#plaza bistro

[gastronomasonoma]

An Early and unexpected Happy Hour at Plaza Bistro, a nice surprise!

When people ask me, “what’s a good place in town to get a good meal?” I always say The Swiss Hotel or The Plaza Bistro. Both are quintessential, Sonoma!

Yet, there’s something special about Plaza Bistro that makes it often my first choice over The Swiss Hotel.

And, the recent visit I had for an unexpected Happy Hour at Plaza Bistro makes me place it at the top of the list.

I say unexpected because we (my guest and I) were early. Happy Hour typically begins at 3:30 or 4 - somewhere in that time frame. But we arrive just after 2 pm.

Perfectly content to enjoy a cocktail and leave it at that, the bartender was most gracious.

She invited us to “go ahead and have something from the Bar Menu.” “Yes you are early but why not!”

Our Bloody Mary cocktails were delicious! And, I sipped mine slowly so to patiently wait for the appetizer she had recommended.

It was worth the wait. A plate of risotto formed into balls with Feta, fresh Italian herbs and spices and the best sauce.

Then, also upon her recommendation, we had the best chicken tenders, delicately cooked in a tempura batter that definitely rivals the best Japanese restaurant in town.

My favorite dish at Plaza Bistro is anything made with lamb. The bartender said I must come back soon and have the fresh lamb chops. And, I definitely will, especially before the delight of summer season weather dissipates. Summer always flies by too fast!

[lou-struck]

They Said No... Part 2

Obey Me! x MC!

Featuring: Satan, Asmodeus, Beelzebub, and Belphegor

Part 1 HERE

Part 3 HERE

~We all get asked to do things sometimes that we do not want to do. And it's okay to say no, but sometimes you need a little extra help to get the point across.

Warnings: Pushy Demons, talk of pact control, Threats, Betrayal

Satan:

The Avatar of Wrath has a bit of cat fur on his usually pristine uniform but has never been happier, RAD is hosting an animal adoption event, and he has spent most of his morning with the adoptable cats having the time of his life. The only thing he is missing is you.

You would love every minute of the event, and so Satan has made it his mission of the day to find you and bring you to the feline-filled classroom.

Stepping into the nearly empty corridor, he sees you sitting on one of the ancient stone benches, mindlessly scrolling through your DDD with one hand and toying with a button on your uniform with the other.

"Mc, there you are." a voice interjects before he can even open his mouth; you lift your head and look towards the owner of the shrill and unfamiliar voice. A Demon Satan doesn't care enough to recognize steps towards you. "I've been looking for you everywhere."

"Oh, hi." You don't meet their gaze, opting instead to stare at the ground in a way that tells Satan you would rather be anywhere else than talking to them. It irks him greatly, but he can't just interrupt yet.

"The brothers aren't here, so you can speak freely now. Did you see my messages?" they ask, taking another step towards you. "You know I've liked you for a while now, but I don't understand why you won't go out with me."

You look up at them apologetically but take a step further away from your not-so-secret admirer. "I'm so sorry, but my feelings are not the same; I've told you before that I am not interested, so can you please leave me alone.

"NO," the lesser Demons shouts, "you don't understand. I like you, which means you are Mine."

That is all Satan needs to hear, and his legs move forward on their own. His anger at this lesser Demon threatens to bubble to the surface as he approaches. Stepping between the two of you protectively.  

The Demon flinches but doesn't back down entirely. They open their pathetic little mouth to babble out some delusional retort, only to have their words die on their tongue.

"MC said they were not interested in the likes of you," he growls, his emerald eyes aglow as he stares down your harasser. "I suggest you leave before you manage to make me even angrier than you already have."

The Demon leaves satisfyingly quickly, leaving Satan with you. He notices that you look a bit shaken up but utterly relieved to be rid of that Demon. The wrath he felt earlier disappears as you throw yourself into the safety of his embrace. 

The cat can wait, but for now, he just needs to make sure you are okay.

Asmodeus:

Asmodeus is feeling particularly radiant today; the only thing that he thinks he can attribute this glow to other than the universe recognizing his beauty is that his elation to be going on this special little outing with you is showing for all the Devildom to see. 

How lucky are they?

He feels light on his feet as he walks down the cobbled streets of Majolish to the little bistro you promised to meet him at for your Devilgrammable date.

His Peach-colored gaze scans the plaza until it finds you sitting at one of the adorably small tables on the patio, your figure clad in the sweater he bought for you a few weeks ago. You just look so cute. He feels his heart flutter in a way that doesn't quite fit the Lust for which he has been known.

But you are not alone; standing over you is a demon he has seen you frequently talking to at RAD.

A friend of yours? 

Maybe?

But something feels off about the way you are looking up at them as if they are making you uncomfortable. As pretty and kind as you are, Asmo knows that you are trying very hard to keep your emotions undetectable. He has to know why.

Focusing on your conversation, he is able to hear what the other Demon is trying to talk to you about.

"Mc, y-you said we were f-friends," they whine in an exasperated voice. "Why won't y-you help me?" large tear drops run down their pearl-colored skin and onto the pavement below. 

"What you are asking me to do is wrong," you say calmly. "I would never do that to Asmo or anyone else for that matter."

"All you have to do is tell Lord Asmodeus to love me as I love him." they huff. "But you wouldn't even do that for me. I love him, and I deserve to have him for my own."

"I wouldn't be telling him you want me to order him to do it," you say. "I don't think I can be friends with you anymore."

The Demon waves your words off as if they were nothing of consequence, an action that makes Asmo narrow his eyes as he starts to approach. "I never wanted to be friends with some ugly human in the first place, I only wanted Asmodeus, and you were a means to an end. But it seems that you just want to keep all the Brothers for yourself."

"Even if Mc did want to keep us for themselves, they deserve to," Asmo interjects at last, hugging you from behind and placing his head on your shoulder. "I mean, just look at them; they are soooo cute."

The earlier cruelty that had been on the Pearl demon's face vanished in an instant as their cheeks flushed heavily. "L-lord Asmodeus," they breathe. "I didn't mean it like that; the two of us were just having a bit of a friendly disagreement, that's all."

All of the annoyance and irritation that Asmo had been feeling comes forward, and he exudes a threatening aura as he stares down the Demon, not caring enough to charm them into submission. "Yeah, no, I heard more than enough to know that you need to stay away from Mc." he sighs, lowering his voice enough to send a shiver down the other Demon's spine, and they rush away.

Now alone, Asmo turns his attention to you and smiles brightly as if nothing had happened. "Sorry I'm late, Hon; let's go and order our drinks; I think after that, we both need a little extra love."

Beelzebub:

Beel feels like he's going to die of hunger. Whenever RAD does schoolwide exams, he is not allowed to eat in the classroom. It seems like ages since he has last eaten. The test took him a lot longer than he thought it would take. But before he leaves to go to Hell's kitchen, he wants to find you and bring you along with him. He doesn't quite understand why, but food always tastes better when you are with him.

He hears your voice from down the hall, a happy smile resting on his face as he follows the sound. He says you sat at one of the long study tables in the common room, a mountain of books at your side, and one of your classmates standing over you.

"I'm sorry," you say softly. "But I told you before. But I have too much on my plate right now. You'll have to do that part of the assignment yourself. " 

Your classmate sighs, shaking their head in disapproval. "And I thought you were a nice MC, the kind of human who wouldn't hesitate to help out someone who needs it. You obviously don't have anything better to do, so just do my portion of the project. I'll pay you for your work."

What? 

Why is this Demon being so mean to you? 

Beelzebub truly doesn't understand why your classmate is treating you this way; you were very nice in turning them down. And he wouldn't want to do someone's project, either.

You clear your throat, "It's not about the Grimm; I just don't have time to do someone else's work. If you're struggling, I suggest you ask a professor to give you an extension." 

Your classmate is hovering over you now, trying to intimidate you with their size. "You don't seem to know your place, Human; when a demon asks you to do something, I expect you to bow your head and do it obediently."

The Scene before him is too much for poor Beel; angrily, he steps forward, placing a large hand on the other Demon's shoulder. "That's close enough, Mc said they did not want to do anything for you."

The Demon flinches as he turns towards Beel in shock. "B-Beelzebub, I'm sorry, but I needed to remind this human that we demons are superior.

Beel's hunger and anger have fused into one, and he looks down at the Demon with disdain. "Mc is and always will be more important than you; if anything, you should be doing their work."

"no, they don't; I just need them to do their own work." You interject

"R-right, thank you." They mutter, picking their bag off the floor and running away.

"Are you alright, Mc?" he asks, looking at you with a violet gaze of adoration. "That must've been pretty scary."

You nod and take his hand, "I'm okay now, Beel, thank you for stepping in. Can I buy you lunch as a thank you?"

"Could we go to Hell's Kitchen?"

"Absolutely," you smile, "anything for my hero."

Hero? He likes the sound of that for some reason; he smiles happily, picking up your books as the two of you walk side by side out the doors of RAD.

Belphegor:

It's the stiffness in his neck that wakes Belpheghor from his nap. Maybe taking a nap on top of all of these decorative pillows wasn't that good of an idea after all. He sits up slowly, rubbing out the knot in his neck, feeling quite annoyed at the situation.

"Oh Belphie, you're awake." you smile, poking your head into the doorway, "I just placed an order for food. It should be here soon if you're hungry."

Just like that, all of his annoyance has vanished. "Thank you, Mc." he grins boyishly; moments like these make him happy to be awake. 

"No problem, I think they are getting close; I'll wait by the door until it arrives," you say before disappearing down the hallway. 

It's then he realizes that you probably had to order a lot of food since Beel is getting home from the gym soon and will need help carrying it all to the dining room once it gets here.

Belphie gets up from his seat and heads over to the front door where you must be waiting.

"You sure ordered a lot of food. Do you need any help bringing it in?" a voice asks. The delivery driver must be here already. 

"Yeah, I guess I did go overboard," you say good-humoredly. "But It will all get eaten, I promise you that."

"You're pretty cute, aren't ya?" The delivery man cooed, pulling back the bag playfully. "How about you give me your number, and then you get your food?"

You laugh nervously at his words. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that."

"and why not?" They laugh cockily. "Are you feeling a little shy? Because that's cute too."

Belphie's jaw clenches as he wonders what is with this guy. How dare he try and take you away from him.

"I'm taken," you respond, the irritation slipping through your voice as you meet his gaze.

They scoff, tossing the bag of food on the ground roughly. "Aren't you just a fricken tease then? All I ask for is your number, so how about you be a good human and give it to me?"

Belphegor knows you could have handled this guy, but he was honestly so irritated he had to step in. "Ugh, you're so annoying. Mc already paid, so you can go on your way."

Your harasser is arrogant, not stupid. He knows that he has no chance against one of the seven avatars of sin. He shuts his annoying mouth and stomps down the steps of the House of Lamination.

You watch him leave with a relieved smile on your face, "are you okay, Mc?" he asks, grabbing your hand.

"I am now," you smile "Thank you for helping me, Belphie."

[shuacore]

barcelona nights

reader (afab) x lsm — 6.9K summary:  "The music is all but static in the background, and for a moment it’s just the two of you again, drinking in the airless summer night and the sounds of other couples enjoying each other’s company. You run your thumb across Seokmin’s bottom lip, completely enraptured. His eyes are dangerously dark." —a/n: a fun little birthday present for my bffl ang <3 tags: swearing, smut (18+), probably too much plot n not enough smut, not completely proofread i’m so sorry, mentions of alcohol??, emotional and physical intimacy are my kryptonite, additional warnings under the cut

additional warnings: unprotected sex (always be safe pls!!), oral (f receiving),  pet names (princess, baby, angel, etc), not very adventurous but i would do anything with him tbh

playlist 4 the vibes!!! wyoming — elijah fox a quick getaway — stephen rennicks spring 1 — max richter, antonio vivaldi puerto claridad — amparanoia bamboleo — gypsy kings since i don’t have you — the skyliners the sun is in your eyes — jacob collier tell me — groove theory

Sweat drips down the bridge of your nose as the precarious stack of books in your hands threatens to wobble. Please, for the love of God, don’t fall. The summer heat is brutal—hot and humid—and it sucks all of the energy out of you as you shuffle to the library. It had been a difficult week of research and you were finally returning your books, ready to throw them and the stress from working so hard away. A bead of sweat lingers on your brow, slipping onto your eyelid and you blink furiously, praying it stays there until you can set your burden down. 

