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vixentheplanet · 1 year ago

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illicit nights | part 2

“gimme few more minutes of this feeling. for right now time don't exist.”

shuri x black!reader | 18+

Summary: You were born and raised in Wakanda, but you chose to leave to pursue a modeling career. You've amassed global fame as an international model, gracing runway shows, featuring in luxury campaigns, and appearing in fashion magazines. You're in the spotlight, and the entire world is watching your every move. After a very public breakup, you decide to return home to reconnect with your country and the people you love.

You didn't expect to catch the attention of your sister's best friend in your attempt to get over your heartbreak, let alone end up in a private sexual relationship with said friend. The Wakandan Queen.

word count: 9k

themes: model/famous reader, queen shuri, childhood friends, hookups

warnings: very explicit sexual relations

i forgot everything… the summary. the tags. the storyline. i actually almost put up the collage that was supposed to be for part 3

i think this was the song… IDK IDK. i was supposed to re-edit it but i don’t have time. 😩🤍 y’all know how i feel about this… so DON’T 😐😒

The breeze tickled your skin as you sat outside, waiting for the sunrise. Your body had only begun to adjust to the time shift, and you usually woke up early enough to have breakfast with your mother before she left for work. The majority of your days were spent catching up with friends, spending time with Izara when she wasn't at work, and visiting some of your favorite places in your hometown—also, Shuri.

It’s been three weeks since Aneka’s party. Since you had left Shuri’s bed with the vow never to sleep together again. The next morning, when you saw Izara, she whistled at you, "Look at Miss, I don't sleep with strangers." She was sitting at the table with a half-finished plate of food. For a second, you weren't sure what she was talking about as she fixed her gaze directly on the bite marks on your neck.

To be fair, you said that there would be no kissing. You did not mention biting, but you're paying for it now. “Oh, yeah.” You speak plainly, attempting to dismiss it as nothing significant, but you know it won't work with your sister. Shuri had spent much time with her lips attached to your neck and a few scattered on your chest. You try to push the images away before they take over your mind and become too vivid.

There’s a bowl of fruit on the counter, and you make your way over to it, examining your options. Banana. Pear. Apple.

Izara keeps pushing. “How was it? Who was it? Did you get their number?” She pressed for specifics about the previous night, and it was too early for you to come up with a sensible explanation.

Ignoring your sister, you take another look at the fruit before settling on a pear and biting into it. "You're asking too many questions, hurting my brain." You speak once you've swallowed. Izara made jokes about you moving back in, but it appears she was the one who did. Despite having her own place, she came here very frequently. You're surprised she came here so early in the morning; she was probably looking for leftovers in the fridge to help with her hangover.

“She went to the market, and you’re lying. I've seen you drunk. You didn't drink much last night." She accuses, and you sigh.

Hangover or not, it’s too early to ask all these questions. "Am I your next research subject?" You sass.

She takes the hint this time. "No, I'm only observing because this means you hooked up with them sober," Izara exclaims, clamping her hands over her mouth. "They must have said something to charm you. You should see them again.” You laughed at her suggestion. Shuri was the one in question, and it couldn't happen again because-

You groan, “That’s not the point of a one-night stand.”

"Well, I guess not, but it wouldn't matter," your sister thinks. “You’ll be leaving eventually, and if you had a good time, I don’t see the harm in having another go at it.” She says carefully before picking up her fork and continuing to eat, and that's the end of it, fortunately.

There's a good chance Izara would give you different advice if she knew who you ended up taking home from Elixir that night. Your sister's words lingered in your mind for the rest of the morning. There was no harm in you and Shuri being sexually involved, considering that you would soon leave Wakanda. It was strictly between the two of you. No one else needed to know, and you're both single consenting adults. The fact that she's your sister's best friend adds a layer of complexity, but if neither of you told her, she wouldn't know. You are not required to inform her if you do not choose to.

That's why, after taking your sister's suggestion, the promise only lasted 24 hours. The next night, you were back in Shuri's bed. You weren't shocked when Shuri accepted your proposal for a no-strings-attached relationship. The two of you hadn't been drunk enough to blame your actions on altered brain chemistry the first time you slept together. Attraction and lust fueled your acts.

Since you would see each other routinely, it was important to reiterate the three terms and conditions established on the first night.

No kissing

No intimacy

Izara (no one) can never find out

With that being said, the past three weeks were filled with friends, spending time with yourself, and lots of Shuri. It was relaxing, and you weren't planning on returning to work right away, but your IMG agency team wanted to check in with you.

You were lounging on the back patio of your childhood home, laptop open, waiting for a video chat from Gabrielle, your manager. It was after midnight in LA, but she worked for you; everything was on your schedule. Your agency was lenient with you, but you understood it was because you are vital to the industry. In only a few years, you became one of the top-earning models in the agency, in high demand. Though that meant nothing in Wakanda, it meant everything out there, and as a result, you are held to a higher standard.

Logically, you knew they weren't going to get rid of you, but your stomach was knotted with anxiety, not knowing what to anticipate. Was the press slandering you as a result of your absence? Does the demand for your campaign involvement decrease?

The laptop on the table chimes, signaling Gabrielle's call, and you immediately answer, her face filling the screen. As she sees your face, her smile broadens. Her surroundings indicate that she is in her home office. The night sky could be seen through the glass windows behind her. "There she is, my lovely lady. We miss you, you know?”

"I miss you guys too." For the most part, you worked with a good group of people. Your team ensured exposure and opportunities at every fashion house, show, and campaign. The money was the product of all the hard work that had gone into everything.

"The team and I wanted to check in and see where your head's at?" Gabrielle says as she shuffles papers off to the side.

Right now is the first time you’ve thought about returning to work since coming home. There was no definite time frame in your mind of when you would return. "I mean, I've missed being in Wakanda and am happy to be back. I know I'll have to go soon, but I'm not ready yet."

Gabrielle nods her head, taking in your words. “Okay, that’s understandable. Of course, we'll give you as much time as you need, but you should be aware that you're the most talked-about person in the world right now," She informs you with a broad grin. A twinkle in her eyes indicates she has some important news to share.

In the industry, that could be good or bad. No publicity was bad publicity, but still. "What do you mean?" you question. You figured once you decided to drop off the face of the planet, it would all quiet down, and the media would go back to focusing on something else.

She responds to your question with a question of her own. “Have you been on social media recently?”

“No, I logged out of all my accounts.” You weren’t actively posting or monitoring what was being said about you.

Keyboard sounds break the stillness before Gabrielle begins again, "Okay, the good news. They're doing fantastic. Your last post a few months ago received 7 million likes. You've had a few viral tweets, and you're always trending on Twitter. Your name on search engines has skyrocketed, and many people wonder where you are. Why haven't they seen you in public?"

Your manager turns back to focus on you. "People want to know where you are and when you’re back on the runway. The phones are ringing. We have brands worldwide competing for your participation in their shows for the upcoming season."

She continues. "This has the potential to be tremendous, a defining career moment, a historic moment in fashion history. The return of Y/N to the catwalk." Gabrielle illustrates her point by moving her hands in a sweeping motion to the side, demonstrating how massive this could be.

She looks at you, eyes still sparkling with excitement.

But you’re anything but, “I don’t know. When would this be?” you ask.

"If you were interested, next month you'd have to come out for a couple of fittings for other companies," Gabrielle reads from a document. It would be completely under the radar. We'll have everyone sign NDAs, and you'll be back in Wakanda in no time." The way she puts it indicates that she considered every issue or inquiry you may have that might convince you to say no.

"The shows wouldn't be until the season starts, but you'd get rehearsal and additional fittings closer to the shows. Think about it.” The details were nothing new to you. You've been doing it for a long time. Fashion Week preparations took a significant amount of time and effort.

You pick at your nails while biting your lower lip. "I'll think about it," you answer.

The woman on the screen looks honestly surprised at your response. You get it. The entire world is waiting for you. Major fashion corporations from all over the world are vying for your attention, but you're reluctant. You would have leaped at this offer a few months ago. Her tone of voice when she mentions your name, "Y/N," is quite defeated. “You can’t let Mya win.” It's as if she's been thinking about it for a while and finally feels like she can let it out.

The mention of your ex-girlfriend irritated you a little. "What are you talking about?" Was she attempting to persuade you to make a decision?

“I mean this in the best way possible. I understand how difficult it is, but you can't hide forever. Particularly not from a chance like this." Gabrielle explains, but her comments are still hurtful.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Don't pass it up. That's all I'm saying. You already know I want the best for you." She looks you in the eyes, yet her words sting. Were you allowing Mya to win by hiding? Was she satisfied knowing you fled due to the chain reaction your breakup caused?

This ridiculous fucking conversation. "Thank you," you say quickly, avoiding eye contact.

Gabrielle sighs, undoubtedly aware that she has upset you. She's been your manager for a while now. She is highly aware of your moods. “I’ll email you over everything, take a look and get back to me when you can. Take care of yourself.”

Your voice had escaped you. You finish the call with a polite nod.

Gabrielle assumed she was doing you a favor by presenting this ‘great’ news with her oh-so-helpful advice, but now you were filled with dread and regret. Is that what the rest of the world saw? Mya made you run? A heartbroken coward who would rather hide her face than deal with the aftermath of a poor decision to give her heart away to the wrong person. It's the first time you've cried since your split. You weren't upset over the broken romance. It was the fact that you were completely overwhelmed by the idea that Mya had won.

Here you were, at the top of your success, trying to figure out what to do next. Gabrielle wanted to make it appear as if the decision was yours. Still, how she illustrated and spoke about it being a part of fashion history made it evident that she was attempting to sway your mind into saying yes. Yet, you didn’t know if you wanted to, but you also knew in the back of your mind you’d be an idiot to pass this up.

You thought about going to Izara. Your sister was generally your go-to person in situations like these. Even though she was supportive, you knew that telling her you could be going would make her sad. Even though she still had work, you swear she spent every waking moment with you, and you would never complain about being in your sister's company.

It was reassuring to know you had time to think about it, at least because your mind was not in the ideal place to make such important decisions right now. You were in a daze all day, but your spirits lightened when you helped your mother test new recipes for her bakery. When your mother retired, she decided to run a bakery. She spent her whole life as a culinary master and was delighted to share her food with others. You grinned and joyfully took all the sweets she placed in your mouth. You were responsible for informing her if she needed to add more sugar or if the dough required additional butter; it was a tedious job.

Around 3 o’clock, you get a text.

Be here at 10.

Shuri. After typing a short response, you put your phone aside and spent the remainder of the day with your mom. The process of trying out new recipes was time-consuming, but she needed your help, and it was keeping your mind off of other stresses.

"You're distracted," Shuri accuses. Today was the fourth night you've been over this week; it's probably due to a lack of sex life in the months leading up to your breakup, but sex with Shuri is addictive. It's as if she passed a master class in your body, bringing forth noises you'd never heard yourself make. Reaching parts of your body you didn't know existed. Perhaps because there was no expectation of long-term dedication or closeness, which also played a role. Once the night's events were over, you dressed and went home, waiting for the next time you or Shuri sent a text arranging your subsequent encounter.

There was never any foreplay. This was supposed to be fast enough for both of you to get it out of your system and go before anyone became suspicious. That was mostly your mother and sister. Fewer people were in the halls at this time, and the queen's floor had restricted access. Except for Dora, no one was up here. Ayo always met you outside the palace to accompany you in and out as a precaution.

Shuri usually had you naked and trembling when you opened the door, but today, you were lazily sitting on top of her, rotating your hips. Zoned out. Her voice pulls your attention. "I'm not," you exhale, blinking and looking down.

Her hands come up to your waist, forcing you to stop. “You are,” Shuri argues.

Though it was a slow rhythm, the loss of it made you whine. “Stop arguing with me and get on with it.” You complain, brushing your hair away from your face. You should have tied it up. You'll have to redo it when you get home.

"You want me to get on with it?" she says, her brows furrowed. “You're on top of me."

The thought crosses your mind, "Can you take over?" you ask, sighing. She watches you with suspicion from her position below you. You can sense she wants to continue the subject, but there are other moments to start talking about everything bothering you.

Shuri is quiet for a minute before holding out her arms and saying, "Come here," You fall into her embrace, lying on her chest. The calm is only momentary as Shuri puts her arms around you, supporting her feet on the mattress, and thrusts up into you.

