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hansensgirl · 6 months ago

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💸 — 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (3/3)

summary. | The mob boss has an alternate way you can pay off your debt.

pairing. | dark!mob boss!Ari Levinson x naive!fem!reader.

chapter warnings. | NON/DUBCON, SMUT, dark themes, obsession, stalking, mob themes, manipulation, pet names, age gap, innocence kink, abuse of power, corruption kink, power imbalance, smoking (ari), debt, Daddy kink, control kink, jealousy/possessiveness, anxiety/fear, mild foreplay, vaginal sex, rough sex, praise, degradation, dirty talk, rough sex, mild choking, deceit, lying, drinking, creampie, manhandling (a bit), size kink (cock), alluded spying/stalking, and more. 18+ MINORS DNI!

word count. | ~5.6k

author’s note. | series masterlist. after a million years, here’s the final part! i hope you enjoyed this series. please enjoy the final part and don’t forget to reblog. any and all feedback (positive) is welcome. no beta, all mistakes are my own. taglist: @hansensfics. MINORS DNI! 18+ ONLY!

Time drags by slowly, each minute feeling longer than usual. Perhaps it’s because you don’t do much anymore. You continue with your regular routine, though waking up and going to bed early isn’t necessary.

Ari visits often, taking you on drives along scenic routes you never knew your city had. He sometimes stays with you at home, watching a movie while you feast on snacks. Any time you’re graced with his presence, he comes bearing gifts.

The first present required much convincing for you to accept. It was a set of rings with elegant jewels that cost more than your life. The mob boss placed each one on your fingers and kissed the pads of your digits, his lips so soft that you can still feel them.

You keep the rings locked up in your drawer, buried under items a thief wouldn’t bother searching through. Wearing them makes you feel like someone you aren’t—his girlfriend. No, you’re just his… something, for now.

The day after Ari’s first gift, he arrived on your doorstep with another.

Whenever you see him, he is always put-together. He wears expensive suits, and his hair is perfectly styled yet effortless. He’s considerate, too, always asking about your eating habits and making sure you’re doing more than well while under his care.

The second present was a pair of shoes you had secretly been vying for whenever you got the chance to window-shop downtown. Ari sat you down on your couch and gently lifted your feet, slipping the shoes on as if you were Cinderella, and he was Prince Charming.

His touch remained gentle, although you knew he isn’t always this way with others. Sometimes, you think of what Ari does when he isn’t with you. Does he torture his enemies? Lurk in the shadows? Visit restaurants that are really fronts for more lucrative operations?

You push these ideas out of your mind when you realize they’ll do you no good, as the older man often says. He catches you zoning out and getting lost in your thoughts repeatedly. It’s not as if you’re overthinking about yourself; you just can’t help but worry about the arrangement you’re in.

Unlike the rings, you wear the shoes with pride and a twang of guilt. You’re supposed to be paying Ari back, yet here he is, spoiling you into oblivion. You don’t want to ask him why. You figure it must be mobster gentlemanliness, right?

It’s been one month since the arrangement began, and you find you’re settling into it well. Ari makes sure of this, smoothing over all the wrinkles and ensuring that everything is the way it should be—the way he wants it to be.

You wake up in peace, noting that it’s half an hour later than you usually set your alarm. You even linger in bed, trying to recall your terrifying dream about running from a man who posed as an ally at first. But you never escaped, and now you have to catch your breath. You barely remember what he looked like.

On your bedside table—which is brand new after Ari replaced your old one—is a piece of paper you know you didn’t leave. You grab it and sit up, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes once you brace against the backboard.

You recognize the handwriting immediately. It’s Ari’s. You don’t question when he left it, although the older man didn’t visit yesterday. Something about a deal gone wrong made him busy. You told him you didn’t mind just so he would spare you the details.

The truth is that you did mind. You mind a lot, actually. You find yourself thinking about the mob boss almost every second of the day, like he’s some crush you hope you can have all to yourself.

*Princess,

I hope you slept nicely. Don’t tire yourself too much today. I’m taking you out tonight. Please answer the door at around 1:30. It’ll be one of my associates.

*Yours forever, Daddy

You smile as you re-read each word. You appreciate the beauty of his handwriting and the fact he took the time out of his hectic days to leave you a note.

Once the rose-coloured haze disappears, you focus on the contents of the letter. Butterflies fill your stomach, but they taunt and awaken your worries instead of making you lovesick. You haven’t gone out in forever—where will Ari take you?

You get out of bed, and instead of brushing your teeth, you begin to pace along the expanse of your small bedroom. You have nothing nice enough to wear out on the town—nothing to suit your counterpart, at least. You believe you’ll look like an utter fool next to the revered man.

You eventually will yourself to calm down. You eat a delicious breakfast and search through your closet. Nothing.

The morning bleeds into the afternoon, and before you know it, there is a knock on your door. It’s the same pattern Ari used before getting himself a key to your home. You recall the orders he left on the note and rush to open the door.

You’re greeted by the face of Curtis, Ari’s most trusted associate. You’ve seen him from time to time, often staring down the girl in charge of serving the men with drinks and cigars or cigarettes. Whatever vice they want, she offers it up immediately.

Curtis doesn’t say much, and neither do you. He hands you two heavy bags—a paper one filled with boxes and a garment one—and grabs the door handle, shutting it for you. The exchange is weird, but you know Curtis is just doing his job. You can only imagine what Ari would do if he found out one of his employees went against his rules.

The mob boss has told you about his jealous streak, but you would never reveal how flattered you are that he feels that way about you. Though you chalk it up to just being business.

You turn the lock into place and set the bag on the couch, sitting next to it. Another gift! You’re more excited than you’d like to admit. With slightly shaky hands, you reach into the bag and take the tissue paper out.

It’s white with little colourful circles that remind you of confetti cake, Ari’s favourite. You baked it with him one night, and it was delicious. You giggle at the memory of him covered in flour and cake mix.

You’re gentle as you unwrap your gift. The first box is sleek, and you recognize the brand name. You’ve only ever dreamed of affording their cheapest item.

The gasp that leaves you when you take the lid off the box is audible and would make Ari chuckle. Inside is a pair of heels that gleam in the low light of your living room. You take one shoe out gently and inspect the details. They’re a work of art—and they’re all yours.

You feel like a spoiled kid on Christmas morning, squealing and gawking at everything. You close the first box and reach for the next. This one is smaller but heavier. The outside is covered in what feels like suede or velvet.

You pry it open, and your jaw drops. Inside is a beautiful diamond necklace with matching earrings. You’re not sure what the price is, but you know it must be worth a fortune. Your fingers itch to touch the jewels, but you resist the urge.

It’s too much. You can barely breathe.

As if you’re being spied on, your phone rings when you abruptly shut the box. You search for the device briefly, succeeding just at the last few trills. It’s Ari.

You answer the call quickly. His baritone voice comes out of the speaker, sounding just like honey.

“Hey, sweetie,” he greets. You can hear doors shutting on his end, as well as the click of a lighter and the telltale squeak of his chair. “Hi, Daddy,” you sigh almost dreamily.

Ari exhales audibly, and you assume he’s smoking. The thought of his nasty habit makes you wrinkle your nose. “D’you get your gifts, baby?” he asks. “Yes—but I can’t accept them, Daddy, it’s too much,” you protest, glancing back at the boxes. You realize you haven’t opened the garment bag yet.

“There’s no such thing as ‘too much’ when I’m spoiling you, honey,” he chides. You fiddle with the wrinkled fabric of your t-shirt. “And if I’m hearing right, it sounds like you’re telling me ‘no’…”

Your breath hitches. No, that wasn’t your intention. “I’m not—I’m sorry, Daddy. I just– I just don’t know what to do. I’m not used to this,” you express honestly.

You’re determined to never break his rules for the next few months. You’ve already completed one—which he celebrated with a deliciously home-cooked dinner.

The older man shushes you. “I know, baby. You don’t know what to do without Daddy, hm?” he coos. The words make you feel slightly embarrassed, but it’s true. He’s the only one that has helped you cope with your new—albeit temporary—life.

You let Ari claim the following few words. Whenever he uses that title—Daddy—it’s as if he snaps you out of some stupor, and you realize what you’re doing. But when you use it, it feels like second nature.

“Don’t worry,” the older man says, attaching your name to the end of his reassurance to really grab your attention. Ari successfully grounds you. “Just do what I say, baby. Alright? You don’t have to accept the gifts, but you’ll wear them tonight,” he further explains.

“Tonight?” you repeat. “Tonight. When we go out. I have a small get-together planned with a few… friends,” the mob boss clarifies. "You know, honey, this is gonna be our first night out. Are you excited?” Ari asks, his tone a bit more light-hearted.

Admittedly, you’re much less than excited. You’re nervous—scared. But you can’t tell him this. You don’t want to be a bother.

“Y– Yeah. Of course, Daddy,” you tell Ari. You have no idea what you’re going to do. “I’m looking forward to it, baby. I can’t wait to see you all dressed up,” he hums. He picked the dress for you especially, wanting his girl to feel like a princess. “Me too… Where are we going?” you question.

“My place. You’re gonna love it, I promise,” he says. You nod your head, although the mob boss can’t see you. Ari chuckles briefly. “I’ll give you a tour once the guests are gone. They’ll be nice, but don’t talk to anyone when I’m not there, ‘kay?”

You listen to him gladly. You wouldn’t even dare to look at his other mobster friends.

“I gotta go now, baby. Call me if you need anything, alright?” Ari abruptly says, sighing deeply as if frustrated. “Yes, Daddy,” you tell him. He blows you a kiss over the phone and hangs up.

You always knew that this day would come, but you never thought it would arrive so soon. You stand up on shaky legs and read the text message Ari sends. He tells you to be ready by 9:00, and you acquiesce. You just hope that tonight goes smoothly. And quickly.

The clock ticks closer and closer to when Ari said he’d pick you up. He texted you here and there, responses quick and well-rounded. You resist using your abbreviation and onslaught of emojis.

You take your time getting ready, making sure that everything is perfect. The dress fits perfectly and is absolutely gorgeous. You ignored the price tag, knowing it wouldn’t sit well with you on the ride to his home.

You can’t help but admire yourself in the mirror, though. You feel like the movie stars you’ve always admired in their grand pictures with even larger budgets for the wardrobe, establishing them as fashion icons.

Holding your clutch to your chest, your other hand lightly touches the diamond necklace. It’s a harsh contrast to the simplicity and lightness of your gown. The pink tulle is slightly sheer but leaves much to the imagination. You spin around a bit, too, emulating your childhood princesses.

There is a knock at the door. You take a deep breath and open it, greeted by the sight of Ari.

Ari and his handsomeness. Ari and all your fantasies and weaknesses. You smile at him until your cheeks hurt, but even then, you don’t stop. You rush to hug him, squealing as he lifts you off the ground and presses a kiss on your cheek.

“You’re an angel, baby,” he says once he puts you down. You preen under his careful gaze, his kind words. “You look so handsome, Daddy,” you honestly tell him. You admire the ruggedness he keeps despite his current elegance.

He grins, and the car ride to his place is just like this. You sing praises to each other when the awkward silence becomes unbearable. Ari does most of the talking, while his trusted driver keeps the partition rolled up as classical music blares.

The older man tells you all kinds of jokes. You stare out the window whenever he catches you looking at him. His large hands remain on your thighs while yours are crossed in your lap. So far, so good, you think to yourself.

The drive goes by quickly, and soon, you pull up to his lavish mansion. It is on the outskirts of the city, nestled between tall trees resembling a forest. Ari exits the car first so that he can open the door for you.

You thank him and turn around to marvel at his house. It takes your breath away. You've never seen anything like it. Before you can ask Ari a few questions about his home, he drags you towards the entrance, hand on the small of your back at first, until he decides to loop it around your waist and pull you close to him.

“Don't worry, baby. Just be a good girl, 'kay?” Ari husks in your ear, glancing at the associate who opens the for for the two of you. You simply nod your head, words leaving your mouth as you take a peak inside.

So many people. So many eyes—all of them on you.

You gulp thickly. Ari grabs a flute of champagne from a server’s tray, offering yoou one with a telling glace. You shake your head. Even with all the alcohol in the world, you wouldn’t be able to calm down.

Ari’s hold on your waist grows firmer as men approach and speak to him. Sometimes, he strays to your ass, and you end up choking on your spit each time he does so.

