#Application (Fruits and Vegetables

[harshnews]

Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth Opportunities and Competitive Outlook

"Global Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2028

Global Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market, By  Product Type (99% and above Purity, No greater than 99% Purity), Application (Fruits and Vegetables, Grains and Pulses, Ornamentals, Others), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Poland, Ireland, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Rest of South America, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2028.

Access Full 350 Pages PDF Report @

**Segments**

- **By Form**: The ABA market can be segmented based on its form into liquid and powder. Liquid ABA is more commonly used due to its ease of application and faster absorption by plants. On the other hand, powder ABA is preferred for certain applications where precise dosing is required.

- **By Source**: Another important segmentation of the ABA market is based on its source, which can be synthetic or plant-derived. Synthetic ABA is generally more cost-effective and easier to produce in large quantities, while plant-derived ABA is favored for organic and sustainable farming practices.

- **By Application**: The market for ABA is segmented based on its applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and research. In agriculture, ABA is used as a plant growth regulator to improve crop yield and stress resistance. In pharmaceuticals, ABA is being researched for its potential therapeutic effects on various health conditions. Additionally, ABA is widely used in scientific research to understand plant physiology and stress responses.

**Market Players**

- **Valent BioSciences LLC**: Valent BioSciences is a key player in the ABA market, offering a range of ABA products for agricultural applications. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Valent BioSciences continues to be a dominant player in the market.

- **Sichuan Longmang Fushen Bio-Technology Co., Ltd.**: This Chinese company is known for its high-quality plant-derived ABA products. Sichuan Longmang Fushen Bio-Technology has a strong presence in the global ABA market and caters to a diverse range of agricultural and research needs.

- **Yara International**: Yara International is a leading player in the ABA market, offering a wide range of ABA products for agricultural applications. With a global presence and a strong focus on research and development, Yara International remains a competitive force in the market.

- **Syngenta**: Syngenta is another prominent playerSyngenta is a significant player in the ABA market, known for its comprehensive portfolio of agricultural solutions that include ABA products. The company's strong R&D focus is reflected in its continuous efforts to develop innovative ABA formulations tailored to meet the evolving needs of farmers worldwide. Syngenta's global presence and well-established distribution network give it a competitive edge in reaching a wide customer base and ensuring product availability in key markets.

Syngenta's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is evident in its initiatives to promote responsible ABA usage and support sustainable farming practices. By integrating ABA products into its broader sustainability strategy, Syngenta not only addresses the needs of farmers but also aligns its business objectives with the growing demand for environmentally friendly agricultural solutions.

In terms of market positioning, Syngenta's strong brand reputation and track record of delivering high-quality ABA products have solidified its position as a trusted supplier in the industry. The company's emphasis on product efficacy, safety, and regulatory compliance further enhances its credibility among customers and regulatory authorities alike.

Looking ahead, Syngenta is likely to continue investing in research and innovation to develop new ABA formulations that address emerging challenges in agriculture, such as climate change, pest resistance, and sustainability. By leveraging its expertise and resources, Syngenta can capitalize on the expanding market opportunities driven by the increasing adoption of plant growth regulators like ABA by farmers and researchers globally.

Syngenta's strategic partnerships, collaborations, and marketing efforts play a crucial role in expanding its market reach and enhancing its competitive position in the ABA market. By engaging with key stakeholders, including farmers, distributors, researchers, and industry experts, Syngenta can gain valuable insights, strengthen its market presence, and drive demand for its ABA products.

Overall, Syngenta's strong market presence, commitment to sustainability, focus on innovation, and customer-centric approach position it well for continued success in the dynamic ABA market landscape. As the global agriculture sector evolves and**Global Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market**

- **By Product Type**: - 99% and above Purity - No greater than 99% Purity - **By Application**: - Fruits and Vegetables - Grains and Pulses - Ornamentals - Others - **By Country**: - U.S. - Canada - Mexico - Germany - Poland - Ireland - Italy - U.K. - France - Spain - Netherland - Belgium - Switzerland - Turkey - Russia - Rest of Europe - Japan - China - India - South Korea - New Zealand - Vietnam - Australia - Singapore - Malaysia - Thailand - Indonesia - Philippines - Rest of Asia-Pacific - Brazil - Argentina - Chile - Rest of South America - UAE - Saudi Arabia - Egypt - Kuwait - South Africa - Rest of Middle East and Africa

The global Abscisic Acid (ABA) market is witnessing significant growth due to the rising demand for plant growth regulators in agriculture and increasing awareness regarding the benefits of ABA in enhancing crop yield and stress tolerance. The market segmentation based on

Table of Content:

Part 01: Executive Summary

Part 02: Scope of the Report

Part 03: Global Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market Landscape

Part 04: Global Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market Sizing

Part 05: Global Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market Segmentation By Product

Part 06: Five Forces Analysis

Part 07: Customer Landscape

Part 08: Geographic Landscape

Part 09: Decision Framework

Part 10: Drivers and Challenges

Part 11: Market Trends

Part 12: Vendor Landscape

Part 13: Vendor Analysis

Core Objective of Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market:

Every firm in the Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market has objectives but this market research report focus on the crucial objectives, so you can analysis about competition, future market, new products, and informative data that can raise your sales volume exponentially.

Size of the Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market and growth rate factors.

Important changes in the future Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market.

Top worldwide competitors of the Market.

Scope and product outlook of Abscisic Acid (ABA) Market.

Developing regions with potential growth in the future.

Tough Challenges and risk faced in Market.

Global Abscisic Acid (ABA) top manufacturers profile and sales statistics.

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[905350]

IVT eShop - Your Premier Multivendor Application in the UAE

Elevate Your Well-being: Ayurvedic Products Online Sales Thrive with IVT eShop - Your Premier Multivendor Application in the UAE!

Discover a world of convenience with IVT eShop, your go-to platform for online shopping in Dubai. Experience the freshest produce with our extensive range of online fruits and vegetables, delivered right to your doorstep. Our seamless online shopping in Dubai caters to your every need, offering a diverse selection of products, from organic food delivery to pet food with free shipping. Indulge in the sweetness of premium fresh dates or explore the artistry of home bakers, custom cake makers, and custom dress makers available on our platform. Elevate your celebrations with the expertise of florists and sweets artisans, all conveniently accessible through our user-friendly interface. At IVT eShop, we redefine online shopping, ensuring a delightful experience for every shopper in Dubai.

[piegonn]

You might find that you relate to multiple levels, choose whatever you feel most accurately reflects your day to day cooking experience. I'm curious what everyone's experience is! I've gotten up to level 4 before but I'm more at a level 2 now.

Level 1: I don't use or have a full kitchen. Meals are prepared for me or I eat ready made food. I can reheat in the microwave.

Level 2: I use the kitchen sparingly. I will heat food in the microwave, on the stovetop, and/or in the oven. I am comfortable adding simple ingredients together for a meal (cereal and milk, granola, yogurt, and fruit). I can prepare simple things on the stovetop like instant ramen, instant mac, pasta or rice.

