#make them some caldo and wrap them in blankets

[pinebambi]

*I could be a good mother playing faintly in the background as I stare at the ramshackle children*

[mirouie]

i’m sick right now and it’s 1 am so i’m thinking about how doting and affectionate leo valdez would be when you’re sick. you know he’s doting and affectionate, but those qualities just seem to ramp up even more whenever you’ve caught a cold or you’re on your period or you’re just not feeling well. he’d spend a good five minutes arguing with you to stay in bed during the times you protest that you’re not sick enough for bedrest, and happily wrap you up in layers upon layers of thick, fluffy blankets when you’re too out of it to fight back (he’ll throw on one of his hoodies that smell like him on you for a little something extra).

once he knows you’re all snug and comfortable, he’ll march into the kitchen and lock in like it’s a life-or-death situation: really, he’s just making you macaroni soup. if not macaroni soup (and i’m just going to self-insert here), he’d cook arroz caldo with so much boiled eggs just because he knows you like it.

you’d be tossing and turning in your bed trying to sleep with two clogged nostrils when he comes back, fully equipped with your comfort food, some medicine and his two-liter gigantic water bottle, and situates himself on a stool right next to you. he spoon feeds you your soup, going as far as making airplane noises before feeding you just to make you laugh (before you cough up a horrid storm).

he’ll let you drink your medicine—he’ll crush them up if you don’t like taking pills, he doesn’t give a shit if people think it’s childish, he’s doing it for you—and climb into bed with you once you’re done. your protests of the possibility of him getting sick as well if he sleeps next to you fall on deaf ears, and he’s slipping his arms around your waist and pulling you flush against his chest before you know it. your weak complaints taper off into sleepy murmurs as leo peppers your face with kisses, voice velvety smooth and a lullaby as he whispers soft words of encouragement and affection into your ears. you fall asleep to, “get better soon, mi vida, i promise i’ll take care of you,” and “i love you even when you’re sniffly and grumpy.”

[f1-disaster-bi]

(Not so) soft Caldo hours.

Callum and Lando have permission from all 4 of their doms to kiss and play with each other whenever they want but they’re never allowed to make the other cum - that’s for their doms only.

It’s now a common sight to see Lando and Callum cuddling whilst making out or gently touching each other and occasionally pulling back for a while to stop it going any further.

Their doms love it, Lando and Callum get each other suitably turned on and needy so when they start a scene they’re already near begging and it makes the scenes even more fun.

Lando adores having Callum in his arms, slowly making out and playing with his nipples whilst Callum palms his dick through his trackies. He loves the comfort it brings and how it just feels good and there’s no need to feel as if it has to end somewhere. He also loves the possessiveness lance gets when they come in and see him and Callum. After, when they’re in a scene, Lance becomes a completely different Dom. He makes sure Lando is covered in his marks and knows who he belongs to. Lando loves it when playing with Callum leads to a scene because it’s always more intense and he loves that he’s thrown around a little bit more and degraded a bit more than usual.

Callum loves it because it gets him incredibly wet and he knows how feral mick and Marcus get when Callum is dripping from how wet he is. Mick loves to tie Callum up when he’s like this and blindfold him so he’s completely at their mercy and that’s when Marcus starts teasing and playing with Callum seeing how long he can hold on before his orgasm. Usually it leads to Callum squirting.

Of course, when they’ve come back from the scenes and are cuddling again, Lando and Callum love to tease each other over who had the better time.

(TL/DR) Basically, they love playing with each other because it leads to incredibly intense scenes with their doms with incredible orgasms.

I love this!

Lando and Callum absolutely just have moments like that when one or both of them are turned on or feeling soft and just want some soft touches.

Lando loves teasing Callums nipples, and sucking on them while Callum holds him or palms him softly while they rut together. And its so freeing to know they can just have these touches without needing to cum or do more. It's just soft and sweet, and teasing. Especially when one of them gets a little touch starved cause they've been busy

They also just love making out. Just curled together trading soft kisses. No rush no need to take it further just kissing softly and sweetly and holding the other

It riles up their doms so much and sometimes when they find them, they just have to reward their boys for behaving and being so pretty for them

Other times it drives Lance wild. It just gets him in the mood to remind Lando who he belongs to. Remind him that Callum can touch and tease him, but it's Lance and Esteban that own Lando and his pleasure. He makes sure to be a little harder, leave more bruises across his hips and ass. Bite marks everywhere. Esteban joins sometimes or he just watches and talks, reminding lando that he's their little slut

Callum loves how turned on it gets Mick and Marcus when they touch Callum and feel how wet and ready he is for them. How sensitive he is from some gentle touches and making out with Lando. They love tying him down and blindfolding him and taking him apart, making him so desperate he's dripping for them and edging him until Callum is a crying whimpering little mess begging for his doms to let him cum

Sometimes Lando and Callum do all this on purpose because they want to get railed and they end up finding each other later. The two of them giggling and comparing marks and telling each other how good it was while wrapped in blankets and their boyfriends clothes

[ren1327]

Sweater Weather Ch. 6

Kenji noticed how quiet Ben was as he packed his suitcase again, too focused on folding his shirts a certain way.

“You excited?” Kenji asked.

“About what?”

“The hotel stay?” Kenji asked.

“Oh! Yeah. We’re coming back after the run through, right?”

“Yeah, it’s just a week.” Kenji said and stared at his suitcase.

“Oh…Um, will it be that short?” He asked.

“Do you wanna just…stay here?” Kenji asked. “I mean, we still go in a couple days and make it the night before if you want. Have some time to cool our heads.”

“Will that be okay?” Ben asked.

