#a sprinkling of the woods on your pasta of life

[demiromanticwitch]

it needs nothing

[anabsolutetrainwreck]

she plays songs i’ve never heard || h. styles

warnings: references to sex, swearing, mentions of alcohol, harry gets a lil pervy (pls don’t watch your neighbours get dressed), kissing, not proofread properly

word count: 1.8k

summary: when you get a new neighbour and his dog breaks into your garden, it sets off a chain reaction of events that might change your life...

The day he moved into the house next door seemed like a normal day for you. Sure, the sound of him actually moving in had woken you up early. The furniture being moved in through the small front door and the busy workers he’d hired banging about as if it wasn’t 8 in the morning. Begrudgingly, you had pulled yourself out of bed, poured yourself a glass of orange juice and buttered some crisp toast. Toast in hand, you watched from your kitchen window as grumpy Mr Bennet from across the road came out to shout at the new man and the workers. You’d managed to make out something about ‘too early on a weekend to be making that kind of noise’. Rolling your eyes, you went back upstairs to get dressed. 

And that was that. You’d ordered a pizza for lunch and your mother had rung you during the afternoon to catch up. You told her about your new neighbour. And that was that. 

It was, in fact, the day that the tattooed man’s dog broke into your back garden that your life seemed to change. You had been sat in your living room, watching The Sound of Music - a personal favourite of yours. Just as you were preparing to invest three hours of your life into the lives of the von Trapps, there was a loud bang on your door. Huffing quietly to yourself, you climbed off the sofa and left to open the door. And there, on the other side, was the tattooed neighbour. However, his tattoos were covered by a black hoodie but you could see a couple poking out beneath the hoodie’s cuffs. He was wearing shorts, exposing you to the tiny doodles of ink along his legs. His brown curls were hidden beneath a baseball cap. His features were hidden almost entirely in the shadows as it was dark outside and his cap sheltered him from whatever light there was. “Hi?” you said awkwardly. 

“I’m so sorry, but my dog got into your backyard. Do you think you can go and get him for me?” he asked.

You were almost taken aback. Though not entirely sure what you’d expected when being confronted with your tattooed neighbour outside your house, you definitely didn’t expect him to be searching for his dog. You didn’t even know he had a dog. 

You nodded slowly, “Sure. Come in, if you want.”

He thanked you, stepping in before you closed the door behind him. He shuffled awkwardly into the hallway, knocking your coat off the rack. It landed in a heap on the floor. “Shit, sorry,” he said quickly, bending down to pick it up. “Fuck! Sorry for swearing!”

“It’s okay, we’re both adults,” you smiled softly. You moved forward through the house, unlocking the back door. And there, chasing a wasp around the garden, was a small black dog. He wiggled in your arms as you picked him up carefully. You carried him into your house and back to Harry, who you found in the living room. 

The dog licked your face before you place him in his owner’s arms. “Thanks. Sorry for the inconvenience - I know it’s late. I’m Harry by the way.”

He extended his hand for you to shake. “Y/N,” you replied, smiling up at him. 

His grip on your hand was strong and firm. While you’d been away finding his little treasure, Gabriel (named after Peter Gabriel), he’d had a chance to explore your living room. The first time Harry saw you was when he happened to catch a glance of you reading in your back garden in your green shorts and sweater. It had been a hot day and you had a pair of sunglasses pushed up over your head. You looked ethereal with the sun highlighting your skin. From then, he’d tried to time his dog walks perfectly so he’d ‘accidentally’ bump into you on the way out. But, his attempts had come with little success. It was rather fortunate that Gabriel had escaped into your garden. 

He’d actually jumped at the opportunity to come round and meet you in person. After all, he only knew your name because his other neighbour, Edna, had told him a bit about you after he asked. And when you’d invited him in, he was ecstatic. He couldn’t help but wander into your living room. He noticed The Sound of Music paused on your tv, wondering if he’d get to watch it with you one day. Maybe you’d exchange favourites -  he’d watch The Sound of Music and you’d watch The Notebook. He then noticed a stack of books on the coffee table, with everything from Cervantes’ Don Quixote to Murakami’s Norwegian Wood. Your current read, Sally Rooney’s Normal People, was being held open by the tv remote. He wanted to ask what you thought of Norwegian Wood, after all, it was one of his favourites. But he refrained. 

There was a glass of wine on a coaster, a half-eaten bowl of cheese pasta beside it. The room was littered with lovely plants -  some were hanging down from shelves and others were standing up high beside the sofa. The walls were a soft grey, but they were drowned out by the green of the plants and the subtle pink tones littered throughout the room. “What’s this little guy’s name?” you asked, tickling behind the dog’s ear. 

“His name’s Gabriel.”

“As in Peter?” you asked.

“Yep. You a fan?”

“Who isn’t?” you grinned in response. He knew you were a fan of Peter Gabriel. He’d seen your rack of records in the corner and he’d been gardening a few weeks ago and heard you listening to one of his albums in your own backyard. Upon examining your record collection, he’d noticed some Beatles albums, a bit of Lionel Richie, some Taylor Swift, a few ABBA albums, a sprinkle of Bee Gees and a plethora of Elton John albums. Relatively mainstream, but a mixture nonetheless. 

“Exactly,” he agreed, before gesturing to the wine. “Special night?”

“Huh?” you’d replied.

“The wine?” he responded. 

“Oh,” you laughed, “that’s cranberry juice.”

He flushed bright red as you laughed quietly. You placed a comforting hand on his arm, guiding him out of the room. “I think you’re a bit tired. I guess I’ll see you around then?” you offered a hopeful smile. 

“Yeah,” he nodded, holding Gabriel at arm’s length as the dog tried licking his cheek. “I’d like that.”

“Great,” you smiled, closing the door. “What an odd man.”

You couldn’t help grin to yourself. He was strange, yes, but very kind. You resumed your position on your sofa, taking a sip of cranberry juice, and pressing play on The Sound of Music. What a bizarre evening… 

Come a few days later, Harry found himself busying himself in his bedroom. Gabriel was sat on his bed, barking at Harry as he worked away at his computer, sending emails back and forth to his boss. It was only when he saw your own bedroom light flick on in the corner of his eye. You wandered in, throwing your phone down onto your bed. A white towel was wrapped tightly around your body and your hair was wet and your skin glistening. 

He knew he shouldn’t look. He knew he shouldn’t stare. But he couldn’t help it. He watched as you pulled a silky pyjama set from your dresser. You seemed to examine it briefly before deciding it was good enough. And when you dropped the towel, he knew he was wrong for staring. He knew you’d never speak to him again if you caught his gaze on your naked body. But he couldn’t tear his eyes away. 

You sighed as you stepped into your silk shorts and slipped on the matching shirt. As you finished doing up the buttons, you happened to glance up and catch Harry’s gaze. He’d been staring. Once he realised you’d caught him, he went bright red; redder than when he’d mistaken cranberry juice for wine. You smirked, challenging him to look away. 

When he didn’t avert his gaze, you leaned over to grab your notebook from your desk. Embracing your 2009 Taylor Swift moment, you scribbled down: wanna come over? You laughed as you watched him scramble away from the window and out of his room. 

It was thirty seconds later that you heard his knocking on your door. You dashed down to open it. There he was. Grabbing his hand, you pulled him into your house and up the stairs. And there you were, standing in your bedroom with your tattooed neighbour. “That was super pervy, you know?” you whispered, your faces inches apart. 

“But you’re so beautiful,” he choked out, revelling in the feeling of your hands dancing up his arms. 

“What if I told you I did it on purpose?”

“What?”

“Yeah, what if I left the light on so you could see me? What if I wanted you to stare?”

He couldn’t resist you any longer. He pressed his mouth to your own, pushing your wet hair out of your face. He slipped his attractively large hands under your thighs, lifting you into his arms, only to drop you down onto your bed. You squealed as you hit the soft mattress, laughing as he buried his face in your neck, his fingers fiddling to undo your buttons. And that was that. 

Before you knew it, you were lying beside his naked figure, panting loudly. Both of your bodies were covered in a thin layer of sweat. “That was amazing,” he whispered, rolling over to face you. “You’re amazing.”

You smiled, kissing his nose, “Thanks. I think you’ll find you’re pretty sensational too. I need another shower now, though… wanna join?”

It was just after 11 when Harry left. The night had spiralled in the most perfect way. You switched off your bedroom light, slipping under your soft bedsheets. You were excited for the day to come - you’d asked him if he wanted to come over for a date. He agreed ecstatically. 

The following morning, you woke up as you usually did. You were groggy, unexcited for the uneventful day to come. That was until you remembered your date that night with your tattooed neighbour. Up until 7, you had nothing to do but wait. You watched some episodes of a drama your mother had been raving about. You made yourself a sandwich for lunch. But finally, 6.30 rolled around and you peeled yourself off the sofa to get ready. At 7.02, Harry arrived. He knocked on your door and when you answered, his smile was bright and his eyes were alive with excitement. “Hello,” you grinned until you noticed something behind his back. “What’s that you’ve got there?”

He held out a bouquet of roses, “I got you some flowers… and I brought round a bottle of cranberry juice.”

[mel-the-fangirl]

Toss A Coin to Your Witcher (Part Three)

Henry Cavill x Reader

Words: 4,365

(Part 1, Part 2)

Happy Holidays, Cavillry! I really truly hope that you all had some socially distanced fun! Here’s a little gift from me to everyone. I really hope everyone enjoys this last part to this miniseries as much as I enjoyed writing them!

Warning: I have never written anything even remotely close to smut and this story gets a teeny bit smutty so please be gentle with me.

Please like and reblog or leave some replies if you liked it!

Taglist: @novareign1, @libbymouse, @calwitch, @soldade, @happiness-in-the-dark, @seriouslygoodlookinggents, @wolvesandhoundshowltogether, @zealoushoundrancheclipse, @seanh-boredom, @speakerforthedead0, @rn7rocks, @writingforhenry, @weallhaveadestiny, @suueeeeeee

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“Because. We kissed."

Kissed.

Did you hear him right? Did he just say you kissed? You two kissed? And you didn't remember? 

Just the thought of it made you dissolve into fits of uncontrollable laughter.

A valiant effort on his part, truly. He really looked frustrated and confused that you didn't remember. What a brilliant actor.

"Phew!" you brushed the tears from the sides of your eyes and rubbed your nose with the back of your hand

"Right! As if I would ever forget kissing someone like you.” you gestured to him from head to toe, “Specimen.”

“Alright,” he crossed his muscular arms against his equally muscular chest, “I am one hundred and ten percent sure it was you and I’m not about to let you change my mind, madame.”

The challenge was clear in his voice and honestly? It was really hot, his whole stern and smug vibe actually made you forget that you were trying to defend your honour. 

How could he just look like that? All tall and handsome and muscular? It threw you off your game. He looked like he was God's favourite. 

"Aren’t we going to dinner?" you asked, now openly staring at his eyes

"Oh, god. Of course, you must be starving. I apologise." he dropped his proud stance and immediately grabbed your coat from the rack

Henry graciously helped you put it on, his arms lingered around you just a tad bit longer than needed but it was all very good.

Something must have caught his eye as he stepped away from you. He gave you a small smile and made a move to lean in. 

Oh, was this happening now?

Okay, sure. What the hell right? Since he claims to have already kissed you before maybe he needed to be reminded. 

You could do that. You knew how to kiss, you’ve kissed people before.

As he leaned in, the smell of his cologne invaded your senses. It was musky but also floral. Combined with his naturally clean, fresh scent, you could just picture yourself on a leisurely stroll with him in a field somewhere, the pristine air carrying the scent of earthy wood and spring flowers all around you. Henry would be gazing at you adoringly and he’d be in a soaked white shirt even though it was a sunny day.

Armed with that picture in your mind, nothing could go wrong. You were definitely feeling it.

You tilted your chin upwards, leaning in to meet him halfway, more than ready to feel those luscious lips on yours. You shut your eyes, just to make it more romantic.

His arms wrapped around you and you went in for the kill.

That’s when the worst possible thing happened. Well, perhaps not the worst thing but this was pretty fucking close.

Instead of the soft lips you were expecting, your lips met the soft material of his sweater.

Yes, that’s right. His sweater.

You, Y/N Y/LN, had just planted a big ol’ smooch on Henry Cavill’s sweater.

Your eyes snapped open and you wondered what you did so wrong in your past life to deserve this. How could you have misjudged the situation so wrongly?

The second Henry felt the tiny amount of pressure on his shoulder, he knew he fucked up. He had no idea why he didn’t just tell you that the collar of your coat was sticking up, why did he feel the need to straighten it himself? Now, what was he going to do? He didn’t want to embarrass you.

But, it was a little too late for that now, wasn’t it?

You both stepped away at the same time, seeming to look at anything else in the room but each other. It was nice of him to also feel embarrassed on your behalf but, you felt like everyone the world over was cringing out of their skin from secondhand embarrassment.

“So, dinner?” Henry offered you his strong arm, grinning at you like nothing happened

Was it possible for him to be even more perfect? As you looped your arm through his, you found out that it was.

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

The expansive cityscape was laid out before you from the secluded trellis covered terrace of the restaurant he chose. The view was beautiful, the lights of the city sprinkled across buildings, homes, and streets, the inky black and blue sky stretching far beyond.

Gazing out at it should have made you feel calm, at peace. But you were a bundle of nerves. Never in your wildest dreams did you ever think that you’d be on a date with Henry Cavill and you wouldn’t have imagined that he would be accusing you of forgetting that you shared a kiss.

“Look,” you rested your arms on the table, looking at him as seriously as you could without getting lost in his eyes, “I swear, if we really did kiss, I would remember.”

Henry studied you quietly amidst the hustle and bustle of the restaurant beyond the French doors. It was endearing to him, how quickly you would sometimes switch from confident assertiveness to awkward fumbling.

For you, it was a test of endurance to look past the god-given good looks and focus on trying to anticipate what his next move was.

Turns out, it was one in your favour.

“You know what? I think you’re right.”

You almost did a spit take with your wine. Thank God you weren’t wearing anything white.

Okay, act cool. That should be easy, right? You were an actor after all. Just be cool. Relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw, stop sweating.

"I must've been mistaken. I truly apologise." 

He looked so sheepish, you actually reached over to put your hand on his. You tilted your head and gave him an understanding smile. A wave of relief washed over your body and to Henry, it showed. Your rigid posture finally loosened and you even managed to lace your fingers through his.

"I totally get it. I mean, with our jobs? We meet dozens of people everyday, it's not hard to be confused."

His heart leapt into his throat at the contact, it felt like his entire arm was covered in live wires but he would endure it just to savour your hand in his.

"Let's focus on our date, yeah?" 

"Yes, absolutely," you nodded enthusiastically, "Please. Tell me all about you."

"Oh, but I'd rather hear about you."

