#synthetic leather shoes

[arthoe-iceland]

ive been buying a lot of leather recently. fuck them sheep…

[uniquexblogs]

Unleash Your Potential with ASICS Men's Gel-Braid Sports Shoes

Unleash your full potential with ASICS Men's Gel-Braid Sports Shoes. Designed for optimum performance, these shoes provide exceptional comfort, stability, and support. The innovative Gel-Braid technology offers responsive cushioning, allowing you to move with confidence and agility. With their stylish design and durable construction, these sports shoes are perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. Elevate your performance and dominate your workouts with ASICS Men's Gel-Braid Sports Shoes. 

Features:

Experience unparalleled comfort and style with the ASICS Men's Gel-Braid Sports Shoes. These shoes are designed with a faux leather sole that provides a reliable grip and ensures durability. The synthetic leather overlays add a touch of sophistication while enhancing the shoe's overall structure and support.

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Stay cool and fresh throughout your workouts, thanks to the strategically placed mesh panels throughout the upper. These panels promote optimal airflow, keeping your feet well-ventilated and preventing excess moisture buildup. You can focus on your performance without worrying about discomfort or sweaty feet.

The ASICS Men's Gel-Braid Sports Shoes combine performance-driven features with a sleek and contemporary design. Whether you're hitting the track, engaging in cross-training, or simply running errands, these shoes will provide the perfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality.

Elevate your athletic performance and embrace the confidence that comes with wearing high-quality sports shoes. Choose the ASICS Men's Gel-Braid Sports Shoes and experience the difference in your stride, all while enjoying the luxurious feel of the synthetic leather overlays, the cushioned support of the GEL technology, and the refreshing breathability of the mesh panels.

Order Now: Men's Gel-Braid Sports Shoes

[moonbiscuitsims]

CP 2077 Rogue Conversions set + extras (TS4)

This set took me so long but it's finally here! It isn't perfect but I'm happy enough with it. I've probably spent over a month doing these conversions, trying to fix the textures to make them better, trying to make it all the best I can. I hope any cyberpunk fans will appreciate this. 🙈 A lot of the items are Rogue's but a lot are just V's garments from the game plus things I added. All items are (I think) disallowed for random. Includes: 💛SWEATER (3 Versions) Converted by me from CP2077

- Rogue Survive sweater conversion + all rainbow colours, 28 swatches. Edit: I just reuploaded, there was a hole in the bottom, you couldn't see it unless you looked from under but it is fixed now 😄 - Plain Sweater without survive label all colours. 28 swatches. - Sweater with V garment/CP materials conversions, 16 swatches. -12K polygons (I tried to lower it but this was the best I could do) - Has specular and normal maps - Sweater category 💛PANTS (4 Versions) Converted by me from CP 2077

They clip with some shoes but can be tucked in boots with cuts and work well with short shoes or chunky ones that cover them. You an see the shine more in game and in live mode. - Rogue's pants + all colours, Very Shiny (includes her young version). 28 swatches. - Rogue's pants + all colours, Matte (slight shine to give synthetic appearance but not much, includes her young version) - Same pants mesh in all CP materials conversions + random experiments, 27 swatches. I also made some swatches match the CP gangs, others just made up. Shiny and Matte versions (regardless of whether it made sense for the fabric, e.g. there are shiny jeans lol I imagine in cyberpunk some jeans are plastic 😅 Some swatches could pass for leather or synthetic etc so I just added both. It was just easier to have all the swatches and less packages. - 14K Polygons - Has specular and normal maps - Sorted by colour swatches - Skinny/pants/jeans category 💛KIROSHI OPTICS EYES WITH LIGHT EMISSION (3 Versions)

I copied Rogue's eyes and made them in all colours. Hers are a bit different in each eye but sims doesn't allow that so they're symmetrical. They have four little light emitters and you can make out the word "Kiroshi" to the side of the pupil. They work with any eye. These are much better to see in live mode in darker places, in CAS it can be hard to see the light emission on some as it's the same colour as the textures. The light emission flashes. - REQUIRES Android Eyes MESH by @lady-moriel for emission to function - Found in face paint category. - All colours of the rainbow with white light emission, all in one package/CAS thumbnail, including white, grey and black texture colours, 19 swatches. - All colours of the rainbow with separate matching light emissions (i.e. red swatch with red light etc). These are in separate CAS thumbnails cause I didn't know how to put more than one emission in the package or know if it was possible. Doesn't include black grey and white as these have white emission and are in the previous package. As they're all separate I have merged them into one package. - Rogue Kiroshi separate (hers were a slightly pale red, with matching emission) In the GIF it looks a little worse than in game. 💛ROGUE HAIR RECOLOURS (NEED MESHES) These are just simple recolours of @aniraklova rogue hair, and qicc Synergy hair to match rogue's teal colour, young and old versions. Make sure to install these hairs too or the recolours won't appear. 💛ROGUE'S BOOTS Converted by me from CP2077

They only have one cut, when I tried making two cuts they were too short compared to maxis boots and the leg was missing and I couldn't be doing with it lol, they work with skinny pants or shorts and such, but some baggy pants might clip. - 8,7K Polygons - 6 Swatches (light grey, medium grey and black, each with silver and bronze detail versions) - Has specular and normal maps - Boots category 💛ROGUE'S CYBERWARE BODY AND FACE

@skaterboisims has awesome rogue face cyberware but I only made my own to match my body one better. Textures were just baked from the extracted CP2077 mesh. Has a shiny specular map but not super strong.

💛Disclaimers/info: - These are not my first but some of my first conversions and work with 3d models, I hope they're ok, I know there may be imperfections in the mesh or textures. - I don't play with HQ mod nor did I make these HQ, they're maxis sizes, so of course the textures can sometimes be a bit blurrier than in Cyberpunk which is a higher poly & quality game. Sorry for any HQ fans. If I used it my computer wouldn't be able to even fit my CC + game on hard-drive lol. -Meshes are slightly high poly compared to maxis items, but not too much, tried to reduce as much as I could where it was possible. I didn't do the pants cause I didn't know how to do that yet when I made them. - When you apply these items to custom body presets they sometimes distort a bit in certain areas, it works completely fine on maxis bodies. - If anything goes wrong or isn't showing up please don't hesitate to ask me or get in touch so I can inspect it. 😄

💛Thanks to the creators that helped me on S4S forum, thanks to @stamsim for helping with my earlier conversions and in general, and thanks @pinkydude for helping me find the decals and textures in wolvenkit and explaining how to use them! 💛

💛This took me a lot of time and effort so RESPECT MY TERMS OF USE. They are not my meshes but converting them and making everything else is still work. All my cc is free and I have no support in making it so: - PLEASE DO NOT REUPLOAD - PLEASE DO NOT PUT BEHIND PAYWALL OF ANY KIND - PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE CC IN ANY DOWNLOADS - PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE MESHES IN RECOLOURS - PLEASE DONT CLAIM YOU MADE IT - If you use my cc in a post or recolour or something please link to my post/mesh or tag me 😄 - For any inquiries about modifying one of the meshes you can ask so I know what you want to do. See this link for more info about conversions etc

💛💛If you wish to help me out with this content and support my work I now have PATREON💛💛

💛DOWNLOAD (PATREON) 💛 DOWNLOAD (GOOGLE DRIVE)

[columboscreens]

columbo is so gender to me but i dont think i could ever look like him</3

i think it's totally possible for anyone to embody his essence. you can even manage to rock something directly inspired by columbo without looking like you're cosplaying.

hair

if you have columbo's hair type, it's actually pretty easy to emulate his styles. i even know people who show pictures of columbo to hair stylists to get his look. my partner's hair in its natural state is very similar to columbo's--dark, wavy, tending to grow in spite of gravity rather than with it. whenever he gets his hair cut, he shows the stylist photos of late 60s/pilot episode peter falk, whose look is actually pretty on-trend for the current era. it works out pretty well.

your swag may have aged well pilot columbo but you can't beat floof

failing that, getting any haircut that is natural, low-maintenance, and not too attention-grabbing captures the visual language all the same. for reference, natasha lyonne in poker face has her hair in natural-looking, messy waves that to me just exude columbo.

clothing

how you present yourself to the world is up to you, but if you want to invoke columbo, there's a lot more you can do than buy a tan raincoat.

in an era of sharply-cut, wide-lapelled constructions, fat tie tuesdays, and gucci loafers, columbo stands out as classic comfort personified.

