#him keeping the dark chocolate and peanut butter for her

[thisismyroadtothethrone]

Just finished watching national treasure edge of history and I am obsessed with Oren and Tasha they are so cute!!

[pixiescoffeeshop]

ੈ♡‧₊˚ you got blood on your shoes.

a five hargreeves long fic . . 🚇♠️

context : five had been looking for an escape from the timeline subway for over a year, and upon finding a girl in one of the other timelines, he realizes — maybe he didn’t want to find his way back home anymore? ᡣ𐭩

warnings : just some cursing .ᐟ

author’s note : THANK UUUU FOR THE LOVE ON THE FIRST ONE 🙈 you guys r so sweet <3

6 months. it had been 6 months since five saw his family. he scavenged through the depths of the subway trash can for any source of food. anything to keep his going for the next week. he sighed, then jotted down some writing on his notepad. it helped him keep sane.

he hopped on the next train again, the heavy messenger bag hanging from his shoulder. he sat, and waited for the next stop, anxiously tapping his foot on the ground as he watched the window. not like it really showed anything.

he felt his eyes grow heavy, and he fell asleep just minutes later.

— 𐙚₊˚⊹ 🚇

the brunette felt the train stop, causing him to wake up. he raised his head up to look at wherever he had arrived to. he walked out of the subway train, and it looked, much more cleaner. cleaner than any of the stations he’d been in.

he looked around the dark station a little more as he wrote in his notepad, surprised that the pen he had brought from his own timeline was still working. as he looked around, he halted at a lit-up vending machine. real food, finally. he tried to look in his messenger bag for any coins he’d picked up before, lucky enough to find a few crumpled dollar bills.

he slipped the paper money in a picked out a peanut-butter chocolate bar — and he waited. but after a few minutes passed by, he realized it wasn’t going to come down. out of annoyance, he kicked the machine, punched the side, and practically bullied the candy filled mechanic.

“you know that’s not going to work.”

he moved his head to the direction of where the voice came from. there stood a girl, she looked young. around eighteen or twenty. she had a dead-panned and bored look on her face, her right hand embraced the handle of a worn out axe.

five stared at her, before flickering his eyes at her weapon. panic rushed over his body, he stepped a few feet away. he could easily beat her in a punching match, but he didn’t have that kind of energy to win. “relax,” she rest the axe on her shoulder and took out a few dollar bills of her own.

she put them in the machine and picked out the same chocolate bar. to her luck, it had fallen down the slot. she picked it up and extended her hand with the chocolate bar in it. five only stared at it. “what? don’t you want it? you look like you need it.” and she flashed him a devilish smile.

he stared at the ground, her shoes. the black converse was covered in red liquid — blood. who was this girl? why was she holding an axe? why was there blood on her shoes and face? how did she get here?

“if you don’t want it, i’ll eat it.”

“ — you have blood on your shoes.”

she stared back at him, then down to her chucks. “i’m aware.” she replied with the same smile. five took the candy bar from her and returned the smile faintly. “thank you.” her smiled deepened, “of course.” she turned to walk away, but he stopped her.

“uh wait,” she stopped her tracks, and turned her head to him. “yes?” he licked his lips, “how did you get here?” he asked her. she parted her lips, in attempts to respond but she swallowed back. “um.. i don’t know if i can answer that.” she gave another grin, but it was sadder.

then he noticed the symbol on the top corner her short black dress. it was the commission’s. “you’re from the commission.” he locked eyes with her. her eyes grew wide, her lips parted again in a sense of wanting to say something back. “and you’re five hargreeves.”

his name slipped out of her mouth like honey. “i’m (name). (name) (last name). i was recruited a year after you left.” she flexed her fingers on the axe handle. “i was sent here to um.. assassinate someone.” he licked his lips again nervously.

“you don’t like it, do you?” he asked her. she broke eye contact — flexing her hand on the axe handle again. “i don’t like the smell of blood. i don’t like the taste. i don’t like seeing it on my shoes. on my hair. on my clothes.” she continued. he started to feel sorry for her, he watched her sit on the steps, putting the weapon down beside her.

he walked closer to her and kicked the axe away. five sat beside (name) and handed her a half he’d broken off for her. “eat. you look like you need it.”

— 𐙚₊˚⊹ 🚇

it was impulsive, but (name) had decided to follow five right then and there. they shared the same trauma and experiences working in the commission, and they were like two puzzle pieces together.

she wanted to have a normal life. a normal life like the way five described it. she learned he started working for the government, and his favorite thing was espresso in the morning. she learned about his family, and how a family actually works. he taught her alot, and she was extremely grateful for him.

they could’ve used the briefcase she carried with her sure, but it only sent her back to the commission. not anywhere else. she helped him search for a way back to his original timeline. and just like how he’d taught her many things, she’d taught him things too.

(name) was bright. she was a joy, despite everything she’d gone through and the things she’s seen. she’d taught him the greatest thing of all. being love in a world of cruelty. she’d chosen to be sweet, to be kind. when the world wasn’t to her.

and seven years later, they found a greenhouse to stay in and a cute little cottage.

“sunshine? where’s the hose?” five called from the greenhouse, inspecting the strawberries. “under the white table, fives.” she responded. she followed him out with his cup of coffee, “i finally mastered your recipe!” she smiled in victory. “oh, that’s great hon.” he took the warm drink.

upon seeing her walk away, he made a sour face and giggled at her attempt and the thought. “i saw that!” she cried. he chuckled louder, walking towards her spin her around slowly. “maybe you’ll get it next time.” she slightly pouted at him. she cupped the side of his face and pressed their lip together for a short kiss.

“i think you’re just too picky with your coffee, sweetie.” she commented. “it’s not that hard to get my coffee preference.” he shrugged, his hands embraced her waist. “oh whatever.” she sassed with a bright grin and a hearty laugh. he looked down at the ground to look for the hose, his eyes wide at her clean chucks.

“you cleaned them?” he asked her. (name) nodded pleasingly. “they could use it. i missed them.” she winked at him, he laughed. “dunno. kinda liked the blood. had edge.” she rolled her eyes. “edge my ass.”

he gasped, “woah! language!” he shared a laugh with her as she lightly nudged him on the shoulder. “weirdo.”

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

End Game 4

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, age gap, stalking, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Your gaming buddy asks to meet up but it doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Characters: Andy Barber

Note: I'm a sleepy babay.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

There’s a finality to the tap of your thumb. You hold the block button for a moment before you let it go. The window pops up asking if you’re sure. Yes. Certain. This is just a mistake and when you’re older and wiser, you’ll be thankful you made it. If you even remember it. 

You lay back and put your phone down. Done. Over. No more Jacob. No Andy.  

Maybe you’ll go back and see Kara again, or she can come here, even if she hates this town. You can at least be thankful that it reconnected you two, and you have to be grateful to learn a hard lesson. Don’t mess with strangers online. You’re better off alone. 

You close your eyes. You’re exhausted. Mentally, emotionally, and yes, physically. Who knew scooping ice cream could be so much work? 

When you wake up, you’re sore and still groggy. The sun peers in at you brightly in the slat between the curtains. You groan and hide under the pillow. Your shift starts at noon. You can’t spend all morning doing nothing or the whole day is wasted. 

You drag yourself out of bed. Your grandma is still asleep. You’re sure she was up until dawn with her latest haul from the used book store. You clean up the cluster of wrappers around her chair and tidy up the kitchen, dumping the old coffee and brewing a new pot. 

You go to grab your phone and pause as you see an unusual notification. Your email? Huh. You don’t really use that besides for school. You open it up, thinking it might be about enrolment. No. It’s him. Andy. Holy moly. 

You scroll up and down, skimming the blocks of text. Oh god. You hit delete. You’re not reading all that. You said what needed to be said. 

You have your coffee and load the machine for whenever your mother gets out of bed. You eat and wash up, catching up on some Youtube before you make yourself get your uniform on. You head out, walking to work to enjoy the sunshine, and key in between tying on your apron and chatting with Gavin, the high schooler who does half-shifts every now and then.  

He leaves at four and you have your complimentary cone just after five. Peanut butter chocolate; classic. You eat at the window as you watch the mostly empty street. Your phone vibrates and you slide it out, hoping to take advantage of the lull. 

WhatsApp request? No way. The shammy recruiters always want a piece of you. At least you never fell for that. 

You bite into the cone and your phone suddenly blows up with Insta notifications. Bots! Ugh. So annoying. Every new follower is faceless with some generated name. You mute the notifications and put your cell away. You really are a boring person. 

As you look up, tires crush over a patch of gravel and your barely catch a glimpse of the car as it rolls just around the corner. You feel like you’ve missed something. Maybe your grandma is right about you always having your nose buried in a screen. Who is she to talk? She lives in her novels. 

Your shift ends at eight. You lock up and stop by the convenience store down the block. Nothing special, just a tray of carbonara you can shove in the nuke. As you pay at the counter, the door chimes to signal another customer. You accept your meagre meal as the other patron strides into the aisle. You don’t look over as you go directly for the door. You’re starving for more than a scoop. 

Your footsteps seem to echo through the dull streets. The frozen meal makes your hand hurt as your other holds your cell phone close. You text Kara as you finally get through the essay she wrote about Calvin’s latest antics. You wish you could convince her to play something. You feel aimless without an analog stick under your thumb. 

There’s a scuff, close behind you, loud enough to make you jump. You fumble with your phone and glance over your shoulder. You don’t see anything but the thick oak outside Luella’s. Ugh. Alright, you need to eat and lay down. It hasn’t been a busy day but still a long one. 

You pass through your grandma’s front door. She’s where she always is, in her chair, but something’s off. Something’s different. The smell of pollen hangs in the air and a pot stands on the coffee table with several white orchids tall in the soil. You frown. The last time you got her flowers, she didn’t even put them in a vase. 

“Oh, those are pretty,” you say. 

“Mph, not mine,” she grumbles, not looking up. 

“Not... who’s...” 

“Delivery man said your name. I didn’t read the card. I’m not a snoop.” 

You nod, thankful at least that she isn’t nosy. You go to the table and examine the pot. Who would send you flowers? 

You take the card off the tall pronged stick and open the envelope. You slide out the paper and unfold it. 

‘I know I’ve told you a million times, so I’ll show you how sorry I am instead. Yours always, Andy.’ 

You nearly drop your handful. Your eyes flick up to the pot and you have to stop yourself from pushing it off the table. What the hell? How... how does he know where you live? You never even mentioned what town you’re from. He only knows your college and it’s so small, he wouldn’t have heard of it. 

It’s enough to unsettle you. That he knows where you live is bad enough but the flowers themselves make a point. It’s not over. He’s not walking away but what else can you say to make him? Didn’t he get it? You think were pretty nice considering. 

