#radiant cooling system

[rehauindia]

Sleek and Durable Plinth Covers for a Modern Kitchen Look

RAUBASE offers a stylish and functional kitchen solution with plinth covers, corner profiles, end caps, and sealing profiles, enhancing both the look and practicality of your kitchen space.

[ash-and-starlight]

Hello, I saw you say in your 2024 short book review that Iron Widow sucked? May I ask your reasons? I've had this book in my hands multiple times and thought of buying but never did, and by what you said, and accounting for us seemingly having similar tastes, I think you might give me a good idea about what to expect from the book and whether I'd like it?

So yes just. Your thoughts on Iron Widow and why it sucked would be awesome if you could find time for it

Have a nice day!

udhghh ok honestly the reasons are so many and i cant even string them together correctly so i really just recommend going on the goodreads page and reading the one star reviews bc they all illustrate point for point why i think it sucked so much. like ok reason one is that its simply not well written. like its marvel level jokey "oh he's right behind me isn't he" kinda writing. Reason 2 is that the plot is just all over the place nonsensical, there are in-universe things that you're just supposed to accept at face value but just make zero sense once u think about them for longer than 5 seconds. It professes itself to be a girlboss feminist narrative and its the furthest thing from feminist u could ever find. wu zetian sees herself (and is framed by the narrative) as the only hashtag woke hashtag empowered woman that exists and goes on thinking every other girl she meets is a dumb whore. this never gets disproved. she never changes her mind. (which is not WRONG per se but at least dont market it as a #feminist book just for clout). Also like. i was expecting for the heroine's story to bear some resemblance to the hystorical wu zetian's story and uhh idk if this changes later on but so far their stories dont rlly have a thing in common. AND i like the author a lot i think they're super knowledgeable & must've done a ton of research for this so why,,, did they decide to basically discard all of it,, and also it should've gone through a few more drafts,,, one beta reader at least- anyway the things that i DID like were the qi based mecha system. that was conceptually rlly cool and i always love a mecha situation. and the fact that the love triangle got resolved in an ot3 (..... not that i liked any of the characters enough to care...)

[cwlgroupblog]

Rethinking HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future

Environment concern is the main concern for todays world. The Traditional HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are bending towards more eco-friendly approach.

As we are on the journey of reducing our carbon production, more environment friendly solutions are developing and redefining the heat, cool and ventilate system for homes and factories. 

 The Limitations of Traditional HVAC

Traditional HVAC systems rely on non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels like natural gas or electricity. Use of these non-renewable sources can lead to high energy consumption and emits lots of greenhouse gases, which is very harmful for environment. Leading to the accelerating climate change and contribute to global warming. 

Additionally, these traditional systems can lead to higher energy bills and discomfort.

Sustainable Alternatives

Fortunately, there are various sustainable alternative to the traditional HVAC systems. The following new solutions provides a greener and more environmental friendly path to maintain comfortable indoor environments.

Geothermal Heat Pumps: Geothermal heat pumps are those type of a system where pipes buried underground, this helps to exchange heat with the earth.This technology helps to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.

Solar-Powered HVAC Systems: These HVAC systems can provide electricity to power conventional heating and cooling equipment by using solar energy. This result in less dependency on the grid which ultimately leads to less carbon emissions.

Radiant Heating and Cooling: This system uses radiant heating and cooling directly heat or cool spaces by harnessing radiant energy instead of conventional forced-air systems. This new solution leads to lowers energy waste and offers a more even and comfortable temperature distribution.

Energy-Efficient HVAC Equipment: The energy efficiency of contemporary HVAC systems is rising. look for equipment with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings to  save energy.

Smart HVAC Controls: Implementing smart technology with your HVAC system allows for remote control, energy optimization, and personalized comfort settings.

Benefits of Sustainable HVAC

Reduced Energy Costs: By adopting sustainable HVAC solutions, you can significantly lower your energy bills.

Environmental Impact: These solutions help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier planet.

Improved Comfort: Sustainable HVAC systems often provide more even and comfortable temperature distribution, enhancing your overall well-being.

Increased Property Value: Installing sustainable HVAC can increase the value of your property.

Conclusion

As we move towards a more sustainable future, it's essential to consider innovative HVAC solutions. These alternative solution includes Geothermal Heat Pumps, , By embracing these alternatives, Radiant Heating and Cooling. We can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, lower our energy costs, and contribute to a healthier planet.

[tsa24city-hostel]

MECHANICAL INVESTIGATION

project URBAN MONASTERY, student work. Geothermal piles coupled with radiant heating and cooling system.

_ik

[muletia]

Imagine that you just kinda forgot how Optimus looks in his vehicle mode.

You're having a wonderful day, and you feel so pretty that you begin to check yourself out in the reflection of this unsuspecting truck, doing cute poses and shit. I feel like Optimus would just blow a fuse on the spot. lol he would spontaneously combust, and I would have a heart attack after realizing it was him, lmao

Inspired by this little gem

https://www.tumblr.com/joetastic2739/767149100578816000/she-rarely-gets-a-chance-to-admire-herself

thank you <33

this is so cute omgggggg,,

word count: 270

He knows he should say something. He should speak up. But he can’t. Not when you’re admiring your reflection in his freshly polished paint.

He noticed you from afar and immediately paid attention to how you looked. Optimus wasn’t particularly familiar with Earth’s fashion or clothing; it had never interested him enough to explore further. However, he was observant—especially when it came to you. He quickly realized that you looked different, having abandoned your usual style in favor of something new. And judging by your body language, you were clearly pleased with the outfit you’d chosen.

He was a little… disappointed that you didn’t recognize him, especially after so many months of knowing each other, but the spectacle before him more than made up for it. The way you stretched, showing yourself off from every angle, your wide, radiant smile. It wasn’t in his nature to judge a book by its cover, but the word “beautiful” came unbidden to his processor. He felt his systems start to overheat…

He needs to put a stop to this. He’s letting himself indulge too much, being far too greedy. He’s devouring you with his optics like some kind of beast, utterly unable to look away. But he allows himself one more second, one more fleeting moment, before you notice and put up a wall, and the spectacle ends.

“[Name].”

When you jump in place, startled, he immediately regrets speaking at all. He knows your oversight will cool things between you for a while, but the fire he felt watching you in your unawareness will warm him for a long, long time.

[whereserpentswalk]

You know a girl whose going to be uploaded into a computer soon. It's pretty common nowadays, like not so common most people know someone whose had it happen to them, but common enough so that everyone knows about it.

She says she has to do it for her job. Like, it's not required, but every aspect of her job is 100% online so it's just more convenient for her employers that way, making her a lot more enjoyable. Plus not having things like sleep or food to worry about would cut costs a lot. And she might eventually be able to get a new body once she gets promoted a few times.

You feel really sad for her. You know a lot of people who've had to become cyborgs or even full robots for both work and personal reasons. But being fully uploaded into a computer with no way of accessing the offline world is way to drastic a move for most people to go to, even out of desperation. But while she's still here, you try to get to know her, since you won't have her for long.

She seems really nice. Graduated from a top business school, but she seems to actually be pretty class conscious. Mabye she though gaining power in the system would help her help the world, she wanted to work for an eco friendly company but that didn't pan out well.

She's trying to spend her last weeks with a body as best she can. Sometimes that just means hanging out around the city, you try to take her around to places she might enjoy. You grew up here and she didn't so of course you know a lot of really cool places to see. You took her to neighborhoods you love walking around, to little corners you can only see in person, and little shops that can't be replaced by websites. You take her to a meusum, and spend so much time looking at things that hit diffrent when you see them up close, massive radiant paintings, and glistening gems, and alien fossils, all of them soon to be gone to her, when everything is equally far away.

You spend time doing things with her body that she won't be able to soon. She tells you not to feel sad, that she chose this, though she seems a bit sad herself. She savors the sensation of sleep while she still has it. She trys all kinds of food that she won't ever taste soon, she's laughs a bit that there's no use in dieting now. She asks you to cuddle, and you cuddle her, because you know she needs that human touch while she can have it. She asks to have sex, you had to get neutered for your last job so it doesn't normally interest you anymore, but you'll do it for her. She doesn't want to leave this body having never known how it feels and you understand. When she falls asleep in your arms you call her pretty, and hearing that about her face makes her cry.

Eventually it's time for her to go. You give her one last hug, hoping she can carry it as the last thing she feels. You take the train with her to the uploading station. She seems to have regrets, seems to not want to go through with this, but she's committed to it now. You tell her she can still back out, and find another way to live, that it's not to late as long as she's in her body. She tells you to stay strong for her when she's gone.

When she uploads herself she leaves the first pick of parts from her body to you. It was a healthy one, really nice for her age. You take her reproductive organs so you can finally be unnutered again, and take her eyes to cure nearsightedness, and a few muscles to undo chronic pain. It hurts to know you're taking her apart like that, but somebody was going to, and it's not her anymore. At least you'll carry a bit of her now.

Now that she's uploaded you talk to her a lot through social media. She seems like she misses a lot of the world. You try and show her what you can through photos, and talk to her as much as possible. She misses hugs more then anything, and tells you how boring life is without sleep. You wish you could have done more. She wishes she had listened.