“Sure!” Kenji said. “Let me just go tell my Dad.”

 *

 Candy hugged him extra tight.

“I hope your cold feels better, Mijo.” She said and smiled at Ben, who smiled back, bundled in pajamas and a blanket wrapped around to his ears.

“Are you sure you don’t want us to take Carmen?” Kosei asked and his daughter huffed.  

“Daddy! I can feed myself and I’ll stay out of the way. Besides. That means I get to know Ben better!” She said. “I can make him caldo and spiced atole!”

“I don’t know what those are, but I’m gonna eat them.”

“Heck yeah, we are!” Kenji said excitedly. “Cause I’m gonna help!”

“You still cook, Mi Bebe?” Candy asked with a smile.

“I…I lived alone.” Kenji said. “It’s not as good as yours but…”

Candy cocked her head and kissed his cheek, pinching it.

“Pobrecito…” She said with a laugh. “Be safe and stay warm.”

“Owen will bring you two back in two days.” Kosei said and hugged Carmen close.

“Okay. Have fun!” Carmen yelled as they left.

She turned around with a grin, scooping up Bumpy.

“I’m going to make caldo for dinner, but for now, me and Bumpy are gonna go watch Ducktales and eat jerky!”

“Floss after!” Kenji called as she ran up the stairs.

“Think they bought the sick act?” Ben asked, dropping the blanket from his head down to his shoulders.

“Nope. But they’re catering to you.” He said, placing his hands on Ben’s exposed shoulders.

“Isn’t that my boyfriend’s job?” Ben asked with a smile.

“Just act sick today and we can do something tomorrow.” Kenji said, turning around to hide his blush.

“Okay.” Ben said. “So…I’m assuming most of this act will be bumming around and cuddling?”

Kenji cleared his throat.

“My parents aren’t here…” He said.

“Practice.”

Kenji blinked and looked at Ben, looking up from hooded eyes.

“I…okay. You wanna read a book while I look at my phone?” Kenji asked.

“You know me so well, Honey.” Ben said with a tilt of his head.

Kenji’s heart thudded as he looked down at his pretend boyfriend.

 *

 Carmen knocked gently on the door and Kenji called out to let her in.

She opened it slowly and peek in, the smell of rich chicken soup wafting through the house.

“Kenji, can you help me with something?” She asked.

Kenji looked down at Ben, who was curled up in another one of his sweaters and sleeping soundly.

“Sure.” He said and wrapped a blanket around Ben, kissing his forehead.

“Aw~” Carmen cooed.

“Shut up. You’ll get it.” He said knowingly.

He followed her to the kitchen, where she had a large crockpot full of shredded chicken and veggies.

“I always get the spices wrong even when I follow Mama’s recipe.” She whined.

“I got ya.” He said and grabbed a rotating spice rack of glass shakers filled with chopped herbs, ground spices and full leaves.

“First off, no cilantro. It taste like soap to some people so just better to nix it. Next, we add cumin, black peppercorn, a whole bay leaf and chili paste.” He said, making a showoff adding the spices and stirring it with a wooden spoon. “I don’t smell that certain…twang.”

“Not everyone can handle your spice!” She reminded him. “But…maybe jalapeno juice?”

“Ding ding ding! Prize to the cutie in Steven Universe socks!” He said and she smiled, getting him a bottle from the fridge.

He added a splash, stirred it once more and covered it. “And now we wait two awful hours.”

“We can start the rice after about an hour and a half, right?” She asked.

“So…what do you say we go all the way with this meal?” he asked.

“You mean-?!”

“Chocolate time, Baby!” He said and she squealed.

He quickly grabbed a few bowls and pans. Carmen placed her phone in a speaker and quick tempered guitar sounded in the kitchen.

It was no secret that the Kon siblings took after their mother’s culture when it came to food. They joked that was how she had seduced their father before winning him over with her empathetic personality. They had explored her childhood hotspots, from the River Walk, to the Art Museum to Fiesta Square and the Quarry Market, they had walked and shopped with their Mama and visit old friends in the barrios near downtown to check on them.

“When I was little, my Tia lived with two other families in a house meant for one. But they cooked together and worked hard so their children could go to school and do something with their lives. And we made sure to return and take care of them.” She said as their old Tia sat in a plush chair, eyes closed in content and body relaxed as Carmen chattered on about her day at school, Kosei watching them worriedly to make sure the old woman did not get overwhelmed in the small hot kitchen.

“But I remembered the food and how good it was. Even if there wasn’t a lot, there was still so much love and flavor in it.” She said, stirring the red rice and a teen Kenji adding peas and sliced jalapenos to it. “So when I cook, I remember the love and care that went into it and remember what my family did, where we came from. How a lot can go into a little still.”

She then held out a small spoon of rice and Kenji took a bite; lemon, tomatoes, and pepper blending together perfectly into the rice and blooming over his tongue. He felt his Mother’s kiss on his forehead and smiled.

He sighed happily as he mixed the chocolate and then held the spoon to Carmen to taste. She took it and happily put it in her mouth with a hum.

Had Ben experienced what his mother had in her childhood?

Had his mother shown him her love in what little she could give. Kenji Recalled how he and Carmen had nice clothes and food growing up. How Carmen asked for a game and got it the same day.

His parents worked their butts off and he…

He had just run away.

No wonder his father was so pissed at him all those years and now…

Now he saw him and Ben and looked hopeful. Like Kenji might pull himself together for Ben and that…that…

“That’s not fair.” He said out loud and noticed Carmen had paused holding out the small desert bowls decorated with diamond.

“Kenji?” She asked.

“I…I’ve been such a dick.” He sighed and hugged Carmen.