“You got some boy?” Your grandma raises her eyes from the page. You can’t remember the last time she even bothered looking at you. 

“Not exactly,” you tuck the card away and put it in your pocket. “I’m going to make my dinner.” 

“Eh,” she grumbles, “fine. Get them flowers somewhere else. They stink.” 

You lift the vase, hugging it around the pot, and carry it from the room. You balance it against your hip and go into the kitchen. You use your free hand to pull open the freezer and put the pasta inside. You’re not so hungry anymore. 

🎮

The irises are pretty. The pot they came in is fancy, probably expensive. It underlines once more the gap between you and the real Jacob. Between you and Andy.

It only reminds you of how ridiculous you must have sounded. So, you just can’t understand why he’s doing this? Why is he still trying? For you? A girl with dwindling hopes of even finishing her low-tier college degree. 

You try to forget. You don’t have a shift that day but you can’t just sit around. Usually, you would. You’d hole up in your bedroom and play video games. Not anymore. He ruined that. You’re disappointed you’re letting him. 

You got down to the library for a while and wander around. There’s nothing there you’re very interested in. They still haven’t got the latest release in the series you’d read in high school. Oh well, you’ll wait around until one day you learn the fate of those revolutionary spies. 

You walk the main strip of the town. It isn’t very extensive. There’s a coffee shop and the used bookstore which also carries hobby supplies. There’s the same diner that’s been there since you were a kid and the interchangeable business that open and close year after year. 

There’s a vibe in your pocket. It’s not Kara. Another WhatsApp request, more Insta bots, and Discord. You haven’t been on the server in ages. You couldn’t keep up with all the channels and most of it was arguing about mining strategies. 

It’s Andy. Frig. You should’ve blocked him there too. You just hadn’t thought of it. 

‘Did you like the flowers?’ 

You don’t answer but he’ll see that you read it. It isn’t long before he’s typing. 

‘I am still very sorry. I wish you’d talk to me. Hear me out.’ 

Hear him out? He said everything. His son is dead and he lied to you. That’s not anything you can hash out. 

‘I know you’re not working today. I’ll make a new world and we can chat there.’ 

No. That’s not going to happen. Over. O-V-E-R. It’s done. You’re not going to be like Kara. When you cut the cord, it’s snipped. 

You won’t answer. That’s just bait. He’ll keep nibbling if you do that. You press the chat settings and block. That’s better, you can’t breathe. 

You put your phone on silent and back in your pocket. You wish you had the money to try the sushi place. It won’t last long in the bodunk town so you probably won’t ever get to. Oh well. Back on campus, they sell decent California rolls at the cafeteria. Decent, not necessarily good. 

You go home. To your grandma’s house. It doesn’t always feel like home. You know she’s counting the days until you leave. You are too. 

You wish you were brave enough to apologise. To say sorry your mom and dad didn’t want you. That she got stuck with you. It feels like saying it out loud would be worse. Just wallow in the unspoken resent, one day you won’t ever come back and maybe then you can both be happy. 

In your room, you don’t know what to do with yourself. Your Switch taunts you from across the room. You want to mine or race or even scare yourself with some Hellblade. You can’t. More Youtube. More wasted time. That’s what people like you do; people from small towns with no one who loves them and no money; waste time. 

The mindless videos help you relax but not forget. You just can’t get rid of the little tickle at the back of your head. There’s a tinge of shame that remains and a sliver of guilt. It will go. It has to, one day. 

You catch yourself staring at the orchid. You can smell it. You want to throw it away but that feels rude. Even if Andy would never know, even if you shouldn’t care. He hurt you, didn’t he? He lied. Well, you could give it to Mahalia next door, she loves flowers. 

You lay in indecision. You don’t want to do anything but lay there. Now that you’re still, you have no strength. Your day off is chipped away in your laziness.  

The next day awaits you with another shift at the booth. And the day after and the day after. 

Your fourth day in a row and you get a new Discord message. You know even before you open it, even by the blank avatar and nondescript username. It’s him. Just leave me alone. Let it go. Let me forget. 

‘I know you don’t want to hear from me but I need you to hear me. I can’t stop thinking of you and what happened. I can do better. Please, let me apologise.’ 

Blocked. Again.

Work. Again.  

You’re half asleep as you fill cones with soft serve. You smile and swallow yawns, faking it for the hyper children and cheerful couples. 

When it slows, you work on cleaning the freezer, switching out empty containers with ones from the deep freeze. As you check the soft serve, there’s a tap on the open walk-up window. Oh shoot. You should’ve been paying better attention. 

You turn back to greet the next customer but as you approach the window, your chest deflates. Frozen, like the tubs around you. You stare at Andy as he smiles at you. He wears a short-sleeve button up with blue, grey, and white stripes. His hair blows in the soft breeze. 

“Do you have butterscotch ripple?” He asks brightly. 

You blink and hesitate. You don’t know what to do. How did he get here? How did he find you? Why is he here? 

You reach for the window and before he can stop you, you shut it. You lock it from the inside and step back. His face falls and his brow arches as he stands straight. He says your name, his voice muffled by the glass, and puts his palm to the barrier. 

“Please,” he begs. 

You shake your head and turn your back to him. If your manager was here, you’d be in shit. That’s a no-no. Never turn away a customer, only shut the window when you lock up. 

You ignore him and go back to tidying. There could be a line up out there but you don’t care. Your hands are shaking and it’s not just the temperature.

You just can’t believe he’s there. You can’t believe he won’t just give up. You don’t want to believe it because you’re afraid. You’re terrified and he seems entirely clueless about how scary he’s being. 

Flowers are one thing but showing up at your job? That’s a flaming red flag that even you can see. Not only because you told him plainly that you don’t want to talk to him again, but because he’s a grown man. Fortysomething and he can’t take a hint. Why would a man his age want to talk to someone as young as you? That’s another red flag on its own. As if catfishing you wasn’t enough. 

[peachesofteal]

I’ll be honest, I’m looking forward to the darker scenarios 👀

Darling unable to get away, having to stay because she knows she can’t survive on her own, let alone with a little baby that’s entirely dependent on her.

Simon, possessive and controlling to keep Darling with them, their family together. He’s already gone too far with messing with the BC, so I’m betting he’s willing to go further at this point.

Johnny, helpless to it all, but trying to keep the peace, keep Darling healthy so she can deliver a healthy baby safely. What else can he do without losing both Simon and his pregnant Darling?

I’m specifically imagining after Darling confronts them, trying to run out the front door, but Simon physically stops her, will not let her leave until she listens to him, agrees this is for the best, that she belongs to and with them.

Sorry for the long ask, just have so many thoughts on this AU and am looking forward to seeing where you take it 😵‍💫

There are so many juicy little bits to the baby trap au here, but let's talk about Johnny for a sec:

I like to imagine Johnny not being helpless, but definitely second to Simon in all of this. It was his idea, his dream, and he did agree. It was a decision they made together, but I think now he's really trying to tow the line in order to keep everyone together. It's a strain for sure, but he did this to himself, he's not innocent. He knows it. He likes it. The guys, both of them, love how you've always depended on them and this is no different in baby trap.

18+ MDNI / baby trap au / dark and twisty themes / reader is a prisoner so please read with caution

His fingers reach for yours involuntarily, the muscles in his face working against the wince that is pulling at his lips when you snatch your hand away like he's burned you. "Please, darling, will you at least-"

"No." You hiss, pushing the plate away from where you sit. Your arms cross in front of your chest, and you do that thing again, the thing you've been doing recently that's driving him mad, where you close your eyes and pretend he doesn't exist.

"I know ye must be hungry, love." He moves the plate back, palm cupping your knee softly. You don't jerk away, but it's more because you're still acting like he's not there, instead of shying away as you're prone to do.

He sighs.

"Well, I guess I can eat this then. Or we can dump it." He takes your fork and spears a piece of pancake, mopping it around in the syrup that you like so much, before lifting it to his lips. "Be such a shame, to waste it all, but Si won't be home for another hour yet, and I ate before ye woke up." He's not lying, it would be. He made you pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Sourdough toast, your favorite, and a peanut butter smoothie. There's also orange juice, and chocolate almond milk, another thing you've been craving non stop.

You crack an eyelid. Just a little, enough to survey the meal again. He knows, knows, that you're hungry. You hardly touched your dinner, and then suffered a breakdown, where you locked yourself in the bathroom and cried for hours until Simon had enough and picked the lock after you had started sobbing out loud about how you wanted to die.

It had taken hours to settle you, Simon with a hand steady on your nape, Johnny with his arms around you as you cried yourself to sleep in the guest bed.

He chews his bite, thoughtfully, albeit a little loudly, before clearing his throat. "It's a nice day today. Want to go for a walk? We could go to the park, or walk down to the cafe you like." Both of your eyes blink open now, narrowed, but still staring at breakfast, and he puts the fork on the rim of the plate with a clink, motioning to the pancakes. "They're a bit fluffy." He comments, and you scowl. He holds his snicker as you reach for it, pulling everything in front of you, stabbing into a large bite and lifting it into your mouth. "Good girl." He whispers, and you shift uncomfortably in your seat, teeth worrying at your bottom lip. "Take another bite." He urges in a soft voice, but you shake your head.

"My stomach hurts." you whisper to your knees, and he swallows the lump in his throat. It's been so hard on you, the pregnancy, the changes in everything, everything that's happened after you found that stupid piece of foil. You had always struggled with eating, your own emotions sabotaging you, twisting you up into knots, but now it was even worse. And you needed to eat, now more than ever. For yourself, and the baby. The doctor had assured them that your appetite fluctuations were okay for now, but they needed to keep a close eye on it.

"What about some of the eggs?" He nods to the glass to your left, the tall one with the smoothie in it. "Or some of that?" Your nose wrinkles.

"I don't want it."

"You love peanut butter smoothies, they're your favorite."

"I want mango." You huff. Mango? Since when? You rub your belly thoughtfully and look at him with big, sad eyes. "I'm really craving mango. Can I have a mango smoothie? With vanilla ice cream in it? Please?" There's a glimmer of something, in your eyes, something sad, and longing... but familiar, and he swallows against the worry that rises in his gut. It's going to be okay. You're going to be alright. They're taking care of you. They won't let anything happen to you.

He shoots Simon a quick text, telling him to pick up fresh mango and vanilla ice cream on his way home, and then he glances back at you.

"Si will bring the ingredients home, okay?" You nod, still palming your belly, fingers tapping across your skin. You groan a little when you get to your feet, body sore from the less than luxurious guest bed that you've been insistent on sleeping in, and walk away to sink into the couch. "What're ye doing?" You burrow yourself into the cushions pulling the blankets up over your chin and closing your eyes, back to pretending that he doesn't exist, except to give your answer.