You don’t recognize anyone here, except for Curtis and the other associate that had brought you to Ari the day you reckoned your fate. Neither of them spare you a glance, and if they do, you don’t notice it.

You hold onto the mob boss tightly, scared of losing him. You wouldn’t dare speak to anyone if that happened.

“Everything alright, baby?” the older man asks, once again tilting his head down to hear you better. “Yup,” you breathe out shakily, looking around. You notice that Ari doesn’t return to his normal stature, and then he realize your mistake.

“Sorry, Daddy,” you’re quick to say, and he presses his lips together in a line. “It’s okay. Don’t let it happen again,” Ari warns. “Yes, Daddy,” you diligently repeat, and he presses a quick kiss to your cheek.

Someone calls the mob boss’ name. You turn to look at who the voice belongs to, and you’re greeted by the sight of a man with two barely-clothed women hanging off his arms. You can see it in their faces—the unhappiness, the fear.

Ari can sense how tense you are, and he can sense the way Daniel has been dying to push his buttons all night.

“Price,” the mob boss bluntly addresses his colleague. The other man—the one with a goatee and an ego bigger than the entire continent—simply nods. “Levinson. Nice party you’ve got… Even nicer girl, hm?” Arthur smirks.

You can feel the stranger’s eyes on you, drinking in your appearance. You hate that feeling. You meet his gaze and he leers at your brazenly, winking and darting his tongue out to lick his lips, the action too slow for comfort.

Ari clears his throat to interrupt the moment. Daniel directs his eyes to the older man before engaging in some ‘work-related’ chatter, while you choose to focus on the women he practically holds hostage. Aren’t you just like them? Treated with more class and manners, but how long will that last?

You want to leave, but you know you can’t, and that upsets you. You have no autonomy, and for some reason, this finally upsets you after about a month of living in Ari’s precarious arrangement.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere else to be,” he suddenly ends the conversation, snapping you out of your reverie.

Ari drags you away from the watchful, prying eyes of others. You can barely keep up with his pace.

“W– Wait, Daddy!” you call to him, but he doesn’t listen. Ari leads you up a set of stairs, and the amount of bodyguards lessen with each step, until there is no one left except for you two.

“What was that? Hm?” the mob boss questions angrily, pushing you into his personal bedroom. No one else has ever been inside it before—not even his past girlfriends.

“I– I don’t understand,” you stutter, panting as you try to catch your breath. “Really? I saw you gawking at Price,” Ari disproves. You furrow your brows. “I wasn’t! I would never,” you promise, placing your hands on his chest to placate him as best as you can.

Ari doesn’t shrug off your touch, but he does look away from you. “Please, Daddy. You have to believe me,” you continue. Ari looks back to you, and he sighs. “Promise?” he asks.

There isn’t much light in the room, save for the lamps in the corners. But you can still see the darkness of Ari’s eyes, and while it should frighten you, you can feel your panties dampen at the sight.

“Promise, Daddy,” you repeat. For added measure, you press a kiss on his nose, ready to pull away with a smile. But Ari’s hands quickly grab your face, cupping your cheeks and keeping you in place. “Daddy?”

The older man doesn’t say anything. He pulls you close and captures you in a rough kiss. It appears to be passionate, yet it screams ownership. You don’t know the difference—how could you? It feels right, it feels like what you owe the mobster. At least part of your debt, anyway.

When Ari finally pulls away, you can barely breathe. He doesn’t say a thing, and neither do you. Instead, he pushes you towards the bed, and you fall back with an ‘oomph.’

“W– Wait, Daddy–” you start, trying to sit up. Ari shushes you, pushing you back down with a small motion once he climbs on top of you. “You’re my good girl, aren’t you?” he pants, grabbing your body and flipping you onto your stomach. Ari manhandles you with ease.

You nod your head and try to wriggle out of his grasp. It’s all moving too fast for you. “Stay still. Let Daddy make his baby feel good,” he demands, his voice hard enough to will you to listen. You still beneath him.

“Attagirl,” Ari chuckles, pulling the skirt of your dress above your ass. It was already a bit shorter than you’d like, but now everything is exposed to him. The cold air on your ass makes goosebumps rise on your skin. You shiver at the sudden cold.

“Fuck, this ass is perfect,” Ari growls, grabbing a handful of the supple flesh. He lands a sharp smack to your butt, and you gasp at the contact. It stings at first, but as the feeling dies away, you realize that you enjoy it. You grow shy with shame. “I’m gonna ruin you, princess.”

His words seem like a promise, but they sound like a threat.

“Don’t you think we should take it slow, Daddy?” you ask him, voice a pitch higher out of fear. Fear of him? Fear of his answer? “I’ve taken it slow, honey. I’ve been a gentleman,” Ari assures you.

He isn’t wrong, but you’re not sure if you agree with him. It’s only been a month. You haven’t known him that long.

“But this wasn’t a part of the deal,” you protest one final time. You’re quieter this time around, and Ari pauses in his tracks. There is silence for a few moments, until he speaks up. “It is now.”

That is all he says as he grabs at your panties, ripping the fabric off your skin. You gasp at his actions, and the sound turns into a lewd moan when his fingers find your folds.

“You’re soaking, baby. Like a little whore,” he coos, rubbing the pads of his digits up and down your wet skin. You shudder from the pleasure, squeezing your thighs together when Ari touches your clit. “It’s okay. Daddy loves his little slut,” he professes.

Your head spins from the pleasure, the confession, and the turn of events. Your voice catches in your throat when Ari rubs your clit, sending jolts of electricity throughout your body. He pulls sounds from you that you never knew you could make. They’re music to the mob boss’s ears.

Ari chuckles, as if in victory, when you begin to gyrate your hips to meet the movements of his hands on your pussy. He can feel his hard cock straining against his pants, and all he can think about is fucking you. He hasn’t stopped thinking about fucking you since he first saw you—and that wasn’t the day you went begging to him.

“Daddy,” you mewl, sending a rush of blood to Ari’s dick. “I’m here, baby,” he coos, picking up the pace of his fingers. His other hand plays with your ass, groping and lightly slapping the flesh as he brings you closer and closer to your first orgasm of the night.

The older man makes you see stars. You’ve never felt this way before—not during the late, lonely nights under your covers.

The pressure inside you builds, and your pornographic sounds become louder. The squelching of your cunt nearly rivals your moans. “Fuck, you gonna come, honey? Gonna make a mess on Daddy’s hand?” Ari asks, his words coaxing you towards that brink.

You topple over and cry out, dripping hole clenching around nothing. As if your body is a separate entity that belongs to him, you involuntarily nod your head at Ari’s question.

“Shit. That’s it. Such a good girl,” he praises, the words going to straight to your head and making you smile through your pleasure-filled haze. You grip onto the expensive bedsheets and ride out your climax, grinding on Ari’s hand until the nerves of your clit become oversensitive.

Ari, unable to hold back anymore, pulls his fingers away and admires how they glisten with your slick. The sweet scent of your cunt fills the room, and he has the overwhelming urge to make you come apart on his mouth. But that has to wait for now.

The mob boss places his wet digits inside of his mouth, revelling in your taste. He makes a show of it, too, knowing you can see him in the mirrors that are in headboard of his bed. The sight his lewd—enough to make you throb in need and get wetter with want.

There’s a small voice in your head that sounds exactly like you. It tells you that this was never a part of the deal, that Ari shouldn’t be doing this. You find it difficult to listen to its reasoning, too clouded by lust.

You watch as Ari reaches for the zipper on the side of your dress, pulling it so harshly that it breaks. In just a few seconds, he tears the fabric from your body. You gasp at the display of strength, not even having the chance to bid farewell to the dress.

Your nipples pebble from the cold air, and they rub against the bedsheets, sending a wave of euphoria through your body. “Daddy… Please,” you whimper, rubbing your thighs together as your desperation for something grows.

“I got ya, baby. Daddy’s here,” Ari shushes you, mildly slurring his words. You barely even register that this is the first time Ari has seen you naked. In fact, he never should be seeing you naked.

Ari marvels at your body, although this isn’t the first time he has done so. You’re just so gorgeous, he can’t help himself.

The mob boss begins to undress himself, not caring open the buttons that fly as the fabric stretches against his toned muscles. The velvet suit—one of Ari’s favourites, which he can always get another of—ends up on the floor. The tendrils of hair fall from the gelled style he originally had, framing is face to make the man look more rugged than usual.

He pulls down the zipper to his pants and frees his hard, thick cock from the confines of his boxers. Ari gives himself a few strokes, letting a few beads of pre-cum drip onto your ass.

You arch your back just a bit, giving the older man better access and a better view of what’s his. Ari slaps his fat tip against your leaky hole, sliding it through your folds as he teases you. When he reaches your sensitive nub, your muscles twitch slightly.

You maintain a steady hold on the sheets, bracing yourself for the intrusion. You’ve had sex before, but it was so long ago and an experience that you gained nothing from. You’re always too busy to properly treat yourself. You can imagine that this’ll feel like your first time—only better.

“You feel that, baby? Hm?” the older man asks, bending over you. One of his strong arms is near your head, used as leverage to hold himself up. “Uh-huh,” you moan, feeling how Ari’s hard cock rubs against your pussy. *He’s so big—just like the rest of him.

“S’all for you, honey. You have no idea what you do to me,” he grunts, sliding his cock back to your hole. Before you can respond, Ari begins to push into your cunt, stretching you out slowly. You breathe through the entirety of the ordeal, moaning at the intrusion and the sheer filth of it all.

When Ari finally bottoms out, his heavy balls are flush against your clit. His dick is deep inside you—you feel so full. You take a few moments to adjust to his thickness, getting up onto your forearms so that you can look at Ari.

You tilt your head upwards and make eye contact with the mob boss. His usually blue eyes are blown out with lust—a dark look to him that you’ve never seen before. Ari leans over you even more, his cock still deep inside your wet pussy.

His dominant hands moves towards your neck, and he wraps his hand around your throat after shifting upwards, almost as if he’s holding your jaw. The action frightens you, but you feel no pressure being put on your airway.

It’s the control. The fact that you’re his, and he can do anything he’d like to you.

Before you can say anything, Ari begins to fuck you. He pushes and pulls his cock in and out of you. The mob boss hits your g-spot with expertise and turns you into a moaning, pathetic mess. Ari watches you intently, never once breaking eye contact as your mouth drops open in pleasure.

Your sounds are pornographic. You don’t have a moment to feel shameful about them, though. The noises that come from his skin slapping against yours is loud. So is the squelching of your sopping cunt.

“Daddy—so deep!” you cry out, going limp in his hold. It’s as if you can feel him in your guts. You babble like a baby, making Ari chuckle. He’s dreamt of this moment for so long, and it’s better than he could ever imagine. “Yeah? Wait ‘til I try that pretty mouth a’ yours,” he whispers in your ear, biting the lobe.

The thought of Ari fucking your face creates a lewd picture in your mind. You’ve never thought about it before, but the way you pussy squeezes his cock tells Ari what you think of the idea. Even if, deep down, you didn’t the mob boss to fuck your face, he would still get what he wants.

“Shit,” you mewl, eyes rolling back into your skull. The older man pummels into your relentlessly, practically abusing your cunt. Ari’s dick is coated in your slick, the smell of it and sweat filling the room. “This cunt’s cryin’ on my cock—you gonna cry, too, princess?”

You don’t really register what Ari is saying, so you just nod your head like the obedient girl you are. “Good girl—always such a good slut for Daddy,” he groans, looking down to admire how your ass ripples when his pelvis slaps against the soft flesh.

You cry out as Ari pumps into you relentlessly. You can feel the euphoria build up, and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever felt before. “‘S so much, Daddy…” you express through your moans, fuelling Ari’s ego. “Yeah? You gonna come all over Daddy’s fat cock, baby?” the mob boss asks.

Nodding your head, you topple over the edge of your climax. Your sounds become choked and grow even louder. Your pussy squeeze Ari’s dick, creaming around his hardness as you come undone. Ari marvels at the sight.

Your eyes squeeze shuts and your hold onto the bed sheets tightly. You’ve never felt such pleasure before—even at your own hands. It’s like Ari knows your body—and your entire being—better than you do.

