#god bless chicken and rice

[lokilysolbitch]

me: hm i've been noticing gluten affects me worse than i thought

me: *eats gluten bc i haven't fully switched to primarily gf food yet*

me: *feels worse than usual*

me: woah o.0 i did not see that coming,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[poetryandfluffycats]

Rosé, Please

A/N: saluting all bsd fans currently coping with chap 118 heres some kunikida for your troubles

Pairing: Kunikida Doppo x fem!reader, sight Dazai Osamu x fem! reader

Content: Its not that Kunikida is jealous of men like Dazai who often pick up girls at the bar, not at all! He's perfectly content with his singleness and his co-workers constant affairs, and he's well aware what to do when one of Dazais lovers shows up at the Agency's doorstep. But this time.. this woman, shes different somehow.

Warnings: suicide mention(dazai being dazai), alcohol mentions, reader is mentioned to have green eyes and short hair

Words: 2.1k

Oneshot under cut!

Kunikida Doppo was a man of ideals. His whole life was structured around these ideals to create the perfect life. Perfect life, perfect job, perfect wife and perfect family. Courting by age 25, a wedding on the beach at age 28, first child at age 30 and two children alongside a golden retriever and a white picket fence to match by the age of 35. In his mind, that was the ideal life for a man to have.

A life that didn't account for the dangers of being a member of the Armed Detective Agency.

The sun was settling along the Yokohama skyline, creating a ray of yellow that shone through the Agency's office. Kunikida sat perched in his chair notebook in hand as he jolted down the events of the day. Paperwork, check in with the president, one small case solved by himself Kenji and Dazai and there was the report regarding that. He glanced up at the date, Thursday. He could go grocery shopping after he left work and still have enough time to cook a hot dinner of chicken noodle soup and rice-he remembered having some left over from the previous night. 4:45pm. If he left now he could get a head start on the after-work traffic and make it home a bit earlier.

Kunikida sighed. The office was quiet. He liked the quiet, although it hardly ever was quiet enough for his liking. With the other members of the Agency constantly causing trouble for the man he barely got any time to himself anymore. Whenever he thought he was alone and free to relax, Dazai would pop up beside him bagging on about some new way to kill himself or a woman he kissed in a drunken state at the bar, or Atsushi would show up with a bruise the size of Japan after having a meltdown while on a mission or the Tanizaki siblings would appear out of no where and ruin his evening g with their constant touching and moaning. He felt that he could never catch a break in this place.

But today, all was at peace. Not even a spare peep from that bandage waster he called his partner. It was a change, a welcome one. Kunikida could feel his bones relaxing, his muscles softening and the joints of his knees popping under the table as he stretched out his long limbs. Polished dress shoes tapped gently against the tile of the floor. Kunikida thanked whatever force was out there that he was able to rest even if for a few mere moments. He didn't need much. 30 minutes would be nice, an hour would be amazing, even longer and he'd be on his knees praising the gods for blessing him with such leisure.

A knock.

Peace isn't everlasting, Kunikida often found. He closed his notebook and placed it down on the desk in front of him, moving a hand behind his head to release his hair from his ponytail, inhaling deeply but not allowing the scowl on his face to set in.

"Come in"

The door creaked open. Not Dazai, Dazai would have flung it open whilst shouting something about how bored he was or something, Dazai wouldn't have knocked at all. A small sigh of relief could have been heard from the blonde if anyone was listening carefully. Instead of the brunette, a pair of unfamiliar eyes and a mess of black hair peered around the door frame, accompanied by a voice that sounded almost too timid and unsure for a human to have.

"Hi... I'm sorry to disrupt you, Mr Kunikida. Is Dazai here?"

Ah, Kunikida remembered those eyes now. Dazais latest lady friend, the woman with bight green eyes, the softest tuft of hair and a voice as sweet and sugary as cold vanilla ice cream on a hot summers day. She looked too naive for Dazai. A bunny rabbit being lured into a trap by the big bad wolf, her sweetness would most definitely get her heart broken by the man. Kunikida couldn't quite remember her name, although it wasn't as if he expected her to stay around long enough for it to matter.

In his ideals, Kunikida wished for his partner to find someone to live out his future with. The ideal woman for Dazai would be one that could hold out on her own, someone strong with an even stronger backbone who could settle Dazai down and get him to sit down for a change. Someone to ground him. Aside from that, long hair, a small and slim frame, and a good fashion sense were all things Kunikida believed his so called friend would be interested in. Staring at the girl in front of him, he realized that she checked none of those box's.

"He's gone home. Was there something I could help you with?" Kunikida pushed his glasses up his nose with a singular finger, straightening in his posture in the process to appear more professional. To think, this woman had almost caught him slouching! What a tragedy that would be. He made a mental note to add 'check building is clear' to his list of evening tasks before he made the mistake again.

The woman's face dropped immediately, her gaze falling to her heels. She was dressed up, Kunikida noticed, a pair of sparkly stilettos on her feet and her body wrapped in a black dress that stopped a few inches too high for his eyes not to wander. He prided himself on being a man of pure modesty, however, it was hard not to notice when a young ladies legs were exposed in such a way. A white coat hung over her shoulders to complete the look, short hair clipped back with a silver star hair pin.

She shook her head, fiddling with a loose thread on her coat. Perhaps it was old and that's why it was fraying on the edges. "No...no, its fine. We were supposed to meet for drinks tonight but I guess he forgot... again"

"I see. Do you want me to pass on a message?"

Kunikida could almost see the metaphorical dog ears on her head droop downwards. Being a man of his certain ideals, it was harder for him to pick up girls than it was for the others in the agency. His standards were high, although he hated to admit it. Unlike Dazais woman, Kunikida wanted his soulmate to have a good head on her shoulders, but not be so smart that she would outshine his duty as a man to protect. A stable job, forgone of the Port Mafia and agency alike, perhaps a lady who worked at a cafe and always smelt of freshly baked sweets would do. Someone he could sit at the dinner table with him late a night, a whiskey glass in his hand and a glass of Rosé in hers, her voice smooth as silk as she told him stories of he day.

Yes. That was the kind of woman he wanted. That was the ideal woman. Not the woman who stood in front of him, staring at him with teary doe eyes and a heart of glass because she fell for the tricks of a man akin to a demon. It wasn't her fault Dazai was a womaniser, he supposed.

"Could you tell him to call me? And that, when he has time, I have a bottle of his favourite whiskey waiting for him... if he still wants to meet"

Kunikida nodded, picking up his notebook off his desk and jolting down a few words to remind himself of the request later on. "Consider it done, Miss..?"

"(name)"

"(name)" He repeated. Pretty, like poetry. "I'll have him ring you tomorrow when he comes in"

The smile he got in return could have melted the ice cold hearts of even the evilest men, Kunikida noted that down in small handwriting as well. A pretty smile went a long way in the world. She bowed her head and turned on her heel, leaving the room just as sliently and as timidly as she entered.

For some unknown reason, Kunikida couldn't stop himself from doing the next thing he did. Maybe he was compelled by his morals, or maybe God was playing a cruel prank on him, but whatever the case his feet were moving on their own and the words were spilling from his lips.

"Miss (name), wait!"

She stopped in her tracks, turning her head to gaze at the man. Kunikida cursed himself for not sounding more confident in his words. them coming out a lot shakier than he had expected. Why was this woman making him so nervous now? She wasn't anything near what he liked, surely his brain had been tricked into going after her because he would have never had otherwise.

"Hm? Was there something else you needed Mr Kunikida?" Her eyes were filled to the brim with disappointment of Dazais forgetfulness and downright disrespectful nature towards woman. Poor thing looked like she would burst into tears at any moment.

He cleared his throat and straightened his back, pushing his glasses up his nose once more and adjusting his blazer vest. He could feel his armpits sweating underneath the suit he wore and he prayed it wasn't obvious to (name). "You say you have a spare bottle of whiskey, yes? I happen to like whiskey myself, so I was wondering if you would grant me the pleasure of sharing it with you instead of Dazai?"

Oh heavens, what was he even doing? This wasn't a part of his plan or his schedule for the night. Here he was throwing away a perfectly fine evening to spend time with a woman that he wouldn't have given a second look otherwise. Who did he think he was? Trying to take home his partners lover? Had the lack of attention from woman made him sink so low?

A soft giggle came from plump lips. Angelic. A choir of angels calling him into temptation. He could see the devil now and he was berating him for not following his ideals to a T. It was hard to care when you saw someone looking so defenceless but so beautiful.

"I won't sleep with you in exchange for company, if that's what you're thinking"

"What! No, I'm sorry, that wasn't what I meant!-"

"I'm messing with you" Another giggle followed by her turning around to fully face him. Kunikida could smell her perfume now, cinnamon and nutmeg. Like the taste of a warm hot-crossed bun on Easter morning. "I'd love to share a drink with you. Theres just a little problem, I don't drink whiskey, I brought it specially for Dazai..."

The blond thought back to his earlier plans for the evening before (name) had appeared and set it upside down. Paperwork, grocery shopping, dinner. He knew what to do. "What's your drink of choice? I was planning on going to pick up some food on the way home, I can pick you up a bottle and bring it round, if you'd like"

"Are you sure? I can pay you back"

"Nonsense, its my duty as a man to provide for the woman I spend time with, you can pay me back with your happiness" He cringed as the line left his lips. He could have willed himself to die in that moment if he had the power to. The redness and sweat of his pits had reached his face now, his cheeks matching the colour of the now setting son.