Level 3: I use the kitchen often. I am comfortable following simple recipes. I can prepare fruits and vegetables with a knife. I follow recipes with multiple steps (chop then pan-fry, boil then bake). My recipes often include multiple seasonings or sauces. I will handle raw meat like ground beef or turkey (if applicable)

Level 4: I use the kitchen everyday. I often use recipes with many steps or make meals with multiple side dishes. There are some dishes I don't use a recipe for, or I can make up simple recipes. I am comfortable handling most types of raw meat (think chicken breast, steak) and do so regularly (if applicable)

Level 5: I use the kitchen multiple times a day. I don't use written recipes very often. I can create dishes from whatever food is on hand. I make complex meals often. I can prepare any type of raw meat (full chicken or turkey, butchering your own food)

[exitwound]

How can we use [Deleuze's] philosophy in everyday life? Does he supply new or preferred ways of not only thinking but being? In other words: if I was looking for philosophy to guide me ethically and aesthetically, how does Deleuze show me how to live? Danger warning!  Deleuzian ethics are unconventional in ways that tend to piss people off, especially Marxists! Prevailing wisdom would suggest that opposition is essential to change.  Put in Hegelian terms, a thesis meets its antithesis in order to create a synthesis.  Tit for tat.  Action is met with reaction. For example, the government or big business or whomever does something you dislike, so you protest.  They throw a punch, so you throw a punch.  Back and forth.  Eventually, this way of thinking tries to convince us, the tides will change.  Eventually my punch will be the knockout punch, and those aggressive forces that pushed me to react will meet their doom.  (“And the meek shall inherit the earth.”) This is, unfortunately, a fantasy.  Action will always prevail.  Reaction will always fail. (Did protest end the war in Vietnam?  Did protest stop the war in Iraq?  Did protest stop the destruction of collective bargaining in Wisconsin recently?  — No.  It did not.  Why?  Because protest is reactive, not active; it is negative rather than affirmative; it assumes the subordinate position “I am against X!” rather than the dominate position “I am for X!”)  It is the myth Nietzsche exposes in his groundbreaking and devastating Genealogy of Morals, a book that is central to my understanding of Deleuze’s ethical applicability.  For Nietzsche, Deleuze, and myself, direct engagement is a mistake.  Diffuse or indirect engagement is preferable.  Diagonal rather than horizontal or vertical attack.  Non-Euclidean game plans. Rhizome rather than root, molecular rather than molar, dynamic rather than static: reroute the flow of power toward new creative constructions.  Think of it like a tug of war: the opposition relies on your engagement, on your antithesis.  Without it, they would fall on their butts in the same way a person would fall on their butt if you were playing tug of war and suddenly let go of your end of the rope.  By engaging with the opposition you merely serve to validate and empower that opposition.  The only form of power one can truly wield is the power of action, of affirmation, of creation.  Let go of the rope!  You’re tired of going to the grocery store and finding fruits and vegetables from overseas, which have been treated with cancer-causing chemicals?  Don’t bother fussing with the management or writing a letter to your congressman…let go of the rope and go build an organic community garden. Action.  Creation.  Do not be duped into thinking that you can win a battle against the powers that be – they are the powers that be because they took action, because they created something.

Christopher Higgs in an interview on Ken Baumann's blog

[imaginedreamwrite]

Thriving Thursday (maybe also thankful Thursday): pretty little thing family after omegas had the baby (or maybe a few more babies) and being thankful that shitty ex dropped them and that they sent in the application for the matchmaker service

You can’t help but stare when the little wrapped bundle nestles further into the broad chest of one of the most capably dangerous alpha’s you know. The sniper and soldier, calculating and dedicated to being a ghost on every operation he goes on, is dedicated to keeping your baby safe.

Every movement that could have woken your baby, that could have stirred them from the sleep they’re in on his chest, draws his ire. Johnny raised his voice to shout across the kitchen asking Kyle about something, and Simon could have killed Johnny with his eyes alone.

It was his time with the freshly born babe, this beautiful little boy that was going to be raised to be a good and strong alpha like his daddies. There was nothing that was going to end the time Simon had with him early, not until your hungry little boy needed to breastfeed.

You watched him, that protective daddy that he was, as you rested after giving birth. You were in labour for a long time and though your alpha’s were there for you every minute, it was still you that had to go through that.

The doctor recommended you take the time you need to recover, to give your body time to heal. The alpha’s in your pack stepped up the moment your baby boy first cried.

The first time he used his lungs to cry in the hospital room, pride flourished in the hospital. Gaz was the first one to hold your baby, the first alpha to calm the son that had just come into the world. Kyle’s voice soothed your baby, stilling the cries that had filled the room.

“You need to eat.” The interruption to your view of Simon comes when John sits beside you on the couch, carrying a plate of food for you—a combination of protein, fruits, vegetables and legumes. “I want you to finish it all.”

You sit up and lean against John, your head resting on his shoulder. He turns his head to kiss your forehead, giving you an affectionate exchange for the plate of food in his hand. He watches, he waits, as you start eating the food piece by piece, making sure you are cared for.

When Johnny and Gaz come into the living room, Kyle’s carrying a bottle of your breast milk for the baby. Johnny carry’s a diaper for your son and a spare set of clothes to change into, almost as if he predicts that he’s going to have a blowout.

“Give ‘im here, Si.” Johnny approaches the couch Simon’s sitting on, where your baby is tucked against his chest, nestling in. “It’s my turn.”

“The baby’s hungry,” Simon doesn’t deny Johnny, he wouldn’t do that, but he does take as much time as he can before he gives your son up.

Once Johnny takes your baby, he sits on the other side of you your baby snuggling into one of his daddies chests. It only takes a few minutes for your baby to wake up, his soft little cries and scrunched nose evident of his hunger.

“My boy,” Johnny coos, calming your baby before his hunger makes him too cranky, “got mum’s milk right here.”

Johnny taps the nipple of the bottle against your baby’s lips, waiting until he follows the movement. Once he takes the nipple into his mouth, he begins suckling and quickly becomes content with eating. Johnny’s fingers brush over his forehead, his scent soothing your son who looks up at his daddy watching him.

“Best decision we ever made,” Johnny whispers to your son, speaking to him as he east and fills his belly with breast milk you pumped and stored, “applying to meet your mama. She’s beautiful, your mama, and you are gonna grow up like your daddy-”

“The biggest and strongest,” Simon says with a lilt to his voice, “alpha. The best of the best.”

There was a general consensus among them all, the alpha’s that would’ve sent your ex a thank you card for walking out. Cause if he hadn’t then they wouldn’t have had the chance with you.

And that would’ve been one of the greatest upsets of their life.

[theambitiouswoman]

Hygiene tips

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching public surfaces.

Carry a hand sanitizer with you. Make sure the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol and rub it over your hands until dry.

When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow to prevent the spread of germs. Dispose of used tissues immediately.

Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible, as these are entry points for germs into your body.

Take showers or baths regularly to keep your body clean and fresh. Use soap and water to thoroughly cleanse your body, paying attention to areas like armpits, feet, and groin.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, using fluoride toothpaste. Don't forget to clean your tongue, and replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Keep your nails short and clean to prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria. Use a nail brush to scrub under your nails regularly.

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and electronics. Also, keep your living space well-ventilated.

Wash your clothes, bed linens, and towels regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions. Use the appropriate water temperature and detergent to ensure proper cleanliness.

Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, toothbrushes, or makeup.

