#freshen up my drawing process

[applestruda]

THERE IS NO NEED TO APOLOGIZE YOU ARE AWESOME AND YOU DONT NEED TO OWE ANYONE ANYTHING!!!!!! PLEASE TAKE ALL THE TIME YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Ty for the kind words i appreciate them!

I realize I probably don't need to apologize for it or anything but it's just been a few years since I've been this artblocked and it felt weird to not be drawing as much

[mschievousx]

now and then | b.b.

pairing: benedict bridgerton x ofc, anthony bridgerton x ofc (platonic)

summary: loraine silva always knew she was not normal. she loves unusual things. she love her father's guns, horses, boxing, climbing a tree, falling from a tree, engineering, astronomy... oh, and a man eleven years older.

series masterlist

prologue

she stirred awake with a grumble, as she does most days—which is immediately replaced with a grin after ten minutes of simply opening her eyes and staring at the ceiling. another day, another number of various things she can do. and so, she wasted no time to freshen herself up.

as she stepped out on the streets of grosvenor square, her immediate touch brought radiance to the place. no, she was not a smiling fool nor was she greeting everyone. it was not that type of radiance. she hated that. yet, one can argue the opposite when she finally arrived at the bridgerton's house.

"'tis a fine day, is it not?"

"raine!"

the girl jumped up, her book forgotten as she put it on the couch and hugged the girl who's standing with open arms under the arch to their drawing room.

"oh, how i have missed you, eloise!"

"why do you both act like you were not together the entirety of yesterday?" colin voiced out as he read the newspaper, not bothering with any greetings. they have all long passed that. eloise sent a glare to her brother just as their mother arrived.

"loraine, darling!" she took the young lady's cheeks in delight, "how are you and your father?"

she smiled warmly at that. violet took it to herself to act as her mother-figure, given that their families were closely tied, "never been better, lady bridgerton."

the older woman gave her a look at the use of her title before leading her to a couch near the fireplace.

"are you well-prepared for tomorrow's start of the season?"

━━━ ✦ ❘ ☽ 【❖】 ☾ ❘ ✦ ━━━

"are you well-prepared for tomorrow's start of the season?

violet smiled as she asked her second-eldest daughter. eloise is well-prepared, she knew, in terms of physical and material aspects. internally, however, her daughter was having a fit, both of nervousness and fury.

"mama, i am very much prepared, but you should know that i am calling for all miracles right now so that i cannot attend tomorrow."

raine laughed, saying it's a good thing she's much prepared at the very least. her friend turned to her with a look of betrayal.

"you will be this next year, and i thought we're gonna be spinsters together!"

"no, that was penelope." she said as she stood up and dusted her dress, "when my season comes, i would very much like to marry, especially to that man dabbling on his pad."

she gestured with a head tilt to the man sitting near colin. they all need not turn to know who she was referring to as eloise rolled her eyes. raine chuckled at her reaction before another voice graced the room. well, not exactly grace.

"ugh, it's too early to deal with you."

violet turned to her eldest and immediately closed her eyes with a sigh before giving him a pointed look.

"anthony, it's already nine, and don't be rude."

the young lady turned to the source of the voice and grinned in an instant, clasping both her hands together in chest level sweetly, "i have missed you so much, anthony!"

"i don't share the sentiment." he replied with nonchalance as he took a biscuit and sat by his younger brothers.

"anthony will be marrying this season."

she paused for a moment, as if processing, before she broke out with laughter as she heard the words marry and anthony in the same sentence, but noticing the silence around her, she turned back to violet, "no... seriously?"

"why does it come as a surprise to everyone?" the man in question grumbled. raine finds herself nearing the eldest.

"but why the sudden change?"

anthony sighed as he swallowed the biscuit on his hand, "it probably has not come to your little mind that this family needs a viscountess. a viscountess is a lady that—"

"shush," he's lucky that's the only thing he got from her, given that she is to become a viscountess herself next year and he was mansplaining. she looked up in glee and clasped her hands again with true joy this time, "oh, i'm going to have so much fun this season!"

violet thinks that anthony and raine is a great pair and she would have been pushing for it already, had raine not been in love with benedict.

━━━ ✦ ❘ ☽ 【❖】 ☾ ❘ ✦ ━━━

"as much as i love you, lady bridgerton, i do not want to talk about anything with relation to my societal season and marriages."

kate and anthony entered the room, just in time for the debutante's antics. the matriarch sighed at the apparent lack of interest from the girl, while the latter broke into the widest grin.

"i would, however, welcome the conversation if i'm paired with benedict."

she turned to her other side where lies the subject, both of the topic and her affections, "speaking of which, will you marry me now, ben?"

the second-eldest son did not open his eyes from the sleepless nap he was having as a boyish smile made its way to his lips, "not a chance."

"ah, what a shame." she smiled at the sight of him before turning back to his mother with a clap, "well, there's always tomorrow."

[cloudedcreams]

yandere oc (fern) x reader ──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

valentine hc’s <3

✦ you had come to find out that he didn’t particularly care about valentines. i don’t think had brought up the date and he had offered you a half-hearted response, a lack on interest evident in his tone.

✦ you had wondered why a passionate guy like himself held no interest in the date. you had expected him to be joyous and excited at the mention, and his lack of regard had left you more bitter than you’d have liked to admit.

✦ it hadn’t taken him more than a few minutes to notice that your mood had lowered. he had gone silent for a moment before laying his head upon your shoulder, giving you a hug from behind.

“what is it, my love? have i made you upset?”

✦. you confessed your disappointment to his lack of enthusiasm and he had wasted no time in apologising, hastily granting you an explanation.

“everyday is valentine’s literally when i’m with you!” he had cried, a small blush on his cheeks. he had told you he didn’t care for the meaning in dates, that regardless he would always let you know that you held his heart. the words had lightened your mood, but you could still feel a slight numbing in your chest.

✦ however, by the date of valentines the feeling has dissipated. you had woken up and he was gone, leaving you to wander about the room and it had given you some time to yourself. you had opted to freshen up and wait for him sat up in bed, and as he had entered the room a burnt aroma drifted through the air.

he’d made you pancakes.

well, tried to. the edges were black and crispy and in the centre of each was a puddle of raw batter. it was more of a mess if anything, and yet it placed a smile upon your face as you realised.

he did care. and he wanted to show you.

✦ it was the little things that mattered. it seemed than trying to show you his love for you, he has tried to explain it. through various acts, like an arts and craft activity he had set up, drawing a picture of the two of you together with colours splashed around.

orange, grey, a hot pink surrounding the two of you the same way an aura would. when asking him why he chose such an odd choice he had simply shrugged, telling you it resonated with what he thought of you.

or through a poetry session, as he wrote sonnets titled with your name. still unable to read his handwriting, you asked him to read them out to you. he did so gladly, pausing every now and then to struggle through his own handwriting, before continuing.

that day, you found it in yourself to him you loved him.

it was the first time you had ever told him those words. you had watched his face pause, neutral as he processed you statement with disbelief, before lighting up with the smallest glimmer of hope.

“why?” he asked, his voice cracking. “what have i done to deserve this?”

he asked. you had simply smiled, telling him the truth that you didn’t know, and leant forward to embrace him. he had gone limp in your arms, before sniffling against your neck as he hugged you back twice as fiercely, small droplets rolling down his cheeks.

he vowed to treasure the date from them on. to keep it saved in his heart as a blessed day, and that day you had held his hand as you did the same. ──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

[tea-stained-notes]

Colin x Penelope - Divide | Chapter 11

Colin has made it: He’s a famous pop star, touring the world, adored to extremes. If only he wasn’t drowning his loneliness and anxiety in too many drinks, missing home and yet incapable of going back. But when Violet falls ill and he reluctantly returns he has to face the mess he has made - not only with his family but also the woman who might have always been the one.