But her smile never faltered, in fact, it grew. "Rosé, please. Just whatever you can find. I live on the east side of town, apartment 37 in the complex beside the bakery. Come at 6?"

"I'll see you then"

And then, (name) left with a spring in her step, the aura around her looking much brighter than it had been when she walked in. His eyes lingered on her figure until she was out of sight, only the sound of her heels click-clacking against the floor evidence as to her being there. Kunikida glanced at the clock. 5pm. In an hour, he'd be at a woman he just mets apartment sipping alcohol and talking about who knows what. In 2 hours he could be tangled in the bed sheets with her, her soft hands roaming all over his body, his lips pressed against hers and the smell of perfume sticking to his clothes for days after.

Everything was wrong. This date went against every single one of his ideals. Yet, the adrenaline was addicting, just like the smell of (names) perfume. Maybe, just maybe, one day off wouldn't hurt.

"Damn you Dazai, take the woman on a date yourself next time"

[gramnolabar]

Smut/NSFW Mikoto x AFAB! Reader

Summary; Mikoto and you celebrate your first anniversary together! With Mikoto drunk off his mind, he can't help but show you how much he adores you. (🍁) I'm not the best at writing fics! It's why I like bullet points. But my headcanons were so long that it would actually be better to just make write a fic... ALSO THIS IS LONG SORRY

Word Count: 1.1k

Mikoto never really gets drunk. He can handle his alcohol and there aren't that many work functions that have it. And he's only gotten drunk with you a small handful of times, but this one is the most rememberable.

It was your guy's first anniversary and Mikoto wanted to something really special. So he decided to surprise you with a trip to this really high class hibachi restaurant right in the heart of Tokyo. You both were dressed to the 9's as a local city cab takes you.

The place is beautiful, the hostess is probably the nicest hostess you'll ever meet, and you're walked to your private booth and personal chef. With a quick order of Agedashi tofu the night started, and boy did it start. Sake was complementary and you guys drank like there was no tomorrow. Though, you didn't drink as much as him. There was still a part of you that was sober. Mikoto on the other hand had no sober bone in his body.

You've never actually seen Mikoto so drunk before. He starts to tell the chef about how much he loves you, how patient you are when he has to work overtime, how he picked this place to spoil you. You're getting red in the face, the chef is trying to save face. Mikoto keeps talking and it gets to the point where he asks the chef if he can try cooking and that he's sure it isn't "that hard." The chef, just wanting to see some drunk guy try to work a hibachi grill, lets him. You didn't plan on seeing Mikoto in a chef's hat, trying to flip spatulas in the air, but it wasn't unwelcome.

After about 2 hours you're both filled to the brim with fried rice and the world's best grilled chicken and decide it's time to head to the equally as fancy hotel he booked just for tonight. God bless the hotel attendants were understanding and gave you a small pitcher of cold water for him. You've gotten him dragged on the couch, splayed out like a starfish.

You sit next to him. Small glass of water in one hand and with the other you brush his hair back. Mikoto groans at the feeling of your colder hand on his face. "Lets sit up, okay?" You say as you guide him to rest on the arm rest of the couch. He mumbles a quick "Okay." As you serve him water. Mikoto mumbles something else but you can't catch it. "What did you say, honey?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

He places the glass down on the coffee table as he places your hands on his cheeks, "I don't understand how you love me. I'm always working or asleep, but you're always there when I get up. I love you so much. When you text me good night and good morning, even when I'm inconsistent on responding. I love you when you understand that I can't spoil you the way you deserve. I don't know who I am and yet you love me all the same."

If you body allowed you to you would've softened up into a small puddle on the floor. "I love you because you're you. And there's no one else who I'd ever want to be with." You respond. It's so simple but it's filled with all your unconditional love. Mikoto keeps all his tears back as he stares at you like you raise the sun and moon. He reaches his hands over your face and pulls you closer, and you both join in a sensual kiss. It's slow, a tad sloppy, but you're both filling it with all your love.

He slowly strips you of your clothes as you push his blazer off. As you release from each other you realize that you're still on the couch. And while there's more than enough room for you guys to do it, it just doesn't feel right. And so you both shuffle to the bedroom that's nearly the size of Mikoto's whole apartment. Mikoto is the one to guide you down this time, as he take off his button up and slacks. As you're already down to your underwear he's crawling on top of you.

That's when Mikoto starts his bigrade of kisses. He begins with you face. Giving you a long, meaningful kiss on the lips that leaves you breathless as he begins to wander. Starting with both cheeks, eyes, and just under your chin. He kisses your neck and leaves a tiny bite, it's in a place technically hard to hide without a scarf but it's so small that it's unnoticeable. Mikoto kisses to your chest, down your arms, all over your stomach, down the entirety of your legs, and finally comes back to your pussy. He discards your panties... somewhere in the room.

Mikoto starts with a kiss just above it and leaves a line of kisses down to your clit, leaving that space an especially long kiss. Then he eats like the hibachi wasn't nearly enough. Licking up all your juices leaving you squirming as you try to lift his head up. Mikoto is having none of it and stays lost in the folds. Swiping his tongue over, and over, and eventually that knot in the bottom of your stomach breaks. Your boyfriend drinks it all. And as he finally lifts his head you're nothing but a panting, sweaty mess.

You looked so beautiful. He dragged himself up as he traced his body. Your flushed body, so warm with his touch. So reactive too. Just for him, no one else. This wasn't a possessive thing, at least not with Mikoto specifically, but he was just... it's so simple, how was it so simple? It blurred Mikoto’s eyes with tears, but he refused to let them fall. You loved him and no one else; no matter how prevalent his flaws were, no matter the lack of actually time spend together, his increasing forgetfulness. You still embraced him knowing and loving these traits. Mikoto almost fell into your chest in bliss.

As you're panting you weakly hold your body up with your elbows, "Ah... haa... Mikoto let me..." Before you can even finish your sentence Mikoto shakes his head, "Not tonight okay? I'm losing my mind and I just... need this right now." He discards his boxers as he positioned himself inside. It was slow, but you felt so full. His thrusts were slow and methodical. Your moans and gasps filled the room as Mikoto positioned himself closer. Your legs wrapped around his waist as he was molded with you, faces mere inches away from each other. He gave you one last deep kiss, you could taste the hints of yourself still on his tongue as he released inside you. After a few seconds of more panting he pulled out and watched as your fluids mingled together. He swears if he wasn't as tired as he was now he would've gone for a second round.

You both walk into the bathroom and run a quick bath. With the steam rising up he tells you, "I really love you. Once I get my feet off the ground, a hotel like this will just be our regular house." You smile and give a small laugh, "I don't care where we live just as long as we're together." And Mikoto's heart did grow three times it's size.

Eventually you get dressed in the hotel's pajamas and cuddle up in bed. He falls asleep first, as usual, and as you watch his peaceful face you also go to bed.

(🍁) did you guys enjoy??????? do I yap too much???? man i cannot tell..........

[silent-raven13]

Acción de gracias con Coquito!

Miles invited his friends into a big Thanksgiving party his parents are hosting- well his mother hosting. For weeks Rio had planned a big party for Thanksgiving being the one in charge of hosting it. She spend days writing dinner ideas, calling family members on who's coming or bringing side dishes. She even got her mother to come by with more distant cousins she grew up in Puerto Rico.

Jeff been running around like a headless chicken trying to get everything ready for the date. He knew how much his wife loves celebrating this holiday mostly about being with family and giving thanks or blessing to God about the life they have. To him, he never had the luxury of being Thankful or enjoyed these holidays as much as his wife did while growing up.

Now, he has the family he always wanted and a beautiful wife he loves so much, he does whatever for her. Rio had him going to grocery stores to buy the biggest Turkey to bake, she gave him a big list of ingredients to buy.

In five days before Thanksgiving, Miles been helping his dad get groceries. Little Billie in her seat in the cart being happy to join her dad's and brother's adventure. Jeff took his phone out to look at the list, "Oh boy... your mama is going all out this year!"

"Well, cousin Maria is coming by with her family. Abuela and cousin Angel with his family are coming tomorrow. Jorge and his new girlfriend are coming with tía Marcela. Doña Josephine is coming by because cousin Reyna invited her.... There's Jose, Joseph, Jesus, Maya, Diamond, Destiny, Carlos, Blanca, her two kids... then Christian's family. OH, Adrian, Carmen, Alondra, Soli, Chiquita, um..." Miles counted the guest list from memory, "Damn, I think she invited everyone from Puerto Rico."

"Cousin Paula, Miles!" Billie happily jumps in her seat being excited to see her little cousins. The games they could play!

"Oh lord, this is gonna be one expensive bill. Be prepare to only eat rice and leftovers for two weeks, son." Jeff grunts at the massive party. "Get some Honey Smoke ham- make it two."

"Got it." Miles knew this party meant so much to his mother, so he didn't mind the help. The cart soon being full with so much stuff, Billie got her box of cookies.

"You think Abuela is gonna make her tasty pineapple cake?" Miles asked Billie.

"Uh HUH!" Billie will put on her cute face. Everyone loves Abuela Gloria's pineapple caked, it's one of the best cakes ever.