Practice good food hygiene by washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption. Cook food to the appropriate temperature to kill harmful bacteria, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Keep your surroundings clean: Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards, and remote controls. This helps eliminate germs that may be present on these surfaces.

Maintain clean and healthy feet: Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent fungal infections. Wash your feet regularly, dry them thoroughly (especially between the toes), and wear clean socks and well-fitting shoes.

Ensure that the water you use for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene is clean and safe. If necessary, use water filters or boil the water before use.

If possible, use a shower filter.

If you are sexually active, use barrier methods (such as condoms) to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. Get regular check-ups and screenings as recommended by healthcare professionals.

Take care of your mental well-being by managing stress, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and seeking support when needed. Good mental health is essential for overall well-being.

Sleep with aloe vera on your face to help with scars and acne.

Massage your body with oils and lotions after shower or before bed.

Eat greek yogurt to help fix PH balance, acne and odor in your private area.

Wear cotton based underwear.

Do not treat your body like a trashcan.

To smell good during the day:

Regular bathing helps remove sweat, dirt, and odor-causing bacteria from your body.

Apply antiperspirant or deodorant to clean, dry underarms to control sweat and odor.

You can also use baking soda and lemon to get rid of under arm odor.

Put on freshly laundered clothes each day. Clean clothing helps prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria and keeps you smelling fresh.

When choosing clothes, opt for natural fibers like cotton or linen, which allow air to circulate and help wick away moisture from your body. Avoid synthetic materials that can trap sweat and lead to unpleasant odors.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash to maintain fresh breath. Don't forget to clean your tongue as well.

Apply a pleasant fragrance, such as perfume or cologne, sparingly. Avoid excessive application, as it can be overwhelming to others. Focus on pulse points like the wrists, neck, or behind the ears.

Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent foot odor. Wash your feet daily, dry them thoroughly (especially between the toes), and wear clean socks and well-ventilated shoes.

Regularly brush your tongue, as it can harbor bacteria and contribute to bad breath. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins from your body. Staying hydrated can help prevent the buildup of odors.

Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and spicy dishes, can contribute to body odor. Pay attention to your diet and make choices that minimize strong odors if you are concerned about smelling good.

Keep a small travel-sized deodorant, wet wipes, or refreshing body spray with you to freshen up during the day, especially in hot or humid weather.

Ensure your clothes, towels, and bed linens are washed regularly. Use a detergent with a fresh scent to keep them smelling clean.

Spray perfume on your brush or use natural oils that are safe for your hair.

Wipe front to back to avoid infections. Use toilet paper then wipes.

moisturize your skin.

When washing your hair, make sure you are using products that clean your hair without drying it out.

Keep feminine wipes with you.

[hannahbarberra162]

Country Mouse, City Mouse Chapter 2

Now on Ao3

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

Chapter 2 - Oh, Fiddleheads.

“Would you like to view the accommodations of the castle?” Mihawk addressed you, after completing a tour of his farm. You were a little impressed, he hadn’t done a terrible job. Especially since this looked like his first foray into farming. You’d definitely seen worse. He was a man of few words, telling you only the names of the fruits and vegetables he’d planted. That’s ok, you didn’t mind silence either. You were sitting on your haunches and making a rough sketch of the farm with paper and pencil you’d had in your sack. You stood up and said “sure enough.”

The afternoon sun had come and gone, and you were hungry. “By the way,” you said, walking towards the castle “I’m not much of a cook. I can grow your food but I cain’t cook it. Er, not well by any means. I can try, but you might not like the results.”

“It is no matter. A cooking schedule has already been established. Perona and I switch off, as Roronoa is also…not inclined towards cooking.”

“Oh, there are other folks here? And they don’t help you on the farm?”

“Roronoa is dedicated only to his training. Perona prefers to remain in the castle.”

“Oh, she’s what I call an indoor cat. Ain’t nothing. Takes all types to make the world run.” With that, you continued walking in silence together. You didn’t feel the need to say anything and neither did he. Walking along together, you occasionally pointed out wild edible flora. “Let’s keep our eyes on that fiddlehead fern. Once they’re ready, they taste great sauteed.” Mihawk looked over at the fern but said nothing. 

Upon reaching the castle, he opened the large door with ease. “After you,” he said gesturing inside. It was a grand place, you supposed, all bricks and tall ceilings. “There are many unused rooms inside the estate, you may select whichever suits you.”

“Oh no need, I’ll just be here to eat. Maybe to bundle vegetables when the harvest comes.”

“What do you mean.” he said the question as a statement, as though the thought of not living in the castle was unfathomable.

“This ain’t my kinda place. Too grand for the likes of me,” you said with a kind smile. “I saw you have a shed out by the farm. I’ll live in there. Nice ‘n comfy.”

“The garden shed is not a suitable accommodation.”

“That’s fine, I don’t mind hunkerin’ down outdoors. Weather seems fine tonight.”

Mihawk sputtered. You’d rather sleep in the grass than in his grand castle? 

 “You alright there, Boss? We already fightin’ each other?”

“There is no fight. If you wish to live in the shed or outside like the animals, you may do as you please. Beware the humandrills. I will give you no further warnings.”

“Thank you kindly.”

Mihawk POV

You did know your craft of farming. He enjoyed listening to you talk about the wild vegetables and their practical applications. You did not feel the need to prattle on when there was nothing needing to be mentioned, something he appreciated. You had a certain spark that made everything more interesting. It was charisma, he realized. Not like Shanks, who weaponized it to manipulate those foolish enough to fall for it. You were artless in your charming personality and it shined through your words and actions. You were not unpleasant to be around, which Mihawk appreciated.

He was going to show you around the castle when you told him your preposterous idea of living outside in the shed. He had never heard of such nonsense. But you were an adult woman capable of making your own foolish choices. He didn’t have to understand it. 

It was Perona’s turn to cook dinner, and he could smell the stew she was finishing. Perona, as temperamental as she was, had a knack for cooking. It was easier to tolerate her outbursts on a full stomach. He walked you to the kitchen and showed you the attached mess room. Though he had a penchant for eating in the dining room, they most often took their meals in the mess. Perona was floating about, putting the finishing touches into the stew.

“Ooooh, what do we have here?” Perona said as she floated about, encircling you. “Did you finally get a servant like I wanted? This one is dirty. Ew! Make it wash!” Perona said as she grimaced in disgust. You just laughed at her words, taking her insults in stride. You did not even comment on the fact that she was floating about with her hollows following.  

“Ain’t no servant, but I am dirty, no denyin’ that. I’m Y/N, I’m workin’ the farm for a few. You must be Perona. Heard a lot about you, but didn’t do you justice. Why you’re as beautiful as the day is long,” you said, tilting your head to the side and smiling. You had quickly surmised the way to Perona’s heart - through her ego. 

“Ah, don’t be so silly! In these old rags? I’m usually so much cuter!,” Perona was waving you off while smiling and blushing. 

“No, I mean it. I’ve never seen hair like yours before - just the crowning jewel of your look. You must tell me how you get it that way.”

Mihawk would rather eat Roronoa’s cooking than hear about Perona’s hair care routine…again. But the two of you were having a spirited conversation as the table was being set. He noticed you correctly placed the plates, bowls, cutlery and glasses according to the rules of etiquette. Roronoa joined the rest of you in the dining area. He grunted as a means of expression.