In your fervor, you walk a bit too close to the curb, your toes slipping off the edge—you feel the stack slip dangerously, and you curse out loud as you realize you’re falling, desperately clutching your books to your chest, the pavement below approaching a bit too fast when—

A hand clamps around your wrist, hauling you out of the street just as a car zooms past, ruffling your hair. 

“Careful!” a male voice says, breathless. And when you get a good look at your savior, it feels like you’ve been rocketed into one of the dramas you and your roommates obsessed over. 

His name is Lee Seokmin, he’s 25, an anthropology major, and he is the most handsome and charming man you have ever seen. He picks you up off the street, flashes you the most blinding smile, and then your mind goes blank. The rest is history.

So it’s no surprise to you after three years when he still asks questions like, “Do you remember when we met?” You resist the urge to scoff fondly. Always so sentimental.  

It’s a warm summer evening as you sit on the plaza, observing the night life of a quiet coastal Spanish town you had come across during the day. You pause the furious digging in your purse—for something which you had forgotten some time ago—to look at your partner, whose eyes are glazed over in dreamy contentment. 

“Really?” you ask, tampering down the amused look of disbelief that fights its way across your face. Seokmin hates being teased unless he initiates, even if it’s all in good fun. 

“No, I’m serious,” he says, in unwavering sincerity, head lolling against the back of the bistro chair as he watches you unabashedly. Even after so many years, Seokmin’s eyes still set your skin on fire, and he looks so picturesque like this, just a little bit undone from the day’s toils and a few glasses of wine down the line. The collar of his shirt is open a few buttons down, exposing a swatch of buttery smooth skin that—after the drinks you’ve had—makes your mouth water. He looks like the last burst of fading sunlight before nightfall. 

You shake your head with a small smile. “You’re ridiculous. Of course I do.”

Seokmin opens his mouth to say something else when his nostalgic reverie is interrupted by the waiter, who asks quietly if the two of you would like anything else. Your fiancé orders two more glasses of wine for the both of you, and thanks the waiter again as he finally takes the menus from your table. 

It’s quieter now. The night is beginning to dwindle down, your bellies full of good food and wine, and in the distance the ocean waves wash across the rocky shores, pulling pebbles out to sea with quiet shushing sounds. The air is salty on your tongue, and you know you probably look a mess, especially after the long day of heat and humidity, but Seokmin watches you with shining eyes like you’re still the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. You blush sheepishly, fingers finally finding your lipstick in the bottom of your bag. 

“What?” you hiss without malice as Seokmin studies you. His cheeks are flushed, eyes shining even against the slowly dimming night light, and if you could commit an image to memory, if would be right here, right now, sitting at this table with him. Your stomach twists and you’re not sure if it’s a twinge of pain or an all-engulfing rush of affection, so instead you offer him another shy smile and replace your bag on the ground. 

He shakes his head, more to himself, and says, “You’ll make fun of me.” 

“Sure.”

“You’re just so radiant. All the time.” 

You suck in a breath, cheeks burning and laugh nervously. Seokmin was an all-or-nothing kind of guy, which meant you got all of his affection, all the time. It was overwhelming in the beginning, seeing how devoted he could be to one person, but you had grown accustomed to the quiet deference in which he did everything for you. Compliments were near holy to him. Nothing was more intimate than your name. His actions always spoke louder than words. For a while you had been resistant to it—like you would never quite deserve all the love he had to give—but Seokmin had a way of worming his way into your heart and lodging there until his smile was the only thing you could think of when you woke up. 

The waiter appears with two glasses in hand, asks once more if you need anything, before floating away again. You lift the glass—it’s a deep crimson and smells faintly sweet—and swirl the stem around in your fingers, watching the wine coat the sides of the glass with mesmerizing smoothness. 

Seokmin lifts his glass and murmurs a toast. You say it back, and the glasses hit each other with a soft ding! His eyes glint at you over the rim as he takes a sip. The wine is velvet on your tongue, rich and full-bodied, and it sends a flurry of warmth down your throat. 

You hum in appreciation and set the glass down on the table. Above, the stars blink into existence, mimicking the lights flickering to life around the plaza. They wash the patio in a lovely yellow glow, throwing Seokmin into soft relief. He looks a little out of it, pretty lips parted in hazy awe of the scenery around him. It’s still humid, but not too warm—just cool enough that it’s hard to tell where your body ends and the rest of the world begins. A moped passes by, its headlights bouncing off the stone walls of the buildings around you. The chatter from other cafe-goers could be white noise in the trees. In the background the sounds of sultry guitar float through the air, soaking into your skin and you sigh deeply, stretching your arms high into the air above you. It lulls you into a serene sense of calm and you close your eyes—just for a moment. 

Then—“Hey, dance with me,” you hear, whispered by lips pressed to your ear, and you open your eyes slowly to see Seokmin crouched next to your chair, his hand extended in offering. He looks so lovely here, so unguarded and pleased, the same overwhelming feeling of adoration—so strong it overflows into your throat—is difficult to choke back down. You take another hearty swig of wine, feeling it sink into your stomach and turn your legs to jelly. It activates the fuzzy feeling sitting dormant in your body, lifting you out of your chair and into the plaza center with other couples swaying slowly to the music emanating across the square. It all feels so horribly cinematic you’re having difficulty believing any of it’s real. 

You inhale sharply as Seokmin pulls you close to him, your bodies snapping together like magnets. His skin is sticky and warm from the summer heat as his hands brush over your ribcage and come to rest on your waist, coaxing you into a sensual rhythm of swaying hips and chests rising and falling in tandem. His strong arms wrap around you, pulling you tight to his body. The wine keeps you limber—which is nice because otherwise you’d be two left feet with out it. 

Seokmin tips his head to rest his sticky forehead against yours, eyes dancing with mirth in the evening light. His fingers press into the small of your back, searing through the gauzy fabric of your blouse, igniting a slow burn that sweeps through your whole body. You sigh deeply as your eyes flutter closed, taking in the sounds of soft timbales and claves bouncing off the stone under your feet, the heat from Seokmin’s body on yours, and his lips pressed against your skin, murmuring sweet nothings into your ear.

It’s sexy, to say the least. The laughter and conversations around you vanish until all you know is the sound of Seokmin’s breath ragged in your ear and hot on your cheek. He smells like rosemary and mint and the soap from the hostel. His lips dip dangerously low on your cheek until they brush over the skin under your jaw, sending a chill down your spine despite the heat. Seokmin smiles against your temple as your fingers toy with the hem of his shirt, skirting low over the smooth expanse of his stomach. He hums into your ear—a warning—as your fingertips trail just a little higher. But you’re still in public, so you pull back just enough to smile coyly at him and smooth the hem of his shirt back down.

The music is intoxicating, the melody swelling and swaddling you in a heady daydream of nothing but Seokmin. You tuck your nose into his shoulder, inhaling deeply as his fingers dance up your spine and land lightly on the back of your neck.

“God, I love you,” he confesses, and his laughter is swallowed by your lips suddenly on his, giddy and girlish. It’s just supposed to be an innocent peck—just a quick one you could share in public—but with the wine having gone completely to your head, the music reverberating in your chest, and Seokmin’s tongue in your mouth, it’s difficult to concentrate. Seokmin tastes like the Albariño you ordered, like lemon and nectarine, and so, so sweet your knees turn to liquid. He hums in content as a soft sigh escapes your mouth, unprompted. His hands are firm on your hips, fingers lacing through the belt loops of your skirt to pull you closer. You tangle your own in the damp strands at the nape of his neck, relishing the own sounds you can persuade from your partner’s throat. 

Someone catcalls in the background and you come to with a start. Seokmin’s face is rosy—from the wine or from you, it’s hard to tell—but he’s well past the point of having the grace to look embarrassed. His eyes are glued to you, drinking you in completely. You grin, hiding your face in his chest. The music is all but static in the background, and for a moment it’s just the two of you again, drinking in the airless summer night and the sounds of other couples enjoying each other’s company. You run your thumb across Seokmin’s bottom lip, completely enraptured. His eyes are dangerously dark.

“Go back to the hotel?” you whisper, mouth hovering mere centimeters away from his. 

Seokmin’s next kiss is indication enough. Grabbing your purse, he throws a few bills onto the bistro table before tugging you away from the plaza. Street signs bleed into flights of rickety stairs and cobblestone alleyways into flowered medians and quiet side roads. The ocean roars in greeting as you run unsteadily back to your hotel. Street lamps blaze into life amid loud shouts of laughter from nearby pedestrians, and the fluttery feeling in your stomach only grows. The only thing that stays constant is the feeling of Seokmin’s hand in yours, firm and reassuring. 

Then, unprompted, Seokmin tugs you into a hidden alcove off the street, and presses you hard against the brick wall, tilting your jaw up with his thumbs to pull you into a searing kiss. He draws in a sharp breath, groaning softly into your mouth as you sag into his touch. You feel like a teenager again, sneaking off the beaten path so you can put your hands all over each other. Seokmin is impatient—his hands dig into your hips, his mouth is on your jaw, and his body is so hot it’s any wonder he hasn’t yet burst into flames. 

“Seokmin,” you gasp, nails digging into his chest, breaking away. His excitement is palpable. He groans, irritated, and tips his forehead against your cheek, still holding you tight to him like you might still slip through his fingers. You extract yourself from his grasp, a little dizzy from the lack of oxygen and pull him away from the wall amidst protests. The privacy of your hotel room can’t arrive fast enough and it feels like eons before you’re pushing Seokmin against the back of the door yourself—so hard the air is knocked from his lungs—but he grins breathlessly as he draws you close, hip to hip, chest to chest, mouth to mouth.

You breath him in, smelling the lingering traces of cigarette smoke and lavender from the night markets on his clothes. Seokmin is all teeth and all tongue, hands traveling up and down the curve of your waist, over your ass, up your forearms and shoulders. His thumb tugs on your bottom lip, coaxing your mouth open as he slips his tongue in once more. You dissolve in his hands like water—you’ve always been so pliant with him, so eager to please it goes straight to his head.  

“Tell me what you want,” he mumbles, hand holding your jaw in place. His eyes are asking for a challenge. 

But you feel needy and slightly hysterical that it’s all you can do to say weakly, “You.” 

Seokmin’s breath is hot in your mouth and you have no choice but to ride the wave. This is Seokmin’s all-or-nothing, as he drags your thin linen blouse off your shoulders, popping the top button clean off amid breathless laughter so he can press more open-mouthed kisses along your shoulder and collarbone. You sigh deeply, winding your fingers into the hair at the back of his head again, chasing his lips with potent desperation. Seokmin grins, canines glinting wolfishly in the moonlight. It’s difficult to see in the burgeoning darkness—nothing but vague shadows dancing on the walls—so you kick off your shoes haphazardly, stumbling until your knees eventually strike the edge of the bed. You hit the mattress with a huff!, Seokmin in tow. His hand is hot against your bare skin, palm pressed flat to your chest where your heart races.

“This is your fault, by the way,” you tease, and Seokmin feigns sympathy, except his fingers are little too far up your thigh for the sympathy to land. You suck in a breath, eyes burning as Seokmin gazes at you with undisguised want, eyes flicking around your face in a dizzying pattern—eyes, lips, cheeks, forehead, nose, eyes, lips—like it was the first time he’d ever seen you. The air grows thicker like mud, sticking in your nose and throat and you struggle to swallow, pushing yourself off the bed. 

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Seokmin asks, voice laced with worry. His figure is clothed in deep blue shadow in the imminent darkness. Air is sparse, and anxiety flares in your stomach, unexpected, and you press a hand to your racing heart, willing it to slow. Your pulse is erratic and you realize you’re nervous.

