#acai bow

[cloudbusiness1]

acai bow

Los Angeles has long been a favorite place for juice, but there has never been a time in history when Angelenos has been able to discover such a creative combination of market-driven, medicinal, and purposeful ingredients. Kreation Organic Juicery and Presed Juicery are everywhere, acai bow and brands like Clover, Moon Juice, and Naturewell have their fans. Read on and discover a new generation of LA juice brands.

Vardan Sargsyan opened this ongoing cafe under the Westlake condo complex in February 2017. Tables are seated under red umbrellas where seating, and wooden bench chairs enclose the walls with a line of art inside the house. The blackboard menu touches on vegetarian foods and beverages, including nutritious juices that are compiled for ordering. Each Juice Houz (juice) has a stated purpose. To Get Rid of Toxins, simply combine legumes, kale, spinach, red apple, cucumber, parsley, lemon, lime, apple cider vinegar, and ginger. Prefer to Humility? Green apple, aloe vera, cucumber, spinach, lime, and cilantro answers the call. Shot Houz (health photos) preaches Recovery with grass grass of wheatgrass, orange, and blood orange. Do you prefer to increase your Lust? Turn to maca berry powder, hemp milk, acai bow cocoa powder, and cinnamon? Dial to Immunity with camu berry powder, watermelon, and mint. Nina Merced and husband James "kept the juice since 2005" in Venice Beach, and recently expanded to Culver City. Their new cafe includes colorful green, red, and green walls fitted with decorative dreamcatchers and hula-hoops. Organic juices are mixed to order. The Taste of Heaven Taste of Heaven may not pass through the pearly gates, but this frothy orange juice is truly satisfying, made with sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, and ginger, an ingredient that “helps to strengthen the immune system.” Other juices include V-7, riff to V-8, made of tomatoes, succulent vegetable, lemon, bell pepper, carrot, and spinach that would no doubt help to grow any Bloody Mary. Why get a face when you can just drink Skin Cleanser, a mixture of garlic, tomatoes, bell pepper, and an edible vegetable with juicy branches? This is designed for drinking, not a topical solution. “Shorts !!!” available for one ounce or two ounces. Blue algae promises ``strong, anti-aging, high protein." Wheatgrass may be a juice bar cliché, but it has shown resilience "as a detoxifier, high in enzymes." They also crack the coconut to quickly taste the tropics. Claudia Wit opened this Echo Park juice bar that suits hippie and vegan markets with her husband Bartek in 2016. This space includes brown and brick walls, aqua accents, wood veneer shelves, colorful blackboard menus, and striped bench seats. Each juice is made to order and is accompanied by a different chakra, the seven spiritual centers of the human body found in the Hindu culture of India. 3rd Eye (intuition, wisdom, concentration) needs Brain Juice: green apple, tomato, strawberry, chard, kale, chia seeds, and gingko. The Sacral Chakra (lust, art, flow) reminds Buddha Belly: grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, ginger, mint, and longan. Throat Chakra (truth, harmony, choice) inspired Immune Boost: an edible vegetable with succulent branches, watermelon, kale, lemon, ginger, wheatgrass, and chaga mushroom. Organic tonics reach only eight ounces, but it is very strong. Think of Heroine: grapefruit, watermelon, seedling, parsley, turmeric, and rose hips. "Life is a treasure" at Howling Juice, a stylish store that sisters Olivia, acai bow Noemi and Elisabeth Avila have used among car and tire repair shops since April 2017. They offer "natural, handmade juices, freshly made shots, a tonic, nutritious smoothie made from world-class food, nutritious food and snacks. ” Elisabeth Avila emphasized that organic, fruits and vegetables work well together" after 15 years of juice, and juices are "well-designed, like art projects, well thought out." The space has a white counter over the tonic bar and smoothie, a fridge of purely colored juice, a picnic table and protective party chairs, and a fashionable metal wolf that always watches over the bar. Blu may look like Windex, but it tastes good because of the balanced combination of blue spirulina, jicama, pineapple and jalapeño that promote “brain health + and cognitive skills, improved immune function, increased blood circulation, improved + blood cell growth red + white.

[r0ckstardr3amgal]

eee tysmm for the tag xx!!

📷 What’s set as your phone’s lockscreen?

strawberries <3

🍫 Cheese or chocolate?

both but i love cheese!!

✨ Do you have any nicknames?

yeahhh like one ig

🎵 Last song you listened to?

Show me by Big Time Rush

✏️ Have you ever written fanfiction?

...yikes. yeah i did once.

😏 Are you on discord?

yes i ammm!!!

 💛 Do you have any piercings?

One on each ear and a nose ring!

🐰 What do you think says the most about a person?

their loyalty and style imo

🍪 If you were a cookie, what kind would you be?

oreo

🐶 Are you more of a dog person or a cat person?

i love cats so so much

🎧 Headphones or earbuds?

headphones because earphones annoy me sm sometimes

🌼 What’s the last thing you said out loud?

HOLY SHIT IS THAT TROY BAKER

🙃 What’s a weird fact that you know?

i don't know any weird facts lol

🦉 Are you a morning person or a night owl?

night owl 100 percent

🧸 Favorite place to nap?

my bed LMFAOOO

🏳️‍🌈 Are you a member of the LGBTQIA+ community?

yes!!

🦋 Describe yourself in three words.

sweet, optimistic, wonderous (tffff)

👖 Jeans or sweatpants?

ugh both

🥤 What’s your go-to Starbucks order?

i don't really go but when i do, its either a caramel macchiato or the strawberry acai refresher with lemonade ;)

🧡 A color you can’t stand?

highlighter pink, yellow and green ewwww

💎 What’s your most prized possession?

maow (my Sylvanian cat)

☕ Coffee or tea?

coffee. its weird as a British person to hate tea apparently

🦖 Favorite extinct animal?

dinosaurs obvs

🌙 How long have you been on tumblr?

ten months (wowee!)

🌴 Desert island item?

picture of my mum (it wont help me survive as much as food, but at least ill partially feel her presence.)

🐸 Describe your aesthetic.

in a melting pot, coquette, old money and dark academia

🔮 What’s your dream job?

movie director

💙 Relationship status?

single YIPPEE!!! :DD (mentally married to thomas zane)

🌿 Describe your favorite outfit.

pinstripe trousers, black sleeved top under a graphic tee, long coat, platform boots, loads of chunky silver rings, ear cuffs with my bow earrings and green eyeliner

🎤 Is there a song you know all the lyrics to?

the entire Big Time Rush theme song

🤎 What color is your hair?

dark, blackish looking brown

💌 Do you talk to yourself?

yes obvs! i have better conversations with myself

💄 Do you wear makeup?

not full face. just eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss

🌸 Best compliment you ever received?

(i get this one a lot) omg i love your earrings, you're stunning!

THIS TOOK ME SO LONG TO DOOOOO HELP

@justhallucinating @randomnerdyfan

~ 💖 ASK GAME 💖 ~

📷 What’s set as your phone’s lockscreen?

🍫 Cheese or chocolate?

✨ Do you have any nicknames?

🎵 Last song you listened to?

✏️ Have you ever written fanfiction?

😏 Are you on discord?

 💛 Do you have any piercings?

🐰 What do you think says the most about a person?

🍪 If you were a cookie, what kind would you be?

🐶 Are you more of a dog person or a cat person?

🎧 Headphones or earbuds?

🌼 What’s the last thing you said out loud?

🙃 What’s a weird fact that you know?

🦉 Are you a morning person or a night owl?

🧸 Favorite place to nap?

🏳️‍🌈 Are you a member of the LGBTQIA+ community?

🦋 Describe yourself in three words.

👖 Jeans or sweatpants?

🥤 What’s your go-to Starbucks order?

🧡 A color you can’t stand?

💎 What’s your most prized possession?

☕ Coffee or tea?

🦖 Favorite extinct animal?

🌙 How long have you been on tumblr?

🌴 Desert island item?

🐸 Describe your aesthetic.

🔮 What’s your dream job?

💙 Relationship status?

🌿 Describe your favorite outfit.

🎤 Is there a song you know all the lyrics to?

🤎 What color is your hair?

💌 Do you talk to yourself?

💄 Do you wear makeup?

🌸 Best compliment you ever received?

💞 @ your favorite blog.

Reblogs are appreciated!

[sophisticatedgia]

Walking back to boyfriends with the white white sun emitting pale yellow against the pale blue sky. I got into it with my boyfriend again at the gym on phone call. I just wanted to make sure I'm welcome to return / come back there. All my leggings, most of my cardigans, my new 100$ Christmas gift biolage shampoo and conditioner and deep conditioner. My underwear, I only have three sports bras so I do laundry quite often. Im a bit lost feeling. But oh my God just saw my momma in her car! Her friendly loving essence was so refreshing and uplifting. I took her hand in mine and kissed it. Shes not afraid of my disgusting peeled and bloodied hands. Ahhh the sun beaming brightly on me face. How I love the sun and pale yellow, bright white and pale blue. Now this coat is too warm and I need to shower asap. My boyfriends friend who is over thinks I'm like bad or something. I want him to think im good. My boyfriend talks down to me in front of all his guy friends that come to the apartment. He says I show his people disrespect. Well darn. He says I'm entitled and selfish. Big sigh. I want be humble, gracious, graceful, quiet, kind, meek. But I have an authoritative lion in me with the stinging tail of a scorpion. I can be very assertive and self centered. Oh also me and bf have intercourse not every day but every other day is our new rule. That gives my soul and spirit a bit of a break and his stuff to accumulate to his own satisfactory release. I pray for our love life. It seems good but it's been a tumultuous morning. Yay bright sun again! I'm sorry for the NSFW writing. This is like a journal and if my boyfriend ever looks at it it's gonna be a major issue. But I post so so much that it may be hard to find my diary posts.What to wear today after shower? I ate four protein granola bars two with acai berry yogurt and two with my boyfriends homemade cream cheese icing. I want to wear one of my crop tops but I fear I'm in my 140's and crop tops do me no favors then. Maybe I will wear forever 21 tank top seafoam green w seafoam green cardigan and black leggings. Wah but my crop tops are Sooo cute with their little ribbons and bows. I just wish they were regular camisole tank tops with bows/ribbons instead of showing off my belly. I never showed off me belly except wearing a bikini in my younger years. Now I'm in my thirties and it's like woohoo wtf. I really want a cat ear hat for Christmas from my boyfriend but fear he will disappoint me. My birthday sucked so bad and the meal was only thirty dollars. I am kinda high maintenance in a way. My bf likes to say "entitled". Believe me, my sibling is too lol. He acts like an angry king. Also I won't dare say it but I do think my boyfriend takes so many blessings in his life for granted.

[waitforyrlove]

☆ NEW FRONT PAGE, IT’S A CUTE HEADLINE. —

⟡ ݁₊ . INTRODUCING . . .

guitarist ! matt & pop princess ! reader.

in which… a rising pop star known for her glamorous persona and heartbreak ballads, crosses paths again with her brooding ex-guitarist, Matt, during the chaotic rehearsal phase of her new album tour. Forced to work together after a last-minute replacement, the two navigate the simmering tension of their shared history—the late nights spent crafting songs in dimly lit studios, the arguments about creative control, and the unresolved feelings they’ve both buried beneath fame and fleeting flings.

As they clash over music arrangements and creative visions, old emotions resurface. Matt’s lowkey demeanor and his refusal to be charmed by her usual tactics frustrate her, while she struggles to reconcile her glossy, public image with the vulnerability he once knew. The tattoos on his arms remind her of quiet moments they shared, and the unfinished song they wrote together lingers in the back of her mind.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Pop Princess ! reader — Always in towering platform heels, a rotating wardrobe of pastel-colored outfits from Versace, Valentino, and vintage Chanel. Accessories are an unshakeable constant: sparkling chokers, oversized hair bows, and rhinestone-studded cat-eye sunglasses. Her signature ponytail is a sleek, waist-grazing masterpiece, sometimes wrapped in a glittering scrunchie. Nails? Flawless almond-shaped with a pearlescent finish. Tattoos are understated yet provocative—delicate stars, moons, and secret dates inked where only those closest to her would notice. Lip gloss? Always bubblegum pink with a glass-like shine, or maybe a sultry nude for nights she wants to feel mysterious. She spends hours in her candlelit room listening to her own carefully curated playlist: Frank Ocean, early Mariah Carey, Britney Spears’ deep cuts, and her old demos that remind her of the simpler times before the fame. Constantly texting her best friend and stylist about a new stage outfit idea at 2 AM.Her drink order rotates between lavender lattes with oat milk, sparkling peach water, and the occasional vodka soda with fresh berries at afterparties.

She’s never seen without a custom crystal-encrusted mic when performing—a diva’s signature move. On off days, it’s all strawberry acai refreshers or chai teas while writing heartbreak songs in her journal.She’s haunted by the memory of Matt, her ex-guitarist who always knew how to bring out the best in her lyrics but also shattered her in ways only music could heal. The love songs she writes now always seem to trace back to their fights, his cigarette smoke mixing with her expensive perfume in the studio, or the way he’d call her out for being too controlling about her vision. She has a knack for dominating the room, whether it’s rehearsals or red carpet appearances, but always feels like she’s chasing an impossible standard. Loves being adored by fans but fears true intimacy—like the way Matt used to look at her before everything fell apart. Constantly torn between her undeniable talent and the fragility she hides behind it, she pours herself into her music, dreaming of a love story where she’s more than just the girl in the spotlight.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Guitarist ! Matt — He’s the epitome of effortless cool, favoring baggy, oversized clothing in muted tones—think earthy browns, olive greens, deep greys, and faded black hoodies. Always slightly disheveled but never sloppy, his style is more about comfort than trend. Plain T-shirts, loose cargo pants, and old-school sneakers make up his daily uniform. No nail polish, no distressed fabric—just clean, understated style with a rugged edge. He might throw on a worn flannel or bomber jacket, especially when the weather cools down.His tattoos are his most distinct feature: intricate black-and-grey designs covering his arms. A bold bear’s face, a lighthouse overlooking waves, delicate wings, a seashell, and fine details like a buzzing bee and an anchor—each one tells a story he’s reluctant to share. He’s often spotted absentmindedly running his fingers over them, especially when lost in thought during a recording session or in the middle of a jam.Matt’s personality matches his aesthetic: quiet but intense, the kind of guy who speaks through his guitar more than his words. His music is raw, powerful, and carries an unmistakable edge, just like him. He’s the type to sit in the corner of a crowded room, strumming a melody on his acoustic, observing instead of mingling.

His drink of choice? Black coffee, plain and strong, or a beer at the end of a long day. He’s rarely seen without his guitar case slung over his shoulder or a cigarette tucked behind his ear. There’s a distant melancholy in his demeanor, as if he’s always chasing the high of the next riff, the next perfect song—but never quite getting there.

© eternaldecisions. all rights deserved. do not copy my works. or modify my work.

˙ . ꒷ 🪽 notes from author ˙— tell a friend to tell a friend? SHE’S BACKKKK, i’m so excited with this new alter universe, one of my favorites yet, because i love serving lovers to exes now enemies, and i’m using as face claim ariana in 2015, and making matt slightly toxic..

taglist: @secretlocket @pearlzier @et6rnalsun @mattscoquette @carvedtits @sirenedeslily @mattslolita @flouvela@jetaimevous @bella-loveschris @lovingregulusblack @sarosfilms @annsx03 @eliana-4200 @wakeupitschrizz

[neardiss]

Key Facts Related To ProvaSlim Review

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[inmemoriesoflgckeeho]

this year has been treating keeho so well. everything he wished for finally came true when he finally debuted as part of vna agito. however, with his debut, his schedule became increasingly packed with schedule and extra practice to keep up with his sunbaes. but with a new debut life, he did have to spend less time with his friends and family which wasa unfortunate but occasionally he'll see them around the building.

and today was one of those days.

from across the cafeteria, he could hear shouting and yelling. who was so loud in such a public place. keeho had just finished his workout and was looking to grab a bite to eat in the cafeteria. with his smoothie in one hand and an acai bow l in another, he stop and made eye contact with taeha.

before he could wave his hand at her, keeho first hand witness the entire scene go down. his jaw dropped before his feet could start moving toward taeha "omg are you okay?" he said in english. placing his food and drink on the table keeho reach his hand out to help the girl up. "that was rude of him to not help you. are you okay?" he asked once more as he took a step back to give her space.

when he saw that she look like she was okay keeho couldn't help but shake his head and laugh at the situation "what a way to cause a scene tae, you're a funny one."

╭  ✿ SHAKE DOWN ! ╯

@lgckeeho

Taeha had long forgotten that she was in public and not in the comfort of her usual hideaway - a practice room on one of the lower floors, closed off for an impromptu round of cleaning. That left her with few options for a quick break between training sessions as the trek back to the dorms was out of the question ( she’d forgotten the door code once again and  was too embarrassed to ask her dormmates so she’d be waiting until end of day to join them on the walk back ). So, she found an empty seat in the Legacy cafeteria and popped up shop. A few variety shows were already queued up on her laptop and a snack was in hand  - something healthy ( ish ), if  you ignore the mountain of whipped cream piled on top of her cup.