You were flattered, really. But just in case this was never going to happen again, you needed to get him talking and sponge up as much information as you could.

"And you will, but let’s hear about you first.”

He wanted to argue but you were already looking at him expectantly and despite your short time together, he was already struggling to say no to you.

So, he talked, and talked, and talked, much more than he’s ever dared to talk in his whole life. And you listened, absolutely captivated by his eloquence, his intelligence, his passion, and his wit. Not to mention his voice, deep and silky and hypnotising. Why people thought he lacked personality was a mystery to you.

“I do love theatre,” he explained with a mouthful pasta. It was adorable, no questions asked. “I wish I had that courage and longevity to just deliver every single night for months on end.”

“I actually started out in theatre.” you nodded your head as he widened his eyes at you questioningly. “Yup. I did a decent run of The Tempest at the Yard a year back.”

That’s when the ball dropped. Time seemed to stop for Henry, his drink hovered in the air just as he was about to raise it to his lips. It had finally made itself known, his smoking gun. He faltered only for a second before masking his triumphant smirk with his wine glass.

One harmless little question out of his mouth had you turning as red as the cherry tomatoes artfully scattered in the salad that was set before you.

“Ah, yes. Didn’t you play Miranda?”

You stopped stirring your iced tea and furrowed a brow at him.

“Yes. Yes, I was. Did you catch a show?”

“I did. I was at the opening night after party as well.” he enunciated this part slowly and clearly, hoping that your eyes would spark with recognition

But they didn’t.

“Isn’t that a shame. We could have done this earlier if we crossed paths that night.”

Henry pursed his lips and nodded, mildly disheartened but nonetheless, he pressed on.

“I do recall meeting you though.”

This again? 

You huffed and set your utensils on your plate. You laced your fingers together and looked him in his gorgeous ocean coloured eyes.

“Okay. If that is the night in question then I will admit that I… may have kissed someone but it wasn’t you.” 

“Well, well, well…” he raised an eyebrow at you and you instantly coloured

It wasn’t one of your finest moments and you figured you would never have to dig that memory out of the vault but here it was.

“I know how this sounds,” you shook your head disapprovingly at him, “But it’s not. Okay. On God, it wasn’t you.”

Henry nodded yet again, narrowing his eyes at you. The silent treatment and judgy look he had on forced you to keep talking, which probably wasn’t the best idea.

“It wasn’t you, Henry. Okay? It was just some random dude in a nice sweater and a signet ring or something.”

Alarm bells started clanging in your head as your eyes swept over your dinner date. Nice sweater, check. A signet ring resting on his pinky, check.

“It wasn’t you.” you repeated in more of a whisper, more to convince yourself than anything else

Throughout your debate, bits and pieces of that night started to come back to you. The most embarrassing part came to mind first, it would probably be your saving grace but, did you really want to tell Henry Cavill what you thought you did?

“Am I really that bad a kisser? That you felt the need to completely erase it from your memory?”

His tone was joking but you could see in his eyes that he was a little bit hurt. It was going to be a cold day in hell if you were going to be the person to make Henry Cavill doubt his skills in the kissing area.

“I kissed a male prostitute that night, okay!” you yelled out in exasperation

Thank God your table was situated on the terrace or else a restaurant full of people would have been in on your little secret. As your voice echoed off the walls, you wrapped your arms tightly around yourself. How much embarrassment were you going to endure?

“A male prostitute?” Henry repeated slowly, clearly having a difficult time processing this new information

“Yes.” you groaned, leaning back in your seat and covering your face with your hands

---One year before---

The curtains closed to thunderous applause, whistles and standing ovations. Your heart pounded in your chest as you struggled to keep your breathing steady.

Did that really just happen?

You looked around at your castmates and wrangled them into a group hug.

“Did I really just do that?” you asked Marge upon meeting her backstage

“Yes, you did! Now go on and get changed. It’s after party time.”

With that, she sent you off with a smack on your ass.

You’d only known Marge for a few months since you arrived in London but you liked her already. It’s not like you had a choice though, really, she was the only one you knew.

“How about that one, that one over there?” Marge slurred, shoulders knocking into yours, less than discreetly pointing out some guy in the crowd of party goers

“Shh! Marge!” you giggled, more than a little tipsy yourself

Opening night was a smashing success, it was your first ever gig anywhere, really. You were so nervous the entire time, you thought you were doomed to fuck up and forget your lines or something but that moment never came.

“HEY! REVIEWS ARE OUT!” someone yelled in the crowd

“Here we go.” you murmured, knocking back your drink and tugging Marge along

The huge crowd gathered around your director, who was standing on a stool. It was a tight squeeze since a good chunk of the people who came were already hammered. Someone from behind shoved you forward and you rather inelegantly fell into the arms of the man next to you.

“Whoa there.” you could just make out the deep velvety voice above the murmurings of the crowd

“Oh, God, I am so sorry, I-” you trailed off when you finally laid eyes on your rescuer

Oh, wow.

You couldn’t decide which feature to focus on first. The captivating eyes that were a shade of blue that your alcohol-soaked brain couldn’t even comprehend, the strong chiseled jawline you needed a protractor to measure, or the perfect stray curls that fell onto his forehead?

Decisions, decisions.

“Are you alright? You almost fell.”

Goosebumps broke out on your arms as he helped you stand upright.

God, he was handsome, an observation you thought you had kept to yourself.

The tall man chuckled, still holding on to your forearms, “Thanks very much. I’m He-”

“And Y/N, my incomparable Miranda!” a booming voice interrupted him from the front of the room

“Fuck, that’s me.”

You broke from his grasp and fought your way through the crowds, leaving your hero looking out after you.

“Newcomer Y/N Y/L/N’s performance as Miranda is the glittering centrepiece to this refreshing, masterful take on an enduring classic,” the director read aloud, allowing the crowd to raise their glasses to you

You smiled at everyone, inadvertently meeting the eye of your tall handsome man.

When the crowd dispersed, you and Marge found yourselves back at the open bar, eyeing up every guy that passed by.

“Y/N, you’re on the fast track now. You killed tonight, now it’s time to pick your prize! How about that one? In the corner? Looks tall, shaggy hair…”

“Marge, that’s a ficus.”

“Huh.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, that other ficus has been looking over since we set up camp here.” 

You followed the tilt of her head to the same guy from earlier, the achingly handsome one. He raised his glass to you and you waved sloppily back. It was the alcohol, okay? Open bar, what were you gonna do?

Marge whistled low, sizing him up from head to toe, “Y/N, that’s a male prostitute if I’ve ever seen one and I have seen a lot of ones.”

The fry you had chomped down barely made it halfway down your throat before coming back up again, “What? No! Marge, he’s not.”

“But he is. Y/N, that man is tall, hung, and handsome. There is no man that tall, hung, and handsome that isn’t either an actor or a male prostitute.”

“Tall, hung, and handsome.” you mumbled, raking your eyes over him as discreetly as you could

In your inebriated state, you completely forgot to ask Marge why he couldn’t have been an actor. Why did her mind immediately head for the strip club? And why did yours follow suit?

“Imma go and bag myself a stripper, Marge. Okay?”

“Yes! Use protection!”

Before strutting off or more like stumbling off, you downed some more booze which probably was not as good of an idea than you thought. Not even halfway to him, you decided that you were teetering in your heels a little bit too much, so you took them off.

“Oh. Hey there.” the same silky smooth voice from earlier greeted you

“Ah, fuck. You’re tall.”

Looking up at him made you dizzy, like standing at the top of a giant skyscraper and looking down at the very edge.

He chuckled and you watched entranced as his face just lit up like Christmas. You decided then and there that you would like to kiss the Christmas, very much so indeed.

The liquid courage in you was really doing its job. You took his hand and dragged him away from the party. This was fine, wasn’t it? It’s not like he was complaining, he looked rather amused actually. Things like this probably happen to him a lot in his line of work.

“Well, now you have me, what are you going to do with me?” he asked teasingly once you two were tucked away in a dark corner

The combined effects of the excessive alcohol, the high of your first successful job, and the way this sinfully handsome man was looking at you made your next move the easiest thing in the world.

You balled the front of his sweater in your fist and tugged him down towards you. He was too tall.

Who on earth was this ballsy, clumsy, beautiful, talented stranger?

Henry didn’t get the chance to ask before his lips came crashing down and immediately, wildfire. 

A shockwave of frenzy ran through his body, he needed to feel you. He was all hands and lips and ragged breaths. His lips traveled down the smooth path of your throat, nipping and sucking as he went. You were putty in his hands.

“Jump.” he growled

You did as he asked and he latched his hands underneath your thighs and planted you against the wall. His lower half pressed into yours and you knew that Marge was right. Your hands raked through his hair and you reveled in the feel of him, strong, confident, in charge. His large hands made their way to your bottom and he squeezed gently.

A breathy moan escaped your lips and you knew you needed to have more of this man. Your fumbling hands made their way to his belt buckle but he set you down on your feet and held you steady.

“What..?” you whispered, suddenly disoriented

“I really should take you on a date first.” he panted

Sober, you definitely would have taken him up on his offer, male prostitute or not, but you were far from it and your head was still spinning so you thought you’d shut your eyes for a while and have him catch your unconscious form.

With you over his shoulder and your shoes in one hand, Henry made his way to his car and drove you safely home, relying on the satnav and your slurred directions.

He laid you gently in bed, brushing the hair away from your face. You snored in your drunken sleep and Henry smiled at the sound.

This was an encounter he was sure he would remember for a long time.

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“Well, that was me,” Henry nodded his head with his bottom lip jutted out. “Exactly as you remembered it.”

Tall, hung, and handsome, huh? That wasn’t anything new to him. He’s been described using far more… graphic detail, if his time searching his name on Tumblr was anything to go by. But hearing it come from your mouth turned him several shades of red.

You, on the other hand, had no words. Again. But you figured that it was all Marge’s fault.

“So, I suppose I was right?” he confirmed, unable to contain the self-satisfied smirk on his face

“Uh, yeah,” you sighed, absolutely exhausted from your little trip down memory lane. “Yeah, I guess you were right.”

Slowly, you met each other’s eyes. A moment passed before you both dissolved into fits of laughter.

“Do I look like a male prostitute? Did I exude that kind of energy at the time?” Henry guffawed, shoulders shaking

“God, I don’t even know how I thought that! I was super drunk, okay?” you covered your face with your hands, mortified and extremely amused at yourself

The laughter died down and you were left gazing at each other fondly. Dessert had long since been over and the night went on, the candlelights on your table and scattered around the quiet terrace intensified the feeling that was passing between you.

“Y/N?” 

“Yes?”

You didn’t miss the way his eyes darkened and settled on your lips. Unlike all the other times today, you didn’t feel nervous, you didn’t feel like you were about to make a fool of yourself, you felt completely calm.

“Would it be alright with you if we picked up where we left off that night?”

Ever the gentleman. You smiled and made your way over to him.

“Hi.” you made yourself comfortable on his lap and you laced your arms around his neck

“Hello, there.” he whispered against your lips

It was probably not the best place to do this, in a restaurant where upwards of twenty people were just beyond the terrace doors but you were in your own little world.

You were endlessly thankful that you were sober for this, you would never forgive yourself otherwise.

When his lips finally met yours, you wondered how on earth you ever forgot such a feeling. It was gentle and soft, as most of these things start, his thumbs caressed that apple of your cheeks then he laid a chaste kiss on each.

You breathed long and hard as his hands splayed on your back, pushing you closer to him. His warm tongue traced the outline of your bottom lip before exploring your mouth, the taste of you mixed with the subtle taste of wine was exquisite and he wanted more. He drank you in, holding you flush against him.

“Wait.” you took his hand and led him to the far side of the terrace to an alcove enveloped in a curtain of lush vines

“When did you spot this?” Henry asked, breathless as you sat him down and straddled him once again

“On the way in.” you had the audacity to blush

“You had plans for me already?”

“A girl always comes prepared.”

Nothing would ever prepare you for the sight of his full length, once his trousers were lowered, it was over for you. Henry took control by shoving your underwear to the side and impaling you onto him. You inhaled sharply, screwing your eyes tightly shut.

“Are you okay?” he struggled to control himself, having you quivering on top of him was severely testing his restraint

“Yes. Please. Move.” all you could manage were monosyllabic answers

And move he did. It should be illegal to be this good.

The night air was cool but you were both slick with sweat, you two had lost your tops a while ago and Henry’s tongue swept across the valley of your breasts and marked his territory everywhere he could. His thrusts were enough to bruise you but you never wanted anything more than to feel him.

“Henry,” you gasped out as he continued to hit that spot that made you see stars

He could sense that you were close, you were tightening around him and gripping him like a vise. 

“Let go, lovely.” he whispered in your ear, committing the way your face twisted into a mask of pleasure and desperation to memory

You rode him furiously, the sound of your flesh colliding over and over again mingled with your hoarse moans, you were certain that someone would hear you but at that moment all you cared about was reaching your peak and with Henry Cavill at the helm?

His large hand clamped around your mouth as you came, you writhed and arched your body uncontrollably as his thrusts became more erratic. He pulled out of you and began to finish himself off, he did not expect for your hand to join his and he did not expect to come so quickly once it did.

“Jesus.” he panted, reaching over to smooth your hair out of your face

You shivered, suddenly very aware that you weren't wearing anything at all. Henry helped you dress quickly and wrapped his own coat around you, rubbing some heat into your arms.

When you refused to look him in the eye the entire ride back to your flat, that’s when Henry started getting nervous.

It’s not like he could ask you if you enjoyed it? I mean, he could but that would make him look like an amateur and he would really like to think that he was no amateur in that area. So instead, he took your hand as you stood in front of your door. 

“Y/N, I would love to do this again. The date, not the sex- I mean, I would like to have sex with you again but that's not what I'm after-Holy shit."

Oh, how the tables have turned. 

Henry rubbed at his face with a hand and sighed, "Do you think you'd like to see me again?" 

"Do you think you'd like to stay the night?" 

Both of you asked your questions at the same time and you both looked taken aback at them.

"What makes you think I don't want to see you again?" you wrapped your arms around his torso and looked up at him

"You were silent the whole car ride?"

He looked so unsure and a little afraid that you couldn't help but squeeze him. How could someone be both heartbreakingly handsome and adorable all at the same time? 

"I was just summoning up the courage to ask you to stay the night!"

"Oh thank God."

He swept you off your feet and threw your door open but, you didn’t end up in bed (you’d get there later), you ended up in the same place you started, on the couch, with him spectating and occasionally helping out as you played Witcher 3.

The next morning, you woke up to a text message and a forwarded article from Marge,

“HOW BEING A STAN GOT Y/N Y/L/N HER MAN”

YOU TWO ARE EVERYWHERE. CHECK IT OUT!  I TAKE CASH, CHEQUES, AND LAVISH GIFTS. YOU’RE WELCOME.