"Waiting for my smoothie. You'll bring it to me?" You peek over the mound of pillows, eyes still wide and sad, but there's something else there, something he can't name, and he nods automatically.

"Of course, darling."

[vecnuthy]

winner winner ☕️🍫

A cute little pre-steddie holiday-themed cooking competition with a hint of ronance | wc: 999 | G | cw: food | late entry for @steddieholidaydrabbles day 6: cooking together |

"Look, it's not my fault you're gonna lose," Eddie said slyly, his chin rested on the palm of his hand.

Steve narrowed his eyes, very much ignoring Eddie's own brown eyes as they practically danced with mischief, freaking glittered with a challenge. Or maybe that was just the reflection of Christmas lights that Robin had hung up along each door frame in the Harrington house.

One of the many things that Steve had come to learn about Eddie was that he was competitive. Being a dungeon master should've been enough of an indicator, but as Eddie had become more a part of the crew, his competitiveness had become more evident. Unfortunately for Steve, the younger guy found them all -- from the shopping cart races to the surprise water gun fight -- really fucking endearing.

Even now -- especially now, as Eddie smirked up at him, smelling the proverbial blood in the water.

Or maybe "cream in the coco" would be more fitting, because the two of them were about to go head to head in the next installment of the most fearsome, epic, insane competition of the season: the Hot Chocolate War.

Many a competitor had been eliminated, thanks to the swift but fair judgment of one Nancy Wheeler. Dustin had lost to Lucas because the cinnamon had been too strong. Max had triumphed over Robin because of the peanut butter pretzel stirrer. But Steve had beaten Max because of a chocolate-covered strawberry, and Eddie had managed to barely scrape by El (who had beaten Will) with a dollop of cheesecake cream and crushed snickerdoodle.

This competition was fierce and elaborate. Steve's kitchen was covered in candies, different types of chocolate, milks, fruits, cookies -- anything and everything that could possibly pair well with chocolate was available.

This was war, and it just happened to be the final battle: Eddie vs Steve.

"It's not gonna be your fault, huh?" Steve asked, leading to Eddie shaking his head, eyes still glittering in a way that made Steve's stomach swoop. "Did you bribe the judge or something?"

"Might've tried to," he shrugged without a shred of remorse.

"I'm unshakeable," Nancy said proudly as she got resituated on her chair with the kids milling around behind her.

"But I have a plan," Eddie winked. "You'll see."

Steve hummed like a skeptic, unable to keep a smile from forming, which made Eddie's grow even larger. But Steve was competitive, too, and he had the advantage of having dated the judge once upon a time. He had a plan, too.

Then they set off.

The competition was simple, the winner determined by presentation and taste.

They both used the stove, opting to do it from scratch. Steve used whole milk, whereas Eddie used regular with half n half. The space was cramped as they both stirred a blend of chocolates into the simmering liquid.

"White chocolate with dark?" Eddie asked as he added semisweet and milk chocolates to his.

"Little bit of creamy sweet to counter the bitter," Steve said as he stirred.

"Oh, yes. Quite right. Of course," Eddie muttered with feigned impress before he playfully bumped into Steve's hip.

"You ass," Steve laughed, bumping him back before pulling his pot off the stove to whisk it vigorously.

They then set to work on assembly, their creations blocked from the other's view behind leftover pizza boxes, and then a handful of minutes later, the two presented their entries one at a time.

Steve's was gloriously rich with the whole milk, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate combo, and the half-melted candycane sticking out of it gave it a minty kick. The whipped cream was fresh and also minty, and the green sugar sprinkles on top made it all glitter like an ornament. He was confident. Mint was Nancy's favorite chocolate combination, as were the York peppermint patties straddling the rim of the mug. Nancy smiled brightly at it, bolstering Steve's confidence. He caught the knowing look Robin shot him, then smiled at the dreamy look her face melted back into when her gaze settled back onto Nancy.

And then Eddie revealed his, and Steve's stomach sank. "Oh, come on!" he whined as Nancy started to say, "Oh--"

Because Eddie's...

"--my god."

...made her and everybody else cackle.

A layer of peanut butter and cheesecake mixture supported vertical pretzel sticks topped with more of the mixture, to which coconut pieces clung, creating an edible forest. The mug held a molten helping of milk and semi-sweet hot chocolate, adorned by a piece of broken chocolate chip cookie that had a dot of cheesecake and snowy whipped cream on it to anchor a red gummy bear wearing a caramel chip for a hat. Caramel drizzle crisscrossed the cookieless part of the mug, and more gummy bears were stuck to the side, too, as if they were climbing.

Eddie twisted happily with his hands clasped behind him as he drank in the laughter and calls of it being "sick" and "awesome" and "bitchin."

"Did you top that with salt?" Nancy asked him after she took a sip.

"Sure did," Eddie grinned directly at Steve.

"That's amazing," she praised, using a spoon to eat a piece of the cookie with the hot chocolate.

Eddie mouthed "amazing" at Steve, then winked. Steve just shook his head with a grin, wanting nothing more than to tackle the idiot and squeeze him until he popped.

"Sorry, Steve," Nancy said with big apologetic blue eyes. "You know how much I love mint and chocolate, but Eddie wo--"

Eddie didn't even wait for her to completely say it before he whooped loudly and pressed a loud "MWAH" to Nancy's hair.

"Now you get to make it for everybody," she continued.

Eddie's face fell, his eyes big and pleading and pointed right at Steve.

"Them's the rules," Steve and a Robin said at the same time as the kids dug into the pretzel trees.

"I'll help you out, though," Steve winked, bringing the glitter back to Eddie's eyes.

[rosyjuly]

galex sugar rush au because i've been hooked on this terrible show and i want baker boys pining and whipping up gorgeous desserts.

The whole thing had been George’s idea. 

“No.” 

“Alex, come on,” George had said, trying to catch Alex’s eye, but Alex had been looking away, handsome face scrunched up in a grimace. 

“Be serious now,” Alex had scoffed. He had finished his coffee with one last gulp and sprung to his feet. George threw his paper cup in the trash and followed him inside, looking at the nape of Alex’s neck as they’d crossed out of the courtyard’s sunlight and back into the dark of the kitchen’s staff entrance. 

“I am being serious,” George had said, trying to keep his voice low, avoid drawing attention to the discussion now bordering on an argument. “Listen, it’s fifty grand – think about what we could do with that money.” 

Anyway, they’re watching the episode now with Alex’s siblings, piled too close together on the couch. 

“Don’t you start it without me,” Chloe says, pointing at Alex, when the microwave beeps. Alex’s apartment is only barely bigger than a studio; with the six of them crammed into the makeshift living room it feels practically claustrophobic, a train carriage at peak hour. The old couch doesn’t have the stamina to support three people anymore and every time Alex shifts it sags and sends George and Zoe tumbling down into the middle, the two of them pooling around Alex in a tumble of legs. George keeps his hands in his lap, just in case. 

“I’m telling you,” Alex groans, “you already know the result! Why are you making such a big deal out of it?” 

“If it was a big deal you’d have fucking made something,” Luca says without looking up from his phone. 

“There’s popcorn,” Alex tells him, nodding at Chloe who’s returning with two bowls from the kitchen. 

“Albono, you’re the laziest person I know,” George says. He drags a playful hand through Alex’s hair; the bleached strands are soft between his fingers. 

“I deal with enough food during my day job if you haven’t noticed, thank you very much,” Alex says, rolling his eyes. He doesn’t pull his head away though. He picks up the remote and presses play, which finally shuts everyone up, even if just while Hunter March explains the rules of the chocolate-themed episode. 

“Aww, I didn’t remember you guys had matching little outfits,” Zoe clicks her tongue. 

“George’s idea,” Alex says, reaching around blindly for the popcorn. He’s right. It was: but it’s just blue aprons, nice cotton ones in a deep navy color, big, practical pockets on both sides. George actually wanted headbands, too, but Alex took one look at the bandanas, and said it’s either them or him. It was an easy choice, after that. 

George crosses his arms over his chest as the other teams are introduced. Most of them look smooth, in sync; he’s been trying to avoid stressing about how he and Alex will come across. 

“We’re friends and coworkers,” he sees himself say on screen, over-articulating the words like he does when he’s stressed. Alex next to him looks almost bored, eyebrow half-cocked at the camera. 

“I got him drunk enough to admit that he hired me because he thought I was cute,” Alex says, flashing a bright smirk. 

“For the record, I don't have hiring privileges,” George-on-the-screen says after a guffaw. George remembered feeling caught out: it’s not like Toto hadn’t asked him what he thought of Alex after his trial shift, and Alex was definitely his type: tall and handsome with an attitude. And he hadn’t even bleached his hair back then. 

“Oh, you guys were laying it on pretty thick,” Zoe says, stuffing a handful of popcorn into her mouth. 

George hums, crosses his arm on his chest. He and Alex look like as much of a well-oiled team on screen as they feel in the kitchen, leaning close together over the countertop, notebook spread out in front of them. 

“I think we should do something a bit more out of the box,” George-on-the-screen says, sketching up the bottom of the cupcake. “Peanut butter, raspberry, chili – that’s done and dusted.” 

“Why don’t we do a pistachio one?” Alex says. He draws the frosting, dots the top part of the swirl. “Pair it with some nice dark chocolate in the dough, some crushed nuts on top, hm?” 

In the next interlude, Alex says, his apron clean, his hair artfully swept to one side, “He makes it tasty, I make it look good.” 

George snorts, nudges their knees together. “As if it wasn’t you coming up with that concept and like, half of the others.” 

Alex doesn’t answer, but he presses his leg along George’s. 

George still can’t believe Jacques Torres was in the same room, that he tasted their cupcake and liked it – liked it enough to name them the winners of the first round, blown away by the richness of the frosting, the satisfying, salty crunch of toasted pistachios. 

For the confection, the two other teams already picked ruby chocolate, so they settled on gold instead to set themselves apart. George isn’t sure how much footage will be shown of them – probably more, now that one team’s already been eliminated. But he isn’t prepared for the exact moment when Alex-on–the-screen says, “Why don’t we do ice cream?”, watches with avid mortification how George-on-the-screen immediately nods, face tense, mouth pressed in a thin line. 

“I can do it with liquid nitrogen,” George-on-the-screen offers, already checking the shelves for the equipment. 

