#fit firm and fabulous

[rebelliousstories]

Family

25 Days of Ficmas

Relationship: Louis Pointe du Lac x Reader, Lestat de Lioncourt x Reader

Fandom: Interview With The Vampire

Request: No

Warnings: Fluff, Light Angst

Word Count: 910

Masterlist: Here

Summary: Claudia has requested that everyone get along for one night. Hopefully, they can make her Christmas wish come true.

Every Christmas, Claudia was given any and every present she desired. New dresses, dolls, fabulous art; you name it she had it. And since being gifted a mother figure, she only had one wish for Christmas. Well, one main wish. She wanted everyone to play night and have a family night in for Christmas. Her two papas and mama bickered constantly. Louis tended to isolate himself from the other two, but she never went without love from them.

Oh, they would pretend in front of her, but she knew that they would argue when she retreated into her coffin for the evening. They would try to keep their voices down in the beginning but inevitably, they would start shouting at some point. One night, Claudia hit her breaking point. Her papas and mama had been arguing for hours. The sun had almost risen, and they still were not done. Crawling out of her bed, she held her doll tight as she made her way to the living room where the adults stood.

“All he is asking is that you don’t bring Claudia along with you to hunt all the time, Les. Please, she’s an impressionable young lady and it’s Christmas. Will you please calm down for an evening?” Her mama pleaded, grasping Lestat’s hands in hers. He tugged them away sharply.

“Well, I think she should be going out. Experiencing life as a creature of the night. Why shouldn’t we when it’s Christmas? It’s not like god has forsaken us or anything.” He lamented, as dramatic as ever. Louis remained silent, which gave the young girl the perfect time to slip in.

“Will you all stop fighting?” Claudia demanded, standing firm in her place.

“Claudia, what are you doing up?” Louis finally spoke after a moment, coming to scoop her up. She let her papa hold her to his chest, while she continued to speak.

“I couldn’t sleep because of the arguing. It’s not right for you all to be this unhappy at Christmas.” She cried, tucking her face into Louis’ shoulder.

“Oh dear,” her mama came near, “we’re not unhappy. Just sometimes adults sound that way when they are passionate about something.” Stroking her daughter’s head, Claudia’s eyes became wide and filled with tears as she looked around.

“Will you please get along for one night? No arguments or anything. Just one night, please?” Her tears flowed down her face, and even Lestat seemed moved by the display. No one said anything as they looked at each other.

“Let’s get you to bed, little one.” Mama and Louis walked with her still in his grasp to her coffin. They laid her down, and with a final goodnight kiss to her perfectly curled head, the lid was shut. Walking out of the room, the couple stopped for a moment and stood in silence as they took in the gravity of Claudia’s words.

“Have you finally decided to join me once more, or am I too much trouble for you?” Lestat growled as they re-entered the room. She made her way across the floor, skirts flowing behind her to hold the blonde vampire.

“Les, we only want what is best for Claudia. But you heard her tonight. All out arguing is doing her no favors. Let’s just try to be more understanding for the season?” He stopped, and just stood there with an indignant expression on his face. Looking over, Louis seemed to straighten up under his gaze, with hopeful green eyes. Lestat held out a hand to his other lover, and brought him into the mix. Everyone was holding each other and standing still in the moment.

“I suppose we can put the debate on the back burner for now. I’d like to spend the night surrounded by my people, if that’s alright.” His tone was teasing,but the other two vampires were content to being there with him. It was a tight fit, but they made all three of the sleeping in the same coffin together work.

They spent the evening together, loving the ability to get back to how they used to be as younger vampires. Kisses were shared, as well as words of love that seemed to envelope the vampires in the coffin. No one called attention to the fact that this was the most Louis had spoken to Lestat in months.

The next evening, after the sun had fallen and the moon had replaced it, everyone began to stir from their resting places. However, Claudia noticed she heard no voices. No one was talking, or arguing, or shouting. It was silent. Tentatively, she opened the lid of her coffin and went to check the others. Louis’ was empty, as was her mama’s. Maybe they had taken off to go do some shopping before the shops closed for the evening.

But her ears caught something, that her eyes found next. Lestat’s larger coffin was emitting noise and was slightly cracked open. Tip toeing over, Claudia peaked her eyes in and found a sweet scene. Her two papas were wrapped around her mama in a sleepy embrace. No one had quite made the effort to get up, but all of their eyes were still closed. She smiled as she beheld them, happy to see them get along for once. Closing the lid back to where it was cracked, Claudia went back to her own coffin and figured she could use some more rest on this cold winter’s night.

[daydream-cement]

Beautiful Girl

Larissa Weems x Reader

Comforting Larissa so she feels as beautiful as you know she is.

Author’s Note: Short little oneshot! Enjoy!

“Sweetheart!!” Larissa held her dress by the bodice as she called out for you. The dress was incredibly fitted and there was no way for the blonde to keep it up without it being secured to her form. “I need you to come zip me up!”

You straightened your suit jacket in the mirror and grabbed your watch, beginning to fasten the wristwatch when you exited the bathroom. The sight of Larissa in the silver sequined gown caused your watch to tumble to the ground. You reached down quickly, scooping up the watch, eyes never leaving the blonde’s backside.

The headmistress was all too busy checking her hair and makeup in the mirror to even notice you becoming entranced with her body. Hearing the watch hit the floor, the headmistress knew you were now in the bedroom, so her voice rang out once more, “What do you think, darling?”

“Good- It’s good-“

“Good?” The compliment wasn’t enough to keep the shapeshifter’s negative self-talk at bay. She placed a hand to her stomach and began twisting and turning, a frown growing on her face as her eyes scanned her own body. “I just don’t know… Maybe I’ll wear something else.”

“No. You look- good in what you have on.” Your eyes narrowed at Larissa’s lack of appreciation for her own body. Your hands found the shapeshifter’s zipper, holding the frustrated blonde still and preventing her from shifting about to find minor flaws in her form.

“I’m just not- I don’t think I can pull this dress off…” The headmistress stood still with a huff, her eyes making contact with yours in the mirror, "Is it too much, honey?"

"No, not at all.” In order to make your point, you began zipping up Larissa’s dress, trapping the blonde inside the fabric, the full hourglass of the shapeshifter’s figure becoming more evident. Slipping behind the blonde, you rested your hands on Larissa’s hips, giving them a firm squeeze before winding them around her middle, “You look great."

Larissa accepted her fate, adjusting the bust of the dress, teeth biting at her bottom lip as she stared at her own breasts, "I...dunno, there's- They're out there." While Larissa had grown to love her body more than ever since starting to date you, this was one of those days that she simply couldn’t shake the hatred she had for her body. Tonight her body would be out on full display, making the blonde grimace at the thought.

Your hands moved back to your wife’s hips, turning her around to get a glimpse at Larissa’s front side with your own eyes. You started from the bottom, working your way up, eyes lingering on the large expanse of cleavage exposed by the glittering gown, "Mmhm, but they look fabulous."

“Oh...” The blonde began to pout, hands coming to fidget with your suit, straightening out bits of fabric nervously, “I just don’t feel very beautiful tonight, darling...”

“I’m sorry that that is the case tonight, my beautiful girl. Is there any way I can possibly change your mind? Kiss the places you don’t feel are beautiful?” Taking Larissa’s hand and preventing her from messing with the fabric of your suit any further, you pressed a kiss to the blonde’s palm, beginning a trail of kisses up her forearm, turning your gaze to look at Larissa when you reached her elbow. “I want to show you that you are beautiful. If not to yourself, then to me. My opinion ultimately doesn’t matter, but I hope that you might believe that what I’m saying is true.”

Raising a hand to Larissa’s cheek, you continued speaking your mind, needing your wife to know how much she was truly loved, “There are days where I do not feel beautiful, and you always always make me feel like the most gorgeous in the room- in the world, even. I want to do the same for you as well, baby. Anything you need, I will give to you tenfold, you know this.”

With a shaky breath, Larissa pulled you to her, hugging you to her chest with a crushing force, “Your words helped an incredible amount, my sweet darling. I don’t know how I ever survived part of this life without you.” Pulling from the hug, Larissa’s hands came to cradle your face, pressing kisses all over, leaving lipstick marks in her wake, “I love you so much.”

You meant to respond, but you were somewhat delirious from the affection from Larissa, not conscious of the fact that your face was covered in Larissa’s lipstick. Your love struck gaze brought bubbling laughter from the shapeshifter. Before you could see her face, Larissa took your face in her hand and reached for her phone on the dresser nearby, needing to take a picture of you.

The shapeshifter gripped your chin between her thumb and forefinger, placing one last kiss to your forehead. With her voice sweet as ever, Larissa held up her phone, snapping a photo of you, “Smile for me, baby.”

Not only did those words of affirmation help, but your love struck gaze made the blonde’s heart feel so full, the frustrations of her dress began to fade. She even distracted herself by removing the lipstick from your face, the comforting proximity with you beginning to calm the shapeshifter.

The event went wonderfully. Your comfortingly possessive grip around Larissa’s waist the entirety of the social event. The blonde received more compliments that night than she ever had before, but none of which meant as much as the little whispers from you throughout the night. For once, you both even stayed until the after party, Larissa perching herself on your lap for most of the evening, your smug and satisfied smirk maintained for each second Larissa was attached to you.

Taglist: @charymobile, @bri-sonat, @weemswife , @smutuniversesblog , @opheliauniverse, @teashock , @enchantressb , @alex-nyx , @renravens , @whenyouhaveanobsession , @scream-queenlover , @shyladyfan, @lilfartbox1, @rubberduckiesbathing , @mcufanisme , @peanutbutterprincess, @larissaoftarthweems , @sicklygrlsicklygrl , @lvinhs , @myzzjolanda , @principal-weems09 , @xuukoo , @brienneswife , @dumbasslesbi , @oculusalien , @sweetderacine , @giogwensversion , @milciak , @gela123 , @thevillagegay , @katiemcgrathsbitch1 , @naomi-m3ndez , @mysaviorfalsegod , @h-doodles , @salems-spaghettios , @imgayforwoman69 , @bychrissi, @alexusonfire, @weemssapphic

[ikykwklk-ash]

"You hate shopping, but..."

Pairing: Bang Chan x fem reader

W/c: 2225

Synopsis: Your best friends (Hyunjin and Felix) force you to go shopping, but you don't know that it's all planned for you to meet their friend.

HI! It's my first ff that I write completely in English, I hope you like it and if there are errors please let me know!! :"

★★★★★★★

You hate shopping... You've always hated it. But your best friends dragged you into this "tragedy" because you lost a stupid bet.

So here you are, waiting for Hyunjin and Felix to come out of the dressing room.

You've spent 30 minutes waiting for them to get ready, and when they come out of the two separate small rooms you tell them they look fabulous, not paying attention to how they're dressed because you're getting bored.

The two of them stare at you for a few seconds and then they look at each other, and you, oblivious to what they are mentally saying to each other with that look, give them a bored look. Your friends, after giving you another look, look at each other again and nod without speaking to each other.

Hyunjin and Felix grab your arms and lift you up by the weight, at first you are confused by their actions, then you see that they are heading toward a dark clothing store, and you understand everything. You try to break free from their firm grip, threatening them to put you down. But they do not listen to you and continue their walk toward the store laughing.

When you enter the store a boy a little taller than you, with dark hair and chocolate brown almond eyes, turns to you and greets you: <<Hello and welcome to S Class, how can I help you?>> and smiles. Between you and you think he has a beautiful smile; he is cute after all. When the boy's gaze falls on you, your eyes meet for a split second before you lower it in embarrassment. You feel his gaze on you even as Felix speaks: <<We could use some dark clothes for our friend, Channie hyung!>>

You turn your head sharply toward the blond man. <<Do you...know him?>>

Hyunjin replies in place of the other <<Of course! He works with us for JYP>>

Oh. You didn't know your friends worked with such a handsome guy.

The raven smiles again (how beautiful his smile was....) and nods <<What do you like to wear?>> he says as he looks at you again.

<<Oh uhm...oversize things mainly, but not always yes here...preferably dark>> you reply feeling yourself on fire. You mentally insult your friends for taking you to a store with such a cute clerk. The boy nods and after a moment tells you to follow him.

Before you follow him Hyunjin whispers in your ear <<you know you're as red as a tomato y/n?>> you simply shut up and punch him lightly on the shoulder, and he, like a good drama queen makes a dramatic face and tells you that you hurt him, and you simply laugh.

You follow the raven, go through various sections of colourful clothing, genre that is not for you, eventually you come to a small section where there are garments that have all the dark shades you like.

The clerk teams you from head to toe, and you don't take your eyes off his dark chocolate eyes, you want to stay and look at him more, but you know you can't, because he turns and picks up a pair of ripped, baggy black jeans, smiles, and then tells you you should try them on. You look down, pick them up and head for the fitting room, your friends and the boy arrive a few minutes later with more short-sleeved T-shirts and oversized sweatshirts in dark shades, pick out the ones you like and enter the fitting room.

You come out of the dressing room, wearing the jeans he gave you, paired with a white shirt and over it a black T-shirt with AC/DC written in red and large in the centre. You see Hyunjin and Felix still talking to the boy.

<<So, we forgot to introduce you. y/n he is Chan hyung and Chan hyung well she is y/n>>

<<Ehm... nice to meet you Chan-ssi>> you bow feeling a little uncomfortable.

<<My pleasure y/n>> he replies to you.

<<O my god y/n! How good you look dressed like that!>> exclaims Felix, realizing that you felt uncomfortable.

<<Oh, thanks Lixie, I'd like it better with this oversized sweatshirt, though>> you reply, mentally thanking her. You show the sweatshirt you had decided on earlier, it was beige with a black rose at heart level, as soon as you had seen it you liked it immediately.

<<Oh, that's right you look very good dressed like that y/n>> Chan says blushing slightly.

You simply blush at the compliment and say nothing.

You try on other garments and finally choose the first outfit you had tried on that afternoon. You spent the last few hours chatting with Chan, because Hyunjin and Felix had decided to try on outfit after outfit, unfortunately for you, from the colourful sections. You knew they had done it on purpose, in fact they were your friends and knew you better than anyone else.

At first you do not know what to talk about, you are very embarrassed, and you realize that he is too since every time you look at each other you blush. So, you stay silent, and you listen to the songs playing on the radio in the store and without realizing it you start humming Growl by EXO and he looks at you <<Do you like EXO?>> and you start talking about their songs and your bias.

And from EXO you move on to talk about other groups, other singers, and music in general.

At the end of the day, he asks for your number, and you show him your cell phone so he could save your number. He sends you a funny sticker and you, as soon as you hear the notification that a message has arrived, open the chat, and laugh and shake your head. You pay for the clothes you bought and say goodbye.

Before you, Hyunjin and Felix leave the store, Chan calls you back and asks you to meet the next day at 10 a.m. at the mall.

You come home and throw yourself on the bed smiling, don't even bother to change, take off your favourite blue sneakers and fall asleep, there with a smile on your face and your clothes still on.

Months pass and you and Chan, who you found out is named Christopher Chan Bang, spend your days texting and hanging out together, sometimes with the addition of Hyunjin and Felix, sometimes with his friends who you found out were also friends with Hyunjin and Felix, and sometimes alone. One day he asks you to go out for breakfast together and spend the day walking, and you gladly accept. You write to your friends that the next day you would go out for breakfast and spend the day together. You don't sleep at night because of excitement and spend it on video call with Felix.

