#instead of boutique brands

[singlethread]

If you’re ever like omg why do my vets always push hills and royal canin and purina pro plan it’s because those are veterinarian backed diets and often times prescription specific

[poorlittlevampire]

also the lack of info available for fashion dreamer despite the game being an “early 2023 release” is stressing me OUT

[jellicatty]

❝ THE OTHER WOMAN ₊˚ ❞

A tale of an unfortunate woman— cursed with a lonesome life, pouring all of her love to a wretched and unfaithful man.

╰┈➤ contains : sukuna x female reader. cheater! sukuna. toxic relationship. other woman is mean. written in other woman's pov. third pov. sfw-ish. angst.

╰┈➤ note : unedited because this was from my archives + wrote this two years ago lol. this fic is inspired by Lana del Rey's The Other Woman ! I loved the song so I used it for some inspo hini >____<

Oh, other woman, how lonely you must be.

The other woman has time to manicure her nails

The other woman is perfect where her rival fails

And she's never seen with pin curls in her hair, anywhere.

She’s fresh from the boutique; luxury draped around her form. From head to toe, was the old money of the famous businessman— Sukuna Ryomen. Pride swelled on her chest at the sight of measly women with their cheap brands. She felt perfect amongst the sea of the low-cost. Though among piles of garbage, hidden jewelry resides.

Her eyes held the usual disgust and her ego stood tall, yet the doubts at her head fought for their lives. Face to face, was the wife of her beloved. She looked so spent, her beauty slowly fading with the times. They acknowledged each other’s presence as poor Y/n thought of her as a very lovely woman.

The other woman enchants her clothes with French perfume

The other woman keeps fresh cut flowers in each room

There are never toys that's scattered everywhere

The flower endured even the harshest of her tenor.

Suddenly, the woman’s sour mood turned sweet, her eyes scanning the bags and bags of expensive jewelry. But all of it didn’t matter to her. The woman in love quickly searched for the concealed letter, her heart fluttering once touching the rough, sealed paper.

And she read it, repeated it, hated it.

It was unfair.

How unfair it was for her to receive only letters. His touch, lonely woman yearned for his touch. Gritting her teeth, the woman let anger control her until red no longer consumed her body.

Amongst the ripped bags, was the other woman who desperately called for his love. But the woman knew he was busy with his own children, tending to them with his pitiful spouse, surrounded by numerous toys and annoying cries of her own devil spawns.

And when her old man comes to call

He finds her waiting like a lonesome queen

'Cause to be by her side

It's such a change from old routine

Most would run away with fear in their eyes once taking a quick look at his monstrous stature. But, her love clouded her mind. Instead of fear, it was adoration— heart erratic at his predator-like stare.

“Sukuna, my darling, how are you-”

“Who told you to speak?”

His words were enough to make her obediently follow. She was such a pet for him; all nice and loyal. To her, no action can be enough of a sign that love was not present. She was too far gone in her own fantasies. Too far gone in imagining his eyes lit up the same way hers do.

Although his eyes do shine, they do so with an obviously evil haze to it. His malicious intent clearly displayed within his cold gaze, and only a fool would ignore them.

But, the other woman is a fool.

A fool for offering herself to a man.

She didn’t question his order any further, only getting straight to undressing herself in front of his dark gaze. Used woman was useful, she served as his distressor, an enjoyment inside his boring life. No children, no toys, no cries, no demands, no complaints, no questions asked.

Between them was no love, only entertainment. Because to be by her side, is a change from his old routine.

Clueless woman thought otherwise.

But the other woman will always cry herself to sleep

The other woman will never have his love to keep

Other woman, why can't you just see?

His love was not yours, it never was.

His steel eyes will never search for yours. No rough hands will grasp your body tonight, for it will only be against his darling’s plush skin. His attention will not be at your seducing red gown or the skin that showed. His focus will only be on his darling’s enhanting dress that showed their uneven curves and cured insecurities.

Is it clearer now? Now, when Y/n's form is tightly pressed against Sukuna's, looking at you with those eyes? While their bodies slowly dance under the dim lights? Oh, she knows. Their gaze at you is unsettling, full of hatred for claiming what’s not yours.

And as the years go by the other woman

Stop dancing on the bridge. There’s no one beside you.

Will spend her life alone

You fell? How pitiful. No imagination can save you now.

Alone

The only cure for loneliness is death, right?

Alone

© jellicatty | no plagiarising please (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ

[nicoline1998enilocin]

Such a tease

PAIRING | Ransom Drysdale x Best Friend!Female!Reader

WORD COUNT | 3.1K

SUMMARY | You're spending the afternoon at a lingerie boutique to find the perfect set for your date later that night. You decide to tease your date a little and send him a photo, but in a rush you accidentally send it to your best friend instead. How will he react to getting such a spicy picture from you?

WARNING(S) | This is your official trigger warning. Do not proceed if any of these topics upset you. Best friends to lovers, smut [ Edging, oral (F receiving), overstimulation, squirting, use of a safeword, protected sex, implied aftercare ], angst,

A/N | I want to thank @avengersfantasies for helping me with this one when I couldn't figure out how to continue; you're a lifesaver! 🖤

Likes, comments, and reblogs will be very much appreciated 💚

Divider is made by @firefly-graphics | 18+ banner is made by yours truly

Main Masterlist | Ransom Drysdale Masterlist

You're looking through the endless lingerie options for your date tonight since you and Kenji plan to have a hot and steamy date. When your eye falls on a set of red lingerie, you pick it up and go to try it on.

As soon as you close the curtain behind you, you let out a sigh and start taking all your clothes off, ready to slip into the pieces of red lacy fabric you picked up.

The bra slips on like a glove, pushing your boobs up perfectly, making them look irresistible. Next up are the panties, and you turn around to look at yourself. You have never felt more beautiful and are not even finished yet.

You pull on the stockings and slide the garter belt into place, hooking the ends to your stocking to keep them in place perfectly. Now all that's left is to tie the bit around your neck like a collar, making the chain attached to the garter belt fall between your boobs.

When it's on, you gasp softly at how perfect you look because every inch of lace hugs your curves beautifully. It is molded to your body like a second skin, and that's when you think of a mischievous plan.

You stand sensually, making your boobs pop even more, and snap pictures with different poses. When you're about to send the perfect one to Kenji, one of the sales associates suddenly interrupts your train of thought.

"Ma'am, can I help you with anything?" she asks, and you accidentally tap Ransom's name instead of Kenji's, sending it to your best friend instead of your date. Not that Ransom minds seeing you in lingerie.

"Uhm, no, thank you! I'm taking this set, so I'll be with you in a few minutes," you say, feeling the embarrassment washing over you while you change out of the lingerie and back into your regular clothes.

You calm yourself down a little before walking to the register, and the woman politely smiles.

"That will be $125, please," she says, and you nod, getting out the cash to pay for it. When that's done, the sales associate puts it in a bag, and you're on your way home to start getting ready for your date with Kenji.

You just pulled out of the parking garage and turned on your podcast for your drive home when suddenly you're getting a call from your best friend, Ransom.

"Hi, Ran-" is all you can say before he cuts you off.

"My house. Thirty minutes. Wear that lingerie you showed me," he says before hanging up, and you're confused about what he's talking about.

Only when you're home and getting ready to get out of your car can you look at what he meant, and you realize the photo that was supposed to go to Kenji went to Ransom instead.

You close your eyes and think about the mistake you have made. But then again, this is the universe telling you to finally admit your feelings to your best friend.

You leave your car and go inside to change into the brand new lingerie - putting on a cute red dress over it.

Once ready, you return to your car and exhale as you climb into the driver's seat. During the drive, you're nervous - your hands drumming against the steering wheel as you try to keep your thoughts together.

You've done what Ransom asked and are at his house a little under thirty minutes later; it's good he lives close. When you leave your car, you wipe your sweaty palms on your dress and adjust your hair again before walking to his door and using your key to let yourself in.

"Ransom?" you call out, hearing your voice echo against the walls of his house.

He walked into the hallway with assassin-like steps - complete silence as he approached you. He looks like a predator hunting down its prey, and before you can even say a proper hello, his lips crash onto yours.

His actions take you aback, but you hadn't expected anything else to happen.

When you didn't turn down his kiss, he deepened it, and you let his tongue pry your lips apart - moaning into your mouth. Your hands make their way into his hair, and he pins you against the wall - letting you feel his growing bulge. You gasp when you touch him, and he pulls away from you, smirking seductively.

"See what your little outfit did to me?" he asks, and you want to answer, but it feels like your throat is filled with cotton balls.

"I- I didn't-" is all you can say, but he doesn't let you finish; his lips crash back onto yours, and his hands move to the knot on your dress, untying it swiftly, and it falls open.

"Oh fuck," he whispers to himself as he takes a step back, and takes in the sight of you covered in red lace, the chain between your breasts and the red stockings.

You let the dress fall to the floor, and that's when Ransom picks you up and quickly throws you over his shoulder on his way to the bedroom.

He thought about taking you right then and there but ultimately decided against it as he wanted to make you feel special for the first time.