Warnings: illness (cancer), death, anxiety, drug use, alcohol abuse, eventual smut

Chapter word count: ~2100

MASTERLIST

She is the sweetest thing that I know Should see the way she holds me when the lights go low Shakes my soul like a pothole every time - Hearts Don’t Break Around Here

“Are you alright?” Penelope emerges from the en-suite, her eyes filling with concern at the sight of him. Her bare face and oversized t-shirt have startled him — this suddenly feels like something real. Like he could get to see her like this every night. Colin jumps up on wobbly knees, trying to force a smile onto his lips. “Sure.” He picks up his clothes and places a soft kiss on her forehead before hurrying past her into the bathroom. Mechanically he disposes of the condom, freshens up and dresses himself. And suddenly he’s gripping the edge of the sink as he stares at his pale reflection. He doesn’t want to taint the memory of this incredible experience they’ve just shared, but all his demons are already whispering their reproachful questions and accusations. He clenches his eyes shut. No. It’s not over yet. Penelope is waiting and as long as darkness presses against the windows he mustn’t let his mind get the better of him. When he slips under the covers he immediately pulls her into his chest and marvels at the way her presence calms him within seconds. How will he ever stand another cold hotel bed? She starts drawing soothing circles on his ribs. “You’re overthinking, Col.” “And you know me too well.” She draws back a little to smile softly and press her lips to his. It feels so familiar yet still surreal. “I promised you we’d talk about what’s just happened.” “Right. And I still want to. But…” His fingers dig into her loose sleep shirt. “Can we maybe put a pin in this? Just until we’ve both had some time to process?” “Oh. Of course.” “Unless there’s something you really want to—“ “No, it’s okay. I’m okay.” Penelope lifts his hand and breathes a kiss onto his knuckles. “Better than okay.” “Yeah?” She snuggles back into his side. “Yeah.” Colin wonders if she wants to pretend as well. That until sunrise they’re safe in their own little world. She has opened the window and a night breeze caresses their still heated skin. Silence settles over them as he traces the lines on her palm.

"Who do you listen to these days?” she eventually mumbles, sleepiness scratching her voice. “Mostly melancholic stuff. Folk from the sixties. Too much Noah Kahan.” “Hmm. His stuff reminds me of your earlier work.” “It does?” “Yes. When the songs still sounded like you. Honest. Handmade.” Colin sighs, his chest tightening. She patiently looks up at him. After a long moment he starts singing quietly. “Hide your secrets, disguise your weakness. And lose yourself inside your busyhead. Burn your bridges and leave no witnesses. All alone inside your busyhead.” He smiles sadly. “I’ve had that one on repeat for years.” Penelope reaches up to caress his temple. “You’re not alone, Colin.” “I am in here,” he whispers, placing his hand over hers. Tears fill her eyes and his stomach cramps painfully. “I keep making you cry, I’m sorry.” “No, it’s alright. I’m so glad you’re opening up about this. It’s just—“ She gently touches her forehead to his. “It pains me to know you’re so unhappy.” Colin carefully frames her face in his palms, wipes her cheeks and presses a kiss into her hair. He lingers for a long moment, his heart in agony at her quiet sniffles. “I’m not just a victim in all this,” he finally murmurs. “I’ve made countless shitty decisions. And maybe this life wouldn’t be so soul-sucking if I could still be proud of my work. I really miss that. Connecting with people over the things I’ve created. I’m so sick of only being known on the surface.” Penelope folds her arms across his chest and props up her chin on them to study him. He starts twirling an auburn lock around his finger. “Remember my first single that went viral, shortly after I’d moved to L.A.?” “Look At Me Now,” she whispers. “I was so desperate for that attention, it was ridiculous really. And now everyone is looking, all the time. But not at me as a person. They’re looking at the massive screens at my shows, at unflattering paparazzi photos, at video snippets from red carpets. And when I meet fans in person they’re so intimidated they can barely talk to me — or they get really intrusive, like those women at the pub. It’s so bloody rare to be asked even a single original question during an interview, to get the feeling that anyone truly listens to what I’m trying to say.” He chuckles bitterly. “And of course I don’t really have anything to say anymore.”

His voice has grown raspy from tiredness and the lump in his throat. “Sorry, I keep talking about myself, it’s—“ “It’s perfectly okay. We’ve talked so much about my work these past few weeks and I still barely know anything about yours. How you feel about it.” “Well, I’m only just beginning to confront that.” He swallows. “When I asked you a couple of weeks ago what you thought of my music, that night we had the impromptu dance party…” “The night I started having massive doubts about Alfred.” Colin hesitates, briefly tempted to ask if she had already felt as strongly as he had then, if she would have actually kissed him had Benedict not interrupted. He nods instead. “Your answer really hurt. Not that you meant it to, I know,” he quickly adds when she opens her mouth to apologise. “You simply said aloud what I hadn’t been able to admit to myself for years. Because staking everything on this, losing and missing all of you, only to realise that I’ve been turned into just another cash cow, that I’m barely an artist at all…” “But if it all pains you so much, why don’t you start over? Step away for a while, regroup, take your time to work on an album that feels like you again.” He flashes her a crooked smirk. “I wish it was that easy. My contract is fucking ironclad. When I told Mae to push back the tour dates indefinitely I didn’t even know if I could afford the fine, should the label sue me. I still don’t.” “What?” Penelope’s head shoots up. “Aren’t you like disgustingly rich by now?” Colin blushes, his gaze dropping to the bed sheet. “I’ve given most of it away. I have a small team tasked with finding worthy causes to donate to. Climate research, HIV prevention, animal shelters, what have you.” “You’ve gone full Dolly Parton?” “Oh please, don’t insult the Queen of Country. I could never be as good as her.” Penelope’s wide eyes soften. “But even without that money, surely you’re established enough to have the upper hand in negotiations?” “It’s never felt like it. But maybe, I don’t know. I should have pushed back more over the years. There have just been so many other… issues. I didn’t have the strength to fight that battle as well.” “Well, I hope you’ll find it.” She presses a kiss to his chest and it warms him through the fabric of his shirt. “You deserve better, Colin. And we’re all here for you.” Now he is the one tearing up. He wonders whether she’s right. Whether this deep sorrow isn’t exactly what he deserves, a grand mess of his own making. And more than anything he wonders if he could ever actually deserve her. If what he has to offer could ever be enough.

But right now she is still here, still looking at him like he means at least a fraction to her of what she means to him. So he gently guides her back to his lips, kisses her until he’s weightless, tethered to nothing but her. They’re both breathless when they part. Penelope’s fingers are playing with the short hair at the base of his neck, sending pleasant shivers down his spine. “I’m sorry for what I said to you the day you came back.” “What do you mean?” “Assuming that you’ve been keeping all that money to yourself. You’ve always been selfless, sometimes to a fault.” “Until I wasn’t and fucked everything up.” “Colin.” Her hand curls around his nape. “At some point you’ll have to stop beating yourself up over that.” “I know,” he murmurs. Then a corner of his mouth twitches up. “Put that on the list, will you?” “Oh, believe me, it’s already on there,” she smirks and he fakes a gasp, tickling her side until she lets out a small giggle. Eventually Penelope snuggles back into his shoulder, once more tracing invisible patterns on his ribs. “You’re probably one of like three proper celebrities who don’t waste their millions on yachts and mansions.” He shrugs. “I had enough luxury growing up. It just adds weight. And I’ve seen enough suffering to feel horrible if I so much as buy a pair of jeans.” “I hope you at least splurge on fair fashion.” “Of course. My little social justice warrior.” She pokes her tongue out at him but he just smiles, running a delicate hand over her hair. “But where do you drop your anchor? You need somewhere that isn’t a hotel room.” “I have a small flat in Paris.” “Paris, eh?” she teases with a French accent. “Is that where you bring all your paramours?” He looks at her, earnest. “Please stop with that. I told you the truth, I promise.” The grin fades from her lips. She searches his eyes for anything but sincerity. Finally, she raises a hand to his cheek. “I know. I’m sorry.” Her thumb strokes gently across his stubble. He exhales. “We took a family trip to Paris once. Back when Dad was still alive. We were all so different then. Carefree.” “So you tried to chase that feeling,” she whispers. “Did it work?” “Not really. But it’s still beautiful. And only a short train ride from—“ He chokes. “Home. It’s still home, Colin. If you want it to be.” He closes his eyes to hide the tears once more forming in them. Penelope presses a kiss to his pulse point. “You could get a flat in London,” she says softly. “Stop by whenever your schedule allows.” “Yeah. Maybe.”

