#maple sugar flow

[rmspeltzfarm]

ending the sap

Sap is ending

[fuctacles]

Not only am I late but also I'm posting this from my phone so sorry if anything looks wonky

<< 17 | 0 | 19 >>

Eddie has to simmer with it over his coffee, while Steve is standing right in front of him, just out of reach. He's right there, cool as a cucumber, debating pouring maple syrup into his coffee, like he hasn't just seen Eddie's boner. And Eddie his. 

He hides his face in his palms. And Steve said they'll get back to this! When?! The breakfast isn't happening fast enough, and the anticipation might kill him before they get some alone time. Yet it's all happening faster than he'd like, too. He has just figured it out and he'd like his three weeks notice, thank you very much. 

A hand lands on his shoulder, gently shaking him out of his thoughts. 

"Maple syrup coffee?" Steve asks, handing him his mug. His eyes are warm and knowing.

"Sure, why not," Eddie shrugs, taking the drink. It's warm and sweet, and he sticks his tongue out in displeasure. "How much sugar is in this thing?" 

"I forgot I already sweetened it before the syrup," Steve admits without shame. He takes back the mug, drinking his sugary concoction with no problem. 

"Shouldn't you not eat sugar if you're a dog?" Argyle asks, munching on a dry toast. They are waiting for the leftovers from yesterday to bake in the oven.

"No, thankfully. But I do get upset stomach from grapes and raw onions."

"Hey, quick question." Eddie raises his hand, attracting Steve's attention. "When did Argyle find out?" 

"Find out what?" Argyle frowns at them, looking from one to the other. 

"That Steve's a werewolf?"

"He is?" His bushy eyebrows rise up. He turns to Steve. "You are?"

Steve stares at him, confused. 

"You just called me a dog," he points out. 

"I told you!" Jonathan smack his friend on the shoulder.

"I thought it was like, an inside joke!" Argyle throws his arms up. "That he's a dog person? The way I am a cat person?"

Everyone is just staring at each other for a moment, looking from one to another for the confirmation that what they've just heard is, in fact, real. 

"Technically, I'm a Lycan," Steve mutters into his sugary coffee. The oven beeps, and the warm food spares them from talking for some time.

Steve sits with his plate next to Eddie, pressing his thigh hesitantly against his. Eddie presses back, and leans in close to whisper just between the two of them.

"At least I'm not the last one to find out anymore."

"I said I'm sorry!" Steve hisses back, knocking his knee into his, just hard enough for him to feel it. He knocks back.

"Well, at least my reveal was more intimate," he mocks quietly, before getting back to his food. From the corner of his eye, he can see Steve's embarrassed flush. 

"Yeah, I got really intimate with your fist," Steve grumbles under his breath. 

Eddie, having left his brain to mouth filter somewhere in his mother's womb, cannot pass this opportunity at a crass joke. 

"Not as intimate as you could," he says, waggling his eyebrows. Steve gapes at him, blinking as his brain processes the words.

"There are children at this table!" Robin yells out, covering her ears. 

"Well, this is a private conversation and you shouldn't be listening in!" Eddie reprimands her in his best suburban father impression.

"Damn." Argyle nods his head appreciatively. "You guys down for a threesome? I could learn so much from you."

Steve looks so spooked Eddie almost inhales a piece of chicken with how hard he laughs. 

Eddie's not laughing later, when Argyle is rubbing delighted Steve's belly. Because after a reveal like that, a demonstration is required, and at first, he was glad. Anything to postpone facing his feelings. But now, he wanted to tear out every last strand of Argyle's luscious, flowing hair. 

"Who's a good dude?" Argyle laughs when Steve gives a small bark. "Yeah bro, you are!"

"You guys are shedding hair all over the carpet," Eddie points out. Not like it's his hair to deal with, but they are having too much fun on this probably expensive, beige rug. 

"Ah, sorry bro." Argyle withdraws his hands. "Do you mind?" he, rightfully, asks the owner of the house. 

Steve gives a bark, paws moving invitingly for more scratches. Argyle laughs.

"I hope I'm not tripping right now, this is so rad."

Eddie scrunches his nose, watching tiny hair land on the carpet around Steve.

"I'm sure Steve won't mind if you want to vacuum for him later." 

"Sh-Jesus!" he jumps when Robin materializes next to him. "What the fuck, man?"

She raises her eyebrows at him.

"I've been standing here for a while," she deadpans. 

"No you haven't," he bristles. "Liar."

"Sure," Robin snorts. "I'm gonna join the dog petting. You keep doing whatever..." she waves her hand at him, "...this is." She pats his arm before joining Argyle and Steve on the carpet. 

Eddie gapes at them. He has just been patronized but he's not sure what for. All he knows is that Steve looks as happy as a buttered pancake, even more so when Robin joins the impromptu petting session. Eddie wants to tear her hair out a little bit less than Argyle's.

He sits on the couch, letting others have their fill with dog-Steve. Just a week ago, whenever Eddie would see him in the wild, hanging out with someone else, there was never this much joy involved. Almost like the kids didn't feel comfortable with Steve being in his dog form with them, though Eddie suspected they were more worried than anything else. If he had an animal form, he'd be hiding in it at the smallest inconvenience, so he can't blame either of them.

Eventually, their friends get engaged in a conversation about some weird movie he's never heard of, and Steve escapes their hands, shaking himself off before he joins Eddie on the couch. After eternity of itching to pet him, he can bury his fingers in the soft fur. Steve falls heavily into his side, stretching his neck out, and he only huffs out a laugh, scratching where he's asked to.

"Does your hair routine translate to the the dog hair? Or do you have to get it washed separately?" he asks, genuinely curious. 

Steve's head perks up, and his wide dark eyes meet his. 

"It does translate, actually," Robin picks up on the question. "Which is fucking insane but very convenient." 

"It is insane," Eddie admits, his eyes only on Steve. Because his puppy dog eyes show interest, a question and a plea, and Eddie would be honored to fulfill whatever his heart desires. 

Tags: @noodle-shenaniganery @jaytriesstrangerthings @imaginary-maggie-waggie @samsoble @croatoan-like-its-hot

@dragonmama76 @storyranger @scoops-aboy86 @ollyxar @estrellami-1

@stevesworldxx @ajeff855 @live-laugh-love-dietrich @thelittleclare @wheneverfeasible

@bumblebeecuttlefishes @blasvemous @phantomcat94 @n33dlew0rk @manliest-of-muppets

@ravenfrog @dreamercec @tartarusknight 

@eyehartart @ellietheasexylibrarian @im-sam-fucking-winchester

[enchantedchocolatebars]

Making Maple Syrup

Summary: Kid Caleb and Kid Philip decide to make their own maple syrup when the Wittebane household runs out of it and no shops have it.

🥞 Original headcanon 🍁

🧈 Ao3 version 🍁

Enjoy!

An adequate amount of batter was poured onto a hot pan by Caleb as he hummed to himself.

As he watched the batter cook, the blonde waited for it to mature into a delicious pancake to give to his little brother.

After a minute or so, tiny bubbles started to form on top of the developing flapjack as it sizzled, and Caleb knew it was time to flip it.

After doing so, he patiently waited for the other side to cook with a small smile.

Once the single flapjack had two golden sides, Caleb set it on a plate and proceeded to make more.

Mornings were always made sweeter when Caleb served pancakes for breakfast.

...

As Philip arrived at the dining room entryway, half-awake with bed head, he let out a yawn before using his arm to wipe the sleepiness from his eyes.

When warm air wafting from the kitchen entered his nose, he sniffed it. The sweet smell snapped him awake immediately.

When his blue eyes gazed at the table, they started to sparkle with excitement.

"Pancakes, pancakes!" Philip happily cheered as he rushed to take a seat.

Flapjacks made by his brother were always the best.

Caleb came into the dining room with a butter dish that he placed in the center of the table.

He then took a seat across from Philip, a plate of two pancakes in front of him, and smiled.

After using a wooden butter knife to spread butter on his pancakes, he began cutting his short stack into crisscrosses.

"Hmm...," Philip hummed, scrunching his brown brows as he squinted, studying his stack with very keen eyes.

There was something amiss about his pancakes...

Something smooth and silky should be emanating from the top of them.

A topping.

They lacked...

"Syrup!" Philip said aloud in an 'aha!' tone as he quickly stood.

Heading over to the kitchen cupboards, a look of disappointment soon took over Philip's face when he found a small glass syrup bottle covered in cobwebs with only an itty bitty bit of syrup left inside of it.

From behind, Caleb approached his brother.

"Hmm, seems like we're out of syrup...," he noted, noticing the chapfallen expression on Philip's face.

The blonde ruffled his hair. "Not to worry, Philip. We'll just have to buy some more," he told him, determined to brighten his mood.

...

Heading into town together, Caleb and Philip walk into a shop in hopes of obtaining some maple syrup.

When Caleb asked the shopkeeper if there was any maple syrup in his store, the owner informed him that he had just sold his last bottle to another customer.

After leaving, the two brothers go from shop to shop looking for maple syrup, but each shop they visit lacks it.

...

"What are we going to do now, Caleb?" A sad Philip murmured lowly to his brother while slumped over the dining room table.

Breakfast was nearly over, and he had yet to touch his flapjacks.

"Hmm...," Caleb hummed in thought while sitting across from him.

"Well, maybe we could..." A small and sudden gasp quickly escaped Caleb, his brown eyes widening as a fantastic idea came to his mind.

"I know! We can just make our own maple syrup!"

"We can?" Philip questioned and blinked before a smile quickly crossed his face. "Oh, we can! Let's do it then!"

This was going to be fun.

...

Caleb and Philip encounter a sugar maple tree that is perfectly sized and has yellowish-green leaves that are fused with vivid red-orange in the clearing of the woods.

Caleb inserts a small spout into the incision of the maple tree while Philip sets a wooden bucket below it.

Sap begins to flow from the tree at a steady drip.

Once the bucket is halfway full, Caleb removes the spout from the tree, and Philip takes the half-filled bucket as both boys proceed home.

They intended to make maple syrup from the sap they collected at home by boiling it down.

...

As his brother poured the homemade syrup they had made onto his pancakes, Philip couldn't help but display a hearty and hungry expression that spread like butter across his face.

"Hooray!" he cheered as Caleb cut his small pancake pile into crisscrosses.

"Now I can eat my flapjacks LIKE A REAL MAN!" he said, finishing his sentence in a gruffly and masculine tone that was excessively silly and playful.

Caleb giggled at his brother's remark as he sat across from him and observed him eating happily.

[harperbrynne]

When you know, you know

Elucien

—————————————————————————

“It’s beautiful.”

Lucien whirled around, barely catching the back of his falling desk chair with his hand as he swiftly stood at the warm sound of her voice.

Elain’s face reddened in the shadow of his bedroom doorway as she realized her error. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I couldn’t sleep, and I saw a light on in here from the hallway, and…” she trailed off, her blush blooming over her neck in a path that led beneath her pale green silk dressing robe.

Lucien’s golden metal eye clicked, desiring to narrow in on that path, but he quickly cleared his throat and blinked the thought away before it could develop further.

Remembering his manner’s, he bowed at the waist, introducing himself, “I am Lucien, lady.” He rose and faced the curly-haired female fully. “No apology necessary. It was my fault for being distracted and so easily startled.”

Of course, she knew who he was. Well, she knew what he was to her. Her mate. But she did not know him. And because of that, Lucien believed introducing himself was polite and appropriate.

Elain gave a small curtsy in reply, her eyes lowering for all but a single breath, a second that left Lucien holding his own breath in anticipation of meeting her brown eyes once again, the same color as the cool earth and crisp leaves of autumn.

“Elain Archeron, Lord Lucien.”

I know, almost escaped his lips. But he did not know. He did not know her. So instead, with a raised brow above his russet eye, he inquired, “Lord?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. My sister, Feyre, she calls you Lord of Foxes. I thought—well,” Elain let out an embarrassed chuckle. “Now that I think about it, that’s clearly a nickname.”

Elain could call him whatever she wished if it stopped her from making unnecessary apologies.

She ran her palms down her sides as if attempting to brush away what she deemed to be a mistake. Lucien found himself considering if it was a habit from chasing away the soil from her hands after planting something beautiful. Just as his name in her voice would grow deep-rooted inside him.

Lucien chuckled with her, leaning against the edge of his desk, his hands by his sides, gently resting on the flat, wooden surface. “Feyre does love her nicknames. It wouldn’t surprise me if you’ve heard her call me something much worse.” He nearly cursed himself at what would surely remind her of why he deserved to be called something so deplorable. The role he played in Elain becoming something she didn’t choose.

Lucien would jump head first into the Cauldron if she willed it. If it meant she might forgive him someday.

