#Aroma-rich loose tea

[seelanmarket]

RED LABEL LOOSE TEA 450G.

[himbocoups]

˗ˋˏ Red Horn ˎˊ˗ | 18+ Only

synopsis: devils are contract workers - simply offer them a payment that they can never refuse, and your problems would be taken care of. the only thing is, what could a mere human possibly offer to a devil?

pairing: devil!jeonghan x innocent!reader (gn afab)

genre: fantasy, supernatural | smut, pwp

tags: flirting, food mention, office | bondage, light choking, creampie, dirty talk, fingering, oral, pet names, pnv, praise, if there's a term for jeonghan fucking you with one of his devil horns please tell me, reader wears lingerie, reader's first time, multiple orgasms...

wc: 5.4k

message from nu: this took me super long to write, but this has to be one of my favorites. special thank you to xan @aceofvernons and june @junkissed for keeping me company while I worked on the fic. I hope you all enjoy reading - nu <3

In the distance, the elevator dings sharp and clear, its ring piercing through the reception lounge as its large plum-colored crystal doors open with a rumble. Even when you sit facing away from the reception desk, you can imagine the receptionist greeting the incomer with their monotonous voice, drawling out the same script they gave to you – jet black orbs staring at you judgmentally while you try to scribble your personal information on the forms as fast as you can.

A large Prometheus-type creature in the seat across from you whimpers when its name is called, head hunched and practically trembling with every stride toward the smiling attendant. Open space in front of you, you can see through the large glass windows the hundreds of skyscrapers and verdant greenery where feet touch the ground under the red sky. This place is but a stretch, an affected area of Hell – at least for those who are not native. Even this lounge, untouched coffee bar with expensive Keurig models, circa 1920s sleek leather Barcelonas, and low mid-century style coffee tables with old filled-in Highlights magazines as table decorations, is deceiving in its own way. Because, if it wasn’t clear enough, all of you are in Hell.

Sharp teeth chattering, long tails thumping in anxiety, and sheepish whimpers, the atmosphere in what could be a beautiful place is filled with layers of dread and fear. You sit in your chair, right hand brought to your lips, while slowly peeling the layers of chipped skin off your lips, the light sweater you wore in the morning feeling as heavy as a weighted blanket. Flicking away the loose pieces to the floor a few inches away from your fuzzy teddy bear slippers, you slink further into your seat with thoughts of what could possibly come next weighing you down.

You wanted it. Correction. You still want it, even when the soft jazz playing from the speakers barely masks the distant screams and screeches that echo throughout the many halls and floors in the building. So desperate to have your need fulfilled you would even beg a devil, the devil, for even an ounce of that fulfillment.

So, when a siren with beautiful wings adorned with brown speckled feathers calls your name, you answer with a squeak and scramble to meet them in the corridor of one of the halls where they wait patiently for you with a kind smile on their face. The creature’s feathers ruffle as it elegantly struts down the bright corridor, passing various framed artworks and accolades, a file folder nestled under the crook of its left wing. Too deep in your mind, nitpicking at your outfit choice and squeaky voice whenever you answer the siren’s small talk, you fail to even notice that it isn’t the usual demon who is walking you to their office.

And the office, matte black large double doors that seem to aggrandize the more you stare at it, seems to you the most daunting thing you’ve ever experienced, dreading what’s on the other side of the doors. The doors automatically swing open when the siren approaches, and a rich puff of aroma fills your senses – strongly smoked tea leaves, spices, and aged tannin from the great oak trees you spent your vacations under during summer camps. Immersive, sultry, powerful…frightening.

The creature beckons you to follow them inside, the doors slamming shut when you enter the threshold. If you were dreading the office's interior - perhaps a grotesque chamber too scary to imagine, then the reality only confuses you. Plush gray Persian rug you’re too scared to step on, mahogany desk sitting at the end of the room, a large fish tank built into one of the walls big enough to hold a shark. It would look like a standard luxury CEO office if it weren’t for the shelves of trinkets from collectible matchbooks to eyeless Sylvanian Family figures to mysterious chained and muffled floating orbs that stand behind the desk.

Taking a seat in front of the desk, you watch the siren slowly stalk behind the desk, perching itself in the leather executive chair to rifle through the files with its back turned towards you. Your hands find each other in your lap, folded together, the right thumb twiddling with the left. It is awfully quiet, and the atmosphere is just as bad as it was in the lounge. No part of you wants to spark a conversation, afraid that the slightest conversation error could send you on a one-way ticket into the depths of hell. Does their boss know they are sitting in their boss’ seat?

However, when the leather chair turns around, you see a man frowning at what you assume to be your file – your attendant long gone. He flicks away his remaining brown feathers, letting his disguise dissipate into thin air while craning his head to the left and right to stretch his neck. A tri-toned nameplate appears at the front of his messy desk, deep burgundy red with a black center dark enough that you could mistake it for a void. Written in gold is the name “Yoon Jeonghan,” and in a smaller font underneath is his official title.

The devil, as the plate reads, cocks an eyebrow at you through his long curtain bangs, causing you to take a craven stance – wincing and lowering your head so you don’t meet his eyes. Taking a page out of the file, he presses it against the desk and slides the page towards you, twisting it with his long nimble fingers in one smooth motion so the words face you upright.

“You summoned me via a crocheted sweater, a three-year-old three-wick seasonal autumnal candle that smells like pumpkin pie, and a tiny crushed packet of Prince Noodles you found at the back of your snack cabinet?” His voice is light and airy, but the terrifying smoothness and the seemingly innocuous nature of his tone only deceive the listener – he is a creature filled with malice and iniquity.

Slamming his palm against the table, he drags the page towards himself, creasing it with the strength and anger he exerts. The slapping sound causes you to flinch, and your eyes continue to stay trained on your lap, the shrill sound of the slap still ringing in your ears.

“Look at me,” he commands you in a low tone, a voice dipped in a thick vat of bubbling tar. “Summoning me with trash? Do I look like a joke to you?”

Scared you might combust into flames the moment you look at him, yet too scared to defy his command, you slowly lift your head to look at the man sitting across from you for the first time.

If his verbal command isn’t enough to evoke fear in the most draconian demons, perhaps his physical properties - his presence and his chiseled facial structure - command creatures differently. Dark brown eyes and thin-lipped, bottom lip slick and catching the light after he runs his tongue over it while scoffing at you, you have to admit the devil is strikingly handsome in his features. Pure sybarite from the decoration of his office to the decorations he wears, he outfits himself in leather garb. Fashionable thick leather blazer with a belt cinched around the waist, a silver chain dangles around his neck, sparkling in hues of red. And the horns that sit at the top of his head, dark crimson red with the shine of the waxy Red Delicious apples that stack in a pyramid under bright supermarket lights. Elephant tusk-like: thick, curved, and blunt. You wonder what it would feel like if he…

He appears before you in an instant, sitting at the edge of his desk, leaning over, and sandwiching you between his towering frame and the back of your chair. With an apparent smirk on his face, he enjoys watching you practically whimper underneath him, trembling in your seat. Irises expanding in size at exponential speeds is a clear tell, a giveaway of your need for him.

“You’re scared of me.” He points out with much effrontery while cocking his head, his face a mere few inches away from yours. He leans back with his arms crossed, planting himself firmly against his desk. “But you’re the one who summoned me, wanting to make a deal with me, right? So, no matter how scared you are of me, you’re still the boss and I’m your contract worker.”

“Contract worker?”

You can’t believe his words. He is agreeing to your stupid little request that you thought could never be fulfilled. Summoning a demon? Summoning the devil? It sounds like a quirky group activity to do at middle school sleepovers.

“You mean why did I agree to your request?”

You quickly nod your head in response.

“I’m a man with needs. And you’re a little angel who was brave enough to offer me a deal. It’s an obscene request that nobody of your kind has offered me for centuries - although, the last one perished with my touch…but you wouldn’t lie to me, right? Sweetheart?” He almost bats his long eyelashes with the pet name, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

The scene shifts almost theatrically – morphing from Jeonghan’s office to the tiny bedroom you were in about an hour ago. It seems real. All of it. The same putrid orange floorboards with dark knots that look like stains, hanging on the wall is a single bronze circular mirror your navy curtains slap against when the wind blows. You’re sitting in the middle of your bed, the old lumpy mattress you’ve been using since elementary school covered with the white checkered duvet set you found for free on some second-hand site. On the floor by the foot of the bed is a tiny space you made by pushing your jackets and plastic bags away, saved for summoning Jeonghan. Now, all that is left is soot, the Prince Noodles wrapper, and a now-stretched hand-made sweater.

Fucker. He is keeping the candle.

“It’s your first time so I can make you feel more comfortable – play on your turf. But the question is, can you take it? Can you take all of me? We can break it down into several sessions.” His suggestive tone is almost warmhearted. It almost makes you forget this is the first time you’ve met him. 

This situation would be laughable if it weren’t for the fact that you’re talking to the devil. You don’t know if he’s the type to laugh at bad jokes, but you weren’t going to test your hypothesis. 

“No,” you tell him. There’s only one thing on your mind. “One time.”

“You don’t realize what ‘all at once’ means, do you?”

Granted, if this were any other day with any other person, you would’ve faltered when this type of question kisses your ears. Doe-eyed, you watch him while sitting at the edge of your bed, a tiny nod in motion that makes him smile at you. The outer corners of his eyes crinkle, and he almost seems like a college boyfriend-esque type visiting your room for the first time - kind and patient, yet filled with corrupt thoughts.