“Roronoa, this is Y/N. She is aiding my work on the farm.”

“ ‘M Zoro,” he said, sitting down to eat the plated food.

“Nice to meet you Zoro,” you answered. Though when you said it, it had an amusing twang. It sounded more like “Zoh-roh.” Roronoa said nothing and you didn’t engage with him further.

Dinner passed easily between the four of you. You talked with Perona about various topics he found exceedingly tedious. However, he was pleasantly surprised to see your table etiquette extended past table settings. He had been subjected to Roronoa’s unrefined eating style, often eating without utensils. Perona would talk with her mouth full of chewed food, a truly odious habit. You, however, held all your utensils correctly, cut your meat with the knife in your right hand, chewed with your mouth closed, and had placed a handkerchief in your lap as a napkin. Mihawk was pleased to see that there was at least one other person on the island he could bear to eat near.

After the meal, you helped clean up alongside Roronoa. Mihawk poured himself a glass of wine, and offered you one as well. You accepted, and he poured glasses for Perona and Roronoa as well. He felt it was acceptable to have a toast to new beginnings. He handed you your glass and raised it. You did the same. 

“May our harvests be bountiful and may we have the time to enjoy it.”

You smiled, and gently clinked your glass against his. Roronoa chugged his entire glass in one go. Perona sampled the wine and stuck out her tongue, declaring that it wasn’t “sweet enough.” You sipped gently and thanked him for the glass. Hopefully the humandrills didn’t kill you tonight, he thought to himself. You were becoming rather useful to have around.

[megumi-fm]

the tatami galaxy challenge 🕛

aka a reference so obscure that it would probably make sense only to me🤧 here's to breaking out of daily loops that turn into spirals of despair, yet again, with some goal-keeping and conscious tracking, this time themed around my favourite anime piece of tv ever💗

Higuchi Seitaro, the master // focus on uni and work

💻 code and debugging shenanigans 🧬 stuff i learnt 📬 uni deliverables 🎓 graduation related paperwork

Old woman Clairvoyant // focus on meeting goals and learning

📤 matriculation related applications 📰 daily vocab 📝 gre practice

Akashi- walk on, girl! // focus on movement

👣 track daily steps 👟 switch to walking instead of long form direct commute 🌱 choose greener routes 🩰 dancing

Neko Ramen Tenshu // focus on meals

🥘 contribute to cooking atleast one of my meals in a day 🍉 fruit intake (or a raw vegetable equivalent) 💧 water intake

Ozu the yokai // focus on keeping the distractions out

📴 cut down screen time (both phone and laptop) 📚 switching to reading 🧹 room cleaning

and finally, most importantly

Watashi // focus on self

🌷 journalling // thoughts, vibes and feelings 💌 what I'm thankful for 🍬 hobbies 🔋 energy levels through the day 🌙 sleep time v/s sleepy time

timeline: from 8th May to 8th July ⌚ hope to break out of many loops and many more spirals in these two months 🍀

[conarcoin]

Expandedverse Worldbuilding Tidbits: SMPLive

About time I revisited this.

Decentralized government with no single leader

"Server cop" is being reworked into more of a self-appointed neighborhood watch type of position

Laws are decided through court, so everyone gets a say

Main laws worth noting:

Potions and enchanted golden apples are controlled substances that can only be used under extremely specific circumstances, usually with supervision of someone with medical training

Killing without a hit, barring for self-defense or a mutually-agreed fight, is illegal

Economy is mostly market exchange-driven

Some characters sell books, crops, food, rare building materials, weaponry, etc

Specialized skills are highly valued - Luemas and Travis's building firm is successful for this reason

Diamonds are still the primary form of currency, but secondarily to that a bartering system is often used as well

Food:

Common food tends to be the basics such as cooked steak and pork, fish, fruit, vegetables, mushroom stew

Sandwiches and wraps are a common meal made from vegetables and meat

Cake is beloved but mostly reserved for special occasions - other options like cookies and sweet berries are more common snacks for people with a sweet tooth

Nether delicacies are highly sought after - nether wart and warped fungus stew, meat from hoglins, strider bacon...

Miscellaneous:

All characters have a communicator device used to quickly nessage the entire area or particular individuals

Some characters have modified their communicator to fit their personal needs - James's has a "flight mode" that displays incoming messages as a HUD on his visor, and Cooper's is waterproofed

Primary form of travel is through the Nether highway system. They never get elytra in Expandedverse, sorry!

Most characters have a very loose understanding of first aid, very few have proper medical training

Dripleaf is a common material used to fashion bandages

While potions themselves aren't allowed in most cases, other applications of their ingredients are acceptable!

[freesia-writes]

Ch 8: Further Developments

~ Master List ~ Previous Chapter ~ WC: 2.4k

Author's Note: Perhaps this has been off to a bit of a slow start... but I would like to assure you that there is a fun bit of action coming shortly. ;)

Family dinners were one place where Hunter felt he could truly relax. Surrounded by the people he enjoyed most, safe and satisfied, it had a grounding effect and he held a deep gratitude for the weekly tradition. He leaned back in his chair, finishing the last of the juice he’d come to love since arriving. It was a local concoction of fruits and nuts, blended and pressed by hand through fine mesh, and had a rich, complex flavor that seemed both sweet and savory at the same time. In keeping with most of the naming conventions of the island, which included places like The Cobbles, Town Square, and The Forest, the locals had kept it very simple and straightforward, calling it Lo Juice officially while most people simply referred to it as Lo. 

“Thanks for saving this for me,” Hunter said to Phee, who had commented as she poured his glass that it was the last of their bottle, and she’d forbidden Tech from drinking it until family dinner. There was just enough for him, Hunter, and Omega, who all shared an affinity for it. 

“Sure thing,” she answered, casting a smug glance at Tech, who frowned in harmless exasperation. 

“It seems ridiculous that one cannot enjoy the beverage of choice in his own home simply due to the imminent arrival of a sibling who, in virtually every possible scenario, should have no problem procuring his own bottle of said beverage.”

“Thanks to you too, Tech,” Hunter said, lifting his empty glass in a toast. Tech shook his head, opting to change the subject. 

“This vegetable side dish you prepared was excellent. It is not within your usual realm of cooking. What inspired the new endeavor?”

“It was delicious,” Phee agreed, her thigh resting against Tech’s as he sat beside her – a minor yet meaningful form of physical touch that he appreciated. “Where’d you find this stuff?”

“Lyra gave them to us. From her garden,” Hunter answered, secretly pleased to see that the serving dish was scraped clean.

“Lyra, huh? And who might that be?” Phee tipped her head, regarding Hunter with a little too much scrutiny for his tastes.

“She works at the school. Omega enjoys talking to her, and she’s been helping her a lot with applications and internship stuff. She ran into me one morning when I was coming back from an empty hunt and sent them home with Omega later on… ‘so we wouldn’t go hungry’,” he echoed, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice as he resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

“Huh. Well that was kind,” Phee remarked, eyes twinkling. “You should bring her next week.”

“What?” Hunter blurted out, noticeably quickly, “Why?”

