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holdmeclosertinytaron · 1 year

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RHW: Chapter Eight

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A/N: I can't believe that we're nearing the end of Liliana and Taron's story (for now), but I'm also so excited to share the last four chapters with you. @brayndilyn and I both love how this chapter turned out, and I hope you feel the same.

Word Count: 7.1k

Warnings: Explicit language, mentions of childhood trauma, mentions of smut...

March 20th, 2022

Liliana woke up to the smell of toast wafting from the kitchen, and as she peeled her eyes open in the bright space of Taron’s bedroom, she could just about make out his figure stepping through the door, a tray balanced in his hands and a smile plastered on his face.

It wasn’t the first time she had woken up in his bed, but each time he walked into the room and saw her wrapped up in his sheets, he could barely contain the excitement bubbling in his belly. He knew that under the covers, she was still naked from the night before when they had made love over and over, only falling asleep when dawn had started to break.

He himself had only pulled his boxers over his legs so that he could go make breakfast without anybody in the flats across the street seeing his naked form. Lazy Sunday mornings in bed were quickly becoming a ritual that Liliana treasured.

Liliana reciprocated his smile, and slowly sat herself up in bed. A yawn escaped her but she only let one eye fall closed again. She wanted to watch Taron as he made his way to the bed and expertly pulled the legs of the tray down so that he could set it on the bed in front of her.

The tray was full. Taron had stacked six slices of toast on one plate for them to share. There were two mugs of tea filled to the brim, a smaller one for Taron and a larger one for Liliana. Her eyes widened in excitement at the sight.

On the smaller plates he’d put on the tray too was a pile of packets of butter, jam, nutella, honey and marmalade that Taron had taken from the last hotel he’d stayed at. He always insisted that he could need one at any given time, and they were helpful to have in the campervan.

‘Easier than taking big packs with me every time I want to go somewhere,’ he’d insisted whenever anybody asked him why he had so many.

‘This is a new tray,’ Liliana said as she ran her finger over the light wood finish. The old one had polystyrene balls at the base and wobbled everytime they moved an inch. The new one sat more sturdy and she didn’t have to hold onto it whenever she needed to shift herself to get comfortable.

Taron nodded as he climbed back into the bed beside her. ‘I bought a new one to make it easier for things like this. That other one was bothering me. I couldn’t so much as turn to kiss you without food going everywhere.’

‘You bought a new tray just so you could have breakfast in bed?’ Liliana asked as she reached forward for her mug of tea. Since she’d started to stay the night at Taron’s a couple of weeks before, she’d gravitated to one mug in the cupboard, and he’d quickly donned it hers.

‘No, I bought a new tray so that I could make you breakfast in bed whenever you stay here overnight,’ he corrected her with a smile.

Liliana shuffled over so that she could rest her head in the crook of his armpit, and Taron leaned forward to kiss the top of her head. They fell into a short silence as Taron shifted the tray so that he could let it go and it wouldn’t topple over while pulling the duvet over his legs, covering his bed and the toast he’d made with tea.

‘It’s not much today,’ Taron said apologetically as he plated three slices of toast for Liliana, offering her the butter, ‘I need to go food shopping. I’ve barely got time with being at the theatre as much as I am. And when I’m not at the theatre, I’m with you.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Liliana mumbled as she grabbed a couple of Nutella packets and the one random Biscoff packet he’d brought out. ‘I take up all of your free time.’

Taron dropped the slice of toast he was about to butter and twisted his body so he could cup Liliana’s cheeks in his hands. Her cheeks were warm against his hands, and her eyes fell closed for a millisecond.

‘I want to spend every waking minute with you,’ he told her when her eyes fluttered open again. ‘I was in no way trying to insinuate that spending time with you means I don’t have time. That’s not at all what I meant. If I could be with you every hour of every day, both awake and asleep, I would. I hate that being at the theatre pulls me away from you.’

Liliana shook her head at him. ‘No, I’m so proud of you and everything that you’re putting into this show. How about this? You make me a list of things you need from the shop and I’ll get them when I’ve finished my work for today. I can drop them off, put them away and then head back to mine.’

‘You won’t be here tonight?’ Taron asked. His eyes dropped and his shoulder slumped, and Liliana used her thumb to unfurrow his brows.

‘I didn’t want to assume that you wanted me here again.’

‘I always want you here.’

His voice was steady and Liliana knew that he was being sincere. She’d loved spending time in Taron’s flat and having more space to move around. Though she didn’t want to be a burden by overstaying her welcome. Not that Taron ever thought she was. He meant it when he told her that he wanted to spend every second with her.

‘I also only have one pair of clean underwear left so I need to go back and get some washing done.’

‘You don’t need underwear when you’re with me,’ Taron teased, nuzzling his nose against Liliana’s. ‘Now I’ve seen you naked, I would much rather you be naked around me all the time. I’ll return the favour, obviously. Who needs clothes?’

A blush rose to Liliana’s cheeks. The night before, Taron had taken his time undressing her, and loved on every part of her body. He’d kissed from her lips all the way down to her legs where he situated himself between them and kissed her in the place she felt it the most. Liliana had come undone with her hands tangled in his hair and her legs tightening around his head.

The thought alone was enough for her to shift to try and get some friction. Taron noticed and chuckled to himself, running his hand up her arm before going back to his toast.

‘As much as you would love that, I’m sure everyone at work would prefer it if I didn’t turn up tomorrow in three day old sweats and a t-shirt that I spilled curry on the other day.’

‘Everyone at work loves you so much that they wouldn’t bat an eyelid. You’re their shiny new money maker.’ Liliana groaned with a chuckle. ‘But I get it. If you want to go back to yours tonight and get yourself together for work, that’s fine. I’m sure I can handle one night away from you.’

‘I can’t,’ Liliana laughed, kissing his lips softly at first until he parted them with his own. ‘I want to come back, I just need to go and do my washing and grab some fresh work attire.’

She kissed him again and Taron leaned her back slightly before he pulled away just as quickly, leaving Liliana with puckered lips and closed eyes.

‘I do own a washing machine, you know? You are free to use it whenever you’d like. All it will cost you is-’

‘I swear if you say what I think you’re going to say,’ Liliana laughed, her finger in the air to stop whatever Taron was going to say. He laughed at her and wiggled his eyebrows playfully. ‘You are insatiable.

‘Only for you, Lil.’

***

When the toast was gone and Taron had moved the tray to sit on the floor next to the bed, Liliana buried herself back in the covers, pulling them up to her neck and breathing in the smell of Taron.

‘I don’t want to leave this bed,’ she moaned as she got herself comfortable again. ‘This moment is so perfect, I want to live in it forever.’

‘Then don’t. Come here, Love Bug.’

Taron’s new pet name made her insides turn to mush. She’d always loved to call Matilda Little Bug and Taron thought it would be fitting if Liliana became Love Bug. Liliana curled into his side happily, and started to stroke the hairs on his chest as he held her against him.

Her lips found his neck and as she pressed a series of kisses to his warm skin, the growing stubble tickling her chin and her hands wandering further south until she could feel how hard Taron was for her. Taron ran his hand down her back until he could grab her bum, pulling her in even closer and tangling their legs together.

She laughed into him as her kisses became more needy and Taron rolled them over so that he hovered over her. It took no time for him to enter her, and they fell into a rhythm, perfectly in sync with one another, until their moans filled the room and sweat beaded on their skin.

They came undone together and lay wrapped up in one another for a few moments in complete bliss, enamoured with one another and so content. Taron held Liliana against his body as they caught their breaths and he pressed delicate kisses to the top of her head while she lay curled up into him.

‘I don’t have to be at the theatre until later this afternoon,’ Taron said softly as Liliana pulled the covers back over her body to shield herself from the cool air of the bedroom.

“What did you have planned for the day, aside from that entirely unnecessary washing?”

“Nothing in particular, once I was done at my flat, I figured I could drop everything off here, and then I planned on getting coffee in Covent Garden or something and writing a bit because I want to get a head start on the second book before I come to see you tonight at the theatre. Why, what were you thinking?’

‘I thought maybe we could go out for a few hours? Maybe we could get lunch somewhere nice before I go to the theatre.’