his collar, tie, and lapels are slim, proportional, and unassuming; they'd look good in almost any era. his pants fit closely to his leg but not too wide or slim, and sit at or near the natural waist. though his suits, shirts, ties, shoes, socks, and even coats rotate, there is a consistent color palette keeping him "on model". he embraces earth tones: creams, forest greens, light browns, dark browns, stony grays, rusts, and roses. his clothing seems like an afterthought, but it's an extension of his personality--rumpled and unassuming at first, yet sharp and deliberate upon further inspection.

amid the 1970s explosion of synthetic popularity, it says something that every stitch of textile on columbo's person is natural (aside from the raincoat, which is probably nylon or poly--he wears it without a lining and uses it as essentially an oversized windbreaker). his boots are leather with crepe latex soles; his tie is silk. his shirt is cotton, a bit boxy but comfortable and properly fitted. because the construction of his suits is roomy and unstructured, and because they're made of linen, they wrinkle easily.

this is easily confused for appearing slovenly. actually, all things considered, his clothes fit him pretty damn well, it's just hard to avoid wrinkling natural fibers like linen and cotton, especially in hot weather. he's running around los angeles sweating up a storm, the man needs loose, breathable fabric.

point is, columbo dresses very thoughtfully. since these clothes are workwear for him and he works a hell of a lot, it's imperative that he factors in the weather, his comfort, and proper fit when picking clothes. he wants to like and be comfortable in them while looking unassuming. so even though he sometimes ends up looking like an unmade bed, his choices are deliberate.

you could invoke these principles in your own appearance by picking earthy colors/jewel tones and comfortable, natural fabrics that you enjoy wearing, which has the added benefit of being better for you and the environment. consider also taking a few garments in to be altered. it's usually not that expensive, supports your local needlefolk, and makes even cheap clothes fit great.

as a last little aside, i think having a "signature" clothing item akin to columbo's raincoat would be a nice touch. a jacket, a pair of shoes, even a watch or necklace. something you always wear. if you really do want a raincoat like his, just make sure you're not buying a trench coat, because, repeat after me: columbo does not wear a trench coat.

[bronte-deserves-better]

I've just been writing a scene with a lot of descriptions of clothes and it got me thinking: what materials are clothes and shoes typically made out of in the lost cities?

Given that elves are all vegetarians, I have to assume that they aren't on board with clothing made with animal by-products of most kinds. So leather is probably out as a material for shoes, which leaves me wondering: are elven shoes actually like, plastic? Surely that goes against their environmentalist principles. Or have they got some sort of advanced synthetic replacement for leather that's also biodegradable?

Similarly for clothes, I have to imagine that elves would not like anything plastic/that sheds microplastics. But also silk is out (given silkworms) and wool/other fantasy equivalents might or might not be out as they still rely on animals. Do the elves exclusively use cotton, linen, and other plant-based fibers in their clothing? What do they use for warm clothing, then? Because you can't tell me that a linen cloak is going to keep you warm for shit.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Researchers at Imperial College London have genetically engineered bacteria to grow animal- and plastic-free leather that dyes itself. In recent years, scientists and companies have started using microbes to grow sustainable textiles or to make dyes for industry -- but this is the first time bacteria have been engineered to produce a material and its own pigment simultaneously. Synthetic chemical dyeing is one of the most environmentally toxic processes in fashion, and black dyes -- especially those used in colouring leather -- are particularly harmful. The researchers at Imperial set out to use biology to solve this. In tackling the problem, the researchers say their self-dyeing vegan, plastic-free leather, which has been fashioned into shoe and wallet prototypes, represents a step forward in the quest for more sustainable fashion.

Read more.

[gothprentiss]

hey. hey. i cannot make any inroads on your ethics but hey. hey listen. if you nod along with posts like this one

look into how this stuff is processed sometime 👍

i mean, full disclosure: i do genuinely think “i love animal products ❤️ they’re biodegradable” is kind of antivegan cope because, you know, no one ever seems to be talking about natural plant fibers versus synthetics in these contexts— despite the fact that, on average, they comprise significantly more of your wardrobe and significantly more of your short-term, short-life garments— but also, and more importantly: i do not know what kind of beautiful little production chain is being imagined here, but the idea that you go from sheep or cow or so on to your wardrobe to the compost heap to fresh soil in 5-15 years, zero environmental impact, is really out of touch with most factors of consumption. leather for example can be biodegradable, but a lot of processed leather takes significantly longer to decompose— not as long as pvc, but longer than you use it for— due to the nature of its treatment. if you buy leather goods you are virtually never buying untreated leather; tanning is a chemical process with pretty significant environmental consequences. if you are getting for example a wool coat, the odds that you can afford a 100% wool coat as opposed to a wool-synthetic blend are pretty low; same with sweaters. so maybe you thrift a leather jacket or a vintage 100% wool sweater and get some use out of it. you buy a pair of leather shoes and feel good about it. hey, their treatment and soles probably biodegrade too right? and without any lasting impacts on the environment? and maybe you overcorrect for “vegan item!!” fast fashion greenwashing and end up with items which are pretty much exactly as non-biodegradable as their plastic equivalents, and exactly as short-lived because the quality of low-budget manufacturing these days seems to be constantly getting worse.

i don’t mean to scaremonger or whatever— there really isn’t much of a way out of this unless you have some serious cash to spend. but the idea of a totemic Ecologically Good category of material is obviously out of touch with how most people in the world get their clothes and loudly praising a product which is not actually in practice guaranteed to be better than its plastic substitute is oddly common on this website. cmon there isn’t even a character limit. there’s space to actually say something useful

[prettiestgirlinthemorgu3]

Before you read this, I will previously apologise for any mistakes, english isn't my first language, any grammar correction you have will be welcome!

All credits to: @not-with-you-but-of-you

— Literati AU • Rory Gilmore has finally graduated from Harvard and is one step closer to becoming the next Christiane Amanpour, but challenges arise as she has to work alongside reporter Jess Mariano. In this universe, everything goes according to her original plans. Also, because of that, she never meets Logan, and she does break up with Dean when she goes to Harvard (like he thought it would happen).

Enjoy!

Nostalgia is orange

The bag on my shoulder would be almost heavy if it weren't for my excitement, finally, after years of daydreaming and studying until my head ache, I walk through the doors of the building that will make my biggest dream come true: becoming the next Christiane Amanpour. I feel like I'm in a fever dream, one of those you wish you never woke up from because it's so magical; I can smell black coffee and half-smoked cigarettes as I walk through the doors of CNN headquarters, the same doors my inspiring muse also walked through.

The only difference between the two of us at this moment is that it's not my first time entering here, but it's an equally symbolic and important moment, as I'm going to get my first scoop. My first mission, however, is to make sure no one notices that I'm 20 whole minutes late as I enter the elevator, I feel anxiety consume my chest at the same time as the floor numbers go up.

My shoes echoing on the cold floor in the frantic rhythm of my steps after I leave the space already visually cramped for me, finally at my desk, amidst the familiar mix of old books, papers to hand in and drafts of important articles, essential articles to keep my spot which I must never miss, under any circumstances. And then I see it approaching, the fuse of my career, my most precious possession, which comes in the form of a small piece of paper in the hands of my boss.

I can feel the greatness of that piece of paper, something immeasurable, so magnificent and...

"Miss Gilmore, you will be required to work with a partner on this first scoop. I apologize for not making you aware of this earlier, but now you will have to adapt to this information and team up with him to produce the article. Once successful, you will be able to begin working alone and prove your individual worth. Your partner is expected to arrive at 9:30." My boss's baritone voice rings out, shattering every expectation I had for my day, as if everything I had planned fell into disarray, useless. Now I would have a reporting partner, great.

"Oh, I almost forgot, his name is Jess Mariano. Good luck to you both and I hope you make an article worth the scoop." The older man leaves the paper on my desk, but I don't register the words written on it, my mind is occupied by something else. That name evokes emotions that had long been buried deep in my mind, now it awakens in me things I haven't felt since college, a mixture of longing and nostalgia, a bittersweet feeling in the back of my throat. This feeling tastes like afternoons at Luke's diner, books with margins full of notes, comments on songs and albums, strong coffees and exchanges of sarcastic comments, it's like I'm reliving a life long ago...

And when I least expect it, my wave of memories is interrupted by a familiar voice and then a familiar figure, who appears in my field of vision dressed in a slightly weathered black jacket, probably made of synthetic leather, dark wash blue pants, a charcoal gray sweater and old Doc Martens. My eyes are reluctant to meet his face, a little older, but the same face I met in Stars Hollow years ago, the same face that I used to find annoyingly charming as well as annoyingly punchable, the same dark eyes I used to find so full of hidden secrets and playfullness.