Surrendering to Shuri was a better idea than being in control. You lay in her grasp while she takes you apart, bringing you to that state of euphoria your body has grown accustomed to in recent weeks. That beautiful feeling you get after orgasm puts your mind at ease.

It's 2 a.m. when you're tugging your sweatpants over your hips. "It truly wounds my ego that you can walk away every time." In response to Shuri's vulgar joke, you roll your eyes.

"You know, I'm a model. I've walked away from worse circumstances." Rebalancing after an intense release was nothing if you could stroll down a runway in 120mm Louboutins. She's standing there, watching you get ready. She was waiting for you downstairs, where Ayo would meet and accompany you to your car.

You're about to tell Shuri you're ready to go when she asks, "Are you okay?"

Was she seriously going to bring this up once more? You lied when you said, "I'm alright," but you would be fine. The news from your manager was a lot to take in, and after reviewing the emails and all the details, it became clear how vast of an opportunity you had been given on a silver platter. Yet accepting this would mean being forced back into the spotlight without knowing if all of the previous gossip had finally died down. Even more so, being in Wakanda made you remember what taking a step back and breathing felt like. In Gabrielle's opinion, turning it down meant that your ex would win the prize, seeing you fragile and heartbroken.

There was too much to think about, and you couldn't unload it all on Shuri. This was not the type of interaction. You'd both gotten what you came for, and it was time to go.

Shuri must suspect you're not telling the truth. "You know," she begins. “We are still friends.” She's staring at you with seriousness, yet it's unsettling. You've never been close.

You tilt your head in reaction to her statement. You weren't friends; you spent time with Shuri when you were younger, but it was because you were stuck to your sister's hip. Izara adored you and would never push you away, even while you were in the company of her friends. However, once you gained independence, you rarely saw Izara's friends. “We are not friends. You’re my sister's friend.” You put more emphasis on it.

Shuri shakes her head, disagreeing. "That's not to say we're not friends, though." And there is a hint of disbelief in her tone.

"Name one thing we've done together," you challenged, your hands on your hips. Shuri's smirk and the way her eyes look across to the bed you've just finished in tell you exactly what's on her mind.

"When we were kids!" You exclaimed, a flush spreading across your face. She was irritable at times.

Shuri chuckles, amused by your reaction. “I’m trying to say that being Izara’s friend never meant I didn’t care about you.” Sharing your sentiments and emotions with anyone requires you to be attentive, clear, calm, and compassionate. All of these factors lead to genuine intimacy and trust. That didn't help bridge the distance you were attempting to build between you.

“I appreciate that, but I’m fine.” The tone of finality in your voice was enough to make Shuri drop the topic.

The emails Gabrielle sent you were overwhelming once you saw just how many brands there were. Dior offered you ten million dollars to start and end their show. Mugler, Tony Ward, Zahair Murad... You had previously worked with some of these fashion houses while you had just fantasized about others, and now your fantasies were coming true.

You'd be back on the radar of all the celebrity news and gossip websites if you resurfaced in the spotlight. Though, your split with Mya was in the past. What if people continue to link you to her? Mya Hope’s Ex-girlfriend, Y/N, reemerges from the dead after her ex forced her into hiding- oh, and she’s also headlining fashion week. Will your accomplishments become an afterthought?

Despite better judgment, you enter the actress's name into a web search. The universe intervenes just as you're about to torture yourself by pressing enter. The phone rings, and your sister's picture flashes on the screen.

Izara calls to invite you to her apartment to hang out. "I'll be me, you, and Shuri," she says. Immediately, it was odd she wanted all three of you to spend time together. You could understand if it was a group outing. But the three of you together? You haven’t done that since you were kids.

“Shuri?” you repeat.

“Yes, Shuri, it was her idea.” Naturally, it was. It seemed as though she was attempting to prove you wrong. You have no idea why Shuri suddenly became interested in your acquaintance, but it was completely unwarranted. Did she not realize Izara was too observant for her own good and could quickly detect something off between you if you suddenly became too close?

As far as she’s concerned, you and Shuri haven’t seen each other since Elixir three weeks ago. You put your laptop away, feeling even more nervous and anxious. One issue at a time.

You tried to come up with an excuse. You have been doing that a lot lately. “I don’t want to interfere. I have plenty of alone time with you-”

“No!” Izara is quick to cut you off, unwilling to hear any excuse. “How often will I have my two favorite people over?” And you give in because you would do anything to make your sister happy.

That's how you end up at Izara's on a Tuesday evening. Your anxiety was high. What if you and Shuri seemed a little too at ease around each other, and your sister noticed that something had changed between you two? The days of Shuri thinking of you as "Izara's little sister" were long gone since you began hooking up.

When you arrived, Shuri was already in the kitchen, helping your sister prepare snacks. Izara ushered you into the living room, handing you a blanket and telling you to relax.

She temporarily abandoned her duties in the kitchen to get you comfortable. “Shuri and I normally try to do this every once and a while,” Izara explains, turning on the television. “But I don’t mind you crashing. I want to spend as much as possible with you before you leave.” There’s a frown on her face at the thought. A ping of guilt hits you. You can’t imagine going from seeing someone every day since birth to barely spending time with them and being constantly miles away from you.

Your sister and Shuri shared the couch while you cuddled in the armchair alone. It was probably paranoia, but you didn’t want to give away anything that would suspect anything about the rendezvous you've gotten up to these past few weeks. You couldn’t believe Shuri had gotten the two of you into the situation. The woman in question emerges from the kitchen carrying two bowls of popcorn.

She holds the smaller one out to you, “I thought it would be easier for you.”

“How thoughtful,” you say, forcing a smile as you accept the bowl.

That was the first interaction you’ve had throughout the night. You both sat in your respective seats, enjoying the movie. It was good enough that it kept your attention. Occasionally, you would steal glances over at Shuri and find her already looking at you. Could she be more obvious?

Halfway into the movie, Izara hits pause on the remote, much to Shuri’s dismay. “Seriously, Zar, you could have stopped at a worse time.”

Izara’s moving the bowl of popcorn she and Shuri had been sharing onto the table. “I know we’re almost at the end, but I have to pee!”

“Hurry up!” Shuri calls as your sister throws the blanket off her and runs out of the room. You can’t help but laugh at the exchange.

The sound catches Shuri’s attention, and the laughter in your throat dies when you realize you two are alone. Without the movie or your sister’s presence, you can freely glare at her, crossing your arms to emphasize your mood toward her. “Can you stop glaring at me?”

“You’re the one staring at me.” you accuse.

Shuri rolls her eyes, “That’s because I can feel you glaring at me. Stop.”

“No, you did this on purpose, you know? You didn’t ask me if I wanted to be here tonight. You told Izara, knowing I couldn’t tell her no.” It wasn’t an accusation, simply a fact.

Shuri would never outright admit it. Instead, she flashed you a small grin. “This is a completely normal evening.”

You roll your eyes, “I shouldn’t be here, and you know that.”

“Y/N. Do you not realize how ridiculous this is?”

"You don't think it's strange that we're now making plans to spend time together after almost a decade?" While you and Shuri were alone, there was no one else there. You didn't have to be mindful of how you interacted with each other. As you began to spend more time together, especially around your sister, you would have to be extra conscious of what you were doing.

“No, I don’t.” Shuri protested. You wanted to throw the bowl of popcorn at her but opted for flicking her off and going back to ignoring her.

Given the lack of noise, you can follow your sister's movement back into the living room as she exits the restroom. “Okay! Press play,” Izara calls, announcing her return and Shuri’s pressing resume before she even has a chance to resettle on the couch.

In all honesty, Shuri chose a good film. Several actors were unfamiliar, leading you to believe it was an indie production. The storyline was interesting enough to hold your attention, and the plot twist was unexpected, which was a plus. Even though it was interesting, you were relieved when it was over.

"This was fun," Izara said afterward. Getting the dishes ready to bring into the kitchen. "It's been a while since I've seen you two together."

You’re helping with cleaning, folding the blankets, and arranging them neatly on the couch. When the comment gets your attention, You blink a few times, unsure what to say.

Purposely, and you know it’s on purpose. Shuri says, “We should find time to do this again,”

“Yes!” your sister agrees, looking at you. You hum in agreement because you can openly oppose the idea without alerting your sister's suspicions. You believe the discussion will stop there, with the hope of you hanging together again, but there are no firm plans, so nothing is certain.

Then Izara mentions, “Oh! We’re going to the beach on Saturday. You should come with us, Shuri.” You discussed it last weekend while out to lunch with your friend Eshe. Eshe told you about her and a few other people's plans for the upcoming weekend and agreed that the more, the merrier.

You shoot a glance at Shuri, giving her a look silently, begging her to say no, as Izara awaits her answer. Shuri looks you in the eye, “I would love to.”

Right then. You decide that she must despise you.

You and Shuri then depart Izara's after the cleaning is done. When you leave her apartment and head to your respective vehicles, she tells you both to drive safely and message her when you get home.

Shuri heads for the elevator, but you take the stairs instead. You decide to take your time and assume Shuri is already gone because the elevator is faster, but as soon as you exit the building, you see her leaning against the passenger door. Her determination is sexy, but you were annoyed. You bypassed her, going directly to the driver's side.

You managed to get into the driver's seat but couldn't close the door fast enough. “Move.”

Shuri leans inside the car, sighing hard. "Are you seriously upset with me?" Her tone is stoic.

"Are you really coming on Saturday?" You make fun of her serious style.

There is complete silence as Shuri's expression tightens. "Do you want me to come?" she finally says.

Now she needs your input on something. "Clearly, it doesn't matter what I think. You can do whatever you want." You reach for the door once more, but Shuri straightens her posture and shuts it for you.

She didn't contact you again for several days after that night. You didn't think much the first day. She was probably allowing you to calm down. The longer the week went on without so much as a "you up?" text or phone call, the more concerned you became. You realized how irrational you were by the time Saturday rolled around. Mainly because everything in your life had been unpredictable and uncertain. The one sense of consistency was Shuri, and now you don't have that.

You have no idea why you were so adamant about proving to Shuri that the two of you were not close. You had no reason to treat her as you did; the regret was tearing you up inside. You thought you wanted to put as much distance between you as possible, but now that you have it, it drives you insane.

This is why, when Saturday came along, you were excited at the possibility of seeing Shuri in person.

As you arrive at the beach, you immediately notice your sister setting up and laying out a towel. There are a few people you recognize surrounding her. Two of them are your friends, Eshe and Visola. But there was no Shuri.

You put your tote bag down on the ground and asked, "Is everyone here?" since it seems less suspicious than asking for one individual in particular.

"Shuri couldn't make it," Izara replies, spreading the patterned blanket on the sand.

She’s not coming. "Did she mention why?" you question, trying not to seem too disappointed. Was she upset with you?

Your sister shakes her head. “No. She tried to keep the phone call short, but I knew her. She can’t keep anything from me.”

Want to bet?

Izara frowns. "There's a lot of pressure on her in her duties as Queen. It's hard to make everyone happy in politics." Working with Shuri, she certainly knows more about what's going on than she can say, but it's reassuring to know she wasn't avoiding you but was merely responding to more immediate issues.

You don’t say anything else, not wanting to show too much interest. Others joined you, a mix of individuals you knew and strangers. The people you were getting to know asked you many questions about your life as a model, which you gratefully answered.

Wakanda had some of the world's finest beaches, where you could decompress with the sand between your toes and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. Your thoughts turned to Shuri. Why was she avoiding you? Was this her way of ending things? Have you overcomplicated things?

You couldn’t just outright ask forgiveness and say, “Let’s have sex,” that just seemed rude. But you needed to find a way to start a conversation.

You took a quick body selfie of yourself in the bikini and sent it to Shuri, writing, "Can't believe you're not here." That was playful enough to be true to the essence of your relationship while still acting as a check-in. If she texted you back, you could ask her why she wasn't here, hoping she'd be honest and not simply brush it off.

Shuri would reply as soon as she could; she had pressing matters to attend to. There was nothing you could do but wait, which was excruciating. Hours had passed while you swam, ate, laughed, and drank. Between it all, you couldn't help but check your phone for a single person's message. Nothing.

"You've been checking your phone all day," says Eshe as you collapse back down into your towel.

In the distance, you can see Izara building a sandcastle with some little kids who became drawn to her earlier in the day. "I have?" you say, pretending to be surprised. You knew your phone had barely left your hands today, except when you entered the water.