“Those glasses are so funny,” Chloe says, phone pointed at the screen. She’s posting a story about it – George can’t wait to see the mocking caption. Better to focus on how silly he looks while he’s taking out the ice cream of the container, goggles and big, rubbery gloves on, instead of the immediacy he seeks to fulfill Alex’s every request. He’s never even used liquid nitrogen before; only knew the technique in theory. And it showed. The ice cream came out a touch too soft. Not even Alex’s carrot cake crumble could save it; the judges were more impressed by the flambéd bananas with the ruby chocolate soufflé. 

But they went through. The girls exhale in relief, and so does George, even though he knows the outcome, has lived it for months now. 

In the final round, they have to create a chocolate wonderland; whatever that means. George remembers the paralyzing fear he felt in the moment, blanking – but Alex was already sketching, his face lit up with excitement, hands moving in sweeping, relaxed motions. 

“And we can do the ferris wheel with salt sticks,” Alex-on-the-screen is saying. 

So they made a realistic Winter Wonderland cake; the fair in a cold, London December, covered in mud instead of snow. A large sheet cake with silky chocolate ganache, on top the barren trees, overpriced amusement rides. 

It must look impressive enough, because even Luca puts his phone away, watches the screen with barely concealed attention. Alex-on-the-screen is making the ganache, pouring heated up heavy cream over the chocolate. When he calls George over for a second opinion, he’s offering the spoon, his other hand cupped under it for any spillage. George-on-the-screen is taken aback, blinking owlishly for a few seconds before snapping out of it and tasting. It was exquisite, of course. 

When they’re done with the assembly and the piping, Alex-on-the-screen asks, “Do you need me to boss you around?” because George keeps hovering at the edge of the shot, fetching salt sticks and shying away from trying to build the freaking carousel. 

“Mate, the editors really liked you,” George snorts, trying to hide his embarrassment. “I had good moments, too! Where are they!”

“Natural charm, what can I say,” Alex says, but he nudges a friendly shoulder against George’s. 

It doesn’t even come as a surprise that they win. Their opponents’ cake was, well, cute, but lacked the kind of single-minded focus Alex and him brought to the table. 

On the screen, he and Alex hug long enough that something starts fizzing in his stomach, hot and uncomfortable. He excuses himself as the music starts up and Hunter March starts thanking them for watching another episode, stares at himself in the bathroom mirror. It can’t be that obvious all the time, he thinks, because otherwise Alex would have noticed it already, would have said something. Anything. 

When he comes out, Alex and Zoe are talking in the kitchen, voices low and hushed. He raps his knuckles lightly against the door. Zoe looks up, face sharp as she says, “I better go, I’m already an hour late to my friends.” Before she leaves, she fixes Alex with one last look that almost makes George flinch. It would be better to flee. Easier, at least. But Alex has always been kind; even if they hadn’t won the prize, if they hadn’t convinced Susie to invest in their confectionery, Alex wouldn’t just blank him. 

The front door closes. The flat is quiet again: it’s just the two of them and the dishes in the sink. George itches to grab a sponge and occupy his hands; shoves them in his pocket instead. 

“Felt weird to see ourselves like that.” 

“Yeah,” Alex says, giving him a small smile. He doesn’t seem mad, truly. “Kinda insane to think about it, still, you know? Winning. Um, the money, of course. Our own place.” He looks down and shakes his head, smiling to himself. 

“We make a good team,” George allows himself to say. 

“We sure do.”

For a few seconds, they watch each other, the silence stretching like a taut bow. Then Alex clears his throat – George tries to steel himself for the blow, school his face into something neutral enough for the rejection. 

“Um. Zoe said,” and he clears his throat again, “she said that I should man up – her words, not mine – that I’ve wasted enough time already.”

“With, uh, with me?” George asks with a valiant attempt to ignore the lump in his throat. 

“Yes– no! Not with the shop, of course, just–” Alex scrubs a hand over his face. “Fuck, I’m getting this all wrong, just, let me–” and then he’s stepping in, cupping George’s nape with a hand as he slots their mouths together. George makes a noise that he’d deny on his deathbed – Alex seems into it anyways, he thinks – and presses closer, kisses him back. 

[darthstitch]

Random Headcanons About That Little Fellow Whose First Words Were "Shaxbert Yucky!"

His Papa, Dream, still refuses to explain how Oliver came about, although since the entirety of the Dreaming had experienced pregnancy symptoms and the kid is basically mini-Dream, there can be no doubt about whose kid he is. Matthew finding Oliver in a patch of rampion was just business as usual, considering things.

Matthew is still not over the pineapple-on-pizza cravings he experienced. Eurgh.

Mervyn is still completely mortified over being caught nomming on this weird combo of roses, lavender and kimchi.

Look, Matthew knows exactly where Lucienne keeps her own snack stash, so he knows good and goddamn well that she was the one with the chocolate ice cream, peanut butter and banana cravings.

Everyone, including Dream, was quite thankful that Oliver seemed to have inherited his Dada's sunshine disposition, what with the constant demand for cuddles and the engaging baby babble conversation. Dream nods along solemnly when Oliver does this, answering the baby with his usual eloquence.

This implies that Dream is engaging in deep philosophical conversations with a six month old, gauging by his answers and Oliver's equally serious responses to that.

Oliver seems to have made it his life's mission to make Papa smile as much as possible. His Tiny Darkness is much displeased when he sees his Papa brooding, patting at his face gently with a concerned gurgle.

Professor Gadling's class has a video of the first time he'd gone on a rant about Shakespeare, with Oliver in his arms. The camera ended up focusing on Oliver's face, big blue eyes wide and rapturously soaking in Dada's every word. The same video also captured Oliver's first words, which was "Shaxbert yucky!"

Professor Gadling was utterly delighted with this, of course.

There is another video of "Professor Murphy" doing one of his famous Shakespeare readings in the other class, with baby Oliver paying just as much attention to his Papa and with the same identical enraptured expression. He shyly hid his face in Papa's neck when the students teased and told him that Papa had just read "Shaxbert yucky."

Look, it was actually very easy to keep Oliver entertained, with both of his fathers singing and reading to him, playing with him, or occasionally bringing him into a lecture as the little one was very attentive and well behaved. He even occasionally raised his hand for questions in baby babble, much to the students' amusement.

Oliver's favorite thing in all the world was his stuffed Raven squishmallow plushie which he called "Matthew." The real Matthew was insufferable about this for weeks.

[thebindingofpillo]

Hi! The previous anon who asked about your bio here. Kind of random but I'm curious what the fav ice cream flavors of the cast are. And since I'm bored, I'm gonna give my guesses Isaac: Chocolate

Magdalene: pistachio

Cain: Vanilla Judas: hot fudge Eve: Cookies and cream Samson: strawberry Azazel: rainbow sherbet (not ice cream but seemed fitting idk why Lazarus: black walnut Eden: Prob doesn't eat but if i had to guess butter pecan Lilith: doesn't like ice cream but gets chocolate chip cookie dough for Fwendy Apollyon: believe they were confirmed to not eat in an ask years ago but if they could uhhhhh strawberry Bethany: Mint chocolate chip Jacob: peanut butter Esau: ghost ice cream Neapolitan

all of these were just done off of vibes and little to no thought went in to them

Hiiiiii I love all of these, tbf I haven’t really thought about their favourite ice cream flavours either but it’s fun! Here’s my thoughts. Disclaimer: I don’t really know a lot of American ice cream flavours lol

Isaac: he’d probably like chocolate ngl. A bit basic but alright. Nothing that stands out too much. I feel like he would also like vanilla. Either that or something stupid like bubblegum. He’s too done to care, he’ll get whatever he pleases lol.

Magdalene: something rich like salted caramel, or a very fancy vanilla. Rocky road. Cookie dough. Or all of the above, together. She has a huge sweet tooth and likes mixing and matching.

Cain: He likes it simple, so I guess vanilla could go. Or rum raisin because he’s an old man.

Judas: doesn’t really like sweets in general, so he doesn’t really have a favourite ice cream. If he had to choose he’d probably go with coffee or something not overtly sweet, like pistachio or dark chocolate. Always gets the smallest cone/cup available.

Eve: isn’t really one for sweets in general unless she’s feeling really down, in which case she’d eat a whole tub in one sitting. Likes chocolate chip, but when she’s feeling especially shitty she will branch out with stuff like caramel, chocolate etc. always with chunks tho, she loves chunks.

Samson: I know Americans make a difference between ice cream and gelato but I literally never knew what it was. Anyway Samson likes gelato. Probably cherry idk. There’s a super good cassata gelato at my local supermarket and I feel like he’d like that one but I don’t really know how to describe it lmao.

Azazel: another sweet tooth. I feel like he wouldn’t really have a favourite flavor bc he’d like way too many to decide. He’s always loved human food and is always down to try anything. I feel like he’d be interested in more uncommon flavours like popcorn (idk if its common over there, but I’ve never seen it here) or that raspberry and rosemary one i tried once. Or sea salt. WAIT almond ice cream with dried figs. That’s the one.

Lazarus: I have no idea how black walnut would taste. But I trust you.

Eden doesn’t eat, you’re right, but they might partake in the Human Activities from time to time. And when they’ll become human (spoiler) they’ll get to try a lot of different things! I feel like they’d have a very limited palate tho, kinda like a small child. So nothing too complicated, like strawberry.

Lilith: STRAWBEBBY one time I had a very good strawberry float with prosecco and it was so her. Fwendy would appreciate the cookie dough chunks tho, they can munch on them together u.u

Apollyon can’t eat :( but he’d like very basic flavours. There’s a flavour over here called fiordilatte that’s even more basic than vanilla, it literally tastes like milk, I think he would like that.

Bethany also strikes me as a mint chocolate chip girlie, I can see that. Lazarus knows that and always keeps it in the freezer so she doesn’t have to go without u.u

Jacob: mhmmmmmm very hard to figure out. I don’t really remember if he liked sweets or not, but peanut butter strikes that balance of not too sweet but still great so I can see him liking it.

Esau: isn’t Neapolitan like three flavours together mhmmmm he feels like a frozen yogurt kind of guy. With extra protein and fruit toppings.

[dotuindex]

Updated Pidge HCs :)

14 1/2 at debut

4"6

Bitter that Chip is taller than him, but even more bitter that their younger sister is taller than him

All three of them were adopted

Unlike Chip, little sister isn't biologically related to Pidge

Little sister is named Katherine, or Kat for short

Mama's boy

Child prodigy with a high IQ

Knows many languages to varying degrees, and it's something he works very hard on

He has finally accepted he simply cannot learn EVER language in his lifetime, so has designed incredibly advanced translation devices.

