#cheese and wine tasting experience

[wineterroirsandtales]

Website: https://www.wineterroirsandtales.com/

Address: Noisy le Roi, France

Wine Terroirs & Tales is an independent wine blog by Adrian Latimer, who has cherished wine, its stories, travels, and tastings for over 40 years. Born in '61, Adrian's journey with wine began unexpectedly during his student years. In 1991, he moved to France, a haven for wine enthusiasts, and later married Kathy, who had ties to the wine trade. Adrian's writings, primarily on travel and fly-fishing, took a turn towards his passion for wine upon his early retirement in 2020 from the insurance/oil sector. The blog is a reflection of his personal experiences, opinions, and tastes, aiming not to instruct or profit but to share his love for wine and offer readers a delightful experience.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wineterroirsandtales/

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[lompocwinefactory]

Pairing Wine And Cheese like an Expert!

Pairing Wine And Cheese like an Expert! is an art that transcends taste buds, creating a harmonious dance of flavors. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, this guide will unravel the secrets behind the perfect pairing.

The Art of Pairing

Pairing wine and cheese is not just about combining two elements; it's an art form that requires finesse. Understanding the nuances of flavors, textures, and aromas is crucial to creating an unforgettable experience.

Decoding the Basics

To truly Pair Wine And Cheese like an Expert!, one must grasp the basics. Understanding the acidity, sweetness, and intensity of both the wine and cheese is fundamental. A delicate dance between bold reds and sharp cheddars or crisp whites and creamy bries awaits.

Wine Selection

Choosing the right wine is half the battle won in Pairing Wine And Cheese like an Expert!

From Reds to Whites

Red wines often complement aged cheeses with robust flavors, while whites harmonize with lighter, fresher cheeses. Dive into the world of varietals, exploring the perfect match for every cheese on your platter.

Cheese Varieties

To truly excel in Pairing Wine And Cheese like an Expert!, understanding the vast world of cheeses is essential.

A Symphony of Flavors

From nutty goudas to tangy blues, each cheese brings a unique note to the symphony. Explore the array of textures and tastes, elevating your pairings to an extraordinary level.

Perfect Combinations

Creating the perfect combination is where Pairing Wine And Cheese like an Expert! becomes an exquisite experience.

Finding the Sweet Spot

Discovering complementary pairings involves experimentation. Uncover the magic of sweet and salty, creamy and crisp, as your palate embarks on a journey of indulgence.

Tasting Techniques

Savoring the flavors is a crucial aspect of Pairing Wine And Cheese like an Expert!

Savoring Every Bite

Take your time with each bite. Allow the wine and cheese to mingle on your palate, uncovering the symphony of flavors that only an expertly paired duo can deliver.

Popular Myths

In the world of Pairing Wine And Cheese like an Expert!, it's essential to separate fact from fiction.

Debunking Common Misconceptions

From the notion that only red wine pairs well with cheese to the belief that strong cheeses overpower delicate wines, we debunk the myths that might hinder your pairing journey.

Expert Tips

Elevate your Pairing Wine And Cheese like an Expert! skills with these expert tips.

Elevate Your Pairing Game

From serving temperatures to the importance of aeration, delve into the finer details that transform a good pairing into an extraordinary one.

Pairing Wine And Cheese like an Expert!

The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Wine And Cheese like an Expert! unfolds with intricate details and expert insights.

FAQs

Common Questions Answered to Enhance Your Expertise

Can I pair sweet wines with cheese? Sweet wines can indeed complement certain cheeses, particularly blues and desserts.

Are there specific rules for pairing wine and cheese? While guidelines exist, feel free to experiment and trust your palate for unique pairings.

Should I match the intensity of wine and cheese? Balancing intensity is key; a robust wine can overpower a delicate cheese and vice versa.

Can I pair sparkling wine with cheese? Absolutely! Sparkling wines, with their effervescence, can cut through rich, creamy cheeses.

Is there a universal pairing for all types of wine and cheese? Pairing is subjective, but some classics like chardonnay with brie or cabernet sauvignon with aged cheddar rarely disappoint.

How do I create a visually appealing wine and cheese board? Mix colors, textures, and shapes for an aesthetically pleasing presentation that enhances the overall experience.

Conclusion

Pairing Wine And Cheese like an Expert! is an ever-evolving journey, marked by discovery and delight. Armed with knowledge and a penchant for exploration, you're now equipped to elevate your tasting experiences.

Lompoc wine factory is a Co-Op Style facility that allows individual winemaking, production, and custom crush services. We also offer temperature controlled storage, label services, and so much more to help develop your wine brand. Contact us today for a private tasting, tour, or residency opportunities!.

[homunculus-argument]

I think there's a real tragedy in the way straight men don't see themselves the same way that people who are attracted to men see them. If you ask a straight man to describe what an attractive man looks like, there's very little variety - the masculine male ideal is tall, broad-shouldered, square-jawed with a cleft chin and built of sculpted muscle. The stereotypical image of an Alpha Male, someone whom he could respect, and envy.

And sure, there are plenty of women, gay men and people of all sorts who are attracted to to this specific type, even exclusively attracted to it, there is so much more variety in this, both in the tastes and their subjects.

The stereotype of "hot wife, ugly husband"-couples was drawn from the observations of straight men, from their own perspective. Women going after men that men find unattractive makes no sense to them, and they figure that women are willing to overlook being ugly if a man's funny, smart or rich enough. If a woman insists that she's attracted to a specific man who isn't attractive by their standards, they'll assume that she's lying.

The tragic part is when a man who believes himself to be ugly grows bitter over this, developing a foul personality which people do find repulsive, and then uses their repeated experiences of being romantically rejected as proof that they're physically unattractive, insisting that surely women would overlook his heinousness if only he was tall and muscular enough, and had the right bone structure. The self-feeding vicious cycle of being a bitter incel is born.

The thing about "ugly men with a good personality can still be attractive" is that they're usually not even ugly. Some people do genuinely find fat and hairy men, thin and delicate men, short men and feminine men attractive. There's as much variety as in cheese, you can't compare aura to brie. And just like in cheese, as long as you're not toxic, somebody's into that. You just need to find the right wine to compliment it.

[writingwithfolklore]

Describing Foods - A Masterlist

                As a broke university student, I love reading about food. It’s almost like eating a real meal myself <3.

I get a little angry when characters are eating a meal and I barely get to experience it with them. In that, I mean I don’t just want to know what it is, but what it’s like to eat that food—how it tastes, smells, sounds, and feels. Is a perfect croissant still a perfect croissant without the crack of the exterior, the airiness of the pastry inside, the smell of yeast?

                Probably not. When writing about a dish, the smell, texture, technique, taste, and how it looks are all important to painting the experience, so here’s some words to use when describing a meal:

Taste:

Acidic: Sharp tasting. Often used to describe tart or sour foods as well.

Aftertaste: A different taste that remains in the mouth after eating something

Bitter: Tart, sharp, and sometimes harsh flavour.

Bittersweet: Less harsh than bitterness. Tartness + sweetness.

Bland: Has no significant flavor or texture

Briny: Just means salty. Often describes pickled foods.

Citrusy: Bright flavour like… well citrus fruits—oranges, lemons, limes, etc.

Cooling: Mimics that cooling feel—like mint.

Earthy: Reminiscent of soil. Can be used to describe wines, root vegetables, and mushrooms.

Fiery: Another word for spicy.

Fresh: Light and crisp—describes produce or herbs.

Fruity: Sweet and reminiscent of fruit.

Full-bodied: Rich and ‘feels heavy’ in your mouth. Can describe wines or soups.

Herbal: Bright, fresh, sometimes earthy from the presence of herbs

Honeyed: Sweet or candied taste like honey.

Nutty: Taste similar to the flavors of nuts. Often used to describe certain cheeses.

Rich: Full, heavy flavour. Often dishes that contain cream taste rich.

Robust: Rich + Earthy. Used for lots of wines or aged liquor.

Savory: Describes meaty, earthy dishes and soups.

Sharp: Harsh, bitter, or tart taste. Used to describe acidic foods.

Smoky: Reminiscent of the smell of smoke.

Sour: Biting, tangy, tart flavor.

Spicy: Burning taste.

Sweet: Sugary.

Tangy: Tart, biting taste—feels tingly

Tart: Sharp, bitter, or sour flavour. Used to describe acidic foods.

Woody: Earthy, sometimes nutty taste. Describes some coffees or cheeses.

Yeasty: Earthy taste reminiscent of yeast. Describes beer and bread.

