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pl-panda · 4 years ago

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The vines that bind us - Chapter 6

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Elevator took her all the way to the highest floor. When she exited, the floor was back to perfect condition and several more plants were awaiting her. She promised them silently to check on them soon and went to the main office. She knocked several times on the doors, but nobody answered. Hesitantly, she pushed the doors open, but no one was in the office. After double-checking with security, it turned out that Tim Drake did not show to work. She sighed. Looks like more work for her… Just like Nathalie said.

“Didn’t you cause enough drama…” Lila never got a chance to end that sentence, because Mari delivered a straight one strong enough to send her flying several feet back before she came crashing down. Blood pouring from her nose.

The girl was about to launch herself at the liar and pound her into the ground when two strong arms grabbed her. She noticed the characteristic spikes on the sides of black gloves and stated to trash around. “Let me go you overgrown furry!” She screamed. “I will mix her face with the concrete until it’s nice and even!”

She tried to wiggle herself out of his grip. Most of the class surrounded Lila and were trying to help her. It only served to irate Mari more. She kicked her leg back, hitting Batman’s shin. It was finally enough to let her go. The girl fell down... right into the embrace of Chloe and Adrien who managed to get to her on time. The two blondes hugged her tightly.

“There. It’s alright Goldie. You got her good. Rest.” The girl cooed and pressed her best friend to her chest, muffling the sobbing. Adrien was just silently there and hugged them both. When Batman tried to approach again, the boy sent him an angry glare. The warning was clear and the vigilante didn’t really need anything from the girl right now.

After a bit, Mari fell asleep in their embrace. The stress finally caught up to her and she couldn’t hold exhaustion at bay any longer. Chloe easily picked her up and started to walk toward a taxi that was conveniently parked nearby, waiting for them.

“What!?” Angry Alya looked from Lila who was now being cared for by a pair of paramedics. She turned to Commissioner Gordon who was discussing something with Batman. “You!”

The policeman looked at her curiously. Alya continued her shouting. “You’re letting her go just like that? She just assaulted Lila! She might’ve ruined her modeling career! Arrest her!”

“Miss.” Gordon shook his head. “These are some of the braves men and women in Gotham, but I doubt any of them would dare to try and arrest her right now. They don’t get paid enough.”

“What?!” Several kids started to protest, but Gordon just ignored them and directed Harvey to start taking statements. He wasn’t paid enough to deal with these brats.

--------

Bruce sighed as he exited the Batmobile. Almost immediately, he was swarmed by the rest of his family. Jason and Dick practically carried him, still in the suit, to the movie room.

“Now, Ladies and Gents, we have some of the greatest shows for you. We call it… The Demon Trashing!”

What followed was a clip taken from monitoring in the anteroom of the CEO office in Wayne Tower. He watched as Damian, dressed in civilian clothing, and carrying a simple ninjato on his back entered the room. He walked around for a moment before knocking on the main office doors, but whatever answer he got seemed to have irritated him given the scowl that formed on his face. He walked over to the PA’s desk that stood there, but no one was here. After a short moment, one could see the elevator doors open again and a small girl in a smart outfit walked in. Damian dashed to the shadows before she had a chance to notice him.

Bruce resisted the urge to facepalm. He could already see where this was going.

When the girl started to walk to the desk, his son suddenly reappeared with the sword drawn. He pressed the blade to her neck. From the angle, it was impossible to see either of them expressions. The man did not expect his son to kill a civilian for trespassing, but the amount of glee on Jason’s and Dick’s faces was suggesting that his headache hadn’t really started.

The girl suddenly grabbed the blade and pushed it away. Damian, probably acting on instinct, tried to cut her, but she just walked out of the way and disarmed his son before knocking him out. There was a short skip to when Jason and Dick entered the room. The small girl was clearly very much irritated with them from the start and when she reached her limits, she used a pencil as a projectile to open the elevator doors.

A small smirk made its way to Bruce’s face when he saw her storm past his three sons, carrying the ninjato through a tissue. The video ended with Damian waking up.

“And that’s how Drake’s new PA trashed a certain Demon Spawn. I swear, she could probably give Luthor’s bodyguard a run for her money when it comes to being a badass” Jason commented on the silent video in his typical fashion.

“Tt. She stole my sword.” Damian huffed.

“You mean the sword she later used to stab Riddler’s man before disarming him?”

“I still consider the best part of today when she called B. an overgrown furry,” Dick said trying to hold back on laugher.

“Wait. I have a new personal assistant?” Tim asked half-awake.

“Yeah. She was supposed to be an intern, but apparently, Sarah hired her on the spot and quit.”

“Oh… Cool.” Tim said and took a swing from his gargantuan cup.

“Did you manage to pull the video of her taking down Riddler?” Bruce asked.

“The cameras malfunctioned before she even entered.”

“It was me,” Tim confessed. “I was still in my office when the alarm sounded. I keep a separate copy of my suit in a hidden compartment. To save time I dressed there, but I had to disable the CCTV…”

“Yeah yeah. Whatever.” Jason shut him up. “I also got the part when Damian’s eyes roll back as my new screensaver.”

“Tt. You’re lucky I don’t have my sword.”

“Don’t think you’re getting it back any time soon,” Bruce said in a stern tone and sighed. “What exactly do we know about her?”

“She is from Gotham, but she lives in Paris for some years. She said she was practicing martial arts since she was five.” Dick started

“She is also one bada…”

Jason was interrupted by Alfred, who entered the room with a plate full of cookies and tea. “A young woman just called. She asked me to forward a message to young master Damian.”

“Tt. What is it?”

“I quote. ‘Good luck getting your sword back now. Police took it as evidence. Suck it, Wayne.’ I believe the woman was young miss Chloe Bourgeoise.”

Dick, Jason, and Tim were literally rolling on the floor laughing. Bruce just facepalmed.

“No, you can’t break into the evidence room. You might jeopardize the whole investigation if you taint the evidence.” Bruce said in an exasperated tone.

----------

It was late after midnight (or even early morning, depends on your definition) when the vigilantes returned from the patrol, only to meet Tim and Barbara working on something on Batcomputer in tandem. Whatever it was, they were completely devoted to it since neither realized they had company until Bruce made a coughing sound.

“Not now.”

“What exactly are you doing?” The father inside Bruce resisted the urge to force-feed Tim some sleeping meds.

“We’re doing the background check,” Barbara said while typing frantically.

“On my new personal assistant.” The boy supplied.

“oh?” Bruce raised an eyebrow.

“Like… from what we found she is either the worst bitch on the block or strongest badass around.”

“Langauge master Tim.” Alfred scolded him.

“Sorry. But like seriously! There are so many contradictions.”

“Check this out.” She pulled out a scan of a letter. It was largely creased, but still perfectly readable. “Her adopted parents one day disappeared, leaving her everything they owed sans some of their clothes. It was like they packed and left.”

“You suspect a foul play?”

“I’m not sure. The investigation was a joke and so was the follow-up proceeding. The interesting part is the custody battle that followed.”

“Jagged freaking Stone and Parisian Mayor.” Tim interrupted Babs. “It ended with a compromise that Jagged was lawfully named her uncle and Mayor became her guardian. She was the one who suggested it.”

“How can one be lawfully named someone’s uncle?”

“Apparently one can in France. Or they just made some concessions to a celebrity. Seen weirder things.” He shrugged. “She was also his designer for years now. You remember that mysterious MDC?”

“The one you used to fawn over?” Bruce asked.

“She is brilliant so sue me.” The boy huffed. “Also, it stands for Marigold Désign et Création. She runs an internet boutique where she takes commissions from both commoners and celebrities.”

“What does it have to do with anything?”

“I’m getting to that. Gee.”

“Maybe I will get there?” Babs tried to take over. “She’s been working part-time as a babysitter to get funds to buy materials for new clothes and received nothing but praise. She also became a class representative. A successful one at that. She also holds the national championship in U-17 Mechastrike.”

“How is that important exactly?”

“You wanted to know everything about her B., so we are giving you everything.” Tim sassed

“Just… get to the important parts.” He shook his head. What did he do to deserve this?

“Fine. Her school records are a mess. Skipping that they wouldn’t hold to any official inspection, they straight-up contradict each other.” Tim waved his hand in some undefined gesture. “On one hand, she receives nothing but praise from the teachers, but at the same time, there are multiple bullying reports and even several assaults in here. Most of them were met with harsh punishments.” Tim opened a separate file. “Too harsh according to the school charter.”

“It didn’t help that the letter from her parents also mentioned these kinds of things.” Babs chimed in, trying to regain control of the tale. Bruce just gave an exasperated sigh. He just gave up and allowed them to solve it, mentally already cataloging the information.

“Except! There were statements from several people that contradicted this. Especially Chloe Bourgeois. She said, ‘Puh-lease! Mari is the kindest doormat in the world. I was mean to her for years and she still welcomed me back with open arms.’ Given her track record, I’m inclined to believe it.”

“There was also this Drama, capital ‘D’, with MDC stealing designs. Several tabloids caught the wind of it and it even led to the police investigation. Only after Jagged Stone intervened, the thing quickly shut up.”

“Now onto the juicy parts!” Babs smiled.

“And that was what? An introduction?”

“Yup. She has a certified black belt in two different martial arts, is a master gymnast, has an IQ of over 130 and owns two separate businesses in Paris.” She quickly read. “As we mentioned, she is the honorary lawful niece of Jagged Stone, but also designed for Clara Nightingale, Nadia Chamack, worked with Gabriel Agreste, was offered an internship from Audrey Bourgeois before she became her ward. She was seen hanging out with Kagami Tsurugi, world-renowned fencer, and Luka Couffaine, the rising star under Jagged Stone’s tutelage.”

“That was fast.” Tim summarised.

“Yeah. Also, she was adopted some nine years ago. She originally comes from Gotham.”

“Do we know her biological parents?” Bruce asked, getting serious.

“That’s where it gets juicy. When I tried to pull out her adoption files, the computer shut down to avoid detection. There is some serious encryption on it. Probably due to who her father is. We got some of it. She described her mother as ‘wearing an outfit that showed more skin than her beachwear’, so we suspect she was a prostitute.”

“Hm… It’s not unheard of. You say she was with her mother until she was eight?”

“Between seven and nine the file said.”

“Hm… Do you think she is a threat?”

“No. But I have a different question. Why didn’t the league investigate Paris’ supervillain?”

“We were made aware of him only recently, after what our satellites mistook for Poison Ivy attack,” Batman said in an irritated tone. The fact that there was a supervillain running around for close to four years completely undetected grated on his nerves. “Diana Prince has been investigating for some time now. She has it under control.”

“The only problem I see is that she is only sixteen,” Barbara pointed.

“I mean I’m barely seventeen and I ran this company for two years now. And don’t act high and mighty. You started playing Batgirl at fifteen.”

“Played?!” She screamed.

“You wore a hoodie and carnival mask at first.”

This quickly developed into an insults contest until Bruce finally had enough. He just shook his head and left. Alfred silently followed him, carrying a plate of sandwiches.

-----

The next morning, Mari woke up in her bed, with Chloe and her curled together in a mess of limbs and clothes. Of course, she panicked and jumped up, waking the blonde.

“Honestly, Goldie, five more minutes. I need my beauty sleep!” She murmured.

“Um… Why are we in one bed?”

“Because you fell asleep hugging me yesterday and refused to let go at any point. I swear I wanted to get a crowbar. Ridiculous!”

“Sorry…” Mari gave her a sheepish smile.

“None of that! You ruined Lila’s face in one punch. Adrien texted me that in the end she lost seven teeth and will require plastic surgery for her nose not to look like a mashed potato.”

“No…!” Her eyes widened.

“Yup.” Chloe grinned, popping the ‘p’.

“That’s awful! I can already imagine how much the class will hate me now! And the employees that saw this! There were cameras there!”

“Some people actually applauded you. It could be also because you called Batman an overgrown Furry though…” Chloe’s voice wandered off. Mari collapsed onto the bed, head buried in the pillows.

“Kill me…”

“Can I kill you with hugs?”

“Fine…”

When the panicking bluenette finally calmed down, Chloe got her to sit down and showed her the headlines.

Brave WE employee saves dozens of lives!

A hero without a suit!

Civilian stopped Riddler!

Personal Assistant takes down a dangerous criminal!

They were all overly positive and showed much support. Only one tried to vilify her based on Lila’s comment and her being punched, but it quoted Ladyblog as a reliable source, so it was dismissed. The majority of the comments were also positive. The ‘overgrown Furry’ was already trending too.