[idyllic-ghost]

Title: Vanilla Perfume Pairing: Sunwoo x gn!reader Genre: fluff, suggestive, established relationship, Wordcount: 3.7k Rating: 18+ for suggestive content

Synopsis: You know that Sunwoo loves your perfume, that's partially why you wear it all the time. He just gets more obvious with his obsession when he's drunk.

Warnings: mentioned alcohol consumption, alluding to nsfw activities, food mention

Disclaimer: The scenarios and depictions in my works are fictional and do not represent real-life situations. They do not aim to reflect the complexities of any culture, city, or individual. All characters are entirely fictional, regardless of names or descriptions.

MDNI: Adults only. Minors are not allowed. Any minors found will be blocked.

A/N: this fic was created before i decided to leave this blog permanently, and put on queue to be posted now. this blog is still not active. read here to find out why

Masterlists

Amid the chatter that spills out from the dimly lit bar, Sunwoo’s senses are overwhelmed—laughter and conversations meld into a single, indistinguishable hum, like a chaotic symphony playing in the background. People mill about on the sidewalk, their bodies forming clusters that obscure his view, a moving wall of shapes and shadows under the flickering neon lights. The only things he can register are the faint, lingering taste of beer on his tongue and the rough texture of his jeans beneath his fingertips. Yet, even in the midst of this bustling scene, there’s a part of him that remains attuned to just one thing—waiting for you.

Then, it happens. The delicate scent of vanilla threads through the cool night air, a subtle whisper slicing through the cacophony, wrapping around him like a silk ribbon. It carries the unmistakable promise of your presence, a scent as familiar as it is intoxicating, drawing him in with the soft persistence of a lullaby. It’s subtle, almost elusive, but to Sunwoo, it’s as familiar as his own heartbeat.

His heart skips a beat, a familiar thrill coursing through him as he instinctively knows it’s your perfume. The rest of the world fades away; the many voices become a distant murmur, and the crowd around him blurs into the background. His pulse quickens, anticipation buzzing in his veins as he turns, searching the street with a singular focus.

And then he sees you. You’re standing just outside the his groups of friends, illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights, waving at him with that radiant smile that never fails to make his heart flutter. You’re only wearing jeans and a light sweater, shivering slightly in the chilly evening air. Your eyes, warm and sparkling, meet his, and in that instant, everything else melts away.

The world around you both seems to pause, leaving only the two of you in this perfect, fleeting moment. Sunwoo’s breath catches in his throat, his expression softening as a sense of calm washes over him. There’s an undeniable pull, a magnetic force that draws him to you, and without a second thought, he starts weaving his way through the small crowd, eager to close the distance between you.

“Baby!” he exclaims, his voice rising above the din, louder than intended thanks to the buzz of alcohol still coursing through his system. His joy and excitement burst forth in a way that’s impossible to contain, and the group of people nearby turns to look, their conversations momentarily halted.

Embarrassed by the sudden attention, you mumble apologies to those around, your cheeks warming under the curious gazes. Sunwoo had called you half an hour ago, his voice slurred but sweet, asking you to come pick him up after a night out with his friends. It hadn’t taken much to convince you—just a few soft words about how much he missed you, and you were already slipping on your shoes and grabbing your keys.

“They’re taking me home to their place!” Sunwoo explains to his friends, his words tumbling out with childlike excitement, as if he hadn’t already told them his plans a dozen times.

After a round of goodbyes that seem to drag on forever, Sunwoo finally reaches your side again. The chill in the air nips at your skin, and without a word, he shrugs off his jacket and drapes it over your shoulders, his touch lingering for just a moment longer. The warmth of his jacket, combined with the gesture, sends a flush of warmth through you.

“There,” he murmurs, his voice soft and tender as he adjusts the collar around your neck. “Can’t have you freezing out here.”

You smile up at him. "I thought I was supposed to take care of you."

"You'll get your chance." He wears a cheeky smile, and pulls you in a little closer for a short kiss. He tastes of beer, but you don't mind as you feel him smile against your lips.

Sunwoo, still a little unsteady, takes your hand, his fingers intertwining with yours as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. He’s eager, almost too eager, as he pulls you along, but his steps are aimless, zigzagging as he struggles to maintain a straight path. You chuckle softly, gently steering him toward your car, guiding him with a patient hand as you navigate through the chilly night together.

He stumbles slightly as he reaches for the passenger door, a lopsided grin on his face as he leans against the car for balance. “Got it, got it,” he mumbles, fumbling with the handle before you gently push his hand aside to open the door for him.

“Thanks, baby,” he says, his voice soft and affectionate as he climbs into the seat. He’s all smiles as he settles in, his head resting back against the seat, eyes half-closed as he breathes out a contented sigh. You close the door behind him and circle around to the driver’s side, the brisk air urging you to hurry.

Once inside, the warmth of the car’s interior wraps around you both, a welcome contrast to the crispness of the night. You glance over at Sunwoo as you start the engine, your gaze lingering on his relaxed expression. His eyes are closed now, his breathing steady, but there’s still a small, happy smile playing on his lips.

As you pull away from the curb, the quiet hum of the engine and the gentle vibration of the road create a soothing rhythm. The city lights flash by in a blur of neon and headlights, but the world inside the car feels peaceful, almost serene. Every so often, Sunwoo shifts slightly in his seat, murmuring something incoherent under his breath, his hand reaching out as if searching for you.

Without taking your eyes off the road, you reach over and take his hand, your fingers entwining with his. He squeezes your hand gently, the warmth of his touch spreading through you like a soft glow. His thumb brushes against your skin in a slow, lazy motion.

“Thanks for coming to get me,” he mumbles after a while, his voice drowsy. “You’re the best.”

“Of course,” you reply, glancing over at him with a smile. “I’ll always come for you, Sunwoo.”

He opens his eyes just enough to look at you, his gaze filled with a tender warmth that makes your heart skip a beat. “I know,” he whispers, his voice barely audible. “That’s why I love you.”

As you drive, the comforting scent of vanilla lingers in the air, and Sunwoo inhales deeply, the familiarity of your perfume grounding him even as his head swims from the night’s drinks. He closes his eyes again, a soft smile playing on his lips as he leans toward you, savoring the scent that reminds him of you. It’s sweet, warm, and comforting—a fragrance that feels like home to him.

When you finally pull up in front of your apartment building, you gently release his hand and turn off the engine. For a moment, you just sit there, taking in the peaceful quiet of the night, the soft rise and fall of Sunwoo’s breathing beside you. You lean over to gently nudge him awake.

“Sunwoo, we’re here,” you whisper, your voice soft as you brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead.

He blinks his eyes open. “Your place?” he asks, his voice thick with drowsiness, but there’s a hint of excitement in his tone.

“Yeah,” you reply, smiling as you unbuckle your seatbelt. “It was your idea, remember?”

He smiles, his gaze softening as he takes in your words. “Right... I like that idea,” he murmurs, still slightly drowsy, but there’s a warmth in his eyes that tells you he’s happy to be with you.

The moment you step out of the car, the brisk night air bites at your skin, a sharp contrast to the warmth you’ve just left behind. But before the chill can settle, Sunwoo’s arm is around your shoulders, drawing you into the shelter of his body. His touch is reassuring, a silent promise of protection as you navigate the dimly lit pathway to your apartment, each step resonating with the quiet intimacy you share. His steps are more stable now, but he leans on you slightly, as if reluctant to let go of the warmth and closeness you share.

The scent of vanilla clings to you, stronger now as he’s close to you, and he nuzzles his face into the crook of your neck as you wait for the elevator. “You smell so good,” he murmurs, his voice muffled against your skin. "You always do."

You laugh softly, feeling a warmth spread through you at his words. “I’m glad you like it,” you reply, pressing the button for your floor.

When you finally reach your apartment, Sunwoo is almost half-asleep again, his head nodding slightly with each step. But as soon as you unlock the door and step inside, he perks up, the familiar warmth and comfort of your home welcoming you both. The soft glow of the lamps casts a cozy light over the living room, and the subtle scent of vanilla lingers in the air, mingling with the comforting aroma of your space. Sunwoo sighs in relief, kicking off his shoes with a bit more effort than usual as you close the door behind you.

He stumbles slightly, trying to push his shoes together with his foot, his brow furrowed in concentration. It’s endearing, watching him focus so intently on such a small task, but after a moment, you can’t help but smile as you squat down to help.

"Do you want something to eat, or do you just want to go to bed?" you ask, setting his shoes neatly to the side.

Sunwoo pauses, swaying slightly as he thinks it over. "Do you have ramyun?" he mutters, his voice thick with sleepiness, but there’s a hopeful glint in his eyes.

You smile softly, charmed by his request. "I can make you some," you reply, standing back up. "Why don’t you go wash up in the meantime? Does that sound nice?"

When you meet his gaze, you’re greeted by Sunwoo’s lovesick grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he looks at you like you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to him. “Very nice,” he agrees.

You stifle a laugh, gently nudging him toward the bathroom. “Then go. I have some spare clothes you left here last time—they’re in the usual spot.”