Images flutter through his mind. Of a life so different to the one he’s been leading. Of his own cosy place, a massive dining table and all the Bridgertons crowding around it, ribbing and talking over each other. Laughter in the air. Penelope by his side. Her feet in his lap as she’s types away while he’s strumming a new melody on his guitar. Weekend trips and snow days and summer picnics. Her face in the front row, the only one he sees. And when she gazes up at him with hopeful eyes, he almost tells her. Almost tells her that he wants forever with her. That she has held his heart for most of his life, however much he has denied it. “I should go.” Penelope jerks back. “What?” “I should go,” he repeats, forcing the words out with every bit of willpower he can muster. “I don’t want them to find out about us by seeing me sneak out in the morning.” “Oh.” She swallows. “Okay.” He carefully pushes a loose strand behind her ear. “I don’t regret this, Pen.” But he does. Because now that he knows what it feels like to have her in his arms, how on earth will he recover when things inevitably get ruined? When she realises that this is not what she wants? “Take the morning to think about this,” Colin murmurs. “I will as well. And then we’ll talk, okay?” He grants himself one more kiss, tender and lingering. Then he moves to leave the bed but Penelope grasps his hand. “Wait. Can you…” Her cheeks grow rosy. “Can you please stay a little longer? Just till I’m asleep?” His chest tightens at the sight of her pleading gaze. “Of course.” He lies back down on his side, Penelope facing him, their joined hands between them. She whispers a timid “Thank you” and studies him for a long moment, as if to take in every single detail. Her eyes grow heavier with every second until she finally gives in and lets them fall shut. Colin watches her for what feels like hours, his breath in tune with hers. He carves every sensation into his brain. Her warm skin, her relaxed features, her soft noises, her intoxicating scent. And then, his heart ripping in two, he slips his hand from hers and soundlessly leaves the room.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

CHAPTER 12

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[rhapsoddity]

i STG i had an ask asking about how to format comics / advice,, but its vanished,, I must've accidently deleted it so OOP

have some scuffed comic advice ig??

so heres a very very basic comic, very much how I used to format my comics when I was younger

the problem with it is every panel is a bust shot, so all the panels look the same

one way to freshen up your comic is to change the style of shots! kept one close up, but then I changed one to over the shoulder and one fullbody shot of both characters

also sticking to the rule of keep characters on the side they're shown, unless you show a panel of the characters moving from one side of the panel to the other

if you're struggling to figure out what shots to use you could always put everything into one panel, means you have to draw less lmao

full page comics with multiple panels is a bit different, and I'm not experienced in them so I cant give advice for those lol

Lemme know if yall want me to explain how I do anything else for my comics/aus! I'm mostly making it up as I go along but I can try to explain to yall my thought processes lol

[eeunoia]

ENHYPEN Series

sinag — psh.

prelude

synopsis: waiting for a great plot twist in your life, the ruthless and powerful mafia boss park sunghoon forced his way in to it.

pairings: park sunghoon x oc

word count: 2k

warnings: a contains violence, guns, killings, abuse, obsessive love & other stuff. if you can't take this stuff, feel free to scroll away. let me know if i missed some.

note: leave some messages on my ask! thank you so much for reading.

© 2023 eeunoia — all rights reserved.

here ‹ teaser | chapter one › here

You screamed as you sat yourself up from your bed awoken from sleep by a terrible nightmare. Shaking a bit, hair messy and drenched with cold sweat, your eyes wanders around the dimly lit room anxiously. One of your hands slowly trailed towards your chest and clasped your frantically pounding heart. Being acutely aware of what happened in the dream made you so upset.

Tears formed at the corner of your eyes, unable to even think properly. These are just one of those days when you dream or more like relive what happened to you that horrifying night. Memories you wish to entomed at the back of your mind and eventually forget about it. If you can only get rid of it like magic, you would trade anything. You stood up and head towards your bathroom, bowing to your fate to go on your day like nothing’s wrong.

After taking a shower and dressed up to fully freshen yourself up before going to the office, you stopped by your kitchen for a coffee. While waiting for the beans to be ready, your mind went blank and to feel frazzled without even starting your day is unbelievable for you. The nightmare sure worked and sucked all of your energy for today.

The ride on the way to the company you work at was surprisingly short, probably because you are still out of it. When you arrived at your floor, Laurie, one of your team members, looked in distress. She was leaning over her table, hands resting over her head while staring blankly at nowhere. At the sight of you, a hint of irritation flashes through her face.

“Finally!” she exclaimed, jumping off from her seat then start dragging you towards the pantry of the office. Taking advantage of the early time and having the whole room for yourselves.

“What happened? You don’t look okay.” it was funny coming from you when you aren’t too.

She sighs and rolls her eyes, “What happened last night on your date?” her way of saying it was like an interogation. The bitterness through her tone was clear. Your brows folds and draws together, causing a crease to your forehead. It was hard for you to put the puzzle together right away.

“Huh? Last night?” your words stall at the attempt of remembering of what you did the past night.

Your brows arched after a couple of seconds, “Ah! You mean with Mr. Kang? It’s not a date, Laurie. Its a work dinner.”

The unpleasant look on her face shows off her frustrations about something. “Well something obviously happened and you did something that upsets Mr. Kang! Maybe he thought it was a date! Did he confess? Did you reject him?” she sounded worked up, trying to make you throw up answers she’s been deprived off. It was too many for you to even process it one by one.

“He invited me to go on a trip outside of the country and I declined it saying I have a boyfriend—”

“He did what?!” her eyes were big and even held both of your arms, shaking you a little. You blinked a couple of times, confused and started to feel uneasy of her behavior. You two aren’t the closest friends and she’s very vocal of her totally not liking you. She often tries to make malicious comments about how Mr. Kang has always too kind with you, envying.

“He likes you, Ae!” she says. “And now that you rejected him, he’s punishing all of us. Thank you very much!” the sarcasm was too much that it hurts your ears.

You are still confused, but you shift your weight on your other leg before trying to catch on what’s happening. She lets go of you and leaned over the counter before staring blankly at the wall like a new found habit. She looks like she’s about to go crazy any minute now.

“Why? What did he do?” the eagerment now passed on you, worried of what he possibly did that upsets Laurie this much.

She glanced at your direction, eyes shooting glares, “He wants us to start again with our campaign advertisement.”

Now that made you utterly shock. You refuse to believe what you heard from her. Closing your distance with her, you stepped once and gently grabs her arm to make her look at you.

“He can’t do that! He just approved it yesterday.”

She pursed her lips and shoved your hold off. ”He just did, Ae. He calls me a while ago and he looked so pissed.” she then lets out a strained sigh. Even without saying it straightly, you are being blamed. She’s blaming you.

“I can’t believe you flirts with him and then rejects him! Now all of us have to suffer because of you!” the veins over her neck pops out in frustration.

“I neve did that, Laurie.” you tried telling her, but she just rolls her eyes as she cross her arms.

“Whatever! Everyone here knew you’re suspicious.” she mumbles the last line. You heard it, tho and you aren’t surprised.

Your shoulder fell too as you leaned over the counter beside her. Eyes shut for a while you throw your head back and silently wished all of this are not happening. The exhaustion you were feeling before going here just got worst. This day isn’t going well for you already.

“There you are,” the two of you snaps your head at one of your workmate when she talked.

“Mr. Kang is looking for you, Ms. Lee.”

You stood up straight as you glanced at Laurie for a while. She showed an unpleasant expression before rolling her eyes in defeat. You told the girl that you will go in a bit and so she left. Laurie turns and face you.

“Go and try to change his mind! Do something, Aelia! Fix the mess you created!” her requests came out arrogantly and gave a short nod.

You feel bad that she’s making up stuff and that she’s blaming you, but you admit you felt bad for the whole team. Maybe you are at fault at some way and so you should really do something about it. You can’t just let it all put into waste.

Determined to stood your ground, you walks towards the office of your boss. His secretary’s restless expression on her face indicates that he’s probably in a foul mood. It somehow made you feel anxious.

“He’s waiting for you.” she stood up and opted to open the door for you, “He’s in a very bad mood, Ae.” she whispers under her breath as a warning that made your knees almost wobble on your way inside.

He was at his swivel chair, a folder on his hand, forehead creased while reading whatever document it is. He didn’t spare you a glance at all. Its starting to make you wonder if the guy from last night’s dinner and him are the same person. Thinking that you made someone upset pinches something in you. You hate that feeling at all.

“Good morning, Mr. Kang.” you tried to sound enthusiastic to somehow lift the mood, but to your dismay he was unresponsive.

“I want you to prepare your passport.” he stated that made you blink twice. His words didn’t sink in, totally not processing for you. Did he mention passport? Your passport?

“Sir?” you calls, baffled on the spot.

He finally lifts his gaze and eyes you with a placid look on his face. “Are you deaf? I said prepare your passport. I will send you in another country for a business meeting and a seminar.”

You have no idea if he’s just talking too fast or his words are just nonsense that’s why you cannot understand any of it. Pretty sure it was the latter as you can’t help but to start feeling irritated. He can be upset about last night, yes. But this is terribly unrighteous.

“I’m sorry Sir, but I can’t—”

“You can’t?” he cuts you off then lets out a scoff, “Are you saying I promoted the wrong person to be the team leader?” his tone taunting, sounding more like a challenge.

“N-No, Sir. It’s just I can’t go on a seminar and leave my team with all the works due.” your reason definitely makes a point, but your boss sure is determined on making you suffer.

“I don’t care. This is an order from your boss. Are you seriously reasoning out to me? I didn’t know you are this arrogant.”

You pursed your lips and tried hard not to say anything that can upset him even more. He closed the folder he was holding and tilts his head to the side.

“Its either you go to that seminar or you put your resignation letter on my table tomorrow morning.”

