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Unwilling Alpha
Chapter 11
Warnings ⚠️ swears, abo dynamics, mentions of slave trade, mentions of rape, mentions of abuse, mentions of death, fear, manipulation.
Nothing within reflects anyone or anything irl. Pics off pinterest.
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The live lasted just over 2 hours before the boys finally signed off. They had given all their announcements and answered as many questions as they could.
I noticed that no one gave me any more questions to answer. Most likely because STAYs responses upset everyone so much last time I answered a question. Still, I participated in the conversations and even asked questions of my own occasionally.
As soon as the camera was off Chan swept me off Seungmins lap and spun me, hopping little hops in his excitement. “You did so good! Ahhh!” he wiggled a bit, making my body flop side to side slightly.
“Christopher, oh my god!” I laughed loudly. Truth was I was tired and my muscles sore from my panic attack. I was ready to soak in the tub with a good book and my new phone.
“You were amazing. You handled STAY very well.” Hyunjin emphasized.
“I did okay.” I amended. Chan set me on my feet. “I did have a panic attack. Thank you for covering for me, by the way.”
“No need to thank us. Really.” Han said giving me a hug. “And you still did the live in the end, which is impressive.”
“We should celebrate.” Hyunjin declared. “Let’s go shopping!”
I scoffed, picking up my bag of electronics and turning to leave. “Shopping for what?”
“Stuff to decorate your room.”
I paused mid step. “My room?”
“Did you think we would keep that room as a guest room?” Lee Know asked.
I blinked, thrown off. I hadn’t thought about there being a ‘my room’. “Isn’t it taboo for you to be seen shopping or something? Don’t you usually shop online?”
Chan shrugged. “Not really taboo per say. It’s just more private to shop online.” He said.
“You’re talking about like Walmart or Target, right? Do you have Target here?” I really needed to learn my new home a little better. There were probably stores here I had never even heard of.
Hyunjin gave me a over the top disgusted look. “We are not going there! Are you nuts!”
“There is nothing wrong with Walmart and Target! Bougie ass.”
“He likes interior decorating. Knows all the best places.” Changbin informed proudly, slinging an arm around Hyunjins shoulders.
“My HyunBin heart is all aflutter!” I clutched my chest and swooned dramatically.
“Oh, you’re a shipper? Who do you ship? Me and Lino?” Han asked.
“Everyone. I honestly love all the ships and seeing everyone’s relationship with each other.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, everyone ships everyone. Are we shopping? I know this amazing place not too far away.” Hyunjin gushed showing me his phone where he had a very posh looking storefront pulled up. It looked like it had some truly beautiful items, but we were jumping the gun a little. And I truly was tired.
“Slow your roll. I have plenty of stuff at home.” I just had to get it shipped here is all.
His face fell into a pout. He had honestly gotten excited about decorating my room. “Okay, we can shop online for a few things tonight.” I relented. God, these boys had me wrapped around their fingers, but he perked up a bit, so it’s okay.
“Let’s get changed and get a few more hours of practice in.” Chan ushered everyone from the room.
I was happy to get out of the fancy clothes and back into my comfy ones. I stole some makeup removing wipes and threw my hair into a messy bun with a large smile on my face.
“Theres our beautiful girl!” Changbin kissed my freshly cleaned face on his way by.
My face heated. “Shush! The makeup is gone, it’s just me now.”
“Exactly!” Lee Know responded. I just rolled my eyes.
While the Omegas practiced, I worked on setting up a company to pack my stuff, ship it here or sell/donate it. At the very least I would need my clothes. Before they tried to get me to buy overpriced luxury brand clothing. Though I’m sure I would be forced to wear those too. At least when I was in the public eye.
The new tablet was a very nice one. Already loaded with my preferred editing programs and everything. The socials on all the devices were set up differently than I was used to. One, everything was in Korean. Two, I had the official check mark next to my usernames. The coveted check mark everyone seemed to want. And I got it so fast and easy. I no longer followed anyone, had any posts, or any followers. Well, all my followers were brand new I should say. Within minutes of my reveal, they started finding me. Netizens were the best online detectives out there.
I shrugged and uploaded the pictures I took earlier to pick one to post. Might as well, it was odd to have socials that were totally empty. Odder that some people decided to follow anyways.
I was careful with the photo. A group action shot of the Omegas dancing. I inspected it very carefully to make sure there was nothing bad in it. No rude gestures or things in the background or mirror reflections. Then I posted it.
Curiosity got the better of me and I went to the comment section of the recent live to see what STAY had to say about me. I braced myself, already knowing it was bad, but unable to help myself. The comments were exactly as I expected.
I closed the app. Even though I was expecting it and braced myself, it still stung. It hurt to see all the hateful things my fellow STAY said about me. I always felt a bond with other STAYs, but this felt like a betrayal. And they confirmed all my worst fears. I wasn’t good enough for Stray Kids and I was turning STAY against them.
-
It took a week for the company I hired to get my things to me. We came home late from practice to several very large boxes addressed neatly to me.
“Yay, my stuff!” I hopped and clapped in excitement. I had been impatiently waiting. I started shoving the first box towards my room.
“Does this mean we have to go back to our own rooms?” Felix asked pouting slightly as he looked at the boxes.
The Omegas have yet to spend a night in their own rooms since I left. It was something we never really talked about. And I think we all secretly dreaded the day they would be forced to sleep in a different room again. Myself included. I had grown accustomed to their comforting presences while I slept. The feeling of safety they brought.
So, I shrugged. “I’m sure I can manage to have enough room for everyone to stay.” Felix looked a little hopeful. “Hyunnie, you wanna help?”
Hyunjin and I had already bought curtains, rugs, and a couple paintings for my room. I have yet to be able to hand or put them up, but we bought them. And tomorrow they had a day off so I could get one of them to help me if we don’t get it finished tonight.
Hyun started pushing another box. The two of us spent the next several hours setting things up in my room and putting away everything.
He got a good kick out of the boxes of carefully packed Stray Kids merch he found. “Oh my god! You have an entire wardrobe for every Skzoo!” He held up my Jiniret and made it wiggle.
I sucked my teeth and snatched Jiniret back. “Don’t tease! You know I was a fan before all this happened.” I pouted and petted Jinirets head.
“Aww, I’m sorry!” Hyunjin pulled me to his chest and rubbed my back. “Don’t pout. I was only kidding around. I won’t do it again.”
True to his word, he didn’t tease while hanging my numerous Stray Kids shirts. Though I did catch him smirking to himself multiple times.
The others came and went. Helping to hand some shelves and my macrame ceiling swing. By the time it was time for bed, everyone being exhausted, the only things left to do were to hang my curtains and build my desk. And Hyun had fun interior decorating my room with me. Brutally honest but had a good eye.
And though it was a bit more cramped, the boys were still able to make up their beds to stay with me for the night. I was happy about that, truthfully a little scared to sleep alone again.
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For the first time since bonding with Stray Kids, I was allowed to sleep in and wake up naturally. The boys were already awake and enjoying their day off. I could hear the TV going in the living room through my open door. Hannie was laying on his stomach next to me on the bed, reading quietly. Felix was on one of the makeshift beds nearby playing his game system, Changbin also nearby on his laptop.
“Morning. Coffees in the kitchen.” Felix greeted half distracted.
I hummed in thanks and reached out to ruffle his hair. He leaned into my touch, eyes never leaving the screen his game was on.
With a stretch, I got started with the day. There were things that needed to be done today, while I had the time. My desk and curtains needed to be built and hung, and I needed to go through my clothes with the others to find suitable stuff to pack for the tour. My day off was full of things that needed to get done.
My stacking the makeshift beds out of the way chased the 3 Omegas from the room, who didn’t want to get roped into helping clean and were sick of being told to move so I could continue my task.
Hyun, Chan, Lee Know, and Seungmin were watching TV in the living room while multitasking. Hyun was drawing on his nails with Chan. Lee Know was on his phone, absorbed in whatever it was he was doing. And Seungmin was plucking at his guitar and writing in a notebook laying on the cushion beside him occasionally.
Han had gone to his room to continue to read, Felix had started a game with I.N, and Changbin now sat at the table, still working on his laptop.
“Can any of you take a moment to help me with my curtains?” I asked the apartment in general.
“My nails are still wet. Later?” Hyun replied wagging his fingers at me. Chan did the same to demonstrate that his were also wet.
“Let me just finish this. I’m onto something.” Seungmin mumbled while writing.
Changbin reached out and squeezed my hand. “I really need to catch up on this, sweetie. Maybe in a little bit when I finish.”
“After this round!” I.N called for both him and Felix.
Han and Lee Know didn’t even answer me. Too absorbed in what they were doing to even hear me.
I shrugged and sighed. This was their day off; they should spend it how they wanted. It was unfair of me to ask at all. They have been working extremely hard and deserved a break. I could do this on my own. It wasn’t rocket science.
That being said, the directions to build my desk might as well be in hieroglyphics. I sat surrounded by desk pieces. No idea where to even begin. This might be harder than rocket science. This might be impossible.
For my own sanity and to soothe my Omegas I took breaks often to check in with them. Running a hand along their back or fingers through their hair to reestablish and reinforce our connection.
It took 3 hours, but eventually I stood facing a built desk proudly, hands on my hips. I took the next half hour to set up my desk. Using decorating as a reward for a job well done. I loved setting up my cute, cozy workspaces with my favorite things. Making this little space a place I wanted to work at.
When I went out to see everyone again, I noticed they were still busy enjoying their day. The gaming had migrated to the living room where Hyunjin and Seungmin had joined in, playing multiplayer. Han had finished his book and joined Changbin on his laptop, discussing quietly amongst themselves. The others were spread around watching the game or on their phones. I wasn’t going to interrupt them to ask for help again. It was just hanging curtains; I could do it myself.
I stole a dinning chair to stand on. If I placed the chair in the middle of the window, I should be able to reach both ends without needing to climb on and off the chair a dozen times. And I should be able to tell if they were straight from there too. I put together an entire desk, surely, I can hang some curtains.
The window was wider than I originally thought, and I really had to stretch to reach the top edges in order to put up the curtain rod. It was tricky getting the nails in at the odd angle and the chair wobbled under my feet, but I was cautious.
One side complete I marked the other and leaned back to check if it was even. Last thing I needed was uneven curtains to bother the hell out of me every time I saw them.
It was good I checked too because the second side was a good 2 inches lower than the first side. I adjusted my markings and shifted back to check them again, more confident in this placement.
There was a moment of pure fear as my calves hit the back of the chair unexpectedly, and I windmilled my arms to try and keep my balance with no luck. I gasped and braced as I flipped over the back of the chair and landed on my upper back and hit my head. Landing right on my box fan. I heard the telltale snaps of plastic before everything went black and peaceful. (A/N: safety first! When using a chair to stand on, make sure the back is facing the wall/in front of you, so this does not happen!)