‘There’s a burger place I wouldn’t mind trying in Leicester Square if you’re up for it?’ Liliana asked excitedly.

The thought of spending the rest of the morning and the first part of the afternoon with Taron was enough to make her want to jump out of bed and get ready.

Since getting back from New York, Liliana and Taron had spent pretty much all of their free time together. If Liliana had early morning meetings, she would stay the night with Taron so she was already closer to Central London, allowing her a coveted lay in and cuddles before heading off to work.

Taron had cleared out a drawer for her to store some spare clothes the first night she stayed over, and she’d done the same for him, deciding that she really didn’t need ten different workout sets when she barely worked out anymore.

If Liliana texted Taron late at night and told him that she was struggling to sleep, he would pick her up and take her back to his place where he knew she’d sleep comfortably, or if he was too tired, he’d crash at her place with her. Either way, she slept better with him by her side.

Taron always put one of his hoodies on in the morning if he knew that Liliana was going to be there, and sprayed his cologne on it before folding it neatly on the edge of the bed for when she got there. Without fail, Liliana would walk through the door, head to his bedroom for the hoodie and change into it before getting herself a cup of tea and curling up with a book until he got home.

Whenever Taron was at the theatre on days where he had two shows, he would send Liliana funny selfies of him falling asleep in his dressing room on his break, or photos of him and Jonathan pranking everyone else there.

If Liliana wasn’t in the office at any point, she would run to the theatre to take Taron a coffee and snacks, and to give him a quick kiss. On days where they were alone in the dressing room, and if Taron wasn’t too tired from rehearsing or performing, other shenanigans would occur.

They had so quickly fallen into a routine. Everyday they allowed themselves to grow more in love than the last. They were constantly learning new things about each other, and doing everything they could to show one another just how happy they were that they were finally together.

‘Burgers sound really good right now,’ Taron nodded happily, peeling the covers away from his body so that he could jump in the shower. ‘What’s it called?’

‘Honest Burger, I believe. It’s less than a two minute walk from the theatre, and there’s quite a few coffee shops nearby that I can go to and work before I get to the theatre.’

‘That sounds good.’ Taron leaned over the bed to kiss Liliana before he ran into the bathroom and turned the shower on. ‘Fancy saving water?’

***

‘Hey, Love Bug,’ Taron called sweetly as Liliana rounded the corner to the theatre. He waited at the stage door for her, and pulled her into a large hug when she got close enough. ‘Did you manage to get much work done?’

‘Enough,’ Liliana replied softly before she pressed her lips to Taron’s in a soft, chaste kiss. Despite feeling at first that it would be strange to kiss Taron whenever they saw one another, it felt natural to her. To them both. ‘I have what I think should be a pretty good plot down at least. I’ll see what Bea thinks tomorrow before I send it up to Martin.’

Taron nodded as he held the door open for Liliana to walk through. As she passed him, he tapped her bum and stifled a laugh when she guffawed at him.

‘You-’

‘Come on,’ he laughed as the door banged closed behind them, ‘let’s get upstairs where it’s a bit warmer. I’m glad you managed to get some work done though. Are you staying for the show still or do you need to get off?’

‘I’m staying.’

Liliana turned to Taron, standing at eye level thanks to the step she’d climbed onto. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for another kiss. Taron wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close, parting her lips and tasting the coffee she’d had while working.

‘You two need to get a room,’ a voice echoed down the stairs. Liliana pulled away quickly, already out of breath, and turned to the top of the stairs to see Jonathan Bailey fake gagging at them both. ‘Like seriously, can you keep your hands off each other for longer than two minutes at a time?’

‘You’re so funny,’ Taron deadpanned, resting his hand on the bottom of Liliana’s back so he could guide her up the stairs. ‘Come on, Lil, let’s go upstairs. We can chill in my dressing room for a bit before the show starts.’

‘Jonathan, do you want to join us? You can tell me all of those stories you said you had about Taron.’

Liliana stepped onto the landing and Jonathan immediately wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug.

‘I have new ones to tell you.’ The glint in Jonathan’s eye made Liliana beam and Taron stop in his tracks.

‘I’m not sure how I feel about the two of you being in cahoots,’ Taron said softly before he walked to Liliana and kissed her cheek. ‘He’s going to steal you away from me.’

Jonathan chuckled and kissed Liliana’s other cheek. ‘Don’t listen to him, darling. He’s just jealous of our ever-lasting love.’

‘You two are as bad as one another,’ Liliana laughed. She walked into the dressing room and immediately flopped onto the sofa near the window. ‘Now, whoever gets here first gets my undying attention for the next hour.’

***

Liliana looked around her in awe. Every seat in the theatre had been filled with people who were going to see Taron perform. She could tell that some of them were fans of his because they got giddy when he walked on stage, and Liliana smiled to herself, flashes of that morning playing around her head.

Unlike the first two times she’d gone to see the show, Liliana had booked her own ticket, and had chosen to sit in the very middle of the front row in the Circle. She wanted an unobstructed view for the first time she would be able to see the show from start to finish, and from where she was she could see Taron perfectly.

Whenever Taron averted his eyes up to where Liliana sat, she would wink at him softly, aching to see the ever so tiny upturn of his lips when she did. To everyone in the room, who was laughing when something funny happened and gasping when the lights suddenly went out, it looked as though Taron was finding a spot in the room to keep his attention.

Liliana watched the show and her heart ached. As she watched Taron and Jonathan fighting their emotions, and the struggle Jonathan’s character had over the desire to have children and start a family, Liliana felt the familiar pang of regret for not thinking about Matilda every waking hour.

Life after Christmas had been amazing for Liliana, and she’d been distracted by Taron and their budding relationship more than she would have thought. It wasn’t that she didn’t think about Matilda. It was more that Matilda wasn’t her first and last thought every day like she was before.

Liliana hadn’t seen Matilda since Boxing Day when she left Aberystwyth last, and as much as she really didn’t want to have to see her mum ever again, Liliana had to see Matilda. As the show came to an end and everybody stood up to give a standing ovation, which was entirely deserved, Liliana booked herself a train ticket home for two weeks later.

She knew that Taron would understand her need to go to Wales. If anything, she could see him offering to take her back in the car so she didn’t have to get the train.

But she needed to do it on her own. Matilda deserved to know why her big sister, who she loved more than anything else, wasn’t around much. Liliana wanted to explain everything to Matilda. Why she left Aberystwyth, why she left at Christmas, why she wrote the book. Matilda needed to know that it wasn’t her fault that Liliana didn’t go to Wales often.

Liliana stayed in her seat until most of the theatre was empty before she made her way down the stairs and towards the stage. Taron opened the hidden doorway and ushered Liliana in quickly.

She wrapped her arms around his body tightly the second she could and held him against her happily, breathing him in and kissing the spot of his neck she could reach without going onto her tiptoes.

‘I’m so proud of you,’ she mumbled into his skin as he pushed the door closed again. ‘So incredibly proud.’

‘I did alright then? I was weirdly nervous with you being in the audience. I wanted to be perfect for you.’

Liliana pushed Taron away enough to look at him fully. ‘You did amazing, baby. So amazing. I find the fact that you got nervous very sweet though. I have a gift for you as a congratulations on a great show, but it’s at home…in your bed…naked.’

Taron’s eyes lit up as he leaned down to kiss Liliana, his hands finding purchase on her rear. ‘That sounds fun.’

‘I’m going to Aber in a couple of weeks,’ Liliana said quickly. ‘I need to go and see Matilda. I’m sorry it’s last minute, and I hope you hadn’t made any plans but I need to-’

‘Lil, it’s okay. Do you need me to drive you there? I’m more than happy to. I’ll even come with you in general so that you’re not on your own in the house with Eliza.’

Taron knew how hard it was for Liliana to go back to Aberystwyth in general, but he knew with the way she’d told him she needed to see Matilda, her eyes not quite as sparkly as they normally were when her sister was mentioned, that she was going to talk about important things with her, and he knew how difficult that conversation would be for Liliana.

Liliana smiled at him softly and leaned herself against him, her hands gripping the hem of his t-shirt tightly. ‘I’ll be okay,’ she mumbled against him. ‘I need it to just be Matilda and I when I talk to her. And I need to go back and spend the time with Matilda without being distracted by you and your body, and your lips.’

