. His body was sinewy and lean. Narrow-shouldered. Narrow-hipped. A body built for efficiency, perfect for riding waves.

And two. He was the chillest person you’d ever meet. He had this saying: “Just go with the flow.” But it wasn’t just a saying to him. It was a lifestyle.

We’d been together for four years, married for two months, and I can’t think of a single time when we argued. He just took whatever happened—good or bad—and accepted it as another wave in the steady current of life.

One night, we were out on the deck of our beach house to celebrate our friend Mike’s break-up. Mike was proudly single, and whenever a relationship ended, he liked to have a few beers and toast to new beginnings. Mike and I had actually dated (a long time ago), but it didn’t work out. Obviously. He was always so bossy and domineering, the exact opposite of Kai. Good friend, terrible boyfriend.

So that night, Mike and I were drinking beers, watching the waves crash below us, when Kai asked if we needed snacks.

I wasn’t hungry, but Mike was. “Sure, man.”

“What kind?”

“Whatever you got.”

Kai looked at me for clarification.

“Chips and guac, babe,” I told him.

He smiled and ran back inside.

When he was out of earshot, Mike scooted his chair closer and slapped me on the back. “You really lucked out, huh?”

I took a long sip. “Luckiest guy in the world.”

“Must be nice to marry a guy who doesn’t think for himself.”

I choked a little. Had I heard him correctly? “What do you mean?”

He elbowed me. “You know what I mean, man. Kai does everything you want. I’ve literally never seen him make a decision for himself.”

“That’s not true!”

Mike raised an eyebrow, daring me to think of a single example.

“He… he surfs.”

“When his friends invite him. And didn’t he grow up surfing?”

“Yeah.”

“Doesn’t sound like a decision, my friend. Seriously, when was the last time he picked what you guys did, or what music you listened to, or where you ate?”

My mouth hung open, because yeah, I couldn’t think of any examples. Kai was so zen, so eager to embrace whatever life threw at him, that he really didn’t make any choices for himself. I’d always just chalked that up to his laid-back surfer attitude, but maybe it was more than that.

Did I really marry a guy who didn’t think for himself?

I felt terrible. I loved his attitude. I loved how masculine I felt with such a relaxed, submissive partner, but the way Mike was talking made our whole dynamic seem really unhealthy.

“I’m not saying it’s a bad thing,” Mike said. “I’m just saying, it must be nice to be with a guy who does everything you tell him to.”

Before I could respond, Kai returned with chips and guac, exactly what I’d asked for. He placed it on the table in front of us, then bent down to kiss me on the cheek. “You guys need anything else?”

Mike smirked at the way Kai was acting like some sort of 50s housewife.

“No thanks,” I said.

Kai sat down, completely oblivious to our conversation.

Mike, devious expression on his face, said, “Beautiful night, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. Totally,” Kai answered.

“And guacamole tastes great, doesn’t it?”

“Yep,” Kai answered, unaware that our friend was testing him.

“You know what? Kai, can you stand up for a second?”

He stood without asking why. His loose Hawaiian shirt waved in the breeze, accentually his thin frame. It was a shirt I’d gotten for him last summer.

“While you were inside,” Mike said, “your husband and I were just talking about that shirt.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I think it looks good on you, but Dave just said that he doesn’t really like the color. Isn’t that right, Dave?”

I hated to be roped into Mike’s little experiment, but if I didn’t play along, he’d find some other way to mess with us.

“Uh huh,” I said. “I never realized how orange it was.”

“Okay,” Kai said. He immediately stripped off his shirt and dropped it on the table. His pale, smoothly muscled torso gleamed in the moonlight. Then he sat down, shirtless, acting as if nothing had happened.

Mike looked me in the eye with a told-ya-so expression. God, I wanted to punch him.

“But Kai,” I tried, “what do you think about the color?”

He looked down at the crumpled fabric in front of him. With a shrug, he said, “Meh. I never really thought about it.”

I didn’t know what else to say, so I popped a chip in my mouth.

When Kai saw me do that, he did the same.

Read Part 2 here. You can find all my stories here.

And if you'd like to read the full story now, check out the ebook. This story will always be free on Tumblr, but you can also buy it on Amazon (with a bonus story).

[glitchedcosmos]

Okay it’s been a few days , here’s my Sonic 3 thoughts below ( spoilers definitely)

I’ve been so excited for this movie all year, I’ve been emotionally and mentally prepping myself for how epic it would be, and even then, I was still loosing my mind in the theater, it’s so much better than I ever thought it could be. So much I love about it . Here’s some things that knocked my socks off so hard they passed shadow on his way to the moon.

. The whole opening scene was amazing, seeing shadow immediately, seeing him frozen , but actively thinking , and remembering Maria , then he wakes up , and immediately I could tell this was gonna be amazing and hard to stomach like a brick

. Shadow waking up and immediately mewtwoing the FUCK outta the gun officers on prison Island, bro gave everyone there a refund on their life, I was sitting there like , yeah fuck the POlicE

.the brotherly bond in this film is really great, right off the bat you can tell they’re all such a close family, the race was so sibling coded , they were so cute

. When sonic and Tom find Sonic’s old cave, and they talk in front of Sonic’s painting of long claw , talking about missing her, and not changing who he is, uGH It’s the good shit, it made my heart swollen 🥺

. I also love Tom and Maddie in this movie, they’re such awesome kick ass parents, they’re trusting their kids to make right choices, celebrating the day Sonic changed their lives, and the whole time they’re on screen with their kids you can tell they are such a power family.

. Shadow crashing out in Tokyo

. Shadow throwing cars around like humans are target practice

. Team Sonic meeting shadow , and after they get beat up, Sonic ping after shadow and the whole motorcycle chase scene was like having speed injected into my veins it had me FOAMING

. Rockwell is just kinda there, being a bitch

. PIKA PIKA :3

. REVENGE GUAC 🥑

. EVERYTIME shadow was thinking of Maria and remembering her I barley breathed, all of it was so well done, I could feel my chest hurting

. SHE DREW A FACE ON HIM OVER THE FUCKING GLASS

. THEY WERE SIBLINGS

. THEY WERE LITTLE ADORABLE SHITS

. he opened up to her, him being scared of being a monster, him not knowing what he would do without her, and then he was FORCED TO KNOW BECAUSE HE LOST HER

. Everytime we see him talk about her, remember her, can’t even be in his old home without hurting so deeply it’s suffocating , it was all so well done it punched me in the face

. I can honestly say this is my favorite shadow and Maria story, yeah them cutting out her sickness was weird, but honestly these two versions of them are my favorite. Them alone, sky rocketed the movies amazing quality

. Gerald and robotnik were funny , that dance scene was fucking wild ( it should’ve been stone and robotnik ):0)

. When robotnik literally just dedicates his finally live stream to stone, and he says he was the only one who cared about him, and called him his friend THEN SACRAFICES HIMSELF THAT WAS A DIVORCE I DID NOT NEED

. Gerald getting swatted out like a fly was fitting

. SONIC CRASHING OUT AFTER SHADOW HURT TOM

. Knuckles being the bigger brother and standing down from Sonic almost fighting him over the master emerald was genuinely great, good on my little red man. I love him

. not shadow seeing something gold fly towards them then getting FUCKING LAUNCHED THROUGH THE SHIP LIKE BRO

. Sonic completely crashing out on shadow THANK GOD

. NOT SONIC LITTERALY DECKING SHADOW INTO SPACE AFTER SHADOW TALKED SHIT LIKE GET HUMBLED SIR

. Sonic manhandled him by the fur tit

. THE TALK ON THE MOON GUYS 😭

. Litteraly it was so beautiful, shadow looking up at the stars remembering Maria’s words ugh

. Sonic telling shadow about his lost loved one, how he knows how shadow feels. And you just hear them both sound so alone and tired

. Shadow asking Sonic if the pain ever goes away, Sonic saying no, MAN THAT OUCH

. HE STARED AT SHADOW FOR LIKE A MINUTE AMD WATCHED THE SUNRISE TOGETHER PLEASE THEY SHOULDVE KISSED ON DAT FUCKIN MOON

. NOT THEM HOLDING HANDS AND GOING SUPER LIKE FUCKING GODS

. LIVE AND LEARN MOTHERFUCKERS

. THE WHOLE BATTLE SCENE WITH THEM FIGHTING ROBOTS , SHADOW FLIRTING , SONIC ALSO BEING A FLIRTY BITCH, THEM WORKING SO GOOD OFF EACHOTHER, THEY KICKED SO MUCH ASS GUYS

. My jaw actually started to hurt it was dropped for five minutes straight

. Shadow sacrificing himself like a star going super nova

. Sonic and shadow BETTER know they’re alive in the next movie they should have a better relationship now

. The ending was pretty nice, the family hug, OZZIE being precious, the ending was really sweet

. And of course the post credit scenes

. I can’t tell you how loud me and my theater screamed when we saw metal sonic, he looks amazing, he looks so cool I was HYPED ( he was top three of my guesses for post credit reveal)

And AMY MY BEAUTIFUL BEANIE GIRL SHES HERE SHES COMING TO FLUFFER PUPPER LAND YESSSSS

- HER DESIGN ALREADY LOOKS BEAUTIFUL, HER HAMMER FUCKING SICK

. All in all, it was beyond worth the wait, this movie genuinely feels like a amazing love letter to Sonic fans, this franchise feels like that, this one easily best of the franchise, possibly one of the best Sonic medias ever, it sets up the excitement for future projects really well, it’s beautiful, emotional, heartwarming, breathtaking and thrilling, and almost everything about it was so well done it could not be done better than this. I recommend it to anyone who has a love for Sonic , sega, video games, or beautiful scenes and a really awesome experience.

I give it a 9.5/10 🌟

[queenofquestions]

Off Menu Tag

So the brilliant @the-eclectic-wonderer tagged me in this game and I'm just going to apologize to @valentinaonthemoon right now because I'm going to 100% misinterpret the point of this game.