He takes a seat next to you and proceeds to unbuckle the belt that cinches his waist. You’re too shy to stare at him while he undresses, but you can hear very clearly his garments hitting the floor one after another. The end of soft thuds and crinkles and a cool touch that turns your face to his, he holds your face in the palm of his right hand. So tender, yet his intentions are clearly laid out in the open.

“Why don’t you show me what pretty outfit you’re hiding underneath your sweater so I can show you what I mean?” his voice low, sending vibrations down to your core.

What you reveal underneath is a dainty two-piece. Thin lavender silk trim and clear organza with embroidered pastel flower details accentuate the cups that cover your breasts. The bottom matches the top, pulled high to your waistline. He hisses, forked tongue appearing for a split second before disappearing again.

“Contrary to what humans believe,” he mutters while holding one of your hands in his. “Angels don’t exist in this world. But at this moment…” He pushes a strand of hair away from your face, a subtle yet intimate gesture. He’s doing his best to prepare you for the worst without scaring you off, and you can’t help but to cling to him and seek refuge in his assuagement. “You’re the only Angel in front of me.”

Now you can see them more clearly. Dark brown eyes with bright specks of gold only a mere few inches away from yours. It makes you wonder how someone as beautiful as he can become the Devil. But he leaves no time for you to spare as he dips and plants his lips against yours. And you reciprocate with ardor, leaning back onto the bed as he changes his position so he is hovering, towering above you. His kisses are slow, focusing on making you feel good. Supple lips against your hot skin, he nips and licks at your flesh, leaving discolored hues of claret and magenta, him ravaging your untouched purity. And he takes the lead, grabbing your hands so they hug his neck so you can press him closer to you when you feel like it.

And you do. It excites you when learning how your body automatically reacts to him in need and lust: pulling him into your chest while feeling his soft skin rub against your lingerie, speeding up your kisses, and whining when you want more. He only smirks when he pulls away, looking at you from above and seeing your plump swollen lips and sexual frustration scintillating in your eyes. Your first hickeys on your neck and chest look like the beginnings of the first fallen leaves in the suburbs during Autumn. And you feel him grow against your core, a firm ball that waits to be unleashed with its owner’s command.

“Will my Angel be good for me?” He looks up at you while he traces the dainty straps that wrap around your skin, his pointer finger swirling around the yellow intricate embroidered flower that barely covers your nipple. The tip of the finger flicks against your rosy bud, and the feeling sends vibrations and shivers straight to your core. “Yes or no?”

“Yes,” you barely manage to whisper. “I’ll be good.”

“Then I’ll make you feel good.”

He bends down to kiss you again, this time with more fervor as if to mitigate any of your worries or concerns. But, strangely enough, you don’t. What is left behind in the trek to his office is replaced with new feelings of greed that you desperately want to have fulfilled during your nights alone. And the man who kisses down your body, pleasing you and praising you for reacting so well to his touch, seems multifarious enough to fulfill everything you dreamed about in secret.

When he reaches your core, it’s already uncomfortably wet. He seems to pay no mind as he pries away the lily embroidery that covers your cunt, cool finger briefly brushing against your skin to reveal your tender flesh that throbs underneath his gaze. Jeonghan starts slowly, prying your thighs apart with both of his hands. Firm grip on your skin, you whimper when he frowns at you for trying to shy away. Then you feel his lips planting pecks along your left inner thigh, making his way to your slick. 

If the way he kisses you is nothing but a lust-filled way of overcoming his workload, stress, and greed, then the way he eats you out is the complete opposite. Yoon Jeonghan doesn’t dive in head first after pushing you into the deep end; he holds your hand while guiding you into the pool, letting you adjust to the temperature of the water before swimming after him. Laps you up with the flat side of his tongue, long licks around your inner folds and swirls your core like a whirlwind, Jeonghan tsks when you start to close your thighs around his head without thinking. While telling you to behave, the low growl making you almost come on the spot, he pries your thighs apart. 

Firm grip and fingers digging into your skin, the Devil presses his tongue against the area you often frequented yourself at night, never thinking the day would come when someone else is able to visit. Forked tongue draws a heart down your slick, zigzags, paddles, and swims in your juices. It feels like two tongues are working you at once, and it makes you come twice as fast, your fingers gripping the bed sheets and your body jolting upwards. Supple lips close around where you feel the most sensitive, and he eats you out in a way that tells you that you would never be able to experience something like this in the future - not with him and definitely not with anybody else.

“Aah-ah fuck Jeonghan.” You squirm while he keeps his pace, wet sounds from beneath you filling your little room while he cleans up your aftermath. “Want more.”

“Aww my little Angel wants more?” He temporarily detaches his face from your cunt, red swollen lips glistening and glossed with your cum, to smirk at you. “Why don’t you look at me and beg for it?”

But he’s meticulous with continuously making you feel good. In the absence of his tongue, he replaces the emptiness with his fingers. Rubbing your nub in between his thumb and pointer finger, the Devil uses his other hand to rub himself - his hands prepping his long and pink organ. It takes a choked sob emitting from your mouth and your eyes rolling to the back of your head before you can even begin to think about looking him in the eye. And when you finally look him dead in the eye and trail to his raging member while letting out what he thinks are the prettiest and most deceivingly innocent whines, he finally understands your cupidity. 

So he thrusts his digits in your core, your panties now magically disappearing when he could’ve shrugged them off ages ago. Two long fingers fill your virgin hole, he scissors them while feeling your warm flesh contrast in reaction to his cold skin. Pointer fingers hook around your spongy G-spot, and he uses it as a sort of pulley, pulling him into you while your stomach tightens and squeezes with every quiver of his finger. You feel yourself soak his fingers, running down into his palms. He catches every drop with his tongue, licking his hands clean and then moving on to your cunt as he continues to finger you thoroughly.

He pulls his fingers apart, creating an opening to stick his tongue in you. Tonguing you, he savors your sweetness, sucking and thrusting his tongue deeper into you while he slides his fingers in and out of you. He fills you up until he runs out of room. You feel so corrupted, never expecting any person to make you feel so dirty, disgusting, yet so well-handled at the same time. You lust for more, to feel more as he smirks against your sex and reaches his open hand upwards to grab your breast. It feels plush and soft when he kneads it in between his fingers. Simply flicking his thumb over your sensitive nub sends shockwaves down to your core, and he surfaces with your cum dripping down his chin.

“How are you feeling?” he asks you, briefly leaning upwards to catch your lips in his mouth. “Can you take more? That was just to warm you up. Are you ready for me?” he mumbles against your lips.

The taste of yourself sits prominently in his mouth. You can taste yourself as you exchange another kiss with him, slowly winding down from your high.

“I- I want to try more.” You hear yourself openly admitting while he leaves tiny pecks along your collarbone. “It felt good.”

“Just good?” He looks up at you in feigned confusion. “Come on honey, I didn’t fuck you dumb just yet. I’m pretty sure you’re smart enough to come up with better adjectives. Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I don’t know how to describe it.” You gasp when he moves away from your cover to latch his lips around your nipple. “I cam- I think I came several times, but I’m still horny.” The last part comes out in a sort of whisper as if you’re afraid you would be caught by somebody if you ever admitted to being horny out loud.

“Mmm.” He groans with your tit in his mouth. “Mmf. Nothing wrong with being horny. And you did come. Several times…but are you ready to come more?”

“Yes.” You’re feeling more confident. “I’m ready for more.”

“Even if I have to tie you down?” He pushes himself up so he kneels in front of you. “I’m afraid your human body can’t take what I’m about to give you.”

“I want to try,” you reply. “‘All at once,’ remember?”

“Okay Angel.” He smiles, leaning over to put his hand behind your head to bring you upright. “All at once.”

Your face is so close to his body that you can smell the muskiness of his sex. Right in front of you is his member. It’s your first time seeing one this closely, red and stiff, and a tiny bead of precum that rolls off the tip. You wonder how it would feel in the palm of your hands, how you would be able to fit all of it in your mouth.

“Take a good look at it, Angel. Touch it or suck it if you want,” his voice is gentle yet mischievous. “Don’t be scared. I can guide you. Take your chances before I spend the rest of our time disappearing in your cunt.”

Hesitantly, you bring your lips closer to his tip, opening your mouth wide enough so your lips close around the head. It’s smooth like a cool cherry-flavored popsicle on a hot summer day, yet there’s a certain softness to the organ. You stare up at him with his head in your mouth, and he simply nods, thrusting forward a little to tell you that you can continue. 

A tiny lick causes him to flinch and then gasp, his eyes fluttering as you lick him again more confidently. He breathes out a groan when you place a hand on his waist while the other grabs his length. Closing your eyes, you hollow your cheeks and guide him in and out of your mouth, sucking and licking as you go. 

And the raging and tantalizing ache in him can’t help but to grow and extend along his erection, growing hot in his stomach as he looks down at you trying your best to suck his dick. It makes him feral knowing that he’s your first - the first to corrupt you, to coat your thick and swollen lips with your saliva and his precum, and to watch you as you clench your thighs while sucking him off. Just thinking about your request and actually seeing you try to fit him in your mouth without gagging intoxicates him and makes his mind fuzzy. But before he can begin to process his dick hitting the cold air, he feels your mouth latch around one of his testicles, gently sucking while your hand kneads the other, and your other hand continues to pump him in your mouth’s absence. 