“Um, let’s plate these and put them away and then…you wanna talk?” She asked.

“Yeah.” Kenji said and she held the bowls as he filled them.

Carmen placed them in the freezer, and they started on the dishes, washing them by hand this time.

“I’ll wash, you dry.” Carmen said and Kenji nodded, both of them rolling up their sleeves in unison.

As they settled in a nice silence, Kenji looked at Carmen.

“I ran away after the breakup and I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing to me?” She asked.

Kenji took a breath and turned to his sister, leaning against the counter top.

“I know about the bullying.”

“I…of course you do.” She sighed.

“Carm, why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it’s no big deal.” She huffed, handing him a pot.

“It is to me!” Kenji said, aggressively wiping it down with a towel. “My little sister is hurting and I…”

“What would you even do?” She asked.

“I…I don’t know, something!”

“Kenji!” She said and looked at him. “You’re here. You’re here and that’s…”

She sniffed as her voice cracked, eyes filling with tears.

“You’re here and I’m okay.” She sobbed the last word, Kenji gathering her in his arms.

“Yeah…” He said and rubbed her back. “And I’m gonna be here for you no matter what.”

“What about—”

“Shh…” Kenji whispered. “Let me be here for you.”

Carmen nodded into his shirt.

“I have something to tell you.” He said. “About Ben.”

“That you two are obviously not an item?”

He pulled her back.

“What the heck, Carmen?” He yelled.

“I could tell, duh. You two are so not okay in each other’s arms and you are so forced.” She said with a smirk. “You can fool Mama and Dad, but not me.”

“So…”

“Explain.” She said and Kenji sighed.

“Well…”

 *

 Ben woke up to Bumpy licking his face.

He took a deep breath and Carmen was there, eyes watery and clutching her dress.

“Carmen?” He asked, then huffed when the teen hugged him around the neck.

“I’m so sorry!” She cried. “I didn’t know my brother dragged you into this dumb mess!”

“Uh…” Kenji said, his left cheek red from a slap.

“You told her.” Ben said.

“He did and I am so mad and sad and…”

“He wanted to make your parents proud.” Ben said with a sigh. “And I needed to get away for a bit.”

“Do you two even like each other?” Carmen asked.

“I…” Ben bit his lip. “I cant answer that right now. I’m comfortable with your brother.”

“You shouldn’t settle with someone who hurt you!” Carmen yelled and Ben looked up at Kenji.

“You told her—”

“Everything.” Kenji said.

“Carmen.” Ben said and pulled her to sit next to him, taking her hands. “Listen. I hated your brother back then.”

Kenji cringed.

“I thought it was his fault my mom got too stressed and…” He took another deep breath. “It wasn’t. We were just stupid kids doing stupid things at the worst time…And yes. Your brother hurt me. Scarred me in some ways. And you know what happened?”

“What?”

“I dated an absolute scumbag cause I thought, ‘hey, I could take years of abuse from Kenji Kon, I can handle this.’ But I couldn’t…He…” Ben covered his mouth and gagged a bit, Kenji grabbing the trash can and holding it under Ben’s head.

He pushed it away, shaking his head.

“He hurt me so bad.” He said and Carmen covered her mouth. “And I was okay with that.”

“W-Why?” She asked.

“I’ve been a victim,” Ben said, voice wobbling. “Like, my whole life. And I hated it. And now, I’m homeless and leeching off the only people who have ever been nice to me. And I hate it.”

He sniffed and wiped his hot face, vision blurry.

“So when I realized I could find a way out with your brother’s help, I thought, ‘well, he owes me’. And yet…He has shown me something I cant believe. He’s changed, Carmen. And I never thought I’d be excited to see Kenji Kon, than I am when he comes through a door. And yeah…maybe this is fake, but I’m happier that he’s willing to help me stand on my own two feet by showing me that change is possible. He went from an absolute dick—”

“I was.” Kenji interjected.

“—to a kind and devoted older brother who adores his parents, his friends and wants to make up for what he did to me.” Ben said. “And I’m giving him this chance. I’m sorry we lied.”

“This is still really messed up. What if Mama and Dad want you two to…y’know…stay together?” She asked.

“I’d tell them everything. In all honesty, it was mainly to show I had gotten over Brooklynn.” Kenji said.

“Have you?” Carmen asked.

Kenji made a face and Ben huffed, grabbing his boots and coat. “Excuse me.”

Carmen watched as Kenji quickly followed Ben out the hall and to the backyard.

“This was so stupid!” Ben yelled into the trees.

Kenji grabbed his arms and pulled him back. “Dude, you’re in pajamas!”

“I don’t care! This is…This was a mistake, Kenji…” Ben said.

“Ben…please, hate me all you want, but I need you, not just for this stupid lie.” Kenji said. “I…You make me happy, Ben.”

“Happy?”

“You make me calm and like…like I can have this.”

“And what is this?” Ben asked with a shake of his head.

Kenji pulled him into a tight hug. Ben blushed as he felt the other’s chest thudding.

“Kenji?”

“I liked you. Back then, I liked you and I was such an asshole.” He said.

Ben shoved him away. “That is such…You are such a…”

His face was red and his nose wrinkled and Kenji could see tears building again.

“I think I still do…” Kenji said, taking a step forward.

Ben covered his face before reaching out and yanking Kenji down by his shirt collar, kissing him as snow started to fall. Ben pushed him back a bit, to glare at him with almost no heat.

“Then do this correctly.” Ben hissed and pulled him back into another kiss.

After a moment, Kenji put his own coat around Ben.

