#food giff

[lustingfood]

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese (x)

[ttrpg-smash-pass-vs]

The Giff are 8 ft (2.4 m) tall hippofolk with surprising dexterity and grace. And of course are good at knocking people over, as if you needed me to say that. While they do love a good tussle, they're surprisingly calm overall. They always keep thier word, they love travelling and explosions, and while thier outfits tend to invoke the Age of Empires they actually don't like the idea of being an empire. They believe everything has a place and theirs is to follow orders, which is why they work as mercenaries. They don't even care about money. Thier ideal setup is just being given food, thier own room, and clear instructions in line with their interests (explosives, tussling, travelling). I feel like tumblr will at least feel a kinship with that.

[quiet-out-there]

Please

summary: When Finnick notices how the reader's drink has been spiked with sex pollen at one of President Snows Balls, he and Peeta make a plan to save her from the special services the victors sometimes provide for the capitol. Finnick causes a distraction, while Peeta makes sure to take the reader away to safety, only the plan doesn’t go accordingly, and ends up with a sex crazed reader stuck on a closet.

Pairing: Peeta Mellark x Reader

Warnings: sexual content, slight dubious consent, fingering, lots of praise, dom!Peeta??, reader under sex pollen

Notes: This is my first attempt at a shortfic about Peeta Mellark, as I have been quite obsessed with him lately This story is a short fic with little to no plot, so, enjoy the smut ;) For any weird grammar mistake, feel free to correct me for as inglish isn't my first lenguage!

Word count: 6.6k

Giff: @xiaolanhua

Finnick cursed out loud, grabbing the attention of some of the most important and exclusive people in Panem who were nearby. They began to chuckle and whisper among themselves in return, clearly enjoying the sudden outburst of District’s four beloved victor. Peeta, on the other hand, quickly realized something was wrong, politely ending the conversation with an all too eager sponsor who was in the midst of trying to convince him to go back to her room together. She was old, caked with so much makeup her features were almost unrecognizable. Staring at her for too long made Peeta feel uneasy, as if he were in a fever dream, where everything was washed in an eerie distortion, almost normal but not quite. 

“Are you okay?” was the first thing he said once he got to Finnick’s side, standing beside one of the absurdly food collapsed tables at one of the ballrooms corners. He was holding a glass filled with sweet smelling liquor, his hand so tightly wrapped around it his knuckles were turning white. Peeta was sure it was going to burst into pieces in just a matter of seconds, so he quickly reached for Finnick’s hand, surprised to find little to no resistance as he took the glass away and set it on the table. The motion seemed to snap Finnick out of whatever trance he had been in, blinking at Peeta as if he were just now assessing his presence there.

“What?” was all he could manage to say, his eyes returning their focus to something far away, the feather of a muscle twitching as he grounded his jaw.

“What's wrong?” Peeta pushed, following the man's gaze in an attempt to understand what he was seeing that was making him so mad. Finnick had a temper, Peeta knew that, but it was always tightly concealed in that calm and easy-going facade he portrayed, his armor against everything. It took quite an effort to make him lose his composure.

“(y/n)” He answered, voice made of steel. Peeta frowned, eyes desperately trying to find what was going on, his chest tightening at the mention of your name, “They dosed her drink with an aphrodisiac powder.”

Peeta’s whole body froze, his eyes snapping back to the man beside him. 

“What do you mean aphrodisiac powder, what the hell even is that?”

But Peeta could already imagine what it meant, what they were doing it for. Anger rose in his blood like fire, pumping into his heart, beating so fast it was starting to make it hard for him to breathe -

“Finnick” He managed to get out, hand coming up to grab the man’s arm, turning him to face him.

“I recognized this man talking to Snow earlier” Finnick began, his eyes closing as one of his hands came to massage his temple, as if a piercing headache was making it hard for him to think “He is the one who arranges the customers for-,” he took a deep breath before opening his eyes to meet Peeta's wide ones “ the special services from the victors the capitol sometimes provides”

His stomach churned in a way that threatened to make Peeta vomit every expensive item of food he had ingested tonight, right on the pristine marble floor. He knew exactly what Finnick was talking about. Haymitch had told him about this business Snow ran, a way for him to further control the victors, make them pay for whatever rule breaking he deemed was done on their game, threatening their family’s life as a cost of it. But (y/n) had won fair, she had outsmarted the players, not the capitol, she didn't deserve this, she-

“I have been watching this man all evening, analyzing his moves, trying to figure out who Snow had sold to him,” Finnick continued, interrupting Peeta’s running thoughts. “It was easy enough to discover, with the way he has been practically stalking (y/n) all night.” An exasperated sigh escaped his lips “But something is different this time. He hasn't come up to talk to her and she is completely oblivious to him, as if she doesn't know what Snow has done, as if she hasn't been warned what would happen if she denies”

Her family, massacred. Peeta swallowed, his throat painfully dry all of a sudden. 

“That’s when I noticed what he was doing” Finnick’s hands bawled into fists by his sides, his eyes returning to scan the room before returning to Peeta’s, “They are drugging her, filling her with aphrodisiac poison that will make her unable to think of anything more than sex. They are making her into a puppet so they can take advantage of her, avoiding the resistance, the threats, the compromise on her part.”

“That is sick” Peeta breathed out, feeling lightheaded and utterly disgusted.

“People here in the capitol are absolutely rotten” Finnick spat, “I have been a victim of that drug before. It is so potent, it makes it physically painful to deny sex, it forces the body to need it on a primal level, triggering an almost survival instinct.” 

Peeta cringed at the thought of Finnick, barely a teen, being a subject to all this.

“We have to do something, we have to save her” Peeta rushed through whispered words, his eyes looking around them in search of anyone who could be eavesdropping on their conversation.

���Yes” Finnick agreed, “But we must do it inconspicuously, or they could end up hurting her even more.” 

“What is your plan?” Peeta’s breathing eased a little, his chest loosening at the reminder of Finnick’s clever mind. 

“Once the effects of the drugs kick in, she will quickly excuse herself to the bathroom. There, I will intercept the man, distract him. Make a big scene if I must.” The ghost of a smirk pulled at Finnick’s lips at the thought, before it was quickly wiped away as he continued “You will find (y/n) and get her the hell out of here, but not to her room. They will be probably expecting her there” Peeta shuddered at the thought, nodding at Finnick.

“Where is she now?” Peeta inquired, his eyes returning to the crowd, unable to find the girl in question.

“Near Snow’s fountain, to the left side of the room. She is talking to a man with a neon green top hat.”

Peeta found you instantly then, the loud pounding of his heart in his ears drowning any other sound. You looked so beautiful, he couldn't help to notice, with your hair pulled away from your face in an elegant updo, filled with colored jewels that caught and reflected every light on the ball room, like a beacon. Your dress was made of black jewels as well, hugging every hill and dip of your body in an exquisite way, a slit on the side of your hip revealing the tan skin of your right leg. And your smile, so bright as you laughed at some joke the man before you had uttered, it took his breath away- until he realized how your chest was moving rapidly, as if the air entering your lungs wasn't enough, at how your skin was covered in a sheen of sweet, some stray away hairs curling around the nape of your neck and around your face, and at the way your hands had begun to tremble, hiding the away by clasping them tightly behind your back.

“It is starting,” Finnick commented, straightening his shoulders as if preparing himself to move. Peeta did the same, struggling to calm his fast beating heart.

You offered the man another smile, this one polite, apologetic. The man dipped his head and moved out of your way, allowing you to begin moving into the crowd of people dancing on the dance floor, towards the other side of the room, where the bathrooms were located. Finnick nodded at Peeta, signaling to start moving the same way as you. They got to there first, and Finnick leaned forward to whisper right on Peeta’s ear, in a gesture that seemed like a warm goodbye from a friend to the ignorant eye. 