She bursts out into yet another fit of laughter, drawing the attention of a few staff members and trainees trying to enjoy the lunches in peace. Taeha didn’t seem to notice, completely engrossed in the antics on screen. She absentmindedly reaches from her smoothie to take a sip, missing the straw entirely and jamming it into her cheek. “Ow - Oh!” The brief bout of clumsiness is enough to tear her gaze away from the show, catching a glimpse of a familiar face heading into the cafeteria out of the corner of her eye.  “Keeho! Hey, Keeho! Over here!” 

She leans forward with a wave, holding up her drink. “Look! I finally got the after hou -” The sound of a chair abruptly scraping against the floor drowns out her greeting. A disgruntled trainee rises from his seat, snatching his own computer from the neighboring table before storming off. But not before bumping against her seat on his way out, causing her to fumble her grip on her shake and send it tumbling onto the floor, leaving a strawberry banana flavored mess in its path. 

Had. She had the ‘after hours’. 

[cutsliceddiced]

New GIF tagged food, yummy, banana, fruit, bowl, strawberry, smoothie, acai, granola, bowls, acai bowl, smoothie bowl, the og, blendersandbowls, blenders and bowls, ready-to-eat, bowls inc, bowlsinc via Giphy https://ift.tt/3hGNthl via https://cutslicedanddiced.wordpress.com/2018/01/24/how-to-prevent-food-from-going-to-waste

[itsapmseymour]

The Cosmic Wonders cast as Genshin Heroes

Cyana “The Moonlit Visitor” - Electro/Catalyst

Shiro “The Wandering Dragon” - Cryo/Polearm

Solaria “Joyous Sunlight” - Pyro/Sword

Grape “The Primodial Chaos” - Dendro/Bow

Sana “Tidal Maiden” - Hydro/Polearm

Rei “The Beginning and The End” - Geo/Catalyst

Bah’Rhys “Nature’s Awakening” - Anemo/Polearm

Acai “The Promordial Healer” - Hydro/Catalyst

Aoi “Prodigy Incarnate” - Electro/Claymore

Oren “Radical Mystery” - Dendro/Sword

Kevin “The Pale Guardian” - Geo/Claymore

Mara “Elf Diablo” - Pyro/Claymore

Azuri “Autonomina Protector” Electro/Bow

Kael’Thal “The Crimson Composer” Pyro/Catalyst

Aukai “The Heroic Tides” Hydro/Bow

[loquaciousquark]

Talks Machina Highlights - Critical Role C2E113 (Oct. 27, 2020)

Good evening and good night, lovely people of the world! We’re on the internet and ready to go. Tonight’s guests are Travis Willingham and Sam Riegel. This will be calm, controlled, and sane, I can feel it. Brian points out it’s been seven months since either of them were on Talks. Oof. (Sam asks if it’s been going the whole time without him. Bigger oof.) Travis keeps sneaking bites out of an acai bowl or something and tries to look sneaky about it, and I laugh every time because he’s just...so big. He’s such a big person.

(Brian is wearing a lobstrosity shirt. He and Travis talk about Dark Tower for a bit; then Sam tries to get into the conversation: “Is that the thing from It?” Brian: “Is what the thing from It?” Sam: “Is that lobster the clown from It? I’m not very literate. Is that a Langolier? Is that a Shawshank?”)

Announcements: none! Maybe they just forgot. We’ve been talking about Sam’s spooky skeleton decorations for like five minutes. Brian suggests taking them to Travis’s house. Travis: “That’s the fastest way to get to the smell of burning plastic.” Brian: “Speaking of your girlfriend...”

On Avantika: Fjord wouldn’t call it a relationship as much as a casual sexual interaction. Not official! Super not official!!

The first sea voyage wasn’t great for Fjord, but he tried to be thoughtful about preparing for this one before they left: praying, kneeling at the bow of the ship, etc. He’s a little disappointed the Wildmother didn’t even throw him a “yo, fam” heads up.

They weren’t sure how to resolve the conflict at first, since Avantika went for Fjord rather than the crystal. No one expected it to get exposed in that way. Travis thought the necklace was a pocket dimension and was alarmed to learn it wasn’t. Travis wants it destroyed along with the third gateway, so until they are he won’t rest easy.

Everyone enjoyed watching them all fail on the battlefield again. (Sam: “You used [Counterspell] so effectively!”) Travis thought he’d said Thunder Step, which would imply Avantika was running, rather than Thunder Wave. Sam says it’s fine since none of them have that spell and he wouldn’t know it anyway.

It’s very difficult for Veth to find reasons to stay with the M9. She loves the adventures and making a difference, but she also wants to come home and have weekends and have a husband and life. “She’s a career girl!” He’s very excited about the possibilities of Caleb’s transportation effectively creating an easy commute for her. He also, as a player, doesn’t want to be the person who’s always leaving the party. “My characters wanna roam!”

Travis was fully tilted that Avantika might have gotten away right before the break. He doesn’t think he could have focused on Vess DeRogna’s task knowing Avantika had gotten away; he was seriously working out how Fjord would leave the party to go make a last stand at the third gate if she’d escaped.

Sam looooves how Matt plays Yeza, but it honestly makes him feel a little worse at how encouraging he is for Veth to chase her dreams. “He’s always like - go shine! Go blossom!” He wants to have the conversation about Yeza feeling a little ignored. It’s fun to share the tales of adventures with Luc & Yeza. 

Travis says there’s no way it’s Molly--it’s all Lucien. They don’t know if it was a resurrection, if he’s undead, possessed, etc. Everyone--everyone--rags on Taliesin’s accent work. Brian surreptitiously claims Ashly was brought on to relieve him of the burden of the accent. Poor Ashly, ha!

Initially, Travis landed on the Oath of the Ancients, but it had more nature & pacifism in it than he felt fit Fjord very well. Many of them also had a focus on good & lawfulness, which also didn’t feel quite right; he also wasn’t that vengeful for some of the others. He & Matt got together and discussed options. Matt asked what Travis liked about Fjord; Fjord’s love for the ocean was a huge part of it, since Travis himself also loves the ocean & scuba diving, and so Matt created a custom oath for him. Travis does not plan to post its details, but he thinks Matt will at some point.

Cosplay of the Week! a lovely Scanlan by Air Bubbles Cosplay! Sam tells us the “canon” Scanlan cosplay was actually borrowed hodgepodge, and the boots were falling off all day.

It was really cool to see how Yeza & Luc have made a home in Nicodranas. Felderwin was okay, but kind of your basic D&D fishing village, and she likes the Nicodranas is much better. She’s confident & comfortable knowing her family is safe and sound.

Why is Fjord so interested in finding Sabian? To him, post-orphanage, his time with Vandren was the best of his life & the most love he’d ever received, because he mattered & had worth. It was taken by someone he’d known basically his whole life, so Fjord is not going to let that go. “That fuckin’ bill needs to be paid, my friend.”

Sam acknowledges that he should NOT have looked at his phone in re: the Vilya reveal, but it was pretty surprising! He can’t believe none of them recognized it! Travis points out the M9 had never met, heard of, or known anything about Vilya, so it’s not that surprising. Brian points out Matt has also done a really good job keeping the two campaigns separate, so any references were tasteful. Sam marvels that it was so well done: it was tasteful, had emotional and story impact... “That Matt. He’s getting better!”

Liam texted Sam back something like “oh SHIT.”

Knowing Veth had a chance to help someone else return to her child made Veth feel almost karmically forgiven for being away from her kid, but it also made Veth a little guilty--”this lady wants to desperately return home, shouldn’t I want to go home too?” Caleb’s teleportation spell couldn’t have come a better time.

Sam wants Caleb & Astrid to get back together (well, he says “hump each other”), and Dani’s eyebrows climb off her forehead. Veth/Nott really thinks Caleb needs to have a roll in ze hay, and feels like after meeting her that there is a kindness or vulnerability to her that could be worthwhile. Travis thinks she feels like someone tethered, that it feels like she has a bomb or something in her chest that’ll explode if she tries to leave. Sam thinks Eadwulf is super cool. None of these names are spelled like I think.

Travis found the dinner super frustrating, because he felt Caleb was trying to walk a diplomatic line and he just wanted to backhand Trent. 

Fjord is still coming to terms with his feelings for Jester, and the feelings are definitely real, but there’s a lot of timing that he’s considering and he also wants to figure out what the relationship is like outside of constant tension and battle. Fjord is also having trouble figuring out how to exercise the ability to display affection as well since he’s never received them, and is feeling out how to give and receive them. “It’s fine now, because he’s feeling it, but once you say it out loud, or once you come to a point where you make it known to the other side, then what happens? It might be ruined. It might be broken. Or it might not be!” The moment with the porcelain unicorn was too good not to try. Travis also sighs that he’s not a romance D&D guy, “but now I am! Fuckin’ Laura Bailey!” He’s definitely feeling it out and will see how it unfolds in the game.

If Jester hadn’t let go of the Traveler, Fjord would have either attacked the Traveler or the Moonweaver and tried to kick them both off.

Sam doesn’t think the Traveler’s realized yet what a dick he is. Brian thinks it may not happen in this campaign, but agrees the full weight of what he deserves hasn’t been felt yet. Travis: “Yeah, he came to the edge, but it didn’t cost him anything.” Brian: “Yeah, he’s a real edgelord.”

Fanart of the Week! a beautiful portrait of Molly in the snow by @claygryphon on twitter.

Veth acknowledges that they work for shady people with shady pasts, so Vess DeRogna isn’t her first rodeo, but this time it’s personal. It’s Jaws 2: Electric Boogaloo. Sam can’t commit to actual actions, since Vess is like level 20 or something, but “I will get some kinda revenge. Be it petty or significant, I will get revenge.”

How are they feeling about being in Eiselcross? They’ve only just landed, so not sure yet. The cold is intimidating. They’re excited to explore a new island that’s part of Wildemount, especially with the river of lava running through it. “It’s icy with lava? Sounds like a Dairy Queen.”

There’s still a ton of unknowns regarding the Tombtakers, Vess, the nature of their job, and who’s here on whose orders. They’re excited to see how it’s all going to play out. Travis laughs that he doesn’t take notes, he’s just here to fight things. It just washes over him when Matt starts talking about names and places. “It’ll reveal itself in time. [...] I don’t write those notes down. I don’t even know how to spell it off the bat.” I have never identified more with Travis. Sam actually does pay attention and take notes and was really impressed by Marisha’s dive.

Veth became interested in branding her own spellcraft as soon as she saw Caleb doing it. “That’s what the influencer agents are gonna be looking at. It would be nice to leave the world better than we found it, but also with some branded spells.”

What were Fjord’s thoughts on dropping so much money on the ring & the Ioun stone? It wasn’t about money for Fjord, it was about a cool thing to acquire. It’s why he saves money in his campaign. Caleb needs “as much of a flak jacket as he can get.” He also REJECTS the idea of buyer’s remorse on the ring and touts the effectiveness it’ll have on the lava river.

Travis talks about his old coins - a 340AD coin he bought at a ren faire and a 120BC coin that was a gift from a friend.

Sam marvels at the love and thought that Caleb put into the tower. Sam points out they forgot to go to the top two floors altogether. Travis: “Did the mansion get as much careful planning from Scanlan as the tower did from Caleb?” Sam: Absolutely not. But they were still thinking small in C1, figuring out how things went, and they didn’t have as much detail in their heads yet.

And that’s all the time we have for tonight! We end on everyone whispering way too close into their mics and tapping fingernails on mason jars. A fitting end to this crazy episode, I think.

Is it Thursday yet?

[yogaadvise]

Balancing 7 Chakras: What You Ned to Know About Chakra Alignment

Chakras as healing facilities have been main to Hindu, Buddhist, as well as Eastern spiritual practices. These are prime focus in the body that, when made use of with reflection, promote wellness.

" Chakra" translated from Sanskrit implies wheel or circle. The body is a wheel of power: just how this wheel moves, connects, as well as connects regulates the circulation of energy. A well balanced chakra system is tied to psychological handling, resistance to disease, as well as physical health.

Chakras can end up being misaligned, obstructed, or subjected. Obstructed energy can bring about ailment or psychological pain. Therefore, chakra "harmonizing" can be used to recover energy and wellness.

There are 7 major chakras of the body. Each one is connected with a color, mantra (a word or noise repeated throughout reflection), and a put on the body. With each other, yoga positions, reflection, as well as conscious nutrition, can be utilized to bring back chakra alignment.

Chakra 1-- Root (Mooladhaara)

Color: Red

Location: Base of the spinal column in tailbone. This chakra is closest to the planet, and is consequently related to grounding as well as survival. In the body, it is gotten in touch with legs, feet, bones, as well as the colon. A balanced origin chakra permits an individual to feel safe, secure, and also provided for.

Signs of over-activity: Paranoia, stress and anxiety, anxiety based upon the demand to make it through. Joint pain, digestion troubles, low back pain, hip pain, swollen feet.

Signs of underactivity: problem concentrating, lack of energy or confidence, airheadedness. Foot and leg injuries, gastrointestinal troubles, immune disorders.

How to stabilize your first chakra: Make sure that all basic survival needs are fulfilled. Beneficial practices consist of walking barefoot on the dirt or turf, relaxing the spirit through prayer, reestablishing personal origins, and exercising grounded yoga poses. Meditate: using the mantra Lam, or affirmations such as, I am based, I am safe, I am secure.

Yoga poses: Mountain, tree, warrior, side-angle, and bridge positions to assist in grounding.

Essential oils: Cedarwood, incense on wrists or lower back before sleep.

Supportive foods: Red-colored foods-- red apples, beetroots, pomegranates, cranberry, radishes, red potatoes, red lentils. Root vegetables, mushrooms, pet proteins (meat, eggs).

Chakra 2-- Sacral (Swadhishtana)

Color: Orange

Location: Halfway factor between the root chakra and also the navel. This chakra is connected with a sense of wellness, satisfaction, and sexuality. In the body, the sacral chakra is connected to the reduced abdomen, kidneys, bladder, blood circulation system, and also reproductive organs. A well balanced sacral chakra advertises joy, healthy and balanced connections, imagination, a sense of consistency, and also feeling satisfied.

Signs of over-activity: Obsessive behavior, absence of self-acceptance, mental illness, sexual regret, addiction, and also uneasyness. Irregular bowel movements, pain in the back, the inability to conceive, or urinary tract infections.

Signs of underactivity: Loss of pleasure in daily tasks. Depression, erectile dysfunction, stunted creativity, lack of passion.

How to stabilize your second chakra: Emphasis on activities that are nourishing for the heart and spirit-- ask, "Is this great for me? Is this healthy and beneficial?" Healing this chakra involves nurturing the heart and taking joy in the straightforward things in life: food, partnership, sex, as well as hobbies. Be near water.

Meditate: with words Vam, or affirmations such as I am healthy and balanced, I am creative, I am calm.

Yoga poses: Bridge position, cobra posture, forward bend, sitting forward bend, bound angle pose.

Essential oils: Jasmine, sandalwood, climbed, ylang ylang

Supportive foods: Oranges, tangerines, nuts, cumin, turmeric, ginger, orange-colored origin vegetables (carrots, squash). Foods with a high water web content, foods with vitamins A, B, and also C.

Chakra 3-- Naval/Solar Plexus (Manipura)

Color: Yellow

Location: Above the naval, prolongs upwards with the chest. Glowing an intense yellow shade, it is connected to sensations of confidence as well as control. A balanced marine chakra advertises sensations of worth, warmth, and also count on yourself and also instinct. In the body: a healthy digestive tract, reduced tension, normal rest, and well balanced hormones.

Signs of over-activity: Short-tempered, managing actions, greed, absence of concern, lack of ability to keep eye get in touch with. Digestion trouble, over active nerves, adrenal tiredness, unhealthy rest habits.

Signs of underactivity: Indecision, insecurity, neediness.

Healing the 3rd chakra: Reflection, breathing workouts, and doing slow-moving yogic spins outside. Releasing belly muscles.

Meditate: with the mantra Ram or affirmations such as I merit, I am positive, I am strong.

Yoga poses: Sun salutation, warrior, backbends, bow, half-twist, and also boat poses.

Essential oils: Ginger, rosemary, or lemon

Supportive foods: Yellow-colored foods: corn, bananas, applesauce, grains, chamomile tea with lemon as well as ginger. Foods that advertise digestive health: aloe juice, avocado, mint, kefir, yogurt, cinnamon, celery, as well as cucumber.

Chakra 4 — Heart (Anahata)

Color: Green

Location: Facility of the upper body, above the heart. The heart chakra connects to love, concern, calmness, and harmony. A balanced heart chakra manifests with a strong heart, immune system, and circulation. It is linked to feelings of love, compassion, compassion, and also healthy choices.