"Rory... Hi, long time no see." The same voice from the last time I saw him, the same voice that used to pick on the books I read with the same intensity that shared the same opinions. He smiled, and my voice caught, I froze and then finally parted my lips to say something, anything.

"Jess! It's really been a long time, hasn't it? Almost a lifetime." I let out an awkward chuckle, my mind too frantic to produce any other coherent thoughts at the moment.

He notices how speechless I am, or at least how incapable I am of saying anything substantial at that moment, so he decides to bring up the conversation, approaching my desk in one fluid motion, taking the scoop paper between his fingers and reading it absentmindedly, "So, how was Harvard? Was it really like you dreamed of?" He showed off that little smug smile of his, maybe I had missed it.

"It really was! All those classes and everything else were amazin' experiences, it really satisfied my expectations, Harvard is as magnificent as I thought it would be. All the things I learned there were the challenge I needed to finally graduate and start working."

For a second his eyes seemed to sparkle, then he turned back to the paper. "That's good to hear." He cleared his throat. "Well, then it seems we have to write, together, an article about Barack Obama's performance in the presidency, with popular opinions from different walks of life, experts and mainly the real statistics, the facts. It seems we have a lot of work to do, huh?" He smirked, raising an eyebrow and prostrating himself in the chair next to me, coming face to face with me.

"Okay, so let's start by making it easy, what's your opinion of his government, Jess?" I asked, posing like a serious journalist, pen and notebook in hand, even though my sarcastic tone of voice said otherwise.

"My opinion? His government was like all the others, he didn't fight for people of color in his government, which was the opposite of what people thought would happen by electing a black person to the presidency of the largest and most influential world power. It was kind of disappointing." He shrugged, spinning in the rolling chair, his head facing the ceiling. Her opinions remained the same, not that she saw a problem with that, as she agreed with most of them.

"Let's start asking people their opinions today." I bit the cap of my ballpoint pen, the ideas for the article were starting to flow and come to life in my mind, running wild in a frenzy.

"Looks like you're excited to finally get your first scoop, Gilmore?" He smiled, and I took that as a yes to my proposal.

"Do you know what was better than that lady's answer?" I couldn't stop laughing, it was the end of the day and we were carrying a bag of sweet rolls and two cups of coffee each, the interviews had been a success, a wide variety of opinions and enough material for a complete basis for the article.

"Your happiness and passion for interviewing people?" He commented between sips of coffee, in such a genuine way that I couldn't help but smile, my cheeks burning and a warm feeling fluttering in my chest.

"Ah-Hmmm..." I couldn't look at anything other than my caramel pumps, trying to control the wave of emotions that threatened to bloom inside me, it was as if I had never gotten over that stupid crush from when I lived in Stars Hollow. That's when I felt a warm hand on my face and a peck on my lips, a smile opened on my lips and reflected on his.

"I missed you, Gilmore."

—

Our article was a success, although it was sometimes difficult to work with Jess and his antics, his writing made up for it all, he was a phenomenal author and a great journalist to work with.

I can finally work on my own scoop, which will make me miss the brunette and his cynical comments .

That kiss was truly something magical, because the next day I not only woke up bubbling with ideas, but I also woke up in the best mood to start the article. Maybe I'll keep in touch with him.

Currently I find his face more annoyingly charming than annoyingly punchable, that opinion may change depending on what happens next.

I think I could have done better, reading it again makes me think me writing really sucks right now, its so plane, probably I will re-write this sometime. But I'm really out of creativity for emotional and complicated scenarios, this is a short alternative and open to several sequels and in-betweens. Due to school, I've been lacking motivation to write and seeing this AU inspired me to write something. Leave your feedback in the comments, I really love receiving them.

Xo, take care of yourself and have a great day/afternoon/night

@writing-n-memes since you asked if there is a work about it

[nerdraging4point0]

Blood of Eden // Part Seven // Noah Sebastian Urban Fantasy AU Fic

Tropes and Tags: MM, MF, MFM, MFM, instalove, too much sex, tattooed men, polyverse, shapeshifters.

CW: 18+ only minors DNI. Urban Fantasy romance, Smut. Angst. Fluff (ish), Story includes D/S themes, mentions of blood and gore, mentions of drug use and distribution, mentions of prostitution, unprotected sex, male receiving oral sex, female receiving oral sex, cuckolding, P/A sex, P/V sex.

This work below is fictionalized ideas and stories involving real people but does not directly reflect their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. Please keep in mind that this is a work of fiction.

Active taglist: @ladyveronikawrites @tearfallpixie @beaker1636 @circle-with-me @synthetic-wasp-570 @itsjustemily @thesazzb @vinyardmauro @cookiesupplier @concreteemo @dominuslunae @mountains-to-move @sundamariis @caitcoreeeee @crimson-calligraphyx @letmeadoreyoux @starsomens @artificialbreezy @lma1986 @iknownothingpeople @lilrubles @shilohrosechicken @missduffsblog @jessicafg03 @thatchickwiththecamera @mysticdoodlez @chels3a-smile @sinkingteethinwhitenoise @deathblacksmoke @roley-poley-foley @ravieisunhinged @dethronetheveil @to-be-written @somewhere-diamond @somebodyels3 @sacredthefran @th0ughts-pr4yers @skulliecadaver-blog @hayleylatour @littlefoxkota @anameunmusical @talialovesmiw @sacredthefran @jilliemiw86 @darkmxgician

The sun hasn't even peeked over the horizon yet, but the inky night sky is already giving way to a soft blue. Rosa stirs awake, tangled in the cream-colored sheets of Jolly's luxurious king bed. Beside her, Jolly snores loudly, his chest rising and falling with each rumbling breath. Careful not to wake him, Rosa extricates herself from the tangled sheets. She rummages through Jolly's drawers and finds a pair of his sweatpants. Rolling them at the waist, she secures them around her hips.

Quiet as a mouse, Rosa tiptoes down the long hallway of Jolly's expansive apartment to check Noah's room. Still empty. Perfect. With the stealth of a cat burglar, Rosa sneaks toward the front door. Gently, she turns the handle, relieved to find it unlocked. She slips out into the hallway and pads toward the elevator, pressing the button that will take her down to the first floor. 

The lobby is hushed at this early hour, as if not to disturb the slumbering city. Stepping silently out of the elevator, she glides across the marble floor towards the front doors. As they slide open, a chill morning breeze caresses her face. Outside, the city is still asleep, not yet stirred to life. Her footsteps echo on the stone steps in the pre-dawn quiet. A menacing growl to her left makes her jump. There stands a muscular black beast, shoulders rippling, face square and imposing. His inky fur gleams in the first hints of light.

The early morning calm is shattered by a sharp bark from the base of the steps. Rosa’s head jerks up to see Noah bounding up the stairs on all fours, his tail wagging excitedly. Close behind is the shaggy dog she had spotted on the roof the night she’d first met Noah. Though initially startled, Rosa feels a sense of relief wash over her as she recognizes these familiar, friendly faces.

Noah clears the final step and stands before her, his towering six-foot frame drawing near. An arm gently wraps around her waist, pulling her close. His tight black shirt clings to his skin, sleeves extending down to his wrists. Black pants and shoes cover the rest of him. A leather muzzle obscures half his face - her hand reaches up to touch it, heart aching that he must wear such a restraint. Though necessary, the muzzle pains her. She wishes to see his full face, unrestrained.

Her whisper is barely audible, "Can it come off?"

His eyes sparkle with mischief as he slowly peels the leather mask from his face.

"For you..." he murmurs, his voice low and intimate, "anything."

Her cheeks flush a rosy pink as she turns away, suddenly remembering they have an audience. At the top of the stairs stands a man with a mop of unruly curls tumbling to his shoulders. His mask covers most of his face, but she can see his eyes crinkling with a hidden smile. Over Noah's shoulder, she spots another man watching them intently. His olive skin and jet black hair contrast sharply with piercing blue eyes. Rosa notices his neck is free of the metal collar that constrains the others. She feels nervous under his gaze but offers a shy, friendly smile. They are wide eyed as they watch Noah unclasp the mask from his face. Though they're strangers, she senses a certain kinship with these masked men.

With a gentle smile, Noah draws Rosa closer, his arm wrapping protectively around her waist. He reaches out a hand to the man standing nearest and says warmly, "This is my partner, Oli, and the future commander of our forces."

Noah turns to the other man. "And this is Nick, our trusted partner and loyal friend."

