#Waters Baths UK
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"where did you get that bra from??"
It's handmade darling, you won't find another like this.
Treat me ~ Tip Me ~ More of me
#Hot water and so many bubbles will fix me!!!!!!#Boiling myself like a lobster and hanging my arm over the side of the tub to type/post this#The long awaited bubble bath set is in progress!!! Only partially tho bc i am in here with many achey pains to fix 😂 multi purpose bathtime#Any tips or treats would be massively appreciated right now 💕#satans knitwear#Bubble bath#Bubble bra#bi girl#cheeky#uk girl#wlw#girls with piercings#alt pinup#pinup girl#This totally counts as pretty lingerie right????
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The Roman Baths
Bath, England
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Visited Bath. The first stop was at The Roman Baths, absolutely incredible, thoroughly enjoyed, and would highly recommend.
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Hi Fen! Hope you're doing well <3
I've been having such a hard time going to sleep lately and I was wondering if the moon boys ever have that problem - when they're not trying to stay up that is. So what do you think? Do any of them have trouble falling asleep? What do they do when that happens? And how do you think they'd help a Reader who couldn't fall asleep?
I’m so sorry you’re having trouble sleeping! (And that it’s taken me so long to reply) I hope you're doing better now <3
Rating: PG Masterlist | ao3 | want to be tagged?
Warnings: brief mention to sex
Steven
Doesn’t have trouble sleeping, and can go to sleep quite easily when he’s not fighting it AND when Marc isn’t co-fronting (Marc’s sleeping issues bleed over into Steven).
When you can’t sleep though Steven is more than happy to stay up with you.
“Spend most of my adult life on 2 hours of sleep a day, didn't I? Yes. So this isn’t even water off a duck’s back, this is air off a duck’s back, this is not even noticeable love.”
Will suggest lots of different things to do: reading (he will read to you if you want to try to sleep), watch something, listen to music, go on a weird London at 3:30am walk, “the night tube is running and we could go to 24 hour karaoke in Soho?”, “did you know these libraries are open at 4am?”, “I know a 24 gym that has a pool, we could go swimming!”, “Beckenham Place Park actually has open water swimming, I bet we’d be the only ones there! But I’m gonna wear a nose clip because I don’t want possible brain-eating amoeba up my nose, do I? No.” Proceeds to tell you a documentary's worth of information about Naegleria fowleri and how it was found in 1978 in Bath, so “yes it is in the UK Marc.”
Basically he’s full of ideas about where to go in the middle of the night that’s open because that’s what he used to do when he was trying not to sleep. (Also it’s nice to do things when there’s not so many people about.)
Will suggest driving to a spot he knows outside of London where there’s less light pollution to look at the stars. Will wake up Jake to do the driving. Will bully the hell out of Khonshu if the sky isn’t clear. (And will make him get rid of the cloud.)
100% would ask if you would like him to fuck you to sleep.
Marc
He’s not asleep either.
Usually gets Steven or Jake to fall asleep for him.
However, if they’re already asleep, or not available, he goes with the ‘I am laying down with my eyes closed, because it’s still resting’ philosophy.
He tries not to toss and turn a lot, but he does bless him.
Has tried to drink himself to sleep on several occasions.
Doesn’t like to see you having trouble sleeping at all and spends ages fussing over you.
Fluffs the pillows, gets extra blankets, gets less blankets, turns the heating on, gets the fan out, will run you a bath and put all the lavender stuff in and make you 500 herbal teas, then change the bed covers.
Will offer to sleep on the sofa or the floor so he doesn’t disturb you while you’re trying to sleep. (Then apologies when you obviously hate the idea of him being away from you.)
Is giving ALL the cuddles, however you want them. Will lay in the most uncomfortable position for himself for you to be comfy (will not tell you the position is uncomfortable for him.)
Tells you the most outrageously made up stories in quiet hushed tones to help lull you to sleep and then acts mock offended if you doubt that anything he says didn’t really happen.
Makes you cum on his mouth repeatedly until you’re so exhausted you have no choice but to fall asleep.