The next day at 8 a.m. you get out of bed, with a smile coming to your ears and feeling anxious about "the date," if you can call it that, you take a shower, get dressed in flared jeans, an oversized black sweatshirt with a print and the usual sneakers, put on your makeup quickly to cover your dark circles and make yourself presentable, and go to the bar you decided on. You arrive ten minutes early, so you check your cell phone while you wait for him and continue listening to music, sitting on a bench nearby.

Shortly after you feel someone touch your shoulder from behind, you jump in the air and turn around, to your great good fortune it's Chan <<sorry if I startled you>> he says in embarrassment and with that smile of his that gives you butterflies in your stomach.

You laugh and shake your head and tell him it's okay, his smile stays as he looks at you and asks if you want to go into the bar and you nod smiling back.

You enter the cafe and sit down at a table; a waiter reaches your table and asks what you want.

<<For me a coffee and a pistachio croissant>> he says, you instead order your usual cappuccino and chocolate croissant.

<<Coming right up guys>> said the waiter smiling.

<<Hey y/n tell me a little about yourself, passions, hobbies>> asked the boy to interrupt the moment of silence that had arisen from embarrassment.

<<Oh, uhm... I don't have many hobbies, but I love to read and, as you know, listen to music, do you?>> asks.

<<I write stories and take pictures>> he replies blushing.

<<Can I read something written by you?>> you ask with your eyes probably shining with curiosity and he replies that he'll see, laughing right back at your false pout.

Shortly afterwards your order comes to you, and you continue talking for a while. When you finish eating, pay for everything, and leave the café, you ask if he would like to go to the park for a while and he nods, smiling at you, so you set off lost the playground near the town square. When you arrived, he takes a camera out of his backpack and starts taking pictures of your surroundings and you look at him smiling <<you look like a child who has just been given the game he wanted>> you say laughing slightly.

At some point, however, you too end up in the lens and blushing you complain <<Channie please I can't stand someone taking pictures of me!>>.

He doesn't listen to you and takes the picture, and you cover your face with your hands out of embarrassment, until Chris tells you to take them off and you glare at him, claiming that you are neither beautiful nor photogenic.

<<Y/n you are beautiful, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen come into my store>>

You blush and reply that he is more beautiful than you, at that sentence he begins to stare at you softly, you smile and look at him your turn, he comes up to you and arranges a lock of hair behind your ear.

<<You know that you have a beautiful smile? Every time I see you smile, I see the streets of Tokyo with its cherry blossom trees>> he says before his lips rest on yours in a gentle kiss that triggers a whole zoo in your stomach and makes you blush, it was a tender kiss. His lips tasted like coffee and pistachio and for a moment you think you might become addicted to it. When you part you, both look at each other and blush, but you notice that he has a slightly startled look on his face at what he had done, and you, to let him know you liked it, kiss him again, putting your arms behind his neck, and he puts his on your hips.

It's a beautiful, unforgettable moment, once you separate from the kiss, he tells you <<Y/n...I know it's early to say this, but I love you so much...>> you look at him and smile, you smile like an idiot and you know that because you feel you are smiling so much your face hurts.

<<I love you too Christopher>> you whisper so softly that Chan is not sure he heard you right and asks you to repeat and you laugh. You laugh and you are happy to have a kind and caring boy like Chan. You're glad you met him, you're glad because if it weren't for your friends, you would never have met him.

You spend the rest of the day holding hands, staying hugged sitting under a tree, and kissing each other from time to time in between. And toward evening he walks your home, holds your hand to the door and smiles at you, kisses you before letting you go, and you want to tell him he can stay, but you know it's too it's too soon to do that. That time will also come though, maybe tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after that.

You walk into the house with that silly smile that has never left your face during the day, take off your shoes and put them in place, go into the bathroom and put on your pyjamas. You smile. You get on the bed and text Chan asking him if he has arrived home safely; soon after that you text in the group chat with Hyunjin and Felix and tell them everything. As soon as you send the message Felix starts a video call and you accept it.

<<I can't believe it Y/n!>> your friends say at the same time.

<<Me neither! I'm not sure if it's a dream or reality!>> you smile radiantly. You tell them straight about the day and then ask how and what they did during the day. You talk some more with your friends and then decide to call it quits and go about your business. You close the call and see that Chan has answered that he has returned home safely, and you answer him.

You are so happy that if you could go back to the past, you wouldn't change a comma. "I love you" you text him and then you turn off the phone and get under the covers and close your eyes falling into a deep sleep.

★★★★★★★

Taglist: @foivestarrsketchez

[theredofoctober]

MANNA— CHAPTER THREE: TOAST

Dark!Hannibal Lecter x Reader x Dark!Will Graham AU fic: TW for eating disorders, noncon, abuse, drugging, mild Daddy kink (it'll all make sense).

This chapter is chronologically the third in the series

Keep reading after the cut

Daybreak: you come to in a spare room in Hannibal Lecter's house, as dark about you as a bloody inner mouth; pain decants itself between your thighs, and you remember what was done to you, in the punishing night.

You rise on your knees and scream in despair at your violation, at your abandonment, at your misfortune in falling tail-side of a coin flip, condemning you to the treacherous care of two men engaged in the pretence that there is some benevolent end to this.

Yet it occurs to you, from the sylphs of memory, that perhaps only one of the pair is pretending: Will Graham, still so glued to the principles of society that he put up a hero’s protest against the rape. He had shaken like a rib-kicked dog after fucking you, face-down, on this very rock of a mattress, while Hannibal’s firm hands guided you onto his colleague’s cock, so gentle, so deathly that your cunt still throbs sickly at the thought of them.

Their beauty, their talent, so fabulously cruel, arranging your suffering to their aesthetic approval—

Dr Lecter didn’t accept you for inpatient care to better you, but to ruin, and make worse all the dun and violet horrors of your tortured mind. You are a jewel in the hand of a god of death to be held captive; you must serve to survive, or else perish for your pride like the girls in all the recent headlines, never to be found till you are roaches and dust.

Will and Hannibal will not have you starve to death, but they might well be your decay in another fashion, now that you are the bruised and buckle-kneed prey to their hunter dreams. You hate the devil-horse drag in your stomach as you think of their hands on you, making a doe of you in their degradation.

You scrub the bedsheet between your thighs, choking at the dirt-salt scent of the stain the endeavour leaves behind. Standing up, you feel strain and bruising in every limb; you stagger about, taking inventory of the studiously bare surfaces, locked drawers, a barred window, an en-suite bathroom with its absence of a razor. There is a toothbrush and paste, expensive soaps, which you are obviously expected to use.

The sight of them reminds you that you are here on an indefinite stay, that according to your loved ones—and likely to the law—you are precisely where you need to be. No one will guess at your abuse, beguiled by the beautiful sham of the prestigious doctor and his accolades. They will think you fortunate, to have been accepted at such a discount, for your family is not rich, and had, in fact, been overjoyed by Hannibal’s gracious reception of their plea to see you.

They’ll want you to do well, here, to strengthen, to thrive, but how can you, when the doctor and his friend will fuck you for your failings, and dope you into drunken insensibility, should you protest?

You cling to the sink and cry until you heave, clammy and juddering in a fit of abject despair. Then, with slow, weary resignation, you wash, scarcely wanting to touch yourself, to feel where you are most hurt.

You return to the bedroom, noticing immediately a set of clothes laid out on the quilt. Cold touches the back of your neck as you realise that Dr Lecter must have put them there, likely heard you sobbing through the door.

How smug he must be, to have provoked you into so amusing a reaction.

Fear strikes a sort of sense in you, and you dress quickly, hating how soft and luxurious the garments feel upon your skin. You crave your own clothes, the comfort of the known, of routine. Yet as you try the bedroom door and let yourself cautiously out into the chill hallway beyond you’ve made the decision to go along with Dr Lecter’s treatment until an opportunity to escape comes to you, which you know it must, being that he is not God, and cannot watch you in perpetuity.

The house is, of course, quite beautiful, grand, and dark, and full of art, magnificent and elaborate; you are intimidated by Dr Lecter’s commitment to beauty, and wonder at your place within it. You feel cheap and inelegant, cumbersome as you blunder from room to room in search of your keeper. He did not take you in for your beauty, you think, with a grim and bitter certainty, unless it is the breaking of your mind beneath his ministrations that is lovely to him.

The sound of an instrument winds through the house, sinisterly pretty, like something played in the court of Marie Antoinette. From the quality of the noise you discern that it is a recording; you had noticed a harpsichord in Hannibal’s office, and wonder if this is a piece he himself has composed to make elegant even the sonic elements of his home.

As you descend the staircase, one shaking hand squeezing the bannister, the music ceases, and Dr Lecter emerges from a doorway, artfully casual with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The expanse of skin revealed to you feels intimate, and as you remember the inferno of your flesh beneath those very arms, you retreat into the shadows of the stairway

He is lower than the devil, this man, yet possesses all of his cunning, and more.

“I am glad to see you this morning,” he says, pleasantly. “I was unsure if you would leave your room. It can be daunting, venturing into an unfamiliar place.”

You don’t answer, can think of nothing to say; it is like making conversation with a puma, more inclined to claw out the garnet hollows of your throat than entertain the vapidity of words.

Hannibal studies you, taking in your appearance in your borrowed clothes with noted pleasure.

“I have made breakfast,” he announces. “French toast: brioche, nutmeg, cinnamon, topped in caramelised sugar. Such simple sweetness is a necessary counter to so bitter a night spent under my roof. A shame that your first evening here was not as welcoming as it should have been.”

You find yourself repulsed by his manners, a taunting pretence of civility. This is a man who knows what he is, and carries himself with pride and comfort in that being; his abuse would be easier to bear had he been coarse, and mad.

“I’m not hungry,” you whisper.

A lie: you are always starving, a walking ache, thinking of little from daylight to darkness but the sustenance you cannot allow yourself, gluttony in the slightest morsel.

Hannibal looks at you with pity, and yet a cold and knowing pleasure, also.

“You must eat, little one,” he says. “Your health is my responsibility, and I am required to see that you fuel your survival, by whatever means I deem appropriate. If neither reason nor encouragement will bring down the battlements you have built around yourself, then I am not opposed to alternative methods of siege.”

You remember the feeding tube shown to you on the previous night, and sag against the bannisters, felled by the impossibility of your situation.

“Please,” you whisper. “Please, let me go home. Why are you doing this?”

Hannibal moves towards the stairs and extends his arm to you, meaning to help you down, as though you would ever accept his assistance. His calm is a slaughterhouse silence, the echo of the chamber when all the killing is done, and it lies empty but for the recollection of screams.

"I'm willing to answer any questions you have for me," he says, congenially. "If you will do something for me, in return."

You step past him, avoiding his arm.

“I don’t trust you,” you say, softly. “What do you want me to do?”

The answer is a penumbra in his eyes.

"For each question I address, you must finish a mouthful of the meal I have set out for you. Finish the plate, and I will allow you a phone call home, to let your parents know that you are settled. It will be supervised, of course."

Suppressed, he means, a hand poised to snatch the receiver, should you speak ill of him and his trembling brute of a colleague. Yet you see that consent to Dr Lecter’s will is the currency that will buy you consolation, in this house, so you nod slowly, coughing down a lump in your throat.

“Okay,” you say. “I’ll try.”

Hannibal smiles, the rictus of some corpse-eating entity.

“That is all I ask of you.”

Some minutes later, seated at a table in a room the blue of some under-sea cavern, opposite the man who aided in your assault, you think how pathetic it is that your greatest ordeal of the past day is neither your kidnapping, nor the attack, but the food oozing butter as though from some golden wound before you.

You cannot count the calories, which are surely around the seven-hundred mark, cannot imagine the fat and the filth contained on that slippery plate, an indulgence you haven’t allowed yourself in years.

“Can’t I have something else?” you plead. “This is too much. I can’t eat this.”

“I suspect that you would find an equal challenge in anything I put before you,” says Hannibal, though not unkindly. “I believe in setting a precedent for what difficulties you may expect, under my care, not only to take note of your strengths for study, but to enhance your understanding of your circumstances. Hunger is the power with which you have averted combat with every assailant of the mind. It is time you went to war, little one, and what better place to begin than at my table?”

The toast smells divine, this you cannot deny; you have heard, vaguely, of Dr Lecter’s mastery of the kitchen, one of many facts clumsily reeled off to you by your parents to assure you of his character and esteem. You know that if you allow yourself to eat there will be as much pleasure as agony in every bite; you percieve, suddenly, the parallels between eating this meal, and having been fucked, ingenious, insidious.

“I can’t eat it,” you say again, rather desperately. “You don’t get it. I can’t just... eat, like other people. I didn't choose to be this way.”

Hannibal looks at you with an expression so close to sympathy that you find yourself confused, unable to reconcile the care in his eyes with his sure evil.

“It's not your fault,” he says. “This mechanism is a friendly fire whose direction you cannot change. Nevertheless, you have no choice but to proceed against it. You may discover a certain liberty in having no other option afforded you.”

A tear rolls from your left eye, fracturing like a bead of glass on the tabletop. Hannibal utters your name so gently that you find yourself hardening against him, reaching for the fork out of spite alone, for all that your illness screams at the act.

You cut a slither of toast and look at it balefully, considering how much exercise and restriction will atone for the sin of swallowing. But eat it you do, ashamed of how delicious that sole piece is, how your stomach roars for the rest of it.

Dr Lecter watches you with the faintest and most odious smile upon his lips.

“I must congratulate you,” he says. “The greatest obstacle before you was to begin, and you have conquered it admirably.”

His praise makes it difficult to swallow. The urge to spit the bread back onto the plate is restrained only by what knowledge you may purchase, if you acquiesce.

“Are you a real doctor?” you ask, your voice small, difficult, coarse with tears.

“I am,” says Dr Lecter, plainly. “I assume that your implication is that my profession is a guise for my unconventional curiosities. In that case, I would argue that all workers are tainted by the passions that drive them. Would you discredit the teacher for the selfish pride he feels in imparting knowledge upon an ignorant pupil?”

“I heard you talking to that man,” you say, pointedly ignoring the metaphor. “Your friend, Will? I know this isn’t just about treating me. What you did to me— you enjoyed it, both of you, and... and you’d do it again. How is assaulting me supposed to help me?”

Hannibal raises a delicate little coffee cup, ingesting its dark aroma before he drinks.

“If you wish me to respond, then you must eat.”

With a pained little shudder, you force down another mouthful, chewing it so many times that its texture is pulp as it goes down.

“There,” you rasp. “Answer me.”

A disgruntled gleam passes the man’s gaze, fading so swiftly that it might have only been a reflection from the windowpane.

“From consulting your records, and having spoken to you myself, I perceive your stubborn absence of response to sensitivity,” says Dr Lecter. “You rebel against it, interpreting any benevolent aid as its opposite. Under pressure— fear, anger, violence—you perform well, however. You submit to change in order to survive. Therefore, it is these methods that will most effectively control your disorder, and I see no shame in resorting to that which will foster the greater good.”

