#chanel pre owned bags

[retagresellingluxury]

Luxury clothing is about long-term investments instead of basic accessories that have enduring value. Two of the most sought-after used extravagance items comprise of used Omega watches and Chanel handbags. Owners of used extravagances can accomplish ageless exemplary pieces at discounted costs as they add to sustainable fashion.

[confidential-couture]

Pre-Loved Luxury: A Smart Investment for the New Year

A trend that is here to stay is buying pre-loved luxury items as a way to start the new year with refinement and flair. Consider acquiring a vintage Rolex watch, a Chanel handbag, or even a classic Louis Vuitton bag. In addition to adding flair to your wardrobe, these classic pieces are wise financial investments. If you've been thinking about bringing a little luxury into your life, this guide will explain why buying pre-loved Hermès Birkins, Cartier accessories, and other gems is the best option. 

In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of luxury has expanded to encompass sustainability and pragmatism. Owning high-end products like a Chanel handbag, an iconic pre-loved Rolex watch, or a timeless Louis Vuitton bag is no longer just about fashion—it’s about making smart, ethical decisions. Confidential Couture enters the picture at this point. Confidential Couture, a reputable brand in the pre-owned luxury goods industry, provides consumers with an unmatched fusion of elegance, affordability, and authenticity.

 Why Choose Pre-Loved Luxury?

1. Access to Expensive Brands at Reasonable Prices

Expensive price tags are frequently linked to luxury goods. However, you may acquire high-end brands like Hermès, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton for a fraction of the price by choosing to buy pre-owned luxury watches or designer handbags. A pre-loved Hermès Birkin, for example, not only exudes classic style but also demonstrates your astute purchasing abilities.

2. The Importance of Sustainability

Purchasing luxury is not only a wise financial choice, but it is also a green one. Selecting pre-owned luxury handbags or watches contributes to waste reduction and the circular economy. Giving each item a second chance at life tells its own narrative and helps create a more sustainable future. 

Environmental Impact: Producing new luxury things needs enormous resources, energy, and labor, adding to carbon emissions, pollution, and waste. By purchasing pre-loved luxury things, shoppers help lessen the demand for new products, minimizing total environmental harm.

Circular Economy: Reusing, refurbishing, and reselling products keeps valuable items in circulation and reduces wasteful production and overconsumption. This is made possible by pre-owned luxury goods.

Ethical Fashion: By buying pre-loved things, shoppers promote ethical practices by reducing the demand for fast fashion and its accompanying labor issues, including terrible working conditions and unjust salaries.

Economic Accessibility:Pre-loved luxury items often offer cheaper alternatives to new products, making high-quality, sustainable designs accessible to a broader audience, which fosters more conscious buying.

Investment Potential: High-end luxury items often appreciate in value over time. A pre-loved Rolex watch, for instance, is not just a fashion statement but a collector’s item with the potential for significant resale value. Similarly, iconic pieces like a Chanel handbag or a Louis Vuitton bag are always in demand, making them worthwhile investments.

Pre-owned Luxury Items to note

 1. Chanel Handbags

Known for their timeless styles and flawless craftsmanship, Chanel handbags are a mainstay in any luxury collection. Choosing a pre-owned luxury designer handbag allows you to find rare, discontinued designs at affordable prices. 2. Pre-loved Rolex Watches

A pre-loved Rolex watch combines precision engineering with timeless design. Whether you want a sophisticated Datejust or a sporty Submariner, purchasing used luxury watches guarantees that you will own a piece of watch history without having to pay the full retail price.

3. Bags by Louis Vuitton

A Louis Vuitton bag is a byword for style and practicality. Purchasing used luxury designer handbags, such as the timeless Neverfull or the sophisticated Alma, gives you access to a wide range of choices and can save you money.

4. Pre-owned Cartier Accessories 

Pre-owned Cartier accessories, such as Tank watches and Love bracelets, are the pinnacle of understated luxury. These pieces are ideal for people who value both beauty and functionality because they are not only exquisite but also retain their worth exceptionally well.

5. Pre-owned Birkin by Hermès

Many people view the Hermès Birkin as the ultimate handbag. A pre-loved Hermès Birkin provides the same exclusivity and craftsmanship at a lower cost, but purchasing a brand-new one can be difficult and costly.

Why Pre-Loved Luxury is the Future?

The growing demand for pre-loved luxury items reflects a shift in consumer behavior. Value, classic style, and sustainability are becoming more and more important to consumers. Purchasing used luxury watches, designer handbags, and other high-end items is becoming more than just a fad; it's a way of life.

Pre-owned luxury goods are establishing themselves as the industry's future in the constantly changing realms of fashion and luxury. Pre-owned luxury designer handbags, pre-owned luxury watches, and other high-end products specifically cater to consumers' growing concerns about sustainability, value, and uniqueness. Here's why pre-owned luxury is a smart investment in the future.

1. Sustainability at Its Core

Because luxury goods require a lot of resources to produce, they frequently have a big environmental impact. By purchasing pre-loved luxury things, you contribute to decreasing waste and promoting a circular economy. A Louis Vuitton bag or a second-hand Hermes Birkin still looks stylish and contributes to the environment.

2. Outstanding Value for the Money

One of the main advantages of pre-loved luxury is cost-effectiveness. It doesn't have to cost the earth to own a Chanel purse or a pre-loved Rolex watch. Pre-owned items often come at a fraction of their original price, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious luxury enthusiasts.

3. Unique Finds

Shopping pre-loved allows you to discover rare and discontinued pieces that are no longer available in stores. A vintage pre-loved luxury watch or a pre-owned Cartier accessory gives your collection a sense of exclusivity.

4. A Second Life for Timeless Pieces

Luxury goods are renowned for their classic style and longevity. When you invest in pre-owned luxury designer handbags or second-hand luxury watches, you give these iconic pieces a second life, ensuring they remain loved and appreciated for years to come.

5. Expanding Access to Reliable Vendors

Buying authorized products is now simpler than ever because of the growth of online marketplaces and second-hand luxury shops. You can shop with assurance knowing your purchase is authentic, regardless of whether you're eyeing a Louis Vuitton bag or a gently used Hermes Birkin.

6. Choosing Wisely to Invest

Luxury items like a pre-loved Rolex watch or a Chanel handbag often retain or even increase in value over time. By purchasing wisely, you’re not just buying a product—you’re making a smart financial investment.

7. The Future is Pre-Loved

The appeal of pre-loved luxury items lies in their ability to blend sustainability, affordability, and exclusivity. The market for pre-owned luxury will only expand as consumers adopt more eco-friendly and thoughtful shopping practices.

Why Buying from Confidential Couture Would Be a Great Idea?

In a world where luxury meets sustainability, Confidential Couture stands out as the premier destination for pre-loved premium things. Here are some reasons why shopping at Confidential Couture this year is a wise investment, regardless of your preference for a classic Louis Vuitton bag, an iconic pre-owned Rolex watch, or a timeless Chanel handbag. 

1. Unmatched Authenticity

To guarantee that you're buying authentic premium goods, we rigorously authenticate each product. You can purchase used luxury watches and pre-owned Cartier accessories with assurance that your purchase is authentic and of the highest caliber.

2. Exclusive Luxury at Reduced Prices

At rates much lower than retail, Confidential Couture provides access to luxury labels like Hermes, Gucci, and Prada. It has never been more economical to own a Louis Vuitton or Hermes Birkin bag, making luxury accessible to a larger range of people.

3. Sustainability with Style

Selecting pre-owned luxury is an environmentally responsible choice. Confidential Couture offers the elegance of pre-owned luxury designer handbags and accessories while also minimizing fashion waste and promoting the circular economy.

4. Selected items for All Tastes

The carefully chosen collection of our store includes everything from modern Louis Vuitton purses to vintage luxury timepieces. You're likely to find something distinctive and customized to your own style in their inventory.

5. A Wise Financial Decision

Over time, luxury goods frequently maintain or even increase in value. Purchasing a Chanel purse or a pre-owned Rolex watch from Confidential Couture is a wise financial move in addition to being a stylish statement. In a time when timeless elegance and conscientious consumption coexist, intelligent consumers are increasingly choosing pre-owned luxury goods. 

6. Outstanding Customer Support

We have a dedicated support team to give you a flawless shopping experience, with professionals on hand to help you choose the ideal item. Their team guarantees a customized and fulfilling experience whether you're purchasing your first luxury item or expanding your collection.

Conclusion

There has never been a better moment to explore the world of pre-owned luxury than as the new year approaches. Whether it's a Louis Vuitton bag, a Chanel handbag, or a pre-owned Rolex watch, these items provide the ideal balance of fashion, sustainability, and financial potential. Begin your adventure now and experience the delights of owning pre-owned Hermès Birkins, Cartier accessories, and more. The luxury you've always desired is only a click or trip away thanks to the abundance of options accessible. Let 2025 be the year you make better investments, shop more intelligently, and shine more brightly!

[maxuria]

Why Buying Pre-Owned Luxury Bags Is More Sustainable

In today’s fashion landscape, sustainability is becoming a key factor in the decisions of discerning shoppers. For those who seek high-quality, timeless style without contributing to the overproduction of new goods, buying pre-owned luxury bags is a perfect solution. As environmental concerns rise, consumers are increasingly turning to used luxury items as a way to reduce waste and lower their carbon footprint. At Maxuria, we are proud to offer a curated selection of pre-owned Chanel bags, providing you with a sustainable way to enjoy luxury while also making a positive impact on the environment.

One of the main reasons buying pre-owned Chanel bags is more sustainable is the significant reduction in environmental impact. The fashion industry is known for its high carbon emissions and waste, often producing more products than the market demands. When you choose a used Chanel bag, you are not contributing to the mass production of new items. Instead, you are giving a luxurious piece a second life, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for additional resources and manufacturing. This not only helps decrease waste but also lowers the overall demand for new leather, fabrics, and other materials that go into making luxury bags.

Maxuria’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond offering pre-owned luxury bags. We carefully select and authenticate every item in our inventory through a rigorous inspection process carried out by certified in-house experts. By buying pre-owned bags from us, you are supporting a business that promotes circular fashion, where luxury goods are reused and kept in circulation for as long as possible. This practice significantly reduces the environmental burden caused by textile waste, which is a growing problem in the fashion industry.