Signs of over-activity: Sensations of isolation, loneliness, panic. Heartburn, anxiousness, upper body stress, shortness of breath, and elevated heartrate.

Signs of underactivity: Depend on concerns, failure to get in touch with others. Despair, depression, poor blood circulation, breathing problems.

Healing the 4th chakra: Concentrate on deep breaths to get rid of the lungs, open up the shoulders, and also open the chest. Exercise self-care activities to route external love to yourself.

Meditate: with the rule Yam or the affirmation I am compassionate, I am open.

Yoga poses: Chest-openers: camel, cobra, fish posture. Attempt this 30-minute yoga exercise regimen to open up the heart chakra.

Essential oils: Rose, thyme

Supportive foods: Eco-friendly, nutrient-rich veggies: leafed environment-friendlies, spinach, kale, cabbage, broccoli, dark lettuce. Alkalizing fruits as well as veggies: green apples, limes, zucchini, celery, avocados, eco-friendly beans.

Chakra 5 — Hroat (Vishudda)

Color: Blue

Location: Throat Tied to the ability to interact, self-expression, as well as talking the truth. A balanced throat chakra suggests you can speak clearly with truth and compassion. Healthy and balanced glands, thyroid.

Signs of over-activity: Really feeling ignored, revoked, inability to talk the fact. Thyroid or hormonal agent inequalities, throat pain, frequent infections, or ulcers.

Signs of underactivity: Shyness, lack of ability to share your emotions.

Healing the 5th chakra: Talk with truthfulness as well as brevity. Method revealing your feelings and also truths, also alone. Remaining in or near water, strolling under the sky, paying attention to noises of water or wind.

Meditate: with the rule Pork, or affirmations that advertise strength and also self-respect: I share myself honestly as well as plainly, I am balanced.

Yoga poses: Fish, lion, or bridge presents. Neck stretches, shoulder openers, supported shoulder-stand, camel, and also rake poses.

Essential oils: Eucalyptus, sage, blue chamomile

Supportive foods: Nutritional foods with a high water content, clear fluids and also broths, herbal teas. Juices, fruits, as well as blueberries. Mineral water.

Chakra 6 — Third Eye (Anja)

Color: Indigo

Location: Facility of the temple, in between the eyebrows. This chakra is connected to reflection, wisdom, decisiveness, and instinct. A well balanced 6th chakra promotes a feeling of unity, convenience, as well as hearing your instinct. Connected with audio rest and pituitary gland health.

Signs of over-activity: It is unusual for people to struggle with an overactive Pineal eye. Those that do may invest a lot of their time fascinated in psychic tasks, such as paranormal experiences and also astrological readings.

Signs of underactivity: Absence of insight, mental instability, poor memory, feeling disconnected, judgmental behavior. Dizziness, loss of sight, tension headaches, depression, or sinus infections.

Healing the 6th chakra: Solitary meditation is the most effective method for recovery this chakra. As are simple repeated tasks, such as treking or long walks outdoors. Browse through all-natural landscapes that give perspective.

Meditate: with the concept Om or affirmations such as I am directed, I am centered, I am clear.

Yoga poses: Kid's position, standing forward bend, modest warrior, warrior III, as well as seated meditation.

Essential oils: Sage, bay, or jasmine

Supportive foods: Raw nuts: almonds, walnuts. Purple-colored foods, such as: grapes, plums, goji berries, acai, eggplant, or blueberries. Cleansing foods, such as: pineapple, mushrooms, grains, papaya, and also cruciferous vegetables.

Chakra 7 — Crown (Sahasrara)

Color: Violet - White.

Location: On the crown of the head. The crown chakra is connected with the connection to spirituality. A balanced crown chakra is linked to sensations of bliss and a healthy central nerves. Calm, centered ideas, and also the ability to touch right into a greater level of spirituality. This is the goal of every spiritual practitioner, and also it is tough to attain a completely balanced crown chakra.

Signs of over activity: Like the Buddhist principle of "paradise," it is not possible to have an overactive 7th chakra due to the fact that it would indicate one is no longer human.

Signs of underactivity: An underactive 7th chakra is regular: every human has an underactive 7th chakra. Indications consist of inability to focus, imagining, as well as not residing in today. Migraines, misconceptions, as well as tight joints.

Healing the 7th chakra: Straightening this chakra is best done with reflection and also stabilizing the other 6 chakras. Add daily exterior strolls to your regimen, concentrate on being existing, and cultivate gratitude.

Meditation: advised without a mantra. Usage affirmations such as I am present, I am here, I am connected.

Yoga poses: Balancing postures that bring recognition to the body: tree, hill, as well as eagle poses.

Essential oils: sandalwood, geranium, myrrh

Supportive foods: Water soaked up through the skin, sesame or chia seeds, bone broth, topical necessary oils, and also aloe vera juice. Because this chakra is tied to the spiritual, the crown chakra is probably to gain from sunlight, fresh air, and silent meditation.

[sensei-aishitemasu]

2019 Black-Owned Gift Guide!

It’s that time again! This Black Friday, try and support a Black-owned business for all your gift-giving needs. For last years gift guide, click here. For the 2017 gift guide, here. For the 2016 gift guide, click here. For the 2015 gift guide, click here. (This is the FIFTH annual gift guide! Time flies!) 

Similar to 2018, I kept every individual item listed under $100! Click on the links to be taken to the websites in order to peruse more yourselves. Every item and brand has been hand selected and curated. Sustainability has been increasingly on my mind, especially when it comes to fashion; as such, several brands on this list are ethically and sustainably sourced. Several also include donations from your purchase being made to philanthropic causes. 

[And as always, this guide has been split into categories to make it easier to get through, but feel free to mix and match for the person in your life that fits all of (or none of!) these categories!]

Gift Guide 2019 Items

For the Homebody:

eLo ‘Gloria’ Cotton Spray, $30

Shea Shea Bakery Candy Cane Candle, $22

Shea Shea Bakery Coffe Mug Candle, $12

Shea Shea Bakery Bowl of O’s Signature Candle, $20 

Shea Shea Bakery Milk & Cookies Bath Set, $16

Shea Shea Bakery Bath Whip - Confetti Cake, $12

Shea Shea Bakery Honey Bear Bubble Bath, $6

Shea Shea Bakery Milk Mates - Salts + Bubble Bath, $16

Shea Shea Bakery Milk + Honey + Syrup Bubble Bath Set, $22

Shea Shea Bakery Cast Iron Skillet Wax Burner, $22

Shea Shea Bakery Sweet Mini-Melt Cinnamon Bun Wax, $10

Shea Shea Bakery Sweet Mini-Melt Peanut Butter Cups, $10

228 Grant Street Candle Co. Amber + Sandalwood Apothecary Jar, $30 (pictured)

228 Grant Street Candle Co. Oakmoss + Amber Jar, $20

228 Grant Street Candle Co. Botanical Garden Gold Travel Tin, $10 

Kicky Mats ‘Don’t Bother, We’re Broke’ Doormat, $50 (pictured)

Jeffrey Manning “You Are” Art Print, $55

Jeffrey Manning “Mellow Bliss” Art Print, $40

Duchess 365 ‘When I Get Home’ Art Print, $23.99 (pictured)

Tactile Matter ‘Safe Space’ Art Print, $45 (pictured)

Tactile Matter ‘Peaches & Coffee’ Art Print, $45

Galerie.la Small Market Basket, $28

Galerie.la Botanica Medium Candle Harvest, $24

Galerie.la Relaxation Rituals Box, $44.95

Galerie.la Botanica Large Candle Nirvana, $32

Galerie.la Rooted Incense Holder In Gray, $68

Galeria.la Calma Herbal Salt Soaks, $20

‘Hypnotic’ Quilt Set by Justina Blakeney, $100 (pictured)

Brass Bette Planter by Justina Blakeney, $ 75

Ida Mirror by Justina Blakeney, $70

Kahelo Black and Gray Rug by Justina Blakeney, $89

Kashmir.VIII ‘The Party’ Pillow, $50 (pictured)

Cards For All People “Angry Moms” Card Game, $17.99

Cards For All People “Black Card Revoked” Card Game, $17.99 (pictured)

Trading Races Card Game, $24.99 (pictured)

Winsults Card Game, $25 (pictured)

For the Foodie:

Zach & Zoe Wildflower Honey, $12  Zach & Zoe Wildflower Honey - Lavender, $15

Zach & Zoe Wildflower Honey - Raspberry, $15 (pictured)

Zach & Zoe Honey with Ginger Root, $15

Soul Fit Grill Assorted Spices, $55.99 (pictured)

Raw Cells Mind Fudge, $15 (pictured)

Raw Cells Calm Cookie, $8

Raw Cells Brain Brownie, $5

Raw Cells Bliss Bar, $7 (pictured)

Chris Cardi ‘H Street’ Apron, $25.03

Cultured Kombucha ‘Flight Glass’ Set of 4, $35 (pictured)

Cultured Kombucha ‘Cultured’ Tote, $15 (pictured)

Kashmir.VIII ‘Ms. Hill’ Mug, $16

Kashmir.VIII ‘Easin’ Mug, $16

Kashmir.VIII ‘We Did It First’ Mug, $16 (pictured)

Kashmir.VIII ‘The Black Power Mixtape’ Coaster Sets, $35 (pictured)

Botanicals on Blush Kitchen Tea Towels by Justina Blakeney, $28 (pictured)

‘B. Smith Cooks Southern-Style’ by B. Smith, $29.99

For the Beauty Guru:

Oui The People ‘The Single’ Rose Gold Single-Blade Razor, $75 (pictured)

Oui The People ‘Sugarcoat’ Shave Gel-To-Milk, $64 (pictured)

Galerie.la Rose Quartz Facial Roller, $28

Galerie.la Jade Mask, $42

Galerie.la Base Coat Nail Polish Vault, $20

Galerie.la Base Coat Nail Polish The Simon Collective, $20

Galerie.la ‘The Makeup Bag’ (Navy), $59

Galerie.la ‘The Makeup Bag’ (Yellow), $59

Galerie.la Mermaid Milk Superfood Moisturizer, $42

Shea Shea Bakery Buttered Pound Cake Body Mist, $5 (pictured)

Shea Shea Bakery Glazed Donut Body Butter, $25

Shea Shea Bakery Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser, $15

Shea Shea Bakery Antibacterial Apple Cider Toner, $6

Shea Shea Bakery Almond Milk + Chocolate Peppermint Moisturizer, $6

Shea Shea Bakery Scar Healing Serum, $23

Shea Shea Bakery Gentle Foaming Cleanser, $8

Shea Shea Bakery Chocolate Coffee Bean Scrub, $12

Shea Shea Bakery Rose Garden Soap Bar, $5 (pictured)

Monie Squared Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Soap, $8

Monie Squared Brown Sugar Fig Goat Milk Soap, $7

Monie Squared Warm Vanilla Sugar Goat Milk Soap, $7

Monie Squared Leave-In Detangling Conditioner in Blood Orange, $16

Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner, $20

Camille Rose Youth Burst Anti-Aging Night Time Elixir, $18 (pictured)

Camille Rose Seedless Skin Pore-Perfecting Facial Exfoliator, $19

Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade, $13.99

Oyin Handmade Boing! All-In-One Coil Styler, $14.99

Oyin Handmade No Ash At All Lotion, $9.99

Hunny Bunny Boutique Hunny Lavender Face Bar, $9

Hunny Bunny Boutique Rose Clay Facial Mask, $8

Bejia Flor Naturals Acai Mango Lotion, $22

Vee + Co. Apothecary ‘Seven’ Aromatherapy Roller, $18

Vee + Co. Apothecary ‘Mellow’ Aromatherapy Roller, $18

Vee + Co. Apothecary ‘Faith’ Aromatherapy Roller, $18

Vee + Co. Apothecary ‘Tisane’ Body + Bath Oil, $25

Jade & Fox Co. Liquid Gold Facial Cleanser, $15 (pictured)

Jade & Fox Co. Neptune Hyaluronic Face Mist, $15

Jade & Fox Co. Flower Power Toner, $18 (pictured)

Jade & Fox Co. Fineapple Face Mask, $22

Jade & Fox Co. Maui Wowie Serum, $17 (pictured)

Jade & Fox Co. Angel Eyes Under Eye Cream, $24

Jade & Fox Co. Crushed Velvet Butter, $26

Jade & Fox Co. Honeysuckle Spray, $14

Jade & Fox Co. Lust Oil, $15

Jade & Fox Co. Crush Body Oil, $17

Jade & Fox Co. Vixen Oil, $15

Jade & Fox Co. ‘Show Girl’ Body Oil, $17

Jade & Fox Co. Siren Highlighter, $18 (pictured)

Makeup/Beauty/Hair Brands:

Plain Jane Beauty (pictured)

Mented Cosmetics (pictured) 

Beauty Bakerie 

Bovanti Cosmetics 

Colour U Cosmetics

Hue Noir 

Gold Label Cosmetics 

Lamik Beauty

Lip Addyct 

Magnolia Makeup 

Lotus Moon Skincare

The Lip Bar (pictured)

Ginger + Liz Nail Polish

Foxie Cosmetics

Blac Minerals Cosmetics (pictured)

Danessa Lyrics Beauty

Lena Lashes

AJ Crimson Beauty

KSquared Nail Paint

Kinky Curly Yaki

Heat Free Hair Movement

Big Chop Hair

Princess Hair Shop

Haute Kinky Hair

Private Stock Kair

Catface Hair

Mischo Beauty (pictured)

Brown Butter Beauty (pictured)

Her Muse Studio

Elo Lipcare (pictured)

Glam Goth Beauty (pictured)

For The Fashion Conscious:

Galerie.la Abbot Corduroy Knit Robe Berry, $98

Galerie.la Denim Crop Bra, $35

Galerie.la Golden Organic Cotton Crop Bra, $35 (pictured)

Galerie.la Recycled Cotton Baby Tee Black, $39

Galerie.la Alicia Crossbody Brown Bag, $85 (pictured)

Galerie.la Stacking Rings Brass, $25 (pictured)

Galerie.la Diamond Stacking Ring, $25

Galerie.la Petite Arch Earrings Brass, $34

Galerie.la Thelma Top Mauve, $48

Galerie.la Silver Hashtag Earrings, $58

Galerie.la Cascade Dress Charcoal, $59

Galerie.la Petra Jumpsuit Charcoal, $65 (pictured)

Galerie.la Sabbath Cocoon Tunic, $98

Galerie.la Flap Wallet Mustard, $79

Galerie.la Zipper Wallet Blush, $69

Glam Goth ‘Goon’ Beanie (red), $25

Glam Goth ‘Goon’ Beanie (black), $25

Glam Goth ‘Goth’ Cap, $30 (pictured)

Glam Goth ‘The Young Angel’ T-Shirt, $20

Instant Vintage - Azul by Giancarlo Bolero, $55

Instant Vintage - Merlot Veiled Hat, $30

Instant Vintage - Turquoise Velvet Bow with Headband, $45

Instant Vintage - Sweetheart Floral Dress, $48 (pictured)

Sir and Madame Striped Wool Split Back Shirt, $75

Sir and Madame Logo T-Shirt, $40

Sir and Madame 'Madame’ Cropped Tank, $28

Sir and Madame 70′s Script T-Shirt, $45

Sir and Madame “A Better Tomorrow” T-Shirt, $40

Sir and Madame Red Wing Engineer Boot, $75

Sir and Madame Jungle Camo Woven Shirt, $45

A Life Well Dressed ‘Artsy’ Statement Cap, $16 (pictured)

A Life Well Dressed ‘Create’ Statement T-Shirt, $20

Gregory Sylvia ‘Farrah’ Watch, $95

Gregory Sylvia ‘Chandler’ Watch, $78 (pictured)

Gregory Sylvia ‘Rosen’ Watch, $105 (slightly over budget but a beautiful watch!)

