#creating the perfect charcuterie board

[nightshadenookdecor]

Mastering the Art of Wine and Charcuterie Pairing

The Basics of Wine and Charcuterie Pairing Pairing wine with charcuterie is an art form that elevates simple gatherings to memorable occasions. The key to a successful pairing lies in balancing flavors, where the richness of the meats and the variety of cheeses on the charcuterie board complement the wine’s body, acidity, and sweetness. Understanding this balance will transform your dining…

[targaryenmarvel]

A Stark Legacy (1)

Wanda Maximoff x Stark!Reader

Summary: The life of a Stark is tumultuous, especially when you are the only daughter of the technology magnates. You find yourself at a crossroads, struggling to meet your father's towering expectations while also pursuing your desires. This turning point is marked by the arrival of a certain green-eyed girl, a meeting that not only disrupts your world but also sets your heart on fire. Will you finally follow your heart or conform to your father's expectations?

Warnings: Language

Word count: 2,333

The unmistakable aroma of salt invaded the air as the gentle summer breeze carried the scent from the ocean. The gentle scent filled your lungs and reinvigorated your body as you took in the picturesque image before you. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the once-deep blue water began to take on new hues. The sky slowly turned from a bright blue to a deep purple, mingled with red, orange, and pink shades, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Despite the roar of the waves, your senses are overpowered by the cheerful and lively chatter of the people around you as they roam in the spacious and meticulously decorated backyard.

Tables littered the well-maintained lawn, some with guests and others with foods ranging from fruits with chocolate-covered pretzels to charcuterie boards and sushi—anything you could desire. Not far away stood a cocktail bar with an impressive champagne tower. While the sun was out, there was no need for any lighting, but as it gave way to darkness, string lights hung all through the yard, taking over the task and creating an almost rivaling image of the sunset ocean.

An atmosphere not uncommon for you as the daughter of technology magnates Howard and Maria Stark. There, amongst the crowd, you could see your father engaged in an animated discussion with an investor. You rolled your eyes. Only your father would discuss business at your birthday party. It was a miracle he had even come, considering work outweighed his priorities as a father. His rare appearance at your celebration had resulted from your mother's persistence or, more so, threats of leaving her share of the company in Tony's control. Although you typically didn't mind his absence after years of disappointment, you were grateful for your mother's actions, knowing he needed to be there for what you had planned. 

Tonight, you would give him what he wanted and make him proud despite his faults as a father. Let him be the family man he so often played in front of the cameras—the picture-perfect family portrayed on magazine covers that photographers frequently complimented.

In reality, your family was anything but loving, specifically your father.  In the solidarity of your home, your father rarely showed affection, and when he did, it was always towards your mother. He only seemed to have harsh words and expectations for your brother and you. Though you had always resented your father's behavior, your mother and brother, Tony, compensated for his lack of love. 

Then there was your saving grace, your childhood best friend, James Buchanan Barnes. He was the son of your father's business partner and his mother, an associate in your mother's charity organization. So it wasn't surprising that you became best friends, attending the same boring gatherings your parents hosted and causing mayhem until your fathers scolded you.

Twenty years later, he remained by your side. His usual crazy brown hair was slicked back, and two of the buttons of his white shirt were left undone. The outfit was paired with black slacks, loafers, and a Rolex on his wrist. His blue eyes crinkled in joy as your gaze crossed, and he clutched your hand tighter while motioning with his chin at your father.

Across the room, your father moved to sit with your mother and brother. Perfect, you thought. You gave Bucky a final smile before you pulled away to join your family, and he made his way to the live band stage.

Your brother was the first to notice your presence as he set down his whisky drink.

"There she is," Tony exclaimed, inebriated. Your father clenched his jaw, throwing daggers at your brother with his gaze. "Are you enjoying yourself, birthday girl?"

"Damit, Anthony. Can you behave yourself for once?" he asked through clenched teeth, giving a false smile as someone passed by. "You are no longer a teenager. You are a man. Now act like one before I make you."

Tony scoffed, ready to retaliate, but your mother quickly intervened. She rubbed your father's arm, willing him to calm down.

"Honey, please. We are celebrating our daughter. Let us not taint this moment with petty squabbles. Our daughter deserves better. Besides, we all know how this will end if it continues," she said, alluding to countless screaming matches between the two. Your father huffed but said nothing else. "Tony, please. For your sister," she continued with your brother, who still looked ready to pounce.

Tony deflated, eyes softening as he looked at you before he nodded. "Enjoying the party, peanut," he asked again, using your childhood nickname.

You rolled your eyes and smiled. "Yeah, it's been amazing. Thank you both for tonight."

"Oh, sweetheart, don't thank us. You deserve it, and if anything, it's James you should thank," your mother responded.

"I'll make sure to do that."

"Where is James?" your father asked, looking around frowning. "George and I need to speak with him about the project. Where is he?"

On cue, Bucky appeared. A high-pitched ring filled the air, cutting through the music as he held a microphone. Bucky laughed nervously, raising a hand to the crowd. "Sorry, everyone. The music will be back, I promise. I want to take a moment to toast in honor of Y/N's birthday." He motioned for a server to bring him a glass of champagne.

"As most of you know, Y/N and I have known eachother since before we could walk. She is my person, my rock during the most harrowing moments when I questioned my existence—teenagers, so dramatic, am I right?" Chuckles rang through the room at Bucky's words. "Anyways, I am trying to say that I am incredibly grateful for your existence, friendship, and, most importantly, for the last two years as partners. I can only hope you feel the same way because if you don't, this will be extremely awkward," Bucky kneeled as his hand reached into his pocket, pinching a diamond-encrusted ring. Gasps ranged throughout the air. Through blurry eyes, you could see your mother clutching at her chest, and your father's usually stoic face merged into surprise; your brother, for once, remained without reaction. Though you did dwell on the fact as you stood from your seat, you slowly made your way through the crowd towards Bucky.

"The last two years have been the most exhilarating and unforgettable of my life. Every day with you has been an adventure filled with laughter, love, and endless joy. You are beautiful both inside and out, intelligent, and breathtaking. Your kindness, strength, and warmth have touched my heart in ways I never thought possible. You are the love of my life. Nothing would make me happier than to continue creating a life—a family by your side. Y/N, will you marry me?"

Tears rolled down your face as the moments with the man kneeling in front of you raced through your mind, and you knew that there was no better man to spend your life with than James Barnes. 

"Yes," you muttered in a broken whisper.

The crow erupted into applause as Bucky slid the ring onto your finger and placed a chaste kiss on your lips. Your mother, father, and Bucky's parents were the first to reach you. 

Your mother enveloped you in comforting arms. "Oh darling, congratulations!" You could see the glimmer in her eyes as she held back tears of joy.

Your father came next, seeming very pleased by the events. "Congratulations, darling. You've made a fantastic choice of a husband with James here." He patted Bucky's arm. "Good for business too, don't you think, George?" 

"Certainly, we can work something out." You would have rolled your eyes at the two men, but all you did was share a look of annoyance with your now-fiancee, which was then broken as his father held you both by the shoulder with a grin plastered on his face. "Oh, son, you've won the lottery with Y/N. She'll be an exceptional wife and mother."

"Thank you, Mr. Barnes." You said tight-lipped, knowing he expected you to leave your job at Stark Industries to be a housewife like Minnifred. He was much like your father, except misogynistic. You were glad Bucky's mom was a saint and taught him proper manners. 

After your parents left, many of the guests approached you with their congratulations, telling you how they had seen it coming since you were children. 

Tony was one of the last to approach you two. He pulled you away from Bucky. "Hey, Peanut." He hugged you by the shoulders, kissing your forehead, completely ignoring your fiancé, to which you scolded with a quirked brow. He sighed dejectedly, finally acknowledging Bucky, "Barnes."

"Hey, Tony," Bucky greeted, amused at your brother's jealous behavior. 

While Tony had never had a problem with Bucky, his attitude towards the man changed once you began dating. You just assumed it was part of his protective brother's responsibilities. 

"Can I talk to you for a moment alone?" His eyes shifted to Bucky. 

Your fiancé looked back. "Of course. See you later, babe."

You watched him walk away, only turning to give Tony a sharp, expectant look.

Tony scoffed, running a hand down his face in exasperation. "Y/N, don't you think you're taking this too far?

"What do you mean?" You frowned, crossing your arms.

He clenched his jaw. "I know that bearing with Dad's expectations isn't easy. I know it's better to comply than get the short end of the stick, but that doesn't mean you need to throw your life away to please him Y/N. So please, Y/N, don't marry a man you don't love."

"I love him," you said calmly.

"Are you in love with him?"

You scoffed, fingers running through your hair, a nervous habit. "Tony, please. Stop. I am marrying Bucky, and nothing you can say or do will make me change my mind. For the sake of our relationship, I am asking you to stop with this nonsense, okay?"

You left without hearing his reply and rejoined your fiancé with a group of acquaintances—the children of other investors in Stark Industries. They all congratulated you, hugging you joyfully, but you could see the envy in their eyes. Once upon a time, you considered them your friends until you had heard them badmouthing you behind your back. Then you started to notice the fake laughs and smiles or how their compliment was always backhanded somehow.

"I am so happy for you," they said in high-pitched voices, but all you could hear was, "That should be me. I should be the daughter of a billionaire. I should be marrying the heir to the Barnes estate."

You could only return the same energy, giving them fake smiles and false friendship. Bucky tightened his arm around your waist, kissing your forehead in reassurance. You remained to chat with the group until your mother ushered you away and pulled you to the women of her charity group.

It wasn't until the end of the party that you could finally have a moment alone with Bucky. Most of the guests had left, and others took residence in the many guest rooms in the mansion.

You walked hand in hand with your fiancé, making a beeline to your bedroom. Silence filled the room as you closed the door, holding Bucky's gaze unblinking. You could feel your lips twitch, so you bit your lip, attempting to restrain yourself, but it was in vain as you doubled over, exploding in laughter. Bucky followed suit, chuckling as he moved to the king-sized bed.

You took a deep breath, wiping the tears from your eyes. You are unsure if they resulted from your laughter or something else, but you prefer not to dwell on the matter. "God, that was something," you said, looking around the room from your teenage years. Remnants of the age lingered in the form of polaroids with your so-called friends, posters, and stuffed animals. All left untouched since the last time you visited the vacation home.

"Mhm, did you see their faces? My speech had them swooning, and you know what? I wrote it last night before bed," he confessed, ruffling his hair.

You scoffed, playfully glancing out the giant glass window overlooking the ocean, "Oh, I deserve more than minimal effort."

"Y/N, you cried," he deadpanned, sprawling across the bed. You rolled your eyes, pushing away from the door and joining him on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

"So this is happening, huh? We are engaged," you mused to yourself, finally grasping the gravity of the situation. Although you were sure of your decision, your stomach still dropped at the turn your life was taking—Tony's voice nagging at the back of your mind.

"What will we do when they ask us for grandchildren?" Bucky asked lowly in a similar state.

"I'm not sleeping with you." You frowned, disturbed by the idea.

"I'm not sleeping with you either," Bucky retorted, equally aggravated. "Look, I am grateful for what you are doing for me. I am, but I refuse to continue if you're not comfortable. It's not too late. We can call it off, and fuck, what anyone says. My father and the inheritance are nothing compared to your friendship, Y/N."

You turned on your side, mirroring his position as you propped your head on your elbow.

"We already discussed this, Bucky. I tried finding someone to love, but everyone I've met only sees me as Stark, an endless money fountain. Not a person. They don't love me for me," you said, your voice wavering as tears prickled in your eyes. You took his hand. "This isn't a sacrifice for me, Buck. I can't think of anyone else I would love to spend the rest of my life with. And I know we will face many obstacles, but we'll figure it out. We always do." You knew the road to follow wouldn't be easy, but you were prepared to face the obstacles with him by your side.

A/N: Hey everyone, how is everyone feeling about the first chapter? R and Bucky's relationship? In the next chapter, expect Wanda content!

[kingofbodyrolls]

BTS fic recs: October 2023

I want to thank each and every writer on this list for creating such wonderful stories and art - you are truly amazing ✨ All the fics on this list hold a dear place in my heart 🥹

❗Most of these fics are smutty as hell, so minors dni.❗ 

If you read anything on this list and you like it, please leave a comment to the writer or reblog the original fic’s post to let them know that they're appreciated 💜 And if you want more fic recs you can follow me to stay updated 🙂

BTS fic rec index → May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep (jjk)(knj) | 💜 (pjm) | Nov (*) | Dec (ksj)(kth) |

Emoji meaning → angst = 🌩️, smut = 🥵, fluff = 🥰, comedy = 😂, yandere = 😈, thriller/dark = 👻, personal favorites = 💯.

Namjoon

⭐Drunk in Love by @joon4eva // knj x f.reader // bf2l // 🥰

📝 You and whiskey are never a good combination. or: you've been in love with your best friend for years and you might tell him about it while drunk.

🗨️ Just really cute and fluffy 🥰 🥺💖

Seokjin

⭐Sleepover by @peachypinkygloss // ksj x f.reader x pjm // bestfriends!au, threesome // 🥵

📝 You spend a night with your two best friends at their dorm room. You should have known that they wanted to do more than just watching movies.

🗨️ Omg this was so good, the smut 😘🥵

Yoongi

⭐Oh, darling! [series; completed] 💯 by @yoongiofmine // myg x f.reader // university!au, non idol au, professor!yoongi, student!reader // 🥰🌩️🥵

📝 Starting your second semester at one of South Korea’s most prestigious universities should be stressful enough. Between juggling classes, good grades and a social life, your plate was full. Hoping to spice up your academic career, you thought it was a good idea to enroll as an assistant for your literature professor, whom you’ve held a very secret and very forbidden crush on for the past several months. What will happen now that you’re forced to work closely together? And what if your crush isn’t as one sided as you thought? 

🗨️ Holy fucking shit 🥵🫣😳 This is just one of my favorites series, EVER 💜 This is in my top 10, no questions! ✨

⭐Mami by @kithtaehyung // myg x f.reader, knj x f.reader, jhs x f.reader // roommates!au, battle rap!au // 🥵

📝 You somehow have a conversation with Yoongi, and you tell your roommate about a date date.

🗨️ So, so good 🥵 really looking forward to more of this series 🥵 🫣

⭐Damn the Charcuterie Board 💯 by @bratkook // myg x f.reader x pjm // bestfriends!au, threesome // 🥵

📝 This doesn’t have a summary, so here goes mine; reader has has a sling of unfulfilling sexual times, and in the company of her best friends, she thinks about a video she watched recently. Could they give her what she needed?

🗨️ This has been on my reading list for so freaking long! 🥹 And now I finally got to read it, and damn, it is one of the best, filthiest fics out there. So, so good! 💯🥵

⭐Cotton Candy Computer (1) [series; discontinued] 💯 by @softyoongiionly // myg x f.reader // hacker!au // 🥵🌩️

📝 Min Yoongi is the top hacker in the world. He has put away countless other cyber criminals all whilst evading detection by virtually everyone he has ever crossed paths with, including the government. The diabolical super hacker that came close to tracking him down is now serving a 10 year prison sentence, all thanks to Yoongi’s handiwork. So what happens when the sentence is shortened unexpectedly? What happens when the biggest threat to public safety is roaming the streets again, determined to get revenge on the man who put him away? What happens when the worlds most infamous hacker just so happens to manage your local Mikrokosmic Electronics? A terabyte of trouble.

