#whitehead on lip

[cripplecryptid]

Man, turns out u should really listen to ur piercers advice.

[meazalykov]

whiteheads

lena oberdorf x esthetician!reader

summary: with an esthetician girlfriend, she can spot anything on your face.

warnings: one suggestive mention

you sit in your cozy esthetician studio, the low hum of the diffuser filling the space with the soft scent of lavender and eucalyptus. 

your eyes flick to the clock, a gentle smile tugging at your lips as you think about your next client—your favorite client, really. 

lena had been so caught up in her recovery from the ACL injury and all the intense training sessions that came with it, that she'd fallen off her usual skincare routine. her skin was still gorgeous, of course—she was lena, after all—but you noticed the subtle changes. the stress, the long hours of practice, the constant travel. all of it was taking its toll in ways that she hadn’t paid attention to, but you had.

so, naturally, when she mentioned feeling like her skin hadn’t been looking its best, you immediately scheduled an appointment for her in your studio. 

"my favorite client needs a bit of pampering," you'd texted her with a wink emoji when she was at bayern’s training ground last week

she responded with an eye roll, followed by a simple, “i’ll be there.”

you hear the soft creak of the door, followed by her familiar voice. 

"is it too late to back out?" obi teases, stepping into the room with that easy, confident smile that still makes your heart skip a beat, even after all these years.

you turn, grinning. "too late. i’m already prepping your skin in my mind."

she chuckles, moving toward you, her hands slipping into her pockets. "i can’t believe you’re making me do this," she says, mock-complaining. however, you can see the glint in her eyes, the way she’s more than happy to let you work your magic on her.

you gesture to the treatment bed. "you’re going to thank me when we’re done, trust me."

after you say that, you reach into the small closet and hand lena a soft, pink, plush robe to change into, one that you've had ready just for her. 

she raises an eyebrow as she takes it, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. "really? a robe? you’re going all out, aren’t you?"

"of course, all of the clients wear a robe because i don’t want their outside clothes on the bed– even though I do wash the sheets after each client," you reply with a playful grin. 

"however.. all of the clients use all of those blue robes that are hanging in the other closet. the pink one I gave you is my personal one– nothing but the best for you."

obi shakes her head but doesn’t argue. she’s used to you doting on her at this point, and honestly, you know she enjoys it. 

without much hesitation, she begins to strip off her t-shirt, revealing the toned muscles of her back and shoulders that you’ve traced with your fingers countless times before. you’d step out the room before this point for every other one of your clients– but with lena there's no need for you to step out or give her privacy—you’ve been together for three years, and this level of comfort is something you've earned together. 

you’ve seen much more of her than this, in much more intimate settings.

as she tosses her clothes aside and pulls on the robe, you can’t help but admire her for a moment. despite the months of recovery, despite the grueling rehab sessions, she still carries herself with that confident grace you love so much. 

she ties the robe loosely around her waist, glancing at you with a small smirk when she catches you watching her. 

"like what you see?"

you shrug playfully, trying to keep your tone casual even though your heart skips a beat. 

"always."

lena chuckles softly, stepping over to the treatment bed, moving with a slight limp that reminds you of all she’s been through with her ACL recovery. she carefully settles onto the bed, stretching out with her leg propped up on the pillow you’ve set for her. 

you lean over, adjusting the blanket around her, making sure she’s completely comfortable before you get started.

“ready?” you ask, your voice soft as you hover over her with your rolling chair.

lena grins, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and affection. “as ready as i’ll ever be.”

with that, the session begins, and you slip into your professional yet tender mode, knowing that this is just as much about relaxing her body as it is about taking care of her skin.

"this feels so weird," she admits with a laugh. 

"i’m used to seeing hannah, not... this."

hannah is the physio at bayern.

"well," you say, stepping closer and brushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear, "this is a different kind of healing."

her eyes soften at your words, and for a moment, neither of you speaks. there’s an unspoken understanding between you—she knows how much you care about her, how you notice the little things even when she doesn’t.

you break the silence first, giving her a playful smirk. "now, lay back, relax, and let me work."

lena raises an eyebrow as she leans back, settling into the bed. "you’re getting bossy."

"only when i need to be," you shoot back, grabbing your first cleanser and starting to work on her skin. 

you begin with the first cleanse, your fingers moving gently over her face, massaging the cleanser in slow circles. "just taking off the surface stuff," you explain as you work, your voice soft but steady.

lena closes her eyes, sighing softly. "this feels... really good."

"good," you whisper, your hands never pausing. 

as you wipe the first cleanser away with a warm towel, you glance at her face—her features are relaxed, her breathing steady. the tension that usually lines her forehead and jaw, remnants of her intense focus on the pitch, has already begun to melt away.

"so, this is what you do every day?" she asks, cracking one eye open, a teasing tone in her voice. 

"you get paid a lot of money just to... touch people’s faces? i could retire from football now and go to school for this."

you laugh softly, moving on to the second cleanse, this one deeper and more targeted. 

"there’s a bit more to it than that, lena."

"uh-huh," she murmurs, clearly enjoying the sensation of your fingers gliding over her skin. "i could get used to this."

"you should," you say, leaning a little closer, your voice dropping a touch. "i mean, i don’t work on my off-days for anyone except for you."

her lips curve into a smile, her eyes still closed. "oh yeah? i feel special."

"you are special." you let the words hang there, simple but true. and for a moment, it feels like the world outside your studio doesn’t exist—just you, her, and the soft intimacy of the moment.

you finish the second cleanse, wiping her face gently with another warm towel. 

"how’s your leg?" you ask as you reach for your next tool.

"better," she says, her voice a little quieter now, a little softer. "you already know that. i’m getting stronger every day."

"i know," you say, your tone filled with pride. "i can see it."

as you prepare for the next step—extractions—you hold up the small metal tool. 

"okay, so... next up are extractions. how are you feeling about that?"

lena’s eyes flick open, and she looks at the tool in your hand, her brow furrowing slightly. "what exactly are extractions?"

"basically, i use this tool to gently press around your pores to get rid of any blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores... you know, stuff like that."

"and this is... necessary?"

you nod, smiling reassuringly. 

"it’ll make a difference, trust me. but if it’s too uncomfortable, we can skip it and go straight to the enzyme mask and LED light."

lena squints at you, the skepticism clear on her face. 

"how uncomfortable are we talking?"

you tilt your head, considering how to phrase it. 

"it can sting a little, but i’ll be as gentle as possible. and remember, if it’s too much, we can stop."

she eyes the tool again, then finally nods. 

"okay. i’m tough. i can handle it."

you smile, loving her determination. 

"i know you can."

starting with her nose, you gently press the tool against her skin, carefully working around the small blackheads that have appeared. lena winces almost immediately, a small hiss escaping her lips.

you pause, looking at her with concern. 

"you okay?"

she opens one eye, giving you a lopsided grin. 

"yeah, just... didn’t expect it to sting like that."

"we can stop if you want," you offer, setting the sterile tool down momentarily.

lena shakes her head, her competitive nature shining through. 

"no way. i’m not tapping out. finish what you started."

you laugh softly, admiring her grit. 

"all right, tough girl. let’s keep going."

you continue the extractions, moving slowly and carefully, making sure not to cause too much discomfort. fortunately, lena’s skin doesn’t have too many issues—just some whiteheads that you quickly take care of. 

when you’re done, you set the tool aside and wipe her face down with another warm towel.

"all done," you say, smiling at her as you clean up. 

"how was that?"

lena lets out a dramatic sigh of relief. 

"i thought you said you were going to be gentle."

"i was!" you protest, laughing. "you’re just sensitive."

"or maybe you’re secretly trying to torture me," she teases, her lips curving into a playful smile.

"i’d never," you say, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "besides, you survived."

"barely," she mutters, but the smile stays on her face.

now that the extractions are done, you move on to the enzyme mask, smoothing the cool, creamy, raspberry scented, formula over her skin. 

"this part’s the easy part," you tell her. 

"it’ll just sit for a bit while it works its magic."

"finally," lena says, her voice taking on a teasing tone again. 

"something that doesn’t involve pain."

you laugh softly, finishing up with the mask and setting the timer. "well– it will make your skin tingle but here's a fan to blow on your face," you say, stepping back to admire your work. 

“by ‘tingle’ do you mean an actual tingle– or burning?” 

“a small tingle. if your skin starts to burn please say something.”

