#candle making DMV

[jamesvince9898]

Discover the Art of Candle Making with Candles by Candy in Maryland

Introduction

Welcome to Candles by Candy, where creativity meets craftsmanship. Located in the heart of Maryland, our candle studio is a haven for those who appreciate the beauty of handmade candles and the joy of creating something extraordinary. Whether you’re searching for “candle making near me” or eager to join a candle-making class, our studio offers an unparalleled experience in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) area. Dive into the world of candle artistry with us and illuminate your life with the glow of unique, handcrafted candles.

The Joy of Candle Making

Candles have been a part of human history for centuries, serving as sources of light, symbols of celebration, and elements of relaxation. At Candles by Candy, we’ve elevated candle-making into an art form. Each candle is a labor of love, designed to bring warmth, ambiance, and character to any space. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artisan, our studio provides the tools and guidance to bring your candle-making visions to life.

Why Choose Candles by Candy?

Convenient Location: Easily accessible for those searching for a “candle studio near me” in the DMV area, our studio in Maryland is a central hub for candle enthusiasts.

High-Quality Materials: We use premium waxes, wicks, and fragrance oils to ensure your candles are not only beautiful but also safe and long-lasting.

Expert Guidance: Our experienced instructors offer personalized attention, ensuring you gain the skills and confidence needed to create stunning candles.

Variety of Classes: From beginners to advanced artisans, our classes cater to all skill levels, making us the go-to destination for a “candle making class” near you.

Handmade Candles: For those who prefer to purchase rather than create, our collection of handmade candles in Maryland showcases unique designs and exquisite craftsmanship.

Candle Making Classes

Our candle-making classes are designed to spark creativity and provide a fulfilling experience. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a date night, or a group outing, we’ve got you covered.

Beginner Workshops

Perfect for those new to the craft, our beginner workshops introduce you to the basics of candle making. Learn about different types of wax, wicks, and fragrances while crafting your first candle.

Advanced Techniques

For seasoned candle makers, our advanced classes delve into complex techniques like layering, embedding decorations, and creating custom scents. Expand your skills and take your creations to the next level.

Themed Classes

Join us for themed classes that celebrate holidays, seasons, and special occasions. From festive Christmas candles to romantic Valentine’s Day designs, there’s always something new to explore.

Private Events

Looking for a unique team-building activity or a memorable celebration? Our private candle-making events are perfect for birthdays, corporate gatherings, and more. Customize your experience and create lasting memories with your group.

Handmade Candles in Maryland

If crafting isn’t your style, our curated collection of handmade candles is sure to impress. Each candle is meticulously crafted by our artisans, using high-quality materials and innovative designs. Whether you prefer minimalist aesthetics, bold colors, or intricate patterns, our range has something for everyone.

Signature Collections

Explore our signature collections, featuring candles inspired by nature, art, and culture. From calming lavender and vanilla blends to invigorating citrus and spice combinations, our candles cater to diverse preferences.

Custom Orders

Looking for a personalized touch? We offer custom candle-making services to bring your vision to life. Whether it’s a gift, a wedding favor, or a unique centerpiece, our team will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

The Benefits of Candle Making

Stress Relief: The process of creating candles is therapeutic and helps alleviate stress.

Creative Expression: Experiment with colors, scents, and designs to unleash your inner artist.

Eco-Friendly Options: We offer sustainable materials and eco-friendly techniques to promote green living.

Community Engagement: Meet like-minded individuals and build connections through our workshops and events.

Candle Studio Amenities

Our candle studio is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. From spacious workstations to a wide array of materials, we’ve thought of every detail to make your visit memorable. Our friendly staff is always on hand to assist and inspire.

The DMV’s Premier Candle Studio

Candles by Candy has become a trusted name for “candle making DMV” enthusiasts. Our commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction sets us apart. We take pride in fostering a welcoming environment where everyone feels empowered to explore the art of candle making.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to embark on your candle-making journey? Visit us in Maryland and discover why so many people rave about Candles by Candy. Book a class, shop our handmade candles, or simply stop by to explore our studio. We can’t wait to see you light up with inspiration!

[thestalkerbunny]

What you think of Leviathan and Belphegor finally showing up? It's a shame they probably wouldn't be able to see much more of them since there only 1 more episode this season. Hopefully they get some focus next one.

Honestly I really love their designs and the imagery that goes into it lemme talk about it for a second.

Belphegor is literally sheep-like the phrase 'Counting Sheep to get to sleep' They're perpetually drowsy and falling asleep. They also have a candle on their head which in itself could be considered another turn of phrase-Burning the candle at both ends. To overwork oneself. Their domain as we've seen falls into the medical field-which could extend to how important services, like medical attention, police officers, dmvs, etc. often feel like they take forever. I really like them. I don't know why their design gets shat on, I want twelve of them. Just to count to sleep.

Leviathan is also very interesting to me as they keep the sort of 'deep sea' fish look because Leviathan in at least in Jewish Mythos is a giant monsterous sea serpent. The fact that it's a two headed entity is also interesting-as the concepts of Envy and Jealousy often get mixed up and confused with each other. Jealousy is being afraid of losing something already in your posession-Envy is the desire to have or be in a position that you don't have.

Both designs are peak as hell and this all make me want to work on my own Sin demon concepts.

[kedsandtubesocks]

Here are some Jack Daniels headcanons I have and I am shaking my fist at the sky because I never thought’d I’d get lassoed in by this cowboy yet HERE I AM!!!!

Also this is for Laura @lowlights for being the best/worst influence yeehaw ♡

I have a feeling he is a Scorpio - intense, loyal, literally can hold a grudge forever but also loves deeply

This man is a dork and I stand by that because yes he’s gorgeous and suave and yeah can take down a small army but the minute you answer a trivia question wrong about the empire strikes back he is correcting you, polite as ever because he’s an gentleman, but he still knows the right answer and even talks about how the scene where r2d2 is in the mud water was shot in George Lucas’ unfinished swimming pool

This makes sense when you see his rare and signed Han Solo vintage card in his home office

Also probably has a rare stamp collection he prides himself in and it’s adorable and you giggle so much because he is dorky and you are honored to see this side of him!!

Likes butter pecan ice cream because it’s a southern staple and his grandma loved it too so it reminds him of her

When he wanders away from you at the supermarket he comes back to your side and pretends he doesn’t know you, still tries to flirt with you and be playful while you are there smiling so big the entire time just trying to ask him what type of cereal he wants

Loves a good elegant wine dinner but when you decided to order in take out late one evening instead of going out Jack gets hit with those deep domestic feelings HARD

Once he comes to terms with his first wife’s death I like to believe he has this little dream where she kind of reassures him that their love is forever but he is allowed to heal and let love surround him again and it’s then that he really understands that yes she is and forever will be his first love but you are his forever love and after that he feels reborn

This is even more intensified when he stays over at your place and you have a self care night with relaxing face masks and your favorite treats and the minute you offer to put a face mask on him he’s done for, literally in the bathroom when you’re not looking he’s already browsing his phone for matching robes for you and him

Gets hooked into any series you are watching, he is immediately asking questions about who is who and very sincerely gasps when a big plot twist comes (also is an absolute sucker for a good rom com)

Has no ability to play any type of video game except Mario kart which he takes seriously too and he always picks Mario because “he’s a classic honey, can’t got wrong with a classic” and you joke about how boring that pick is until he kicks your ass on rainbow road

Loves to help people on airplanes move their luggage up into the overhead bins, he’s also that guy who can make conversation in line with almost anyone even at the DMV

You learn he almost domesticated a raccoon when he was a boy

Jack also loves a good museum date and can be super insightful but also a bit silly and he makes funny faces at paintings or statues to make you laugh

Big fan of 90’s country and specifically I see him as a Brooks & Dunn man cause he for SURE serenades you with their song ‘Brand New Man’ multiple times

also is probably a Willie Nelson fan and has a framed photo of when he met the country singer himself and Jack proudly tells the story of how they met any time someone comes over and the moment he decides he’s gonna marry you is when you jokingly prove you can repeat the story word for word

His dream is to one day meet Dolly Parton

LOVES to cuddle!!!

Loves dogs of course but when you care for a scared kitten you find under his truck on a rainy night Jack becomes a complete cat dad and even gets the cat a small little cowboy hat that makes him bust out laughing every time the cat wears it

Is a sucker for candles

Isn’t much of a beach guy but would sit in a lazy river for hours

Once you say yes to his proposal he carves your initials with his into a tree on his family’s property and on the day you get married of course shows it to you (you can’t help but cry of course and he does too)

He finds a left over empty bag or wrapper of your favorite snack in his suitcase when he’s on an away mission and calls you crying a bit drunk because he misses you and thinks you left that for him as a reminder that you’re always with him and you’re like ‘no baby that just means we need to clean our suitcases better’

Gets his wedding ring with your birthstone in it

[owlchimedes]

happy thursday everyone! i've got the grateful dead on and the windows open to air before it begins to boil this afternoon, let's tackle today! mostly putzing around the house but I may get to the dmv (my beloved dmv) and/or the library

fix desk wall art & light candles

strip bed & wash

check emails

message diploma committee (where is she...)

return library books x6

pick up la rouge et le noire

go to dmv and get license

place stars, art, oranges back up

remove vacation casualty plants

set up bedroom fan

run laundry ( 1 | 2 | 3 )

tackle groom ipso

unload dishwasher

make sell piles

unpack vacation bags

clean kitchen

water all the plants

3:00 pm therapy

see bf (!)

I didn't finish everything yesterday, so we're picking up at the leave off and adding yet more...

make bed

check emails

collect mail

vacuum apartment

find fitbit and charger

read back issues of the economist ( 1 | 2 | 3 )

deal with terror bins ( 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 )

finish running laundry

[garrickxvelour]

Who: @vitusxaydin

Location: Garrick’s townhome

When: July 3, 2023

Garrick checked the clock. Five to seven. The hands of the wooden face clicked—a steady and rhythmic tick tick tick. Floorboards creaked underfoot as he reached for the bottom shelf of an end table for a candle, wafting the scent before he committed to it.

It wasn’t that he wasn’t used to entertaining. In fact, he quite enjoyed it. Garrick took great care in making his space as comfortable as possible not only for himself, but to share with potential guests as well. Most of his mess lived in his office. Held in all of the papers and stacks of documents from signing a new lease, transferring bills, envelopes from the state. Somewhere in the pile was a message from the DMV about changing his license plates. He just couldn’t quite identify where. His planner sat open on his desk next to his laptop, important dates circled in red pen. Outside of those walls, his home was well kept. Nicely decorated with floral and landscape art pieces, postcards from his siblings’ travels, fluffy pillows and blankets. One of the many knitted quilts made so lovingly by his mother sat in a basket near the couch, the other draped over the foot of his bed.