“That’s it. Good girl, ” Ari growls, admiring how your leaky pussy just swallows his dick. The arch in your back is mean, but he loves it. He loves watching you take it. His once-innocent princess is now the older man’s whore. All his, forever.

The stars in your eyes dissipate as you ride out your high, coming down from it slowly but surely. It’s hard, though, as Ari is relentless in how in pounds into your cunt. “Who owns this pussy, honey? Hm?” Ari asks. He can feel his own orgasm building up, and he knows he cannot hold back any longer.

“You! S’all yours, Daddy. ‘M yours,” you mewl, and as if on cue, Ari shoves his hips forwards and he stills his movements. His heavy balls clench as he leans forward, completely covering your body with his. Ari holds onto you tightly, filling your pussy with his cum.

Ropes of his seed shoot from his tip and coat your inner walls, filling you to the brim until some of it leaks past his fat cock. He gives a few thrusts just to tease you, smiling when you whimper from the stimulation.

It’s so damn messy where the two of you are connected. Ari has the desire to clean you up, but he knows that your sweet-self wouldn’t be able to handle all that in one night. At least, for now.

When the older man finally catches his breath, he slowly pulls out of your pussy. A trail of his cum follows, leaking out and mixing with your juices. He rolls you onto your side gently, laying down next to you as he watches your face intently.

You have no clue what to say. You can’t even begin to wrap your head around what happened, especially as the haze doesn’t seem to leave any time soon.

A few moments of silence pass. Ari’s hand rubs up and down your arm, moving upwards to cup your cheek again. He drinks in very detail of your face and you watch him, too, just not with the same intensity.

“D– Daddy?” you quietly say, and his ears perk up. “Yeah, baby?” Ari responds. “What now?” you question. Where do you go from here?

“Well… I think you should get some rest,” he starts, sighing deeply and he seemingly fights back a yawn. You agree, but that’s not what you meant. “I’ll get you cleaned up, don’t worry,” the mob boss assures you.

“What about the deal?” you continue.

More silence, and the sound of Ari clearing his throat. The deepness of his voice remains as he speaks.

“I think I may have to extend it, honey,” he honestly tells you, words heavy with disappointment. You don’t really know what to think—you have no reaction, save for the small nod you give him. You’ve come to realize that whatever Ari wants, he gets. And he’s so damn greedy.

You drift off to sleep slowly, accepting your fate even though it was too late the moment you resigned and stepped into his office a month ago. It could be worse, you could be dead, you reassure yourself.

Ari stares at the ceiling and thinks about how time can fly. Soon, those promised months will turn into a year, and then even more. Just like he planned—just how it’s supposed to be.

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sulumuns-dootah · 3 months ago

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Taking the WHB demons (+ angels) to the Zoo

⟡ Masterlist ⟡

A/N: It's my b-day! And as a treat to myself I went to visit a local Zoo so ofc I'll write about how our demons (+ angels) would behave if they got to go too! ^^

Characters: All of the demons + the Seraphs

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With Satan in your group, you don't have to worry about being suffocated in a crowd of people. In a true Satan fashion, they all get a healthy dose of his boots to their behinds if they get even remotely close. And no, children are not safe from him.

Sitri is the snacks and drinks provider. No need to buy overpriced slushies and ice-cream when as soon as you get a craving, something sweet is being handed to you.

As unathletic as Leraye is, you'll see him speedwalking from an enclosure to enclosure. Oh, but if the Zoo has a tropical house with storm sounds for the immersive ambiance? Good luck getting him out of there.

Paimon takes photos of everything and anything. Every few enclosures has to take a break to pick out the best photos and delete the rest to clear out space for more.

Interestingly, Belial - or moreso Jjyu is really quiet. Maybe because someone told him that if he doesn't learn his manners, he might end up as food for one of the animals. This also might be the first time Belial has had such peace and quiet since he first got Jjyu.

Please, tell Astaroth to keep his snake at home in advance. The last thing anyone wants is to argue with the staff that it's really his snake and that he didn't steal it.

You barely notice Zagan even being there. Well, if he didn't leave his talismans everywhere, that is. Despite being practically expresionless, you can see him softly smile while watching animals do something cute.

Ppyong acts like a toddler. In the beginning he'll fly around all excited, happily exclaiming at the actions of the animals. Then he gets all tired and whiny, so Zagan someone has to carry him around. Once he's all rested up, it's back to square one

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"Oh, that's you favorite animal? M'kay, gimme a second to look up how much it costs." - Mammon

"Look at them, all they do is lay around and do nothing and we still have to pay to see them!" - Bimet

Eligos nearly buy out the plushies in the souvenir shop. Can't balme him, tho, they're usually super cute (and expensive x.x).

Do you feel guilty for dragging everyone around just to see your favorite animals? Valerfor is more than happy to be dragged around! Just give him enough time to read the info plaque so the two of you can have an interesting convo later.

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Oh boy is it hard to get Leviathan to come with you. And honestly, I wouldn't recommend at all. The people make him anxious and the fact that the animals get all of your attention instead of him? How he wishes he could hang them all.

Foras is probably the best Hades noble to visit with. He's eager to see all the animals the place has to offer. Also doesn't mind being dragged around.

Scheduling tip: make sure the day is overcast. If it's rainy, Barbatos will refuse to go anywhere. If it's sunny, there's no way you can keep his clothes on and with all the kids around... yikes.

Glasyalabolas will hang around the predators and vultures. If he's not there, he's probably about, scaring unattended children.

A Zoo is an amazing place to release Orias back into the wilderness. Just let him loose to disappear amongst all the other children at the playground. There's a chance that some unfortunate parent will mistake him for their own kid and take him home.

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Beelzebub is excited to try out all the food at the food court/restaurant within the Zoo. If there's a queue, he'll just walk up to the front. In such case is handy to have Satan with you to kick everyone out of the way.

Our poor Bael tries to coordinate the whole trip with you. The whole time he's holding an itinerary with time spans that you can spend on certain sections so you can catch as much commented feedings as possible.

Stolas has you to stop at every stall with snacks. So what, Sitri has a whole bag of them? Those he can have anytime, but these are only available at the Zoo (they're not)

The only one who's allowed to tour the Zoo on his own, separate from the group is Naberius, because nobody's willing to stop at every enclosure so he can read the plaques and commit them to memory. The only ones he avoids are canines bc they count as his family or smth and he hates to see them caged.

Oh lord the amount of times you've accidentally left Amon behind because he fell asleep while sitting somewhere in shade on a bench. Only once Beel returns from his food tasting will Amon stick with the group, so he can spend time by his side.

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Similar to Glasyalabolas, Ronove likes to hang around vultures and animals known to scare people. If there's a night exhibition, he'd also enjoy that. Partially because when people get startled when they enter a room and see him just silently standing there.

Phenix is kinda a hard one. Obviously, in their state it's difficult to go out anywhere in the human world. They agree, so they're content wiht just seeing Paimon's photos.

Another demon, who better be left at home is Dantalian. Sure, he can pass as a human, but you'd have to have him on a leash or keep an eye on him constantly. The moment he's out of your sight, he'll just try to get into an enclosure of some dangerous animal.

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Taking out Belphegor could be actually funny. Get him a wheelchair and take turns witht he rest of your group pushing him around. Just make sure to not leave him anywhere, just like Amon.

Beleth loves the house of felines. He's the exact opposite of Naberius. He's aware how endangered some large cat breeds are and he's happy to see some of his nearly extinct relatives safely protected.

Our floor gremlin Gusion has the answer to every question you might have about an animal. How? He's literally looking at the plaque rn. (*tired side-eye*)

A trip? Bathin very much cuncurs. Actually, why even go to a local Zoo when you can go to the one at the other side of the country? But don't get surprised if he gets a bit too excited iykwim.

Andrealphus spends most of the time in an area dedicated to bees and showcasing beekeeping. (my zoo has it and it's super adorable) Most of the animal enclosures have a stench to them and the pollinating flowers are so soothing to him. Also there's something about the constant buzzing that helps calm his mind.

As long as Belphegor doesn't go, Agares is happy to join you. He's taken over his country and now he would like to take over your attention? Not happening. It's either him or Belphie.

And as a loyal servant, Vassago refuses to go anywhere if his king is not going either. If you end up going with these two, however, I would avoid commented feeding since they could technicaly count as a speech.

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Being there since the begining, Lucifer's seen all the animals on earth as they were made by God, so he doesn't really see a reason to go to a Zoo, but eventually agrees to go when the others keep talking about it.

Morax is the best demon to take with you. All animals tend to naturally flock to him and so whenever you approach an enclosure, the animal will walk as close to him as it can, giving you the best view and if it's safe to, you can even pet it.

Big cat lover no.2 AKA Marbas! Will wait unti it's the cats' feeding time and then just watch as they tear their meal apart (it's usually a whole dead rabbit from what I've seen).

Buer would much more preffer a quiet getaway to maybe do some yoga or meditation, but nobody really asks him. As long as it makes you happy, he's happy to tag along. You'll probably find him later on with Adrealphus in the bee field.

Ooh, Gamigin loves snakes! They remind him of dragons (notice how he doesn't think they're related). "Wow, look at that one! I was that size when I was about 1000 years old!"

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Gabriel will most definitely decline your invitation to come along from the get go, so here's what you do: instead of a trip to a Zoo, you tell him that you're going a place where humans celebrate all the different types of God's creations. If he actually endures the whole schebang is a whole different question, though.

Been there, seen the animals before. Michael isn't interested in going anywhere where humans congregate. Though, it would make wiping them out easier.

Raphael is actually happy to go along with you. The whole experience is like reading a book witht he author's commentary. "Oh, that one was my idea. Can you tell?", "Yeah, I was telling Michael that it was a bad idea, but he wouldn't listen.", "Ahah, that one is scary to you? Gabriel made that one!"

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siolixz · 12 days ago

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~ Veils of Crimson ~

Chapter 1

Pairings: oz cobb x reader (Carmine Falcone's daughter)

Reader is the daughter of Carmine Falcone, she is young (19) when the beginning of the story happen, but nothing sexual between her and Oz at this age. She will grow and evolve as the story progresses, I wanted to explore the relationships between her and everyone else in the story in this chapter (besides Alberto). I was worried i made it too long now im worried its too short haha, next chapter are gonna be longer. Oz is still manipulative and scheming.

Story inspired by Driving Miss Falcone by (https://archiveofourown.org/users/genevievedarcygranger/pseuds/genevievedarcygranger)<- super good steamy story

It's a slow burn because THATS HOW I LIKE IT, yes there will be smut.

Enjoy, give feedback if u want xoxo

Warnings: mature language, smut (not in this chapter sorry), general teenage horniness.

Being the daughter of Carmine Falcone was, as many might say, easy. You went shopping every single day, you ate at the most expensive restaurants (and if you didn’t, you had chefs that would prepare everything your heart desired), you slept in the finest sheets. Compared to most young adults your age, you were born “full,” never having to worry about anything or anyone disturbing your peace or threatening your well-being.

Still, you were well aware of the things going on around you, even if your father or anyone else in the family, for that matter, usually just glossed over you. All of them opted to compliment how beautiful you were or how stylish your clothes were—blah, blah, blah. You understood that your father ran an organized crime syndicate, that he was respected, and that the clothes on your back and the food in your belly came from one thing only: blood money. But everyone seemed to be okay with it; I mean, who wouldn’t be, right?

You never saw anything weird or a crime being committed. Everyone—and I mean everyone—was well-mannered, spoke in a nice fashion, and you never had to ask for anything; everything was handed to you on a silver platter. You had a driver, for God's sake—someone at your beck and call who could drive you around wherever you wanted, whenever you wanted.

You didn’t have many friends. Those people you talked and socialized with? You couldn’t call them “friends.” They were all just bootlickers who thrived off having Carmine Falcone’s daughter near them; at least that’s what Alberto told you.

If you had to choose, you wouldn’t even go to those fancy-ass events that Sofia dragged you to every single time. She said that you two were women and that you were responsible for “keeping up appearances” and all that. To give her credit, she really made you guys quite the big deal. Ever since she took over her late mother’s organization, you’d grace the cover almost weekly, either because of something she did or some controversy a journalist would make up.

If you had to choose someone to spend time with, it was Oz. Sure, he was your driver, but he was the only person worth hanging around.