“I will go for the man, you grab (y/n) and leave right away, don't waste time on explanations until you are both alone and safe.” 

Peeta nodded, clasping his back as reassurance. He could do this, he told himself, willing his body to calm down, to gather his anxious thoughts. 

Before Finnick finally pulled away, he added in a tense, almost somber tone, so lowly his words almost got forgotten among the chattering crowd.

“Do what you must to help her, she’ll be glad it was you and not someone else.”  

Peeta’s brows furrowed in confusion, but before he could ask what Finnick meant by that, he was already being swallowed by the crowd, disappearing among the vibrant colors, the moving bodies, the discordant music that made Peeta’s teeth greet in discomfort. 

Peeta moved onto the side of the bathroom door, acting as if his shoelace had been untied and crouching down to fix it, avoiding anyone starting a conversation with him that could complicate his inconspicuous escape. 

It only took a couple of minutes before he heard your voice,

“S-Sorry, excuse me please” You sounded breathless, words tight in your throat, as if the mere effort to get them out was painful. 

Peeta got up then, instantly identifying you making your way out of the crowd in a desperate attempt to get to the bathroom. He walked up to you just as you took the door handle in your shaky hand, grabbing your wrist in a secure grip before pulling you along with him, without stopping to say anything. You gasped in shock, stumbling slightly over your feet before you could manage to keep up with his fast pace. You pulled at his hand in an attempt to be let go, but he ignored you, mind only focused on one thing-

The exit door, only a couple of steps away

 “Peeta!” you exclaimed as you finally recognized him, struggling to maintain a composure, smile wavering between a frown and a grimace of pain “What the fuck are you doing?” you whispered, feeling as though your vision was shaking, not being able to see people anymore, just shapes and colors merging together in a sickening spin-

You were going to throw up.

“I’m going to be sick” you pleaded, arm now falling limp on his firm grip, deciding to leave fate in his hands- unable to do anything to resist, and knowing deep down Peeta would never hurt you.

Peeta’s heart squeezed on his chest as he heard you, and he opened his mouth to explain -what? he did not know- anything to make you feel better, to help you understand what was going on,

But then a crushing sound vibrated across the room, making people gasp and scream in shock, their attention now focused on the other side of the room. 

Finnick

Peeta let out a sigh of relief as he got to the entrance door, which was luckily open, not a peacekeeper in sight.  He didn't waste a second to pull you out towards the main hall, where the elevator to the victor's rooms was.

“It will be alright (y/n), I promise” Peeta finally spoke, his voice just above a whisper, as he continued his way with unbreakable determination, both of your steps resonating against the glass floor the only sound in the spacious room “just trust me, okay?”

You felt as if Peeta’s voice was coming from underwater, muffled and far away- But still managed to understand.

“Okay” You replied, unable to voice any other word running through your dizzy brain - Your heart, you realized, it was beating so fast you couldn't catch a breath, and your skin, it felt so uncomfortable, so tight against your body- you wanted to rip it out. And the heat, the fucking heat

Peeta’s hand freed your wrist as he pressed the elevator’s button in a frantic pace, his other coming up to grip your hip, pushing so you stood in front of him, blocking the view of your body with his. 

You were so close now, bodies almost pressed together. His smell invaded you like the most intoxicating, addictive perfume you had ever sensed, tightening your chest in a silent hitch of breath - And his touch- so firm and strong, fingers pressing down on the overly sensitive flesh on your hip witch was barely covered in the thin material of your jeweled gown- it set flames through your veins

Peeta heard the rush of voices coming down the hall, right from where you had come, before he felt their quick heels clad steps coming closer. Whatever Finnick had done, it had set a commotion enough to make people begin to retreat to their chambers in a hurry. 

His eyes snapped to the elevator, the bright gold number still stuck on the 7th floor, and he realized it wasn't going to come by quick enough - They were already nearing the corner, they were going to catch the both of you, they were going to take you away and hurt you-

He secured your hand in his before he began to pull you further down the hall, your feet struggling to find their footing but managing not to stumble over them as you followed him. There was only one door in the hall, right on the end of it, a black metal block painted in bright gold. Peeta didn't bother to knock on it as he grabbed the handle, twisting it at the same time he pushed the side of his body on it to open it- and to his surprise and utter relief- it did. He didn't waste a second to push you inside, head twisting back one last time to see down the hall, where he noticed a couple of people beginning to appear, their vibrant colors striking against the pristine white walls and gold floor details. 

He closed the door behind him, leaving out the light from the hall, engulfing you both in complete darkness. He let out a long breath, his head dropping back against the door frame, a chuckle leaving his chest before he could stop it.

You tried to blink back the darkness, but your eyes were still struggling to adjust. Something was very wrong, you realized, as you couldn't seem to make the air from the space enter your lungs. You stepped back from the man in front of you in an attempt to gain some distance and ground yourself, but you felt the cool jab of metal meet your back- you twisted on the spot, freeing your hand from Peeta’s as you extended your arms in front of you. And you felt, to your utter horror, how on every side you were met with metal railings or the cool feeling of painted concrete walls. 

The space was tiny. A closet, of some sorts, you figured with a leap of your heart.

 “I can't” you gasped aloud, one hand coming up to clutch your chest, pulling at the absurd number of necklaces that had been wrapped around your neck- it felt as if you were choking “I can't breathe.” 

Peeta’s hands were instantly extended in search of you, his eyes wide in an attempt to see something, but only being met with darkness. 

“It is okay, hey, I’m here” He whispered, one of his hands brushing your shoulder. The contact made electricity run down your body, and you twisted in an attempt to get away from his touch, managing only to bump into the railing so hard, their contents began to fall onto the floor-

Peta cursed under his breath at the loud sound of stuff crashing against the glass floor, his heart drumming onto his chest as he felt the footsteps from outside alarmingly close. 

“Hey, hey calm down” He tried again, his hand grabbing your shoulder this time. And you tried to twist away again, desperate to get away from the warmth, the heat of his body, his burning touch-

it was too much, too much 

You pushed into the railing again making it crash against the wall in a loud bang. 

“(y/n)” Peeta rushed, his voice tight on his chest in anxiousness. But you didn't hear him, wouldn't hear him, needing to get away, desperately trying to do so-

Peeta felt the voices outside begin to wonder what those noises down the hall were, their loud cackling dimming down as if to hear better. He knew it was only a matter of seconds before somebody came up to investigate,

“Calm down” He ordered, voice low, almost a murmur. You could feel it vibrating on your chest, “We have to stay quiet, or they will find us.”

You tried to reason with his words, to obey, to understand what the fuck was going on - but then a pang of pain shot down your belly, taking the air from your lungs in a rush of a breath, before settling in a tight coil of aching between your legs. It made a whine fall from your lips before you could stop it, eyes closing as you hugged your body tightly.

Peeta’s heart stopped when he felt nearing footsteps, arms shooting forward when he heard your loud whine of pain at the same time, determined now to make you quiet. One hand found your hip as the other your arm, and he didn't waste a second to twist your bodies, so you stood with your back pressed to his chest. One of his strong arms circled your waist, locking you into him in a grip so tight you couldn't move an inch, as his other hand came to your face, palm pressing onto your mouth to silence any noise. 

And just like that, your senses cleared, they sharpened, they focused and circled on only one thing-

Him.

