#Corporate Maternity Clothes

[shhhsecretsideblog]

Working Late

Had this idea stuck in my head for past few days so had to write it up. Quick little oneshot, 1.6k words. Self inflicted birth denial, clothing birth, voyeurism, but soft fluffy ending. Enjoy.

You were working late again. The sun had set hours ago, the dark evening sky barely visible through the windows, the office an unusually quiet ghost town. Unfortunately the conference call with your American counterparts could not be moved and with the time difference you had to stay late, long after the rest of your company had gone home for the day. Well you weren’t entirely alone this evening; your wife, and joint business owner, also stayed late deciding to finish up some things before she went on maternity leave next week. It made sense to work the same hours and go home together.

When your meeting was finished, you packed up your things and headed down the corridor towards her office. The door was slightly ajar, you were just about to knock and enter when you heard a long quiet moaning sound.

You paused, putting an ear closer towards the crack in the door, a smile pulling at your lips realising what she was doing. The pregnancy had made her insatiably horny, it wouldn’t be the first time she’d relieved that itch here in this office. Though you were a little miffed she hadn’t invited you this time deciding to go at it solo.

“Mmmnggh- oh god!” Moaned your wife beyond the door.

The arousing sounds had an immediate effect on you, turning you on despite the late hour and the long work day. You quietly opened the door a little more, wanting to watch and catch her in the act. But instead of seeing her in her chair with one hand down her pants as you expected, she was standing, her back to the door, bracing the wooden desk and swaying her hips.

“Oooohhhh-…don’t come now…” she moaned quietly.

What on earth was she doing, you wondered. The question was soon answered when she grunted and slightly squatted in front of her desk.

Oh my god, she was in labour! Panic clenched your heart. You should rush into her office, to help and support her, but her continued moaning and grunting kept the arousal firm in your pants. You couldn’t go in there like this.

“Mmmmmffh- baby wait a bit longer please!” She panted and shifted around the room, unaware of your presence. “Your daddy is in an important m-meeting… mnnnnhh… when he’s finished he can - take us - to hospital… then you can come o-outtt… nnnnngghh”

You watched the way her hips circled in between each contraction, the way her knees dipped at every pain, the way her beautifully tight round stomach having dropped low on her hips a few days ago contracted visibly through her thin dress, the way her swollen breasts heaved with every laboured breath. The sight had you frozen, in fear and fascination and arousal, leaving you standing in the dark corridor watching her through the gap in the doorframe.

“Oooohhhh it’s so low…. Mnnnnghhh-oh god! I t-think..I need to p-push… hooohooohooohooo no! Not now… daddy isn’t here yet…”

Your labouring wife grasped the edge of her desk, moaning and whimpering. Her stance had widened, her knees were buckling, and yet you couldn’t move. Every sound escaping from her lips pumped more blood to your groin.

“Nnnnngghhhh!” She leant an elbow down on the desk, her other hand cupping the swell of her heavy stomach which just accentuated the size of her full term bump. It really was huge, you had no idea how she managed to carry the extra weight and still dress the way she did - in her staple black dress and heels. Even when heavily pregnant she was still every inch the successful corporate woman you fell in love with.

“Hooohooo- you can’t come out now baby…. Please. Oooohhhh…Don’t push… don’t push…”she panted a mantra to herself.

You were transfixed; watching her struggle and sweat and labour in the office where your baby was probably conceived.

Suddenly she grunted, a deep gravelly sound, and you nearly climaxed in your pants.

“Oh my god…was that- shit, my water just b-b-broke!” She looked past her swollen stomach to see her stiletto heels now soaked in amniotic fluid. “Ooooohhhhh… Y-you’re really coming n-now aren’t you little o-one? Hoooooo- where’s… where’s your dad?”

Rubbing her contracting stomach and raising her head, your wife looked towards the door. You had no idea why but you disappeared out of sight the second she looked up, concealing yourself behind the wooden door. You should go in, you should help her, she was having your baby. And yet, your legs didn’t move.

“Okay… okay baby. Looks like hooooo it’s just you and m-me…” You heard her say, still out of sight but well within earshot. You heard movement inside the room and took a chance peeking round the door.

She had kicked off her heels and lowered herself to the ground, kneeling beside her desk with her arms up gripping the edge. She hummed, rocking slightly back forth, clearly preparing herself for the next wave. Then suddenly she sucked in a gulp of air before letting out a long lowing sound, deep and primal, and sinking back on her heels as she pushed. Hard.

Your jaw slackened, watching fascinated from outside. This woman was incredible, absolutely beautiful, listening to her body and following her instincts, birthing your baby right here in her office. You fell more and more in love with her with every grunting sound she made.

“Mmnnnggghhhh!!!!!!!” She roared, “fuck…. The head… I can feel it coming….”

She let go of the desk, a little unsteady without the support, scrambling underneath her flowing dress. Oh my god, she was delivering your baby, right here right now.

“Oh oh oh no- I can’t…. get-them-off!!!!” She cried, and you realised she was still wearing her underwear and was struggling to get them past her hips with her widened knees.

“Hooooohoooo oh baby wait a second… need to make room… I’ve got to take them off… I’ve got to…. I’ve got to…. Oh shit I’ve gotta pushhhhhh-NNNNGGGGGH!”

Your wife growled again, bearing down with everything she had despite her underwear blocking the baby’s exit. It was the hottest sound you’d ever heard. She gasped in between pushes, trying to tug her knickers out of the way. But to no avail.

“Oohhhhhhh I can feel you…. Oh my god there’s your h-head-hoooohoooo.” Her dress was pulled up and you could see her cupping the bulge that was pushing against the fabric of her underwear.

You baby was crowning, but your wife was struggling. The fierce lioness from a moment ago, who was confidently delivering her baby unassisted, was starting to panic. The baby was coming out and she was pushing hard, but she couldn’t move to take off her underwear, the head retreating after every push by the restrictive fabric. You could see the panic gathering in her eyes as she failed to break free from her knickers and her body struggled to birth the head. Tears welled in her eyes and it broke your heart; the spell of your voyeurism vanished in a heartbeat.

You immediately threw open the door and rushed over to her.

“Oh sweetheart.” You whispered, kneeling down beside her.

“You- you made it. Hooooo The baby…. is coming….” She grasped on to your for dear life, pulling at the lapels on your suit jacket as she grunted and pushed again.

“You are doing amazing, darling.” You encouraged, supporting her weight under her arms.

“Get-my-pants-off-now!!!!” She growled against your chest.

“Okay, just hold on to me. I’ll get them off.” You assured, moving her trembling hands to your shoulders, freeing your own to help deliver this child.

The thin material stretched across her widened hips, you hooked your thumb on either side and pulled down but they would only go so far with her knees splayed.

“I need to you move a little bit-”

“Move?! Are you serious? I can’t move! Grrgghhh!”

“Just a little bit darling, I need your knees closer together so I can get these knickers off…”

“I can’t… this baby needs to come out now. Oh god I need to push!!!!! Just get them off-get them off!!!”

You tried to rip the fabric but it was stretched too tight you couldn’t break it. Frantically you looked around to see if anything else could help, and thankfully your eyes found the scissors on your wife’s desk. Grabbing them quickly, you carefully cut the fabric at one hip and they immediately fell to the floor.

“Oh thank fuck!” Your wife gasped, still clinging on to your shoulders she widened her legs and sank closer to the floor in a deep strong push. “Here it comes…. MNNNGGGHHHHH!”

Before you could react, the head popped out with another gush of fluid. Your wife eased her grip on you, panting heavily in relief.

“Hoooohoooo- oh my god… that’s our baby.” Her hand cupped the newly born head, and she looked up at you and smiled.

“You are incredible.” You kissed her sweat-dampened forehead. “Why didn’t you tell me you were in labour?”

“I didn’t realise I was in labour, and when I did… hooooohoooo you were on your conference call. I knew it was important and I thought I had plenty of t-time… ooooohhhhhh god. I’m feeling pressure again….”

“Do you need to push? Is it time?”

“I think so… mmmnnnnh… are you ready to meet our b-baby?” You wife asked, a smile still tugging at her lips despite the rising pain.

“Of course, let’s meet our baby.”

Your wife shifted, stealing herself ready for the peak of the contraction that was building. Her hands braced against your shoulders, while your own were poised ready between her thighs.

Your beautiful wife grunted again, deep and long, as she pushed. You held her hips steady when she twitched and yelped as the shoulders stretched her wide, and a few seconds later your baby was born into your hands. A baby boy born at 8:56pm on the floor in your wife’s office at the company you’d build together.

[freeziebunnie]

Sims 3 Not So Berry Challenge Rewritten

I’ve been really wanting to start the Lilsimsie and AlwaysSimming’s Not So Berry Challenge in the Sims 3, but I wanted to adjust a few aspects of the generations to incorporate more types of gameplay than the orginal challenge description offers. I haven’t seen anybody else upload variations on this callenge in a few years now so I thought I would post it here in case anybody else is looking for new gameplay!

I tried to make the traits and objectives more representative of the generation descriptions and wherever I have changed the generation description I’ve made it really clear. Some generations are closer to the original than others, and there may be some unforseen issues with the gameplay as I’ve not completed this yet myself (so apologies if you encounter any!). I also own all packs so it was made with all packs in mind - I believe if you don’t own the pack yourself you’re free to change things up as you require, I know I used to!

So I want to say explicitly thank you to @lilsimsie and @alwaysimming for creating this challenge. The original description for the sims 3 can be found here.

I’d also like to draw attention to SarahPurple12 and ULTRAlelil on ModTheSims as both have posted their own takes on the sims 3 version of this challenge which are awesome and could be used if you need to swap out any generations/objectives!

Basic Rules - According to Lilsimsie and AlwaysSimming’s Original Description

Each heir must represent the color of the generation (i.e. hair, makeup, clothing), but brightly colored skin is not necessary (these aren’t actually berry Sims, that’s the joke). This is optional, but it is a big portion of the fun.

The colors of the spouses don’t matter as they aren’t part of the challenge. Unless otherwise stated you can do whatever you please with them.

Every generation is supposed to complete both the career and aspiration of the heir unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Keep the lifespan on normal.

Generation One - Mint

“You’re a mischievous scientist that really loves the color mint. You’re career driven but still make time for silly pranks and outings with your closest friends. You love luxury and want the best for yourself and your family.” - Lilsimsie and AlwaysSimming Original Description

Traits: Eccentric, Vegetarian, Good Sense of Humour, Snob, Angler

Aspiration: Become a Creature-Robot Cross Breeder

Career: Scientist

Rules

Master the Inventing and Gardening Skill

Complete the Amateur Ichthyologist - Fishing Skill Challenge

Become Good Friends with 2 sims and go out for an outing with them both once a week

Master scientist career and complete the Creature-Robot Cross Breeder aspiration

Buy your children’s affection - don’t make an effort to get to know them but shower them with gifts

Build a Simbot and become Best Friends with them

Always let your children off the hook for pulling pranks

Optional: Become pregnant from a Vampire sim, if the child is born a Vampire they must be the heir

Generation Two - Rose

“You had everything you desired as a child but you were always longing for more. As an adult you have a hard time committing to relationships as you’re so focused on your career. You have absolutely no maternal/paternal instincts whatsoever but you still love your child with all your heart.” - Lilsimsie and AlwaysSimming Original Description

Traits: Grumpy, Heavy Sleeper, Ambitious, Dislikes Children, Irresistible

Aspiration: Master Romancer

Career: Business

Rules

Become a vampire as a young adult if not one from birth - Well, you are obsessed with success and renown and the skill boosts and enhanced lifespan that Vampirism can offer you could provide a greater chance at achieving this, even if it means permanently altering your DNA...

Master the Charisma skill

Complete Master Romancer Aspiration

Master the Business Career (insert joke about corporate bloodsuckers here)

If female: have a home birth with your only child to automatically achieve a good friends relationship level (Giving birth at the hospital does not give this relationship increase) If male: cheat the relationship with your newborn to good friends. Regardless of gender, do not make any directed attempts to improve this relationship until your child is a young adult.

Have a romantic relationship with your boss

Have only child be human (cheat this if needed)

Break off an engagement

Use the clean slate lifetime reward before getting into a relationship and married as an elder

Optional: If Mint Generation sim dies while your child is a kid, send them to boarding school until they are a teen

Generation Three - Yellow

“Growing up you never had a close relationship with your parent and spent the majority of your time alone in your room obsessing over space. You just really love space. You’ll do whatever it takes to get to space no matter the cost.” - Lilsimsie and AlwaysSimming Original Description

Traits: Loner, Genius, Bookworm, Bot Fan, Perfectionist

Aspiration: More Than a Machine

Career: Astronomer - Astrophysicist Branch (When living in Oasis Landing) Bot Builder - Self Employed (When living in Present Day)

Rules

Move to Oasis Landing as soon as you are a Young Adult - Return to Present Day when Heir becomes a child (no schools in Oasis Landing) but do not move back to your original town. You need a fresh start away from reminders of your sad and lonely childhood.

