#flea market items

[carpetcarenv]

How to Prevent Carpet Stains and Spills: Essential Tips for Clean and Pristine Carpets

Introduction:

Keeping your carpets looking fresh and spotless is no small feat, especially in homes with high foot traffic or pets. But fear not! With the right knowledge and a few preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of carpet stains and spills. In this blog, we'll share valuable tips to help you maintain your carpets' pristine appearance. Whether you're in need of carpet cleaning, carpet repairs, or other related services, these preventive steps can save you time and money.

Regular Vacuuming and Cleaning: Regular vacuuming is the first line of defense against stains and spills. It removes dirt, debris, and allergens that can contribute to stains over time. Consider scheduling professional carpet cleaning services regularly to ensure a deep and thorough clean.

Use Doormats and Entry Rugs: Placing doormats at all entry points to your home can help trap dirt and moisture from shoes, preventing them from being tracked onto your carpets. This simple step can make a significant difference in stain prevention.

Shoes Off Policy: Implement a shoes-off policy inside your home, especially if you have light-colored carpets. This reduces the likelihood of dirt and stains being brought indoors.

Stain-Resistant Treatments: Consider applying a stain-resistant treatment to your carpets. These treatments create a protective barrier that makes it easier to clean up spills before they become stains.

Blot, Don't Rub: In case of spills, it's essential to act quickly and blot the affected area with a clean cloth or paper towel. Rubbing can push the liquid deeper into the carpet fibers, making the stain harder to remove.

Proper Storage for Cleaning Products: Store your carpet cleaning products and stain removers in an easily accessible place. This ensures that you can address spills promptly.

Regular Professional Cleaning:

Enlist the services of professional carpet cleaners. They have the expertise and equipment to tackle even the toughest stains and can also provide services such as carpet stretching and repairs.

Protective Measures for High-Risk Areas: For areas prone to spills, such as dining rooms or kids' play areas, consider using area rugs or carpet runners to protect your carpet.

Conclusion: Preventing carpet stains and spills is a proactive approach to maintaining the beauty and longevity of your carpets. By incorporating these tips into your carpet care routine, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier home and potentially reduce the need for extensive carpet cleaning or repairs. If you ever need professional assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our carpet cleaning services for expert solutions.

Contact Information: Phone: +1 (775) 223-8377 Email: nonstop775@gmail.com Address: Reno-Sparks, & Surrounding Areas. Operating Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday, Saturday by Appointment.

Remember, a little prevention can go a long way in preserving the beauty of your carpets!

[amygdalae]

just remembered my grandma got me a gift card for an online goth clothing store for my birthday in may and its very fast fashion-y and definitely not the kind place id usually shop but. the moneys already spent might as well grab a few accessories right

[suburbanscrimshaw]

Jesus Christ of the marché aux puces

[skunkes]

i think the hardest thing ever is going to be getting rid of plushes like how can i do dis. These things have souls its like im abandoning an old dog on the side of the road in the rain.

[homoeroticvillain]

i want to wear ties but like those 70-80s silk printed ties that have like looney toons characters on them

[fentanyl-rabbits]

[chrismcshell]

URETHRA‼️

[ausetkmt]

You've heard stories about legendary flea market finds—the rare pieces of art or heirloom jewelry that were purchased for a few bucks and fetched millions in resale. But what about flea market staples that are actually every day gems, often hidden in plain sight? They won't turn you into a millionaire overnight, but they're still worth a considerable chunk of change, making these items great investments—if you know what to seek out.

We asked designers about the housewares, furniture pieces, and decor items that are known to make frequent cameos at flea markets—and that can be worth a lot of money if they're in good condition. Ahead, 10 items the experts say are worth a second look whenever you’re shopping second-hand.

Tramp Art Pieces

AntiquesandFolkArt

AntiquesandFolkArt

A classic American craft, Tramp Art is a style of folk art that involves creating frames, boxes, and other decorative items using whatever found wood was available—often cigar boxes or shipping crates. Popular in the late 19th and early 20th century, "tramp art" got its name because of the (probably mistaken) belief that many of the people who practiced this craft were homeless wanderers.

More From House Beautiful

The ornate style of woodworking involves the meticulous carving and layering of found wood, or other utilitarian objects like nails and Popsicle sticks. At first glance, some of the ornate pieces could be mistaken as school art projects. But look closer and you’ll see these boxes, frames, and wall pockets are intricately notched and chipped. According to Avery Cox of Avery Cox Design in Austin, Texas, they're coveted icons of outsider art that have become increasingly difficult to find—which means you should absolutely snap a good one up if you see it.