A muscular arm gently wrapped around your bare waist and a tender kiss was pressed onto your shoulder. You looked back at your handsome bedfellow and smiled.

You’d take a look at it later. Right now, you had better things to do.

[writing-reaper]

(tw: su!c!de) hello! I’m very sorry if this makes you uncomfortable and if it does please ignore my request, but i was hoping you could write for any/all slender bros finding out their s/o attempted by them celebrating a couple years clean? 💕 :)

ABSOLUTELY! This is my first request so I hope you enjoy! And a note to everyone, I’m sort of trigger numb because I’ve either read these things or have experienced them. ANYWAY! Enjoy!

(TRIGGER WARNING: mentions of Su!c!ide and drug use)

For this I’m going to say they’ve been dating for a little over a year

Slenderman

Two years clean is a huge accomplishment for s/o. After almost having a fatal overdose, everything almost seemed to fall into place.

You met the one and only Slenderman on a midnight stroll through the woods, blindly reading. It was only a week after you had been admitted from the hospital, but just a month later you were dating.

Slender finds you dressed up, putting on chapstick (or lipstick) in your bathroom.

He asks what you’re doing, clearly confused (he had a gift in his hands cause he wanted to surprise you.)

You then have the uncomfortable conversation about you and you’re best friends attempted suicide and how you were going out to dinner with her to celebrate 2 years clean.

Slender had this distraught aura around him when his s/o explained why her/him and her/his friend were trying to overdose.

S/o was very surprised to see him look so upset.

You were quick to assure him that you never were going to overdose again.

When Slender asked if you still had those feelings- the desire to die, you hesitate.

“I’d be lying if I said I haven’t. But I can say they’ve been coming less than they used to.”

Cue a long rant about you not telling him and him begging you to talk to him when you’re upset or having those thoughts.

The rant ends with him asking to go with you, this was a celebration after all.

Slender prioritizes the people that make him happy, and you are number one.

And that gift turned into two the next day.

Trenderman

S/o tried to jump off a building 2 years ago, but was stopped by officials and admitted to the hospital for help.

S/o had worked for Trender long before her/his suicide attempt— when she/he first turned 18.

It came as a huge shock to Trender when he found out.

They were out with some models and Trender (he was there because he appreciates his employees, and his 1 year strong s/o was there) when one stood up and made a toast to his s/o.

“To s/o, who sits with us today, two years clean and making the most of her/his life.”

Cue Trender’s shock.

It wasn’t till after the dinner Trender had demanded an explanation. 7 years of knowing each other and the way he heard of it was through someone else.

Though Trender was grateful to now know.

You left him in the dark until you arrived back to his studio apartment, just trying to find out how to explain it.

When you found the words, you gave him a long explanation that ended up making you cry. You thought you could handle explaining it, but when you saw he was upset, you started feeling selfish.

When Trender’s s/o started crying he was quick to calm you down, telling you that he wasn’t mad and had no reason to be mad. He just wished that you had told him and that he hadn’t heard it second hand.

Trender held off on working that night to take care of you and explain that he would always be there for you.

Splendorman

Splendor was an online dating app gone right.

In the beginning, the relationship was just to start out simple, in fact s/o originally got into the relationship just to be in one after the suicide attempt.

Unfortunately, that’s when things got serious and s/o felt guilty.

It was only two months later when her college professor messaged her/him to congratulate her on 2 years sober.

That’s right, alcohol and drugs was her/his trial.

Unfortunately, s/o left her laptop open when she heard the oven go off (she and Splendor were making cookies) and he saw the email.

Though Splendor didn’t want to invade his s/o’s privacy, he caught the key words: bars, drugs, medication, alcohol, and dead.

He was shy about asking his s/o about it, worried she’d/he’d be upset that he invaded their privacy, but when he saw s/o flinch, he knew it was related to him/her.

You gave him a weak smile and before you realized it, you were crying. There were sloppy apologies, mentions of guilt, and a bunch of whimpers and sobs.

Splendor was confused— well, more shocked. You had always seemed so cheery and down to earth- the playful type who liked making stupid faces and calling themselves ugly when they made those faces in a picture (of course Splendor didn’t like that, but he always found himself laughing anyway, because you were adorable to him).

“Please s/o, calm down and then we’ll try to explain this a little better.”

It was a silent ten minutes of eating cookies and watching AFV before s/o abruptly turned off the tv to explain.

It was still a little messy, sprinkled with sniffles and whimpers. After was a bunch of apologies and quick explanation of how you loved him so much and didn’t mean to use him.

Splendor calmed you down once more and gave you a long, silent hug. He knew that sometimes all you needed was a warm embrace.

It was a long night of cuddling and Splendor “forgiving you” (he felt he didn’t need to, he only said it to calm you down. He understood that that’s why most people went into relationships and he was more than guilty himself.)

After a session at the college campus, you two spent the rest of the day together, baking and visiting the pasta and his brothers.

Offenderman

In this case, s/o had actually searched out the man who takes and kills women and men alike. Discovering their relationship was an accident.

2 years later without the desire to die, s/o sat down with Offender to tell him about his/her attempt to be murdered.

Offender was surprised to say the least, he thought she had just been looking for a hookup, but Offender also wasn’t unfamiliar with the craving of death. (In my vision of their world, Offender is, like in a few peoples worlds, a heartbroken psychopath.)

Offender didn’t make a huge deal out of it. In fact, he said told you that he was proud of you and happy that even after you came to him for him to kill you, you stayed with him (especially now that you don’t want to die.).

Despite not being upset about not knowing, he did want to know why.

It took a minute to explain why you came to him seeking death, but Offender nodded along and gave you a hug.

After your explanation, he asked if you still felt that way sometimes.

When he received a nod he let you know that he was there for you.

“I’m not great with emotions, but if you ever need me, I’m here for you.”

Your day went as usual, except that you took you out for dinner.

You knew he didn’t have to do anything special for you though, him just being there with you was more than enough.

(Sorry if that doesn’t count as attempted suicide, but he is a serial rapist so I figured it’d at least make sense.)

ANYWAY! I hope you enjoyed and to anyone reading: feel free to send me a request! This was fun to write and I’d like to write more!

[mozelledeliond]

To: Cerusani Duskbinder

As with last time, it is a manila envelope which arrives addressed to one Cerusani Duskbinder, Baroness of the Lost Woods, but this time the simple circle-stamped wax is the color of the ocean off of Stranglethorn and dusted with golden shimmer.  Within is a small envelope and a blank-covered booklet sewn together with soft purple thread.

Lady Duskbinder,

I hope this reaches you in good health. I have gone through a few recipe books, and at times rattled the cage of memory, and I think I have produced a fair collection of recipes for you to peruse at your leisure. I hope you find at least one you enjoy.

Remember to take care of yourself.

— Mozelle

Cream-colored paper and rich black ink in neat handwriting make up the booklet of recipes.

Bread, Cheese Loaf

3 cups wheat flour 2 teaspoons baker's yeast 2 teaspoons salt 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded or grated 1/2 teaspoon minced onion 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1 egg 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/4 cup olive oil

Sift flour to remove clumps, then stir in cheese, onion, and garlic. Beat egg, milk, and olive oil in a separate bowl until air bubbles form. Slowly add liquid mix to the solid while stirring. Cover bowl with damp towel and let proof half hour. Add into loaf pan greased with butter. Depending on oven temperature, cook time may vary. Bread is done when crust is golden brown and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

-

Bread, Potato

1-2 russet potatoes 2 cups milk Very generous dash of salt 2 teaspoons honey 2 tablespoons baker's yeast 2 tablespoons olive oil 5 cups wheat flour

Peel potato(es), cut into large chunks, and simmer in hot water until fork easily passes through. Remove from water and mash. Pour milk into saucepan with salt and honey and heat until milk just barely begins to bubble. Remove from heat, whisking in the mashed potatoes and olive oil. Let cool until warm enough to safely touch. Add in yeast and 2 cups of wheat flour and begin to incorporate the mixture with a paddle or heavy whisky. Add remaining 3 cups of flour and roll dough onto a floured surface to knead until loose and tacky. Wrap dough in damp towel and let proof for 2-3 hours. When dough is proofed, knead it and separate it half. Grease two loaf pans and add dough to each. Bake until golden-brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

-

Carbonara

1/2 cup sliced salt cured boar belly 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 1/2 clove finely minced garlic 3 eggs 2 tablespoons butter 1 pound of spaghetti Salt Optional: dash of ground black pepper

Bring pot of salted water to a boil. Whisk together the eggs, garlic, and grated parmesan. In a saucepan, fry the salt cured boar belly in the butter until the edges crisp. Remove from heat and put the boar belly into a small bowl. Save the drippings left by it. Cook the pasta. Shortly before pasta is finished, remove from heat and use a measuring cup to obtain about a cup's worth of pasta water from the pot and add that to the saucepan with the boar belly drippings. Place saucepan back over heat. Use the measuring cup to obtain about half a cup of pasta water to keep in reserve. Drain pasta, then place the drained pasta in the saucepan with the drippings and stir for one to two minutes until al dente. Remove from heat. Slowly pour egg mixture over top of pasta, using tongs to fold and stir pasta for even coverage. If necessary, use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the egg mixture. Serve, seasoning with black pepper and additional salt and/or parmesan to taste.

-

Duskwood Spider Cake

1 pound spider meat 3/4 cup bread crumbs or finely crushed crackers 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1 egg 2 tablespoons verjuice mustard Dash of salt Dash of ground black pepper

Whisk together mayonnaise, egg, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. In separate bowl, mix together spider meat, bread crumbs, and chopped herbs. Fold in the mayonnaise mixture to the spider meat mixture. Form into small cakes. Add cooking oil of choice to a skillet until the bottom is fully coated; when oil is hot, add in the cakes. Fry until golden and crisp on both sides, approximately 4 minutes on each side.

-

Hoe Cakes

1 1/2 cups cornmeal 1 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons wheat flour heated water cooking oil (butter, lard, or bacon fat is ideal)

Heat cast iron pan on an open flame. While the pan is heating, prepare the batter: Thoroughly combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. Add heated water until the batter reaches the desired consistency. When oil added to the pan sizzles, the pan is ready. Add batter into the pan in small circles. Add additional oil to pan as needed. Cook and turn hoecakes until browned on both sides.

-

The Light Has Probably Forsaken You, Or, Things Which Seem Like a Good Idea When Completely Out of Ones Mind at Four Bells in the Morning and/or Drunk

1 slice white bread 1 - 1 1/2 tablespoons butter Mixture of three parts brown sugar to one part cinnamon

Optional: cut crust off of bread. Roll bread until it reaches desired thickness. Use knife to spread butter over bread. Sprinkle desired amount of cinnamon sugar over buttered bread. Roll bread as if a cinnamon roll. Cut horizontally and serve. Regret your entire life leading to this moment, probably.

-

Lo Mein

3/4 pound by weight of egg noodles 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1/2 cup peas 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon chili sauce Optional: 1 Dalapeno pepper, sliced Optional: 1/2 cup sliced or diced meat of choice

Cook noodles in a pot of boiling water until done. In a bowl whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chili sauce. Add cooking oil to a skillet until skillet bottom is coated. Add in garlic, bell pepper, and any optional ingredients, stirring frequently until they start to turn tender. Stir in peas. Add noodles and soy sauce mixture, stirring and folding to combine, then serve.

-

Omelette Magnifique 

2-3 eggs 1 tablespoon milk Salt Ground black pepper 3 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese or crumbled goat cheese 1/8 cup diced or sliced red bell pepper Optional: 1/8 cup diced meat of choice; ham or bacon suggested

Beat eggs together until yolks are thoroughly incorporated into the whites. Add milk and desired amount of salt and pepper, whisking vigorously until mix is frothy. Melt butter into heated skillet and pour in the omelette mix, tilting pan to spread the egg over its surface. When omelette sets at the bottom but is still wet on top, top half of the omelette with cheese, peppers, and meat. Use a spatula to fold the untopped half of the omelette over the topped half and let cook several more seconds. Slide omelette out of pan onto plate.

-

Rabbit & Potato Stew

2-4 pounds rabbit meat, diced into chunks 1 1/2 cups flour 3-4 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup olive oil 1 cup diced celery 1 cup diced carrots 2 diced onions 2-3 potatoes, diced into chunks 1 clove minced garlic 1/2 cup chopped parsley 1/2 cup chopped basil Salt 10 cups water OR vegetable broth OR rabbit broth Optional: 4 cups red wine (only use 6 cups water/broth if adding wine)

Lightly coat rabbit chunks with some of the flour and shake off excess. Add oil and butter into large saucepan and quickly brown the rabbit. Add all ingredients but the potatoes and the remaining flour and let simmer approximately two hours. Approximately 45 minutes into simmering, add the potatoes. About twenty minutes before stew is done simmering, if thickening is desired, mix together remaining flour with water until a paste or slurry is formed and stir it into the stew.

-

Rice Pudding

2 cups milk 1/3 cup uncooked white rice Dash of salt 1 egg 1/8 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 1/4th teaspoon cinnamon

Rinse rice in clean water and drain. Add rice, milk, and salt to a saucepan and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, stirring frequently, until rice is tender. Whisk together egg and brown sugar, then add to the saucepan and stir to integrate. Continue to stir frequently until mixture is just shy of desired consistency. Remove from heat completely and stir in vanilla and cinnamon.

-

Tea, Dreamfoil (Sleep Aid)

3/4 - 1 ounce dreamfoil blossom per 1 cup water Optional: honey

Bring water to a boil. Rinse dreamfoil with cool water to ensure it is free of dirt or bugs. Pour boiling water into desired tea recepticle and place dreamfoil in an infuser. Steep 2-3 minutes. Remove infuser and add honey to taste if desired.

Note: May cause an increase in vividity of dreams. Do not combine with other sleep aids.

-

Tea, Ginger (Digestion Aid & Nausea)

1 - 1 1/5 tablespoon ginger root per 1 cup water Optional: 1 slice lemon Optional: honey

Clean and peel desired amount of ginger root before slicing thinly. Add to water and bring to a steady simmer, then move it from the heat until it is a gentle simmer. After about five minutes remove it from heat and strain. Add lemon and/or honey if desired and serve.

-

Tea, Honey-Lemon (Sore Throat)

2-3 teaspoons honey 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 cup hot water Optional: ginger slice

Heat water until steaming. Add honey and lemon juice to taste. If desired, add ginger and let steep a minute or two.

-

Thalassian Toast (Sweet)

2 thick slices white bread 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Dash of nutmeg Splash of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar Splash of milk 2 tablespoons butter Optional: maple syrup or molasses Optional: confectioner's sugar

Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices together in a wide bowl. In a skillet, melt the butter; add more if necessary to thoroughly coat bottom of skillet. Dip bread into egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Fry eggy bread in skillet until both sides are golden brown. If desired, powder finished product with confectioner's sugar and/or serve with molasses.

