I will never forget that fic author I used to read who took a break in between chapters to post a video of them watching the news and squeeing over the ship of Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo, “Dris” as they excitedly called it. I could not find this video again if you put a gun to my head, but it exists and I think about it all. The. Time.

Do you think you could write something with protective!sal

I put this in an au I hope that’s ok❤️ and I love this request thanks for sending it in!

*His pov*

I woke up from a restless sleep, my eyes fluttering open to the empty side of my bed. I let out a sigh sitting up rubbing the sleep from my eye. As I reached one of my pale hands to my face I couldn’t help but notice the bruises that littered my skin. My heart twinged with pain knowing somewhere in the world wherever they may be, my soulmate was in pain. In our world once you turn 18 if your soulmate gets a cut, bruise, burn, etc so would you. I've come to know only one major and tragic thing about my soul mate, and it’s that she's abused. At first I thought maybe she was a fighter or was just really clumsy or something but then I started to notice finger shaped bruises, a recurring black eye, usually paired with a busted lip.

It made me sad that they were in pain even though I knew nothing about them besides this. I jumped out of bed and made my way into my bathroom. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I’ve thought about searching out my soul mate many times but then I remember my scarred up face. Who would want a soul mate with such a fucked yo face? Luckily that had happened before I turned 18 so they wouldnt have had suffered from my past trauma. I do my morning routine finishing by putting on my prosthetic. My doorbell going off snapped me from my thoughts. I left the bathroom flicking off the light.

I opened the door seeing my best friend and step brother Larry. "Hey man did you forget we were going out for lunch?" He asked noticing I was still in my sweatpants, and not wearing a shirt. "Oh uh no I just slept later than I meant to. Come on in I'll get ready." I replied moving and letting him enter my house. He removed his jacket and took a seat on my couch. I quickly ran back into my room and threw on some clean clothes and getting ready for the day. When I came back downstairs I was wearing a baggy black Sanity’s Fall shirt, my dark red skinny jeans, black boots, and a flannel tied around my waist. "Woah what happened there?" Larry asked noticing the bruises littering my skin. "Oh my uh soul mate again. It was pretty bad this time too. I’m honestly kinda worried whoever their with will end up killing them before I get a chance to meet them." I explained voicing a silent fear I’ve had. Larry sighs placing his hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry man. I hope you find em." The two of us leave my house and make our way to the restaurant.

Once we get there a waitress showed us to a table and took our drink orders. As the two of us made small talk I noticed a couple sitting at the table diagonal from ours. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful one of them was. They had to have been the most beautiful person I'd ever seen. Their (y/h/l) (y/h/c) framed their face just right, and their (y/e/c) eyes although they seemed sad had a certain sparkle to them. I also noticed the forced smile, and almost nervous demeanor, this person didn't seem very happy but what would I know. Across from them sat a man with lightly bleached hair, blue eyes, dressed in a grey shirt, black skinny jeans, and wearing an annoyed looking scowl. This person seemed far too good for that guy but maybe they were in love? And who am I to judge I've never had a serious relationship before.

The waitress setting out drinks on the table caught my attention. "What can I get you two to eat?" She asked flashing a big smile. "Um I'll have the burger with fries." I told her handing her my menu. "I'll do the same." Larry smiled. The waitress scribbled down our order before scurrying back off to the kitchen. I returned my glance towards to table with the couple only to see his partner gone. That was when I remembered the jukebox I saw on the way in. “I’m gonna go put on some tunes.” I informed Larry pointing behind me. Larry nodded excited by the idea of music.

As I made my way over to the jukebox I noticed someone already standing there. My eyes widening seeing the person from earlier. They let out a frustrated sigh going through their bag/wallet. I pulled a few quarters from my pocket handing nudging their arm with my hand while clearing my throat. They flinched and whipped around to face me. "Sorry I didn’t mean to scare you. Here use these." I smiled which made their cheeks turn red and a small but genuine smile spread on their face. "O-oh that’s ok you really don’t have to." They replied. Nonsense I don’t mind. Maybe we could pick out the songs together? You pick the first, I’ll pick the second, and we pick the third together?” I suggested. They bit their lip eyeing me for a second before nodding their head. “Sure yeah that’d be fine.” They smiled. I put the quarters in the machine. “You go ahead...” I paused asking for their name. “(Y/n) and thanks.” They smiled flipping through the selection. “No problem I’m Sal.” I informed the mysterious person.