So many words, you think, with so very little honesty behind them.

“There’s some other reason,” you insist. “I know there is. Will Graham— why did you make him do it? Why does he have to be part of this?”

You saw off another piece of toast, suppressing a moan at the spill of salty butter across your tongue. Hannibal observes, knowing, without expressing it aloud, how much you love his cooking, so expert as to be a thing of art.

“I am as dedicated to Will’s growth as I am to yours,” says Dr Lecter. “There is a mutual benefit in his involvement in your care. He lacks confidence in his identity, and certain skills; I aim to coax it out of him.”

“You mean, make him messed up,” you snipe, cutting aggressive slivers from your toast. “Just like you. Like you’re doing to me.”

Your flared sense of injustice stifles the pain of having to eat, the agitation of it.

“Why me, out of all your patients? I’m not special.”

“On the contrary, your particular ailment intrigues me,” says Hannibal, pouring himself another measure of coffee. “As individuals, you and I are at direct opposition. I intend to foster an enthusiasm for eating in you that is akin to mine. The complexity of doing so possesses an allure in the frontiers that we both must cross.”

Your jaw pounds from the effort of mastication; you’ve long forgotten how it feels to eat so much.

“Will you let me go home when you’re... finished with me?” you ask, without much hope.

Dr Lecter’s face betrays little of his inner mind, so controlled as to be a pleasant blank.

“Once you are fully recovered, you will be free to leave at will. Until then, I must withhold your liberty.”

You eat, tortured by the repetition, and by the growing pain in your abdomen, unused to being filled.

“Who else knows what you’ve done to me?” you ask. “And what you’re planning to do?”

“Beyond this room, only Will is aware of my most unorthodox practices,” Hannibal replies. “Those unaccustomed to experimentation may find it distasteful, even disturbing.”

You push your plate across the table with a screech of porcelain.

“I find it disturbing,” you say. “You’re really just going to hold me prisoner?”

“Finish your breakfast, or I cannot give you my reply.”

“I can’t,” you say. “I feel sick.”

The French toast, cooling in its basin of fat, suddenly revolts you, and you wish that you were in the habit of purging, to bring up the sodden bread you’ve ingested.

“I’m sorry to hear it,” says Dr Lecter. “In that case, I am afraid you will not be permitted to speak to your parents.”

With an air of disappointment, he rises, coming behind you to take away your plate. Your dominant hand clenches your fork, and you wait for the man to lean down, offering you an angle to pierce his throat. You’ve never killed before, are unsure if you’d have it in you to drive home the slaughtering blow.

As it stands, you will never know.

Dr Lecter’s hand closes over your tensed arm, bringing it up against your windpipe, choking you with the pressure of your own wrist upon you. His body is a prison bar at your back; he holds you securely, and without any particular violence, as though doing nothing more unusual than shaking your hand.

“You did not yet strike,” says Hannibal, as you hack and cough for air. “So your punishment for considering my murder will be mild. You will sit in a corner and face the wall until I leave for my first appointment at the office. After this, you will return to your room, where you will stay until I come home. If you must behave like an unreasonable child, then I will respond, likewise.”

Fear makes you almost insensible as Hannibal’s lips draw close to your cheek.

“I am aware of your habit to regress, in such dire moments," he murmurs. "I heard the name that passed your lips, when Will withdrew from you—"

Daddy, you'd called him, in your hopeless vulnerability.

"—Your loved ones failed you, at some vital point, in your youth. We will not.”

He releases you, and in the adrenaline fog of regaining your breath you realise, with a flush of horror, that you are no longer hungry.

What else will be taken from you, child as you are in the ravenous dark of this house?

[ticktockmyclockworkhart]

Trolls redesigns part 5: country trolls!

"But there's only one actual country troll here--" QUIET HE CAN BE A COUNTRY TROLL IF HE WANTS!! I subscribe to the idea that he went off to go live the country troll life post second movie because living undercover got him kinda obsessed with that lifestyle.

Anyway, design notes under the cut as usual!

So due to my senior thesis project I'm working on I've been getting really into horses, learning about them and designing horse characters. That all being said this has... very little bearing on what I actually did with the designs lol. Has a little! Not a lot! But a little!

I didn't change much about the country trolls really, few tweaks not withstanding. I wanted to give each individual troll characteristics of real horses, at least for those who have their horse bodies exposed. I also gave them bigger ears with more taper than my other trolls, and made the ears generally perkier, to mirror horse ears.

For Delta Dawn I didn't change anything large, she was already so fabulously pretty to begin with! I just tweaked some smaller details. I kept her big hair of course in all her Dolly Parton glory. For her horse half, I decided to make her an appaloosa, mainly just for aesthetics as the horses are so strikingly pretty and I think it fits her style of doing everything "big" and having such an "extra" sense about her. I changed her belt buckle from a button to a classic sheriff's star so even from a glance, you can tell she's the boss around Lonesome Flats. She also has gold horseshoes! Not to mention a gold nose hoop, because even though it's much more associated with cattle than horses of any kind, it's still giving "big and powerful". I also made her arms bigger and more toned because I won't stand for cowgirls who couldn't crush your fingers with a firm southern handshake. Also changed her tail from teal to the same red as her hair. It's honestly not that big of a deal and didn't bother me the way King Quincy's shade of teal did, but I just like to really tie up my color palettes and keep them tight, so I thought it would be a better matching choice. I also gave her a tied-up tail, because her long dragging one looks like a NUISANCE AND A HALF! She's got all the dirt and debris of Lonesome Flats living in that tail, not to mention the tripping hazard it would be! So I shortened it a bit and tied it up. She's as practical as she is pretty, after all.

Hickory slays already, I mean, he was literally designed to be "the guy your girl tells you not to worry about". So maybe just have him serve a liiiiiiittle 🤏more? As a treat? ONE: I gave him the fruity ear piercing. He does only have one. I also gave him some fingerless gloves to match with his vest since, compared to other Lonesome Flats residents (And I do know he's in disguise and not a bona fide country troll, but still teehee) his upper half is kinda barren in the way of accessories. Which is also why I gave him the bandana. Partially bias, lol, I love bandanas.

Hope you like this newest batch as I get to the next ones!

[no-where-new-hero]

aight fellas more hunger games thoughts:

obviously, peeta's capture by the capitol and getting hijacked is such a fabulous third-act-separation device, but it's also so wonderful in terms of how peeta has been a symbol through the whole series. throughout, katniss knows he's kind, he's gentle, and also not a killer. he's "better" than all the other victors; i don't remember an on-page description of him killing anyone directly. the reversal of all these when he's hijacked is snow's contamination, yet its presentation through the capitol lens comes across as his true nature taken to horrible new lengths. i said before, at the end of cf, that he feels like he's made out to be a saint. in snow's hands, he is a particularly horrible kind of saint, an avenging angel that's the only fit killer for katniss, the purported mutt, representative of the devil. she feels bitter that he seems to "see her for who she is" by only seeing what is terrible about her nature, but that's only another distortion: another capitol fiction she buys into that plays into the fiction she's already constructed about him.

and yet at the same time, peeta working back from his hijacking humanizes him. he's no longer this ever-perfect, noble guy who always says and does the right thing. he can be cruel to finnick, cynical about his own feelings, even though his basic higher artistic instincts are what saves him. but he comes down from the stained glass, in a sense, which is a very solid arc for a character who we've seen previously only through katniss's unreliable narration.

thinking about this obviously brings me to gale. gale, who constantly gives me a sense of unease every time he's on the page. gale, whose violence is what katniss relates to, even though she grows to become horrified by it. gale, who clearly represents katniss's darker nature that she has to put aside--that she has to acknowledge that never really was hers. gale is almost so ham-fistedly symbolic in this book that i'm really quite surprised people would continue to wish he and katniss ended up together. i mean, i'm usually a firm advocate for the second lead, but at this point, i'm more invested in whatever is going on between katniss and boggs than katniss and gale.

[count-alucard-tepes]

Hi iam sure if did one before but iam pretty a 100% sure that you once give a description on how op hotties tits look like.

These were definitely my favorite posts to make…just saying, this girl appreciates tiddies 😍

Oven Charlotte 🍞

Oh we all saw what they full baked baby daddy’s chest looks like in all his glory! He has some fine hair on his chest and he likes to keep it because it makes him feel manly. His nips are pretty pink and sensitive so if you graze them…he’s melting. Also he loves having his S/O lick melted chocolate off his tiddies but be careful! You don’t want to burn your tongue if he blushes too much😜 8.5 out of 10 for face smothering.

Buggy🤡

His tiddies are defined along with his abs but he’s on the leaner side since he doesn’t like to bulk up too much. It doesn’t fit his aesthetic! He does have hair on his chest and he doesn’t mind it at all, his partners always think it’s cute. He has bright pink nips. 8 out of 10 for face smothering.

Marco the Phoenix 🦅

He has a pretty lean body and he tends to show his tiddies because he gets hot often. He’s got a light tan and doesn’t grow much hair on his chest. His nips are cute and light pink. 8 out of 10 for face smothering.

Eustass Kidd🤘🎸

We were lucky to see tiddies in all its glory, usually we just get to see his cleavage from his boob window! He doesn’t like hair on his chest so he makes sure to keep himself groomed. He burns easily so he has pretty pale tiddies and that’s not by choice! His nips are pink and one of them are pierced. 10 out of 10 for face smothering😆

Rosinantè Donquixote aka Cora-San💕

Ah to be the handsome sibling is always a plus when he’s a sweetheart too! Since he’s a marine, he has to be physically fit all the time and this resulted in him having amazing tiddies for us to enjoy! He’s pretty pale and doesn’t like being out in the sun because he burns too easily so his tiddies never see the light of day! His nips are pale pink and he does have light hair between his tiddies. 9 out of 10 for face smothering.

Who’s Who ❤️‍🔥👹

Oh this pink haired baby daddy! How I wish he had more screen time! His tiddies are firm and well defined because he works out all the time and does karate to keep fit! He has tattoos that go down his arms and legs, he loves the look and feel of it. His nips are light pink like his lips and they’re pierced. 1000 out of 10 for face smothering (let me be your baby mama already!😭)

Gecko Moria🦇

When he was younger, he has amazing pale tiddies with pierced nips. He’s not a hairy guy so they were always smooth and he liked it that way. He had a well defined body that worked well for his height. 9 out of 10 for face smothering.

Iceburg💜

Under those fabulous suits is a lean but defined body that only our favorite sexy mayor could have! He has dark pink nips and he’s actually pretty hairy. He does have chest tattoos around his tiddies that join to his shoulders and even down his abs to his hips. Only his partners would know that though😉 10 out of 10 for face smothering for our sexy ice-daddy.

Gild Tesoro⚜️🏅

He’s very particular about his body so he makes sure to do lots of chest exercises so that he can maintain his perfect tiddy size and have the body of a God! He isn’t a hairy guy so his chest is smooth to the touch and he loves to flex his chest so that it feels strong. His nips are dark pink. 100 out of 10 for face smothering! (Omg lemme motorboat you, Gild😭😭😭)

Rob Lucci🐆

His chest in his non-kitty form is pretty lean but still defined as he just prefers the look for when he’s wearing his suits. He has brown nips and some fine hair growing between his tiddies. 9 out of 10 for face smothering.

[deepperplexity]

Prompt: 12. Giver Of Gifts [D2]

Pairing: Gruber x Fem!OC

POV: First, OC

Setting: Countryside resort near Darlington

Continuation of: RICKMAS2022 prompts 14. Icy roads & 15. Frosty Glass and RICKMAS2023 Prompt 11. Imperfect Holiday

A/N: Hi darlings! I know I’m a day late, well, like 11 hours late, but my daughter needed me a little extra yesterday (nothing bad, she was just very cuddly and wanting to be literally on me) so when I got har to sleep I was so exhausted I couldn’t finish the fic. It’s a long one 😂 But here it is! And I’ll get today’s fic up later as well, don’t worry! I feel super creative and rested today so I’m going at full speed! 😍👏 But, this is the last fic of Hans and Anna-Louise. It’s been one of the hardest serial fics I’ve ever written, it takes so much with the language use and all that but I have had such a good time writing for these two! I really hope you’ll enjoy this one and how it all turns out in the end 🥰❤

Tags/TW’s: Light One Bed Trope, Kissing, Cudlding, Hugging, Being Left Behind, Secret Identity, Secrets, Self-Doubt, Finding One's Own Value, Gift Giving, Being Spoiled/Cared For, Criminality, Unlawful Actions, Falling In Love, Confessions Of Feelings, Indicates Hazardous Situations, Second Hand Revealing Of Secrets, Worrying, Charity, Fluff, Angst, H/C, Reassurance

Word Count: 6.7k+

LINKTREE // AO3 // MASTERLIST

Our lips parted, my first ever good kiss. Fabulous, wonderful, perfect kiss. And it was with him, the man who not only saved my life and held impromptu therapy sessions over muffins but who also saw me and heard me — a man who I deeply felt cared for me, truly. To kiss him was��� a trip. A real trip of every sensation my body was able to feel and no sooner had it ended than I wished to do it again.

“Schnuki, don’t doubt my want of you, or how special I think you are,” he whispered, it came out thick and heavy in his dark rumble of a voice. “I will spoil you in any and all ways I see fit, understand me?” he continued. “I— You are something else, Hans…” He chuckled at that and kissed my forehead in that gentle manner of his tightly groomed beard gentle but firm against my skin. That kiss only felt even sweeter now that I knew how urgently and intensely he could kiss my lips.

“Tell me you understand,” he urged. “I-, I think I understand. It’s difficult for me, I can’t really understand why me, and how it became me, but I’m bloody happy about it either way, is that alright?” I asked, my cheeks burning once more, perhaps I’ll evolve second-degree burns with this amount of blushing? Or I’ll need to chug water, all this warmth will leave me dehydrated. “That’s alright, I’ll make you understand in due time.”

There was a knock at the door and Hans slid out of my grasp. “Go put those on,” he said, pointing to the pyjama set of silk still on the bed. I nodded and grabbed them, heading to the bathroom just as he opened the door and I heard the bell boy announce that he was room service.

When I came back, dressed in the fabulous silk that made me feel wrapped in a cloud, Hans sat on the bed with a tray atop the covers with two covered plates, two glasses of orange juice, and a plump-looking blueberry muffin. “Is that for me?” I asked, pointing to the treat. “Yes, thought you could see if this fancy place compares to that little café.” I smiled at him and he patted the bed beside him, I carefully sat down cross-legged and he lifted off the silvery coverings that kept the food warm.

The smell of bacon, eggs, and pancakes wafted up my nose — my stomach promptly growled with desperation to have the goodies. “S-sorry…” “My sweet treat, never apologise for any bodily functions with me. If you’re hungry, I’ll give you food. If you’re cold, I’ll offer my coat. If you need a shower, I’ll rent an entire house for one if needed.” I gaped at him while he smiled cheekily at me, it was nearly a smirk yet not quite. “Ooo-kay,” I said, prolonging the word far more than necessary, but what was I to say to that?