“Woah, talk to me,” Seokmin pleads again, sitting up. His fingers around your wrist are soft, like all of him, and it eases the sudden ache in your chest, even if just a little. You place your other hand on top of his, stroking your thumb over his knuckles. 

Your voice is hoarse. “Just nervous. I don’t know why—it’s so silly.” 

And then Seokmin is there, tucking you into his arms and his nose in your hair, swaying as he holds you for a moment. 

“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want. You know that.” 

You frown, pushing away from his chest. “No–no, I want this. Just–had a moment, but I’m ok.” You lean your forehead on his shoulder again. “I’m always ok when I’m with you.” The quiet presses in on your ears. The incessant buzzing in your fingertips fades to the background, slowing to the steady rhythm of Seokmin’s heartbeat in his chest—reliable as always, a constant you had come to memorize like the spots on his face. 

“I’m right here, baby,” he whispers against your temple. “Whatever you want.”

The soft glow from the street lamps outside illuminate his features in a tranquil yellow hue. He looks angelic, always so gentle and willing, that it sucks the remaining air out of your lungs. 

He settles back on the edge of bed, hands resting on your hips as he gazes up at you with adoration so tangible it makes your heart ache. You run your fingers gently through his hair, pushing the dark strands off his forehead and trace the shape of his profile with your pointer finger, down his forehead and the bridge of his nose, pausing over his waiting lips, down his chin until you grasp it in between your thumb and forefinger. 

“You’re beautiful, too, you know?” you say, voice soft. And Seokmin smiles, pleased, and it lights up his whole face, sending a bolt of warmth down your throat like lightning. The crashing waves of the ocean are muffled under the sound of your heart in your ears. Seokmin is quiet, arms tight around your waist. Had it not been for the pulsing rhythm in your body, this might have been a tender moment—but the heat is still there, prodding in your stomach, building, smoldering, aching. 

You want him. Bad.

With a noise of impatience, you pull his face back towards yours, curving your body to pull him in, kissing him longingly, hoping he’ll sense the desperation growing in your stomach, understand the way you need to feel him under and over and inside you. Seokmin reads you like the back of his hand—senses the tension in your shoulders—and knows that if he uses his mouth just right your last remaining shred of self-control will snap.

He pulls at the rest of the buttons on your blouse with agonizing restraint, kissing every inch of skin revealed with painstaking deference. His mouth trails down your sternum, pausing as he listens to the quiet exhales that leave your mouth. The skin on your stomach is sensitive to his touch, and you bite back a few nervous giggles as Seokmin ghosts his lips just down to where the waistband of your skirt rests on your hips. His thumbs dig into the skin there, and he peers up at you, eyes sparkling mischievously. Asking for permission. You nod, breath shallow in your throat.

“Should be on my knees for a princess,” your fiancé murmurs lowly, dropping to his knees in front of you. What had been a steady flame in your gut erupts into a hunger so strong it might consume you from the inside out. Your mouth goes dry as he gentle pulls you down to the mattress, urging you to sit. 

In the same tender manner, Seokmin lifts the sole of your foot to his lips, eyes darkening as your breath quickens yet. His breath fans across your bare skin, up your ankles and your shin, before he pauses to press a hot kiss to the inside of your knee, teeth digging into the soft skin there. The static in your ears increases tenfold as his other hand pushes the hem of your skirt up to your waist. Seokmin’s mouth continues upward, stopping on the supple skin of the inside of your thighs. Hunger gnaws at your insides by now, and you tense your stomach in anticipation. Seokmin’s pupils are blown wide—impossibly dark as he takes you in—forcing you backwards, his mouth hovering just over the fabric in between you and complete bareness. Your breath quickens—waiting, waiting, waiting—as Seokmin’s tongue trails from the inside of your knee right to where your thigh pools at your hip. 

And then, with a dazed smirk, he sets your foot down—not on the floor—but gently over the bulge in his pants. Seokmin leans forward ever so slightly, eyes daring. Already he’s so hard, even under his trousers and it’s all you can do to stop yourself from falling apart right there.

“See what you do to me?” he rasps, breath hitching as you press your foot down—just a little—to feel him so vulnerable under you. Your panties are soaked by now—it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. Seeing Seokmin like this, shirt unbuttoned to his stomach, hair still styled so nicely, lips parted with desire; you want him like this, now, all the time. 

“Seokmin–fuck–” you choke, the words ripped from your mouth as you feel his tongue, wet and hot over your panties. Seokmin tosses one of your feet over his shoulder as he wraps his fingers in the waistband, pulling your panties taut. The ability to control yourself is lost. You curve into his touch as Seokmin gently pulls your panties aside, and presses one last reverent kiss to the inside of your hip.  

“So beautiful,” he murmurs, breath fanning across your skin, “always so beautiful for me.” Then his mouth is on you, open-mouthed and scorching on your cunt, the tip of his tongue circling around your clit, tasting every part of you. You clench your fists into the sheets, gasping for air as he wraps his strong arms around your thighs to pin you down. Even still, you squirm away from his mouth, hands pushing at his head as he sends you to cloud nine. His eyes are searing even behind closed eyelids as he drinks your pleasure, watching in rapture. 

Seokmin’s voice is almost inaudible over the thrum of your heart in your ears. “You like the way I worship you, baby?”

“Yes, please, yes, oh my god, Seokmin, please,” you plead, lurching upwards to curl around his head as a particularly powerful bolt of pleasure rushes through your body. He’s ruthless, nails biting into your thighs as you writhe in pleasure, nose bumping against your clit, mouth planted firmly on your pussy as your cries become higher and more desperate. It builds and builds and builds, a rope in your gut stretching and pulling until you feel like you might snap in half. The pleasure mounts as Seokmin crudely licks his tongue up your cunt, pressed flat against your skin and you release a strangled groan, fingers knotting in his hair.

“S–Seokmin, I’m—” you gasp, body tensed in anticipation.

And then he leans back, and your release fades as quickly as it appeared. Your body aches uncomfortably. The mattress sinks down on either side of you as he braces his hands by your head. Seokmin grins, tucking a few pieces of hair gently behind your ear, dragging your mouth open with his thumb once more to push his tongue past your lips. He tastes like you and he moans as you pull him in by the back of his neck, kissing him fiercely.

“You’re a dick,” you protest, shoving his shoulder. Seokmin’s smile is tender, his cheeks flushed despite his actions just moments ago. 

“Hey,” he says in between kisses to your collarbone that stifle the feeble protests spewing from your mouth, “I don’t wanna go too fast.” 

You groan weakly, as he shifts his knee in between your thighs. He wraps his fingers around one of your ankles, lifting it up onto his hip. 

“But I wanna feel you,” you complain, looping your arms around his neck as if to urge him on. But Seokmin just shakes his head, grinning. His leg shifts again, pressing against the ache in between your thighs and you instinctively roll your hips, mouth dropping open at the touch. He places a large hand on your pelvis, pinning you to the bed.

“I’m taking my time with you,” he says against your mouth, smiling as you sag onto the bed. 

He wanted to fuck slow.

And he does, touching you with feather-light pressure, building your frustration and anticipation until you’re a sweating, panting, desperate disaster in his hands—and only then does Seokmin let you feverishly remove the rest of his clothes. The desire to feel him, see him, taste him has grown so vicious you might cry. He perches on the edge of the bed again, and with shaking hands you jerk the rest of his shirt off his broad shoulders, scraping your nails down his chest to the belt at his waist. You’ve always loved Seokmin’s body—its strong, lithe build, all toned and smooth. Seokmin curses under his breath, tossing his head back in pleasure as you kiss along his jaw and down his torso. The muscles in his stomach tense under your touch, pulled taut as your lips reach his hips again. Slowly, you undo the button on his trousers, all the while keeping burning eye contact. You want Seokmin to see how much you need him. 

“Let me touch you,” you whisper against his abdomen, waiting for the desperate nod, before your fingers slip under the waistband of his briefs to finally take him in your hand. Seokmin moans low and you moan with him, imagining when he would finally let you take him, how he would stretch you out, and you’d finally feel all of him. 

You pull your hand back to spit, making sure to keep your eyes on him as you do, before wrapping your fingers around his length again. Seokmin’s voice is choked in his throat as you run your hand up and down his entire shaft, taking care to twist your fist around the base of his cock, delicately trailing up and around the head, soaking up every breathy sound of satisfaction that leaves Seokmin’s lips. 

With palpable restlessness, you yank the rest of Seokmin’s clothes off, straddling him on the edge of the bed again. He feels the damp fabric of your panties against his thigh and groans, his fingers knitting into your hair to kiss you again, feverish and wanting. You grind down, feeling his cock hard against your pussy and laugh weakly—except it sticks in your throat as Seokmin’s nails dig into your hip, dragging your cunt down his length again. 

“You want me so bad, don’t you?” Seokmin goads, hand holding the back of your head as you roll your hips up and down his length with increasing desperation. Your nails dig into his chest. He pulls your panties to the side, eyes fluttering closed as your arousal slides over his skin. The heat of the room muddles your brain, heightening every sensation. You’re already so wet, needy and willing to do anything to make the tightness in your stomach go away. “Want me to fuck you, baby?”

“Please–” you beg, “need you. Seokmin–”

His lips are crushing, destroying any semblance of thought you might have had. 

“Go ahead, princess,” Seokmin groans, as you pull your panties to the side, sliding two fingers into yourself and using your arousal to lubricate his cock again. The weight of Seokmin’s cock in your hand, the sound of your fingers sliding down the length is enough to have you weak in the knees. Seokmin’s hands splay across your back, propping you up as you line up his cock with your entrance. 

Your fiancé has always been a romantic, and this time is no different as Seokmin kisses you, open mouth waiting to breathe in your needy moans as you slowly sink down onto his cock. In your agitation, it’s still tight, extracting a few hisses of discomfort out of you. But Seokmin is there, soothing you with quiet shushes against your lips, thumbs stroking your cheeks as you take him all the way. He stretches you out, nice and slow, drawing the air from your lungs. 

There you go, that’s my girl. You’re doing so well, baby.

His praise rolls over you like late afternoon sunlight, settling in your chest until you feel lightheaded—the love in your chest is too much to take. It feels more intimate than usual, being nose to nose with Seokmin like this, seeing every emotion flicker in his eyes, feeling his breath fan over your face as he pants. You comb your fingers through his hair and cup his face in your hands, as the fluttery, panicky desperation for a hold on reality reappears in your chest again. You gasp as Seokmin shifts farther onto the bed, nails biting into his scalp as he pulls you closer.

He can surely feel the supersonic pace of your heart against his chest and he shushes you gently, pressing his lips against your sternum.

“I–I just need you to relax, sweetheart,” you hear him murmur in your daze, hands running up and down your spine. “Just a little more.” 

You nod, eyes squeezes shut as you try to swallow the trepidation in your stomach. Seokmin takes it all with grace; his voice is like honey in your ear, sticky and sweet, whispering soft reassurances. Seokmin’s love can be so strong—even after all this time—that it overwhelms you, leaving you vulnerable and defenseless. You’re not used to the devotion that even now, it sometimes takes a little to get used to, so you tuck your nose in the crook of his neck. The smell of sunshine still sticks to his skin, like a moth to a flame. 

“Baby, are you still with me?” Seokmin asks, forefinger petting your cheek. “Hm?”

You nod wordlessly, breathing deeply while Seokmin watches, attentive, until you’ve finally taken all of him. Seokmin bottoms out with a strangled groan, and presses a chaste kiss to your lips, chest stuttering as you roll your hips with impatience. Even then, it’s still too much right away and you freeze, gasping for breath. 

“Hey,” Seokmin says, holding your face in his hands, “we have all night. Take it slow.”

“I know I just—ah–” you whine, stubborn, as you roll your hips again—ignoring the vague hesitancy in your stomach—this time relishing in the dull ache in between your legs, feeling the stretch and pull as Seokmin coaxes your hips into a lazy rhythm. He watches closely, mapping out your body with his hands, leaving you out of breath and hazy in the head. You throw your head back as he kisses your exposed throat, mouth hot over your skin. 