“Yes! Whoever that is, I hope to Bast that they respond soon." Eshe probably thought you were talking to someone. She's grinning at you, openly inviting you to divulge more details, but you're not going to do it.

“It’s not like that.” You explain leaving it at that. You felt bad, and not knowing how Shuri felt made you uneasy. This was really ironic... You felt like a dumbass.

Eshe rises to her feet, extending out a hand. "Whoever this is isn't thinking about you right now, and you shouldn't either. Give it some time." And you already know she's correct. Checking your phone was not going to speed up the response.

You reluctantly lock your phone and hand it over. Eshe grins and stuffs it inside the discarded shorts she wore over her bikini.

You squeeze every last bit of enjoyment out of the day before the sun goes down and the temperature drops. Along with the collection of selfies you took, you snapped a couple of photos of the sunset and Izara's sandcastle, which you helped find seashells to decorate it. Overall, you had a good time, and before you shower, you show your mother some of the photos you took. "Such a lovely smile. It's no surprise you choose to share it with the rest of the world." The comment warms your heart and serves as a reminder of how proud your mom is of you. She kisses you on the cheek before retiring to bed.

Shuri texts you close to midnight as if she can sense your never-ending thoughts about her.

I know it's late, but can you please come over?

After reading the text message, you feel relieved that 1. she wasn't mad with you. 2. Despite the fact that you've been a brat over the last few days, she was still interested in your arrangement.

Be there soon.

You immediately reply, changing into shorts and a hoodie, easier to take off.

The A.I. system recognizes your face, so the doors to Shuri’s living quarters open up as soon as you arrive. “You didn’t answer my text, you know. You’re lucky I don’t hold grudges-“ the joke quickly dies as you notice Shuri pacing around the room when you enter. She's dressed in her bed attire, which tells you she probably tried to get to bed but couldn’t with whatever was running through her mind.

She clearly isn't fine. "I apologize it’s so late. I've spent the entire day working on social and other issues, and-" She sighs, cutting herself off, her shoulders slouching.

"You're not going to like hearing all of this. All I need is to get my mind off of today." You've been overthinking, and the last few days have given you mental clarity.

You see, you're the problem, and maybe you've been taking it out on Shuri, who was trying to do nothing but be there for you, but you chose to push her away. This arrangement was supposed to be fun, but you've recently caused tension by acting in ways that seem intended to demonstrate to Shuri that you were not friends and that there's nothing left between you. What the hell is the matter with you?

Shuri has had a difficult day. They are to be expected, given the amount of responsibility she carries. While you wouldn't mind if she fucked you to vent her frustration, it wouldn't help her sense of peace. It would only be a temporary relief, and as soon as you left, she’d be right back inside her head stressing. That's when you decided to prioritize her pleasure. You would apologize another time.

You make your way over to her, removing your shoes. "It's alright, just breathe," you say as you take her hand in yours. You pull her into you and begin kissing her neck, creating a safe zone. Stripping her of her clothing, you guide Shuri over to her bed. "Lay back." You speak in her ear, and she complies.

You switched positions. Shuri was the one who needed your support to forget about the stress. Her legs parting instinctively, you bring your fingers between her folds to feel her, and she’s dripping. You wanted to make sure she made the most of this opportunity to focus on herself and her comfort.

A thought occurs to you. "I'd like you to take deep breaths in and out." You tell her, caressing her on the outside but not delving into where she needs you the most. You knew deep breathing was a good activity that helped stimulate tranquility and restore stability; it always came in handy before runway shows.

"I want you to say 'In' when you feel me inside of you," you finally say, sliding one finger into her wetness and feeling her clench around you. A breath of release lips passes her lips as you watch some of the tension melt away. "And when you feel me pulling away, say 'out' and take a deep breath."

You pull your finger back for a second, swiping along the ridged pleasure point and massaging her inner walls. Shuri responds with an "In," and as you retract, moving out and stroking around the outside of her entrance, she responds with an "Out."

The two of you continued with that pattern until Shuri's voice trailed off, no longer speaking as she relaxed into sheets.

"You need and deserve this. To be able to breathe and feel happy." You tell her quietly, taking pleasure in the way her face contorts in delight.

Breathy gasps escape her lips as she concentrates on the sensation of your fingers stroking around her, unconcerned about the tension of the day.

Your fingers were drenched in her juices, and the more you felt the moisture inside her, the more you wished to taste it. You get on your stomach with your head buried in between Shuri's legs. Shuri relaxed into your touch as you massaged circles into her skin, aware that the pleasure she was experiencing had enhanced her sensitivity.

Her fingers grasped the sheets, and her abs tensed in anticipation. You slid your tongue around the inner and outside folds before beginning a gentle licking with a flat tongue around the entire surface area. The moans from her lips turned you on and left you damp.

It was nice to concentrate only on Shuri's satisfaction. You appreciated the way her hips stuttered as you took her apart. As you pushed her further and further into ecstasy, she lapped up the sensations of arousal her body provided.

She was definitely close, and you couldn't wait to taste her on your tongue. Shuri soon had her hips working in little circles as she pressed into your fingers, chasing her orgasm. Moaning became increasingly audible.

You softly coaxed her inner walls with two fingers pushed inside her. "Mmm, Y/N," Shuri says as she calls your name. Her walls are spasming around you, and you know she's coming. Her breathing is labored, and you appreciate her strength because she's still careful not to squeeze her thighs around your head even though she's breaking.

You focus on her clit, sucking in tandem with your fingers, and soon she's letting out those lovely sounds, and her body jolts as you feel her release.

"Do you feel better?" you ask, happy at the satisfaction on her face.

"Yeah," Shuri confirms as she sinks lower into the bedding. Hopefully, she'll be able to sleep soon. You get out of bed and are ready to leave when she snaps her head up. "Where are you going?"

“Home.” You answer, straightening out the wrinkles in your hoodie from lying on the bed.

“Now? I figured we were going to-," She started, but you stopped her.

"I'd love to have sex with you, but I think you should rest. You're obviously overworked," you observed, frowning.

Her tone of voice shifts. “You think I’m going to let you leave my room without coming?” She's in charge now and not interested in a debate.

“I-“ The way she keeps cutting you off indicates that there isn't much you can say to convince her.

Shuri continues, “Giving you pleasure is relaxing. I like concentrating on you,” she admits. And that breaks you. How could you deny her? It’s enough to make you stop, but you don’t proceed to the bed, waiting for her next command.

"Take off your hoodie." She gave the order. You take the ends of the hoodie and pull it over your head. “Shorts,” Her instructions are brief but effective. You're not standing there in your bra and underwear, waiting for her next command, which never comes. Shuri simply lifts her eyebrows, and her look conveys all. She need not speak a word to command your submission. She already holds it.

You reach around to release the bra clasp, allowing the fabric to fall to the floor. Shuri is biting her lower lip as she watches you take your time slipping your panties down your legs.

You climb back onto the bed, this time with your exposed body straddling Shuri's waist. You're in the same situation you were in a few days ago, but this time no other issues are distracting you. Shuri had you under her control.

“Are you happy?” Shuri seems absolutely ravenous, eyes burning with hunger. She can't get enough of you undressed, no matter how many times she's seen you. Her desire for you never dies.

"That's not where I want you," she says, biting her lower lip again. Shuri's voice is low, silky, and seductive, and you can feel yourself getting aroused at the sound of it.

“Where do you want me?” you breathe. You were unprepared for what she said next.

She points to her face, “Up here.” Shuri chuckles at the expression on your face. Completely surprised she was requesting such a thing.

You purse your lips, contemplating her request, “Shuri, that’s-“

Her hand grabs your ass, squeezing. "Don't make me tell you again. I hate repeating myself.” The hand on your backside is a warning. Knowing what would happen if she had to tell you again, you're nearly tempted to disobey.

Carefully, you climb up her body until her head is between your thighs, supporting your weight on the knees. In anticipation, you hover above her face, fingers gripping the headboard. "Mm, it's been four days, and she really misses me."

In this position, Shuri had complete access to your sensual zone and the most important spots to stimulate. She drags her mouth across your clit, as if sampling before diving in. Stretching her neck up to take the sensitive bud into her mouth and sucking, you can feel the flat of her tongue licking side to side in unison.

"S-Shuri," you gasp, already stuttering. You had to be careful not to put all your weight on her face, no matter how much you wanted to get lost in the feelings. You were intent on not harming her in the back of your mind. Both the pleasure of Shuri's actions and the effort of maintaining your balance cause a burning sensation in your core and a trembling in your thighs.

Shuri's tattooed hand reaches out from your waist and rubs across your skin. You whimper at the separation of her lips from you. "Stop thinking and ride my face," Shuri murmurs quietly beneath you. Her words make your pussy clench.

You readjust your position slightly. "I don't want to hurt you." You've had plenty of sexual interactions, but this was the first time you'd been asked to ride someone's face.

As teeth penetrate into the flesh, you feel a stinging ache on your right thigh. The ache lasts for a split second before transforming into pleasure that has you gasping. "Did you really just bite me?"

"If you did what I asked, I'd be doing something else with my mouth. Can you be a good girl?" Shuri's words are breathed directly into your heat as if she's speaking to it.

"I love watching your pussy react to my words." Although you can't see her face, you can hear her smirk in her words. Cocky. It was difficult to loosen up even when your muscles were begging for you to do so. Even if you want to, you are afraid of hurting her; there was no place for argument in the face of such a dominating tone. Shuri grabs your waist with a punishing hold and lowers you to sit on her face.

The sensation of feeling her beneath you is exhilarating. Her tongue moves slowly around your clit, igniting your pleasure in small sparks that will gradually consume your body.

Shuri's hands on your hips encourage you to rock back gently against her face. You submit. Considering Shuri's strength, you know that if you wind up injuring her, she'll quickly remove you. You rest one hand on the wall for support, slightly moving your hips as if testing. You were attempting to appreciate it, knowing that it was making you feel good as part of Shuri's relaxation. You kept rocking as she flicked her tongue on your clit, your knuckles paling as you grasped the headboard tighter.

Shuri is massaging reassuring circles into your thigh, letting you know relaxing and enjoying yourself is okay. Shuri was no longer licking into you with her tongue, allowing you complete control of your pleasure, and the fact that she was letting you use her made you increasingly wet. "Fuck," you exhaled, moving your hips and grinding against her lips.

Shuri effortlessly lifts you up to take a breath. “You’re doing so good, baby girl.” The name sends shivers up your spine. When Shuri lets you back on her face, she keeps her tongue still, allowing you to grind against it. You're thankful for this experience; it was so unique you can't imagine never feeling like this again. Hips snapping straight up and down, you find a rhythm and lose yourself.

"Shuri, I-I-" you cut yourself off with a gasp, and your mouth opens wide. The delicate, breathy sounds you used to make have vanished, replaced by loud, high-pitched moans.

Sensing you’re close, Shuri cups your breast, rubbing the sensitive bud between her fingers. The additional sensation causes your lips to falter. One of your hands lets go of the bed, clutching the wrist connected to the fingers holding your chest.

Your free hand grips the headboard, adjusting the pressure and pace. When you come, it’s with a scream of Shuri’s name you’re sure anyone on the floor could hear. Your brain whites out as your body curls in on itself. You try to move away from Shuri's face, but her grip keeps you there as she refocuses her attention on the fluids released during your climax. Her tongue laps hungrily across your pussy.

It was most undoubtedly the most intense orgasm you'd ever had. You're not even aware that tears are welling up in your eyes.

“Shuri! Fuck! Please, Shuri!" You cried, your voice rising in octaves as your stomach tightened. You will never be able to compete with Shuri's strength. She won't let you go until she's satisfied, at which point you collapse against the wall, exhausted. Your legs continue to twitch, and your body is oversensitive, yet you move lower till you're on her chest.

Shuri swiped two of her fingers inside of you as she watched you pant and struggle to come down. Your breath hitched, and your legs shook a little more. Coated in your come, Shuri brought them to her lips. She needed more, as if she wasn’t already covered in you. You lowered your gaze. Her face glistened, and you brought your mouth to her chin, sucking at the flesh and using your tongue to clean yourself off her. “Such a nasty girl.” you just moan in response, moving to the other side of her face.

You slide off her body and onto the empty side of the bed next to her. Closing your eyes. “Someone’s sleepy,” Shuri's tone is teasing.

Your eyelids are fluttering open, “How are you not tired?”