Hans pushed a fork toward me. “Eat, then we sleep.” I didn’t hesitate. Is tarted in on the bacon and eggs, cutting the long pieces of meat and mixing it with the eggs before topping it with a healthy dose of salt and shoving it into my mouth. The flavour burst atop my tongue and I groaned in appreciation. “Best, eggs and bacon, ever, had,” I mumbled as I chewed. “So good.” “Glad to hear it,” he said and started in on his pancakes, his knife and fork moving with steady precision while mine flew in an uncoordinated manner all over the plate.

When the plates were cleared I chugged the juice. I was full, but that muffin looked bloody tempting and I didn’t want to be ungrateful so I grabbed it and took a huge bite out of it. It was good, not as good as the ones at home but moist and flavourful. “Good?” Hans asked and I nodded. “Really good.” I took another bite while Hans cleared away the tray from the bed. “But not quite as good?” How did he know? I never even really ate the muffin last time, did I? No, no I don’t think I did. I was too wrapped up in him and how he held my hand and talked about how I was being treated, I mean, it’s not Ferdinand’s fault, but I think he was madder at Dad and Sis, then again I could be wrong. I’m often wrong, I guess, I never thought Mum would leave, or that Martha would become a dear friend, least of all I’d skip town with a rich German—

“Schnuki?” “Huh? Hmm? Yeah?” Hans smiled gently at me, stroking back a strand of hair by my cheek and hooking it behind my ear. “Lost in thought?” he asked. “Oh, umh, suppose so,” I said. “How did you know about the muffin?” “That it’s not as good?” I nodded. “It’s all over your face, little treat.” “What?” “You talk quite a bit, and you think even more I believe, but your face says everything one needs really. Just have to look,” he said and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

“Sorry…” I mumbled, looking down at my half-finished muffin while fiddling with the striped paper around it. “Don’t be, I quite like how open you are, and willing to share. Not a common thing these days, you know. You’re a rarity.” I scoffed. “That’s for sure. Imagine if everyone blabbers like me? Gosh, blimey, the world would be a headache-inducing verbal madhouse,” I chuckled, yet it made me sad, to be honest. “I’m not talking of others, just you,” Hans said and leaned over to kiss my temple. “Now, time to sleep.”

He went around the room, turning off lights and making sure all doors were locked before he pulled all the curtains while I got comfy in the giant bed — honestly, it was the softest and most comfortable bed I’d ever laid in. Then I bolted upright as the last light went out. There’s only one, just one, he’ll sleep next to me, oh gosh, he’s going to be next to me!

The bed dipped and Hans indeed slipped in under the cover - the single cover that was made for two people. “Schnuki? Aren’t you lying down?” “Oh, umh, yeah, yeah sure am,” I stuttered out and slowly sank down. “I won’t bite,” he whispered right beside me. “Come here.” He pulled me in, his arms securely wrapped around me while my heart galloped in my chest. I’d never shared a bed with anyone, and sharing a bed with Hans was an experience that had me tingly all over.

“My sweet treat,” he hummed and tugged me flush against his front, spooning me. “H-Hans,” I whispered and he hummed a sound of contentment. “I’ve never… Never shared a bed without any bloke,” I continued and he squeezed me even tighter. “What a lucky bloke I am then.” I don’t know, I think maybe I’m the lucky one. Feels like it, feels like I’m getting some Christmas miracle. A man being a miracle, bloody hell that’s a thing I never thought I’d think.

***

I’d fallen asleep way too fast in his arms. I slept all through the night and when morning came I woke up alone. The bed and room were empty. I did what any sane person would, I buried my smiling face in the pillow and kicked my legs under the cover with a giggle erupting from me. Hans, sweet Hans, and he’s with me! Me! Me? Like, what? I swear if I wake up in some snow mound after having slipped and hit my head or whatever nonsense I’ll go straight to whoever runs this show and strangle them.

The door opened, and faint footsteps echoed through the room. Hans probably thought I was asleep still. “Hans?” I asked, peeking out from under the cover, turning my head to not be buried in the pillow. “Scnuki, you’re awake, good,” he said and a second later the curtains were drawn away from the window and balcony door. “Breakfast will be here any minute.” “We really having it out there? It looks bloody cold,” I said while half sitting up. “You’ll be warm with blankets, and I ordered extra coffee. Black.” “Coffee, god, yes please,” I moaned and dragged myself out of bed to go freshen up in the bathroom.

I rummaged around my bag first though, looking for some fresh clothes to wear. “On the chair,” Hans said while pulling away the rest of the curtains while I looked over my shoulder. There were several bags on the chair, so I scurried over only to freeze as I looked into them. Clothes, shoes, gloves, a purse, and all gorgeous and expensive looking if my eyes served me right.

I grabbed a thick white jumper, knitted with little pearls added in a snowfall pattern from the shoulders and over the chest. “Hans-, Hans this is too much, way too much, and expensive. Are you completely bonkers? Gone mad with a Christmas flu or something?” He only chuckled and walked up to me. “You deserve pretty things, nice clothes, warm clothes,” he said and gave my shoulders a squeeze while I looked at the jumper in my hands. It was way, way, way too much.

“Now, get dressed, and we’ll have breakfast.” “But I can’t wear—” “Schnuki, accept my gifts for you.” I looked up at him, his eyes earnest and his features soft as he asked me to simply allow him to spoil me. I’d never been spoiled, or taken cared of, or even cared for . “In silks…” I muttered, remembering his words from yesterday about wanting to come home to me dressed in silk and finery.

I did as he asked, taking the jumper, some really pretty white jeans with a matching belt of cream and gold before nabbing some new underwear and socks as well. I stopped in the bathroom, before closing the door. “How do you know my sizes?” I asked, turning to look at the cheekily smirking man. “I just looked at you,” he said. “You are very easy to look at, my little treat.” I must have blushed scarlet, my skin was on fire once more and a knock at the door saved me from making a fool out of myself.

I felt like a tenner in my new clothes, the full-length mirror in the bathroom gave me the full view and everything fit perfectly, hugging my somewhat straight shape and perfectly complimenting my skin and hair. I’d done it in a side braid to keep it away and not hide the sparkling pearls at the top of the jumper. I didn’t have any make-up, but I never used much more than some powder and mascara anyway.

Hans had set up our breakfast on the balcony when I left the bathroom. He was on the phone again, this time speaking in German and I couldn’t understand a word of it. His voice was perfection in German though, the harsh language only complimenting his deep voice further. Perhaps I should learn German too? Would be neat, not that I need more languages to talk in but it’s nifty to know more than one language.

I sat down on one of the chairs covered in a thick fur and dragged two of the blankets over my legs. “Coat,” Hans said as I was getting comfortable and I looked up. He was indeed looking at me and then nodded toward the room. I grumbled a bit but got up to fetch my jacket, it wouldn’t make much of a difference but it was cold outside.

I stood stock still in the middle of the room. By the door, where his coat had hung before, was a beautiful winter coat. It was wine red with black fur along all hems and a black belt with a golden buckle around the middle. It looked as expensive as his and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how he’d managed to get me so many things in a mere few hours — and we had both been asleep. The amount of money he’d spent had my stomach twisting, but it wasn’t all bad. There was a warmth and joy there too, that I was worth something to him meant the world to me. Even if he showed his care in monetary ways far from my own reality I wasn’t going to just dismiss his chosen way of showing he cared.

I grabbed the coat and put it on while walking back to the balcony. It, too, fit perfectly of course and the lining on the inside was silky smooth and I felt toasty in it — and pretty too. Hans was still on his call but he spun his finger around, asking me to twirl and with another blush across my cheeks I did as he asked. It was really the least I could do. His smile made me smile even wider while I mouthed “thank you”. He nodded and said something harshly in German into the phone while I got back to my chair.

“Take care of it, we have four minutes, that’s it,” he finished in English and snapped the phone shut. “I like when you talk in German,” I blurted out while reaching for my coffee cup. “Is that so?” I nodded. “How come?” he continued. “Sounds very brazen and, I dunno, large? Like, the words sound large, and it suits your voice. Your voice is really good, you know. I like it a lot, I mean, it’s not a common voice, but it’s perfect for you, and I like it,” I blabbered while fidgeting with the blanket with my free hand. “I’m glad to hear it.” “But, what do you have four minutes to do? I heard you say that yesterday too,” I continued without a break and the look on Hans' face stopped my flow of words.

He sat down, adjusting his coat and grabbing his coffee. “How much did you hear yesterday?” he asked, almost too calmly. “Oh, not much, sorry, was it banking stuff I shouldn’t know about? Like about the stock market and stuff? I heard you mention stocks and time stuff, and you look like a banker so I just assumed,” I said, worry blooming in my gut I had done something he would be upset with me over. But he smiled at me, instantly taking away the worry. “It’s alright. Don’t fret,” he said and sipped his coffee. “I’ll tell you in due time, not now though. Now, it’s time to get some food in you.” And feed me he did. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, little cucumber sandwiches, and different cheeses on lightly toasted bread along with some fruits and juice. I ended up absolutely stuffed.

***

I turned off the shower, after having walked about the grounds most of the day I’d felt a need to clean up when we returned to the room after a lovely dinner down at the main restaurant of the country resort. It had been a really wonderful day and Hans hadn’t asked me to shut up once, he actually seemed to enjoy my blabbering. But I didn’t blabber as much with him, there was no need as he listened when I chatted. The man had patience, I’d give him that.

He was on his phone again, but lying on the bed this time while talking in German. He sounded very precise, as if he were giving instructions or something when I came out dressed in my silky pyjama set. He looked at me with a sweet smile before lifting the cover so I could have it over my legs as I sat cross-legged beside him. His hand landed atop my thigh, his finger stroking circles on the inside of it and I felt as if I would go mad with having his hand there.

He barked something into the phone before slamming it shut, tossing it to the foot of the bed. “Idiots,” he muttered before falling back on the pillow. “I’m surrounded by idiots,” he kept going. “Hey, I know I’m not the brightest star in the sky but that’s a bit mean,” I said, a chuckle to my voice. “Not you, schnuki. Never you,” he murmured without looking at me, keeping his eyes closed while he let out a deep sigh.

I scooted down, laying on my side to watch his beautiful profile. Without thinking I reached up and began stroking the tips of my fingers through his lush beard. He hummed and seemed to relax. But that only lasted a few seconds. “I have to leave,” he said. “Leave?” I asked, alarms blaring in my head like bloody hounds after a fox. “For a few days, I would ask you to come with but the situation requires my undivided attention and you steal it most of the time,” he chuckled, as if he’d made some smart remark. “What do you want me to do?” I asked, fearing and wanting the answer. “Stay here, enjoy every luxury, and wait for me.” “In silk?” I teased and he finally looked up at me, a cheeky smile across his thin lips framed by that gorgeous beard I’d a second ago been touching.

He had me on my back a second later, twisting us so he lay between my legs with the cover between our bodies while he kissed me most deeply. Blimey, he really was a fantastic kisser, and every inch of me felt all tingly. I was turning into the giddy schoolgirl stereotype with him, and it felt good to be able to just relax and be.

“Will you wait for me?” he asked against my lips, only half breaking the kiss. “I’ll always wait for you. I don’t think I’m completely daft by thinking there’s something very special between us?” “My sweet treat,” he whispered, pecking my lips once. “You have no idea how special you are to me. One day, perhaps you’ll see, but until then I’ll do everything in my power to show you.” “Bloody hell,” I murmured. “You’re making it impossible not to fall for you, Hans.” “Good,” he said with a smile. “So you’ll wait here for me?” “Yeah, sure, I’ll wait right here, lavishing in silks and eating the best bacon and eggs.” He laughed at that, a deep and throaty sound I couldn’t ever get enough of. To think, all this became possible ‘cus some bloke knocked me over on the sidewalk, it really is quite the hallmark movie setup. Being the main character for once isn’t so bad.

Hans cuddled me for another hour while he asked how I used to celebrate Christmas, but that conversation took a nose-dive and he ended up pissed at how my family had treated me, so, we switched to talking about our favourite things instead. It was too easy talking with him, just being with him, and I didn’t have to wonder if I’d have to repeat myself, he always listened and remembered.

When he was dressing to leave I felt a knot grow in my stomach. There was still so much I didn’t know about him, where he was going and what he was doing were two of those things. But I didn’t ask, it felt like he didn’t want to share that with me yet. And, if he was a banker, perhaps there were some confidentiality issues with him sharing that stuff with me.

“You’ll be back, right?” “I’ll always come back for you, schnuki.” He kissed my forehead after that, stroked my cheek, and left while I remained staring at the door for a long moment. It felt so empty with him gone but he’d left me a little gift on the bedside table he’d instructed me to open once he’d left.

So, once I got out of my daze, I bolted over and grabbed it. I was as curious as a cat and ripped open the envelope only to find a little note and a wad of cash. Like, a whole wad of it. “Spend it all before I return, I dare you, my sweat treat. Oh, Hans, you’re too bloody much!” I laughed while checking just how much I was supposed to spend, I damn near keeled over at the full two grand he’d left behind. How am I supposed to spend two grand in just a couple of days? Can I give it away as tips? I mean, surely servants don’t earn that much and it’s Christmas time too. Would that count as spending it though?

I went to bed wondering where he was going, and what to do with the money he’d left for me, and how rich the man I was falling in love with really was. Thinking of all the gifts, where he had us staying, and now the cash he’d left behind, golly, it nearly made me uncomfortable to think of. I was a nobody, from a nowhere town, with a less-than-desirable place in life. How was I supposed to be in his life, and be what he wanted and needed? Was I enough for him at the end of it all? I still wasn’t quite sure why he liked me so much, then again, I knew very little of him too yet I was sure he was the one for me — so, was it really so silly to think he felt the same?

***

I’d given half of the money away. I just couldn’t spend it on myself. The concierge had been super helpful in ordering a silly-expensive coat for Hans that I used 800 of the 2,000 on and then I’d used about 200 buying some extra room service, and then some 1,000 as tips for the workers and a Secret Santa fund for the children at the Darlington Hospital which the resort had a little tin for with an information pamphlet about it all.

I also ended up buying a Christmas card from the reception that I sent off to Martha, letting her know I’d left and was doing well with the German gentleman she liked so much. I had reminded her to put her teeth in while eating and not give the fat little dog she loved so much too many treats and then ended it all with well-wishes and a Happy Christmas wish too.

I was lounging in bed two days after Hans had left, flicking through the channels on the TV while sipping some hot cocoa. I watched a commercial for dog's teeth and a treat that supposedly helped keep them clean and then the news came on as I sat myself up, cross-legged with my hands wrapped around the mug tightly.

“Tonight, the unfolding of events at a large Newcastle bank left many shocked. Just an hour ago, four men entered while wearing rifles, and in what must be a record-breaking unfolding of events, in a mere three minutes and fifty-six seconds, the vault had been cracked, emptied, and the men had fled the scene. No civilians were harmed, and no shots were fired. The police were at the scene less than a minute after the alarm was pulled, which was not until after the events had passed.” Gosh, it’s Christmas time, who’d rob people around Christmas? I wondered while sipping my coco, watching the screen. “As the police investigate, we have video footage of the men in question. Four white men, neither of their faces being captured on any of the cameras in the bank, but this is what they look like in the available footage.”