Phee laughed at his response, shrugging her shoulders with nonchalance, “Why not?”

“I mean… She’s just some lady from school. She’s not family.”

“She could be,” Phee answered in an almost sing-song voice, taking great pleasure in Hunter’s mildly flustered appearance. “I’m just giving you a hard time, Sarge. She doesn’t have to be family – anyone’s welcome here. I mean, we put up with him…” she tilted her head toward Crosshair, who was distracted in conversation with Omega, and her humor effortlessly diffused the situation.

“How big is her garden?” asked Echo, who had tuned in from across the table.

“Is that a euphemism?” Tech asked pertly, earning a delighted chuckle from Echo, who shook his head as Hunter answered.

“No idea. Why?” 

“If she’s got a lot of this, it would be a great lunch at the training academy.”

“Are you providing lunch now?”

“No, but we could. Sell it for some credits.”

“You’d probably eat it all before anyone else got to touch it!” Wrecker accused, breaking into the back-and-forth.

“Yeah, because I eat sooo much,” Echo said dryly, eyeing the much bigger clone pointedly.

“Hey! I’ve got a fast metabolism!” Wrecker laughed, bumping Echo on the shoulder warmly and catching the attention of the others at the table. “And it’s not that you eat a lot, it’s that it’s too tasty to pass up!”

“The vegetables are delicious, but I think we really need to consider that it’s actually the excellent roasting technique that brings out their flavor,” Omega said, failing to suppress the mischievous grin bursting behind her tightly-pressed lips. 

“That’s right!” Wrecker joined in, “Otherwise they’d taste like dirt!”

“You’d probably still eat it,” came the slithering snark from the end, where Crosshair was reclining in his chair with his boots crossed on the corner of the table. 

“First of all,” said Phee, kicking his chair hard enough to jerk him sideways and bring his legs crashing to the ground, “Get your feet off my table. And secondly, leave the grump show at the door. What’s eating at you, anyway? I thought you were all happy about the observatory thing.”

“What observatory thing?” Omega echoed, eyes widening inquisitively as Crosshair delicately rearranged his limbs with disdain, pointedly avoiding Phee’s gaze. 

“I’m going to work at the observatory, for now…” the sniper said, almost glaring at each family member in turn as though daring them to say anything positive about it or ask anything further. Hunter picked up on a curious sheepishness in his demeanor.

“Crosshair shared earlier that he received an opportunity to assist in the various tasks needed to fully restore the telescopes, scanners, and other equipment to complete working order. He seemed excited at the possibility of this particular endeavor,” Tech filled in, aware but entirely unbothered by Crosshair’s narrowed eyes boring into the side of his head. “One would think that an engineer such as myself would be a more natural choice, however these particular duties will combine his sharp eyesight with his precise movement and rapid calculations. Therefore, it is an ideal fit for Crosshair.”

“So naturally, he’s thrilled,” Echo observed, raising an eyebrow at the glowering topic of discussion. “What’s so bad about it that you look like a Kowakian Monkey Lizard at the thought?” 

Omega giggled, earning a fond flicker of the eyes from Crosshair before he returned his attention to the inanimate center of the table to answer, “There are only two other people who work there: an old Xyloan and a Zygerrian. Both are insufferable.”

“A Zygerrian?” Tech said, his interest piqued. “They do not usually leave their own system, due to the outside world’s strong disagreement with their moral code and the ethics of their choices.”

“You mean their lack thereof?” Echo said, disgust on his face. He’d heard about them during his time in the 501st, and that, combined with their own encounter with them on Ord Mantell, had given him more than enough material to form a strong opinion. “What is it doing out here? Looking for slaves?” he sneered.

“No idea what he is doing out here,” Crosshair said, pushing the last bit of rice on his plate with a fork. “I only talked to the old lady.”

“The elderly Xyloan, you mean,” Tech corrected.

“Sure.”

“And she offered you the post?” The tinge of disbelief in Tech’s voice was undeniable, and Hunter felt a smirk threatening to betray his mirth.

“After a bunch of nonsense about the planet choosing me and how perfect it all was and how ‘the provision’ would continue, yes. She did,” Crosshair answered evenly. 

“Fascinating.”

The rest of the evening progressed as usual, with leisurely discussion over residual treats and warm drinks. Phee was an excellent host, always adding small touches to each dinner that made everyone feel satiated and cared for. From the glowing lanterns on the table to the ever-changing assortment of foods (thanks to Tech’s sudden interest and consequent expertise in cooking), it created a perfect haven in an already idyllic setting. 

Everyone had plans to attend the lunar festival, which was centered in the Town Square. Since Xylo was the biggest island of the planet, people came from around the globe to enjoy the festivities, bringing their own unique wares, foods, and talents. It seemed to be building an excitement around town that was becoming quite infectious. Young people were given flower crowns and “blessed” with exhortations to consider their future endeavors with benevolence and selflessness, and amid a wide array of entertainment, the Xyloans would tell their customary tale of how the island came to be. 

It had been passed down over the centuries, traveling through so many people that some thought it had gotten embellished along the way. But it was a revered tradition, whether the details were true or not, and there was something inspiring about the dedication that the elderly storytellers showed in their performance. It would be the first time that Hunter and his family would have the opportunity to attend, but they’d already heard so much about the festival as a whole that it felt as though they’d been a part of it for years. Everyone headed to their own homes that night with a sense of excitement, finding it pleasant to be part of something so unifying and eager to see how it would all play out. 

The next couple of weeks went by rather quickly. Everyone seemed to be busy in preparation for the lunar festival. Omega was gleefully impatient for the most part, with periodic days of gloom or frustration due to the social issues with her classmates. It was hard for Hunter to see her going through it, but he was woefully ill-equipped to provide anything other than a steady stream of encouragement and positive regard. When he heard about some of the things they would say, he almost took Wrecker up on his offer to rough up the young adults, but Wrecker provided a steady source of calm and perspective about the whole ordeal. 

Lyra was a morning person, apparently, and somehow she and Hunter had fallen into a pattern of walking together in the early hours. He didn’t hunt every day, and after having run into her a number of times as she enjoyed the same calm paths and tranquil woods that he did, there was an unspoken agreement that they could pass the time together. They spoke, here and there, but also found that they were both comfortable with silence, which was a welcome reprieve for Hunter, who greatly valued the refreshment for his senses. 

Some mornings were particularly cold, and they opted for brisk walks up in the hills, exploring the craggy cliffs that rose above The Forest. Hunter never could hide his smirk at the number of layers of clothing she would wear, bundled from head to toe as they walked. Other days, when the fog was lighter and the air carried some warmth, they would venture further across the island, crossing rivers and weaving through the trees to find little inlets and small beaches. 

Lyra always insisted on taking some time to search the ground, no matter the setting, and would inevitably end up with a few odds and ends tucked into her pockets. The first time Hunter had grumbled about it, wanting to keep up their pace, she informed him gently and honestly that he was free to continue on his own. He’d chuckled at that, surprised at her ability to deliver the thought with neither sass nor ill will, and he’d instead contented himself with a thorough scrutiny of the nearby river, trying to assess if it would be a good location for freshwater fishing.

