#which i guess shows you how often they get tips on pickup orders

[boyswanna-be-her]

I got a whole large ny style pizza for $14 last night from a joint on this island where i'm pet sitting. FOURTEEN AMERICAN DOLLARS. This place is frozen in time or something. That would've been $25+ "back home" on my own island (lmao)

[miekasa]

do you have any cute (or h-word) bf headcanons for the Aot boys mie?

Of course I do, I have an ever-expanding list of headcanons for all of them, from how they react to you sitting in the backseat when they pick you up, down to whether or not they would rip your bandages off after your get a shot (spoiler: Eren, Porco, and Levi fucking would)

EREN sfw

He really likes holding hands, though it’s more of a calming habit for him. Holding hands keeps him grounded, and acts as an anchor for his anxiety; so he’ll grab and/or fidget with yours periodically.

He’ll steal your skincare if he’s over at your place, but honestly he just starts… copying it lmfao. Like, he’ll take notice of your face wash when he’s over he’s like “Oh, this is nice” and then a week later, he buys a bottle for himself. Then he buys your toner, and your moisturizer, and you stay over at his place and gotta do a double take bc he’s got damn near the same of everything at this point.

He doesn’t know if he believes that classical music actually helps him to concentrate, but he does know that he’s grown to like it, so it’s become his studying music of choice. He’s got favorite composers and everything.

He’d be upset if you didn’t steal his hoodies. That’s what they’re there for. He’ll make you steal them if he has to.

He hates standing in line. For anything. If he likes a restaurant that gets super busy at lunch, he’ll order ahead for pickup (and he feels special skipping the line). At amusement parks, he pays for the fast passes. If it’s shopping, then he’d rather just do it online.

On that note, he sucks at returning things that don’t fit/he doesn’t like when he shops online, so he honestly just keeps them, or gives them to his friends—it’s much easier than going through the hassle of printing a return label, according to him.

nsfw

He likes the idea of recording you guys during sex, but he’s honestly a little too nervous to do it—nervous about being recorded himself, and about it potentially getting out somewhere.

Likes it when you look him in the eyes when you cum. In fact, he somewhat demands it.

Similarly, he’s always watching you during sex. Mostly your face, for indications of how he’s making you feel and when you’re close to your orgasm (which is why he’s got a thing for you looking at him).

He used to hate masturbating, until he tried masturbating to the idea of you, and now he fucking loves that. He takes his time with it too—if he’s gonna jack off, he’s gonna make a moment of it: sit on his bed, turn the lights off, make sure he’s all alone and can go for as long as he wants.

Threesomes are fine with him, and he doesn’t even have to be the sole one in charge, depending on who’s joining you.

ARMIN sfw

He air-dries the majority of his clothes because he doesn’t want his sweaters and knitwear to shrink. Also, he likes the smell of his fabric softener permeating the room while the clothes dry.

On a similar note, he’s got sensitive skin—not to the point where a shirt less than 75% cotton irritates him; but he is conscious of fabrics and products he uses. Because of this, he takes extra care with his laundry, his pillowcases and bedsheets are satin as are the majority of his pajama shirts, and he never ever walks around without house slippers or he’ll irritate the bottom of his feet.

He’s scared of bugs, but he doesn’t like to kill them either. Honestly, he just kinda hopes spiders and stuff will crawl away without him intervening 😭😭

He likes board games, and has a thing for The Game of Life. He cannot play chess, even though most people would guess that he could, and he’s begun to practice by playing online versions against computers to learn.

He knows everyone’s gossip because everyone comes to him to gossip. And if he’s the therapist friend, then you’re the person who receives the summary of all the tea from him at the end of the week. And man can this boy throw a bitch fest when he’s in the right mood.

nsfw

He’s got a bit of an oral fixation, so he really likes having your mouth occupied; with his fingers, with your panties, with his dick—he’s not really picky.

Likes sex with the lights on. Claims it’s because he wants to “see all of you” (it’s really because he’s nervous he’ll fuck something up if he can’t see properly 😭😭)

He really likes making out. Like, a lot. Though it’s not something that happens often—so he builds up a lot of frustrating thinking about it, and it all comes crashing down, and ends up with you guys damn near dry humping each other on the couch for two hours.

That’s something that applies to him generally, too—he tends to let himself get very frustrated and worked up, whether he means to or not. He also thinks about sex quite frequently, and it only fuels his frustration; so when he snaps, he snaps hard.

He’d let you choke him back if you asked. Just ask nicely.

JEAN sfw

Loves studying in cafés and adores when you study with him; peeps up at you periodically when you sit across from him. He always pays for your drink, but sometimes you guys share, and he likes making a game out of reaching for the cup at the same time as you.

He’s very chivalrous, but he hates when you call him out for it, or make any kind of deal of it. He knows it’s chivalry, but he also knows it’s the bare minimum, plus he’s easily embarrassed—especially in public.

Loves having his hair played with, absolutely adores it. If you’re just holding his face, or resting your hand on his cheek, he’ll move himself further into your touch to maneuver your palm closer to his hair.

He really really really likes back hugs—giving and receiving them. If he’s standing behind you, he’ll most likely reach for a hug at some point (sometimes he won’t let go and you’ve gotta waddle with him on you). His ears get red when you give him a back hug but he always uses a hand to rest over your arms to tell you that he doesn’t want you to let go.

He can play the piano, but he doesn’t tell a soul about it. The only reason you found out it through his mom. He’s got stage fright, so he gave up on performing, but he’s really talented, and can almost play any song by ear.

nsfw

He loves the feeling of your hands on him, particularly if you’ve got long nails. Please scrape your nails against his back, or even just dig them into his biceps while he’s fucking you, it’ll drive him insane.

Along with liking having his hair played with, he adores having it pulled on—the attention and desperation in your actions goes straight to his ego and his dick.

One of his biggest fantasies is getting a lap dance from you. He’d never ever fucking say it out loud or dream of asking for it, but the idea of you stripping in front of him, down to lingerie he’d picked out for you, and teasing him until he can’t take it anymore and jumps you is something he thinks about… far more often than he should.

If you’re wearing his clothes (especially one of his t-shirts to bed, or around his apartment), he’s gonna fuck you in it. Jean has a lot of self control, but that’s one thing that’ll make him snap in an instant. And if you wear his shirt or hoodie out, he’s fucking you when you get home, it’s as simple as that.

CONNIE sfw

He studies with children’s shows playing the background. He doesn’t remember how he discovered that his method works for him, all he knows is that something about Paw Patrol makes for excellent background noise for writing his research papers.

He’s quite touchy with PDA, but if you guys are in a crowd then forget about it—because Connie might forget about you. He’s definitely left you at the grocery store before.

He eats cereal for breakfast every morning, and he’s kind of got a collection of them in his kitchen. He claims there are upscale cereals that he doesn’t just let anybody eat or even touch; so, if he offers you a midnight snack consisting of a bowl of his favorite (and very rare) cereal, then be honored.

He almost always pays with cash, but he hates change. If he gets back coins, he either tells the cashier to keep them, puts them in a tip jar if there’s one in sight, or just pours them into your coat pocket. He understands that its money, but he’ll be damned if he’s just got a sack full of nickels clanging around in his bag.

nsfw

He claims he doesn’t have a thing for exhibitionism, but with the way he’s down to fuck damn near anywhere, he might be a bold faced liar. Changing rooms, music festivals, airport bathrooms, the little corner of the multilevel parking lot that he’s oh-so-certain is in the blindspot of the security cameras... there are so few things off-limits with him.

Car sex on his bucket list… just not in his car lmfao (because trust and believe that’s something that already happens pretty regularly). Maybe his real kink is vandalism and destruction of property.

He is not above begging you to sit on his face. He will get on his knees and pant like a fucking dog for you to do it, he’s so serious. He’ll do it laying down, he’ll do it with you standing up/against a wall, he’ll do it on the couch. Break his neck please he’s fucking asking for it.

He doesn’t mind sharing and he definitely doesn’t mind watching. Honestly, he’d egg you on to kiss someone else at a party, or go as far as to seduce you into seducing someone else just so he can watch it go down.

PORCO sfw

He sends you iMessage games but only the ones he’s good at because he doesn’t like to lose. But also, if he is losing, he doesn’t want you to be supportive about it and tell him “it’s okay uwu” lmfao he wants to either cream you, or have you kick his ass; competition is the name of the game, don’t be soft on him.

He’s a morning person, and he likes going on runs or even just early-morning walks when the weather is nice. He will wake you up occasionally to join him—and if you’re a homebody, you will be joining him. He won’t be responsible for watching you decompose on the couch.

Very picky about his pizza. It’s not a calorie or grease or health thing—he just really fucking likes pizza, and he won’t excuse a bad slice.

Always pulls you closer to him in a crowd or when a group of people are walking by. He doesn’t have to, but he likes to. Tease him about it and he’ll push you right back tho, probably into a shrub if there’s one near by.

nsfw

He’s such a “No, no—answer the call” kind of mf; a sadist, if you will. He lives for torturing and embarrassing you, and that applies to sex, too.

Loves the way his hands look on you, particularly splaying his hand over your stomach when he’s fucking you. Likes the heat of your body against his, when he positions himself just right to feel the outline of his dick against you, and squeezing the sides of your tummy when he gets lost in it.

Loves blowjobs, and loves to cum on you or over your face. His favorite thing tho is pulling away just before he’s about to orgasm, and jacking himself off with your tongue sticking out, ready to swallow.

Okay with threesomes, too; but he wouldn’t like to do much to or with the third person. It’s okay if they touch you—maybe even fuck you, depending on who it is—but he’s not there to get them off.

LEVI

sfw

When he cooks dinner, he always makes sure to make enough for you to have leftovers to take with you for lunch the following day. Especially if it’s a dish you’ve been wanting or try, or specifically asked him to cook.

He’s got a specific tote bag he brings with him to the grocery store/farmer’s market, and separate one for when he’s running other light errands.

He hates soda, not even just because it’s not the healthiest thing to drink—he just doesn’t like the feel of carbonated drinks; the only exception being when they’re mixed with liquor, but even then, it’s not his preference.

After a while, he just starts lying and says you’re married at places where it benefits you both, or to curb a longer conversation about the status of your relationship to people who are inquiring. He thinks it’s fucking weird that marriage is what shuts people up, but if it works, it works; less people prying in your guys’ business.

He likes giving you forehead kisses, and if you do it back, he’ll learn that he doesn’t mind receiving them either.

He’s such a sucker for you rubbing your thumb against the back of his hand when you guys hold hands. He might not act like he notices, but he always does; and somewhat craves little touches like that the longer you guys are together.

nsfw

He would never admit it to anyone, but birthday sex is up there for his favorite kind of sex. He never cared much about his birthday… until he realized he could get that as a gift. He knows it’s not different, but he likes it, nonetheless; one the few times he doesn’t mind having all the attention on him.

King of aftercare, though some of his methods usually lead to another round—in which he teases you for cancelling out his work, when you know he was just as willing and eager.

He likes edging himself and overstimulating you; and with his self-control, that makes for a pretty dangerous combination.

He’s strong and he knows how to use it to his advantage: maneuvering you with a single arm, holding both your wrists above your head with one hand, pushing your head down into the sheets when he’s fucking you from behind.