Moreover, purchasing used Chanel bags also helps preserve the unique craftsmanship that these luxury items embody. Luxury fashion houses like Chanel create items that are made to last. Over time, these bags often increase in value, and their quality remains unmatched. When you purchase pre-owned items from Maxuria, you are not only acquiring a beautiful and rare piece of fashion history, but you are also investing in a durable product that will remain a classic for years to come. This longevity is a key element of sustainable fashion, as it prevents the constant cycle of buying and discarding low-quality, mass-produced bags.

At Maxuria, we strive to make luxury more accessible by offering pre-owned Chanel bags and other designer items. By shopping with us, you are not only investing timelessly but also contributing to a more sustainable future. We understand the importance of high standards, which is why we provide thorough authentication by our expert team. Every item in our collection is carefully inspected to meet our strict criteria, ensuring that you are purchasing a genuine luxury item. Additionally, for extra peace of mind, we offer free third-party authentication upon request.

By choosing to buy pre-owned luxury bags, you are supporting a more sustainable approach to fashion. You are making a conscious decision to reduce waste, support high-quality craftsmanship, and promote the circular economy. With our expert authentication and a handpicked selection of items, Maxuria makes it easy and secure to enjoy luxury responsibly. Shop with us today to find your next used Chanel bag and join the movement toward a more sustainable fashion industry.

[lesfoliesdeugenie]

Own a Piece of Timeless Chanel Chocolate Bar Bag From Les Folies d’Eugénie!

The Chanel Chocolate Bar Bag is everything you’ve ever dreamed of—stylish, classic, and oh-so-luxurious. Whether it’s a dinner date, brunch with friends, or just your everyday glam, this bag fits every occasion perfectly.

💼 Here’s why it’s a must-have:

✔ Unique chocolate bar quilted design that stands out

✔ High-quality craftsmanship you’d expect from Chanel

✔ Perfect size for all your essentials (and a bit more!)

✔ Adds a touch of effortless class to any outfit

Visit Les Folies d’Eugénie to explore more pre owned luxury masterpieces to make it yours at affordable prices!

[luxuryconsignmentt]

PH Luxury Consignment offers a seamless way to buy and sell authentic pre-owned luxury items. Specializing in designer handbags, accessories, and apparel, we curate a premium selection for discerning fashion enthusiasts. With a commitment to authenticity and quality, our platform connects clients with coveted brands at accessible prices. Whether you're decluttering your wardrobe or searching for a timeless addition, PH Luxury Consignment ensures a trusted and elevated shopping experience. 

[amusedcosaudiarabia]

Chasing Chanel: A Continental Symphony of Authenticity

Embark on a continental symphony, traversing the globe in pursuit of authentic Chanel bags. Join us on this harmonious journey through the world's fashion capitals and trusted online sanctuaries, where each destination adds a note to the melody of timeless elegance.

Barcelona, Spain: Gaudi-inspired Elegance Begin your continental journey in Barcelona, where Gaudi-inspired architecture meets Chanel's timeless elegance. Explore luxury boutiques along Passeig de Gràcia, discovering authentic Chanel bags amidst the city's artistic charm.

Seoul, South Korea: K-Fashion Fusion Head to Seoul for a fusion of K-fashion and Chanel allure. Wander through the chic districts of Gangnam and Myeongdong, where the city's vibrant energy blends seamlessly with Chanel's authenticity.

Mumbai, India: Bollywood Glamour Meets Chanel Travel to Mumbai, where Bollywood glamour meets the sophistication of Chanel. Dive into luxury shopping at Colaba Causeway or Palladium Mall, experiencing the cultural blend that defines the authenticity of Chanel in India.

Cape Town, South Africa: Coastal Chic with Chanel Fly to Cape Town for a taste of coastal chic combined with Chanel sophistication. Explore luxury boutiques in the V&A Waterfront or visit the city's renowned shopping districts, where Chanel's authenticity resonates against the backdrop of South African elegance.

AMUSED, Saudi Arabia: Oasis of Luxury Resale Return to Saudi Arabia and explore AMUSED—an oasis for luxury resale in the Middle East. Curated pre owned Chanel bags, authenticated to perfection, await fashion enthusiasts in a trusted local space.

Online Luxury Platforms: Digital Continental Exploration Embark on a digital exploration through online luxury platforms like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal. Navigate the digital continent where Chanel's authenticity is celebrated, offering a global marketplace at your fingertips.

Paris, France: Culmination of Continental Elegance Conclude your continental symphony in Paris, where the culmination of elegance began. Revisit the iconic boutiques on Rue Cambon, soaking in the authentic charm of Chanel in the city that epitomizes continental luxury.

Chasing Chanel across continents becomes a symphony of cultural notes, celebrating authenticity in diverse locales. Whether you explore the artistic streets of Barcelona, delve into the Bollywood glamour of Mumbai, or discover pre-owned treasures at Amused Co, each destination contributes a unique melody to your continental pursuit of Chanel authenticity.

[ddodol]

tied — j.sc

series ⭑.ᐟ [ kinktober masterlist ] content warning ⭑.ᐟ smut! minors dni!, bf!sungchan, fem!reader, pet names, sungchan is whiny for a second, use of restraints on the wrists, begging, overstimulation, unprotected sex. word count⭑.ᐟ 2k+

you blinked at the huge grin sungchan had on his face, sensing something ominous behind his crescent eyes.

”y/n,” you felt shivers down your spine just from his voice alone, “i got something for you, princess.” you watched as sungchan pulled out a black box with a pretty ribbon on it, tilting your head when he placed it on your lap. he gave you a small nod, motioning for you to open it up.

you ran your hands through the pretty silk ribbon, tangling it through your fingers as you tugged on the tie to open the box. surprisingly, it wasn’t an empty box, though the contents of it was familiar— way too familiar. in fact, you were so sure you had the same exact bag in your closet with the same run-down scratches and damages on certain areas.

”channie, this is just a bag i already own?” he nodded happily, taking your hands in his. sungchan slyly tried making a tight knot around your wrists using the ribbon that you already had wrapped around it. you were quick to react, pulling your hands away defensively.

sungchan laughed, whining when all that he had left on his hand was the ribbon. you furrowed your brows at him, wanting an explanation before you agree to anything. he let out a small sigh, still smiling at you mischievously, “alright, alright. i actually wanted to try something for tonight.”

you nodded slowly, raising a brow as you waited for him to add more details. “and, you know, i wanted to try having your hands tied while we do it,” you blinked as sungchan rambled on, “i considered blindfolds at first but it didn’t have the same thrill as—”

”okay, i get the point but why did you have to bring my old chanel bag out for this?” sungchan just smiled sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders before sitting next to you. minutes ago, you were getting ready to sleep but now you had sungchan running his hands up and down your legs, trying to get you in the mood now that he’s introduced his grand plan.

sungchan jutted his lower lip out, pouting when you stayed silent. “fine,” sungchan’s face visibly beamed up at your agreement, making you giggle a bit, “but i wanna try it on you first. i need to know if it hurts.” he nodded obediently, giving you his hands without hesitation.

you just wanted to have him tied up, in all honesty. sungchan’s been terrorizing your bedroom dynamic too much lately, always leaving you completely exhausted and sore by the time you two were done.

you tried your best to make sure that sungchan wasn’t getting out of the knot you made, wrapping it thrice until the ribbon was short enough for one final knot. sungchan tilted his head, finally sensing that something was off when you got up to slip your shorts down.

“oh, i see how it is.”

you laughed when he poked his tongue through his cheek, watching as you sat on his lap. “you can tell me if you liked it and then we can try it on me after, yeah?” you purred, grinning when sungchan nodded with a docile smile on his face. he was so easy to please and you found it amusing.

”what’s first on the list, princess?” sungchan asked teasingly, snaking his tied hands up your shirt. you swatted his hands away, frowning adorably as you got up once again.

“should i clarify that you can’t touch me?” it was sungchan’s turn to frown, unhappy with the new rule you just set.

”just moan and let me do all the work, baby,” you chuckled as soon as the words escaped your lips, copying what sungchan usually tells you. he laughs along, watching intently when you ran your hands through his crotch. sungchan bit his lip, cock already twitching under your teasing touch.

you smiled widely, pulling his sweatpants down, cock springing up so enthusiastically. you laughed at how eager sungchan was, wrapping your hands around his cock to play with his leaking precum. sungchan sighed softly, tongue darting out as you pumped his cock up and down.

sungchan wanted to hold your waist so badly, balling his fists against his stomach while he just watched you, veins on his hands popping up from how hard he was holding back. “aw, wanna touch me, channie?” you cooed, hovering above his tip. your thighs trembled when you sunk down his cock, overwhelmed with how stretched you were feeling.

”fuck, sungchan,” you breathed out, moaning even louder as you took him all inside, walls fluttering as you prettily sat on his cock. sungchan threw his head back, sighing shakily. “i know i said you can’t touch me but you can still speak to me, baby,” you murmured.

he stubbornly kept his mouth shut, pouting childishly as he stared at you. “channie, don’t make this harder for the both of us.”

sungchan scoffed, narrowing his eyes at you, “if you think i’ll give in because you’re mirroring the things i usually say then you’re so wrong.”

you couldn’t help but giggle at his childish grumbles, leaning in to graze your lips against his. sungchan let out a shaky groan, frowning as he gripped on your waist, desperately pulling you in for a kiss. you smiled teasingly, starting to bounce on his cock.

your pace was excruciatingly slow, watching as sungchan struggled to keep his hands to himself. he threw his head back, mumbling curses to himself as he closed his eyes shut.

”baby, please,” sungchan whines, breathing heavily as he looked at you. his cock kept throbbing against your walls, accompanied with his increasingly loud whines. he began to jerk his hips up, desperate for more stimulation.

you giggled, biting your lower lip as you leaned back, rolling your hips on top of his. sungchan groaned, frowning deeply as he watched you bounce, eyes stuck on the way your body moved.

”y/n, i’m being serious,” sungchan let out a soft whimper, his cock throbbing pathetically deep inside you. “y/n, baby, don’t tease me like this,” you licked your lips, enjoying how whiny sungchan was getting.

you inspected his features under your dimly lit bedroom, his cheeks were flushed and his plump lips were getting swollen, quivering from desperation. seeing him writhe under your mercy like this, you couldn’t help but feel even more mischievous.

”it’s okay, baby, just admit you like this,” you teased, “maybe i’ll spoil you even more some other time.” sungchan groaned in response, veins popping up from his neck. you leaned in to nip at his skin, tracing your lips over his angry veins.

