#Clam Shell Bun

[buffetlicious]

A little bits of this and that plus a fried egg and I have made myself a Gua Bao (刈包) or lotus leaf bun sandwich. The char siu are leftovers which mum reheated and the prawn rolls are from this morning trip to the economy rice stall.

[bg-brainrot]

I've said it before and I'll say it again and again...

Astarion would have a phenomenal ass.

As a rogue aficionado, let me go into why.

Acrobatics proficiency = gymnast's build (even better if he has expertise in it)

High dexterity = dancer's build

Sneaking / Crouching = constant squats

Uncanny Dodge / Evasion = basically lunges + glute bridges

Thief subclass + Second-Story Work = step ups and/or jump squats

Lock picking = reverse lunge to get in positon

Basically, his whole day is filled with an excellent set of ass exercises. Throw in a few more things like donkey kicks and clam shells and his entire posterior would be covered.

Now would he have a huge butt? Not necessarily-- but it would certainly be quite toned and, at a very minimum, a good size for grabbing. 🖐🏽

In conclusion: he got buns hun.

Thank you for coming to my recurring TedTalk. I'll see you again next time I'm thinking of the pale elf's butt.

[nui-the-super-lesbian]

I’ve come to make an announcement: Kuonji Alice’s a bitch-ass motherfucker, she pissed on my malewife! That’s right, she took her nasty-fuckin' hairy British pussy out and she pissed on my fucking malewife, and she said his clit was “this big,” and I said “that’s disgusting,” so I’m making a callout post on my Twitter.com: Kuonji Alice, you’ve got a gross ass pussy, It’s the size of this hotdog bun except WAY smaller. And guess what? Here’s what my pussy looks like! That’s right, baby, fat lips, neatly trimmed hair, Mac n Cheese sound — look at that, it looks like a drenched clam shell! She fucked my malewife, so guess what, I’m gonna fuck the Earth! That’s right, this is what you get: my SUPER LASER PISS!! Except I’m not gonna piss on the Earth, I’m gonna go higher!! I’m pissing ON THE MOON! How do you like that, Abe?! I PISSED ON THE MOON, YOU IDIOT!! You have twenty-three hours before the piss drrrrroplllllllets hit the fucking Earth! Now get outta my fucking sight, before I piss on you too!

[fiftytwotwentythree]

Wellness Wednesday:

Doubts Creepin' In

Couple of weeks ago I said I wanted to "finish strong" - I wanted to weigh the lowest I've ever weighed on my last weigh-in, I have a few unwritten goals that I want to surpass, and I want to skate into the New Year flawless on my diet.

Well,

I have become extremely snacky recently. I am still eating "clean" but the portions are getting out of control.

The recent Snack Attack obviously hasn't helped my weightloss progress

And...

I got a Family Holiday Dinner coming around corner just before my penultimate weigh-in and I don't know if I can resist all the side dishes... especially since I will be deprived of my most coveted Holiday Elixirs - I'm talking about the Three Wise-Men of Winter Goodness:

Cranberry Punch,

Eggnog,

and Hot Chocolate

Hot Damn, I will miss thee three.

Lastly - I absolutely cannot stand working out/exercising at the moment. Every work has been completed begrudgingly.

.

.

51st CHECK-IN:

Current Goals:

Lose 52 lbs: Completed

Loss 52 lbs as of 4/12/2023

Milestone: Loss 100 lbs as of 11/01/2023

New Goal: Maintain or Continue on The Weight Loss Path

Avoid "Junk Food"

Minimize Take-Out / Fast Food Consumption

Short Term:

Vegetarian-ish Diet: Completed

End Date: 4/09/2023 - 46 Days Total

Groundhog Day Diet: Completed*

10/01/2023 - 10/31/2023

.

.

Meal Tracker:

THURSDAY

Lunch:

(2) Cheeseburgers

- Potato Hamburger Buns

- Prime Rib Steak Beef Patties

- Cheese

- Top Secret Burger Sauce

(1) Glass of Chocolate Milk

Snack:

Summer Sausage Sandwich

- Slices of Summer Sausage

- Cheese

- Potato Hamburger Buns

(4 - 5/8oz) Bags of Smartfood's White Cheddar Popcorn

Bag of Ranch Corn Nuts

(4oz) Bag of Sahale Snacks Pomegranate Vanilla Flavored Cashews Glazed Mix

(4oz) Bag of Sahale Snacks Pomegranate Flavored Pistachios Glazed Mix

Supper:

Large Plate of Macaroni & Cheese

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

(1) Glass of Chocolate Milk

FRIDAY

Lunch:

Chef Salad

(2) Bowls of Wonderful's Shelled Seasoned Salt Pistachios

Snack:

(4 -5/8oz) Bags of Smartfood's White Cheddar Popcorn

Supper:

Bowl of White Chicken Chili

- 10 Crackers

(2) Oven Baked Ham & Swiss Sliders

(2) Handfuls of Red Grapes

SATURDAY

Breakfast:

(2) Sausage Sandwiches

- (8) Sausage Links

- Potato Hamburger Buns

- Cheese

(1) Glass of Chocolate Milk

Lunch:

Birds Eye Sesame Garlic Veggie Stir Fry

- Annie Chun's Sticky White Rice

- Individual Bag of Planters Peanuts

(1) Glass of Strawberry Milk

Snack;

Bag of Ranch Corn Nuts

(1) Small Orange

Supper:

Can of Progresso Tomato Basil Soup

- 10 Crackers

(1) Grilled Cheese Sandwich

(1) Glass of Strawberry Milk

SUNDAY

Lunch:

Salami & Cheese on Potato Hamburger Bun

StarKist Smart Bowls Rice & Beans with Tuna: Spicy Pepper

(1) Glass of Chocolate Strawberry Milk

Snack:

Bag of Orville Redenbacher Ultimate Butter Popcorn

(1) Glass of Strawberry Milk

Bag of BBQ Corn Nuts

Large Bowl of Smartfood's White Cheddar Popcorn

(1) Glass of Chocolate Milk

Supper:

(3) Ham & Salsa Con Queso on Pretzel Slider Buns

(1) Glass of Strawberry Milk

MONDAY

Lunch:

Salami & Cheese Sandwich

Cup of Del Monte Peaches

Snack:

Large Bowl of Smartfood's White Cheddar Popcorn

(1) Glass of Chocolate Milk

Supper:

Can of Progresso New England Clam Chowder

- 10 Crackers

Slice of Buttered Bread

Serving of Kirkland's Signature Roasted Garlic and Herb Seasoned Almonds

TUESDAY

Lunch:

Chef Salad

Serving of Kirkland's Signature Roasted Garlic and Herb Seasoned Almonds

Snack:

(1) Glass of Chocolate Milk

Cup of Del Monte Peaches

Supper:

Can of Progresso Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Slice of Buttered Bread

WEDNESDAY

Lunch:

Annie Chun's Yakisoba Noodle Bowl

- Serving of Kirkland's Signature Roasted Garlic and Herb Seasoned Almonds

Bag of Ranch Corn Nuts

Supper:

(4) Oven Baked Ham & Swiss Sliders

(2) Oven Baked Turkey & Swiss Sliders

Large Plate of Ranch Mash Potatoes

Bowl of Wonderful's Shelled Salt & Pepper Pistachios

(2) Glass of Chocolate Milk

.