The thing is, I got this this morning and I was thinking about my favorite foods and they just don't go together at all! Like my favorite dish is probably a Thai yellow curry but my favorite drink is definitely a root beer float and so on. But together, like yuck! So I was really really stuck.

But then I remembered this is a genie and they have magic and I actually do have a list of foods I desperately want to eat and will never ever get the change to have. So without further ado...

You're in your dream restaurant and a genie waiter is ready to take your meal order:

Where does my dream meal take place: late Cretaceous North America, about 66 mya on the day the asteroid kills the dinosaurs. Because I'd get to see dinosaurs and then I'd get to see a brilliant falling star and then an explosion and then the sky would look like it had caught on fire due to all the debris shot up into the atmosphere and burning up.

Still or sparkling water: still. I don't really get the whole sparkling water thing tbh.

Poppadoms or Bread: if these are my only choices probably bread especially if I can have it with jam. But if I can choose anything of this type, chips and salsa and guac because I just got back home from France and I have been craving it so much.

Dream Starter: This is where I'm going to go off the deep end and say a like Spanish tortilla style omelet made out of elephant bird eggs because I really want to know what those taste like. They're so big!!!

Dream Main Course: easy. Velociraptor meat. I want to settle one of the most pressing paleontology questions of all time: did dinosaurs taste like chicken?

Dream Side Dish: Follow me on a detour out of bird/dinosaur land and into the world of archaeology. I desperately want to try some plant dishes from the Eastern Agricultural Complex. There's archaeological evidence that the people in the American Midwest had domesticated plants like sunflower, marsh elder, squash and goosefoot (a chenopod like quinoa) before the arrival of maize from Central America. The domesticated versions of these plants are completely lost and I'm desperate to try a dish made out of them.

Dream Drink: I have no idea. Mammoth milk?

Dream Dessert: Now, because I'm pretty sure none of the stuff on my list actually tastes very good I'm going to go ahead and choose something actually tasty to help get the taste of dead dinosaur out of my mouth. My favorite dessert is lemonade cake. It's a confetti cake that has been soaked in condensed lemonade. It's sickeningly sweet, super sour, and topped with an incredibly large amount of whipped cream :)

Tagging, absolutely no pressure: I'm thinking @herbirdglitter cause you always like the archaeology stuff and @val-bespoke because you know I love talking to you about foods which foods we can't possibly believe the other person hasn't tried

[freshpuns]