”y/n.”

humming, you continued to ignore his desperate pleas, moving your hips slowly while your hands roamed all over his body. “fuck, please.” you could tell his patience was running thin, his tied hands were trembling against your waist, nails digging into your skin.

for a quick second, you thought sungchan finally surrendered to his fate, his body relaxing and letting out a exasperated sigh. what you failed to take into consideration was his inhumane strength in the face of desperation.

you found yourself splayed down the plush mattress, head dangling on the edge of the bed as sungchan towered over you— his hands were no longer tied, red marks left on his wrists as he pinned you down. the ruined remains of the ribbon were peeking out from behind him, a daunting foretelling of your fate in the next few seconds.

”i begged you nicely, princess,” sungchan whispered, eyes glinting dangerously as he stared down at you, “even i relent after you ask, don’t i? isn’t this unfair?” shivers ran down your spine, gasping sharply when you noticed how much danger you were in.

before you could even speak, sungchan began to pound into you, pushing you down with each thrust. you felt air escaping your lungs, whimpering as you desperately held on his arm to keep yourself from getting pushed off the bed. a small smirk was on his face, chuckling as he watched you get ruined.

”must’ve been fun for you, huh?” sungchan cooed, rubbing his thumb against your cheek, “you liked it? being in control?” he asked, voice going lower as he leaned in to kiss away the tears that threatened to drop from the corner of your eye.

sungchan leaned back slightly to appreciate your expression and string of whines that left your swollen lips. “you look better like this, princess— writhing and moaning under my mercy.” you whimpered at his words, walls clenching down on his throbbing cock.

”fuck. you like that too, huh?” he chuckles.

you cried out incoherently, nails scratching his arm as your hand slid down, leaving a bright red mark on his skin. sungchan hissed at the sensation, hips stuttering when you accidentally drew blood from how hard you were gripping on him. he let out a small whimper, brows furrowing as he focused on moving his hips.

”sungchan! slow down!” you cried, your upper body now hanging from the edge of the bed. sungchan licked his lip, wanting to know how hard he could push you.

you held him tightly, trembling underneath him as you came undone in no time, though that didn’t mean sungchan would slow down— he began to thrust even harder, his pace brutal and frantic. your walls clenched around his cock, still spasming as your orgasm builds up quickly.

”i’m so close, princess,” sungchan panted, his frown getting deeper as he pressed deeper inside. you felt so warm and inviting, wanting to fill you up with his cum as soon as possible. “fuck, fuck— you want it, baby? show me how much you want it.”

you whimpered, gripping on the sheets as your body tensed up once again. sungchan pressed his body against yours, moaning against your ear as he chased after his own orgasm. you gasped sharply, holding on him as you came at the same time, both of your bodies trembling sensitively.

sungchan murmured curses against your skin, rolling his hips as he rode out your highs. he plopped down on top of you, completely exhausted from the sudden burst of strength he just showcased.

”sungchan, i’m gonna fall,” you mumbled weakly, wrapping your arms around his neck desperately. he chuckled against your skin, nuzzling his face on your neck before pressing soft kisses.

”just a bit more. i don’t feel like moving,” he whispered, voice sounding hoarse. you frowned and began pinching his shoulder. sungchan laughs mischievously, finally propping himself up, bringing you along with him as he laid on his back.

you sighed softly, snuggling against his warmth.

”dummy.”

sungchan laughs, cooing at you as he massaged your waist gently. he let out a blissful sigh, burying his face in your hair before speaking, “can i finally tie your hands up?”

you raised your head, a small frown on your face when you looked at him. “you ruined the ribbon, though.” he grinned at you, shaking his head before shuffling out of the bed. sungchan came back to the bedroom with a paper bag in his hand. you tilted your head, wondering what other trick he has up his sleeve.

he took out another black box with a pretty ribbon on it, the only difference this time around was that it looked professionally done. you stared at the box, confusion apparent on your face. sungchan laughs, sitting beside you to peck your cheek.

”for you,” he whispered sweetly.

you cautiously unwrapped the box, glancing up at sungchan from time to time. you opened up the box, revealing a brand new handbag. your jaw dropped in surprise, not expecting to be spoiled like this.

sungchan had a smug smile on his face, pleased with your reaction, “what do you think? will you finally let me?” you blinked, staring up at him with round eyes.

”a new handbag? really? just to have my hands tied up?” he laughs at your bewilderment, shaking his head.

”i honestly had this prepared as a reward but now i have to use it to bargain.” you couldn’t help but laugh at the pout that appeared on his lips, kissing it away as you giggle.

”fine, but after this we’re even, okay?”

sungchan smiled, pressing a kiss on your lips as he picked up the ribbon that fell on your lap. “i promise, princess. i’ll even make sure you won’t be able to get out of it.”

[mega-ringsandthings-world]

some LT AU fashion: for context, some shit happens and now everyone in OP dresses like they're on the catwalk (they're being dressed based on vibes, symbolism and how expensive the clothes are) transcripts of notes/references below

Law has a coat for every day of the week is out-cunting Caesar in his own home Monet has designs on his virtue looks like something from Tron: Legacy and that's a plus had a whole new wardrobe designed before going to Punk Hazard fishnet turtleneck because he's a slut

Robin she has the fur bottom coat had insect designs put on it for Luffy is breaking all the sumptuary laws has a matching hat and muff not pictured: the head of the fox on her right shoulder (it's fox fur) designs are made from actual gold thread the tail of the fox is her muff fabulous and knows it yes, those are Chanel boots

Perona is at her and Zoro's farewell party @Mihawk's Mihawk made the dress is the best dressed there (by default) is about to drag Zoro's outfit for filth dress has a matching caplet is currently giving an interview and just called Mihawk old

Tashigi arriving to G-5 is about to eat shit in those heels jacket is her fave part of the outfit marine color scheme ying yang earrings (gift from smoker) not pictured: the marines on either side of her making sure she doesn't fall jet-lagged (ship-lagged?) not sure how she feels about the stockings bag is full of Smoker's cigars (probably)

Kuzan/Akoiji post Punk Hazard (not a marine) marine clasp worn ironically immediately got out the jeans and beanie after the ass-beating those jeans are designer and cost more than your life giving princess leia vibes with the caplet and hair he's tired

Kuzan/Akoiji pre Punk Hazard (marine) running away from the paparazzi is about to ditch the entire outfit he held the title of "Best-Dressed Marine" for two weeks because of this outfit the seventies called they want him to come visit man has got the go-go boots on under those pants

[undead-supernova]

HIGH TOLERANCE

Live Resin / Masterlist

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

warnings: gay disasters, Steve (derogatory), a bit of angst but that's a given for pining best friend!eddie so enter at your own risk, weed consumption (but what's new in a series about weed consumption)

pairings: modern!bestfriend!Eddie x fem!reader (both bisexual bitches)

plot: let's go sing some karaoke and feel like we're dying, shall we?

wc: 6k

p.s. I listened to "Watch" by Maisie Peters the entire time I wrote this and I just cannot for the life of me let The Good Witch go. Anyone else in a chokehold from that album? Anyways, here you go!

“For you, my good sir!” you exclaimed, feigning a British accent as you got down on one knee and presented Eddie with a joint like it was a sword. And it was an immediate scrape to your knee, your black crop top and miniskirt riding up. You tried to save yourself by planting your maroon Converse on the ground, but it was met with instant failure. Eddie chuckled, grabbing your arm to try and stabilize you before he continued the bit. 

(Leave it to Eddie Munson to commit to a bit.)

“For me?” he asked, feigning a gasp as he threw his hand over his chest, his rings clinking together. “You shouldn’t have.”

You exaggerated a wink as you stood back up. 

“Sure, I did.”

“Wha’da we got, Weirdo?”

You repeated what the guy at Jailbait Hemp told you. It was a THC-A pre-roll that was covered in live resin (which technically has a higher concentration level than just the THC-A alone). It burned differently than other joints, a glaze lining the paper to burn like honey. 

Let it in slow and watch it go.

“She sure is a pretty one,” Eddie said, lightly running the pad of his pointer finger along the resin. It didn’t flake off or leave any residue on his finger. Incredible.

You smirked. “I know, right?”

“Kinda like you.”

You swallowed immediately, nearly choking as the spit went down wherever the wrong pipe was located.

Panic, panic, panic. 

“Oh, whatever,” you said, waving him away. You distracted yourself with wiping the gravel off of the scrape on your knee that showed promise of blood but stayed put. The most embarrassing thing you could think of was having to ask someone for a Band-aid because you were too busy doing a bit with a joint to remember that you weren’t wearing pants. Eddie would love that a little too much and you weren’t about to give him the satisfaction.

“You’re right,” Eddie said with a nod, causing you to look back up. “Doesn’t come close to you, m’lady.” Without another word or time for you to even remotely process, he held out his hand and made obnoxious grabbing gestures. “Alright. Gimme, gimme. Wanna light her up.”

With shaky fingers, you handed it over. Eddie took his black Bic lighter and ran the flame back and forth against the twisted end of the paper. It took him two or three tries to keep it lit, but he finally got it, moving it around in circles to let it burn as evenly as it could. The air instantly thickened with the smell. But to be fair, you smelled weed wherever you went in Atlanta. Even on the highway somehow.

You could hear the music from Go Ask Mary from two blocks away, the bass of Madonna’s “Vogue” booming through the walls. It was almost time for karaoke to start and, to be honest, you were excited. Eddie had picked up some extra shifts at the car dealership and your shitty retail jobs at the Lenox Square mall had been draining. Especially when you were surrounded by stores like Chanel and Tiffany & Co. It was always your dream to work at a Sephora where all the pretentious rich people complained about needing a new Balenciaga bag before arguing with you when their sheer Tom Ford lipstick was out of stock. 

This was the first time you’d seen Eddie in a week, despite him practically begging to come over at 2am to watch the first Lord of the Rings movie on a Monday. The extended edition to be exact, all three hours of Elijah Wood and Sean Astin being the most iconic couple of the fantasy realm. It was embarrassing to admit, but you nearly considered calling out just so you could.

Tonight, you couldn’t wait to let off some steam, especially with the person who made every day worth it. Eddie looked as he usually did with all his chains and rings and pretty face and attitude. It was disgustingly unfair that he could wear variations of the same outfit every time you saw him and somehow looked better and better every time.

“There you guys are,” Steve sighed as he and Robin walked over from the bar. 