His favorite color is actually blue

Can play piano, but did not learn willingly. He hates the piano

Space mice have stolen his glasses more than once

LOVES apples

GREAT gymnastics skills, partly stemming from his biology as someone from Balto

People of Balto are on average shorter than Arusians or Earthlings, but he's still short by Balto's standards

Hunk and Lance are the only ones allowed to call him "little buddy"

Showers right before bed, resulting in That Hair

Tosses and turns a lot in his sleep

Crazy dreams but rarely remembers them

Has like 4 pairs of glasses bc he keeps breaking them. He rotates them out as her fixes them

Will end up with braces in his later teens

Has a gap in his front two teeth

LOVES sports, especially soccer

Adoptive family is pretty wealthy, and spoiled him rotten

Hates peanuts. Only eats peanut butter when it's with chocolate

Lance likes to steal his headband

Very sensitive to bright lights

Always chewing on things. never borrow a pencil from him

Can bake well, struggles with cooking

Very picky with his sweets. He hates when stuff sticks to his teeth

His room is a warzone

Keith gets on him about cleaning his room bc it's slowly becoming an actual hazard

When Keith pesters him, he calls him mom. It's catching on with the others.

Eyes are reflective, like a cat's

Sees very well in the dark

May birthday

Opposite of Hunk in the sense that on the rare occasion he eats beef, he wants that steak cooked to a crisp

Will never admit it, but he sees Lance as a big brother

Hunk is like the cool uncle tho

His favorite holiday is Halloween

The king of fidget toys

Chronic knuckle cracker

[annonniiiiieeeee]

i was eating gummy bears and drinking an orange soda and was like “hey you know who’d like this? kitsune” anyways what’s everyone fav junk food

Mikey likes gummy worms. He prefers sour ones

Leo likes Chocolate. He prefers milk chocolate unless it is fruit covered then he likes dark chocolate it balances out the flavors

Raph is a big fan of flavored popcorns. They have these stores that sell candy coated popcorn and he loves them.

Donnie is very pick not just with flavors. (Flavorless juice) but also with textures. Pretzels are his thing. They are salty and crunchy.

April loves gummies. Gushers have a special place in her heart.

Cassie loves gummy bears she likes biting the heads off. Calls it the most humane way to eat them.

Casey never grew up with it. He is learning what he likes still. Master Leonardo would always share any chocolate he fund with Casey so he favors it.

Usagi likes chocolate as Leo is the one who introduced him to it but he also likes skittles

I like to think Kitsune and Cassie will get along well. She picks up gummy bears from her.

Gen loves chocolate peanut butter things but he doesn’t eat them often. Leo told him the Raph was allergic so they try to keep it out of the house. He can see that it stresses Leo out so he tries to keep it way from Leo and his brothers.

[dreamsausage]

This dream kept shifting between different storylines. I don't remember all of them very well, but I got the gist of them.

Science club in a leading laboratory where the staff shuffle the items in the lockers. Researcher made a science experiment involving sweets and water with the previous group of smaller children, but an older child in the next group backed into it and knocked it over by accident. They continued the club activities anyway, learning about sound and vibration.

Guy who created clones of himself to commit theft, only caught by one crease on their faces. they try to kill the woman leading the investigation, but she pulls them both into a mirror and leads him to a river that they can stand on (due to the reflective surface). He catches her and tries to choke her to death, but the others in the laboratory make it to the real river, find them with the mirror, and pull the woman out — they smash the mirror, killing the man and leaving only his hands in the real world.

Tall tired green/pink beast with a light blue pet dog and a best friend who is a dark blue and purple shape-shifting serval. The beast has periods of delirium that can last for weeks, and the serval keeps him company and tells him stories and memories to help him through it. This one was when the beast and the serval took the dog on a walk through grassy dunes near the ocean in early spring, bought ice cream (the serval got honey and chocolate, the beast got peanut butter), and then walked back into town down a mechanical lift and past the laboratory, and went home.

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: Hecaterus (Kingdom of Ichor)

Nicknames- The Many-Handed Titan by the people of Olympius

Father by Ktesios & Hestia

Pop by Adranos

Grandpa by his grandchildren

Age- 67 (immortal)

Location- Corinth, Olympius

Personality- He's stubborn, grounded, and loves working with his hands. He cherises the time he has to himself & with family. He's married.

He has the standard abilities of a god. As the Titan god of manual labor (and hands) his other powers/abilities include enhanced craftsmanship, supertasking, being able to shapeshift into ancient & modern labor tools, being exceptionally skilled in the use of melee weapons, and hand manipulation.

Hecaterus is married to Anchiale (Titaness of fire). They have three children- two sons, Ktesios (god of the household) & Adranos (god of fire) and a daughter Hestia (goddess of the hearth). Other members of the immediate family include his daughter-in-law Soteria (goddess of safety) & his granddaughters Eleos (Ellie) (goddess of mercy, pity, & compassion) and Eulabeia (goddess of caution).

He and his wife live in the state of Corinth on their 100 acre farmland. Spaces solely meant for him includes a small tabacco field, a workshop in the barn, & a basement that doubles as a kiln.

Even though Hecaterus enjoys the company of his many farm animals (sheep, horses, goats, chickens, lambs, cows, & pigs) with the latest addition being an old scruffy sheepdog named Gasket, none of them come close to his animal companion- a dragon named Arrowwing. He's a swift beast of amber and dark copper colored scales, dark green wings with brown horns, claws, & crests. He and his wife's dragon are even a mated pair! A recent clutch of eggs Cinder recently laid are kept safe and warm in the kiln. Arrowwing is Hecaterus' mode of transportation when traveling great distances.

He loves his wife's whole wheat peanut butter pancakes (which he tops with dark chocolate maple syrup). He also likes scrambled eggs added with mushrooms, spinach, & red onions as well as buttered sourdough bagels. A recent favorite has been the Earthly Harvest raisin crunch cereal.

A go-to drink for him is dark roast coffee. He also likes earl grey tea, water, black tea, ginger ale, beer, and red wine.

He keeps a basic flip phone as opposed to the latest touch screen smartphone as a way of communication.

Among Hecaterus' prized possesions (like his simple bronze & copper shield dating back to the Titanomachy) is his simple dark mahogany wood sailboat he built himself. He and his family jokingly nickname it "The Reliable."

He mainly prefers speaking in Old Greek, even teaching his granddaughters "the old tongue." He's also fluent in GSL (Greek Sign Language).

The ghost of the Titanomachy still haunts him to this day, mainly the dark deranged eyes of Kronos. While his wife fought on the side of Zeus & the Olympians, Hecaterus didn't want to pledge allegiance to any cause.

Nothing else is more important to him than family. Though he loves his kids equally, Hecaterus finds himself closer to his eldest son Ktesios. They annually take hunting trips together. He's fiercely protective of his wife, daughter, granddaughters, and daughter-in-law. Hecaterus appreciates when Soteria trims his hair & beard as well as her delicious pot roast. He doesn't mind knitting or visiting a bookstore with Eulabeia or watching melodramatic teen dramas on TV with Ellie. Riding on dragonback is a great bonding experience for him and his youngest son!

In Corinth, he has recently opened up a school for deaf & hard-of-hearing people.

He considers smoking cigarettes & cigars to be his greatest vice.

A guilty pleasure for him are olympian sized onion rings from Olympic Chef.

In the pantheon Hecaterus is friends with the hecatoncheires (Cottus, Briareus, & Gyges), Geras (god of old age), Iapetus (Titan god of mortality, pain, & death), the blacksmithing cyclopes (Arges, Brontes, & Steropes), Eubouleus (god of the swine & ploughing), Logos (god of stories), Kydoimos (god of uproar & battlefield confusion), and Gaia (goddess of the earth). He dislikes Zeus (god of the sky, thunder, & lightning) but admires the tenacity of his son Hephaestus (god of the forge). Hecaterus mentored Ponos (god of hard labor & toil).

His favorite desserts include his daughter's dark chocolate fudge brownies and his wife's red velvet cake.

Hecaterus is excited about an upcoming camping trip he's going on with Eulabeia. It's a family tradition, seeing how he went on one with Ellie when she was a little girl.

A favorite frozen treat is pomegranate sorbet.

His all time favorite meal is spanokopita along with lamb & cabbage soup.

In his free time Hecaterus enjoys spending time with family, reading, pottery, sculpting, glassblowing, ceramics, lava surfing, fishing, archery, bowling, hunting, and mountain climbing.

"The most honest and bare work is manual labor."

[iamvegorott]

How all the couples celebrate Valentine's

Danti

They're the kind of couple that get each other flowers

Dark gives Anti a bouquet of purple chrysanthemums and a box of chocolate peanut butter cups. He also uses his inner Damien to make a nice dinner.

Anti gives Dark red & blue roses and a double chocolate cupcake.

The twins also take turns giving their fathers valentines

Nyx gives sour patch kids

Eos gives Russel Stovers (Nyx jokingly calls her a basic bitch)

Marvin & Chase

Marvin & Chase don't really do flowers, since Chase is allergic

With magic, Marvin makes Chase a chocolate rose that looks like an actual rose

Chase gets Marvin a stuffed animal of a black cat & some cool new tarot cards

Dapperstache

Jameson gets Wilford a bouquet of Wild Williams (per Dark's recommendation) & a box of peppermint chocolates

Wilford gets Jameson creme-filled caramels

Madmare

Neither are the best at gift-giving, but they try their best

Neither of them are really into flowers either

Can't really keep it secret, since Mad's an empath

Mare gets mad a giant pack of Diet Coke

Mad gets Mare giant stuffed animal (it has become a yearly joke gift)

Blank gets a fidget toy from both of them

Gin, Gunther, & Peevils

Gin teaches Peevils about the yearly earth custom of Valentine's Day & she loves it right away

Gin gives his partners, you guessed it, ro-ses!