The way his warm body was pressed to yours, the feeling of his strong muscled arm wrapped around your waist, the way his chest pushed against you in every intake of breath, the feeling of his heart pounding so loud and fast against your back- and his god damn smell, so sweet and dark and intoxicating- it made the coil deep within your core tighten painfully, breath hitching on your throat.   

Peeta strained his ear to hear whatever was going on outside, the footsteps stopping just inches away, its shadow casting beneath the door frame. But it was so hard to concentrate on anything else that the way for body felt pressed to his - so warm he thought you might be having a fever-  and the way you were breathing so hard and fast, you were panting against his hand- but he could notice, he could see how much you were trying to do as he said, to stay still and be quiet, even if you were in so much discomfort 

“That’s it, calm down” He whispered, lowering his head so his lips were pressed to your ear, making sure only you could hear him. “You are doing so good” he praised, the words warm against your skin. 

The way he phrased those words was enough to make a shiver run through your spine and make your head spin with desire. You hadn't noticed the way you had begun to press further onto him, almost as if desperate to be closer, to feel him even further. And his hand, his fucking hand had begun to rub the side of your waist in a comforting way,

You were melting. But you wanted more, you needed more-

Peeta tried to ignore the way you had begun to move against him, how your breathing had changed to something deeper, how your mouth let slip little whines and moans against his hand. He knew it was the drug's effect, he knew you couldn't help it, he knew he had to maintain a clear head, to take care of you and make sure you stayed safe.

And then you felt it, as you ground your body against his, you felt something hard begin to press against your ass. It made something in you snap, a need so desperate and maddening, it made fire rush through your veins as if boiling from the inside out- it made your brain drunk and fuzzy with desire- and the pain, the excruciating coil tightening between your legs, it was too much, too much.    

Peeta felt your hand suddenly grip his, moving his arm away from your hip. He felt almost in a daze, as if unable to stop you as you moved it down your body. His breath hitched in your ear as you pressed his hand right between your legs, where you needed him the most. The thin material of your jeweled gown was the only thing standing between his fingers and your pussy- he could feel how warm you were, and cursed aloud when he noticed also how wet. 

“We can't” He whispered; voice slightly breaking as he felt you increase the pressure of his fingers “They have drugged you with an aphrodisiac. You are not thinking straight-”  

A moan slipped through your lips, muffled by his hand still pressed against your mouth. Peeta's eyes strained on the doorframe, noticing the shadow gone. He almost sighed in relief, until he felt the loud chuckles coming from outside-

they were still there.

Your brain couldn't comprehend anything else but the need for him. A need that was becoming so strong, the pain was unbearable. You could feel tears swell in your eyes as you gasped, your other hand coming up to push away his own from your mouth. 

“Please, Peeta, I can't take this anymore- I” you choked on a whine when you felt his other hand slip from away from your body “-I need you, please, just help me.”

You pleaded, head dropping back against his shoulder in utter defeat. 

Peeta cursed again, eyes tightening shut as he searched for the will to contain himself, to find a way to reason with you, to make you understand how this was so wrong-

But then he remembered Finnick's words. ‘Do what you must to help her,’ what did he even mean? Was this the only way you could go through this? You would hate him for it, Peeta thought, taking advantage of you like this- but you were in pain, you were literally crying and shaking in his arms, he couldn't stand seeing you like this, it was breaking him-

“Please” you whined, your own hand coming between your legs to relieve some of the pressure there in a futile attempt- you felt absolutely nothing.

“Okay” he murmured against your ear, telling it more to himself than to you, making up his mind. “How can I help you, (y/n), just tell me how.” 

You sigh in relief at his words, closing your eyes in anticipation.

“Touch me” you whispered, breathless “Please.”

Peeta felt lightheaded with the way you were so desperate, so needy for him. In any other circumstance, he would have given away with the first please ever uttered from your beautiful lips- because you were always so composed, so strong, so unwavering- hearing you like this was making him almost as desperate for you as you were for him.

“Please what?” Peeta couldn't help to reply, his voice just as breathless as yours, beginning to move his arms, tentatively resting his hands on your hips.

You groaned in frustration, beginning to push yourself away from him so you could turn around to face him when you felt one of his strong hands spread across your abdomen, pushing you right back against him. He was so strong, you couldn't help but think, imagining his hands pushing and pulling other parts, handling you as if it were nothing-

“Please, Peeta” you begged.

Peeta melted at the sound of those tight words in your throat.

“So polite” he praised, finally moving one hand to the side of your hip where the slit of your gown began. His callous warm fingers met your bare skin there and you sighed in content “Such a good girl” he whispered, mouth pressing down just below your right earlobe, in that sensitive spot that felt to good it sent tingles down your body and made you moan out loud before you could stop it-

Peeta’s other hand instantly moved to cover your mouth once again, roughly pushing your head back against his shoulder. 

“What was that?” A woman’s voice exclaimed from the hall outside, filled with delight “Sounds like someone’s having a good time!”

Peeta cursed on your ear, the words sounding even more coarse coming out of his mouth. 

You whimpered, unable to take the pain between your legs any longer- your heart was beating so fast, it seemed as if you couldn't catch your breath, your skin so taut you thought it might snap over your bones, and the heat- you thought you might pass out 

“Shh it’s okay” Peeta tried to calm you, his eyes glued to the shadows now outside of your door. Had they figured someone was inside here? “Be quiet doll, you can do it.”

You nodded your head in a haze, desperate to show him you would do anything he said. 

Peeta knew you couldn't take it any longer, practically limp in his arms, trembling in his grip. He took in a shaky deep breath before he began to move the hand on your hip underneath the surprisingly thin material of your gown. Your skin was so smooth and soft, and so, so warm- Peeta had to take a minute to just caress between your hip and upper thigh, savoring the feeling of your tender flesh beneath his rough fingers - before he heard your impatient cry from within his hand covering your mouth. His heart skipped a beat when he noticed the shadows beneath the door begin to move away, using the courage to finally dip his fingers between your thighs. His breath hitched when he noticed you didn't have anything under your gown, being met with your bare pussy right beneath his finger, hand freezing in place as the realization of what he was doing, and to whom, dawned on him.

He was about to fuck (y/n), districts four beloved 73rd hunger games victor.

“You are killing me” you mumbled against his palm, desperately pushing your hips forward in an attempt to increase the pressure of his fingers where you needed him most. So, he dipped his hand further, his muscled arm tensing over your belly as he did, bringing you flushed against him. And his fingers, ever so slowly, began to part your folds, his eyes closing as his head dropped down to lean on your shoulders at the feeling of your slick coating his fingers, smoothing his entrance. You bit his hand in an attempt to quiet the moan bubbling on your chest, head pushing back against his shoulder in an attempt to get a grip on yourself.

“So good” he murmured, lips tightly pressed to your ear “So good, so quiet.” 

You could feel your eyes roll to the back of your head as he began to rub your wetness up and down, right over the bundle of nerves that send electric waves of pleasure down your body. One of your hands came down to grip his arm, pushing it down with further force- Peeta instantly knew what you wanted, what it meant- and he obliged, increasing the pressure and pace of his fingers. 

The people outside began to cheer for something, the noise followed by clapping. Peeta didn't waste a second to remove his hand against your mouth, moving it down to your chin as he pushed your head further back, adjusting so his ear was right over your mouth-

“Let me hear you doll” He breathed, his fingers quickening their pace almost desperately so- feeling so good it made your toes curl and your thighs squeeze around his hand. And you moaned, so desperate and needy it would have embarrassed you if it weren't for the fact that that was exactly how you felt for him. 

“Peeta” you choked out in a gasp right on his ear, and that was enough to make Peeta lose his mind, a low groan escaping from his own lips, the sound so deep and hoarse it vibrated on his chest.