Nick steps forward, his face open and welcoming. "It's a pleasure," he says sincerely, words only slightly muffled by his mask.

Oli wastes no time getting to the point. His voice is easygoing yet all business as he asks, "Want to tell me why you were breaking into the lab?"

Rosa freezes, the reasoning that seemed solid before now feeling flimsy given everything she's learned in the past day.

"I was looking for a cure," she offers timidly. Oli tilts his head, confused. "You see, I thought I was sick. People out there are dying from something called The Rage. It causes hallucinations, delusions, vivid dreams, and blackouts. Those of us affected or who lost loved ones believed there was a cure being kept secret in the labs. We were desperate to get it out to the people who need it."

Rosa's eyes are downcast with guilt. She sees now how misguided her actions were, but at the time she truly thought she was doing the right thing. She glances up at Oli, hoping he understands she never meant any harm.

The words stumble from Oli's mouth in a murky haze of bewilderment. "But you're not sick?" He questions, his eyes narrowing. "So what are you?"

"I'm not sure," she admits honestly, a tinge of uncertainty in her voice. "I have to wait for the serum to wear off to figure that out."

"Serum?" Nick chimes in, equally lost in the dark.

"I was a science major before I was diagnosed," she explains. "I found that with the right combination of medicine and Nightshade extract, I was able to keep the symptoms at bay."

A snarl erupts from behind Oli's mask, the sound feral and frightening. Rosa cowers, trembling, into Noah's arms as he holds her tight. His own growl rumbles in return, protective instincts flaring as he shields Rosa from his suddenly volatile comrade.

Oli's eyes flash with rage as he growls, "Nightshade is lethal to the Mage." His body tenses as he glares at Noah, barely containing his fury.

Noah steps in front of Rosa, shielding her from Oli's anger. "We've got it handled," he says firmly, keeping his voice steady despite Oli's threatening demeanor. "Jolly already has a sample and the lab is analyzing it. Calm down, Oli. She didn't mean any harm." Though his words are placating, his protective stance makes it clear he won't back down.

The morning sun creeps over the city skyline, bathing the surrounding buildings in a warm glow. Oli steps back, taking a deep breath as he gives Noah and Rosa space. Noah’s shoulders relax as the tension of the moment diffuses. 

"I'm sorry," he apologized sincerely. "I'm very protective of my mistress."

The sounds of the city coming to life broke the tense silence, as people emerge to start their day. Noah’s stance relaxes as he turns to Rosa, gently urging her back inside with a protective hand on her back. His features soften in the morning light, the panic from moments before dissipating.

As the elevator doors slide shut, they find themselves alone together, the air suddenly electric between them. Though neither speaks a word, their bodies seem to converse in a language all their own. She feels an aching need in her, a yearning that pulses in time with her quickening heartbeat. His eyes meet hers, dark with unspoken desire, and in that moment she knows they both want the same thing. The space between them hums with anticipation of what is to come when they reach their destination.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air as they step into the apartment. In the kitchen stands Jolly, shirtless, with loose satin pants hanging enticingly off his hips, his long dark hair flows down his back in a braid. He exudes a casual sensuality, leaning against the counter as the morning light caresses his skin. The two inhale deeply, enraptured by the mingling aromas of coffee and raw magnetism. Jolly's voice is like velvet as he playfully muses, “Good morning, you two.”

She watches his eyes flicker back and forth between her and Noah, and there it is again - that telltale flash of silver in his iris as a sly smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

"Hungry, pet?" he purrs, taking a slow sip of coffee from the porcelain mug cradled in his hands. "It's been a long night for you, hasn't it?"

A soft whimper escapes Noah's throat. "Famished, master," he breathes, his voice husky with desire.

The air between them grows thick with tension. She can't tear her gaze away from the two of them, a heady mix of longing and envy swirling within.

Jolly's lips curl into a roguish grin as he saunters over to Rosa, his fingers hooking under her chin to tilt her face up toward his. He glances towards Noah, a devilish grin playing on his face, "Be a good boy and serve up our breakfast first. I need my coffee before I eat," he commands, his voice a low rumble. 

Noah scoops Rosa into his arms, her body soft against his strength. He carries her to the dining table, its dark wood shining under the dim light. Laying her down, her hair splays out beneath her like a halo. In one smooth movement, he tears off her sweatpants, baring her to his hungry gaze. His hands roam her skin, unable to resist her allure.

Noah buries his head between her thighs, his tongue exploring every inch of her body. She whimpers and trembles under his expert touch, eyes darting to Jolly who sits casually sipping his coffee, relaxed as he watches them. Noah's tongue works faster, no longer teasing but giving her the release she craves. His fingers slide inside her, curving and stroking until they find that sensitive spot. She shudders as an orgasm ripples through her body, inside and out.

"Good girl," Jolly says casually, taking another sip. She throws her head back, panting, thighs clenching around Noah's face. Still sensitive, she squirms as his tongue and fingers continue their relentless pace, the overstimulation almost painful but somehow still needed. Grabbing his hair, she tugs, trying to pull him away, but he won't relent. 

“Noah, please, too much..” she begs. The hunter between her thighs only growls. 

“Don’t stop till I say, pet. Make her wet for me,” Jolly watched with dark satisfaction, sipping his coffee as he shifted in his chair, arousal building at the erotic display before him.

Noah's strong hands pinned Rosa as he continued his relentless pace. She tugged at his hair and pushed against him, desperate to break free of his grasp. Turning to face Jolly head-on, she begged between panting breaths, "Please, Jolly, please..."

Jolly tilted his head, eyebrow raised in amusement at her pleasured agony. "What's that, pretty girl?" he purred, reveling in her ecstasy.

Rosa's lips glistened as she wet them, ready to form the words. "Master, please..." she implored, her voice dripping with desire. Every nerve in her body screamed out for more as Noah claimed her.

As he set down his coffee mug, Jolly's voice was thick with desire. "Let me have her, pet." Noah's mouth released its hungry hold on her flesh, his lips glistening as he drew in a ragged breath. Grasping her ankles, he dragged her along the table until she lay spread out before Jolly like an offering. Jolly stood, his erect cock springing free as his pants dropped. Crooking a finger towards Noah, Jolly's warm lips found his pet's in a deep, passionate kiss.

"Worship me while I worship her," Jolly murmured between kisses. Noah whimpered softly and dropped to the floor. On his knees, he took his Master's hardness into his mouth with an aching need. Rosa sat up just in time to see Noah's devotion, his head bobbing as he sucked Jolly's throbbing length.

Pleasure overwhelms Rosa as Jolly's tongue dances over her swollen clit. Her head rolls back, a soft moan escaping her parted lips. She wonders if her body can take another surge of ecstasy. Unfamiliar sensations flood her senses, her blood burning like fire through her veins. The room around her blurs, reality shifting on its axis. Bursts of blinding light explode behind her closed eyes, alternating with muted sunbeams filtering through the windows. She feels as though she's both falling into oblivion and ascending to paradise at the same time.

With a heady sigh, Jolly emerges from between Rosa's trembling thighs, urging Noah to take him deeper. "That's it, pet. All the way," he purrs, relishing Noah's submission. Jolly's fingers plunge into Rosa's slick heat, drawing a sharp cry as her back arches. Her eyes roll back, lost in ecstasy, as the room brightens around her in a neon haze of pleasure.

"There, pretty girl, ride into it," Jolly croons, his voice thick with thrill as she clenches around his fingers. Rosa moans, awash in rapture, every nerve electric and alive. Noah whimpers around Jolly, consumed by the heat and hardness filling his mouth. Jolly's grin widens, savoring their surrender, his pets so perfectly enthralled.

“Would you like to fuck her, pet?” Jolly asks, stroking Noah’s hair. The hunter hums around his length nodding his head eagerly. Jolly pushes him back a string of saliva still connecting them before Noah stands to his feet, working desperately to take his pants off. 

Rosa gasps as Jolly cradles her body and positions her legs on either side of his hips. His strong arms hold her close as he sits on the table's edge. Reaching between her thighs, Noah begins coating himself with the slick arousal still dripping from between Rosa's legs. She shivers at his touch, sensitive and wanting.

Jolly lifts Rosa into his lap, the head of his cock teasing at her entrance. With a groan, he lowers her down, stretching and filling her. Rosa's back arches as she cries out, inch by inch claimed by him.

"Such a good girl," Jolly purrs, stroking her hair as she adjusts to him inside her. Rosa rolls her hips, eager for more, but Jolly stills her movements. "Not yet, love. Wait for our boy."

Rosa whimpers, trembling with anticipation as Noah moves closer. She is ready, so ready, to be taken by them both.