When evaluating Tramp Art trinkets, Cox recommends looking at an item's level of complexity and material type to determine whether you've stumbled upon a valuable investment piece. (Carved wood is valued higher than those aforementioned Popsicle sticks.) Tramp Art can easily be worth several hundred dollars, but you might become too attached to sell any examples you find. That's because they add character and warmth to a contemporary setting. As Cox says, "We love a Tramp Art box on a kitchen counter for holding things like tea or spices."

Majolica

Antique Portuguese Pottery Palissy Style Majolica Lobster Wall Dish Plate, 1900

Antique Portuguese Pottery Palissy Style Majolica Lobster Wall Dish Plate, 1900

Colorful, glazed earthenware characterized by three-dimensional flora and fauna, majolica is a centuries-old pottery practice that can feel playful when incorporated into design. (Think: A lustrous platter with a raised lobster or a sardine box with fish finials). Majolica is durable and strong, particularly the Palissy ware style introduced at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London and named for the French ceramicist Bernard Palissy. Today, platters can sell for $1,000 to $6,000 a piece, Cox says.

Victorian majolica gets its bright colors from a tin glaze that contains lead, so you won't want to use these for serving. Try hanging majolica pieces on walls where there��s not much space (think: above doorways; on narrow walls) or in a place where you can create a grouping if you're lucky enough to score a few of these eclectic pieces. "They also work very well on plate stands or mixed into a bookshelf or hutch," Cox says.

Pendleton Blankets and Throws

CalmCoolCollectedVin

CalmCoolCollectedVin

Beloved for 130 years, Pendleton blankets are comfy, wool classics with recognizable stripes and geometric patterns, often inspired by Native American designs. When shopping flea markets, look for the iconic Pendleton tag sewn onto the blanket to denote authentic pieces, says Karen Nepacena, owner and principal designer at Destination Eichler in the San Francisco Bay area.

While new Pendleton blankets cost $189 on up, the retail price of vintage Pendleton throws start around $150, with many blankets going for a few hundred dollars and some rare, vintage ones going for even more on resale sites. Among the most sought-after designs is the classic Glacier National Park Blanket featuring four simple lines in green, red, yellow and black, Nepacena says. "Pendleton has been creating blanket collections in honor of National Parks since the early 1900s. This particular design for Glacier National Park was the very first of its kind, which makes sourcing a vintage version even more special," she adds. "The simplicity of the stripe design is timeless and this blanket design fits great into any style home. After dry cleaning, these vintage blankets are great for sofas or folding across the bottom of the bed."

Plycraft Vintage Lounge Chair and Ottoman

1960s Mid-Century Modern Plycraft Eames Style Cha…

1960s Mid-Century Modern Plycraft Eames Style Cha…

The iconic mid-century modern living room staple, an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is a $6,500 investment. Released in 1956 and inspired by English club chairs, the recliner's timeless design is meant to evoke the feel of a worn-in baseball mitt. While you're not likely find one of these mid-century mainstays lounging in a flea market, Nepacena says you could very well come across a similar style manufactured by the now-defunct company Plycraft at the time to mimic the Eames chair. Look for the manufacturer markings underneath the seat; the Plycraft pieces can still fetch a few thousand dollars. "Even if the upholstery is no longer in good shape, there are many furniture restorers that can help bring these pieces back to life," she says.

Gainey Ceramic Planters

FloridaModern

FloridaModern

What may look like a simple ceramic planter could be a very expensive one, especially if the marking "Gainey" is on the bottom, says Nepacena. The Southern California pottery brand suspended its ceramics manufacturing a decade ago after 60 years in business, but the glazed handcrafted planters remain in high demand, and, Nepacena says, can sell for hundreds of dollars per piece.

"Use them to plant a succulent grouping or to house an indoor plant such as a rubber plant or snake plants," she says. "They look great in any space, whether an apartment, balcony or inside the house."

Pyrex

VintageGlassFindsCo

VintageGlassFindsCo

From retro-kitsch butter trays to colorful mixing bowls, vintage Pyrex pieces are having a major moment with nostalgic collectors hunting down the brand they remember from grandma's kitchen. While a stray Pyrex bowl isn’t usually worth much on its own, full sets and sought-after patterns tend to be high in value.

Pink Daisy and Snowflake pieces, for example, were the first patterned dishes to be released using a new screen printing process in 1956. Today, they're among some of the most beloved patterns, with resale values of these pieces often over $100.

"Once you start with one piece, you will start to recognize the pattern in other shapes and sizes and over time can collect multiple to make a whole set," Nepacena says.

English Pine Dressers

Large 19th-Century English Country Pine Dresser

Large 19th-Century English Country Pine Dresser

Nineteenth-century dressers made out of English pine wood easily sell for $2,000. But you’ll often find these honey-toned pieces in the $500 range from people who don’t realize what they have, says Anastasia Casey, founder of IDCO Studio and Design Camp.