Only one of the articles contained the list of names of people killed in the attack.

Ted Black - a security guard, put himself between the bullet and another employee Sigfried Osborne - a security guard, died when he tried to stop them from entering Molly Bishop - a PR specialist, called the police when she thought the guards were busy Heidi Dickson - a security guard, killed in crossfire Craig Lloyd - an HR employee, wrestled the gun from one of the henchmen before he was shot in the back. Ethel Arson - A lawyer, killed in crossfire Christian Thorn - a security guard, shot two of the riddler’s henchmen in defense of a group of hostages.

Their room had several live plants on the rail. Mari walked to them and allowed her powers to flow. Slowly, the flowers bloomed. She picked seven beautiful flowers and put them on the table.

“Mari… I’m sure they will understand if you don’t come to work today…” Chloe placed a hand on her best friend’s shoulder.

“No… No. I won’t be scared into hiding by Riddler of all people.” She said with determination and some coldness in her voice. She stood up and walked to her suitcase. From there, she gathered a different outfit. Now she would wear a red shirt, a black blazer with the Ladybug logo on her right breast, a black pencil skirt, and black leather ballet shoes (she still hated heels). But the greatest change was her hair and eyes. She let go of her twin pigtails and allowed her wavy hair to run free. It was no longer black, instead turning dark blue with purple highlights. Her eyes also changed. Her bluebell eyes also changed. The iridescent green she used to suppress was now mixed with the normal eye color, giving an entrancing effect that was hard to stop looking at.

“It’s time to rock this place.” She smiled at her best friend.

------- (Play ‘Confident’ by Demi Lovato) --------

Marigold and Chloe entered the Wayne Enterprises in full stride. Flashing her pass, she got them through control without the queue or checking, much to the shock of the class (who still had no idea Mari was now technically their boss). Adrien showed the girls thumbs up. Lila was seething, but neither Chloe nor Marigold paid her any mind and guards didn’t let her follow them and straight-up kicked her to the back of the queue.

Mari gave a nod to the receptionist, but they didn’t slow down. Elevator was about to close, but one of the employees held it for her. Once they entered, she quickly checked her tablet and the to-do list she had for that day. First stop: PR. Chloe was going to HR to receive a new mentor after… the previous day.

When she entered the Public Relations department, Mari didn’t stop to chat with the employee that looked at her in awe. Her goal was the department’s head office and that’s where she would go. Gently knocking on the doors before entering, she pushed the doors. While she was smiling kindly, her whole posture screamed professional.

“Hello. Mr. Drake will need the Friday press conference plan adjusted in response to what happened yesterday. There needs to be a mention of the event, as we won’t want to sound too detached. The press would tear us apart. Some gesture to show the public that we care…”

“Maybe a memory board in the lobby? And perhaps schedule Mr. Drake to visit each of the families somewhere next week?”

“I think it will be okay…” For a short moment, Mari allowed her confidence to drop, but she quickly gathered herself and made a note in her calendar.

“If that’s all…”

“I will also need a press statement no later than by lunch.” She said quickly. “Make it a priority and forward it to me to read before you post it.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” The man smiled. Mari was about to leave when he spoke again. “And thank you for yesterday. Many people owe you their lives.”

She stopped in her tracks, unable to say a word. Finally, she regained her composure. “Thank you. I… I’m coping.”

As she left the office toward the elevator, Lila and Alya, who were interning in that department, tried to speak with her, but she didn’t even spare them a glance. Alya tried to grab her, but she was stopped by one of the older employees. As the elevator doors closed, Mari could see the girls receive a serious scolding. A grin made its way onto her face. Lila and Alya would have a really hard life for the next two months. Especially if she had anything to say about it.

Her next stop was the security office. She entered it with a neutral expression, but it lasted only maybe five steps from the elevator. She didn’t tear up. She was a Gothamite inside. Right as one walked out of the elevator, there was a small bar, behind which a board was filled with pictures. Some looked really old, black and white or even sepia, while some others were high-quality and new. Roughly half of them were the clean pictures one would attach to a resume. The other half were profile pictures from social media. Or a photo that was taken in the forest. One was even a detailed drawing of a person. There were maybe fifty of them in total.

“It’s a reminder. Guards who lost their lives since the founding of WE” An older man said. “Silas Wayne started the tradition after he served in the Great War. You’re here for something miss?”

“Oh… Yes. The security on Friday press conference. We must increase it by about fifty percent. And make sure that only those with invites can enter.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He saluted her.

“Um…” Mari suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable.

“Don’t worry. It wasn’t your fault.” He said in a comforting voice.

“Thank you, sir.” She allowed a weak smile to enter her face before she left. Only two more stops.

The elevator next took her to the Legal Department. She had many things that needed to be done here. Chloe met her as soon as she exited the elevator. Mari managed to regain her professional posture and once more emanated the aura of confidence. She wasn’t sure how long she could keep it up, but she was determined to show that she was okay.

“I already forwarded your requests. At first, Madame McKinsley was reluctant, but apparently, our entrance is already the top corporate gossip. Good job Mari-bear.”

“Good. Thanks, Chlo. Now get back to work before someone sees me get friendly with an intern. I have a plan.” Before they separated, Marigold let a smile ghost her face. “One more thing. You’re free to unleash the foxes of war.”

Chloe lit up at that. Her whole demeanor changed to almost beaming light. She immediately started planning. Mari left her to the devious scheming and instead went to McKinsley office. The head of the Legal Department was a middle-aged woman with short, slightly graying brown hair and no-nonsense composure.

“Miss Bourgeoise informed me of your visit. I already had several documents prepared, but I will need clarification on several things.” She offered the young PA a chair, but Mari refused with a shake of her head. She opened her tablet and started to go through the list.

“First of all, the video that caused the attack was leaked by an intern. What actions exactly can be undertaken in response?”

“There are several options. We could terminate their contract entirely, but as it’s their first offense, it could’ve been seen as too harsh. It would also require to terminate all internships.” The woman was clearly unamused by the situation. Mari just raised her eyebrow and gave her a quizzing look.

“I’m not sure who in their right mind wrote their contracts, but when I track them down they are gonna get their ass demoted to toilet cleaner. It’s one big mess.”

“Don’t I know it…” Mari deadpanned. “So, other options?”

“We can move them between departments, so having them demoted to Toilet cleaners could also work, but it’s not exactly a legal punishment. The fact that it was Riddler really threw a wrench in any legal proceeding as he is clinically insane and the video was not directly calling him out and only speaking about him. I could give you the legal mumbo-jumbo, but the gist is that they are somewhat protected.”

“What about revoking their privileges?”

“Take that to HR.”

“Will do. Now, about the next matter.”

“It was much easier. She can’t do anything to you, not even forward the bill. You were in shock and there are several recordings showing her taunting you. If she pushes it, she will lose. You’re a public hero right now. Good job by the way.”

“I was only doing what had to be done.” Mari brushed it, doing her best to keep a professional face.

“Sure…” It was clear that McKinsley did not believe her.

“Now about the last thing?”

“Ah. The slander. I already directed it to our French and Italian departments, but it’s slow-going. That witch made it an international case. It will definitely bite her, but we have to be patient.”

“Brilliant. Thank you for your time.” Mari left the room with a grin on her face. Now onto the HR.

As she strode through the floor, people turned their heads to look at her. In the killing outfit, she looked older than she was and the aura of confidence and professionalism made her seem like a powerful woman. They had no idea just how powerful she was, but the way she carried herself was enough to make them shake in their shoes.

----

When the doors of the elevator opened, Juleka and Rose were waiting for her. Both looked furious. Before either got a chance to say anything though, Marigold silenced them with a murderous glare that took away their voice. She strode past them looking fabulous. Any other employee removed themselves from her path to avoid her ire. The rumors were already circulating and the fact that she took down Riddler before Batman even arrived did wonder to her image.

“Hello. I had an appointment.” She said when she entered the head of the department office.

“Yes. Miss Dupain-Cheng. I was told you forwarded a list of topics, but an intern lost it.”

“Was this intern from my class?” She asked in a cold voice.

“Um… Yes actually.” The woman said after checking a small post-it.

“Then it was probably sabotage.” Mari spat the words. “I asked to have a list of possible punishments in regards to the newest intern group prepared. Two of them were responsible for the leak. Sadly, as one of them is the class representative, she is quite popular.”

“Ah. Well…”

“First of all, both Alya Cesaire and Lila Rossi are to have all possible privileges revoked for breaking the rules. They leaked or were involved in the leak of video. Neither of them is to be handed anything more important than refilling a stapler or bringing someone coffee, to ensure they are no further threat to this company. They will also receive an official warning and an entry to their acts. They are also restricted to the lower floors. If possible, I want their access to electronic devices restricted. Maybe assign them a pager each so it doesn’t negatively impact their work.”

“Hm… I will see what can be done, Ma’am.” The woman replied, already going through her notes.

“Good. Onto the next business, while it pains me to do it so fast, we need to hire more security as soon as possible. But make sure to triple check their backgrounds.”

“Understandable.”

“And the last thing. Why was Damian Wayne allowed to bring a ninjato into the building?”

“There is actually no restriction on bringing swords ma’am. We’re trying to fix it, but we’ve been blocked at every turn even when Mr. Wayne was the CEO.”

“And whose permission is needed?” Mari allowed a small grin.

“Yours would do. Sarah was always too stuck up to even leave her desk unless forced so she didn’t care that much.”

“Consider my permission granted. Forward the paperwork to me.”

“And if Mr. Drake disagrees?”

“He can try.” She said coldly, remembering how close she came to being cut in half.

“Oh…”

“Last thing. When is the top floor scheduled for repairs?”

“It should be done already. It was made to withstand an assault from a much larger force, so we only had to replace the furniture. Following the instructions that were left, we repotted the plants into bigger and more decorative pots. As per your request, we added some more plants.”

“Thank you. Plants always calm me down.”

“I prefer cat pictures.” She pointed at the wall where a cheesy calendar with a cat giving her thumbs-up was hanged. It took all of Marigold’s willpower not to burst into laugher at the image of Chat Noir posing for such a calendar.

“Good. Thank you.” With that, she left. This time, Rose and Juleka did not try anything. They were too terrified of her.

----

#maribat au #maribat #marinette dupain cheng #redeemed!chloe #Good!Adrien Agreste #Batman #miraculous lb #miraculous ladybug #Miracuolous #DC #mlb x dc #Mother!Ivy

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lostinwildflowers · 3 years ago

Note

Option 2: Short Letter

Chosen Character: Zeke Jeager

Name: Catherine

Personality traits

Introvert

Hates loud places with lots of people

Sleeps late and wakes up at noon

Only has 3 close friends—

very passionate about interests like literature, art, filmography and science (mainly biology)

Has glasses due to astigmatism

INTP (just google it)

Resting Bitch Face™️

Will be extroverted when the situation calls for it

Touch starved and cuddly—

enjoys praise (can't admit that out loud tho)

Hobbies

Art

-nude sketches and portraits with charcoal pencils

-likes to use ink, paint or pastel respectively

Reading (I'm a sucker for mystery, murder and tragedy)

Writing (I do it in my free time and I don't share it with people)

Note: They're already a couple by now but she lives in a far part of Marley. He calls her Catie as a nickname sometimes. (I'm sorry that the letter is long— I got carried away)

My beloved Zeke,

How are you? Have you been resting more as of late? You may be Marley's boy wonder but remember that you still need sleep. I wouldn't like to think of you passing out during meetings. Commander Magath would find it utterly absurd!

Anyway I wanted to tell you that things aren't getting any easier over here. No one seems interested enough to buy what I paint or draw so I barely get any commissions. No one's stopping by the studio either. It's rather disheartening really. I know that you've told me that I shouldn't measure my worth based on how much money I make but I can't possibly tell you how empty my wallet seems.

I can barely buy new art supplies because I need to pay rent and find food. I've resorted to using actual charcoal so I can continue drawing, and with everything happening, I'm finding it harder and harder to create new art. It's as if I've hit a wall. A tall and obscurious wall that drains my very being from any artistic inspiration.

Sleep never comes easy either. The bed seems too big as well since you're not there beside me. I find myself staring aimlessly at the ceiling until dawn. I've also noticed that dark circles have began to form around my eyes and its not very flattering to look at.