Noah's hands grip Rosa's hips as he lines himself up behind her. She shudders as he presses into her, her tight muscles stretching to accommodate him. A whimper escapes her lips as he fills her inch by inch.

"Breathe," Jolly murmurs, caressing her face.

Rosa wraps her arms around Jolly's neck for support. With a deep exhale, she starts to lower herself onto Noah. The sting makes her tense up, but Noah is there, pushing up into her as she pushes back. They find a rhythm together, their bodies joining in heated passion.

"That's it, mistress," Noah groans into her ear. "Feel me inside you."

She cries out in ecstasy as they move as one, their bodies intertwined in heated passion. The feeling of both men sliding inside her, their cocks separated only by a thin barrier, sends her reeling. Their groans mingle as swollen heads press together within her. Eyes closed, head back, she loses herself in the moment.

"Pretty girl," he sighs, "look at me, sunshine."

Her eyes flutter open to meet his, pupils blown wide with desire. A foolish grin spreads across his face. "There it is," he groans, clasping her face in his hands. "Pet, look." He turns her to the other man, grunting and panting, hair falling across his face.

Their eyes meet, his own wide and dark. "So pretty," he pants.

She was lost in ecstasy as Noah thrust into her, eliciting moans of pleasure with each movement. The rocking of their bodies caused her to grind against Jolly, the fullness of them both inside her overwhelming her senses. Her hips found their own rhythm, matching their pace perfectly, the feeling of being completely filled leaving her legs trembling uncontrollably. In this moment of passion, consumed by the two men, her mind was hazy with desire - if asked her name or what day it was, she wasn't sure she could form a coherent thought to respond.

She's speaking, but the words fall from her lips without thought. Noah wraps her hair around his fist and pulls, arching her back so her muscles tremble.

"You like that, mistress?" he purrs as they fill her. His hands cup her breasts, twisting her nipples. Her mouth hangs open, beyond answering. Their synchronized rhythm drives her closer, higher.

A harsh slap on her ass makes her cry out. She turns to the men pounding her from behind.

"He asked you a question," Jolly growls. "I say you answer." She can't form the words, lost in a fog of blissful ecstasy. "Tell you what." Another slap makes her yelp. "We'll fuck you ‘til you answer. No coming until you do."

She's so close. How can she hold back? Jolly lays three more hard slaps on her skin. Her cries are drowned by the crack of his hand.

"Speak up. Answer him. Or no coming at all." He thrusts into her, spanking with each push.

"You both feel so good!" she finally cries. "I wanna come!"

"Yes that’s it, pretty girl," Jolly grunts, driving hard. "Come on my cock for me."

Waves of ecstasy crash through her body as the climax overtakes her. Jolly lets out a grunt, his thighs tightening and toes curling as he finds his own release inside her.

He pulls her close, whispering praises into her ear as the high slowly fades. "That's it, good girl. Let him finish." Behind them, Noah was still thrusting, grunting rhythmically as he chases his own peak. With a final growl, his body shakes as he releases into her.

"Such a good boy for your master and mistress," Jolly purred, reaching out to caress Noah's sweat-slicked cheek. As their breathing begins to steady, Noah leans into his master's touch, seeking his approval.

"Tell him, pretty girl. Tell our pet how well he did," Jolly commands.

Rosa feels her cheeks flush pink as she pants, her gaze meeting Noah's. His dark, pleading eyes bore into hers, but the words stick in her throat.

"Please, mistress," he begs softly. Her heart clenches at the vulnerability in his voice. She reaches out, stroking his damp cheek gently.

"Such a good boy for us, Noah," she manages, rewarding him with the praise he craves.

“Pet,” Jolly commands, “take your mistress, get her cleaned up, play with her more if you’d like. Only if she says yes.” Eyebrow raised at Noah. “I have to prepare for the meeting.”

Noah pulls himself out of her, lifting her gently in his arms. Jolly places a chaste kiss on her hand as Noah cradles her and carries her down the hall.

[sigmastolen]

ok so the synthetic lining of my black kitten heels is, like, flaking and crumbling

but they still fit and the leather exterior is obviously in perfect condition bc leather and i still like them and want to wear them, and i especially want to wear them without shedding lining crumbs everywhere and getting it all over my toes and stuff

so like.... do we think trying to stabilize/seal it with a layer of modpodge would help this situation, or would it destroy the shoes?

[acti-veg]

Why don’t we make leather out of rubbers since rubber is a organic material that comes from plants

Recycled rubber is used by some faux leather manufacturers, especially combined with pineapple fibre to make it tougher. The issue with rubber is that it takes a long time to break down, a lot of commercially available rubber is synthetic now too, rather than plant-based.

I don’t know a lot about textiles, but from what I can read, it seems rubber is too difficult to work with for use as a sole material, and is more often used to reinforce other materials - cow leather manufacturers use rubber for that purpose too, particularly for the bottom of shoes and bags.

[lamaisongaga]

FASHION CREDITS: LADY GAGA BY ETHAN JAMES GREEN FOR VOGUE US OCTOBER ISSUE

I was highly expecting for Lady Gaga to land a Vogue cover and here we are, covering the October issue of the American Vogue. The photoshoot, which is highly inspired by her role as Harley Quinn in "Joker: Folie à Deux", was lensed by Ethan James Green.

Styling: Alex Harrington, makeup: Sarah Tanno-Stewart, hair: Frederic Aspiras, nails: Kim Truong using Glitterbels, tailors: Hailey Desjardins and Egle Paulauskaite, set design: Marla Weinhoff.

Photographed during her stay in Paris in July this year, the cover photo showcases Gaga in the blue embroidered trompe-l’œil synthetic hair coat made in collaboration with hairstylist Gary Gill from Balenciaga‘s 53rd Fall/Winter 2024 Haute Couture collection!

An iconic silhouette by now, Gaga rocks a pair of her favorite Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2016 Kiki buckled black leather platform boots!

The mixture of couture, high-end designers and emerging talent is immense in this editorial as Gaga wears the grunge-inspired Hodakova Fall/Winter 2024 argyle double knit sweater in this hauntingly beautiful shot.

Hyperventilating is an UNDERSTATEMENT. I fell in love the moment John Galliano sent out his girls down the dramatic runway and ever since I was hoping to catch Gaga in one of the designs. Never would‘ve thought she‘d even get a whole custom look!

Gaga poses in custom Maison Margiela Spring/Summer 2024 Artisanal Haute Couture.

White cotton caisetted cape cut with the memory of an ulster coat, worn over a patinaed knitted silk bodysuit matching Gaga’s skin tone underpinned by a corset covered in jersey and a silicone hip prothèse.

A taped reverse swatching hat in white foam and caisetted cotton, patinaed knitted silk stockings and gloves, and custom Christian Louboutin for Margiela white patent leather criss-cross platform pumps with torn stocking overlay.

One thing you should know about Gaga is that she loves to layer multiple runway pieces to merge a whole new look.

From Dior‘s Resort 2025 collection, a love letter to Scotland, she wore a knitted argyle sweater with cut-outs, a tartan wool maxi dress which she layered underneath a mesh and metallic lace dress, and some argyle socks.

The Hodakova sweater makes a return, this time accessorized with an antique hand-painted plaque, ruby and diamond in 18kt gold brooch, and a smoky quartz and pearl in 18k gold brooch, both from Tony Duquette!

A shoe that changed herstory. Vivienne Westwood‘s infamous Fall/Winter 1993 Super Elevated Gillie platform shoes make a return, acquired from Pechuga Vintage. You might remember Gaga wearing a boot version of these for her 2010 Elle spread!

A firework of excitement ransacked my body when I first found out that Alessandro Michele would depart from Gucci to head over to Valentino as the new creative director.

LG is, to my knowledge, the first celebrity to rock a piece from the Resort 2025 "Avant Les Debuts" (Before the Beginning) collection – a pale yellow chiffon mini dress with high collar, tiered ruffle puff sleeves and floral sequin embroidery all over!

Paired with custom Maison Margiela distressed stockings and custom Christian Louboutin platform heels.

Gaga is working it in a bi-colored statuesque coat seen on Yohji Yamamoto‘s Fall/Winter 2024 "A Seamless Parable on Cubism" runway.

Rather than canvas and paint, Yamamoto’s medium is fabric and more than ever, it felt like he let his instinctual side take the wheel. Case in point: He said he couldn’t talk about how he’d arrived at these silhouettes. "During fittings, I can change, I can touch", he said with finality.