.

Workouts:

THURSDAY

(400) Jumping Jacks [8 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

(100) Reverse Leg Lifts [10 sets of 10]

(100) Leg Kickbacks [10 sets of 10]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

FRIDAY

(400) Jumping Jacks [8 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

(100) Reverse Leg Lifts [10 sets of 10]

(100) Leg Kickbacks [10 sets of 10]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

SATURDAY

(400) Jumping Jacks [8 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

(100) Reverse Leg Lifts [10 sets of 10]

(100) Leg Kickbacks [10 sets of 10]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

SUNDAY

* Morning Workout *

(400) Jumping Jacks [8 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

(100) Squats [4 sets of 25]

(100) Reverse Leg Lifts [10 sets of 10]

(100) Leg Kickbacks [10 sets of 10]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

* Evening Workout *

(400) Jumping Jacks [8 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Reverse Leg Lifts [10 sets of 10]

(100) Leg Kickbacks [10 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

MONDAY

* Afternnon Workout *

(400) Jumping Jacks [8 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

(100) Reverse Leg Lifts [10 sets of 10]

(100) Leg Kickbacks [10 sets of 10]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

* Evening Workout *

(400) Jumping Jacks [8 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Reverse Leg Lifts [10 sets of 10]

(100) Leg Kickbacks [10 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

TUESDAY

* Afternoon Workout *

(400) Jumping Jacks [8 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

(100) Reverse Leg Lifts [10 sets of 10]

(100) Leg Kickbacks [10 sets of 10]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

* Evening Workout *

(400) Jumping Jacks [8 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Reverse Leg Lifts [10 sets of 10]

(100) Leg Kickbacks [10 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

WEDNESDAY

* Afternoon Workout *

(400) Jumping Jacks [8 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges[4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

(100) Reverse Leg Lifts [10 sets of 10]

(100) Leg Kickbacks [10 sets of 10]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

* Evening Workout *

(400) Jumping Jacks [8 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Reverse Leg Lifts [10 sets of 10]

(100) Leg Kickbacks [10 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

.

.

WEIGHT TRACKER:

Starting Weight (Noon, 1/01/2023): XXX.X lbs

Weight at Last Check-In, 12/13/2023: 0.0 lbs

Weight As of Noon, 12/20/2023: -0.6 lbs

Total Weight Loss: -103.6 lbs

.

.

Closing Thoughts:

The Good:

I got a short work week?

The Bad:

Had small "kink" in my morning routine that sent me to the doctor. Hopefully, it's just a one-and-done type thing.

The Ugly:

My sleep schedule is such a wreck that I have had small moments of not being able to distinguish reality.

[southcoastdeli]

From Sea to Plate: Must-Try Lunch Spots in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, nestled along the picturesque coastline of California, is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene and abundant seafood offerings. From freshly caught fish to succulent shellfish, the city's restaurants boast an array of options that showcase the bounty of the sea. For lunchtime indulgence, there are several must-try spots where you can savor the freshest seafood dishes while enjoying the ocean breeze and stunning views. Join us as we explore these top lunch places in santa barbara, where every bite promises a taste of the sea.

1. Coastal Cafés:

Santa Barbara's coastal cafés offer a quintessential dining experience, combining delicious seafood dishes with breathtaking ocean views. These waterfront eateries source their seafood locally, ensuring that every dish is made with the freshest and most sustainable ingredients available. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the patio as you feast on a classic seafood cioppino, brimming with tender shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish in a rich tomato broth. Or indulge in a grilled fish taco platter, featuring flaky mahi-mahi or snapper topped with fresh salsa and creamy avocado. With their relaxed atmosphere and seaside charm, coastal cafés are the perfect spot to enjoy a taste of the sea.

2. Pier Restaurants:

For an authentic seaside dining experience, head to one of Santa Barbara's pier restaurants, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean while dining on delicious seafood specialties. These iconic eateries offer a variety of dishes to tempt your taste buds, from classic fish and chips to grilled lobster tails and seafood pasta. Savor the flavors of the ocean with a platter of fresh oysters on the half shell, served with tangy mignonette sauce and zesty cocktail sauce. Or opt for a hearty seafood chowder, brimming with chunks of crab, shrimp, and fish in a creamy broth. With their prime location and ocean-fresh fare, pier restaurants are a must-visit for seafood lovers in Santa Barbara.

3. Harbor-side Eateries:

Santa Barbara's bustling harbor is home to a variety of eateries where you can enjoy a delicious lunch with a side of maritime charm. These harbor-side restaurants offer a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of seafood dishes to suit every palate. Start your meal with a bowl of clam chowder, made with locally harvested clams and creamy potatoes, before diving into a plate of grilled swordfish, topped with a tangy citrus salsa. Or opt for a classic shrimp cocktail, featuring plump, juicy shrimp served with zesty cocktail sauce and lemon wedges. With their waterfront location and fresh seafood offerings, harbor-side eateries provide a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of Santa Barbara's coastal culture.

4. Beachfront Bistros:

For a truly memorable lunch experience, dine at one of Santa Barbara's beachfront bistros, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean while savoring delicious seafood dishes. These upscale eateries offer an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, making them perfect for a leisurely midday meal. Indulge in a plate of grilled scallops, served with a creamy risotto and seasonal vegetables, or treat yourself to a lobster roll, featuring tender chunks of lobster meat tossed in a light mayo dressing and served on a buttery brioche bun. Pair your meal with a crisp glass of local wine or a refreshing craft beer for the ultimate beachfront dining experience.

5. Seafood Markets:

For those looking to enjoy fresh seafood at home or on the go, Santa Barbara's seafood markets offer a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. These markets source their seafood directly from local fishermen, ensuring that you're getting the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. Pick up a selection of freshly shucked oysters to enjoy as a light lunch or grab a pound of jumbo shrimp to grill up for a beachside picnic. Many seafood markets also offer prepared dishes such as ceviche, sushi rolls, and seafood salads, making it easy to enjoy a delicious seafood meal wherever you are.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Santa Barbara offers a wealth of options for seafood lovers seeking a delicious lunchtime experience. Whether you prefer dining at a coastal café with panoramic ocean views, indulging in fresh oysters at a pier restaurant, enjoying a leisurely meal at a harbor-side eatery, savoring upscale seafood dishes at a beachfront bistro, or grabbing fresh seafood to go from a local market, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, the next time you're in Santa Barbara, be sure to explore these must-try lunch spots and savor the flavors of the sea in this coastal paradise.