This time, he sees you wide-eyed and staring right at him. And when your eyes roll to the back of your head, he immediately snaps and spasms - shooting white liquid all over the bed sheets. 

“Lay back down,” he demands. 

Repositioning himself over your naked body, he wipes away a few splatter marks on your face and reapplies it to your open lips. It’s hard to concentrate on the new salty taste when the Devil is staring intently into your eyes while his hands roam your body, touching and flicking. 

He asks you about punishments for making him come without warning - something about how he should prolong your virginity, a concept that you wanted him to take away. 

…it’s just a social construct used to belittle others, the contract states. But if anybody is going to take it away, then it has to be the Devil himself. 

“This might hurt a little,” he tells you. 

Invisible ropes drag your hands above your head and tie your thighs to your bed. Making sure you’re secure Jeonghan quips, “In case you try to run away.”

You can barely see what he’s doing from your angle. His dick is slowly becoming hard again, so you think he’s going to eat you out in the meantime. But nothing can prepare you for what comes next. 

It feels cold and warm, a long tubular shape slowly digging and nudging itself into your cunt. Yet, you don’t feel the same wetness you felt when he stuck his tongue in your cunt. The figure pulls in and out, sliding and squelching with every thrust. Your mouth drops open, letting tiny soundless exhales fall out of your mouth. A burning sensation builds up at the bottom of your stomach, causing you to lurch and struggle against your binds. Jeonghan only chuckles from underneath you, his face shrouded by his hair. It’s only when he pushes deep, causing you to yell his name when you realize the object he pushes into you. 

What fucks your cunt in a steady rhythm is the same crimson red, elephant-tusk-like horn that sits on top of Jeonghan’s head. He slightly turns his head so the thick and curved object hits you in the right spot, causing you to struggle, moan, and breathe heavily. 

“What a twisted angel,” Jeonghan grunts. “You didn’t think I would be able to read your thoughts? You didn’t think the Devil would be able to listen in on every single dirty thought that came across that pretty little head of yours?”

“Fuck. P-please Jeonghan,” you whine through gritted teeth. “Want your dick.” 

“No.” His tone is flat. “I’m not horny yet. Hearing you whine and mewl about how good I make you feel ”

“N-No,” you manage to say. “Can’t wh-whine if you’re choking me.”

Your invitation causes him to immediately pull out of you, therefore causing you to lurch forward with a gasp and fall back down when you’re stopped by your binds. It’s a lot clearer now, his wet red horn and the hair matted down by your juices. Still, there is nothing that could make the man in front of you become an eyesore. 

He’s objectifyingly beautiful - now not as downright terrifying as you thought him to be. Your little push of confidence, although a bit passive, goes a long way as he bends down once again to catch you between his lips, kissing you feverishly as his left hand slowly works its way to loop around your neck. 

It’s a new feeling, feeling the pressure of his palm against your neck. The pressure is light - not how Jeonghan would’ve liked to choke you, but enough so the concept doesn’t scare you away. Gently squeezing the sides of your esophagus, Jeonghan removes his lips from yours so he can see you clearly. Chin lifted up and your eyes glossed over, you seem to him to be needier than ever. He watches you as your struggle against his invisible binds, hips thrusting in the air. 

“Please Jeonghan.” You struggle against his hand. “Please. I’m ready. I’ve been ready. Please-”

“Beg.”

“Fuck,” you breathe out. “I’m begging. Please.”

He adds a little more pressure around your esophagus, making you struggle and almost come on the spot. “More.”

“W-want t-to see your pre- ah fuck pretty face lose its beauty when you bend over me while fucking me hard. I want you to be mean to me and pull my hair so my back arches while you pound into me from behind. Make my thighs quiver and tremble as my knees go red. Use me until I’m left with nothing but tears.”

“I can make you cry.” He lets go of your throat, tsk-ing at the fading soft pink imprint left behind on your skin. “But not in the way you described…You’ll be leaking from somewhere else, Angel.”

You breathe his words in like an airy aphrodisiac, filling your lungs and clouding your brain with blissful jubilation. But the tears. The tears fall when he slowly pushes into you, cooing and soothing you while you cling onto him, fingernails digging red welts into his bare back while you struggle to adjust to his size. The stinging pain feels like no other, but fuck does it feel good to have him inside you. 

Wrapping your legs around his waist, he bends over you and whispers in your ear, “Keep tightly clenching around me before I can properly fuck you and you’ll never be able to leave Hell. Understand?”

“Yes,” you reply, hissing when he pulls back.

Then he starts pushing slowly back into you, savoring how your walls etch and hug his ridges, savoring how your eyes immediately roll to the back of your head in response to your pleasure. Another thrust, faster this time. He plagues you with need, making you practically fuck him yourself by angling your legs on the bed so you can push yourself into him over and over again. He pinches your nipple in anger, but it only sends a lewd string of pain straight to your core. You find it pleasurable, your nerves heightened to a new level. 

So he puts his hands around your waist and tells you his name again - because that’s the only thing you’ll remember after he’s done with you. 

He ruts into you over and over again, harshly and quickly. The only sounds filling your tiny bedroom are your hiccups that complement the sound of his skin slapping against yours. Your whole body jerks and rocks with every thrust, your bed no longer standing in the same place, now slightly askew. He doesn’t even give you time to recover when you cum on his cock, your belly tightening, releasing, and then tightening again in a matter of a few seconds. 

“Whore,” he sneers. “Look at you, all fucked out underneath me. You can’t help but come multiple times, can you?”

He rubs your clit while pounding into you, watching you writhe in pleasure underneath him, very well unable to respond to his rhetorical question. 

“And you want me to pound into you from behind?” He mockingly laughs out loud. “All that talk but you can’t even form a word. Form a word then. Try forming a word before I cum.” 

But another wave swells in your abdomen, causing you to jerk forward in reaction. Your body feels sweaty and sore, but the pleasure rolls in waves - building in you and ejecting out of you like a consistent ebb and flow. Every single bite, flick, and word that comes out of him only breaks you even more. And you topple like a house of cards, reduced to nothing but his personal fucktoy. 

He chases his own orgasm when he feels like it, pushing into you deeply and thrusting one last time by hitting your walls so he can slowly milk his seed as he rolls his hips. And when he pulls out, he watches his liquid slowly collect at your entrance, threatening to spill out. Your body still twitches in his absence, your aftershocks squeezing and making his seed drip and run out of you. 

Your eyes are blurry, body is sore with tiny cartoonish stars floating and rotating above your head. You can’t expect the Devil to stay. He had done enough for you, more than you could ever imagine. It takes everything in you to bring yourself to whisper his name one last time before you feel him leave your side. 

On the floor where you summoned him is an invitation to summon him again:

Whenever you’re ready. He writes. I’ll make you crawl. -YJH, The Devil

[giggle-bee]

Triple Threat (Squealing Santa 2023!)

Hi, @hakurei-k, I'm your Santa for this year! Sorry this is a little late, but I hope you still enjoy it! It was a challenging prompt since I don't typically write intense stuff with multiple lers, but it was a fun fic to do, and I'm so happy I got you!! I also want to thank @squealing-santa, Hypah, for being such an amazing host!! Couldn't have done it without you, thank you for keeping the tradition alive!

(Ler!Barbatos, Ler!Solomon, Ler!Simeon, Lee!MC)

Warnings: pranks, suprise tickles

Summary: Barbatos has a day off but doesn't know how to spend it. How better to than with you? Mediating a prank war wasn't in the plans, though.

Word Count: 1.8k

When Diavolo had first approached Barbatos about taking the day off, he was against the idea. “My Lord, the New Year’s celebration is not far away. The castle must be prepared for guests, there is much work to be done-” “Exactly my thoughts! You’ve been working tirelessly, my friend, you deserve some time to yourself. It’s my castle, I want to have part in the decorating! Besides, I know you’ve been keeping an eye on that new tea house. Take the day and relax, Barbatos.”

Diavolo patted him on the back and left Barbatos standing in his office, lost for words and with a blank mind for the first time in a while. For anyone else, the opportunity would be a blessing, to leave your duties behind and pay attention to the parts of your life neglected. All Barbatos could think about was the castle in a state of disarray, clashing colors, decorations strewn haphazardly about the place, anything less than perfect was not acceptable.

However, Diavolo’s pout if he figured out Barbatos was still working during his break was too heartbreaking to think about. Barbatos sighed, pulling out his DDD and pulling up his messages with you.

Barbatos MC, would you like to join me at Witch’s Brew this afternoon? My schedule has been cleared. 

MC Oh? Is that the new tea place across from Majolish? I would love to!

Barbatos Alright. See you at noon. 

Witch’s Brew was a quaint shop that sold both loose leaf teas, tea sets, and delicious desserts. To a demon like Barbatos, it was heaven. The aroma of dried flowers and warmth tickled his nose as he opened the door, sitting down at a small table with a candle in the middle. It was peaceful here, soft music playing over the speakers and setting a light ambience to the space. Ordering some tea for the both of you would be his first order of business. The fragrant notes of hibiscus and lemon called to him from behind the counter, he would bring it back to the table piping hot and waiting. 