Sex is one of the few times Levi doesn’t mind making a mess—and in fact, he likes it messy; watching you drip onto the sheets, making you spit on his dick and fucking your face until you drool. He always goes on about how sloppy you are, how you can’t keep anything clean, but he fucking loves it.

[contemplativepancakes]

A Series of Miscommunicated Events

Castiel’s time in Rexford from Nora’s pov

Read on or read at AO3 here!

When Nora first meets Steve, she’s not sure what to think. He flings open the door to the Gas n’ Sip, but he flinches at the peal of the bell overhead. He stares up at it, squinting, like the bell has personally offended him, before retreating to the back of the store to stare at the line of juices. She refocuses to finish recording the temperature of the nacho cheese, and she jumps when she turns around to find him standing right in front of the register, no purchases in hand. Her heart rate spikes at the uneasiness he’s projecting as he shuffles his feet, and she takes a step closer to the panic button under the counter. “Can I help you?”

“Um, yes. You have a help wanted sign out front. I’m sure I can be helpful. I’m very good at obeying orders,” he says in earnest, and she relaxes minutely.

“Okay. Do you have a resume?”

He pinches his eyebrows together and shakes his head. Nora shrugs. It’s not like you need a whole lot of experience to stand behind a register and stock some shelves. She goes to get a clipboard and an application for him to fill out, the man fidgeting quietly the whole time. He looks downtrodden, and Nora’s sure she can help with that. He seems like he’ll do what he’s asked when he’s asked to do it, which is more than she can say of her usual applicants. She hands him the form, and he shoots her a hesitant toothy smile. She points him to a chair behind the counter he can sit in while he fills it out. He frowns down at it often and almost goes to start chewing on the pen before thinking better and pulling back. Good call, she thinks. That’s the pen Kyle uses when he works, and he always smells like ass.

Eventually, he stands up and hands her the mostly completed application. She looks down and studies his answers. Steve Nicks is written in block letters on the name line. All in all, his answers are a bit odd, but he’s effectively endeared himself to her, and she has a good feeling about this one, anyway. “Hi, Steve. I’m Nora. How soon can you start?”

 The next day, Steve is standing outside the gas station before she even gets there. She smiles. She knew there was something to this guy. Throughout the day, she shows him the basics of his job and tries to pry out some of his backstory. He is surprisingly tight lipped about his background, but he is quick to pick up what Nora shows him. She’s comfortable enough to leave him to man the register in the afternoon while she fills out some paperwork.

The weeks pass, and Nora slowly gives Steve more responsibilities. He’s the best employee she’s ever had, but he would be even better if he’d give her more scintillating conversation than just work topics. She goes as far as to invite him over to her house one night for supper, but he still refuses to tell her anything about how he came to be in Rexford or his home life. She’s betting he got kicked out of wherever he was living before and came here for a fresh start. She doesn’t know why anyone wouldn’t want Steve around, though. He’s genuinely nice to all of the customers, and she’s never seen him leer at any of the women who come in, regardless of their state of dress. Come to think of it, she doesn’t think she’s seen Steve express interest like that in any of the women here, even though he gets hit on at least three times a day. He just tilts his head at them and answers their pickup lines literally. Nora would think it was cute if it wasn’t like watching hawks circle a declawed kitten. If she feels a little protective over her newest employee, so what? She’d definitely like to keep Steve around as long as possible.

She makes sure to tell him so the next time she comes in late, and Steve has everything taken care of. “You’re special,” she says with a soft smile.

 Nora finds a toothbrush and a sleeping bag in the supply closet at work, and she raises her eyebrows in surprise. She goes out to ask Steve about them, and he says they’re his. He explains how he wanted to be thorough with inventory, so he slept there. Nora isn’t that easily fooled, but she’s also not going to rag on the poor guy. She doesn’t see that it’s doing any harm. The fact that her chest clenches in sympathy for him isn’t hurting his case any, either. She figures he could probably use some time on a couch with a tv, so she asks him to babysit Tanya for her during her date. She’ll have to call her normal babysitter and cancel, but she figures Steve’s need is a little more urgent than her teenage babysitter’s need for spending money.

 Things start to click together when Nora sees Steve flustered for the first time later that day. She watches from the back room as a handsome man walks up to the register with a shit eating grin. She can’t hear their conversation, but it looks like the guy knows Steve. Steve looks a little uncomfortable, but her curiosity wins out over swooping in to save him from the situation. The man is familiar with Steve, reaching out to him and making casual contact. Nora’s thoughts really start to churn, and Steve’s lack of interest in any of their patrons starts to make sense. Steve is still hung up on this guy, who’s now talking to him urgently in hushed tones. She watches them for a bit longer before taking pity on Steve. “Hate to interrupt you guys,” not really, she thinks, you seem like a jackass, and Steve can do better, “but, Steve? A customer had an accident in the men’s room.”

“I’m on it,” Steve answers readily.

She figures the man talking to Steve could use a reality check that Steve has better things to do than wait around for him, so she turns to Steve and asks brightly, “Oh, and tonight- seven at my place work for you?”

“Great.”

“You’re the best!” she beams.

She sees the man giving her a sour look as she walks away, and she resists the urge to stick her tongue out at him.

When she gets home that night, she feeds Tanya and settles her in her crib before going upstairs to get ready for her date. She agonizes over her clothing choices, but this is the first date she’s had since Tanya was born, so she figures it’s justified. Oh, God, what if he thinks her stretch marks are disgusting? She quickly chases the thought from her mind. First of all, it’s a first date; she’s not going to make poor Steve wait for her half the night while she has sex, and second of all, if her date isn’t the type of guy who can handle her after baby belly, he definitely can’t handle a baby. She tilts her chin up. She’s not going to self-sabotage this. She’s going to have a good time.

She hears a knock on the door, and she zips downstairs to open the door for Steve. She gives him a quick run down, telling him, “She’ll probably sleep the whole time, and I’ll only be gone a couple of hours. I just couldn’t get my usual sitter,” she lies, “and I needed somebody here just in case she wakes up and starts crying. Which she won’t, I promise. Baby Tanya never cries,” she says, and then she’s out the door, glancing at her watch. She’s going to be cutting it closely.

Jim, her date, turns out to be quite charming, and she has a good time even if one of her nails gets broken when she throws the bowling ball. She complains good naturedly to Jim, and he reaches out and brings her finger to his lips, maintaining eye contact with her the whole time. He brings his hands up to cradle her face, and they share a sweet kiss. She pulls back and smiles at him.

“Oops, I think I got a little pizza grease right, here,” Jim laughs, pressing another kiss to the corner of her mouth.

She grins and leans back against the bench, so they can talk more, their game of bowling forgotten.

Eventually, she excuses herself to grab her phone. “Sorry, just want to check on Tanya.”

She frowns when she sees she has three missed calls from Steve. She turns to Jim. “Hey, I’m sorry, but I have to go.”

Jim gets up with her and says he’ll take care of the rental shoes. “Thank you. I had a really fantastic time tonight,” she says, surging up to give him a kiss on the cheek.

“Me, too,” he smiles back as he waves her off to check on Tanya.

She sends him a wave over her shoulder as she hustles out to her car, not stopping to listen the voice mail. When she bursts into her house, she’s surprised to see Steve leaning into the man from earlier on her couch. She notes Steve holding Tanya against his chest, and she warms at the sight. The man’s phone starts ringing, and he looks at her both in apology and relief. “Sorry, I have to take this,” he says as he walks out to the big black car parked in front of her house, Nora catching a whiff of his cologne as he moves by.

“Is there something wrong?” she asks, still gathering her breath.

“Not anymore. She had a fever,” Steve says as he lays Tanya back in her crib.

Nora walks him to the door. He turns to her, “I’m sorry I over reacted. My friend gave me a tip. A low dose of acetaminophen brought the fever right down.”

“Oh, that’s okay. Date was a bust, anyway,” she says, so Steve doesn’t feel so bad. “Steve? That part of you that overreacted, that cares so much? That’s what makes you special.”

Nora watches as Steve walks down the steps towards the man’s car. She goes to bed hoping Steve isn’t getting his heart too bruised tonight. Hell, maybe his boyfriend came to ask him to come home. She guesses she’ll find out tomorrow.

The next morning, Steve is already there when she arrives, like he usually is. She watches him carefully throughout the morning, but his expression is as inscrutable as ever. She decides the fact that he hasn’t turned in his two weeks’ notice is telling enough.

“You know, I have some experience with jerk ex-boyfriends.”

Steve looks up at her sharply. “What?”

“It’s okay,” she soothes, “I know Idaho is a red state, but not everyone’s a total asshole. If you ask me, you could do better.”

He shakes his head sadly. “I really couldn’t. Dean is the best man I know.”

She smiles ruefully. She’d thought that about her ex, too. “Well, you still don’t have to just sit here waiting for him to come and yank on your chain. Go out and live a little, Steve!”

He looks doubtful. “I don’t know what to do without him. This job is all I have.”

Nora forces herself to smile at that dismal statement. “Let’s go apartment searching after your shift today,” she says.

“Um, I don’t think I have enough-”

She cuts him off. “You’re a good guy, Steve. I can help you with the deposit, and I think if I juggle some things around, I’ll be able to get you here full time. Let’s just get you a home, okay? You don’t need someone else just so you can prove your worth to them.”

When he looks up at her, it’s like he’s looking through new eyes. He breaks into a hesitant smile. “Thank you,” he whispers.

Although she doesn’t think Steve has any success on the moving on from Dean front, he seems happier as the weeks pass. She gives Steve a pamphlet for volunteering at the library, and he comes back bursting to the seams with stories to tell her about all the kids he read to. She grins at the life that’s seemed to ignite under his skin, even if she still frowns when he shows up to work some days smelling of a familiar cologne. She tries to set him up on a blind date, but he puts his foot down and refuses. He babysits Tanya for her every now and then, and once for a whole night when she stays with Jim. Nora can see some real potential there, and she drags Steve to supper with them, so maybe he can see one healthy example of how his partner should be treating him. She’s not sure he catches on, but she tries her best as Jim looks on in amusement.

When Steve gives her his two weeks notice, it’s unexpected, and of course, he doesn’t feel the need to elaborate. “Are you not happy here?” she asks in concern.

“No, I was. I am. I just- this isn’t what I was made for. I need purpose beyond this, now.”

She nods her head. No one wants to work at a gas station forever. “I hope you find what you’re looking for. You deserve it.”

Steve smiles, looking touched. Nora shakes her head in fond exasperation. Steve still acts like it’s the first time anyone’s been nice to him ever when she gives him a compliment. “Are you going back with Dean?” she asks.

He blushes. “No. Not right now. I need some time to figure myself out.”

Nora smiles in hesitant pride. Not the best answer, but at least he’s not running back to Dean right away. Steve’s tried to convince her of how good of a guy Dean is, but Nora just can’t get past the fact that he kicked Steve out.

On Steve’s last day, she picks up a cake, and the other employees come to see him off. He shakes his head, looking overwhelmed. “You didn’t have to do this,” he says, but he’s beaming.

Nora pulls him into a hug. “Couldn’t let my best employee go without a proper send off,” she whispers in his ear, and he flushes red, his smile turning bashful.