"What are you doing? Where are you taking me?!" you yelp as he easily lifts you, everything suddenly upside down, and his hand is lying on your ass to ensure you're not going anywhere.

"You'll have to wait and see since you've been such a tease to me," he says, and you can't help but squeeze your thighs together at the thought of what he might do to you.

You were prepared for many things, but Ransom edging you for over an hour was missing from the list of things you were ready for.

"R-Ran, please!" you wail after he builds you up again, to pull away at the last second before you fall over the edge. Right now, you hate him more than anything, but you can't go anywhere.

Your limbs have turned into nothing but complete jelly under his touch, and Ransom's reveling in the thought, saying the filthiest things while still buried between your thighs.

"Hm, this cunt is so sweet; wish you'd have let me have a taste sooner, Baby. Will fucking ruin you for everyone else like the needy slut you are for me and my dick," he says, a moan escaping your lips at his words.

"Please..." you whine; your release is so close yet so far away at the same time, but this time Ransom does let you cum; however, he doesn't stop there.

"Makes me so fucking hard when you beg like a slut, when you're begging me to let you cum. If you're such a needy slut for it, you better cum now," he says, setting a brutal pace with three of his fingers inside and his lips wrapped around your clit, sucking the life out of it.

"FUCK, 'M CUMMING!" you scream out, and he keeps doing the same thing until your juices squirt out, and he knows the edging was well worth it now.

"Such a perfect slut for me, huh? Squirting for me like that," he says, and you whine softly as you come down from your high, but Ransom doesn't grant you that luxury.

He barely pulled his fingers out of you, allowing his tongue to lap every last drop of your juices as he fucks you with it.

"C-can't take more!" you tell him, but Ransom's determined to pull one more out of you. He needs one more orgasm before he's even going to think about filling you with his cock.

"Yes, you can, Baby. Just need one more from you now, and then I'll let you suck me off like a perfect slut," he says, his tongue going back to fucking and lapping your juices, his thumb now pressed on your clit until you fall apart for him again.

Loud moans echo through his bedroom and house, but you're too far gone to even worry about that. You're too wrapped up in pleasure and the thought of Ransom making you feel this good to care about anything other than him.

"Tastes so fucking sweet, Baby, tastes like peaches, and I can't get enough of it," he says as he attaches his mouth to your clit again, sucking and licking, but it is too much this time.

Tears are starting to form in your eyes from the overstimulation, and you're working up the courage to keep going and give him everything he wants, but you can't. You can't take anything else he's providing you right now.

Before you can fully comprehend what's happening, your mouth opens slightly, and you say it softly and barely audible. Still, Ransom hears you perfectly fine, stopping his motions immediately and stepping away.

"Red."

The two of you never talked about safewords, but that doesn't matter as Ransom backs away regardless, afraid he did something to hurt you.

"Shit..." he whispers to himself as you curl up into a ball and move back to the headboard of his bed. You feel bad about using the safeword even though you know it was the right thing to do.

Tears keep streaming down your face as you rock back and forth, your arms wrapped around your knees after you pull them up to your chest. Your eyes are closed, and that's when you suddenly hear Ransom throw a punch against the wall of his bedroom.

"Fuck!" he grits out through his teeth as he looks at his hand and back to you, looking scared out of your mind as big eyes are looking back at him.

He slowly walks over to the bed with his hands held up to show he's not going to hurt you and touch you without your permission, but it doesn't calm you down.

"Get out," you say before he can even reach the bed, and he looks down with defeat, but he does as you say, wanting to give you back the power over the situation right now.

You stay in his bedroom for an unknown amount of time while gathering your thoughts about what happened. It's not that you don't want him because you do, but he went too far by ignoring you, and that's what hurt most.

You feel incredibly bare in just your lingerie, so you go over to his wardrobe, fishing out a pair of joggers he never wears and one of his sweaters to make yourself feel a bit more comfortable.

You strip yourself out of everything except your panties and put on Ransom's clothes, ready to see him and talk about what has happened.

Ransom sits at his dining table, one of his hands in his hair while the other is getting iced. He looks up at you as you walk into the dining room and smiles at seeing you wearing his clothes.

"Can I sit here?" you ask as you point to the chair directly across from him. He nods as he looks up at you, and you can tell he's been crying, too, by the look of his bloodshot eyes.

"I'm sorry-" he starts, but you raise your hand, notifying him that now's not the time for him to talk. Right now, you have something to get off your chest, and this is the perfect moment to do just that.

"I want to start by saying that I'm not mad at you at all, Ransom," you say, and he looks up at you, the fact that he went too far still fresh in his mind.

You stretch out your hands, and he puts his free hand in it, letting yours envelop it. The softness of your small hands contrasts his big, calloused hands, making him chuckle softly.

"It's so cute," he whispers as he looks at your combined hands, and you chuckle at the sight.

"It is, but I want to admit something to you. I've wanted to tell you something for a few months, but I needed to figure out how or when. I- I have a huge crush on your Ransom, and I'm not sure when it developed, but I figured you don't feel the same, so I just kept it to myself all this time," you tell him, your heart fluttering a little now that your secret is finally out in the open.

"And I have to say that even though you went over my boundary and I had to safeword, I'm glad you did respect it when I used it, despite us not having talked about it. I do want to continue what we were doing if it is okay with you, but I do want to ask you to be gentle with me this time because I cannot take another version of what you did," you say with a polite smile, stroking Ransom's hand with your thumbs.

"God, I- I don't know where to start," Ransom says, gathering all of his courage to tell you how he feels since talking about feelings does not come naturally to him.

"The beginning might be nice," you joke, and Ransom can't help but laugh at your simple comment. This is precisely why he fell for you all this time ago. How sweet you are, your caring nature, your stupid jokes, all of it. And now that he knows you feel the same, he won't waste another second.

"I have feelings for you too, Y/N. Hell, I'm fucking in love with you, even!" he shouts, a burst of booming laughter following his statement.

"Been in love with you for I don't know how long, and now that I know you feel the same, I'm not planning on hurting you like I did, ever again. I am so sorry you felt the need to use it, but I also want you to know I'm proud of you for doing it. I'm sorry it had to come to that point, but I will make it up to you in every way imaginable," he says.

"I love you, Ransom," you say before getting up and walking to his side of the table. He moves back so you can sit on his lap, and you gladly do.

You get seated sideways to cup his face in your hands, stroking his smooth cheeks softly before leaning in and molding your lips to his perfectly. Two pieces of a puzzle, sliding right into place as they belong to one another.

When you pull away, he follows your lips for another, but you're just a little faster than him, much to his disappointment.

"I want to do this the right way, Ransom. Please take me out on a date and ask me to be yours. We both know I will say yes, but until then, I just want you. Ransom, all I want is you," you whisper in his ear, and a warm feeling spreads across his cheeks at your words.

"And how do you want me, Baby?" he asks, and you get a mischievous smile.

Your lips ghost softly over his lips, to his cheek, and you let out a warm breath on his ear before telling him how you want to fall apart while riding him so good he won't be able to think of anything else but you.

Now here you are, sitting on his couch in the living room, both completely naked while you bounce slowly up and down on his rock-hard cock. At least you still had the sense to make him put on a condom because if it were up to him, he'd slide in immediately.

Soft moans leave your lips while Ransom's hands touch you everywhere they can, from your shoulders and arms to your back and waist, to your hips and ass. Not a single inch of you is left untouched.

Your hands slide over his prominent muscles in his arms, broad chest, and chiseled abs; he looks like a Greek God. And the fucked out look on his face? Even better.

"I love-" is all you get to say to Ransom before your phone rings, and you lean back to grab it from the table behind you, showing Ransom who's calling you.

"Pick it up while you keep riding me so good, Baby. Want him to know it's me who makes you feel this good. That you're mine, and I'm never letting you go," he says between some groans.

You slide the incoming call button to the right, putting it on speaker, just as Ransom grabs your ass to give himself some leverage to fuck up into you as you pick up the phone, making you moan loudly.

"K-Kenji, hi! I'm a b-b-bit b-busy," you say, and you can hear the guy on the other end let out a deep sigh as he hears the skin against skin, your moans leaving your lips, and the groans coming from Ransom.

"Don't fucking bother to contact me ever again, you fucking slut," he says before hanging up the phone, and you drop your phone on the couch before letting yourself fall forward to kiss Ransom fiercely.

"Hm, I'm the only one who gets to call my girl a slut when I'm railing her," Ransom grits out, but he doesn't slow down in the slightest, instead only picking up his pace even more.

He keeps hitting your sweet spot repeatedly, and before you know it, you're falling apart on his cock, just like you said you wanted to. It only takes a few more thrusts from Ransom before he spills his seed into the condom, wishing he was shooting it into your bare cunt instead.

"F-fuck, feels so fucking good when you cum for me," he says, slowly riding you through both your orgasms until you're completely fucked out, your head lying in the crook of his neck.

"Love you so much, Baby. Can't believe I didn't tell you that sooner," he says, and you just hum in response, getting sleepy after the way he made you cum for him.

You stayed on the couch for a little longer before Ransom picked you up and carried you to the bath. He slipped in and put you on his lap, your head resting against his shoulder as he carefully washed your body.