He opened his mouth to apologize, seeing the contemplative look on her face as she peered around his room, but then she startled him for the second time that night.

“Lord of Sunburst, Lord of Red Oak…” her eyes continued trailing around where he stood in shock, “Lord of Sugar Maple, Lord of Sourwood…”

Shocked, because she was naming the trees that decorated his room. Wood and twigs twining and engraving his bed posts, his desk chair, his armoire, set against shades of gold, red, and brown. Reminding him of what in someways would always feel like home to him.

It took him a few weeks to make his room in the Night Court truly feel like his. Locating, chopping, cleaning, and carrying tree trunks so heavy he thought the sweat gleaming against his skin would become a permanent fixture. Good. The weight kept his mind off of things that weighed heavier.

Did Elain have traces of her home in the Mortal Lands in her own room?

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind an arched ear. The same words she had whispered a few hundred heartbeats ago.

“I know,” he breathed as he watched her. The words flowing from him like a sparkling river meeting a mossy bank.

Elain’s warm, brown eyes met one russet and one golden. He looked at her and thought he might really know.

Know she was indeed worth fighting for.

“Lord of Sourwood is probably closer to what Feyre calls me when I have done something to cross her.”

Elain let out a laugh. The sound like bright beams of sunlight caressing his skin. His very bones. A lovely kind of searing. He wanted to hear that sound everyday for all of eternity.

“I read a field guide explaining the identification process of various tree species and plants. I could smell hints of the cinnamon and cloves still contained within the wood from down the hall. And the fluttering of wings from the bees that once fed on the sweet nectar from its flowers. I’m not sure the sound was their wings anymore, though.”

“Oh?” A dark, night-filled breeze from his open window caused the pages of the book he had been reading to softly caress each other.

Elain wrapped her dressing robe tighter around herself to mask her shudder. Those brown eyes flickered for a moment on his chest, directly where his heart thundered, then to the star-flecked sky outside his window.

She said quietly, almost to herself, “No, it was not the sound of wings.” She let out a soft sigh. “It’s not ever supposed to be is it?”

Lucien ached to reach for her, to erase the pain on her face, but he clutched the edge of his desk tightly instead.

No.

He once held himself back from fighting for someone he cared about. Never again. He would fight for Elain.

Lucien carefully removed his white-knuckled grip and slowly approached her small form. She watched him approach and did not look afraid.

Lucien asked steadily, or maybe that was pleading that lined his voice, “What can I do to help, lady?”

“Make the sun appear.”

“I don’t—I apologize, but I don’t have that kind of power.” If he could reach a hand through space and time and give her the sun in all its fiery beauty, he would do it.

Standing a few feet from her pale, grief-stricken expression, it burned him not to.

Elain’s attention focused somewhere deep inside her. “You can. I have seen it. I have seen golden, white light arching through the void to raise the sun before it was almost lost forever. I have seen it.”

The hair on Lucien’s arms rose.

He had heard of her ability. The Cauldron made her a seer, the power to glimpse into the future. Lucien also heard the talks about her well-being, her fading lucidity whenever her power manifested.

They were all wrong.

About the lucidity.

Standing before her now, the tension lining her shoulders, waiting to be judged, Lucien did not see a lack of clarity. He did not merely see a seer. He saw strength. He saw Elain Archeron.

The world yawned awake as the thought rippled something invisible between them.

As if she felt the same pressure, gauging it to be otherworldly, she dropped her hands by her sides and whispered, “Is this a dream?”

“May I?” He cautiously held out his hand, requesting to meet her own. She nodded and placed her soft, lightly calloused and freckled hand—from time spent gardening out in the sun—into his awaiting one. He pressed it against his shirt covered chest, allowing her to feel the thrumming of his heart.

“I am awake. And with you.” Lucien couldn’t give her the sun, at least not right now, but he could give her the answer to the sound she heard. Lucien had noted where her eyes had been drawn earlier, where they lay now as her head barely reached his chest. “You are awake. And you are with me.”

They both stood still. Time stood still. His thumb brushed over a knuckle.

Elain Archeron’s clear, strong gaze looked up and met his at that touch. “But we shouldn’t be awake, should we? It is late, Lord of Sourwood.” She smiled, admonishing them both for the late hour, her eyes twinkling like the rising dawn creating shafts of pink through the room. “It will be golden, soon.”

She stepped back into the hallway and made the trek back to her room before he could tell her the name he had chosen for her.

Lady of the Golden Grove.

The secret, small grove with trees that glowed golden in the light of the Autumn Court—a place a much younger Lucien liked to escape to. The brush of autumn sunlight and chorus of nature singing to him that everything would be right, he just needed to wait.

For some reason, he could hear that singing now. A faint, flickering sound like embers circling overhead.

Lucien sat and listened to it.

The sound grew calmer, blissful when the pale light of dawn turned golden.

—————————————————————————

Thank you for reading!

[kteezy997]

The Candy Man-Part Eight//W.W.

warnings/info: Wonka family fluff, mention of secret sex room at the chocolate factory

A few months later…

It was all coming together. Willy worked day and night, creating the chocolate factory, all while coming home late and still helping with the babies. Your man barely slept, and you knew he was tired, but he was determined to create the most spectacular chocolate factory that the world had ever seen. You were just glad that he had hired an entire staff to help him, so he wasn't doing it all on his own.

Finally, he allowed you to come and work with him as well. He didn't want you to go back to work too soon after giving birth. But you insisted that you were ready.

The first day, you brought the babies along to see their father's work. They had grown so much. They were crawling everywhere, and so interested in the world around them. Their hair had thickened and become curlier, and they had plump, healthy little bodies. Maple was sweet and cuddly, and you were able to tie her hair up into tiny ponytails on the top of her head. Mocha was sweet too, but he could be a little too adventurous, almost to the point of getting into mischief.

You carried Mae and Willy carried Mocha into the chocolate room. This room was going to be special; you could tell by the way Willy had talked so excitedly about it.

"Alright, it's just behind this door." he said, turning the handle. He looked at you, biting his lip.

The door opened, and you didn't know where to put your eyes. The room was vast, with vibrant colors. Lush green grass, giant mushrooms with whipped cream spots, edible flowers of all shapes and sizes, and trees that rained gumballs. And trees adorned with giant gummy bears as well as multi-colored candy canes. The walking path was a rainbow of lights under your feet.

"Everything you see is edible, y/n." he said, setting Mocha down to explore.

However, the most jaw-dropping thing was the centerpiece chocolate river that flowed all through the room.

You were speechless, it took you a moment to really take it all in.

Willy took Mae from you, letting her join her brother in chewing on the candy grass.

"Willy...this is incredible. It's like nothing I've ever seen."

He came over to you, taking you in his arms. He kissed you, smiling softly as he pulled away. "It's all I ever wanted for myself, but I did it even bigger because of you and the babies. You, my family, are my biggest inspiration."

Your heart melted, and your eyes welled up with happy tears. "Oh, Willy, we are so lucky to have you. You work so hard, and we are so proud of you." you looked around the room again, "This is like a dream."

"It's just Pure Imagination, my love." he looked into your eyes, "Come with me." he said with a nod. He picked up both of the babies and started a stroll through the candy room.

You were delighted to follow them, and watch your children ooh and ahh at their father's creations. All the while, Willy sang his little tune, which he used a lot at home with kids, "Pure Imagination." His voice was so angelic. Maple and Mocha were mesmerized every time their father sang. You were certain your children would know the song by heart by the time they started to talk in full sentences. He had been singing it to them since they were still in the womb, after all.

You could see your future. Your curly headed kids growing and running amuck through daddy's factory. Willy would let them have all the sugar that they wanted, within reason, of course.

Now that Mr. Hudson had granted you a divorce, you had a vision of a magical wedding with Willy, sans candy. Sugary treats were your life with Willy, but you were both happy having a traditional wedding without all the busy colors that came with your Wonka treats. Mocha was the ring bearer and Mae the flower girl. It would be absolutely perfect; a day full of pure love.

.............

One evening, Willy came home, all excited. "Honey, your office is ready. Let me show you." he said, grinning widely and taking your hand.

"Whoa, whoa, Willy, who is going to watch the kids?" you giggled.

"Oh, I've got that covered." he said confidently, opening the front door of your home to reveal Noodle and her mother, Dorothy.

"Hey, y/n!" said Noodle, her eyes already searching for the little ones she adored. Once she spotted them in the living room, she ran to them immediately.

You greeted sweet Dorothy, thanking her for babysitting as well, and then you and Willy were off to the factory.

…….

Willy showed you your new office, and it was spacious and cozy. It was the perfect workstation! He even took the time to put up a couple of photos of the twins on your desk, as well as a vase of fresh flowers for you.

But he was more excited to show you something else. He led you to another room just down the way from your office. He put in a secret code that was several digits long. “Alright, my love, I hope you like this.” he smirked.

You walked in, seeing a queen-sized bed in the middle of the room and suddenly you were realizing what this room was meant for. There were big jars of different chocolates and candies all along the walls. Large ropes of red licorice hung on hooks. There were oversized candy canes as well.

“Wow. You continue to surprise me, Mr. Wonka.” you said, in awe of the…playroom.

“The walls are stone, of course, so no one can hear what goes on in this room.” Willy took your hands, “Honey, there are things that I want to experiment with, but just for us two. I hope you’re comfortable going on this…sexual journey with me?”

“Oh, yes, Willy, of course!” You kissed him, “I can’t believe you went to such lengths for me. It's so sexy. I love you, baby.” you then nuzzled your nose against his.

“You know that there’s no limit to what I’d do to please you. It’s my life’s work, darling. Well, after being a good husband and father, and making chocolate of course.”

“Wait, Willy, we’re not married.” you giggled.

Willy’s eyes widened, “Oh yes, that’s right. I forgot.” Then, he got down on one knee, "Y/n, will you marry me?" He presented you with a little jewelry box, opened it, revealing a beautiful diamond ring.

You gasped, without even thinking, you blurted out, "Yes!"

Willy smiled from ear to ear, slid the ring on your fourth finger on your left hand and shot up to his feet to hug you.

You were lifted off of your feet by him, and you cried tears of joy as he spun you around with glee.

"You're gonna be Mrs. Wonka!" Willy cheered.

@gatoenlaciudad @thebetawolfgirl @musicandbooksaremyhappyplace @tchalamss @softhecreator @bitchyunknownuser @lixzey @kpopgirlbtssvt

[julesofnature]

Spring is coming! We must hurry to the bush to gather sap. Grab your hammer, spiles and buckets; skip that after lunchtime nap. Hooty owls are calling! Snow is melting! Patches in the field are bare. Spring is just around the corner, you can feel it in the air. To the bush we head with laughter, trudging through the mud and snow. Spin the brace and bit with vigor, tap the spile and watch it flow! Sap is trickling in the bucket! Oh! Tis music to my ears. Joy is surging through each muscle spring is really very near! As we move across the woodlot, stop and visit every tree. They become as friends we treasure in a grip of mystery. Overhead, the tree tops swaying, whisper “welcome back again.” What a tonic for the spirit, just to hear their sweet refrain. Now it’s time to gather buckets grab your pail and hurry out. See! They’re full and running over! Sap is dripping from each spout! To the sugar camp, triumphant, with a load of sap we go. Light the match and hear the crackle; soon we’ll see the fire glow. Now the pan begins to simmer and the steam begins to rise. Pouring out the ventilators, heading upward to the skies. Sweet aroma fills the shanty; oh tis sweeter every year; Catch a whiff of boiling syrup in this steaming atmosphere. Soon the family all assembles and the children are on hand. Little ones just point in wonder at the steam and fire grand. Watch! The temperature is creeping higher! Soon the syrup will be done! Grab your spoon and join the tasters! Maple season has begun! Grandpa has his kettle steaming, stirring batter merrily; stacks of golden pancakes, this is grandpa’s specialty! Come; at last the syrup’s ready Oh that fresh, delicious taste! Pour some more upon your pancakes, not a drop will go to waste. Soon forgotten all the labor, knee deep in snow and mud so vast. Now the hard work is rewarded, and it’s really spring at last!   -author unknown http://amishamerica.com/amish-maple-syrup/?cid=25966

[hazza-bear-care]

Happy Birthday

It's your birthday, but everyone seems to be too busy to care.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x FemAvenger!Reader (Established relationship), Age gap if you squint, pet names (honey, baby, sweetheart), allusions to smut but still 18+