“Let’s get you into a warm bath. It’s too cold for you here.” Kenji said and led him back into the house and past Carmen, who seemed to be grinning behind her hands.

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

Sorry this took so long. But hopefully, I can continue when I have time, and power. Hopefully Texas will get back to normal soon. 

[zarcake-writes]

The Commander’s Babysitter

Part 4! I hope you all enjoy it. 

Warnings: None

“Sombra, come pick up your dolls!” you called from the base of the stairs. It’s been only a few days since she got sick and she’s doing much better now. Her fever broke and now she was recovering from the sickness. She was back to her usual self and she was eating again but you tried to keep it light for her stomach. Jesse hasn’t gotten sick, but Gabe got sick.

He called you that morning asking if you could come watch his kids while he rested, he sounded tired on the phone. So now you’re watching two kids and a grumpy man who insists he can still work. Gabe said that working is how he rested, you just rolled your eyes and left. When you got a call from Jack telling you to get Gabe out of his office and have him get some sleep, apparently, he was falling asleep during phone calls.

“Wait, how did you get my number?” you asked the man over the phone.

“I’m the Strike-Commander of Overwatch, it isn’t hard to get. But Gabe gave it to me, you’re his babysitter and I’m his kids uncle.” He said, you frowned but agreed to get Gabe. It was easy to get him out of the office, especially when he started gagging and you had to jump out of the way so he could get to the bathroom.

Sombra came down the stairs and grabbed her toys before going back up the stairs. Jesse was playing with a nerf gun he got and was trying to figure out to make it shoot harder and faster. Gabe was laying on the couch wrapped in a blanket with a cup of tea in his hands.

“Gabe, how are you feeling?”

“My stomach has betrayed me. My daughter has betrayed me.” he growled. Jesse let out a soft snicker and you were sure you heard Sombra let out a giggle from the stairwell.

“You’ll be fine Gabe. Shouldn’t have kissed Sombra or shared her food, don’t give me that look because I know you did.” You said, he only let out a huff. You went up and touched his forehead, you ignored the way he nuzzled into you hand. He was still warm, a bit too warm, “When was the last time you took some Tylenol?”

“I don’t need any.”

“Gabriel. You’re fever’s high. You need some.” You said sternly, Gabe gave you a surprised look but he only nodded his head. You went and got some Tylenol and gave him a bottle of water to have with his tea. After he took it with his tea, he laid back on the couch. He was scrolling through the tv until he gave up and tried to sleep.

“Dad can I watch tv?” Jesse asked.

“Sure, go ahead.”

Jesse took the remote and put on a cartoon. You sat next to Jesse on the floor and leaned your back against the couch. Gabe groaned and repositioned to watch the cartoon.

“Do you want to go up to your room Gabe?”

“No. I want to watch this cartoon with the talking dog.” he grumbled, you glanced at him and saw how miserable he looked. He looked tired and so uncomfortable, no doubt he was in pain. From his stomach and the aches and pains he was getting from the fever.

“Are you hungry Gabe? Do you want some caldo de pollo?” you asked.

“You can make that?” he asked looking at you.

“Yes. Would you like some?”

“Yes. I would.”

“Alright. If you need me call me. Jesse don’t let your father do anything silly. Sombra, I know you’re around here somewhere so watch them.” You said, Jesse nodded his head and Sombra giggled loudly while Gabe only groaned.

You made them soup, and even showed Jesse how it was done. He seemed to enjoy cooking with you, you smiled as he helped you chop vegetables. A few hours later when the soup was done and all the vegetables were tender you served it. Jesse helped you set the table while Sombra was trying to help her dad up. Which meant she was pulling his arm and trying to life him up, you could hear Gabe playing with his daughter and her squeals of laughter.

You gave everyone a bowl of the soup along with some quesadillas to have on the side. Gabe grumbled about not getting any of the good stuff, while his kids ate the chicken and most of the vegetables. Sombra didn’t seem too eager to eat the cucumber.

“It tastes very good. Thank you.” Gabe said.

“Oh, don’t just thank me. Jesse was a big help.”

“Really? Thank you, Jesse.” Gabe said smiling.

“Thanks Jesse!” Sombra said with a mouthful of quesadilla. Jesse only smiled shyly and nodded his head but he continued to eat his food.

After dinner, you were cleaning up the dishes when Gabe came and stood beside you. He leaned against the counter and sighed heavily, you glanced at him and frowned at how tired the man looked. His hair was crazy and his goatee was unkempt.

“You alright Gabe?”

“No. Can you help me up the stairs?”

“Sure. Let’s go.” You said whipping your hands on a rag, you made sure to put the large pot of soup on the back burner of the stove, “Kids, I’m going to take your dad upstairs. Jesse, the pot on the stove is very hot, do not go near it. I’ll be right back down.”

“We’ll stay away from it (Y/N).” Jesse said from his spot on the couch.

You helped Gabe up the stairs, which meant you had your hand around his waist and one of his arms over your shoulders. You ignored how hard his side was, you could feel his muscles through his sweatshirt. This man is like a damn wall, you thought.

“Thank you for helping me.”

“No problem Gabe. You’re very hot, let me take your temperature.” You said, guiding him to the bathroom. You sat him on the toilet and stuck the thermometer in his mouth, he gave you a glassy eyed look and a dopey smile. His temperature was 102 degrees Fahrenheit, “You have a high fever. I’m going to run you a cool shower. Ok?”

“Alright.” He mumbled. You turned on the shower and made sure the water was cool enough for him, you know he would be fine but you were still worried.

“Ok, hop in. If you need me, I’ll be out in the hall.” You said going to leave. He grabbed your wrist and held you back. You gave him a questioning look.