25 Taco Valentine Puns That Will Spice Up Your Love Life | Perfect for Food Lovers

https://freshpuns.com/?p=1762 25 Taco Valentine Puns That Will Spice Up Your Love Life | Perfect for Food Lovers Looking to spice up your Valentine’s Day messages? We’ve rounded up the cheesiest, most hilarious taco-themed Valentine puns that’ll have your special someone saying “I love you a whole lote!” Whether you’re crafting the perfect card, planning a taco-themed date night, or simply want to make your taco-loving partner smile, these puns combine two universal loves: Mexican food and romance. From “You’ve got me feeling extra spicy” to “We’re nacho average couple,” we’ve assembled puns that range from sweet to saucy – perfect for any relationship salsa level. Table of Contents Toggle The Ultimate Collection of Taco Valentine PunsSweet and Savory PunsSpicy and Flirty PunsPunny Valentine PromisesFor Long-Distance RelationshipsLet’s Taco ‘Bout Love: Valentine’s Day Puns for FoodiesSpicy and Sweet ExpressionsCheesy Taco Love Notes15 Taco Valentine Puns That Will Make Your Heart SizzleFor Writing in Valentine’s CardsFor Social Media CaptionsNacho Average Valentine: Puns for Taco LoversMild Puns for BeginnersExtra Hot Puns for Serious RelationshipsTaco-Themed Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas With Punny TagsDIY Taco Gift BasketsCustomized Taco-Themed GiftsRestaurant Gift Cards With PunsPersonalized NotesHow to Create Your Own Taco Valentine PunsMixing Food Terms With Romantic LanguagePlaying With Taco IngredientsThe History Behind Food Puns on Valentine’s DayConclusion: Wrapping Up Your Taco-Filled Valentine’s DayFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat are taco-themed Valentine puns?Why use food puns for Valentine’s Day?Are there different types of taco puns for different relationships?How can I create my own taco Valentine pun?Can I use taco puns on social media?When did food puns become popular for Valentine’s Day? The Ultimate Collection of Taco Valentine Puns Sweet and Savory Puns “You’ve taco-n over my heart completely!” “I’m nacho average valentine, but I think we’d make a great combo plate.” “Let’s taco ’bout how much I love you.” “We were mint to be together, just like cilantro and tacos.” “My love for you is stronger than my love for tacos – and that’s saying a lot!” “You’re the guac to my roll – always making life extra special.” “I’m so glad I picked-o you to be my Valentine.” “Life without you would be like a taco without salsa – bland and incomplete.” Spicy and Flirty Puns “You’re so hot like the sauce on my favorite tacos.” “I’m shell-y crazy about you!” “Want to spice things up tonight? Let’s make tacos and cuddle.” “You make my heart beat queso fast!” “I’d tequila shot to be with you forever.” “You’ve got me feeling all jalapeño business today.” “I’m burrito-fully in love with everything about you.” “Let’s taco this relationship to the next level.” Punny Valentine Promises “I promise to always taco care of your heart.” “I’ll never let our love get stale – like a fresh tortilla, it’ll stay soft and warm.” “You’ll never have to fish for compliments – I’ll always tell you how spec-taco-lar you are.” “I cilantro wait to spend forever with you.” “I’ll never lettuce be apart on Valentine’s Day.” “You’ll always be my supreme taco – loaded with all my favorite things.” “I’ll shell out whatever it takes to make you happy.” “I cayenne-not imagine life without your spicy personality.” For Long-Distance Relationships “No matter how far apart, my love for you remains shell-strong.” “Distance means nothing when you’re the salsa to my chips.” “I’d cross any border to be with my favorite taco lover.” “You’re worth the extra guac and the extra miles.” “Miles apart but still taco-ing about you to everyone I meet.” “Sending warm tortilla hugs across the distance.” “Our love is like a perfect taco – holds together no matter how messy life gets.” “Can’t wait to wrap you in my arms again soon.” Let’s Taco ‘Bout Love: Valentine’s Day Puns for Foodies Spicy and Sweet Expressions Looking to spice up your Valentine’s Day messages? These taco-inspired puns will add the perfect flavor to your romantic gestures. Tell your special someone “You’re the taco to my Tuesday” to emphasize how they complete your weekly ritual. Express your constant admiration with “I taco ’bout you all the time” to show they’re always on your mind. Highlight their importance by saying “Life without you is like a taco without salsa—bland,” acknowledging how they add excitement to your days. Complement their vibrant personality with “You’re the hot sauce that adds spice to my life” or simply “Taco ’bout how amazing you are” to show appreciation. Dance into their heart with “You make my heart do the salsa” or appreciate their smooth personality with “You’re the avocado to my taco—so smooth.” Celebrate their vibrant energy using “You’re the lime that adds zest to my taco life” or suggest deeper conversations with “Let’s taco ’bout how great we are together.” Finish strong by declaring “You’re the best thing to happen to my taco Tuesday” to cement their special place in your routine. Cheesy Taco Love Notes Our collection of cheesy taco puns will melt your Valentine’s heart faster than queso on a hot tortilla. Start with “You’re the cheese that makes everything better” to emphasize their positive impact on your life. Create a perfect pairing by saying “We go together like tacos and cheese” to highlight your compatibility. Elevate their status with “You’re the perfect topping on my taco of life” to show how they enhance your everyday experiences. Capture the joy they bring you with “Every moment with you is a taco delight” to express ongoing happiness. Measure your affection with “I love you more than tacos love guacamole” to quantify your immense feelings. Add some unique flavor with “I’m nacho average Valentine, I’m one of a kind” or “I’m nacho kidding, I love you to bits” for playful reassurance. Praise your relationship using “Taco ’bout a love that’s full of flavor” or acknowledge their effect on you with “You’re the spice that makes my heart race.” Celebrate your connection with “With you, every day is a taco party” to show how they make ordinary moments special. 15 Taco Valentine Puns That Will Make Your Heart Sizzle For Writing in Valentine’s Cards Looking to spice up your Valentine’s card with some taco-themed humor? These puns are perfect for expressing your love with a touch of Mexican food flair: You’re the taco to my Tuesday – remind your special someone they’re your weekly highlight Life without you is like a taco without salsa—bland – show them how they add flavor to your industry You’re the guac to my taco – because they’re worth the extra charge in your life We make a spec-taco-lar couple – celebrate your amazing partnership You’re the hot sauce that adds spice to my life – perfect for a partner who brings excitement Taco ’bout how amazing you are – a simple play on words to express admiration You’re the avocado to my taco—so smooth – for that partner who keeps everything cool You’re the cheese that makes everything better – because they improve every situation I love you more than tacos love guacamole – and that’s saying a lot You’re the perfect topping on my taco of life – they complete you For Social Media Captions Let’s taco ’bout how much I love you – perfect for couples’ selfies Life’s spicy with you in it – great for adventurous couples Roses are red, tacos are divine, I’ll be your salsa if you’ll be mine – a classic poem with a tasty twist Taco ’bout how lucky I am to have you – showcase your gratitude for your relationship Every moment with you is a taco delight – celebrate the joy your partner brings to everyday life Nacho Average Valentine: Puns for Taco Lovers Taco Valentine puns combine the zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine with sweet romantic sentiments, creating playful expressions perfect for spicing up your Valentine’s Day messages. These food-themed wordplays offer a unique way to express affection to the taco lover in your life. Mild Puns for Beginners Looking for a gentle introduction to taco-themed romance? These mild puns provide the perfect starting point for sharing your feelings without overwhelming your Valentine: “You’re nacho average Valentine!” Acknowledge your special someone’s uniqueness with this classic cheese-inspired compliment. “I love you a whole lotta guac!” Express the depth of your feelings with this avocado-based declaration that’s sure to make them smile. “Taco ’bout a perfect match!” Celebrate your compatibility with this simple yet effective play on words. “You guac my industry!” Show how your Valentine has completely transformed your life with this guacamole reference that works perfectly in cards or texts. Extra Hot Puns for Serious Relationships Ready to kick things up a notch? These spicier puns work wonderfully for established couples looking to add some humor to their Valentine’s celebration: “You’re un-burrito-ble!” Communicate how extraordinary your partner is with this playful twist that suggests they’re simply irreplaceable. “Let’s taco ’bout love.” Invite deeper connection with this conversation starter that’s perfect for romantic dinners. “You’re the salsa to my taco.” Highlight your perfect partnership with this complementary food metaphor that shows how well you complete each other. “We’re a match made in taco heaven.” Celebrate your relationship’s divine compatibility with this celestial food reference that emphasizes your perfect pairing. Taco-Themed Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas With Punny Tags DIY Taco Gift Baskets Creating a personalized taco gift basket offers a unique way to show your love with flavors they’ll appreciate. Fill a decorative basket with essential taco ingredients like seasoning packets, fresh tortillas, jars of salsa, and guacamole mix for a practical yet thoughtful present. Adding specialty hot sauces or gourmet taco toppings elevates this gift beyond ordinary cooking supplies. Attach adorable punny tags to each item with messages like “You’re the taco to my Tuesday!” or “You’re the guac to my taco.” Personalize the basket further with a card saying “Let’s taco ’bout how much I love you” to make your Valentine smile while unwrapping this tasty surprise. Customized Taco-Themed Gifts Specialty platforms like Etsy offer many taco-themed merchandise options perfect for expressing your affection. Custom shirts featuring illustrations of tacos alongside heartfelt messages make wearable tokens of your love. Coffee mugs with sayings like “Life without you is like a taco without salsa—bland!” provide daily reminders of your feelings. Personalized kitchen accessories such as cutting boards or aprons emblazoned with “You’re the hot sauce that adds spice to my life!” combine practicality with romance. Phone cases, tote bags, and jewelry decorated with taco motifs accompanied by the message “You make my heart do the salsa!” create lasting mementos of your unique relationship. Restaurant Gift Cards With Puns Gift cards to favorite taco restaurants transform an ordinary present into a memorable experience when presented with clever wordplay. Wrap the card in decorative paper and attach a note saying “Taco ’bout a great date night!” for maximum impact. Many Mexican restaurants offer special Valentine’s packages that include complimentary desserts or drinks, making your gift even more valuable. Fold the gift card into an origami taco shape and include a message like “We go together like tacos and cheese!” to showcase your creativity. Personalized Notes Handwritten notes add a heartfelt touch to any taco-themed Valentine’s gift with minimal effort required. Create a custom card featuring illustrations of tacos and hearts alongside phrases like “All I wanna taco ’bout is you” for a simple yet effective expression of affection. Poetry fans might appreciate rhyming verses such as “Roses are red, tacos are divine, I’ll be your salsa if you’ll be mine.” Attach small notes to individual tacos if planning a dinner date with messages like “You’ve got me feeling all saucy inside” revealed as they enjoy each bite. These personalized touches transform ordinary gifts into memorable expressions of your unique taco-fueled love story. How to Create Your Own Taco Valentine Puns Ready to create your own taco-inspired love notes? We’ve broken down the process into simple steps that’ll help you create punny expressions as unique as your relationship. Mixing Food Terms With Romantic Language Creating memorable taco Valentine puns starts with blending food-related terminology with romantic expressions. Try combining words like “taco,” “salsa,” and “spice” with traditional love language for maximum impact. “You’re the salsa that makes my heart dance” effectively merges the lively nature of salsa with emotional connection. “Let’s taco ’bout how much I love you” substitutes “talk” with “taco” for a playful twist on expressing affection. “You’re the hot sauce that adds spice to my life” cleverly uses condiment imagery to convey how someone enhances your daily existence. These combinations work because they maintain clear romantic intent while incorporating fun food references that resonate with taco lovers. Playing With Taco Ingredients Taco ingredients provide rich material for creating Valentine puns that showcase your feelings. Focus on exact components like guacamole, cheese, lime, and avocado to create personalized messages. “You’re the guac to my taco” emphasizes essential compatibility between you and your Valentine. “You’re the avocado to my taco—so smooth!” compliments your partner’s personality using the creamy texture of avocados as metaphor. “You’re the cheese that makes everything better!” acknowledges how your special someone improves your life experiences. “You’re the lime that adds zest to my taco life!” celebrates the brightness and energy your partner brings to your relationship. These ingredient-based puns work particularly well because they attribute positive qualities to your Valentine while maintaining the taco theme. The History Behind Food Puns on Valentine’s Day Food puns have woven their way into Valentine’s Day celebrations, creating a delightful fusion of culinary terminology and romantic expressions. These wordplays leverage our love for food to express affection in humorous and creative ways, making Valentine’s Day messages more memorable and entertaining. Taco-themed puns, in particular, have carved out their own special niche in this tradition. The popularity of food-related Valentine puns has grown significantly with the rise of social media platforms that showcase creative and captivating content. People actively search for unique ways to express their feelings beyond traditional Valentine sentiments, turning to playful food references that add personality to their romantic gestures. Taco puns like “You’re my taco ’bout forever” and “Love at first bite… of tacos” represent this fun approach to celebrating love. Taco Valentine puns appear in various celebratory formats including greeting cards, text messages, social media posts, and even themed dinner dates. Their versatility makes them appropriate for all relationship stages, from new couples to long-term partnerships looking to add a dash of humor to their Valentine’s Day. The family-friendly nature of these puns ensures they can be enjoyed by people of all ages, contributing to their widespread appeal across diverse social settings. Many websites and blogs now feature collections of taco Valentine puns specifically designed to help people celebrate the holiday in unique ways. These compilations serve as inspiration for those wanting to incorporate food-themed humor into their expressions of affection. Food puns transform ordinary Valentine’s messages into something special, combining our universal love for tasty treats with heartfelt sentiments in a way that resonates with food enthusiasts everywhere. Conclusion: Wrapping Up Your Taco-Filled Valentine’s Day Taco puns offer a fresh and flavorful way to express your affection this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been together for years these cheesy expressions add a personal touch that store-bought cards simply can’t match. We hope these taco-themed puns have inspired you to get creative with your Valentine’s messages. From mild to extra spicy there’s a taco pun for every relationship and every occasion. So go ahead and spice up your Valentine’s Day! Your special someone will appreciate the effort and humor that comes with these uniquely crafted expressions of love. After all nothing says “I love you” quite like a well-crafted taco pun that comes straight from the heart. Frequently Asked Questions What are taco-themed Valentine puns? Taco-themed Valentine puns are humorous wordplays that combine taco terminology with romantic expressions. They’re designed to bring smiles to taco-loving partners and can be used in Valentine’s cards, text messages, or social media posts. Examples include “You’ve taco-n over my heart completely!” and “You’re the taco to my Tuesday.” Why use food puns for Valentine’s Day? Food puns offer a playful, light-hearted way to express affection while adding personality to traditional Valentine’s messages. They’re especially perfect for couples who bond over their love of food. Taco puns specifically are versatile, family-friendly, and appeal to various relationship stages, making them accessible to everyone looking to add humor to their expressions of love. Are there different types of taco puns for different relationships? Yes! The article categorizes puns based on relationship dynamics. Sweet and savory puns work for new relationships, spicy and flirty puns add heat to established couples, while specific sections cater to long-distance relationships. There are also “mild” puns for beginners and “extra hot” options for couples comfortable with more playful humor. How can I create my own taco Valentine pun? Creating your own taco pun is simple: combine taco terminology with romantic language. Start by listing taco-related words (shell, salsa, guacamole) and blend them with love expressions. For example, turn “You complete me” into “You’re the salsa that makes my taco complete.” Play with ingredients to highlight your partner’s qualities while maintaining the taco theme. Can I use taco puns on social media? Absolutely! Taco puns make excellent social media captions for Valentine’s Day posts. Options like “Let’s taco ’bout how much I love you” or “Roses are red, tacos are divine, I’ll be your salsa if you’ll be mine” work perfectly for Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. They’re catchy, shareable, and show off your playful personality. When did food puns become popular for Valentine’s Day? Food puns have gained significant popularity with the rise of social media platforms, where unique expressions of affection stand out. They represent a modern twist on traditional Valentine’s messages, blending culinary terminology with romance. The trend reflects our evolving approach to celebrating love in ways that feel more personalized and aligned with shared interests. https://freshpuns.com/?p=1762 Fresh Puns

[cleverhottubmiracle]

