#mens wedding rings san francisco

[san-francisco-jewelry-store]

Personalized Father Day Jewelry Bracelets & Rings

Father’s Day is the perfect time to show your love and appreciation for the most important man in your life. Personalized jewelry, like a personalized dad bracelet or a custom father's day ring, makes for a truly special gift. Whether it’s a bracelet for Father's Day,  or something that commemorates a meaningful moment, personalized pieces elevate your gift to a whole new level. Here’s a guide to personalized Father's Day jewelry, including bracelets and rings, and why they are an ideal choice for the occasion.

Why a Personalized Dad Bracelet is the Perfect Father's Day Gift

A personalized dad bracelet offers a sentimental way to celebrate your father's uniqueness and style. It’s more than just an accessory—it’s a meaningful expression of love. These bracelets can be customized with initials, birthstones, or even special engravings that hold significance to both you and your dad. Whether you opt for a minimalist design or something more intricate, a personalized dad bracelet can be tailored to reflect his personality.

There’s something special about wearing a bracelet that tells a story, and for a father, it could symbolize family bonds or cherished memories. If you want to make it even more personal, consider adding charms such as a father daughter charm bracelet to create a truly unique piece of jewelry.

Styles of Personalized Dad Bracelets

When it comes to selecting the style of the personalized dad bracelet, there are numerous options to suit different tastes:

Leather Bracelets – A stylish, casual option perfect for dads who enjoy a laid-back look.

Metal Bracelets – For those who prefer something more sophisticated, you can opt for sterling silver or gold.

Beaded Bracelets – A great option if you want to incorporate a colorful, yet meaningful design, like his favorite color or the birthstones of his children.

No matter the style, adding a personal engraving or charm will make this gift one he’ll treasure forever.

The Significance of a Personalized Father's Day Ring

A Father’s Day ring is a striking and meaningful gift that he can wear every day. Similar to a personalized dad bracelet, a father's birthstone ring or custom rings for father's day can be engraved with a special message or feature stones representing his children or important family moments. Rings are more than just accessories—they carry a sentimental value that stays with him.

If you’re looking for a more intricate piece, you can consider unique engagement rings San Francisco or even antique engagement rings San Francisco, and get them customized to make the perfect Father’s Day gift. In fact, many people choose wedding bands San Francisco or San Francisco wedding rings to commemorate their partnership with their father or partner, and by adding a personal touch, the piece becomes a lasting tribute to those bonds.

Types of Personalized Father's Day Rings

Birthstone Rings – Incorporate your dad’s birthstone, or the stones representing his children, for a piece that’s truly personal.

Custom Engraving – Add a special message or the names of your dad’s loved ones inside the ring to give it an emotional touch.

Classic Wedding Bands – A more subtle yet meaningful way to honor your father, especially if you select wedding bands San Francisco from top jewelers San Francisco and have them engraved for Father’s Day.

Popular Customization Ideas for Rings

Personalized Fathers Day Gifts Jewelry: Engrave a heartfelt message inside.

Father Daughter Charm Bracelet: Add a small, sentimental charm that symbolizes your unique relationship.

Top Jewelry Stores in San Francisco for Custom Father’s Day Jewelry

Finding the perfect father’s day ring requires visiting the right store. San Francisco jewelers engagement rings and other custom pieces from best jewelry stores San Francisco can provide you with the expert craftsmanship needed to create a one-of-a-kind item. Here are some of the top jewelry stores San Francisco to explore for the perfect Father’s Day gift:

1. Best Jewelry Shops in San Francisco

If you’re looking for a San Francisco jewelry store that offers high-end, luxury jewelry, you should visit some of the best affordable jewelry stores San Francisco to get the best value. These stores are well-known for their wide range of styles, from simple, elegant pieces to intricate, high-end designs.

Some popular stores include:

Top Jewelers in San Francisco: Known for their attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.

Luxury Jewelry San Francisco: These high-end stores provide exquisite designs, perfect for a memorable Father’s Day gift.

Best Gold Jewelry Stores San Francisco: For those who want a classic, timeless gift with a touch of luxury.

2. Top San Francisco Jewelers for Custom Designs

For a truly unique and personalized gift, visiting a San Francisco jewelry store that specializes in custom designs is the way to go. Here, you can work with expert jewelers to create a memorial necklace for dad, or design the perfect personalized fathers day gifts jewelry piece that holds sentimental value.

If you’re unsure about what to choose, don’t hesitate to consult with the professionals at best jewelers San Francisco. They can guide you to the perfect piece for your dad, whether you’re looking for a personalized dad bracelet or fathers day ring that’s customized with personal engravings or special touches like birthstones.

Why Personalized Jewelry is the Best Choice for Father's Day

Personalized jewelry makes a timeless gift, and for Father’s Day, there’s no better way to celebrate the man who means the most to you. Whether you choose a personalized dad bracelet, a father's day ring, or any other customized piece, these gifts are a reflection of your love and appreciation. Furthermore, opting for personalized gifts ensures that your dad receives something truly special, something that no one else can replicate.

By choosing a piece from top jewelry stores San Francisco, you’re also investing in quality craftsmanship, which will make the piece last for many years to come. Whether it's a bracelet for Father’s Day, father's birthstone ring, or even a custom engagement ring San Francisco for your partner as a way to commemorate your family, personalized jewelry stands as a beautiful and lasting expression of love.

Make Father's Day Special with Personalized Jewelry

This Father’s Day, surprise your dad with something that will remind him of his importance in your life every single day. A personalized dad bracelet, father's day ring, or any other customized jewelry piece is the ideal way to show him how much you care. Visit one of the best jewelry stores San Francisco or high-end jewelry stores San Francisco to find the perfect gift that’s as unique as your dad. Whether it’s a father daughter charm bracelet or a custom memorial necklace for dad, personalized Father’s Day jewelry will always be a cherished keepsake.

Get in Touch

Website – https://www.diamonddistrictblock.com/ Mobile - (800) 591-8408 Email - info@diamonddistrictblock.com Address- 99 Wall Street STE#791 New York NY 10005

[san-antonio-jewelry-store]

San Antonio’s Top Jewelers for Men’s Wedding Bands & Gifts

When it comes to selecting the perfect wedding band or gift for the groom, San Antonio boasts some of the most reputable jewelers in the industry. Whether you are on the hunt for men’s wedding rings San Antonio or a special gift for your significant other, the city's jewelers offer a wide variety of options to meet your needs. This guide explores the best jewelers in San Antonio for men's wedding bands and gifts, ensuring that you make an informed decision.

Why San Antonio Wedding Rings Are the Perfect Choice for Your Special Day

Choosing the right wedding rings is one of the most important decisions in your marriage journey. San Antonio wedding rings are designed with quality craftsmanship and offer a variety of styles to suit every taste. From classic gold to modern titanium, you can find something that fits your unique style. Many San Antonio jewelers also offer custom design options, allowing you to create a wedding band that tells your love story in a meaningful way.

Wide Range of Styles to Choose From

When looking for wedding rings in San Antonio, you’ll be delighted by the vast selection of designs available. Jewelers in the area offer options such as traditional gold, contemporary platinum, and eye-catching diamond-studded bands. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or something more intricate, San Antonio wedding rings come in various finishes to complement your style.

Customization and Personalization

One of the best things about purchasing wedding rings in San Antonio TX is the opportunity for customization. Many local jewelers allow couples to personalize their rings with engraving, birthstones, or unique design elements. This adds a personal touch, making the wedding band not only a symbol of commitment but also a unique piece of art.

Top Jewelers in San Antonio for Men’s Wedding Bands

Finding the perfect men’s wedding bands San Antonio can be an exciting journey, with the city offering several top-notch jewelers known for their exceptional service and quality products. Here are some of the best places to shop for men’s wedding bands in San Antonio:

1. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is a household name in San Antonio, renowned for its wide selection of men’s wedding rings. The jeweler offers a range of designs, from classic gold bands to modern tungsten and carbon fiber rings. Their knowledgeable staff is ready to guide you through the process, ensuring you find the perfect wedding band that complements your style.

2. Daniel’s Jewelers

For those seeking a balance of luxury and affordability, Daniel’s Jewelers is an excellent choice. They offer an impressive selection of men’s wedding bands, including platinum, titanium, and even eco-friendly options. The jewelry store is known for its excellent customer service and commitment to ensuring that every client finds a ring they’ll cherish forever.

3. Sissy’s Log Cabin

Sissy’s Log Cabin is another gem in San Antonio for men’s wedding rings San Antonio. They offer high-quality designer rings and personalized services. Their collection features both timeless and modern styles, perfect for any groom looking to add a special touch to his wedding day. Whether you are drawn to diamond accents or sleek, simple bands, Sissy’s Log Cabin has something for you.

Men’s Wedding Gifts Unique Options for Every Groom

In addition to wedding bands, you may also want to find a meaningful gift for the groom. San Antonio jewelers not only specialize in wedding rings but also offer unique gifts to mark this significant occasion.

Engraved Cufflinks and Accessories

Engraved cufflinks are an excellent way to complement men’s wedding rings San Antonio. These accessories can be customized with initials, a special date, or even a personal message to create a lasting memory. Many jewelers in San Antonio offer high-quality, customizable cufflinks, making them a perfect wedding gift that adds sophistication and sentimentality.

Custom Pocket Watches

For a timeless and elegant gift, a custom pocket watch is a great choice san antonio jewelry store offer high-end watches that can be engraved with a meaningful message or the couple’s initials. A pocket watch is not only functional but also a beautiful keepsake that will remind the groom of his special day for years to come.

Personalized Bracelets and Rings

Men’s wedding rings are often complemented by other jewelry pieces that hold sentimental value. Personalized bracelets or rings are another thoughtful gift idea for the groom. Many jewelers in San Antonio offer a variety of men’s jewelry that can be engraved with special messages, creating a lasting symbol of your love and commitment.

Choosing the Right Metal for Your Men’s Wedding Band in San Antonio

When selecting your men's wedding rings San Antonio, the choice of metal is a crucial factor. San Antonio jewelers offer a wide range of metal options, each with its unique characteristics.

Platinum

Platinum is one of the most popular choices for men’s wedding bands due to its durability and timeless appeal. It’s a hypoallergenic metal, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. Platinum bands are a great investment, as they retain their shine and quality for many years.

Tungsten

Tungsten is another popular option for men’s wedding bands in San Antonio. Known for its strength and resilience, tungsten rings are incredibly durable and scratch-resistant. It’s a perfect choice for active individuals who want a low-maintenance band that can withstand daily wear.

Titanium

Titanium is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal that offers a modern look. It’s a great choice for those who want a wedding band that is both comfortable and stylish. Many San Antonio jewelers offer custom titanium bands that can be personalized to your liking.

Why Choose Wedding Rings San Antonio TX?

San Antonio TX is home to many skilled jewelers who are dedicated to providing exceptional service and high-quality products. Whether you're searching for men’s wedding bands San Antonio or a unique gift for the groom, you can trust the city's jewelers to deliver beautiful, custom-designed pieces that will last a lifetime.

The city’s rich history, combined with a passion for craftsmanship, ensures that couples can find the perfect wedding rings and gifts for their special day. From custom designs to personalized services, San Antonio offers everything you need to celebrate your love.

San Antonio’s top jewelers provide the perfect selection ofmens wedding bands san antonio and gifts, ensuring that every groom finds something unique and special. From classic designs to modern trends, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to choosing men’s wedding bands San Antonio. So whether you’re searching for a wedding band or a gift to commemorate this important milestone, you’ll find exactly what you need in San Antonio TX.

Get in Touch

Website – https://www.diamonddistrictblock.com/ Email - info@diamonddistrictblock.com Address- 99 Wall Street STE#791 New York NY 10005

[sweetbuckybarnes]

Who is This?: Chapter 1

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x reader

Summary: Bucky had a wife during the 40s, she was left heartbroken after the telegram arrived (missing, presumed dead). It's surprising when 80 years later, she was working behind a bar in Madripoor of all places!

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Bucky followed Sam and Zemo into a loud bar, he immediately wanted to turn around and go home, why had Zemo demanded he go back to being the Winter Soldier (even if it was one night)?

The sound of heavy drums and guitars also deafened his hearing, a song he had come to learn was The Wild Boy by a band called Duran Duran. A few bartenders and waitresses were walking around, there was only one who stuck out to him - a dark-haired young woman who reminded him too much of his departed wife.

His heart breaks even more, thinking of the woman he had left behind, his girl. The love of his life. Bucky doesn't think he will ever 'get over' her.

The way the young woman walked, carrying a tray of empty glasses (before being tossed an empty bottle by a patron), was so similar to the way his girl walked in the hole-in-the-wall diner she worked in.

She wasn't quick enough to duck under the bar before they got to the door leading upstairs (which was coincidentally next to the bar), Zemo was talking to the bouncer. "Excuse me, gentlemen," the young woman said, squeezing between the back of Zemo and the front of Bucky. Which is when he got a good look at her face.

There she was.

His girl. His wife.

He couldn't even say anything to her, as he was taken upstairs and away from his girl. He could only hope he would be allowed back in at the end of the night to see her.

Y/N Barnes made her way behind the bar, glancing up at the TV where the Kansas City Chiefs were currently playing the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium, then down at her phone which showed the live score of the Dodgers game against the San Francisco Giants.

She had been a long-time Dodgers girl, even after she found out they had moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.

"Did you see the way he was looking at you?" Yasmine asked, pushing a dry Martini in front of a 26-year-old woman.