Taron leaned down to kiss her softly before he nodded in understanding.

‘I also couldn’t possibly pull you away from work. Not after I saw you perform tonight.’

It was then that Taron realised just how much Liliana would always put everybody else first, and he decided that he would always put her first. He wouldn’t allow her to become an afterthought any longer. She deserved to be put first and to be somebody’s priority, and Taron was going to make her his.

‘You should have heard the group of girls in the row behind me. They kept giggling and ogling you the entire time. And when you looked at me, they thought you were looking at them and would fangirl so hard.’

‘I spent my entire performance ogling you, Love Bug. They weren’t even on my radar. But I’m glad they got a kick out of my love for you. If you don’t need me there with you, do you want me to drive you?’

Liliana shook her head. ‘I’ve booked a train. Thank you though. I leave on the 8th and come back on the 15th.’

‘You’re going for a week?’ Liliana nodded. ‘Are you sure that you’re going to be okay for that long on your own? I’m only asking because I don’t want you to have to go through what you went through at Christmas again.’

‘I need to go for the week. I have too much to talk to Matilda about, and I’ve not seen her since Christmas which was a shit show anyway so I need to make it up to her. Eliza is working while I’m there anyway so she’ll see it as free childcare for Matilda with it being the school holidays, and I can make it so I have to see her as little as possible.’

Taron looked at Liliana sadly, kissing the top of her head as he linked their fingers together to walk up to the dressing rooms where they could get ready to go back to his flat. To go home.

‘I don’t like the sound of you being used as free childcare, Lil.’

‘That’s the thing,’ Liliana said with a soft smile, trying her best to show Taron that she was okay. ‘Eliza, which is now what I’m referring to her as, will see it that way. I see it as uninterrupted time with Matilda where I’m free to do whatever I want with her without having to ask permission. I’ve already got a list of things I want to do with her, including a girly shopping day and a cinema trip.

‘It’s going to be a week of Matilda being my only priority. I’ve emailed Martin and booked in a last minute week off work for ‘writing purposes’ so I have no work to do while I’m there. I will obviously call and text you all the time too but I want to spend as much time just Matilda and I as I can. It’s what she deserves.’

They rounded the corner into Taron’s dressing room and Liliana sat on the sofa near the window while Taron turned on the tiny shower in the corner of the room.

Liliana’s head fell to her shoulder as she looked at Taron in awe. Her breath caught in her throat when he pulled his t-shirt away from his upper half and pushed his trousers down his legs. He turned to her and smirked when he saw her gawping at him.

‘Like what you see?’

‘Yeah, I do,’ Liliana smiled happily.

Taron climbed into the shower after he’d taken his underwear off, but Liliana could still see him through the frosted glass door. She watched as he cleaned his body, her mind running to multiple different places, and her body aching to be closer to him.

April 8th, 2022

Taron reached behind his head awkwardly to shut off the alarm he’d set the night before. He wanted to take Liliana to the train station seeing as though she wouldn’t let him drive her back to Aberystwyth. Liliana had insisted that he didn’t need to because it would mean he was going out of his way before work and she was a grown woman who could get to a train station on her own, but Taron insisted that he wanted to take her.

In the end, he had persuaded her over to his side in a way that only he could, and she agreed to let him drive her to the station while she was putty in his hands. They hadn’t fallen asleep until it was past midnight, so Taron made sure to set an alarm himself so that they wouldn’t sleep in.

He turned back around and snuggled into Liliana who was curled up in his arms. Smiling down at her, Taron tried to burn the moment to his memory. In the four weeks since they finally got together, there hadn’t been a single night where they hadn’t slept in the same bed. Going a week without feeling the warmth of Liliana pressed against him, of him pulling her closer to him when he woke up in the middle of the night, of waking up to her snuggled into him happily sleeping, was going to be hard for him.

Not wanting to wake her up abruptly, Taron pressed his lips to Liliana’s to rouse her from her sleep. He continued to press kisses to her until he could feel her kiss him back, a soft moan of happiness vibrating through her, and even then he continued to kiss her until his second alarm went off five minutes after.

‘Come on, Love Bug, I think we should get up now if you want to make your train.’

‘But your bed is comfortable, and you’re here. If it weren’t for Matilda I would not be going today,’ Liliana mumbled against Taron as she pushed herself against him more. His skin was warm against her front and she wanted to run her hands down his chest and continue with the previous night’s activities, but Taron pulled himself away before she could. ‘What are you doing?’

‘I love you, and as much as I would love to start something fun right now, you really do have to get up and get ready to leave. Do you want something to eat before you go? In fact, ignore that, I’m going to go and make you some breakfast and a cuppa tea. What do you fancy?’

Liliana was groggy as she slowly began to sit up in the bed, pulling the covers over her chest to stop from being exposed to the cool air of the room. ‘Hmm, can I just have toast and a banana please? Oh and a coffee. A big coffee. I didn’t sleep much last night.’

‘And whose fault is that?’ Taron asked teasingly.

‘Oh absolutely yours.’

‘Whatever helps you sleep at night, Love Bug.’ Taron smiled as he leaned down to kiss her once more before he headed out to the kitchen to make breakfast.

They had just over an hour before they had to leave and Liliana’s suitcase was packed near the front door already, so all she had to do was get ready and then put her toiletries in the suitcase before she left.

She decided to take it steady getting ready so she grabbed one of Taron’s hoodies from his drawer and pulled it over her body, holding the sleeves like little paws in her hands. Walking into the kitchen, she smiled at Taron.

He smiled back at her when he saw her walk through and he motioned for her to sit at one of the barstools at the kitchen island just as he finished her cup of coffee.

Liliana took the mug from him when she had sat down and thanked him quietly before she took her first sip. Her eyes fell closed at the first drop of warmth hitting her tongue and she sighed in delight.

‘How are you feeling about the trip?’ Taron asked when he’d finished buttering toast and joined her at the island. ‘Are you ready?’

‘I’m excited to see Matilda, obviously. I love spending time with her and getting to see her, but I’m also so nervous. I’ve hidden this part of me from Matilda for so long and I’m so scared that she’s going to see me differently once she knows the truth.’

‘Being nervous is normal,’ Taron assured her as he kissed the back of her hand delicately, ‘but I’m sure it’ll all be okay. She won’t see you as anything other than her big sister who she loves. I saw the way she looked at you at Christmas, Lil. The love and pride she has over you won’t disappear just because you share your truth with her. If anything, it’ll grow.’

Liliana smiled sadly. ‘I hope so. I’m also nervous about seeing mum again. I haven’t seen her since Christmas when…well, you know.’

Taron’s hand lifted to rub Liliana’s back as she took a bite of toast. He could feel her leg shaking underneath the table and he wanted to wrap her up in bubble wrap and protect her from ever feeling that way again. He had promised to protect her and he worried that he wouldn’t be able to protect her when he was in London and she was in Aberystwyth.

‘I know, baby. I know. You know my mum’s door is always open. She’d be happy to see you while you’re there, if you have any free time. You could even take Matilda around and introduce her to the girls, I’m sure they’d get on like a house on fire.’

Liliana looked at Taron and gulped before she took a deep breath to try and calm herself. When she’d first woken up, all her nerves had been at the back of her mind, but the closer it got to leaving, the more her back heated up and her skin crawled with anxiety.

‘That would be nice. I was hoping to maybe take an hour to see her. I meant it when I promised that I wouldn’t be a stranger anymore.’

‘How can you be a stranger when you’re sleeping with her son every night?’ Taron asked playfully, leaning forward to catch Liliana’s lips with his own. ‘She’ll love to see you.’

‘She’s going to know,’ Liliana said when she pulled away from Taron’s lips to eat more. ‘She’s going to take one look at me and know that we’re together. I don’t have a poker face when it comes to Tina. You know that. She took one look at me at Christmas and I broke. Oh god.’

‘Relax,’ Taron laughed. ‘Everything is going to be okay. What time do you get back next week?’

Liliana was thankful for the change of subject, and immediately grabbed her phone to check her train times to get home.

‘My train gets into Euston at seven thirty. Am I coming back here or am I going back to mine?’