Sunwoo mumbles something under his breath, something about how well you take care of him, as he stumbles off toward your bedroom. You watch him for a moment, a fond smile tugging at your lips, before turning your attention to the kitchen.

The apartment is quiet except for the faint sound of water running as Sunwoo washes up. You move around the kitchen with practiced ease, pulling out a pot and filling it with water, your thoughts drifting as you prepare the ramyun. The stove clicks on, a small flame flickering to life beneath the pot, and you find yourself smiling at the simple, familiar routine of it all.

As the water begins to boil, you reach for the packet of noodles, tearing it open with a soft crinkle. The rich scent of the seasoning fills the air as you pour it into the bubbling water, stirring it gently. Steam rises in delicate tendrils, curling around your face and carrying with it the savory aroma of the meal you’re preparing.

The soft padding of footsteps behind you catches your attention, and before you can turn around, you feel Sunwoo’s presence close behind. His freshly washed scent, the smell of your body wash that he definitely borrowed, wraps around you like a comforting embrace. His arms slide around your waist, and he presses his chin against the your shoulder, sighing contentedly.

“That looks delicious,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble against your back.

You smile, your hands still stirring the pot as you lean back into his warmth. “It’ll be ready soon,” you reply softly.

For a few moments, you both stand there in the kitchen, the only sounds the gentle bubbling of the ramyun and the quiet hum of the apartment around you. It’s a peaceful kind of silence, filled with the unspoken understanding that this, right here, is where you both belong.

Sunwoo nuzzles into the curve of your neck, his breath a warm whisper against your skin as he inhales deeply, savoring the familiar blend of your perfume and the lingering traces of the night air. His hands tighten on your waist, their warmth seeping through your clothes, grounding you in the moment. The intimate pressure of his body against yours sends a ripple down your spine, like the first touch of sunlight after a cold dawn.

"You smell nice," he hums, his voice low, edged with a hint of something more.

"You said that," you reply with a soft chuckle, your tone playful, but there’s no denying the way his words affect you.

"Mm, and I mean it..." His voice trails off as he presses a kiss to the curve of your neck, slow and deliberate, his lips lingering just long enough to leave a tingling sensation. His hold on you tightens as if to anchor himself in this moment, savoring the blend of your scent and the feel of you against him.

He trails another kiss along your neck, his lips barely brushing your skin as his breath fans out in a warm exhale. "You’re making it really hard to focus on anything else right now," he murmurs, his voice husky with unspoken desire.

"Is that so?" you whisper back, your own voice laced with a teasing challenge, though the quickening of your pulse betrays your growing anticipation.

Instead of replying, Sunwoo’s hands slide from your waist to your hips, pulling you closer as he nuzzles into the crook of your neck, his lips grazing your earlobe. “You’re impossible to resist when you smell this good,” he murmurs, his voice a low, intimate whisper that sends a thrill through you.

The atmosphere in the kitchen shifts, the air between you charged with a tension that’s as intoxicating as the scent of your perfume. His kisses become a little more insistent, each one sending a wave of warmth through you that stirs something deeper. The soft, rhythmic bubbling of the ramyun on the stove is the only reminder of where you are, but even that feels secondary to the heat building between you.

You can’t help but smile, tilting your head slightly to give him better access, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest against your back. “Maybe we should take this to the table,” you suggest, your voice soft, though it’s clear that the idea of moving doesn’t hold much appeal.

“Or,” he counters, his tone rich with suggestion as he nips gently at your ear, “we could just stay right here...”

The suggestion hangs in the air, tempting and full of promise, but the bubbling ramyun eventually pulls you back to the moment. You feel a pang of playful regret as you gently pull away from his embrace, turning your attention back to the stove. “Hold that thought,” you say with a soft laugh, your heart still fluttering from his touch.

When the noodles are finally cooked, you turn off the stove and reach for a pair of bowls, but Sunwoo doesn’t let go entirely. Instead, he shifts his hold slightly, his arms still wrapped around you as he leans his chin on your shoulder, watching you with a sleepy smile. His presence is a comforting weight against you, a silent assurance that the closeness you share isn’t going anywhere.

You serve the ramyun, pouring a little extra into his bowl, the difference almost imperceptible but meaningful all the same. “Here you go,” you murmur, holding out his bowl to him as he finally lets go to take it from your hands.

“You’re spoiling me,” he teases, his voice soft and full of affection.

“Maybe,” you reply with a playful smile, handing him a steaming bowl. “But you deserve it.”

He takes the bowl from you, his fingers brushing against yours and, for a moment, he just looks at you. “Thank you,” he says quietly, his voice sincere.

You smile back at him, feeling a deep sense of contentment as you both make your way to the small dining table. The two of you sit down, the warmth of the meal and the comfort of each other’s presence making the night feel just right.

As you eat together in the soft glow of the kitchen lights, Sunwoo keeps stealing glances at you, his expression one of pure happiness. And when he finally finishes his meal, he leans back in his chair, sighing with satisfaction.

“Best ramyun I’ve ever had,” he declares, a playful twinkle in his eye.

You laugh softly, shaking your head. “You always say that.”

“Because it’s always true,” he replies, his smile widening. “Especially when you make it.”

The two of you linger at the table for a while longer, the conversation light and easy, filled with quiet laughter and the kind of comfortable silences that come with knowing each other so well.

After a while, with the meal finished and your conversation winding down, you begin to gather the empty bowls and utensils. Sunwoo starts to stand, clearly intending to help, but you gently nudge him back into his chair with a soft smile. “I’ve got this,” you insist, stacking the bowls in your hands. “You just relax.”

He opens his mouth to protest, but the contentment in your eyes stops him. Instead, he leans back, a fond smile playing on his lips as he watches you move around the kitchen. There’s a warmth in the way he looks at you, a mixture of admiration and affection that makes your heart flutter.

As you turn on the faucet and start rinsing the dishes, you hear the soft creak of the chair as Sunwoo finally rises from his seat. You’re about to remind him that you have everything under control when you feel his arms slide around your waist, pulling you gently back against him. His presence is a comforting weight, his body warm against yours as he rests his chin on your shoulder yet again.

“Couldn’t just sit and watch you work,” he murmurs, his voice a low hum against your ear. “Not when I could be close to you instead.”

A smile tugs at your lips as you continue washing the dishes, his touch grounding you in the moment. “You always have to be close, don’t you?” you tease, your voice light as you scrub the remnants of ramyun from the bowls.

“Can you blame me?” he replies, his breath warm against your neck as he nuzzles into your hair.

His hands slide up your sides, settling just under your ribs as he pulls you even closer, his fingers splaying out as if to keep you there. There’s a quiet intensity in the way he holds you, his touch lingering and affectionate, making even this simple task feel like something more.

You tilt your head slightly, glancing at him from the corner of your eye. “You know, this isn’t exactly helping me finish the dishes,” you point out with a playful grin, though there’s no real protest in your tone.

“Maybe not,” Sunwoo concedes, his lips brushing against the curve of your neck as he speaks. “But it’s making me feel better.”

You laugh softly, the sound mingling with the quiet clink of dishes being washed. “I guess that’s worth something.”

The two of you stay like that for a while, the rhythm of washing dishes punctuated by the steady rise and fall of his breath against your back. It’s a different kind of intimacy, one that feels just as meaningful as any grand gesture—a shared moment of domesticity.

As you place the last dish in the drying rack, you turn in his arms, facing him with a smile. “All done,” you announce, wiping your hands on a nearby towel.

Sunwoo doesn’t move away, his hands still resting lightly on your hips as he gazes down at you with a contented smile. “Thank you,” he says softly, his voice filled with warmth.

“For what?” you ask, tilting your head slightly in curiosity.

“For everything,” he replies, his eyes searching yours as if trying to convey just how much he means it. “For the food, for letting me stay over... and for just being you.”

You reach up, cupping his face in your hands as you lean in to press a gentle kiss to his lips. It’s soft, unhurried.

When you pull back, Sunwoo’s smile has grown lazy and his eyes half-lidded. “What do you say we head to bed?” he suggests, his voice still soft but laced with a hint of playfulness.

"I hope you're only planning on sleeping. You're still not sober, you know?" you remind him.

"You sober me up," he argues while wrapping his arms around you and nuzzling his face in your neck again.

"Mhm, sure, babe." You pat his head and move him to the side to get him a glass of water. "I'm putting a glass of water by your side of the bed in case you wake up in the middle of the night, okay?"

Sunwoo hums in response. He seems to have already forgotten his earlier mission, and is lazily making his way to your bedroom. You watch his slumped figure wobble to the door and open it. He looks back at you expectantly, and you immediately follow after him.

While you change into your pajamas, Sunwoo rips off his clothes until he's only in his underwear—even when it's cold outside, he prefers to sleep this way. He gets into bed, and you get in shortly after him. His arms wrap around you slowly, feeling your skin under his palms as he drags his hands around your body. Your head naturally falls into the crook of his neck, and you finally smell it. It's faint, like he had tried to wash it away, but it was still there.

"Babe," you whisper.

"Yeah?"

"Did you put on my perfume?"

feedback is always welcomed!