There was hot cocoa all over the bed, it had spurted out of my mouth as a silhouette I’d have known anywhere filled the screen along with three others. “FOUR MINUTES!” I shrieked while looking at the blurry image of Hans’ back, his perfect hair and straight shoulder dressed in that beautiful coat of his seemed to damn near burn my eyes. “The police say these men are extremely dangerous, with witnesses claiming three of the men spoke in German we implore all civilians to be wary and if you should see the men in question do not approach. Call the police straight off,” the news lady said further but I could barely hear it.

My mind ran rampant, spinning with all thoughts possible while the news turned to the next event of the evening. My hands cramped around the mug and I couldn’t stop my bloody lip from trembling or my stomach from filling with the sensation of dread. I’d been a daft muppet. A stupid, blabbering, silly-nilly living in a delulu world where rich German men who cared and listened were honest bankers and no danger to the world at all. Bloody hell! I’m in love with a criminal! I stuttered out a breath, one of my hands covering my mouth. “I’m in love… with a bank robber,” I whispered while I cried silent tears of hurt and worry.

I paced the length of the room for several minutes while trying to shut my mind up. The thoughts were an endless barrage of anxiously hurt and worried words I couldn’t stop. I tried in every manner possible to figure out what the bloody hell to do, how it all had gone to pot, how I wasn’t running toward a better life with an honest man who spoils and pampers me — no, no I was running away from an honest life to be with a bloody bank robber who I knew absolutely nothing about! “God, I’m so fucking stupid!”

The clock struck midnight, and still I paced. Back and forth, back and forth. My mind was in shambles but worse than that, my heart hurt and all my feelings were screwing themselves over to be at the center of attention. Why do I just want to crawl up in his arm, talk it alllll out and have him make it sound sane? Have I lost my marbles? Gone mad? Why am I not legging it right out of here?!

I fell asleep while tossing and turning, trying to make sense of my thoughts, arguing against myself — I mean, I hadn’t exactly seen his face or anything, but I knew it was Hans on that news channel. I knew it. Yet I fell asleep with the final thought of wanting him to hold me and make it all make sense.

***

I was a wreck. Everything was topsy-turvy. I had my bag packed but never left. I’d almost called a cab, yet I never did. I swore myself blue over having spent the money he had left — money I could have used to leave, hide, run away, and never speak a word of any of it ever again. Ha! Sure, as if I could ever keep my mouth shut.

I glared at the fire in the hearth of the room, I wasn’t unfamiliar with keeping a fire going to stay warm so stoking it and lighting it had been no issue. The warmth, that was another thing altogether. I felt cold to my bones, even if I was tingly warm on the outside. My nose was even slightly dusted with sweat from sitting so close to the roaring fire beyond the glass doors. The room was sweltering, the air a bit bad given how much oxygen the fire consumed, and I felt a bit dizzy, to be honest, but I couldn’t make myself move.

It had been three days since I saw the news. I’d gone over every bloody detail of everything since I met Hans several times. Especially the phone calls he’d been on. I could no longer go to delulu land and pretend it wasn’t him, I knew it was, there was no other explanation. How bloody perfect this is. The bank robber and the blabbering missy who can’t keep her mouth shut. He won’t come back to me, will he? How could he ever trust my blabbering mouth? We don’t even know each other! But that thought didn’t sit right with me.

After everything that had happened, I was wholly in love with the annoyingly handsome bloke with his charming smiles and cheeky smirks. No matter how silly that was, how stupid it made me, I couldn’t make myself leave when there was even a small chance he’d return for me. And what then? Hmm? Pretend you don’t know? Keep quiet about his secret so he won’t think you’ll blabber? Come on, Lulu… And why am I calling myself that god-awful name?!

“What the— Schnuki!” Hans' hands were on me the next second, I hadn’t even had time to turn my head when his voice filled the room. “Hans?” I asked, feeling disoriented and half-asleep. “What are you doing?!” His hands left me and he ran through the room in a blur of a grey coat. He threw the balcony doors open wide. Cold, crisp air flooded the room and I blinked rapidly.

He was on me the next second. “Up, up,” he said but then grabbed me and hoisted me up bridal style before carrying me out on the balcony. I inhaled with a gasp, feeling all the drowsiness disappear and my vision cleared while a string of curses (it sounded like) left Hans’ mouth, spoken in German before he sat me down on my feet.

His hands grabbed my warm face, the sweat now chilled by the December air. “Are you insane?” he asked in a rush while his eyes searched mine. “I was cold,” I managed to push out while my head ran away with me — all my thoughts coming back with a rush. “You could have died,” he snarled before tugging me close and wrapping me in his arms. Blimey, he smelled so good. Felt so infuriatingly good to be close to. “So could you,” I whispered. “What?” “Mr Bank Robber,” I only said, feeling too tired to deal with any of it now that he was finally back with me.

He stiffened all around me. “You know,” he hummed darkly, his voice far harsher than ever before. “Hard to miss when you were on the news.” “You recognised me from that ?” he asked, leaning back to look at me with widened eyes. “Pffth, I’d know you anywhere.” “Should I be worried or flattered?” “I don’t know, are you leaving me behind ‘cus I talk too much and you feel like you can’t trust me after everything I’ve trusted you with? Including leaving everything behind after meeting you only twice and knowing absolute piss about you?” My words turned angry, fearful really. “Schnuki, calm down for me,” Hans hushed gently, his features softening once more while he looked down at me as I shook in his arms.

He kissed my forehead. “You shouldn’t tell a woman to calm down, has the opposite bloody effect, ya’ know…” He chuckled at that. “I only said so because you feel very anxious, feel free to go off on me anytime you like, little treat. I don’t mind it.” “Sure, bet you're used to having people screaming at you and around you and blurting out nonsense in the heat of the moment.” “You never speak nonsense, don’t say such a thing,” he admonished. “But I do need to know if my secret is safe with you?” “Pffth, as if I could ever say anything to anyone that wouldn’t be good for the man I... You’re a foul git sometimes, you know that?” “Hmm? How so?” “Leaving me here while going out to rob—” “Inside,” Hans said, interrupting me. Course, right, inside, talking about bank robbing on the balcony where anyone can hear is stupid and dangerous, wow, gosh, I’m fucking this right up from the first minute. Stellar job, Lulu. Stellar job…

Hans closed the door behind us and swiftly grabbed my hand to lead me to the bed. He sat me down before closing the vent to the fire, smothering the flames to near embers, and then sat next to me while taking my hand in his once more. I stared at him, and he looked at me.

After a minute of silence, my tears began to flow. “You’re leaving me behind, aren’t you?” “Tell me why I’m a foul git sometimes,” he countered while squeezing my hand. I snivelled and took a deeper breath. “You just left me here, while going off to rob a giant national bank without a word about it. What if you’d been killed? Or captured? Or just hurt, or whatever? I would have just been bloody sitting her until they would have kicked me out for lack of reservation and money. You just left me behind without a bloody word!”

Hans looked at me, a baffled expression taking over his handsome face. “That’s what I’m a foul git for?” “No. You’re a foul git sometimes ‘cus you don’t talk to me. I talk to you all the time, about everything that pops into my head almost.” I glared at him, but it was hard with the tears and snivelling. “But I know nothing of you, like, not a bloody thing. Are you even German?” I asked, daring him to lie to me with my eyes but he just chuckled. “Schnuki, my sweet treat, my little bean spiller,” he said while tugging me closer. “I’m very much German. And you’re a delightful surprise, know that?” I scrunched up my face, swiping at my cheeks. “What?” “I was going to tell you, in due time. I mean, can’t really continue hoaxing you. You’d want to know about the money, my trips, my never staying in one place for long, and such things, no?” I nodded. “Yet here you are, a snivelling mess bawling about me not telling you from the very first moment I’m an international criminal, a successful one mind you,” he said with cheek to his voice and a smirk I couldn’t help but chuckle at.

Hans turned slightly, making us nearly come face to face on the bed. “I knew you were special the moment I met you. Just something about you,” he said and my shoulders softened at the sweet words. “Didn’t think you’d be quite this sweet and understanding, but I’m glad to have been wrong for once.” “You’re not getting out of this by sweet-talking me, spill the tea. All of it. If I’m going to follow an international criminal all over the bloody globe I’ll be damned if I don’t know everything, ‘kay?” I said, feeling as if the world had turned upside down. “I won’t let you leave me behind like everyone else. You’ve ruined any chance of that with everything you’ve done and said so far, I don’t want to be the abandoned puppy anymore.”

Hans kissed my knuckles, letting his lips stroke over them a bit before he lowered our hands again. It sent a shiver down my spine and I really had gone completely bonkers because of him. Not any worse a life than what I had, better even perhaps. Always wanted to see the world, maybe I’ll get to do just that now, even if it is with a criminal, I’ll be safe. I know it. “A dime for your thoughts?” I smiled at the wrongful expression. “Just thinking about seeing the world and being safe, I think I’ll be more safe with you than anyone else.” “An international criminal?” “Well, yeah, sure, but you’re not just any criminal, are you? I mean, obviously it’ll be harrowing and less than fun at times, I’m sure you’re not always staying in posh settings like these,” I said, waving my hand about the room while Hans nodded reluctantly.

“But still, I think you’ll keep me safe, won’t you?” “Always, my sweet treat.” “And, I haven’t recalled a single lie you’ve told, that I know of at least.” “Never lied to you.” “Yeah, I know, and that makes me feel better about this whole thing. I mean, not your fault I didn’t press on the whole bank man thing, right? And besides, you treat me like… like I mean the world to you and you’re always listening, and talking to me like you’ve really heard what I said and you’re very caring, and sweet, and just, yeah, good, you know? It’s not like—” Hans kissed me at that, interrupting my blabbering that had turned faster with each word as my anxiety and need to explain myself as fully as possible shot through the roof.

He stopped my scrambling thoughts and kissed me until I was relaxed once more. “Didn’t mean to stop you from talking, you’re free to talk as much as you need, but you were getting too anxious, schnuki.” “T-Thank you,” I exhaled. “You’re right, I just… Just need to explain myself. I always feel a need to explain myself.” “I understand.” “Yeah, no, sure, I know you do, I’m just sorry I can’t stop myself, I know you understand, and you don’t mind, and all that, and I’m really grateful for— Oh, right, you know, sorry…” Hans chuckled at my embarrassed smile and stroked my cheek once more with his warm hand.

“Do you want to join me, then?” he asked, no pressure to it, just genuine wondering. “If you don’t mind.” “I want nothing else than have you with me at all times possible.” “Then yes, yes, please. I want to be with you, Hans.” “And I with you, but we’ll have to work on that anxiety of yours. Sometimes you’ll have to be on your own, but I will always come back for you.” “Promise?” “I promise.”

He held me tight, kissing the top of my head while I drew a deep sigh of relief, feeling like an overfilled kettle boiling too wildly, all my emotions spilling over. “You gotta cool it with the whole giver of gifts thing though… I couldn’t spend the money you left behind, I gave half of it away…” “I knew you would… You’re goodness and sweetness, all wrapped up like a delicious treat and that wrapping will be of the finest kind imaginable. I’ll make sure of it.” “Hans!” I scolded with a laugh. “I will always spoil you, schnuki. You deserve nothing less than the best of everything, always.” Then I hope you’ll enjoy the coat I got for you… A gift from you to me, became a gift from me to you, don’t really know how valid that is but it’s the thought that counts, right?

“Now, my little treat,” Hans said after a moment, “how would you feel about spending Christmas in Alaska?” “Alaska?!” My eyes were wide with something I could only think to look like unbridled joy. “It’s perfect for the winter holiday, no?” “I’d love to,” I confessed. “Thought you would,” he said with one of those charming smiles and a twinkle in his clear eyes.

Blimey, I was going to Alaska with an international Criminal. What a way to spend my first Christmas away from home. Bloody hell I wanna call Dad and tell him to fucking shove his mints up his arse, I was going to see the whole damn world with the man of my dreams. “I think I made it,” I mumbled into Hans' chest. “Whatever you thought before those words, I agree, sweetie. I feel the same way,” Hans whispered before holding me even tighter while I inhaled the wonderful scent of him.

“I… Hans, I love you…” “Schnuki, my sweet treat, my Christmas miracle,” Hans said in such a deep tone it was difficult to hear him clearly. “I love you too, since the moment you smiled at me for the first time.” I shivered at the sweet words and buried my face in his neck. Life was so perfectly imperfect I couldn’t keep the laughs and tears from spilling over. I was where I was supposed to be, where life would take us I couldn’t even begin to think about but I knew, no matter what, Hans would always come back for me and I would always be his. My gentleman criminal.

LINKTREE // AO3 // MASTERLIST

A/N: I just love this serial fic so much, gosh, feels so good they sorted it out and have mutually agreed they re to stay together and just-, travel the world and care for each other and just-, waaaaaaah! 😍👏 I know I was a day late with this one, I'm really sorry but I hope you feel these nearly 7k makes up for it - and you'll still get today's fic later today as well! I'm gonna write at record speed today - have to, my entire weekend is full of Christmas celebrating (I'll squeeze in some writing as often as possible so you'll get fics daily though).

Gosh, feels a bit sad to say bye-bye to these two, maybe I'll revisit them at some point in the future but I can't make any promises. It's really difficult to write this one for me (the literal language use I mean) so we'll see. I kinda like leaving them here too - it's a sweet ending that's closed but also open 🥰

Q: What's something you really enjoyed/liked/feel good about that happened or you did during 2023? A: for me, it's a few things but publishing my OW writing is probably the biggest thing really 🥰👏

TAGLIST: @lizlil @snapefiction @darkthought15 @monstreviolet @flowerdementia @marvelschriss @once-upon-an-imagine @ravennight41 @caseydoodles98 @slytherinprincess03 @theconsultingdetectiveswife @grimmyhild @monster-energies @myobscureimaginarium @snowblossomreads @eternal-silvertongued-prince @cherryglossie @setsuna-meiou31 @helena211 @a-queen-and-her-throne @justsaturn0 @turvi @imwithyoutiltheendofthelinebucky  @sunnylikesfrogs @mamawolfsmith16 @dianilaws @sassanoe @snapesrn @bernadette-peters12 @sammy-13 @smartowl999 @castleofthorns @serenanight87 @leah1243 @mamawolfsmith87 @snowblossomreads @ladykardasi @eternal-silvertongued-prince @lyrixsnape @daddythanatos

Want to be tagged? 💚 You can tag yourself HERE! Or tell me and I’ll gladly tag you! 😍

[Dec:2023]

[monstersinthecosmos]

listening to your marius playlist without paying attention to the lyrics is a fabulous experience, because marius made up of tunes instead of words for once is incredibly sexy

yes!! YES!!!! You get me!!!!!!!!!

idk if it's because I'm nerdy about music or grew up listening to incoherent screamy metal & like, Rammstein, who I couldn't understand, but vocals to me are just like another instrument, and if the lyrics fit that's cool and all but it's not a priority to me. I also tend to gravitate towards like dreamy proggy folky black metally stuff that's so invested in talking about mysticism and the cosmos and the bleak dark winter that like, the lyrics are often so amorphous anyway! Like I can't make a character fit into a random song about breaking up with your girlfriend but I can make Opeth lyrics about anyone :)

Caked in the soil beneath Fear me when we meet Turn away in admiration My firm grip round the nucleus of joy

😏 anyway hjsdkglasd yes

Criteria for Marius Playlist

Brooding ancient noises that give us God of the Grove PTSD

Angst that feels so bone-deep and existential that my chest hurts

Patient slow melodies that sound like we're mourning

Nice long proggy songs that you can really sit with

Am I more frightened or more sad idk

Does it evoke the Sinister Eroticism?