Miles help push the shopping cart while his dad look at the receipt. Then, Hobie ends up calling him, "Hey, bae." Miles answered his Smartphone while making funny faces at his little sister.

"Oi, Sunflower. Wanna come by and hang out?" Hobie asked, he wanted to spend time with his man.

"Sorry, bae. Not right now. My mom got me and my dad running errands for Thanksgiving." Miles explained.

"Oh, I could help, luv."

"You sure? Because my mom is different when Thanksgiving is around the corner. I mean, very different. She turns to like this scary woman wanting everything to be perfect." Miles put Billie in her cart seat, "One time, she totally cursed my dad out for getting the wrong milk."

"Isn't Thanksgiving a colonizer holiday?"

"Pretty much, but everyone in my world doesn't care about the past. They're happy they get a day off from work and school, and stuff their face. My mom sees it as a way to be Thankful and have a big meal with the ones you love." Miles points out while buckling his sister in her car seat.

Billie giggles at her brother, "Hermano! Galletas!" Her hands reach out for her snack.

"Okay, boo-boo. Let me find your cookies..." Miles put the grocery bags into the car, then dig in one of the bags to find his sister's favorite cookies. He handed her a packet for her to eat.

"Gracias!" Billie happily said as her small hand took a cookie from the bag to eat.

Miles talks on his smartphone while putting the rest of the groceries into the trunk. His dad helped him. "Bae, you can come by if you want, but I think I'll be so busy. I have cousins coming by. Family members from Puerto Rico!"

"No worries, luv. I want to help as much as I can." Hobie happily said, "I'll be there in a jiffy."

"Alright, don't say I didn't warn you." Miles hums, "My mom should be home so you can help her decorate the house, clean up and stuff."

"Make him clean the guest room for his grandma." Jeff gave a hearty chuckle.

"Yeah, he needs to work!" Billie spoke, "I work!" She eats her cookies. Frankly, Billie was pointing at items that her mom wanted and she wanted like her precious snacks.

Miles laughs, "Don't worry he will."

Meanwhile, Hobie came by the Morales' place expecting a few guests to arrived. Nope, turns out some of Mamí Morales' family members were there helping her clean the house.

"Ello, mamí Morales." Hobie made his way through the chaotic crowd trying to clean the area and moving things to the building's roof. His dark eyes spotted Rio in the kitchen having her distant cousins moving a lot of groceries.

"Hola, Hobie! Mira!" Rio shouted at her cousins, "Este hombre guapo es novio de mi hijo. Se llama Hobie." She went over to placed her hands on Hobie's shoulders, the punker froze from all the eyes of Rio's family members.

Normally, he can charm his way to anyone, but meeting the love of his life's distant family members. Trying to be a peaceful gentlemen? It's unheard of! If he was in his world, his body would turned into white out with exclamation point.

"Se habla español?" One of Rio's distant cousin asked.

"No, el es de inglaterra!" Rio smiles widen as she gave Hobie a firm shake of excitement.

"OHHHHHH!" Almost everyone was surprised to hear that.

"Bebe té como se muestra en las películas?" A young teenager cousin sitting on the couch spoke Spanish asking Rio.

"Do you have tea and crumpets?" Another cousin said in a Puerto Rican accent.

"Well..." Hobie bites his bottom lip being shy, "Actually I prefer Ale than tea. Though I do enjoy an evening tea with some biscuits." The whole family staring at him with a big smile on their face then they laugh.

"What's so funny?" Hobie pouted as he looks at Rio.

"Oh, don't worry about them. They like to make jokes. They like you." She hums with a pat on his back.

"Hey! Hey, HO-BERTO!" An older man said to Hobie, "Do you... how you say.... do you say, como se dices, 'Ello Governor'" He did a very weak British accent due to his think Puerto Rican accent.

"Se llama Hobie, papá." One of his eldest daughter corrected him.

"Ay, tío. Stop bullying him. He will answers all your questions later. First, he needs to clean the guest room for mi mamá!" She took her son's boyfriend to the messy room. "Sorry about that. They never met a British person before, especially Puerto Ricans tend to stick to their community." She tapped her fingers together with her lips pressed, Hobie now knows where Miles got that expression from.

"It's alright, mamî Morales. I'm just a bit shy by all the attention. Hobie admits.

"Hah, you shy?" Rio giggles, "I never seen you so shy. Well, don't be. Puerto Ricans love to be loud, proud, and parties! You'll fit right in with this family." She let her hand rest on Hobie's left shoulder showing assurance to this family. The punker gave her a sincere smile, this is the first time he's meeting Miles' massive family.

Hobie saw the guest room being a mess, good thing Rio helped him for a bit, until she called for her cousins to help him. Then one of her relatives put on some salsa getting everyone hype. "Who wants beer?" A adult male cousin went to the fridge to take out cold beer for the adults.

The punker saw some family members dancing to the music as they cleaned. "Do you know how to dance salsa?" An older woman asked Hobie as she took his hands to dance with him.

"Ahh, no." Hobie shyly said, he knows he should try. He always dance with Miles, since his Sunflower loves to dance. Oh man, he loves watching Miles dance, his body swaying and his foot movement was so intense. Hobie gets hot thinking about it.

"Oh come on, do this. I'll lead." The older woman happily teaches his salsa, "Though boots are probably hard to move in, Rockero." Giving him a nickname, he wonders if it meant Rocker or rock? He needs to ask Miles about it.

Hobie laughs hearing everyone making jokes, telling stories as they cleaned up and make room. "Ay, Rio. Don't you think tía Alma and her kids should stay with me?" A woman same age as Rio asked, "I don't think there's a lot of space..."

"Oh there is. We'll have some of the younger boys sleep in Miles' room, and some kids in Billie's room. Then, cousin Rickey, Chiqi, Tiny can sleep in the living room. Mi mamá y tía Alma will share the guest room." Rio explained the arrangement.

Hobie frowns seeing he won't be able to sneak in when Miles' cousins will be staying his room. "Oi, Rockero. Want a beer?" One of the older man asked the man.

"Tío! Es demasiado joven para beber." Rio said to her uncle.

"Ahh, Cuando eras joven, te dejaba beber. Es sólo un poco." The older Puerto Rican man wiggles his silver mustache then handed Hobie a beer. "Es un hombre! Cuando tenía su edad, bebía con mis amigos."

Hobie looks at Rio, who gave a slight shrug, he looks at the rest of the family. Should he drink? "It's fine." Rio's cousin giggles, "As long as you drink under our supervision."

"How old are you? You look like you're twenty five?" Miles' younger cousin asked sitting on the couch playing his Nintendo Switch.

"I'm twenty." Hobie said.

"Oh he'll be twenty one in no time. It's alright, Rio. You use to drink all the time when we were young." Rio's cousin laughs.

Hobie chuckles hearing Rio stammering for any excuse, it's funny seeing how her family started picking at her. It seems to be a thing in her side of the family. "Well, cheers, mate." Hobie finally said to Rio's uncle with a cling of their beer.

"Haha, Cheers." Rio's uncle grins widely as they drink their beer.

After an hour passed, Hobie was able to clean the guest room and the messy closet. Rio went through what to give away to her younger cousins. One of Miles' cousin said, "Hmm, I can make a dress out of this." She holds Jeff's old jeans seeing the large size, "A simple tube top with a mini skirt." She's a Seamstress and was able to find anything for her to reuse, "Amalia, venire!"

"Yes?" Her younger daughter stopped organizing the old toy boxes, to go over while her mom uses her as a model.

"Hmm, made a cute short jacket over it." She nodded at the ideas.

Then, the front door swung open revealing Jeff carrying bags, and Miles holding Billie in one arm while he hold two large bags. "Hello!" Jeff said, "What is dis? A party up in here, hehehe?" He laughs in a dad laugh way.

Miles said, "Wow, this place looks a lot bigger with out all the stuff." His eyes widened the living room rearrange.

"My toys!" Billie saw all her toys in her toybox, she pouted seeing all her work went back in the box, "Nooo!"

"Billie, mi amor. We had to clean up para tu primos." Rio went over to pick her daughter to give her a kiss on those soft round cheeks. "You can always rebuild."

"Mmm," The little girl shove a cookie into her mouth to think. "tal vez."

Miles cheers her up, "It's okay, Billie. You can make it bigger and better! Rebuild and rejoice!" Billie's eyes sparkles at her brother's inspiring words.

"Si! Si, Voy a reconstruir! Lo haré más grande, más fuerte! Gobernaré con puño de hierro!" Billie preached out loud with her cookie holding out as a promise.

"Ohh, she's so good with her Spanish." Rio's cousin smiles to see the little girl.

"y tu? Puedes hablar español ahora?" Rio's uncle went to pat Miles' back giving him a firm shake.

Miles awkwardly said, "Yo esto aprendiendo a- umm a poquito!"

"Hahaha, Beuno. Necesitas aprender." He started to lecture Miles the importance of learning Spanish.

Miles could only agree and nod about it, he's been working on it. Yet, his Spanish isn't as good as Billie. He could make sentences and answers, "Si, tío. Yo esta... umm aprendiendo."

Billie greeted her cousins seeing them surrounding her, "Awe, your so cute Billie. Billie over here. Hi, Billie." She chews on her cookie giving a shy smile.