"Thank you, Ran. Love you so much," you say when you're both done, and he gives you one of his shirts and a pair of his boxer briefs to wear to bed.

"I love you too, Baby. And I plan on making the date I'm taking you on unforgettable," he says as he snuggles you into his chest. The two of you fall asleep not long after that, and you've had the best sleep in a while snuggled up in his arms.

[isuckatwritingsobenice]

following up on the Alastor during different points of his life, how would he be in high school with the reader? given his time period I feel like things would be really difficult especially if the reader is white coded y’know, so what would that be like for him? and the reader too? also maybe the reader could be on the wealthier side, while Alastor isn’t?

A/N: I love detailed requests like this <33, so thank you so much! But this is a really messy concept, for everyone involved, but i love it.

No title for this one since I can’t think of anything :(

Alastor goes to a completely different school than you do

Almost every day you have great lunch, bus is on time, you’re books are brand new, everything is pristine down to the uniforms

For Alastor, the bus is late or breaks down on the way there, the students don’t have proper uniforms, some either wear the uniform or have a passed down uniform that most likely doesn’t fit them. The books are worn and torn, sometimes pages are missing, and the lunch is most times anything other than edible.

Your schools are only a few yards apart, however your bus always gets there quicker while his sometimes takes two hours to get there, and most times he needs to walk mid way while the bus is getting fixed

Your schools are in a secluded part of the town, with a lot of trees and forest behind it.

During your free period you sneak out of your school and over to his, thankfully your free period is his lunch period and you always have left overs

You two talk a lot, either about what your working on or just anything in general

During this time Alastor really fancies going to the north, he wants to get out of louisiana and start a new life

“If that’s what you want to do then I support you.” You always say and while he appreciates it, he’s always thought about asking you to go with him

By the time the year comes to a close you two see less and less of each other

You pick up a summer job at a boutique, he ends up working with his mother in a supermarket

on one of your days off, you stop by, not knowing he works there of course, and begin to get things off your list

You’ve never gone around his part of town much, your father forbid it, but he didn’t need to know you were there, as long as you went home with groceries you were fine right?

so when you began to ask his mother for help, he almost died of a heart attack watching the two of you talk

“Potatos are on isle seven dear, and cinnamon is on three with the rest of the spices.” His mother says kindly, and you smile finally having some sense of direction in the store

Alastor is quick to work the register, hoping to catch a glimpse of you and it works

Along with a lot of other customers giving you strange looks, what’s a white girl doing in a colored store? cant she get fined for that? is she crazy? lost?

“Oh! Hello Alastor.” You say with a smile as he grins back at you.

“Hello my dear, I see you’ve met my mother.” He says as he begins to total the things you’ve picked out.

“Oh that’s her? She’s such a sweet woman, really.” You say back, pulling out a few dollars and some quarters go pay him.

“That she is, though I must ask what brings you to this part of town?” He questions, and at this your face heats up quickly before you brush it off.

“Well, I’ve just gotten off of my shift, and father mentioned he needed to go grocery shopping so I figured i’d do it for him.” You say as Alastor writes your total down. You don’t wait for him to give it to you, instead you hand him all the cash and quarters you have in your pocket.

“This is well over what you owe.” He says grinning, he knows what you’ll say next, but it’s fun to watch you become so proud of yourself.

“Yes, however I don’t have any use for the rest, so I believe you can keep it. Good day Alastor.” You say smiling and grabbing the bagged items. He smiles and just puts the money away, his mind is already running on how to make it up to you.

your father never notices where you got the groceries, he only cares he didn’t need to drop more money to get it

When the next school year rolls around this time you both are in the eleventh grade, this is your most important year

You’re stressed with papers and exams every other week, Alastor is swamped with having to help other students as a tutor, his lunch period now being the only time he can see you

However, your schedule isn’t the same, now your free period is during a class of his and now he’s sneaking out more than once to see you, most of the kids in his grade have stopped showing up, most did after the eighth grade

You rant and complain about how stressed you are, and how you can’t wait for the year to be over so you can finally breathe

Alastor laughs and for the first time in his life he can truly feel how fake it is, he’s never been more stressed in his life and though your books might be better the work is just the same especially since he’s in the gifted program

you ask about his mother time to time and he appreciates you thinking of her, no one really asks

he tells you of his plan to go to New York, how excited he is and how much he’s saving, how his mother has been picking up extra shifts to bring in enough

this is when he asks you to come with him, but you tell him you can’t, that you can’t leave your family, your parents or siblings, how your life is here

he understands, it hurts him to leave his mother, she’s the only family he’s ever known, ever had, he hates leaving her behind

but he promises to come back, that he will come back to Louisiana, and you smile because you believe him

when graduation comes he waits until your parents retire for the night before knocking at your front door, he’s risking a lot for this, but he needs to see you before he goes

When you answer the door hes overjoyed, and you wrap him in the tightest hug he’s ever felt before, even though he doesn’t feel many

He hands you flowers with a small congratulations, and you smile and tell him the same, before you remember something

“Oh! I almost forgot!” You say, before you stop and turn to him, opening your front door. “ I’ll be right back, don’t move.” You say, and take off into the house. He smiles and waits, taking in your neighborhood. It’s clean, large houses, perfect sidewalks and a nicely paved street

you come back with an envelope in hand, and when you hand it to him he shoots you a look. What is this?

He opens it to find a large sum of cash, he can’t even begin to imagine how much your handing him. He shakes his head and hands it back.

“I cant accept this.” He says, his smile tightening. He’s upset. Do you think he needs this? But you smile wider and insist.

“For new york silly, everything is crazy in this big apple. If not for you then for your mother, please. I saved it for you.” You say, and he sighs, lightly flipping through it.

“How much is it?” He asks, almost afraid of what you’ll say.

“Seven Hundred.” You reply, and his eyes widen, and his smile drops finally. This is the first time you’ve seen him without one.

“I cant possibly-“

“You must. Please. It’s not my parents if that’s what your thinking. I earned it, and I wanted to give it to you.” You say, before he’s silent

“I don’t need your charity dear.” He says, his smile returning. Clearly he’s annoyed by this point, but you don’t seem to care, if you can even tell

“It isn’t charity. It’s a gift. No one is ever too good for a gift.” You say crossing your arms, now he laughs. Your stubborn, you refuse to take it back. You’re not asking him to take it, your not giving him a choice.

“Alright, fine. However I’m not using this. I’ll give it to my mother.” He says, and you smile contently at that.

“I’m okay with that.”

[transfaguette]

i don’t know if skincare ppl are ready to hear this but those fancy boutique “organic” brands have a vested interest in selling you misleading and fearmongering information about cheap, generic products (or just no products at all) so you buy their stuff instead.

[thehypotensivegrad]

The Adviser (27/45) | Bechloe Mafia AU

Synopsis:

Beca Bella, the consigliere and adoptive daughter of the former boss of a powerful Italian mafia, seeks to deliver her own personal brand of justice against a powerful and corrupt business conglomerate and their devilish counsel, while working on reclaiming her hidden wealth confined within the old Barden Tower. Thankfully, she has the help of her right-hand woman and bodyguard, and an old friend with secrets of his own. But things are easier said than done. Especially when she has to win over the trust of the tower’s quirky and colorful tenants, confront the ghosts of a past she left behind, as well as deal with her unexpected but ever-growing feelings for a fierce and determined lawyer she meets along the way.

Can Beca accomplish her goals, find her treasure, and keep the woman she loves in her life?

Or will something have to give for Beca to topple her enemies, climb the ranks of her world, and become the new boss of the Bella family?

Chapter 27: Paper Company Shake Up

All hands on deck as Beca, Chloe, and the rest of the Barden Tower residents work on getting the dirt that would bury Chicago for good.

Chapter preview below - Read the rest at ao3

"What?" Chloe asked rather innocently. Beca's response was to simply look her up and down before giving Chloe a sympathetic look. "You're dressed casually," Chloe pointed out. Beca was wearing a chic grey sweater, the materials it was made from and the tag on in probably cost more than Chloe's whole ensemble. In her arms, neatly folded, hung a cream-colored blazer that paired well with her cream-colored pants. Chloe wasn't sure what they were made off but they both looked sleek, stylish, and comfortable. The shoes Chloe already knew were expensive. It was a brand she didn't know off, but the insignia had caught her attention – Loro Piana – and it was enough to prompt Chloe to look it up before. Beca kept the make-up and accessories simple, with her hair styled back. This was casual for Beca. Not undercover, regular street clothes casual. But her own personal level of casual, one that screamed affluence over anything else.

Chloe on the other hand was wearing her favorite black suite and skirt ensemble that she wore to court a few times now. "I look good in this," Chloe insisted.

"I know, but… Look, Chloe. We're replacing a man and a woman, one of whom had the audacity to book the entire gallery for a private affair for two, I think it's safe to assume it's a date. And if one of them is rich enough to make private art gallery dates a thing…" Beca started to explain.

"This really won't pass?" Chloe asked.

Beca looked at her wristwatch. "We still have time, and I know just the place, come on."

"Just the place for what?" Chloe had asked. But Beca didn't answer.