You could feel his erection pressed on your backside, so hard you knew we wanted you just as much at the moment. And you wanted to feel him, God, it was all you could have ever wanted, so you started to move your hand to your back- until you felt his hand suddenly stop, making you freeze in place. You could hear his ragged breathing, feel his heart pounding against your back-

“Look at me,” He whispered, interrupting the sudden silence. You opened your eyes, surprised to notice how they had adjusted to the darkness, able to see the outlines of the door, the metal railing filled with cleaning supplies- you were in fact, in a closet. And then you looked up, finding his beautiful face before you. 

He was so handsome; you had noticed that the first time you saw him. With his big, deep brown eyes and breathtaking smile. And now, with his messy blonde hair, his parted soft lips, his completely darkened eyes-

He looked delicious.

“You are absolutely beautiful” he murmured, the hand on your chin moving up to cup the side of your face. “(y/n)” he continued, a deep breath leaving his lips, fanning your own. You wanted to taste him so badly “You are not on your right mind, this is not what you want.”

You shook your head, exasperated.

“I want you so badly” you voiced in a shuddering breath “If you don't touch me right now, I think I might die.”

You used his stun position to free from his grasp, finally turning so you were face to face. He looked completely disheveled, his white tux discarded on the floor, and his matching shirt completely wrinkled, the first buttons torn and revealing a slit of tanned skin. 

“I-” He began but you couldn't resist any longer, shutting him up with a kiss. 

His hands were on you instantly, pulling at your hips to position you flush against him, to then wrap his arms around your waist to lock you in place. Your hand snaked to the back of his head, where you tangled them on his hair, slightly pulling it just to hear him groan again- it felt like fuel to the fire inside you. You used the moment to deepen the kiss, meeting his warm tongue inside his mouth. The kiss was desperate, hungry, lips moving feverishly against each other.

Peeta forgot about everything else, about the people on the other side of the door, about getting caught- he could only think about you, about feeling you against him, your lips on his, your tongue on his mouth- he wanted more. His hands began to roam your body, testing, feeling, kneading your soft flesh in a grip so strong you knew would certainly leave bruises. And then they were on your ass, squeezing so tight you moaned against his mouth- and he was lifting you up from the ground, your legs wrapping around his waist-

“I need you” You panted against his lips, finally breaking the kiss. The coil in your lower stomach feeling even more unbearable, the pain was making you see white dots in the corner of your vision “I need you inside me.”

Peeta leaned his forehead to yours, attempting to regain control of himself, to think straight. He sat your body against the railing, separating enough so he could see your face, meet your eyes.

And he stared at you, almost in awe before he spoke again, dropping his head back as if to force himself to stop doing it any longer.

“Your eyes” he breathed out, “they shine so black when you are hot for me.” 

You cupped his face between your warm hands, forcing him to face you as you once again begged-

“please”

Peeta wanted nothing more than to oblige - he would have lifted your gown and fucked you right there against the railings- but he knew he couldn’t. He couldn't, not when you were under the effects of a drug that altered your senses, your reasoning.   

So, he compromised. Not doing anything was torture to you, or so he told himself, moving so one of his arms could fit between both of your bodies while the other began to lift your gown and gather it just over your hips. 

“Are you going to be a good girl and stay quiet?” He panted, his ears once again registering the commotion outside. Seemed like they moved the party to the hall, he realized, glad that the noise had gone louder, hiding what was going on in the little storage closet down the corridor.

“Yes” you whimpered, unable to contain the tears swelling in your eyes due to the pain, and the excitement- 

Such a wreck for him, Peeta thought, brain drunk in desire.

“You are the one killing me, (y/n)” he murmured, holding your gaze with eyes so intense you thought he might be looking through you. 

And then his hand was between your legs again, slowly rubbing your wet folds, surprised at how they were more so than before. He quicken up the pace faster this time, taking his time in enjoying every sinful sound falling from your lips, your head falling back to lean against the railing- you gasped when you felt his other hand grip your chin, thumb and index finger pressing against your cheeks and forcing you to open your eyes

“Look at me” he panted, and you thought you might cum just by the way he was looking at you with so much hunger-

And then you gasped in shock as without a warning two of his fingers slipped inside you, his thumb continuing to rub on your sensitive clit. Pleasure shocked through your body making you involuntary shake against the rails, the pressure on your lower abdomen coiling impossibly tighter-

“I'm gonna-” you whined, head leaning forward to try and find somewhere to lean on, but Peeta’s grip held you there on place, forcing you to face him. 

“Say please” He breathed, lips hovering over yours, his fingers moving in and out of you with the perfect pressure, the perfect pace, and his thumb-

“Peeta” you whimpered.

He could feel how close you were, how your walls clenched around his fingers in the most delicious way- he thought he was close himself to climax, just by the way your face scrunched with pleasure, how your body became undone under his touch-

“Come on doll, ask nicely” He encouraged, needing to hear you beg, just one more time.

 “Please” you managed moan.

And he was merciless about it, plunging his fingers into you harder, faster, his thumb rubbing against your clit feverishly, curling his fingers and hitting just the perfect spot-

You become undone with his name on your lips, waves of pleasure erupting from deep within your tummy as the tight coil finally released, toes curling and body jerking. He slowed the pace of his fingers as he continued to ride you out of your orgasm, your shaking body finally collapsing into his, blind with gratification and exhaustion.

Peeta panted against your ear as he finally removed his fingers from inside you, proceeding to hold you tight against him before he lowered you from the railing back onto your feet- until he quickly realized you couldn't stand on your own, arms wrapping securely around your waist and across your back to hold you in place, your own coming up to snake around his neck in a solid embrace.

“Are you alright?” He whispered, his breathing still ragged, heart pounding loudly against your chest pressed to his- you on the other hand, were completely crashing, blood pressure dropping, white stars dancing in the back of your close eyelids. 

“hmm” you hummed, struggling to remain conscious.

“I think they left” Peeta voiced his thoughts, frowning in concentration as he listened for any noise outside- but it was completely quiet, he soon realized. 

You didn’t know what the hell he was talking about, brain completely fogged with satisfaction, body finally out of pain and completely relaxed on his arms, as if meant to be there all along.

“(y/n)” Peeta shook you, his tone finally above a whisper “Hey, I need you to stay here yeah? stay with me.”

You tried to nod but your head just fell limp against his shoulder-

He smelled so fucking good.

“Thank you?” He replied, amusement clear on his breathless words.

You hadn't realized you had voiced your thoughts out loud, a soft chuckle scaping your lips.

“You are completely out of it, aren't you” He sighed, leaning over you so he rested his chin on top of your head, attempting to calm himself down.

You frowned at the height difference, moving your feet, and realizing you were barefoot, heels completely lost somewhere in the tiny closet.

Once Peeta finally could catch his breath, heart in a slightly normal pace, he stepped closer to the door, your almost limp body secure in his strong arms. He pushed the side of his face flat against the cool metal, concentrating on identifying any sound that could indicate someone on the other side but-

Nothing. Silence.

“Okay” He murmured, nodding “Okay, we are going to come out, yes?”

You mumbled a reply, what? you didn't know, but it was enough to make Peeta nod again. You felt him loosen his grip on you making you react on clinging to him with all your strength, desperate to avoid the loss of contact.

“Hey, I’m here, I won't leave you” He assured you, hands pushing you by the hips to create some space between the two- and you were so completely weak, barely registering your body at all, that you couldn't avoid the separation. 

You frowned, opening your mouth to try and object, when you were suddenly being lifted from the ground and up on his arms again, this time in bridal style, with one of his arms holding under your knees as the other secured around your back. 