Taron swallowed his last piece of toast before replying. ‘I’ll pick you up and you can come back here. We’ll have a chilled night and you can tell me all about what you did with Matilda. How does that sound?’

‘It sounds as perfect as you.’

***

Liliana could see just how busy the train station was even from outside, and the nerves that Taron had worked so hard to ease for her came barreling to the surface again. Taron noticed immediately and unbuckled his seatbelt so he could lean over and pull her into his body.

‘You can do this,’ he whispered into her hair. ‘You are stronger than you think. You show me a power that is strong enough to bring sun to the darkest days. I love you so much, Lil.’

‘I love you too, T. I’ll see you next week.’

Liliana kissed Taron three times on the lips before she opened her door and stepped out. Taron followed her and got her suitcase from the boot for her. He held her to him in a long hug before letting her go.

‘You’ve got this. I’ll see you next week. If you need me, call me. I’ll be there faster than you can say my name. I don’t care if I’m in the middle of a performance. You are my priority.’

Liliana smiled at him as she pecked his cheek and stepped towards the station. When she got to the door she turned around and saw Taron standing by his car still, his hand in the air waving to her. She blew him a kiss before walking through the doors and into the station where she found her platform and put her earphones in.

She spent the entire train ride listening to Harry Styles on repeat, thankful that his music helped subside the nerves, if only for a little while. When Sign of The Times came on, she smiled to herself as memories of her day in New York with Taron played on repeat in her mind.

As her mind wandered back to the best parts of the day in New York, she couldn’t stop her mind from also wandering back to the awful part of that day. With her anxiety already through the roof because of going home and having to be around Eliza, it was all too easy for the intrusive thoughts to creep in about Taron as well.

The past month with Taron had easily been the best of Liliana’s life. She had finally run into love rather than away from it, and Taron made her feel safer and more comfortable than anybody ever had before. But she was also acutely aware that the other shoe could still drop–and most probably would, given her track record–given the amount of baggage that she took into the relationship.

Taron was comforting and understood her life and how hard she had it now, but how would that change in a year? Or in five years? Or if they ever got married and had children? How long could he continue to be there for her before he began to resent her and the emotional damage she carried with her everyday?

Liliana was already so deeply and emotionally attached to Taron that she knew if, and when, he decided he’d had enough of her, that it would break her completely. That thought scared her more than anything else. She’d lost him before and it had broken her. To lose him again would shatter every piece of her.

Tears threatened to spill over as she let the intrusive thoughts ruin her mood even more than it was already, and it was only when the train jolted roughly around a bend that she snapped out of it and wiped the tears away. Harry was still playing through her earphones and she had to pause the music to come around.

She hadn’t realised that she had spent most of the train ride distracted by her thoughts, and that she was only thirty minutes away from Aberystwyth. She resolved herself to get her emotions under control so that she could be strong for Matilda, no matter the daggers that Eliza would throw her way throughout the week.

When the nerves come back and music does nothing to help, she opens her messages with Taron and scrolls back to find all of the photos and videos that Taron had sent to her over the weeks since they’d been together, including one that he sent her of Jonathan running around the theatre demanding to be called Viscount.

Liliana recalled each adorable text and all of the selfies Taorn had sent soothed her mind and put a big smile on her face. They had such a way of reassuring her that Taron cared for her deeply.

Wiping under her eyes, Liliana could only imagine how crazy she must have looked to everyone else on the train carriage with her, with her smudged mascara and smile. She chuckled to herself softly.

Just as she went to watch another video, a text from Taron came through and her heart fluttered at his name.

I love you. How are you feeling? Xx

Liliana took a deep breath before typing her reply to Taron, checking the carriage to make sure that the ticket conductor wasn’t on their way over.

I love you too. I won’t lie, I am shitting myself. But I don’t think I’m telling her today which is helping. I don’t want to put a damper on the entire trip. Might leave it until the night before I come home. Is that a bad idea? Xx

Liliana watched as the three dots appeared almost instantly underneath her message.

If you feel like that is going to help then do that, Love Bug. If you do decide that you need me there just text me okay? I meant it when I said I’ll be there faster than you can say my name. I promise you. You don’t have to be on your own for this. Or ever xx

That’s one of many reasons why I love you. I promise I’ll let you know if I need you. I’m almost in Aber now so I’ll message you later when I’m settled xx

Don’t forget my mum’s door is always open if you need it xx

***

April 13th, 2022

The first few days of Liliana’s trip back to Aberystwyth were filled with activities with Matilda, as she had promised herself to do.

She had bought train tickets to Birmingham so that they could have a girly shopping day in all of the big stores they didn’t have in Aber, and Liliana introduced Matilda to frappuccinos from Starbucks.

Taron sent Liliana money so that they could go for a meal while they were there, much to Liliana’s protests. They wound up eating in a fancy restaurant and Matilda couldn’t stop gushing about how much fun she was having, which Liliana was thankful for.

Liliana took Matilda to the cinema where they ate their weight in pick and mix, and drank more Tango Ice Blasts than they could count. On the way home they had to stop multiple times to use the toilet, and when they got back and had to eat the casserole that Eliza had made for them, they both looked at each other in regret before laughing and forcing the food down.

Matilda had crawled into Liliana’s bed most nights and slept curled up beside her, which Liliana loved. She’d never gotten to have sleepovers with Matilda and she’d hated it. Each time she felt the bed dip, she would scoot over enough for Matilda to climb in before wrapping her in her arms and holding her tightly.

They spent an unseasonably warm day at the beach where they built sandcastles and buried one another’s feet in the sand. They ate ice cream and fish and chips–which they had to shield from seagulls–and ran into the water and stayed until their feet went numb from the cold.

Matilda told Liliana all about school and her best friends, and the one boy she thought was cute. Liliana told Matilda about her time in school, and how she and Taron used to go to Constitution Hill all of the time to sit and watch the sea and talk about things they’d kept secret.

When Matilda asked Liliana if she could show her the hill, Liliana didn’t hesitate, though she did make sure that they went up in the funicular because she was too tired to walk all the way up. They sat in the same spot that Liliana and Taron used to sit in, and Liliana was tempted to tell Matilda about everything while they were there.

The hill had always been the place where she could reveal her secrets without feeling like they would get anywhere else. Everything she said was washed away with the sea, floating away so that she felt light. But as she looked at Matilda, who looked at the sea with the same awe that Liliana did, she knew she couldn’t ruin the moment.

On days where it was raining, they spent the day at home watching films and baking. One day they made pizzas for everyone and despite the tension between Liliana and Eliza, they all sat and ate together in the living room while watching The Princess Diaries, Matilda’s new favourite film.

Liliana had told herself to be strong for Matilda throughout the week and she had stayed true to her promise, even on the days when Eliza wasn’t working and would drop in her usual passive-aggressive comments at every opportunity. Liliana took each comment on the chin for Matilda’s sake, despite her instinct being to run out of the house and straight to Tina’s where she could wait for Taron to get to her and hold her close.

Between shows in a two show day, Taron Facetimed Liliana so that he could catch up with her but also so that he could talk to Matilda. She was just as enamoured by him as she was at Christmas, and she talked his ear off about school and the things she had done with Liliana.

The entire time, Taron listened intently and Liliana just watched the two from the side, smiling to herself. Matilda wouldn’t stop talking about Taron when they got off the phone, and had asked if they could talk to him again the next day.

Liliana had explained that he was busy with work but that she would ask when he was free next so that they could chat to him again.

Most nights before she fell asleep, and before Matilda joined her in her bedroom, Liliana would cry to Taron on the phone. She felt as though she had missed out on so much of Matilda’s life, and missed seeing her grow up from the tiny baby she first met to an almost teenager who had crushes. Taron could tell that Liliana struggled during their calls, and it broke his heart that he wasn’t there for her where he could hold her in his arms and soothe her.

‘I couldn’t ever live near Eliza again, but I wish I lived closer to Matilda,’ she told Taron one evening when he called her. ‘Does that even make any sense?’

‘It does, Lil,’ Taron replied softly. He’d just climbed into bed after work and rolled over to face Liliana’s side. He missed her more than he thought he would. ‘Do you want to go to my mums? I can text her now and tell her that you’re staying. My bedroom is probably all set up.’