A/N: My birthday was on the 18 and I didn't really feel like celebrating, so this was inspired by how i felt. Let me know what you think!

~~~~~~~~

As you woke the morning of your birthday, a heavy, hollow feeling settled in your chest. After you turned 21, celebrating your birthdays began to feel trivial, like a chore. You always seemed to get a little depressed as your birthday drew nearer, never quite being able to pin the reason down. For the third year in a row, you had to plaster a sickeningly sweet smile to your face and deal with the near constant chorus of "Happy Birthday's" spilling from your friends as you passed them in the halls of the compound. You didn't doubt that Tony would bug you about throwing a lavish gala in your honor, something you'd decline relentlessly in exchange for a quiet night in with your friends.

However, when you'd made your way to the kitchen to join the others for breakfast, no one looked up from their plates. Brushing aside the feeling burying deeper into your chest, you sat in your spot across from Bucky, the handsome super-soldier hunched over a steaming bowl of oatmeal. The conversation flowing between Natasha and Thor continued, other members of the team chiming in with their own opinions, but no one seemed to notice that you had sat at the table. You silently poured yourself a cup of coffee, Bucky sending you a quick smile as he caught your movement, almost like he was happy to see that you had graced him with your presence. You returned his smile, gently placing the coffee pot back on the table. Just as you were reaching for the cream, a hand came out from behind you, snatching it up before you could grab it. Looking up, you saw Bruce Banner pouring an obscene amount of cream into his already full mug, nearly draining the carton before he put it back on the table.

You grabbed the remainder, barely having enough to cool your coffee before you stirred in your sugar, mentally swearing at Banner for being so inconsiderate. Finally turning your attention to the food laid out on the table, you notice that there's not a lot left for you to eat. That wasn't unusual for the Avenger's compound, the general consensus being "you snooze, you lose" when it comes to meals, yet you couldn't help but feel as if this was deliberate. As if he read your mind, Bucky cleared his throat, sliding his bowl of oatmeal across the table to you. The aroma of brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup caused your mouth to water, mumbling a quick thank you to Bucky as you took a bite.

"Okay, well, nothing really going on today! Feel free to go about your day as you see fit, leave dinner ideas with FRIDAY." Tony said, sending your heart straight to your feet. You heard sighs of relief as the team mumbled about how awesome it was to not have any missions for once, which you were also relieved about, but as everyone shuffled out of the dining room, some waving their goodbyes as they noticed you, a wave of loneliness washed over you. The oatmeal in your mouth tasted like cinnamon glue, but you forced it down before also leaving the table, wandering aimlessly around the compound.

Your feet seemed to move on their own, leading you towards the lab to bug Tony. He was like the fun uncle you never had, so bothering him while he was trying to work was sure to lift your spirits.

The doors slid open and you immediately heard Metallica blasting through the speakers, Tony subtly nodding his head to the beat as he fluttered between multiple screens. You shook your head, walking up to his work bench and sitting down, your fingers itching to play with the hologram in Tony's hands in order to get his attention.

"What's up, Squirt?" Tony called over the music, the song now changed to Guns N Roses. You gnawed on your lip anxiously, popping your fingers as you focused on whatever he was fiddling with.

"Just wanted to see if there was anything planned for today. Anything you might have forgotten to mention to the group or to me." You responded, praying you sounded casual about it. Apparently, you didn't as Tony flicked away his hologram and turned down his music, planting both of his hands on his hips as he stared you down.

"The holidays are over, I didn't forget Valentine's Day, which reminds me I have to buy something for Pepper. Hey, FRIDAY, remind me to buy Ms. Potts a Valentine's gift." Tony rambled, the AI taking the note. "I'm fairly certain there's nothing to celebrate today. Why do you ask?"

You sucked in a breath and blinked away the tears building up, as you shook your head. "No reason. Sometimes you're forgetful. Sorry for bothering you."

"No problem. See you later, kiddo." Tony answered, turning his music back up as you made your way back upstairs to the living room. You stumbled through blurry vision and into an argument going on between Natasha and Sam. They were sitting with Clint, Thor, Peter, Wanda and Vision, everyone gathered to watch a movie, but they couldn't decide which one to start with.

"I think Back to the Future is an AWESOME choice, Nat!" Sam yelled from his horizontal position on one of the couches.

"Half the people in this room won't understand the references, Sam! Let's watch Indiana Jones instead!" Natasha yelled back, sending a pillow straight into Sam's face. You thankfully slipped past them without being pulled in as a tiebreaker, flitting up to your room to change into some workout gear. Maybe punching something would shrivel the dark feeling still threatening to swallow you whole.

You quickly changed into a pair of leggings and a sport's bra, tying your hair up with a black scrunchie and shoving a pair of headphones into your ears, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge as you once again avoided the movie argument that had now escalated to a pillow fight.

Stepping into the cool air of the basement gym, you were alone to do cardio while Steve and Bucky sparred on mats across the way. You blasted your favorite playlist as you settled into a decent pace on the treadmill, a sheen of sweat building across your chest and face. After your run, you did some lunges before cooling down with some water, someone tapping your shoulder during your break.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you! I was just wondering if you'd like to spar for a bit?" Steve had been down in the basement for at least an hour, yet it looked as if he'd just begun, a light layer of sweat dusting his cheekbones.

"Oh, sure." You responded, removing your headphones and walking over to where Bucky was still panting. You chuckled slightly at Bucky as you placed your belongings on a bench nearby before stepping in to face Steve on the mat.

"Bring it on, honey." Steve taunted, a small smirk on his face. You steeled yourself before throwing a punch which Steve caught, giving you enough time to sweep his legs out from under him, a thud echoing around the room as the super soldier fell to the floor. While he was down, he threw out his legs to trip you sending you sprawling on your back, the wind being sucked out of your lungs instantly. Steve kept his legs tangled with yours as he rolled you over and pinned your arms to your back all while you struggled to catch your breath.

"Okay, I give!" You cried from under Steve, the pressure on your shoulders beginning to get uncomfortable. Steve let go of you in a flash, standing up before offering you a hand and steadying you on your feet. You felt you didn't do as well as you should have, and as you caught your breath you pondered ways to try taking Steve down with the next time you sparred. The look on your face said enough because Bucky was suddenly snapping in your face to get your attention.

"Are you alright? You've been weird since breakfast." Bucky asked, commenting on when he'd seen you last. Anger poured through your veins like thick, hot lava as you glared at Bucky.

"I'M FINE!" You scream at the top of your lungs, running out of the gym and taking the elevator to your floor of the compound. You sprinted to your room, demanding that FRIDAY lock your door as you buried your face into your pillow, screaming once again as anger, frustration, and heartbreak burned you from inside out. You withdrew your face from your pillow and instead chose to punch it, picking it up and pounding it against your headboard, trying anything that would help transfer the emotions you were feeling away from your body.

After one more particularly intense scream, you wiped your eyes and decided to take a shower in hopes to try and refresh your day. You turned the water up as high as it could go and scrubbed every inch of your skin until you were bright red, leaving the scalding sanctuary in two plush towels. You then proceeded with your skin care routine, combing through your wet hair before putting it up in a bun, donning your most comfortable pair of sweatpants and a tank top. You shoved your feet into some fuzzy yet sturdy slippers and grabbed a book and a hoodie before making your way back to the elevator.

Instead of going downstairs for dinner, something someone else picked out on your birthday, you went upstairs to the roof. Over the years the roof had become a quiet place to read and get away from the business of your life. Saving the world doesn't have a schedule, yet somehow there's always time for you to sneak up to the roof. There was a little sitting area next to a rooftop garden filled with roses, and the sunset so beautifully over the city that it held your attention more than the book you brought.

As the sky grew darker and it got harder to read, you chose to watch the sun sink lower in the distance, the constellations coming out to dance above your head. The wind picked up a bit, but as you went to move you heard someone walk up behind you.

"It's me, don't be afraid." Bucky announced gruffly as he came to sit beside you,

"What do you want?" You asked quietly, turning your attention back to the glittering skyline of the city.

"You missed dinner. I figured you'd be up here though." He answered, He'd guessed correctly and found you in the one moment you had to be alone. "What's wrong?"

"What?"

"What's wrong? You've been weird today, not like yourself, so something's wrong. Tell me." Bucky explained, demanding an answer. He towered over you, instantly making you feel small as his stare pinned you to your seat. His baby blue eyes were full of desperation and care, causing you to tear up again.

"It's my birthday." You whimpered, burying your face in your hands as you tried to hold back your tears. Bucky's heart dropped as he watched you crumble into a bawling mess behind your hands. He wrapped his arm around you and pulled you in for a hug which you immediately returned, burying your face into his neck as you continued to cry.

"Oh honey. Sweetheart, I am so sorry! Why didn't you say something sooner?" Bucky apologized, his voice soft and comforting as you cried.

"I trusted my team to know. I know all of your birthdays." The explanation was a good start, but Bucky knew something else was bothering you.

"But everyone forgot, didn't they?" Bucky asked softly, rubbing your back as you wailed harder. Hearing it out loud was worse than you could have ever imagined, and you never wanted to hear it again. You simply nodded, clutching Bucky's shirt even tighter in your fists as he held you impossibly closer to him, helping you calm down with every breath he took. Once your crying had slowed, Bucky prompted you to look at him, letting him wipe away the stray tears that had fallen.

"I'm so sorry we forgot your birthday. I'm sorry I forgot. You mean so much to me, the least I can do is remember your damn birthday." You giggled a bit in Bucky's grasp.

"I even asked Tony if he was positive there was nothing going on today. He said he was certain there was nothing to celebrate." You commented bitterly, crossing your arms as you pulled yourself from Bucky's lap.

"I'm gonna beat the shit out of him, I promise. But for now, your birthday isn't over yet. What would you like to do?" Bucky asked, distracting you from the anger the was building inside you again. He grabbed your hand and swiped his thumb over your knuckles as you pondered his question.

"I don't know, Buck. I kind of stopped caring about my birthday when I was a teenager. It wasn't until I joined the team that I even got something I could call a birthday party. Hell, Natasha took me to Las Vegas when I turned 21, but now three years later they just stopped trying." Your voice cracked and your chin wobbled, but you were done crying. Bucky rubbed your knuckles again as you chewed on your bottom lip.

"Do you want to go back to Vegas? I'm sure Tony could arrange something in a heartbeat." Bucky offered, tucking a piece of hair behind your ear.

"No. I... I don't feel like doing anything, actually." You answered through gritted teeth.

"Oh, a lazy day can be great! You can watch movies or tv shows, listen to music. Does any of that sound good?" Bucky's eyes were full of hope as he offered up suggestions on how to spend the rest of your birthday, but he wasn't understanding what you meant.

"No, like I don't feel like doing anything. I just want the day to be over with and continue on with my life." You explained, bringing your fingers up to your mouth to chew at a rouge cuticle. Bucky seemed to understand as he froze in his seat, and he swore he could feel his heart break.

"Sweetheart, whether you believe it or not, today is special. Today is not just another day to mark off on the calendar. You graced the Earth on this day, and the world was forever changed because of it. If you weren't born today, I never would have fallen in love with you." Your heart melted and your eyes watered once again as Bucky pulled your hand away from your mouth. "I am so, so very sorry I forgot your birthday, honey. I promise I will make it up to you, alright?"

"Okay. I believe you, Bucky. Thank you." You said running your thumb over his as you sat in silence for a brief moment.

"Are you sure there's nothing you want to do?" Bucky asked, running his fingers through your hair.

"Yeah. Tell everyone they forgot my birthday and lock myself in my room for the rest of the night to watch them scramble." You replied, causing Bucky to throw his head back and laugh loudly.

"Anything else?" Bucky asked, wiping away a tear of his own.

"A movie and junk food night. Pizza, tacos, burgers and a list of movies you haven't seen yet." Bucky's smile grew wider as he agreed to the plan, escorting you back inside the compound and to your room.