Zesty: Fresh, vivid, or invigorating flavour.

Sound/Texture:

Sound has a lot to do with texture, so I've combined them for this section!

Airy: Light, pillowy texture (think inside of croissant)

Brittle: Hard but easy to break

Bubbly: Usually during heating, when bubbles rise to the surface—low sound.

Buttery: Smooth, creamy texture (think certain pasta sauces)

Chewy: Food that needs to be chewed thoroughly. Can be light and bouncy (chewy bread) or heavy (steak) and sticky (candy)

Creamy: A smooth and rich texture, comes from dairy.

Crispy: Light texture with slight crunch.

Crumbly: Food with loose structure that falls apart into crumbs.

Crunchy: Firm, crisp texture with a sharp, loud noise.

Crusty (behave): Food with a hard outer layer and soft interior (many loaves and breads)

Delicate: Light and fine, feels like it can come apart easily.

Doughy: Soft and heavy, usually pale colouring.

Fizzy: Usually liquids—a hissing sound, feels like ‘static’

Flaky: Light, characterized by layers that come apart during eating.

Fluffy: light and airy.

Frothy/Foamy: Airy bubbles, usually in a drink like a latte.

Gamey: Usually refers to meats when they’re very “meaty”

Gooey: Viscous, sometimes sticky texture from moisture in a dense/solid food.

Hearty: Firm, robust texture.

Juicy: Tender and succulent texture from liquid in a solid food (steak)

Molten: Hot, gooey

Oily: Slick, heavy, lingers on the tongue.

Silky: Fine, smooth texture that feels sleek.

Smooth: Texture free of grit, lumps, or edges.

Snap: A quick, sharp, crackling sound when broken.

Squelch: A soft sucking sound when pressure is applied. Somewhat gross.

Sticky: Gluiness in the mouth.

Succulent: Tender and juicy

Tender: Soft and easy to break down

Velvety: Smooth and rich

Smell:

Acrid: Strong, bitter, unpleasant

Comforting: pleasant, probably calls back to a nice memory

Damp: Wet smelling—probably a bit earthy

Delicate: subtle, faint, not overpowering

Earthy: reminiscent of soil

Fetid: Caused by decay—unpleasant

Fishy: reminiscent of fish

Floral/flowery: Reminiscent of flowers

Fragrant: Sweet or pleasing

Fresh: Cool, crisp, refreshing—produce, probably not cooked

Funky: Something’s gone off

Heady: Strong smell, pungent, rich

Musty: Not fresh

Perfumed: Pleasant, reminiscent of something (can be perfumed with citrus, say)

Piquant: stinging, pungent—tickles the nose

Powerful: strong

Rancid: Definitely gone off, decomposing

Ripe: Strong, usually unpleasant smell

Savory: spicy, salty, no elements of sweetness

Sour: has gone off

Spicy: Sharp, tingles the nose

Tangy: Strong and bitter but in a good way

Tart: Sharp

Woody: earthy smell, reminiscent of wood

Sight:

Usually texture gives us a really good picture of what a food looks like, so here’s some non-texture sight additions:

Blistered: Bumpy exterior.

Caramelized: Usually golden brown

Cloudy: Splotched. Almost see through if not for a slight white or grey mist.

Colourful: Bright and vibrant

Glassy: Resembling glass

Glossy: Smooth, shiny

Marbled: Two colours intertwined

Opaque: Not transparent. Can’t see through.

Ripe: Colourful (can be to a fault). Nearing the end of its edible state.

Scaly: Covered in scales, fish.

Shiny: Appears wet or glossy

Sparkling: Glimmers under the light

Stuffed: An ingredient placed inside a larger part with no additional space.

Translucent: Allows light through

Vibrant: Striking, bright

Food Prep:

How the food is prepared gives it these other attributes. If your character is familiar with cooking (or is the cook themselves!) they may describe food this way.

Baked: Cooked in an oven. Results in browned or crispy outer layer.

Blackened: When food is dipped in butter and coated with spices then cooked in a hot pan—spices darken, making it appear ‘blackened’

Blanched: Food scalded in boiling water and moved to cold water so it stops cooking. Texture comes out soft.

Braised: Food that is briefly fried in fat and then stewed in a pot. Results in seared, crispy exterior with a tender interior.

Breaded: Coated with breadcrumbs/batter then baked or fried so it turns crispy

Broiled: Food cooked with intense radiant heat in an oven or on the grill. Results in a darkened appearance and crispy texture.

Caramelized: Food slow-cooked until it’s browned, nutty, and has a bit of sweetness.

Charred: Grilled, roasted, or broiled and gains a blackened exterior and smoky flavor.

Fermented: Food that’s sat with bacteria, yeast, or another microorganism and has produced acids, alcohols, or gases. Results in a biting, pungent flavor. (Kimchi is fermented)

Fried: Food cooked by submerging in hot oil. Creates crispy, crunchy texture and golden colour.

Glazed: Food with a coating brushed onto its surface. Appears glossy with a thin, flavorful, and crisp outer layer.

Infused: Food steeped in liquid with another ingredient so it carries the essence of that ingredient. Used with herbs usually.

Marinated: Usually meat soaked in liquid containing flavourful herbs, spices, vinegar, or oil.

Poached: Food cooked in near boiling water. Results in tender, moist texture.

Roasted: Food cooked with dry heat in an oven or over the fire. Results in browned exterior and crisp coating.

Sautéed: Food cooked quickly in small amount of fat.

Seared: Food cooked in small amount of fat until caramelized. Finished by roasting or grilling. Results in crisp exterior and tender interior.

Smoked: Food exposed to smoke from smoldering wood for a long time. Results in that distinctive smoky flavor.

Whipped: Food beaten to incorporate air. Light and fluffy.

What did I miss?

[linguisticdiscovery]

Ways English borrowed words from Latin

Latin has been influencing English since before English existed!

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of ways that English got vocabulary from Latin:

early Latin influence on the Germanic tribes: The Germanic tribes borrowed words from the Romans while still in continental Europe, before coming to England.

camp, wall, pit, street, mile, cheap, mint, wine, cheese, pillow, cup, linen, line, pepper, butter, onion, chalk, copper, dragon, peacock, pipe, bishop

Roman occupation of England: The Celts borrowed words from the Romans when the Romans invaded England, and the Anglo-Saxons later borrowed those Latin words from the Celts.

port, tower, -chester / -caster / -cester (place name suffix), mount

Christianization of the Anglo-Saxons: Roman missionaries to England converted the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity and brought Latin with them.

altar, angel, anthem, candle, disciple, litany, martyr, mass, noon, nun, offer, organ, palm, relic, rule, shrine, temple, tunic, cap, sock, purple, chest, mat, sack, school, master, fever, circle, talent

Norman Conquest: The Norman French invaded England in 1066 under William the Conqueror, making Norman French the language of the state. Many words were borrowed from French, which had evolved out of Latin.

noble, servant, messenger, feast, story, government, state, empire, royal, authority, tyrant, court, council, parliament, assembly, record, tax, subject, public, liberty, office, warden, peer, sir, madam, mistress, slave, religion, confession, prayer, lesson, novice, creator, saint, miracle, faith, temptation, charity, pity, obedience, justice, equity, judgment, plea, bill, panel, evidence, proof, sentence, award, fine, prison, punishment, plead, blame, arrest, judge, banish, property, arson, heir, defense, army, navy, peace, enemy, battle, combat, banner, havoc, fashion, robe, button, boots, luxury, blue, brown, jewel, crystal, taste, toast, cream, sugar, salad, lettuce, herb, mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, roast, boil, stew, fry, curtain, couch, screen, lamp, blanket, dance, music, labor, fool, sculpture, beauty, color, image, tone, poet, romance, title, story, pen, chapter, medicine, pain, stomach, plague, poison

The Renaissance: The intense focus on writings from classical antiquity during the Renaissance led to the borrowing of numerous words directly from Latin.

atmosphere, disability, halo, agile, appropriate, expensive, external, habitual, impersonal, adapt, alienate, benefit, consolidate, disregard, erupt, exist, extinguish, harass, meditate

The Scientific Revolution: The need for new technical and scientific terms led to many neoclassical compounds formed from Classical Greek and Latin elements, or new uses of Latin prefixes.

automobile, transcontinental, transformer, prehistoric, preview, prequel, subtitle, deflate, component, data, experiment, formula, nucleus, ratio, structure

Not to mention most borrowings from other Romance languages, such as Spanish or Italian, which also evolved from Latin.