Gregory Sylvia ‘Crimson Crave’ Wallet, $69

Tree Fairfax Lois Belt, $40

Tree Fairfax Distressed Wrap Clutch/Wallet, $54

Chris Cardi ‘H St. Nostalgia’ Tee, $30.03

Chris Cardi ‘Bastards’ Tee, $30.03

Sole Rebels ‘The Surge’ Shoe, $90

Sole Rebels ‘The Exodus Ahhh’ Shoe, $100

Sole Rebels ‘The StepUP’ Shoe, $95

Sole Rebels ‘The Exodus RIFF’ Shoe, $100 (pictured)

Sole Rebels ‘TooTOOS Holees’ Shoe, $85

Enbois ‘Jafari’ Watch (Zebra), $85

For the Bookworm:

‘The Water Dancer’ by Ta-Nehisi Coates, $28 (pictured)

‘Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland, $18.99 (pictured)

‘Black Talk: Words and Phrases from the Hood to the Amen Corner’ by Geneva Smitherman, $6.38 (pictured)

‘Talkin and Testifyin: The Language of Black America’ by Geneva Smitherman, $7.77 (pictured)

‘White Negroes: When Cornrows Were in Vogue ... and Other Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation’ by Lauren Michele Jackson, $23.49

‘Mules and Men’ by Zora Neale Hurston, $15.99 (pictured)

‘The Black Book’ edited by Toni Morrison, $35

‘Bloodchild and Other Stories’ by Octavia Butler, $14

‘Rebel’ by Beverly Jenkins, $7.99

‘B. Smith: Rituals & Celebrations’ by B. Smith, $35 (pictured)

Rayo & Honey ‘Eat Words, Drink Stars’ Pin, $12 (pictured)

Rayo & Honey ‘Read More, Writer Better’ Banner, $50 (pictured)

Rayo & Honey ‘Books Change Your Mind’ Banner, $55

Rayo & Honey ‘Hundreds of Books Under My Skin’ Bookmark, $8 (pictured)

For the Kids:

Yinibini Baby ‘Trunk of Hearts’ Elephant One-Piece, $29.50

Yinibini Baby ‘My Neighborhood in DC’ Tee, $26.00 (pictured)

Jade & Fox Co. Fantasy Body Lotion for Babies, $16

Duchess365 Framed Art Print [Ladybug], $57.99

Duchess365 Throw Pillow [Lollipop], $29.99 (pictured)

Duchess365 Framed Art Pillow, $47.99 (pictured)

Herbaceutikals Talc Free Baby Organic Baby Powder, $14.25 (pictured)

‘Party, A Mystery’ by Jamaica Kincaid, $17.95 (pictured)

‘The Last Last-Day-of-Summer’ by Lamar Giles, $8.49

‘Puppy Truck’ by Brian Pinkney, $11.38 (pictured)

‘Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten)’ by Laura Veirs, $17.99

‘Little Melba and Her Big Trombone’ by Katheryn Russell-Brown, $18.95 (pictured)

Vee + Co. Apothecary ‘Mamatoto’ Aromatherapy Roller, $12

KaAn’s Designs ‘Living The Dream’ Denim Jacket, $40 (pictured)

Sir & Madame ‘Sir’ Kids Pullover, $55

Amina Abdul Jillil Kids Velvet Sneaker, $89 (pictured)

For the Masculine:

Gregory Sylvia ‘Durham’ Watch, $78 (pictured)

Gregory Sylvia ‘Grayson’ Watch, $95

Gregory Sylvia ‘Fullerton’ Watch, $95.00

A Life Well Dressed ‘Create’ Sweater, $34

A Life Well Dressed ‘District of Champions’ Sweater, $48

Sir & Madame Scratch Goods Beard Oil, $24 (pictured)

Sir & Madame ‘Sir’ Shirt (Blue), $40 (pictured)

Sir & Madame ‘Sir Shirt (Orange), $40

Sir & Madame Classic Logo Beanie (Gray), $40

Sir & Madame Classic Logo Beanie (Orange), $40 (pictured)

Sir & Madame ‘Sir’ Long Sleeve Black Shirt, $55

Sir & Madame ‘Sir’ Lapel Pin, $10

Instant Vintage - Pink and Blue Plaid Pants, $50 (pictured)

Instant Vintage - Camel Leather Blazer, $90

Instant Vintage - Tan Trench Coat, $60

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Kashmir.VIII ‘The Marathon Continues’ Sticker, $9-$20

[scrubsandthebeach]

I am tenacious. I am kind. I am sentimental. I am passion in the raw. I am compassionate. I am empathetic. I am forgiving, merciful. I am introverted, yet not expected to be. I am shy in situations where my heart is really on the line, but have it all within me to be outspoken in most areas of life. My mind is a steel trap. I have nightmares that play on repeat. I am emotional. And I tend to overthink. I am a writer. I am a painter. I am a singer. I am a surfer. I am a soccer player. I am a kick-boxer. I am a rock climber. I am an ice hockey enthusiast. I am an exhibitionist. I am modest with my inner workings. I am layered to the core. I am spiritual. I challenge physical pain. I am impatient. I am becoming, evolving. I am mourning; Loved ones lost, blows yet to be struck, the lost innocence of my younger self who never had a chance at escaping particular destinies that would come my way or instances where I wasn't offered a leg up, that perhaps, could have changed my entire path. I mask my vulnerabilities. I am guarded. So guarded. I am a best friend, a ride or die. I am a close friend. I am a friend. I am a sister. I am a daughter. I am an aunt. I am a granddaughter. I am a cousin. I am far away in my mind. I am next to you wherever you need me. I am a procrastinator and a perfectionist. I am physically scarred; Reminding me how many animals I've touched, reached out to, pleaded with to let me help them. I am not afraid of the dark. Or his, or yours, or theirs. I am a cook- when given the mental fortitude. I am working on myself. I am one with nature. I am an acai bowl aficionado. I am a Phoenix. I have been broken and put my pieces back together in a different and sturdier arrangement. Multiple times. Always on the edge of my seat, ready for the next fall. I am a watcher. I am a giver. I am a lover. I am a fighter. I am aware. I am an activist. I am a humanitarian. I am seeking. I am flawed. I am worth fighting for with every ounce of your being. I am thriving. I am a defender. I am a voice. I am artistic. I am conflict-avoidant. I am independent. I am experienced. I keep it all inside. I am an old soul. I am intuitive. I am maternal. I belong to the ocean. I am thoughtful. I have demons. But I keep them tied up with a bow. I have a survivor mentality. I am hard-working. I am not afraid to get down and dirty for what I believe in. I am fair. I am loyal. I am free-spirited, wild as the wind. I am trustworthy. I am battling. But it'll always be alone. I am expressive. I am from the Eastern Band of Cherokees. I am German. I have Swedish roots. I am deaf. I am a slave to chapstick. I have the legs of a dancer, minus the coordination of a dancer. I am a bikini and lingerie fiend. I am a swimmer. I am a biker. I am a stand up paddle boarder. I am a long boarder. I am bruised. I will get back up again. And again. And again. I am stubborn. I have a mind on overdrive. I try to turn off my brain just for a few hours a day. Just a few hours of rest. I believe in compromise. I am jovial. I am joyful. I am spirited. I am feisty. I am sexual. I have dry humor. I am a reader. I binge watch TV apps. I am a rescuer of all creatures. I am a rehabber, a wrangler, a fearless liberator. I am tenderhearted. I have stumbled. I am running. I am a runner. I am a listener. I am a shoulder to cry on. I am terrified of intimate loss. I am a vegan. I am a model, a role model. I am being watched. I am faithful. I am hopeful. I am organized. I am reliable. I know who I want. I am a coffee devotee. I am all or nothing. I am in it with all of my heart.

[sammysdewysensitiveeyes]

Another self-indulgent fan-fic, this time with Blob and Pyro drinking, fighting, talking, and bonding over bullying a teenager.

This was an attempt to give Blob a little more depth beyond just the crass asshole of the Brotherhood, and show that he’s got some feelings, too.  I also wanted to deal with some stuff with Pyro that Marauders hasn’t really gotten into, especially his death and relationship with the rest of the Brotherhood.  There’s also some discussion of Pyro/Avalanche.  I will forever headcanon original Pyro as a closeted gay man, who had a kind of undefined friends with benefits thing going on with Avalanche (I don’t care how many fantasy Jean Greys he kisses in Marauders), and who still feels uncomfortable being open about it, even if attitudes have changed somewhat. 

Warnings for - Very nasty language, some body-shaming from Pyro, some discussion of homophobia.  Blob says some things that maybe aren’t quite homophobic, but kind of insensitive.  Behind a read-more, because it wound up being long.

Pyro was absolutely not nervous when he knocked on the door of the small habitat building nestled just at the edge of the Krakoan jungle.  It was a nice spot, with one window offering a view of the beach, but the trees providing a bit of protection from tropical storms.  There was a little garden plot to one side, so neatly and delicately arranged that he wondered if the man he was there to see had a tidier room-mate.

He wasn’t nervous.  And he hadn’t been putting this off, he’d just been busy. He’d fallen in with a whole new team, after all, who had accepted him with a surprising amount of tolerance, and he was spending most of his time having high-seas adventures.  Not much time on Krakoa itself, to drop in on an old….friend? Acquaintance?  Former team-mate who could snap his spine in half if he happened to be in a foul mood?  Pyro wasn’t sure exactly where he stood with any of them now.  But he wasn’t nervous.  Sod that.

The door swung open, the view inside immediately blocked by the massive fleshy mountain that was Frederick J. Dukes, the immovable object.

“Hey Fred.  I brought booze.”  Pyro held up the wine bottle like a peace offering between them.  It was entirely possible he was about to get his face bashed in, or possibly smother to death under Blob’s sizable buttocks.  And sure, he’d get resurrected, but he wasn’t keen to go through all that unpleasantness.

“Aww, hey matchstick!  Get in here!”  Blob grinned and swung an arm around him, practically clobbering him forward into the living room.  “Where ya been?”

“Um….dead, mostly.  Yah know,” Pyro quipped, not willing to admit to the relief that was flooding into his chest.  Because he hadn’t been nervous.  He had just been…curious….to see where he stood with the mutants who had been his team-mates for years.  Just wanted to catch up and see how they were.

(To see if they all hated him.)

“Haw, haw, yeah, don’t I know it. You shoulda seen Avalanche cryin’ into his beer over that,” Blob guffawed, pulling him in close and hugging him against his side.  Pyro could smell body odor and coconut oil.

“He cried, huh?”  He murmured, his mouth muffled against pillowy flesh.

“Blubbered like a damn baby.” Fred released him so that he could step back and gasp air.  

“What’d you do to your face, man? You going emo on me, now?  C’mon, buck up.  You only died the one time.  Not like those X-Men, they got a whole revolving door thing going.”

“It’s not emo,” Pyro protested, running his hand over the skull tattoo covering most of his face.  “It’s ‘cause I’m a pirate.  I’m runnin’ round with the Marauders.  We’re wrecking ships and stealing supplies, it’s a blast.”

Blob scoffed.  “You’re running around with X-Men, matchstick.  You’re basically an X-Man, now.”

“The hell I am!”  Now Pyro really felt insulted.  “I’m not wearing an X anywhere.  We’re the Marauders, not the X-Marauders or whatever.  We’re pirates, doin’ pirate things!  Like fighting the military and helping mutant kids get to Krakoa – “ Except that wasn’t exactly what pirates did, was it?  That was more of a hero-type deal.  “-and sinking ships –“ and delivering medicine to people that needed it around that globe, but Pyro wasn’t going to mention that.  Even if it did give him a bit of a warm glow in his chest to be helping the sick and desperate.  He knew what it was like to be sick and desperate.

“Everyone on that ship is a goody-two shoes X-Man!” Blob sneered.  “Storm, that phasing girl, Ice-nerd.”

“Bishop’s pretty cool,” Pyro felt the need to interject.  The man could fight, and he respected that.  He was also extremely good looking, something Pyro tried to not notice.  

“Still an X-Man.  You’re one a them now.  I shoulda expected it after the way you died.”  Blob stepped back from him, shaking his head.  And oh, there it was.  

It didn’t seem quite fair.  Pyro couldn’t even remember what he’d done. What he’d been thinking at the time.

“I mean….does it really matter?” He tried.  “We’re all one big happy mutant family on Krakoa now.  Xavier and Magneto getting all chummy.  Seems like the X-Men and the Brotherhood don’t even exist anymore.”

“Seems ta me like there’s a bunch of X-Teams and no Brotherhood.  They split up all us nasty “bad” mutants and stuck them on teams with the wussy good guys ta keep us in line.  Except when they need their dirty work done, then they’ll send out those of us with criminal records.  I dunno who’s really running the show on Krakoa, but it ain’t the Brotherhood.” Blob slumped down on his sofa, but gestured to Pyro to sit in one of the chairs.  At least he wasn’t being thrown out.  

“Guess you might be right there,” he mused, tossing himself down sideways across the chair, both legs hanging over one arm.  The X-Men were in an awful lot of positions of power, even with the attempts to balance the Council.  And they seemed to dominate most of the island’s strike teams.

“I guess there are more of them than there are of us.”              

“Guess running a school for mutant kids is better recruitment strategy than a creepy dude in a metal helmet that’ll throw his own people under the bus in a heartbeat.  Did I ever tell ya about how he chucked an explosive at me?  And that was back he was tryin’ to recruit me!”

“Many times, Freddie,” Pyro was a little relieved that the conversation was meandering away from his own status – X-Man, Brotherhood member, Krakoan or whatever the hell he now was.  He wasn’t sure himself.  

“Wine?”  He held out the bottle again.  Blob swiped it and held it up between two fingers with another guffaw.

“What is this, matchstick, booze for ants?  That ain’t gonna be thimbleful for me.”  

“Oh, but this is a very special bottle, Freddie.”  Pyro took the bottle back.  “Have ya got a bucket?  I’m gonna be like Christ with the loaves and fishes here.”

“Doncha mean water into wine? That was one of the miracles, right?” Blob came back with a massive stew pot.

“Yeah, but there’s no water involved here.  Watch and marvel!”  He upended the bottle with a dramatic flourish.  Moments later, Blob’s mouth dropped open as the stew pot was half-way filled, and the bottle showed no signs of emptying.

“Ain’t that a hell of a trick. What’s the deal, Aussie?  Some kind of mystical Outback dream-time thing?”

“Nah, just a bribe from a wizard. Bottomless bottle.  Never runs out.”  Technically, Dr. Strange had offered the gift as a gesture to the entire island.  But technically didn’t matter, because Strange had given the bottle directly to him, which meant it was basically his.  He certainly wasn’t going to hand it over to the Council to use in their fancy-pants secret meetings.  Better to keep it among the people, right?  Pyro was willing to share.  A bit.  

“Well, tell Harry Potter thanks. That’s one hell of a gift.”

“Who?”

“C’mon, don’t fuck with me.  You haven’t been dead that long.”  

“True,” Pyro grinned.  But being dead was certainly a convenient excuse for bowing out of whatever must-see pop culture phenomenon he was supposed to be familiar with.  “Sorry mate, I was dead at the time,” usually shut people up.

Blob took the full bucket, downed half in one gulp, and held it out again for more.  Pyro took a moment to fill his own glass to the brim before pouring again.

“Damn, that’s good stuff. Usually bulk wine is pretty crappy.” Fred licked his lips in appreciation.

“I wouldn’t know the difference,” Pyro shrugged.  He’d gotten invited to a few fancy parties, way back in the day when he was journalist/writer St. John Allerdyce and “Pyro” didn’t exist.  But it hadn’t exactly refined his palate.   He’d rather have a full goon bag to himself than a dainty little glass of something aged and expensive.  

“Well, we can’t all be sophisticated gourmets,” Blob said airily, swirling the wine around and giving it a sniff. “French grapes, I’d say.  Black currant, acai, cherry, and just a hint of chocolate.  Probably a ’78 or ’79.”  He proceeded to down half the stew-pot again.

“Freddie me lad, you are absolutely full of shit.”  Pyro obligingly poured a refill.  Maybe he should get some kind of stand for the bottle, or he’d be doing this all night.

“I aim to be full of wine, so keep pouring, toothpick,” Blob laughed.  They lapsed into a moment of comfortable silence while Pyro finally had a chance to drain his own glass.

“So how’s it feel to be back in the land of the living?” Blob ventured.  “Ya know they cured that Virus just a few months after you croaked. Ain’t that a kick in the teeth?”

“I wasn’t gonna last a few months at that point.  I wasn’t gonna last even a few days, so…whatever.”  Pyro shrugged.  He still couldn’t remember the moment of his death, but he remembered some of the time leading up to it, feeling incredibly frail, and wondering every night if he would wake up in the morning.  Is it gonna be tonight?  Today? Will I just drop dead trying to walk down the street?  Even if some miracle cure had appeared, he suspected he would have been too far gone at that point.  

“It’s just good to be healthy again,” he added.  And wasn’t that the truth.  Just walking around, breathing the ocean air freely and without pain had been heavenly. He’d made it a point to get laid the first time the Marauders spent the night in Taipei – hadn’t seen any of that action for months before his death.  He didn’t want to touch anyone after the diagnosis (he was a selfish bastard, but not so selfish as to potentially spread the disease), and pretty soon pain and fatigue had meant his cock was the furthest thing from his mind.

“Yeah, I bet.  Ya made a real spectacular flame-out at the end, there,” Blob said, and there was something left hanging in the air at the end of that sentence.  What Pyro might have called a “pregnant  pause,” in one of his novels.  He gulped down another large swallow of wine.

“Yeah that was….I dunno.  I dunno what I was thinking, exactly.”  He hadn’t been able to believe it when Mystique showed him the headlines.  Sure he’d tried to help her save her shitty racist spawn Graydon Creed (a spectacular failure, thanks to X-Factor), but it had still been him playing Follow the Leader, trusting Mystique to know the right thing to do.  Apparently he’d made that final decision completely on his own – turning on his comrades to save the man they’d once tried to assassinate.  He didn’t like to look at the articles – all splashed with that one famous picture of Kelly cradling his dead body.  It made him feel sick to look at it.