[chaosroid]

Cyberpunk's expansion will supposedly overhaul the original game

Police system is reworked and depending on your wanted level, you'll have multiple tiers of NCPD/mercs chasing you in vehicles. It'll be possible to have lvl 5 Maxtac chasing you and a bossfight against them

Perks and skills have been overhauled, no longer just passive stat boosts, but more active abilities like different melee finishers, dashing, and the ability to deflect bullets with melee weapons

A new 6th skill tree for adding new abilities to your cyberware

Loot tiers are reworked

More variety in enemy combat encounters

Installing cyberware now has an effect on V's body and too much will inflict cyberpsychosis

Installing cyberware now has a first person cutscene animation added to it

Can now attune cyberware to one of your attributes, enhancing its efficiency (i.e optical camo attuned to 'cool' attribute)

Armour stats no longer tied to clothing, but your cybernetics

Vehicle combat is added, including the ability to use your katana on a bike

Vehicles are no longer bought from fixers, but through a website set up by Mama Welles

Certain vehicles have weaponry installed on them (gatling guns or rocket launchers)

Repeatable radiant quests will be added involving vehicle theft

New activity called Airdrops where loot caches drop randomly on the map that you can fight over and retrieve

New random events/activities are added to make the world feel more alive (i.e car chases and gang fights)

Edit: These changes will come in Patch 1.7, which will be free to everyone (with the exception of last gen console owners)

[source]

[sweethoneyrose83]

Murder Drones Recipe Ideas

1. Nori-Byte Bites

Ingredients: Sushi rice, nori (seaweed), avocado, imitation crab, sesame seeds, soy sauce

Inspiration: These mini sushi bites are designed to resemble small, compact "bytes" of data or power packs that Murder Drones might consume. The nori wraps give them a dark, sleek look.

Presentation: Shape into perfect squares or cubes for a robotic, mechanical feel. Top with small sesame seeds to resemble tiny data points or circuits.

2. Blackout Burgers

Ingredients: Black brioche buns, beef patties (or plant-based patties), cheddar cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, spicy aioli

Inspiration: A sleek, dark burger to mimic the ominous atmosphere of the Murder Drones universe.

Presentation: Serve with a side of fries shaped into jagged "energy" strips, and top the burger with a glowing-red ketchup swirl or spicy sauce to resemble glowing drone eyes.

3. Nano-Wire Noodles

Ingredients: Squid ink pasta, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, shrimp or tofu

Inspiration: These dark, tangled noodles resemble high-tech cables or wires, giving a mechanical yet sleek vibe.

Presentation: Plate in a swirling pattern, and garnish with red chili flakes to resemble scattered debris from drone battles.

4. Plasma Punch

Ingredients: Blue curaçao, lemonade, sparkling water, edible glitter

Inspiration: A futuristic, glowing blue drink to resemble the plasma energy drones might use to power themselves.

Presentation: Serve in a clear glass with glowing ice cubes (LED-embedded ice cubes for an extra cool effect) and a sprinkling of edible glitter to give it a radiant, tech-like shine.

5. Techno Tarts

Ingredients: Puff pastry, dark chocolate, red raspberry filling, powdered sugar

Inspiration: These tart-like pastries resemble hard, metallic exteriors with dark, sinister cores, perfect for a Murder Drone-themed treat.

Presentation: Cut the pastries into geometric shapes like triangles or hexagons, drizzling with raspberry sauce for a blood-like appearance. Dust lightly with powdered sugar to create a contrast between dark and light.

6. Circuit Board Cookies

Ingredients: Black cocoa sugar cookies, green royal icing, edible silver pearls

Inspiration: Decorate these cookies to resemble circuit boards or robotic components.

Presentation: Use a piping bag to create intricate green icing patterns mimicking circuits, adding silver pearls as connectors or "nodes" on the board.

7. "Oil and Gears" Spaghetti

Ingredients: Squid ink pasta (for that oily, dark look), ground beef or plant-based meat, black olives, and diced sun-dried tomatoes.

Instructions:

Cook squid ink pasta to give a "mechanical oil" effect.

Sauté ground beef or plant-based meat with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives for a savory, rich sauce.

Serve the pasta with the sauce and garnish with shaved parmesan resembling "metal shavings."

8. "Blood Battery" Smoothie

Ingredients: Mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), coconut milk, and chia seeds.

Instructions:

Blend berries and coconut milk into a deep red smoothie that looks like a "battery fluid" but tastes delicious.

Add chia seeds for texture, mimicking the look of tiny bits of circuitry.

9. "Broken Drone" Nachos

Ingredients: Black tortilla chips, queso, shredded chicken or beef, jalapeños, and avocado.

Instructions:

Scatter black tortilla chips on a baking sheet like "broken drone parts."

Layer with queso, shredded chicken, and jalapeños, and bake until melted and crispy.

Add chunks of avocado to represent the "core systems."

10. "Circuit Board" Pizza

Ingredients: Flatbread, pesto, mozzarella, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and basil.

Instructions:

Spread pesto on the flatbread as the "circuit board."

Arrange mozzarella slices to look like "wiring" and use olives and tomatoes as "buttons" or "nodes."

Bake until cheese is bubbly and garnish with basil leaves for extra "green circuits."

11. "Metallic Heart" Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients: Dark chocolate, heavy cream, and edible metallic luster dust.

Instructions:

Make classic chocolate truffles by melting dark chocolate and mixing with cream to form the ganache.

Shape into hearts and coat with edible metallic luster dust for a shiny, "robotic heart" look.

12. "Battery Acid" Lemonade

Ingredients: Lemon juice, blue curacao, club soda, and ice.

Instructions:

Mix lemon juice and blue curacao for a sour yet strikingly electric blue drink.

Add club soda for some fizz, and serve over ice in clear glasses to resemble "battery acid."

13. "Rust and Decay" Brownies

Ingredients: Dark chocolate brownie mix, cocoa powder, and red food coloring.

Instructions:

Bake brownies using dark chocolate mix.

Add red food coloring to some cocoa powder and sprinkle over the top of the cooled brownies to create the appearance of "rusty decay."

14. Drone Eye Cake Pops

Ingredients:

Cake mix (flavor of your choice)

White chocolate coating

Red candy melts

Candy eyes

Black gel icing

Instructions:

Bake the cake and crumble it into fine crumbs.

Mix the crumbs with frosting to form dough and shape into small balls.

Dip the cake balls in melted white chocolate and let them set.

Drizzle red candy melts to create a "bloody" effect and add candy eyes.

Use black gel icing to add details.

Inspiration: These represent the "eyes" of the drones, with the red candy melt resembling their bloodthirsty tendencies.

15. Oil Spill Ice Cream Sundae

Ingredients:

Chocolate ice cream

Oreo crumbs

Black syrup (chocolate or black food coloring)

Silver sprinkles

Instructions:

Scoop chocolate ice cream into bowls.

Top with crushed Oreo crumbs for a crunchy, "oil spill" effect.

Drizzle black syrup to make it look like spilled oil.

Sprinkle with silver sprinkles for a robotic touch.

Inspiration: A dark and delicious treat inspired by the idea of oil spills and machinery gone wrong in the Murder Drones universe.

16. Blood Orange Sparkling Punch

Ingredients:

4 cups of blood orange juice

1 cup cranberry juice

2 cups sparkling water

Fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

Mix the blood orange juice and cranberry juice.

Add the sparkling water to give it a bubbly effect.

Garnish with fresh rosemary for an eerie, metallic touch.

Inspiration: The punch represents the "oil" or "fuel" that robots might run on, with the blood orange juice symbolizing the dark, ominous mood of the Murder Drones world.

[rehauindia]

https://www.rehau.com/in-en/radiant-cooling

High-efficient radiant cooling system for hospitals and nursing homes. REHAU is a German-based geothermal cooling system manufacturer brand in India.

[actual-changeling]

Uh. Hi! I'm Alex and I love writing pain.

I've seen the angst war going on and I am incredibly tempted to contribute; I'm not quite sure of the rules (if there are any) so feel free to bring me up to speed. Updates will be at whatever pace is fun/doable for me, interactions, asks etc. always very much appreciated 💚

@goodomensafterdark @daneecastle @gleafer @gahellhimself-blog @vavoom-sorted-art @kotias

I will put appropriate content tags on every chapter and make a masterpost once I have a handful of posts. Please keep in mind that this series is going to deal with a heavy dose of unreality, self-injurious behaviour, substance abuse, erratic behaviour/mood swings, and more. There will be a happy ending.

Now, without further ado, the first instalment of what is going to be us following Crowley down the path of (hopefully temporary) insanity.

rest your head \\ chapter 1

(~800 w, no additional warnings)

Sleep deprivation, while usually not fatal, is not the least bit pleasant. Human brains require sleep to function—and not just their minds, either. The entire body breaks down oh so slowly as every system designed to keep it alive deteriorates without the comforting embrace of unconsciousness.

However, the actual cause of death is yet to be identified, and luckily Crowley's corporation functions on the principle of 'what it doesn't know won't kill it'.

Over the centuries, earthly indulgences have become more and more common, pleasures easily sought and found no matter where he went, although nothing ever beat a good night's (or decade's) rest. Sleep calms his mind and allows him to drift through time without a care, surrounded by ever-shifting dream clouds and the occasional vivid interference. In short, it takes away the pain, and Someone knows there is a lot to carry when he returns home for the first time in four years.