As he went to retrieve his phone and wallet from his room, Bucky ran into Natasha. The red head looked bored with her day, but refreshed from the workout she was doing prior.

"Hey, where are you going?" Natasha called as Bucky passed.

"My girl and I are having a movie night and we're ordering food. No one is allowed to talk to her right now, she's a little upset." Bucky explained, tapping on his phone as he walked back to your room to get your food orders correct.

"Why is she upset?" Natasha asked, following him to your door.

"You forgot her birthday. It was today." Bucky said casually, turning away from Natasha who was busy trying to pick up her jaw from the floor as he entered your room once more. He confirmed the food and ordered whatever you wanted, throwing in as many birthday treats as he could find with every order. As he gathered whatever was in the kitchen for appetizers, Bucky couldn't help but laugh at the flurry of the Avengers as they scrambled to throw together a decent celebration.

"Barnes, why didn't you tell anyone it was her birthday?!" Sam yelled, his hands suddenly full of balloons, cornering Bucky against the kitchen counter.

"You guys were supposed to know." Bucky shrugged, burying his own guilt as he grabbed two cartons of ice cream and spoons before he shoved past Sam. The food he had ordered arrived, so he gathered that as well before he made his way back upstairs.

"Your birthday feast has arrived, my sweet!" He announced, piling the food onto your bed before turning and locking your door.

"You're forgetting something." You answered. Bucky frowned and scanned the bags laid out in front of him. He had your favorite barbacoa tacos and bacon cheeseburger balanced perfectly on top of the New York style pepperoni pizza he'd gotten to share. Along with the entree's, cheesecake and cookies and cinnamon bread doused the room in a sugary smell, your mouth watering in anticipation.

"I did? But I got the tacos, the pizza, and the burgers. I made sure there were extra French fries, and got you extra of everything. Are you sure I forgot something?" Bucky asked, disappointment lacing his voice as he continued to stare at the mountain of food on your bed.

"The movie list." You reminded him, smiling brightly when his face changed from confusion to relief, then to realization.

"Oh! I have it on my phone. Sam taught me how to do that. Apparently there's an app for that." Bucky answered, crawling into bed beside you and handing you his phone. You swiped it open, slightly shocked that he didn't have a password, and found his movie app. You scrolled for a bit, the list of titles expansive and riddled with multiple genres.

"Where do you want to start? A franchise, a romantic comedy, a classic?" You offered, ignoring the perpetual buzzing of your phone as it laid between you and your boyfriend. Bucky picked it up and turned it off, tossing in onto your bedside table as he pondered your question.

"It's your birthday, honey. What do you want to watch?" Bucky answered, unpacking the buffet of junk food and laying it out on the bed.

"Have you already seen Harry Potter?" You asked, fiddling with the ends of your hair.

"Not all of it. I think I've seen the first three?"

"If you don't remember, then we're watching Harry Potter. Fair warning though, I have most of them memorized. They're some of my favorite movies." You grabbed your remote and found where all eight of the wizarding movies were streaming, settling in for a long night of eating and binge-watching Harry Potter.

When you were stuffed with food and halfway through the fourth movie, someone knocked on your door.

"FRIDAY, who's at my door?" You ask, not tearing your eyes away from the tv.

"It's Mister Stark. Should I let him in?"

"No. Tell him and the others that I will not be talking to them." You answer quickly, smiling slightly as you heard Tony swear before he stomped away.

"I'm sorry again, honey." Bucky said, guilt filling his voice as he rubbed your arm, finally breaking your attention away from the movie still playing in the background. His brows were furrowed together as he stared down at you, confusion on his face as your calm gaze steadied on his.

"I forgive you. Thank you for this. It's exactly what I wanted." You commented, rubbing your thumb over his knuckles as a soft smile spread over your face.

"You're welcome. Happy Birthday, sweetheart." Bucky cooed, leaning in to capture your lips with his, pouring every ounce of love into you with each languid movement. You lost yourself in his touch, melting at how beautifully your lips fit with Bucky's, like two pieces of the same puzzle finally locking into place. The two of you pulled away breathless and panting, staring deeply into each other's eyes for a few moments more before Bucky cleared his throat and turned his attention back to the tv.

"Are you okay?" You asked, suddenly shy and a little angry. Why would he pull away like that? In the year that you had been dating he'd never pulled away from an intimate moment, so what changed?

"Yeah, I'm good. You're just... a really good kisser. I needed a second to compose myself." Bucky answered, his attention fully on the movie that was almost over yet sending quick glances your way every so often.

"Thank you. You're a good kisser too, Bucky. My birthday wish is to kiss you for the rest of the night." You admitted, turning his head to meet his eyeline. Bucky's eyes darkened and in a flash the food was quickly discarded, his lips meeting yours again. This kiss was heated as he pushed you to lay down against the pillows. You sighed under his touch and settled in for a long night as his tongue swiped through your mouth.

Yes, this is what you wanted, but you still couldn't wait to see what everyone else would pull off to make up for forgetting your birthday. They didn't matter though. All that mattered is that Bucky kept touching you, kissing you, and celebrating the day you chose to grace the planet; the best day of his life. He loved celebrating this day with you, and he couldn't wait for more in the future.

[mcu-binge]

Love in Brooklyn pt 12

The days stretched into weeks, and with no word from Steve, a dull ache had started to settle in my chest. I'd tried to keep myself busy with the bakery, and I'd even taken on a few new custom orders, but there was always this nagging feeling of absence.

In the mornings, as I walked up to the bakery a big part of me was hopeful that I'd see Steve there leaning on my door waiting for me with coffee and day after day week after week I'd feel the same disappointment of not seeing him there. I'd push open the bakery doors, inhaling the familiar smell of flour and sugar mixing with the scent of fresh coffee. It was the one thing that grounded me, my small world of ovens, recipes, and loyal customers who knew nothing about the man who'd crept his way into my life. But even here, I couldn't shake the way his absence hovered like a shadow, following me from the kitchen to the register.

"Dani," called Rosa, one of the bakers who'd been with me from the start. "You okay? You've been staring at that croissant dough for five minutes."

I blinked, looking down at the dough I'd been absently kneading. "Oh, yeah. Just thinking," I said, managing a smile. Rosa gave me a sympathetic look, and I could see the question she wanted to ask.

She'd heard me talk about Steve in passing, but it was always vague—the kind of talk that didn't reveal too much. Still, she knew enough to see that something was on my mind.

"Let me handle the croissants," she said gently. "Why don't you take a minute? You've been on your feet all morning."

I considered protesting, but exhaustion won out. "Alright, you're a lifesaver," I said, stepping aside.

With my hands free, I headed to the back office. I sat down at my desk, glancing at my phone for the tenth time that day. No messages. No calls. I tossed it aside, letting out a frustrated sigh.

Part of me felt foolish for waiting, especially when he'd given me no timeline. And yet, another part of me couldn't let it go. I didn't want to become someone who lived their life around a person who might never come back. But, like clockwork, I found myself glancing at the door every morning, half expecting him to walk in with that quiet smile of his.

Get it together, Dani, I thought, running my fingers through my hair. I grabbed a piece of paper and began scribbling down a new recipe, something with a fall theme. Maple pecan muffins, maybe with a bit of bourbon glaze? Anything to keep my mind from wandering back to the silence that seemed to stretch on forever.

A couple of hours later, the bakery was full of customers, and I threw myself into the flow of things. I exchanged quick smiles, handed out pastries, and listened to customers gush over their morning coffee as they strolled out the door. It was like muscle memory, the ease of handling orders and keeping things running smoothly. But deep down, the silence still lingered.

Just when I thought I'd gotten a handle on it, Sofia walked in, a wide smile spreading across her face as she held up a magazine. "It's out! Look at this!" she practically squealed, holding it out for me.

I looked down, seeing my own pastries on the cover of Local Eats Monthly, glistening under perfect lighting. My heart skipped a beat as I skimmed the feature, filled with descriptions of the bakery and praise for our recent seasonal creations.

"Oh my God, Sofia," I said, laughing with genuine surprise. "I can't believe this is real."

"You should be so proud! First the Gourmet Gazette now this? Do you realize how much business this is going to bring you?" Sofia beamed, giving me a squeeze.

"Look around," I said motioning to the sea of customers. "Thanks for doing our PR." Honestly after that Stark event I had to get Sofias help.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. This magazine feature was huge for the bakery, something I'd been working toward since I started. But still, a small part of me wanted to share this moment with someone who wasn't here.

"Thanks, Sof," I said, giving her a quick hug. "I couldn't have done this without you."

"Well, that's what friends are for," she replied, her voice softening as she looked at me knowingly. "And don't think I haven't noticed that you're not yourself lately."

I sighed, glancing around the bakery. "It's just... everything with Steve. He said he'd be back, but it's been weeks now."

Sofia reached out, giving my hand a squeeze. "Hey, maybe he's got a good reason. It's not like he can just send a postcard from... wherever it is he's fighting supervillains."

I chuckled, appreciating her attempt to lighten my mood. "Yeah, maybe."

But as I watched her leave, the uncertainty crept back in. There was no way of knowing if he'd come back—or if he even wanted to.

---

The rest of the day felt long and stretched out, "Dani, you've been at this all day," Rosa's voice cut through my concentration. She nudged my shoulder, pulling me out of my baking zone. "It's time for a break, mija. You've done enough."

I dusted my flour-covered hands off on my apron. "I'm fine, really," I replied, glancing at the clock and realizing how much time had slipped by.

"Go home," Rosa insisted, giving me a warm but firm look. "You need rest, and the bakery can run without you for a night."

After some gentle protests, I finally gave in. "Alright, fine," I said, rolling my eyes but grateful for the push. I took off my apron, said goodbye, and headed home. I had a shower and dressed in my fluffy shorts and a loose fitting crop top. I was just about to sit down with a book when there was a knock at my door. It must be a mistake nobody even buzzed me. I opened door and my jaw dropped. I found Bucky Barnes, casually leaning against the frame.

"James?" I said, startled.

He grinned. "Caught you off guard, didn't I?"

"Uh, yeah," I replied, blinking in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Just checking in. Thought I'd make sure you were surviving the wait," he said, stepping inside as I motioned for him to come in. He got a haircut, I could tease him about this later.

He looked around, his gaze taking in the cozy surroundings. "Nice place," he commented, looking genuinely impressed. "Way homier than the tower."

I chuckled, gesturing to the couch. "Want some coffee? I just made a fresh pot."

"Sure," he said, easing onto the couch as if he'd been here a hundred times before.

I handed him a mug and settled in across from him. "So... any news?" I asked carefully, hoping he'd have some kind of update.

Bucky shook his head. "Not much. Missions like this can be tricky."

He took the cup from me, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "Dani, you make one hell of a cup. I figured Steve was exaggerating, but turns out he wasn't."

I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. "Oh, so he talks about my coffee?"

"More than you'd believe," he said, and his gaze slid over me, pausing a little too long on my exposed mid section before he gave me a lazy grin. "Actually, I was surprised he'd left a catch like you sitting here all alone."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the slight blush creeping up. "Oh, please, you and I both know Steve has way too much patience for his own good."

"Patience? I think he's just a little slow." Bucky leaned in, his smirk widening. "You know, Steve might be a saint, but I'm not. And if he keeps dragging his feet, maybe I'll step in."

I felt a laugh bubble up, enjoying the banter. "Awfully bold of you, Barnes. Just don't expect me to fall for the 'strong, silent type' routine. I like a challenge."

"Challenge?" he scoffed, looking delighted. "Dani, sweetheart, I invented the challenge."

"Oh yeah?" I shot back. "So what's your go-to line, then?"

Bucky didn't miss a beat. "Well, usually I don't need one. The arm does most of the talking." He shrugged out of his jacket just then, letting the metal gleam in my lights.

I pretended to study it with exaggerated interest, then shrugged. "Hmm. Not bad, I guess. It does add a certain...shine."

Bucky laughed, looking genuinely amused. "I'll give you this—you're not an easy one to crack. And trust me, I've met my fair share."

"Are you flirting with me, James?" I asked, tilting my head and doing my best to look innocent.

He grinned. "Only if it's working."

I couldn't help but laugh. "I'll admit, you've got the charm thing down. But if you're here to try and win me over, you've got a hell of a competition."