Nora gives him a ride back to his apartment that night. “Take care of yourself, okay? Don’t settle for anything less than I’d think you deserve.” She points at him sternly.

“Thank you for everything,” Steve says earnestly, clasping her hand.

It’s bittersweet watching Steve walk away for the last time, but she thinks he’s on to greater things.

Even a few years later, Steve still crosses her mind from time to time. Whenever Tanya gets a fever, she can’t help but wonder about him. She hopes he has all the happiness in the world.

When she gets a card in the mail with no return address, but with a picture of Dean grinning as he tells Steve something, and Steve’s mouth open wide as he laughs in response, she thinks he might have it.

Looking at Tanya running around the house and Jim chasing after her, she thinks she might have it, too.

[feederfiction]

George’s Gorge’s | 2

For months he continued to gorge himself, understanding now the tenuous connection between his dick and his stomach. The changes were sudden and did not go unnoticed. Steve would squeeze himself into whatever stressed clothes he was wearing that day, and show up to serve customers at George’s. His thicker frame helped with his sex appeal for a time but as his love handles blossomed and his gut really started to strain the buttons, it became clear that he was turning into a fatass. Suddenly the girls dried up, his tips got smaller and so it was one day that George sauntered over after the cash had been counted for the night shift.

“Steve, my boy” he grinned. “How did you fare tonight, any digits from the ladies?”

It was well known that Steve would brag about the girls who would slide him their napkins or cheque’s with their numbers written on it.

“Nah, I guess it’s getting harder the more food I eat here!” Steve replied, slapping his belly and making his cock twitch in response.

“Have you considered the kitchens? I’ve seen you cook and the pay is better, you don’t rely on tips”

Steve pondered this, feeling his cock now pulsing slightly, engorging with blood, before boldly asking, “Would I get to eat more?”

George laughed heartily and clapped the ex-jock on his softer bicep.

“Absolutely”

Steve now served on the weekends and cooked in the week, when it was less busy, and the deliveries were more in demand. George would turn a blind eye to any food prepared for a break and if there were unclaimed or leftover meals at the end of the night, he would divvy them up to the chefs. Steve was unaware, however, that he was receiving the kings share of food compared to his coworkers. After each shift he’d take home containers and boxes filled to bursting with all sorts of food. Anything near it’s expiry would be shifted to Steve too. His schedule often involved him eating on his trip home, then rehearing everything that had cooled on the journey. He would repeat his adventures from in front of the fridge that fateful night on an almost daily basis. He was seeing food and sex as the same thing and it was getting harder for him to even be sexual unless he was stuffed to bursting.

There he’d sit in his shrinking clothes, gorging on the greasy, addictive food. One day when Steve showed up for his shift as a server with a half inch of his belly hanging out from a shirt with more than a few stains on it, George had to send him to the kitchens. He was becoming obsessed with his newfound kink. Eating as much as he could, getting horny from the smell of the lard and grease in the kitchens, it was becoming a problem. He now had a permanent stubble and let his body hair grow out some, covering his belly in a sparse coat that seemed to stretch over his expanding form.

It wasn’t long until the pants he wore became unbearably tight and with his recent permanent status as a cook he just started to wear whatever he wanted to work. Which more often than not was a stained tank top that was a size too small and stressed gym shorts that barely held back his basketball sized ass globes as his form swelled from the sheer volume of food he devoured. After 3 years at George’s, he was now 120 kilos of ex-jock. A 20 year old lardass who was either found making or eating the food, and at this point there was some crossover too.

However things changed when Steve came into work one evening and placed a pizza and shake on the pickup window. A few minutes later, he heard an accented voice asking “Hello, I have a pizza and shake combo for Dan?”

Steve looked up and was floored by the handsome young man talking to him. Donning a leather biker jacket, tight jeans and Doc Martens he exuded a natural bad boy attitude. He looked Mexican and had an accent to boot. His muscular form was shown off in his outfit, his quads and ass looking like they were about to burst from the pants, while his tight white undershirt cling to his cut midsection. Steve could almost make out the cobblestone abs.

Clearing his mind for a moment he showed the delivery guy where the orders were placed and asked his name.

“Carlos” he replied with a crooked smile. “You?”

“Steve”

“Well Steve, I think we’ll get to know each other well. George hired me yesterday and I can’t wait to use my staff discount”

[thewhiterabbit42]

Three’s Company: Part 3

Key 

Chapter Pairing: Gabriel x reader

Series Pairing:  Loki x Nymph!Reader x Gabriel

Summary:  Gabriel shows up and does what he does best.  

Word Count: 2483

Chapter Tags/Warnings: pre-relationship, a little UST

Series Tags/Warnings: Nymph!reader, slow burn, indebted!reader, smut, poly-relationship (more to come)

Author’s note: Please check the warnings / tags with each update, as this series is only loosely planned and ever evolving.  

Series Masterlist - coming soon!

<< Part 2

You wonder if Gabriel knows you can sense him.  Not so much his energy.  He keeps that off the grid so well even your most concerted efforts can’t uncover it, and you’ve come to realize there must be some element of magic involved to help hide him.  

Still, there’s something about his presence that registers.  It alters the atmosphere in ways you don’t understand.  It’s not a physical change. You can’t detect it with your eyes, but your other senses wake up when he’s near, as if shaking off a long sleep, and everything feels brighter.   

He doesn’t announce himself, and you don’t acknowledge him.  You’re in the middle of reorganizing Loki’s office, something you’ve meant to get to for weeks.  More importantly,  you’re not done moping yet, and you know the moment the archangel realizes you’re in a sour mood, he’ll not only try to drag you out of it, but succeed.  

He gives you space, allowing you to work in silence while he lingers.  The absence of him even when he’s there is just as distracting as Loki’s overbearing presence.  Part of you wishes Gabriel would leave, while another doesn’t want to be alone.  

The dissonance only inflames your irritability, and you shove a text onto the shelf so hard the entire bookcase jostles.

It’s the opportunity he’s been waiting for, his body suddenly rounding the side of the desk as he saunters up beside you.  “What did..,” he pauses, reading the label along the spine.  “The death records of the Athenian temple for Aphrodite ever do to you?”  

The words are barely out of his mouth before he’s pulling it back off the shelf to verify that’s what it actually is.

“Why do we even have this?” He asks, slamming the book shut before waving it in front of you.

“What exactly do you do around here, again?”  You snatch it back from his hand, and your barb earns you a pointed look.  

To be fair, if he doesn’t want you asking questions you know the answer to, then neither should he.  

“Bother beauties like yourself and look good doing it?”  The smile he gives you is devastating, and you’re already responding.  Your mood and lips lift around the edges as he leans closer, brows waggling.  

Without thinking, you place your palm over his face, smothering his charm as you playfully give him a push.  “Put that away.”

He bats your hand to the side, amusement dancing across his features.  “I saw that smile.  Don’t try to hide it.  I see all.”  

Clearly not, but you imagine he could if he opened his eyes a little more.  Your thoughts stray to recent lore you just happened to be perusing on archangels.  Special ordered.  In no way related to your current company.  Just like your current hotel has nothing to do with it being close enough to a library to make a reasonable request (with a reasonable tip) for staff to make a pickup for you.

He tilts his head, leaning against the bookshelf, and his stare shifts to something more appraising.  “What’s that look for?” ��

With Loki you tend to pause before answering, mindful of the words you choose, but with Gabriel the need to censor yourself doesn’t exist.  He may look like your boss, but he holds no key to your bonds.  

Besides, there’s nothing you can say that’s any worse than what you’ve heard come out of his mouth.  

“I was just wondering what your true form was like.”  

His brows raise in tandem, and for a moment he looks on the verge of a serious answer.  Any hope is dashed the moment a familiar twinkle enters his gaze.  

“If you’re really interested, how about a trade: I’ll show you yours, you show me mine?”  

You’re not even sure what that means, but instead of trying to make sense of it, you simply roll your eyes.  You don’t need to play his game to notice what lies beneath the innuendo; a slow simmering curiosity that builds the longer you know him.  

You imagine he’s seen just about everything in his long life, but you’re certain he’s never received a full blown whammy from something like you.  Some can harness it.  Some lose their mind.  Most simply muddle through it or succumb.  

You have no idea how he’d react.  You’ve never tried unleashing your magic on the divine.  Archangels, in particular, are a wild card.  Their grace is powerful, completely unknown to you and many others.  Heaven’s children tended to keep to themselves over the ages, and into their corresponding worshippers’ territories.  Gabriel is a rarity on so many levels.  

Which includes the fact that bad pickup lines actually sound good coming from him.  Not that you’ll ever let him know that.

You snort.  “Does that actually work?”  

He lowers himself onto the edge of the desk, his facade dropping and revealing the casual veneer you’re accustomed to.  “You can’t tell me you’ve never used a cheesy line before.”

You’ve dropped many over the ages, back when Loki used to take you into civilization.  He used to allow you to mingle among humans under his distant but watchful eye, so long as it was far, far away from other supernatural beings.  

The irritation from earlier bubbles up inside you, and you fix the archangel with a direct stare.  

He winces before you even snap at him.  

“And when do you suppose I’d have the chance to do that?”

Part of you wants to be furious at the ever closing collar around your neck.  Part of you realizes you’ve long since lost the taste for meaningless encounters, so there’s little point in being let out.  At least not among society.  

“Is that why you’re not yourself lately?”

He’s noticed.  You’re not sure why this revelation stuns you, but it does.  Loki’s usually the one keeping close tabs on you.  Too close these days, you guess, which is why he can’t see the forest for the trees, or your increasing need for either of them.  

Gabriel has been the one hovering, however.  While his counterpart often equates him to the annoying fly buzzing about one’s head, you find him amusing, increasingly endearing, and distracting in ways that have your heart rate climbing and your stomach fluttering whenever you make eye contact.

That, combined with your surprise, has you fumbling with what to say.  He picks up on this as well, but this time is different.  Everything about him goes eerily still.

“Just because I act shallow, doesn’t mean I always am.”  

Merciful Zeus, he’s offended.  You’ve seen him angry, bitter, but rarely like you’ve plucked a feather straight out of his wings.  

The darks of his eyes grow wider, slowly eating away at the edges of gold, and you realize what the problem is.   

“Gabriel, you should keep your distance.”  You shrink away from him, allowing time for the quiet assertion to sink in as you turn and pretend to wipe lingering dust off some of the books.  

His brow furrows before spiking again.  “He hasn’t let you out at all, has he?”  There’s no time to answer as he runs a hand through his hair.  “That sonofa --”

You’ve only heard Enochian a handful of times.  Loki forbids it from being spoken, but there are times, like now, the archangel slips.  You have no idea what he’s saying, other than it can’t be very flattering.

He’s still muttering when he jumps off the desk, grabbing you without warning.  “C’mon.”  

There’s a jolt before his hand even closes around your wrist, energy sparking against your skin and sending a shockwave of effervescence through your system.  A dizzying rush follows, the room whirling as the sharp, pristine contrast of black and white melts into muddied, earthen tones.  