To start, he was funny. He always made you laugh, telling you the best stories from his childhood—either about his idol, Rex, or the sort of things he and his brothers got up to. It was a joy to be around him, at least for you. You always defended him when your uncle or your brother would make fun of his gait. Who the hell were they to talk? You never said that, though, because that was disrespectful, and you weren’t allowed to curse—well, you weren’t allowed to curse around family. Oz never minded; you were sure of that.

One year, when it was your birthday, Oz gave you the most gorgeous necklace. He knew exactly what sort of metal you adored, and in the middle was this very dainty diamond. Sure, it couldn’t have cost him a fortune, but it was the symbol that counted. The scandal that followed in the house afterwards was something to remember. You remembered telling one of the older girls there about the gift. That girl told Alberto, who then told your father. They didn’t know who it was from, but they knew it was a member of staff, and your father gave you an hour-long lecture about boundaries and how you shouldn’t have accepted the gift, ever. Sure enough, after two months, he forgot all about it; he had more important business to attend to. Oz apologized afterwards, when it was just the two of you, but you told him it was nonsense.

Your sister rudely interrupted your daydream when you arrived at, you guessed it, another press-infused dinner.

“Hey, you got your head in the clouds again, missy? We’re here.”

“Oh yes, I couldn’t figure it out by the cameras that are all pointing at us from outside, Sherlock. Thank you.” You knew your sister didn’t mind the bratty remark now and then; you were close—well, close enough. She was the first-born daughter, the second in command, really (Alberto was more like the “okay to the world choice” because he had a penis). You were the princess of the household; all you had to do was bat your pretty eyelashes and shine your big eyes, and all was forgiven, as long as you didn’t meddle in “grown-up business.” You were also a grown-up, but whatever. Oz had already made his way out of the car and toward the door.

“Remember, smile, be nice and courteous, and don’t talk to the press. Let’s go.”

As you exited the expensive vehicle, you thanked and smiled at Oz, who, in turn, smiled back. He went to the front, pushing anyone who got too close to you out of the way as everyone shouted things regarding your father or the organization. Your sister grabbed your hand and led you inside; your dad always told you to pay them no mind, so you never really listened to what crap they were yelling anyway.

As your sister was introduced as “the chairwoman of the Isabella Falcone organization” and stepped up to the stage, you felt a sense of pride looking at her. She looked very beautiful in her red dress, obviously picked by you. You knew she usually got quite uncomfortable during those public speaking moments, so you made sure to look her straight in the eyes, straighten your back (which made her straighten hers out), and smile at her. It was your way of telling her that she was a Falcone; she better make everyone in the room remember that. No stuttering on the stage or hesitation.

These dinners or lunches or whatever—they felt like they took an eternity, with the exact same thing being said at every single one: “We need to protect women; the Isabella Falcone organization made this and that. This is very important for women all around Gotham.” While yes, you were sure they helped some people—like the rich ladies who were all here—you were sure they all felt much better about their privilege after attending these sorts of things. When you passed around the East End, you noticed the women on the street: the ones with two kids following them, or the pregnant women who went to work to support their families and give their kids something to eat, the ones wearing high heels and patrolling the corners of Gotham. You often wondered if they benefited from the “help” your sister and the other gals here offered.

Well, at least the food was nice. Every once in a while, you would see Oz walking into your field of vision, and you made sure to get him a plate of the sweets he liked. Even if he rejected the plate most often, he never said no to you. Of course, no one did.

After your smart sister was done talking, everyone applauded. You were the first to get up, and everyone else followed suit.

Immediately after, you went to Oz, with the plate, of course. He rejected it, but you said you weren’t going to repeat yourself, and he took it. That was a sort of ritual you guys had. After Sofia dodged one pretty woman after another, she came over to you two, and Oz started to say thank you to everyone coming closer—a sort of “shut the hell up, go home.”

“This is the third luncheon this week. A lobotomy couldn’t take the edge off,” she said. You had no funny remark to that; you knew when to press buttons and when to keep quiet. After she was anxious, it was no time for funny remarks; let’s leave.

“Even when you’re helping people, you still gotta eat shit,” Oz said, trying to be funny. He should’ve said that to you, not her. They were both walking ahead of you now, completely ignoring your presence. Of course, he showered her with his attention, just like everyone else.

“Better than some jobs, though.” He handed your sister a cigarette—a very bad habit you hated. You always told her she looked like a man. Ugh.

“Like what—” she glanced over at you and shook her head in your direction. “—driving this princess around?” She had that all-knowing smirk on her lips; this was her payback for your smart mouth when arriving here.

Oz’s smile fell. “Oh, that’s not— you know what I mean.” Serves him right for kissing her ass.

“She’s messing with you,” you interrupted. “We know it’s a shitty job.” He better not think it is.

“You deserve better; I mean, we both do, but you have a dick, so at least you're eligible for a promotion.” He laughed at that. Your heart skipped a bit at the sound of his laughter. The few times you made him laugh were rare, and here she was, after not being around him for months, making him laugh. Why did she have to steal the show every time? He was yours; she had her own people to make laugh.

“I’ll get the car; you did good,” he said as he left.

“Thank you,” Sofia responded. After turning around, she let out a little laugh. “Wow, what’s gotten into you?” Okay, maybe you didn’t have the most pleasant expression on; maybe you were sulking a little. Maybe.

“This is the last time I give you a ride.” Now she really started laughing.

“Are you jealous? Well, your secret is safe with me, don’t worry.” She said this while still chuckling to herself. “I like men my age, who walk normally.” She whispered the last part as if it were some great shameful thing. “I see the way he looks at you; everyone does.” She winked.

What? Oz was your driver and your father's employee. Maybe sometimes you liked to pretend he was some rich older man, powerful like your dad—someone people respected when you walked together in any luxury store or when you ate together at any fancy restaurant in which he wasn’t supposed to eat, like, at all, when he was with you. But you weren’t going to walk in there and eat all by yourself, were you? That’s why you always had him by your side, and you didn’t call any of your “friends” to go with you.

You put your head down at that comment, cheeks red with embarrassment, and practically sprinted to the open door Oswald had waiting for you. You knew he was staring at you, expecting a smile and a “thank you.” You didn’t say anything.

You heard someone call after your sister, but you didn’t care; you just wanted to get home—like, now.

The road home was quiet, allowing you to think about what your sister said. Did you have a crush on Oz? You wanted to make him smile and laugh. Sometimes your eyes would linger on his big hands on the steering wheel, how he was an expert driver, how his hands would move as if caressing something—like a leg, maybe your leg. Maybe he would take his hands further up.

Okay, that’s enough. You could feel the tips of your ears flashing red and that familiar ache in your belly. Those thoughts were for later. With excitement coursing through your body, you swallowed a smile.

That night, at the family dinner, you let Sofia speak about the organization and how today was for her. Your eyes traveled up the walls to the big painting staring at you; they looked beautiful—the family, with Alberto’s and Sofia’s mom and Carmine. They really did. Carmine was engaged to your mom after Isabella’s death, but she passed away before they could marry, and you were only a few months old. Questions about the woman who gave birth to you were quickly dismissed and, to add insult to injury, redirected towards those living. You knew she was gorgeous, smart, and witty—that made you smile, just like you were.

After eating a bit of food, you asked to be excused, and your father swiftly granted it. He loved the fact that you didn’t linger for too long or ask any important questions.

The next day, you and Oz went to a jewelry store; after that, you bought some dresses. This time, however, he stayed in the car. You knew he was wondering if he had screwed up with something. I mean, yesterday he had two Falcones to deal with. You bought this gorgeous red satin dress; it was simple but elegant.

It embraced your curves so nicely, and even if you weren’t going to be allowed to wear it, the slit on the side might make your dad as red as the dress with fury. You still liked to envision it. Oh well.

The ride home was unusually quiet. Almost always it was filled with Oz’s voice or your laughter; now, only the occasional sound of the blinker was heard.

“I’m sorry if I did or said something to upset you, Miss Falcone. It wasn’t my intention.” That rough voice of his interrupted—usually, he called you by your name, but now it was replaced with the courteous nature of a regular staff member.

The truth is, you and Oz weren’t ever going to be together. It sounds crazy even thinking about it. This was a juvenile crush based on familiarity. He was just a driver; this was probably the highest-ranking position he would ever have. Now you could either be the laughing stock of the family, or you could get over it.

“No, I’m sorry. I’m just not feeling well, that’s all, Oswald. Nothing you can do about it.” You refused to meet his eyes, and you knew he wanted to say something like “hey, look at me,” like he usually did when you were upset. The mention of his full name stopped him.

“I wanted to tell you that tomorrow night I will be unavailable from 4 PM to 7 PM; your sister has requested me.”

#oz cobb x reader #the penguin x reader #oz cobb #the penguin #the penguin hbo #the penguin tv #oswald cobb x reader #oz cobblepot #oswald cobblepot

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janumun · 3 months ago

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Hello love! I’ve been thinking and there is a lot of push and pull with the fandom about Caleb. And I’m wondering how you feel about him? What do you think of his character? What’s your speculations & how would you feel about it if he became a LI? My friends and I have sat down once & analyzed him and MC’s dynamic and dialogue, but as someone who has been in the LADS longer, what’s your POV? I’m so torn between my views and how there are some ppl in the fandom with such strong views and opinions about their relationship. (I’m currently on Ch.7 rn I believe, just to give a timeline)..

I hope you have an amazing day and all your daydreams are fun! 💕

Hello to you too, Gold! ♥️ I hope you’re having a great day as well.

Let me just preface this by saying I absolutely adore Caleb, there isn’t a single thing that man could do which would change that so I’m understandably biased LOL. Dividing this into labeled portions for ease of reading as this gets rather long!

My thoughts on him

I’ve been in love with that big giant since the near moment he looks down at you with those very visceral emotions tearing across his face, before he stops what he’s saying, leaving the end of his sentence unfinished (that “I promise I’ll be back soon.” message from him in our inbox is foul, Infold, FOUL sob).

If they had never introduced Sylus as a love interest, I know Caleb would’ve very easily been my 2nd favorite after Rafayel, I adore him that much.

I think I’ve made it somewhat obvious ATP that I’m a loser for yearning men. 1000/10 yearning in the pipeline, immense love and a desperate desire to keep their beloved safe and witness them happy, even at the cost of their own happiness and mental peace (Rafayel cough Rafayel). And Caleb also fits that bill to a T. I believe he would do anything were it to mean MC could go on living her everyday, normal life.

His method of protection, however, lies in how dedicated he is to the task of (fool! this fool!) willingly distancing himself from her by throwing in emotional barriers: treating her like a childhood friend/a little sister instead of what he’s always viewed her as, the girl he loves.

One of the most wonderful aspects of Love and Deepspace is how well it is able to portray subtle emotions through facial expressions and body language, something that its 2D predecessors, understandably, are at a disadvantage with how they have to make up for it in engaging writing (nothing wrong with that one!).

Bringing me to my original point of how Caleb’s actions/the way he looks at her and cares for her do not coincide with his words/setting up spoken barriers with her, delegating her to an annoying “childhood friend”. It goes without saying, that this is up to personal interpretation.

Thankfully, the only complaint I’ve seen in my space regarding Caleb’s potential as our 5th LI is that the game is fairly expensive for people aiming to get more than one LI’s card (and even then, when my sole bias was Rafayel pre-Sylus, as a casual spender, I had to pick and choose which cards of his I absolutely needed) and Caleb’s addition would make that struggle worse for the harem/multi-bias players. Which is a very valid concern to have.

Speculations

There are so many wonderful ways they could take his character were they to make him playable, and expand on what we already know of him.

Is he blood related to Josephine, MC’s adoptive grandmother, or was he, also, for reasons undisclosed/similar to MC’s reasons for being taken in by Josephine (I’m not sure if you have read those “underworld stories” yet so I will not go into spoiler-y details) adopted by her? How much does he truly know about MC’s condition and how her Evol is one, highly coveted? Assuming his playability also leads us to assuming he either survived that house fire and left the scene, not disclosing his whereabouts to even his childhood friend OR that he had something to do with it.

So far, I’m not inclined to believe the “Villain Caleb” theories any more than I’m inclined to believe Rafayel’s betrayal theories. Even amongst the LaDS cast and personal bias aside, I believe these two are the most likely to actively/most prominently display their marks of devotion for her, even through their direly reckless actions, regardless of the consequences to their own person. Case in point, Caleb’s traumatic “death” in the house fire with his Grandmother. We don’t know if it was intentional but if he is alive, he hasn’t contacted MC either and from what I’ve parsed from his character so far, she probably plays a central role in the decision he’s made to keep away/protect her from the sidelines.