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General Taglist @stellasays45
Unwilling Alpha Taglist: @xxeiraxx @hanniemylovelyquokka @breadedloafs @songleepark @f1ln4dr3cl16mv33 @hyunjinhoexxx @kayleefriedchicken @vietjeb @hityoulikebahng @juju-227592 @ionlyeverwantedtobeyourequal @royal-shinigami @bangchansfavoritenoona @straykidslvr @bookswillfindyouaway @h0rnyp0t @Svmmerstime @jennibahng @kpopandmusicpassion @jasmin-loves-k-pop @cookey-lock @possum-playground @demigoddreamon-blog @rei-reia @dreamerwasfound @jasmin-loves-k-pop @ms-flowergirl @princess-sunshyn @technicallyimportantsweets
#stray kids#skz stay#skz fanfic#stray kids smau#skz smau#skz fake texts#stray kids texts#stray kids fake texts#bang chan#chris bang#changbin stray kids#seo changbin#minho stray kids#lee know#han stray kids#skz jisung#hyunjin skz#hyunjin stray kids#felix stray kids#skz yongbok#i.n skz#jeongin stray kids#seungmin stray kids#seungmin#stray kids x y/n#stray kids x reader#Unwilling Alpha#skz abo#abo dynamics
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I've been going through the stuff my cousin left here (almost an entire bedroom's worth of stuff when she initially moved but we've managed to sell the crib and changing table and she gave a stroller and a playpen to friends) when she moved out a year ago; I'm posting a bunch of it online to sell and she says I can keep whatever I want from the pile. We are tremendously differently sized people but I don't think I'm going to need to buy a dress or a shirt or a cardigan for like ten years.
However I'm also going slightly insane. I think that I had intellectually understood that a huge part of fast fashion is people buying a ton of clothes that they don't wear more than a couple times but I didn't emotionally grok it until I filled five huge trash bags with all the stuff that wouldn't even be worth it to list but is still brand new (stuff like leggings and tee shirts that nobody is looking for on craigslist but that I would totally buy at a thrift store and that still has the original tags).
I haven't even started working on the toys left behind yet but I have no idea what to do with some of this stuff. It's just trash. Is there anything to do with stuff like happy meal toys and bouncy balls or should this all just go to the landfill? I feel horribly guilty for thinking about throwing away stuff that wasn't even mine. Does anyone have any advice about what to do with used crappy toys? (There are things like racetracks and those little toddler push cars and other stuff that we're either listing online or having a yard sale for, but I'm going nuts what do I do with a plastic knotts berry farm lunchbox full of coin machine toys?)
[i can't say anything about the clothes but in my cousin's defense about the toys she has asked all of the family to literally never give her children toys or clothes as gifts, only books, but their grandmother brings them over brand new toys every time she sees them, which is like four times a week so this isn't 100% my cousin's fault]
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“this is not his real number not his real number”
“hello is this my number one fan?”
“omg”
Kate would die when she realizes it’s his real number and will have to answer yes to all of her dad’s questions
Kate genuinely expected to be contacting his people when she finally got up the courage to call him the next day.
“Is this my number one fan?”
His voice was rich and deep and prickled down her spine and her lips parted in surprise before she cleared her throat. “Is that how you always answer the phone?”
“Obviously.” He laughed, “And usually it’s my mum so I’m dead on.”
Why was he so charming? Why?
“You um… took a pretty big swing putting your phone number on a bat. I could sell this on eBay or post it online and you’d be bombarded.”
“Sometimes you have to take a swing. The question is: Did I miss?”
“You didn’t miss.”
“And if I asked you to come and watch again tonight?”
Kate’s stomach lurched, “I would tell you that I need to start paying you for the tickets. And I’d have to bring my sister because she’s seen us all over social media and won’t leave me alone.”
“You can pay me by having a drink with me after.”
Kate’s stomach twisted, “Okay but your ego will have to survive the fact that I won’t be wearing your jersey. It’s in the wash.”
“Ah, deal’s off then.” Anthony tutted before he laughed, “The tickets are already waiting for you. I’ll see you tonight!”
She arrives a little later that night, still a little sure nothing would be waiting for her and Edwina trailing behind, already with a snack in her hand.
“God, I forgot how much I loved baseball food”
“We aren’t even inside yet. It’s… semi baseball food at best.” Kate rolled her eyes as she approached the desk smiling awkwardly at the same woman. “I might have some tickets again? Kate Sharma.”
The woman didn’t look through the system this time, but she smiled curiously, sliding an envelope across the counter. “Mr Bridgerton would also like you to have this.”
The woman passed Kate a bag, branded with the team logo. Kate peered inside even though she already knew what it would be, Anthony’s number and signature staring back at her against the blue pinstripes. She plucked the note out of the top of the bag.
Something else for you to sell on eBay.
Wave to me if you recognise me.
Anthony
“Jesus he’s fucking smooth.”
#baseball au#kathony#anthony x kate#kate sharma#kate sheffield#anthony bridgerton#molly’s asks and answers
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these questions are pretty similar so i'll answer both at once.
to buy from a chinese indie brand, you need two things: the brand's taobao link and a proxy site account. taobao is a chinese storefront (?) that most of these stores are hosted on. there are plenty of western stores online that also carry taobao brand clothing - like arcana archive, glitch cupids, and pixie rebels - but i would recommend just getting your stuff from a proxy as those stores often up the prices of the clothes.
note that it can be a bit of a struggle to get the taobao link of a store, especially if you don't have an account (which is notoriously difficult to get these days), but i did find some link lists! (mostly lolita stuff as that's what taobao is most popular for among alt fashionistas ^_^)
some other brands that i recommend -
eyeelike - y2k inspired, though their stock is usually very limited. sizes up to UK 10-12 (L) i believe
link (lemme know if it's broken):
frufru - bright, colorful, sorta harajuku-esque! i heavily recommend their star messenger bags, been wanting to get one of my own for a while ^_^
link
and hbreaker - a more visual kei sort of thing! more edgy than the other two stores, but i'm yet to check it out properly
link
so, now that you have the link, you need a proxy site. this is so that you can send the clothes over from china to your own country. in the past, i would've recommended pandabuy, but it died a few months ago due to illegal replica selling. for that, i'd recommend avoiding proxies that allow replicas, because they might go under while you're trying to get clothes shipped. (that happened to me T_T)
some that are reliable are:
sugargoo
superbuy
spreenow
now all you do is use the search bar (make sure it's on the "shop" mode rather than "product"), and plug in the link to the shop you want to buy from, and it should be the first result. get all your clothes, and now all you have to do is have them shipped out! shipping usually costs a lot (£20+ from my experience) and if you're buying a haul, it can be over £200 for just 4-6 items, so i'd recommend only buying stuff you KNOW you're going to wear often and enjoy. shipping should only take 2-3 weeks (at least in my experience - i live in the UK, it might take more time in the US.) and boom! now you can dress like those cool girls on xiaohongshu!
there are also two western stores i'd like to go over that have similar clothes - sixth dimension and minga london.
sixth dimension has many good qualities - they have more inclusive sizing (up to UK XL), reasonable prices based on their quality, and they restock and do sales often. i heavily recommend them if you can't afford the high shipping prices or if the sizing is too limited for you!
unfortunately, i have less nice things to say about minga london. they're highly extortionate in terms of pricing - i've seen shein quality cardigans sold for upwards of £70, for example. they do drops often, and have been accused of fast fashion but i'm not sure if that's legit or not. they've also stolen designs in the past. however, they do have inclusive sizing, up to XXXL. i'd recommend only buying from them if they're doing a sale, or if you literally have no other choice.
now regarding fruits mag - unfortunately, you can't buy from them. fruits mag is a japanese magazine that went over a variety of different street styles, so if you want to buy from fruits, you'd have to buy from the brands that the people in the magazines are wearing. as fruits was most popular in the 2000s, most of those brands are defunct...however, i do have some recommendations for japanese alternative brands!
alice and the pirates - popular lolita fashion. pretty good sizing i think, and they do worldwide shipping too iirc.
baby the stars shine bright - same as aatp, but more "cutesy".
acdc rag - yami kawaii type clothes with inclusive sizing.
dearmylove - jirai kei/dark girly clothing and beautiful shoes. inclusive sizing, i'm pretty sure they have a full plus size range! also collabed with needy streamer overdose lol
liz lisa - lolita/mori kei/girly styles and pretty coats. quite expensive tho...
moi-meme-moitie - the brand of malice mizer's guitarist mana-sama! gothic lolita. i'm not sure about sizing or prices.
6%dokidoki - yume kawaii and decora style. very colorful! i'm not sure about sizing.
angel blue - japanese kids clothing, usually worn in general kawaii and jojifuku styles. as it's for kids, the sizing is NOT inclusive at all, UK size S-M at the most from what i've seen. usually you can only find resellers on depop, but the pricing usually isn't horrible.
other than brands, i'd recommend looking for clothes thrifting on and offline (hit big city thrift stores for better chances of alt clothing), buying accessories from verified etsy sellers, and just looking around the house for anything you can turn into an accessory or part of an outfit! i hope this post helps you though!
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Shopping Trip With One Piece Characters
Part of a trade with the awesome @softcenteregg
Doffy - The very definition of “Get in loser, we’re going shopping!”
Has money but you will have to pay for him all day when it comes to lunch and drinks.
Will be sitting at a restaurant at 11 am with a cocktail as he tells you about his week, regardless of if you asked or not.
Checks out the mall hotties.
Laughs when people open push/pull doors wrong.
Always has a cocktail or a Starbucks clutched in one hand, waving his credit card around in the other hand.
Rude to salespeople.
You will be dragged through the mall for hours because he needs to go into every designer shop he can and try on at least seventeen pairs of $400 sunglasses or he’ll die.
Will be the most overdressed person in the area,
When your having lunch with him and he sees someone he doesn’t like, he will be like “Oh hey! Been so long since we hung out, should do it again soon!” then soon as they're gone he’s dishing the dirt.
Also, you will carry his bags, thx.
Roger
Makes you wish you could get those reigns for kids but in adult sizes.
In fact, the entire trip is like taking a child out for his birthday.
Ever seen a huge bearded man grinning in pure glee at the new limited edition Build a Bear products? Ever seen one make like 12?
Do yourself a favor and limit his booze and sugar intake.
Is confused he can’t do a pub crawl in a mall.
Buys alot of those ‘alcoholic chocolates’ by the box load in an attempt to get a nice buzz going.
Thrift shopping but he will try on everything he can.
Does not know how to dress but does it with style, oddly enough.
You won’t get a chance to sit down or rest unless it’s dinner time.
At least he’ll sleep well tonight.
Kid
Hit’s all the stores that sell music and band merch.
Will snort at people who buy things he doesn’t like.