No dust had dared to settle on the furniture, and the familiar smell of damp earth welcomes him. Locking the door behind him, Crowley blindly finds his way through the corridors, kicking off his shoes as he goes and throwing his glasses onto the nearest surface. When he pushes into his bedroom, which is just as pristine as he had left it, the anger churning in his gut cools.

Home. Has he ever had a home? Once upon a time, maybe, before time had been born, surrounded by breathing nebulae and void, and then—

Eden. Him. Right, that's done.

A snap of his fingers and his clothes change into a set of silk pyjamas, the fabric brushing over his skin like liquid silver, and the black-out curtains snap shut. Darkvision is one of the advantages of being a demon, but he finds the dark has nothing to offer him today, so he closes his eyes and pulls back the sheets to curl around a pillow.

Images flicker in the pulsating emptiness left behind, piercing blue eyes and fluttering hands, a press of lips against his, words digging into his skull like tadpoles making a home within his brain matter. Electricity crawls over his slowly numbing body, urging him to disappear, to sink into nothingness and waste away until he is a dried stain on the mattress. 

No one will come looking for him, after all.

Maybe the world will be brighter once he wakes, the pain duller, the loneliness less aching and all-consuming. Within his chest bleeds a hollow, jagged wound, dripping black blood and drowning the radiant remnants of Aziraphale's presence; his essence is familiar, it's- home. 

Crowley does not need to sleep, yet somewhere between Rome and the present, he had forgotten about it, his corporation shifting and changing, craving rest and punishing him for its absence. It will not kill him, it does not even occur to him that it might, but there are countless fates worth than death and he is already living one of them. What's another added to the mess his life has become?

His nails dig into the pillow case, his consciousness choking on the scorched battlefield of the day, but no matter how hard he tries, how desperately he commands his body to bend to his wills, sleep refuses to come. A new, different kind of pain rises, worse than fatigue and infinitely more addictive. Its sting is battery acid on his tongue, infusing him with a restlessness that is scratching on his bones, and when blue irises keep mocking him behind closed lids, he forces his eyes open, turns onto his back, and stares at the ceiling, waiting.

Light wanders and shifts, barely visible through the heavy fabric adorning his windows, and it dips behind the horizon before reappearing on the other side. Crowley stares at white paint and counts the moving dots gradually clouding his vision, absently pressing his knuckles against his sternum over and over—whether to calm himself or to chase away mental pain with physical is beyond his awareness. 

Both, neither, maybe. 

His too-human body protests and whines, and once he begins to see blue shadows in his periphery, Crowley bites his tongue and gets up. Coffee will help, then a hot shower, and yelling his plants back into order is going to occupy most of his afternoon anyway, so what's a night without sleep?

The next one will bring him the rest he needs, and Aziraphale's eyes will stop striking him down whenever he blinks. He is alone now (alone in London, alone on earth, his chest constricts and twists at the thought, stealing his breath) and he will have to get used to it; it'll be fine eventually, right?

—

Three days later Crowley is staring at his bedroom ceiling, impatient, restless, exhausted, and attempting to chase away the bone-white teeth hovering underneath lightning-blue eyes.

"Fine, have it your way," he snaps eventually, his voice too loud in an empty room, and feels the smile breathing down his neck all the way to the kitchen.

[abalidoth]

what is cosmere? (is that what its called?)

The Cosmere is a big, interconnected fantasy universe that is the setting of most of the works by the author Brandon Sanderson. The cool thing about his books is that each series is contained to its own world, and you can read any of them in isolation without realizing you're missing anything, but if you read them all you get a sense of the larger plot happening behind the scenes as those worlds start to collide and things cross over.

Brandon's magic systems tend to be very rule-based and well-defined, with a lot of twists being characters finding interesting ways to use those rules of magic. This lends itself well to the crossovers, because all the magic systems (as different as they are) share the same underpinning principles.

Here's some quick rundowns of different series and standalones in the Cosmere:

The Stormlight Archive

Planned ten-book series, currently four books are out.

A massive sprawling epic about the world Roshar, that's hit by a hurricane about every four days, and all the life has adapted to survive that environment. Knights Radiant -- superpowered individuals with a close bond to a spirit -- are starting to re-emerge in the world after being absent for centuries.

Because there are so many characters, this is where a lot of the character fandom tends to focus their efforts. I wouldn't recommend starting with it, though -- the first book alone is a thousand pages. I'd wait until you have a sense of Brandon's writing. But it's very good.

Mistborn

One trilogy (completed), one tetralogy set a couple hundred years later (completed), two trilogies some time in the future.

One cool thing about this series is that it follows one world (Scadrial) from a vaguely Renaissance tech level in the first trilogy, to 1920s in the second series, and eventually 1980s in the third and space-age magic in the fourth.

The magic itself is very intricate and all woven around metals -- there are people called Metalborn who can ingest metals and burn them in their stomachs to get different effects, including super-senses, strength, and Magneto-ish metallokinesis. That last bit makes the gunfights in the second series particularly fun.

The first book is a heist novel about robbing a thousand-year-old God-Emperor blind. It's a pretty good place to start, although it's a pretty hefty novel to start with.

The Emperor's Soul

I'm putting this one in a different category from the rest of the one-offs for a very good reason -- it's, in my opinion, the single best place to start reading the Cosmere.

It's a novella (just over a hundred pages) about a forger named Shai who uses magic to rewrite the histories of objects. She is captured by the government of an empire to reforge the soul of their Emperor, who has been left braindead after an assassination attempt, in the 100 days before the mourning period is over.

It's a fantastic meditation on art, a cool introduction to the way Brandon writes both characters and magic systems, and Shai herself is one of my favorite Cosmere characters. If any of this sounds at all interesting to you, I recommend you check it out.

One-offs

Brandon has also written a bunch of one-off novels in the Cosmere.

Elantris: His first book, and the one that my tattoo is from. About a prince who is affected by a dark transformation and thrown into a city of fellow undead, and the princess betrothed to him who arrives just in time to be told he died. Good, but suffers from some first book issues, pacing problems, and weird plot cul-de-sacs. Set in the same world as The Emperor's Soul, although there's basically no crossover.

Warbreaker: About a world where souls (Breaths) are bought and sold, and used to animate objects to do work, ruled by The Returned, living gods who require a steady dose of Breaths to live. One of my favorites, and an essential if you'd like to get into the crossover-y parts of the cosmere, as it introduces a bunch of elements that show up later (Especially in Stormlight)

Tress of the Emerald Sea: The first of his wildly successful Kickstarter project books, it's a fairy tale style story about a girl who braves a sea of bubbling, deadly spores to rescue the man she loves. It's lovely, especially if you're into a more Diana Wynne Jones kind of vibe to your fantasy. Probably a pretty good place to start!

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter: The third Kickstarter book. About a shrine priestess who stacks rocks to draw spirits, and a man who paints the nightmares that roam the streets of his city to banish them -- they become trapped in each other's places and must learn about each other's worlds to survive. This is currently my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE cosmere novel, oh my GOD it's so good. I'm not sure it's a great place to start, as a lot of the conclusion might feel a bit rushed if you don't have a good feel for the vibe of how Brandon writes magic, but honestly it might stand alone just fine even then.

The Sunlit Man: Fourth Kickstarter book. I haven't read this one yet.

Novellas: There are a bunch of novellas and short stories, some set on worlds we haven't otherwise seen, some set on Roshar or Scadrial.

If any of this sounds good to you, I recommend you give his writing a shot. He's one of my all time favorite writers (the tattoo should prove that, lol) and the Cosmere fandom is by and large wonderful and welcoming. I've made many lifelong friendships there.

[tsa24city-hostel]

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RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING - CHILLED CEILINGS:  https://continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/courses/price-industries/architects-warm-to-chilled-ceilings/1/

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[psychedelic-charm]

Murder Drones Recipe Ideas

1. Nori-Byte Bites

Ingredients: Sushi rice, nori (seaweed), avocado, imitation crab, sesame seeds, soy sauce

Inspiration: These mini sushi bites are designed to resemble small, compact "bytes" of data or power packs that Murder Drones might consume. The nori wraps give them a dark, sleek look.

Presentation: Shape into perfect squares or cubes for a robotic, mechanical feel. Top with small sesame seeds to resemble tiny data points or circuits.

2. Blackout Burgers

Ingredients: Black brioche buns, beef patties (or plant-based patties), cheddar cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, spicy aioli

Inspiration: A sleek, dark burger to mimic the ominous atmosphere of the Murder Drones universe.

Presentation: Serve with a side of fries shaped into jagged "energy" strips, and top the burger with a glowing-red ketchup swirl or spicy sauce to resemble glowing drone eyes.

3. Nano-Wire Noodles

Ingredients: Squid ink pasta, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, shrimp or tofu

Inspiration: These dark, tangled noodles resemble high-tech cables or wires, giving a mechanical yet sleek vibe.

Presentation: Plate in a swirling pattern, and garnish with red chili flakes to resemble scattered debris from drone battles.

