#FRESH scrub face & body

[onedigital]

RINGANA revela las principales tendencias de cosmética para 2025

[stankycowboy]

Continued from X

@chainsawcutiie

Blue eyes snap open in the dark, acrid odors of smoke, old blood, and cheap booze washing over him. A bleary recollection begins to piece together in his mind. Slowly, he realizes where he is; unsure if he began the night here, nearly certain he did not. All around him in the not-so-finished basement are splayed out rockers in various arrays of disassembly; instruments and bodies mixed amongst one another in a bizarre display.

It was safe to surmise the gig had ended in quite the spectacle.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of surviving individuals, it seemed he was out a few band mates and a significant portion of their meager fan base. Shifting a few of the limp limbs off himself, Severen got to standing, a wide yawn cracking the dried smear of blood that coated his mouth—and face in general. Surveying the general area he was able to recover his guitar, more or less unharmed, leaning against an amp. Nearby it he found his case (at least he believed it to be his own), and placed the instrument, emblazoned with a bat and wolf, gently inside. The only one between object and owner to have a permanent residence.

Making his way up the creaking steps, Severen found the upper floor devoid of living presence. Clearly all the fun had been had downstairs. Setting the guitar down he cast about for a bathroom, finding one tucked away in a corner where he he was able to freshen himself up a bit.  Wet hands pressed back his dark waves, dirty nails scratching off the bits of gore that clung to his stubble. His eyes reflected back the scant light that filtered in from the dimmed “atmospheric” lighting, making him out as the nocturnal predator he was, however, his teeth had grown back to their standard, human shape. Rubbing his thumb over the flat edge of his front teeth he glowered, knowing they would still tear through the skin of any victim he may come upon, but there was an aspect of vanity that accompanied the sight of a set of fangs between his lips. There was not much else he prided in his appearance, for the better in this case as his clothing was a nod past “aesthetically tattered”, hedging into road worn, and his hair was starting to get shaggy.

Staring down at the dark stains across his tired shirt, declaring the name of their—his—band “Devil’s Own” in jagged font, Severen wondered if it was worth any effort to try to scrub them out. After a moment’s consideration he figured it wasn’t.

Leaving the bathroom, the first rumblings of hunger rising, he found his duffel bag tossed in a corner. He didn’t bother pawing through the contents, figuring few would find interest in the rolled up blankets, goggles, and other assorted items used as last ditch sun protection he routinely carried. Upon recovering his guitar, Severen absconded the abattoir, leaving the mess for another to discover.

The sorry excuse for a venue was sandwiched between the outskirts of the city and the roadway toward the suburbs. Usually, he would have kept further away from these more populace environments—easier to pick off stragglers while remaining unnoticed out in the boonies—but he didn’t have Jesse’s knack for marking out safe-houses. Without the assistance of his cadre of fellow blood drinkers, the now solitary hunter had found himself housed in much less comfortable environs than the motels, trailer parks, and abandoned garages he had grown accustomed to; though they had known their own slew of closets, trunks, and storm cellars as well. A meal was well and good, somewhere to escape the light of day was essential. Being stranded out at dawn digging a hole in the dirt was an experience a little too familiar to have him willing to take even greater risks than the nightly ones he had built a reputation with.  The old saying about beggars and their choices rang true, he could at least admit that he had gotten out of harms way —nearly— every time.

But those were thoughts he could return to later, the night was fresh, new, full of possibilities to explore; even more so if he could get himself surrounded by something other than the scattered trash that rolled around his snake-skin boots.

From out on the street he could see, and smell, a gas station up the road, just a short stroll away, a perfect spot to get his bearings. Maybe a pack of smokes while he was at it.

Securing both duffel and guitar over each shoulder, he shoved his hands into his pockets. As the sole occupant of the dreary street moseyed along he began to loudly whistle, thankfully in tune, accompanying the metallic jingle of his spurs.

Upon reaching the apparently vacant station he winced, the bright fluorescents that bathed the stained pavement reminding him he had forgotten his sunglasses. Guess he’d need to replace those too.

Severen entered, a chime declaring his presence to whatever denizens resided within. He snags a dark tinted pair of glasses from a stand by the door, slips them on and begins down an aisle, absently perusing though he already knows what he wants. Up by the counter he can hear the attendant mutter a welcome, sounding tired, or bored, probably both. He gives no response back.

Just as he reaches the end of the aisle, an end cap of discount cheez-its tempting him, he sees a lone car pull up to a pump. A bright, wicked smile crosses his pale face at his good fortune. It looked like he could rustle up a ride out of this dump after all.

A blonde emerged from the vehicle, a young woman who at first glance seemed an easy fit for a stereotype.

‘Don’t go callin’ a shot you ain’t aimed for’ he can hear Jesse scolding in the back of his mind. Severen grimaces at the reprimand, mostly because there is truth to the dead man’s words.

“Worry about yourself old timer”, he mutters, turning the corner and heading back up the aisle to the counter. He finds only a $5 bill in his pocket so substitutes gum for cigarettes, popping a piece into his mouth as he exits the store, ignoring any further engagement from the cashier.

It looks like the blonde paid at the pump because she is rounding the car toward the driver side door as he steps out onto the cement paving.

Well accustomed to getting himself rides, Severen readies his innocently charming act. A surge of adrenaline of a hunt just begun, races through his veins, he is glad his eyes are shaded for they surely betray the facade for what it is. Confidently, he strides up to the vehicle, stopping at the passenger side. 

The engine turns over, either a sign of dismissal, or lack of notice it is hard to be sure. He places a hand on the roof, almost possessively, leaning in toward the window; which happens to be rolled down just a crack. Though the hunger rises strong at the smell of human amidst the noxious fumes, he decides to try the path of least resistance.

He snaps his gum loudly.

“Howdy”.

Flashing a set of teeth that are clearly the most pristine part of him, he lets the glasses slide down his nose partially, revealing his full face.

“Seems to be I find myself stranded, mind if I get a lift?”

Inside he sees the blonde assessing him, eyes not lingering, measuring him in a more calculated fashion. She does not seem particularly amused, yet not entirely offended by his presumptive air. There is a deeper analysis of the situation he can see taking place behind her neutral expression, one had not been expecting from one of her supposed age. It is something he is used to seeing in veterans of combat, not teenagers. Severen finds himself intrigued. Glancing down he can see the door remains locked.

“Are you going to let me in?”

She shoots back a retort he has heard before, he replies sarcastically.

“Not tonight I’m not”. He answers with a brayed laugh, which wasn’t a complete fabrication, not yet at least. For a brief moment, the hunter thinks he may have forced himself into undertaking more brash action, as she remains cold, aloof. Suddenly she buckles, chuckling herself while agreeably offering him entry.

As she begins shifting the scattered objects in the front seat to the back, Severen’s attention is drawn to the bag she moves specifically behind the passenger seat. Not only is it notably within her grasp if necessary, there is a fascinatingly strong odor of gasoline coming from it. It is difficult to imagine what a young woman would be keeping inside, but he guesses it is nothing conventional.

Severen cannot help thinking of Diamondback, an easy going, quiet beauty who could embed a knife through a man’s forehead at 20 feet. It may be best to not assume too much about this one if he meant to make a meal of her.

When the door lock clicks he sidles in, arranging his belongings as best he can between his feet and closing the door.

“You’re my savior” he chortles good-naturedly, laying it on thick as Texas toast. He gives her a quick once over, acting like this is the first time he has gotten a good look at her.

“I was gonna offer’a buy you a drink as payment, but you look a little young. I ain’t gonna get you in trouble with your folks am I?” Severen plays concerned citizen well; it helps that there is an innate draw for most to dark hair and blue eyes, melting even the hearts of the wary.

“Hate to be a burden”.

It is the first outright lie he has told this night. He has every intention of being a burden. 

Mainly, he hopes it encourages her to tell him her plans for the evening so he can integrate into them, find the perfect opportunity to spring. A tune softly begins on the radio, he shifts his focus.

“I love this song, may I?” He reaches over for the knob, a test of her level of compliance— also a chance to listen to a song he genuinely liked.

Severen was ready to kick the night off right.

[stripper-patrick]

I like the barbies💓, but I want the Bratz😈Steve Rogers

Warnings: language, fluff, smut, dom!Steve, choking, degradation, oral (m), angst, angry!Steve, fingering, fluff, crying, slight sub!Steve

Tags: @rebellious-desires @mrsbanreswillseeyou @eclecticblkgirl

Relationship: Steve Rogers x black plus sized reader

Steve called a mandatory meeting but I’m not sure for what and I’m interested to see what he’s gonna say.

“Y/N” Scott calls and I turn around meeting him.

“Hey Scott”

“You look beautiful today” I can tell he likes me but usually I don’t pay attention because I’m so busy with work. See I work as a nurse but strictly for the avengers team. I interned for Stark and he hired me after a month seeing how good I work under pressure. Then that’s when I met Steve. They brought him to me when he was fresh out of the ice to which I took care of him as well as catching him up on the 66 years of history he had missed. He took a liking towards me and soon we started our best friendship which turned into a sexual relationship. I’d enjoy more but I don’t wanna ruin what we have so l handle this for now.

Me and Scott walk and talk together to the conference room where he opens the door for me “oh my god I’m so tired of wearing scrubs really I’d prefer to be in a big t-shirt and nothing else” I laugh. I notice I’ve caught Steve’s attention by that sentence. His blue eyes study my features of a short t-shirt dress and my silk-pressed ashy brown hair flowing gloriously on my shoulders with each step I take.

“Well I’m sure a lot of male patients would be very aroused by how good you’d look in either attire I know I would” I blush laughing and I catch a Steve’s eyes. The once ice blue orbs now turned into electric with what looks like lust and anger. Steve always was possessive but seeing as we aren’t together you’d think he’d let little things like this slide. But we’re both wrong.

Everyone piles in at once and we all sit down waiting for what Steve has to say. “For starters I’d like to thank everyone for coming to the meeting and as we know there’s a special event tonight the ultimate Christmas party Tony famously hosts every year but we don’t want it to be like the last time where we we’re attacked by robots which is something I never thought I’d said in my 99 years of life” he chuckles “let’s remember to have fun but keep the compound secure and safe as well”

“That was all you called us for?” Scott asks. He had a tendency to get under Steve’s skin often bringing up his past and on one occasion he even mentioned our extraordinary 74 year ago gap and Steve nearly put him in a full Nelson.

“It is is there a problem?” I can see Steve is boiling but I don’t know why

“No problem at all captain” he chuckles

“Good everyone’s dismissed” he calls “except for Y/N” my heart starts beating faster and I watch everyone leave. I avoid eye contact with Steve but the second I catch him (gif), I feel my wetness start to collect between my thighs. The door is shut and I stand up walking towards him. I do a half sit on the table as he strides towards me placing his hands on either sides of my hips coming about eye level to me. The smell of his mint toothpaste and Armani cologne is breathtaking.

“I don’t like how he talks to you or even looks at you”

“Who Scott? We’re just friends”

“He wants you Y/N and I’m sure he has a sense that something is going on between us so if he could he’d taste you right in front of me” Steve parts my legs stepping between them

“Nonsense Steve it’s not even like that. You’re just being over-protective and jealous. For what? I don’t know”

“Because you’re mine” his hand slides between my thighs as his calloused finger rubs my wet clit before sliding between my folds. My upper body slouches down as I push my hands behind me on the table to keep my balance. My eyes shut and I bite my lip holding back a moan.

“How can that be the case yet we’re not together?” I ask

“That doesn’t mean you aren’t mine” he says sliding a finger in. My body opens up to him. I’m feeling so many different emotions. Mad, sexually frustrated, horny, appalled. I don’t know what to do. He continues pumping slowly to torture me. My body shakes and he holds up my chin forcing me to look into his eyes. Steve curls his fingers making my body jolt. He moves his hand in a quick all-of-a-sudden pace slamming on my g-spot. My body rocks and my moans get louder. Steve covers my mouth “be a good girl for me and cum on my hand princess” my legs shake and next thing I know I’m convulsing against him trying to press my thighs together. My back arches as he pumps me dry. Once I come to my sense I watch Steve lick his fingers with a smirk.

“If you want me to officially” I stand up slowly watching him take a step back “you know what to do” I walk out going straight to my room. I take a deep breath as my wobbly legs force me to sit on the nearby chair. I’ve gotta start getting ready for this party. I bring myself together walking to the shower turning it on hot.

.....

I’m all dressed and ready for the party and I hear a bunch of people downstairs and the slow jazz music awaiting. I take one last look on the mirror at my outfit which is white mid rise bell bottoms, a double breasted blazer and a lace white bra that exposes the breast tattoo Steve likes so much. I grab my bedazzled clear heels sliding them on before heading downstairs. I stand at the top of the steps just grabbing some alone time before I merge with the crowd. A body slides next to me and I think it’s Steve until I meet eyes with someone else. Scott.

“Oh my god Y/N you look incredible” I smile thanking him keeping my eyes on the crowd “Jesus if I were Steve I wouldn’t let you walk out like that” I chuckle

“Scott I do what I want relationship or not”

“Speaking of what’s going between you and the crypt keeper” he takes a sip of his drink and I feel eyes burning into me. I look down seeing Steve staring right back at me. Sharon is staring at him like she hasn’t eaten in days and I feel my blood boil. He excuses himself and I watch him walk towards the steps.

“Nothing we’re just friends and coworkers”

“Hmm” he hums in disapproval. Steve meets us at the top with a fake smile on his face.

“Excuse me Scott I’d like to borrow Y/N for a minute” he grabs my arm whisking me away without even allowing Scott to comply.

Steve takes me to a dimly lit hallway and I yank my arm away “have you lost your damn mind” by this point I’m pissed. I get that Steve has attachment issues but that doesn’t mean he can control who I talk to let alone get mad that another guy is giving me attention when all he does is work and fuck me.

“Maybe. What the hell are you doing after I told you Scott is trying to get what’s mine”

“Steven how the fuck can I be yours and we’re not dating. And you know why we aren’t dating because you’re still strung up on Sharon who just so happened to be undressing you mentally”

“She was not” he scoffs. I squint my eyes in anger “It’s obvious Scott only wants to fuck you”

“And what the fuck do you actually get to do. Fuck me that’s it. You don’t know how bad I actually wanna be with you but the only thing we can do is fuck so don’t say shit about anyone else’s place when you’re actually participating in the act just using the same mindset” I storm away from him and walk downstairs mixing myself in the crowd.

“Y/N you look great” Pepper says “woah what’s wrong”

“Nothing I’m fine” I say. She knows me better than anyone else and she grabs my hand. She excuses herself from Tony and we head to the bathroom.

“Talk to me” a tear slips and I wipe it careful not to mess up my makeup. I explain to her what happened and she shakes her head

“Men are so stupid” she hugs me making me laugh. She helps me fix my makeup and it doesn’t look too bad. Pepper walks out with me our locked together and we go straight to the bar “4 vodka shots please”

The bartender grabs the Smirnoff bottle pouring the liquor into the small glasses setting them in front of us. She hands me 2 and I grab one glass tipping my head back letting the liquid glide down my throat leaving a fiery trail. My face scrunches up and the DJ spins the record stopping the smooth jazz.

I watch as Tony gets on the mic “I feel like we need to amp this party up some more” the crowd agrees as the DJ turns the music up putting on Meg Thee Stallion’s song Freak Nasty.

I take my second shot grabbing a lime to chase the liquor and replace the fiery taste in my mouth. My chest burns as the liquid courage smoothes down singeing my sternum.

I feel myself migrate to the dance floor rocking to the beat of the music. I bend over shaking my ass and I feel a body slide behind me. I’m not sure who it is but the guys hands slide around my waist keeping me close. “Damn baby can I take you home” before I’m able to pull whoever this is off of me Steve grabs him.

“Get your fucking hands off my girl” I watch Steve pull the guy away and he grabs my arm pulling me upstairs to his bedroom. I can tell he’s livid.

“Y/N what the fuck”

“I didn’t even know it wasn’t you” I say nonchalantly standing up “and again I don’t see why you’re mad we aren’t even-“ he cuts me off with a kiss and a hand pressed to my throat. Steve is quick to lay me on the bed still holding me in his powerful kiss. Steve pulls off my jacket moving his lips to my neck and breasts. I bite my lip holding back a moan. His hands slip into my pants undoing them and my legs fall open for him. I feel his erection against my thigh as he rubs my wet swollen clit begging for attention.

“Don’t stop” instead Steve does the opposite and stands up. I pull off my pants and soaked black thong. Steve undresses his bottom half and grabs my legs pulling me to the end of the bed. He taps his dick on my clit making me writhed before he finally pushes himself in me.

I grab his arm as he continues his assault breathing heavily near my ear. His moans are guttural and low as he nips at my ear. “Just like that please Steve” he pushed my thighs back on the bed stroking me down harder. My jaw drops and I lift my arms above my head gripping the sheets behind me.

“You look so fucking good doll” I whimper holding him close to me. The thought of Sharon taking him away from me overwhelms me and a tear slips. Or it could be from just how good he’s pounding out my pussy.

“Look at you. A beautiful fucking mess. My beautiful fucking slut” he bites my collarbone quick to put my legs on his shoulders.

“Steve please”

“What do you want? Use your words” I can’t even think. I’m not sure what I want so I let my heart do the talking

“Don’t leave me”

“I won’t baby girl. Fuck you look so pretty taking my dick like that”

“Steve” I moan. His strokes increase as he wraps his hand tighter around my throat

“Nobody is allowed between my pretty little sluts thighs but me” my release is on the brink as he keeps talking to me like this “and if they try... I’ll kill them”

“I’m cumming” my legs shake uncontrollably as my hips buck upward.

“Cum for me please” he whimpers. I muster up the strength and flip us over riding him. I grind hard on Steve as he coats my walls in his juices whimpering my name.

I keep bucking my hips watching him squirm. I slow down and collapse on his chest feeling his dick pulse inside of me.

“You’re mine” he rasps

“I’m yours” I smile

“We’re going on a date tomorrow to solidify it but for right now will you be my girlfriend?” He smiles

“Of course” I laugh as he kisses my head.

[aliciameade]

It Really Builds

Title: It Really Builds Author: aliciameade Rating: E for Everything I Write is Smut Pairing: Beca/Chloe Summary: Post PP3. They were roommates. (They were not quarantined.) Chloe likes to try new bath and body products. She leaves them in the shower for Beca to try. Beca’s not sure Chloe meant to leave one particular product behind labeled “pleasure balm.”

You’re welcome @becabottommitchell​.

Also on AO3

“Dude, seriously?” Beca laughs to herself. She’d reached somewhat distractedly for her conditioner. Her mind was trying to work out a hook for a new song she’d been sent; the song was terrible but she knew she could strip it down to nothing and build it back up into something good.

She stares at the compact green bottle she’s retrieved. It is not the blue bottle of conditioner she’d intended to grab. It’s unfamiliar and definitely not hers. Chloe always has new bath and body products in the shower. She loves trying the latest fad and there’s not a week that goes by that there’s not some new type of scrub, oil, cleanser, purifier, or detoxifier crammed onto one of the overflowing shelves of the shower they share.

(Beca’s still trying to get rid of the stain caused by a particularly potent bath bomb.) 

Sometimes Beca tries them out of curiosity; it’s hard to pass up promises of smaller pores or glowing skin.

She’s about to flip the cap on this one after noticing something about it being spearmint and assuming it’s meant to revitalize her face when she does a double-take to actually read the packaging.

Kama Sutra Pleasure Balm

Beca’s not an idiot. Nor is she a prude. She doesn’t have to guess what its purpose is or how it’s used, though she’s never tried it before.

She’s also not surprised Chloe has such a thing. She is, however, amused that she left it in the shower.

And since Beca is not an idiot, she quickly realizes that meant Chloe was using it in the shower at some point between yesterday and today because she doesn’t recall seeing the distinct emerald green bottle when she showered yesterday.

That thought does a few things to her. It makes her blush, it makes her drop the bottle to the bathtub floor, and it turns her on.

She hates herself a little bit for that. Whatever she and Chloe are (they are friends), she knows it’s not cool to get aroused by thoughts of her doing...whatever she was choosing to do with her pleasure balm.

(Beca has a pretty good idea.)

Angry at herself, she grabs the conditioner and works it through her hair, glaring at the bottle sitting on top of the drain by her feet which has sparked all kinds of thoughts in her mind.

Unfortunately, she has nothing else to occupy herself with as she waits the recommended three minutes for her conditioner to do whatever it does and finally stoops to retrieve it and put it back on the shelf where she found it.

Except instead of putting it back, she’s turning the bottle over to read instructions about dabbing it on pleasure points to let the fun begin. 

And she knows, she knows curiosity killed the cat, but she can’t help it. Thoughts of Chloe touching herself right where Beca stands now have consumed her, fogged up her rational brain with a need to seek her own relief.

And if it works for Chloe, it makes her want to try it all the more.

“Whatever,” she says and flips the cap open to put a dab of clear gel, the scent of mint immediately filling the steamy shower, on her fingertip before she returns it to the shelf.

She doesn’t have to be a scientist to figure out what will probably be the most interesting place to put it. She slips her fingers between her legs to brush it over and around her clit and rinses off her hands. 

She had expected an instantaneous reaction but there’s little more than a faint tingling sensation. Disappointing, really.

Instead of waiting it out, she gives up and rinses the conditioner out of her hair. The moment has passed and she feels kind of dumb and a little wrong for using something so personal of her roommate’s.

Shame creeping up the back of her neck she hops out of the shower, works a towel through her hair until it’s no longer dripping, and wraps her favorite fresh, fluffy one around her body.

She’s two steps away from her room when the product decides to kick in.

“Oh, fuck,” she says, actually tripping and slamming her shoulder into the door frame as she tries to hurry into her room. It makes her curse again which gets Chloe’s attention, head popping out from her room across from Beca’s.

“You okay?”

“Fine,” she says, not noticing how breathless she is until she hears herself. It’s not a faint tingle anymore; it’s a full-on sensory assault. She might as well have an ice cube between her legs. She’d slam the door if she could remember how to use her limbs.

“Are you sure?” Chloe’s voice is getting closer and it’s laced with genuine worry. Beca knows what comes next: Chloe touching her out of concern.

She hisses when Chloe’s hand touches right between her bare shoulder blades. Every inch of her feels like it’s on fire and also in an ice bath. 

Beca has many regrets right now. Such as her inappropriate curiosity. Her underestimation of what had appeared to be a relatively innocuous substance. Not keeping her shit together long enough so she could make it into her room and lock the door and do...whatever it was going to take to answer the demands her body’s suddenly making. The fact that when she’s turned on, her mouth and the rational part of her brain don’t always communicate.