[funkforbreakfast]

New England Coastal Road Trip

Today felt like a calling to road-trip. I woke up at my aunts house in Marshfield and had that rare motivation to run. I changed and tried to sneak out to a beach — spoiler alert, there’s almost no beach parking in Marshfield. I tried to set out on the rocky shores by Brant Rock but tumbling amongst the beach was a struggle. Fortunately my aunt reached out, wanting to walk on the beach (and she had a parking permit!) The beach was littered with crab claws — some of which seemed foreign for the area and perhaps dropped by a wandering tourist. But the shells were almost as plenty and we took home a peachy spiral. My aunt raved of all the coffee shops and bakery in her hometown. While I was sold on the rumored gigantic gooey cinnamon bun, my clock said otherwise. I needed to be heading north if I wanted to make it to Newburyport in time. Long road drives feel familiar at this point - a time for me to listen to good music and go without social contact for a bit. The hour twenty to a golf shack where I was meeting up for a Facebook marketplace deal breezed by. I heard this town was a gorgeous walk-around town by the coast, but I was feeling more and more lonely on my trip. By now it was getting cloudy and I was either 50 min home or 30 min away from my childhood-family-summer-vacation-spot. I chose north up to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where I could catchup with some former high school teachers of mine at their summer house. I plugged “Ice-House” into my Google maps and drove north. When I pulled off into the coastal New Hampshire town, the sun was poking through - coating the streets and pastel houses in its warmth. The familiar side of the road restaurant welcomed me to its dirt parking lot. I wasn’t planning on spending my life savings - but lunch naturally added up to be more than what I budgeted for. I chowed down on a fried clam strip plate with a blueberry pie a la mode to its side (honestly, desert came before the meal).

I was foolish and said "No" when the server asked if I wanted tartar sauce with my clam strips. They were good, but the ketchup could only carry the fried dish so far.

My favorite thing to order here is just a cheeseburger — not that I have had it in a minute, but I remember it being juicy and cheesy and dripping down my hands as a child. They also would serve it with a lettuce bun, though our waiter seemed confused by that request.

The pie was the real highlight (naturally). I am a big big fan of eating fruit when it is local and when it is season. There is no place better for blueberries than New Hampshire and Maine – and I like to believe that when the fruit grows on the coast it's even more special. It was perfectly tart for an ice-cream-topped slice but the overall berry flavor was muted.

It was an afternoon spent gabbing with friends before purchasing a surprisingly affordable Trader Joe’s haul. I was excited to get home though (for the first time in a week) and shower and open some packages.

In trying to be more true to myself, I think I am a choosy extrovert. Being around close friends feels recharging of my social battery, but if I am trying to meet new people at a party where meeting new people is not the vibe (iykyk), then I'd rather sit one out. Maybe you could call me an ambivert. Maybe labelling humans on spectrum based systems is inherently flawed! It was a wonderful day, but I can’t help but wonder if it would have been more memorable with a friend - or maybe I need to get more used to my own presence.

Highlighted spot: The Ice House in Rye, NH

[downtoearthmarkets]

Memorial Day, historically known as Decoration Day, is officially a commemoration of and tribute to all those who have lost their lives in service of this great country. The long holiday weekend also marks the unofficial beginning of summer (you can now safely break out your flip flops and white jeans from their winterlong wardrobe purgatory!) and the kickoff of pool, beach and grilling season. The growing season is also in full swing on our area farms which means your local Down to Earth farmers market will be brimming with freshly harvested produce and all the provisions you could possibly need to make this Memorial Day weekend a truly memorable one. Grilling Ideas We’ve all consumed our fair share of good old-fashioned, all-American burgers and hotdogs over Memorial Day gatherings of yore. Why not shake up and elevate your typical cookout routine this weekend with something sustainably, humanely and locally sourced from the farmers market? 1. Lamb The type of lamb you’ll find in the farmers market is pastured and grass-fed, meaning the animals have enjoyed plenty of unfettered access to the outdoors and have followed a biologically appropriate diet grazing on grass and weeds that is sometimes supplemented with hay or silage. Bone-in lamb chops – the cuts of meat that come from the rib, loin, sirloin and shoulder of the animal – work superbly when cooked outside on the barbecue, without your running the risk of smoking up your kitchen, setting off your alarm and deploying the entire fire department to your residence (ahem, yes, I’ve been there and done that!). Here’s a foolproof recipe that will yield succulent, tasty lamb chops in no time at all:   Ingredients • 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard • 2 cloves garlic, minced (Berry Brook Farm, Fino Farm, Jersey Farm Produce) • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary (Berry Brook Farm, Fino Farm, Jersey Farm Produce) • ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil • Salt and pepper to taste • 8 farmers market lamb chops   Instructions • Combine mustard, garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt and pepper and cover lamb chops with it. Let marinate in fridge for 30 minutes. • Grill chops for about three minutes per side, to perfect medium rare.   2. Steamers Nothing says “summer is here!” like a piping hot bowl of locally harvested steamers. Also called soft-shell, Ipswich, or Essex clams, steamers are members of Mya arenaria – a species of edible saltwater clam that is widespread throughout the tidal flats of New England. To prepare steamers for the grill, first clean them by soaking them in cold salt water for 2-3 hours (1 tablespoon sea salt/2-3/4 teaspoons table salt per quart of water) to help purge them of sand. Try this easy-to-execute recipe for whipping up a big batch of steamers to wow your guests with over this Memorial Day weekend. Be sure to remind folks to use their fingers to peel off and discard the skin covering the siphon before eating, as it is a part of the clam that retains sand:   Ingredients • 1 cup water • 2 lemons, cut into quarters • 2 dozen pre-soaked and cleaned steamer clams from American Pride Seafood Instructions • Preheat grill to medium-high heat. • Pour water into disposable 9" x 13" aluminum pan and add lemon quarters. Place clams in water and cover with aluminum foil. Place pan on grill and close cover. • Grill 7 to 9 minutes, or until clams open wide by themselves. Discard clams that don’t open by themselves. • Dip cooked clams in melted butter but careful when picking them up because liquid from inside clams can be hot. 3. Mushrooms As Down to Earth Markets vendor Mushroom Queens puts it, “Grilled portobellos are alright, but shiitake sliders with caramelized onions are next level!” Ingredients • 12 slider buns or dinner rolls • One large white onion (Berry Brook Farm, Fino Farm, Jersey Farm Produce) • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil • 12 large fresh shiitake mushrooms • Simple Fine Foods Everything Aioli Squeeze • Fresh arugula – feel free to swap out with fresh spinach or mixed spring greens (Berry Brook Farm, Fino Farm, Jersey Farm Produce) Instructions • Grill whole shiitakes over medium-high heat until tender. • Caramelize onions: Coat bottom of heavy-bottomed sauté pan with olive oil. Heat over medium-low heat and add sliced onions. Cook onions slowly, stirring every few minutes. After 10 minutes, sprinkle with pinch of salt and continue to cook for 10-20 minutes until onions have reduced in size and are caramel in color. • Assemble sliders: Place handful of fresh arugula on bottom of each bun. Top with grilled shiitake and caramelized onions. Spread Everything Aioli on top piece of bun and place it on top. • Enjoy! Of course, if burgers and dogs are what you’re dreaming of and your guests are clamoring for, you can easily source grass-fed ground beef, ready-made burger patties, and artisan sausage in the farmers market. Don’t forget to pick up your condiments from Picklelicious and Simple Fine Foods as well as some mouthwatering, freshly baked fruit pies and ripe strawberries while you’re shopping to round out your Memorial Day celebration with a sweet flourish.