“Stamina, it’s a gift from Bast.” She moves closer to you, and the next time you open your eyes, she looks down at you.

Taking in your tiredness Shuri informs you, “You know you can stay, right? I don't kick you out or anything. You leave as soon as we're through." That is true. Shuri will never ask you to leave. You take the initiative since there was never any reason for you to stay. But your body is against the idea of standing up right now. You can't get up, so Shuri must have gotten her wish.

Instead of responding vocally, you wrap your sweaty body deeper under the covers. She should really change these.

Shuri speaks up again when she notices this. "Thank you for stopping by. I know you're upset with me."

This time you mumble, “I’m not mad at you.” Face shoved into the pillow.

“Really? Because you slammed the car door in my face the last time I saw you."

You turn to face her, and your eyes are half-closed. "Your pillow talk is awful."

There's a moment between you, and Shuri's expression is filled with uncertainty. She is hesitant to express her feelings. You're trying to appear interested, fighting against your body's exhaustion. Maybe this talk should have happened before you had sex. “Whatever is on your mind. Say it,” you encourage instead of shutting her out.

She takes another minute before saying, "I don't want you to think that all I want from you is sex. You're not some random person, Y/N. I've known you practically my entire life, so come to me if you have a problem."

“That’s why I told Zar to invite you to the movie night.” She explains. “I just don’t want you to think I see you as a body where you can’t tell me when you’re feeling down. It makes me feel shitty.”

You’re apologetic. “ I'm sorry. I didn't notice." You had no idea how Shuri was feeling. It must be difficult as well. She could not view you like a warm body and renounce her caring attitude toward you.

Since she was so honest, you told her what you failed to do many nights ago. "I received a call from my manager," you explain. "I have opportunities flying into my lap, and of course, I'm living my dream as the most in-demand model in the world right now, but I don't know what to do. I don't know what I'm doing for the first time in my life, and it stresses me out." The words flow freely off your lips, spilling out everything you've been feeling, and it feels really good. You understand how stressful it was to hold all that in and be burdened with so much anxiety and despair.

You sigh, adding, "And the only normalcy I have is sleeping with my sister's best friend." Saying it out loud puts into perspective the reason for your actions these past few days. Subconsciously, you were concerned that spending too much time with Shuri and opening up about your feelings might jeopardize what you had—realizing now how natural it is to talk to each other without awkward silences or pauses between. You may not have actively pursued a strong friendship, but you care about her well-being as much as she does about yours.

Shuri groans next to you, “Don’t say it like that.”

“It’s true,” you mumble, sinking deeper into the comfort of Shuri’s sheets. They smelled like her and sex, but mostly like her. Your body settled into relaxation post-orgasm, and you felt yourself getting sleepy again, eyes hazy.

“Whatever decision you make, you have people who care for and fully support you.” Shuri’s words are comforting and true.

You smile, eyes closing again. “And I know I said we’re not friends, but you’ve always been in my life,” you admit.

To summarize. “You’re you, and I’m me, and we’re just us.” The smile on Shuri’s face tells you she’s content with that.

“Wake me up in like an hour,” your body no longer has the strength to fight off sleep. You turn around and finally shut your eyes.

When you reopen your eyes, you're surprised by your surroundings. This room is way too large to be your own, and there's a lot of sunlight streaming in through the windows. You sit up, aware that you are still in the Citadel. Shuri isn't next to you, but you can hear noises coming from the bathroom and assume she's getting ready for the day. You adapt to the light by blinking a few times, feeling clear-headed and revitalized.

Who says you can't solve your troubles with amazing sex and a good night's sleep? You stand up and begin your usual practice of playing hide and seek with your clothes. Shuri has returned to the room by the time you're dressed, and her eyes widen as she sees you awake.

You playfully narrow your gaze on her. "I said one hour," you complain, but your words have no bite.

Shuri defends herself by raising her palms. "In my defense, I fell asleep."

You grab your car keys as you smile at her surrendering. "I think I should go." You've definitely overstayed your welcome.

"I'll have Griot direct Ayo to keep the hallway to the rear entrance clear for the next ten minutes." She is already planning your getaway, and you can’t help the laugh that manages to escape you.

“What’s so funny?” Shuri inquires, her expression questioning.

“You are using the Dora Milaje to distract people so you can get your sneaky link out of the palace undetected.” You chastise, mockingly shaking your head.

Shuri laughs and tilts her head. “You have such a colorful way of describing things.”

Before you leave, Shuri asks, “Are we good?”

"We're fine," you say.

Shuri smiles and nods.

As you walk away, your cheeks begin to hurt from smiling so much.

177 notes · View notes

brf-rumortrackinganon · 7 months ago

Note

Meghan's biggest fashion mistake was trying to copy Kate's British Luxury style instead of sticking to her own true Relaxed California style. She could've cornered a huge chunk of the market, and corporate girlies who aren't wearing tailored dresses every day would've been ride-or-die for her.)

This just reminded me so much of Capote's swans. Slim Keith was the stylish ultra Californian, Babe Paley always the immaculate New Yorker, and Pamela Churchill the very traditional British.

All women who had their own styles seperate from one another.

I think it's also a sign of the times too - for some reason, fashion these days seems to be pretty homogenous. Everything seems to look the same to me. Maybe it's a side effect of social media and globalization, that with so much access, everything is kind of all melting together. Or maybe there's just less opportunity and less creativity since everyone is shopping from the same stores and the independent boutiques and private dressmakers and the creative creative designers have gone the way of the dodo bird as they get gobbled up and pushed out by fast fashion enterprises and multiconglomerates like Amazon.

That reminds me. An anon sent a submission a few weeks ago about the death of creative fascinators. I don't think I posted it at the time. I'll see if I can find that to post next. Edit: Found it! Here is the link.

But anyway, yes, it's very rare to see someone with such a unique fashion perspective the way women a few decades ago were dressing. Those people are still out there, but they seem to be harder and harder to find.

And if anyone needs something to watch, FX's Capote vs The Swans is definitely worth the watch. It does take a few liberties with timeline and character, but I enjoyed it. I did a course on Capote in college and even though it's been {muffly} years since that class, I felt that the show was true to the Capote, and the American society, we studied.

youtube

And it reminded me how much I need Calista Flockhart back on my TV. The series is available on Hulu now.

#brf #waleses #fashion

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xofanfics · 1 year ago

Text

Lost For Words - Part III

Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV

Genre: angst, fluff, smut 🥺🤗🥵

Pairing: Reader x Kun // Reader x Taeyong

Word Count: 2.9k

Summary: You have the best boyfriend you could’ve asked for. Things take an interesting turn as you befriend your new coworker, exploring the blurred lines between friendship and something more.

“Introducing "ElysianGlow" – a prestigious international beauty brand poised to revolutionize your entire beauty and skincare ritual. With its European elegance and a mission to cater to every facet of your beauty journey, ElysianGlow stands at the forefront of luxury. As it sets its sights on the vibrant Korean market, this brand promises to bring an unmatched fusion of cultures, innovation, and indulgence to your daily beauty regimen…”

It was the last presentation of the day and you were exhausted. After hearing so many speakers, being exposed to so many new products, and taking in so much information, you felt a little overstimulated. You’d all been taking notes all day as you saw interesting things your competitors were doing.

Your team dipped out a little early, in the hopes of avoiding the herds of people trying to exit the convention center at the same time. Outside the venue, Valentina said, “Good job, everyone. I saw a lot of you taking notes today. I want to do a larger meeting sometime next week or the week after to discuss our takeaways. I think that there was a lot of useful information we can use in our global marketing plans.” She smiled with a nod. “Anyway, I was thinking that we should go back to the hotel, freshen up, and then head out to get dinner?”

There were nods and murmurs of agreement, so David looked down at his watch. “It’s 5:09 now, so how about we meet in the lobby at 6:15PM. Who wants to be in charge of finding a restaurant?”

Hina waved her hand excitedly. “I can find a place!”

Valentina raised a cautious eyebrow at Hina, recalling the last time that Hina had chosen a restaurant. “Let’s try to keep it under three dollar signs this time, yeah?”

You and Hina took advantage of the time you had to freshen up before dinner. You began rummaging through your suitcase, tossing two dresses onto your bed. Hina, on the other hand, sat cross-legged on her own bed scrolling on her phone, ready to give her opinions as needed.

Your phone buzzed on the dresser, and you picked it up, recognizing your boyfriend's contact name popping up on the screen.

"Hey," you said, balancing the phone between your shoulder and ear as you slipped out of your pants.

"Hey, how was the first day?" he asked. “Are you finished now?”

"It was great!" you replied with enthusiasm. "We all have a bunch of ideas. Valentina said we’ll have a meeting next week about it, so I’m excited to share.”

You could practically hear his smile through the phone. "That's great to hear. I can’t wait to hear all about your ideas when you’re back at home. Do you have dinner plans for tonight?”

“Yeah, Hina is actually in charge of looking for a place,” you said, glancing at her. “Hopefully she picks somewhere good.”

Hina stuck her tongue out at you and laughed, bringing a chuckle out of you as well.

“Okay, well, have fun at dinner. And if you’re going to be drinking tonight, don’t forget to drink a lot of water.”

"I will," you promised, feeling a rush of warmth for your supportive boyfriend. You tossed the phone on the bed and pulled out a dress from your suitcase.

An hour later, the group gathered in the hotel lobby, ready for a well-deserved dinner outing after a long day. Hina had strategically chosen a Thai restaurant within walking distance.

Upon arrival, the restaurant's ambiance whisked you away to a far-off tropical paradise. Intricate wooden carvings adorned the walls, vibrant textiles draped from the ceiling, and the scent of spices filled the air. The decor was a seamless blend of charm and cultural authenticity, making you feel as though you were on vacation.

With everyone seated, Valentina seized the moment and confidently ordered a round of drinks for the table. While they excitedly waited for their alcoholic beverages to arrive, they decided to order appetizers to try and share. A few moments later, the drinks arrived, following a clink of glasses and the chorus of cheers.

David placed his drink down on the table and clapped his hands together. "Now that we're not at the conference anymore, let’s talk about something other than work for a change…" Laughter rippled through the group as everyone welcomed the idea.

A few more drinks later, your steaming plate of drunken noodles made its grand entrance to the table. The thick rice noodles glistened with a rich, dark sauce, topped with tender slices of chicken, colorful bell peppers, and vibrant Thai basil leaves.

Kevin, your jovial coworker, leaned toward Taeyong, who was sitting across from you. "Hey, Taeyong," he teased, "I saw you talking to that pretty girl at lunch earlier. Who was that? Did you get her number?"

Taeyong's cheeks tinged with a slight blush at the sudden question. "She was pretty," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of bashfulness. He glanced in your direction to see if you’d react, but you were reaching across the table for a leftover spring roll instead. "She told me that her name was Ari and she works at one of our competitors. But, uh, I didn't get her number."

"Yeah, Taeyong, maybe you should date the competition so we can find out their secrets," said Valentina with a laugh.

Kevin couldn't resist but add, "Honestly… I'm surprised you don't already have a girlfriend.."

Hina playfully agreed, "Definitely, Taeyong, you've got the looks. Sorry, Kevin, but he's got you beat."

Kevin nodded with a chuckle and said, “That’s fair.”

Taeyong found himself lost in contemplation, wondering if it was time to move on, given your existing relationship. Everyone seemed to enjoy their evening, unaware of the thoughts swirling around in his head like a storm. He went back and forth with his emotions, unsure of where to go from here, as the possibility of a future without you weighed on his mind.

* After dinner, the group ended up splitting up. Some of your colleagues decided to call it a night, retreating to the comfort of their hotel rooms and call it a night. Those who still had some energy left decided to head out for a night on the town, determined to make the most of their time in Incheon. Before the group split in two, Valentina issued a gentle reminder about the early morning conference session, a subtle hint to keep the night's festivities in check.

Among your coworkers in the group, and a relatively new addition to the team, Seolyun stood out as the point person for all things social media. She was the person who always seemed to have a recommendation, whether it was a new restaurant opening up, a trendy pop-up opening, or a cafe hidden in the backstreets.

In no time at all, she found a trendy bar not too far from the restaurant. The bar had two floors, along with a rooftop. Each floor, according to the reviews, had a different vibe. And the rooftop seemed to have an amazing view, which was perfect for taking pictures.