“Can you help me get my sweatshirt off?” he asked, your face got hot but you agreed.

You motioned for his arms to go up and you pulled the sweatshirt off. You almost died when you saw he didn’t have a shirt on under. You couldn’t help it, you really tried not to look, but you stared at his upper body. He was all fucking muscle, and scars. He had so many scars. Many were long and deep, others were circular and a few looked like burns. They caught you off guard more than how muscular his body was. You wanted to run your hands over his torso and trace the scars, you wanted to kiss them and lick them.

You quickly turned away and quickly left the bathroom, his sweatshirt still in your hands. You went into his room and opened his closet, you saw one of his many grey sweatshirts and grabbed a clean one. You dug into his bottom drawer and found a pair of clean sweatpants. You felt bad going through his drawers, but hey he was sick.

You stood outside the door until you heard the water shut off and him call your name, you opened the door and saw him sitting on the toilet with the towel wrapped around his waist. You walked in and handed him the clean clothes, he only raised an eyebrow at you.

“Your sweatshirt was full of sweat. I got you clean clothes.”

“Thanks.” He said taking the clothes. You left the bathroom and waited for him outside. God in heaven was he a sight to see all wet like that, the scars and muscle made you blush and oh god was a beautiful man.

When the bathroom door opened you jumped and glanced up at him. He gave you a smirk and leaned against the doorframe, “Sorry you had to see me shirtless. I know the scars are a bit much.”

“Oh no, don’t apologize. You have a better body than most dads around here, I’ve been to several of the neighborhood pool parties. Come on, let’s get you in bed.” you said supporting him.

“I was thinking of having a pool put in for the kids.”

“You’ll quickly become one of Mrs. Miller’s favorite homes.  She has a list of families who have pools so she can try to get her ass in them. She used to go to the Johnson’s pool, but her and Mrs. Johnson got in a fight so now she bounces around between a couple other family pools.”

“She doesn’t have her own?”

“Her backyard is too small.” You said as you helped Gabe onto the foot of his bed. You pulled his covers down and he laid down, you made sure he was covered up and comfy.

“Thank you, so much. I just need some sleep.” He muttered.

“Do you need me to stay the night?” you asked him. You weren’t going to lie, you were concerned for him and his kids. If something happened to Gabe, his kids would need another adult here. You’re mind went to some dark things that could happen, you didn’t voice them but they ate away at your mind and made you nervous.

“No, I’ll be fine in the morning. You can leave when you put the kids down to sleep.”

“Alright Gabe. Sleep well.” You said, you patted his side and left his room.

 When nine thirty rolled around Jesse was helping you pick up in the kitchen. Sombra was crashed out in her room, and Jesse being the oldest took up the responsibility of helping you. He was drying dishes and putting them away for you.

“Oh Jesse, thank you. You’re such a help.” You told the young boy.

“You’re welcome.” He smiled widely. His hair was messy and shaggy, he had a light dusting of freckles on his face, he was such a cute boy. You knew he would grow up to be a very handsome man, you felt bad for all the hearts he would break.

“Go on up and get ready for bed kiddo.”

“Are you going to stay the night?”

“Your father told me to go home, but I think I should stay a bit longer. He’s sick and if something happens it would be good that I’m here.”

“What would happen?” he asked clearly worried.

“Nothing bad sweetie. I’m just paranoid about things. Go up to bed.” you said smiling softly at him. You didn’t want to scare him, he was too young to be scared about real world things.

“Dad’s paranoid too. He triples checks the house at night and he always checks us at night when we sleep, I’ll catch him sometimes. Some nights he doesn’t sleep, he just sits in his office those nights or he watches tv.”

“Do you stay up with him?” you asked.

“Sometimes. I know why he get nervous, the same reason you’re nervous. There are bad people out there, I’ve seen them. Dad doesn’t want them to get in and hurt us. You feel the same way, don’t you?” he asked, you froze when you saw a darkness in the boy’s eyes. You knew he was adopted, what had he seen before he came to live with Gabe? It broke your heart to see that look in his eyes. You bent down a bit and gently cupped his cheek.

“Yes. That’s why I’m going to stay the night, because if I am here no one bad will hurt you, Sombra, or your father, alright? Now go to bed, and brush your teeth. I’ll be up in a few alright?” you said, he nodded and headed upstairs. You finished and headed up after him. You handed Jesse his stuffed sheriff bear, it was old and worn, you could tell the buttons on his eyes were not the original eyes. Jesse took the bear and held it close to his chest. You made sure his window was locked and you tucked him in.

“Goodnight (Y/N).”

“Goodnight little cowboy.” You said patting his head. You closed his door down and went in to check Sombra. She was sprawled out in her bed in a very amusing way, you fixed her body and pulled her blanket up around her and made sure her window was locked.

As you were leaving her room you heard someone behind you, you jumped and glanced back, you breathed out in relief when you saw Gabe. He was smiling at you and his arms were crossed, “Jesus Gabe, you scared me.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted to make sure you went home, I figured you would be worried about us and stay.” He said smirking at you.

“Did Jesse tell you?”

“Yeah, he caught me when I was coming back from the restroom. You can head home, I’m feeling better.” He said smiling at you.

“Sure, you are.” You scoffed and headed downstairs, he followed you to the kitchen.

“I am. Feel my head, not hot anymore but still sexy.” He said smirking, you turned to him and raised your eyebrows. Gabe’s smirk got sexier and you had to admit, he did look better. You reached your hand out to his forehead and he felt fine. No more heat. No more sweat.

“Damn, you got over that fast. You some kind of super soldier?” you asked as you began packing up your stuff.