And worst of all, my family thinks I'm a fool for being with you! They said I should find someone else and marry immediately. They drag me to parties and get togethers just so they can pair me off. I hate being in those places and I find myself hiding from people whenever possible. It's too loud and crowded and I dont understand how people enjoy those sorts of things.

Mother insists that I leave you because you barely visit me anymore and she thinks that you're probably with another girl already. It's a completely absurd accusation! I know that you'd never do that to me.

Oh how I wish that I could just move in with you, away from my annoyingly conservative relatives. I can't stand a second without you. Every moment I spend away from you is a moment wasted.

To pass time, I draw you with whatever paper I have in hand. I feel less lonely that way. I long to be in your warm embrace once more. And I miss your eyes that seem to look past my worldly shell and into my very soul. Words can never describe the agony I feel from being separated from you.

I do hope you can stop by for a day or two. We could spend time in the café we always go to or take a stroll in the park. If ever, we can always stay in my house and read together. I'll have to tidy up in advance though as I have unfortunately turned my abode into a mess of scattered paper, canvas and shavings.

But anyway I just want to tell you that I love you and I hope to see you soon. I'm sure that when we're together again, all things will fall back into place. Things will make sense once I'm in your arms again. Remember that I think of you fondly everyday and I hope that that do too. Take care, my love.

Faithfully yours,

Catherine

Oh Cat~~~ here you are my dear, thank you for being one of my most amazing supporters<3

---

To my love, Catie,

I am doing well, sweetheart, though I have been quite busy with work and such recently. If you were here you would probably be nagging at me to get some rest, and I wouldn’t blame you. It’s hard to sleep when you’re not next to me, the bed’s too empty.

I’m sorry that your art isn’t doing as well as you had hoped. If you need something to do, or if you need more traction, I can always tell Commander Magath they can get their portraits done there. But remember what I always tell you, Catie. Your art will change the world, and you shouldn’t base it on money.

I don’t want you to have to worry about money or if you’re going to run out of supplies, so you’ll find some cash along with this letter. Yes, you will take it. It comes as a bonus to be the War Chief, so please take it, my dear.

To tell you the truth, I keep that one sketch you made on my desk with me all the time. It calms me down when I’m stressed, seeing that self-portrait you made. Just remember why you make your art, sit out on the pier and see if any inspiration hits you. I know you’re creative, you just need to unleash your mind.

Oh, sweetheart, sleep doesn’t come easy to me either. I miss your presence so much, I miss holding you close to my chest, I miss kissing your lips. You may not think you are flattering to look at, but you are still the most beautiful girl I’ve laid eyes on, no matter how you look.

I must say, your family probably isn’t wrong about us. I still don’t see why you stick with me when I’m destined to die in a few years, but you’ve made me the happiest I’ve ever been. Try talking to your parents, they’ll understand someday.

I must apologize for not being able to visit, as I said things have been crazy here. We train almost every day, have meetings every couple of hours. They’ve got me walking on a tight rope and it’s hard to find time alone, even to write this letter I had to get up in the middle of the night when I should be sleeping.

There is no one else, Catie. Just work, and that seems like a cruel enough joke on its own. You are always welcome to visit me, as much as that probably is a hassle. It’s a pain to try to leave, but I bet I could pull a few strings.

I’m hoping by next week when that storm comes in that I’ll be able to slip out to come see you. I could meet you at that light post, you know the one I’m talking about. I miss you, and Pieck and the others have started to notice. I don’t even care where we meet, I just need to see you.

I’m starting to run out of parchment, but I love you, Catie. I dream of you every night and think about you every day, so don’t forget about me, alright? I’ll see you soon sweetheart.

Yours,

Z.Y.

---

THIS EVENT IS CLOSED

#Hanging with Birch🌿#Cat🌿#cddio04 #Birch's Thank You Event

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cela-astral-projection · 5 years ago

Text

One day, someday My prince may come But it doesn't seem likely And even if he came and he liked me It's likely he'd be Not quite my type

It was the night of the Masquerade. Celeste's first. She had been shocked that she was even permitted to go. But, as she had learned, her cousin liked being the center of the universe. He was not particular about who he invited to watch the spectacle. And, if you were in his employ, you were either working or in attendance. And he did not need a nurse at his party...fingers crossed.

She had been given a dress for the evening. It was a hazy, dark celadon color. Simple, and unoffensive. Ankle length, with three quarter length sleeves. Her only qualm with the thing was the ridiculous neckline. It had wide lapels that were delicately embroidered with silver flowers, but the damn thing nearly fell open to her navel. She felt exposed and was not at all confident that everything was going to remain in its place. But, she didn't have much of an option. She wasn’t exactly flush with finery and flouncy gowns.

She had pinned her hair up halfway, letting the bulk of it fall down her back. It was perfectly adequate, in her opinion. She had never been to a fancy-dress ball. And, for all the discussion and excitement surrounding it, it seemed like rather more trouble than it was worth.

Standing on the side of the ballroom, she had her arms firmly crossed over her chest, watching the whirling, giddy partygoers. She watched Julian as he changed partners with each new dance. She saw him every time his eyes fell on her, and then quickly averting his gaze.

Her time of being confined to the palace was nearly done. She would be free to go, soon. She would still be in the employ of the palace, but she could come and go as she pleased, more or less. As the year mark approached, Julian had become withdrawn from her. And her surveillance by the guards and courtiers had increased dramatically, as had her workload.

Celeste felt a hand on her shoulder as someone approached her from behind. Aedan leaned down and whispered in her ear. "You know, standing over here looking miserable is just drawing more attention to yourself."

She stared straight ahead but made a noise of annoyance. "I doubt it. Most of the key players have been half-drunk since noon."

Her brother straightened and stepped to her side. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "What in the hell are you wearing?" she hissed.

He was wearing a red dress shirt with a black brocade vest with satin lapels, fastened with gold buttons, and similar black brocade trousers. His blonde hair was slicked back, with wispy curls at the nape of his neck fighting against the product in his hair. He wore a leather mask, fashioned after a duck hawk. Golden knotwork playing across it.

"You're one to talk," he whispered back, amused. "Dad would have a heart attack if he saw you like that."

She narrowed her eyes. "Well, he won't. So, I suppose it really doesn't matter, does it?"

Aedan sighed and rolled his eyes. "You're making this harder on yourself than it has to be. It's a party, Sissy. Go have fun. Please." He reached into his pocket and fished out a few coins. "Give me your hand," he demanded.

She stuck her hand out, the other arm still crossed over her chest. He dropped the money in her palm and folded her fingers around them. "It's a masquerade. Go buy a mask. The countess has some vendors out back."

She went to protest, but he was gone, back into the fray.

Julian whisked by her again and spun away, a glittering sapphire-color clad man in his arms. But, he saw her, and she saw his expression shift from delight to...melancholy? Pity? For himself, or her?

She was so frustrated, and so, so very tired. This was exactly what she hadn't wanted. She hadn't wanted to get attached to him. But, she had. And now, he kept her at arm's length. Claiming it would be easier for both of them. That he couldn't compromise both of their positions in the palace. That he was her superior, and that it was improper for them to carry on.

She couldn't bear to look at him anymore, and she turned and strode out of the ballroom.

She made her way down the corridors. Revelers pouring out of every room. Intoxicated, laughing. The sheer numbers of people that blocked her way were incredible. It was stiflingly hot. People in their formal wear, sweating, mixing with heavy perfumes and colognes. How was anyone meant to enjoy this? She dodged bodies, pushing past, sneaking between.

When she finally found the veranda, there was only a smattering of guests. Some browsing, others just enjoying the cool night air. She could see others down in the garden, playing, dancing, kissing.

She moved through the booths. There were a great many pretty things. Gems and crystals. Precious metals. Refined. Lovely. Sterile. Beautiful, but lacking personality. Unless wealth qualified as a personality. Then, they were spot on.

She reached the end of the aisle and was nearly resigned to it being a waste of time. Her eyes fell on the last booth. Seemingly unoccupied. She approached and looked over the masks. Only a few remaining. They were hand-carved and painted. They were gorgeous. True art pieces. Various animals. Birds. Foxes. Wolves. Snakes.

A bear. Just one bear mask pinned up, just out of her reach.

"I'm sorry, I had to step away for a moment. Can I help you?"

Celeste turned towards the airy voice. The person in front of her was elegantly adorned in violet and white, accents of gold, a thick golden collar, and a fox mask. A similar one to the ones on display. Fluffy, white curls on their head. Beautiful hair. She didn't think she'd seen anything like it. Her father had been blonde, and so was her brother, but this was something else altogether. And his eyes were lavender. That couldn't be entirely natural. Could it?

"I...yes. I wanted to see that bear mask, please," she stammered, following him with her eyes as he stepped back into the stall, pointing at it.

"You're welcome to look, but I'm afraid that one is already claimed." the person said, contrite. "I might have a similar one, somewhere." They lifted the mask off the wall presenting it to her in white-gloved hands. She carefully lifted it, examining it. Tracing her fingers over the carvings.

She felt a pang in her chest. She thought of her father. The man who had bested the bear, come back from the grave. It was always a fun story to hear. The way that the villagers would tell it, and the way her mama would laugh and chide them, assuring them that papa was nothing special. Just a lucky son-of-a-bitch, and that she was the real heroine of the story.

Asra watched her face as she admired Muriel's handiwork. He rarely saw someone so enthralled with their pieces. Perhaps the Countess, who invited him back year after year. Other people went for the more elaborate, expensive pieces. It was simply a matter of clientele. They would make a few sales. But, he liked the ambiance of the Masquerade. The colors, and the excitement. A little extra money never went amiss, either. He could watch the spectacle, see the outfits.

Muriel had agreed to come with him, under duress. But was quite quickly over the whole affair and had wandered off to find someplace quieter.

"This is wonderful," she said, handing the mask back over. "They all are. Are you the artist?"

Asra nodded. "I do the paint and some of the finer details, but my partner does the carvings and the leatherwork."

"Oh, like the peregrine falcon mask I saw earlier? The leather one?" she asked.

Asra's eyes went wide. "Yes, that's one of ours. I did the paint on it and he did the tooling. That was a commission piece for one of the guards. The countess had it made for him."

She nodded, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. Of course, another gift for Aric. If she had to guess, it was really Lucio pulling the strings and making dictates for how he wanted his guard to present himself. She forced a smile. "It was very beautiful. I know the man it was given to. I can't think of anything more appropriate for him."

Asra bent down and placed the mask in a box below the table, and rummaged through the remaining supplies, looking for another bear mask. He knew there was one here, somewhere. "Ah!" He exclaimed, pulling the leather mask out. "This might do. It's lighter than the other one. I think it might suit you better, too." He straightened, extending the mask to her.

It was smaller and lighter than the wooden mask. It was more intricate, with delicate patterns. Dainty gold accents brushed through the fur. It was so lovely. Exactly what she wanted. "Yes. I'll take it."

She reached out with her coin, and he put his hand up, refusing her. "No, keep it. It's nice to see someone appreciate them."

She raised an eyebrow and shook her head. "No. I insist. There's too much effort and love poured into these to let it go for nothing." When he still refused, she tilted her head. "If it makes you feel better, it's not my money. I don't have any use for it. I don't have a pocket in this frock to hide it in. You're doing me a favor."

He sighed and relented, taking the coins and throwing them in a small box. She watched him magic it back shut, light shimmering from his fingertips. A magic lock.

"You practice magic?" she asked, quiet, looking back and forth, nervous.

"You saw that?" he replied, taken aback. Generally, people didn't see his magic, unless he was performing. Nothing that subtle caught people’s attention normally. He was caught off guard.

She made a low noise of acknowledgment. She snapped her fingers and the lock unlatched itself. Asra stared down at the box, blinking, then up at her. The tips of her fingers glittering for just a moment longer before it faded away. She had him fixed with a hard look.

"You should be more careful. There are a lot of prying eyes here. That would gladly exploit...that." she said, taking a step back.

"I'm a magician. It's kind of common knowledge," he said, the corner of his mouth turned up. "You don't practice?"

She shook her head. "Not safe."

He eyed her, confused. "I'm not sure what you mean? Sure, some people don't understand it, but..."

She stepped further away, putting her hand up. "Thank you, for the mask."

She turned to go, and she heard him calling after her. She forged forward, and then she caught the shock of red hair descending the stairs.

She stopped, looking back towards the man in the fox mask, then back at Julian, in his feathered raven get up. There really was no good option.

So she gripped the mask tight in one hand, and balled her skirt in the other and bolted, past Julian, and down into the garden.