Seokmin rests his hand at the base of your throat—not quite squeezing—and leaves it there. The possessive glint in his eyes is enough to say you are mine. Mine. The thought alone is enough to have you falling into his touch. 

Mine.

Mine.

He slips the other hand lower, using his thumb to rub circles around your clit, persuading languorous moans from your mouth, watching you with sordid fascination as you respond to his every touch. You brace your hand on his knee, brow furrowing as the pleasure in your core molds into shape. It’s hot and heavy, radiating so strongly it makes your arm shake.

“Just like–that,” you whine, nails digging into Seokmin’s thigh as he fucks into you slow, gripping your ass so hard you know it’ll leave marks. He curses as you clench around his cock, urging him to go faster. But Seokmin is, and always has been, more patient than you, and he grins slowly, even through heavy-lidded eyes clouded with lust, gripping your hips tight enough to still your movement. 

“What did I say?” he challenges, lips hovering millimeters over yours. You frown, protests falling on deaf ears, as he leans in closer. His lips brush yours as he whispers, “Go. Slow.”

So you try, rolling your hips, grinding down on his cock until you think you might die, until your restlessness is as tangible as the arousal dripping onto Seokmin’s thighs. He fluctuates between playing with your clit–just until you’re on the verge of release—and waiting, just long enough to keep the buzz in your body at bay. Your knees ache as you hold yourself up, feeling Seokmin’s cock slide and and out, his hands in your hair and on your ass. He edges you, daring you to come first each time you whimper you’re close, waiting until the shaking in your fingers stops just for him to continue. 

You’ve never been a crier, but after twenty minutes of this, you’re certain that even a slight breeze would cause you to come undone. Seokmin’s cock rests deep inside to the hilt, his mouth is on your skin, and you know that if he moves, you’ll come harder than you ever have before. 

“Baby, please,” you beg, hips jerking at every slight movement, “please–”

Seokmin smiles, and even just the sight of his pretty teeth have the tears you’ve been holding back, rolling down your cheeks like two big fat admissions of defeat. You suck in a breath as Seokmin lifts you off his cock, dropping you onto your back on the mattress. He places one of your ankles over his shoulder, pressing you down by the back of your thigh as you toss the other around his waist. 

The sounds coming from your mouth are less than human as Seokmin runs his fingers through your arousal again, placating your whines with his lips. You feel like you’re about to snap. 

“Seokmin, fuck me.” It sounds so ridiculous coming from your mouth you think you might cry again, but the thought is shoved away as Seokmin slaps his cock against your needy cunt a few times, pulling more animalistic cries from your throat. 

“Soon, pet,” he grins, and then his cock is pushing into you again, his fingers on your clit, his eyes dark and earnest as your whole body tenses in his arms. 

Your nails claw into his skin and he hisses, brow furrowed, as you drag them down his back with uncharacteristic force, but the thought of his beautiful back marked by your torment only feeds the fire in your belly. You arch your spine, pressing into him as Seokmin draws his cock back out, still much slower than you would like. He’s just winding you up at this point, seeing just how far you’re breaking point is.

Seokmin tuts, simpering as you pant deliriously under him. He leans down, brushing his lips over your cheekbone to rest his forehead against yours. You groan impatiently. 

“Patience, lamb,” Seokmin urges, pressing a chaste kiss to your lips, and you frown like a petulant child. Your protests are quickly silenced as he moves, pushing into you with little urgency, pulling back out with agonizing slowness, relishing in the tiny sounds escaping your tightly clamped lips. His strokes are languid as he holds you close to his body. Sometimes it feels like a challenge, to see how long you can go without indulging Seokmin, but today every sensation is amplified tenfold—the smell of his hair, the feeling of his skin, his fingers on your body, his tongue in your mouth, his cock deep inside. He holds your head in between his hands, petting your hair when you tense, whispering sweet words against your skin. 

“Look at me, baby,” Seokmin murmurs, brushing the hair off your forehead. Your pry your eyes open, resisting every impulse to squeeze them shut again as Seokmin pushes into you again, this time with more heat, feeling the burn in his own body increase as you brace yourself against his shoulders. His strokes are long and deep, barely a second apart before he drives back into you to the hilt, swimming in the crude sounds of skin against skin. A chorus of moans fills the room as Seokmin finally fucks you into subspace, your head going foggy with pleasure. The sounds leaving your mouth are barely coherent—just a messy jumble of garbled syllables. Seokmin is unrelenting. His stomach is tense with the effort it takes to keep up his pace. You’ve all but given up on keeping your eyes open, instead falling openly into the pleasure that builds in your gut again. 

Good girl. Just a little more, I promise. Look at you, so beautiful like this. Just like that.

Good girl. 

My girl.

You want to hold on. You want to hold on as long as possible. But Seokmin’s praise washes over you like the tide, saccharine and familiar, so you come again and again, feeling insurmountable pleasure pulse through your body—white-hot and blinding—so intense it leaves you breathless and weak, as Seokmin’s voice continues to flit in and out of focus. 

“God!” you plead, as an orgasm so powerful it rips your voice from your throat tears through you. Your nails bite crescents into your fiancé’s shoulders, and you jolt upward to kiss Seokmin feverishly, fingers carding desperately through his hair as he fucks you through your high. 

“Where–” Seokmin stutters, jaw clenched.

So you breathe, “In me,” and Seokmin groans long and low, as he comes undone, his release hot inside you, fingers searching for yours as he heaves. His hand is clammy and you smooth your other over his cheek, thumb skating over his cheekbone. Seokmin looks ragged, hair fucked and messy, lip bleeding from where you bit him in a fit of passion. He kisses you again, hungry and desperate as if the last forty minutes hadn’t been enough of you for him. Then he pulls out slowly, frowning apologetically as you wince in discomfort. He sets your foot back on the bed, before pressing one last, sweet kiss to your pelvis. You feel fucked raw, sensitive from all that the two of you had done.

Seokmin always ravishes you like it’s the first time he gets to hold you, taking his time until the bedsheets are tangled around your limbs and you’re both utterly spent. He loves you deep into the night, until the sun threatens to peek over the horizon. The dreamy cerulean color of the sky tells you it’s far too late for you to be awake. The street noise below has become all but mute, as the townspeople slumber peacefully in their homes. It’s the birdsong that pulls you from your reverie, still bleary-eyed and a little limp, so sudden you place your palms flat on Seokmin’s chest and stare at him in disbelief. He hums in acknowledgment, stirring from his place at your side. 

“What time is it?” you rasp, voice hoarse from use. 

Seokmin groans, reaching for his phone and murmurs, “Almost 4:30.” 

Your eyes open a few more centimeters. “It’s been—it’s been all night.” 

Your fiancé flashes his usual heartbreaking smile. “I know,” he says, and groans as he turns onto his side to look at you, “but I just wanted to be with you.” He tucks his arm under his head, reaching out a hand to run his thumb over your bottom lip. You kiss the pad of his thumb, leaning into his touch. “I love you.”

It always feels like a promise coming from his lips.

You flop back onto the bed, wincing at the twinge in your ass and roll over onto your stomach, tucking your chin over your folded hands. The Spanish coast is quiet, and for a while it’s just you and the ocean and the intimate sounds of Seokmin’s even breathing as he falls back asleep.

The next thing you feel are his lips on the base of your spine, and the early afternoon sun in your eyes. You blink groggily, shielding your eyes from the sun with your hand as Seokmin kisses up your back. Goosebumps erupt on your skin and you wrap yourself in the top sheet, smiling sweetly as Seokmin leans down to press a gentle kiss to your lips. 

“Good morning,” he murmurs, and rolls off the bed—still naked—over to the small kitchenette. “Coffee?”

You lift your arms high over your head, stretching until your muscles feel sore and limber, sighing deeply. “Mm, please.” Seokmin nods and grabs two espresso cups from the cupboard. 

From your spot on the bed, you settle back, admiring the view of your beautifully sculpted fiancé preparing morning coffee. He’s started working out again, and you see the smooth muscles across his back flex as he stretches. Your eyes trace the graceful curve of his spine to his narrow hips and you flush, stifling a nervous giggle. Even making coffee while butt-naked, Seokmin exudes an easy confidence that sets you at peace, the slope of his shoulders relaxed as he waits for the espresso to finish brewing. The aroma of coffee curls into the air and you smile to yourself, tucking your chin into the palm of your hand. How did you get to be so lucky? 

Seokmin catches you staring and breaks you from your trance by kissing your temple, holding a small espresso in his hand. 

“Yeah?” he asks, eyes glinting with amusement. You tilt your head and just nod, scooting so he can join you on the bed again and press a kiss to his bare shoulder. Seokmin still smells like his sunscreen. He squeezes your thigh again, gazing wordlessly over the balcony at the coastline. It’s picturesque—nothing exists beyond this hotel room except for you and him. 

The espresso is warm in your hands, but Seokmin’s body is warmer. 

You’ll never be cold again. 

--

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[transitranger327]

It’s Not Enough to Feel the Lack

Sapphic Ahsoka Tano Week, Day 6: Rarepairs

Well folks, have I got a rarepair for y’all: Ahsoka Tano/Transfem Kanan Jarrus. This little canon divergence takes place just after Jarrus runs away from the Bad Batch, and just before Ahsoka goes to Padmé’s funeral. The full fic is below the cut, along with some other notes

“Run, Caleb!”

That’s the last thing she said to me. I hate that it’s the last thing she said to me.

But I did what she said. I ran. I ran from the clones. I ran until I found a city. I ran until I found a ship. I ran with the ship, chasing after the emergency beacon…but it was a trap. Now I’m sitting here, cowering in a corner of the Coruscant system, hoping to the Force that I’m not spotted. 

And I don’t know what to do besides run. 

The holocron she had given me wouldn’t open anymore. All my friends were Jedi that are probably dead, or clones that want to kill me. Who do I run to?

Wait, no! Not all! Ahsoka isn’t a Jedi anymore, I bet she can help me! 

I mean, she wasn’t exactly a friend, but we knew each other from around the temple, and she did help with my remote training. So I set my comlink to scan for her, and managed to find a signal. 

Come in, Ahsoka Tano? This is Caleb Dume. I know you probably don’t remember me, but you helped with my remote training at the temple a few years ago.  I read you, Caleb, and of course I remember you. I assume your master is gone too? Yeah…uh…I need your help Can you get to these coordinates?

A few galactic coordinates popped up on my comlink screen. Somewhere in the Chommell sector, by the looks of it. I checked the ship’s fuel gauge, should be in range. “Yeah, I can make it.”

She radioed back, “Great. Oh, and destroy your Jedi comlink. It’s too easy to track.” Then the channel went silent. 

That scrap of peace was enough. I reached out to the holocron, and it finally opened. I transferred all of my holographic possessions to it, including Master Kenobi’s warning. Then I melted the comlink with my lightsaber. 

—

The coordinates Tano had sent me were for a planet, one that the navicomputer called Karlinus. With nothing more specific included in Tano’s message, I set a course for the largest city. Or, at least, just outside it. Underneath that train viaduct should be a safe spot to stow the ship until I need to leave. 

After an hour of walking underneath the viaduct plus another walking the streets, I found myself outside the main train station. A hooded figure smiled at me from across the plaza, sitting at a bistro table, sipping a cup of caf. Taking a seat myself, I sighed, “boy am I glad to see you.”

Ahsoka chuckled, “You know Dume, you didn’t have to walk all the way here. Most trains here will pick up people who flag them down.” She turned to a waiter who had just approached, “Samé, can you get my friend here a cup of caf? Black and sweet, right?”

I was startled she remembered what I liked, “yeah, that’s right. Could I also get some water?” After the waiter acknowledged the order and returned inside, I asked Ahsoka, “how can you be so calm right now, being this exposed?” I lowered my voice, “we’re fugitives.”