[b-ritney]

I had 2 dreams last night that I believe are worth sharing b there is def something wrong with me lmao

The first one went like this:

I was left alone at a beach house in a bustling little town.. I explored the house for a while but decided to go outside and look for shells well I found a bunch of extraordinarily colored clams and went to grab them to look at but put them back bc I knew they were still alive. Well they got mad and a few of them started chasing me and then all of them started chasing me and then more came from out of nowhere and I was being chased by a legion of angry clams..... then it goes blank idk lmao

The second dream:

I was with my friend out in the middle of nowhere and we came upon this really busy gas station that I guess is the last good one before you really hit the open road. Well we stopped there and went inside and as soon as we came in the owner said, "Oh good" and threw us uniforms and made us work... well we started laughing in disbelief bc what the hell lmao but he was really serious... sooo we started working but decided to start fucking around with customers and acting dumb bc we didn't want to be there. THIS IS WHERE IT GETS INTERESTING

A group of 3 cyclist in full cycling leotards and helmets ride their bikes up to the side of the building and get off to come inside for something.. well one of them looked really familiar and I looked at my friend and said "hey I know him" and she goes "yeah me too" then the guy unzips the top half of his outfit to cool off and I realize it's Jamie Campbell Bower lmao.... BUT to be inconspicuous he has covered his tattoo's and drawn over them... more specifically the heart on his chest he covered and then drew a heart with a smiley face in it... lmao anyway I say to my friend audibly "OMG it's Jamie Bower" and his friends start looking around panicked bc lol they've been caught, so one guy goes "hey we want 3 hunny buns" and I was like "you can have them I dont know what the hell Im doing back here so just take them." well he ends up paying anyway and Jamie is just looking at me and my friend the whole time... well someone else in the building must have recognized him and put it online bc a swarm of teenage girls shows up and Jaime runs for the hills.... Literally... and SOME HOW... he get's a microphone and speaker and sets up a meet and greet on the hill outside the gas station and me and my friend get special treatment for some reason he said... I can't remember why lmao... that's it bahahahaha

[midnightartworks56]

List of Side foods in Tomodachi Bliss (Part 5):

Corn Dog 🇺🇸/🇰🇷

Description: "A fried hot dog on a stick, for busy people with no time to fuss with buns."

Prices:

US: $0.99

KO: ₩2,500

American, European and Australian Versions

Japanese version

Cooked Eggplant (US)/Cooked Aubergine (EU/UK) 🇺🇸/🇪🇺/🇯🇵/🇦🇺

Description: "Eggplants that are delicious and grilled to perfection. It's healthy, flavorful, AND filling!" (US)/"Cooked until soft and covered in sauce. Oozing with flavour!" (EU/UK)

Prices:

US: $3.50

EU: €5.90

UK: £5.90

JP: ¥480

AU: $5.26

Chizimi (JP)/Buchimgae (KO) 🇯🇵/🇰🇷 (縮み) (부침개)

Description: "A Korean savory pancake." (「韓国の香ばしいパンケーキ」) ("한국의 맛있는 팬케이크.")

Prices:

JP: ¥550

KO: ₩8,000

Chili Prawns 🇺🇸/🇪🇺/🇯🇵/🇰🇷 (Main dish)/🇹🇼/🇦🇺

Description: "Prawns are good on their own, but they're way better with garlic and chillies." (US)/"Garlic, chili, prawns and coriander make a dish that should be savoured." (EU/UK)

Prices:

US: $6.40

EU: €12.00

UK: £5.23

JP: ¥640

KO: ₩7,000

TW: $194.49

AU: $9.63

Clam Chowder 🇺🇸

Description: "Experience the taste of clams without the nuisance of slippery shells."

Price:

US: $6.00

Coleslaw 🇺🇸/🇰🇷

Description: "A side dish of raw cabbage, carrots, and mayo. Nothing too exciting here."

Prices:

US: $1.20

KO: ₩2,500

Cornflakes (US)/Corn Flakes (EU) 🇺🇸/🇪🇺/🇯🇵/🇦🇺

Description: "A fine choice for a quick breakfast. Don't dally or the flakes will get soggy!" (US)/"Timing the milk so the flakes aren't soggy is essential for a good brekkie." (EU/UK/AU)

Prices:

US: $3.00

EU: €1.70

UK: £1.50

JP: ¥400

AU: $4.51

Cornish Pastry 🇪🇺

Description: "Unlike other pastries, this one is full of meat and veg."

Price:

EU: €3.10

UK: £2.90

Corn on the cob 🇺🇸/🇪🇺/🇯🇵/🇰🇷/🇹🇼/🇦🇺

Description: "A fresh ear of corn, roasted and savory. Remember to remove the husk before eating." (US)/"Steamed to perfection and smothered in butter, also good for a BBQ." (Eu/UK/AU)

Prices:

US: $2.00

EU: €0.80

UK: £1.63

JP: ¥350

KO: ₩2,000

TW: $60.70

AU: $3.01

[amaised44]

“What is the human relationship to the body? Is it like a roommate? A pet? A twin? A teammate? A rival? A parasite? A host? Is the body our essential self, or is it just an outer shell — and if so, is it more like a clam shell (homegrown, enduring) or a hermit crab shell (adopted, temporary)? Is it closer to a tamale husk or a hot dog bun or a pita pocket or the fluorescent cake-tube that wraps a Twinkie’s sweet cream center? Is the body the other side of the coin of the mind, or is the body the whole coin itself, and is the mind just the series of images and slogans stamped, superficially, on the exterior? Is the body an ancient piece of hardware designed to run the cutting-edge software of our souls? Or is it more like a hostage situation — is the body a time bomb strapped to our existence, the thing that will bring the action movie of our life to a sudden, unpredictable end?”

[...]

“What I know about my body, for sure, is its size: when it is bigger or smaller, squishier or firmer. I know this every day, firsthand, from point-blank range. I should acknowledge here that I’ve been lucky: I’ve never struggled with an eating disorder, have never been grievously hurt by diet culture. (Noom, by the way, tries to position itself as “above” diet culture — but it absolutely is not, as many critics have pointed out.) Even so, my weight has somehow managed to make itself a central fact of my life, an essential part of the story I tell myself about myself. In our number-obsessed culture, people tend to use “weight” as diagnostic shorthand for the whole vexed mind-body relationship. It serves as a kind of stock price: a number that indicates, publicly, the overall health of our private situations.”