You could feel the lively energy on the first floor as you entered. While you waited for your friends to get their IDs checked, you took a look around. Laughter and conversation filled the air, in combination with the beat of electronic music that had quite a few people up and dancing. People were engaged in animated conversations, clinking glasses, and sharing smiles. It seemed like the perfect place to start on a night out.

As you walked up to the second floor, you noticed a subtle shift in the vibe. Here, the mood was more intimate and relaxed. The decor took on a cozier, lounge-like feel, with plush seating arrangements that were great for deeper conversations. The music, while still upbeat, had a more gentle feeling and allowed for more conversation over dancing. The lighting was dimmed, casting a darker and more romantic aura. It was an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy time away from the loud music and actually have a conversation.

As you all ascended the stairs to the rooftop, the night breeze welcomed you, carrying the pulsating rhythms of music and offering a breathtaking view of the city's twinkling lights. The ambiance was mellow, with cozy seating arrangements and soft lighting, perfect for unwinding. Interestingly enough, the roof wasn’t the most crowded area, and there was more than enough room for everyone to get comfortable at the bar.

Kevin insisted on shots, saying, “Look how beautiful it is out here. Nothing says a night out like a shot of tequila!” Despite a groan or two, everyone accepted Kevin’s idea of taking shots.

“Cheers!” you said, a moment later, clinking the small glasses with your colleagues. You gulped down the liquid fire with more ease than you thought.

As Seolyun finished her shot, she said, “Let’s go dance!”

Taeyong, while certainly up for a night out on the town, wasn't quite in the dancing mood tonight. Instead, he chose to linger on the rooftop, where he could savor the serene night view while sipping on a glass of whiskey.

He gazed out into the city, taking in the twinkling sky above. He took a sip of his whiskey even though he had no business mixing light and dark liquor. I’ll be fine, he decided. Even though he and the others were in Incheon for business, he was having more fun than he’d had in quite some months. Living in Seoul without many friends had been a little hard on him, but he felt a little less lonely during the week while he was surrounded with his coworkers. And he felt less lonely when he was with you. He felt at ease when he was with you. Despite your unfortunate relationship status, he enjoyed platonic moments with you. Being friends with you was better than nothing at all, he thought.

In his peripheral vision, he saw someone sit down but he didn’t bother looking up, as he was enveloped in his thoughts. Suddenly, your voice filled his ears and interrupted his thoughts. “The view up here is something else, huh?” He turned and the corners of his lips curled into a small smile as you settled beside him on the couch.

“I’m enjoying it,” he said, taking another sip of his drink. “I thought you wanted to dance?”

"You know, I wasn't really feeling the music down there," you admitted with a soft laugh. "But it looks like the others are having the time of their lives, so I thought I’d come back up here and keep you company.”

The two of you started talking, just some lighthearted conversation. A few moments later, Taeyong shook his head. "Sorry - where are my manners? Did you want another drink?”

You glanced at his nearly empty glass and then back at him, a thoughtful expression on your face. "I think I'm good for now," you replied, a faint smile touching your lips. "I'd hate for you to see me too drunk."

Taeyong chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on your face. "I wouldn't judge you," he assured.

As you continued to talk, Taeyong found himself getting lost in your eyes, your presence, and the way you laughed at his jokes. His heart raced as he realized how much he had grown to like you. At this point, he could feel the tension building, an almost magnetic force that he had never experienced before. It was a potent mixture of desire, guilt, and admiration. He knew he was getting close to the danger zone and he found himself unable to deny the connection that seemed to pull him closer to you with each passing moment.

Unable to resist the pull between you two, Taeyong leaned in and kissed you, his lips meeting yours in a tender, sweet embrace. It was a moment of surrender to the intense connection that had been building, a silent acknowledgment of his desires. A few seconds later he pulled away, realizing how crazy all of this was. He’d lost his mind for a moment, he concluded.

Your eyes met, just for a moment. Time seemed to stop as you gazed deeply into his eyes. In that moment, Taeyong’s senses were completely taken over by you. He could only smell the faint scent of your perfume. He could only taste your lips. He could only see you.

But just as Taeyong was about to voice his apologies and regrets, the unexpected happened. Your lips crashed into his once more, igniting a wild, uncontainable fire of longing and desire. In that moment, nothing else mattered – not your boyfriend, not the complications of being coworkers – as you both gave in to the irresistible pull of passion. Lost in the kiss, you and Taeyong allowed yourselves to be swept away, indulging in a connection that defied all logic and reason.

The intense chemistry between you and Taeyong became an undeniable truth that neither of you could ignore.

***

You woke up in the morning, before your alarm. You recalled the events of the previous night and, of course, that amazing kiss you shared with Taeyong. It was wrong, you knew, but something about it just felt so right.

Kun [7:31AM] Good morning, beautiful. Hope you had fun last night! Enjoy the rest of the conference today ❤️

As you looked at the good morning text from the man that was actually your boyfriend, you couldn’t help but feel incredibly guilty. You had a man who loved and cared about you, yet you’d had the audacity to kiss another man.

What was frustrating you the most was that you hadn’t even ever thought of Taeyong that way. You found him attractive, yes, but everyone found him attractive - even Kevin. He was a physically attractive looking man - simple. But you didn’t have to cross that line with him and you did anyway. Then, to top it all off, you kissed him on your own. After that first kiss, you should’ve stopped. Unfortunately, something came over you and you initiated that second kiss.

Should you tell Kun? You wondered. No, you thought, he’d never forgive you. Should you break up with him? Was that too much? Was leaving him just running from the problem?

Should you set a boundary with Taeyong? Should you tell him that it can’t ever happen again? God, but you liked it! You liked it so much and you wanted more of it. That was the problem.

You’d never felt tension with Taeyong before. You weren’t sure if it was because the two of you had been drinking or if it was because it was an intimate setting. Maybe it was because you hadn’t really had many moments to be alone together like that. You didn’t know. All you knew was that you could almost taste his lips on yours.

Hina’s alarm started going off, bringing you back into reality. You almost wanted to tell her, but that would just bring up unnecessary questions and drama. So, you decided that you were going to leave it alone all together and do your best to act normal and keep your cool.

After successfully avoiding Taeyong during breakfast and most of the morning programming, he caught you during lunchtime as you were grabbing a water bottle. He lightly grazed your hand and, as you turned to face him, he said, “Can we talk?”

“Uh, yeah,” you said. “Sure.”

Taeyong led you out of the cafeteria and upstairs to the second floor. This floor was quiet, as everyone was downstairs eating. You followed him into a random room where he closed the door behind you. The air seemed to crackle with unspoken tension.

Taeyong took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and longing. "I can't stop thinking about last night,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, “and what happened between us...”

Your heart echoed his sentiments, a mixture of desire and inner turmoil. "Taeyong," you began, a sigh leaving your lips, "I can’t stop thinking about it either.”

“What do we do?”

You let out a frustrated sigh. “I-I don’t know. I have a boyfriend and I care about him. Things are just…complicated.”

Taeyong nodded, his understanding gaze never leaving yours. "I don't want to complicate your life," he said, his voice soft but filled with yearning. "But I don’t know if we can just ignore this."

Taeyong came a little closer, pulling you into his arms. In his embrace, you felt safe, as if the world outside ceased to exist.

Unable to resist any longer, your lips brushed against Taeyong's, igniting a longing that had been building up inside you. But you both knew the complications of your situation.

With a whisper, you said, "We should get back..."

Taeyong let go of you, reluctantly and eyes still filled with longing. You needed to leave. If you looked into his eyes any longer, you might just kiss him again. As he watched you leave the room, the connection between you remained, an unspoken promise that the chemistry you shared would continue to pull you closer, even if the path forward remained uncertain.

***

General Taglist: @to-all-the-stories-i-love @sweetnspicy-noona

Lost for Words Taglist: @ridinjuyeon

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rjzimmerman · 5 months ago

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Food as You Know It Is About to Change. (New York Times Op-Ed)

From the vantage of the American supermarket aisle, the modern food system looks like a kind of miracle. Everything has been carefully cultivated for taste and convenience — even those foods billed as organic or heirloom — and produce regarded as exotic luxuries just a few generations ago now seems more like staples, available on demand: avocados, mangoes, out-of-season blueberries imported from Uruguay.

But the supermarket is also increasingly a diorama of the fragility of a system — disrupted in recent years by the pandemic, conflict and, increasingly, climate change. What comes next? Almost certainly, more disruptions and more hazards, enough to remake the whole future of food.

The world as a whole is already facing what the Cornell agricultural economist Chris Barrett calls a “food polycrisis.” Over the past decade, he says, what had long been reliable global patterns of year-on-year improvements in hunger first stalled and then reversed. Rates of undernourishment have grown 21 percent since 2017. Agricultural yields are still growing, but not as quickly as they used to and not as quickly as demand is booming. Obesity has continued to rise, and the average micronutrient content of dozens of popular vegetables has continued to fall. The food system is contributing to the growing burden of diabetes and heart disease and to new spillovers of infectious diseases from animals to humans as well.

And then there are prices. Worldwide, wholesale food prices, adjusted for inflation, have grown about 50 percent since 1999, and those prices have also grown considerably more volatile, making not just markets but the whole agricultural Rube Goldberg network less reliable. Overall, American grocery prices have grown by almost 21 percent since President Biden took office, a phenomenon central to the widespread perception that the cost of living has exploded on his watch. Between 2020 and 2023, the wholesale price of olive oil tripled; the price of cocoa delivered to American ports jumped by even more in less than two years. The economist Isabella Weber has proposed maintaining the food equivalent of a strategic petroleum reserve, to buffer against shortages and ease inevitable bursts of market chaos.

Price spikes are like seismographs for the food system, registering much larger drama elsewhere — and sometimes suggesting more tectonic changes underway as well. More than three-quarters of the population of Africa, which has already surpassed one billion, cannot today afford a healthy diet; this is where most of our global population growth is expected to happen this century, and there has been little agricultural productivity growth there for 20 years. Over the same time period, there hasn’t been much growth in the United States either.

Though American agriculture as a whole produces massive profits, Mr. Barrett says, most of the country’s farms actually lose money, and around the world, food scarcity is driving record levels of human displacement and migration. According to the World Food Program, 282 million people in 59 countries went hungry last year, 24 million more than the previous year. And already, Mr. Barrett says, building from research by his Cornell colleague Ariel Ortiz-Bobea, the effects of climate change have reduced the growth of overall global agricultural productivity by between 30 and 35 percent. The climate threats to come loom even larger.

It can be tempting, in an age of apocalyptic imagination, to picture the most dire future climate scenarios: not just yield declines but mass crop failures, not just price spikes but food shortages, not just worsening hunger but mass famine. In a much hotter world, those will indeed become likelier, particularly if agricultural innovation fails to keep pace with climate change; over a 30-year time horizon, the insurer Lloyd’s recently estimated a 50 percent chance of what it called a “major” global food shock.

But disruption is only half the story and perhaps much less than that. Adaptation and innovation will transform the global food supply, too. At least to some degree, crops such as avocados or cocoa, which now regularly appear on lists of climate-endangered foodstuffs, will be replaced or redesigned. Diets will shift, and with them the farmland currently producing staple crops — corn, wheat, soy, rice. The pressure on the present food system is not a sign that it will necessarily fail, only that it must change. Even if that progress does come to pass, securing a stable and bountiful future for food on a much warmer planet, what will it all actually look like?

#climate change #agriculture #food production

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thephantomcasebook · 8 months ago

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Hello! I'm sorry, I don't know how the financial aspect of films and series works, but I was curious, could you talk about the subject of the studio being underwater by 50 billion? I really don't understand since HBO has several series that were successful and HOTD itself was very successful, unlike its competitor from the Amazon studio. As for promotion, I don't think we need to worry, HBO is focusing on TBxTG,so I think it will be Emma and Matt and Olivia and Fabien will promote together 😊

Warner is like a big suit that keeps putting money in different pockets.

HBO is a subsidiary of Warner Brothers. HBO's earnings go into the Warner slush fund and then Warner gives HBO an operating budget. A show is commissioned by a studio who hires a production company, that is paid for by producers.

"House of the Dragon" is given a budget by HBO that is financed by Warner Brother's operating budget. Which means that the show must make back both production and marketing cost, plus salaries of cast and such.