"Celeste!" Julian yelled after her. He threw his hands up in frustration, then took off after her. He tripped over his own feet and caught some poor woman as he stumbled. Righting himself, and calling a stream of apologies over his shoulder as he ran after her.

"Celeste," Asra said, quietly to himself. Committing it to memory.

She ran, but she knew that Julian's legs were longer than hers by a fair sight. She just had to keep moving until she could find somewhere to take refuge. But, she didn't know the gardens particularly well. She wasn't permitted out of the castle often.

She saw a path at the tree line and made a break for it.

Once she had gotten beyond the trees, she looked back. She didn't see Julian but could hear him calling. She quickly pulled the mask on, fanning her hair out over the strap. She looked around for other signs of life. None to speak of. She took a chance and smoothed her hand over her dress, glamouring the color. Something distinctly not her. Red. The silver accents going gold. She was out of practice and knew it wouldn't last long, but it would service so she could sneak away. A temporary camouflage.

She moved along the path. The foliage became denser. Heavy vines thick with flowers cascading down from the treetops. Moonlight casting tendrils of light that danced and glittered as the breeze moved through.

She came upon a clearing and saw a figure, half in shadow, sitting on the edge of a long-neglected fountain. He startled when she entered into his presence, straightening a bit.

She looked around. There really was no place left to go. Every other path was so massively overgrown that it wouldn't be wise to go further. But, she couldn't hear Julian anymore. It was a brief respite.

"Sorry," she said to the big man that sat in front of her, watching her, looking somewhat irritated. "I'll be out of your hair in just a moment."

Muriel's eyes were wide. He had really tried to find somewhere quiet. No small feat in the middle of this nightmare of a party. And now, this woman...

...wearing one of his masks. His bear mask.

"Ah...sorry. I really am." She stated again. He had his eyes trained on her, staring her down, making her nervous. She couldn't really get a good read on him. Somewhere between annoyance and panic. And, this man was imposing, to say the least. Even sitting, she could tell a lot was going on, there. He was very impressive. And attractive. Very, very beautiful. Not at all dressed for a formal gathering. But, here, where nature had reclaimed the garden...that made sense.

She bowed her head to him and started to back away, then she turned, and walked back down the path. She hesitated for a moment and looked over her shoulder, locking eyes with the man once more.

Muriel wasn’t sure he could trust his eyes. Was this really happening? He blushed, but couldn't look away. As he stared, he watched the red of her dress melt away, fading back into a dark jade green. His favorite color.

And then she was gone.

---

She came back upon the main gardens, and Julian was nowhere to be seen. She breathed a sigh of relief.

Things were clearing out. She knew the party would go on until dawn, but not everyone had the stamina for this sort of thing. She certainly didn't. It was getting late enough that she could, perhaps, steal away back to her room.

She made her way across the manicured lawn. There were bodies strewn across the damp grass, lovers locked at the mouth, rolling around. Wanton. Drunk on each other. And, the copious amounts of alcohol probably didn't help.

Then, winded, from behind her. "Celeste, please!"

She dropped her chin to her chest, defeated. She drew a deep breath and whirled on him, jaw set. "What, Julian? Tired of ignoring me?"

He looked stricken, but he continued moving towards her. "Please, I want to make you understand..."

She rolled her eyes, hands on her hips. "Understand what? I think I get the message. You're the one that seems confused." she spat at him. "Why don't you just go back to your dancing?"

He dipped his head, looking ashamed. "You were the loveliest girl at the party tonight..."

She scoffed. "Please."

"...that's just the problem. If I'd paid you even the slightest amount of attention tonight it would've been all over the palace in record time. I know how close you are to having your restrictions lifted. I just don't want you...want us...under any undue scrutiny."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Undue scrutiny?" she repeated back at him, her voice dripping venom.

"You don't know how many eyes are on us. On you." he countered, keeping his voice even. "I don't understand it, but I know that things are different with you here. They never imposed half of the rules on me that they do for you. And Valdemar hates me, so I don't know what they would do to you if they thought they could get away with it. And they would get away with it."

There was something about her presence that put all the courtiers on edge. This wasn't normal. None of the other staff was treated with quite as much judgment as she had been. And Lucio was easily swayed by the courtiers. He could, and would, dispatch her if they asked him to. They didn't have to be honest with Lucio, either. He had seen them force his hand for minor infractions. With dire consequences.

They had shared many nights together. And it had been happy. The happiest she had been since she had come to Vesuvia. And then, he'd dropped her like a stone. She didn't know if she loved the fool or not, but he had been so caring. He was her friend. And he was her lover. She had let him in, and he had left her in the lurch.

She took a sharp breath. "I...appreciate that you're looking out for me. But, I can take care of myself. I will be okay. I just...I thought we had something."

He flushed a bit, the corner of his mouth turning up. "We do. Of course, we do, Celeste," he said, gently. "I don't want to draw more attention to us. And...I'm not good at being quiet."

She cast her eyes down, thinking. "What if...what if you didn't have to be quiet? What if we just went away? We just walked away from this?" She looked back to him, gesturing vaguely. "I don't want any of it. We can go off, start over. Together. What's holding us here?" She closed the gap between them, reaching out to grab his arms. "We aren't safe here. We aren't happy here."

His eyes went wide, darting around. He stepped back and grabbed her hand in his. Trying to find somewhere less exposed.

Every dark corner, every secluded alcove, was occupied. Things were devolving into a damn orgy. A couple stumbled out in front of them, disheveled. Blushing. He pushed past them into the space they had occupied, pulling Celeste behind him.

He released her and pulled his mask off, and she did the same.

"Are you serious?" he asked, dubious. "You want to go? With me?"

"Come on, Julian. You know nothing good comes from staying here." she insisted. "Are we slaves here, or are we employees? Employees can walk away. We are good at what we do. We can go and start over. Together."

Julian was unsure of what to say. His head weaved back and forth, and he made breathy noises, trying to find words. "We...we made commitments. It's part of the palace structure. We can't just walk away."

"Please, don't lecture me about commitments. I am up to my ears in commitments that I didn’t want to make.” she retorted. “What is lifting the sequester going to do? Allow me to go into town every once in a while? I'm still trapped here. And if I'm going to be trapped here, I deserve to have at least one friend." she pleaded. "We have to take care of each other."

"That's what I'm trying to do. I promise you...I just don't know how to do it." exasperated and sad. This was uncharted territory for him. Even if it had been better circumstances, the wouldn't know how to navigate these emotions. He wanted her. But he knew it was a terrible idea.

"There has to be some sort of compromise here, Julian. Please, help me." She begged.

He averted his gaze. "Please, lovely..." He sighed. "It's...we can just ride this out. We'll see what happens. How long is it? A few months more. We just have to buckle down. We can get through this. We just have to be careful." he concluded. There was nothing else to do.

She drew a shaky breath and steeled herself, glaring at him. "Then I guess this conversation was entirely useless. Thank you for chasing me. Very helpful." She snarled. "I'd rather be alone if the only other option is this." she threw her hand up, gesturing at him. "Some condescending clown that treats me like his subordinate when I can run circles around him. I will figure this out on my own. I do not need you getting drunk and existential at me every time you have a bad day that you have imposed on yourself. I have enough problems of my own."

He reeled back, shocked. So much for being quiet, he thought.

She continued berating him, her finger in his chest. "I won't hold my breath for you, Doctor Devorak. I enjoyed the fucking, but I assure you, I am quite over being screwed by this whole situation. One day I'll wake in the arms someone who will love me with all that they are. But you're too afraid to even pretend that you like me. So, good for you. You got under my skirt. You win. See you Monday.”

She whirled out of the alcove, and she did not look back, brushing past the smattering of people who had gathered to listen in. She was wholly unashamed. Even when she saw her brother, standing there, looking scandalized, but amused.

"Shut it," she said, putting her hand up as she strode past him.

"You want me to kick his ass?" he called after her.

She made a rude gesture in reply, not breaking her stride.

From across the garden, Asra and Muriel watched her from under the willow tree near the fountain. They had been just about ready to go when they'd heard the commotion and saw the gathering crowd.

"Who the hell is that?" Muriel asked, bewildered, shifting the box of masks on his shoulder.

Asra gave a breathy sigh, smiling broadly. "That is Celeste."

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jedifighterpilot2727 · 6 years ago

Note

So... how about some Taylington smut? Or sexy time- or however you want to write it!

Lol finally found the ask that inspired the #Taylington smut!! Hope this is what you wanted!

Lexi just wants to take Taylor out for nice dinner, but Taylor has other plans!

Also, comments make the fanfic writers world go round, so if you leave me one

The Paint Fight

It has not been a good day.

Lexi wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s been a bad day; but it was most certainly not on the spectrum of good.

Overwhelming, to say the least.

Long, certainly.

Mind-numbingly exhausting, perhaps.

Definitely not a day she would like to repeat anytime soon.

In fact, if she could erase the day from her memory and pretend like the day is just starting the moment she gets home, she would be more than fine with it.

Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel - it’s Friday, and she’s on her way home. Plus she’s almost positive that she can convince Taylor to let her take them out to a nice, quiet dinner. Somewhere expensive and private, where she can spend some long overdue time with her girlfriend.

The new space travel project has been taking up every spare moment her time for the past few weeks; so between that and Taylor’s new gallery opening coming up next month, they’d been hard pressed to find time together. That was all going to change this weekend though, they’d both agreed to take a break from their prospective projects and spend some quality time together.

Needless to say, Lexi was looking forward to it.

So much so that by the time she parks her bike, rushes past the doorman and makes it through the short elevator ride to the top floor, she’s practically bouncing.

Quickly, she rotates her key in the lock - pausing half a second for the retinal scanner to do its work until she hears the click.

The moment she steps inside, all of the remaining tension leeches of her, and she feels her shoulders drop as a contented sigh flutters past her lips.

It always hits how odd it is for a place to just smell like home. When they’d first started dating, Taylor had always smelled like - well, Taylor - like an art supply store had been outside in the rain and left to sun dry. She’d always loved that smell; but she loved it even more now that it had somehow blended with Lexi’s scent to form something that was uniquely them. Where Lexi feels like she and everything she loves just … belong.

It sounds like home too, the pop-happy playlist that Taylor tends to listen to when she’s making ‘fun’ art drifting down the hall.

She gives herself just a moment to let it all sink in, a smile tugging at her lips for what feels like the first time since leaving that morning.

“Honey! I’m home!” she calls out - the same cheesy greeting that she’d given the first time she’d come home to find Taylor already there. Taylor had rolled her eyes, of course, and teased Lexi about it, but it had quickly become a sort of tradition. So much so that even Taylor had picked it up for when she was the last to come home.

“I’m back here!” Taylors voice sing-songs down the same trail as the music, and Lexi’s grin widens.

She doesn’t think coming home to Taylor will ever get old.

Still grinning, she turns to hang her messenger bag and coat on their designated hooks by the door, and toe off her ankle boots onto the mat. Unfortunately, she catches sight of herself in full length mirror that Taylor had insisted on putting up in the entry way.

She looks like …

Well, she looks like she’s spent the past 10 hours in a working laboratory.

Which is exactly what she’s done, but it isn’t exactly how she wants to greet her girlfriend.

“I’ll be there in just a minute!” she calls out, stalling for time.

Her braid is beyond repair; either from the safety hat at the lab, her bike helmet, or both - strands of dark brown hair are sticking out every which way, and it’s evident after a few attempts at fixing them that the effort is futile. Instead, she releases the tie holding it all together and runs her fingers through it before pulling it back up into a ponytail.

Her glasses are so smudged that the light is reflecting off of them and she can barely see her eyes. Frowning, she takes them off and digs out the corner of her undershirt to clean them off. After a few tries, she’s finally satisfied, and settles them back on her nose before tucking her shirt back in and straightening her suspenders.

The suspenders had been Taylor’s idea - one that had started out as a half joke and ended as an emphatic must-have after Lexi had tried them on. The thought of her girlfriend’s face in the dressing room that day is enough to make Lexi smirk, and on impulse, she undoes the second button on her white dress shirt, effectively ditching her polished work look for something slightly more roguish.

She takes one last look in the mirror to make sure the rest of her is presentable; from her tailored black pants to her quirky red socks.

Finally convinced that she fits the weekend dress code, she turns down the hall to find Taylor.

Their apartment is a cute little two-bedroom condo in the art district - fulfilling Taylor’s wish that it be within walking distance to the main strip of art galleries but also ‘not too extravagant, Lex, something small’; and also Lexi’s wish for something secure and quiet (and also her secret desire to make sure there’s enough room for Taylor to have a room for an art workshop).