[...]

“The crisis of my father’s body made me think, in a new way, about the basic crisis of every human body: that we will always, in the end, be disabled, lose control. In many ways, this is what our bodies are: ever-present reminders of our essential lack of control. The body subjects us to gravity and pain. It makes us eat, sleep, fall, sit. It is the only part of us that can be bitten by a dog or go tumbling down a flight of stairs. Much of diet culture is a sublimated response to this crisis — an attempt to discipline the unruliness of the body, to transcend it, to prove that we are not, in the end, merely things. Diet culture is a fear of death disguised as transformation. But the transformation is a fantasy. If, through some heroic act of will, you do manage to heave yourself into a new place, it is still you who did the heaving. It is you who stands in the new place. You will still be you.”

--Sam Anderson

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/11/magazine/weight-loss-pandemic.html

[tastesoftamriel]

I'm sorry if you've already answered this one. What are the daily meals usually eaten by the various peoples of Skyrim? Is second breakfast a thing?

Daily meals across Tamriel are highly subjective, and this list is barely the tip of the iceberg where day-to-day cuisine is concerned. Nonetheless, these are some of my favourite dishes when you're just not feeling up to something remarkable, but still want something delicious. As for second breakfast, you can have as many breakfasts as you can fit into you anywhere but Summerset!

Altmer

When it's not horrendously complex, Altmeri cooking is really quite remarkable in its simplicity. One of the most common dishes you'll find in households and taverns across Summerset is a warm, smoked seafood and dill tartine. The most popular version of this recipe calls for smoked marlin or halibut, but is also just as good with everything from eel to clams and sea urchin. Baked into a smooth and creamy egg custard in a buttery shell, and topped with a sprig of fresh dill, this is a seafood lover's go-to!

Argonians

One of the things you'll find in Murkmire is the sheer number of crocodiles. And the best thing to do with those crocodiles, bar leather, is to cook them. Similar in taste and texture to frog or chicken, crocodile is a slightly dry meat that's marinaded overnight in a spice paste, and wrapped in pandan leaves to infuse the flavour. The next day, the croc is chopped into bite-sized pieces and fried in coconut oil, and served with a big plate of rice and steamed vegetables.

Bosmer

The Wood Elves love their soup, and soups aplenty do they have! A particularly popular recipe is deer stew, which is a chunky thunderbug egg-drop soup with deer meatballs. Boiled thunderbug eggs become soft and spicy, whisked goose egg-drops thicken it up, and fried venison meatballs add flavour and texture. It's simple, tasty, and made from easy to find ingredients.

Bretons

High Rock may very well be the bread capital of Tamriel, and it's no surprise that one of the most common dishes is a type of stuffed bread. A deliciously unconventional yet very popular option is large buns flavoured with cardamom, which are stuffed with blueberries, crispy lardons, and blue cheese, and served hot with a slathering of butter. Great with a cup of tea!

Dunmer

Saltrice is a staple in the Dunmer kitchen, whether it's been fermented in sauce, stir-fried with hackle-lo, or baked into crackers. Saltrice and ash yam bowls are a typical food, where generous servings of other ingredients are served atop a bowl of freshly steamed saltrice, and slices or cubes of fried or baked ash yams. Toppings can include anything from scrambled kwama egg, pulled bantam guar, nix-hound curry, or pickled comberry and spicy seasoned hackle-lo.

Imperials

Stuffed and baked pasta logs, or cannelloni, are a Cyrodiilic staple that you'll be eating at least once a week in the Province. Stuffed with things like minced boar and vine-ripened tomatoes, ricotta and spinach, or smoked aubergine and caviar, these tubes of wheat pasta are slathered in a rich cream or tomato sauce, covered in cheese, and baked until crisp. A favourite of both the young and old.

Khajiit

Noodles are a Khajiit's best friend, and roast meats are any noodle dish's best friend! Roast duck, barbecue pork, or chicken noodles with a sweet-and-salty sauce are sure to be a hit at any home in Elsweyr. Thin egg noodles are stir fried with a signature moon sugar soy sauce, and topped with juicy slices of roast meat with crispy skin are served on top. For a couple of Septims more, you can make it a truly satisfying meal by throwing in a few crispy shrimp dumplings!

Nords

When it comes down to it, nothing hits the spot for a Nord quite like a good old jacket potato with spiced beef, sausage, and beans. There really isn't much to say here, aside from the fact that nothing is off limits when it comes to jacket potatoes. Whether it's Eidar cheese and bacon or reheated rabbit pemmican, everything tastes great when it's been mashed together with a potato that's about the same core temperature as Red Mountain.

Orcs

Contrary to popular belief, the Orsimer have a varied diet beyond roasted meats and root vegetables. A popular Stronghold dish, for example, is spaghetti squash stew, made with a curious type of squash that turns stringy when cooked, mimicking Imperial spaghetti. The stew it's served with is made from meat (usually beef, boar or mammoth), cream, mushrooms, and a good measure of ale. It's rich and hearty, and also goes well with a side of bread to mop up the gravy.

Redguards

Goat is the staple meat in Redguard cuisine, and it's in everything from curries to kebabs. One of my favourite ways to eat goat is a commoner's dish of baked goat in coconut milk, served with saffron rice. The meat is juicy as it is baked in a clay oven in a sauce made from a thick paste of spices and coconut milk, and has a bit of char that brings out the flavour. It's complemented perfectly by the rice, and is best washed down with a cup of sweet cardamom tea.

[buffetlicious]

Mum’s cooked this pot of Braised Pork Belly with shiitake mushrooms and garlic cloves. She also steamed some Lotus Leaf Buns (荷叶包) or Gua Bao (刈包) to wrap the braised meat. Had two of these sandwiches for dinner to which I also added a few slices of pickled daikon.

[lov3nerdstuff]

Voluptas Noctis Aeternae {Part 7.8}

*Severus Snape x OC*

Summary: It is the year 1983 when the ordinary life of Robin Mitchell takes a drastic turn: she is accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Despite the struggles of being a muggle-born in Slytherin, she soon discovers her passion for Potions, and even manages the impossible: gaining the favor of Severus Snape. Throughout the years, Robin finds that the not quite so ordinary Potions Professor goes from being a brooding stranger to being more than she had ever deemed possible. An ally, a mentor, a friend... and eventually, the person she loves the most. Through adventure, prophecies and the little struggles of daily life in a castle full of mysteries, Robin chooses a path for herself, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more, and two people abandoned by the world can finally find a home.

General warnings: professor x student, blood, violence, trauma, neglectful families, bullying, cursing

Words: 1.3k

Read Part 1.1 here! All Parts can be found on the Masterlist!