‘I’ll be okay. I’ve promised Matilda that we’ll go out for breakfast tomorrow and I still have to tell her everything. Thank you though, honey.’

Liliana could hear Taron’s smile through the phone. And she could feel his anxiety and worry for her too.

‘You are an incredible big sister. You know that, right? The best big sister ever.’

‘You’re just saying that to make me feel better,’ Liliana pouted even though Taron wouldn’t be able to see. She’d hardly been there for Matilda and the guilt ate at her daily.

‘No I’m not. I’m not just saying that. Look at everything you’d done with her these past few days. You’ve travelled to Birmingham, you’ve spent time at the beach and gone to the cinema. You took her up the hill and made forts and homemade pizzas. You’ve watched all of the films she’s wanted to see and you’ve made sure that she knows you’re there.

‘You’ve done more with Matilda in these past few days than I can guarantee anybody has done with her in a long while. And she’s going to remember this time for the rest of her life, I know it. You didn’t see the way she looked at you when we Facetimed. She looks at you like you hung the moon and the stars specifically for her.’

‘If I could have, I would.’

‘I know you would have. Which is why you’re the best big sister.’

‘She turns eleven this year and I bought her a build-a-bear in Birmingham. I recorded a voice message telling her how much I love her so that she can squeeze it and hear my voice whenever she wants to. How sad is that?’ Liliana let out a breathy laugh as she snuggled further into the covers.

Time was ticking on and she knew that it wouldn’t be long before Matilda came crawling into bed with her. As much as she was excited to get back home and be with Taron, she would miss having her little sister go to her for comfort on a night.

‘That’s not sad,’ Taron said sincerely, and Liliana could hear the crack in his voice. ‘That is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. And I’m getting choked up thinking about it.’

‘Aw, T, you’re adorable. Like a little teddy bear. I am also so sorry that I’m burdening you with all of this. You’re probably exhausted from work and now you’re on the phone with me and I’m foisting all this on you. Get some sleep. I love you.’

Liliana choked back her own tears because she wanted to be able to compose herself before Matilda came into her room.

‘You are never a burden, Liliana. Please don’t think that. And it isn’t a burden to share how you feel at all. You can always talk to me about anything. I’m always going to be in your corner, Lil. I hope you know that.’ Taron had hoped she could hear the sincerity in his voice.

After they said their goodbyes and shared how much they loved one another again, Taron knew that he had to do something special for Liliana when she got back to London. He began thinking of a way to surprise her and let her know how special she was not only to him, but to everyone important in her life.

#rhw #right here waiting #lilianaesme #my writing #taron egerton fanfiction #taron egerton fanfic #taron egerton imagine #taron egerton imagines #taron egerton smut #taron egerton #taron egerton drabble #taron egerton fluff #taron egerton fic #taron egerton blurb #taron egerton x reader

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gamerbearmira · 2 years

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A loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of butter

A loaf of milk, a container of bread, and a Joe Dirt DvD

A Joe Dirt DvD, Scarlett Johansson, and treasure from a fish tank

Alma getting sturdy 💀💀

Hey you guys wanna see the very first thing I wrote for Housebroken lmao

#encanto #encanto au #au #encanto alma #encanto julieta #encanto pepa #encanto bruno #housebroken au #housebroken

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nvrcmplt · 6 months

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For while their morning routines differed, Krasimir knew when to make his move on the witch, taller frame sliding up behind him as hands reached around Tyler's waist. Firm fingers grabbed onto the witch's hand, another hand bringing over a golden ring. It held a symbol, an ancient one, as its frame was slid onto Tyler's little finger.

On Krasimir's own finger, there seems to be a dent in the skin, as of something is missing. The ring. Not originally his to begin with, one that may or may not belong to someone whose features are far too familiar to the witch he has allowed into his den, to become comfortable in the space belonging to Krasimir.

It's been a long time since last time.

"Don't flirt with others again." Stern, words that are followed with warm lips resting by his ear, the hand which placed the ring soon tracing the front of Tyler's stomach. It does not undo any clothing, it simply traced its way to his waist, Krasmir guiding their bodies firmly together in the early morning hours. Another hushed whisper, one followed by a firm kiss against his neck; "You don't belong to anyone else."

“ - you are mine, Tyler. ”

It was a momentary sensation of everything that Tyler didn't know how to label, the night before was heavy - no sex, no holding but just staring at each other. Krasimir spoke and filled the room - consumed all thoughts and emotions that could have bubbled over the bucket of being contained, but Tyler couldn't muster a word up. Only stared with wide eyes, red ears, his heart throbbing making his pulse dance on that finger that traced his throat a few hours ago. He dealt exhausted but energized in the same breath, as if he was ignited to do something but the confusion and disbelief in his mind held him hostage.

Waking up this morning was hard in terms of not wanting to face the day - but he did, he rose with Krasimir, though took time slower to wake himself up. Borrowing clothes for the next day, a habit he refuses to stop himself from doing, brewing the man his coffee that morning, even a light toast with butter and jam. Something to keep himself busy as his mind was elsewhere but also to keep a distance for a moment. To think, to see what the world was ready for and not.

Tyler felt floaty and stuck, - it was too damn odd for him to feel anything else. Two minds… two hearts, two thoughts, two heavy and large confirmations from a Judge that barely spoke of it. Tyler didn't know what to do or say, he could only remember that look, the devouring, the dominating, the disappointed, the claiming, the truth.

He sat at the stool, stood again, moved to the bedroom to fetch some socks, stalled at the drawer and just blinked through his mind over and over and over. No, this wouldn't do - he needed to go for a run. Energy and thoughts were a plague for when he didn't know how to handle them, so he was quick in tossing everything off. Redressing in his running gear, simple shorts and tank, something to keep himself light and aired out. Another fit he left here due to the gym downstairs for those that lived here.

It was just when he was ready to head out the room that Krasimir was back - he was dressed to the nines as always, though he looked… tired. Even with that stoic face of his. "Hey." A soft greeting, especially when the brain fog passed over at the closeness given. It was why Tyler didn't run out after last night, why he didn't kick and scream, shout his confusion and why - why Krasimir looked so darn sad within that rage of his that night. Instead, he inhaled deep, leaning back into the sturdiness of the Judge with a soft noise of wonder at his hand being guided up.

A ring.

Shimmered before him when it was passed over and when it was fitted onto his little finger, Tyler's brows rose. Several meanings, if he remembered them correctly. "Oh?" He rose his hand to look upon it, a glance as he let his lashes shut at the firm kiss in place on his skin. "I promise." Easy it was to let it out, it wasn't like he was actively looking for anyone in the first place any more. It was what started this whole reveal, wasn't it? Real feelings in poorly communicated ways. "You know, in this day and age, it's just a simple - We're offi--ow." Tyler was about to crack a smile and turn into Krasimir's fame to be annoyingly needy for a firmer hug, but his hand burned with his words cutting into a pained noise.

A hiss left him instead, as he felt a bite, something sharp - then a cold pull under the ring. A blink - then suddenly he felt choked. His arm swung back to elbow Krasmir in the chest but from the lack of falling down but the explosion of pain in his arm instead, Krasimir was a toughnut. Well, that wasn't the problem right now, it was the fact that Tyler couldn't fucking breath all of a sudden. Lurching over Krasimir's hand on his stomach and reaching for his own throat that suddenly began to tighten as if ringed in rough material. "G'ahk!?" Red, lots of red - the scent of ash, brimstone and human flesh churned his guts. The toast felt like it was coming out, but his hand was in front of his mouth stopping anything.

Instead, his knees folded - and his ring tightened, discolouring the digit - igniting veins in his limb in a twist of green, gold and vibrant red before staining black. Corroding, deep into his skin, into his organs and most of all - Tyler's mind. Lacking in oxygen, delirious in visions of faces that were not people he knew. Tyler slipped into the unconscious with a wheezed exhale. "My Grace… " Tears would form, black and grainy to the touch, staining the skin like charcoal on paper but when touched by another it'd smear clear. As if nothing was there in the first place…

Tyler didn't need to know he was astral projecting for him to stare down upon this scene… but it mattered not, not when he felt a hand on his wrist and a word in his ear that didn't make sense before he was pulled away. Lights and sounds began to run through him, through his mind, bones and veins - every part of him, and he knew, just then - as he came to a stop. Stood upon a platform - witnessing the mass crowding of a hanging stage, that his eyes were to never leave. Never to ignore - to watch - as a man, with his own face, longer hair, darker eyes and brutally disrespected - was hung in the fall of a night.