My Super Bowl spread is never complete without a bowl of creamy guacamole front and center to dip crunchy tortilla chips into. As someone who makes it from scratch ahead of time, I’ve often wondered how to keep guacamole from turning brown before serving it. Recently, I found the solution to this dip dilemma just in time for the big game that involves holding off on mixing in the tomatoes and onions until the very end. Here’s more one the unexpected tip and my experiencing trying it out. (Scroll to the end of the story for a bonus smoked guacamole recipe!) Why does guacamole turn brown in the fridge? Guacamole turns brown because avocados release an enzyme after being cut. This enzyme reacts with the oxygen in the air, starting the oxidation process. “The flesh of the avocado oxidizes quickly—much like a cut apple—which changes the color [from green to brown],” says certified dietitian Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, tells Food Network. Adding fresh lemon or lime juice to the guac mixture can halt any browning as you’re preparing it. But if you’re making a batch in advance, sometimes citrus juice on its own isn’t enough. How to keep guacamole from turning brown The additional step to avoid serving brown guacamole? The Kitchn suggests holding off on putting ingredients like onions, tomatoes and jalapeño (also called pico de gallo) into the avocado mixture. Instead, they recommend placing a layer of pico de gallo on top of the mashed avocados beforehand creates a barrier to keep oxygen away. Once the pico de gallo is on top of the avocado base, you can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Afterwards, remove the plastic wrap and stir the pico de gallo into the avocado mixture for a nicely green guac to enjoy with tortilla chips. Yum! A delicious recipe for homemade guacamole Using chef Gabriel Kolofon’s recipe for perfect guacamole with pico de gallo as a guide, I tested this hack at home. Tools like a molcajete (the traditional Mexican version of a mortar and pestle) help you smash ripe avocados to your desired consistency.  Homemade Guacamole Ingredients: 1 serrano chile or jalapeño, seeds removed (if you want a mild guac) and chopped Kosher salt 100 ml fresh squeezed lime juice, plus more as needed 5 ripe small avocados 3⅓ Tbs. olive oil ¼ white onion, chopped 3 small tomatoes, diced 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish ¼ cup Cotija cheese, shredded or crumbled Tortilla chips, for serving Tools List: Directions: Active: 25 mins Total time: 30 mins Yield: 5 to 10 servings In a small bowl, mix the serrano chile or jalapeño with a pinch of the salt and lime juice. Set aside for five minutes. Create the pico de gallo in a separate bowl by combining the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, 2 tablespoons of the lime-chile mixture, and a pinch of salt together. Set aside as well. Remove the pit from each avocado and scoop the flesh out of the skins before placing into the molcajete. Start smashing the avocados to break them down slightly—the molcajete might get a little crowded but that’s fine. Pour the rest of the lime-chile mixture over the avocados and and continue smashing them until the guac reaches your preferred consistency (chunky or smooth). Give the mixture a taste and add more salt if needed. Find it to be too salty? Try adding more lime juice to taste and pour in the olive oil. Pour the avocado base into a medium sized bowl. Spread the pico de gallo over the base in a single layer and cover with plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap is directly touching the pico de gallo, which helps keep excess air out. Store the guac in the fridge until it’s time to serve. (Tip: Serve within the first hour or two of making it for freshness.) Remove the plastic wrap and fold the pico de gallo into the avocado base until it’s fully combined. Use a clean bowl or molcajete as the serving vessel. Garnish with fresh cilantro and shredded Cotija cheese before enjoying with tortilla chips.  Taste test Alexandria Brooks By the photo above, it’s clear that this clever hack actually worked! Letting the guac sit in the fridge for an hour allowed to chill without oxidizing. Plus, the taste was worth the wait as the the guacamole had a good ratio of tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, and lime. This gave the dip a spicy, acidic, and pungent kick that didn’t overpower the mild tasting avocados. (Now I see why chef Kolofon calls it “perfect guacamole.”) Patience and effort really does pay off for a tasty final dish like this mouthwatering guac recipe! Bonus guacamole recipe to try for the Super Bowl For a twist on classic guac, the pros at Traeger share their smoked guacamole recipe—perfect for putting a wood-fired grill, like their new Woodridge Series, to good use! Traeger Smoked Guacamole Traeger Ingredients: 7 medium avocados, halved and pitted 1 whole poblano pepper 4 whole ears of corn, shucked ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped ¼ cup tomato, chopped ¼ cup red onion, Chopped 2 Tbs. lime juice 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. chili powder 1 Tbs. garlic, minced Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Directions: Active: 15 mins Cook time: 30 mins Yield: 6 servings When ready to cook, set the Traeger (or other wood-fired grill) temperature to 180°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal Vavor, use Super Smoke, if available. Arrange the avocados, cut-side up, directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke for 10 minutes. Remove the avocados from the grill and increase the temperature to 450°F. Preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Once the grill reaches temperature, place the poblano pepper and corn directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and roast until nicely charred, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the poblano and corn from the grill. Add the poblano to a medium bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let steam for 10 minutes; this will make it easier to remove the skin. Cut the corn kernels from the cobs into a medium bowl. Peel the skin away from the poblano. Cut the pepper in half, discarding the seeds, then dice the Vesh and add to the bowl with the corn. Scoop the avocado Vesh from the skins into a large bowl and coarsely mash, leaving some chunks. Add the corn and poblano, cilantro, tomato, red onion, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and garlic and mix to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or, if needed, transfer to an airtight container, pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the guacamole before sealing the container, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy! Source link

[norajworld]

My Super Bowl spread is never complete without a bowl of creamy guacamole front and center to dip crunchy tortilla chips into. As someone who makes it from scratch ahead of time, I’ve often wondered how to keep guacamole from turning brown before serving it. Recently, I found the solution to this dip dilemma just in time for the big game that involves holding off on mixing in the tomatoes and onions until the very end. Here’s more one the unexpected tip and my experiencing trying it out. (Scroll to the end of the story for a bonus smoked guacamole recipe!) Why does guacamole turn brown in the fridge? Guacamole turns brown because avocados release an enzyme after being cut. This enzyme reacts with the oxygen in the air, starting the oxidation process. “The flesh of the avocado oxidizes quickly—much like a cut apple—which changes the color [from green to brown],” says certified dietitian Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, tells Food Network. Adding fresh lemon or lime juice to the guac mixture can halt any browning as you’re preparing it. But if you’re making a batch in advance, sometimes citrus juice on its own isn’t enough. How to keep guacamole from turning brown The additional step to avoid serving brown guacamole? The Kitchn suggests holding off on putting ingredients like onions, tomatoes and jalapeño (also called pico de gallo) into the avocado mixture. Instead, they recommend placing a layer of pico de gallo on top of the mashed avocados beforehand creates a barrier to keep oxygen away. Once the pico de gallo is on top of the avocado base, you can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Afterwards, remove the plastic wrap and stir the pico de gallo into the avocado mixture for a nicely green guac to enjoy with tortilla chips. Yum! A delicious recipe for homemade guacamole Using chef Gabriel Kolofon’s recipe for perfect guacamole with pico de gallo as a guide, I tested this hack at home. Tools like a molcajete (the traditional Mexican version of a mortar and pestle) help you smash ripe avocados to your desired consistency.  Homemade Guacamole Ingredients: 1 serrano chile or jalapeño, seeds removed (if you want a mild guac) and chopped Kosher salt 100 ml fresh squeezed lime juice, plus more as needed 5 ripe small avocados 3⅓ Tbs. olive oil ¼ white onion, chopped 3 small tomatoes, diced 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish ¼ cup Cotija cheese, shredded or crumbled Tortilla chips, for serving Tools List: Directions: Active: 25 mins Total time: 30 mins Yield: 5 to 10 servings In a small bowl, mix the serrano chile or jalapeño with a pinch of the salt and lime juice. Set aside for five minutes. Create the pico de gallo in a separate bowl by combining the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, 2 tablespoons of the lime-chile mixture, and a pinch of salt together. Set aside as well. Remove the pit from each avocado and scoop the flesh out of the skins before placing into the molcajete. Start smashing the avocados to break them down slightly—the molcajete might get a little crowded but that’s fine. Pour the rest of the lime-chile mixture over the avocados and and continue smashing them until the guac reaches your preferred consistency (chunky or smooth). Give the mixture a taste and add more salt if needed. Find it to be too salty? Try adding more lime juice to taste and pour in the olive oil. Pour the avocado base into a medium sized bowl. Spread the pico de gallo over the base in a single layer and cover with plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap is directly touching the pico de gallo, which helps keep excess air out. Store the guac in the fridge until it’s time to serve. (Tip: Serve within the first hour or two of making it for freshness.) Remove the plastic wrap and fold the pico de gallo into the avocado base until it’s fully combined. Use a clean bowl or molcajete as the serving vessel. Garnish with fresh cilantro and shredded Cotija cheese before enjoying with tortilla chips.  Taste test Alexandria Brooks By the photo above, it’s clear that this clever hack actually worked! Letting the guac sit in the fridge for an hour allowed to chill without oxidizing. Plus, the taste was worth the wait as the the guacamole had a good ratio of tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, and lime. This gave the dip a spicy, acidic, and pungent kick that didn’t overpower the mild tasting avocados. (Now I see why chef Kolofon calls it “perfect guacamole.”) Patience and effort really does pay off for a tasty final dish like this mouthwatering guac recipe! Bonus guacamole recipe to try for the Super Bowl For a twist on classic guac, the pros at Traeger share their smoked guacamole recipe—perfect for putting a wood-fired grill, like their new Woodridge Series, to good use! Traeger Smoked Guacamole Traeger Ingredients: 7 medium avocados, halved and pitted 1 whole poblano pepper 4 whole ears of corn, shucked ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped ¼ cup tomato, chopped ¼ cup red onion, Chopped 2 Tbs. lime juice 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. chili powder 1 Tbs. garlic, minced Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Directions: Active: 15 mins Cook time: 30 mins Yield: 6 servings When ready to cook, set the Traeger (or other wood-fired grill) temperature to 180°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal Vavor, use Super Smoke, if available. Arrange the avocados, cut-side up, directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke for 10 minutes. Remove the avocados from the grill and increase the temperature to 450°F. Preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Once the grill reaches temperature, place the poblano pepper and corn directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and roast until nicely charred, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the poblano and corn from the grill. Add the poblano to a medium bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let steam for 10 minutes; this will make it easier to remove the skin. Cut the corn kernels from the cobs into a medium bowl. Peel the skin away from the poblano. Cut the pepper in half, discarding the seeds, then dice the Vesh and add to the bowl with the corn. Scoop the avocado Vesh from the skins into a large bowl and coarsely mash, leaving some chunks. Add the corn and poblano, cilantro, tomato, red onion, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and garlic and mix to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or, if needed, transfer to an airtight container, pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the guacamole before sealing the container, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy! Source link

[chilimili212]