Throws around words like ‘poser’ and judges everyone.
The kinda metal kid who hangs out at the mall with all the wallet chains looking like their parents grounded them, but in their late 20s.
Will spend hours looking for CDs and just say he’s too broke and he’ll download it online anyway.
Walks around the mall trying to find the right shade of lipstick with Killer, both their arms and hands are covered in testers before they both just get more black nail varnish and the same shade they always buy.
Has a reusable plastic cup that's full of jack and coke.
Taunts mall cops.
Killer
Imagine all of the above but he also spends alot of time looking at fancy new cook wear.
Will spend nothing on food all day but will drop $90 on a brand new crockpot or air fryer for the kitchen.
Very metal of him.
Thatch
Thatch is fun to go with.
Treats you, buys the coffee and lunch.
Is happy to do whatever you want as long as he gets to check out homeware sections while you look at your things.
You will never lose him behind shelves because you can always see his hair.
Like Jaws but with hair and ozone layer murdering levels of hairspray.
Will flirt with staff, will get talking to them for far too long, and hold up the line.
The type of person who has alot of change and makes it a personal challenge to count out change exactly.
Will carry your bags though, he’s a good boy.
Bit judgey on eatery places pastries.
Shanks
I hope you enjoy getting nowhere because when you're at a mall with Shanks or out and about in town you will be stopping every ten steps because someone recognises him and comes over and chats.
Has no concept of how long he’s been talking.
Is the type to have a pint with breakfast or brunch when you guys hang out.
Sale on ugly pants? He’d push you down to get there first.
Always texting the gang when he’s out.
Lol Benn guess what, I saw Buggy and he was with that guy, you know, the one with the hook, lol lol
Will drop Uta off at the mall kids' soft play area even though she’s 18 and still forget to pick her up before leaving.
Ace
Low key baits mall cops by loitering around and looking like an issue but has no intention of being an issue.
Might skateboard inside the mall.
Poses with ‘no skateboard’ signs.
Hopefully, there isn't an arcade in the mall because if you had any intention of getting things done today, that won’t happen now.
Hungry every 20 minutes and has to grab snacks.
100% the kinda friend/boyfriend who sits on the seats outside the changing rooms holding all the bags and groaning, acting like it’s the worst thing in the world.
Is one of those people who opens push/pull doors wrong.
Marco
After taking five minutes to park correctly he’s happy to go with the flow.
Likes to have a coffee and a people watch with you, chatty and social.
But he will drag you to shoe stores and you will be sat there for ages as he tries on every strappy sandal in the place, walking up and down and asking you what you think.
“I like this one but I don’t know if it makes me too tall yoi.” while you can’t for the life of you tell the difference between that pair and the last 40.
If you meet him at the mall he might be late, very much the shows up 20 minutes late with Starbucks.
Has a tendency to wander off in shops and you spend half your time looking for him.
Doesn’t give a warning when entering a shop if something shiny caught his bird brain.
Benn
He hates the mall.
Imagine a dad who has to take his teenage daughter clothes shopping and that’d basically be him with Shanks.
Benn is a very ‘I know what I am here for’ in and out kind of person but he doesn’t mind going to other places with you.
Ignores staff-only signs when he knows there is a smoking area on the other side of that door.
Is the person to remind you of the ‘insert thing here we have at home’ and is a shop sensible person, though he won't say anything if you do buy another T-shirt that looks exactly like the one you already have.
Pretends to be annoyed at carrying the shopping, but he offered and he likes to help you out.
If you complain about your feet hurting he’ll helpfully tell you he told you to wear your other shoes.
Sabo and Luffy
Banned
Both have their pictures up in the security office.
Sabo for giving the mall cops the finger, graffiti, and shoplifting.
Luffy peed in the fountain and kept stealing pick-n-mix.
#one piece x reader#one piece reader insert#marco the phoenix#one piece x you#sfw#one piece#portgas d ace#red haired pirates#red haired shanks#fire fist ace#fushichou marco#thatch#ace op#marco op#shanks op#benn op#benn beckman#gol d roger#sabo#sabo the revolutionary#monkey d luffy#monkey d luffy x reader#massacre soldier killer#eustass kid#eustasscaptainkid#doffy#doflamingo#doflamingo x reader
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Another White Cat Giveaway!
In honour of me hitting 500 followers here earlier this month and opening night in Shizuoka today, and after a bit of organization of my merchandise ‘archives’ once more, I have some 'Secret' Charms to give away, along with my signature extra, a sealed highlights CD from the 2019 movie!
The winner will get three (3) charms picked at random from a blind bag of my extras, which include:
Carbucketty
Cassandra
Gilbert
Growltiger
Jellylorum (you know you want her)
Mungojerrie
Old Deuteronomy
Victoria
All of them are brand new with the folding card-backed display, and were only opened to determine which character they were. See photos of them below, along with what a typical full presentation looks like in the form of Victoria.
RULES (Please read these carefully and follow them):
1. Entries will open today and will close end of day (EST) July 24th - in one week. You can enter at any time between now and then, but anything after than date will not be counted.
2. Please only ONE entry per person. When you reblog THIS post, you will be assigned a random number, and the receiver will be picked by a random generator to make it fair for everyone. Likes do not count as entries. Multiple reblogs will result in disqualification. I want everything to be as fair as possible!
3. It will be free shipping within North America to receive your prize. This giveaway is open to individuals overseas as well, but I may ask for half of any shipping charges, as they can get expensive. This is especially true if you want to ensure delivery! Tracking is not cheap unfortunately and worldwide mail delivery can be very slow if not sent by air. Any import fees are not controlled by me, so please keep that in mind, even if marked as a gift.
4. You must be comfortable with providing me with shipping information. Rest assured you will be providing me this information in confidence and I will not share it with anyone. If you are not comfortable sharing this information, please do not enter as I will not be able to send it to you.
A winner will be selected on the morning of July 25th, and they will receive a message indicating that The Everlasting Cat blessed them with a prize. It will be publicly announced as well. I will ship them out to you within one or two days and will give an update once that happens.
I have been selling items online for more than nine years now, and I do my absolute best to have my packages arrive safely. While I would feel terrible if the package becomes lost, without tracking I cannot do anything except say sorry.
Good luck to everyone who enters!
#Not much this time around but still some fun stuff!#I am sure I have duplicates of more things but who knows where I put them :)#That just means more for next time#CATS Musical#CATS the Musical
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"If it's normal, then why do you need to celebrate it?"
The above quote is something I've seen many times as a "gotcha" for queer folk trying to celebrate pride month, and also as a genuine question from uninformed allocishets. I have personally received this question multiple times both as an act of aphobia and genuine confusion. So, why is pride necessary (aspec edition!)?
As an asexual and aromantic person, I very rarely see people like me in the real world and in media. In fact, just now I can think of maybe five canonically asexual characters, and two canonically aromantic ones (both of them, by the way, are also asexual. We need aroallo rep as well!!!) When it comes to real life, I know 2 other asexuals, with myself being the only aromantic. (Of course this is excluding people I've only interacted with online, if I included them the numbers would be much higher.)
That lack of representation means that many aspecs feel outcast growing up, knowing there's something "wrong" or "broken" about them (there is NOT, for the record) but being unable to pinpoint why. I was one of the lucky ones who had chronically online and queer friends from an early age who introduced me to the terms many years before I ended up discovering myself, but that is far from the norm.
We also very rarely see aspec flags in pride merch! Even during pride month, I find myself having to scour the stalls for anything asexual, let alone aromantic or even aroace (and if you're somewhere more nuanced on either spectrum, just forget it. Demis might get lucky occasionally (and of course demisexual is more common than demiromantic in my experience), but everything else is nothing.) In fact, there have been times where I saw very niche microlabel flags I didn't even know the name of, but not one aspec flag!
I will never forget the year I went to a pride parade and there was a stall selling flag jewelry. They had a bunch of flags, including asexual and aromantic (the latter of which I bought). I was naturally extremely excited, and the person working the register gave me a business card and a paper with an etsy discount code (unfortunately I lost it so I can't tell you the brand, sorry!!) Later I was passing a group and overheard someone lamenting to their friends about the lack of asexual related anything. I instantly stopped them, directed them to the stall, and gave them the etsy code paper (not really on purpose it was just the closest one in my bag but I figured they would get more use out of it anyways). The look of pure joy on that person's face will never leave my brain. I thought they might cry in front of me at the idea of someone representing their identity at a massive event.
This is why pride is so important. Seeing yourself represented and being told in no uncertain terms that you aren't alone means more than could ever be described, though I hope I managed to do it some form of justice <2
Happy pride, everyone!
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I Find Disability Drama Annoying
I can find "Did you hear X disabled person with a large online following did Y?" or some stupid shit all day but can't find real disabled people show photos of their EDC, or strap setup, bag recommendations. I can't find wheelchair reviews, recommendations for spare parts, or brands that sell reasonable prices.
Everyone is so fucking focused on chasing clout and being a "influencer" or "promotional speaker" or whatever instead of giving actual, tangible, meaningful advice about living with a disability (especially one that requires a complex mobility aid).
I fucking hate it. Google is worthless (though for different reasons), and Reddit is just people asking for vague advice displayed in an incomprehensible format.
Tumblr is a lot of the same shit just with a better API policy.
I wish more people just ran their own sites and posted meaningful, practical shit. Because when I need advice or a recommendation, I can't find it.
And yeah, I'm old. And I remember when the internet was more than 5 websites that steal everyone's content for ad clicks.
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Hiie!
I can't find any posts about this yet. What are your pros/cons on bioactive enclosures? I've seen alot of opinions online but like, professionally what's the move? I'm a naturalist at a state park and we are getting new terrariums and I want to go bio to display native plants alongside the animals! Can live plants and reptiles do well without the "cleanup crew"?
Also, if moving in the bioactive direction, do you recommend buying an active soil like biodude? I've seen people online using soil, moss, plants, isopods, worms from outside in their tanks. How do you sanitize/quarantine? Are parasites an issue?
Askinf for corn snake, king snake, box turtles, if that makes a difference. I already sent our vet these same questions, I'm casting a wide net for all the info I can get :) Thank youuuu I love this blog sm 💗
Hello hello, very good questions!! I don't keep any of my personal snakes in bioactive enclosures (I don't enjoy trying to keep plants alive and I'm not the biggest fan of insects), but at my wildlife center we've been moving to keeping several of our display snakes in bioactive enclosures for the past few years and they're really nice in educational settings!
Like I said, I don't like bioactive enclosures for my own pets - aside from the additional hassle of bugs and plants, I keep a lot of snakes with special needs and more sterile enclosures make things easier on me. I wouldn't recommend bioactive enclosures for special-needs animals because they make it harder to spot problems like abnormal waste.