A smile came across his lips as he imagined you taking the first sip, your eyes lighting up at the sweet flavor- rich and floral with a hint of tart to balance it. The thought was almost as sweet as you were. The tinkling of the doorbell made Barbatos glance up hopefully from his cup, eyes alight when he saw you. But you weren’t carefree and jubilant as usual. He picked up on the nervous glances you were sending around the room, your hesitant steps towards the table, and most of all, you hadn’t greeted him with so much as a smile yet. Quite unusual. 

“Ah, hello Barbatos! Sorry I’m late,” you whispered, smoothing your clothes and sitting in the chair he pulled out for you. The demon cocked an eyebrow at your behavior, instantly analyzing your expression. He knew something was up.

“Would you like to tell me what is obviously bothering you? You look like someone is out to get you.”

“Ahaha… well…” You scratched your arm, averting your gaze and peering down into the teacup. “You could say that.” You chose to elaborate on the prank war currently going on in Purgatory Hall, the one you had started a week ago. Luke had voted on staying out of things, which meant you, Solomon, and Simeon would have to prank amongst yourselves.

Pulling out all the stops this morning, you had set up several pillows to fall onto Simeon’s head, covering him in feathers. You had swiped one of Solomon’s singing potions earlier in the week and mixed it into a batch of cookies, which had him singing curses for the next hour. You had found these harmless pranks extremely funny, but both Solomon and Simeon were sure to get you back. 

“So that’s why I have to stay vigilant! They could be anywhere, Barbatos, I have to keep a lookout,” you explained, taking a sip of your tea. The flavor was complex and delicate, a nice reprieve from the chaos going on with your friends. You melted into the warm drink, nodding at the teapot, “This was a good pick, thank you for letting me try it!”

Barbatos shook his head with a fond smile. He knew you were “I believe tea is better when shared in good company, so it’s my pleasure.” Pouring you two another cup, he thought on your predicament. If Solomon and Simeon were working together, it could spell disaster for everyone in Purgatory Hall.

Humming in thought, Barbatos finished his tea and set the cup down gently onto a saucer. “Can I escort you back? Like I said, my schedule is clear for the day, so it would be no trouble. That way, you won’t have to worry about anything on your way,” he offered. Barbatos knew they would never do anything to harm you, but if it would make you feel better, it was worth it.

You perked up, relief washing over your face. “I would appreciate it, those two like to scare me as much as it is.”

Taking a dessert to go, you and Barbatos left the teahouse and started the journey back to the House of Lamentation. On the way, you talked about everything from next year’s classes to Satan’s newest cat adoption antics. Barbatos felt at ease talking to you, as he always did. His worries for the celebration faded with every step as he let you take the wheel of the conversation. Before you knew it, you two were on the doorstep. 

“Thank you for walking me here, Barbs. We need to do this again sometime!” You opened the door and were about to wave goodbye when two arms pulled you into the foyer. Barbatos quickly moved inside, surprised by the sight that greeted him. 

Solomon and Simeon had trapped you in their arms, encircling you like twin felines playing a game of cat and mouse. Solomon’s deadly smirk was something you knew all too well, paired with Simeon’s laughing eyes, they had been out to get you from the start. “You fell right into our trap, MC~” Simeon purred in your ear, watching your eyes flit between the trio of people in the room. Well, one human, one angel, and one demon. The mischievous fire in Solomon’s eyes appeared anything *but* human to you in this moment. 

Solomon looked to the demon at the door, “What do you think is a fitting punishment for our friend here, Barbatos?” 

Barbatos slowly stepped forward until he was in front of you three, assessing the situation. “Seeing as they’ve confessed their transgressions to me already, I believe something… like this will suffice,” Barbatos reasoned, grinning at your shocked face.

“Barbatos! You’re supposed to be on my side- HEY!” Barbatos wormed his hand between you and Simeon to give your side a squeeze, making you curl into Solomon. Simeon started to snicker at the idea, using his free hand to scribble around your neck while Solomon’s smile grew wolfish. “I think that’s a great idea, don’t you think so, MC?” 

You were trying not to react to Simeon’s gentle scribbles, your cheeks puffing out and your lips pouting to hide your smile. “N-no! Not a great idea! Barbatos- help me!”

Raising an eyebrow, the demon tilted his head to the side, “You want me to help? Alright, I can manage that. After all, I have no obligations today, I can spend as much time as I want here.”

Barbatos latched onto your sides, kneading into them with sudden speed and vigor that you weren’t prepared for. Your straight faced facade went flying out the window as you tried to wiggle away from the tickles to no avail. Solomon and Simeon seemed to have the same idea, the angel’s fingers finding a home in your armpits and Solomon’s squeezing at your hipbones. “WHAHAHAIT! NOhOHoO!” 

You had endured tickle attacks from all three of them separately, but together, the trio was insufferably good at reducing you to a laughing fit. They continued to scribble and poke all over your worst spots, Simeon finding a good spot on your lower tummy that almost sent you backwards. Every time you got used to something, one of them would move, sending you into giggles all over again. 

“I almost forgot how ticklish they are! Solomon, keep that up,” Simeon laughed with delight at how you squirmed away from Solomon’s evil hands that were currently chasing your ribs. “If I were you, I would stay still- it would be done a looooot faster!” Solomon chirped from your left, tazing your ribs and making you fall into Barbatos’s waiting arms.

“Your laugh is almost as sweet as the tea, you know,” Barbatos whispered quietly, kneading into your lower back and sides, chuckling when you tried to pull away with a blush. Simeon gasped and excitedly pulled you away, hugging you tight against his chest. 

“Theres this thing I used to do to Luci when he would misbehave, let me show you!” He closed his eyes and you felt invisible feathers gliding across your ears and neck, making you scrunch up. The feathers seemed to reach all of your worst spots, soft but they tickled like hell. When you felt one graze the bottom of your foot, you squeaked in surprise, how was this even possible? Simeon’s laugh sounded like bells, contrasting with your loud and squealy one. “I cAhAHaAHaN’t! PlEHehAHeaSe!” 

He slowed down the feathers of his wings to softly stroke up and down your arms, letting you collapse into him. Solomon ruffled your hair, “You all tired out? I think it’s payback for making me sing through all of breakfast. Simeon looked like a fancy chicken this morning,” he laughed. Simeon rolled his eyes, “Did you learn your lesson, MC? Never mess with Purgatory Hall, or you’ll awaken the tickle monsters that live there!” He tapped your nose, taking note of your lingering smile and flushed cheeks. He grinned and gave you a hug, releasing you. 

Barbatos had his hands behind his back, almost like he hadn’t contributed to your ticklish demise. “The cake is still outside, would you like me to bring it in?” His sly smirk didn’t go unnoticed, you nodded, rolling your eyes. “You were supposed to help me!”

“I never said I would help you. Besides, I think you deserved a little prank back for the ones you performed,” he noted, bringing the slice of matcha cake inside. 

With a sigh, you took the bag, holding out the delectable sweet. “How about a truce? Do you guys wanna split this?” All three of them nodded, causing you to smile. As you made your way towards the den, Barbatos concluded that his day off was a day well spent.

[blackleatherjacketz]

The mark they saw on my collarbone

Steven Grant x Reader

“You alright?” Steven’s brow furrows as he pours the kettle into your favorite Doctor Who mug, fresh steam fogging up his reading glasses as he stirs a dollop of honey into it. 

The metal spoon clinks around the ceramic container, a soothing high pitched melody filling his flat as you watch the piping hot water begin to dull and change color. Leaves of lavender and chamomile paint the sheer liquid a brief yellow before a stronger amber wave drowns it out, its rich calming aroma reaching your nostrils from only a few feet away. He pulls the tiny bag of tea up and out, delicately dipping it back into the drink before resting the string over the lip and tossing the spoon down into the sink. Everything he does for you seems to be practiced with such care, with such utter deliberation that you nearly forget the question he asked you in the first place.

You shake your head in response, unable to put into words how utterly exhausted you are, how the dozens of hours you’ve kept yourself awake seem to pull you closer to the ground even this high up in his apartment. You can’t seem to find the energy to speak, barely muttering the sing-song tone of how you’d normally say the word “uh-uh” as he looks up at you.

The steam evaporates off his lenses, bringing his beautiful brown eyes into view as he steps toward you. “What’s that? What’s happened?”

You try to look at him as your contacts seize up on your drying eyes, failing to focus on anything but your cooling cup of tea. You blink frantically, barely feeling his palms on your cheeks, the warmth of his hands the only thing keeping you upright at the moment. You’re on the brink of collapse, of sheer destruction, the moisture in your eyes finally kicking in to soften your hardening lenses as the tears well up in your eyes and stream down your cheeks. 

“Oh, gods, you’re crying.” He wipes your tears away with his thumbs, smearing your delirium across your face before dotting your cheeks with a series of chaste little pecks. “What’s wrong, love?”

You can feel the inevitable surrender of that last social barrier you’d been fighting so hard to keep in place. Each time that you laughed at something inappropriate or jumbled your words today pulled on a string in that complex tapestry of wakefulness that now has nothing left to unravel. You can sense it shearing away at your sanity, layer by layer as your eyes continue to water. 

“I’m fine, I’m just,” you finally muster the strength to say, “I’m so tired.”