Your shoulder fell at what you heard. He held you at gun point. You worked hard to earn the position you have right now, you did everything you could to be here and so you surely didn’t want lose this. If you think about it, there’s a lot of benefits if you go to this seminar. You’ll learn from it and it will be good to your work records, all in all you’ll gain from it. It’s just that after what happened from your last trip which is years passed already, you developed fear of going on out of the country trips. The mental trauma it caused you left a deep scar that just by thinking of being in a place you barely know cause you panic attacks. It was terrible.

Laurie was hopeful when you walked inside your office. She peeks through the cubicle like a meer cat and gaze at you with full curiosity.

“What? What did he said?” she asked.

You sighed heavily and crashed yourself over your swivel chair. The frustration, annoyance and stress slowly spoiling your mood you couldn’t even make yourself into saying it to her. Some of your team members were there as well, looking and waiting for an update. They already assumed that it didn’t go well based on how you’re looking right now.

“He tasked me to attend a business meeting and seminar outside of the country.” you mumbles that made Laurie even more confused.

“What? Why is he sending you there on a trip while we suffer here to revise everything?” she exclaimed, she’s so upset yet again.

The glares on her eyes didn’t slipped off of you. Its not surprising anymore. It often happen whenever the boss favors you, she always thinks that you are charming your way to success and that you’re being unfair. That was totally untrue. You know to yourself how much you worked hard for this. Some people just couldn’t keep their thoughts to themselves, judging you wrongly out of envy.

“It’s not a trip, Laurie. Its for business.” you tried to tell her, but she rolls her eyes and arrogantly sat back down.

“Whatever! This is all your fault in the first place! You’re making us re-do all of it while you go on a trip!” she started blabbering that made some of your workmates to stare.

You wanted to tell her that she’s wrong and that it would be more traumatic for you, but you refrained yourself. Instead, you stood up and went out to go to the bathroom. Thankfully, nobody was there so you can breath and calm down. Your mind are on a mess as of the moment. There’s just so much going on. You wanted to let it all out and to tell someone about it.

“Mom,” you calls out after she picks up the call.

“What is it? I’m playing poker with my friends! Why are you calling, Ae?!” obviously, she wasn’t interested. When did she ever took interest about your life or to you in general? Despite of it, you tried to still open up to her.

“D-Do you think I should quit my job? I’m really having a hard time.” your voice cracked while saying it and just by hearing you, a normal person will feel sympathy. It was clear as a water that you are having a hard time.

“What do you mean quit your work?! Are you crazy?! How will we pay our debts after sending you to college? What about our rent, our food? You are so selfish! You only think of yourself!” she was outrageous.

You felt your heart ache at her words. Not only that your Mom didn’t listen to your words, but she only thinks of herself. You are thankful for them for sending you to college despite pursuing the degree you don’t really like. But after graduating and working, your parents started depending on you like you’re their bank or something. They stopped working and just left everything under your care.

“I’m s-sorry, Mom.”

You have a lot of things you wanted to tell your Mother. None of it came out from your mouth. As always, you kept it to yourself. This is one of the things you hate. Your best friend always tells you that sometimes, you’re being too selfless. That you’re such a people pleaser.

A tear left your eye as you try to get your shit together.

“Stop being ungrateful and be a good daughter to your parents! Don’t give me headaches!” and with that she ended the call.

Your parents are not very fond of you. Ever since you were a child, you are by yourself. You learned things alone. Before, you tried to convince yourself that its because your parents are busy working to support your needs. Later on, it slowly dawned in you that maybe they don’t really love you. They just did what they need to do in order for them to have someone they can depend on. And they did. They raised someone with a soft heart, someone who values family so much that she will turn blind-eye to everything they do.

It was tiring, but you have no other choice. They are your family and even if they’re cold, they are all you have. Sometimes, you just wished you will find someone who will love you the way you love them.

“Park Sunghoon.” the young man lifts his eyes from the papers he was reading over to the old man who entered his office. The frown on his face tells Sunghoon that he’s clearly upset.

“You have no business in being here, Mr. Kwon.” he tried to sound casual.

“I will not tolerate this behavior anymore! My daughter doesn’t deserve this humiliation!”

Sunghoon sighs and settles the folder down to his table. “You’re the one who kept on putting her in that place. I already told you, I will never marry her.” his strict blank eyes watches him carefully, unfazed.

“You are a disgrace to your family! What kind of man will turn back to a promise? And you are calling yourself a leader?!”

Sunghoon tilts his head over to the side, “As far as I remember I never promised anything. It was my father who proposed about that engagement. I had nothing to do with it.”

“You are to follow your Father’s order! And that is to marry Luna!”

He scoffed, an unamused grin crept over his face. “I am not under him, Mr. Kwon. I don’t bow to him and follow his orders.”

Sunghoon stood up, his aura intimidating the older one. “I created my name on my own, without any help from him. Do you think I will let him control me? Nobody will ever make me follow their orders.”

“And yet you are a slave to your own emotions.” Mr. Kwon stated.

Sunghoon didn’t speak.

“This obsession you have with this girl,” he starts. “soon it will be all a waste of time. Once you realized it was just one of your rebellious stunts to prove something, you will know that marrying Luna is your best option to widen your influence and power.”

“I will do everything so you end up with my daughter.”

Sunghoon clenched his jaw and silently stared at the old mafia boss' eyes. Slowly, he grins.

“There’s only one girl that I will marry.” he says in calm yet cold tone. “And I’ll do everything as well to have her.”

here ‹ teaser | chapter one › here

main master-list

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permanent tag-list:

@rubyanne @map-of-border @hwangjangmi @crjwon @love13tter @edensgardenn @simpforniki @classicroyalty @bridgebridgebirdiebridge @hime98 @moonsclassyslore @ddeonubaby @yeoungie @acciomylove @mymeloem19 @jvngw0n @dreamjerky @minamoons @clar-iii @herasalvatore @nyfwyeonjun @rcveribin @yizhoutv @one16core @soobin-chois @kyutiepeachy @chareadingpurposes @hwalllllllelujah @solelyenha @90sni-ki @nourhan-8 @nikipedia07 @yangbreads @drunkjazed @kimmchijjajang @hoonbrry @axartia @all4haru @sta-rie @hiqhkey @purplepuppychild @iceeee @wtfhyuck @tobiosbbyghorl @nikililmj @moonlightisland @ayayiiie @aeyeree @bitchychildmiracle

tag-list:

@heeseung-min

[tendebill]

OCtober day 4 - re-design

i decided to use this as an opportunity to freshen up charlie :D! another Evoterra side character. her old design is below if you're curious

(more info/prompt credits under the cut)

so, beware, here's her old/original design, at least from what i could rememeber, she did go through one more re-design before, plus i couldn't be arsed to find the actual drawings of her i'd done over the years. also im pretty sure i created her as a tokyo ghoul oc??? or something like that??? not sure. also she used to have a bigass scythe as a weapon, which has since been passed onto another character - Hyo.

she doesn't play a major role in the plot, she's mostly just a fun character to have around. she was subjected to similar experiments as Bitzy and some of her crew, but while most of them got mutations (some came out better than others), she was among the many that were just hurt by the whole process and seemingly got no powers out of it.

i need to refresh her exact story and condition a little bit, but, FUN FACT, she's not actually powerless!! she's CONSIDERED powerless but she's really not! i made it canon that she was experimented on using Maffi's DNA and based on the experiments they conducted on Charlie, two other characters (Brendon from one of my previous posts and another character ive yet to name or design) were able to unlock some form of mind control powers safely with great results. all at her expense. but, despite everyone thinking Charlie has no powers, she did actually get her own, silly mutation.

she can talk to squirrels. no one believes her and she honestly doesn't believe it either, based on everyone's reactions and doubts, but she can.

no idea if i'll be able to post the next few prompts "on time", but i do plan on skipping palette week, so i might spread the posts out, instead of posting daily.

prompt list by @/_bweird on twitter!