Blob just grunted in response, and the silence became uncomfortable.  Pyro sighed.

“All right, you want me to say it? I’m sorry.  I’m sorry for turning on you guys.  I can’t say I’m sorry for protecting Kelly.  I guess I thought it was the right thing to do at the time, and I’ll stand by that.  But I’m sorry for going against you guys.  And especially for killing Post.”  Blob snorted, but held the stewpot out for more wine.

“You were gettin’ real soft near the end there, toothpick.  Can’t completely blame ya, I guess.  You were starin’ death right in the face, and Legacy was probably eating away at your brain. Avalanche said you seemed half-delirious near the end, whenever he went to see ya.”  

“Maybe I was.”  Time had gotten fuzzy back then – long patches of confused dream-like haze, punctuated by sharp, painful clarity.  Dominic would be there one moment and gone the next, conversations evaporating mid-sentence.  He’d lay down for a moment in the morning and wake up in the evening two days later.

“It was just all starting to seem a bit pointless, ya know?”  He continued after another swig of wine.  “All that violence….well, I won’t deny it was fun.  I don’t need an excuse to start a fight.  But it was also for a cause, right?  And things just kept getting worse no matter what we did.  I guess I just thought….if I could change the guy’s mind, maybe things would be different.”  

“Well, ya did change his mind, I’ll give you that.  Too bad he got himself killed right after that,” Fred smirked.  

“Yeah.  That’s the real kick in the teeth.  More than dying before the cure, really.  Bloody pointless.”  Pyro poured again.  

“I reckon everyone was pissed at me, yeah?”  At least the wine was giving him the courage to ask certain questions.

“Heh, yer lucky you croaked when ya did, really.”  Blob grinned. It was not a nice grin.  “I woulda snapped you in half for Post, invalid or no. Lady Mastermind wasn’t real pleased, either.  But you ain’t really here to ask about how I felt, are ya?  You wanna know whether yer boyfriend is pissed at ya.”  

Pyro was suddenly sitting up very straight, tension running up and down his spine.

“The fuck did you say?” he snapped.

“Oh, come off it, man.  Don’t act like I’m stupid!  I know you had this whole ‘don’t ask, don’t tell thing’ going on back in the day, but I figured it out.  We all did.”

“I don’t know what you’re blathering on about, mate,” Pyro said, each word coldly annunciated.  The tension from his spine was spooling tight in his mid-section.  “You’ve been watching too many soap operas.”        

“You’re the one that watches that crap, matchstick.  I gotta listen to you talk about ‘Home and Away’ every time you get smashed.  But don’t change the fucking subject.”  

“What subject?  Some made-up bullshit you imagined in your head?” Pyro’s hands were clenched tight around the glass.  Some logical part of his mind wondered why he was even making a fuss about this.  Times had changed a great deal in the years that he’d been floating in a void of nonexistence.  Iceman was openly gay, Mystique referred to Destiny as her wife, and no one batted an eye.

But still.  When Pyro was growing up, you didn’t say it.  You didn’t dare say it, because it would it ruin you, at best, and possibly get you killed, at worst.  It had been something he’d kept locked up tight in his chest, even when he was boldly and proudly “coming out” as a mutant.  And what he’d shared with Dominic over the years, secret little intimate moments slipped under the surface of their public friendship, had always rested on a foundation of silence.  They didn’t talk about what they did.  Didn’t even really acknowledge it to each other or try to define it.  It was their own special, private thing, and it was meant to remain unspoken.  

And now, here was Fred J. Dukes putting his fat, clumsy, grubby hands all over it, like a toddler smearing chocolate on a cashmere sweater.

“Quit bein’ so stubborn about it,” Blob continued.  “Ya think I’m stupid, that I couldn’t figure it out?  You guys were always slipping off together, locking your door.  Fuck man, I heard you two dumbshits in the shower together a couple of times when we were doing that Freedom Force thing.  My room was right next door, you know.  Haw!”  His laughter was an ugly sound.

“What, were you getting off on it?” Pyro snarled.  “Were you alone in your room jerking it to us, you fat fuck?  Probably the only action you ever see, ain’t it?  Assuming you can even find your dick.”  He paused, suddenly wishing he could hook the words back into his mouth, because he’d basically just admitted to it, hadn’t he? But he didn’t think he could stop now if he tried, with the anger burning in his chest, a familiar, almost comforting heat.  

“No, I was just sick of you both lying about it.  Pretending it wasn’t happening, and making the rest of us pretend, too!  Acting like we’re all idiots!”  Blob was on his feet now, red-faced.  

“Well, you never made that very hard, did ya, Freddie?”  

“Ya know what?”  And Blob had suddenly grabbed him by the shoulder with one meaty hand.  “I’m tired of your bullshit!”  Then Pyro found himself flung across the room, smashing into the wall and knocking crockery down to shatter on the floor.  Maybe he was going to get his spine snapped after all – but the way he felt at the moment he didn’t much care.  

“You always act so superior, like you’re sooooo much smarter than me.  What, just ‘cause you wrote some crappy books to help lonely women get their panties all moist?! ”

“At least I know how to write. Least I can get a woman wet,” Pyro quipped, while trying to climb to his feet.  Hell, Blob had just handed him that one, hadn’t he?  There was a blur at the edge of his vision, and suddenly Blob had grabbed the front of his shirt and tossed him again.

“You ain’t smarter than me!” Pyro could hear Blob bellowing through the ringing in his ears.  “You and Avalanche always acted like you were better than ol’ Fred Dukes, gangin’ up on me all the time.  Well, I danced on both of your graves, didn’t I?  I’m glad you died like you did.  Mr. Smart Fancy-pants, wasting away to nothing.  It was funny!”  Blob was towering over him, fists clenched.  Pyro raised his wrist and sent a jet of flame up at the man, mentally intensifying it enough to hurt as he darted for the door.  

“Augh!  Pyro, you asshole,” Blob roared, slapping at the flames on his clothing. They’d keep right on burning if Pyro wanted them to, and he had half a mind to let them.  Why not have a pig roast right there on the beach?  But in another moment he shook his head and let the fire gutter out.  Perhaps a mistake, as Fred charged out through the door.  

“Don’t think you’re getting away, you skinny little fucker.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Freddie, just getting myself a little more room,” Pyro said through clenched teeth.  “Go ahead and come at me if ya wanna get burned again.”  

Apparently Blob did wanna get burned again, because he ran at Pyro, arm raised to swing.  Pyro shot out another blast of fire at Dukes as he dove out of his path.  Blob tried to duck, but it was hard dodge fire that Pyro could mentally send wherever he pleased.  That was one advantage he’d always enjoyed over the fire-producing mutants.  This time it singed Blob’s eyebrows and licked at his shoulders.  Blob howled.

“Cut that shit out!”

“What, so you can hit me again? Ya know, this is why no one likes you, Blob!  You’re always flying off the handle.  Gotta turn everything into some big fight.  I was tryin’ ta be friendly, coming here- “

“Bullshit!  You didn’t come here for me, you came here for news.  You wanted to know if your boyfriend hated ya after what you did.  You only came to me because I’m the only one here who was with the group when it all went down.  The only one let alive, anyway.”  

“I came to you ‘cause I wanted to drink with ya, Blob.  And you started acting like a dick, like ya always do!” Pyro protested, although he couldn’t quite suppress a guilty twinge.  Blob wasn’t entirely wrong…and if Avalanche was alive again, it probably would have taken him even longer to get around to visiting Dukes.  

“You’re the one who started getting all hot under the collar when I was just tryin’ ta talk to ya!  But I ain’t surprised, I know where I rate!  None of you assholes give a shit about me!”  Blob charged again.  Pyro sent more fire swirling towards him.

“You wanna keep getting singed, Freddie, I could do this all da – oof!”  Pyro grunted as Blob ran right through the fire and slammed into him, shoulder first, knocking him back into the well-tended vegetable garden.    

“Pyro, you jerk, I worked on that for weeks!”

“Ya knocked me right into it, ya stupid wanker!”  Pyro jumped to his feet, brushing ruined squash and pumpkin off his uniform.  “I’ve been pulling punches, but if you come at me again, I will absolutely barbeque you, you fat piece of shit.  Then you can wait in line for resurrection behind all the people that actually deserve to be alive and breathing right now!”

“Yeah, you’d like that, wouldn’t you? Me gone, and you all alone with your precious Dominic and your new X-Men friends.  I know you wouldn’t miss me.  Nobody would!  Ya know I tried to kill myself, back when I lost my powers?  And who was there for me?  No one, that’s who!”  

“….ya tried to kill yourself?” Pyro paused for a moment. Dropping his guard was a mistake, as Blob charged again and belly-slammed him several feet away.  It might have done some damage if he hit a tree, but luckily he just rolled on the soft sand.  

“Freddie, wait, what’s this about – “

“It was a fucking nightmare.  I had huge folds of skin hanging off my body. I looked like….like melted wax or something.  Couldn’t go out.  Couldn’t look at myself in the mirror.  It hurt just to move.  I tried…tried to cut my own throat, and I couldn’t even get through the skin.  And none of the Brotherhood lifted a goddamn finger to help me!  You had Dominic holdin’ your hand and cryin’ over ya, ya think anyone spared a thought for me?!”

Pyro clambered to his feet, feeling uncomfortable.  Angry Blob he was used to.  People called Pyro a hothead (and maybe it was just a little bit true), but anger seemed to constantly run under the surface with Fred, coloring every interaction – snide remarks during briefings, playful banter quickly turning into explosive outbursts, laughter that always had a cruel undertone, always at someone else’s expense.  But this was new.  Fred’s voice was shaky, threatening to crack.

“Freddie, are ya serious?  Look mate, I didn’t know.  I was – “ Dead, he was about to say.  But they were interrupted as a sudden telekinetic force lifted Pyro off his feet, leaving him flailing uselessly in the air.

“The fuck?”  Blob slurred.  Something was tugging at him, a psychic force attempting to lift him skyward. Attempting, and failing, as he remained solidly on the ground.  

“Haw!  Who’s tryin’ ta lift me?” he laughed, digging his feet into the sand for good measure.  “Ya must be really stupid, whoever you are!”

The pressure around Blob increased, and the sand at his feet flattened as Blob pushed  down with his personal gravity field.  

“Keep tryin’, Chuckles!  That tickles!” Blob yelled.  

“Hey, whoever you are?  You wanna put me the hell down?”  Pyro called out, from a good six feet in the air.  “Unless you wanna see me blow chunks all over this beautiful beach.”  He’d been tipped partially upside-down, which was really not helping his drunken nausea.  

“All right, that’s enough, lad. We’re just here to break it up, and it’s broken up.”  Banshee stepped out of the jungle, accompanied by a scowling boy with pink hair that Pyro didn’t recognize.

“Aww, are you the one tryin’ ta lift me off the ground?” Blob cooed nastily.  “That’s cute.  Nice effort, kiddo, but ya obviously didn’t do your homework.  Nothing moves the Blob!”  

“I could telekinetically hurl you into the sun, you simple-minded tub of lard,” the boy snapped.  “I’m only holding back because of Krakoan rules. But by all means, feel free to try my patience.”

“Try my patience?”  Pyro repeated incredulously.  “Hey Freddie, this kid thinks he’s Magneto or something.  Simmer down, junior.”  Perhaps it wasn’t the best idea to be mocking the mutant who was telekinetically holding him suspended in the air, but booze had ruined Pyro’s already less-than-stellar decision making skills.

“It’s Kid Omega,” the boy corrected, and whatever he wanted to say next was drowned out by Pyro and Blob’s obnoxious, jeering laughter.

“Kid Omega, you’ve gotta be bloody kidding me!  That’s so adorable!”  Pyro stopped laughing as the boy bounced him up and down in the air a few times. “Seriously, ya don’t wanna do that. I’m gonna – “ he interrupted himself by spewing wine and stomach fluids all over the ground below him.

“Gross, dude,” Blob said casually.

“Listen, we’re here because you boys are causing a public disturbance,” Banshee said, hands on his hips.  “Remember, you’re expected to follow certain rules and keep the peace if you wanna stay on Krakoa.  Pyro, I thought you might be better than this since you joined Kate’s crew, but I guess you’re still just as dumb and violent as always.  I don’t think Storm’ll be pleased to hear about this.”

“Aww, c’mon mate, “ Pyro sputtered, still trying to spit the taste of bile and sour grapes out of his mouth.  The wine wasn’t nearly as good coming back up, and his stomach was roiling.  “It was just a little scuffle that got outta hand. We weren’t hurting anyone.  ‘Cept each other.”

“Oooooh, you’re in trouble now, Pyro! Banshee’s gonna tell on you,” Blob drawled.  “Then they might kick you out of their little heroes club.”  

“Piss off, Freddie.”   Pyro would never, ever admit to that particular fear, buried deep under a shit-ton of apathy and forced bravado.  He honestly kind of liked the Marauder crew, despite having tangled with most of them in the past (although in some respects, he really liked them more because of that.)  He knew he had the reputation of being the loose cannon of the group, given how frequently he was reminded not to kill (as if Sabretooth’s horrific fate wasn’t enough of a deterrent), but he was following all their bloody rules, wasn’t he?  He wasn’t keen on getting thrown out.  He’d go stir crazy on the island without a way to burn off all his energy with “a bit of the old ultraviolence.”  

“Don’t think you’re off the hook either, Blob,” Banshee said sternly.

“Awww, whattaya gonna do?  Use Lady Mastermind to force me to be a good boy?” This apparently struck a nerve, as Banshee blanched for a moment.  He’d have to ask Blob about that later.

“Maybe we should, if that’s what it takes for morons like you to behave yourselves,” said the kid snidely.  “No wonder the cause of mutant rights never got anywhere before if it was championed by you two losers.”

“Hey, I ain’t gonna listen to any lip from some brat that hasn’t even grown pubes yet,” Blob snarled.  “I was out busting my ass for mutant rights while you were getting conceived behind a bowling alley at 3 AM!”

Pyro was about to chime in with something equally nasty, when suddenly his entire world shifted.  The beach disappeared, and he was floating with the vastness of space stretched out before him.  Stars and planets that he had never seen, that he couldn’t even conceive of, glittered in impossible colors against the darkness, and it would have been extremely cool, if not for two unfortunate facts.  One – he couldn’t breathe, and his lungs spasmed and choked in a horribly familiar way when he tried.  Two – it was cold.  It soaked through his skin, into his bones, seeming to devour him from the inside.

And then, just as suddenly, he was back on the island, still shivering in the tropical heat, taking deep breaths of the moist air scented with the ocean, the faint perfume of nearby flowers, and the strong scent of sour wine.  He’d been dropped onto the sand, and was lying in his own vomit.  Well, he’d always said it wasn’t a good night if you didn’t puke on yourself at some point.

“Whoa, that was a hell of a thing,” Blob stammered, still shaking as Pyro sat up.

“All right, boyo, that’s enough. I’m not sure what you did, but I’m sure they deserved it,” Banshee said briskly, putting a hand on Kid Omega’s shoulder.

“I made a universe in my own mind, you know.  And I can put people there anytime.  So don’t piss me off,” the boy said, staring daggers at Blob.  

“Yeah, yeah, nice tricks, pink hair,” Blob waved his hand dismissively, quickly recovered from the ordeal.  “I used to work with a guy who can do illusions. You’re nothing I ain’t seen before.”

“I’m Omega level!”  the boy snapped, as Banshee just shook his head.

“i’M oMeGa LeVeL!” Blob mocked, and Pyro couldn’t stop himself from snickering.  

“Forget it, lad, they’re not worth it. They’re just drunk and stupid. Very, very stupid, “ Banshee said.  “I’m giving you idiots your one warning, got it?  If I have to come back out here, you’re gonna spend the night in the drunk tank – which is NOT built for comfort – and spend all day doin’ community service tomorrow.  There’s bathrooms to be cleaned, you know.”

“Yeah, yeah, message received. We’ll be good,” Pyro said.  He almost wanted to apologize, it was right on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn’t bring himself to say the words in front of that posturing little brat.  Banshee he could respect, but not this pissant half his age that thought he was the next Big Thing for mutantkind.  There was always one of them running around.  

“Yeah, we wouldn’t wanna keep junior here up past his bedtime,” Blob added.  “He’s obviously already cranky.”

“Shut it, or I’ll let him put your minds through a telepathic blender,” Banshee snapped, but he grabbed the boy by the arm, and walked off into the jungle.  There was a quiet moment, while Pyro staggered none too steadily around, gathering up the wine bottle and their respective glasses (or pots), then collapsed against Blob’s side.  He needed something to wash the taste of stomach acid out of his mouth.  And besides, throwing up meant he was entitled to more – it was like hitting the reset button on intoxication, right?  He could feel Blob quivering against him, and realized after a moment that the man was shaking with laughter.