On the flip side, though, they're really great tools in educational settings because the naturalistic look sells the whole setup and (as you mention!) is perfect for highlighting native flora. They also never need deep-cleaned, which is a huge plus. They're time-consuming to set up but they can save you time in the long run.
If you're going bioactive, you really do need a cleanup crew. An ideal bioactive enclosure is a minature, self-sustaining ecosystem, and your cleanup crew is essential to getting the nitrogen cycle a-flowin'. Aside from doing the obvious and helping to clean up messes, insects also aerate the soil by burrowing through it, keeping everything healthier. You can totally try to set up plants without the clean up crew, but you might have a bit of a time with regular cleaning at maintenance without their help.
I asked our soil biology expert at my wildlife center, and she says that pre-packaged soils from the Biodude and the like can be super convenient and helpful, but there's also no harm in DIY-ing it if you'd like. You can buy the topsoil, moss, etc. you need at garden centers, and often much cheaper! She agrees with me that there is enough risk of parasites and other dangers such as fertilizers and pesticides with dirt/worms/etc. straight from outside that's it wise to buy it instead just to be safe. Be sure to look for organic topsoils without fertilizer or vermiculite - soils have ingredients written on the bags so be careful to look and make sure! Kellogg brand is my go-to soil for reptiles.
No matter where you get your soils, a good way to sterilize them is with heat. What we actually do at work is just pop it in the microwave! About five minutes per batch works well. This is really important because it kills any mold that may be sneaking in. You don't have to bother with this step if you buy a pre-made soil like the Biodude's, they come safe and ready to use.
Your cleanup crew (springtails and isopods are probably the easiest to work with, I prefer them to anything else honestly) shouldn't need quarantined, though. They should be good to go as soon as you bring them in.
Once you get everything set up, I recommend letting the enclosure cycle for at least a month. We learned from hard experience that your cleanup crew can easily be overwhelmed the presence of your reptile if they're not acclimated to their new home!
All the best!! If you all do decide to go bioactive, I'd love pictures - there are few things better than seeing happy snakes in beautiful enclosures!
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The Circular Economy: Gen Z and Millennials; Approach to Sustainable Fashion
Gen Z and Millennials' Perspective on Sustainable Fashion in the Circular Economy
Have you ever wondered how Gen Z and Millennials transform the fashion industry via their commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, making eco-friendly and high end designer fashion the new standard? Imagine a future where fashion is more than simply looking nice; it's also about doing good for the environment. The Millennial and Generation Z are creating this reality. Finding rare artefacts that no one else has is also exhilarating! These generations are driving a change in the fashion business by embracing a circular economy through pre-loved luxury designer brands that prioritizes sustainability and ethics. Let's examine their impact and how it will affect fashion in the future.
What is a Circular Economy?
So, what exactly constitutes the circular economy? In contrast to the conventional 'take, make, dispose' approach, the circular economy prioritizes prolonging the life of items. It is a method designed to eliminate waste while making the best use of resources. Consider this: instead of tossing away an old sweater, you find a way to give it new life, whether by repurposing it or recycling the materials.
Why Generation Z and Millennials Care?
Due to their shared values, Patagonia, Reformation, and Everlane have grown in popularity. They grew up in a world where the effects of climate change and environmental degradation are impossible to ignore. For them, sustainability is more than a slogan; it is a way of life.
Sustainable Consumption Patterns: Thrifting and Secondhand Shopping
Thrifting is no longer deemed uncool. Shopping at thrift stores and online second-hand platforms such as Depop, ThredUp, and Poshmark is now not only popular but also considered a smart and trendy option. By purchasing used items, these astute shoppers lessen the need for new things, reducing waste and conserving resources. Finding rare artefacts that no one else has is also exhilarating!
Upcycling and DIY Fashion
Another popular trend is upcycling, which involves transforming old clothing into something fresh and wonderful. DIY fashion is all about creativity and sustainability, whether upcycling an old pair of jeans into a stylish denim skirt or embellishing a simple blazer with patches and embroidery or simply investing in a discounted handbag. It's a fun way to update your wardrobe without purchasing new clothes, and it's an excellent example of the circular economy in action.
Supporting ethical brands
Gen Z and Millennials are putting their money where their mouth is by promoting brands that value sustainability and ethical practices by adopting pre-owned luxury fashion brands. They are searching for companies that are open about their supply chains and dedicated to fair labour and environmental stewardship.
Eco-friendly materials.
These generations also value environmentally friendly materials. They choose apparel made of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and new textiles such as Tencel, derived from sustainably generated wood pulp. These materials are more comfortable, long-lasting, and ecologically friendly. Apart from this, investing in a designer handbag is also a fruitful idea. Indians are becoming more well-known for their pre-owned handbag collections, which include pre-owned Gucci handbags.
Transparency and Accountability
Young consumers want to know where their clothes come from, who made them, and under what conditions. Brands that provide this information and take responsibility for their environmental and social impact are building trust and loyalty among these buyers. It’s about more than just the end product; it’s about the entire process from start to finish.
Social media is a valuable tool in the fight for sustainable fashion. Generation Z and Millennials use social media sites such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to enhance environmental awareness and encourage sustainable fashion choices. Influencers and campaigners are discussing how to shop sustainably, the value of ethical production, and the environmental impact of rapid fashion.
Social Media Influence
Social media has made it easier than ever to create awareness about sustainable fashion. Influencers that promote eco-friendly practices and companies have a large following and can greatly influence customer behaviour. They encourage others to adopt greener choices by showing sustainable attire, thrift store finds, and upcycling projects.
Online Community and Movements
Online communities and movements also have enormous influence. Campaigns such as #SecondHandSeptember and #BuyNothingNew encourage individuals to reconsider their purchasing habits and embrace more sustainable alternatives.
The Circular Economy: Sustainable Fashion from the Viewpoint of Generation Z and Millennials
If you've been following the fashion world recently, you've probably seen a huge shift in how people think about their apparel. Now the same goes for the designer and branded handbags as well. The days of disposable fashion and transient fads are over; instead, a new movement is rising, led mostly by Generation Z and Millennials and that is pre-owned luxury handbags. Take for example, The Bottega Venetta clutch price in India has seen a huge shift and millennials are approaching it to get discounted designer handbags. This movement revolves around the circular economy, in which sustainability and longevity are prioritized over constant consumption. But what is the circular economy, and how are younger generations paving the way? Look at how Generation Z and Millennials are transforming the fashion world through their devotion to sustainability. The circular economy emphasizes the design of clothes and handbags that can be reused, repaired, and recycled, reducing environmental impact.
The Role of Generation Z and Millennials
Generation Z and Millennials have grown up in an increasingly environmentally conscious world, and their shopping patterns reflect this. They prefer brands that exhibit a commitment to sustainability, and they are more willing to support businesses that provide information about their manufacturing procedures and materials.
Thrift Shopping and Secondhand Fashion
One of the most notable trends among these generations is the increase in thrift shopping and second-hand clothing. This trend not only lowers the cost of fashion but also extends clothing life cycles, decreasing waste. It's a win-win situation for customers who want to find unique things while also reducing the environmental impact of the fast fashion industry.
The Appeal of Vintage
Vintage clothes have a distinct attraction for Generation Z and Millennials, who see it as a means to express themselves while simultaneously supporting sustainability. Wearing antique clothing is a chance to distinguish yourself in a world filled with mass-produced goods. Furthermore, the quality and craftsmanship of vintage clothes frequently outperform modern fast fashion, making it a more sustainable option in the long run.
Upcycling and DIY Fashion
Upcycling, or creatively repurposing old materials to make new things, is a trendy trend among younger generations. This DIY approach allows people to personalize their clothing while eliminating waste. Upcycling stimulates creativity and sustainability at the same time, whether it's converting old trousers into chic coats or turning discarded materials into unique accessories.
Ethical and sustainable brands.
The need for ethical and environmentally friendly products is also rising thanks to Generation Z and Millennials. Companies like Patagonia, Everlane, and Reformation are gaining popularity due to their dedication to fair labour methods and environmentally sustainable products. These firms are open about their supply chains and work to reduce their environmental effect, which aligns with the ideals of younger consumers.
The Future Of Fashion
So, what does the fashion industry's future look like? If Gen Z and Millennials had their way, sustainability would be the norm rather than the exception. Here are a few ways they are influencing the future of fashion.
Innovation and Technology.
More innovation and technology are expected in pre-owned luxury fashion brands, ranging from biodegradable materials to computerized closets. These generations are technologically adept and open to new ideas, which drives developments in fashion sustainability. For example, firms are producing fabrics that degrade harmlessly after use, decreasing the impact on landfills.
Circular Fashion Business Models
We're also witnessing an increase in circular fashion business models. This includes rental companies like Borrow the Runway, which allows you to borrow high-end apparel for a fraction of the price, as well as resale platforms that make it easy to buy and sell used items.
Education and Policy Change
Education and policy reform are also important. Young people are campaigning for improved sustainability teaching in schools and universities, as well as legislation that holds businesses accountable for their environmental impact. This could range from stricter waste and emission laws to incentives for sustainable materials.
Thrift Shopping and Secondhand Fashion
One of the most notable trends among these generations is the increase in thrift shopping and second-hand clothing. Thrift shopping benefits the environment by reducing the demand for new apparel production.
Affordability: Thrift stores frequently sell pre-loved luxury designer brands with high-quality things at a fraction of the original price.
Unusual Finds: Finding vintage or one-of-a-kind items that are not sold in traditional retail outlets.
Supporting Charities: Many thrift stores are operated by nonprofit organizations, so your purchase usually benefits a good cause.
Conclusion The pre-owned luxury designer bags industry is flourishing at the same pace. Gen Z and Millennials are at the forefront of this movement, leveraging their purchasing power and influence to force change in the fashion industry. They demonstrate that fashion can be stylish and sustainable by thrifting, upcycling, supporting ethical products, and utilizing social networking. Even in India, millennials are keen on buying preloved handbags including Gucci, Prada and second hand Balenciaga bags. There is a huge popularity for bags online where you can easily buy on its website. Chanel, Bottega Veneta or Burberry bags online are easily accessible. As these generations continue to push for environmental protection and demand transparency and accountability from brands, the future of fashion appears greener and brighter than ever. Movements foster a sense of community and collaborative action, demonstrating that modest improvements may add a significant impact.
#luxury designer handbags#pre loved designer bags#luxury handbags in india#chanel bags#pre owned luxury#pre owned luxury bags#gucci bags in india#branded handbags online#gucci men purse#high end designer fashion#pre-loved luxury designer brands#Millennial and Generation Z#discounted handbag#pre-owned luxury fashion brands#pre-owned handbag collections#pre-owned Gucci handbags#designer and branded handbags#pre-owned luxury handbags#The Bottega Venetta clutch price in India#discounted designer handbags#sell pre-loved luxury designer brands#high-quality things at a fraction#pre-owned luxury designer bags#buying preloved handbags#second hand Balenciaga bags#Burberry bags online
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This was the first season for the PWHL - the Professional Women's Hockey League.