It was difficult to convince Taylor that a two bedroom where both rooms had large windows over the river front was ‘not too extravagant’, but Lexi had cheated slightly by enlisting the help of Taylor’s dad - who also acted as their real estate agent.

Unsurprisingly, he was more than on board with helping Lexi give Taylor her dream apartment, and he gave the place an excellent pitch on their initial walkthrough. Between Lexi and Mike, Taylor was unable to resist the condo’s renovated but rustic charm, and within a week they were signing the papers and moving in.

Taylor refused to let Lexi buy the building outright, and Lena refused to let Lexi live anywhere that wasn’t vetted by her security; so in a show of bipartisanship, L-Corp Real Estate had bought the property. It still feels weird, writing out a check to her mother’s company every month (a small portion of which goes straight back into Lexi’s trust fund), but it makes Taylor happy, so she lives with it.

She would do a lot of things if they made Taylor happy, she realizes without surprise.

The thought warms her heart, and she smiles as she heads toward Taylor’s makeshift art studio.

She can hear the music loud and clear now, and her grin widens as she reaches for the door knob.

The sight on the other side of the door is enough to render her speechless - Taylor in worn out overalls and a sports bra, pants legs rolled up over her bare feet.

It’s enough to stop her in her tracks, but really, she should have expected it - Taylor has developed quite the penchant for wearing overalls lately, (admittedly, she usually pairs them with more clothes.)

What she doesn’t expect is a missile of yellow paint to hurtle into her her chest, leaving a mustard colored explosion across her torso.

Stunned, she looks up from the stain to find Taylor staring at her, open-mouthed.

“Oh my god.” Taylor breathes, looking back and forth between Lexi’s face and the stain. “I’m so sorry!”

“I mean … I don’t really mind, I just … what are you doing exactly?” she squints around the room to see a semi-circle of canvases spread around the room and Taylor holding a paintbrush covered in yellow paint.

“Oh! It’s an abstract study in random color patterns.”

“So you’re throwing paint across the room?”

“I mean … strategically.” Taylor concedes. “Wanna try?”

“Oh no, you know I’m not really artistic! I mean outside of coloring pages I guess.”

“Hmm, sounds to me like you’re chicken.”

“Chicken? I’m not chicken, I just don’t want to ruin your masterpiece!”

“You’re not going to ruin it! Just come on, one little flip of the wrist.”

“I regret that I must cordially decline.”

Taylor narrows her eyes accusingly.

“Spoil sport.”

“I am not a spoil sport!” Lexi scoffs, stepping closer.

“Mmm, seems to me like you’re a spoil sport.”

“Oh really?” She moves even closer, effectively stepping into Taylor’s space.

“Yeah,” Taylor nods, a smirk teasing at the edge of her lips. “For sure.”

Lexi’s hands settle on Taylor’s hips, and pull her close.

“Would a spoil sport do this?” She dips her head to capture Taylor’s lips with her own, effectively silencing all trash talk and not stopping until she elicits a moan from the other woman.

Without breaking the kiss, she reaches for the paintbrush in Taylor’s hand, tossing it onto the drop cloth covering the floor.

Taylor responds immediately - arms wrapping around Lexi’s neck and tugging her closer.

It’s easy to get lost in the kiss, the feeling of Taylor’s lips pressing against her own and the heady swipe of tongue in her mouth.

She lets herself free fall for a few a long minutes before she regains control of her facilities enough to move again - reaching her fingers into the palette behind Taylor and gathering up a scoop of paint to smear it across Taylor’s cheek.

The result is like if a bucket of cold water splashed over them, with Taylor immediately jerking back to stare at her incredulously.

“Who’s a spoil sport now?” Lexi teases with a grin.

“I can’t believe you!”

“What?” Lexi shrugs. “You wanted me to paint! So I painted!”

“Yeah! I didn’t mean me!”

“Well, to be fair, you didn’t specify.”

“Didn’t specify?”

“No, you didn’t.”

Lexi’s laugh dies off when Taylor’s paint covered finger makes contact with her nose.

“Hey! What are you doing?!”

“Ooh, payback’s a bitch.” Taylor teases.

“You splashed me first! I just retaliated! It was self defense!”

“You’re really going to use the self defense excuse?”

“Because it was!” Lexi protests.

“Oh really?” Taylor mocks before swiping across Lexi’s neck, some of the paint sticking to the collar of her shirt.

“Alright, okay; that’s taking it a little far, don’t you think?” She tries to capture Taylor’s hands to prevent further attacks, but her girlfriend dances away with a laugh.

“A little far? Don’t you think you should have thought of that before you attacked me?”

“Attacked you?” Lexi blinks comically before continuing to circle Taylor around the room. “I thought we established that I acted in self-defense.”

“It can’t classify as self-defense because technically I splattered you on accident.”

“Ohh, you’re saying all this was an accident?” Lexi gestures to the yellow smear across the front of her shirt.

“Mmhmm! Like I can’t say that this -“ She grabs another brush, dipping it in bright red paint before flicking it at Lexi. “- is an accident. But before, that was definitely an accident.”

Maybe it’s the kiss from before, or maybe it’s the way Taylor is looking at her now, but Lexi feels a heat rise in her belly, even as the paint soaks into her shirt.

“That’s true,” she says, stalking once again in Taylor’s direction. “You definitely can’t call what you just did an accident.”

Without warning, Taylor takes off to the opposite corner of the room, but Lexi reads her cues - easily able to intercept her - and she wraps her arms around Taylor’s, pinning them to her body and lifting the other woman off the ground.

“Lexington!” Taylor shrieks with laughter, her legs curling up as she gives into Lexi’s momentum to swing them around.

Only the sheet beneath them slips, and they tumble forward - a giggling mass of limbs and wet paint.

When they finally land, Lexi finds herself slotted between Taylor’s hips, and she gasps at the contact, but it’s swallowed up by Taylor’s mouth - hungry and searching.

Minutes, or hours pass - she can’t be a hundred percent sure - her only thought the next move of the kiss; like some sort of erotic chess game. Eventually, she braces herself before reaching up to undo the clasps on Taylor’s overalls.

Taylor sighs, a soft, contented sigh that stutters into Lexi’s mouth with hesitant release. Lexi can’t help but sink into the warm arms around her, cupping a hand around Taylor’s jaw and using the touch to draw them closer. She should feel bad for the paint she knows is getting in Taylor’s hair, but she’s too love drunk to stop, the intoxicating feel of Taylor’s lips against her own is too much to resist.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, she feels Taylor’s ankle hook around the back of her knee, but she doesn’t give it much thought - not until their weight shifts and she finds herself tumbling over as Taylor flips them. She manages to catch herself from landing flat on her ass, the palms of her hand skidding in the paint - hands that she immediately brings to rest against Taylor’s hips as the other girl straddles her; bracing against Lexi’s chest.

“You know, this brings an all new meaning to the term ‘paint fight’” Lexi grins evilly, but falls silent when Taylor moves to unbutton her shirt.

“And you’re wearing entirely too many clothes.” she counters, and Lexi can’t argue, especially since the bib of Taylor’s overalls has fallen down, effectively leaving her in just a sports bra from the waist up

As soon as the last button is undone, Taylor growls frustratedly; fingers tugging at Lexi’s undershirt.

“This needs to come off.”

And again, Lexi can’t exactly argue, (nor does she want to), so she pushes herself up; letting Taylor tug the tank to over her head.

Of course, the moment they’re evenly dressed, she seeks out an edge - relying on quivering ab muscles to hold her in a crunch position as she reaches for Taylor’s sports bra.

As soon as it’s off, Lexi latches on; covering Taylor’s nipple with tongue and teeth; unwilling to let go even as they fall backwards. Taylor’s hands brace somewhere above Lexi’s head before moving to her shoulders, but Lexi cant’ bring herself to mind the slick of wet paint against her skin.

“Lex.” Taylor gasps, and she immediately pulls back, head thudding against the floor. “Too many clothes.”

The complaint sends Lexi into immediate action, as she flips them again and kisses her way down Taylor’s torso; following with her fingers and leaving multicolored paint flecks in her wake.

She meets resistance at Taylor’s waist, encumbered once again by the overalls, and swiftly she pulls both them and the underwear beneath over Taylor’s shapely legs.

“Fuck, Lexi.” Taylor breathes, fingers fisting in Lexi’s ponytail, and Lexi wants nothing more that to bury her fingers in wet heat, but one glance at her paint covered fingers nixes that option.

Instead, she uses her hand to spread apart Taylor’s folds before licking a long stripe up her center.

The sounds Taylor makes as Lexi makes contact with her clit should be illegal, and the hand in her hair tightens almost painfully.

“Fuck.” Taylor repeats, and Lexi takes it as both encouragement and a command, effectively burying her face in the warm heat of Taylor’s core. She’s been doing this long enough to know exactly what her girlfriend likes, and she doesn’t waste time, pressing her tongue in slow circular motions against Taylor’s clit before fucking her with her tongue in long, slow strokes.

Taylor’s feet lock behind her shoulders, and Lexi drops her hands, slipping underneath her girlfriend’s ass and offering soft squeezes as she brings her up to meet her mouth.

The curses and pleas falling from Taylor’s lips paired with the clenching of her hand in Lexi’s hair is enough to spur Lexi on, and she doubles down on her efforts.

It isn’t long before Taylor is squirming beneath her, and she can feel her girlfriend’s thighs clenching even more tightly around her head. Carefully, she slips one hand from Taylor’s ass to press a thumb against her clit as her tongue reaches far and deep.

The act is enough to send Taylor over the edge, and she barely has time to brace herself before the hand in her hair tightens almost unbearably and the thigh around her head clench down hard enough to render her immobile.

It takes a few long seconds of Taylor’s inner muscles fluttering around her tongue before the grip on her loosens and her girlfriend is rendered boneless.

“Fuck, Lex.” Taylor repeats, and Lexi can’t help but grin as she pulls back to regard her girlfriend.

“Good?” she questions with a knowing smile, and Taylor slaps her shoulder.

“Payback’s a bitch, you know.”

* - - - - - - - - -

“Sorry.” Taylor breathes some time later. “I know you were wanting to go out to dinner.”

“Pfft, dinner?” Lexi scoffs. “I already ate.”

The back of Taylor’s hand smacks against her shoulder, and she laughs.

“No, but seriously; we can order something. I’d much rather be here with you than out at some stuffy restaurant.”

“True,” Taylor concedes. “We can’t exactly stop to make out in the middle of a restaurant.”

“Exactly. See, staying home has its benefits.” Lexi punctuates the point by leaning down to cover Taylor’s mouth with her own.

A long moment later, and Taylor pulls away - the hand on Lexi’s chest firm but reassuring.

“Okay, but I am actually hungry though.”

Lexi can’t help but laugh at that; pulling away to reach for her phone.

“Does pizza sound okay?”

* - - - - - - -

Twenty minutes later, the doorbell buzzes in the other room.

“Pizza delivery?” it asks, and Lexi rushes naked to answer.

“Yeah, send it on up.” She instructs the doorman, searching around for something to cover herself up.

Taylor is one step ahead of her though, stepping into the kitchen wearing nothing but Lexi’s boxer briefs and white shirt - now splattered with paint.

“You’re going to answer the door like that?” she asks teasingly, and color rises on Taylor’s cheeks.

“Is that a problem?”

“I mean, no? You might give the pizza delivery person a heart attack though!”

“That’s a risk I’m willing to take.” Taylor informs her, and while the pizza delivery person may be okay, Lexi finds herself frankly incapacitated - unable to form complete sentences as she watches Taylor take their order from the person at the door. Even more so when Taylor turns to face her.

“See? No one had a heart attack!”

“Speak for yourself!” Lexi teases, reaching for one of salad boxes.

The look Taylor gives her is enough to send her spiraling into a vortex of want, and she groans.

“Woman! Please! At least let me carb load before you look at me like that! My body needs nutrients before round two!”

Taylor’s smirk is downright evil.

“Technically, it would be round three.” she corrects before waving the box of cinnamon sticks under Lexi’s nose. “Besides, we could always start with dessert if you think a sugar rush will get you kickstarted.”

“No.” Lexi says firmly, almost wavering at the pout that crosses Taylor’s face.

“No?”

“No. First I’m going to eat this salad.”

“And then?” Taylor smiles coyly.