______________________________

A glimpse into the seventh week of travels (or the second week of August):

After the Spanish heat a week ago, it honestly shouldn't have come as a surprise to Robin that Greece at this time of year would be no better. Indeed, it proved to be even worse in terms of both the scorching sun and also the tourists it attracted. The islands obviously were a preferred destination for tourists from all parts of the world, but Robin hadn't known just how many people were willing to squeeze themselves onto a tiny speckle of sand merely because the water was supposed to be the bluest there. Neither could she understand what some people liked about lying in the sun all day, which was exactly what the majority of people were doing here. Undoubtedly, this made their mission a whole lot more difficult, as literally every place Robin and Snape went to was already crowded with muggles. After checking the seventh and final location –Robin had researched multiple options to search for today's object of study in advance– only to find it littered with people as well, she honestly had enough of humanity for crossing her plans like that.

"Why the hell are there people everywhere?!" She groaned under her breath, trying to keep her voice down as she looked at Snape in sheer frustration. They were sitting in the soft sand of a small beach in the most secluded bay imaginable, shielded by rocks and reefs and cliffs, and yet they were surrounded by a crowd of vacationers. "How are we supposed to do the thing here?!"

"As it seems, there is little to no possibility to follow through with the plan. The means to prove your theory rely on 'the thing', as you so eloquently called it, and I currently see no way around it." He replied in equal annoyance about the people screeching and laughing and running all around them, but at least he understood the problem Robin saw here. With a group of muggles around, it was practically impossible to go through with the spells she had come up with to acquire the clam-like thing they were here about in the first place. Not without some serious consequences at least. They were huge creatures, these clams, and that usually meant high efforts as well as lots of unwanted attention.

"I didn't come all the way to Greece just to be stopped by bloody tourists now!" Robin protested, even though there was little use in it. It wasn't Snape's fault after all, nor was there anything he could change about their unfortunate situation. "We've never let anything or anyone stop us before…"

"There is a first time for everything."

"Nope, I'm not having it. I'll get this stupid thing, with or without magic." She said, and in the utmost determination to see this through indeed, she got up from where she'd been sitting in the sand. There always was more than one way to do something, and if the easiest one didn't work, she would have to get her hands dirty after all.

"What, pray tell, are you doing?" Snape asked, sounding slightly alarmed as he looked up at Robin with a frown while she halted in her movement to return the gaze.

Seeing him sitting there, dressed all in black as always, in such a contrast to the white sand beneath them… Robin just had to smile. He'd actually let her show him how to put his hair up indeed, the way Robin had done it with her own occasionally ever since the new year's ball, by twisting it into a bun and fixing it with a wand or pen. And good gods it did look way too good on him, which meant that Robin had to remind herself not to stare from time to time. Times like now. Her eyes snapped back to the edge of the water a few steps ahead in an instant.

"I'm doing what everyone's doing. Going for a swim." She sighed in defeat, then took off her sunglasses and put them down on her backpack.

"No, you're not."

"Yes I am."

"Not if you're planning to do what I think you're planning to do."

"And what do you think I plan to do?"

"Diving down the part of the cliff that is underwater to find the clams yourself, then try to detach one from the wall somehow and bring it back to shore." He stated in obvious disdain for the idea, which only served to amuse Robin, even as he spoke on. "I will not let you do such a stupid and dangerous thing. The current would undoubtedly throw you against the ragged stone, especially underwater, and trying to separate one of the clams' shells from the wall also is nigh impossible without the… method you had originally planned."

"That's why I'm not doing that." Robin shrugged almost easily. Almost. "I mean yes, I will still need to dive down the wall of the cliff, but I'm not separating the shell from the wall. All we need is a few of the leaves that grow inside the clam, and I think I can get it to open up while it's still alive. Then I can take out the leaves underwater and leave the shell where it is."

"You clearly must be joking." He scoffed and finally got up to his feet as well, leaving him to look down at Robin once more with that ineffably intense expression. "You were the one who told me just this morning that this… creature can literally bite your hand off when it isn't stupefied before the leaves are taken out! And the dangers of nature alone you obviously disregard entirely."

"Well yeah, I will just have to be careful then." She argued back, but her words lacked the conviction she'd still had moments before. Perhaps it really wasn't the best idea. Both, the strong currents that far outside of the bay and the clams themselves were a serious risk, especially in combination. A risk that, if she really thought about it, wasn't necessary. Her pride wasn't worth risking her life for.

"Don't do this, Robin. Please. Think about it, at least."

"I just-... No. You're right. I won't do it, it was a stupid idea." Robin replied quietly, and she couldn't help averting her eyes for a moment. It really had been a beyond thoughtless idea to dive down the cliffside; there was a reason why she had come up with a theory and a strategy to avoid having to take those risks after all. Gods, she felt stupid now. "I was just being an idiot."

"You would have been an idiot had you gone through with it despite better judgement. Admitting that an idea is too dangerous to be executed however has absolutely nothing idiotic to it."

"I could've done it though, you know…" Robin said after a moment of silence, as she put her sunglasses back on against the insufferable brightness of the beach. "It would have been unreasonably dangerous, but I could have gotten those leaves."

"I know." He replied calmly, and picked up Robin's backpack before she could. "But instead of risking lives and limbs right now, we could also find a quiet place in the shadows and wait until dusk to return here in the hopes that the people will be gone once night falls."

"You would seriously suffer through this heat for five more hours just so I can be stubborn and prove my theory after all?"

"Obviously."

"How about some old-fashioned sightseeing?"

"Don't push it."

"I would never." A pause. A smirk. "We could send Dumbledore a postcard."

"Now you are just being sarcastic."

______________________________

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[ohholyfanfics]

Phases|Tom Holland

Summary: the one where Tom patiently awaits for you to go through your phases, hoping at in the end it brings you back home to him.

Tom would like to consider himself a blessed individual, with all the blessings and opportunities that were thrown his way left and right. Along the way he was introduced to her, the witty woman who managed to steal his heart without notice. The one person who entered his life so unexpectedly that it shook him to the core, and he wasn’t sure how he could recover. Tom remembers the day you both met so vividly you’d think it was a recent occurrence.

It was shortly after Far From Home was officially at the box offices. He was granted some-time and the first thing he did was hit up a small get together where he saw her. She was wearing the simplest of clothing but yet she stuck out like a sore thumb, her hair was tied in a messy bun as she helped Ian set up the drinks. Her smile was bright but her eyes were covered by her sunglasses.

He wasn’t sure how long he had been staring till Harrison came over giving him a soft nudge. Clearing his throat he turned around hoping no one else caught onto his stare. It wasn’t long after that before you two were officially introduced to one another by Ian, who he found out was your cousin. Her voice was sweet like honey and from that moment he knew he was in trouble.