Of course, as soon as I learned it was being formed I bought season tickets. Not only because I'm Minnesotan, although I was thrilled we got one of the league's first six teams. I wanted to show support, because I want the league to succeed. And hockey is pretty much the only sport I genuinely enjoy watching, if it's live.
Attendance at Minnesota's home games has been a mixed bag. Our team just won their first home games in the playoffs, so they've been getting some more media attention, and of course there are a lot of disparaging comments about the rows of empty seats. It's easy to look at the pictures and assume the league is a failure. It may even be easy for the team itself to look into the stands and feel they themselves are a failure, although I certainly hope not. There are a lot of factors that aren't obvious at a glance.
The Xcel Energy Center is huge. Minnesota is the only team that plays its home games in an NHL arena. It's a great show of support by the venue, but that's a ton of seats to fill. Many of the other teams' home games have been selling out, because their venues are smaller - in some cases too small. Playing at the X was perhaps a bit too optimistic, but we believe in the future of the league. And there have been games when we needed the extra seats.
To start with, the X groups all the sold tickets together on one side of the arena. It keeps the energy and the excitement up rather than having everyone spread out. If enough tickets are sold, they open up more sections. There have been games where we filled the entire lower bowl of the arena and some of the seats above. In particular, weekend games have been very well attended, with loads of families and youth teams in the stands. There are plenty of men, too, in pricey branded gear that keeps selling out. I dare anyone to say our crowd's energy isn't just as high as any other event's. There are signs and props and people in purple wigs and voices as loud as anywhere. And I will never tire of seeing all the young girls in their youth team's jerseys, from kindergarten kids to high schoolers, with PWHL temporary tattoos on their faces and the possibility of a pro career to aspire to.
The attendance at the playoff games has been disappointing, with the games being on weeknights and in conflict with other local sporting events. The ticket prices are higher and not part of the standard season ticket package. And honestly, Minnesota wasn't expected to get this far with the way they've been playing in the latter half of the season. (Their comeback in the playoffs has been amazing!) But the core crowd was still there, still as enthusiastic as ever, just grouped together on one side of the arena where they can't always be seen in photos or video clips. Still loud, still proud, still there to cheer on our ladies in purple, but out of view of the casual eye. It's been frustrating to try to take pictures that truly capture the spirit of the game when you're on the crowded side, in the thick of all the energy, but facing the empty side. It's been sad to see people online judging the team (and the league) based only on photos that happen to be facing the wrong way.
As in many things, it's all a matter of perspective.
If you ever feel like you're failing, maybe you're currently in a place not best suited to you. And if you feel like no one supports you, maybe you're looking in the wrong direction.
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some of my childhood stuffed animals!!!
let’s go!!! nostalgia time!!!
first up we will look at all the webkinz (except for my frogs bc those ones are on a shelf)
there was this lil store in town that would sell webkinz for cheaper than meijers, so if i got good grades or something my mom would take me there and let me choose 2! but meijers always had a better selection so sometimes we would go there, but they were more expensive so i could only get 1.
lil kinz grey n white cat my beloved… i got her from my aunt for christmas one year :’) first ever webkinz, i was so excited!!
my mom hated the mohawk puppy because she thought mohawks were a sin
the signature clouded leopard introduced me to the animal and i was obsessed with them for a while!
the clydesdale horse is kinda special! my dad got it for me from ebay :) he normally never got me stuffed animals because he thinks they’re a waste of money. i also thought it was cool, because the internet was new to me, and i didn’t know you could buy stuff online!
not going into details about the traumatic event obviously but it’s kinda funny, because basically i had to pack a bag super quick and i spent forever deciding which plush to take with me lol (i think i was in shock or something, because i was not thinking clearly)
okay that was a lot of plushies… now i am tired… oof.
claw machine prize time!
i love claw machines, i would play them all the time! my favorite was this little one at little caesar’s in the next town over. the machine was really easy to win! i also remember walmart used to have a bunch of claw machines!
not going through the whole box, because most of them aren’t very interesting.
my first ever claw machine win is the little angry tiger! i was probably 4?? and it was at walmart. my dad moved the claw into position and i pressed the button :) i was so excited!!!!
the black and white bunny was a win from the little caesar’s i mentioned earlier. i loved it! the plush is super soft and good quality. normally claw machines have cheap toys so i was impressed!
the carrot farmer bunny is super cool! she originally had a straw hat, but the claw ripped it off :( i was never able to get it��. but that’s okay! also one of her legs is sewn on backwards. weird. but i still think she’s super cute!
next is miscellaneous plushies
i am even more tired now, so i’m not going through the entire box… sorry
these are mostly from garage sales! some of them were bought brand new though (and those ones were always so cool to me)!
i loved that chipmunk so much. i carried him with me around the house and i would sleep with him every night. i got him from the zoo on a field trip! i remember there was so many plushies, it was hard to choose just 1! unfortunately i did puke on him once, so my dad put him in the washer then dryer. when i saw him after he came out of the dryer i was so upset. he’s different! i hate change. i cried. he’s not soft anymore. i still loved him though, because it’s not his fault that his fur got messed up.
i don’t remember where the white dragon is from, but she’s so cool! i’ve heard it could be worth money but idk.
okay i’m done. super tired now. gonna sleep on the floor. goodnight <3
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Chapter 22: Crazy In Love
Chapter Word Count: 4,358
Anything in Bold Italics are Korean/Another language.
Master List | Prev | Next
Did Jihoon lie to Ruby when he said he was going to hang out with Seungcheol? No. Not exactly.
He was going to hang out with Seungcheol, they were going to go to the gym together then get some food since Ruby would be caught up in online meetings all day since their grandparents were being picked up from the airport the following morning. He walked into the office-guest room and said he was going out with Cheol for the day to work out and eat. They gave him a kiss and asked that he just texted them if he’d be home for dinner.
What he didn’t tell them was that he was going to sit down with Seungcheol and have a very serious conversation that has been eating at his brain for the last couple weeks since Christmas. They stayed up until midnight. Ruby was buzzing with excitement, saying it was a tradition in her family to open gifts at midnight, which he was gladly ready to indulge them with.
Thinking back had his heart fluttering.
When the clock struck the first seconds of Christmas, Ruby ran to the second bedroom and returned to the living room with a few wrapped gifts and a gift bag. He had taken the liberty to take the gifts he had all wrapped up in his duffle bag and pulled the bag over beside the couch. Jihoon wasn’t…the best at wrapping gifts so a few days prior he managed to get to Joshua’s room and begged him to help wrap everything. The latter was glad to help, showing him how to wrap and tape things up before sending Jihoon on his way.
Ruby pushed him to open his gifts first, wrapping themselves up in a blanket and hugging their knees, watching with bright, child-like wonder. He swore there were stars in their eyes.
Jihoon went for the smallest of the gifts first, wrapped in shiny silver paper with a red bow stuck to the side of it. He was careful to peel the paper apart but Ruby made a sound of annoyance and he rolled his eyes, smiling as he tore the paper off. It took him a moment to process what he was looking at, but when he did, he let out a sound of amazement. Jihoon knew he had mentioned to them once prior that he was looking for a specific box set for an older anime he really liked. All the websites he found were selling it for an outrageous amount so he wasn’t interested but…
“ Where did you find this?” He was quick to flip around in his hands, eyes wide as he read over the Japanese characters.
“ When a few of us went to Harajuku and you stayed back since you were tired. It saw it on display and I knew you wanted it so I had Hannie hide it for me.”
“ How much was it, it was so expensive-”
“ Don’t worry about it.” Ruby waved him off, motioning towards the other gifts.
With him starting from the smallest, Jihoon grabbed the next up in size gift, quite large in reality, wrapped in red paper with a black bow. Much like the first, he wanted to unwrap it carefully, but to make them happy, he tore it off, stopping dead in his tracks at the label that stared back at him. It was a recording mic, another item he had been looking at for a while but decided not to get since his current one was still working just fine and was of similar quality.
The mic before him was the same brand, just the newer, more expensive model. It had been sitting in his wishlist for so long because he wanted to justify the purchase with his old one breaking, a sale, or something. He slowly finished removing all the wrapping paper and looked between the gift and Ruby who was grinning at him from ear to ear and the bond swelled with happiness.
“ Do you like it?” They whispered so quiet he could barely hear it.
He gave a gentle nod. “ I- Yeah.” He nodded once more, laying his hands flat on the box and looking over the pictures on the box. “ How the hell did you hide this?”
“Shua’s room.” Ruby snickered. “ It wasn’t too hard to convince him.”
“I love it.” Jihoon let a smile spread on his lips, “ Thank you.”
They pushed the much larger wrapped box towards him and the gift bag. It left a decent dip in the cushion which had him cocking his eyebrow before reaching for it.
When he went to lift it, he was surprised at the weight that he was met with. For someone who didn’t work out regularly, it would be heavy, at least nine kilograms if he had to guess when he lifted it into his lap.
“ Why is it so heavy-” He chuckled, starting to pull off the black wrapping paper, laughing even louder at the gift. “ Really? A weighted blanket?”
“You said you wanted one for the studio! Plus it helps with my anxiety and I know you get anxious even when you lie about it!” Ruby pointed to the weight of it. “ Nine kilograms. Think you can handle that, beef cake?”
“ I think I can handle it perfectly.”
“Good because I got one for myself so now you can use one at the studio on the couch and one here when you are with me.”
Jihoon placed the blanket aside, eyeing Ruby. “ Did you take Mingyu with you to carry it?”
“Oh god no, he can’t keep a secret to save his life.”
“Yeah… He has never been able to.”
Ruby reached over and pushed the gift bag closer towards him, “ This one was more of a joke but it turned out too good.”
“ A joke?” He started to pull the tissue paper out and tossed them down to the floor. Reaching in his grabbed a handful of the fabric and pulled it out, “ It’s a sweatshirt-”
As the black garment unfolded and he was met with the embroidered pattern, he sighed but was failing to hold back the smile. From beside the sweatshirt he held up, he saw Ruby grinning wide, eyes scanning over his face.
“ A red panda.”
Jihoon didn’t know what else to say as he took in the visuals. It was a red panda, sitting in a computer chair that looks a lot like his in his studio with a computer set up that looks almost exactly like his… Even the clutter on his desk. There were empty red cans on the ‘floor’ surrounding the creature and the lyrics from his song, ‘This is Red Too’ embroidered in red above it all. When he looked over the lettering, the ‘I’ was dotted with a red diamond and fourteen little stars littered above it all.
“ Hyeji helped me get one of the GoSe visual artists to draw it all out then I had it commissioned by someone Jamie knows.”
“Are the stars-”
“Twelve for the guys, one for you, and one for me.”