Does it remind me of an eternity of nights?

Is it about glittery blackness and bleak cold winters?

But also hot fires and warm beds? The color red?

Can it be arguably timeless if we do not nerd out hard enough on neofolk & black metal trends in the last 30 years? Does it transcend time the way classical music does, even if it's still in its early life?

marius hot ?

is it a fuckin vibe?

-- Marius-Appropriate lyrics are a bonus but not necessary.

[myckicade]

Back Home - Chapter One

Summary: You and Che had been so happy. Everything had almost seemed perfect. You hadn't counted on the bastard up and leaving you. Che's return is even less expected. You've carried on, rebuilt your life, and are enjoying where you're at. It's going to be a fight to see whether Che can fit back into the space he used to occupy, if that space still exists, at all.

A/N: C’mon, now, y’all… You know I couldn't pass this up, series end, or not. I wanted to get two others up first, but, as usual, this one just would not leave me alone! Contains spoilers up until... Well. This is the end of the road, so spoilers for the whole series!

P.S. SPOILERS: I’ve had to fuck about with the timeline a bit, as I have no idea whether Taza’s absence lasted five minutes, or ten years. This show is wonky, that way. 

Teaser: It’s been a long time since you’ve found yourself speechless, but here you stand, speechless, and lost, and half-scared of something that doesn’t even exist. 

* 

This can’t be real, you tell yourself, the words shaping and forming and dying in your head before they can reach your lips. Your numb, trembling lips. All of you feels like it’s trembling. The cool breeze blowing in from the open door has little to do with the shiver working its way over your skin, much as you’d like to give it the credit right now. You know your face looks like you’ve seen a ghost. It has to. Still, you can’t find it in yourself to scream, or speak, or even sputter out a single sound. It’s been a long time since you’ve found yourself speechless, but here you stand, speechless, and lost, and half-scared of something that doesn’t even exist. 

Yet, it does. It exists in the shape of six-odd feet of handsome, half-slouching, complete asshole of a man standing on your front steps. The two of you have been staring at one another for entirely too long, since the moment he showed his face, and spoke your name. It was – and still is – pathetic, how easily the sound of his voice made you weak in the knees. 

Oh, this asshole. 

“How’d you get this address?” comes flying out of your mouth so suddenly, it takes you a moment to realize that you’re actually the one who said it. You watch as Che, seemingly just as startled as you, shifts on his feet. 

“I went by your old apartment,” he admits, finally breaking eye contact to glance down at his boots. “New tenant seemed to know you? She told me where you’d moved to.” 

“Fucking Diane,” you sigh, glancing over Che’s head to take in a quick glimpse of the stars. You have a fabulous view of the night sky from here, much better than you ever could have hoped for at your apartment. He’s never seen this, you consider. Not from here. Not like he was supposed to. Che moves, barely a step to the side, bringing your attention back to him. “It’s been a year, Che.” Your tone is firm, probably a little harder than is strictly necessary, but you’ve practiced this. Sure, you may never have expected to see this rotten motherfucker ever again, but you’ve prepared yourself for the scant possibility that you’d one day get the chance to toss him back out on his ass. 

The nerve. The fucking balls this bastard has, right now. 

Che blows out a breath. “I know,” he agrees, shoving his hands deeper into the pockets of his jacket. His eyes are on you once more, a hesitance in them that shines against the light of the porch. You wait a beat, then two, and by five it’s clear he isn’t going to continue. 

“That’s it?” you scoff. “You know?” 

“I can leave, if you’d like?” It’s a genuine offer, you can tell. It’s not a threat. There’s no intentional manipulation in the letters. But then, there wouldn’t be. Che’s never been that type of man, certainly not to you. He’s honest, and decent, and devoted, and you need to stop before you remember every reason why you love him. 

Before you lose sight of every reason to choke him with your bare hands and start caving into every desire you still have to wrap your arms around him, and never let him go. 

Fuck. Angel is right. You’ve gotta’ get out of that book club. 

Focusing back in on the matter at-hand (so to speak), you have two options before you. This is a man you haven’t heard from in more than a year. So much has changed. You’ve changed. He surely has, as well. It’s probably a bad, bad idea to do anything other than turn him away. 

On the other hand… Well… You’ve missed him so damned much, and the idea of watching him drive away for good – again – already has your eyes welling up with tears. Fuck, you really can’t do it, can you? How fucking pathetic. You need, need, need to stick to your guns. Tell him he’s lost his chance. Tell him things are different now. Anything, anything to make sure you don’t weaken in the face of this choice. 

But… Aside from this, this one big, huge thing, he’s never done a damned thing to upset you. To hurt you. The two of you have always played it straight in your relationship, all the cards on the table, full-tilt, no stops, feel free to pass GO! and keep on driving. You’ve thought about this more than once (twice, ten times and better), wondered exactly what in the world could have been so bad, so terrible, that Che had felt the need to run, instead of facing it head-on with you. Stepping out on you has crossed your mind. A late-in-life crisis of some kind. And the ugly possibility that you’ve never really known the man you’ve been in love with. For all you know, Che wants to tell you about the secret family he’s been keeping in Modesto. Wife and kids. Husband and kids. Do you really want to know? 

Glancing up, you find Che shifting around again, two seconds from backing off the steps, and down the driveway to his bike. Whether on impulse, or by some crazy ass design, you make your decision. “Sit down,” you instruct, pointing to a patio table and two chairs set up at the corner of the porch. “I’ll be right back.” He nods, clearly surprised, all over again. You nod once, yourself, before disappearing into the kitchen. 

What are you doing? 

Reaching into the refrigerator, you retrieve two cold beers. You have the feeling you’re going to need one. 

What the fuck are you doing, (y/n)? 

You turn back from the door and pause. Would liquor be more suitable for this conversation? Might send the signal that this meeting is far more friendly than it has right to be. Giving Che false hope is something you would rather avoid, and a night of drinking liquor has never not led you two to the bedroom. 

Decisions, decisions. 

You shouldn’t be doing this, at all. No good can possibly come from it. Who’s to say the man outside is even looking for signs of hope? Two minutes ago, he was ready to ride off into the night, no questions asked. Can’t be he’s really too eager to apologize, right? He had that chance, and all you got was, I know. The fuck are you supposed to do with that? 

Groaning, you shift both beers to the bend of your left arm and retrieve a bottle of Jose Cuervo from the cupboard with your right hand. It takes some maneuvering, but you finally make your way back out to the porch, balancing the beers, the liquor, and two shot glasses in your arms. Che immediately jumps up from his seat to help you, relieving you of the bottle and glasses, and you find yourself thanking him, as always. 

“Thanks, babe.” 

“Welcome, doll.” 

Neither of you seem to know what to say for a hot second, staring at one another from across the table like two deer caught in cross traffic. You can feel your face growing warm, thankful for the dim glow of the Christmas lights you’ve left strung on the porch since early last November. They’re clear, warm and cool shades of white, with the ability to twinkle, and flash, and induce seizures on the right settings. Angel keeps telling you to take them down. (”It’s July, for fuck’s sake!”). Che has yet to comment on them, but you know he has already formed an opinion, which likely mirrors Angel’s, but with kinder, more considerate wording. 

Clearing your throat, you take the seat closest to the door, where Che has chosen to box himself into a corner. He can hop the railing if he needs to make a clean getaway, but strategically speaking, it’s not the smartest move he’s ever made. Still, you pass him a beer, before setting up the shot glasses. Che reaches for the tequila and pours you each a shot. Smooth. Simple. Familiar. Something clenches in your chest. 

“So,” Che begins, lifting up his glass. He looks your way, expectantly, until you do the same. He gives you an awkward half-smile, before you both down your shots. Fuck. It’s good stuff, but that first one tends to hit you where you live. “How have you been?” 

Really? That’s his starter? 

And, wow, it seems like you aren’t going to like any of his attempts tonight, huh? 

Cracking open the can in front of you, you shrug. “Busy, I guess?” Another shrug quickly follows the first. “Had a lot on my plate, for a while. Opening the new store. Buying the house.” 

Che thumbs at the lip of his can, not yet opening it. “I heard about that. Finally went ahead with it, huh?” 

“I did,” you reply, around a sip of Labatt. “Brick and mortar, this time. No more working out of the apartment or driving around town making deliveries.” You look over and find a warm smile waiting for you. 

“I’m proud of you,” Che murmurs, all sincerity and happiness. It’s your stomach’s turn to get all fluttery. “That’s awesome.” 

Darting your attention elsewhere, you quickly down another mouthful of beer. It’s too familiar. You’ve said far too much. “How about you?” you ask, upon swallowing. You’re not looking his way. You can’t. This is already going all wrong. “Been up to anything fun?” Silence reigns for a moment. It’s unsettling, but you manage to bring yourself to look up again. Che is staring at you, all traces of his smile gone. In its place, an expression you cannot name. It’s almost sad, but not quite. A touch guilty, but not completely. You don’t like it, this look he’s sending your way, panic seizing you enough to blurt out, “I see you’ve cut your hair, again.” 

“Don’t do that,” Che replies, almost immediately. His tone catches you by surprise, so low and serious you feel another shiver building at the base of your spine. 

“Don’t do what?” 

Che blinks, just once. “Don’t try to act like everything’s okay,” he continues. “We both know it isn’t.” That shiver climbs a little higher. True and fair though that is, it’s the only way you’re going to get through this. Cool indifference, at its finest. “While I appreciate not being greeted with a toaster upside the head, I don’t appreciate the passive attitude.” 

Damn. Talk about caught. 

“Got rid of the toaster,” you mumble after a moment, brushing imaginary debris from your pant leg. “I’m up to an air fryer now.” A laugh breaks free from Che’s mouth, and you fight the smile creeping across your lips in response. You’ve missed that sound so damned much. 

You’ve missed him so damned much. The way he talks, low and smooth like the finest honey. The way he looks at you, heart in his eyes, like you mean the world to him, ten times over. You never expected to lay eyes on him again, let alone to have the chance to spill out everything you’ve spent endless hours grumbling about to yourself. Practicing in your head. The ugly words you’ve wanted to throw at him, and the calm manner in which you’ve wanted to deliver them. Now is that chance, and... 

And the words won’t jump off your tongue. 

“You’re allowed to be pissed,” Che continues, unknowingly encouraging you toward letting him have it with both barrels. “Hell, I’d be shocked if you weren’t.” 

You sigh, deep and heavy. “I didn’t know what to be, for a while,” you admit, fiddling with the various rings on your fingers. Your right thumb brushes over the circle of silver on your left index finger. A medium sized band, with citrine stones embedded in the surface, and engraved, Love, Che. Even after everything, you haven’t found it in yourself to take it off. Tuck it away somewhere. Toss is out. You should have. You’d still have every right to do it, too. You just... 

Can’t. 

The silence must be getting to him, because Che is suddenly asking, “How are the kids?” Oh, boy. Now, here is where you’d really enjoy giving the man what for. Your poor babies. You could keep your calm for what you have been through, yourself, but your babies? You’ve been silent too long, again, it seems, from Che’s worried call of “(Y/n)? Are they okay?” 

“Flint looked for you, every damned day.” There. Now it’s out in the open. You catch Che’s flinch from the corner of your eye, a smug sense of satisfaction coming over you at the sight. “It was a fight to get him to eat for about a week, he was so upset.” Flint, your old boy, had become Che’s little buddy over your time together. They’d go for rides in the truck together. Have naps on the couch like the two grandpas you’d joked they were. Walk together. Eat together, as far as Che sharing food from his plate. While your dogs are hardly Che’s responsibility, watching Flint suffer through that pain still sits with you like an open wound. Even now, the tears are gathering at your eyes. 

“I never meant to-” 

“Max destroyed some of your clothes,” you interrupt, not wanting to hear his bullshit until you’re done. If your feelings don’t come out now, they never will. “Two pair of pants, some socks, and your brown boots.” You pause, clearing your throat. “Wasn’t a full day after you’d gone. I think she knew.” 

Che grimaces. “Girl always liked to tear my shit apart.” He sighs. “Not that I blame her.” 

“I don’t, either.” You shrug. “I had enough respect for you not to go batshit on the stuff you left behind, and I packed everything away after I caught Max in the act, but the temptation existed.” Reaching out, you pour another shot of tequila for Che, and one for yourself, which you promptly swallow. He doesn’t touch his. “You left just about everything, too, I know you realize.” 

“Kinda’ hard to cram my life in a backpack and saddlebags.” He leans forward in his seat, elbows on his knees, hands folded together in front of his face. He’s quiet for a moment, before bowing his head. “You know... I don’t wanna’ sit here and make excuses, and I’m not going to. I know what I did, and it was a dick move, and telling you ‘I’m sorry’ just isn’t gonna’ cut it.” 

Finally, you fully look at the man beside you. It’s the first time he’s said those words tonight, even if they were only uttered to make a point. He’s right. No apology is going to cut it, not now. Words are just fucking words, something you’ve had to come to grips with over the last year. Actions are what matter, isn’t that what you two have always agreed on? He took off. Up and left you holding the bag on so much emotional shit, you’re still digging out from the avalanche. 

But... He’s here now. That’s action, too. How much does that count for? 

Shaking your head, a bit, you try to focus back in. Too many questions, too many possibilities, and too much familiarity are invading your mind. There is something far more pressing to begin with, prompting you to turn your body in your chair, so that you can give Che your full attention. “Are you going to tell me what happened?” 

Che looks at you for a moment, relief in his eyes. “Yeah,” he murmurs, before nudging the tequila bottle closer to you. “You’re gonna’ want more of that while I do.” 