Y/N looked up from the glasses she was putting in the dishwasher. "Huh? What are you talking about?"

"One of the men who went upstairs. The way he was looking at you," Yasmine fans her hand for dramatic effect. "I would drop my panties for him in a millisecond."

"Like you don't do that every night."

Yasmine rolled her eyes and served the next half-drunk who had come to the bar.

"Don't listen to her," Anastasia told her, rolling her eyes as Yasmine flirted with her current flavour of the week.

"It's not often I do, darling," Y/N replied, fiddling with Anastasia's curls for a second, before spotting a patron. "What can I get for you, darling?"

He hung off the bar, obviously far too drunk to understand what was going on. "Another beer and your phone number," he slurred.

She shook her head, reaching over and grabbing him another beer. As far as the boss of the bar (whoever that was) was concerned unless they were unconscious- why should you stop serving them? Y/N thought it wasn't right, but no matter how often she voiced this - she was shut down.

She set the beer in front of him and then went to the register to add it to his bill (good thing she currently has his credit card behind the bar).

"Oi, sweet cheeks!" He calls, but Y/N doesn't pay attention looking over at Yasmine and Anastasia with a raised eyebrow. "Sweet cheeks! I asked for your number."

Y/N replied by simply raising her hand proudly displaying her engagement and wedding rings to the drunk. It was only a small diamond (given Bucky worked on the docks before he was deployed), and the plain band she inherited from her great-grandmother.

"What's the matter with that 'un?" He hiccups. "He got you costume jewellery or somethin'?"

Y/N shook her head. "I'm going into the back for a moment," she tells Aidan.

Little did the drunk patron know, all those years ago, this was the date she was handed the telegraph - putting in such blunt words. Her James was missing, they presumed him to be dead. It breaks her heart that they never got to have a proper funeral.

"You alright, honey?" Elizabeth (another one of the waitresses) asked, she had been outside on her break. Elizabeth was the only one who knew her true age and about her James.

"It's the day I found out James was missing," Y/N said, before bursting into more tears.

Elizabeth wrapped Y/N up in a hug, everyone oblivious to the fact that Y/N's presumed dead husband was now running through the bar, flocked by Sam and Zemo, and into the alley behind the bar.

When Bucky was sure Zemo, Sam and Sharon were asleep, he slipped out of the safe house and into the night - determined to find out if the woman he saw in the bar was that of his (presumably? should be?) dead wife.

He eventually made his way to the front door of the bar, the bouncers had long since gone home. He could see lights on in the building and just about make out words being spoken thanks to the Super Soldier serum running through his veins.

He grasped the handle and gave it a push, the door hadn't been locked, as it gave beneath the slight push.

He could see three young women sitting on the bar, a man who was counting the money from the register and another man who was dancing.

The young woman sitting closest to the bar, had golden curls hanging around her head. "Mark, you didn't lock the door!"

The man dancing, Mark, looked over at Bucky, eyes widening when he saw the size of Bucky. "I say we just serve him, then lock the door behind him."

As the bartenders and waitress argued amongst themselves, Bucky's eyes never left the woman in the middle. It looked as if she had been crying. "Babydoll?"

The woman stopped giggling, tipping her head back to normal and looked at him, before dropping her glass as tears welled up in her eyes. "James?"

The curly-haired woman gasped, setting her glass down and giving Y/N a push off the bar.

Bucky held his arms out to catch her as her feet landed on the floor. He couldn't stop looking at her big eyes, he'd always loved her big expressive eyes. He always knew how she was feeling by just a look in her eyes.

"James? Is that you?" Her hand came out slowly, and shakily, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing in front of her.

"Hi, babydoll," Bucky smiled, tears starting to fall down his cheeks, a heavy sob held tightly in his chest at the moment in time. As soon as her fingers met his skin, Bucky let out a heavy sigh of relief, reaching over and pulling her into his arms. Y/N's arms dug themselves away from his chest and up around his neck before her hand soon started fiddling with his hair.

The couple stood there for a moment, finally finding their slice of peace. Some came barging into the bar, and the dark-haired woman who had been sitting on the other side of Y/N practically demanded Mark lock the door before the Hounds of Baskerville came in.

Y/N was so happy to finally have her James back in her arms, but there was a whirling sound she couldn't let go. "What's that noise?"

Bucky looked from his wife to his arm and back to his bride. "I'll explain everything to you later, but... I lost my arm, and I now have a prosthetic one," he tells her, letting go of her for a moment so he could take his glove off and show her the black and gold Vibranium one he had made.

"Ok, James. It's a good thing you gave me this," she reached beneath her top and pulled a ring out from beneath, hanging from a chain. "Before you were deployed."

Bucky smiled, cupping her face so he could kiss her. Bucky pulled away chuckling a little. "Babydoll, will you please put my ring back on?"

She reached behind her to unclasp the chain, and slid Bucky's band off, "if it doesn't fit we'll get it resized."

"I don't care what size it is, as long as you put my ring back where it belongs," Bucky almost growled, a piece of him falling back into place with the ring back on his finger.

The next morning - Sam, Zemo and Sharon came into the living room, seeing Bucky sleeping on the sofa (Sam was expecting this, after being told by Steve), however, there was a lump lying next to Bucky they didn't recognise.

Sam slowly makes his way over, gently easing down the thick blanket lying over Bucky and the lump.

Lying there, practically on top of the 'bionic staring machine' was a young woman.

"Did he somehow pick up a girl?" Sam whispered. Sam and Sharon were trying to be quiet - however, Zemo (who didn't care) started clattering around the kitchen, causing Bucky to wake up in a start, which then caused the young woman to look up with tired owl-like eyes.

"What the hell is going on?" Bucky nearly demanded, keeping his arms wrapped around his companion.

Sam raised his eyebrow. "I could ask you the same question, Barnes?" Sam looked at the young woman in Bucky's arms. "Who is this?"

Bucky looked down at her, Sam watched as a smile grew on his face. "This is Y/N. Y/N Barnes. My wife."

[maturemenoftvandfilms]

One Night in Pelois

Featuring Paul Pelosi, husband of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

The bartender had just handed me my my drunk and I was taking my first swallow of it when I glanced down the bar. There he stood! Tall! Gray hair! Nicely dressed in his suit jacket and his chest hairs poke out of his unbuttoned shirt. Plus he looked rich. Seems that GOD had packed all my likes into one man. Then I noticed his gold wedding ring as he smiled at me.

Truth be told, I‘m good looking and get lots of smiles from married men and much more when I go out. So I've been in this situation before. Next thing I know, he was walking towards me like we were the only ones in the room. His smile got bigger as we met. Then I saw his blue eyes, yeaning for attention, for just a moment of love.

"Having fun tonight?" He asked as he surveyed me from head to foot.

"Yes."

"Good. My name is Paul." He offered as I felt his leg touch mine. I like the light sexy touch of his knee against my leg. It sent chill bumps down my spine.

"Micah." I answered with a smile as I let my left hand drop to my side and slowly reached down and touched his thigh.

"Well, Micah, I when I finish my drink I’m going home for some fun. Would you like to join me?" He said as he stared straight into my eyes.

“What about your...” I said looking down at his wedding ring.

“She’s out of town. And I could use some company.”

Suddenly his right hand was down touching my hand before grabbing it and pulling it over to his crotch. Breathing like a marathon running dashing for the finish line, I pressed my hand against the crotch of his slacks. I touched his soft dick. It felt thick.

"Sure." I said as I move my fingers down and felt his balls beneath the fabric of his slacks. They were big and watery.

Once outside, I headed for my car, but the rich old man asked if I would ride with him. Damn if he didn’t have 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera S. He carried me for some ride through the streets of San Francisco. And I can’t even begin to tell you of the Pacific Heights house he took me to. I’ve only seen houses like his in movies and on TV.

We just got out of the car and head to the front door when someone spoke, "Is everything OK Mr. Pelois?"

Mr. Pelois? Paul Pelosi, husband of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, I thought as I notice he’s nervous that he’s been caught.

“Yeah, we're fine. Hey, have you met my nephew before?”

I quickly gave the security guard a wave a nice to meet you. He returns the favor as Paul ushers me into the house before the security guard could get a good look. I could tell Paul is relieved to have made it to the house as he slips off his shoes and puts his keys away, like it’s his normal routine. I notice the photos on the wall, lots of him and his wife.

By this time, I was SO horned up, I made the first move, leaning in to kiss him. Quickly, he started unzipping his pants, pulling out his cock. My dick was raging hard almost busting through my zipper as I undid my pants. As they fell to the floor, I pulled his down to the floor unleashing his mammoth dick and balls. His dick was a beer can uncut with enough for skin to let me dock half my dick in.

I instantly fell onto my knees in front of Paul, pressed my fingertips lightly against his king-size nuts, stroking as softly. I cupped them in my palm and rolled them around as well as I could. His cock began to grow; it grew faster than you would think and soon it was pointing in my face. A full 8" of cut old man cock. I stuck out my tongue and flicked the head of his prick, rolling his balls over in my palm.

Grabbing the base of his cock and wrapping my lips around it, my tongue thrust against the shaft I swallowed half of his dick. I felt his big hand grab my head and press it down. As I looked up, my mouth full of juicy cock, Paul was looking down at me and smiling.

I began bobbing my head up and down his shaft as his nuts bounced invitingly against my chin. I reached up and tugged at his nuts, they were sweaty, my fingers curled around them and he moaned with satisfaction. I pulled away from his cock and put a hand on his thigh, rubbing him while I jerked my cock, with my mouth full of his wet precum. Paul let go of my head and wrapped his hand around his wet cock, stroking generously.

"Let's go where we can be more comfortable and release some tension." He said if suddenly realizing where we were, took me by my hand and led me to the couch.

Paul staggered as he set down on the sofa in front of me. I took off my shirt, revealing my six pack abs while Paul observe my body, stroking his meat. Then the next thing I knew, the old man had my dick in his mouth and sucking me as he jacking himself off wildly. This married man was a ferocious cock sucker! He couldn’t get enough of sucking my cock and from the way he was doing it, he definitely had done it before.

I felt myself fixing to cum when Paul suddenly took his mouth away from my cock.

“You near cuming?” He asked. When I nodded he said, “I want you to fuck me.”

Damn if that’s wasn’t exactly what I wanted. As good as him sucking me had felt, the thoughts of fucking him had been in the back of my mind all the time.

I spit in my hand several times and smeared it all over my cock making it wet and slippery. Then I got down between Paul’s hairy legs as he began to raise and spread them even more. I expected it to be difficult to push my thick, 7" cock into him, but Paul’s asshole took my dick easily. And I realized that he had done a lot more than just sucked a few dicks in his life.

“Yes, give me that big dick.” The 82 year old called out. “Make me yours!”

I swear his asshole was hotter than any I have ever had. And looking down and seeing his hard cock bouncing up and down just added to my pleasure. In fact, I reached down and grabbed Paul’s dick and pumped in unison with my pumping his ass. I was really enjoying the sensation of his ass squeezing my dick.

Then I just lay on top of him as started kissing him as I fucked his old asshole as hard and fast I possible.

Damn! I couldn’t get enough of kissing the old millionaire. We devoured each other as we kissed and fucked. And damn if Paul didn’t shoot off on my stomach without me even touching his dick. Feeling his hot load of sperm against my belly caused me to shoot my own load deep inside his hot hole.

Another married man conquered, and another notch on my bedpost.

[geoffreysdiamonds01]

Sophisticated Hematite Wedding Rings with an Edgy Twist

If you fall into the category of brides looking for women’s wedding bands in San Francisco, CAthat are edgy, mystical, and uber-cool, hematite maybe the ideal choice for you. This gemstone offers a beautiful metallic luster and is said to symbolize strength and power.

Hematite is also elegant and edgy and being versatile,it perfectly pairs with a range of styles, designs, and metals to suit your needs.

Reasons to love hematite rings

One of the main reasons why a lot of brides tend to prefer hematite is that this gemstone is quite affordable. This makes it great for couples on a budget. Hematite also adds a tad of drama and edge to your look.

Owing to its shade, it perfectly fits into your wardrobe and pairs well with all your other jewelry pieces. Your local jewelry repair in San Jose, CA will tell you that hematite is quite fragile and needs to be cared for properly.

Hematite rings are not ideal for men who are active, outgoing, or work a lot with their hands since rough handling can chip or break this gemstone. Hematite is meant for couples who are careful with their pieces and don’t wear it all the time.

Hematite looks beautiful when set with metals like platinum or white gold. Your jewelry store in San Mateo, CA will advise you to set your gemstone in a six-prong or bezel setting to keep it secure and safe.

While most of these rings are found at vintage jewelry stores, you can still find them at some retail shops. You can either set your hematite center stone with a halo of diamonds for a romantic feel or smaller side sapphires or rubies for a pop of color.

Some brides even choose to set their hematite gemstones with pink or yellow diamonds for added protection and shine. This gemstone will give you a subdued glimmer instead of a bright shine.

End Note

Make sure you don’t invest a lot when it comes to these pieces since hematite rates a 5 -6.5 on the Mohs scale. This not only makes it soft and fragile, but you may need to often replace the gemstone as it can crack or chip easily.

Take your ring to a professional to clean, repair, and maintain it every couple of months so that it looks new and shiny for years to come.

[shopmyband]

14k White Gold Men’s Wedding Band

Shop 14k White Gold Men’s Diamond Wedding Bands Online at ShopMyBand. Check out our wide range of Unique Men’s Wedding Ring collections with stylish and fashionable designs. We offer affordable rates and free shipping services in USA Including cities are Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Texas, San Francisco and more.