Darcy trotted up next to him, his little head pushed against Garrick’s leg, marking the bottom of his pants with his scent. Garrick glanced down at his kitten, cocking his head inquisitively as he held up the candle to him. “Do you think this would be okay? Mahogany and teakwood aren’t too strong, are they? Maybe—Maybe he’d like something softer like the lavender I have in the store?” Searching for answers that Darcy could not give. Big green eyes only blinked up at him, blissfully unaware of the words coming out of his mouth. A gentle chitter was the only response Garrick got. He sighed. “Fuck. This is stupid. We’re cooking anyway, so this doesn’t even matter right now.”

Shaking his head, he left the candle—opened and unlit—on the end table, and was just about to give his kitchen another once over when he heard a knock on the door. Darcy cantered toward the sound, tail up and curled curiously. Garrick followed him with haste down the hallway and scooped him up before the kitten could reach the welcome mat. Tucked securely into the crook of his elbow with Darcy’s tiny teeth nipping at his fingers, Garrick opened his front door.

“Hey, Vitus,” he said, voice a little breathless from chasing his cat. “Thanks for coming. Please, please, come in. I’ll give you a quick tour before we jump into dinner.”

[poetrybydahabina]

Black Lives Matter

After hearing about the tragic deaths of black youth such as Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin, it emphasizes my belief that black lives matter. We have the media portraying blacks as low-life thugs, deadbeat dads, or drug dealers. But that's a negative stereotype. The media does a great job of creating or encouraging negative stereotypes of blacks in America. Just like Muslim are believed to be violent terrorists are believed to be oppressed for covering their hair and body. It's even worse if you're black and Muslim. That's the same as having two lashes across your back. They took the lives of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. But what most people don't know is that we lost three more black youths last month in Indiana. There was no media coverage for these three boys who were murdered execution style. Adam Tairab was only 17 years old. Adam Kamal Mekki was only 20 years old, and Mohammed Taha Omar was only 23 years old. These boys were all Sudanese, with two of them being Muslim and one of them being Christian. Their families came here from looking for a better life they never imagined that they would lose their sons like this. Sudan is right next to Eritrea, where my own family came from. So yes, this hits me hard, especially because I have a lot of Sudanese friends this could've easily been one of them. Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are probably turning in the graves right now. Their dream for racial equality has yet to be fully realized. Now we have another growing issue in the United States: the rise of xenophobia. During spring break, I turned the candle light vigil for the three other men or murdered in Indiana. One of the speakers at the vigil was from the DMV chapter of black lives matter. She said something that really stuck with me. She said, "Islamophobia is real. Islamophobia, along with anti-blackness in this country, is a death sentence for many." Is really got to me because Islamophobia and anti-blackness are what I deal with on a daily basis. It affects my family, my friends, and I. I've come to fear the safety of everyone around me, including myself. I feel that these problems will be around for future generations. Although it's been a little over 50 years of civil rights , it began that you're still dealing with issues involving racism today. But we won't give up in our fight for equality. We will continue to fight for it no matter what. We will make this dream become a reality. No matter how long it takes, it will happen. And we will never give up because the blessing is in the struggle.

[prettiestgirlintherapy]

List of things I'm grateful for because I never had any security or things that I wanted as a kid (I grew up vv poor and neglected)

💕 A clean room with a theme I've cultivated. As a little girl I always wanted a pink room with a vanity and a canopy over the bed, with plenty of plushies and oddities scattered about. I've made my room my own personal happy place.

💫 I have art supplies and plenty of outlets for my creativity. I never had money growing up, but I had so many crafts that I wanted to pursue that cost a lot for supplies. Now I can practice embroidering, crocheting, painting, digital art, and sculpting. I even recently got into candle making. I greatly appreciate the ability to try out new endeavors just to have fun and create new things. It helps nourish my inner child.

💐 I have a boyfriend that appreciates and loves me in a way that fosters my growth. I feel supported and he always brings out the best in me. Hes my best friend. I was hurt by a lot of men growing up, and I never thought I would meet someone so kind and gentle. Now I know true unconditional love is possible.

🌱 I planted a garden with my boyfriend and made a cozy outdoor area to relax in. I always dreamed of having my own garden and learning about plants, but living in an apartment made this impossible. Now I have dozens of beautiful plants that I love to watch develop, and I become a better gardener every day. I sit in the sun with my cat, and we listen to the wind chimes.

🍅 I have the money to buy ingredients to cook my own meals and experiment with food. I love to cook, but couldn't explore it when I was younger because of poverty and food drought. I used to eat 69¢ McDonalds hamburgers daily when my family couldnt afford anything else. Now I make nourishing meals and feel secure planning my groceries for the week.

🧸 I have close friends that really care for me and want to see me. I was bullied as a kid for many reasons, and had chronic social anxiety because of my familial abuse as well. So I didn't make many real friends til I was in 8th grade. Many of my friends from this time and high school are still with me, and we have life long connections. I'm so lucky to have found the people that understand and love me the most.

✈️ The trips I've been on in recent years. I never went anywhere as a kid because, you guessed it, we were poor. So now, as an adult that can afford to travel occasionally I am astounded by my reality. I never would have imagined seeing the places I've been. I love nature, and my boyfriend and I often go to rural places in Virginia, Georgia, or North Carolina. Seeing the beauty of the world was such a big ambition of mine as a kid so I feel fulfilled whenever I can indulge my inner child. I never saw snow and visited Alaska, and making my first snowman brought back a sense of wonder I'd almost forgotten.

🏡 A house without my abusers. Self explanatory.

🐥 Pets that are well taken care of with all the supplies they need. When I was young my family hoarded and kept a ridiculous number of cats. We had sixteen by the time I was nine, and my house was in shambles. I would go to school smelling of cat litter and get bullied. Now, I have three birds that have a big cage, lots of toys, good food, and all the love they need. After the pain of seeing family pets neglected, its healing to give my own pets the love and care they deserve.

🚗 My own car and a license. My parents weren't around to teach me to drive, or take me to the DMV, so it took a long time to get my license. I finally got it at 22, but I'm still learning. I now drive manual, and I have the car of my dreams 💫. I never thought I'd be able to learn to drive on my own, much less afford a car.

📒 I have good grades at school. When I was in highschool, I often skipped school and did poorly due to low attendance. I was very troubled and depressed because of my home life, and I never thought that U was capable of academic success. Now, in college I have straight A's and am almost done with my first degree. I'm proud of myself for finding motivation and holding myself accountable for my progress.

🧦 I have clothes that I actually enjoy and feel suit me. I only had hand me downs and goodwill clothing as a child, and I rarely had any real say in what I wore or presented myself as. I never felt as if I knew how to outwardly express myself, and clothes were just something chosen for me by circumstance and availability. Now I can actually express my own style and aesthetic interests and I feel more like myself.

🩰 I started going to the gym regularly and doing progressive weight lifting. I also experiment with other exercises, like pole fitness and yoga. I was an overweight and often unhealthy child in a lot of ways. I'm grateful that I've worked on my previous standards of self care and enjoy seeing what my body is capable of.

[fortunawren]

lyrics ii;

This could be a meditation practice, but honestly, I was just trying to pass the time when I wrote these.

I shuffled my playlist for this one.

“Ace of Hearts” by Zella Day

For me, it’s the opening of the song:

“Caught you at midnight Not in my right mind What you're afraid of Is where I just came from An ugly confession I think that I'm broken When I try to be open I get the feeling that I'm giving up on something I love, too much The sweetest misery that's taking me, I'm lost in the rush.”

“Official” by Charli XCX

I overplayed this song circa 2021 as if it was a lifeline. I have a fond memory of leaving the DMV after moving back to Charleston after five years and poorly belting out this song with my Honda windows down. (I miss my Honda sometimes, she was my baby)

*“Look at us Isn't it obvious? Is it so dangerous? Is it so complicated?

You know the shapes my body makes Under the sheets at 4 AM with you The things that we break when we're switching positions You know the words to my mistakes You understand because you made 'em too

The things that I say when you don't wanna listen Things that you say when I make bad decisions Things that we do by the sink in my kitchen I remember our first date No chocolate and no bouquet But the way that you kissed me These are the things that could make us official.”*

“Slide Away” by Miley Cyrus

Of course this song came out after Cyrus announced her divorce to Liam Hemsworth. I’ve always loved her voice.

“Once upon a time, it was made for us Woke up one day, it had turned to dust Baby, we were found, but now we're lost So it's time to let it go I want my house in the hills Don't want the whiskey and pills I don't give up easily But I don't think I'm down So won't you slide away Back to the ocean, I'll go back to the city lights So won't you slide away.”

“It’s Been Awhile” by Staind

This is a particularly triggering song for me but also a favorite lyrically. I was involved with SH as a young teenager and I would overplay this song to try to process my emotions and the trauma around me. As an adult, it speaks different volumes on addiction and accountability.

“Why must I feel this way? Just make this go away Just one more peaceful day And it's been awhile Since I could look at myself straight And it's been awhile Since I said I'm sorry And it's been awhile Since I've seen the way the candles light your face And it's been awhile But I can still remember just the way you taste And everything I can't remember As fucked up as it all may seem to be, and I know it's me I cannot blame this on my father He did the best he could for me”

“What If We Could” by Blue October

I always use this song in my manufactured intense romantic pairings as a writer. It’s sexy, it’s dark, it’s longing, and it’s a different version of love.

“It's like a last chance For a first dance You're a sunrise Can't somehow exist I would meet you Would you meet me? I'm glad to say that we've met But I'm sad to say that the circumstances weren't On our side So go on Go on be your own Go on be your own star A superstar in my eyes”

“papercuts” by Machine Gun Kelly

Don’t come for me (or do). I actually enjoy his music. The song that came up on my shuffle was the album version which is different from the single version in lyrics. He edited to add a small dig at Kanye West (👀👀) most likely in response to his friendship with Pete Davidson.

It’s definitely about the fine print of reading your contract, and understanding a life of fame. It serves as a cautionary tale.

“I spend a lot of nights thinking I might go to sleep and never wake up. I spend a lot of money on these therapy sessions Even though I'm not showing up I spend a lot of time healing my mind and my heart But I still put these drugs in my gut Me and my girl were just screaming at each other Right before we both got out of the truck I got some demons inside I'm tryna free them inside I'm from the Cleveland East Side Where the boy who was just starving with you Now might try to eat you alive, damn Y'all said that I switched genres I saw the limit and took it farther I'm a genius, could've made Donda But this song is for my dead father”

I’ll probably do this again.