Jake
Can actually fall asleep anywhere at any time.
I still firmly believe that before Steven and Marc know about him he would front just to go to sleep because they are so bad at getting some shut eye and constantly run the body into the ground.
Has melatonin tablets and a whole pharmacy's worth of sleeping aids to share.
Will 100% take you for a drive to try to get you to fall asleep (or just to take you somewhere if you want, or if Steven has woken him up to drive.)
“Jake, I need you to drive to-”
“Steven… It's bedtime, time for sleep. No driving.”
“Oh, but S/O is having trouble sleeping and-”
Jake is already out of bed with his car keys in hand.
Will offer to be your weighted blanket and lay all over you.
Says he will threaten Khonshu to keep the sun down so you can rest if it takes you a while to get to sleep.
Tries to (lovingly) bore you to sleep by counting sheep out loud and in detail. “This one is a Merino sheep, the ones that are very fluffy. Her name is Harold. She likes grass, but not clover. Which is unusual for a sheep. So that’s one so far, one sheep. Now this next one is…”
Doesn’t offer sexy times because he doesn’t want to be pushy, however if you suggest it he’s happily all over you.
____________________________________
Thank you for reading!
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If you'd like to be taken off the tag list please let me know here
#marc spector#moon knight#moon knight mcu#marc spector x reader#x reader#marc spector x you#x you#marc spector x gender neutral reader#x gender neutral reader#marc spector x gn!reader#x gn!reader#my writing#fanfic#oscar isaac#oscar isaac characters#steven grant#steven grant x reader#steven grant x you#steven grant x gender neutral reader#steven grant x gn!reader#jake lockley#jake lockley x reader#jake lockley x you#jake lockley x gender neutral reader#jake lockley x gn!reader
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This is the first modernist home built in the UK and it is classy. The 1920s home in Amersham, UK has 6bds and offers over £3M/$3.809M are being accepted.
Beautiful entrance hall. The home also has elements of Art Deco. It looks like the frosted glass doors slide shut to make walls. I love the art deco lights above the doorways.
If you don't like the tree in the middle, use the fountain. You'll see that the ceiling goes up into the 2nd fl.
The home just gives off sleek, classy vibes. In this sitting room, the hearth is metal. I've never seen that before.
The library/den/music room has rich wood cabinetry and I like the way the the fireplace looks. It also has a metal hearth and mirrored columns.
The dining room is definitely art deco and has gold leaf-look walls.
The kitchen is ultra modern. It looks like they painted the kitchen bright white and it drowns the color in the photos.
In these older photos, you can see the color better- the cabinets are light blue and the appliances are chef's quality.
The home contains several reception rooms. This one is large and bright. It appears to have an art area in the corner. It would make an amazing art studio.
On the 2nd floor, this is the opening you see in the entrance hall. Isn't this a unique architectural feature in a room? I would think that it would be out in the hall.
There's a bedroom wing. This may or may not be the primary bedroom.
This is an empty bedroom suite with bath. Great built-ins.
This smaller bedroom is a guest room.
Look at the bas relief wall art behind the tub.
And, here's another large reception room.
Terraces and patios around the exterior of the home.
Very large terraces on the home.
Stairs down to a pond water feature. The grounds are park-like.
https://www.aucoot.com/buy/?
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pairing: dad!bucky barnes x au pair!reader
warnings: age gap (reader is 10 years younger than bucky), smut (18+, dni if under 18)
author’s note: things are picking up now xx
masterlist
and you understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars
Waking up on a Friday was also the toughest thing to do. At least, it had become an issue ever since Sadie realised that the 5th day of the week usually meant the last one at kindie before she got to spend the next two days at home. In fewer words, the two year old had learned the concept of a regular working week which is a feat considering her father blatantly disregards the sanctity of a Monday to Friday work week in favour of a messier approach. Y/N was almost sure his motto was screw work-life balance; nevertheless, Sadie made it incredibly hard to bathe and dress with all her excitement with what to do over the weekend, specially since Steve was around.