The look was crowned with a custom Vivienne Bow hat made of voluminous moiré fabric by emerging designer Andrew James!

One of the "Antwerp Six" designers, Dries Van Noten bid farewell earlier this Summer and decided to leave the fashion scene with a bang by celebrating his legacy at his final Spring/Summer 2025 collection where this epic embroidered cashmere coat is from.

Both her plaque-embellished black beanie...

...and double-breasted boxy oversized coat with peaked lapel are from The Row's Resort 2025 lookbook!

Gaga is the first ever person to wear this vintage Givenchy by Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 1999 "Execution of Lady Jane Grey" Haute Couture chinoiserie embroidered silk balloon sleeve coat and bespoke black dress, both sourced from LILY et Cie.

In 1999, McQueen was going through, in his own words, "an emotional turmoil" both professionally and personally. But instead of relieving himself, he ventured into his own despair to understand his inner demons more poignantly. This painful journey led Lee to Paul Delaroche’s tragic but beautiful 1833 painting, "The Execution of Lady Jane Grey".

Like a painter to a blank canvas, McQueen filled an empty room with extravagant offerings: romantic silk ensembles with floral embroidery, 16th-century fur-trimmed tunics, luxurious velvet coats, as well as the designer’s signature leather suits, cowl-neck dresses, and even a heightened-for-couture bouffant piece that paid homage to his plaid.

Dialing in on his inspiration, McQueen presented his clothes not on models but on fiber-glass-headed mannequins that emerged from trap doors in batches, as if the audience were in an art gallery rather than a fashion show.

It's almost unrecognizable but Gaga is draping this Chanel Fall/Winter 2024 Haute Couture black silk taffeta opera coat around her torso. This piece, which served as the show's opening number, features a ruffled neck, bejeweled buttons and a voluminous cut.

[kaccvcate]

My last pair of boots were English-made Doc Martens, which are made with traditional British leather in the historic factory in Northampton. They were a gift from a friend, my only shoes, and I wore them and repaired them for nearly five years, until they literally fell to pieces. When I finally had to replace them, I thoughtlessly got a new pair of Docs at the store.

Regular Doc Martens are now made in China. I'm only allergic to synthetic materials, and these were leather, but within days my legs were broken out in severe eczema and sores, all the way up to my knees. I always wore them with socks, but once I started sweating, whatever the Chinese-made leather is treated with would soak right through and cause a reaction.

I obviously didn't want to spend money on more Docs, even the English ones, since apparently they're a bunch of sellout poseur motherfuckers who would poison the earth to make a buck, so I looked for alternatives. I found these handmade Guatemalan boots for less than what a pair of English Docs cost (and only a bit more than the Chinese ones.) I got mine yesterday, and the craftsmanship is phenomenal. You can smell and feel the difference in the quality of the leather, and they haven't made me break out. (If you're used to the way Doc Marten's feel, get the wide fit.)

Please consider getting an alternative to Doc Marten's, or only getting English made ones! Plastics not only poison the planet, they poison you. (and if you know of other shoemakers/leatherworkers that use natural materials, feel free to share!)

[ragedagainst]

bold what applies to your muse; italicize what sometimes applies; strike what never applies.

► AESTHETIC -- dark colors. bright colors.  neon colors.  soft colors.  blood.  forests.  space.  mansions.  ghosts.  asylums.  wastelands.  fire.  injuries.  hands. dolls.  fog.  storms.  galaxies.  snow.  dawn.  midnight.  cold.  animals.  sharp teeth.  neck.  shoulders.  bruises.  freckles.  legs.  feminine.  masculine.  burns.  weapons.  colorful hair.  witchcraft.  lips.  webs.  fields.  corn fields.  tears.  sweat.  glitter.  flowers.  plants.  magic.  fear.  pain.  murder.  guns.  scars.  missing posters.  old paintings.  strange eyes. explosions.  creatures.  lingerie.  kissing.  playfulness. metal.  diamonds.  rust.  iron.  stealth.  running away.  steel.  glass.  wood.  porcelain.  paper.  fur.  lace.  leather.  synthetics.  robots. droids.  monsters.  childhood fears.  cigarettes.  alcohol.  cameras.  video cameras.  polaroid cameras.  phones.  computers.  war.  peace.  angels. demons.  decay.  sadness.  red lipstick.  powder puffs.  abandoned cars.  skeletons.  strangling.  overcoats.  puppets.  torture. ptsd.  insomnia.  old cottages.  loyalty.  hospitals. syringes.  bared teeth.  scary basements.  butterflies.  prosthetic limbs.  cats.  dogs.  dreams.  burned-out buildings.  armor.

► APPEARANCE -- thick waist. narrow waist.  narrow hips.  average hips.  wide hips.  curvy frame.  muscular frame.  chubby frame.  petite frame.  lanky frame.  voluptuous frame.  lean frame.  skinny.  long legs.  stumpy.  average legs.  thick thighs.  muscular thighs.  toned thighs.  slender thighs.  beer belly.  toned stomach.  flat stomach. feminine frame.  masculine frame.  six pack.  harsh facial features.  baby face. shaved face.  soft features.  angular features.  square jaw.  beard. five o'clock shadow. freckles.  scars.  moles.  dimples.  braces.  tattoos.  piercings.  pigtails.  messy hair.  pixie cut.  bald.  long hair.  shaved head.  ponytail.  clipped-back fringe.  shoulder length.  bob cut.  old-fashioned hairstyle.  dreadlocks.  bun.  braids.  shaved side.  mohawk.  buzz cut.  afro.  asymmetric.  crown braid. wavy. short.  cotton buns.  fade.  comb over.  side part.  other.

► WARDROBE -- tight pants. denim jeans  cargo pants.  fatigues.  chinos.  khakis.  dress slacks.  slim-fit.  dockers.  pajama bottoms.  shorts.  short-shorts.  jean shorts.  dungarees.  skirt-overalls.  pencil skirt.  long skirt.  mini skirt.  tutu.  leggings.  sports bra.  yoga pants.  basketball shorts.  joggers.  sweats.  sweater.  sweater vest.  vest.  t-shirt. tank undershirt. long-sleeve.  tight shirts.  polo shirt.  athletic shirt.  cardigan.  button-up shirt.  v-neck. henley.  flannels.  plaid. crop top.  tank top.  blouse.  racerback shirts.  boob tube.  sundress.  1-shoulder dress.  strapless.  jumper dress.  apron dress.  dress shirt.  ball gown.  nightgown.  hoodies.  army jacket.  mechanic coveralls.  trench coat.  bomber jacket.  sport coat. leather jacket.  lots of layers.  uniform.  dress uniform. armor.  bare feet. high heels.  ballet shoes.  jelly shoes.  flip-flops.  sandals.  rain boots.  sneakers.  pumps.  flats.  thigh-high boots.  cowboy boots. timberland boots. doc martens.  slip-ons.  slippers.  motorcycle boots.  chukkas.  loafers.  dress boots.  knee boots. riding boots.  knee-high socks.  socks.  hose.  stockings.  beanies.  top hat.  sunhat.  newsboy cap.  fedora.  baseball cap. belt.  tool / utility belt.  gloves.

► HAS YOUR MUSE EVER… broken a bone. had a near death experience.  killed someone (and succeeded). saved a life.  self-harmed.  attempted suicide. had surgery.  kissed the same gender/sex.  had sex.  had sex and regretted it. lost a loved one.  had a pet.  gotten arrested.  gotten married.  divorced. cheated.  gotten shot.  been stabbed.  witnessed death.  taken drugs. gotten drunk. kept a promise you regretted.  played with an ouija board. seen a ghost.  been in a car accident.  gotten stitches. suffered from amnesia. survived a natural disaster. survived an assassination attempt. survived a plane / ship crash. been framed. gone undercover. faked death. assumed a fake identity. led a double life.  invented something. had something slipped in their food / drink.  been kidnapped. been taken hostage.  been sexually assaulted.  been bullied.  bullied someone.  had a stalker. been betrayed.  been a traitor. been blackmailed.  been abused.  gotten away with crime. killed someone (and failed).

tagged by: @stillsolo thank you so much! tagging: @deadmare , @proditeur , @enchaentd , @strnza , @guttcrson , @sectyr , @profecier , and you !!

[stillsolo]

bold what applies to your muse; italicize what sometimes applies; strike what never applies.