Further Reading: A history of the English language (Baugh & Cable)

[kayhi808]

More Than Our Scars - Florence Italy

Series Masterlist

It's been a while since I wrote for these two. They're my favorite couple. Murder Boyfriend & his Brave Girl. 💕

The culinary course that Billy enrolled you in is so challenging yet so rewarding. This was your dream and the amazing thing is now you have Billy by your side to share the experience. You thought champions & heroes only belonged in fairytales and comic books, but you found one of your very own. Not only did he save you from The Kingpin, but he also taught you how to love again. He built up your confidence and made you believe in your dreams. He adores you, his brave girl.

Billy found the most charming apartment with views of the Duomo, the 3rd largest church in the world. It's not a luxury apartment like his loft back in Manhattan. It's charming & quaint & old world. Turning into the courtyard, it's a 3 story walk-up that you don't mind at all. Letting yourself into your home, you dump your keys on the entry table. Hanging up your jacket, you make your way to the kitchen, to place your bag on the counter & go in search of Billy. "Billy? I'm home."

"Hey, babe!" Dressed casually in a dark green sweater & jeans, Billy walks out of the room he set up as his remote office. He envelopes you in his arms & drops a kiss on your lips. "How was your day?"

"Good!" Squeezing him around the waist, "better now that i'm home.

Billy walks you backwards to the kitchen, stopping by the bags, "What have you brought me to eat?" Letting you go, he rummages through the bag. Whatever you learned to cook that day, you brought home for Billy's lunch for the following day. He always looks forward to it.

"Cacio e pepe."

"Nice! Thank you." Cracking the lid of the container, he smells it & puts it in the fridge. "That's going to be good." Turning back around to you, "What do you want to do tonight? Want to wander?"

"Sure! Let me get changed." To change into something warmer. March evenings are still chilly in Florence. Matching Billy with a sweater & jeans, you apply some lip gloss & re-braid your hair, you're ready to go.

"All set?" You excitedly nod. Bill helps you on with you jacket & you leave to go exploring. Hand in hand, you make your way out to the cobblestone path. You've visit marketplaces in the neighborhood, grabbing fresh produce, bread, cheese...and an abundance of wine. It's such a great feeling to be out in public. You were kept prisoner by Kingpin for 3 years and spent months in hiding with Billy while he plotted your freedom. You had a small taste of freedom when you and Billy spent a couple days in Beacon, NY after James Wesley's murder. But this. This was amazing! Now you're in Florence strolling through markets, fingers entwined with Billy's, living the life you only dreamed of.

*****

The sky starts to darken on your way back home, as you pass Osteria del Flore, Billy's new favorite restaurant. "Do you want to stop for dinner?"

"Bill, we just bought a bunch of groceries"

Wrapping his arm around your shoulders & leaning down to press kisses into your neck, "But you've been cooking all day. Do you really want to cook again?" Billy already starts steering your towards their doorway, even before you can get an answer out.

"Signore Russo. Signora. Bentornato (welcome back)." The hostess greets you upon arrival & leads you to a table. The food has been incredible since you got to Italy. Billy jokes about the weight you guys will be gaining. It's almost sacrilege to have anything but wine while in Italy, but the beer selection here is excellent. Bill is so American. So New York. He wants his steak & a beer. You can't help but give him a besotted smile. You like seeing him so relaxed and happy. You both suffered so much, you deserved this blissfulness.

*****

Full bellied & a little tipsy, Bill's arm is thrown around your shoulders. Your fingers intertwined with his. Leaning into his side, you make your way back home. "Once your classes end & we return stateside, what do you want to do?

"What do you mean? I'll look for a job. I can't keep mooching off you."

"Shut up!" Curling his arm, bringing you closer so he can kiss the top of your head. "Where do you want to work?"

"I haven't thought that far yet. I'm concentrating on doing well here." Mulling it over, "I guess it depends on whoever hires me, that's where I'll go," you shrug.

"I'll make sure you have a driver available to take you to & from work."

"What?! I can get myself to & from work."

"Remember the last time you walked home from work?? You're getting a driver." The last time you walked home, Kingpin's men snatched you off the streets.

You whisper a soft, "thank you."

"What about private chef?"

"Those are long hours. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner? I'll never see you." You hear a low growl, which makes you smile.

"Or maybe I can buy you a restaurant."

"Are you crazy? No, Bill." You stop in the middle of the sidewalk, letting go of Bill's hand. "I'm serious."

Bill laughs, hitching the tote full of wine & groceries over his shoulder. "You can be your own boss. Make your own hours. Have plenty of time to spend with me." He tugs your braid, wrapping it around his fist, pulling you closer to him, to capture your mouth in a kiss. He only stop when he hears a soft whine escape you. "Don't you like the sound of that, sweetheart?"

Burying your face at the base of his throat, inhaling the smell of him, "I know nothing of running my own business. I'm still learning to be a chef."

Wrapping you in his arms and swaying with you in the moonlight, he dances you into the courtyard. The unevenness of the cobblestones makes you clumsy, but Billy doesn't let you fall or falter. "One day when you're ready, I'll help make it happen."

Laughing, "You spoil me."

"Anything for you, my brave girl."

@imagine-a-fictional-boyfriend @e-dubbc11

[mahiiimahiiii]

Ok hear me out: once the crew gets to bauldurs gate they have mini funerals ala good place.

(part 1)

I'll give you a taster (+ my beautiful redeemed bhaalspawn):

Gale:

Gales "funeral" would be at a library. He would pile books together as a makeshift coffin and wear a bright pink night robe with fuzzy slippers and curlers in his hair, as well as a dusty pink eye mask. Everyone would be wearing some sort of robe, his flowers of choice for the event would be lilly of the valley.

"gale died doing what he loved, learning."

"some might say this would be the ultimate fate for gale"

He would interject, eating the cucumber on his eye, "I do not think the best outcome for me would be turning into an ilithid. But I must admit- it is fitting."

Later events would be a wine tasting and going shopping for new books.

Shadowheart:

I feel like hers would be a moonlight bonfire, lots of ring dancing and setting her old sharran armor on fire.

"I think-" karlach would start up "a lot of us would be dead if we didn't have our cleric. So shadowheart has earned her props.. not only is she reliable- she is resilient, she is strong."

"despite our quarrels, I am glad to fight with you. I have watched you bloom into a magnificent warrior, for what force? We will see soon enough. May your death be glorious." La'zel quipped.

Her flowers of choice would be night orchids. she would then insist on learning how to swim and manage a doggie paddle.

Karlach:

I feel like hers would be on the beach with a fruity drink in hand as she floats around in the water. The fish around her have probably boiled, which is more incentive for a fish fry.

Everyone gets like a back breaking hug. Lots of physical activities party games wise, be drunk and merry. Most likely people get a bit sunburnt and burnt burnt.

There is no speeches as Karlach is too busy expressing her gratitude about everyone else.

She gets withers to do limbo with her

Her choice of flower is sunflowers.

La'zel:

She would like to opt out of this. a simple "thank you la'zel, may you die horribly in battle. May your wounds bleed out and may you suffer immensely" will suffice.

(her choice of flower is snap dragons)

Jaheria:

Hers would be a touristy walk of bauldurs gate.

She talks about her life, a sense of oral history to pass onto others. The night ends with root veggies chips and cheese, and a generous donation to animal sanctuaries within the cities from the Harpers.

Her idea of fun is bastardizing the ballads that volo wrote via mad libs. Which immature humor ensues.

The mighty _____ o' noble _____ (noun *x2)

Found ___ and sent them back to ____ and ____ (noun, adj*x2)

She would rest in a fainting couch in a puddle of sun in the wildshape form of a big cat, tail swishing idily as people read off their bastardized poems.

Her choice of flowers are jasmine blooms.

Wyll:

His would be a picnic in the park, as people read their speeches to him in comfortable sun dresses and loose cotton clothing, he would hold a little bouquet of daisies resting on a soft gingham sheet with a crown of flowers.

He would insist of going to his favorite pastry shops in the city. Sweet wine, tarts and small cakes. A day of sweets to remember the sweetest person in the camp.

His whole funeral was about allowing everyone to experience the childhood he knew, which wasn't much, but was something he knew they needed.

The look of pure joy in everyone's faces was enough to sustain him for the rest of his days.

The goals were, teach karlach hopscotch, double dutch with Wynne, climb a tree with astarion, and show la'zel some human dances. The older people in the group were less inclined to indulge, taking the roll of the gossiping parents to the 20 something aged other members in the band.

The night ended with dances and fiddle music.