[chaletnz]

Salar de Uyuni: Part 1

Once onboard the night bus we were served half a styrofoam cup of boiling water and a tea bag of our choice, I chose coca tea to try and settle my stomach for the ride. Then we were given our dinner which was actually great, it was like a little in flight meal with rice, vegetables, and chicken in a sauce. It’s a shame I didn’t really have much of an appetite because it was delicious. Through the night I slept a decent amount which surprised me, it could’ve been all the random stops on the side of the road for 30-60 minutes at a time. All these delays meant that we arrived into Uyuni right around sunrise and they took us to a viewpoint to watch it and eat our breakfast of a white bread sandwich with ham and cheese and a juice box. I drank the juice but left the sandwich on the bus - silly because I could’ve fed it to some sad street dogs. When we alighted in central Uyuni I was in desperate need of a toilet but everything in the entire city was closed based on my walk around for about half an hour. I headed for my hostel and they let me use the facilities there until I needed to go and meet my tour. Since the wifi actually worked I decided to book a flight back to La Paz which was about $90 - I could not envision sitting through that bus ride again and arrived in La Paz needing to fill the hours until check in. I freshened up with a change of clothes, and brushed my teeth then went back to the tour office which was packed with people so I sat outside on the step to wait. I chatted with the Austrian guy Rafael who had shared my Peruhop bus from Puno and the night bus too. The conversation was a good distraction from the radio nearby that was blasting Daddy Cool on repeat. Finally we were all summoned inside to go over the plan for the day tour, as well as the plan for the three day tour which is seemed most people had booked. There were four others in the day group; Fatima from France, Adrian and Jane from Leeds, UK, and Paul who was Indian but had relocated to Denver, CO with US citizenship almost 20 years ago. It was a good bunch of people to spend the day with and with our driver Miguel and guide Bismark we set off to our first stop El Cementerio de Trenes. A train track runs across Bolivia from nearby Potosi to Chile that was historically used as silver was discovered in Potosi and through a drawing in the sand Bismark explained that the dollar symbol was actually born here as a double letter PP that stands for plata Potosi. The train cemetery itself was a place for all the old steam locomotives that have been retired as they are too slow in today’s modern age so they’ve left to rust in the middle of nowhere in Bolivia’s desert. Our next visit was the town of Colchani which works mostly on producing table salt by mining the salt crystals, processing and washing, and adding iodine so it can be consumed. I bought a souvenir magnet and some bags of flavoured salt for Korey and then sat with the group for our shared lunch. Our driver Miguel had prepared lunch of vegetables, beef, and quinoa for us of which I could only manage a few bites. None of us drink fizzy drinks but we all had our arms twisted to try a few sips of the Bolivian Coke as Bismark said it’s sweetened with sugar cane instead of the high fructose corn syrup in the US. I never drink Coke at home though so I had nothing to compare it to but my teeth still hurt drinking it!

Dinner on the Todo Turismo night bus from La Paz to Uyuni, and the first glimpse of Uyuni at sunrise.

[rachelied]

“ 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐑𝐒, 𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖, 𝐀 𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐋. 𝐈𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐈𝐄𝐆𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑, 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐁𝐘 𝐀 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐀 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐏. 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐉𝐄​, 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐒, 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐋𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐀 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐏 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐁𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐈𝐌 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊. 𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇. 𝐈 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖, 𝐁𝐄𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌. 𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐇𝐈𝐌 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐌𝐄. 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐀𝐘. ”

#RACHELIED : independent, private & selective Kriemhild of Burgundy, Queen of Xanten, wife of the Dragon Slayer. mainly based on the movie "Hagen (2024) with inspiration from germanic folklore & the Nibelungenlied. redeemed by Flora ( 26, she/they, gmt+1 ), follows back from @pixiescribbling.

married to @drachnslayer

exploring themes of: grief, revenge, madness, betrayal, a twist on the princess in the tower, the vilified woman,

𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 ↓

001. GENERAL This is a sideblog so follow backs will come from my hub blog @pixiescribbling. especially while I'm still working on putting up the info - never hesitate to ask me any question about my muse, either through my askbox or ims. Triggering content will be present, so please be aware of that. I will do my best to tag everything accordingly.

002. PORTRAYAL as a former literature major I've come across the Nibelungenlied mutliple times, but i'm still in the process of freshening up my knowledge. Overall my portrayal is mostly based on the 2024 movie "Hagen" & draws most of the inspiration from that.

003. HATE I won't accept any hate on my dash. there will be no participation in callout culture of any kind, I'm too tired for this tbh. if I see anything homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, racist etc you'll be blocked very fast.

004. MUN I go by the name Flora (she/they pronouns) & I work as a librarian. I'm german, so english isn't my first language & I'm always ready to learn.

[convergenceproperties1]

Preparing to Sell My House Fast in Grand Junction: What You Need to Know

Selling your house quickly in Grand Junction can be a streamlined process if you approach it with the right knowledge and preparation. Whether you’re looking to move for a new job, downsize, or make a lifestyle change, understanding the key steps to prepare your home for sale is essential. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth and efficient selling experience.

1. Understand the Local Real Estate Market

Why Market Knowledge Matters

The Grand Junction real estate market can fluctuate to sell my house fast Grand Junction, influenced by local economy, demand, and seasonal trends. Familiarizing yourself with these dynamics will help you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions.

Action Steps

Research Market Trends: Look into recent home sales, average days on market, and pricing in your neighborhood.

Consult Local Experts: Real estate agents in Grand Junction can provide valuable insights and data specific to your area.

2. Set the Right Price

The Importance of Competitive Pricing

Pricing your home accurately is crucial for attracting potential buyers quickly. An overpriced home may sit on the market longer, while a competitively priced home can generate interest and offers.

Action Steps

Conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): Review the prices of similar homes recently sold in your area.

Seek Professional Advice: A real estate agent can provide a pricing strategy based on their experience and market analysis.

3. Enhance Curb Appeal

First Impressions Count

Curb appeal is vital in creating a positive first impression. A well-maintained exterior can draw buyers in and set the tone for what they can expect inside.

Action Steps

Landscaping: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and add colorful plants or flowers.

Exterior Maintenance: Freshen up the paint on the front door and repair any visible damage to siding or gutters.

4. Make Necessary Repairs

Addressing Issues Before Listing

Investing in repairs can prevent negotiations from stalling or buyers backing out due to concerns about your home’s condition.

Action Steps

Conduct a Home Inspection: Identify and fix issues, such as plumbing leaks, electrical problems, or structural concerns.

Focus on Key Areas: Prioritize repairs in high-impact areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

5. Stage Your Home

The Benefits of Staging

Home staging helps buyers visualize themselves in your space, making it more appealing and marketable.

Action Steps

Declutter and Organize: Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that might distract buyers.

Professional Staging: If budget allows, consider hiring a professional stager to highlight your home’s best features.

6. Use High-Quality Marketing

Getting Noticed in the Market

Effective marketing can significantly impact your home’s visibility and attract potential buyers quickly.

Action Steps

Professional Photography: Invest in high-quality images to showcase your home online.

Online Listings: Utilize platforms like Zillow and Realtor, and leverage social media for wider reach.

7. Be Flexible with Showings

Accessibility is Key

The more accessible your home is for showings, the more potential buyers can view it.

Action Steps

Flexible Scheduling: Be open to showings during evenings and weekends to accommodate different buyer schedules.

Prepare for Last-Minute Requests: Keep your home clean and ready for impromptu showings.

8. Work with a Real Estate Agent

The Value of Professional Guidance

A knowledgeable real estate agent can simplify the selling process and help you navigate the market effectively.

Action Steps

Choose a Local Expert: Look for an agent with a proven track record in Grand Junction.

Discuss Your Goals: Clearly communicate your timeline and objectives with your agent to align your strategies.

9. Consider Cash Offers

The Advantages of Quick Sales

If you need to sell your home urgently, considering cash buyers can expedite the process.

Action Steps

Reach Out to Investors: Many investors are looking for properties to purchase quickly and can often buy as-is.

Explore Wholesalers: They can connect you with cash buyers who can close quickly.

10. Prepare for Negotiations

Being Ready to Compromise

Negotiations are a normal part of the selling process. Being flexible can help you close the deal faster.

Action Steps

Listen to Offers: Evaluate all offers carefully and be open to counteroffers.

Know Your Limits: Determine in advance what concessions you’re willing to make.

Conclusion

Preparing to sell your house fast in Grand Junction involves a combination of market knowledge, strategic pricing, and effective presentation. By taking the time to understand the local market, enhancing your home’s appeal, and leveraging professional help, you can position yourself for a swift and successful sale.

Reference: Sell my house Fast Grand Junction colorado

Reference: Sell house Grand Junction

Reference: Sell my Mesa County house fast

[yet-another-blog]

After the arches were painted red, and the pattern finalised. The pattern was transferred onto a piece astate, with a projector I transferred the pattern onto the arches with a piece of chalk. The actual tracing of the pattern was simple enough but there was slight issue with connecting with the lines with parts of the bigger pattern.

As I worked on this, I learnt about using different hand techniques to effectively draw out the patterns. Partly because I learnt that drawing with my wrist for long periods of time really hurt it, whilst I noticed a massive improvement when I drew with my arm as opposed to my wrist. While I did improvise parts of the pattern due to awkward surface angles, however I don’t think they ended up being noticeable due to the density of the pattern on the inner arch parts.

The next part of this process was to paint the pattern onto the actual surface of the arch. I used a gold paint that was more akin to a paste, due to it being mixed with glue as the paint itself had dried out from a previous project. While I’m unsure whether it was because of the paint being used was high quality or if the glue had a factor. However I found that the more paste like paint easier to apply, when I compared it to applying more liquid paint from a previous experience.

I would like to try out adding glue to paint once again just to see the result. Whether it was a fluke or not, it was useful.