Season 1's budget was around 230$ Million. Which means to make a profit House of the Dragon has to make back at least 780$ Million Dollars in revenue - new subscribers to "MAX", Merchandising, and physical media sales. If the show is a complete thud than they can write it off on their taxes as a loss. But if it's only okay to moderate, than its a disaster cause they can't recoup the money nor can they write off the entire production.

So, the only way that "House of the Dragon" can keep is if it is growing "MAX" by gaining new viewers by pushing subscribers to the streaming service. You need a full turn out from a wide audience.

The issue that almost sank "House of the Dragon" in season 1 was the complete lack of self-awareness from Olivia Cooke, Miguel Sapochnik, and Sara Hess, along with some of the female directors. In that for a show of this budget, of this scale, you cannot alienate an audience.

As much as they live in their Hollywood and London social bubble of "The Morality is Settled" with their childish luxury politics. Most of the world, much less their countries, doesn't believe in their elitist white girl social and political beliefs. Which means that by leading with bimbo feminism, closet lesbianism, and "commentary" on abortion ... you're not just isolating 3/4ths of a potential audience, you're turning off a global audience in general.

So while Tumblr and Reddit might find Emma D'arcy and Olivia Cooke's antics and interviews charming ... no one else did. There remained a lack of care and disinterest in the show and the hard work of others from 30 year old women acting like self-important teenager girls.

If you piss off a large contingent of the audience, then you have a net negative subscriber base, because, people will not watch your show. And then you're going to have to justify to the bean counters in accounting why your show needs a larger budget. Thus, if a large and complicated show like "House of the Dragon" doesn't have the operating budget to tell the story they need, then they cancel your show.

The issue is that due to a lack of professionalism across the board, people like Oliva Cooke and Sara Hess, don't understand this. They're not thinking of the show or below the line workers that need these jobs. They're thinking of themselves and only themselves. By running their mouth and virtue signaling through their privileged white girl luxury politics, they're making themselves look good for activists and Tumblr morons, sure. "OLIVIA IS SO GIRLIE, UWU!" but in reality, the normal person who watches this show doesn't nor wants to care about Cooke's personal politics and, in fact, they're so obscure and unrelatable to a majority of the world that people will be turned off by them.

Most people hate actors and actresses ... and no one wants to hear them talk unless they're playing a character.

So, Warner is operating in a 50 Billion Dollar Hole, and borrowing their production budget on credit from banks. That means that they have to make a shit ton of money ... and fast. Which, alternatively, means that they have to rely on their franchises to get them out of it. "House of the Dragon" is something they can lean on because "Game of Thrones" was a global phenomenon - second highest viewed TV Show of all time behind "Downton Abbey".

Therefore they need the largest audience possible in order to drive growth in "MAX". Thus. the last thing they want is a loud mouth airhead actress or writer/producer going out and making potential customers angry or antagonizing the audience and making them leave.

The worst thing that can happen to a entertainment company of any kind is for the customer to realize that said entertainment company is a luxury commodity and that they don't actually need them. Cause they'll never pay for it again.

#House of the Dragon #Olivia Cooke #Emma Darcy #Sara Hess #Ryan Condal

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distinguisheddreamstarlight · 1 month ago

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Behind the Bubbles: The Story of San Pellegrino's Rise

San Pellegrino isn’t just a sparkling water; it’s a cultural icon that has bubbled up from the Italian Alps to tables worldwide. But how did this effervescent drink become synonymous with luxury and fine dining? Let’s dive into the story behind the bubbles.

A Refreshing Beginning

The tale begins in 1899 view website in the quaint town of San Pellegrino Terme, nestled in the Bergamo region of Italy. A local mineral water spring was discovered by chance, and its mineral-rich water quickly caught the attention of locals and tourists alike. They flocked to the area, hoping to sip on this refreshing beverage believed to have water health benefits.

In those early days, the brand was more than just a drink; it was a remedy for ailments. People traveled miles for a taste, eager to experience its reputed healing properties. It wasn’t long before San Pellegrino began bottling their water, aiming to quench thirst far beyond their hometown.

The Sparkling Revolution

Fast forward to the 20th century. By then, San Pellegrino had been officially recognized as a mineral water in 1907. With World War I on the horizon, many businesses struggled, but not San Pellegrino. They leveraged their growing popularity and expanded their distribution. The brand caught fire across Europe and soon made its way across the Atlantic.

In 1931, they launched their water iconic green bottle—a design choice that would forever change how consumers viewed bottled water. Imagine walking into a restaurant and seeing that distinctive bottle sitting proudly on your table! It screamed sophistication without uttering a word.

Entering Global Markets

By the latter half of the 20th century, San Pellegrino was no longer just an Italian secret; it became a global phenomenon. As more people began traveling abroad, they brought with them a taste for fine dining experiences—experiences often paired with a glass of sparkling water.

The brand didn’t just sit back and watch; they took strategic steps to promote themselves internationally. Partnerships with upscale restaurants and hotels allowed them to position themselves as an essential part of luxury dining experiences. Suddenly, if you were at a high-end meal, you couldn't go without that crisp sparkle on your palate.

Crafting A Brand Identity

San Pellegrino understood something vital: branding is everything. Their marketing efforts focused on elegance and authenticity. They didn’t just sell bubbles; they sold an experience—an escape into Italian culture.

From chic advertisements featuring stunning Italian landscapes to collaborations with renowned chefs like Massimo Bottura, every campaign was crafted with care. This approach helped solidify their status as more than just another drink; it turned them into an aspirational product.

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A Quick Sip of Research

According to a study by Statista, over 60% of consumers are willing to pay extra for premium bottled waters like San Pellegrino due to perceived quality and brand reputation. This statistic underlines how effective San Pellegrino's branding has been over decades—consumers equate higher prices with better experiences.

Keeping Up With Trends

As consumer preferences evolved—think wellness trends and sustainability—San Pellegrino adapted without losing its essence. They introduced flavored sparkling waters that catered to health-conscious individuals who wanted somet

#Youtube

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mebobags · 1 month ago

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Why is the Chanel bag so expensive?

Chanel is one of the most iconic names in the fashion world, and its handbags are coveted by fashion lovers globally. However, Chanel bags come with a hefty price tag—often ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. This raises the question: why are Chanel bags so expensive?

In this post, we’ll explore the factors that contribute to the high cost of Chanel handbags, from their unparalleled craftsmanship to their status as a luxury symbol.

1. Heritage and Brand Legacy

Chanel, founded by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel in 1910, has become synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and timeless style. The brand’s history plays a significant role in its perceived value. Owning a Chanel bag is more than owning a luxury accessory; it’s owning a piece of fashion history.

The iconic 2.55 handbag, introduced in February 1955, revolutionized the handbag industry by offering women a functional, hands-free option. Decades later, styles like the Boy Bag and Gabrielle Bag continue to honor this legacy while appealing to modern trends.

This rich heritage elevates Chanel bags beyond their functional purpose, turning them into collectibles that carry cultural and historical significance.

2. Exceptional Craftsmanship

Each Chanel bag is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Here’s what goes into making one:

Handmade Excellence

Every Chanel bag is handmade by skilled artisans, many of whom undergo years of training to perfect their craft. From cutting the leather to sewing the signature quilted pattern, each step is carried out with precision.

Materials of the Highest Quality

Chanel uses only the finest materials for its handbags, including:

Lambskin leather for its soft, supple texture.

Caviar leather, known for its durability and pebbled texture.

Luxurious hardware, such as gold-plated or ruthenium finishes, for clasps and chains.

Attention to Detail

The quilted stitching, an iconic feature of Chanel bags, isn’t just decorative—it also reinforces the bag’s structure. Each stitch is carefully aligned to ensure consistency. Even the bag’s interior, often lined with burgundy leather, showcases the brand’s commitment to perfection.

3. Limited Supply and Exclusivity

Chanel controls the supply of its handbags to maintain their exclusivity. Unlike mass-market brands, Chanel produces a limited number of bags each year. This scarcity drives up demand and reinforces the brand's luxury status.

Additionally, certain Chanel designs, such as seasonal or limited-edition bags, are only available for a short time. This exclusivity makes them highly sought after and justifies their high price.

4. Strategic Pricing and Brand Perception

Chanel employs a deliberate pricing strategy to position itself as a luxury brand. Over the years, Chanel has consistently increased its prices, making its bags even more desirable.

For instance, the Chanel Classic Flap Bag has seen significant price hikes—sometimes multiple times in a single year. While this may seem counterintuitive, it aligns with the principle of luxury pricing: the higher the price, the more exclusive and prestigious the product appears.

5. Timeless Design and Investment Value

Chanel bags are known for their timeless appeal. A Chanel Classic Flap Bag purchased decades ago still looks stylish today, making it a staple in any wardrobe.

Resale Value

Many Chanel bags appreciate over time, especially rare or vintage pieces. The Classic Flap Bag and limited-edition designs are particularly known for their strong resale value, often selling for more than their original price on platforms like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective.

6. Marketing and Celebrity Endorsements

Chanel’s marketing campaigns are an art form in themselves. From partnering with A-list celebrities to showcasing its bags on glamorous runways, Chanel ensures its products remain aspirational.

Icons like Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, and today’s stars like Margot Robbie and Jennie Kim have all been associated with Chanel, further solidifying its status as a symbol of luxury and elegance.

7. Global Brand Recognition

Chanel is one of the most recognized and respected luxury brands in the world. Its interlocking double C logo is a symbol of sophistication and exclusivity, making Chanel bags highly desirable for those looking to make a statement.

8. Sustainability and Ethical Practices

In recent years, Chanel has emphasized sustainability and ethical practices in its production process. This includes responsibly sourcing materials and investing in innovative methods to reduce environmental impact.

While these efforts add to production costs, they align with the values of modern luxury consumers who prioritize sustainability.

9. The Experience of Owning Chanel

Buying a Chanel bag isn’t just a transaction—it’s an experience. From the moment you step into a Chanel boutique, you’re immersed in a world of luxury.

Personalized Service

Chanel’s sales associates are trained to provide exceptional service, guiding customers through the selection process and ensuring their purchase feels special.

Luxury Packaging

The iconic black-and-white packaging, complete with a camellia flower and ribbon, is a statement in itself. It adds to the overall allure of owning a Chanel bag.

Conclusion: The True Cost of Luxury

The high price of Chanel bags is the result of a combination of factors: impeccable craftsmanship, premium materials, limited supply, and the brand’s rich heritage. Each Chanel bag is more than just an accessory—it’s a status symbol, an investment, and a piece of art.

While the price may seem exorbitant to some, for many, owning a Chanel bag is a lifelong dream that represents success, sophistication, and timeless elegance.

So, is a Chanel bag worth the price? For those who value luxury, history, and craftsmanship, the answer is often a resounding yes.

#chanel #louis vuitton #luxury #luxury bags #streetstyle

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maximumwobblerbanditdonut · 4 months ago

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A taste of SirDavis whisky by Beyoncé 🥃

Three years ago Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, as an enthusiast of Japanese whisky, sought out Moët Hennessy to help craft a one-of-a-kind flavour profile that reflected her tastes in the spirit - and her Texan heritage.

It also happened that the spirits makers at Moët Hennessy had been exploring ways to widen the company’s presence in the competitive American whisky market, making the timing perfect for a formal partnership between the two.

Beyoncé partnered with LVMH subsidiary Moët Hennessy for her American whiskey, and Dr Bill Lumsden, LVMH’s extraordinary spirits maker and the man behind such spirited delights from Glenmorangie and Ardbeg single malt whiskies, was tasked with the job of figuring out how to develop a softer, sweeter style of American whisky, which draws its influence from the Japanese whiskies Beyoncé was familiar with.

Lumsden hit upon a mixture of grains for the whisky’s foundations: 51% rye grain, which historically was the style used heavily in the pre-prohibition era of American whiskey, often bringing peppery/spicy flavours - and 49% malted barley, the backbone behind the characterful soft-yet-complex flavoured single malts crafted in Scotland and Japan.

The whisky was then given a double maturation in two kinds of cask: firstly in American white oak, bringing swathes of vanilla, coconut and citrus zest, and then ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks (highly unusual in the wider canon of American whisky-making,) for a final period of around six to nine months, to give deeper, richer, fruity notes.

The ‘Sir’ in question is in fact Davis Hogue, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s paternal great-grandfather, who was a farmer and a moonshiner in the Prohibition era, hiding whisky bottles in the empty knots of cedar trees, to be discovered by his friends. Fittingly, the Sir was added before his first name to give him his deserved respect to truly honour his lasting legacy.