“Romantic” you gushed, chuckling again.

Peeta rolled his eyes, sheepish smile tugging at his lips, as he adjusted his body so his hand could twist the handle and open the door. He loosens a breath he didn't know had been holding as he registered the hall with quick assessing eyes, noticing it completely deserted.

You tried to blink at the sudden light, but it took just a couple of blinks before your eyes dropped closed again, as if the weight of them was impossible to overcome. 

“Your room is not safe” He murmured, beginning to make his way to the elevator with you tightly held on to his arms “We will go to mine.”

You nodded, the pull of unconsciousness so strong you were sure it was only a matter of seconds before you were out- so you snuggled closer to him, wrapping your arms across his neck and positioning your face right at the nape of his neck, where his smell washed over you and his warmth seeped to your skin.

And just like that, you were out with a content smile plastered on your face.

[aptericia]

while I'm thinking about it bc of that last reblog...

I love you Octopath but would it kill you to be normal about fatness? Do you really have to have the most prominent fat characters (Giff, La'mani, and Mother) not only be chapter bosses but also among the most selfish and un-nuanced of them? And the one fat character who isn't evil (Pom) is obsessed with food? Really?

[asknarashikari]

So for the heirs of Giff. I'm debating if I should have Tamaki just be a kid who's been friends with Hana and Hikaru for so long that Genta considers him family, or if Tamaki is Genta's stepson because Genta married Tamaki's mom. Because the latter makes it easier, the former allows me to give Genta a romance sub-plot for like a chapter or two. And it'd be really funny to see the siblings get weirded out by their dad dating because they never thought it was a thing that could happen. Mostly cause Genta spent a lot of his time raising his kids, trying to make enough money to keep his store open and put food on the table while also trying to stay hidden away from any remnants of NOAH that he and Karizaki Sr missed.

Bonus points if I toss Hiromi's mom into the ring because I find it funny that Hiromi's new papa might be his childhood hero. Also, yeah, George is on the list of kids Genta unofficially adopted. Let that simmer in a pot when George finds out his father figure knew that his bio dad was alive the whole time

...I have no words for this but I think it's great, carry on with the madness

[abobobob]

Honestly, Partitio’s got one of the best first chapters and it’s because how the flashbacks flow in that chapter. They tackle his motivation and skills as a merchant and how those things still stay with him even in poverty. A lot more thoughts under the read more. (Only Partitio Chapter 1 spoilers)

Starting with when he’s 8, we learn about how he begins as a merchant. We see his first trade, the encouragement he gets from Papp and Roque, and how Partitio wants to help others (“I’ll split this whole plot with all our friends!”). You learn about how much of an investment it was to move to what will become Oresrush, as Papp sold everything to get the plot of land. We learn from Inquiring Papp later that Partitio’s mom died a bit before the story began, but Partitio’s still going as he still has his dad and probably sees Roque as a uncle or second father. Who knows maybe Roque and Papp got married for tax benefits

Then we see the transitions between when he’s 8 to when he’s 16. We see the house grows over the course of the years. After the transition we see the rest of the town and also how well off they are too. Papp and Partitio are not hogging the money for themselves but spreading the wealth to everyone! Partitio has 8 years of experience as a merchant and is shown sell some ore for 1.8 million leaves. There’s so much energy in town, with more things getting built and tons of people coming to town. This also means people like Giff and his goons start appearing to steal off of everyone’s hard work.

After beating up Giff and while Partitio and his posse celebrate, we learn that Roque wants to get a divorce leave town, and warning Papp about the contract. Roque leaves the house and sees Partitio, and tries to take him in the divorce for his next business venture: steam engines. However, Partitio loves his town and wants to help it keep growing, so he stays.

After Roque leaves town, it transitions from when Partitio’s 16 to 24, present day. Partitio’s home slowly becomes dilapidated on this transition and we even see a moment with Giff getting his goons to go to their home for valuables in exchange of what’s probably taxes. After the transition, we see Papp got sick from overworking, the town is nearly crashing down, and Partitio’s posse are starving, even nearly fighting one another just for a small piece of bread.

Partitio’s giving everything he can (his portions of his meal for Papp, paying his apothecary market price for medicine, and giving up his bread for his posse) but it clearly not enough to keep everyone well, and it’s even costing Partitio his own health as well. Seeing all of his friends and his town paying so much on taxes to the original landlord for nearly 8 years of and being unable to help them as they lose their livelihoods, food, homes, and who knows, maybe people died while this town was being squeezed dry, is all a big emotional pain as well. With all of this happening, it’s not too surprising that Partitio’s starts crying. To make matter worse, Giff appears, who’s now living a life of luxury and squeezing everything bit he can from the town for the original landlord.

Papp see his son return with medicine, but he also looks so down. Papp feels that his son is stuck in the town because he’s sick, while Partitio’s down because he’s worried about his town and his dad, but he’s not just going to leave them behind to suffer. Papp decides to encourage him, telling him to follow his heart and do what he thinks he should. That small moment is both really sweet and it gets Partitio’s spirits up again. He decides he will free the town from the original landlord’s unfair control of their lives and their money and will use force if needed for their freedom.

Partitio gets his posse and they go beat up Giff, and all the money from Giff’s safe immediately goes to the whole town to slowly rebuild and hopefully restore to its former glory. Giff even gets his just desserts and is working on repaying a debt to the town by doing hard work. Later Papp let’s Partitio knows that the people in town can handle themselves and that he should go travel the world and follow his dreams to end poverty and also go beat up his ex-husband if he gets the chance

I also really like the twist that Roque was the one who originally owned the land, as it gives the player a glance of what kind of person we will likely be up against as we continue through Partitio’s story. We see that Roque would be willing to alter a contract for his own benefit and ignore the people suffering under his control, a big contrast when Papp and Partitio had the town and made sure that the money would circulate and- Look, I really like Partitio (and his story) a lot!

[timotey]

My contract with Vice... It means that every time I use his power, every time we become Kamen Riders... Parts of my memory will disappear. And that includes all the good times we had together.

And the confession scene itself! Especially Ikki's dad's reaction. He must be feeling so guilty, considering that Ikki became Kamen Rider - and basically the resistance's #1 fighter - through his connection to Giff himself. And that connection came through his father. If his dad hadn't gotten involved with Giff back in the day... It wasn't his fault, certainly, but the Igarashis do guilt really well.

And the follow-up, when his dad laid into Ikki, asking him why he went on fighting, knowing what it cost him, if he couldn't break his contract with Vice, and Vice's guilt... and the way Ikki immediately jumped to Vice's defense, defending their bond and everything...

It's because of Vice that we've been able to save so many lives. I'm grateful for that, and I plan on sticking it out with him till the end.

I think no one - not Ikki's parents and not even Vice himself - realized till this moment just how much Ikki loved Vice. Because Daiji disliked Kagerou and Sakura's Lovekov... well, it's a puppy, basically. Let's not even talk about daddy's Vail. But Ikki treats Vice as his equal and he simply loves him.

And then, when Ikki said: And besides, I... I'm fighting so our family can smile together again. So... even if it's at the cost of my--

The way Ikki's mom just hugged him tight, not letting him finish, and both she and his dad hid their tears from him?

I mean... what do you say to your kid when he tells you that to save the world and to save his family, he's sacrificing important parts of himself - and that he is okay with that? And he tells you that with a bright and brave smile on his face? What do you even do with that? Do you scold him? Praise him? Support him, knowing it's what he wants even if you're losing him at the same time, bit by bit?

Gosh, this is just so... I mean... wow. This is some food for thought.