Steve was still in his suit, just without his tie and blazer. A few buttons of his white button down were popped with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Robin wore an oversized cotton button down, white with navy stripes and a loose navy tie. She looked like she was going to the beach for the day, even going so far as to wear jean shorts and checkerboard Vans.

“We should’ve known you were smoking,” Robin said, nose wrinkling before she pulled out her flask from her back pocket and took a few sips. “Did you know that one joint is, like, the equivalent of five cigarettes? I heard it on a podcast the other day and, believe me, that sounds bad. Like, really bad.”

“What else is new?” you joked, taking the joint from Eddie and filling your lungs with a few hearty drags. “At least we’re not vaping. That’s, what, the equivalent of a hundred cigarettes?”

Robin shook her head. “Actually, I read that a thousand-puff vape is the equivalent of five to six packs.” She paused, moving her fingers through the air as she solved the problem in her head. “So…about one-twenty?”

Eddie hummed, nodding. “Aren’t you glad I stopped smoking cigs six months ago?”

“Well, yes.”

“So smoking weed should be the least of your worries, Buckley.”

“You have a point. But honestly—"  

“Rob!” Steve interrupted. “Rob, listen. I have exciting news.”

“What is it?” you asked.

“I’m getting the first round,” he said proudly. “I got a bonus at work.”

“Thanks, Steve,” you said, genuinely touched by the offer. “That’s awesome, though. You’re literally moving up in the world.”

“Bringing in the big bucks, this one,” Eddie teased with a big smile as he took the joint from you. “Always a generous giver.”

Steve glared at Robin. “She thinks I should quit.”

“No, I do not!” Robin argued. “I just think you’re in a weird environment with weird men—" 

The high was already making its way through you, causing you to not-so-subtly stare at Eddie again. His eyes were trained on yours as Steve and Robin rattled on, entering some bickering fest that you were positive he wasn’t listening to. And the way he was looking at you… Well, it didn’t seem that platonic, did it? 

His eyes were doing that thing again, that slow gaze down your body before reaching back up to your eyes. Your fingers inched just a little bit closer to his and you almost swore you could hear his rings again as they fluttered towards yours. 

Robin cleared her throat, causing you to look back at her. She was eyeing you specifically, not even bothering to look at Eddie. 

Could she see it? What did she know? Was there anything to know?

“Well, we’ll be inside,” she said, grabbing Steve’s arm. “Have fun with the extra cancer!”

Eddie chuckled. “Thanks, Buckley.”

You watched them walk away, right back in their little fight. It was nice to be around them again. Truly, it was. You didn’t have too many friends outside of Eddie, always working during the week and never truly finding time to go out unless Eddie dragged you along. You could engage in small talk with strangers at Go Ask Mary on the weekends, but it was different when you got home and found your phone void of anyone to tell those stories to. Zero messages, not even from your parents or your sister. No Instagram DMs of cute animals or Tumblr messages of photography and memes. Just a phone that looked more like a coffin full of wires than access to the whole world.

Except for Eddie.

As he turned back to you, he lifted the joint and let it hover just above your lips. 

“Want some more?” he asked.

You looked up at him, nearly startled by how close he was to you. God, what was it about him? Maybe it was the dark color of his eyes, still illuminated in the warm sunset, nearly glazed over with a golden sheen. Maybe it was the way his hair was doing that thing after a fresh wash where the ends were slightly curlier than the rest. Or maybe it was the way his tips of his sneakers were meeting yours and the smell of tobacco and car air freshener was wafting off of him.

“Come on, you can’t deny you want it.”

“Um,” you stumbled. “Yeah. Yeah, I want it.”

“Yeah?”

Nodding, you felt his fingers grazing your mouth as he placed it in between your lips. You took a long, slow drag while your eyes never left his. You wanted to look away. Really, you did. If anything, the sparks settling in your stomach were starting to pop and sizzle unlike ever before. 

You just couldn’t help yourself.

And if anything, he didn’t seem like he could either.

Tonight was going to be interesting.

The bar wasn’t very crowded, but that’s why you liked to go as a group during the week. Even if there weren’t many people looking to do karaoke on a Tuesday, it didn’t matter. There were four of you ready to tear up the fucking stage.

You went in rotation for solo performances, Robin singing “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac followed by you singing “Love Is a Stranger" by Eurythmics (despite it technically not being from the Eighties) followed by Eddie doing “The Stroke” by Billy Squire and finishing with Steve’s off-key rendition “Africa” by Toto.

When Steve returned from his noteworthy performance, the three of you congratulated him. He did a little bow before wiping the sweat off his forehead. 

Eddie patted the table and said, “Alright, I’ll go get the next round.” As he was about to leave, he looked at you. “Still want a vodka Redbull?”

“Of course,” you said with a smile. 

He gave you a quick wink. “Just checking, Weirdo.”

“Thanks.”

You turned back to Steve and Robin, watching Steve dab his face with a napkin. He was mostly definitely inching towards being drunk, always starting to turn red and sweaty whenever he was getting close. That, and he started to run his mouth.

“God, he’s dreamy,” Steve said, leaning his head in one hand. You followed his line of sight, all three of you watching Eddie walk to the bar. “It’s almost annoying how hot he is.”

Robin snorted. “Yeah, okay. Keep dreaming.”

Maybe it shouldn’t have stung the way it did. Anyone was allowed to find him hot. It didn’t mean anything. Just a bit of flattery, that’s all. But then it was like you couldn’t stop yourself and suddenly you were unable to keep yourself from asking the one thing you never ever should have.

“Do you have a crush on Eddie?”

You watched Steve laugh pitifully. “I mean, maybe?”

“Maybe? What does ‘maybe’ mean, Steve?” Robin asked.

“I mean, he’s hot, right? But I don’t know if he’d even go for me.” As he talked, he popped open another button of his shirt, showing off a bit of his wife beater and chest hair. “Like, okay, he’s just so pretty and he fixes cars and plays in a band? It’s cool as hell. But I don’t think we even have that much in common, so I don’t know. He likes metal, I like pop. He likes D&D and I like, uh, I don’t know? Poker? Anyways, I don’t even know what kind of guys he’s into. Do you know, Rob?”

Robin shrugged, meeting your eyes before saying, “I don’t know, Steve. Ever thought about asking him what his type is?”

And you shouldn’t have asked. Really, you shouldn’t. Because now you were here, sitting at a table while Steve moaned and groaned about his chances with Eddie, like it was some statistics problem. And then someone was doing an awful cover of “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper, the shrill sound mixing with Steve’s whining. And you? You were sulking. 

You looked over and watched Eddie wait for your drinks at the bar, wondering if Steve had any chance and whether you were more likely to get the guy in the end. Surely there was a silver lining in there somewhere. You enjoyed metal music and even convinced Eddie to listen to other genres. You enjoyed listening to Eddie talk about Dungeons and Dragons and showed him board games you liked, like Catan. Relationships weren’t built off of just similarities and differences. Steve was wrong.

Right?

As if Eddie heard your thoughts, he caught your stare, his lips pulling back into a large grin as he waved and moved his hips a little bit along to the grating karaoke. You couldn’t help but laugh at how awkward he looked, in turn doing the worst arm wave in history. He immediately started laughing.

Eddie was looking at you, wasn’t he? Steve wasn’t even bothering to look at the object of his desire. He merely talked about the guy, putting his head in his hands and panicking as if Eddie wasn’t in the same room. But you were looking at Eddie and now you were in a makeshift dance battle, embarrassing yourself by doing an awful robot while he did that shopping cart move.

Could Steve have this kind of relationship with Eddie?

And what were the odds of you winning?

What were the odds of you losing?

After a good bit of chatter, Steve and Robin headed towards the other end of the bar to set up a game of darts. Eddie went along, but you decided to stay behind. He found it odd, asking if you were sure and you’d nodded, telling him that you wanted a moment to yourself. 

But Eddie didn’t believe you. Not one bit. You’d started acting weird merely seconds after he came back with drinks. It was strange. One moment you were dancing with him across the room and the next your shoulders were slumped, falling out of any and all conversation. Even when he nudged you and tried to be playful, you seemed to pretend you didn’t notice. Instead, you focused on your straw and nodding along as if you were paying attention. 

He knew you hadn’t. He knew there was something wrong and, of course, he wanted to respect your privacy but there had to be something else there. Had Robin let anything slip? Did Steve act like an asshole? Were you upset with him? 

Robin and Steve were in the heat of a tie when Eddie finally decided to walk back over to you. He didn’t like seeing you so sad, so vulnerable. And with the addition of the high, he knew how scary that could feel. If something didn’t feel right, it could get extremely uncomfortable. And you couldn’t just be alone in that hole.

“Hey,” he said as he approached you. “Are you feeling okay?”

You put on one of the fakest smiles he’d ever seen before replying, “Yeah, I guess I’m just tired from work.”

Lie.

“Is the high getting you down?”

You shrugged. “A bit, yeah.”

“Um,” he said, gulping as he held out his palm. “Do you need to hold my hand?”

You looked down at his hand before looking back up. 

“No, I think I’ll be okay. Thank you, though.”

“Yeah, sure. Sure,” he replied, placing his hand on top of the other. 

He squeezed it to elicit something resembling comfort for the rejection he felt. It was like your hand was some kind of phantom feeling that made his chest ache with want. And that want was slowly but surely starting to burn.

“Well, uh.” He gulped. “I’m gonna get myself another beer. Want anything?”

You shook your head. “No, I’m okay.”

Eddie nodded before turning away.

“Hey, Eddie?”

He didn’t think he’d ever spun back around that quickly before.

“Yeah?”

You smiled weakly. “If you need me to drive your van back tonight, let me know. I don’t mind if you want to get a little drunk with Steve and Robin.”

And just like that, he died a little inside. Again.

“Will do, Weirdo.”

Steve was back on his bullshit.

“Oh my god, do you guys think I should try to sing with him? Get the sparks flying, you know?” He moved his head from side to side. “‘Do a little dance? Make a little love’?”

Robin smacked Steve’s arm. “You did not just do that.”

You let out a tiny sigh, looking away from his hopeful expression. Steve genuinely thought he’d cracked the code to Eddie’s heart. And you couldn’t blame him. Who wouldn’t want someone like Eddie? 

But really, you wanted to put your head on the table and bang it over and over.

Over. And. Over.

Eddie had gone to get a third beer and Steve had wasted no time before bringing this shit back up. You were seriously starting to dislike him for the first time in three years. Three. Years. He was obnoxious when he was drunk, sure, but it was never like this.