"Oh, I know. And I'm not exactly subtle." He leaned in, lowering his voice, "One things for sure : Steve's right. You're a spitfire."

He paused, his gaze serious for a moment. "Honestly, Dani. I can see what Steve sees in you."

There was a softness in his tone, a kind of respect that made me feel a little more grounded. "Thanks, Bucky," I said, genuinely touched. "But for the record, I'm not looking for a replacement."

Bucky raised his hands in surrender. "Hey, fair's fair. But if you change your mind..." He gave me a mischievous wink.

I laughed, shaking my head. "Oh, I'll keep it in mind. But I don't fall for just anyone, it's gonna take more than a shiny arm and a smooth talker."

He chuckled, tipping his mug to me. "Noted. Just remember—if that punk keeps you waiting too long, you've got options."

His gaze was direct, challenging, and for a moment, the air between us shifted. Bucky was good-looking, and he knew how to lay on the charm, but I wasn't about to let him see me flustered.

"So, is this how you spend your time?" I teased. "Hitting on your friend's girl?"

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Just trying to make sure Steve isn't taking you for granted."

"Good to know he's got his wingman doing quality control," I replied, sipping my own coffee and giving him a pointed look.

Despite all the flirting, there was a genuine warmth to him, like he was really looking out for me.

I watched as Bucky sprawled across my couch, looking way too comfortable for someone who'd just invited himself over. His arm was stretched along the back of the sofa, and he was watching me with that signature smirk of his.

"You know," I said, crossing my arms and giving him my best unimpressed look, "Since you decided to invite yourself it's not going to be just to lounge around."

Bucky grinned, completely unfazed. "Oh, so now you're putting me to work?"

"Absolutely." I motioned toward the kitchen, trying not to smile. "Go wash your hands, Barnes. You're helping me make dinner."

"Yes, ma'am," he said, standing up and giving me a mock salute as he sauntered over to the sink. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped.

I started pulling ingredients from the fridge, and soon enough, I heard the water turn off and Bucky's footsteps as he joined me in the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves with a grin.

"Alright, Chef," he said, leaning in just a little too close, his voice dropping to a whisper, "what's the plan?"

I handed him a cutting board and some vegetables. "Think you can handle chopping these?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Chopping? You're putting my talents to waste here."

I nudged him playfully. "Let's start small, big shot. Show me those skills you keep bragging about."

To my surprise, he started chopping, and he was actually pretty good. We worked side by side, our elbows bumping now and then as we moved around each other. Each time, he'd throw me this look that made my heart beat just a little faster, but I did my best to ignore it.

"So, what does a guy like you usually eat?" I asked, stirring a pot on the stove.

"Me?" He smirked, glancing over. "Oh, you know. A perfectly balanced meal of takeout and... whatever's in the Avengers Tower fridge."

I snorted, shaking my head. "Why am I not surprised?"

"But hey," he continued with a grin, "I'm open to learning from the best. Got any tips, Chef?"

I gave him a mock-serious look. "Rule number one: taste everything as you go. Here." I held out a spoon with a bit of sauce, bringing it close to his lips.

Bucky leaned in, tasting it with an exaggerated "mmm" and a wink. "Alright, I'll admit—you know what you're doing. Got any other rules?"

"Yeah, rule number two: try not to burn anything."

"Please, I don't burn," he said confidently, tossing me a flirty look. "Just adding a little... heat."

"Oh, is that right?" I laughed, shaking my head at his ridiculousness.

We continued cooking, the banter flowing easily between us. At one point, he leaned in a little too close, his arm brushing against mine as he reached for the salt, and the touch sent a small thrill through me that I tried my best to ignore.

"Admit it," he said quietly, his voice just a bit lower, that glint of mischief in his eyes. "You're enjoying my company."

I looked up at him, our faces just inches apart. "Maybe I am," I replied, just as quietly. "But don't let it go to your head."

His eyes sparkled with amusement, but he took a half-step back, grabbing the pepper instead, leaving the moment lingering between us. We fell back into the rhythm of cooking, laughter filling the kitchen along with the warm, savory smells from the stove. It felt... nice, easy, like we'd done this a hundred times before.

After we finished cooking, Bucky and I set the plates on my small dining table. The kitchen smelled amazing, filled with the warmth of spices and roasted veggies. It felt cozy, almost like we'd done this a dozen times before. He settled into the seat across from me, taking in the spread with a nod of approval.

"This actually looks... pretty impressive," he admitted, a bit of a surprised smile playing at his lips.

I smirked, pouring us each a glass of water. "Was there any doubt?"

He chuckled, taking his first bite and savoring it for a moment. "Alright, I'll admit—you know what you're doing."

We began to eat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before I broke it, asking, "So, James Barnes... what's something most people don't know about you?"

He glanced up, clearly surprised by the question, but after a second, he gave a half-smile. "Oh, so we're getting serious now?"

I shrugged, swirling my fork through my pasta. "Just curious. You don't give off the open-book vibe."

He laughed softly. "Fair. I guess... most people don't know I actually loved to draw when I was younger. Art class was one of my favorite parts of school."

That caught me off guard. "Wait, really? I wouldn't have pegged you as an artist."

"Yeah," he said, a little nostalgic. "I was pretty good, too. Used to draw sketches of people in cafes, parks... New York was a good place for that kind of thing back in the day."

I could see the wistfulness in his eyes, the way his mind drifted back to a different time. "You still draw?"

He looked down, shaking his head. "Not as much. Sometimes it feels like... that was a different guy. You know?"

I nodded, understanding more than I expected. "Yeah, I get it. Sometimes parts of us feel like they belong to a different version of ourselves, someone we left behind."

He looked at me with a curiosity that seemed almost unexpected. "What about you? Anything you used to do that's kind of... faded?"

I hesitated, twirling my fork. "I used to sing for fun at least. Nothing professional, just... around the house. My mom loved it." I chuckled, a little embarrassed. "It was our thing, I guess. But life happened, and it felt silly to keep up in the midst of all the growing up I had to do in a short amount of time."

Bucky's eyes softened, and he leaned forward slightly. "I don't think that's silly at all. There's something about holding onto those pieces of ourselves that keeps us... grounded. Maybe even reminds us of who we are."

I glanced down at my plate, feeling strangely seen. "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's easy to let things slip away without even noticing."

He gave a thoughtful nod, as though considering his own answer. "Exactly. Sometimes it feels like those little things are all we have to remind us of... I don't know, the parts of us that are still ours."

I smiled at him, feeling a warm connection I hadn't expected. "You're pretty insightful, you know that?"

He shrugged, the faintest blush rising to his cheeks. "Guess it comes with being around for so long. You pick up a thing or two."

We shared a smile, and for a moment, there was a quietness between us that felt more like understanding than silence.

"So," he said, breaking the tension with a playful grin, "next time we cook, you're singing, and I'm drawing."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Deal. But only if you promise not to laugh."

"Oh, I'd never laugh," he replied, voice full of mock innocence. "But I can't promise I won't draw you while you're singing."

I rolled my eyes, laughing despite myself. "Fine, but don't make me look like a cartoon character."

His smile softened, and he looked at me with a warmth that reached his eyes. "I couldn't make you look like a cartoon even if I tried."

I felt my face heat up, surprised at how much his words affected me. We continued eating, the conversation weaving between deep memories and light-hearted banter, every exchange feeling like one step closer to understanding each other.

"So I gotta ask," I started getting his attention

"Hmmm?" He softly asks

"What's up with the haircut?" I teased, a sly smile slipping onto my face. "Going for the mysterious, 'I woke up looking this good' vibe?"

He raised an eyebrow, instantly smirking back. "You saying it doesn't work?"

"Oh, it works," I admitted, letting my eyes linger longer. "I mean, it's giving a little 'bad boy with a soft side,' you know?" I leaned in closer, lowering my voice. "I'm sure that's the plan, though, right? Just part of the Bucky charm."

He chuckled, leaning in to match my level. "And here I thought I was flying under the radar," he murmured. "Guess I'll have to work harder on my subtlety."

I bit back a grin, shrugging. "Nah, wouldn't want you to hide all that from the world. It's good to be memorable."

"Memorable, huh?" His smile turned a little softer, his gaze holding mine. "Well, if it's working on you, I must be doing something right."

My smile grew as I tilted my head, holding back a laugh. "Oh, you're doing a lot right. Don't let it get to your head, though," I teased.

"Noted," he replied, still grinning. "Guess I'll just have to keep my cool."

"Oh, keep your cool?" I asked, arching an eyebrow. "James, if this is you being cool, I'm curious to see what it's like when you're actually trying."

He leaned back, giving me a look that was equal parts challenge and amusement. "Careful," he said, his voice dropping just a bit, "keep talking like that, and I might start trying."

I let out a laugh, shaking my head as I looked away. "Guess I'll have to brace myself."

He chuckled, his teasing glint softening a bit. "Alright, alright," he said, lifting his hands in surrender. "I'll take it easy on you. Don't want to scare you off, especially when I'm winning you over one compliment at a time."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "In your dreams, Barnes."

He smiled back, genuine this time. "Fair enough. Steve's a good man."

The mention of Steve brought a warm feeling with it, grounding me. "Yeah," I nodded, a small smile lingering. "He really is."

Bucky held my gaze, a flicker of something respectful and knowing in his eyes. "Then he's a lucky man, Dani. That's all I'll say."

With that, we let the banter rest, our unspoken understanding filling the space. It was a reminder of the lines we wouldn't cross and of the loyalty that connected us all. We could joke and tease, but there was a respect there, a boundary we both honored—one we both knew was worth holding onto.

As the night wrapped up, Bucky stood by the door, glancing back at me with a relaxed smile. "Thanks for the dinner, Dani. I needed a night like this."

I crossed my arms, smirking. "Anytime you want invite yourself in."

He laughed, shaking his head. "Noted." Then he took a step closer, his arms opening in an unspoken invitation. "Come here."

I hesitated for a second before moving forward, letting him pull me into a hug. His embrace was warm and solid, surprisingly comforting.

"Take care of yourself, alright?" he murmured, his voice low against my hair. "And don't let that bakery run you ragged."

I smiled, pulling back just enough to look at him. "Same goes for you. And...watch Steve's back for me."

His eyes softened. "Always."

With one last look, Bucky gave me a small, reassuring smile before stepping out the door. As I closed it behind him, I felt a renewed warmth and reassurance that lingered, reminding me of the connections that made waiting for Steve just a little easier.

[najia-cooks]

[ID: A sandwich on an English muffin with cheese, a sausage patty, bacon, egg, Hollandaise sauce, and chopped chives. End ID]

Vegan 'sausage' and 'egg' breakfast sandwiches

Soy sauce, maple syrup, liquid smoke, and fresh herbs and spices give savor, depth, and sweetness to these TVP-based sausage patties. A combination of rice flour, all-purpose flour, and coconut milk, inspired by Vietnamese bánh xèo, makes the batter for the egg patties; they are subtly flavored with kala namak, fenugreek, and white pepper to form a perfect complement for the sausage.

A slow cook in an egg ring followed by a quick fry makes the 'eggs' fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside—a superior solution to tofu, which never quite has the right texture.

This is a delicious, filling option for a weekend breakfast or breakfast-for-dinner; or, make the TVP patties and 'egg' batter the night before and fry them in the morning for a quick breakfast option.

Recipe under the cut!

Patreon | Tip jar

Makes 6-8 small sandwiches.

Ingredients:

English muffins, buns, bagels, or rolls

Hollandaise sauce (optional)

Tomato, tempeh, avocado, spinach, and/or hot sauce as desired

For the sausage patties:

1 cup TVP

1 cup water

1 tsp vegetarian beef stock concentrate or beef pho seasoning

1 1/2 Tbsp ground dried shiitake mushrooms

2 Tbsp total fresh minced sage, rosemary, and thyme, or 2 tsp dried

1 1/2 tsp onion powder

1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp sumac (optional)

1/2 tsp fennel seeds, toasted and ground

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp black peppercorns, toasted and ground

5 cloves, toasted and ground

Large pinch MSG (optional)

1/4 cup vegan mayo (substitute any neutral oil)

1 Tbsp aged soy sauce (substitute any soy sauce)

1 Tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce

1 Tbsp Caribbean burnt sugar (or substitute molasses)

1-2 Tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar

1/2 tsp liquid smoke

2 Tbsp ground flaxseed

1/4 cup (30g) chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)

2 Tbsp potato starch (if needed)

1 Tbsp cooking oil, to fry

You could also make these patties with Impossible or Beyond ground beef. Use 2 cups (350g) ground beef; omit the water and stock concentrate; halve the soy sauce, oyster sauce, burnt sugar, and liquid smoke.