Tyler didn't know when he rose his hands to his ears, but it wasn't like it'll block the sound of that floor giving out and the sharp snap of the rope in place dulling the sight of that body limb and blue. As their red hair danced and scattered in the wind - their eyes met.

And a story was to be told.

#avaere #« ( Tyler ) » Answers.#» | × | Tyler&Krasimir || Every Time He Knocks I Can’t Help But Let Him In ||#/politely puts this down

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scarletunit6 · 7 months

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REGIONAL SPECIALITIES

Despite recent setbacks beef is still big industry in England, and the Scottish Aberdeen Angus is one of our most famous beef-producing breeds. Dairy cattle are also farmed extensively -- England is famous for its creams and butters and for its sturdy and delicious cheeses: Stilton, Cheshire and its rare cousin blue Cheshire, double Gloucester, red Leicester, sage Derby, and of course cheddar.

Some of our more interesting dishes include:-

Beefsteak, Oyster, and Kidney Pudding: Oysters may seem unlikely in this meat pudding, but their great abundance in the Victorian age and earlier eras inspired cooks to find ways to incorporate them creatively in many different recipes. This steamed pudding combines the meats with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and Worcestershire, then wraps the whole in a suet pastry.

Black Pudding: invented in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis black pudding is often served as part of a traditional full English breakfast.

Black Pudding Recipe

Cock-a-Leekie : This Scottish specialty can be classified as a soup or a stew. It combines beef, chicken, leeks, and prunes to unusual and spectacular ends.

Crown Roast Lamb: The crown roast encircles a stuffing of apples, bread crumbs, onion, celery, and lemon.

Eccles Cake : Puff pastry stuffed with a spicy currant filling.

Hasty Pudding: A simple and quick (thus the name) steamed pudding of milk, flour, butter, eggs, and cinnamon.

Irish Stew: An Irish stew always has a common base of lamb, potatoes, and onion. It could contain any number of other ingredients, depending on the cook.

Likky Pie Leeks: pork, and cream baked in puff pastry.

Mincemeat: Beef suet is used to bind chopped nuts, apples, spices, brown sugar, and brandy into a filling for pies or pasties - not to be confused with minced meat!.

Mulligatawny Soup: What this soup is depends on who is cooking it. Originally a south Indian dish (the name means pepper water in tamil), it has been adopted and extensively adapted by the British. Mullitgatawny contains chicken or meat or vegetable stock mixed with yogurt or cheese or coconut milk and is seasoned with curry and various other spices. It is sometimes served with a separate bowl of rice.

Syllabub: In the seventeenth century, a milkmaid would send a stream of new, warm milk directly from a cow into a bowl of spiced cider or ale. A light curd would form on top with a lovely whey underneath. This, according to Elizabeth David, was the original syllabub. Today's syllabub is more solid (its origins can also be traced to the seventeenth century, albeit to the upper classes) and mixes sherry and/or brandy, sugar, lemon, nutmeg, and double cream into a custard-like dessert or an eggnog-like beverage, depending upon the cook.

Trifle: Layers of alcohol-soaked sponge cake alternate with fruit, custard and whipped cream, some people add jelly, but that's for kids.

Welsh Faggots: Pig's liver is made into meatballs with onion, beef suet, bread crumbs, and sometimes a chopped apple. Faggots used to be made to use up the odd parts of a pig after it had been slaughtered.

Welsh Rabbit (or Rarebit): Cheese is grated and melted with milk or ale. Pepper, salt, butter, and mustard are then added. The mix is spread over toast and baked until "the cheese bubbles and becomes brown in appetizing-looking splashes" (Jane Grigson in English Food, London: Penguin, 1977).

Westmoreland Pepper Cake: Fruitcake that gets a distinctive kick from lots of black pepper. Other ingredients include honey, cloves, ginger, and walnuts.

Hand, L.R. (2019). British Food - British culture, customs and traditions. [online] Learnenglish.de. Available at: https://www.learnenglish.de/culture/foodculture.html. ‌

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awakenthemusic · 2 years

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Suptober 2022 Day 5 - A Perfect Disaster

Destiel, Short fic, 749 words, Fluff, Domestic

It's Dean's birthday and things… don't quite go according to plan.

Under the cut or on Ao3

A Perfect Disaster

Dean leaned back from the dining table in the bunker’s kitchen and rubbed his full belly with a satisfied sigh.

His family was safe, Cas was back from the empty, and Dean had just eaten the best burger he’d ever had from a greasy spoon in Manhattan, thanks to Jack’s wings. Best birthday ever.

Dean leaned over and ruffled Jack’s hair as he said, “Thanks, kid, that was awesome.”

Jack grinned back at him, basking in the praise.

Sam cleared the empty take-out containers and asked, “You ready for dessert?”

“Hell yeah, bring it on!”

Sam glanced over at Cas, the two of them clearly having a silent conversation. Reluctantly, Cas pulled a pie box from one of the kitchen cabinets.

As Cas set the box in front of him, Dean recognized the logo of a local Lebanon bakery, which was… odd. Why send Jack across the country to get Dean’s favorite burger, then skimp out on the pie? Not that it wasn’t good pie, but it was far from the best.

Dean pasted a smile over the confusion and was about to say thanks when he noticed that Sam and Cas were having another silent discussion. Actually, it looked more like an argument; Sam’s eyebrows were crinkled up so tight it looked like it hurt.

"What's going on?" Dean asked.

Cas huffed in annoyance, then started signing rapid-fire at Sam. Well, they were definitely arguing. Damned if Dean could tell what about, though. He still wasn’t the best at ASL and Cas and Sam had turned away from him a bit to hide what they were saying.

Rude.

Dean turned a questioning look on Jack, but the kid refused to meet his eyes, staring down at the table instead.

The flurry of fingers continued for another few moments, then Cas sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He walked back over to the cabinet and pulled out another pie pan, this one clearly one of the sturdy glass pans that had been sitting unused in the bunker's cabinets for ages.

"I… I tried to bake you a pie, but…" Cas explained hesitantly.

The pie Cas set down in front of Dean looked… the only word Dean could think of was lumpy .

The apple filling bulged up under the top crust and had clearly overflowed the pan in several places while it cooked. The crust was scorched on one side and butter that hadn’t been properly incorporated into the dough sat on the surface in greasy little pools.

It was the most beautiful pie Dean had ever seen.

All Dean could think about was the terror that had been on Cas’ face the last time Dean had tried to teach him how to make pancakes. Cas was readjusting to his humanity fairly well since they’d got him back from the empty, but cooking scared the shit out of him.

It would have been easier, and probably less frightening, for Cas to kill a dozen monsters and bring Dean their heads than for him to spend any length of time in the kitchen. A lump formed in Dean’s throat as he pictured the terrified determination that Cas must have felt while he made an entire pie. For Dean. From scratch.

Dean stared speechlessly at the beautiful mess in front of him and fought against the tears prickling at the back of his eyes.

“I know it’s terrible,” Cas said, throwing a scathing look at Sam. “It’s all burned and disgusting. You should eat the one from the bakery, I’ll just throw this one away.”

Dean lunged forward and yanked the pie from Cas’ hands before he could even think about it. He curled an arm around it protectively and said, “No! You eat the stupid bakery pie. This one’s mine.”

Cas blinked at Dean in shock, then stammered, “It’s not… you don’t have to… it’s not…”

"It's perfect," Dean said, the words finally clawing their way from his throat with a raw honesty that set his face on fire.

Cas stared at Dean for a long moment, then ducked his head, not quite fast enough to hide his pleased grin.

Dean ignored the sappy look on Sam’s face and shoved the clearly inferior bakery pie in his direction. Dean grabbed a fork and dug a large bite out of the unburnt side of the pie.

The crust was too dry and the apples had a distinct smokey flavor that wasn’t entirely pleasant.

It was the best pie Dean had ever had.