He laid the sweatshirt flat on his lap, letting his fingers run over the colorful threads, taking in all the details. Each star zigzagged up and down, colors seeming to be in age order if he had to guess. The first star was a light blue color, the new two white, which he assumed was 95 line due to their microphone colors. The next four were silver, an army green, another silver, then sparkly red, representing 96 line. For 97 line, he saw another white star, a glittery black threaded one, then another red star, followed behind by a silver star. For the last three, there was a white, black, then silver star. All fourteen accounted for.
“ I know it’s silly, but I thought it would be cute-”
“I love it, Ruby-ah.” He cut them off, not realizing there were tears welling in his eyes until one rolled down his cheek. “ Shit- Why am I crying- This is dumb.”
Jihoon wiped his tears away, laughing to himself as Ruby reached out and pulled his hands away from his face. He felt so stupid for crying, he didn’t even know what exactly he was crying at. The bond fluttered and buzzed with worry but he held tightly on their hands, giving a wobbly smile to Ruby.
“ Ruby-ah,” Jihoon cleared his throat and shook his head. “ My love, thank you. All of this…Thank you.”
“Anything for you,” Ruby ran their thumbs over his knuckles, bringing both of his hands up to kiss them. “ You are my soulmate after all.”
“ You need to open your presents.” He cleared his throat again, not bothering to move as they laced their fingers together, feeling the bond's warmth spread through his limbs, easing his soul. “ They won’t be as good as yours but…”
“I’m sure they will be perfect, Jihoonie.”
Slipping his hands out from theirs and reaching into the bag, Jihoon looked over the differently wrapped presents and pulled the first one out. He placed it before them, knowing he had an order in which he wanted to give them.
Ruby reached out quickly and tore the paper off the box, the bond humming with excitement. He watched their expression change from excited to surprise, gripping the box with both hands. It was a pair of highly rated noise canceling headphones. Ruby’s old pair were from their time in college and one side didn’t work anymore. With work and traveling, they haven’t been able to get a new pair so he took it upon himself.
“ Wah, this is great.” They flipped the box over, brushing all the wrapping paper to the floor and smiling ear to ear. “ Thank you.”
Jihoon gave a hum, pulling the next present from the bag. It was a decent bit larger, and he handled it with care as he placed it in their lap. “ Careful with this one.”
“Careful? So if I shake it-” Ruby grabbed it with both hands but he panicked and grabbed their wrists.
“ Do not-”
“I’m kidding~” They laughed, he glared, but they were slow to wrap it and pulled the unmarked box out.
Curious eyes met his but he nodded towards it for them to continue. Gently, Ruby opened the box and lifted the lid, gasping quietly at the contents. The gift was a suggestion from Minghao when he was making a list of ideas, a porcelain tea set. Ruby had loved when the two had tea and said something about normal tea not tasting the same since. He had a few options of color, but the warm, terracotta color of the twelve piece set seemed the best choice for Ruby.
Reaching into the box, Ruby lifted the kettle to run the tips of their fingers over the glazed clay. They placed it back in its designated space before closing the lid.
“ Did Minghao-ah help?”
Jihoon cringed, “ Is it that obvious?”
“It’s a traditional tea set, it’s easy to guess.” Ruby gently placed the box on the couch behind them, shimmying back and forth in their seat. “ Now I can make tea for both of us and Minghao-ah and it will taste even better.”
“You can’t get mad at me for this one, okay?” Jihoon reached into his bag and pulled out a thin box wrapped in dark blue and silver striped paper. “ Promise me.”
Raising an eyebrow, Ruby nodded, pursing their lips. “ I don’t trust that but…I promise.”
He handed them the box, only two more left in his bag. “ I’m serious.”
“I know, it’s kinda cute.” They ripped the wrapping paper off and froze. “ Jihoonie…”
“You promised you wouldn’t be mad!” He exclaimed, feeling the annoyance budding in the bond.
“ This is a brand new laptop, Jihoonie.”
“You. Promised. You. Wouldn’t. Be. Mad.” He punctuated every word with a gentle slap to his leg.
“ I promised before I saw what it was.”
“You already promised, can’t take it back.”
Ruby drummed their fingers over the box, their eyes narrowing into a glare.
“ Your laptop has been having issues since it’s getting old, you were complaining so I got you a new one, as a present, so you can’t get mad at me.”
They scoffed and continued to glare at him. “ Is that your argument?”
“Yes.” He gave a firm nod, crossing his arms over his chest and squared his shoulders.
Both of them held eye contact before Ruby deflated and pouted. “ Thank you, Jihoonie.. I’m still mad at you.”
“No you aren’t.” Jihoon reached down and pulled out the last two gifts. One was a thin, small box that could be held easily in one hand while the other was quite thick and rectangular which he kept in his lap for the time being. He handed the small box first.
With speed, Ruby shredded the simple snowflake patterned paper off, only to giggle and hold the small package with both hands. “ I’m going to use this every day!”
He laughed, shoulders shaking and a stupid smile on his face. “ That’s why I got it. It will keep your coffee, tea, or whatever warm since you always complain about it being cold.”
They were already opening the box and their expression went from smiles to a heavy eye roll. “ I’m not even surprised you got the mug warmer in red.”
He was trying to hide the smirk threatening to spread on his lips. “ To remember me.”
“ Ew, vomit, stop.” They fake gagged and fell into the back cushions of the couch. “Cheesy.”
“ Then you’ll hate this.” Taking the gift from his lap, he let them take the gift, looking it over. “ This is a two part gift, and a team effort.”
“Team effort?”
“Open it and you will see.”
The last gift was one that really was a team effort and one of the hardest to put together without Ruby finding out or someone else spilling the beans on accident. Mingyu and Soonyoung were the biggest offenders of that so both had to stay on a strict, limited information diet. Since the break the month prior before The Dome Tour, he gathered the guys when Ruby wasn’t around and they were gladly willing to help put the gift together.
Ruby successfully unwrapped the gift and stared down at it with curiosity, taking in the cream colored bound binder with a picture cut out of the first team picture Ruby was featured on the front. They snickered before opening the first page and the bond bursted with amazement.
On the first page was the candid photo from the airplane tarmac back in September. Jihoon had their suitcase in his hand, standing like a ‘gremlin’ (Soonyoung called him that when he sent the picture over) and smiling like an idiot while Ruby looked so done with him. He remembered the day fondly, loving how Ruby was slowly becoming a part of his proper family and starting the unknown chapter in the newly shared life they now had.
The second page was pictures from the time in New York with Maknae line, a rag-tag collage of the pictures and little notes Seungkwan, Dino, and Vernon wrote. They were buzzing with delight and they continued to flip the pages. Selfies with the guys, shots that photography staff captured between them but couldn’t be posted, and plenty of candid shots from him. He even…wrote out some little notes and lyrics he thought of that couldn’t make it into a song but he wanted Ruby to hear. Page after page was something that made the contentment in their soul grow until they got to the end of the first book and pulled out the second one below it.
“ The second one is empty.” He stated, watching them open to the first blank page. “ I thought…With all the changes going on, the ungodly amount of pictures everyone takes, and other little things… We could fill the second book with pictures, notes, whatever it will be of our life…together.”
“That sounds…” Their voice sounded a little choked up, lifting their eyes from the scrapbooks to tearfully meet his own. They were smiling, albeit wobbly, and hugged the first book to their chest. “ Amazing. Absolutely amazing. We can fill it together, every step of the way.”
“ Come here.” Jihoon opened his arms, watching them quickly place the books aside and practically dove into his arms until his back let the arm rest and he let out an ‘oomph-’. “ We can document all our memories. All the pictures we take. Everything.”
Ruby pushed back his hair, placing a gentle kiss to his lips, and he melted into the little message to his scalp. “ Merry Christmas, Jihoonie.”
“Merry Christmas, my love.”
“ You work out too hard when something is on your mind, don’t hurt yourself.” Seungcheol grabbed the bar Jihoon was bench pressing, racking it back up on its stand.
Jihoon let out a huff, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. “ Ah- I’m fine, I’m just a little distracted.”
With a shake of his head, Seungcheol patted him on the shoulder and went to grab his bag. “Distracted gets you hurt, let’s call it a day.”
“ Hyung- We’ve barely started.”
“ And you can take one day off with your seven day workout schedule. Plus I’m hungry and you promised me food.”
“Can we eat in the studio?” Jihoon asked almost nervously and Cheol nodded.
“ Totally, but I’m picking the food.”
A shower in the changing room and the trek to his studio not an hour later had them sitting on the couch with boxes of Thai takeout. Conversation over food was mainly about the new BooSeokSoon song and the video recording, some ideas for the very new Album being released in April, and Caratland. Meetings for the infamous concerts/fan meetings would be starting soon to get the ball rolling for the weekend-long event. 2023 only just started and things were going to be long and tiring coming in the next couple weeks.
“ Mmmm, alright.” Seungcheol dropped his empty take out container on the small coffee table, kicking his slides off and curling his legs up under the weighted blanket Jihoon got for Christmas. “ Tell me what’s on your mind. I know you too well to not see the cogs turning inside your head.”
Jihoon rubbed his hands together nervously, letting his eyes gaze around the room as he mulled over his words. “ I-” He started, swallowing down the lump in his throat. “ I got something- I want to do something but I want your opinion on it.”
Quickly he stood and went over to his desk, reached behind the monitors and pulled out a jewelry pouch and a small ring box before shuffling back. Seungcheol had an inquisitive look in his eye but kept his face neutral. Each of the members had a ring box like this, it held their group rings that were given every new full length album.
“ It’s been on my mind for a while. I bit the bullet after the new year’s event and got a necklace but then I internally panicked because I didn’t know if it was a good idea so I asked you if we could hang out-”
“Wah, Jihoon-ah.” Seungcheol chuckled quietly, “ I’ve never heard you ramble this much before. Start from the beginning.”
Jihoon swallowed that lump again, looking down at the pouch and pulling out the simple silver chain he had bought. “ I…Love Ruby-ah. I feel like I haven’t shown that enough but they are always caring for me and supporting me. Everyone knows how much the group rings mean to us, it’s our connection, and I wanted to…give some to them to wear on a necklace. As a symbol that I love and trust them enough to have them in their possession.”
Seungcheol let out a dramatic gasp, bringing both hands to his chest and throwing his head back. “ Oh my heart- I’m a sensitive man, please.”
“Hyung! Be serious.”
“I am! I’m seriously thinking you are one of the cutest people in this group even if you hate being called cute!”
“Hyung-” Jihoon scoffed and made a sound of complaint. “ Please.”
Seungcheol tugged the blanket higher up on his legs, putting his hands up in surrender. “ Go on, go on.”