🗨️ Shit this was incredibly good!!!! Why isn’t it finished? 😭 I don’t usually read unfinished or discontinued series, but the summary really had me and I just had to read it – and now I’m hooked and I want more of this sexy hot hacker Yoongi! 😭 The story was also just so well written and the chemistry between reader and oc was so fucking perfect, and don’t get me started on the smut, like ugh 🥵 Gosh, I’m so sad there aren’t more parts to it (like the author planned four parts). But it’s so so good, and the cliffhanger isn’t horrible (in terms of wanting to read the next chapter). It can definitely be read as a one shot, I just really, really wished there was more, because, fuck, it was perfect! 💯💜✨

⭐Three Tangerines [series; ongoing] 💯 by @kithtaehyung // myg x f.reader // fuckboy!yoongi, brother’s best friend!au, age gap!au // 🌩️🥵

📝 Throughout high school, you sometimes caught glimpses of your brother’s older friends: some of them were sweet, some of them were smart. but the one closest to him? that guy was a total f*ckboy from day one. after a foray of horrid relationships spanning years - ending with one that broke up with you for an alarming reason - you needed advice on what the hell you were doing wrong… and this wasn’t a conversation for anyone sweet or smart.

🗨️ Holy fucking shit, I know I’m late to the party (I see it’s still going too! 🎉), but goddamn that was one of the best fanfictions I’ve ever read 💖😭 I am deeply in love with 3tan – I read all that was available in a few days and nights, because I was so freaking hooked (and still am! No, I’m not dreaming about 3tan Yoongi 😇). Damn. I have been missing out, alright! Shit, the writing; excellent, characters; excellent, world building/story progression; excellent - like perfection 👏🏾 💎 💯 If you have not read it yet, do so now, like right now! I still can’t stop thinking about this and I’m already thinking about rereading it because it’s just that good. It’s definitely in my top 10 or even in my top 5 of my favorites! 🥇✨

Hoseok

⭐Helping Hands by @m-yg93 // jhs x f.reader // f2l // 🥵

📝 Between your boyfriend getting into bed with another girl and finals taking all your time a cold rift has emerged between the usually warm movie nights with your best friend. Thankfully exams are over and Hoseok is back on your couch where he belongs. When some shit talking gets a little too close to home and Hoseok finds out you’ve never even had an orgasm he decides to take things into his own hands, and yours. 

🗨️ This was so hot, like what 😳🥵 also a bit funny, but mostly smutty 🤭

Jimin

⭐Desperate by @ressjeon // pjm x f.reader // model!Jimin, pa!reader // 🥵

📝 Being Jimin's assistant made you immune from his flirty tactics, but somehow you find it hard to resist him when he unusually becomes desperate.

🗨️ Omg this was so hot, I don’t have much to say about it, expect that 😳🥵

⭐Only You by @jiminniethemarshmallow // pjm x f.reader // established relationship // 🥵🥰🌩️

📝 After another woman kisses Jimin, he tries to convince you that he’s faithful with make-up sex.

🗨️ This was both hot and sweet! I really like how Jimin was doing his best to reassure OC, even though he did nothing wrong 🥹🥰

⭐Flirt 💯 by @chateautae // pjm x f.reader // college!au, sexual tension, pwp // 🥵

📝 Park jimin is a notorious flirt, but so are you. when you both meet at a party after weeks of back and forth, it’s a matter of time before somebody gives in.

🗨️ Okay, this is insanely hot - the smut 🤌🏾😘 a really fucking great pwp with a good amount of sexual tension and dirty talk 💜💯

⭐Vanilla 💯 by @aexthetic-suga // pjm x f.reader // pwp, dominate!Jimin, idol!au // 🥵

📝 Jimin is a busy guy. The idol life is not an easy one. With you missing him for three months due to his schedule, all you wanted was to spend his first night back with him. When that doesn’t go to plan, you end up spewing shit about your sex life with Jimin – or better yet, your lack of one.

🗨️ Excuse me, Park Jimin 🥵😳 this was incredible hot! And that gif! 🥵 A really great pwp 💯🌸

Taehyung

⭐One of the Boys 💯 by @littlemisskookie // kth x f.reader // childhoodfriends!au, slice of life, bestfriends!au, neighbors!au, high school!au // 🌩️🥵🥰

📝 All your life you wanted only one thing- for Kim Taehyung to like you. You did everything you could to make this happen, from picking up his hobbies and rejecting anything feminine. But who do you start to become when you stop trying to impress him?

🗨️ Woaw! This was so incredibly good, it’s almost hard to describe, but I’ll try: it does a brilliant job at setting the story up, following oc and Taehyung since childhood, and how their friendship develops over time (and their feelings). It’s really cute and funny and with great smut at the end. Overall a brilliantly good read 💯

⭐Baby, Oh Baby 💯 by @jungkookiebus // kth x f.reader // established relationship, noneidol!au // 🥵🥰

📝 Taehyung and you have been trying for months to get pregnant; you’ve tried crazy diets, stuck to your calendar, got him to diet, but it’s all been for nothing. No matter how healthy your doctor says you are, you can’t conceive. Taehyung tries everything within his power to show you that everything is going to be okay and for one night he makes you forget all about the calendars, schedules, and all the crazy things that came with you trying to have a baby. 

🗨️ This was just really cute and loving 🥹The smut was also just ❤️‍🔥💯

⭐Baby Maker by @kookslastbutton // kth x f.reader // marriage!au // 🥵🥰

📝 You're pissed at your husband for being late to your weekly baby-making sessions.

🗨️ Aish, the smut in this 🔥Also all the dirty talk really had me going 🥵

⭐Til Death Do Us Part by @kookslastbutton // kth x f.reader // marriage!au // 🥵🥰🌩️

📝 Thinking it be a romantic gesture, Taehyung tosses your GPS out the car window while honeymooning in Italy. Too bad it gets you both stranded in the middle of nowhere though. What the hell are you gonna do now?

🗨️ This was just so funny to me 😂 Like Tae really threw the GPS out and was like ‘fuck it’! Pleasant and blushing read 🤭

Jungkook

⭐When the End Comes [series; completed] 💯 by @oddinary4bts // jjk x f.reader // breakup!au, slice of life!au, photographer!Jungkook x lawyer!reader // 🌩️🌩️🌩️🥵

📝 Seven years after you've started dating Jungkook, long distance creates a wedge in your relationship. When the only solution seems to be breaking up, you go your separate ways even though love still lives in the two of you. Will you find a way back together, or has the end come for you and Jeon Jungkook?

🗨️ This is a sequel to ‘The Forgotten Spaces’, which was just *chef’s kiss* 😘 The series is completed now – and afsfdfdsfg it was just so damn beautiful and the ending!!! It was definitely worth all my tears 🥹💜

⭐Love à Trois [series; ongoing] by @letjungcoook7 // jjk x f.reader x pjm // slice of life, f2l+s2l, roommates!au, college!au, love triangle // 🥵🌩️

📝 You and Jimin secretly have feelings for each other, you both realize your dream of studying at the same college and sharing an apartment, but when financial issues start to arise, you have to seek a third roommate. and guess who fate sends your way? Jungkook, the same guy who took your virginity back in high school.

🗨️ This is really good! There’s two chapters up already (I still need to read ch 2) and the first was so good. It’s so interesting to see the love triangle unfold. Really enjoyed this 🌸

⭐Burnout (1)(2)(3) [series; ongoing] by @aikastales // jjk x f.reader // college!au, fake dating!au // 🌩️🌩️🌩️😈

📝 After his ex-girlfriend broke up with him, jungkook enlists your help by asking and paying you to fake date him. accepting the offer, you get more than what you bargained for when jungkook starts showing his true intentions.

🗨️ This series was my first time reading yandere – and I am hooked, it’s so intriguing and disturbing at the same time, I really can’t wait to see how this story unfolds. It’s really, really good 👏

⭐Fragment of the Past (1)(2) [series; ongoing] by @ctrlsht // jjk x f.reader // patient!jk x psychiatrist!reader // 🌩️😈👻

📝 You are a well-known and respected psychiatrist and author. You start treating Jungkook, who suffers from PTSD after surviving an extremely traumatic incident. As you help him confront his traumatic past, he begins to act strangely, and you start uncovering something about him that will change everything.

🗨️ Another first for me, with the thriller vibes and damn it delivers on that! It’s really, really good 👏 Pacing is really good and how we see more and more of Jungkook’s disturbing traits is just brilliant ✨ 

⭐Mentally Physically Weak by @arainbowofchaos // jjk x f.reader // established relationship // 🥵

📝 Jungkook is waiting for you outside your workplace, a cigarette in his mouth, and you can hardly believe your luck. Above all, you're acutely aware of how weak you are for him, and you want to savor this moment as if it were the last.

🗨️ Almost equally smutty as it is sweet 🥺🥰 a really good read, and I really loved how JK was portrayed and how sweet he was with the OC 💖

Wow, October went really fast! I have now moved and I’ve gotten more time to both read and write again. And now it’s already November (also my birth month 🥳 and I might or might not have a surprise for you on my birthday!).

Borahae 💜

[hearts-hunger]

josh's song || josh kiszka x reader

Read on AO3 | Cabin Fever Masterlist | Full Masterlist

Summary: The Cabin Fever gang celebrates Josh's birthday. || Standalone in the Cabin Fever universe

Pairings: Josh Kiszka x Wife!Reader, Jake x Sparrow, Sam x Danny | Genres: pure fluff | Word Count: 3.6k | Warnings: none!

A/N: This fic was inspired by the pictures of Josh's birthday picnic - of course I had to have a little celebration with the Cabin Fever gang ♡

“Sam!” You smacked his hand away from the perfectly constructed charcuterie board in the middle of the table. “Don’t you dare!”

“Ow, what?” He withdrew his hand and pouted at you. “Josh won’t notice if one cracker is out of place, will he?”

“Now, Sam,” Jake scolded. “Don’t drive her any more crazy than she already is about this.” He tried to hand you a drink. “Here.”

“Not yet,” you said, knowing you were being a little high-strung about this party but desperately wanting everything to be perfect. This would be Josh’s first birthday as a married man, and though you knew it probably didn’t make a difference to him, nor to any of your friends gathered in your backyard for his party, it mattered to you.

Unfortunately, you were also taking your anxiety out on your friends, and you were thankful for how they were bearing with you.

“Okay, maybe just a little bit,” you conceded, taking the drink from Jake. He smirked when you spluttered a little.

“Jeez, Jake,” you managed. “How much tequila is in this, anyway?”

“Enough to chill your ass out, honey,” he said. He waved it away when you tried to hand it back to you. “No, no. You need it more than I do.”

Sam left the food alone and came to your side.

“It’s gonna be great, kiddo,” he said with an encouraging smile. “You could have given Josh a lunchable on a beach towel and he would still think it’s the best birthday ever. He’s gonna freak out when he sees all this.”

“Are you sure?” you asked, still a little doubtful. You looked over the spread of artfully mismatched rugs, pillows, futons, and little tables decorated with candles, incense, flowers, and crystals from the vast collection you and Josh shared. Everything was under a clear tent that let the sun shine through; when the sun set, the fairy lights strung across it would give the party a cosy glow. Jake had personally overseen the bar and made sure there were plenty of fixings for salty dogs; Danny, currently the lookout for when Josh got home, had curated the perfect playlist. Sam and Sparrow had been a willing pair of extra hands for you, helping you set up everything to your liking. Everything was perfect. You hoped.

“Sam’s right,” Jake said, patting your cheek. “Josh is gonna love it.”

You tried to let yourself believe it, but you were nervous for Josh to come home. The anticipation was terrible; you were so excited for him to see everything, and you couldn’t wait to celebrate his birthday with him for the first time as his wife.

Fortunately, you didn’t have long to wait. Danny and Sparrow all but ran out the back door, tripping over themselves and laughing in their haste to get outside.

“He’s here!” Danny said. “Everybody act natural!”

All of a sudden, the nervous, excited energy that had plagued you all day seemed to take hold of the rest of your small party. Jake took his drink when you shoved it into his hands, holding it like he didn’t know what to do with it; Sam rushed around to light the candles and cursed like a sailor at the lighter when it wouldn’t work. All five of you caught a case of the giggles as you tried to be casual while running around trying to make sure everything was ready.

“Okay, okay!” you laughed, trying to create order out of chaos. “Danny, help your boyfriend light the stupid candles. Jake, fix Josh’s drink. Sparrow, turn on the music and make sure nothing catches on fire.”

You got a chorus of “yes ma’am” in response as you went inside and made your way to the front door. Nothing in your house gave away the party in the backyard; by all appearances, you were welcoming your husband home to a quiet afternoon.

You’d just reached the door when Josh opened it, and you tried to keep your beaming smile in check as you greeted him.

“Hi, honey,” you said, giving him a kiss. “How was the store?”

His smile was a little bemused. “Like it always is, I guess.” He held up the grocery bag of random things you’d sent him to get just to get him out of the house. “What are we making with all this, anyway?”

You pretended to be bashful. “I thought it might be fun to cook dinner together,” you said. You touched your fingers to the crystal on his necklace. “I know it’s not fancy, but... I thought it would be fun to do for your birthday. I don’t know. Maybe it’s dumb.”

“No, it’s not,” he assured you quickly. He gave you a sweet smile. “I’d love to cook dinner together, baby. Thank you for thinking of it.”

You smiled up at him, barely able to contain your excitement. “Oh, I’m glad you like it. We can use some tomatoes from the garden, too — some of them are finally ready to be picked. Do you want to see?”

He set the grocery bag on the counter and took your hand, happily following you out to the back yard. His willingness and contentment in doing something so simple for his birthday was like an arrow to your heart, and you couldn’t wait to show him his surprise.

“Do you have music on outside?” he asked. He grinned. “Shall we do a little dancing in our garden, baby?”

You squeezed his hand. “Something like that, honey.”

When you opened the back door, you looked up at your husband to watch his reaction as a chorus of “surprise!” greeted him. A wide smile spread across his face, his cheeks going a little pink with pleasure and excitement; he only took a second to take things in before he looked over at you.

“Baby!” he said, his voice bright with wonder and delight. “What is this?”

You grinned. “What do you think, handsome?” You kissed his cheek. “Happy birthday, Josh.”

He took your face in his hands and kissed your thoroughly, earning some enthusiastic wolf whistles from your friends. You blushed and looked up at him with adoration.

“Do you like it?” you asked softly.

He beamed. “I love it.” He kissed your nose. “I love you. Thank you.”

You watched with a beaming smile as he gave everyone a hug, thanking them for his party and telling them how happy he was to celebrate with them. When he came back to you, he took your hand and asked you to show him around, taking note of every detail like you’d hoped he would. 

“You did a beautiful job, baby,” he praised, glancing his fingers over the chunky citrine on the low table. “Are these all our crystals?”

You nodded. “I thought they would look pretty out here in the sun.”

He smiled. “They do. They look almost as pretty as you.”

You gave him a bashful smile and touched his cheek. “I have another surprise for you.”

“Bring it on, baby.”

You laughed and ushered him over to Sparrow, who was busy setting up her collection of face paint near the bar. Jake was making Danny a drink, and you saw that he was already sporting a silver moon and a dusting of stars over his cheeks.

“Oh, wonderful,” Josh said with a grin, rubbing his hands together as he took a seat on the futon in front of her. “Sparrow, I think I’ll leave the creative decisions entirely up to you.”

“How daring,” she teased, getting her paint ready. “Jake was a little nervous I’d paint him to look like a tiger or something.”

“I was not,” Jake chided. “I just wanted something a little more... subtle, that’s all.”

“I think it looks great,” you said. “Very becoming.”

Jake shrugged. “My girl knows how to pretty me up, what can I say?”

Sam came over from raiding the charcuterie board he was finally allowed to enjoy and asked Danny for a sip of the drink Jake had only just handed him. Danny, selfless as ever, handed it over without complaint.

“What face paint are you getting?” Danny asked him.

“I was thinking of doing a Jackson Pollock type thing,” he joked. “You know, just letting Sparrow splatter paint all over my face.” He handed Danny’s drink back. “Thanks for sharing, honey.”

Danny smiled. “You’re welcome, love.”

Josh tipped his face up to you when Sparrow was finished, looking for your approval. The design was simple and pretty, gold and white lines across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose, a gentle curve of white with red dots over the apples of his cheeks. 