[sailsonaseaoffate]

DWC February -  Day 7: Recovery

@daily-writing-challenge​

"Oy, let em know chow's ready," Zexx grunted as he set the heavy cauldron down in the center of the main deck of the Wayfarer.  Rey letting out a groan as she stood up and limped over to the passage leading into the hold to let out a scream into the depth of the ship.

"Soups on!"  Rey yelled once, twice, and three times before limping back toward her father.  She looked a mess after the entanglement with raiders recently, patched burns crisscrossing her face, arms, and neck to match a harpoon she took to the calf.  Zexx could only chuckle as he felt a kinship in the beating she took, he likely should be a bit more worried since his daughter could have well died but he could tell by the hungry look on her face the soup was going to do wonders for her.

"Thanks, dad," Rey said with a grin as she breathed in the spicy scent of the chicken and hominy soup, her limp carrying a bit of a skip as she made for a crate to sit and eat.

Gendry and Eld came up next, the older man helping the much younger man up as the thin metal stilts supported him but had yet to be fully utilized for him and his wounded body.  Gen smiled to his father as he saw the cauldron and continued to take shaky steps with Eldridge across the deck, soon finding another arm sweeping under him to support him from Rey.  "I got him, pops."

Usually the old man would grunt and scowl at being called something far to close to home, but at the moment he just nodded wearily as he let the younger Candell take over with her brother.  Standing up straight with a wince as he rubbed his back to hobble toward Zexx and the cook pot, his face weary and bearing similar burns to Rey from the chase the other day.  Accepting the bowl with a grunt of thanks as he made for a spot on the steps to the deck, a dark shadow pacing him in silence before laying before his partner as Eld began to eat.

From above in the solar masts came the circling form of a black bird, fitting to be so much like her grandfather but look like her father Gwynn's form shifted from bird to human without missing a beat.  She was getting stronger and more capable as the months had passed since they came to this universe.  The amount of energy and power she had had to control to get them out of the Shadowlands to the great beyond should have driven a normal person mad.  Her own mismatched eyes looked into the opposite of her in the face of Zexx as she accepted a bowl of soup with a smile.  "Thank you, father."

Zexx would nod to Gwynn as he watched her move to sit with her siblings and listen to them talk, her face quiet for the most part as she listened to Rey prattle and Gen reply in kind before being fed bites of soup himself.  The hero for hire's heart ached for the young man, but also swelled to see him face such adversity with patience and strength. The days wouldn't always be like this, but for now he'd hope more like today for Gen.

Lumbering forth from the hold would come Madame Eloise Granville, stretching her form with a grunt as who knew how many vertebrate popped to resound in the air.  The giff nodded to Zexx with the humor in her eyes, but raised a hand in polite refusal to the food as she found a place to rest.  Her thick hands unhitched her guitar from her belt before adjusting the strings and board with a nod as the notes grew tighter.

"Gonna give us a song tonight, Madame Granville?" Zexx asked as he stirred the contents with a nod to the steam as it drifted up from the iron pot.

Eloise gave a tilt of her head as she answer.  "Indeed, Captain.  I figured it best to earn my keep while aboard your ship."

"Just nothing too loud, please."  As the prodigal daughter emerged from the hold at last, Xaya looking just as bad as her sister and grandfather as she fiddled with a few bandages about her neck.  "My head is killing me."

"I'll see what I can do, Miss Candell," Eloise replied with that familiar flash to her eyes as she rested the guitar in her lap.

Zexx fished another bowl up and ladled out the soup for Xaya as she arrived.  "Yer late."

"There's seven of us," Xaya answered with an eye roll as she took the bowl.  "It's not a dwarven chow hall."

"Have you seen Rey eat?"  Zexx grinned to his eldest daughter, who for almost a second gave a smile back much like his before it quickly dropped away.

"Thank you, dad," Xaya added quietly as she went to have a seat near the railing giving the finger back to Rey as she passed as the younger Candell had heard the joke at her expense.  Rey still raising it as she yelped up to her feet to come back to the cauldron.

"Got some more?"

"Plenty for ya, kiddo."  Zexx smiled as he scooped out another serving for her as Eloise began to gently pluck away at her guitar under the starlit sky of Teetolar in the great empty of Wildspace and beyond.

[marjaystuff]

Guest Review: A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor

A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor

Food & Spirits Book 1

Darci Hannah

Kensington Pub

August 20th, 2024

A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor by Darci Hannah is a cozy mystery intertwined with historical fiction that has a paranormal and food aspect to it. 

Chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride has been given a special opportunity for her own cooking show with a new reality TV show, Food & Spirits. She will team up with ghost hunter Brett Bloom and psychic medium Giff McGrady and travel around the world to visit haunted places to hunt out any spirits that have failed to cross over and try to lure them to the table for a special meal prepared by Chef Bunny.

“I got the idea from my younger brother, Ron.  One of his hobbies was that he was a ghost hunter. His wife is a ‘foodie.”  He told me to watch every ghost story on TV.  He even joined a paranormal investigative ghost team. I thought and conferred with him to pitch a food baiting ghost show on the Food Network. Two years ago, I decided to pitch this as a cozy mystery book series about a reality TV show that food- baits ghosts. I feel that this first book is a journey with my brother. I am contracted for three.”

The first episode of Food & Spirits takes Bunny, Brent, Giff, and the rest of their team to Hampshire, England to investigate a historic house that has been turned into a famous haunted hotel, Bramsford Manor. It is said to be haunted by a young woman who died on her Christmas wedding night in the 18th century.

The author lost her brother a few years ago and has added that aspect to Bunny’s character who is still grieving. “I would describe Bridget Bunny MacBride as a happy go lucky person on a good day.  She is working on her dream as a food caterer.  She is good natured until she gets pushed into a corner.”

Bunny prepares a traditional English holiday wedding dinner to tempt the Mistletoe Bride to come to the table so Brett and Giff can do their thing. Before that can happen, her custom-made boning knife is found in the chest of a very human dinner guest. She wasn't sure about the whole premise of Food & Spirits, but she never imagined she would find herself the top suspect in a murder investigation. Bunny now needs her ghost-hunting friends to help her hunt down the real killer with a big assist from her clairvoyant Grandma.

Fans of the “Beacon Bake Shop series” should not worry since that will be Hannah’s next book, out in November.  It is titled Murder at The Lemonberry Tea. One of the heroines, Kennedy, has a British lifestyle food diva come for a book signing. Kennedy’s family will come to town to meet the diva, but she ends up disappearing. 

The next Food & Spirits book is titled A Spirited Summer at Dundoon Castle. The castle is in Scotland. It will come out a year from now.

The author also wants to warn readers to be careful about social media. “I lost my Facebook account that was hacked and got locked out by them.  This occurred right before the book launch. The person tried to fish my followers to click on a link. I could not even get into my account to report it.  There was no way to physically contact Facebook, so I had to file a claim with the Attorney General. I called what I thought was a helpline but that was a scam as well. They wanted me to download an app so they could take over my phone.  If this ever happens do not fall for it.”