[oliver-dash]

Never Enough || Oliver + Laya

Oliver didn't know when it had become this way, when the thrill was gone, when the wins didn't matter anymore, when the huge mansion with the guarded gate, the two pools, the movie theater... When had that become a prison?

The blonde had been shocked when he'd been scouted at 18. After Cat's death, after his father's, after the trial, his emancipation, everything - Oliver had poured himself into football and his school work. Because what else could he do? Thinking hurt too much, living hurt too much. But then the talent scout from UGA had approached him and offered him a full ride - room-in-board, everything. Just for him to play. It'd been a miracle and for so, so long, he'd felt grateful. He studied hard, played harder, graduated with a bachelor's with two majors - secondary education and american history. Not that that mattered. He'd been a first-round draft pick by San Francisco 49ers, offered a five-year, six million dollar contract. At 22 years old.

He'd moved to California, started his career as both a professional athlete and a full-blown celebrity. He was the poster child for the rags-to-riches American Dream - that you too can be rich and famous someday.

Grace Klein had shown up at a game. She'd been cruel to Oliver when they dated in high school, but she was a familiar face in a sea of screaming fans, photo ops and autographs and brand deals. Oliver had asked her to come get a bite to eat with him. She'd been sweet, doting, always smiling. He took her home, they had fell drunkenly giggling into his bed, and they were married six months later.

That had been years ago now. The ground had eventually settled beneath his feet - an agent, a personal assistant and a whole PR team later. He had the money - why not?

But as the ground settled, so did Oliver. The wins didn't matter anymore. He had four Superbowl rings. That should matter, shouldn't it?

His house was big enough for several families to live comfortably. But what did that matter? Cat wasn't there - it had come too late. And after Grace had been extremely adamant about never wanting children, something that had broken Oliver's heart into so many pieces he didn't know if he'd ever find them all again, the blond had agreed to a vasectomy - anything to keep his wife happy. Just like the cars, the indoor, heated, salt water pool, the vacations, the walk-in closet filled with designer clothes and bags and shows. The other walk-in closet that might as well have been a Tiffany's showroom. The constant gifts, the flower deliveries, anything. Because as time passed, Oliver knew that even if he had everything - he had nothing.

The first affair had hurt - finding another man in his bed with his wife had shocked him to his bones. In retrospect he realized how stupid that was - of course she was cheating. She had been since the beginning. He'd left for a while, sat in silence, trying to decide what to do. But Oliver and Grace Dash were a power couple, were in tabloids, posted all over online. They were the Southern Ken and Barbie that little girls dreamed of being someday.

So he'd let it go. He'd sent her dozens of pink roses and the most expensive chocolates he could find, sent her her favorite desserts, had the diamond in her wedding bad replaced with one twice as large. He'd doted on her, knowing without a doubt that he didn't love her, never really had, never really would. The second affair had still stung, but an NDA later he just let it fall off his back.

Whatever it took to keep Grace happy.

He didn't know how many other men there had been at this point. And if he stopped to think, it made him sad, yes, not because he so desperately loved her, but because she was the only person he truly had. But he knew that wasn't true.

All the money and fame in the world wouldn't have made him any less lonely.

He'd tried affairs himself, as disgusting as they made him feel. Women who looked at him with hearts in their eyes, clung to his every word. But there was never anything there. Just another NDA, just another woman who got upset when on the third or forth meeting he didn't greet her with diamonds.

The sex was nice, sure. But it didn't solve anything, didn't even feel good during. He just felt dirty, cheating on the woman who he was positive had another man in their bed at home.

Alcohol helped for a bit. Stretches when he wasn't playing, when they weren't training, when he wasn't at an away game and being watched every step of the way. Drunken nights and women and bottle service of whatever was the most expensive. Bathroom hook ups, hotel rooms, vacations.

Even with everything, he still tried to be a good man. He never turned down anything that had to do with children, always did everything he could with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, donated millions each year to children's hospitals, foster programs, anything he could to help impoverished children who lived how he had had to, how his little sister had.

He would never stop, but even his team had turned that into a PR move, a way to increase his likability, his star power. And even that one good thing, that one happy thing, had begun to leave a acidic burn in the back of his mouth, a disgusting, grimy feeling that couldn't be washed away.

He wasn't a person anymore. Hadn't been for years.

Alcohol had turned to cocaine had become heroin. He was conscious enough to know that he had finally lost himself completely, that the only thing he even thought about now was a needle in his veins, was the rush of ecstasy, the nothingness that the drug brought him.

He thought about it alot - how nothing mattered, how everything he had dreamed of as a boy meant nothing, how hard work had landed him exactly where his own father had ended up. That Cat was still dead and turning to bones in the ground that he had left behind years ago. That he was only getting older and eventually he wouldn't be able to play anymore. How everything that his life had become could be gone with one slip up, one wrong word, one wrong move, anything. He was teetering on a high wire with a bottle in one hand and a needle in the other and he was inevitably going to crash to the floor below. He knew there was no net beneath.

But that was okay too. Because he had the same plan now that he had as a teenager - all it would take was the cold taste of metal against his tongue, one simple squeeze of his hand. And then it was either to hell or to oblivion and either way was a release.

Walking into the bar now, having finished up yet another event, kids with loving parents and so much potential coming to him and telling him that they wanted to be like him when they grew up, Oliver itching for another high and fighting back so hard the need to tell them to never, ever become like him, Oliver needed a drink. The tiny plastic bag in the back pocket of these stupid, awful fucking designer jeans that Grace insisted that he wore would have to wait until later when there wasn't three of his teammates there with him. For now, he wanted some whiskey, some peace and quiet, and to listen to some decent music. The needle would come in when he was alone behind the gate of his home, still inside the stupid fucking car that he had bought on a whim. A car that was worth more than his childhood home and everything in it. A car that probably could have saved his sister's life.

He ordered a double, straight, and threw it back without hesitation.

@ofsorceryandfire

[sodone-withlife]

i know who i am

summary: really, he never saw himself ever willingly letting anyone in on his broken past, but here he was, sitting in across from Waipo in the tiny cramped office at the back of the shop and nervously sweating about what he was about to tell her

read it on ao3: chapter 1 is the original version with Mandarin, chapter 2 has everything translated into English

the movie really hit me hard as an ABC, and I really wanted to write something for it. even though she barely had any screentime, I loved Waipo—she reminds me of so many of my relatives—so I decided to make her be one of the most important people in Shangqi’s life, and it turned into this wonderful mess (i had to stop writing this for a bit because I literally made myself cry). there is mandarin in this, it's kind of intended to be a physical manifestation of how my bilingual brain works (i did put the English-only version first, the original version with Mandarin is under that one but the formatting for it one is better on ao3, so i suggest reading it from there). apologies for my shitty mandarin; I have mediocre language skills, but I'm still so excited to be able to incorporate it in my writing. in regards to the character's names: I only know for certain the Chinese characters used for Shangqi and Wenwu, but for Xialing, I'm going to go with what it apparently was in the hong kong release (夏灵, with 灵灵 as the nickname)

English Translation:

“Waipo, do you have a bit of time?” Shangqi stood in front of Katy’s grandma, fidgeting nervously as fluent Mandarin rolled off of his tongue with an ease he's never felt in any other part of his life. “I want to talk to you about something."

She pinned him with a knowing stare. “Does it have anything to do with the trip you and Katy went on this past week?" she asked, Not waiting for his answer, she got up from the shop register and beckoned him into the back office. Feeling oddly like the first time he came into the store years ago as a teen—when he first met Katy’s family who had since taken him under their wing—he followed her into the familiar, cramped space.

He wasn’t exactly sure what within him prompted this interaction. He had come to San Francisco for a normal life, to get as far away from his father’s reaches as he could and to outrun the blood that stained his footsteps.

Never did Shangqi imagine that he would end up claiming the ancient rings that now sat in a heavy-duty (thanks to Xialing, with whom he now keeps in regular contact because of the promise they made to each other before he left the compound because he already left her behind once, and he’s never doing it again damn, my baby sister is running the Ten Rings now, and she’s trying to turn it into something better) and a very well-disguised (thanks to the sorcerers in the New York Sanctum and holy shit he’s in contact with famous superheroes now) back in his mess of a studio apartment.

Never did he imagine letting anyone in on his broken past, and even though his hand had been forced when it came to telling Katy, here he was going to the second person who truly saw something in him when he first started his new life and planning to tell them everything.

(Okay, fine, Shangqi wasn’t actually planning on letting anyone else in on it after telling Waipo, not even the rest of Katy’s family, but he really didn’t want them to be so involved yet—he still had no idea what he himself was doing and he wants to preserve what normalcy he can.)

(Also, he’s been reliably informed that anyone close to a public figure is bound to be targeted for attacks—which he figured out when the mercenaries attacked on the bus because yes, Lingling, he does have brain cells thank you very much.)

“Little Dragon, what’s on your mind?”

Little Dragon.

He started at the nickname, the one originally given to him by his mother. Somehow, it had completely slipped his mind that Waipo also called him that, starting a few weeks after he first met the Chen family. He barely kept it together, the long-unused nickname dredging up memories he had thought left him forever.

You have the heart of a dragon, she had declared firmly when he asked her why she decided on that particular nickname.

(That was exactly what his mother had told him right before she died, and yet he stood by, hidden behind a door, and did nothing while the men beat and killed her, the heart of the family.)

(He would carry the guilt with him for a lifetime.)

It was a while before he could bring himself to visit the family again—there were a lot of awkward excuses before Katy reluctantly backed off—and it took even longer for him to get somewhat used to the name again, but he eventually started seeing it as a gift with each faint impression of happier days that he got every time Waipo called him that.

Old, weathered hands gently covered his own, which were shaking and clammy with nervousness. Shangqi wondered how Waipo would react to the darker side of the lost boy she had basically adopted all those years ago, wondered if the legends of Ta-Lo and the Great Protector were known outside of the rather insular communities that continued to tell the stories, wondered if she had heard about his father through the stories that were passed down for thousands of years, from generation to generation…

(It can’t be wrong to miss him, can it? Even with the years of hell Wenwu had put him through, he was still his father. Shangqi still faintly remembered the man his father had been when his mother was still alive, the happy times they shared as a normal family…)

(But those times were long gone, ripped from their grasp by the past Wenwu wanted so badly to leave behind. Grief had shattered the whole family, and it ultimately led to the children fighting the father who had been driven to near madness in his denial, in his quest to put his broken family back together again.)

Mom, I miss you so much.

(And now Wenwu is dead, just like his beloved wife.)

(But just as she died to protect her children, he did the same. Now, his children are reunited and in contact again, getting ever closer despite living as far apart as they did, and he was reunited with his love in the afterlife.)

Finally, he straightened his posture and took a deep breath, looking directly at Waipo, who he’d come to view as the grandmother he never had.

“Waipo, have you heard of the legend of the Ten Rings?”

And Shangqi told her everything.

He told her everything and more,

She listened.

She listened as he described the legends behind the Ten Rings, Ta-Lo, and the Great Protector; his father’s history; his own history, from witnessing his mother’s death to ripping open the throat of the man who killed her when he was barely a teen, from leaving Lingling behind to seeing her again in the fight club she built from the ground up, from returning to the compound after a decade away in San Francisco to the battle in Ta-Lo…

Finally, he fell silent and stared at his hands but it wasn’t long before Waipo moved, slowly standing up with one hand on her cane. He made to help stabilize her but was quickly waved off with a stern look. He sank back into the chair and felt her move behind him. The shaky weight of her hands on his shoulders as she gently pressed down and straightened his posture was familiar, even after years of not having his posture deliberately—so gently—fixed like that every time he saw Waipo.

“You are the legacy of all who came before you, but you are your own person.” she finally said gently, and the tension in his shoulders slowly loosened under her familiar touch. “You decide your own fate.”

~~~

That night, Shangqi knelt before the altar he had in his apartment, the only part that was carefully maintained in all the years he had lived there. But now, two smiling faces stared back at him, a joy reflected in their eyes that he knew would disappear in less than ten years after the photo was taken.

Am I still your pride and joy? Lingling grew up, but I didn’t even take care of her like I should have.

I swear to you, I will never abandon her again

Even as his life got even more unbelievable as the years went by, the altar and his copy of his parent’s wedding photo would remain a constant. He and Lingling dove deeper into their family history—of the Ten Rings, of Ta-Lo, of both the good and bad—and both worked to carry on their parents’ legacy.

(With all of the proper discretion agreements and threats when needed, of course.)

Lingling is dating my best friend now, and they’re so happy together. Mom, I know you would have loved Katy. Dad, I know you didn’t like her much, but she really is a wonderful person.

Life went on.

There were the good days, when he went out with others and could almost feel normal, and there were the bad days, when phantoms pains plagued him and he woke up from a restless sleep expecting to see bruises mottling his body like they did so often when he was younger.

(Also, he was considered a superhero now and holy shit that’s still insane, even years after he first got in contact with the Avengers and the sorcerers in New York. Now he was going all over the West Coast, to help the locals take care of whichever crazy supervillain decided to wreak havoc that day.)

Dad, I hope you find this story as funny as I did: I helped a group of American superheroes yesterday. They’ve never been to San Francisco before and were extremely unfamiliar with the roads, especially Lombard Street. They spent half an hour trying to drive down the street, but I ended up driving them down myself.

(San Francisco was still home, and he had found a life there with all his friends and Xialing whenever she visited. He had a job now, too, at the local youth center teaching martial arts and self-defense, teaching and guiding the youth in a way he wishes his father had with him.)

People came into his life; some stayed, some left, and some even got together.

Mom, Dad, Lingling and Katy are getting married today and everyone is so excited for them. I’m taking over the Ten Ring within a month so Lingling can take a break. She’s led the organization for so long, it’s my responsibility now. I hope I can live up to her standards, she’s done really well. She’ll be back in a few years, but even after, I’m going to be much more involved to lessen Lingling’s workload.

Shangqi walked the path knowing who came before him and who was still with him.

Most importantly, he walked the path knowing who he was—demons, flaws, strengths, and all.

Mom, Dad, don’t worry. I’ll take care of them.

I hope you’re happy together in the afterlife.

