#apricot scrub for body

[uropa]

UROPA Apricot Honey Almond Scrub Cream 1 KG | Exfoliating Apricot Face Scrub & Honey Almond Body Scrub

- Premium Ingredients: Experience the rich blend of apricot, honey, and almond, providing a luxurious scrub for your skin. 

- Honey Almond Scrub: Infused with the goodness of honey and almond, this scrub deeply nourishes and revitalizes your skin, leaving it soft and supple.

 - Exfoliating Apricot Scrub: The apricot kernels gently exfoliate dead skin cells, promoting a brighter and smoother complexion.

 - Honey Almond Body Scrub: Perfect for a full-body exfoliation, this scrub helps to improve skin texture and tone, giving you a radiant glow. 

- Multi-Benefit Formula: This honey and almond scrub is designed to remove impurities, unclog pores, and enhance skin clarity.

 - Moisturizing & Hydrating: The natural oils in honey and almond help to moisturize and hydrate your skin, preventing dryness and flakiness. 

- Gentle on Skin: Suitable for all skin types, the apricot face scrub is gentle yet effective, making it ideal for daily use. 

- 100% Natural Ingredients: Made with natural ingredients, this scrub is free from harmful chemicals, ensuring a safe and healthy skincare routine. 

- Large 1 KG Pack: Comes in a convenient 1 KG pack, offering great value and lasting for a long time. 

- Easy to Use: Apply a small amount to damp skin, gently massage in circular motions, and rinse off with warm water for best results. 

- Customer Satisfaction: Trusted by users for its quality and effectiveness in achieving a smooth, radiant complexion. 

Achieve healthier, glowing skin with UROPA Apricot Honey Almond Scrub Cream - your perfect skincare companion!

Buy Now

[waterindiasblog]

"A Winter Skincare Essentials Guide"

As winter settles in with its cold, dry air, keeping your skin healthy and glowing becomes more crucial than ever. The combination of harsh weather and indoor heating can strip moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling dry, dull, and irritated. But don’t worry – with the right skincare routine and a few healthy habits, you can maintain smooth, radiant skin throughout the season. Here's how to keep your skin glowing all winter long.

1. Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating is essential in winter, when dead skin cells tend to build up faster. Gently exfoliating your face and body 1-2 times a week will help slough off this layer, prevent clogged pores, and reveal smoother, brighter skin. We recommend the ODEON Turmeric & Yogurt Face & Body Scrub, which works wonders in revitalizing tired skin. If you love the energizing scent of coffee, our Coffee & Coconut Face & Body Scrub is a nourishing option that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and deeply moisturized.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Moisturizing is the foundation of healthy, glowing skin. In winter, it’s especially important to use products that lock in moisture. After showering or cleansing, apply your body lotion and face moisturizer on damp skin to help seal in hydration. Our Cocoa Butter Body Lotion is a winter must-have—rich and intensely moisturizing, it keeps your skin soft and hydrated all day long.

3. Eat for Glowing Skin

Your skin’s health starts from within, and a balanced diet can work wonders for your complexion. Eating a variety of seasonal fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and healthy fats supports your skin’s natural glow. Make sure to incorporate skin-friendly foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, like oranges, spinach, and avocados, to help keep your skin looking its best.

4. Stay Active

Regular exercise isn’t just good for your body—it’s great for your skin, too! Physical activity boosts blood circulation, which helps deliver nutrients to your skin and flush out toxins. Plus, sweat helps keep your pores clear, which can reduce breakouts. So, whether it’s a winter walk, yoga, or a full workout, keep moving to keep your skin glowing.

5. Prioritize Your Sleep

A good night’s sleep is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your skin’s health. During sleep, your body repairs and regenerates cells, including skin cells. Aim for 8-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support healthy cell turnover and wake up with fresh, radiant skin. After all, beauty sleep is real!

A Quick Recap

For skin that stays clear and glowing through the winter months, there are a few essential steps to follow:

Exfoliate to remove dead skin and unclog pores.

Hydrate with rich moisturizers to lock in moisture.

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Exercise regularly to improve circulation and detoxify the skin.

Get enough sleep to aid in skin repair and regeneration.

When you follow these practices, your skin will stay healthy, vibrant, and ready to face the winter months with confidence.

For all your winter skincare needs, ODEON has you covered. Visit www.odeonworld.com for skincare products that will help you achieve and maintain radiant skin all season long!

[waterindia]

Buy Face and Body Scrubs & Exfoliators Online at Best Prices in India | Odeon World

It’s time for some much-deserved self-care with the Odeon Face and Body Scrubs."

[themintsimmer]

40+ must have mods for realistic gameplay | mintsimmer

hi tumblr! here's a list of all mods and cc mentioned in my most recent youtube video!

functional books:

functional magazines by largetaytertots

shadow work journal by kikovanity

all about love romance book by kikovanity

wellness journal by bbygyal123

default pencil override by vixonspixels

misc mods

phone overhaul by apricot rush

am/pm traditions by simwithshan

zoomers delivery plus by ONI

visible hidden needs mod by zerosims4mods

visible hidden needs watermate bottle recolor by yuroge

simley cup recolor by bbygyal123

functional blender / nutribullet (w recipes) by qmbibi

pet mods

playable pets by AOM

indoor potty mat by RVSN

dog leash recolor by vixonspixels

self care mods

functional body care by qmbibi

functional perfume by qmbibi

functional skincare by qmbibi

bathroom clutter kit becomes functional by cepzid creation

purchase spa day face masks from mirrors by llexsims

self manicure and pedicure mod by cepzid creation

functional hair brushes by janesimsten

H&B pro brew tea brewer by H&B

cleaning mods

brand new bedsheets by llazyneiph

pile of laundry override by largetaytertots

functional tidy pods by diabolicalsims

scrub father sponge override by apricot rush

cleaning spray override by largetaytertots

samsung vacuum by kikovanity

brighter mop by dudleystrailer

friendlier flora by seb

oil diffuser by RVSN

media mods

studio ghibli movie override by midnitehearts

better console games : ps5 edition (anime) by simmerwellpupper

turn on tv mod by mizoreyukii

pc game override by ebonix

aesthetic gaming collection by xxtinkerbell

functional nintendo switch lite by simmerkate

balance collection by bbygyal123

CAS mods

simfluencer cas background by largetaytertots

ts3 cas lighting mod by vyxated

more columns in cas by weerbesu

tidy cas by yourqueenofnightsims

WATCH HERE

[dragonnarrative-writes]

Kinktober 10 - Sensory Deprivation

PriceGhost

CW: Blindfolding, headphones used to cancel sound, dub-con elements, oral sex, wildly expensive alcohol (like, seriously, holy fuck)

Price doesn’t indulge in this odd relaxation ritual often, but sometimes he needs it. This week has been long enough that he might need it as much as Simon, at this point. His lieutenant is of the same opinion, apparently, because when Price strides into the den, the noise canceling headphones and sleeping mask are already on the coffee table. He grunts as he eases his aching body down onto the worn leather couch.

Simon comes stalking in, already changed into his sweat pants and a tee shirt. He places the McCallan on the coffee table with a solid thunk, then stares.

When he doesn’t say anything, Price scrubs a hand over his face. “I’m not that bad.”

Simon’s left eyebrow goes up, but his face stays blank.

“Yes, yes,” Price chuckles, placing the headphones around his neck. He settles the mask in place as he add, “I’ve been a right cunt.”

“Y’re always a right cunt,” Simon grumbles.

Price snorts a laugh as he lifts the headphones to his ears. As soon as he turns them on they connect to Simon’s phone and grey noise blocks out the world.

For an indeterminate amount of time, that’s all there is. Darkness and soft static. With the absence of other input, his brain catalogues every ache and pain in his back, his legs, his arms. It takes longer than usual to settle into square breaths.

The first touch of Simon's hand makes Price flinch, hard. He imagines he can feel his lieutenant's judgmental stare before he reminds himself that the whole point is to stop imagining. He takes two deep breaths and tips his head back into the couch.

The tips of Simon's fingers touch the palm of his hand again before being replaced with cold crystal. Price adjusts his grip, then lifts the glass to take in the bouquet of the scotch. It’s one of his favorites, ginger and cinnamon and vanilla notes coaxing the tension from his shoulders. The first taste is heaven, rich and smooth, lingering ginger and apricot as he settles in.

Simon waits until he's set the glass back against his thigh before picking up his other hand. He expects a cigar, but instead, he gets the deep pressure of knuckles in his palm.

He doesn't bother muffling the groan that flows from him as Simon proceeds to massage his writing hand, wrist, forearm as he keeps sipping his whiskey. When he switches hands, he almost drops the whiskey glass, his hand is so relaxed. The world narrows down to white noise, scotch, and muscles forced to unwind.

Then, Simon does something unexpected.

Price spreads his thighs when prompted. Then he feels more than hears himself make a questioning noise when a big body pushes its way between his knees.

For a long moment they just breathe. Then Simon taps his empty palm twice with his fingers. Solid?

Price taps back. Solid.

Large hands land on his knees and smooth their way up his quads. They don't hesitate to lift his shirt out of the way and make quick work of his belt. Another beat of stillness. Price brings the scotch back up to his lips.

Simon's hands are warm as they touch his belly, petting over course hair and feeling over muscle and fat. It's a curious sensation. He's not sure Simon's ever touched him so gently, even with this odd routine they've built together.

It's a shock and it isn't when those same hands coax him to lift his hips enough to shove his pants and trousers down his thighs. And then Simon’s palming his soft cock, not touching to stimulate, but Price feels the awareness of-

He hears himself moan over the noise when Simon’s mouth closes over him, hot and wet. He barely resists the urge to grip the man’s short hair in a fist, stars dancing behind his eyelids. Instead, he tries to focus on not spilling scotch all over them both.

It’s a testament to the stress they’ve been under that Price doesn’t get hard. After a brief flash of frustration, he sighs, deep and long. After a moment, the tension seeps out of his neck, and tipping his chin toward the ceiling.

Simon taps his thigh. Solid?

Price huffs a laugh. Solid.

[heartfullofleeches]

Quick descriptions of my milk cow hybrid yans since it's been a while-

Eggnog [They/them] - Seamstress who lives in the attic/walls of the old farmer's house reader lives in in majority of fics. Steals clothing reader no longer uses to make into outfits for their stuffed rabbit/use as pillow cases. Timid, afraid of loud noises. The tallest of the hybrids and most soft spoken mainly due to damage to their vocal cords. Sings to reader from the attic when they upset

Cotton Candy Milk [they/them] - Town Jester. Silly and carefree, but serious about their crafts. Creates paints with their milk they use to paint portraits of reader.

Screamsicle [they/them] - Formerly known as creamsicle, Screamsicle has a love for all these spooky (and reader). Wears a pumpkin mask they never take off after an incident with humans that resulted in injury. Carrie's around a skeleton with a different name every other week and tells it secrets they'd take to the grave

Rootbeer Milk [he/him] - Cowboy cow. Tries to impress with his sharp shooting, but his aim is rather dull due to needing glasses and refusing to wear them because he thinks they're for dorks (unless reader wears them). Related to Ginger Milk

Ginger Milk [she/her] - Mechanic and owner of the junkyard in town. Loud mouthed and hot tempered, but means well. Works daily in her shop on to impress/improve reader's life and only bugs half of them

Peach Milk [she/her] - Token mean girl, but loves to spoil reader regardless. Makes creams and body scrubs for herself and reader with her milk. Older twin sister to Apricot

Apricot [he/him] - Lifeguard and the sweetheart to his sister's bitterness. Spends all his time at the lake, writing love letters he'll never send. Younger Twin brother to Peach

Milk Tea [he/him] - Town Therapist few actually go to. Stickler for rules, life of the party when wasted. Insists most of reader's problems come from having so many people around them and that they should talk to him alone

Spice Milk [he/they] - Bar owner and the shoulder most go to cry on. Offers the same kindness to reader and prays they don't mind if he does the same.

Apple Milk [They/Them] - Town Doctor. Easily and constantly stressed with work who just wants to crawl into reader's bed and never leave

Mint Milk [They/Them] - Pothead. Makes edibles with their milk they dump off on reader and others. Laid back, though extremely possessive

Vanilla Milk [she/her] - Baker. Acts holier than thou, but a freak behind closed doors.