Jeff saw Hobie drinking, "Uhhh, Rio...?"

"My tío made him," Rio kisses her husband's cheek, "Just ignore it."

"Hmm," Jeff didn't like seeing Miles' drinking yet he knows it's better under their supervision. "Alright. Well, I gotta get more groceries."

"I'll help pops." Hobie set his finished beer down to help Jeff with the groceries.

"So, Miles, your boyfriend is kinda a hottie." His cousin Maria, who's two years younger being nosy, "How did you pull that? Especially a British one?"

"Does he actually eat crumpets?" A little one asked Miles while he unpack groceries.

"Oh, does he eat this big English breakfast!" Another little girl who's eating some Cheese puffs spoke.

"Well... umm, one and a time guys!" Miles became super overwhelmed with his family members asking so many questions. "Look my boyfriend isn't the typical British boy, he's umm... like umm... hmmm."

"Like what, Sunflower?" Hobie peaks over to his boyfriend being amused. "Hmm, am I a gentlemen? A stallion? Your prince charming?" He teased making his boyfriend turns red, Hobie always knows how to make blush. Hobie being charming got Miles' cousins ohhing and awing at the way he talks.

Later, Billie had one of her older cousin help her rebuild her blocks, "Bigger!" She demanded.

Jeff eyes on his daughter, "Babe, I think our kid is getting the leadership over her head."

Rio being busy serving coffee to her relatives, "Ay, she's fine. She likes to play around." Jeff watches Billie smack the block down wanting colors of blue and purple in one building.

"Huh..." Jeff took a bite of his sandwich watching his little girl dominating her little cousins and older ones. "Now, Billie-" She turns her head giving him a stern look that reminded him of his wife, "Nuthin' sweetheart." Billie smiles before going back to her cousins.

Miles being able to move his things around in his bedroom. Hobie saw the extra mattress on the floor next to Miles bed, "Oy, luv. Why you're putting your markers up high?" Hobie walks on the wall, being alone with his boyfriend in the room.

"My little cousins tend to snatch things and ruin them. My mom accidentally given them my Copics and they broke it." He pouts placing his Copics in the highest shelf, he made sure all his figures, comics everything that's his little cousins could get their hands on.

"Ahh, I see." Hobies placed his boyfriend's anime figurines and Funko Pops on the top bookshelves in a milk crate. "What about you Vinyl?"

"Oh these are going to be in the bottom cabinets, locked with a key." Miles already had a full plan with his things. "I don't mind sharing, but these are my Uncle Aaron's things. I would die if they are ever ruined on my watch. Heck, even Billie knows better."

"Speaking of lil Blu," Hobie asked, "What about her things in her room?"

"Oh, she's too bossy to let our little cousins ruined her toys. She'll make sure of it. She tells it like it is and don't care. I can't do that since I'm older, you know." Miles hold one of his Uncle's favorite Vinyl with a soft smile.

Hobie got down to the floor, then head over to touch his Sunflower's jaw pulling his face to look at him. "Hmm? Bae?" Miles' clueless face made him look extra cute.

The punker leans over to kiss his boyfriend being so enchanted by his innocent stare. Why is his Sunflower so cute? Miles let out a gasp before taking in the kiss.

"OHHHH! They kissing!" A young boy shouted out loud being nosy.

"OHHH!" Miles' cousins that are around his age teased. "In the room all alone?"

"Man, you guys are snitches!" Miles pulls around to say to his cousins.

"Ay, not our fault you left the door wide open!" His cousin, Julia laughs.

Hobie chuckles as Miles went over to cash them out and play fight with them. This is going to be a fun week!

And Hobie was right!

The punker met more of his Sunflower's relatives, it's hard for him to remember certain relatives when they have the same name. "Juan." Hobie said to the young man.

Miles corrected, "That's Juan Pablo, bae. Juan is over there eating all the Mangú." Pointed at the other Juan wearing a red shirt.

"Oh, then who is dis? I called him Juan." Hobie rub his chin looking at the older Juan sitting next to Jeff as they watch a football game.

"Oh, that's Juan Gonzalo and over there is Juan Jr. Then there's my tío Juan Carlos, which he's not really my uncle but a family friend that's considered as family. OH, you met Juan Jr's kids right? Juanita, Julia, Josephine. Oh, and there's Juana, Jolio and Jose, but that's distant cousins from my grandma's aunt side of the family." Miles went on and on.

Hobie got dizzy from all the names. "Oh, and you met my great-great uncle, Antonio Juan Pablo Morales Rodriguez? He knows a lot of stuff about activism, he's one of the main reasons my grandma always fight the rights of Puerto Rico."

Miles' grandmother laughs out loud with her relatives, "Ay, I wish Jaime was here to see this." She smiles at the family photo album.

Rio happily stares at her childhood photo, "Ohh, Extraño ir al patio trasero de doña Rosie y llevarle cocos."

"How we would sit on the beach and drink it and feel the sun." Her cousin hums while holding a baby in her arms.

Hobie inhale sharply then turns to his boyfriend, "Sunflower, I'ma need a family chart..."

"Hahaha, alright. There's a lot of Morales lore, tho." Miles saw his great-uncle secretly pouring a shot of white rum in his lemonade. "Tío!"

"Ah?" His great-great uncle tries to look confused.

Hobie laughs at the way Miles went over to tell his relative shouldn't be drinking when he's on medication.

During the upcoming days till Thanksgiving, Hobie got to meet a lot more of Miles' relative; most of them were nice. They all enjoyed a good party, dancing and drinking. It's like every time he visited them, they seem to be awake telling stories from their past either drinking coffee or drinking beer with some sort of snacks. Music will plan in the background.

Hobie did enjoy helping Abuela Gloria when she asked him to help rearrange the guest room. "Así, a little more to the left." She guided Hobie to move the arm chair a bit to the corner so her sister can sit and watch television. "Right there! Gracias, Obie."

"De nada, Abuela." Hobie placed the arm chair back to the corner.

"Ay, you're a good man, Obie. Miles' must be so happy having a strong man by his side." She happily cup his face. Hobie's eyes gleams being praised, he felt like a good boy filled with so much love.

Miles came by with his head peaking from the doorway, "Abuela. Bae. Mi mamí made Quesitos! Tío Antonio made coffee, too."

"We better go eat some before they get cold." Abuela Gloria took Hobie to the living room.

Miles smiles at him seeing how he's getting alone with his family. "No es así! Hazlo bien!" Billie said to her little cousins who were banging her toys on the floor. She put them into time out and giving a lecture while they looks down in shame.

"Boo-boo, be nice to your primos. Don't be mean and share." Miles happily said to his little sister.

"Okay, hermano!" She happily listened to her big brother instead of her parents. She runs to get a hug from him.

"Awe, como ella se alma a tu hermano." Rio's aunt awed.

"Oh yeah, those two are like pan y queso making a delicious Quesito." Tío Antonio took a bite of his own cheesy pastry with his black coffee having a little shot of white rum in it.

Hobie saw the older man giving him a shh look with a wink. This made the punker chuckle, "What a rule breaker!"

When Thanksgiving arrived Hobie visited his Sunflower early in the morning, he was tackled by Miles in his room, "Sunflower? Getting kinky, no? Won't we get caught?" He playfully teased, then noticed his cousins weren't in his room. "Wait, where's-"

"Bae, I want you to know my family is making a big dinner. Remember I told you my mom loves Thanksgiving?" Miles fixes his punker's plaided pinned tie, he decided to wear a punker style white collar shirt. "My mamí been in Beast mode with cooking the food since early in the morning with the help of my Abuela and tías. Whatever you do, you do not eat until it's time and no matter what! And I mean no matter what, you try every dish on those tables!"

"Sunflower, come on. I've been to your family's Thanksgiving dinner before. I know the drill." Hobie was about to open his boyfriend's bedroom door, "I'm going to say hello to Mamí Morales and Abuela-" He opened the door getting hit by loud shouting from Rio, "JEFF! Dónde está el Adobo? Y el culantro!"

"Dónde están los huevos? ¡Estaba planeando hacer flan! ¡JUAN PABLO! ¡Te dije que no podías comer mermelada de guayaba!" Abuela shouting out loud.

"Dónde está la leche de coco? ¡Compré cinco ayer!" One of the tías shouting out loud as she looks through the cabinets.

"Tío Antonio used it all to make Coquito." One of Miles' cousins said.

Tío Antonia taking a sip of his Coquito, "Mmm, perfecto! Letting it rest over night way back in the fridge is the secret." He chuckles.

The children screaming at each other while watching cartoons. Miles' cousins running back and forth trying to get ready for the party. Hobie could only describe pure chaotic fun.

Jeff had a piece of sweet bread in his mouth muffling to his wife while putting on his thick jacket, "Get me the list. I'll go buy it while the store is still open."

The punker closed the door before looking at his boyfriend and said, "Sunflower, I'm marry you and be apart of this family." He kisses his boyfriend on the lips.

"Bae! This is no time to enjoy the chaos! I gotta go with my dad to get ingredients. You try to help my mom and grandma, okay? Also, if they say try it! You try it and give your honest opinion. Especially when something needs more salt. My tío Hector always complains about it."

"You got it, darling. Don't worry. I'll be on my best behavior." Hobie said as he watched his Sunflower putting on his jacket and thick boots. Miles quickly rushes out hearing his dad calling his name. The house became loud with voices from many family members and music playing.