“Can….can you believe that little twerp,” Blob gasped.  “Strutting around with his boots and leather jacket like he’s hot shit.  Oooo, look at me, I’m Kid Omega!”

“I think pink hair is a substitute for having a personality!”  Pyro chimed in.  “Probably jerks off to…..I dunno, what are kids into these days?  Is it still Harry Potter?  NSYNC?”

“Fortnite?  I think?”  

“What the fuck is Fortnite?” Blob shrugged in response.

“Christ, Freddie, we really are over the hill.”  Pyro shook his head and filled Blob’s stew-pot to the brim.  

“Well, you ain’t.  You missed some years an’ I’m pretty sure they brought you back younger.  You’re missing some lines there.”  

“Missing scars, too.”  Pyro stretched his arms out in front of him, as if he could see through the spandex.  Underneath, they were disturbingly smooth, no trace of the marks life had left on him.  Like Blob’s skin, which was almost impossible to pierce.  But he probably had scars hidden somewhere.  

“Hey, Freddie.”

“Yeah, string bean?”

“About that whole….suicide thing. What you said earlier.  You wanna talk about it?”  Blob shifted against him.

“Nah, it…it wasn’t really such a big thing.  Just went through a rough patch, is all.  You know me, I can bounce back from anything.  That’s why I made it so long.  I was kicking up shit way back in the day, and I’m still kicking now.  No need to resurrect the Blob,” he finished proudly.

“Yeah, you got me there.  Me, and a lot of others.”

“Too many.”  Blob shook his head.  “I been waiting forever for Unus to come back, but seems like he’s low on the list. Most of us are.  Same old story.”

“Yeah.”  Pyro had asked Mystique when Avalanche’s turn would come, but she couldn’t give him a clear answer – given that Destiny hadn’t been resurrected yet, it seemed like she didn’t have a huge amount of power over those decisions, despite her position on the Council.  Would former terrorist criminals come before or after the millions of mutants that had died at Genosha?  Meanwhile other Council members’ family and friends got pushed to the front of the line, and Magneto couldn’t be bothered to stand up for people like Avalanche and Unus and the old Mastermind – but he’d still brought back several of his Acolytes (even Fabian Cortez, who, according to what Frezny had told him over a couple of drinks, was the absolute worst.)  Of course Magneto would bring back fanatics that worshiped the ground he walked on.  He couldn’t completely quiet the fear that lingered in the back of his mind – that this whole thing would eventually fall apart, before certain people came back.  

“I guess I was lucky to be a guinea pig after all, otherwise I’d probably be at the back of the line somewhere.”

“Fuck it, man, it’s all political. They just bring back their people, or the ones they think’ll be useful.  I’m lucky I ain’t croaked,” Blob sighed.

“They’d bring ya back, Freddie. You’re one of a kind.  Look, mate, I’m sorry about what I said.  That no one likes ya.  It’s not true.  I like ya. Toad likes ya.  Dom liked ya, even though you picked fights all the time.  I’m glad you’re here and not dead.”  Pyro wasn’t sure why he was being so generous after some of the crap that Fred had said, but to hell with it.  He was probably feeling soft ‘cause of the whole “suicide” thing.  And when it came down to it, he didn’t have that many friends – and his very closest one was still dead.  May as well appreciate the ones that weren’t six feet under.

“Only picked fights ‘cause you guys were always looking down on me, acting like your powers were so much better,” Blob grumbled.

“We only did that because you were always throwing your weight around, pretendin’  you were too good to follow Mystique’s orders, bein’ nasty to everyone – “  Pyro abruptly stopped, biting his tongue. This wasn’t where he wanted this conversation to go, and he was still just sober enough to remember Banshee’s threat if another fight broke out.  He sighed deeply, then poured Fred another generous serving of wine.

“Fuck, Fred, let’s not do this. We’ve been through some shit together, yeah?  We all acted like dicks sometimes back in the day, but it doesn’t really matter now. I’m sorry I said you were a fat piece of shit.”          

“Well, I kinda am, ain’t I?”

“If you’re a fat piece of shit, I’m a skinny piece of shit.  None of us are exactly saints in the Brotherhood.”

“You’re a saint.  It’s right in your name.”  Blob poked at him clumsily.

“Yeah, real ironic, that.  Gran wanted a good Christian name so I’d be good Christian lad.  Buckley’s chance of that.”  

“You get real Aussie when you’re drunk, ya know that.  Can’t barely understand ya.”  Blob was starting to slur now, having gone through the equivalent of several vats of wine at this point.   “But hey man, I’m sorry I said that I was glad you died.  I mean, I was glad right when it happened.  I was mad at you ‘cause of Post.  But it was a shitty way to go, wasting away like that.  You didn’t deserve that.  Gettin’ eaten up inside by your own power.  I remember when that happened to Unus.  He…he died right in my arms, man.”  Blob’s voice sounded shaky again.  Pyro reached up and patted his side – somewhere below the armpit, since he couldn’t reach huge man’s shoulder.  

“Sorry, Freddie.  I’m sure Unus didn’t deserve that, either.”  Pyro had never met the force-field wielding mutant, but he’d heard stories when Blob was feeling especially drunk and sentimental. But he didn’t think he’d ever seen this kind of raw vulnerability from Fred J Dukes before.  He’d blame the wine – stupid wizard probably cursed it with a sadness spell or something.  Get the mutants to drop their guard by making them all soppy.

“He sure as hell didn’t.”  Blob actually reached up and rubbed his forearm over his eyes, and Pryo diplomatically pretended not to notice. “I miss him, man.  He was a real stand-up guy, you know, for a criminal piece of garbage, and he didn’t let anyone push him around.  Don’t think I’ve ever clicked with anyone like him.  And now they’re danglin’ this resurrection thing in front of us, and who knows if they’ll ever get around to him?  Must be worse for you, with Dominic, right man?”

“I sure as fuck miss him,” Pyro admitted, downing another glass.  “He’s my best mate.”  

“Hey look, man, what I said earlier, I wasn’t tryin’ ta –“

“Freddie, I really don’t wanna talk about it.”  Pyro abruptly found himself pinned as Blob swung an arm down around him, holding him pressed against his side.  “What the hell, Freddie, are you tryin’ ta flirt, now?”

“No man, just listen.  Listen, listen man, shhh, listen,” Blob said in what he probably thought was a soothing whisper, while Pyro pushed uselessly against him.  “I don’t wanna start another fight, but I got stuff I wanna say.  I wasn’t tryin’ ta be a jerk before, okay?  When I brought it up.  I just wanted to say that, you know….we knew.  We ain’t that dumb, and you guys weren’t that slick.  We figured out you were – “

“Don’t say it, okay?”  Pyro snapped.

“Fine, but dude.  Listen.  We don’t care.  That’s the important thing here.  I mean, we probably cared a little back in the day.  I admit I made some pretty shitty jokes, but, you know, times were different.  I mean, ‘homo’ was the worst thing you could be back when I was growin’ up.  Until mutants started becoming a thing, of course.”

“Yeah, same here,” Pyro muttered. Apparently this conversation was happening whether he liked it or not.  He downed more wine to try to stop his insides from twisting up.

“But everything’s like, different now. Most people don’t give a shit anymore. Including most of us in the Brotherhood. I mean, it was stupid to ever care in the first place.  We’re already a group of outcast criminals, and we’re gonna judge you guys for wanting to bang each other?  It’s cool if you don’t wanna make out in public or get married or anything, but you don’t haveta sneak around anymore.  I’m cool with it, Toad’s cool with it.  I think ‘Tazia had you figured for gay even before Avalanche came back.  ‘Cause you weren’t drooling over her like Toad an me.”

“She was a perceptive one.”  Pyro wondered for a moment whatever had happened to Eileen.  She had been close-mouthed about her past – and Pyro could respect that – but extremely intelligent, and fun to talk to.

“The point is, it’s a brave new world and all that.  Dudes are marrying each other, chicks are marrying each other.  There’s a whole show starring drag queens that’s run for like, 10 years or something.  It’s all mainstream now.  I mean, I still don’t get it.  Making out with another dude sounds gross to me.  But I ain’t got no problem with other people doing it.”

“That’s real decent of you, Fred,” Pyro said, and he wasn’t totally sure if he was being sarcastic.  This was a surprisingly heartfelt comment coming from Dukes.  “You spend a lot of time writin’ that speech up?”

“I’m tryin’ ta be nice here, okay, matchstick?  And I’m just sick of you pretendin’ ta be straight, an’ me havin’ to pretend I don’t know.”  He trailed off, and gulped down his pot of wine, finally releasing Pyro from his grip.

“Fair ‘nuff,” Pryo conceded. Even though actually dragging all this out into the open felt horribly uncomfortable.  Exposed.  “Don’t expect me to do some big ‘coming out,’ thing or wear a rainbow or any of that crap, though.  I’m not into that.  My private life is my private life, right?  I’ll just….stop trying so hard to hide it, you know?”  

He’d already started to relax his guard a little in front of the Marauders, even picking up a guy at one of the bars that Iceman always dragged them to – although he’d waited until Storm and Bishop had left for the night, and Kate and Iceman seemed too drunk to notice. Iceman seemed to think Pyro was straight, as he’d asked him, with a mix of nervousness and defiance, if he “minded” the first night they went to a gay bar.  That probably would have been the time to say it, if Pyro was a little braver, but instead he’d just shrugged and said, “No worries,” like a good tolerant fellow.  Of course they wouldn’t care.  For all he knew, maybe none of them were straight.  He’d seen Kate give sideways glances to girls, Storm and Calisto seemed to have some chemistry between them, Bishop never seemed to mind men hitting on him at clubs.  But still. A literal lifetime ago, he’d been afraid of getting his teeth kicked in, or worse.  Things were different now, but actually coming out and saying it….it was not so much baring his chest, more like stripping completely naked and handing the other person a knife.  

“Hey, fine.  Do what ya want.  But I’m still gonna make fun of you and Dom if you get all lovey-dovey in front of us.  Not because it’s gay, just because I hate that hearts and flowers crap.”  

“I would expect nothing less, Blobbo.” Pryo took another long drink of wine, refilled his glass and downed it again, until the tension eased out of his spine.   

He supposed it had been stupid to assume that no one noticed.  Everyone living in close quarters, both in Brotherhood safehouses and government facilities (not to mention prison).  They’d all known.  Had they gossiped about him?  Laughed behind his back?  Been disgusted?  

But then, Toad and Phantazia had both hovered over him protectively in the first stages of his illness, when they were all on Empyrean’s private island together.  Toad had even talked about how glad he was that Avalanche could be “there for him,” and wow, there was probably a coded message that Pyro had been too dense at the time to pick up on.  Mystique was certainly not one to judge, and she’d figured him out ages ago. And if Fred Dukes, of all people, was accepting, then…well, it was probably okay, wasn’t it?

“Hey, matchstick.”

“Yeah, Freddie?”

“You and Dom.  Who tops?  Be honest, ‘cause I got money riding on this.”

“Shit, Freddie, I gotta be way drunker for this conversation.”  And he poured again.  The bottle continued to oblige.  

  When he opened his eyes a crack, the sun pierced right through to stab into his brain.  Pyro groaned and squeezed his eyes shut again, bringing one arm up clumsily to better block out the light.  He felt like utter shit, and that realization caused a sharp spike of alarm in his chest.

Sick.  I’m sick again.  

Or maybe he’d always been sick. Because it was all too good to be true, wasn’t it?  Dying like a hero, coming back to life on this magical island where mutants from all sides of the political divide were having nonstop raves and orgies, getting to sail around and play pirate with the X-Men, who accepted him as a team-mate without question.  How could that possibly be real?  Wasn’t it more likely that this was all just the fever dream of a dying man, still lingering comatose in a hospital somewhere?

Except Pyro realized in a moment that he was lying on sand, with ocean waves creating a comforting rhythm just at the edge of his hearing.  And the pain he was feeling wasn’t quite the same as what the Legacy Virus had done to him. His head was pounding like a drum, he ached all over, and he was fairly certain he wouldn’t get through the morning without barfing at least once – but he could breathe without pain.  He sucked in a deep, cool breath and slowly let it out again.  No coughing, no burning in his lungs, no constricting weight on his chest.  

This wasn’t Legacy, it was a very familiar kind of suffering.  One he’d inflicted on himself many times before.

“Heya, toothpick!”  Blob’s voice boomed cheerfully in his ear.  “Had a little too much last night, huh?”

“Uggghhhhh…..fuck off, Fred,” Pyro mumbled, trying to roll away from the sound of his voice.  Moving made his stomach flip-flop, and he stopped for a moment.

“Haw, haw, ya shouldna tried to keep with me, ya scrawny little light-weight,” Blob guffawed, but he didn’t sound as mean as usual.  Pyro feel something cool being pressed against his face.

“Here man, drink this and come back to life.”  He opened his eyes again, wincing, and accepted the water bottle that Blob was holding out to him.  

“Probably gonna take a few of these, Fred,” Pyro said, carefully sitting up, pausing for a moment to swallow saliva and wait for his stomach to hopefully quiet itself.  Then he began sipping the water cautiously.

“You’ll probably need a couple of these, too,” Blob offered, slipping him some aspirin.  

“Thanks, mate, right neighborly of ya. You’re in a good mood this mornin’ aint ya?”  He swallowed the aspirin and gulped down more water.

“Well, I actually was smart enough to drink water last night, so I didn’t totally wreck myself.  Plus I never get hit too hard with hang-overs. Got all this extra body mass cushioning me.”  He laughed again, slapping at his belly.  “Besides, it was hilarious watching you last night.  You were trashed, man.”

“Well, I had good company, didn’t I?” Pyro looked around, squinting in the bright morning light.  He’d wound up sleeping sprawled out on the sand at the edge of the jungle, just a few feet away from Blob’s hut, thankfully some distance away from the puddle of vomit he’d left the previous night.  He remembered that part clearly – the fight, the encounter with Banshee and that little pink-haired shit acting as Krakoa’s rent-a-cops, some of the heartfelt conversation that had followed.  And then, the night dissolved into a dream-like haze.  Well, they weren’t locked up in the drunk tank, so they must not have gotten in any more trouble.

“Least I know how to handle my liquor,” Blob chuckled.  “You wanna shower, toothpick?  You smell like something Wolverine rolled in.”  Pyro grimaced as he realized that the sour aroma of dried puke and smashed pumpkin was wafting up around him.

“Yeah, that’s a good idea.”  

He spent a good twenty minutes in the shower, using Blob’s surprisingly luxurious bath products, then gave his uniform a thorough scrubbing, and fire-dried it.  He’d get a clean one from the Marauder later, but he didn’t feel like sitting around smelling like garbage in the meantime.  

Vague images kept floating up out of the haze while he washed, little snippets of memories dissolved in wine.  

…..Blob putting the stew pot over his head and fastening a curtain around his shoulders, staggering around shouting, “To me, my Brotherhood!  Throw yourself under the bus for mutant rights!  I’m a self-important jackass and I don’t actually care about any of you, my loyal soldiers!” while Pyro rolled around in the sand laughing hysterically…….

……Pyro splashing into the waves, yelling back at Blob, “I’m gonna do it, you’ll see!  I’m gonna fight one a’ them sharks with my bare hands, then fry up it for dinner!  We’re gonna have a barbeque right on the beach, yeah.”  Blob was bellowing laughter while pulling him back with one hand, so that he was helplessly flailing around, swimming in place. “C’mon mate, I can do it!  Aussies aren’t scared of sharks!  We’ll kick the shit out of any animal!”  “C’mon dumbass, this won’t be nearly so funny if you drown,” and then he was being hauled back up onto the beach……

…..then he was draped across the stomach of a maudlin Blob, who wasn’t even bothering to hide the tears that dripped down his cheeks.  “It’s just….what am I if I’m not the Blob, right?  You’ve got those stupid books, but what have I got?  I mean, I’m nothing without my powers.  I tried to make it work back then, I really did.  Got my own reality show, got real popular in Japan, but it just wasn’t enough.  I was miserable not bein’ the Blob.”  Pyro was patting at Blob’s stomach, almost kneading it like a cat, in what he probably had thought was a comforting manner at the time, muttering encouraging nonsense,” Nah, Freddie, c’mon mate, you’ve got lots to offer, you got a big heart and a big personality……”  

….then the two of them were chucking the last of Blob’s squash and pumpkins at the trees.  For some reason they were both singing “Highway to the Danger Zone” at the top of their lungs……

Pyro just sighed and tried to blink it all away.  It wasn’t actually the worst drunk memories he had.  At least neither of them had gotten naked.  He hoped.  

“Hey man, you took your sweet time. You jerking off in there?”  Blob said as he emerged, piling eggs and bacon onto a plate and passing it to him.  Luckily his stomach had settled a great deal by then.

“Nah, I wouldn’t be so crass, Freddy. I only jerk off in my own shower.”

“Guess it’s not as much fun without Avalanche, huh?”  And Blob actually winked at him.