Cherry Milk [she/they] - Skater girl. Never removes her helmet and pads as she's constantly trying to one up previous stunts and to hide her broken horn. One of the weakest hybrids, but carries a spiked bat

Strawberry Milk [he/they] - Heavylifter and caretaker of the farm/crops. Refuses to let reader use their feet when he's around and carries them around on his shoulders

Chocolate Milk [he/him] - Sherriff. Stoic and easy to anger by everyone except reader. Working on a safe room/apartment for reader in his basement. Has never been milked and refuses to be so which is part of his problem

Licorice Milk [he/him] - Probably the reason there's a need for a sheriff in the first place. Also why many human tourists never make it to their final destination. Offers to cook for reader - they'd be wise not to even drink the water/milk he gives them. Rarely speaks unless it's over the phone. Leaves reader messages that range from slightly cute to cute but only through the eyes of a cannibal cowman

Banana [she/they] - Abrasive tech wiz. Hates being touched/bothered by others - reader being their only exception. Often fixes little kinks in Ginger Milk's machinery and replaces her spyware for their own. Wants to be more open with reader, but struggles to express herself

Oat Milk [she/her] - Nun/gardener. Most avoid her, Eggnog is terrified of her. The only hybrid without a tail or horns. Plants her crops outside reader's window. They smell so sweet and speak even sweeter during full moons

[libraryofmoths]

Moth of the Week

Red-Belted Clearwing

Synanthedon myopaeformis

Image Source

The red-belted clearwing is a part of the family Sesiidae. It was first described in 1789 by Moritz Balthasar Borkhausen as Sphinx myopaeformis. This was later changed to Synanthedon myopaeformis. This moth is called the red-belted clearwing in Europe, the apple clearwing moth in North America, and the apple borer. This is due to their tendency to damage their host apple trees. It is considered a pest in Europe.

They may be confused with the large red-belted clearwing and the red-tipped clearwing.

Description This moth has a thin, dark blue, segmented body. The body is hairless aside from a bushy tail at the end of the abdomen. They are noticeable due to a bright red-orange band on one of the segments of the abdomen. The wings are clear with a dark outline and veins and a fringe on the outer margin (outer edge). The wings help distinguish the red-belted clearwing from the large red-belted and red-tipped clearwings as the wings have no red-orange markings.

Wingspan Range: 1.8 - 2.8 cm (≈0.71 - 1.1 in)

Diet and Habitat This species eats mainly apple, specifically Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris), as well as Pear (Pryus communis), Hawthorn (Crateagus monogyna), Almond (Prunus dulcis), Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), apricots, cherries, mountain ash, peaches, plums, and quince. In Canada, adult moths have been attracted to the flowers of the snowy milkweed.

They can be found natively in Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor. This species was noticed to North America and first detected in Canada in 2005. They inhabit well established orchards and gardens, hedgerows, open woodland, and mature scrub.

Mating Adults emerge from their cocoons in early summer and on flight from May to August, this is presumably their mating season. Females can lay up to 250 eggs, usually singly in the cracks or damaged areas of the trunk and branches they are hosting in. Females attract males with pheromones released from glands. A 2010 study found that 3,13-octadecadienyl acetate is the primary sex hormone.

Predators The larvae of this moth are preyed on by parasites, fungi, and bacteria. The main parasite of red-belted clearwing larvae is Liotryphan crassiseta. Other parasites are Nematodes, Steinernema sp. The fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum are common causes of death in larvae as well as the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis.

Fun Fact

The adult red-belted clearwings are significantly less active on cold days compared to warm days.

In 2014, Judd and Eby found that S. myopaeformis does not discriminate between yellow, green and white or between purple, blue, red, and black. This suggests that they are dichromatic, meaning they can perceive mainly two colors. This affected traps set to catch this species as they acted differently depending on the light reflected.

As this species is considered a pest to apple trees, people have attempted to control the population. This has been tried with pheromone/mating disruption, pheromone laced traps, other chemical traps, the use of predators/enemies, and the covering of apple tree trunks in oil.

(Source: Wikipedia [1][2][3], Butterfly Conservation, Michigan State University)

[desigirldairies]

Reveal Your Bollywood Glow: Unveiling Celebrity-Inspired Skincare Secrets.

This blog is going to be all about Indian & bollywood inspired products and skincare tips. If you also want a blog separately about Indian natural and authentic skincare or hair care I'll surely make it. 🫶

Know Your Skin Type : Identify your skin type - whether it's oily, dry, combination, or sensitive - to tailor your skincare routine effectively.

Cleanse Like a Star : Use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or Neutrogena to remove dirt and makeup and a oil cleaner is a must if you wear makeup daily. Opt for micellar water for a quick and effective cleanse on busy days. (But I don't really recommend it).

Exfoliate for Radiance : Incorporate a mild exfoliator like St. Ives Apricot Scrub or The Body Shop's Vitamin C Glow-Revealing Liquid Peel to slough off dead skin cells and reveal glowing skin. And my personal favorite coffee scrub from The Bombay shaving company. Don't exfoliate more than twice a week.

Hydration Is Key : Use a hydrating toner such as Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray for an instant boost of hydration or toner + mist from pilgrim works like magic (my fav 😭).

Targeted Treatments : Include a serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for hydration) or vitamin C (for hyperpigmentation) if you are under 17 or 18 like me don't use vitamin c or if you want to use in very less %, I use 2% kojic acid for my uneven skin tone from pilgrim, it's very begniner friendly. (Always consult a dermatologist for your skincare don't go around seeing videos on insta and YouTube believing them). I recommend Minimalist if you want chemical bases serums.

If you are above 23 or 25 Incorporate a retinol-based cream like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream for anti-aging benefits. (Got this tip from mumma for y'all 😭✨️)

Sun Protection Essentials : Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. More affordable and effective sunscreens from brands — dot and key, aqualogica, Dr. Seth and wish care.

Overnight Nourishment: Use a hydrating overnight mask like Laneige Water Sleeping Mask to replenish moisture while you sleep. Incorporate a facial oil like The Ordinary's Rose Hip Seed Oil for added nourishment and radiance.

DIY Treatments Inspired by Bollywood:

- Try a turmeric, gram flour and yogurt face mask inspired by Priyanka Chopra for glowing skin.

- Use aloe vera gel like Deepika Padukone for its soothing and hydrating properties. (MY fav bolly actress btw 😭❤️)

Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Skin : Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day people are not stupid that they are going around telling you to drink water, IT'S A MUST!. Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and green tea into your diet for overall skin health.

Some of my fav brands (mostly available in india) : dot and key, Foxtale, pilgrim, minimalist, st. Botanica, organic harvest and aqualogica!

Fav brand released by a bollywood actress: Hyphen by Kriti Sanon, their lip balm can even beat Rhode's lip balm istg- and their sunscreen 🔛🔝.

Channel your inner Bollywood diva and achieve a radiant, flawless skin with these skincare tips and product recommendations. Let your skin glow like a star!

[aelinschild]

Paradigm; side by side

˙���˖ March 4th: Wanderlust

Main Masterlist | Paradigm; side by side Masterlist |

SYNOPSIS: Wanderlust; a lust for wandering. WORDCOUNT: 1.1K WARNINGS: Sexual innuendos, Cursing, a little degradation?

Written for @throneofglassmicrofics 2024 March Prompts. Go check out the other works over there!

He had a garden. 

Underloved but overgrown. Sat on the southernmost side of the house, curled between fruit trees that dripped abundance. Sagging branches with succulent flesh. She hadn't wanted to overstep – had no chance to establish boundaries before the man had disappeared. But, she loathed to leave anything in wait. 

Gluttoning herself on pears and apricots, their sticky residue tracing routes of evidence to her collarbones; down her wrists. Stones sat piled in a facsimile pyramid, cores tossed into the dirt. Laden in her stomach, she felt drunk off the sugar and sunshine. 

She was in a new pair of night clothes; a cotton chemise that stopped just before her knees. Proper despite the lecherous staining. It would have to be washed, scrubbed clean of the sensuality. The bottom, her ass, was most likely stained from the dirt beneath her. Rich and moist, fertile in every way. 

In the span of a hundred hours, she had shed some sleuthing layer of herself. Skinning off time in exchange of a carcass dripping in currents. Sure, arguably the sun could dictate her comings and goings, but it had yet to cinder unprotected tranquillity. 

This coastal paradise, a possibility beyond imagination. If she hadn't been dripping in her testimony of existence, she would have thought this was a dream. It felt hazy like one, under smoke mirrors and pungent cravings; all made earthly. Like some advertised escape, teetering on the edge of delirium but with the promise of rejuvenation. Except, she had no reason to return. 

If it would be like this – quiet and lonesome – she would fit in with the pattern. Dust motes passing could barely hold a candle to her effect. 

Of course, she did have responsibilities. Had to make money in some way or another, had to pay her tithe to the church of reality. But, Aelin amended, she could find a way to remove that constraint – those chains – while not suffering a desperate loss. Something with no way back. 

She would have to speak to Rowan, first, though. 

Standing on legs like a fawns, she gathered the seeds and kept them in her grasp. She would drop them in arbitrary places. See her presence in full bloom, eventually. 

Making her way down to the shoreline, tossing stones and giggling at the noise of a ricochet. Closer to the water, the sounds were overwhelmed by the maw of oddity. Cool and vast, stones forgotten, Aelin toed her way into the water. The foam by the edge curled around sunkissed ankles and up to bruised knees. Deeper and deeper, cutting off synapses and blinding tactility. It took all of one choked breath before she was submerged, diving into obscurity. 

Air was ripped from her lungs. 

Currents rolled and crashed, twining together in a dance she had no understanding of the steps to. Pliable, she rolled with the water, eyes shut out. She felt hair and cotton. She felt immemorial gashes of land, their mark interrupted with her presence; her fleeting pressure bruising into lonely sands. 

Spun around, lashing out like a shout, the water reigned absolute over her. It was a pounding, a thud thud thud on a door that should have stayed closed. There was a tightness, a burning, deep in viscera and flesh. Life force ripped from marrow. Elbows cracked on rocks, skin split on reef decay. Her body bent to the will of a beast. 

Out, her mind chanted. Humming in the back of her skull. Out. Out, out, out! 

Eyelids hung with weights and mouth sewn shut in promise, there was no survival instinct. Aelin could have laughed at her lack of care – how dare she challenge what could not be contained? Maybe, maybe, she could swim to the surface, strain worn muscles and atrophied wants. But it felt nicer, calmer, down where that light did not reach. She would let it–

Air came quickly. 

“Up! Breathe!” Hacking drowned out shouts; drowned out water; drowned out… the man? “Breathe, woman! Goddammit!” 

The world spun, a flashing slideshow of colour. Knees clacking together and hands tightening around linen. Tighter, tighter, tightening–

“Breathe.” Prayer and condemnation wrapped into a weather-worn shore. “In…yeah, there ya go. Good girl. Keep breathing. Right–” Adjusting steel band arms, shifting her around–

“Stop,” Croaking out, her voice came like rusted nails up her throat. She had to cough again, a loud ugly sound. Wrapped up in phlegm and bile. “Let– let go… of me. Ple–”

“No.” Final. Crashing, sinking, ruining. 

They were moving. Large legs splashed water in all directions, careless and intentional encased in one. The arm that was a band around her waist hand moved up, up to her shoulders. Casing in rib cages and fluttering heartbeats. Careful placement left his hand North of where she ached. The other tucked under lacerated calves. Body warm, trickling into her head. Fuzzy now, moreso than when she was drowning. A humming and a clicking and a raging. Frame of marble and corded with need, his breaths came out hurried. Tracing over the crown of her head, light ghosting of another human. Her head could roll back, lean into the crevice of his arm, look up at her saviour. 

But the hammering of his heart kept her gaze pinned to the horizon. 

“I wrote…” Scoffing, a cruel noise, “The currents at night are vicious. Fuck. Why would you do that?” 

Through addled thoughts, her mind was back in her bedroom. The novel she had plucked from between couch cushions – currently flattering said note. 

“I-”

They were on shore now. She felt the change, the brief unsteadiness before the man readjusted his weight across the sand. Her head spun; from the drowning or the scent of sun-worn skin. He was saying something, rocks falling and skies crashing. Voice honeyed and stabbing, flaying across her nerves. 

She landed on her feet with enough force to rock her brain in its encasing; blinding pain. He had dropped her. 

Stood like a wet dog, dripping in guilt, melting in shame. Falling apart under some unknown desire. She was facing the man. This invisible figure that ran along capillaries like a scalding kiss. She was so sure her shock poured out in viscous waves – stronger than what had nearly taken her victim. 

“Stupid woman,” he growled. Animal and all. 

Indignance spilled from blue lips, jumping at opposition. Stopping short as they tumbled from a gaping mouth. Rolling into sand and forgotten in rapture. 

She had been so sure that desire could be separated from axons, from cells and neurons. From eyes. Stood in front was what snapped surety, crippling it in its fist like a most fragile cut of crystal. Jagged and fine. Nothing like who she thought she saw, and unlike what she knew. Rowan existed like catastrophe made man; it had only taken the ocean to shape that. 

Eyes that held torrential powers wavered, moments ago seeing through her, drifting now to see her. 

Cotton chemise and sun-bleached hair. 