For the egg patties:

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp (60g) white rice flour

3 Tbsp (22.5g) all-purpose flour (substitute more rice flour for a gluten-free version)

1 tsp ground turmeric

About 1 1/4 cup (295mL) coconut milk (canned or boxed; the kind for cooking, not drinking)

1/4 tsp kala namak (black salt), or substitute table salt

1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds, toasted and ground (optional)

1/4 tsp white peppercorns, toasted and ground (optional)

Cooking oil, to fry

Instructions:

For the egg patties:

1. Whisk all ingredients except coconut milk together in a medium mixing bowl.

2. Add coconut milk while stirring until a batter forms, about the consistency of pancake batter. It should be thin enough to flow, but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

3. Cover and allow to rest at room temperature while you prepare the TVP patties.

For the TVP patties:

1. If using whole spices: toast each spice for a few minutes in a dry skillet on medium heat until very fragrant. Remove skillet from heat and toast ground spices, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Grind all spices in a mortar and pestle or in a spice mill.

2. Whisk 1 tsp of vegetarian beef stock concentrate with 1 cup of just-boiled water in a large bowl until just combined. Add spices, soy sauce, oyster sauce, maple syrup, burnt sugar, maple syrup, liquid smoke, and TVP and mix well. Allow TVP to rehydrate for about 10 minutes.

3. Stir in herbs, flaxseed, and flour and mix until well-combined. Add breadcrumbs 1/4 cup at a time until patties hold together.

4. Form TVP mixture into patties about 4" in diameter (or as desired) and place on a plate. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes to allow to set.

To cook:

1. Heat a cast-iron or nonstick pan on medium-high with a couple teaspoons of oil. Place egg rings (or mason jar rings) in the pan, and pour enough batter in each one to make a patty about 1/2" (1cm) thick. Allow to brown for a minute or two.

2. Turn the heat down to low and continue cooking until the top of the egg patties have mostly solidified and are a shade darker.

3. Carefully flip each patty and remove the egg ring. Pour another couple teaspoons of oil in the pan and return the heat to medium-high. Fry, flipping if necessary, until each side of the patty is golden-brown and crispy.

4. Meanwhile, heat a Tbsp of oil in another large skillet on medium-low. Place patties in the skillet and flatten gently with the back of a spatula. Allow to cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until browned, crispy, and cooked through.

5. Assemble breakfast sandwiches with TVP patties, egg patties, and vegetables and sauces of your choice. Serve warm.

[rippleclan]

RippleClan: Moon 26

The dog came back and Downstar once again bravely fought it off, breaking her back leg.

[Image ID: Downstar faces a large red dog. Under Downstar, it reads + CONDITION: BROKEN LEG.]

Fennelspot saw it in a dream, apparently; a massive dog with pointed ears and cat blood on its fangs, racing between the shadows, searching for prey. There were two clear facts in his mind; the beast was a darkhound, and it was the same one that attacked Downstar just two moons prior. Fennelspot must have taught Oilstripe about the Spirits of Shadow, as she launched into a speech on their weaknesses as soon as Downstar made the announcement at the Clan meeting. Downstar bit her tongue and let her speak. The Clan needed to know, so she could handle listening to Oilstripe’s strange knowledge for a while.

Downstar had a plan as soon as Oilstripe finished speaking. There was no killing this hunter of the Dark Forest, but it could be chased away with a few brave souls at Downstar’s side. Burdockcreek, Rustshade, and Scrubmask each rose to the challenge. Oilstripe claimed the spirits of the Dark Forest, those who spent their haunted afterlives in whatever sense of peace they could find, would lead darkhounds to churning, powerful rivers so they would be swept away. It was as good a plan as any. 

Fennelspot invoked two spirits of StarClan to protect the patrol. First, he called for Ternpath, Celestial of Dogs and Hounds, to shield the group from the darkhound’s fangs. Then he asked Beaversneeze, the unfortunate Celestial of the Great Northern River, to take the darkhound far away and leave the Clan cats where they are. As he recited his prayers, he kept glancing at Oilstripe like she could help him. Downstar tried to block the ginger molly from her mind and focus entirely on the task ahead.

Rustshade’s job was to find the darkhound. A few patrols had scented the beast in the north, not too far from where it attacked Downstar during the anniversary celebration. As a codekeeper, Rustshade knew how to track something down. Downstar trusted. Once Rustshade found the darkhound, the other three cats would spread out, heading toward the thickest waters of the Great Northern River. 

Downstar would be the one to make sure the river took the beast. She had the lives to spend, after all. She waited in the spray of the cool river under the glare of the hot midday sun. Her tail caught on the water’s edge and drifted toward the ocean. Oddly enough, she thought of little as she waited. The world simply existed around her. Her mind mixed with the churning of the water. If the darkhound took her life again, so be it. That was her duty. It was hard to feel scared when she knew what death felt like.

She heard the darkhound before she saw it. Its vicious bark spooked birds from the trees. Downstar tensed and stood, water dripping off her tail. The smell hit her just as Scrubmask burst through the trees. The pale warrior scrambled up a thick sugar maple and crouched in the leaves, just as planned. A moment later, the darkhound sprinted into the sunlight. 

It looked exactly as Downstar remembered from the sporadic flashes of her second death. It looked more like a wolf than a dog. Its stocky frame could crush Downstar underfoot. Its wild brown eyes bounced about, searching for its missing prey. Its heavy black fur was only broken by sporadic gray markings like light trying to break through thick shadow. The darkhound ran toward the sugar maple and jumped on the trunk. It barked and howled at Scrubmask, scratching up the bark.

“Over here!” Downstar yowled. The darkhound’s head snapped toward her. Its piercing bark stung Downstar’s ears. The darkhound jumped off the trunk and sprinted at Downstar like a bat through the sky. Downstar turned and jumped onto a half-submerged rock in the river. Water flowed over her paws and tried to drag her under. Deep water stretched out before her. Downstar breathed deep and dove into the deadliest portion of the Great Northern River.

Her ears hummed along to the heavy flow of the water. Her fur reached eastward with the flow of the river. Downstar’s legs burned as she swam hard and deep. Her paws touched the smooth mud and stones of the river’s bottom. She could barely see through the stinging water. The dog splashed into the river, its bark drowned by the sudden rush of water. The impact shoved Downstar aside and sent her spinning. Wild paws paddled toward her. Her chest tightened as she frantically tried to right herself.

Long fangs dug into Downstar’s back leg. She yowled, water bubbling around her muzzle as blood stained the river. But this was the darkhound’s mistake. If it wanted to hold onto her so badly, it could join her in a frantic rush to the ocean, far away from the Clan she worked so hard to build. 

The pair spun through the darkening water. Downstar wasn’t sure which way was up. Her leg and the darkhound’s muzzle smashed into a large stone that jutted from the bottom of the deep river and peeked out over the surface. The darkhound let go and tumbled further toward the ocean. Downstar’s vision blurred. She needed air. But where should she go to get it? She tried to swim, but she couldn’t move her limbs. She was so heavy…

Something grabbed Downstar’s scruff. Splashes of brown and white dragged her toward a distant light. Her senses burned as her head breached the water. She choked on the air, water rushing out of her lungs. What was happening? Had she reemerged in StarClan’s ocean? No, she wouldn’t feel so miserable if she had died. She couldn’t see, she couldn’t hear, it was all she could do to force air down her water-logged throat.

The first thing Downstar heard when her ears cleared was “I’ve got you, Downstar. I’ve got you.” The brown and white blobs began to take shape. Carnationspeckle stood at Downstar’s side, soaked and panting.

“Where did you come from?” Scrubmask hopped out of the sugar maple and ran toward Carnationspeckle and Downstar.

“I couldn’t let you drown yourselves,” Carnationspeckle huffed. “I followed the darkhound’s scent.”

“It could have killed you,” Scrubmask growled. “You’re nowhere near fast enough to outrun a beast like that.”

“Yes, but I can outswim anyone in this Clan,” Carnationspeckle said, wrapping her tail around Downstar. “I couldn’t let her drown.” Rustshade and Burdockcreek appeared, following the long-gone beast’s scent. 

“Scrubmask, hurry back to camp and fetch Fennelspot,” Rustshade barked, slipping beside Downstar. “Her leg is severely mangled.” Scrubmask was gone before Rustshade finished speaking, following the river toward the ocean and the shipwreck. Rustshade sighed, shaking his head, and continued studying Downstar’s leg. It was hard for the tortoiseshell leader to process everything around her, as her Clanmates were still blurry and her ears were still clogged. But she could think, and her thoughts were not pleasant.

“Carnation,” Downstar coughed, watery eyes glaring at the young caretaker, “I have nine lives. You have one. You should have let me drown.”

“Having nine lives doesn’t mean we should waste them if you don’t need to,” Carnationspeckle sighed. She licked the water dripping into Downstar’s eyes, but Downstar batted her away.

“I don’t need you to risk your life for me,” Downstar growled. Carnationspeckle stepped back, nodding softly as her ears fell back. Downstar coughed up more water as the pain of her bitten leg swam through her muscles.

If the darkhound was going to kill anyone, if anything would get one of her Clanmates killed, Downstar would be the one to die.

(Fennelspot: 83, male, cleric, insecure, trusted advisor, incredible runner)

(Oilstripe: 30, female, historian, charismatic, ghost sight)

(Downstar: 85, female, leader, adventurous, trusted advisor, very clever)

(Burdockcreek: 20, male, historian, competitive, lore keeper)

(Rustshade: 70, male, codekeeper, sneaky, learner of lore)

(Scrubmask: 43, female, warrior, gloomy, fast runner, good hunter)

(Carnationspeckle: 28, female, caretaker, compassionate, talented swimmer)

James and Weedfoot go hunting together.

[Image ID: James and Weedfoot follow a rabbit.]

---

James was shockingly quick for a large (and Weedfoot had to be honest, lazy) former kittypet. He chased after a brown speckled rabbit, matching its pace leap for leap. There were a lot of places the rabbit could escape to in RippleClan’s more open southern territory, but James looped back and forth, scaring the rabbit away from any escape routes. In a few moments, the rabbit dangled from James’ jaws.

“Wonderful!” Weedfoot chirped, jogging down a steep slope to join her hunting partner. “I really thought it was gone when the wind shifted.”

“My humans used to hunt rabbits,” James said, resting the rabbit at his paws and licking his lips. “I am well acquainted with the need for speed when stealth fails in a rabbit hunt.”

“Once we cook this, this rabbit should feed most of the Clan,” Weedfoot purred. She glanced at the darkening sky and added, “A meal for tomorrow, however. Let’s return to camp.”

“Finally,” James purred, stretching his back. “I can sleep.”

“You’re in camp all day,” Weedfoot chuckled with a twitch of her whiskers. “I would be begging to leave camp if I were you, but you’re always itching to get back.”

“Because I like staying in camp,” James groaned. “If I could spend all my time in camp and never leave, I would be content.”

“You have to be one of the laziest cats I have ever met,” Weedfoot laughed. 

“Not lazy,” James purred, adjusting his tattered black ribbon. “I am simply not a fan of moving.” 

“Not moving sounds like a dream at the moment,” Weedfoot admitted, sheepishly ducking her head. “With Downstar resting in the medicine den, I’ve been doing both her job and mine. All I can think about is when to send out the next patrol and what we’ve already done for the day.”

“You’ve been a radiant deputy,” James said softly. He patted her on the back with his long, soft tail. “Just as I have been a wonderful caretaker since I found your humble Clan.” James puffed out his fluffy chest.

“Let’s go home before you start taking yourself seriously,” Weedfoot chuckled, headbutting James’ shoulder. The former kittypet picked up his rabbit and followed Weedfoot back to camp.

When the pair returned, RippleClan was winding down for the night. Clammask stomped out the remnants of a smoker while Oilstripe groomed herself. James rubbed against Weedfoot as he made his way to the fresh-kill pile. Oilstripe stopped grooming and trotted up to Weedfoot.

“Yum, rabbit,” Oilstripe cooed. “That will taste amazing tomorrow.”

“James is quite the hunter,” Weedfoot sighed. She watched James as he said goodnight to Scrubmask with a gentle purr and a shake of his pelt. When Weedfoot looked back at Oilstripe, however, her former apprentice had a curiously mischievous look on her face. “What are you thinking, Oilstripe?”

“You like James, don’t you,” Oilstripe said, flicking her tail at the pale ginger tom.

“He’s stepped up when he’s been needed,” Weedfoot said as her stomach suddenly tightened.

“You know that’s not what I meant,” Oilstripe purred. She sat next to Weedfoot and said, “You’re in love.” 

Oh StarClan. Oilstripe was right. She did like James. She didn’t have time to pursue a mate! She had to step up for Downstar while she recovered. She was the deputy. She couldn’t be distracted! No, no, that wasn’t the worst of it. Weedfoot already had a mate. Paleshade had been the greatest companion she could have asked for. They were together every step of the way. How could she enter StarClan one day and face Paleshade if she fell in love with someone else?