Instead, they found themselves in Beca's car, with Beca driving silently to some chic, invitation only type of boutique Chloe didn't even know existed. Beca had a light smile on her lips, looking a little proud of herself. When they got there, she had explained that she called ahead of time – so she already planned this from the start, Chloe thought to herself – before Chloe found herself whisked off into a dressing room to try out a few pre-selected outfits for her.

Chloe tried very hard not to chuckle, every time she had to march out and gauge Beca's reaction, "modelling" the outfits she had picked out for her.

Beca was fairly easy to read in that instance. Chloe knew she wasn't convinced every time she pressed her lips together and quirked an eyebrow, and so Chloe would march back and try the next one. Meanwhile Beca was busy looking at whatever was in the black velvety boxes brought out to her by the shop's attendants.

When Chloe stepped out with the third to the last of her pre-selected outfits on – a she knew she had found a lovely black dress with a black blazer that hugged around her figure just right – she knew she found the winner. Beca looked speechless for a minute before she motioned for one of the sales attendants to come back with a big black velvet box. Beca gingerly picked up the necklace inside. The chains were made of gold and attached to the intricate design of the pendant. Beca walked up behind Chloe and placed the necklace around her neck, careful not to touch Chloe directly. Chloe could pick up the scent of Beca's perfume, a delicate mix of floral scents. There was a softness to it that Chloe paired with the elegant yet soft casual style that Beca had for the night. Chloe couldn't help herself blush a little. It almost felt like this fake date was real.

A part of her wished it was.

Beca hummed her approval as soon as she clasped it close, proud of her own choices. The sales attendant walked up to Beca, the box still open. That's how Chloe saw the pair of earrings that matched the pendant of the necklace. Chloe's fingers briefly brushed against Beca's own as she reached for one of the earrings inside the box, sending electricity from where they momentarily touched racing through her veins, down her pulse, throughout her own being.

"Are you sure about this?" Chloe asked with a gulp, trying to squash the butterflies that were starting to wake in stir inside of her. "You're spending quite a lot for one 'date.' This might be too much."

Beca shook her head. "Not at all," she replied before looking away. She watched as Chloe put the earrings on herself. "They were made you," Beca then said rather awkwardly, turning around and walking on away before urging Chloe to follow her out.

This was bad, they have a mission to complete, but Chloe couldn't help but notice how they were both acting like teenagers

Still, a part of Chloe's mind was indulging in maybes and fantasies. Of how things would have been if she had met Beca in a different circumstance.

Beca briefly smiled and let Chloe put the earrings on by herself. Chloe kept looking back at her through the mirror but Beca's expression had become unreadable in that moment. She couldn't help but wonder if her – well, their – beloved consigliere shared the same thoughts as her.

[tedwardremus]

Thoughts on modern fashion?

Also how would muggle Walburga Black dress?

Oh boy, did I share some thoughts lol. But nothing really on any particular trend or brand. I've rambled on enough but happy to discuss specific trends and brands too.

Fashion is a visual medium that encapsulates culture, class, politics, gender, and various facets of identity. It exists at the intersection of art and consumerism, serving as both a form of self-expression and a market-driven product. We pick clothes that we like and feel express ourselves but we are also told what to like and what to purchase by large corporations who see us as numbers in a stock portfolio and not as individuals. 

While fashion has often been dismissed as frivolous, it is fundamentally intertwined with our identities, allowing us to communicate who we are as individuals and as members of society. Fashion is a nuanced and personal expression that reflects social change, political beliefs, and aesthetic values, making it a powerful lens through which we can examine the evolving roles of individuals and communities in the public sphere.

As a consumer good, the demand for clothing is at an all-time high, with fast fashion emerging as a significant environmental concern. The industry contributes to the proliferation of plastic waste, with low-quality garments often ending up in landfills and on beaches. Moreover, the production of such high quantities of clothing raises serious concerns over human rights violations associated with the exploitation of cheap labor.

It can feel like a losing battle these days to find a good outfit that lasts a long time and is affordable. We compromise our values when we shop fast fashion but few of us have an alternative choice.

Today, using fashion as a clear class distinction has become increasingly challenging. Even millionaire influencers often choose to wear inexpensive clothing from brands like Shein and websites like Amazon, favoring mass-produced items over bespoke garments tailored specifically to their bodies. This shift reflects a broader trend where the sign of wealth is no longer measured by the quality or craftsmanship of clothing but rather by the sheer volume of items one owns.

Even brands that used to signify quality have cheapened their production. Levi jeans are not the same quality denim they are famous for. 

A truly well-made purse, like many classic accessories, should be designed to last a lifetime, with craftsmanship that withstands the wear and tear of daily life. Ideally, an investment in such a piece would mean living in and growing with it, allowing it to become a part of one’s personal history. Yet, in today’s culture of disposable fashion, we see a different approach: closets overflowing with countless handbags, each one picked up for a season and quickly discarded in favor of the next trend.

This excess not only dilutes the value of individual items but also fosters a cycle of constant consumption, where style becomes transient and connection to one’s belongings fleeting. Instead of cherishing a few high-quality pieces, the modern consumer is encouraged to accumulate—a shift that ultimately transforms what could be an investment in artistry or utility (we do need to carry things with us throughout the day) into a revolving door of fleeting fashion trends and hoarding.

NOW FINALLY, WALBURGA

Walburga Black would never be caught wearing the same thing as anyone else. Unlike modern influencers who shop off the rack or online, her style is rooted in old-fashioned tradition and exclusivity. She remains one of the last true patrons of couture, frequenting designer boutiques where her measurements are kept on file and each piece is custom-fitted to perfection. Her wardrobe is filled with furs, bespoke pieces, and timeless luxury brands like Chanel. Walburga travels to Paris and Italy to meet designers in person, ensuring her attire is as exclusive as her social circle.

She loves a good hat. She loves dark colors to contrast with her pale skin. She wears Dior red lipstick. She loves a well-cut blazer and she can run in stilettos (not that she would. A lady never runs). 

She would consider Kris Jenner’s taste in fashion gaudy and utterly beneath her. Because try as they might, the Kardashian cannot escape the aesthetic of flashy, social-climbing “new money” and it would be an affront to Walburga’s refined sensibilities and deep-rooted aristocratic standards.

(and my work is cutting wifi off for some reason so I'm publishing this without inspirational photos so I can go home)

[sepptember]

there's a post about Pro-Palestine small businesses on instagram by @.counseling4allseasons and i wanted to share that post here.

mentioning businesses that aren't on this post are encouraged!! I'll reblog them to my account or add them to the post. If any of the links don’t work, please let me know.

note that all of the businesses in the insta post might not be included because I struggled to find the link, and some links may lead to an instagram account instead of a website.

Apparel:

Chérine Caftans - Moroccan traditional wear

Hirbawi - Kufiya factory in Palestine

HULM Kicks - Palestinian-owned shoe store

Watan Worldwide - Cultural clothing/merchandise store

Ayan Resources - Palestinian-owned clothing brand

herababyco - Baby clothes

Modestveencouture - Palestinian-owned boutique with wedding, prom, and engagement dresses

Zaytoonas Stitches - Palestinian-owned embroidery store

Dignitii - modest active wear

Nöl Collective - Palestinian-owned traditional wear

RUUQ - Hijab body suits

Dar Collective - Cultural merchandise

Shopdehma - Modest clothing brand

Nayabhijabs - Hijabs

House of amiri - Children's clothing

this business is currently not stocking their inventory because they are working on broadening their brand. support by following them is still highly encouraged.

Yemen Wear - cultural Yemen apparel

Pali Power - Palestinian athletic apparel

Le dressing de moon - Palestinian thobes

La Farrah Boutique - Palestinian thobes

Skincare/Makeup/Fragrances:

Farsalicare - Skincare brand

Yaskinnatural - Skincare brand

Dyfbeauty - Makeup brushes

Mora Cosmetics - Muslim-owned clean makeup

Kadi perfumes - high-quality perfumes and fragrances

Alwafa Shop - Natural skincare

Abumiskperfumes - oil-based fragrances

Dr. Sebaa Co. - Muslim-owned skincare brand

Savana Goat - Natural and artisanal goat soaps

Lerenu - Scalp & haircare

Inika Organics - Organic makeup

Tuesday in Love - Wudhu-friendly nail polish

Home Goods:

Inspire me home decor - Interior design/home decor

The Little Bulbul - Islamic puzzles/mugs/prints

Olive & Heart - Palestinian owned candle shop

Candlescape & Co. - Palestinian owned candle shop

Create & Crescent - event kits and crafts

Kilim Design Store - carpet and flooring.

With a Spin - Home decor

Lifestyle:

Feyre Creations - events merchandise

Khair Designs - Interior design

Soul Detox - Palestinian-owned black seed oil mix and health capsules

Sophologynic - Palestinian-owned wellness-kits and organic honey

Creations By Sal - Custom wedding products and gifts

Crescent Moon Bookstore - Palestinian-owned children’s bookstore

Little Muslim Craft Store - Crafts for Muslim children store

Modefa - Home decor

Sitti soap - Natural soaps and more.