“Dude, what the fuck with that Kama Sutra shit in the shower?”

She realizes she says the words but doesn’t have the capacity to try to take them back.

Chloe’s hand disappears and there’s a muffled sound behind her; she doesn’t have to turn around to know that Chloe’s covering her mouth in an attempt to not laugh. “Oh, my God, Bec.” She drops her hand away, voice clear once again. “Did you use it?”

“Shut up,” Beca growls, spinning around, half-embarrassed, half-generally confused as to why she’s not kicking Chloe out right now. She’s managed to stumble at least a couple of steps into her room. She could slam the door in her face if she wanted to.

Chloe’s laugh is even louder this time. “Your face is, like, beet red. Did you not know what it was?”

“I knew what it was,” Beca bites.

Chloe’s eyebrows raise at that and Beca can’t help but notice Chloe kind of eyes her up and down. “It’s on you right now?”

“No, I’m just generally this horny when I get out of the shower.” Her own eyes go wide at her admission but she still can’t manage to rescind her words.

Chloe’s entire demeanor seems to shift. Even her voice is different. Quieter. “Where did you use it?”

“Where do you think?” Beca has to shift her stance. It’s like the evil fucking gel is listening to their conversation and choosing to amp up its intensity based on what’s being said. However, the shift, minor as it is, feels like ice water pouring between her legs and her entire body shudders.

It’s obvious Chloe notices; her teeth suddenly snag her bottom lip and she looks at Beca in a way Beca’s not unfamiliar with. She’s seen Chloe look that way at other people before kissing them.

“How is it?” Chloe asks, voice still quiet. She takes a tentative step forward with the question and alarm bells sound in Beca’s brain but she doesn’t know what to do about them.

“Intense,” she manages to squeak. It’s almost starting to burn which is a new, not unwelcome sensation.

“It helps if you touch it.”

Beca should probably be surprised Chloe would have masturbation recommendations for her but she’s really not. “Yeah, well...there’s the door,” she says with a jutting of her chin in that direction.

“Yeah,” Chloe says absently, still moving closer step by step until Beca has to take a step backward that does not go ignored by what’s happening between her legs. 

A whimper escapes her lips and she immediately clenches her jaw.

“I can show you.”

Beca just stares. Because Chloe seems to have just offered to put Beca out of her misery.

“If it’s okay with you,” Chloe continues, still moving forward until Beca’s legs hit the edge of her bed.

She doesn’t sit; she’s not sure what will happen if she does. Spontaneously combust, probably. “Um…” Say yes. Just say yes, dummy.

Chloe’s eyes feel hot when they meet Beca’s. “Because I’d like to show you.”

Another shiver chooses that moment to zing through her, right when she opens her mouth, and her, “Okay,” comes out more like a moan than anything.

The way Chloe steps into her space, Beca fully expects to be kissed. She even keeps her lips parted and wets them, only for Chloe to stop short of that. “Tell me if you want me to stop.”

Beca nods dumbly; she knows she’s not going to tell Chloe to stop whatever is about to happen.

She feels the graze of fingertips on her inner thigh, higher than the edge of her towel, and her knees nearly give out. It shouldn’t feel that good, not there, but every inch of her is on edge, every nerve on high-alert, and a hand flies out, unthinking, to grab and hold on to Chloe’s shoulder.

“You weren’t kidding,” Chloe murmurs with a soft smile, mostly to herself it seems. Beca doesn’t really respond. She can’t. Not when Chloe’s fingers are traveling up her thigh. Chloe, her friend since she was 18. Chloe, her friend with whom she’s been through thick and thin. Chloe, the woman she’s lived with, in some arrangement or another, for nearly eight years. Chloe, the person she’s been in love with for as long as she’s known her.

She has to close her eyes; it’s too much to watch Chloe watching her for reactions and Chloe’s fingers are dangerously close to intimate territory.

Beca hadn’t bargained on her body being as aroused as it is, though, and that arousal and the incessant, subconscious clenching of her thighs has traveled beyond the source. She feels Chloe’s fingers find and slip through slickness sooner than she had expected.

“Oh, Beca…” Chloe sighs and Beca feels her move closer. She doesn’t dare open her eyes to look but she can sense her, can feel the warmth radiating from her body and her breath against her own lips. Her fingers’ advance pauses, though, and she feels her moving slowly back and forth along the wet patch on her right thigh. “Are you sure?”

She knows she should say something more like, ‘yes,’ but what comes out instead is, “Please.”

Chloe’s exhale is sudden. There’s so much unspoken communication with it that it makes Beca’s head spin more than it already is. “Okay,” she says and Beca feels the word against her lips. “I’m going to touch you.”

The words ‘you already are’ flit through Beca’s mind but they don’t make it any further. Her fingers dig into Chloe’s shoulder in anticipation and though Chloe isn’t really teasing her, it still feels like it takes a year and a half for something to happen.

When it does, when Chloe’s fingertip grazes Beca’s clit, Beca can’t breathe.

In a more normal circumstance, she’s sure she wouldn’t have been able to breathe, either.

But this...when her body is on fire from whatever that balm was already doing to her…

The word, “Fuck” forms and dies on her lips and her hips tilt [somewhat embarrassingly if she cared; she doesn’t] forward.

She hears what sounds like a moan, but it came from Chloe. It makes her hips buck again, already seconds from coming, and she feels Chloe’s touch disappear.

“No, don’t,” she whines. Pathetic. She’s totally pathetic.

Chloe shushes her and she can hear the way she’s chuckling through it. “Sit down.”

The concept of sitting, of putting so much pressure and so many contact points around the part of her body that is screaming so loudly that it’s deafening, scares her and her entire body stiffens.

“Beca,” Chloe repeats, actually laughing this time, “just sit down.” She actually pushes Beca and with the bed already flush against her calves, Beca has nowhere to go but down.

As expected, it’s a rush of stimulation that makes her shudder and forces her to grit her teeth because she’s definitely on the precipice of orgasm, and it just seems like way too soon for that. She’s not even sure she wants to orgasm with Chloe.

(Kidding. She 150% wants to orgasm with Chloe. It’s just not something she thought she’d be doing when she woke up today.)

“Can I show you what I like?” Chloe asks as she nudges Beca’s knees apart with her own. Her eyes linger particularly long on Beca, but not on her face, and Beca glances down in concern to notice her towel is just sitting limply around her waist and in her lap.

It must have fallen when she sat; she hadn’t been thinking about babysitting her towel. She grabs for it immediately, meaning to cover up her nudity, but Chloe’s hand stops her from reaching it.

“Don’t,” Chloe says as she starts to kneel. It makes Beca’s mouth go dry. “I like seeing you.”

Beca swallows and lets her hands rest on the bed and tries to not pass out.

“So, can I show you?”

“Um,” Beca has to clear her throat to get her voice to work. “Okay.”

Chloe smiles up at her; it would be innocent if not for what was happening right now. “Awes.” She nudges Beca’s legs wider to accommodate the width of her shoulders and glances up at Beca after a few seconds. “Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” she manages, not sure where the strength or brain power came from. Maybe the adrenaline that’s kicking in from being naked on a bed with Chloe on her knees in front of her asking to show her something she likes.

Chloe just giggles (such a pretty sound), and Beca feels hands run up her legs from her ankles to her calves to her knees to her thighs which Beca feels not unpleasant twinges of a stretch in as Chloe eases them wider still; it forces her to put her hands behind herself to prop herself up.

She watches until it’s too much. She closes her eyes and waits. She feels the soft touch of lips against her thigh and a moan escapes her, though the moan turns into a groan when a gentle stream of air blows across her throbbing, tingling, aching clit.

“Oh, holy shit,” she says when it subsides.

Chloe’s voice sounds smug. “Told you.”

Then another stream of air, this one lighter but it lasts longer and Beca’s entire body tries to arch into it.

“Lay back,” Chloe says, her voice sounding oddly unsteady. Beca does as she’s told, though, and lets herself fall backward to lie down as she feels her legs being lifted and shifted until she realizes they’ve been put over Chloe’s shoulders.

“Fuck,” she whines as her shoulders dig into the mattress and her heels into Chloe’s back to try to push herself closer as more air flows over her. It’s broken now, rhythmic little puffs of air that start her hips rocking to match the beat.

There’s a quiet moan from Chloe. Then, “Do you like it?”

“Yes. Fuck,” she adds with another groan when she feels Chloe’s words float over her. Because her mouth is that close to her cunt. It’s so close that she can feel Chloe’s breath on her clit when she speaks. The thought sends her hand flying down and into Chloe’s hair; she’s fantasized about this so many times and needs to feel her there. Needs to anchor herself. “Please don’t stop.”

“I won’t.” The words are breathed hotly over her and Beca knows it was done with purpose. 

It makes her hips jerk hard and then cool air returns, unpredictable patterns that drive her arousal higher and higher until she doesn’t think it’s possible to be any more turned on without coming. Without even being touched. She’s fighting it, waiting for something and she doesn’t realize what it is until, on instinct, she tugs on Chloe’s hair and hears her moan just as the tip of a tongue grazes her clit.

Beca would swear if she could but instead, she just groans and presses her hips up and tries to pull Chloe closer.

She knows Chloe’s being gentle on purpose; she would probably explode if there was any vigorous contact with her right now, but the way Chloe’s so delicately lapping at her aching clit makes her want to beg to be taken so much more roughly than what is happening.

But Chloe is taking her.

Beca’s voice is unholy; every touch of Chloe’s tongue to her flesh makes her body try to leap out of itself. The hand not tangled in Chloe’s hair fists in the quilt beneath her.

She must say or do something that tells Chloe how close she is because she hears Chloe saying, “Yes,” over and over again, though the word is distorted because her tongue doesn’t leave Beca’s clit.

When she comes, the world around her shatters.

She feels it in her brain, in her hands, in her feet, in her thighs and stomach and breasts but nowhere more so than between her legs where Chloe’s lips are touching her so, so softly despite how wildly her body is bucking. She hears it, too. Hears the way she sounds. Desperate and wanton and being released from agony. She hears Chloe, too, moaning with every breath she takes, and hearing it only draws out what already felt impossibly long.

She goes limp when it finally passes, fingers retreating from Chloe’s hair so she can use both hands to cover her face and muffle the delirious laugh that explodes from her.

“You’re laughing?” echoes up to her and she feels Chloe moving her legs off her shoulders so they hang freely again. 

It only makes her laugh harder; it’s all too much. What just happened. The entire scenario. The massive orgasm that Chloe’s mouth had just given her.

She feels the bed dip and move after several seconds and then feels the warmth of bare skin pressing against her own, thigh to arm, and a hand drags one of her own down from her face.

It’s Chloe, of course. Chloe who, with one quick glance to confirm, has stripped herself naked and gotten into bed with Beca. Chloe whose face is flushed and eyes are dark and hair is mussed and who looks ready to quite literally devour [again] her at any second (she would let her. She would sooooo let her.)

“What’s so funny?” Chloe asks with a smile as she pulls Beca’s other hand away.

Beca’s still trying to formulate a response when Chloe’s mouth claims hers.

It’s not gentle or tentative; it’s hot and all-consuming and Beca opens her mouth to her tongue immediately.

She’s still moaning from the unexpected kiss when she feels her lips start to tingle.

She hadn’t considered that.

That it would transfer from Beca’s clit to Chloe’s lips (oh, my God) to Beca’s lips. But it has and it amps up her raw senses even more until she’s blindly reaching for Chloe’s hand and dragging it between her legs.

“Seriously?” Chloe laughs against her lips before flicking her tongue over Beca’s and her fingers over her clit. “God, you are amazing like this.”

“Shut up.”

“You are,” Chloe says, fingers already setting a pattern against Beca. “But I’ll shut up now.”

Beca’s nodding as she works her arm under and around Chloe so she can keep her close. “Good.”

The End

[belladonnaandulriched]

amped and wired, part two | chapter seven: bloody mary

It was so good to climb into a shower—it had been such a long day after all. The feeling of the warm water against my body and my head was something I had yearned for even upon waking up or even when Lars and I left with Brick for the hockey rink. Mrs. Hamilton was kind enough to wipe down the inside of the shower after she had used it, and she was kind enough to keep the knit mat down on the floor upon my climbing out.

There was a part of me that wanted her to be in that tiny bathroom, though, but only because I wanted her to scrub my hair for me. I always loved that feeling of having someone else scrub my hair for me; but I had what I had at the moment and there was nothing more I could ask for.

I thought about what Lars had told me before, about his deceased wife. I could admit that it was understandable in that he had difficulty in talking about it with someone but I had this odd feeling within me about it. I kept on thinking about his belching problem, how his breath always smelled like meat immediately following. Surely, there had to be an explanation for it, much like how there was an explanation for everything up to that point.

I stood back and let the shower pour over my chest and shoulders. I brought a hand to my chest to feel it cascading over the backs of my fingers and my knuckles. I took a look down at the fine brown skin on the back of my hand and at the very shape of my fingers, how they crept along all spindly and narrow, much like the legs of a spider.

That dream continued to linger in the back of my mind, too.

Even as the warm water hit my chest, I couldn't help but think back to the full details of it. The very digging into my chest and my stomach and absolutely tearing me to fine sinewy shreds... it made my head itch. 

Another thing I didn’t understand about Lars’ explanation was the whole thing about the warehouse.

Why lie like that? Why say that and not expect me to even so much as look over there given it was out in the open? It just made no sense to me as I turned around to rinse out my hair.

I tilted my head back so it would wash over the crown of my head.

Speaking of crowns, I wondered about Scott, Frankie, and Charlie as they bunked over there in Black Orchid. For some reason, I imagined us all becoming a commune of sorts. A small, tightly packed commune there in upstate New York as a bunch of bone broke artists being cared for by a horde of strippers. We would make art, have fun, and if anyone wanted to join us in it, they were more than welcome to do so.

Eat, drink, and be merry because it didn’t matter... we all are going to die and have our flesh reused for something else.

I turned back around for another scrubbing of my chest and my face. I looked down at myself, at my stomach, my hips, and my thighs, as the water made its way down my legs to my ankles and my feet, and towards the drain. The whole shower smelled of my shampoo and my soap, and I was in a state of bliss.

One more rinse and then I switched off the water, and let the residual droplets trickle down from my skin. I reached behind my head to wring out my curls of the remaining water when I caught Mrs. Hamilton and Lars discussing something in the next room.

Something moved out of the corner of my eye, too. Something beyond the shower curtain.

I nudged it back in time to catch the faint wisp of Mrs. Snow right as she faded out into nothing.

Ah, yes, the nurse who loved me.

Of all the ghosts who lived with me there, she was the one I could never figure out the origin of. Mr. Lang was the old man from the military, Vera was a little girl, Nerissa was a troubled vixen, but Mrs. Snow was the oddball of the bunch, kind of like how I was the oddball of Anthrax. The few times I had seen her at night when I couldn’t sleep too well, or I was jarred awake by something, I always thought she had made her way over here from a hospital that ceased to exist by some dark magic.

She wore these pale white scrubs and the first time I got a real good look at her, I noticed the shape of a snake on the left side of her chest. It took me days to figure out that that was the symbol for a medical person, a nurse. But she also had a cross around her neck, so I had always assumed that she was more than a nurse, but a member of the church, too. Which church, I had no idea.

But I always found it interesting that whenever she showed up before me, I was always naked, like she wanted to do something to me for being in the buff. And thus I came up with this theory that she only appeared whenever I was about to get down and get going with myself—the first time I ever saw her was when I lay in bed with no clothes on and I had a little bit of a rise going to boot. I wasn’t using my hands, but there was something going there.

She could blame Nerissa all she wanted but the fact of the matter was that she always came whenever I was naked, and the shower was no exception.

Those white scrubs appeared in the bright bathroom light for a second and then she disappeared. It was right then I reached out to the towel rung for my towel, which I put upon my head first before I wrapped it around my waist.

I rubbed my eyes, and stepped out of the tub and onto the mat down there on the floor. I held the edges of the towel with one hand and used the other to steady myself.

In the next room, I caught the sound of Mrs. Hamilton laughing. I wanted to hurry up and join in on it, but I needed to dry off first and put my clothes back on.

I leaned forward to wipe off the condensation from the surface of the mirror to better look at myself. In the reflection, I gazed into my own two eyes and my own round face, and the black disheveled dripping curls tousled onto one side of my head and over my shoulder. I leaned back to better examine myself, my slender body. I even turned to the side a bit to look at myself.

I thought back to that dream I had had. Laid out on the table, strapped down, and wide awake with no anesthesia and under a thing that gave off x-rays. Remembering it somewhat, I noticed my body was a lot thicker than normal, given my waist was quite thin, narrow in fact, far more narrow than when I first joined Anthrax. 

It was like I dreamed about twenty-year-old me getting slashed open and carved for clone making, given my waist was sort of on the full side and the nurse called me a boy. Slaughtering the still slightly adolescent version of myself.

I spotted something behind me and it took me a second to realize it was Mrs. Snow emerging and then vanishing into nothing again.

I wasn’t fully naked given I had a towel around my waist, but I could feel her presence against the right side of my body: when she vanished, a wave of chills shot across my skin from the right side over to my left, and prior to then, I was feeling warm. In fact, the whole bathroom grew cooler within a matter of seconds. I turned my head to the mirror right as the condensation stuck in place and turned to ice crystals.

I swallowed down the burgeoning firm feeling inside of my throat, and fixed the edge of the towel against my waist, and I got the hell out of there. I didn’t care if I had on just a towel—I needed to get away from that freezing room. 

Mrs. Hamilton laughed again and Lars joined in with her. I stepped into my room and closed the door part of the way behind me. I strode over to the lamp on my nightstand: bright yellow light shone over every corner of the room.

I gave my hair a toss back from my chest. Still too wet, and being in a room that grew cold within a matter of seconds didn’t help in the least so to speak. I took off the towel and I put it upon the crown of my head to rub those curls dry.

It was oddly warm in my room.

And then I realized one of them turned on the furnace for me. Granted, the thermostat had a mind of its own at times but it was better than standing there in the middle of the room with no clothes on my body. I cocked out my hips a little bit as I pushed my hair up off my neck and my back. I was alone in my room with nothing on. I was letting myself hang out and feel for my own good, before I did anything else.

“Oh, hello, Joey!” Mrs. Hamilton said from behind me. I yelped out and lunged forward—lucky for me, I was right in front of my bed. She still saw my naked ass, though. I pulled the towel down onto my back, but it was useless at that point.

“That won’t be the first time I saw a cute little ass like yours!” she giggled.

“Mrs. Hamilton!” I cried out from the mattress. I lifted my head and shifted myself onto my side. She had poked her head inside but it was still enough for her to see me naked from behind. Some of those still rather wet strands of hair found their way into my mouth.

“Ha, I just wanted to see how you were doing given you were taking a while in the shower just now,” she confessed.

“Can I—“ I stopped to spit out some of the hair. “—can I at the very least get my fat ass in a pair of pants?”

“What about his pants?” Lars called out from the next room.

“He needs ‘em!” Mrs. Hamilton replied.

“Come on!” I groaned.

“You really do have a tight ass, Joey,” she continued. “Nice and tight and full.”

“MRS. HAMILTON!” I shouted.

“Come on back here!” Lars called out again.

“Okay, okay, just you know...” She flashed me a wink 

“You like what ya see here?” I cracked; at the end of the day, Mrs. Hamilton was a stripper all about pleasure after all. I might as well lighten up a little bit.

“Exactly! I just saw you flexing your body, I had to take a look. Real sexy and beautiful, Joey.”

She flashed me another wink before she ducked back out to the hallway and closed the door back where it was before to leave me to it. I climbed up onto my hands and caught the towel on my back so it’d stay put there. I then lay it on my dresser so I could put on a fresh change of clothes.

Once I was dressed in clean jeans and a little black knit sweater, I strode out of the room to find out what was going on.

“—surely there must be a way to darn my own socks without a needle,” Lars was saying to Mrs. Hamilton, who had taken her seat on the opposite side of the couch; and then he spotted me as I made my way into the front room. “Ah! There he is! The man of the hour.”

“You talkin’ ‘bout me in here?” I asked them.

“Maybe,” she teased me. “What we were discussing was Lars probably showing us a round of tennis outside before the snow comes in.”

“Where the hell you gonna find a tennis racket outside, though?” I asked them. “I ain’t a tennis player and Brick’s the guy with my hockey stuff. All I got is my jersey and my mask.”

“Mrs. Hamilton was telling me about a series of tennis courts near where the hockey rink is,” Lars explained.

“That’s a school, though,” I pointed out.

“We could still have a little show and tell, though.”

“But all the stuff is going to be packed up, though.”

“I still want to show off what skills I have, though,” he insisted. “I will make my own racket, if I must.”

“You’d need a metal thing and some strings if you gotta make your own racket,” she told him.

“Nah, no, no, no, no, this is making my own racket—kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats!”

“Maybe we should wait ‘til tomorrow?” Mrs. Hamilton asked me in a loud voice.

“Kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats!”

“Sounds good by me,” I told her. “I think—“

“Kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats!”

“—I think it’s gonna snow here—okay, Lars, I think we get it.”

“I like saying it, though,” he said. “Kumquats! Kumquats! Kumquats!”

“What have we done?” she groaned.

“Nuthin’,” I assured her.

“KUMQUATS! KUMQUATS! KUMQUATS!”

“SHUT IT!” I shrieked. The apartment was silent; within a few seconds, I picked up the faint sound of rain on the roof.

“See? It’s raining now,” I pointed out as I pushed a lock of hair behind my ear. “No more kumquats unless we’re makin’ a pie or cookies, kapeesh?”

“Kapeesh,” said Lars as he made an okay gesture. “Hey, at least it wasn’t ‘fuck face.’”

“Don’t even think about it,” I said.

“I wasn’t.” He stifled another belch in his mouth, and that time he brought the tips of his fingers to his lips.

“Alright, so for a change of pace and subject,” she started, “what do you think we should do? It’s raining and I don’t feel like leaving just yet.”

“I don’t really have much to eat here, though,” I confessed to her, “so we’re probably gonna have to go again at some point.”

“Hmmm... well, the boys are still back at Black Orchid,” she started, “and I know Cindy and Gwen are getting started on their night shift. The place is still serving food until midnight.”

“I forget to tell you, Joey,” Lars piped up out of the blue right then. “I didn’t realize I had forgotten to tell you about it until I told it to Mrs. Hamilton.”