“oh– i will.” lena whispers with her eyes closed.

as the enzyme mask settles onto lena’s skin, you take a moment to glance at her, admiring how peaceful she looks lying there. her eyes are closed as the fan blows cool air onto her skin.

obi is breathing steady, and she seems to have completely relaxed under your care. the soft, warm light from the lamp above casts a gentle glow over her features.

you set the timer for the mask and move behind her again, placing your hands gently on her shoulders. lena tenses slightly at first, but as your fingers begin to knead into the muscles, you feel the tension start to melt away. you apply just the right amount of pressure, working in slow circles over her shoulder blades, feeling the tight knots that have built up from months of intense training and rehab. 

your thumbs press into the spots just above her shoulder blades, and a soft sigh escapes her lips. you smile to yourself, continuing to massage her, knowing that lena never fully admits how sore or tired she gets, but you can feel it in her muscles—the tightness, the strain. 

you take your time, moving down toward her neck, your fingers expertly working over the base of her skull and into her hairline. with each stroke, you can feel her sink deeper into the bed, her body completely giving in to the relaxation.

“you okay?” you murmur softly, more out of habit than necessity, since you know she is.

lena doesn’t respond, but the soft rise and fall of her chest tells you everything you need to know.

you smile to yourself, convinced that she's on the verge of sleep. continuing your gentle ministrations, you move your hands into her hair, lightly massaging her scalp in slow, circular motions. 

obi loves when you run your fingers through her hair, and you know this will send her over the edge into pure bliss. her head tilts slightly to the side, completely relaxed under your touch.

as you move your hands back down to her neck and shoulders, working out the last bit of tension, you glance down at her face. the breathing in her body has deepened, her lips slightly parted. 

yep, she's asleep. you chuckle softly to yourself, careful not to make any sudden movements that might wake her.

for the rest of the time, you keep your touch light, alternating between massaging her shoulders and running your fingers through her hair. the timer finally goes off, signaling the end of the mask’s set time, but you’re in no rush to wake her. 

she looks so peaceful, so content, that you almost hate the idea of disturbing her. 

eventually, though, you clean the mask off of her face with a soft warm towel. afterwards you press a soft kiss to her temple, and whisper, “babe, time to wake up.”

lena stirs slightly, her eyelids fluttering as she slowly comes back to the present. 

“was i... did i fall asleep?”

you laugh quietly, running your fingers through her hair. 

“yeah, you did. i think i’ve got some magic hands.”

she chuckles softly, still half-asleep, her voice drowsy. “you really do.”

"you look amazing already." you admire her glowy skin.

"i always look amazing," she quips, but there’s a playful gleam in her eyes as she glances at you.

you grin, rolling your eyes. "humble as ever."

"i learned from the best," she shoots back, smirking.

you prep the LED light therapy, getting everything ready for the final step. after you set the timer on the LED, you gently put safety eye covers on obi’s eyes before guiding her head beneath the LED light. 

the soft red glow fills lena’s vision through the safety eye cover, and you sit behind her, running your fingers gently through her hair as she relaxes under the light.

"this is my favorite part," lena murmurs after a moment, her eyes still closed.

"oh yeah?" you ask, smiling softly.

"yeah," she says, her voice low and content. "you. taking care of me."

your heart swells at her words, and you lean down to press a soft kiss on the top of her head that isn’t underneath the light. 

"always."

as the LED therapy wraps up, you remove the light and finish with a light serum and moisturizer, massaging the products into her skin with gentle, soothing strokes. 

when you’re done, you help her sit up, and lena stretches, touching her face lightly.

"i feel like a new woman," she says, examining her reflection in the mirror you hand her.

"you look like one too," you tease, stepping back to admire the glow of her skin.

lena turns to you, pulling you by the waist and into a warm embrace, her hands resting on your waist. 

"thank you," she murmurs, pressing her lips softly to yours.

“for everything."

you smile against her lips, feeling the familiar warmth of her body against yours. "anytime," you whisper, pulling back slightly to meet her gaze. 

"but next time, no slacking on the skincare, okay?"

lena chuckles, nodding. "deal. but only if i get to come back here for more of your special treatment."

"oh, you’ll be back," you say with a playful grin. "whether you like it or not."

she smirks, leaning in to kiss you again. "i think i’ll like it."

masterlist

[howellatme-writes]

Desire Starts in the Gap

Richard Muñoz x Tooth Gap F!Reader

🦷April Fools! 🦷

Event tags: @ominoose @midgardian-witch @winniethewife

Banner isn't indicative of the reader's race, just made it for fun to learn new Photoshop techniques (and to stare at Richard cause....hot damn)! Rating: explicit, 18+ only Summary: Richard's new wife wonders if his insurance will cover Invisalign, thinking she finally has an opportunity to fix the tooth gap she hates. Richard shows her how much he loves it and how beautiful it truly is. Tags: Female!Reader, She/Her!pronouns, Insecure!Reader, Tooth gap!Reader, mirror sex, bathroom sex, tooth gap obsession, teeth, dentist, mention of dental insurance, fingering, p in v, dirty talk, kinda pervy! Richard, ruining makeup, if I missed anything let me know!

You wipe the fog off the mirror in the steamy bathroom, taking in your appearance, you turn your head from side to side, and start to do your makeup. You start your routine, getting ready for the day. Richard had work, but you are going out with some friends. You notice a pesky zit above your eyebrow and pout. You grimace and squeeze, once you're rid of the offending whitehead, you continue with your makeup. You grimace again, catching the feature you hated the most, your tooth gap. On instinct, you press your tongue up against the back of your teeth, seeing the little bit of pink peek through the two front teeth. 

“Richard?” you ask.

“What is it mi carazon?” He asks poking his head out from behind the shower curtain, his head still covered in traces of shampoo with water droplets falling on the bathroom floor.

“Am I on your dental insurance yet?” you ask curiously, looking at your ring and wedding bands and his watch in a small jewelry tray on the counter. As you get ready for the day, a smile slips on your face as you slide on your ring.

“Ah, I think so? It’s past the 30-day mark,” he muses and ducks back behind the curtain, rinsing off his hair.

“Perfect. So I just pick a dentist? Or do I just go to yours?” You look at the bands on your fingers and admire them for a moment as you hum.

“You can probably see mine.”

“Do you think your dental insurance covers Invisalign?”

The water turns off, and Richard pulls the shower curtain back aggressively, “No.”

You shoot him a quizzical look in the mirror, but you can’t help but smile at him, “They don’t cover it?”

“You’re thinking of getting rid of my favorite thing? I adore it. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” he spoke passionately as he approached, wrapping his arms around your waist. His damp chest was warm against your back. You shiver as the water from his hair drips on you, as he rests his chin on your shoulder.

“It’s how people remembered me—the woman with the tooth gap. I was made fun of all the time. I rarely smiled with my teeth until I met you.” You sigh, reaching for your lip liner and contouring the edges.

“Honey, your gap is beautiful. It’s the first thing I noticed about you,” Richard lamented, kissing and nibbling your shoulder, his mustache tickling your shoulder. You giggle and jolt, almost ruining your lipliner. “Sometimes the things we see as imperfections are the very things that make us unique. I love it so much. Perfection in the imperfection,” he whispered huskily. You can feel Richard press his body into you, his hand kneading and caressing your hip, and you give him a look in the mirror when you realize how he’s already hard, “Do I have to show you how much I love that gap?”

You gasp as you feel him slide a hand down your sleep shorts, “Richard–! You’re ridiculous.”

“Mm, but you love it. Finish doing your lips,” he murmurs kissing your neck and groans when you shift your legs apart a little further when his fingers slowly start to circle your clit, and he can feel the way you respond to him, “Your gap is perfect. You have a smile that lights up my world, and that gap just makes everything about you so special.”

His hand just cupped you, letting you do your lipstick before starting his ministrations again, when you put the lipstick back on the counter, “Richard, you have work soon.”

“Look in the mirror,” he whispered nibbling on your earlobe, “Just relax, let me show you.” slowly pulling your sleep shorts and panties down, his hands caressing your thighs, your ass, ghosting up your shirt to feel your stomach, “Part your lips for me.” You swallow hard, your breath catching as he calls you a good girl. He reaches up to your chin and holds it, his thumb ghosting at the corner of your mouth, but careful not to ruin the fresh lipstick, “You drive me crazy, baby. This smile…this mouth… Look at the little gap. It’s everything.”

“Nuh, Uh. " Your breath hitches as he slips a finger inside, and you whine—his finger retreats to add a second digit. You reach back to grip his curls as he presses his fingers deeper, rubbing slowly, searching for the spot that makes you shake.