He gives Gunther red ones & Peevils pink ones

Peevils is amazed that flowers can be so many different colors & types

Gunther gives them both hot cocoa bombs, because...you know...bombs

Peevils gives Gin a heart kaleidoscope, since she knows how much he loves looking at "pretty colors"

Peevils gives Gunther chocolate in the shape of a gun

Jamie gets honey buns, of course

Sammy (Gin & Gunther's kid) gets light up headphones

Gin misses giving gifts to his captain friend

Though they were AroAce, they always enjoyed whatever he gave them

Actor & Mike

Actor is a romantic

Actor gives Mike forget-me-nots & makes him a dinner of his favorite pasta (broccoli alfredo with bowtie noodles)

Mike makes Actor a red-velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing & red roses, of course

Aurora gets creme filled donuts

Noist

It's Night's first Valentine's with someone he actually loves/wasn't forced to marry

Night gives the Host an audiobook of the Edgar Allen Poe story collection

The Host gives Night red dahlias, since they symbolize elegance ("not that Night would need more to inflate his ego" the Host narrates)

Conny & Eclipse get to make a special star & name it

Murdoir

Noir gets Murdock a Plague Doctor plushie & a knife with their names engraved on it

Murdock isn't the sentimental type, so he's bad at thinking of gifts

Murdock gets Noir a big bottle of his favorite whiskey

Lydia surprises them with their own candlelit dinner by the lake

Murdock assures Lydia that he owes her a kill for this

Asher gets chocolate cherries, since they're their favorite

Wren gets a signed copy of Good Omens (it's one of his favorite shows)

Ballu

They also had to be taught about this earth holiday

Bandit gets Allu a plague nurse plushie & hamster earrings (totally legally, she definitely didn't steal them *wink* *wink*)

Allu gets Bandit one of those balance balls, since she always plays with the one on their desk, as well as some Black Pansies, since they remind Allu of her

Ray gets his first pair of headphones & loves them instantly

Portview

Crystal & Helena always gave each other flowers with specific meaning

For their first Valentine's back together, Crystal gives Helena a bouquet of Amaranthus (for never fading feelings) & baby's breath (for everlasting love)

Helena gives Crystal white roses (meaning love forever)

Crystal gives Dark a cactus (meaning maternal love)

Crystal gives Gin Dark Center Poppies (meaning beauty, magic, & eternal life)

Crystal influences Helena to also get a cactus for Actor, rather than her usual passive-agressive roses

Yanois

Illinois gets Yancy tickets to his favorite musical

Yancy gets Illinois caramel filled chocolates & carnations

Chicago gets patches to add to her jacket

Ms. Whitacre, as usual, makes everyone cookies.

OH THESE ARE ALL SO ADORABLE!!! <3 <3 <3

[koshkamartell]

Chapter 6 - The Heartbreak

masterlist

Ally sat in Joel's car and scanned the dashboard and interior - it was clean and neat, unlike the cars her and her girlfriends shared, which were littered with random bits of trash, smudges of make up, and lost hair brushes and hair ties. The Eagles played low on the stereo.

"Everything okay?" Joel asked, looking over at her.

"Mm-hmm."

He reached over and rested his hand on her thigh as he steered the wheel with the other. When Ally felt the warm weight of his calloused palm a hot rush of desire flooded her stomach, making her thighs clamp together. She put her hand half on top of his and wrapped her fingers around it, secretly marveling at how broad it was.

~~~~~~

They sat opposite each other at a booth in the parlour with two cups of gelato infront of them. Ally cooped a small spoonful of peanut butter brownie gelato from her cup and tasted it.

"Oh my god, it's so good. You have to try it." She practically moaned through the mouthful of dessert.

Joel used his spoon to take a small scoop of it from her cup and put it in his mouth. "Mmm," he nodded as he rolled it around his mouth. "Yeah. It's good. Real sweet though."

"Alot better than boring vanilla." Ally teased.

"Nothin' wrong with vanilla." Joel took a lick of his spoon.

"Why have vanilla when you can have something like chocolate? Or espresso?"

"Could just drink coffee instead." He shrugged. "I like vanilla."

"You gotta live a little, Joel." Ally tsked. "Hold on, I'll be right back."

She stood up before he could say anything and sashayed up to the display counter with all the flavours neatly arranged behind the glass. Less than a minute later she returned to the booth carrying a cone of espresso gelato in hand, a triumphant grin on her face. She paused when she saw Joel was standing up now and talking to a man beside him.

The man was striking; slightly younger than Joel with curly black hair, olive skin and sensual hooded brown eyes. He was talking to Joel while Joel had his arms crossed, his gaze on the ground.

When Ally approached the booth both men turned to face her. The stranger's eyes wandered shamelessly down her body and back up to her face. There was a seductive charm to his expression that Ally didn't know how to react to.

There was brief, awkward silence until Oscar and Ally looked expectantly at Joel.

"Alessandra, this is Oscar." Joel mumbled gruffly. "We've known each other for a long time."

"Oh," Ally smiled politely at Oscar. "Hi, nice to meet you."

"Well hello," Oscar smiled back, a slight mischievous glint in his dark eyes. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sweetie."

Ally slid down into the booth and Joel took the opportunity to end the conversation.

"See you 'round, Oscar."

"Good to see you, man." He gave Joel a pat on the shoulder. "And nice to meet you, Alessandra."

Ally gave him a small nod of acknowledgement. When Oscar left the parlour and Joel sat down again, she gave him an inquisitive look. "Is he your good friend?"

"No," Joel said with a definitive grunt. He motioned to the cone in her hand. "Ya didn't like your...peanut butter whatever?"

Ally smiled sweetly. "It's for us to share. It's espresso. Please try it."

Joel chuckled and gave a small shake of his head. They finished eating and went for a stroll to a picturesque park a few blocks away. On the way there Joel rested his hand lightly on Ally's llower back, keeping her close to his body when the sidewalk was particularly bustling with people.

There was a large pond in the middle of the park with ducks paddling in the water and waddling up to the green grass to explore. The path was wide and littered with yellow autumn leaves that danced at our feet. They walked at a slow pace, observing the ducks and sharing snippets of conversation. At one stage their hands brushed against one another and without saying anything, Ally slid her hand into his and he clasped it warmly with his big mitt.

The couple came to a bench and sat down together. Joel let go of Ally's hand and instead slid his arm on the bench around the back of her. She leaned into the crook of his arm and sighed contentedly, feeling protected and safe. They stayed close like that until it started to get cold and agreed to retreat back to the car and go back to Ally's place.

~~~~~~

Back at the apartment Joel stood in the kitchen and watched Ally prepare a mug of tea and his mug of black coffee.

"You remembered," he murmured, appearing a little impressed.

Ally rolled her eyes playfully. "It's not like it's hard to remember or anything."

"Too boring, huh?" He teased, grinning. "Too...vanilla?"

Ally laughed and poured the hot water into the mugs. Tuddy had wandered into the kitchen and began nuzzling herself against Joel's leg.

"Oh, hey Tuddy." He cooed.

Joel crouched down and stroked her back, whispering words of affection to her, and she purred loudly against his hand. Ally had to resist the urge to take a picture of the sweet interaction. She looked over to the pretty pink roses sitting on the kitchen bench and it suddenly occured to her how much she enjoyed having Joel at in her space. Seeing Tuddy drawn to him solidified this realisation, as did the feelings undeniably developing in her heart.

She sighed at the thought of inevitable heart break and tried to dismiss its intrusion into her mind.

"Ally?" Joel's voice pulled her back from her deep thoughts.

She looked at him and couldn't help break out into a smile at his use of the nickname. "Hmm?"

Joel stood up, his knees cracking, and looked at her with his puppy dog eyes, concerned and somehow a little sad. "You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm alright." Ally dismissed with a wave of her hand. She took a sip of tea. "Thank you for today, I had a lovely time with you."

Joel stepped towards her and took her hand in his tenderly. "Thank you for bein' with me. Hope I wasn't too old and borin' for you?"

Ally giggled and slid her arms around his waist, cuddling into him. "Yep, but I like you anyway."

Joel chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. "You're cruel, you know that?"

He planted a kiss on the top of Ally's head and gave her body a small squeeze. "So tell me. Why do you like this borin' old man?"

Ally hummed as she inhaled his musky scent and nuzzled into his chest. "Mmmm...because you smell good."

"Oh?" Joel murmered, one of his hands sliding down her back. "That all?"

"And you're kinda sexy," She mumbled, trying to hold back her giggles. He touched her ass and gave it a squeeze.

"Sexy, huh?"

Tuddy weaved inbetween their legs and meowed. Joel put his other hand to Ally's chin and tilted her head to look into his eyes.

"Honey. I got a customer comin' around the workshop at 6, I gotta go. I'm sorry." He said regretfully.

Even though Joel had already told Ally about his meeting on the phone the other night when they were organising the date, she still felt disappointed. Ally pouted and let out a small whine.

"I wish I could stay, Ally, but I can't." Joel sighed. "Sorry, baby."

Ally reluctantly walked with Joel to the front door to say goodbye. They shared a tender kiss, Ally tracing the outline of his patchy beard with the tip of her finger.

"I'll call you durin' the week, okay?" He whispered. "G'night honey."

Ally leaned against the door frame and sighed, her body prickling with impotent lust.

"Bye," she mumbled.

~~~~~~

Joel walked out and she shut the door behind him.

Fuck, it's only our first date and already I have feelings.

Anna and Ally at in a small cafe in Westor on Sunday afternoon. They had visited some second hand markets and a book shop nearby that morning and stopped to enjoy something to eat. They sat in comfy arm chairs facing each other and sighed, grateful to be resting their sore feet. Anna checked her phone.

"Mark will come get us in an hour," she said.

The girls ordered some food and coffee and sat talking as they ate. Their table faced the main street and they people watched while they dined, admiring the different varieties of fashion and types of people who passed by on the sidewalks.

"I can't believe it took so long for Toni to actually sleep with Red Shi- I mean Tommy." Anna laughed.

"I know, right?" Ally laughed as well.

Toni had written in the group chat about her latest date with Tommy and that they had progressed to the next step physically.

Toni: it happened

Alessandra: lol are you referring to what I think you're referring to? 😉

Anna: what?

Ness: omg you slut lmao you guys finally fucked

Toni: yes after drinks at Samba and it was AMAZING thanks 🍆💦

Anna: need all the details asap please! I'll come up for drinks

After eating lunch Anna got up to go to the bathroom and Ally remained at the table to wait for her. She checked hed notifications and messages. She and Joel had spoken through text messages and calls every second day that week. Ally toyed with the idea of surprising him after her date with Anna.

"Ally, where are you going?" Anna frowned, her concerned eyes searching Ally's face for an answer. "What happened?"

She sighed and reached out for a cookie on the table, and at that same moment looked out the window across the road. Ally's heart sank as she recognised Joel sitting inside the restaurant there, hugging a woman at one of the tables inside. She was around his age, tall and blonde and pretty. They pulled away from the hug and sat down together, smiling and talking.

Ally's heart leapt up into her throat and tears welled in her eyes. Thankful that Joel had not spied her, Ally hurriedly collected her hand bag and shopping bags and stood up to leave. Anna had returned just as Ally was preparing to leave.

Ally awallowed the pain lodged in her throat and mumbled hoarsely. "Nothing. I think I'm having an anxiety attack, that's all. I want to go home."

Anna rubbed her back. "Oh babe, that is horrible. Alright, let's go. I'll get us an Uber. Let me get my stuff."

She collected her shopping bags and purse and she ushered Ally out of the cafe. Ally kept her head down as they walked briskly around the corner and waited for the Uber to pick them up.