#suptober2022 #suptober22 #destiel #fanfic #fanfiction #spn #supernatural #fluff

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lumine-no-hikari · 9 months

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Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #17

I'm still trying to keep busy, trying to keep one step ahead of the beast. So today I am making confit garlic to bring to my friends on Sunday.

Confit garlic is what happens when you take between 5 and 6 heads of garlic, peel all the cloves, put 'em in a dish, submerge 'em in oil, and bake 'em at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 or 3 hours, depending on how you like the color and consistency. The result is soft, sweet, creamy garlic cloves that can be spread on crackers or on slices of bread with a spoon! It is UTTERLY DELECTABLE, oh my goodness!! Here's how mine came out:

I wish I could share it with you, but for obvious reasons, I cannot; alas. But maybe I can share how I do it. That way, on the (impossibly slim) chance that you see this, you'll know what to do!

First you have to pull the cloves off of five heads of garlic. From there, you have to peel them. A lot of people dislike peeling garlic, so instead they'll opt for putting it in some sturdy container and shaking it until the peels come off. I find that this method works, but it always ends up getting garlic juice everywhere, from the force of the cloves colliding with the sides of the container. I don't like that, so I just do it the regular way. I have a lot of practice with doing it that way, and I'm pretty good at it, so I don't mind. I'll explain why I have so much practice with it later in this letter, if you're interested. Anyway, here's a picture of the peeled garlic; I put the peels in a bag to make broth out of later, and I put the cloves in a jar, like so, just to keep them from scattering everywhere:

Once the cloves are peeled, you have to take off the woody ends, and any scarring on the cloves that is too extensive. A little bit of scarring is fine and won't affect anything, but too much gets chewy and weird. The good thing about it though is that scarred bits of garlic still taste like garlic, so you can still use any sections you cut off to make broth later! Here's a picture of the trimmed garlic, along with a bag full of the scraps:

Anyway, from there you fill the jar the rest of the way with some kind of oil - typically either melted butter or olive oil. This time, at the suggestion of a friend, I used extra virgin olive oil! Check it out!

From there, I put it in the oven at 250 Fahrenheit for about 2 and a half hours! Here's the result!

Isn't is beautiful? As for why I have a lot of practice with peeling and cooking with garlic… it's because, starting when I was about 7 or 8 years old, my father would let me help him in the kitchen when I would sometimes go to visit him on the weekends. It was one of the few ways I was allowed to spend time with him. He would put on his various music - typically classic rock like Poison and Led Zeppelin - and we'd get to work. He started me with very simple things, like peeling onions and garlic. Later, as I got older and became more coordinated, he had me peeling potatoes and slicing things. It was something I used to look forward to. My father was taught how to cook by his stepfather. His stepfather was from Italy, and they're VERY passionate about garlic over there! He taught my father to use garlic often in his cooking, and so now I do, too!

Like any human (I am no exception to this, either!!), my father has a lot of not-so-great qualities about him. In a lot of ways, he's very cowardly; he dodges accountability faster even than you can dodge enemy attacks. When he feels discomfort, instead of facing that discomfort head on, he'll usually deny it, bury his head in the sand, and pretend like it doesn't exist. I used to be a lot like him, in these regards; it took me quite some time to unlearn these things and establish better habits in their place.

Unfortunately, he also allowed a lot of very terrible things to happen to my brother and I; he didn't protect us when we needed him. He prioritized his own social and emotional comfort over the physical and mental safety of his offspring. All of his children - myself, my brother, my half-brother, and my stepbrother - suffer the effects of his choices (whether they realize and acknowledge it or not). This is something that cannot be undone. All of this is simply the result of how he struggles with the aftermath of his own upbringing, which he never got help for, for a variety of very compelling reasons that aren't really his fault, but were nonetheless his responsibility to deal with as an adult human. He did not fulfill those particular responsibilities. Though I understand that he did his best, room must also be made for understanding that sometimes, even when people do their best with the knowledge and skills they have, they still end up leaving the people around them hurting, confused, and wondering why.

But he's still a good person, and there are a lot of very wonderful qualities about him; he can be goofy and playful, spontaneous, and full of joy. He is very practical, and in a lot of ways, much smarter than he gives himself credit for. Unfortunately, these things do not change the fact that he refuses to see and take accountability for how his choices have impacted his children, and he refuses to learn how to make different kinds of choices. So as much as I wish I could talk to him and spend time with him, I cannot afford to become destabilized by his conduct; there are people counting on me who are far more willing than he is to treat me with love and respect, and it's not fair to them if I put myself in a position where I might end up dropping the ball on them, just for the sake of spending time with a person who does not wish to expend even minimal effort to know or understand me. So in light of this, my only choice is to love him from very far away where neither he nor his wife can hurt me anymore.

…Sometimes it ends up being the case that our family is made up of people who we choose, and who choose us in return, instead of the people who are related to us by blood. And that's okay, too; good families come in all shapes, sizes, and compositions. There is an old saying in my world that goes like this: "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb." And it basically means that, those bonds forged by choice are often stronger than those bonds that exist only because of biological happenstance.

So… although my circumstances with my father are very complicated, I still do treasure the memories I have of him that were good. He gifted me with a passion for cooking, which I can now use to express love towards my chosen family, and towards other people around me, and I think that's very beautiful, don't you? Anybody can take a broken situation and weave it into something beautiful, I think - like weaving stained glass windows out of the fractures of colored pieces.

On some days, I get stuck in wondering, "Why couldn't I have had a normal life?" Or sometimes I get stuck in wondering, "What is wrong with me that I wasn't worth stepping up for? Am I broken? Am I that much unlike other humans?"

But I don't have to stay stuck there. I still have a good life even if it's not "normal" by most standards. And I have plenty of people in my life now who remind me that how others treat us is not a reflection of what we're worth or what the world will always be like; all humans are worth basic respect and decency even if not all humans have the necessary skills or empathy to provide it, and all humans have to be flexible about what the world is like, so that way we can accept the good things when they come to us, and take the bad things in stride.

And, no matter what happens, I still have the power to take what I've learned from all these things, and use it to help others somehow. One of the greatest superpowers the people of my planet possess is situational alchemy - we can, if given enough support, weave any bad situation into love and beauty, because if nothing else, we can take some things as examples of how NOT to be. We can weave gold from leaden situations. We can weave stained glass windows from shattered fragments. We can weave art from pain.

May you find any of what I've written to be helpful and relatable. And may you someday find your own powers of situational alchemy, if you haven't already. You have no shortage of support to help you with this; all you have to do is reach back for the hands and voices that are outstretched to you.

Please always remember that you are loved and that you belong in this world. Please stay safe as you try to weave peace from your current circumstances. Please remember that no matter how broken the situation you come from might be, and no matter how many pieces you might be in now because of it, your life is still worth something, and you can still make any change within yourself that you choose.

Please don't disappear. Please.

Your friend, Lumine

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vicdaji-digitalx · 9 months

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Spiced Pecan Pie Bars

Elevate Your Holiday Cookie Tradition!

Ingredients for Spiced Pecan Pie Bars

With a shortbread crust and luscious filling, these spiced pecan pie bars are a warm twist on a classic. To make these bars, you'll need:

For the crust:

Baking spray with flour: To prevent the crust from sticking to the pan.

All-purpose flour: The base of the crust.

Cold unsalted butter: Pulsed into the crust mixture for a sandy, shortbread-like consistency.

Unsifted powdered sugar: The cornstarch present in powdered sugar adds to the light, sandy consistency of the crust.

Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness.

For the filling:

Large eggs: Binds the filling.

Light corn syrup: Prevents the pecan filling from crystallizing, keeping it smooth and silky.

Light brown sugar: Adds a light note of molasses.

Honey: Adds depth with a mild fruitiness. Can be substituted with agave or maple syrup if preferred.

All-purpose flour: Helps thicken and set the filling for clean slices.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness.

Ground cinnamon and ginger: Warming spices perfect for fall and winter baking. Can substitute with apple pie or pumpkin pie spice if you have those on hand.

Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the filling and balances the sweetness.

Pecans: Coarsely chopped for pecans in every bite.