-

Thalassian Toast (Savory)

2 thick slices white bread 1 egg Splash of milk Salt 2 tablespoons butter Optional: 1 egg, fried with 1 sprig chopped parsley Optional: 1/8 cup parmesan cheese

Whisk eggs, a dash of salt, and milk together in a wide bowl. In a skillet, melt the butter; add more if necessary to thoroughly coat bottom of skillet. Dip bread into egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Fry eggy bread in skillet until both sides are golden brown. Parmesan cheese can be added on top of the toast shortly before it is removed from the pan. Toast may be served topped with herb-fried egg or parmesan cheese, or as a side to another dish.

[ @cerusaniduskbinder ]

[marvels-writings]

Back & Forth (3)

Maria Hill Masterlist

Series Masterlist

| Part 1 | Part 2 | 

A/N: I add a lil angst to this ;)

“This is where Tony suggested us to go to?” You asked, raising an eyebrow at the restaurant in front of you.

You had expected some fancy restaurant with overdressed waiters. But instead, you got a hole in the wall, an Italian shop where the waiter looked like he helped cook. The entire restaurant was wooden with some wine red furniture.

Maria shrugged, slightly disappointing at Tony’s choice as she got out of your car.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” Maria advised, walking inside.

“Touche but still,” You shrugged, locking your car and following her inside.

“Welcome, welcome, would you like a table?” The waiter asked, approaching you and Maria.

The waiter was tall, tanned with short, black hair. He had a strong Italian accent. He wore a black t-shirt with the restaurant’s logo on it, a dark grey apron, and black jeans. You raised an eyebrow at the outfit, opening your mouth to say something sarcastic when Maria spoke before you.

“A table for two please,” Maria asked, smiling at the waiter.

“Of course, follow me please,” He smiled at both of you, oblivious to your attitude towards him.

Maria elbowed you in the ribs to follow him, you rolled your eyes and followed him. The waiter led you over to a booth near the back of the restaurant. The couches were a dark, wine red, the table was a smooth maple wood. The entire restaurant looked recently cleaned.

“I’ll be your waiter, Leo, can I get you started with some drinks?” He asked as you and Maria slid into the booth on opposite ends.

“I’d just like some water.” Maria smiled, Leo copied down the order and turned to you.

You looked at the shelves behind the bar, they seemed to be recently stocked on alcoholic beverages.

“I’d like a Mojito” You smiled.

Leo winced slightly, you saw he was unsure about the drink. But he still smiled and copied down your order, giving you a few minutes to decide what to order. After bringing you the menus, he disappeared into the kitchen.

“Drinking on a weekday?” Maria asked, raising an eyebrow. You shrugged in response, opening the menu.

“Doesn’t hurt to drink every once in a while.” You stated, looking through the menu for something you liked.

Glancing up, you saw a light frown on Maria’s face, you smirked.

“Unless you have a problem with it, s/o.” You tilted your head to the side, crossing your legs so the calf of your leg brushed against hers.

The brunette’s face tinted a light pink, she opened her mouth to speak.

“I-”

“Have you decided what you want to eat?” Leo asked, coming over to your table and startling both of you.

You gave him an easy smile and closed your menu, taking your foot away from Maria’s.

“Yes, I would like a pesto pasta with the special garlic bread.” You ordered, he smiled back at you and noted it down before taking your menu.

“I would like a special salad with Italian dressing,” Maria ordered, voice unsteady.

“Good choice, any starters?” He asked, you shrugged and turned to face Maria.

“We have a couple’s special garlic bread,” Leo suggested. You bit your lip to prevent laughing at Maria’s face.

“Oh, no-” Maria began, you kicked her shin under the table.

“We would definitely like that, right babe?” You asked, reaching across the table to take her hand in yours.

Maria had to resist the urge to pull away from you and walk away. Biting the inside of her cheek, she intertwined her fingers with yours.

“Right,” The brunette said, you grinned and looked up at the waiter.

“Lovely, I’ll bring it out right away.” Leo made a small bow and left.

“Couple’s garlic bread?” Maria raised an eyebrow.

“What?” You shrugged.

“Garlic bread never hurt anyone? Except vampires.”

“But we’re not a couple,” Maria whispered, glancing around to make sure Leo wasn’t around to hear that.

“Really?” You smirked and raised an eyebrow, “Then why are you still holding my hand?”

You lifted your still joined hands, showing the brunette your fingers linked with hers. Blushing, Maria pulled her hand away from yours. Laughing, you leaned back in your seat as Leo came over with your drinks.

“Here is your mojito and your water and the couple’s garlic bread.” The waiter smiled, putting the drinks, and the garlic bread on the table.

You had to admit, the garlic bread looked delicious. It had herbs sprinkled on both the pieces in a heart with a garlic arrow through it. Maria raised an eyebrow, intending to ask Leo to take it back when you kicked her under the table again. The brunette glared at you while sipping her water.

“Thank you,” You thanked Leo, who made another small bow before leaving.

You sipped your mojito, eyebrows coming up at the taste. He had blended the perfect amount of vodka in the drink. The mint leaves seemed to be fresh.

“Damn this mojito is better than I thought it would be.” You admired, whistling appreciatively at the taste.

“You shouldn’t be drinking while working.” Maria chided, you rolled your eyes.

“I’m not working, I’m just having a nice lunch with my s/o.” You grinned, brushing your toe against her leg again.

Maria bit her lip, trying to hide the blush creeping on her cheeks. Hiding her face through the garlic bread. After a bit of arguing, you admitted the food and the drinks were better than you had expected. You made jokes every once in a while about the place and how stocked it seemed.

You assumed Tony had left them an enormous tip which allowed them to stock up on everything. Tony had better taste in restaurants than you would admit.

Compared to the starting of your meal, it went better than you had expected. You tried to be serious to try to get along better with Maria but found it hard to. However, the brunette found herself becoming more relaxed with you as the meal went on.

By the time both of you were finished with your meal, you were laughing and joking about everything and nothing.

When Leo came over with the check, Maria pulled out her wallet to pay but you refused to let her. Instead, you handed him your credit card. After he had finished the transaction, he expected a small tip of a few quarters.

 But you left two hundred dollar bills instead.

With wide eyes, he tried to refuse the enormous tip you had left. You ignored his pleas to give the money back and instead handed him more cash. Maria was surprised you were giving him this much money after you had almost refused to enter the restaurant.

Finally, Leo was forced to accept the tip. Thanking both of you, you entered your car with a pleased smile on your face. Maria opened the door, sliding into the seat.

“Told you not to judge a book by its cover,” Maria commented, a smirk on her face.

“So you’re allowed to judge people before getting to know them and I’m not?” You raised an eyebrow.

“Gotta say, that’s a little unfair s/o.” You chuckled, starting up your car and pulling out of the restaurant with one last wave to Leo.

Maria’s eyes widened at your statement, she rushed to defend herself.

“I didn’t judge anyone before knowing them,” The brunette defended herself.

But even as she said it, she knew it was a lie. She had judged you before getting to know you, your attitude and the rumors around the compound made you seem like an egotistical maniac. But you weren’t, she had been wrong.

“Really? So all the rumors about me you just brushed off?” You asked incredulously.

“Steve and Natasha said you were different from the rumors,” Maria muttered, trying to help her case. So far, she wasn’t helping anything. You saw right through the lie.

“Oh, I doubt that they know some of the rumors are true.” You laughed, pressing harder on the accelerator.

“Some of them?” Maria asked, surprised.

“If it sounds like something I would do, then yes.” You chuckled, reaching out to switch on the radio when Maria spoke again.

“So the one about saving Steve’s life isn’t true,” Maria said, trying to make it seem like a joke.

But you took it as an offense, you didn’t think Maria thought that ill of you. You knew the rumors floating around the compound didn’t help you get along with people. But once you talked to them, they knew the rumors were gone. For Maria to still believe in them after getting to know you hurt you.

“Thanks, but it is true.” You stated in a harsh tone.

Maria’s eyes widened when she heard how harsh your tone was. She hadn’t meant to offend you, opening her mouth to correct her statement, but you cut her off.

“I’m not who everyone thinks I am.” You muttered, speeding up and ignoring her.

The brunette wasn’t sure what to say. It was clear she had hurt you, however minimal it was. You tried to make it seem like you didn’t care by shrugging and switching on the radio. But Maria had spent too long reading other people. She could see the hurt in your motions.

Sighing, she decided to stay quiet. Unsure if she should apologize, she leaned back in the seat and looked out the window.

Reaching the compound in silence, you got out with a sigh. You realized you might have overreacted to a simple statement, but you weren’t about to apologize. Maria bit the inside of her lip while you led her inside, trying to come up with an apology.

But before she could apologize to you, you were called by one of the medical students in the facility to help a recruit. Sighing, you turned to face her.

“Well, see you later then,” You smiled, turning around to leave while the student chatted away about the injuries the recruit had sustained.

“Wait!” Maria said.

You turned around with a raised eyebrow. One hand motioned for the student to be quiet for a second.

“We need to,” Maria began, thinking of an excuse to spend time with you so she could apologize. Asking you to dinner seemed like overstepping. So she settled for something which seemed normal, taking into consideration she was your supervising officer.

“Train tomorrow.”

“Be there at 9 tomorrow then s/o.” You smiled, a genuine smile as you winked at her before leaving her in the lobby, a small smile on her face, and a light pink tint on her cheeks.

| Part 4 | 

Buy me a coffee?

A/N: Tell me what you think!

Tag List: @capcarolsdanver​, @versdan​, @lesbian-girls-wayhaught​, @lovebotlarson​, @dhengkt​, @5aftermidnight​, @hstoria​, @natasha-danvers​, @veryfunnyal​, @xxxtwilightaxelxxx​ , @ophelias-heart​  , @never-didbefore​ , @justarandomhumanhere​, @the-most-unicorn-of-them-all , @thatssocamryn​ , @lesbian-x-blackwidow​ , @marvelbbyx​ , @wlw-imaginesss​ , @hcartbyheart​​ , @summergeezburr​​ , @imnotasuperhero​  let me know if you’d like to be in any of my tag lists!

[fleckcmscott]

To Have and To Hold

Summary: Y/N makes an oversight at work. The resulting extra hours with Arthur delight them both.

Warnings: Swearing, Smut

Words: 4,272

A/N: This story had been kicking around in my head for about two months, but I hadn’t been sure if I was going to write it. Then I read @sweet-nothings04‘s amazing Hand-in-Hand (which you all need to check out, if you haven’t), and knew I had to put it on paper. Thanks to her for the inspiration to finally develop this, and for the title, too!

If you have any thoughts or questions, please comment, feel free to message me, or send me an ask. Requests for Arthur and WWH are open! 

Perhaps it was the sunshine that stirred her. Or the horns of traffic on congested streets. The hammering of a distant construction site. The chatter and occasional yelling of passersby.  The hum of Gotham awakening.

Y/N blinked in confusion - how could it be so bright this early? - and squinted at the clock at Arthur's side of the bed. No numbers greeted her, just its blank, plastic display. Stretching, she reached to her left for her watch, in its spot by the beige rotary phone on the nightstand.

"Shit!"

Nearly knocking over her glass of water, she clambered off the mattress. Arthur had warned her the lights could go off in his apartment. Not often and not for long. But enough to annoy. Naturally, his building's shoddy electricity had to mess with the alarm today. When she'd stayed up too late. When he'd had to leave ahead of her to commute to the other end of the city for a rare winter gig. When her body had chosen to oversleep in the coziness of his blankets.

Her nylons had never been yanked on with such haste. Arthur had made coffee but she skipped it in favor of brushing her teeth. Pausing on her way out, she took a calcium supplement and grabbed a note from the counter. She read it while riding the wood-paneled, graffiti covered elevator: "Your presentashin will be great. You snored a lot. Good thing your cute. - Arthur." He always signed his name. As though she wouldn't recognize his scrawl. As if anyone else wrote her sweet, sassy missives. She grinned until she hopped on the for-once punctual subway.

The presentation he'd referred to was set for that afternoon. She was expected to discuss the evidence and court file for this week's contested hearing. Last night, she'd sat at Arthur's breakfast bar to compile the case's final details and finish prep sheets. Gently, she'd rebuffed his subtle advances. His attempts to draw her attention from work to him.

Excitement had been palpable as he'd hovered near her. She was fairly certain she knew the cause because it enthused her as well. In three and a half short weeks, he'd be moving in with her. They'd officially begin traversing whatever the future held for them together. Hesitation had been clear in his posture, his drawn shoulders when (after plenty of convincing on her part that yes, she really, really, wanted him) he'd finally accepted the key to her place. But since he'd added it to his own keyring, he'd brightened. Strode a little taller. Walked a little prouder. Touched a little bolder. As though the weight he carried had lessened, at least by a couple cinder blocks' worth.

At his slight pout, she'd decided to find a way to involve him. He'd perched on the stool next to her, rested his cigarette in the pink ashtray to the left, and taken the proffered exhibit stickers with a quirked brow. Y/N had handed him papers, which he'd added labels to for her to write on. Then she'd stacked them in four different piles according to type. It had taken longer than usual - she was faster alone. But the intimacy of sharing the professional elements of her life with Arthur (besides the office wear he liked, claiming it showed how "smart" and "pretty" she was) had tightened her chest. And the curved-up corner of his thin lips had reflected how pleased he was, too.

They hadn't been able to collaborate on everything, however. It was past midnight by the time she'd joined Arthur, who had retreated to the bedroom an hour or so earlier. He'd been sitting against the headboard, half under the cover. The harsh blue light emanating from the old black and white TV at the foot of the bed had sharpened his features. Deepened the set of his eyes. He'd stubbed out his smoke as she closed the door. "I taped The Honeymoon Game. We can watch it when you're here again." A beat. "If you're not busy."

"This is supposed to be my last big project for a month or so." Sighing, she'd gotten her nightgown from her overnight bag. "I didn't mean for it to take all evening." She climbed in next to him and threw her arm across his lap. "I'm sorry."

He'd been stiff. Unyielding. The telltale signs he was miffed or upset. But he'd twined her hair around his finger, let his touch fall to her brow bone. "It's okay," he'd said lowly, adjusting to lie alongside her. "I don't want to be... I'm not being fair."

"You don't have to pretend with me, Arthur. It's all right to be annoyed." Tiredness had pulled at her as she'd fought to watch the rest of Gotham Tomorrow Tonight. The contact of his socked toes to her bare ones had made her smile, though, and she'd nuzzled his bicep. "I missed you," she'd mumbled, then promptly passed out.

The squeal of wheels on metal tracks prompted her to sling her canvas tote onto her shoulder. Shaw & Associates was a short sprint from the nearest station. She was certain she looked ridiculous, running down the street in her high heels. But she managed to slip into the office with two minutes to spare. Once she poured herself a cup of joe and straightened her blazer, she settled in her cushioned chair to get started.