Master Bot Building and Advanced Technology Skills

Complete the Chipping In- Bot Building Skill Challenge

Become best friends with a Plumbot you have build

Have two children by engineering a baby at the hospital. Treat them as experiments. The non-heir sim should be their ideal child, scientifically minded and extremely intelligent and is favoured by your sim. The heir should have the traits outlined in their description and be ignored because of their incompatibility. *this interaction is a little bugged, apparently you can only do this with an exclusively platonic relationship - regardless of how they are concieved/born treat them as experiments

Experience either Utopia or Dystopia versions of Oasis Landing

Generation Four: Grey

“You always felt that you were different. While the rest of your family constantly had their noses in books, you just wanted to be outside playing basketball sports. You’re very good at sports and you dream of becoming a professional athlete. Because of your own nonexistent relationship with your parents you want to be there for your own children as much as possible. Oh, and you love to paint sculpt.” - Lilsimsie and AlwaysSimming Original Description (with edits)

Traits: Athletic, Savy Sculptor, Nurturing, Daredevil, Loves the Outdoors

Aspiration: Superstar Athlete

Career: Professional Sports Career

Rules

Attend University for Sports Degree

Become a Jock and then maintain that influence for the rest of your sims’ life

Master athletic and sculpting skills

Complete the Master Sculptor - Sculpting Skill Challenge

Attend a Sports Game at the stadium each week as a teenager

Join the art club at school as a teenager

Because you love nature, prioritise scenic jogs/runs over any other way to improve athletic skill

Be good friends with all of your children and take extra care to ensure they develop well

Generation Five: Plum

“You’ve always been good at anything you tried. It’s hard to choose a career, so why not try a few? You work as a doctor for much of your life, but as an adult realize that your true dream is to become a professional musician. You quit your job and join the music career.” Basically: you’re an indecisive oddball.” - Lilsimsie and AlwaysSimming Original Description

Traits: Genius, Party Animal, Rebellious, Commitment Issues, Brave

Aspiration: Renaissance Sim

Career: Medical (until adulthood) and then Musician

Rules

Master Logic, Guitar and a skill of your choosing

As a toddler and learn all that you can from using the pegbox and xylophone (to get an advance on logic and guitar skill which will demonstrate your giftedness)

Complete the Guitar Star - Guitar Skill Challenge

Get divorced and later remarried to the same sim

Purchase a Karaoke/Regular Bar lot and perform there often

Earn the Multitasker lifetime reward

Optional: If experiencing a mid-life crisis you must fulfil as many wants as possible

Generation Six: Orange

“You’re the black sheep of your family (but with orange hair) and you were raised in a hectic household. You’ve always wanted to cause mayhem, but you’re just really bad at being evil. You enjoy breaking into your neighbors’ houses and eating their food. You really love baking cooking and spend the majority of your spare time eating sweets.” - Lilsimsie and AlwaysSimming Original Description (with edits)

Traits: Evil, Insane, Kleptomaniac, Easily Impressed, Natural Cook

Aspiration: Become a Master Thief

Career: Criminal - Thief branch

Rules

Pull pranks constantly as a child/teenager

Discover all recipes on the Toy OvenGet turned into a fairy as a young adult in order to maximise your impish desires

Maximise the hidden Fairy Magic Skill primarily by using Fairy Tricks and Traps

Master the cooking skill

Complete the Menu Maven - Cooking Skill Challenge

Alway get something from the ice-cream van when it turns up outside your house - No Matter What Time of Day.

Live on the outskirts of town in a small cabin your whole life (your life of crime requires you to lay low...)

Only have two children; they must be twins and the heir must be human (can cheat for this)

Primarily steal childrens items and whimsical decor

Generation Seven: Pink

“You grew up poor and are living paycheck to paycheck just as your parents did. You long to write romance novels direct films but are too afraid to quit your steady job to follow your dreams. You’re very practical and you know the chances of making it as a writer director are slim, so you stay working at your nine to five. As an adult you finally decide to pursue your dreams. You’re a hopeless romantic, but your unflirty nature makes it nearly impossible to find love.” - Lilsimsie and AlwaysSimming Original Description (with edits)

Traits: Unflirty, Hopeless Romantic, Artistic, Bookworm, Good

Aspiration: Distinguished Director

Career: Journalist (until adulthood) then Film - Director Branch

Rules

Master the writing skill

As a teenager join the School Newspaper afterschool club

Join the book club using the computer as a young adult

Get married as an adult to your childhood best friend (we love a slow burn romance)

Go to the cinema once each week to watch a Romance film

Do not publish any books until adulthood

Complete the Specialist Writer - Writing Skill Challenge (with romance novels)

Adopt your heir as a baby while you are a single young adult - while writing a news report your good nature was moved to adopt the lone survivor of a fatal housefire that affected a family in your town

Generation Eight: Peach

“Your parent always taught you to follow your dreams. You’ve always wanted to be a police officer detective. You’ve always wanted to be a pianist. Well dang it, you can do both! Detective Private Investigator by day, star musician by night, you can do anything you set your mind to.” - Lilsimsie and AlwaysSimming Original Description (with edits)

Traits: Perceptive, Virtuoso, Dog Person, Genius, Good Sense of Humour

Aspiration: Pervasive Private Eye

Career: Private Investigator

Rules

Master logic and piano skill

Always have a dog as your pet and strive to have a maximum relationship with them, they are your partner - bring them with you to blend in during stakeouts!

Perform piano in various venues at least once each week

Build logic skill up primarily through using the telescope - name stars and planets after your loved ones

Build and decorate a private investigaor office

Complete the Master Pianist - Piano Skill Challenge

Marry a sim that hired you to work a case

Because of your positive relationship with your parent, have them live with you until they pass away

Generation Nine: Green

“You might be a giant nerd, but you’re a cool nerd. All that partying (and hard work) you did in college really paid off. After graduation all those connections you made at school got you offered a job in game development. You’re extremely dedicated to your work (and school), but that doesn’t stop you from going out and having a good time. ” - Lilsimsieand AlwaysSimming Original Description

Traits: Charismatic, Genius, Computer Whiz, Eccentric, Party Animal Aspiration: Perfect Student Career: Video Game Developer (Engineer Branch)

Rules

Attend University as a Technology major and graduate with a perfect GPA

Attend the debate club afterschool activity as a teen

Max your rep with the nerds at University to unlock the Video Game Developer Career when you return home

Master the video game developer Career

Achieve the Perfect Student aspiration

Own an Arcade

Throw a costume party every Fall, a pool party every Summer, and destination parties at the arcade during Winter and Spring

Marry a Nerd and get married in a Sci-Fi themed wedding

Achieve the My Best Friend lifetime reward and become Good Friends with the simbot

Generation Ten: Blue

“You have the perfect life. White picket fence, loving spouse, beautiful children. You get to spend all your time sculpting painting, the thing you love the most. But why do you still want more? You have a one time secret affair and will regret it for the rest of your life. Afterward you pour your soul into raising your children and fixing your marriage. You never admit the affair to anyone and dedicate your life to being the perfect parent.” - Lilsimsie and AlwaysSimming Original Description (with edits)

Traits: Family-Oriented, Artistic, Easily-Impressed, Neat, Great Kisser Aspiration: Surrounded by Family Career: Painter (self-employed)

Rules

Master the painting skill

Complete Surrounded by Family aspiration

Complete the Master Painter - Painting Skill Challenge

Win prom king/queen in highschool

Must marry high school sweetheart and stay with them until you die

Have a one time secret affair while on your honeymoon - the reality of lifetime partnership gets to you

Have each child age up well and get As in school

Make home videos and take many photos of your family as they grow

Do not use the walker or play pen while raising your toddlers - You are a hands on parent!

[princess-of-thebes-1995]

A Life Bartered Ch 3

Yandere! Human Miles Quaritch x Mutant/Human Female Reader.

Set: Avatar 2009.

Warnings: Smut, Older man and younger woman, huge age gap, unhealthy love from men and Navi men. Foul Language. Attempt to impregnate. Painful Sex.

Four more nights till you will tie the knot to the Navi who 'won' you. To be Mated with Ebe. As to be his wife. Married and to bear his children. 

You gulped. Was it even possible for an advanced human being such as yourself and a Navi male to produce half breeds? 

Being a woman with natural maternal affection, you knew you would love any and all of your future children. You just wished your future babies would be sired by your ex lover. The Head of Security. 

You blew an exhale of loneliness. You still had little battery life left in your cell phone. You wished you took pictures of your handsome “boyfriend”. 

Or whatever he was to you. He treated you like his wife. But, because of your bitchy attitude, it was one sided. And he must have known.

You sometimes caught his hurt expressions when you didn't heed to his affectionate touches or gave him half assed responses. 

You resented him for abusing his power to get you into his bed for money. 

Come to think of it, you furrowed your brows in concentration. He didn't apologize to you after giving yourself in to get the funds back for the program, but he did more than his side of the bargain. 

His soldiers would accompany the other scientists in the wild jungle to study plants and gather resources. The cafeteria received more quality food. The heating system got upgraded. Nice hot showers and heated air made the science bunks and labs cozy and comfortable. 

And you, you got the lion share. You got the highest qualities of makeup, perfume, designer clothes from the magazine orders sent to and from Earth when supplies come in. 

And not only that. The Colonel would voluntarily brush your long hair whenever he was free from work or gym. And for some reason he was fascinated with your feet. He once complimented how tiny they were. He would always massage them.  But best of all, you liked his stares. When you applied makeup on the vanity mirror desk he ordered when you moved into his room. He would sit on his bed. 

And watch you doll yourself up. He would lick his lips and look as if he was in pain. You found it amusing. Then eventually, he would always ruin your lipstick. He would look as if someone punched him in the mouth.

He would use soap and water to scrub your lipstain off his face. But, removing makeup was not easy. So, some staff noticed. But, they were too scared to tease their superior. 

You smiled at the memory and stared at the stars of Pandora. You wondered if Quaritch was looking outside too. But, sadly, with all his work, gym, and extra work correcting the mistakes Selfridge would make. You assumed he was asleep and exhausted. 

That poor man. 

You treated him like shit. 

You felt like a homewrecker. 

A bad woman. 

You looked at Ebe’s sleeping form. He didn't rape you. Not yet. You were lucky. He was waiting for the wedding night. Maybe, you should be kind to Ebe. He seemed to love you like how Quaritch did. He is ugly. But, maybe he looked ugly to you because you loved and missed the Colonel. 

Closing your eyes you yearned to see the handsome face you took for granted. You hoped and wondered if the Colonel had pictures of you on his phone.

You dismissed it immediately. Even if he did have pictures of you, he probably deleted it. You don't deserve him. 

“Good bye, My Love.” You whispered as you stared at the dark sky. 

…………

The Colonel walked up to the quarters of his trusted sidekick, Corporal Lyle Wainfleet of his Marine Squad.

He remembered a crucial detail of you. He caught you talking and giggling with that female pilot that worked with Lyle. Judging by how many times you socialized with her, the Colonel assumed you two were close friends. Not as close as Grace. Better than nothing. 

The harsh knock made a grumpy Lyle open the door with a mean look in his face. He was about to cuss out whoever woke him. Then he straightened when he saw his superior. 

“Colonel?”

“Your pilot is a personal friend of Name, right?”

Lyle was taken back at the mention of your name. Since those Savages took you, no one dared to utter your name in the Colonel's presence. 

After affirming the Colonel's question. The blonde man felt less tense and actually happy since that text you sent him. 

Lyle missed you. He hardly spoke to you much. Besides greetings and how orders the Colonel gave him to you like to meet him somewhere or go to his office. 

Lyle couldn't not notice not only your beauty but your personality and intelligence. He was smitten and jealous that the Colonel got to you first. But, you knew that the Colonel would steal you from him even if he didn't meet you before him. 

Lyle guessed you were not fated to be with him. 

Lucky bastard. 

“Get that Pilot. We will get Name back. Only the three of us know.”

“Yes, Sir.” The Corporal wasted no time. Lyle was scared that you were perhaps either dead or almost dead after being raped. There is no way a pretty face like yours can't get taken advantage of. Navi or human. You were just that beautiful. 

He still pitied you. 

…………

Trudy was the same way when Wainfleet knocked on her door in the middle of the night. She was about to yell but Wainfleet whispered harshly and explained the rescue mission. Trudy was ecstatic. 

Since Trudy was dating Norm, she knew the situation. That you were forced to be with the Colonel. And an evil Navi warrior wanted you.

She knew like all beings not all are totally bad or good. But the Navi man who took you. Damn, she hated him. He was no better than Quaritch. 

Trudy dressed up in her pilot suit and jogged with the armed Wainfleet to her chopper waiting for them was the tough man Quaritch. 

He was ready with his mask and machine gun.

Shit will go down.

Quaritch printed the tracking area code and picture of where you were located by his cellphone. 

He gave the paper to Trudy. Starting the chopper, they finally set off. 

The Warrior out to save the damsel in distress. 

………

Trudy landed the chopper away from the intended area as the orders of the Colonel. Lyle and Quaritch jumped off the plane with their guns ready to kill. The night vision built in his mask indicated body warmth of two individuals. A Navi and a human sleeping under the abyss tree. 

It must be her. 

Colonel Quaritch nodded to Lyle. Taking the cue, Lyle threw the grenade to the far left of the field and it landed on a plant that had some kind of nest. Like a hornet nest. 

Boom. 

The flame engulfed the grass and the yells of those damn savages made Lyle and the Colonel crouch down to hide. The same ugly ass Navi came from under the Tree and was yelling in his native tongue.

Then Quaritch saw you. You came out obviously in shock from the commotion. Your eyes widened at the awful site. Fire burning the beautiful shrubbery and plants of the area. 

What a shame. While feeling sorry for the lost wildlife. A hand covered your mouth. You were too unhealthy to struggle. You then turned to see the man you are aching for.

It was dark for you to see. But the fire showed some light. It was him. 

He let go of you. You stared in disbelief as he put his finger to his lips and picked you up bridal style. 

He ran to the chopper and he made you sit next to his seat before strapping you. He frowned when he noticed how even lighter you were in his arms. You lost too much weight. Were you even fed? That monkey probably tortured you. 

Quaritch clenched his teeth with rage. Lyle hopped in and quickly ordered Trudy to go. The Colonel noticed your shivering form. He took off his Marine jacket and covered you. He held you close. He tucked you underneath his chin and wrapped his arms around you. 