I watched as (y/n) flipped right to the S section and selected the song Singular by Sanity’s Fall. “Dude that’s awesome you’re a SF fan?” I asked excitedly coming out a bit louder than I meant. I couldn’t help but notice they way they flinched at my voice. “S-Sorry didn’t mean to scare you.” I apologized. (Y/n) smiled weakly at me before moving over for me to make my selection. I quietly selected another heavy metal song before they rejoined me to pick the third song. “Ok song number three what do you feel like?” I asked observing their smile. “Do you like video games? I noticed there’s a small section of video game themes.” (Y/n) suggested not quite looking at me fully. “I love video games! You’re really cool ya know.” I teased as I flipped to the game section. “O-oh uh thank you.” They said nervously.

Just as we selected or last song a small countdown started giving us time to change our minds. Once the countdown was over our songs began to play. "(Y/n) what the fuck?" A voice  almost shouted. I look over and see the guy who was sitting with her earlier. "Oh N-Nick I was just picking some music I swear." They tried to explain. The man glared at me and grabbed ahold of (y/n)’s arm roughly. “Hey man they didn’t do anything.” I tried to say toughly but my voice came out a bit shaky. “It’s fine. It was nice meeting you Sal.” They squeaked out. He whispered something to them before they returned to their table. I frowned hoping there wasn't something bad happening to (y/n) they seemed really cool. I made my way back observing the couple. Larry was sat tapping his fingers against the table like a drum. "What took you so long?" He asked looking up. "Oh I uh was talking to someone." I explained noticing the guy seemed to be pretty angry with her. Larry just nodded and retuned to his drumming.

Pretty soon the waitress was putting down our plates. "Dude your arm." CC said pointing to my arm. I looked down to see finger shaped bruises on my wrist. I bit my lip hoping my soulmate was ok. I turned my attention back to the couple noticing that (y/n) had tears in their eyes and was holding their wrist. I also noticed the intensity of the mans face as he seemd to talk in a hushed voice. It wasn't the look of worry or concern just anger. I watched as they got up him slightly pushing her out of the restaurant. I looked down at my own arm noticing it was the same arm that (y/n) was holding. I jumped up from the table throwing some cash down and apologizing to Larry as I ran after the couple. When I exited the building I scanned the parking lot for them. My heart sank not seeing them but that's when I heard someone let out a small scream. I quickly ran to where he scream had come from. And sure enough it was (y/n) who was being attacked by their boyfriend. He had slapped them across the face knocking them to the ground. “How dare you you slut!” He yelled. Not really putting any thought into it I swiftly tackled the guy to the ground.

Rage filled me as my fist repeatedly connected to his face. He quickly hit me back throwing me to the ground. The two of fought for what felt like hours. I was never a violent or strong person so I was getting more beaten up than I was beating him up but at least (y/n) was safe. I couldn't contain the anger I felt towards this man, if he could even be called that. For the last 4 years at the least he had been abusing this sweet human being. This guy was absolute filth. I pushed him off of me again my fist repeatedly colliding with his face. The world was completely drowned out except for the sound of me hitting him. All of a sudden there were hands on my arms pulling me off of him. I struggled until I realized it was Larry who had ahold of me. "Dude what the fuck?!" He asked confused. "This ass hole thinks it's ok to beat his partner.” I growled out of breath. Larry looked at (y/n) who sat on the ground crying. He also noticed the placement of the bruises and how they matched with mine. He pulled out his phone and dialed 911.

In no time they had arrived and were taking the man away after questioning the three of us. After I wrapped up a conversation with one of the officers (Y/n) came up to me the tears now dried and they seemed a lot calmer. "Thank you for what you did back there." (Y/n) said with her gaze fixed on the ground. "Of course. Couldn't let someone hurt my soulmate or could I." I asked as I gently lifted their chin with my thumb. "S-soulmate?" They asked confused. I gently held her arm wrist up and out my arm next to her injured arm. "I've been noticing the bruises since they started. The abuse part took me a little while to understand. I'm so sorry for how long you put up with that." I told (y/n). They seemed shocked, granted so was I, we had just met our soul mates. “Y-you’re my soul mate?” They asked in a happy giggle. I just nodded in response smiling at their sudden happiness. (Y/n) quickly hugged onto my waist so I returned the hug. And in that moment everything felt so perfect. "Do you have somewhere I can drop you off?" I asked. “Uh I’m not sure yet. Are there any cheap motels around here? I've been staying with him recently and don't quite wanna go back there." They informed me pulling out of my arms. "Well if you want you can stay with me." I offered. (Y/n) smiled a blush forming on their face as they nodded. I grabbed their hand and lead her to my car. 