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Taglist: @mariaofdoranelle , @goddess-aelin , @leiawritesstories , @renxzs

[butdaddyilovehim99]

Summer Kisses, Winter Tears

Chapter Two - Out of Thin Air and Averted Gazes

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

18+

Gale Cleven x OC, Winnie Egan

Summary - Winnie and Gale have got a lot to figure out with very little privacy

Warnings - cheating and age gap

Thanks as always for the encouragement and brainstorming with me bbg @brotherwtf

Winnie can hardly sleep through the night—tossing and turning as her mind races. She replays Gale’s lips on hers, his hands on her body, and the pleasure he made her feel. Her mind lands on Marge at one point, and she feels disgusted by herself.

She has to see Father Teska as soon as possible—she must confess and be absolved of her sin. Her blood runs cold the more she thinks about it. Would Father Teska tell John? Confessions are never to be shared with others, but this is one of the seven deadly sins—the most unholy of sins. Winnie concludes that she will be going to hell for this, as she cannot confess to Father Teska.

At the first break of light through the windows, she quietly gets out of her rack. She grabs her toiletries and heads to the showers—showering with the hottest water she can stand and scrubbing her skin raw as if she could just wash the act itself out of existence. Afterward, she begins brushing her teeth at the sink, and her gaze lands on a purple mark on her neck through the mirror. Her eyes widen in shock—she has seen these marks on John before from women he has slept with, but to see this brand of sin on her own skin is scandalous. She spits the toothpaste from her mouth and lightly runs her fingers over the bruise.

Winnie jumps when Helen speaks as she walks in, “Who the hell gave you that?” Helen laughs but stops when she sees Winnie’s terrified expression. Her face goes soft and understanding, “I’ve got some makeup; we can cover it right up.”

Helen makes her way up to Winnie and starts rifling through her bag. They are silent as she dabs makeup on the dark purple mark. Winnie watches through the mirror. “Please don’t tell John,” she whispers when Helen is finished—grabbing her wrist and turning to her, “please.”

Helen shakes her head and smiles supportively. “My lips are sealed, sweetie. This is just between us. If you want to talk about it, we can.” Her eyes search Winnie’s.

“Maybe some other time, Helen,” Winnie murmurs when another woman walks in, sliding her hand from Helen’s wrist to her hand and squeezing it—she plans never to have that conversation with Helen. “Thank you.”

Winnie gathers her toiletries and heads back into the quarters—dressing in a dark grey skirt that goes perfectly to her knees and a white long-sleeve blouse. She leaves her curls down for the day and quickly checks her neck before leaving the barracks���starting the walk to the mess. Her stomach is in knots, but Winnie meets John for breakfast most mornings. She knows she can’t stray from usual because of last night--John would worry and ask too many questions.

She instantly wishes she had deviated from her routine the moment she walks into the officer’s mess and sees Jack and Gale eating together—they both look up at her. Whereas Gale quickly looks back down to his plate, Jack smiles at her and waves her over. Winnie forces a smile and nods, “Be right there, Jack.”

She takes her time as she makes her plate—eggs and toast. She finds a small piece of fruit, an apricot, she believes and gets a glass of orange juice before walking to sit across from the both of them. They are shoveling food into their mouths, and she is grateful for the silence. She puts her napkin over her lap, then uses a knife to slice open the apricot and takes the pit out. Winnie can feel Gale’s eyes on her as she slices the fruit into smaller pieces. She does not look up from the task or when she begins to eat.

She hears the doors to the mess a few times as she eats, but she stiffens when she hears John ask for coffee behind her. Winnie slowly lowers her fork to her plate, nausea rolling in her stomach. She doesn’t think she will make it through this breakfast, not when John plops himself down beside her. She hears them exchange greetings and takes a drink of her juice and a deep breath. She feels John’s hand on her back as he rests his arm on the back of her chair. Winnie looks at him, smiling softly—before returning to her plate.

She forces herself to eat a piece of her apricot and pushes a bit of egg around on her plate. She chokes on her bite when John says, “I got demoted.”

“Excuse me?” Winnie demands, whipping her head to give him a stony look. She didn’t know he was meeting the new CO this morning, but it makes sense. She also didn’t realize that Huglin disliked John so much that he would get him demoted—but that also makes sense.

He pats her back a little as she clears her throat, still trying to recover. “I’m back as CO of the 418th. Sorry, Jack.” John says, but he doesn’t sound very sorry as his gaze turns to Jack. “Harding wants to see you.”

“You son of a bitch,” Jack mutters as the rest of them put together what this means for him. He tosses his napkin onto the table and stands before he huffs, “Air Exec.”

“You’ll be much better than the last guy, Jack.” Winnie offers, and his eyes soften slightly—giving her a little smile. She smiles and nudges John lightly on his side with her elbow when she says, “I guarantee it since I heard the other guy got canned.” John lets out a soft chuff and rolls his eyes.

“Thanks, Winnie,” Jack says appreciatively and nods at her, then the guys before he departs—no doubt to meet the new colonel. Someone brings a cup of coffee to John, and she looks back at her plate. It was easier to ignore Gale with Jack here, but Winnie knows John will turn his attention to his friend. Her heart starts to beat faster, and she takes a sip of juice to calm down.

Winnie tenses when John speaks again to Gale. “You got up early this morning.” Her heart is racing, he knows. John must know; he knows everything. She keeps her head down but sneaks a look at Gale—he pinches his brows together, shoveling more eggs into his mouth as he barely grunts in response.

“To see Colonel Harding before me,” John says, lifting his coffee and sipping. Winnie feels like she can breathe again. John doesn’t know, and this isn’t him confronting them. He’s smiling when he sets his cup down.

Winnie’s relief is almost instantly replaced with irritation—she closes her eyes for a moment. Gale helped John get demoted and helped get him back into the sky above enemy territory with flak and fighter jets shooting at him. She wants to scream.

“Well, thank god for Saint Cleven—getting you right into the action.” She snaps as she stands up from the table, tossing her napkin to her plate and turning to leave.

“Woah, woah.” John grabs her wrist, stopping her. His eyes are soft and concerned when she looks down at him. “What’s going on, Bunny?

Her eyes flick to Gale, who hides his emotions so well as he looks up at her. She can’t tell what he is thinking—his eyes give away nothing. She looks back to John. “Being Air Exec kept you safe.” It comes out quietly as she looks into John’s eyes—his eyes tell her everything. His love and concern for her even the slightest flicker of guilt. His thumb rubs the inside of her wrist, and he nods.

“I’m always coming back to you, Bunny.” He says it like he can guarantee it. She wants to believe him, so she nods and lets him pull her down so he can kiss her forehead. He’s grinning when she pulls away. “Besides, you know I’m the best there is.”

She rolls her eyes but cracks a smile and nods. “I know, Johnny.” She feels tears trying to well up in her eyes, so she slips her wrist from his grip and leaves the mess. She barely has time to get out of the door before she sniffles. She keeps her head down and finds a quiet place in the treeline to hide.

Winnie thinks she hates Gale, but that only lasts for a fraction of a second because she knows she doesn’t hate him—she loves him. It’s why she gave in so easily last night. She looks up when she hears the sound of a fort in a nosedive. She wipes her eyes and hurries out of the trees, watching in horror as a fort crashes into a fireball in the distance.

She watches the billowing smoke as she walks back to base, hoping its crew is okay but knowing they didn’t make it deep down. She bumps into Curt, and he grins at her. “You comin’ out with us tonight?”

Winnie raises an eyebrow. “Out where?

“To the pub in the village. All of us guys are going; you should come!” He grins, throwing his arm around her shoulders before he pouts. “C’mon, you’ll have a blast!”

She can’t fight the smile Curt puts on her face with his dramatic way of asking, and she nods. “Alright, Curt. I’ll come along.”

“Woohoo!” He hollers happily, and she laughs at him. “I swear, Short Stack! You’re going to have fun tonight!” He shoots her a wink before he goes back to his business.

She spends the rest of the day in her quarters with a textbook and only heads back to base to meet up with the fellas. She grins when she spots Curt, and he puts his arm around her shoulders. “You ready, Short Stack?” He grins when she rolls her eyes.

“You’re barely taller than me, Curt!” She laughs.

“Hey now! A half foot!” He defends proudly with a hand over his chest. “Every little bit counts.”

“What do you think you're doing, Bunny?” John’s voice asks from behind as he approaches the group she’s with. Winnie looks towards him, seeing Gale purposefully trail a bit behind.

She smiles up at John. “Curt invited me. Said it would be fun.”

John looks at Curt, and if looks could kill, then Curt would be a man dead. “Did he?” John looks back to Winnie and places a hand on her back. “It’s not really your type of fun, Bunny.”

“I never get to have any sort of fun, Johnny. I’ll take anything at this point.” She says, her eyes are pleading with him to let her come along. He sighs and nods in silent permission. She grins and throws her arms around his neck in a hug. “Thank you.”

She pulls away and keeps close to Curt while the whole group walks to the pub. She listens as Curt talks about something from back home, but she doesn’t quite know what he’s talking about with all the East Coast terms he uses. Winnie just smiles and nods along, happy to be included. She knows Gale is somewhere following behind her; she feels his eyes on her back, but she ignores it.

They head into a pub and claim the large table as theirs. Winnie sits beside John, and Bill sits on her other side. Someone brings her a cola at some point, and she sips it as she takes in the conversations around her.

She loses track of how many whiskeys John and the others have had by the time she sips her second cola. A few RAF officers have sat across from them at some point, and the air has been a little tense ever since. John returns from the bathroom and has left his officer’s jacket unbuttoned; she knows he is drunk now.

“Stop staring,” She murmurs as she leans close to John. He has been staring after a brunette and Major Dye for most of the evening. John relents and looks away as Winnie leans back into her seat and hears “Maths.” Come from one of the British officers.

“Maths…” John sighs, and Winnie tunes out most of the conversation that starts up around the table. She won’t admit it to John, but he was right—this isn’t her type of fun. She would much rather be in her rack, reading any sort of book she could get her hands on. She honestly believes no one at the table is having fun—at least not since the RAF officers parked themselves across from the group.

She picks a bit of fluff on her sleeve before her eyes land on the woman and Major Dye. Winnie feels a little jealous of the couple as they openly flirt and lean into each other’s personal space—and maybe she shouldn’t have chided John for staring. He must’ve had some sort of fling with her; Winnie imagines it didn’t last longer than a night—it’s never longer than one night with John.

Most of the time John leaves the gal wanting more and wishing after him, but this woman has clearly found herself a man who cares for her. Winnie watches how their eyes sparkle as they look at one another—she’s seen John give a dame a look like that, but Dye seems genuinely smitten.

Winnie suppresses a shiver, remembering how Gale looked at her the previous night and that same look in his eyes. She wonders if she imagined it or if he simply used it as a tool like John. Her stomach twists, and Winnie steals a glance at Gale. He’s smiling at Curt and looks handsome in the firelight—she frowns and looks at the bottle of cola she holds.

She chews on her bottom lip and runs a fingernail across the glass ridges. Gale said it was wrong, Winnie reminds herself of how he left her standing there in the aftermath of their actions.

Did I do something wrong? She had asked, and his response was as swift as a fort—no, I did. The words replay in her head, and she feels naive for thinking anything could have come from last night. Her mind veers to Marge, and she digs her nails into her palm—Winnie is going to hell.

Winnie is abruptly pulled from her lamentation when Gale shoves John down by the shoulder as he stands up himself. She is a little confused but understands what’s happening when the other men begin to stand—including John. She doesn’t know how the men have decided that a fight is the best way to settle the tension, but she’s not surprised. It seems as if all of the RAF have an agreement to egg the 100th men on, whether that’s in pubs or when they occasionally stop by the base.

She sets her cola on the table before standing to follow them outside. John will avoid trouble if she’s outside with them, and Winnie uses that to her advantage. She stands a bit away and leans against the wall, still in the pub’s light—so John can see her waiting. She notes that Curt has managed to be the one fighting the Brit and that’s as far as her interest goes. Winnie doesn’t pay attention—she keeps her eyes on her shoes until she hears the sound of a punch and a body hitting the ground before the men celebrate. She fights a small smile when John lifts Curt up, and Curt holds his hands in the air.

Winnie pushes off the wall and follows the men after John. They all praise Curt for his victory, and she can’t help but smile. The guy had it coming. It takes her a short moment to realize Gale is walking beside her and keeping time with her shorter legs. She starts to speed up, trying to move from the back of the group, but his fingers gently wrap around her wrist.

Winnie looks up at him with wide eyes—he is already looking down at her. She wants to be strong—to leave him standing alone in the street. But she is weak—she doesn’t resist when he leads her down a side street as the other men continue celebrating as they walk back to base.

She stops walking when he does, chewing on her bottom lip as she leans back against the cool stone wall. She watches as he runs a hand through his hair before he looks down at her—her heart flutters in her chest, and she wishes it wouldn’t. She wants to be angry but can’t when his eyes finally meet hers. She’s mad at herself when she realizes she wants to kiss him. He ran away from her after she gave him her virginity, and she is still helplessly in love with him.

“I’m sorry, Winnie.” Gale finally says, his eyes are full of sincerity.