“Look at you. I want you to see what I see. Do you know how many times-,” he groans and whispers low in your ear as your other hand grips the edge of the porcelain sink, pressing back into him, “you would send those photos to me at work to tease me right before I come home? I’d always think about your mouth, those lips. That little gap I’d see? I think about it all the time. It’s so you. Your laughter, smile, and sensuality—it starts, lives and breathes in that gap.”

You whine, head falling back on his shoulder as he nibbles and kisses the exposed skin, his fingers pumping in and out, and your breath catches, “You have a thing for it, don’t you? Or do you just really want me to watch?” 

His pointer moves from chin to your open mouth, his finger is careful not to ruin the lipstick as he presses the finger against the gap and groans, “I love the way it feels, that little dip.” Richard starts to rub you faster, and you gasp, grinding against him, “How I can feel your breath through that gap. I swear I could spend hours worshiping that little gap.” he moans like he can’t wait for another second to taste your lips. He parts his lip, letting his tongue press against the gap before deepening the kiss. Richard makes you whimper with shaky knees as he presses closer to the counter for stability. It’s lewd, it’s sensual, his tongue is pressed up against your gap, groaning at how it feels. You had no idea he loved the little imperfect detail about your mouth and how personal it was to him as he cradled your jaw in his hand, a gentle touch compared to how his fingers coaxed out your moans.

Your name is a ragged groan against your ear as Richard breaks the kiss and has your body pinned, trembling and shivering with need as you feel him press against you. You mewl and your hand leaves his hair to grab his hip, thigh, ass, whatever you can reach to get him closer, “You are insatiable, Richard. Show me how crazy it makes you. I need you.”

“I know… I know you do. You’re so tight,” he groans, and Richard can see the gap as you chuckle breathlessly, his mustache tickling your skin while his lips trace your neck with lust-blown eyes meeting in the mirror. “Look at mi corazon, how beautiful you look like this, my wife.”

The hand moves from the sink to the edge of the counter to grasp at it as his fingers leave you, only to have his cock press against your entrance. Your brows furrow at the stretch as you look at him in the mirror, eyes locked as he slowly presses in, as you push back to meet him. His hands roam slowly and teasingly over your waist and stomach, just enough to make you squirm. Richard’s warm hand finally settles on your hip, the other rubbing up your back, trying to figure out this new position.”Oh my god, Richard.”

“Yeah,” his eyes darken as he presses his hips forward to thrust into you. “Feel how much I love you? Feel how much I love that gap?”

“Fuck, baby…I feel it. What if—” Your breath starts to quicken, and biting your lip, your chin drops to your chest as he sets the pace, “I do it anyway?”

The hand caressing up your spine entangles in your hair as he grips it from behind, needing to tenderly pull you back and feel all of you against him, “I’ll have to worship that smile of yours every night until you admit you never needed to change a thing.” He lets go of your locks to cradle you against him by your throat, a loving grasp, slowly moving up so his thumb could caress your bottom lip, and he murmurs ghosting over the shell of your ear, making sure you’re looking at his reflection, “But sweetheart, I’d miss my favorite part. Every single time you smile, or when you bite your lip when you’re trying to keep yourself from moaning.” 

“Mmmhm, Richard.” You hum and feel his hand, fingers intertwining with yours over the counter, shifting against him for more. He keeps his eyes locked on yours as he kisses your neck, biting, sucking, soothing his with his tongue as the side of his thumb slips between your lips once again, grazing against the gap. 

He shivers as you press a kiss to it, your tongue flicking against his thumb. He’s moving faster, voice dripping with desire, “Love how you say my name. Look at you, look how perfect you are mi corazon.” Richard can’t resist, he’s kissing you again, his hand leaving yours on the sink to rub your clit. “Oooh, that's it. That's it, there we go honey,” he grunts against your lips as you tighten around him.

“Maybe I’ll keep it—” you whine breathlessly, feeling yourself start to tremble. Your grip on the counter tightens as you press back into him, “just for you.”

“Oh, mi corazon.” That wrecks him. His grip on you tightens, and his movement becomes more erratic. His voice drops to something raw as his only focus is on your body, sending shivers down your spine. “Just like this. Keep it just like this. Always. Look in the mirror. I want you to watch how good you look when you come for me.”

Richard builds you up, continuing to whisper filthy and worshipful things in your ear as you both watch yourselves in the mirror. When you both finally fall apart for each other, his arms wrapped around you as Richard kisses your neck.

He looks up at you panting, and you feel him smile and chuckle as you both come out of your lustful daze and focus on the smeared color and the mess your mouths made of each other. “I guess I ruined your lipstick. I didn’t mean to–”

You smirk and look back at him. “You got a little carried away.” You turn to the mirror again and feel the heat rise to your cheaks, the lipstick smeared across your mouth, leaving little traces of color on your teeth from where Richard worshiped your gap.

His stained fingers rubs against his lips, where a little trace of color is against his own, his eyes shine, his smile a little giddy, “I’d do it again. In fact…I’d love to do it again. Anything to remind you how beautiful that gap is.”

[storm-angel989]

Yo I love your work.. anyway can I request Val x Fem Reader when Reader is on their period and the rest is up to you (I’ll cry if you actually notice)

Hi Friend,

Thank you for sending in your request! I always notice and read a request- sometimes it just takes time for my brain to buzz.

Now I have written this before. The link is here:

Valentino x Reader (Period Pains)

That being said….

Here is another version! Think OTO reader and Val after they’re married. 

<3 Mandy

The bright red stains on my favorite pajama pants began the start of that cursed day. It was going to be one of those mornings that lasted all day. 

It didn’t help that I woke up alone, my husband off to do whatever it was he did in his studio. Vox and Velvette were working and me? I was by myself. Which, as I poured myself a cup of coffee and stirred in my creamer, I figured was better that way. 

I lifted the mug to my lips and took the first sip of what should have been a heavenly experience. Instead, I was met with the bitter taste of peppermint.  I spat it into the sink and went to set my mug down. Somehow I missed the counter and shards of ceramic splatted the floor. 

“Fuck!” I yelled across the empty flat. I grabbed a roll of paper towels and cleaned up the mess as quickly as I could, tossing the shards into the garbage. Housekeeping would be up later, but with how the day was already turning out, I didn’t want to risk stepping on a rouge shard. 

“Who the fuck puts peppermint into their coffee without mocha?” I growled aloud as I shoved the creamer back in the fridge. 

Of course, I knew the answer was Vox. As much as he pretended he only drank black coffee, those of us who lived with him knew his guilty pleasure. Random flavored coffee creamers that appeared in the fridge each time it was restocked. It was just my bad luck that I had grabbed the wrong one this morning. 

Shoving the thought of making another cup of coffee to the side, I jumped into the shower, willing the hot water to take away the cramps that slowly awakened with each movement of the day. Fuck, there were some days I hated being a girl. 

But, like all women, being on our period wasn’t an excuse to miss work. Going to see Velvette in her studio was always an option, but just the thought of being touched by another being made me annoyed. I gingerly dressed myself and pulled my hair up into a bun. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I grumbled as I tried to hide the tiny whiteheads that appeared overnight with a strong dose of foundation. 

“Okay, I can do this,” I said to my reflection as I swallowed down several advil. “I got this.” 

Ten hours, eighteen phone calls and one ruined pair of underpants later, I stormed back upstairs to our apartment. 

“Babygirl, you’re home late,” Valentino’s voice rang out.

“I know, fuck,” I snapped without thought. The cramps, masked by the Advil I had taken this morning, left me both nauseous and crabby.  Every part of my body ached, and I could feel a headache starting to brew. I slammed the door behind me as I stripped off my outfit for the day. 

The bright red bloodstain on the back of my dress. I stared at it and without really knowing why, I burst into tears in the middle of my room. 

“Bebita?” Valentino’s voice came quietly from behind me. 

I felt him tug the dress from my hand and he wrapped his arms around me. I didn’t have to say a thing and instead laid my head on his chest as I sobbed. 

“Nothing a little stain remover can’t take out,” he said soothingly. “It’s alright. Why don’t you get in the shower? I’ll get your pjs and…”

“My two favorite ones are wrecked,” I choked out softly. “I bled all over the ones this morning, and my backups have a hole in them and…”

He pressed a finger to my lip and kissed my forehead. “Just let me figure it out while you go shower, okay?” 

There was something about he way he said it that left me with a feeling of comfort. I disappeared into the shower and by the time I came out, he was leaning against the bathroom sink, waiting. He handed me a towel and watched as I wrapped it around myself. 