Vidamin Wellness - Organic vitamins

Mysalah Mat - Interactive prayer mat

The Happy Bakers - Egyptian-owned cookies

Little Busy Hands - Customized themed sensory bins

Shahrin Azim Henna & Jagua Artist - Henna Services, New York/NJ

Accessories:

Oroboros Watches - Egyptian-owned watch store

Kiro - Egyptian Jewelry Brand

Elegant Bijoux Jewelry - Lebanese-owned jewelry

Canava Handmade - Luxury Arab handbags States NYC

Deeya Jewellery - Luxury gold plated bridal/formal jewelry

[thebestofoneshots]

✩ Star

hey luvv!! can i please request a romantic matchup for marauders era :) ? you don't have to rush it, take your time in writing! 🪽💕🌸🤍

i'm a capricorn, infp, and an asexual sapphic. though i don't mind being matched up with a man because i'm sapphic and not lesbian :) maybe you can match me both with a girl and a boy hehehh

i'm 173 cm, i have brown long hair (with bangs) and brown eyes. i love doing skincare/just taking care of my body. i love the colour pink! i'm quite girly and feminine. my clothing style is basically this fashion brand called ozlana. i love wearing pearl jewelleries. i feel prettiest when i do my hair well. i also love barbie fashion! i'd love to be a fashion designer and have my own fashion boutique one day.

i'm a good listener and i can understand people well. i consider myself as open minded. i'm a huge feminist (gender equality and really just social equality in general 🫶) and i resent people that makes fun of others for being excited over something they love. i love reading (preferably english classics). i love the wizard of oz a lot. i would love someone who respects women and a gentleman.

i consider myself as quite smart :) (don't wanna be too self indulgent tho). my hobbies are reading, stargazing, and making dresses/clothing. i love plants and flowers <3 i also love fruits! my favs are strawberry, grapes, and blueberry. i enjoy baking too! love making french desserts recipes. i'm scared of being a failure. my biggest fear actually. so i tend to push myself as hard as i can to ace what i want.

i think that's all!! don't wanna make this too long. if you don't want to write this then i totally understand 🌸🤍💕🪽🫧

If you want to participate in "TBOS' 400 Followers Celebration" too, you can look at this post for all the options of prompts you can choose form &lt;3

☆ Star: send a short description of yourself and I’ll tell you who I ship you with!

Chasing Butterflies

Pairing: James x Lily x reader Prompt: The story of how you ended up dating James and Lily. Word count: 1.5 k Warnings: None, (bit angsty / what feels like unrequited love but actually isn't).

Hey beatiful! I ship you with Lily and James! The first time you saw Lily, you thought she was the prettiest girl you’d seen in the world. She was wearing this beautiful flowery pink dress and looked so in awe of everything around her that you couldn't help but stare. Having been born into a magical family, it was interesting to see it from a different perspective. You were just about to approach her when she said hi to a disagreeable-looking boy that stared down at you as you took a step forward, which deterred you from doing so. Instead, you scurried away inside the train. That’s where you met James Potter and Peter Petegrew.

James was a very well-spoken boy who saw you wandering the train by yourself and invited you to sit along with him and his friend. He had been the one to introduce you to Peter and had also bought a bunch of treats for everyone once the Trolley Witch came around. James had been so nice to you that day that you felt like a princess. When both of you were put in the same house, you became close. James was always really, really nice to you, and you liked that about him, especially compared to the way his friends treated you - Sirius always trying to flirt and Peter being so awkward all the time. You also became close with Remus, and he would lend some of his muggle books, and you would borrow some magical ones to him. It became a habit, and Sirius would call you both nerds for it. You didn’t mind it all that much; you knew it was all playful banter.

In 5th year, when you discovered your passion for making clothes, the first person you told was Lily. You politely asked her if you could design a dress for her, and she felt honored. Once you handed her the dress, she instantly put it on, and it fit her like a glove. That weekend, when you went to Hogsmeade, she wore the dress, and even though you thought she looked absolutely lovely, you couldn’t help but feel a pit in your stomach whenever you realized people were staring at her. It was as if you didn’t want them to look, and their staring was affecting you somehow.

“That sounds an awful lot like jealousy to me,” Remus had told you. You gasped in that moment, but the more you thought about it, the more it made sense. Maybe you didn’t just like Lily as a friend. Maybe you liked, like her. Romantically liked her. And it made you feel miserable because you were very aware, like pretty much the entire school, that James was absolutely hung up on her.

At Marlenes’s party, organized by Mary a year later, someone had the brilliant idea of playing spin the bottle. When Lily had to kiss Marlene, she didn’t budge, which made you both jealous but also a little curious. Could that mean Lily was interested in girls too?

You, in turn, had to kiss James, and even if he was your friend, you had to admit he was a really good kisser. You were both panting a little when you separated and awkwardly went back to your places in the circle. From that day on, James stuck to you like gum, following you around and carrying your books and bag a lot more often than he did before. And even if you appreciated how nice he was, making you feel like a princess again, you were also bothered because you felt like you were his second choice, his consolation prize after he gave up on chasing after Lily.

“I’m not a pity prize, James!” You told him one day as he tried to hold your hand.

He looked at you, hurt in his face. “I’d never see you as one, kitten. I thought you knew.”

You looked at him taken aback. “What about Lily?”

He averted your gaze. “She… She’s like a star. Unreachable.”

“And I am within reach, right?” You continued, a little angry still.

“That’s not what I…”

“James, I like her too!” You somehow blurted out.

He looked at you in shock, eyes wide open as you told him the truth. “You like–" he started, confused "–like I do?”

You looked to the side and nodded. “Yes! Like you do.”

“And you don’t like boys like that?”

“I… I wouldn’t say that either…”

“Then what’s the issue?” He said, reaching for your hand again. You stared at him with a frown, thinking of pulling your hand away. But his hand was warm, and just as James always did, it made you feel nice too.

Both you and James started to spend a lot more time together since then. People would find him sitting beside you at dinner and in some classes. He made sure to always keep some kind of contact with you, whether it was holding your hand, having his arm over your shoulder, or a hand on your waist. You actually grew to like it; you felt appreciated and loved. Maybe you really weren’t a second choice to him, maybe he really had chosen you over Lily.

But then it was Halloween, and somehow you convinced him to dress as Ken while you'd dress up as Barbie. You designed both of your outfits, and he even hung out with you while you were sewing and adding beads and glitter to both of your costumes. Even Peter was helping you with the costumes, since you’d promised to help him with his. You were all sitting in the common room, and you were on the floor, sitting between James’ legs and resting your head on his chest as you sewed some details onto a coat when Lily walked in.

You smiled and waved at her, but she just looked at the two of you, looking hurt, and stormed out. “What’s with her?” Peter asked with a shrug. You and James looked at each other with a frown and nodded, both getting up and chasing after her.

“Lily!” You shouted as she picked up the pace.

“I’ll take a short cut,” James told you. “We’ll intercept her.”

Soon enough, James was blocking Lily from the front, and you stopped her from behind. “Hey! Lils, stop running, will you?” You told her, breath a little ragged, as she tried to walk past you. Her eyes started to water, and you looked at her concerned, placing both hands on her shoulders. “Hey love, what’s wrong?” You asked.

She started to cry then, and your heart broke. Whatever you had done, you were sure to never ever do it again; you could not bear to see her cry. James looked as mortified as you did.

“Evans,” he said, not daring to place a hand on her, like you already had. “What’s wrong, darling?” He asked softly.

“I… I don’t know… I…” She started between sobs. “I just, I suddenly felt so angry at the two of you being together like that. I just… I didn’t…. I’m an asshole.” She said as she placed her hands over her face to hide it from the two of you.

Realization hit you like a truck. “You like James,” you said dryly. James looked shocked at the two of you. “You’re jealous.” You said with a bitter laugh. “I’ll leave you to talk,” you said as you started to leave.

Lily finally raised her head from her hand and shook her head, you couldn't be more wrong. She grabbed your arm. "I wasn't jealous of you!" You turned surprised. "I wanted to be James!" You looked at the two of them, shocked. James looked so confused in that moment; if it hadn't been for the situation, you would've loved to capture that expression in a picture. "Or rather, there, like… in between the two."

You looked at her even more shocked. "Does that mean you like… both me and–"

"–Me?" James finished.

Lily just looked at the two of you in desperation. "See? I AM an asshole!"

You shook your head and exchanged a glance with James. He nodded, and the two of you embraced Lily in a tight hug. You buried your head on Lily’s shoulder, relishing in the smell of her signature lavender perfume, while James wrapped his long arms around the two of you, drawing you both towards his chest. From that moment on, the three of you somehow started dating each other. Lily was the perfect companion; she understood and related to all of your girly needs, gifting you a pearl necklace on your birthday and wearing all the dresses you made for her. James always cared for the two of you like you were goddesses, giving you the best cuddles in the world and enjoying all the desserts you prepared for him. He was absolutely obsessed with the way you baked. You were so happy together; you almost couldn’t believe it was real. But it was, and it was beautiful.