You can smell it before you see it; know on an instinctual level where you are before foliage springs up around you.  You’re far from the city, but not completely off the map.  You can feel the lingering imprints of human energy, but it’s background noise against the vast symphony of flora and fauna that greet every one of your senses like a long lost friend.  

You let out a breath, watching the way it crystallizes on the air, before wide eyes take in your surroundings.  You’ve missed the vibrant colors of autumn, arriving just in time to catch the last vestiges of life echoing in faded, ruddy, and dull tones.  What remains is still breathtaking in its own way; a quiet contrast to the neutral browns and smatterings of green that still remain.

The natural beauty of this place becomes lost, however, against your panic.  

“You need to bring me back,” you insist.  “I don’t have permission to be here.”

You don’t have permission to be anywhere save Loki’s suite, and he’s already issued his judgment on this matter not two hours ago.  He’ll be livid if he finds out you left, but it’s what remains when his pride retreats and the flames of his fury have burned out that worries you.

“Please.”  

Gabriel’s taken aback by your words, and you realize you’ve never seen what disappointment looks like with him.  

Anxiety overlays your misgivings, creating new ones, sending conflict careening against the constant reminder that everything you’ve craved is close enough to touch.  You forget yourself, eyes closing as you breathe deep, letting it all sink beneath your skin, if only for a moment.  

Gabriel whistles, low and long.  “That right there, kid?  Exactly why we’re staying.”

You’re head’s not above enough water to realize he’s called you a name he reserves for moments of condescension or great sympathy.  All you’re aware of is need, crashing heavily over you, sweeping away your resolve with the tide and leaving a flurry of what ifs in their wake.  

There’s a slow, creeping euphoria as the fibers in your being extend, reaching out to reconnect their fraying ends to organic, sturdy threads.  Your arm extends, fingertips seeking out a solid source closest to you.  Your feet are already moving, guided by a sense that exists only for your kind, until your hand connects with chill kissed bark and everything suddenly stills.  

There is peace.  It’s in the slumber radiating beneath your palm and the small pearl of life tucked away from the cold.  It resonates, with the rays of summer that have kept its leaves well fed, with the rain that’s kept its innermost layers nourished.

You lean forward, your dress snagging at intervals along its rough body.  You rest your cheek against it, drinking in its silent conversation with everything you have.  It calms and energizes you in a way you nothing else has and you imagine never will.

The moment morphs into something different as another presence shifts closer to you, one that is unmistakably vibrant and demands to be acknowledged.  

“By all means, get whatever you need to out of your system,” he tells you. “But I gotta say, if you start humping that tree, I am outta here.”  

You open your eyes, pupils large and owlish, and you let out a small laugh that borders on manic.  

Gabriel peers around the side of the tree, his own stare dilating in response.  “Holy shit, you look about as high as the first time we took you out.”

Out.  You’re out without permission.  The reminder collars your innate drives, putting them back into check so you can think again.

“We should go.”  Resignation has you deflating against the sturdy maple.

“Like hell we are,” he insists, hands on his hips.  It’s the most serious you’ve seen him since you offered yourself as a distraction to get him (and Loki by association) out of hot water in Beijing ages ago.  

He didn’t listened to you then, either.  

“Just who do you think he leaves in charge when he’s away, hmmm?”  He questioned.   “And as temporary head honcho, I am ordering you to be here.”

Power is shared.  Equal?  No, not quite.  Not in all matters, but hope catches in your throat nonetheless.  

You try to recall the exceptions.  He never deals with her.  He rarely deals with you.  Not in official capacity.  Not often.  Not without orders.   

It’s clear the trickster in front of you is not used to being the leash holder, and he begins to shift beneath the weight of your silence.  “...if you want to, that is.”  

You continue to stare at him, and it’s as if you’re seeing him for the first time.  

Gabriel, beneath the hijinks and human vessel, is as unfathomable as his true form; an infinite being, so vastly powerful, and yet he is the softness to the hardened edges that is his shared identity.  He has the power to take your freedom as much as to let you taste it, and yet, his offer is based on what you want and need instead of what serves him most.  

The gesture has you on the verge of tears or kissing him.   You ride the impulse halfway, releasing your wooden anchor to slip your arms around him.

He goes stiff, your enthusiasm knocking him back a step as you leap at him.  A part of you knows - shouldn’t touch - but he always has a way of making you forget yourself.

“Yeesh, you must be really desperate if you’re this grateful for fresh air.”  He eases his awkward reaction with a good-natured tease and a small pat on your back before extricating himself from your grip.  

“Go on,” he gestures toward the forest.  “Enjoy, before the clock strikes midnight and we both turn into pumpkins.”  

Midnight.  

His eyes narrow intently.  “What?”

You have no idea what’s showing on your features, only that it’s confusing the hell out of him by the look on his.  

“Can we really stay out until then?”  Your voice is uncharacteristically timid, a fail-safe chiding with a distant too much the moment the words have left your mouth.    

You immediately regret it.  You shouldn’t ask for more, not when he’s being so generous already.  A brief but intense debate sparks, the outcome muting the brightness in your eyes.  

“Never mind.”  You shake your head, ashamed to have even thought of pushing, let alone saying anything.  

A brief touch along the side of your face brings you back again, though you hold off on looking up.  You don’t want him to see your disappointment, to mistake it for being thankless.    

“Sweetheart, we can stay out as long your heart desires.”  

His answer sweeps you completely out to sea, gratitude restoring the brightness to your gaze.  This time you do kiss him, lips catching the corner of his in thoughtless haste.  You dance away just as quickly, twirling through the leaves, your excitement blinding you to the way every molecule in his being grinds to a halt and how he deliberately keeps his distance for the next few hours.  

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[racingtoaredlight]

Picks

When people think of guitar picks, they think of them as literal throwaway objects.  You know, something that a guitarist or singer will toss into the audience at the end of a show.  Or maybe tossed into some kind of giveaway.  Stolen from a guitar shop.  Things like that.

A pick is simply something used to pluck a stringed instrument.  In the hierarchy of things that affect a guitarist’s tone and sound, you wouldn’t think that it would have a big impact.  Certainly not along the lines of how much pickups or wood or types of strings would...

Well, you’d be right it doesn’t make THAT much of a difference, but it still absolutely makes one...

***

So here’s a quick video showing the difference between using your fingers, and then the picks in order as you see them at the top of the post.  I didn’t use the thumbpick example because it’s made from the same material as the Fender pick.

Also, I showed the difference in sound when you use the rounded edges vs. the pointed tip.  When I listened back to the clip recorded with an iPhone camera, the difference is barely there.  The tip examples are slightly brighter and slightly more defined, while the rounded edges are warmer.  Probably would have come through if I mic’d my amp, but in person the differences are much more stark.

You will hear a good deal of difference between fingers, the first pick and the others, however.  The reason I used the tiny black pick when I played jazz is because it was the only pick I tried (out of hundreds) that sounded like Wes Montgomery’s thumb.  You can get a sense of how warm that pick sounds immediately once the Fender example starts.

So what explains the difference?  The easy answer is material.  Different materials sound drastically different...no different than how different tubes sound different, or different woods.  The truth in that lies deeper though...

***

Think of a spectrum of tones...on one extreme you have metallic brightness like a hammer hitting an anvil, and on the other warmth like walking into a room full of people having quiet converastions.  The sound of a hammer hitting an anvil is easy to pick out, where all the individual parts are clear, distinct and defined.

But the singular sound a room full of individual conversations makes is greater than the sum of its parts.  The details aren’t important, it’s the complexity and character of the ultimate sound that is.

A hammer hitting an anvil is an event that takes place in less than a second’s worth of time.  Multiple unique conversations take time to develop and interweave before they become that ultimate sound.

When you pick a note on a stringed instrument...it doesn’t matter that the scale of this time is distilled into fractions of fractions of seconds...the same principles apply.  Here’s the point...

***

The harder the material, with the least amount of surface area being used to pluck a string, the brighter and more distinct your tone will be.  On the other end of the spectrum...the more mass and fleshiness your pick has, the warmer and rounder it will be, because your pick (or fingers) will grab the string more than a harder material pick would, greatly increasing the time the pick interacts with the string, manipulating its vibrations.

That’s why the harder pick...the Fender...sounded way brighter than either my finger or the small black pick.  The small black pick is probably 2.5x as thick as the Fender, made out of a very soft (yet far more durable) material.  That’s also why the rounded edges of the same pick sound warmer and less defined than the pointed tip.

The variations on this theme are theoretically endless.  For probably the first 50 years of the electric guitar’s history (after they stopped using real tortoise shell), you had like four plastic choices with picks...medium, heavy, jazz, thumb.  Now?  The material choices are endless.  Where in those earlier decades, the thickest picks were still under 1mm, now you can get picks as thick as 6mm.  Shapes vary from tortilla chips to picks the size of a button.

A number of guitarists I play with show up to rehearsals and gigs with little pouches full of their special picks.  They drop one, and the song stops until they’ve found it...like someone losing a contact.  And an equal number live by picking up picks they found, that they likely left there before because they treat them disposably.

***

Personally, I’ve gone through both extremes.  And what matters most to me now is dependability.

The little black pick on the far left in the pic on top is the only pick I used for over three years through music school, when I was almost exclusively playing jazz.  You play that thing through a clean set amp and it’s absolutely beautiful.  You add in any parts that require active strumming or overdrive?  That’s where it falls flat.

And that’s why I don’t use a pick that I used for over three years...because it’s no longer dependable.  Now I use the rounded edges of Fender heavy picks (and am experimenting with the Dunlop “green” Tortex...far right).

Now, if we look at things individually, there’s no doubt that the little black pick that was used for three straight years is exponentially more durable.  I took some comparison shots to show the difference between a Fender heavy pick that I’ve had in rotation for all of a week, and the Dunlop that saw 8-10 hours of practice per day for over 1,000 days.

On average, I go through a pack of Fender picks about every two months.  They’re the polar opposite of the little black pick in terms of sound...very bright, very distinct, almost glassy.  Not better/worse...just different, a different I like very much.

That last pic of the Fender, you can see it’s already starting to develop burrs and nicks, which is obnoxious when they accidentally grab a string.  It’s likely time for this one to be tossed, which brings us to my point here.

All the clubs and bars I play, I can likely scout around the floor and sound equipment and find a Fender heavy pick.  They’ve been an industry standard for so long, are so widely available, so cheap, that they became that disposable throwaway item...something that helps in a pinch if you forgot to put a few picks in your gig bag.

On the other side of the debate...when I bought three of those little black picks back in 2005 they were already discontinued for god knows how long.  I got em in a pawnshop that just had them laying around.  They got reintroduced last year, but they’re far more expensive than Fender heavies, you can barely find them anywhere even now, and they don’t sound great if you’re not playing jazz.

***

This is spiraling into a tome, so lets run through to the end...

Shape matters.  Roundness is warmer, pointy is brighter, sure...but what about actually playing?  Another reason I ditched the little black pick is because, once I started playing stuff with funk rhythms and blues stuff and shit with overdrive, a pick with more surface area was simply easier to hold onto.  Forget tone, if you can’t hold onto something confidently, that impacts your playing way more than any tonal aspect...