To gather details on a dresser, slide open the top drawer and look for a manufacturer's stamp, Casey says. Anything pre-1900's is likely too old to be stamped, but the older an item, the more it will be worth. If you find a drawer that's stuck, no worries! Casey suggests rubbing coconut oil or a bar of soap along the edge of the drawer for an easy fix.

Scandinavian Dining Chairs

Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak Dining Chairs - Set of 6

Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak Dining Chairs - Set of 6

While they come in a variety of styles, you'll recognize these for their classic Scandi minimalism and clean design. Modern ones in a set of eight or more are the most difficult to find, Casey says, so they'll hold the most value.

And you don't have to have a Scandi home to incorporate these gems into your own decor. "I love these dining chairs paired with something more traditional for a layered look," she says.

Travertine Furniture

thegoodsmn

thegoodsmn

Famous examples of travertine can be found on the Colosseum in Rome or the Getty Center in Los Angeles. This slightly pitted limestone is formed by mineral deposits from natural springs, giving it a nice range of coloration, from creamy ivories to peachy pinks.

In the home, you're most likely to see this natural stone in a tile format. But travertine coffee tables, consoles, side tables, pedestals, and dining tables are hot items at vintage stores and flea markets these days, says interior stylist and vintage expert Leah Ashley.

Prices can be anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands depending on the size and quality of the piece, Ashley says. And provenance matters, too: The prices go up even more if an item is from Italy, so ask the dealer what they know about the origins of the piece.

Stoneware

Mid 19th Century Antique Stoneware Jug

Mid 19th Century Antique Stoneware Jug

Stoneware is one of the most ancient forms of ceramics. To create stoneware, clay is fired at much higher temps than it is to make porcelain or earthenware. The end result is durable, utilitarian pieces like bowls, pitchers and crocks have lasted for generations, says Ashley. She thinks they're liable to last for many more, too: "I love to collect stoneware and display it on open shelving in my kitchen," she says.

Many stoneware pieces are highly collectible and valued at anywhere from $100 to $100,000. Generally, these pieces are stamped by the manufacturer, which can help you in an initial Google search to find out information on authenticity and value.

[yeoldenews]

Thanks for tagging me! I actually have a very similar scrapbook from the same time period, except mine is paper dolls!

The creator even made little paper pouches on the reverse of the pages to store all the tiny accessories.

She would have run amazing fan websites 🥺♥️

@thisweekinfandomhistory y’all would love this

[ablogofmanynames]

I love seeing things on people’s nightstands and bedside tables…let me learn more about you through this oddly intimate knowledge…where we remain strangers and yet I feel closer to you…and in return you to me…my soul is laid out, for all to see, and yet, I remain safe. Without fear of loss, without fear of being too known, and therefore judged, mocked, without having to fear I am losing people once again…and yet feeling known more than ever, I am finally at peace for a moment…i am finally safe for a while…I enjoy this rest stop you have allowed me to take, to be with you, to learn about you, and to carry on with a little bit of each other in our souls…slightly changed, but in a good way. I hope I have provided the same solace you have given me, friend

[nomadchronicles]

How to Spot Authentic Vintage Items at Flea Markets - Best Shopping Experience

Flea markets are treasure troves for vintage enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and discovery. However, with the rise of reproductions and mass-produced "vintage-style" goods, spotting authentic vintage items can be challenging. As someone who has spent years collecting, selling, and admiring vintage treasures, I’m here to share insider tips, practical advice, and expert knowledge to help you identify genuine vintage pieces at flea markets.

Why Authenticity Matters

Authentic vintage items not only hold historical value but also promise better craftsmanship and uniqueness compared to their modern counterparts. Whether you’re shopping for personal enjoyment or investment purposes, learning to discern the real deal from reproductions ensures you get value for your money.

Research Before You Go

Preparation is key to a successful flea market trip. Here’s what you can do before heading out:

Study Vintage Eras

Understand the design trends, materials, and manufacturing techniques of different decades. For example:

1950s: Mid-century modern furniture, Bakelite jewelry, and atomic-age designs.

1970s: Bold patterns, earthy tones, and bohemian-inspired clothing.

Use Reference Tools

Invest in books or online guides about vintage items. Apps like Etsy Seller Handbook and eBay Vintage Identifier can also help you quickly identify and value items.

Make a Shopping List

Know what you’re looking for—whether it’s vintage clothing, furniture, or jewelry—and research hallmark characteristics of those items.

Key Characteristics of Authentic Vintage Goods

Spotting genuine vintage items often boils down to recognizing specific attributes. Here are some telltale signs:

Clothing

Fabric: Authentic vintage clothing often uses natural fabrics like cotton, wool, or silk.

Labels: Look for union labels, care labels, or brand tags that indicate production before the 1980s.

Stitching: Examine seams and hems; vintage pieces often have hand-stitched or single-needle construction.