~~~

Don’t be afraid, Shang-Chi, for you have heart of a dragon and the power of the Ten Rings.

We will always be with you and Xialing.

Original Version w/Mandarin

“外婆，您有没有一点儿时间？” 尚气 stood in front of Katy’s grandma, fidgeting nervously. “我想告诉您一些事情。”

She pinned him with a knowing stare. “是不是跟你和瑞雯这前个星期去的旅行有关？” Not waiting for his answer, she got up from the shop register and beckoned him into the back office. Feeling oddly like the first time he came into the store years ago as a teen—when he first met Katy’s family who had since taken him under their wing—he followed her into the familiar, cramped space.

He wasn’t exactly sure what within him prompted this interaction. He had come to San Francisco for a normal life, to get as far away from his father’s reaches as he could and to outrun the blood that stained his footsteps.

Never did 尚气 imagine that he would end up claiming the ancient rings that now sat in a heavy-duty (thanks to 夏灵, with whom he now keeps in regular contact because of the promise they made to each other before he left the compound because he already left her behind once, and he’s never doing it again and damn, my baby sister is running the Ten Rings now, and she’s trying to turn it into something better) and a very well-disguised (thanks to the sorcerers in the New York Sanctum and holy shit he’s in contact with famous superheroes now) back in his mess of a studio apartment.

Never did he imagine letting anyone in on his broken past, and even though his hand had been forced when it came to telling Katy, here he was going to the second person who truly saw something in him when he first started his new life and planning to tell them everything.

(Okay, fine, 尚气 wasn’t actually planning on letting anyone else in on it after telling 外婆, not even the rest of Katy’s family, but he really didn’t want them to be so involved yet—he still had no idea what he himself was doing and he wants to preserve what normalcy he can.)

(Also, he’s been reliably informed that anyone close to a public figure is bound to be targeted for attacks—which he figured out when the mercenaries attacked on the bus because yes, 灵灵, he does have brain cells thank you very much.)

“小龙，你有什么心事儿？”

Little Dragon.

He started at the nickname, the one originally given to him by his mother. Somehow, it had completely slipped his mind that 外婆 also called him that, starting a few weeks after he first met the Chen family. He barely kept it together, the long-unused nickname dredging up memories he had thought left him forever.

你有神龙之心 ，she had declared firmly when he asked her why she decided on that particular nickname. You have the heart of a dragon.

(That was exactly what his mother had told him right before she died, and yet he stood by, hidden behind a door, and did nothing while the men beat and killed her, the heart of the family.)

(He would carry the guilt with him for a lifetime.)

It was a while before he could bring himself to visit the family again—there were a lot of awkward excuses before Katy reluctantly backed off—and it took even longer for him to get somewhat used to the name again, but he eventually started seeing it as a gift with each faint impression of happier days that he got every time 外婆 called him that.

Old, weathered hands gently covered his own, which were shaking and clammy with nervousness. 尚气 wondered how 外婆 would react to the darker side of the lost boy she had basically adopted all those years ago, wondered if the legends of Ta-Lo and the Great Protector were known outside of the rather insular communities that continued to tell the stories, wondered if she had heard about his father through the stories that were passed down for thousands of years, from generation to generation…

(It can’t be wrong to miss him, can it? Even with the years of hell 文武 had put him through, he was still his father. 尚气 still faintly remembered the man his father had been when his mother was still alive, the happy times they shared as a normal family…)

(But those times were long gone, ripped from their grasp by the past 文武 wanted so badly to leave behind. Grief had shattered whole family, and it ultimately led to the children fighting the father who had been driven to near madness in his denial, in his quest to put his broken family back together again.)

妈妈，我太想你了。

(And now 文武 is dead, just like his beloved wife.)

(But just as she died to protect her children, he did the same. Now, his children are reunited and in contact again, getting ever closer despite living as far apart as they did, and he was reunited with his love in the afterlife.)

Finally, he straightened his posture and took a deep breath, looking directly at 外婆, who he’d come to view as the grandmother he never had.

“外婆，您听说过 ‘十环’ 的传说吗？”

And 尚气 told her everything.

He told her everything and more,

She listened.

She listened as he described the legends behind the Ten Rings, Ta-Lo, and the Great Protector; his father’s history; his own history, from witnessing his mother’s death to ripping open the throat of the man who killed her when he was barely a teen, from leaving 灵灵 behind to seeing her again in the fight club she built from the ground up, from returning to the compound after a decade away in San Francisco to the battle in Ta-Lo…

Finally, he fell silent and stared at his hands but it wasn’t long before 外婆 moved, slowly standing up with one hand on her cane. He made to help stabilize her but was quickly waved off with a stern look. He sank back into the chair and felt her move behind him. The shaky weight of her hands on his shoulders as she gently pressed down and straightened his posture was familiar, even after years of not having his posture deliberately—so gently—fixed like that every time he saw 外婆.

“你是所有在你之前的人的遗产，但你是你自己的人，” she finally said，“你决定你自己的命运。”

You are the legacy of all who came before you, but you are your own person. You decide your own fate.

~~~

That night, 尚气 knelt before the altar he had in his apartment, the only part that was carefully maintained in all the years he had lived there. But now, two smiling faces stared back at him, a joy reflected in their eyes that he knew would disappear in less than ten years after the photo was taken.

我还是你的骄傲吗？灵灵长大了，但我也没好好照顾她。

我向你发誓，我再也不会���弃她。

Even as his life got even more unbelievable as the years went by, the altar and his copy of his parent’s wedding photo would remain a constant. He and 灵灵 dove deeper into their family history—of the Ten Rings, of Ta-Lo, of both the good and bad—and both worked to carry on their family’s legacy.

(With all of the proper discretion agreements and threats when needed, of course.)

灵灵跟我朋友最近开始谈恋爱，他们俩可开心了。妈，如果你还在我们身边，我保证你会喜欢她。爸，我知道你一开始不太喜欢她，但她确实是一位精彩的人。

Life went on.

There were the good days, when he went out with others and could almost feel normal, and there were the bad days, when phantoms pains plagued him and he woke up from a restless sleep expecting to see bruises mottling his body like they did so often when he was younger.

(Also, he was considered a superhero now and holy shit that’s still insane, even years after he first got in contact with the Avengers and the sorcerers in New York. Now he was going all over the West Coast, to help the locals take care of whichever crazy supervillain decided to wreak havoc that day.)

爸爸，我希望你跟我一样觉得这个故事很好笑：我昨天帮了一组美国超级英雄开车。那是他们第一次来旧京山，对道路非常陌生—尤其是 Lombard Street。他们开也开不好，花了半个小时慢慢的开下去。最终，我把他们的车开下去的。

(San Francisco was still home, and he had found a life there with all his friends and 夏灵 whenever she visited. He had a job now, too, at the local youth center teaching martial arts and self-defense, teaching and guiding the youth in a way he wishes his father had with him.)

People came into his life; some stayed, some left, and some even got together.

妈，爸，灵灵她今天会跟我最好的朋友结婚，我们都很兴奋。我一个月之内开始接管十环的业务，让灵灵休息休息。她干了多少年了，现在是我的责任。我希望我能辜负她，她管的非常棒，帮了许多人。她几年后会回来继续当领导，但我好像在领导方面发挥更大的作用。

He walked the path knowing who came before him and who was still with him.

Most importantly, he walked the path knowing who he was—demons, flaws, strengths, and all.

妈，爸，你们放心吧，我会照顾他们。

我希望你们俩来世都幸福。

~~~

尚气，你别怕，你有神龙之心，十环的力量。

我们永远会在你和灵灵的身边。

[san-francisco-jewelry-store]

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[doloresdraws]

| time-lapse of the painting on my youtube |

❤ I wrote these for Twitter, but decided to post them here as well ❤

Werner Adler, Nosferatu residing in San Francisco, Embraced in 1970 in his mid 30s.

1. Werner is pretty chill most of the time, more than angry he gets frustrated from not being satisfied with his writing or when he says something that makes complete sense, yet the other person still fails to acknowledge it, especially when it is about something important.

2. I think he never believed in soulmates, until he met Leslie. Now when she is gone, a part of him is gone too.

3. His pet peeves: When people call themselves stupid or speak about themselves in a degrading way, especially women and children. Also when he sees grammar mistakes like they're/their, etc.

4. Unfortunately, what used to be his happy place now brings him a lot of pain, so he rarely allows his thoughts to venture there. When Leslie was still alive and he thought she was living a happy, fulfilled life somewhere, he often thought about their life together.

5. He has suffered from depression since his teens, but his happiest time was when Leslie said yes to his clumsy proposal, they got married and were planning their future together. Despite his coming and going depression and some bad days, she made him very happy.

6. His least happy time: Finding out that Leslie was dead, running to the hospital morgue and seeing and holding her lifeless body in his arms.

7. I think he is neither. He would sit at the bar minding his own business.

8. As a mortal, he never had any serious physical injuries (mainly because he was at home most of the time) As a vampire he got his wrist broken by the Gangrel who had found him after the Embrace, Werner didn't understand anything and wanted to just run away.

9. He doesn't really remember his Embrace as he was passed out sleeping, so the Embrace itself isn't a traumatic experience for him. There is a lot he would rather forget during his Kindred existence, but nothing tops his desperate attempt of Embracing Leslie's dead body.

10. His childhood wasn't exactly filled with many good memories. His parents argued a lot and it ended up in divorce that left him living with his quite overprotective mother. His fav memory would probably be time he spent hanging out with his best friend, a neighbor kid Mike.

11. Honestly, no, he doesn't have a type. He was seriously in love only with Leslie. They had a connection right away as she as an artist understood his need to be sometimes left alone with his writing and at the same time possessed quite a different, more positive outlook in life.

12. A pen that he bought from his first salary. Lucky for him, he was able to keep it even after his Embrace. Also his and Leslie's wedding rings and her journal that he stole after sneaking into her husband's hotel room and going through her things.

13. +14. No tattoos or piercings, even if he wasn't a Kindred/Nosferatu he wouldn't even consider it. He is quite old school, he doesn't really like them.

15. He had his dream house already. Not long before he got Embraced, he and Leslie had bought a house in a small town in Maine. It wasn't much, but they had so many plans for the garden and for the kid's rooms.

16. I think others, especially Kindred of other clans wouldn't probably expect him to be so well-mannered, gentle and well-spoken considering his dishevelled, unclean looks. He just sees no point in showering or caring for his look when he isn't really socializing with anyone anyway.

17. He is very thoughtful when it comes to gifts. He is that kind of person that would give you a present out of the blue, just because he would see something that he thinks you would enjoy.

18. He has a love-hate relationship with his writing. Some days he thinks he is really good at capturing the right mood with his words, other days he is questioning his writing skills and if he should even continue. He isn't proud of anything that he does, unfortunately.

19. A stranger would probably describe him as a sad man who desperately needs a bath and new clothes.

20. A close friend (Kayley) would describe him as kind & caring, but broken man who is trying his best and tries to do the right things.

21. He actually isn't concerned about his looks at all, he didn't care much about his looks even when he looked normal. His biggest insecurity is fear that somehow deep inside he is a bad person and that he somehow deserves what happened.

22. Physical: dexterity, non-physical: Intelligence.

23. If he knew that the lie was for his own good, he would actually appreciate the thought. If it was a lie to spare him from fear (I am looking at you Kayley) he would get upset at the sheer irresponsibility and the harm that could have happened and you would be in for a lecture.

24. He doesn't care much for the weather when he's spending most of his nights alone in his sewer haven, but he finds rainy nights inspiring and accurate to his own feelings of despair. He sometimes goes to the cemetery when it pours, stands in the rain and allows himself to cry.

25. He has no problems saying I love you to the people that he cares about when it feels right and appropriate to the situation. Though he usually never says it first, but more as a response :)

26. He doesn't like to talk about his worries - like when he was a mortal he really didn't like to talk about his fear of not having enough skill to make it as a writer, as he felt like he was failing Leslie to not make enough money for them to be able to raise a family.

27. He murdered a man that was a threat to Kayley and Jane. He really thought that there wasn't another way, but he sent the children away while he did it, so they didn't have to see. He was on the verge of frenzy and part of him could justify the murder as the man was a scumbag.

28. He isn't ticklish, but he would probably try to stop you tickling him anyway.

29. As a mortal, he had pretty low pain tolerance, but as a Nosferatu and after Leslie's death he realized that any amount of physical pain was nothing compared to the crippling pain and guilt that he feels inside everytime his mind slips and he thinks about what happened.

30. He wishes he had the courage to walk up to Kyle (Leslie's then husband) and tell him that he was sorry, that he was weak, selfish and negligent and that it was his fault that Kyle lost his wife and his unborn child. But of course, he never did it, and now Kyle is an old man.