Her eyes narrow up at him, this is not what she thought would happen. She feels stupid and naive for the butterflies and excitement she felt a moment ago. Her tone is steely when she asks, “What for?”

He gives her a look that says, ‘You know what for,’ but she wants to hear him say it. He sighs and runs a hand over his jaw. “For last night, I shouldn’t have done what I did. I took advantage of you, and it was wrong. I’m sorry.” He repeats it, and Winnie is filled with rage.

An angry, incredulous smile spreads across her lips, and she chuckles softly, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” She looks down the street and shakes her head before looking back into Gale’s eyes.

“This can’t happen again. John would lose his mind if he ever found out.” He talks to her like a petulant child, and she sees red.

“So, I’m still that little girl you met in Texas years ago? Well, obviously not if you were willing to take my virginity in the middle of the airfield last night.” She hisses as she pushes off the wall and shoves a finger into his chest. “Maybe John should know what you did to his baby sister last night.”

“That’s not fair, Winifred.” He knows her full name isn’t something she likes to hear; he uses it purposefully, and her nostrils flare. “I didn’t want to hurt you or Marge. I fucked up, okay? It was a mistake, and I’ve hurt you both.”

“You didn’t hurt me until you ran away from me.” She reminds him and crosses her arms. She can tell he’s losing his patience—he works his jaw while he looks down at her.

“What was I supposed to do, huh?” He demands, his tone is cynical. “I cheated on Marge with you. What do you think John will do when he finds out I’m in love with his little sister?”

Winnie hates the way her stomach flips at his words. “You don’t get to play with my feelings, Gale. You don’t get to make me fall in love with you, knowing I never had a chance. You don’t get to take that special piece of me and then pull me aside to say you’re sorry and tell me to forget it happened.”

She feels the sting of angry tears in her eyes and turns to walk away; she barely makes it two steps before Gale grabs her wrist again—pulling her back. She can’t believe him, his audacity. She’s ready to yell at him some more, but her mind goes blank when Gale crashes his lips to hers; it only takes a second for her body to catch up—her eyes flutter closed, and she kisses him back. His hand cups the back of her neck, tangling into the curls of her nape. The hand on her wrist lets go and moves to her waist—he pulls her body against his. She really is weak, but she doesn’t care—not when he’s kissing her so slow and tender.

She opens her eyes, looking up at Gale through her lashes, and when he pulls his lips away, he doesn’t let her go. His eyes are soft as he gazes down at her.

“It meant everything to me, darling. You have no idea what you do to me, how often I have to remind myself that you’re off limits. After yesterday’s mission,” he shakes his head as if to shake away the memory, “I couldn’t help myself. Life is too short not to take what you want—what you love.” He looks into Winnie’s eyes, and she reaches up—pushing a curl off his forehead.

“John doesn’t have to know everything,” she says quietly—her eyes begging him to give in, “like you said, life is too short.”

She sees the muscle in his jaw jump, and his eyes worry briefly before he gives a slight nod. “He can’t know.” He reiterates, and she nods in agreement. Gale gives in and kisses Winnie gently again, sweet and slow. She’s sad when he reluctantly pulls his body from hers. “We gotta head back, darling.”

-

Winnie is a nervous wreck when John flies his first bombing mission the following week. She’s wrapped herself in one of her favorite sweaters of his, which she forced him to wear before she took it back this morning. John begins to tease her while returning it, but he stops when he sees the look on her face—a silent plea for him not to say anything. So he doesn’t; he just kisses her head and watches as she pulls the sweater on.

“I’ll see you soon, Bunny.” He calls to her as he makes his way to his fort.

She watches as he pulls himself inside, and she walks away from the hard stand. She watches from the edge of the airfield as his fort takes off. Her mind races as she watches the forts climb into the clouds. But her mind isn’t riddled with worry for too long, not when she spots Gale, and he nods for her to follow him. Winnie follows him through a patch of trees until they reach an open field—no manor houses in sight, the land unused.

She giggles softly as she spots one of the Air Force issued blankets laid out with a few items placed on top. She steps closer to Gale and grins up at him. “Is this for us?” She asks and Winnie all but melts at his sheepish smile and nod.

He slips his fingers through hers and leads her to the blanket. “Thought it might be nice to have some peace and quiet.”He helps her to sit before settling beside her, then hums, “Just the two of us.”

She smiles as she sees a few books on the blanket, one with a bookmark halfway through that she assumes Gale is currently reading. Winnie grabs it and hands it to Gale with a soft kiss on his cheek before she grabs a random book for herself and cracks it open. They eventually settle in a position with Gale lying on his side, propped up with an elbow, while Winnie rests her head against his chest and lies on her back while they read. His fingers absentmindedly twirl one of her curls occasionally, and he randomly leans down to press a kiss to the top of her head.

Winnie finds herself in that beautiful field with Gale every time John flies, and Gale is left on base. She lets Gale talk to her excitedly about the forts, and it makes her heart swell with affection as she listens to him. Gale lets her tell him about her plans to be a nurse or maybe even a doctor when they return home to the States—he watches her speak with such adoration that she can’t help but blush.

Their routine makes it easier to bear the day and forget that John is risking his life when he flies. Winnie can hardly stand the days that Gale flies—she avoids John like the plague. He knows her too well for her to be able to hide the worry without notice, so she busies herself with the Red Cross ladies. Helen and Tatty are always happy when she joins them—Winnie actually manages to laugh and relax while with them.

John and Gale let Winnie know they are flying the following day. John tells her while they eat breakfast, a tradition that John is starting to slip away from—as he’s usually too hungover to eat with her or gearing up for a mission. Gale tells her later in the day in their hut when he momentarily sneaks away from his training duties. She wants to cry when she realizes they both will be gone, but she lets him hug all of her worries away. She basks in the warmth of his body against hers, the way she can hear his steady heartbeat in his chest, and that keeps her from falling apart.

Gale keeps her close for a long time—she knows he has to get back, so she begins to pull away. She is stopped when he cups her neck and pulls her in for a long kiss. Winnie lets herself melt back into his touch and kiss—she decides she will never get tired of feeling his lips on hers. He pulls away just enough to whisper on her lips, “I love you.”

It’s the first time either has said those three little words this way, but it feels like a promise. A promise that he will return, he will always return to her. Winnie grabs his wrist and leans into his hand. She opens her eyes before whispering it back to him. His eyes are soft while he gazes down at her, and she knows he plans to keep this promise. He gently kisses her forehead before leaving the hut—returning to his duties as a major.

Winnie barely sleeps—nightmares drag her into dark places the moment she does doze off. She rises before Helen and Tatty—they always wake early to prepare the coffee for the crews, but she can’t stand being in her rack any longer. She showers and readies for the day, settling on light brown trousers, a cream blouse, and John’s military-issued sweater. This sweater she does recall when she acquired it.

It was the day John bought his ridiculous white sheepskin. She was in the process of lecturing him about how difficult it would be to keep clean—to keep white. Still, he simply unzipped the sweater and handed it to Winnie so fast that she almost dropped it. John had tugged on his new prize with a manic grin. She doesn’t quite remember the ribbing Gale had started giving him as she pushed her arms into the sweater and zipped it up—Winnie decided John could have his crazy jacket as long as she got to keep another sweater.

The memory brings a small smile to her face as she zips the sweater and walks out into the crisp morning air. The sky shows the first signs of brightening from the dark, star-studded night into morning. She can hear the jeeps heading to the men’s barracks to wake them in the distance. Winnie heads in the opposite direction towards the airfield; her stomach swims with nerves. She reminds herself that John and Gale are the best the 100th has, heck, the whole Air Force.

The tarmac is alive by the time she reaches it, and the sky is much brighter with the sunrise. The commotion of preparing the forts and crews arriving settles her nerves in the strangest way. These men all work with confidence and assurance in what they do; it’s comforting. Winnie is at Our Baby’s hard stand and can’t even pretend she wasn’t heading straight there.

She catches Gale’s eye as he hops down off the transport truck, and she can tell he’s fighting a smile. He murmurs something to Benny, and Benny nods before heading to the fort—Gale makes his way to Winnie. To anyone on base, it would appear like two friends talking, John’s little sister saying something to Major Cleven, an innocent conversation. “I’ll see you tonight at the officer’s club,” she tells him as a goodbye. A firm statement, no buts allowed.

His lips twitch again, but he lets the smile happen as he nods. “Yes, ma’am.” It sends butterflies through her body, and she wants to kiss him—kiss him until the end of time, but she doesn’t. She gives him a little smile and stares into his eyes for a moment, barely shy of being too long. Then, she nods and walks away without looking back. Her heart hurts too much to look back and see him staring after her.

She weaves through the crews to Just-A-Snappin’s hard stand, Blakey’s fort. Everett is approaching the hatch when she spots him. “You better bring him back in one piece, Ev!” She calls out to him and grins when he smiles at her.

“I wouldn’t dream of anything less, Short Stack!” He turns to her as she approaches. “Bucky had an extra briefing as commander this morning.” He explains to her before she even asks where John is.

“Thanks, Ev.” She hums with a soft smile—resisting the urge to roll her eyes. These men know her a little too well, and she feels a bit of panic that maybe they also know about her and Gale, but she squashes that idea quickly. These guys can’t keep a secret unless it’s classified military intelligence to save their lives—she would know if someone besides Helen knew what she’s been up to.

Winnie raises an eyebrow when she hears Douglass speak from the hatch, “We gotta problem, Bubbles is sicker than a dog.”

At that, Blakey sighs and lights a cigarette, smoke coming out of his mouth as he says, “Son of a bitch.”

They both turn when a jeep pulls up carrying John; he’s out of it before the orderly driving can come to a complete stop. Winnie fights the urge to reproach him for jumping from a moving vehicle. She reminds herself he’s about to fly over enemy territory in a tin can. She shakes the thought from her head. John’s eyes are on her, always concerned for her before anything else.

“I love you, I will see you when you get back.” She tells him firmly, holding his gaze as she speaks—she tugs him down to her level by his flight harness to kiss his cheek. She hears his soft “I love you too, Bunny.” in her ear when she lets go of the harness. Then, he stands to his full height, and ‘Major Egan’ is written over his whole body.

Winnie walks away from the hard stand as he is filled in on the situation—a sick navigator is never good, especially not the lead nav. She wishes it was a big enough problem to scrub the mission but knows it isn’t. She hears engines starting all along the tarmac—a smile breaks out on her face when she spots Sammy and Billy with Kenny. “What are you boys getting up to today?” She teases, putting a hand on her hip as she watches the boys grow giddy with excitement.

“We’re cleanin’ the hard stands today,” Kenny tells her with his southern drawl and a grin, “aren’t we boys?”

Sammy and Billy are bouncing on their toes, and Winnie hears the first of the forts taking off. She pushes her nerves back down and smiles at the boys. She knows what cleaning the hard stands means—she’s lived on base long enough to know but plays clueless as she asks, “Now, why on earth does cleaning make you boys so excited?”

“Fire!” They both say excitedly before Sammy clarifies, “We’re cleaning with fire!”

Winnie laughs softly and shakes her head, “Well, now I’ve certainly heard it all. Cleaning with fire. You boys have got to show me this.” She hears the final fort taking off—the airfield eerily quiet without the rumble of engines and crews running around. She moves to the side—standing on the grass while she watches the group of boys pour gasoline along the oil stain, watches as they cry out “fire in the hole,” then toss the matches onto the gasoline, watches as the fuel ignites and spreads across the hard stand. She can’t help but laugh again when Sammy says, “That’s one hot bastard.”

She looks to Kenny, knowing that line came from him, and he gives her a sheepish smile and a half-shrug. “Don’t let your mother hear that, Sammy.” She warns him, and he gives her the same sheepish smile Kenny had.

“Behave boys.” She tells them before making her way back to base. Winnie spends most of the day helping out in the infirmary; the nurses are kind and give her tasks—they even let her watch while they clean and then put fresh bandages on a wound. It’s a superficial head laceration; the man doesn’t even wince or flinch as the nurse works, and Winnie is in awe. She asks the poor nurse, Maggie, a million questions—she takes them in stride and answers them all.

Winnie doesn’t leave until she hears the forts flying overhead and knows that’s her cue to leave—Maggie tells her she’s welcome any time. Winnie feels grateful to have found another friend on base. She doesn’t mean to walk by the interrogation hut, but that’s where she finds herself—eyes searching a little frantically for John or Gale. She knows deep down that they are okay; the other men shoot her soft smiles—a bit of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy day for them—they wouldn’t do that if something terrible had happened.

A few men are bickering about whether or not Curt’s fort took out a farmhouse during his crash landing in Scotland. Winnie hopes the crew is alright and safe, but her heart aches with more worry for Gale and John that she can’t control.

She spots Benny before Gale and lets out the breath she didn’t realize she was holding. Winnie’s eyes land on him finally, and she bites her lip. He doesn’t spot her as his crew makes their way inside, and she’s alright with that—happy to have him back on the ground. Winnie feels like she can finally catch her breath once she spots John’s messy mop of curls in another transport truck that pulls up.