Furniture

Materials: Solid wood construction is a hallmark of vintage furniture, whereas reproductions may use MDF or particleboard.

Joinery: Authentic pieces often feature dovetail joints, not nails or screws.

Patina: Genuine wear and tear, such as fading or scratches, adds character to vintage furniture.

Jewelry

Hallmarks: Check for stamps or engravings indicating the metal’s purity or designer’s name.

Weight: Authentic vintage jewelry is typically heavier due to solid materials.

Clasp Style: Older pieces often use box clasps or hook closures rather than modern spring clasps.

Common Signs of Fakes

Reproductions are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but these red flags can help you spot a fake:

Too Perfect: Vintage items rarely look brand new; they often have minor imperfections.

Mismatched Eras: Be wary of items that combine design elements from different decades.

Synthetic Smell: Reproduced items sometimes have a chemical smell from modern manufacturing processes.

Questions to Ask Sellers

Building rapport with sellers can provide valuable insights. Consider asking:

“Where did this item come from?”

“How long have you had it?”

“Are there any markings or labels on it?”

Experienced sellers will often share detailed backstories, while vague answers may signal reproductions.

Tools and Supplies to Bring

Equip yourself with these essentials for a productive flea market trip:

Magnifying Glass: Perfect for inspecting jewelry hallmarks and small details.

Flashlight: Handy for examining items in dimly lit areas.

Measuring Tape: Essential for checking dimensions of furniture or clothing.

Notebook or App: Keep track of items you’re considering and compare prices.

Navigating Flea Markets: Beginner and Advanced Tips

Beginner Tips

Arrive Early: Early birds get the best finds before the crowds arrive.

Walk Through First: Do an initial sweep of the market to spot potential treasures before committing.

Set a Budget: Avoid overspending by setting a clear budget beforehand.

Advanced Tips

Negotiate: Polite bargaining is expected. Start with a lower offer and meet the seller halfway.

Bundle Deals: Buying multiple items from the same vendor can often lead to discounts.

Look Underneath: Inspect the underside of furniture and labels inside clothing for authenticity clues.

Real vs. Fake Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences:

Vintage Dress: Real: Metal zipper and union label. Fake: Plastic zipper and modern care tag.

Mid-Century Chair: Real: Solid wood and dovetail joints. Fake: Veneer over particleboard and screw construction.

Art Deco Brooch: Real: Engraved hallmark and substantial weight. Fake: Lightweight with glued-on stones.

Where to Find the Best Flea Markets

While flea markets vary by location, these are some renowned spots for vintage hunting:

USA: Rose Bowl Flea Market (California), Brimfield Antique Show (Massachusetts).

Visit to know more location's about best flea markets in usa

Europe: Porte de Clignancourt (Paris), Bermondsey Market (London).

Canada: Aberfoyle Antique Market (Ontario).

Recommended Resources for Vintage Collectors

Enhance your vintage knowledge with these resources:

Books: “Antique Trader Vintage Clothing Price Guide” and “Miller’s Antique Handbook.”

Websites: Etsy, eBay, and Ruby Lane for research and purchases.

Online Communities: Join Facebook groups or Reddit communities like r/Vintage for advice and inspiration.

Conclusion

Shopping for authentic vintage items at flea markets is both an art and a science. With careful research, keen observation, and a little practice, you can uncover genuine treasures that carry history, value, and character. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, this guide will equip you with the confidence to navigate flea markets and make informed purchases. Happy hunting—and may your next flea market visit lead to the discove

[gaylienz]

The 7 R’s of Sustainability:

Did you know that ‘recycling’ is step 6 of the 7 Rs of sustainability? The other R’s are just as important even if they are often forgotten.

Rethink- Do I really need to buy this? The point of this step is to stop and think.

Refuse- Does this product damage the environment? If so, refuse to spend your money on it. i.e. single use plastics, harsh chemicals

Reduce- How much of this do I really need? Buy less! Buy in bulk when you can as it often equals less packaging to throw out.

Reuse- Can I use this product again? Can I fix what I have so that I don’t need to buy something new? Reuse that plastic water bottle a few times. And instead of buying new, try thrift shopping, flea markets, yard sales etc.

Repurpose- Unlimited creativity! Does this item have another use? i.e. old torn clothes can be rags or plastic cups can be planters.

Recycle- Can I recycle this? Not everything can be. There are also some important steps to making sure your recycling is done properly. If unsure, look up local recycling regulations.

Rot- Can I compost this? Food waste, yard clippings, newspapers and many other items can be composted instead of being tossed in the trash. Composting is surprisingly simple and helps reduce harmful greenhouse gasses from entering the atmosphere.