“Adorable,” you said, taking his chin and giving him a kiss.

“Hey lovebirds,” Sparrow said. “Look at me.”

You did, and you smiled when she took a couple pictures of you. She sent them to you, and you laughed out loud at the one with Josh's big, wide-eyed smile and a paintbrush held in front of his face.

“This is the one I'm posting,” you told him.

He grinned up at you. “Awesome.”

He stood and brought another futon over. “Can I do your face paint?” he asked. “Not that I think Sparrow wouldn’t do a terrific job, but I have an idea I want to try.”

You smiled. “Sure, honey.”

You took a seat, and he and Sparrow shared her paints as she gave Danny a dusting of little pink hearts over his cheeks.

“You have the prettiest features, baby,” Josh said gently.

You blushed, watching the almost reverent way he studied your face as he thought out his design.

“Thank you,” you said softly.

He met your eyes and smiled. “I love you.”

You leaned close and kissed him. “I love you too.”

He let you kiss him for a moment before he drew back.

“Now, no more distracting me, sweetheart,” he said seriously. “I have to concentrate.”

You breathed a laugh and sat still as he began to paint. The brush tickled your cheek, and you couldn’t help but smile.

“Don’t smile, baby,” Josh said, though he was smiling too.

“But it tickles,” you said.

He laughed. “I know, I’m sorry.” He touched a few fingers to your chin and gently turned your head. “Try not to smile, just for a minute.”

When he was finally done, he set the paints aside and pulled his phone out. “Okay, now give me a big smile.”

You grinned, and you liked that he smiled just because you did.

“There,” he said, showing you the picture. “What do you think?”

He’d given you delicate golden sunbeams over your cheeks, some of them dripping artfully, some of them ending in little white stars.

“You made me beautiful, Josh.”

He gave you a gentle smile. “You’re always beautiful, baby. I just added the sunshine I see every time I look at you.”

When everybody’s face was painted — Sparrow gave Sam a splash of daisies on his cheeks, and in return he gave her lovely blue and white clouds — you gathered around the circular table of snacks to eat, drink, and be merry. The afternoon passed into evening as your little family talked and laughed and shared fond memories of the birthday boy, each of you getting steadily more tipsy and giggly and sunkissed. The boys brought out guitars from your music room and played for a long while, and they invited you and Sparrow to sing along when they played an actual song instead of just inventing one on the fly.

“When are we doing presents?” Sam asked eventually. “Danny and I got you the greatest gift ever.”

Danny smiled. “It is pretty good, actually.”

Josh looked to you. “What do you think, my lovely master of ceremonies? Is now a good time to do presents?”

“It’s your party, sweetheart,” you said with a smile, standing to get his present and bring them over. “We can do whatever you want.”

Josh stood and followed you to the table where the presents had been set up.

“What if I want to take you to bed, Mrs. Kiszka?” he asked in a low voice, a handsome smirk on his face as he snuck a hand into your back pocket.

“Josh,” you scolded, though you were sure your blushing smile gave you away. You gave him a quick kiss. “Patience, lover. You’re getting another birthday surprise later tonight.”

“Oh?” he said, giving you a pleased grin. “Well, in that case, I guess I can try and behave.”

You laughed and gave his shoulder a playful smack as you gathered his presents, and the two of you rejoined your friends under the cosy twinkle of fairy lights with an armful of gifts.

“That’s from us,” Jake said when Josh picked his first present, a stack of two gifts tied together with a pretty ribbon.

“I see you let Sparrow do the wrapping,” Josh teased. “Wise man.”

He started to undo the ribbon but hesitated, looking back up at Jake and Sparrow.

“Hey, what are we doing for your birthday?” he asked.

Jake grinned. “You’re just now remembering that we share a birthday, huh?”

Everybody laughed at that, and Josh gave his twin an affectionate eye-roll.

“Ha-ha, alright. What are we doing, though?”

Jake shrugged. “No clue.” He looked over at his brand-new wife of only a few months and gave her a smile. “Maybe my Mrs. Kiszka has something up her sleeve too.”

Sparrow pinked, trying to be nonchalant but given away by the smile she couldn’t hide.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she teased. “Josh is the favorite twin, so he gets the party.”

Jake laughed. “Oh, I see how it is.”

Sparrow took Jake’s hand but looked over at you, both of you smiling when your eyes met. Everybody but the twins knew that you were doing a pirate-themed birthday bash for Jake in a few days. A new pirate-themed bar downtown was having its grand opening next week, but Sparrow had sweet-talked them into letting her throw a private party for Jake Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet before they were technically open to the public.

“Well, since I’m the favorite twin,” Josh said tartly, “I expect quite the tremendous gift.”

You smiled, knowing he was only teasing; Josh would be touched and thrilled at anything his best friends gave him.

“So there’s two gifts, obviously,” Sparrow said as he started to unwrap the smaller present, sounding a little unsure. “I picked out the one you’re holding, but it’s.... well, you’ll see.”

Josh gave her a sweet smile. “You don’t think I’ll like it?”

“Well...”

He opened the little box to reveal a quartz necklace, the exact same necklace he was wearing. His laugh was bright and musical, sweet and surprised.

“Look at that,” he said, grinning ear to ear as he held it up for everyone to see. “Sparrow, you know me so well.”

“I didn’t know until you walked out here earlier that you already had it,” she said, her expression caught between regret that he already had it and relief that he didn’t hate it. “I can return it and get something else.”

“No way,” Josh said, putting it on to rest against his chest with the other necklace. “You can never have too much of a good thing.”

He reached over his twin and gave Sparrow’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I love it, Sparrow. Thank you very much.”

She gave him a warm smile. “You’re welcome, Josh. Happy birthday.”

He opened Jake’s present next, a handsome leather journal and a set of nice pens.

“Thought it was better for songwriting than that notebook of yours that’s falling apart,” Jake said.

Josh smiled as he thumbed through the pages, admiring the feel of the journal. “It’s wonderful. Thank you, Jake.”

Sam and Danny’s present was next, and all of you gushed over it.

“You got me the Master for my birthday?” Josh asked with a delighted laugh. He held the black-hooded figurine up to show you. “Look at this, baby. It’s the guy from all our posters.”

“It holds the amethyst, too,” Sam said, nodding to the crystal sphere they’d given him with the figurine.

“Or a candle,” Danny added. “Or whatever you want him to hold, I guess.”

Josh gave them a charming smile. “I love it. Thank you.”

Your present was last, and you watched his face to see his reaction. You hoped he liked it; it wasn’t much, but you hoped it would be meaningful to him.

“Oh, baby.”

You flushed with pleasure at the wonder in his voice. “You like them?”

He held up the delicate gold earrings, his special triangle symbol dangling from each hoop. They were pretty in the soft light, and Josh tenderly brushed his thumb over them.

“I love them, baby,” he said gently. He turned to you and gave you a kiss. “I love them. Thank you.”

You smiled. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

He handed them to you. “Can you put them on for me?”

You did, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek when you were done.

“How do they look?” he asked.

“Very handsome,” you said sincerely. Josh always looked handsome, and jewelry only highlighted his natural beauty. You smiled. “I’m glad you like them, honey.”

You and Danny served the cake after all the wrapping paper had been cleared away, and the six of your decided on a round of cards before you watched a movie on the projector Sam and Jake had set up earlier. Danny and Jake were both unfamiliar with the rules to the game Sam picked, so he and Sparrow jumped into a complicated explanation that their partners tried to sort through.

“This is gonna take a minute,” Josh said, leaning close to you.

You gave a soft laugh. “Maybe we should get a drink while we wait.”

He stood and gave you a hand up, and you walked together over to the bar.

“What can I make you, honey?” he asked.

“A salty dog, please,” you said.

He grinned and set about making two cocktails. “My kind of woman.”

He handed you your drink and clinked his glass against yours. “Cheers, baby.”

You tipped your face up for a kiss, and he obliged you. You took a moment just to look at him when you broke apart, admiring the softness of his features in the warm glow of the fairy lights, the glint of gold from his earrings, the way his face paint was a little smudged over his rosy cheeks.

“You want to know something?” you asked softly.

He hummed in agreement.

You touched a hand to his cheek. “I think you shine like the sun, Joshua.”

He smiled, warm and beautiful, laugh lines crinkling at the corners of his eyes. 

“Thank you, baby.”

You kissed him again, drinking in the feel of him, the gentleness of the warm spring night, the sound of your friends’ laughter mixing with the sound of a familiar John Denver song.

“This is almost a birthday song for you,” you said.

He smiled. “What do you mean?”

“It reminds me of you,” you said. “And it says ‘born in the month of June,’ but we can change it to April.”

You draped your arm over his shoulder and played with the soft curls at the nape of his neck.

“It’s called Eli’s Song,” you said. “But I think we can change it to Josh’s Song. I don’t think Mr. Denver would mind.”

Josh chuckled. “No, I don’t think he’d mind.”

He set his drink aside and pulled you close, swaying you gently to the music.

“You’re starting out strong, you get a kick out of life,” you sang, forgetting to be bashful of your singing voice as Josh smiled. “You like to sing songs and be in the spotlight.”

You gave him a gentle kiss. “And when everybody's watching you, you shine so bright.”

His smile was bright as a sunrise and twice as pretty.

“I love you, Mrs. Kiszka.” He peppered kisses all over your face until you dissolved in giggles.

“And I love to hear you laugh,” he said, his voice warm and affectionate. “I’m so glad I married you, and I’m so glad I get to spend all my birthdays with you.”

You brushed your fingers over his smile. “Me too,” you said softly.

He kissed you until your friend started calling for you, and then he made a display of ignoring them and kissing you some more as he flipped them the bird.

“Josh,” you giggled. He grinned and kissed you one last time before you joined your family again.

“Getting a special birthday present from your wife?” Sam teased.

“Oh, Sammy,” you said with a smirk. “That’s just a little taste of the special present he’s getting tonight.”

Sam clapped his hands over his ears. “Oh, god, forget I said anything.”

You and Josh got a healthy amount of ribbing as Sparrow dealt the cards, and your conversation continued with funny stories and inside jokes as you played. Danny and Jake eventually caught on to the game and then became the most competitive, and your back yard was filled with the comforting chaos of your best friends’ laughter and teasing.

You looked over at Josh, and your heart wobbled when you saw he was already looking at you.

He smiled. “Hi, pretty girl.”

You blushed and gave him a heartsick smile. “Hi, Joshy.” You took his hand. “Do you like your party?”

He brushed his thumb over the back of your hand. “I love it, baby. Thank you so much for putting it together. It’s perfect.”

“I’m glad,” you said. “You deserve a perfect birthday, Josh.”

He leaned in for a kiss, and you melted against him. There, surrounded by your dear friends, celebrating the love of your life — everything was perfect. 

“Happy birthday, Josh,” you said gently. “I love you.”

You felt his sunshine smile.

“My sweet baby. I love you too.”

josh taglist: @way-to-go-lad

gvf taglist: @malany-gvf @spark-my-nature @eearevee @madneedshelp @demonrat444 @josh-iamyour-mama @honeyandsweettae @mydarlingdanny @gretavandann @sacredjake @myleftsock @joshskittytickler21 @hellowgoodbye @watchingovergvf2 @fearfulspirit @mywaysoon @carbondancingthroughtime @caprisunsister @eraofstardustchords @sacredthefran @shesawomaninadream @serendipiti

@gvfrry @ohhey1293 @the-chaotic-cow @mountain-in-springtime @xserenax-13 @stardustjtk @brooke-gvf @weightofdreams-gvf  @jakeydoesit  @gretasmokerising @hayley1623 @doodle417 @finestoflines @brokenbellz @bowievanfleet @s0livagant @strugglingtodoshit @s-u-t @kay-jordan @gretavanfleas @jakeyboiiiiiii @gretavansteph @gretavanbitches @myownparadise96 @luverleaver @weightofdreamz @greatervanfleet @maedesculpaeusoubi @jakekiszkasbestie @pineapple-photographer @baguettejuliette @alexxavicry @levi-wants-ur-bones  @carlybubs @cowboysamkiszka @dannyandthekiszkas @jordierama @slutforsteve @starshine-wagner

[ridiculouslly-ridiculous]

Princess Picnic Pick Me Up

This is my piece for @misty-moth created for the Ikepri Gift exchange event hosted by the lovely @ikemenlibrary & @sunnyikemen!

Words: 2,047

Warnings: Clavis is chaotic & so is his baking

It was yet another late night in the study room, your head buried in a lackluster book you'd rather not be reading right now. Unbeknownst to you, the shadow of a loyal puppy lurked outside the ajared wooden door, already devising a plan before scampering off to execute his ideas. Your book was now set off to the side while you jotted down some notes, but as you neared the end of the sheet your head began to droop down. Before your body decided to shut itself off you called it a night and began tidying up your desk before retreating to your room for the evening. Once changed into a nightgown, it doesn't take long for you to start getting some well earned rest before yet another grueling lesson with Sariel in the morning.

The morning started just like any other. Light shines through your bedroom window, and you just lay in bed for a moment before getting up to get dressed. Just as you're tying off the last string on your dress, a knock comes sounding through.

“Come in!” You happily project, already knowing who’s on the other side.

“Good morning, Mistress!” Rio comes bouncing in cheerfully,wheeling in your shared breakfast. “I’ve brought you an amazing meal to help you power through yet another day of lessons with the bossman.” He lifts off the silver cloche to reveal the amazing assortment of freshly baked breads and pastries, along with a pot of your favorite tea.

Your face lights up immediately, just the display alone is enough to get you through your lessons for the day.

“Thank you, Rio! Everything looks amazing.” Rio then gestures for you to take a seat and he places a napkin on your lap.

“It’s my pleasure! Now, which one would you like?” After you scan each individual item on the cart you pick one and Rio gently places it on a plate and hands it to you. As soon as you bite into your chosen pastry, Rio has a blush appear and grace his cheeks, “So, besides having your lessons with the bossman today, do you have any other plans tonight?”

While still chewing, you think about your itinerary for the day, swallow down the bite, and give Rio your answer, “Well I had just planned on doing some reading in the study later this evening, but other than that nothing else.”

Rio breathes a sigh of relief, “Oh, I’m so glad to hear that! Then today after your lessons, I would like – no, I want you to join me for tea out in the garden.”

You were just about to take another bite, but immediately put the pastry back down onto the plate as his demand threw you completely off guard.

“That sounds like a lot of fun, Rio, but can I ask what brought this on?”

“I’ve just noticed you’ve been so stressed out lately and I hate seeing you like that! You’ve got a lot of weight on your shoulders right now and I would like to help you. I know I can’t exactly help you fulfill your duties as Belle, but I can at least help relieve your stress!” He flashes his dazzling smile.

His motive brings tears to your lash line, “Oh, Rio. That is so sweet, thank you. I would love to join you for tea!”

“Perfect! I can’t wait. I’ll wait outside the bossman's office after your lesson!”

After a long lesson about the inner workings of Rhodolite, your lesson eventually came to an end for the day. And true to his word, Rio was just outside the door when you opened it.

“Are you ready?”

“I sure am!” You beam at him

“Then shall we?” Rio smiles back, and puts his arm out for you to wrap yours around his. You hesitate before indulging him.

“Let’s!” The two of you begin your stroll out to the gardens.

Once outside you see the lavish spread Rio has set up. It’s so much more than what you expected. A kettle of freshly brewed tea, a bottle of rose liqueur, the most mouthwatering charcuterie board, a cake that has the fluffiest frosting you’ve ever seen topped with beautiful seasonal berries, pastries similar to those from this morning’s breakfast, and a few other things you’re not sure what they are but do they look delicious. Each and every single thing Rio picked out — just for you.

Overcome with an overwhelming wave of emotions, the only thing you can say is, “Rio…” all while trying to hold back your tears.

“It’s the least I can do.” Rio says while placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder.

“You’ve truly outdone yourself, Rio. I can’t thank you enough.”