Pyro opened his mouth to snap back at Dukes, to tell him to shut up and mind his own damn business.  Then closed it again, because he couldn’t actually detect any malice in the other man’s tone.  Not needling him, just…playful joking, in Blob’s own crass way.  

Instead, he just shrugged and grinned. “Guess so.  Thanks heaps for the food, Freddie.  And the bloody aspirin, I really needed that.”

“Well, what can I say, I know my manners.  I’m a hospitable guy,” Blob chuckled, sitting down to his own breakfast.  “Besides, it’s the least I can do after what you gave me.”

Pyro paused with the fork mid-way up to his mouth, thinking back.  What had he given him, besides a whole fuckton of wine?  

“’Fraid I don’t quite remember what you’re referring to there,” he said cautiously.  Had he promised his services or something?  Given up some of the booty he’d stashed from raids with the Marauders? (He didn’t feel at all bad about that, as the captain herself was actively encouraging them to take as much booze and money as they pleased.)  

“The wine.”  Blob jerked a thumb over to the shelf on the wall, where the bottle sat surrounded by little ornaments, as if occupying a place of honor.

“Oh yeah, well I’m always glad to share – “

“No man, the whole bottle.  You gave me the bottle.”  

Pyro’s fork slipped out of his hand. Fuck.  Fuck!  He hadn’t. Surely he hadn’t been so stupid as to give up a priceless treasure like that, just because ol’ Blob had gotten a little weepy last night.  Surely not.

“Oh hell, I didn’t really, did I?”

“You did!  You insisted.”

And much as he wanted to deny it, there was a memory creeping back into his mind.  Himself, holding the bottle up to Fred with a grandiose air, waxing poetic about how he would be Krakoa’s Dionysus, Life of the Party, Keeper of the Mysteries, and the other mutants would frolic around him like the Maenads. Christ, he really was a pretentious sot when he got drunk, wasn’t he?  (But hey, he couldn’t help that he’d gone through a pretty heavy Greek mythology phase as a kid.  It was just so interesting!)

“I….guess I might remember something like that,” he conceded hesitantly.  “But that doesn’t count, does it?  You can’t hold me to that!  I was trashed out of my mind!”

“Not so trashed that you couldn’t blather on about a bunch of Classical bullshit!”   Blob declared.  “It was damned funny.  And if you think I’m givin’ this bottle back to you, you’ve got another thing coming.” His tone stayed light, but a sharp gleam in his eye suggested the promise of another fight.

“C’mon Freddie, you’ve gotta be kidding me!”

“Look man, I thought this might happen. So I got video evidence.  I got a message from Drunk Pyro to Sober Pyro.” He held out his cell phone.        

“Fuuuuuck,” Pyro moaned, not even wanting to see.  He took a side glance at the bottle, so inviting out in the open.  He should just grab it and run.  Instead, he heard the sound of his own voice, slurred with wine, Australian accent even thicker than usual so that he was running his words against the backs of one another.  

“I, St. John Allerdyce,” the figure on the video stopped to belch, “bein’ of sound mind an’ body, do hereby bequeath this bottle of never-endin’ wine to Frederick J. Dukes, the Blob, forever an’ ever, no take backs!  Be’cause…..’cause….he’s my good mate, an’ he needs somethin’ for himself, an’ I’m fulla good will tonight.”  The figure was bleary-eyed and staggering, but at least he seemed to be happy, judging by the wide grin stretching his face.  

“Fuckin’ hell, Drunk Pyro,” Sober Pyro groaned, laying his head in his hands.  That bastard had gotten him into more scrapes than he could count.

“But!”  Drunk Pyro continued on the video.  “There’s….conditions.  One….no….two! Two…two conditions.”  He swayed for a moment, seeming to look up at the stars before pulling himself back together.  “Condition the first!  You gotta share the wine, Freddie.  Share it like, like I’ve been…been sharing it.  Bring it to all the parties.  Pour for….for eeeeveryone.”  He made a sweeping gesture and nearly fell over.  “Condition the two!  You gotta….gotta give me special access, right?  I get ta come over and drink as much as I want, any time I want, yeah?  No matter what!”  

“I accept your conditions,” came Blob’s voice from behind the camera.  Drunk Pyro grinned again.    

“Then I now pronounce you man and bottle!”  He crowed, holding it aloft.  “You may kiss the …wait, no, don’t put your mouth directly on it.  Everyone’s gotta drink that.”  

“Now make it official by singing Waltzing Matilda.  That’s Australia’s national anthem, right?”  Blob’s voice suggested on the video.

“No, it isn’t, “ said Sober Pyro.

“Yes, mate, you’re exactly right!” exclaimed Drunk Pyro.  He made it through one off-key verse and chorus before fumbling the words and collapsing to his knees, laughing.

“Hey man, thanks for this,” said Blob’s voice on the video, as a hand reached out to take the bottle from Drunk Pyro. And Blob actually sounded a bit sincere. “I really appreciate it, ya doing something like this for me.”

“Well, you’re my special mate, right?  We’ve been through loads together.  And I feel sooo wonderful tonight.  I’m fulla…..fulla love for everybody!”  Drunk Pyro spread his arms out to the stars.  “The world is so bloody beautiful, yeah?”

“Who do you love, Pyro?”  Blob asked from behind the camera.

“Everybody!  All the little mutants, and even the humans, too!  The ones that aren’t too shitty, anyway.”

“Who do you really love?”  Blob asked pointedly.

For a moment, Drunk Pyro looked up at the camera in confusion, then he lit up with the nicest smile Pyro had seen on his own face in a long time.  It wasn’t cruel or sarcastic, not sloppy drunk or wild with adrenaline.  It was the kind of genuine, soft smile he’d described in many novels over the years.

“I love Dominic!” Pyro exclaimed, hugging arms around himself and slumping down against the sand.  “I love Dom.”  

“Oy, you fucker!”  The video switched off abruptly as Sober Pyro made a grab at the cell-phone in Blob’s hand.  “How dare you, how fucking dare you pull that shit!  Fucking shit-cunt!”  

“Hey man, chill out!  You gave me the bottle fair and square!”  Blob held the phone over his head, while Pyro began trying to clamber up him.

“Forget the bottle, I don’t care!  Why would you make me say that!  On video, for fucks sake?  You lookin’ to blackmail me?”  

“No man, no!”  Blob plucked Pyro off with his other hand, and deposited him back in his chair.  “That’s not what that was about!  I ain’t gonna show it to anyone.  Here, look, I’m deleting it.  Geez.”  Blob pushed a couple of buttons in his phone.  

“You were tryin’ to make me say it, though, weren’t you?  Why would you want me to say that?!”  Pyro glowered at him over the table.

“I dunno man, I was loaded, too! I just….thought it would be nice, I guess.  I thought maybe….maybe you’d feel a little better if you said it.”  Blob looked confused, and again oddly vulnerable.  Not mocking or mean.    

“You thought I’d feel better?  Seriously?”  Pyro gave a breathless laugh.

“I mean….yeah, man.  It’s like what we talked about last night.  You’re so uptight about this shit, but no one cares anymore.”  

“Fucking hell, Fred,” Pyro sighed, putting his head in his hands again. Fucking Blob.  Fucking Drunk Pyro, spewing everything out into the open.  

But….it probably had felt kind of good to say it in the moment, hadn’t it?  All open like that?  He couldn’t deny, Drunk Pyro had looked beatifically happy when he said those words, his eyes soft and gentle.  Perfect for a scene in a romance, even if he was absolutely humiliated to see that expression on his own face.  He supposed there was no sense in denying it.  He’d said it, after all.

“Don’t spread it around about Dom, okay?  I mean, I know what I am.  I’ve known for a long time, and I guess I don’t mind people knowing, now that we’re all enlightened these days.  But I think Dom’s still working some things out.  Or at least he was.”

“Yeah, sure, man, my lips are sealed,” Blob agreed.  “So, are we cool?”  

“You deleted that video, right?”  

“Yep.”

“And you’re gonna give me free wine whenever I want, just like you promised, yeah?”

“Of course!  I’m a generous fellow, and I don’t go back on an agreement!”  Blob pressed a hand against his chest, proudly.

“Then, yeah. Freddie.  We’re cool.” 

Notes: Apologies to poor Quentin Quire, he didn’t deserve the crap Blob and Pyro were throwing at him.  I have nothing against the character, he just seemed like the kind of arrogant young hot-shot mutant that Pyro and Blob would have no respect for (even if he could absolutely destroy them).

[amelianamendes]

Surprise visit

Reader visits shawn on tour as he is struggiling and trying to pull through

This is my first fanfiction 

 Shawn was on tour in South America, the final leg of Shawn Mendes The Tour. He was struggling, tired, upset tour was almost over, anxious to make it memorable and finish on a high but above all he miss you like hell. You are his light in his dark, his positive energy when he feels negative, you always find a way to put a smile on his face even by doing the simplest things which he adores about you.

You were back home in Canada working in a coffee shop to get some extra money for Shawns Christmas present you got him some small things but wanted to get a bracelet engraved with “I will always love you” but the A written like the deathly hallows for your shared love of Harry Potter, you missed him dearly and could tell he was too by the amount of facetime calls you got daily as well as text messages when you were unable to talk.

Shawn had been counting down the days to when he would see you again and text you every morning with “10 days till I see you!♥” etc. you had decided the bracelet would be better for your anniversary so instead you brought a ticket to South America and would surprise Shawn at his next show M&G.

You texted Cez and arranged everything when you landed you saw a bunch of texts from Shawn

Imessage from Shawny: hey babe!

Imessage from Shawny: I’m nervous to play the show todayi don’t know why I think it’s because I didn’t sleep well last night and that it might affect my performance, call me when you can I don’t head to the arena until 11, just wanna hear your voice, love you♥

You were about to text him back but realised you should wait until it’s a reasonable time in Toronto otherwise he would worry why your up early, so instead you head to the hotel and have a quick shower.

Half an hour later theres a knock at your door you open it and find Cez standing there you welcome him in and he gives you passes to the show for V.I.P and Access all areas with “ Y/N”  and a picture of you and shawn hugging on the front so security know it’s yours. He tells you that they will leave the hotel at 10:30 to head to arena and to wait in here before exploring as to try to not get caught by Shawn and the fans, he also says a car will collect you and bring you to the arena for the M&G which you are so excited to surprise Shawn, Cez leaves and you decide to text Shawn back as it now 8 am which is when you would normally get up for work.

Imessage to Shawny: hi baby, why didn’t you sleep well?, I’m sure you will perform just fine you always do!

Imessage from Shawny: can I call you?

Imessage to Shawny: of course, I need my daily dose of your voice

Imessage from Shawny: mmm I love when you say things like that, it’s cute

*skip phone call*

After talking to Shawn he had to leave to head to the arena, luckily your room has a view of the front of the hotel so you have some breakfast consisting of a cappuccino, acai bowl, and some water whilst enjoying watching the fans go crazy as they see Shawn approaching you hear them chanting Shawn el ti amo, Shawn el ti amo ” over and over you can see the back of him wearing a white shirt rolled at the elbow, blue skinny jeans (your absolute favourite) and some trainers, you love when he wears blue jeans he always wears black and once for april fools you hid all his black jeans so he was forced to wear blue he wasn’t happy but found it cute.

*flash back to april fools*

“babe!, babe! Where the fuck are my black jeans” “April fools Shawn guess you gotta wear blue today” you say appearing from the kitchen, you didn’t realise he picked the Calvin ones and was also shirtless, you knew he’d been to the gym but boy, you internally died as well as staring, you didn’t realise he was right in front of you until he said “babe, I know my face is extremely good looking and hard to tell which part of my body it is coz it all looks great, but wouldn’t the hair give it away?” he gives a small chuckle and smirks, god that smirk! “sorry, gyms been doing you well” “gotta be strong, protect my girl”

*end of flashback*

Once Shawn had left for the arena you still have plenty time so you decide on an outfit for later and decide to wear some blue ripped skinny jeans, pastel pink bralette (his favourite) and a white shirt tied with a bow, and of course converse.

You take a walk around running into some fans who scream your name “Y/N!  Y/N!, OMG”, you run over to them and ask them if they could not post they saw you “hi guys, I’m planning to surprise Shawn today during the m&g so please could you guys not post you saw me until after?” “yeah of course” “he’ll be so happy” you take photos with them and carry on exploring, you find a cute café and have some lunch then head back to the hotel afterwards to get ready.

Brian texts you to say he’s in the car at the front.

Imessage from Bria: hey at the front in the car

Imessage to Brian: ok be there in a minute

You had become good friends with Brian when Shawn would go to LA to write the albums, you often would hang out with him playing fifa so you could beat Shawns ass, going to bars or just chilling watching a film.

You arrive at the arena and get in line at the back some fans see you and you whisper “I’m surprising Shawn” they all smile and contine their conversations, you start talking to some in front and didn’t realise it was almost your turn, you go through the museum and admire how beautiful it is rembering when Shawn was telling you the idea for it, you can just make out him say “hi hun…..thank you so much, enjoy the show” over the music, Jake pulls back the curtain and mouths “you ready?” you nod your head and walk past the curtain, you see Shawn and he just stares at you in shock, a smile slowy forming and getting bigger and bigger, tears start to form in his eyes and barley whispers “babe?!” you don’t speak but walk straight into his arms he wraps them tightly around you and you both stand there swaying slightly to the music happy tears rolling down your cheeks.

You take a step back but immediately  pulled back into him, boy he’s strong. After he composed himself he asks when you got here, why you’re here but immediately saying he’s glad you are and long your staying, you say only a couple days and that it’s an early Christmas gift coz he missed you and you missed him too, you walk back to his dressing room before he does q&a which involves lots of kissing, hand holding, admiring your outfit and saying how much he loves you, all while that smile never leaves his face.

The show was amazing and so was later at the hotel room…

@sunrise-shawn @theshawnmendesstorycollection

[vantegcfilms]

GRAVITY

Starring | Taehyung x Reader

AU/Genre | ceo!au, sugarmommy!au, sugarbaby!au, fluff, smut, pwp

Word Count | 3.8k

Synopsis | Being the CEO of a huge company at the young age of twenty-five was a feat in itself. If you’re not careful, you can float away and lose yourself. Luckily you have someone who you gravitate to and they keep you anchored. 

Warnings/Tags | ceo!reader, sugarmommy!reader, sugarbaby!Taehyung, dom!reader, sub!Taehyung, femdom, mommy kink, blindfolds, hand confinement, wax play, toys, handjob, edging, orgasm denial, ass play, prostate milking, cum eating, really bad attempt at smut

A/N | This is my first ever smut so I hope you don’t cringe too much reading it. I’ve also never written with sub or kinky themes before so I hope I haven’t portrayed it wrong.

This chapter was edited on 04/01/19.

Gravity was originally a series but was changed to a oneshot because of the lack of inspiration.

“We just need you to sign at the bottom of this contract and the plan will go into full development.”

You looked through the contract and the dotted line at the bottom, your fountain pen hovered over it. With confidence, you put ink down onto the paper before dating it and closing it with a sharp snap.

“We look forward to working with you in the future, Miss Y/L/N.” The man sat across you stretched out his huge hands to yours, where you met in the middle and gave him a firm shake.

“Thank you for choosing Y/L/N Corporations. We definitely won’t disappoint you.” You let a smile light up your face before getting up from your seat. Your butt was numb from sitting for too long, the discussion dragged longer than you expected. This was it. You had successfully signed a contract with a huge conglomerate for a new hotel development. Being the CEO of a huge, multibusiness conglomerate at the mere age of twenty-five wasn’t easy. There was no chance for you to give any say in the decision that your father made for you when you were in high school. The fact that you were the eldest daughter, in a family with no sons, automatically pushed that responsibility onto you. With the contract signed, both sides were happy about the result. Taking your chance to bring the meeting to an end, which should’ve happened a few hours ago, you patted down your royal blue pencil skirt before exchanging bows to the man across you.

Taking long strides you walked towards the exit of the lounge, heels clicking against the marble floor. “Do I have anything else on my schedule, Secretary Shin?”

“No, that is all for today, Miss Y/L/N.” The voice came from behind you as she followed you to the exit, holding the door for you.

A satisfied smile crept up, hearing the response. “You may go rest now, I’ll drive myself home.”

“Are you sure, Miss Y/L/N? I’ll drive you back.” She stubbornly suggested.

A tired sigh came from you, “I’m sure, go and rest.” You were determined to get back to your penthouse as soon as possible, and that wouldn’t be possible with your secretary around. Sure she was very reliable, however she drove like a snail and was overly cautious, given her older age. Your secretary followed you up to your car before standing there, thinking for a moment. She eventually gave in, given how tired she also was from the meeting.

As soon as you sat down and clicked your seatbelt, you heard your phone go off in your bag. You took it out and the screen lit up.