His choice of flowers are thistle blooms

[astroismypassion]

Astrology observations 🦒🦒🦒

Credit goes to my blog @astroismypassion

🦒 I noticed all Aries Moon indiviudal have innate athletic potential, they could definitely BE the sporty type. However, I lot of them are not really aware of that since they can struggle with motivation to keep going. Especially if they are going through something emotional and are more in their head, they might be veryy indulgent and completely ignore their physical health.

🦒Also, Aries Moons love salty, oily (fast) food (chips, fries, burgers, fried chicken).

🦒 Also Aries Moons, love of sour things? Sour candy, pickled cucumbers, lemonade und really sour drinks.

🦒 8th Stellium in Solar Return chart can be more of a transformation on an inner level. It's easier to let go of past relationships that you might be still holding on, bad habits (since you have more self-control), you just purge things. You could be met with new roles, duties and responsibilities that you are in charge of, meaning more "power" is in your hands. There could be challenging, tough times at some point in the year, but still you are feeling much more confident, because you have new strength to truly face things once and for all.

🦒 In you Sagittarius Ascendant Solar Return year, you will have PLENTY of opportunities to grow in all of your areas in life, to experience more life and expand your horizon, to come in contact with new people, culture, opinions, beliefs and outlook on life. I'm not kidding when I say you will get 2, 3 up to 5 different offers a day. To be a part of a study group, to go on a trip, to join a social gathering, to go to a wine/cheese tasting, to travel for work etc.

🦒 The person you have Mars in the 12th house overlay in synastry with is literally the person you are still holding on. You might think "nah, that can't be", but on a subconscious level you ARE still holding on what more you could have had with them. They could also represent some sort of hidden ideal of yours, that you end up comparing new people to them. This overlay has unconditional vibe to it, so it's hard for you to be vulnerable with new people and completely move on. I think it take quite some digging into your own pysche, so that you try to uncover some of your patterns and truly deal with them.

🦒 I hacked Pisces Venus, they are only clingly, lovey dovey with their partner, person when that person is MORE emotional, romantic than they appear to be. They are only okay with sentimental stuff when they feel like they are with a partner that is sensitive, romantic, a kind soul to everyone and MORE EMOTIONAL than them. It's the only time they truly open up. Other times, Pisces Venus individual really don't live up to their whole romantic potential in a relationship. I noticed they can often be with "one foot out" in a relationship, when they don't think their partner is matching up with them. Since they see their relationship as a "sacrifice" on their end then.

🦒 And honestly Pisces Venus has really really high standards, much like Taurus Venus has, they are just not as vocal about it, because they test those standards on you by FEELING and not actually SEEING it in a material world like Taurus Venus does.

🦒 Jupiter in the 12th house is much more positive overlay than people make it to be. When it's positive and developed (not badly aspected too), you are really uplifting and encouraging each other. But negatively, it can be a lot of missed opportunities.

🦒 Any Gemini placement in the Composite chart, if it's a romantic relationship, represents your friends trying to get you together. You are both just so reserved, overthinking or shy about it.

🦒 Scorpio Moons are hopeless romantics and no one will convince me otherwise. Yes, they are pyhsical, sensual, but they will fantasize about their dream wedding in the back of their mind. They are still yearning that one day they will have a fairytale wedding with a person that won't betray them and love them through thick and thin. Also, these people are the matchmakers of the zodiac. This Moon always tries to set two people together if they suspect romantic potential.

🦒 Another Cancer Moon men observation is that they seem to want a sister like bond with their partner. They usually grew up with a sister that they are close with or it empacted them a lot or they helped raising their sister.

🦒 You can see in the Composite chart by the Mars sign who are the people that brought you two together in a bond/connection. So the Mars sign the Composite is that person's Sun sign.

🦒When you hear someone say "oh all Virgos are such flirts" it's always that you see a Sun sign THROUGH THE HOUSE that Virgo sign is over, for example over your 7th house. If you have Cancer over 8th house, you see Cancer Sun and all Cancer placements through 8th house. If you have Virgo over your 4th house, you see the in a Cancerian light. So you can use this when you are trying to decipher which Sun sign someone is. You meet someone and right away you go "oh this person is a Scorpio Sun", because of how reserved, enigmatic, bubbly and mysterious they are. But then what you do to not get it wrong is, think about OVER which HOUSE Scorpio is in your natal chart and also in which HOUSE Pluto is. And when you decipher the house, this is usually the real Sun sign of that person that gave you Scorpio vibes at first.

Credit goes to my blog @astroismypassion

[drewsbuzzcut]

Vineyard Adventures

mat barzal x model!fem!reader

a visceral in doses fic

warnings: steamy, makeouts, touching, mentions of smut related topics, consumption of alcohol, and i think that’s all

You were one full glass and many samples of wine deep into your date with Mat. He had signed the both of you up for a wine tasting and lunch in Tuscany, Italy. He thought it would be a nice opportunity to have a childless date- as your son was with Beverly. It wasn’t something Mat and you could always do when you both had busy schedules and a one year old.

There were different variations of cheese and fruits to pair with all the different wines; it was something you took advantage of, so you could keep yourself from getting tipsy too fast.

You were having such a good time. There were other people taking part in the experience, but it made it better because you got to meet new people. Plus, the weather was perfect. The sun was shining, leaving a dust of pink on your cheeks, and the breeze blew through the air, making everything feel fresh.

The set up was very beautiful. Right now, you were seated at a long table, trying the first round of samples of dry wine and picking which one you wanted to have as your drink. Later, you’d take a group tour of the vineyard before making your way back to the table to have a very large lunch.

As said before, you’re trying to drink slowly, wanting to actually remember this day, and not wanting to come home plastered to a child that you still had to care for. So, you were sipping from your wine glass and talking to a lady sitting across from you. Mat, well he was in awe with you. He listened as you laughed with the people you were talking to, the melodious sound made him melt. Your hair was down and each time the wind blew he could smell your musky perfume. One of your hands was placed in his lap, holding one of his hands. He could feel the vibrations from your laughs, making him feel even more connected to you. Every now and then you’d lean into Mat, and he enjoyed the feel of your silky, sun kissed skin.

“Mat?” You whisper to him, breaking him out of his trance.

You had noticed that he was quiet and off in his own world, so you wanted to make sure he was fine.

“Yeah?” He says, brows frowned in concern that something might be wrong.

You adjust yourself in your chair so that you’re faced more towards him, and lay your palm on his cheek to gain all of his attention.

“You’ve been quiet for a while, just wanted to make sure everything was alright,” you explain.

He just gives you that gorgeous smile that never fails to make you blush, and assures you that everything is fine.

“Are you sure? Is it because I’m talking to other people while we’re technically on a date? Oh my god! I didn’t even realize. I’m sorry; I’m not trying to ignore you,” you blurt out under your breath, only loud enough for Mat to hear.

“No, babe. I promise it’s okay. I’m actually enjoying seeing you talk with the others. I love looking at you like this,” he says with a small chuckle and grin.

“Like what?”

You really didn’t understand how much Mat adored looking at you and just listening to your voice. Of course you knew how much he admired you, but you never really noticed just how much attention he paid to you. You had him hanging on your every word, since the very first time he met you.

“Your personality shining through, willing to let anyone see just how beautiful you are, inside and out,” he whispers in your ear. He had moved his chair even closer to yours, and moved so that he invaded your space.

You tilt your head into his out of shyness of his kind words. He just presses a loving kiss to your pulse point on your neck.

“I love you,” you mutter into the skin of his cheek before staring into his eyes, and moving them to look at his lips.

“I love you,” he says and happily gives you the kiss you wanted.

An hour goes by and you’ve downed almost two more glasses of wine. You’re not drunk, but you’re starting to feel lighter, and your want for Mat grows stronger.

You had to sit in your chair and watch his every movement. The way his nose would crinkle when he’d laugh to the way he draped an arm over your chair, letting his fingertips glide against your shoulder which sent chills throughout your entire body. It got even more unbearable when you’d watch him drink from his wine glass. It doesn’t sound like something sexy, but you knew he wasn’t a big fan of wine like you were, so him planning this date with your interests in mind and him drinking wine with you, was incredibly attractive. It didn’t help that he would lick his lips after every drink he took.

For his amazing efforts, you’d be attending a basketball game with him when the season starts. You will even take him to his favorite restaurant, and just treat him to whatever he wanted because he definitely deserves it.

When it’s time for the group tour to start, you are tipsy. Something you hadn’t been since you had your baby. Mat holds onto your hand a little tighter, always needing to protect you.