After dropping Larry off I took (y/n) back to my place. When we got back to my house we were both laughing really hard at one of the stories I had told about when I lived in Jersey. I unlocked the door and showed (y/n) to my bedroom. "You can stay in here tonight, I'll sleep on the couch." I informed them as I pulled out a pair of pajamas that should fit them. "W-Wow this room is really big." (Y/n) marveled. My room wasn't huge or anything but it was definitely a nice size. "Bathroom is through that door and I'll be in the living room if you need anything." I explained handing them the clothes. "Would it be too much to ask for you to stay in here with me? I mean after all it's your bed. And I’d feel bad making you sleep on your couch" They asked an obvious nervousness lacing their voice. I smiled happily "Of corse I can do that. I'll go get my pajamas on and give you some privacy before I come back up." I said grabbing my own clothes and heading out of the room. When I returned (y/n) was wearing my pajama shorts and my black hoodie which was probably the cutest thing I think I’ve seen. The two of us climbed into my bed and began getting to know each other. After a while of sharing stories and talking I had my arms wrapped around them and their arms were on my shoulders. Taking one of my hands off of (y/n)’s hips I gently took ahold of their injured wrist. "I promise you this is the last bruise someone will ever give you. I’ll protect you with my life if I have to." I whispered unsure of why my voice was so quiet. “Thank you Sal. I’m lucky you rescued me today." They replied just as quiet. I smiled at the beautiful person in my arms as I gently leaned closer. They matched my movements and soon we were kissing. And from that day on I knew I had found my soul mate.

-Lex💛

From the bestselling cookbook author & chef, Larry Edwards, comes some of the best truly American dishes you will ever shove down your gullet. From the garden, from the ranch or from the dairy, when it comes to real American food you know two things will always happen: You'll eat delicious food and you'll find comfort on a plate! The chef's two latest books, "The American Table" and "Style & Spice" (featuring dishes from the great American Southwest) are available internationally wherever books are sold! Depending on your age, one of the best kitchen memories is walking into the kitchen when your mom or grandma was making Old Time Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. The sweet and spicy aroma wafting through the kitchen almost made you drool. As soon as that first batch made it out of the oven, your little hand would grab one of the cookies and you'd run out of the kitchen. Ahhh, those were good days. You can now relive those days and memories with this classic recipe for Old Time Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Of course if you're not a fan of raisins, you can use dried cherries or cranberries. Memories, who ever knew that could be so delicious. So go ahead and make batch with the free recipe @ http://bit.ly/2u4cqwP

From the bestselling cookbook author & chef, Larry Edwards, comes some of the best truly American dishes you will ever shove down your gullet. From the garden, from the ranch or from the dairy, when it comes to real American food you know two things will always happen: You'll eat delicious food and you'll find comfort on a plate! The chef's two latest books, "The American Table" and "Style & Spice" (featuring dishes from the great American Southwest) are available internationally wherever books are sold! When it comes to the world of gastronomy, nothing can beat a perfectly prepared sandwich for both taste and texture. Though the star of any sandwich are the fresh ingredients used to make it, the simple fact of the matter is, if you don't have a good bread or roll the sandwich will be a flop! In the days of the great American diners and cafes, sandwiches were one of their specialties and they always made their own bread and a perfect example of this is this Classic Diner-Style Sandwich Roll.

This recipe will make four Classic Diner-Style Sandwich Rolls but don't let that deter you if you only want to make one sandwich. These rolls freeze wonderfully well. Once they are cooled, wrap them in some plastic wrap and then in some foil and pop them in the freezer for the next time you want to venture off into sandwich heaven.