4. Plasma Punch

Ingredients: Blue curaçao, lemonade, sparkling water, edible glitter

Inspiration: A futuristic, glowing blue drink to resemble the plasma energy drones might use to power themselves.

Presentation: Serve in a clear glass with glowing ice cubes (LED-embedded ice cubes for an extra cool effect) and a sprinkling of edible glitter to give it a radiant, tech-like shine.

5. Techno Tarts

Ingredients: Puff pastry, dark chocolate, red raspberry filling, powdered sugar

Inspiration: These tart-like pastries resemble hard, metallic exteriors with dark, sinister cores, perfect for a Murder Drone-themed treat.

Presentation: Cut the pastries into geometric shapes like triangles or hexagons, drizzling with raspberry sauce for a blood-like appearance. Dust lightly with powdered sugar to create a contrast between dark and light.

6. Circuit Board Cookies

Ingredients: Black cocoa sugar cookies, green royal icing, edible silver pearls

Inspiration: Decorate these cookies to resemble circuit boards or robotic components.

Presentation: Use a piping bag to create intricate green icing patterns mimicking circuits, adding silver pearls as connectors or "nodes" on the board.

7. "Oil and Gears" Spaghetti

Ingredients: Squid ink pasta (for that oily, dark look), ground beef or plant-based meat, black olives, and diced sun-dried tomatoes.

Instructions:

Cook squid ink pasta to give a "mechanical oil" effect.

Sauté ground beef or plant-based meat with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives for a savory, rich sauce.

Serve the pasta with the sauce and garnish with shaved parmesan resembling "metal shavings."

8. "Blood Battery" Smoothie

Ingredients: Mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), coconut milk, and chia seeds.

Instructions:

Blend berries and coconut milk into a deep red smoothie that looks like a "battery fluid" but tastes delicious.

Add chia seeds for texture, mimicking the look of tiny bits of circuitry.

9. "Broken Drone" Nachos

Ingredients: Black tortilla chips, queso, shredded chicken or beef, jalapeños, and avocado.

Instructions:

Scatter black tortilla chips on a baking sheet like "broken drone parts."

Layer with queso, shredded chicken, and jalapeños, and bake until melted and crispy.

Add chunks of avocado to represent the "core systems."

10. "Circuit Board" Pizza

Ingredients: Flatbread, pesto, mozzarella, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and basil.

Instructions:

Spread pesto on the flatbread as the "circuit board."

Arrange mozzarella slices to look like "wiring" and use olives and tomatoes as "buttons" or "nodes."

Bake until cheese is bubbly and garnish with basil leaves for extra "green circuits."

11. "Metallic Heart" Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients: Dark chocolate, heavy cream, and edible metallic luster dust.

Instructions:

Make classic chocolate truffles by melting dark chocolate and mixing with cream to form the ganache.

Shape into hearts and coat with edible metallic luster dust for a shiny, "robotic heart" look.

12. "Battery Acid" Lemonade

Ingredients: Lemon juice, blue curacao, club soda, and ice.

Instructions:

Mix lemon juice and blue curacao for a sour yet strikingly electric blue drink.

Add club soda for some fizz, and serve over ice in clear glasses to resemble "battery acid."

13. "Rust and Decay" Brownies

Ingredients: Dark chocolate brownie mix, cocoa powder, and red food coloring.

Instructions:

Bake brownies using dark chocolate mix.

Add red food coloring to some cocoa powder and sprinkle over the top of the cooled brownies to create the appearance of "rusty decay."

14. Drone Eye Cake Pops

Ingredients:

Cake mix (flavor of your choice)

White chocolate coating

Red candy melts

Candy eyes

Black gel icing

Instructions:

Bake the cake and crumble it into fine crumbs.

Mix the crumbs with frosting to form dough and shape into small balls.

Dip the cake balls in melted white chocolate and let them set.

Drizzle red candy melts to create a "bloody" effect and add candy eyes.

Use black gel icing to add details.

Inspiration: These represent the "eyes" of the drones, with the red candy melt resembling their bloodthirsty tendencies.

15. Oil Spill Ice Cream Sundae

Ingredients:

Chocolate ice cream

Oreo crumbs

Black syrup (chocolate or black food coloring)

Silver sprinkles

Instructions:

Scoop chocolate ice cream into bowls.

Top with crushed Oreo crumbs for a crunchy, "oil spill" effect.

Drizzle black syrup to make it look like spilled oil.

Sprinkle with silver sprinkles for a robotic touch.

Inspiration: A dark and delicious treat inspired by the idea of oil spills and machinery gone wrong in the Murder Drones universe.

16. Blood Orange Sparkling Punch

Ingredients:

4 cups of blood orange juice

1 cup cranberry juice

2 cups sparkling water

Fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

Mix the blood orange juice and cranberry juice.

Add the sparkling water to give it a bubbly effect.

Garnish with fresh rosemary for an eerie, metallic touch.

Inspiration: The punch represents the "oil" or "fuel" that robots might run on, with the blood orange juice symbolizing the dark, ominous mood of the Murder Drones world.

[anyamaris]

Chasing Fate

Word Count- 4k

Summary- When you find yourself running behind, fate draws you into a random coffee shop where a dark figure takes an otherworldly interest in you.

Pairing- Falling Angel!Soobin x writer!fem!reader

Genre/Trope-Strangers to Lovers AU, Fated Lovers AU smut

Warnings- Vulgarity, sexual language, unprotected sex, oral (f receiving) stalking behavior, darker themes (I mean, he is a fallen angel), possessive talk, minors DNI 18+

Tags- @cultofdionysusnet @wooyoungmybelovedhusband @yoonguurt @shinestarhwaa @stardragongalaxy @kpop-stories-21 @starlitmark@millennial-fangirl @ericssmile @wooahaeproductions@changbinslovelylegs @yeosxxx @millennial-fangirl @starillusion13 @duchesskaren @minki-moo

@cafekitsune Thank you for banners and dividers! 🤍💜🤍

A/N-Thank you to @mint-yooxgi for SOOOO much of this, from helping to develop Fallen Angel Soobin to some of the terms of endearment as well as supporting me every step of the way. @1-800-shedevil for beta reading and being my biggest hype sister. I adore you both so very much and love how much you support me. BIG KISSES!

The chime above the door rings through the small, cozy space as customers come and go throughout the day.  Day in, day out.  The murmur of voices, the grinding sound of roasted beans, the soft hiss of the frother as the baristas create some concoction or another. The daily dose of the bitter brew is the ultimate cure for the constant stream of half asleep zombies, each heading off to spend their day doing something productive.

It had been long since the figure in the corner had felt the urge to rush off to a destination like the steady parade of faceless figures he observes.  His stoic face unimpressed as he studies his colony of ants, plodding along to fulfill some small happiness within their short, sad lives.  

How he envied them.

It has been ages since his fall to this achromatic pit, a perpetual purgatory of anemic grey tormenting his wretched soul.  How could these mindless drudges laugh, smile, delight in something as simple as a steaming mug of espresso and milk? The inability to even stoke the fire of a mild irritation causes him to sigh, his hands having long bled the warmth from his own cup as he sits watching.  

His world is upended in the span of a second.

The chime of a bell.  

In the countless instances he’s heard that incessant ringing, this is the only one that matters as time seems to grind to a halt.  A cool breeze carries the scent of warm, buttery honey with a hint of floral citrus to balance the richness.  The aroma threatens to overwhelm him, long forgotten sensations stirring.  The potent shock of the resurrection of his emotions choke him, his hand unconsciously clasping his chest as he struggles to endure the assault. Only a moment ticks by as the scent reaches him, then he’s frozen in time as his world fills with color. Infinite shades of red inundate his sight, dark eyes locked onto the beautiful creature poised at the door, the curve of a smile in that rosy mantle sending a shockwave through his system.

The melodic tinkling of a small laugh shatters the tentative control he has over himself.  An aria cuts through the symphony of noise he’s endured for ages.  A singular voice reviving his entire being. 

His long atrophied heart seems to give out a painful shriek at the potent rush of his lifeblood.  The silent struggle of the shadow figure in the corner of the small cafe goes unnoticed, but for him, it’s as if he’s been resurrected, awakening from the tedium of his purgatory.  It was only a moment.

The moment that alters his entire existence.  

The moment he saw you.

The moment passes, and he can only cling to his teetering sanity, watching as you order your coffee.  You are exquisite, radiant beyond comprehension.  The curve of your neck causes him to tremble.  The lilt of your voice a sonata made for him alone, kindling his very soul.  

Your scent wakes him from his endless slumber, the sight of you defibrillating his long withered heart.  The sound of your laughter cuts through the never ending drone that surrounds him.  The world falls away around him and he can only see you.

His dark eyes blacken as he watches you leave, taking the cosmos with you. Abandoning him in the frigid, ceaseless void he’s been condemned to.  As your warmth seeps from the cafe, he stands, his purpose clear.

His hands clench as the need to touch you takes over his reason, longing for the sensation of your silky flesh in his palms.  His mouth salivates at the thought of your essence on his tongue.  There is no other purpose anymore.  He has only one objective, one singular desire.

You are his only aspiration now.  You are his holy grail. 

And he must have you. 