“It’s a picnic fit for a princess!” Rio winks at you and you can’t help but to roll your eyes. “Well, all this food isn't going to eat itself, ready to start?”

“Absolutely!” Rio leads you to the settee, and once you're sat, Rio places a napkin onto your lap and immediately begins to serve you a cup of tea. As he’s serving, you can’t help but notice the extra cups and saucers nearby.

“Is someone else joining us, Rio?”

“What kind of question is that, woman? It’s called a tea party after all – what kind of party only has two people?” You hear someone scoff which you immediately whip your head around out of startlement. You're immediately met by azure eyes that belong to none other than the first prince of Benitoite. You’re even more shocked when you see he’s not alone.

“My apologies for the late arrival, that wasn’t very gentlemanly of us, but this handsome prince simply couldn't show up to the princess’s tea party empty handed.” The purple haired prince grins while showing off the platter in his hands.

Silvio gives a look of disgust to both Clavis and the oozing monstrosity Clavis has brought along with him, “I think it would’ve been better if you had.”

“Nonsense! I know how much she loves my food so I, of course, had to bring something along! Now, where should I put this?” Clavis approaches the center table and begins to look for a place to set down his creation, splattering the ooze along as he mulls over where to display his work. Rio seeing his hard work literally being covered up he makes quick work to make room.

“Thank you for creating something you know my mistress loves, Prince Clavis! Please have a seat.”

Without missing a beat, Clavis plops down right next to you.

“Yeah, I’d love to sit down, too, thanks rotten mutt.” Silvio gruffs and then takes the last remaining seat next to you. Now being caught in a prince sandwich and having your heart thrumming away in your chest, you miss the sad puppy dog eyes Rio throws your way now that all available seats next to you are now gone. Clavis watches Rio closely as Rio continues pouring tea for everyone.

“So, what prompted our loyal puppy to throw the princess a tea party filled with handsome princes?” Clavis asks Rio as Rio hands you a cup filled with your favorite tea.

“My mistress has been stressed, you know. She does a lot and those grueling lessons with the bossman definitely doesn’t help the situation. I figured she could take a nice break.” Rio answers as he hands Clavis his cup of tea. Rio then proceeds to hand Silvio a cup as well – but he masterfully manages to deliver the cup into Silvio’s hand with enough force to slosh the tea, but not cause a drop to fall.

“Oi, watch it mutt.”

Feigning innocence, Rio asks, “Is everything okay, Prince Silvio?”

Instead of answering, Silvio scowls and drinks his tea, but he quickly pulls his cup away from his lips, “Tch, this tea is disgusting, who could drink this?”

“I chose it because it’s my mistress's favorite!” Rio looked so offended that Silvio dared to insult his favorite person's favorite tea.

“Of course it is.” Silvio shakes his head, “You should improve your tastes, they lack refinement.” Silvio then brings the cup back up to his lips and continues to sip. Despite saying he hates it, he looks like he’s enjoying it. Seeing that everyone – especially you – are enjoying their tea, Rio begins to cut the cake and plating it, making sure to cut a decent slice for everyone.

Clavis notices his beautiful creation is going untouched, and with a smirk Clavis asks, “Oh, my dear Rio, why don’t we partake in the cake I brought for us to enjoy?”

Rio feels a chill go up his spine just thinking about serving the diabolical pastry to anyone, “Well, your cake is just too perfect to cut into Prince Clavis! Plus, this cake is my mistress's favorite, and this tea party is all about her!”

“Nonsense!” Clavis grins and he stands up from his seat, “Although I, myself, am the perfect prince, that doesn’t mean everything I make is also perfect by default, but I am flattered you think that, Rio. If that is how you feel, then I shall serve this cake. Besides, I wouldn’t have wasted my time if I knew she hated it. In fact, she’s eaten it before!” Clavis then walks over to where his “cake” was and begins to cut everyone a slice.

“Well, I, for one, would much rather have the cake the rotten mutt brought.” Silvio grimaces as he watches Clavis cut through the viscous layer of icing that haphazardly coat the cake and its serving platter.

“Here you go,” Clavis says while handing you a delicate plate that is now marred by sticky icing and crumbs of cake, “Wait, how about I feed you instead? That would be more gentlemanly and romantic of me.”

“How about you get everyone else a slice and everyone takes a bite together?” You suggest and you take the plate and utensil from Clavis.

“But how am I supposed to make you fall for me if I don’t feed you?” Clavis pouts slightly, and sighs, “very well, I shall make you fall for me at a different time.” And Clavis begins to plate cake slices for everyone else.

“Oi, lady, don’t think I'm eatin’ that thing that's supposed to be cake.” Silvio leans over to harshly whisper into your ear.

“Just one bite won’t hurt you!” You whisper back.

“Yeah, cause one bite is all it’s gonna take to kill me.”

“It’s not as bad as it looks!”

“Yeah, and we can all see your taste is questionable.”

“Silvio!” Clavis calls out cheerfully, “here is your piece.” Clavis smiles as he extends the cake close to Silvio's face.

“I think I’ll pass this time.” Silvio fakes a grin.

“I’m afraid that’s not possible, you heard the princess’s request. She would like everyone to take a bite together!”

“I had a heavy lunch.”

“I’m sure you can make room for one bite!”

“Maybe next time.”

“I’m afraid there won’t be a next time.”

“Well, that’s just too bad, guess I'll never know!”

“I know, how about I feed you?” Clavis sets down his piece onto the table.

“Like hell you will!” Silvio sinks deeper into the couch.

Clavis then takes up a perfect bite size piece of cake and brings it to Silvio’s mouth, so close it almost touches his lips,but not before Silvio leaps up and flips over the back of the couch. Clavis then goes around the couch, still trying to feed Silvio. Silvio, still wanting no part in it, begins to run away.

“A gentleman always fulfills his lady’s wishes!”

Watching the pursuit unfold, you miss the new presence that has taken his seat next to you.

“See, this is why I just now showed up. It’s always something with those two.”

You quickly turn around and come face to face with a singular red eye looking directly at you.

“Oh! P-prince Gilbert!”

“Good afternoon, princess.” He gives you a cold smile. “Oh, is this cake slice for me? How thoughtful!” his smile warms up slightly, “Now, fill me in what I miss out on! I want to hear everything.” Prince Gilbert then takes a bite out of Prince Clavis’s cake, “Not bad.” He smiles and takes another bite.

Hi moth! I hope you enjoyed your gift 🥹 I simply couldn’t decide on which prince to choose from your requests so I simply chose all of them!

Likes, replies, and reblogs are always welcome and appreciated <3

© ridiculouslly-ridiculous 2023; ᴅᴏ not ꜱᴛᴇᴀʟ, ᴄᴏᴘʏ, ᴏʀ repost ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋ.

[witchyfashion]

Celebrate the season with this treasure trove of cozy cooking and baking recipes, from soul-warming soups and simple dinners to showstoppers and weekend projects.

As the air grows chillier and nights longer, these dishes draw us to the table and the warmth of an active kitchen: Slow-simmered dishes like Cider-Braised Pork Roast, cheesy weeknight pasta like Unstuffed Shells with Butternut Squash, or a crusty bread like Fig and Fennel Bread.

When the flavors of summer fade, autumn and winter fruits and vegetables can be just as bold and bountiful. Find recipe inspiration from the season's first ripe figs and plump brussels sprouts to roasty sides featuring celery root, kohlrabi, and kabocha squash, or a cranberry curd tart to brighten a winter's night.

Themed chapters showcase all the reasons to love autumn and winter cooking:

Find new celeberation favorites with a chapter of centerpiece dishes like Turkey and Gravy for a Crowd or Swiss Chard Pie to wow your guests.

Picked apples on an autumnal adventure? All Things Apple covers both sweet and savory recipes like French Apple Cake and Celery Root, Fennel, and Apple Chowder to help you use them up.

Create the ultimate party spread with chapters devoted to Appetizers, Festive Drinks, and Brunch: Try fried Korean fried chicken wings, latkes with beet-horseradish applesauce, or Everything Straws.

Obsessed with pumpkin? So are we! In the Everyone Loves Pumpkin chapter you'll find everything from Creamy Pumpkin-Chai Soup to Rum Pumpkin Chiffon Pie.

Bake to your heart's content with chapters covering breads, cookies, cakes, pies, puddings, and more.

Give the gift of food with recipes for Rocky Road Bark and Fruits of the Forest Liqueur.

America's Test Kitchen's tips and tricks guarantee every meal is a success. Flip to the introduction for menus and entertaining tips. Plus, we've added seasonally themed spreads throughout so you can decorate the perfect holiday cookies or plan a charcuterie board with last-second appetizers

https://amzn.to/3Xgp8GO

[georgiapeach30513]

Every Other Weekend, Part 10

Summary:  FRIENDSGIVING

Pairings:  Jack O’Malley X Reader

Rating:  mild

Warnings:  language, drinking, 18+ ONLY

Word Count:  4.2K

Previous

Series Masterlist

*dividers created by @firefly-graphics​

“So Cal is coming over here before I leave?”

“Yes, baby,” you tell Finn as he hops down from the stool, walking up behind you to grab a few blocks of cheese.

“And I get to tell him my Christmas list?” He smiles, popping a piece of cheese in his mouth. “Can we have a dog here? Our last house we couldn’t.”

“Is that what you’re asking for from Cal? You know he knows Santa personally?” This was one of your favorite things every year.  Finn trying to figure out what he was going to ask Santa Cal to tell the real Santa Claus.  Cal made his Christmas wishes come true every year.

“That did not answer my question. I always get to ask for three things. If we can’t have a dog here, I’m not wasting an ask. So can we have a dog here?” He puts another block of cheese in his mouth, grabbing up some grapes, and you boop his nose. “Mom! I want a dog.”

“And you need to quit eating Cal’s cheese.”

“He’ll let me. Can I stay this year?” You shake your head no, laughing when he throws his head back, “It’s because you got the beer in the fridge, huh?  The one in the garage?”

“We can have dogs at this house, now go make sure you have clothes packed to stay at Gramma and Grampa’s.”

“You’re ignoring the beer comment,” you give him a little swat to his butt, pushing him towards the stairs as Jack walks out of the bathroom with his shirt undone, and you spin to return to the boards.

“Does this shirt look okay?” He asks with a smirk. He knew exactly what he was doing. You had been married to him long enough to know he was trying to make you thirsty, and he was succeeding. “Thanks for letting me use the shower here. It’s just easier. You didn’t want this shirt to sleep in did you?”

“Shut up,” you snort. You are too concerned in making Cal’s charcuterie boards perfect. At least it gave you a distraction.  Because Jack looked amazing.  Things seemed almost like a normal family.  Sending you son upstairs, while your hot husband was finishing getting dressed out of the bedroom, just so you could see his stomach.

“So which shirts do you prefer to sleep in?”

“The ones that aren’t on your body. Go on, and help Finn pack up.”

“So where am I sleeping tonight? There’s not enough beds…”

“Jack!” You giggle, finally turning around to look at him. My god, he was handsome. Too sexy for his own good. “Finn!”

“I’m just saying. If the giant and his girlfriend are staying, we’re really limited to sleeping arrangements. Unless Cal and TJ sleep together. Cal can be the big spoon,” Jack was enjoying your minor misery.  Flirting with you, while you ignored all his questions about where he was going to sleep.  He knew he was going to end up in your bed, even if nothing else happened.

“TJ prefers to be the big spoon. Go help our son,” he was just the right amount of infuriating that made you want to sling him to the floor and have your way with him, but you were not going to let your hormones and the fact that you really really wanted sex decide your fate.

You already had a date set for Frank. And you couldn’t possibly cancel it because you had no self control and needed to fuck something. No. You had pride and dignity, and were definitely not going to have sex with your estranged husband, no matter how tipsy you got. Never. Nope.

Finn jumps into Cal’s arms, and plays with his Santa hat for a moment. Letting his uncle walk him over to the recliner, “I know what time it is, squirt. So, you tell ole Santa Cal what it is you’re wanting.”

He looks over at you, needing to clarify that he could have a dog in this house, “You’re sure about that? What I asked you earlier,” giving him a quiet yes, he shoos you out of the living room, “Go outside with dad to check on the fire pit.”

Rolling your eyes, you go to ‘assist’ Jack with the fire, and he was just standing there looking at you, “He kicked you out, too?”

“He says it’s bad luck if we hear what he wants. That by some weird magical way, Cal has the ability to talk to Santa.”

Jack throws some wood into the pit before sitting down in an Adirondack chair, “How’s Christmas going to work?”

“I want you here with us,” there was no hesitation in your answer. Jack deserved to be with Finn. And Finn deserved to wake up Christmas morning with both his parents.

“Are we sleeping in the same bed?”

“I don’t know,” you look him over, not sure if he meant Christmas or tonight, but the answer would still be the same. “I’m not ready to push you out of my life. This — this is what I always loved about us. We could always be friends.”

“Yeah, we never started out as friends.”

“We started off as fuck buddies. But along the way, I think we became friends.”

Jack looks back into the house, only seeing a tiny bit of Finn talking to Cal about what he wanted for Christmas. It was the same thing every year. They sat in the same seat. He would kick you and Jack out. And somehow, no matter how impossible it seemed, Finn always got exactly what he wanted. Everything was perfectly what he said.  And so brought on the Christmas tradition of Santa Cal.  Finn took his three items very seriously.  Sometimes they weren’t even tangible items.  Sometimes it was a vacation.  But he always got what he wanted.  And this year, he was putting it to the test.

“And along the way we also drifted apart. I can’t apologize enough.”

“I wish you would.”

His eyes roll up from the fire, looking at you, “When you forgive me.”

“I do.”

“So…I can move back in?”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Why not? You still got that stupid app?” You shake your head, struggling to look at Jack, while you think of the words to say. “Why can’t it be simple?”

“Do you know how much I love you? How much I crave you? How much that I desperately try to deny you?” He shakes his head slowly, losing eye contact with you. “I’m protecting myself right now. We’re in a good place. I’m not saying never Jack. I’m saying that I lost me. It took me going on these stupid dates to realize how much I missed me. How much I missed being carefree and having fun with my partner. Missed just the raw passion and lust with him. Missed that danger. Missed having fun with our son. I’ll admit some of these dates were so fucking stupid. And I knew before I even went out with them it wasn’t going to be anything. But I need a partner. I want more kids. And…”

“So do I!” You shake your head no, starting to get up, but he stands, and leans over your chair, “I do. Can you not admit that when you were begging for a baby that we didn’t need one? I’ve always been so scared of screwing a kid up. Finn wasn’t planned. I didn’t have time to think.”

“And look at him. When was the last time you really looked at our son? Jack, he is who is because of me and you. I don’t know what we did to deserve him, but I’m thankful we have that boy in our lives.  He’s kept me sane when there were times I just wanted to lay in the tub and never wake up.  But that boy is all Jackson O’Malley, he kept me going.”

“You’re saying there’s a chance for us?”

“Of course there is.  I know you’ve felt it too, but…I can’t have you do what you did again.  You have to earn my trust again, so right now, that’s what I’m doing.  If I didn’t think there was a chance, you wouldn’t be here all these nights.  You know all I have ever wanted was for our marriage to survive.  And when you checked out, and I saw her again, it felt like you were the one that gave up on us.  That hurt.  And if we’re going to do this, I have to trust you.  There’s always going to be another Robyn, but how are you going to react to that kind of attention?  That’s what changes this scenario.”

“There’s never been someone like that for you?” You shake your head no, crossing your arms over your chest.  He steps closer, holding you tightly, and swaying you by the fire pit heat, “I’m sorry.  I never deserved your love.”

“But I wanted to give it to you.  Jack, you deserve the world, but you have to realize that you do.  I can’t constantly stroke your ego.  Sometimes you have to be the one to be my hype man, too.  We’re both gonna have to get better at communicating if this is what we want to do.”