All of this self-inflicted torture was slightly more tolerable when you were at home alone, with no one else to witness the most unedited version of yourself before you finally gave in and succumbed to sleep. But now there was no more hiding, no more space for pretending to be this cool, calm and collected person in front of Steven who always seemed sort of… endearingly nervous around you. His stuttering words always painted the picture of a sweet yet awkward truth that stretched your lips into a perpetual smile, allowing you to finally let that guard down safely. 

“You should rest, then, yeah?” He guides his palms over your face and hair, tucking a loose strand behind your ear.

“Yeah.” You smile and lean into him, that worry of being vulnerable with someone you care about so deeply being washed away with the fresh clean scent of his hair. You realize now that you’ve been keeping him at a distance, only letting him see the very best of you these past few weeks for fear that if he sees you, the real, raw and gentle you, that he’ll run away just like everyone else. 

But Steven isn’t like everyone else, not even close. 

“What’s this?” He smooths his hand down your neck and shoulder, his thumb revealing a fresh bruise on your collarbone as it tugs at the cloth of your shirt.

“What?” You wipe the tears from your eyes and look down, noticing one of the marks Jake’s mouth had left on you last night. “Oh, that was from you, that was...” You look up to meet his confused gaze, his lips pursed as he tries to understand what’s going on, but all you can muster to say in your current state is “That was Jake.”

“Jake?” He loosens his grip on you, still holding on but creating enough distance for you to notice, enough for you to feel disconnected. “Right,” he nods, his comforting tone shifting into a whisper as his eyes dart off into the recesses of his mind. “Still trying to figure him out, aren’t we?”

Oh God, he’s devastated, and you’re way too tired for this.

“Steven...” You reach up and touch his face in an attempt to bring him back to you, back to this moment. “I’m with you now.” You stand on your tip toes to kiss his mouth before he quickly turns away, forcing your lips to plant firmly on his cheek.

“Until you’re not.” He says to himself, eyes clocking back and forth as he decides if he can bring himself to look at you. He tilts his head to the side a few times, pressing his lips together in duress until he parts them to speak again. “Do you love him? Is that why you let him do that to you?” He taps lightly on the bruise just below your neck. “Let him hurt you like this?” His forehead wrinkles with worry as he holds you in his arms, the two other voices battling inside him as he takes what they each have to say with a grain of salt. “I would never hurt you.”

“I know that. And I love you, Steven,” you let slip out, the sandman stealing every last bit of restraint from your resolve as you command your muscles to stay taut. “I love you and every personality that comes along with you.”

“You… what?” That dark shade of worry begins to dissolve into a more palatable hue of intrigue.

Damnit. You didn’t want to tell him like this. You wanted it to be special, or at least be a happy moment when you’re more coherent.

“You… you love me?” He tightens his grip on you, bringing you in closer as he studies your face with his trusted council behind his eyes; a council you hope to God presently includes Jake. “Really?”

“Really.” You feel your eyelids begin to droop as the shock of the conversation wears off, your body still screaming at you, begging you to finally let it rest. You feel what little energy you had left leave your body in a final murky wave, buckling your knees before he instinctively catches you in his arms.

“Right,” he nods, picking you up and hoisting you into his grasp. He watches your eyes close completely as your arms wrap around his neck, a lazy smile crossing your lips as he carries you over to the bed and lays you down to sleep. “I love you, too.”

[faelinnjun]

Melancholic diary, entry 04

Dear diary,

Today, I came face to face with the folly of humanity, a spectacle that never ceases to surprise me. I awoke to the reality of this condition when I found myself engaged in a heated argument. I am an introverted being by nature, but that does not mean I will bow down to ignorance when the certainty of being right permeates my mind.

The clash occurred between me and my neighbor. The reason? My beloved feline companion. My cat, who has never dared to venture beyond the confines of our home. It is a timid creature, dedicated to sleep and fearful of any shadow. How could this chubby and majestic animal be a source of trouble for anyone?

The lady in question was clearly seeking discord, and I must admit that I felt tempted to mimic the clucking of a chicken. I imagined myself, in a childish gesture, responding to her bewilderment in a language comprehensible to her. However, in the name of peace, I chose the path of silence and departed. Before leaving, I made sure to cast her a disdainful glance, as if she were a deranged figure in her obstinacy.

And about the cold, I must mention that it seeps into the very core of my being. As I write these words, I find myself enveloped in two thick blankets and wearing a sweater, yet I still feel a shiver running through my skin. My hands are almost frozen. Fortunately, I have tea to warm me. Yes, I recently acquired a box of tea, driven by curiosity to explore new experiences. However, I must confess my disappointment, for this individual tea bag version lacks flavor and aroma. I prefer the subtlety and richness of loose-leaf tea.

While observing through my window, I also came across an intriguing sight. My gaze met that of my neighbor, who was enjoying a moment of calmness while lighting a cigarette. A cloud of smoke danced around him, creating an ephemeral and mysterious scene.

Watching a smoker is like witnessing a duality in action. On one hand, the smoke rises gracefully, floating in the air and creating sinuous patterns. It is a fascinating visual spectacle, almost hypnotic. On the other hand, I cannot help but ponder the implications of this habit. The smoke, though it may possess its fleeting beauty, carries with it an invisible burden of health and well-being.

I wondered if the cold has any influence on someone's decision to smoke. Does the act of lighting a cigarette provide any form of comfort or relief during colder days? A sad realization echoes within me: I will never truly know if smoking brings any solace in chilly weather, for I will never succumb to that habit.

The decision not to smoke is a personal choice I have made, motivated by a variety of reasons. This scene evokes reflections within me, but I must admit that curiosity is not what drives me, for the desire to smoke simply does not exist within me.

The absence of that desire makes me question if there is something I might be missing, if there is some hidden taste, some pleasure in the act of smoking on cold days. Is there an unknown dimension that will remain inaccessible to me? It is a mystery I will never unravel.

But deep down, I acknowledge that this quest for understanding is not driven by genuine curiosity, but rather by the need to comprehend an aspect of the human experience that is foreign to me.

With the clarity of an impartial observer, me.

Attachments:

[parfumieren]

Un Bois Vanille (Serge Lutens)

In the early days of our marriage, my husband and I worked at adjoining stores in the local shopping mall. Without a car, we were compelled to take the earliest possible bus into town whenever we were both scheduled for an opening shift. Arriving at work hours earlier than necessary sounds like a positive drag-- but an empty mall at seven in the morning is a wonderland of hidden benefits.

My husband labored as a barista at the mall's only high-end coffee shop, which boasted two incredible features: the world's most comfortable carpeted floor, and a bank of counters which concealed said floor from public view. He'd set a digital kitchen timer for one hour, and we'd stretch out on the floor and sleep until the alarm went off. The store was silent except for the hypnotic hum of multiple refrigerators. As we drifted off into slumberland, we breathed in the scent of coffee and tea, cardamom and cinnamon, sugar and steamed milk. It broke every rule, and we couldn't live without it-- the one illicit luxury of our workaday lives.

Un Bois Vanille catapults me back to that moment of precarious safety in the warm, pitch-dark womb of the coffee shop before opening time. It opens with an intense, warm, and savory aroma of dark-roasted coffee, then flits around touching on all of the amenities a coffee drinker might find in their favorite java haunt-- amaretto, anisette, biscotti, cardamom, demerara sugar, loose black tea leaves, chamomile flowers with their prickly, pollen-rich scent. All this winds down to a lovely, peaceable accord of hot milk and honey, such as one might drink in the evening to encourage sleep.

In a way, Un Bois Vanille is a sketch of a "day in the life" -- from stimulating, supercharged morning to the tranquil repose of bedtime -- told through the little consumer pleasures that give our daily grind a touch of human comfort. Christopher Sheldrake, all is forgiven.

Scent Elements: Black vanilla absolute, licorice, bitter almond, sandalwood, coconut milk, caramelized benzoin, beeswax, tonka bean

[brook37theatelier]

A Simple Guide to Buy Loose Leaf Tea Online: Enjoy Great Taste and Health Benefits

Tea is loved by many for its calming effects and health benefits. Thanks to online shopping, it’s easier than ever to buy loose leaf tea online and enjoy high-quality tea without leaving your home. This guide will explain why loose leaf tea is a great choice, the benefits of organic tea, and why shopping online is the best way to get premium tea. 

Why Choose Loose Leaf Tea? 

Loose leaf tea is considered a better option than tea bags because it uses whole or larger pieces of tea leaves. These larger leaves keep their natural oils, giving the tea a richer flavor and stronger aroma. When you buy loose leaf tea online, you're choosing a product that offers a more enjoyable tea experience. 

Loose leaf tea also gives the leaves more space to expand when steeped, which helps release more flavor and nutrients. This means not only is the tea more flavorful, but it also provides more health benefits compared to tea bags. 

Benefits of Buying Loose Leaf Tea Online 

One of the main advantages of buying loose leaf tea online is the wide selection of teas available. Online stores offer a variety of options, from black tea and green tea to herbal blends. When you buy loose leaf tea online, you get access to teas from around the world, all delivered right to your door. 

Shopping online also gives you the chance to read detailed descriptions of each tea, so you can pick the one that best matches your taste. Many online stores provide brewing tips and flavor notes, making it easier for you to choose the perfect tea for your preferences. 

In addition to variety and convenience, buying loose leaf tea online is simple. You can shop whenever you want and have your favorite teas shipped directly to your home. Some stores even offer subscription services, so you can have fresh tea delivered regularly. 