At different spots where the tour guide talks about the history of the place, they hand out even more samples of different wines. You couldn’t deny any of them, and when you found your favorite of the bunch, you were given a glass full. You did share your first glass with Mat, though. The second glass was all yours, so by the time you were almost done with the tour, you were a little passed tipsy. You knew how told hold your alcohol, but this was meant to be relaxing for you, so you let yourself indulge.

“Maty,” you sigh out as you grip Mat’s bicep.

“Yeah, baby?” He tucks a piece of your hair behind your ear and it makes you swoon.

You giggle, momentarily forgetting what you wanted to ask him. You have to think for a couple of minutes before it finally comes back to you.

“Is this thing almost finished?” You whisper into his ear.

“Umm… I’m not sure, why?” He asks.

“Kiss me,” you don’t give him time to respond, you just simply stand in front of him and lean into his body, attaching your lips to his. You’re both so caught up, you don’t even care that you’re now separated from the group.

Mat comes to his senses and separates from you, causing you to pout.

His hands that were on your waist are now holding onto your hands. He looks around behind you and then behind himself. You want to ask what he was doing, but before you get the chance to, he’s guiding you to an empty, dim lit hallway. You smirk in response and follow him willingly.

“Maty,” you whisper into the silence. The silence that was way too loud, filled with the buzzing lust lurking in every corner of your bodies.

He pulls you flush against him, one hand gripping your hip and the other holding the back of your neck. Both of your hands are pressed against his torso, relishing in the feeling of his rock hard muscles tensing under your touch.

You stare at each other for a while, imagining what you both could be doing if you were behind closed doors, and on a comfortable bed. You know that his head would be buried between your legs, eating you out until you were a squirming mess. You squeeze your thighs together at the thought and that catches Mat’s attention. He dips his head down, secretly trying to hide his smirk, and drags his nose along the side of your neck all the way down to your collarbones, smelling your musky perfume that you always use. He didn’t care that the halter neck of your dress made it a little more difficult.

“Oh you think your slick, huh, hotshot?” You ask, feeling his not so well hidden smirk.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Mat answers.

When you start to reply, he’s already pressing kisses all over your neck, causing the words to die on your tongue.

You bring your hands to his back, wanting so badly to rip his shirt off. For now you just let your hands grip the material tightly.

Mat feels your nails trying not to dig in his skin, so he decides to tempt you even more. Both hands travel down the length of your silky, pink dress and continue down to your smooth legs. The feeling of his rough hands softly traveling down your body makes you hot, desire flowing through your veins and settling in your core. You lift a leg up and set it on Mat’s waist as a way to bring him even closer to you.

For a moment you both just stay still. You look into each other’s eyes and just float in the warmth and want that’s taken over. Mat brings a hand up to caress your cheek, his thumb rubbing your bottom lip. His eyes move lower, watching your chest move with every erratic breath you take. You love being the center of his attention, so you wait for the perfect moment to suck on his thumb, and when you do, his eyes are flashing to yours. Your tongue wraps around his digit and you make sure to make a show of sucking it, small moans and hums falling from your mouth. When he pulls his finger out of your mouth, he’s quick to crash his lips on yours, sucking on your bottom lip.

Mat moves you further down the hallway where there’s barely any light. It’s filled with boxes and might be dusty, but none of you cared enough to leave.

The lip lock gets sloppier and rougher. You wouldn’t be surprised if there would be bruises on your lips afterwards.

“Maty,” you whine when he moves away.

“Look at what I found,” he says, showing you a bottle of wine that you had no idea where he got it.

The label reads “Capezzana: Vin Santo Di Carmignano Riserva.” You had never heard of it before, and it wasn’t one of the sample you had earlier.

Mat opens the bottle, as it had already been opened, and brings the bottle to your lips.

You allow him to pour some in your mouth, and you have to restrain yourself from taking your clothes off and letting him have his way with you. The look in his eyes was dark and so sexy.

After your small drink, Mat sets the bottle down and kisses you again.

“Fuck,” Mat whines at the sweet taste left on your tongue. It’s so good he can’t resist the chance of sucking on your tongue when his lips are back on yours.

Your hands abandoned his neck and are now satisfied with being buried in his hair, pulling on the soft strands.

“What has gotten into you?” You ask.

“You’re so sexy and just seeing you enjoy yourself after the stressful year you’ve had; I love seeing you happy,” Mat whispers.

You pout and become a puddle of mush at his sweet words. You were so appreciative of how much Mat had stepped up- especially with a busy hockey season. He was the best father, after all the fears he had, and he was the best partner you could ask for.

“How about you, hotshot? You’re sexy, drinking wine with me even though you hate it,” you speak into his lips.

Mat’s hold on your waist tightens and he buries his head in your neck. He sometimes got shy whenever you would compliment him with sincerity. His hands travel up your back, stopping just below your shoulder blades. It was his quiet way of making the moment sweet.

You slot your lips with his, savoring the way this kiss was softer, slower, but just as intimate as the others shared. Once the kiss turns into pecks, he presses them from your jaw to your cheek, making you giggle.

“We should probably head back,” he tells you.

“If we must,” you groan out.

He leads you back to the table, hand in hand, your hair looking a bit disheveled and your lips plump from all the kissing. You have to keep yourself from looking into the eyes of all the others. They didn’t need to know what just happened, and you didn’t want to think about the looks you were probably getting.

“Nice of you all to join us,” the tour guide says as we sit in our seats.

Mat smirks and I just smile and nod. Hopefully no one would post about it online, not that they really knew what happened.

Mat and you get through lunch with only little embarrassment from the knowing looks you both were getting, but besides that, everything was lovely. You continued to chat and laugh, and even allowed yourself to practically sit on Mat’s lap for most of it. You didn’t need to care about what the others were thinking.

Mat even surprised you when he flagged down one of the servers to request something.

“Can we each have a glass of Vin Santo Di Carmignano Riserva, please?”

You look at him surprised, not expecting him to ask for that certain wine. When you make eye contact with him, he shoots you a wink and a small smirk, making your heart pound faster, wanting to escape into his hands. He always knows how to make you feel giddy.

“I would actually like to buy two bottles,” Mat says when the wine was brought out to the both of you. You just let out a laugh and pull him away from his conversation to give him a loving kiss. You loved your man so much.

a/n: This part is set in the future bc if you noticed, I mentioned that they have a one year old, so say 4 years into the relationship. I hope you all enjoy!!!

[chaoticm0therfvcker]

Hollyberry Cookie Headcanons

In game

She knows how to make her own berry juice. Wildberry has tried to restrict her a few too many times so now she just makes her own

She’s really close with all of the dragon cookies. Pitaya introduced her to the rest of the dragon fam and they all kind of view her as part of the family

She babysat Princess Cookie a lot when Princess was younger, and that’s why Princess is so bold and chaotic

After Tiger Lily went missing, Hollyberry spent weeks searching through the kingdom and the surrounding jungle trying to find her granddaughter

She does her best to visit her friends in their other kingdoms, though the only ones she’s able to visit are Pure Vanilla and Dark Cacao. She’s got a lot of experience going on high stakes adventures, so as long as she has climbing gear and an extra insulated, extra puffy, full-on “I can’t put my arms down!” Jacket, she’s got no problems

She has a lot of survivors guilt being the only one in her friend group without excessive trauma. Sure, she as a dragon ex who she got to see almost burn a village down and a missing granddaughter, but that’s barely anything compared to all the crazy stuff her friends have been through

Her and Golden Cheese used to go on adventures together as kids. They’re both practically immune to high heat, so it’s no wonder they stuck together

Modern au

Her and Pitaya are exes, but they fake flirt so much that if people didn’t know that they were divorced, they would think that they were dating or married

She teases Wildberry for having a crush on Crunchy Chip. Obviously not enough to make him self conscious, but she can’t help but tease him for how he goes from this deadpan tough guy that’s almost as intimidating as Dark Cacao into a total giggly and smiley mush ball whenever Crunchy Chip is around

Since Golden Cheese is ace-aro, her and Hollyberry fake dated throughout high school to keep bigoted assholes away from Golden Cheese

She hates wine snobs with a burning passion. She’s able to appreciate a good glass of wine, but she appreciates it for the taste, not for the “aromatics” or “how well it can swirl around in a glass”

She’s secretly an art nerd. She took a ton of art classes throughout middle and high school and took an art history class with Pure Vanilla

Her room is full of random plushies and video game figurines. She can barely fit in her own bed from the sheer amount of stuffed animals she has on her bed

She has the biggest house and the biggest family out of her friend group, and she has a lot of dinner parties with her friends and her family. She even has a special place for the kiddos so they don’t have to be stuck with random babysitters

She’s not a very good chef, but she is an amazing baker, and she’s really good at decorating cakes. She makes almost all of the birthday cakes for family birthday parties

She can speak fluent Italian and Spanish

Let me know if you have any other headcanons!