Or maybe you just hadn’t paid attention until tonight.

You shook your head, desperately trying to get the feelings out of your body. The blunt was starting to get the best of you, fogging your brain while your limbs felt like they were vibrating. This was killing your high. No, it was more than that. It was magnifying all the feelings you once swore to be dormant. 

You looked over to find Robin staring at you, her eyebrow quirked up. Noticeably, you might add. You and Robin weren’t that close—you were one of Eddie’s best friends to the rest of them. You had fun whenever the group would hang out, whether that be at Eddie’s shows or unwinding at Go Ask Mary, but you never truly hung out alone. 

Steve, Robin, and Eddie had moved to Atlanta three years ago, after they wanted out of their small town in Indiana. Steve’s dad had gotten him a job at a big boy law firm in the heart of Downtown. It wasn’t the best way to get into the business, but it was the best way to get all of them out. To start over somewhere bigger, somewhere with more opportunities. Steve convinced them to save up for the summer before driving eight hours to their shitty new apartment. He swung Robin a waitressing gig at a nice restaurant he had a business lunch at—charmed the owner and everything. Eddie had worked at a local gay bar in Decatur and played there sometimes on metal or punk themed nights.

And here Robin was now, staring at you like she was trying to figure out how you were feeling, as if you’d ever be phased by Steve’s confession. Confessions. And she was making eye contact, all bold and unashamed. Like she was some freakishly keen hawk, two steps away from letting out a ca-caw. And if Steve paid just a fraction, just a millimeter of attention, he’d notice. 

It was all quite unnerving.

“Don’t you think sparks would already be flying after years of knowing each other?” Robin asked, eyes flickering from Steve’s to yours and then back again. “I mean, I think you would know by now. If there was something between you.” She gestured over to you. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

What was her deal?

“Pfffft.” 

A bit of Steve’s spit flew out and hit your cheek. You would’ve laughed three hours ago. Now? Now, you were seriously considering bashing his head against the table.

(It was a big night for head bashing.)

“Last call for karaoke!” one of the bartenders announced.

“Wish me luck!” Steve said to you and Robin before raising his hand. “I’ll do it!” he exclaimed loudly, pointing to Eddie who had just finished closing out his tab. “I’ll do it with that handsome man over there!”

Eddie looked surprised but shrugged, a pleasant smile reaching his lips. “Yeah, sure, Harrington. Show me what you got.”

As they moved towards the stage, you swallowed the words resting on your tongue.

I wanted to sing with Eddie tonight.

“I hope he doesn’t embarrass himself.”

You couldn’t look at Robin. You just couldn’t.

“What song did he pick?” you asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“‘Under Pressure’.”

Oh, fuck. You’d sung that in the car with Eddie plenty of times, always with a silent acknowledgement that whatever conversation you were having would cease and the volume was to be turned all the way up. You went for Freddie Mercury's part while Eddie took the lower octaves in David Bowie’s verses. Eddie sounded amazing when he sang it, confident with his range and feeding emotion into the song. And you melted. You just melted.

And when the song started and Eddie’s eyes drifted away from Steve and landed on you, well, you couldn’t help but feel seen. He thought about those times, too, didn't he? It was something you both held special. Right?

But Steve took Eddie’s hand and started trying to dance with him. Eddie laughed, trying to follow his complicated rhythm. Steve was stumbling and nearly fell of the stage, but Eddie caught him, stabilizing him. Just like he’d done with you in the parking lot.

Things were going downhill for you. And they were going down fast.

Eddie cleared his throat dramatically before starting the first verse. “Pressure, pushing down on me, pressing down on you. No man ask for.”

You let out a sigh at the sound of Eddie’s voice, all gravely and husky and soft all the same. It felt even better tonight with whatever was in this joint. You could feel it inside, like it was somehow spreading through you. There was a part of you that was sure you’d never get over it for as long as you lived.

Steve pulled Eddie closer, grabbing at his waist and slowly moving it down.

Oh my fucking god. Eddie knows what he’s doing, right? you asked yourself. Can he tell? Does he like this?

Eddie cleared his throat before belting, “It’s the terror of knowing what this world is about. Watching some good friends screaming—”

“Let me out!” Steve shouted.

They stumbled through a laugh at the ridiculousness, and you began to feel like you were slowly dying. Again.

“I’m…going to go to the bathroom,” Robin announced before scurrying off.

And you tried to keep your eyes off of them. Really, you did. You made yourself look around the room, scanning the face of a drag queen who was currently walking around and engaging in animated conversations with the few other people here. Her eyes were coated in pink glitter and tall eyelashes; nude lips perfectly lined and wrapped around the straw of a cocktail. She was absolutely gorgeous, as most Atlanta queens were. Plus, how could you ever look away from a drag queen? They were angels, truly. Archangels.

But it was Eddie’s singing that brought your attention back, as effortless as Bowie himself. Like there was nothing to it. Like he was always on the track to begin with.

You found yourself thinking about the night you met Eddie, right here in Go Ask Mary. It was the five-month anniversary of their official move to Atlanta, the three of them wanting to go out and celebrate not completely fucking up. They’d gotten out and they were doing pretty okay for themselves by the look of it.

And you? Well, you were a native to the south. Grew up in Tennessee, moved here when you saw the opportunity for college somewhere that wasn’t Tennessee. Found your way through college and realizing you were bisexual and, well, found Go Ask Mary. At the time, you came here with friends, but there was a period time after losing some of those friends where you preferred coming by yourself. It was an accepting atmosphere, one where everyone seemed friendly. You could have a six-minute conversation with a queer stranger and never speak again. But it would be fond and unforgettable. It would be transcendent. 

You’d gone up and done a dramatic cover of “I Miss You” by Blink 182, mimicking the singer’s voice rather than being serious about it. A few people laughed—and Eddie was one of them. He’d even let out a few whoo!s and yeah!s. When you’d gotten off the stage, he approached you immediately and asked you if you could be best friends. You laughed at that, thinking then that neither of you were serious. 

But then you’d spent the whole night talking and watching Robin and Steve perform.

And then they tapped out and decided to head home.

However, Eddie wanted to stay. 

And you told him you could call him an Uber. 

And then you stayed until closing, just talking. Nonstop. Like you were seeing an old friend for the first time in decades.

(Is there a joke in there somewhere about three disaster bisexuals and one tragic lesbian walking into a bar?)

“Is that your man?”

You looked behind you, noticing the queen from earlier standing with her hand on her hip as she tapped her acrylic nails along to the beat.

“Which one?” you asked.

“The crazy haired one over there with the wallet chain.”

You could feel your chest start to ache. “No, no. We’re best friends, but we’re not dating.” She let out a hum. You looked at her again, feeling hot all of a sudden. “Um, why? Why do you ask?”

A smirk formed on her lips as she touched your shoulder, leaning down to speak softly into your ear. “Baby, that man’s only looking at you.”

“He is?”

“Mhm.”

“Are you sure?”

The queen looked at you again, her eyebrow raising. “Oh, so you’re jealous of the other one?” She laughed as you gave a defeated shrug. “You ain’t been lookin’ hard, have you?”

“I’m not sure—"

“Honey,” she started, tapping your jaw. You looked back at her. “I know that look. But you ain’t gotta look hard to see what he feels for you.”

“Really?”

She patted the top of your head and stood up straight. “Girl, look harder. Oh, and don’t forget to invite me to the wedding.”

And then she was waving you a goodbye and walking away.

You looked back to the stage to watch Eddie. You didn’t know how to believe her. Couldn’t. He was right there, leaning in and sharing a microphone with Steve, their faces practically touching. Lopsided grins coming from the two as Eddie hit a high note perfectly and Steve butchered the harmony. Eddie’s voice was dark and angelic. Steve’s eyes were red and perhaps they were sparkling in the purple and blue neon lights. They were having fun. 

They’d be a cute couple, a voice in your head said bitterly. And you can sit and watch and be okay with it. Swallow all your emotions like you always do. Let yourself fade into background noise as you watch someone take the spot you want the most. It’s normal at this point, isn’t it? You’re going to be that pathetic and weak, aren’t you?

You looked down at your drink, riddled with those incessant voices in your head telling you that you weren’t good enough. Because you weren’t as forward as Steve, or as brave as Eddie. You couldn’t just say the words or say anything at all. Eddie said everything he thought and made it clear how he felt. It was so simple for him. 

Besides…where would the friendship go if Eddie rejected you? Would it remain firm, the foundation solidified enough to keep you where you were before? Or would it start moving away, returning less and less frequently before the inevitable crash? 

And how could you ever fathom surviving the implosion?

Eddie began to belt the final chorus, leaving Steve in the dust while secretly trying to get your attention. Maybe he was trying to impress you with his strengthened vocals and (pathetically) wanted you to notice.

But you continued to look down at your drink, scowling and swirling your straw around. He wanted to know what the hell was going on, why you were acting so strange tonight. It’d started out so well when he picked you up, letting the music be the only thing moving you forward. Even in the parking lot, with the jokes and a longing look that felt like it lasted for hours. And now you were…well. Whatever you were. 

And the song ended, alongside the minimal applause and stage lights being turned off. 

Steve patted Eddie’s shoulder as they got off. Eddie nodded at him before turning towards your table. 

But Steve pulled at his forearm. 

“Munson, wait.”

Eddie looked back. “Yeah, dude. What’s up?”

Steve smiled and Eddie could tell that he was utterly drunk. It was one of Steve’s goofy smiles, always seeming cartoonish with the way his lips curved into a wave. Eddie always thought it was kinda weird how he did that. Even a little creepy.

“Listen, I’m just gonna come out and ask you a question.”

“Okay…” Eddie trailed, now facing Steve completely. 

“Would you ever want to go on a date?”

Eddie’s eyes widened, scanning Steve’s face to try and see if any of this was a joke. 

But there was no punchline. He was serious.

“Like, together?” he asked slowly.

Steve laughed, having to lean on a nearby table to stable himself. “Yeah! I don’t know, I just kinda thought we had some chemistry or something. I’m drunk so I can’t articulate it very well, but I’ve wanted to ask for a while.”

Eddie raised a hand to scratch along his stubble and thought about it. Had he really not noticed that Steve was into him? He thought he’d made it clear to Robin his affections for you. He’d just assumed she would tell Steve but, clearly, she hadn’t. 