(Plot twist: I did)

[probablyintensemuses]

What To Expect When You're Not Expecting (5)

Chris Evans x Black (pregnant) Female Reader

Summary: It's no secret that Chris wants to be a daddy. He's said it in many different interviews and blogs before. He just never expected the mother of his child to be someone he didn't know, let alone fuck.

Warnings: 18+ angst, mentions of alcohol abuse and cheating/ malpractice, talk of abortions!, TALK OF SU*C*DE, TALK OF DMV! BE WARNED!

Note: Thank you for all the love so far! It means the world!

Edit: To my surprise, many of you like this and asked me to continue, here's the fourth part and a tag list to join! I'm trying to start my blog up so this really helps!

Series Masterlist

divider by: @firefly-graphics

Right me an ask to join the taglist!

(The reader is nearing five months pregnant, it’s giving WandaVision speed lmao. Chris is a proud PAPAya)

You hadn’t spoken to Chris in a week, and it was another week he couldn’t see his child grow. It wasn’t like he was off in another state filming a movie. In fact, he was here in Boston filming Defending Jacob, so he had nothing but opportunities to see you and the baby. But you hadn’t wanted that, ignoring his calls and text. He knew he messed up asking your such personal questions. But he just wanted to help if he could.

So now on his day off work, he found himself walking up to your apartment with a bouquet of flowers and a pack of ginger ale. He truly hoped you would accept his peace offering—he also hoped your love for ginger ale wasn’t conditional to your pregnancy.

Chris adjusted his hoodie and hat, coughing before he knocked on your apartment door. From the other side he heard stampering, and before he knew it the door flew wide open and so did his eyes. The girl before him looked just like you, only shorter and not pregnant. His eyebrow rose as she chewed on a Twix bar, pulling at the carmel that fell from the bar while she stared him down.

“You gonna say anything, or do you just stare?” She burped causing Chris’s face to scrunch up.

“Um?” He coughed, peaking at the apartment doors number, yup still 338. “Am I at the right apartment?”

“You’re at the right place.’ She looked Chris up and down. “Y/n just taking her thirtieth bathroom break of the day.” She turned, walking away leaving the door wide open.

“Are you going to come in, or are you just going to stand there like a pedophile?” She wandered into the kitchen.

Unsure, Chris stepped inside, closing the heavy wooden door behind himself. “And you are?” He asked, following behind the girl. He watched as she pounced onto the counter, digging into a pint of moose tracks ice cream.

She laughed, kicking her legs. “I’m, Sarah. Y/n’s younger sister. Who are you?” She pointed at him with her spoon.

Chris opened his mouth to speak, but Sarah beat him to the chase. “Wait. Don’t tell me,’ she laughed, rubbing her chin. “You’re the baby daddy, Chris Evans. My roommates fucking obsessed with you.”

“Well, thanks.’ He chuckled awkwardly, placing the flowers down on the counter.

“Want some?” Sarah held her a spoonful of ice cream out in front of Chris’s mouth.

“I’m good.” Chris quickly declined.

“Your loss.” She jumped of the counter. “Y/N, GET OUT HERE—YOUR BABY DADDY IS HERE!” She shouted down the small hallway of your apartment.

Y/n stepped out of the bathroom, here brown eyes glaring at Chris’s blue ones as she emerged from the darkness of the hallway. Although he hadn’t known her long, her eyes always conveyed so much. And right now, they told him to get the hell out of her house. Which was nice by the way.

It was small and cozy, a blend of modern and almost Victorian style furniture with nice hints of pastels and neutrals blending together. A candles wick flickered in the background making the apartments living space smell immaculately . Chris was almost jealous of this place.

“What do you want?” You stuck your nose in the air, slouching back on her sofa.

Chris sighed, grabbing the flowers and walking around to your sofa. He took a seat behind you, placing the flowers on your dark brown coffee table.

“I wanted to say I’m sorry for prying, it wasn’t fair for me to drop those questions on you. Especially without your permission.” He said softly.

“Yeah, apologize as you should.” Sarah leaned over the top of the sofa, staring Chris down. “Digging into our personal shit like you’re Derek Morgan from Criminal Minds. Have several seats, Captain Underpants.” She rolled her eyes.

“Sarah,” you popped your little sisters lip. “Go away.”

Sarah smacked your hand back in retaliation, and you could have sworn you hear Chris stifle out a laugh. You glared at them both.

“Go away.” You growled at her, watching her step into the kitchen. “Further.” You pointed in the direction of her bedroom.

“Sorry.” You rubbed your eyes finally addressing Chris. “What did you want again.” You yawned, snuggling into your heated blanket more.

Chris smiled, looking at your ever growing belly, glowing skin, and messy hair. He liked that you were still intact with the child in you, some of your hair strands being dyed pink. Even with this ordeal and everything you’d been through, you still had an innocence about yourself, and that was more than he could say for others he had met.

“Right.” Chris emerged from the trance you seemed to put him in. “I just wanted to give you these and apologize.” He pointed toward the flowers.

“I hate the smell of flowers.” You blurted. Chris sat dumbfounded, what kind of girl hated the smell of flowers.

“Oh.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine,’ you got up and headed to the kitchen with your flowers in hand. “I guess they’ll make a cute center piece, until they die.” You plucked away at one of the red rose petals.

“Right.” Chris frowned, not sure how to take your response. He was walking on egg shells here.

“I accept your apology, by the way.” You flicked on the kitchen sink, pouring water into a clear purple vase.

“Really?” Chris beamed.

“Yeah,’ you trimmed the ends of the flowers, tossing them in the vase. “I guess you should know about how fucked up your child’s grandfather is, right?” You said. “How he almost killed me and the rest of my family.”

Chris’s heart pained hearing that. The thought that you could have been killed as a young girl, struck him deeply. How could someone who said he loved you do such horrid things.

“I’m really sorry about that, Y/n.” Chris grabbed your shoulder giving it a light squeeze.

“If you’re so sorry.’ Sarah’s head popped around the corner, followed by the rest of her body. “Cook us some dinner, I’m starved.”

You laughed, feeling your own belly rumble. “It’s only fair.” You shrugged.

“And we want pasta.” Sarah demanded.

Chris could tell the two of you were nothing alike. He shook his head, finally giving in to cooking for the two of you. Not that he had any other plans.

“Fine.” He smiled. “But I only know how to make Alfredo.”

—

Chris had been cooking for around thirty minutes, and you’d been staring at his back for the better half of it. And boy did he have a great back, but that wasn’t what most of your thoughts were consumed by. It was mostly consumed by the fact that he never rejected you, not even for a split second. You went through a denial phase of the pregnancy, wanting to end it all. But Chris never seemed to want that.

“Chris.” You spoke up.

He turned around looking at you, almost signaling for you to speak.

“Why do you want this baby so bad?” You bite into a banana.

Chris stopped stirring the Alfredo sauce. Putting the wooden spoon you had provided down. “Why do you ask?”

“What, i can’t ask thought provoking questions too?” You walked around the counter, standing directly in front of him now. “Why did you want this.” You pointed at the bump.

Chris shrugged. “I don’t know, I’ve always wanted a family.”

“No, there’s more to that story. Everyone wants a family, a village to come home to.” You explained.

“Well maybe that’s just it.” Chris turned around, throwing a kitchen towel over his shoulder. “Maybe I’m tired of coming home to an empty house, it’s been just me and dodger for the pass five years. Maybe I want more, Y/n.”

You sighed, and there it was. He was lonely. “I get that. Thank you for being honest.” You smiled.

“You’re welcome.” He smiled, turing back to the sauce.

“So you think this baby will be enough for you?” You asked.

“I know it will, and so will you.” He said back.

Your heart fluttered at that sentiment, you think you were staring to love your accidental family just a little bit more each and every day—and that included Chris.

—

Chris’s dinner was, interesting, to say the least. It wasn’t bad, but it was stellar either. Not that you were going to tell him that. But Sarah on the other hand. She had a mouth for anyone and anything.

“Did you season this?” She asked with a perplexed face

“Yes? Is it not to your standard, Queen Sarah.” Chris sassed her back.

Sarah scoffed. “Don’t get smart.” She frowned at him.

He put his hands up in defense, wiping the corners of his mouth. “Y/n? Your thoughts?”

You looked up, playing with the noodles. “Um, it’s cute.” You said quietly, hearing Sarah burst into a fit of giggles.

“Cute?” He said, narrowing his blue eyes.

“I mean,’ you stammered over your words. “Never mind, it’s great.” You lied to him, watching his face soften.

“Well, thank you,’ he coughed. “I actually have something to ask you.” He said.

“That’s funny,” Sarah interjected. “I was gonna ask you something to.”

Chris subtly rolled his eyes. “What is, Sarah?”

She smirked. “What’s it like to be famous? And what made you want to honker down and have this baby with my fabulous sister?”

“Being famous isn’t what everyone thinks. It’s not all glitz and glamour, it’s hard work too.”

“I bet.” She took a sip of her drink. “And my sister?” She nudged you.

Chris looked at you and then the baby, a glimmer of something you couldn’t explain was in his eyes. “I just—I don’t know I feel comfortable around your sister, and I’m in a position where I can take care of both of them. Relationship or not, I guess.” He mumbled.

“It’s not conventional,’ you gave his hand a pat. “But it’ll work.” You smiled.

“Aw, how cute!” Sarah said sarcastically. “So you know Sebastian?” She immediately changed the subject.

You giggled, spitting out your ginger ale a bit. “Stop.”

“No, don’t do that!’ Sarah laughed. “You should have seen what she was saying about him.” She told Chris

“You know Sebastian?” Chris grabbed his glass confused.

“No, I don’t. But after I found out who you were I kind of went on a stalking binge with Sarah on the phone, we found Sebastian. And I don’t know, he’s cute.” You smiled, before taking another sip.

alright, Chris didn’t know if he should be jealous. According to everyone he was just your baby daddy. But something about the woman carrying his baby finding his best friend ‘cute’ bothered him, badly.

“Hm, yeah well Sebastian’s a sweetheart.” He grumbled, rolling his eyes.

“Maybe he can be your next celebrity baby daddy, Y/n.” Now it was Chris’s turn to spit of his drink.

“Sorry.” Chris said as everyone’s eyes were on him, he wiped himself off with a napkin avoiding the girls eyes.

“You good bro?” Sarah asked, ripping off another piece of paper towel and passing it to him.

“Yeah.’ He coughed once more. “I’m fine.”