The actual painting of the arch was a process in itself, as I did have further difficulties with the higher parts that needed to be painted due to my own height. I fixed this by getting a box to stand on, it helped in the end but I could tell that the bottom looked more rough compared to what I could reach.

In the end I was happy with how the arches took to the pattern. As it really livened up the background with its Golden hues under the lights. As I also applied the earlier method of not using my wrist. Due to the pattern consisting of mainly curved lines, I found painting with my arm was more efficient due to less burnout that my wrist faced during the mark-up stages.

I repeated the same methods onto two more flats that were to go above the arches. With this in mind I matched up the patterns accordingly with chalk and paint, this happened to be more straightforward then last time. Allowing me to be more time conscious with this being done the same week as the filming.

The flats didn’t have end up going above the arches in the end. I was disappointed as I has spent the time making sure that the lines matched up exactly; though they did end up looking nice once set-up. Having a similar effect to the arches as the paint was a metallic gold.

I did add some finishing touches to the flats to make them less sparse with the patterns. This was because I happened to have had more paint leftover then I had anticipated in the end. With the unexpected quantity I used this to freshen up pieces of the arches where it was visibly noticeable. I had also noticed that due to one of the arches being textured that the paint took to the ridges awkwardly unlike the opposite arch which lacked the ridges.

Unfortunately even the touching up did little to reduce the smudging effect. While I still could very much see it, this was because I had been the one thinking about the issue. I don’t think you could see under the lighting but it still bothered me nonetheless.

[intheaftcrglow]

"Easy to please?! Are you calling me a slut?" Her blue eyes widen in mock horror and she playfully throws her bra at him, the one she bought just so he could take it off. "You are such a dick --- that's the first and last sexual compliment you're ever getting from me." Peyton teases, wondering if that's really what he thought of her. She'd cum for him so quickly, squirted for him and part of her was still trying to process all of the pleasure he'd given to her. Obviously, she couldn't tell him the real reason why she fell apart so easily; her heart and her brain and her body were all so full of love for him. It was getting harder to fight against, to bury the feelings that rose to the surface whenever their eyes met and she had to pretend as though she were content being just his friend. He tells her he feels safe with her and she lets out a soft exhale, happy that he's comfortable. "I'm glad." It is what it is, even if it's not what she truly wants. He thinks she's easy to please and the irony is, he's the only man who's been able to satisfy her like this. Benji is her best friend and she doesn't want to lose him, she can't lose him, so she stays silent, choosing not to tell him that sex with other men is disappointing in comparison. After freshening up, she struts back into the living room and sets herself down on their sofa. "I've had marathon sex before, but never over a full three day weekend. Surprising since I'm such a whore, huh?" She laughs sarcastically, grabbing a slice of her own cold pizza. "Consecutively, I've had eight orgasms over two whole days. Believe it or not, doctors don't have a lot of time to fuck, not even in med school." She takes a sip of wine between bites of the pizza, enjoying the food after working up an appetite for it. The movie starts, but her attention isn't fully on what they're watching. Not when he's right next to her and her body is still buzzing from their intense sex session. Laying her head on Benji's lap, she makes herself cosy, resting her cheek against his thighs. "I'm not shying away from anything." Peyton replies, drawing soft circles with her fingertips across his knee cap, placing a gentle kiss on its surface. She was just allowing her body to regain some composure before she let him ruin her again. "You have a very sexy patella, Benj." Orthopaedics always fascinated her, the human skeleton was incredible and she'd been lucky enough to scrub in on a bone graft surgery the previous day. "What's your favourite part of my body?"

It had been easy to promise Peyton what she wanted because the man craved it as much as she did. Of course, he had been buried deep inside of her when he did so and on some level, he knew that he would have promised her anything in that moment. Not that he wanted to take any of it back, this had been the best sex of his life. The only problem with it was that it was Peyton, his best friend, the one he tried hard to suppress his feelings toward for years. But God, she was perfect and now that he had her twice, Benji couldn't go back. There was no way that he would have sex this good with anyone else and maybe a part of that he had never wanted to please anyone as much as he had wanted it with Peyton. But it was still a line they crossed, one that they could never forget. Not that Benji was really thinking about that, not when he was pleasure drunk and smelling of his best friend, not when he could still feel and hear her. "I don't know about that," he said with a chuckle as she praised his skills. "Maybe you're just easy to please." He didn't mean it in a bad way but she had given all of herself to him so quickly that maybe it wasn't about him being good as much as just as Peyton being able to let go. And now, hearing that he could do anything he wanted to her was the sweetest thing possible, next to her moans and screams. "I feel safe with you too Pey," he said carefully. There was a slippery slope not far and Benji wanted to avoid it. It was one thing to sleep with her it was another to pour his heart out. The man was still convinced that none of this meant anything other than two friends who didn't have much time to date and therefor, no time to find a one night stand. It was convenient, them living together and nothing more, or so he tried to convince himself. "Hopefully I'll hold that record for a while." If he was being honest, even if he wanted this not to mean what it did for him, Benji also didn't want Peyton to get what she did tonight with anyone else. "What's the record for a weekend," he called after her as she left the room. Finding his boxers and shirt, Benji put those on before sinking his teeth into the now very cold pizza. He would make her scream his name at least one more time tonight, that was s silent promise he was making to himself. And if she made a mess of the bed, they had a second one to sleep in. "Cold but it was worth it." Taking the glass of wine, he put the movie on and looked at Peyton with a bright smile. "Can't drink more than this one, unless you're trying to shy away from another orgasm."

[llinguet]

The Secrets to Successfully Selling Your Car Wash

Selling a car wash can be a stressful process that takes lots of time and effort. However, those who are diligent and do their research have a much better chance of achieving their desired result. To make the process go as smoothly and quickly as possible, it's important that you understand the steps involved in a successful car wash sale. Doing so will ensure that you can have a successful negotiation and maximize the money you get for the sale. First and foremost, you must do your research to determine the fair market value of a car wash. To account for the various factors such as location, equipment, and customer base, it's important to fully familiarize yourself with what's on offer and have a good understanding of what comparable sites are fetching. Having a strong understanding of the trends within the industry will also give you an edge when negotiating. Additionally, having a good understanding of the industry's legal requirements such as licensing, insurance, and permitting will give you an even greater advantage. Taking the time to do the research before making an offer will ensure that the deal you get is the best one for you. Finally, make sure to create a strong and reputable profile for your car wash. You want to create a great online presence that will attract customers and get the word out to potential buyers. Proper advertising and marketing of your car wash can be the difference between a quick sale for the right price and a slow, drawn-out process that results in you losing money. By following these basic steps, selling my car wash can be a rewarding and successful process.

Prepare the Vehicle for Showing

Presenting a vehicle for sale is sometimes an art form. Get creative and make sure that the vehicle stands out. Start by cleaning the interior, exterior and engine thoroughly to give it that showroom appearance. Add a protective wax coat to the exterior. Next, spiff up the interior with new floor mats, a car freshener, and wash out windows. Use your creativity to make the vehicle stand out from the rest. Polishing the car and replacing the hubcaps and trims will give it that extra special look. Having a full tank of gasoline is also an option that may add to the appeal of the vehicle.

Select the Appropriate Pricing for Your Car Wash

Before you hang the shingle outside the car wash, you must consider the most appropriate pricing for your services. You can set your own prices depending on the services you offer and the resources you use. Consider offering services that your competition doesn’t, such as a full interior clean and leather care package. Set your prices high enough so that you can cover your costs but low enough to draw in customers. Make sure to advertise special packages and discounts during a slow season.

Advertise your Car Wash

Advertising is a key part of the business, without it, your car wash won't realize much success. Depending on your budget, you can opt for print advertising, radio ads or television commercials. You can also use more cost-effective methods such as flyers, posters and social media. Develop a slogan that reflects your pricing and services to encourage customers. Don't forget to follow-up with emails and phone calls to give reminders about car wash specials and discounts.

Develop a Positive Sales Pitch

Having a positive and well-rehearsed sales pitch is essential when selling car washes. You need to be able to quickly convey your message and explain the services you wish to offer. Practice in front of a mirror and refine your speech until you feel confident. Show enthusiasm for the task at hand and for your services. Mention any loyalty programs or customer referral rewards you may have. Offer free samples or complimentary treatments to encourage customers to come back to the car wash.

Set Up an Attractive Display Area

The car wash display area is one of the simplest ways to attract people to your business. This area should feature a large car-shaped sign that contains the list of services offered along with your prices. The best way to make the whole area beautiful is by designing attractive displays of your cleaning products. Have several sample containers of wax, polish and other cleaning materials ready for display. Put colorful banners across the walls and include information about all the services you offer.