Their conversations were quiet and sporadic, initially focused on their immediate experiences on the island but slowly growing to include things from the past. Both seemed to be fairly private people, and neither of them were quick to offer up information without being asked. Hunter kept his origins vague, sharing that he had some wartime experience as a mercenary, “and some other things here and there”. He talked in general terms about the skills of each of his brothers and insinuated that Omega had been with them from the start. It was easier that way, and he was deeply grateful that Lyra didn’t pry, instead taking in his words with silent nods and the occasional hum. 

Similarly, however, he noticed that she was equally nebulous about the specifics of her own journey so far. He’d been able to gather that she was from Coruscant, where she had held a few different jobs, cooking her way through a few restaurants of increasing prestige, then moving into a server position where she waited on quite a few of the political elite. This had led to her offer of an administrative job in a highly-regarded Republic office, which she’d joked was given purely based on her “ravishing good looks and undeniable charisma”. She seemed to think that was all a lifetime ago, however, laughing it off as the gifts of youth and viewing herself as distinctly beyond all that. She’d never been married, and there was no mention of children. Her grandmother had been a significant figure in her life before passing away, and she was estranged from her parents but didn’t share why.

The office job had gone smoothly for a number of years, but then it became more and more tumultuous – “scandals and drama” – she explained, so she chose to leave and find something as far away from it all as possible. And that’s what led her to Xylo. Hunter couldn’t resist asking how she found the planet, since it had been such an unexpected discovery during Tech’s thorough search, but she shrugged, a smirk playing on her lips as she answered: “It was a fortuitous tale of twists and turns… so many of them true.” 

He’d left it at that, respecting her own sense of privacy as she had observed his. The following silence was broken only by a clumsy squawk as Lyra slipped on some rocks while crossing a river, and Hunter had moved so quickly to catch her that he’d leapt into the water beside her, fighting to maintain his balance as his boots scraped against the smooth stones. He’d flung one hand around her waist, and grabbed her hand with the other, pausing for a few seconds for both of them to regain their footing. Apologizing profusely the entire way to the other side, she’d been too distracted to notice the redness on his cheeks at the sudden proximity they’d shared in that moment, and it would have taken someone with senses that rivaled his own to register his increased heart rate.

.

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[floridagirlboy]

i like to imagine florida is the inverse of the phrase "it's easy, it's not rocket science!". he can, in fact, understand rocket science perfectly fine. he wrote a thesis once, believe it or not (nobody believes it). aerospace is his jam. marine science? yeah, pretty good at that. he cannot, however, understand (although not limited to):

gender

the law

consequences of his actions

what are appropriate things to say in a conversation

how to not voice every little thought he has

basic math (if not in regard to anything he's interested in, or it's something that he has to do)

basic reading (if not in regard to anything he's interested in, or it's something that he has to do)

that no matter how much she coos at the honey badger it will still maul her

he can't just give an IOU to the IRS instead of paying his taxes

jail is actually a real place that people go to

how to stay on topic

"fuck it, we ball" is not applicable to a natural disaster

the hurricane will not avoid him even if he "asks nicely"

the hurricane will not hit him even if he "asks nicely"

not everyone understands the complex inner machinations of his mind and his reasons for doing bizarre things

why tomatoes are fruits and not vegetables

why starfruit is not a shape named after a color

they don't always have to be the center of attention

some things are not meant to be eaten

the alligators will not listen to her every command nevermind, apparently they can do that

[lou-struck]

Prize Winner

Wakatoshi Ushijima x reader

Flufftober Day 8: Pumpkin Contest

W.C: 1.4k

~At your insistence, Wakatoshi takes his prized pumpkin and enters it into the city’s annual largest pumpkin contest.

Damp yellow leaves stick to the sides of your boots as they crunch along the gravel path leading into the large and extremely well-maintained backyard of Wakatoshi Ushijima. Although your boyfriend is one of the nation's top athletes, he still takes the time to diligently tend to his ginormous garden. In the height of the summer, his backyard was overflowing with green abundance, and he enjoyed spoiling you with harvest baskets and farm-to-table dinners regularly. 

But now, as the weather turns colder, his beloved plants are yielding that last of their fruits and vegetables, and their vines begin to wither, making the space look rather dreary. You find the 6'3 wing spiker underneath one of his impressive plant trellises, plucking the little red and orange fruits from the fading vines. He has a small, content smile on his face as he places them into the wooden harvest basket you bought for him at the farmers market not too long ago.

"Oh Y/n, you're early," he says, noticing your presence. Despite his reserved words, you can tell by the joyful light in his olive-colored eyes that he is overjoyed to see you. 

"I am," you say with a smile, "I thought you could use an extra hand in the garden before it rains tomorrow."

"Well, thank you, I appreciate the extra hand." He gently presses a kiss to your chilled forehead and looks around the thinning garden in thought, not wanting to stick you with some sort of terrible task. "I suppose if you would like to you could plant some garlic in this bed I have cleared out."

You nod, thankful for the task, "I'd love to." Curiously, you try to peer into his basket with little luck, "What do you have there?"

He frowns and shows you the basket, "The last of the tomatoes. It's strange that only a month ago, I was struggling to keep up with picking them all, and now this is all that is left out here."

"That is crazy; what are you gonna do with them?" you ask; despite his disappointment, there is still a decent amount of tomatoes in his basket. 

"I was thinking of making us some soup for dinner," he says thoughtfully, "would that be something that you would like?"

The idea of some garden-to-table tomato soup makes your mouth water, and you find yourself agreeing with him. You start to walk over to the empty planter box when something large and bright orange catches your eye. 

With his garden mostly clear, you realize that you had never checked the back corner of the lot, where there are large green vines still growing strong from the ground. And sitting atop the lives is the largest single pumpkin you have ever seen.

It looks like something straight out of a magazine cover, and you have to reach out and touch the cold, dewy, surface just to confirm that it is, in fact, real and not some oversized Halloween decoration.

"I see you found my pumpkin patch," Wakatoshi says, coming up behind you. "I really tried to grow some, but this one here was the only one that grew because it took up all the space."

"It's amazing," you murmur, your eyes never leaving the large fruit. "I've never seen one so big. Have you ever thought of entering it in one of those Big Pumpkin Contests?"

He shakes his head, "It has never crossed my mind, if I am being honest."

"Would you?"

~

It's contest day, and after loading up the pumpkin that Tendo affectionately named the Big Orange over Facetime last night into the back of his truck, you have arrived at the square for the city's harvest festival. People flood the square dressed in warm-toned flannels, looking like they just popped out of a Hallmark movie. 

"Do you really think one of my pumpkins could win a contest like this? Wakatoshi asks, staring down at the application you had just filled out for him earlier today and thrust into his hand. 

You nod. You may not know much about pumpkins, but you do know your boyfriend; he cares deeply about his plants, and he works hard. He has a natural tendency for greatness that you wish others could see applies to more than just volleyball.

Not to mention, the winner of the contest would win a trip for two to a spa resort in the mountains and that would make for a pretty sick getaway.

You watch as your sweater-clad boyfriend grabs one of the faded blue wheelbarrows set aside for the contest. His cheeks are a bit pink from the cold, but he looks genuinely happy to be there. He easily slides the orange monstrosity onto the metal cart with his near-inhuman strength, and you stare at him in wonder. Without so much as a grunt, he begins to push the wheelbarrow into the square. 