► AESTHETIC dark colors. bright colors.  neon colors.  soft colors.  BLOOD.  forests.  SPACE.  mansions.  ghosts.  asylums.  wastelands.  fire.  INJURIES.  HANDS. dolls.  fog.  STORMS.  GALAXIES.  snow.  DAWN.  MIDNIGHT.  cold.  animals.  sharp teeth.  neck.  shoulders.  BRUISES.  freckles.  legs.  feminine.  MASCULINE.  burns.  WEAPONS.  colorful hair.  witchcraft.  lips.  webs.  fields.  corn fields.  TEARS.  SWEAT.  glitter.  flowers.  plants.  magic.  FEAR.  PAIN.  MURDER.  GUNS.  SCARS.  MISSING POSTERS.  old paintings.  strange eyes.  EXPLOSIONS.  creatures.  lingerie.  KISSING.  PLAYFULNESS.  METAL.  diamonds.  RUST.  IRON.  STEALTH.  RUNNING AWAY.  STEEL.  glass.  wood.  porcelain.  paper.  FUR.  lace.  LEATHER.  synthetics.  robots. DROIDS.  monsters.  CHILDHOOD FEARS.  cigarettes.  ALCOHOL.  cameras.  video cameras.  polaroid cameras.  phones.  computers.  WAR.  PEACE.  angels. demons.  decay.  sadness.  red lipstick.  powder puffs.  ABANDONED CARS.  skeletons.  strangling.  overcoats.  puppets.  torture. PTSD.  INSOMNIA.  old cottages.  LOYALTY.  hospitals. syringes.  BARED TEETH.  scary basements.  butterflies.  prosthetic limbs.  cats.  dogs.  dreams.  burned-out buildings.  armor.

► APPEARANCE thick waist. NARROW WAIST.  NARROW HIPS.  average hips.  wide hips.  curvy frame.  muscular frame.  chubby frame.  petite frame.  lanky frame.  voluptuous frame.  LEAN FRAME.  SKINNY.  LONG LEGS.  stumpy.  average legs.  thick thighs.  muscular thighs.  TONED THIGHS.  slender thighs.  beer belly.  toned stomach.  flat stomach. feminine frame.  MASCULINE FRAME.  six pack.  harsh facial features.  baby face. SHAVED FACE.  soft features.  angular features.  square jaw.  beard. FIVE O'CLOCK SHADOW. freckles.  SCARS.  moles.  dimples.  braces.  tattoos.  piercings.  pigtails.  MESSY HAIR.  pixie cut.  bald.  long hair.  shaved head.  ponytail.  clipped-back fringe.  shoulder length.  bob cut.  old-fashioned hairstyle.  dreadlocks.  bun.  braids.  shaved side.  mohawk.  buzz cut.  afro.  asymmetric.  crown braid.  WAVY. SHORT.  cotton buns.  fade.  comb over.  side part.  other.

► WARDROBE tight pants. DENIM JEANS.  cargo pants.  fatigues.  chinos.  khakis.  dress slacks.  SLIM-FIT.  dockers.  pajama bottoms.  shorts.  short-shorts.  jean shorts.  dungarees.  skirt-overalls.  pencil skirt.  long skirt.  mini skirt.  tutu.  leggings.  sports bra.  yoga pants.  basketball shorts.  joggers.  sweats.  sweater.  sweater vest.  VEST.  t-shirt. TANK UNDERSHIRT. LONG-SLEEVE.  tight shirts.  polo shirt.  athletic shirt.  cardigan.  button-up shirt.  v-neck. henley.  flannels.  plaid. crop top.  tank top.  blouse.  racerback shirts.  boob tube.  sundress.  1-shoulder dress.  strapless.  jumper dress.  apron dress.  dress shirt.  ball gown.  nightgown.  hoodies.  army jacket.  MECHANIC COVERALLS.  trench coat.  BOMBER JACKET.  sport coat.  LEATHER JACKET.  lots of layers.  uniform.  dress uniform. armor.  bare feet. high heels.  ballet shoes.  jelly shoes.  flip-flops.  sandals.  rain boots.  sneakers.  pumps.  flats.  thigh-high boots.  cowboy boots. timberland boots. doc martens.  slip-ons.  slippers.  MOTORCYCLE BOOTS.  chukkas.  loafers.  dress boots.  knee boots. RIDING BOOTS.  knee-high socks.  SOCKS.  hose.  stockings.  beanies.  top hat.  sunhat.  newsboy cap.  fedora.  baseball cap. BELT.  TOOL / UTILITY BELT.  gloves.

► HAS YOUR MUSE EVER… BROKEN A BONE. HAD A NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE.  KILLED SOMEONE (AND SUCCEEDED). SAVED A LIFE.  self-harmed.  attempted suicide.  HAD SURGERY.  KISSED THE SAME GENDER/SEX.  HAD SEX.  had sex and regretted it. LOST A LOVED ONE.  had a pet.  GOTTEN ARRESTED.  gotten married.  divorced. cheated.  GOTTEN SHOT.  BEEN STABBED.  WITNESSED DEATH.  taken drugs. GOTTEN DRUNK. kept a promise you regretted.  played with an ouija board. seen a ghost.  been in a car accident.  GOTTEN STITCHES. suffered from amnesia. survived a natural disaster. survived an assassination attempt. SURVIVED A PLANE / SHIP CRASH. been framed. gone undercover. faked death. ASSUMED A FAKE IDENTITY. led a double life.  invented something. HAD SOMETHING SLIPPED INTO THEIR FOOD / DRINK.  BEEN KIDNAPPED. BEEN TAKEN HOSTAGE.  been sexually assaulted.  BEEN BULLIED.  bullied someone.  had a stalker.  BEEN BETRAYED.  been a traitor. been blackmailed.  BEEN ABUSED.  GOTTEN AWAY WITH CRIME. KILLED SOMEONE (AND FAILED).

tagging: @techniiciian @tapalslegacy @magikborn ( violet? ) @ragedagainst @intcthatgoodnight ( dexter? ) @hoovedrycal & you!!

[purpleqilinwrites]

the body is a soft animal.

a/n: i have a long-ish fic planned for a cyberpunk 2077 au with nanami on the brain. i just had a specific scene that haunted me and i didn't where to put it in terms of the fic, so i just wrote it (also because i needed a taster of sorts to motivate me into writing the rest of the fic). also, this is the longest piece i've written in a while, so i just want to celebrate a little haha.

fandom: jujutsu kaisen

character: nanami kento

genre: general / fluff (can be read as either platonic or romantic)

info: cyberpunk 2077 au; reader is a ripperdoc; nanami is a merc

warnings: mentions of injury; mentions of killing

synopsis: nanami wasn't sick but still, he found his way to you.

word count: 2.4k

companion fic to "these unfamiliar intimacies".

Nanami Kento

When you remotely unlocked the door to your clinic after hearing Nanami's voice over the intercom, the first thing out of your mouth was "Are you hurt?" He was inclined to say that he wasn't. At least, not physically. He came to see you after a particularly taxing gig that also happened to be physically strenuous, but it wasn't the lingering soreness in his muscles that made him want to see you.

"I'm not," he said after a while.

You had turned away from your workstation in the interval between your simple question and his admittedly late answer, and he could easily guess the next thing you'd ask him.

The question "Are you sick?" was formed in a warped version of your voice, ringing in his ears before the words left your mouth. Your voice didn't register the same way it did when he imagined it in his head, and it made him think that maybe, just maybe he was a little bit sick, after all.

"Physically, no."

You gestured to the examination table beside your workstation, turning your back to him once more to start up the necessary diagnostics equipment for a full-body scan. Nanami acquiesced, quietly crossing the room and adjusting the backrest himself before removing his shoes and then lying down.

The synthetic leather was freshly sanitised, traces of the bergamot-identical antiseptic spray you favoured wafting up into his nostrils. Glancing up at your side profile, he couldn't tell if you had been napping on the examination table before he interrupted it by unexpectedly announcing his presence over the intercom.

When you spun yourself to face him in your swivel chair, he lifted his hand so that you could jack him in for the scan. There was a sound that confirmed the security of the connection, and then there was a different sound that signalled the start of the process. A loading icon began playing in a loop on the little square screen on the largest of the machines, hovering over text that read "SCAN IN PROGRESS". The two monitors on your desk lit up, one with empty progress bars that quickly filled up and the other with a multitude of pop-up messages he didn't bother reading.

"From a medical standpoint, you're entirely healthy. All your cybernetic implants are in good working condition as well," you said, disconnecting him from your equipment. "If you'd like more specific tests run, we'll have to move to the university hospital in Shibuya."

Nanami met your gaze, and he wondered if you had to learn it. If you had to learn to keep your eyes emotionally vacant but intellectually keen. If it ever came in useful when breaking a notably dismal piece of news to someone.