Fast forward four months later and a stupid drunken mistake, Tom found himself fallen faster than he’s ever fallen before. From the way, she treated him as Tom Holland her cousins best friend and not Tom Holland the actor. Everything about her clam and collected until he left and everything changed, she changed.

He was hearing stories each time their mutual friends would go visit. She was going through phases, was what Harrison had described it as. He didn’t know how badly was until he witnessed it for himself, she still looked the same. She still looked and sounded like the same y/n that had stolen his heart within a matter of seconds of being introduced to each other. Yet, she wasn’t the same, the carefree attitude was gone and replaced with a dull hollow shell. 

“You okay?” he finally asked one night as the group were gathered at a local pub. Her hands were lightly gripping her cup that had remained full for the past three hours. 

“Oh..” she chuckled softly nodding her head finally bringing the glass to her lips and took the smallest sip known to man. y/n wasn’t stupid she knew that Tom knew what happened after he left. God, she wanted nothing more than to blame him for everything that had happened, she needed someone to blame. 

Looking at him right now she knew it wasn’t fair, it wasn’t fair that she had tried so hard to get about him. She wanted nothing more than to forget about how he made her feel that night, wanting to erase each and every trace of him that he had left on her skin. The truth was that it hurt, it hurt her so much that she couldn’t deal with it and tried to do everything she could to escape it, too escape him. 

“I heard you fell a little off the wagon..” he mumbled testing the waters not wanting to hit a nerve. He watched as her eyes glassed over and her glance wavered. He felt guilty, god did he feel guilty for even bringing it up. “I’m sorry that was out of line.” 

She shook her head, and gave him a soft smile. She knew it wasn’t fair to say everything she wanted to, it wasn’t necessarily his fault he had to leave. God, she knew it wasn’t his fault. “No, no you’re perfectly fine Tom.” 

She wasn’t sure how to respond, she knew there was nothing to hide. Yet, she had the insane feeling that she needed to defend herself and her actions. She felt like she needed to fight with him, to make a point that he can’t just come back and say something like that. But she felt frozen as he continued to speak.

“I’m just worried love.” He finally breathed out as she nodded her head. She knew everyone was worried, she didn’t mean to but it happened. She slipped up but she’s slowly bouncing back. “are you okay though?” He added as she finally met his eyes that showed nothing but concern.

“I’m fine?” She breathed out more of a question to herself. She wanted to believe it, which is maybe why she repeated again, but with a sureness he wouldn’t question. “I’m fine, just going through phases I guess.”

Phases, was the phrase that came up whenever anyone asked about her. That was the same word Tom found himself repeating as he watched her claiming she wanted to find the new her. No one knew that that meant, all he could see was a empty shell of the girl he charised.

“I’m trying to find the new me..” She breathed out one night as her and Tom were silently having a weekly dinner at his place. It was something new Tom had stressed they needed to do, or well something he needed to do. It was his way of knowing you were still alive.

“You look a little lost though love..” He spoke looking down at his glass fearing the look in her eyes. “I just don’t understand, what are you looking for?”

She blinked rapidly as she finally took in his question, she wasn’t sure what she was looking for. It was all a drastic impulsive act she had pulled, but something she convinced herself she needed when he had left.

“My worth?” She breathed out with a chuckle as the words her therapist spoke rang out to her. “It’s just a personal thing Tommy.” She shrugged once their eyes finally met.

“What the hell does that cost?”

He wasn’t sure how it happened but it did, his lips caught hers in a fiery his as his hands gripped her thighs. The sudden need and desire to show her, she was worth more, that she was better than this. His hands and lips where desperate to show her. His veins where pulsing as she tugged him closer, aching and craving to feel his touch. 

“Just let me show you.” 

[foodglorious-food]

Lobster Crawl, Day 3: Young's Lobster Pound & Nautilus, both in Belfast Maine, both on the water. This post will focus on Young 's.

While there's still a long way to go, I'm gonna bet that Young's will win the week. I've just never had anything better. Their lobster roll, while a tad untraditional (which I will highlight further down the page, with pics) gets my highest honors and rating: 10/10. This is my first perfect score.

When you approach Young's, you're struck by a large red compound, which encompasses a retail operation and commercial lobster management system, comprised of about 26 rectangular green pools with running seawater between them.

The lobsters in each pool seem to be playing "King of the Hill."

Someone in front of me purchased about 12 pounds of "new-shell" lobsters. New shells have a little less meat per pound than the normal hard shells, but the benefit is they cost about 30% less and are typically sweeter.

The lobsters (and clams and steamers) are picked and boiled fresh on the spot. About 15 minutes for the new-shell lobster and 20 minutes for the hard-shell lobsters.

Price list for uncooked lobsters, mussels, and clams.

The lobster roll was served on a hamburger bun instead of a hot dog bun, seasoned with a dab of mayo and topped with 2 slices of fresh lettuce. I normally prefer a hot dog bun and no lettuce or mayo, but the mayo was barely perceptible, and the lettuce added a bit of texture. Consider you are get a healthy vegetable course rich in beta carotene 😂.

Most importantly, the lobster meat was purely tails and claws. No filler, no legs. Just large pieces of succulent meat from the most valuable part of the crustacean.

This had to be about a pound of lobster meat. The cost was $21, but worth every penny, and 5x better than the $20 lobster roll at the Fish House on Monhegan Island.

There is no skimping. This is the big leagues. Youngs just won the Superbowl of Lobster Rolls.

I tried the lobster stew. Very nice but a waste of resources in my opinion. Just stick with the roll.

Youngs from the rear deck. On the water.

[pazvizslaplasmathrower]

A Father’s Duty - Chapter 47

Read Here or on AO3

Chapter 47: The Mysterious Stranger

Series Summary: Have father/parent issues? Yeah? So do I. This is mostly for my own sanity, but i still hope people enjoy it. Each chapter is about 1k and a lil’ more. Mostly bc I have a short attention span and its easier to write that way for me.

You are a force sensitive being, trying to survive off of selling refined Kyber crystal. Though dealing with something so powerful has dangerous consequences. After narrowly escaping a deadly encounter, a certain bounty hunter is set in finding you.

Chapter Summary: The stranger is coming. They have made their declaration. Your head aches terribly figuring out what to do.

Word Count: 1569

A/N: As always the MC is gender neutral and written so anyone can insert themselves into the story. I can't believe I'm on chapter 47. What the hell am I gonna do when s2 comes out? Ideas???? Help???

You and your little brother were poking around the river, catching as much fish and shellfish as your brother could stomach. Perhaps his metabolism was infinitely quick as he had not stopped eating for nearly the entire time.

“Are you sure you're not gonna get sick, little brother?” You asked tentatively, prying open a stubborn clam.

The baby gurgled and babbled, his small hand grabbing at the food you pried from the shell. With a small smile, you placed it in his hand which he gobbled up in a few seconds. Once he had wiped all the remnants from his little green face, his hands reached out, expecting more.