#Faa’s ravings #lads caleb #lnds caleb #love and deepspace caleb #asks #goldenangelbloodcastiel

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acaciusbride · 1 year ago

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Fall In Love In A Single Touch. (Modern!Oberyn x F!Reader)

Summary: you have birth trauma, and you’ve been hiding it from Oberyn, until finally it all comes out. (Title from the attached song.)

Warnings: graphic description of cesarean birth / internalised fat phobia / ptsd / graphic description of birth trauma / description of chronic pain & birth injury

Notes: this is entirely a projection of my own experiences. I’m going through a lot in my own healing journey from having a traumatic birth, with a birth injury & other nastiness. Writing this was incredibly healing for me. For any other cesarean mamas who may feel the same way as I do… this is for you.

Everyone always makes it sound like birth is some magical experience, something that, if you’re a uterus owner, completely changes you. They’re right about the second part, but honestly? It’s not always a good thing, not always a good change.

You wouldn’t change this - the actual physical act of bringing your child into the world - don’t regret for a single moment saying yes when Oberyn had told you he wanted more children; his ninth, your first. You’d never really given much thought to how pregnancy would go, having been too concerned with whether you actually could conceive in the first place.

You’d been so scared you wouldn’t be able to, that you’d have to go through the gruelling, painful, expensive rounds of IVF that some of your friends had endured. That Oberyn was beyond wealthy, a literal fucking Prince, didn’t matter. You’d been afraid, not of the cost, but of disappointing him. Of not being able to give him the children he still wanted, and then, even though you knew realistically he would never, the fear that he would leave you for someone who could.

To your absolute shock and delight - both of you - that hadn’t been an issue at all. You’d fallen pregnant easily, and aside from morning sickness that seemed to last all day, things went relatively well. Then you’d gone over term, been induced, and when that had failed to progress? You’d gone in for an emergency cesarean. One minute you’d been breathing in with a mask on your face. The next, you were waking up under a heated blanket. Still dazed when they’d placed your baby in your arms, unsure of who or where you were or what the fuck had just happened to you.

That Oberyn was older than you by two decades and rich meant nothing; he could have left the nurses to care for you, but he insisted on helping you stand, practically hobble like an old woman to the shower, letting you hold onto his shoulders as the water had drenched you both, afraid you’d fall over. He hadn’t let you fall then, had the patience you so desperately needed as your body recovered. You’d thought maybe the incision site would be what took the longest, not factoring in the mental healing you’d have to do, too.

You loved your daughter; watching her eight sisters dote on her made your day, and watching Oberyn with her filled your heart with joy and hope. He had lost Ellaria, which had been unbearably painful for him, and you had come from violence and pain. You had been so afraid that things with him had been too good to be true… only, it wasn’t. He was a good man. Kind and patient and loving, even if he had a sharp tongue and a temper when needed, it had never been directed at you.

Some of his past lovers, friends of his still, talked of how he was rough, how he bit and choked and hurt, but he never raised a hand to you. Had said that he liked having someone to be soft with, and knowing your past? He wouldn’t even consider it.

You knew, deep down, that you’d done what you’d had to do to bring your child safely into the world. You were proud of that. Proud that, when it had come down to it, you had let them lay you down on an operating table and been prepared not to wake up again, made your peace with it, as long as your baby had survived.

But logic doesn’t always win out against the head demons, and you’re too exhausted to battle them as fiercely as you once did, putting all your energy into your child, into loving her with all your heart and soul.

You can’t help but feel like you failed. Like your body failed you. You’re left with stretch marks all over you, which you’re proud of on a good day and loathe on a bad day. Left with a scar that you joke about but secretly worry that your lover finds repulsive. Left four dress sizes bigger than you were before, and too afraid to bear more children just in case. Just in case your body fails again. Rejects your placenta and sends your blood pressure sky rocketing, making you feel like your head is in a vice. You’re afraid of pain you barely remember, and above all? You’re afraid of what it means for your future with Oberyn, who desperately wanted more children with you.

“I’m not about to put you through that again.” He had said, and he had meant it, even if it hurt him. Even if it wasn’t truly what he wanted; you mean more to him than having yet more children. Nine is a good number, he had joked, there had to be an end somewhere.

You feel a burning guilt for that, too. Knowing that your brain has done that amazing thing where it wipes out the pain of labor, of everything you went through. You remember flashes of clinical lighting. Of being lifted from one bed to the operating table. Of a sense of calm in the face of the unknown. While you may not remember, you know he does. Know that he remembers every second that felt like years when you screamed, when you’d felt like you might die from the pain when the drugs stopped working.

And while he pretends it doesn’t hurt? You know it does. Know that while he’s strong, a warrior, a man who’s fought dozens of wars for his country, seeing you like that and unable to help? It almost broke him, too.

It’s part of why you keep your suffering to yourself, incredibly aware that every time you mention it, it brings up those memories for him. They aren’t as easily buried, no matter how much he may flatly say he’s repressing it. Nine daughters between six different women, and he’s never seen a birth as horrific as yours.

He knows you’re struggling, but it doesn’t really get brought up. You skirt around the topic, love each other fiercely, spend all your time together invested in your child. Maybe he’d think you were doing okay, if he didn’t see the emptiness that flickers through your eyes at times. If he didn’t catch you looking at yourself critically in the mirror, in the heavily tinted windows of the cars you drive. If he didn’t hear you making bitter comments to your friends about your changed shape.

He’s undeniably a clever man, but he has no idea how to broach this topic. How to fix you, when you won’t even acknowledge that you’re broken. Hell, you put so much effort into pretending that you’re fine that he worries it would insult you to know that it’s not fooling him, not for a second.

The dam breaks one night when your daughter is a few months old. You’d woken from a nightmare, not wanted to wake him. On shaking feet you pulled yourself from the bed, crossed the room to check on your sleeping child before you’d returned to bed and curled in on yourself.

You’d been left with pain where they’d cut, where they’d had to tear through your already weakened abdominal muscles to get to the girl you had named Ellaria for his lost love. You’d healed well, externally, but internally? Not so much. The specialists you had seen since still weren’t sure if it was going to be permanent.

The pain was bad; you’d been trying to keep as quiet as possible, overwhelmed by your own anxiety and the physical pain you’re in. You’ve been trying so hard to hide the extent of your struggling from him, you didn’t want to wake him, even though you know deep down he’d rather you did.

Curled in on yourself, biting down on your lip hard enough to draw blood, you don’t want to wake Oberyn or the baby as you cry, too overwhelmed by your own emotions - you’ve always struggled to regulate yourself, and there’s only so much a person can take - you’re beyond your limit, taking on more and more, pushing yourself to keep going even though you should have stopped long ago, relieved yourself of some of your burden and leaned on the people who love you.

You’re fucking stubborn. Stubborn and full of self loathing. So when a familiar pair of arms wrap around you, pulling you close, mindful of the patch just below your naval that constantly aches, mindful of the space to the left of your spine that hurts on and off where a nerve was hit when they put your epidural in, you swipe your tears away furiously, ready to say that you’re fine.

Only, you aren’t fine, and you don’t have the energy to lie to him. Instead, you end up turning over and burying your face in his shoulder, weeping. Maybe it’s the comfort of knowing that, no matter what, Oberyn loves you. Knowing that he’s… him, and yet he’s still here, even though you deem yourself broken, that finally gets you to drop the act, taking in horrible shaking breaths, inhaling the faint scent of spices, liquor and pepper that always seem to cling to him, focusing on that, on his hands against your smaller frame; in that moment, he’s your anchor to the present.

“Oh, my sweet girl, why have you been hiding this from me? All of this pain…” his fingers card through your hair, “tell me what’s wrong?”

It briefly occurs to you that he isn’t blaming you, isn’t making you feel bad for hiding it; he seems only concerned with making sure you’re alright, and that only makes you cry harder, feeling like a total idiot for not talking to him, not trying to begin to explain what’s wrong.

He just holds you for a moment until you’re able to speak, getting the words out between sharp breaths.

“I just… hate… how I am now.” You choke out, “I feel so broken. It’s like… everything I’ve been through before, maybe I’d have come back from, but I just… I feel like my body betrayed me and failed me, and now I don’t even get a choice in having more children or how I have them, and I hate it. I hate it so much.”

Oberyn sits up, pulls you with him, keeps one arm around you as he reaches out to turn the stained glass lamp on the side table on. You duck your head, not wanting him to see you in this state.

One hand gently tucks under your chin, tilts your head up. His dark eyes are soft as he looks at you.

“Don’t look at me like this,” you sniffle. “I hate myself enough without giving you another reason to not be attracted to me.”

The look he gives you is somewhere between wounded and offended.

“What do you mean, another reason to not be-? Love, I saw you in the most pain you’ll ever experience in your life. You think I would be, what, disgusted by your pain?”

“No, but I’m all gross and snotty and piled on top of being fat and covered in these,” you poke critically at your stretch marks, tone miserable. You don’t care if you sound young and petulant, it’s hurting you, self loathing dripping from every word. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t want me.”

Oberyn doesn’t take it as youthful vanity. He knows all too well what you suffered to bring his daughter into the world. He watched you throw up almost every single day for five months, watched you get sick at the very end, watched you try to birth your child naturally. And then, even though it had damn near killed him to see you in so much pain, he had watched you do what needed to be done. Watched you grit your teeth and stand on shaking legs not even ten hours after being cut and ripped apart. He’s never been more proud of you, never loved you more than in that moment, knowing you had borne that suffering for him, for your child, the daughter you had both so desperately wanted.

“Listen to me.” His thumb brushes across your cheek, catching the tears that fall. “I don’t give a damn what size you are. So your shape has changed. It changed because you grew life. You’re softer now. Ria likes it, it means you’re soft to sleep on.”

You smile faintly at the little nickname he’s given your daughter; he’s right. If you weren’t the size you are now, you wouldn’t be as comfortable for her to sleep on.

“There you are.” He gives you an encouraging look when he sees the ghost of your smile. “In time, you’ll forget what it is to carry a child. You’ll forget what it felt like when she moved in you. These -“ his free hand gently touches the stretch marks on your sides and your thighs, “these are just a reminder that you created life, love. Wear them like badges of honour. Especially this one.”

His fingertips barely brush over the jagged edge of where they cut you open.

“This isn’t ugly. No matter what you think. It’s proof that you were willing to do whatever it took to get her here safely. That even though you were afraid and in pain? You put her first. That’s not something to be disgusted by or ashamed of.”

“Y-you really don’t hate it? Don’t hate me? Even though my body failed?”

He pulls you as tight against him as he feels safe doing, mindful of your pain sites.

“I don’t think I could ever love you more than I do at this moment. I’m so very proud of you, my love. Your body didn’t fail. You didn’t fail. I promise you.”

You’ve seen a multitude of emotions in his dark eyes before; amusement, malice, lust, anger, jealousy, sadness, grief, joy, and love. So much love. But even you have to admit, as jaded as you are right now, that you’ve never seen his gaze this soft with affection as he looks at you.

You take another deep, shaking breath before you look at him, blinking back more tears.

“You really don’t mind, if… if we don’t have any more?”

“Gods, no. I want you to be safe, above all else. That choice is entirely yours, sweet girl. If you decide you want another child, I will gladly give you as many as you wish, but… your safety, your happiness… they mean more to me than that.”

You nod slowly, watching his fingers trace idle patterns across your damaged skin; there’s no trace of disgust in his gaze. He touches you freely, without any criticism. You’ve been blind to it, so caught up in your own self loathing.

“Do you think… do you think I’ll be this broken forever?”

To Oberyn’s credit, he doesn’t try and tell you that you aren’t broken, but he also doesn’t take it as a slur. He knows you. Knows what you mean when you say that you’re broken.

“No, sweet girl, I don’t. I think that right now you’re hurting. You’ve endured so much, so much. Things that nobody should endure, and you’ve survived them. Only to be dealt this. Birth is never easy, never painless, but it seems cruel that you were dealt this hand. But I don’t think you’ll be this way forever. Not when you have me, when you have Ria and the older girls to support you.” He rubs comforting circles on your back as he gives you a moment to process this information.