Billie being in charge of the young children, she stood on business. She made sure all of them stayed in the living room with her cool fort. "Enter!" She made them go in.

Hobie walks out of the bedroom seeing the teenager girls running up and down trying to get their hair done and makeup done. "UGH, GABY!"

"MARI!" The other teenager scoffs as they were shoving each other going into the bathroom to fix their damp hair.

The teenager boys helped their dads and uncles to set up on the rooftop with chairs and music. It may be cold around this time, but they got outdoor solar lanterns. Since there's more people, they thought it would be better this way.

Hobie was about to go help the men until Tío Antonio pulled the young man towards him, "Prueba esto, hijo! It's Coquito."

"Oh, rum in the morning? A bit of a dare-devil, sir?" Hobie asked with a smirk on his face, his hand took the glass cup filled with the drink.

"Hahaha, when your old as me, your allowed to be daring." The older man chuckles out loud.

"Hobie, venir." Abuela calls out to him, "Prueba esto." She gave him a spoon full of her Cabbage salad. "Well?"

"Mmm, needs a little bit more pepper, lovely." He smack his lips.

"Here try this." One of Rio's tías made him try a Macaroni salad.

"And this!" Another of Miles' relative asking him.

It's been a long morning, Hobie thinks he could no longer try anymore food. He felt his stomach bloated at this point.

Jeff and Miles came back with double the amount of groceries from last time. They were so exhausted they had to sit on the couch for the moment. Miles found his boyfriend snoozing away with his belly bloated, "Bae, did you eat?"

"No, I had to taste test and it was a lot. Don't worry, I'll eat when it's time." Hobie groans.

Miles went over to snuggle with him, "Awe, bae. At least, your having fun."

"I always have fun being with you and your family, Sunflower."

"Awwweee, I want a boyfriend like you, Obie!" A little girl watching them with her eyes sparkling, she wore a fairy princess dress.

Billie huffs, "No, Obie take brother away from me!" She quickly climb up to sit and snuggle with her older brother, "No Obie boyfriend! No!"

"Awe, but he's mi Sunflower." Hobie playfully teased giving his boyfriend a hug making Billie upset.

"NOO! Me!" She hugs her brother with an angry pout.

Miles chuckles giving a kiss on his baby sister's cheek, Hobie pouts so he kissed his cheek. "Love you!"

Thankfully- Huh, ironic of Hobie to be thankful on a Colonizer propaganda day- He was already getting hungry for food. All the food was ready at six pm and he saw everyone gathered around. Miles told his boyfriend, "Bae, most of my family members are Catholics, so it's going to be pretty hectic."

"What do you mean?"

"Well... remember last year how my grandma pray for Thanksgiving dinner?"

"Yeah, luv. I have no problem in listening, though I can't say I understood what she said."

"Well, it's going to be a long one since most of the elders are here and my great uncle is making the speech." Miles explained, "Just letting you know it's gonna be long one."

"It's fine, luv. I'll do anything to make you happy."

"Bae," Miles felt touched by his boyfriend's word, "you don't have to, but I appreciate the dedication for our relationship. Mwah." He kisses his man's cheek multiple times.

"Wow, ya'll are really lovey dovey- all oogy googy!" Miles' cousins name Dulce winced at the two, "I'm so jealous."

The family gathered around to listen to Tío Antonio's long praying, Miles wasn't lying when Hobie had to stand listening to the old man giving a ten page prayer. It didn't bother him since he knew Miles' family are good folks, kind and generous.

Abuela Gloria shed a tear when her uncle blessed the family, and how he's happy he live a good long life. He wants everyone to achieve their dreams, keep their culture alive and God protecting them from any obstacle they come in. He give thanks about the food they have on the table.

Hobie saw some of the family members tear up when he told the tale of how his own mother and father had to work to provide one small chicken for a family of twelve. He always gives thanks to what they have and the importance of family. Hobie could only make out a few things, he still remained silent. Miles held his boyfriend hand tightly when his great uncle mentions his family as he went down the long list of every family group.

In the final part of the prayer, the older man of the Morales family blessed the family members that passed away like Jaime, Miles' grandfather and Aaron. Jeff shed one tear hearing his brother being mentioned, even Miles sniffs.

"Ahem!" Tío Antonio finally finished.

"Ahem." Everyone said together. Then, some of the family members went up to him to give him a hug and kiss on the cheek. They were complimenting his beautiful prayer.

"Don Jeff! Cut the turkey." Tío Antonio said to the man of the house.

"Me?" Jeff held Billie in his arms being in shock.

"Sí, you are the man of the house." Tío Antonio sat down being exhausted due to his age.

"Well- actually my wife runs this house." Jeff jokes.

"AHAHAHAH!" Rio's cousins laughing out loud.

"Ay, Jeff." Rio scoffs with a playfully smack on his shoulder, "Go cut the turkey. He's giving you the okay to cut the turkey."

"Alright. Alright." Jeff said having to hand Billie over to his wife. "Um, gracias tío." He said to Tío Antonio.

Billie watches her dad cutting the turkey, "El pavo. Yummy!"

"Sí, mmm rico." Rio kisses her daughter's cheeks with joy.

Miles saw the joy in his dad's eyes, he knew his dad and Uncle Aaron had only each other. Their dad wasn't around, and their mother focus on their work too much. When their mother couldn't take them anymore from the thug life or protect them from the streets, she kicked them out. Sadly, she passed away after that. Jeff and Aaron were the only ones that were family. For Jeff to lose a brother then being part of Rio's family, he felt whole.

"Look at that bae. Tío really made my dad's day." Miles smiles then turn his head to his boyfriend, he noticed his boyfriend wasn't at his side. "Hobie?"

"Sunflower!!!" Hobie being dragged by Miles' cousins and aunts to the table.

"Hobie, remember to serve a bit to try anything." Miles spoke to him like they were in danger. That's the only advice he can give, his family made so much food he swear this could feed an army.

"Hobie! Hobie! You gotta try some pernil!" One of Rio's aunt said.

"No, try my Arroz con Gandules!"

"No, my pasteles."

"NO, my tostones!"

Hobie had a bib wrapped around his slender neck, suddenly his mouth being stuffed with food. Rio saw Billie laughing at him, "Hahaha."

"Thank goodness it's not me." Jeff grunts. "I remember when I was like that."

Rio giggles, "Hopefully, he doesn't choke."

Hobie never ate so much food in his life, he thought Mamí Morales served him a lot. He thought he was prepared for this! Miles had to encourage him to try everything. Everything was delicious which he made sure to say, "Es rico! Mmm, delicioso!" It made all the relatives super happy.

Then, Tío Antonio offers his a drink of white rum, "Let's have a drink, Obie." He happily serve him.

Hobie with his mouth filled with food, he chews while nodding, "Mmmhhmm." He took the glass of rum to drink. The two cling their glasses then took a whole chug down. "ARGHHH!" They said.

"Tío, you're not supposed to drink." Abuela Gloria said.

"Gloria, it's the holidays! A little won't hurt." He gave a mischievous smile, "Así! One more! One more for good luck." He pours more into Hobie's cup.

"OH fuck..." Hobie was also trying to get drunk Miles' great great uncle. "Well, ole' chap. Lets drink for good health!"

"Eso es más parecido!" Tío Antonio happily cheers as the two drink and eat.

In the end, he got a big belly full of food, and tipsy from all the drinking. Luckily, he was more exhausted going in a food coma. Billie sat in her spot with Miles while they eat, she chews on her arroz con gandules, "Por qué es así?"

"He ate too much, Boo-boo. Let him rest. He gotta be ready for dessert." Miles hums.

"Ohhhhh!" Hobie let out a deep burp feeling so full. "Sunflower, rub my belly."

"You're so goofy, bae." Miles laughs while his hand gently stroke his man's bloated stomach. Billie chews on her pernil as she watch the two.

"Normally, you gotta get seconds." Miles whispers in his man's ear being playful.

"Ohhh!" Hobie burps again.

"Augh, bae!" Miles wave the smell away from his face.

"You were in the way." Hobie snickers then groans, "I'm too full to laugh."

"You're gonna have to suck it up, bae. Dessert is coming." Miles chuckles, "My tío Antonio might want you to drink some more rounds with the men."

"Ughh! Give me time to..." Hobie knocks out feeling so full.

Billie laughs, "He's goofy!"

"Yeah, he is."

His nap was cut short when dessert came out for coffee, some family went upstairs to dance and enjoy being snuggled in their jacket looking at the cityscape. Miles went upstairs for a bit dancing with Billie, until they came down to find Hobie waking up. "Bae, come on. My aunts made Tembleque, flan, Arroz con leche and mi Abuela made her pineapple cake!"

"I'm coming." At least the food gone down, he slowly got up giving his body a good stretch. Then, he got yank by Miles' relatives to have some coffee and desserts.

Rio said, "Hobie, you want a full cup or half?" She pours coffee into cups.

"Half would be fine." He said seeing his plate being filled with dessert treats.

Billie went over to get her cookies, "Mmm, gallatas are my favorite!"

Miles pick her up for her to get a few from the plate. "Dulce knows how to bake."

"I love vanilla ice cream with sweet plantains." Billie's eyes sparkles seeing her mom making her a plate.