“I have a heating pad and a cup of tea ready for you in bed. Toast, if you’re hungry. Advil if you want it. And if you’re in the mood to cuddle, I’m here. If not, I can stay with you or give you space. Remote is yours either way.” He pointed to a pile of clothes. “Period underpants. Vel sent them up. And…wear my pjs tonight. They’ll be looser than anything you own.” 

“Thanks, Val,” I said softly. “I’m sorry I was such a bitch when I came in.”

He cracked a smile. “Mi amore, I don’t think you know the true meaning of that word. Come on out when you’re ready.” 

I watched the door close behind me and got dressed in the outfit he left for me. I settled into bed next to him and sipped the warm tea. 

“I love you Val,” I said after a few moments. 

“I love you too, bebita. Even when you’re cranky,” he replied lightly. “And I always will.”

[raptorladylover6969]

I think the reason why everyone finds The Handler so uncanny, and I’ve mentioned this once before, is because of how realistic she looks compared to the other characters. The cartoony style of Chaos Theory makes her seem a bit out of place. What I mean is, her freckles make her skin look as if it has more texture, (yeah, the other characters do have a bit of freckles, buy definitely not as much as The Handler), the bagginess of her eyes, and the bags around them, give her face more depth and shape, and the pinkish colouration and shadows really add to that. Her icey blue eyes are so purely BLUE, and SHINY that you can see every single detail in them, the veins in her eyes also pop out a bit, and idk why but the shape of her nose too also seems more natural than the other characters??? Cuz for some reason some of them dont even have a nose bridge…speaking of her nose, its strangely so DETAILED, you can see the little OILS. OILS. THE OILS….HER PORES, HER WHITEHEADS. Her lips are also extremely chapped and cracked, and her teeth have like little chips in them, especially her front incisors, probably from slamming the whistle into her mouth so many times. I swear to god they probably only made her show up only 3 times in the entire series because SHE MUST HAVE A BIG BUDGET ON HER, SHE IS WAYYYYY too realistic for this show GOD DAMN…

[beesmygod]

painful whitehead zit right above my lip, presumably the result of some kind of curse or hex or evil object i've acquired

[thenarwhalgal]

I am so excited for Gwenpool to get more moments in the spotlight, but I really just wanted to put this out there as well cause I think it’s also important.

Look there, in the background next to the pride flag at the pride event in a sneak peak of Marvel’s Pride issue. Is that Doreen Green and Nancy Whitehead? Look at them skating together at the festival for queer people.

Now them being in a relationship has never been directly stated as far as I know. In fact, I think it’s only ever been implied that either aren’t straight. This is a big deal for both of them.

While it’s still not… canon technically, this is once more almost the strongest possible implication of a character being queer without directly stating it.

I know Speedball didn’t mind lips that tasted like chestnut so we can only hope Nancy doesn’t either is all I’m saying.

[4methystt]

Glow up this 2024 (affirmations)

Subliminal is linked here:

Beauty:

I have a radiating beauty

My beauty is alluring

Everyone thinks im attractive

I have my ideal face

My face is so perfect

I surpass every beauty standards

I'm naturally beautiful

I have my ideal face shape

I have the most angel like skull

My forehead is my ideal size

I have the most beautiful side profile in existence

I have the perfect jaw line

I have the most perfect chin, forehead, and cheeckbones

My face looks perfect in any angle

My eyes are alluring

My eyes are mesmerizing

People love starring at my eyes

My eyes perfectly suits my face

I have a positive canthal tilt

I have my ideal eye shape

My eyes are symmetrical

My eyelashes are naturally long

My eyelashes are thick

My eyelashes looks like i have mascara on even tho i don't

My eyelashes are curled up naturally

I have my ideal eyelashes

I have my ideal eyebrows

I have a perfect brow bone

My eyebrows suits my face shape perfectly

My nose is very tiny

My nose suits my face perfectly

I look like i had rhinoplasty

My nose hump doesn't exist anymore

I have a visible, tiny nose bridge

I have a small narrow alar base

I love my small nostrils

I love my upturned nose

I have my ideal nose shape

My lips always looks moisturized

My lips are very plump

All the wrinkles on my lips are disappearing every second

I have the perfect cupids bow

I have an upturned lip corners

My lips look sexy and cute at the same time

I love my rosey pink lips

My lips perfectly suits me

I love my kissable lips

I have healthy pink gums

I have perfectly straight teeth

My teeth always looks brushed

My teeth are the perfect size

I never needed braces

People always tells me that my teeth looks white like the snow

I have very fresh breath

My tounge is pink and smooth

My skin is very smooth

My skin is hydrated

My skin is always glowing

My pores are very small

I have the most youthful skin in the world

I have my ideal skin tone

My skin tone is respected

All my pimples, blemishes, black/whiteheads, and discoloration will disappear in a second

My wrinkles are disappearing right this moment

My eye bags are disappearing

I have the ideal korean glass skin

I have the most luxurious hair

I have long, smooth and silky hair

My hair is always bouncy

I have my ideal hair type

My hair looks naturally stunning

My hair looks perfect with my face

Body/height:

My body scent smells good

My waist are very snatched

My abs are visible

I love my toned muscles

My breast are my ideal size

My but is my ideal size

My arms are very toned

People compliment me for my healthy body

I have a very fast metabolism

I digest food very fast

I eat more healthy food than junk foods

I restrict myself from eating unhealthy foods

My growth plates are opened

I have my ideal height

I am taller than yesterday

I am taller than before

People think i am a model because of my height

My legs are very long

Confidence, Talents, Intelligence, :

I love myself first before others

I respect my self

I follow my passion

I focus on my dreams and hopes

I believe that studying/working hard leads to success

I radiate positive energy

I have a lot of true, kind, and honest friends

I have a magnetic aura

I am a very talented person

I am very good at sports

My voice sounds angelic when i speak or sing

I have excellent hand and eye coordination

I have perfect reaction time

I think before i act

I have the perfect speed

I can balance perfectly

I excel on my PE class

I can dance perfectly

I dance gracefully in a way

People say I'm very talented

I memorize things very quickly

I am naturally a genius

I can pass every test without studying

I always ace my subjects

I find studying fun and exciting

Learning new things makes me happy

I have photographic memory

All the teachers love me because of my intelligence and good manners

My handwriting is clean and neat

I have a wide vocabulary

I am always teated with respect by my classmates/workmates

Photogenic, Videogenic:

I look perfect in every angle

I have the perfect side profile

I look great on every picture and video

I look effortlessly stunning

Physical health, happiness/mental health, wealth:

I am packed with vitam A, B, C, and D

I am immune to any sickness

I have natural resistance to bacterias

I sleep atleast 8 hours everyday

I have a good sleeping schedule

I only think positive thoughts

I have a fresh mindset

My mind is full if positivity

I don't let bad thoughts take over me

I appreciate my self

I have a good relationship with my family

I attract money

I get money every day

I handle money well

I never overspend

My parents are very rich and attract more money

[mackisstellar]

no one asked but here's my skincare routine xx 🌚 (including pictures of all the products !)

i'm a teen with acne-prone slightly sensitive skin that gets oily by the end of the day🧖‍♀️

(i'm 99% sure i'm allergic to salicylic acid bc it didn't help with my breakouts/caused them so i avoid it in my routine❕)

as a makeup remover i use the elf holy hydration makeup melting balm 🚿

& a makeup eraser cloth 🧽

for stubborn waterproof eye makeup i use garnier skin active micellar cleaning water all-in-1 waterproof (aka the blue one) i have a huge bottle of it :)💧

(i want to start using reusable cotton rounds so pls lmk of any good brands !)

i just ran out but if i haven't worn makeup but my pores feel especially clogged i use the burt's bees oil cleanser 🥥 (you do have to double cleanse with a water based cleanser afterwards !)

for a daily water-based facial cleanser i use two different ones

the cerave foaming facial cleanser 🧼 "oil control" on the bottle is no joke ! i don't get oily in the day anymore bc of the niacinamide in this :)

but it can be a little drying/strong so i mix it with the cetaphil gentle skin cleanser 🛁

i use this really cheap & generic silicone face scrubber for my nostrils/chin/sideburn-hairline area 🧽

once a week i use this scrub pixi peel and polish its a mask with physical and chemical exfoliants

it smells like lemon cucumber water🥒 and can also be used for body acne on the chest, back, & arms !!

once a week i use an AHA chemical exfoliant it's elf supertone toner 🌝 it has glycolic acid and is has a little bit of a lemony scent

what i use as a daily toner is thayer's rose-scented witch hazel spray 💌 it calms down any redness i have instantly !