It took a few moments before Jihoon continued, taking second and third rings from the Teen, Age and An Ode albums out of the ring case. He unclasped the necklace and slid the chain through the rings before re-clasping it. “ I want these to be a promise to them. A promise of how I feel about them…A promise of the life I want us to have in the future…together. I want to spend the rest of my life with them before I want to, not because fate tells me too…”
The older man looked over at him, the hair on the back of Jihoon’s neck standing up as he was being perceived. “ Jihoon-ah…Are you thinking what I think you are thinking?”
Silence blanketed the two of them as Jihoon spun his rings between his fingers, lost in his own thoughts.
There was a joke that he made many times between the members that he has never been in love yet he has written about it so many times. He’s written countless songs, poems, compositions all about the one feeling that everyone says feels so light and rejuvenating, and feeling it was almost exactly what people said and more.
Love was overwhelming. It was an ever evolving feeling that takes many forms between friends, family, and partners. To him, love was a confusing feeling at first when he and Ruby got closer. It was different from the love he felt for his friends or his family. It sparked and ignited a flame within his heart that warmed him when he was cold and pushed him to be wholly himself. It was euphoric and breathtaking, making his heart beat faster and his thoughts scramble. It was no longer the scary, unknown feeling that he couldn’t put a word to, but a blossoming feeling that he could always have within his reach.
He gnawed on the inside of his cheek, placing the necklace now adorning the rings back in the pouch, closing it securely.
“ Do you…believe I’m crazy for thinking about it?” Raising his eyes, he met his friend’s soft gaze, a smile spread on Seungcheol’s lips.
“ I don’t think you are crazy, Jihoon-ah. I think you are in love.”
“Do you see them?! ” Ruby was bouncing on their toes, head whipping around the airport arrival area.
He fixed the hood on their head, making sure their mask was on properly. “ They just landed, it will take them a moment to get through with their things.”
They felt anxious and excited, they barely slept the previous night until he pulled them to bed and held them down to sleep. It only took twenty minutes of them rambling before sleep took hold much to his delight. Their grandparent’s flight wouldn’t land until mid-afternoon so he needed to find some way to get them to rest.
Jisung had picked them up with another security guard, the latter sitting with the van at the pick up line while Jisung stood beside them.
“I’m excited.”
Jihoon simply nodded, sliding his hands into the front of his sweatshirt, gazing around. At his own insistence, he had Ruby speak to him in English more since it was probably easier to communicate, but Ruby promised to be there if he needed a hand.
He…didn’t give them the necklace yet. Every time he wanted to, it didn't feel right and between moving, organizing, and their grandparents coming, he wanted to wait. He wanted it to be right.
Ruby linked arms with him, leaning their body weight against him. “They are gonna love you.”
Slowly the time ticked on until Ruby tensed and was rushing away from him and Jisung.
“Papa!” They yelled, rushing through people until they crashed into a man’s arms.
“There is my little bear!”
Both Jihoon and Jisung were hurrying to catch up, Jisung more panicked at Ruby’s jetting off than anything.
“My baby-” Mimi pulled Ruby from her husband’s arms, pulling them into a hug. “Oh my baby, I have missed you so much. Look at you.”
Mimi held Ruby’s face in her hands, smiling lovingly at her grandchild.
“Mimi, Papa,” Ruby stepped back, quickly wiping their eyes and reaching for Jihoon’s hand, pulling him up towards where the three of them stood. “This is Jihoon. My soulmate.”
Mimi gave him a once over, still smiling, tears making her eyes look glassy. “It’s very nice to meet you, Jihoon. We’ve heard so much about you.”
Papa…Papa looked at him more critically, his expression stern as he held out a hand. Jihoon took it, feeling the firm grip the other man had which he matched easily, straightening his shoulders. “You better be taking care of my grandbaby. It’s nice to meet you, Jihoon.”
“It’s nice to meet both of you too.” His words came out a little stuttered but Jihoon held firm. “Welcome to South Korea.”
Ruby’s bond fluttered with happiness. “Let’s get you to the hotel to rest, it was a long flight.”
“Oh please, I slept almost the entire time!” Mimi grabbed her suitcase handle and motioned towards Jisung. “Who is this young man?”
“Security, ma’am, just in case.” Jisung answered flatly, offering to take both of their suitcases. Mimi was happy to hand hers over while Papa held onto his.
“So Jihoon, where can someone get some good food around here?” Papa asked as the group exited the airport.
#seventeen#seventeen x reader#svt#seventeen jihoon#woozi x reader#svt woozi#soulmate au#seventeen soulmate au#seventeen fic#svt x reader
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TVs get larger and have more features as their prices drop. Cars today are substantially more reliable and safe than those from when I was a teenager. People live longer due to advances in medicine.
I'm an optimist. Life gets better.
When Amazon first arrived I was excited. I bundled my orders to avoid a shipping charge. Amazon didn't collect sales tax in those days. Then I got Prime. It's has a hefty annual fee, but it comes with the TV streaming and free shipping.
My adult kids have credit cards on file on my Prime account so they can take advantage of the free shipping and not pay the annual Prime fee. I can also treat myself to some free stuff by using their cards (kidding). Now that Netflix has stopped us from sharing accounts, I figure it's just a matter of time before Prime does that too.
Lately when I open Prime streaming there are commercials. Mostly they are for shows but this morning saw one for Maybelline eye makeup. I have to hit the Back button to get on to the main screen. It's easy to move along. But that extra new step annoys me.
This week I got an email from Amazon telling me there will be limited commercials on Prime streaming starting January 29.
This will allow us to continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period of time.
It made me think of the surcharges some restaurants now add to the bill. 6% for healthcare. 18% for fair wages. 2% for clean silverware! Any place with the tablet that swivels asks me to tip 20, 22, or 25% to the teenager who put two doughnuts into a wax bag. Recently I purchased something with a lifetime warranty. The salesman offered to sell me an extended warranty. None of these things make my shopping or dining experiences more enjoyable.
Amazon politely notes that I will have the option to pay a $2.99 monthly premium to avoid commercials. I'll probably put up with commercials. Paying more to Amazon doesn't sit well with me.
So it will be like the old days. Instead of using the pause button when I want to get a drink or snack I'll do that during the commercials like it's 1988, when I still had hair and a 75 pound television set.
Another thing about Amazon Prime: It is starting to feel like Temu. If I'm looking for some product that isn't necessarily under a particular name brand I see multiple items with the same picture but different company names. Gogoku, Calicob, Miaozuhn.
I can take my chance on lower priced things that might be crap, like some USB charging cables I bought that added hours to the time it took to charge my phone. There was probably a single strand of thin wire inside the rubber coating, that's my guess. Oh why did I trust you, AAguuds?
As much as I use online sellers I do like to shop local and support nearby stores. Amazon has begun to make that choice even easier.
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Lacquer Brands
so one day I went to a fugue and wrote a 2000 word essay on nail polish brands
We got four tiers of nail polish brands: overpriced luxury bullshit, drugstore, boutique, and indie.
Overpriced Luxury Bullshit
Don’t buy these! Just don’t! You’re paying for name, not quality. Chanel charges $32 for an 11 ml creme, the second cheapest polish type there is. That’s ludicrous. Every review I’ve seen of a “high-brand” from a real swatcher has been negative. Fuck ‘em all.
Drugstore
This is every other mainstream brand, whether it’s from CVS, Walmart, or Ulta. Wide range of price and quality. In general, you’ll probably get what you pay for. Sally Hensen Insta-Dry is classic and Acceptably Okay; if you don’t have the patience for a full manicure, just slap some of that on. Look for brands that are 3-free or 5-free--that means that won’t have a few nasty chemicals. Anything over 5 is fake and doesn’t matter.
My preferred drugstore brands:
Zoya: Jellies, glitters, shimmers. Tends to have a very thin formula--leave the cap off for a few minutes to thicken it up.
Orly: Cremes! The absolute best, well-pigmented, buttery smooth cremes. Persistent Memory is my perfect dark red. The bottles are generously sized, they have a nice paddle brush, and I love the big rubberized cap. They’re just really pleasant!
OPI: I only use their matte top coat but I use a lot of it. It’s the best! Get their matte top coat! I’ve seen recs to use their polishes over Essie’s, but I’ve never tried either.
Boutique
Now we’re getting into the Good Shit. There’s a price jump here, but there’s also a huge jump in quality. These are small- to medium-sized online-only businesses with semi-industrial production and ample stock. They’re big enough to ship within a few days. They use a LOT more pigment and glitter than drugstore brands, and have far more variety in finishes.
You might see them on Amazon or Etsy--skip it and go order from their sites instead. Shipping costs the same and you can save up reward points.
Charmed Lacquer: Brand new, recently announced, will open in a week or two. Started by a streamer named Janixa. I’m not familiar, but her followers seem excited enough to check it out.
Cirque Colors: CONTROVERSY! I like Cirque. I have a ton of their polishes. A little pricey, but they have frequent small sales and are high-quality. Best known for the jellies and some really stunning magnetics like Mood Ring and Black Swan (which have since been rampantly duped). So why the controversy?
Mystery bags: idk people get het up about ‘em. I kind of feel like if you gamble on a bunch of polishes you don’t choose, you risk pruglies.
Coronation: This is a purple polish with a red-green shift shimmer pigment called, I shit you not, Unicorn Pee. UP was made unavailable for public sale years ago (the suspicion is that it’s now used in some currency). Cirque keeps finding stashes and re-releasing Coronation. There have been complaints that it’s not the same shade as the original, that it’s over-priced ($18.50 is a LOT for a polish), and the FOMO marketing. It always sells out fast. I have a bottle. It’s okay.
Jaritos: The current teapot tempest. Cirque just put out a Jarito-themed line of jellies that’s FOURTEEN FUCKIN FIFTY a bottle. Their regular jellies are two bucks less because JELLIES ARE CHEAP. They have less pigment than other finishes. Cirque has also been caught editing pics from swatchers. Some of the Jaritos shades are outright dupes of existing Cirque colors--but when Cirque reposted swatcher pics that compared them, they changed things to make them look different. Little shady!
I still got Mxcn Cola
Holo Taco: I don’t go to this school. It seems fine. Owned by a YouTuber with a pretty big following, Simply Nailogical. The brand has devoted followers, but I’ve never been real impressed. I feel like I can get everything they do somewhere else for a buck or two cheaper. Lots of limited-time bundles.
ILNP: MY LOVE! Shimmers, glitters, holos. Their formulas are just fantastic. If you follow lacquer reddits you’ll see a TON of posts featuring Flower Child and Fairy Dust; they aren’t for me but I see why people love them. They’re really good with shimmers--Flicker glows like a candle in a dark window. I also like their flakie toppers and magnetics. You really can’t go wrong with anything from ILNP.
One of the rare lacquer companies that doesn’t do FOMO. They never remove anything from their line-up. New collections get a 10% discount for a week at release, and they have an annual Black Friday sale.