Network with Potential Clients

Being active in the community is a great way to network and reach out to potential customers. Attend expos, car shows, and car-related events in your region. Take part in neighborhood activities and charity events. Take out space in local newspapers and radio shows to advertise your services. Offer your car wash as a sponor of school events or team sponsor. Participate in local business groups and networking functions.

Make Use of Online Strategies

Nowadays, social media is one of the most powerful sales tools, so make sure you use it for the promotion of your car wash services. Create a website where customers can find everything they need to know about your car wash. Post ads on popular online forums and discussion boards. Make use of Instagram or Snapchat Ads and set up campaigns targeting local customers. And last but not least, offer loyalty programs or coupons to your loyal customers via email campaigns or on your website.

Conclusion

Selling your car wash successfully doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With the right approach, you can maximize your returns and make sure that your potential customers have a positive experience. Start by creating a solid marketing and advertising plan, setting realistic pricing based on the local market, and taking care of the exterior and interior of the car wash. Keep in mind that providing great customer service and effective communication is key to success. With these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to successfully selling your car wash.

[eldenstars]

My sister got me this giant squishmallow dragon for christmas and I love him so much I doodled him 🥺

[boysbeloving]

Okay....so this post by @domsaysstuff about an Artist!Porsche AU would not leave my head and I was talking to Dom about it and she said 'Write it!' and ....I...don't...write...??!!!

But with encouragement from Dom and KP just sitting in my brain, I wrote something. (Please be gentle this is me losing my fanfic writing virginity)

I would like to thank and lovingly blame Dom for this. and if Dom is my blame spouse then @arewedoneyet is my blame-in-law....bestie that photo of apo is....something

@nattaphum have you seen this apo? ofc you must have seen this apo...you have seen all apos...a true fan

ANYWAY!

This is chapter 1 of the fic!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kinn shows up at Porsche's apartment at the agreed time. He rings the doorbell, twice.

He wants to turn around and leave. He feels awkward standing outside the apartment of a man he barely knows. 'It's business. It's for business,' he tells himself and gathers some willpower to continue facing a closed door.

The door finally opens.

"Oh! You're actually here. Wow. You must think really highly of my art." Porsche leaves the door wide open for Kinn to enter and he has already turned away from him by the time he speaks the last line.

'Rude,' Kinn thinks. 'At least look at me while talking to me.'

Kinn enters a modest room. The painting set up is arranged on one side of the room and there is a mattress on the other. There's a small display shelf with family photographs and trophies. An eclectic collection of books occupies some space too.

"Why don't you sit here," Porsche waves his hand in the general direction of the easel. "And I'll start with the painting once I've freshened up and eaten something. Sounds good?" An insincere smile creeps up on Porsche's face.

Before Kinn can protest and remind Porsche that he's a busy man who has an art gallery to run, Porsche has disappeared into the bathroom.

When they finally get to the painting process, Porsche shifts Kinn's position four times in a span of twenty minutes. Sometimes the angle is not right, sometimes the light is unflattering and sometimes Porsche just doesn't feel it. 

Porsche, of course, is doing all of this simply to get on Kinn's nerves, to waste the rich man's precious time and to physically manoeuvre the powerful man as he pleases. He can see that Kinn is getting frustrated but Kinn makes no comment and agrees to all of Porsche's demands. 'He has immense control,' a thought passes Porsche's mind.

Once Porsche has set everything in place, he goes to his canvas and makes a show of drawing big strokes and keeps shifting his eyes from the canvas to Kinn's form perched on a stool.

***

Kinn had looked at Porsche's art displayed at Yok's Gallery two weeks ago. He was immediately taken in by the bold strokes, the vibrant colours and the blatant honesty depicted in the pieces. When asked about the artist, Yok had informed Kinn that Porsche was a small independent artist (who hated the concept of elite art galleries and stuck up rich people who consumed art for show and fake sophistication). Kinn had then approached Porsche with an offer to have his art displayed in one of his high art galleries. He had convinced Porsche that he needed to give him only one art piece, that's all. And the money Kinn offered was generous. And it would be paid in advance.

Porsche was against the idea as it did not align with his principles. But he was also acutely aware of how his bank balance did not align with the increasing cost of living. The extra money would help with the rent and some daily expenses. This in turn meant that Porsche's own earnings and savings could be diverted to his little brother Chay's education. Porsche had agreed to Kinn's demand on one condition. Kinn was to be the model for Porsche's art piece. And this is the reason Kinn is in Porsche's house on a Thursday (of all days).

***

Kinn sits absolutely still. His body is buzzing with excitement and nervousness. Kinn doesn't want to ruin Porsche's concentration so he controls himself and stills himself so he can be captured on canvas. If Porsche is doing this for him then he will do everything in his power to support this in every way he can.

Porsche continues to make a show of sketching Kinn. It is a show because Porsche has already painted Kinn. He had taken the photo reference from the art gallery's website and completed the painting two days ago. Just because he's getting generous amounts of money for this doesn't mean he's not bitter about it. 'Fuck it. I'll make the most generic portrait ever and add some bold background colours and call it a day,' Porsche had thought when the money vs principles debate had gone on for too long in his head. He is now simply amusing himself by making a man like Kinn dance to his tunes under the guise of painting him live.

"That's it for today. I've made great progress!" Porsche says in a loud voice. 'Maybe I need to tone it down a bit,' he thinks quietly to himself.

"Oh! But it has only been one hour. That's it?" inquires a genuinely surprised Kinn.

"Yeah. I can't paint for more than one hour at a stretch. I need a break to recharge my creative muscles you know," Porsche answers smugly.

"Will the piece be completed within a week at this pace?"

"Khun Kinn, are you doubting my creative process?"

"No! Absolutely not! I apologise if I overstepped. I trust you to stick to the committed timeline. May I take a look at what you have done today?"

Porsche freezes. "Aaaaahhhh. No. You can't look. That's not how I work. You'll get to look at the final piece and I am open to one round of minor revision. That's how this goes."

Kinn stares at Porsche's face. Porsche feels naked, as if all his lies are written on his face.

"Sure. I respect your creative process, Porsche. I'll see the painting when you're ready to show it to me. See you tomorrow." And with that Kinn opens the door and walks out of Porsche's apartment.

***

This goes on for a full three days. Kinn shows up on time. Porsche wastes the first twenty minutes and then fakes painting for an hour. Kinn has come to Porsche's house in the same suit, the same hairstyle, the same socks and the same shoes. 'Is he wearing the same underwear too?' Porsche thinks to himself. And he reminds himself not to think about Khun Kinn's underwear, or about Khun Kinn changing underwear.

This goes on for a full three days and Porsche cannot take it anymore. There's kindness in Kinn's eyes that Porsche cannot escape. There's sincerity in Kinn's actions that make Porsche feel guilty. There's determination and grit in Kinn's stance that makes Porsche question his integrity. 'I...don't do this. I don't cheat people. I don't take advantage of them. This...is not me.'

This goes on for a full three days and Porsche breaks. He needs to be physically away from this facade.

"I'm hungry. Let's go out to eat," Porsche blurts out.

"Right now? What about the painting?"

"Khun Kinn, nourishment is important for an artist. We don't just survive on 'inspiration' you know," Porsche answers in mock admonishment.

Kinn laughs.

'He laughs? OMG he laughs,' Porsche files this information somewhere deep in his head.

Porsche takes Kinn to the busy streets of the town. He seems to know every aunty selling fried insects and all the uncles preparing noodles. Porsche laughs freely, gives compliments unabashedly and takes compliments surprisingly well! (no shyness, no argument, no dismissal) Kinn thinks about how confident Porsche is in himself and it warms his heart. He feels he has met a sincere hearted person for the first time in a long while. Maybe he's a bit jealous of Porsche's freedom. He's also enamoured by his looks. Now that Kinn can look at Porsche without having to be conscious of his own pose, he observes how the light shines on his skin making it shine golden. How his hair flies in the wind, how he sticks out his tongue a bit while cracking a joke, how he tips his head back while blowing smoke out of his pretty mouth ('He has a pretty mouth and his lips seem to be soft,' Kinn thinks and files this information deep in his head) and how he's so tactile. Kinn finds himself being unreasonably envious of the people who know Porsche so closely. They get to listen to his jokes, they get to see him laugh, they get to be lovingly touched by him. Kinn tries hard to remember if anyone's casually touched him, just a simple hand on his arm while walking or a lingering touch on the shoulder to catch his attention or a leg pressed up against his while sitting. And he draws a blank. This is when he decides that the timeline for the painting can be relooked at. His priority now is to experience this strange closeness, and to deepen it. His priority now is to hang out with Porsche.

***

There is now only one more day remaining. Kinn has not brought up the deadline since the first day. It's about to be a week. Kinn has always offered to go out after spending some customary time perched on the stool. 'How about some nourishment for the body and the soul, Porsche?' Kinn's voice rings in Porsche's head and it brings a smile to his face. They have spent entire days together, eating, talking, taking public transport, clicking photographs. And all those moments have been filled with laughter and fun.