After a deep breath, she replied, “we’re on an agricultural world. The work here is mostly seasonal, so newcomers aren’t treated with any suspicion. The beloved senator has just died, so the dark hooded cloaks are appropriate mourning attire.” Her guarded feelings were starting to seep thru her words. “Caleb, the way we survive is by being smart, and by acting like we belong.” 

My name was a gut punch. It hadn’t felt right recently, but now it was just wrong. “Can you not call me that?” I worried that was too much. “I mean, I don’t want to use a name that’s easily searchable.” Kriff, I backed too much off the throttle. 

Despite a knowing eyebrow raise, she simply responded, “Of course. Do you have a preferred cover?” 

“Jarrus, I think.” I’m not sure where I’d heard the name before, but I liked it. It was an impulse I had tried to tamp down, but there was now an excuse to use a new name. But now I felt too exposed, so I tried to change the subject. “So, why meet here?”

“I met the late senator a few times,” she said, hiding the full truth significantly better than I did, “the funeral is tomorrow, and I wanted to pay my respects.” After sipping her cream caf, she continued, “and since I left, I’ve really started to appreciate the worlds I visit more. The sense of place here is very different, a whole world dedicated to cultivating life.”

Samé appeared, bearing a mug of caf and a tall cup of water. After thanking them and taking a swig of each, I interrogated Ahsoka, “so that’s it, you’re just enjoying life?” There was too much pain in my voice, but I had stopped caring by now. 

“Jarrus, you don’t understand. People are still very much interested in me.” For the first time during our whole conversation, she looked directly into my eyes. “I want to remind you that there is still life out there to live. We have to honor the dead by continuing to live.” She took a deep breath, then looked back out into the plaza. “I figured we could get set up with some new…equipment before we start our new work. And this is definitely a good place to acquire it.”

The caf’s effects were starting to sink in, and I began to see a bigger picture. Ahsoka was thinking three steps ahead; I was still looking for my footing. I sat in silence, continuing to drink, wishing I could start thinking like her. 

“So how does it feel?” 

I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. I wanted to run and never stop. But all I could muster was, “it’s just nothing. Empty, where something should exist.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of. Something should exist and it doesn’t. Nothing good will replace it.”

—

After finishing our caf, stopping by an outfitter for backpacks and work clothes, Ahsoka led the way into a small electronics shop in a back alley. It was overflowing with an odd assortment of equipment, from complex droid parts to individual circuits to finished gadgets. There were very few pathways amongst the menagerie of metal, but Ahsoka managed to gracefully navigate it with ease to the back counter. A middle-aged Naboo sat behind it, tinkering with a comm receiver. Zhe gave us a quick look-over, assessing what kind of clients we would be. Ahsoka’s direct approach with my unfocused browsing must’ve tipped zher off that we were out of the ordinary, because zhe asked, “How’s the plasma in the palace?” 

“Fluvial, as always.” Ahsoka knew the magic words, so I let her do the talking. “We’re friends of Quarsh.”

“Great to hear, how much assistance do you need?” I sensed more code layers in the question, as if only one of zher tests had been passed.

“Only a glitter-lit-ful.” The tension released, the song and dance over. Ahsoka continued, “our comlinks were destroyed on our assignment. My partner is worse at flying speeders than they let on.” 

I thought about protesting, but decided she was better at fabricating a cover story. The shopkeeper opened a drawer that had previously been a seamless part of the wall. It was just as cluttered as the rest of the shop, but zhe extracted two devices and placed them on the counter. “Two encrypted comlinks, perfect for Queen’s Agents such as yourselves.” They were truly beautiful, slightly larger than the Jedi versions, made of what appeared to be wood and trimmed with chrome. We picked them up and slipped them in our pockets. 

“Thank you for the assistance, Solder.”

“As always, Montrals.”

—

As we stepped off the train, I was struck by how little the people around us had interfered with what we were doing. Either they genuinely had no interest in killing us, or Ahsoka was setting me up. The latter was too terrifying to think about, so I tried to put it out of my mind. “So…do you want to tell me what happened to you?”

Ahsoka took a deep breath. “After I left the Order, I got involved with the grey market. I discovered Darth Maul had managed to organize several of the crime families and was running Mandalore from a distance. An old friend asked me to help, and as thanks she gave me the blue & grey you saw me in earlier.”

I spotted a ladder going down one of the viaduct’s support columns. “I’ve met Mandalorians before, how did Maul end up controlling them?” 

“He defeated the previous leader in ritual combat. Not everyone followed, which is why a civil war broke out. I helped to end it.”

“So you were on Mandalore during the Siege?”

“I led the Siege.” She had so much pride in her voice. “Led Clones and Mandalorians alike to retake their planet from Maul.”

“What happened next?”

“We won. I handed the planet back over to the sister of the previous Duchess, and I left with most of the clones I brought.” Her tone then changed to somber. “Next thing you know, I’m escaping a crashing cruiser with the only clone who didn’t betray me.” 

“Serves them right”

I was shocked by her reaction. “Hey, the clones aren’t bad people. It’s not their fault, they were forced to do it.”

We were now stopped, halfway down the ladder. “What do you mean forced? Couldn’t they just say no? I’ve seen clones disobey orders all the time.” Incredulity mixed with fear, thinking Ahsoka might betray me back to the clones. 

“This time it’s different. This order is baked into them. They have a chip in their brains that controls this. I watched Rex struggle against it, the pain he was facing.” She was starting to cry. “I surgically removed it. And afterwards, despite not hurting me, do you know what he said? He said, ‘Sorry for what happened earlier, I almost killed you.’” 

I could feel the anger I had been holding tight to start to slip away. Seeing Ahsoka’s tearful defense of the clones broke something in me. But instead of sadness, it was just a numbing emptiness. Like so much of what I felt. “I’m sorry, Ahsoka.”

The rest of the climb down was passed in silence. 

—

We found ourselves standing outside my escape vehicle. “Well this is certainly an…interesting ship.” Ahsoka was trying to be kind to the piece of junk. “Do you know the previous owner?” 

“No, I picked the worst-looking small ship in the spaceport.” It featured a plethora of corrosion spots and plenty of dents. Most of the dents were on the outrigger engine pods, which hung a little too close to the ground. The under-slung cargo fasteners looked like they’d been replaced half a dozen times. The rear viewport had a splash of carbon scoring, with a nasty blaster cannon shot sitting in the reinforcement next to it. “But, it’s been growing on me.”

“Ships tend to do that,” said Ahsoka as I opened the rear-facing landing ramp that led into the interior. We passed the small bunks and galley as we climbed up the ramp. The retractable ladder for the dorsal docking port was marked with an orange “look out” sign that had been repainted. I had kept the head closed for a reason. The maintenance console sat covered in a thin layer of dust, which Ahsoka began to wipe off. “Does she have a name?”

It took me a second to realize she was asking about the ship. “Uh, not yet. I haven’t exactly had time to think.” In reality, I had never truly had something like this that was mine besides my lightsaber. So many names started bouncing around my head. “Do you have any ways to pick? Or how to know it’s right?”

She smiled at me, as if knowing something I didn’t. “You can always go with a name that honors something or someone in your life. Or maybe something you want to aspire to. Honestly, names that sound cool are also great.”

The “someone in your life” gave me the answer. “She’s the Kastolar Skull,” I declared, in honor of Master Billaba and the Mandalorians who protected us. 

“Perfect,” she said, rifling thru several drawers before finding a tool I had never seen before. “So Jarrus, want to learn how to rewire a ship’s transponder?”

—

After a few lessons on ship maintenance (and one on comlink reprogramming), Ahsoka and I ate a small dinner. She had picked up some spring vegetables from a food stall and bottles of a Karlini beverage from another. We sat next to each other on the floor of the ship, legs dangling down into the vacancy left by the landing ramp. Much closer than I was used to; Master Billaba and the clones alike kept a professional distance between them and me. But Ahsoka sat right up against me, a physical touch I found myself enjoying after being isolated for days. 

“Hey, uh, Ahsoka? Thanks for everything today.” 

“Of course, I wasn’t going to let you die.”

“No, you did more than that.” I struggled to find words for what I was feeling. “You helped me live.”

She put her arm around my shoulder. “That’s the whole thing, Jarrus. Just keep on living.”

I took some time to finish my bowl; by the end, the lack of sleep caught up to me. “I think I’m gonna try to get some rest.”

“If you leave the ramp unlocked, I’ll be outside if you need me.”

We both jumped down to get off the ledge. I was given a surprise hug before she was already down the ramp and outside. I stood there, dazed, before deciding to raise the entrance and climb into bed. 

It was the best night’s sleep I had in the past three months. 

—

“So, what do you think, commander?” Her best friend sat next to Ahsoka as they sat on the dirt with their backs against the ship. The Chommell sector stars hung above them. 

“I don’t know, Rex. They’re really shaken up from what happened.” 

“Like you were. Like I was.”

“We had each other. Jarrus was alone, and they had to run from Depa dying. I can’t imagine what would happen if I had to watch Anakin…” The silence that followed was cut into only by a passing train.

“General Billaba’s padawan, huh? They’re a 119?” 

“I’m not even sure if they know yet. But all the hints are there, I want to make sure they live long enough to realize it. And, you know, encourage them.”

Rex’s lips curled into a smile, “You like them, don’t you?”

“it’s…not like that,” replied Ahsoka, bashfully. “I just…wanna be there for them.”

“Uh-huh. Sure, Commander.” Rex changed the subject, “Do you still want a ride to Naboo?” He gestured up to a moderately bright star, just to the left of the small, brilliant Kaliida Nebula. 

“No, I think I’ll ride with Jarrus there. I know you can handle yourself. Take care of R7 until we see each other again.”

“Any other orders, Commander?”

“Rex,”—she turned to look him in the eye—“you don’t have to follow orders anymore. Not from the Empire, not from me. You’re a free man.” They stared into each other’s eyes, brown and blue, looking for answers. After a moment, she returned to stargazing. “But I do want a favor.”

He tried making out the string of stars along the Enarc Run. “For you? Anything” 

“Find your brothers that want to be helped. I know there’s still good in them.”

“Not really a favor if I was already planning on doing it. Already planning on visiting a brother on Saleucami.” 

“I’m glad to hear it.” 

The two leaned against each other, not as soldiers taking respite, but as old friends relaxing and enjoying their last night together. 

Notes:

The last section is an omniscient perspective, Jarrus was not present to hear it. Just wanted to give y’all a little taste of Ahsoka’s feelings on this. Also, she’ll be figuring out a new name (Hannah Jarrus) and pronouns soon Yes I am a fan of the Queen’s trilogy, how could you tell? And “119” is just clone slang for a trans person (in this fic).

@sapphicahsokatanoweek

[karaloza]

Legend of Zelda Theme Park - Gerudo Desert

At long last, I've found a way to add the desert to my theme park!

At the western end of the Dark World is the entrance to a sandstone canyon which meanders a bit and then debouches onto a lively bazaar. Buildings are constructed from off-white masonry contrasting with brilliantly colored fabrics and mosaics. There are numerous planters containing palm trees and cacti to help direct foot traffic as well as providing bench space and extra shade. Near the center of the plaza is a circular fountain featuring a statue of a woman wielding a sword, surrounded by more vegetation. The outside edge of the area is bounded with facades representing sand dunes, among which can be seen landmarks such as the OoT Desert Colossus and BoTW Gerudo Town. From time to time, an animated figure of a Molduga arches from one sand dune to another like a breaching whale.

Attractions

Nabooru’s Training Course: A combination maze and obstacle course—periodically, the winding corridors offer an opportunity to hone your skills as an elite bandit…but if you don’t feel up to tackling the balance beam, overhead bars, crawl net, or other physical challenge, a normal path continues alongside the obstacle. This is just the beginners’ course—from time to time, you can peek through to a more advanced course where Gerudo make trapeze-caliber leaps over jets of fire, dodge flying darts, and disable booby traps (or fail to do so!). At the end of the maze is a playground featuring more things to climb and jump in, just in case you had any excess energy left.