KBShimmer: They’re pretty good! They don’t get as much love as I think they deserve--probably because they aren’t quite as flashy and highly-marketed as other brands. They also aren’t as heavily pigmented/glittered. Still pretty good though! I really love All Fired Up. They have big 15 ml bottles for only $12, no matter what finish. KBShimmer is a great place to start if you’re just dipping your toe beyond drugstore brands. Pick up their polish thinner (suitable for every brand except Orly) and glitter smoothing top coat.
Lights Lacquer: Don’t. They have some nice shades, though they tend to be as subdued as drugstore polishes. I was really disappointed by their cremes--the formula isn’t at all self-leveling. That’s just weird in this day and age. And then I found out that black swatchers refuse to work with them because the owner has been openly racist. Her non-apologies did not improve relations. Skip it.
Mooncat: CONTROVERSY! I have over a dozen Mooncat polishes and do love most of them, but it's getting harder to recommend the brand. They specialize in intense shimmer/glitter/holo/flakie/magnetics--all the fancy stuff. They have a few unique polishes that I haven’t seen duped elsewhere. Their formula can be gloopy, especially their flakies; easily fixed by a few drops of thinner. Why controversy?
they’re fukkin expensive bro. Like $15 a bottle. I do feel that you get what you pay for--it’s good stuff. I’ve never been disappointed by a Mooncat. But part of what you’re paying for is brand aesthetic.
they’re fukkin annoying bro. Their site, marketing, and even customer service emails are all lower-case dramatic gothy stuff. Never “nails,” always “claws.”
Their bottles keep shattering. This has happened occasionally in the past, then become more frequent starting in April. Seems like there was some supply change that thinned the glass. Mooncat was also filling about 14 ml instead of the promised 12 ml. Temperature and air pressure changes during shipping started to cause a lot of bottles to break. One person ended up in urgent care to get her hand stitched. Mooncat has promised to make changes and has been quick to refund/replace broken bottles, but there’s still a lot of ill-will simmering in the community. I think we’re past the tipping point--I’m no longer seeing broken bottle posts, just love for their new Power Puff Girls collab--but if you like something, I would wish list and wait another month. That should be enough time to make sure the bottles are safe and the weather has cooled.
Indies
Every single indie nail polish company is one or two people working out of their basement. That is not a joke. They hand-makes every small batch, fill the bottles, pack, and ship by themselves. That’s in addition to designing and testing polishes, and just living their lives.
That means that if you order from an indie, expect to wait. Most list a turn-around time of up to a month (they usually say 7-21 business days--people read three weeks but it’s a month). That’s padded to give them safety--nearly all will ship within a week, maybe two. But if they get hit with life stuff or a ton of orders, it really can take a while. My longest order took over a month arrive. It was entirely worth it.
Indies tend to have a big focus on fancy finishes. The biggest trend right now is sheer lacquers that are loaded with aurora shimmer. They’re color-shifty and glowy, and a lot of fun. That’s starting to stagnate a bit--every base color/shimmer combination has been done, so a lot of dupes are emerging--but it’s also starting to evolve. I’m seeing more and more shimmers that also have holo, flakes, or reflective glitter. I’m betting we’ll get some thermal shimmers as fall rolls in and temperatures drop.
Indies have some phenomenal variety and creativity. They’re doing the coolest stuff with the most love. Many also rely heavily on FOMO, and some are just plain not open much of the time. Instead, they have monthly or seasonal release windows. They usually drop a new collection and may retire old ones.
How do you keep track? The Reddit Laquerists (sic) Nail Polish Release Calendar. You can also subscribe to brand newsletters--most give a small coupon on your first order. A lot are on Instagram and Facebook.
There are at least two dozen indie brands, and it’s hard to know where to start. I highly recommend Lyn B. Designs. I love her lacquers, absolutely flawless formula. She has big bottles, fast turn-around, and lots of variety. Get her top coat! It’s the best. But most importantly, she has a 50% off code for ALL products every time she launches a new collection. You can get top-quality lacquers for $6 each, and the big top coat refill for $12.50. No brand of any size can match that value. You can either follow her on Facebook for the code or check the calendar on launch day.
Others I like, in no particular order:
Bee’s Knees, Dam, Polished for Days, Great Lakes Lacquers for fantastic shimmers and reflectives. Garden Path and Rogue Lacquers have great flakies. Lurid Lacquer is pretty new, and she’s doing some really interesting things with intense shimmers and color-shifty chromes. Sassy Sauce keeps a small, tidy line-up, but it’s all quality and creative stuff. She’ll also have some nice thermals once October hits--she doesn’t ship them during summer, which I respect.
Cupcake is kind of a workhorse brand like KBShimmer: nothing too spectacular, but everything is solid and reasonably priced. Likewise, Glisten & Glow isn't too exciting but IS cheap and high-quality. Emily de Molly is Just Good. Drunk Fairy has really nice jellies and cremes. Wildflower Lacquers is closed for rebranding, back 09/06; I don’t have any from her yet but I gotta give props for big bottles, a fan brush, and surviving in Oklahoma.
Death Valley Nails is a little pricey but they’re doing the weirdest, most absolutely unique shit out there. They’re making polish out of rocks and wildflowers. One looks like the sink after your boyfriend shaves. It’s great.
Clionadh gets some hype but IMO they’re overpriced and overrated. They definitely up the saturation on swatch pics. I’m unimpressed by Femme Fatale’s formula and teeny 9 ml size. Shleee polishes don’t self level at all. Stella Chroma still sells Harry Potter themed polishes and I'm very over that.
But really, the best way to check out indie brands is…
Indie Preorders
There are two big indie collabs every month that work on a pre-order basis: Polish Pickup and Hella Handmade Creations. They open for a week each month and feature unique, one-time only products from a ton of indie brands. They can cause major FOMO. If you feel that might not be healthy for you, stay away! But if you’re okay with the possibility that you may never be able to replace a bottle you finish off, you’ll find some great stuff. They’re an excellent way to explore new brands, and creators get to be a little experimental. PPU has fun monthly themes; HHC doesn’t have a general theme, but many creators do a series of fandom-themed designed. Indie polish creators tend to be pretty nerdy.
If you want to try non-US brands, go to Color4Nails.They’re a stockist that carries several brands, drugstore, boutique, and indie. They also have monthly pre-orders for a few Brazilian brands like Phoenix Indie Polish and Penelope Luz. I find the Brazilian brands to be a little pricey, with smallish bottles and fairly thin consistency, but they’re doing some interesting stuff. I’m pretty consistently impressed with Phoenix; PL less so.
#nails#I have a few posts I'm going to schedule during the next week#they are not remotely this long
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I see the "Jimin gave Dior their highest stocks" argument circulating on Twitter and on Tumblr. Wanted to add my two cents: Stocks don't work that way. One single person being named brand ambassador won't influence stocks in a mega way. Not even our bestest, cuty-sexy-lovely It-boy.
Two things:
a) what influences stocks is quite complex and it's difficult to pin it down to just one factor and trying to determin what impact that one factor had b) Dior's stocks have been pretty good since September last year. And the rise in stock since Jimin was named brand ambassador wasn't that high. That's not because Jimin being brand ambassador wasn't impactful. Because it obviously was. But again, stocks are a bit more complicated than that. Also during times of crisis, luxury brands are always quite successful, since rich people usually aren't affected by those times of crisis. Sucks, but that's how it is
Still Jimin being brand ambassador is a highly successful move for both sides. Jimin holds a lot of brand power. He gets Dior a lot of recognition and gets people to shop Dior products. And of course since the new money is in Asia, naming a big asian celebrity as brand ambassador is a very clever move. And right now Jimin is one of the most famous celebrities. People can be pressed about that all day long. Won't stop the Jimin effect and won't stop people from running into Dior stores, lol (and maybe soon Tiffany stores?). And like clockwork, everyone shading Jimin for being lazy just dug their own graves. When I see people complaining about Jimin being lazy, it majorly pisses me of. But I also know I just need to sit back and wait for Jimin to do his thing. Chefs kiss.
Very well said. I completely agree.
Saying JM being announced ambassador for Dior has their stock at an all time high is so very simplistic and kinda wrong.
It is very possible that the announcement itself, on the day, caused a spike in the stock price, that would be a momentary influence, nothing more.
Just like @guacamoli-avocadorado mentioned, the stock market and stock prices are much more complex than that. Many more influences, inside brand influences and outside world influences, other stock markets are at play here. For instance, a fall of the Wall Street stock market will influence other stock markets all around the world and stocks in those markets, even if they have zero to do with Wall Street will most likely take a hit.
I would like to add some more though.
Yes, stock prices are important to assess a company's worth, but at the end of the day, the success of a brand is not in it's stock prices.
It's in the profit it makes selling their products. Cost versus income, as simple as that. The more the brand is profitable, the more successful it is. The more profit there is to divide out as dividends to their shareholders, the happier the shareholders are in it's management.
Cost and profit.
And JM is a cost, probably a very big one, but he's also an unbelievable investment for Dior. The buying power JM holds is immense, not only in the Asian markets but add to that international Army.
I mean, just go online to see how many Army have been out on shopping sprees buying Dior products all because JM was announced as ambassador. Buying clothes he wore, bags he carried, make up he had on.
Now that's buying power, and that's also a good investment.
JM is a money maker, and that's why they snatched him, Mr. brand reputation king.
Talking about brand reputation rankings, JM no. 1 and JK no. 3 - when are we finally going to be hearing who snatched JK up, eh? I guess it's all about timing, cause we know these deals are months in the making. But it sure is coming.
Dior did more than good to land JM. Good business is what it was, and every JM hater out there, well, boo to you you idiots. JM is the king, case in point.
JM might have done that by mistake, but that's exactly what the haters deserve. Instead they got a little of the very famous JM/JK Karma.
And those sounds, the screechers calling JM lazy, those sounds were silenced. Boy's been working non stop, recording, filming, shooting, being cooed by Dior from the second the solo path was announced.
This same claimed lazy JM is in tip top shape, able to move his body, do things that no other member of BTS can, not even our super fit, Mr. boxing and exercising all the damn time Jungkook.
You aren't able to control your body like that by being lazy. And that's just the latest example.
JK has spoken about what a hard worker JM is, how he admires him for it. But you know, Jikook are scripted, so probably doesn't mean a thing, right?
Yoongi said it too, but again, he's BTS, it's all a falsehood they are trying to sell us.
Then how about Taeyang then? Is he part of the BH JM propaganda machine?
I think you all know my thoughts about it, right?
I'm just as pissed as you @guacamoli-avocadorado.
Hell, JM, as per usual, quietly, humbly, shows them all exactly who he is, what he's made of and what he's worth (if only we had access to that ambassadorship contract for Dior - my guess is a shit ton of money).
And folks, believe me when I say this is just the start.
Stream Vibe.
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