Health Benefits of Loose Leaf Tea 

Loose leaf tea isn’t just delicious – it’s also packed with health benefits. Tea is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Because loose leaf tea uses whole leaves, it contains more of these antioxidants than tea bags. 

For example, green tea is known for its high levels of antioxidants, which can boost your metabolism and support heart health. Black tea contains flavonoids that help lower cholesterol and promote heart health. By choosing to buy loose leaf tea online, you’re ensuring that you get the full health benefits of whole tea leaves. 

Why Choose Organic Loose Leaf Tea? 

If you want to take your tea experience to the next level, consider buying organic loose leaf tea online. Organic tea is grown without harmful chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers. This means you’re getting a cleaner, healthier product that’s better for both you and the environment. 

Organic farming also supports sustainable practices that protect the soil and water, making it a better choice for the planet. When you choose organic loose leaf tea online, you’re making a healthier and more eco-friendly choice. 

How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea 

Brewing loose leaf tea is easy, and it can give you a more enjoyable tea experience. Here’s a simple guide: 

1. Measure the Tea: Use one teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup. 

2. Boil Fresh Water: Use fresh, filtered water for the best flavor. The temperature will depend on the type of tea: 

   - Green tea: 160-185°F (70-85°C) 

   - Black tea: 200-212°F (93-100°C) 

   - Herbal tea: 212°F (100°C) 

3. Steep the Tea: Let the tea steep for the right amount of time: 

   - Green tea: 2-3 minutes 

   - Black tea: 3-5 minutes 

   - Herbal tea: 5-7 minutes 

4. Enjoy: Remove the tea leaves and enjoy your fresh, flavorful cup of tea. 

Why Buy Loose Leaf Tea Online from Brook37? 

Brook37 offers a wide variety of premium teas, including organic loose leaf tea online. Each tea is carefully sourced to ensure the best quality, and you’ll find detailed descriptions and brewing tips to help you get the most out of your tea. 

Whether you’re new to tea or a seasoned drinker, Brook37 makes it easy to find the perfect tea for your taste. Their commitment to quality means that every cup of tea you brew will be rich in flavor and full of health benefits. 

Start Your Tea Journey Today! 

Ready to enjoy the full flavor and health benefits of loose leaf tea? It’s time to buy loose leaf tea online and explore the best teas available. Visit Brook37 today to discover their wide range of premium loose leaf teas. Treat yourself to a better tea experience and enjoy the rich flavors and benefits that come with high-quality tea! 

[chineseteaset]

Chinese Gongfu Tea Set

Chinese Gongfu Tea Set: Mastering the Art of Tea Brewing

The Chinese Gongfu tea set represents a refined approach to tea brewing, deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of China. “Gongfu” translates to “skill” or “effort,” which speaks to the precision and care involved in preparing tea using this method. It’s not just about brewing tea—it’s about creating an immersive experience that engages all the senses, allowing one to appreciate the flavors, aromas, and the beauty of the tea itself.

Key Components of a Gongfu Tea Set

A traditional Chinese Gongfu tea set is designed to facilitate multiple small infusions, extracting the best flavors from high-quality loose-leaf teas. Here are the essential items included:

Tea Pot (Yixing or Gaiwan): The Yixing teapot, made from purple clay, is highly favored in Gongfu tea ceremonies due to its porous nature, which enhances the flavor of the tea. Alternatively, the Gaiwan, a lidded bowl, is used for brewing and drinking.

Tea Cups: These are typically smaller than Western-style cups, designed to allow multiple infusions and savor each sip slowly.

Tea Pitcher (Cha Hai): This vessel is used to even out the strength of the tea between infusions, ensuring a consistent flavor.

Tea Tray: A specialized tray with drainage to hold the teapot and cups, allowing excess water to drain away during the brewing process.

Tea Utensils: This includes the tea scoop, tea needle, and tea tongs, which help handle the leaves and the cups without disrupting the ceremony.

The Art of Brewing

Using the Gongfu tea set involves a methodical process. First, the tea is rinsed briefly to awaken the leaves, then steeped in short, controlled infusions. Each infusion reveals different layers of flavor, and the ritual itself encourages a mindful, meditative state.

Unlike the typical Western tea set, where tea is brewed in one go, the Gongfu method allows for several rounds of steeping. Each round offers a slightly different profile, highlighting the richness and depth of the tea.

The Role of Clay and Porcelain

When choosing a Gongfu tea set, the materials matter. Clay teapots from Yixing, particularly favored for oolong or pu-erh teas, absorb the essence of the tea over time, enriching each brew. Porcelain tea sets, on the other hand, are prized for their non-porous nature, which preserves the purity of lighter teas like green or white teas.

Cultural Significance

The Gongfu tea ceremony is more than just about tea—it’s a cultural experience that reflects Chinese values of balance, harmony, and respect. Every element, from the utensils to the process, is steeped in history and designed to bring out the best in the tea.

The practice of using a Gongfu tea set is becoming popular outside China as well, with tea enthusiasts around the world appreciating the meditative, detailed process of making tea the traditional way.

Choosing the Perfect Gongfu Tea Set

When selecting a Gongfu tea set, consider the types of teas you prefer. A Yixing teapot is ideal for darker, fermented teas, while porcelain or ceramic is perfect for lighter, more delicate brews. Look for sets that include all the essential pieces for a complete experience, and choose one that resonates with your aesthetic preferences, as the visual appeal is also an integral part of the Gongfu tea ceremony.

A Chinese Gongfu tea set is more than just a collection of tea ware—it's an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the centuries-old tradition of tea craftsmanship.

[teawholesalerr]

Discover the Excellence of PORWAL TEA COMPANY: Your Premier Blended Tea Supplier

Introducing PORWAL TEA COMPANY

PORWAL TEA COMPANY stands out as a leading name in the world of tea, known for its exceptional quality and diverse product range. As a prominent blended tea supplier, we pride ourselves on offering a unique selection of tea blends that cater to the preferences of tea enthusiasts worldwide. Our commitment to quality and consistency has made us a trusted name in the industry, serving both domestic and international markets with distinction.

Diverse Offerings for Every Taste

At PORWAL TEA COMPANY, we understand that every tea lover has a distinct preference. That's why we offer an extensive range of loose tea products that include everything from aromatic black teas to invigorating green teas. As a renowned darjeeling tea wholesaler, we specialize in sourcing and supplying premium Darjeeling tea, known for its exquisite flavor and aroma. Our loose tea products are carefully curated to ensure the highest quality, providing a delightful tea experience with every cup.

Expertise in Black Tea and CTC Tea

Our expertise as a black tea wholesaler and CTC tea supplier highlights our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our clients. Black tea, with its rich flavor and robust character, is a staple in many households, and we ensure that our offerings are of the highest standard. Additionally, our CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea is ideal for those who prefer a strong, brisk brew. As a leading CTC tea supplier, PORWAL TEA COMPANY ensures that our CTC tea is processed to perfection, maintaining its distinctive qualities and satisfying the tastes of our customers.

Your Trusted Indian Tea Exporter

As a prominent Indian tea exporter, PORWAL TEA COMPANY plays a crucial role in bringing the flavors of India to the global market. We export a wide variety of teas, including our finest blends and single-origin teas, ensuring that international clients can experience the rich heritage and diverse flavors of Indian tea. Our dedication to quality control and timely delivery has earned us a reputation for reliability and excellence in the export market.

Comprehensive Tea Packaging Solutions

We understand that packaging plays a vital role in preserving the freshness and quality of tea. That's why PORWAL TEA COMPANY offers specialized tea packaging wholesale solutions. Our packaging is designed to maintain the integrity of the tea, ensuring that each product reaches our clients in optimal condition. Whether you need bulk packaging or customized solutions, we are equipped to meet your packaging needs with precision and professionalism.

Partnering with PORWAL TEA COMPANY

Choosing PORWAL TEA COMPANY means partnering with a team that values quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction. Our role as a tea company in India extends beyond merely supplying tea; we aim to build lasting relationships with our clients by providing exceptional products and services. From our carefully sourced blends to our efficient packaging solutions, every aspect of our business is geared towards enhancing your tea experience.

Why PORWAL TEA COMPANY?

When you choose PORWAL TEA COMPANY, you benefit from our deep-rooted expertise in the tea industry. Our status as a leading blended tea supplier and darjeeling tea wholesaler is a testament to our dedication to quality and excellence. Our diverse portfolio, including loose tea products, black tea, and CTC tea, ensures that we meet the varied preferences of our global clientele. Moreover, our reliable services as an Indian tea exporter and our innovative tea packaging wholesale solutions underscore our commitment to providing a comprehensive tea experience.

In conclusion, PORWAL TEA COMPANY is more than just a supplier we are your trusted partner in the world of tea. Whether you are seeking premium blended teas, high-quality Darjeeling tea, or effective packaging solutions, we are here to meet your needs with unmatched expertise and dedication. Explore our offerings today and experience the difference that comes with choosing a leading name in the tea industry.

[teaacala]

Discover the Timeless Art of Yixing Teapots: Authentic Yixing Teapot Sets Made from Purple Clay

Tea culture is a cherished tradition in China, and at the heart of this practice is the Yixing teapot set, renowned for its unique craftsmanship and the ability to enhance the flavors of tea. Made from the distinctive purple clay found only in the Yixing region of Jiangsu Province, China, these teapots are more than just functional items—they are works of art that connect tea drinkers to centuries-old traditions. In the USA, tea enthusiasts are increasingly discovering the charm and benefits of owning an authentic Yixing teapot, appreciating its unparalleled qualities and historical significance. Join us as we delve into the world of Yixing teapots, exploring their origins, unique characteristics, and why they are a must-have for every tea lover.