For example, for a few months I experimented with a thumbpick.  Still use it occasionally, but I couldn’t do solo stuff as cleanly so went back to a traditional pick.  Now, thumbpicks are designed for acoustic instruments more than electric, where your hands are farther away from the top of the guitar...

...so I sanded mine down, because I like to have my hands close to the strings when playing electric.  Ergonomics is as important as anything when it comes to actual playing.

Materials matter.  I mentioned hardness is bright and pliability is warm, but durability is a different argument.  The little black pick is some of the softest material I’ve played a pick with, sounding warmer than my fingers even, but it’s far more durable than the Fender picks, which get chewed up by heavy playing in a short amount of time.

Some guys use metal picks...most often on their non-thumb fingers, but Brian May of Queen used a sixpence piece for a pick.  This gives a, predictably, metallic tone that’s very bright and distinct.  I mentioned above the original picks were made from tortoise shell and they sound AMAZING...if you can get past the ethical stuff, let alone actually finding one in 2020.

Size matters.  Generally, the smaller the pick the more agile it will be while bigger picks are best suited for strumming and rhythm work.  Thickness impacts playing because there’s less give when you pluck a string...those small dime sized mega-thick picks are great for jazz dudes playing on 14 gauge strings, but an acoustic strummer with extra-lights is going to be left wanting.

***

At the end of the day though, what pick you use is totally an individual choice more geared around psychological comfort than anything quantifiable.  Truthfully, if I’m thinking anything at all about the actual pick I’m holding it’s likely going to be tossed.  In a lot of ways, a guitar pick is like the keys to your car...the act of plucking the strings is what drives things forward.

But the point of driving isn’t to turn a key, it’s to get to your destination.  Hence why...despite the incredible amount of thought energy I’ve put into them...picks should be as much of an afterthought as getting into your car and starting it up.

While it might be an afterthought, you still need your keys to start your car.  Worse, the wrong keys might still get your metaphorical car started, but the ride will be a whole lot bumpier.  I guess metaphorically speaking, fingerpickers just hotwire their car everytime...but whatever, lets just call it a day.

[happy2bmyownboss]

Hey everybody… it feels like its been FOREVER since I’ve posted. I have really missed you all… that might sound funny but I love seeing the notifications from readers and reading the comments that others leave… it makes me feel like maybe, just maybe I am helping someone in some way.

I think my last post was on January 30th! I had written a little bit about this pregnancy and some of the surprises, stresses, and worries it has brought with it. We are so blessed to have this little one in our lives and we just can’t wait to meet her!

I also told about some of the unexpected events that had transpired with our new house which we still haven’t officially moved into completely yet although I might spend more time there than I do here right now.

Someone did end up coming out to fix the electrical and plumbing issues but yesterday when I went to use the dishwasher it wouldn’t work… HMMMM???!!! The girls were not thrilled when I told them this news today… lol. I told them we now have a very expensive new dish drying rack!

January was full of ups and downs with the house, an ultrasound, and some other family activities that I wrote about HERE. I stayed pretty busy and tried to get things a little bit more organized… you can read about that in this post… the time spent on getting organized has paid off in some ways as I couldn’t have seen the newest issues that were yet to come.

Our homeschool adventures have been on hold for a couple of weeks as we’ve been focusing on getting the house ready to move in and I’ve been dealing with some new pregnancy-related? health issues.

So where to begin? That’s a good question because SO MUCH has happened. February was such a blur that I can’t even believe it has come and gone already!

Well, let’s start with baby news. We had a doctor’s appointment on Valentine’s which was a bit crazy. Not long after checking in there was a FIRE DRILL! Well, it wasn’t a drill as the alarm had been triggered and the entire four-story medical plaza had to be evacuated!

Guess what floor we were on? Yep, the fourth! I’ve been dealing with a lot of heart palpitations and shortness of breath so walking down four flights of stairs was no fun… then we had to walk back up them when the firefighters cleared the building. I seriously thought I was gonna pass out.

I was still quite winded when the doctor came into the room (we had a new doctor as the previous one NEVER responded to my requests to have my medication refilled!) He was quite nice and we both liked him. We discussed the possibility/probability of C-section… I’ve never had one so it is a little scary to think about. He also had some blood work ordered for my thyroid and a glucose screening done.

The doctor also put in a referral for me to see a cardiologist and one for the baby to have a fetal echocardiogram done as there were concerns from the previous ultrasound.

The following morning, my 43rd birthday!, the doctor called to tell me to quit taking my thyroid medicine because it was too much. He also called in a new prescription for me to start taking later that week. This may or may not have been part of the reason for the heart flutters and shortness of breath which I still have. He also informed me that I had failed the glucose screening so lucky me gets to do the 3-hour screening at my next appointment… YAY!

The glucose screening was done a bit early this time as my last pregnancies have been large babies and the doctor just wants to keep a close eye on this baby and her weight gain… he wants to keep a close eye on the possibility of gestational diabetes as this can cause babies to be quite large as well.

Just a few of my birthday spoils… even little Ms. Priss got a few things that have me so excited to start shopping. Mr. Awesome also bought me several cute maternity shirts as my clothes have been getting a little bit snug. We have also been gifted a beautiful cradle and antique wooden high chair… I will try to walk over and get a picture of them a bit later today.

Since that appointment, I am still having tons of shortness of breath as well as frequent bouts of nausea. I have spent quite a bit of time resting in the recliner or laying on my left side. It is frustrating to not be able to get up and go like I want to do but I know that this phase will not last forever and it is so important to take of myself as I do have this special little blessing growing inside of me and I have to make sure to keep her as safe as I can.

Not being able to do anything without becoming winded has affected my square dancing. I still try my best to attend the dances and on a good night I might dance half a tip but I can’t do much more than that right now. We also did not get to attend the State Convention this year although I had greatly enjoyed it last year. The kiddos did go stay with their big sister and big brother for the weekend so we had a little break nonetheless.

I did have to run a few errands yesterday and at one of those, I was asked if I was trying to keep up with the Duggars and the Bates! Well… if I could get a TV show and make a ton of money… maybe… All jokes aside this will most likely be my last baby… I refuse to say NEVER because I have been proven wrong many times. You just never know what plans God has in store for you and I am constantly AMAZED at the blessings he has bestowed on us and the paths he has led us down so I choose to trust him even when things seem IMPOSSIBLE.

When I have good days I try to do a little bit of batch cooking/freezer cooking and this has saved dinner quite a few times lately. Mr. Awesome has been pretty good about helping out around the house and in the kitchen… even it is just bringing home some pizza or fast food for them to eat… you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes. I try to do my Walmart Grocery Pickup every so often to keep some healthy foods and necessities on hand. Yesterday I did go into the store and I was so exhausted by the time I finished all I wanted was a nap when I got home. You can find lots of Freezer Meal information HERE.

**This post does contain affiliate links to products and/or services that we use. If you happen to click through a link and make a purchase we may earn a teensy-weensy small commission (at NO EXTRA cost to you) if a purchase is made through these links. These links help to support our family, our blog, and our homeschooling mission. This means that we can keep bringing you great recipes, ideas, and tips for FREE! Click HERE for a full disclaimer.

  In other news, the house was coming along quickly until I broke the bathtub. It was completely accidental but a blessing in disguise. When Mr. Awesome went to rip out the old tub he fell through the bathroom floor! Yeah… the whole floor was rotted so it was just a matter of time before it became a HUGE issue.

      The bathroom has been gutted and the floors have been repaired so now we just have to put the bathroom back together before we can get completely moved in.

    The kitchen is 95% completed and it looks so much better than it did before. We are happy with the way it turned out and I have been trying to get it all organized… a little bit at a time. I’ll try to get a post together about the products we used for our kitchen.

We’ve been carrying things over a little at a time as you can see in the pictures above. This makes it easy to get things put away but it is such a slow process. I will be so glad when Mr. Awesome has a couple of free days so he can bring the trailer over and we can load it up with some of the bigger items.

This morning we carried a couple of loads of kitchen things over and we made and ate breakfast at the house… the kids were so excited! I had high hopes of getting quite a bit accomplished today but that idea quickly disappeared when one of the kiddos had a tantrum and meltdown.

As many of you know I have two special needs children who are greatly affected by the moon phases. We have a time change coming along with a full moon that is VERY CLOSE so things have been a bit trying this week and I don’t foresee that next week will be much better.

We ended up putting away the things we had brought over, cleaning up the breakfast mess, and then headed back over to the little house. I thought it might give me a chance to catch you guys up and I also started a pot of tea and put some chicken in the crockpot for dinner. I’ll probably add some sweet and sour sauce to it later and serve it with some rice and steamed broccoli.

We had expected to have our new washer and dryer delivered today but things don’t always go as expected. I got the scheduling call yesterday but they informed me that they had ‘lost’ our dryer! I’m not sure how that happened but they couldn’t locate another one so they have reordered it and we should have them Saturday morning.

I love hanging our clothes out but I will definitely appreciate these new appliances as I will be able to use my little spurts of energy in other areas right now. Mr. Awesome has a clothesline on his ‘Honey Do’ list but that is not at the top of the list right now and I haven’t even really decided where I want to put it.

You might be wondering about what type of washer and dryer we decided on so I’ll tell you a little about them… really I was just not into shopping that day so I let Mr. Awesome lead the decision. He found this Whirpool Load and Go washer that will let me load up to 20 loads of detergent into it and then, we believe, program a wash cycle so that the kids can just push a button to wash their laundry.

I prefer the front loaders right now as they allow the kids to be a little bit more independent in helping with the laundry. This pair was on sale when we bought them so we saved quite a bit of money. We did go ahead and purchase the extended warranty because this was quite an investment to make and we just wanted to make sure that we were covered in the event of an unexpected repair.

I’m sure that I will post some more about the features of this pair as I get to use them and learn more about them. We also like that they have the option to stack them which is something we may consider later on.

Another thing that happened last month was that Mr. William had the opportunity to attend one of the Night To Shine Special Needs Proms hosted by Tim Tebow. He had a blast and is looking forward to going again next year. This is a wonderful event and I encourage everyone to support it if you can.

Well, that about wraps up the past month or so… I hope you have all had a great month and I pray that this coming month is even better for you. I will try my best not to wait so long between posts and I will get to work on the kitchen update post soon.

As always we want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and we ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers… talk to you soon!

  Life Update: We’re Still Here! Hey everybody... it feels like its been FOREVER since I've posted. I have really missed you all...