"I want that cake." Miles been craving for his Abuela's pineapple cake.

Miles went to Hobie to help him finished his plate, "You don't mind sharing, bae?"

"Oh please do. I'm getting full." Hobie said, "Everything is so good, but my stomach is still stuffed."

"Don't worry bae, I got chu." Miles got his fork to take a bite, he sat next to him to chew.

Tío Antonio came by with some glass filled with Coquito, "Now, dis isn't for... umm... bebe rapid- no!" He mimics taking shots, "It's to savior. Chupito! Un chupito de Coquito." He let Miles and Hobie have their own glass.

Jeff was about to protest until his wife said, "It's only one time, mi amor. Mi tío abuelo wants to drink with his grandchildren."

"Ohh alright." Jeff sighs, seeing Miles taking the glass. "But I'm going to let Miles know the safety of drinking. He won't be underage anymore."

"I know, mi vida. Next August, he'll be twenty one." She sighs at how fast her baby boy grew up.

Miles cling his glass with his Great Great Uncle, then took a sip, "Mmm, this is so good." He actually like drinks like this instead of beer.

Hobie sips, "Mmm, Chupito?"

"Sí, un chupito! Pasito Pasito." Tío Antonio chuckles being happy his drink came out so delicious. The sweetness of condense milk enrich the coconut milk all complementing the white rum. Miles could barely taste the alcohol.

"Oh, puedo probarlo?" Billie asked.

"Sorry, boo-boo. This is for adults." Miles said.

"Awe." Billie pouts with her arms crossed.

"Ay, miamor! Abuela made you and los niños Coquito con chocolate." She serve the little girl a cup of warm Coquito with Chocolate.

"Ohhh! Gracias, Abuela." She blew then took a sip, "MMM!"

Hobie saw everyone enjoying themselves, "Sunflower."

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

"What?" Miles asked.

"I'm thankful for having you."

"Awe, me too, bae." Miles snuggles against him as they slowly eat their dessert together. "Love you."

"I love you too, Sunflower."

[kittyplushy]

Breaking down Sam's nightmare: Real World Parallel and Implications

I want to first point out the following:

I am not Indonesian nor Balinese. I do not know the full nuances of their religious practices. I know very little about the technical aspects so take this with a grain of salt as this is a surface level comparison.

Beneath The Trees is American. All characters are implied to be American and I understand that this mirror is a coincidence!

I just want to highlight the thematic similarities of both the dream sequence and the Hindu Yadnya.

I'd like some feedback from possibly some Indonesian or Balinese friends if you find this!

Bhuta Yadnya

In Hinduism, there are five types of Holy Sacrifices called Panca Yadnya (Five Sacrifices). These five sacrifices are dedicated to sustaining a balance between Man's relationship with the Gods, and to address particular subjects. Bhuta Yadnya ceremonies are meant to maintain the balance between the universe and the human self.

Simply put, this ceremony is intended to keep nature in balance.

The ceremony takes place a day before Nyepi, the Day of Silence (also celebrated as New Year's Day).

The ceremony is divided into two events: The Mecaru and Pengerupukan

Mecaru

During Mecaru, Balinese people present offerings to Bhuta Kala to ask that disruptive spirits leave the community and its people in the coming year. These offerings come in the form of either a Segehan, little boiled rice in 5 colors, accompanied by ginger and onion, arak, rice wine, and incense.

Animal sacrifice is a lot more common during Bhuta Yadnya, as this is what would perfect the ceremony. Animal blood, flesh, and alcoholic drinks must be provided. Animals that are sacrificed in such ceremonies will be reincarnated into a higher level in the next life, and so will the person offering the animal.

The ritual not only serves to purify the animal to be sacrificed but also embodies respect for the cycles of life and death.

The animals to be sacrificed include chickens, ducks, and dogs.

Pengerupukan

Festivities happen after sunset where roads close down and Balinese people bang on traditional instruments to scare away lingering evil spirits. The highlight of Pengerupukan though is the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade.

Ogoh-Ogoh statues are demonic figures made from cloth, bamboo, and paper mache that depict negative human values and vices, negative elements, or even just characters from Hindu mythology. These are paraded around the village until they are brought to a cemetery to be burnt.

Mirroring Benevolence

Upon my many rereadings, I've always wondered if this sort of animal sacrifice in front of a crowd (or even human sacrifice) was inspired by any real world tradition. I believe Bhuta Yadnya is the closest mirror for what it symbolizes and how it's presented.

The dream is a reframing of the Woodbrook Bicentennial Parade in the 1st Issue. We could find a connection between the Hindu New Year and the celebration of a town's New Year or Anniversary.

The crowd looks demonic and rabid, bloodthirsty and morbidly curious. The parade is framed in this uncomfortable angle where we're surrounded by the spirit of violence. The spirit of bloodlust. Suddenly there's an imbalance, an unfamiliarity that needs to be appeased in any means possible- that would have to come in the form of a Sacrifice.

Also perhaps I should point out that we can also interpret the Uncle Sam float as similar to an Ogoh-Ogoh statue! Perhaps the image wasn't tied to the negative connotation of imperialism it has today. However it's drawn to match the violent crowd so it could also represent the vice of mob mentality in the town.

A sacrifice is needed to perfect, complete the ritual to ask for the blessing of a peaceful new year and safety of the community from evil spirits. The disruption of the peace in Woodbrook through the murders calls for necessary bloodshed. Ironic that the only way to stop a murder is through a murder.

The ritual is interrupted by Nigel (the corrupt spirit) though, perhaps representing that there really is no moral or religious or clean ending that could ensure the return to balance to the town. It's one or the other.

The Sacrifice

Maybe it's just the wrong sacrifice. It is a nightmare, after all, so it's not a real ceremony taking place right here. But as a whole, Beneath The Trees is about the correct order of natture- the right way to kill and who deserves to kill. Maybe we can say that humans have the right to kill. Ethics aside, we kill animals for meat, kill bugs and pests, and kill other people because we believe that it's only natural we should do it. I like to believe Sam thinks she has the right to kill, that she's the only person allowed to and this system being challenged by a mouse disrupts the order that was once there. Yadnya is the answer here.

Perhaps we all know who the sacrificial cattle is in this dire hour.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Dream sequence can also be interpreted as the reinforcement of the Right Way to Kill. Samantha's inflated self importance as a pillar of good in her community being humbled when she gets attacked by the bears. Then it turns out to NOT be the case by Issue 5 where yes, this is correct and moral and you should lean into that impulse. You have the right

I came across this interesting blog post about Duck Sacrifice to prevent a string of deaths in a family. Animal sacrifice in Filipino-Chinese communities are not uncommon as this is seen as a life for another life- to prevent a 3rd death from coming along.

Ironically, Sam killing Daniel (the duck guy) begins the string of deaths in Woodbrook. Sacrificing him in the dream doesn't either so the deaths comes in threes:

Daniel

Lola

Nigel

and..

Martin

Cherry

Charlie

Hope ya'll enjoyed this insane lil infodump! I've been fascinated by the very similar mirrors it had to the Balinese ritual and feel free to critique this or add on your own thoughts or similar mirrors or details I missed out on!

[androfagus]

My gf made me chicken tinga and rice. God bless rice the only food that I can eat no matter what... I wish it had more nutrients

[thepaddock]

1/25/25

hi babies :3 I know we're on call right now but I still wanted to go ahead and write my entry for the day. today has been kind of busy but kind of not. as you know, we went home from out of town today. the couch bed we slept on was very very uncomfortable and we didn't get much sleep to begin with, but surprisingly, the hotel had good breakfast :3 we also had some apple juice and orange juice which we usually don't have, but we wanted a treat alongside our sausage gravy biscuits :3 then we went back upstairs and took another nap, but again it was not a good sleep. then, we hit the road and stopped at a restaurant to meet my moms friend, and we were there for like a solid two hours which was. kinda miserable, but the chimichanga, rice, refried beans, cheese dip, and salsa we had was very good. big lunch for us :3 but very worth it. once on the road again, we dozed off against the dash for a little bit until we were most of the way home. we stopped at this place to use the restroom, and they had big ass cookies and a bunch of home made goodies, as well as just peacocks and chickens roaming the property which was strange but cool. and we got a soda :3 then the rest of the way home >0< I took credit for making the bed earlier but we all know Kimi did it God bless him. then we got on the phone with you guys :33 which has been so amazing. we missed you guys so much and have been looking forward to this since Thursday since we knew we wouldn't be able to call yesterday. its been so nice. we love you guys, we love laughing with you guys, spending time with you guys and just doing anything, even sitting in silence doing our own separate things. anything done in you guys presence is wonderful to us. we love you guys and appreciate you guys so much. you're awesome and so loved, more than you know. you guys are wonderful people and so funny, beautiful, kind, and caring. everything is worth it for you guys. every single one of us loves every single one of you and we're so blessed and happy with you guys every single day :3 that's as much as I can remember. tell me about your day? what did you do? I wanna know everything :3 love you guys to the moon and beyond to: @bumpin-thatbeat

[meatsound]

god bless harrisburg i walked up to the chinese food place and she just made me a meal. didnt even ask what i wanted. double chicken fried rice and a chicken egg roll. 🫡

[qadoshqadoshqadosh]

god really does bless some of us more than others. my friend made some white rice, barely cooked it, and then added a tablespoon of salt and a lot of soy sauce and a cube of chicken bullshit, and he mixes it all together, and it barely looks edible. it looks just wet. and he looks me in the eyes as he takes a big bite and says “this is good.” and he’s right. because god blesses some of us with humility and some of us with the gift of sight. and when his gaze falls upon the coming catastrophe, he is not troubled even in the slightest, beacuse (as he tells it) all food, no matter how sloppy no matter how Crawlable, is contained within the Holy Origination of those who Eat

[seraphicyamchalover77]

.