“And then I’m going to eat a piece of pizza - maybe two - actually you know what? Make that a definite two, I’m starving.”

“What next?”

“Well, then we’re going to eat cinnamon sticks.” Lexi answers as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world, and Taylor frowns.

“I mean, okay, I guess.”

Lexi feigns surprise.

“Oh sorry, did I forget the part where I lick icing off your fingers and then pin you against the wall and fuck you until you scream my name?”

“Is there any way I can convince you to skip steps one through three?“

* - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The art gallery is closed - everything from the sign on the door to the dim lights says so; but Lexi knocks anyway, almost startled when the door immediately opens.

“Hey!” Taylor’s face fills the doorway before it swings wide, Lexi letting herself be pulled into the space. “You made it!”

Lexi feels her brow crinkle.

“Of course! I said I would!”

“Yeah, but you were also talking about how slammed you were earlier - you didn’t even stop for lunch.” Taylor’s tone is accusing, and Lexi winces under her glare.

“No, but you’re way more important than lunch. Besides, now I’ll have a ginormous appetite when I take you out for your celebratory gallery opening dinner.”

“Technically it doesn’t open until tomorrow.” Taylor laughs, but Lexi just shrugs.

“So? I’ll take you out twice then! Besides, I’m sure that tomorrow we’ll end up going out with our parents - tonight can be more of a … private celebration.” she wiggles her eyebrows, and Taylor shoves at her shoulders playfully.

“Lex!”

“What? I have a thing for artists! I thought you knew that by now!” she laughs before trying to sneak a peak around the corner hiding them from the gallery. “While we’re on the topic, am I the muse for any of these pieces? Are there any dirty nudies of me anywhere that I should be prepared for?”

Taylor blushes prettily and Lexi’s eyebrows shoot to the ceiling.

“There are nudie portraits of me, aren’t there?” she demands, but Taylor shakes her head.

“There are no dirty pictures of you, I promise.”

Lexi narrows her eyes.

“Then why are you blushing like that?”

“I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.” Taylor teases before reaching for her hand. “Come on, if we want to make our reservations, we need to get started.”

“What makes you think I have reservations?” Lexi tries to look appalled, but cracks under Taylor’s knowing look. “Okay, fine, I have reservations, but they’re flexible, so we have plenty of time, don’t rush.”

“You know you don’t have to do that.” Taylor protests. “I don’t need reservations at a fancy restaurant.”

“I know you don’t, but if I can give them to you, then why shouldn’t I?”

Taylor doesn’t seem to have a response for that, instead staring at her for a long moment.

“I love you, you know that?” She asks finally, and Lexi grins.

“And I love you too.” Lexi agrees, bending down to press a chaste kiss on her girlfriend’s lips. “Now show me all the pieces you’ve been working so hard on.”

* - - - - -

It’s the first time that Taylor has done an entire gallery for just paintings, and Lexi can’t lie; she’s pleasantly surprised.

She knew Taylor was good, but this, this is on a different level. There’s everything from acrylic to watercolor, and the inspiration varies from the landscape outside their bedroom window, to a coffee shop they once visited in Paris.

It’s all strikingly beautiful, and Lexi finds herself marveling at just how talented her girlfriend is.

“Wow.” She says for what feels like the fourteenth time, and Taylor frowns.

“That’s what you keep saying.”

“I’m sorry! You know I almost failed art history! I don’t know the correct terminology to tell you that I think 90% of your work belongs in a museum!” she shrugs. “But it does though! I mean look at this -“ she turns to point at the painting of the Parisian cafe. “Just looking at that takes me back to exactly how I felt that day! And I’m sure it makes other people feel that way too! - I mean hopefully it doesn’t make them feel like they want to make out with you under the Eiffel tower, but similar!”

Taylor’s frown shifts slowly into a grin, and before Lexi can brace herself, Taylor is using her grip on Lexi to pull her down for a quick kiss.

“Well, you’ll have to tell me what this next piece makes you feel like.”

They round the next corner, and Lexi is confronted with a giant canvas banner - at least ten feet wide, and no doubt as long - covered in a smattering of acrylic smears that seem to be dashed haphazardly across the sheet.

It’s stunning, to say the least - if not for its sheer size, then at least for it’s seemingly random color pattern - nothing making sense, but working together in a cohesive pattern; one that leaves her eyes flitting around for the next spark of color. There’s a larger concentration of paint towards the middle, but other than that it’s a diffuse canvas.

“Wow.” she breathes, and Taylor’s elbow connects with her side. “What?”

“I thought we agreed that you would try and be more descriptive.”

Lexi grins sheepishly.

“Sorry, it’s just - wow. I mean where did you have room to put this? Did you have to paint it here?”

She would swear she sees Taylor blush in the low light.

“Ah, no? I painted it at home.”

Lexi’s brow crinkles as she turns back to study the piece again.

She spots the faint outline of a handprint slightly off center, and finally, it clicks.

“Is that …?” She trails off, unsure exactly, of how to ask the necessary question.

Taylor hums beside her.

“Mmm-hmm”

Lexi turns to stare at her in incredulous disbelief.

“So you’re saying that you planned on us having paint sex so that you could hang our … product up in your art gallery?”

“Product?” Taylor scrunches her nose. “I prefer masterpiece.”

“Tay.”

“No, I didn’t plan on us having sex on the canvas. That was unexpected. I was just planning on hanging up whatever paint drips were on it. But, you have to admit, we added a certain … flair.”

“Flair?” Lexi deadpans. “I’ve been scrubbing paint off myself for two weeks!”

Taylor barks a laugh.

“Sorry!”

“I mean, don’t be sorry, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.” Lexi concedes, draping an arm around Taylor’s shoulder and turning them so that they’re both facing the paining. “Besides, I have to admit, we look pretty good.”

“Pretty good?”

“I told you, I don’t know a lot about art critique.”

“You know, this place is deserted, I could give you a little tutorial session in the back room.” Taylor winks suggestively, but Lexi’s stomach picks that particular moment to growl.

“Sorry, no lunch.” Lexi winces self-consciously, but Taylor only laughs.

“Perfect, I can get you fully fed before I ravish you this time. Maybe we’ll even make it to the bed.” She winks, and Lexi whines, suddenly regretting her choice of a five course Italian meal for dinner.

And the next day? When everyone stops to ooh and ahh over the abstract canvas?

Well, Lexi hopes it’s dark enough that her blush doesn’t give her away.

#taylington #the lexington chronicles #lexington luthor-danvers #taylor the gf #supercorp #lgbtq+ fiction

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purplesurveys · 6 years ago

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358

In the last year, have you...

Moved: No, I’ve lived in the same house for about a decade. Started a new job: Nope, and I don’t exactly plan to do so until after I graduate. Traveled to another country: Nah, not this year. Traveled to another continent: Most definitely not lmao, if ^ that’s already a no. Eaten sushi: So many times, my dude. Gab and I had sushi for our anniversary.

Been drunk: Yep. As recently as last Saturday. Been high: Never plan to. Been to the dentist: At the start of the year I think. We always get our teeth checked once a year. Bought a new car: Nah, still using my usual one and I never want to trade it for something else, at least while I’m still in college. Had a broken heart: Uh, sure. It sounds cheesy but yeah I’ve felt hurt here and there. Spent over $1,000 in one day: I’ve never even held that much money. Maybe my parents did this, but I haven’t. Kissed a stranger: As a demisexual, the prospect is terrifying. Haven’t done this. Finished a jigsaw puzzle: I don’t think I got to play with puzzles this year. Cooked or baked something from scratch: Yes!!! I’m glad to say I baked something this year! Angela, Hans, Rap, and I spontaneously decided to bake chocolate chip cookies when classes got suspended halfway through the day because of an incoming typhoon. Started a new relationship: No, still in the same relationship as I’ve been in in the last two years. Broken up with someone: Nope. Been broken up with: Nope. Been in the same relationship you were in last year: There we go. Explored a large city: I guess, in the few moments that I had the time. Been to a wedding: No but my mom was invited to a couple this year. I miss going to weddings :( Been to a funeral: Thankfully not. Been to a baby shower: I don’t think so, not this year. Held a baby: Earlier in the year. Angela’s mom (who works as a pediatrician) threw a party and some of her patients and their kids were invited, and one of the kids was a really chubby baby girl that I couldn’t help but hold. Seen a therapist: No, I’ve been putting it off for the longest time. Bought new furniture: My mom’s in charge of that, not me, so no. Made new friends: Sure, you always meet some new people in college. This year it was most notably new recruits in my org, like Tina and Kezhia. Called in sick to work/school: Haven’t we all... Deleted a social media account: I didn’t delete, just deactivate. I’m doing a massive social media detox this Christmas break because everyone’s happy and family-centric posts make me sicker this time of the year. Started a new hobby: Coloring came to me as an impulse hobby last month as Christmas had been approaching, and while I feel sad about flushing so much money in one go over coloring books and supplies, I’m still happy I made an active effort to look out for myself this year. This hobby’s a blassssssst so far. Met a famous person: I don’t think so, if I remember correctly haha. I was like 10 feet away from Paramore but I was too scared to volunteer myself for Misery Business. Went to a concert: I DID!!! I saw Paramore for the second time!!!!!! August 23rd. BEST night of my life, even if I went alone. I don’t know if I ever reported that here but the experience was amaaaaaazing. Best band ever. Traveled via train: The railway system in the Philippines is shit. No way am I voluntarily riding a train. Traveled via airplane: Yes, I went to Bataan over the Holy Week. Been on a road trip: Yes, my dad loves doing road trips so whenever he’s home, we do 1-3 of them. I also did a road trip with just Gab and I when we went to Nasugbu for my birthday. Donated to charity: Not really for charity since they’re sometimes sketchy, but I regularly give money and food to homeless people who knock on my window when I’m stuck in traffic. Been to a country club: Yeah, a few months ago. Went swimming: Many times. The weather this year was not exactly the most convenient, so we went to a LOT of beaches to cool down. Went surfing: Nah, I’m too afraid to try. My sister and parents have had a few lessons but my balance is mostly off haha. Went hiking: NOOOOOOOO UGH I miss hiking! I wish I’d get to do it next year. Had a gym membership: I don’t think I need one, so no I’ve never tried to apply for a membership. Had an argument with a friend: I mean, just with Gabie. I never had an argument with any of my other friends. Had a family reunion: Yeah...dad’s side. It was huge, we rented out a small hotel for it cos literally everyone from my paternal grandmother’s side was there. I was mostly stoked about the food and the couple of dogs that my relatives brought. Went for a walk in a park: This country doesn’t prioritize and maintain their parks, a damn shame. We go for walks at the mall - that’s more of the culture here. Been in the hospital: If I remember correctly, no. Attended a professional sporting event: No. The UAAP (our version of the NCAA) season this year was CRRRRAZY good though, but I never got to get tickets because acads consumed me throughout the semester. Earned a new degree or diploma: I’m in the process of getting one, but no I didn’t earn it this year. Been to a museum: I went back to Pinto this year with Aya, Laurice, Jo, Jum, and Luisa then had a drink atop Antipolo after. Been to an art gallery: Numerous ones with Gab. They pop up every now and then at the mall and we always go through them. Went camping: I was way too busy this year. Went fishing: I don’t like doing that :c Struggled with an eating disorder: No, I’ve never been diagnosed with such a disorder. Been in credit card debt: I don’t even have a credit card. Had new neighbors move in next door: Nope, the houses on either side of ours have long been uninhabited. Gotten drunk at a work party: At an org party, sure. Dyed your hair: Nope. But Gabie did, she had the ends of her hair dyed like a weird blondeish a few months ago. My sister also got brown dye delivered to the house a couple of days ago, so I should be expecting her look to change soon too. Gotten a manicure: Not a big fan of getting my nails painted. Been to a casino: I wouldn’t be allowed to get inside even if I wanted to haha. The one time I smoothly went inside was in 2016 when I was on my cruise trip. The only things I remember is that it the place was filled with flashing lights and everything was super colorful. Voted in an election: No elections happened this year. But we will have our midterm elections in 2019 and I intend to vote then. Shopped at a bookstore: SO MANY TIMESSSSS. Call 2018 the year I got obsessed with school supplies, cos I definitely went overboard with buying pad paper, highlighters, post-its, and, pens. Dined at a fancy restaurant: Many times with Gab. Sat in a sauna: I hate saunas and can’t comprehend how my mom enjoys it so damn much. It’s hot enough in Manila, why salivate at the thought of saunas??? R u ok??? Had a panic attack: Hahaha, I remember so many occasions. Attended a religious service: My family is Catholic, I get dragged to church every week. Been pulled over for speeding: I don’t think speeding is a thing here. People drive like death and I’ve never actually heard of someone getting pulled over for this reason. Stayed awake all night: It happens. Borrowed money from a friend or family member: Gabie lent me a thousand bucks (relax, that’s like $20). I was so short of money last week but I still had a bunch of Santa babies to give gifts to, so I went into a panic until she stepped in and lent me money. Lent money to a friend or family member: I give Gab money sometimes since she commutes from her dorm to my school, but I don’t ask for it back unless I really need the money. Been to an amusement park: LOL pass. I hate amusement parks. Gotten a new pet: No, I still have the same dumb dog. Had strep throat: My throat hurt like a bitch a few months ago. Had food poisoning: I don’t think so. Had the stomach flu: Sure. Binge-watched a show on Netflix: Friends and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Shoveled snow: We don’t get snowwwww. Mowed a lawn: We don’t have a lawn. Bought a new computer: Nope, still have my same trusty laptop. Bought a new phone: My dad got me an iPhone 8 early in the year.