“She wants you to be happy,” Oilstripe said quietly, dragging Weedfoot out of her thoughts. Oilstripe had a hazy, unnerving look in her eyes and kept glancing away from Weedfoot. What was she even looking at? A fearful itch climbed up Weedfoot’s spine.

“How did you know what I was thinking?” Weedfoot gulped.

“Uh,” Oilstripe gulped, staring at the ground, “I just know you well, is all. And I’ve heard so much about Paleshade, I feel like I know her too. And from what you’ve told me, I think she would want you to find someone who makes you happy in RippleClan.”

“Maybe,” Weedfoot muttered. An odd warmth filled her chest. “Maybe.”

(James: 102, male, caretaker, charismatic, den builder, formidable fighter)

(Weedfoot: 75, female, deputy, charismatic, very clever, formidable fighter)

(Oilstripe: 30, female, historian, charismatic, ghost sight)

[rmspeltzfarm]

Last SAP

[krscblw]

ghoul perfume associations pt. 3!

more ghoul perfume associations bc ghost and perfume are my two main hobbies! all of these are indie/niche perfumes because those are the types of perfume i'm mainly into. these lists are really fun for me and i would love to hear what people think!!

also, jsyk: because this post is so long, some of the text might get cut off on mobile. it should be okay on desktop if that happens (i don't know how to fix it, sorry :/)

Aeon

Notes: non-sweet chocolate, linen, lavender

Perfumes:

Autumn Morning - Pulp Fragrance

hot chocolate, slightly spiced oatmeal, carnations, a cozy blanket

Twice To Tea - Poesie 

strong earl grey tea, lavender absolute, vanilla syrup, a splash of milk

Aether

Notes: bourbon, amber, vanilla  

Perfumes:

Not A Deer - Little & Grim 

cedarwood, chestnuts, sandalwood, maple, oak, tonka, suede, clove, spiced vanilla, amber, tobacco 

Loggia - Solstice Scents 

“High above the village, a castle sits shrouded in a heavy gray mist.  Muted moonlight illuminates its upper terraces. Thick with incense smoke, the loggia swells with invited guests, each heavily cloaked and masked. Laughter, violas and a harpsichord fill the night. Wine flows from never-ending mahogany vats. Exotic spices drape the air in fragrant bouquets. A bell rings from the archway, and all in attendance fall silent as the master of the night creatures crosses the paving stones...”

mahogany, sweet amber, musk, dark incense, deep vanilla bean, sandalwood, cardamom, black pepper, cognac and allspice

(i have this one and it's great, perfect for aether imo)

Alpha

Notes: leather, smoke, gunpowder

Perfumes:

Spiritus Fumosus - Alkemia

volcanic basalt, smelted metal ores, amberwood, smokey birch tar, old leather, galbanum, white oud, gray amber, petrichor, wet sand, bergamot, sichuan peppercorn, gingergrass, white patchouli

Deus ex Machina - Alkemia 

“An olfactory portrait of industrial decay and the fallen gods of age of disruption, innovation, and technological revolution.”

fire-hardened steel, rusted iron, motor oil, wet cement, burnt copper wires, gray amber

Cirrus

Notes: dark fruits, musk, heavy florals, honey

Perfumes:

Virgo - Deconstructing Eden   

dark amber, bulgarian rose absolute, lavender maillette, orris root, benzoin, dark fruits, bourbon vanilla

Eglantine House - Deconstructing Eden 

honeyed roses, mahogany, plums, amber accord, champaca flowers, eglantine roses, white musk

Cumulus

Notes: lilac, magnolia, jasmine, sugar, cold air

Perfumes:

Midnight Garden - Alkemia 

night-flowering white flowers – tuberose, lily, honeysuckle, gardenia, moonflower

Calliope - Alkemia 

clementine, orange blossoms, white orchid, sugared currants, tonka, and vanilla musk, cotton candy, saltwater taffy

Dewdrop

Notes: berries, smoke, spices, metal

Perfumes:

Unrequited - Deconstructing Eden

black sandalwood, raspberries, bitter orange, black pepper, smooth silky musk, dark amber, smoky patchouli 

Lightning Storm - Nui Cobalt Designs 

Petrichor, ozone, electrified metal, cold musk, bergamot, lime zest, cracked pink peppercorn, copal smoke, myrrh, teakwood

(this one represents dew as a water ghoul – citrus, spices, ozone, and metal. sweet, cold, and a little bitter)

Ifrit

Notes: black tea, incense, spices 

Perfumes:

Tasseomancy - Nui Cobalt Designs 

black tea spritzed with orange, incense smoke clinging to heavy velvet curtains, fireplace embers, cinnamon, clove

Tasseomancy - LVNEA 

bergamot, black tea, lapsang souchong, honey, spices, milk

(yes they are both called the same thing. he's a guy with a brand i don't know what to tell you)

Mist

Notes: water, herbs, ice

Perfumes:

Eisheth - Deconstructing Eden 

seawater, herbs - rosemary, mint, clary sage, bergamot, hyssop, lemongrass, and verbena, white tea

Blackwater Lake - Osmofolia  

“Short-needle pine branches hang over mossy lake rocks, radiant white water lilies soak in the sun, the surface of the dark lake water ripples above submerged northern watermilfoil, and a chill in the air warns of impending autumn.”

pine needles, cold wind, northern watermilfoil, white water lilies, moss, stone, lake water

Mountain

Notes: vetiver, plants, earth, mushrooms

Perfumes:

Poor Farm - Little & Grim 

“Overgrown grass, tangled undergrowth, wildflowers, the memory of fresh linens, and distant, greener pastures.”

moss, sage, ferns, sweet grasses, green wood, and chamomile

Mycelium - Treading Water Perfume 

“Rounding the corner it came into view, the being that had terrorized the village for decades. It sat terrifyingly still on top of natural rock formation that resembled some strange amalgamation of an altar. An altar not made by human hands but as if created by the forest itself to honor this being. The being was here long before the village and it will continue to be here long after we are gone.”

soil, mushrooms, patchouli, black currants, hinoki wood

Nimbus/Aurora*

Notes: peach, rose, earth

Perfumes:

The Lover Tells Of The Rose - Alkemia 

wild roses, lemon verbena, white pearl tea leaves, delicate white patchouli, new greens, wet moss

Apothecary Rose - LVNEA 

rose gallica, rose de mai, damask rose, tarragon, violet leaf, apricot, labdanum, myrrh

*i headcanon nimbus as a earth/air multi

Omega

Notes: wood, amber, tobacco

Perfumes:

Danse Macabre - Fyrinnae

sandalwood, amber, labdanum, vanilla, woodsmoke, smoldering logs

Leo - Deconstructing Eden 

frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, amber, liatrix, blood cedar, blond tobacco absolute, sweet spices, honey

(i have this one and i love it, it's very warm and resinous)

Rain

Notes: seawater, ozone, vanilla

Perfumes:

Ambre Gris - Alkemia 

“A rare blend of proprietary perfumery ingredients carefully oxidized by sunlight, sand, air, sea salt, water, and ocean minerals. The result is as changeable and morphing as the ocean... earthy, sweet, musky, saline.”

gray ambergris, ocean minerals, sea salt

Cerulea - OSMOFOLIA 

“A synesthesia perfume inspired by a color. Sapphire ocean blue with flashes of turquoise and glistening white.”

osmanthus, ambergris, sea salt, ocean water, tuberose, cucumber

Sunshine/Stratus**

Notes: strawberries, citrus, vanilla, spices

Perfumes:

In Love with Everything - Imaginary Authors

“This extremely versatile (and genderless!) fragrance is great for any time of day and any time of year but the blast of energy it possesses is ideal for whenever you’re feeling low or looking for a little boost of bliss to keep your body moving and your lungs laughing long into the night.”

raspberry, citrus pulp, coconut palm sugar, madame isaac pereire, sandalwood, tropical punch, stardust

(i have this one! it's very fruity, you definitely get the fruit punch, but it still has a good amount of depth)

Eos - Fantôme 

“Eos is named for the goddess of dawn—who beckons the daybreak with her rosy fingers. This perfume smells like the color of the sunrise; pink and gold light breathing life into the morning dew.”

tart lemonade, raspberries, candied rose petals, wild berries, a hint of ginger

**i headcanon sunny as a fire/air multi

Swiss***

Notes: smoke, musk, patchouli, incense

Perfumes:

Black Heart - Spirit & Venom   

dark patchouli, clove, caramel pipe tobacco

Scorpio - Deconstructing Eden

“The fixed water sign of the zodiac, Scorpios are sensitive and intense, complicated and multi-layered. This blend is deep, still water, with notes of humid air and just the barest touch of mud.”

white and pink lotus absolute, orris root, myrrh, patchouli, gray musk, still water

***i headcanon swiss as a fire/water multi

Zephyr

Notes: dust, ozone, faint sweet musk, mint, cool air

Perfumes:

Walking with a Ghost - Spirit & Venom 

“Light & ethereal musk, fresh harvest pear, a whiff of perfume from a loved one long passed.”

Aquarius - Deconstructing Eden 

air, an undercurrent of water, sparkling aldehydes

if you made it this far, thank you for reading! and i would love to hear your thoughts!! (/gen - do you have any recommendations? do you agree/disagree? i love talking abt this) (also thank you sm to @midnight-moth for recommending lvnea!!)

[punkbakerchristine]

So, my workout routine, as of my writing this, is about an hour, with 25 minutes of weightlifting, 17 minutes of high-intensity cardio, and 20 minutes of yoga and/or pilates—if my stomach isn’t rumbling at me by the end of the latter (and 9 times out of ten, it is), I’ll throw in some boxing and tai chi in there, too (if not, I’ll do them later after I’ve eaten). I go for walks every day barring if the weather is good, and I rest on the weekends—if the weather is good, I’ll get a little walk in there, about 10 or 20 minutes, give or take.

I’ve got lots of energy and I’m basically a gym bunny now but holy fuck, does the whole thing make you hungry, though. I had to stop my habit of intermittent fasting because my legs and my back were getting so sore afterwards: I figured out that it’s because I need to eat more (your muscles need to rebuild after a good workout like what I do, and you gotta eat for that to happen. I’m nowhere near a professional athlete, just someone who is physically active to keep herself healthy, but still).

When I learned that, I said, “that’s fine, actually.” Really, I remember being fat, being at my heaviest, and always really loving feeling full: granted, I was a potbellied pig… and now I just have this little tummy on me (“little baker’s belly” as I call it 😝) and it actually feels a lot better now that I’ve shed all that weight—like today, I had apple slices with peanut butter as well as two bunches of grapes and let me tell you, it felt so right.

But I’ve started looking at recipes for things like bars and bran muffins, things that are sweet but hearty and healthy, though.

In Britain, they have “flapjacks” (has absolutely nothing to do with our flapjacks, which are what we call pancakes); theirs are, at the core, rolled oats, butter, brown sugar, and either honey or golden syrup, but there are healthy variations that omit the brown sugar and butter and are made with peanut butter and honey or maple syrup instead.

I also started eating things like blondies and (baked) donuts before my workout as well—oh, god, I had a blondie before my workout this morning. That was an experience. I think tomorrow, I’ll have a blondie and some of my cheesy chili bread. I had bara brith before I went out snow shoveling last week, and to that I say, thank you, Wales.

So, next to breads, I think bars will be my other specialty. Really, I’m gonna start looking at making a bunch of healthy flapjacks and blueberry bran muffins for myself (I got a recipe for blueberry bran muffins bookmarked, and op swears you can get away with eating three which… oh, dance with wolves!). 

And as I write this, I’m starting to see some of the food blogs I follow on the same page as me with recipes involving oats, fruit, and natural sugars like honey and maple syrup. Makes my soft, incessantly hungry belly happy and my ever-strengthening body even happier.

Be healthy and indulge at the same time, that’s the babka babe mantra~

That’s also kind of the beauty of being a skinny baker, too (“skinny” in a sense that you’ve shed over 100 pounds but you still have a soft, round little belly on you 🫣): you can make things that are decadent but you don’t have to worry about it so much because you’re burning those calories clean off. At the same time, you obviously can’t go too crazy with it otherwise you just undo everything you worked for. 

But it’s way better for me in the long run, though: it’s good for your muscles, your bones, your blood flow, your endurance, your strength, and also, your heart.

Long story short: YOU GOTTA EAT. Stay active and eat up, loves. Eat before circuit training and eat more afterwards. Your bodies quite literally need it.

And I lowkey am going to be in the mood for pancakes for the foreseeable future on top of that as well.

[yurithechaoslord]

Here’s the community lots list. I added several lots, some from the game, some custom. I also added a few items to each of them, and edited them a bit.

Pleasantview:

- 250 Main Street (Pool)

- 290 Main Street (Grocery Shop, Electronics Shop)

- 330 Main Street (Clothing Shop)

- Woodland Park (Park)

- Pleasantview Pet Park (Pet Park)

- H&M Pleasantview (Clothing Shop)

- Pleasantview Career Services (Employment Office) - https://pleasantsims.com/pleasantview-career-services/

- Pleasantview Cemetery (Cemetery) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=689433

- Pleasantview Children's Home (Orphanage) – technically residential, but I treat it as community https://pleasantsims.com/pleasantview-orphanage-house/

Strangetown:

- 94 Road to Nowhere (Pool)

- 88 Road to Nowhere (Grocery Shop, Electronics Shop, Clothing Shop, Pool)

- 66 Road to Nowhere (Cafe) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=679148

- Strangetown Military Outpost (Military Outpost) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=454180

- Strangetown Research Facility (Research Facility) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=627505

- Strangetown Cemetery (Cemetery) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=686338

Veronaville:

- 5 Pentameter Parkway (Grocery Shop, Newsagent)

- Stratford Strip (Clothing Shop, Electronics Shop)

- 431 Globe Street (Arcade)

- Veronaville Market (Grocery Shop)

- Veronaville Cemetery – Capp (Cemetery) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=684797

- Veronaville Cemetery – Monty (Cemetery) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=684797

- Monty Mouthwatering Meals (Monty’s Restaurant) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=683650