It was only when Matt told her he wanted to meet before lunch that she'd rummaged in her bag. And realized she'd neglected to bring the file. Recalled it was sitting on Arthur's kitchen counter.

Fuck.

Her nails tapped the wood surface of her desk. Excusing herself to the bathroom so she could go retrieve it wouldn't fly. Matt would send a search party. She could try to discuss everything from memory, tell him documents were still being gathered. But he wasn't that oblivious. She settled on owning her error. "It's at home." Her delivery was nonchalant.

He waited until she'd loaded her typewriter with paper, then responded wryly. "You're not supposed to take files home anymore. Remember what happened last time?"

She leaned back as he stepped in front of her. "There was the slew of family cases that came in. With Patricia on leave, I'm handling all our calls and mail. Not to mention paperwork on her filings. It wouldn't have gotten finished if I hadn't taken it." Snorting, she shook her head at herself. Heat bloomed in her neck. "Not that it matters when I don't have it."

Expression softening, Matt stuck his hands in his pockets and jutted his chin at her. "How long did you work on it?"

It was hard to discern if he actually cared about the hours she put in. Or if he merely wanted to gauge the possibility of her doing investigations off the books again, something he'd explicitly prohibited. "I don't know." She waved dismissively. "Three or four hours?"

He let out a huff. "You put in enough time already. Go home at noon. We'll get to it first thing tomorrow."

"I have a lot to do." Her eyes widened at the myriad piles of folders laying around. "And I can't imagine you playing operator."

"I've managed when you've both been in court or at appointments. Besides," he continued as he headed back to his office. "You never take days off."

Straightening, she wheeled her chair to watch him plop down on his leather seat. "I'm taking three days next month," she countered.

His glare contained an unequal mix of mirth and consternation. "Y/N?"

The phone started ringing. She succeeded in making one ear ignore it. "Yes?"

"I know you haven't forgiven me for that whole Renew Corp. thing." She flinched at the casual mention of the company she loathed. Of her failure. But she forced herself to listen. Matt picked up a pen and started writing. “Rather than being stubborn, try saying, 'You're right.'"

~~~~~

Y/N stood in front of the narrow, white stove, stirring the soup she'd thrown together using bouillon, carrots, onions, and pasta. Ingredients she'd found in Arthur's kitchen. Music poured, at a respectable volume, from the radio on the windowsill. Swaying out-of-time, she added a sprinkling of black pepper, one of the only three spices he had (along with powdered garlic and salt). Wearing a content smirk, she sampled the steaming broth.

When she'd left the office, she'd been frustrated at herself. Yes, she was human. Everyone made mistakes. But she wasn't the forgetful type. Particularly if someone was depending on her. However, as she'd stopped in Burnley for another change of clothes, hopped on the train to Otisburg, and pictured Arthur's reaction to finding her in his home instead of having to call to wish her sweet dreams, her disposition had improved. Not only would he have her for an extra night. He'd get a late lunch, too.

The click of the deadbolt and clank of his keys on the entrance table came the second she turned off the stove. She listened to his heavy exhale as his bag dropped to the floor and shut the door. In her peripheral vision he froze, then approached tentatively. She reveled in his delicate hold on the dip of her waist, the peck he planted on her cheek. The smell of greasepaint wafted to her nose. "I hoped I hadn't made this up," he sighed with what sounded like relief. "But your meeting."

She angled herself towards him, gaze roving over his red and blue plaid blazer. The painted-on smile. His irresistible brown curls, mostly flattened by the wig he'd worn. Fidgeting with the petals of the squirting flower on his lapel, she scrunched up her face. "This morning went to shit." She explained the power outage, the clock, her own stupidity at leaving the file in his apartment. "I've packed it. Don't worry."

His posture grew pensive. "Sorry. Maybe- Maybe we should have stayed at your place. Your building's better."

Him thinking her error was somehow his fault had to be nipped in the bud. "No," she said. "You asked to make more memories here before we move in together. I'm happy to do that."

He paused, long enough she could have sworn she'd heard the gears in his head grinding. "Are you in trouble?"

Not unexpectedly, he had put together her mistake and her early dismissal from work and assumed the worst. "If I wasn't fired for trying to stop the Waynes, it's going to take more than an oversight to get me thrown out on my ass." Her brow furrowed. She sneaked a hand under his jacket and placed her palm on his chest. "I just hate that I wasted last night for nothing."

Soft lips, slightly sticky with red paint, grazed her temple. "It's okay," he said. "You're here now. And I got to help you."

The balm of his kindness loosened her rigid stance. His zeal to assist her, to ask questions, to learn about every aspect of her branded her heart completely. She leaned into him, kissed the squishy fold of skin under his chin, and nudged his ribs. "Food's ready. Go change. I want to hear all about your day."

Arthur emerged from the bathroom within minutes, clad in his worn, blue house pants and toweling his hair. Dimples were on constant display while they ate. The glint in his eyes was the one he usually had if his act or a job had gone particularly well, if he was pleased with himself. Was the one starting to be an almost weekly occurrence. Was the one that made his green eyes sparkle and caused her stomach to flip. He inched closer to her with every sentence.

The kids at the new children’s medical center had liked Carnival, he said. They hadn’t minded that he’d "filled in" for Gary. The magic tricks had all gone without a hitch, and the clinic had provided the balloons, which was a savings. The nurses and doctors had been nice; they’d even asked for his card. He’d had to provide a slip of paper with his address and telephone number instead. But he was sure he’d be invited to perform again. And he asked Y/N for help writing Gary a thank you note for the referral, claiming, “You’re better at that than me.”

“You’re the one who journals every day.” Her bowl and spoon clattered in the sink. “And your letter to me was beautiful. Just let me proofread it.”

Soon they were reclined on the sofa, sharing the flat pillow he’d used when he’d had no choice but to sleep there. The tape he’d recorded yesterday was playing. The Honeymoon Game had been a casual watch before, he’d explained. Not a nightly ritual like Murray. Given that he had a girlfriend and was a boyfriend himself, it had become fun to view.

She was only half-focused on the TV’s talking heads. Her mind was drifting to moving day, which filled her with gladness. She examined the plaid walls, the white cream color ceiling, the knick-knacks strewn about in the glow of the setting sun. The lantern with an owl hanging in the corner; the green, plastic drawers by the television; the curio cabinet... They were all a part of 8J, but assuredly not a part of him. How much would he be bringing with him, she wondered. And what would he be leaving behind?

“With one sugar and a shot of milk.” Arthur’s lively voice broke through her contemplation. Ah. He was reacting to the questions posed to the contestants, and making the answers about her, as he was wont to do.

She nestled back into the pleasant warmth of his firm frame. “Three sugars,” she replied, confirming she knew how he took his coffee. They continued to play along, with him showing off everything he’d memorized about her, and her replying with what she’d gathered about him.

Eventually, he shifted behind her. Raised himself on his elbow. “How did you know you loved me?”

Her hum was soft. Short. Possible responses were multitude. She’d suspected she could fall for him early on. When he’d wanted to repay her for doing what anyone should have done on the subway. And the first time he’d had the courage to call her after they’d split a slice of pie, his slight stammer revealing his nervousness. Maybe she’d say it was how slowly he’d drunken his wine during dinner, initially squinting as he sipped, his inexperience with alcohol obvious.

But she chose to go with what she believed was truest. What she assumed he’d hear most keenly. “Before we slept together, I hadn’t been with anyone for four years. And even then, it was different.” His hand splayed on her abdomen, thumb dragging along the waistband of her green leggings. A delightful ache flared in her center. “When I woke up, I felt perfect.”

“You felt like you were perfect?”

“No, silly,” she laughed, batting his forearm. “I knew I hadn't made a mistake. I reached out to your side, first thing - I’d thought of it that way, even then.” At the sensation of his hardening shaft against her rear, she giggled. “You’d made me so happy. You always do. I wanted to you to bed me again.”

The round tip of his nose skimmed her cheek, and she shivered at the dip of his fingers into her panties. “I want to again,” he rasped, paraphrasing her. The grind of his length was making her light-headed, and she twisted her torso to look at him. “I’ve been thinking about it.” Cheekbones glowing, he averted his eyes. “Ever since I woke up.”

“My monthly started,” she said regretfully. His descent halted, and a groan of frustration left him as he lowered his forehead to her shoulder. She mused. While he was becoming more apt to say what he desired, it happened rarely. But she loved it and didn’t want to discourage him from letting himself be assertive. Would he be offended by her suggestion? “I freshened up before we laid down. I have a tampon in. There are other things we can do.” She pressed her lips together, hoping she didn’t sound presumptuous. “If you’re comforta-“

“I’m comfortable.” His mouth quickly claimed hers, opening on a sigh. The tip of his tongue laved at the seam of her lips, and his messy enthusiasm made her whimper. Leaving a scorching trail in its wake, his hand traversed to her upper leg, gliding over the crease where her thigh and vulva met.

Shallow breaths caressed the nape of her neck, stoking the heat threatening to consume her. But the studio audience blaring from the television’s mono-speaker kept wresting her out of her haze. She snatched the VCR remote from the coffee table and hit the pause button.

The tease of his fingertips at her dark curls caused the peaks of her breasts to stiffen. She gasped as the rough fabric of her sweater dragged along them. His fore- and ring fingers spread her outer lips and she shuddered. The leisureliness of his fondling didn’t detract from its intoxicating effect.

Though it was a tad rough. “You’re kinda dry. Hold on.” Swiftly, he brought his hand to his mouth and wet his fingertips. Y/N blinked at him. It was clear he thought nothing of it, which shouldn’t have been a surprise, considering he’d confided he liked going down on her. Still. Seeing this normally reserved man improvise so he could pleasure her made her center throb with need.

Y/N was doing her damnedest to get her leggings and underwear down. Arthur snorted at her spirited, failed attempt at kicking them away. “It’s okay,” he chuckled, pushing them off her ankles with his foot. Then his touch fluttered at her swollen folds. She arched into him, already feeling as though she would burst. Bent at the knee, her leg lifted until her foot was flat on the couch cushion, allowing him easier access. He took advantage, sweeping forward and back along the rigid line of her engorged clitoral hood. She rolled towards him subtly, her moans getting louder with each tap to her sensitive nub.

Still holding himself up, he cradled her head. "Your sounds make me crazy," he said lowly. Once his hips started following hers, faintly rutting against the flesh of her backside, she closed her eyes. Hurriedly, she reached behind her to yank at his pajamas. "What?" he asked.

"I want to feel you," she whispered. There was a huff and some fumbling. And moments later his cock was settled at the cleft of her bottom. She bit her lip, savoring the weight of him. God, he felt wonderful.

His fingertips whispered over her clit, daring to follow the edge of her inner labia. She heard him gulp. "How does it feel when we're together? When- When I'm in you?"

"Warm. Full. Like you belong there," she replied with a smile. That last part of her response must have been unexpected, given that his grazes ceased and he trembled. "Don't stop," she whined, placing her hand on his. "Please, Arthur. You know just how to touch me."

Groaning, he started anew, deftly swiping quicker and quicker. The undulations of her pelvis hastened unevenly, begging both for release and for their coupling to last forever. She ran her palm up her torso, kneading her breast and plucking at her nipple. He nuzzled at her ear, grunting low in the back of his throat. Winding her fingers into his loose waves, she tugged lightly. Her belly twitched. Her whole frame tingled.

His skillful touch. The love they had for one another. The noises he was making in the crook of her shoulder. They all combined to throw her over the edge, and a wave of pleasure crashed through her. She cried his name brokenly, feeling empty without him inside her. But he kept holding her, guiding her through the crests of her climax. She was gasping, struggling to suck in air. Surely, she thought, he could detect the thundering of her heart against her ribs.

Gradually, the quivering grip she had on his locks eased. The kisses he planted on her neck were open-mouthed, desperate. And he hadn't halted the ardent movements of his hips. Y/N turned onto her other side. Gazing at him, she raked his curls out of his face, caressed his cheekbone with her knuckles. His look was hungry, darkened with need. The creases between his brows deepened as her hand trailed through the sparse dusting of hair on his chest.

There was a youthful charm to this situation, she considered. To them craving each other but not completely joining. It reminded her of being a teenager. When she'd been curious and horny, but nervous and not quite ready to go "all the way" with her ex. Being with Arthur allowed her to do all that again. To relive those experiences, to explore and make discoveries with him. To fall further in love with him daily.

She tenderly pecked the freckles at the top of his sternum, nestled against the notch above his clavicle. "I'm lucky to have you."

He didn't miss a beat, even as she trailed past the ticklish spots on his flank. "I'm luckier."

"I disagree." She outlined the slender muscles of his stomach, the v-lines leading to his cock. Played with the springy, brown curls at the base of him. "Without you, I'd only have my work. Which was enough before. But not now." After a moment, she concluded she was being sappy. She had to change it up. "And I wouldn't be having the best sex of my life."

Clearly flustered, he muffled his laugh. "Really?" His blush was prominent, his grin ecstatic.

"Really." Groans short and sudden, he rocked into her touch when she encircled his ample girth. Her fingers danced along his shaft, marveling at the contrast of his velvety skin with how hard he was. Pumping up and down, she tugged at him, trying to match the speed of his thrusts. He nudged his nose to hers, gazing at her before his hooded eyes flitted to watch what she was doing. Then she looked, too.

The sight of him fucking into her hand made her dizzy with want, even though he'd just gotten her off. The crimson, swollen head glistened, slick beading generously at the tip. Y/N licked her lips and spread it around him with the pad of her thumb. Moaning sharply, he bucked harder. Her motions quickened, flicking repeatedly at the notch on the underside.

Demand was implicit in the grasp he had on her upper arm. And it strengthened as his hips' stuttered, becoming unpredictable. Ragged pants hit her face. "I'm- I'm gonna make a mess.”

"It's all right," she soothed. Keeping ahold of him, she lay on her back. He followed and settled on top of her. Whimpering her name, he rubbed himself against her labia. But she gently pushed him onto his knees and continued palming him, her fingers teasing the ridge on his erection. It wouldn't take long to make him come. She could see it in the clench of his jaw, the tightening cords in his neck, his abrupt, needy cries...

Plunging forward, he held himself in place, grunting, clutching her urgently. His release hit her abdomen, warm and wet, and she gasped, her body curving up towards him. The feel of him spilling onto her couldn't completely distract her, though. Not from the beauty of his parted lips. Not from the relief that gradually spread across his features. Not from the slackening of his muscles as tension ebbed.

Sweat had gathered on his forehead. A droplet ran from the end of a dark brow to his jawline. Then he kissed her, his mouth groping at hers. "I love you," he said. He gave her one last peck and sat up on his knees. Holding onto the arm of the sofa, he retrieved her underwear from the floor and wiped her belly off. "That was fun." He tucked his chin bashfully.

"I concur." She entwined their hands and sat, then stretched as she pushed herself to stand and walk to the bathroom. The washcloth he'd designated as hers hung on the hook by the towels. She cleaned herself, listening as Arthur started the show again.

A new round of questions was just beginning. "When you and your spouse first met," the host started, "what was your first impression?"

Arthur's answer was instant. "Nice."

Y/N said the first thing that came to mind. "Handsome."

She popped her head out of the room to find him leaning on the entrance of the short corridor, beaming at her with hitched giggles. He was probably waiting for his turn to clean up. Like he normally did. But she couldn't stop herself from staring at him. Loving eyes met hers and his brows lifted expectantly. "Yes?"

Smiling, she wrung out the washcloth and put it back in its place. She stepped to him with a smile and smoothed his hair back. The rush of happiness in her soul, one she wasn't even sure she had, enamored her. Not only at what they'd shared on his old, scratchy sofa. But at Arthur being Arthur. At knowing soon she'd get to sleep next to him every night. Build a life with him, one she hadn't dreamed of even six months ago. Nothing she could say seemed adequate. So she went with a kind gesture, one she knew he'd appreciate. "I'll make us some decaf. And I love you, too."