The bottle design by the multi-award winning studio, Stranger & Stranger also gives credence to his legacy, with his initials, DH, inscribed into the base, and the entire creative process overseen by Knowles-Carter, whose brief was for a tall, eye-catching bottle with minimalistic, intentional design elements that serves as an emblem of power and luxury. With its ribbed glass, it uses no front labels besides a ‘SirDavis’ medallion, showcasing a bronzed horse in profile: a reference to Knowles-Carter’s Texas roots and symbolising both strength and respect.

LVMH GROUP

LVMH was created in 1987 through the merger of Moët Hennessy and Louis Vuitton, ushering in a new era for the luxury industry. The group has 75 Maisons in key sectors of the luxury industry—Wines & Spirits, Fashion & Leather Goods, Fragrance & Cosmetics, Watches & Jewelry.

Other activities, including Hospitality and Media—LVMH is now the world leader in luxury. The Group's economic footprint in the regions where it operates—80 countries around the world—

Moët Hennessy is the wine and spirits division of @LVMH, and it has a Portfolio of Maisons, each one of them synonymous with excellence and authenticity, which is unparalleled in the world of spirits. Moët & Chandon, Krug, Veuve Clicquot, Hennessy, Château d’Yquem, Glenmorangie and Colgin all figure among the LVMH group.

THE HOUSES

SirDavis will be available globally for retail at $89 (£79) from the 4th of September, (including Selfridges, The Whisky Exchange and Berry Bros in the UK 🇬🇧 ) with a preorder system operating until then from SirDavis.com

#Beyoncé #Moët Hennessy #Texanheritage #Americanwhisky #Ryewhiskey #BillLumsden #LVMH #PedroXimenezSherryCask #studio #DavisHogue #great-grandfather #SirDavis #bottledesign #Stranger & Stranger

Posted 21st August 2024

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abtechsorg · 2 years ago

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MetaTdex Launches Revolutionary Web3 Brokerage DAO at Global Launch Conference in Dubai

On December 20, 2022, MetaTdex held the highly anticipated “Web3 Brokerage DAO” Global Launch Conference at the luxurious Hyatt Hotel Creek in Dubai. The event drew a large crowd of influential investors, investment institutions, and crypto experts, all eager to learn more about MetaTdex’s latest financial innovation.

At the conference, MetaTdex unveiled its plans to combine the world of crypto with the traditional stock market through the use of stablecoin. This revolutionary approach will allow web 3 users to invest in the stock market without worrying about OTC fees, currency exchange rates, and the tedious process of opening a stock market account. This is a game-changing development that has the potential to disrupt the traditional financial system and bring more people into the world of investing.

In addition to providing an efficient and cost-effective way for web 3 users to enter the stock market, MetaTdex’s platform will also offer a wider range of options for wealth preservation and appreciation during bearish seasons. This is especially important for investors who are looking to diversify their portfolios and protect themselves against market fluctuations.

Those who purchase MetaTdex’s stock-token packages will receive both short-term and long-term benefits, including Tdex Tokens (TT) and stocks. The TT tokens will give holders access to exclusive discounts and perks, while the stocks will provide long-term growth potential. This unique combination of benefits is designed to appeal to a wide range of investors and provide something for everyone.

Overall, the Web3 Brokerage DAO Global Launch Conference was a huge success, with attendees leaving excited about the potential of MetaTdex’s innovative platform and the ways in which it will revolutionize the world of finance. The conference was a testament to MetaTdex’s commitment to innovation and their desire to bring the benefits of the stock market to a wider audience. With the launch of their stablecoin platform, MetaTdex is poised to make a major impact on the financial world and change the way people invest for the better.

To watch the video click the below:

youtube

Join our Community to get the latest update on MetaTdex: Main Group: https://t.me/MetaTdex_group MetaTdex Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/MetaTdex

Start your web3.0 journey with MetaTdex. www.metatdex.com

MetaTdex ：Safe| efficient | Diverse

#Youtube #metaTdex #decentralisation #web3

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renubresearch · 7 months ago

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Global Watch Market will be US$ 3.11 Billion by 2032

The global watch market is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, driven by factors such as increasing demand for luxury branded watches and new entrants with sportier and health-aware designs. Here is a detailed analysis of the global watch market from Renub Research: Executive Summary Global Watch Market share was worth US$ 73.82 Billion in 2023. Renub Research predicts…

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#electronic watch market #global watch market #luxury watch market #non-luxury watch market #quatz watch market #watch market #watch market growth #watch market report #watch market share #watch market size

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mostlysignssomeportents · 1 year ago

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This day in history

I'm coming to Minneapolis! Oct 15: Presenting The Internet Con at Moon Palace Books. Oct 16: Keynoting the 26th ACM Conference On Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing.

#20yrsago Usability movement hijacks, improves Parliament’s website https://memex.craphound.com/2003/10/10/usability-movment-hijacks-improves-parliaments-website/

#20yrsago Matt Haughey’s Long Now project https://web.archive.org/web/20031012122142/http://tenyearsofmylife.com/

#20yrsago URGENT: Tell the FCC to say no to the Broadcast Flag https://web.archive.org/web/20031101143533/https://action.eff.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=2801

#15yrsago Gaiman’s Graveyard Book — spooky, magical retelling of The Jungle Book in a graveyard https://memex.craphound.com/2008/10/10/gaimans-graveyard-book-spooky-magical-retelling-of-the-jungle-book-in-a-graveyard/

#15yrsago Entertainment industry made up $250 billion/750,000 jobs losses due to piracy https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2008/10/dodgy-digits-behind-the-war-on-piracy/

#15yrsago Kids who photograph themselves naked are child pornographers and sex offenders in Ohio https://web.archive.org/web/20081009194301/http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20081008/NEWS01/810080302

#15yrsago Comprehensive reviews of jihadi video-games https://web.archive.org/web/20081011070337/http://arstechnica.com/reviews/games/terrorist-propaganda-games-roundup.ars

#10yrsago Super Mario fully implemented in HTML5 https://web.archive.org/web/20131013054247/http://www.fullscreenmario.com/

#10yrsago Christopher Columbus: raping, murdering, enslaving, genocidal pedophile https://theoatmeal.com/comics/columbus_day

#5yrsago Not just Europe: EU Copyright Directive will censor the world’s internet https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/10/eu-internet-censorship-will-censor-whole-worlds-internet

#5yrsago Homeless people in San Francisco are hotwiring electric scooters https://www.cnet.com/culture/the-mad-tale-of-the-electric-scooter-craze-with-bird-lime-and-spin-in-san-francisco/

#5yrsago Leak shows Google lied when it claimed it wasn’t near launching its censored Chinese search tool https://theintercept.com/2018/10/09/google-china-censored-search-engine/

#5yrsago Bernie Sanders on fighting global authoritarianism https://medium.com/@SenSanders/building-a-global-democratic-movement-to-counter-authoritarianism-46832e3beef6

#5yrsago New York’s luxury real-estate market is crashing https://www.ft.com/content/db675edc-c7f2-11e8-86e6-19f5b7134d1c

#5yrsago Britain’s Corbyn-panicked oligarchs are shifting money offshore https://www.ft.com/content/a1b456d4-c72c-11e8-ba8f-ee390057b8c9

#5yrsago Dystopia watch: American schools are installing anti-shooter smoke cannons and bulletproof doors https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ap-top-news-laws-in-state-wire-north-america-3884ffc5420d4adaaa7732be30136ed9

#1yrago Antitrust is – and always has been – about fairness https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/10/play-fair/#bedoya

My next novel is The Lost Cause, a hopeful novel of the climate emergency. Amazon won't sell the audiobook, so I made my own and I'm pre-selling it on Kickstarter!

#pluralistic

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aixxriston · 2 years ago

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Biswap (BSW), Terra Classic (LUNC) Holders Buy More Chronoly (CRNO) As It Launches on 6 October

The highly volatile crypto market still boasts of a token like Chronoly (CRNO) that has managed to weather the crypto waves without losing its value. The duo of Biswap (BSW) and Terra Classic (LUNC) have witnessed massive dumps by their holders in recent times due to the bearish posture of the crypto market. These two projects are backed by reputable individuals and influencers and offer exciting use cases.

Since the market is highly volatile, it is a no-brainer for investors to jump ship in search of projects that can beat the bear market, and that's why they are purchasing more Chronoly (CRNO), even as the latter's pre-sale has completely sold out.

Read on to find out the reason behind the ship jumping and other developments on the market.

Will Biswap (BSW) Get The Momentum Back?

The constant crypto crashes have taken a toll on not only Bitcoin, but also on smaller projects like Biswap (BSW). The market downturn has made token holders dump the project for a viable alternative like Chronoly (CRNO). However, the developmental team is working round the clock to reverse the narrative. First, it has partnered with reputable influencers to promote the brand and generate more younger leads/investors. Secondly, the team plans to list the native token, BSW, on multiple decentralized exchanges. The essence of the listing is to encourage massive adoption by investors from across the world.

At its core, Biswap (BSW) is a decentralized exchange that's built on the Binance Smart Chain to help crypto users easily swap tokens. Biswap (BSW) has a low crypto trading fee of 0.1%. As of the time of writing this piece, Biswap (BSW) trades for $0.263081 USD with a 24-hour trading volume of $5,945,816 USD.

Can Terra Classic (LUNC) Reach $1 By 2023?

Terra Classic (LUNC) experienced a boost from new users in the first quarter of 2022, and then the bear market struck the global crypto market. As with Biswap (BSW), Terra Classic (LUNC) holders have also joined investors jumping ship to join the Chronoly (CRNO) bandwagon. The reason for this may not be unconnected to the massive growth experienced by Chronoly.

Luna Classic (LUNC) is the original Terra Luna coin left behind following the launch of a new Terra chain after the recent UST/Luna collapse. Despite the move by Terra Classic (LUNC) holders, the project's CEO has assured the remaining investors still in the network that the bear market is temporary and that LUNC token will recover once the market breaks support.

At press time, Terra Classic trades for $0.000297 USD with a 24-hour trading volume of $286,803,165 USD.

Chronoly (CRNO) Launches On October 6 After a Successful ICO

Despite the dip in the global crypto market, Chronoly (CRNO) has been more successful than the duo of Biswap (BSW) and Terra Classic (LUNC). The reason for the success is not far-fetched: Chronoly (CRNO) is a project that is backed by real assets. Timepieces or luxury watches have been proven to be a hedge against inflation.

Timepieces usually shine during government upheaval and war, and the Chronoly team decided to invest in this space. Chronoly (CRNO) is an Ethereum-powered marketplace that's scheduled to launch on October 6. The marketplace will allow traders and investors can buy, sell, and trade in rare luxury watches from popular brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and Audemars Piguet, with as low as $10.

Since its inception, Chronoly (CRNO) has grown by over 690%, attracting the attention of both institutional and retail investors from across the world. The Chronoly team recently completed and sold out its ICO. With the milestone recorded in the just concluded ICO, the Chronoly team will redouble its efforts to provide users with the opportunity to earn membership benefits and lottery prizes.

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johnsonwatch · 2 years ago

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Swiss Watches: A Timeless Symbol of Luxury

Swiss watches are luxurious - worn by celebrities and stars worldwide. Watches from brands like Breguet and Blancpain are known globally for their innovative watchmaking techniques and unique characteristics, whereas Tag Heuer and Breitling have unique designs. The time-taking process and intricate detail that goes into making an individual piece make these watches special and luxurious.

Swiss watches are also famous for their history. Each brand has its own story of how it came to become a famous maker of premium watches. Many Swiss watch brands have been part of innovative movements. This took them through generations of refinement and improvement until they reached the quality they have today.

What are Swiss Watches? Swiss watches are known for being the epitome of luxury. The word Swiss refers to the fact that the watches originated from Switzerland or a Switzerland-based brand. However, for a watch to be truly Swiss, there are a few guidelines that Swiss brands must follow. Some of these include:

At least 50% of the watch’s movements need to be Swiss

The movement of the watch needs to be cased in Switzerland

The manufactured watch’s final inspection needs to be done in Switzerland

At least 60% of the manufacturing costs going into making the watch should be based in Switzerland

Swiss-made watches are usually mistaken for Swiss watches. But one should understand that there is a big difference. This is because these watches are made with some of the rules for the design and manufacture of the watch but do not hold the authenticity of a true Swiss watch made by following all the laws.