“Something like that.” He chuckled, you only let out a small hum in response.

“Alright Gabe. Since you’re miraculously better, I’m heading home. If you need me, give me a call. The caldo is packed up in your fridge. Jesse was a huge help today, between the cooking and helping keep an eye on you, he was very helpful. Sombra helped too.” You smiled as you walked out of his house, he was right behind you. He always walked you out.

“Alright. You have a good night. Let me know when you’re home so I know you’re alright.” He said as you put your stuff in the backseat of your car, this always made you smile. He was such a kind man, always making sure you got home safely and walking you out. Such a gentleman.

“I will Gabe. Goodnight.” You said as you climbed into your crappy car. You drove away and waved to him, he waved back and watched you go.

 When you got home you sent Gabe a text, ‘I’m home Gabe. If you need me let me know! Goodnight.’

He replied instantly, which made you smile, ‘Thank you so much for helping me today. You’re such a blessing to have around. Goodnight and sleepwell.’

Your face got red as you read that last part, you climbed into bed and smiled to yourself as you fell asleep. He thought you were a blessing to have around.

[kinkykinard]

1000 Follower Ficlet #7

T.he incredible @star-trekkin-across-theuniverse requested a special bonus not-on-the-list prompt that I just could not resist!

You know just how to push my buttons to get away with murder in the best possible way.

Fandom: Star Trek AOS. Pairing: Leonard McCoy X Reader. Prompt: Working an Emergency with Him. Rating: All ages. Words: 1296.

Things are getting out of control as rain pounds down on the hull of the shuttle you’re in.  Storms on Caldos II - one of the Federation’s earliest terraformed planets - have been raging out of control for weeks and there are no signs of an end in sight.  In light of the meteorological data at hand and the similarity of the storm system to the one raging in Jupiter’s red spot, the Federation has decided to jump ship and evacuate the planet’s population, but it’s going to take time.  In the meantime, you and the rest of the Enterprise’s medical crew are doing your best to tend to the illness and injury the storm has wrought on the local population.

“What’s our ETA?”  You ask the pilot as you shuffle from one patient to another, monitoring vitals and applying necessary interventions.

“Five minutes,” she replies.  “Landing’s going to be a bit bumpy, though, so hold on.”

You nod to yourself and ensure that your patients are as secure as possible in their seats and on their stretchers before strapping yourself in, too.  You’re already soaked to the bone, battered, and bruised after days of rescue missions, patient transfers, and working in the trenches.  You’ve been too busy to so much as sit down, and now that you’re on your way to the hospital to trade off with another nurse and do some ground work for a while all you can think about is drying off, warming up, and having a cup of coffee.

You grit your teeth and shut your eyes as the shuttle shudders and lands with a clatter, the creaking noise of rusting plating joints giving way to the unending sound of rain pelting the hull.  Unbuckling your harness, you get to your feet and start freeing your patients as the door to the shuttle is thrown open and a transport team rushes in to move people into the hospital.

You follow the last patient out of the shuttle, grabbing your med kit as you go and running the fifty feet across the landing pad to safety.  The heat registers as a prickling, burning sensation on the exposed parts of your skin and you hiss in mingled relief and discomfort.  Shaking off the feeling, you move to follow the last patient into the fray but you’re stopped by a strong hand on your shoulder.

“I’m relieving you of duty until you’ve warmed up, hydrated, and gotten some sleep,” Dr. McCoy says firmly.

Turning to face him, you scowl at the bags under his eyes and the slight but not negligible pallor in his cheeks.

“I’ll rest when you rest,” you argue.  “You can’t hold others to a standard you don’t observe yourself.”

Leonard runs a frustrated hand through his hair and shakes his head disapprovingly.

“I’m trying to go easy on you,” he says lightly.  “If anyone else came back from a transport in this shape, I’d have them in a bio bed on a saline drip, but I know you know your limits, and I’m trusting you to tell me if you’re in the kind of shape that calls for higher intervention.”

“And you?”  You ask.  “I’ll be floored if you’ve had anything more than coffee for sustenance in the last forty eight hours.”

Leonard’s silence is telling and you sigh in frustration.

“Far be it for me to tell the CMO how to do his job, but you know exactly what you’d be telling yourself if you were anyone else,” you say plainly.  “You can’t trust me to know when I’ve run myself ragged if you can’t trust yourself.  This place won’t fall apart without you for a few hours.  Now, I’m going to take a shower and get something to eat.  Join me in the cafeteria when you’ve come to your senses.”

You turn on your heel and disappear in the direction of the emergency department locker rooms without another word, too exhausted to be properly angry with him.  It takes you longer than it should to strip your wet and muddy gear off with tiredness weighing your limbs down, but soon enough you manage to get yourself into a hot shower.  You perk up a little as feeling starts to return to your frozen extremities and by the time you’re clean you feel like you could probably go another few hours, though you know a return to action would be insubordination and would likely cause an irreparable rift between you and Leonard.  Opting to do the smart thing instead, you slink back into the locker room proper and get into some clean, dry clothes.

Minutes later, you head toward the cafeteria and join the line up, glad to see that at least some of the staff are taking a moment to eat and regroup.  You’re just getting lost in thought as you wait when you hear your name being called from halfway across the room and your gaze flicks around until it settles on Leonard, who is flagging you down.

Leaving the line, you head for the table to find two trays on it, both laden with plenty of nutritionally-dense comfort food.  Wordlessly, you reach out and pluck a mug of hot herbal tea off of one of the trays and take a sip, groaning in relief as the heat of it fills your chest and warms you to the core.