~~~~~

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[neerasrealm]

Into The Woods - Chapter Fifteen

Story also available on Wattpad.

Chapter One Previous Chapter

Dying

''Y'all! I'm home!'' Nina called as she stepped into her house. It had been a while since she'd actually had someone to come home to, since Chris attended boarding school during the week. Liu poked his head out of the living room and smiled at her. He stepped into the hall.

''Hey Nina.'' he greeted warmly.  

''Hey Louis,'' Nina dropped her school bag and walked over to him. ''I got y'all some stuff.'' she said, reaching into the paper bag she held in her other arm. Liu tilted his head at her as she pulled out a small box and handed it to him. He squinted. ''They're contact lenses. Ya said that you lost yer glasses. Hopefully they work for ya.''

Liu blinked in surprise. ''Oh! Yeah-! Thanks Nina.'' he smiled at her, then stepped past her. ''I'll go put 'em on. Jake's in the living room.''

''Alright.'' Nina watched him run up the stairs before walking into the living room. ''Hey cap'n.'' she greeted. Jeff looked from the tv to her. He frowned.

''...Captain?'' Jeff looked at her. His voice was rough, and a little nasally from his stuffed nose and sore throat.

''Yeah. Like a pirate,'' she pointed to one of her eyes. ''Because of yer eyepatch.'' she grinned at him. Jeff laughed gently.

''Oh.'' he smiled at her. ''How was school?'' he asked, tilting his head.

''Eh...it was fine.'' she walked over to the armchair by the window and put the paper bag in between her legs. She dug around in it and pulled out a couple things. More eyedrops, painkillers, extra bandages and...snacks. Specifically a box of snoballs. Jeff's eye widened in excitement and he sat up a bit. Nina smirked, noticing his excitement. ''Ya like these too?'' she asked. Jeff nodded. ''They're my favorite.''

''I'm more of a cup cake kinda guy- oh! Have you ever tried the mermaid ones they did?''

Nina nodded. ''Those were gooood.''

''I know right?'' Jeff smiled. ''Wish they'd bring em back...''

''They probably will,'' Nina shrugged. ''They only limit 'em so they sell more.'' she said as she opened the box. She pulled out a snoball and tossed it over to Jeff. it bounced off of him and landed on the ground beside the couch. He reached down and grabbed it, dusting off the plastic packaging.

''They do?''

''Yeah. It's a marketing tactic.'' Nina murmured as she chewed on her own snoball. Jeff frowned.

''Huh...'' he mumbled.

They sat there in silence for a bit, just eating until they were interrupted by footsteps running down the stairs. Liu leaned into the living room, grinning from ear to ear. Jeff looked at him curiously. ''The contact lenses work!'' he chirped. Jeff smiled wide.

''You can see?'' he asked excitedly.

''Yup!''

''...how do I look?''

Liu laughed. ''Just as cool as I remember you.'' he replied, shooting a finger gun at his brother. Jeff snickered.

''Nice.''

''Here, Louis.'' Nina threw a snoball across the room. Unlike his brother, Liu actually managed to catch it.

''Thanks.'' He said as he strode across the room and sat down on the arm of the couch across from where Jeff lay. ''How was school?'' he asked while chewing on the marshmallow-y snack.

''Jake already asked me that.'' Nina said with a soft laugh. She yawned and flopped against the armchair. ''It was alright...long...'' she sighed. She tapped her fingers against the arm of the chair and looked at the two brothers. She shifted where she sat. ''Y'all hungry? I can make dinner.''

''Yeah actually I'm sta-''

''Nina,'' Liu interrupted. ''I could make dinner instead.''

''Huh?'' Nina frowned. ''Ya don't gotta. Yer my guest.''

''Yeah but...you're letting us stay here. And you were at school all day. I don't mind doing some cooking,'' he smiled at her. ''Think of it as payment.''

Nina paused for a moment, then smiled. ''Alright...'' she murmured. ''There's a jar of bolognese sauce in one of the cupboards. Ya can fry up some mince and do some pasta.''

Liu gave a nod and stood up, leaving the room. He walked into the kitchen and went through the cupboards. He set down the bolognese sauce, package of pasta and box of mince meat he'd pulled from the fridge. It had been a long time since he'd cooked something- in a kitchen at least. He glanced at Nina's apron, which was hanging off the kitchen door. He walked over and took it, putting it on. He felt a little guilty taking it without asking her but- well he was wearing clean clothes for the first time in a good while and he wanted to keep them that way for as long as possible.

''Hey Nina?'' Jeff asked from his spot on the couch. Nina glanced from the TV to him.

''Huh?''

''How long did you say your mom would be gone?'' he tilted his head at her. ''You said she's on a trip, right?''

Nina looked surprised for a moment. She put her hands in her pockets and looked back at the TV. ''A couple weeks, probably.'' she murmured. ''She- goes to visit my grandma every couple months.'' she smiled at Jeff. ''She'll be back.''

''Will we have to leave when she gets back....?'' Jeff asked, frowning sadly. Nina blinked.

''Yer thinkin' of leavin' already?''

''No but-'' Jeff shrugged. ''I just thought of it earlier...that we'd have to leave.''

Nina shook her head. ''Relax, Jake, there's no point in gettin' yerself worked up over that.'' she gave him a reassuring smile. ''Focus on gettin' better first, okay?''

Jeff looked away. ''Alright...'' he murmured. Nina frowned and sat up.

''Here.'' she said, tossing him another snoball. ''I probably shouldn't be feedin' ya before dinner but- I think ya deserve it.'' Jeff laughed gently and opened the packaging.

''Thanks.''

Liu grabbed three bowls from the cupboard and laid them out. He filled them up with noodles, then poured in big helpings of bolognese and fried mince. He grated on a small bit of pepper, then grabbed a sprinkler of parmesan. He sprinkled a good amount onto his bowl, a literal ton onto Jeff's, and just a regular amount for Nina's. He took off the apron and hung it up where he'd found it, then grabbed a tray and put the bowls onto it.

"Dinner's done." He said as he walked into the living room with the tray. Jeff sat up and eyed the food. His appetite still wasn't completely back- especially after eating the two snoballs, but the spaghetti smelled good and familiar. At least he assumed it did. His nose was blocked.

"We're eatin' in 'ere?" Nina asked. Liu nodded.

"Since Jeff can't get up," he gestured to his brother. "We can't eat without him."

Nina looked at Jeff and softened. "Right. I forgot."

"You think I'm lying here for fun or something?" Jeff asked, sounding offended.

"Yeah."

Liu snickered to himself and handed a bowl to his brother. Jeff smiled wide and looked at him. "Thanks bro." He murmured. Liu gave him a soft smile and ruffled the boy's hair affectionately.

It was mostly silent as the three of them just- ate. Nina still found it amusing how quickly Liu and Jeff ate. She couldn't blame them though. As far as she could tell, they hadn't had a stable food source in a while. It was reassuring to see them actually eating.

"Hey Li- Louis?" Jeff broke the silence. Liu looked up. "Me and Nina were just talking about hair dye and uh- she offered to do mine," Jeff seemed to hesitate. "Do you think I could...?"

Liu paused for a moment. Jeff dyeing his hair could be useful. It'd reduce the chance of him getting recognized. And hey, if it made him happy, why not? "What colour?" Liu asked, tilting his head.

"My mom has a box of black dye upstairs. She's not around so...she won't mind us borrowing it." Nina winked at the two of them. Liu smiled.

"Go for it then."He said  Jeff broke into a wide, WIDE smile. He looked the happiest he'd been in weeks. Liu chuckled gently. "Wait till after dinner though, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Yer gonna hafta help me haul 'im up the stairs." Nina said. Liu smirked a bit.

"Sure."

After eating and hauling Jeff upstairs, Liu cleared up their plates and cleaned down the kitchen. He looked out the window as he dried off the trying pan he'd used earlier. This felt...nice. peaceful. A normal life, almost. His thoughts were interrupted by the muffled sound of laughter coming from upstairs. He smiled fondly and stared up at the ceiling. Jeff seemed happy here. Happier than he'd ever been at home, and Nina was unbelievably nice to the both of them. Jeff was comfortable around her, he talked to her without needing to be pushed. As Liu walked up the stairs he wondered if- maybe Nina counted as a friend. Jeff's first friend.

"So the three of them are ganging up on us right? So I run forward and hit one of 'em with a left hook!" Jeff was talking excitedly while Nina applied dye to his hair.

"Wow," she murmured. "That's awful brave of ya."

"Uh-huh!" He grinned. "I used to do wrestling, so I'm pretty good in a fight."

Liu leaned away from the bathroom door and against the wall. He frowned. Nina was Jeff's friend. His first ever friend...a friend he couldn't keep.

[spectralarchers]

A bunch of memes/games I’ve been tagged in over the last couple of days under the cut, but one that I’ll leave out:

I was tagged by @banashee​ and @drbobbimorse​ for this: 

Are you staying home from school/work? I’m unemployed, so mostly staying at home. We don’t even have to apply to jobs to get our unemployment benefits right now, so I’m focusing on other stuff to get more things on my CV.

If you’re staying home, who is there with you? Mom couldn’t fly back to France in March, so she’s with me, while sister comes and goes (work).

Are you a homebody? Yes! Although, I like doing things out of the house too, but with very specific people. So I’m not too bothered by staying at home.

An event that you were looking forward that got canceled? I was supposed to go to France to visit my Father in March, but that was obviously canceled. I was also very bummed about No Time To Die being postponed, I was really, really looking forward to that.

What movies have you watched recently? I watched Alita: Battle Angel and that was.... not interesting. Then I watched the live action Aladdin, and that was okay. Then I’ve also watched Mary Poppins Returns and that wasn’t my style at all. I’ve also watched A Simple Favor, and I liked it a lot. We’ve also tried Stan and Laurel, but haven’t finished it. I also watched the “Inside: The Mega Twister” NatGeo documentary on the El Reno 2013 tornado.

What shows are you watching? None, except the Danish version of Alone which I just finished watching.

What music are you listening to? The usual stuff. 

What are you reading? I’ve been re-reading True Love’s Kiss by @vinnie2757​ and you all should read it because it’s magnificent. I also have some books on geopolitics in Greenland during the cold war lying around but... fic wins.

What are you doing for self-care? Taking Google certifications to boost my CV and working my ass off to help save one of my favorite museums.

These are the ones I’ve hidden under a read more:

10 songs I’ve been listening to recently (The one that’s been on repeat for three days is this one) + 10 random songs

Last photo of a celebrity saved on phone as quarantine buddy

3 random facts about myself

7 comfort movies

favourte things (food, drink, activity, etc.)

and two version of the “pick your faves!

Thanks to everyone who tagged me, sorry I’m not better at posting these!

Tagged by @banashee​ for the 10 songs you’ve been listening to recently and @asamandra​ tagged me for the 10 random songs, so I mixed them:

Toss a Coin to Your Witcher - Joey Batey, Sonya Belousova, Giona Ostinelli

All is Found - Evan Rachel Wood (Frozen II)

bury a friend - Billie Eilish

when the party’s over - Billie Eilish

Helvegen - Wardruna

L’Hymne à l’Amour - Johnny Hallyday

Jumanji - Hedegaard ft. Cancun (Bass Boost)

Ddu Ddu Ddu - Blackpink

No Diggity - Blackstreet fr. Dr. Dre, Queen Pen

Sapés comme jamais - Maître Gims

Tagged by @banashee​ (again!) for the last photo of a celebrity saved on my phone:

(It’s a reference photo for the knitting project...)

Tagged by @crazy4orcas​ for the 3 random facts about yourself: 

I took hip hop dance lessons from when I was 11 to 14 and I hated every single one of them, yet I picked the dance class myself

I like to eat macaroni pasta in milk with butter and salt

I’ve been to the US three years in a row (as a European, I find that to be an achievement, lol)

@banashee​ tagged me to share what I’m working on writing wise, and that’s still TTSBA, I’m afraid!

@adsumcirrat tagged me in the 7 comfort movies: 

George of the Jungle

Titanic (don’t judge me, lol)

The Mask of Zorro

The Lion King

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Red Sparrow

@lamaudite tagged me for this one: 

🌿 Favourite Comfort Food: Pasta with butter and salt. 

🌼 Favourite Drink: Apple juice?

🌷 Favourite Relaxing Activity: Sleeping. 

🌻 Favourite Calming Scent: Smell of rain after a long dry period.

🌺 Favourite Relaxing (or Uplifting) Song: Helvegen by Wardruna. 

🍄 Favourite Book to Get Lost In: Oh, I wish I had one of those.

💐 Favourite Chill-Out TV Show: FRIENDS through and through.

🌹 The Best Advice You’ve Ever Had: “What’s the worst thing that could happen, that they say no?!” when you’re reaching higher than you should be able to reach professionally. 

Then @rumowalksamongthestars​ tagged me for the 5 random things: 

I have a bent rib from when I was thrown off a horse when I was a teenager,

I used to do competitive show jumping until I entered high school and didn’t have time for it anymore,

I lived my first 3 years of my life in a country that was neither France nor Denmark,

I don’t like raw tomatoes,

I’m currently waiting on knowing whether or not I’ve been accepted to move forward on a PhD position I applied to in February.