You couldn't hold it in. You burst into sobs. The Colonel felt his tank top wet. “I thought you were dead.”

You mumbled. “ Might as well.”

The Colonel heard it clear then sighed. 

Lyle, on the other hand, watched the two of you with pity.

 He was also impressed by you too. He expected you to be haggard. You looked perfect as ever. Just sad and sick. Too skinny. Your hair was still glossy with no flyaways or frizz. 

 And your skin looked like it was filtered with Photoshop. With your blood red lips and pink cheeks you still had your natural makeup.

The oversized nightgown made you look oddly cute. But it was thin as fuck. The white dress was too big and not your size. Looked like the Navi who demanded you must have stolen the fabric materials when the cargo that arrived from Earth was to be sent to the base. 

The chopper landed on the parking lot and Trudy waited for you to come out of your seat. The Colonel hopped out then grabbed your lithe hand and settled you to the firm ground. Trudy didn't hesitate to engulf you in a hug.

The Colonel and Corporal Wainfleet watched you hug back. Shaking his head, the Colonel had to return his weapons to the supply room. He ordered you to be sent to his room. Quaritch gave his room key to Trudy. 

Quietly as mice, you and your friend snuck inside the luxurious room of the Colonel. You noticed how there were broken furniture and holes on the wall. 

Trudy wasted no time turning on the hot shower. You didn't want to further burden your friend, so you did your best to shampoo your long hair and use soap on your body. 

You forgot how long you were taken away by Ebe but you didn't want to know. It felt like years. Time went so slow. It was nice now. You felt a little invincible. You cheated death and escaped the true punishment of your wicked crimes against the Colonel.

You sure dodged a bullet. After that, Trudy wrapped you with the Colonel's shower towel and led you to his bed. You didn't notice but all your items were still in his room. 

Your clothes, books, makeup, everything. The Colonel gave the cat equivalent pet he caught for you to the science pukes. Obviously, he couldn't take care of it. He wasn't cruel to starve an animal. 

Those science bitches seemed to be thrilled to have that weird creature. Not that he was complaining. Quaritch didn't admit it, he was jealous that you showed more affection to that pet than to him before he gave you up. 

“You may leave.”

Both women's heads turned to see the Colonel in the doorway without his combat gear. Trudy stood up but stopped when Quaritch held out a paper. 

Turned out it was a check. You saw your friend's eyes widened as she read it. Must been a large sum of money. Trudy thanked Quaritch and disappeared. 

You looked confused. Quaritch said nothing. He stripped himself and threw his clothes to the floor. 

Sitting next to you, you didn't say anything when he brushed your long wet tresses. Like old times,  He would stop and sniff them by gently grabbing the ends of your hair to his nose then continue brushing.

He finished and laid down on the bed and made you rest on top of him. You cling to him like a wounded animal. Quaritch felt you shaking and still cold. He wrapped your lithe frame closer to his heated body. 

“Were you …?” 

The Colonel couldn't bring himself to say it. You said not yet. The blonde man blew an exhale. That blue monkey was so lucky. If he did rape you. The Colonel would have made you go to the doctor regardless of being seen. And check if you were pregnant with a half breed.

And squash that fetus beneath his foot. 

But, that fuckin’ Navi was planning on it and wanted to. The Colonel decided to not give him that bad of a painful death. 

Noticing how still you were. He peeked down to see you asleep. What a night. 

Corporal Wainfleet punched in the ticket for his superior . He announced to the staff today was the Colonel’s day off.

Quaritch didn't care what time it was when he woke from his peaceful slumber. He felt light as a feather.

He stroked your long (hair type) hair as you continued your slumber. You were still as a rock. Damn. You must have been really tired. Normally, you would toss and turn around nine times in bed.

With pity in his eyes the Colonel watched you breathe in and out. He wondered if you ever dreamed of him like he did of you. Or even thought of him.  But, the memory of you texting him confirmed his curiosity. He screenshot your message and saved it to his photos on his cellphone.

Gently, he removed himself from your grip and off the bed. He hurriedly showered and dressed in his uniform to enter the Marine cafeteria. 

He as usual was greeted with respect but he didn't want to look suspicious. He hoped no one would notice him gathering extra food to his tray. 

He normally wouldn't eat luxurious food. Luxury makes a man weak to be lazy and pathetic. But, you lost so much damn weight and feared you might be sick. 

He will go to the hospital wing and his own personal doctor will check you. 

Quaritch will swore him to secrecy through bribes and also threats. As a Marine, you are to never trust no one. Unless proven greatly otherwise. 

Like you. Quaritch didn't trust you before but now. He knew you changed. 

He forgave you. 

It was no surprise you were still sleeping. He placed the tray on his table and then leaned down to dip his face. He kissed your cheek and gently rubbed your shoulders. 

You stirred and opened your lovely eyes in confusion before blinking. It was cute. You looked surprised to see him and looked around your area. The Colonel smirked. He made you sit up before wrapping his bathrobe around you. 

He cut the Salisbury steak and pressed the fork to your lips. You were confused. You didn't eat meat. But, you knew the reason. If the Colonel got only plant based food for you. It would look suspicious. You assumed you were to be hidden until further notice. 

And you needed muscles and gain weight. 

You let him feed you like a toddler. You remembered how he ordered you to feed him while “dating” him. 

He would tease you calling you his tradwife.

You felt offended and labeled him a toxic masculine man. Now, you realized you were foolish to not understand he was joking and you were the one toxic. A crazy witch.

As mentioned before, the Colonel would massage your feet whenever he had free time and brush your hair. Most important, he would take care of you when you were on your period and voluntarily feed you.

You cooked and cleaned out of duty but that was it. Few times he made you feed him and you complained. The colonel noticed your attitude then stopped asking you to feed him and other affectionate gestures. He became grumpy. He wanted you to act like a real girlfriend but was meeting him half way in the relationship. Like you didn't want it to work.

It reminded him again you were forced to be with him for the sake of the avatar program.

It added more guilt inside your chest. He didn't say if he forgave you or not. Then again, you apologized in the text and not in person. 

You wanted to say sorry in person but the Colonel continued feeding you. He then took a few bites himself from the same fork and made you drink water. When you watched him drink from the same glass after you. 

You felt… flattered. It was intimate without being sexual. Like real romance rather than superficial lust.

You blushed but sadly Quaritch didn't notice. He was too worried for you. 

Ebe tried to feed you but you would always vomit your food later. Maybe it's because you would feel hopeless and sob later. 

Now that you are much happier. You could stomach the delicious food. You may not eat meat due to pitying the animals, but you cannot deny it tastes good. 

You would cook meat dishes for the Colonel at the base and your family while on Earth. And to be precise, you would taste your own food to make sure it tastes good. Meat or not. 

The Colonel knew you were trying your best to not complain about eating. He set the plate away then caressed your cheekbone. 

You looked at him confused. Quaritch explained his doctor will secretly come here to check you up. No one is to know of you. 

So it's true. You realized that the Colonel acted on his own to rescue you. If Selfridge found out…

There was a hesitant knock. The Colonel knew that voice. A middle aged man walked in with a medic bag. Like the old days, this doctor visited you instead.

The Colonel stood back with his arms crossed and leaning against the wall and watched the doctor examine you. 

“She is malnourished.” The doctor looked over his shoulder at the Colonel. “She needs a blood transfusion.”

Quaritch nodded. “I will give her my blood.” He didn't hesitate.

The doctor then looked at you. He asked if you ever knew you were pregnant before. 

Your eyes widened and the Colonel kept his calm face but was also surprised inside. 

“I am afraid you lost weight not only from starvation but miscarriage.”

You couldn't help it. You clutched your face and began to cry quietly. That explained you always vomiting in the jungle. The moodiness. 

You remembered your last period. It was more painful than usual. And you felt weird when bathing. Ebe gave you a bucket to wash yourself. While doing so, you felt like something slide off between your legs when cleaning. 

No. 

Your poor baby.

Damn you. It was your fault. 

The Colonel's breath hitched. No doubt that baby was his. After fucking you last before giving you up, you didn't pack anything. Including your pills. 

He killed his own child. Damn him. It was all his fault. 

The Colonel watched you sob he wanted to punch the wall again and make another hole. 

“I will prescribe her depression and insomnia pills.”

The doctor stood up and whispered to the Colonel.

He said he suspected you to be suicidal and should be under all supervision.

The doctor left. Quaritch had a hazed look in his beautiful blue eyes. The doctor will return to start the blood transfer process by bringing the tubes and syringes.

The Colonel made sure to heat up the room even more. He sat next to you after dressing you up in your skirt and blouse. He didn't dress you in your underwear. He was sad as you were to care. While waiting for the doctor to return, the Colonel grabbed your hand and kissed your cold delicate fingers.

It used to be the opposite. He was always the cold one and it would compliment against your warm feathery touches. A knock came again and the doctor started the process. 

Quaritch made sure you got extra blood but the doctor said he cannot do it all at once. Daily with regular transfusion and healthy eating and sunshine will make you good as new again. 

But, since you were a mutant. It will make you recover quicker. Being alone finally, the Colonel stroked your hair. 

“You're very young, and a mutant. You conceived because you didn't pack your pills and missed them for one day. It's impossible to not get knocked up again.” He tried to cheer you up.

You looked out the window. Then looked back at him with more tears. You told him how none of your future pregnancies can replace any child you lost before.

The Colonel said nothing about your answer. He kept his face to the normal stern look. Inside though, he felt warm by your morally right response. He was right about you all along. You didn't show it at first, being a spoiled brat. Rude to him too. 

Maybe it was because he scared you to run to him at first when he almost shut the program. Not to mention, people stereotyped you all your life for always being the most beautiful girl. Assuming you had an easy life and were a snob. 

The Colonel said nothing. He gently made you lay down on the bed and he hovered over you with his biceps caging you and he finally kissed you since the farewell kiss at the fields where he dropped you off. 

He couldn't kiss you with that damn mask he was wearing when he rescued you. 

You felt his callused hands hold your face against his. He immediately snuck his tongue inside and to his surprise, you responded and was bat shit crazy for him as he was for you. You must have been hungry. 

Continuing kissing you. He kicked off his trousers and boxers. He then trailed his lips against your neck. He gently bit you. Then sucked the bruise. He knew you also wanted the same. 

The Colonel moved out of your reach and looked down at your form.

He sighed and shook his head. If someone saw his neck, it would be suspicious. You huffed in disappointment. The Colonel gave you an apologetic look. He removed his tank top. Being bare and ready. He began attacking your perky tits. 

You were so impatient. And he knew it. He wanted to suck your cunt. But to hell with it. Later. He sheathed his cock inside and bullied his shaft inside your wet hole.

He groaned in pain. He knew you didn't get laid in almost three months. But, this is torturous. It was like you were raping him. You looked at him with worry. Quaritch ignored you and dug inside deeper to loosen you up.

Finally, all his inches went inside. Already you felt your juices overflowing your womanhood.

He must have stopped masturbating. You wondered why. 

Moans of pain and not pleasure escaped your fat lips and your nails dug in the shoulder of your lover. You hissed in pain. “Please slow down.”

Quaritch cursed again. “If I stop you will be even tighter before tomorrow.”

Having sex after months of celibacy was hell. Oh, well. As long as you don't get raped. You won't complain. 

“Oh, my fucking God.” The Colonel clenched his jaw. 

Quaritch saw the blood coming out of your vagina. It was working. Hopefully next time it will be easier. He needs to loosen the stronghold clutches of your cunt. 

The Colonel cummed inside and spilled his hot seed. His and your breathings were ragged. With great difficulty, Quaritch slowly pulled out from your greedy vagina. His dick was swollen and red from the pain and not from the blood. 

Damn. That was painful as fuck. It was like his penis was about to explode from the harsh friction. 

He didn't blame you and shouldn't complain. He laid back on the bed next to you catching his breath. He pulled you to his muscular chest.

“We’ll try again.”

You let out a “hmm” as you clung to him. You went back to sleep. Quaritch kissed your nose then closed his eyes again.

Who knows what tomorrow may bring. 

AU: I know I said I am taking a break. But, I forgot I already typed this on my old google docs. I do not want to torture my followers. I will post Anti-America and Anti Israel and Pro Palestine pictures. I am working on my new Yandere! Gellert Grindelwald x Reader. A new version of Lowly Desires.

I will call it Dark Desires. Just to spoil it. I will not add a love triangle. Credence may love Reader Chan but she does not love him and will not have an affair with him.

[venusjailer]

Will I ever stop pathologising the AP main characters and creating incredibly detailed backgrounds riddled with childhood trauma? It’s unlikely!

(INSANELY LONG) (LIKE INSANELY) (YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED) EXPLANATIONS BELOW

(And If you have hc’s feel free to share!)

Patrick: cmon. The entire plot of AP is literally him just begging to be noticed.

Bro is devoid of attention right until the very last scene (aka the one with his lawyer). Sorry to all the SiGmA mALe AMPS fans but this is not a “sigma 🥶”, this is a man who did not receive a MORSEL of affection during his formative years.

His obsession with ‘fitting in’ (ie being accepted and therefore cared about) through his clothes, his looks, his social circle; his outbursts of intense emotion and inability to regulate them (almost as if he was never taught how to do so); the way he views the women in his life in an almost maternal way (namely Evelyn and Jean) - he just needs a hug!!!

And some intense therapy. And heavy duty psych meds.

Paul: this one is partly canonical, partly not.

The way that his character is almost revered by the other guys at P&P is interesting; he comes over as this über cool, competent, successful finance bro almost to a greater extent than they think they are.