Taglist: @janayuga @katsunemillennium @trustymikh @tartelongan @cedric-my-beloved @c00kietin

[peachybutch]

How Good the RvB Main Cast is at Cooking, Ranked from Best to Worst

1. Donut

Donut gives off the vibe of one of those gay men with a baking channel on YouTube. This man's out here rolling up to the red team monthly dinner club with frenched rack of lamb with a pistachio mint crust and wine accompaniment, then earl grey souffle with creme anglaise for dessert. He spends hours experimenting with new and interesting ingredients. Remy Ratatouille, send-you-back-to-rural-France ass man. Donut's food fucks hard and everyone knows it.

2. Grif

You really think my man Grif loves food as much as he does and doesn't know how to make it? C'mon. He doesn't, like, relish the act of cooking as much as he does having a good plate of food at the end of it. And he's not typically much for sharing. But my guy makes a damn good short rib and bechamel lasagna. Give him the day to let something slow cook, and god damn.

3. Wash

Wash has been living off of MREs for probably his entire adult life, but I feel like he's got a few dishes he can whip out for a date night, or if he's feeling fancy. He knows how to read a recipe, and he has a pretty good idea of what flavors go together to make something good. He probably has a really nice papardelle with vinho verde sauce that he has sitting around in the back of his head for special occasions.

4. Tucker

Okay, Tucker isn't a bad cook by any means, ok? He's great with breakfast food specifically. It's just that he isn't especially fancy about it. He was probably, like, a line cook at Denny's in high school, so all his food tastes like food you would get at Denny's. Which isn't a bad thing! You would just never call Denny's "fine dining". He has his niche, and he does it well, and he never feels even a little bit inclined to do anything different or better.

5. Church (Alpha)

Church isn't much of a foodie right off the bat, but someone's got to pack Caboose's lunch, and he ends up learning how to cook fairly well after that. After a certain point, he figures out how to make things from scratch--mostly things like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, pancakes.

6. Simmons

I feel like Simmons mostly lives off of shit like green smoothies and homemade granola. Like, hardcore, low carb, vegan, all organic, high protein diet. And, like, it doesn't taste BAD. But it definitely isn't the kind of thing you bring to the red team dinner club. He does make a really nice sunbutter brownie that he has to hide from Grif.

7. Caboose

Caboose has been banned from using any objects in the kitchen that involve a heat source--which isn't HIS fault! How was he supposed to know that you're supposed to take the spoon OUT of the mac and cheese before putting it in the microwave? That's just a recipe for a cold spoon! Anyways, he manages just fine without the microwave, thank you very much. He can make ants on a log like it's nobody's business. Cleaning up afterwards is another matter entirely.

8. Carolina

Carolina is one of the most competent individuals you will ever meet. She could kill you in under a minute, in 30 different ways, and that's just with her bare hands. The fourth time Sarge tries to recruit her into red team is by inviting her to the monthly dinner club. She shows up empty handed, and when Donut very politely asks what she brought, she replies that it's very interesting that they expected the only woman on the team to go all out with cooking. They move on. Carolina spent 5 hours in the kitchen this afternoon trying to figure out how to use the oven. But they don't need to know that.

9. Tex

Now, listen. Tex can't be called a bad cook, precisely, because that would require she cook for herself or others. Which is something she does not do. That's what Church is for, isn't it?

10. Sarge

Sarge refuses to step foot in a kitchen after the fifth shouting match about how flamethrowers are not a universally recognized kitchen appliance.

11. Church (Epsilon)

One time, while blue team is shooting the wind, Caboose asks Epsilon what his favorite breakfast food is. Instead of calling Caboose a dumbass, as per usual, he instead goes into extensive detail about how he eats computer keys like cereal. Caboose tries it. It isn't very good.

[blood-orange-juice]

What are your favourite kinds of tea and how would you rank them?

(you can't ask me about tea and not get hit with a wall of text. so... enjoy)

I don't really rank teas, I think tea should be picked for the occasion, depending on the season, company, scenery, food pairing (if there's any), the quality and type of water available, etc. There isn't really a single best option.

Also good teas are a lot like wine, it matters a lot who made it and how. A simple variety that is processed with proper care and is fresh will be better than a low-grade or old tea of a fine variety.

That said, if I had to pick favorites...

Wu Yi oolongs. You just can't beat that flavour profile, the mix of flowers, roasted nuts and what they call "cliff melody" (basically Wu Yi mountains terroir). They are complex, versatile (some teas can be ruined by water that's too hard or to soft, with these guys it just draws out a different part of the flavour spectrum) and pair with anything. Proper tea ceremony? Perfect. Something to serve to guests with mild blue cheese and some nuts? Even better, cheese enhances the flower aspects, it's honestly better than any wine pairing. Casual cup that goes together with vegetables roasted with herbs (yes, I sometimes drink tea with my dinner)? Great as well.

My favorites would probably be Wu Yi Shui Xian (daffodil, a bit of dried plum and a bit of gentle smoke), Roi Gui (eglantine and cinnamon, roasted notes, a bit of malt) and Da Hong Pao (this one is tricky, the versions of DHP you can get your hands on without being a government official are all blends, so technically it can mean anything, but most versions keep a lovely balance of smoke, sweetness, currant flowers and metallic notes). Bei Dou if I can find it (bisquit, oak, orchid, smoke, a bit of minerality).

Jin Jun Mei. My autumn favorite, the *prettiest* tea in the universe when done right, with notes of malt, rye bread, and wild strawberies, usually still very good when done wrong (chocolate, rose, physalis plants, orchid...).

Dong Ding oolong, one that I would use for introducing someone to fine teas. Freshly cut grass, wild honey, a touch of caramel and what I can only describe as a feeling of cold wind from a lake. Delicate and ridiculously pretty.

Hei Cha, "true" black teas that are more fermented than even pu-erh. Teas of bordelines dwellers and northern barbarians and I am one, after all. "Korla Pear" Hua Zhuan is my latest favorite. Wood and pear notes, one can't really describe it. Lu Bao if you live in a dry climate and let it sit on a shelf for a couple of years is also very good (wet autumn leaves, ink, charcoal and snowdrop flowers). Don't ever drink it fresh, it's awful and bitter and has a note of rotten vegetables. If you can forget it on a shelf for twenty years it's a transcendent experience and I can't recommend it enough.

Anything white, really. White teas are a very special art. They are pretty much tea herbarium. They are made with next to no processing and mostly are just gently dried in the sun, so you get the purest interpretation of the leaf itself. This leads to... experiments. There are the classics, like Bai Mu Dan with its notes of peony, wormwood and plant milk. There's the experience of drinking teas gathered before Ching Ming (if the year is good), the first tea of the year with its gentle minerality that's a bit like the scent of thawing snow.

There are insane things like letting them age for years like you would shen pu-erhs (Yin Zhen is honestly better in this version, if you ask me), I can't really describe that scent, it's wildflowers and autumn leaves both and something that feels like a mix of wormwood fluff and dried strawberries.

There are leaves that would normally be used for pu-erhs processed as white teas and these tend to have lovely cantaloupe and honey flavour. Honestly, the fun part about white teas is often not just the taste but how punk are the things teamakers do with the leaf and the fact you can taste nuances that would be otherwise overshadowed by the processing technology.

Chinese yellow teas. I actually don't remember names, I used to pick them by scent. Some have a "flowers and ink" scent that is very precious to me.

I think that's about it. I can't choose a single favorite between these.

[chibikyo]

Tease

Rain x Male Reader ficlet This is a short scene between my male oc and rain set during MK1, at the dinner table during the tournament. I've adjusted the OC's name to be Y/N as it is really short and easily can be reader insert. (reader is a half god from earth [not related to liu kang] and is at the feast/tournament with twin sister to sing /perform for the empress; reader and rain have met prior; for the maybe two sentences of relevant plot)

Warnings; slight edging, teasing, nearly handjob, Rain being an asshole

_______________________________________

Y/N bit his lip, unable to focus on anything outside the constant stroke of Zeffeero's hand on his inner thigh. With each stroke the hydromancer's fingers teased ever closer to the slowly growing bulge in Y/N’ pants. Every pass was an empty promise as Y/N felt his cock twitch, aching to be touched, but never being granted that sweet friction. 