It was all Eddie ever talked about when him and Robin were alone, holed up in Eddie’s bedroom with a couple of beers and When Harry Met Sally playing on his TV. She told him over and over how he should just say something to you or even drop hints here and there. And to be fair, he thought he had. Even tonight with the joint in your mouth and the comment about it not being as pretty as you. And you’d just waved it off. Acted like it was nothing. Moved on so quickly and so suddenly.

But. 

Well. 

Was there such harm in saying yes to Steve? You certainly hadn’t said anything and maybe it would be good for him to explore something with someone who he knew for sure wanted him. It could be simple with him. Steve was fun to be around. He could be happy with him if it went anywhere. Because it could go somewhere…

Right?

He stared at Steve for some time before he responded.

You tried to leave with Robin and Steve, but Eddie pulled you towards his van instead. That meant two blocks of walking together and he didn’t waste any time before he started talking.

“Where are you going, Weirdo?” he asked, throwing an arm around your shoulders and pulling you into a side-hug. “You know you live closer to me.”

He was right. After Eddie had snagged his current job as a mechanic at a nice dealership, he’d gotten his own place so that he could have a space for himself. He really liked his alone time as much as he liked being around you or any of his other friends. One of the main reasons was because he needed complete silence when planning his campaigns and, well, Robin and Steve weren’t necessarily quiet people.

You chuckled, but it sounded forced. “Yeah, sorry. I guess I’m crossed or something,” you replied. “You’ve always had a higher tolerance than me.”

Eddie gave you a concerned look. “You okay?”

You nodded and tried to keep walking. 

But he didn’t.

“You’re not holding my hand right now.”

His voice was soft, hardly above a whisper.

“Oh, I guess I just wasn’t thinking about it tonight.”

Or you’re not actually cross-faded, Eddie thought to himself. But he didn’t say anything, just bumped your shoulder with his and tried to bring the energy back. You hadn’t smiled since you’d all left and there was no way you’d leave tonight without one. So, he turned around and started walking backwards, shimmying his shoulders. He cracked the code, watching as you began to snort. Thank God.

“So, did you like my killer vocals?” he asked, his playful tone raising the energy back to its rightful place. 

Until your smile faltered.

“Ohhhhhh, yeah,” you said, hardly sounding sarcastic or playful. And it certainly didn’t meet your eyes. “You and Steve looked like you were having fun.”

Eddie hesitated, wanting to tell you about Steve’s…proposition. Should he casually drop it into the conversation? Would tonight be the night that he admitted how he felt? Or would he continue to rely on you doing it?

“He asked me out,” Eddie said before he could think further, heart racing.

“What?”

“Yeah, right after we got offstage. Crazy, right?” 

“What did you say?” you asked, stopping in your tracks. You were only across the street from his van now. Only twenty steps. 

But you’d stopped. 

So, Eddie did too.

“I told him I’d think about it,” he replied.

“And have you? Thought about it?”

He tried to read your expression, but he couldn’t. He just couldn’t.

So, he pushed. 

“I don’t know. Hadn’t thought of it before he said anything. I mean, it’s kinda out of nowhere…”

“Do you like him?” you whispered. 

Eddie thought about lying, to try and elicit some form of jealousy from you so he could start the conversation. Gamble and see what happens. But he couldn’t lie to you like that. It wouldn’t be right. It’d just be shitty. 

“Not really. Like, Steve’s pretty and all and he’s a really good friend or whatever. But I just haven’t really thought much about it and then suddenly there he was, poof, asking me out. And, I don’t know, I just thought it was a bit weird.”

You nodded along, looking away. “Yeah, that’s weird.”

Eddie couldn’t help himself. “Do you think I should say yes?”

“You’re asking me?” you asked, your eyebrows pinching together. 

You looked…upset. Why did you look so upset at the question?

“Absolutely,” he said, nodding.

“Why do you want my opinion? I mean, you’ve known him longer.”

Eddie shrugged. “Well, I don’t know. I value your opinion or whatever.”

You scoffed. “I don’t think I should be the determining factor on who you should date.”

You have no fucking clue.

“And if I wanted you to be?” 

The words left his lips before he could save himself and, God, his heart was banging on his flesh, like it was trying to escape. Like it wasn’t able to handle it any more in his wired brain.

You hesitated again. 

“Well, I don’t know.” Before Eddie could ask again, you sighed. “Do what you want, Eddie. Just…be careful.”

He shut his mouth again and nodded. 

“Yeah, alright. Sure.”

Eddie spent that night analyzing your hesitation. Maybe it was a sign. Maybe you were thinking about how stupid he was or, even worse, maybe you were just too scared to say anything. Like him. 

Your lips had quivered slightly. You were holding back those words again, the ones that felt like they’d already been shared and were waved off by the time you spoke again. And it drove him absolutely crazy.

And instead of asking you, he texted Steve.

About that date… When and where?

[felice-jaganshi]

Strawberry Scented Love

Radiodust Strawberry Pimp AU

Chapter 5 - Good Girl

TW: Mentions of Past Suicide

~One week later, three nights before the grand opening~

 

Velvet smiled, laying on the couch of the A/V's tower, happily drawing away. “Fuck yes, this is the best idea to come out of that disgusting porn studio in decades! We should have added you to the Vee's forever ago! The fuck did Vox do to turn you away before?” She was coming up with outfits for the performers based on the notes of what their songs were going to be.

“Ugh, don't bring up that old shit Vel!” Vox groaned, lounging across the arms of his own chair. “Why can't I broadcast it again?” He was pouting at Alastor, who sat cross legged in his own chair with a cup of coffee and the newspaper.

“Because the selling point is you can only see it in person. If they could buy a recording, it diminishes the value of the product. The product being the experience, not the performers, don't give me that look or I'll rip your good eye from your head you silly picture box.”

“Don't threaten me with a good time…” Vox huffed and crossed his arms, pouting at Alastor. 

“To answer your question, Velvette, he had asked me to be his romantic partner, and I'm not interested in him like that. So he stole my idea of combining all the media demons into one super power. The A/V's were originally my idea. Though he wanted to call us the V/A's of course. As ridiculous as that sounds.”

“Oh right, because putting your name first is soooo much cooler!” Vox rolled his eyes, then one of Alastor's tentacles slapped the back of his screen that was hanging off the arm of the couch. “Agh! Fuck you!”

“Hm, you wish you could.”

 

Later that day, halfway across the city, a broadcast played on a tv in front of a Voxtech store. “Breaking news sinners! Continuing last week's report on the new porn studio, Strawberry Productions, we now know they will be holding burlesque shows at the new Jazz club every Saturday night! Tickets are available now for pre-order and selling out fast! Trust us with your entertainment!”