"Where do you think we take it?" you ask, struggling to keep up with his long strides. He notices it and slows down a bit, despite having to carry such a heavy load with him.

"I'm not sure," he says, "but I think I know who to ask." He walks over to a man with short light grey hair tipped with black, wearing a bright orange lanyard. 

The vaguely familiar man notices your approach and politely smiles up at your boyfriend. 

How is it that you can hardly keep up with him even w

You run into someone who looks vaguely familiar, but you don't know who they are. "Ushijima, what brings you here today?"

"Kita, Hello," he says, gesturing to you and the wheelbarrow he is pushing.  "My partner and I wish to enter our pumpkin into the contest today."

He nods, "I see, that is an impressive pumpkin. The two of you must've put a lot of hard work into growing it. Sign ups are over by the yellow tent. Good luck in the contest."

He walks away, and you look at your boyfriend. "He seemed nice; where do you know him from."

"Volleyball," he says after a moment. "I believe he was captain for Inarizaki in my third year."

"I see," you check the time on your phone. "We better get signed up; the contest will be starting soon." He nods and follows behind you as you lead your way through the crowd to the tent. 

A kind-looking older woman runs the tent, greets you with a smile, takes your completed paperwork, and explains that the pumpkins will not just be judged on size but weight as well. After which she instructs you to pin a number to your wheelbarrow and leave it next to her tent so the committee can pick it up for unbiased judging. 

After abandoning Big Orange at the booth, the two of you enjoy the festival, and although the contest doesn't seem to cross his mind, you can't help but wonder how the pumpkin will score.

~

"What do you mean we got last place?" you ask in disbelief, looking down at the rows of pumpkins. Big Orange sits at the very beginning of the line, meaning that out of all the entries, it was the smallest.

"I believe it means that all the other pumpkins were both larger and heavier than ours," he says, taking your last statement a bit too literally. His unintentional sense of humor makes you feel much better about the whole thing, and you find yourself laughing. 

"Aren't you at least a little disappointed?" you ask him teasingly. 

"Why would I be disappointed?" he answers. "Pumpkins can't train or intentionally build muscle; they can only grow depending on their genetics and how diligently they are nurtured."

His answer is logical, but you can't help but feel there is more to it than that. There is no way someone as naturally competitive as Wakatoshi Ushijima would just give up after one defeat. 

"That being said," he continues, looking at you as passion and intensity light their usual fire in his normally steady gaze. "I do not wish to lose this competition again, so I would like to ask the other farmers what they did to produce such superior fruits." He starts to walk down the line of pumpkins only to stop and realize that you are still standing in front of not-so-big orange. And hold out his hand.

God, you love him.

You rush to take it as a smug smirk tug at your lips as you realize you may have just created a monster.

Tagging: @pixelcafe-network @ambiguouslady42

[stained-glass-cicada]

hiiii okay so here's a speaker & hale fic where hale tries alcohol for the first time and gets Extremely Homesick for typhon

I did write it to tie in with my fic series but its a prequel and thus, stands fine on its own

Raising Your Spirits- 1.6k words

-

It was the seventh application you put in that day. You knew you were running out of time before the place that SPEAKER was letting you stay in would be noticed and it would no longer be able to house you here. It had explained to you that in all technicality it had only been supposed to get you on your feet which meant it was at liberty to offer you this, but perhaps shouldn't be seen to be being too generous.

“What do I do?” You breathed, laying on the bed.

“It is not all so bad as you seem to think,” SPEAKER’s tone hinted at exasperation, it had loosened up since you had arrived. It became less customer service and more… rude. You liked it. “For example there are a great many things on Earth you haven’t had the opportunity to try! Eating a vegetable for example.”

You shuddered at the suggestion.

“Most of Earth sounds pretty awful, SPEAKER,” You admitted, “I'm sorry.” You knew it liked Earth.

“I understand your perspective even if I disagree… Might I suggest you give it another chance? I could draw up a list of activities you have never taken part in before. That might raise your spirits.”

You sat up and said, “Okay.”

“Excellent.”

It sent you the list on the phone you had bought out of your old savings from before you left.

You stopped on the third item. Hm. Plenty of people on Typhon talked about needing a drink after a stressful shift, you finally had a chance now. You wondered if he, you, had before.

You stood up and started pulling on your shoes. That was one of the other supposed benefits of being on Earth, picking your clothes. You didn't like the shoes you had bought as much as the ones you wore on Typhon. They felt different on your feet and if you scuffed your foot against the floor at all it made a high squeaking sound.

“Have you decided to go somewhere?”

“Yes.”

“Excellent I look forward to seeing you experience something.”

It sounded like it meant it. You didn’t really know what to do with that.

The walk to the nearest bar was a short one and you found yourself mildly regretting it the moment you walked in. The room was full and people were chattering noisily. In the corner there was a TV that was playing… one of the sports. Football maybe. They were kicking it.

You read the menu sign and worked up the courage to approach the bartender.

*

You liked the ones that tasted like fruit. One of them came with a little paper umbrella and so you ordered two more of those. You lined the umbrellas up on the table. You had a green, orange, and blue so far. They all had little pink swirl patterns on them. The bartender gave you a strange look when you ordered them. SPEAKER had explained that potentially this was an aspect of misogyny, and that you were expected to buy beers or perhaps scotch.

You had started with a whiskey and decided you didn't like the brown drinks. The drinks you liked Actually tasted good and you felt less nervous and this was maybe the first time you had ever felt not nervous? Much to consider.

“Hale?” SPEAKER said gently, “Might I suggest you ease up?”

You frowned.

Okay. One more then you'd go.

You finished the glass you had and wandered up to the counter and ordered a blue thing. When the man passed you the glass you frowned a little realizing there wasn’t an umbrella in this one. You held it between your hands.

A soft huff of laughter came from the other side of the counter and a hand reached out and dropped a bright pink umbrella into the frozen mixture. You glanced up quickly at the bartender who had gone back to cleaning glasses with an indulgent smile.

“Thank you,” You murmured.

As you drifted back to your table with it, you pulled out your phone. You had an idea now.

By the time you'd gotten to the website SPEAKER’s voice was urgently questioning you, “Hale, Hale, wait. What are you doing?”

As you waited for the page to load you took your pink umbrella and lined it up next to the others.

“Maybe,” You told it seriously, your head felt weird and light, “I can just… be done.”

“But you should think this through,” It insisted, “I'm not in the habit of discouraging applicants, but this is perhaps not the time to apply to Aerolith. For one thing you are intoxicated.”

You continued typing your name into the application, “But I know I liked working there. I'm not even new and-” you laughed a little, “I'm friends with the hiring manager.”

You took a long long sip through your straw, and felt an ache spread through your head, drawing a hiss of pain out of you.

Its voice, impossibly, softened, “I am touched you consider me a friend, but I fear you are not at your best currently. You should decide you want this when you are sober. Additionally, you might negatively affect your chances for employment if your answers aren't well considered.”

You frowned as the form asked you to enter your work history.

But that was so many words…

You sighed and dropped your head to the tabletop and shrieked, picking your head up from the sticky surface your cheek had instantly adhered to. Many people turned to look at you.

Maybe it was time to leave.