“But y/n,’ Chris carried on. “I was thinking we should plan for a baby shower.”

“Oh,’ y/n gasped.

“I mean if that okay with you?” He added.

“Yeah, it’s great. It’s just, I don’t have much family to bring. It’ll just be Sarah and Vada.” You told him.

“That’s ok.’ He smiled. “My family has been dying to you meet you.”

“Okay.“ you nodded.

“Good. When should we start planning?” Chris asked, pulling out his calendar.

“Are you opening your calendar?” Sarah laughed.

“Sarah, stop he’s busy. And next week should be fine, Chris.”

“Hopefully not too busy for the baby.” She grumbled underneath her breath, Chris hears her and glares.

“Never too busy.” He replied with a different look for both girls. “Next week is perfect Y/n.”

TagList: *send and ask to be added*

@goldenlouvr @rookiemartin @stokeleybabymama @peachy-bunnns @pbeckn26 @saturnalya @a-moment-captured

@fairlygothparents @eylsqnn @blahblahblah-boo @jackiekae

@shhhchriss @eclecticfashionbookszipper

@sleutherclaw @namesey1987 @namesey1987

@amideadornot

@amethyst09

@iveofficiallylostmymarbles

@okimreadynow

@motheroffae

@ivorylei

@queenofthedarkforest

@leonor-16

@reginaphalange2403

@thereallkeona

@baby-i-am-fireproof

@literaturelove@affectionateslutsworld

[mggpleasedontlookhere]

sinking

request: Helloo! 👋🏼 I really like your stories for Spencer Reid, they’re pretty detailed, creative and really interesting! So.. idk if you’ll see this but I was wondering if you’re willing to create a Reid x Reader where, the reader doesn’t know how to swim and so one day, an unsub who works around waters or something holds reader hostage and then shoves her into the ocean off the dock, in hopes to run away and no one knows she can’t swim besides Reid who jumps after her immediately? Sorry, thank u! :)

for: @tooweirdforyou 

word count: 2,600                                                                                     reading time aprox: 10 mins

masterlist

New York City, the land of naked cowgirls in the middle of Times Square, overpriced souvenirs, and home of Broadway shows. Unfortunately we didn’t have the privilege to be stationed in the heart of Manhattan, since our unsub had decided to execute his activities in the suburban neighborhoods of the city.  

We were seated in a police station in Rockaway. The neighborhood we were in was low on the socioeconomic spectrum, which offered a clue to the profile we’ve built. Me, Spencer, and Morgan sat around in the conference of the station, discussing our frivolous adventures of life as we waited for the rest of the team to head back from their tasks. 

“Wait so you’re telling me that you hate the ocean?” Morgan teased Reid, nudging him in the shoulder in a brotherly manner. “Why is that?” He continued, a smirk making its way onto his lips.

“Do you have any idea how many microbes are in the ocean” Spencer cringed, crunching up his nose in disgust. “In a single liter of seawater alone, there’s approximately a colony of one billion bacteria and ten billion virus-” He explained before getting cut off by Morgan. 

“Oka-okay germ boy, enough of that before you ruin my image of a perfect vacation” 

“Germ boy? That’s new” I interjected in amusement, laughing as Spencer squatted lower in his chair to hide the oncoming blush on his cheeks. “Oh come on Spence- hey everyone’s got some sort of phobia” I reassured, reaching over to ruffle his tangled hair. 

“Well actually, a phobia is-” 

“Don’t ruin it Spence” I joked, watching his lips curl up into an amused smile. 

On cue, the rest of the BAU entered the building in a hurry. Hotch and JJ ran side by side into the office where we held Raymund Celter, a relative of the suspected unsub, for questioning. Me, Spencer, and Morgan looked at each other in confusion, until Emily walked up to us with an embittered expression. 

“What’s up?” Morgan asked, directing the conversation to the suspenseful air that surrounded the four of us. 

Emily sighed, rubbing her forehead in frustration. “Our unsub...isn’t who we thought it was” She admitted, letting her eyes cast over the interrogation room where Hotch and JJ were.

“Wait- but our profile still fits right?” Morgan insisted with his eyebrows furrowed and his forehead etched with lines. 

“Yeah, but we’ve been looking at the wrong type of relationship” She sighed, her defeated expression indicating the exhaustion that all of us shared. “If the unsub isn’t a relative- and we ruled out employees since the victims aren’t necessarily affluent- who else has full invitation to the house, is comfortable enough with the family, and is particularly close to-” She paused mid sentence as all the cogs in our brains were turning until we all settled on the same idea. 

We looked at each other in revelation and it seemed like JJ and Hotch shared a similar idealization as they rushed out of the interrogation room. 

Emily was quick to get Garcia on the phone, witnessing the troubled looks she received from Hotch. “Garcia, can you see if there were any family friends or close neigh-” She requested, although she was abruptly cut off by Hotch informing her of the details that they’ve uncovered. 

“No need for that. The man we’re looking for is Henry Bennett, he grew up next door to the Celter’s residence- Garcia can you look for the last known address” Hotch commanded, chewing the inside of his mouth in anticipation. 

“Uh- we might have a problem, sir” Garcia sheepishly admitted. “Well I’ve looked at his DMV records and there are 4 possible locations where he can reside at” Garcia explained, sending the coordinates to our tablets. 

“Um okay, we’re going to have to split up. JJ and Morgan, Emily’s with Rossi, Reid you’re with me- Y/N are you okay doing this by yourself?” Hotch asked, concerning wavering in his eyes. I nodded in affirmation, already strapping on my gun and heading to the armory for FBI bullet proof vests. 

After everyone had situated themselves in the right attire, it was time to leave in separate cars. That’s when Spencer pulled me aside by the arm, clutching it with a tense hand. “Are you sure you’re fine going alone? I can tell Hot-” He rambled, his words laced with the same concern Hotch expressed previously. 

“Don’t worry germ boy, I think I can handle myself pretty well” I jokingly reassured. Although the lines etched across his forehead didn’t seem to lessen as I tried to lighten up the air. “Listen Spence...I’m going to be okay- I promise I’ll be extra careful” I expressed in the hopes that his doleful expression would vanish. 

He responded with a hesitant nod and a tight lipped smile, pulling me into a warm embrace. He smelled of pumpkin spice candles mixed in with a little sweat, which, oddly, made out to be a comforting aroma. 

“Hey germ boy, If it makes you feel any better about before, I’m absolutely terrified about the ocean too- well all types of large bodies of water” I sheepishly admitted, ruffling the top of his head as I went to open the front door of the SUV. 

“Wait what?” He replied, taken aback by my profession. “You are?” He continued with a smirk on his lips. 

“Yeah, I don’t do well with the whole “deep water and the unknown thing” I expressed, staring at my twiddling thumbs. “I also, kinda, don’t know how to swim either” I blushed, climbing into the front seat of the vehicle, watching Spencer’s grin grow. Finally bidding a final adieu to all of my colleagues, I headed out to the coordinates I had been assigned to. 

-

With my luck, I was sent to a docking area near Rockaway beach. The coordinates that Garcia had sent me were of an old fishing hut near the coastline. I was in constant contact with the rest of the team, communicating whether the unsub was to be found at our locations.

I surveyed the area with my gun close to my chest, pointed down to the floor. My eyes flickered to the water numerous times, feeling my anxiety rile up in my veins as I attempted to keep my focus on finding unsub.  I was essentially on high alert, every creek and every sound triggering my flight or fight response. 

It wasn't until I had gotten to the fishing hut that my anxiety rose to a new high. The small house was located at the end of the dock where the waves crashed against the wooden spokes below the thin bridge. 

Suddenly, I had heard footsteps from the inside of the hut. I raised my gun into a more controlled position before taking a breath, tentatively opening the door to enter. “FBI”  I yelled, feeling my arms shake as the sound of the water amplified, bouncing off the floorboards. “ Henry Bennett”  I called out,  surveying my surroundings. “ I'm from the FBI, I just want to talk” I peaked  around the corner, seeing a slight shadow of a figure at the end of a hallway. 

I radioed in my location, letting the rest of the team know that I had found the unsub. Hotch informed me that the rest of the team we're coming soon, although they might take longer than expected. With a brief goodbye, I finally made myself known, locking eyes with the unsub himself. “Henry Bennett-” I began but was ultimately cut off with his radical spiel. 

“Ge-get away from m-me” He stuttered, a pistol in his right hand pointed directly at me. “Y-you don-don’t understand. NO ONE UNDERSTANDS!” He yelled, his behavior becoming more unstable by the minute. 

“Hey, it's okay-it's okay, I'm here to help” I proceeded to attempt to calm him down as he started to hit his head with his other hand. Although he continued to inflict harm to himself, repeating the same mantra as before. 

“NO ONE UNDERSTANDS! NO ONE UNDERSTANDS! NO ONE-” 

 In the midst of his words I cut him off abruptly,  placing my gun in its holster to indicate peace. “Henry, look at- hey look at me Henry”  I called his attention, halting his actions. “I'm here to help, my team is going to come very soon and they are going to help you” I reassured, creeping closer to disarm him. 

“Ar-are you sure?” He whimpered, still clutching onto the gun with the tight grip.  I placed my hand over his, letting him sink into my touch. 

“Yes Henry, I promise” I softly guaranteed, feeling his grip loosen up as I rubbed his back to  soothe him. Although as I proceeded to take away his gun, he tensed up again looking at me with doleful eyes. 

“Do you really promise?” He asked in desperation, searching my eyes for the truth as I fished out for his weapon. I nodded, giving him an understanding smile as he finally let go of his weapon. I calmed him down, telling him everything was going to be okay, letting him kneel down into the position to apprehend him for his crimes. 

Unfortunately, the team had picked this time to approach the area, the loud sirens engulfing the dock, triggering the unsub to expel in a violent outburst. Suddenly I was pinned to the ground with strong arms, while malicious screams were emitted from the unsub's mouth. 

“You promised! YOU PROMISED!” The unsub repeated, reaching over to retain the gun he had. “You lied to me- JUST LIKE THE REST OF THEM!” He sobbed, pressing the cold metal against the back of my forehead. “Now you’re going to pay” He threatened, forcefully pulling me up to my feet and walking me out to the docks. 

The team came into view as we walked out, although my vision was distorted due to the tears that began to appear in the corners of my eyes. “Henry Bennett, FBI, let her go and things will go smoothly” Spencer spoke, maintaining a calm composure. When he locked eyes with my terrified ones, I saw a chink in his armor. 

Despite the small discovery, he had a firm grip on his gun, pointing it directly at the unsub as the rest of the team followed behind him. 