“What’s that?” I asked him.

“Remember when you asked me that there must be some source for all of the clones of Maya? Like they all must be coming from somewhere?”

“Yeah, of course,” I recalled. “I pointed it out to you.” 

He brought a hand to his chest and he looked as though he had eaten something rancid. “Something I learned from my wife prior to her death was that—there is in fact a prototype. Patient zero. ‘Prototype’ is actually a misnomer because it implies there was some experimentation involved when she vowed that that wasn’t the case. But she always referred to her as the prototype.”

“The first one,” she added, her expression serious.

“So do you think that maybe you befriended this prototype?” I asked him as I folded my arms over my chest.

“See, that’s the thing and what I keep saying—I have no idea. All my wife knew was there was in fact a source, a first girl. Just who she really is and if I met her is beyond me.”

“Right, of course,” I said.

“I mention it because—“ He nodded back to Mrs. Hamilton. “—she was talking about potentially having some dinner right now with the both of us and by the power of the human brain, I put two and two together.”

“Some fresh meat,” I said with a little gyration of the head.

“Exactly! Fresh meat as it falls right off of the bone, if you will.” He showed me a sly grin, one which showed off those pearly whites, still pearly white even after he had been let go with such haste.

“I can always go out and get something and bring it back for you two fellas,” she suggested, “and then I can skedaddle out of here afterwards because you look cozy and comfy already, Joey.”

“I am! Just took a shower—still digesting lunch—“ I brought my hands to the real soft but extra slender part of my belly.

“So I shall take my time then,” she said with a smile. With nothing more to add, Mrs. Hamilton stood to her feet and breezed past me to fetch her coat. She hesitated for a second to look at me in the face with her eyes hooded and her lips puckered a bit; she dropped her gaze down to my chest and then back up again, and hung there for a few seconds. And then she kept on going: she put on her coat, and out the door into the beckoning rain.

“I’ll be back, boys,” she promised in a singsong voice.

“We shall await you!” Lars replied with a mimicking tone. Once the door was closed, I returned to him with my hands to my hips.

“Kumquats, Lars?” I demanded.

“What? It’s a funny word, like ‘blubber’ or ‘tinkle’ or—“ He stopped in his tracks.

“Or what?” I asked. He was silent, and his green eyes had widened a little bit. The skin on his face had washed out to an almost pure shade of white. His lips parted a hair. But I could tell something had him pegged right then.

“Lars?” I asked him in a low voice. Slowly, he ran the tip of his tongue along his lips and his eyes grew wider.

“Lars?” I repeated; I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck rising.

“Very slowly... look—over—there.”

I did just that: I started with a look over my shoulder and then I turned my body around to find Vera at the kitchen table, right in the same seat where I had put Maya when I found her. In fact, she lay in a similar position with her head down on the table top. Her gaping black holes for eyes stared back at us.

I returned to him and the stunned expression on his face.

“Still think ghosts aren’t real?” I asked him. He didn’t reply. “Lars?”

He climbed to his feet and ambled across the floor to her. He got within a foot away from her when he stopped.

“Which one is this again?” he asked me in a soft voice.

“Vera. She’s a little girl.”

He dropped down to his knees, which allowed her cold presence to spread throughout the room: I could feel it coming down onto my wet hair.

“Dearest Vera—“ Lars started, “—so very young and so very ghostly. I assume it all to be very much so—very Vera—“

“Very Vera?” I echoed; out of the corner of my eye, I noticed ice crystals forming on the little ringlets of hair on the side of my head.

“Tell me what brings you here,” he begged her. She raised her head a bit so as to look at him better; as far as I knew, she was looking in my direction at the same time.

She opened her mouth to say something but I couldn’t exactly hear it from there. Without a sound, she vanished into nothing. Lars then turned towards me and the growing ice crystals on my hair.

“Shit will turn a guy like Joey white,” he muttered; I could tell he was spooked, but also fascinated, like the ghost of that little girl brought something out in him.

“What did she say?” I asked him as I didn’t want to let something as trivial as ice in my hair catch him sideways.

“Blood on the table, I think,” he announced.

“Blood on the table?”

“Yeah—she whispered it to me and I felt it from inside so it was hard to tell exactly. But that’s what it sounded like.”

“There’s no blood on the table, though,” I pointed out; I thought back to the dream.

“At least, not right now anyway,” he corrected me.

“I did have Maya laying there,” I recalled. “She said it to you, though—I didn’t even hear her.”

“Yeah, that’s—odd.”

The rain picked up the pace outside and that was when I started to feel hungry again. Even as much as I had eaten that day, I still found myself getting hungry again after night had fallen. Lars stood to his feet, albeit with a little struggle with one hand on the top of the table. I watched him make his way into the kitchen for another glass of water. This whole thing made me wonder now.

There was something else here. Something I couldn't exactly put my finger on.

[novantinuum]

Fandom: Steven Universe

Rating: General Audiences

Words: 6.7K~

Summary: In another world, he doesn’t have his mother’s sword or shield to hide behind when Bismuth lands her strike. The bubble pops.

Steven falls apart.

Chapter summary: In which Steven can’t sleep.

First | Last chapter

While I’m cross posting all of these to tumblr, I’d love to have your support over on AO3 too! Plus, it’s easier to subscribe there. A win-win, I’d say.

Chapter 6: Unfamiliar

He doesn’t dare peep at his alarm clock.

Its digital readout glows a soft green in the dark, temping him same as any edible Cookie Cat would, but to no success. He doesn’t sneak a peep because the moment he sees the time, that time becomes real. No longer will he be able to pretend that he’s been staring at the ceiling beams for only a few minutes, or that he’s still got plenty of hours left until morning. Instead he’ll finally have to come to terms with the fact that he’s not getting any sleep tonight. His dad gives a soft snore, laying in a tangle of covers next to him. He’s a known and certified blanket stealer. Not that he minds— he’s cozy enough in his pajamas, and he actually enjoys the rush of cool air over his toes. Unfortunately, that’s the extent of his peace on this particular sleepless night.

He’s long since lost count of how many times he’s tossed and turned, desperately longing for that one perfect position that’ll be the answer to all his problems. The optimum balance of breeze and toastiness! The ideal degree of springy cushioning! But just like a fake identity, the difficult truth is that the answer he seeks doesn’t truly exist. It’s a fabrication. A sham. And try as he will, no amount of misplaced belief will ever change that reality. Elsewhere within the oppressive silence, (or rather what would’ve been silence), every single creak and moan of the house’s foundation is amplified like an electric guitar through an amp. He’s expecting it by now— expecting the dull tick of the wood boards as they warp with the slow change in temperature, expecting his dad’s even snores from beside him— but his nerves are so shot from all the chaos of the evening that he can’t help but seize up with each new noise. It’s just... all too much.

Laying on his mattress as flat as a plank, Steven crinkles his nose with annoyance. He’s not usually the Universe who has trouble falling asleep. That’s Dad’s turf— once he finally gets to dreaming he doesn’t wake even if someone shoves an entire meat lover’s pizza in front of his nose, but arriving there in the first place? That’s an ordeal on its own.

Gosh, he’s so, so tired. A dull ache throbs behind his eyes. In his chest his heart thrums staccato at an identical rhythm, never fully settling down to a resting pulse. It’s been like that ever since Bismuth’s forge, ever since… all the unpleasantness. Distantly he bets that’s because this fully organic body is still trying to compensate for the loss of his gem. He was born with it, after all. That’s like adjusting to everyday life after losing an entire limb. It doesn’t just happen in a day.

He shuffles onto his side once more, his back facing his slumbering dad, and glances longingly at the deep cut pink gemstone that rests on the kitchen counter, swaddled in the folds of a bath towel. Little to his surprise, it’s still as inert as ever. Is… is that it? he wonders. Steven Universe, former Crystal Gem, forever benched from the team because my gem’s now a glorified paperweight??

And if it… he… does reform, what then? Can they re-fuse? Are there two Stevens forever? Is he sure that the diamond will actually reform as him, and not as his… not as Rose/Pink Diamond? Will Pearl ever be able to explain why Rose/Pink faked her identity and then lied about it to her own friends for thousands of years? Was his… was Rose Quartz even a good person? Was Amethyst right, did she just create him so she could— questions, questions, questions! Geeze, no wonder he can’t fall asleep. There’s far too much stuff bungling around his head!

Steven crawls out of bed, no longer willing to tolerate the impossible notion of trying to rest. If he can’t sleep, then he might as well sit on the shore to get some fresh air. His feet meet the floor with renewed purpose, and without further ado he begins to gather a few items. First, he swipes his phone off the nightstand and slips it in the pocket of his pajama bottoms. After skillfully avoiding the squeaky step on his way to the ground floor to keep from disrupting Dad’s well-deserved slumber, he crosses to the counter. His gemstone glints in the moonlight shining through the upper window. He purses his lips, deliberating… and then carefully scoops it up in his hands.

“You’re coming with me, little guy,” he whispers to the inanimate Gem, hugging it to his chest. “Who knows, maybe some ocean time will do you some good too!”

Ignoring the fact that he’s basically talking to himself (at least, he thinks he is?), he turns on a dime and prepares to leave. At the door, he slips on the spare pair of flip flops he always leaves by the seat under the window, and then tiptoes outside.

The fresh, crisp breeze dances through his dark curls. He leans against the patio’s railing, lips curving midway into a smile. One of the arms of the Milky Way is visible tonight, dotting the sky with billions upon billions of twinkling stars. Beach City produces minimal light pollution, so thankfully he’s always had a stunning view on their side of the hill. Any other night he’d be delighted to stargaze the night away, wistfully dreaming of stellar horizons far beyond their reach, but his heart’s not into it right now. Insidiously, the gemstone he holds seems to grow heavier as time ticks onward. Against his better wishes his thoughts shift at the reminder. The rest of the Gems never like talking about it, so he can’t pinpoint its location to any degree of accuracy, but somewhere light years beyond this galaxy of theirs sits the Gem Homeworld. Pink Diamond’s origin. This gem’s origin.

And that’s a bizarre thought. Before today he’s always been under the impression that his— his mom was made on Earth, just one of hundreds of Rose Quartz soldiers. Alien, but not wholly extraterrestrial. Now, however...

He stubbornly shakes his head, clearing his mind. Nope, now’s not the time to think about all that. He plods down the stairs to the sand on automatic, the heels of his sandals clapping rhythmically against his feet with each step. Ah, there’s nothing better than the soft squish of sand under flip flops to brighten one’s mood! His eyes briefly flutter shut as he crosses the beach, breathing deep to let that cool, salty air fill his lungs.

Eventually Steven seats himself a fair distance from the cliff, smack dab in the middle of the shore. His flip flops are quickly discarded. Under the stars’ faithful glow he erects a raised mound, and carefully nestles the diamond atop it. With a long, heavy sigh, he flops onto his back. As he does so, the sudden shift in weight distribution paired with the light breeze causes a fine mist of sand to waft into his face. He sputters and spits.

“Euuugh, no, that got in my mouth!” he complains to no one in particular, and shoots upright. He sticks out his tongue and wildly scrubs the remaining grit off. When he’s satisfied he’s no longer swallowing bits of powdered rock his tense shoulders relax.

His glance moves to his gem, still as dull and lifeless as ever.

Another sigh.

“Okay, this is sad.”

The pink diamond glints in the moonlight. He chooses to believe it’s a wink.

“Maybe I can... watch some post midnight TubeTube?” he asks out loud, and pauses.

Besides the constant ebb and flow of the ocean, the beach is unwaveringly silent. He frowns.

“Yeah, that sounds like an excellent idea, Steven!” he chimes in a muffled character voice, and hugs his knees to his chest. “Sheesh, maybe I should’ve just stayed in bed and kept staring at the ceiling after all.”

He shakes his head. No, no… less brood, more Tube. It’s pocket time. He plunges his hand deep in the pocket of his pajamas, in search of his phone. Thankfully it’s not a boundary-less magical dimension like Lion’s mane, he thinks with a laugh, otherwise he’d be in trouble. Then it would really be a ‘pocket dimension!’

He pulls out the phone and switches it on with a flick of his finger. He can’t help but crack a smile upon seeing the lock screen, an older selfie of Connie and him that they took up at the sky arena after practice one day, but that definitely isn’t the headline. His eyes snap wide open as he notices the battery indicator at the top right corner.

“What??” he cries in clear betrayal. “Nine percent?? Aw, dagnabit!”

The sad thing is that this kind of electronic tragedy is not a rare occurrence, not at all. He can’t even count the number of times it’s happened on two hands. Oh, why must he always forget to charge his phone at night? Still, this means that TubeTube is out. Watching videos will drain his battery to zero faster than Amethyst can shovel down an entire gallon of engine oil.

His shoulders slump as he shoves his phone back in his pocket. Mind wandering, he plows his fingers through the sand, gouging deep lines in the damp shore until his knuckles go white.

“And then, what? She creates you just so she doesn’t have to deal with the fact she’s a liar?”

He almost feels nauseous. Almost…

(The way his pink double— the fully Gem part of him, the part the gemstone Mom left behind projects— looks at the world when not trapped within emotionless monotony, pale irises burning with an anger he didn’t know he was capable of…)

“You knew, you knew Rose was Pink Diamond, this whole time!”

(Other Steven screams no, solid stone fragmenting under his feet. The others quiver as they struggle to remain upright, even Bismuth, a self made Gem warrior. Even Garnet, the most unshakable person he knows.)

But the portrait of Mom that hangs on the wall of his room, its gentle strokes accentuating the rosiness of her cheeks, the softness of her hair… the tape she left behind, spinning loving encouragements recorded specially for him...

“Maybe she just wanted to be Rose Quartz. Is that so bad?”

“Depends on what her motives were,” Garnet replies matter-of-factly, adjusting her opaque glasses.

(The solid weight of the gemstone in his hand as he delicately submerges it under the fountain’s pool, familiar and alien all at once… It’s part of him, right? Has been for all his life. And yet…)

“-and Pink D’s like, the bad guy, Steven!”

(For once, Dad becomes his rock amidst the stress of all this Gem business. Steven clutches at his arm, desperately trying to let his dad’s warmth and comfort and perspective soothe his worries.)

“-despite everything else she probably lied about, her love and respect for all of you was not a sham.”

He buries his face in his arms, shivering in the throes of the nighttime breeze as its intensity ever so slightly picks up. His teeth chatter, and he shrinks even smaller in defense against the sudden burst of coastal wind. Even his long sleeve pajamas don’t provide much comfort. And because of this, no matter what he tries his mind can’t stop looping back to the deadening sense of cold he felt radiating through his very core when he split apart from his gemstone… how disoriented it left him, unable to focus or even walk for the first few minutes. The scariest part is by far the gap in his memories, from the second that unbearable pain shot through his nerves to the moment he opened his eyes to find himself held aloft in Bismuth’s grasp.

He literally blacked out, in the mercy of someone who hurt him. He was helpless and alone, and in way over his head. This was like the incident with Jasper and the hand ship all over again. He— his bottom lip quivers as he pulls his legs tighter to his chest— he could have died. And now, because he’s separated from his gem, entirely human, no powers at all, he may never get to go on a serious Gem mission ever again. But what bothers him even more than that is...

He peeks out from between his arms, tired, glossy eyes drinking in the sight of that glittering pink gem in the sand.

Pink Diamond. Rose Quartz...

Why does there have to be so many contradictions about who Mom was? Why can’t he just know?

Not a sham, one source claims.

She’s a liar! says another.

His heart doesn’t know what to believe anymore.

Steven huffs in frustration, and he crawls on hands and knees to the shallow mound he rest the gem upon. He picks it up, his fingers splaying wide to securely support its full diameter. With a sharp cry of lingering discomfort at the sudden physical exertion, he pushes himself to his feet. The ocean calls him closer, the predictable rhythm of its tides so mesmerizing. Step by step, he emerges from under the temple’s shadow into the full light of the moon.

“Why’d you have to be so secretive about everything, huh?” he asks pointedly, staring daggers at the gem. In the diamond’s mirror-like surface, his hurt scowl is reflected right back at him. “Why’d you have to lie to all your friends? And why did you dump me with all this?”

Not that he expects anything else by this point, but the gemstone remains silent in the wake of his questioning. Funny that, huh. It’s rather reminiscent of some other Gems in his life. He catches a glimpse of the temple statue in the corner of his eye, the face of the fusion carved into the cliffside gazing out at sea impassively in all her monolithic glory. Unchanging in her manner, no matter the centuries long gone.

(Thick ringlets, prominently carved into the cliff face in a way he can’t ignore, not for anything.)

He exhales heavily.

“I just…. wanna know the truth, for once in my life,” he says. “The whole truth, y’know?”

Steven lowers his gaze to the diamond in his hold as he contemplates this desire, and accompanied only by the gentle lull of the ocean, begins to sing a slow melody.

“I thought I knew, I thought I saw… All the writing that you left me on the wall...”

He takes a breath. Mind overrunning with conflicting ideas and secrets and fourteen year old promises labeled ‘for Steven,’ he turns to face the water, planting his bare feet solid in the damp sand.

“Through the gem you left behind, And taped encouragements to find... Your portrait hanging like a lighthouse on the shore. And all what for?

“What do I trust? What should I say? Don’t think I know you well enough to feel betrayed…”

In his hands, he flips the inert gemstone so its five sided facet faces up, obscuring the point below. His brow creases.

“About the gem you turned to hide, And how easily you lied… But after all of this…

“Why does the thought of living up to you make me feel small?” he asks, his singing voice cracking on the last note. Five fingers grip his pajama shirt tight where normally they’d wrap around the familiar edges of his gem. “When now I’m not sure you’re worth living up to after all…”

Far above, a constellation he can’t quite remember the name of twinkles at him.

“It’s so… unfamiliar.”

Echoes of recent memory pool around him like mirrors into his past as he drinks in the sight of the night sky. Bismuth’s presentation of the breaking point, their resulting moral disagreement, his mom’s sword lying across the room during the most heated moment of their fight… (If it lay in his reach, could he have done it? Is he even capable of poofing a non-corrupted Gem in self defense?) The memories swirl around him faster now, the breeze picking up. His pink tinted double standing parallel, nothing but his own intuition giving answer as to what the hard-light figure represents. The silent shock drawn across Amethyst’s features at seeing him hurt, wordless but still so tangible and raw. The terror they all felt as his glitching gem self’s scream sent cracks spider webbing through solid rock. Garnet’s instability, the horror of the truth nearly wrenching her apart. Pearl’s hand involuntarily clamping over her mouth. Bismuth’s exile. His dad clutching him to his chest fiercely tight as he drifted to sleep...

The collective weight of the past finally grows too big for him to carry. Brimming with exhaustion, he falls to his knees.

“I wish I knew how to fix this,” he says with a lump in his throat, the lull of the ocean soaking up his hoarse whispers. His thumb glides across the pentagonal facet, right across the length where the crack had been. “I wish Bismuth and I could’ve just talked, that none of this happened in the first place. I- I wish…”

Prolonged exhaustion wringing the strength from his body, he lists forward, pressing his forehead against the diamond’s cool, glassy surface. His eyelids flutter shut. Otherwise unhindered, fresh tears slip from the corners and dampen his cheeks. Steven’s breath shakes as he folds in on himself even more, elbows propped on his thighs.

The wind and waves soak up his cries like an acoustic sponge. And so with no witness, and no awareness of the passage of time, he lets slip the full depth of his jumbled emotions, tears eventually mixing with the messy snot running from his nose. In a comforting way, it’s strangely cathartic. All those unspoken stressors weighing down on him— his status as a Crystal Gem, his mom’s questionable morality, the unshakable memory of his near-death experience— begin to fade into the background as he cries. Things of course won’t instantly become better, but… he still has his friends and family to help him through this, right? Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl, Dad, Connie… Peridot and Lapis… Sadie, Lars… Kiki, Jenny, Buck, and Sour Cream… maybe Onion? He bites back a half hearted laugh upon recalling the surreal evening he spent playing with Vidalia’s youngest a few months back. Okay, so maybe Onion isn't exactly as great a source of support as the others, but the point still stands.

No matter how isolated and lost he feels, he’s far from alone.

Abruptly, a gentle chime interrupts his train of thought. In seconds flat light erupts into his world, soft and pink, so vivid in its glow that it’s visible even between his interwoven eyelashes, sparking a kaleidoscope of color on the backs of his eyelids. He gasps. Eyes opening wide as day, he jolts upright.

The diamond in his hands pulses with life, its glassy surface thrumming under his fingertips. Acting on its own volition, it then lifts out of his grip. For a split second a surge of panic grips him. He claws at thin air, desperately trying to reclaim what’s his, but then… It’s okay. He’s okay. He’s seen this, he knows this. Reformation. Steven slumps back in the sand, neck craning to catch a glimpse as his gemstone rises straight up, stretching ever closer to the stars it came from. Perhaps a testament to the raw power contained within, the same breeze that tousles his hair is unable to lay a finger on it.

Transfixed, he watches with mouth agape as the gem pulses a pure white. Radiating outwards from the diamond, a series of forms— one he doesn’t recognize, and two he does— take shape out of light in quick sequence. The first is shockingly tall, at least fifteen feet, and has poofy hair, the gem oriented on its side at her navel. Pink Diamond? he wonders, hating how the thought of that name makes his guts twist and churn with uneasiness. Unfortunately he doesn’t have time to commit her shape to memory. In a flash the diamond rotates, baring its pentagonal facets. At the same time the shifting hard light form collapses in on itself, flaring outwards once more in the unmistakable shape of his mother. His heart hammers in his chest at the sight of her. But then once more, the light collapses back into the gemstone, and weaves back together into a far more compact form... A form he’s intimately familiar with.

With another resonant chime his hard light self bursts into colorful actuality, reformed once more. He’s wearing the same pajamas he himself is currently, except tinted in shades of pink like his skin and hair. The Gem stretches his arms out and allows himself to effortlessly drift downwards, his bare toes making first contact.

Steven’s mouth is still wide open. Suddenly feeling a bit self conscious in the presence of a being who’s so cool and adept he makes floating look like child’s play, (even if technically, that being is supposed to be him), he wipes the streaks of his tears from his cheeks.

“Um… hello,” he says with a small wave.

The other Steven merely acknowledges him with a nod, the motion so subtle that if he wasn’t watching him with such laser focused intent he probably would have missed it altogether. He chuckles nervously, running a stray hand through the dark curls at the nape of his neck.

“So you’re really another version of me then, huh?”