A moth demon in a trench coat and fedora growled at the tv as he listened to the broadcast. He threw a brick, breaking one of the screens, before walking off with a fresh grin, and a plan…

 ~~~~~~~~

There was a knock on Alastor's office door, “Come in.” He was at his desk writing away. It was the middle of the night.

Anna entered the room and looked around. Alastor's coat was missing from his shoulders, draped over Angel like a blanket as he slept comfortably on Al's couch again. He'd had a nightmare about Valentino, and Alastor had offered him his company. Angel had fallen asleep quickly to the strawberry scented fluff.

“Miss Anna? Darling, what are you doing up so late?” He smiled softly at her.

“Oh, um… I was hoping, if you weren't too busy, Sir, that you could watch my routine and tell me what you think? I… I think I've got something really special, but…” She wrapped her arms around her stomach, clearly nervous. She was wearing workout shorts and a sports bra, and was soaked with sweat.

“Very well, it's clear to me you've been working hard on this even after hours. I can spare a few minutes to give my thoughts.” He rose from his chair and followed her out of the room. His Shadow stayed behind to lock the door and coo over Angel. Keeping his word to keep him company. 

 

Anna took to the stage, posing on the ground for a side profile view, one leg bent and she did a little hair flip of her bob cut as the music began. “The dress is Chanel, the shoes YSL. The bag is Dior, Agent Provocateur.” She got up and kicked on of her feet up dramatically, adding a shimmy to her hips and she headed towards the pole. “My address today, L.A. by the way. Above Sunset Strip, the hills all the way.” She wrapped one leg around it before leaning away, doing “heart hands” over her chest before pulling herself back towards the pole and lowering her leg, turning her back to him and climbing the pole. She was blushing and smiling the whole time, just having fun. 

She held out her hands, leaning backwards to look at him upside down, “My rings are by Webster, it makes their heads twirl.” She spun her way back down the pole. “They all say Darling, what did you do for those pearls?” She snapped back upright, “What?!” She put a hand in front of her mouth before pouting, “I am a good girl!”

At the end of her song she stood on the stage breathing hard. “W-well?”

Alastor slowly clapped, “A lovely dance darling, far less sexual than everyone else's. Though I do wonder if you'll get many clients with a performance like that…”

She looked down at her feet, the hand still on the pole going white knuckled with how hard she was gripping it, “Do… Do I have to still take clients? Can't I just dance?” 

“Hm? Of course you can just dance. I won't force you to sleep with anyone.” He tilted his head to the side. “You didn't choose this vocation, did you?”

She took a deep breath, but it came out stuttered, “N-no… I just wanted to dance. I don't… I don't like people touching me. I just wanted to be a dancer.” She was about to cry, her knees were shaking as she tried to hold herself together. It seemed… off to Alastor. 

 

“Darling… How long have you been in hell?”

“Five years…” Her voice was soft, but the room was silent and empty, so it echoed like a bomb.

“And… how old-”

“Don't!” She cut him off with an aggressive shout before gasping and looking up in fear, “S-sorry, I'm sorry sir! I- I didn't mean to- to-.” She was shaking all over now and Alastor's expression became dark. She was young then. Far too young for the depravity Valentino put her through.

He took to the stage, summoning a fluffy towel to his hand before slowly covering her completely from the shoulders down. He then pulled his hands away, understanding the desire to not be touched.

“Darling. It's alright. I don't wish to harm you… I understand I asked a rather rude question.” He smiled softly, his expression full of sympathy and pity.

“May I ask one more?”

She pulled the towel tightly around herself as she looked at his kneeling form, “What is it?”

“Well you see, I noticed some… similarities between us. So I thought to ask… if you had a rather unpleasant father?” He was choosing his words carefully, something he prided himself on, given his chosen career path. Both the radio one, and the serial killing.

 

“Well, I put a bullet in his head. So yeah, I'd say so.” She was pouting again, but with a quivering lip as she tried to make the tears stop. She was trying so hard to act calm and mature. The harder she tried, the more obvious to Alastor it was that she wasn't an adult when she died.

“How did you die, darling?” He kept his tone soft and friendly, but his eyes held a sorrow to them.

“My… my aunt… she was a good person. She tried to stop me from killing him, she didn't want me to go to jail. She got in the way of the first shot. I didn't mean to kill her, I was aiming for him!” She broke down, crying hard and curling into a ball. “I couldn't take it! I didn't want to go to jail, so I killed myself!” 

“I see… I'm sorry you didn't feel you had any other choice, my darling… you shouldn't have had to go through all that. I murdered my father as well, twice actually. If you'd like, I can hunt him down for you, as a gift. No strings attached.” He held out a hand for her. 

She looked at it, then back up at him, her eyes held mistrust in them. “Why are you so nice? Do you find me hot or something?”

“Of course not, I'm not attracted to women at all. It seems I've taken to viewing you like a daughter is all. So I wish to protect you.”

“Oh… so you're gay?” Her expression softened, while his became more complicated. 

“Not quite. Genuinely, I've never felt that kind of attraction towards anyone.”

“But what about Angel? You two are pretty close.” She tilted her head and her little bunny nose twitched in curiosity. 

 

“Ah, that… is an interesting situation. Can you keep a secret?” He asked softly. 

She nodded, and held out her pinky, “Promise.” He smiled and wrapped her pinky in his.

“Well, you see… Angel is a rare and strange exception for me. I genuinely love him, which isn't something I've felt for anyone other than my mother. And I'm still coming to terms with the feeling.”

“Oh.. okay… can I hug you?” That threw him for a loop! He hadn't expected her to ask that after saying she didn't like being touched! Did that make him a special exception? Like how Rosie and Angel were for him?

“You said you see me like a daughter, and well, I like the idea of having a dad that doesn't suck.” 

He wordlessly held open his arms and she got up, hugging him with her arms around his neck. He hugged her back, arms around her torso. “I never hoped to be a good father, given my only example of one was a horrible monster… but I suppose I could repurpose what I learned from my mother if that doesn't sound too strange for you.”

She nodded and rest her chin on his shoulder, “I don't see a problem with that. Gender roles on childcare are weird.”

 

Alastor chuckled and pet her head with one hand, “Well, you should go rest in your dressing room. It's far too late for you to be up, and it wouldn't be safe for a young lady to travel the streets alone.” He stood, carrying her as he went to put her in her room.

“Hm, okay… oh, should I still call you Sir in front of everyone, or can I call you Papa?”

“Ah… let's keep that private for now. I'm worried the others may get jealous if they learn you're getting special treatment. And… I'm not sure if I enjoy being called parental terms yet.”

She hummed at his honest discomfort and fell asleep in his arms.

[retagresellingluxury]

Designer sunglasses perform different roles because they create fashionable appearances but also show off individual character along with, indicating high-end status and offering eye protection. Versace along with Louis Vuitton and Chrome Hearts sunglasses, will direct fashion trends during 2025 by persisting their advanced and stylish creations for luxury eyewear.

[confidential-couture]

The Circular Economy: Gen Z and Millennials; Approach to Sustainable Fashion

Gen Z and Millennials' Perspective on Sustainable Fashion in the Circular Economy

Have you ever wondered how Gen Z and Millennials transform the fashion industry via their commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, making eco-friendly and high end designer fashion the new standard? Imagine a future where fashion is more than simply looking nice; it's also about doing good for the environment. The Millennial and Generation Z are creating this reality. Finding rare artefacts that no one else has is also exhilarating! These generations are driving a change in the fashion business by embracing a circular economy through pre-loved luxury designer brands that prioritizes sustainability and ethics. Let's examine their impact and how it will affect fashion in the future. 

What is a Circular Economy?

So, what exactly constitutes the circular economy? In contrast to the conventional 'take, make, dispose' approach, the circular economy prioritizes prolonging the life of items. It is a method designed to eliminate waste while making the best use of resources. Consider this: instead of tossing away an old sweater, you find a way to give it new life, whether by repurposing it or recycling the materials.

Why Generation Z and Millennials Care?

Due to their shared values, Patagonia, Reformation, and Everlane have grown in popularity. They grew up in a world where the effects of climate change and environmental degradation are impossible to ignore. For them, sustainability is more than a slogan; it is a way of life. 

Sustainable Consumption Patterns: Thrifting and Secondhand Shopping

Thrifting is no longer deemed uncool. Shopping at thrift stores and online second-hand platforms such as Depop, ThredUp, and Poshmark is now not only popular but also considered a smart and trendy option. By purchasing used items, these astute shoppers lessen the need for new things, reducing waste and conserving resources. Finding rare artefacts that no one else has is also exhilarating!

Upcycling and DIY Fashion

Another popular trend is upcycling, which involves transforming old clothing into something fresh and wonderful. DIY fashion is all about creativity and sustainability, whether upcycling an old pair of jeans into a stylish denim skirt or embellishing a simple blazer with patches and embroidery or simply investing in a discounted handbag. It's a fun way to update your wardrobe without purchasing new clothes, and it's an excellent example of the circular economy in action.

Supporting ethical brands

Gen Z and Millennials are putting their money where their mouth is by promoting brands that value sustainability and ethical practices by adopting pre-owned luxury fashion brands. They are searching for companies that are open about their supply chains and dedicated to fair labour and environmental stewardship. 

Eco-friendly materials.

These generations also value environmentally friendly materials. They choose apparel made of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and new textiles such as Tencel, derived from sustainably generated wood pulp. These materials are more comfortable, long-lasting, and ecologically friendly. Apart from this, investing in a designer handbag is also a fruitful idea. Indians are becoming more well-known for their pre-owned handbag collections, which include pre-owned Gucci handbags. 

Transparency and Accountability

Young consumers want to know where their clothes come from, who made them, and under what conditions. Brands that provide this information and take responsibility for their environmental and social impact are building trust and loyalty among these buyers. It’s about more than just the end product; it’s about the entire process from start to finish.

Social media is a valuable tool in the fight for sustainable fashion. Generation Z and Millennials use social media sites such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to enhance environmental awareness and encourage sustainable fashion choices. Influencers and campaigners are discussing how to shop sustainably, the value of ethical production, and the environmental impact of rapid fashion.

Social Media Influence

Social media has made it easier than ever to create awareness about sustainable fashion. Influencers that promote eco-friendly practices and companies have a large following and can greatly influence customer behaviour. They encourage others to adopt greener choices by showing sustainable attire, thrift store finds, and upcycling projects.

Online Community and Movements

Online communities and movements also have enormous influence. Campaigns such as #SecondHandSeptember and #BuyNothingNew encourage individuals to reconsider their purchasing habits and embrace more sustainable alternatives. 

The Circular Economy: Sustainable Fashion from the Viewpoint of Generation Z and Millennials

 If you've been following the fashion world recently, you've probably seen a huge shift in how people think about their apparel. Now the same goes for the designer and branded handbags as well. The days of disposable fashion and transient fads are over; instead, a new movement is rising, led mostly by Generation Z and Millennials and that is pre-owned luxury handbags. Take for example, The Bottega Venetta clutch price in India has seen a huge shift and millennials are approaching it to get discounted designer handbags. This movement revolves around the circular economy, in which sustainability and longevity are prioritized over constant consumption. But what is the circular economy, and how are younger generations paving the way? Look at how Generation Z and Millennials are transforming the fashion world through their devotion to sustainability. The circular economy emphasizes the design of clothes and handbags that can be reused, repaired, and recycled, reducing environmental impact.

The Role of Generation Z and Millennials

Generation Z and Millennials have grown up in an increasingly environmentally conscious world, and their shopping patterns reflect this. They prefer brands that exhibit a commitment to sustainability, and they are more willing to support businesses that provide information about their manufacturing procedures and materials.

Thrift Shopping and Secondhand Fashion

One of the most notable trends among these generations is the increase in thrift shopping and second-hand clothing. This trend not only lowers the cost of fashion but also extends clothing life cycles, decreasing waste. It's a win-win situation for customers who want to find unique things while also reducing the environmental impact of the fast fashion industry.

The Appeal of Vintage