You were late, again.  Always running late.  But you had to have your morning coffee.  You have a meeting with a writer in a different location and it threw you off this morning, but you’d spotted a decent looking coffee shop on the way.  Luckily it hadn’t taken long to get in and out, and then you were on your way to your appointment.

“Slow down speed racer, your writer isn’t even here yet!” you hear someone yell and you just breathe out a sigh of relief, slowing down to relax for a moment before you make your way to the conference room.  Between your editing job with the company as well as being a writer yourself, you were always on the go or lost in your head in front of a computer screen.  Settling into your seat as your writer makes their way in, you just throw yourself into your workday.

By the time you’re opening your apartment door and kicking off your shoes that evening, you’re beyond exhausted.  You’d wanted nothing more than to shower and get a warm cup of something soothing and just lose yourself in your current story.  But after bathing and throwing on your comfy pajamas, your eyes are already drooping.  “Tomorrow…I’ll wake up early and write in the morning….” You murmur to the empty space, and before another thought can form, the bliss of sleep was washing over you.   

Your sleep was deep but restless, and as you sink into the haze of dreams you find yourself in a dark alley.  There’s no sign of life around, not the scurry of a rat, nor the bustle of any vehicles; none of the noise you’d hear deep inside the city.  The silence is eerie as you look around, but there’s a red glowing light surrounding you, almost as if you can see your own aura.  Confused but curious, you make your way out of the alley into the empty street.  

“Hello? Is anyone there?” you call out, and a warm breeze suddenly stirs the trash littering the alley around you, the rough scraping sound startling you.

“Yessss….” 

 The velvet utterance brushes against your senses, so much weight and significance behind the simple note as it engulfs your entire being. A shiver runs down your spine as the heat of the word seems to caress your skin delicately.  With a gasp, you spin around and face…nothing.  

“Who..are you?” you whisper, walking slowly down the bleak passage. Your arms are outstretched, reaching for the owner of the bewitching voice, even knowing that they should be drawing in around yourself. 

 “Yours.” 

The statement halts your breathing, the sheer power behind it almost knocking you to the ground.  “What-?” you begin, but a pressure halts your question, as electricity fills the air around you.  Force seems to bear down upon your soul as the rustling of wings and the muffled thump of boots on the pavement resonate behind you.  As you turn, your vision is filled with a large figure, massive black wings spanning your entire field of view.  The silhouette of a towering man steps towards you, hand extending towards you.

“Come to me…”

The voice seems to echo in your head as you sit up, gasping for air and clutching your chest, the damp garment clinging to your skin.  You can swear you hear the rustling once more of those massive wings from outside your window and a shiver wracks your body.  Not in fear…no…not in fear…

“Where are you?” you sigh, fingers reaching out into the darkness. An overwhelming feeling of loss settles over you in the quiet room, the distant sounds of the city waking up cutting through the haze of the predawn light.  Falling back against your pillows, you close your eyes, wondering why your dream affected you so much; why you longed to go back into your dreams to find the winged being who called out to you.

Days filled with writing, editing, and working.  Rushing to and fro, the bustle of the city around you fueling your mornings and afternoons into the early evening.  But it was the nighttime that you longed for; the dip of the sun below the horizon, the twilight’s call for your eyelids to drop.  For your slumber to overtake you so you can get one more glimpse of your mysterious stalker, your shadowy suitor.  Deep down you know that running from him is the correct response, yet his presence in your dreams inspires only an intense yearning, a hidden desire to be claimed by him. For him to assert his dominion, to step forward into the light so you may give yourself to him.  

Always upon waking, you find yourself continuing to look for him, though he exists only in your fantasies.  Perhaps your writing was bleeding into your subconscious and you just needed to bring him to life through your work.  

Perhaps.

The weeks turn to months and you desperately urge him from the shadows, calling to him through your words on paper, the pages on your computer screen.  Yet he eludes you, defying your every tactic to reveal himself.  Never have you struggled with a character as much as you have him.  He didn’t even have a name.

The more you write, the more you need to know him.  To see him, to feel him, to hear his voice again. 

To touch him.

Days filled with longing for the night, the anticipation of his nocturnal visit your primary goal.  For just one more night filled with his enigmatic presence, eyes closing eagerly for the imminent appearance of your winged obsession.

A mania seems to be overtaking your mind, almost distraught at his elusiveness as you give in to your exhausted slumber.

Yet another dream, the same dream, time and time again.  As you wake clutching your chest, you let out a mournful cry.  “Why can’t I get you out of my head?! You’re not even real!” your voice is thick with agony, a throbbing ache in your heart as well as between your legs.   

“Am I not?”

The velvet tone causes you to freeze in sudden fear as your curtains flutter, drawing your gaze.  A soft laugh washes over your entire being as you focus on the large dark figure on your balcony.  “I am as real as your desire for me.”  At your startled cry, the figure takes a step into the doorway.  He appears as massive as he is in your dreams and you can’t help but recognize the shiver of excitement under the thin veneer of fear.  

“You-you’re….this is a dream.” You tell the shadow gazing at you, vulnerable and alone in your bed.  Slipping from beneath the covers, you stand on shaking legs, telling yourself to run but…all your feet want to do is move towards him. “This isn’t rea-” Your statement is cut short as the man…or whatever he was is suddenly in front of you, arms to either side, encasing you against the wall. 

Your heart feels as if it’s trembling in your chest cavity and his instant proximity has you quivering. You hadn’t even seen him move. “What-” your voice cracks and you swallow, trying once more.  “What do you want?” You stare into his eyes, his features now visible.  Dark hair that frames his beautiful face, eyes black and gleaming in the moonlight.  His plush lips form a smile as his lashes flutter, a soft laugh emanating from his throat.  Velvet and honey with a slight edge, you can’t help but feel yourself react to him.  Clenching your thighs together, you let out a small whimper.  

His pause is heavy with significance as he seems to inhale you, his nostrils gently flaring, his lips parting on an audible exhale.  “What is it I want?” he asks, head tilting as his eyes open, capturing your gaze in his.  It seems a galaxy of stars have taken up residence in them and you long to explore their infinite depths.  “You ask the wrong question, my precious one.” his tone lowers even more as he brings his lips to your ear, the sensation of his breath eliciting an involuntary moan.  

“It is not what I want ... .but whom. That I am here with you should answer that quite succinctly.”  His words wash over you like a wildfire, your entire being, your very soul screaming for his touch.  “It seems I am not alone in my yearning.” He chuckles softly.  “I can smell your desire, beloved.”  Your cheeks burn at his words but there is no way to refute them.  The moisture pooling at your core defies any argument you try to form against him.

“You can…smell…me?” you manage, throat working desperately, palms planted to the wall behind you.  Yet, despite how near he is, he’s not laid one single finger on you.  This fact should calm your racing heart, yet it only serves to accelerate the pace.  Instead of answering your question he merely draws in another deep breath, letting out a small purr to agitate your already frenzied senses.  

“Are you-are you here to…hurt me?” you whisper and the sudden hiss as he draws back to look at you sends a shock through your system.  His eyes almost swallow you whole as his entire body seems to shake. “The very thought of harm coming to you pains me in ways you cannot comprehend.” The honeyed voice is now as sharp as a razor's edge, yet your thirst for him only increases at his words.  “I would rend flesh from any being who so much as dares to consider such a vile thought.” 

“I simply long to touch you…to press my lips to yours…to hold your precious hand in mine.  You’ve captured my very soul with your existence, and I am yours to command.”  As you quake at his confession, he sinks to one knee before you, his heavenly face tipped up to gaze at you.  “I will not lay a single finger upon you without your permission, despite my overwhelming longing for you.”  

This must be a dream, you think to yourself as you take in his form, crouched before you, glorious eyes begging for you to accept him.  Slowly raising your palm from the wall, you find yourself reaching for him, tipping your hand to bring your palm to his cheek.  The breath he lets out at your touch is filled with relief, as a man dying of thirst takes his first sip of water.  He vibrates under the simple caress of your hand, as if the connection has completed some broken electrical current.  

“If I allow you to touch me, what then?” you find yourself asking, and his body stills, a pressure seeming to fill the room.  Ever so slowly you watch his large black wings unfurl as he stands to his full, commanding height. You can only watch in awe as the massive appendages loom over you, as he splays his large hand, palm out towards you.  “You would be granting this fallen angel sanctuary in his endless tormented existence.  To be granted your warm embrace would be the ultimate solace to my anguished continuance. For this…for you alone, I would bestow upon you any treasure, fulfill every hunger, lay the very world at your feet, if you so crave it.”

“And if my only want is you, and you alone?” you dare to ask, your breath hitching, throat closing tightly as you watch the tremor in his extended hand at your words.  His lashes flutter as his tongue darts out over his bottom lip, hooded eyes never leaving yours.  “Then it is I who would be receiving the most priceless of treasures in you, for you are the world in my eyes.” 

True to his word, even though you can feel the room itself almost vibrate with his energy, he has not disturbed one hair on your head.  He merely watches you with an infinite patience that defies the intensity of his gaze.  Time appears to stop as you consume the picture of this dark angel in front of you, this beautiful heavenly being offering you your every desire.  For the longest moment you just savor his form, pure radiance illuminated by the white light of the moon haloing him.  