[dollycas]

A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor (A Food and Spirits Mystery) by Darci Hannah #Review / #ARCGiveaway @authordarcihannah @KensingtonBooks

NEW TODAY FROM DARCI HANNAH! A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor (A Food and Spirits Mystery) Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - Hampshire, England Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies (August 20, 2024) Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496747445 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496747440 Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CNYK7DRW While filming at a haunted English manor, chef Bunny MacBride’s big break on her first reality TV show may be cut short by an unscripted murder in Darci Hannah’s new Food & Spirits cozy mystery series . . . It isn’t how chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride imagined her own cooking show unfolding. But, if preparing historic meals with a modern flair is what it takes to get her cooking on the air, she can deliver, even if her dinner guest is a ghost. That’s the premise of the new reality TV show Food & Spirits, where Chef Bunny teams up with ghost hunter Brett Bloom and psychic medium Giff McGrady to visit haunted locales around the world and tempt lingering spirits back to the table with a beloved meal. For their first episode, the Food & Spirits team sets off to investigate Bramsford Manor, a historic house turned famously haunted hotel, in picturesque Hampshire, England. The sprawling estate is said to be home to the Mistletoe Bride, a young woman who died in the 18th century, the victim of a tragic accident on her Christmas wedding night. Disliking spooks but loving food, Bunny leaves the spectral search to the pros and focuses on the feast, creating a traditional English holiday wedding dinner, complete with a gorgeous prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, and rustic apple tarts. It’s a sumptuous meal she hopes will entice the ghostly Mistletoe Bride to take a seat and join them while the cameras roll. But Bunny’s task is made more difficult when someone steals a boning knife from her custom kit. Alas, when the blade finally turns up again—in the chest of an all-too-human dinner guest—Bunny’s woes only grow as she is named a lead suspect in the case! Now, with a haunted house full of living residents, staff, and crew, Bunny will need the help of Brett, Giff, and her clairvoyant Grandma Mac, to solve this murder before the manor gains another ghost! Dollycas's Thoughts Chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride has been given a special opportunity for her own cooking show with a new reality TV show Food & Spirits. She will team up with ghost hunter Brett Bloom and psychic medium Giff McGrady and travel around the world to visit haunted places to hunt out any spirits that have failed to cross over and try to lure them to the table for a special meal prepared by Chef Bunny. The first episode of Food & Spirits takes Bunny, Brent, Giff, and the rest of their team to Hampshire, England to investigate a historic house that has been turned into a famous haunted hotel, Bramsford Manor. It is said to be haunted by a young woman who died on her Christmas wedding night in the 18th century. Bunny prepares a traditional English holiday wedding dinner to tempt the Mistletoe Bride to come to the table so Brett and Giff can do their thing but before that can happen, her custom-made boning knife is found in the chest very human dinner guest. She wasn't sure about the whole premise of Food & Spirits but she never imagined she would find herself the top suspect in a murder investigation. Bunny now needs her ghost-hunting friends to help her hunt down the real killer with a big assist from her clairvoyant Grandma Mac. ____ This is the first book in a new series by Darci Hannah (Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries) and she introduces us to some very interesting characters.  Bridget “Bunny” MacBride is a naturally gifted cook who was raised on a family farm in Scotland. She learned from her mother and at the age of ten she knew she wanted to be a chef. Years later a young Bunny MacBride arrived in New York City to hone her culinary skills. This helped her land a job as menu developer and guest chef for a show on the Mealtime Network where she was quite popular. This all leads to her "lucky day" when she was offered the job as host chef on Food & Spirits.  We then enter her life and learn more about Bunny and her family, specifically her Grandma Mac who has a special gift. We also meet her co-hosts Brent Bloom and Giff McGrady and the people at Bramsford Manor. Some of the names may be familiar to Ms. Hannah's fans. I found Bunny very relatable and genuine. Being just the first book in the series I know I will enjoy getting to know her and her supporting cast better as the series continues. Ms. Hannah's writing style makes it so easy to envision each person and scene both in past and present times. This story starts with an old mystery, the Mistletoe Bride, and then includes a new mystery of murder and more. The author twists them together with detail and precision. She also places bits of humor and romantic tension perfectly throughout the story. I found the current mystery to be complex with several suspects. I was kept guessing right up to the reveal. The past mystery was heartbreaking but had a heartwarming end. As I turned the last page of the story and an author's note about the inspiration for this book I was delighted to see "Bunny's Culinary Corner: Recipes & tips to entertain your family & friends. (And ghosts, if that's what you're into.)" There are seven recipes, several I would like to try but I have copied the Rustic Apple Tart with Butterscotch Sauce for my personal chef husband to bake up soon. Hopefully, it won't bring any spirits to the table. :-D A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor has set this series off to a fabulous start. The theme for this series is unique. Cozy mysteries are wonderful places for food and ghosts. This book shows how entertaining putting them together can be. I am so excited to see this series continue and what the author has planned for book two. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About the author Cozy mystery author, Darci Hannah, is a native of the Midwest and currently lives in a small town in Michigan. Darci is a lifelong lover of the Great Lakes, a natural wonder that inspires many of her stories. When Darci isn't baking for family and friends, hiking with her furry pals, Ripley and Finn, or concocting her next cozy mystery, she can be found wandering around picturesque lakeside villages with her hubby, sampling baked goods, and breaking for coffee more often than she should. You can learn more about Darci and her books at www.darcihannah.com Also written by Darci Hannah  This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas. I am giving away a Print Advance Review Copy of A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor! The contest is open to anyone over 18 years old. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited. You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find something you like here and become a follower. Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow. Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page. Add this book to your WANT TO READ shelf on GoodReads for 3 Bonus Entries. Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries. Darci Hannah's Facebook account was recently hacked. Please show her some love by sharing new about this book everywhere you can! If you share the giveaway on Threads, X, or Facebook or anywhere you will receive 10 Bonus Entries For Each Link. The  Contest Will End September 3, 2024, at 11:59 PM CST The Winner Will Be Chosen By Random.org The Winner Will Be Notified By Email and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar. Click Here For Entry Form Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.”   Read the full article

[ttrpg-smash-pass-vs]

LOXODON

VS GIFF

Loxodon are 7-8 ft (2.1-2.4 m) elephant people! They have more strength for lifting than thier size suggests, have thick hides, great senses, and a prehensile truck. They also an instinctive skill with stonework and sculpting, and are naturally very peaceful. They tend to value wisdom, loyalty, and community. Make no mistake though they can totally wreck your shit if provoked. Yeah, I know this was from the MtG supplement but there have been a good few of those now, and an adventure. These are integrated enough I'd say.

The Giff! Also known as hippofolk, they're spacefaring travellers who don't know or really care that much where they came from. They're 8-9 ft (2.4-2.7 m) tall, hardy, strong, filled with the divine spark of an unknown god, and surprisingly calm and graceful. They enjoy travelling, collecting souvenir weapons, explosions, and wrestling. As long as they have food, a place to sleep, and clear instructions of what you want them to do, they're happy.

[eightfoldjourney]

Winter Revelries

The air was filled with revelry as humans and Beastlings alike gathered together, celebrating the union of their respective villages. People of both sides laughed, sang and played. The revelry was interrupted, however, as Ochette arrived with a handful of other hunters, each of them carrying freshly-hunted meat with them.

"Who's hungry!?" Ochette's voice rang out. Immediately, she was swarmed by some excited younger Beastling children. Tonight, everyone would be eating well... Even the Beasts of Legend had made a grand appearance to celebrate alongside their charges. Toto'Haha was ready for a good winter.

-

"There you are." Castti gingerly poured her medicine into the young boy's mouth. The poor child had come down with a nasty cold, as was common in the winter months. Luckily, she had been there to whip up something to help. The apothecary simply smiled as the boy's parents thanked her for her hard work.

Castti stepped back out into the cold, where Melia was waiting for her. The young ruler was quite insistent on Castti spending the night in her manor, and the apothecary found herself unable to refuse now that her work was finished. Plukk, Mikk, Makk, and even Greg were all waiting to welcome her for dinner. Moments of respite like this were rare in Castti's line of work, but she was glad to enjoy a quiet evening with close company.