“A-and you’re not… going to get sick of me?”

He laughs a little hollowly. Not because it’s funny, but because he finds the idea completely ridiculous.

“Sick of you? Before you, I thought I would die lonely. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’d never run out of people to fuck and keep me warm at night, but I never expected to find someone who mattered again. Do you truly think that your brain being cruel to you and a scar are enough to make me stop loving you?”

The way he says it, it sounds like a ridiculous concept, even to you in your fragile state. So ridiculous that you laugh softly.

“I… I guess not, when you put it that way.”

He presses a soft kiss to your forehead. To the tip of your nose. To your lips before he pulls away from you as Ria stirs in her crib; he only leaves your side to go to her so that he can bring her to you to hold and comfort.

You watch him without speaking; within moments he’s back beside you, his arms around you as you cradle your half asleep daughter. Her dark curls are his, her closed eyes obsidian like his, too. She has your nose, your lips. Her tiny fist curls around your finger, and you smile slightly looking down at her.

“I know it isn’t easy. But I’m not going anywhere, love. And any time you need reminding that you didn’t fail? Look at her. Look at her and remember you did everything right. You’re doing everything right by her and I couldn’t be more proud of you.” He presses another kiss to your temple, and you have to bite back another little sob, eyes blurring with tears again; they’re different this time, grateful and relieved rather than tears of pain and sadness.

“I love you. Both of you. So much.” You manage to get out finally.

There’s no magic cure for what you’ve been through. There isn’t. You can’t wave a magic wand and erase the trauma, the pain. There’s no medicine you can take that will fix the damage to your body. It’s something that will take time. Time and patience. You know you need to be kinder to yourself, more gentle and loving to your own mind.

However, you do feel a little better having voiced what’s been eating away at you. At knowing that he doesn’t care at all that your body has changed. That your scars don’t bother him; that he loves every part of you, especially the visible reminders of what you’ve endured to bring his daughter into the world.

And he’s right; it will get better. Slowly but surely, the pain in your mind will ease. You’ll slowly start to accept your changed body, your scars and stretch marks, until acceptance turns to love. Until you can touch your incision site with a soft smile and pride rather than regret and disgust. Until you see yourself the way he does. Because even when you’re clouded by your own self loathing?

He’s always going to be there, always going to love you, always going to support you, because even if you can’t see it? He’s your sunlight, and he knows you deserve all the love in the world.

#my writing #pedro pascal #Oberyn Martell #oberyn martell x reader #pedro pascal characters #Pedro pascal character fics #oberyn martell x you #Spotify

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shadowfromthestarlight · 3 months ago

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i really cannot emphasize enough how important it is to get yourself out of situations that make your day-to-day life miserable. quitters do win. quitters win when they leave behind something that's bringing them down and preventing them from living a happy, healthy life and go after what they really want.

personally, i know it was 100% necessary for me to quit my first job. it would not have been worth it to hold out any longer for more experience or more money or in the hopes that things would improve. it wasn't even worth it to stay as long as i did. i still carry so much negativity with me from that experience. the toxic bureaucracy is still the framework for how i imagine scenarios will go at work currently, three years later. i brace myself to be lectured at. i brace myself to be accused of things i didn't do or intentions i didn't have. it's so sad because that's not the type of environment i'm in at all right now. we have such great teamwork where i am and the leadership is very supportive. people don't look around to see who they can cast blame on, they just aim to get things done. and like... i know that, but because of the toxic experience i had before, it's so hard for me to internalize. i still haven't put it all behind me.

that's why i tell people to just get out when they're unhappy. don't stay because you feel like you have to prove something... don't stay because at one time it was what you wanted... don't stay so you don't disappoint someone else... don't tell yourself it will get better. if it feels like a dark cloud hanging over every single day of your life, it won't simply get better one day, the only solution is to get out.

"if it costs you your peace, it's too expensive." if there's anything in your life right now that you think of immediately when you read that quote, then something's wrong and you need to make a change.

#and yes something specific happened the other day #where i was like ugh i'm gonna get SCREAMED at #but today me and the two other people involved just went to playa bowls and had a good time #lol

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mismaeve · 2 years ago

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Stars of Lasgalen

↳ Stars of Lasgalen, Thranduil x Reader, fluff Warnings: Aside from sickening amounts of fluff, none A/N: As promised, I wrote a little something for my one year Tolkien anniversary. Thank you so much to everyone who has ever bothered reading any of my silly stuff, who have decided to press that follow button and enter the chaos that is my blog. This piece, even though it's short, is dedicated to all of my followers, my darling mutuals and my dear friends. I love you! For the sake of being sentimental and to add a degree of symbolism, here is my first story, written a year ago on this very day.

A featherlight kiss interrupted the blissful silence that gathered and endured inside the four walls of your bedchambers. Your husband’s soft lips lingering on your cheek in his gentle attempt to rise you from your peaceful slumber.

“My love,” Thranduil whispered before his lips found your forehead and graced it with another tender kiss while fingers light as the first snows of winter, brushed and weaved through your hair.

“Is it morning already?” you asked as you shifted underneath the heavy furs, unwilling to bare your naked skin to the cold and gripping morning air.

“The sun has long risen, I’m afraid it does not wait, not even on someone as beautiful as my beloved wife,” Thranduil mused softly while his fingers took the liberty of caressing your features, the back of his hand gliding over the softness of your cheek with weightless grace.

“That may very well be so, but pray tell, why has my husband forsaken our bed and left my side vulnerable to the biting cold?” you teased him with a playful scowl, pulling up the furs to your chin to further emphasize your discontent.

His answer to your growing displeasure did little to brighten your mood, his open amusement mocking you in the face of your misery.

“I am certain you will forgive me my trespasses once you see what I have brought for you, my fairest of all the stars,” he purred as he leaned in and planted a light kiss on the tip of your nose.

“The keeper and guardian of my heart,” Thranduil continued as his warm lips found your cheek and lingered there before venturing to your temple.

“My darling wife and most gracious queen,” his breath was hot against your skin.

“Flattery will not save you now, dear husband,” you murmured with your eyes closed, savoring his kisses while trying your best to remain determined of not giving in so easily.

“Then perhaps this will.”

You heard the subtle shuffling of his robes and opened your eyes, peering downwards to his hands you couldn’t help yourself but blink in surprise. Thranduil appeared to be holding pure starlight in his hands, the pale rays of the morning sun gleaming off it and nearly blinding you with the bright light it reflected. It was light in its purest form, a precious beauty and most valuable treasure beyond any measure.

“What,” you breathed out, mesmerized by what your eyes were struggling to behold.

“Where ever did you get this?” you whispered in honest wonder.

“They are known as the white gems of Lasgalen, fashioned into a necklace by the dwarves of Erebor,” Thranduil explained softly while his fingers peeled the furs off your chest thus exposing your neck.

“It must have cost a fortune,” you sighed overwhelmed by your husband’s generosity and willingness to spare no expense on your behalf. You knew only too well the greed that drove the King under the Mountain and could imagine beyond any doubts the fee he must have demanded from your husband as payment for something as wondrous and masterfully crafted.

“An occasion such as this, the one-year anniversary of our marriage demanded for nothing less than what I am giving you now, my love,” your husband pointed out patiently, his lips wrought into a loving smile, his eyes reflecting every inch and ounce of his eternal devotion to you.

“May I?” he asked as he unclasped the delicate necklace.

All you could do was nod slowly and watch as Thranduil moved to adorn your neck with pure starlight, the ultimate symbol of his love for you.

“I do not know how to thank you, or where to even begin,” you started but were silenced by his finger gently pressing to your lips.

“You being my wife is all the thanks I will ever need from you,” Thranduil murmured softly while his eyes admired the gift he had bestowed upon you.

“Every morning where I wake and catch a glimpse of my beautiful queen, is one that I cherish. I could not imagine life being worth living unless you were by my side, and I pray I never have to.”

You smiled warmly at your husband’s words, emerging from the softness of the furs, the cold no longer bothering you in the least, you moved yourself onto Thranduil’s lap and were immediately sheltered by his strong arms, pulling you close to his chest and shielding you from the cold with his velvety robes.

“My sweet love,” you mumbled against the crook of his neck and cuddled closer to your king, clinging to him like the early morning frost clings to the petals of winter blooms.

Your husband hummed his content, resting his chin atop your head while his arms cradled you with his fierce love and dreams of your bright future.

“I believe my trespass for abandoning you this morning is forgiven?” he asked after a while, making you snort in amusement.

Gif by @jeniferdasilva07 Taglist: @heilith @kanafinwe-makalaure @i-did-not-mean-to @eunoiaastralwings @coopsgirl @aduialel @deep-space-elf @a-contemplation-upon-flowers @augustwithquills @warriormirkwood @missymoo02 @mxmia @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore @sotwk @dawn-petrichor-world

#thranduil #thranduil x reader #thranduil x you #thranduil oropherion #the elvenking #tolkien elves #the hobbit #fotfics #thranduil fluff #thranduil fanfiction

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huellitaa · 9 months ago

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𖹭𓂃 ࣪˖ saying no

something ive struggled with for pretty much my entire life 😭

𐙚๋࣭ people pleasing:

a person who consistently strives to please others, often sacrificing their own wants or needs in the process.

trouble with saying no to people often comes from insecurity. when you feel bullied into things or backed into a corner too often it can lead to agreeing with everything and anything just so people will like you.

1. take small steps

getting out of habits like this are not easy whatsoever and take lots of time. taking small steps to implement getting rid of people pleasing tendencies is the best way to go about this; for example, just blocking someone who bothers you and starting from there.

2. fake it till you make it !

confidence is something absolutely essential but not easy to attain; thats where this skill comes in handy. ive been doing this since i was little and i wont lie and say it melts into real confidence because it doesnt, its just a shield to hide behind until your are genuinely confident and id definitely recommend this 100% to anybody starting or struggling to try and break this habit. act like youre fine & unaffected in front of the people who put you in this position even if you arent. dont show your weaknesses when you know they can be used against you.

3. valuing yourself

value yourself over all else. you are the most important person in your life. validate, support, and value yourself. trust your judgement is right and prioritise the protection of your peace above all else because that is the most important thing.

4. body language

ok as a girl with an incredibly infuriating tendency to turn red over the tiniest thing i feel a little bit of a hypocrite writing this but this is very very very important. if you find yourself in a position where you feel unable to refuse something or anything of the sort you do not show that.

🩰 ─ even if your cheeks turn red act like they arent. ik its sosoosos embarrassing n ur screaming inside but act like its nothing. bcs it is nothing. ok so theres a tiny bit of colour in your cheeks. and? stand your ground.

🧸── back straight, shoulders high, face blank. you dont show anything on your face. show you are completely stubborn and set on your choice/opinion.

🎀 ── if they try to embarrass you or say smth what i do is i literally just blink at them like okay. i dont care. do whatever bro idgaf

5. no hesitation

for the love of god do not second guess yourself. if something makes you upset or uncomfy or anxious or anything like that you leave them you walk away from them you block them you do not second guess yourself and think "but what if" no idc. if it costs you your peace its too expensive.

6. does this help me?

ok obviously when i say to say no i dont mean to like everything. only to the things you do anyway even if you dont want to. if youre not sure what to do when faced with the option to do something you ideally wouldnt really want to the first question you should be asking yourself is "does this help me?" think of it only from your perspective and how it would help you. ask yourself if its really necessary and if its serving you in any way to do this. if its just to fit in with someone else even if you dont really want to then do it then dont do it. why isnt your own presence enough? your peace is the only priority you should have here. what would you tell someone you love in your position? think about it for a sec instead of panicking.

conclusion; people pleasing is useless. you are the centre of ur universe. your peace is the only priority. people are stupid. you can do this. dont let anyone make you feel less than you are. i love u 🫶🩷

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daedrabait · 1 year ago

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Snippet Someday

I was tagged by @dirty-bosmer to do this very interesting tag game! I loved it and it helped me to look back on my writing, especially since I’ve been having some trouble appreciating my work.

tagging: @argisthebulwark @hezenvengeance @mmmchimken and whoever else would like to take part (I’m not sure how many of my followers are writers)

Rules: Revisit an old fic (or earlier chapters of your current WIP) and share a snip from:

Your first chapter

Your favorite chapter

Your most challenging chapter

Alternatively, if you don’t write longfic, feel free to share your one-shots. Provide as much or as little commentary as you want.