“Finny, what do you want ole Santa Claus to bring you this year?” Cal finally asks when you and Jack start to walk outside.  Finn looks back at the two of you, just to make sure you were out of ear shot, when he looks at Cal.

“So, three gifts.  One I know you can do for me, and I want a schnauzer.  Not the mini one and not the giant.  Mom said we can have dogs in this house, and I’m lonely.  Speaking of which,” he glances back outside, seeing the two of you talking, and even Jack hugging you, “I want him back.”

“Who?” Cal clears his throat, he knows exactly who, but there was something so awkward about promising that you two would be back together.  

“Dad.  He comes here a lot, and he’s been sleeping here.  And in the bed with mom and me, and I’m not allowed to be in my own bed.  It’s kinda weird, but…they’re still not like they used to be.  They’re still not kissing, and that’s the most I’ve seen them touch.  I just want my dad and mom happy and together again.  I know that’s not going to be easy to get for me.  But I want them back together.  By Christmas.”

“Finn…”

“I know.  I know, it’s not that you don’t want to do that, but it’s their decision,” his eyes flick to the door to see Jack’s mom walk through, and he leans up to Cal’s ear whispering his third Christmas gift, before pulling back with a smile, “Do you think that’s possible?”

“I think you could definitely get the dog.”

“The schnauzer!”

“Yes, the bearded dog.  You sure you don’t want to ask for something else.  I would hate for you to waste your Christmas list,” Finn looks up at Cal pouting, his eyes growing misty as he tries not to cry, “Finn, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“You don’t think it’ll happen?”

“Buddy, I think it could happen.  I think that they are people who love each other, and they’re learning to trust and find that love again.  But Christmas is only a few weeks away.  And…”

“How about you, me, and TJ work on getting them back?  I know they have it in them.  And then everything else will fall into place, right?” Cal grimaces, but nods his head.  “We can do it!  Make sure to play that one song.”

“What song?”

“Please, Come Home for Christmas.  That’s mom’s favorite song to dance to with dad at Christmas.  She always worried he was going to be working on Christmas, and we’d wait by the window until he came home, and then they’d dance together.  It’s her song.  Just trust me.  Now, I gotta go to my Gramma’s.  Remember, schnauzer, parents together, and,” he pushes his finger up against Cal’s nose, and Cal returns the gesture.  Letting the little boy hop out of his lap, and head towards TJ to tell him hello and goodbye while his Gramma goes outside to you and Jack.

“It’s a bit confusing to your son isn’t it?” His mom glares at the both of you, and you pull out of his embrace.  “I understand what you two are doing, but it shouldn’t be done in front of him.”

“Mom, it’s nothing.”

“If you would have waited a bit longer in your marriage to have children, maybe this wouldn’t have happened, and I would have another grandchild.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna let you handle this one, Jack,” you say, stepping into the house, and capturing Finn before he could go outside.  You didn’t want to be the one to talk to Jack’s mom and tell her the truth.  It was past time for her grown son to do just that.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means we got married because she was pregnant,” his mother scoffs, turning to walk away, but he grabs her arm, “I don’t like the way you talk to her.  She’s not your enemy.  She’s not my enemy.  That woman chose to marry me because she was pregnant, and I was too chicken shit to tell you that we had been screwing around nonstop for two months.  Yeah, you’re perfect baby boy was getting it on with her, and stopped using protection.  She didn’t have to marry me, and get in your good graces.  Do the math.  You really think Finn was born that early?”

“I never,” she huffs.  “You are a liar.”

“Yeah.  I know.  I lied about a lot of things.  I hide so much shit because I was trying to be perfect for this image you created in your head.  God, I’m a screw up.  I was sleeping with different women every weekend, until her.  So yeah, I’m a terrible person, but that woman, she’s the last person I’ve ever had sex with, and I’d like to keep it that way.  So if you could hold off on your hatred for her, that would be great.”

“She’s the one that filed for divorce.”

“So?  You loved her when we were married.  Told me I did a good job finding a wife and mother to my kids.  Don’t hate her because she did what she had to.  I deserved her to file.  You have no idea, because I don’t tell you.  I don’t want you in our marriage.  We’re working through it.  And even if we don’t, she’s still Finn’s mom, and you will respect her.”

“I’m proud of you, son.  You finally stepped up and learned to be a man.  Now, I would appreciate it even more if you could fix this.  Yes, I do like her.  I love her for you and for my grandson, and I want more,” Jack furrows his brows looking at his mother.  “I’m supposed to be critical of her.  She’s not me.”

“Exactly.  I didn’t want to marry you.”

“What I mean is, we’re two different people, and I recognize that.  Yes, I’m angry that you two are idiots and are great together, so fix it.”

“I’m trying,” Jack pouts.  “Now, I’m going to say goodbye to my son, and we’ll pick him up tomorrow.  Remember, he stays right with you.  I don’t care if you have to put him on a blow up in the floor, or just a sleeping bag.  He stays with you.”

“You had a good one, and found another crazy one.  You attract the crazy women.”

“You know why you’re my favorite?” Cal stuffs a few cheeses in his mouth, before he chugs on some beer, holding it up to cheers you again, “Because of this.  You feed me well, and since we’re celebrating friendship, and what we want for Christmas, I want snack boxes again.”

“Fine, fine,” you cheers him again, before taking a swig.  Swallowing it quickly when the doorbell rings, “Oh!  That’s Sy and Chelsea.  You can all meet them properly,” walking over to the door, you open it up with a smile, giving each of them a hug, and showing them to the kitchen.

“Make yourself at home.  There’s plenty of beer, Jack just got some more.  There’s wine, and there’s a liquor cabinet.  TJ is quite the bartender.  What do you want,” Sy tells you a beer, and you point him in the direction of the fridge, and look at Chelsea, but she shakes her head no, “You don’t drink?  Or nothing tickles your fancy.”

Her hand rubs over her stomach a bit, and you squeal, racing over to hug her, while all the men stare at the two of you confused, “I have never heard her make that noise.”

“Really?” Cal looks over at Jack, “Like��never even…well, during sex?”

“No!”

“That’s girl talk, guys.  They are in their natural habitat.  Big guy are you and the girlfriend expecting?” TJ slaps on Sy’s arm, and he nods his head.  TJ spots a gleam on her finger, and gets excited, “An engagement and a baby.  You work fast, huh?”

“We’d dated for a few years.  Got engaged, and that little nugget was an accident,” you rub over her belly, swearing that you could feel the tiny little flutters of her tiny little babe, but of course you don’t.  You were just happy for her and Sy.  Getting screamy again when she shows you her ring finger.

“I’m finding this very weird for me.  Did she do that in high school?” Jack asks TJ, and he answers with a yes.  “I’ve never heard her do that.”

“She’s literally been around us for eight years.  That’s a girl thing.  You wouldn’t have heard it.  I’m glad I don’t have to be her girlfriend anymore.  Music!  Jack!  Turn it up.  I’m getting a buzz, and I just want to get shitfaced and pass out on that couch, it’s been a long week.”

Cal races into the living room, casually adding some dance music on for a moment.  Let you dance around with anyone that would come up to you.  Letting song after song be more fun and upbeat before he puts on your song, and you seek Jack out.  Walking up to him slowly, the two of you grab hold of each other.  

It was a moment where the few that were at your home back away from the two of you. Sy dances with Chelsea, but Cal and TJ walk out of the living room, but they’re eyes linger on you.  Chelsea smiles, before looking up at her giant man.  She liked how you and her were connected now.  She needed a girlfriend, and it seemed you did, too.

“I wonder if they realize they’re finally dating,” TJ says, biting some Brie and pepper jelly.

“What?” Cal scoots the whole board over to himself, putting whatever his fingers touch into his mouth. “What does that mean?”

“Look, I don’t know how long you’ve known Jack, but I’ve known that woman most of my life. She jumps from sex to relationship immediately. She doesn’t date. She’s been dating. Dating around, including with Jack. They have dinner together. He stays the night. They were grocery shopping together yesterday. Now look at them.”

You were completely absorbed in Jack. Pushing aside everything that had happened for just those two minutes and fifty-five seconds that the song was playing. You feel peace for just a moment. Loved for the first time in a long time. Comfortable enough to lay your head on his chest, and his chin rests on your head. No space was between the two of you.

“They’re actually falling in love this time. I know she has a date planned, but I think it’s just this final moment to prove to herself that she can find the ‘perfect man’ and he ticks off all her boxes, but he’s not Jack. Before their love was raw and almost volatile. They lost sight of why they were worth it. They had these moments of sweetness, but it was just a constant going and moving.”

“My boy is finally falling in love,” Cal agrees, eating a candied pecan. “So here’s the deal, that’s what Finn wants for Christmas. Those two together, and a dog…”

“His mom checked the computer history. He wants a standard schnauzer. Black. We’ve been looking. What’s the third gift?”

“It’s a bit trickier. And no way it can be pulled off for Christmas,” TJ pours a glass of wine, settling in on stool. The song had ended, but you and Jack were still in a trance, and TJ was ready for something juicy.

“Do tell. He doesn’t know about Robyn, so I doubt he would care that she was in fact fired, and arrested at work. Stupid cunt. What does our little godson want?”

“It can’t be pulled off before Christmas. It’s impossible.”

“Cal! You are Santa Cal, I need details. This is how we pull off his list. We four work together. By the way how’s Shonda?”

“Not getting introduced to these idiots yet. How’s Adam?” TJ just shrugs. Leaning in even closer to get Finn’s final Christmas ask, and then gasps when he hears what Cal tells him. “See?”

“We can’t do that before Christmas.”

“Do you think we could do that on Christmas?”

“Eww,” TJ retches. “I don’t know. Talk to Santa about that. I want no part of that. If you’ll excuse me, our two wayward friends need a drink. If they lose their buzz they might not make it in the same bed tonight. They sleep together by the way.”

“With Finn in between them. TJ! You can not be serious.”

TJ grabs out two bottles of beer, popping their tops off and bows to Cal, “Why not? It’s not like they haven’t done it before.”

“No! They’re dating. She’s learning the art of dating without sex. He’s learning that there’s more to sex besides the physical.  I vote for you to sleep in between them.”

“I’m good.  I want that couch.”

“I thought we were going to cuddle?” TJ gives him an eye roll, before walking into the living room to give you and Jack a refill. He didn’t know what the night could bring. Other than you were very comfortable in Jack’s arms.

“Come on,” Jack nearly carries your body in the bedroom. Letting you fall on the bed, and he starts undressing you.

“I don’t wanna have sex,” you hiccup.

“I know. We’re not having sex. I’m getting you ready for bed. Lay back down,” he gives your chest the tiniest of pushes, and you fall back on the bed, splayed out watching the ceiling fan.

“I don’t want you to leave this bed though.”

“I won’t, Sharkie,” your drunk dopey smile is still one of his favorites. You allowed yourself at least this night to get as drunk as you wanted, and he always looked forward to this night. You trusted and relied on him. You let him take care of you. He heads to the closet, but you clear your throat.

“Just give me that shirt,” you point up at him. Taking off your shirt and bra, and discarding them into the floor, while you hold out your hand for the shirt on his back.

Jack bites his tongue, because now you were just in your lace panties, and he was having to strip out of the button up. Stepping up to put it on you, but you don’t let him button it up higher. Just crawl under the covers. Giving his side of the bed a tap. Reminding yourself you didn’t want to have sex. You wanted him. Just like he was.

Taking off his pants and being in nothing but his boxers, and he just crashes on the bed. You fight the need to snuggle into him. It seems wrong with a date coming up with Frank. But you both knew that neither of you were exclusive. Jack sighs, tired of waiting on you to come to him, and he rolls over, throwing an arm over you, “Go to sleep. We’ll have brunch delivered in the morning,” his voice was raspy and sexy. No! No sex.

“Shh,” his voice was right at your ear. “Sleep. I’m not going anywhere,” that was enough for you. Wiggling around, you get more comfortable, and hold onto him. He was always so warm, and you were always so cold. Even though he hissed a bit at your cold feet rubbing on his legs, he didn’t protest, just lays there until you get comfortable.

This is what you missed with the beginning of yours and Jack’s relationship. It was hot and heavy from night one. You didn’t separate, unless you were going to work. Only to get back to one of your homes and start at it again. But this being soft and sweet was something you didn’t realize you craved from him. Jack really could do it all. But was he still the one for you?

Next

Masterlist

Taglist: @tis-thedamn-season​ @marveloustaylortot​ @pono-pura-vida​ @sstan-hoe​ @infatuatedharleys​ @missusbarnes-rogers​ @peaches1958​ @seitmai​ @smile1318​ @buckysteveloki-me​ @andydrysdalerogers​ @sgtjaamesbaarnes​ @elrw24​ @alynefelippe @charmed-asylum​ @calirindo

[rabbitcruiser]

National Salami Day

Salami is cured, fermented and air-dried sausage, popular in Italy and the mediterranean, as well as around the world. This meat is convenient due to its relatively long shelf life, and it can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. Plus, it now has a special day just to call its own. It’s National Salami Day!

History of National Salami Day

Salami has a relatively unknown history as its creation cannot easily be traced to a particular time. However, some researchers believe that the ancient Romans would eat salami as a part of a larger food group that used salt as a preservative which is probably where it got its name, since ‘salare’ is Italian for salt.

Most people consider salami to be an Italian food–and even the word is Italian! The English language simply used the pluralized form of the Italian word ‘salame’ to indicate the cased meat but, in English, ‘salami’ is singular.

As an air-cured pork meat, salami is a cased meat that was originally wrapped in a natural skin made of other parts of the pig. Sometimes it is also made from beef, wild boar, goose, venison or even duck for unique variations.

Meat for salami comes from different parts of the pig (or other animal), and should include a mixture of lean meat as well as fat in order to get the flavor just right. That’s why the look of the inside of the meat has a marbled looking texture. Although ‘lean salami’ has been popularized for its health benefits, most artisanal salami makers would say that the flavor is not as good.

To make salami, the meat is ground up to a fine texture and then flavored by adding spices or herbs. Some of the most popular flavorings include garlic, white pepper, vinegar or even wine. (Salami’s flavor is not as strong as its popular pizza-topping cousin, pepperoni.) Once stuffed into the casing, salami is usually aged in a fermentation and drying process that lasts between one and three months–or sometimes longer, even up to several years.

Today, Europe is a huge producer of salami. In fact, between Germany, Italy, France, Hungary and the other countries that produce it, several hundred million pounds of salami are produced and eaten each year.

National Salami Day got its start fairly recently, in 2006. Started in Henrico, Virginia by a group known as the Salami Appreciation Society (SAS), the idea was that the salami is a meat that is far too often overlooked and it needed to be given its day in the sun. The official National Salami Day website offers fun tidbits and ideas for celebrating.

How to Celebrate National Salami Day

Enjoy Salami with Friends, Family and Coworkers

National Salami Day encourages people all over the globe to explore the world of salami by trying new and adventurous types of salami, and enjoying salami with friends at salami-themed parties.

Instead of cooking dinner, create a lovely charcuterie board that includes salami and other cold meats served with cheeses and fruits. Or take a deli platter filled with salami, cheeses and veggies to work to encourage the whole office to get involved with celebrating the fun that comes along with National Salami Day.

Take a Picnic with Salami

Salami is actually an ideal picnic food because it does not require refrigeration and can be packed into a basket with bread, cheese, fruit and other delicious items that can be spread out on a picnic blanket to enjoy with friends.

Plan a Trip To Italy to Enjoy Salami

Considered to be an important staple in food throughout the country, National Salami Day might just be the perfect excuse to take a trip to the beautiful Italy. Here, it’s easy to find lengths of dry cured salami simply hanging in butchers or grocery stores.

Slice it thick or thin, depending on the style of meat, and enjoy it on a fresh baguette (which European bakeries are famous for) topped with a hunk of fresh cheese. Of course, don’t forget to enjoy a few olives and a glass of lovely red wine with it as well. Italy is absolutely delicious!