The full Gem doesn’t respond this time. Instead his attention is drawn elsewhere, as he drinks in his surroundings with an empty, impartial gaze. He’s clearly alert and conscious, but there’s no clear sign of emotion in his full pink irises. (His pupils, he notes with alarm, are diamonds.) There’s no point in lying, it’s pretty creepy. Bemused and unsure as to what to do next, Steven presses his mouth taut and sighs, the passing air vibrating his lips. It sounds just like a motorboat engine, and in any other scenario that comparison would make him laugh.

“Hey, I- if you were a sandwich,” he begins lamely, at this point desperate to incite any kind of response from him, “I guess you might say you’re… all Gem, hold the human?”

He throws his arms up in a grandiose shrug, beaming so wide that his cheeks hurt. Once more, other Steven doesn’t utter a word. He doesn’t blink either, which is unnerving in and of itself, but nevertheless he can’t help but feel like he’s being silently judged by this being. His smile recedes.

“Wow, tough crowd,” he mutters under his breath, sweat beading at his brow. “I know it’s not my best joke, but gee, you’d think a hard light projection of me would be a bit more talkative…”

Not sure what else to say for the moment, he shies away from the Gem. Instead, he focuses back on the ocean, on the tides steadily lapping at the shoreline a few feet from where he stands. Steven frowns pensively as he contemplates his current situation, hand balled at his chin. At this point he’s not sure what he expected to happen when he nicked his gemstone to go on a little outdoor adventure, but it certainly wasn’t this. Then again, he’s sure there’s a excusable reason Other Steven is acting all silent and emotionless. Maybe it’s just that… he’s still shell-shocked from almost being shattered. Geeze, that had to have been terrifying!

After a moment of consideration, he decides to approach him in a different way.

“I’m sorry you got cracked. That looked like it really hurt.”

Silence. He feels kinda itchy pinned under his double’s unyielding gaze.

“I mean,” he says with a weak laugh, “that sucked for me, and I didn’t even have my gem at the time.”

At this the Gem’s features shift ever so slightly into an expression suggesting concern. His brow lifts, and his diamond pupils dilate.

This time Steven returns his stare, squinting at him with unveiled curiosity.

“You are able to talk… right?”

“Yes,” he finally replies, as if this is supposed to be obvious fact.

(He has to admit, the sound of his own voice coming from another source in cold monotone kinda gives him the heebie jeebies.)

“Okay, so why—“

“There was no need to.”

He’s about to open his mouth to respond, pointer finger held aloft, when the words building in his mind dissipate like the morning fog that always hugs the docks. How does anyone respond to that? This whole situation— talking to his own Gem— is so strange and surreal that he wishes he wasn’t alone for it. He wishes another of the Gems was here with him, or Connie. At least then it wouldn’t be so awkward.

At the thought of his best friend he gasps, and slams his palms against his cheeks. “Wait! Oh my gosh, I have to take a picture for Connie! It’s not everyday there’s two of me!”

The Gem watches with mild bemusement from the sidelines as Steven whisks out his phone. Running on nothing but a surge of sheer enthusiastic impulse, he swipes to unlock and opens up the camera, poking the tip of his tongue through his lips all the while.

“Okay,” he says, holding the phone at arm’s length in front of the two of them. “Switching to selfie, and… cheese!”

The camera flashes. Eagerly, he taps the screen to look at the photo. In it, he stands grinning like a loon in the foreground, breeze blowing his hair every which way. Behind him, his pink counterpart squints at the burst of light, mouth slightly ajar in blank confusion. It’s by no means a flattering image. All the same, he hums in satisfaction, and decides to use his last few drops of battery life to shoot Connie a quick text.

“By the way,” he dictates as his fingers fly across the phone’s digital keyboard. “Accidentally… got separated… from gem… I’m mostly okay, I think… but now there’s two of me. Say hi to—“ He glances up at the other Steven, who’s watching him with faint intrigue. “Uh… Hey, I just realized I never asked what you wanna be called? I’m sorry, that’s so rude of me!”

The Gem pauses for a moment before responding. “I don’t have any name but ours.”

“O- oh. Well, that’s okay, I’ll just call you that. So gimme the deets, my good twin Steven... “

“I am not a twin.”

“Uh, Other Steven?”

“We are not separate people. I’m a half of a whole, just like you.”

He purses his lips. “Pink Steven,” he suggests, gesturing towards him with his phone in hand.

The hard light version of himself nods in agreement, a stiff solitary action. “That is acceptable.”

He peers close at him for a second, bemused. The Gem doesn’t even noticeably breathe.

“Pink Steven it is, I guess,” he shrugs, and finishes typing his message to Connie. “And, send!”

The text pops up on the screen in a blue bubble, attached alongside the selfie of the two of them. Quickly, he scans back over the message, realizing far too late that he probably should have done that before slamming his thumb on the big red button. His eyes narrow as he reads:

btw accidentally got separated from gem, mostly okay i think , but now theres two me’s say hi to pink steven! ill call later, some kinda scary stuff happened but gems and i are fine so pls dont worry too much

“Really, Steven?” he says, exasperation framing his features. “Don’t worry too much? Of course she’s gonna worry!” Voice cracking amidst his melodrama, he captures loose fistfuls of hair from either side of his head, phone still clutched in one hand. “Noooo, why did I write that?”

Steven groans, promptly dropping to his knees, and flops over into the sand like a mannequin with its strings cut. He lays there for a while, absentmindedly nibbling at the inside of his cheek just like he’s chewing over his thoughts. And hoo boy, there sure is a lot to unpack here. Mainly, he spends this time switching between scoffing at his own lack of tact, questioning why his Gem self has to be so darn enigmatic, and dreaming of a better world where his family isn’t crumbling under the weight of a long-kept secret and everything actually makes sense. But in the end he knows there’s no good to be found from silently wallowing about all of this. Instead, he thinks of Garnet, and everything he admires about her. About how despite her ability to trace the paths of potential futures, even she can’t predict every twist and turn of life. Even Garnet is no stranger to the fear of the unknown. The only difference is, she never lets that hinder her. Instead she channels all the the jitters and uncertainty of that fear into something else entirely, lets it empower her to confidently rise to solve the issue at hand.

And sure, he may not be the best leader or fighter or strategist like the rest of the Crystal Gems, but if there’s one thing he’s good at it’s asking questions.

“What you said earlier about… being half of a whole,” he says to his counterpart, sitting up. “What did you mean?”

“You already figured that out,” Pink Steven responds in cryptic monotone.

“Really? I- I did?”

“You already know that I am a hard-light personification of our gem half. I exist in this form because it’s who we are.”

The Gem extends his hand expectantly, as if waiting for him to respond in some specific way. His diamond pupils focus on Steven with an almost pleading intensity.

His brow furrows. He suddenly wishes he could read minds. “What are you—“

What does he want, a high five, a secret handshake, a—

“We’re not supposed to be apart like this.”

His eyes widen, suddenly understanding the invitation the Gem’s giving him. “Oh, you want to fuse? But I’m human, I’m not—“ At his sides, his knuckles tighten— “I can’t do that anymore.”

“Not human,” he reminds him with a shake of his head, more feeling present within his voice than he’s heard since his Gem self screamed at Bismuth. “Half human.”

“And you want to fuse with me?”

“Don’t you?”

“Well yeah, of course! But it’s just…” Steven folds his hands together, fingers loosely interlocking. “Doesn’t that make you weaker?”

“I think it makes us stronger.”

This gives him pause. He’s not sure he agrees, or understands why, but regardless he can’t deny the rush of peace it brings him to know that this other half truly wants to be a part of him. Of them, together.

“Okay, I’m in,” he declares decisively, mind set. “I’ll try to fuse with you. But can I maybe ask about a few Gem things, first?”

“I only know what you know.”

“But you’re still another perspective! Looking at stuff from another angle can be really helpful sometimes. It’s just…” Steven trails off, wrapping his arms around himself protectively as if fearing injury from asking this very question. “It’s about my mom. Is she… still in there, somewhere?”

Pink Steven’s frown deepens, ever so slightly. Even if he’s not super emotive, it’s become clear to him that his counterpart still feels things. He just doesn’t express his emotions to the same degree. (Or at least, that’s his theory.)

“She’s gone,” he whispers.

“But you’re sure she’s really—“

“GONE!”

“Okay, okay!” he says, holding his hands up. “Touchy subject, I get it. But please don’t wake up the whole town. Or our dad. Sleep’s super important for us human beings.”

“You’re not asleep,” he responds, deadpan.

“That’s— that’s different! I can’t fall asleep in the first place, coz’... well, because of this,” he admits, and gestures awkwardly between them.

He sighs, and shuffles his feet in the sand. There’s still so much he’s aching to ask— how did we even split so abruptly? Does this mean we’re technically a fusion? How come it took me twelve whole years to summon my shield for the first time, what’s up with that? What Crying Breakfast Friends character do you identify the most as, Sniffling Croissant like me, or are our opinions different on things? Like, do we like the same foods? Do you even eat food?? How the heck did I never notice that my gem is pointy, shouldn’t I have been able to feel that it’s, erm... jabbing into my insides whenever I’m laying down?— but in the end there’s one that weighs on his mind more than all the others.

“The other thing I’m confused about is… if Mom’s really gone like you said, then why did you almost reform as her?”

“Gemstones retain memory.”

“Oh yeah, Pearl mentioned that once,” he says with a soft smile. “So, then… those are just forms this gem used to take?”

Pink Steven nods in confirmation.

“But Mom’s… soul... is gone forever?”

Another nod.

“Then… it’s just us,” Steven breathes in wonder, the words cathartic the moment they pass his lips into permanence. His eyes grow damp. “Just me.”

At the realization, that shadowy thicket of thorns that’s increasingly entangled itself around his heart for the past few years finally begins to recede.

“Okay,” he says, extending his hand to his Gem counterpart. “I think I’m ready now.”

The moment their fingers brush against each other, strength surges through his body like he’s gasping awake from a disjointed dream, and immediately his baggy, weary eyes snap alert. Hand in hand with his hard-light double, he’s suddenly focused, able, nerves alight with a warmth he never realized until now he missed. A subtle grin curves across Pink Steven’s face in response, vulnerable emotion bursting to life for the very first time.

And as the two of them— human and Gem alike— stand parallel on the shore regarding each other under the constellations’ careful watch, an all-consuming understanding crests over him as solid as the tides are strong.

I can do it, he realizes with glee. I can actually fuse!

He can’t help the breathy laugh that bubbles up from within as he clasps his fingers secure around his counterpart’s pink ones. The Gem quickly grows to match him in his joy, and takes lead of their impromptu dance as the two begin to skip and spin across the sand, the ocean’s pulse and the wind’s vibrato acting as their only accompaniment. He’s dead tired, and his muscles still ache beyond belief, but in this blissful moment he finds he genuinely doesn’t care. Not when the breeze is tousling through his curls, and his other half’s eyes don’t look so cold and void anymore, and their steps surge with new confidence with each and every revolution they make. Not when there’s so much magic to be found in this world. So much hope, even despite the bad days. No more lies, he promises himself, no more thoughts of despair. No holding back. In a heartbeat the spinning world tints bright pink around them. Beaming, he throws his head back right as his vision blurs to white, the fathomless night sky the last thing he sees with fully human eyes.

Steven Universe, whole and uncracked once more, emerges from fusion’s pure glow.

He gasps for breath upon finally reforming, teetering and stumbling a few steps as he regains his sense of balance. Experimentally, he wiggles his toes against the cool sand, reveling in the way the granules tickle the bottoms of his feet, and laughs in sheer relief. Every stimuli is a thousand times more vivid now. The crisp wind dancing against the nape of his neck, the crash of the tides upon the shore echoing through his ears with a percussive strength… When he inhales, he inhales deep and strong, filling his lungs entirely with the fresh salty air. Now in one piece again, he suddenly feels more connected to his gem than ever. There’s a comforting thrum running parallel with his human veins, one he’s grown used to feeling whenever he summons his bubble or shield, except now it seems to be a constant presence. Channels of hard light, his mind excitedly supplies, recalling Pearl’s lessons. Just like a Gem circulatory system!

He breathes in deep again, grounding himself. He splays both arms outward, focusing upon the thought of self preservation. In a flash, the familiar sheen of his pink bubble blooms around him. Steven grins so wide his cheeks almost ache. He allows the bubble to drop, and next aligns his emotions with the idea of protection. His shield, forged of solid light and etched with rosy thorns, immediately materializes in front of his outstretched arm. It’s absolutely effortless, more so than ever before. Giddy in all the joy of being whole again, he dissipates the shield and launches himself high into the air. He’s giggling breathlessly by the time he begins his slow descent. For a blissful moment, every other stressful thing in the world disappears, and it’s just he, himself, and the glittering night sky. Far above, Ursa Minor winks at him. He blows the cosmos a kiss, eyes filled with stars.

Gently, his bare feet touch down on the shore.

For a moment he doesn’t budge an inch, doesn’t make a sound, as if he’s waiting for reality to pull the rug from under him. It all seems too idealized, too lucky. And yet— as he stands idle in the moonlight, fully alert and able— clearly it’s not. Beaming from ear to ear, he takes off running across the beach. As a testament to his sheer joy, his toes leave the ground behind again as he cartwheels.

...well, tries to cartwheel. Just because he’s more integrated with his gem doesn’t mean he’s any more graceful. He’ll leave the grace to Pearl and Connie.

His hands don’t hit the ground at the appropriate angle, and as a result he flips on end and lands face first, getting a mouthful of sand for all his troubles.

He spits as much of it out as he‘s able. “Euughhh, not again!” he says, although this time there’s renewed humor in his voice.

Steven rolls onto his back, and it’s then that he realizes, heart sinking low in his chest… that something feels different. He’s not sure why he didn’t notice it before. The unfamiliar way its weight settles, the distinct difference in shape that he only noticed when lying flat on his belly...

Hand quivering, he lifts his pajama shirt to check, and...

“W-wait, wha—!?”

The gemstone embedded flush at his navel is not his.

Well, it is, since obviously he fused with it and can summon his shield, but it’s certainly not the pentagonal cut he remembers. Instead, the entire gem has somehow rotated on its side, exposing the facets previously hidden from view. He slowly traces his fingers along its edges. How could a gem just flip like that? This never happened when any of the other Gems reformed, so why did it happen here, now?

No more lies...

Was it because of what he was thinking when he fused? Before Pink Steven reformed he briefly saw an outline of Pink Diamond, and her gem was flipped on its side too. But could subconscious thought really influence gemstone position like that?

He frowns pensively, and drops the bottom hem of his shirt. Like it or not, it seems this’ll be yet another change he’ll have to grow used to. That they’ll all have to grow used to, he amends, realizing that there’s no way the other Gems wouldn’t notice. His eyes droop, his earlier burst of adrenaline beginning to run him into the ground. How late is it again? Oh, right. He doesn’t know.

Yawning, Steven picks himself to his feet, retrieves his flip flops, and begins his hike up the sandy path to his house. He rests his palm upon the newly exposed facets of the diamond in his belly, still somewhat dazed by everything that’s recently come to pass, and truthfully he can’t help but feel as if he’s encroaching upon a brand new chapter of his life. Where tomorrow, or the next day, or the weeks to come will lead him is a cosmic mystery only Garnet could dream of halfway answering. But in this very instant, at least he can say he's whole again.

Maybe now he’ll finally be able to sleep.

[berryellow]

This post is about self care, self love & positivity: This week in particular I have learnt that self care is very important, and how self care can affect other factors for example of you are calm you more able to get things done whereas if you are stressed you tend to put things off. So here are some tips on how to relax a little: 1.) Stay Hydrated: A healthy person needs 2 litres of water per day. Drinking water is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. 2.) Take A Shower: Hot showers can relieve tension and soothe stiff muscles. Studies have shown that taking a hot shower can amp up your oxytocin levels and ease anxiety. 3.) Listen to Soothing Music: Music can reduce stress. Music can have a profound effect on both the emotions and the body. Faster music can make you feel more alert and mconcentrate better. Upbeat music can make you feel more optimistic and positive about life. A slower tempo can quiet your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day. Music is effective for relaxation and stress management. Listen to music in the morning after waking up, giving a positive outlook on the day ahead and listen to music in the evening to ease off. 4.) Take Naps: Taking Between 15-90 minute naps a day can improve the brain function, it will help increase memory, increase patience as well as improving creativity, however the main benefit of taking a nap is that it will improve mood and anxiety levels 5.) Having a clean environment: A clean bedroom makes you happier. If your room is clean, you're more likely to exercise. Making your bed every morning creates feelings of accomplishment and positivity. Your mindset will also be ‘cleaned’ in the sense that there won’t be a constant worry that your environment isn’t tidy. You will feel less stressed and less distracted. This means you can spend some relaxing time before bed and go to sleep calmly. 6.) Writing and Creativity: Writing about emotions may ease stress and trauma. Writing about emotion or taking out your pain on paper will make you feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders and therefore making you feel more relaxed. As well as planning/making todo lists in a planner or any notebook, as studies show you will be less paranoid. I would recommend: Adult colouring books such as - Secret Garden -Bullet Journaling -Making Daily Todo List: you will feel more accomplished 7.) Take Care Of Your skin: When you are stressed, skin will tend to break out, to prevent this from happening take care of your skin by: -Seeking our healthier foods rather than unhealthier options, for example: swap crisps for carrot sticks -Drink green tea: not only beneficial for soothing skin but also beneficial for organs inside your body. -Swap face scrubs for foamy face washes, face scrubs are harsher on the skin and will lead to more pimples appearing under the skin. Face wash recommendation: Body Shop Aleo foam wash -Cleanse, Tone Moisturise - Use lip balm regularly -Use eye cream to prevent and reduce puffiness and bags under the eyes -lastly, use a night serum to reduce redness of the skin. 8.) Phone Detox: Taking a break from electronics to take care of yourself is important! Whether it’s for short time or a long time, take time off your phone, laptop, tablet etc. This will relax the mind, lower anxiety levels and you will be happier. Best way to start a phone detox is setting a time to check your phone only once a day, for example 6pm. Do not use your phone before you sleep as it can affect eyesight and sleep. 9.) Walk It Out: Walking is good for your health, as fresh air is good for the digestive system, improves heart heart and will make you happier. The more fresh air you get, the more oxygen you will breathe which will increase the amount of serotonin (the happy hormone) you inhale, consequently making you happier. Nature is proven to improve mental well being 10.) Entertainment: You can improve your mood by doing the simplest thing such as watching your favourite movie.

[dehvastation]

Stealing Time (With @MismatchedFreak)

Dehv: ~ I jumped off the floor and threw my weapon back on the table with the others. I laughed when Davidson started babbling about how amped up his was after the fight. We worked well together, Nhick was equally as cunning as Davidson, but between us we were able to push the other. We knew each other well, and could anticipate a move before it was taken. I knew it wouldn’t be the same with everyone, but the practice I had on them, on watching what happened when they did something I was expecting was good to then try on others. Though in some cases it meant I got a faceful of fist. I nudged against Davidson and then felt Nhick’s arm go around my shoulder as he did the same to Davidson and squashed in between us, “You both stink, OF VICTORY.” I laughed, and felt Davidson do the same beside me, “Shut up, we stick like sweat and need a shower.” The nodding from all the trainees was enough to get us moving, and I made my way quickly to the locker room. I was nervous and excited about meeting Qhuinn in his office, and I wanted to rush through everything, but I knew that I also needed to put on appearances while we were still in lesson time so that I wasn’t going to piss anyone off. I stripped my gym clothes off and stuffed them in my bag so they were ready to wash when I got home, then I grabbed my wash bag and quickly made my way towards the shower. I smiled widely when I saw Davidson shove at Nhick when he tried to pull him into the same cubicle with him, wondering how long it’d take the two of them to admit to us all that they were together. I pretended I hadn’t seen and then closed the door to the small space, humming softly as the hot water washed over the aches of the session. My lip stung from the blow Jhasper had put in, and my knee was already starting to colour. I knew it’d be gone by morning, especially if I fed, but it was still annoying to have it there for seeing Qhuinn. I made quick work of washing and then stepped out, grabbing one of the lovely fluffy bath towels that was always there for us after a session. I knotted it quickly and started to put away my shower pack before grabbing dry clothing. I looked around and spotted Davidson and Nhick snickering in the corner, “What’s up with you two?” I started to dry myself off and throw on my clothes, my gaze staying focused on my friends. They both grinned like children and then crowded me to whisper, “Why are you still here? You should have had the worlds fastest shower and just gone out in the towel. After, how long as it been??? You won’t be dressed for long once that office door shuts. Right, Nhick?” I felt my skin get hot and I tugged my shirt down before running my fingers through my hair to pull it away from my face, “Both of you, stop it. I’ll see you later.” I heard them laughing as I closed the door and practically left a fire trail as I made my way to the office, both whistling as their heads popped out of the door. I knew I was blushing harder than I should be, but I knocked on the door anyway and then stuck my head in the gap as I opened it, “Is it ok to come in?” ~

Qhuinn: [I dropped the tests into the scanner thing that would feed them into the system and punched the few codes in that brought up the digital voice recorder, leaving a few notes about the class as I stripped myself down. The rest could wait but I wanted to make sure to cover the basics at least. I’d come this far and didn’t want to fuck it all up at the finish line by being sloppy.  Once I had finished. I turned off the system and hopped in the shower, scrubbing away the stink of gym and the trainees. I didn’t waste much time though. Hell, the water barely heated up before I was rinsing off and hopping right back out to dry off. I had plans and I while I wouldn’t have minded if he caught me in the shower, I would prefer for that to happen when there wasn’t a room full of trainees still muddling about. Though I knew it was going to get out soon enough, and I honestly couldn’t wait. We proved we could handle ourselves. He didn’t get any preferential treatment, not from me or any of the other trainers. Any one that did have a problem with it could deal with me. I was tired of hiding and tired of having to. I think that’s why Rhage had helped with tonight and why the females had done all they could to make tonight happen as well. I picked up the phone to see if Fritz was ready with the food and found out he was already sending it down. Fucking loved that doggen, I swear. I hung up the phone and dug my clothes out of the locker. I tugged on a fresh pair of button fly jeans and just worked the top button when I heard the knock to the door. I expected a doggen but when Dehv popped his head in, my smile widened. I kept my feet planted where they were so I didn’t make a scene and nodded slowly.] Yeah, come on in, I’m just about ready. Close the door behind you.