From Dust and Dim Sunshine

First Chapter: (technically numbered ch. 2 in ao3 due to prologue)

Theo took a slow drink from the wine he'd ordered. It wasn't as sweet as the spiced wine he usually liked, but he wanted to expand his horizons. There were tougher things he would need to face than drinking sour wine if he was to persist in his endeavors.

Just then, someone walked into the inn. Theo would not have heard if not for the soft echo of the door closing. This person's steps were soundless; they seemed to glide across the old and worn wooden floor. Theo turned to look back at them, expecting a small, nimble individual. This stranger was definitely not small.

He stood at least a few inches taller than Theo at most; the man wasn't very tall, but he was definitely broad. He wore black leathers and a cloak that didn't so much as rustle; Theo didn't think it was an enchantment on the armor, but rather the person wearing it was trained to move in such a way that produced no sound.

There were several daggers strapped to the stranger's hips, and a well-stocked arrow quiver strapped to his back. The black arrows stored within it seemed to suck in the light, blacker than the darkest night. Daedric. There was a matching bow slung on his back as well, twinning the arrows with its raw and eerily powerful aura, its true crimson grooves offset by darker-than-midnight ebony.

Theo had to get a better look at this intimidating stranger. He was remarkable even from a distance.

Favorite Chapter: Chapter 8. I’m not sure if it could qualify as my all-time favorite chapter because I’m really indecisive, but it’s definitely got one of my favorite scenes and one I’d like to share here most.

He spotted Griffin walking out the door of one of the nearby shops. The circles beneath the man's eyes were darker than usual today, the cool toned purple tinge of them standing out against his golden brown skin and upon the pale scar marring the right side of his face.

"Theo," he had said in his soft, lovely voice by way of greeting. It set Theo's sore heart fluttering. "I have something for you."

The warrior had handed him a ring. It was set with a deep blue sapphire that caught the dim sunshine and reflected it against its silver band. It hummed with magical power; enchanted, with a magicka enhancer.

The ring was beautiful. It slid easily onto Theo's middle finger. It would have been a little large on his bare hand, but it was a perfect fit with the thickening barrier of the glove he wore. He stroked his index finger over the smoothly cut gem, his heart swelling.

It was a peace offering. An expensive one, too; Theo had an inkling of what such jewelry - especially the enchanted kind, must've cost. At first guilt had gripped him like a vice; he did not want Griffin to think he needed appeasement, and he was the one who was supposed to be paying Griffin for his endeavors on the Imperial's behalf. But the gift... he had to admit it felt nice. He tried not to think of it as anything but a material present and not one that meant any sort of sentiment. Besides - of course the apprentice wizard's magic was useful. The magicka enhancement helped widen his mana pools. It wasn't about the jewelry, but rather the utility in which the enchantment provided. But the ring... He could not deny that the ring was lovely. It wasn't just any plain band.

Most Challenging Chapter: Chapter 14. It’s the newest chapter in the fic and by far the hardest one I’ve written as of late, with 6k words of angst and lots of difficult interactions.

"You don't..." Griffin trailed off and then sighed, "The treatment isn't right, no matter what."

"So you're the only person who is allowed to be unkind to me, Griffin?" The words poured out of him, bitter and wavering, as a fresh wave of tears dampened his eyes. "Why do you even pretend to care about my feelings? We are just... partners, not even friends." He wiped away his tears with shaky fingers, careful to avoid his glasses lenses. It hurt so much to say the word 'partners' when for a split second he'd lead himself to believe that they were lovers instead.

Griffin flinched, and it felt like another stab to the heart. He sighed again. It must've been truly exhausting for him to have to pick up the pieces of a pain he inflicted upon himself, Theo thought bitterly.

"That doesn't mean I hate you, Theo... We are partners, but I don't want to see you hurt by others either."

The Imperial wanted to scream at him. I fell in love with you, and I thought you loved me too, but you broke my heart. You led me on. You pretended and I fell for it.

"Your job is to keep me safe from physical dangers - not to treat me like glass. Remember that." He turned away, quick, and with this newfound burst of anger he walked out of Dragonsreach. He didn't look back - didn't need to. Griffin would follow on his own time.

#tag games #skyrim fanfiction #dust and dim sunshine #oc: theo #oc: griffin #my writing #my ocs #skyrim #tes #tesblr

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hvactalks · 9 months ago

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Why do heating maintenance services play a key role in the HVAC systems in a home?

In countries that have cold climates, the heating bills are usually high. It is therefore essential to maintain and service the heating systems pretty well. It will help in keeping the condition of the heating equipment perfect. Whether you have a heater at home or a furnace that runs the HVAC unit, it’s important to look into the service, repairs and maintenance factors.

Heating systems are an important part of any home or office. In homes, the heating systems are used to a greater extent. You must appoint the best Heating maintenance services company which can come and check your heating equipment at regular intervals. If the machine is used for a long time, there might be breakdowns and thus, the company must resort to repairs, if needed. In countries like the USA, furnaces are quite commonly found in domestic households.

Make sure that you have contacts of the best heating maintenance services, in your phone’s contact list. Here’s some important information that will open up your eyes. If you are not quite serious about the maintenance of the furnaces or heating systems, then this information will help you for sure.

A well-maintained heating system stays with you for a longer duration

You must know how a well-maintained heating system is important. Suppose, if you are not serious about these things, you will have a lot of trouble with the heating systems. There might be repeated problems and need to repair the same. You may need a tune-up every 4-5 months. You must call for a reliable furnace service company in Los Angeles. It will help you in maintaining the HVAC unit, furnace and heating systems pretty well. When you spend money on something, you wish that it stays with you for a long time. It is possible to have this dream fulfilled, but you should have a maintenance contract for the furnace and your heating systems. It will work for you and help you with durability and longevity.

You can enjoy safety and peace of mind

There’s one more important reason why Furnace Repair Los Angeles CA can add to your safety and peace of mind, while you live in your home. If there’s some breakdown and there’s some issue with the wires and there’s power leakage, it can create a risk factor too. But, if you have called someone for maintenance, servicing and diagnosis of the problems, you already have information about what’s wrong with the furnace. You will try your best to sort out the problem. So, in this way, you can enhance safety and get peace of mind with reliable Heating maintenance services.

You can save yourself from expensive parts replacement

If you compare the HVAC maintenance service cost with the parts replacement or repair costs, you will understand how maintenance fees will be an affordable choice. Parts replacement can create undue costs and high expenses. To save yourself from such huge expenses, you must appoint good heating maintenance services.

With maintenance, the power bills will be reduced and there will be better energy efficiency

How can you forget the benefit that you can get as in low power bills? If you have a well-maintained heating system then the power efficiency will increase and the bills will go down. So, all you must do is find a reliable company that has good staff, service options and affordable service packages. You can get in touch with them, ask for the quote and finalize based on their experience, expertise and price quotations. Also, you can get an idea about the staff they have and the expertise they hold.

You can keep your space warm and cozy

It matters that when you are in your home, you need that special warmth. In cold climates, you need this heating equipment at home. The furnace correctly supports the HVAC units. So, all you must do is have a well-maintained furnace so that you can enjoy the warmth within your space.

With the above benefits, it is clear why one should have a heating maintenance services contract. It will indeed help you make your life easy. You can find the best heating maintenance experts in your area and get an idea about what they charge. Once you have made up your mind, you can sign the contract with them.

Conclusion:

It’s not tough to find the best heating maintenance services in your area. Just check which options are the best, how they charge, and whether they have the relevant experience or not. Based on all these factors, you need to check the best heating service maintenance company. Often people lag back on these matters and then they have to repent because they could not get the heating systems serviced. This thing can lead to issues at a later stages. So, follow the best methods and find someone who will indeed service your heating systems.

#Furnace Repair Los Angeles CA #heating maintenance service

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thebad---catholic · 2 months ago

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This is so fucking stupid that I can’t be at peace until I address it line by line.

i'm no fucking fool why does the vice president of america need my money for her campaign? she makes in a year what will take me 30 years to make.

Harris’s joint income with her husband was 450,299 for 2023. In order to not be able to make that in 30 years, you’d have to be making below 15k a year. If you’re making 15k yearly, yeah I would not encourage you to donate to any political campaign. However, if your point here is to vaguely gesture at “don’t give rich people money” Then I think I should note that the money isn’t going to Harris. It’s going to her campaign.

If you want to talk about how ridiculously expensive running campaigns are in the US, yes, I’d agree with that. The fact remains though that it costs a approximately a metric fuck ton to run a Presidential campaign, and Harris’ entire net worth (around 8million) wouldn’t be enough to run a campaign in a single state.

i called people fucking morons for sending donald trump money and got cheers but if i say the same thing about kamala i get scolded.

Right, because people donating to Donald Trumps campaign are morons. We want kamala to win, and she needs money to do that. So yes, you were praised for saying don’t donate to trump, and scolded for saying don’t donate to Harris. People were correct to scold you for that.

what does she need the money for?

She’s running a presidential campaign started 5 months before Election Day, which is insane. She was already on the back foot. It takes a lot of money to get the word out- staffers, strategists, accountants, campaign managers, regional and local campaign corridors, artists, writers, organizing volunteers, rallies, buying adspace, making merch, and doing whatever the fuck it takes to get her name and face everywhere in such a short amount of time takes a lot of money. Presidential campaigns started on time take a lot of money. Presidential campaigns are expensive

more "kamala is the messiah" ads?

Do you like not understand the purpose of a campaign ad? Do you think the Harris campaign is going to use ad space to like, what? Waste 30 precious seconds saying she’s just okay?

all to funnel money to corporate owned tv stations and websites?

???? You mean buy ad space in media outlets millions of people watch? Do you think she’d be better off buying banner space on someones gardening blog? Do you not understand the purpose of advertising in general?

no thanks, i'd rather save my money for something that matters,

I mean again, yeah, if you’re making like 15k yearly by all means please save your money.

and if your sitting VP cannot beat a guy who started an insurrection and is currently being sentenced for a separate crime, no amount of my money would've helped your dogshit "kamala worked at mcdonald's once so she knows about poverty!" campaign

Nobody would win against trump if they didn’t run a fucking campaign. This is beyond defeatist and bad faith interpretation of the stakes here.

I would agree that there are far too many trump supporters, and that this race is even close is deeply troubling. The answer is not to give up, roll over, and let a fucking fascist obtain the presidency of the United States. Is that what you think the answer is? Do you think harris is running on working at McDonalds? And being the messiah? Or do you just want an excuse to roll over and do nothing? I won’t give you that.

You do not have to like Harris or her policies or anything about her to understand that she is better than trump. If you care about yourself, your neighbors, marginalized people, or just what is morally good- you need to do whatever you can to get kamala harris in office.

You don’t get to frame your ignorant, defeatist, useless attitude as salient political critique, sorry.

i'm no fucking fool why does the vice president of america need my money for her campaign? she makes in a year what will take me 30 years to make. i called people fucking morons for sending donald trump money and got cheers but if i say the same thing about kamala i get scolded. what does she need the money for? more "kamala is the messiah" ads? all to funnel money to corporate owned tv stations and websites? no thanks, i'd rather save my money for something that matters, and if your sitting VP cannot beat a guy who started an insurrection and is currently being sentenced for a separate crime, no amount of my money would've helped your dogshit "kamala worked at mcdonald's once so she knows about poverty!" campaign

#politics #us politics #2024 elections #2024 presidential election #kamala harris #vote kamala #kamala 2024 #leftist #leftism #gotv

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turboautoparts1 · 2 months ago

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Common Mistakes When Buying a Used Engine

Buying a used engine can be a smart move, saving you both time and money. But if you’re not careful, you could end up with a headache rather than a bargain. Whether you're buying for a personal project or replacing an engine in your daily driver, there are common pitfalls many people make when shopping for used engines. Let’s go over them so you can avoid them and make a better, informed decision.

1. Not Doing Enough Research

One of the biggest mistakes is jumping into a purchase without knowing enough about what you’re buying. Every car and every engine is different. You should know the exact type of engine your vehicle requires and any potential differences that could impact compatibility. Many buyers assume that all used engines from the same car model will work. But that’s not always true—sometimes even small changes in the engine year or trim level can make a difference. Make sure you double-check things like engine codes and specs.