Porsche looks at the completed portrait of Kinn, referenced from the gallery website. And decides to tear it apart.

He unlocks his phone and looks for the one photograph he had taken of Kinn laughing at the joke one of the market aunties had cracked. He prepares a new canvas and starts painting.

***

Kinn doesn't show up at Porsche's apartment the next day. He messages him to come to the gallery at 5 in the evening.

With the final portrait?

No, just you.

Porsche is secretly relieved because it gives him more time to finish the new portrait. But he's also disappointed that he doesn't get to casually spend time with Kinn. Had he taken it for granted? Had he allowed himself to hope for something that might never happen? Had he crossed some invisible line? He chases away these thoughts and continues to work on the portrait till it is time to go meet Kinn.

***

It is a big building. 'So much space! There could be houses here!' anger flares up in Porsche but he quickly gathers himself again.

He's met with a young, bright and smiley man in a suit.

"Hello! You must be Porsche. I'm Pete, Khun Kinn's assistant. I'll take you to him. Please come this way with me."

He passes the corridor and he can see the display area. The art pieces put up are not just the ones conforming to the current trends and commercial in nature. There are different art forms. Ones that he has seen in underground forums, or belong to other independent artists he's heard of.

"Does Khun Kinn hunt for independent artists and showcase their art in his gallery?" Porsche is curious and it does seem like a long corridor to walk.

"Yes! Khun Kinn is passionate about art. He appreciates all styles. He ensures that a section is dedicated to an independent artist at every open event. He does it because he wants to have good art displayed in the gallery and also because he insisted that supporting independent artists be a CSR programme of the parent company."

"Parent company?"

"Oh yes! Khun Kinn doesn't simply run an art gallery. He's a businessman. Here we are. Khun Kinn, Porsche is with me."

Before Porsche can process this information he's met with Kinn looking sharp in a suit. It's a different suit, not the one he wears for the painting sessions. 'He would have changed his underwear for sure,' Porsche thinks vaguely.

"Ah Porsche. Good you are here. There is a situation and I feel you could be of help."

Kinn places three paintings on the conference table. All of them are in the same style. They look familiar.

"Do you know who painted these? I feel you might know the painter."

"Yes. This is Namphueng's work. She's an independent artist like me. We are close. She's like family to me. Why do you ask, Kinn?"

There's slight movement in the room. How dare this T-shirt and jeans wearing man address their boss without honorifics? But Kinn is completely unfazed. He continues to speak to Porsche as if no one else in the room matters.

"Namphueng? I have been told that a Khun Gun has made these paintings. He has returned from abroad and having studied art from famous universities, he would like to showcase his work in my gallery. These three paintings are samples."

"No. This is Namphueng's work. Her husband was shot dead by loan sharks three months ago. She has two small children to support. She was surviving on her savings. She knows about my financial struggles so I think she never discussed it with me when money became tight. Khun Gun must have taken advantage of her desperation and offered her a deal. He's using her talent and passing it off as his own."

"Thank you, Porsche. This is what I wanted you to confirm."

And then Porsche sees Kinn in his element. The Kinn he had seen when they had met the first time. He orders for Namphueng to be located, contacted and brought to the office. He orders that a meeting be arranged with Khun Gun. He wants the legal team to be present in the meeting too. He downs his whiskey in one big gulp and asks for the reports on the last open event held in the gallery: the footfall, the sales, the popularity of the artist, the coverage in the press and the revenue sheet.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Porsche. Thank you for your time."

And with that Porsche is being escorted out of the conference hall.

***

When he reaches home, Porsche thinks about Kinn. How he has been with him all this while: speaking softly, asking politely, laughing loudly, eating EVERYTHING enthusiastically, shopping excitedly at thrift stores. And he thinks about how comfortable they've become in each other's company. They get into each other's personal space, call each other 'satt' fondly, share food from the same plate, in fact Kinn has been wearing Porsche's clothes for their daily outings (because Kinn of course shows up in that one suit for the consistency of the painting). Porsche is overwhelmed. He stares at the almost completed portrait of a gloriously laughing Kinn.

And it hits him. It hits him like a freight train. Kinn opened up to him. Kinn opened up to him so intimately. Porsche has had people posing for him break down. They say they feel naked under his eyes. They feel like all their sins are laid bare. They feel like repenting. And Porsche understands that. He understands the power of art, the intensity of an artist's gaze (he's been in that position). And he has comforted those people, given them space in his arms to cry their hearts out, given them the safety of the room to be able to scream and confront themselves.

How did he miss it with Kinn? It is only after the events of the evening that Porsche really understood how Kinn's walls had crumbled around him, how open Kinn was being. Kinn broke down too: not in tears but in laughs.

Porsche decides to paint the background red.

***

Kinn shows up at Porsche's apartment the next day at their agreed time.

He goes to sit in the designated spot but Porsche holds him by his arm.

"The portrait is complete. I would like to show it to you."

Porsche sees disappointment in Kinn's eyes. He understands; he feels the same way. What excuse would they have to meet up with each other now? 'It was good while it lasted,' Porsche thinks quietly.

He unveils the portrait. And Kinn is thoroughly confused.

"I...didn't pose like this."

"Yeah...about that. I took some artistic liberties," Porsche says with a cheeky smile.

Kinn smiles and then laughs. Both of them laugh.

After the laughing fit passes, Porsche confesses, "You look cute when you smile. And you look adorable when you laugh. I had to capture that. I hope you're okay with the painting. Do you approve or is there any revision you would like to suggest? You get one round of revision, remember."

"Let me think about it. Would that be okay?"

"Of course! It's your painting after all!"

Kinn gives Porsche one of his brilliant smiles.

"Ever since you've come here you haven't stopped smiling. Why?"

"Is it that obvious?" Kinn lowers his head and smiles. "Here I feel free, I don't have to please the shareholders, I don't have to be a boss, I don't have a schedule, I don't have to worry about authenticity."

Kinn extends his hand for Porsche to hold. And Porsche does exactly that.

"I would love to live like this...here, Porsche."

Porsche intertwines his fingers with Kinn's.

"Kinn, come on. Be real. You can't live like this. It's not easy. In your life you have so many people to help you at home and at work. It will be uncomfortable for you here."

"It'll be okay as long as it is with you. I-"

"Can you cook even one thing?" Porsche cuts into Kinn's idealistic romantic rant.

"Of course I can!" Kinn responds offended. "My eggs are delicious."

Porsche scoffs at the deliberate delivery of the line. Both of them look at each other and burst out laughing. ('What's a bit of balls innuendo between us,' Porsche thinks)

But Kinn's smile lasts longer on his lips, his gaze on Porsche slightly more intense and Porsche feels something stir inside of him. With newfound courage and intrigue he says,

"Well, why don't you feed me your eggs and I'll tell you how good they are."

***

[prcttylittlebirds]

rafael chuckles at how thorough venus is being. he’s looking forward to a nice shower just to clear his mind. he hasn’t even processed everything fully yet. “you’ve been lovely, so no need to make up for your crimes thank you. enjoy your shower, i’ll be fine.” he reassures her, carefully removing his shoes as she leaves the room. he takes the time alone to freshen up and brush his teeth with the toiletries she mentioned. by the time he hears her knocking he’s already out of the bathroom, in his sweatpants. his shirt however is barely on once she peeks in. “you can come in, silly.” his voice is muffled by his shirt as he proceeds to push his head and arms through it. “the shower helped, i’m still processing.. i just need time i guess.” he answers. he doesn’t know how he really feels. “i had some of my nieces’ drawings somewhere. those are probably gone, but at least i wasn’t inside.. do you feel better now that that long dress is off? and the heels too?” he asks, only being able to imagine her discomfort after such a long night.

choosing to stay with venus during this tough time is a choice rafael hopes is the right one. he’ll give himself a few days to sit with the idea. his only concern is the feelings they both have for each other making an appearance because of the close proximity. seeing her everyday, and spending so much time with her might make it harder for him to ignore those feelings and the chemistry between them. even though his mind is all over the place during the car ride, it was relaxing and quiet. soon he’s walking into her house again. in a whole different mood. “i’ll take any room, really, but i’ll pick one from upstairs. just until the littles get back. i tend to have trouble sleeping. i doubt that’ll get better anytime soon.” venus’ hospitality is much like his own, he’s always telling her to make herself comfortable in his home. “ thank you for letting me stay, again. i won’t cook anything, i promise… i’ve seen enough fires..i’m good.” he puts his hands up, smiling at her. it’s difficult for him to be in a bad mood when she’s around. he’s really bummed, and not his usual cheerful self but their playfulness is making him feel better.