“NO! SHE LIED TO ME!” Henry bellowed, digging the barrel right into the side of my head as he held me by the neck.

“Please Henry, nobody has to be hurt” Emily interjected, trying to extinguish the situation in a peaceful manner. 

“But- but” Henry shook his head, letting his malevolent expression falter for a moment. The team crept closer to where we were positioned. Soon enough, Henry noticed this and for every step forward the team took, he would take a step back. 

It was until we had reached the end of the dock that the team had realized. “Please Henry, we know what happened with Raymund- we know that his parents didn’t approve of your friendship with him-” Emily began, placing her gun in the holster, similar to the tactic performed before. “-or should I say relationship. It was wrong of them to-”

“THEY WERE WRONG! THEY LIED TO ME!” He screamed, the gun in his hand shaking as he loosened his grip. “I loved him and they t-told m-me I couldn’t” He cried, dropping his weapon. 

The team took this as an opportunity to approach Henry, seeing that he was disoriented. But, they soon found out that they were wrong. Henry threw himself into the water with his arm still latched around me. I struggled against his grip, beating against his rib cage as he fought my resistance. 

With a hard blow to the forehead, I was able to swim up to the surface. I glanced at my feet, seeing his unconscious body drift down into the dark abyss. Terrified thoughts raced inside my head, thinking of the possibility of drowning and never being found. I squirmed and kicked, taking in a breath of air as I broke into the surface. 

Suddenly, I was scooped into a pair of arms as I continued to panic and writhe in their grasp. I took chaste breaths, my eyes still covered with water, so I was unable to see who had me. It was until Spencer’s soothing voice reached my ears, that I finally calmed down. 

“Y/N! Y/N! I got you- hey I got you” He repeated, although the affirmation was more for his own state of mind. 

My breathing was still rapid, but my brain had registered that I was going to be okay. I let tears mix in with the sea water on my cheeks as I sobbed in terror. The cold sensation of the water increased my adrenaline by ten fold. I gripped onto Spencer’s vest, similar to a child with their mother, letting his voice soothe me. 

I placed my head in the crook of his neck as he pulled the both of us near a ladder. He pushed me up gently, encouraging me to climb up to the rest of the team. Once I was situated on land, I sat down and burrowed myself into my knees. I was embarrassed, yet grateful that Spencer had saved me, knowing that my severe fear of water was now known to the rest of the team. 

Finally, Spencer knelt down to where I sat, wrapping his long arms around where I had enclosed myself. I let myself lean into his embrace, nuzzling my head into his neck once again as he helped me control my breathing. 

A blanket was placed on the both of us as I refused to get up. Spencer gave a sideways glance to Hotch in the way of saying “give us a moment’. The team had refuted back to their cars in respect to Spencer’s request, leaving me and him on the dock. 

“Than-thank you” I muttered, able to muster up the strength to express my gratitude. 

“It’s nothing Y/N” He reassured, letting the sound of seagulls and the waves permeate the ambiance of the scene. “When...when you told me that you had a fear of the water- and that you can’t swim- seeing you getting pushed into the water nearly gave me a heart attack” He admitted, breathing into the top of my head. 

“I don’t- I don’t know what to do to thank you Spence. I was so- so terrified- and you went to- I just- thank you” I praised, looking up into his worried expression. 

I placed an apprehensive hand on his cheek, getting a better look at the beautiful features that graced his face. I smiled at him, observing how his eyes would flicker from my eyes to my lips. I blushed at the discovery, letting myself lean more into his embrace. 

Slowly, our faces closed in on the distance, our breaths fanning over each other’s faces as we looked at each other for any indication of resistance. Finally our lips collided in a kiss, maintaining slow movements as we melted in each other. 

His lips were supple and tasted like vanilla lip balm, although his movements were gentle and meaningful. He grazed my cheeks with both of his hands, cupping them in his palms as he pulled away. He proceeded to place chaste kisses on my forehead as I let my eyes close at the feeling. 

“I think that was a pretty great way to thank me” He grinned. 

“I guess I’ll just have to keep thanking you for all the times you’ve made my life better” 

-

taglist: @rexorangecouny​ @howdycharlie​

A/N

i hope this is okay, not my best work, but i hope it’s still enjoyable. 

[jamesvince9898]

Discover the Art of Candle Making with Candles by Candy

Introduction

Candles have a way of transforming spaces, evoking emotions, and creating a sense of tranquility. Whether you want to relax after a long day or gift a thoughtful, handcrafted item, candles are a perfect choice. At Candles by Candy, we bring the therapeutic and creative experience of candle making directly to you. Whether you're searching for "candle making near me" or "candle making DMV," we offer hands-on classes that will teach you the secrets of creating beautifully crafted candles that reflect your unique style.

The Joy of Candle Making Near You

In today's fast-paced world, finding a creative outlet is crucial for maintaining balance. Candle making is a rewarding and relaxing hobby that combines creativity, science, and art. Whether you're located in the DMV area or searching for "candle making near me," Candles by Candy offers personalized experiences that fit your needs. Our workshops are designed to guide beginners through the art of candle crafting, and we provide all the materials you need to get started.

From selecting high-quality waxes to choosing essential oils for fragrance and learning about different types of wicks, our classes provide a comprehensive introduction to the world of candle making. Not only do you get to take home candles that you made yourself, but you’ll also gain a new appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in this time-honored tradition.

Candle Making in the DMV Area: Crafting Community and Connection

For those living in the DMV (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, Candles by Candy offers an immersive candle-making experience that brings people together. If you've been searching for "candle making DMV," you're in the right place. Our workshops foster a sense of community where participants can bond over a shared love for creativity and craftsmanship.

Candle making is more than just a class; it’s an opportunity to slow down and connect with others. In today’s digital age, face-to-face interactions and hands-on activities are invaluable. Our classes are perfect for individuals, couples, or groups who want to spend quality time together while learning a new skill. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a team-building event, or simply looking for a fun weekend activity, our candle-making workshops are designed to engage and inspire.

Why Choose Candles by Candy for Your Candle Making Class?

There are many reasons why Candles by Candy is the perfect choice for your next candle-making adventure. Here are just a few:

Expert Instruction: Our experienced instructors are passionate about candle making and eager to share their knowledge with you. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be guided through every step of the process, ensuring you leave with beautiful, high-quality candles.

High-Quality Materials: We believe that great candles start with great ingredients. That’s why we use only the finest waxes, fragrances, and wicks in our workshops. You’ll have the opportunity to experiment with different scents and colors, creating candles that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Creative Freedom: Candle making is a highly customizable craft. Whether you want to create minimalist, clean-burning soy candles or opt for bold, vibrant colors and scents, our workshops give you the freedom to explore your creativity. You’ll leave with candles that are as unique as you are.

Convenience: We offer classes throughout the DMV area, making it easy for you to find a workshop that fits your schedule. Whether you're a local resident or visiting the area, you’ll find that our classes are accessible and fun for all ages and skill levels.

Hands-On Learning: Our candle-making classes are interactive and hands-on. You won’t just be watching demonstrations; you’ll be actively participating, which allows for a deeper understanding of the techniques and materials involved. It’s a perfect way to unwind while still learning something new.

What You’ll Learn in a Candle Making Class

Candles by Candy’s classes are designed to teach you everything you need to know to create beautiful, functional candles. During our workshops, you’ll learn:

Types of Wax: From soy wax to beeswax, we’ll cover the pros and cons of different wax types and help you choose the one that’s best suited for your project.

Wick Selection: Not all wicks are created equal. We’ll discuss the importance of wick size, material, and placement to ensure your candles burn evenly and safely.

Fragrance Blending: One of the most enjoyable parts of candle making is selecting the perfect fragrance. We’ll teach you how to blend essential oils to create custom scents that are both soothing and invigorating.

Pouring Techniques: Candle making requires precision, and we’ll walk you through the process of melting wax, adding fragrance, and pouring it into molds or containers.

Finishing Touches: Once your candles have cooled, you can customize them with labels, decorations, and packaging to create professional-quality products.

Candle Making for All Occasions

Candle making is not only a fantastic hobby but also a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions. Our classes are a great fit for:

Private Events: Looking for a unique way to celebrate a birthday or bridal shower? Our private candle-making workshops offer a fun and creative way to mark life’s special moments.

Corporate Team-Building: Candle making is a relaxing yet engaging activity that encourages teamwork and creativity. It’s perfect for corporate retreats or team-building events.

Holiday Celebrations: The holidays are the perfect time to make personalized candles for yourself or as gifts. Imagine the joy of giving a loved one a hand-poured candle that you created specifically for them.

The Benefits of Taking a Candle Making Class

There are numerous benefits to taking a candle-making class, especially with Candles by Candy. Some of these include:

Relaxation and Mindfulness: The process of making candles is incredibly calming and can help reduce stress. The focus required during the different stages encourages mindfulness, allowing you to be fully present in the moment.

Creativity: Candle making allows for endless creative possibilities. You can experiment with different fragrances, colors, and designs, giving you the opportunity to express your individuality.

Eco-Friendly Choices: At Candles by Candy, we prioritize sustainability. We offer natural and eco-friendly materials, such as soy wax and reusable containers, so you can feel good about your creations.

[dasfreefree]

I have been crying most of the day because of a myriad of reasons--the American healthcare system continually failing me, interpersonal relationship issues, the NJ DMV being difficult, stress from school--and was crying on the phone to my mom when she said something in attempt to make me feel better.

"When you left the other day, your brothers were upset because they didn't get to say goodbye before they came home from shopping. Your younger brother was especially upset because he got you a gift--not for your birthday or the holidays or anything--just because he wanted to. It's a candle in Champagne Toast because he knows that's your favorite. It's sitting in your room when you come visit again."

And this made me cry even harder but for a good reason. Because I have spent the past 12 or so years thinking my brothers did not like me and just tolerated me, especially my younger brother. And here he is doing the smallest of things to let me know that he does love me, and that just feel so much larger than it really is. It was something I very much needed to feel today. Sometimes love is stored in the Bath & Body Works candle

[vcg73]

FIC: Kurt Birthday Drabbles

Earlier this week @elledelajoie left a comment on something I wrote all the way back in 2014.  I had genuinely forgotten I ever started it, but the original idea was to write 21 Kurt Hummel birthday drabbles. I had written just 7 of them, but after we chatted about it, I decided to go ahead and finish.  

If you’re not familiar, a drabble is a scene of exactly 100 words, not counting title headers. Since Chris Colfer and Kurt Hummel’s co-birthday (May 27) is coming up this Thursday, here they are. This goes definite AU at Birthday #19. Because you know I would never sentence my beloved Kurt to a life of being a doormat to people who did not appreciate and value him.