“You’re right,” Leonard says softly.  “I can’t expect others to do as I say if I don’t give them a lead to follow, so I’ve signed us both off for twenty four hours.  I wanted to give us longer, but the first wave of Federation rescue ships will be here tomorrow and they’ll need all hands on deck to help move people.  The other nurses look to you for guidance, so I’ll need you to give it to them.”

You’re somewhat surprised by his willingness to let you back into the fray so soon, but you’re also extremely flattered by his praise.  Smiling, you reach out and take a hold of the hand he has resting on the table, giving it a squeeze.

“I can live with that,” you assure him.  “Just another couple of weeks and this will all be a memory - then we can rest.”

The two of you lapse into a companionable silence as you start in on the food.  A bowl of soup, a sandwich, and another mug of hot tea later, you gather your empty dishes and help Leonard carry them off to be cleaned before heading off to the staff dormitories that have been set up in an empty wing of the hospital.  Space is at a premium, but even if it wasn’t you’d be more than happy to double up in a bunk with Leonard.

Stepping into a room that’s empty but for one dozing paramedic on a cot across the way, the two of you pull the privacy curtain around the nearest bed and make yourselves at home.  Leonard climbs up first, and though there’s barely any wiggle room, he makes space for you, extending an arm to wrap around you as you lie down and nuzzle into his chest.  He’s warm and solid and familiar, and as he pulls a blanket up around the two of you, you find yourself fading fast.

“G’night, Len,” you murmur softly, your words already slurred by sleep.

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” he replies, tightening his embrace around you.  “Sweet dreams.”

The chaos and tragedy that surround the two of you are all forgotten as you slip into a deep, dreamless slumber, and for just a little while you forget about the aches, pains, and cold.  You know it won’t be a long rest, but you’re going to do your damnedest to make it count.

[privatshop]

Root Crops Grown in the Philippines

Source Whether we're talking about home or backyard vegetable gardening or crop production, the following are the root crops one would commonly see grown in the Philippines and sold in Philippine markets. It's a good source of income as well when grown in backyard gardens for those living in the provinces and not only that, a fresh product for the consumption of the family. I remember back then, my parents would grow cassava, sweet potatoes, ginger, and vegetables on the farm's vacant lot where we lived for almost four years. We always have fresh vegetables whenever we wanted to and mom sells it as well in the town's market for an extra income. Not only that, either the sweet potatoes or cassava when ready for harvest makes a quick, healthy snack too. You probably are familiar with those mentioned, but what about the rest? What are the root crops commonly grown or found in the Philippines?

Jicama | Source Jicama (pachyrhizus erosus) Singkamas Jicama is one of those crops that would always remind me of my childhood. Traveling back and fort from my birthplace, Zambales, there are always jicama vendors on the bus station trying to get passersby and passengers attention and some would even get in the bus, offering passengers to buy jicamas. Known as singkamas in Tagalog, jicama is a favorite with or without vinegar and salt. Its juicy, crunchy flesh is rich in A, B, and C vitamins and most likely you would see jicamas available on fruit stands while traveling. It is also being sold in skewers usually with shrimp paste. Click thumbnail to view full-size

Taro | Source

Source Taro (colocasa esculenta) Gabi This tuber is from the taro plant, a perennial plant usually grown for its tubers. It is a staple food of the African and South Indian people and is cultivated in the Philippines for the same reason. But aside from being grown as a root vegetable in the Philippines, not only the roots are a food source but so is the leaves as well and the stalks. In Bicol region of the Philippines, a Filipino dish called laing is a well known dish made from taro stems and leaves. The leaves and stems are sun-dried, leaves are shredded into pieces while the outer skin of the stems are peeled off and cooked in coconut milk. The corms can also be added on this dish. Cooking: * The white to purplish corms can be boiled, baked, or roasted. * When boiled or baked, salt and sometimes garlic is added as condiment for a meal. When boiled, sugar and grated coconut (or just sugar) is use to compliment boiled taro, specially to those who likes some sweetness into it. * It is also added on pork or beef sinigang, which is a kind of stew. * It is also use in Chinese desserts, pies, an ice cream flavor, for cakes, and for those who loves bubble teas, taro is an ingredient. And there are chips made from taro too.

Taro stalks for sale on an Asian market. | Source Click thumbnail to view full-size

Arrowroot | Source

Source Arrowroot (maranta arundinacea) Araru, ar-aro The rhizomes of the arrowroot plant maranta arundinacea, a smooth, erect herbaceous plant that can grow from 3 to 6 ft. in height. It is cultivated in the Philippines for its rhizomes. Arrowroot, or known in the country as araru, is one of those root crops that I was fond of and enjoys having for a quick snack in the afternoons at the farm. Back then, araru plant grows in the banana island where we had lived and since it became a favored afternoon snack, I would then dig an araru plant when I spot some growing for a satisfying boiled arrowroot snack. Cooking and Uses: * Often cultivated for their arrowroot starch. * Araru, is often boiled or roasted. * It is also an ingredient for making infant cookies. * Roots, when mashed are then plastered into the skin to treat spider bites and insect stings. * Its starch is also use in starching clothes in the Philippines. I don't know though, as to this day, if this is still being done. It is probably what my grandmother used back in the days in starching clothes. Newly washed and starched blankets are stiffed or hard. Click thumbnail to view full-size