While in Italy, it would be a shame not to visit the Salami Museum in Parma. Located in the lovely cellars of the Felino Castle, this museum boasts the history of salami using documents dating back as far as 1436. It also houses various instruments related to butchery, as well as other artifacts and showrooms.

Or, pop over the charcuterie museum, called the Museo della Salumeria. (It’s located in a castle, Castelnuovo Rangone, in Modena, Italy, which is actually less than an hour’s drive from Parma!) It offers an insider’s view of the production facilities as well as displays of machinery, herbs, spices and other salami related items.

Make Some Salami Recipes

While this might be a surprise, some big fans of salami believe that it is as versatile as bacon when used in cooking! It can certainly do more than simply be sliced and slapped on a piece of bread with cheese. Try out these ideas for cooking with salami to add some unique flavors and interesting takes on culinary adventures:

Salami with Fried or Scrambled Eggs. Whether using it as a side to go along with a fried egg, adding it chopped up into an omelette, or making it into a delicious hash, salami makes a great meat to be paired with eggs–at breakfast or any time of the day.

Salami with a Bowl of Pasta. A new version of Pasta Carbonara (pasta with bacon), chop up some salami finely and add to a red sauce to place over pasta.

Salami on a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. It’s true that today’s grilled cheese sandwiches aren’t just for kids anymore! All kinds of different gourmet options can be created for this delicious and easy favorite sandwich–including a grilled cheese with salami slices.

Salami in Soups. Salami is a great meat to add to soups that are thrown together and made with whatever is on hand in the kitchen. Try salami in a bean soup or vegetable soup. Or channel that inner Italian and throw some salami into a minestrone soup recipe.

Source

[seattle-to-san-diego]

Tuesday, May 28

What a joyful, loving welcome to Seattle! Sunae, Tim and Lauren love to play in their kitchen. They worked together to create a very special feast: an artful charcuterie board, sweet steamed manilla clams, Thai chicken lettuce boats, oven roasted Copper River salmon, broccoli rabe, rice of course and Auntie Sunghyun outrageously yummy kimchi!!! All served with sumptuous wines. When we were ready to switch from red to white, Sunae looked at us and said, “We’re family right?” Then she poured a little white in each glass so we could swirl and drink the remnants of the red before moving on. Perfect! Cousin Sunae’s a real kick ~ straight forward, genuine and kind. We’re very lucky people.

[2brothersdistillers]

Whiskey and Food Pairing: Expert Tips for Creating Perfect Combinations

Whiskey, with its rich flavors and complex aromas, is not just a drink; it's an experience. But what if I told you that pairing whiskey with the right food can elevate that experience to new heights? Yes, you read it right! Whiskey and food pairing is an art that, when done right, can tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Understanding flavor profiles

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of pairing whiskey with food, it's essential to understand the flavor profiles of different types of whiskey. Whiskey can range from light and floral to bold and smoky, depending on factors such as the type of grain used, the distillation process, and aging conditions. Here's a brief overview of some common whiskey flavor profiles:

Light and floral

Think delicate notes of vanilla, honey, and citrus. Examples include Irish whiskey and some blended Scotch whiskies.

Rich and spicy

Characterized by robust flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and pepper. Rye whiskey and certain bourbons fall into this category.

Bold and smoky

Distinctive smoky and peaty notes, reminiscent of campfires and coastal breezes. This profile is typical of many Islay Scotch whiskies.

Pairing principles

Now that we have a basic understanding of whiskey flavor profiles, let's explore some fundamental principles of whiskey and food pairing:

Match intensity

Pair bold whiskies with equally robust dishes, and lighter whiskies with more delicately flavored foods. For example, a peaty Islay Scotch pairs beautifully with smoked salmon or grilled meats, while a delicate Irish whiskey complements seafood or mild cheeses.

Consider complementary flavors

Look for flavors in the whiskey that can complement or contrast with the flavors in the dish. For instance, the caramel and vanilla notes in bourbon can enhance the sweetness of desserts like crème brûlée or bread pudding.

Balance sweetness and acidity

Balancing the sweetness of the whiskey with the acidity of the food can create harmony on the palate. For instance, the acidity of a citrusy ceviche can cut through the richness of a caramel-forward bourbon.

Experiment with textures

Consider the texture of both the whiskey and the food. Creamy dishes like risotto or cheesecake can complement the smooth mouthfeel of a well-aged Scotch whisky.

Perfect pairings

Now, let's dive into some specific whiskey and food pairings that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:

Bourbon and barbecue

The smoky sweetness of bourbon pairs perfectly with the charred flavors of barbecue ribs or pulled pork. The caramelized sugars in the barbecue sauce complement the caramel notes in the bourbon, creating a match made in culinary heaven.

Rye whiskey and charcuterie

The spicy kick of rye whiskey is an excellent foil for the rich, savory flavors of cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and chorizo. Add some crusty bread, tangy pickles, and sharp cheeses to create a balanced and satisfying charcuterie board.

Scotch whisky and dark chocolate

The rich, complex flavors of dark chocolate are a natural match for the smoky, peaty notes of Scotch whisky. Pair a peaty Islay Scotch with a high-quality dark chocolate bar for a decadent and indulgent treat.

Irish whiskey and seafood

The light, floral character of Irish whiskey pairs beautifully with the delicate flavors of seafood. Try pairing a smooth Irish whiskey with grilled shrimp, oysters on the half shell, or a creamy seafood chowder for a taste of the Emerald Isle.

Japanese whisky and sushi

The delicate, nuanced flavors of Japanese whisky are a perfect complement to the subtle flavors of sushi and sashimi. Opt for a light and floral Japanese whisky to accompany your favorite sushi roll or nigiri selection for a truly exquisite dining experience.

Whiskey and food pairing is a delightful journey of exploration and discovery. By understanding the flavor profiles of different types of whiskey and following some simple pairing principles, you can create perfect combinations that will delight your palate and impress your guests. So, the next time you pour yourself a dram of your favorite whiskey, why not elevate the experience by pairing it with the perfect dish? Cheers to delicious adventures in whiskey and food pairing! If you are looking for a distillery near me, or 2 Brothers bourbon, James Two Brothers Distillery is the best option. They offer small boutique-style production of beverage-grade spirit alcohol with simple principles; hard work and honesty. Contact them by writing to paulj@2brothersdistillers.com or call at 352-291-0585.

[skzhocomments]

Broken hearts can heal - Choi Minho SHINee Fanfic - Chapter I - How we all met

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

Chapter I - Wattpad link

Chapter II

---

Chapter I - How we all met

chapter word count: 3.8k words

"Da-Eun, can you bring the glasses please?!" Kibum shouted after you from the living room just as you prepared a charcuterie board.

"I'm kinda busy!" You shouted back, trying to create the perfect salami rose to display in the middle of your arrangement of expensive cheeses, grapes and crackers. "Come get them yourself!"

"But I'm cleaning!"

"And I'm 3 months pregnant!"

"Almost 4!" He shouted again, making you laugh. "I want to get over with the preparations quicker!" He whined.

"And I wanna rest because my feet are swollen and I'm nauseous. But here I am making food!" You shouted back, still laughing. He knew you were just playing around and that preparing this food arrangement didn't bother you at all, even if you truly felt a bit nauseous and your feet hurt.

Kibum stuck his head out through the kitchen's opened door and smiled at you lovingly.

"Hey." He said. He was just so cute.

"Hey." You said back, and you couldn't help but walk over to him and peck his lips.

"The wine glasses?" He grinned mischievously.

"You're taking advantage of my kindness." You whispered and cupped his cheeks, holding on to them tight. "You're lucky I love you."

"Yea. I really am."

"Three glasses?"

"Four." He corrected you.

"I thought Jinki is not able to make it today?" You raised a brow.

"He isn't, but there's still four of us, right? Minho, Taemin and us."

"I can't drink alcohol, Key." You chuckled.

"No, but I don't want you to feel left out." He pouted. "You can just drink grape juice from it and pretend it's wine!"

"Oh, should I?" You laughed while grabbing four glasses. "It's not like I'm going to be left out anyway, they're basically coming to meet me, no?"

"Speaking of, how's your nerves?" He grabbed the four glasses.

"I mean, it's good that I'll have an ally already."

"Me?" Kibum grinned.

"No, not you, dummy. Taemin. I'm glad I've already met him, and it won't just be... awkward, meeting two new people."

"And here I thought I'm your best ally." Key pouted.

"Of course you are." You kissed him again. "Look, they will be here soon, so I'm going back to this damn rose while I still have the patience for it."

"Good luck! And thanks for these." He smiled, clicking the glasses against each other, and walked out of the kitchen.

~

"So, are you nervous?" You whispered, slipping your hand into your boyfriend's while caressing your ever-growing belly with the other.

"Why would I be?" He chuckled. "It's not like I'm the one meeting someone new. It's literally just Minho and Taemin, and we speak all the time anyway."

"I get Taemin. But what about Minho? You still haven't seen him in what, one year?" You smiled, knowing that despite his indifferent appearance, Kibum did miss his friend, and not seeing each other for so long was hard on him, even if he acts annoyed whenever they speak.

"It doesn't matter. We can be away from each other for 15 years and nothing would change between us." He said with a sassy roll of his eyes, making you chuckle. "It was like that when I was in the military, too."

"I hope our baby will have someone like that." You whispered again, more to yourself.

"What about you, Da-Eun? Are you less nervous than two hours ago?" Kibum looked at you, holding your hand tight. He knew about your reluctance of meeting new people, but it was imperative for you to start being around his circle of friends and his family until the baby comes and you get married.

It's a funny thought, eventually having a wedding and being married. You certainly didn't see yourself as the type. Not because there was anything wrong with it, but it just felt... weird to live with someone else, to rely on another person and to show your potential husband not only the good parts, but also the uglier, less appealing ones.

But this is bound to happen, even if it seems a bit too soon. Both of you decided to hold the baptism of your child and the wedding party on the same day, to just have a big celebration of these two big milestones neither of you saw coming so soon in your relationship. You wouldn't have made any plans to get married if it weren't for the baby, since you've only been dating Kibum for a few months by the time you accidentally got pregnant, but now, it had to happen.

Thankfully both of you were very much in love with the other, but since it's all been casual until now, you didn't really meet his friends or anything. Besides Taemin, who you got the pleasure to meet last month, you just met Kibum's family two weeks ago and that didn't go as planned, so yea, it was safe to say you were really nervous about meeting Key's other best friend.

"A bit." You smiled softly, but holding Key's hand made you feel less nervous, and you almost forgot about any discomfort when the doorbell rang, and Minho came through the door with a big bouquet of yellow and white roses.

"Hello!" He came towards you with the biggest smile plastered on his face and handed you the roses. "This is for you."

"Thank you." You smiled.

"I'm Minho, it's so nice to finally meet you, Da-Eun. You're looking amazing. How far along are you?" He said everything in a breath, his openness making you breathe out a sigh of relief and calm down a lot. You were glad he seemed welcoming, at least, compared to Kibum's parents.

"Minho, the pleasure is mine. The flowers are so beautiful, thank you so much. We are so happy you were able to come visit us. I'm around the 16th week mark." You smiled.

"You don't need to be so polite with me, Da-Eun. But he can definitely learn from you." He pointed to Kibum, making you laugh.

"Yah." Key scoffed in disbelief and placed his arms steadily on his hips. "What do you mean to say? Am I not nice?!"

"Of course you are! So, did you miss your big brother?" He winked.

"I'm older than you though?!" Key replied, starting to raise his voice a bit.

"Shhh, what's a couple months?! Mentally I'm older. You should just deal with it." Minho closed his eyes and petted Key's shoulder apologetically while nodding his head, before getting into a fit of laughter.

"So, as you see, Da-Eun, this is my idiot... acquaintance." Key turned to you and faked a smile before dropping his expression into a poker face.

"Acquaintance?! We basically lived together for years!" Minho scoffed in disbelief.

"Are you two always like this?" You chuckled.

"Like what?" Minho grabbed Key's neck and pulled him into a one-sided hug, and you laughed again seeing the grimace on your boyfriend's face.

"Anyway, where is Taemin? I thought you're going to come together." Key intervened and shook his friend's hand away, taking the roses from your hands instead and closing the front door. "Aish, why did you even bring these? What are we supposed to do with flowers? Just bring us money next time!" Kibum scolded Minho with annoyance in his tone.

"Money?! You have enough, though?! Da-Eun, he's always like this. A materialistic prick. To convince him to come to my show I had to buy a fucking bag-"

"Yah, don't talk badly about me to my girlfriend! Where's Taemin, huh?"

"He's running late. He was adamant about bringing the drinks and the fucker- I meant, our dearest Maknae messed up the time and thought we met up at 8."

"8?! That's like, two hours later?" Key slapped his forehead.

"He apparently mistook '18' for '8' and didn't bother checking in with me." Minho shrugged.

You started balancing your weight from one foot to the other, as your feet started to hurt, and you just knew they were getting swollen again. It was hard being pregnant.

"Should we go sit down?" Minho smiled at you, as if he knew you were getting uncomfortable of standing.

"Okay, let's go to the living room." You nodded at him shortly, thanking him for taking care of you.

Key grabbed your hand and sat down next to you on the couch, as Minho began exploring every corner of your apartment.

"Does he usually do this?" You whispered to your boyfriend, who just looked annoyed and scoffed.

"Woah!" Minho spoke loudly from the laundry room. "Everything is so clean! No clothes in the drier?!"

Then, he returned to the living room and examined the table closely.

"And this is spotless. Da-Eun! You're a miracle!" He praised you, and you burst out laughing. What the heck was happening?

"Choi Minho! I'm the one who cleaned the table, okay?!"

"Yet you still let you pregnant soon-to-be-wife do the laundry though, didn't you?"

"Sit down and shut it, will you?" Key rolled his eyes.

"He's working you too hard. I'd beat him up if I were you." Minho sat down and whispered to you, mocking a scared face as soon as his friend made it clear that he, in fact, heard him and started cussing him out and raising his fist in the air.

"Anyway, since Taeminnie isn't here yet with the wine, should I give you some juice from Da-Eun's collection?" Key laughed and petted the back of your head lovingly.

"Hey, you're making me sound like a child!" You retorted. "Minho, I swear I don't only drink juice-"

"Yea, she drinks lemonade too." Key chuckled, kissing your forehead as he stood up.

"When the baby comes, the first thing I'm going to do is get drunk!" You shouted after him and crossed your arms, noticing Minho's smile in front of you.

"You both seem happy together. I'm glad."

"Thank you..." You started fidgeting your fingers. You didn't feel intimidated or anything, but you didn't expect Minho to address your relationship with Key so early into the evening.

"You're both so cute! I bet the baby will be even cuter! I'll be the best uncle to him." He smiled kindly, and you felt your cheeks become red. Minho was a nice person, and you understood why Key always spoke so fondly of him. You were so glad your baby was going to grow up around such amazing people. He was surely going to have such a good childhood with you, Kibum and his three uncles that love him unconditionally already.

And yes, the baby is a he. You found out at your latest doctor's appointment that Key had to miss due to some work, and you haven't told him yet, because you had a surprise in store for him and the boys tonight.

"What got you blushing like that?" Key returned and laughed at your flustered state.

"I just told her I hope the baby won't turn out like you, and it'll be cute like her." Minho laughed.

"Yah, what does that mean? I'm cute!" Key replied, making us all chuckle.

"Of course you are, the cutest." You praised and took the juice glass he just filled for you.

"So, grape juice, hm?" Minho took the juice box from the table, since Kibum didn't bother filling his glass as well.

"It's my saving grace." You spoke serious, noticing the two men start laughing.

"I can't believe you don't keep any alcohol in the house though. Kibum, are you perhaps getting more disciplined since you have a kid on the way?!"

"No, he just drank it all last week and we didn't have time to go shopping." You chuckled.