31. Messy: feeding is a very stressful ordeal for him, he only feeds on the homeless men from his herd and he gives them money for it. It's always a terrible time for him, it takes him a while to actually bite down and then he wants to be done with it as soon as possible.

32. When 14 yo Kayley made him bite her after she found out the truth about what he was and she wanted a proof that it didn’t hurt when he fed on people, despite him reassuring her it didn’t. He was deeply hurt by this request, but he forgave her, he realized she was just a curious child, she didn't know how much pain this was causing him.

33. When Leslie found him and despite seeing how he changed, she still told him she loved him and was willing to stay with him. And maybe even more when they had met a few years later and despite the time, he could still see love for him in her eyes like nothing had changed…

34. Hard choice between vision & touch. Both would hinder his ability to write and that is that is the only thing that keeps him somehow sane. Well, together with caring for Kayley, but as she is growing older it is better she sees less of him and has a normal life.

35. He can hold on small talks pretty well,it's actually the only kind of talk he is willing to have with other Kindred after Leslie's death. Mirabelle especially noticed the change in his behavior, but she understands that they weren't really friends and she has no right to pry.

36. He would ask Leslie if she can forgive him for what happened to her and her unborn child. But the truth also is that he is absolutely terrified at the idea as he fears that the truth is that wherever she is, she hates him.

37. The past-so he would have never traveled to San Francisco, or at least he would have traveled to the night when Leslie came to him and this time he would be stronger and pushed her away, not letting her touch him... The future is pointless, there is nothing left there for him.

38. Positive - Leslie made him feel understood, Kayley - gave him some will to live back, Jane - made him feel like he made a difference in her life by persuading her to own her mistakes.

Negative - His Sire who made him question why he deserved this fate for his kindness.

39. He was used to live alone, then he met Leslie and then he was alone again. He was always a solitary person, so the solitude and isolation actually didn't even bother him after the Embrace.

40. The worst had already happened to him, so for a time there wasn't really anything that would make him terrified. But then he met Kayley and of course he fears for her safety as he feels responsible for her. He's afraid that her compassion will one day cost her her life.

Werner © me/doloresdraws

[attention-bajoranworkers]

Just this once (and then once again) Part 3/?

Warnings: smut. ❗18+ ONLY. Minors DNI❗

“Someone better be dying.” You say, answering the transmission on the computer in your quarters.

“Well, hello to you too. Nice of you to answer.” Your friend says as you pull your robe tighter around yourself.

“Do you know what time it is?” You ask, letting out a yawn.

“Don’t you guys use San Francisco’s time on your father’s ship?” She asks.

“I’m not on the ship, you dumb bitch.” You explain, making her laugh.

“Alright. Alright. My bad. I forgot you were headed to that… Cardassian space station was it?” She says and you nod. “How’s it like there?”

“Good, if you don’t take into account that everyone her is military personnel.” You explain.

“Met anyone interesting?” She asks curiously.

You did, all right.

“Define interesting.”

“I don’t know, some high rank good looking, ‘here for a good time not a long time’ type of guy.”

“Smooth.” You say and she laughs.

“I can see through you, you just don’t wanna tell me. But I know that smile too well.” She points out.

“Right. Was there any point to tis call other than waking me up at ungodly hours?”

“Yes actually. You’ll be back home next month, right? You need to.” She says as you lean back on the chair.

“I haven’t forgotten about the wedding, don’t worry.” You reassure her. “I’ll be there, and you’ll regret having me as maid of honour.” You tease. “You know how I love an open bar.”

“Pity you won’t bring a plus one.” She says. “Why don’t you ring one of those military men.” She adds making you roll your eyes.

“Are you done?” You ask with a chuckle.

“Yeah, I’ll let you go back to sleep now. We’re just going through confirmations and wanted to make sure you’d make it.” She explains.

“Alright. I’ll see you in a few weeks.” You say with a smile.

“Take care.” She says before the transmission ends.

 You tried to go back to sleep, but to no use and you cursed your friend for it. So you decided to take a shower, get dressed and go for a walk on the promenade before spending some time in one of Quark’s holosuites. He had a great sauna program that seemed to be pretty popular among the Cardassians, so you decided to try it.

It was relaxing since you really liked the heat, but concluded that most people, or humans for that matter, would hate it. They’d probably find it too hot for human standards.

You had lunch at Quark’s and played some Dabo before heading back to your quarters.

“Ah, Damar.” You say rushing to catch up to him when you see him turn the corner.

“Miss Hol-“ He stops mid-sentence when you shoot him a serious look. “Cassie.” He corrects, signalling the Troopers accompanying him to carry on and you smile. “How can I help you?”

“You’ll see,  the Prefect and I- God that sounds way too formal.” You say with a sigh. “Dukat. Dukat and I have some unfinished business.” You explain. “Would you be kind enough to tell me how I could get to his quarters?”

“Sure.” He says with a polite smile.

You walk with him for a while until he stops at a corner.

“It’s this corridor, right past those two guards. They shouldn’t give you any trouble.” He explains.

“You know you could have just told me where his quarters were, right?” You say, an amused smile pulling at your lips.

“I thought you intended to see him now.” He says.

“Maybe later today, but thanks anyway. You’ve been really helpful.” You say smiling brightly at him. “I’ll look for you before leaving the station. Have a last drink with you, now that we’re friends and all that.” You say and there it is again, that cute, amused half-smile of his.

“Have a nice evening, Cassie.” He just says before turning and leaving.

You watch him until he turns another corner and disappears, letting out a soft chuckle, you really liked the guy.

“Hi boys!” You say, waving at Dukat’s guards, who had been observing your interaction with the Glinn since you had arrived.

When you get back to your quarters you take a nap, the activities of the day finally wearing you down, and by the time you wake up it’s already dinner time. You decide to try another Cardassian dish and have some wine.

“Nice of you to check in.” You say when you’re dad’s face pops up on your computer’s screen.

“Hope you’re not having too hard a time on the station.” He replies.

“They’re treating me quite splendidly, actually.” You reassure him. “How’s things on the surface?” You add, sipping your wine.

“Good, better than I expected.” He explains. “I should be back son if business goes as planned.” He adds.

“Good, I’ll see you when you get back, then. Take care, yeah?” You tell him.

“Will do. You too.” The transmission comes to an end as you finish your second glass of wine for the night.

After getting changed you head for the door, stopping in the middle of the corridor and considering if what you were about to do was stupid or not. It was 2300 hours by the station’s computer, and you wondered if he’d still be awake. Before you could rationalize a reason why you’d show up at his door so late at night your feet had already started leading you towards his quarters.

“Boys.” You greet the officers standing guard on his hallway with a smile, walking past them and towards Dukat’s door.

Once you get to it, you chime and await his answer. It is a while before the door slides open and you’re met by a grumpy looking Dukat, still clad in his uniform and looking rather frustrated.

“I can come back.” You say, but his face changes as soon as he sees you.

“Please, do come in.” He says, inviting you in.

You walk past him and hear the door close behind you and take a moment to scan the room. PADDs scattered on the coffee table and a half-full bottle of Kanar beside an empty glass.

“Seriously, I can come back, you do look rather… occupied right now.” You say turning to look at him.

What you were not expecting was him being so close and kissing you as soon as you finished speaking. You moaned into the kiss, tasting the Kanar he had been drinking on his tongue.

“Dukat.” You say softly once he pulls back, your hands on both sides of his face, your eyes scanning his features.

Without saying anything, he leans in for another kiss, gentler this time, his hands pulling you closer by the waist.

“Well, hello to you too.” You say when he finally breaks the kiss, an amused smile on your lips.

“Are you tipsy?” He asks when you start giggling and wrap your arms around his neck.

“Just happy.” You say, smiling widely at him and you notice his features harden. “Dukat, I’m not drunk. I just had a couple glasses of wine at dinner.” You explain letting go of him and moving to sit on his couch. “I’m here because I want to be.” You add pouring yourself some of the Kanar as he sits beside you. “Besides, I thought Damar would have already told you about out little… encounter today.” You continue, moving to straddle him, glass in hand.

“Oh, he told me, all right.” He confirms. “I was starting to wonder when you’d show up.” He adds as you sip the liquor.

“Presumptuous.” You tease before downing the remaining of the drink, earning a laugh from him. A hand on your back steadies you as you turn to place the glass on the table behind you. “Taking for granted I’d show up.” You add turning back to look at him, hands on his shoulders.

“You’re here, aren’t you?” He asks and you bite your lower lip to keep yourself from smiling.

“I can always leave.” You tease and an amused smile pulls at his lips.

“You won’t.” He states and you just look down at him, smiling widely before leaning in to kiss him.

You start kissing along his jaw, making him grunt when you move on to his neck ridges, his grip on your thigh tightening. He pulls you back up and kisses you hungrily.

“This needs to get out of the way.” You say pulling apart and tapping his chest piece, making him chuckle.

You help him unclasp the garment and take it off, finally throwing it off to the side of the couch, running your hands over his tunic, unclasping it, and letting it fall open, allowing you to run your hands down his bare torso. He studies your face as your fingertips trace the indent on his chest and you lean in to kiss along his collarbone, letting out a groan when you focus on the indent itself and making you smile against his skin.

You yelp when he suddenly stands up, picking you up and walking towards the bedroom.

“A little warning would have been nice.” You say as he gently sets you down beside the bed, his hands pushing your cardigan off your shoulders and toying with the straps of your dress before pushing them down your arms, the dress pooling around your feet and leaving you in only your underwear before him.

“You’re beautiful.” He speaks against your skin, kissing along your jaw and neck as you push his tunic off his shoulders.

He walks you backwards, until your legs hit the edge of the bed.

“Get on the bed.” He instructs and you comply kicking your boots off, the hungry look in his eyes making your heart beat faster.

He crawls over you, and you prop yourself on your elbows meeting his lips and throwing your head back as he starts kissing down your body, leaving behind a path of goosebumps and hickeys as he gets closer to the waistband of your underwear.

He pulls the piece of clothing down your legs, leaving you completely bare before him. He kisses his way up one leg, gently biting the inside of your thigh and making you moan, smiling against your skin, clearly pleased with your reaction. Your breath catches when two of his fingers run through your folds before entering you and making you bite back a moan. Your hips buck against his fingers as he sets a steady pace.

“Oh, fuck!” You let out when you feel his mouth on you, his tongue toying with your clit, his fingers brushing that spot inside you that makes your legs quiver. “Dukat.” You say and you’re not sure whether it is a plea or a warning as he brings you closer to your first orgasm by the second. You run a hand through his hair, your hips involuntarily bucking against the arm holding them down, your thighs closing around his head, his satisfied hums adding to the sensation as you finally come, clenching around his fingers, and moaning his name loud enough for the guards outside his quarters to hear, not that you cared at the moment.

You look down at him through hooded eyes as he pulls his fingers out of you and sits back on his sheens, making a show of licking his fingers clean before crawling back up to kiss you, making you moan as you taste yourself on his tongue.

“You still with me?” He asks, his eyes studying your face and you just nod, the satisfied smile on your face making him chuckle. “That’s a good girl.” He praises.

You watch him as he gets off the bed then rids himself of his remaining clothes. You allow yourself to take in the image of him, standing before you in all his glory and an amused smile pulls at his lips when he notices.

“You’re staring.” He teases, making you chuckle lightly.

“You’re putting on a show.” You say and this time it’s his time to chuckle as you push yourself up to a sitting position before crawling closer to the edge of the bed. You pull him in for a kiss when he approaches you, letting out a grunt when you wrap your hand around him, feeling the weight and size of him. One thing was for sure, he wasn’t small. And the thought of having him inside you made you moan into the kiss.

“Fuck me.” You whisper into his ear and the sound he lets out makes you weak at the knees.

He pushes you back down on the bed, his lips claiming yours as he runs the head through your folds before slowly starting to enter you, making you swear out loud when he finally bottoms out.  He lets you get used to him for a few moments, and you walls involuntarily clench around him, making him groan into your neck.

“Move.” You tell him. “Please.” You add, sounding rather desperate and you feel him smile against your skin.

He starts thrusting into you, slowly and gently at first but faster and tougher shortly after, hitting all the right spots and making you feel every inch of him. Your legs wrap around him, pulling him even closer as he turns you into a whimpering mess underneath him.

Before you know it, you’re coming for the second time that night, your nails digging into his back as you ride your orgasm. He fucks you through your high, his orgasm following not long after your own, the warm sensation sending shivers down your spine and the animalistic sound he lets out as he fills you up making your insides melt.

You wince at the loss of him when he pulls out, his lips claiming yours one more time before rolling over and pulling you on top of him.

“Is it true what they say about you Cardassians, that this allows you to sense the emotions of those around you?” You say, your fingers gently tracing his facial ridges and focusing on his forehead indentation.

“Something like that, yes.” He answers looking down at you.

“So, the first time we met, you��” You trail off remembering your first encounter and he chuckles.

“All along.” He confirms, and you feel your cheeks heat up at the thought of him knowing how you felt about him since the first time you two ever met.

“That’s hardly fair, I was at a clear disadvantage.” You joke making him laugh.

“It’s not like I needed it to figure it out. You get flustered quite easily.” He explains. “Rosy cheeks and all.” He adds, teasing you further and you hide your face in the crook of his neck.