Gerudo Warriors’ Procession: Taking place at scheduled intervals in the bazaar, a squad of the Gerudo tribe’s most impressive warriors parade through the street to a stage where they demonstrate some of their combat skills.

Skipper’s Time-Shifted Boat Tour: Inspired by the Lanayru Sand Sea from Skyward Sword, this dark ride uses projection mapping, augmented reality goggles, and a bit of motion simulation to create the illusion of riding in a boat through a desert that has been transformed into an ancient ocean, but only in a set radius around the craft thanks to the aura of the Timeshift Stone. Fantastic corals appear and disappear, long-decayed ships spring back into operation only to wither again as the boat leaves them behind, the bleached bones of sea monsters turn into living threats until the robot guide manages to outrun them. The queue includes a few interactive “windows” where the push of a button activates a Timeshift Stone to alter a scene—a massive tree reverts to a tiny sapling in a meadow, a crumbled ruin becomes a bustling fortress in its heyday, etc.

Sand-Seal Rally Race: A high-speed ride along a figure-eight racing track, in a seal-drawn “sand sled.” Watch out when you get to the crossing point—don’t crash with another sled!

Shops

5. Silken Palace: Scarves, shawls, capelets, veils, and other free-flowing clothing and accessories made from scrumptiously colored and patterned fabrics…even sarees! Knowledgeable staff can show how to properly put on your purchases if you need help.

6. Hotel Oasis Spa Shop: A health and beauty shop featuring LoZ-inspired makeup palettes, custom-blended perfumes and colognes, bath salts, soaps, scrubs, massage oils, and other products to pamper your skin after a long day in the desert.

7. Starlight Memories: A jewelry boutique specializing in big, showy styles of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, and even diadems. Many pieces are inspired by the traditional jewelry styles of the Middle East and South Asia.

8. Sand-Seal Adoption Center: The Sand-Seal Rally Race exits through this shop specializing in plush toys of sand seals and other desert creatures both real and fanciful, with an optional “adoption ceremony” for your special new friend.

9. Miscellaneous Merchandise Booths: Small spaces leased out to small business retailers whose wares are in line with the overall “vibe” of the Bazaar.

Eateries

10. Gerudo Bistro: A café with well-shaded patio seating, featuring a menu of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern entrees and appetizers.

11. Arbiter’s Grounds: An Arabian/Persian/Turkish style coffee and tea bar, harking back to the ancient relationship with coffee enjoyed by the cultures that inspired the Gerudo. Brews are available hot, iced, flavored, even blended with ice cream for a perky smoothie. Or head next door…

12. Kara Kara Creamery: Beat the heat with frozen treats! Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, milkshakes, and smoothies are all available here, made to order. If you’re with a group, try the Seven Heroines Sundae, with seven “orbs” of different flavors reflecting the virtues prized by the Gerudo: skill, spirit, endurance, knowledge, flight, motion, and gentleness.

[vandermorganable]

Chapter 7: 3 Months Later

(Sorry that the pics are so dark. I use Lazyduchess's auto lights mod which turns off lights in the daytime)

Saul and William have adjusted greatly to becoming parents. William spoke who allowed him to take a break a few months after the baby's born.

Since they have more time with each other, Saul decided to take William out on a date night as he had a surprise for him and wanted it to be special

Once they got through with the song and ate at the bistro, they headed over to plaza across the street. It had sadly started to rain, but it wouldn't hurt them

Saul handed William the red roses he had bought for him. They had reminded him so much of his lover.

When William wasn't paying attention, Saul got down on one knee ready to seal the deal.

[c0rpseductor]

through camera trickery i have determined my prroblem with tryrin o write eulmore. the part of eulmore the character can explore leaves like, most of the city out, but it feels more like there simply Isn't more bc unlike other cities eulmore's extra areas are mostly "walled off" by an elevator, which means they're out of sight unless you go out of doors and look Up. and with my special sorcery i have determined the approximate layout

big zoomed out view of eulmore. you can see some landmarks the player character can enter - that big gold "cage" is the grand dame's parlor. initially i thought looking at this that the bottom part was all like, island, but the stone used for the bottom half of the city is just like, uglier

i kind of labeled the areas with my trackpad and did not use the real ingame names bc it would have been very hard to write them

so the "plaza" area is the canopy, the "army" area is the understory, and then naturally the rest is the buttress. This may have been intuitively obvious to everyone else but it was not clear to me

i also actually noticed with my eyeballs for the first time that some of the surrounding islands are ALSO part of eulmore! they have buildings and everything.

first pic is one i took with the regular ingame camera, and the second is one i took with dark magicks. these little islands aren't very detailed so the layout is up to discretion i suppose. there's quite a lot of them, too, like four. you can see how theyre laid out relative to "mainland" eulmore here, it was a bit finicky to get them all into one shot so it's not great but i think it illustrates the principle well enough

the reflection scaling is fucked up but not by me thats just how the vanilla game is afaik

it's really helpful to be able to see this kind of stuff. i'm glad i took the time and effort to put this mystery to bed even if it cost me a little writing time. i also had the idea to maybe include the islands in the fic and have a luxury ferry service involved, thanks to cecil mentioning how much of a pain in the ass it'd be to have to ferry to a bistro. I Love. Research

[h-f-k]

*(but can be public too if you want!)

hi love ! you're from argentina right? i thought i'd seen posts about it. anyway, maybe a weird question but i'm going to argentina in a month. do you have any tips, must-sees, good restaurants you'd like to share? i always trust people who live(d) there a lot more than, like, tripadvisor. if you don't want to share or if this is weird that's fine too !! either way thank you <33

hi love!! sure, absolutely. I'll answer it publicly in case people also want to know about what to do in buenos aires. okay, i'll try to keep it short. idk how many days you'll be visiting but:

Long Post under the cut lmfao

must-sees:

Caminito (this is located in the neighbourhood of La Boca)

Teatro Colón

Avenida Corrientes and surroundings (Corrientes Av. and 9 de Julio would be like our times square lol)

Palermo Soho (this is a neighbourhood that has a lot of clothing stores, cool restaurants and caffes and from thursday to saturday night there's always a good plan waiting for you)

Jardín Botánico (this is in the neighbourhood of palermo which you'll see is divided in different names, Palermo Soho, Palermo Chico, etc etc so it might be confusing at first lol)

Recoleta is another neighbourhood that's nice to walk around, especially the area that's close to the cemetery and Plaza Francia. If you walk through Libertador Av. or Figeroa Alcorta Av. you'll see pretty buildings and museums. Here you can also see 'The Flower' as we call it lol, which is an artistic sculpture that opens its petals by day and it closes them by night.

San Telmo is a must for tourists but as someone who was born and raised in the city i fucking hate this neighbourhood lmfao, it's filled with people. bUT it's cute, you have like a street market where people sell their crafts and you have cute caffes and restaurants.

Puerto Madero is also a nice place to walk around as well

If you have time you can travel by bus to Villa Ocampo, a beautiful house owned by Victoria Ocampo who was a writer.

Tigre is a neighbourhood outside of Capital Federal (as well as Villa Ocampo) and it has a cute outdoor market filled with caffes, restaurants and shops. You can travel there by bus but it's fastest if you take the train.

For Food:

Petanque is a french restaurant, CARNE is good for eating hamburgers and Sagardi is a spanish/basque place. All of them are in San Telmo.

In Palermo Soho you have a shit ton of restaurants/bars so you can truly pick the one that stands out the most but my faves are: 1) Overo Bar 2) Club Eros (you might not give 2 cents for this one bc it might not look so aesthetically pleasing on the outside but my god they have the best milanesas ever) 3) Local Support (it's like THE place for all the indie and sad boys/girls wannabes of the city, the vibes aren't my cup of tea but the pizza is DELICIOUS) 4) Rey de Copas 5) Soria Bar "

Pizzería Güerrin, best pizza ever.

Il Quotidiano is my favorite sort of "mainstream" italian restaurant, the food is incredible and the prices are quite good honestly.

Presidente Bar if you feel fancy

Dadá Bistro for another fancy night but this one is smaller and usually there's also a shit ton of tourists lol. It's one of my favorite places even tho my friends say that it's for older people u.u (what does that say about me lmfao)

For something even more fancy you can enjoy a delicious merienda or dinner in Palacio Duhau

El Mirasol is one of my favorite places to eat asado, it's quite expensive tbh but the food is delicious

i Fresh Market is one of my favorites bar/restaurant in Puerto Madero

Sifón Sodería for a good vermut

Buenos Aires is FILLED with birrerías and my favorite ones are: 1) Patagonia (this one is quite mainstream but the beer is good) 2) Hormiga Negra... and i can't remember more LMFAO, if i remember i'll definitely let you know

Cuervo Café and The Shelter have delicious coffee. Cuervo is in Palermo and The Shelter is in Retiro.

Birkin is another caffe and it's also quite good, you can also have lunch/dinner here

and that's what's at the top of my head for eating, i know there's more in my brain but i can't remember lol. again, if i remember more places i'll definitely let u know!!

[thebingetown]

Best Bday Celebration Places in Delhi

Are you someone who loves surprising your loved ones It’s always wonderful to consider their feelings, interests, and preferences. Here, I’ll introduce a variety of spots in Delhi tailored for their special occasions, especially birthdays. Each place offers a unique exploration experience, and by cherishing every small moment in life, we can create lasting memories to celebrate every moment of life. Let’s dive into some of the best places in Delhi for birthday celebrations.

Qutub Minar

Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple, an architectural gem shaped like a lotus flower, provides an exquisite setting for a memorable birthday celebration. This Bahai House of Worship is renowned for its peaceful ambiance and stunning design, including nine lotus-shaped pools and 27 layers of petals. With its focus on inclusivity and serenity, it welcomes visitors of all faiths and offers a tranquil escape from the urban rush. For a birthday surprise steeped in spirituality and beauty, the Lotus Temple is a remarkable choice.

The Garden of Five Senses

Sky-High Restaurant

Elevate your birthday celebration with a dining experience at the Sky-High Restaurant in Delhi. This rooftop venue offers a luxurious atmosphere with both enclosed and open-air dining areas. The interior design exudes elegance, and the restaurant’s location on the third floor of Ansal Plaza Mall provides stunning city views. Enjoy a meal under the stars with your loved ones, making for a truly enchanting evening filled with fine dining and beautiful vistas.

Olive Bistro

Thai High Restaurant

If your loved one enjoys Thai cuisine, Thai High is a must-visit. This rooftop restaurant in Delhi offers spectacular views of the Qutub Minar alongside a menu of authentic Thai dishes. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere, complemented by live music and candlelight, makes for a romantic dining experience. Located in the Ambavatta Complex, it combines excellent food with a picturesque setting for a memorable birthday celebration.

The Binge Town

Adventure Island

[winelimos]

Taste the Delights of a Sonoma Wine-Tasting Tour

Every wine enthusiast should put going on a wine-tasting tour in Sonoma on their bucket list. A trip through one of the most renowned wine areas in the world is provided by Sonoma County, which is well-known for its verdant vineyards, picturesque scenery, and top-notch wineries. A wine tour in Sonoma will be a rewarding experience, regardless of your level of expertise with wine.

The region of Sonoma Beauty

Northern California's Sonoma County is a treasure trove of outstanding viticulture and scenic beauty. There are more than four hundred wineries in the area, and they all provide distinctive and fine wine-tasting experiences. An extensive range of grape varietals can be grown in this excellent setting because of the diversity of the terrain, which includes maritime influences, rolling hills, and green valleys.

Organizing Your Tour of Wine Tasting 

Making the most of your wine-tasting excursion in Sonoma requires planning. The following are some essential factors to make sure the experience is seamless and pleasurable:

Consider Smart Winery Selections:

Choosing a winery to visit might take a lot of work due to the abundance of options. To enjoy Sonoma's wine selections comprehensively, investigate and select a blend of well-known properties and lesser-known finds. 