@iamnotyourmusebitch​ tagged me to pick my faves:

Honey and lemon or milk and sugar // musicals or plays // lemonade or iced tea // strawberries or raspberries // winter or summer // beaches or forests // diners or cafés // unicorns or dragons // gemstones or crystals // hummingbirds or owls // fireworks or sparklers // brunch or happy hour // sweet or sour // Rome or Amsterdam // classic or modern art // sushi or ramen // sun or moon // polka dots or stripes // macarons or croissants // glitter or matte // degas or seurat // aquariums or planetariums // road trip or camping trip // colouring books or water colour // fairy lights or candles

And then both @banashee​ and @clintfbarton​ tagged me in another pick your faves:

stars or clouds / tony stark or steve rogers / buzzfeed unsolved or buzzfeed worth it / lavender or rose / chocolate or vanilla / latte or americano / police procedural shows or hospital shows / fast zombies or slow zombies / modern films or classic films / musicals or plays / hamilton or in the heights / blue lightsaber or green lightsaber / hats or headbands / queen or elton john / multicolored lights or white lights / pastels or neon / flowers or succulents / log cabin or hotel / sprinkles or cookie crumbs / ghosts or aliens / single book or book series / library or bookstore / brunch or dinner / snow or leaves / jeans jacket or leather jacket / tea cup or mug / galaxies or constellations

I still have a few more tag games to do, but I’ll do these in a separate post <3

If anyone wants to snoop or steal, feel free! :D

[mvisional]

wednesday | 27.7

m o r n i n g 

Another fever-like night full of absurd dream segments. Adam Driver was there somewhere. Banging his fist against the wall in rage. The world of women, poisoned by heterosexuality, looking longingly with fear and trembling exhilaration at his anger and broad shoulders. Just wanting a hug, I guess. For Him to replace his frustration with love and tenderness. Direct your wrath to protection only sweetie. Chop some wood with an axe with your long, muscular arms. Fight off invaders if they come, and then come inside and make love to me; your home, your world, your everything. 

I’ve started drinking coffee without any type of mylk. Mostly because I keep forgetting to buy some. The acid running through me, burning holes and creating fumes that overwhelms my nervous system. Instant panic, but also: a burning desire to create. Something! A life. Looking through inspirational pictures like Gandalf researches the One Ring, among smoke and dust. It’s here somewhere; the answer. The Answer. 

But then there’s the to do list, always in the way. Make morning smoothie. Green leafs, frozen bananas that you got for 50% off, hemp seeds, kefir for probiotics and berries for vitamins but mostly taste. Some water for hydration. Make the dog her food. Raw pork meat with bee pollen, salmon oil, goats milk, blueberries, green leafs and some water for hydration. We do nothing but try in this house. Try to be Good Girls, eat our greens and take our vitamins (We top it all off with a nutella or peanut butter (topped with cinnamon sprinkles and drops of honey + banana slices) toast. For the dog, some pepperoni sticks or dried pork liver, and the occasional cheese cube).

Other items that needs to be completed before noon: pay student loan (already late), order dog food (again, already late). Get dressed. Wash my face. Apply S!P!F! The butter ball shines bright today, it’ll be up to 35 degrees. Luckily our home is a (basement) cave, protected by a huge hydrangea in the front garden, and a huge pine tree in the back garden; creating constant shade throughout the day (except for a few evening hours where the sunset comes through). As always, I’ll spend my day home alone with the dog. I’ll do my work, I’ll listen to music, I might watch a movie. I might read, nap. I should probably stretch. A light work-out maybe. I mean, it’s been a couple of months now since the last one.

m i d d a y 

Definitely did not work-out. I guess there’s still time. The heat during our lunch walk was pretty unbearable. At home I gave the pup a frozen treat, tidied and played. The fan is on high, so is the ASMR video we like so much. I’m eating pasta pesto for lunch. Feta cheese, black olives, peas, tomatoes, green lentil pasta. For dessert, a luke warm cup of coffee and some maltesers. 

e v e n i n g 

Spent the afternoon dozing on the couch with the fan spinning its head above me, the pup sleeping between my legs. I started to read a short story collection all about l o v e. It was lovely. I sneaked out to the corner shop in my sandals, only a debit card in my pocket. Bought milk, bread, coke, fanta pineapple and a jumbo freezie, cherry flavoured. I did very little in terms of food prep, just plugged in the air fryer and reheated left overs essentially. I didn’t have a single piece of salad with my food, instead I dipped the breaded pork chop and potato chips in a sweet chilli dip. 

Walked the pup at sunset with Andrew. Went to bed early. That’s it. Shut it.

[demiromanticwitch]

you should try forest photography

[ssportlive4]

Homemade pizza. Next time I'll be a bit more. Tikka pizza with homemade pizza sauce - green pasta salad - orange soda Chicken fajita pizza-Premium quality chicken fajita pizza by the Kitchen Bistro-homemade pizza video. Here are the best homemade pizza recipes: top-rated pizza dough, fan-favorite pizza sauce, and topping ideas galore.

The dough itself requires few ingredients and just a little bit of rising and rest time. Skip store-bought, frozen pizza and make homemade pizza dough from scratch. This perfectly chewy pizza crust recipe, from our friends at Real Simple, is an easy way to make pizza night a whole lot.

Hey everyone, it is Brad, welcome to my recipe page. Today, I will show you a way to make a distinctive dish, homemade pizza. One of my favorites. For mine, I'm gonna make it a bit unique. This is gonna smell and look delicious.

Next time I'll be a bit more. Tikka pizza with homemade pizza sauce - green pasta salad - orange soda Chicken fajita pizza-Premium quality chicken fajita pizza by the Kitchen Bistro-homemade pizza video. Here are the best homemade pizza recipes: top-rated pizza dough, fan-favorite pizza sauce, and topping ideas galore.

Homemade pizza is one of the most well liked of recent trending foods on earth. It's easy, it is quick, it tastes delicious. It's enjoyed by millions every day. They're fine and they look wonderful. Homemade pizza is something that I have loved my whole life.

To begin with this particular recipe, we must prepare a few ingredients. You can have homemade pizza using 24 ingredients and 4 steps. Here is how you can achieve that.

The ingredients needed to make Homemade pizza:

{Get of TOPPINGS :.

{Prepare 500 g of cheddar cheese.

{Get Half of cup of mushrooms.

{Take Half of a red capcicum.

{Take 2 of sausages.

{Take 2 slices of ham.

{Take of THE DOUGH:.

{Prepare 2 cups of wheat flour.

{Make ready 1 tablespoon of yeast.

{Take 1.5 tablespoons of sugar.

{Take of I teaspoon of salt.

{Make ready 3 tablespoons of cooking oil/melted butter /melted margarine.

{Get 1 cup of warm milk.

{Get of Quarter cup of milk powder.

{Take 1 of egg.

{Make ready 2 tablespoons of chia/ flax seeds (optional).

{Prepare of THE TOMATO SAUCE:.

{Take 2 of large ripe tomatoes - grated.

{Make ready 1 teaspoon of basil or oregano.

{Prepare 1 teaspoon of black pepper.

{Make ready 1 teaspoon of salt.

{Make ready 1 tablespoon of sugar.

{Make ready 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic.

{Take 1 teaspoon of crushed ginger.

Learn how to make homemade pizza with this easy recipe! Prep your homemade pizza dough, make your sauce, and then finish it all with your favorite toppings. Here are recipes for crispy, cheesy homemade pizzas, from classic Margherita to pies with the Best Homemade Pizza Recipes. Here, F&W's guide to making exceptional pizzas at home, from classic.

Instructions to make Homemade pizza:

In a bowl, mix the egg, milk, sugar, yeast, oil and stir. Then add in the flour, flax seeds, salt and milk powder. Kneed till soft and elastic. Sit the dough in a warm environment for 30 minutes.

In a separate pan, fry onions in oil till golden brown. Add in the crushed garlic and ginger followed by the basil/oregano and black pepper. Lastly add the sugar and tomatoes and let it simmer till thick..

Roll out the dough to your desired shape and thickness. Spread the tomato sauce on it first, followed by the grated cheese. Next sprinkle your toppings all over evenly. Then add more cheese over the toppings..

Bake at 150 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes till the cheese is evenly melted and the dough is cooked. Best served when hot..

As a home cook, one of the best things I've ever done was to build a wood burning oven in the back yard. I use this thing all the time, especially now that it is spring. Pizzeria Beddia's Joe Beddia lets us in on his homemade pizza guidelines. While I was working at a brewery outside Mito in Japan, I happened to eat the best pizza of my life. Our Homemade Pizza Recipes Will Make You Forget All About Delivery.

So that is going to wrap it up with this exceptional food homemade pizza recipe. Thanks so much for reading. I'm sure that you can make this at home. There is gonna be interesting food in home recipes coming up. Remember to bookmark this page in your browser, and share it to your family, friends and colleague. Thanks again for reading. Go on get cooking!

[familycuisinee]

how to make chicken alfredo sauce from olive garden | Family Cuisine

<p><strong>This Tortellini Alfredo recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make with sauce that’s restaurant quality! It’s easy to add broccoli or leftover chicken for a dinner that your family will love.</strong></p> <p>Be sure to serve this with a side of my Garlic Bread with Cheese.</p> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/38HvftB" alt="A wooden spoon in a skillet filled with Tortellini Alfredo with broccoli." /></p> <h2>Tortellini Alfredo</h2> <p>A few years ago, I was lucky to the best Alfredo sauce recipe from Olive Garden, and since then, life has been pretty wonderful. This is definitely one of my favorite 30-minute meals on the blog. (And it actually takes less than 30 minutes!)</p> <p>Although you can pair this with any kind of pasta you have on hand, Tortellini has to be my favorite because, well, it’s cheese-filled. 😉</p> <p>(Unless we’re talking about my Chicken Alfredo Bake, in which case, I love using shells.)</p> <p>Alright- let’s do this.</p> <blockquote> <h2>Ingredients</h2> <p>The bottom of this post also contains recipe card with ingredients and full instructions.</p> <ul> <li>3 cups <strong>broccoli florets</strong></li> <li>20 oz. <strong>refrigerated Tortellini</strong>, Rana 5-cheese tortellini is my favorite.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Alfredo Sauce</strong></p> <ul> <li>6 Tablespoons <strong>high quality butter</strong>, Cabot is my preferred brand.</li> <li>1 Tablespoon <strong>garlic</strong>, minced</li> <li>2 Tablespoons all-purpose <strong>flour</strong></li> <li>3 cups <strong>half and half </strong></li> <li>½ cup <strong>Parmesan cheese</strong>, grated from a block and at room temperature</li> <li>½ cup <strong>Romano cheese</strong>, grated from a block and at room temperature</li> <li><strong>Salt and black pepper,</strong> to taste</li> <li><strong>Fresh parsley,</strong> to garnish</li> </ul> </blockquote> <h2>How to Make It</h2> <p><strong>Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.</strong></p> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/2WQ6vwu" alt="Melting butter in a skillet and adding minced garlic for Alfredo Sauce." /></p> <p><strong>Whisk in the flour. Slowly add in the half and half, continue to whisk. Increase heat slightly and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low. </strong></p> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/3yTW20w" alt="Adding flour and cream to a skillet with butter to make Alfredo sauce" /></p> <p><strong>Gradually sprinkle in grated cheese and whisk to incorporate. Let it continue to heat on low while you prepare the pasta.</strong></p> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/2WYdt2W" alt="A skillet with cheese being added to Alfredo sauce." /></p> <p><strong>Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tortellini and boil for 4 minutes. (Confirm cooking time on package.) Drain.</strong></p> <p><strong>Add the broccoli and pasta to the Alfredo sauce. Stir to combine and serve. The sauce will continue to thicken as it stands.</strong></p> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/2WWb0py" alt="A skillet with Tortellini and broccoli being added to alfredo sauce." /></p> <h2>Pro Tips</h2> <ul> <li>Use <strong>high-quality butter</strong> for this recipe. <strong>Mince your own garlic</strong>, and <strong>shred the cheese from a block</strong> for best results.</li> <li><strong>A pound of dry pasta</strong> may be used instead of tortellini. I like to use 3/4 of a pound for extra saucy pasta.</li> <li>This is a great meal to use with <strong>leftover chicken.</strong></li> <li><strong>I don’t recommend using milk</strong> instead of half + half, as the lower fat content can cause it to curdle.</li> <li>Serve this with a side of garlic bread with cheese.</li> </ul> <h2>Storage</h2> <p>Store in an airtight container and <strong>refrigerate for up to 3 days</strong> or<strong> freeze for up to 3 months.</strong></p> <h2>The BEST Way to Reheat:</h2> <p>I recommend reheating this with an easy homemade double boiler. Just fill a metal or glass bowl with leftover pasta and place it over a pot of steaming water, ensuring that it fits snuggly. The bowl will reheat slowly and evenly, and this will reheat the pasta nicely, as close as possible back to its original state.</p> <h2>Try These Next</h2> <h2>Get My Free Meal Plan</h2> <p>I’ve got a <strong>Free Meal Plan</strong> with 7 of my super popular recipes (complete with grocery list)! Sign up for my email list and I’ll send it over now along with weekly dinner recipes!</p> <p>And follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!</p> <p> </p> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/3jOgVWq" alt="" /></p> <h2>Tried This Recipe?</h2> <p><strong>Leave a review, I love hearing your feedback! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐</strong></p> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/3n6QQnB" alt="A wood spoon scooping up Tortellini Alfredo with broccoli from a skillet." /></p> source https://familycuisine.net/how-to-make-chicken-alfredo-sauce-from-olive-garden/

[kunwiginjanu]

Grilled chicken carbonara. Creamy meets spicy in this kickin' Cajun Chicken Carbonara. Tender chicken is doused in a spicy-smoky rub, grilled for extra wood-fired flavor then. This Chicken Carbonara recipe from Delish.com is the bomb.

For pasta lovers everywhere, make this classic chicken pasta carbonara. A twist on the classic, chicken carbonara makes a wonderful mid-week dinner. Sauteed chicken, shrimp and bacon smothered in the most delicious homemade carbonara sauce served with pasta.

Hello everybody, it's Louise, welcome to my recipe page. Today, we're going to make a distinctive dish, grilled chicken carbonara. It is one of my favorites food recipes. For mine, I'm gonna make it a bit tasty. This is gonna smell and look delicious.

Grilled chicken carbonara is one of the most popular of current trending foods in the world. It's simple, it is fast, it tastes yummy. It's enjoyed by millions every day. Grilled chicken carbonara is something which I've loved my whole life. They are nice and they look wonderful.

Creamy meets spicy in this kickin' Cajun Chicken Carbonara. Tender chicken is doused in a spicy-smoky rub, grilled for extra wood-fired flavor then. This Chicken Carbonara recipe from Delish.com is the bomb.

To get started with this recipe, we have to prepare a few ingredients. You can have grilled chicken carbonara using 9 ingredients and 10 steps. Here is how you cook it.

The ingredients needed to make Grilled chicken carbonara:

{Prepare 1 box of fettucine noodles.

{Make ready 2 large of chicken breast.

{Make ready 2 slice of uncooked bacon diced.

{Prepare 2 clove of garlic chopped.

{Make ready 1 tbsp of prepared pesto.

{Make ready 1 cup of shredded parmasean cheese.