[studio-elan]

How to Start a Conversation on Tinder: 20 Must-Know Rules to Follow

Although talking on Tinder may not be as nerve-racking as talking in person, it is still nice to know how to start a conversation on Tinder. At one time, this article would have been about how to approach a stranger at the bar. Nowadays, Tinder is the new bar. It is where you create connections, so learning how to start a conversation on Tinder is important. Because, without face to face contact, the conversation really needs to be great in order for anything to come from it. So, how do you make it great? Well, there are always options when it comes to starting a conversation on Tinder. You can be deep, funny, or totally original. What’s important is that you start your Tinder conversation in a way that feels true to you. [Read: How to use tinder – A guide for true love or a perfect hookup] Why it is so important how you start a conversation on Tinder You might think the opening sentence on Tinder is just a few words and what comes after is more important, but that is not always the case. In today’s culture, people want to feel a connection ASAP. It doesn’t seem exactly fair but first impressions are important. If you don’t draw positive attention quickly, Tinder is full of more people. Some people, of course, will try to get to know you even if your opening line is “Hey.” Others will move on to find something a bit more unique. Think of Tinder as a first date. Although it is virtual, you still want to put in the same effort you would on a date. Try to share something personal, ask something that sparks intrigue, or even make a joke. Try not to let this put pressure on you though. There is no need to be worried or concerned that what you said wasn’t perfect. Not everyone will click with you and that is okay. Plus, just as they can move on, so can you. That is the benefit of a dating app like Tinder, there is always someone else on the horizon. [Read: 8 great reasons online dating is worth a shot] How to start a conversation on Tinder Now that you know why knowing how to start a conversation on Tinder is so important,  you can go into it with boldness and originality. Being able to start a conversation on Tinder is all about making an impact. You don’t want to go in with something that doesn’t require a response or can be answered with a simple yes or no. So, here on some ideas you can use or just pull inspiration from. #1 Respond to their profile. This is probably the easiest way to start a conversation on Tinder. Instead of trying to come up with something unique and original on your own, pull from what you already know about them. If they mentioned they are into travel or photography, strike up a conversation about cameras or their favorite place to travel. [Read: How to start a conversation on Tinder and snag a date every time] #2 Ask about one of their photos. Some people leave their bios blank which gives you a lack of material to work with, but there are always photos. Hopefully, they are not all selfies and you can ask about them. Ask where their hiking photo was taken, how old their dog is, or anything else pertaining to a specific photo. They chose those specific photos to intrigue potential matches, so show them it worked. #3 Play a game. You may have taken a break from using games to break the ice since the first day of high school, but these tricks work. They distract you from the fact that this is sort of awkward and just let you get to know each other. Try something like Two truths and a Lie or 20 Questions. #4 Quote a movie or TV show. This is a great way to see if your tastes line up. Ask them to guess where the quote is from or just see if they recognize it. You can use a line from your favorite show like The Office or classic movie like The Breakfast Club. You can even copy a show like Master of None on Netflix. Take Aziz Ansari’s favorite line, “Going to Whole Foods, want me to pick you up anything?” [Read: 21 Tinder conversation starters that’ll intrigue anyone instantly] #5 Ask what their dream date is. Whether you want to chat for a while first or meet up quickly, this is a great way to start a conversation on Tinder. You get to know the vibe they are going for and if it is something you would enjoy. And if you want to meet up, it is a great segue. [Read: Online dating success? Meet your date in person soon] #6 Ask about the most spontaneous thing they have ever done. Starting a conversation on Tinder with this question gets things off on a light note. You can talk about your bucket list and how adventurous you are or aren’t. #7 Ask what they’re looking for. I know this seems obvious, but when it comes to knowing how to start a conversation on Tinder, not many people ask this until they meet or even later than that. If you are on Tinder for a hook up, make sure the person you’re interested in wants the same thing or else it will get complicated later. #8 Ask their opinion on a classic debate. Do they prefer peanut butter or jelly? Do they hang the toilet paper over or under? These are things everyone has a feeling about one way or the other. Starting things off with a friendly debate always heats things up. #9 Ask what best pickup line they’ve ever heard. This is sure to be a funny way to start a conversation on Tinder. You can trade hilarious or cheesy pickup lines. See which catches your fancy. [Read: 70 hilarious cheesy pick up lines that’ll get anyone laughing] #10 What is the best show to binge? Television is a big part of pop culture today. Sharing your interests and preferences can let you know if you would get along. And even if this isn’t a match made in Netflix heaven, you might get some good TV recommendations out of it. #11 What is their dream vacation? Just about everyone on Tinder says they love to travel, but that is quite a bit vague. Ask them where they would love to travel to. Then, ask if they have any plans to go there. And if you’ve been there, offer some pointers. #12 Compliment them. This is always a go-to. You can compliment their smile, style, or bio. Just be sure to follow up that comment with a question like, “I love your style, how did you get so cool?” [Read: How to flirt and intrigue someone with only your written words] #13 Use a GIF. Emojis and GIFs are at your disposal so use what you have. Ask a question and throw in a funny GIF or even a meme to help drive your point home. #14 Ask a multiple choice question. This is something that I have recently seen. It is such a unique way to get to know someone. Instead of an open-ended question, ask something and give them options for an answer. Ask them the vibe they like on weekends. Do they prefer to be a. lazy, b. party, c. productive, or d. all of the above. #15 Check for typos. Proper grammar and spelling show intellect and also how much you care about what you are saying. Be sure to double check for typos and grammatical errors. I know it seems minute, but this is a real turn-off for a lot of people. #16 Message when you have time to talk. Try not to message someone and start a conversation on your way to work or before you go to sleep. Message when you actually have the time to go back and forth and really carry out a conversation. [Read: 15 Tinder tips you cannot ignore if you ever want a date] #17 Don’t get too personal too quickly. When it comes to learning how to start a conversation on Tinder, it can be tempting to open yourself up to someone when you feel a connection straight off the bat. Hold back at least a little bit. Although Tinder has formed some amazing bonds, there are still a lot of ghosters out there. You do not want to tell someone everything about yourself only for them to disappear. #18 Don’t use their name in your message. Apparently, some people find this to be sincere, but I think most people find it creepy. When someone says something like, “Hi Samantha, you’re really cute.” I don’t know why, but it is creepy to me. Think about it. How often do you use someone’s name in a message to them? #19 Only follow-up once. Sure, sometimes Tinder doesn’t notify people or they are busy and forget to respond. So, go ahead and follow-up. Do not resend the same message but add a meme or GIF about two to four hours after the initial message. If there is still no response, let it go. [Read: 6 rules double texting rules everyone needs to follow] #20 Play it cool. Remember that the person you are starting a conversation with on Tinder is probably not your lifelong crush. It is someone that you thought looked cool from a few sentences and a few photos. Don’t freak out. There is no need to be nervous. [Read: How to make yourself standout on Tinder with these conversation starters] Now that you know how to start a conversation on Tinder, go out with confidence. Time to get yourself a Tinder date. The post How to Start a Conversation on Tinder: 20 Must-Know Rules to Follow is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

[fayecallasdatingblog]

How to Talk to Men: Discover The Secrets to A Successful Conversation

The vast majority of my clients are looking for tips on how to talk to men.

It’s understandable: talking comes perfectly natural to many women…but sometimes you meet a man that you’re attracted to…

Then suddenly, all of your smooth, sexy, confident ways go right out the window and you’re left with nothing to say.

Tongue-tied.

It can be frustrating when you, an intelligent and beautiful woman, can’t figure out what to say to a mere man. But it happens.

But learning how to talk to men is like anything: it gets easier with practice. Today, I’m going to give you a framework that you can take with you anywhere, whether you’re going out for a beer with friends at night, hitting a singles event, or simply ordering coffee next to a hot guy in line. By the end of this video and article, you’ll be more confident about how to talk to men.

Your coach,

      P.S. You’ll soon see that the secret ingredient in learning how to talk to men is CONFIDENCE. If you could use a little extra dose of it right now, why not join my Sexy Confidence Club?

PPS. This video is sponsored by the Meet Me App. Try it out here to practice talking to men!

Introduction

So you want to become a master of how to talk to men. Maybe you’d settle for just not looking like a deer in the headlights any time some fine man smiles at you.

Maybe you’ve had enough awkward moments that, had you not been frozen and mute, might have actually turned into something, and you’re sick of them.

It’s time to release that smooth, sassy, sexy, confident lady you know you can be.

Ready for it?

I sure am. So here are a few things you want to keep in mind when you talk to men you’re attracted to.

How to Talk to Men Tip 1: Tease Him a Bit

Be playful with him, with light teasing.

Most men love a sassy lady. Despite what you might think, we’re not looking for a cookie-cutter woman who acts and thinks like the next girl. We want someone unique. A snowflake.

So if you’re naturally bold and a bit snarky, let it show.

Call him out if he’s trying to be smooth.

Him: Are you tired? Because you’ve been running through my mind all night long!

You: Wow, I thought they retired that line with bell bottoms 40 years ago!

Challenge him when he’s bullshitting.

Him: Yea, I bench press 300.

You: Ooh wow. How about you bench press me right here and now? That’s about what I weigh [and it totally isn’t].

Note: there is a slight difference between teasing a man and putting him off. If he was brave enough to come talk to you — even if it was to deliver a cheesy pickup line — you don’t want to shame him for doing so. So if you notice a wounded look in his eyes, pull back from the teasing.

You want to be memorable, but not someone he’s eager to forget!

How to Talk to Men Tip 2: Be Confident and Enjoy the Moment

I know how incredibly easy it is to stay in your head when you’re on a date or meeting a man that you find hot.

OMG do I have spinach in my teeth?

Is he bored? He’s bored. He looked at his watch.

I have no idea what to say! Help!

Here’s something I want you to keep in mind the next time you’re struggling with how to talk to men: realize that they’re as nervous as you are. He might have checked his watch because he’s amazed you haven’t fallen asleep or walked out on the date yet. He may be struggling himself with talking to you.

So I want you to take a deep breath and relax.

You are just talking to a man. You don’t have to marry this man. Heck, you don’t even have to see him again if you don’t want to. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself to get it right.

Honestly, if you were to shoot milk out of your nose or spill your drink, you would both laugh, and that might lighten the mood. So stop aiming for perfection and just be yourself!

How to Talk to Men Tip 3: Compliment Him

Humans are terrible at complimenting in general. Why is it so rare that we do it?

I think women are scared to compliment a guy because it makes them look easy to get. Sometimes desperate. In fact, it really doesn’t. You can still be a challenge for him to pursue even if you compliment him. Consider it a way to open up the conversation.

I love your tattoo! Do you have an artist you’d recommend?

I’ve been wanting to try the blonde roast. Do you like it?

Great shoes!

It’s funny: men and women compliment one another very differently. A man may compliment you on your eyes, your hair, or even your body (though he runs the risk of you considering it harassment, not a compliment). Women often compliment something not physical on a man. It’s safer to comment on his shirt than his eyes and have him know — gasp! — that you’re interested!

Still, whether you’re brave enough to tell him that his eyes are deeper than the ocean or you want to stick to one of the examples above, complimenting a man is a great way to strike up conversation…and boost his ego.

How to Talk to Men Tip 4: Focus on the Nonverbal Communication

Want to know how to talk to men? Don’t overlook body language!

Sometimes it’s not what you say, but what your body says. Body language is a huge component of expressing attraction. So even if you don’t know what to talk about, you can let a guy know by giving him the right body language.

Chief Medical Expert and saludmóvil founder, Dr. Joseph Mosquera says leaning toward someone is a great start: “Leaning towards someone, especially squaring off your shoulders for full-on attention is a nonverbal way of telling them you are engaged and interested.”

You can also touch his arm or shoulder and do a little hair flip. Smiling is, of course, one of the best ways to show interest. Smiling shows that you’re happy, so you are communicating to a man that he makes you happy. Score.

How to Talk to Men Tip 5: Keep it Mysterious

Look, most women I know are pretty chatty. Many won’t hesitate to lay out their entire life story within minutes of meeting someone. But if you want to know how to successfully talk to men, hold some things back. Save them for a future conversation.