Never underestimate the power of feedback!

~*~*~*~*~

Birthday #1

Kurt’s blue eyes went wide as a frosted cupcake was set upon his high-chair tray, a single candle ablaze on its surface.  

When Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Andy, Grandpa Curtis and Grandma Eileen started singing to him, he smiled and clapped both hands hard around the tempting pile of frosting.

Kurt laughed when the sugary topping went flying and a big splatter of white abruptly decorated Daddy’s surprised face.

Everyone else started laughed too, including the startled father, who retaliated by giving his birthday boy a sticky peck on the cheek and then helped him to blow out a new candle.

Birthday #2

Kurt looked between his presents, confused.

Mommy had given him the pretty dolly he had begged for at the store. Daddy had given him a truck, not big enough to ride but too big to live with the little cars Daddy gave him at Christmas.

His parents seemed to be mad at each other.

Kurt looked at the doll, then at the truck. He smiled and placed Dolly inside the truck and began to drive her around the carpet.

Mommy and Daddy seemed surprised by his actions, but then they laughed, and Kurt knew he had figured out the puzzle.

 Birthday #3

His shoes were black and shiny, buckles on the sides and 1-inch heels on the base. He clomped over the hardwood floors, listening to the click-tap-click-tap in delight. They went perfectly with his dove gray coveralls with “Kurt” sewn on the pocket in black sequins. Mommy had made the outfit for him.

Spotting Daddy watching him, Kurt threw himself into waiting arms. Daddy’s smile looked like he had an owie but was trying to be a big boy and not cry.

Kurt hugged him. “It’s okay, Daddy.”

Burt looked surprised but hugged him back. “Yeah, buddy. I think it is.”

 Birthday #4

Ballet girls were nice. When they heard it was his birthday today, they threw him a party. Kurt puffed up with pleasure when presented with cookies, a sparkly wand and a tiara that read ‘Happy Birthday’ in shiny letters. He was not as fond of the kisses they gave, but four was very grown up, so he screwed up his face and allowed it. The teacher even let him wear the special puffy pink tutu over his little black leotard! 

 He saw Mommy and Daddy up in the gallery taking pictures, so he waved.

Kurt hoped today would last forever.

  Birthday #5

“Can I have cupcakes?”

Kurt’s mother looked up from her book. “I don’t think we have any, sweetheart.”

“Can we have some Thursday?  My birthday is the last day of preschool.”

“It is?” she said, looking surprised. “Is it your birthday already?”

He nodded seriously. “Don’t you remember, Mommy? You were there.”

She laughed. “Well, you have me there.  What kind of cupcakes would you like, sweetie? And don’t say cheesecake. Those are two completely different kinds of dessert.”

Kurt’s hopeful expression fell. “Oh,” he said, clearly disappointed. Then his face brightened again. “Chocolate?”

She nodded. “That we can do.”

   Birthday #6

“Daddy!”

Burt sat up just in time to catch the little body that launched at him. “What’s wrong, slugger?”

“It’s my birthday!”

Grinning despite the way his heart was hammering at the abrupt awakening, Burt asked, “Yeah? I like birthdays. Do I get a present?”

“No,” the boy scoffed. “I get presents!”

 Burt squinted at the clock. 3:15am. “Not until morning, you don’t.”

Kurt pouted and tried, “It’s almost morning.”

“Not close enough, kid. C’mere,” Burt pulled him into the warm bed between himself and his wife.

Kurt snuggled down and went right back to sleep.  

Burt was less lucky.

 Birthday #7

Kids had started treating him funny this year. He was too fancy, too girly, holding hands was weird.

Nobody was coming.

“I’m sorry, sweetie.”

“Am I too late?”

They jumped as a little black girl with pom-pom hair popped out of nowhere.

“I’m Mercedes,” she greeted. “We just moved here. Mom said you would have invited me if you’d known.”

“I’m Kurt.” He smiled. “Do you like tea parties?”

“Is there cake?”

Mrs. Hummel beamed. “Cake, ice cream, and Kool-Aid.”

Kurt shrugged. “Nobody else came.”

She grabbed his hand like she’d known him forever. “More for us!  Happy Birthday, Kurt.”

 Birthday #8

Kurt took a deep breath, thought for a moment, and carefully blew out the candles. All but the extra one that his parents always put on his cake.

“Aren’t you gonna finish, bud?”

He looked from Daddy over to his mother, home again, but so frail he was sometimes afraid to hug her, worried she might pop like a fragile soap bubble. He offered her the candle. “Here, Mommy. Blow it out. Maybe you’ll get another year to grow on.”

The eyes of the two adults met, then Mommy nodded. The three of them blew out the final candle together.

 Birthday #9

Barely daring to hope, Kurt came down the stairs.  Birthday cakes and presents had been Mommy’s specialty.  Daddy had forgotten his own birthday and had nearly forgotten Christmas.

Kurt gasped when he saw it, waiting, shining and spectacular against the front door.

“A bike!”

Bright green, sissy bars with foil streamers, and a banana seat. Perfect!

Burt smiled. He had scoffed a such a “girly” bike when Kurt spotted it at the toy store. But now, looking at the all-too-rare joy in his son’s eyes and feeling the approving smile his wife would have given, he nodded. It was perfect.

 Birthday #10

Buying gifts was tough when your kid always clammed up on you. A dad had to be observant.

Ten years old. A landmark like that needed something special, but the only thing Kurt seemed into was clothes. He had enough of those for ten kids.  

He’d probably like a Barbie he could change in and out of different outfits, but Burt cringed at the thought.

He did doodle pretty good though. Sure, it was mostly pictures of clothes, but that was a start.

A fancy sketchpad with a case and a hundred different colored pencils. Yeah, that was the ticket.

 Birthday #11

“Dad, where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

Kurt sighed with exaggerated impatience. He had come home from school to find Dad waiting at the truck, ordering him to get in, then not saying another word. The suspense was killing him.

“Ta-Dahhhh!”

They had pulled up in front of a nondescript brick building. “Columbus Culinary Arts?”

“You like to cook right?  Well, we’re gonna fix your birthday dinner this year with the help of a real chef. Lessons are once a week for the next couple months.”

Gourmet cooking lessons!

“Oh wow. Dad, this is amazing!”

Burt grinned. “Happy Birthday, kid.”

 Birthday #12

Last year’s surprise had gone so well that Burt had decided on a repeat. But when he saw the excitement on Kurt’s face at finding a pair of tickets inside his birthday card turn to disappointment and horror, quickly masked with a fake smile, he knew he’d goofed.

“I know baseball isn’t your thing,” he said, almost pleading. “But you’ve never seen a live game before. It’s a whole different experience. It’s a home game. We can yell and scream, and cheer our team on with thousands of other fans.”

The stiff not-smile never wavered. “Sounds . . . fun.”

 Birthday #13

Dad had bought out one of the partners at the garage this spring and now owned a majority share of the renamed “Hummel Tires & Lube”. Kurt wanted to snicker at that name, but he was proud too.

His birthday this year coincided with Friday Night Dinner. Dad had invited all the mechanics over for a potluck. They’d had Mary’s special fried chicken, Cassius’s homemade cornbread, and Davy’s mac’n’cheese. Now Dad brought out the cake.

Kurt laughed. A sheet-cake with a tow-truck and two little plastic mechanics for decoration.

“You and me kid. Partners.”

The mechanics cheered and everybody dug in.

  Birthday #14

Kurt froze when he saw tickets peeping out of his card. Not again. Noise, sunburn, unhealthy food, tacky uniforms, and Dad trying so hard to make a boring sport seem like fun.

He sighed and pasted on a smile, which quickly transformed into shock.

“Wicked?” he squeaked, staring hard at the little papers as if the printing might change if he dared to look away.

“Embassy Theater is giving regional business owners a discount this year,” Burt said apologetically. “It’s just a traveling production, not real Broadway, but I …”

His apology was cut off by a joyful teenaged hug.

 Birthday #15

“Don’t worry, son, you got this.  Just remember everything I taught you.  You got a whole year to get ready for the practical test.”

“I know.”

“And it’s okay if you don’t get it right the first time. Not everybody does.”

“I’m fine, Dad.”

“I’ll be right here waiting for you when you’re through.”

“I know that, Dad. I’ll be okay, really.”

At that moment, Kurt’s name was called and he sprang from his hard green plastic chair. His dad’s repeated reassurances were making him jumpy.

Twenty minutes later, a brightly grinning Kurt was waving his freshly minted driver’s permit.

 Birthday #16

Burt patted the giant blue bow the dealership had provided over the hood of the shining black Lincoln Navigator.  

Kurt was gonna flip! He’d passed his DMV test with flying colors and was no doubt showing off his shiny new license to all his friends at school.  

He paused. Did Kurt have any friends to share this accomplishment with? He always seemed so alone.

Maybe that’s why he had decided to spoil his son with a huge birthday gift.

It wasn’t right for such a good kid to be all alone. Maybe having his own ride would help change that.

  Birthday #17

A dozen teens gathered in Kurt’s basement to celebrate the end-of-school, non-disbanding of Glee, and Kurt’s birthday, all in one.

“Not like ten years ago,” Mercedes said to Kurt, as they watched Mike and Brittany dance.

“Ten years?”

“Your seventh? It was just you, me, your mom, and lots of chocolate cake.”

Kurt was astounded. “That was you?”

“You forgot?”

“I remember a little girl who showed up and invited herself to my party.”

“And I remember a little boy who needed a friend as much as I did.”

He squeezed her hand. “Thanks for coming.”

She squeezed back. “Always.”

 Birthday #18

Kurt stared at his birthday cake, unable to think of anything to wish for.

He was 18-years-old today, a legal adult. He had new family in Carole and Finn, his dad was on the mend, he would be back at McKinley for senior year, he had made his first visit to New York City, and he had a boyfriend! One who had just told Kurt that he loved him for the very first time.

‘I wish for next year to be as good as this,” he thought, taking a deep breath and blowing.

The flames flickered out, all except one.

 Birthday #19

Senior year had been a disaster, and now he had not gotten into NYADA, despite his well-praised audition.

“Blaine wants me to spend another year here,” he whispered. “I just can’t.”

Burt’s callused hand squeezed his neck. “Then don’t. You’re 19 now, a man. You got talents galore, work experience from the garage, enough drive for ten kids, and your mom’s life insurance money to give you a start.”

“But…”

“No buts,” Burt said firmly. “You go on to New York and grab life by the balls.”