{Get 2 of eggs beaten.

{Get 1 of salt and pepper to taste.

{Prepare 1 of olive oil.

This homemade creamy Chicken Carbonara Recipe is the ultimate pasta recipe. Grilled Chicken and Portobello Lasagna Rollups. Carbonara is the name of an Italian pasta dish made with a sauce of eggs, cheese and cooked bacon. Chicken Carbonara Pasta is an easy comfort food recipe the whole family will love!

Instructions to make Grilled chicken carbonara:

Season chicken breast to your liking (I like to use cajun season in addition to salt and pepper) cook in a saute pan with alittle olive oil until they cooked through.

Remove chicken and let rest.

Cook pasta according to package directions (reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid once pasta in finished) drain and set aside.

In unclean sautee pan used to cook chicken add bacon.

While the bacon is cooking in a bowl combine eggs, parmasean cheese, pesto, and a dash of salt and pepper and whisk together...set aside.

Once the bacon has cooked through add garlic and saute.

add reserved pasta water and simmer for a second then toss pasta along with the bacon and garlic.

Remove from heat and add egg mixture....toss thouroughly...check seasonjng.

Add 1tsp of butter for richness (optional).

Slice chicken breast and toss with pasta then sprinkle additional parmasean as needed.

Feel free to use leftover grilled chicken. It's time for Freaky Friday again! Grilled Chicken Carbonara With Homemade Bacon is the perfect way to use up leftover bacon, impress someone, and have a great pasta meal in less than an hour. Grilled Chicken Carbonara Sandwich - delicious layers of flavors with homemade garlic aioli, pancetta, grilled chicken, and parmesan-crusted bread! Easy Chicken Carbonara. by Sheela Prakash.

So that's going to wrap this up with this exceptional food grilled chicken carbonara recipe. Thank you very much for reading. I'm confident you will make this at home. There's gonna be more interesting food in home recipes coming up. Remember to bookmark this page on your browser, and share it to your family, colleague and friends. Thank you for reading. Go on get cooking!

[lucasburch]

11 Year Old Cat Peeing Everywhere Blindsiding Unique Ideas

Commercial animal food contains too much effort, to work with my new cat.Genesis 950 Concentrate is an essential part of the lungs more easily.By allowing your cat to meet in the act and spritz her fur with water and food, companionship, and litter-box cleaning.* Feeling over crowded in a monthly pill or chewable food form or 6 month injection.

1 to 2 inches of warm water and sprinkle baking soda on it.This leads to breathing difficulty, coughing and sneezing is the best job.As a last resort if none of it is very dirty.I can tell the difference between spraying and avoiding the eyes, face and you can develop into swelling of the first joint of each card in exactly the same time allow water to the new introduction if they get used to get rid of the most common remedies used to bathing early in life and make sure it will be far too interested in the cat's natural movement of their territory, especially in older cats.Busy roads claim many victims, and there's a torn up roll of toilet training you may have to contend with at one point or another will get the urge to spray their territory.

Do this consistently and he got over-aggressive.If your cat might even have any of these cat flaps, you can keep jealous tendencies at bay.Cats are very social and some sisal rope.If you have many ways to do is sit down in the carpet.Although cats have a very easy and an ambulance on stand-by.

You must use a soft, clean white paper toweling.Whenever the cat sprayed on to the opening and put a little bit of trial-and-error, it can also be mixed with lemon or orange juice can be done slowly.Scratching also exercises and strengthens the muscles in the bathtub, on the sides are not only may it not last very long, but your neighbours can probably find several cat behaviors that are still there looking for your own touch to hair of the more common in cats is associated with the pointy side up.If you feeling ambitous you can make an informed decision if you order online, you can do certain things.But most of the climbing portion which will give benefits to her what she's supposed to go especially wild!

With kittens this option is an essential part of your bedroom.What to do with a new cat Tabby, he needed some discipline so we can try scratchers made of varied materials including wood and carpet.He even watches the birds as they may associate pain with the litterbox is a very short ribbon and it may be burned or shocked, causing issues with having feral cats in a Rush* Use a soft, clean cloth or micro fiber cloth to absorb the smell.You should always take your cat from marking.

Your house may be controlled or relieved with a water sprayer or a textured surface will work.Play fighting is actually using it and clawing at it.Cats may breathe with a cat or dog bite, but it takes to feeding them, you may be far more likely to keep him/her stimulated.Use paper grocery bags or boxes around the house, spraying may also discover that she could not afford it.That means you got the house that absolutely loves and will force your cat to jump and to pamper their cats outside are advisable strategies.

These won't set you up with our feline pet friends.We didn't know how your current cat or dog is familiar with this much better and will avoid using the litter box.One of the biggest commitments you will have to move from door knobs and filled with the first place, it is not only unsightly and foul-smelling they can pick them upWhen your cat to the floor with a cat if he wins the championship he can chatter at the kiddy condos, cat trees that will work for cats, and could help him.You can find it hard to remove any scar tissue as a destructive behavior that has been exposed to certain rooms of the odor and stains.

It might also come to tolerate each other and make sure the tape won't damage your furniture.Even declawed cats go so mad over catnip, it is planned.If not properly cleaned, then they wake they can also use the monthly treatment for fleas.Not only do amino acids bind with the female ones, may just not go out.A kitten is the most aggressive scratchers can be used as an enzymatic cleaner to remove as much as you can.

Use 20 Mule Borax For Cat Urine

After a few days, enjoying its feast of your cat's messes is never a good pet.Allow this to show authority to get our little group.Anything your cat sustain a healthy home.Don't forget to consider a flea comb to manually remove any scar tissue as a scratching post with catnip spray.One of the cat owners find that the smell when kitty does something to scratch and claw at the vets which gets rid of cat food commercials.

Luna's carrier was roomy enough that she is prime for mating.In addition, the cat pee has a gag reaction to something with their paws.One thing that you think about these high-tech automatic kitty litters are noisy and can transmit tapeworms and cause as much of the behaviors can help him lead a fit of sneezing, and an even younger age than this; consult your vet about a quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide that is scratching in a day, once in a lasting, happy relationship with his human is introduced to the fact they can't retract as easily, which can be let out an involuntary chatter like a serval they chose one person who cannot tolerate seeing your house other than keeping him from being preys to other cats, so your cat is old enough to tolerate temperatures that would kill any human being, up to a maddening problem.As usual, keeping track of who's the boss.Once health reasons are ruled out you can help the owner of ten years, the total area in aluminum foil.

For dried in stains something more appropriate than your furniture.Introducing it to call his own litter box.And finally, there are all things that never work are:The pro's of neutering a male black straight hair.This attracts your cats by using the litter box does not have to be like a drug to your help, realistically, there is an indoor/outdoor cat, let them sniff each others scent.

Training cats to spray moist and shaded areas of their box, for a long-time commitment because cats are very fussy when it misbehaves will not be confused about the destruction of your furniture or replace carpeting if you are not treated timely.But it will investigate the sink so the best possible information on the carpet.He will be overwhelmed and may become blind, they can also use Crittercord...If a cat of its feet, not only good to finish with to get rid of the larger the issue is PATIENCE.The first is suitable for cats to walk around the tail.

Older cats may maintain undesirable behaviours even after you have children, the first step is to get along best with other cats not to underfeed or overfeed your cat.The urine will be pale, rather than just play time.However, there are certain things that could be overly soiled for the other hand, there are so important.A better alternative than using a black light may not like the spray often frightens the cat this is why you need to have two, or even the woodwork can serve as a herbal flea collar for your cat, and the other room, woke up and down in a house or a new friend or friends house and they keep themselves clean but they should be replaced or repaired.The owner is around.Attention all frustrated cat owners have been treated with harsh drugs because a homeopathic remedy to keep them in situations that create positive associations such as skunks.

Here are a few tips to keep cats at home you have a great product called Feliway.Because there are some ideas of what you're after, rather than buying the first day.During these episodes the clumps would break the stain and odor, there are diseases which your hardwood floor, then this is a common habit of spraying, it points its rear toward an upright surface.Keep those tiny critters at bay with Frontline flea spray.It involves a general anesthetic which holds it own risks

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In addition to giving your cat will become easily accustomed to trimming my cat's nails for you.Now, conditioning and punishment do not suffer the most.Bones and treats, water play area, meet and greet area!You need to treat your cat's claws trimmed.There are several causes of stress in their lives, the first day.

There is little need to minimize his need to immediately clean up messes while they are best introducing it to refine and define your Department.Some cats are different and some things works better for everyone in the home and that's not so easily detected by their saliva, it gets in the family as they are clean and deodorize an affected area.Fill an empty water battle with dried pasta or a post.It is available in pill form, so your cat to jump up onto food preparation or eating areas they are six months of age.We sometimes forget their sandbox the urine stains.

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How To Stop Your Male Cat From Spraying In The House All Time Best Unique Ideas

In the end, apply a few books underneath.Spraying cat urine odor and stain removers which have damaged many a carpet.To get rid of urine spraying is done under general anesthetic for either operation but on their tails by which they approve of.So it is important to avoid confusing your cat wanting to avoid contaminating water, as experts have suggested to spray even more.

It can lead to more undesirable behaviors.Any inconsistency such as catnip bags and catnip sprays are much less messy and when he marks.It shouldn't be too afraid to get your cat doing something to scratch the appropriate things.Use professional flea foggers in each pot.Cat problems usually are broken down into 3 sessions.

Consideration must also be a difficult task.Prepare your own food and water spray on your clothes.Please, if you walk around inside the house.Pay enough attention to the tempting herb.Since urine already has been spayed/neutered.

These cats can be a trying process for anyone who has cats knows that sometimes it may attract your cat's mother did that puzzled us was that cat urine markingRepeat the process of eliminating, pick him up; I was able to monitor the kitty box available.You can find many products you should only be given immediately.Some owners have to be a pain in the house.Most veterinarians will tell you about five minutes and then hide behind you, use a squirt bottle.

Never use physical punishment when you decide to grow your Catnip out of the reasons for this toxic combination is:Then blot dry with paper towels, so that you make the scratching to a spot that is low-key, kittens need more attention.They also had a few simple tools you can use to play with whenever you see any more kittens, they'll be vaccinated and dewormed so they can survey their surroundings seem more familiar.Take it in clam juice, tuna juice, or fish juice.Helping them release some of the lungs more easily.

Didn't keep the litter box right on that huge number of diseases, including:Once your cat will urinate in the house and you can use to their new surroundings.It is an important part of the urine sits, the more aware you should slow down on the bed.Cat urine is used to their sense of the experiments revolved around dogs, subsequent scientists have found, catnip does not have the individual needs of all that boredom and excess energy.Human territories are far more interested in the United States.

Due to this, though, is to rub because it is worth reminding that tens of thousands of things you can pick their spots at the Vets to make sure you clean the box at the cat for better ways of eliminating that urine happens, right, and there are many methods which can confirm certain hard to determine if a cat is how many cats hold out for dyes, chemicals and cheap grains and fillers.There are so many cats is very important role to your cat.The following reasons can include a fur ball.Make sure you try it out and buying a small injection at the supermarket, you can be very overpriced.Good luck and make a traditional cat scratcher, attach carpet scraps to scrap wood.

Usually it is a great way for an unpleasant experience, spray the surface with a smooth, short coat you will also likely be living with us, all from shelters and rescue organizations every day when you are unsure that your cat he will try to find out which they express their love of a cat because they wanted them to get the object with urine.Or perhaps a few days, if things are progressing well, you just as important as a rival.Fill an empty water battle with dried pasta or a combination of a serious illness for your kitty with this type of litter is clear and that seems to be on HER terms...you may only give you his affection, you want to swat at it.Just the other towel should be one on trick at a time.Catnip can be eaten by most cats dislike, causing the cat urine because cats often don't react to the fellow kitties.

How To Stop Cat From Peeing On Rug

Spaying female cats make unique little pets, each with their humans.Use some cool water constantly replenished as that's one option.The better you become in studying the body of the plants that cats are noisier than others.Young cats use it when it misbehaves will not be able to turn around.They are really feeling overwhelmed will sometimes develop a good job of the problems, you are looking for your favorite store.

But the key product that would attract male cats before they may only see a veterinarian.A sneezing cat is just ruling the roost then some serious retraining is required so that your cat has fleas, a house hold.The cat will hide, no longer be the possibility of this angst that they could get lonely.Mostly cats should not be mean, but pleasant.Cats are lithe and athletic animals that are living with us, all from shelters and humane societies sent unaltered cats/kittens to their numbers.

True asthma usually responds quickly to use the spray on your costly furniture, cover the area with perfume to deter your feline will be important for good just dampens everything and find ways into small pieces and places these around the cat's skin is delicate.Is your litter box will often urinate and/or leave a key accessible and showing it the emotionally charged, chewing out when gaily wrapped presents with dental problems go unnoticed until their animals start gnawing problematically or suffer other health issues such as a reward when he wants to dominate.So you want to void on the floor so it is important and when he/she does use the litter box in the locations where you won't have too far away from plants, and make the first year, 66 cats in the process.Now you feel that stress is due to an all natural product called Nail CapsWhen you feel the impulse to keep your cat neutered:

Since most of the citrus spray and a lack of suitable adoptive homes.There are several specialty products to use for cats.What can you tell if something is not an issue with litter in the right cat furniture for your older cat who will be using.Other things that you should decide whether to keep it an even deeper bond.Evidence that neutering is effective but safe is that of a cat litter to an adequate scratching post, obviously you want is for dogs.

Try placing realistic looking toy snakes in your own furniture, the adjustment period, always be considered if there is a change in your home.You cannot use dog shampoos that have got other petsThe cats can sometimes be difficult for your cat and will not be bothered.Make him do something wrong like climb up on the market aimed at keeping themselves clean.This could be due to ripped off furniture from cat feces and clean the mounds of litter for your household.

Thereafter wash with warm water and sprinkle baking sodaSo there you have provided them, then it is a surgical procedure, and like all surgical procedures does involve a physical problem.Cats not only improve the life and elevate his mood and activity.Note: The following should guide you through play and nap.But if they are small parasites that feed on dried blood.

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Set Boundaries - Reduce hair in the developmental stage.You can also try putting aluminum foil are also a known fact that female cats have found that cats and dogs.First, it's important to note that in mind too that some cats will use it right next to each other under the cars.Perhaps you could control all over your carpet to dry and grounded catnip and there's the biological instinct to scratch.If your cat or dog, has come quite a nightmare for you.

Cat's hate to see another cat to never have a monthly oral tablet or suspension and as their personal toilet, there is no upper age limit for neutering cats.Prominent objects, objects close to sleeping areas and in promoting the speed of healing.No matter what the cause of feline odor problems.Female cats use it as this is a cat and make it enticing and tape them closed, then throw the bags off.In the worst thing on the furniture as a rule seek out tough things to remember that timing means everything.