.

.

"she's very pretty too bad she doesn't realize it ugh what's wrong with me?"

---

🕯 DAY 4: “Heaven Sent?”

📅 **Date:** May 20th, 2003

📍 **Location:** West City – Past Mama Mei’s Chinese Takeout

🕰️ **Time:** 1:27 PM

🔋 **Battery:** 88%

📶 Reception: Full bars – near the front door

🔒 Encrypted Note

*(Password‑protected: divinebandit777)*

---

📖 **>ENTRY START:**

[INTRO: “Faith and Fear, Strangers in the Same Body.”]

I thought ordering \$50 worth of Chinese food would distract me.

Chow mein, orange chicken, fried rice, egg rolls, soda… family-sized, because apparently my appetite’s still playing sick with my ass.

But that was when *she* appeared—non‐digital, non‐delivered, no sword, no mirror. Just real.

---

🍜 **>CHINESE TAKEOUT BREAKDOWN:**

* **Ordered At:** 1:00 PM

* **Items:**

* Chow mein (medium)

* Orange chicken (large)

* Fried rice (medium)

* 4 egg rolls

* 2 sodas

.

.

.

.

* **Total:** 48 Zeni + tip (about \$50 USD equivalent)

**Delivery:** Myself (hover bike)

* **Seating:** Stoic blue plastic stool outside the shop

**Ambience:** Soft gospel music played through a crackling radio behind the counter

---

👁️ **>UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER (1:12 PM):**

I watched the owner, Mei—she’s Christian, always blesses her food. She knelt beside an elderly blind customer near the sidewalk, quietly praying over her takeout. Then… I noticed the purse.

A **tiny Bible** poked out from under soft fabric. Mini size, leather-bound, with a gold cross embossing.

And *she* was there, standing maybe six feet behind the owner, hands folded in front of her. No makeup, no sword-wielding. She looked… earnest.

---

👀 **>EYE CONTACT MOMENT (1:15 PM):**

She looked up.

Our eyes locked.

For a heartbeat, the world *faded.*

Then she flushed. Deep red under the lights—a burning ember shade. She clamped her lips tight, nearly stammered something. I swear I heard:

"*I finally met him… God has sent him to me.*"

Her hand slid over the mini Bible like it was a secret lifeline. Then she *darted* away—silent footsteps, almost reverent. But she stayed within sight, first behind a post, then near a tree, peeking at me.

---

🚨 **>MENTAL STATUS SNAPSHOT:**

**Heart Rate:** 125 BPM

**Respiration:** 20 breaths/minute, shallow

**Emotional State:** Conflicted – fear, fascination, guilt, hope

**Physical Symptoms:** Cane hand sweating, lips dry

**Notations:** Sexual arousal + nausea: 3/10

---

🧠 >THOUGHT TRACKS – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?:

1. **Is that *really* her?**

No sword, no polish, just… *quiet intensity.*

2. *Her words… *God sent him:*

This sounds like she thinks she’s on a divine mission.

3. **Mini Bible… praying for a blind woman…**

Is she part of Mei’s church? Is she volunteering?

4. **She's cute. "Innocent". Soft-spoken.**

That voice… hushed. Shy. Almost stuttering.

5. **Terrified of me?**

Looked like I was the devil and the savior rolled into one.

---

🕵️ **>PROFILE UPDATE – UNKNOWN SENDER “Riyuki?”:**

**Faith:** Unknown, but attending Christian-affiliated spaces

**Behavior:** Shy cat around strangers; bold in stalking me

**Mental State:** Possibly experiencing religious delusion, but could be genuine belief

**Developmental Clues:** Still fussing over poo-poo diaper reference; may have special needs

**Emotional Duality:** Creepy sexual predator *vs.* gentle caring woman

**Physical Signs:** Clear complexion, no makeup, still virgin in body and soul

* **Danger Factor:** Low physical harm, high psychological. But the struggle inside her could escalate.

---

🍴 **>TODAY’S LOG – CITY AND CHOW MEIN:**

**1:00 PM:** Walked in, ordered food

**1:02 PM:** Heard Mei blessing the tray

**1:12 PM:** Saw her behind Mei—Bible flash

**1:15 PM:** Lock‐eyes encounter—she flees

**1:20 PM:** She almost bumps into owner; whispers “sorry, God…”

**1:21 PM:** Owner pats her shoulder like a kid at Sunday school

**1:24 PM:** Food arrives; I’m shaking

**1:27 PM:** Writing this while she watches from under a lamppost

A little kid passed by, tugged the owner’s sleeve, asked “What’s that man *looking* at?” She just smiled and said: “Sometimes angels visit the broken.”

---

🎮 >VISUAL NOVEL DECISION: “Approach Her” or “Walk Away”

If this were a game, I’d get an achievement:

“Complicated Mess Unfolding.”

But this is real.

I could walk toward her. Talk. Ask if she’s okay.

Or I could finish eating and pretend I never saw her.

Both scare the hell out of me.

---

📕 **>CLOSING THOUGHTS:**

God. She *might* be a kid at heart.

Or she might be more dangerous than I realize—wearing innocence like armor.

But right now… all I feel is her shame, her fear, her desperate hope.

**This is no longer just a parasite stalking me.**

It’s a soul. Colliding with mine.

Maybe broken in ways I can’t see���and maybe in ways only *I* can fix.

So what the fuck do I do?

---

—📱Yamcha’s Log – End of Day 4.**

🛌 Sleep mode not activated.

🔒 Note encrypted.

Reminder set for 8:00 PM – Google "how to talk to angels."

**END ENTRY.**

📁 Saved to: “WOLF.LOG”

.

.

I wonder if she see me as her guardian angel that's a sick thought I know but maybe just maybe.. She thinks I'm going to save her but save her from what? That's the real question.

[stateofjason]

I Know I'm On Ya Beams

June 2, 2025

Today, my mom turned the final page of her 34-year story in education.

Written in lesson plans, lived in classrooms, carried on in the compassion of people you encounter every day.

My mom is something of a character screenwriters dream of. Hopeful, prophetic, resilient, deeply real.

She could've lit up broadcast television, but brightened young minds instead. In retrospect, that was always the bigger stage.

Sometimes I think about how frustrating it might be to stare too closely at a Van Gogh painting.

The thick strokes could look...aggressive. Unprofessional. The colors may clash up close.

But when you zoom out for a fuller perspective, you find the masterpiece.

My mom didn't aspire to enter the classroom but nature and nurture had other plans.

Many would rationalize it, most will call it coincidence, but people like my mom (and me) call it destiny.

Destiny that not only were my grandparents educators, but my mom's biological family is *full* of them. Even now. It's those "coincidences" that remind me of the depth of God's full painting.

I don't say this out loud enough, but I really do love my mom.

Anything good about me starts with her (even when that truth threatens my delusions of originality).

These last few days I've been thinking about the students she reached. Some I met, most I never will. But I'm glad for every single one of them.

To be shaped by her care and compassion is no small blessing.

Job well done! Looking forward to the next chapters of deserved celebration.

Distance: 4.40 miles

Today I Ate:

Sonic (whoops) with my mom!

Sweet & Sour Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, 3 little mini donuts (I was bad today)

[achronicwriter]

Saturday, November 23, 2024

I feel better, so I decided to try an experiment/research. My WIP is set in a time and place where peoples' time is dictated by the natural cycles: Up at sunrise, break at solar noon, home at sunset, etc. I know people did and in many places still do live like that but I haven't since I was a farm kid in the 1900's. I want to feel what that's like. So, aside making sure my family is medicated punctually, I'm divorcing my schedule from the clock.

Dawn 6:50 am

Thank gods I'm doing this in November. If it was Summer, dawn's hairy crack would emerge at 4:00 and no.

I feel surprisingly refreshed despite getting up two hours earlier than I have lately.

Made my bed, knocked back my morning pills with a Carnation Instant Breakfast, freshened up, got dressed-ish, locked the cat in the bedroom so I won't have to chase her ass all over the Maine woods, and went outside.

Cold, gray, dreary. I took a slow, short walk then came inside; apologized to Ash (and my husband, who had to deal with her tantrum), and turned the kettle on for tea.

25-min. braindump, mostly on @supervillainsolarpunk, then sipped peach-vanilla tea while planning next week

General tidy, then lay down and played games until I got hungry and Husband made me a big bowl of scrambled eggs

Mid-Day 11:20 am

Spent too long sitting in my chair figuring out how time works in a practical fashion for people in the Midwest in April 2143; no surprise, I needed a stretch sesh and a nap after that

Dozed off listening to my playlist of Solarpunk videos on YouTube, letting it soak into my subconscious; woke up after a couple hours feeling good ...