Dehv: ~ I grinned the minute I heard Qhuinn’s voice, I took one step into the room and reached my hand for the male who was within grabbing distance when I heard my name being yelled. I growled low, but didn’t stop my forward step, sliding my fingers down Qhuinn’s forearm to grip his wrist before I turned to pop my head out of the door to face Nhick and Davidson. Their grinning faces showed me they knew exactly what they were doing, and I wondered if it was partly payback for Qhuinn scaring the shit out of D in the gym, “What?” I didn’t bother hiding my amusement while also the slight edge that told them I’d find it funny for about 3 minutes and then I’d get pissed as hell. They both smirked at me, and I lay my head against the edge of the door, still holding onto Qhuinn’s wrist. I knew they could see Qhuinn, and I didn’t care, I squeezed the warmth under my fingers and then used my thumb to brush a slow rhythm against the pulse point there. I didn’t speak again, instead waiting on one of the damn chuckle brothers to decide they were going to speak, which Nhick did a heartbeat later, “We’ve got three free hours, we’ve been invited into the main gym to have food with some of the Brothers. I wanted to let you know in case you, um, you two wanted to join at some point. They’ve hinted that Wrath and Beth might be there, and the warriors will be less ‘mentor’ and more relaxed. Should be fun, maybe see another side of them? I know you’re……” he paused and looked past me towards Qhuinn before lowering his voice, Davidson look the time to glance around the hall to ensure we were alone, “of that bloodline, so probably have seen them like that, but were were more excited than we wanted to let on, and thought we’d at least invite you.” I felt my grin widen and I looked back at Qhuinn, assuming he knew my bloodline, not remembering if we’d spoken about it over the months we’d been stuck texting and facetiming each other. I slid my fingers down his wrist to link my fingers with his, squeezing and then using my hold to tug him a little closer. I let my gaze slide over him and then back to his face, knowing I was an open book at most things when I wanted to be. I waited a heartbeat before turning to my friends, “It sounds fun, but I’ll skip it this time. If we get hungry I’ll come and grab some food. But I’m not passing up this opportunity to see Qhuinn after months of being jerked around by those who share a bloodline. Thanks again for the invite though, I love that you’re excited, and I want to hear all about it once you’re done and we’re back in the training room.” I watched them both grin and then nod before turning to make their way back down the corridor that they’d come. I didn’t bother watching them make it to the end before I closed the door and then leaned back against it, fingers still entwined with Qhuinn’s, “Door is closed. What now?” ~

Qhuinn: [My growl echoed Dehv’s but I felt the world click into place when his fingers slid down my arm and wrap around my wrist. Silently, I was planning all kinds of extra torture for tweedle dee and tweedle dum since the amusement in their voices told me they knew exactly what they were interrupting. I barely hid back the snicker at what had their panties in a bunch. After all this time, you’d think they’d be running the other way the moment they had some free time, not going right back into the lions den. Maybe I was just too jaded. I stepped closer when Dehv gave my fingers a tug, my face giving nothing away as I looked at Davidson and Nhick over his shoulder, though my heart did another stupid tumble at that smile on his face.  Even with his bloodline, I had a feeling he spent enough time with them, or at least I was hoping he felt he had. I really was not in the mood to share him right now. Though it still made me glad he didn’t have to bear that alone. That was another thing I worried about that might get him shit from other trainees. My eyes locked on his for that brief moment and I saw his answer there and finally felt my lips twitch in a small smile before he turned back to the duo in the doorway. I gave his fingers another squeeze and nodded to the two as they stepped back, my shirt dropping from my other hand the moment the door closed and I stepped closer to Dehv, lifting our joined hands to press against the door above his shoulder. I tipped my head to ghost my lips over his as a smile teased my lips while I pressed my body against his] hmmm, and hello to you too. I suppose I could take you to the gym so you could play with your friends if you really wanted, or we could wait for the dinner that’s on it’s way for us and get the fuck out of here to someplace nice and quiet where we won’t be disturbed for a few hours?

Dehv: ~ I grinned when the shirt was dropped. Glad that Davidson and Nhick were excited, but barely giving them a second thought now that the door was closed. I felt my heart jump the minute he stepped closer, my grin growing with each second. I didn’t fight the hold, the pressure of his hand against mine made me groan softly. I had missed being close to him, and we’d barely managed much before we’d been pulled apart for 6 months. The odd moments here and there meant that we really savoured each and every second, despite the niggle at the back of my mind that told me that any minute one of the brothers was likely to bust in and steal one of us away. It was hard to shake, and I felt myself tense up slightly, even as I felt the kisses and reassuring pressure from his body so close to mine. I grinned, my eyes lifting to meet his when he started giving me options, that allowing my muscles to ease once more. I left him to run through my options, and then I schooled my features. Eyes lifting to the ceiling so I could keep a straight face and think on it, “Well, that dinner with my friends sounds so very inviting. Surrounded by other trainees, you being mobbed for advice and thoughts and date invites.” I ran my tongue over my bottom lip, using the movement to hide the twitch of my lips before I lowered my eyes again. The throat clearing wasn’t faked, I loved looking at the male in front of me, his mismatched eyes always far more expressive than I think he would be comfortable knowing. He wanted everyone to think he was a badass, and he was, but not in a mean or horrible way. He’d throw himself in front of pretty much anything to save someone else, even if it meant he’d die. I knew that hard shell he carried around himself though, I’d seen it on most the Brothers. It reminded me often how lucky I was that life hadn’t started to get complicated until recently. I still had a wall around me, but that was mostly due to having to break ties in the human world when things started getting complicated around my lack of aging. I spoke slowly as I used my free arm to curl it around Qhuinn’s waist, returning each of those teasing kisses with some of my own, “How hungry are you? I don’t want to mess up your plans if you’ve got dinner coming soon, we’ve time to eat and still get out of here for a bit. But if you think we’re likely going to get jumped by one of the Brothers and sent to run errands, lets skive off and go to somewhere they won’t think to look for us.” I nodded and shifted slightly against the wall of muscle that was pinning me to the door frame. Knowing it should short circuit his brain the same as it did mine, and not really caring one little bit. ~

Qhuinn: [A little growl slipped out before I could stop it at his teasing. I think if I had to wait one more night for a block of alone time with him, I would hurt someone. I wouldn’t even care that it would earn me more punishment down the damn line. I pressed closer to him, letting him feel the full weight of my body as he teased. I nipped his bottom lip and gave another low growl as he shifted his body, sending that spark of desire coursing through me and frying out my thoughts for a moment. After a tug of his lower lip I lifted my head, cocking it slightly as I listened] That should be Fritz or one of the doggen with our food. I had them pack it up for us to take on the run. I figured we’d have a better chance at privacy if we managed to actually leave the building at least. And if they are distracted with the trainees, that’s even better for us.

[It was still damn tempting though, with him pinned to the wall, to say fuck the food and everything else and just lock ourselves away right here. I knew that wouldn’t work. They would find us. They always fucking found us. I gave his fingers a squeeze as I stole one more kiss just as a knock came to the other door. I stepped back and picked up my shirt, pulling the black tee over my head as I crossed the office. Once the door opened, I could smell the food that had been prepared and my stomach grumbled appreciatively. I thanked Fritz and told him I owed him then closed the door and turned back to my male, holding up the basket filled with our dinner] Now, we can eat out by the stream at the back of the grounds, or you can come back to my place, we’ll deadbolt the doors and hide from the world for a bit. Your choice.

Dehv: ~ I managed to chuckle to cover up my own growl when I felt Qhuinn’s weight press me back against the door. I was happy to lock the thing right then and there and put a fucking sock on the handle if needs be. I wasn’t able to suppress the groan when his teeth scraped over my bottom lip, causing me to grin so wide I was sure I looked like some kind of creepy perv. Not that I cared, he was committed now, no getting away no matter how weird I got. I glanced at the door when I heard the footsteps approaching. “That sounds like a good idea. Saves us both from spending time cooking, or having to go out to eat. Good thinking.” I hummed with a nod as I thought on where we might go to eat and hide away from everyone. I had a couple of check ins with clients to do first thing in the morning, which gave me time normally to get home and change from training, take the calls, and then spend the day in bed. I returned the kiss, as quick as it was, and pushed away from the wall so that Qhuinn could get to the door. I was not impressed the shirt went back on, but I knew Fritz wouldn’t appreciate it as much as I did. I huffed even though I knew it was childish, then grinned and turned to pop my head over the top of Qhuinn’s shoulder. I nodded in thanks to Fritz right along with Qhuinn, and then groaned when the smell of the food hit me. “What the hell did you order?” I groaned again and felt my stomach pipe up right along with me, “I want to say yours, but I might end up eating in your car. Since you’re driving, did I say that already? No. Hurry up.” I grinned and reached around Qhuinn to open the door again. I placed a less than gentle kiss on his face and then fisted a hand in his shirt to pull him right along the corridor with me. “I hope you’ve got your keys with you, because as much as I want to get you out of those clothes, whatever is in that bag is taking my full attention. Which you knew would happen when you ordered it.” I nodded and then stopped, holding my breath while the last of the stragglers left to go to their first meal with the Brothers. If they saw me, I’d get a million questions about why I wasn’t joining, and I wasn’t having that. “You did drive right? I just realised you may have dematted here. And we can’t do that with dinner. Eat then to yours, NO no, mine. We have to go to mine. In case we don’t make it back for class. I have clients after the sun has come up.” I turned without moving away from the wall to face Qhuinn, a sheepish grin on my face. “Sorry, brain died when the food arrived. ~

Qhuinn: [I knew my plan was a hit when I got the less than gentle kiss and then found myself being dragged down the hallway. I felt like a spy with the way we were ducking back into cubbies to avoid being seen by the other trainees, though I knew why. Neither of us wanted to be caught. Not now. Not after so fucking long of not having any damn time for ourselves and finally making it happen. My grin was wide on my face regardless. He was going about a mile a minute, which amused me to no end. It was a side of him I rarely got to see lately. When he turned to face me, I chuckled softly and then braced an arm over his shoulder as I pinned him to the wall] Good thing I got us loads of food then. I figured you’d need it after class.  To answer your question. I didn’t drive, but I’ve got permission to take one of the cars in the garage. We’ve got steak sandwiches, chips, some kebab things, and a few desserts if Fritz hooked us up like he said he would, and we’ll go back to my place as I’ve got it set up for us. I promise to have you home in time for your meetings. I don’t want you thinking about work or anything else for the next few hours. Got it?

[I didn’t wait for him to answer before I hooked my arm around his waist and led him down the halls, ducking through one of the secret passage ways the Brothers used to avoid detection as we headed towards the garage where they kept all their toys. I walked to the keybox and punched in the code, then popped it open. I eyed the various keys before finding the set I wanted. Once the keys for the midnight blue challenger where in my hands, I led us to the pristine classic muscle car and unlocked the doors. I set the basket in the middle of the front seat and gave Dehv a heated look before I slid behind the wheel] And don’t worry about eating everything, I’m sure I can find /something/ else to nibble on once we get where we’re going

Dehv: ~ I blinked and then moved with Qhuinn as he took me a way through the training centre I’d never been. I loved that he knew all these weird little alley ways. I followed on as we got to the garage, the place I assumed was where our cars would go if we ever had to stay during the day. I assumed anyway. I figured the Doggen cleaned and kept these sparkly clean. It made me laugh to think on the brothers out here on a weekend cleaning their prides and joy though. That image was one I’d enjoy carrying and passing onto the other trainees. Just to ensure the training never got too much or on top of anyone. Sometimes the fun images of things was better than nothing. I arched a brow at the car Qhuinn chose, not that I was complaining. It looked amazing. I was about to get into the car when I realised the variety of cars in the place, and some weird coffins in the back. I frowned at them and then turned back to Qhuinn as he slid in behind the drivers side. I was going to ask about it when I heard him say about getting me home before the sun came up. I pulled open the door and plopped myself in the passenger side, “I’m happy to go to yours and I can demat home before the sun comes up. Or, and it’s up to you, we can go to mine and not worry about one of us leaving the other. I can sort out my clients first thing in the morning, and then I can come back to bed. Though I know you might have duties here in the day, so you’re on a schedule. Once I finished the session we’re currently missing, I’m done for the night. I know you might not be.” I smiled and reached over to squeeze Qhuinn’s hand as I watched him get the engine going and the car warmed. I reached out to click on the radio and almost jumped a mile high when music blasted out on the highest setting possible. “Holy shit, whose car is this?” I spun the button to turn it back down to a normal level and watched as the training centre moved past us. We cleared the gates and I laughed suddenly, “This has to be the first time in 6 months we’ve managed to get away without someone stopping us. I’m touching wood that this carries on in our favour.” I grinned and tapped the top of my thigh, figuring after Qhuinn’s nibbling comment he’d get my meaning. “I’m easy either way. Right now I just want to eat what’s in this basket between us. It’s literally making me drool.” ~

Qhuinn: We’ll figure it out when the time comes. I kinda have the place set up for this though….[I grinned sheepishly at him and then cringed hard when he blasted the radio. I shouldn’t be surprised, most of the Brothers liked their music loud as fuck, it helped drown out the bullshit of the nights. I laughed and shook my head as I tore out of the garage and down the drive, through the mise to the main highway] It’s a spare, they keep a few around for times when they’re needed. Occasionally the Brothers have had to leave their cars places and demat here and there, so it helps to have extra cars around.

[I narrowed my eyes over at Dehv, then doubly so when I watched his fingers along his thigh before I forced my eyes back on the road, a low growl building on my throat. I settled my hand over his] You better not have jinxed us with that…and hopefully you’re only easy for me.

[I grinned and flashed him another wink as I hit the gas and headed towards my little house on the edge of town. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for now.  And I really really hoped he hadn’t jinxed us. The way our luck had run over the past six months I wouldn’t count us out of the woods yet, but I was hopefully. So fucking hopeful. All I wanted was a few damn hours of quiet with him. Ten minutes down the road and I was turning up the short gravel drive. I pulled alongside the Hummer and then killed the engine before hopping out and grabbing the basket.] Give me one minute, then you can come in.

[I ran, fucking ran my ass off, unlocking the door and then getting things set up. I hadn’t lied when I said I had things prepared in hopes of this evening. I just hoped he wouldn’t find it corny. I kicked off my boots at the doorway and then moved quick around the room, thankful most was set up already. Gem and Talia had told me this was romantic, even Wraith agreed and said it sounded like a cool idea. I hit the little switches to light the fake candles lining the floor, lighting up the pillows set up on the floor under the big blanket tied up in the middle of the room. All the furniture….ok, so the couch and the two dollar coffee table had been pushed to the side to make the room, and we would be having an indoor picnic. The blanket was dark enough to block the lights from the windows should anyone peep by, which was another plus for this idea. I set the food out in the center of the pillow clearing, then, just because I was hot and no other reason at all, peeled off the tee shirt before I sat down and waited….oh so not patiently for Dehv]

Dehv: ~ I laughed at the slightly jealous sounding words about me only being easy for him. I knew he wasn’t serious, but it made me laugh anyway. “I’m fairly easy for a lot of people, but none of them in the same way as you if that helps.” I threw a wink at Qhuinn and then settled back into the car. The drive was relaxing as we wound our way through the city. I always wondered how much effort it took whoever kept up the mhis at the mansion. I was still learning one hell of a lot about my own species, and the more I learned, the more I was proud to be fighting in their corner. So far I’d not embarrassed myself in front of Qhuinn, but I was sure it was coming. Not that I minded, I knew he’d support me to learn about things, and would just be happy I was teasing him.

I nodded my agreement to his explanation and nodded at the bag I had from my locker, “I’ve got my computer, I guess push comes to shove I can do the consult at your place if you’ve got wifi and I can then stay there. I won’t have the notes, but I can have them emailed over before the meeting if I need to.” I felt the uncertainty in my chest ease up a little at the thought that I didn’t have to rush off anyway. If we were still in one of our places come the time the sun rose, we were basically guaranteed a full day together. It was exciting to think on and I found myself breathing a little easier as we pulled up into Qhuinn’s drive. I put my hand on the leaver to open the door when I was issued my instructions. I chuckled but settled back into my seat and nodded.

I watched Qhuinn run into his house and then licked a boot up on the dash. I pulled my phone from my pocket and grinned when I saw that I’d got photos and messages from Davidson and Nhick. I knew they were at dinner, so I was impressed they’d taken time out of that exciting little experience. The first message was a sneak picture of Rhage eating. The next was a little surprised face, right along with a picture of Wrath sitting at the head of the table. I snorted and shook my head. The ones after that were obviously of him having been caught, and then a whole bunch of selfies from the various brothers. Most of them anyway, Zsadist looked more like someone had stuck a camera in his face and he was about to murder them. That one made me laugh out loud. I sent back a picture of myself in the car and then a second of me pulling a stupid face along with a quick message to say that I was at Qhuinn’s and I’d see them at training the following night.

I checked the time and I’d managed to blast through about five minutes, surely that was enough time? I pushed out the car and grabbed my bag from the back, looping the strap over my head so I had my hands free. I had my phone up so I could take a photograph of what Qhuinn had done for our evening and show the two of them. But as I pushed through the door I let my hand drop as my mouth opened. I arched a teasing brow and slid my phone into my back pocket so I could look around. The candles flickering on the floor and the way Qhuinn sat quietly on the blanket and pillows, it looked cozy and wanted to join him, “I think the shirt missing is cheating. Especially if you want me to eat something first. Now you’re making me choose between what smells great and what looks even better. Where do you want me?” I grinned widely and pulled off my bag to place it down by the counter on my way into the living room, my eyes never leaving my male. ~

Qhuinn: [I kicked my feet out in front of me and leaned back on my hands as I waited. Every passing second had my nerves bubbling up even though I knew he wouldn’t laugh. That wasn’t who he was. I also knew he wouldn’t run. That was all me. It still didn’t mean I couldn’t be nervous. This was practically our first real date. Unless you wanted to count a burger at a dive restaurant when I told him about the shit I went through or a trip through hell that landed both our asses in the hospital. And I really didn’t want to count those. I swore I could sense him the nearer he got to the door. I sat a little straighter, my senses on full alert. I watched the knob turn and held my breath as it swung open. My grin grew at his reaction and the moment I saw that phone slide into his pocket I knew I did okay with everything. I raised a brow right back] Are you saying you’d rather I put my shirt back on? I thought you’d enjoy a little show with your meal

[I wiggled my brows and then lifted a hand to crook a finger at him as I willed the door to lock behind him. I then patted the pillow next to me. A million responses to his question went through my mind but I knew if I gave the most honest, we’d never get to the food. And for what I had planned, food was definitely going to be needed.] I want you everywhere I can have you, you should know that by now. But first, we’ll eat and then, we’ll explore those other options.

Dehv: ~ I laughed at the question and shook my head. Instead of answering, I tugged off my coat to let it drop by my bag, and then started to move closer. I allowed my gaze to travel around the lights and pillows and Qhuinn’s home. We hadn’t managed to get away, and normally we went back to mine when we could get away, or just crashed at the training centre. It was rare we travelled this far away from the mansion in order to get time to ourselves, so I always found myself looking around, taking in all the things that made up Qhuinn. I tugged at my jumper and shirt, pulling them both over my head at the same time as I dropped to my knees on the blanket, my grin never leaving my face. “I do like a show with my food. As long as it doesn’t distract me. Some slave driver worked us hard in our session today, and I’m pretty hungry.” I winked and threw my clothes over to join my bag, tuggin my phone from my pocket so I didn’t sit on it and then settled my butt on one of the pillows. Once I was down, I started working on my shoes so I could get comfortable. “I am sure I will have thought of some extra options by the time we’ve eaten. But whatever you have in there, it smells delicious. Honestly. I’m used to getting the good food from Fritz, but I wasn’t expecting this from you.” I laughed and leaned closer to steal a kiss, knowing Qhuinn would probably laugh at his legendary inability to cook rather than clock me one.

Once I was satisfied with how comfortable we both were, relaxed in the warmth, I turned my attention to the food placed in front of me. I looked over the various meats, bread, cheese and hot food that spanned one of the blankets, and groaned in happiness. “Holy shit. I needed this right now. Thank you.” I grinned and grabbed a plate, filling it with a little of everything so I could move back and let Qhuinn get in to the food as well. I needed to keep my mind on the food, and off my male though, so I stuffed a bit of ham in my mouth before speaking, “So, did you see that I kicked ass with unconventional weaponry? Tell me honestly, has anyone ever gone for the fun weapons before? Because I think we kicked ass today. Minus the idiot who tried to main me, or the ones that tried to take you down. Excitement all around tonight. It’s a miracle we got out when we did.” ~

Qhuinn: [I didn’t think he’d tell me to put my shirt on but his answer was even better. I would never tire of watching my male strip down though now I actually got to appreciate it without having to do it in  discreetly. Nope, I got to ogle my male like I hadn’t in fuck knows how long. And ogle I did. I may have even let out a low growl too, but damn. When he finally joined me on the blanket and spoke, I threw my head back and laughed] Yeah, I hear your trainer is a real pain in the ass. Though with that class…

[I raised a brow and grinned wide] I’ll only mildly distract you while we eat. I had Fritz cook for us for a reason. I wanted you to actually survive this meal and we both know had I cooked, we’d end up at UGH more likely than not and I don’t know about you, but I’m damn tired of that place right about now.

[I gave a nod before leaning in to that kiss, grinning wide against Dehv’s lips. Twice…twice I’d tried to cook a quick something for us between classes in the small kitchen off the training center and twice I’d set off the sprinklers and set off the alarms. Cooking was not my forte. It was much safer to ask the doggen or to order take out. I could readily admit that one. I grabbed a plate after Dehv tucked in and filled it up, grateful the doggen knew to make plenty for two hungry ass males. I had just stuffed a large bite of a steak sandwich into my mouth when Dehv asked about his fight and nearly choked on the laughter that threatened. I chewed slowly as if truly contemplating how to answer, then took another bite as I watched him. It was one of the things that made him, Davidson and Nhick stand out from the others. They thought outside the box, nearly every time we had drills. I wasn’t sure whose influence that was either. It’s what we needed more of in the Brotherhood though. Which is partly why I was allowed to run my class as I did, slightly off the cuff of the others. If it proved successful, hopefully I’d get even more leeway next term. I finished off my sandwich and wiped my mouth all while watching my male, knowing my silence was likely testing his oh so non-existent patience and shrugged a shoulder as I hid my grin] Meh, you did alright.

[I couldn’t help it and I barely managed to get the words out before a snicker slipped out] Honestly, no, no one has ever gone for the fun weapons before. Most stick to what they know. What’s expected. As for those assclowns…it pisses me off status gets you certain leeway still. They shoulda been bounced ages ago, but nope, gotta have prove or the glymera gets all shitty about it.