My Super Bowl spread is never complete without a bowl of creamy guacamole front and center to dip crunchy tortilla chips into. As someone who makes it from scratch ahead of time, I’ve often wondered how to keep guacamole from turning brown before serving it. Recently, I found the solution to this dip dilemma just in time for the big game that involves holding off on mixing in the tomatoes and onions until the very end. Here’s more one the unexpected tip and my experiencing trying it out. (Scroll to the end of the story for a bonus smoked guacamole recipe!) Why does guacamole turn brown in the fridge? Guacamole turns brown because avocados release an enzyme after being cut. This enzyme reacts with the oxygen in the air, starting the oxidation process. “The flesh of the avocado oxidizes quickly—much like a cut apple—which changes the color [from green to brown],” says certified dietitian Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, tells Food Network. Adding fresh lemon or lime juice to the guac mixture can halt any browning as you’re preparing it. But if you’re making a batch in advance, sometimes citrus juice on its own isn’t enough. How to keep guacamole from turning brown The additional step to avoid serving brown guacamole? The Kitchn suggests holding off on putting ingredients like onions, tomatoes and jalapeño (also called pico de gallo) into the avocado mixture. Instead, they recommend placing a layer of pico de gallo on top of the mashed avocados beforehand creates a barrier to keep oxygen away. Once the pico de gallo is on top of the avocado base, you can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Afterwards, remove the plastic wrap and stir the pico de gallo into the avocado mixture for a nicely green guac to enjoy with tortilla chips. Yum! A delicious recipe for homemade guacamole Using chef Gabriel Kolofon’s recipe for perfect guacamole with pico de gallo as a guide, I tested this hack at home. Tools like a molcajete (the traditional Mexican version of a mortar and pestle) help you smash ripe avocados to your desired consistency.  Homemade Guacamole Ingredients: 1 serrano chile or jalapeño, seeds removed (if you want a mild guac) and chopped Kosher salt 100 ml fresh squeezed lime juice, plus more as needed 5 ripe small avocados 3⅓ Tbs. olive oil ¼ white onion, chopped 3 small tomatoes, diced 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish ¼ cup Cotija cheese, shredded or crumbled Tortilla chips, for serving Tools List: Directions: Active: 25 mins Total time: 30 mins Yield: 5 to 10 servings In a small bowl, mix the serrano chile or jalapeño with a pinch of the salt and lime juice. Set aside for five minutes. Create the pico de gallo in a separate bowl by combining the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, 2 tablespoons of the lime-chile mixture, and a pinch of salt together. Set aside as well. Remove the pit from each avocado and scoop the flesh out of the skins before placing into the molcajete. Start smashing the avocados to break them down slightly—the molcajete might get a little crowded but that’s fine. Pour the rest of the lime-chile mixture over the avocados and and continue smashing them until the guac reaches your preferred consistency (chunky or smooth). Give the mixture a taste and add more salt if needed. Find it to be too salty? Try adding more lime juice to taste and pour in the olive oil. Pour the avocado base into a medium sized bowl. Spread the pico de gallo over the base in a single layer and cover with plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap is directly touching the pico de gallo, which helps keep excess air out. Store the guac in the fridge until it’s time to serve. (Tip: Serve within the first hour or two of making it for freshness.) Remove the plastic wrap and fold the pico de gallo into the avocado base until it’s fully combined. Use a clean bowl or molcajete as the serving vessel. Garnish with fresh cilantro and shredded Cotija cheese before enjoying with tortilla chips.  Taste test Alexandria Brooks By the photo above, it’s clear that this clever hack actually worked! Letting the guac sit in the fridge for an hour allowed to chill without oxidizing. Plus, the taste was worth the wait as the the guacamole had a good ratio of tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, and lime. This gave the dip a spicy, acidic, and pungent kick that didn’t overpower the mild tasting avocados. (Now I see why chef Kolofon calls it “perfect guacamole.”) Patience and effort really does pay off for a tasty final dish like this mouthwatering guac recipe! Bonus guacamole recipe to try for the Super Bowl For a twist on classic guac, the pros at Traeger share their smoked guacamole recipe—perfect for putting a wood-fired grill, like their new Woodridge Series, to good use! Traeger Smoked Guacamole Traeger Ingredients: 7 medium avocados, halved and pitted 1 whole poblano pepper 4 whole ears of corn, shucked ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped ¼ cup tomato, chopped ¼ cup red onion, Chopped 2 Tbs. lime juice 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. chili powder 1 Tbs. garlic, minced Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Directions: Active: 15 mins Cook time: 30 mins Yield: 6 servings When ready to cook, set the Traeger (or other wood-fired grill) temperature to 180°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal Vavor, use Super Smoke, if available. Arrange the avocados, cut-side up, directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke for 10 minutes. Remove the avocados from the grill and increase the temperature to 450°F. Preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Once the grill reaches temperature, place the poblano pepper and corn directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and roast until nicely charred, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the poblano and corn from the grill. Add the poblano to a medium bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let steam for 10 minutes; this will make it easier to remove the skin. Cut the corn kernels from the cobs into a medium bowl. Peel the skin away from the poblano. Cut the pepper in half, discarding the seeds, then dice the Vesh and add to the bowl with the corn. Scoop the avocado Vesh from the skins into a large bowl and coarsely mash, leaving some chunks. Add the corn and poblano, cilantro, tomato, red onion, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and garlic and mix to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or, if needed, transfer to an airtight container, pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the guacamole before sealing the container, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy! Source link

[sepanbanquet]

Trending Receptions at Wedding Banquet Halls

Hey there! If you’re on the hunt for a place that’s more than just a run-of-the-mill spot for your big day, you’ve clicked on the right article. Let’s talk about one of the most crucial parts of wedding planning: picking out the perfect venue. Now, we know you want a place that’s as unique and special as your love story, and that’s exactly why Sepan Banquet Hall should be at the top of your list. This gem is one of those wedding banquet halls that’s not just about the space; it’s about creating an experience that’s as unforgettable as your love.

So, let’s dive in and explore some super cool and innovative ideas that’ll make your wedding reception at Sepan Banquet Hall the talk of your family and friends.

Rustic Elegance Imagine walking into a room filled with the warm glow of fairy lights, surrounded by rustic wooden accents and lush greenery. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, that’s exactly an example of what you can imagine creating if you choose Sepan Banquet Hall for your wedding reception. We’ve seen couples transform this space into a rustic paradise, merging elegance with a touch of nature’s charm. Wooden pallets turned into photo displays, tables adorned with wildflowers in mason jars – the possibilities are endless!

Now, we know what you’re thinking. “But does it really work?” Trust us, it does! We’ve seen couples add their personal touch to this theme, making the space feel intimate and uniquely theirs. And the best part?  Our team at Sepan Banquet Hall is all about making your vision come to life. When you work with our team it’s like working with the fairy godparents of wedding banquet halls!

Interactive Food Stations Alright, let’s talk food because, let’s be honest, it’s one of the things guests look forward to the most. The cool thing about Sepan Banquet Hall is the space; it’s like a blank canvas ready to be filled with whatever culinary delights you can think of. Our helpful and experienced staff, along with our excellent catering options that include Mediterranean, International, and Mexican food, are here to make sure that you and your guests have the best of all worlds. And one trend that’s been a huge hit? Interactive food stations! We’re talking taco bars where you can pile on the guac, sushi rolling stations, and dessert tables that are basically heaven on earth.

The spacious layout of Sepan Banquet Hall means there’s plenty of room for your guests to mingle and fill their plates, again and again. It’s like taking the dining experience to a whole new level. And who doesn’t love the idea of customizing their food? It’s a win-win!

Lounge Areas Now, every great party needs a chill zone, a spot where guests can kick back, relax, and maybe even have a heart-to-heart. That’s where lounge areas come in. Sepan Banquet Hall has got the space to create these cozy corners, complete with comfy seating and ambient lighting. Think plush couches, soft pillows, and maybe even a few candles to set the mood.

It’s like creating a little oasis in the midst of the celebration, and it adds a whole new layer to the reception experience. Plus, it’s a great way for your guests to feel right at home, and isn’t that what it’s all about?

Sustainable Celebrations Now, we can’t talk about wedding trends without mentioning the big move towards sustainability. More and more couples are looking for ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their big day, and Sepan Banquet Hall is all for it. From using recycled materials for décor to minimizing waste, there are so many ways to make your wedding reception both beautiful and eco-friendly.

And here’s the kicker – going green doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With a little creativity and the help of the Sepan team, you can have a wedding celebration that’s as kind to the planet as it is unforgettable. It’s all about making choices that feel right for you and your partner, and Sepan Banquet Hall is here to support you every step of the way.

A Wedding Reception Like No Other Alright, so we’ve walked you through rustic elegance, interactive food stations, chill lounge areas, and even how to throw an epic eco-friendly bash. And what do all of these ideas have in common? They’re all totally doable at Sepan Banquet Hall. This place isn’t just one of the wedding banquet halls; it’s a space where your wedding reception dreams can come to life, no matter how out-of-the-box they may be.

So if you’re on the lookout for a venue that’s flexible, stylish, and ready to play backdrop to the best day of your life, look no further. Sepan Banquet Hall is where it’s at. Trust us, your wedding reception will be one for the books!

[pinkcatminht]

1 (Chipotle order), 6 (do you use a watch?), 12 (brand of products you trust) and 22 (emotional support water bottle)?

thank you for the ask :D

i dont order chipotle often, but when i do, i go for a bowl! i get chicken, black beans, and brown rice, and i typically add one of the salsas, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and guac if im feeling fancy! i also tend to eat it with chips and queso(their queso still isnt great but its MILES better than when it first debuted!). i also like their hardshell tacos, but i tend to order delivery or to-go, so the taco shells get soggy by the time it gets home, so getting the chips and piling it on them is a good in-between option lol.

i do not use a watch! i carry my phone with me and use the watch on there lol.

im actually very picky when it comes to beauty products, especially as someone who works in the beauty industry. it's rare that i love an entire brand and trust them implicitly, bc a lot of the time they'll change formulations without informing their consumers, or other sketchy behavior. for brands that i MOSTLY trust, i like: +Redken, Verb(their shampoos and conditioners only NOT their styling products), Olaplex, and Moroccan Oil lines for hair +CeraVe, Cetaphil, The Ordinary, and Necessaire(probably the most expensive products i use, but their body exfoliant with one of those in-shower scrubby gloves? you will be SMOOTH AS A FUCKIN BABY, and you barely need any product bc it lathers so nicely) for facial and body skincare +for makeup i love Beauty Bakerie but i feel like they're discontinuing a lot of their stuff as of right now :c i also like some Nyx and E.L.F. stuff but you really have to play around with what works for you. Wet n Wild has also come a long way, but again, not all of their products are good. and none of these except Beauty Bakerie(which is Black woman-owned) have good shade ranges, which in this day and age is honestly completely unacceptable. MAC is also good specifically for shade ranges, and if you know your MAC shade + undertone, it's very easy to find what your shade will be in other brands! always try to match to your neck if you can!!!!!!

i have two emotional support water bottles, and theyre both matte black iced-coffee style bottles with reusable straws. i love them so much <3

[goblinselfshippr]

Why do I always fall for both my mirror image AND my complete opposite?? HOW DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING

Like Simeon?