What is the point of the R’s? The number one benefit of the 7 R’s are the reduction of the amount of waste sent to incinerators and landfills. The EPA website provides a lot of useful information. Other benefits that we can reap from implementing these concepts in our life are (as listed on the EPA website): • Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials • Saves energy from not making a new product • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change • Helps sustain the environment and natural resources for future generations • Saves money from processing our waste • Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials • Helps create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States

https://www.northglenn.org/government/departments/public_works/trash/recycling.php https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101 https://www.epa.gov/recycle https://www.northglenn.org/Recycling%20Article.pdf

[suburbanscrimshaw]

[littlemssam]

Patch Updates

As always delete old Mods Files and the localthumbcache, when updating my Mods!

---

Make sure to download the updated XML Injector when you Patch your Game!

Patch 1.110.265 Updates (All other Mods should still be compatible!):

Advanced Birth Certificate Anti Heat Pill (Pets) Autonomous Gardening Autonomous go Jogging when Sims are Stressed & Children can Jog too Better Butler (and Hire more Butler) Better Nanny (Second Nanny & more) Calendar Tweaks Carryable Performance Stage plus Sing Songs! Collectibles (Rock Digging) Rework (Slower/Harder) Flea Market appears every Sunday Food Delivery Service Go for a Walk with Cats Healthy Drinks Hire certain Vet Employees Hire certain Sims (incl. Family Members) at Restaurants Housewarming Party (instead of Welcome Wagon) Improved Kids Night Light Improved Practical Spells Kids can go for a Walk with Dogs Let Friends Age Up More Away Actions More Buyable Venues and new Venue Types More Woodworks My Little Neighborhood Objects don't share Inventory Parenting Skill for Teens & more Personal Objects (Computer, Tablets & more) Power Napping on Sofas Pregnancy Overhaul - Pregnancy Belly Part Pregnancy Overhaul - Can do more Part Retail Overhaul - Hire certain Employees Part Retail Overhaul - Go Shopping – More Options Part Sell more self made Woodwork at the Flea Market Sleep In Small Archaeology Overhaul Small Invite to Hang Out Overhaul Teach me the Rumbasim

Random Small Mods

Auto Grab Drink when Eating Purchased Items delievered via Mail Keyboard Piano sounds Copy Graduation Photos and Diplomas Better Power Water Production Higher Skill Faster Candle Making Bouncer Only Homeless Sims Fan Stans Only Homeless Sims New Hug Animation If Confident No Auto Club Gathering (Active Household) Horse Jump Parkour Teen Can Buy Lottery Ticket NPCs Auto Massage & Meditation Vampires No Cold Breath Lower Fire Chance Vacuum Time and Autonomy Changes Release all Ghosts & Get Urn for

Random Bug Fixes

Deliver Baby at Hospital Elevator Fix for Toddler & Pets Murphy Beds Fix Trait Buff Fixes Weather NPC Deaths

Probably obsolete, pls remove and test without it:

Stop Eating Spoiled Food Fix

EA patch fixed that in 1.110.265 "Sims will not eat spoiled food autonomously."

Other adopted Mods

Always keep a Doctor at Hospital Change Into Towel Everywhere Faster Gardening Homework Tweaks Immortality Potion Tweaks Keep Books after Publishing Kiss Neck for Adults More traumatic divorce for Children Play Cards Anywhere Subject Homework Tea for Children Violin & Guitar Bugfixes

---

My Site with all possible Download Links: lms-mods.com

Support Questions via Discord only please!

[starkeyisthelastname]

thinking about how tp!rafe would react to reader putting cute lovey decor in his house <33333

something like this that she found at a flea market and wanted to get to surprise rafe☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️

omg 😩

You couldn’t help but be all smiley and giggly as you looked at the little trinkets now setting in front of Rafe’s old tv. Now that you had been staying over at his trailer more, you couldn’t help but want to decorate it to make it a little more homey. You were excited to say the least, sitting on the worn couch as you waited for him to get back from the odd job he had picked up that day.

The trailer door swung open, Rafe’s massive frame coming through with that brooding look on his face. The wife beater he wore clung to his toned stomach and torn jeans low on his hips as he stomped through the place. He saw you sitting on the couch with a grin on your face, making him snort. “What are you smilin’ at?” He asked gruffly, walking over to the fridge to grab a beer.

You stood up, brushing off your little baby blue dress as you met him half way. “Look what I got!” You said excitedly, taking one of his rough hands in your smaller one to lead him over to the small living space. Your free hand pointed to the porcelain items, bouncing in your step as Rafe’s blue eyes squinted at the trinkets.

“What the fuck are those?” He asked, wondering why and hell he now had swans and kitten shit in his home.

Your glossy lips pouted, lashes blinking at him as he collapsed on the couch behind you, picking up the remote. Your hands came to play with the hem of your dress, looking down with a shrug. “I got them at the flea market. Just wanted to decorate a lil’ bit.” You said, voice as sweet as sugar. Something that he hated to admit got to him.