Until I nearly fell down the stairs, tripped by a gray streak of greased lightning running for her life from the Vacuum Monster

Spent some time setting up @strangekindofstory which will be a Tumblr exclusive work of epistolary fiction beginning in December. Because I'm not doing enough things already.

Sunset 4:00 pm

Husband loves cherry pie. I love the flavor but not the texture of the filling. Bless the man, he ate the top crust and filling out of the pie and gave me the sweet, goo-covered bottom and edge crust.

Find a partner that gets you, y'all. 💖

Dinner was leftover chicken stew over rice. Nom.

Spent the evening at YouTube University mostly relaxing.

Night 9:00 pm

I usually start getting ready to go to bed at around this time, but I also usually dick around on the internet until after midnight. I can't do that if I'm going to start getting up at Dunwanna O'Clock.

Made chamomile mint tea, put the house to bed and did my devotions while it was steeping; sipped my tea and ate the pie crust while GYSTing for tomorrow and performing my ablutions

In the bed by 10:00 and I promise, electronics down and lights out at 11:00

Good night!

[futurebiblestudies-blog]

Genesis 43

That road leads to the middle sandal dam.

Other verses: "You want to see me, do you have any brothers?" Other verses: "You want to complain, do you have any brothers? I have other brothers, and I do not know the teachings of others." The lottery of the father's youth: "The children fled, I rise, I run, I come."

Their father Israel said to them, "Bring me fruits and almonds if you need them." They should still have money in their pockets. Raise your brother and return to him. If I lose a child, I lose a child. They received gifts, doubled their money, and received Benjamins. So he arose, went down to Egypt, and stood before the moonlight.

When the moonlight saw the poop, everyone was worried, so they told the family that it was bad to bring these people to the family, to your north. The taste is among the people, and the medicine root is normal.

The man went to the moonlight Palace. The man waited until he entered. It is five miles away.

The middle-aged people are all bad. Because their door is five miles north of teh moonlight palace. They said, "It is because of the ghost ring that the money in my belt was brought in." So used the key to open my door my door, the chicken went to my door, the back door became a slave, and the chicken went to my front door.

They are in the moonlight and love to talk to the door tower.

Comment: Teacher, the first time I come, there is no doubt that the food I buy is the weight of the legs. The food I brought home is what I wrote. Other poems: "Pray for peace, unnecessary harm. You are God, the God of the Father, treasures are given to you, and you are freed from the mouth. There are other things. The owner's territory and other facilities are covered with water, the water is washed, and the laundry is done. Others also eat other people's rice and become full. At noon, I will wait for you to come and pick up your luggage, so that you can eat while you are there."

After returning home, he was transferred to another house, where he was lying down, in a different position.

Is it true that you are an old man and a father? Will there be another resurrection?

The other answered, Father of your servants, peace has returned. Human strife is low, the rows are fine.

Looking into the eyes of others, other mothers and children, other brothers, caring for younger brothers, working for them, are you here for them? Other lyrics: "I pray for the Emperor's blessing." He was suddenly busy. Because of this, other brothers and sisters cried elsewhere. The poet, who had run away from home, was in tears.

3He was alone with the Egyptian who was eating the thread. He's eating, he's eating, he's eating, he's eating, he's eating, he's eating, he's eating, he's just like me.

[starfata]

God bless you tumblr post I can't find about people thinking things they're allergic to are spicy!

Because I ate a sandwich today, and thought it was kind of spicy. A few hours later I had really awful cramps and parts of my mouth were tingling, so I texted my mum and asked if the coronation chicken sandwich filler she'd asked me to help eat was meant to be spicy.

The answer was no, it wasn't spicy at all- and my mum is the only person I know who has as poor a spice tolerance as me so it's not a case of miscommunication like when I decided to try my brothers favourite takeaway and he promised me the mild burgers weren't spicy.

So I now know two items which can cause a potential allergic reaction- just gave to go to the shops and check the ingredients of both, and I will be able to avoid this in future!

Maybe even make a doctors appointment- I didn't even consider it last time because it was March 2020 and I could just avoid that flavour of instant rice for the rest of my life.

[william-t-sickofyourshit]

William was busy, and Sebastian was quiet (thinking his boyfriend was on the phone), so William honestly didn’t notice him come into the kitchen until he spoke. He got a little startled, but then quickly returned to his chores of cooking and cleaning. “Oh, to God.” He answered matter-of-factly, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. It didn’t even occur to William that Sebastian never heard him ‘pray’ like this before. After all, they spent so much time together, that William didn’t consciously realize that Sebastian never before witnessed his little conversations with God.

But now that he got to think about it… maybe not?

William continued his work in the kitchen, while he briefly explained to Sebastian what this was all about. “Well I just… it’s like praying, I guess? I just tell God my thoughts, my doubts, ask for guidance if I have a problem… sometimes I talk to Him about you as well. I want Him to take care of you as well, I tell Him you’re a good person and you deserve his blessings even if you don’t believe.” William explained. It was just… normal for him, and existence of God was something William believed was a fact. So… talking to God didn’t seem weird for William at all.

“Anyway, I’m baking chicken so… dinner will be in like half an hour? Do you want potatoes or rice?” William casually switched the subjects, as if he didn’t just tell his boyfriend that he is chatting with a higher power on regular basis.

For I have sinned...

The principal cleared his throat, eyes scanning the notes that he had wrote down before this meeting. It already lasted an hour, and the teachers gathered in the faculty room were becoming restless and bored. But indeed there were some things to discuss, with the concert that the senior class was supposed to perform at the end of the semester, and with recent staff changes. 

William glanced down at his watch, sighing softly. His class was starting in 15 minutes, so at least, whether the meeting will be done soon or not, he will get to excuse himself. He looked out of the window, his mind wandering. Principal’s voice turned into white noise in the background. It was a pleasant day, late summer. But William was looking forward to a slightly cooler weather. Wearing all black could really be bothersome at times. 

“And lastly, I am pleased to announce that we have finally found replacement for the violin teacher. Dear Mr Tanaka, may he rest in peace, was with us for so many years that I’ve been concerned we won’t be able to find someone as good as to fill this position.” the principal spoke. “But Mr… Michaelis, was highly recommended to me, and he indeed has impressive references. He will be starting this week, so please welcome him warmly once he will arrive. Ah yes… about that. He will arrive today at noon, I need someone to pick him up from the train station and bring over for the tour around the school. Any volunteers?” 

William was barely listening, and definitely not paying much attention. He glanced at his watch again, and saw that it was time to leave, as his class was about to start. He raised his hand to excuse himself, and little did he know, he just volunteered.

“Father William! Excellent!” the principal exclaimed. “Just don’t be late, the train arrives at noon.”

“Train…?” William questioned, raising his brow. He had a feeling he was missing something…

***

Right after the meeting, William had to run for the class, so he had little time to clarify what exactly he had volunteered for. He was a piano teacher in this Music Academy, but also he served as a priest in local church. Well respected, and rather liked. So when he later found out it was about the new violin teacher, he didn’t refuse. Who, other than himself, would be a better choice to introduce a newcome to their community?

So even though he raised his hand by accident, he accepted this fate.

After classes, at noon, William took a taxi and drove to the train station, to pick up their new teacher. Wearing black trousers, and a black shirt with a thin tie, was absolutely dreadful in this weather, so William quickly found shelter under the roof of the station platform, that provided some shade.

The train had just arrived. William had no idea how Mr Michaelis looked like, but he figured he will just look for someone carrying a violin case with them. 

He was in for a bit surprise.

@crazyvik97

[jdgo51]

The Power of Salt

Joe Plemmons (Virginia, USA)

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?" - Matthew 5:13 (NRSVUE)

"'My wife was away leading a retreat, and I was at home alone. I decided to cook myself a fairly simple meal with what we had on hand: chicken, rice, some spices — a lot of spices, actually. As I smelled it cooking, I just knew that it was going to be delicious. I spooned the meal into a bowl, took a bite, and it was one of the blandest things I had ever tasted. Maybe I should have used more spices? Then it occurred to me that I hadn’t used any salt. I shook just a little bit in, mixed it all together, and tried another bite. That second bite exploded with flavor!

Salt has a flavor of its own, but what makes salt so special is how it amplifies the other flavors of our food. A little bit of salt can bring out flavors that otherwise we would miss.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the crowd, “You are the salt of the earth.” Being salt means that we are called to amplify what God is doing in the world. We each have our own flavor — our own unique personality, calling, and ministries. But what makes us salt is our ability to find out what God is doing in our communities and enhance it."' Be the salt of the earth and provide the extra bit of flavor in your actions. Rather than have bland activity and response; make it much more relevant and tasty to others.

TODAY'S PRAYER

"Almighty God, you call us to be salt. Help us to see you at work in this world, and guide us to be a part of your work. In Christ’s name." Amen.

Matthew 5:1-16

"'1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. 2 He taught them, saying: 3 “Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4 “Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad. 5 “Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth. 6 “Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full. 7 “Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy. 8 “Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God. 9 “Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children. 10 “Happy are people whose lives are harassed because they are righteous, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 “Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. 12 Be full of joy and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. In the same way, people harassed the prophets who came before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven."' Add your extra seasoning to things, put forth joy and gladness, make your light shine brightly and never let it be hidden. Put out the good things about you for everyone to enjoy and see. I feel blessed , right now. Joe