-

Throné sat beside the window of her little cottage, quietly sipping a hot drink she'd brewed for herself. The former thief was content with her current situation, having finally found her own quiet little corner of the world that she could have all to herself. Well... Perhaps not ALL to herself.

A familiar dog lay at her feet, slumbering peacefully. Throné couldn't stop a small smile from crossing her face as she reached down to softly stroke his fur. "Sleep well, Pirro..."

-

"So... Like this?" Elena scribbled down her answer on the paper provided. She had been diligently working alongside Osvald to solve complex equations, and was delighted when her father gave her an approving nod.

"Yes, very good, my dear." The scholar's normally stoic expression beamed with pride as he watched Elena overcome the rigorous mental exercises. They were interrupted from this task, however, as Lady Clarissa called them both for dinner. "Just a moment, we're onto something!" Osvald and Elena spoke in unison, then stared at each other. Then, the two shared a laugh. Perhaps they could continue their work after dinner, after-all.

-

The tavern was as lively as could be. Then again, with Partitio himself paying for everyone's food and drink, of course there would be plenty of cause for celebration. The Transcontinental Railroad had truly breathed new life into Oresrush, and now that Partitio had made his grand homecoming, of course there was going to be plenty of revelry.

Papp, Roque, Giff, and all of Partitio's old pals had come to join. The president himself was urged on to make a speech, which he was happy to do in his mildly-drunken state. "This here's my home. No matter where the Dusty Trail takes me, my heart an' soul will always find their way back here to Oresrush. Here's to home!" It wasn't the most eloquent speech, but everyone in the tavern was more than willing to raise a glass to their patron.

-

The life of a superstar could certainly be demanding, no amount of fame could ever make Agnea forget her roots, or her family. The dancer had taken a small leave from her tour to reconnect with her family in Cropdale. Her father and sister, of course, welcomed her back with open arms. They also had a special guest visiting all the way from Ku: Mikka Mishuyo.

Everyone did their part to prepare for dinner. Agnea offered to give them all their own private concert, but she was shut down. Tonight was a night for her to rest and relax with family. Her presence was the only reason they needed to smile. "Agnea couldn't help but "Hehe... Thank you, everyone. "Hehe... I guess, tonight, you're all the ones bringing a smile to MY face."

-

"And that, children, is the story of how the Sacred Flame came to be. Now, run along, and remember: keep your hearts lit to keep the darkness of the night at bay." Temenos watched as the children all left the church, folding up his paper play as they went.

Evening was fast-approaching, and a light snow had begun to fall. Temenos made his way up the path to the cathedral, musing to himself all-the-while. When he came to stand before the sacred brazier, Temenos stopped and stared into the flame. Much had been lost, but through it all, the Sacred Flame, and the promise of dawn, still shone brightly. For a fleeting moment, Temenos allowed himself a smile. "Roi, Crick, Pontiff... The future is in good hands." With that, he made his toward the cathedral. He had a new initiate to oversee, after-all. It wouldn't do to keep Sister Reiza waiting.

-

Hikari looked down upon the city from the palace balcony. It was a peaceful night. Everyone was making ready for the turn of seasons. Hikari had done much to ensure that this tranquility was even possible, but there was still much to do. In spite of that, it pleased him to know that his efforts were not in vain. "Father, Ritsu, Tsuki, even you Kazan... I hope you can all see this."

But tonight was not a night to get wrapped up in the past. Hikari took a deep breath, then made his way toward the palace entrance. Benkei and Rai Mei insisted on accompanying him, but Hikari didn't mind their company. Together, they would walk through the streets of Ku and enjoy the tranquility together... Not as a lord and his servants, but simply as friends.

[jimmyblog]

PART 2:

My brother is 23 months younger than me and for most of our lives we both shared the same friends for the most part. Although we moved around a bunch as kids, we still managed to have the same friends everywhere we moved. My brother (John) and I travel a lot with our family, hence living in europe. Since we travel a bunch together, we have to go on lots of flights, which means we need to occupy ourselves with something. That something is movies. We usually pick out and download the same movies and watch them at the same time throughout the duration of the flight. I asked my brother to name some movies that he thought I loved when we were around 16. The list he put was “Game Night”, “Benchwarmers”, and  “Batman”. Of course he guessed that I wrote down “Game Night”. This movie was special to us both because I vividly remember the time that we watched this for the first time together. Some of the memories that we have together during this movie is us eating our food while we watched the show. I remember pausing it at the same time so one of us could go to the bathroom so that nobody was ahead of each other in the movie. 

This movie is special to my brother and I because we watched this together and others might not relate because they didn’t watch the movie with another person. Some of the conversations we had talking about this was about food. We vividly remember the flight attendant coming around during the movie and asking us what we wanted to eat.  We both got chicken but we found this funny because all we could think about was how bad it smelt during the movie. (GIFF) 

The film was literally about a game night.  Max always hosts a game night for his family and friends. This time was out of the ordinary when his brother Brooks comes into town and comes over for the game night. I can directly relate to this because at home, my  family always does a game night every wednesday. This movie is so special because it really demonstrates how good of a time it can be to spend quality time with not just your friends but your family as well. The movie really surprised me when the egg that they are after is in the basement of a mansion.  they end up getting away with the egg in their possession.

[bluepoodle7]

#SignedandSealedWithaKiss #ObscureDatingSimGame

With all these dating sim boyfriends.

I'm surprised that no one is talking about the dating sim Signed and Sealed With A Kiss.

Where your character orders a bf online then you can give it a personality.

I like the base bf.

It's like a choose your own adventure meets Ai with a fake body.

I wish there was a nerdy awkward boyfriend option.

The main base boyfriend is like a Eevee and the other versions are his many forms.

I knew about this game before both Peter King and John Doe.

It interested me.

The game is mature if you play it.

I only saw a youtube video where it showed the safe parts.

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

Before Signed and Sealed With a Kiss, before I saw Manly's playthrough of the og John Doe game, before I even saw Manly Your Boyfriend playthrough there was Bitmark which was just a genderbend version of Giffany from Gravity Falls.

I draw tings on Tumblr - #background is from kanon

This one also had a ask blog back in the day but it's gone now.

The art was pretty good on it too and I looked at Tumblr from the outside along with the Peta Cheren ask blog.

peta cheren (tumblr.com)

This character inspired my dating sim oc Giff.

A blog about obscurity stuff, plushies and food. on Tumblr - search: Giff

Image not mine but links are there.

Signed and Sealed With a Kiss by Signed and Sealed With a Kiss (itch.io)

Signed and Sealed With a Kiss on Steam (steampowered.com)

I wish there was more fanart of Bitmark/Gifford drawn with Giffany from Gravity Falls.

If my artwork was really good I would draw John Doe interacting with Bitmark/Gifford over Zable Fable.

Maybe have the two fight each other for Zable's date while Zable is oblivious.

Bitmark/Gifford was my first yandere like character I knew about, Signed and Sealed With A Kiss base character was the second, Peter King is third, and John Doe is fourth.

[armoroadpasaran]

⸜(*ˊᗜˋ*)⸝  Let’s tink about baby raccoons today! Dey get a bad reputationing around 4th wall hooman’s house. Because dey steal de cat food dey giff de stray cat friends. But dey are so cute! One time dere were two cute littol babies!!! How cood yoo really be mad?

[scoups4lyfe]

Giff doesn't exactly wants to destroy humanity. Giff feeds on the human emotions that produce demons, but he fears humans will destoy themselves (leaving him without food). So Giff's plan is probably to keep humans imprisoned in those spheres for all eternity (Davi Jones wanted to prevent this).

Still fvcked up-

but honestly think he could’ve convinced Daiji with this. LOL