Why am I telling you this?

First of all, it intrigues him. It gives him something to look forward to knowing, which means he’s going to have to get your number so you can talk again and he can ask you out.

But also, men like information in bite-sized chunks. If you meet a guy at a coffee shop and proceed to tell him that you’re divorced, have a 13-year-old kid, had a breast cancer scare last year, and are looking for a long-term relationship…how many guys do you think will actually be keen to ask you out after that information dump??

Make him wonder about you. Keep him guessing. You’ll seem exotic, and therefore more desirable, if you hold some things back.

How to Talk to Men Tip 6: Express Your Passions

Open up about what you’re passionate about.

I don’t know about other guys, but I find it incredibly sexy when a woman is passionate about something.

It could be deep sea diving.

Or basketball.

Pilates.

Reading.

It doesn’t matter what the thing is — hell, it doesn’t even matter if I’m interested in that thing — but there’s just something so attractive about a woman who has passions.

So don’t be shy about expressing your passions to a man. Tell him why you like what you’re into. How you got into it. What you hope to do in the future (maybe go on a fabulous diving trip to Australia?).

You never know: telling a guy on a first date that you’re really into hiking could open the door for Date #2: on a hike!

And get him to talk about his passions! You might share some, or he might introduce you to something you know nothing about but would like to.

How to Talk to Men Tip 7: Ask Questions

This is a good way to start a conversation with anyone, not just a man you’re interested in. It’s also useful in the early texts you share if you meet a man through a dating app.

Ask him questions.

It’s that simple. Scientific studies show that people who ask questions, along with follow-up questions, are found more desirable by the individuals they have a conversation with.

So ask about his childhood.

His job.

His pets.

But also show you’re listening by asking follow-up questions.

So you have a pit bull? I love pits! Do you find people are afraid of them? I know they’re gentle but some people are clueless.

Hopefully, if he’s smart, he will also ask you questions so that the conversation isn’t one-sided.

How to Talk to Men Tip 8: Ask His Opinion

Ask his opinion about something to start the convo.

Oh, men LOVE being asked their opinions! This is such a good way to initiate conversation with a man that leaves you tongue-tied.

Let’s say you’re in line at that coffee shop and he orders a flat white. You’ve never had one before, so you ask:

What makes a flat white better than a cappuccino? 

Maybe you’re on a first date with a guy you met through a dating app and you’re trying to spark a conversation because you’re both clearly nervous.

So you said you live downtown. I’ve been thinking about moving that way. Do you prefer the east side or west?

Asking someone’s opinion makes them invested in the conversation. Give it a try and leave a comment below on how this strategy worked for you.

How to Talk to Men Tip 9: Practice, Practice, Practice!

As they say, practice makes perfect. If you’ve been out of the dating game for a while, you may feel rusty in figuring out how to talk to a guy you don’t know or are attracted to. I say don’t overthink it. Just get as much practice as you can.

Get on dating apps — even if they scare you and you aren’t sure you want to meet someone that way — and just start chatting. MeetMe is a great app to start with.  You’ll meet men from all walks of life, all with different communication styles. You’ll quickly learn what works and what doesn’t. Try out these tips I’ve been offering you, and I guarantee if you put effort in, you’ll get benefits out.

Then when you’re ready to meet someone face-to-face, you will be more confident at communicating with a man you’re interested in.

By the way, MeetMe sponsored this video and post. You know I don’t push certain brands unless they meet my high standards, but I have to say, this dating app will help you have interesting conversations with men and really hone your style. Want to support Sexy Confidence? Go download the MeetMe app!

How to Talk to Men Tip 10: Don’t Try to Fill the Silence

Silence is ok! Don’t try to fill it with chatter.

Especially if you’re nervous, you may try to ensure that there’s never a lull in the conversation. But that’s a mistake. Research shows that men, more than women, value silence.

So if you’re on a date and you’re both taking a bite, it’s okay to chew in silence (way better than the alternative of talking with your mouth full of food!). Smile instead. Or after you tell a story, take a breath and let him have a turn to talk.

A successful interaction with a man involves both of you talking, and that can’t happen if you keep filling the silence with chatter!

Conclusion:

See? Learning how to talk to men isn’t as scary as you thought. And the more you do it, the more confidence you will gain, and the easier it will be to strike up a conversation with a man you find attractive.

Communication is the first step on the road to intimacy. How can you expect to meet your future someone special if you can’t communicate with a possible contender for the role? If you gain confidence in communicating in those early days with a man you want to date, you will lay the foundation for positive communications once it turns into a bona fide relationship. Then you’ll find it easy to talk about your emotions or something that bothers you.

Okay, today I want to do something different: I want to give you some homework. Over the next few days, I want you to put these tips into action. When you see a cute guy, whether that’s in a restaurant, at work, or on a first date, I want you to employ some of the tips I gave you here. Then report back here and let the Sexy Confidence community know how it went! Good luck!

Get 24-hour access to our exclusive Sexy Confidence forum, live monthly coaching calls, and “Studio Access” to my videos hot off the press. Join the Sexy Confidence Club just like thousands of other smart women!

The post How to Talk to Men: Discover The Secrets to A Successful Conversation appeared first on Sexy Confidence.

from Meet Positives SM Feed http://ift.tt/2p4JSji via IFTTT

[russellthornton]

Lip Biting: The Scientific Explanations as to Why It’s Oh So Sexy

We’ve all heard the tips about lip biting when it comes to turning someone on. But why is this seemingly innocent maneuver so sexy? Science weighs in.

When it comes to attracting that hottie at the bar, lip biting is always one of the things many people suggest. It’s pretty common knowledge that this action is really sexy, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself why so many people suggest it?

Why is this really odd, random thing so attractive? The truth is, the science of why goes back many, many years. We’ll need to look at some specifics of human evolution to pinpoint why it’s a very flirty form of body language.

Flirting in general is mostly body language

Sure, you can flirt with your words and drop a really fun pickup line, but the bulk of your flirting always comes from your body. The way you stand, how you touch your hair, and even how far you lean into the person you’re talking to are all distinctive ways to actually flirt.

And guess what, they’re not always voluntary. Our bodies speak a language completely foreign to even us. Thankfully, there are a lot of scientists out there who have dedicated their lives to learning what our bodies mean when they do specific movements, which helps us learn an awful lot about flirting. [Read: 10 clear signs of body language attraction]

Why is lip biting so damn hot?

Contrary to popular belief, people who bit their lips aren’t only trying to show off how attracted to you they are. Others, however, interpret this form of body language as really sexy and even a turn on. Here are some reasons we find lip biting so erotic.

#1 It brings attention to the lips. One of the first thing you notice about someone you’re attracted to is their lips. You imagine yourself kissing them and that’s why they’re the center focus. Our bodies know this. They’re ready to show potential suitors that you’ve got some great smackers.

So lip biting just happens as a way of drawing attention to that spot. When you see someone you might like, you might subconsciously bite down on our bottom lip so their eyes immediately go there. This gets the wheels turning in their head. [Read: Lip biting and 29 other flirting tips for girls]

#2 It signifies a desire. Some of the most important things we do in life are with our mouths. For example, you eat and kiss with your mouth. And when you really start to desire something, your lips know it.

Biting down on your lip is not only a sign you want something, it’s also a way of your body suppressing those desires. This is why you see so many quiet or shy people biting down on their lips. They want to hold that desire back.

#3 Lips are very reactive. In general, your lips react very quickly to your surroundings and this isn’t just with someone attractive. If you’re stressed, uncomfortable, or unhappy, your lips will harden into a line and fold in on themselves.

Therefore, when someone bites their lips, it’s showing that they have a reaction to you. Your body sees this and immediately recognizes that it’s a good reaction. And that’s enough to turn us on. [Read: 12 science-backed clues that a guy likes you]

#4 It shows a suppression of feelings. People who want to hide what they’re thinking or feeling will often bite their lip because lip biting is a form of suppression. When we see this, it immediately makes us more curious as to what they’re hiding.

This curiosity can make someone seem far more appealing that we originally thought. There’s a reason mysterious people are always seen as hotter. Wanting to know more about someone makes them more attractive.

#5 It makes them look better. Everyone loves supple, rosy lips. Think about it. Would you rather press your lips to red, plump lips or thin, frail lips? Lip biting is a way of making your lips look more inviting.

It brings blood to the surface and shows the other person that you have something to offer. When the other person sees your lips becoming red and supple, they’re immediately more attracted to them and you. [Read: 13 physical attraction tips to look way hotter]

Other ways our bodies show we’re totally into someone

Lip biting isn’t the only thing that our bodies do when we’re attracted to someone. Here are a few other ways we show our attraction without even realizing it. [Read: 20 signs of attraction in the first conversation]

#1 Opening our legs toward them. I don’t mean this in the sense that you’re going around opening your legs at every person you find attractive. However, if you’re sitting down and someone you like comes near you, you’ll subconsciously open your legs slightly.

This is a form of body language that “opens” you to someone’s advances. Since it’s a more vulnerable stance, your body is basically submitting to them. Other people notice this and subconsciously pick up on it.

#2 Pointing our feet toward someone. When you like someone, you’ll naturally stand and sit facing them. Your entire body wants to see as much of them as possible and the only way to do that is to turn your whole body to face them. Giving your whole attention to someone is a huge flirting sign you might not try to do. [Read: Body language attraction for touchy feely flirting]

#3 Women sway their hips and stick out their chest. This is obviously something that can be controlled but women also do this without even realizing it. When scientists watched the posture of many women, they noticed that, when males were present, women’s hips swayed more and their chests rose.

This is because your body knows what is attractive to men. It will respond according to what will attract them the easiest and highlight your finest assets does just that. [Read: Why men love women and find a curvy body irresistible]

#4 Fixing our hair. Have you ever seen a super hot person and immediately put a hand to your hair to pat it down and fix it? If so, you’re not alone. You may not do this consciously as a way of looking better, but your body does.

In order to attract a mate, your body knows you need to look attractive. By fixing your hair, you’re doing just that. [Read: 15 signs she’s totally flirting with you]

#5 Your eyes grow bigger. You really will hardly ever notice this unless an extremely attractive person walks by. You’ll realize you’re staring and immediately avert your eyes. But when you were staring, your eyes got a bit wider.

The widening of your eyes is a really big subconscious sign that you find someone attractive. It’s your body’s way of making sure you can view as much of them as possible by opening up your eyes really big.

[Read: How to tell if a girl is flirting with you with 18 telltale signs]

We don’t need a scientist to tell us just how sexy lip biting is. It’s one of the top things people notice when they’re attracted to someone and quite frankly, how can you blame them?

The post Lip Biting: The Scientific Explanations as to Why It’s Oh So Sexy is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

[contemplativepancakes]

a series of miscommunicated events (Rexford from Nora’s pov)

after seeing this post for the umpteenth time, and thinking for the umpteenth time that someone should really write that, I did!

read on AO3 or right here:

When Nora first meets Steve, she’s not sure what to think. He flings open the door to the Gas n’ Sip, but he flinches at the peal of the bell overhead. He stares up at it, squinting, like the bell has personally offended him, before retreating to the back of the store to stare at the line of juices. She refocuses to finish recording the temperature of the nacho cheese, and she jumps when she turns around to find him standing right in front of the register, no purchases in hand. Her heart rate spikes at the uneasiness he’s projecting as he shuffles his feet, and she takes a step closer to the panic button under the counter. “Can I help you?”