“Which one of ’em? C’mon Winnie, tell a girl.” Helen’s voice coming from right beside Winnie makes her jump and whip her head over to Helen. Winnie’s eyes are wide as she glances around—looking for anyone too close who could have heard Helen. “I wanna know which of these hunks you’ve got your hooks in.”

“Helen, keep your voice down,” she hisses and grips her wrist, tugging her away from the area, “do you want John to murder his best fr—” Winnie stops abruptly when she realizes her huge mistake; Helen’s eyes already the size of saucers as she processes what Winnie said—a grin spreading on her face.

“Gale Cleven?” Helen demands, using a scandalous tone, and Winnie wants to sink into a hole—dragging Helen even farther away.

“Hush, please. Helen, you can’t tell another soul.” She begs desperately; she knows Helen would never gossip about this—she has kept the hickey to herself this whole time. “Especially not John. You can’t!”

Helen shakes her head, still in shock. “I won’t tell a soul,” she swears and leans in close, “he sure is the prettiest fella on base.” She says it with a smirk, and Winnie fights a smile.

“He is, isn’t he?” Winnie lets herself giggle along with Helen, and they bump shoulders together—it feels good to tell someone, to have a woman in her life to talk to about this significant piece of herself. Helen hooks their arms together and walks them back to their barracks, simply deciding that the other Red Cross gals can handle the coffee and whiskey without her. Winnie admires her so much.

Winnie talks happily but quietly about Gale while they are alone in the barracks, getting ready to go to the officer’s club. Helen listens with a gentle smile as she applies a bit of eyeliner, mascara, and red lipstick to Winnie’s face—not too much as she promised. Winnie stops yapping about Gale when the gals return to get ready. Winnie slips into a dark green dress of her mother’s—she had brought the hem up and taken it in at the waist so it would fit adequately a few weeks ago. She smooths out the silky fabric before adjusting her necklace. Helen grins at her—already changed into her Red Cross uniform.

Tatty sidles up to her and grins, “Well, look at you, trying to win some hearts tonight?” Winnie blushes deeply as she makes eye contact with Helen.

“Let’s go,” Winnie laughs softly and heads out of the barracks—they all hook their arms together as they walk into the officer’s club in the cool evening air.

They separate at the club after a bit; Winnie sips on a cola as she listens to the band perform—these are always her favorite nights. Everyone is in the same room, having fun and relaxing. Her eyes catch John and Gale settling in two seats on the other side of the room—she makes her way over.

John spots her first, and his grin falters when he sees her; Gale, on the other hand—fights to keep his eyes from roaming her body. She thinks John must remember their mother wearing the dress—Winnie doesn’t, which makes her heart ache. “I—I thought…” she bites her lip and feels a lump in her throat. “I thought she might be okay with me wearing this.” She sees Gale frown behind John and wants to run into his arms—let him hold her and forget about the way John is staring at her with a look she can’t decipher.

“Be okay with it? Hell, Bunny, she’d be thrilled to see you wearing this, looking so grown up.” John lets out a soft chuckle, and she realizes he’s trying not to tear up. Winnie immediately takes the seat next to him and takes his hand, and he kisses her on the forehead. She lets her eyes flick to Gale, and he is already watching her with soft eyes—she wants to shove John aside to crawl into Gale’s lap. She pulls her eyes away from his and leans into John—he is her safe place, she reminds herself.

Winnie pulls away when she thinks John is ready to let go, and she smiles up at him—he gives her a grin, and her smile grows more prominent. She sips her cola and glances around the room—everyone is enjoying the night as they should.

When the band begins playing a new song, it only takes a few notes before Winnie recognizes it and looks at John. He’s already fidgeting in his seat—so predictable, she can’t help but smile. She grins when he asks the men around them if he should sing, and they all turn him down.

“Seems like nobody wants to hear your howling tonight, Johnny.” She giggles, and he sighs, smoothing out his jacket. She knows him too well and starts counting in her head just as he starts fidgeting again—she makes it to 5 before he’s out of his chair with a loud noise that makes her snort.

“It’s my song!” John grins at them as he walks backward.

Winnie can barely let John get through the first line before jumping up and grinning as she prances over to John at the microphone. She knows the words by heart, thanks to John; it really is his song.

Her voice filters in with John’s by the third line of the verse, delicate and melodic, “Noticing the days hurrying by. When you’re in love, my how they fly…” They grin at each other as they sing; John takes hold of her hand. “Blue days, all of them gone. Nothin’ but blue skies from now on.”

Winnie laughs when he brings her hand up and spins her around—placing a hand on John’s chest to steady herself as he takes her on a nonsensical waltz. She follows his lead and laughs every time he spins her—she’s dizzy by the time the song ends, and her cheeks hurt from grinning, but she doesn’t mind. Gale is watching them with a smile when they part, John heads to the bar to get another whiskey, and Winnie gives him a shy smile before he heads after John.

She smiles when Douglass and another man approach her; he’s tall with blond hair and blue eyes like Gale. “Thanks for making that pleasant, Short Stack,” Dougie laughs, “your brother really can’t sing.” Winnie laughs at that; no one would ever say John has the voice of the angel.

“Sister? Bucky Egan’s got a sister?” The man says, looking her up and down— his face settles on a grin, and she notes the gold grill in his mouth. “Well, alright then, sweetheart, I’m Howard Hamilton, but everyone calls me Hambone.”

Winnie holds her head up high and matches his grin. “I’m Winnie, and you’re not getting my full name out of my mouth. Everyone around here calls me Short Stack, and I’m currently plotting revenge for it.”

Hambone lets out a low whistle, then a chuckle, but Douglass puts a hand on his shoulder. “Seriously, man, you gotta be grandfathered in, like the rest of us. One of the last new guys called her that and put his elbow on her head, and she bit his finger. The guy had to get stitches!”

Winnie smirks proudly. That guy was rude, and he deserved it—she already hadn’t liked the guy, and then he did that. “He really shouldn’t have gotten so close; it’s his fault.”

Both men laugh, and she can tell Hambone is impressed as he nods. “I would expect no less from Miss Winnie Egan. I’m sure you’re just as self-assured as Bucky and can handle yourself.”

She nods, deciding that she has made another friend today. “Sure can, Hammy. But I’m the one with the brains.” Winnie grins, and he laughs softly, shaking his head. They all look up and around the room when someone yells about a bike race in the mess. Dougie is already giddy and trying to talk Hambone into joining the race.

She knows without a doubt John will be taking part in this, so she walks with the crowd to the mess. She’s a little surprised when Gale is with John, elbowing their way to the front of the pack. Winnie doesn’t see the ending well as all of these men are competitive and drunk, except for Gale—Winnie assumes he will win simply because he’s sober. Not because she wants to see him grin and celebrate after winning.

Winnie can’t help but flinch when Graham shoots his pistol into the air—too loud in a too-small building. Still, the men all begin to take off, and she can’t help but giggle, watching them navigate the tight turns before they race off to the connecting mess. She can hear cheering from the other room and smiles softly. It’s not long before Winnie sees the shadows of men racing back into this building—she sees Gale come in first, pedaling hard. John is hot on his heels, but her heart sinks when she hears Gale groan in pain as he falls, followed by John, then everyone else. Winnie is relieved when Gale gets up, dragging his bike, and John grabs him. She rolls her eyes as she watches them grab and pull at each other to keep the other from winning.

The room goes still when an alarm sounds, and Jack tells everyone to be quiet and listen. Jack announces that they need to get to the bomb shelter, sending a different wave of fear down her spine. John has an arm around her before she can think of anything else and ushers her along. Winnie feels like her feet move on autopilot—she doesn’t feel well when they reach the shelter and stand at the brick wall. John cages her against the wall, both hands on either side of her as if he can physically protect her from a bomb.

She stares with wide, scared eyes at the horizon—the destruction happening at a nearby base. It could have been them; her fingers tangle in John’s sleeve as she clings to him—she feels like a little girl again, clinging to John at the funeral. Her stomach rolls at the thought, and she wants to look away, but she can’t until she hears Gale’s voice. Winnie knew they had been talking but didn’t process any of it.

“You sound like my dad, John,” Gale says, and that’s what pulls her from her internal panic. She turns her head just a little to look up at him. He looks pretty in the moonlight, and she feels dirty thinking that thought while hearing artillery fire and bombs exploding just miles away.

Her heart aches as she listens to Gale tell John a piece of his childhood. Winnie can’t look away as he speaks; she aches to reach out and take his hand, curl into his chest, and kiss him. Mainly, she wants to take all of his pain away. The artillery in the distance echoes what he said about his father once he goes quiet again.

“That RAF prick was right. These daylight missions, they’re suicide.” Her fingers tighten in John’s jacket, and he wraps his arm around her to pull her closer—she wishes Gale hadn’t said that as tears prick her eyes.

Winnie can’t hold it together any longer. She turns in John’s hold to bury her face in his chest—his other arm moving around her body as she lets out silent tears. Her fingers curl into his lapels, and she breathes in his familiar scent—letting it calm and reel her in. It feels childish--burying her face in John’s chest--as it’s something she always did as a little girl, but John doesn’t act like it bothers him one bit. Winnie stays like that until the artillery fire stops and after their designated waiting time before they are allowed back to their barracks.

John kisses her forehead before she pulls away, and he starts leading her towards the barracks. She slips from his grasp, not quite meeting his eyes as she says, “Goodnight, Johnny.”

She knows Gale is following her, so she slips between two buildings to give them privacy. Concern is written all over his face when she whips around on him—his hands reaching for her. “Don’t ever say something like that again.” She means for it to be scolding and firm, but it comes out as a choked sob, and her face crumples. “Don’t ever agree that you won’t make it.”

His arms move around her body, pulling her in as her hands cling to him. He says nothing more than, “Shhh, I’ve got you. I’m here, darling.” They both know he can’t promise everything will be okay because every time he goes on a mission, the odds are stacked against him--against John, against all of them.

She takes a breath to steady herself and tilts her head back to look up at him. He presses his lips to hers in a soft kiss, then rests his forehead against hers. They stay quiet for a long moment before she hears a laugh in the distance and begins to pull away.

“I love you.” He says, and it sounds like a promise again: I’ll do my best to get back to you.

“I love you,” Winnie says back to him; his hand squeezes her waist before he lets her go completely—she heads off to her barrack, following a group of women who are somehow still drunk after being at the bomb shelter for who knows how long. Winnie thinks alcohol must make it easier to cope with the world around them and wonders if that’s why John drinks so damn much lately but never seems to be having a good time. She doesn’t know if she can blame him when feeling like she does tonight.

“Hold up, sweetheart!” She hears a voice holler after her and glances over her shoulder as Hambone jogs beside her. He smiles at her, “Someone’s gotta make sure you get home safe and sound. There’s a lotta creeps out there, ya know.”

Winnie lets out an awful snort of a laugh, and she looks up at Hambone as they walk. “I’m not positive there isn’t one following me home right now.”

“I’m simply a gentleman, little lady.” He grins, and he’s true to his word. He walks her back to her barrack.

“Thank you, Hammy,” she murmurs with a smile, “you are, in fact, a gentleman.”

Hambone smiles and tells her goodnight before heading off in the direction they came from—while she heads inside. Helen gives her a soft smirk and leans close to whisper, “Seems like all the men on base want a piece of you.”

Winnie scoffs and shakes her head. “They treat me like a sister.”

“All of them except your Major.” Helen teases with a wink before heading to her rack and leaving Winnie blushing furiously while she readies for bed.

-

John is barely hungover at breakfast the following morning—sipping his coffee and recounting a fanatical tale of a night out at the pub with Curt to Winnie and Gale as they eat. She squints slightly at John as she tries to keep up. The story is so far-fetched, but Winnie believes most of it because John has always been able to get up to some crazy shenanigans. Gale has a soft smile on his lips, and Winnie thinks this is how she would like to spend the rest of time.

The bliss of the moment is shattered when an orderly with the mail stops by the table and holds out a letter to Gale. “Major Cleven,” he says simply, and Gale takes the letter. The man nods to John and respectfully says, “Major,” before he departs. Gale begins to stuff the letter into his pocket, but John and Winnie see who it’s from: Marge.

Winnie instantly loses her appetite and has to look away from Gale. John takes a different approach. “You’re not gonna open that in front of us? Worried she’s said something naughty, did you say something naughty in your last letter” John teases with a smirk.

Gale’s expression is schooled and unaffected by John’s ribbing when he says, “Shoulda found someone of your own to write to.” John laughs at that, and Winnie puts her napkin on the table.

“That’s my cue.” She leans over to kiss John’s cheek before she stands up and leaves the mess.

Winnie thinks of the letter all day, no matter how she tries to distract herself. She spends some time with Kenny, handing him tools occasionally, and then some time in the infirmary with Maggie.