But then he gets drunk with Patrick away from the office and from the constraints of corporate professionalism and becomes this silly goofy little guy.

I don’t necessarily think his work ‘persona’ is an act: I think it’s the parts of himself that he has to accentuate in order to succeed.

Also - I took influence for this from the amazing Paul character studies written by my dear friend @leoblooms on AO3 - please check them out

Luis: this one is pretty self-explanatory.

He’s the only confirmed canonically queer character in AP (although, come on, Patrick’s canon closet is made of glass at this point). And yet - in a way that so many LGBT+ people have suffered with throughout history and sadly even to this day - he can never, ever show it. Being openly gay in his environment would make him a social pariah.

Instead, he has to fit in: he’s marrying a woman, he’s acting like ~one of the guys~, he’s hoping that he can suffocate that part of himself by burying it six feet underground. But as so many of us know all too well: you can’t hide who you are forever. The bathroom scene with Patrick just proves this.

I also wanted to make a note of this because it’s very interesting to me - I read the most AMAZING fic a couple of years ago that was written from Courtney’s perspective, and in it it was mentioned that Luis is Catholic. I’m a Christian as well (from a famously progressive denomination) and although a lot of attitudes are changing within the Catholic Church, particularly right now, the ‘gay = sin’ mentality does prevail for many.

So it makes sense that if Luis was raised Catholic he has been suppressing that part of himself for a very long time. I can see him lying to himself and having girlfriends in high school.

Courtney: my literal baby girl. I’ve written a whole 18k character study on her because I find her so canonically fascinating.

My headcanon is that her father was absent from her life from a young age - but this is rooted in how she actually acts in the source material.

In the boardroom scene, Luis thanks Patrick for “taking care of Courtney last night”. To me, it sounds like he’s taking on a role that’s almost paternal. She is also notably reliant, and almost clingy, on the men in her life: telling Patrick she can’t go out because she’s waiting for Luis to call, and practically begging Patrick to call her after they’ve slept together.

Additionally there’s the whole ‘fucking my best friend’s boyfriend’ thing - I’m getting WAY off topic here but I see so much of her in Cassie from Euphoria. Unless someone is purposefully malicious and nasty, I think there’s always a reason for that kind of thing, even if it is complex and unsavoury.

I hate to use the term “daddy issues” because it absolves absent/abusive fathers of all of their damage and unfairly places the blame on young women, but if I had to describe a reason for why she might act in this way - having seen it first-hand myself from many people - that would be it.

Evelyn: so I did take some influence from Reese Witherspoon’s character in Legally Blonde here - but I think Evelyn is actually one of the smartest characters in AP and so I feel it’s fitting.

She comes over as incredibly ditzy and shallow, but remember we’re seeing and reading all of this from Patrick’s perspective - of course he’s not going to have a high opinion of her, because…it’s Patrick Bateman were talking about here.

In reality, she’s probably one of the most socially clued-in characters. For example: she effortlessly hosts big gatherings with grace and decorum even if the majority of guests are, let’s be honest, fucking insufferable.

She’s also the only character who can actually handle Patrick and meets him on his own level. She absolutely refuses to take any of his bullshit (“what am I supposed to do with that? Floss with it?”).

Her actions and force prove her to be the strong willed and savvy and to me that suggests intellect, as much as it may be hidden - again, due to the environment she exists in.

Bryce: he’s so interesting.

I’ve not written as much about him in my fics as the others, but his actions in the source material suggest that underneath his finance bro Wall Street image, he’s someone who’s very disillusioned, and almost broken.

I really wish the scene of his…episode?…in the club hadn’t been cut from the film. I’d recommend anyone to watch it (and the rest of the deleted scenes because they’re class) if they’ve not seen it already.

There’s also The Informers, the book and film adaptation of another of of Bret Easton Ellis’ works, which features a young Tim Bryce (referred to as Price) and the complex relationship with his father. I’ve not read/watched it in full yet, but whilst they’re on holiday Bryce’s father gets drunk and acts lecherous and gross towards young women on the beach, and Bryce is disgusted by this (perhaps he’s not as much of a raging misogynist as his peers?), and then makes ‘joking’ comments about Bryce being the subject of attraction by other men, to which Bryce walks out on him (perhaps he’s less condemning of homophobia than the others? Or, possibly…maybe he has less than hetero feelings himself? Not to spoil any of Mergerizations but I headcanon him as bisexual tbh).

This behaviour suggests that, at least as a teen, Bryce was very assertive of what was and wasn’t okay and was happy to make these views known.

But due to bullying by his father and, again, the environment that he likely grew up in, he has to suppress this part of himself to be accepted.

WOWWWW that was a whole ass essay. If you’ve read to this part, 1) I’m sorry 2) THANK YOU 3) I love you!!!!

[traightor]

@warhaeds : ❛ Does he keep a vial of poison in his tooth or something? Is that a rich person thing? ❜ ( meme unknown, not accepting. )

" i think you're being awfully imaginative. is that where your children get it from? " the topic on the table: augustus st. claire. it was not often or in good company that evangeline spoke of her father, but she did not stop washington from asking questions. she is on her knees here, sleeves rolled up as she's working on the wash. (the clothes, that is, or as she's come to call them in her head where no one can tease her, the wash's wash.) the soap has rubbed her hands raw, but the children need their clean clothes for the school that they attend once every two weeks. need to look principled and disciplined, remnants of augustus existing in her maternal hand.

" no, he had a knife, " she says, her voice cold like steel. the knife was never used on the children, that much is true, but evangeline had always wondered how much more they would need to press before he did. " and a belt. "

the belt he did use, striking the backs of their legs and the meat of their rears, firm against their bodies until their childhood grew red with anger and red with pain and it hurt to sit down. a reminder of corporal punishment, augustus had said, and evangeline knew this better than most: when she got in trouble, there would be punishment. when the boys got in trouble, there would be punishment. she says nothing more, her gaze cold and her lips downturned as she scrubbed.

" . . . though, the golden tooth . . . it does come out. it's a prosthetic. "

[ultraheydudemestuff]

The Richman Brothers Company Factory Building

1600 E. 55th St.

Cleveland, OH

The Richman Brothers Company was originally founded by Jewish-Bavarian immigrant Henry Richman Sr. and his brother-in-law and business partner Joseph Lehman in Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1853. In an effort to become closer to a bustling city, both to expand their operations and customer base, the two men relocated with their families and business to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1879. Originally named the Lehman-Richman Company, the operation took on the moniker the Richman Brothers Company in 1904 after both Henry Richman Sr. and Joseph Lehman had retired and transferred ownership of the company to Henry Sr.’s three sons Nathan, Charles and Henry Jr.

After having a presence in the region for nearly forty years, the Richman Brothers Company commissioned their first Cleveland factory to be built at 1600 East 55th Street after previously retrofitting their operations into several other pre-existing structures throughout the city. Designed by The Christian Schwarzenberg and Gaede Company and constructed by Hunkin-Conkey Construction Co., the building was designated the “Best Built Factory in Cleveland in 1917” by the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Later additions were added onto the structure in 1924 and 1927, which completed the 650,000 square feet of interior space still present on the site.

The factory quickly became a landmark on the East 55th Street landscape as a result of its domineering size, both inside and out. With fifteen-foot-high ceilings, large-scale windows, and even the world’s largest cutting tables at the time, measuring sixty feet long, the structure provided Richman Brothers’ employees with working conditions previously unheard of in the garment industry.

Not only were Clevelanders familiar with the building, so, too, was the federal government. After entry into World War I, the federal government approached the brothers with a proposition to turn the site over to a military occupation to be used as a hospital for returning injured soldiers. After only one year of owning the building, in 1918 the Richman Brothers readily agreed to allow the government to utilize the structure as needed, making Cleveland the first city in the country to place such a building at the government’s disposal without expense.

Their commitment to the war effort was just one element of the Richman Brothers’ reputable business practices. As a family owned and operated company, the Richman Brothers ensured that each person under their employ felt as though they were part of a family. The first industrial organization to do so, the Richman Brothers Company offered two weeks paid vacation for all employees. Similarly, the company also instituted paid maternity leave, set a thirty-six hour work week, utilized no time clocks, and offered corporate stock options. To assist employees during times of personal distress, The Richman Brothers Foundation was created which provided no interest loans to employees as needed. The brothers were viewed as such progressives that the federal government based many workplace regulation laws off of Richman standards.

The Richman Brothers also tirelessly fought to keep the unions out of their company. Pressures mounted around the middle of the twentieth century, which resulted in the company releasing a statement saying, “The union plan . . . has been one to crush our business. We think this is wrong . . . to put this kind of pressure on our family.” Confident in their business practices, the Richman Brothers believed the union to be unnecessary and felt it would restrict the benefits they were able to offer their employees.

While the name of the company implies that all three brothers were equally in control of the company, it is Nathan Richman who is credited with maintaining the company’s standards and growing the business into one of the largest men’s clothing retailers in the country. At the time of his death in 1941, two thousand employees gathered at the open-casket services to bid farewell to the last surviving Richman brother.

After Nathan’s death the company remained under the ownership of one of his nephews, who continued to successfully grow and expand the business. In 1969, the Richman Brothers merged with F. W. Woolworth Company, who kept the Richman brand viable for another three decades. As the industry changed sharply in the late 1980s, the bloated conglomerate Woolworth began to shutter some of its subsidiaries. In 1990, the Richman Brothers Company was deemed financially unstable and was completely liquidated by 1992. Since that time, the structure on East 55th Street has remained vacant with many unsuccessful reuse projects proposed to redevelop the site. The abandoned Richman Brothers Company factory, built in 1916 and located at 1600 E. 55th Street in Cleveland, Ohio, was listed the National Register of Historic Places on September 19, 2012.

[shosiblog]

Maternity Dress for Work: Stylish Comfort for Expecting Moms

Navigating the workplace during pregnancy can be a challenge, especially when it comes to dressing comfortably yet professionally. Finding the perfect maternity dress for work is essential to feeling confident and empowered while you juggle your career and impending motherhood. With the right maternity dress, you can embrace your growing belly while maintaining a polished and professional appearance.

Why Choose a Maternity Dress for Work?

1. Comfort Meets Professionalism

A well-designed maternity dress offers both comfort and style, making it an excellent choice for work. As your body changes, you’ll want to wear clothing that allows for movement without compromising on professionalism. Maternity dresses are designed to accommodate your bump while providing a flattering silhouette.

2. Versatile Styles for Various Work Environments

Whether you work in a corporate office, a creative studio, or a casual environment, there are maternity dresses to suit your workplace dress code. From tailored shifts to flowing maxi dresses, you can find styles that fit your professional environment while allowing you to express your personal style.

3. Easy to Layer

Maternity dresses can easily be layered with blazers, cardigans, or jackets for added warmth and sophistication. This versatility allows you to transition seamlessly from a formal meeting to a casual lunch with colleagues, ensuring you’re always dressed appropriately.

4. Breathable Fabrics for All-Day Comfort

Look for maternity dresses made from breathable fabrics like cotton, rayon, or jersey. These materials will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day, particularly during warmer months or when you have a busy schedule.

Styles of Maternity Dresses for Work

1. Shift Dresses

Shift dresses are a classic choice for the office. They have a loose silhouette that provides comfort while allowing for easy movement. Choose one with a defined waistline or a belt to enhance your shape and create a polished look.

2. Wrap Dresses

Wrap dresses are another fantastic option, as they can be adjusted to fit your body throughout your pregnancy. The wrap design highlights your bump beautifully while offering a flattering fit. Plus, they are easy to style for any occasion.

3. A-Line Dresses

A-line dresses are universally flattering and provide ample room for your growing belly. They create a feminine silhouette and can be dressed up or down depending on your accessories and footwear.

4. Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are a comfortable and stylish choice for work, especially in casual or creative environments. Opt for a maxi with a structured design or tailored features to maintain a professional appearance while enjoying the freedom of a flowing dress.

5. Pencil Dresses

If you’re looking for a more tailored look, consider a pencil dress. Many maternity pencil dresses are designed with stretchy fabric to accommodate your bump while maintaining a sophisticated and professional vibe.

How to Style Your Maternity Dress for Work

1. Choose the Right Footwear

Comfortable yet stylish shoes are essential for the workplace. Opt for supportive flats, low heels, or ankle boots to keep you comfortable throughout the day. Avoid overly high heels, as they can cause discomfort and strain on your back.

2. Accessorize Wisely

Accessorizing can elevate your maternity dress and enhance your overall look. Consider adding a statement necklace, a stylish scarf, or a tailored blazer to complete your outfit. Remember, less is often more—choose a few key pieces that complement your dress without overwhelming it.

3. Layer for Warmth and Style

In cooler months, layering is key. A fitted blazer or cardigan can add professionalism to your outfit while keeping you warm. Choose outerwear that’s tailored to avoid looking bulky, which will help you maintain a sleek appearance.

4. Play with Colors and Patterns

Don’t shy away from colors and patterns! While classic neutrals are always in style, adding pops of color or fun prints can help you express your personality. Floral prints, stripes, or geometric designs can bring life to your maternity wardrobe.

Tips for Shopping for Maternity Dresses

1. Consider the Fabric

Look for breathable, stretchy fabrics that provide comfort and flexibility. Check for materials that have a bit of give but are still professional in appearance.

2. Size Up as Needed

Your body will change throughout your pregnancy, so consider choosing dresses that can accommodate your growing bump. Many maternity dresses are designed to fit well even as your belly expands.

3. Check Return Policies

When shopping for maternity wear, especially online, check the return policies. This way, you can ensure that you can return or exchange items that don’t fit as expected.