Kurt felt his optimism rise. “Help me look for apartments?”

“You got it.”

 Birthday #20

What a difference a year made.

He’d dumped Blaine after being cheated on less than a month after leaving Lima.  He was enrolled at FIT and sharing a shoebox apartment with a fellow design student and a Broadway hopeful, but both were young gay men from small towns, and they had a lot in common.

“Happy Birthday!” Elliott shouted, tossing a handful of glittery sequins at him.

Adam came in playing the birthday song on a kazoo he had gotten from who-knows-where. “Ready for Callbacks? $20 on who gets the first hot guy’s number!”

“I already have yours. I win!”

 Birthday #21

“I have the honor of presenting your first official grown-up drink,” Adam said, smiling lovingly at his grinning boyfriend of nearly a year. He set down a martini glass with a cherry floating on top. “A Manhattan seemed appropriate.”

Kurt beamed and gave him a kiss, then took an experimental sip. “I’ve had alcohol before,” he admitted. “Mostly wine, though.  Mm, this is good!”

“I thought you’d like it. Happy Birthday, my love.  May the future bring every good thing you wish for, and never more heartache than you can handle.”

Kurt could not have asked for a better sentiment.

THE END

[vindicatedvirgil]

I'm sorry you're stuck on hold at the dmv, adulting definitely sucks. If you need something to write, prinxiety with prompt "I look at you and I think sunshine. Literal sunshine. It's annoying." Only if you want to though and I wish you luck with the driving center!

oop, look, i finally did it

[masterlist]

---

Virgil wasn’t exactly the most optimistic side. He constantly felt himself pull further into himself when he heard Patton’s positive remarks or Logan’s neutral comments, but what irked him the most was Roman’s sunshine attitude. It was so… blinding sometimes, and Virgil sometimes couldn’t even stand to look at the Prince, instead opting to retreat back into his room, where the blackout curtains were drawn shut and the only light came from the eternal candles settled on the various surfaces in his room. After a meeting in the main room, Virgil always felt drained of all energy, and would nap for hours afterwards.

Except one day, when he tried to enter his room, he found it sealed shut with glitter. He frowned, trying to pry the door open, but failed, and so he stormed back down the stairs to find Patton and Roman huddled together, talking in whispers.

“Hey, what the hell is going on with my door?” Virgil asked, but he avoided looking at Roman, instead opting to keep his eyes on the fatherly figure, who shrugged, smiling awkwardly.

“Look, kiddo, we just… we’re worried about you,” Patton said softly, eyes cast down. “You’ve been slipping away from us. You seem… distant.” Roman nodded beside him, but still exuded that positive feeling that made Virgil’s stomach recoil. “Can you tell us what’s going on?”

“I really don’t feel like it,” he muttered in response, crossing his arms. Patton sighed, then nodded at Roman and sunk out of the room, leaving Virgil dumbfounded, his nerves taking over. “Why did he leave?”

“Because this is between you and me, right?” Roman asked, stepping closer to Virgil, who tried to back up but hit the wall, eyes still focused downwards. “Virgil.”

“Leave me alone, I don’t want to look at you,” Virgil’s voice was almost a whine. He could feel the warmth coming from the prince and it burned, and he wished he could jump into a freezer or into some snow. If he stood there much longer, Virgil was going to start sweating in his hoodie.

“Why not? Did I do something to upset you?” Roman’s voice was laced with concern, and Virgil almost felt bad, but his current emotion levels wouldn’t let him. 

“I…” Virgil glanced up, and he wished he had stolen Remy’s sunglasses. Roman was pure light. “I look at you and I think sunshine. Literal sunshine. It’s annoying.” Part of it was a lie, and Virgil prayed that Janus wouldn’t show up to point it out. 

“What…?” Roman frowned, confused, and Virgil sighed. “I’m sorry, Virgil. I never meant to… annoy you.” Virgil felt a pang of guilt in his chest, and locked eyes with the prince.

“I just, you… you make me feel… warm. And it hurts to look at you. I don’t know how else to explain it,” he explained, and gasped when Roman brought up his hand to meet his cheek. It was warm, so warm, and he was going to melt, he was sure of it, with the way Roman was looking at him and-

And then their lips met. Virgil was certain he was going to burst into flames, but he didn’t; instead, he wrapped his arms around Roman’s neck, pulling him closer, suddenly feeling as though the warmth was everything he’d needed, as if he had been living in an igloo all his life. 

Maybe Roman was the sunshine that he never knew he needed.

[pbandjesse]

Today was a good day that started not great. I had a hard morning.

Part of it was sleep wasn't the best. I had trouble falling asleep. And while my ear doesn't hurt as much it does still bother me.

I woke up and was just moving really slow this morning. I left like 10 minutes later then normal. So I didn't stop for breakfast. Just gave James a hug and headed out.

It was already hot when I left the house. It would get to 100 today and it felt like it. When I was in the sun it was miserable. It was like being in an oven.

And I just had a hard time this morning. I was very upset and irrational and was trying not to be mean to James but I was super angry!! At almost nothing. I was probably just overtired and overhot but man. I was not having fun.

And then the kids were so nice but the needle on my machine broke and I panicked because I didn't have the replacements. They were home. But I remembered there was one in the other machine and it was fine but jeez that was upsetting.

And then the next group was late. And the councilors didn't make them clean up and we're just blank faced when I was like. Dude. So I was really frustrated by my third and last group.

But those two councilors were excellent and made me feel a lot better. Most of the boys were working on earning a badge so they had to do a painting project. So 4 of them sewed and it went well and was much calmer. And then I helped the one councilor fix their fanny pack and I felt a lot better. Even if I was still stressed and way to hot.

I set up some posters with instructions for tomorrow. And went to check in with Alexi. And then I was out of there. The day campers we're having early dismissal anyway. And I needed to go to the DMV.

I was out of there. I did forget like two small things but nothing I can't live without. And the DMV ended up being like absolutely no big deal. And all my stress over things this morning was for nothing. I stopped them off. Got my receipt. And was off.

I was in the shopping center where the five guys is so I went there for lunch. Had a nice meal. And then went to the thrift store.

I had a great time there. I got some fun project dresses for the fall. And a few more candle holders. I had a very nice time walking around. It was getting to be a better day.

I got home and it was stupid hot. But James had the ac on and it helped. I worked on moving the camping stuff to the living room. Doing some final packing. Just having fun.

I did some styling. Cleared out the queue. And tried on my new things. I would go down to the car a few times. Brought stuff in. Brought stuff down. And once James was finally done work we went to their parents house to get the canopy. And it was really nice to see them. We talked for like an hour. Before me and James went to the grocery store for final things and small dinner. And then we were home.

We had dinner and watched a video. And then I got to work on cutting banana and James was chopping veggies. We did some cleaning. James took out the trash. And finally I was able to take a shower. I feel a lot better now.

We're leaving later in the morning tomorrow. And it should be around 4 hours to get there if we get any traffic. I am excited. Even if they are calling for rain tomorrow. It will be a great adventure.

I hope you all sleep good night. Take care of yourself and the ones you love!!

[doing-all-write]

hi ! i was wondering if you'd be willing to write a joe x black! gf overshot where he helps her on wash day ?

Hello! Absolutely! Full disclosure, I am Very White™ so I had to ask my friends who are POC their process for wash day (Hi J and T!) so, this is their process but I tried my best to make it applicable to as many people as possible! 

I hope you love it! 

WARNING: Mentions of sex below the cut and soft fluffy boyfriend!Joe 

Sunday's were always the laziest day in their apartment.  

It was their day to spend together, maybe meal prep (and by meal prep she'd mainly get in Joe's way as he cooked way more pasta than two people could consume in a week) catch up on some Netflix, have sex and generally, just enjoy being in each others company with no set plans. 

Joe has just snuggled into the couch. Comfiest hoodie and sweatpants on, he propped his feet up on the coffee table in front of the sofa, flexing his feet as he sighed contentedly.  

His head whipped up at the sound of (Y/N)'s footsteps coming closer. He started to smile but it faded as she came trudging into the living room. Head hanging down, shoulders hunched forward, even the spirals that Joe loved so much were looking dejected. He chuckled as she forlornly draped her form over Joe's body, heaving a sigh so loud that it made the flames of the candle Joe had lit, dance wildly. 

"Someone's a Grumpy Gus." 

The only response he received was a disgruntled "harrumph".  

Tugging on one of her curls, watching it spring back, he cooed, "C'mon, use your words." 

Heaving a sigh, she flipped her body over so she could stare up into Joe's eyes. "It's...god I don't even want to say it because then that makes it more real." Joe snickered but quickly tamped it down when he saw her glare at him. 

"Sorry, activating my sympathy gene...now."

"Where was that two seconds ago?" 

"Listen, sometimes it takes a while to warm up." 

"It's Wash Day, Joe." 

Joe stilled at those words. He could practically hear the capital letters that accompanied the words Wash Day. 

Snuggling her face deeper into the well-worn fibers of the red sweatshirt Joe wore way more than should be acceptable for a man, she inhaled the comforting scent of deodorant and the lingering scent of pancakes. 

Without thinking, she opened her mouth and her next question fell out in a whisper, "Will you...will you help me?" 

Joe felt his throat close up at her request. He knew Wash Day was always something (Y/N) complained about and he felt bad when he'd walk past the bathroom, hearing her cursing as she worked to detangle her coils. It was silly, but he missed her during those hours when she was preoccupied in the bathroom. 

So, to hear her ask him to help, it felt like he was being invited to share in something special with her and he was honored. 

"Of course I will, baby." He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Her eyes closed and she pressed her head more forcefully into his lips. 

"Thank you, Joey." 

"I'm glad you asked. But we should probably get started now or else we won't be done till three in the morning."

Her hand flew up to make contact with his chest. 

Grabbing it, he pressed a kiss to her palm and stared down at her, "You know I'm right, (Y/N)." 

"I know, doesn't mean I have to like it." She grumbled as she swung her legs off the couch, letting her feet hit the floor with a thud. The eyes of the corgi's that were on her socks stared up at her, mocking. 

Feeling Joe's arms wrap around her waist, he pushed her hair off her neck, pressing a gentle kiss to the curve of her spine, causing her to shiver. She could practically feel the smile growing across his lips as he pulled back. 

Yelping at the smack he landed on her ass, she scurried into the bathroom, Joe laughing as he ambled along behind her. 

Flipping the bathroom light on, she crouched down, pulling out the basket of hair products, clips and hair ties she'd need for the arduous process ahead of them. Joe whistled, "That's everything we're using today?" 