Masterlist | Request | Tag List

[cleverhottubmiracle]

What Amazon Reviewers Say: “I'm a side sleeper (until my shoulder falls asleep, then I go to my back). My wife is a back sleeper. We opened the cleverly packaged Purple, let it spring to life and used it the first night. I woke up the next morning still on my side. I hadn't moved at all. It was fabulous. My wife didn't move, either, and was still on her back in the same spot. First night in years that we didn't wake up to reposition.”The Best Value Mattress on Amazon: Casper Sleep Element MattressIf you had to name sleep brands off the top of your head, we’d bet that Casper would be one of them. The bed-in-a-box brand has been a major player in the mattress world for over a decade now (known for its great value offerings), and the Sleep Element mattress is a prime example of why. At just over $500, it offers solid value with plush memory foam and a supportive base, making it ideal for any type of sleeper. With 5,000-plus reviews and 70% of them giving it five stars, this mattress is clearly doing something right. Plus, the setup couldn’t be easier: unbox, unroll, and it’s ready for action.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “Not only did this mattress open and expand quickly and easily, there was no factory smell! Best of all, we did not have to wait several days before trying it out. Comfortable, medium-firm, and just what we were hoping for.”The Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Leesa Sapira HybridCasperSleep Element MattressYou’ve got your soft mattresses for side sleepers and your firm mattresses for back and stomach sleepers, but what about your combo sleepers? As you might expect, hybrid—the literal definition of combination—is the ideal kind of mattress and this Sapira Hybrid hits all the marks on comfort, support, and even a cooler night’s sleep. A blend of premium foams and 1,000+ active response springs provides comfort and support, while the hole-punched foam layer keeps things cool so you won’t wake up overheated.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “The Leesa makes an exceptional hybrid. The top layer is extremely plush foam, and when my body sinks into the foam it’s supported by the coils in the bottom half. My body feels well contoured when I’m laying in any position, and my back pain subsided after 2 weeks of use.”The Best Cheap as Hell Mattress on Amazon: Amazon Basics Hybrid MattressAmazon BasicsHybrid MattressThe online juggernaut’s namesake brand pretty much has a budget-friendly product in every category, and mattresses are no exception. Pocketed steel coils keep you supported from edge to edge, while the cooling gel-infused memory foam and quilted top add a comfy, cloud-like feel. Is this the forever mattress of your dreams? Probably not (and the 100-day return policy over a long-term warranty reflects that). But if you need something reliable for a bedroom, guest room, dorm room, heck, even a toddler room—anywhere that doesn’t require a lifetime commitment—this one gets the job done at a price we can get behind.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “This mattress was amazing for the price. It is firm but comfortable and supportive. It fit perfectly in my twin frame and I love the feel of it. It is thick and was super easy to unwrap.”Why Buy Your Mattress on Amazon?Love it or hate it, you can’t deny the convenience of the ‘Zon. Shopping for the best mattresses on Amazon brings major perks that make skipping the showroom not so bad after all. For starters, there’s no need to carve out time for showroom visits—you can browse, compare, and order straight from your phone, all while lying in your current (probably subpar) bed.Then, there’s the fast shipping. Prime members get free two-day delivery, meaning you won’t be waiting weeks for your new setup. And if paying full price isn’t your thing (because, honestly, who does that?), Amazon’s constant markdowns make it one of the best places to snag a deal, especially when other retailers aren’t running sales. Add in thousands of customer reviews, easy returns, and the ability to grab everything from sheets to bed frames in the same cart, and it’s no wonder so many people are ditching the showroom for the checkout button.What to Look for in Your New MattressBefore you go on a deep dive sifting through mattress options, you want to start by narrowing down your sleep preferences. Are you a side, stomach, or back sleeper? Or do you rotate between all three? How you sleep can determine which mattress will give you the right balance of comfort and support. And when it comes to firmness, the Goldilocks effect is real—one can be too firm, one too soft, and one just right.AccordionItemContainerButtonMemory foam contours and sinks to your body—great for side sleepers and couples who want less motion transfer.AccordionItemContainerButtonGel and latex mattresses tend to sleep cooler, making them ideal for hot sleepers.AccordionItemContainerButtonInnerspring is your classic, bouncy coil mattress, the kind you probably grew up on. It’s usually more affordable and provides firm support.AccordionItemContainerButtonHybrid mattresses blend innerspring coils with foam or latex for the best of both worlds though they usually come at a higher price point.Once you’ve locked in your type, it’s time to talk budget. Mattresses range from a few hundred bucks to well into the thousands, so it helps to set a price range. And don’t sleep on the warranty and sleep trial policies. Some brands, like Nectar, offer a generous 365-night trial, meaning you can test it out and return it if it’s not the dream sleep you were hoping for.How to Pick Your Firmness Level:Do your joints (and sanity) a favor and pick the right mattress firmness level from the get-go. Amazon’s free return policy is great and all, but no one wants to wrestle that King-size mattress back into a box like something out of a bad sitcom. To help you get it right the first time, here’s a breakdown of the firmness levels and what to expect:AccordionItemContainerButtonJust like the name suggests, plush mattresses are the softest of the bunch. These are great for back or side sleepers who prefer cloud-like cushioning, the kind that tucks you in at night. A softer mattress may also provide adequate support for lighter individuals.AccordionItemContainerButtonMedium and medium-firm mattresses are the right choice for most people. According to Casper mattress experts, they're designed to support average-weight sleepers. They're also a popular choice for side sleepers. They offer a balance of comfort and support.AccordionItemContainerButtonFirm mattresses are ideal for back and stomach sleepers, heavy folks, and people with back, neck, or shoulder pain who need extra support while they sleep. Source link

[norajworld]

What Amazon Reviewers Say: “I'm a side sleeper (until my shoulder falls asleep, then I go to my back). My wife is a back sleeper. We opened the cleverly packaged Purple, let it spring to life and used it the first night. I woke up the next morning still on my side. I hadn't moved at all. It was fabulous. My wife didn't move, either, and was still on her back in the same spot. First night in years that we didn't wake up to reposition.”The Best Value Mattress on Amazon: Casper Sleep Element MattressIf you had to name sleep brands off the top of your head, we’d bet that Casper would be one of them. The bed-in-a-box brand has been a major player in the mattress world for over a decade now (known for its great value offerings), and the Sleep Element mattress is a prime example of why. At just over $500, it offers solid value with plush memory foam and a supportive base, making it ideal for any type of sleeper. With 5,000-plus reviews and 70% of them giving it five stars, this mattress is clearly doing something right. Plus, the setup couldn’t be easier: unbox, unroll, and it’s ready for action.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “Not only did this mattress open and expand quickly and easily, there was no factory smell! Best of all, we did not have to wait several days before trying it out. Comfortable, medium-firm, and just what we were hoping for.”The Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Leesa Sapira HybridCasperSleep Element MattressYou’ve got your soft mattresses for side sleepers and your firm mattresses for back and stomach sleepers, but what about your combo sleepers? As you might expect, hybrid—the literal definition of combination—is the ideal kind of mattress and this Sapira Hybrid hits all the marks on comfort, support, and even a cooler night’s sleep. A blend of premium foams and 1,000+ active response springs provides comfort and support, while the hole-punched foam layer keeps things cool so you won’t wake up overheated.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “The Leesa makes an exceptional hybrid. The top layer is extremely plush foam, and when my body sinks into the foam it’s supported by the coils in the bottom half. My body feels well contoured when I’m laying in any position, and my back pain subsided after 2 weeks of use.”The Best Cheap as Hell Mattress on Amazon: Amazon Basics Hybrid MattressAmazon BasicsHybrid MattressThe online juggernaut’s namesake brand pretty much has a budget-friendly product in every category, and mattresses are no exception. Pocketed steel coils keep you supported from edge to edge, while the cooling gel-infused memory foam and quilted top add a comfy, cloud-like feel. Is this the forever mattress of your dreams? Probably not (and the 100-day return policy over a long-term warranty reflects that). But if you need something reliable for a bedroom, guest room, dorm room, heck, even a toddler room—anywhere that doesn’t require a lifetime commitment—this one gets the job done at a price we can get behind.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “This mattress was amazing for the price. It is firm but comfortable and supportive. It fit perfectly in my twin frame and I love the feel of it. It is thick and was super easy to unwrap.”Why Buy Your Mattress on Amazon?Love it or hate it, you can’t deny the convenience of the ‘Zon. Shopping for the best mattresses on Amazon brings major perks that make skipping the showroom not so bad after all. For starters, there’s no need to carve out time for showroom visits—you can browse, compare, and order straight from your phone, all while lying in your current (probably subpar) bed.Then, there’s the fast shipping. Prime members get free two-day delivery, meaning you won’t be waiting weeks for your new setup. And if paying full price isn’t your thing (because, honestly, who does that?), Amazon’s constant markdowns make it one of the best places to snag a deal, especially when other retailers aren’t running sales. Add in thousands of customer reviews, easy returns, and the ability to grab everything from sheets to bed frames in the same cart, and it’s no wonder so many people are ditching the showroom for the checkout button.What to Look for in Your New MattressBefore you go on a deep dive sifting through mattress options, you want to start by narrowing down your sleep preferences. Are you a side, stomach, or back sleeper? Or do you rotate between all three? How you sleep can determine which mattress will give you the right balance of comfort and support. And when it comes to firmness, the Goldilocks effect is real—one can be too firm, one too soft, and one just right.AccordionItemContainerButtonMemory foam contours and sinks to your body—great for side sleepers and couples who want less motion transfer.AccordionItemContainerButtonGel and latex mattresses tend to sleep cooler, making them ideal for hot sleepers.AccordionItemContainerButtonInnerspring is your classic, bouncy coil mattress, the kind you probably grew up on. It’s usually more affordable and provides firm support.AccordionItemContainerButtonHybrid mattresses blend innerspring coils with foam or latex for the best of both worlds though they usually come at a higher price point.Once you’ve locked in your type, it’s time to talk budget. Mattresses range from a few hundred bucks to well into the thousands, so it helps to set a price range. And don’t sleep on the warranty and sleep trial policies. Some brands, like Nectar, offer a generous 365-night trial, meaning you can test it out and return it if it’s not the dream sleep you were hoping for.How to Pick Your Firmness Level:Do your joints (and sanity) a favor and pick the right mattress firmness level from the get-go. Amazon’s free return policy is great and all, but no one wants to wrestle that King-size mattress back into a box like something out of a bad sitcom. To help you get it right the first time, here’s a breakdown of the firmness levels and what to expect:AccordionItemContainerButtonJust like the name suggests, plush mattresses are the softest of the bunch. These are great for back or side sleepers who prefer cloud-like cushioning, the kind that tucks you in at night. A softer mattress may also provide adequate support for lighter individuals.AccordionItemContainerButtonMedium and medium-firm mattresses are the right choice for most people. According to Casper mattress experts, they're designed to support average-weight sleepers. They're also a popular choice for side sleepers. They offer a balance of comfort and support.AccordionItemContainerButtonFirm mattresses are ideal for back and stomach sleepers, heavy folks, and people with back, neck, or shoulder pain who need extra support while they sleep. Source link

[ellajme0]

What Amazon Reviewers Say: “I'm a side sleeper (until my shoulder falls asleep, then I go to my back). My wife is a back sleeper. We opened the cleverly packaged Purple, let it spring to life and used it the first night. I woke up the next morning still on my side. I hadn't moved at all. It was fabulous. My wife didn't move, either, and was still on her back in the same spot. First night in years that we didn't wake up to reposition.”The Best Value Mattress on Amazon: Casper Sleep Element MattressIf you had to name sleep brands off the top of your head, we’d bet that Casper would be one of them. The bed-in-a-box brand has been a major player in the mattress world for over a decade now (known for its great value offerings), and the Sleep Element mattress is a prime example of why. At just over $500, it offers solid value with plush memory foam and a supportive base, making it ideal for any type of sleeper. With 5,000-plus reviews and 70% of them giving it five stars, this mattress is clearly doing something right. Plus, the setup couldn’t be easier: unbox, unroll, and it’s ready for action.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “Not only did this mattress open and expand quickly and easily, there was no factory smell! Best of all, we did not have to wait several days before trying it out. Comfortable, medium-firm, and just what we were hoping for.”The Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Leesa Sapira HybridCasperSleep Element MattressYou’ve got your soft mattresses for side sleepers and your firm mattresses for back and stomach sleepers, but what about your combo sleepers? As you might expect, hybrid—the literal definition of combination—is the ideal kind of mattress and this Sapira Hybrid hits all the marks on comfort, support, and even a cooler night’s sleep. A blend of premium foams and 1,000+ active response springs provides comfort and support, while the hole-punched foam layer keeps things cool so you won’t wake up overheated.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “The Leesa makes an exceptional hybrid. The top layer is extremely plush foam, and when my body sinks into the foam it’s supported by the coils in the bottom half. My body feels well contoured when I’m laying in any position, and my back pain subsided after 2 weeks of use.”The Best Cheap as Hell Mattress on Amazon: Amazon Basics Hybrid MattressAmazon BasicsHybrid MattressThe online juggernaut’s namesake brand pretty much has a budget-friendly product in every category, and mattresses are no exception. Pocketed steel coils keep you supported from edge to edge, while the cooling gel-infused memory foam and quilted top add a comfy, cloud-like feel. Is this the forever mattress of your dreams? Probably not (and the 100-day return policy over a long-term warranty reflects that). But if you need something reliable for a bedroom, guest room, dorm room, heck, even a toddler room—anywhere that doesn’t require a lifetime commitment—this one gets the job done at a price we can get behind.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “This mattress was amazing for the price. It is firm but comfortable and supportive. It fit perfectly in my twin frame and I love the feel of it. It is thick and was super easy to unwrap.”Why Buy Your Mattress on Amazon?Love it or hate it, you can’t deny the convenience of the ‘Zon. Shopping for the best mattresses on Amazon brings major perks that make skipping the showroom not so bad after all. For starters, there’s no need to carve out time for showroom visits—you can browse, compare, and order straight from your phone, all while lying in your current (probably subpar) bed.Then, there’s the fast shipping. Prime members get free two-day delivery, meaning you won’t be waiting weeks for your new setup. And if paying full price isn’t your thing (because, honestly, who does that?), Amazon’s constant markdowns make it one of the best places to snag a deal, especially when other retailers aren’t running sales. Add in thousands of customer reviews, easy returns, and the ability to grab everything from sheets to bed frames in the same cart, and it’s no wonder so many people are ditching the showroom for the checkout button.What to Look for in Your New MattressBefore you go on a deep dive sifting through mattress options, you want to start by narrowing down your sleep preferences. Are you a side, stomach, or back sleeper? Or do you rotate between all three? How you sleep can determine which mattress will give you the right balance of comfort and support. And when it comes to firmness, the Goldilocks effect is real—one can be too firm, one too soft, and one just right.AccordionItemContainerButtonMemory foam contours and sinks to your body—great for side sleepers and couples who want less motion transfer.AccordionItemContainerButtonGel and latex mattresses tend to sleep cooler, making them ideal for hot sleepers.AccordionItemContainerButtonInnerspring is your classic, bouncy coil mattress, the kind you probably grew up on. It’s usually more affordable and provides firm support.AccordionItemContainerButtonHybrid mattresses blend innerspring coils with foam or latex for the best of both worlds though they usually come at a higher price point.Once you’ve locked in your type, it’s time to talk budget. Mattresses range from a few hundred bucks to well into the thousands, so it helps to set a price range. And don’t sleep on the warranty and sleep trial policies. Some brands, like Nectar, offer a generous 365-night trial, meaning you can test it out and return it if it’s not the dream sleep you were hoping for.How to Pick Your Firmness Level:Do your joints (and sanity) a favor and pick the right mattress firmness level from the get-go. Amazon’s free return policy is great and all, but no one wants to wrestle that King-size mattress back into a box like something out of a bad sitcom. To help you get it right the first time, here’s a breakdown of the firmness levels and what to expect:AccordionItemContainerButtonJust like the name suggests, plush mattresses are the softest of the bunch. These are great for back or side sleepers who prefer cloud-like cushioning, the kind that tucks you in at night. A softer mattress may also provide adequate support for lighter individuals.AccordionItemContainerButtonMedium and medium-firm mattresses are the right choice for most people. According to Casper mattress experts, they're designed to support average-weight sleepers. They're also a popular choice for side sleepers. They offer a balance of comfort and support.AccordionItemContainerButtonFirm mattresses are ideal for back and stomach sleepers, heavy folks, and people with back, neck, or shoulder pain who need extra support while they sleep. Source link

[chilimili212]