He looked at you, taking a long swig of beer before looking back down towards the tv. Sometimes he couldn’t stand how fucking precious you were. “Move the shit away from the tv, it’s blockin’ it. Go put them over on the counter or somethin.” He said, waving his hand over towards the kitchen. He rolled his eyes, watching your face light up again as you carefully picked the girly decor up and skipped off to set them perfectly somewhere else.

[rafescherie]

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY — RAFE CAMERON

synopsisᝰ.ᐟ best friend's brother!rafe decides he'd lend a helping hand to reader when the stress of college becomes too much for her to handle

warningᝰ.ᐟ 18+ MDNI. perv!rafe, brother's best friend trope (reader is topper's sibling), pent perversions, manipulative tactics for sex, fingering + naive/inexperienced reader

cherie's note — best friend's brother!rafe is so yummy i had to try writing for him

the creak of the old hardwood floors were barely audible as the tall blond wandered the dimly lit hallways of your home, rubbing the exhaustion out of his eyes. he wasn't sure why he was awake — maybe the lingering effects of the party earlier, or the exhausting heatwave humidity that flooded the outerbanks.

he passed by a door, half-open. he had been here hundreds of times, his best friend topper, your brother, inviting him over to your home since before the pair were in middle school. he knew whose door it was before he even had to look.

yours.

leaning against the doorframe, he peered in, careful not to make a sound. you were lying on your stomach, completely focused and unaware of who creeped through the cracks, your laptop casting a faint blue light over your features. headphones in, brow furrowed, fingers lazily twirling a pen between them.

rafe smirked. of course, you were still up.

you were such a good girl. rafe knew this better than anybody — taking any chance he could to just watch as you stayed up for hours studying. unlike your brother, you hardly went out to the parties, or the bonfires — more concerned with the previous lecture or some stupid upcoming test.

for a second, he considered just watching — just like every other time. but the temptation was too strong. he rapped his knuckles lightly against the oak door of your bedroom.

"you always stay up this late?" his voice was low, rough from sleep.

your head snapped up, eyes widening slightly before you pulled out an earbud. "jesus, rafe." you huffed, setting your pen down. "what are you doing?"

he shrugged, testing the waters by taking another step closer, leaning against the doorframe. "couldn't sleep." his gaze flickered over your screen before settling back on you.

the loose pajama shorts tickled against the soft skin of your plump thighs, leg hoisted up just enough for rafe to see that lacey pair of panties hidden below. it was much more than your brother's best friend should ever see, but that was the last thing on your mind as your head pounded from all the homework. his blue eyes filled with exhaustion and curiosity at your state, taking another step onto the fuzzy carpet rug of your room.

"i'm uh-" you stutter, heart thundering against your chest at the advance, "i've been studying, s'why i'm still awake."

rafe quirked an eyebrow, finger dancing along your dresser — littered with trinkets of all sorts. his eyes linger on one item in particular, familiar to him as he remembers the time he had stolen a cheap hand carving at the flea market and gifted it to you. he could still remember the day he had gotten it for you — after finding out how your recent obsession was centred around seahorses, when his young eyes captured sight of the hand carving, he knew the goal in mind. after all these years, he was surprised you still had it.

"studying, huh?" a teasing smirk played at the corner of his mouth as his gaze dropped briefly to the scattered textbooks and notes covering your desk before meeting your eyes again, "at this hour? you're a real diligent student."

he stopped at the foot of your bed, hands shoved casually in the pockets of his low slung sweatpants. the thin fabric did little to conceal his strong, lean physique. up close, you could see the glint of mischief in his sleepy blue eyes.

"i know you've got a big test coming up soon..." he dragged out the words teasingly.

"mhm," you hum, scrolling through what felt like hundreds of digital pages of notes. your gaze flickers nervously between the laptop, and the man stood in front of you. "been studying for it all week, brain is starting to mush."

rafe let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "mush huh? well, we can't have that..." in two long strides, he closed the distance between you, reaching out to gently shut the lid of your laptop. his fingertips brushed against yours, sending an unexpected shiver up your spine.

"how about you take a break, hm?" his voice was a low rumble, almost hypnotic in the quiet of the night. "i bet all this studying has you wound tighter than a coil. might do you some good to... relax."

the suggestive edge to his tone doesn't go unnoticed, "it's late, rafe..." you practically stutter, crimson blush flooding your cheeks at the thought of spending time with rafe alone. "besides, top's probably gonna be wondering where you are, soon."

rafe's lips curled into a roguish grin at the mention of your brother, looming over you with a predatory gleam in his eye. "topper? nah, he's dead to the world right now. passed out cold after that last beer."

his hand came up to brush a stray lock of hair behind your ear, fingers lingering to trace the delicate shell. "plus," he murmurs, voice dropping an octave, "what top doesn't know won't hurt him. it'll be our little secret."

the air between you crackled with tension as rafe's gaze raked over your form, taking in the way your thin pajama tank top clung to your curves. he licked his lips unconsciously, "c'mon, sweet girl, live a little. promise i don't bite."

the moment of hesitation is apparent on your face — wide doe eyes staring back at the man who waits almost painfully for you to say something.