~~~~~~

Ally drove home alone, calm and silent, eyes fixed on the road despite the tears pooling and spilling down her cheeks. Her mind raced with the images of Joel hugging the blonde woman, of him smiling at her.

You're so young and dumb and naive! Did you really think he would be interested in you? He was just playing with you. Just fuck toy for him when he's bored.

Ally turned on the radio to try drown out the taunting voice in her head.

~~~~~~

Ally spent the next few days isolated from everyone. She lied and told the girls she had a cold and was too sick to see anyone or really talk. She still went to work in an attempt to keep occupied, but hardly used her phone, instead ignoring the majority of messages and calls from everyone. Joel had called on Sunday evening but she ignored it. He texted Monday as well, then tried calling Monday night. Ally eventually switched off her phone and immersed herself in books and movies for company. Joel tried to contact her again on Wednesday and Thursday morning but Ally continued to ignore him.

On Thursday night she saw a message in the girls group from Anna.

Anna: hey girls, there's a party on at the cabin this Saturday! Can you come up this weekend?

Ness: yessss!!!

Toni: I've got my coworker's party I have to go to 😭😭😭

Ally considered whether to go or not. After four days of being withdrawn she decided she needed to go out and drown her sorrows in partying with friends.

Alessandra: I'm feeling better, definitely going to come!

~~~~~~

Ness and Ally joined in and got lost in the hazy disorder of it all, immersing themselves into dancing and drinking and letting the music possess all of their senses. A few hours passed by before Ally struggled free from the dance floor and motioned to Ness that she was going outside. She needed a break from the incessant noise.

Ness and Ally drove up to Westor together. Ally wore her favourite black slinky dress, leaving her hair down. She was ready to get drunk and have fun with her friends.

They arrived at the cabin around 8.30pm and found the party was already chaotic; some people were already tipsy and there had been an argument between two guys that threatened to escalate until Mark's older brother diffused the scene. Ness and Ally roamed around until they found Anna and Mark. They were hanging out with Luke and a few others, doing shots and dancing to the blaring music.

Ally found a quiet spot outside around the rear of the property. She fumbled in her pocket for the joint Ness that given her earlier, only to realise she did not have a lighter.

"Fuck sake," she muttered.

"You okay?" Luke asked, appearing from around the corner.

"Mmhmm," Ally held the joint up. "I just haven't got a lighter."

Luke smiled and dug around in his jeans and produced a lighter. "I gotcha."

She put the joint inbetween her lips and allowed Luke to light it, then took a drag. She closed her eyes and exhaled, letting the mellowness wash over her.

"Hey, you sure you're okay?" Luke's tone shifted to genuine concern.

"Yeah, just...wanna forget things tonight." Ally mumbled, passing him the joint. He accepted it and took a hit.

"Thank you."

"I feel you. Let me know if you wanna talk about stuff." Luke said with sincerity. "I'm a good listener."

"Hey! There you are!" Anna exclaimed. "I've been looking for you guys. We need to go get some more beer and chips."