“Kriffing hell, y'know what that's it, you've eaten more than I could in a millennia! I swear if you throw up I'm not gonna clean it up.”

You halfheartedly listened to the little one complain, watching as he stomped his tiny feet and tried in vain to undo the straps of your boots. Quickly you figured out a distraction that worked well as an exercise8 of sorts. Calmly, you raised small spheres of water from the river, hovering them around the baby and whenever he poked one, you burst the orbs into a gentle spray. When the baby's eyes widened, you turned around to see Paz with his arms quite full with numerous bundles and your father storming over.

“Buir! What did you- oof!”

At once you were lifted off the ground, the Mandalorian's grip under your armpits. His aura was full of pure confusion and a hint of fear.

“Din.” Paz warned, his voice stern.

For nearly a whole minute, he simply stood there holding you with your feet dangling over the ground. His breathing was deep but not labored as he stared right ahead. Unsure of what to do, you remained still, knowing he would never harm you.

“Did you know?” He breathed. “Do you know who he was?”

Your brow furrowed and you shifted about, but Mando's grip was vice-like, though it did not hurt.

“Who's 'he'?”

He paused, searching your face for anything readable. “Your father.”

“Pfft! You almost scared me!” Wriggling, you managed to break free, landing on the grass. “This some sort of joke? You're my father, or didja forget?”

The Mandalorian didn't move, seemingly taken aback at your answer.  You looked at him raising an eyebrow, but the bundles in Paz's arms soon stole your attention away. Your little brother followed behind, sparing Mando a quick glance, but like you was far more interested in the one warm bundle the other was holding.

“ThatsmellssogoodcanIhaveonenow?” Jumping up, you tried to snatch the package, only to have Paz Vizsla successfully fend you off with one hand, trying to maneuver about without stepping on the toddler who was trying to grab his feet.

“Kark, Djarin! I swear it's like you don't feed them enough!”

Your father still seemed to be far off in his own mind, so he simply shrugged.

The sweet meat filled buns were supposed to be a surprise, but neither Mandalorian had accounted for your acute smell. Still, they each let you have one on the hike back to the ship. No one really said anything much, save the baby who was babbling to himself, having finished his food swiftly. Paz seemed rather tired, but your father still had an air of foreboding about him. Walking mechanically with his head turned slightly down. Having some confidence in your abilities, you tried to reach out to him, but instead of Din Djarin's familiar aura, there was something else. Within second a searing hot sensation wrapped around the skin of your neck. Immediately you hand flew to pull the force away, only to find nothing physically there, nails scraping at flesh. No one else noticed your silent plight, all looking ahead and not behind.

Sh...Sh...Be still, and know that I am here.

Your eyes bulged recognizing the voice at once. Begrudgingly, you did your best to calm your mind and body, your muscles going somewhat slack but not by your own doing. For a brief moment, Mando turned to look at you, head tilting slightly to the side.

If you even finish that thought, I will slaughter him where he stands. Do you understand?

Heeding the incorporeal voice, you forced a smile on your face, more of a smirk than anything. A little mischief to ensure him that you're alright. He seemed satisfied enough and turned back around.

Good. Obedience will serve you well. How does it feel?

Taking a deep breath, you realized this was a connection that did not hold you in favor.

I know that voice. You were there on the ship. You hurt me again and again!

It was necessary. A small price for something with such great potential. Though it wasn't without issue. That idiot forgot to take in account the spontaneity of a child.

“Hey, kid? Are you okay?” Din asked. “You look...angry.”

“Huh? Oh...Yeah I'm just kinda tired.” You lied.

Excellent. You're doing so well. Though, the choice is no longer entirely yours I suppose. No...Even the blood in your veins will obey my every order.

You could feel bile start to build in your throat.

That...the ether. You had that put inside me, didn't you?!

Precisely. Now. You have been a bit of a kriffing problem for me as of late and it has...marred my mien. It would behoove you to simply do as I say.

Or what? Are you gonna kill me?

I shall do you one better. I will kill him.

Your eyes flew to your father.

And the little one.

There was the baby, nibbling on one of his fingers.

And the mighty one who thinks of you fondly.

No! Not them! Not Paz! You wouldn't! You cant.

Are you willing to test that little theory?

The Mandalorian Din Djarin had picked up the baby and was so gently patting him on the back, helping the tiny one burp properly. When he did, Paz let out a hearty laugh that warmed your heart.

No...No I don't.

Good. It would be incredibly selfish for you to put your own needs before that of those who have taken pity on you.

I...Please...What in the kriffing hell do you want?

It is what I am taking back, young apprentice. It is what you are made for. Know that I am near, and  our rising will be glorious.

***___***___***

The Mandalorian Din Djarin placed young Beviin down on their little bed, slipping off their spaulder and boots, placing then neatly at the bottom of the cot. Their breathing was heavy, each one desperate in a way. With caution, he removed  a glove, placing two fingers where Beviin's brow was deeply furrowed. Such extreme tension for one so young, how that was possible, Din had more than a few ideas. They had been almost joyful in the last few moments of their time on Stewjon. He had nearly been just the same.

His child did not know. They were perfectly unaware of the man that had both sired and left them alone many years ago. What had been so utterly dire that a man would leave both his loved one and child? But who was he to act as both judge and jury. Din had now become quite familiar with the look of fear his eldest would often adopt in moments of extreme tension. And he recognized that look as they walked back to the ship, their face contorted, eyes alarmingly wide. Their gaze had been fixed solely on the ground, but no common signs of their earlier...episodes.

“...Bu....”

Jerking awkwardly, Din whipped his head around to find the source of the noise, only to see the baby tugging at his boot. Letting his guard down, he scooped the baby up in his arms, still amazed at how tiny he really was. Hell, on the floor, the child was just a bit smaller than his footwear!

With those pointy claws, the baby poked at his Beskar. The dim lighting allowed for the child to see his own reflection in the armor, just distorted somewhat. An adorable little grin spread across his face as he moved about, seeing in what other ways he could make his reflection look. All was well until the baby started to lick the kriffing Beskar.

“Hey! Stop it !” The Mandalorian hissed, pulling the baby away from his chest with both hands. “Krif... I haven't even cleaned it for the day...”

The baby smiled. “B...buh...”

Din Djarin pointed at his kid, “You better not get sick. You make your buir worry, y'know that?”

His son cooed, letting his body sink into Din's steady grasp.

“Alright, c'mon I guess we'll go get some sleep, A'dika.”

As he walked out of the room with his son drifting off, he looked back at his other beloved child to see them toss and turn in their slumber. Not far off, Paz sat polishing his weapons with respectable reverence. While that man could easily make Din's blood boil, he could be trusted.

“Paz.” The other turned, interested at the out of place initiation. “I...May I ask you to watch over Beviin?”

“Of course.” He answered, drawing himself upright. “You need only ask.”

Din paused a mere second before nodding and retreating to his quarters.