Eventually, he gets off the bed and comes back into the bedroom carrying a wet cloth that he uses to gently clean you up before pulling the covers over you. When he gets back in bed you allow yourself to lay with your head on his chest, your legs tangled under the sheets. He starts tracing patterns on your naked back as you slowly fall asleep.

[gvbejvmesmichaels]

Task 14: Genderbent

Legal Name: Gabriella Antonia James-Michaels Usually Goes By: Ella Michaels Why: She only kept the James-Michaels because she didn’t want the James name to end with her. She’s never felt as though she was a James or a Conrad. Michaels is the only last name that’s ever felt like hers. Former Names: Gabriella Antonia James (maiden), Gabriella Antonia Conrad (first marriage) Nicknames: Ella (everyone), Briella (Jocelyn) Relationship Status: Married to Jocelyn James-Michaels Past Relationships: Nathan Conrad (ex-husband) Children: Andrew Conrad, Constance Conrad, Arabella James-Michaels (by adoption) Occupation: Professional Tattoo Artist and amateur sculptor. She co-owns a tattoo shop called The Collective with Kaia Johnson where they specialize in Skin Artistry. Higher Education: B.A. in Art History from California State University Los Angeles (prisoner education program), the required certifications to become a professional tattoo artist Tattoos: She honestly doesn’t know how many tattoos she has. She can tell you that all of her tattoos have been done by herself, by Kaia, or by one of the apprentices at The Collective. Her two prized tattoos are 1) her first tattoo she ever did: a crude rendering of her brother’s name on her inner left arm done by stick and poke, 2) the tattoo on her ring finger she talked Joss into giving her. Her wife had been uncomfortable with the idea, and she definitely went too deep in places, but Ella is beyond proud of the shaky Joss printed on her finger. Quirks: Growing up Ella wasn’t allowed to wear pants, which of course means that now she lives in pants and shorts. Ella refuses to wear dresses or skirts. She even wore a fitted pantsuit to her wedding.

Ella James was born and raised in Roswell, New Mexico to extremely conservative parents. Her father was incredibly religious and forced his religious beliefs on his family. He had very strict rules about how Ella was to dress and behave. Her mother was one of those women that wanted nothing more than to be a homemaker. She was more than happy to go along with all her husband’s strict rules because she liked the idea of rules and structure. That was also probably why Ella’s parents only had two children: Ella and her younger brother, George. On the outside, the family appeared to be the American ideal: Husband, wife, and a pair of kids. On the inside, it was hell.

Life in the James household for Ella meant that she was supposed to dress modestly, speak only when spoken to, and only engage in activities that were becoming of women. If her father had it his way, Ella wouldn’t have even gone to school. The only places she was able to go to were school, the family antique shop, and church. So, she took advantage of every opportunity to get out of the house. She signed up for extra art classes, extra home economic classes, and even multiple bible study classes -- anything to get out of the house. Her only saving grace was her little brother, George.

George and Ella were attached at the hip. While Ella’s world outside of the house was art, her brother’s world was aliens. He lived in his own extraterrestrial world, which often brought bullies his way. The worst of the bullies was a boy in Ella’s grade: Nathan Conrad. As much as Nathan harassed George, all it took was a smile from Ella for Nathan to completely forget any bad feelings towards George. It didn’t take long for Ella to figure out that if she dated Nathan, George wouldn’t get picked on any more. As an added perk, her father loved Nathan, which meant Ella was allowed out of the house if she was out on a date with Nathan. So she went with it.

For as long as she could remember, she knew she was a lesbian. She has a very distinct memory of watching Smokey and the Bandit, seeing Sally Fields changing out of her wedding dress in the car and being very jealous of Burt Reynolds. She knew right then and there that she liked girls. The problem was that her family would never accept her sexuality, and she knew it. She’d sat through enough bible study classes to know that her parents believed homosexuality was a sin. So, she knew she needed to play straight until George was out of high school, and they could get out of town. Of course, life had different plans. 

When Ella got pregnant her senior year of high school, she knew she was screwed. Lesbian or not, she knew the only option that didn’t end with her losing custody of her child to her parents would be to marry Nathan. Having a kid at 18 and marrying her high school sweetheart, wasn’t the life she wanted for herself, but it was the life she’d been given. Nathan was very similar to her father so she knew what was expected of her. She was supposed to stay at home and raise their son. It was a miserable life, but it gave her the opportunity to build sculptures as much as she wanted. Besides, as soon as she realized that she was pregnant, she knew there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her son. She’d never loved anyone as much as she loved George, until she gave birth to Drew. 

As much as she hated being a housewife, she absolutely adored being Drew’s mom. She took to motherhood like a duck to water. Being a mom was the only thing that made life worth living. So when she gave birth to her daughter, Connie, her whole life revolved around her kids. Motherhood gave her purpose, but there was still something missing in her life. So, she started going to parties that the women in the neighborhood used to host: Tupperware, Mary Kay, Avon - housewife parties. Or at least, that was the cover. In reality, they were hook-ups for women needing more attention than what they were getting from their husbands. They would mess around with each other, and go back home to their husbands like nothing happened.

Ella’s life went on like that until 2002. It was just any other normal Thursday. She’d been at a party, and wound up falling asleep. It was two in the morning by the time she stumbled home to a horror show. Her ten year old son, Drew, was sitting in the corner, covered in blood. She followed the trail outside where her brother, George, lay in a pool of his own blood. Immediately, she dropped to her knees and checked for a pulse, but he was long gone. By the time she looked around to see what had happened, it was too late. Nathan had called the police, and Ella was sitting there covered in her brother’s blood. No matter what she said, the police refused to believe her, and she was arrested for her brother’s murder.

The truth was that George was helping her get enough money together to leave Nathan. Her husband was just as terrible as her father had been. All Ella wanted was to escape with her children and start over somewhere she could be herself: like San Francisco or New York. Somehow Nathan had found out, and well… staged George’s murder to frame Ella for a crime she didn’t commit. He could have given a shit about the kids; it was controlling Ella’s life that he wanted, and he got his way and then some.

Her trial ended just as quickly as it started. All the evidence pointed to her, and no matter what she said or what her public defender tried to sell, the jury was primarily made up of men -- and all they saw when they looked at her was a killer. She never had a chance.

Once she was in prison, life got worse -- Nathan filed for divorce and full custody of the kids. As soon as it hit her that she was never going to see her kids again, she sort of gave up. She let herself slip away in prison. She took classes to get a degree in art history, and did tattoos on the girls for cigarettes and juicy romance novels. Ella didn’t exactly take life seriously. As far as she was concerned, she was a lost cause that had nothing to live for once she got out of prison. So, she fucked around where she could and lived in her own world.

Then her stupid cousin, Annie, had to get involved. Annie didn’t believe for one second that Ella would have killed her brother. So she did what she did best: she meddled and needled until 1) Ella was transferred from New Mexico to a prison in Los Angeles County closer to Annie, and 2) she found a lawyer who was willing to reopen Ella’s case -- and that was how Ella met Jocelyn Michaels.

Meeting Jocelyn was the last thing Ella had wanted to do, but hell, was she glad that she’d taken the meeting. Jocelyn was hot as hell, the smartest person she’d ever met, and stubborn as all fuck. Once she heard Ella’s story, she was invested and Ella found herself invested in Joss.

Somewhere between working on the case, they fell in love. If Ella was honest with herself, she never stood a chance with Joss; she’d fallen for her that first time they met. Ella was handling her feelings well enough. It wasn’t like she was acting on her feelings towards the other woman. She’d never actually been in love with anyone before; it was all new for her. And then… she managed to piss someone off in prison. She wasn’t sure what she did, but she’d always been real good at running her mouth, especially back then. One minute she was fine, and the next minute, there was a sharpened spoon sticking out of her side.

There’s not much she remembers about getting stabbed, but when she woke up in the hospital, Jocelyn was there. She knew right then and there that she was going to marry that woman one day. In fact, she must have said that part out loud because then Joss was kissing her, and not even two weeks later, they were married. 

The new trial was probably the most terrifying month of Ella’s life. If they lost the trial, if she lost Joss… She didn’t know what she’d do with herself. But by some miracle, Jocelyn was able to win the case and after serving 8 years for a crime she didn’t commit, she was found innocent, and for the first time in her life, she was free. 

Once she was out of prison, there were still a lot of things that needed to be handled and taken care of. As far as she was concerned, the most important thing was getting back custody of her kids. Drew was 18 by the time she was out of prison, but he was a senior in high school -- it didn’t make sense to have him leave New Mexico when he was so close to graduating. And Connie… She was 14 and wanted nothing to do with her mother. Even if Ella had tried for custody, Connie wouldn’t have gone with her. So, she gave both her kids her number and moved to New York with her wife.

Life in New York took getting used to. It was the first time that Ella had the freedom to figure out who she was, and what she wanted to do with her life. The first thing she knew for sure was that she didn’t want to be a housewife again -- that had been awful. So, while her wife settled back into New York like she had never left, Ella took it upon herself to figure out what she wanted to do. At first she was so overwhelmed that everything seemed like it was too much. So, she started taking long walks around Central Park, just enjoying naturing and exploring. That was how she met Zak. 

Zak was going to Central Park for the same reasons as Ella - he was trying to figure out his life. The difference between them, however, was that Zak had recently transitioned from having HIV to AIDS. He was dying, and he was trying to figure out a way to ensure his partner, Kaia, wouldn’t lose their self in his death. Throughout their short friendship, they figured out a solution. Kaia was a tattoo artist who loved creating pieces of artwork that took over their client’s backs. With Ella’s self-taught tattoo skills from prison, it made sense for the two of them to open a tattoo shop together. Sure, Ella still needed certification and training in styles other than stick and poke, but it gave both herself and Kaia a purpose and something to focus on.

Once Ella and Kaia officially opened the Collective, it was like the second half of her life had begun. For the first time, Ella was making friends she wasn’t related to or sharing a cell with. It had taken her a long time, but she’d found herself. She had a career, she had her wife, and she had multiple dogs. Her life was finally coming together, but there was something missing -- something that had been missing from the beginning: her kids.

When he was twenty, Drew moved to New York. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in terms of school, but he wanted to be near his mom. Ella was, of course, thrilled. Jocelyn was a little standoffish about the whole thing, but having Drew staying in the guestroom made Ella happy so Joss warmed up to the idea of having at least one of Ella’s kids around. Or so she thought. 

It was around 2013 when Ella’s biological clock started ticking out of control. She wanted a baby, and more importantly, she wanted to have a baby with Joss. If they wanted to have kids with their DNA (in Ella’s head she wanted Drew’s sperm and Joss’s egg), they needed to have a baby now. As much as she begged, and begged, Joss was in the middle of running for DA so it wasn’t a good time to add a baby to their life, but they were 39 so… after many discussions, they froze Ella’s eggs at least. It helped soothe Ella’s ticking clock, but the desire never fully went away.

Instead of a baby, Ella put all her effort into her career and her marriage, but Joss’s career had taken off and her wife typically was swamped with work. Her wife must have realized how unhappy Ella was becoming because when Ella brought up having a baby again in 2017, her wife said they could make an appointment to potentially begin the process of surrogacy. Except… the meeting never happened; not really. Sure, they went, but Joss was so busy with work that nothing ever came of the appointment. So, Ella stewed and flashed back to her first marriage and then, after a particularly bad fight about Joss never being home, Ella left her wife and moved in with Kaia.

As much as she still loved her wife, she’d been unhappy, and if she was honest, she’d jumped from one marriage right into the next, so she did some soul searching. It was during their separation, that Ella refound her first love: clay. There had been a time where she thought she was going to be a world famous artist instead of a tattoo artist that people booked appointments for 6 months in advance. And she’d loved working with clay. So, now that she had free time, she found a local studio and began sculpting again.

After filing for divorce in 2018, Ella got a surprise. Her daughter, Connie, had been living in New York for about a year and had been convicted on a distribution charge. As her daughter’s closest relative and blood relation, she was given custody of her granddaughter, Arabella. Once Bella was put in her arms, Ella knew she was meant to raise Bella -- this was the baby she’d been yearning for. Much like the first time, she took quickly to motherhood, even though it had been decades between children. Unlike the first time, she was a single parent, which was a totally different experience.

By late 2019/early 2020, Ella more or less had her life together. She knew who she was, the shop was flourishing, she had an insane amount of YouTube followers who liked to watch her sculpt, and she finally had the single (grand)mom thing down. It was then that she realized that the one thing that was missing from her life was her ex-wife. The problem was that it looked like Joss had moved on, and yet, Ella still found herself trying to reconnect with her ex-wife. 

Falling back into a relationship with the other woman had almost been too easy. It was like going home again. Working on their relationship and getting back together had been great and fine until they were quarantined together with a two year old, and Ella found out they were still technically married. Joss had never filed the signed petition for divorce. If there was anything that could have fouled up their reunion - it was that. But somehow (and with the help of an annoying marriage counselor via Zoom), they were able to reclaim their marriage.

October 13, 2021 will mark one year of being remarried (okay, vow renewal). Ella has no idea where the time has gone, but she knows two things for absolute certain: one - she’s the person she was always meant to be, and two - she’s married to the  absolute love of her life. Things in her life may have been rough, but those things led her to where she was meant to be, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She hadn’t suffered through the bad, she never would have been able to appreciate the good.

[tristanlovesthequeen]

The Paddock

Tristan Chase Sparrowe

11/25/2016

The Bull

One day in the fall of autumn, when the moon is high and bright, orange in hue and full in complexion, when the clouds hang oppressively low in the sky I wandered through the meadow to the buffalo paddock, newly installed by decree of the mayor of San Francisco about two months ago.