4. Invest in Key Pieces

While it’s tempting to buy a large wardrobe, consider investing in a few high-quality maternity dresses that you can mix and match with various accessories and layers for different looks.

The Perfect Maternity Dress for Your Work Wardrobe

Finding the right maternity dress for work can help you feel comfortable, confident, and stylish during your pregnancy. With various styles available, there’s something for everyone, no matter your workplace setting. Embrace your beautiful body and enjoy this special time while continuing to make an impact in your career.

As you prepare for your maternity leave, it’s important to communicate effectively with your employer. Learn How to Write a Maternity Leave Application: A Step-by-Step Guide to ensure a smooth transition and to enjoy your time with your new bundle of joy! Start preparing today, and cherish this exciting new chapter in your life.

[thebusinessmagnate]

Tori & Chris Gerbig: The Power Couple Committed to Empowering Women with Fashion and Apparel Boutique at Pink Lily

The imperativeness of celebrating womanhood by empowering women in the world is an impactful reminder of the women who tirelessly fight for equality and justice. As one strong community capable of accomplishing and achieving anything we put our minds and hearts toward, standing up for one another instills courage, strength, unity, confidence, and inspiration. 

In the fashion and apparel industry, women’s fashion brings together the entire world in exploring and navigating the ever-changing and evolving style and beauty over the years. Clothes have been women’s identity and a form of expression, that communicates a woman’s personality, image, character, attitude, belief, and value. Clothes can reflect who you are, where you are heading, and where you are returning from. For women, fashion and apparel can be a confident way of portraying their fashion sense of everyday style and beauty. Like the company Pink Lily which was co-founded in 2011, by the power couple – Tori and Chris Gerbig. Pink Lily’s mission is to “inspire a community of women to be confident in their true selves through everyday style and beauty.” In line with the increasing diversity and inclusiveness of women’s fashion around the world, this article will delve into the inspiring and successful journey of Tori Gerbig and her husband Chris Gerbig, sharing insights into how their retail fashion and apparel boutique company was co-founded together and launched. 

From The Roots To The Skies:

Tori and Chris Gerbig’s story starts in 2011, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. From working day and night at corporate jobs, the wife and husband were growing more concerned day by day from looking at their enormous pending student loans. Understandably, student loans are a hectic and painstaking financial situation that needs to be cleared off as soon as and whenever possible, the couple was also looking to spend more time with each other as their jobs seemed to slough off most of their get-together time away. From working in the insurance sector, Tori Gerbig learned one of the most important things in the business world – Networking and Building Relationships with people in her community. This way while engaging with many people, the co-founder realized that she had a growing passion for helping and supporting women in achieving their goals. 

In 2013, Tori and Chris became first-time parents to a beautiful son and Tori found herself being home on maternity leave. Without any payments coming in from Tori��s side during this period, the family’s financial situation was incredibly tight, and more so with a newborn. Therefore she took to the vastness of the internet platform and began selling various odd things that she could find on marketplaces online. Forming a community of fast friends, Tori thought of an incredible idea and shared it with her husband Chris. The idea was for Tori to use her rapidly growing online community and network, and build a platform where she could integrate both her love and passion for helping and empowering women by making them feel confident and boosting their self-esteem through their everyday style and beauty with impeccable fashion choices. 

When her online community grew from a few hundred members to a surprising 10,000 count, Tori felt supported and motivated to continue in her endeavors alongside her husband. From the ground up and right from their living room, Pink Lily was officially launched in 2014 with zero funding from the couple or potential investors and started to ship hundreds of orders every week. Applying her skills and experience in sales and social media platforms to increase their brand’s awareness, and with Chris’ knowledge and experience in business and finance balanced the company’s structure and strategic operations. Knowing the potential risks of starting and building a privately owned family business, Tori and Chris Gerbig together as one strong team and power couple, pushing against all odds overcoming all challenges, and facing the inevitable head-first. 

Pink Lily’s Post-Launch Journey:

In 2015, Tori and Chris couldn’t continue their business working from their living room with a rapidly growing brand and an equally rapidly growing toddler. With the vision to “be the brand that inspires women to achieve their best”, the couple moved to quickly establish their second warehouse (the first being their living room in their humble abode). The following year in 2016, the business grew even more and the couple moved to their third new 25,000-square-foot warehouse and in 2017 launched a flagship store in their home state – Kentucky. Now a blowing retail fashion and apparel boutique for women, Pink Lily has become one of America’s fastest-growing retailers in fashion for empowering women. Featuring all kinds of clothing apparel, footwear, jewelry, and accessories that a woman can ever need, the brand prioritizes itself around “bringing fashion, positivity, and community to our customers”. The brand went on to include a second 25,000-square-foot warehouse in 2018, and in the following year successfully passed a milestone in shopping their 1 millionth order. Pink Lily yet again expanded and Tori and Chris Gerbig happily leased a bigger 160,000-square-feet warehouse. 

Pink Lily’s Philanthropic Efforts:

In 2017 when Pink Lily was on its way to success and experiencing new heights, Tori and Chris proudly arrived at a period in their journey where they wanted to reach out to the community and help in philanthropic and charitable efforts. 

Donating thousand to ten thousand in cash, clothes, and inventory, towards investments, collaborations, funds, and partnerships with the Houston Relief Fund, the Hope House Ministry local organization, the local community’s Toys for Tots Campaign, the local Warren County Humane Society, the Warren County Public Schools, the Warren County Family Resource Center,  the Warren County Public Schools Disaster Relief Fund (WCPS), the 4 Paws for Ability, the Girls for a Change, the local community hospital, the Operation Gratitude Organization, the Pink Fund, the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness (FFBWW), the Hope for Fertility Foundation, the Life Impact International, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the Hope Harbour, the Barren River Area Safe Space Organization (BRASS Inc.), and the Hope for Ukraine Organization.

Visit More : https://thebusinessmagnate.com/tori-chris-gerbig-the-power-couple-committed-to-empowering-women-with-fashion-and-apparel-boutique-at-pink-lily/

[202170044dci2022]

‘The Land is polluted’ How environmental literature sets out the problems and solutions for societal change.

Land pollution has become a major concern for communities across the globe. Urbanisation, agricultural practices, and industrialisation have left several adverse impacts on the environment. Key issues include soil degradation, water contamination, and waste disposal are emphasising the serious impacts industrial practices have on our ecosystems. Fast fashion and food waste are two major contributors to land pollution and speaks to a wider issue of overconsumption and disregard for the natural world as explored in Greta Thunberg's No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference and Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. Both texts explore the problems of natural resource destruction, whilst calling for urgent action and solutions to rally people towards the cause.

Fast fashion has emerged as a major contributor to land pollution, with companies such as SHEIN and H&M facing criticism for their harmful production methods. ‘A Marketplace investigation found that out of 38 samples of children's, adult's and maternity clothes and accessories, one in five items had elevated levels of chemicals — including lead, PFAS and phthalates.’ To maintain their high production rates, fast fashion businesses prioritise low costs, which has led to the use of non-biodegradable materials that release harmful chemicals during procedures such as dyeing and flame-proofing. Consequently, clothing now has a short lifespan and is often discarded after just a few uses, resulting in a rise in landfill waste, thus furthering the land pollution issue. As Thunberg quotes,

‘We are about to sacrifice our civilization for the opportunity of a very small number of people to continue to make enormous amounts of money. We are about to sacrifice the biosphere so that rich people in countries like mine can live in luxury. But it is the sufferings of the many which pay for the luxuries of the few.’ (13)

While individual consumer behaviours contribute to land pollution, major industrial corporations have the most impact. These corporations prioritise their own interests over our ecosystem’s health, furthering environmental degradation. Thunberg’s emphasises every effort is crucial, stating, ‘Nobody is too small to make a difference.’ Focus must remain on major corporations who intentionally exploit and damage the environment for profit. As we work to make positive changes in our daily lives, it is essential that we hold these major companies responsible for their significant involvement in the land pollution crisis. 

Just as fast fashion relies on chemicals that have negative environmental consequences, pesticide use in agriculture has aroused similar concerns. Rachel Carson's, Silent Spring, explores this topic by investigating the detrimental effects of DDT, a pesticide that was first employed by World War II soldiers to prevent typhus and malaria among troops. Following the war, DDT's use in agricultural increased dramatically. Carson's research illustrates the long-term damage caused by these chemicals, drawing parallels with the environmental repercussions of chemical use in industries such as fast fashion. Carson states ‘In this now universal contamination of the environment, chemicals are the sinister and little recognised partners of radiation in changing the very nature of the world- the very nature of its life.’  (23). Although we have recently become aware of the environmental impacts of our consumer behaviour, these environmental issues have been present for much longer than us. With Carson’s work highlighting how toxic chemicals has long been a major contributor to environmental degradation.

Agricultural practices are a key contributor to land pollution, with pesticides playing a significant part. Many Western countries expect fresh produce year-round, regardless of seasonal considerations. To meet demand, farmers frequently resort to pesticides to extend crop shelf life, resulting in significant environmental and health implications. Without pesticides, food waste could increase, as crops degrade faster, limiting shelf life and increasing decay rates. ‘Pesticides enable farmers to avoid up to 78%, 54%, and 32% losses of fruits, vegetables, and cereals, respectively’. However, without pesticides, water contamination, soil degradation, and air pollution would be significantly reduced. These contradicting pesticide issues arise from governments and major corporations controlling what we, as consumers, are exposed to, pushing their interests ahead of environmental and public health concerns. Carson states in Silver Spring ‘So thoroughly has the age of poisons become established that anyone may walk into a store and, without questions being asked, buy substances of far greater death-dealing power than the medicinal drug for which he may be required to sign a ‘poison book’ in the pharmacy next door’ (158). Even in 1962, our food and products were contaminated with toxic chemicals, a problem persisting today. Pesticide use continues to contribute to land pollution while also posing major health risks to consumers. Pesticide use needs to be regulated to reduce environmental damage while safeguarding public health from the harmful impacts of these toxic chemicals, an issue that Carson highlighted, yet which remains unresolved more than six decades later.

Fast fashion and food waste are major contributors to land pollution, and resolving these issues requires focusing on large corporations who have a significant impact on our ecosystems. Consumers can also assist in combatting land pollution by making sustainable choices and reducing their environmental footprint. Wendell Berry argues ‘we have, in fact, been turning our country into an economy as fast as possible, and we have been doing so by an unaccounted squandering of its actual, its natural and its cultural, wealth’. This observation stresses how consumers as well as suppliers have contributed to environmental degradation. Nonetheless, consumers must educate themselves to make sustainable choices so that they can make changes both personally and societally.

Fears around the impacts of climate change have been longstanding, which the earliest discoveries dating back to 1896 when ‘Svante Arrhenius first predicted that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels could substantially alter the surface temperature through the greenhouse effect’ . Despite the increased discoveries since 1896, society has been reluctant to acknowledge the impact of continued natural resource destruction and overuse.  Social psychologist Brian Lickel believes this unwillingness is due to human not being designed to live in heightened fear states, instead he believes ‘our emotion system is designed to be labile, to go up or have certain responses, but then to not stick there.’ Carson and Thunberg has both identified these patterns in human behaviours, and as such have learned to mould their approach to environmentalism with the right tone, emotion and language to engage their audience’s effectively.

Silent Spring was released in 1962, following a near three-decade career where Carson had studied and written about the natural world. Her career was a blend of the scientific and the creative, the logical against the illogical to an extent and it was relationship that is most evident in how she approached and what most influenced her readers. She opens Silent Spring with the ‘A fable for tomorrow’ where she describes an American town with:

‘prosperous farms, […] where, in spring, white clouds of bloom drifted above the green fields. In autumn, oak and maple and birch set up a blaze of color that flamed […]. Along the roads, laurel, viburnum and alder, great ferns and wildflowers delighted the traveler’s eye through much of the year.’  (21)

The image is striking and poetic, almost utopian in nature and an unusual approach to a book about science. This is not to say that the text strays away from conveying the scientific underpinning of her research, but rather she utilises the beauty of language to draw in the reader. This is shown in how the fable quickly change in tone as she discusses ‘a strange blight crept over the area […]. Some evil spell had settled on the community: […] Everywhere was a shadow of death.’ (22). The attempt of such a change, has begun to show how quickly the environment can change when its natural resources are abused over time. Carson emphasis the change in the land, where once was colour and beauty are now replaced by darkness and shadow. Despite referring to pesticide pollution, it speaks to a larger issue that modern society faces land pollution caused by fast fashion and food waste, which damages land and ruins natural beauty. Carson identified a problem, but she also identified a solution in how we convey the way forward in society, a utopia of natural beauty to maintain and strive for.  Cate Lineberry noted similar of Carson’s work, ‘Though the scientific community already knew of the dangers, Carson was the first to make the information accessible and palatable to a mass audience in her groundbreaking book.’ Carson’s approach was successful, with Silent Spring being considered one of the most influential scientific texts of all time. It highlighted the problem of land pollution and brought to light those responsible, big business, whilst engaging readers who armed with their new knowledge could work towards making a changes personally and societally. This impact did lead to an increased fear amongst those who were destroying land and making money in the process, as evidenced in a letter criticising the text;‘we can live without birds and animals, but as the current market slump shows, we cannot live without business’ (Loc:1461). Emma Smith discusses how this backlash aided its success, stating that the book became so popular that ‘Paperback versions of Silent Spring continued to be printed as the ecological crisis depicted in it showed no immediate signs of losing its relevance.’ (Loc:1564) The phenomenon spoke to the wider impacts of controversy surrounding figures who dare to speak about the environmental crisis, who must inform and make change. As Robin McKie writes ‘More than any other individual, [Carson] helped raise awareness about humanity's potential to wreak havoc on nature and we should be grateful. But it is equally clear that the planet is in a far worse state today than it was in 1962.’