A sigh escaped him before he could reel himself in.

"I came here to talk, actually," he said, sitting up. Your eyes never wavered. Instead, you simply hummed in acknowledgement and drew closer to him on the examination table.

Nanami readjusted the backrest so that he could sit comfortably, though it was more to keep his hands busy. He didn't know what he was doing. What was he trying to accomplish? He did mention wanting to talk. What did he want to talk to you about anyway? His relationship with you was strictly professional. The conversation that could potentially alleviate the pinch in his chest would have to be one between him and a friend he trusted with his life, and he didn't have many of those left.

"Would you like something to drink?" Your voice came from the far side of the room where you had a wall-mounted control panel. He cleared his throat and requested a hot black coffee, to which you nodded before tapping a few buttons on the screen.

You wheeled yourself back to him, crossing the span of the room in one kick, and you informed him that one of your service androids would be bringing his coffee within the next three minutes.

"Thank you," he said, and he felt like he was having his first non-work-related human interaction in decades. Had he spent so much time completing gigs alone that he had socially regressed to a kid who couldn't hold a conversation? Nanami cleared his throat again to banish the thought.

As much as he hated to admit it, maybe Gojou was right to suggest that he accept a few gigs where he'd be forced to work in a team. Gojou, despite his number of obvious flaws, was occasionally able to offer a piece of sound advice, after all.

The service android swiftly ducked into the room with two mugs and exited at the same speed before Nanami caught himself. He thanked you for the drink again, blowing on the surface of his coffee and then testing the temperature with a sip.

The coffee was just right in temperature and more than excellent in taste, and he gave a low hum of appreciation as his first sip slid down his throat.

He looked at you over the rim of the pristine white mug in his hand. You were watching the spheres of ice move in a current of your own creation, bobbing erratically as you twisted the straw you held between your thumb and index finger this way and that in the amber liquid.

"Whiskey?" he asked, fumbling over the singular word and cursing inwardly at himself for it.

You shook your head, appearing not to notice his perceived blunder as you continued swirling your drink with the straw. "I don't drink alcohol," you said. "It's apple juice."

The conversation halted when you picked up your drink and motioned for him to consume his. Nanami obliged, content to cup both hands around the warm mug in between tiny, leisurely sips of coffee.

There was something quite precious about your manner now that he had the proximity and the silence to observe you. You chose a sweet juice instead of every alternative that was available in your extremely well-stocked clinic. Your drink was served in what must be a personal mug with the caricature of a dog painted on beneath the transparent outer layers of glaze. These little things chiselled away at the stoic image of you he had from his first meeting with you, even if it was nothing but a vague recollection of his anaesthesia-laden mind.

Nanami almost laughed into his last sip. He thought of you the same way almost everyone else thought of him. The irony wasn't lost on him.

"Have you ever killed someone and regretted it?"

His temporary good cheer loosened his lips in a way that even a whole bottle of whiskey could not. One moment had him holding his laughter back out of politeness. In the next moment, some words in a fairly unfortunate sequence left his mouth before he could process them.

It spoke to the capricious state of his emotions that he didn't want to take them back.

You blinked slowly, your face tilted in his direction even if you weren't looking directly at him. He suddenly became intensely attuned to the whisper of your air-conditioning system, the consistent tick-tick-tick of the mechanical clock hanging by the door, the dull hum of the machines as they awaited another order from you.

"No," you said, looking him in the eye and propping your cheek against an upturned palm. "I do everything with purpose."

It shouldn't be of any concern to him. He was well-acquainted with the wretched state of the world he lived in. It'd be supremely difficult to find a person who hasn't killed someone by the time they've reached adulthood. He wasn't surprised by the insinuation in your reply.

It was your choice of words that left him feeling like he had trespassed on what should be a secret.

The touch of your knuckle to his chin alerted him to the fact that he had been gaping at you. Nanami immediately apologised, clenching his jaw when he wasn't speaking to keep from making the same mistake again.

He wanted to put the topic to rest. If you weren't elaborating of your own accord, then it wasn't his right to pry. In spite of this, he was still curious. Who did you kill? On what occasion? Have you killed more than once? On purpose?

You were taking your time with your apple juice, cheek still in your palm and eyes fixed on a spot on the mostly bare walls that was apparently visible only to you. From the other end of the folding coffee table, his traitorous mind superimposed a likeness of you sitting in the same chair adjacent to him.

You were leaning slightly over the same table, facing away from him as you expertly broke open the shotgun in your hands. The empty shells clinked against the surface of the table when you shook them out of the barrels. There was an open box of ammo sitting to your right. Your hand knew exactly where it was when you reached for fresh shells to slide into your weapon. You brought the barrels back up to close the break, and it was the sound of a click too real to be his imagination that snapped Nanami back to you.

'Everything with purpose,' you said. You would've made an excellent merc. Better than him, even.

"Have you killed someone and regretted it, Nanami?" You threw his question back at him. It was very uncharacteristic of you, and it gave him a pleasant tickle. He knew you as someone who diligently avoided small talk, and yet, here you were.

"I have," he started, careful to taste his words before he spat them out. "I accepted a gig to dispose of a cyberpsycho. I only found out that he wasn't at fault after the deed was done. I—"

He paused, but he wasn't sure what for. There were plenty of other related things that he was leaving out. You didn't need to know. Or did he not want you to know?

"Did the cyberpsycho hurt anyone before you were contracted to kill him?" you asked. There was that tickle again, running up his chrome spine and settling into spaces between the individual vertebrae. The very same spine that you had painstakingly put together yourself just a few months prior, when he had to be hauled into your clinic in bloodied bits and pieces.

Nanami nodded. "He killed 4 med techs and injured 13 other lab staff. An entire wing of a research facility was ruined," he said, and it instantly transported him to a day earlier when he was on that Militech property far outside city limits once again.

The entire building had been cordoned off a few days before his arrival. Business carried on as usual in the rest of the compound that was unaffected. It was only the ground zero of the cyberpsycho attack that looked like a scene out of those old-fashioned zombie apocalypse movies Yuuji enjoyed watching.

"If you hadn't neutralised him, he would've hurt more people," you said. "There's no reason to feel regret if your purpose was to protect people."

He had been a police detective before he did away with his badge and became a merc. The desire to protect was the lifeblood that kept him going before the change in career, even when the uniform he wore and had admired as a child was what the people committing atrocities against other people were also wearing. It was the same desire to protect that moved him to remain in a line of work where his hands would always be sullied by death.

How did you know? Maybe he was a children's picture book to your knowing eyes, open and simple to read.

When Nanami looked up from his hands, he intended to thank you. For listening to him, and for letting him feel heard. The pinch in his chest remained, but it had lost its nails after sitting by you for a little while.

When he met your eyes for the first time in what must've been at least half an hour, there was an unknown but very much welcome tenderness in them that he hadn't seen from you before. 'Tender' would've been one of the last words he used to describe you, before this conversation. He'd hazard a guess that you preferred being identified on the other end of the spectrum: 'efficient', 'immovable'. The same words other people used to describe him, too.

At this moment, you were tender, and he was breathing it in, basking in it. It was strange to feel soft, especially when the bulk of his body was an arrangement of predominantly metal parts engineered into the remains of his flesh.

The urge to thank you for putting him back together bloomed in him from all the half-formed thoughts in his mind. He wasn't so brazen as to believe that a lesser ripperdoc would've been able to manage what you have. There was a reason Gojou entrusted him to you in his time of emergency.

"You're good at this," Nanami said, instead. To tell you what was in his heart seemed to breach the boundary line of professional etiquette between a merc and his ripperdoc. Maybe there would be a time in the future when he could run his mouth in your presence, a little treat for him that hopefully amused you too. Maybe it would happen soon.

There was a quirk that nipped at the corners of your lips. He counted it as a smile, mirroring you in equal proportion.

"That's the first I've heard of it," you said, lifting your cheek from your palm and straightening your posture. The veneer of a stoic ripperdoc quickly took over the half-smile you graced him with.

"I'll be back when I need a listening ear," he said, presenting you with an offering – of goodwill? Friendship? – and surprising himself with the magnitude of hope he was attaching to it.

You blinked. He watched you visibly inhale, and you looked unsure of how to respond. There was a slight wrinkle in your brow as you mulled his declaration over. "Do come back," you said. "Don't wait until you've been bisected again to come see me."

Nanami chuckled at the unexpected joke, though comedy might not have been your intention. Your half-smile was missing from your face, but the amicable glint in your eyes told him everything he needed to know.