“Um, yes. You have a help wanted sign out front. I’m sure I can be helpful. I’m very good at obeying orders,” he says in earnest, and she relaxes minutely.

“Okay. Do you have a resume?”

He pinches his eyebrows together and shakes his head. Nora shrugs. It’s not like you need a whole lot of experience to stand behind a register and stock some shelves. She goes to get a clipboard and an application for him to fill out, the man fidgeting quietly the whole time. He looks downtrodden, and Nora’s sure she can help with that. He seems like he’ll do what he’s asked when he’s asked to do it, which is more than she can say of her usual applicants. She hands him the form, and he shoots her a hesitant toothy smile. She points him to a chair behind the counter he can sit in while he fills it out. He frowns down at it often and almost goes to start chewing on the pen before thinking better and pulling back. Good call, she thinks. That’s the pen Kyle uses when he works, and he always smells like ass.

Eventually, he stands up and hands her the mostly completed application. She looks down and studies his answers. Steve Nicks is written in block letters on the name line. All in all, his answers are a bit odd, but he’s effectively endeared himself to her, and she has a good feeling about this one, anyway. “Hi, Steve. I’m Nora. How soon can you start?”

The next day, Steve is standing outside the gas station before she even gets there. She smiles. She knew there was something to this guy. Throughout the day, she shows him the basics of his job and tries to pry out some of his backstory. He is surprisingly tight lipped about his background, but he is quick to pick up what Nora shows him. She’s comfortable enough to leave him to man the register in the afternoon while she fills out some paperwork.

The weeks pass, and Nora slowly gives Steve more responsibilities. He’s the best employee she’s ever had, but he would be even better if he’d give her more scintillating conversation than just work topics. She goes as far as to invite him over to her house one night for supper, but he still refuses to tell her anything about he came to be in Rexford or about his home life. She’s betting he got kicked out of wherever he was living before and came here for a fresh start. She doesn’t know why anyone wouldn’t want Steve around, though. He’s genuinely nice to all of the customers, and she’s never seen him leer at any of the women who come in, regardless of their state of dress. Come to think of it, she doesn’t think she’s seen Steve express interest like that in any of the women here, even though he gets hit on at least three times a day. He just tilts his head at them and answers their pickup lines literally. Nora would think it was cute if it wasn’t like watching hawks circle a declawed kitten. If she feels a little protective over her newest employee, so what? She’d definitely like to keep Steve around as long as possible.

She makes sure to tell him so the next time she comes in late, but Steve has everything taken care of. “You’re special,” she says with a soft smile.

Nora finds a toothbrush and a sleeping bag in the supply closet at work, and she raises her eyebrows in surprise. She goes out to ask Steve about them, and he says they’re his. He explains how he wanted to be thorough with inventory, so he slept there. Nora isn’t that easily fooled, but she’s also not going to rag on the poor guy. She doesn’t see that it’s doing any harm. The fact that her chest clenches in sympathy for him isn’t hurting his case any, either. She figures he could probably use some time on a couch with a tv, so she asks him to babysit Tanya for her during her date. She’ll have to call her normal babysitter and cancel, but she figures Steve’s need is a little more urgent than her teenage babysitter’s need for spending money.

Things start to click together when Nora sees Steve flustered for the first time later that day. She watches from the back room as a handsome man walks up to the register with a shit eating grin. She can’t hear their conversation, but it looks like the guy knows Steve. Steve looks a little uncomfortable, but her curiosity wins out over swooping in to save him from the situation. The man is familiar with Steve, reaching out to him and making casual contact. Nora’s thoughts really start to churn, and Steve’s lack of interest in any of their patrons starts to make sense. He’s still hung up on this guy, who’s now talking to Steve urgently in hushed tones. She watches them for a bit longer before taking pity on Steve. “Hate to interrupt you guys,” not really, she thinks, you seem like a jackass, and Steve can do better, “but, Steve? A customer had an accident in the men’s room.”

“I’m on it,” Steve answers readily.

She figures the man talking to Steve could use a reality check that Steve has better things to do than wait around for him, so she turns to Steve and asks brightly, “Oh, and tonight- seven at my place work for you?”

“Great.”

“You’re the best!” she beams.

She sees the man giving her a sour look as she walks away, and she resists the urge to stick her tongue out at him.

When she gets home that night, she feeds Tanya and settles her in her crib before going upstairs to get ready for her date. She agonizes over her clothing choices, but this is the first date she’s had since Tanya was born, so she figures it’s justified. Oh, God, what if he thinks her stretch marks are disgusting? She quickly chases the thought from her mind. First of all, it’s a first date; she’s not going to make poor Steve wait for her half the night while she has sex, and second of all, if her date isn’t the type of guy who can handle her after baby belly, he definitely can’t handle a baby. She tilts her chin up. She’s not going to self-sabotage this. She’s going to have a good time.

She hears a knock on the door, and she zips downstairs to open the door for Steve. She gives him a quick run down, telling him, “She’ll probably sleep the whole time, and I’ll only be gone a couple of hours. I just couldn’t get my usual sitter,” she lies, “and I needed somebody here just in case she wakes up and starts crying. Which she won’t, I promise. Baby Tanya never cries,” she says, and then she’s out the door, glancing at her watch. She’s going to be cutting it closely.

Jim, her date, turns out to be quite charming, and she has a good time even if one of her nails gets broken when she releases the bowling ball. She complains good naturedly to Jim, and he reaches out and brings her finger to his lips, maintaining eye contact with her the whole time. He brings his hands up to cradle her face, and they share a sweet kiss. She pulls back and smiles at him.

“Oops, I think I got a little pizza grease right, here,” Jim laughs, pressing another kiss to the corner of her mouth.

She grins and leans back against the bench, so they can talk more, their game of bowling forgotten.

Eventually, she excuses herself to grab her phone. “Sorry, just want to check on Tanya.”

She frowns when she sees she has three missed calls from Steve. She turns to Jim. “Hey, I’m sorry, but I have to go.”

Jim gets up with her and says he’ll take care of the rental shoes. “Thank you. I had a really fantastic time tonight,” she says, surging up to give him a kiss on the cheek.

“Me, too,” he smiles back as he waves her off to check on Tanya.

She sends him a wave over her shoulder as she hustles out to her car, not stopping to listen the voice mail. When she bursts into her house, she’s surprised to see Steve leaning into the man from earlier on her couch. She notes Steve holding Tanya against his chest, and she warms at the sight. The man’s phone starts ringing, and he looks at her both in apology and relief. “Sorry, I have to take this,” he says as he walks out to the big black car parked in front of her house.

“Is there something wrong?” she asks, still gathering her breath.

“Not anymore. She had a fever,” Steve says as he lays Tanya back in her crib.

Nora walks him to the door. He turns to her, “I’m sorry I over reacted. My friend gave me a tip. A low dose of acetaminophen brought the fever right down.”

“Oh, that’s okay. Date was a bust, anyway,” she says, so Steve doesn’t feel so bad. “Steve? That part of you that overreacted, that cares so much? That’s what makes you special,” she says as he walks down the steps towards the man’s car.

She goes to bed hoping Steve isn’t getting his heart too bruised tonight. Hell, maybe his boyfriend came to ask him to come home. She guesses she’ll find out tomorrow.

The next morning, Steve is already there when she arrives, like he usually is. She watches him carefully throughout the morning, but his expression is as inscrutable as ever. She decides the fact that he hasn’t turned in his two weeks’ notice is telling enough.

“You know, I have some experience with jerk ex-boyfriends.”

Steve looks up at her sharply. “What?”

“It’s okay,” she soothes, “I know Idaho is a red state, but not everyone’s a total asshole. If you ask me, you could do better.”

He shakes his head sadly. “I really couldn’t. Dean is the best man I know.”

She smiles ruefully. She’d thought that about her ex, too. “Well, you still don’t have to just sit here waiting for him to come and yank on your chain. Go out and live a little, Steve!”

He looks doubtful. “I don’t know what to do without him. This job is all I have.”

Nora forces herself to smile at that dismal statement. “Let’s go apartment searching after your shift today,” she says.

“Um, I don’t think I have enough-”

She cuts him off. “You’re a good guy, Steve. I can help you with the deposit, and I think if I juggle some things around, I’ll be able to get you here full time. Let’s just get you a home, okay? You don’t need someone else just so you can prove your worth to them.”

When he looks up at her, it’s like he’s looking through new eyes. He breaks into a hesitant smile. “Thank you,” he whispers.

Although she doesn’t think Steve has any success on the moving on from Dean front, he seems happier as the weeks pass. She gives Steve a pamphlet for volunteering at the library, and he comes back bursting to the seams with stories to tell her about all the kids he read to. She grins at the life that’s seemed to ignite under his skin, even if she still frowns when he shows up to work some days smelling of a familiar cologne. She tries to set him up on a blind date, but he puts his foot down and refuses. He babysits Tanya for her every now and then, and once for a whole night when she stays with Jim. Nora can see some real potential there, and she drags Steve to supper with them, so maybe he can see one healthy example of how his partner should be treating him. She’s not sure he catches on, but she tries her best as Jim looks on in amusement.

When Steve gives her his two weeks notice, it’s unexpected, and of course, he doesn’t feel the need to elaborate. “Are you not happy here?” she asks in concern.

“No, I was. I am. I just- this isn’t what I was made for. I need purpose beyond this, now.”

She nods her head. No one wants to work at a gas station forever. “I hope you find what you’re looking for. You deserve it”

Steve smiles, looking touched. Nora shakes her head in fond exasperation. Steve still acts like it’s the first time anyone’s been nice to him ever when she gives him a compliment. “Are you going back with Dean?” she asks.

He blushes. “No. Not right now. I need some time to figure myself out.”

Nora smiles in hesitant pride. Not the best answer, but at least he’s not running back to Dean right away. Steve’s tried to convince her of how good of a guy Dean is, but Nora just can’t get past the fact that he kicked Steve out.

On Steve’s last day, she picks up a cake, and the other employees come to see him off. He shakes his head, looking overwhelmed. “You didn’t have to do this,” he says, but he’s beaming.

Nora pulls him into a hug. “Couldn’t let my best employee go off without a proper send off,” she whispers in his ear, and he flushes red, his smile turning bashful.

Nora gives him a ride back to his apartment that night. “Take care of yourself, okay? Don’t settle for anything less than I’d think you deserve,” she says, pointing at him sternly.

“Thank you for everything,” Steve says earnestly, clasping her hand.

It’s bittersweet watching Steve walk away for the last time, but she thinks he’s on to greater things.

Steve still crosses her mind from time to time. Whenever Tanya gets a fever, she can’t help but think of him. She hopes he has all the happiness in the world.

When she gets a card in the mail with no return address, but with a picture of Dean grinning as he tells Steve something, and Steve’s mouth open wide as he laughs in response, she thinks he might have it.

Looking at Tanya running around the house and Jim chasing after her, she thinks she might have it, too.