Vintage clothes have a distinct attraction for Generation Z and Millennials, who see it as a means to express themselves while simultaneously supporting sustainability. Wearing antique clothing is a chance to distinguish yourself in a world filled with mass-produced goods. Furthermore, the quality and craftsmanship of vintage clothes frequently outperform modern fast fashion, making it a more sustainable option in the long run.

Upcycling and DIY Fashion

Upcycling, or creatively repurposing old materials to make new things, is a trendy trend among younger generations. This DIY approach allows people to personalize their clothing while eliminating waste. Upcycling stimulates creativity and sustainability at the same time, whether it's converting old trousers into chic coats or turning discarded materials into unique accessories.

Ethical and sustainable brands.

The need for ethical and environmentally friendly products is also rising thanks to Generation Z and Millennials. Companies like Patagonia, Everlane, and Reformation are gaining popularity due to their dedication to fair labour methods and environmentally sustainable products. These firms are open about their supply chains and work to reduce their environmental effect, which aligns with the ideals of younger consumers.

The Future Of Fashion

So, what does the fashion industry's future look like? If Gen Z and Millennials had their way, sustainability would be the norm rather than the exception. Here are a few ways they are influencing the future of fashion.

Innovation and Technology.

More innovation and technology are expected in pre-owned luxury fashion brands, ranging from biodegradable materials to computerized closets. These generations are technologically adept and open to new ideas, which drives developments in fashion sustainability. For example, firms are producing fabrics that degrade harmlessly after use, decreasing the impact on landfills.

Circular Fashion Business Models

We're also witnessing an increase in circular fashion business models. This includes rental companies like Borrow the Runway, which allows you to borrow high-end apparel for a fraction of the price, as well as resale platforms that make it easy to buy and sell used items. 

Education and Policy Change

Education and policy reform are also important. Young people are campaigning for improved sustainability teaching in schools and universities, as well as legislation that holds businesses accountable for their environmental impact. This could range from stricter waste and emission laws to incentives for sustainable materials.

Thrift Shopping and Secondhand Fashion

One of the most notable trends among these generations is the increase in thrift shopping and second-hand clothing. Thrift shopping benefits the environment by reducing the demand for new apparel production.

Affordability: Thrift stores frequently sell pre-loved luxury designer brands with high-quality things at a fraction of the original price.

Unusual Finds: Finding vintage or one-of-a-kind items that are not sold in traditional retail outlets.

Supporting Charities: Many thrift stores are operated by nonprofit organizations, so your purchase usually benefits a good cause.

Conclusion The pre-owned luxury designer bags industry is flourishing at the same pace. Gen Z and Millennials are at the forefront of this movement, leveraging their purchasing power and influence to force change in the fashion industry. They demonstrate that fashion can be stylish and sustainable by thrifting, upcycling, supporting ethical products, and utilizing social networking. Even in India, millennials are keen on buying preloved handbags including Gucci, Prada and second hand Balenciaga bags. There is a huge popularity for bags online where you can easily buy on its website. Chanel, Bottega Veneta or Burberry bags online are easily accessible. As these generations continue to push for environmental protection and demand transparency and accountability from brands, the future of fashion appears greener and brighter than ever. Movements foster a sense of community and collaborative action, demonstrating that modest improvements may add a significant impact.

[isabelinlove]

Merry Christmas, Dickhead

Pairing: Isabel x Roman (pre-relationship)

Word Count: 1k

Summary: Isabel and Roman have slightly different views on Christmas. Takes place during season 1 (the Christmas following the infamous 1.05 Thanksgiving).

Warnings: Mostly fluffy, but contains very brief canon-typical allusions to childhood trauma/abuse. Also contains typical Roman weirdness.

A/N: Tis the season… for a Romebel Christmas fic!! I actually wrote this one last year but it’s still one of my faves <3

“If I have to hear Holly Jolly Christmas one more time, I’m going to fucking strangle myself,” Roman grumbles as he enters his office, hastily removing the scarf from around his neck and throwing it across the back of his chair.

“Good morning to you, too,” Isabel replies, not looking up from her computer. After a month and a half of working for him, she’s grown used to her boss’s erratic behavior.

“Seriously, I don’t know how anyone can fucking stomach that shit,” he continues.

“Christmas music?” she asks.

“Yeah.”

“I don’t know, I kind of like it.”

“You’re shitting me,” he replies, walking over and leaning up against her desk. “Why? It’s all Jesus and reindeer and touchy-feely bullshit and ‘you’d better be in the holiday spirit or Santa will personally shove a candy cane up your ass.’” He mimics the action with his hand, and Isabel rolls her eyes. “I didn’t think you’d be into that crap.”

“I know,” she replies. “But… it’s nostalgic. Reminds me of my childhood, I guess.”

“Yuck,” Roman says, making a face.

“I’m guessing you don’t feel the same?”

“Well, growing up, Roy family Christmases weren’t exactly holly and jolly,” he replies. She expects him to leave it at that, but he continues. “I mostly remember a lot of yelling, as a result of Mummy and Daddy’s rapidly deteriorating marriage. Then there was the time Kendall threw a snowball at me that was 90% ice and I had a black eye in all the family photos. Dad was livid about it. Probably because he didn’t want people to think he did it. But, hey, at least we had Mummy’s Christmas cookies! Which of course weren’t made with love, but purchased from the most expensive caterer in town. One time she scolded me for eating more than one and told me I was going to get fat.”

“Oh,” is all Isabel can manage in response. She’s always wondered why Roman is… well, the way he is, but never before has he divulged so much information about his less-than-happy childhood.

“Fuck you, don’t look at me like that,” he says, noticing the way her face falls. “I don’t want your pity.”

“Fine, asshole,” she replies, quickly pivoting. It’s much easier to dish Roman’s snarky attitude back to him than say something sincere. She knows it’s what he prefers, too. “I’m just surprised your spoiled ass doesn't have memories of getting every gift you ever could have wanted every single year.”

“Well, yeah, I have those, too,” he retorts, straightening himself up. “It’s just… the other stuff kind of stuck with me more.” He says it quietly, almost vulnerably, then returns to his own desk before Isabel can reply. She turns her attention back to her emails, trying very hard not to think about how bad she feels for her pathetic jerk of a boss.

**

The following Friday, Roman returns from a miserably boring board meeting to a quiet office. He checks the time — 5:17 — and realizes that Isabel must have already left. He’s given her two weeks off for Christmas, a hefty bonus, and — maybe against his better judgment — a Chanel bag, hoping that it’s enough to say ‘thank you’ for everything she’s done for him. He’s never been good with kind words.

Roman turns his attention to his own desk, and is surprised to find a present sitting on top. It’s rectangular and fairly small, neatly wrapped in shiny green paper and tied with a large red ribbon. At first, he assumes someone is making a merry attempt to either bribe or poison him, until he reads the note attached to the ribbon:

Merry Christmas, dickhead.

Love,

Your long-suffering assistant

PS: Eat as many as you want, I don’t care if you get fat (you won’t)

He grins and begins to unwrap it. Inside is a Tupperware container filled with Christmas cookies. Homemade Christmas cookies, he realizes, as he removes the lid. Two different kinds — peanut butter with chocolate Kisses in the center, and sugar cookies cut into various festive shapes. The icing on the sugar cookies is a little wonky, but that makes them all the more charming. Still smiling, he pulls out a snowman and takes a bite. It’s good — way better than anything he remembers from his childhood. A funny feeling washes over him as he realizes that this is the most thoughtful gift he’s received in years.

Christmas comes several days later, and, as expected, the Roy family dinner is anything but jolly. Connor is freaking out about the doneness of the roast, Shiv and Tom are having a domestic dispute in the living room, and Roman’s father is once again questioning him about his inability to keep a girlfriend. After making some half-assed excuse about wanting to focus on work, he sighs and downs his glass of Merlot, attempting to tune out the cacophony of unhappy voices around him. Just two more hours and he can get out of there.

Roman’s mind starts to wander, and soon he’s thinking back to the conversation he had with Isabel. He wonders what she’s doing right now, and hopes she’s having a better time than him. She probably is, if Christmas music makes her feel warm and fuzzy inside instead of nauseous. All of a sudden, his mind conjures up an image of her baking the cookies she gave him. She’s dressed in a bright red sweater, smiling sweetly and humming along to Holly Jolly Christmas as she mixes the dough, like something out of one of those shitty Hallmark movies. It’s absolutely fucking ridiculous, and never in a million years would he admit that he’s having such domestic fantasies about her. But as the dinner drags on and his family’s arguing becomes more heated, his thoughts keep drifting back to it. It’s a wholesome contrast to the shit show unfolding around him at the moment. And maybe, just maybe, it makes him feel a little warm and fuzzy inside.

Tagging @tomfoolies

[luxuryconsignmentt]

Experience luxury and sustainability seamlessly blended at PH Luxury Consignment. Our platform specializes in connecting you to pre-owned, authentic high-end fashion and accessories from the most coveted brands. Every piece is meticulously curated, ensuring quality and authenticity for the discerning shopper. Whether you're seeking to buy iconic styles or consign your treasures, we offer a trusted and effortless service. 

[amusedcosaudiarabia]

Hidden Treasures: Unveiling Rare Finds in Chanel Pre-Owned Collections

Chanel, a name synonymous with sophistication and enduring style, has a legacy that transcends the ordinary. For fashion connoisseurs and collectors, delving into Chanel pre-owned collections reveals not just handbags and accessories but hidden treasures – rare finds that evoke a sense of exclusivity and captivate with their uniqueness. In this exploration of the world of Chanel pre-owned, we unveil the allure of these hidden treasures, waiting to be discovered in curated collections.

1. Limited-Edition Releases:

Chanel is renowned for its limited-edition releases, and the pre-owned market is a treasure trove for those seeking exclusivity. From special collaborations to anniversary editions, these rare finds carry the essence of a moment in fashion history, offering a unique addition to any collection.

2. Vintage Classics: Vintage Chanel classics hold a timeless allure, but within the pre-owned market, there are variations and releases that have become true collector's items. Discovering a vintage classic in impeccable condition or with unique embellishments adds a layer of rarity to the traditional designs, turning them into true hidden gems.

3. Runway Exclusives: Chanel's runway shows are spectacles of creativity, and certain pieces never make it to mainstream boutiques. These runway exclusives, however, can find their way into pre-owned collections. Acquiring a piece that once graced the runway is like possessing a wearable piece of art, making it a coveted find for collectors.

4. Discontinued Beauties: As fashion evolves, some Chanel designs are inevitably discontinued. These discontinued beauties become sought after in the pre-owned market. Discovering a piece that is no longer in production adds an element of nostalgia and rarity to a collection, making it a hidden treasure waiting to be unearthed.

5. Customized Creations: Chanel is known for its commitment to customization for select clientele. Pre-owned collections sometimes unveil these customized creations – pieces that were tailored to specific tastes and preferences. Acquiring a Chanel item that bears the mark of personalization adds a layer of individuality to the treasure trove.

6. Artisanal Masterpieces:

Chanel's dedication to craftsmanship extends beyond the mainstream. Hidden in pre-owned collections are artisanal masterpieces – pieces that showcase exceptional craftsmanship, intricate detailing, and perhaps experimental designs that never made it to mass production. These artisanal finds are the epitome of rare treasures.

7. Limited-Production Runs: Chanel occasionally produces items in limited quantities, creating a sense of exclusivity. These limited-production runs can include unique color variations, special materials, or unconventional designs. In the pre-owned market, these pieces become cherished discoveries for those who appreciate the artistry of Chanel.

8. Rare Collaborations: Chanel has collaborated with artists, designers, and even other brands for special collections. Within pre-owned collections, rare collaborations emerge as hidden treasures. These pieces often reflect a fusion of creative minds and unique aesthetics, making them valuable additions to curated collections.

Conclusion: The allure of Chanel pre owned collections lies not only in the timeless classics but also in the hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered. Whether it's a limited-edition release, a vintage masterpiece, or a runway exclusive, these rare finds add depth and exclusivity to a Chanel collection. Embrace the thrill of discovery, explore the world of pre-owned Chanel with a discerning eye, and uncover the hidden treasures that make each piece a story in itself. In the curated collections of Chanel pre-owned at select boutiques like Amused Co, these rare finds await passionate collectors, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary world of Chanel's hidden treasures.

[outfitsinspiration]

Who: Blair Eadie

What: Chanel Light Pink Quilted Caviar Medium Classic Double Flap bag ($13,886) Pre-Owned

When: Instagram - March 17, 2024

Worn with: Stine Goya dress, Saint Laurent jacket, Sergio Rossi pumps, Lele Sadoughi earrings