The History Behind Swiss Watches The origin of Swiss watches comes from the ideas of clockmakers back in the 17th century, when they decided they wanted to downscale the mechanical movements of watches. This was after making the first watch by a German horologist back in the 16th century. After a few decades, the dominant nations in the watchmaking industry were France, England and Germany.

Around the 18th century is when Swiss techniques were used in watchmaking. Then, high-scale and luxury brands started practising mechanisms designed by Swiss watchmakers in their premium pieces. This is how Swiss watchmaking gained fame and a place in the watchmaking industry by the 19th century.

The interesting thing about this is that Swiss watches did not start as luxury watches. Instead, they were sold as copies of more expensive watch brands’ products. Back in the day, quantity was given more preference than quality, and few cared about quality.

Why do Swiss Watches Remain Timeless Classics? Swiss watches are synonymous with luxury, and this reputation is the result of several key factors.

Time Given to Production Crafting a high-quality Swiss watch is a time-consuming process that can take several months to complete. The market demand is high, and production time is low, which makes them a classic. Some top-notch watches take up to six years to release into the market.

Movements are Ever-Changing One of the best-known features of Swiss watches is the quality and time taken to develop movements. These movements are designed and crafted for years and are made to last a long time.

High-Quality Materials Each component in a Swiss watch is made from top-notch materials, making the overall watch practical and durable and keeping the dial accurate throughout its use.

The Image of Opulence Swiss watches radiate luxury and have a regal look to them. Consequently, luxury watch collectors around the globe are willing to pay high prices for such beautiful pieces from premium watch brands.

Are They Worth the Price? After understanding all the components and guidelines Swiss watchmakers have to follow, and the long strenuous time it takes for their manufacture, it is safe to say that Swiss watches are worth the high prices they come for. Furthermore, Swiss watches are said to be the best watches in the world as their unique qualities, movements, and history are irreplaceable and authentic.

#swisswatches #luxury watches #luxury watch men #blancpain #watches #wristwatch

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an-apocalypse-of-magpies · 2 years ago

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Why you wouldn’t actually like the Serbian Pigeon Film

Seeing that thing about ‘film bros when you’d rather watch marvel movie than 2hr black and white movie about serbian govt through the eyes of a pigeon’ again has given me thoughts about performative interest in art.

Specifically, the amount of people coming forward and saying about how, actually, they really like the sound of a 2hr black-and-white film, about the Serbian government, told through the eyes of a pigeon.

I’m probably going to ruffle a few feathers here, but ... no, you probably won’t. Or, more specifically, the audience that would actually like that film is probably a lot smaller than the Tumblr comments would imply.

Before we get any further, I want to point out that I’m not saying this in a ‘marvel movies are true art and i can’t handle any cinematic nuance’ kind of way. Mass market blockbuster movies could definitely stand to be more ambitious as far as artistic endeavour goes. Nor am I saying that complex art movies cannot be good. What I am saying is that, deep down, a lot of people like the idea of art movies more than the actual art movies themselves.

A lot of people like the idea of going to the opera, to fine art museums, to poetry recitations and lectures on obscure and specific topics. But whether they’ll actually enjoy the art when they get there is another matter. I am reminded of a study where, when asked about their taste in coffee, most people will say something like ‘a rich, dark roast’ or ‘full-bodied’, but when those same participants actually drank coffee, they tended to go for a lighter, middle-of-the-road roast that could brew quick and easy. This isn’t necessarily duplicitous - many people like cake but wouldn’t have cake every day, rich dark roasts might be expensive or time-consuming and thus had as a treat rather than an everyday coffee - but, for the most part, people tend to overstate their interest in ‘sophistication’.

‘Sophistication’, and by extent fine art, is entirely subjective and cultural norms shift. A couple of centuries ago, prawns/shrimp were seen in Europe as only good for fish bait, and lobsters were so reviled that an actual worker’s rights movement in Massachusetts in colonial days limited their lobster ration because it was seen as a garbage foodstuff fit only for criminals and slaves. A lot of old films were the blockbusters of their day. Shakespeare, to use the famous if facetious turn of phrase, was writing dick jokes for the masses. But, based on the aesthetics of the day, certain things will be associated with class and good character. Because of historic gatekeeping, this is often art that is rare and/or expensive for the area in which it is consumed, or requires a high level of technical skill to create, or requires a high level of analysis to appreciate everything going on, and as such has often been the province of the rich, who have the time and/or money to invest in such pursuits. A mill-worker who can’t read or write and works 12 hours a day won’t be able to access a complex metaphysical novel like his rich and educated boss who has much more free time. Obviously, in the modern day, media is very accessible and literacy is generally speaking pretty good, global trade means that rare luxury goods and foodstuffs from the other side of the world are not so prohibitively expensive, and many more can engage with the things that are considered ‘sophisticated’.

Coming back to the coffee thing, I once worked in a shop selling fine loose leaf teas and coffees. Even among the coffee lovers who came in, the darkest coffees were a really hard sell. The darkest coffee in the range was intensely roasted, aged in the monsoon season, somewhat oily and extremely powerful in its odour, often described as ‘tarry’ or ‘peaty’. Most people went for a medium roasted coffee from Colombia, or a magarogype coffee that was slightly darker roasted but had more natural sweetness. The price difference was insignificant - in fact, but weight, the magarogype was slightly more expensive - and the access was there. I have no doubt that the intense and rich flavour of the monsoon-aged coffee beans would have been complex and multifaceted, a perfect dark rich roast. But the only people who liked it were old men. Most of the coffee fanatics went for the middle-of-the-road, because at the end of the day, that’s what they really wanted to consume.

So why am I going on about coffee and not Serbian pigeon movies? Because enjoying complex, philosophical/metaphysical art films is the film equivalent of a rich dark roast of coffee. Everyone says they like them, because it is considered a mark of good character to appreciate complex art, and a lot of people think of themselves as having good character (and the media literacy to appreciate and analyse complex art). Many people, I’m sure, even enjoy complex art films every now and then, as an occasional treat. But if asked to put their money where their mouth is and actually go and watch, again, a 2hr film in black-and-white, about the Serbian government, told from the eyes of a pigeon? I’m willing to bet most people would not have the motivation, or find it hard to justify the time and mental energy it would take to unpack that film. And, to be clear, it would not be an easy film to make and it would not be an easy film to watch. People pointing out the interest factor, of this intensely human political drama being observed from the point of view of an animal that fundamentally does not understand what’s going or, frankly, care, have left an unspoken issue hanging - if our viewpoint character has no reason to engage with the narrative happening around them, they’re never going to drive or even necessarily follow the plot, and if that happens it’s not a story. At that point, it’s just a nature documentary with stuff happening in the background that, again, the viewpoint character cannot understand. The dialogue of humans probably wouldn’t mean much if anything to a pigeon. One doorway is much like any other doorway. Pigeons can recognise faces, and recognise people who are good to them, but with a pigeon’s priorities, the narrative is unlikely to stay with those humans while they do things that might be of interest to a human audience. It’s a film that sounds very interesting, but wouldn’t be any fun to watch, because it spits in the face of all of our conventions of plot, characters, storytelling, or motivations.

And maybe some people will like that. Some people would really like that. But, on the whole, people are overstating how much they would like that. Hbomberguy, in his video essay on the game Pathologic, asked whether media has to be enjoyable to be good. To that I say, no, it doesn’t necessarily have to be enjoyable. People love harrowing human tragedies because they allow us to workshop our way through difficult circumstances and emotions that might not come up very often in our own lives. But while art does not have to be enjoyable, it does have to be engaging. Because to call art good art, you need to be able to see if not necessarily understand what it is trying to talk about, and to do that you need to be able to attend to the art and pick out its themes and motifs, and you can’t do that if you can’t engage with it. This is why a lot of people write off certain works as being ‘boring’ or ‘difficult’, even if those things are widely considered to be good art. How many people have the complete works of Shakespeare on their bookshelves and never read them, complaining about the inaccessible language and humour/wit shifts over the last 400 years?

‘That’s quite interesting’ can only carry a person so far as far as engagement goes. Sooner or later, they are going to have to get in the weeds of what that work is trying to do. And, if that work hasn’t grabbed them by that point with some other intrigue, it would be easy for people to say ‘well, that’s boring’ and move on to something else. Is the Serbian Pigeon Film bad art because you got bored of it? Debatable. The merits of art are subjective. You are allowed to not be interested in something that is ‘good art’ just as much you are allowed to find enjoyment in something which is considered ‘bad art’. And, in this instance, I may be a bit biased - I don’t think the Serbian Pigeon Film would be a worthwhile artistic experience, and that colours both how I perceive the film’s potential artistic merits and also my opinions on the sorts of people who would find it a worthwhile artistic endeavour.

I’m going to throw some names out that will probably cause psychic damage to seasoned Tumblr users. All or Nothing, the series about a vibrant and extroverted asexual person and their roommate relationship with an introverted and subdued pansexual person. Miss Officer and Mr Truffles, about the wacky high-jinx of an earnest police officer and her bear cub sidekick, based on a viral photograph appearing to show a police officer taking notes and conferring with a wild black bear. Dashcon, the convention celebrating all aspects of Tumblr culture and popular fandom. Even Goncharov, a joke film based on a bizarre label on some bootleg shoes that turned into a collaborative brainstorming session for a movie that never existed. All of these were born from an idea. An earnest idea, a joke, a quip (also, all of them turn out to be crowdfunding scams where the creators stole the money and ran, except for Goncharov, which was never in any serious talks to be made that I know of). A series with a rarely-represented ace and pan protagonist duo, overturning the stereotypes of both sexualities for humour value. A quirky buddy-cop-meets-animal-mascot show. A place to meet and share fandom with other Tumblr users. The so-called ‘greatest mafia movie that never existed’. All of these are things became memetic sensations because they were ‘quite interesting’ or ‘sound fun’. But, as we saw, none of them could keep up the momentum after a couple of bits. A few comic panels and short animated opening sequences couldn’t convince people to care about Miss Officer and Mr Truffles’ wacky exploits. The enormity of organisation that goes into setting up a fan convention sank Dashcon. Goncharov doesn’t even have a plot, just the outlines of vignettes, with the central appeal of Goncharov being the willingness to weld different people’s ideas of the ‘canon’ together and relying on the gaps to hold it together; the cinematic equivalent of the old joke about nets being holes tied together with string.

Sure, the Serbian Pigeon Film sounds interesting on the surface, but I don’t think it can carry itself with its own premise. And, if it does, it would probably be Tarkovsky-esque in its cerebrality and only of real interest to scholars. It would go the way of so many Kickstarters - inventive ideas that people just aren’t really that willing to invest in. Or, y’know, a scam. It’s fun to sit an look at, but not to put any actual effort into. To use a low-art comparison, it’s like cheap schlocky monster movies like Shark Exorcist which trying to sucker you in with a premise because a mildly-humorous premise is all they’ve got. Cinematic Potemkin villages.

Fundamentally, the original post wasn’t even about the Serbian Pigeon Film being good or bad, enjoyable or boring. It was about the film bros who do like this (hypothetical) art film, being scandalised that someone would rather watch a mass market appeal film, like a Marvel superhero blockbuster, than the Serbian Pigeon Film. And while we can infer mockery towards either side (the film ‘normie’ who doesn’t want challenging media, or the film ‘snob’ who is so obsessed with art films that they forget that art films may not be enjoyed by a casual moviegoer who just wants a couple of hours of enjoyable film entertainment without needing to do homework), the post seemed to be making fun of pretentious film snobbery. Not the enjoyment of the Serbian Pigeon Film specifically, but losing sight of others’ tastes in the process.

I guess the conclusion I’m trying to draw here is less ‘stop having fun guys’ and more ‘be mindful of overstating your interest in hypothetical media to yourself, not because you cannot like pretentious or cerebral media, but because it’s easy to write yourself as an enjoyer of media not because you actually like it but because you think you should be’. Liking art films is fine, don’t let me stop you. But do you really like art films, or do you just say you do because it’s unseemly to say you don’t? Because that last one goes both ways, too - do you really like the popular thing, or do you just put up with it because everyone expects you to like it?

#magpies does rambling #serbian pigeon film #for context my partner legitimately thinks this would be interesting #but then my partner had a fun afternoon out recently watching a documentary film about public rights of way #i rest my case

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