McKie’s recognition of the planet’s worsening state speaks to the increased urgency around environmentalism. Although Carson had more room to approach the text with a more prosaic approach, activists like Thunberg have identified that in the modern landscape, language of urgency and intensity are more effective ways of rallying a new generation. In No One she states, ‘I want you to act as if our house is on fire. Because it is.’ and ‘If the walls of our house truly came tumbling town, surely you would set your differences aside and start cooperating. Well, our house is falling apart.’ (20). It is a powerful image drawing the reader towards the personal through the use of ‘house’, yet which refers to the earth more generally. She tries to give individuals a sense of belonging to the earth by focusing on their own personal place within the world, along with a greater awareness of the wider threats that come from big business and industry. When examining the causes of land pollution and how Thunberg and Carson engaged with this, what crops up is this lack of responsibility and transparency. Whether it is clothes we wear, the food we eat or the carbon footprint we make, Thunberg makes sure the individual is aware that it is their home they are destroying by ignoring these practises. Her approach has had significant impact, similar to that of Carson, and has been ‘able to mobilize a global movement and have considerable impact on policymaking, people’s behaviors, and public discourse about climate change – which is typically termed the ‘Greta effect’ . Thunberg is part of a new generation who are more conscious around the impact that we have when it comes to fashion and food we consume. Moreover, the rise of social media is becoming increasingly engaged, and where Carson has the platform of her book to bring awareness of the issue of land pollution, Thunberg has the power to been seen across the world in mere moments.  Therefore, short and powerful statements like the one above have an increasing impact on people. Whilst the issues Carson speaks of in Silent Spring are still ongoing, the work she did do gave power to issues of land pollution and gave others a voice to provide solutions and give people the information they need to combat climate change.

Sources:

Abaineh, A. et al., 2023. Knowledge, attitude and practices of farmers and experts about the effects of pesticide residues on agricultural product users and ecosystems: A case of Fogera District, Ethiopia. [Online] Available at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0292838#references [Accessed 14 July 2024].

Carson , R., 1963. Silent Spring. 25 ed. London: Penguin Books.

Cowley, J., Matteis, S. & Agro , C., 2021. Experts warn of high levels of chemicals in clothes by some fast-fashion retailers. [Online] Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/marketplace-fast-fashion-chemicals-1.6193385 [Accessed 14 July 2024].

GoodReads, 2024. The Art of Loading Brush Quote. [Online] Available at: https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/55970669-the-art-of-loading-brush-new-agrarian-writings [Accessed 15 July 2024].

Lineberry, C., 2022. How Rachel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring’ Awakened the World to Environmental Peril. [Online] Available at: How Rachel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring’ Awakened the World to Environmental Peril [Accessed 16 July 2024].

Mckie, R., 2012. Rachel Carson and the legacy of Silent Spring. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/may/27/rachel-carson-silent-spring-anniversary [Accessed 15 July 2024].

Mede, N. & Schroeder, R., 2024. The “Greta Effect” on Social Media: A Systematic Review of Research on Thunberg’s Impact on Digital Climate Change Communication. Enviromental Communication, n.a(n.a), pp. 1-18.

Mertens, M., 2023. Why aren’t we more scared of the climate crisis? It’s complicated. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/22/climate-crisis-fear-psychology [Accessed 15 July 2024].

NASA, 2024. Evidence - There is unequivocal evidence that Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate. Human activity is the principal cause. [Online] Available at: https://science.nasa.gov/climate-change/evidence/ [Accessed 15 July 2024].

Smith, E., 2022. E-Book, Portable Magic. n.a ed. London : Allen Lane.

Thunberg, G., 2019. E-Book, No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference.. London: Penguin.

I am a student of the University of Hull blogging as part of my assessment for the module Writing the Environment. All views expressed here are my own and do not represent the university.

[fundiswamv]

Advancing the SDGs Through Community-Based Practice

 As we face environmental, social, and economic challenges, the need for sustainable development has never been more urgent. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guide us toward a fairer and more sustainable future. In this blog, I will discuss five key SDGs that I am working on in the Kenville/Sea Cow Lake community.

Imagine a world where every child gets a good education, women are empowered in all sectors, and economic growth does not harm the environment. This vision is not just a dream but something we can achieve with clear, focused actions. I believe in the power of collective action and its ability to bring about change at the local level.

 Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This statement reflects my commitment to SDG 4, quality education. Despite significant efforts, South Africa faces several challenges in achieving quality education. These challenges include widespread inequality in access to education, with rural and underprivileged areas often lacking adequate resources and infrastructure. Welby-Solomon and Welby-Solomon (2022) explore the difference between school environment of a wealthy and poor child, which the results are shameful. To also alleviate the shameful inequalities faced by youth in the education system as an OT, working with high schools and creches in Kenville. I aim to create an engaging learning environment where they are exposed to opportunities as their counterpart go to school in Durban North, Umhlanga.

Moodley, K. (2020, February 13). South Africa: Broken and unequal education perpetuating poverty and inequality. Amnesty International. 

For high school students, I have been able to run group sessions to build community spirit within the class and also connect the school with the Empower Tomorrow Foundation, which offers subsidized tutoring funded by corporate sponsors. Additionally, I have partner with the Life Orientation teacher to host university application drives and career guidance sessions, linking students with outreach programs from UKZN, DUT, MUT, and UNIZULU. The success of these educational efforts highlights the importance of SDG 17, which emphasizes strengthening global and local partnerships(UNESCO, 2023). By collaborating with Enactus, we provide students with hands-on learning opportunities beyond the classroom. These partnerships are about more than just sharing resources; they build the skills and capacities needed for long-term progress.

Empowering women in the community is a key part of the work we do, supporting SDG 5, gender equality which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls (United Nations, 2024). SDG 8, decent work and economic growth seeks to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all(United Nations, 2024b). In South Africa, challenges in achieving SDG 5 include persistent gender-based violence, wage disparities, and limited access to economic opportunities for women. For SDG 8, high unemployment rates with South Africa’s unemployment rate being at 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024 (Carvalho, 2023). Through the KITE project, we sell second-hand clothes to generate income, giving women valuable retail and business experience.  With a partnership with "A Room for Sisters," an organization that teaches entrepreneurial skills to women, we create a supportive environment that promotes independence and economic empowerment. This initiative is not just about economic growth; it’s about changing power dynamics and giving women the tools to shape their futures.

Photo provided by Asande Sikhosane, founder of ARFS

Lastly, SDG 3, good health and wellbeing aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, focusing on a range of health priorities including maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and universal health coverage(United Nations, 2022). My community-based practice as an occupational therapy student in Kenville/Sea Cow Lake significantly contributes to this goal. Through direct patient care, we address a variety of health issues, providing essential treatments that enhance patients' physical and mental well-being. Our follow-up appointments ensure continuity of care, allowing us to monitor progress, adjust treatment plans, and offer ongoing support. These efforts collectively improve health outcomes within the community, aligning with the objectives of SDG 3.

Through these initiatives, I have experienced significant personal and professional growth. On a personal level, I have come to understand the profound impact of education and empowerment in transforming lives. Professionally, I have honed my clinical and critical reflective skills, learning to navigate complex power dynamics within the community and academia. This experience of the community block has taught me that true change is rooted in understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by each community and that sustainable development requires a holistic, inclusive approach.

In conclusion, the work we are engaged in within Kenville/Sea Cow Lake reflects a deep belief in the SDGs and their potential to create a more equitable and sustainable world. By focusing on quality education, fostering partnerships, empowering women, and nurturing young children, we can build communities that thrive on mutual respect and shared growth. This experience of personal and professional realization underscores the power of collective action and the enduring impact of sustainable development.

References

UNESCO. (2023). Education transforms lives | UNESCO. Www.unesco.org. https://www.unesco.org/en/education

United Nations. (2023). Goal 17 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Sdgs.un.org. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal17

Welby-Solomon, J., & Welby-Solomon, J. (2022, September 6). OPINIONISTA: Our unequal education system is not a fair fight, it’s an ambush. Daily Maverick. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2022-09-06-our-unequal-education-system-is-not-a-fair-fight-its-an-ambush/

United Nations. (2024b). Goal 8 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. United Nations; United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal8

United Nations. (2024a). Goal 5 Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls. Sdgs.un.org; United Nations. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal5

Carvalho, L. (2023, February 12). South Africa Unemployment Rate. Tradingeconomics.com; TRADING ECONOMICS. https://tradingeconomics.com/south-africa/unemployment-rate

Moodley, K. (2020, February 13). South Africa: Broken and unequal education perpetuating poverty and inequality. Amnesty International. https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrigZ2D6lBmCgYRH3GJzbkF;_ylu=c2VjA3NyBHNsawNpbWcEb2lkA2MxMWUwZDRjZjQzNDJmMzY1ODA4OTZmMjZmMTg2Y2MyBGdwb3MDMQRpdANiaW5n/RV=2/RE=1716607748/RO=11/RU=https%3a%2f%2famnesty.org.za%2fsouth-africa-broken-and-unequal-education-perpetuating-poverty-and-inequality%2f/RK=2/RS=3bFwsHIFHaHWPrf5xu.JQepZX6E-

[skelly-words]

im thinking abt something so nastyyyyy in my tentacle series. plzzzz, i’m so high rn!

cw- MINORS DNI, breeding, eggs/ovi, alien monster breeding. just in case y’all were curious abt the creatures in bring your tentacle to work day.

accidently letting the tentacles breed you. it feels so fucking good to use both at once. almost every day, you’re fingering your butt open in the shower so both of them will fit. the greedy little monsters are so used to your holes by now, the blue appendage immediately squishing into the space between your legs to flick at your slick cunt.

All day at work, the long tentacle fucks you open, stretching you out to fit even more pink eggs. you’re somehow never quite full, always able to let the sticky feelers on the pink muscle push another few of the gelatinous balls inside of you. something changes when you shift in your seat. a release of pressure as one of the jellies slips past your cervix.

and your belly starts to ache as eggs fill your womb. slowly at the start, but then your muscles adjust and you really feel it. The band of your skirt stretches the slightest bit, hardly noticeable. It only becomes more apparent as the blue tentacle spurts inside you, filling you with sticky blue cum. The thickness keeps it plugged inside you, making your tummy swell more. The tentacle’s texture, cupped suckers running up one side, help push the cum past your cervix. the sound coming from your cubicle is always pornographic, making your coworkers slow on their walk by. it’s especially bad today.

you whimper into your hand, trying to squeeze your thighs together to muffle the sounds from down there. but that only makes the feeling more intense as your pussy spasms around the squirming blue length. You grind harder against your seat. the pink tentacle is too busy stuffing your pussy with eggs to give any attention to your pulsing clitty.

You hump the cushion faster, moaning like a slut against your palm. you’ve probably cum three times today and it’s barely noon, but your sore pussy always wants more.

—

it’s not until the next day that you notice something is wrong. the pills corporate prescribed you haven’t made the eggs fall out yet. in fact, the bump of your stomach has doubled in size and it’s only been 18 hours. When you try to use your pet tentacles again, they won’t penetrate you, only cupping and massaging your wet cunt.

After a week, you’ve had to invest in maternity clothes. it’s painfully embarrassing and everyone at the office is politely pretending not to notice.

Sometimes you can feel whatever’s in your stomach move. and you wish it freaked you out more. this is fucked up, but it doesn’t matter for some reason. that night, you get in the bath and your cunt starts to throb as soon as you touch the hot water. everything feels so sensitive. the water lapping at your nipples as you sink in makes them stiffen and ache.

One hand moves to your clit. it’s already twitching from gentle strokes from your finger. your other hand tugs at your nipple, pinching at it while trying to remember what it was like for milk to dribble out.

your cunt is dripping wet, feeling slick, even in the water, as your fingers push into your opening. it’s been a while since you’ve had to please yourself and you’re out of practice, but that doesn’t seem to matter. your body is so receptive to every touch. those two fingers drag deftly against your walls and you’re already cumming. you sink them in deeper, bucking against your palm as a sticky white ring forms around your digits.

You can’t stop, shoving them in and out of your cunt until your tummy starts to tighten again. This time, your orgasm hits you harder, making hot spurts of cum spray your hand as you keep fingering your sloppy pussy.

“fuck-“ you jump in surprise as something slips between your fingers. a thin blue tendril wriggles in the water. you’ve hardly processed that when more begin to crawl out of you.

the miniature tentacles spill out faster. you have to spread your legs to accommodate the stretch to your cunt. both hands toy with your tits now. you twist at your cute nipples until you squirt some more. the only thing you care about is the feeling. a pleasure that makes your whole body twitch from each wave of mind-breaking orgasms.

Your moans echo around the steamy bathroom, the muscles in your jaw go slack. Shivers run down your back. Water sloshes out of the tub as your back arches, still playing with the tender nubs on your cute tits. The spawn push out of you in gooey spurts. They gush from your gaping cunt each time you cum, squeezing them out of your used up hole.

—

the little motherfuckers get shoved in a tank and sent to your boss with a note: so sorry, won’t let it happen again.

what a lie. you keep using both at once bc it feels too good to stop, and nothing beats the hypersensitivity when the weird ass alien babies pop out.

a/n-this is so unserious, but tysm for 500 <3

[sunaleisocial]

MIT announces 2024 Bose Grants

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/mit-announces-2024-bose-grants/

MIT announces 2024 Bose Grants

MIT Provost Cynthia Barnhart announced four Professor Amar G. Bose Research Grants to support bold research projects across diverse areas of study, including a way to generate clean hydrogen from deep in the Earth, build an environmentally friendly house of basalt, design maternity clothing that monitors fetal health, and recruit sharks as ocean oxygen monitors.