"Da-Eun, whose side are you taking here?!" Key looked hurt, then started laughing as well, just as the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." You smiled and tried to stand up, before feeling Key's hand holding you down on the sofa.

"Stay put and relax, you worked hard today." He smiled at you, reminding you once again of why you fell in love with him.

~Flashback, 9 months ago~

"Da-Eun, can you pleeaaasee take care of Table 7? There's an obnoxious party of 8 in Table 5 and I'm really tied up with them! There's just one in Table 7, and he needs a menu. Pleeease?!"

"Sure, babe." You smiled at your coworker, grabbing one of the menus in the stack behind the register.

You made your way through the busy restaurant towards Table 7 and noticed a single man with a cap on his head and dark sunglasses covering his eyes waiting patiently, his back steadily against the chair and his legs crossed. He was scrolling on his phone but noticed you as soon as you approached his table.

"Hello, sir. Here is the menu. While you consult it, would you like me to bring you something to drink?" You smiled gently and delivered your speech, as you usually did whenever you greeted a new customer.

"Hi." He replied, putting his phone away on the table, and taking the menu from your hands. "Yes, that would be great. I'd like a cold beer."

Why would he wear sunglasses and a cap inside when it was so warm, you wondered? Was it because he didn't want anyone to recognise him? If so...

"Sure, coming right up. But first, uhm... if you would like, we also have private rooms, in case you would be more comfortable..." You smiled again, hoping you didn't assume anything and that you didn't make him uncomfortable.

"Oh, is it all right to go, though? I won't order much, just something to eat..."

"Of course! Come, follow me." You smiled and ushered him to the back of the restaurant where you had a few private rooms. During the day, these mostly stay empty, so occupying one wouldn't inconvenience the restaurant in any way. Plus, none of it was reserved.

"Thank you, this is surely more comfortable." He smiled as he took of the cap and glasses, and hell, was he beautiful. You recognised him from somewhere, but you just couldn't put your finger on it.

"So, a beer while you consult our menu, yes?"

"That's right. What do you recommend for food, though... Da-Eun?" He smiled, squinting his eyes to look at your name tag.

"We have some amazing spaghetti... my favourite would be Cacio e Pepe, they're just so creamy and delicious. If you love pepper, anyway." You chuckled.

"Then you can bring me that." He said, giving you back the menu.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, thank you."

You went away and typed the order into the computer, and served him the beer while the cook prepared the pasta.

~

"Here you go." You smiled, placing the plate in front of him. "Would you like another beer?"

"Yes, please, that would be great." He smiled.

He was beautiful, and your eyes lingered on his features for a second too long.

You brought him his second drink, he complimented the food, and when he left, he gave you such a good tip, you couldn't contain your smile for the whole day.

You needed money, so you moved to Seoul specifically to be able to earn more, in hopes that you'll be able to save enough so you could pursue your passion: studying psychology. You knew you wouldn't be able to work during University due to the strict hours and amount of studying you would have to do, so you needed to save as much as possible, so you can focus entirely on getting your degree.

~

Almost a month later, very late into your shift, the small bell attached to the door frame rang as the door opened, revealing a familiar figure. You went to greet him and help him to a table.

"Welcome back. You dyed your hair." You smiled.

"You recognise me?" The man raised an eyebrow. His shock was understandable, as he was once again wearing a cap, this time glasses as well, but still, you saw a few small blond strands sticking out. You wondered if his hair was soft to the touch, or if the dye messed it up. That blonde is impossible to reach without bleaching the shit out of your hair.

"Of course, you came here a few weeks ago, didn't you? Blonde suits you!" You complimented the man, and instead of showing him to a regular table, you guided him directly to a private room.

"Thank you." He said, taking off his cap and shoving a head through his hair, rearranging it. "I was worried you're already closed for the night."

"It's almost closing time, actually, but the kitchen is still open if you'd like a quick bite."

"Some fried chicken sounds really good right now." He smiled.

"And for drinks? Maybe a Soju bottle?"

"Drinking Soju alone is kind of sad, isn't it?" He laughed. "Maybe you could join me if you don't have too much work to do, Da-Eun."

"Oh?" You tilted your head, genuinely surprised, then started chuckling a bit. "There's not much work... I'd probably have to check out first and join in as a customer."

"If you don't mind?" The man smiled again, and it probably wouldn't have been a good idea to drink with a stranger any other day, but you were curious of him.

"Just give me a minute to put the order in."

"Then... two portions of fried chicken and, let's say, two bottles of Soju to start? We can always get more later."

"Sounds good."

You made your way towards the computer to add the order, your heart racing out of your chest. You couldn't believe you just got invited by such a handsome man to randomly join him eating and drinking, and you were so glad the restaurant was almost around closing time and no new customers would come in.

You grabbed a beer for the man and brought it to him, waiting until the cook finished making the two portions of fried chicken, which would also be the last order of the night.

"Here, on the house." You smiled, putting the beer in front of the stranger. "You can drink this until the food is ready and I close up the place."

"Thanks, Da-Eun." He returned your smile.

"You haven't told me your name yet."

"Oh, you really don't know?" He chuckled. Perhaps you were right when he first came in, he was wearing so many accessories specifically so that no one would recognise him.

Maybe he was famous or something.

"No, sorry."

"That's okay. My name is Kibum."

"Nice to meet you, Kibum." You smiled. "I'm gonna go close up and will join you in a bit, then?"

"Sure, take your time."

~

You've never closed the restaurant as quick as you did that night. You cleaned all the tables in super speed and mopped the floors, and just as you were done, the cook finished making the two fried chicken portions, so you grabbed them, took them to Kibum's table and left again to bring two glasses and the soju bottles.

"Shall we eat?" You stood down in front of him and pointed to the fresh chicken. You opened one bottle and poured the liquid in his glass respectfully, then filled yours to the brim.

"Mhm, this tastes amazing. I also thought so last time with the pasta. Your cook is really good."

"Right?! I love eating here so much." You replied, taking a bite of the chicken as well. "Thanks for treating me, by the way."

"Who says I'm treating you?" He replied with fake annoyance, and both of you started chuckling.

"Don't be mean, I ended my shift, but I'm still stuck here because of you."

"Woah! Is that how you're supposed to treat customers, Da-Eun?"

"Kibum, dear, you're not my customer right now, you're my drinking buddy. Don't get the two confused."

"Da-Eun, darling, I'll make sure not to get them confused then." He replied and placed his right hand on his heart, mimicking heartache.

"So, how old are you?"

"Curious?" He chuckled. "31."

"Shut up, no way."

"Yes way!"

"But you look younger than me, though?!" You exclaimed surprised, and kind of jealous.

"Facial treatments, baby." He boasted. "I go twice a week."

"Lucky." You pouted.

"What about you, how old are you, Da-Eun?"

"Just shy of 25."

"Woah, you're so young." He chuckled.

"Not really. I wish I was younger, honestly. The next couple years are going to be really weird."

"How so?" He raised an eyebrow expectedly.

"What's that, some sort of fashion statement?" You pointed to his left eyebrow that had some sort of naked patch.

"What, the scar?" He chuckled. "No, I played with a flowerpot when I was little and I fell, cracking my head open."

"That sounds traumatic."

"Right?! It was!"

"Looks cool though." You downed the soju glass.

"So, as we were saying before you got distracted by my otherworldly beauty, why say that the next years will be weird?"

"You're so modest!" You joked. "Well, I want to go to Uni, and if everything goes to plan, I'll get stuck with a bunch of 18-year-olds by the time I'm your age."

"So what? Just do your best and get that degree you want. I like ambition."

"Why, thank you!" You exclaimed, making Kibum chuckle.

You talked about anything and everything and kept drinking. You drank and drank, until 2 bottles turned into 10, and by the time you had to add everything you've consumed into the register, you were so dizzy from all the alcohol, that you barely saw the correct numbers in the computer.

Kibum's hands on your waist and the way your back was pressed to him made it even more difficult to focus, but still, you skilfully entered everything, and Kibum even gave you a big tip, just like last time, despite him already paying for everything you two ate and drank.

"Do you always tip so well?" You chuckled, feeling his hot breath on the back of your neck.

"If the person deserves it." He said in a quiet voice, pressing his lips on your neck and earning a small moan from you.

"You should come here more often, then."

"Can I only see you if I come here?" He whispered in your ear, kissing your neck again, and your hand instinctively moved to the back of his head, while you let yours fall down on his shoulder to allow him full access to you.

Both of you were fairly intoxicated at this point, but it didn't matter. You made your way to a nearby hotel to just spend a night together.

He was good in bed, and you liked him quite a bit. You liked how much attention he gave each part of your body, how his kisses felt on your skin, and how confidently he held you.

One night turned into many others, and without notice, you two started going on dates, simply enjoying the other's company.

You called it official a few months in, and barely one month later, you found out you were pregnant.

~End of flashback~

---

(A/N) Hello!

Thank you so much for reading the first chapter of 'Broken hearts can heal'!

I hope you enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to your thoughts so far.

Chapter 2 will come soon.

Love you lots,

Storm.

---

Chapter II

[nancyfmccarthy]

Merry Christmas

We celebrated with all of our favorite Christmas traditions. It started with a lovely Christmas Eve dinner at Joan and John’s. Christmas breakfast was at our house. Finally, Christmas dinner in Milton with all of the Currivans. Christmas is a joyful celebration of family.

Ally created a festive charcuterie board for Christmas Eve…

…and a Buche de Noel that was Bon Appetit perfect

The “grown ups “ table in Milton.

Patsy and her grand daughters. We missed Danielle this year who was home with a double ear infection.

[theworldoffostering]

Here is the birthday cake I made for E. I ran out of time and couldn’t add the bandana she wanted but man, I’m proud of this one! I wasn’t sure it was going to turn out at all. DH helped a ton and I had to quit and let it sit for a bit this morning. When I came back to it, things went more smoothly.

This was my first attempt at covering a cake drum in fondant and my first time making my own cake drum.

E hasn’t had a party with her friends for at least three years. It was fun to meet the girls she spends time with at school. They were all SO nice! I had them paint a ceramic animal figure when they arrived. Then they played games that DH created for them. Then they snacked on a charcuterie board I put together for them. We opened gifts and then they had cake and went home. It was two hours and perfect! I was glad I didn’t have to make a full meal. E wanted a puppy themed party and Target had really cute decorations that fit the theme. It still ended up being a ton of work but I am SO glad that we made the effort for her to have these friend connections. I’m happy to have met the parents of these kids and hopeful that this will now lead to future friends/play dates.

[fleurcareil]

East Quebec: East Gaspesie

The wildfire smoke was slightly reduced when driving into the Gaspesie but it was still almost impossible to see the undoubtedly pretty landscape of hills and the sea. Before heading to the hotel, I visited Miguasha National Park, which is another UNESCO world heritage site known for its cliffs full of Devonian fossils from the Age of the Fish. This was also when the first reptiles developed, being able to walk on land but not able to lay eggs with a hard shell yet, so this is the period immediately before the one at the Joggins fossils site I had visited in Nova Scotia... love it when things are connected 😀. I walked around the exhibits and a viewpoint but the smoke made it unattractive to go down to the cliffs themselves. I did use the parking lot to get out all the wet stuff from the night before to dry it in the wind and repack my car properly. All set again! In the evening, I treated myself to a cheese and charcuterie board 😊 as consolation for the less than ideal day.

Next morning the smoke was gone and instead a big blue sky 🎉 which made the drive along the south Gaspesie coast beautiful as the road is for the most part straight next to the sea. It did move slowly though as it's a long string of villages with local traffic sometimes crawling (e.g. driving 50 in a 80 km/hr speed limit zone 🙄) so had plenty of time contemplating... (the lack of) Canadian gardens 😅. Many Europeans are surprised at how little effort Canadians make on creating attractive gardens with flowers, shrubs etc, and it's still something that catches my eye wherever I go (it making for quite boring villages when driving through) but I developed two theories for the reason why. First, I believe Canadians already spend so much effort raking leaves in fall and snow shoveling in winter that they really don't want to spend working on the garden all summer too except for basic lawn mowing (which is a favorite pastime, with many mowing every week!). Secondly, I think there's also a desire to create a controlled environment (by ways of a perfectly manicured lawn) around the house as a way to mentally balance against the wild nature around it... with moose, bears and anything else running around like they own the place (which they really do), having a little patch of "humanized nature" makes us feel more secure... am curious to hear from my Canadian friends whether they agree! 😄

Anyways, I did eventually arrive at one of the highlights of my trip so far; the Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park, located at the east end of the Gaspesie. The boat tour started towards the famous Rocher Percé, which already had some first sea birds perched on the cliffs, however the numbers drastically increased when we circled around the island of Bonaventure, which houses the largest Northern Gannet colony in North America, estimated to be 92,000 this year. In addition, there's also a lot of smaller black-white sea birds like the common murre, black-legged kittiwake and razorbill (called "little penguin" in French as it looks similar).

Hard to see, but literally every ledge and nook is crammed with birds, with seals swimming in the waters below 😍

Having 3 hours on the island before catching the boat back, a little hike brings you to the other side where the sight of all the nesting birds is incredible... this is the only period that the gannets are on land, returning each year to the exact nest where they encounter their partner to lay one egg, after which they stay all year on the water until the next breeding season. The birds go about their business of nest making, courting & fighting without a care about the people...I also saw 4 little chicks peeking out under their parent's belly, although they're still too little to leave the nest.

Back at the jetty, great to just soak in the gorgeous weather until the boat arrives... perfect day! 🥰

In the evening, I met a woman in the hostel's communal kitchen (where I'm preparing salads for the next 2 camping nights) who also quit her job recently. We ended up taking about the war in Ukraine, Quebec's opposition to army conscription in the second world war, and everything in between. When we talked about cultural identity, she asked me to describe how my personal "pie of belonging" is split up... In her case, she felt 50% Quebecois and 50% international, so she had no affinity with being Canadian whatsoever... I probably need to think it a bit more through, but in first instance I would say I feel a third Dutch, a third international ("cosmopolitan" as I used to say when I was little 😍), a quarter Canadian (not Ontarian) and the remaining 8% French. It's quite interesting to consider!

The next day the coast is smothered in thick fog, so I take it easy and hang out a bit longer in the hostel writing the blog over a cup of tea, until I decide it's not getting any better. The Parc National Forillon is next door, so I soon start on a hike to the "Bout du Monde" or Land's End. However... I see a lot of people walking back towards the parking lot and it turns out that there's a bear with 2 cubs on the trail. The bears had walked away but they weren't sure whether they were completely gone. The family that came after me wanted to continue, so slowly we checked out the path ahead. I did see very briefly the mother bear look at me (through my binoculars far away) before it disappeared and then shortly after, two people came from the other way and said they had seen it go into the bushes. So we continued ahead a bit nervously (myself talking out loud to the bear explaining I wouldn't harm its kids 🤣, and the guys behind me humming songs) until I realised there were at least another 20 people on the trail - safety in numbers! Due to the fog, it truly felt Land's End...

Another short hike around two beaver ponds, but they weren't home and then another lighthouse & wild sea in the fog, before I started the 3-hour drive along the north Gaspesie shore to the west. The road required some attention as the first part is a rollercoaster up and down the hills but the sea views (no fog here!) were stunning. The second half is even more impressive as the road is squeezed between the cliffs and the sea as you drive from cove to cove. Having done groceries and taken gas (which is shockingly 27 cents/liter more expensive in Quebec than in Nova Scotia) enroute, I arrived at my campsite in Gaspesie National Park rather late, so I had a quick dinner (hooray for the salad I had already made 😊) and then off to bed.

Waking up with slight rain, I nevertheless decided to start the hike up Mont Xalibu early as it was supposed to rain more later in the day. At 9:30am already at the Lac aux Americains which is not surprisingly, fully engulfed by fog. I was a bit apprehensive about the hike as its 580m elevation gain and 10.4km length makes it the hardest I've done in the last few years, but it went surprisingly well - getting fit again! 😁 The top was an absolute wind & fog nightmare (luckily there was a little rock shelter) so unfortunately I missed the view, but still happy I went as the scenery was impressive with tundra-like lichen and stunted trees.