i used to use the cerave daily moisturizing lotion but it was a little oily and it was impossible to apply makeup on 🧘 so now i use it on my hands before doing my facial moisturizer

and for that i use a mix of elf holy hydration gel-yeah moisturizer and elf holy hydration face cream 💦 it's pretty self-explanatory but the former is a clear gel and the latter is a white cream, i adjust the proportions for my moisture needs :) ⛲️

in the winter or if my face feels dry or in need of healing i use clinique moisture surge overnight face mask 🦪

"mask" is a little misleading as you just apply it with your moisturizer like any other lotion 🧴 it's super hydrating, it's a little expensive but i got it as a gift and a little goes a long way ! :)

after a breakout has healed completely i use a little bio oil on top of my moisturizer to fade any dark spots/scars 🐚

after i shower and exfoliate my lips i use this random lip mask from bath and body works that's watermelon scented 🍉 it's thick (a little goes a long way) and yummy

i also use smith's rosebud salve in this tin 🌹 it's like a nice scented vaseline

i don't use it all the time bc it's expensive but i love the mario badescu caffeine eye cream💆it's so good for my sunken dark circles ! but avoid getting it in your eye and keeping it in the bathroom bc it curdles if it gets too hot from shower steam

for active acne spots i use might patch pimple patches 🩹regular for whiteheads and micropoint ones for swollen spots under the skin

those are pretty expensive so for smaller spots i use mario badescu drying lotion overnight 🫧

i'm pretty bad at remembering sunscreen in the morning but i just got the glow recipe dew balm with spf 45 and niacinamide 🌸 i love the glow and the light fruity scent :)

i do want mention that my life-saver game-changer for stopping cystic acne (those painful lumps deep in the skin) and just acne in general has been hormonal birth control pills ! after i started BC for pcos/hormonal reason all of my breakouts decreased significantly🪽

tysm for reading !! 🕊️ xx

[nat-20s]

I think Nancy Whitehead and Doreen Green should at least TRY kissing on the lips

[bloomyskin1]

Salicylic Acid Serum for Clear, Glowing Skin

Achieving clear, glowing skin is a goal for many, and one of the most effective ingredients to help with this is salicylic acid. Known for its ability to fight acne, unclog pores, and promote a brighter complexion, salicylic acid serum has become a skincare staple. But how does it work, and why should you incorporate it into your routine? This article will explore the benefits, usage, and considerations for using salicylic acid serum to achieve healthy, radiant skin.

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from willow bark. Unlike alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are water-soluble and work on the surface of the skin, BHAs are oil-soluble. This means salicylic acid can penetrate deep into pores, making it highly effective at treating acne, blackheads, and other skin concerns related to clogged pores.

Benefits of Salicylic Acid Serum

Unclogs Pores and Reduces Acne Salicylic acid works by dissolving excess oil, dead skin cells, and debris that clog pores. This helps prevent and reduce breakouts, including blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

Exfoliates Gently Unlike physical scrubs that can be harsh and cause micro-tears, salicylic acid provides a gentle chemical exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover for smoother, brighter skin.

Controls Oil Production If you have oily or combination skin, salicylic acid can help regulate sebum production, keeping your skin balanced and reducing shine.

Fights Inflammation and Redness Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for calming irritated skin, especially in those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Reduces Hyperpigmentation and Scars By encouraging skin renewal, salicylic acid can help fade acne scars, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, leading to a more even complexion.

How to Use Salicylic Acid Serum

To get the most out of your salicylic acid serum, follow these steps:

Cleanse Your Face Start with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin.

Apply the Serum

Take a few drops of salicylic acid serum and apply it evenly across your face.

Focus on areas prone to breakouts or oiliness.

Avoid the delicate eye and lip area.

Moisturize Follow up with a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin nourished and balanced.

Use Sunscreen Since salicylic acid increases skin sensitivity to UV rays, always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) during the day.

How Often Should You Use It?

The frequency of use depends on your skin type:

Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Can use it daily or every other day.

Combination Skin: Start with 2-3 times per week and adjust as needed.

Dry/Sensitive Skin: Use it sparingly, around 1-2 times per week, and always follow with hydration.

Choosing the Right Salicylic Acid Serum

With numerous serums available, consider these factors when selecting one:

Concentration: A 1-2% concentration is effective for acne-prone skin, while lower concentrations suit sensitive skin.

Formula: Look for alcohol-free, fragrance-free formulas to minimize irritation.

Added Ingredients: Serums with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or soothing botanicals can enhance benefits and reduce irritation.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While salicylic acid is generally safe, some people may experience:

Dryness or peeling (especially with overuse)

Mild irritation or redness

Increased sun sensitivity

To avoid these issues:

Start slow and observe how your skin reacts.

Moisturize properly to prevent excessive dryness.

Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from damage.

Who Should Avoid Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is beneficial for most skin types but may not be suitable for:

Extremely dry or eczema-prone skin (as it can cause excessive dryness)

Pregnant women (consult a doctor before use)

Those allergic to aspirin (since salicylic acid is derived from similar compounds)

Conclusion

Salicylic acid serum is a powerful tool for clear, glowing skin, particularly for those struggling with acne, clogged pores, or excess oil. When used correctly, it exfoliates, unclogs pores, and improves overall skin texture while keeping breakouts at bay. By incorporating it into your skincare routine, you can achieve a brighter, smoother, and more radiant complexion. Just remember to use it wisely, keep your skin hydrated, and protect it from the sun for the best results!

[gazalbeauty3]

Rejuvenate Your Skin with the Best Beauty Treatments

The Benefits of Facial Treatments for Radiant Skin

Taking care of your skin is essential for maintaining a youthful and glowing complexion. A well-executed Facial Treatment San Diego can help cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish the skin, providing numerous benefits. Facials improve blood circulation, promote collagen production, and remove impurities, leaving the skin refreshed and rejuvenated.

A professional facial treatment often includes deep cleansing, steaming, and customized masks that target specific skin concerns. Whether dealing with acne, dryness, or signs of aging, a properly chosen facial can enhance the overall texture and tone of the skin. Additionally, facials help in detoxifying the skin, removing blackheads and whiteheads, and providing hydration. The relaxing nature of the treatment also reduces stress, which positively impacts the skin’s health.

Regular facials contribute to maintaining a youthful glow by encouraging cell turnover and enhancing skin elasticity. Whether it’s for an important event or part of a consistent skincare regimen, getting a Facial Treatment San Diego ensures that your skin remains healthy and vibrant.

Why Threading Hair Removal is the Best Choice

Hair removal is a crucial part of personal grooming, and Threading Hair Removal San Diego has become a preferred choice for many. Unlike waxing or shaving, threading is a precise method that removes unwanted hair from the root without causing irritation or damage to the skin. It is especially beneficial for shaping eyebrows, as it provides a well-defined and polished look.

Threading is known for being gentle on the skin, making it an excellent option for individuals with sensitive skin. The process involves twisting cotton threads to remove hair in a clean and efficient manner. Since it does not use chemicals, threading minimizes the risk of allergic reactions, making it a safer alternative for facial hair removal. Additionally, threading offers longer-lasting results compared to other methods, as it pulls out the hair from the follicle, slowing down regrowth.

Another advantage of Threading Hair Removal San Diego is that it is quick and efficient. Unlike waxing, which requires the use of hot wax, or shaving, which can cause cuts and ingrown hairs, threading provides a smooth and irritation-free experience. The precision of this technique allows for better control, making it ideal for intricate areas like eyebrows and upper lips.

Choosing the Right Beauty Treatment for Your Skin

When it comes to skincare and hair removal, choosing the right treatment is essential for achieving the best results. A high-quality Facial Treatment San Diego addresses individual skin concerns and enhances overall complexion. Whether opting for a hydrating facial, anti-aging treatment, or deep cleansing facial, consulting with a skincare specialist ensures the right choice for your skin type.

Similarly, selecting the proper hair removal method can make a significant difference in personal grooming. While waxing and shaving are common choices, Threading Hair Removal San Diego stands out due to its precision and gentleness. Those who struggle with skin irritation after waxing or shaving will find threading to be a game-changer.

To maintain a flawless look, combining facial treatments with threading can enhance both skin health and facial aesthetics. Regular facials promote clear and glowing skin, while threading ensures well-groomed eyebrows and smooth facial features. By choosing the right professionals and following a consistent beauty regimen, it is possible to achieve long-lasting beauty and confidence.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Beauty Routine

A well-rounded beauty routine incorporates both skincare and effective hair removal techniques. A FacialTreatment San Diego enhances the skin’s natural glow and addresses concerns such as aging, dryness, or acne. Meanwhile, Threading Hair Removal San Diego provides a precise and irritation-free solution for hair removal, ensuring smooth and well-shaped facial features.