The Origins of the Yixing Teapot

The Yixing teapot set dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), a period when tea culture in China evolved from grinding tea leaves into powder to brewing loose leaf tea. This shift created a demand for vessels that could enhance the brewing process, and thus the authentic Yixing teapot was born. The unique qualities of Yixing clay made it the perfect material for crafting teapots that not only preserved heat but also enriched the flavor of the tea.

Purple clay, also known as zisha, is the most famous clay used in Yixing teapots. This clay is rich in iron oxide, minerals, and other trace elements, giving it a distinctive reddish-brown color. Unlike other types of clay, purple clay is porous yet non-absorbent, allowing it to retain the essence of the tea without becoming saturated with flavor. Over time, an authentic Yixing teapot develops a patina that enhances the taste of tea, creating a personalized brewing experience unique to each user.

What Makes an Authentic Yixing Teapot Special?

Owning an authentic Yixing teapot is like having a piece of Chinese history in your home. These teapots are handcrafted by skilled artisans who use traditional methods passed down through generations. Each Yixing teapot set is unique, reflecting the individuality of the artisan who made it. Here are some of the qualities that make Yixing teapots special:

Unique Material: The key to the Yixing teapot’s fame lies in its purple clay, which is known for its porous structure. This allows the teapot to "breathe," maintaining the temperature of the tea while enhancing its aroma and flavor. The clay absorbs the oils from the tea, seasoning the teapot over time and creating a richer taste with each use.

Handcrafted Excellence: Each Yixing teapot set is made by hand, with artisans carefully shaping, carving, and decorating the clay before firing it at high temperatures. This craftsmanship ensures that no two teapots are exactly alike, making each one a unique piece of art.

No Glaze: Unlike other ceramic teapots, Yixing teapots are unglazed, which means the tea comes into direct contact with the natural clay. This allows the teapot to absorb the tea’s essence, improving the flavor of subsequent brews. It’s recommended to dedicate one Yixing teapot to a specific type of tea, such as oolong, pu-erh, or green tea, to preserve the purity of flavor.

Heat Retention: The thick walls of a purple clay teapot provide excellent heat retention, ensuring that the tea stays warm throughout multiple infusions. This makes Yixing teapots perfect for gongfu-style brewing, which involves multiple short steeps to bring out the complex flavors of the tea.

How to Use and Care for Your Yixing Teapot Set

An authentic Yixing teapot is not just a tool; it is a cherished item that requires proper care to maintain its quality and enhance its performance. Here are some tips on how to use and care for your Yixing teapot set:

Seasoning Your Teapot: Before using your new Yixing teapot, it’s essential to season it. This process involves boiling the teapot in water to remove any residual clay dust and then brewing several pots of tea without drinking the tea. This helps the teapot start absorbing the tea’s flavors, preparing it for regular use.

Dedicated Use: To fully enjoy the benefits of purple clay, it’s recommended to dedicate your Yixing teapot to one type of tea. The porous nature of the clay absorbs the oils and flavors of the tea, which will enhance future brews. Switching between different types of tea can result in a mixture of flavors that might not be desirable.

Cleaning: Never use soap or detergent to clean your Yixing teapot. The clay will absorb these chemicals, affecting the taste of your tea. Instead, rinse the teapot with hot water after each use and allow it to air dry naturally. If necessary, use a soft brush to gently clean the interior without scrubbing too hard.

Storage: Store your Yixing teapot set in a safe, dry place away from strong odors that could be absorbed by the clay. Keeping the teapot in a well-ventilated area will help maintain its natural characteristics and prevent any unwanted smells from permeating the clay.

The Benefits of Using a Yixing Teapot Set

Using an authentic Yixing teapot offers a range of benefits that enhance the overall tea-drinking experience. Here’s why tea enthusiasts in the USA and around the world love their Yixing teapots:

Enhanced Flavor: The porous nature of purple clay allows the teapot to absorb the essence of the tea, creating a richer, more complex flavor over time. Each brew adds a new layer of depth to the tea, making every cup a unique experience.

Aesthetic and Cultural Connection: Owning a Yixing teapot set is not just about the practical benefits—it’s also about connecting with a long-standing cultural tradition. The beauty and craftsmanship of these teapots bring a sense of elegance and authenticity to your tea rituals.

Eco-Friendly: Yixing teapots are made from natural clay without the use of harmful glazes or chemicals. This makes them an environmentally friendly choice for tea lovers who care about sustainability.

Durability: With proper care, an authentic Yixing teapot can last a lifetime. The high-quality purple clay is resilient and resistant to cracking, making it a reliable companion for daily tea brewing.

Choosing the Right Yixing Teapot Set

When selecting an authentic Yixing teapot, it’s important to consider the type of tea you most enjoy, the size of the teapot, and the aesthetic qualities that appeal to you. Yixing teapots come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to enhance specific types of tea. Smaller teapots are ideal for gongfu brewing, where multiple infusions of a small amount of tea are made, while larger teapots are better suited for serving guests.

At Acala Tea Company, we offer a curated selection of Yixing teapot sets made from the finest purple clay, ensuring authenticity and quality. Whether you are new to Yixing teapots or a seasoned collector, our range of teapots offers something for everyone, allowing you to explore the full potential of your tea.

Conclusion: Embrace the Tradition of Yixing Teapots with Acala Tea Company

The Yixing teapot set is a timeless piece that brings a touch of Chinese culture into your home. With its unique ability to enhance the flavor of tea, the authentic Yixing teapot made from purple clay is a must-have for any tea enthusiast in the USA. By investing in a Yixing teapot, you are not only acquiring a beautiful piece of art but also connecting with a centuries-old tradition that celebrates the art of tea.

Explore our collection of Yixing teapots at Acala Tea Company and discover how these extraordinary teapots can transform your tea-drinking experience. Whether you are savoring a quiet moment alone or sharing tea with friends, an authentic Yixing teapot will elevate your tea ritual to new heights.

[seelanmarket]

RED LABEL LOOSE TEA 450G

An Exceptional Tea for Every Occasion

Whether you’re seeking a solitary moment of tranquility or preparing to host a gathering, Red Label Loose Tea is the perfect companion for any occasion. It’s versatility and timeless appeal make it an indispensable addition to your tea collection.

Red Label Loose Tea: The Perfect Gift for Tea Enthusiasts:

Versatile Brewing Options: Red Label Loose Tea allows you to personalize your tea experience. Brew it strong for a robust flavor or steep it lightly for a delicate cup. Experiment with different brewing methods and discover your perfect infusion.

Elevate Your Tea Ritual: Create cherished memories as you sip on Red Label Loose Tea. Whether it’s a peaceful morning ritual or an afternoon tea party with friends, this tea enhances the ambiance and adds a touch of sophistication to any gathering.

A Thoughtful Gift: Looking for a present that will impress and delight? Red Label Loose Tea makes for an elegant and thoughtful gift for tea connoisseurs and novices alike. Wrap up this 450g pack and surprise your loved ones with a token of luxury.

[quite-the-stir-teas]

Sweater Weather Brew Tea

Indulge in our Sweater Weather Brew tea, a nostalgic blend that evokes the comforting aroma of grandma’s kitchen. This exquisite tea infusion captures the essence of a freshly baked apple pie, with a rich, spiced chai base and hints of chocolate and caramel. Cozy up on a crisp fall day and savor the warmth and comfort of this delightful tea. Loose-leaf | Black Tea | High caffeine | Steep at 212°…

[catonablog-blog-blog]