Dehv: ~ I grinned and stuck another piece of cheese in my mouth, savouring the taste. I’d probably polish off the entire platter if I wasn’t so hooked on manners. They’d been drilled into me when I was trying to make an impression with the humans for all these years, while also trying to blend in. It wasn’t easy to do, since I had to move around often enough not to have my face recognised, or enough that I could pretend I was a cousin or doppelganger. That was always a fun story to run with over and over again. I’d often wondered how others of my kind managed it, I found out all about doggen and by then I’d found it far too weird to have someone else in my home. Though having someone own my home and allow that to just run seemed like a really good idea. I’d have to look into that, though it would be a hoop and a half to jump through to transfer all my assets to someone else. It wasn’t like it was just a house, I had an entire empire I had been running from behind the scenes for years. I grabbed another slice of ham, wrapping it around a cube of cheese then dipped it into some of the various dips on offer. The whole meal was relaxed and comfortable, and I was enjoying not having to shove the food in my face in minutes. I had been on edge for the last 6 months and it had caused me to put habits into my day to day life that I wasn’t impressed with. I now barely tasted my food, instead eating what was quick and easy to make, polish off and tidy so I was able to be on call with minutes notice. I realised I was really having to make an effort to slow down and actually enjoy the taste of the food, not to mention the eye candy of the company. I couldn’t ignore that. I kept my eyes on Qhuinn as he took his time answering me. The slight twitch in my foot the only indication I’d give him that my patience was running thin. He’d know that already, and the fact I couldn’t hide that from him would amuse him. When the answer eventually fell from his mouth, I was already throwing a square of cheese at him before the snicker slipped out. I laughed right along with him, watching the cheese bounce off his head while he continued to talk. I didn’t even try to hide my amusement, instead leaning over to grab the stray piece of cheese and eat it while I tramped down the growl at the thought of the idiots who had made class awkward the last few runs. “They should have been taken out a long ass time ago. But I am glad they fucked up this time. If it had been any other brother they might not have got off quite as lightly. I can imagine Z might have knocked them down with a bit more blood being spilled. They’ve got powerful families behind them though, so they might be back if they can be on their best behaviour. As for Jhasper, he needs to reign it in before I get properly pissed. I thought he’d blown out my knee today, not to mention the lovely split to my lip I now have to nurse for a few days while it opens up every time I smile. You did well though, keeping your temper in check. Proud of you.” I winked at Qhuinn and waggled my brows. Teasing my male about his famous lack of control always amused me, just as much as he liked teasing me about my lack of patience.~

Qhuinn: [I should have seen the cheese lob coming, but I was too amused at the lack of patience Dehv displayed. I nodded in agreement and picked up one of the tiny cake things, shoving in my mouth before I answered] Yeah, that’s probably why they had me handle it. A, they knew the idiots wouldn’t start shit with the other Brothers around not like they do with me because of who I am and B, Z definitely would have done some damage to them before they were taken down and then Wrath would have had to clean it up. This way, they saw it all happen and my ass is covered.

[I let out a low growl and rolled on the floor closer to my male as he brought up the other incident. Jhasper would be a good fighter for the brotherhood if he managed to pull his head out of his ass. Right now he was striking out because of hurt feelings for some reason, or at least that’s how it felt. He seemed to go after Dehv with a passion I’d not seen in him before. And yeah, I wanted to rip his head from his shoulders when I heard the crunch to Dehv’s knee, but I knew I couldn’t interfere. I probably still had the marks on my palms from my nails digging in but I managed. I stole a quick kiss, skimming the busted lip of his and grumbled] He’s lucky that I respect you and the Brotherhood or he’d have been a blood splatter on the floor. But I promised you and Wrath I’d let you hold your own in the class and not interfere unless I had to. I think I deserve some kind of freaking reward after this one though.

[I nodded and flashed a cheeky grin at him as I nudged his shoulder] Then again…you are injured now, not sure you’re up for celebrating a free evening with me now and who knows if they’ll really let us spring free of the hell that’s been our schedule lately…

Dehv: ~ I kept eating as I listened, nodding in agreement with basically everything he said. “They did go after you and got off lightly. Z wouldn’t have held back, but then again, that might have been enough for them to learn their lesson. I’m glad that they were stupid enough to take you on with witnesses while in the training centre. Much easier to prove than if they’d have jumped you on rotation. I know that none of us were feeling confident about being out on the street with either of them. I’m not entirely sure they’d have protected our backs or seen just how well we fought on our own while they watched.” I shook my head and reached for one of the little olives that was stuffed with some super hot chili. It burned on my tongue, then heated a trail down to my stomach. It wasn’t long before I just picked up the little pot to polish off the rest.

I couldn’t keep the smile off my face when Qhuinn rolled closer through, that growl telling me that he wasn’t any more impressed with Jhasper than I was. I nodded yet again and then laughed. “He does seem to have a chip on his shoulder. I’m not sure if it’s just me it’s directed at, but I thought I’d test that next session. Whatever we’re doing, I’ll try and pair with him again.” I nodded and then focused on Qhuinn as he moved closer, my foot stilling instantly when his lips met mine. I growled softly and pressed closer for a minute before speaking. “I think you did just as well as I did when you were jumped. At least you’re used to having to hold back, none of us have a hope in hell of getting the drop on you. But the other trainees have just as much chance at hurting me as I have of hurting them. Think you’ll manage to keep yourself in check if Jhasper has it out for me and it gets worse before it gets better in training?” I chuckled and bumped Qhuinn’s shoulder in return, my teeth grazing over my lower lip, carefully avoiding the area that would he healed before the next training session. “Oh you don’t have to worry about that one. It’s been months since we actually got more than a quick half hour in a cupboard. They’ll give us tonight, they canceled a class for us. If there’s an emergency, they’ll call us in, but only if the others can’t cover it. Lets move this somewhere that will mean I don’t get food in places it’s not welcome, and you can check me over to ensure I’m not more hurt than you originally thought.” ~

Qhuinn: Or Z would have put them in the hospital and we’d have had a whole shit ton of trouble fall down on the Brotherhood. I don’t envy Wrath having to deal with their parents. [shaking my head and then letting loose another low growl at the thought of him purposely setting Jhasper off] If you take him on, you better be prepared otherwise I won’t be responsible for what I do if he hurts you again...Though if you think I’m going to easy on you all, I can certainly change things up with the training.

[I tried not to groan as he tempted fate by bringing up emergencies. Chances were slim. We had enough for patrols but I never wanted to push my luck since it rarely ran my way. Though I sure was planning on taking advantage of very minute we did get away with right now while I could. Only because I didn’t know how long it would last or how long it would be until we caught another night off together, despite technically being right at the end of our probations…Raising a brow and turning a full on predatory look at my male] Now, if you had food in places, I’d be more than happy to lick you clean, but as it happens, I do have a much better place for you in mind. One where I can spread you out and give you that proper inspection that you need. And you won’t even have to worry about the hard wood on your back, old man.

[I stole another kiss with a grin and flashed a wink before popping to my feet and offering a hand]

Dehv: ~ “He’s likely do just that to be fair. He’s not known for his patience, or his control.” I chuckled at the thought, not that I wanted any of the trainees to get hurt. And likely if any of them got hurt, other trainers would get involved to help. But sometimes I felt it would do some good to see just how brutal the brotherhood could be if cornered or forced to fight.

I snorted out loud when Qhuinn mentioned going easy on us all. He kicked our ass week in and week out. No matter who went up against him, often more than one trainee at a time, were knocked to their backs within minutes. It came from growing up fighting no doubt, and then additional training in areas that many of the class had no clue even existed. I wasn’t easy to take down either, but I wasn’t the best in the class by a long shot, though I loved battling with Davidson, Nhick and Qhuinn if I had a choice. But Jhasper needed put in his place, and the more we spared, and the more he injured me, the more I saw that he just had piss poor impulse control when he was losing. “He’ll hurt me again no doubt, because I’ll pull back when I am meant to in training rather than risk a real injury. He won’t because he’s determined to win the fight, no matter the cost. I’d think that’s something that will hopefully get beat out of him as training goes on, but if not it’s something I might have to raise as a concern to Wrath. After I raise it to you of course.” I grinned at Qhuinn and nodded, quickly forgetting that Jhasper even existed. I took the offered hand and stood, brushing off the crumbs from the less easily consumed food between stolen kisses. “Oh you can inspect me any way you want, as often as you want. We’ve got the whole night off, and if you’re lucky I might manage to cancel some of my appointments in the morning so that we can have the whole day off too.” I waggled my brows and linked my fingers with Qhuinn’s, pulling him with me towards the bedroom I knew was located at the back of the flat. I left my bag, and more importantly my phone, out with the food. Hopefully if it rang I’d not hear it and could pretend I had lost it temporarily should the Brotherhood try to contact me. ~

Qhuinn: [I grumbled more as he went on about Jhasper, the anger rolling through me like a tidal wave.] Maybe I’ll make sure to have a little one on one session with him soon. Show him what it means when someone stops holding back and remind him of his position. Not because he’s targeting you, but I can’t have him pulling this shit on anyone, period. It makes me look incompetent and I’m capable of that on my own.

[I flashed a cheeky grin as Dehv laced his fingers with mine and then groaned loudly at the tempting of fates. I pulled my phone from my pocket and flicked the switch to silent before tossing it back on the couch. I didn’t know if that would be enough. I hoped though. I gave Dehv’s fingers a tug before he reached the bedroom and pressed him against the wall, not leaving much room between us as I leaned in to steal a kiss, murmuring against his lips. I was mindful of his injuries but I still need to get close. I had that little niggle in the back of my head that we still only had but a few stolen moments and I intended to savor every one of them.] IF you didn’t just jinx us…now, what can I do to persuade you to cancel a few of those appointments?

Dehv: ~ I listened and processed as Qhuinn spoke. He was right about Jhasper needing to be shown what his temper would do and how it impacted others. I was sure he was learning, I just wasn’t sure exactly what could be done to teach him. Being beaten down by Qhuinn might not be the best way to go, as it would likely spark more anger. “Maybe just take him aside as a one to one conversation about it? I know that if you beat my ass deliberately and as you can do, I’d end up embarrassed. And if I had Jhasper’s lack of control in the classroom, I’d get even worse with others. I don’t know, you’re the teacher, so do whatever you feel works. Wrath probably has some pointers, but you don’t look incompetent, no one is saying or thinking that. You sorted out those idiots without breaking a sweat, and without making anyone in the class feel like they weren’t safe.” I nodded, my smile huge as I moved closer to the bedroom and grinned at Qhuinn. I really wanted to feel confident that we’d have the whole night and through the next day, but I knew the Brotherhood, and if they didn’t call his friends down at UGH might.

Instead of wallowing I growled softly when Qhuinn tugged me closer and the wall stopped my backwards motion. I had no issues with the pain that still shot from my lip now and again, it would be healed soon enough, and the pain was fun when added to every other feeling that radiated through every nerve. I chuckled between kisses and used my free arm to curl around Qhuinn’s back, sliding my fingers firmly over all that hard muscle. “I’d never jinx us, nope.” I grinned widely, my brows wiggling playfully before I pushed away from the wall slightly to close the tiny distance between us, pushing gently to guide us both through the bedroom door. “I think you can start by showing me how much you’ve missed me over the last 6 months.” ~ #StealingTime

[dulcetmusings]

Amp awoke feeling filthy. She had just slept uneasily on that disgusting floor in the same clothes that she had been sweating in yesterday. She didn’t know how it hadn’t hit her yet that there wouldn’t be a change of clothes once she arrived in the arena. All that would be available were these sweat-stained bloody rags.

Before getting up from her hiding spot, Amp pored over the small amount of possessions she had taken from the cabinet. Morphine, vinegar, that ricin-looking stuff. She had to remind herself that it probably wasn’t actual ricin, that providing a toxic gas to a tribute wouldn’t exactly be the best show.

Something was jabbing into her thigh, so she reached down and pulled out the fingernail brush. Perfect. The lack of restful sleep and the realization of just how much dirt and dust and shit had probably been on this floor was beginning to sink in and Amp took one breath. Two. She stood, tapping her finger against the tub once. Twice. She needed to clean her nails out. There wasn’t any visible blood left but there had to be some gunk built up from the night. She picked up the bottles and brought them with her to the sink, wanting to see if she could mix them with water to do anything useful.

The tap was still flowing softly, and she sipped slowly, making sure to keep hydrated. Brush. One swipe under her left forefinger nail. Two. The next finger once. Twice. Each finger cleaned meticulously. Scrub. Raw. Fast.

Creak.

Oh no. Ampere lifted her head and spun around to see a figure in the doorway wielding a long, pointed edifice that glowed red on its tip.

Aurelia, the girl tribute from District Two, had clearly ditched her cloak early on and made necessary adjustments to her tribute uniform. Her shirt had been unbuttoned at the bottom and tied into a knot to reveal her muscular torso and she was sporting a bright purple bruise on the left side of her jaw. And she seemed to be quite happy to find the girl that had bested her in training scores.

OCD Freak.

Amp knew the words that were going to come out of her mouth before Aurelia even spoke. She’d heard it all too many times back home. Which is why she needed to stand her ground and bring this girl to her grave. It was a matter of pride more than anything. 

But Ampere’s stomach sunk to the floor when she reached for the crossbow and nothing was there. She had left it behind the tub. What a fucking amateur mistake.

The poker that Aurelia was wielding, red hot and fresh from the fireplace downstairs, came down on Ampere before she could fully process her current lack of weapon. Shit. Shit. She stepped out of the way before it could do major damage, but the end of the weapon smashed into Ampere’s forearm, leaving behind the scent of burning flesh.

Amp grit her teeth, not allowing the Career the satisfaction of hearing her scream in pain. Her hand reached frantically for something, anything to help her defend herself while she figured out a way to get to her hidden weapon. Aurelia hadn’t seemed to notice the crossbow behind the tub yet. Amp’s hand found the bottle with the ricin stuff and grabbed it, smashing the end against the counter and using the neck of the bottle to keep it steady in her hand. When the other girl’s poker came falling on top of her again, Amp dove in instead of away, jamming the broken glass into Aurelia’s stomach. She shrieked in pain, but didn’t slow down. This time the poker landed in Ampere’s side and a sickening crack could be heard. A rib. This time Amp allowed herself a small, pained groan.

Oh hell no. 

The poker was long, Amp figured. It would get caught. It was clumsy, would smash against things if Amp could maneuver into a tighter space. Her eyes flickered towards the toilet, which was situated in its own niche, and dove towards it before she could get hit again. 

Aurelia turned, fire in her eyes as she was finally doing what she had been trained to do. The poker came swinging again, but as Ampere had calculated, the metal crashed on top of the porcelain toilet lid, breaking the piece of the appliance in half. 

Before Amp could blink, both she and Aurelia screamed in shock as a long, terrifying creature shot out of the toilet bowl and wrapped itself around Amp’s leg while snapping at Aurelia. Amp looked back; the crossbow wasn’t too far from where she sat entangled in the snake. If she could wiggle just a few more feet-

A sudden tug pulled Amp forward as Aurelia struck the snake with the poker and, in return, received a bite to the leg. The Career screamed in pain but stood her ground.

Snakes. Amp knew nothing about snakes. That Nine in training was doing absolutely nothing for her right now. And the harder she tried to pull away, the tighter her leg became wrapped.

Things quieted as the two tributes remained stuck in a standstill with the mutt. Aurelia had locked her eyes on it, and was slowly positioning the poker in a way that would stab it through its mouth and into its brain. It would work, no doubt. But in a way, this snake was the only thing keeping the defenseless Ampere from having her skull caved in by this girl. As soon as it was dead, she was a sitting duck. 

She knew the necessary steps, but Amp would have only seconds. And she needed to trust the precision she had practiced so thoroughly in training. 

Breathe in. Out. Once. Twice. One small shift backwards. Two. Casually.

A pin drop could be heard in this bathroom. Amp swallowed as she saw Aurelia lock her poker into position, and the girl from Five tensed, ready to make her move.

Not half a second after Amp readied herself, Aurelia sent her burning poker through the skull of the reptile, sizzling the flesh and blood of the hostile mutt and pulling it out as the thing went limp. As soon as the tail relaxed, Amp scurried over and grabbed the crossbow and fumbled her hand into the bag, loading a bolt into the weapon. Aurelia noticed immediately what she was doing, and rage spread on her face as she lifted the poker back up over her head to bring it down on the girl from Five. 

It did come down, but it came down clattering to the floor along with the Career, a crossbow bolt jutting out of her forehead. Amp had managed to send the bolt flying just in time, and she let the crossbow drop into her lap as her body relaxed. She was safe for now. 

A cannon sound could be heard. On top of the screams of this scuffle, that was more than enough of a signal to the other tributes that something had gone down in here. Amp needed to leave, which was unfortunate. For all she knew, the bathroom was the only supply of water in the house. 

She pulled open the cabinet with the two remaining bottles left- the laudanum and powdered coca leaves- and emptied them both out into the sink, washing them out and then filling them up with water before corking them back up. The four bottles she had on hand would have to help her out at some point, she figured. 

Ampere exited the bathroom and entered the first door to her right, surprised by the look of what seemed to be a nursery. It was mildly creepy, but it took more than a general feeling of unease to set Amp off her balance. At least, that was what she told herself as she walked towards the table stacked with blankets. At least her new location was comfortable.

Had she remembered to turn off the sink in the bathroom?

[olgagarmash]

9 Warm Weather Activities That Torch Calories

Summer has to be the most active time of the year, with so many chores to be done and opportunities to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. While you’re busy taking advantage of the season, you can also burn off excess calories, helping to speed up your progress toward your weight loss goal. Here are nine popular warm weather activities that kick up your metabolism while you go about your days—no visit to the gym required.

1. Mopping the Floor

The minute the weather turns warm, cleaning tops the “to-do” list in many homes. When you get out the bucket and mop, and move at a steady pace back and forth across the floor, you’ll torch calories plus tone your arms and strengthen your core muscles as your metabolism heats up.

Calories burned: 330 per hour

2. Dusting and Vacuuming

Wiping down your furniture, shelves and decorations gets rid of dust and potential allergens. It also keeps you moving around, bending and stretching as you go. Pushing the vacuum not only removes dirt and other debris from your carpets and floors, it activates your back and leg muscles and cranks up your internal calorie-burning engines.

Calories burned: 160 per hour

3. Ironing

Smoothing wrinkles and pressing creases into your clothes and linens is steady, methodical work you do while on your feet. That effort leads not only to a pile of well-maintained laundry… it can lead to a pile of sweat as well! Try ironing a week’s worth of clothes all at once, then hanging them where they can’t be wrinkled again. You’ll be thanking yourself on those busy weekday mornings, and your waist line will thank you, too!

Calories burned: 150 per hour

4. Painting Walls

When a room in your home needs a fresh coat of paint, there are many tools to work with and tasks to do, from moving furniture to reaching with the roller brush. All of those add up to significant calorie-burning that helps you end up with a fresh look, too.

Calories burned: 350 per hour

5. Mowing the Lawn

Walking back and forth as your power mower cuts the grass keeps your yard looking neat and your body, trim. You don’t get the same benefit from a riding mower, but you can really amp up your calorie burning by using a mower powered only by your legs.

Calories burned: 330 per hour

6. Gardening

Digging, raking, pulling weeds and other gardening tasks get you outside in the fresh air and sunshine and fire up your metabolism as you beautify your yard.

Calories burned: 340 per hour

7. Washing the Car

Sure, you can go to the drive-through car wash, but rinsing, scrubbing and drying your own vehicle is pleasant on a warm day and it burns calories while you’re at it. Vacuum and polish the interior to get the maximum benefit.

Calories burned: 330 per hour

8. Playing in the Yard With the Kids

Taking the kids to play in the backyard is an easy way to burn a few extra calories. Have a swing set? A sliding board and jungle gym helps the kids burn off energy and stay active. The little ones will love for you to join in and you’ll remember what fun it is to play as you turn up your metabolism.

Calories burned: 300 per hour

9. Riding a Bicycle

Pedaling around on two wheels with the warm breeze in your face is a simple joy that can bring you back to carefree childhood days. Skip the skintight clothes and hunched over posture and just ride for fun (with or without kids). While you pedal and smile, your body torches a whole lot of calories.

Calories burned: 400 per hour

*Calories burned are the average for a 155-pound person, based on a report from the Harvard University School of Public Health.

source https://wealthch.com/9-warm-weather-activities-that-torch-calories/

[thestoriesincoffeestains]

A Second Draft [Alaska/Kyle]

[Continued from here.]

@a-muse-a-dozen

As Kyle had expected, he slept better than he had in years--Alaska in his arms, relaxed and sated, no dreams of either of their parents dying. That lasted until right before his alarm went off to start the day. Sweat beaded along his brow line, his breathing labored, body shaking, Kyle awoke as he shot up in bed. Flashes from his past and false horrors of his future dancing within his mind. A choked sob caught in his throat, his eyes instantly jumping over to where Alaska should be asleep in fear he might have jolted her awake. However, the small writer was not next to him. His already thudding heart began an erratic beat, panic making his blood run cold. Kyle's icy blues scanned the room, trying to find a hint of where his safety net had gone--where was his anchor? Her clothes were missing from his floor, her bag not laying by his desk, along with her jacket and shoes. "No..no...no..no," Kyle kicked his sheets off and leaped from the bed, almost falling to the ground as he rushed toward the bathroom, "She wouldn't leave...she wouldn't leave me...she promised..." The words fell from his lips weaker than Kyle had ever sounded--terror, panic, and heartbreak causing tears to pool in his eyes. The bathroom was exactly how they left it, untouched from anyone being in there this morning. Kyle hurried through his bedroom, grabbing his pajama pants from the floor and pulling them on in a moving hop as he headed toward his door. Maybe she was in the kitchen, either making them something to eat or her morning drug--coffee. "She said nothing would change..." The teen ran a hand through his hair, tears still stinging his eyes, throat dry and tightening. His racing heart came to a sudden stop when Kyle realized the kitchen was empty. No sign of Alaska, no hint she was ever there. The room began to spin and close in around him, sweat painting his shirtless chest and making his hair damp. He grabbed on to the kitchen counter for support as he felt his legs turn to jello.(not done, but i have no more room =[  _The only sound he could hear was his blood rushing through his veins and his unstable breathing. Alaska had left... Kyle tried to breath, tried to remember what Alaska had taught him to control his panic attacks but that only pushed his overworked heart to beat harder. His vision was blurring and he knew the tears were freely falling from his eyes, slipping down his cheeks. Their warmth making him shiver. Kyle's stomach did an unhealthy, unpleasant flip before tightening in a death grip. He could taste bile rushing up his throat. With what strength he had, the teen rushed back to his room to get to his bathroom, pushing past a confused Carly. Within seconds of his knees hitting the tile floor, Kyle was emptying his stomach or what little was in his stomach into the porcelain bowl. What had he done? Why had she left him? Why did he think just maybe there was hope of her loving him as he did Alaska? All these questions filled his head, making him more disoriented and dizzy. Worthlessness, used, cheap, and alone...he was just an orphan, why would she want to stay? He couldn't stop the sob from escaping, tears freely streaming down his face while his body continued to shake and he vomited until there was nothing left and all he could do was dry heave.