You collected your phone and put your umbrellas in your pocket. You slumped off of the bench seat and your legs felt a little jelly-like. The floor approached like an over-excited golden retriever (you had met one last week). Then you were sitting on the floor with a small “oof” and SPEAKER was asking if you were alright.

“Hoo-okay son,” A hand grabbed your wrist and hauled you to your feet. You felt your arm pulled over a set of shoulders, “Called you a cab a few minutes ago when I saw the way this was headin’. Those fruity drinks will knock ya right on your ass. C’mon.”

The bartender, a broad man, hair shot through with gray.

“I-I’m sorry,” you mustered.

“Nah, we see alotta fellas like you, son. Bad break-up?” He pushed through the door, still taking most of your unsteady weight like it was nothing.

“In a manner of speaking, I suppose,” SPEAKER mused quietly.

“Kicked me out,” You corrected with a sniffle.

He hissed through his teeth as a yellow car approached the sidewalk, “I'm sorry to hear it. Alright, here we go.”

He grunted as he opened the door and dropped you in the back, “You'll get through it, son. And maybe give her a call. Looks like you lost a good one.”

The door shut with a thud and he knocked on the top of the cab twice.

“Alright buddy, where you headed?” The cab driver asked.

“Home,” SPEAKER said, voice firm.

“Home,” You repeated dutifully. You looked out the window and caught the glint of Typhon hanging in the sky.

The cab driver laughed, “Yeah, sure thing. Mind telling me where's home?”

“I can’t get back,” You said, miserably, “They won't let me…”

The man sighed, sympathetic, “Where are you staying now?”

You wrinkled your nose, “It has bugs.”

“I'm sorry?”

“1468 Pinewood Avenue Building F,” SPEAKER supplied.

“1468 Pinewood Avenue Building F,” You repeated, “... Sorry.”

“It’s cool!” The driver said awkwardly, and set off in the direction you specified.

When you collapsed in the room that had absorbed your life since landing on Earth you pulled out your phone and started typing.

“Oh Hale, please no,” SPEAKER cut in, seeing what you were typing. You hadn’t realized it had access to your phone even when you weren’t on the Aerolith website.

“Firstly, I believe you really should try to sleep off the damage you’ve done to yourself chemically. Secondly, the publicly displayed Aerolith phone number would not route you to it. You’d be lucky if the message ever made it to me frankly…”

You blinked a couple of times, your vision becoming unexpectedly blurry. You felt heat spill down your face, the air conditioner chilling the tear tracks as soon as they hit the air.

“I don’t know what to do,” You admitted, the bartender had at least confirmed the only impulse that felt trustworthy, “If I just… I wanna go home.” Your voice cracked on the last word, turning it into a strange throat noise that you didn’t want to be a sob.

“I don’t. The danger’s passed, has it not?” You asked, “I could… I’ve never done anything else. If- I know I’m not… enough. But maybe if you talk to SAYER? Tell it I’ll… I’ll even do caretaker duty.”

Your voice shook. Oh. There was the fear. The familiar edge of panic was strangely relaxing. Its familiar voice grounding you even as your heart sped up.

Several long silent seconds passed.

“... Understood. Tomorrow morning I’ll send you a packet to help you better prepare your resume and application. Tonight, Resident Hale,” It used the title for you and you melted back onto the bed at it, “You must rest. After you’ve slept, I’ll do what I can to return you to your place among the stars.”

“Really?”

“Only if you truly try to sleep,” A gently playful tone tinged its voice.

You nodded quickly then remembered it couldn’t see you, “I promise.”

“Thank you. Rest up. Then we’ll see if we can get you home. End of transmission in 5 4 3 2 1.”

[yuurei20]

Grim Info Compilation part 13: Food (pt2)

Grim doesn’t seem to have a particular preference for one type of food over any others, equally excited about fruits, vegetables and meat, saying, “I’d eat fruit every day if I could afford ‘em on our lousy budget.”

We also see Grim excited about ice cream, bread, coconut milk, lemonade, apples, sandwiches, eggs, tarts, chicken, doughnuts, pudding, churros, and grass.

But he may enjoy tuna more than anything, accepting a can of tuna in exchange for performing a dangerous task for Azul, asking for tuna as payment for photos during Halloween and having the prefect promise him tuna in exchange for his cooperation in the Prologue.

Grim says that if he had magic like Trey’s he would be eating canned tuna for every meal and often refers to the VDC as his opportunity for a “tuna bonanza” during Book 5.

During the Playfulland event Lilia struggles to keep Grim from leaping out during a ride to eat tuna fish, and Grim successfully bites one in another attraction.

Leona has him physically restrained and carried away by Jack, Kalim and the prefect to keep him from eating the fish.

Grim is a member of the Gastronomy Club, and he says that “eating stuff like looks edible is a legitimate Gastronomy Club activity.”

We get more detail in the novel, where we learn that Grim founded the Gastronomy Club himself after all he wanted to do was eat and all the clubs tangentially related to food refused his application. Grim is often complaining about being hungry, as seen in Firelit Sky, Harveston, Vargas Camp and Book 1 through 6.

Multiple characters comment on how much Grim eats, with Jade, Deuce, Riddle and Idia all commenting on how he has a one-track mind when it comes to food.

While Grim will eat at every opportunity he can become full, eating too much during Firelit Sky and Book 4.

[librarycards]

do you have any go-to lunches you make on the regular? I’m trying to eat less meat but lunches are a struggle for me. I thought you’d be good to ask!

yes! if im eating on campus, on a hike, etc. and don't have a fridge, i bring an insulated lunch box with ice packs and pack things that might do better if cool/cold but obviously wouldn't be dangerous to eat (one of the good things about being vegan is not having to worry about fish, mayo, eggs, and so on going back immediately if left out tbh).

some great mains/combos are

pasta salad or some kind of grain (quinoa, tabouleh, farro) based salad with some kind of marinade, bean/legume, and vegetables

overnight oats can be good too, especially if you sometimes like a sweet/brunch-type lunch

hummus (or another spread - they have delicious vegan mayo, pesto, and so on! - sandwiches with veg and tofurky/tempeh if you like it

onigiri if you ever want something compact and hand held but get sick of sandwiches

hummus/guac/other vegan dip + crudite and pita is AWESOME especially with some nuts and fruits on the side. you can also add vegan jerky (plenty of brands out there, i prefer louisville vegan jerky) if you're concerned about protein

salads are also super easy to make and bring on the go! just put the main salad part in one container and the dressing in a different one. add crunchies however you like.

there are lots of vegan yogurts out there (my favorite brand is harmless harvest, which is coconut based), granola/fruit with yogurt can make another great sweet main if you're into that

when all else fails, pb&j! (i don't really eat pb&j and have never liked it much, but i mean, it's a classic for vegans and omnivores alike, and for good reason - it's cheap, keeps forever, and reliably fills you up)

my most common type of lunch is salad (lettuce/spinach or bean/grain based), + some kind of granola or protein bar for later, + fruit or handheld vegetable (apple, carrots, oranges, grapes) with dip if applicable.

(reading back over this i realize you didn't mention being vegan, but i am, so i'll leave in the parts about mayo and so on even if they may not be relevant to you specifically).

hope this helps!