Tea v. Coffee: Caffeine Clash Greetings and salutations, dear readers! It's your ever-entertaining and coffee-loving pal, Rufus T. Flywheel, here to have a spirited discussion on a topic that has been the subject of debate for ages: Tea v. Coffee! That's right, we're diving headfirst into the caffeine clash to explore the virtues, vices, and all-around awesomeness of these two beloved beverages. Now, before we unfurl the banner of battle, let me make one thing clear: I adore coffee. The aroma, the flavor, the pick-me-up it provides—coffee is my faithful companion through thick and thin. But that doesn't mean I'm blind to the charms of its rival, tea. So, join me as we traverse the meandering pathways of taste, tradition, and caffeine content on this epic journey of Tea v. Coffee! Let's kick things off with a hotly debated topic: caffeine content. We all know that both tea and coffee contain caffeine, but the burning question is, which one packs a more potent punch? While coffee is renowned for its high caffeine content, with an average of 95 milligrams per 8-ounce cup, tea isn't a slouch either. Black tea boasts around 40-70 milligrams of caffeine per cup, while green tea hovers around 20-45 milligrams. So, if you're looking for an intense caffeine hit, the coffee camp might be your best bet. But if you prefer a milder lift, tea could be your cup of, well, tea! Moving on to flavor, both tea and coffee offer a delightful array of taste profiles that cater to a myriad of preferences. Coffee aficionados relish the robust, bold flavors of their favorite brew, with undertones of chocolate, nutty, or even fruity notes. On the other hand, tea connoisseurs savor the nuanced complexities of different tea varieties, from the floral notes of jasmine tea to the smoky richness of oolong tea. Each sip is a journey of discovery, a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds and soothe the soul. But taste isn't the only factor in this caffeine clash—health benefits play a significant role in the Tea v. Coffee debate. Coffee has long been touted for its antioxidant properties and potential health perks, such as reducing the risk of certain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Tea, on the other hand, is celebrated for its array of health benefits, including boosting heart health, aiding in digestion, and even promoting weight loss. So, whether you're Team Coffee or Team Tea, you can rest assured that your beverage of choice is contributing to your overall well-being. Let's not forget the cultural significance of tea and coffee. Tea has a rich history steeped in tradition, from Japanese tea ceremonies to British afternoon tea rituals. It's a symbol of hospitality, relaxation, and camaraderie in many cultures around the world. Coffee, on the other hand, has its own vibrant culture, with coffee shops serving as hubs of creativity, conversation, and community. Whether you're sipping a cup of chai in India or enjoying an espresso in Italy, tea and coffee are more than just beverages—they're cultural touchstones that bring people together. Now, let's address the elephant in the room: caffeine jitters. We've all experienced that shaky, heart-pounding sensation after one too many cups of coffee, a side effect of caffeine overload. While tea contains less caffeine than coffee, it also offers a gentler, more sustained energy boost that avoids the crash and burn associated with excessive coffee consumption. So, if you're prone to caffeine sensitivity or are looking for a more balanced buzz, tea might be the way to go. In the realm of versatility, both tea and coffee shine bright. Coffee can be brewed in a multitude of ways—espresso, French press, pour-over, cold brew, you name it—each method yielding a unique flavor profile. Tea, too, offers a wealth of brewing techniques, from steeping loose leaves in a teapot to brewing matcha in a traditional whisked bowl. With endless possibilities for experimentation, tea and coffee cater to the adventurous spirit in all of us. As we near the end of our caffeine clash, it's clear that the Tea v. Coffee debate is far from settled. Each beverage has its strengths, its loyal following, and its place in the pantheon of beloved drinks. Whether you're a die-hard coffee connoisseur or a devoted tea aficionado, one thing is certain: the world would be a duller place without the aromatic allure of these soul-soothing beverages. So, dear readers, I invite you to raise your mugs in solidarity with your chosen brew, whether it's a steaming cup of java or a fragrant pot of tea. Let us celebrate the joys of caffeine, the wonders of flavor, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing a cup with a friend. After all, in the grand scheme of things, Tea v. Coffee isn't just a clash—it's a celebration of life's simple pleasures. Until next time, keep sipping, keep savoring, and keep the caffeine clash alive! Cheers, Rufus T. Flywheel

[teaorb]

Experience the artisanal elegance of Wekhaj USDA Organic Loose Leaf Black Tea. Our limited-production tea, crafted from the finest hand-picked leaves, is free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring a pure and natural taste. With robust flavors hinting at malt and chocolate, this tea offers a satisfying cup rich in antioxidants. Beyond great taste, it supports local workers in Assam, fostering sustainable livelihoods and community growth. The liquor delights with a toasty, earthy aroma and wet wood undertones, revealing an amber hue and medium-bodied profile. Notes of woody and mild taste, malty and fruity leaf aromas, and a woody, slightly vegetal infusion create a multi-layered experience. Indulge in this healthy beverage and elevate your tea ritual. Available in sample 0.35oz, retail 3.5oz, and 176oz wholesale.

Limited stock, buy now!

[teapeople]

Why is Tea Drinking Gaining Popularity? Exploring the Reasons Behind the Trend

Tea is experiencing a surge in popularity, and it's easy to see why. For starters, high-quality tea is celebrated for its health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, tea is often considered a fountain of youth in a cup. Research backs up its role in promoting longevity and overall well-being, making it a top choice for health-conscious individuals.

But tea isn't just about health; it also plays a significant role in social rituals. Whether you’re seeking comfort, companionship, or a remedy for life's challenges, the offer to “put the kettle on” is a universal response. Loose leaf tea, in particular, enhances this experience, as brewing it allows for a more nuanced flavour and aroma. Tea has a unique way of bringing people together and offering solace, making it a go-to drink for both casual chats and heartfelt conversations. As the saying goes, “You always brew a pot of tea—it is a drink to share.”

Moreover, tea is an accessible luxury. Despite financial constraints, it's an affordable treat that provides a soothing escape from the stresses of modern life. Its calming properties offer a simple antidote to the uncertainties of daily living.

And let’s not forget the taste! High-quality tea is anything but boring. With an astonishing variety of flavours and continuous innovations in the world of tea, there’s something to suit every palate. Loose leaf tea, with its diverse range of blends, ensures that there's always a new tea experience to enjoy.

[poonamcmi]

Iced Tea: A Refreshing Summer Beverage

Origins and History of Cold tea Cold tea has its roots from the early 19th century when it was introduced in the United States. Tea drinking was a common British tradition which was brought to America by early settlers. In the hot summers of the southern United States, people started consuming unsweetened brewed tea that was poured over ice cubes to keep it cool. This is considered as one of the earliest records of cold tea being consumed in America. The tradition continued to grow and cold tea became a signature summer drink across the country.

Preparing Traditional Unsweetened Cold tea

Traditional unsweetened cold tea is prepared by brewing black tea leaves in hot water. For each quart of water, use one tablespoon of loose black tea leaves or three tea bags. Bring the water to a boil and then remove it from heat. Steep the tea for 5-7 minutes to extract maximum flavor. Iced Tea Once brewed, pour the tea through a strainer into a pitcher filled with ice. For a stronger tea flavor, you can steep it for a bit longer. Add lemon slices or fresh mint leaves for extra flavor. Simple syrup or sugar can also be added according to taste preference but traditionally unsweetened tea is served without any added sweeteners.

Variations with Herbal Teas and Flavored Syrups

While black tea is most commonly used, people have gotten creative with various tea varieties and flavors. Herbal teas like hibiscus, sage and rooibos offer fruity and aromatic flavors when brewed and served over ice. Fruit-flavored simple syrups infused with oranges, berries or peaches add natural sweetness and taste. Passion fruit, mango and lychee syrups have become quite popular flavor choices in recent times. Matcha green tea is another option that is gaining popularity for its rich texture and intense flavor when iced. Experimenting with different tea varieties and flavors allows one to discover new preferences.

Cold tea in Popular Culture

Across the United States, sweet Iced Tea has become embedded in popular culture and is associated with the South. It is commonly served at restaurants alongside meals in pint glasses filled to the brim with ice. The beverage is prominently featured in Southern comedy films and television shows depicting hot summer days. Lipton Brisk and Arizona are some of the major mass-produced brands of sweet tea available nationwide in bottles and cans. While unsweetened tea may have been its origins, it is now more commonly enjoyed sweetened and served abundantly cold like a soft drink. Cold tea permeates cultural depictions of Southern culture and lifestyle.

Decorating and Presenting Iced Tea

beyond the basic tea, ice and glass, a bit of creativity can make cold tea more appealing and fun to drink. Rip up fresh mint leaves and scatter them gracefully over ice cubes before pouring tea for an invigorating aroma. Slice fruits like oranges, peaches, watermelon or berries directly into glasses filled with tea and ice for an instant infusion of flavor. Citrus wheels or slices look lovely floating on top. Garnish rims of glasses with sugar or cinnamon for added texture. Consider using glass tea jars, Mason jars or pitcher to serve cold tea communally for decorative appeal. Presentation elevates the humble beverage as a refreshing drink that is also an experience for the senses.

Health Benefits of Drinking Cold tea Regular consumption of cold tea, especially when prepared with black or herbal varieties, provides notable health advantages. Tea contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that protect cells from damage. One of the main polyphenols is flavonoids like catechins which studies suggest may reduce risks of chronic diseases. Cold tea hydrates the body in summer while infusing it with antioxidants. Black tea has been linked to boosting metabolism, reducing inflammation and protecting cardiovascular health. Herbal options like hibiscus impart benefits ranging from lowering blood pressure to aiding digestion. Excess sugar consumed with sweetened varieties negates these benefits, so opting for unsweetened or lightly sweetened tea is recommended for overall health.

Serving Cold tea Year-Round While cold tea is quintessentially a summer thirst quencher enjoyed cold, with a few adaptations it can easily be appreciated through other seasons as well. In winter, lightly steaming hot brewed tea before cooling and adding ice makes for a comforting warm-cold combination. Spcold teas like chai or masala work well this way. For fall, stone fruits like peaches pair wonderfully in chilled tea. In spring, floral herbal blends uplift refreshed palates. Tea stays good refrigerated for a couple days, making it easy to brew a large batch and enjoy chilled anytime. Whether sweet or unsweetened, flavored creatively or traditional, cold tea remains a versatile anytime beverage.

Iced Tea has become a ubiquitous summer drink in America with origins from early tea drinking traditions. Simple to prepare at home with black tea leaves or experimenting with tasty tea varieties and flavors, it offers enjoyment for all occasions throughout the year. Cold tea has firmly cemented its place in Southern culture and lifestyle while also bringing notable health benefits from its antioxidant-rich leaves. With endless possibilities for crafting fun presentations, it serves refreshment far beyond any single season. Whether enjoyed sweet or unsweetened, the age-old beverage continues evolving creatively while quenching hot weather thirsts delightfully. Get More Insights On, Iced Tea About Author: Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)