Without a word you step forward, raising your hand palm out to press to his, staring into the endless abyss of his eyes.  “You may have me, take me, touch me, taste me in any way you so wish if you answer one simple question for me.” you breathe out, the tingle of your skin against his drawing out a small gasp.  “Ask and it shall be yours.”  No hesitation, only the eager urge to please as he observes you.  

“I wish to know your name.” you breathe out, your fingers interlacing with his.  His eyes close slowly, and he sighs out heavily, a tremor rippling through the length of his body.  “You may call me Soobin.” tumbles off his lips a moment before they are upon yours, his arm wrapping around your waist to tug you into him.  “Soobin-” you gasp into his mouth and he hums in delight as you let go of his hand to wrap your arms around his broad shoulders.  

“How I’ve longed to hear you say my name, My Light.” his breath mixes with yours as his tongue plunges into your mouth, free hand dipping to cup your ass and press himself into you.  It’s obvious he’s large in every aspect as he lifts and you wrap your legs around him.  The moan that escapes your throat is full of need as he grinds himself into your core, eliciting a sharp gasp from him.  Before you can register, your panties are torn from your body, leaving you only wearing the flimsy shirt you’d gone to bed in.  “Oh-please touch me, please fucking touch me-” you are crying out, and he complies immediately his long fingers on your ass brushing against your weeping slit as he presses his clothed crotch to your sensitive nub.  The friction of his pants against you tears a moan from your lips, and his mouth is eager to receive it.  

“Anything for you, anything you want-” he groans as his fingers tease at your entrance, his mouth trailing kisses down your chin, to your jawline and along your neck.  Your hips have a mind of their own, jerking and writhing as he spreads your pussy from behind.  “So fucking soaked, My Precious….” he growls into your neck, sharp teeth brushing your pulse.  “Soobin!” you cry as he pulls back, his hands withdrawing to grasp your thighs, almost sobbing at the loss.  But before you can so much as utter another word, he’s on his knees before you, throwing your thighs over his shoulders.  “My tongue longs for your taste-” he hisses, then he’s burying his face into you, overwhelming you with a flood of pleasure.  

You can feel his fingers, spreading you apart, your wet folds sucked into his mouth as his nose nudges your clit.  Immediately your hands are in his hair, tugging as you cry out his name.  The wet noises of his tongue as he laps at you, then draws back to suck eagerly on your aching bud have your thighs trembling as he holds you in place.  “You taste better than ambrosia, My Light, I could drink from you for eternity-” his whispered voice only adds to the intensity as you feel the familiar burn of your impending orgasm building.  “Oh Soobin-” you moan out and his fingers dig into the flesh of your thighs, his tongue slipping inside of you as his nose rubs your clit.  

The moment his tongue enters you, you can’t hold back any longer and you’re screaming and bucking in his arms, flooding his tongue and face with your climax.  He lets out pleased noises as he holds you in place, indulging himself in every last drop before he finally presses a kiss to your bud.  He stands and lifts your limp body gently, moving to splay you out on the bed. Removing your shirt with a tug, he sheds his own clothes quickly before climbs between your legs, his long thighs parting yours.  You rake your eyes over his long, lean body, still quivering with the after effects of his mouth, opening easily to him as he hovers over you.  

The urgency of your desire for him is so profound that you feel tears prick your eyes, reaching for him in desperation as he settles his weight onto you.  “Please, please-oh I need you-please-” the endless pleading falling from your lips darkens his eyes, his lip in his teeth as he slides his long length against your dripping cunt.  “You’re mine, my precious love.  My Light, My Heart, My Soulmate-” he whispers softly as he shifts his hips, drawing back to position his cockhead to press against your tight opening.  “Yours-take me, I’m yours, please-” His hand grasps yours as he grips the sheets in the other, your hips lifting to add to the needy cries.  

His gaze holds yours as he pushes forward into you, his thick girth stretching as his lips part in a moan.  “Yes! Oh please-” you cry out, and a ragged moan rips from his throat as he thrusts forward, burying his cock to the hilt within you.  “Don’t stop!” You scream and he complies, hips drawing back to snap back into you, his moans and cries harmonizing with yours.  The sting and burn of his girth stuffing you full only adds to the insane rapture, making you whole.  As if without him you were an unfinished puzzle and he is the final piece.  

You take in his glorious features, his lust glazed eyes as he thrusts into you, his beautiful parted lips, his massive wings a canopy over you as if he’s shielding you both from the world.  On a whim, you drop your fingers to work at the muscles of his back where the wings protrude and he lets out a musical medley of moans and cries, his hips rolling as he plunges faster and harder.  Your entire body is on fire, every touch, every breath of his raging across your nerves, your nipples tightening as you arch your back.  

“More, more, more, I want to hear you sing for me-” you gasp and he starts to tremble as you clutch a wing in each hand, his cries only swelling in volume as he drops down to claim your mouth with his.  Your thumbs knead along the muscle of his wings and his hips begin to stutter as you tip your hips up, the friction of his body pressing against your clit.  The tight coil deep within you threatens to shatter as his breathing hitches, his mouth torn from yours on a long moan.  “Everything, give me everything, come in me, fill me, Soobin-Complete me-” 

His eyes meet yours and you gasp at the pure white swirling in them as he parts his lips to let out a strained cry, choking on his moan as he tips you over the edge with him.  Your strangled cries blend with his in a symphony of bliss; you feel him burst within you as you clamp around him, clenching and pulsing together as you both let go.  Waves of pleasure wash over you as he empties himself, your tight walls milking him dry before he finally collapses on you, his head pressed into your neck.  His irregular breaths puff against your skin, the sensation causing you to clench around him again, drawing out a whimper as he wraps his arms around you.  

“Mine.  All mine.” he rasps out and you just run your fingers through his silky hair, sighing in contentment.  “You belong to me now, as I belong to you.”  he whispers, drawing back and cradling your face in his palm.  A warm rosy glow surrounds you both, seeming to pulse in time with your matching heartbeats. 

“At long last, I’ve found my heaven on earth, and I’ll never let you go.”

[luckshmi]

Ayurvedic Secrets to Radiant Skin: Understanding Your Dosha and Simple Homemade Skincare

In the pursuit of healthy, glowing skin, many of us seek solutions in expensive creams, serums, and treatments. But what if the key to vibrant skin lies in ancient wisdom that's been practiced for centuries?

Welcome to the world of Ayurveda, where the holistic approach to skincare goes beyond topical treatments to address the root causes of skin imbalances.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda, often called the "science of life," is an ancient healing system that originated in India thousands of years ago. At its core is the belief that our well-being is intricately connected to the balance of three fundamental energies known as doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Understanding Your Dosha:

Each person is born with a unique combination of these doshas, which influence not only our physical characteristics but also our mental and emotional tendencies. By identifying your dominant dosha, you can tailor your skincare routine to address specific skin concerns effectively.

Vata Dosha: If you have Vata-dominant skin, you may notice tendencies toward dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity. Vata skin often feels parched and is prone to premature aging. To nurture Vata skin, focus on moisturizing and nourishing practices.

Skincare Routine: Massage your skin with warm sesame oil to deeply moisturize and improve circulation. Use gentle, hydrating cleansers and rich, emollient creams to lock in moisture.

Homemade Recipe: Create a hydrating face mask by mixing mashed avocado with honey and a few drops of almond oil. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Pitta Dosha: Pitta-dominant skin tends to be sensitive, prone to redness, inflammation, and occasional breakouts. Excessive heat and stress can exacerbate Pitta imbalances, leading to increased oiliness and irritation.

Skincare Routine: Opt for cooling and soothing ingredients like cucumber, aloe vera, and sandalwood. Use gentle, non-abrasive cleansers and avoid harsh exfoliants that can aggravate inflammation.

Homemade Recipe: Make a calming face pack by mixing sandalwood powder with rose water and a pinch of turmeric. Apply it to clean skin, leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Kapha Dosha: Kapha-dominant skin tends to be oily, prone to congestion, and enlarged pores. Kapha imbalances can result in dullness, blackheads, and a lack of vitality.

Skincare Routine: Focus on purifying and detoxifying practices to balance excess oil and congestion. Use gentle, oil-balancing cleansers and lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers.

Homemade Recipe: Create an invigorating scrub by mixing ground oats with yogurt and a pinch of turmeric. Gently massage it onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse with lukewarm water.

General Ayurvedic Skincare Tips: In addition to dosha-specific practices, there are some general principles of Ayurvedic skincare that benefit all skin types:

Practice Abhyanga, or self-massage with warm oil, to promote relaxation and improve circulation.

Drink herbal teas like chamomile or tulsi to reduce internal inflammation and support overall well-being.

Maintain a balanced lifestyle with adequate sleep, regular exercise, and stress management to promote skin health from the inside out.

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to skincare that emphasizes harmony between mind, body, and spirit. By understanding your dosha and incorporating simple, homemade remedies into your skincare routine, you can unlock the secrets to radiant and healthy skin naturally. Remember, consistency and mindfulness are key to achieving lasting results. So, embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda and let your inner glow shine through!

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance on your Ayurvedic skincare journey.