The headlines in the newspaper were all the same, dismal in hue, recording the afterthoughts of the Mayor. “'The park commissioners expect soon to procure a buffalo cow who will lighten the hours of his confinement,' Harrison says”. Tomorrow the buffalo, Anastasius will be married to his bride-to-be, a new import from a ranch in Wyoming, where my uncle lives with his wife, and a dog, where they have retired and where my uncle hunts and participates in environmental conservation.

It's brisk, with many clouds of smoke blowing from the corners of my mouth into the Fall air. The grass has just been clear cut, and the smell invades my nostrils. The dew from the morning and previous evening cling to the individual hordes of grass scintillating in the dawn evening light. I have been up for a day and a night approximately and everything seems to vibrate around me.

I am here with a specific purpose. No one is around the buffalo paddock the night after Thanksgiving, the city itself is deserted, let alone the park and its many intertwining trails. I could walk for miles on these days in San Francisco, traversing the entire seven by seven without seeing a single person.

I reached into my backpack and extracted a long pair of bolt cutters I had purchased for a penny at Goodman Lumber two days ago.

A swift look to my left, and to my right, and into the stable at Anastasius as he sleeps. The strong bull grunts and twitches in his sleep as steam puffs from his nostrils. His side rises and falls as he breathes and his ears twitch a bit. It is a pity for such a sculptural beast to be imprisoned as he waits for a wedding he has no say in and a migration pattern that is now limited to across the paddock. Either way, an option might be a change of pace for him. A change of scenery, a chance to spread his wings before wearing his proverbial wedding ring around his hoof.

A link in the chain link fence snaps open and then another, and another as I make an archway about the size of an Ort cloud in the distance. Finally the metal links curl like a pad of melted butter to the wet grass. Anastasius sighs deeply and continues his dream. I ponder where he might be in his mind for a moment. The plains with his kin, avoiding native species of humans and the great white hunters of the fields where they used to graze. Possibly butting heads with an alpha male or turning on his heels to run. In space or in a hell like place, with demons floating above his massive cranium. An endless pasture where he sits in a cloud of cow fermones, butterflies braiding his mane.

I find myself walking a few paces ahead, erstwhile extracting the axe from a loop in the lining of my coat. I question my motives one last time before raising the axe above my head and, hearing the blade glint I let it fall into a mass of decomposing wood that surrounds the buffalo encasement. A crack resounds and a group of black birds flutter into the air squeaking as they fly. Anastasius stirs. I let the blade strike again, over and over until I break a hole in his cage. I kick the horizontal beams until they become diagonal and finally...

The bull's eye catches my attention. He has been watching me for some time. I breathe “You're free now lil' buddy,” and continue to circle around back towards the hole in the cyclone fence. Anastasius whines a bit. And grunts again.

I consider my motives and consider this new found freedom that I now share with the bull. It never felt like optimism to free the bull, just felt like a circumstance, a necessity, of the era that I live in. The symbolism of this pack animal now caged by himself, a migratory creature that is now forced to stay in one place. A metaphor for the elimination of the Native Americans who relied so heavily on the existence of the herd. And the grasses that cultivated with the motion of the species, and now wanes due to it's disappearance. What a pity. I wonder why he does not leap anymore, if he is lacking some sort of bacterial family in his gut or if his brain is lacking a certain chemical, why he has accepted his fate as a caged being, why he does not call out or try to create an alliance with a human to help facilitate his escape.

A mild panic surges through my veins and works its way into my knees making me weak for a spell. I tuck all my tools and hike back towards the main road. I decide to wait for a moment by a streetlamp and spark up a cigarette.

I think about the stars for a moment and try to locate Orion's belt. Somehow when compared to the power of the cosmos, my own worldly problems seem immaculately minuscule. And then came a dull rustle from the bushes lining the Fulton street border of the park. Anastasius slowly emerges from the darkness, then pauses, kicking his hind legs out to stretch. One, and then the other. A glow from my cigarette and the plume of smoke from my lungs catches his attention and he freezes.

Now that nothing is separating myself from such a large powerful animal I feel the weakness in my knees again and somehow the cigarette's effects seem more intense. I lower my head a bit to acknowledge his presence and say “fair thee well monsieur.” He lowers his head back at me and then he trots off in the direction of Ocean Beach.

His silhouette pirouettes and fades into the darkness of the night. When I arrive home I undress and lay in bed, and count to slow down my brain. Again I imagine the distance of the night sky, the size and millions of stars in the sky, compare them to the personalities here on earth and the endless multitudes of people. Once again I feel terribly small. Eventually I drift off and I, too am one with the cosmos.

The next day is the opening ceremony of the arrival of the new bison to the paddocks. Anastasius is to have a wife.

I make my way towards the modest crowd of people who have showed up to see the young bull procure a new wife. News teams are there and flashbulbs take snapshots of the Mayor arriving and emerging from his Lincoln town car led by police escort.

No one seems to suspect that Anastasius is not present, then again no one seems to care. The mayor stands up on a soapbox and gives a short speech, then motions like a circus conductor with his left hand to the truck containing the cow. Two men stationed on either side of the truck wearing overalls boots and golfers caps let down a metal ramp and a gate to the flatbed.

The cow, Anastasia, seems to be alarmed by the noise of the cheers of the crowd and the visage of a small excited yapping dog. She immediately starts to gallop into the paddock making a swift round and then charging out of the hole in the fence that I had cut the night before.

The music from the bandstand stops and the crowd gasps. The mayor throws his pork-pie hat to the ground and starts to shout at his assistants. A moment passes and sirens from firetrucks and police vehicles start to whine.

A large gap toothed grin stretches across my face. I laugh for a moment and then my forehead crinkles and I start to grimace. I don't pretend to understand what is going to happen to the bison nor do I feel guilt about setting them free. Seeing this crowd in a frenzy sets me off in an opposite trajectory from the crowd and the escaped cow.

That night at home with a hot toddie sitting by my wood burning stove with the neighborhood cat, Noodles, listening to the radio, the broadcast starts to announce, “In other news, police officials say they located the escaped buffalo which were to be married today on Ocean Beach and Ortega. The bull, Anastasius, and the cow, Anastasia were standing near the sea foam giving each other Eskimo kisses when authorities arrived. The mayor arrived shortly thereafter to find the police troop crying tears of joy. The band played “Auld lang syne” and the mayor hugged his wife. The mayor's assistants opened bottles of champagne and as the corks flew into the air the buffalo walked side by side down the coast.”

Noodles meowed and rolled around on his back.

Bibliography

1) http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oldest-bison- at-Golden- Gate-Park- dies-at- 22-

5870761.php

2) http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Golden-Gate- Park-baby- bison-found- dead-

2443708.php

3) https://localwiki.org/sf/Golden_Gate_Park_Buffalo_Paddock

4) http://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Buffalo

http://poormagazine.org/node/5456

http://sheriffmichaelhennessey.com/Sheriffs_Stories/Getting_Buffaloed.html

“12 Short Stories of the Bison in Golden Gate Park.” JSTOR web article.

The Bison or Buffalo in the United States. The Indiana Quarterly Magazine of History, Vol 6. No.3 (September, 1910) pp. 114-117. Trustees of Indiana University. Http://www.jstor.org/stable/27785281. JSTOR web article.

Poaching Pictures Yellowstone. Buffalo and the Art of Wildlife Conservation. Alan C. Braddock. American Art, Vol 23, No.3 (Fall 2009), pp.36-59. The University of Chicago Press on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution.Http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/649775. JSTOR web article.

[geoffreysdiamonds01]

Sophisticated Hematite Wedding Rings with an Edgy Twist

If you fall into the category of brides looking for women’s wedding bands in San Francisco, CAthat are edgy, mystical, and uber-cool, hematite maybe the ideal choice for you. This gemstone offers a beautiful metallic luster and is said to symbolize strength and power.

Hematite is also elegant and edgy and being versatile,it perfectly pairs with a range of styles, designs, and metals to suit your needs.

Reasons to love hematite rings

One of the main reasons why a lot of brides tend to prefer hematite is that this gemstone is quite affordable. This makes it great for couples on a budget. Hematite also adds a tad of drama and edge to your look.

Owing to its shade, it perfectly fits into your wardrobe and pairs well with all your other jewelry pieces. Your local jewelry repair in San Jose, CA will tell you that hematite is quite fragile and needs to be cared for properly.

Hematite rings are not ideal for men who are active, outgoing, or work a lot with their hands since rough handling can chip or break this gemstone. Hematite is meant for couples who are careful with their pieces and don’t wear it all the time.

Hematite looks beautiful when set with metals like platinum or white gold. Your jewelry store in San Mateo, CA will advise you to set your gemstone in a six-prong or bezel setting to keep it secure and safe.

While most of these rings are found at vintage jewelry stores, you can still find them at some retail shops. You can either set your hematite center stone with a halo of diamonds for a romantic feel or smaller side sapphires or rubies for a pop of color.

Some brides even choose to set their hematite gemstones with pink or yellow diamonds for added protection and shine. This gemstone will give you a subdued glimmer instead of a bright shine.

End Note

Make sure you don’t invest a lot when it comes to these pieces since hematite rates a 5 -6.5 on the Mohs scale. This not only makes it soft and fragile, but you may need to often replace the gemstone as it can crack or chip easily.

Take your ring to a professional to clean, repair, and maintain it every couple of months so that it looks new and shiny for years to come.

[impressivepress]

Live like a Rockefeller — The Rivals by Diego Rivera

At first glance, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and the Mexican artist Diego Rivera couldn’t have been more different. She was the daughter of a prominent Republican senator and had married into one of America’s most famous capitalist families; he was a devoted member of Mexico’s Communist party, who had visited Moscow before his first U.S. mural commission in San Francisco.

Abby, however, was a huge admirer of Rivera’s art. He’d developed a reputation as one of his generation’s leading modern artists, and she knew all about his triumphs as a muralist in his homeland (in buildings such as the Ministry of Education in Mexico City), not to mention his mural for the Pacific Stock Exchange Tower in San Francisco. She purchased a number of Rivera’s oil paintings, sketches and watercolours. Her first purchase in 1929 was May Day Parade, a Rivera sketchbook (now in the collection at MoMA), which he had completed on a trip to Moscow.

In 1931, in her capacity as co-founder and trustee of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Abby invited Rivera for a solo exhibition at the institution, making him only the second artist, after Matisse, to receive that honour. It is likely that Mexico had been on her mind for decades, ever since her first trip to the country in 1903. Rivera embodied everything that Abby and Alfred Barr, MoMA’s first Director, were looking for in terms of the museum’s programming: he was both a modernist genius with a towering body of work and as Mexico’s leading muralist, he was the foremost proponent of a genuine art movement from the Americas to the world.

On arrival in New York, Rivera paid a visit to the Rockefellers’ Manhattan home with his wife, the artist Frida Kahlo. ‘He was a very imposing and charismatic figure: tall and weighing three hundred pounds,’ Abby’s son, David Rockefeller, recalled in later life.

Rivera brought with him a new canvas, titled The Rivals, which Abby had commissioned and which he had painted in a makeshift studio aboard the steamship, the SS Morro Castle, en route from Mexico. The painting depicts a traditional festival from the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca known as Las Velas, a colourful celebration in observance of local patron saints and of the natural bounties of spring.

‘It’s undoubtedly one of Rivera’s masterpieces,’ says Virgilio Garza, Head of Latin American Paintings at Christie’s. ‘Compared with his murals — which are epic in scale and content, with sweeping vistas and narratives that are often ideologically or historically driven — this easel painting is equally monumental in presence, yet devoid of Rivera’s politics. It’s a much more intimate scene focused on regional traditions, and the brushwork is deliberately looser.’

Others have praised the rich combination of bright colours, reminiscent of Matisse (whom Rivera knew from the decade he’d spent in Paris, between 1911 and 1921) but also, more pertinently, reflecting the vivid hues evident across Mexico: from its flora to its architecture. ‘And then there’s his modern conception of space through the use of multiple planes of colour that recall the formal effects of synthetic Cubism,’ says Garza. ‘Forms and figures are synthesised and reduced to their essential elements. The viewer’s gaze recedes in stages, from the men in the foreground, to the brightly dressed women under the hanging papel picado. Rivera’s brilliant composition of intersecting planes creates a cinematic narrative.’

The Rivals  was as popular with Abby as Rivera’s sell-out MoMA retrospective proved to be with New York’s public. In 1932, she approached the artist about another project: completing a mural for the lobby of the RCA Building, the centrepiece of the Rockefeller Center, her husband, John D. Rockefeller, Jr.’s new complex in Midtown Manhattan.

Rivera’s idea was a fresco on the twin themes of human cooperation and scientific development, and he sent Abby a planned sketch of it along with a letter saying, ‘I assure you that… I shall try to do for the Rockefeller Center — and especially for you, Madame — the best of all the work I have done up to this time.’

In the process of painting the mural Man at the Crossroads, Rivera made several changes to his original sketch that would have fateful consequences. Chief among these was the addition of Lenin’s features into the face of a labourer. When news of this change in the mural reached  Nelson Rockefeller, David’s older brother, he asked Rivera to substitute the late Soviet leader for another figure.