By integrating these treatments into a regular self-care routine, individuals can achieve healthier skin and a polished appearance. Seeking professional services ensures that each treatment is performed with expertise, delivering the best results. With the right combination of skincare and hair removal, achieving radiant and flawless beauty has never been easier.

[vandana-memorial-hospital]

Which hospital is best for skin disease Treatment in Jaipur?

Are you struggling with persistent skin issues and searching for a trusted place to get expert care? Do you often wonder which hospital provides the most effective and advanced treatments for skin diseases? Your skin deserves the best care, and choosing the right specialist can make all the difference.

If you’re looking for top-quality skin treatments, Vandana Memorial Hospital is your answer! We are recognized as the best multispeciality hospital in Jaipur, offering advanced and personalized care for a wide range of skin concerns. Whether it’s acne, pigmentation, scars, or any other dermatological issue, we are committed to delivering high-quality treatment with precision and care.

We take pride in having Dr. Nisha Madan, an expert dermatologist who provides world-class skin treatments using modern techniques. Our hospital is known for excellence in both dermatology and orthopedic care, making us a trusted name for comprehensive healthcare solutions.

If you’re seeking professional care from the best dermatologist in Jaipur, our hospital ensures safe, effective, and customized treatments to restore your skin’s health and glow. With a patient-first approach, we offer solutions tailored to your skin type and concerns, ensuring visible and long-lasting results.

Why Choose Vandana Memorial Hospital for Skin Treatment?

We have a team of top dermatologists and skin specialists who provide advanced treatments for various skin problems. Our hospital is equipped with modern technology to ensure effective and safe treatments. We understand that every skin type is unique, so we offer personalized treatments tailored to individual needs. Whether you have acne, scars, pigmentation, or hair loss, we provide effective solutions to enhance your skin health.

Common Skin Diseases and Their Treatments

Acne Treatment

Acne is a common skin problem that causes pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Our best acne treatment in Jaipur helps to reduce breakouts, remove scars, and improve skin texture. We use advanced therapies like chemical peels, laser treatment, and medical-grade skincare to ensure the best results. Our dermatologists assess your skin type and customize treatments to prevent future breakouts and scarring.

Laser Treatment

Laser therapy is used for various skin issues, including scars, pigmentation, and hair removal. Our best laser treatment in Jaipur is safe, painless, and highly effective in giving you clear and healthy skin. Laser treatments help in collagen production, reducing signs of aging, and improving skin tone. We use advanced laser machines that provide precise and effective results with minimal downtime.

Chemical Peel Treatment

Peels help remove dead skin, lighten dark spots, and improve skin glow. Our best peel treatment in Jaipur offers customized solutions based on your skin type. Chemical peels are effective for treating sun damage, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. The procedure is quick, with visible results after a few sessions. Our experts guide you through post-treatment care to maintain a glowing complexion.

Filler Treatment

If you want youthful and wrinkle-free skin, our best filler treatment in Jaipur can help. Fillers restore lost volume, reduce wrinkles, and give a natural, refreshed look. This treatment is ideal for people looking to enhance facial contours and achieve plumper lips. We use FDA-approved fillers that provide long-lasting and natural-looking results.

Tattoo Removal

Unwanted tattoos can be removed safely with laser technology. Our best tattoo removal treatment in Jaipur ensures minimal pain and no scarring. The laser targets the ink pigments and breaks them down, allowing the body to naturally eliminate them over time. Depending on the size and color of the tattoo, multiple sessions may be required for complete removal.

Orthopedic Treatments at Vandana Memorial Hospital

Apart from skin care, we also provide top orthopedic services. If you have joint pain or sports injuries, our expert surgeons are here to help.

Ligament Surgery

For torn ligaments or sports injuries, our best ligament surgeon in Jaipur provides effective treatment to restore movement. We use minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time and ensure long-lasting results.

Sports Surgery

Athletes facing injuries can get treated by our best sports surgeon in Jaipur, ensuring a quick and safe recovery. We specialize in treating ligament tears, fractures, and joint dislocations to help athletes get back to their game faster.

Shoulder Surgery

Our best shoulder surgeon in Jaipur specializes in treating shoulder pain, dislocation, and rotator cuff injuries. Shoulder problems can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility. We offer surgical and non-surgical treatments for effective relief.

Hip Replacement Surgery

Patients suffering from hip pain or arthritis can benefit from our best hip replacement surgeon in Jaipur, offering long-lasting relief. We use advanced techniques to ensure minimal pain, faster recovery, and improved mobility after surgery.

Joint Replacement Surgery

For those struggling with knee or hip problems, our best joint replacement surgeon in Jaipur provides expert solutions for pain-free movement. We use high-quality implants and advanced surgical procedures to enhance the quality of life for our patients.

Hair Transplant

Hair loss is a major concern for many people. Our cheapest hair transplant in Jaipur offers affordable and effective solutions to regain confidence. We use advanced techniques like FUE and FUT to restore natural-looking hair growth. Our specialists ensure minimal scarring and maximum hair density.

Cosmetic Surgery

For those looking to enhance their beauty, our best cosmetic surgeon in Jaipur offers safe and advanced cosmetic treatments. Whether you want liposuction, rhinoplasty, or skin tightening procedures, we provide expert guidance and state-of-the-art facilities for the best results.

Precautions and Suggestions for Healthy Skin

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.

Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to promote skin health.

Always apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.

Avoid picking pimples to prevent scars and infections.

Use mild skincare products suitable for your skin type.

Follow a proper skincare routine and visit a dermatologist for regular check-ups.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and stress management to improve overall skin condition.

Choose the Best for Your Skin and Health

Your skin and joint health deserve expert care, and we are committed to providing just that. With cutting-edge technology, experienced specialists, and a patient-first approach, we ensure the highest standard of treatment for all your skin and orthopedic needs. If you’re searching for the Best Skin Specialist in Jaipur, look no further — our expert dermatologists offer personalized solutions to help you achieve flawless and healthy skin. Don’t let skin issues or joint pain affect your quality of life.

Visit Vandana Memorial Hospital today and take the first step towards better health and confidence. Your well-being is our priority!

[hunter-whitehead]

Children of Affliction

By Hunter Whitehead

The sun shined cheerfully on the dilapidated cathedral, but something was dreadfully wrong. Luca could feel it. It hung in the air and stained the ancient stone. It seeped deep into the soil of this forgotten place. He dismounted his horse at the edge of the wood, tying her reins around a tree branch. She was a fine steed, sleek and muscular with a chestnut coat. Luca hadn’t named her yet. He was indecisive when it came to names. The half-blood turned his scarlet eyes on the cathedral and the surrounding buildings. It was some sort of cloister with the simpleness of a small abbey surrounding the grandiose architecture of the moss-covered cathedral.

His black riding boots clacked sharply on the cobblestone as he approached the building, his eyes drawn to the statue that sat front and center as one came to worship. Luca recognized the statue instantly by her voluminous coils, full lips, and extravagant armor as Queen Herratta, the last crusader queen. She stood with a puffed chest and a cocky grin, her hands resting on the pommel of an upright great sword. Making this cloister older than Luca, which was not an easy feat.  A flash of gruesome and some oddly pleasant memories scrolled through his mind, remembering the final years of the crusade. The inquisitor took off his tricorn hat and bowed his head. Queen Herratta was one of the few proponents of treating the offspring of the Afflicted with mercy. An unpopular opinion, then and now. He smoothed back his messy black hair as he replaced the hat on his head and noticed someone was watching him.

An old woman, bent and grey in a cleric’s robe, watched him from the shadow of one of the abbey buildings with a strange smile stretched across her face. Luca raised a hand in greeting and the woman beckoned him over with a gnarled finger. The dreadful feeling still whispered in the back of his mind as he approached the woman. As he got closer, he noticed the symbol on her robe, a bundle of wheat bound by a ribbon. The symbol of the Lady of Life, Lorcia. The robe itself was dirty, which did no favors for making the woman more approachable. Her eyes were wide and a sickly yellow, like a cornered animal, as she greeted him.

“Good tidings, good tidings dear child. Yes, a child I think, like me,” she rasped out, waving a wrinkled hand in no particular direction for what Luca assumed was emphasis. The gesture was odd. Despite the woman’s peculiar mannerisms, Luca inclined his head in polite acknowledgement.