I too am someone who struggles with their inner vs outer self. Also I have rage issues and grew up cult adjacent. But we are so opposite because I think he'd tear up when I hit my 15th "god fucking dammit" of the day.

Vergil too.

I'm emotionally constipated externally and I struggle to express myself just like him. I'm also a huge dumbass who cant go two sentences without "fuck", "shit", "ass", "um", or "like". Which no doubt would piss him off to no end.

LEVI?!?!? Are we gonna get into how much LEVI would want to kill me?? We have all the similar traits as above, plus abandonment issues, plus anxiety, plus the same crass old man humor. But I'm irritating and a crybaby and literally the weakest creature on this planet (guys, carne asada nachos with extra guac would literally KILL ME. This is not a hyperbole)

Pretty sure they'd probably hate me.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci huffs lightly because—well maybe she did. Not that she’s going to have a long debate about this avocado but it seems like she can’t seem to buy them anymore without them completely being destroyed. Maybe she can just buy pre-cut slices or make guac next time quickly. Or learn to live without it. 

Or— “Restaurants always have really good avocado.” She laughs, looks over at Aiden and smiles as he works through his puzzle. Cutie. 

She pulls herself up from the couch and heads into the kitchen to grab the pizza from the oven. This is one thing she was really excited to make—crispy potato bottom, layers of egg, cheese, chorizo and then cheese again. She hums and turns her oven off, letting it cool before she tries to cut it. 

“Oh that’ll be so nice,” She grins, moving to grab some plates. “I’m sure you’re excited to meet her—what kind of food is your mom making?” 

Aiden looks up from his NYT crossword with a light smile as Luci's bemusement about this avocado issue she's having. "Maybe you had it in too warm of a spot and it spoiled quicker," he suggests although he is more intrigued by her distraught than not. He yawns softly, scrubbing through the front of his hair as he looks back down at his phone when he figures out an answer for a previous clue.

"I should probably pick up some groceries," he begins as he squints at his phone. "Then tonight is the resurgence of our Sunday family dinners. August is bringing his girlfriend so I'm going to meet her for the first time, should go okay."

[ri5k]

cumin is one of the sexiest spices with one of the silliest names

[crackedpumpkin]

Hi i saw your one shot of leo x reader " lair " and it broke my heart to pieces.

So is it okay to ask for a fluff one shot where leo is trying to patch things up with reader? Trying to win her again?

|| ʟɪᴀʀ ᴘᴛ. ᴛᴡᴏ || ʀɪꜱᴇ! ʟᴇᴏ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ||

Well, you asked and I answered, lovely anon! The first part was initially meant to be a standalone oneshot to bring you pain and suffering, but I thought, 'Why not?' and wrote a part two. This ending is however, completely optional, depending if you'd prefer to leave part one on the painful note :) (That's what I did)

"Just one more chance," He pleads, voice soft outside your shut window.

You press your head further into your pillow, waking up in a cold sweat from your dream. You'd be lying if you said you weren't affected by the breakup. The desk felt empty without his usual clutter, the absence of the framed photo of you together a constant reminder of what once was.

You'd never admit it, but you often find yourself glancing down at your phone, waiting for the occasional text from Leo. You were exhausted, trying to move on from him. But often, you'd come home to your empty apartment, collapsing onto the cold sofa and missing the warmth of his arms around you.

You had moved out a couple weeks after the breakup, only having told Donnie about it. The genius turtle had agreed to keep your secret from your ex in exchange for a constant supply of your signature guacamole. 

You had offered to teach him the recipe, but he quote-unquote, "prefer to focus my energy onto things that have more significant results than a bowl of guac."

He visited sometimes and brought Mikey with him. Not recently, though, as Leo was getting suspicious. You enjoyed their presence - maybe it's true that when you love someone, you also love their family.

Loved, to be exact.

The feeling of loneliness gnaws away at your chest.

You pull out your phone, a buzz signalling a new message. You unlock it, squinting at the screen to read Mikey's latest message. 

Dude, I'm so sorry. He got your new number when he snatched away my phone. - Mikester, sent at 9pm. 

As soon as your eyes skim over the words, your phone vibrates from an incoming call. You flinch, dropping the phone. 

It lands screen up, and your breath hitches from the unsaved number. There's no way you wouldn't recognize the same number you had subconsciously memorized and called countless nights. 

You steel your resolve, trembling hands picking it back up and hitting the button to accept the call. You hold it up to your ear, waiting for him to speak. You hear a sharp inhale on the other end, biting your lip to prevent yourself from doing the same once you hear his voice. 

"Hello...?" 

There it was. The voice that had once brought you joy from just a simple greeting, one that had reassured you and whispered sweet nothings into your ear as he held you close in your bed. 

"Leo." You breathe out, trying to ignore the sharp pang in your chest at the mention of his name.

“Y/n,” His voice is quiet and subdued, starkly contrasting with his usual cheerful and carefree nature. “I know we ended badly, but could we meet to talk about it? If that’s okay with you, of course.” You can hear his voice tremble on the last word, the audible gulp a dead giveaway.

You’re silent, taking the time to think. Do you risk it? Or do you not? In retrospect, you had never really found full closure from everything. Maybe it’s why your head is still filled with thoughts of him, your apartment a constant reminder of the subconscious habits adopted from your relationship with him.

“Alright,” You agree in a quick exhale. 

“Thank you…Would Run of the Mill be okay? At seven tomorrow.” 

“Yeah, that sounds good.” 

And then both of you hang up. Unknown to you, Leo is hunched over his phone in his room, holding his head in his trembling hands, relieved that you had agreed.

You open the door of your (very) empty fridge, sighing at the lack of food besides condiments like mayo and a bottle of cola. You grab the drink, passing the bowl of guac you had made for Donnie. 

You turn on the TV, trying to drown out the loud silence in your apartment. You sit on the couch, feet curled up and under a blanket. You watch the show blankly, trying not to address the emptiness you feel after the phone call. 

You take a sip, the cola burning the back of your throat. You grimace, setting it back down on the coffee table. You didn't even like cola, so why was it in your fridge? 

Ah. Leo liked cola.

You focus on the TV programme, deciding to drift off to sleep instead. God knows you'd need it, considering you'll be talking to your ex tomorrow. 

— — — — — — — — 

This is it. This is the day your life will be better off without him. The day you finally bring things to a close. 

You tap your feet, waiting impatiently for Leo. You had arrived at Run of the Mill ahead of time, choosing to dress in your best battle armour. In this case, it’s a stunning black dress that stops right above your knees. It made you feel confident, and your smoky eyes made you look badass. 

"Hey," you turn at the familiar voice, ignoring the way your heart does stupid little flips. 

"Y-you look good." Leo stutters, trying to pass off a suave smile as natural. But you knew him better than that, noticing the beads of sweat on his brow and how his hands shook ever-so-slightly. 

He's just as nervous as you are. 

The realization relaxes your tense shoulders, now knowing you weren't the only one. The surprising absence of his swords elicits a raise of your brow, and he notices. 

"I left them at home. I just wanted to focus on us tonight." He admits, fiddling with his fingers. 

"Then how're we going to enter?" You gesture to the brick wall, and the both of you are shut out from the restaurant without his sword to open the doorway into it. From how his eyes widen in shock and his cheeks flush in embarrassment, it's apparent that he didn't think that far ahead. 

Of course, he didn't, you think fondly. 

Wait. Fondly? No. No way. You were here to just talk and address the breakup. That's all there was to it. You dismiss the small smile at the familiarity of the situation, remembering how the same thing had occurred on your fifth date. 

You spot the way Leo's eyes light up at your amused expression, quickly masking it with a blank expression. "Should we get some takeaway instead?" Leo suggests. From the look on his face, it seemed that he recalled the exact same memory. You shrug, but Leo knows it means that you agree.

 ------------

You sit on the rooftop of an apartment building, a piping hot pizza in its box between you two. You take a slice, and so does he. The both of you eat silently, eyes darting to focus on anything but each other.

"So," you're the first to break the silence. He flinches, almost choking on his last bite. 

"So..." He drawls out. C'mon, Leo! He silently chides himself, trying to not be intimidated by how utterly gorgeous you look in that dress. 

You're waiting patiently for him to continue the conversation, and he desperately wishes that his hands could cup yours in a gentle hold. He wants to apologize, to grovel, and to beg for you to take him back. 

The past weeks were absolute agony for him, and he missed you more than anything. So many ways were thought up to express his apologies and promise the world if you'd just give him another chance. He'd make things right, to love you more than you'd ever need or want. 

But in an instant, once his eyes meet yours, it's all gone. Your eyes are filled with so much vulnerability, your pale complexion a dead giveaway to how you haven't taken good care of yourself. He observes the tautness in your cheeks. You'd been losing weight too, he realizes. 

"I'm sorry." The heartfelt apology spills past his lips, carrying so much weight with so few words. 

“Sorry isn’t enough to undo everything you’ve done to hurt me.” You inhale deeply, willing the lump in your throat to fade. “Six dates that you’ve stood me up on, not to mention the missed calls and unread texts.” You list out.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t….” I didn’t mean it, Leo wants to say, but he knows it’s a mere excuse, and he catches himself before he hurts you and ruins everything yet again. “I don’t have an excuse. I should’ve treated you better, and you have every right to feel this way.” 