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How To Make Spiced Pecan Pie Bars

A food processor whizzes up the crust in no time, and a quick whisk for the filling makes for a dessert with less than 10 minutes of active time. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Prepare the Crust: Spray a 13- x 9-inch baking pan and line bottom and sides with parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides. Process flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor to coarse crumbs. Press into bottom of pan and bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Step 2. Prepare the Filling: Whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, honey, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and ginger until smooth. Stir in pecans. Pour over crust.

Step 3. Bake: Bake at 350°F until set, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan before slicing into bars.

Click here to download your FREE eBook '50 Christmas Recipes and Desserts for the Holiday Season'

Tips for the Best Spiced Pecan Pie Bars

A dessert this simple comes together easily, but keep these tips in mind for consistent results every time:

Use cold butter: Little bits of cold butter in the crust creates a buttery, crisp base for the bars.

Bake crust until golden brown: For a sturdy base that will bake up buttery and tender, bake until golden brown before adding the filling.

Give the filling a stir: If the filling has sat for a few minutes, give it a stir before pouring over the crust to avoid any unevenness.

Get creative: Stir in chunks of white or dark chocolate or top with flaky sea salt for a sophisticated touch.

Bake until set: Bake the bars until the filling is set (firm to the touch) before removing from the oven.

Cool completely: Cool completely, and chill if possible before cutting, for the cleanest slices.

How To Store Spiced Pecan Pie Bars

Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to three months. Bring to room temperature before serving.

***********KEEP READING********

#recipes #dessert #holiday #christmas recipes #holiday season #pecan pie #pecans

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vegebakery · 1 year

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A Delicious and Fun Way to Enjoy Ice Cream

Ice cream cones are one of the most popular and enjoyable ways to eat ice cream. They are cone-shaped pastries that are usually made of a wafer texture similar to a waffle, and can hold one or more scoops of ice cream on top.

Ice cream cones come in different sizes, shapes, flavours, and types, such as:

Wafer cones:

These are the most common and classic type of ice cream cones. They are thin, crisp, and light, and have a neutral flavour that goes well with any ice cream flavour. They are also easy to make and store.

Waffle cones:

These are similar to wafer cones, but thicker, crunchier, and sweeter. They are made with a batter that contains eggs, sugar, butter, and flour, and cooked on a waffle iron. They have a distinctive pattern and shape that makes them more attractive and appealing.

Sugar cones:

These are also similar to wafer cones, but denser, harder, and sweeter. They are made with a dough that contains sugar, flour, butter, and corn syrup, and baked in an oven. They have a smooth surface and a pointed tip that makes them more sturdy and durable.

Pretzel cones:

These are a savoury type of ice cream cones that are made with a dough that contains yeast, flour, salt, sugar, and water. They are boiled in water with baking soda and then baked in an oven. They have a dark brown colour and a salty flavour that contrasts well with sweet ice cream flavours.

Chocolate-coated cones:

These are any type of ice cream cones that are coated with chocolate on the inside or outside. The chocolate coating adds more flavour and richness to the cone and prevents it from getting soggy or leaking.

Bubble cones:

These are a type of ice cream cones that originated in Hong Kong and are also known as egg waffle cones or egg puff cones. They are made with a batter that contains eggs, sugar, flour, milk, baking powder, and oil, and cooked on a special iron that creates bubble-shaped pockets. They have a soft and chewy texture and a sweet flavour that compliments creamy ice cream flavours.

Ice cream cones have many advantages over other ways of eating ice cream, such as:

● They are convenient and portable. You can carry and eat your ice cream without needing a bowl or a spoon.

● They are fun and creative. You can choose different types of cones and ice cream flavours to create your own unique combinations.

● They are eco-friendly and waste-free. You can eat the whole cone without leaving any trash or leftovers behind.

● They are delicious and satisfying. You can enjoy the taste and texture of both the cone and the ice cream in every bite.

Ice cream cones have a long and interesting history that dates back to the 19th century. There are many stories and legends about how they were invented, but one of the most popular ones is that they were created by accident at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. According to this story, an ice cream vendor ran out of bowls to serve his customers, so he asked a nearby waffle vendor to roll his waffles into cones and use them as containers for his ice cream. The idea was a hit and soon became a sensation.

Ice cream cones are not only tasty but also versatile. You can use them for different purposes and occasions, such as:

Ice cream cakes: These are cakes that are made with layers of ice cream cones, ice cream, whipped cream, frosting, and toppings. They are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebrations.

Twisters: These are soft-serve ice creams that are swirled with different flavours or toppings inside an ice cream cone. They are popular for their colourful and fun appearance.

Cone pops: These are mini ice cream cones that are dipped in chocolate or candy coating and decorated with sprinkles or nuts. They are ideal for parties.

Vege Bakery : Has it all

Vege bakery is a vegetarian bakery that specialises in egg-free products, such as breads, cakes, pastries, and Indian sweets. It also offers catering services for various occasions and events. Vege bakery is located in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and it is one of the best vegetarian bakeries in the area. They aim to provide quality and customer satisfaction by using only natural, organic, and non-GMO ingredients.They have a wide range of products including ice cream cakes and twisters that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for a birthday cake, a snack, or an ice cream treat, you can find it at vege Bakery.

It's not only a place to enjoy delicious and healthy baked goods, but also a place to support a sustainable and ethical way of eating. By choosing vege bakery, you are choosing to avoid animal products, reduce your environmental impact, and promote animal welfare.Vege Bakery is a great option for those who want to indulge in their sweet tooth without compromising their values.

#Ice Cream Cakes #Ice Cream Cones #Twisters

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chickenfriedrecipe1 · 1 year

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How to make the delicious ‘Banana Bread’ at home? - Chicken Fried Receipe

November 23, 2022

How to make the delicious ‘Banana Bread’ at home?

Make the finest banana bread recipe ever with those luscious bananas. It can be made quickly in one bowl without a mixer and is delicious and moist.

Banana bread recipe made easy

The best thing about this banana bread recipe is that a fancy mixer is not required! You only need a mixing bowl, a fork to whisk the eggs, and a sturdy spoon to stir the batter. The amount of sugar is also flexible.

Prep time : 10 mins

Cook time : 60 mins

Total time : 70 mins

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Ingredients:

2 to 3 medium (7″ to 7-7/8″ long) very ripe bananas, peeled (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups mashed)

1/3 cup (76g) butter, unsalted or salted, melted

1/2 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder)

1 pinch salt, 3/4 cup (150g) sugar (1/2 cup if you would like it less sweet, 1 cup if more sweet)

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups (205g) all-purpose flour

Directions :

Prepare the pan and preheat the oven: Drizzle an 8 × 4-inch loaf pan with butter and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mash the bananas with a fork in a mixing bowl before being combined with butter. The mashed bananas should be combined with the melted butter.

Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Streaks of wet batter are unacceptable, while a few dry crumbs are acceptable. Loosely tent the loaf with foil and continue baking it until it’s fully done if the exterior of the loaf is browned but the middle is still damp.

Remove from oven, then allow to cool in the pan for a while. After that, take the banana bread out of the pan and allow it to cool completely before cutting. Slice and present. (A bread knife is useful for cutting slices that won’t crumble.)

The banana bread will remain fresh at room temperature for 4 days if properly wrapped. You can freeze or refrigerate the bread for longer storage for up to 5 days.

Is Banana Bread Healthy?

Banana bread is popular with both children and adults due to its sweet flavor and soft texture. This baked product is frequently seen as a healthy dessert option because it is loaded with bananas; in fact, it may be healthier than other baked goods.

Nutritional content

Calories: 421

Fat: 15.8 grams

Carbs: 68.4 grams

Protein: 5.3 grams

Fiber: 1.8 grams

Sugar: 42.1 grams

Sodium: 298 mg

You can see that this classic banana bread is low in protein and fiber and rich in calories, carbohydrates, and added sugar but overall, most varieties are a healthy source of important vitamins and minerals. For example, bananas are rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Additionally, if you use enriched flour to bake your banana bread, it will contain iron as well as B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid.

Health tip to follow

There are numerous banana bread recipes available for you to browse, regardless of the dietary regimen you adhere to. By utilizing low-carb flours like almond and coconut and lowering the quantity of added sugar in the recipe, you can bake banana bread with fewer carbs.