Examine a Tour with an Information:

If you'd rather have an easy time, think about scheduling a guided wine tour. It's simple to visit several vineyards without having to worry about driving because these tours frequently include transportation. Furthermore, competent guides can offer insightful information on the history and culture of the area's wineries.

The Experience of Wine Tasting

Every Sonoma winery provides a different kind of tasting experience so that patrons can enjoy the distinctive qualities of their wines. What to anticipate normally at a wine tasting is as follows:

Warm Welcome:

The welcoming team will assist you with the sampling process after you arrive. A detailed look at their winemaking methods can be had by taking one of the wineries' tours of the vineyards and production facilities.

Tasting Flight:

A flight of multiple wines is a standard component of a tasting; lighter white wines are typically served first, followed by fuller-bodied reds. Extensive descriptions of the wine's characteristics, such as its scent, flavor, and the distinct terroir of the vineyard, are provided with every pour.

Food Pairings:

To pair their wines with meals, many wineries offer pairings. These pairings, which range from gourmet snacks prepared by on-site chefs to artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, highlight the wines' diversity and improve the tasting experience.

Scenic Settings:

The wineries in Sonoma are renowned for their stunning environments. The breathtaking scenery enhances the enjoyment of your visit, whether you're having a picnic on the estate grounds or sipping wine on a rustic patio overlooking the vineyards.

Going Beyond Wine Samples 

Although wine tasting is the primary draw, Sonoma County has a wide range of additional activities to make your stay more enjoyable:

Gourmet Treats:

Foodies will find heaven in Sonoma. The farm-to-table dining scene in the area includes everything from quaint bistros to restaurants with Michelin stars. Enjoy the opportunity to savor regional specialties paired with Sonoma wines. 

Outdoor Adventures:

Experience Sonoma's natural beauty by going on hikes, bicycle trips, or hot air balloon rides. A plethora of state parks, the Russian River, and the Sonoma Coast provide outdoor enthusiasts plenty of chances to get in touch with nature.

Cultural Experiences:

Explore museums, art galleries, and historic places to fully immerse yourself in Sonoma's rich history and culture. A National Historic Landmark, Sonoma Plaza is a pleasant place to wander, shop, and discover the history of the neighborhood.

Advice for an Exceptional Tour

To make your visit to Sonoma that includes wine tasting unforgettable, remember these suggestions:

Take It Slowly:

It might be a tiring experience to taste wine, particularly if you intend to visit several wineries. To stay hydrated, take your time, enjoy every taste, and sip lots of water.

Put on comfortable apparel: 

You may be wandering through vineyards and standing for long amounts of time for tastings, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Spend the Night: 

If you have time, think about staying an extra night. Sonoma provides a variety of lodging options, from luxurious resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts, so you can unwind and enjoy the entire wine country experience. 

Conclusion

A Sonoma wine-tasting tour combines an exploration of the art, science, and passion of winemaking with drive-through vineyards. Sonoma County is a location that captivates the senses and creates a lasting impression because of its breathtaking vistas, unique vineyards, and exciting culinary scene. Raise your glass, then, and celebrate a very unique journey in one of the world's most renowned wine areas.

[gastronomasonoma]

Plaza Bistro’s lamb is ‘delizioso paradiso’ and I enjoyed every bite.

After attending a book-reading event a Readers’ Books, I was walking towards the venerable Swiss Hotel, when a “chef’s special” posted on a chalkboard outside the Plaza Bistro caught my eye.

Lamb is one of my favorite dishes and without even considering the price or anything else, when the server emerged to ask if I had any questions, I simply said (pointing to the chalkboard) “I will have that!”

The next question she asked was, “and how would you like it cooked? Rare, medium-rare?” Without hesitation as if serendipity was an angel, I said, “in whatever way the chef recommends it should be cooked.”

And, with a refreshing glass of scrumptious Sangria, served as the evening summer sun was glimmering I awaited my entree as I sat outside at my along the sidewalk.

The town of Sonoma has a gentle glow in the evening that beckons people to be outside at the plaza. There’s a bit of summer enchantment when it’s late afternoon/evening. A kind of … paseo en el crepúsculo as is said in Spanish.

When my dinner arrived, I was delighted with everything about it. The way it was presented, the portions, the little details of garnish; but especially the aroma.

Lamb with fresh made polenta is a taste-Symphony of flavors and subtle textures. The lamb was tender and cooked just right. I was so enraptured by it that I found myself eating the last of it off the bone with my fingers.

Not wanting this wonderful experience to end, I ordered some pasta. Graciously my server recommended the gnocchi with bolognese sauce. Oh! Another delight! And at this point as I ate the rich traditional combination of beef, pork and veal in a savory sauce, it didn’t occur to me that some of the sauce was splattering onto my treasured French-blue herringbone shirt. At that moment, I didn’t care I was so enthralled by the entire meal-experience.

The sauce was so good I asked for some bread so to soak up what was left on the plate.

The setting sun, the summer weather all added to the ambiance and culinary excursion that was Plaza Bistro that evening on July 20 when the chef presented his Lamb and polenta special.

Yes! I had dessert and it was the “flour-less” chocolate torte - a chocolate lovers dream realized. Very satisfying!

The fresh boysenberries on the side make for an excellent complement, pairing to the rich chocolate.

Anyone interested in visiting Wine Country and wants to dine in a spot like historic old Sonoma, Plaza Bistro located at 420 First Street, East right on the plaza is the place.

[gokitetour]

10 amazing hidden gems to visit in Schengen

While the Schengen Area is renowned for its iconic landmarks and bustling cities, it also holds a treasure trove of lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered. These hidden gems offer travelers a chance to uncover enchanting destinations off the beaten path, each with its own unique charm and allure. From picturesque villages tucked away in the Alps to historic towns nestled along the Adriatic coast, the Schengen Area is home to a diverse array of hidden treasures waiting to be explored. These hidden gems promise unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking authenticity, tranquility, and cultural immersion. In this exploration of amazing hidden gems to visit in Schengen, we'll uncover lesser-explored destinations that offer a glimpse into the region's rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. From fairytale-like towns to cliffside oases and alpine retreats, these hidden gems invite travelers to embark on a journey of discovery and create memories to last a lifetime.

Here are some amazing hidden gems to visit in Schengen.

1. Colmar, France

The Village of Dreams: Colmar, a town right out of a fairy tale, lies tucked away in the Alsace region of France. Colmar oozes beauty at every turn with its vibrant half-timbered buildings, meandering cobblestone lanes, and flower-lined canals. Discover the colourful markets, stroll around the Old Town, and savor Alsatian food at quaint bistros tucked away in peaceful alleyways.

2. Austria's Hallstatt

The Alps' Jewel: A charming community that appears to be stuck in time; Hallstatt is tucked away amidst the magnificent Austrian Alps. Take in the view of pastel-coloured buildings reflected in Lake Hallstatt's glistening waters, meander through quaint cobblestone lanes, and explore the area's numerous historic churches and salt mines. Take advantage of the opportunity to travel by funicular for sweeping views of the neighbouring mountains.

3. Czech Republic's Cesky Krumlov

Bohemian Splendor: Visit Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site tucked away in the center of the Czech Republic, to travel back in time. Explore the Old Town, a medieval area with cobblestone streets that connect to buildings from the Renaissance era and secret courtyards. Experience the bohemian character of the town, stroll along the Vltava River, and explore the magnificent Cesky Krumlov Castle.

4. Enchanting Gardens and Palaces in Sintra, Portugal

Explore the charming village of Sintra, which is tucked away in the verdant hills of the Costa do Sol in Portugal. Discover a realm of fabled castles, palaces, and gardens, encompassing the vibrant Pena Palace, the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira, and the enchanting Monserrate Palace. Get lost in the Sintra Mountains' meandering pathways, where secret gems can be found around every corner.

5. The Netherlands' Giethoorn: The North's Venice

Discover the peace and quiet of Giethoorn, a quaint Dutch village dubbed the "Venice of the North." Ride a boat or ride a bicycle along its network of charming canals, passing past charming bridges, beautiful gardens, and houses with thatched roofs. Savor a relaxed picnic by the water's edge or take a stroll through the nearby countryside to discover hidden windmills and marshlands.

6. Spain's Ronda

A Cliffside Paradise: Ronda is a stunningly picturesque village in southern Spain, perched above high cliffs overlooking the El Tajo Gorge. Discover its Old Town, a historic area with quaint plazas and old Moorish buildings tucked away in narrow lanes. Explore the Moorish baths, take in the breathtaking views from the Puente Nuevo bridge, and find secret caves.

7. Montenegro's Kotor

Medieval Wonders: Discover the historic wonders of Kotor, a fortified town in Montenegro that is tucked away on the Adriatic Sea's edge. Explore the Old Town's winding streets, which are home to historic squares, churches, and palaces that span centuries. For expansive views of the bay, ascend the stone steps to the top of the city walls. Alternatively, take a boat ride to the neighbouring islands and secret coves.

8.Alpine Serenity in Bled, Slovenia

Explore the tranquil splendor of Bled, a quaint hamlet tucked away in Slovenia's Julian Alps. See the famous Bled Castle, which is set on a steep cliff overlooking Lake Bled, and visit the charming island with its enchanted church by taking a traditional Pletna boat trip. Discover undiscovered paths amidst the encompassing woods, or just unwind and take in the tranquil ambiance of this mountain haven.

9. Germany's Cochem

A Riverside Getaway: Discover the quaint riverfront ambiance of Cochem, a German town located along the banks of the Moselle River. Wander along the picturesque promenade along the river, take in the breathtaking Reichsburg Castle towering above the town, and taste the local wines at quaint pubs tucked away in old cellars. Don't pass up the opportunity to visit the charming villages and wineries that dot the Moselle Valley nearby.

10.Slovenia's Piran: The Adriatic Pearl

Discover the pristine shores of Piran, a quaint village tucked away on Slovenia's Adriatic coast. Explore its secret squares and historic sites as you meander through its winding cobblestone streets, which are dotted with quaint cafes and pastel-coloured buildings. Take a plunge in the pristine seas, unwind on the sun-kissed beaches, and enjoy fresh seafood in waterfront eateries with breathtaking sea views.

Conclusion In conclusion, the Schengen Area harbours a wealth of amazing hidden gems that beckon travelers to embark on a journey of discovery beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. From fairytale-like towns to alpine retreats and coastal oases, these lesser-known destinations offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and authentic experiences. For travelers seeking to explore these hidden treasures, obtaining a Schengen visa opens the door to a world of possibilities. With a Schengen visa in hand, visitors can immerse themselves in the charm of picturesque villages, wander through historic towns, and soak in the tranquility of secluded landscapes with ease. Whether strolling along cobblestone streets in Colmar, admiring the cliffside vistas of Ronda, or relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches of Piran, the Schengen Area invites travelers to uncover its hidden gems and create unforgettable memories. With its diverse array of attractions and warm hospitality, the Schengen Area promises an enriching travel experience that will leave visitors longing to return again and again. So, pack your bags, obtain your Schengen visa, and set out to explore these amazing hidden gems that await in the heart of Europe.

[budgetinncicero]

Escape to Love: The Ultimate Romantic Getaways in NY

New York, the city that never sleeps, is not just a bustling metropolis of skyscrapers and bustling streets. It's also a city of romance, offering countless opportunities for couples to escape into a world of love and luxury. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, New York City has a plethora of romantic getaways that cater to every taste and budget. In this guide, we'll explore the ultimate Romantic getaway packages NY, highlighting the most enchanting destinations and experiences for couples seeking a memorable escape filled with love and romance.

Chapter 1: The Timeless Romance of Central Park

Central Park stands as an enduring symbol of love in the heart of New York City. Spread across 843 acres, this oasis of greenery offers couples a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle. Stroll hand in hand along winding paths adorned with colorful blooms in spring or under a canopy of golden leaves in fall. Enjoy a romantic picnic by the lake, rent a rowboat for a private excursion, or simply bask in the beauty of iconic landmarks like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge. Central Park provides a timeless backdrop for romance, perfect for couples looking to reconnect amidst nature's serenity.