"alright," you start, voice a little too timid, unsure of yourself, "what do you have in mind?"

rafe's grin widened at your question, a flash of triumph in his eyes. "well, for starters..." he reaches out to trail a finger along your jawline, tilting your chin to meet his heated gaze. "how about i help you work out some of that pent=up tension? i've got a few ideas that might clear your head better than cramming."

his other hand found its way to your thigh, squeezing gently as he inched higher. "we could start with a nice, relaxing massage. get rid of all that stiffness from hunching over your books all night." his voice vibrates through you in a low purr, dripping with suggestion.

this felt wrong — so wrong. having rafe's hands on your bare skin, knowing your brother, his best friend, was only a few bedrooms down, the heat within your stomach pooled as the thrill of anticipation roared throughout your entire body. his touch was hot against your skin, leaving burning fingerprints in its wake. still, as his hand trailed up your thigh, you felt your body relax as you gave in to his suggestion.

his touch was electric as his hands began to knead the tense muscles of your shoulders and upper back. he worked slowly, deliberately, thumbs digging into knots you hadn't even known existed. leaning down, his breath ghosted hot air against your ear as he whispered, "that's it, just relax. let me take care of you."

his fingers traced the line of your spine, slipping beneath the thin straps of your tank top. with agonizing slowness, he pushed the flimsy material down, exposing more of your soft skin to the cool night air and his heated gaze.

continuing his sensual massage, his wandering hands seemed to 'accidentally' brush against your most intimate areas. his fingers grazed the curve of your ass as he reached for the small of your back, calloused fingers kneading deep within the plush flesh of your body.

lost in the new sensations, you barely register the inapprorate touches — his knuckles so clumsily skimming over your clothed mound, the brief contact sending a jolt to your core. too inexperienced to realize the significance, you had only played it off as a 'mistake', but rafe knew better.

the whimpers you let escape were hardly recognized internally as his calloused hands dug into the dimples of your back, working his magic at releasing the tension built up within your overworked muscles. each purr out of your throat had his hands slipping further and further, just like he had planned.

unbeknownst to you in your innocent state, rafe allowed his touch to linger longer on your clothed mound. his palm grazed the front of your panties as he adjusted your position, applying the slightest bit of pressure.

there was nothing wrong with this, you thought — rafe was helping you. his hands worked skillfully against the soft skin, eliciting the most delicious moans out of you with each touch. he was giving you a massage, this was as innocent as it could get, right? it wasn't like he gained anything from helping you out.

wrong. the foreign feeling of his fingers rubbing against your covered cunt, rubbing the slit between your puffy lips had your eyes shooting open in confusion, head rounded to look at him from over your shoulder, "rafe?"

rafe froze for a split second when you stuttered his name, fingers stilling against your clothed sex. but then, emboldened by your lack of immediate protest, he pressed on. his middle finger began to trace slow, deliberate circles over your covered pussy, feeling the heat emanating from your core.

"just relax, princess," he cooed softly, free hand sliding up to rest on your hip, holding you in place. "let me make you feel good."

he leaned down to press open-mouthed kisses along the side of your neck, tongue darting out to taste your skin. all the while, his finger continued its maddeningly slow movements, rubbing you through the dampening fabric of your panties. the rough pad of his fingertip caught on your clit, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through you.

the whine you let out was almost feral, worry spreading through you quickly at the thought of your own family walking in and seeing the situation in front of them. “t-this feels wrong, rafe..” but it felt so right at the same time.

a dark chuckle rumbled in rafe's chest at your conflicted words, his finger never ceasing its torturous dance over your weeping pussy, as if studying the anatomy of your body. "wrong?" he murmured huskily against your ear.

to punctuate his words, he hooked a finger in the waistband of your panties and tugged them aside, finally making direct contact with your slick folds. rafe groaned at the feel of your wet heat, stroking through your arousal with teasing lightness. "fuck, sweetheart... you're so wet already. your body knows what it wants, even if your pretty little head is confused."

his other hand slid up your torso to cup your breast through your tank top, thumb circling your nipple until it pebbled beneath the thin fabric.

you knew the blush on your cheeks was bright red as the warm feeling flooded your cheeks. it felt so foreign — his fingers exploring your sloppy folds, thumb occasionally sending firm strokes against your swollen clit.