- Better Finances with Capps (Capp’s Business Office) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=626011

- Capp Finances Bank (Bank) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=679148

- Veronaville Theater (Theater) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=327058

- Veronaville Museum (Museum) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=676972

- Veronaville Music Center (Music Center) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=244361

Downtown:

- SimCity Police Station (Police Station) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=621818

- SimCity Fire Department (Fire Department) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=245682

- Rodney's Hideout (Bar)

- One-Twenty-Five Café (Cafe)

- Lucky Shack Cards and Drink (Bar, Casino)

- SimBowl Lanes (Bowling Alley)

- Fresh Rush Grocery (Grocery Shop, Cafe)

- Sugar Cube Skating (Skate Park)

- Lost in Love Hedge Maze (Wedding Garden)

- Londoste (Restaurant, Wedding Venue)

- Speedys Fast Lanes Bowling and Eats (Bowling Alley, Restaurant)

- Red’s Famous '50s Diner (Restaurant)

- Midnight Flows (Bar)

- Oresha Family Dining (Restaurant)

- The Hub (Bar)

- Comandgo Emporium (Clothing Shop)

- Cold Issue Clothing (Clothing Shop)

- Sim Center North (Park)

- Sim Center South (Park, Pool)

- Bernard’s Botanical Dining (Restaurant)

- The Corner Shoppes (Clothing Shop, Electronics Shop)

- Maple Springs Pool and Spa (Spa)

- Hans' Trap Door Corp (Business Offices)

- Go Here Sunshine Park (Park)

- Sims Gone Wired (Electronics Shop)

- Deh’Javu Modern Art Museum (Art Museum)

- Similar Sights Sculpture Park (Park, Art Museum)

- LuLu Lounge (Bar)

- Crypt O’ Night Club (Bar)

- FM (Restaurant, Bar)

- P.U.R.E. (Bar)

- Gothier Green Lawns (Cemetary)

- Downtown Offices (Business Offices) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=172371

- SimCity Cinema (Cinema) – Sorry, I lost the link

- SimCity Private Elementary (Private Elementary School) – technically residential, but I treat it as community https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=505831

- SimCity Private High School (Private High School) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=214271

- SimCity Airport (Airport) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=689908

Bluewater Village:

- Very Unsuspicious Bar (Criminal Hideout) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=569131

- Junk Yard (Junkyard) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=569131

- Bluewater Village Car Shop (Car Shop) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=679148

- Bluewater Village Cemetery (Cemetery) - https://pleasantsims.com/pleasantview-cemetery-download/

- Bluewater Village Pet Shop (Pet Shop) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=678689

- Bluewater Village Library (Library) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=678270

- Café de la Poste (Cafe) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=234354

- Skateland Beach (Skepark and Beach) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=646340

- Tyke's Tower Toys (Toy Shop)

- Papaya Regime (Clothing Shop)

- Bluewater Baths and Salon (Spa, Hairdresser)

- Just Flowers and More (Flower Shop)

- J'Adore Bakery (Bakery)

- Club Dante (Bar)

- Bluewater Village Music Store (Music Shop) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=502788

- Inter@ctive (Arcade) - https://pleasantsims.com/interactive-arcade-sims-2/

- Le Magnifique! International Restaurant (Restaurant)

- Von Dough Gallery (Art Museum)

- The Corner Shop (Shop)

- 1-2-3+ Gym (Gym, Pool)

- Inner Child Toys and Gifts (Toy Shop)

- Amelia's Closet (Clothing Shop)

- Cover Me Clothing (Clothing Shop)

- Round Barn General Store (Grocery Shop)

- Contempo Moderne (Furniture Shop)

- Bluewater Real Estate Office (Real Estate Office)

- Little n' Local (Shop)

- Ramirez's Fine Furniture (Furniture Shop)

- Electronics Supercenter (Electronics Shop)

- Hunter's Park (Park)

- H&M Bluewater Village (Clothing Shop)

- SimCity Post Office (Post Office) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=680046

- Bluewater Village Micro Mall (Mall)

- Ruff's Cuts (Hairdresser) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=690408

- The Well Stack Pizza (Restaurant) - Sorry, I lost the link

Riverblossom Hills:

- Town Center Grocery (Grocery Shop)

- It's All Wood Playground (Playground) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=412635

- The Hills Community Center (Park)

- Abandoned Barn (Teen Hangout) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=659961

- Veterinary Hospital (Vet Clinic) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=416336

- The Wedding Barn (Wedding Venue) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=687089

- Riverblossom Hills Shelter (Animal Shelter) - technically residential, but I treat it as community https://pleasantsims.com/pleasantview-pet-store/

- Riverblossom Hills Cemetery (Cemetery) - https://pleasantsims.com/pleasantview-cemetery-download/

Desiderata Valley:

- Desiderata Valley Family Park (Park)

- Gym and Spa ''Body and Soul'' (Gym, Spa) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=660380

- Plumbob Bowling (Bowling Alley) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=690010

- The Frippery Frock (Clothing Shop)

- Kiss The Chef (Restaurant) - https://modthesims.info/d/298450/kiss-the-chef-restaurant-no-cc.html

- Mostly Modern Art Museum (Art Museum)

- Kiddie Care Castle (Daycare)

- Desiderata Valley Cemetery (Cemetery) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=687426

- Copur Kitchen Cook-Off (Cooking Contest Venue)

- Spark! Sports Park (Sports Park)

- Greaves Greener Gardens (Park)

- Gustav's Grocery (Grocery Shop, Electronics Shop)

- SimCity Travel Agency (Travel Agency)

- PlumBob's Diner (Restaurant) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=678176

- Desiderata Valley Art Center (Art Center) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=260834

- Desiderata Valley Dance Studio (Dance Studio) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=596275

- Doc Alan's Hangout (Bar) - https://pleasantsims.com/doc-alans-hangout-bar-only/

- Treasure Island Guild (Adventurer Guild) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=581769

- SimCity Stadium (Stadium, Concert Venue) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=664910

Belladonna Cove:

- SimCity Courthouse (Courthouse) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=585526

- SimCity City Hall (City Hall) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=577522

- SimCity Hospital (Hospital) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=664281

- Seaside Beach (Beach) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=685438

- Caliente Casino and Boardwalk (Casino, Beach) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=663718

- Club DJ (Bar) - https://modthesims.info/d/311823/club-dj.html

- Belladonna Science Labs (Science Labs) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=260991

- Gamesend Grounds (Cemetery)

- Belladonna Cove Offices (Business Offices) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=172371

- Belladonna Cove Hotel (Hotel) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=213990

- Belladonna Cove Public Library (Library)

- Belladonna Cove Art Museum (Art Museum)

- Central Park West (Park)

- Central Park Pavilion (Park)

- Central Park (Park)

- Central Park East (Park)

- I N Clothing and Apparel (Clothing Shop)

- Cratus Gym (Gym, Pool)

- Belladonna Cove Groceries (Grocery Shop)

- Archimedes Arcade (Arcade, Electronics Shop)

- Center Drip Coffee Shop (Cafe)

- Swift N Thrift Mini Mart (Grocery Shop)

- Desprit Deals Clothing Store (Clothing Shop)

- Finer Fare Market (Grocery Shop)

- Freya's Raiments (Clothing Shop)

- SimCity Elementary School (Elementary School) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=454456

- SimCity High School (High School) - technically residential, but I treat it as community https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=265052

- Esoterica Occult Goods (Occult Shop) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=656530

- Arcanes of Knowledge (Supernatural Library) - https://modthesims.info/download.php?t=681639

[musingmelsuinesmelancholy]

Musing Maple

Requested by @birchwood-path some musings on the Maple.

I live in maple syrup country; maples are EVERYWHERE. Sugaring season is a big deal here, not only does it generate revenue but it's very much time for community. If you were to ask around, I think almost everyone would be able to tell of some very fond memories of the sugar-shack, the stories and jokes their friends, family and neighbors shared waiting anxiously to buy syrup. Clouds of sweet-smelling steam filling the air, kids clamoring for maple taffy. The sugarmakers patiently attending the boiling sap, sometimes giving out samples of fresh warm syrup. Maybe some would be able to recant their time collecting the sap, trudging out in knee-deep snow, praying they don't spill a drop. Long before our sugarshacks and [insert state name here] Maple Sundays the native peoples had been making syrup. One story I've been told states that during a time of food scarcity someone noticed a squirrel drinking the tree's sap. they tried it for themselves and found it unpalatable, I can't quite remember how but eventually it decided the sap will be boiled. I've heard it suggested that this or the maple's inner bark was a survival food for first nations peoples. Another story I've seen involves a young boy throwing his tomahawk at a tree, sweet sap flowed out and maple syrup was discovered.

I tend to look to things that were and are important to both the settlers and the first peoples, so as long as said thing is not especially sacred (sweetgrass for example), for aide in learning how to approach this land and rectify my ancestors' mistakes. Thankfully I have native family who I can ask if what I'm doing is appropriate or not. Maple and broadleaf plantain (blog coming soon) I work with in this capacity. Maple, I understand as a tutelary spirit. I approach them almost as would approach the guardian spirit of a place or thing- I see them as a gatekeeper. I ask to be humbled, to be taught a kinder way. To be in right relations with the land and the dead this tree {spirit} has provided for since ages ago. I seek their blessing and tutelage before and while I learn from the spirit of a native plant that I'm unfamiliar with. I see them as the lifeblood of the land, sustaining generation upon generation with their arboreal blood. Great provider, Hail! gifting us saccharine sustenance when all else is barren. In the same way community is built and strengthened around the sugarhouse so too is community, spirit community, built under Their branches.

For the sap to rise we need freezing temps at night and above freezing daytime temps. This, where I am, tends to occur late January-March. Sometimes the start of sugaring season happens to line up quite nicely with St Brigid's Feast; regardless, it's the first sign of winters wane, of the spring to come. I very much see this tree as carrier, emissary or perhaps even embodiment of the "serpent in the land" we are all so familiar with. Recently I have been toying with the idea of invoking said serpent as the "white" or maybe "clear" snake- rather than the red serpent often spoken of, due to the clear sap which herald's springs impending return. Coupled with the fiery orange the leaves turn in fall I am hoping this will work quite nicely. Especially since fire-in-the-water is important to me.

I also find maple syrup a wonderful offering to the land and the dead. In certain instances, (not all, honeyed dairy imo is required sometimes) I have found it more appropriate than honey, I'll sweeten milk or cream with it the same way one would with honey. I think of this as a fitting show of adapting our traditions to the land in a way that acknowledges first peoples and our history while giving a nod to my ancestral european trads/lore.

[ji-poetry]

I Was Friends With A Tree Once

It was a sugar maple.

Fairly average in size, a good

Number of branches, some

Low enough to climb for a

Child like myself.

I was never very athletic,

Hated all sorts of sports,

But this tree, this one tree

I could climb.

I would scramble up her

Branches in spring after

School, and tell her all

About my day, in my head

Of course, because who

In their "right mind" talks

To themselves?

In summer, after I

Completed that day's

Workbook assignment,

I would sit between the leaves

And read the latest book

I had checked out of the

Local library, my second

Favorite place to be.

When her leaves began

To change in fall, I would

Climb her cool limbs

In my puffy jacket and

Let the crisp October air

Flow through my hair.

He (the wind I mean)

Was my other best friend.

But the sweet maple also

Kept me high up, away from

The house below where

Mom and Dad would yell,

Where Dad would throw

Plastic cups my Mom got

From the nursing home,

Where Mom would sob

And pray he would stop.

And I prayed then, too.

Prayed I could one day fly,

Take to the sky like the

Birds in the feeder below.

I would pray for friends, too.

Human friends, I mean.

I don't think God could hear,

Even high up in my tree.

The tree isn't there now.

As I grew up, it grew sick.

The leaves fell earlier every

Year until one spring, they

Just didn't grow back.

And so the laundry lines

Were cut, and my old,

Sweet sugar maple tree

Became my uncle's firewood,

My Dad's smoking chips.

You can't see where she was

Anymore. The final remnants

Of the stump have rotted away.

Only grass remains where

Once my friend stood, where

The wind whispered sweet

Nothings in my ear, where

The setting summer sun

Would trickle through the

Jade-green leaves, the

Leaves that turned upside-down

When a storm was coming.

Now I've moved away from

That house. Two-thousand

Miles away to a desert that

Has never seen a sugar maple.

I can't climb trees anymore.

Seems that skill died with

My friend. I think I feel what

She was feeling. Still relatively

Young, but health slipping

By every year.

Someday my stump will

Rot away. No trace of me left

To tell you I was there. But

Maybe, someone will move in

With a child, and I can listen as

She tells me her dreams,

And we can watch the stars

Together.