“You lied to me.” Your words are quiet, and your eyes fill with sorrow. No matter how much you prepared yourself for this moment, it’s rendered useless as the wound is reopened from mere memory.

He’s so full of guilt, and it seeps out through his words. “I did.” He confesses, shame filling his cheeks and feeling them burn. “And I never should have.”

“Yeah,” You whisper, looking down at your lap where you’re fiddling with your hands. You swallow down the lump in your throat, hating how your eyes tear up again and how much he still affects you.

“But I’ve changed,” You look back up to meet his gaze, his eyes filled with pure resolve and earnestness. “I’ll treat you better than ever before, and I’ll make it up to you. Please, give me another chance. I’ll never hurt you ever again. I promise.” 

You shake your head, feeling the tears spill out the corner of your eyes and trickle down your cheeks. You couldn’t risk it. Not again. But Donnie had mentioned that Leo really had changed, how he wrote so many letters piled up on his desk. 

Heartfelt words left unsaid, Donnie had put it. He even admitted to taking a peek but never told you about its contents, only that Leo really had changed.

Even Mikey had brought it up.

God, you hated yourself for what you were about to say next. You turn around, facing him. He looks back up, willing the tears to go away. "Three dates." You ignore the way your heart pounds in your chest. 

He clears his throat, rubbing his eyes roughly with the back of his hand, "What?" His voice comes out hoarse, but he could care less about that. What mattered more were the two words you had just spoken. 

"I'll go on those three dates with you." You repeat, holding up a finger to stop him from speaking, "And we'll see where it goes; no promises." 

— — — — — — — — 

Date Numero Uno.

Leo waits on the cinema rooftop, two separate bean bags on the picnic mat that covers the ground. An assortment of popcorn and candy litter the ground, a projector he borrowed from Donnie sitting on a small table behind the bean bags.

He senses your arrival and turns to face you. He’s left speechless, the breath knocked out of him when he sees you in a pair of blue jeans and a flowy blouse. A necklace decorates your bare neck, bringing out your collarbones.

You’re beautiful.

He’s struggling to greet you, tripping over his words and stammering, reduced to the mess he was when you first kissed him. 

You survey the scene, eyebrows raised when you spot all your favourite candy and snacks, even the ones Leo didn’t like. 

He remembers.

Your heart melts slightly at the gesture, but you choose not to give anything away. You set down your purse beside one of the beanbags, choosing to sit down. “So, what movie are we watching?” Your voice is impassive, pretending to not be impressed.

“Well,” Leo walks over, sitting down and making himself comfortable in the blue bean bag, “Remember our first date?” He hits play on the app connected to the projector, and it begins to play the movie on the wall of the taller building opposite the both of you.

You gasp softly, eyes wide as your favourite movie starts playing. It brings you back to that day in the park when you first met him, a mutant monster having interrupted the public screening. He and his brothers had subdued it, only for him to smoothly invite you on a date to make up for the interruption.

It was a difficult movie to find in high quality. All the websites you visited only had blurry frame-by-frame displays. He had never told you how he managed to get a copy on your first date, and you never asked.

“How’d you get it?” You turn to him, unable to hold back your curiosity. 

“Well, I kinda had to make a trade with Donnie.” He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, his gaze soft when he looks at you. 

You avert your gaze, feeling slightly flustered yet touched. The mood remains silent with nervous tension, and you nibble on a snack as the movie plays. 

Then Leo makes a joke, wincing when it breaks the silence. 

But to Leo’s delight, you laugh. It sparks hope in him, and he continues to make pun after pun. You try to hide the small smiles from your amusement, but the atmosphere soon turns from awkward to comfortable and warm. 

He walks you home after, insisting that you keep the snacks he had bought and reassuring you that he’d be the one to clean up the rooftop. 

“Well, today’s not a bad start.” You murmur, stopping at the doorway to your apartment. He has his hands in the pocket of his hoodie, eyes filled with hope. “Just wait; I have another two dates to make it up to you.” He quips. 

“Goodbye, Leo.” You chuckle, entering your home. You close the door behind him, and he heads home.

— — — — — — — — 

Date Numero Dos

The bright lights of the carnival almost blind you as you weave through the crowd, spotting a familiar blue hoodie and jeans. You walk over to the booth that Leo’s waiting at. He pockets his phone once he sees you, straightening his posture and greeting you with a smile.

“So, this carnival, huh?” You cross your arms, looking at the booths around. He nods, holding up two express tickets that would allow the both of you to skip the long queues. 

He’s really serious about this, you note with a soft smile. 

Leo knows this next move is risky, but he does it anyway. He holds his arm to you, “Because it’s really crowded. Just scared you might get lost, and I won’t be able to spot you in the crowd.” He jokes nervously, holding his breath. 

You hesitate, but you gently place your hand on his bicep. Besides, this is just to prevent you from being separated from the crowd. Nothing else.

You feel his body relax, observing the quiver of his lips as he tries not to beam. You hide a small chuckle at the sight.

He brings you to all the various carnival games, cheering for you as you knock down towers of metal cups with a tennis ball and win a prize. You do the same when he’s hula-hooping, lasting the longest out of all the other participants. He has the audacity to do a few tricks with the hula-hoop to rub his win in everyone else’s face, and you giggle at the sight.

“Move aside, blue.” You pat his chest a couple of times, the feeling so natural to you that you almost forget that you are no longer together. A blush coats Leo’s cheeks as he looks at you, aiming the toy gun at the tower of Jenga bricks, the action stunning him into silence.

You groan, only one last small stack remaining upright. A mischievous idea hits him, and he sneakily uses his sword to form a portal behind the bricks, using his finger to flick it and send it toppling down. You gasp in delight, and your arms are thrown up in victorious cheer.

You turn to face him with unadulterated excitement in your eyes, heat spreading across your nose and cheeks when you see the soft smile on his lips. You avert your gaze, staring down at your sandals as embarrassment fills your body.

“Shall we?” He holds his arm towards you again, but you take it without hesitation this time.

The two of you continue to play the carnival games, and you have so much fun that you forget about the agreement altogether. You make jokes and laugh and gasp in excitement when he hands you a large stick of cotton candy to share. You tear off small pieces, relishing in the happiness of the sweetness that melts on your tongue. 

When he walks you home, you're disappointed that the date is ending, much to your surprise. You shut the door behind you as usual, small butterflies in your stomach and a silly smile you can’t seem to wipe off your lips.

You’re lying in bed when the phone screen lights up with a call, and you answer it without looking at the number.

“Hey,” Leo sounds surprised that you picked up, and you tuck the phone close to your ear, using your shoulder to hold it in place as you massage your sore feet. 

“Hey,” You reply softly, glancing up at the clock. Eleven PM.

“Did you get home safe?” That pulls a chuckle out of you, “You walked me home.” You remind him with an amused roll of your eyes.

“Oh, I knew that. Just wanted to check, is all.” Leo bluffs, lying on his bed with the phone next to him on his pillow.

“So, why the sudden call…?” You ask, switching the phone to rest on your other shoulder as you massage your left calf. 

“I wanted to tell you to dress up for the last date.” Leo turns to lie on his side, untying his bandanna to loop it around the bedpost.

“Oh? How formal are we talking?” You collapse on your pillow, holding the phone above your face. You accidentally lose your grip, and it falls. You yelp when it lands harshly on your nose, rubbing it to relieve the pain.

“You good?” Leo gets worried, sitting upright in his bed. If you were hurt, he’d make his way over to your apartment immediately. He’s relieved when you mumble a yes.

“Yeah, I just accidentally, yet very conveniently, dropped my phone on my face.” You groan, frowning when he barks a short laugh over the phone. “Hey, you did it too during that movie night in the lair with your family,” You snap playfully.

“I would never!” He gasps, holding his hand over his heart in mock hurt. An affectionate smile finds its way to his lips, staring up at the ceiling.

“So, where will our last date be?” Your question sobers him up, and a dull pang resonates in his chest at the reminder that there was still a chance you didn’t want to be his anymore.

“Run of the Mill.” He responds, quieter than before. 

You inhale sharply at the mention of the chosen location, and it gets quiet for a while. “Make sure you bring your swords this time.” You try to joke, keeping the atmosphere light.

“I dunno, it might ruin the outfit's aesthetic.” He replies without thinking, warmth blossoming in his chest when he understands what you’re trying to do. He turns to face his phone, oblivious to the fact that you are mirroring his exact position and tender smile in your own bed.

You continue to talk and chat into the night, and when Leo hears your witty replies slow, he knows you’re falling asleep. He finally hears your soft breathing after a while longer, falling silent. He stays in the same position for a bit, just listening and pretending that you’re right there with him at that very moment.

But he hangs up with a sad smile, falling asleep with a pillow in his arms instead of you.

— — — — — — — — 

Date Numero Tres

You’re waiting in the alleyway, checking your phone. You were there on the dot, but a small fear eats away at you, scarred by past experience. 

Would he be a no-show?

He was supposed to have changed. You prayed that he wouldn't let you down. Not again.

You don’t realize how tense your body is until he shows up moments after your doubt starts coding your mind, your shoulders relaxing when you see him. He’s dressed in a casual tuxedo, and you raise a brow at how snazzy he looks in it. 

“M’lady,” He holds out his hand, and you slide your own into his, tingles tiptoeing up your spine at the contact. He pulls a single sword out of the two slung across his hip, and you note that he’d even bought black sheaths for the blades to match the outfit.

He guides you into the restaurant, Señor Hueso bringing you to a private balcony and leaving the both of you with menus. “Wow, you’re really going all out, huh?” You observe, and sit down when he pulls a chair out for you.

He sits down on the chair opposite you. You’re about to pick up the menu to rifle through it, but he places his hand on top and gently pushes it back onto the table. You blink, confused by the gesture.

“Trust me, I know exactly what to order.” He smirks, signalling Señor Hueso to take your order. You ask for a glass of iced tea and wait patiently for Leo to order for the both of you. 

“Señor Hueso, one of your Pizza Especial, large please.” The owner, familiar with Leo’s antics, takes the order with so much as a blink at Leo’s exaggerated Spanish accent. 