Alaska knew that leaving Kyle to wake up without her was borderline cruel, especially after the night they'd shared, but she couldn't. She couldn't wake up beside him, see that starry eyed, beloved look on his face, and survive it. She barely made it home, half running, half stumbling, hot tears streaking her cheeks and leaving her lungs burning. This wasn't what all those hours running was meant for. 

A sob choked from her throat as she tugged her apartment door open, practically breaking the padlock before she thought to stick her key into the door. Stumbling inside, Alaska fell to the floor, pressing her hands against the cold tile as she struggled to suck in a breath. She dragged in breath after breath, trying to catch up to the rapid trainwreck of her heartbeat. It did little to calm her, though. Alaska shoved off the floor, slamming her fist straight into the door. Again, again, one punch after the other, her wrist straight to empower every attack. Her olive skin burned crimson as she exhausted herself, stopping only when the stain of blood colored her knuckles, imprinted against the door. Still huffing, Alaska shoved herself off the ground. He'd hate her. He could. Alaska tore the clothes off her body and shoved each scrap into the bin, slamming her foot against the drawer to shut it. The sound rang in her ears as she headed into the bathroom, showering off the scent of brown sugar. Even with scolding hot water beating against her back, she was reminded of Kyle. Every heartbeat, every breath, he was there, stained into her skin. Alaska screamed until her throat was hoarse, punched until her hands ached too much to lift. She wouldn't be able to flex her fingers, let alone write, without flinching. 

Good. She deserved it. She'd caused Kyle pain; no amount of physical damage she could do to herself would amount to that. 

Alaska forced herself out of the water and get dressed, ignoring her reflection, ignoring the reflection of Kyle's marks in the mirror. Instead, she covered every inch of herself, tugging on leggings and a sweatshirt--not Kyle's--before grabbing her bag and heading out the door.

She would never forgive herself for causing Kyle even a single minute of anguish. She'd been so selfish last night, letting a dream blind her from logic. She shouldn't have touched him, kissed him, allowed herself to get drunk off the taste of him. Alaska forced herself to walk, one foot after the next, dreading school and how she would explain herself to Kyle. Alaska drafted a dozen options in her head, but nothing...none of them were what Kyle deserved.

When Carly had followed him into the bathroom, the teen lied. How could he tell his foster mother the truth? That he had spent one amazing night with the woman of his dreams, hopes of the morning bringing a new chapter in their lives, only to wake up alone...no, she wouldn't understand. She might even agree with Alaska, if the writer couldn't love him, want him...why should Carly? It was too risky, so Kyle lied. Lied that it was just a bug going around the school, lied that he was okay...A habit he had given up for Alaska's sake. No lies, meant no chance of that being a reason for getting sent back into the system. His foster mother had offered to stay home with him, but he let his old cold exterior surface--the independent needs no one teen telling the kind woman that he could take care of himself. Carly hesitated, could see the clear heartache and anguish painting his face. Now though wasn't the time for a fight or time to push him. She left, leaving Kyle to hug the toilet. He laid there until he heard the front door open and shut. He pushed himself off the floor, moving toward the bedroom. Fresh tears running down his cheeks as he wrapped his arms around himself staring at the bed. Anger boiled inside of him, he had given every last part of himself to Alaska...he was an idiot. The smell of sex made his nauseous once more as he approached the bed, staring at it as if the bed was the cause of all of this pain. In a rage, Kyle threw a pillow--her pillow--across the room and then began to strip the bed. He couldn't take the smell. After loading them into the washer, Kyle went back to his bathroom...hands scratching at his skin, red marks marking his arms. Turning the water to the hottest setting, Kyle climbed in. The teen scrubbed until his skin was raw, washing all he could of the night before off--he felt used and cheap, played in a game he had thought was reality. He was a nobody....all he would ever be.

Alaska stared at Kyle's deal, as if she could suddenly will him to appear. Homeroom came and went, then first period, second...Each time she expected him to be there, bouncing around like Tigger amped on RedBull. Instead, she walked to each class alone, a tight, sick feeling twisting her stomach. She checked her phone multiple times, but no...Kyle didn't owe her an explanation. She'd taken advantage--even with his approval. Alaska knew she didn't deserve Kyle's love or attention--a fact she knew long ago. Today only reaffirmed the truth; he was too good for her. So much more than she could ever deserve. Alaska kept her hands hidden beneath the sleeves of her sweatshirt, ensuring no one saw the cuts on her knuckles. By lunch, she knew Kyle wasn't coming to school, and the reason was clear. She skipped the rest of her classes, stopping at the market long enough to pick up a single flower. She left the long stem bud against his windowsill, but didn't knock against the glass. An apology flower...not that she'd ever deserve his forgiveness.

Once Kyle had scrubbed so hard small amounts of blood had pushed through his pores, did Kyle actually stop. Another bloodcurling sob left his lips. Never had he felt this broken. He would take the abuse of a foster father, from the bullies at school, even the pain from losing his parents again over the swallowing darkness that was now surrounding him. He turned off the water as it went cold, climbing out and putting on whatever clothes he could find the easiest. He didn't want to be in his bed but he wanted to lay down, hope the world would stop trying to swallow him and stop spinning. Kyle grabbed his pillow and curled up into a ball on the floor, the teen still letting tears slip down his cheeks. Every part of his body ached. His eyes closed against his will and he fell into a fitful, nightmarish sleep. Each nightmare keeping him hostage and tormenting his soul even more. Kyle couldn't wake himself up as his mind decided to punish him for having even an ounce of hope the night before. Hours later, the teen woke up. His shirt and hair soaked with sweat, cheeks stained with tears, and his throat so dry and raw. He glanced at the clock, knew Carly would be home soon. Kyle stood and locked his bedroom door, then moved to turn on his stereo to blare music. Tactics he had used in the beginning to keep the woman away from him. He moved to the bathroom, brushing his teeth and getting a small glass of water. Kyle's eyes met his own in the mirror. All he could see was the worthless pathetic fool he had become. Without a thought, Kyle slammed his fist into the glass, pieces embedding into his hand, shards slicing his skin like a knife through butter. Kyle didn't care. All he did was pull his hand back and watch the blood run. The only thing proving he was still alive and not a shell. The pain from the glass distracting him from the pain of losing the one person he had ever truly loved. Carefully, Kyle pulled a shard out of his hand. It had been awhile since he had eventhought of self hurting. He had no reason to want to feel anything, Alaska was his life...his reason...he had had no reason to want to end things either. Now though...now his world was lonely and empty again. He placed the sharpest part of the shard over an old scar, his hands shaking. The teen pressed just a little but stopped...Alaska's voice screaming at him, begging him. A growl left his lips and he threw the shard across the bathroom. She was even ruining what little piece of the world he had that could give him peace. Kyle backed up against the wall, realizing the state of his hand, blindly reaching for a towle. "I thought you loved me..." Kyle cried softly. "I thought you needed me a much as I needed you....we--we were supposed to be family..."

Alaska couldn't force herself to leave Kyle's window. Even with the window shut and blinds down--he always left it cracked open, just for her, a silent invitation...but not now--she could feel that tug between them. And yet...and yet she knew she couldn't explain her reasons for leaving, couldn't justify how much she'd hated herself in that moment. No, hated wasn't a strong enough a word to capture how much she truly despised her choices. She shouldn't have left...but she shouldn't have given in to her desire for Kyle, either. Even with their pact, the memory of last night would forever exist between them. She couldn't erase that. She wanted to slip through his window, into his arms, but she couldn't. She couldn't hurt Kyle further than she already had with an explanation she knew he'd argue against. Instead, Alaska forced herself to walk home, every step between them another thorn in her heart--a thorn she'd pierced through her skin herself. No amount of pain, no slight bit of physical, mental, or emotional ache, would ever compare to what she'd done to Kyle. Ever. She didn't eat, didn't touch her coffee machine, didn't even bother to sleep. Instead, she positioned herself in front of her punching bag, going at it until she could no longer stand. Collapsing against the floor for the second time that day, Alaska pressed her back against the bag, fighting off fears as she struggled to breathe. The sun rose, and she forced herself through the same routine again--shower, walk, sit. Alaska folded her arms against the desk and hid her head, unsure if she could handle staring at Kyle's empty seat yet again. 

Kyle didn't eat that day, he could barely hold down even a small glass of water. All he did was sleep once he got the bleeding to stop and cleaned up the mess. Carly would have questions, but he'd just lie, make up an excuse that fit the situation and move on. Move on? What was there to move on to? There was no purpose anymore. Not without Alaska. Carly tried to get him to join her for dinner but he just ignored her knocks and calls. That night, after the sun had set Kyle grabbed his jacket and snuck out. He saw the flower--knew what it meant and who it was from, all it did was cause his heart to ache more. "Liar..." Kyle mumbled dropping the flower to the ground. Was he calling Alaska a liar or was he calling his perception of reality--of the last few months and the night before--a liar? Even he didn't know. Kyle wondered around the streets, hood of his jacket pulled up, head down and hands tucked into his pockets. He walked for hours aimlessly until his feet wouldn't take another step. Looking around the busy city, yes the boy had wondered that far, he wondered what it would be like to just get lost. Could he make it on his own? He had run off before. Could he disappear in the Queen City, a city filled with secrets and crime? Possibly. No one would miss him. Kyle stayed to the shadows, merely watching. He didn't turn to leave until he saw the first hints of the sun beginning to show themselves. One day soon he would come back and disappear, he just had to be prepared. Kyle climbed through his window, throwing on fresh clothes and grabbed his backpack. Kyle left before Carly even had a chance to see him or question him. Walking through the halls, he kept his head down. The teen made himself as small as possible, shoulders hunched. The smaller he was, the less people would see him. He knew how to be invisible. He made it to homeroom. Instead of taking his usually seat, Kyle took one in the back corner once he saw Alaska. He could avoid her as just as she had him.

Alaska remained facing forward, her eyes hollow, gazing through everything, everyone around her. She always knew life would feel dense without Kyle, as if someone had torn the last breath of air from her lungs, but this...this felt futile. She operated on automatic, lifting her head only when the bell rang, forcing herself out of her seat only to avoid attention that would be caused if she lingered. When she turned to grab her bag off her seat, just briefly, it was enough to catch a glimpse of Kyle, and that...that was enough to rip her heart right open. Alaska remained rooted at the spot, staring at him as if seeing a ghost. As if it hadn't just been a day without seeing him, but a decade. Her eyes looked bloodshot from tears and lack of sleep, and even a single day without food left her looking frail. She really out ate to make sure Kyle did, and when she forgot, she only remembered with his urging. Alaska tugged her sleeves down, ensuring her knuckles were covered, and opened her mouth to speak. Before she could manage, her eyes welled up. Alaska slumped back into her seat, pressing her eyes into the hems of her sleeves. The guilt was like poison, putrid and suffocating. That wasn't how Kyle used to look at her. Would he ever look at her that way again?

[redlipsrednails]

With Spring in full swing and Summer around the corner, let’s have a look at some must do and must haves for the coming season!

Exfoliate After months hidden under layers of clothes you will need a good exfoliation to remove all the nasty dead skin cells! There are numerous scrubs available on the market and you can even make your own (think sugar mixed with body wash!). But regular exfoliation is key for skin renewal and to leave you soft and smooth! Some to try: The Body Shop Moringa Exfoliating Cream Body Scrub Carribeantan Cinnamon & Coconut Skin Smoothing Exfolia

Moisturise Applying a daily moisturiser to your body is crucial to protect it against the elements and to provide moisture to skin (even if it feels like you don’t need it!). Some to try: Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion Aloe Soothe Dove Body Lotion Instant Hydration

Hydrate Drinking water is essential not only for bodily functions but also to keep your skin in good condition. Water helps to flush out toxins, lubricates your joints, regular body temperature and so much more. Adding fresh fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, cucumber and lemon, as well as herbs such as mint, makes it a bit more interesting if plain water is too boring. So chug that H20! Looking for a nice bottle? Try the Smartlife Water Infuser from Clicks.

Bright nails Spring and summer isn’t the time for boring nails! Amp it up with some pretty corals, peaches, yellows and light blues. Pretty much any colour of the rainbow! Add some nail art and flash those digits! Essence nail polish has lots to try!

Sunscreen This should probably be number 1 on the list and has been preached about and will be preached about until the end of time – PUT ON SUNSCREEN. No “I’m in an office all day” or “I’m in the shade” is not good enough. Slather it on. At least SPF30. Some to try: Nivea Sun SPF50 Protect & Refresh Spray Everysun SPF50 Sunscreen Lotion Tropitone Move It SPF30 Sunscreen Invisible Spray

Don’t forget the lips! A much neglected part of the body, don’t forget to frequently moisturise lips. They dry out quickly and can become painful. They can also get sunburnt, so something with SPF is also ideal. Some to try: Labello Med Protection Lip Balm Labello Sun protection SPF30 Caring Lip Balm Blistex Lip Relief Severely Dry Lip Cream

Cooling mists When it’s hot out and your skin is feeling tired, have a spritz of these and feel refreshed in no time! Small enough to fit in your handbag and doubly good if you keep it in the fridge! Aaaah, refreshing! Some to try: The Body Shop Mint Mattifying Face Mist The Body Shop Mandarin Energising Face Mist Avene Eau Thermal Water Soothing

I also have a previous post on the Body Shop face mists, you can read that here.

Feed your face with Vitamin C A potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, it aids in your skin’s natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells. So with more time spent in the sun, is crucial to ensure you get enough vitamin C (and other nutrients!), even in your skincare. Clinique Fresh Pressed 7-Day System with Pure Vitamin C The Body Shop Vitamin C range

Get some (fake) colour Let’s be honest now – we ALL know tanning in the sun is bad. On so many levels (skin cancer, wrinkles, pigmentation, the pain of sunburn, peeling skin…). So rather fake it with one of these easy to use options: Skinny Tan Gradual Tanner Skinny Tan Tan And Tone Oil Caribbean Tan Bronzing Mousse Self Tan

Enjoy summer! But most of all – enjoy it! Summer is about lounging about and long days and long drinks. Try to take is easy and reduce stress as the end of the year comes closer. Enjoy the longer days, because before long we complain about the cold again!

What are your must have products!? Let me know in the comments!

Summer is on its way! With Spring in full swing and Summer around the corner, let’s have a look at some must do and must haves for the coming season!

[shelleyseale]

9 Great Finds for Summer

From new style staples to smart hair and skincare to ways to amp up that summer soirée, these 9 finds will help get you through the summer season in fab form.

Ah, summer. Sun in our face, wind in our hair, flowing fashions and travel...lots and lots of travel! Such an eagerly anticipated and exceedingly enjoyed season indubitably ushers in an array of covet-worthy beauty and style solutions and, lucky for you, I’ve found nine fine ones among them.

William Henry ‘Zurich’ Design Money Clips

Photo Courtesy of William Henry First are the stunningly gorgeous money clips from William Henry, a luxury jewelry and accessory brand. The company’s Zurich design money clips are stellar for summer. This striking ‘Raven’ design features a hand-forged 'brain wave' Damascus frame by Chad Nichols, inlaid with carbon fiber and a blazing red topaz. A beautiful engraving is bright cut against the matte-finished background. The Zurich ‘Panama’ design features hand-forging by Mike Sakmar using an ancient Japanese art used to decorate samurai swords. The inlay is cocobolo wood, punctuated with smoky quartz. Its engraving is also bright cut against the matte-finished background. Only 1,000 pieces of this special design are available. The Zurich ‘Talon’ money clip features a hand-carved sterling silver frame, inlaid with Kingman turquoise and a white topaz gemstone. This exquisite piece is another limited edition with just 250 available. Known for its meticulous use of classic natural materials, precious metals, gemstones, and state-of-the-art alloys, William Henry is a benchmark luxury brand that has an upper echelon following world-wide. Just visit the “Proud Owners” section of its web site to see what entertainment power players like Harrison Ford, Nick Jonas, Jared Leto, Laurence Fishburne, John Varvatos, Luke Bryan, Pierce Brosnan, and Adrien Brody own from the company’s collections. Evan A-list ladies like Cameron Diaz have bought this brand’s baubles.

Photo Courtesy of William Henry

Kut from the Kloth Apparel

Embodying the summer season and spirit of California overall, Kut from the Kloth is a vibrant, contemporary lifestyle brand. With innovative fabrics, a flawless fit and sophisticated style, the Kut collection is designed with your busy life in mind so you can confidently go from day to play. They recently debuted the go-anywhere “vacation vibes” line of ultra-fashionable travel staples designed for easy packing, wearing and washing. In fact, you can vacation with on-trend pieces created to wear right out of the suitcase. An online boutique beloved for blending modern trends with coastal flavor, Kut from the Kloth makes couture-inspired fashion both accessible and affordable. Their essential summer escape collection is great for jet-setters who want to look like a million bucks and still have plenty of cocktail cash. Short-sleeved button-ups feature palm fronds and pastel pinstripes, perfect underneath a soft, quilted sweatshirt or white denim jacket for chilly evenings. So feel those vacation vibes of delicate florals in shades of pink, coral and yellow that’ll help you stand out in the crowd.

Metalicious Silver Shark Tooth Necklace 

Photo Courtesy of Metalicious Thanks to the Metalicious line of luxury jewelry made from recycled metals, ocean-lovers can tell people their wearing the tooth of a maneater! The company’s Small Silver Shark Tooth Necklace is cast in sterling silver from an original shark tooth, then oxidized to bring out the details and give it a soft finish. Available with choice of a 17", 20" or 22" sterling curb chain to ensure it falls in that perfect spot on your necklace, the shark tooth pendant itself is 1" long x 3/4" wide. I like this piece because it can be edgy and sophisticated, but sweet and subtle also. It looks like a work of modern art! You can wear this every day, mixing and matching it with various looks. Metalicious sources recycled metals and ethically mined gemstones to create meaningful, handcrafted heirlooms that adhere to strict environmental and sustainability standards. Also charity-minded, the company donates a portion of its profits to City Harvest, a non-profit organization that provides meals to over 1.4 million New Yorkers a year.

Ekster 3.0 Parliament Smart Wallet 

Photo Courtesy of Ekster After reportedly raising over $1,000,000 in their previous crowd- funding campaign, Ekster, the world’s largest smart wallet brand, has launched their latest edition perfect for discerning men: the Ekster 3.0. This time they have engineered both the slimmest and the first voice-activated smart wallet to date. Owners can now call their wallet, find it on a map or even make use of the widespread Chipolo community to help locate their missing belongings easier than ever before. Battery issues are also no longer a problem due to Ekster’s patented solar-powered tracking solution, which on a full charge can last up to two whole months. These identity theft, RFID- blocking wallets also look extremely handsome. They’re held together by handcrafted premium leather for a luxury look and feel, while the design provides instant card access whenever necessary.

Dining Elevated Utensil ‘Uplifts’ 

Create a more stylish table setting and eat smarter at your summer soirées with the help of Dining Elevated Uplifts. These offer a cleaner, more sophisticated dining experience by elegantly raising all flatware and cutlery above a table's surface. Similar to a chopstick rest, Uplifts elevate western-style utensils to establish an improved aesthetic and hygienic standard. Uplifts look, feel and function better than the traditional table setups. Supported by research from the University of Arkansas and showcased by the National Environmental Health Association, Dining Elevated brings the highest level of food safety to hospitality. Featured on Top Chef and reportedly showcased in some of the finest hotels and restaurants, Uplifts are a game-changing addition to place setting design that the world never realized it always needed. Of course, there are a myriad to styled, materials and designs available to suit your desired aesthetic and complement your tableware.

Bloomers Frosé and More

Courtesy of Bloomers Frosé Bloomers Frosé is a vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free and kosher non-alcoholic mixer that’s ready to use and enjoy. They enable anyone to whip up an icy-smooth version of their favorite beverage in just minutes—important when you’d rather be poolside soaking up those rays. Bloomers Frosé makes it simple to take different variations of Rosé, Prosecco, Sparkling Wine, Sauvignon Blanc and spirits to the next level with easy-to-create frozen concoctions that are sure to please both intimate groups and large crowds, alike. Because what summer gathering is complete without the frozen beverage brigade? There are also brand new, low-calorie and low-sugar formulas offered by the company so, for those who want to keep their summer bod in check, there are plentiful options on that front as well.

Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask 

Photo Courtesy of Gleamin Gleamin is a yellow Australian Vitamin C Clay mask that's helping women worldwide achieve a natural glow! In fact, all over Instagram customers are talking about how this skincare solution has helped their skin tremendously, which is part of the reason this product actually sold out at least twice since it launched. The product is formulated from 100% vegan, natural and ethically-sourced ingredients like Yellow Clay, Aloe Vera, Turmeric, Kakadu Plum, Desert Lime, and Finger Lime Caviar. It’s designed to banish dark spots and hyperpigmentation, replacing these areas with a natural brightness. This Vitamin C-infused Clay Mask also revitalizes skin and replenishes moisture thanks to the Aloe Vera, while turmeric enhances and revives skin tone. Native to Australia, the Desert Lime, Kakadu Plum, and Finger Lime Caviar ingredients are among the richest known sources of Vitamin C. Together, this trio fights acne, heals imperfections, evens the skin tone, and prevents future breakouts. It’s especially helpful for users with deep skin tones. Gleamin offers a Glow-and-Go single kit that features a 60 gram jar of the vitamin c clay mask, plus a brightening brush, for just $39.99.  Value-minded customers can even save 25% if they purchase the Glow-and-Go Duo package that includes two masks and two brushes, available for $59.99. And, the company offers free shipping on all orders, so gotta love that!