When John heads to the village to spend another night at the pub at sunset, Winnie walks to the field as she has a feeling that’s where Gale will be. That’s where he is when she gets there; he’s sitting on the blanket that they have begun keeping folded and tucked against a nearby tree so they don’t need to bring a blanket every time. He’s holding the open letter and leaning his elbows on his knees as she approaches. Gale looks up at her as she steps beside him, and he offers her his hand—which she takes as she sits down, smoothing out her skirt.

Her eyes land on the letter again, now up close. It seems like it shouldn’t be considered a letter, but rather a note, really, as it has one little sentence written on the paper.

If this is what makes you happy, Gale.

Yours truly,

Marge

Her fingers squeeze his hand, and she lays her head against his shoulder. They stay in silence as he stares at Marge’s words, and the sun melts away from the sky, leaving them in the soft light of the moon. Gale pulls himself out of his reverie when he places a kiss on the top of her head. She tilts her head to look up at him, his lips curl up into a smile as her eyes meet his. She smiles up at him as he leans in—placing his lips to hers in a long and sweet kiss. His hand cups the back of her neck and pulls her closer.

She places a hand on his chest and moves her mouth with his—savoring the feeling. She resists whining when he pulls his lips away, but he smiles down at her, and it makes up for it. His arm wraps around her shoulders, and he pulls her to lie down with him—their eyes on the sky. Winnie is absolutely thrilled when he starts pointing out and naming all of the visible constellations. She looks over at him and smiles. She watches his face as he speaks happily.

Winnie leans in and presses a kiss to his cheek when he pauses, making him look at her before he places his lips on hers once more. She places a hand on his face, cupping his cheek, and he moves his body—rolling from his back onto his side, then leaning over her body. The kiss becomes deeper, and their mouths part, tongues moving together to taste one another. His hand finds her hip, and she arches her back at the touch. Her hand slides from his face to tangle in the hair at the base of his neck.

Gale groans into her mouth when her nails graze along his scalp, and the noise is enough to drive her mad with need. His pulps are blown wide when he pulls his lips away for a breath. She drags her nails across his scalp again and watches in awe as his eyes roll back, and he lets out a low moan—his hand squeezes her hip. He looks into her eyes, silently asking for permission, when he grabs at her blouse. Winnie doesn’t think she’ll ever be able to tell him no, so she nods her head.

[totowlff]

chapter thirty-six — a secret place

➝ there is no place in the world where elisabeth felt more at peace. and she was looking forward to sharing it with the man she loved.

➝ word count: 4,2k

➝ warnings: smut

AUGUST, 2017

It was still early when Elisabeth dismounted her horse at the family’s stables after her usual early-morning hack. The bay gelding breathed heavily and snorted a little as Elisabeth led him into his stall to cool down for a while before he’d be turned out into the pasture for the day. They’d taken a long ride, and it was already quite warm outside.

— We're getting better at this, aren't we, boy? I know it’s been a while — Elisabeth said, smiling as she stroked his forelock and patted his muzzle. 

She had learned to ride as a young girl, taught by her uncle Tillman, but she hadn’t managed to do it on a regular basis, considering she didn't have access to horses in Vienna. However, every time Elisabeth was in Ibiza, she made a point of taking one of the family’s horses for daily rides around the island, usually in the early hours of the morning, just as the sun was coming up. 

Her favorite was Simó, the Arabian she’d taken out that morning. He was calm and easy to ride, with a smooth gait, but didn’t hesitate to go into a gallop when asked. Those moments of peace and quiet, with only the sounds of birdsong and hoofbeats, gave her the kind of peace that she couldn't remember feeling in a long time.

It was a peace she only found in Ibiza.

After closing Simó into his stall and asking Pep, the stableman, to feed and water him after he’d had a chance to cool down, Elisabeth left the barn and walked back up to her parents' house, thinking about the tall glass of ice water she was going to drink as soon as she got inside. Then, she would go upstairs to take a shower to get rid of the layer of sweat that was causing her shirt to cling to her back. She didn’t have any plans beyond that, which was the beauty of being in Ibiza.

Climbing the stairs to the porch, Elisabeth used the boot jack by the front door to pull off her tall riding boots so she didn’t have to hear complaints about tracking dust and straw from the stables inside. She stepped inside in just her socks and padded silently towards the kitchen, smiling when she realized that she could hear the sounds of laughter echoing through the house. “Someone must have woken up by now”, she thought.

— Speaking of Elisabeth — Marlene said, smiling when she saw her daughter rounding the corner into the kitchen — Good morning, Elschen.

Marlene was sitting at the kitchen table with Niki and Lukas. At their feet, Felix and Shivas were accompanied by Lella, Lukas’ new Weimaraner puppy. All three dogs ran over to her as she stood in the doorway, their tails wagging excitedly.

— Good morning — Elisabeth replied, smiling, bending down to pet the dogs as they jockeyed for prime position for pats and scratches.

— Did you go on a ride? — Niki asked.

— Yes, I left early — she said, looking up at her father with a small smile. After giving attention to all the dogs, Elisabeth got up from where she was kneeling, and went to the fridge to get some water. Lukas was saying something about their uncle and the horses.

— Do you want something to eat, dear? — Marlene asked — I made sure Ximena bought that jam you like. 

The prospect of enjoying a slice of fresh sourdough bread spread with a thick smear of apricot jam was tempting, but she wasn’t hungry. She never seemed to be very hungry in the mornings, usually only having a cup of coffee before work, but even that was unthinkable at that moment, given how hot she was.

— No, thank you, mom. I'm going upstairs now to take a shower.

Leaving the kitchen behind, Elisabeth went upstairs to the hallway bathroom, where she took a long shower, scrubbing the smell of the stables off of her with the fresh-smelling body wash she’d brought. After drying off and wrapping herself in a yellow towel, she went to her bedroom, carefully pushing the door open and stepping inside. 

The room wasn't big, but it was cozy. It had a big dark wood dresser next to a window that overlooked the garden in the house’s backyard. There were several shelves along the walls, with framed photos of her with her family when she was younger, vases filled with seashells she’d collected on the island’s beaches as a child, and a few books she’d read as a teenager. Elisabeth hadn't bothered changing the decor much since she was in high school, preferring to leave it looking like a room in a beachside home. There was one significant difference between now and her teenage years, though, in that there was a shirtless, sleeping man in her bed. 

Toto.

The crushing pressure of the F1 season had been wearing on both of them, and they were both desperate for peace and quiet, at least for a few days. Niki's invitation couldn't have come at a better time. Without hesitation, they packed their bags, picked up Benedict and Rosa, and flew to the island a few days later.

The moment they arrived in Ibiza had been special for Elisabeth. None of the Wolffs — neither Toto nor his children — had ever been to the island, so she could show it to them through her eyes, telling stories of her childhood as she pointed out the places on the island that were so familiar and special to her.  Hearing their giggles as she told them a story about the time she decided to try and walk across the rocky beach in her smooth-soled riding boots and fell made Elisabeth’s heart warm.

The days so far had gone at an unhurried pace, like all days in Ibiza did. Talking about work was forbidden, so they occupied themselves with other things. Elisabeth had already taken the three of them to visit her uncle and see the paintings that her grandfather had made of the island. She taught Ben and Rosi the basics of riding horses and had Simó trot them around the paddock. They spent an amazing afternoon on a boat on the Balearic Sea, where Elisabeth was brave enough to try out wakeboarding for the first time. She had a blast, even though she took some tumbles in the process. 

She sat down on the edge of the bed and gently ran her fingers down Toto’s arm, tracing one of his veins all the way to his chest. Before long, his eyelids fluttered open, and he smiled sleepily at her.

— Good morning, sleepyhead — she said softly as his hand took hers.

— Good morning, Liesl — Toto answered, placing a delicate kiss on her fingers — You got up early today.

— Yes, I took Simó and went for a ride, to see the sunrise. I got back about forty-five minutes ago.

He smiled.

— That's your worst flaw, you know?

— What is? — Elisabeth asked.

— Being such an early bird.

She laughed.

— That's a flaw?

— Yes. Because instead of getting up early and playing with your horse, you could have stayed here in bed with me.

— And what would we do here?

— This — he said, as he pulled her by the waist so she fell on top of him. She laughed as he rolled both of them over so he was on top of her, pressing kisses all over her face and neck as he tickled her sides, making her scream with more laughter.

— Toto!

— What? I'm just showing you what we could do if you’d stayed here — he said, before taking her lips in a delicate kiss, affectionately cupping her face with one of his hands, running his finger along her jawline. After a few seconds, Toto sat up, smiling down at Elisabeth — Isn't that better than riding around on a horse?

— Much better — Elisabeth replied, as Toto bent down to kiss her again.

The two of them cuddled in bed for a bit, and Elisabeth argued that she didn’t want to have sex with her parents and brother downstairs. Finally, Toto agreed to get up and get dressed so they could go downstairs to spend time with Elisabeth’s family and the kids.

The rest of the morning was the kind of slow, leisurely morning that Elisabeth adored but did not get to indulge in very often. After breakfast, she and Toto sat on the porch in the sunshine, sipping coffee and watching Benedict and Rosi play with the dogs. Around lunchtime, Mathias arrived with Claire and his children, who had joined in with Benedict, Rosi, and the dogs. 

— Good morning, Elschen — her brother said, as he climbed the porch with his family’s suitcases. He smiled pleasantly at her, and she did not return a greeting.

— Good morning — she murmured, as she stood up from where she had been sitting on the stairs. It seemed like a good time to see if Marlene and Ximena, who had worked for the family in Ibiza for years, needed help in the kitchen.

They prepared a shrimp paella for lunch, and had a traditional post-lunch siesta. Elisabeth woke up in Toto's arms, and smiled. An idea sprang to mind shortly after she woke up, leading to her climbing out of bed to change her clothes.

She roused him from his nap.

— Dear? — she whispered.

Toto let out a sleepy grunt as he rubbed his eyes.

— Get up, I want to take you somewhere.

— Now?

— Yes, now.

He sat up in bed, running a hand through his hair.

— Why?

— You’ll see. Just put on something comfortable and some shoes that are good for walking and meet me downstairs. 

After a few minutes of grumbling, Toto got up and dressed, and followed Elisabeth to the car she had rented at the airport, which was parked in front of her parents' house. Then, they took off driving toward the western part of the island. Twenty minutes later, Elisabeth stopped the car in an open area that looked like it was a parking lot for tourists.

— Are we there?  — Toto asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

— Not yet — she smiled, taking the key out of the ignition — Come with me.

She took him along a path that ran along the coast of the island, laughing every time Toto complained about how far they had already walked, remarking that he would probably need to see a doctor after their trip, as his knees were hurting so much. However, all that time listening to him complain was worth it when Elisabeth turned and saw the expression on his face when she told him that they had arrived.

She’d brought him to Cala es Portitxol, a beach that was practically a secret kept by the locals, as tourists rarely frequented it. The water was an incredible shade of turquoise that practically begged to be dived into, especially after the almost hour-long walk 

— This is…

— Pretty, isn't it? — she completed, looking at Toto, eager for an answer.

— More than pretty. It's beautiful — he replied, smiling at her — How did you know about this place?

— When you spend as much time here as I have, you get to know a few things — Elisabeth said, taking his hand — Come on.

They followed the rest of the trail right to the rocky shore. Just as Elisabeth was hoping, it was completely deserted. It didn’t look like the fishermen's houses that were near the shore were presently occupied. “Perfect”, she thought, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

They stood right on the shoreline, contemplating the landscape and the sound of the waves lapping against the rocks, neither of them saying anything. Toto decided to sit down on the rocks to “catch his breath”, he says. However, Elisabeth had another idea.

She began to undress. First, her sneakers and socks, then her t-shirt and shorts. She put all of her clothes in a pile next to Toto, and noticed that he was watching her intently. She had put a bikini on under her clothes, fully intending to go swimming, but since nobody else was around, another idea came to mind.

— What are you doing? — Toto asked, as soon as he saw her untie the knot at the back of her neck.

— I'm going for a swim — Elisabeth replied, tossing her bikini top toward the pile.

— Naked?

She bent down, sliding her bikini bottoms down her legs. The breeze that came from the sea, along with the butterflies she felt in her stomach when doing something forbidden, made her skin tingle and erupt into goosebumps.

— What’s wrong with that? — Elisabeth said, looking at Toto. His gaze was lost on her body, taking in every detail, his mouth slightly agape. Realizing that he was too shocked to respond, she decided to make one last provocation. Throwing the bikini bottoms she had in her hand in his face, Elisabeth shot towards the water, not noticing the temperature change with the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Diving into the sea, she managed to recapture the same feeling inside her chest that she had every time she was in Ibiza when she was younger. It was as if those waters were capable of washing away all the sadness, fear, and anxiety she was holding onto. It was as if, the moment she set foot in Ibiza, the awkward teenager inside of her that was afraid of being an “ugly duckling” never existed in the first place.