A/N: Hey sweetie! I really hope you enjoy this little ship (it totally got out hand and ended up being a mini ficlet, but I hope you like it); also I really hope all the cuddling doesn't bother you &lt;3

Much Love, Lilly xx

[tenderlads]

Order and Voices - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: List of things

“Guys calm down, one at a time!”

All the pets around were jumping and pawing at her legs desperately trying to be the first to get her attention “oh oh, Blythe!” Vinne shouted, raising one hand up while the other pets followed suit. “Okay, okay settle down!” Blythe said, raising her voice a little, catching herself in a giggle spree.

After some time, she finally got the pets to stop and gather around her creating a nearly perfect circle.

“Blythe oh dear what’s that in your hand?”

Zoe said gesturing her paw towards her human friend. Blythe glanced at her own hand and smiled “oh nothing special.. just an all-paid vacation to the coolest places in the world!” She announced, opening the paper a bit more for her to see it, a huge smile forming on her face. “And you're all coming!” Blythe said, flipping the paper around for the others to see, showing them the tickets.

All the pets cheered excitement filling them with glee, regardless Blythe continued “we’ll get to go to the biggest camping place there is!’ then after that the beach then we will end it at the brand-new pet boutique being built!” Blythe said, trying to hold back her excitement as well.

“What else what else!!” Minka shouted, clearly getting riled up from the suspense. "You all get to model the new fashion pet line!” Blythe said, nearly squealing herself.

“Wait, so you're telling me we get to model for headliners new pet fashion, HOW!?” Zoe nearly screamed, throwing her paws up the air, “well turns out miss headliners were close friends with Mrs. T when they were just teenagers. And just recently they were able to reconnect. and Mrs. T told her about my fashion line, she loved it!” Blythe said rambling “and she loved you pets as well and wanted you to model her next line for the grand opening for the boutique!” She squealed, not containing her excitement anymore, same as the animals' cause as soon as she said it all the pets jumped her causing her to fall back. They all laughed and licked at Blythe’s face.

After a while she finally got the pets to relax, now being able to finish her statement “we still have plenty of time before this whole vacation starts." she stated "We have ten weeks before we go on vacation, I already got your owner's permission to go… except Russell’s.” she mumbled putting one of her hands to her chin. "Where is that hedgehog anyway?” Pepper said, striking up a good question,

“Am here...”

like on cue Russell replied before anyone could ask, his voice slurred a little from the sleepiness. He was walking rather slower than usual. He looked rather tired and sleep-deprived, as he had bags under his half-lidded bloodshot eyes.

“What did I miss...?” He yawned, putting a paw to his mouth. Everyone stared at him giving a certain look on their faces.

“Hate to break it to you Russ but you missed a lot.” Vinne said honestly walking past Russell,

“Yeah, Russell you missed a lot!” Minka jumped in begging to go on her talking spree.

And at that moment Russell stopped listening, Minka was known to ramble on for way too long when it came for a 'simple' explanation; he honestly wasn’t in the mood to deal with that right now so instead he decided to go to the source,

Blythe.

“Yeah, so.. that’s mostly everything”

Blythe said looking down at the hedgehog in her lap, Russell had decided to read the message by himself. Trying to make sure Blythe didn’t overlook anything important.

 “Mostly everything?” Russell asked, glancing up at Blythe, one eyebrow raised. Obviously wanting all the information known to him. “Well Russell before you can go with us.. we need to get permission from your owner..” Blythe said, her voice straining a little at the end.

Getting his owner's permission...? That should be easy. But if it was so easy it would have been done already,

right...?

 A sharp stinging sensation began to fill through his body.

The main source of it coming from his back rear, it was..

irritating his skin…

he needed relief,

he had to scratch..

scratch it.

Russell began to scratch, and scratch at the subjective spot till the sensation he felt earlier began to fade. Coming to a complete stop once he realized Blythe was staring at him. A concerned look on her face.

“Heh, heh.. just a bit itchy” He dry laughed flashed her a big embarrassed, smile.

Later that even…

The day went on pretty normal after Blythe left.

The pets went back to just doing the usual, Sunil trying new magic tricks, Vinne practicing his dance moves while pepper sorted through her jokester stuff, penny ling playing with Minka and Zoe walking in this direction—

“Russell, how long are you planning to stand there?”

“HUH...!?” Russell flinched abruptly, snapping out of his thoughts

 “Haven’t you been listening this whole time.?” Zoe said, flipping her bangs out of her face.

He shrugged, giving an apologetic look “well, since you weren’t paying attention l’ll reiterate what I said earlier”

We were talking earlier...? Russell thought, the dots not connecting together.

He couldn’t remember anything past talking to Blythe to be honest other than that he was drawing a blank. —a loud cough (that sounded rather intentional) interrupted him again, quickly looking back at Zoe, her was nose scrunched.

 He could tell she was getting irritated with him.

 “Now as I was saying, we WERE wondering if you were ready to go on this exquisite vacation Russell,” Zoe said Briskly as she went. “All the others are going to show off their finest qualities while there,” Zoe said, puffing her chest out sitting on her hind legs.

 “Zoe, I hope you're aware that we’re not even close yet..” Russell said, beginning to walk past her, heading to his clipboard and other assortment of things.

 “You do know it’s like ten weeks away...?” The hedgehog commented, giving her a quick glance.

 Zoe scoffed.

“I know! but some others just can’t wait!” She dramatically said, catching up to him.

 “Uh, yeah.. and when you mean “others” you mean you..” Russell reiterated not taking his eyes from the clipboard in his paws. “Yes well.. how could you blame me!” She barked back dramatically “every single famous pet model and fashion designer will be there! and will be the center of attention!” Zoe gasped “Can you just imagine it, Russell! Will be modeling headliners' new fashion for the grand opening of the new pet boutique! every single pet and human will be cheering and screaming are names, ah! I can just hear it now” Zoe said, her paws nearly hugging herself, clearly daydreaming.

Russell could swear he saw stars glowing in her eyes. Shaking his head a little, trying to hide this smirk on his mouth “yeah Zoe I can imagine all right..” he joked playing along with her while walking over to the wide window area. Jumping up there Russell pulled a pencil from behind his ear and cleared his throat, preparing to make an announcement to the others.

“Alright pets!” He said making his presence known to the others, they gathered around him. “As you may know we usually do a headcount when we all enter the daycare in the morning.., unfortunately things got a bit mixed up..”

“If you mean you sleeping all day is a mix up, then that’s sure one big mix up Russell''

 Vinne joked, shrugging his shoulders. The other pets chuckled a little trying their hardest not to show it. “Ha ha, very funny Vinne" the hedgehog said sarcastically rolling his eyes. "Anyways.. as I was saying, there’s a list of things I want to over with you all” Russell said glancing down at his clipboard tapping the pencil, he could hear some of the pets' groan, (mostly Vinne) at his statement.

“As you all may know Blythe is taking us on a fashion tour”

“ uh.. didn’t Blythe call it a vacation Russell.?” Sunil asked, quickly raising his paw up.

“Well technically it’s a vacation..— but more of a fashion tour,” Russell added “Will be doing a lot more than just camping and going to the beach, they want us to model different outfits catered to each different activities you would do on a summer vacation” Russell informed them.

“Welp that sense to me!” Minka piped in leaning close to pepper as she whispered “I actually have no idea.. he lost me past the vacation bit..” she admitted, pepper nodded.

“Now I am pretty sure Blythe already got permission from all your owners..?” Russell asked, writing something down on his checklist.

“Yup!” pepper replied,

“Duh!” “obviously! “ Vinne and Sunil both said at the same time,

“Totally!” Minka nearly screamed out in response,

“hmm yes!” Penny ling hummed,

“Do I even need to say anything?” Zoe sassily responded, flipping her hair to the side.

Russell finished writing, nodded his head “okay that’s everyone!” He announced going over the list again. “Now one last thing we have to- “

 “Wait! Russell what about you?” Penny ling questioned, quickly interrupting him. A worried expression on her face, clearly not wanting her friend to be forgotten.

After that question all eyes were on him, they all started to ask the same thing.

“Are you going?”

“Yeah, Russell!"

“please tell me she’s letting you go”

"Yeah, Russell aren’t you coming?”

“Please Russell say you're going!”

“There’s no way he’s not coming. Right..?”

They kept asking all at once overcrowding him. At some point their voices started to merge into one big loud cluster, their voices couldn’t even be recognized by Russell anymore.

He quickly flipped through his clipboard trying desperately to find himself the answer. He mutterd to himsealf, feeling sweat drop down his head.

 Is this what feeling overwhelmed feels like..? He questioned, no he shouldn’t be feeling overwhelmed! his friends just asked him a simple question and he’s taking it out of proportion. Russell told himself trying to claim his nerves, their voices becoming increasingly intolerable by the minute. He started to Grip at his ears hoping that would work in his favor.

it only made things worse.

The voices slowly started to turn into static, a drowning buzz vibrating his body to his core, causing him to shut his eyes tightly. Nearly beginning to shake. He started to hear whispers, whispers that sounded somehow familiar...

Were they speaking to him…?

(Just answer…)

Russell quickly opened his eyes, his ears still pressed against his paws. He took quick frantic glances around, dark shadows moved around the corner of his eyes, not making their presence known. It repeated again.. 