Luke handed back the joint to Ally. "Alright alright, we are coming."

~~~~~~

The music blared in the car as the friends drove to the convenience store. Mark and Ness were arguing over whose turn it was to choose the next song.

"Please, no more Drake." Mark groaned. "Anything but him."

"Oh, like we wanna hear your dubstep bullshit." Ness teased back.

"Or maybe just shut the fuck up and I'll yodel for you instead." Luke interjected.

"How about you all shut the fuck up and let me choose for once," Ness growled. Anna, Luke and Ally roared with laughter.

"Are you all seriously high right now?" Mark asked, incredulous.

He pulled into the parking lot and parked the car. The group hopped out, talking and laughing loudly.

"I want that drink I had last time, that pink one." Anna said.

"I'm getting some chocolate," Ally announced.

"Where's the Kinder Bouno? I'm craving one so bad right now."

"I want chips."

They all walked through the automatic doors of the store, loud and exuberant, but the attendant was unbothered, having been used to young party goers regularly coming in for late night supplies every weekend.

"Someone shout me a coke please," Ness pleaded. They wandered down the snacks and confectionery aisle.

"Ally!" Luke called out. "What flavour chips?"

"Where's my pink drink?" Anna complained.

"Any!" She called back as she studied the label on a candy bar. She hadn't realised it but Joel had been in the store with Tommy and one of their friends when Ally had entered. The men stood by the cash register to pay for their gas, unnoticed by anyone.

"They don't sell that here." Mark wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Sorry, babe. We will stop at the liquor store after this."

"Found the Kinder!" Luke announced triumphantly. He held up two packets. "Last two on the shelf."

"Yessss, thank you!" Ally smiled. "You're the best."

It was only when the friends approached the cash register that they saw Joel. Ally stiffened when her eye caught his penetrating stare, and she quickly looked away. Mark and Anna, however, greeted the men warmly and made conversation with them while Mark paid for the chips, chocolate and coke.

"Tommy! You're Toni's boyfriend." Anna laughed, clearly drunk.

"Just how old are you by the way?" Ness teased. "Do you have some sort of Leonardo thing going on?"

Tommy chuckled good naturedly. "Nah, Ness. And I'm 43. Already told you that."

"So, I get half of the chocolate, right?" He teased.

Joel stood awkwardly, his fingers figeting by his sides as he stared at Ally with his eyebrows furrowed. She still avoided his gaze, scared that seeing him once more would make her heart ache again.

Unaware of the tension between them, Luke slung his arm around Ally's shoulder.

"No way," she protested. "It's all mine."

"Aw, come on," he laughed. "Finders fee."

"Okay, let's go." Mark said when he finished paying. "See ya guys," he nodded towards Joel and Tommy.

Ally could practically feel Joel's icy stare pierce through her back as she walked out of the store sandwiched between Luke and Ness.

[twistednuns]

January 2024

My New Year's Kiss. I wonder if this is the first time I didn't have to cheat and had a significant other volunteering for the job. I told C. about two resolutions I needed his help with. Focusing on positivity and gratitude (= to stop nagging and being overly critical) and to find a balance between distance and closeness.

A long walk through the woods. Climbing over trees and balancing with the kids. Cuddling with Mara. Getting the kids to play Activity despite their age. Connecting with Lian.

The little witch hat I poured in a New Year's ritual. A symbol for good luck and going your own way.

Charlie climbing up on my shoulder. My little witch cat. Love him.

A day at the Botanical gardens with Christian, his son and a few friends with their children. Marvelling at the tropical butterflies. Explaining interesting facts to the little ones. I felt like a walking lexicon. Beatriz took a liking to me and walked with me through the museum. She showed me the big crystals, the huge bug photographies and we played a nature quiz together.

The perfect burnt orange nail polish: Essie's row with the flow. Combining it with golden blots and black strokes.

Watching the new/last Hayao Miyazaki movie, The Boy and the Heron. Parts of it were so absolutely beautiful and touching that I kept starting to cry. I loved the scene with the Warawara spiraling up into the night sky. And the one with the landing of the tower, flames retreating back into the windows leaving only a faint glow. The iridescent colours on the stone walls. I kept discovering elements from older Ghibli movies - almost like little Easter eggs throughout the film.

Karaoke bingo, singing a duet and a little late night shopping session with Margit.

Wearing my new midnight blue velvet top. It features little golden star constellations and is so soft that I keep touching myself. I forgot how much I appreciate a good texture. Velvet is definitely one of them.

Eating a rainbow of juicy fruit for breakfast. With frozen raspberries under my vanilla porridge. And a spoonful of crunchy peanut butter.

A long chat with Becky, staring at her apple green Granny Smith sweater.

The shadows on the wall after sunset looked like a creepy snowflake made up of swords and twigs.

Angel numbers only on the bathroom scale.

Ordering exactly the piece of cake I wanted. The one with the chocolate star on top.

A very long French fry.

A dream: sitting on an unsteady stack of mattresses with my employers. Using a parachute to jump into a crumpled-up rainbow. / Preparing the van to drive up to the coast for a sailing trip with my dad.

Cinema and delicious Vietnamese dinner with Christian and Lena.

Frank checked in on me because he knew how much I dreaded going back to school and rewarded me with a cute gif of head scratches for a cat. I reacted with a vibrating phone emoji and he totally got it!

Entering productivity mode. Working on a few things that had been on my to do list forever. Tackling these is especially juicy. / My beginning of the year decluttering and organising mood. Planning ahead, streamlining my digital files and notes, throwing out physical deadweight.

Taping some of my meditative paintings on the wall. Realising how much I actually like them and how much I enjoy the creative process. I immediately sink into a state of flow as soon as I start painting. Why does it always take me so long to overcome this mental barrier?

My journal coming together beautifully. It's almost full - only a few empty pages are left. Making a collage to mark the beginning of 2024. I love writing by hand. It slows you down and structures your thinking.

Spotting a dark squirrel outside my kitchen window after talking with a pupil about winter rest and how rare it must be to see one waking up looking for the nuts they've hidden in autumn.

Tall white lilies in a green stained glass vase.

Sneaking grated carrot into my breakfast. Undetectable in carrot cake overnight oats.

A chunky apple green short sleeve sweater over a delicate black lace top. I love the contrast of the textures.

Expanding my accountability system. Christian offered to help me with my weight loss goal and my boss offered to keep asking for new ideas and insights on my career change. She wants me to get a move on. In a way, I feel quite supported. My new mommy and daddy? I know I know, I have to learn how to be my own parent, but it does feel nice to have people in your life who are looking out for you.

The sun hanging low in the sky, appearing huge through the misty winter clouds right before sunset.

It's fascinating to see how quickly the Universe throws you a ball when you've decided that you really want something. That you're ready. Since I talked to my boss about my career change I keep getting mails with interesting offers. An invitation to Guatemala to work at Fungi Academy. An old contact from PI reaching out with new international programs. Booking a free career coaching. Opportunities to study visual arts. I'm curious to see where this takes me.

The more you create, the more powerful you become. The more you consume, the more powerful others become. - James Clear

The first strawberry of the year. Yes, in January. Sue me. It was delicious. Strawberries bring me so much joy!

Tapping into a state of pure bliss during meditation. Smiling involuntarily. What a high!

The computer screen mysteriously turned on at 22:22 and demanded my attention. Huh.

I bought a car! Without thinking or knowing too much about it but I simply had a good feeling. It's tangerine-coloured and expands my range of movement a lot. I discovered that I can actually connect my phone via Bluetooth to listen to music (didn't expect that) AND the perfect volume adjustment is 22. Win.

Fabi's unexpected presents. And the spontaneous invitation to the exit room. It was lovely to see him, Frank and Marie again!

Finally giving Frank his birthday present. Finishing his letter with shared memories. He really liked it!

Realizing that I'm really scared of preparing a portfolio for Art University. Perhaps that's exactly why I should do it.

Booking plane tickets to Athens on a whim one Monday morning. I've never been to mainland Greece. And it's gonna be my first longer trip with Christian. Exciting.

A lovely Sunday with Lian and C. I delivered Fabi's boat and drove my new car in the sunshine. Beautiful, radiant winter landscapes. Connecting with C., playing, going on a little quest to find his keys, driving to the sledding hill, a gas station run to buy tobacco and get lottery tickets, cooking a delicious dinner and receiving rave reviews. A little chemistry experiment growing crystals with Lian. Getting high. Talking.

A productive coaching session with Valerie. And it was free because I won it in a raffle.

(Lemonade) Crunchy ice. (Kick it once, kick it twice / turn around, touch the ground / kick your boyfriend out of town and freeze)

Catching up with Nico over Indian food.

A cuddle movie night at Luna's. Snacks, sleepover, sharing sexy secrets with C. in the morning, playing computer games together.

Chocolate-covered dates. Comté cheese and strawberries on sourdough bread.

What an experience: attending my first KAP event. I'm still not sure what happened that afternoon.

Poor Things is such a fantastic movie. I loved everything about it. The ideas, outfits, scenery, Emma Stone's acting.

The latest Slutering Party was delicious. Very orgy-like, with lots of sensual connections and a lack of hard boundaries. Free flow and love.

The production of The Tempest / Das Dämmern der Welt was super interesting. I loved the live band and choir music. The video camera on stage, the drastic choices for the cast. Abstract but enticing.

I loved the first book I read this year: I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman.

Little luxuries. A toilet seat with an automatic/slow-closing lid. I've also started to shine my shoes. Both makes me feel very put-together and grown-up.

A super interesting collection of different niche aesthetics collected by Cari Institute.

A forced slow day. Couldn't really walk after hurting my leg jumping out of a tram's way. So I slept and read and finished my Harry Potter marathon. Didn't even completely turn it into a rot day because I put on lipstick, went to choir practice and even changed my bedsheets.

Kathrin touching my arm when she saw me come in, greeting me so warmly. It felt like she was happy to see me! Astrid inquiring about my limping. I genuinely thanked her for asking, taking an interest in me. Practicing Joyful, Joyful - such a beautiful song. "Fill us with the light." If I get the chance to sing a solo part I'll gladly accept. I'm feeling this song so much.

Stumbling upon the perfect Desigual jacket. It's made for me: MY colour. MY pattern. MY cut. And it was on sale.

A very weird morning. Super inspired. Ecstatic. Lots of insights, impulses, realizations. What's going here? Frantic journalling ensued. I understood that I might be able to... choose my reality?

Caffeine-infused creativity and musings about the word curation.

Rice pudding with fresh fruit.

My little project to use up all my stored groceries and eat the contents of my freezer.

Stocking up on countless bottles of watered down kombucha, blue juice and Volvic matcha drink. It feels like the height of luxury to have your fridge full of fancy beverages.

Strawberries and cream. End game.

The little candied, sesame-coated almond I was offered upon leaving Manouche, the Lebanese restaurant near my school. Delicious.

Comparing MRI sounds to minimal techno, sending C. Fantas by Caterina Barberi. I still want to see her live one day.

Sunrise at Filzhof. The long shadows cast by the fence. Cats basking in the morning sun. Little birdies visiting.

A ballsy move: finally getting a helix and septum piercing. Just woke up one morning and decided to do it.

Road tripping with C. Picking up my cello and an armchair from my brother's house. Talking to my former neighbour. Hardware store, home decor, thrift shopping. A piece of cake in Gstaudach. Making a delicious wok dish with lots of veggies and noodles for dinner. The cat in my car. Flight simulator with VR goggles. Sleeping on the new pillows.

And after F. cancelled on me, we spent Sunday together as well. We played some computer games, watched a movie. His son and ex-wife came over and brought pastries. I read him a few pages from A Little Life as a bedtime story.

Planning a treasure hunt for a birthday party.

Learning about C.'s taste in music.

Strong synchronicity game. 1111 on the clock, 222 on the bus.

C. booking me on his flight to Manchester. Talking about our roadtrip route. Learning about Atlas Obscura.

Buying everything I like. I escalated a little at IKEA. Assembling a trolley. It's a bit like a 3D puzzle! I'm in my home decor queen phase.

Koawach white chocolate drink. Incredibly sweet but so indulgent. To counterbalance the sweetness: rosehip tea.

Hazelnut cinnamon cookies. Pistachio ice-cream.

An indulgent guilty pleasure: devouring a whole ball of mozzarella straight out of the bag. Moist, stringy, delicious.

Using NARS Orgasm blush as eyeshadow.

Very attractive pictures of Mark Ruffalo in his Poor Things dancer's attire.

Tempeh. Brussels sprouts - not the frozen kind for once.

Feeling incredibly cool on my first work days after the sick leave. Space buns, my new Desigual jacket, the orange pair of hip sunglasses. Plum-coloured lipstick. Swirly golden hoop earrings.

A substitute lesson with cool students who could take a joke but still work on grammar exercises with me. Compliments for my English. I know, doesn't really count from 14-year-olds but it still felt nice.

Just walking over to Peter's place for an audio cable (and he even opened the door despite being ill). I love how much we've cultivated supporting each other in our choir!

[bike42]

Wednesday July 5, 2023

Two Bear Day!

We woke to clear, blue skies with just a little mist on the water.  The other couple cleared out early, but we took our time drying our tents in the sun while we had breakfast.

We’ve got our two people Big Agnes tent along that I think of as “quick drying,” but in reality it’s 10 years old this summer and doesn’t quite perform the way I’d recalled from our 2013 bike trip.  This tent has seen a lot of dew filled mornings and rain storms!

By 9am we were headed out and the day warmed up fast.  We were hiking along the trail back towards Lake Elizabeth.  Due to the change in our itinerary, we’re going to repeat hike a large portion three times in three days, but it’s all so beautiful we’re okay with that.  We were hiking along in a fairly tight line, telling Todd about how Dan generally writes a poem to sum up each adventure we do together.  We were hiking along brainstorming rhymes, when all of a sudden Todd stopped and quietly told us to step off the trail to the right.  He’d spotted a black bear coming down the trail towards us.  He said “Hey Bear,” and then we heard “Hey Bear” from up the trail.  I’d stepped off the trail as instructed, but of course, I also wanted to get a photo of the bear!  Jeff had been behind me, and he came around to be between me and the bear - nice to have a protector!  The bear, kind of boxed in by hikers in front and behind, ran off into the woods.  I got a grainy photo as I tried to lean out around Todd.  It was exciting, but also felt kind of like a relief that the bear behaved just as the videos said it would if we talked to it gently and moved off the trail.  The guys coming up the trail said they’d been following it at a “safe” distance for awhile, talking to it, but it just kept moseying down the trail until it came to us!

Shortly after that, we encountered Ranger Laura Funk and had a nice conversation with her for a while.  Todd asked her about the bear occurrence at the Lake Mokwanis camp:  she told us it was actually a work group camped there, and while they were out of camp working, a bear chewed their water filter and ripped into one of their tents.  To be sure, they’ve closed the camp and brought in a bear specialist to ensure there isn’t a problem bear in the area.  That really got me thinking about how important it is to keep the food and sleeping areas separate in the camp, yet you also have to hope that the people there the night before and the weeks before followed the same rules!

We crossed the river again, then as we approached the a swinging bridge, we saw a “mule train” fording the Belly River.  The Mule Train is a wrangler on a horse, with a chain of 3-5 mules hauling gear for staff working on trails and camps.  A bit different than the mule trains we’d seen in Peru, but pretty cool just the same!

Todd gave us the option to leave our packs with him while he prepared lunch, and walk down to the base of Dawn Mist falls to enjoy it from another viewpoint.  I changed from my boots into my Chacos and waded in the waterfall pond.  It was cold, but the day was very warm!  Tam had her swimsuit under her clothes and immersed more than her feet!  Lunch was cheese, sausage and crackers.  Yum.  It was close to what we’d have as “trail lunch” when I went to camp (we also had hunks of dark chocolate and peanut butter to supplement sausage, cheese and rye crisp crackers).

As we walked back towards Lake Elizabeth foot camp, we met the group of 4 from Missoula that we’d camped with Monday night, and shortly after that, the three guys from Colorado we’d met that same rainy night!  We took a pack off break at the beach, then walked along the lake to Elizabeth head camp (not as nice of a site).  It was great to walk along the lake - sometimes at beach level, then we’d climb up higher into the wild flower meadows.  I really marveled at the beauty of these pristine lakes.  How privileged we are to see them up close, and how fortunate that our fore fathers saved them from commercial development.

We headed away from the lake, as soon Todd said quietly “just wait here for a second.”  Lynn and Kent were behind him, and I was behind them.  Apparently, we’d come upon a smallish black bear heading up the trail just ahead of us.  I couldn’t see the bear, but he’d have us wait, then he’d have us come forward quietly, while he kept on talking to the bear (suggesting he get off the trail!).  He’d have us get off the trail just in case the bear startled and ran backwards.  Finally, the bear ran off into the woods and he had us walk forward.  We looked back and saw the little guy standing by a fallen tree.  As we continued to hike, those in the back kept looking over their shoulders.  It felt good to have two black bear encounters that went so well.  Still don’t want to encounter a grizzly though!!

We had a bit of a push to get up to Lake Helen and I was really dragging!  The scenery was changing, getting more rugged and we spotted mountain goats up high again - cruising along the rock face!

Another great waterfall as we approached Helen Lake.  At 11 miles and out of water, I was stumbling and glad to be at camp.  I’ll appreciate the view better tomorrow on our way back down!

This is the smallest camp we’ll stay in - just two tent sites and a food prep area.  Todd had told us another highlight of this site was the toilet without walls, and a great view of a hanging glacier!  We got our tent set up and I headed down the toilet trail only to find a robust Hoary Marmot living next to the toilet!  I called Todd to help me chase his away but he was a persistent little bugger!

This is a gorgeous camp, a beautiful lake surrounded by towering mountains.  After we were settled in, a couple and their teenage son came up - day hikers from Lake Elizabeth.  They stayed at the lake while we ate dinner, then the mom whipped up their dinner and they ate there before hiking back (seemed kind of late to me!).  Our dinner was walking tacos - delicious, but a margarita would have been fantastic.  After clean up, Jeff and I sat by the lake for a bit, but we were exhausted and turned in well before sunset!

11 miles, 958 ft elevation gain, 7 hours