He used his wine to stifle a moan, as well as wet his parched throat when Zeffeero's hand skimmed just centimeters away from where Y/N needed him most. He snuck a glance to his right, fighting to keep from blushing, only to find Zeffeero wasn’t even watching him. He was sipping his wine, his focus on Tanya and Mileena quietly conversing beside them, seemingly unaware of the effect his fingers had on the earthrealmer. The man was absolutely insufferable, but Y/N didn’t dare try to wrestle his hand away or make a move to stop him. He knew from experience that the mage would only torment him longer and more relentlessly if he tried.

Y/N didn’t hear anything of Tanya and Mileena conversation, his blood, the small fraction that wasn’t currently rushing south, was pounding in his ears. At the very least, no one seemed to be paying him any mind, but he still had to bite his lip harder to muffle a groan as his cock jerked hard as Zeffeero’s hand brushed ever so slightly along the shaft. The mage sat his glass down and moved to pick up one of the appetizers on his plate. Y/N glanced up again and caught his eye, outraged to see the smug grin on his face as Zeffeero brought the hors d'oeuvre up to his lips.

“These edenian kulfas are delectable, Y/N.” Zeffeero smirked, his fingers never faltering along his thigh, but now he brushed his fingers along his length every couple strokes, relishing the blush growing on Y/N’ pale cheeks. “Try it.” 

Y/N swallowed hard, his eyes focused on the smooth, unblemished skin of Zeffeero’s hand holding the delicacy. He opened his mouth dutifully, praying that everyone was too absorbed in their conversations to glance their way as Zeffeero pressed the kulfa into his mouth, his fingers just barely grazing his lips as he pulled away. It had a strong, pungent taste not unlike cheese and a saltiness of some unidentifiable meat. It was delicious, and Y/N groaned as he swallowed it, but mostly from the agony of Zeffeero’s teasing.

“The empress is right there, Zeff. I have to perform in a few minutes.” Y/N hissed.

“It would be quite embarrassing, facing the Empress, as well as your peers, when you're hard and leaking like this.” Zeffeero grinned, pressing his palm against Y/N’ swollen cock, making Y/N choke in an attempt to cover up a moan. “Do you want me to make you cum?” He murmured. His voice had always been a huge turn on for Y/N; that low growl reverberating along his spine, but for once he tried not to let it affect him.

“You’re insufferable.” Y/N groaned. “A wet spot will be just as humiliating and noticeable.”

“In these layers? I doubt it.” Zeffeero laughed. “Oh well. I guess you’ll just have to wait until later.” A shiver went down Y/N’s spine as Zeffeero squeezed his hand around his aching cock, almost affectionately. Then, just as he worried the mage would simply jerk him off despite his protests, Y/N hissed as Zeffeero’s hand became bitterly cold. Y/N nearly shouted at the sudden shock to his system. He jerked his hips away as Zeffeero pulled back, Y/N’s cock mostly soft again but his nerves still on fire and the frustration of being denied a release burning hot in his veins. Zeffeero didn’t even have the decency to look sorry.

“No need to look so grumpy, Y/N. I’ll be happy to make it up to you later.” Zeffeero smirked. “I’ll make it up to you many times.” His voice dipped even lower, lust making it gruffer and deep and Y/N shivered from anticipation.

[thechekhov]

Dungeon Meshi - Quick Reacts (CHAPTER 14: Kelpie)

You know, I understand why people are annoyed by her attitude towards Senshi’s food and Laios’ tastes, but you gotta admit she’s trying her best. 

this is another one of these things that don’t really come up in games but... thank fuck they have flowing water. That would be a real deal breaker if you want to survive. And they can shave and brush their teeth? It’s a miracle.

To be fair, I think Senshi’s beard is probably its own ecosystem by now. He probably uses it as a scrub brush. 

At least if she does that, you’ll be picking way less dwarf hair out of your food. Come on guys, we know that stuff gets in there when he cooks. 

someone get this woman to design a whole ass game. 

Water walk! Good wizard. 

is Senshi afraid of water?! Dwarves I swear.....

Aww, their first party fight! I’m shocked at how coordinated Laios and Chilchuck are. 

HE’S STILL SINKING, JUST SLOWLY.

HIS BEARD? It repels magic... 😂

Laios, you don’t look as sure as you sound. 

Oh. OH yEAH. There will be NO repercussions for THAT. 

Marcille’s little “Anne.” isn’t even a question. She’s just disappointed. 

Meanwhile, that Kelpie straight up wants the blood and guts soaked into his beard.

Didn’t that thing... walk.... out from UNDER the water though? 

That seems extreme as well, but I’m on this hill with Laios and his distrust of horses. 

I see someone speaks from experience. 

Yeah, I could have maybe seen that coming. 

Though I AM legitimately disappointed by this turn of events.

Horses are horrifying when they’re given dog mouths - confirmed. 

...actually hold on

Horses are horrifying when they’re given dog mouths - confirmed.

Marcille’s been on the protein I see. 

Laios, you are right but also your little pet monster will eat you one day. For no though, the fact that you almost drowned it is adorable. 

Don’t you though? I imagine if anyone understands how monsters think, it would be you, Laios. 

It’s true that he loved her. It’s also true that letting her rot without using her would be a waste. In a way, she will carry them further this way. 

oooh, is she making soap? 

There’s something about the idea of using things you have at your disposal that makes this really cool. The fact that everything they’re making, aside from very special ingredients like olive oil, are all scavenged and created with their own hand is... I don’t know... heartwarming? 

THEY’RE!!!! BONDING!!!!

Weirdly heartwarming.

Maybe just let it air dry--

whEEZE---- I CAN’T--

There he goes............the magnificent beast............

GROUP HUG! aww

.......................... coding, man. No matter what century, that one typo will get ya.

The real BBEG was the lack of unions all along...............

YOU ASKED FIRST, YOU DINGUS. 😂

All that said, Laios doesn’t strike me as someone interested in romance. 

this is just a magical hermit crab.

NOOO HE JUST WANTED TO VIBE

You guys could probably make a fortune as dungeon delvers if you weren’t after Falin.

Who knows if souls exist? Haven’t you all died multiple times?

............Well, they do have skin and a squishy inside, and they grow..... checks out.

........you know what? I’ll take it. Wine? Necromancy. Cheese? Necromancy. Natto? DEFINITELY necromancy. 

Marcille doesn’t drink?

...........is this doodle-bob all over again? 

Senshi, who nearby died by Kelpie: WHY DON’T THEY WANT MY LIVER? IT’S GOOD FOR THEM!

.....................like respects like. These two are on the same frequency. 

If we’re being nitpicky about it, Anne never actually bit Senshi. She went after the Mimic. Maybe she just got tired because he was fucking heavy........ 

Horses, man. 

[puffpasstea]

Summary: A little fluffy, smutty one shot of Harry and his love re-connecting after a hard week.

Warnings: fluff, smut

--

Harry rested his head against the steering wheel of his parked car, exhaling loudly. His eyes fluttered shut in the darkness of the vehicle, only illuminated by the reflections of street lights around him. This was his first moment of peace and quiet all week. His work schedule had been hectic lately. Between meetings with his agents, lawyers, creative directors, his label. And trying to find a good chunk of time where he could actually get into the studio with his producers, he’d been left with very little down time. He found this part of his work life especially draining. Because it wasn’t about actually making music or performing it. It was just all the logistical, bureaucratic stuff that went behind the scenes. He knew it was still important but just not as rewarding.

He picked his head up off the steering wheel and reached into his pocket for his phone. It had occurred to him that he hadn’t spoken to his girlfriend all day. He suddenly missed her terribly.

“Hi babe.”

Harry felt his body instantly relax as soon as he heard her voice on the other end of the line. “Miss you,” was all he said.

“I know, Harry. I miss you too. I can’t wait to come home and crawl into bed with you after the day I’ve had.” Harry wasted no time in putting the phone on speaker and starting his car.

“You’re on your way home, still?” He asked, speeding off homeward.

Through rambling on about their days to each other, Harry learned that she’d had an equally busy day. He’d already been feeling quite guilty over how little time he’d had to spend with her lately. They hadn’t been on a real date or spent any quality time with each other in what felt like ages, but his guilt and his protective side kicked into high gear as he listened to her describe the rough day she’d had. He wanted to make her feel better, but he had hardly any will or energy left in him, so he figured ordering takeout and going to bed early will have to do for tonight.

His lungs filled with the smell of pasta on the stove top as soon as he walked through the door. The love of his life was already in her shorts and tank top, an apron wrapped around her body as she dipped a spoon into the sauce to sample a taste.