Wordlessly, she stood up and dramatically flung the shower curtain back, spreading her arms wide like Vanna White presenting the shampoo, conditioners and pre-shampooing treatments that took up 85% of the shower real estate. 

Laughing at how wide Joe's eyes became as they flicked back and forth between the basket and the products lining the shower wall she stepped closer to him. "Now do you see why this is my least favorite part of the week?" 

Shaking his head, Joe stared into her eyes, "Yeah, but that's why I'm here," he pulled his sweatshirt over his head, stepping closer to her, enjoying the way her eyes widened and her throat bobbed as she took in his shirtless form, "to make it more fun." He whispered those last words in her ear and he enjoyed watching goosebumps erupt all across her shoulders.  

"Then let's make this really fun..." she drawled seductively as she pulled back, licking her lips. Joe's eyes lit up as he leaned forward only to pull back with a shout as she brandished two combs in front of her, "by detangling my hair. And if you do so without making me cry I promise I'll suck your dick." 

It was like one minute she had the comb in her hand and the next Joe had it in his hand and was instructing her to face the mirror. 

Laughing, she grabbed four clips from her basket and explained to Joe that first, they had to section her hair, get each section wet, work a pre-shampoo product through the sections, then they could detangle it and work her hair into twists. 

"Oh, that's not too bad." Joe scoffed as he gently divided her hair into two sections. 

"That's just the first step." 

Joe paused, eyes staring into the middle distance as he took this information in. 

"I know. I'm sorry, babe." 

"Hey, never apologize for stuff like this. Besides, we get to spend time together. In the shower," she giggled as he wiggled his eyebrows up and down, "and there's nothing better than spending time with you. No matter what we're doing." 

"Really? You mean that, Joey?" she bit her lip as she fiddled with her fingers, feeling bashful at the compliment. 

"Hey," she brought her eyes up to meet Joe's in the mirror, "we could be going to the fucking DMV and it'd be the same amount of fun as going to Disney."  

"We'd probably stand in line an equal amount of time." 

"True. Now. Show me the best way to do this." Joe asked, straightening up. His eyes were laser focused as she sectioned off one part of her hair. His eyes drinking in every movement of her hands as she deftly wet the section and combed the pre-shampoo treatment over her curls. He even mimicked her hands movements in the air as she showed him how to coil her hair into twists and secure it.

Nodding, he exhaled, "I think I got this, (Y/N)." 

Smiling, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek, "I know you've got this. Just follow along with me."

As she slowed down her original demonstration, Joe's focus grew. She could tell because the tip of his tongue was poking out between his lips, his brow furrowed. 

"Hey! Joey! That looks great!" 

Stepping back, planting his hands on his hips, he titled his head to the side, "Yeah, it doesn't look half bad does it?" 

Spinning around, she threw her arms around his neck, catching him off guard with a deep kiss. Taking a step or two backward, he quickly regained his equilibrium by grasping her hips and pulling her closer to him.  

After a few seconds, they pulled apart. (Y/N) knew her chest was heaving but that was the effect Joe had on her. 

"This is more intimate to me than anything we've ever done." she confessed in a soft voice.

"Yeah? Why's that?" he whispered, pressing another featherlight kiss to her lips.

"Well, I guess because I figured most guys aren't interested in how girls do their hair," Joe tilted his head to the side, "but the fact that you took an interest and you care and took it seriously. Joe...that means more to me than you'll ever know and I love you for it."

Joe had felt his heart steadily grow with each word uttered. By the time the last word fell from her lips, he was sure (Y/N) could feel his his heart pressing against his rib cage, ready to burst through his chest. 

"I love you too, (Y/N). I'm-I'm really honored that you took the time to show me and let me help you. I-god, I'm just so lucky to have you in my life." 

Feeling like the tears building in her eyes might spill over if he said anything else, she kissed him, hard. Pulling back, she sniffed, "I'm lucky to have you in my life too. Now, I don't have to do this alone all the time." 

Rolling his eyes, he pinched her hips, making her squeal.

"Alright, smart ass. What's the next step?" 

"Now's the fun part, we have to get in the shower." She explained as she turned to twist the shower on. Turning back around she was met with a Joe who had his pants and underwear around his ankles, his cock already half-hard. 

Slapping a hand over her mouth to contain the laughter that threatened to fly out of her, Joe cocked an eyebrow, "What? We gotta shower, let's GO." Reaching for her he tugged at the hem of her shirt. In between bouts of laughter, she let Joe undress her. He took his time, pressing kisses down her legs as he helped her step out of her shorts and panties. Finally, they stood facing each other. Joe's eyes became hooded, "Goddamn (Y/N), you're so gorgeous, I-god." Overwhelmed by the praise, she avoided his gaze by moving to test the temperature of the water, after a few seconds, she looked over her shoulder at Joe.

Who was unabashedly staring at her ass. 

Smirking, she wiggled her hips back and forth, laughing at the effect it had on her boyfriend. 

"Why are you trying to kill me?" He whined, moving forward to smooth a hand over her curves.

Giggling, she reached her hand back to flick water in Joe's face, "Because it's fun." 

"Yeah, hilarious." Joe grumbled as he swiped a hand over his face, taking the hand she offered as he stepped into the shower with her. 

Feeling the water run down her body relaxed her muscles instantly. Closing her eyes, she tipped her head back, relishing in the calm that washed over her. Joe's eyes were wide open, drinking in her form hungrily. 

After a few beats, she opened her eyes, meeting his, "Can you hand that to me?" she pointed at the shampoo bottle behind Joe. 

"I got it, baby. Turn around." 

"Are you sure?"

"I think I can handle shampoo, but let me know if there's anything in particular I need to know. I don't want to ruin our handiwork." 

Turning so her back was to Joe, she tilted her head back. Sighing as he gently massaged her scalp, working the shampoo into her hair. The scent of coconut permeating the warm air, Joe became mesmerized by the way the suds ran down her twists. 

"Turn around baby. Face me. Want to see that pretty face." Joe murmured as he traced a finger down her spine, enjoying how the way her body shuddered. 

"There's my beautiful girl," he smiled when she turned to face him, face lighting up with a smile to match his. 

Reaching a hand out, she laid it on his chest, feeling his heart beat underneath her palm, "Your heart's beating really fast, Joey." 

"What do you expect? I'm naked. In the shower. With the most radiant woman in the world who I somehow convinced to be my girlfriend. Sorry if I'm a little worked up." He scoffed. 

"There was no convincing, Joe. I was yours five minutes into our first date." Blinking up at him through her eyelashes, Joe almost fell to his knees at the intensity of the feelings that crashed through him. 

"So was I, darling." His voice huskier than normal. 

Letting her eyes flutter closed she inhaled shakily, "Our water bill is going to be astronomical this month if we don't hurry this process up." 

"It could be a thousand dollars and it would be so, so worth it." Joe breathed out as he pressed a kiss to her neck. 

Shaking her head, she stepped back, "It would, but also the last time we tried to get sexy in the shower, we both almost wound up in the hospital. So, hand me the conditioner and we can wrap this process up."

"No fun." 

"You just want to go to the hospital for a sex related injury so you can brag about it to Ben, Rami and Gwil, don't you?" 

"I'm just saying! It would really help me secure the position of 'coolest dude' in the group chat."

Rolling her eyes, she squirted conditioner into Joe's palm, "Well, we have time. Let's come up with a good story, I'll back you up." 

"You would do that for me?" Joe asked as he spread conditioner over each of her twists.

"Of course. We're a couple, Joe. We gotta have each others backs, especially when it comes to important stuff like this. Can't have Rami and Lucy outdoing us in terms of freakiest sex life, can we?" 

The water was running cold by the time they shut it off. Joe stepping out first and offering his hand to (Y/N) so she could step out carefully. 

Handing her the t-shirt she always used to dry her hair after a shower, ("Hey, this looks like the one shirt I was trying to find a few months ago." "Huh, weird how that happens. Can I dry my hair or what, Joe?") they were still trying to figure out what kind of injury would be best for this story they were crafting. 

"Well, it can't be like a broken bone or something involving a cast because then they'd ask for pictures of it and that would get tricky."

"Maybe a sprained ankle?" 

"You could just say your pride was wounded." His eyes grew soft as he stared at (Y/N). She had wrapped the shirt around her face, holding it together at her chin, staring up at him with extra wide eyes. 

"You're too good to me." 

"I know." She shrugged as she stepped around Joe to face the mirror once again. "Alright, you ready to learn how to do a bantu knot?"

Straightening up, Joe shot her a salute, "Yes, miss." 

Snorting, she walked Joe through how to get each twist into a bantu knot and how to secure it. Watching his dexterous fingers twist themselves into and around her hair made her stomach clench in both want and appreciation for how seriously he was taking this whole endeavor. 

"Annnnd....done!" Joe raised his arms in a flying V as she turned her head back and forth, inspecting their handiwork. 

"That's perfect. It's going to look great. Thank you so so much for your help, babe." She turned around to give Joe a hug.

Wrapping his arms around her form, he pulled her flush to him. Nestling her face into the crook of his neck she let out a content sigh.

Then her eyes flew open.

"Uh, Joe?"

"Yeah?"

"Is that...um...how long have you been hard?"

"Oh, thank you for asking. Pretty much since we got in the shower." 

Lifting her head up so her mouth was in line with his ear she murmured, "Well, do you want me to help you with that?" 

Grabbing her hand, he tugged her into their bedroom, her laughing ringing out through the apartment. 

~~~

As Joe made coffee the next morning while checking his email, he barely glanced up when she padded into the kitchen, offering him a soft "morning" as she grabbed two mugs from the cupboard.

"Morni-wow." he breathed out when he finally gave her his full attention. 

"What?" 

The morning light streaming through their kitchen window bounced off each ringlet, making them shine. As she wrapped her arms around Joe's middle, he buried his face into her hair, inhaling deeply. The scent of coconuts, her perfume and the coffee that was brewing was the best love potion he'd ever encountered. 

"You know, I always thought your hair was gorgeous, but after yesterday, it's even more gorgeous. Probably because I helped to make it this gorgeous." He joked as he gave her curls a gentle tug. 

"Have I thanked you enough for helping me yesterday, by the way?" 

"Well, you made sure I came twice last night so...I'd say we're pretty much even."

Disentangling from his embrace she giggled, pouring them both coffee. "Well, I guess I like our new Sunday tradition." 

Taking a sip, Joe cocked an eyebrow at her, indicating he was listening.

"Sunday is now officially Wash and Shower Sex Day." 

A dreamy look settled over Joe's face, "Yeah, that's a tradition I can get behind."