"i-" you begin, the words breathy which each word you spoke, "i've never done this before, rafe."

your eyes meet his, blue eyes dark and blown with anticipation, with pure lust. he groans out at the confession, a wicked grin spreading across his face, "never? fuck, you're like the perfect little virgin sacrifice."

his fingers continued their relentless exploration of your untouched folds, circling your clit with the pads of his two fingers, applying just enough pressure to have you practically squirming beneath him. his free hand pushed the fabric of your tank top up to expose your breasts, his head dipping to capture one rosy peaky between his teeth, sucking greedily as he rolled the other nipple between his fingers.

"don't worry, baby. i'll teach you everything," he promised darkly, working to slowly pump two fingers inside of your tight pussy. "gonna ruin you for anyone else. by the time i'm done, this sweet cunt will only crave my touch."

moaning out at the sound of his words, his hand roughly slaps against your mouth, hips rutting desperately against yours as his thick fingers continued to fuck into you, "they'll hear us if you keep that up, angel. gotta be quiet for me, can ya do that?"

his thumb found your clit again, rubbing firm circles around the sensitive bundle of nerves as he curled his fingers just right inside of you. he groaned out at the feeling of your walls pulsing around his digits, cock hurting against the fabric of his boxers at the feeling of how tight you were. rafe swallowed your needy whimpers with a deep, filthy kiss, tongue delving into your mouth to tangle with yours.

you nodded frantically at his question, almost desperate. the chuckle he lets out is dark and primal, coming from a place of pure ego. nevertheless, the walls of your cunt fluttering and clenching around his plunging fingers. he wanted nothing more than to push you over the edge, to watch you come undone completely. he craved the feeling of freeing his aching cock and burying it deep inside your tight, virgin heat.

but even in his lust-addled state, rafe recognized the risk you were taking, hand still clamped over your mouth tightly to drown out the sounds of your pathetic whines. he could tell you were close, the way your eyes rolled and you clung onto his wrist — he was going to make damn sure he'd never forget this sight.

"you're so fucking wet for me, baby," he murmured appreciatively, voice low and husky. "this pretty pussy is practically begging for my cock."

despite his earlier restraints, rafe found himself unable to resist your needy pleas. he increased the pace of his touches, fingers pumping steadily in and out of your tight heat as his thumb rubbed firm circles on your poor clit. the obscene sound of your arousal filled the room as he fingered you, the obsessive mixture of squelching and subtle whining ringing through his ears like a song, destined to bring you closer and closer to the edge.

"feels so fucking good," you moan out, hand trailing down your soft body to make contact with your own clit. the action sent a groan through the man, adorning the way you worked yourself out of pure desperation for him.

"yeah?" he rasps, curling his fingers inside of you once more. "fuckin’ filthy slut, getting off with your brother's best friend? dirty girl..."

one of rafe's hands slid up to cover your mouth again, ready to muffle any loud cries as he pushed you over the edge. you were experiencing pure ecstasy, eyes rolling to the back of your head as his warm breath tickled your neck. his hips rocked subtly against yours, seeking some much-needed friction for his own aching arousal.

"c'mon, be a good girl and cum on my fingers," he urged in a low, commanding tone. his words alone were enough to elicit that delicious high out of you, whines muffled against the warm palm of his hand. he held you tightly as your body shook and convulsed with the throes of your first orgasm, fingers still buried deep inside your tight velvet walls. he swallowed each keening cry that fell from your swollen, plump lips, muffling the sounds of your pleasure. rafe's own hips jerked involuntarily, grinding against your thigh as he watched you come undone.

"that's it, baby. cum on my fingers, just like that..." he praised breathlessly, voice strained with barely contained desire. even as your climax began to subside, rafe continued to slowly pump his digits in and out, drawing out every last wave of bliss.

finally, as your breathing stilled, he carefully withdrew his fingers from your overstimulated folds, coated digits slipping past his own lips as he made a show of licking them clean. your poor cunt clenched around nothing at the sight, eyes flickering down to the bulge in his sweats.

tugging your hand suddenly, he brings your open palm to the prominent tent below his torso, groaning at the contact. "feel what you do to me? how fucking hard i am for you?"

his hungry lips capture yours once more, tongue exploring the inside of your mouth like he was on a feverish mission — breathy sighs falling from his lips each time you stroked him through the cotton fabric of his sweatpants.

with great effort, he practically dragged your hand from his straining erection. his lips pressed a soft kiss to your warm forehead, dipping his head between your thighs to place the softest kiss to the tender, sensitive skin of your inner legs.

the mattress shifts underneath you, rafe standing back on to the fuzzy carpet of your bedroom. a pout flooded your features at the lack of sudden satisfaction, your body already eager for more. "i'll text you, yeah?"

it wouldn't be for a few days later that you'd receive that infamous, long-awaited text from your brother's best friend — audibly gasping as your eyes land on the perverted video of himself he had filmed for your eyes only.