“When did you have time?” Harry’s voice startled her out of the lull she’d been in.

“You’re home!” setting down her spatula, she ran to kiss his cheek.

“Babe, you don’t have to do all this. I was just gonna order us some Thai food or something…”

“I know, but we haven’t had a sit-down meal together in forever. Besides, pasta is, like, super quick and simple.” Pasta was her top specialty. She absolutely loved experimenting with different cheese and sauce pairings.

Harry’s heart swelled when he caught a whiff of her scent, mixed with the smell of garlic as she stood on her tiptoes to hug him. It made all the work stress worth it.

“Well, let me just get out of these clothes and I’ll help set the table.”

“Table’s all set, Harry. You just relax, okay? Food will be ready in a few.”

***

Though their dinner was hardly anything impressive, Harry had decided to open a bottle of wine for them to enjoy, and they naturally fell into date-mode. Neither of them checked their phones, devoting their attention entirely towards one another, softly touching hands, flirting, smiling, and simply enjoying one another's company.

Harry packed the leftovers into the fridge while she did the dishes, and when he took out the trash, he returned to find that she’d laid out a mini-ice cream bar. 

“So, what would you like?”  she nodded towards their bowls along with the options of toppings and whipped cream that she’d put together.

They took their ice cream concoctions into the living room, crashing on the couch while half-watching a netflix show.

A couple of hours later, both of their bodies heavy with sleep, they decided to finally end the night and go up to their bedroom. By the time they’d finished getting ready for bed, brushing their teeth, and getting under the covers, neither of them felt sleepy anymore. Instead, it was that tired but alert feeling when your inhibitions are down and you’re in a careless mood. They spent the night gossiping about their work friends and laughing too hard at inside jokes that felt exponentially more hilarious only because they were both exhausted and sleep deprived. When the giggling and rambling had died down, a comfortable, sort of contended, silence fell over the room. 

Harry lowered his pillow, laying on his side and looking up at his girlfriend who was still sitting up against the headboard. “Thank you.” He smiled, sleepily, up at her. “For being here. For tonight. Just…everything.”

Her response was to blush, slightly, then lean over and press her lips to his passionately.

“Missed you so much, Harry.” she mumbled against his lips, her breath warm against his skin.

His hands peered from under the covers to wrap around her sides when she went back to kissing him. Their lips remained close together, eventually, she moved to straddle his body with hers so she was hovering over him with their limbs intertwined. 

The more she kissed him, the more Harry felt the bulge in his pants grow and start to twitch. What started out as a warmth in his body and a flutter in his stomach was now an ache. He winced slightly if she moved too quick or too harshly on top of him. Soon enough, she noticed him hard against her crotch, and pulled away smiling at him seductively. “What do we have here…?” she giggled. 

“B-babe, stop.” He jumped as she ran her hand over his clothed cock. He was slightly embarrassed, but more importantly, he missed the feeling of her lips on his so she leaned over to try and get it back.

 She obliged for a moment, but then began to gradually kiss down his body. From his face, to the crook of his neck, his shoulder blade, and then down his chest; Harry was now panting and moaning, fighting the urge to buck his hips. 

“Love the sounds you make, Harry.” she whispered, looking up at him over her lashes. He couldn’t help but think that the sight of her glued to his body like this was enough to make him cum. 

As if reading his mind, she hooked her fingers into the boxers he’d worn to bed and pulled them down, revealing his hard cock. She carefully wrapped her warm hand around his base, Harry’s entire body responded instantly, his breath getting caught in his throat, he hissed.

“F-fuck, babe.” Harry swallowed, attempting to breathe, but she made that impossible when she began to move her hand around his length “shiiiittt.” he huffed out, his hips thrusting into her hand. 

Keeping her hand around him, she reached over and wrapped her lips around his  sensitive tip, effectively rendering Harry a moaning mess.

“B-babe, I- I…fuck! It’s- been a while.” He was afraid he was just about ready to burst any second. “Not gonna l-la-last.”

She pulled away for a split second, drool making her lips glisten. “‘S okay. Go ahead and cum, Harry. Don’t have to wait.”

Not long after her lips returned to his cock, he could no longer keep it together, he let release wash over him, his entire body trembling and she continued to pump and suck him through it all. 

They were both completely still as Harry came down from his peak, the only sound in the room being his deep breathing. Quietly, she reached over to her nightstand and grabbed a wipe to clean him up while he ran his fingers through her hair and caressed her cheek in a gesture she understood as gratitude. Pulling his boxers back over him, she settled back in her rightful spot beside him, grabbing his body so he could rest his head on his chest. His eyes were droopy and heavy with sleep and release. Harry listened to the sound of her heart beating in her chest as he drifted off to sleep.

[calaisreno]

Oenology

Drunk discussion, a Mitch Hedberg joke, and the Science of Seduction.

When Sherlock solves the case of the winery, the owner, as promised, sends them a case of very nice wine. Naturally, they have to open a bottle and try it. And another to compare. And a third to consolidate their findings.

“Is this cooking wine?” John takes another swallow and squints into his glass. “For dinner I was going to make that thing.”

Sherlock opens his eyes. “The thing with the peas?”

“No. It has chicken and… you know… things. Parsnips. Or carrots. Vegetable things. And you cook it in wine.”

“Red or white?”

“I dunno. White, I guess. Isn’t chicken white?”

“This is pink,” says Sherlock, clinking his glass against John’s. “Cheers. I don’t gen-er-ally like rosé, but this is… quite de-lect-able.” He’s pronouncing words carefully, he notices, because his lips are not fully cooperating. Speech is such a complicated thing.

“Green,” says John. “Those green grapes. Why isn’t there green wine?”

“Good question. No clue.”

“Should be. For holidays.”

“Not a vivid green, though,” says Sherlock. “Like ab-snith…absence… absinthe. Absinthe.” He says the word several times to make sure it’s right. Not an easy word. “Absinthe. I had it once.”

“How was it?”

“Disappointing. Could hardly taste the wormwood.”

“Wormwood.” John frowns. “That a mushroom?”

“Plant. Ornamental. Toxic, kinda.”

“Sounds dangerous.”

“Not very. Only one documented case. Idiot.”

“Idiot yourself.” John giggles. “Only you would know that.”

They’ll have to go to the shops if they want to make the chicken thing, with the vegetable things, and that sounds like too much effort. They open a packet of flatbread and slice some of the cheddar that isn’t hosting a mould experiment. Sherlock finds a bunch of grapes that are not very shrivelled.

John grabs the cheese and flatbread and another bottle of the wine, and moves the feast into the sitting room. Sherlock follows with the grapes and a packet of biscuits. John lights a candle and they sit on the floor, like a picnic.

It’s almost romantic, Sherlock thinks. “Almost romantic,” he says. “Did I say that out loud?” He pops a grape into his mouth.

John giggles. “You have to wait.”

He chews the grape. “Wha’ for?”

“Th’ grape,” John says. “It’s a grape.”

“I’m aware,” he replies.

“Still a grape. Not wine yet. You gotta wait.” He giggles again.

“Okay, I’m waiting.” He’s not sure, but maybe John has just told a joke. Interesting. “What does it mean?”

“Yer a wino,” John says. “Don’t eat the grapes. Gotta wait for the grapes to turn into wine.”

“We have plenty of wine, John. And grapes— I s’pose we’d have to ferment them. What we need is— Saccharomyces cerevisiae.” He’s not sure how he’s managed to pull these syllables out of his brain, but there they are. It’s like a magic trick, only the magician is completely pissed.

John snorts. “Just a joke. And now you’re doing that thing.”

“What thing? I’m not even wearing my coat. Or collar. What thing am I doing?”

“That thing. Where you seduce me with science.”

“Science,” he repeats. “My dear doctor, se-duc-tion ought to be an exact science, but I can see that you have once again attempted to tinge it with—“ He draws a breath, not sure where his sentence is going.

“Come here, you romantic seductor… deductor... deducer…,” John says, grabbing his dressing gown. “I deduce that you are seducing me.”

The kiss is sloppy, and tastes a bit like wine, but it’s the best thing Sherlock has ever imbibed.

“You’ve biased my judgment, doctor,” he says.

“About time.” John presses a grape to Sherlock’s lips. “I wasn’t ‘bout to wait any longer.”

The Mitch Hedberg joke: "I saw this wino, he was eating grapes. I was like, 'Dude, you have to wait.'" Maybe you had to be there.

Originally posted in Trifles, Chapter 10.