Ingredients needed to make Classic Diner-Style Sandwich Rolls: 2 tsp. dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water

1 Tbs. sugar

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

2 Tbs. cornstarch

3/4 cup water

2 Tbs. vegetable oil

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 Tbs. crumbled dried oregano

2 Tbs. finely grated Parmesan cheese

Steps: 1) In a large bowl, whisk the yeast, warm water and sugar. Set the bowl aside for 10 minutes for the yeast to proof.

2) Into the bowl, stir the flour, salt, cornstarch, water and oil until a dough is formed.

3) Place the dough onto a floured surface and knead 10 minutes.

4) Place the dough back into the bowl, cover and place in a warm area for 1 hour to rise.

5) Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a floured surface and knead 5 minutes.

6) Divide the dough into 4 pieces and form each into a ball.

7) Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon sheet.

8) Place the portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and lightly flatten with the palm of your hand.

9) Brush the tops of the dough with some olive oil and sprinkle on some oregano and Parmesan cheese.

10) Place into the oven and bake 20-25 minutes.

11) Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

From the bestselling cookbook author & chef, Larry Edwards, comes some of the best truly American dishes you will ever shove down your gullet. From the garden, from the ranch or from the dairy, when it comes to real American food you know two things will always happen: You'll eat delicious food and you'll find comfort on a plate! The chef's two latest books, "The American Table" and "Style & Spice" (featuring dishes from the great American Southwest) are available internationally wherever books are sold! There was a time in America when if you wanted tacos and there was no one at home to make them, you ventured out to a diner or roadhouse where they were always on the menu. There was no Taco Bell, Del's Tacos or other such fast-food eateries. For less than a dollar, you got a couple of freshly made tacos and a soda. What made those tacos so damn delicious? It was the Taco Seasoning which was used and always made fresh everyday.

True is the fact you can now go to your local market and buy a package of Taco Seasoning, so why make your own? Two reasons: First, when you make your own there are no added chemicals. Just look at the ingredient panel on that package of store bought Taco Seasoning. Not really too damn appealing! Secondly, you control the flavors. You want more cumin, add more cumin. You want more chili powder, add more chili powder. You are the king (or queen) of your Taco Seasoningdomain.

Ingredients needed to make Taco Seasoning (makes about 1/2 cup): 2 Tbs. chili powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. crumbled dried Mexican oregano

1/2 tsp. sweet paprika

1 Tbs. ground cumin

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Steps: 1) Combine all of the ingredients into a small bowl and whisk to blend them.

2) Spoon the Taco Seasoning into a jar with an air-tight lid and store in a cupboard until ready to use.

From the bestselling cookbook author & chef, Larry Edwards, comes some of the best truly American dishes you will ever shove down your gullet. From the garden, from the ranch or from the dairy, when it comes to real American food you know two things will always happen: You'll eat delicious food and you'll find comfort on a plate! The chef's two latest books, "The American Table" and "Style & Spice" (featuring dishes from the great American Southwest) are available internationally wherever books are sold! So, what really are Cowboy Beans? Good questions! They are a morphing of pork-and-beans, chili, and baked beans, and yes, this really was a dish made by the cooks on the fabled wagon trains. You can still find these Cowboy Beans served in some classic diners and on many dude ranches throughout the West. You will need to start Cowboy Beans 24-hours hours before you turn on the heat because the beans need to be soaked before you can begin the recipe. This version of Cowboy Beans does feature jalapeño peppers. If you are not a fan of peppers or spiciness, you can eliminate them. Ingredients needed to make Cowboy Beans: 2 cups dried pinto beans 4 cups cold water 1 cup chopped smoked ham or bacon 2 white onions, chopped 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. dry mustard Steps: 1) Place the beans in a large bowl of cold water and soak overnight. 2) Drain the beans and discard the soaking liquid. 3) In a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the beans and 4 cups cold water and bring to a boil. 4) Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook 90 minutes. 5) Drain the beans and reserve the cooking liquid. 6) Pre-heat your oven to 325 degrees. 7) Into a large Dutch oven or oven-proof casserole pot, stir the beans, ham, onions, 1 cup of reserved cooking liquid, tomato sauce, jalapeño peppers, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and dry mustard. 8) Cover the the Dutch oven and place into the oven and bake 1 hour. 9) Remove the cover and bake an additional 45 minutes. If the liquid is low, add more of the reserved cooking liquid. 10) Remove the beans from the oven and enjoy!