[17:43] Babyboy: When are you coming back? I miss you sooooo much :(

The text automatically played in your head with his baritone voice, which elicited a joyful smile from your lips. Quickly, you sent a reply to let him know you were on your way back. You knew how needy he was, and it wasn’t fair that you promised him to be back by three but that obviously didn’t happen, Without the chance to lock your phone, three grey dots appeared on the screen.

[17:45] Babyboy: Drive safely! See you soon <3

With a soft sigh, you put your phone back in your bag before starting the engine. It roared loudly to life as you took off, startling some people on the street. If you weren’t the person who you were, you probably wouldn’t be driving so recklessly like a madman. But with money came power, and you definitely abused both to get what you wanted. It wasn’t long until you got back to your place with the speed you were driving at. Although your baby boy had told you to drive safely, you knew what you were doing, after all those high performance driving lessons in Dubai did help. Your apartment complex was soon in sight, a man stood at the pavement waiting. When you got out of your car, you handed your car keys to him, the valet, before heading towards the doors. The building was impressive, a tall skyscraper with lights that shone on it as if it were an artefact in a museum. The doorman of your apartment complex bowed and opened the door as soon as you were in sight, sauntering into the colossal lobby with concierge. The ride in the elevator felt longer than usual, maybe because today was a long day and you were missing your baby boy. As the elevator took it’s time going up to the 62nd floor, which was the top, you remembered events of today at work. The usual greetings from employees, paperwork in your office, a visit to your father’s office for lunch, or rather a small business meeting, and the signing of the contract with Hyundai. It was suffocating, the way you had to behave around businessmen and workers. Your penthouse was a place where you could relax and take off that disgusting facade. In comparison to what the media says about your sophisticated lifestyle, you really would just like to watch trashy TV mindlessly in your pyjamas and binge eat. “Floor 62, the doors are opening.” The elevators cold robotic voice broke you from your thoughts, doors opening to reveal a corridor with only one door. The corridor was decorated with shiny white marble floors, minimalistic pots of plants on the side. You stopped in front of your door, entering the passcode before hearing a series of beeps, the latch unlocking and the door sprung open. The waft of bergamot, acai berries and amber came to your nose as you felt the warmth wrap around you, welcoming you back. Stepping inside, you stopped to take off your Valentino heels, putting them neatly next to a pair of Gucci leather loafers.

“I’m home, Taehyung.” You called out to the spacious penthouse, which was huge and clearly too big for you, it always gave you a sense of loneliness. Walking past the open kitchen which looked like it just came out of a interior catalogue, you reached the living room. What greeted you was the night lights of Seoul through the huge glass windows which were ceiling to floor height. The view here was beautiful, every night you could look out into the city and admire the sight, however you knew there was a better sight in your penthouse. Even though you call this place home, it never felt lived in to you. It always looked like it came out of an interior catalogue,  the interior is minimalistic and expensive to your taste. However that didn’t matter. It was because of who lived here with you in secrecy. He made you feel like you were truly at home.

After not seeing a sign of him, you walked towards the kitchen to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. It was strangely quiet and Taehyung didn’t reply to you. Usually he would pounce on you as soon as you got home, but he was nowhere to be seen. Guessing that he was in the master bedroom, you walked towards the room whilst sipping on water.

“Welcome home, mommy.” Taehyung greeted you only clad in his boxers on the bed with Baobab candles lit around it. What an expensive babe. One candle would cost £92 already, and he had several. Of course he’d know how to spend your money.

Suddenly the water went down the wrong pipe and you choked, patting your chest violently. Taehyung immediately shot up from where he was sat to rush to your side and help you. Sure you were used to seeing him in his boxers, but you didn’t expect this as soon as you got home. It was like some corny rom-com movie.

“I’m sorry mommy, did I surprise you?” He rubbed your back gently, trying to comfort you.

Looking up to Taehyung’s little pouty face, “It’s okay baby boy, mommy’s okay. I just didn’t expect this when I got home.”, you stroked his cheek with your thumb before putting your bottle on the nightstand.

“You seemed to be having a rough day from your texts, so I thought I would be a good boy and wait for you.”

Awww, could you ever ask for a sweeter angel than him? “You’re such a good boy you know that? Mommy needs to spoil you.”

His eyes lit up with your praise with the mention of spoiling him. He always got so excited when you say you would spoil him, because that either would be buying him expensive gifts or giving him the play time that he wanted. Now, if you didn’t find him that night at the art exhibition, what would he be doing now? Pleased with his reaction, you ran your hands along his biceps before pushing him gently onto the king sized bed.

“Be a good boy and wait for me, okay?”

He nodded back eagerly and sat on the edge of the bed, watching you with intent as you walked towards the open closet, his favourite place. After all, the closet had his treasured collection of design brand clothes you would spoil him with, and not to mention, his toys. You clicked a passcode into the drawer which opened slowly, revealing the daring contents. Blindfolds, restraints, clamps, collars, toys, you had it all. Who would’ve known that the pristine CEO of Lee Corporations would have such items in her closet. Scanning through the vast amount of items you had, you picked up a silk blindfold and ribbon, along with a pink toy. Taking your time, you walked back to the bed with the toys behind your hand, purposely hiding it from the small puppy waiting for you. You saw his nervousness in his eyes and the huge gulp he took. He wasn’t scared or anything, he was just excited and nervous for which toy you would bring out this time. It was always a surprise for him and that made his erection in his boxer harder as it twitched.

“Go sit in the middle of the bed sweetheart.” Your voice came out more eager than you wanted it to sound.

Being the good boy he was, he did as he was told immediately, trembling with excitement and arousal. You dipped your knee onto the bed and got closer to him as you put the toys on the side, which grabbed his attention immediately. He felt a shiver of pleasure up his spine once he laid his eyes on the toys. You took the black silk blindfold and put it over his doe and innocent eyes, his breath hitched as you did. His other senses immediately heightened at the lack of vision.

“Put your hands together towards me baby.” You commanded him as you reached for the silk tie. He followed your instructions, putting his hands together, waiting for you patiently. You wrapped it around his wrists, tightening it, which generated a whimper from him. Beginning to tease him, you traced your long cold fingers against his chest down to his stomach before stopped right above his throbbing cock. He whined at the loss of contact when you let go.

“M-mommy please touch me.” He begged, squirming under you.

God, he was so fucking beautiful like this.

“Shhh baby boy, be good and wait patiently.”

He pursed his lips together, obeying you whilst he waited what seemed like eternity. You got off the bed and reached down to pick up one of the candles before you returned to him.

“Remember your safeword, baby boy?”

“Gucci.”

“Good boy. I’m going to drip the candle wax on you okay? Remember to tell me if you can’t handle it.”

With the thought of the hot sensation that would touch his skin, he shivered with excitement and impatience before nodding eagerly. “Yes mommy.” You took that as a sign and slowly tipped the candle on its side, letting the wax slowly drip. The sudden contact on his abdomen elicited a hiss of pleasure from Taehyung, the wax hardening slightly and taking the appearance of cum. He hadn’t shown any sign of resistance so you continued to drip it as you moved closer to his chest, his breathing became heavier under you. The sounds of him moaning was like music to you, it got you all wet, your panties were starting to stick against your hot core, making it uncomfortable. You rubbed the areas where the wax had landed before you took a plastic card (read: sex store card) from the nightstand to scrape it off. Opening the drawer, you took out a small bottle of olive oil to rub off the remaining residue. Usually people would have that in the kitchen but yours was in your bedroom for this purpose only.

After clearing up the wax, you reached for the cold metal cock ring on the side. When you pulled the waistband of his boxers down, his aching red cock slapped against his stomach. The tip was leaking and swollen with extreme need of relief. You slipped the cold metal cock ring to the base of his aching erection, gaining a muffled hiss. How long was he like this to be in this state? The slight sensation of your hand over the tip already had him whimpering, begging for more. You knew he was trying his best to be patient for you, he wanted to be a good boy and make his mommy proud. Spreading his oozing precum around the tip and down the shaft of his cock to get him ready, he tried to thrust harder into your hold. A frown immediately replaced your pleased expression which had you withdrawing your touch. The sudden loss of your hand made him whine, tears swelling up at the corners of his eyes, threatening to fall on his rosy cheeks.

“No no, that’s a bad boy.” You shook your head, even though he wouldn’t be able to see it. “Mommy told you to wait patiently and look at what you’ve done.”

“P-please mommy! I’m sorry… I didn’t mean it, you just felt so good, I couldn’t help myself.”

“Bad boys don’t deserve to cum, you know that right?”

“Mommy please, I’m really sorry. I’ll be a good boy I promise.”

His submission brought a smirk on your face before you reached for the pink fleshlight on the side. Without warning, you slid it onto his standing cock before giving it a few pumps. “Bad boys also don’t deserve to feel my pussy around them.” He groaned at the sensation and his fists clenched tightly, making his knuckles white. “You don’t deserve to feel the real thing after what you’ve done.” Speeding up and pumping quicker than before, he started squirming under your ministrations. It was a sign that he was close as his breath was getting heavier and moans getting louder. You immediately took the fleshlight off his cock and put it to the side. The abrupt loss of tightness had him suck in a sharp breath.

“Please let me cum mommy, I’m so close.” His voice was unstable and he sounded like a wreck.

“Remember what mommy said, bad boys don’t deserve to cum.”

He was desperate and on edge right now. You reached over to get the lube and you warmed it up in your hands before you reached over to his tight little rim. Gliding your finger over it, you teased him slightly before slowly inserting one finger. It clenched around you tightly as you slowly moved. He moaned at the sensation. “Relax baby boy,” you cooed, inserting a second finger.

Pumping your fingers at a steady pace, you started scissoring him, prepping him ready. Adding more lube along with your third finger, you thrusted him harsher. The sight of him being such a hot mess under your hands had you grinding your legs together, hoping to get some relief from the friction. Wrapping your hands around his twitching cock, you started pumping him, giving him the attention that was needed. With your thumb, you slid it over the tip, smearing the precum down the shaft, using it as lubricant. You arched your skilled fingers at an angle, which reached his prostate, creating a loud groan from him as he clenched around you tightly.

“Since you were such a good boy, mommy will let you cum.”

You mercifully took the cock ring off his length before returning to stroke him quickly as you thrusted at his prostate. He suddenly tensed under your hands, clenching tightly before spurts of hot white cum shot, landing on his stomach and chest.

Scooping up some of his cum, you brought it to his lips and prodded it. “Here’s your reward for being a good boy.” His mouth opened widely to accept your fingers. He swirled his tongue around your digits, licking it all clean.

“T-thank you, mommy.”

You reached behind his sweat-matted hair to take off his blindfold, only to be greeted by his fucked out expression. Following the removal of his blindfolds, you released his arms from the confinement before you kissed his wrists, which were now slightly red from all the movement. Sliding to the end of the bed, you got up.

“Where are you going mommy?” He asked as he looked up to you with puppy eyes.

“The bathroom, I’ll be back in a second sweetheart.”

You came with a warm damp towel, wiping his chest and stomach before dropping it into the laundry basket.

“What about you, mommy? I still haven’t been able to comfort you.” The tone was slightly whiny.

Bringing back his Gucci pyjamas and a new pair of boxers, you placed it down next to him on the bed. “Mommy’s fine today, you can do that next time. I hope you enjoyed play time today.” You kissed him chastely on his cheek before smoothing out his sticky hair from his forehead.

Your neck craned around the corner, hands on the edge of the door. You looked at one last time before walking towards your office. Not bothering to switch the light on, you took a seat in your black leather chair and started up your computer. However, you were distracted and couldn’t get any work done. Who knew you would be a sugar mommy to someone? You certainly didn’t think this would happen when you first met Taehyung.

It was a year ago when you attended an impressionism art exhibition in Seoul. This was something that your mother had told to you attend. However you weren’t interested. You never understood the meaning of art because it was all the same to you. But you sure didn’t regret going when you saw this bright and perky boy who had stars in his eyes as he gazed at the paintings on display. He piqued your interest, which resulted you starting a conversation with a complete stranger.

“What’s so special about this painting that you’re so amazed by it?” You asked the boy, who turned towards you with a confused expression, which turned into a warm smile.

“Art is amazing you know? Every stroke of paint that has been put on this could be a mistake or a correction, since they couldn’t erase things like we can now. Paintings are so different compared to digital work that is so common nowadays. The modern world is such a perfectionist, we erase all mistakes unlike the olden days, where they worked with what they could.” His voice came out deeper than you expected but it was comforting.

This wasn’t something someone his age would say.

“You’re interesting. I like your opinion. Are you an art student?”

“Nope, but I love art. I study Fashion Design at Sungkyunkwan University so I guess it’s similar in a way?”

Your eyebrow arched at his response and you were intrigued by him. “Would you like to have a drink with me? I really like you and I’d like to get to know you better.”

He nodded and then followed you, when you lead him to the VIP bar, much to his surprise.

“So tell me, what are your dreams? To become a fashion designer?” You started the conversation as you sat down on a bar stool, waving the bartender over.

“I guess so. I just can’t stop sketching away when it comes to clothes. The clothes really do make the person.”

“Got any of your work you can show me?” You wanted to see what his beautiful mind would have created.

He pulled out his phone and loaded his digital portfolio before handing it over to you. You glanced through his work and designs. To say that he was an aspiring designer was an underestimation. He would’ve made it really big if he materialised it. The dresses, coats, suits and various accessories that were sketched showed so much potential. If you didn’t know this was a students portfolio, you would’ve mistaken it for a huge brand name out there.

“Why haven’t you started making these clothes yet? They’re amazing and I think you would be successful if you did.” You questioned him with genuine curiosity.

“My parents don’t support the idea of me becoming a fashion designer. They think it’s worthless and not a stable job that will bring in income.” His voice was dejected, like a puppy that wasn’t taken for a walk.

“Ah, so you’re from a conservative family?”

He only nodded back at you as he took his whiskey, neat.

“It seems like you have other troubles, too?”

He stared back at you and hesitated a bit before opening his mouth. “They’ve stopped supporting me financially a few months ago. Not to mention, I’m struggling to keep this whole thing going with my part time job at a studio. It doesn’t pay very much, you see. Well, not enough to pay for the stuff I do.” He stopped and took a sip. “I’m thinking of dropping out and stopping this altogether.”

You frowned at his response. “I think that would be a huge waste on your talent.”

He turned towards you and smiled bitterly. “I think so too, haha.”

“How about I make a proposition?”

He perked up at your question before looking confused.

“I will support you financially until you achieve your dream. How does that sound? Maybe something like an investor?”

He had shock written all over his face before he stuttered. “W-what do you mean support me financially? You’re probably around my age right? Are you joking?”

“Probably. But I’m more financially stable than you think I am.” You stood up from your seat before taking a minimalistic black business card out of your handbag.

“How about you think about this and consider it before you give me a call?” You handed over your card to him.

He looked at it and covered his mouth in shock.

Lee Y/N Lee Corporations CEO 0000 981981

He looked back up and you were already gone.

[hyungwons-overbite]

2019.06.17.hyungwon

hangry yet fluffy, loving vibes

“You’re seriously so irritating right now,” you uttered under your breath. You felt a little bad because he wasn’t doing anything in particular, but for some reason everything was getting on your last nerve.

 Hyungwon let out an exasperated sigh, “Alright, princess, let’s go get something to eat.” He rolled his eyes as he got up, grabbing his keys and pulling up his loose fitting jeans.

 “I don’t want anything to eat,” you pouted matter-of-factly. You crossed your arms over your chest and looked up at him beneath your furrowed brow, refusing to budge. Despite your sassy attitude, he flashed his million dollar smile your way.

 “Yes you do, trust me. I know you better than anyone and you’re only mean to me when you get hungry. Come on, brat.” He leaned over and kissed your forehead, intertwining his long fingers with yours.

 Even though you knew he was right, you would never admit it, but you also knew he wasn’t going to take no for an answer. You begrudgingly stood up, slipped into a pair of Adidas slides, and allowed him to lead you out the front door. You walk out to the car dragging your feet along the pavement the entire way.

 “Where are we going, hanger queen?” he asks with a teasing smile. He opens the passenger door for you and bows in your direction, outstretching his hand to lead you in. You try your hardest to stifle a smile; you aren’t backing down that easily, but you are so grateful for how well this man treats you.

 You take his hand, but make sure not to fully give in by saying, “I don’t know, you tell me.” He pulls your hand to his lips and softly presses his plush lips to your knuckles. You feel yourself blush a deep shade of scarlet as you sit in the car and he closes it behind you with a wink. This man is way too damn cute and you don’t know what you did to deserve him.

 He hops into the driver seat and puts the key in the ignition. As the engine comes to life he pops it in reverse, looks over his shoulder, placing his large hand on the backside of your seat to pull out of the driveway. “Well, I know your two favorite things to eat in the whole world are pho and acai bowls. Given the temperature outside I’d say we are going to get acai bowls.”

 “Can I get extra peanut butter on mine? Please?” you mumble, no longer able to hide your Hyungwon-induced smile.

 “Of course, baby. Anything for my princess.”