This year’s recipients are Iwnetim Abate, assistant professor of materials science and engineering; Andrew Babbin, the Cecil and Ida Green Associate Professor in Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences; Yoel Fink, professor of materials science and engineering and of electrical engineering and computer science; and Skylar Tibbits, associate professor of design research in the Department of Architecture.

The program was named for the visionary founder of the Bose Corporation and MIT alumnus Amar G. Bose ’51, SM ’52, ScD ’56. After gaining admission to MIT, Bose became a top math student and a Fulbright Scholarship recipient. He spent 46 years as a professor at MIT, led innovations in sound design, and founded the Bose Corp. in 1964. MIT launched the Bose grant program 11 years ago to provide funding over a three-year period to MIT faculty who propose original, cross-disciplinary, and often risky research projects that would likely not be funded by conventional sources.

“The promise of the Bose Fellowship is to help bold, daring ideas become realities, an approach that honors Amar Bose’s legacy,” says Barnhart. “Thanks to support from this program, these talented faculty members have the freedom to explore their bold and innovative ideas.”

Deep and clean hydrogen futures

A green energy future will depend on harnessing hydrogen as a clean energy source, sequestering polluting carbon dioxide, and mining the minerals essential to building clean energy technologies such as advanced batteries. Iwnetim Abate thinks he has a solution for all three challenges: an innovative hydrogen reactor.

He plans to build a reactor that will create natural hydrogen from ultramafic mineral rocks in the crust. “The Earth is literally a giant hydrogen factory waiting to be tapped,” Abate explains. “A back-of-the-envelope calculation for the first seven kilometers of the Earth’s crust estimates that there is enough ultramafic rock to produce hydrogen for 250,000 years.”

The reactor envisioned by Abate injects water to create a reaction that releases hydrogen, while also supporting the injection of climate-altering carbon dioxide into the rock, providing a global carbon capacity of 100 trillion tons. At the same time, the reactor process could provide essential elements such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt — some of the most important raw materials used in advanced batteries and electronics.

“Ultimately, our goal is to design and develop a scalable reactor for simultaneously tapping into the trifecta from the Earth’s subsurface,” Abate says.

Sharks as oceanographers

If we want to understand more about how oxygen levels in the world’s seas are disturbed by human activities and climate change, we should turn to a sensing platform “that has been honed by 400 million years of evolution to perfectly sample the ocean: sharks,” says Andrew Babbin.

As the planet warms, oceans are projected to contain less dissolved oxygen, with impacts on the productivity of global fisheries, natural carbon sequestration, and the flux of climate-altering greenhouse gasses from the ocean to the air. While scientists know dissolved oxygen is important, it has proved difficult to track over seasons, decades, and underexplored regions both shallow and deep.

Babbin’s goal is to develop a low-cost sensor for dissolved oxygen that can be integrated with preexisting electronic shark tags used by marine biologists. “This fleet of sharks … will finally enable us to measure the extent of the low-oxygen zones of the ocean, how they change seasonally and with El Niño/La Niña oscillation, and how they expand or contract into the future.”

The partnership with sharks will also spotlight the importance of these often-maligned animals for global marine and fisheries health, Babbin says. “We hope in pursuing this work marrying microscopic and macroscopic life we will inspire future oceanographers and conservationists, and lead to a better appreciation for the chemistry that underlies global habitability.”

Maternity wear that monitors fetal health

There are 2 million stillbirths around the world each year, and in the United States alone, 21,000 families suffer this terrible loss. In many cases, mothers and their doctors had no warning of any abnormalities or changes in fetal health leading up to these deaths. Yoel Fink and colleagues are looking for a better way to monitor fetal health and provide proactive treatment.

Fink is building on years of research on acoustic fabrics to design an affordable shirt for mothers that would monitor and communicate important details of fetal health. His team’s original research drew inspiration from the function of the eardrum, designing a fiber that could be woven into other fabrics to create a kind of fabric microphone.

“Given the sensitivity of the acoustic fabrics in sensing these nanometer-scale vibrations, could a mother’s clothing transcend its conventional role and become a health monitor, picking up on the acoustic signals and subsequent vibrations that arise from her unborn baby’s heartbeat and motion?” Fink says. “Could a simple and affordable worn fabric allow an expecting mom to sleep better, knowing that her fetus is being listened to continuously?”

The proposed maternity shirt could measure fetal heart and breathing rate, and might be able to give an indication of the fetal body position, he says. In the final stages of development, he and his colleagues hope to develop machine learning approaches that would identify abnormal fetal heart rate and motion and deliver real-time alerts.

A basalt house in Iceland

In the land of volcanoes, Skylar Tibbits wants to build a case-study home almost entirely from the basalt rock that makes up the Icelandic landscape.

Architects are increasingly interested in building using one natural material — creating a monomaterial structure — that can be easily recycled. At the moment, the building industry represents 40 percent of carbon emissions worldwide, and consists of many materials and structures, from metal to plastics to concrete, that can’t be easily disassembled or reused.

The proposed basalt house in Iceland, a project co-led by J. Jih, associate professor of the practice in the Department of Architecture, is “an architecture that would be fully composed of the surrounding earth, that melts back into that surrounding earth at the end of its lifespan, and that can be recycled infinitely,” Tibbits explains.

Basalt, the most common rock form in the Earth’s crust, can be spun into fibers for insulation and rebar. Basalt fiber performs as well as glass and carbon fibers at a lower cost in some applications, although it is not widely used in architecture. In cast form, it can make corrosion- and heat-resistant plumbing, cladding and flooring.

“A monomaterial architecture is both a simple and radical proposal that unfortunately falls outside of traditional funding avenues,” says Tibbits. “The Bose grant is the perfect and perhaps the only option for our research, which we see as a uniquely achievable moonshot with transformative potential for the entire built environment.”

[jcmarchi]

MIT announces 2024 Bose Grants

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/mit-announces-2024-bose-grants/

MIT announces 2024 Bose Grants

MIT Provost Cynthia Barnhart announced four Professor Amar G. Bose Research Grants to support bold research projects across diverse areas of study, including a way to generate clean hydrogen from deep in the Earth, build an environmentally friendly house of basalt, design maternity clothing that monitors fetal health, and recruit sharks as ocean oxygen monitors.

This year’s recipients are Iwnetim Abate, assistant professor of materials science and engineering; Andrew Babbin, the Cecil and Ida Green Associate Professor in Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences; Yoel Fink, professor of materials science and engineering and of electrical engineering and computer science; and Skylar Tibbits, associate professor of design research in the Department of Architecture.

The program was named for the visionary founder of the Bose Corporation and MIT alumnus Amar G. Bose ’51, SM ’52, ScD ’56. After gaining admission to MIT, Bose became a top math student and a Fulbright Scholarship recipient. He spent 46 years as a professor at MIT, led innovations in sound design, and founded the Bose Corp. in 1964. MIT launched the Bose grant program 11 years ago to provide funding over a three-year period to MIT faculty who propose original, cross-disciplinary, and often risky research projects that would likely not be funded by conventional sources.

“The promise of the Bose Fellowship is to help bold, daring ideas become realities, an approach that honors Amar Bose’s legacy,” says Barnhart. “Thanks to support from this program, these talented faculty members have the freedom to explore their bold and innovative ideas.”

Deep and clean hydrogen futures

A green energy future will depend on harnessing hydrogen as a clean energy source, sequestering polluting carbon dioxide, and mining the minerals essential to building clean energy technologies such as advanced batteries. Iwnetim Abate thinks he has a solution for all three challenges: an innovative hydrogen reactor.

He plans to build a reactor that will create natural hydrogen from ultramafic mineral rocks in the crust. “The Earth is literally a giant hydrogen factory waiting to be tapped,” Abate explains. “A back-of-the-envelope calculation for the first seven kilometers of the Earth’s crust estimates that there is enough ultramafic rock to produce hydrogen for 250,000 years.”

The reactor envisioned by Abate injects water to create a reaction that releases hydrogen, while also supporting the injection of climate-altering carbon dioxide into the rock, providing a global carbon capacity of 100 trillion tons. At the same time, the reactor process could provide essential elements such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt — some of the most important raw materials used in advanced batteries and electronics.

“Ultimately, our goal is to design and develop a scalable reactor for simultaneously tapping into the trifecta from the Earth’s subsurface,” Abate says.

Sharks as oceanographers

If we want to understand more about how oxygen levels in the world’s seas are disturbed by human activities and climate change, we should turn to a sensing platform “that has been honed by 400 million years of evolution to perfectly sample the ocean: sharks,” says Andrew Babbin.

As the planet warms, oceans are projected to contain less dissolved oxygen, with impacts on the productivity of global fisheries, natural carbon sequestration, and the flux of climate-altering greenhouse gasses from the ocean to the air. While scientists know dissolved oxygen is important, it has proved difficult to track over seasons, decades, and underexplored regions both shallow and deep.

Babbin’s goal is to develop a low-cost sensor for dissolved oxygen that can be integrated with preexisting electronic shark tags used by marine biologists. “This fleet of sharks … will finally enable us to measure the extent of the low-oxygen zones of the ocean, how they change seasonally and with El Niño/La Niña oscillation, and how they expand or contract into the future.”

The partnership with sharks will also spotlight the importance of these often-maligned animals for global marine and fisheries health, Babbin says. “We hope in pursuing this work marrying microscopic and macroscopic life we will inspire future oceanographers and conservationists, and lead to a better appreciation for the chemistry that underlies global habitability.”

Maternity wear that monitors fetal health

There are 2 million stillbirths around the world each year, and in the United States alone, 21,000 families suffer this terrible loss. In many cases, mothers and their doctors had no warning of any abnormalities or changes in fetal health leading up to these deaths. Yoel Fink and colleagues are looking for a better way to monitor fetal health and provide proactive treatment.

Fink is building on years of research on acoustic fabrics to design an affordable shirt for mothers that would monitor and communicate important details of fetal health. His team’s original research drew inspiration from the function of the eardrum, designing a fiber that could be woven into other fabrics to create a kind of fabric microphone.

“Given the sensitivity of the acoustic fabrics in sensing these nanometer-scale vibrations, could a mother’s clothing transcend its conventional role and become a health monitor, picking up on the acoustic signals and subsequent vibrations that arise from her unborn baby’s heartbeat and motion?” Fink says. “Could a simple and affordable worn fabric allow an expecting mom to sleep better, knowing that her fetus is being listened to continuously?”

The proposed maternity shirt could measure fetal heart and breathing rate, and might be able to give an indication of the fetal body position, he says. In the final stages of development, he and his colleagues hope to develop machine learning approaches that would identify abnormal fetal heart rate and motion and deliver real-time alerts.

A basalt house in Iceland

In the land of volcanoes, Skylar Tibbits wants to build a case-study home almost entirely from the basalt rock that makes up the Icelandic landscape.

Architects are increasingly interested in building using one natural material — creating a monomaterial structure — that can be easily recycled. At the moment, the building industry represents 40 percent of carbon emissions worldwide, and consists of many materials and structures, from metal to plastics to concrete, that can’t be easily disassembled or reused.

The proposed basalt house in Iceland, a project co-led by J. Jih, associate professor of the practice in the Department of Architecture, is “an architecture that would be fully composed of the surrounding earth, that melts back into that surrounding earth at the end of its lifespan, and that can be recycled infinitely,” Tibbits explains.

Basalt, the most common rock form in the Earth’s crust, can be spun into fibers for insulation and rebar. Basalt fiber performs as well as glass and carbon fibers at a lower cost in some applications, although it is not widely used in architecture. In cast form, it can make corrosion- and heat-resistant plumbing, cladding and flooring.

“A monomaterial architecture is both a simple and radical proposal that unfortunately falls outside of traditional funding avenues,” says Tibbits. “The Bose grant is the perfect and perhaps the only option for our research, which we see as a uniquely achievable moonshot with transformative potential for the entire built environment.”

[shadowydreampaper]

Spotlight on Event Photography: Capturing Moments That Last Forever

In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world we live in, moments often flash before the blink of an eye. That is where the art of event photography comes into play, preserving those fleeting instants in a timeless and tangible form. 

Imagining the laughter at a joyous wedding, the happiness of a corporate gathering, or the excitement of a milestone birthday captured in vivid detail. These are the moments that event photographers specialize in capturing.

Blended with technical prowess and creative vision, event photographers are more than just observers; they are the guardians of memories that last forever. Join us as we delve into the world of event photography, discovering the artistry, and skill that turns into a work of art.

What Makes Event Photography Important?

Engaging in event photography is an enjoyable and demanding endeavor. It is unlike the controlled environment of indoor photography, where photographers have the luxury of various factors for an ideal image. They take charge of the light situations for good camera settings when shooting events.

Event photography thrives on the photographer's distinctive skills – be it within the confines of a photography studio or amid the dynamic setting of an on-location shoot. Here, the photographer's ability to capture the optimal shot prevails despite the absence of complete control.

Moreover, the focus shifts towards capturing candid moments that etch lasting memories rather than aiming for calculated shots. While precision remains pivotal for event photographers, the sharpness of mind truly matters, which enables them to recognize moments that translate into picture-perfect memories.

Furthermore, the artistry extends to the creative use of photo backdrops for events, adding depth and dimension to the photographs and event photo booth ideas that infuse an element of fun and excitement.

Types Of Event Photography

Event photography encompasses a wide range of occasions, each requiring a different approach to capture the essence of the event. Here are some common types of event photography:

Wedding Photography

Capturing moments from engagement shoots to the wedding ceremony and reception. It involves portraits, candid shots, and documenting all the emotions and details of the special day.