What Amazon Reviewers Say: “I'm a side sleeper (until my shoulder falls asleep, then I go to my back). My wife is a back sleeper. We opened the cleverly packaged Purple, let it spring to life and used it the first night. I woke up the next morning still on my side. I hadn't moved at all. It was fabulous. My wife didn't move, either, and was still on her back in the same spot. First night in years that we didn't wake up to reposition.”The Best Value Mattress on Amazon: Casper Sleep Element MattressIf you had to name sleep brands off the top of your head, we’d bet that Casper would be one of them. The bed-in-a-box brand has been a major player in the mattress world for over a decade now (known for its great value offerings), and the Sleep Element mattress is a prime example of why. At just over $500, it offers solid value with plush memory foam and a supportive base, making it ideal for any type of sleeper. With 5,000-plus reviews and 70% of them giving it five stars, this mattress is clearly doing something right. Plus, the setup couldn’t be easier: unbox, unroll, and it’s ready for action.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “Not only did this mattress open and expand quickly and easily, there was no factory smell! Best of all, we did not have to wait several days before trying it out. Comfortable, medium-firm, and just what we were hoping for.”The Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Leesa Sapira HybridCasperSleep Element MattressYou’ve got your soft mattresses for side sleepers and your firm mattresses for back and stomach sleepers, but what about your combo sleepers? As you might expect, hybrid—the literal definition of combination—is the ideal kind of mattress and this Sapira Hybrid hits all the marks on comfort, support, and even a cooler night’s sleep. A blend of premium foams and 1,000+ active response springs provides comfort and support, while the hole-punched foam layer keeps things cool so you won’t wake up overheated.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “The Leesa makes an exceptional hybrid. The top layer is extremely plush foam, and when my body sinks into the foam it’s supported by the coils in the bottom half. My body feels well contoured when I’m laying in any position, and my back pain subsided after 2 weeks of use.”The Best Cheap as Hell Mattress on Amazon: Amazon Basics Hybrid MattressAmazon BasicsHybrid MattressThe online juggernaut’s namesake brand pretty much has a budget-friendly product in every category, and mattresses are no exception. Pocketed steel coils keep you supported from edge to edge, while the cooling gel-infused memory foam and quilted top add a comfy, cloud-like feel. Is this the forever mattress of your dreams? Probably not (and the 100-day return policy over a long-term warranty reflects that). But if you need something reliable for a bedroom, guest room, dorm room, heck, even a toddler room—anywhere that doesn’t require a lifetime commitment—this one gets the job done at a price we can get behind.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “This mattress was amazing for the price. It is firm but comfortable and supportive. It fit perfectly in my twin frame and I love the feel of it. It is thick and was super easy to unwrap.”Why Buy Your Mattress on Amazon?Love it or hate it, you can’t deny the convenience of the ‘Zon. Shopping for the best mattresses on Amazon brings major perks that make skipping the showroom not so bad after all. For starters, there’s no need to carve out time for showroom visits—you can browse, compare, and order straight from your phone, all while lying in your current (probably subpar) bed.Then, there’s the fast shipping. Prime members get free two-day delivery, meaning you won’t be waiting weeks for your new setup. And if paying full price isn’t your thing (because, honestly, who does that?), Amazon’s constant markdowns make it one of the best places to snag a deal, especially when other retailers aren’t running sales. Add in thousands of customer reviews, easy returns, and the ability to grab everything from sheets to bed frames in the same cart, and it’s no wonder so many people are ditching the showroom for the checkout button.What to Look for in Your New MattressBefore you go on a deep dive sifting through mattress options, you want to start by narrowing down your sleep preferences. Are you a side, stomach, or back sleeper? Or do you rotate between all three? How you sleep can determine which mattress will give you the right balance of comfort and support. And when it comes to firmness, the Goldilocks effect is real—one can be too firm, one too soft, and one just right.AccordionItemContainerButtonMemory foam contours and sinks to your body—great for side sleepers and couples who want less motion transfer.AccordionItemContainerButtonGel and latex mattresses tend to sleep cooler, making them ideal for hot sleepers.AccordionItemContainerButtonInnerspring is your classic, bouncy coil mattress, the kind you probably grew up on. It’s usually more affordable and provides firm support.AccordionItemContainerButtonHybrid mattresses blend innerspring coils with foam or latex for the best of both worlds though they usually come at a higher price point.Once you’ve locked in your type, it’s time to talk budget. Mattresses range from a few hundred bucks to well into the thousands, so it helps to set a price range. And don’t sleep on the warranty and sleep trial policies. Some brands, like Nectar, offer a generous 365-night trial, meaning you can test it out and return it if it’s not the dream sleep you were hoping for.How to Pick Your Firmness Level:Do your joints (and sanity) a favor and pick the right mattress firmness level from the get-go. Amazon’s free return policy is great and all, but no one wants to wrestle that King-size mattress back into a box like something out of a bad sitcom. To help you get it right the first time, here’s a breakdown of the firmness levels and what to expect:AccordionItemContainerButtonJust like the name suggests, plush mattresses are the softest of the bunch. These are great for back or side sleepers who prefer cloud-like cushioning, the kind that tucks you in at night. A softer mattress may also provide adequate support for lighter individuals.AccordionItemContainerButtonMedium and medium-firm mattresses are the right choice for most people. According to Casper mattress experts, they're designed to support average-weight sleepers. They're also a popular choice for side sleepers. They offer a balance of comfort and support.AccordionItemContainerButtonFirm mattresses are ideal for back and stomach sleepers, heavy folks, and people with back, neck, or shoulder pain who need extra support while they sleep. Source link

[oliviajoyice21]

What Amazon Reviewers Say: “I'm a side sleeper (until my shoulder falls asleep, then I go to my back). My wife is a back sleeper. We opened the cleverly packaged Purple, let it spring to life and used it the first night. I woke up the next morning still on my side. I hadn't moved at all. It was fabulous. My wife didn't move, either, and was still on her back in the same spot. First night in years that we didn't wake up to reposition.”The Best Value Mattress on Amazon: Casper Sleep Element MattressIf you had to name sleep brands off the top of your head, we’d bet that Casper would be one of them. The bed-in-a-box brand has been a major player in the mattress world for over a decade now (known for its great value offerings), and the Sleep Element mattress is a prime example of why. At just over $500, it offers solid value with plush memory foam and a supportive base, making it ideal for any type of sleeper. With 5,000-plus reviews and 70% of them giving it five stars, this mattress is clearly doing something right. Plus, the setup couldn’t be easier: unbox, unroll, and it’s ready for action.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “Not only did this mattress open and expand quickly and easily, there was no factory smell! Best of all, we did not have to wait several days before trying it out. Comfortable, medium-firm, and just what we were hoping for.”The Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Leesa Sapira HybridCasperSleep Element MattressYou’ve got your soft mattresses for side sleepers and your firm mattresses for back and stomach sleepers, but what about your combo sleepers? As you might expect, hybrid—the literal definition of combination—is the ideal kind of mattress and this Sapira Hybrid hits all the marks on comfort, support, and even a cooler night’s sleep. A blend of premium foams and 1,000+ active response springs provides comfort and support, while the hole-punched foam layer keeps things cool so you won’t wake up overheated.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “The Leesa makes an exceptional hybrid. The top layer is extremely plush foam, and when my body sinks into the foam it’s supported by the coils in the bottom half. My body feels well contoured when I’m laying in any position, and my back pain subsided after 2 weeks of use.”The Best Cheap as Hell Mattress on Amazon: Amazon Basics Hybrid MattressAmazon BasicsHybrid MattressThe online juggernaut’s namesake brand pretty much has a budget-friendly product in every category, and mattresses are no exception. Pocketed steel coils keep you supported from edge to edge, while the cooling gel-infused memory foam and quilted top add a comfy, cloud-like feel. Is this the forever mattress of your dreams? Probably not (and the 100-day return policy over a long-term warranty reflects that). But if you need something reliable for a bedroom, guest room, dorm room, heck, even a toddler room—anywhere that doesn’t require a lifetime commitment—this one gets the job done at a price we can get behind.What Amazon Reviewers Say: “This mattress was amazing for the price. It is firm but comfortable and supportive. It fit perfectly in my twin frame and I love the feel of it. It is thick and was super easy to unwrap.”Why Buy Your Mattress on Amazon?Love it or hate it, you can’t deny the convenience of the ‘Zon. Shopping for the best mattresses on Amazon brings major perks that make skipping the showroom not so bad after all. For starters, there’s no need to carve out time for showroom visits—you can browse, compare, and order straight from your phone, all while lying in your current (probably subpar) bed.Then, there’s the fast shipping. Prime members get free two-day delivery, meaning you won’t be waiting weeks for your new setup. And if paying full price isn’t your thing (because, honestly, who does that?), Amazon’s constant markdowns make it one of the best places to snag a deal, especially when other retailers aren’t running sales. Add in thousands of customer reviews, easy returns, and the ability to grab everything from sheets to bed frames in the same cart, and it’s no wonder so many people are ditching the showroom for the checkout button.What to Look for in Your New MattressBefore you go on a deep dive sifting through mattress options, you want to start by narrowing down your sleep preferences. Are you a side, stomach, or back sleeper? Or do you rotate between all three? How you sleep can determine which mattress will give you the right balance of comfort and support. And when it comes to firmness, the Goldilocks effect is real—one can be too firm, one too soft, and one just right.AccordionItemContainerButtonMemory foam contours and sinks to your body—great for side sleepers and couples who want less motion transfer.AccordionItemContainerButtonGel and latex mattresses tend to sleep cooler, making them ideal for hot sleepers.AccordionItemContainerButtonInnerspring is your classic, bouncy coil mattress, the kind you probably grew up on. It’s usually more affordable and provides firm support.AccordionItemContainerButtonHybrid mattresses blend innerspring coils with foam or latex for the best of both worlds though they usually come at a higher price point.Once you’ve locked in your type, it’s time to talk budget. Mattresses range from a few hundred bucks to well into the thousands, so it helps to set a price range. And don’t sleep on the warranty and sleep trial policies. Some brands, like Nectar, offer a generous 365-night trial, meaning you can test it out and return it if it’s not the dream sleep you were hoping for.How to Pick Your Firmness Level:Do your joints (and sanity) a favor and pick the right mattress firmness level from the get-go. Amazon’s free return policy is great and all, but no one wants to wrestle that King-size mattress back into a box like something out of a bad sitcom. To help you get it right the first time, here’s a breakdown of the firmness levels and what to expect:AccordionItemContainerButtonJust like the name suggests, plush mattresses are the softest of the bunch. These are great for back or side sleepers who prefer cloud-like cushioning, the kind that tucks you in at night. A softer mattress may also provide adequate support for lighter individuals.AccordionItemContainerButtonMedium and medium-firm mattresses are the right choice for most people. According to Casper mattress experts, they're designed to support average-weight sleepers. They're also a popular choice for side sleepers. They offer a balance of comfort and support.AccordionItemContainerButtonFirm mattresses are ideal for back and stomach sleepers, heavy folks, and people with back, neck, or shoulder pain who need extra support while they sleep. Source link

[m3mjewels20]

Unlocking Excellence: M3M Jewel – A Model of Contemporary Commercial Spaces in Gurgaon

M3M Jewel is a prime commercial property with a location deep in the heartbeat of Gurgaon. Commercial real estate hasn't seen better innovation and grandeur than here. This product is a quintessence of style, practicability, and state-of-the-art architectural designs that redesign the benchmark in high-end business spaces. Seeking retail spaces or office environments as well as next-generation multiplexes, here's everything on the list and more.

Reasonable and legitimate grounds for an investment into the M3M Jewel commercial Property

A space beyond itself M3M Jewel Gurgaon happens to be much more than merely the destination of commercial Gurgaon. Instead, it is well-poised for optimal connectivity within proximity of high-quality landmarks within approachability in direct accessibility to major highway routes for providing active residents, to cater to prominent requirements of organizations' businesses at local, and state levels.

M3M Jewel brings forth a suite of business places carefully crafted for all sorts of needs, whether it is from high-end retail to varied office environments. It speaks to elegant architecture infused with practicality, which would make it more desirable for a business looking for upgrades in its footprints.

Retail Stores in M3M Jewel Gurgaon

M3M Jewel offers an ideal opportunity for the retailer to gain a foothold in one of India's fast-growing cities. The retail spaces at M3M Jewel Gurgaon have been designed to achieve strategic visibility and customer engagement. The glass façades that offer expansive display areas, sleek and modern interior design, and abundant branding opportunities make these retail spaces ideal for luxury brands and boutique houses.

It offers retail spaces, strategically located on a high-permitting site that sees a substantial inflow of residents and working professionals. Launch a flagship store or increase your retail presence - M3M Jewel has the perfect backdrop.

High-Class Multiplexes

Entertainment is what every successful business destination requires and delivers, as in the case of M3M Jewel. Fitted with state-of-the-art technology and comfort, these multiplexes offer the audience the highest cinematic experience available in the film world. All that from fully soundproof theatres to some very comfortable and relaxing seating to match up all their needs of enjoying the finest film-going experience ever.

These multiplexes are strategically designed to attract a variety of crowds to keep footfalls constant and contribute to the fabulousness of the commercial complex as a whole. It does not merely present a viewing experience; it is a fusion of lifestyle.

M3M Jewel Office Spaces-Where Business Meets Class

Office spaces in M3M Jewel Gurgaon redefine workspaces. These have been designed for creativity and high productivity along with luxurious office space. Designed for maximum ergonomics, they are enabled by high-speed internet access along with modern facilities, ideal for startup firms and even established ones. Multinational corporations also get suited destinations with all their business requirements.

What makes these office spaces unique is the focus on creating a harmonious work-life balance. Employees can easily access retail stores, dining places, and entertainment facilities from within the complex, making it a more comprehensive experience.

Commercial Project in Gurgaon by M3M Jewel

Location: Strategically located in the city of Gurgaon, M3M Jewel offers smooth connectivity to Delhi NCR, major roads, and public transport.

Premium Facilities: From a wide parking area to round-the-clock security along with power backup, this M3M Jewel provides every business and visiting client with a smooth experience.

Contemporary Architecture: The trendy layout and creative plan make this property of commercial very attractive for a business client along with the customer.

Maximize Customer Flow: A busy locality along with retail and entertainment on premium makes people flow into the system.

Sustainable Practices: M3M Jewel is eco-friendly, which contains energy efficient systems and green spaces. It is one of the best options for sustainable businesses.

Investment Opportunities in M3M Jewel Gurgaon

M3M Jewel is not only a property but an investment for the future. With increasing demands for premium commercial spaces in Gurgaon, this promises massive returns. As an investor who seeks rental yield or as a business owner in search of an ideal location, M3M Jewel is responsive to your needs.

The retail units, office environments, and multiplexes are designed in M3M Jewel to create value that lasts long. Backed by the dedication of M3M towards quality, this venture ensures quality and reliability.

Summary

M3M Jewel Gurgaon is not just a commercial venture but something more; it is a pathway to success. It is through its luxury retail environments, technologically advanced multiplexes, and premium office hubs that provides an all-around platform for business growth. Strategically situated in Gurgaon, the commercial venture comes with an outstanding opportunity for all those who are targeting a niche within the commercial area.