“As are we all children of the Trisphere, Sister. Forgive me for asking but your cloister here seems ill attended and empty. Where are the younger acolytes?” he asked, his eyes taking another sweep of the empty courtyard and crumbling buildings.

“Left, left, all gone, save for my mother and my siblings. We take shelter in this stone.” She said gleefully, rapping on the wall of the abbey with her knuckles. Luca’s brow furrowed as he studied the woman. She blinked at him innocently but her smile, now seeming almost grotesque, never left her face.

“Can you take me to see them?” he asked hesitantly, the dreadful whispers growing louder in the back of his mind.

“Yes, of course, good, good, we are all children here,” the old woman agreed, waving for him to follow as she hobbled down the length of the wall to a pair of large, heavy wooden doors. The gateway to the abbey proper. Luca followed, his red gaze now darting to every corner, every nook, and every cranny. As the woman grabbed one of the round iron handles, Luca moved to help her but stopped when she wrenched it open with surprising strength. The ear-splitting squeak of the rusty hinges made the half-blood cringe, but the woman didn’t seem to notice as she happily shuffled into the abbey courtyard.

“Sister, you haven’t told me your name. I’m Luca.” he said, purposefully leaving out his surname and title. A true acolyte of Lorcia would have recognized him as an inquisitor of Hadrius from the grim colors he wore and the pendant that was attached to the side of his hat, which boasted the Lord of Disorder’s symbol. But this woman had made no mention of it.

“Mother calls me Trevia, on account I’m the third of her children,” Trevia explained as they walked slowly through the abbey courtyard. To their left, a reasonably sized long building, what Luca presumed to be the acolyte’s quarters, sat decorated in warm brown brick. To their right, the refectory sat with its doors ajar so Luca could identify the long tables and benches for dining. The courtyard itself, which normally would have been ardently tended by the acolytes, was overgrown. Vines snaked their way up the statues and stone furniture that dotted the courtyard, and the grass came up to Luca’s shin. Directly ahead of them, was the largest of the three buildings of the abbey with at least three stories.

“And your mother, what is her name?” the inquisitor continued. He silently scolded himself for leaving his inquisitor’s kit attached to his horse. All he had on him was his rapier, stiletto, and pistol with one silver bullet. The woman again waved dismissively at the question.

“Just Mother. She’s very wise, very smart, oh she’ll be so glad to have company,” she chirped, a veritable ray of sunshine amid the morose abandoned structures. They came to the double doors of the abbey’s largest building. Along the walls on either side, depictions of Lorcia and various spirits were painted along the edges of thin glass windowpanes, now dusty and fogged from neglect. Dark vines curled up the walls, as if the Lady of Light could not reach her worshippers here. With a hum, Trevia pushed the door open and beckoned for Luca to follow.

Stepping through the threshold, Luca was immediately met with the stench of rot and mold in coordination with a few other very unsavory aromas. The half-blood scrunched up his nose in disgust, his dark crimson eyes surveying what appeared to be a ruined library. Shelves lined the walls and split the large room into sections. Loose pages littered the floor and grim and grit crunched and squelched under Luca’s boots as he trailed the old woman. They weaved through the maze of musty bookshelves and forgotten decorations until they came to the center of the grand library where a massive, round oak desk sat. In the center was a large, precarious looking pile of books and trash. And sat perched atop it like a great vulture was a hunched woman with withered grey skin and dark, straw-like hair. She wore a simple brown robe, frayed and tattered with no shoes. Her hands and feet were talons and so large that she had to sit with them facing away from her, lest she cut herself. A hooked nose sat below a gleaming yellow eye- full of hate and mistrust.

“You bring someone…someone new?” asked the woman atop the mountain of books, tilting her head to the side ever so slowly. Her voice was high and nasally but with a dangerous edge that made Luca flex his hand on instinct. Before Trevia could respond, Luca gave another polite bow and spoke clearly.

“Luca de Barazzo, inquisitor of Hadrius. I see you’ve been inflicted with the Hag’s Curse. A terrible fate,” he commented sympathetically. The hag sneered, her teeth sharp and rotted.

“I see my foolish daughter has brought the enemy right into our home. She will be punished,” Mother said, and Luca could feel the rage brimming under her calm demeanor. Trevia felt it too and shrunk into the shadow of the bookshelf behind her. “Well, if we’re to have a meeting, might as well make sure the whole family is here. Girls!” The hag squawked out the last word and a few seconds later a rush of shuffling and clattering approached the center of the library. One by one, different old women perched themselves on top of the surrounding bookshelves, all staring intently at Luca. There were four in total, including Trevia, and all waited for their mother to continue.

“So, inquisitor,” she hissed out the title, “Give me one good reason why my girls and I shouldn’t rip you to shreds and feast on your bones.” A sardonic smile flitted onto Luca’s face as he removed his hat and looked the woman in the eye.

“I’m afraid you’d find my meat lacking. I am the spawn of a vampire,” he said, carefully scanning the room as he did so. The daughters exchanged a surprised look. There was a moment of silence and then the hag threw her head back in a raucous cackle, the sound amplified by the empty space of the forgotten library.

“So you are!” she agreed with a bemused expression, “And what is a half-blood doing wearing a symbol of the god of death on his hat? Moreover, who in the Void let a vampling become a holy man in the first place!?” she exclaimed, and another round of hyena-like cackling overtook her.  Luca waited patiently for the laughter to subside though a measure of irritation had risen into his chest. Finally, the hag wiped a tear away and nodded.

“I see now why Trevia brought you here instead of killing you outright. A child of Affliction, the same as us. Though we do not have the same luck, it would seem,” she added at the end and Luca sensed the brewing resentment taking over the humor. Luca put his hat back on and nodded his acknowledgement.

“I was fortunate that the crusader that found me did not throw me down a well like they usually do with Afflicted infants,” he conceded, and a harsh snort came from the hag in response. She rose to her full height, which admittedly was not much, but the combination of a wild head of dirty hair and animalistic claws made her a fearsome sight, nonetheless.

“Crusaders,” she echoed with a scoff, “I served the crusaders, once. I was a healer, an alchemist. They had hired me to treat their sick and injured, which I did with competence and pride.” She was looking among her daughters, talking to them as much as to Luca. Her daughters stared back at her, hanging onto every word with wide, yellow eyes and bizarre smiles on their wrinkled lips.

“One day, our camp was overrun by enemy forces. I was captured, thanks to the oh glorious crusaders’ ineptness and taken before a powerful witch who had commanded the raid. She demanded my fealty and I, naively believing the crusaders would come save me, refused her. She cursed me, as our esteemed guest has pointed out, and I slowly turned into a monster in the following days. When the crusaders finally raided the lair of the witch and found me, was I rewarded for my loyalty? Was I praised for giving up my youth and beauty and sanity!?” she asked, now gazing directly into Luca’s eyes. Though she posed a question, Luca already knew the end to this all too familiar story. The hag grimaced.

“No. I had to claw my way out that day, or else I would have known the silver bite of a crusader’s blade. Just like all those unfortunate enough to be cursed or infected. We’re all monsters. The only difference now is inquisitors hunt us, not crusaders,” she finished pointedly, holding the half-blood’s gaze. Luca made no comment on the story, instead looking around the library for the signs he had been looking for since he arrived at the cloister.

“So. What say you, inquisitor?” she once again snarled out the title, as if it even being on her tongue was revolting.

“Where is the clergy of this cloister, Mother?” Luca asked calmly and a defiant look entered the hag’s eyes.

“The tenets of Lorcia say to offer food, water, and shelter to the weary and the needy. My daughters and I arrived just that, weary and in need of help. Your sacred sisters and priestesses denied us. Threatened us. So we took what we needed,” she replied, letting the silence after her final sentence speak for itself. Luca suddenly realized what the dreadful feeling that had been haunting him since his arrival was. The desecration of a holy site, the murder of holy folk, and the disruption of harmony. The half-blood swept his cloak back, revealing the hilt of his rapier and once again flexed his dominant hand.

“You know I can’t let the murder of priestesses of Lorcia go unanswered. Where are their bodies?” demanded Luca with a hard edge in his voice. The old women perched on the bookshelves surrounding them began to slowly crawl down the flat sides, their yellow eyes never leaving him, like overgrown and withered lizards. Luca’s eyes darted from figure to figure, his muscles tensing.