(just answer)

Keep it together Russell! that’s not important he mentally scolded, putting his hands down and quickly looked at his clipboard.

(Excuses)

There were uneven words constantly written scribbled all over the paper, some even all over the wooden part. 

Did he write these...?

Excuses.

Give them an answer..

Excuses..

Give them an answer.

They can tell when you're lying..

His ears nearly rang from all the sounds. The static nearly sounded like a snowstorm while the buzzing hummed and burned his ears the (pets) voices persistently repeated their so much he could almost see the words visually being spelled out.

Russell was getting overwhelmed..

He wanted this to stop..

He wanted silence..

Then answer..

“ huh..?”

Just give them an answer

“ what..?”

And everything will be quiet

 

“ how..?” 

Just answer. 

It repeated.

 Just answer 

Just answer 

Just answer 

Just answer 

Just answer

“BLYTHE’S TAKING CARE OF IT—!!”

 Russell shouted suddenly, causing the pets to stop. “ ye— yes! I assure you guys I'm going.!” Russell quickly added in slightly slipping up on his words, seemingly swatting and acting rather jittery.

 “ Thatrapsuptherollcallfor tonight— I mean today ah I mean— this afternoon, bye!” Russell quickly said, his words all jumbled together and not making any sense. But before any of the pets could ask him what he ment, he then took off quickly to the other side of the daycare, persistently scratching at the top of his scalp as he went.

“Well that was weird..”

pepper said trying to fill the awkward silence,

“ yeah.. we were just asking Russ a question” Vinne added while walking right next to pepper, “ did anyone else notice how nervous Russell was just acting a minute ago..” Sunil questioned.

“ Yeah I noticed that too!," Minka jumped in, adding  “he was all sweaty and shaky! like he had a cold!” She said, while mimicking russell. “ He also scratched the top of his head a lot!!”

“ Ohh! I hope we didn’t make Russell uncomfortable” Penny ling gasped her little paws flying to her mouth.

 " Don't worry penny ling, Russell just being dramatic,” Zoe assured the worried panda.

Then all the pets looked in the direction Russell went

“Yeah, I hope your right penny ling..” pepper added.

------------------------------------

Chapter 2 is here! And what's up with him? His friends only asked him a question.

[midnight-scrivener]

Didn't want to derail this post too much bc funny posts should be allowed to stay that way, but I really think OP is onto something here tbh!!! Malls (in usamerica) are full of high end brands and luxury items. No one goes to a mall because they NEED what's there. Malls are dying precisely because there's no place in a big mall for basic quality-of-life shit. The thing about blacksmiths and alehouses and apothecaries and peddlers is that they all existed to meet real, practical needs. They brought people into town for a reason, and then if those people bought a little treat while they were there, or stopped and chatted with someone, or had another little human experience, that was all an added bonus.

In Central Florida, the two major malls are sprawling expanses of Armani and Gucci boutiques, high end clothing and dining experiences. The Florida Mall has a straight up brick-and-mortar Tesla store in the middle of it (that I've never seen anyone go inside). There's no room for little human experiences. If you have to go, you're not exploring. You get the rare item you need and get out. Malls are labyrinths of globalized corporate excess, and in the world those same corporations have built, no one can afford to be excessive anymore. Malls are starving because there's no longer a comfortable middle class upon which they may glut themselves.

A positive alternative to this is a revived mall by my house: its department stores are shuttered (the corpse of a JC Penny WILL be possessed by Spirit Halloween this month), the cinema hangs on by airing international films and special events, and the storefronts that were once chain shops and the same textureless, featureless shopping mall fare have been replaced by local small businesses. There's a vintage consignment shop and a board game store that holds weekly community gaming events. A gutted sears has become a brewery and arcade (an alehouse?). BUT there's also a small grocery corner store (a peddler?). There's a daycare. There are maintenance and construction firms (blacksmiths?). There's a music school. There's a drug store (an apothecary?). The mall itself hosts walking events and parties and scavenger hunts that encourage people to come in and wander and engage with their community.

So yeah I think OP is hitting up on something real here. People who come for quality of life shit will stay and start finding each other. The way to make malls live again is to allow them to grow what feels real and right, instead of forcing them to seed this hollow, homogenized isolation.

[trashcankitty12]

I'm gonna have a mini rant.

What the fuck is Natalia's problem and how long until she gets those "cement shoes" Nina threatened Adrian with?

Her daughter was outed publicly, and honestly seemed traumatized. Not to mention, she heard her mother talk about her and other LGBtQ+ people in such a disgusting way.

And all she can fucking think of? Blaze's career.

She doesn't fucking see her daughter as anything but a damn brand/billboard.

Like, fuck Ava for assisting in the outing of Blaze, but fuck Natalia more.

And Sonny?!

What in the hell is wrong with you?! The bitch who said disgusting shit about your daughter (and her own) was there and instead of running her off, you have a conversation and smile and act flirty still?

Fuck. You.

Honestly, I would've loved to see Alexis give Natalia the smck down she was wanting to give.

Please...

Please salvage this by making there be consequences for that bitch.

Have blaze fire her and go no contact. Have people refuse to serve her in places.

(Lots of local shops/boutiques have protested anti-lgbt policies by using the same law allowing people to refuse them service to refuse service right back. Let Natalia's favorite salon people refuse to do her hair because one is LGBT+. Have Carly and Olivia remove her from the metro court because of LGBtQ+ staff not feeling safe with her. Just... Something.)

(or better yet, have Blaze's real fans tell Natalia to fuck off. That *she* is the problem.)

Just something besides Sonny's stupid talking too.

[reiashiftsrealities]

Hello! You have been chosen by boredom to name 5 fun/cool/ interesting facts about your DR(s), then copy and paste this into 10 of your shifter mutuals' askboxes. Have fun!

HI AGAIN BABE!! youtube dr

Went to the conjuring house with Sam & Colby. I don’t think I’d do it again heart ❤️ (don’t regret it though)

I was also there for the collab between them and the triplets. THAT was so cool and soooo fun.

I had major drama with a popular youtuber that lasted for like a month.

I have a clothing brand called “Spectral Vision” that’s based off a alternative style 😁

I have a boat load of tattoos, but my favorite is the matching one I have with Matt. It’s a rose on my left arm, and his is a rose on his left arm. We chose that tattoo because the first time he ever asked me out, he brought me roses in a vase because he wanted to “set them up himself instead of giving me a pre-set boutique” ☹️

[destinyc1020]

Law mentioned that one of the brands that refused to dress Z was Valentino and later on she became their global ambassador. Law is simply saying that brands that were particularly mean to Z will have to work harder to get her to wear their clothes. I remember that even getting that famous Vivienne Westwood dress for Zs first Oscars in 2015 was hard. Law had to go through a manager of a local boutique that secured the dress for him instead of going through the marketing department of the brand. Zs appearance was so successful that Vivienne Westwood herself collaborated with Z doing a mixed fashion/music video that same year

https://youtu.be/O01yGzXgHok?si=vRcCz1ed6-Snt7wA

https://youtu.be/SkTzd84j85M?si=WQ4Rl_SIvUxgs_wf

Yea Anon, I remember what difficulty they had to get through in order to get Z into that dress for the Oscars back in 2018. 🙄😒

Of course, on Oscar night, I had no clue, but only learned of what was going on bts later on.

But yea, it's a shame how racist the fashion and entertainment industries can be. 😔

I bet most of these brands are now kicking themselves and now CLAMORING to get Z to wear their stuff rofl 🤣

[bitterwaters]

Lacquer Brands

so one day I went to a fugue and wrote a 2000 word essay on nail polish brands

We got four tiers of nail polish brands: overpriced luxury bullshit, drugstore, boutique, and indie. 

Overpriced Luxury Bullshit

Don’t buy these! Just don’t! You’re paying for name, not quality. Chanel charges $32 for an 11 ml creme, the second cheapest polish type there is. That’s ludicrous. Every review I’ve seen of a “high-brand” from a real swatcher has been negative. Fuck ‘em all.

Drugstore

This is every other mainstream brand, whether it’s from CVS, Walmart, or Ulta. Wide range of price and quality. In general, you’ll probably get what you pay for. Sally Hensen Insta-Dry is classic and Acceptably Okay; if you don’t have the patience for a full manicure, just slap some of that on. Look for brands that are 3-free or 5-free--that means that won’t have a few nasty chemicals. Anything over 5 is fake and doesn’t matter.

My preferred drugstore brands:

Zoya: Jellies, glitters, shimmers. Tends to have a very thin formula--leave the cap off for a few minutes to thicken it up.

Orly: Cremes! The absolute best, well-pigmented, buttery smooth cremes. Persistent Memory is my perfect dark red. The bottles are generously sized, they have a nice paddle brush, and I love the big rubberized cap. They’re just really pleasant!

OPI: I only use their matte top coat but I use a lot of it. It’s the best! Get their matte top coat! I’ve seen recs to use their polishes over Essie’s, but I’ve never tried either.