Chapter 2: Luxury and Opulence in Manhattan's Finest Hotels

For those seeking a lavish romantic escape, Manhattan boasts some of the world's most luxurious hotels. From the timeless elegance of The Plaza Hotel to the modern chic of The Peninsula New York, these iconic establishments offer opulent suites, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service. Indulge in couples' spa treatments, savor gourmet dining experiences, and unwind in lavish accommodations with breathtaking views of the city skyline. Whether it's a special occasion or a spontaneous getaway, Manhattan's finest hotels promise an unforgettable retreat filled with luxury and romance.

Chapter 3: A Culinary Journey for Two

New York City is a paradise for food lovers, and its culinary scene provides a delightful backdrop for romantic dining experiences. Explore cozy bistros in Greenwich Village, enjoy waterfront dining in Brooklyn, or indulge in a gourmet tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant. From candlelit dinners with skyline views to intimate chef's table experiences, NYC offers a myriad of options to tantalize your taste buds and ignite the flames of passion. Discover new flavors together and create lasting memories over exquisite meals in the city's culinary hotspots.

Chapter 4: Captivating Views from Rooftop Retreats

The allure of New York's skyline is undeniable, and rooftop retreats offer couples a unique perspective on the city's beauty. From trendy rooftop bars to exclusive lounges, these elevated venues provide panoramic views that are both captivating and romantic. Sip cocktails under the stars, dance to live music, and savor the magical ambiance of a New York night from above. Whether you're enjoying a sunset together or marveling at the city lights, rooftop retreats add a touch of glamour and romance to your getaway in the Big Apple.

Chapter 5: Cultural Escapes and Artistic Inspirations

Immerse yourselves in the cultural richness of New York City with romantic escapades to its renowned museums, galleries, and theaters. Explore the masterpieces at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, stroll through the galleries of MoMA, or catch a captivating performance on Broadway. From classical ballets to cutting-edge exhibitions, NYC's cultural scene offers endless opportunities for shared experiences that inspire and enchant. Let the city's artistic spirit kindle your own creativity and deepen your bond through shared passions and discoveries.

Chapter 6: Seaside Serenity in the Hamptons

Escape the city's hustle and bustle with a romantic getaway to the Hamptons, a luxurious retreat just a few hours' drive from NYC. Discover pristine beaches, charming villages, and exquisite waterfront estates in this idyllic coastal paradise. Indulge in leisurely beach walks, savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, and unwind in elegant boutique hotels or private beachfront cottages. The Hamptons offer a tranquil escape where you can relax, rejuvenate, and savor moments of romance against a backdrop of sun, sand, and sea.

Chapter 7: Adventure and Romance in the Hudson Valley

For couples seeking adventure and natural beauty, the Hudson Valley provides an ideal romantic retreat. Embark on scenic drives along the Hudson River, explore charming towns like Cold Spring and Rhinebeck, and hike to breathtaking viewpoints in the Catskill Mountains. Visit historic estates, vineyards, and farm-to-table restaurants for a taste of the region's rich heritage and culinary delights. Whether you're exploring historic sites, indulging in outdoor activities, or simply admiring the picturesque landscapes, the Hudson Valley offers a perfect blend of adventure and romance.

Conclusion:

New York City is a treasure trove of romantic experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you're strolling through Central Park, indulging in luxury at Manhattan's finest hotels, savoring culinary delights, or exploring cultural gems, NYC offers endless possibilities for a romantic escape. From the iconic landmarks to the hidden gems, each moment spent together in this vibrant city becomes a cherished memory of love and adventure. Escape to New York and let its enchanting charm ignite the flames of romance, creating timeless moments to cherish forever.

Welcome to Budget Inn Hotel Cicero, your home away from home in Cicero, NY. We offer affordable, comfortable accommodations for travelers. Conveniently located, our hotel is perfect for both leisure and business guests. Experience our friendly service and make your stay in Cicero memorable at Budget Inn Hotel.

[karaloza]

Legend of Zelda Theme Park - Gerudo Desert (UPDATED)

At the western end of the Dark World is the entrance to a sandstone canyon which meanders a bit and then debouches onto a lively bazaar. Buildings are constructed from off-white masonry contrasting with brilliantly colored fabrics and mosaics. There are numerous planters containing palm trees and cacti to help direct foot traffic as well as providing bench space and extra shade. Near the center of the plaza is a circular fountain featuring a statue of a woman wielding a sword, surrounded by more vegetation. The outside edge of the area is bounded with facades representing sand dunes, among which can be seen landmarks such as the OoT Desert Colossus and BoTW Gerudo Town. From time to time, an animated figure of a Molduga arches from one sand dune to another like a breaching whale.

Attractions

Nabooru’s Training Course: A combination maze and obstacle course—periodically, the winding corridors offer an opportunity to hone your skills as an elite bandit…but if you don’t feel up to tackling the balance beam, overhead bars, crawl net, or other physical challenge, a normal path continues alongside the obstacle. This is just the beginners’ course—from time to time, you can peek through to a more advanced course where Gerudo make trapeze-caliber leaps over jets of fire, dodge flying darts, and disable booby traps (or fail to do so!). At the end of the maze is a playground featuring more things to climb and jump in, just in case you had any excess energy left.

Gerudo Warriors’ Procession: Taking place at scheduled intervals in the bazaar, a squad of the Gerudo tribe’s most impressive warriors parade through the street to a stage where they demonstrate some of their combat skills.

Skipper’s Time-Shifted Boat Tour: Inspired by the Lanayru Sand Sea from Skyward Sword, this dark ride uses projection mapping, augmented reality goggles, and a bit of motion simulation to create the illusion of riding in a boat through a desert that has been transformed into an ancient ocean, but only in a set radius around the craft thanks to the aura of the Timeshift Stone. Fantastic corals appear and disappear, long-decayed ships spring back into operation only to wither again as the boat leaves them behind, the bleached bones of sea monsters turn into living threats until the robot guide manages to outrun them. The queue includes a few interactive “windows” where the push of a button activates a Timeshift Stone to alter a scene—a massive tree reverts to a tiny sapling in a meadow, a crumbled ruin becomes a bustling fortress in its heyday, etc.

Sand-Seal Rally Race: A high-speed ride along a figure-eight racing track, in a seal-drawn “sand sled.” Watch out when you get to the crossing point—don’t crash with another sled!

Shops

5. Silken Palace: Scarves, shawls, capelets, veils, and other free-flowing clothing and accessories made from scrumptiously colored and patterned fabrics…even sarees! Knowledgeable staff can show how to properly put on your purchases if you need help.

6. Hotel Oasis Spa Shop: A health and beauty shop featuring LoZ-inspired makeup palettes, custom-blended perfumes and colognes, bath salts, soaps, scrubs, massage oils, and other products to pamper your skin after a long day in the desert.

7. Starlight Memories: A jewelry boutique specializing in big, showy styles of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, and even diadems. Many pieces are inspired by the traditional jewelry styles of the Middle East and South Asia.

8. Sand-Seal Adoption Center: The Sand-Seal Rally Race exits through this shop specializing in plush toys of sand seals and other desert creatures both real and fanciful, with an optional “adoption ceremony” for your special new friend.

9. Miscellaneous Merchandise Booths: Small spaces leased out to small business retailers whose wares are in line with the overall “vibe” of the Bazaar.

Eateries

10. Gerudo Bistro: A café with well-shaded patio seating, featuring a menu of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern entrees and appetizers.

11. Arbiter’s Grounds: An Arabian/Persian/Turkish style coffee and tea bar, harking back to the ancient relationship with coffee enjoyed by the cultures that inspired the Gerudo. Brews are available hot, iced, flavored, even blended with ice cream for a perky smoothie. Or head next door…

12. Kara Kara Creamery: Beat the heat with frozen treats! Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, milkshakes, and smoothies are all available here, made to order. If you’re with a group, try the Seven Heroines Sundae, with seven “orbs” of different flavors reflecting the virtues prized by the Gerudo: skill, spirit, endurance, knowledge, flight, motion, and gentleness.

[dreamlightshq]

INTRODUCING; remy bleu

NAME: remy bleu AGE: 31 PRONOUNS: he/him POWERS: none RESIDENCE: the plaza FACECLAIM: barry keoghan BASED ON: remy, ratatouille INSPIRATION: pinterest

BEFORE THE FORGETTING

for as long as he could remember, remy wanted to be a chef. all of his fondest childhood memories took place in the kitchen of his childhood home — which was mediocre at best. the bleu family didn’t have much, but they did have each other. his family was incredibly large and all of his many siblings had followed in their fathers footsteps, picking up his shady line of business …- except for remy, who refused to settle for anything other than a career in food. despite his passion for cooking, his father had never been supportive of his dream. still, he prevailed. shortly after his eighteenth birthday, remy packed up and moved to paris to study at one of the top cuisine institutes.

AFTER THE FORGETTING

remy arrived back in dreamlight only a few weeks before the forgotten took over the valley, determined to finally kickstart his career as a chef and make his father proud. however, upon returning home he realized his family was no longer there. it wasn’t unusual for his family to up and leave for long periods of time (due to his fathers shady past), but this time they didn’t come back - because the thorns kept them out. of course, over time, remy forgot he was even looking for them. but the ache in his heart never went away. now, you can find remy in the kitchen of ‘chez remy’ - a parisian style bistro serving french cuisine in the plaza.

REMY IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE;

[jessicaminhanh]

Jessica Minh Anh at Sofitel Saigon Plaza

On her most recent trip to Ho Chi Minh city, supermodel Jessica Minh Anh continued her long-lasting relationship with Sofitel and Accor, and stayed at Sofitel Saigon Plaza. Situated in a quiet enclave of the bustling Le Duan Boulevard in Saigon, Sofitel Saigon Plaza was Jessica's next choice on her journey all around the world. The hotel is renowned for its refined elegance in chic contemporary design and pure French style that will bring you to the classic lifestyle of France, as promised of its slogan "#LivetheFrenchway".

Sofitel Saigon Plaza's consideration and hospitality for their esteemed guests were shown from the very first moment Jessica stepped inside the hotel. She was welcomed with a beautiful flower bouquet from the hotel's General Manager, who personally greeted her upon her arrival.

The hotel also extended their warm gesture to Jessica Minh Anh through multiple thoughtful gifts in her suite: French sweet treats, eye-catching colorful macaroons, luscious ripe fruits, and champaign.

Located at the top floor of the hotel, Jessica's 68 square meter Prestige Suite gave her a spectacular view of Saigon from above with panoramic windows. The suite was truly a work of art under the talented hands of designer Pierre Maciag, a tasteful blends between French and Vietnamese aesthetic, with elegant cream-colored wall, accentuated with beige and black furniture.

Jessica Minh Anh's stay at the hotel was supplied with all-round conveniences: a spacious separated living room, cushioned king-sized bed, claw-food bathtub, and other amenities that guaranteed a lavish and comfortable experience.

As a VIP of the Prestige Suite, Jessica Minh Anh was granted with access to the exclusive Club Millésime, where she enjoyed her meals with tantalizing flavors of dishes from Provençal, Asia and cuisines all over the world, and finished with a treat of meticulously crafted cocktail and top-quality wine, all while enjoying the view of Saigon's bustling life from the 18th floor.

"LE17" Bistro was next on Jessica Minh Anh's journey to explore Sofitel Saigon Plaza. Here, she fell in love with the taste of home-style French dishes skillfully prepared by the chefs. The courtyard area reminded of a traditional French Gazebo, and a private room with decorations that reminded of quaint place in Provence.

Jessica Minh Anh ended her stay beautifully with an unforgettable time spent relaxing on the rooftop of Sofitel Saigon Plaza by the clear emerald water of the "S" Pool, taking in the breathtaking view of Saigon's skyline.

The Sofitel Saigon Plaza was definitely a highlight of Jessica Minh Anh's trip to Saigon. If you're looking for a place to spend your vacation in luxury, this is the place Jessica would highly recommend.