Worked out using a fitness tracker: I don’t work out. Eaten an entire pizza by yourself: Hehe. Felt an earthquake: I don’t think there were any recognizable ones this year. Taken out a loan: I’m a clueless 20 year old and I don’t know what this means, but I’m guessing no. Been prescribed antibiotics: Nope. Sold something on eBay: I don’t use eBay. Painted a room in your house: My control freak of a mom would never let us get away with that.

#survey #surveys

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a-magpie-witchling · 7 years ago

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WOOT BROKE W(b)ITCH HAUL

HEY YOU

YES YOU

ARE YOU BROKE BUT STILL WANNA PULL THE THREADS OF THE ETHER AND DEFY THE ESTABLISHED LAWS OF MAN INVOKING THE ANCIENT MAGICK?

GOOD.

You and I are gonna go S H O P P I N G

But, Semiramis! I just told you I’m broke! I can’t get nice things!

*smack*

WRONG.

The world is full of wonders, one of them being

DOLLAR STORES

Remember sweeties, a witch’s best friend is scavenging.

Open your eyes. Look around. Scout your neighborhood.

But what about the things that I can’t get out on the streets!?

That’s what we’re shopping for!

Now before we move on, close your eyes… then open them again because you need to read the rest of the message… and repeat the following mantra:

THE CRAFT REQUIRES NOTHING. THE CRAFT REQUIRES NOTHING. THE CRAFT REQUIRES NOTHING BUT MYSELF.

No fancy ingredients, no pretty crystals, no expensive incenses will work better than your RAW HEART AND SOUL.

Mkay?

Now let’s go get some of that good shit.

How good?

Diz gud.

Now, it’s no mystery that a broke ass witch needs to pay a visit to the local dollar stores to get her materials every once in a while, but if you’re like me and live in a place where there are no dollar stores (and there are no dollars either) WHERE TO GO?

The answer is here:

CHINESE IMPORT STORES ARE YOUR NEW SANCTUARY.

These places are AWESOME for a witch on a budget, because they carry EVERYTHING. From toys to art supplies to kitchenware…

AND SPIRITUALITY SUPPLIES.

(That’s where we come in)

Speaking of budget, by the way. Let’s set one.

Say… $15?

FIFTEEN AMERICAN DOLLARS. I will take you home with some nice and rare goodies that will spice up your spells.

Let’s go in.

Oooh what a promising start. This here, my friends, are 25 grams of the purest coke Palo Santo wood. Don’t like it in its natural state?

They have it in incense too!

But we ain’t getting that shit. I’m allergic so I can’t burn anything scented or else I… die.

But know they’re there, as well as essential oils, and they’re quite accessi-

WHAT!?

28 BUCKS FOR A BOTTLE OF ESSENTIAL OIL!?

AIN’T NOBODY GOT CASH FO DAT

Nah I’m just kidding. This is the price in pesos, meaning that these oils are *math happens* $1.55 each!

What a D E A L

BUT THAT’S NOT WHAT WE’RE HERE FOR BECAUSE I’M SOON TEACHING YOU HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN OILS.

Also, holy shit…

You HAVE to see the candles aisle in this place.

They have them twirly

Large

Larger

The photo is not blury, you’re drunk

Scented

Scentless

Birthdayful

Oh hellooo thereee~

Twelve candles for $1.94 you say?

Meaning SIXTEEN CENTS A CANDLE?

Adopted.

Don’t let anyone tell you cheap candles don’t get the job done, people!

Plus they burn just as good.

NOW at this point the store was 10 minutes away from closing time, so I had to stop taking pictures to get my ass outta there, BUT

Here’s a look at what we got:

That doesn’t look too good, let’s add a F I L T E R

Those little crochet doilies that will serve as my new altar tablecloths? They were $0.55

But Amis! Those don’t look too witchy, more like what my grandma puts under her vases!

First of all, how dare you.

Second of all, how dare you.

Granmotherly stuff is witchy by D E F I N I T I O N. Embrace the grandma aesthetic, y’all!

Also:

If you’re poor you have to be CRAFTY. Look at that! It has a pentacle now. How long did it take? Literally 30 seconds! Imagine what we could do with a whole afternoon!

Ok, I admit it, that was a fiasco, BUT WE’RE ONTO SOMETHING THERE.

Let’s take a closer look at what else we brought, shall we?

This tiny chest is 7.5 cm wide x 5.5 cm tall x 5.5 cm deep (3 in x 2.1 in x 2.1 in) and will hold my pocket altar. It was *drum roll* $1.70!

I was getting tired of using my mom’s big ass scissors to cut my tiny delicate herbs, so I got myself this pair of snips! Price: $0.55 and they’re sharper than Tom Hiddleston’s style. Plus they serve a multitude of purposes, like shanking a bitch.

A quick stop by the crystal shop that was also closing (pfft crystal shop. Sounds like out of a fantasy novel, love it) yields the following goodies:

-Onyx ($0.55)

-Fluorite ($0.27)

-Snowflake obsidian (hard to get where I live. It’s kinda pricey at $2.20. I recommend other kinds of obsidian or maybe just black glass as I’ve been using until today, it still works awesomely. I got the obsidian because I wanted to experiment with it and my Mentor recommended me to get it, same as the fluorite).

-And the CUTEST little quartz formation. This one kinda defeats the purpose because it was a bit pricey. You don’t need it; any clear quartz will work the same. It was $4.50 and it was my guilty pleasure of the month. It also came with a free satchel that’s most certainly going to be used with magickal results in the foreseeable future.

More of it because it’s so gorgeous ♥

Back to the fluorite! That shit is large and cheap! Well, you see, it’s kinda ugly because I was part of a larger stone and broke down the middle when they were trying to perforate it to make it into a pendant.

But check this hot babe out

W O R K I T

Coming back from the imports store, I paid a visit to my pot dealer erh I mean my herbs supplier. Got myself some ginger for $0.27

AND THEN

I SAW IT

Maybe they don’t package it like this in your country, but here this little shitty capsule is worth its weight in GOLD.

Y’all know what this is?

This is SAFFRON.

Now normally I steer fucking clear of things this expensive, but when I asked my dealer I mean the vendor she said it was on sale.

This stuff LITERALLY sold by FRACTIONS OF GRAMS. In this case that’s 0.2 grams of saffron, that’s 0.007 ounces. YES. ZERO POINT ZERO ZERO SEVEN. Insert here Bond reference

Retail price? Normally around $8 per capsule (EIGHT AMERICAN DOLLARS!)

How much on sale?

TWO DOLLARS.

A tip for the broke witch: hunt down for sales. Even if you don’t use the ingredients in your spells, you can still trade them with other witches or with anyone, really.

After this I went home and decided to try out my new candles.

And as I said, if you’re poor, you gotta get crafty!

I cut one of the candles in half. A part went to my pocket altar, and the other half…

I used one of those ceramic saucers with the little erh… lower level circle in the middle?

USE CERAMIC. THIS IS IMPORTANT. IT RESISTS TEMPERATURE WELL AND YOU’RE GONNA NEED IT.

Melt the wax in the microwave or on the flame and then make sure it stays in the center of the saucer. Then take it out and wait until it cools down (or put it in the freezer if you are an impatient little shit). DO NOT LET IT SOLIDIFY COMPLETELY.

Then you take it out and use a round cookie cutter (or if you’re a cheap ass like me, find something else)

I just used the styling nozzle of my hair drying because F U K D A P O L I C E

Put it again in the freezer and once it’s completely solidified use a spatula because you, my dear witch

Just made yourself a moon wax amulet!

Engrave it with your sigils, place it on your altar, carefully soften the bottom with heat and use it as a seal, the possibilities are endless!

BUT WAIT, WHAT ABOUT THE REMNANTS!?

EVIL EYE WARD!

The rest? Melt it again or use it as a poppet in case you wanna cast a spell over an onion ring…

By the end of the day, our haul is:

-Altar cloth $0.55

-Herbs snips $0.55

-Mini-altar wooden box $1.70

-Dozen of blue candles $1.94

-Ginger root $0.27

-Satchel $0

-Snowflake obsidian $2.20

-Fluorite$ 0.27

-Onix $0.55

-Quartz crystal formation $4.50

-Saffron Capsule $2

A grand total of $14.53!

Of our budget of $15 we still have $0.47 that where I live is enough for the bus ride back home!

If we take away the unnecessarily pricey stuff (the quartz and the saffron) we got everything for $8.03!

Now if THAT’S not magick, I don’t know what is!

SOME FINAL TIPS!

1) REUSE as many things as you can.

2) MOVE THOSE FEET. I know it doesn’t sound appealing, but CHECK SEVERAL PLACES. Find the best prices by checking different stores and comparing.

3) BE CREATIVE. If you find yourself in need of something you can’t afford, think and find a way to replace it or get it through other routes. As I said, witch trading is a thing!

4) BARGAIN. There’s no shame in it, people! If you’re dealing with independent merchants and buy regularly/are buying a lot, try to get better prices! Don’t disrespect their business, though!

5) REMEMBER YOUR MANTRA. Witchcraft requires NOTHING. Except you.

Now go out there and work your Magick!

-Semiramis, the Magpie Witchling

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blog-doggypages-world-blog · 6 years ago

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Purebred Dog Breeding Today

The breeding of purebred dogs now has become quite intricate as well as in several breeds of dogs there are lots of different breeding lines which produce different kind and characteristics of dogs in precisely the exact same breed of puppy. It has come about because of breeders personel likes and dislikes of some particular kinds, sizes or colours but each breeder of purebred dogs wants to keep in mind that strain of dog breed standard. Does your pet have its own accurate strain characteristics? Does your dog seem to look like exactly what its breed books say it should look like? Does this compare to image of dogs of its own breed of older or famous dogs bred in its own breed? Ultimately does it possess the genuine character for the breed you have? Last but not least is the dog of sound healthier breeding lines?

These are question any breeder or any 1 considering dog should ask himself before they tackle the task of breeding any litter of dogs in almost any breed of dog. If you are able to answer all of the questions above and you've completed at leat some study on your breed of puppy as well as the bloodlines you're working with and also do understand what attributes your bloodline has, exactly what the sire and dam seem like, the grandsire and granddam and farther back good sires and dams on your dogs pedigree. The next thing on your head should be what exactly are you attempting to enhance and exactly what exactly are you trying to maintain on your breed of puppy.

There are 3 primary breeding methods for breeding dogs or purebreds, line breeding, out crossing and inbreeding. There are a lot of very good books on the market on breeding of puppies and I am not attempting to rewirte some of these within this writing, instead I am trying for you as a breeder of puppies to believe, read and queries what you performing and put on you along with your breeding program. I will discuss soon the 3 means of breeding purebred dogs concerning just lay fourth a manual to breeding better dogs and maintaining some kind of continuous format to make dogs which closely seem like every other, possess the very same traits, temperments and are solid wholesome dogs. Lets us only discuss them soon and see whether I will get you thinking and taking a look at the way you're breeding your own dogs.