“Did you just ask for a Pizza Special?” You ask, bemused yet entertained by the turtle opposite you. He nods with a cheeky wink, inducing a nervous laugh from you. 

You make small talk till the food comes, and you gasp in pleasant surprise when a piping hot pizza is placed between you both, the grilled onions among various other toppings bringing a smile to your face. You’re almost drooling, thanking Señor Hueso, who brings the food to your table before he walks away.

Leo picks up the first slice of pizza, placing it onto your plate with a warm smile that sends a rush of endorphins through your body. You clear your throat. “Thanks,” You murmur, picking up the slice and taking the first bite. 

He waits for your reaction, ignoring the rumble his empty stomach makes. He’s euphoric when your eyes light up, taking larger bites with a happy hum. He watches you with fondness in his eyes, stiffening when you catch him.

His eyes focus intently on the pizza, grabbing the second slice and munching hungrily. He doesn’t spot the grin on your lips, and you both eat. After a few slices, you’re stuffed to the max. You lean back in your chair, and Señor Hueso brings the pizza away to be put in a takeaway box at Leo’s request. 

“Dessert?” He asks you. You immediately nod with an eager smile, sitting back upright and covering your mouth politely when you burp. Your cheeks flush in embarrassment, but he finds it cute.

“Would you like to share our signature sundae?” Señor Hueso suggests upon returning with the packaged leftover pizza, waiting for your decision.

“Oh, I don’t think she’d be comfortable-” 

“I don’t mind sharing,” You cut Leo off, and his eyes widen briefly in surprise before they soften at your words. You nod in thanks to Señor Hueso, who leaves to prepare dessert, with silence settling between you both.

“The dates were fun,” You begin the difficult conversation, clearing your throat awkwardly.

“I’m glad you enjoyed them.” Leo’s reply is shy and nervous, fidgeting with his fingers on the table, green skin against the pure white of the tablecloth

Your lips curve upwards into a reassuring smile, reaching across and placing your hands on his. He looks up, taking in your radiant beauty and bright eyes. 

“I can’t wait for the next one.”

He freezes, forgetting how to breathe. 

“Wait,” He looks down, blinking rapidly before looking back up at you, “Does this mean…?”

Your nod of confirmation is all he needs for the rising swell of affection in his chest to spill over in the form of a sudden hug. You gasp in surprise at the feeling of his arms around you, melting into his touch as he buries his head into your shoulder.

You were home in his arms once more.

[twicearoundthesun]

[Roommates AU]

“We’re late. It’s seven now.”

Chaeyoung pulled her shirt over her head without unbuttoning it, running a hand through her hair to smooth it down.

“We’re thirty feet down the hallway from them.” She pointed out as she tucked the shirt in.

“Which is exactly why we should have managed to get there on time.”

Chaeyoung poked her head out of her bathroom.

“We still have thirty seconds until it’s 7:01, don’t we?”

Dahyun sighed through her nose. “We just met them, and they were kind enough to cook dinner and invite us over. We can’t keep them waiting, they’ll be insulted.”  She fidgeted with nervous energy. She couldn’t help it, Chaeyoung knew. Her family hadn’t been about informality in any situation; old habits die hard.

“We’re okay, dude, they won’t mind. A few minutes is completely normal, and acceptable. No insults here. Look, I’m done. Just let me throw some slippers on and we’ll head over.”

Dahyun nodded, once again smoothing down the tin foil that covered the flourless chocolate cake she’d made. She then smoothed down her sundress – she looked quite a bit more put together than Chaeyoung, but the black jeans and white button-up would have to do for now. She slipped on some shoes and told Georgie to be good before she shut the door.

“What was their friend’s name? That they said would be joining us?”

“Uh.” Chaeyoung didn’t even want to attempt to say it. She showed Dahyun the text she’d received from Mina. “T-Z-U-Y-U. She’s our age.”

“I’m older than you. Is she my age or your age?”

“Yeah, okay. Not even a year.” Chaeyoung rolled her eyes. “She’s my age, I think… How do you think you pronounce that?”

Dahyun only shrugged, stopping to knock on Mina and Jihyo’s door. There was a long pause, and then a small bark. Chaeyoung and Dahyun exchanged a glance, but the door opened to reveal neither Mina nor Jihyo.

The girl was tall, maybe a half a foot taller than both of them, even without shoes. She was dressed in a simple but fashionable-looking sweater and jeans; very put-together but somehow still cozy, and she was absolutely stunning. Chaeyoung wondered if being drop-dead gorgeous was a requirement in this group of friends. Tzuyu looked a little uncomfortable to meet them, but not as uncomfortable as the ancient-looking wiener dog squirming wildly to get out of her arms.

“Uh, Hi.” She stepped back, letting Chaeyoung and Dahyun in. “I’m Tzuyu, I’m Jihyo and Mina-Unnie’s friend. They’re trying not to burn down the kitchen right now.”

“Howdy. I’m Chaeyoung.”

“Nice to meet you, Tzuyu.” Dahyun mumbled, not taking eyes off the dog. “I’m Dahyun.”

“Oh, and this is Ray. Mina’s dogsitting for her parents.” Tzuyu seemed to sense her discomfort, and added, “He’s a sweetheart, don’t worry.”

Dahyun nodded, and Chaeyoung put a gentle hand on her back, holding out a hand for Ray to sniff. The old little guy gave a small, friendly lick.

“Cutie.” Chayoung smiled.

“If you’d close the door I could put him down.” She said, a little bluntly, though it didn’t seem like it was meant to be as rude as it sounded. Chaeyoung just chuckled and did as she said, and soon Ray was waddling around the apartment, now completely uninterested in the company.

“Dahyun! Chaeyoung!” Jihyo’s voice met her ears a split second before she was pulled into a side-hug, careful not to bump into the giant bowl held in Jihyo’s other arm. She gave Dahyun a hug, too. “Sorry we’re running a bit behind! The meat’s going in the oven now. But we can start appetizers!” She placed the salad bowl on the dining room table, set for five people.

Mina appeared next, holding a large plate of appetizers. A big smile crossed her features as she saw them and Chaeyoung’s heart fluttered.

“Hi! So glad you could come. You met Tzu, right?” Mina asked, placing the food down next to the salad. “We’ve got some cheese, some grilled veggies – oh, a little bit of grilled squid. Some guac and chips, too. And I have some meat and seafood on its way…I hope you’re hungry, I wasn’t exactly sure how much to buy.”

“So she settled for the whole store.” Tzuyu explained. Chaeyoung chuckled.

“Oh, shush, you.” Mina smacked her with the dish towel she was holding. “You’re lucky I did, you got a free dinner out of it.”

Tzuyu shook her head but didn’t say anything further.

“How do you guys know each other?” Chaeyoung asked. Their banter was cute.

“Tzuyu? Oh, we pulled her out of the garbage one day and now she eats all of our food-” Jihyo started, returning with more plates.

“Hey!”

“Just kidding. She’s our firstborn.”

“Unnie.” Tzuyu whined, in a way that almost made Jihyo’s claim believable. She turned to Chaeyoung with a small, dignified huff. “Mina was my pre-med mentor.”

“The school took one look at her and knew she was going to be trouble.” Mina smiled, a proud shine in her eye.

“My freshman year faculty advisor thought I could use a mentor, since I was new to the country and didn’t know anyone. I was still learning Korean, too.”

“And I did research for him for a few years, worked in his lab. So he asked me to show her around. He knew I’d done the same thing – moved to a new country to attend that school because I got a good scholarship, I mean. Learned the language on the fly. So I did. And entirely thanks to my mentorship, she graduated top of her class last year.”

“Unnie.” Tzuyu whined again. It pulled on Chaeyoung’s heart a little, how much they clearly adored her.

“Cute.” Chaeyoung smiled.

“Please don’t mind them. They brag about me like they’re actually my parents.”

Jihyo gasped dramatically. “Myoui-Park Tzuyu, I did not labor for hours to bring you into this world for you to deny-”

“You literally didn’t!” Tzuyu turned bright red. “You guys are so weird! You’re going to scare your guests.”

“No, it’s kinda endearing.” Dahyun spoke up.

“Oh!” Mina realized she was still holding the cake. “Let me take this from you, I’ll put it in the kitchen until dinner’s over. This looks incredible, Dahyun, are you sure you’re not a baker?”

Dahyun blushed at the compliment and Chaeyoung patted her on the shoulder, sliding past her to take a seat.

“So, you graduated last year?” Chaeyoung asked when the conversation lulled, about midway through dinner. “Are you in med school now?”

“No, actually,” Tzuyu blushed. “I, uh, kinda really liked working in the lab. So I got a research job.”

“Oh, cool. What’s your research?”

“I’m a clinical research scientist. So like, treatment development. The lab I’m in right now focuses on auto-immune diseases, and immunosuppressive medication.”

“Holy crap, that’s awesome.” Chaeyoung said, and Dahyun nodded. She noted the proud smile on the two eldests’ faces.

“Did you two just graduate, too?” Tzuyu asked as they finished up. “Jihyo tells me you’re my age.”

Chaeyoung chewed on her lip, unable to stop the quick glance she gave Dahyun.

“Uh, no, I - um, I had to drop out as a junior, three years ago.” Dahyun said quietly. “Uh, but I was a music theory major, focusing on composition.”

“Oh, I’m.. sorry.”

Dahyun forced a smile. “No, nothing to be sorry about.”

After a small silence, Chaeyoung spoke up.

“And I didn’t go to college, but I was apprenticing at a tattoo shop for a while. I haven’t been able to, lately, though.” She didn’t give them an explanation, though it was on the tip of her tongue: apprenticeship is often unpaid, and her mom’s unexpected week in the hospital last year meant money was getting tight.

“Wow- that’s really cool.” Tzuyu said.

She flashed her a smile. “So- shall we move on to that chocolate cake? Dahyunnie’s one hell of a baker.”

Their hosts took the change of topic gratefully. “Absolutely. Can’t wait any longer to try it! Let me just clear the table first.”