2. Skipping the Mileage Check

Mileage is a key factor when buying a used engine. The higher the mileage, the more wear and tear the engine has gone through. It’s easy to be attracted to a cheap engine, but if it has high mileage, it could be on its last legs. Ideally, you want an engine with lower miles, or at least a history that shows it’s been well-maintained. If you skip this step, you could end up spending more on repairs in the long run.

3. Failing to Inspect the Engine

Many people buy used engines without inspecting them first, which is a big risk. You wouldn’t buy a used car without checking it out, so why skip this step with an engine? If possible, inspect the engine yourself or hire a mechanic to do it for you. Look for signs of oil leaks, corrosion, and overall cleanliness. Even if you're buying online, many sellers provide pictures or videos. Don't be afraid to ask for more details.

4. Ignoring the Warranty

Some people assume that when buying a used engine, they won’t get a warranty. While it’s true that many private sellers won’t offer one, plenty of reputable dealers do. A warranty gives you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong, you're covered. It’s worth spending a bit more for an engine with at least a short-term warranty rather than risking a no-return situation.

5. Buying from Untrustworthy Sources

We all love a good deal, but buying from a random seller or someone without a good reputation can be risky. Not all sellers are honest, and you could end up with a used engine that has hidden problems or was poorly maintained. Stick with reputable sellers or auto recyclers with good reviews. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always check the seller’s credentials and customer feedback.

6. Overlooking the History of the Engine

It’s crucial to understand where your used engine is coming from. Was it salvaged from a wreck? Has it been involved in previous accidents? Engines from wrecked vehicles might have hidden damage, which may not be obvious until after installation. Ask for the vehicle’s history and, if possible, get a detailed report. Some sellers will offer documentation showing the engine’s background, and it’s a red flag if they refuse to provide this.

7. Assuming All Engines are the Same

Not all used engines are created equal. You might come across two engines from the same make and model, but their condition could vary dramatically. One might have been well-maintained, while the other could have gone years without an oil change. Always ask about the maintenance history, check for service records, and learn about any repairs or parts that may have been replaced.

8. Not Factoring in Installation Costs

Finally, people often forget that buying the engine is only part of the expense. You also need to factor in the cost of installation. Some used engines may need additional parts or labor to install properly. Make sure you budget for this and get a quote from your mechanic before purchasing. A cheaper engine might not save you much in the long run if it requires extensive work to get it up and running.

Conclusion

Buying a used engine can be a great decision, but only if you avoid these common mistakes. Take your time, do your research, and always make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into. By being a smart shopper, you can find an engine that will serve you well for years to come, without any nasty surprises.

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rickanderson123 · 2 months ago

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Understanding the Coverage Options in Multi Risk Home Insurance

Owning a home is a privilege and we should take our home coverage seriously. Home insurance can be tricky. Let's break down multi risk home insurance coverage to make it easier. This type of insurance keeps your house and items safe from many dangers. It helps when bad things happen, like fires or break-ins. Let's look at what it covers and why it matters.

Property Damage Coverage

The main part of this insurance guards your house and belongings. If a fire burns your walls or a storm wrecks your roof, you're covered. It also helps if someone steals your TV or a tree falls on your garage. This coverage takes care of both the building and what's inside.

Your furniture, clothes, and other items are safe too. Even things in your yard, like a shed, can be protected. This part of the insurance gives you peace of mind about your belongings.

Personal Liability Protection If Someone Gets Hurt

Sometimes people get hurt at your home. Maybe someone slips on your icy steps. Multi risk home insurance can pay for their doctor bills. It also helps if you accidentally break something at a friend's house. If someone sues you, the insurance can pay for lawyers.

This protection is great because accidents happen. You don't want to pay big bills out of your own pocket.

Additional Living Expenses

What if you can't live in your house after a big storm? This insurance can pay for a hotel or rental home. It covers extra costs while your house is being fixed. You don't have to worry about where to stay or how to pay for it.

Extra Options/Coverages to Add

You can make your multi risk home insurance fit your needs better. Some people add extra coverage for fancy jewelry or computers. Others get protection against identity theft. You can pick what matters most to you.

Talk to a multi risk home insurance agent about what you need. They can help you choose the right coverage. Remember, the goal is to protect your home and family without spending too much. With the right insurance, you can relax knowing you're covered if something goes wrong.

#Multi Risk Insurance #Home Insurance #Insurance #Insurance Company #Insurance Broker #Insurance Services #Toronto #Canada #Insurance Policy

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sunhomesaunas-blog · 3 months ago

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Best Cold Plunge Tubs for Every Budget: Our Top Picks

Cold plunge tubs are all the rage in the wellness world right now, and for good reason. Whether you're an athlete seeking quicker recovery, a wellness enthusiast looking to boost mental clarity, or someone who just enjoys a good, invigorating shock to the system, a cold plunge tub can be a gamechanger. But let's be real: the quest to find the perfect cold plunge tub can feel like Goldilocks on a mission—this one’s too expensive, that one’s too basic. Fear not! We’re here to help you find the cold plunge tub that’s just right for your budget, without skimping on the essential features.

Why Budget Matters When Choosing a Cold Plunge Tub

Balancing Cost and Quality

When it comes to buying a cold plunge tub, balancing cost and quality is like trying to enjoy a hot coffee without burning your tongue—tricky, but totally doable. You want something that won’t leave your wallet crying for mercy, but also something that won’t give up on you after a few chilly dips. The good news is that whether you’re pinching pennies or ready to splurge, there’s a cold plunge tub out there that offers the right mix of affordability and durability.

Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into the icy waters of cold plunge tub shopping, it’s important to understand your own needs. Are you a daily dipper or a weekend warrior? Do you have a cozy corner in your bathroom or a sprawling backyard ready for a wellness oasis? Knowing what you need helps narrow down your options and determine how much you should realistically spend.

LongTerm Value

While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that a quality cold plunge tub is an investment in your health. The best cold plunge tub isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest price tag; it’s the one that will last, require minimal maintenance, and provide consistent cold therapy benefits over time. Think of it as buying peace of mind—cold, refreshing peace of mind.

Best Cold Plunge Tubs Under $1,000

Overview of Affordable Options

If your budget is tighter than your muscles after leg day, don’t worry—there are still some great cold plunge tubs out there for you. In this price range, you’ll find portable options, basic temperature control, and durable, nofrills materials. These tubs might not have all the bells and whistles, but they’ll definitely get the job done.

Top Picks

1. The BudgetFriendly Booster

This tub is like the little engine that could. It’s portable, easy to set up, and perfect for those who are new to the cold plunge game. Sure, you’ll need to keep a steady supply of ice on hand, but that just means more trips to the freezer—bonus workout, anyone?

2. The Cool Commuter

Designed for those on the go, this cold plunge tub is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport. It’s perfect for folks who want to bring their wellness routine wherever they roam—just don’t forget to pack the ice.

Who This Budget Is Best For

These budget friendly options are ideal for beginners, those with limited space, or anyone who wants to dip their toes (literally) into cold plunging without making a major financial commitment. They’re also great if you’re not yet sure how often you’ll use your cold plunge tub—start small and upgrade later if you catch the cold plunge bug.

Best Cold Plunge Tubs Between $1,000 and $3,000

MidRange Features

Stepping up into the midrange, things start to get a little fancier. Here, you’ll find cold plunge tubs with better materials, more advanced temperature control, and a design that says, “Yes, I take my wellness seriously—but I still like to have fun.” These tubs are more durable, offer greater comfort, and often come with additional features that make your cold plunging experience smoother (and cooler) than ever.

Top Picks

1. The Reliable Relaxer

This cold plunge tub is the Goldilocks of the bunch—not too pricey, not too basic, but just right. With upgraded materials and an efficient cooling system, it offers a more consistent cold plunge experience without breaking the bank.

2. The Versatile Voyager

If you’re looking for a tub that can handle both indoor and outdoor use, this is your goto. It’s built tough for the elements, but stylish enough to blend into your home’s décor. Plus, it has a sleek control panel that lets you dial in the perfect temperature with ease.

Who This Budget Is Best For

This midrange budget is perfect for regular users who want a solid balance between quality and affordability. If you’re someone who’s serious about incorporating cold plunging into your wellness routine but doesn’t need a top of the line model, this is the sweet spot.

Best Cold Plunge Tubs Over $3,000

Premium Features

Welcome to the big leagues! In this price range, cold plunge tubs start to resemble mini spas—minus the masseuse (though we wouldn’t blame you if you added that too). Expect precision temperature control, luxurious materials, and advanced filtration systems that make every plunge feel like a VIP experience. These tubs are built to last and offer a level of comfort and convenience that’s hard to beat.

Top Picks

1. The Luxury Liner

This cold plunge tub is the RollsRoyce of the cold therapy world. With a sleek design, premium materials, and cutting edge technology, it offers the ultimate in luxury and performance. It’s perfect for those who want to turn their home into a wellness sanctuary.

2. The Pro Plunger

Designed with athletes in mind, this tub features precision temperature control and an ergonomic design that supports optimal recovery. It’s built to withstand heavy use, making it ideal for dedicated wellness enthusiasts who plunge like it’s their job.

Who This Budget Is Best For

If you’re an athlete, a wellness aficionado, or someone who simply enjoys the finer things in life, these premium cold plunge tubs are for you. They offer unparalleled quality, durability, and performance, making them worth the investment for those who demand the best.

Tips for Making the Right Choice

Consider Your Space

Before you take the plunge and make a purchase, take a moment to measure your space. Whether you’re setting up indoors or outdoors, make sure your chosen cold plunge tub will fit comfortably in the designated area. Also, consider factors like accessibility and privacy—after all, cold plunging is a personal experience, and you want to make sure you can enjoy it without any unwanted interruptions.

Prioritize Features Based on Your Goals

When choosing a cold plunge tub, it’s important to prioritize features that align with your wellness goals. If you’re all about precision, look for a tub with advanced temperature control. If convenience is key, opt for a model that’s easy to maintain. The best cold plunge tub for you is the one that meets your specific needs and helps you achieve your wellness objectives.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it—see what other cold plungers have to say! Customer reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the performance, durability, and overall satisfaction of different cold plunge tubs. Look for feedback from users with similar goals and preferences to help guide your decision.

Consider LongTerm Maintenance and Costs

Finally, keep in mind that the initial purchase is just the beginning. Consider the long term maintenance and operational costs of your cold plunge tub, including energy usage, cleaning supplies, and potential repairs. Choosing a tub that’s easy to maintain and energy efficient can save you money and headaches down the road.

Conclusion

No matter your budget, there’s a cold plunge tub out there that can help you dive into the world of cold therapy and reap its many benefits. From budget friendly options that are perfect for beginners to luxurious models that offer the ultimate cold plunge experience, the right tub is waiting for you.

FAQs

1. What features should I prioritize when choosing a cold plunge tub on a budget?

- When working with a budget, prioritize essential features like durable materials, basic temperature control, and portability. While you may not get all the bells and whistles, focusing on these core aspects will ensure you get a reliable and effective cold plunge tub without overspending.

2. Are mid-range cold plunge tubs worth the extra cost?

- Yes, mid-range cold plunge tubs often offer better materials, more consistent temperature control, and enhanced durability compared to budget options. If you plan to use your tub regularly, the extra investment can provide better long-term value and a more enjoyable cold plunging experience.

3. What are the advantages of investing in a premium cold plunge tub?

- Premium cold plunge tubs come with advanced features like precision temperature control, luxurious materials, and superior build quality. These tubs are designed for long-term use, offering a high level of comfort and performance that justifies the higher price tag, especially for dedicated wellness enthusiasts.

4. How do I determine the right cold plunge tub for my space?

- Start by measuring the area where you plan to place the tub, whether indoors or outdoors. Consider factors like accessibility, ease of installation, and whether the tub’s design complements your existing space. Choosing the right size and setup will ensure that your cold plunge tub fits seamlessly into your environment.

5. What long-term maintenance costs should I consider when buying a cold plunge tub?

- Long-term maintenance costs can include energy usage, cleaning supplies, and potential repairs. It’s important to choose a tub that’s energy-efficient and easy to maintain to minimize these ongoing expenses. Reading reviews and researching the tub’s durability can also help you anticipate any future maintenance needs.

If you want to read more about this series consider reading our 1st blog the ultimate guide to choosing the best cold plunge tub for your home

#best cold plunge #cold plunge

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