Lets speak out cross breeding - This kind of breeding is seen a good deal in puppy breeding were not one associated dogs that are consumed out none associated inventory are bred together and on your puppies pedigree. This sort of breeding won't create great dogs of the identical kind, quality and soundness. Breeding dogs such a way simply contributes to a lot of uncertain factors and may bring in several things a breeder knows or perhaps allow it to be impossiable to pin stage were a feature or difficulty have come out of. Out cross breedings should be accomplished by experienced breeders only seeking to fix a mistake or create a particular improvement in there puppies as opposed to breeder has to be certain the dog or bitch they're using carries this attribute himself along with the line they have been swallowed down by does take this attribute or advancement to the previous 3 generations in there or pedigree in order for it to have some impact on result in creating the want changes, after these puppies out of the outside cross are often bred back to the primary breeding line. Out cross breeding shouldn't be accomplished by new puppy or new comers to some strain and outside cross breeding isn't any way to begin a breeding program if seeking to generate continuous type, character and soundness on your dogs. Even long time walkers have made errors when out crossing and it's the quickest way to modify type, temperament and soundness in any breeding program in almost any breed of dog. I allways urge you to educate yourself, understand your breed of dog, do a little creation research and also at leat learn fundamental genetic knowledge or do some studying before you start to devour some breed of dog. Additionally seek the support of additional powerful breeders in your breed of dog which have been around awhile, many good breeders are prepared to assist and give guidance to each of novice puppy breeders and new comers.

Lets discuss Line Breeding - Line reproduction is that the breeding of associated puppies swallowed down by a specific breeding line of puppies. Many breeders believe line breeding is near breeding of associated dogs and it needs to be prevented. Nothing is further from the fact. Excellent line breeding will create your very best dogs that will in return create even greater dogs if done correctly. Line breeding will provide you a lot higher continuous results making dogs of the identical kind, size, caliber, characteristics and temperments. That's if the breeder is starting out with what being great and also the line there jumps straight back into is great with things they need in there breed of puppy. Line breeding will immediately demonstrate a breeder how great the line of puppies they're working together is but line breeding will even demonstrate the breeder some defects or issues they could have in there breeding program. There are lots of formulations online breeding and those are talk in several fantastic books on dog breeding, there are various level's of line breeding too. So it isn't my attenion to enter these formulas . Yet two that have demonstrated quite sucessufl to me personally over the years are if you strain a grand dauther for her dams sire, (i.e. grandsire) that does require some innovative planning and does demand both puppies to be of very higher quality with all the great traits you would like and inside there strains standard. Half borther and half sister breeding using an outside cross line at the center of the pedigree has also demonstrated very excellent results in case the dogs used are of really great quality, noise and have good temperments. Line breeding does need knowledge and research. Its is allways recommended for you due this prior to any breeding of puppies. Line breeding in the majority of instances will create you greater and greater quality of puppies at almost any breed so long as you're starting out with quite good bred inventory of this breed of puppy you're working to breed. Line breeding was demonstrated by many leading breeders and high kennels across the world among the greatest methods to create better dogs.

Lets discuss Inbreeding - Inbreeding is your exact close breeding online bred stock to one another. Example of the are litter brother to mess sister, Sire to daughter, or mother to son, etc.. This sort of breeding shouldn't ever be accomplished by many. Some exact expereienced breeders may occasion pull on a inbreeding to put in a feature or kind however compared to breeding of those dogs down from that stage has to be used cautiously and inside the goals for which they have been bred for. Inbreeding is just for quite knowledgeable long time walkers to under take as this kind of breeding will really complete the excellent traits in addition to bring any undesirable traits or difficulty to a very large level. Inbreeding has yet create some quite great excellent puppies that have in return create other really large quality puppies however many inbreedings because effects in breeders need to put down several dogs also and it's not for the weak in mind. Inbreeding isn't a recommended type of breeding dogs anticipate in some very experience breeders apps, usually completed one time just for this 1 purpose.

The breeding of purebred dogs shouldn't be dismissed, and each breeder should always work to get as much understanding as they can on there breed of puppy, its kind, breed standard, soundness and wellbeing not to getting its authentic temperament. Bearing this in mind and do your own reseach for a puppy breeder it will guarantee that you just breed better and wholesome dogs for several years to come. After all breeding prue bred dogs is an actual art form and breeding better dogs must be you aim. Do not buy you next puppy from just anybody, seek a fantastic breeder of the breed of puppy you need who's existed and breeding for some time. You'll be much happier with your pet buy and so will your pet and puppy be more joyful and healthy for a lot more decades to come. Nowadays most good breeder also supply health warranty's on dogs they market and superior breeders stand behind there puppies since they understand what's gone into making them.

Can you reseach, read about your breed, talk to breeders, you'll be happy you did!

- Ed Strand is the breeder of the world famous line of this Guardstock Staffordshire Bull Terriers, he's been involed with breeding them for more than 30 decades. Guardstock Staffords has create the exact first BIS All Breed Winner at Staffordshire Bull Terrier History Champion Guardstock's Red Atom, who's among the most time winning Staffordshire Bull Terriers, in addition to several other leading winning Staffordshire Bull Terriers throughout the years. Ed and wife Donna have been involed with American Bulldogs for nearly ten decades now and breeding them since 2000. Ed and Donna have a passion for the Australian Shepherd breed where they've been involed in and breeding for over five decades now.

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jedifighterpilot2727 · 6 years ago

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The Paint Fight

Soo . . . a bunch of people were asking for this, but if you don't like, don't read! #Taylington smut lies ahead! hence the rating change!! (also, it's more fluff than smut, but still, it's there!)

Lexi just wants to take Taylor out for nice dinner, but Taylor has other plans!

It has not been a good day.

Lexi wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s been a bad day; but it was most certainly not on the spectrum of good.

Overwhelming, to say the least.

Long, certainly.

Mind-numbingly exhausting, perhaps.

Definitely not a day she would like to repeat anytime soon.

In fact, if she could erase the day from her memory and pretend like the day is just starting the moment she gets home, she would be more than fine with it.

Needless to say, Lexi was looking forward to it.

So much so that by the time she parks her bike, rushes past the doorman and makes it through the short elevator ride to the top floor, she’s practically bouncing.

Quickly, she rotates her key in the lock - pausing half a second for the retinal scanner to do its work until she hears the click.

The moment she steps inside, all of the remaining tension leeches of her, and she feels her shoulders drop as a contented sigh flutters past her lips.

It sounds like home too, the pop-happy playlist that Taylor tends to listen to when she’s making ‘fun’ art drifting down the hall.

She gives herself just a moment to let it all sink in, a smile tugging at her lips for what feels like the first time since leaving that morning.

“I’m back here!” Taylors voice sing-songs down the same trail as the music, and Lexi’s grin widens.

She doesn’t think coming home to Taylor will ever get old.

She looks like . . .

Well, she looks like she’s spent the past 10 hours in a working laboratory.

Which is exactly what she’s done, but it isn’t exactly how she wants to greet her girlfriend.

“I’ll be there in just a minute!” she calls out, stalling for time.

She takes one last look in the mirror to make sure the rest of her is presentable; from her tailored black pants to her quirky red socks.

Finally convinced that she fits the weekend dress code, she turns down the hall to find Taylor.

Their apartment is a cute little two-bedroom condo in the art district - fulfilling Taylor’s wish that it be within walking distance to the main strip of art galleries but also ‘not too extravagant, Lex, something small’; and also Lexi’s wish for something secure and quiet (and also her secret desire to make sure there's enough room for Taylor to have a room for an art workshop).

She would do a lot of things if they made Taylor happy, she realizes without surprise.

The thought warms her heart, and she smiles as she heads toward Taylor’s makeshift art studio.

She can hear the music loud and clear now, and her grin widens as she reaches for the door knob.

The sight on the other side of the door is enough to render her speechless - Taylor in worn out overalls and a sports bra, pants legs rolled up over her bare feet.

What she doesn’t expect is a missile of yellow paint to hurtle into her her chest, leaving a mustard colored explosion across her torso.

Stunned, she looks up from the stain to find Taylor staring at her, open-mouthed.

“Oh my god.” Taylor breathes, looking back and forth between Lexi’s face and the stain. “I’m so sorry!”

“I mean . . . I don’t really mind, I just . . . what are you doing exactly?” she squints around the room to see a semi-circle of canvases spread around the room and Taylor holding a paintbrush covered in yellow paint.

“Oh! It’s an abstract study in random color patterns.”

“So you’re throwing paint across the room?”

“I mean . . . strategically.” Taylor concedes. “Wanna try?”

“Oh no, you know I’m not really artistic! I mean outside of coloring pages I guess.”

“Hmm, sounds to me like you’re chicken.”

“Chicken? I’m not chicken, I just don’t want to ruin your masterpiece!”

“You’re not going to ruin it! Just come on, one little flip of the wrist.”

“I regret that I must cordially decline.”

Taylor narrows her eyes accusingly.

“Spoil sport.”

“I am not a spoil sport!” Lexi scoffs, stepping closer.

“Mmm, seems to me like you’re a spoil sport.”

“Oh really?” She moves even closer, effectively stepping into Taylor’s space.

“Yeah,” Taylor nods, a smirk teasing at the edge of her lips. “For sure.”

Lexi’s hands settle on Taylor’s hips, and pull her close.

“Would a spoil sport do this?” She dips her head to capture Taylor’s lips with her own, effectively silencing all trash talk and not stopping until she elicits a moan from the other woman.

Without breaking the kiss, she reaches for the paintbrush in Taylor’s hand, tossing it onto the drop cloth covering the floor.

Taylor responds immediately - arms wrapping around Lexi’s neck and tugging her closer.

It’s easy to get lost in the kiss, the feeling of Taylor’s lips pressing against her own and the heady swipe of tongue in her mouth.

The result is like if a bucket of cold water splashed over them, with Taylor immediately jerking back to stare at her incredulously.

“Who’s a spoil sport now?” Lexi teases with a grin.

“I can’t believe you!”

“What?” Lexi shrugs. “You wanted me to paint! So I painted!”

“Yeah! I didn’t mean me!”

“Well, to be fair, you didn’t specify.”

“Didn’t specify?”

“No, you didn't.”

Lexi's laugh dies off when Taylor’s paint covered finger makes contact with her nose.

“Hey! What are you doing?!”

“Ooh, payback’s a bitch.” Taylor teases.

“You splashed me first! I just retaliated! It was self defense!”

“You’re really going to use the self defense excuse?”

“Because it was!” Lexi protests.

“Oh really?” Taylor mocks before swiping across Lexi’s neck, some of the paint sticking to the collar of her shirt.

“Alright, okay; that’s taking it a little far, don’t you think?” She tries to capture Taylor’s hands to prevent further attacks, but her girlfriend dances away with a laugh.

“A little far? Don’t you think you should have thought of that before you attacked me?”

“Attacked you?” Lexi blinks comically before continuing to circle Taylor around the room. “I thought we established that I acted in self-defense.”

“It can’t classify as self-defense because technically I splattered you on accident.”

“Ohh, you’re saying all this was an accident?” Lexi gestures to the yellow smear across the front of her shirt.

“Mmhmm! Like I can't say that this -“ She grabs another brush, dipping it in bright red paint before flicking it at Lexi. “- is an accident. But before, that was definitely an accident.”

Maybe it’s the kiss from before, or maybe it’s the way Taylor is looking at her now, but Lexi feels a heat rise in her belly, even as the paint soaks into her shirt.

“That’s true,” she says, stalking once again in Taylor’s direction. “You definitely can’t call what you just did an accident.”

“Lexington!” Taylor shrieks with laughter, her legs curling up as she gives into Lexi’s momentum to swing them around.

Only the sheet beneath them slips, and they tumble forward - a giggling mass of limbs and wet paint.

When they finally land, Lexi finds herself slotted between Taylor’s hips, and she gasps at the contact, but it’s swallowed up by Taylor’s mouth - hungry and searching.

“You know, this brings an all new meaning to the term ‘paint fight’” Lexi grins evilly, but falls silent when Taylor moves to unbutton her shirt.

As soon as the last button is undone, Taylor growls frustratedly; fingers tugging at Lexi’s undershirt.

“This needs to come off.”

And again, Lexi can’t exactly argue, (nor does she want to), so she pushes herself up; letting Taylor tug the tank to over her head.

Of course, the moment they’re evenly dressed, she seeks out an edge - relying on quivering ab muscles to hold her in a crunch position as she reaches for Taylor’s sports bra.

As soon as it’s off, Lexi latches on; covering Taylor’s nipple with tongue and teeth; unwilling to let go even as they fall backwards. Taylor’s hands brace somewhere above Lexi's head before moving to her shoulders, but Lexi cant’ bring herself to mind the slick of wet paint against her skin.