There, she was simply a happy-go-lucky girl like she had been as a child.

She stayed underwater for a few seconds, turning her head towards the shore when she resurfaced. Toto had been sitting on the rocky beach when she dove in, but now, the spot next to where her clothes were piled on the rocks was empty. Her eyes scanned around, fearing the worst for a moment when she saw no trace of Toto, but her dread was dashed when a pair of hands wrapped around her waist and made her squeal.

Emerging from the water, Toto had a wide smile of satisfaction.

— Did I scare you?

— Yes, you idiot — she replied, turning around and patting him on the shoulder — Don't do that again.

He laughed.

— I just wanted to surprise you, since you decided to surprise me.

— Your idea of a surprise is disappearing?

Toto brought his face close to hers.

— My idea of a surprise is joining the crazy adventures my pretty little girl comes up with.

Elisabeth glanced down, holding back a smile. The refractions of the light on the water prevented her from getting a clear view, but as far as she could tell, he had left his clothes behind.

— Are you naked?

Toto shrugged.

— I didn't want to get my clothes wet.

— Even your underwear?

— Even my underwear — he replied, pulling Elisabeth closer, brushing his nose against his. There was a certain sweetness in the way Toto pulled her so close, his dark eyes fixed on hers — I take it you didn't want to get your bikini wet either.

Elisabeth wrapped her arms around his neck.

— I just wanted to do something different, since we’re alone here.

— You mean crazy, right?

— You think this is crazy?

— Well, considering that the first time you slept with me, you woke up in the morning, wrapped yourself in the duvet, leaving me uncovered in the cold to go to the bathroom to get dressed so I wouldn’t see you naked, seeing you jumping naked into the sea is a huge improvement. It even makes me wonder where that shy woman I met at Edvard went.

Elisabeth smiled. The night they had spent together in Sochi had been a memorable one. They had spent so much time teasing each other that they were both desperate to finally get together. Their first kiss had the effect of unleashing their pent-up mutual desire such that it seemed impossible to quell. All of the satisfaction they could provide each other wasn’t enough for them that night.

They wanted more from each other. Always more.

However, the next morning was different. As soon as she woke up, Elisabeth realized what she had done. She'd had sex with Toto. She was completely naked on his bed. She was disheveled and her makeup from the night before was smeared. When she realized the state she was in, a strange feeling filled her chest, like all of her insecurities started nagging at her at once. She felt almost ashamed.

“I need to get dressed”, she thought.

Elisabeth slid silently across the bed wrapped herself in the blanket Toto had thrown over them before passing out the night before, tiptoeing to the bathroom and picking up her discarded clothes and panties on the way.

— Liesl — Toto grunted, tugging at the edge of the duvet — It's cold.

— But I need to get dressed.

— You need to take the blanket for that?

She stared at him. After a few seconds, Toto sat up in bed, running a hand through his hair. He realized why she was covering up.

— Elisabeth, there's nothing there that I haven't already seen. It’s a bit late for modesty. 

Something tightened in her throat.

— But, it's just... There are some things I don't like... And you might not like it either...

An incredulous chuckle escaped his mouth.

— Liesl, if you're talking about stretch marks, cellulite, those sorts of things, I don't care. They are what make you you. And I'm crazy about every inch of your body, every bit.

Elisabeth turned to the bed again with a half smile on her lips.

— You are? — she questioned in a low voice — Like, really?

— Of course, Liesl. I like the little blonde hairs on your lower belly, the scar on your thigh, the birthmark on your hip. I like your tattoo on your shoulder and the little hole you have at the top of your navel, even though I wasn’t expecting you to be a woman who has tattoos and piercings. 

— Why wouldn't I be?

— Because you don't look like a rebellious girl.

— Well, I had a phase…

— A phase, huh? — he asked, pulling the blanket and consequently Elisabeth towards the bed.

— Yes. As soon as I went to university. Of legal age, living alone — she replied. At that point, Elisabeth was already lying back on the bed, curled up in Toto's arms — Although I think you're  bringing out that rebellious side of me again.

— Me? — he asked, chuckling.

— Yes, you.

— Good to know, my rebel girl — Toto replied, and then kissed her.

He definitely brought out Elisabeth's more impulsive side.

Even worse than that was the fact that she loved it.

— You destroyed that shy woman — she whispered — You just destroyed her that night in Sochi.

He smiled.

— Good — Toto replied, inching forward to kiss her. The salty taste of his lips and the delicacy with which he touched her under the water, led Elisabeth to get closer. With her chest pressed against his, she surrendered herself to him, her fingers tightening on his wet skin as they bobbed with the waves.

Pulling his face away, panting, Toto brought a hand to her face.

— Come with me.

They returned to the shore, running to where the clothes were piled up. However, if Toto’s intention was to find a space to accommodate them, Elisabeth completely dismissed it. She threw herself at him, all it took was a whisper to have Toto sit up and she straddled him, her fingers buried in her dark hair and her knees pressed against the pebbles on the beach. As she kissed him, Elisabeth felt her skin grow almost feverish, her pulse roaring in her ears, her desire growing by the second.

As if he knew what she needed, Toto lifted her hips, his lips moving down Elisabeth's sternum, nibbling the skin between her breasts. Then, positioning his own cock at her entrance, he pulled her down on top of him, slowly penetrating her.

— Fuck — she said through clenched teeth, tipping her head back. No matter how many times the two of them had sex, those first few seconds were always maddening.

— Are you okay? — Toto asked softly, his fingers pressing into the curve of her ass.

— Yes — Elisabeth murmured, before kissing him again. She moved her hips slowly and experimentally, seeking out the most pleasurable rhythm. It didn't take long for her to find it, sighing each time she felt him move inside her, her eyes rolling back as Toto tucked his head into the crook of her neck, muffling the growls that escaped his throat.

As she started moving faster, Elisabeth began to feel the bubble of pleasure begin to grow inside her belly, her fingers gripping Toto's shoulders more firmly, seeking support. Suddenly, Toto tightened his grip on Elisabeth’s hips, preventing her from continuing to thrust. Then, he reversed their position, placing her lying on the rocks, supporting her head with one of his hands.

— Let me help you — Toto whispered, before lifting one of her legs and taking over the work.

With her eyes half closed and a fog of pleasure growing thicker in her mind, Elisabeth no longer knew where she ended and where Toto began. In that mess of legs, arms, kisses, and moans, they were one, in search of the same goal, the same mutual pleasure.

Feeling her legs start to shake, one of Elisabeth's hands slid down his back, towards his butt, the nails sinking into the skin as a silent request for him not to stop. And Toto obeyed, speeding up the thrusts even more and bringing his fingers to brush against her clit.

She didn't have to say anything to let him know that she was close. There was such harmony between the two that it only took a gasp for him to know that Elisabeth was almost there.

— Come for me, my love — Toto panted.

Then, the bubble of pleasure burst, the ecstasy spreading through her body like the waves that were crashing into the rocks next to them. Arching her spine, Elisabeth whimpered softly, her lips pressed together in an attempt to keep the moans from escaping. The feeling was always overwhelming, no matter how many times they had sex. And Elisabeth couldn't get enough of it, she just couldn't get enough of it.

As she returned to her senses, Toto finally reached his own orgasm, taking her lips in a way to stifle his own moans as he came inside her. His hips quickly slowed down, until he finally stopped, still inside Elisabeth. Pulling his face away from hers, Elisabeth saw that he was smiling. 

— Are you okay?

— Yeah — she said, smiling, bringing a hand to his face — And you?

— I’m good…

Silence hung between them for a few seconds.

— We are crazy — Toto muttered.

— Probably — Elisabeth replied, laughing.

— Very likely.

— Is that a bad thing?

— I think it's too good for our own good, Liesl — he murmured, kissing the tip of her nose before pulling out of her, groaning a bit as he got to his feet. Her gaze soon went to his palms and knees, which were red and scratched.

— You’re hurt — Elisabeth stated, as she sat up.

— You too, my love — Toto replied, pointing to her knees, which were also a bit banged up, the result of the moment she had straddled him. Those wounds, though minor, along with the scratches on her back, made it difficult for Elisabeth to clean herself with the salt water. Putting her clothes back on caused a hiss of pain to escape her lips with every movement.

Once they were both cleaned and dressed, they made their way back to the car hand in hand, being careful not to slip on the rocks. They also took the opportunity to take some photos along the way, taking care to avoid showing their battle wounds.

Night was approaching when Elisabeth and Toto arrived back at the house. On the front lawn, Benedict was playing with Shivas, while Rosi sat with Lenny on the porch, the two of them stroking Felix's soft fur. When they got out of the car, Lenny’s eyes lit up.

— Tante! — he shouted, running towards Elisabeth to hug her. She lifted the toddler into her lap and kissed him on the cheek.

— How are you, Mausi? — she asked — How was your afternoon?

— I’m fine. We walked the dogs on the beach.

— We? Who did you go with?

— With Ben, Rosi, mom and Oma.

Giving the teenagers a knowing look, she smiled at her nephew.

— I'm glad your afternoon was fun, darling — Elisabeth said, as Lenny hugged her.

— Your afternoon wasn't that great, huh? — Benedict asked, approaching them with the ball he was throwing to the dog in his hand.

— Why do you say that?

— Your knees are all scratched up. What happened?

Elisabeth blinked. She didn’t know how to answer. It fell to Toto to answer the question.

— Liesl went to show me a place she knew of, we hiked on this path, and she ended up tripping and falling.

— You mean you two fell, right? — Rosi said, pointing to his knees, also injured by the rocks on the beach.

— Yeah — he answered his daughter, placing his hand on Elisabeth's shoulder — We're both a real disaster on trails, and the rocks were wet.

Bene chuckled, and remarked that dinner was almost ready. After Elisabeth set Lenny back down, she watched the three of them walk into the house, not saying anything before she felt the warmth of a hand at the base of her spine.

— Should we go inside?

Elisabeth smiled.

— Yeah. Let’s go.

[rychillacases]

I'm going to answer this for my MC, Yaetherim. These are intriguing questions. He's a former forest protector turned private eye.

(Art by Pamonyaart.)

In the morning, tea, black, no sugar. In the evening, either beer or fruit juice, depending on the context. He drinks what he likes to drink. He's especially fond of Nistyr juice. This is a fruit native to Rychilla, which is about halfway between an apricot and an orange.

Yaetherim doesn't have much of a routine. He'll use water and a washcloth to scrub off dirt, while getting dressed of a morning. Then he'll tidy up his hair a bit and that's it. Bathes about 4-5 times a week, slightly higher than the usual 3-4 times.

Fairies use favours as currency, rather than coins or other tender. So Yaetherim's biggest purchase, so to speak, would be his dagger. It's a style known as a 'stinger', which is common for fairies. But the spent-crystal blade and wood inlay are marks of a top-quality weapon, designed for a user of florakind magic like him. For it, he traded his silence regarding an illicit affair betwen a fairy and the human armourer who made the stinger. It wasn't relevant to the case he was investigating.

He has 9 physical scars, most of which are visible in the artwork above. There's two on each of his legs, one on his left arm and three on his right. Another one crosses his chest. But the biggest is the hole in his right wing. It's been covered by a patch of airship skin fabric, held in place by stitches. Mental scars include touch aversion, mild PTSD, wariness of waterkind magic and a very negative body image. All of these come from one attack, when he was a forest protector. He found two Rychillans (humans) trespassing in the forest. They attacked him with a water lance and left him for dead. His plotline in my first book, A Pinch of Distrust, revolves around finding who did this to him.

It was after his second visit to Alkentoft, the nearest Rychillan town, several months after he was attacked. Despite the amount of time that had passed, the Rychillan town guard had made barely any progress in the investigation. This frustration, and the stress of knowing his attackers could return to finish him off, drove him to breaking point. He was alone when this happened, in a room at Cropper's Crony Inn.

He's the youngest of two children. His older brother, Naeviol, is the village apothecary back home. Naeviol is very protective of Yaetherim, even more so after Yaetherim was almost killed. Unfortunately, Yaetherim often doesn't see this, and tends to view Naeviol as borderline smothering. (I am planning some relationship development here.)

Yaetherim usually doesn't wear shoes. This is common for a forest fairy, they usually go barefoot or wear flip-flops or sandals. These shoes will be woven from plant material, and be light in construction. Yaetherim prefers being barefoot, as he can feel the texture of what he's landed on, and if there's any unexpected movement within it. At the start of Flames of Doubt, while posing as a caterer, he wears sandals. He finds them uncomfortable.

His hut in Riala Village is, like most fairy huts, a single room containing a bed, a couch (backless), wardrobe, dresser (with mirror), table and chairs. All furniture is wooden, with upholstery and coverings woven from leaves. When he's asleep, the door will usualliy be locked.