When I was back at the lake the fog has disappeared, so I finally got to see the landscape! Being done at 2pm I initially thought of going on another hike, but instead made myself a lovely cup of tea and visited a few viewpoints instead - after all, there's many different ways to experience nature. The last one - a 20k detour on an unpaved road to an observation tower - was a disappointment as there's supposed to be moose, which there wasn't 😒. In the evening it rains on & off, so sitting comfortably under a shelter drinking a beer while writing this... Canadian camping is luxury! 

In the morning I woke up in the rain again so simply put everything into the car and drove to Matane. On the way, I hung the stuff to dry at a municipal parking lot while drinking a cup of tea overlooking the sea... am getting the hang of this! 👌 Arrived two hours early for the ferry across the Saint Laurent to start my Labrador adventure, so typing this up in Tim Hortons. Today is exactly a month into my road trip, can't believe it! 💖💖💖

Wildlife: 13 seals, thousands of northern gannets & other sea birds (all at Perce/Bonaventure); 1 black bear (Forillon), 1 loon (Gaspesie)

SUPs: none

Hikes: one at Ile Bonaventure, two at Forillon, one at Gaspesie

Distance driven this week: 1290 km

[sohmiya]

I've been listening to Counting Losses by Chelan, Best & Mess It Up by Gracie Abrams (<- which are probably songs that fit them quite well...not a great thought because I'll start creating a Spotify playlist about Max and Ev) & had this hc in my head for like over an hour, so I had to swoop in and send you Maxine x Evren angst...which is terrible because I'm the biggest supporter of their 'could be perfect' relationship. Like if their ship ever left the docks and sailed, I'd be the fucking captain of that ship.

I am sooo sorry that this is so long asdfkghjkl.

SOo they weren't supposed to get as involved with each other as they did, right? but now they're in the situation and I imagine Ev thinking about it one morning and saying "you said we should stop...but you came here last night" and Max is all "and you came to my place last week. But I was right, we do need to stop. This is much more messier than it was supposed to be."

And Ev would pause and go, "because of our lives or because of the media's involvement?" "both" and he'd roll his eyes and ask "and you really think any of this would've been easier with someone else?" and Max would sarcastically laugh and say, "frankly, yes. it probably would've been" and Evren would be all, "oh, because the media have been so respectful of our lives in the past, right?" — which is low key an indirect to what the press write about him, but also a shot towards Max's public break up with her ex...and he instantly regrets saying it, but he's caught feelings and all in love and he's saying stupid shit and he can tell he's losing her.

And I see them having a mini argument about it all, which turns into a full blown argument, which turns into them not talking for days...and then not talking for a month. And I see Ev being super upset about it, and him debating whether to contact her and just apologise but he's also under the impression that she definitely doesn't want anything to do with him...so leave it be.

annndd thenn, cause Heartless was so successful their labels are like 'collab again and release another song together' which would genuinely make Evren choke and go, "we don't...have to do that." and his label's all "well, we're not asking, we're telling—the fans loved your last song. Give them what they want."

Then Maxine and Evren are back in the studio together, the exact same one they created Heartless in and ate takeout in and became friends in...so it's super weird and starts off with small talk like "how are things going with you?" "good, you?" "yeah, good" and it's disgustinggg and awkward because a month ago they would've had the deepest conversations and now they can barely be in the same room together.

Eventually Ev would ramble and choke out, "I'm sorry, about what I said a month ago" and Max would nod and say "same..." but it's still super awkward and the tension is there, but they have a job to do and she asks "so how's all of this going to work?" and Evren thinks for a moment and says "honestly?" "honestly" and he goes "we don't kiss, I don't touch you, we don't reminisce the times we spent together, and I think about you in a way that's strictly platonic. then we'll get through this fine"—but he's sort of already failing because he remembers so much about Max: the stuff she likes and dislikes, the way she laughs, her songwriting process, and even debated ordering a charcuterie board for her but decided against it because this can't be anything more than it is.

And Max would go, "you have it all sorted out" "a month gives you time to think about things. probably enough time to grow that god complex of yours" he'd joke, and she'd laugh and say, "it's not like it can grow anymore, you know that already" which is nice because at least they can still joke around with each other and it sort of eases their tension a little until Max asks "and what happens after all of this?"

And Ev's like "we write this song and release it. I let you go, I fall out of love with you, and we get on with our lives" "and you find someone else" and Evren would pause and go "what you and I had it... it was about more than just the sex. it was different from anything with anyone else. you're special Maxie, you don't need me to tell you that. you don't need anyone, least of all a relationship."

But in Evren's head he's begging that she grabs his face and kisses him and says "fine. i'll do it. i'll give us a go, Acevedo. properly. i'll fall in love with you and let you catch me"—but she doesn't so he stops thinking it, clears his throat and goes "besides, we'll write a good song together and individually I'm sure we'll write some great songs about each other, so I guess we can't complain too much."

And like, imagine Evren performing on stage and thousands of fans are literally chanting for him to sing the songs that he wrote with and wrote about Maxine (them not realising they're about her), and Evren's on stage thinking 'fuck...now I have to think about her', but you've gotta give your fans what they want so he performs each one like he's having the best time of his life.

ANYWAY! I"m going to cry in a corner—

me getting excited over an ask from you until i read what it was about:

"you said we should stop...but you came here last night"

"and you came to my place last week.”

the way i knew i was gonna be fucked up as soon as these lines were uttered 💔💔💔💔

"and you really think any of this would've been easier with someone else?"

evren please……… i don’t wanna fight……. this line alone made ME feel bad wtf :(((((

no cause when they start arguing they’re both at the height of their emotions and start raising their voices at each other like “evren we’ve been over this” “why can’t we just give it a try?” “you KNOW why. it’s not gonna work” “you don’t know that” “yes i do” then i imagine evren ultimately saying something like “no you don’t. you always pin it on the media but the truth is you’re just scared” and UGHHHH it would make max so mad because deep down she knows it’s true but she doesn’t wanna admit it so she just says “just go”

he's also under the impression that she definitely doesn't want anything to do with him

little does he know maxine misses him….. 🚶🏻‍♀️

“well, we're not asking, we're telling”

the best thing his label can do is die 🥰 UGH I HATE THEM GIVE MY BABY SOME SPACE

"so how's all of this going to work?"

"honestly?"

"honestly"

"we don't kiss, I don't touch you, we don't reminisce the times we spent together, and I think about you in a way that's strictly platonic. then we'll get through this fine"

i literally want to cry………… i am so fucking devastated

and evren even planning to buy her a charcuterie board……

"we write this song and release it. I let you go, I fall out of love with you, and we get on with our lives"

"and you find someone else"

ngl this lowkey made me feel bad for making miko 😭😭😭

my deepest sigh ever…… the awkward banters when they work together again was so heartbreaking but so satisfying for the angst lover in me JRNDJEKSJ

and also at second coming’s show, maxine has a little chat with the crowd like “have you guys ever felt like you’ve found your person but met them at the wrong time?” and the crowd starts to scream and maxine just laughs but you know it’s hollow and she just goes “yeah same. but thank god we got some bangers out of it” and that’s her lightheartedly hinting at new songs on the setlist and they’re all songs that maxine wrote about evren after the “breakup” and there are times during the show where she looks at her bandmates for some comfort as soon as she starts feeling emotional again :(

but i think after some time when evren and maxine have gotten over it they’d start teasing each other again like “evren you are so fuckimg sappy” “you literally called me your person” “shut the fuck up” and ugndhsgHSHSJAJ IM GONNA CRY mila please tell evren i’m sorry and that i’m just as heartbroken as he is <////3

[goldengores]

SHOW OF THE CENTURY .

WARNING .

do not proceed if the following makes you queasy .

blood , medical malpractice , unlicensed medical procedures , live dissection , kidnapping , murder , torture , death .

these will be the only trigger warnings i have in place from here on out . this is the type of content you are being warned that i write .

the sound of footsteps reverberates off of the confines of metal walls, leather and metal clicking against polished concrete, accompanied by a jubilant hum of anticipation. oh, what a momentous occasion! one of the greatest performances will be exhibited tonight, all that the artist desires is for his audience to give him is utmost attention and utter silence, and to be revered and awed and bathed in the admiration the people have to give him.

that is the only price he asks for.

fingers gloved by black latex feel against the wall as he walks, reaching a risen plane and he flicks a switch on, spotlight shining down on a figure tied on a chair, writhing against the ropes that secure him in place. nearly nude, a dignity given only covering nether regions, blindfolded and gagged, legs tied onto legs, a perfect composition of a hostage in need of a savior.

there will be no savior. only a dead god whose gentle hands adore his subjects. “my beloved muse.. i hope you weren’t waiting too long.” a serene tone that did not reflect the severity of the situation. his beloved muse had been sitting, languishing away in the stygian atmosphere, no songs of comfort and no sound, no light, no life. nearly entombed in the house of steel. chamber approaches the bound man, fingers curling around a quivering chin as he tilts a teary-eyed face upwards to coo quietly, “how splendid you look. are these tears for me ? you’re so thoughtful. this is why i adore you.”

his free hand reaches down into a pouch, revealing a syringe as he lifts his hand to present it in front of wide eyes. “you have behaved well. let me give you a gift.” with a soft smile, chamber lowers the needle to a neck that would not stop moving, leading him to grasp onto hair roughly to keep that damned head in place as he injects his darling subject with a sedative.

a sedative that leaves the other conscious.

now, where should he begin ? the head. he tosses the hollow syringe aside ungracefully, glass shattering on the concrete, uncaring of the sharp mess it has made. his subject now sits limp, unmoving but seeing all, watching as chamber picks up an object from the floor. a metal rod with a design at the end — a brand. his free palm begins to glow as it generates high temperatures, and he presses the flat of the brand against the superheated surface, a hiss of steam when metal comes into contact.

only when the marksman acknowledges the metal illuminating does he lift the rod from his palm, hand cooling down as he busies himself with pressing the brand into his subject’s forehead, rising from skin to reveal that the branding is his own logo, the eye of the dead god. how fitting. how cruel. setting the brand aside, back onto the floor, he once again reaches back into the pouch he retrieved his initial syringe from and brandishes a scalpel.

he grasps one of the limp arms, letting the tip of the blade dig into skin, making a sliding motion to create a clean cut from wrist to forearm. methodically, he carves into the skin, lifting pieces off like if it were cured ham, as if he were planning to create a charcuterie board from skin shavings and tears of a poor sod. but it bores him, shortly after making a bleeding mess of an arm.

so he follows with the makeshift surgery.

carving into still flesh, the blade slides too smoothly through layers of skin and tissue, not yet breaching through to the body cavity as it glides over the center of a ribcage, down to the navel. then, the blade is lifted only to create parallel lines perpendicular to the initial cut, one atop the chest, one under the belly button. a wretched window to a grotesque fascination of discovering the human anatomy. he tilts the scalpel at an angle, now, slicing into the fascia, the connective tissue that separated outer flesh from the core, gently peeling the layer outwards, opening one side of the window to bone and inner organs. he does the same to the other flap that lied nearly untouched.

there’s far too much blood on his hands now, he observes, and squats down to wipe the ferrous fluid onto the concrete, beginning to paint the formation of an eye. when he deems it to be clean enough, he returns to observing inner organs as they lived, a sick fascination at their movements in the cold air, despite its cage of flesh no longer protecting them from foreign objects and harm. his free hand digs into the mass of organs, the scalpel assisting him, cutting free a kidney into his hand. with a swift hand, he cuts away the sink the gagged a mouth, scalpel held away in a closed fist as he wrenches the mouth open with his forefinger, shoving the kidney into the oral cavity, poking and prodding to shove it as far as it allowed, fingers curled as it lodges the organ to the back of his subject’s mouth, barely fitting into the throat.

once he is satisfied, chamber returns to the opening, clawing in to remove the large intestine, slicing it free from the appendix and rectum, pulling it out and admiring his butchering work, the pink of the intestine glistening with a shine under the spotlight. he hums, low in his throat, and with a raising motion, lovingly places it around a ever slowly paling neck, tucking it as if it were a scarf with murmurs of how his muse should be looking good, as if they were to be shown off to the world like chamber does with his own, true beloved.

speaking of the devil, his phone rings, and a frown dances on his lips as he considers whether or not to reach for the distracting thing and answer it, or to launch it against the wall. he chooses the former, and with a bloody, gloved hand it plucks the device from his back pocket, eyeing the screen as it read the name of his love. “mon coeur,” he starts after he answers, propping his phone onto his shoulder as he keeps it tucked in there, between his cheek and a raised shoulder. tone sweet and loving and utterly unfitting of the acts he currently commits, he speaks to his beloved while sticking his fingers into the crevices of a human’s internal mechanisms which quiver less so than when he had initially carved his muse open. “you know not to distract me while i’m working, amour.”

grasping at ends, he spreads out the small intestines, lying it out in winding patterns as the organ is draped across still thighs. “i miss you too.” he’s nudging at the intestines, gradually pressing them into a neat square, the pink a contrast against pallid pallor. he continues his conversation with his unknowing lover, this time reaching for the second kidney, a motion repeated and stuffing a slack mouth with the other half.

next comes the liver, placed on top of a foundation created by the small intestines, burgundy against pink. then, the pancreas, flipping it in his hands as if he were examining a new knife, if said knife were dull or sharp enough to proceed using it with surgical precision. it is placed next to the liver, resting once again on the coil of intestines. the removal of the gallbladder is next, musing silently to himself as he realizes that the organ is a pale blue, compared to the pink that it is surrounded by when housed still. he sets it down to join the mass, and finally, he removes the spleen to finalize the second layer of this cruel pyramid of blood and flesh.

“it’s going to be a bit before i go home,” with a precise hand, chamber pierces through flesh in the entry point, grasping past the lungs and onto a still beating heart, tearing it from its confines without grace or tact, “don’t wait for me, oui ?” he’s worming his hand back out, completing the improvised pyramid by topping it with the final act of death. “je t’aime, mon tresor. i’ll see you later.” the call ends, and his phone is tucked away safe.

he compliments himself at the work he’s done, but he is not quite finished yet. he hasn’t touched the ribcage. that won’t do. a harsh hand presses the tip of the scalpel into bone, pressure against white, chamber engraves his initials onto a sternum, a permanence that will last until decay settles in. it’s a slow thing, fine curves of both letters slowly being made way for in the eyes of the dead god. when he is finished, he finally deems his work complete and caresses a hand over ribs and feels the inscription through gloved fingers.

discarding his instrument of wretched dissection, the gunsmith takes a moment to himself, willing his racing heart to still ( careful, vincent, they might hear your joy and happiness ), willing for the white hot in his veins to dissolve and settle, all the while taking in the details of his art. slowly, he raises his hands and applauds to no one but himself, a giggle bubbling out of his throat. oh, how happy he is! he cannot help but express his glee in pleased laughter.

“merci, merci! i thank you all for your time and for coming out to see the show tonight!” chamber announces and bows, as if he were addressing an audience. as if there was an audience to address — this was no auditorium, there was no applause. he bows in front of his subject, sitting there so pretty and still, decorated in blood and organs positioned in a disgusting, vile work of art. such beauty in the creation of a cadaver. the marksman steps back, now, out of the spotlight that shone on the seated body, that shone on the eye painted on the concrete, the blood slowly drying out. “please, stick around. i have a final surprise for my biggest fans.”

the sound of footsteps once again resume, a hand lifts to flick a second switch once found, and the room is illuminated by several more spotlights, revealing cages with bound subjects ( scientists, oh my ) in them, all tied and eyes wide in dread and fear alike. a few have fainted and a few have tears streaming down their cheeks as they slowly begin to resign to their fate.

“the show is not over!”