Herban Body Care 

Imagine being able to hand-make soaps and elixirs from scratch, like a batch of fresh-baked cookies or homemade soup. Using only plant-based and concentrated formulas, you’d mix organic ingredients with herbs and essential oils from around the world. Now imagine if these soaps incorporated only body-nurturing ingredients which possess healing properties and promote a feeling of rejuvenation for all skin types. No need to get out the mixing bowl for such hand-crafted skincare, as you can turn to Herban, instead. Their collections are unisex and their custom-molded versions of different soap varietals are even featured at high-end wellness retreats and boutique hotels around the United States. All of their formulas are created in-house, so you never have to worry about outsourced ingredients. Particularly popular items include their Plant Bar soap and Salted Butter moisture scrubs. The company’s name has significant meaning as well. Breaking it down: Herb - they use herbs in all of the formulas; Ban - they ban all chemicals from their formulas; Her – it’s "her" company (woman owned); and Herban - originally targeting an underground urban culture. The line is also entirely gift-worthy!

Pura D'or Hair Care 

Photo Courtesy of Pura D'Or Get the shiny, chic hair with voluminous undertones that you can flaunt all summer long with the help of Pura D'or Hair Care. This brand features proprietary blend of organic extracts and oils helps heal your hair. With ingredients like Tea Tree Oil, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Vanilla, among other natural vitamins and nutrients, there is no shortage of quality that helps to get the job done quite effectively. This cold press, preservation-harvested oil, known for centuries as pure gold, fuses inside each formula to help solve problems like thinning hair and hair loss due to breakage and dandruff. With products such as Hair Thinning Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner, Energizing Scalp Serum, Volumizing Styling Spray and Moisturizing Masque, Smoothing Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner, Smoothing Therapy Cream, Curl Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner and Curl Therapy Cream, take your next step to healthier hair this summer, all season long. Rest assured that, o matter what your particular hair challenges might be, there is a Pura D'or formula with a solution just for you. ~~~ ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.*** Read the full article

[reviewsandotherstuff]

Favorite Body Cleansers And Body Scrubs

Favorite Body Cleansers And Body Scrubs

  Hi guys, I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas soon and I’ve been busy prepping my home and doing some last minute gift wrapping for my friends and families. This year, I’m playing Santa so I’ve got several presents to hand to. Oh, the joys of the holidays! Anyhow, as promised on my Insta, I’m sharing you now my personal favorites in body scrubs, cleansers and shower gels.

  This post is a…

[olgagarmash]

Summer has to be the most active time of the year, with so many chores to be done and opportunities to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. While you’re busy taking advantage of the season, you can also burn off excess calories, helping to speed up your progress toward your weight loss goal. Here are nine popular warm weather activities that kick up your metabolism while you go about your days—no visit to the gym required.

1. Mopping the Floor

The minute the weather turns warm, cleaning tops the “to-do” list in many homes. When you get out the bucket and mop, and move at a steady pace back and forth across the floor, you’ll torch calories plus tone your arms and strengthen your core muscles as your metabolism heats up.

Calories burned: 330 per hour

2. Dusting and Vacuuming

Wiping down your furniture, shelves and decorations gets rid of dust and potential allergens. It also keeps you moving around, bending and stretching as you go. Pushing the vacuum not only removes dirt and other debris from your carpets and floors, it activates your back and leg muscles and cranks up your internal calorie-burning engines.

Calories burned: 160 per hour

3. Ironing

Smoothing wrinkles and pressing creases into your clothes and linens is steady, methodical work you do while on your feet. That effort leads not only to a pile of well-maintained laundry… it can lead to a pile of sweat as well! Try ironing a week’s worth of clothes all at once, then hanging them where they can’t be wrinkled again. You’ll be thanking yourself on those busy weekday mornings, and your waist line will thank you, too!

Calories burned: 150 per hour

4. Painting Walls

When a room in your home needs a fresh coat of paint, there are many tools to work with and tasks to do, from moving furniture to reaching with the roller brush. All of those add up to significant calorie-burning that helps you end up with a fresh look, too.

Calories burned: 350 per hour

5. Mowing the Lawn

Walking back and forth as your power mower cuts the grass keeps your yard looking neat and your body, trim. You don’t get the same benefit from a riding mower, but you can really amp up your calorie burning by using a mower powered only by your legs.

Calories burned: 330 per hour

6. Gardening

Digging, raking, pulling weeds and other gardening tasks get you outside in the fresh air and sunshine and fire up your metabolism as you beautify your yard.

Calories burned: 340 per hour

7. Washing the Car

Sure, you can go to the drive-through car wash, but rinsing, scrubbing and drying your own vehicle is pleasant on a warm day and it burns calories while you’re at it. Vacuum and polish the interior to get the maximum benefit.

Calories burned: 330 per hour

8. Playing in the Yard With the Kids

Taking the kids to play in the backyard is an easy way to burn a few extra calories. Have a swing set? A sliding board and jungle gym helps the kids burn off energy and stay active. The little ones will love for you to join in and you’ll remember what fun it is to play as you turn up your metabolism.

Calories burned: 300 per hour

9. Riding a Bicycle

Pedaling around on two wheels with the warm breeze in your face is a simple joy that can bring you back to carefree childhood days. Skip the skintight clothes and hunched over posture and just ride for fun (with or without kids). While you pedal and smile, your body torches a whole lot of calories.

Calories burned: 400 per hour

*Calories burned are the average for a 155-pound person, based on a report from the Harvard University School of Public Health.

via Wealth Health

[topbestpressurewashers]

Useful Reviews To Choose The Best Commercial Pressure Washer Of 2020

It is always easier to say “I need the best Commercial Pressure Washer” than choosing the most suitable one. Due to the fact that buying a pressure washer is not a small investment, you need to research information thoroughly before coming to the final decision. 

But you do not know where and how to start? Do not worry, below are several reviews for you to consult. It will help you to save a lot of time and effort. We’re sure that you will soon find your ideal one.

7 Best Commercial Pressure Washer Reviews 

Firstly, let’s take a look at the updated best Commercial Pressure Washer list. All of the products enumerated here are commonly used. There is a lot of information that you need to ponder. Please read it carefully. 

1. KranzleUSA K1122TST Commercial Pressure Washer

The first one that we want to mention is the KranzleUSA K1122TST Commercial Pressure Washer model. It is said to be one of the most powerful and versatile machines. Generally, it is often used to make your cleaning simpler thanks to the ability to remove all types of dirt. 

The Commercial Pressure Washer machine has a vertical frame design. This makes it more convenient and you can save storage space. In addition, it is portable and equipped with a two-wheel system. Even if the machine weighs 80 pounds, there is not a big deal at all.

KranzleUSA K1122TST Cold Water Electric

This device uses electrical energy as the main power and fuel source. It means that it is environmentally friendly with no gas exhausts, less noise operation. 

Talking about the total cleansing power, the general cleaning capacity of this device is 2800.

It has the 15-amp motor, which combines with the water delivery system can produce up to a 1400 PSI at 2.0 GPM. Although there are a lot of stronger units out there, it is helpful and good to use.

Its pros are adaptable, long hours working. Besides, the 50-feet hose and a reel wheel let you stroll around the yard and store it easily. However, this unit is not a strong commercial pressure washer. And one more thing, it is not provided with any extra quick-change nozzles. 

2. Sun Joe SPX9006-PRO Commercial Pressure Washer

If you do not satisfied with the first machine, let’s come to see another, the Sun Joe SPX9006-PRO. It is very famous when mentioning to garden machinery as well. 

This commercial model is provided with several useful features such as minimalistic design, maneuvering two-wheel system, light-weight. It is only 60 pounds in total, very convenient to transfer. Currently, it is also considered the lightest type of commercial pressure washer.

Sun Joe SPX9006-PRO 2.15 HP 1300 PSI 2 GPM

The Sun Joe has 2600 total cleansing power. The 13.5-amp motor equipped can exert 1300 PSI and 2.0 GPM. In a nutshell, this commercial model is quite sustainable and efficient for the washing game. 

The great feature of this machine is that it is provided with a large detergent tank (1 gallon) and four quick-change nozzles. Also, this one is not only the lightest but quietest. Those who love simplicity and compactness will love this device. However, it will not work well with heavy-duty jobs. If you want to have it, make sure that it fits with your household chores.

3. AR Annovi Reverberi AR630TSS-HOT Commercial Pressure Washer

The third commercial pressure washer, namely AR Annovi Reverberi AR630TSS-HOT is somewhat special than the rest. If most pressure cleansing devices only have a cold temperature that you can go for, it can be used in hot water. This unit can easily allow up to 180 degrees of water to go into your unit for washing dry stains. 

AR Annovi Reverberi AR630TSS-HOT AR North America

This feature is especially suitable for professional washing tasks with a modern 2-HP induction motor. Plus, its 19-amp motor can produce 1900 PSI at 2.1 GPM. The total cleaning power is very impressive as well, nearly 3990. The auto stop-start making the life of the pump and the motor is extended. That is the reason why it has a lifespan up to 6 times longer compared to the average motors.

The only drawback of this machine is its unusual design request a unique setup. The technique to install it is also quite complicated.

4. Sun Joe SPX9009-PRO Commercial Pressure Washer

Coming to the forth commercial pressure washer, we would like to introduce to you the Sun Joe SPX9009-PRO. These pro-quality types of equipment are made for usual cleansing, such as at the worksite, the backyard, restaurant and so on. It also has a two-wheel system to transport.

Sun Joe SPX9009-PRO 2.41 HP 1800 PSI 1.6 GPM

With a motor of 13.5-amp and 1800 PSI at 1.6 GPM, this electric pressure model is not only suitable for medium-duty work but heavy-duty cleaning tasks. It is even operated with the 5 onboard Quick-Connect spray tips to help users select the spray most easily. 

When it comes to the negative side, you need to pay attention to the hose. Its hose can get stuck in the hose reel while storing the unit.

5. Easy-Kleen IS7040G Industrial Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer

Another choice for you to find out your ideal commercial pressure washer is the Easy-Kleen IS7040G Industrial Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer. This is the industrial-grade, thus, if you are looking for a durable and powerful model, let buy it immediately. 

The Easy- Kleen IS7040G looks like a bulky orange giant and weighs up to 300 pounds. Its body is made entirely of steel, mounted on a 4-wheel system that can move on many types of terrain. 

Easy-Kleen IS7040G Industrial Cold Water

It is not strange that people call this feature as a heavy hitter. Based on the information that manufacturer-provided, the gas engine is 25 HP, delivers 7000 PSI at 4 GPM in total, the cleaning power reach 28000. Additionally, it is designed with a 50-foot long high-pressure hose as well.

Because of the extra size, it only can use in large spaces. Besides, the amount of money you have to pay for one unit is expensive, not mention the cost to maintain and repair. 

6. Sun Joe SPX9004-PRO Commercial Pressure Washer

Another product of Sun Joe brand, Sun Joe SPX9004-PRO Commercial Pressure Washer is highly recommended. 

As a member of the SPX9000 series, the pressure washer’s featured design had changed a little bit. It is a combination of handset and normal model, weighs only 43 pounds. There is no wheel system at all but on the bottom of the unit, you can find a steady static instead. 

Sun Joe SPX9004-PRO 2.15 HP 1300 Max PSI 2 GPM

The electric motor inside is 13.5-amp, exerts 1300 PSI at 2 GPM and total 2600 cleaning power. It is often used to clean stubborn stains inside. 

The most outstanding advantages of this washer are compact, handy and portable. Moreover, its price is also quite reasonable. It’s only weakness is that the operating capacity is not strong, can not use for heavy-duty washing.

7. Lifan 4515 Elite Series Hydro Pro Commercial Pressure Washer

The last name on the list is Lifan 4515 Elite Series Hydro Pro Commercial Pressure Washer. It is another industrial-grade series with robust, modern and impressive design. The whole machine body is placed inside a stainless-steel frame and it also has a 2-wheel system below as well.

This model use gasolines as the main source of energy. The engine is 420cc 4-stroke OHV, exerts 4500 PSI at 4.0 GPM and total cleansing power is 18000. Along with the pressure washer, there is a 50-foot long steel-braided pressure hose used for washing every corner of the surface.

It has the same problem that we can meet at all the industrial commercial pressure washer: expensive cost and big size. Therefore, it is not common for use in the family. 

What Are Professional Pressure Washers Used For?

Moving to the next part, let’s ponder the benefits that make you want to buy a professional pressure washer. That is, try to list and answer some utilities such as: How many devices and pieces of equipment can it clean? What feature do you expect for your ideal pressure washer? … Once you clarify it clearly, it’s a wise step to learn how to take full advantage. 

There are 5 main goals that people usually use the pressure washer for:

1. Backyard Cleaning

The very first thing you can do with such a device is to clean your backyard. The powerful strength of it will make your work easier. Besides that, you are free to wash all the metalwork around the house as well.

2. Washing Boats and Cars

How about boats and cars? Can we use it? Yes, of course, you can do and you should do it. Both cars and boats are not prone to water damage, so you do not need to worry about anything. There is no better tool to clean them than it.

3. Patio and Yard Furniture Cleaning

Let imagine that you have to face up with a patio, or a large yard, which is full of grasses and soil and there is a lot of dirt sticking to the items of furniture. Well, all you need to do is just turn on your commercial pressure washer. Believe me, it works. You will be able to clean it efficiently for a few minutes.

4. Washing Decks, Stables and all Sorts of Outdoor Floors

If you think the floor surface outside is hard to lean. You are right. People often spend a lot of effort on such large surfaces like decks, stables,… In the old days, there was no technology, the only way we could clean it was by scrubbing with a steel brush and using water to rinse it off. But now, with modern pressure washers, that is a different story. We just have to let the machine do its job.

5. Grills and other Greasy Surfaces

Have you ever washed the dirty or old grills and other greasy surfaces by a pressure washer? If you have never done it before, let’s try it one time. Surely, you will be surprised by its cleaning ability. All the surfaces look fresh and shiny like never been dirty before.

Cold Water vs. Hot Water?

Using cold water or hot water commercial pressure washer is still a controversial topic. Someone said that using cold water is more convenient and less risky. However, others believe that hot water has superior washing ability with all kinds of surfaces and material. Both of them have pros and cons, and there is no exact answer. 

You can realize that the hot water pressure washer is not commonly used for the whole process. It is more suitable to deal with oil and grease. Besides, the entire machinery system is more complex and expensive.

Otherwise, the cold water pressure washer is more popular. It can be used on higher pressure modes. Because cold water is hard to remove stains with grease, people will add detergent to it. This is not environmentally friendly and is recommended to limit its use as much as possible. 

In a nutshell, you just need to remember: 

Cold water: for dust, grime, dirt, and large-scale projects

Hot water: for oils, grease stains and some kinds of hard-to-clean material.

Gas or Electric Commercial Pressure Washers?

Choosing between gas or electric commercial Pressure washers is a big topic that you need to think carefully. How can you choose a suitable unit if you even do not know the source of its power? Read what we shared below and find your answer.

1. Gas-powered Commercial Pressure Washers

The gas-powered commercial pressure washers are usually chosen by those who are a fan of old-school machinery. There are some features that you need to know about this model:

No electric cord. It is more portable when using on the large surface.

Strongest power. There is nothing beats the raw power of a gas engine.

Exhausted, noisy and need to maintain regularly.

2. Electric Commercial Pressure Washers

When it comes to electric commercial pressure washers, there are lots of supported opinions raised. Mostly, people prefer using it because of technological advancements. Below are some highlights for you:

No exhaust and less noise: The main source of energy is electricity. It helps to minimize negative impacts on the environment and produce less noise.

Low maintenance request: The electric motors rarely have errors during operation. Thus, all you need to do is using and storing it carefully.

Not portable: An electrical outlet is a must. It is the main downside for most because you can not move the machine too far from the outlet.

Commercial Pressure Washer Buying Guide

Buying a commercial pressure washer is not an easy task. Now, let’s explore how to become a smart buyer. Please follow the below instructions to apply it. 

1. Overall Strength and Cleaning Power

Not surprisingly, people tend to choose the ideal model of a pressure washer by chasing a high number. The bigger the number is, the more attractive it gets. Stop doing that if you have the same idea as them. In details, you simply need to pay attention to the most important number such as:

GPM (gallons per minute)

PSI (pounds per square inch)

CP (cleaning power), which you get when combining GPM versus PSI

Based on your need for cleaning, you should choose the most suitable equipment, not the biggest machine.

2. Portability

Apart from the technical parameters, portability is vital too. In general, the overall weight of a commercial pressure washer is huge. It ranges from 40 to 300+ pounds per model variation. So, make sure that you checked the size of the items as well as the surface you want to clean. A portable unit will help your cleaning more convenient because you can move it to anywhere you want. Ideally, the features equipped with an easy-to-move wheel or lightweight system are highly recommended for use at home.

3. Storage

To extend the life of a commercial pressure washer, you also need to care about its storage. If you buy it without careful supervision, it can be damaged by external factors like weather. Building frame and frame orientation are two necessary methods you can apply to protect your device.

3.1 Build Frame

Almost, the manufacturer will produce a steel frame for the pressure washer product. If your washer does not have this, you must invest in building a frame to protect it well.

3.2 Frame Orientation

When building a frame, you will realize that the orientation plays an important part as well. There are two common orientations: vertical and horizontal. The vertically oriented models are easier to store and require less space. By contrast, the horizontal frame covers a large space but more stable.

4. Versatility and Additional Features

Do you think that with all the information above, it is enough? No, we still have many things to share with you. Have you ever heard about auto shut- off function? Do you have any ideas about adjustable pressure gauges? How about spray wands, nozzles or tank? In this part, let’s see how important these versatility and additional features are.

4.1 Auto shut-off function

If you’re a super busy person, this auto shut-off function will save your life. No matter where you are and what you do, your commercial pressure washer will automatically turn off and prevent it from overheating or clogging. It helps you to save energy resources like gases, electricity as well.

4.2 Adjustable pressure gauges

This feature is used in case we want to wash surfaces withstanding different pressures. Different materials can stand the blast of pressure in different levels of pressure. You can adjust the pressure gauges and clean everything as normal.

4.3 Spray wands

Every model of pressure washers has long spray wands to clean high places and corners. However, spray wands will make everything more control. By getting a rod that has a pressure control, you do not have to go back to change the exerted pressure.

4.4 Spray nozzles

Besides the spray wands that the pressure washer offers you, now you can use spray nozzles to improve the versatility. Depending on the purpose of use, these nozzles can easily be exchanged for each other. Each nozzle will be used in different circumstances. For example, 0° nozzle use for highest pressure, 15° nozzle use to wash grills and resilient materials, 25° nozzle is fitted with wooden surfaces and lighter materials, watering plants, and light-duty work outdoor – 40° nozzle,…

4.5 Soap tank

A pressure washer that has an attached soap tank is better for tacking sturdy and greasy stains. The power of the pressure washer will dispose of cleaning agents and special soap easily. The more the soap, the longer we can use uninterruptedly.

Safety Tips for Commercial Pressure Washing

Always, it is better to be safe than sorry. Do not wait until it is broken then starting to repair. Instead, let’s get to know in detail some safety tips for your commercial pressure washing.

1. Check the Machine Before Starting

First and foremost, make sure that you have already checked the machine before operating. Three vital things you need to pay attention to are the couplers, pipes and hoses, and the state of the engine. It takes you only 5 minutes to do but you can extend the using time up to 5 years more.

2. Protective Gear

The protective gear is also needed to protect you from unexpected situations. Safety goggles and heavy-duty gloves are two must-have-item. Although it can not protect us from top to toes but at least, our vital parts will be safe.

3. Changing Settings

Changing settings is a hard part. You have to do it very carefully in case the engine can explore or cause damages. Firstly, turn the engine off, then wait from 2 to 5 minutes for it to cool down and finally continue your refueling process. If you want to change the nozzle setting, remember to never do it while the pressure washer is on.

4. Always use both hands

The best way to using a commercial pressure washer is by using both hands firmly. Let one hand control the pressure trigger while the other washes the dirt. Do not underestimate the power from our hands.

How To Properly Maintain Your Commercial Pressure Washer

Coming to the next part, we would like to guide you on maintaining your commercial pressure. Following two notices below and for sure, your machine will be kept properly.

The first advice for you is to remember to flush the pump after every use.  You do not have to do it day by day, but at least, once per week, flush the rest and then refill it with new oil 

Clearing off debris or dirt from the pressure washer is necessary too. The corrosion of the metal parts is more serious than what you can imagine. The fewer debris, the longer that engine will last.

FAQ About Commercial Pressure Washers

1. Can I use my commercial pressure washer indoors?

Of course, you can use it indoors but not all models will work. It based on what kind of your commercial pressure washers is. If you use the powerful gas-guzzling units, which exhaust gases containing carbon monoxide, it is not good for your health when cleaning inside. The electric pressure washers, on the other hand,  can be used indoors as long as you prepare some room around it for cooling reasons.

2. Can commercial pressure washers damage paint coating on metal and wooden surfaces?

yes, they can. If you handle the pressure washing in the wrong way. The easiest solution for it is setting the pressure gauge to lowest, then adjust the pressure by testing the stream on a part of the surface that you want to wash off. 

3. How do I store my gasoline-powered commercial pressure washer?

This question we had answered above. Please read carefully part “How to properly maintain your commercial pressure washers” for more information. However, remind that:

Do not leave the fuel and oil inside the engine after using. Not apply to the electric models at all. 

Store machine in safe and dry places.

Commercial Pressure Washer Comparison Chart

PRODUCT WEIGHT (POUNDS) SIZE (INCHES) CLEANING POWER WARRANTY (YEARS) KranzleUSA K1122TST Commercial Pressure Washer 80 35 x 12 x 16 2800 1 Sun Joe SPX9006-PRO Commercial Pressure Washer 62.4 22.32 x 18.26 x 35.43 2600 2 AR Annovi Reverberi AR630TSS-HOT Commercial Pressure Washer 69 14 x 14 x 20 3990 2 Sun Joe SPX9009-PRO Commercial Pressure Washer 62.4 22.3 x 18.3 x 35.4 2880 2 Easy-Kleen IS7040G Industrial Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer over 300 24 x 62 x 52 28000 1 to 3 Sun Joe SPX9004-PRO Commercial Pressure Washer 43 18.1 x 10.5 x 12.3 2600 2 Lifan 4515 Elite Series Hydro Pro Commercial Pressure Washer 154 23 x 22 x 23 18000 1

Wrap Up

Now you have learned everything about commercial pressure washers. Hope that all things we shared will be useful for you. Base on what you need, let’s choose your ideal one.  Please take your time to read carefully and make a valuable decision.

Top Best Pressure Washers

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