His favourite holiday would be the feast of gratitude. It's when Fairies throw a massive feast in honour of Galarus, the creator. Although he's not a professional cook, he enjoys it as a hobby and is very skilled at it. So he'll usually volunteer to help cook for this festival, and throw himself into it. It allows him to forget his troubles, if only for a few hours.

He usually wears his stinger sheathed on his belt, close to his right hand. As well as this, there's also a florakind crystal, worn in his belt buckle or his suspenders. The crystal is pretty much standard for all magic users (i.e. everyone). But these two items allow him to defend himself, should that be needed.

So my problem with most ‘get to know your character’ questioneers is that they’re full of questions that just aren’t that important (what color eyes do they have) too hard to answer right away (what is their greatest fear) or are just impossible to answer (what is their favorite movie.)  Like no one has one single favorite movie. And even if they do the answer changes.

If I’m doing this exercise, I want 7-10 questions to get the character feeling real in my head. So I thought I’d share the ones that get me (and my students) good results: 

What is the character’s go-to drink order? (this one gets into how do they like to be publicly perceived, because there is always some level of theatricality to ordering drinks at a bar/resturant)

What is their grooming routine? (how do they treat themselves in private)

What was their most expensive purchase/where does their disposable income go? (Gets you thinking about socio-economic class, values, and how they spend their leisure time)

Do they have any scars or tattoos? (good way to get into literal backstory) 

What was the last time they cried, and under what circumstances? (Good way to get some *emotional* backstory in.) 

Are they an oldest, middle, youngest or only child? (This one might be a me thing, because I LOVE writing/reading about family dynamics, but knowing what kinds of things were ‘normal’ for them growing up is important.)

Describe the shoes they’re wearing. (This is a big catch all, gets into money, taste, practicality, level of wear, level of repair, literally what kind of shoes they require to live their life.)

Describe the place where they sleep. (ie what does their safe space look like. How much (or how little) care / decoration / personal touch goes into it.)

What is their favorite holiday? (How do they relate to their culture/outside world. Also fun is least favorite holiday.) 

What objects do they always carry around with them? (What do they need for their normal, day-to-day routine? What does ‘normal’ even look like for them.) 

[waterindiasblog]

Charcoal & Tea Tree Scrub - 300 ml

[navdeep012]

Top 9 Women’s Grooming Products You Need

In today’s modern era, self-care and grooming are essential parts of a woman’s daily routine. A well-rounded grooming regimen enhances not just your appearance but also your confidence and overall well-being. Women’s grooming products have evolved significantly, with innovations in skincare, haircare, and body care products that cater to different needs, skin types, and budgets.

Whether you are a minimalist who prefers basics or someone looking to indulge in premium products, this guide highlights the top 9 women’s grooming products that deserve a spot in your daily routine. From the best face creams for women to effective hair care essentials, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of must-haves that are affordable, effective, and aligned with modern grooming trends.

Let’s explore these grooming essentials that every woman should include in her beauty regimen.

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Skincare starts with cleansing, and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is the gold standard for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. This mild, non-irritating face wash gently removes dirt, oil, and impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance.

Unlike harsh cleansers, it doesn’t strip away natural oils, making it perfect for daily use. If you’re looking for the best cleanser for women in India, Cetaphil stands out for its dermatologist-recommended formula.

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Gentle and effective on sensitive skin.

Maintains skin hydration and softness.

Free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.

2. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro-Essence

Serums and essences have become a key part of modern skincare, and the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro-Essence is a standout product. Packed with salicylic acid, this essence penetrates deep into the skin, refining pores and improving skin texture.

It leaves the skin glowing, hydrated, and refreshed, making it one of the best serums for women in India. Regular use enhances skin clarity, fights dullness, and gives you a radiant complexion.

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Provides deep hydration and radiance.

Reduces pores and improves skin texture.

Lightweight, non-greasy formula.

3. Biotique Bio Papaya Tan Removal Scrub

Exfoliation is essential for clear, radiant skin, and the Biotique Bio Papaya Tan Removal Scrub does this job beautifully. Made with natural papaya extracts, this scrub gently removes dead skin cells, reduces tanning, and unclogs pores.

It is one of the best scrubs for women and works wonders for achieving bright and even-toned skin. It’s affordable, effective, and a must-have for your weekly skincare routine.

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Removes tan and dead skin cells.

Natural ingredients, suitable for all skin types.

Affordable and widely available.

4. Prakritik Yogurt & Honey Face Pack

For women seeking natural skincare solutions, the Prakritik Yogurt & Honey Face Pack is a must-try. Infused with turmeric, saffron, and apricot oil, it brightens dull skin, reduces tan, and soothes irritation. This product has become a favorite for those looking for a natural face pack for glowing skin.

Ideal for weekly pampering, this Face Pack is free of harmful chemicals and works effectively on all skin types, leaving you with radiant and refreshed skin.

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Natural ingredients like turmeric and saffron.

Reduces tan and promotes glowing skin.

Free from parabens and sulfates.

5. Dove Intense Repair Shampoo and Conditioner

Healthy, shiny hair starts with the right hair care products, and Dove Intense Repair Shampoo and Conditioner is one of the best solutions for damaged hair. Enriched with keratin actives, it nourishes and strengthens hair, reducing breakage and split ends.

This combination is perfect for women with dry, brittle, or chemically treated hair, making it a staple in the category of best shampoos and conditioners for women.

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Repairs damaged hair and reduces breakage.

Leaves hair soft, smooth, and manageable.

Suitable for daily use.

6. Saffron Fairness Red Apple Body Lotion

A good moisturizer is essential for maintaining soft, hydrated skin, and Saffron Fairness Red Apple Body Lotion does exactly that. Enriched with almond milk and shea butter, this body butter deeply nourishes dry skin, providing 24-hour hydration.

It’s perfect for women dealing with dry or sensitive skin, making it one of the best skin care products for women. The luxurious texture and soothing scent add a touch of indulgence to your routine.

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Provides intense hydration for dry skin.

Gentle on sensitive skin.

Free from parabens and cruelty-free.

7. Philips Satinelle Essential Epilator

Hair removal is an essential part of grooming, and the Philips Satinelle Essential Epilator is a game-changer. It efficiently removes hair from the root, ensuring long-lasting smoothness. Unlike waxing or shaving, it’s gentle on the skin and can be used at home with ease.

This epilator for women is a time-saving and cost-effective solution for maintaining silky-smooth skin, making it one of the best hair removal products in India.

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Provides long-lasting hair-free skin.

Cost-effective alternative to waxing.

Compact and easy to use.

8. Lakmé 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Lipstick

A good lipstick adds the perfect finishing touch to any grooming routine. The Lakmé 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Lipstick combines a primer and rich matte color, ensuring long-lasting wear without drying the lips. Available in a wide range of shades, it’s perfect for daily wear or special occasions.

For women looking for the best lipstick for daily use, this product ticks all the boxes with its smooth texture and vibrant pigment.

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Long-lasting matte finish with a primer base.

Lightweight and non-drying formula.

Available in a variety of shades.

9. Maybelline New York Colossal Kajal

No grooming kit is complete without a kajal. The Maybelline New York Colossal Kajal is smudge-proof, waterproof, and provides up to 24-hour wear. Its intense black color enhances the eyes, making them look bold and beautiful.

As one of the best kajals for women, it’s perfect for daily wear, office looks, or evening outings. Easy to apply and budget-friendly, it’s a staple in every woman’s beauty kit.

Why It’s a Must-Have:

Smudge-proof and waterproof formula.

Long-lasting and intense black color.

Affordable and widely available.

These top 9 women’s grooming products are must-haves for every woman looking to simplify her daily routine while achieving beautiful, glowing skin, healthy hair, and a polished look. From effective skincare essentials to nourishing hair care products and beauty staples like lipsticks and kajal, these products offer the perfect balance of quality, performance, and affordability.

Investing in the right grooming products not only enhances your natural beauty but also elevates your confidence. Whether you’re searching for the best face wash for women, a powerful body care product, or the perfect lipstick for daily wear, this list has everything you need to create an effective grooming regimen.

[juvenasind]

Improve Your Beauty Routine with Herbal Products

Natural beauty products have become very popular because they are gentle and work well for different types of skin as well as hair. Herbal beauty products, in contrast to those that are loaded with chemicals, are made from plant-based substances that nourish the skin and target particular issues. 

Herbal beauty products online purchasing has made it easier than ever to get premium herbal products, such as fruit creams, wine lipsticks, apricot washes, and more. A thorough examination of several essentials and their advantages is provided here.

The Power of Apricot Scrub for Radiant Skin  

When you are doing your skincare, you should use, or just try, an apricot scrub. Scrubs are usually used to remove any dead skin, which makes your skin look bad and affects your quality of skin. Regular usage can help minimize blemishes and blackheads, so it's a must-have for your herbal beauty collection.

Fruit Cream: A Natural Moisturizer

The goodness of all the natural fruit extracts is extracted and combined to make fruit cream to moisturize and revitalize the skin and works as an anti ageing kit for your body or face. For people who are struggling with dull or dry skin, then this cream is perfect for everyday use for you which will change your skin in a short period of time. 

The Elegance of Wine Lipstick and cherry red color lipstick for a Classic Look 

Cherry red lipstick is a timeless classic that suits various occasions and skin tones. Herbal cherry red lipsticks provide vibrant color while nourishing the lips with natural ingredients. Their long-lasting formula ensures a perfect pout without drying the lips, making them an excellent choice for enhancing your beauty naturally.  

A bold yet elegant style is provided by wine lipstick, which is a must-have for any beauty enthusiast. Wine-colored lipsticks, made with herbal components, are hydrating and protective in addition to offering vivid pigmentation. 

Herbal wine lipsticks don't contain any dangerous ingredients like synthetic ones, which makes them perfect for everyday use. They maintain the suppleness and softness of your lips while enhancing their inherent beauty.

Rose Moisturizer for Gentle Care  

Rose extract is a popular moisturizing agent because of its relaxing and moisturizing properties. Rose extracts make this cream perfect for calming sensitive or irritated skin. The natural components of the skin provide deep hydration, leaving the skin feeling smooth and supple without being oily. Rose moisturizers' subtle, pleasant aroma also enhances the whole sensory experience of your skincare regimen.

Gold Massage Cream and Body Massage Cream for Luxurious Skin Therapy

By increasing blood circulation and encouraging the creation of collagen, both gold and body massage cream, which is enhanced with gold particles and herbal components, revitalises the skin. It is a great option for big events where you wish to have a glowing, beautiful complexion. Additionally, regular massages with this cream can help enhance skin texture and minimise fine wrinkles. 

Acne Lotion for Clearer Skin 

Herbal acne creams or lotions are good for your skin which is acne-prone and makes you worry every day for no reason. These lotions, which are made with neem, tea tree oil, and aloe vera, soothe inflammation and target bacteria that cause acne. Using an acne lotion regularly can help minimize scarring, lessen outbreaks, and enhance skin health in general. Because of its mild recipe, which prevents skin irritation, it can be used every day.

Convenience of Herbal Beauty Products Online

You can browse a variety of selections from the comfort of your home when you shop online for herbal beauty products. You can choose the right products for your needs by reading thorough descriptions and customer reviews. Whether you're searching for cherry red lipstick, fruit cream, or apricot scrub, the web platform makes it simple to find reliable brands and superior products.

Conclusion

Herbal beauty products guarantee that your skin and lips stay healthy and attractive by fusing the best aspects of nature with efficient maintenance. There is something for every beauty need with choices like acne lotions, gold massage creams, and rose moisturizers. Because these products are readily available online, it's easy to add natural remedies to your routine and improve your skincare and makeup experience with ease.

[ashadowofburnedoutstardust]

Figured out where the ache in my arm is probably coming from

A very black bruise has emerged at the bottom of my cast near my elbow

I didn't damage my elbow from the way I landed during my accident and broke my arm instead from landing on top of it, if the other bruises on other parts of my body are anything to go by this one is probably worse

The fact that I broke my wrist and the bruise itself is showing up at the other end of the cast I can only imagine how bad it is underneath where I can't see

In other news I'm going to start experimenting with a new skincare routine switching from jojoba oil to apricot oil

I stumbled across a random jar of a hemp based moisturiser that I've been using for my face lately and have seen a vast improvement

I typically do the all over jojoba treatment but I find it's very heavy on my hair and doesn't do much for my scalp in terms of removing the dead skin

Jojoba is supposed to be pretty similar to human sebum but I do find it a little bit heavy and while it does do the softening that doesn't seem to be much benefits to my skin whereas apricot has a few other things that might be useful for my skin to absorb

I've been using an apricot oil for my lips for a while now and I've never had to end up using a lip scrub because of it the dead skin will always just come right off when I clean my face

I f****** hate chapstick it's always just made the problem worse

So I'm hoping the switch up will do a far better job than the current treatment I'm doing

If you have sensitive dry skin like me (I have to deal with psoriasis as well as KP) you might want to try it too

Just remember to check the commodogenic ratings of any oil you decide to use on your skin