Boutique

Now we’re getting into the Good Shit. There’s a price jump here, but there’s also a huge jump in quality. These are small- to medium-sized online-only businesses with semi-industrial production and ample stock. They’re big enough to ship within a few days. They use a LOT more pigment and glitter than drugstore brands, and have far more variety in finishes.

You might see them on Amazon or Etsy--skip it and go order from their sites instead. Shipping costs the same and you can save up reward points.

Charmed Lacquer: Brand new, recently announced, will open in a week or two. Started by a streamer named Janixa. I’m not familiar, but her followers seem excited enough to check it out.

Cirque Colors: CONTROVERSY! I like Cirque. I have a ton of their polishes. A little pricey, but they have frequent small sales and are high-quality. Best known for the jellies and some really stunning magnetics like Mood Ring and Black Swan (which have since been rampantly duped). So why the controversy?

Mystery bags: idk people get het up about ‘em. I kind of feel like if you gamble on a bunch of polishes you don’t choose, you risk pruglies.

Coronation: This is a purple polish with a red-green shift shimmer pigment called, I shit you not, Unicorn Pee. UP was made unavailable for public sale years ago (the suspicion is that it’s now used in some currency). Cirque keeps finding stashes and re-releasing Coronation. There have been complaints that it’s not the same shade as the original, that it’s over-priced ($18.50 is a LOT for a polish), and the FOMO marketing. It always sells out fast. I have a bottle. It’s okay.

Jaritos: The current teapot tempest. Cirque just put out a Jarito-themed line of jellies that’s FOURTEEN FUCKIN FIFTY a bottle. Their regular jellies are two bucks less because JELLIES ARE CHEAP. They have less pigment than other finishes. Cirque has also been caught editing pics from swatchers. Some of the Jaritos shades are outright dupes of existing Cirque colors--but when Cirque reposted swatcher pics that compared them, they changed things to make them look different. Little shady!

I still got Mxcn Cola

Holo Taco: I don’t go to this school. It seems fine. Owned by a YouTuber with a pretty big following, Simply Nailogical. The brand has devoted followers, but I’ve never been real impressed. I feel like I can get everything they do somewhere else for a buck or two cheaper. Lots of limited-time bundles.

ILNP: MY LOVE! Shimmers, glitters, holos. Their formulas are just fantastic. If you follow lacquer reddits you’ll see a TON of posts featuring Flower Child and Fairy Dust; they aren’t for me but I see why people love them. They’re really good with shimmers--Flicker glows like a candle in a dark window. I also like their flakie toppers and magnetics. You really can’t go wrong with anything from ILNP. 

One of the rare lacquer companies that doesn’t do FOMO. They never remove anything from their line-up. New collections get a 10% discount for a week at release, and they have an annual Black Friday sale.

KBShimmer: They’re pretty good! They don’t get as much love as I think they deserve--probably because they aren’t quite as flashy and highly-marketed as other brands. They also aren’t as heavily pigmented/glittered. Still pretty good though! I really love All Fired Up. They have big 15 ml bottles for only $12, no matter what finish. KBShimmer is a great place to start if you’re just dipping your toe beyond drugstore brands. Pick up their polish thinner (suitable for every brand except Orly) and glitter smoothing top coat. 

Lights Lacquer: Don’t. They have some nice shades, though they tend to be as subdued as drugstore polishes. I was really disappointed by their cremes--the formula isn’t at all self-leveling. That’s just weird in this day and age. And then I found out that black swatchers refuse to work with them because the owner has been openly racist. Her non-apologies did not improve relations. Skip it.

Mooncat: CONTROVERSY! I have over a dozen Mooncat polishes and do love most of them, but it's getting harder to recommend the brand. They specialize in intense shimmer/glitter/holo/flakie/magnetics--all the fancy stuff. They have a few unique polishes that I haven’t seen duped elsewhere. Their formula can be gloopy, especially their flakies; easily fixed by a few drops of thinner. Why controversy?

they’re fukkin expensive bro. Like $15 a bottle. I do feel that you get what you pay for--it’s good stuff. I’ve never been disappointed by a Mooncat. But part of what you’re paying for is brand aesthetic.

they’re fukkin annoying bro. Their site, marketing, and even customer service emails are all lower-case dramatic gothy stuff. Never “nails,” always “claws.”

Their bottles keep shattering. This has happened occasionally in the past, then become more frequent starting in April. Seems like there was some supply change that thinned the glass. Mooncat was also filling about 14 ml instead of the promised 12 ml. Temperature and air pressure changes during shipping started to cause a lot of bottles to break. One person ended up in urgent care to get her hand stitched. Mooncat has promised to make changes and has been quick to refund/replace broken bottles, but there’s still a lot of ill-will simmering in the community. I think we’re past the tipping point--I’m no longer seeing broken bottle posts, just love for their new Power Puff Girls collab--but if you like something, I would wish list and wait another month. That should be enough time to make sure the bottles are safe and the weather has cooled.

Indies

Every single indie nail polish company is one or two people working out of their basement. That is not a joke. They hand-makes every small batch, fill the bottles, pack, and ship by themselves. That’s in addition to designing and testing polishes, and just living their lives. 

That means that if you order from an indie, expect to wait. Most list a turn-around time of up to a month (they usually say 7-21 business days--people read three weeks but it’s a month). That’s padded to give them safety--nearly all will ship within a week, maybe two. But if they get hit with life stuff or a ton of orders, it really can take a while. My longest order took over a month arrive. It was entirely worth it.

Indies tend to have a big focus on fancy finishes. The biggest trend right now is sheer lacquers that are loaded with aurora shimmer. They’re color-shifty and glowy, and a lot of fun. That’s starting to stagnate a bit--every base color/shimmer combination has been done, so a lot of dupes are emerging--but it’s also starting to evolve. I’m seeing more and more shimmers that also have holo, flakes, or reflective glitter. I’m betting we’ll get some thermal shimmers as fall rolls in and temperatures drop.

Indies have some phenomenal variety and creativity. They’re doing the coolest stuff with the most love. Many also rely heavily on FOMO, and some are just plain not open much of the time. Instead, they have monthly or seasonal release windows. They usually drop a new collection and may retire old ones.

How do you keep track? The Reddit Laquerists (sic) Nail Polish Release Calendar. You can also subscribe to brand newsletters--most give a small coupon on your first order. A lot are on Instagram and Facebook.

There are at least two dozen indie brands, and it’s hard to know where to start. I highly recommend Lyn B. Designs. I love her lacquers, absolutely flawless formula. She has big bottles, fast turn-around, and lots of variety. Get her top coat! It’s the best. But most importantly, she has a 50% off code for ALL products every time she launches a new collection. You can get top-quality lacquers for $6 each, and the big top coat refill for $12.50. No brand of any size can match that value. You can either follow her on Facebook for the code or check the calendar on launch day.

Others I like, in no particular order:

Bee’s Knees, Dam, Polished for Days, Great Lakes Lacquers for fantastic shimmers and reflectives. Garden Path and Rogue Lacquers have great flakies. Lurid Lacquer is pretty new, and she’s doing some really interesting things with intense shimmers and color-shifty chromes. Sassy Sauce keeps a small, tidy line-up, but it’s all quality and creative stuff. She’ll also have some nice thermals once October hits--she doesn’t ship them during summer, which I respect. 

Cupcake is kind of a workhorse brand like KBShimmer: nothing too spectacular, but everything is solid and reasonably priced. Likewise, Glisten & Glow isn't too exciting but IS cheap and high-quality. Emily de Molly is Just Good. Drunk Fairy has really nice jellies and cremes. Wildflower Lacquers is closed for rebranding, back 09/06; I don’t have any from her yet but I gotta give props for big bottles, a fan brush, and surviving in Oklahoma. 

Death Valley Nails is a little pricey but they’re doing the weirdest, most absolutely unique shit out there. They’re making polish out of rocks and wildflowers. One looks like the sink after your boyfriend shaves. It’s great.

Clionadh gets some hype but IMO they’re overpriced and overrated. They definitely up the saturation on swatch pics. I’m unimpressed by Femme Fatale’s formula and teeny 9 ml size. Shleee polishes don’t self level at all. Stella Chroma still sells Harry Potter themed polishes and I'm very over that.

But really, the best way to check out indie brands is…

Indie Preorders

There are two big indie collabs every month that work on a pre-order basis: Polish Pickup and Hella Handmade Creations. They open for a week each month and feature unique, one-time only products from a ton of indie brands. They can cause major FOMO. If you feel that might not be healthy for you, stay away! But if you’re okay with the possibility that you may never be able to replace a bottle you finish off, you’ll find some great stuff. They’re an excellent way to explore new brands, and creators get to be a little experimental. PPU has fun monthly themes; HHC doesn’t have a general theme, but many creators do a series of fandom-themed designed. Indie polish creators tend to be pretty nerdy.

If you want to try non-US brands, go to Color4Nails.They’re a stockist that carries several brands, drugstore, boutique, and indie. They also have monthly pre-orders for a few Brazilian brands like Phoenix Indie Polish and Penelope Luz. I find the Brazilian brands to be a little pricey, with smallish bottles and fairly thin consistency, but they’re doing some interesting stuff. I’m pretty consistently impressed with Phoenix; PL less so.