“Some of the sisters are still here with us, undead, and those that were lacking in hospitality made up for it in…nutrition,” replied the hag coldly, slowly advancing on the inquisitor herself. A jolt racked Luca’s body as he realized that the “daughters” of the hag all wore clerical robes. They were corrupted, under the hag’s control. A low moan behind Luca told him Trevia was joining her sisters and he heard the shuffling of feet towards him. The half-blood quickly outstretched his hand in an upright claw shape, recalling the divine words of Hadrius.

“Darcellica Upa Thex!”

A dense ball of black fog formed in his palm, caged by his pale fingers. In one fluid motion, he flung it towards the floor, engulfing the entire library in an instant. Shadowy fog rolled over the hag and her daughters, who cried in shock, and enveloped everything around them. Luca silently stepped forward, deliberately stepping lightly so Trevia wouldn’t notice his absence. A frustrated shriek and the violent stirring of the fog behind him told the half-blood his timing was impeccable, no doubt dodging a fatal strike. Despite his vampiric lineage however, Luca was just as blind as his enemy. Instead, he slowed his breathing and focused on his hearing. Another gift from his undead blood, every step and shuffle the hags took was amplified. He heard their violent grumbles and ragged, fearful breaths.

The inquisitor almost seemed to glide towards the blinded Trevia, a phantom of his own making. In a silver flash, his rapier pierced through the small of her back and through her heart. The sound of burning flesh and screams pierced the tense silence before the old woman fell limp on Luca’s blade. A resounding cascade of grief-stricken screams responded in kind. A bright light suddenly illuminated the dark fog, hovering in place. Luca pulled the blade from the hag’s body and watched the light cautiously. Then he smelled sulfur in the air. A vicious stream of fire roared towards him, grazing the inquisitor as he dove to the ground. Merciless heat clawed and ate at him, forcing him to rip off his cloak and throw it to the ground with a shout.

“I’ll burn the eyes out of your sockets!” Mother screeched vengefully, sending another horizontal pillar of flame to where Luca had been standing just a moment before. His breathing became haggard as he stumbled through the library, tripping over unseen book carts and bumping into shelves. He ducked into one of the many rows of bookshelves, hoping to vanish amongst their dusty pages. No sooner than he had ducked into the shadows of the library, a powerful gust of wind pushed the fog away, the thick clouds piling along the walls of the library. The hag was using her magic to clear the space.

Luca swore to himself and crouched down, his eyes frantically searching the dim room for signs of the corrupted sisters. But it was quiet. Eerily quiet. He stalked between the shelves with his rapier at the ready, listening intently. A subtle scrap of claws against wood caused him to whip around, just in time for one of the daughters to slam him into the marble floor. His head cracked painfully against the floor, and he felt hot breath on his face and claws at his neck. Dazed, he scrabbled desperately at his belt for his pistol, cocking it and jamming it into the sister’s hip. He felt the claws pierce his neck as he pulled the trigger, an ear-splitting scream accompanying the deafening gunshot. The sister stumbled backward, black, corrupted blood pooling out of her wound.

Luca leapt to his feet and charged her, thrusting the silver blade right through her heart. This time, only a pained wheeze accompanied the strike as the creature died. A fireball crashed through the shelf to his left, narrowly missing the inquisitor as he pulled his rapier free. His eyes stung with smoke and Luca realized that the library would soon be up in flames. He had to finish this quickly. Wiping the blood from his neck and blinking the stars from his eyes, he used the smoke to vanish, searching for Mother. He didn’t have to look long.

“I thought vampire spawn were supposed to be powerful!” taunted the hag from somewhere on the far side of the room, “I can smell your blood, it smells like all the Afflicted in their last breath!” Luca circled back to the central area, now empty of hags and daughters. “Why fight for them? They’ll turn on you once they’ve used you up and you’ll just be a monster like the rest of us!” Mother continued to shriek. Luca pinpointed her location, her voice bouncing off the walls and wood of the library. He crouched low to the ground to avoid the smoke, a predator with the scent of his prey.

Silent as a shadow, he swept through the maze-like rows of books until he found her, prowling like a cat on top of a row of shelves. He watched as her glowing yellow eyes probed the rows, looking desperately for her enemy. The inquisitor had one shot to get it right. One misstep and she could open up his guts then and there. As he took a step towards her, the sound of feet slapping against stone jerked his head to the left and he felt a sharp, burning pain in his left shoulder. The last sister had clamped onto him with bear trap teeth. Pain shot through his entire left side as they grappled with each other, thudding into a bookshelf behind him. The hag jumped at the noise but watched with gleeful satisfaction, positive her creation would win.

Luca wrestled desperately with the old woman, the pain in his shoulder growing worse with every second. Her strength was incredible, it felt like he was grappling with two grown men at once. He tried to position his rapier to gore her side, but she slashed his arm, ribbons of blood unfurling as the silver weapon clattered to the floor. She had control of his other arm as well, preventing him from grabbing the stiletto still on his belt. The world around him began to spin. He was losing too much blood. Luca felt his knees buckle and he slumped against the bookcase, giving the corrupted holy woman the dominant position. Luca stared at his blood on the white marble. A wave of disgust took him as he realized what he had to do.

With the instinct of millennia of vampiric generations before him, Luca grabbed the collar of the sister’s robes and wrenched her towards him. Her flesh was warm and soft as he bit into her neck. Suddenly, he lost control. Though the blood was corrupted, it felt like giving water to a man dying of thirst. The half-blood couldn’t remember the last time he fed, and dirty water was still water. The struggling of the woman quickly ceased, and she became silent. Luca’s heartbeat pounded in his ears. He could hear the distant screaming of someone, but it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered now that the sweet ichor flowed through him.

His mind was clear. Incredibly clear. He pulled away from the vessel. She was useless now. Luca flung her corpse down the aisle with the ease of a child throwing a doll in boredom. The sister tumbled away like an empty bag. Luca turned his gaze on the hag, who he was sure had been screaming before. He saw now that the hate in her eyes had given way to fear. Something about that amused him. The smoke filling the room only tickled his eyes now. He’d rather be done with this business. Mother’s eyes darted towards the exit. Only for a millisecond. But that was all Luca needed.

With incredible strength in his legs, he jumped towards her and grabbed her by throat, slamming her into one of the many bookshelves on the other side. The cracking and splintering of wood filled his ears and grim satisfaction filled his heart as he saw the blood welling from her scalp, dripping down her grey forehead. She clawed at his arm, ripping his sleeves to shreds. But the deep gashes she made with her claws were healing the instant she made them. With one arm, he threw her to the right, to the center of the library where they met. She crashed into the engraved circular desk, breaking it in two. The fire raged heavy now and the flames were slowly crawling their way towards the pair.

Luca walked slowly towards the hag, indifferent to the inferno raging around them. She was clinging to life, her bones broken in several places. Abject terror was painted across her bloody face, and she stammered something that sounded like pleading.

“Mother, you asked me why I’m lucky, why they let me live, why I fight for them?” Luca asked in a casual tone. Something at the back of his mind was begging him to stop, wanting this to not be the truth. But this was him as much as any other part was. Mother said nothing now and the half-blood could tell she was fading.

“It’s because you need a monster to fight monsters.”

----------

Luca blinked in confusion outside the burning abbey. The twilight sun casted long shadows on the cathedral and surrounding forest. The abbey still burned in front of him, making the surrounding darkness starker. Luca patted himself down, checking for the injuries that he sustained, but there was nothing. Even his rapier and hat, which had fallen during the fighting, were now on him. A sick feeling twisted his gut as he remembered what happened. Even sicker still was the fact that he felt energized, still benefitting from the corrupted woman’s blood.

The inquisitor watched the fire for a long moment. The stone would stop it from spreading to the forest. And the flames would cleanse the taint of this place. Perhaps it was Lorcia’s vengeance, one of the elemental aspects of life that fell under her domain. Cleansing fire. And what of him? He turned away from the flames, walking back to his horse. Revulsion ran through his body. It had been so long since he fed. I was forced to, he kept telling himself. But how could he deny? This was why the Temple of Hadrius decided to make him an inquisitor. The hag was right. Even after all of his decades serving as a force to vanquish monsters, he was still one himself. A child of Affliction.

[alltrade]

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[dixiedrudge]

The Right to Not Be Lied To

Help Spread Mockingbird Non-Compliant News! Like, Share, Re-Post, and Subscribe! There’s a lot more to see at our main page, Dixie Drudge! Making the Case for Truth in Politics (John Whitehead, The Rutherford Institute) – Q: “How can you tell if a politician is lying?” A: “When his lips are moving.” “In an ever-changing, incomprehensible world the masses had reached the point where they would, at…