The painter, despite many attempts to persuade him, refused. Equally vexing to the Rockefeller family was the depiction of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. on the left side of the mural drinking among a group of men and cavorting with women of questionable repute. The latter was a striking image given the family’s devout religious views and their abstinence from drinking and smoking, as well as the Rockefellers’ firm support of U.S. Prohibition-era laws. With no compromise reached, Rivera was dismissed, and although he was paid in full the mural was destroyed. ‘The mural was quite brilliantly executed,’ wrote David Rockefeller in Memoirs in 2002, ‘but not appropriate’.

Rivera would go on to recreate Man at the Crossroads, in modified form as Man, Controller of the Universe, on the walls of the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. Here again, Rivera depicted John D. Rockefeller, Jr. clutching a martini amid scenes of gambling and excess, while the other side featured workers and various Communist leaders.

Despite all these events, Abby and her sons Nelson and David remained admirers until the end. She would donate many of the Rivera works she owned to MoMA, although The Rivals  was one piece she held on to. As a sign of how highly she valued it, Abby gave it to David and his wife Peggy McGrath as a wedding present in 1940. They, in turn, would give the painting pride of place, for decades, in the living room of their summer residence, Ringing Point, in Maine.

David Rockefeller’s interest in Latin America and its art and culture spanned many decades. In January 1946, after completing his military service in the Second World War and before he started work at Chase Bank, he and Peggy decided to take ‘a second honeymoon’. They settled on Mexico as the destination for their six-week holiday.

‘This was our first direct exposure to Latin America, and we were very much taken with what we saw,’ David wrote years later. ‘We were especially fascinated by the remarkable pre-Columbian monuments and artefacts, as well as by the charm of much contemporary Mexican painting and folk art.’ He recounted how keen they were to see the famous Mexican frescoes of Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and Rufino Tamayo in Mexico City and Cuernavaca. ‘We especially wanted to see Rivera’s murals, since I had met Rivera with my mother when he first came to New York in 1931,’ he recalled. ‘I had always found him to be a very sympathetic person, and I liked his painting.’

The couple had travelled to Mexico armed with letters of introduction from Nelson Rockefeller, who had been appointed Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs by President Roosevelt and had subsequently visited virtually all the Latin American nations. One letter was addressed to Roberto Montenegro, an artist friend of Nelson’s, who introduced David and Peggy to other contemporary Mexican artists.

At the beginning of his long career with Chase, one of David’s first assignments was in the bank’s Latin American division. In 1965 he assumed the chairmanship of both the Council of the Americas and its new cultural adjunct, the Center for Inter-American Relations (CIAR). The latter was responsible for introducing Americans to the cultures and artists of Latin America, including staging the first one-man show in New York for Fernando Botero.

In 1991, he endowed the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard, which continues to explore Latin American politics, society, and culture, and after his retirement from the bank David was made chairman of The Americas Society, which afforded him, he said, ‘many new opportunities to visit the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, and to appreciate their diverse art and culture.’

~ ROCKEFELLER COLLECTION | AUCTION PREVIEW · 9 May 2018.

[twit-moonstar]

Up for a long time - Brian May x Reader

A/N: This was for a hosted Valentine’s day secret santa but I couldn’t finished it in time bc life. I am really sorry I’m posting this so late

Please consider reblogging and commenting what do you think about the fic

Warnings: none (just a note: this is situated on 1977/1978)

Words: 2K+

Summary: Y/N was invited by Brian May to accompany him during the Sheer Heart Attack tour and as its ending gets closer, she expresses her sadness over having to say him goodbye soon, unless… maybe she doesn’t have to.

 A blissful sigh left Brian’s lips as you cuddle against his side, his long fingers petting your hair lazily. 

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we could stay here forever, just the two of us? I’m gonna miss this,” you say with melancholy, as if you parting ways was a matter of fact—because, well, it was. What were the chances that he would want to keep seeing you? He was a guitarist in a rising band that was getting more and more famous. You were beginning to feel sad at the thought of missing him even if you were still by his side. It was strange to you how at ease he makes you feel even though you meet barely two months ago. It’s not an everyday occurrence that a cute musician invites you to come along on tour with his band to America but you weren’t stupid enough to miss on this chance. Besides, he had a certain charm that you couldn’t quite put your finger on, like he wasn’t even trying. Just like that, he could smile, and you would do anything he asked. A few minutes passed, in which he didn’t replied, and you started to think about what you had said. Did you cross a line there? Was that inappropriate? But being with him felt so right… and you were sure he felt the same way about you. Well, you were until now. Finally, he spoke. “What if you didn’t have to?” You smiled, feeling relief that he wasn’t weirded out by your comment. “What? What do you mean?” “What if - if we got married?” His words were shaky, his voice soft and quiet in the dim room. You look up at him. “Are you joking? Because, let me you tell you, it’s not funny,” you state. He shakes his head no. “I’m not.“ You get away from him, sitting up on the bed to look at him. It’s hard to describe the look on his eyes, it’s very serious but also a little dreamy, like he has his head on the clouds. And you might be the very reason why. “Really?” You say softly as if you were expecting him to laugh and declare it was indeed a joke but you know him well; he would never be so cruel. Your mother once told you that you must see a man getting happy, tired, sad and, above all, angry and stressed before you got married. She believed that if you saw him in such states, you would know if you were ready to handle sharing your life with him. Despite knowing him for so little time, you had already seen how he acted when he wasn’t feeling well and it never seemed like something that you couldn’t soothe. “Yeah,” he nodded. “Well, then,” you smiled, “ask me properly.” “Y/N Y/L/N, would to make me the honour of being my wife?” “Yes!” you exclaimed, throwing yourself to him and embracing him on a tight hug. He took your face between his hands and kissed you, smiling when you broke apart. “Well, then, we’re engaged now.”

“When– when do you want to do it, though?” You asked. You wouldn’t lie, you weren’t able to contain your excitement. You were going to get married! It felt like a dream, like you would wake up in any moment in an empty bed on the hotel. “Tomorrow maybe?” Brian suggested. “It’s my day off before we get going to the next city.” “Okay,” you accepted. “While you’re at rehearsal, I’ll make sure we have what we need to do it.” He kissed you again. “Alright but first, let’s get breakfast.”

Standing in front of a little mirror on the reception, you check your lipstick, even though Brian said he wouldn’t pay for any photographs here—both of you were afraid they would be leaked and all over the magazines. Despite all the paparazzi constantly following the band, Brian had done his best effort to protect your privacy as much as he could and you weren’t quite ready to give up your anonymity just yet. Besides, you were aware that a secret wedding with a woman Brian met just three months ago wouldn’t do wonders for his reputation. A pair of hands sneaked up on your waist, hugging you softly. “Are you ready?” He whispered on your ear. You turned around, your arms surrounding his neck. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” you assure him and his lips curve up into a smile. A blonde woman came up to you—her name was Marie, according to the tag on her blazer— and cleared her throat. “Excuse me, the venue is ready. Follow me, please,” she said and started walking you guide you. She opened the door and a wedding march started to sound as you entered the room and walked towards the altar, Brian holding your hand the entire time. The Victorian Venue was beautiful, so beautiful you almost regretted eloping—though both Roger and Freddie weren’t at the hotel and Deacy and Veronica were with their kids—. It was a large room, simply decorated with cascading silk drapes and a pair of pillars with candelabras as the wedding altar. It was all very white, and you were glad you had chosen to wear a light blue dress that contrasted with the room. The officiant, a middle aged men, looked as you stand in front of each other. Brian had a smile plastered across his face, reaching his hazel eyes and illuminating his beautiful features. “Brian May and Y/N Y/L/N, today you enter as individuals, but you will leave here as husband and wife, blending your lives, expanding your family ties, and embarking upon the grandest adventure of human interaction,” the officiant said. “Brian and Y/N, remember to treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Take responsibility for making the other feel safe and give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. Please, repeat after me–” “Actually, I’d like to have the word,” you interrupt him, shyly, and Brian looks at you with surprise. You hadn’t discussed having your own vows and he clearly didn’t expected it but you had been thinking about them since last night. “Of course.” “I - I know that for anyone outside us this will look rushed after only a few weeks but in that time you have made me the happiest I’ve ever been. I’ve seen you in the most intimate situations and I know I’m ready to spend my life with you. It might not be easy– but nothing every really is and I’m ready to whatever is coming at us.” Brian’s smile and eyes were warm, full of fondness. His hands squeezed yours briefly, a silent ‘I love you.’ “Y/N, meeting you wasn’t on my plans. I’d have never guessed that I’d fall so hard, so fast for you but your sweet ways, your genuine excitement for life and new experiences, your energy and the passion you put on everything you do made me feel like a fifteen years old boy falling in love for the first time. I am enchanted by you, and I’m so happy I get the chance to try to make you as happy as you make me.” You feel your smile getting bigger, so wide it almost hurted but you didn’t cared. It was a nice kind of pain, it meant you couldn’t contain the happiness you were feeling inside you and for a moment you thought about how you wanted to proclaim to the entire world that you were married to the lofe of your life. You squeezed his hands for a second. You both let go of your hands to get the rings. His was one he already had but rarely used and yours was one you had bought on a market on one of your solo adventures exploring the city while he was working. They weren’t permanent rings; “I promise I’ll get you a proper ring once we’re on London again,” he had said, and you assured him you were okay with these as of now. Despite the band’s success, you knew he wasn’t really getting much money and didn’t care he didn’t buy an expensive ring. “Brian May, please repeat after me as you place the ring on Y/N Y/L’s ring. With this ring, I thee wed and pledge you my love, now and forever.” “With this ring, I thee wed and pledge you my love, now and forever,” he recited softly as he put the ring on you finger. After you repeat it, you both sign the marriage certificate and the officiant finally says the words that linked your lives for the rest of it. “By the authority vested in my by the State of San Francisco, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!” Brian did as told, reaching down to kiss you softly, taking his time to show you how much he loved you on his gentle movements. “I love you, Mrs. May,,” he said once you broke apart. You giggle. “I love you too, Mr May.”

“Honey, I’m home!” Brian exclaimed, and you hear the closing door. You smile as he enters the room and leaves the box with Chinese food on the little table in front of the couch. You sit properly and take a look at what he brought. “My hero! I was starving,” you say and he smiles. After a week of living on Brian’s apartment using his clothes, you had finally gotten around to your old apartment and got your stuff. It was mostly books, clothes and some decorative ornaments; you didn’t have any furniture except for your bookshelf—and a mattress that you had already sold. Brian was helping you to put everything in place, but you were hungry and send him to get food—your treat. “They didn’t have fried rice, but I brought you Chow Mei,” he says, opening the box for you to see. The smell is delicious, and your stomach seems to rush you to eat when it growls. “That’s fine,” you say and take your noodles. “Do you need help?” Brian chuckles as you struggle with the chopsticks. You pout and nod. He takes his own stick. “The trick is to just move the top stick, the other has to stay still,” Brian shows you as he takes a piece of tofu with ease. You imitate him ans after a few tries, you finally succeed. “It’s way more difficult when you’re eating noodles,” you say before Brian’s amused gaze. “Do you want to try?” He asks, holding a piece of his tofu to you. You lean, doubtful, and take a bite. It tastes spicy and hot, so you swallow it and drink a little soda. “What does it have?” “Lots of pepper,” he replies. “It’s good, but I wouldn’t eat too much,” you say honestly and he smiles as he eats. “It’s an acquired taste, I guess.” “I want to go back to college,” you comment after a while and he smiles at you, interested. “To study Law again?” “No, that’s… that’s what my parents pushed me to do. I’ll like to study something related to Theatre, maybe. I don’t know, but I need to do something. I don’t like just being lying around,” you say softly. The week living with Brian, having no responsibilities was nice but you needed to do something. Besides, you wouldn’t let Brian pay for all the bills. You were a team now, and you needed (and wanted) to do your part. “I was also thinking maybe I could give some piano or bass lessons, to get some money,” “That’s a great idea,” he nods with a smile and you can’t help but smile too. “I can help you with some posters to promote your classes.” “That would be very nice,” you reply, leaning towards him and giving him a quick peck on the lips. “Hey, I have a surprise for you!” Brian suddenly says and gets up quickly, walking into the room and coming back after finding whatever he was looking for. He sits next to you and takes your hand, looking briefly at the ring you used to get married before looking at you. “Remember when we stayed at my parents’ house for the weekend?” You smile. “Of course I do. I was nervous as hell the whole drive. And during dinner. Basically all three days.” “Well, you had nothing to worry about because my mother loved you and actually gave me this for you.” He shows you a ring. It was made from gold and had one single tiny round diamond. Your mouth hangs open as Brian takes off your old ring and puts the golden on your finger. “Do you like it?” He sounds anxious as you simply stare at the ring and the way it shines beautifully with the natural light coming from the windows. “It’s beautiful,” you say, moving your hand so the light reflects off the ring. You finally look at him. “Did you say your mother gave you this?” He nods. “I can’t accept this,” you say, starting to take it off but he takes your hands to stop you. “Why not?” “Because it’s real, Bri! This diamond is real and probably worth good money, who knows how much your parents spent on it?” “It was my grandmother’s and she isn’t… she’s dead.” “Oh.” You look at the ring. “Still, why would your mother give me this? She barely knows me.” “Because she liked you and sees why I married you,” he said, cupping your cheek with his hand and caressing your skin with his thumb. “Besides, she saw you didn’t have a ring and said it was unacceptable. This is actually an engagement one but let’s ignore that.” You smile. “Alright, I’m going to keep it as long as you love me.” “Well, get used to it because you’re up for a long time,” Brian says and brings you to his lap to give you a soft kiss.