Corporate Event Photography

Covering conferences, seminars, trade shows, product launches, and company parties. The focus is on capturing speakers, attendees, networking moments, and the overall atmosphere.

Concert and Music Photography

Shoot live performances, festivals, and gigs. This involves capturing energetic stage moments, crowd reactions, and the overall vibe of the music event.

Sports and Action Photography

Documenting sports events, races, and competitions. This requires capturing fast-paced action, athletes in motion, and moments of triumph.

Social and Cultural Events 

Photographing cultural festivals, religious ceremonies, parades, and community gatherings. The goal is to capture the cultural significance and emotions of the event.

Birthday and Celebration Photography

Capturing moments from birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, and other personal milestones. Candid shots and group photos are typical in this type of event photography.

Trade Shows and Expos

Photographing trade exhibitions, showcasing products, and highlighting interactions between businesses and attendees.

Family and Portrait Events

Including family reunions, portrait sessions, and maternity photoshoots. These events often focus on capturing the relationships and emotions within the family.

Fashion Shows

Covering runway shows and fashion events, focusing on showcasing clothing designs and capturing the event's energy.

Graduation and Academic Events

Cover graduation ceremonies, conferences, and workshops. The focus is on capturing proud graduates, speakers, and the academic environment.

How Photo booths Enhance Event Photography?

Photo booths for events have turned out as the landscape of event photography. It brings a dynamic and interactive element that enhances the overall experience and event photography tips. These portable setups contribute to event photography lighting by providing controlled and consistent event lightings, ensuring well-lit and professional-looking shots. 

With adjustable photography background lighting, photo booths offer the flexibility to match the event's theme and mood. Including a photo backdrop stand and event backdrop further elevates the aesthetic. It is because they provide a polished and visually appealing background that complements the occasion. 

Dressed in thematic tablecloths for events or adorned with a captivating gold arch backdrop, photo booths emerge as stunning focal points within the event landscape. These dynamic setups not only seize candid moments and group shots, but also stimulate attendees to immerse themselves fully.

The meticulously curated ambiance of the photo booth transforms into a canvas for perfect snapshots, offering a unique space where interactions and emotions meld seamlessly. 

As guests enter this realm, they find themselves in an environment where fun and creativity meld harmoniously, with memories long after the event.

Cherish Those Timeless Moments With Event Photography and CV Linens!

In a world where moments come and go in the blink of an eye, event photography emerges as a powerful art form for the fleeting instants we hold dear. From the laughter of weddings to corporate gatherings, and birthdays, event photographers specialize in capturing these great memories. 

Enhance your artistry using quality event decorations supplies from CV Linens, where you can also get event decors in wholesale. Remember that the backdrop of cherished moments is ideal, creating an even more captivating tapestry of memories.

[theboywiththefreckles]

The New Employee (part 01)

(Sterek Au)

The real estate shares are rising and Derek can not be less happy, except that he is not, he is stressed.

He has worked tirelessly, lining his family's pockets, strengthening national and international relations, acquiring property. In conclusion, he has been busy; busy enough to have a life of its own.

He cannot give himself all the credit, since none of the achievements that the corporation has had is solely his, everything is due to the good strategy and coordinated planning that he has had with Laura; he's older sister.

"Mr. Derek", his sister's secretary enters his office, Derek doesn't get upset, because he had the door open, he also appreciates Erica very much. He nods slightly as she continues to check her mailbox to reassure him that he's paying attention. "I was just here to say goodbye," she says with a wistful smile.

Derek finally takes his eyes off the computer and turns his gaze to the blonde woman. He gives her a soft smile before getting up.

Until seven months ago Erica worked double, mainly Erica only handled Laura's schedule and arranged her documents or at least that's how it was until the blonde felt sorry for the pile of documents piled up on Derek's desk. "Does your maternity leave start today?" Derek asks looking down at her huge swollen belly, covered under her clothes.

Erica strokes her own belly lovingly. "Yes, I am very grateful to you and your sister, you have both been very generous to me." She gives Derek a smile.

Derek shakes his head. "I just gave you more work," he jokes.

Erica doesn't laugh at the joke, she knows that Derek has the same comedic chops as a log. "It's not out of my noble heart, Derek, the pay is excellent," she dares to say.

Derek suppresses a laugh from her and gives her a little grip on her shoulder. "Is there someone helping you carry your things?" he asks, looking in the direction of his office door, hoping someone was there, but he doesn't see anyone.

Erica looks back in the same direction and senses what her boss is thinking. "Yes, Boyd, she's helping me. She's waiting for me downstairs, actually," she clears herself with a slight blush on her cheeks.

Derek thinks that this time they can ignore the company rules, especially the part where relationships between employees are prohibited. Derek congratulates her some more and walks her downstairs to her reception.

Boyd is waiting for Erica near the entrance, Derek can see that in his left hand he is holding the box with Erica's things from work and in the other he is holding a large bouquet of flowers. Next to her Erica vibrates with happiness, her smile becomes gigantic in her small mouth.

"Mr. Hale." Boyd greets Derek politely and greets Erica with a beaming smile. An expression Derek and no one else had probably ever seen on Vernon's stony face.

"Boyd" Derek acknowledges him and gives him a light squeeze on the shoulder. "How is the pregnancy going?" Derek asks as Erica says goodbye to the receptionist.

"Wonderfully," Boyd replies a little nervously, shuffling his feet. "It's just…" he begins, "I'm going to be a father and I don't know if I'm ready, man. You know, I grew up with my grandmother." Boyd has a moment of relief with his boss, they are very good friends and Derek honestly appreciates the trust.

Derek supports him by holding the box in his hands. "I'm sure you'll be a great father, too Erica" he says as they both watch the blonde return.

"It's my lunch break, I'll take Erica home and come back" Boyd rushes to retrieve the box, but Derek stops him.

"I'll take this," Derek replies helpfully. "Instead, join your wife for the rest of the day," he offers, and Boyd silently thanks him as they walk across the parking lot.

When they get to the truck, Boyd opens one of the rear doors and gently lifts Erica up to help her into it. Erica's eyes light up, she appreciates her partner and loves that Boyd is so careful with her.

There is a small, almost imperceptible blush of embarrassment on Boyd's cheeks, his boss looks at him with a subtle amused smile. "Take good care of her." Derek requests by handing the box over to Vernon.

"You don't have to say it." Boyd receives her wife's belongings from her, puts them away, then climbs into the front seat.

"Derek." Erica calls out to him as she rolls down the automatic window.

Derek moves closer so she doesn't have to move too much on her seat. "You need something?" Derek asks.

"Increase my salary." She's joking, or maybe she's not, or at least that's what Derek thinks for a moment. "Recommend a friend to fill my position, he will be here tomorrow" She notifies him. Derek gives him a confused expression. "He's a bit clumsy, but he's a good guy and very efficient." Erica prompted.

Derek nods. "Okay. Did you talk to Laura?" He asks.

It's Erica's turn to nod. "The job is his, that's a fact. Don't be hard on him," she requests with a smile.

Derek shakes his head, knowing Erica is familiar with the fact that he's not a good person when it comes to hiring people who are familiar with his schedule and his personal life. "Okay," Derek concedes.

"Promise me," Erica demands innocently.

Derek allows himself to lose his composure for a moment in front of his friends and huffs. "I promise". He finally agrees and with that Boyd and Erica say their goodbyes and the van disappears out of the parking lot.

Then Derek goes back to his office.

A/N: Hi, I'm back on tumblr after not using it much. This is the second time I've ventured into writing Sterek content in a long time.

Please note my first language is not English, if you have any advice please let me know. I will be grateful to listen.

CEO Derek Hale has a secret. He likes to watch camboys and specifically the one called Little Red Riding Good. He's lewd, slutty, and ticks all of Derek's boxes. Just a good distraction from his busy work schedule.

Cue the new personal assistant to Laura, Stiles Stilinski. He looks and sounds exactly like Riding Good, even down to the sassy way he leans over and teases Derek. They aren't the same person though, they can't be.

And then one fateful night, on stream, Derek sees the company name tag and knows.

Derek isn't going to do anything. He just might go to Laura's floor a lot more, and maybe he accidently gets his documents sent up to the wrong floor so Stiles has to bring them down to him.

But he's not going to do anything.

(spoiler they do a lot of things.)

[naturally-recklessly]

NAVIGATION

｛ open starters ｝｛ about ｝｛ answers  ｝｛ visage ｝ ｛ aesthetics ｝ ｛ musings ｝｛ playlist ｝｛ wanted opposites ｝

STATS

GENERAL INFORMATION

FULL NAME Nana Elizabeth Serizawa | NICKNAME Nana-chan | BIRTHDAY 30th November | ORIENTATION Pansexual | STATUS Single | RELIGION Buddhist/Catholic | NATIONALITY Japanese-American | CURRENT LOCATION Los Angeles | SOCIAL CLASS Upper Class | SPOKEN LANGUAGES American English, Japanese and French | OCUPATION Fashion Designer

MOTHER Charlotte Jones-Serizawa | FATHER Raiden Serizawa | SISTER(S) Anna Serizawa (younger) | PET(S) An havanese mix dog, named Hachiko

FACECLAIM Olivia Lufkin | HAIR COLOR Brown | EYE COLOR Brown | HEIGHT 1.60 m (5ft 3in) | TATTOO(S) Lotus flower on the right shoulder blade

LIKES Being with family and friends, her dog, drawing, singing, baking, lotus flowers, Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) | DISLIKES Feeling trapped/controled, bigotry, spicy food, rainy days

QUALITIES Very kind and funny, loving friend, brave, open-minded and curious, loves to learn and experience new things, perfectionist and hard-working | FLAWS A little shy and naive, insecure, ruled by emotions, can be stubborn and somewhat reckless sometimes

BIOGRAPHY

First-born daughter of Raiden Serizawa, a japanese video game producer, and Charlotte Jones-Serizawa, an american English teacher working in Japan, Nana Elizabeth Serizawa was born in Tokyo, into a wealthy, influential family, and named after her paternal and maternal grandmothers. Living with her parents and her father's parents, Nana was everyone's golden child and very spoiled, although this never made her selfish or entitled. Smart, cheerful and kind-hearted, at three years old she welcomed her baby sister Anna (whose name is an anagram for her own name, an idea of their mother's) with overwhelming joy and pride, and has since then done her best to protect and be a good example for her. Since both their parents had demanding careers, Nana and Anna spent a lot of time with their very traditional grandparents and some of their old friends, which taught them a lot about respecting their own culture and traditions, as well as the elderly. They also spent some time at their father's younger sister's restaurant, mostly on weekends and holidays, where they loved to help and learned some recipes. To this day, Nana still loves to cook and bake for her loved ones.

At school, being Japanese-American, she always felt like a little alien, someone who didn’t belong anywhere, and became very withdrawn. Some japanese kids wouldn’t accept her as one of their own, and later, when at 10 years old her father was promoted to CEO of his video game company and the family moved to America, she was always “the japanese girl”. At first, she hated this, until she realized she had something the other kids would never have - she had full knowledge about two very different cultures, and two continents she could call home. Her split heritage made her more complete and she loved it.

Being a business man, her father had dreamt for his first-born daughter to also be a part of the corporate world and help him run the family business in the future, but Nana had other plans. She always knew she wanted to be an artist, for she was happiest when she was singing, drawing, dressing herself as one of her favourite characters and playing them, or even making clothes for her dolls. So when the time came to choose a career path, Nana decided to go to college and study fashion design, knowing she was disappointing her father. Much to her surprise, all of her family was supportive of her decision, because all they wanted was for her to be happy.

Still during college, Nana became a vegetarian and got closer to Takumi Ichinose, the son of his father's best friend and colleague. Charming and polite, Takumi conquered Nana's heart and the two started dating, eventually getting engaged during a trip to Japan. However, once back in America, Takumi started showing his true colors, revealing a manipulative and controlling side. When he told Nana that once they got married, she wouldn't be allowed to work, and her only concern should be raising the kids they would have, Nana felt trapped and underappreciated, which led her to angrily break off the engagement. Takumi didn't take this lightly, which resulted in both families cutting all ties and Takumi's father leaving Raiden Serizawa's company. Even though he hasn't told her anything, Nana knows her father resents her for the loss of his best friend.

After college, Nana started a paid internship and decided to move out, as she wanted to become more independent, so she rented a small studio apartment in Los Angeles and even adopted a little dog, Hachiko. At the moment, she works as a junior designer and also does freelance fashion illustrations for a couple of new brands in the market, but her dream is to create her own fashion brand, one that empowers and inspires women to dare to be different, so while she hasn’t achieved her dream yet, she’s working towards it. Despite being raised in a privileged environment, Nana is kind and understanding, always ready to help those in need and fight for what she thinks is right.

CONNECTIONS

Nana's younger sister, born when Nana was 3 years old and they've been best friends ever since. Anna is really outgoing and a little rebel, who always acts before she thinks and isn’t afraid of expressing her own opinions and asking questions. Anna is still at college studying journalism and lives with 3 roommates. ｛ # tagged posts ｝

A stylist at the fashion studio where she works at, Marcus and Nana didn't always get along, due to his competitiveness and their distinct creative visions. However, once they started cooperating, they realized they had more in common than they initially thought and are now best friends. Outgoing and energetic, he's the kind of friend one can always rely on, whether it is to party or bring each other soup on sick days. ｛ # tagged posts ｝

A charming market research analyst in the video game industry and the son of Nana's father's best friend. Cunning and ambitious, he will use any means to achieve his ends. They've always known each other, and eventually started dating and became engaged. Nana thought they were meant to be, but then he revealed a manipulative and controlling side, causing her to break up with him. After that, the families cut ties. ｛ # tagged posts ｝