Sweet potatoes | Source

Source

Sweet potato flowers. | Source

More On Sweet Potato

Camote or Sweet Potato: Photos, Cooking, and Health Benefits A spreading, easy to grow, herbaceous plant, sweet potato belongs to the morning glory family. The tuberous root is considered a staple food in some countries, and so are the young leaves. Sweet potato (ipomoea batatas) Kamote Sweet potato is a widely grown crop in the Philippines not just for its tuberous roots but also for the young leaves. The tops and the young leaves of sweet potato, is consumed as a vegetable and is a regular amongst other greens at wet markets and vendor stands. It is a favorite veggie ingredient on some Filipino dishes such as the sinigang which is a soured dish and the Ilocano dish pinakbet. The tuberous root is also an important crop in the country, a farmer's food as they call it. With the tops as a vegetable crop, the tuberous root on the other hand is an easy afternoon snack that can be boiled or fried and caramelized. Click thumbnail to view full-size

Cassava | Source

Showing the firm, white, homogeneous flesh. | Source

Source Cassava (manihot esculenta) Kamoteng Kahoy Cassava is another major root crop in the Philippines. Known as kamoteng kahoy, this woody shrub bears the tuberous roots rich in carbohydrates, minerals, A, B, C vitamins and protein. Encased in a detachable rind is a firm, white homogeneous flesh that is the main ingredient on some favorite Filipino desserts such as the nilupak which is made from grated cassava with condense milk and butter, and cassava cake which is also made from grated cassava, eggs, and coconut milk. It can also just be boiled for a mid afternoon snack called merienda and is serve with shredded coconut or sugar. In other countries such as in in Indonesia, if not fried or boiled, the cassava roots are made into a cake from fermented tuberous roots. In Brazil, a crepe made from the cassava powder is served with fruit jellies or shredded coconut. Other names for cassava are: Yuca, manioc root, mandioca, balinghoy, tapioca and mogo Ginger (zingiber officinale) Luya The ginger or luya as it's known in the Philippines is often use as a spice. Just like the lemongrass, the ginger is used in cooking to rid of fishy smell and serves the same purpose in sauteing meats. It is use as well on some other dishes such as the

pinapaitan of the Ilocanos which is a stewed beef innards. Aside from its culinary uses, ginger is also a good herbal remedy and can be made into ginger tea which treats cold and cough. Some other products such as candies, cookies, crackers and the carbonated soft drink ginger ale is also made from the ginger root. Indeed, this root crop is a valuable addition in the kitchen. Click thumbnail to view full-size

Source

Source Click thumbnail to view full-size

peanuts | Source

Source Peanut (arachis hypogaea) Mani Peanut is another valuable crop in the Philippines. It is commonly seen sold in roadside stalls and in the markets either boiled, roasted or fried along with other Filipino street foods. It is a favorite amongst travelers specially while still warm and would often seen sold by street vendors wrapped in a plastic bag with other goodies. Peanut, or known as mani in the country is also one of the favorite snacks coated with flour. There's been few peanut coated products that I knew of and had tried and two of them are Nagaraya Cracker Nuts and Mayasi. Peanuts are also made into cooking oil.

garlic | Source

garlic plants | Source Garlic (allium sativum) Bawang Garlic, called bawang is a frequent seasoning in the Philippines. It is used in many Filipino dishes such as the soured fish dish paksiw and with onion, is often used in sauteing as a lot of Filipino dishes are sauteed first. Usually crushed, or minced, together with ground black pepper and some Thai chili in vinegar or soy sauce, garlic or bawang is used as a dipping sauce for fried, broiled or grilled fish, barbecues, and meats. Aside from the culinary usage of garlic, it is also used as an alternative remedy. From a young age, I had used a mixture of minced garlic and onion, topped with honey to treat cough, colds and an oncoming asthma attack, and all that I had learned from my mother. It is also used in treating toothache and a good disinfectant. Did you know? In the Philippines, the garlic is believed to ward off aswang, which is a Filipino vampire-like mythical creature. Click thumbnail to view full-size

shallots | Source

Diced shallots on Vietnamese soup. | Source

Source Shallot (allum ascalonicum) Sibuyas Tagalog Shallot, known as sibuyas tagalog or lasona, could also be seen grown into vegetable gardens, even just in pots. We grow ours in pots and they do very well. The shallot ( and its leaves) is used in dipping sauce along with diced tomatoes, and with or without diced green mango. With either a mixture of soy sauce and lime or one's favorite fermented shrimp or fish sauce, it is a favorite dipping sauce for grilled or fried fish. The diced leaves is also used to compliment the Filipino rice porridge, arroz caldo.

Root Crops Grown In The Philippines

Have you grown any of these?

Yes. I've tried growing most of those. Yes. I have shallots in my garden. Only a few. I used to grow cassava before.See results Read the full article

[tychodreams]

Raindrops and fire crackles for the aesthetic asks?

from this

raindrops: what’s your favourite song to unwind?

If I’m down, Disappear by Beyoncé.  If I’m happy but fidgety, A Symphony Pathetique or All Farewells are Sudden by A Winged Victory for the Sullen.  If I don’t want to sleep but I still want to unwind, the Late Night Tales albums by either Nils Frahm or Jon Hopkins, or Ma Fleur (the album) by The Cinematic Orchestra.

fire crackles: describe your ideal winters evening

I’m inside with the people I love while it snows outside.  We’re all wrapped in blankets, playing some terrible video game or board game or something, or watching a sweet movie.  After a mac & cheese dinner, I make bowls of Italian cioccolato caldo (it’s like a hot chocolate custard).  I fill my bowl with chocolate cookies, and then fish them out with a spoon to eat, covered in cioccolato caldo.  I play piano for a while, and I draw for a while, and I read for a while, but it’s nice to be able to do those things around my friends, arguing with them at the same time about something that doesn’t matter at all.

What can I say, I’m a huge sap.  I hope one day this can all happen, since we don’t really have winter winters here, and that’s kind of what makes it.