She finished brushing and braiding Sadie's hair, straightening her uniform so she wouldn't get yet another passive aggressive note from the PTA mums complaining about tidy uniforms - as if it was possible to get a 2 year old to be tidy. The two went downstairs with Sadie running to the breakfast table once she saw some donuts laying around which she was sure to only eat the pink icing of and hand Y/N or Bucky the donut itself.
There was something ... off. Bucky was silently buttering a slice of toast and Steve was staring into the further wall which Y/N knew was not that interesting.
- Who died? - Y/N asked as she sat down.
- It's Friday morning, Y/N. Sorry if we're not singing Kumbaya my lord. - Bucky replied, taking a bite of his toast.
- Thank god, you can't hold a tune. - Y/N smirked, helping Sadie place a napkin on her lap. - We're gonna need to get Sadie a new uniform, by the way.
- A new one? - Bucky looked up from his plate. - Swear we bought her that one a few months ago.
- We need to get the winter uniform. She doesn't fit the one from last year and it's starting to get chilly.
- Take the AMEX and buy it today. - Bucky fished through his wallet before handing Y/N the gold card. - Oh, get her one of those lunchbox thingies. I saw some kids with them the other day.
- Hm, now describe such lunchbox thingie, Sergeant.
- What do you mean? The thingies the kids carry along with their lunchbox for soup or water. The round thing.
- A thermos? Why would Sadie need a thermos?
- Yeah Bucky, she's a 2 year old not a college student. - Steve said, handing Sadie a donut. - She doesn't need one.
- Y/N get her one. Get one for yourself too, you eat soup right?
- I have a thermos, thank you.
Sadie, as expected, ate the sprinkles and frosting off the donut and handed the half eaten donut to Y/N. She excused her from the table, kissing the top of her head and sending her on her merry way to wash her hands and get her backpack, leaving Y/N to bring the dirty dishes to the kitchen. Bucky followed behind like a puppy, carrying some leftover pastries and fruit to put in the fridge before they ended up with fruit flies.
- Are you going to Columbia today? - he said, opening the fridge nonchalantly.
- No. I'm going to come back home after dropping Sadie. I have some online meetings booked with some experts in the UK and France about some topics in my PhD and the library didn't have any available private rooms.
- I'll ask Steve to come down with me to the office then.
- That's not necessary. - Y/N loaded the dishwasher with the plates, looking at Bucky, taking a very good look. He didn't look as put together as he usually did. His hair, usually wavy yet gelled into place, was messy and he wasn't wearing his suit yet. - I'll just go to my bedroom.
- You can use my office. - was he trying to get on her good graces once more? - The internet signal is better there.
- It's your office, Sergeant. I'm not gonna use it.
- I absolutely hate it when you call me Sergeant. - he shut the fridge, leaning against it. - Look ...
He sighed, his eyes not meeting hers.
- I'm sorry. - those words came from his lips very slowly, as if it pained to say them and if Bucky were being honest it pained him to say them. Bucky wasn't sorry but that didn't mean he wanted Y/N to hate him forever. - It's not my place to interfere with your relationship.
- I know. - she shrugged. - If you think your opinion of my love life interferes with it in any way, you're wrong.
- I'm just trying to look out for you. There's a lot of wolves in New York.
- I'm not a country bumpkin, Sergeant. I know how to look after myself.
- So ... are you and Chris Davis dating then?
- That it none of your business, Sergeant.
- It actually is. - he smirked. - You see, you are my employee, he is my employee which means if two of my employees are dating they should tell HR.
- You're not HR, you're the CEO.
- Maybe I multitask, how about that?
- That would be illegal and a conflict of interests, Sergeant. Besides, why are you so interested in my relationship? Are you bored of yours?
- He's just not the type of guy I would picture you with.
Of course not. Bucky had always considered Y/N would end up with someone ambitious, someone who'd crawl and give blood, sweat and tears to get what they wanted. Chris Davis, although not a complete dunce, was not that. He was smart but he wasn't innovative - what he was good at was packaging old ideals to newer audiences. He didn't come up with new marketing ideas, nothing that hadn't been done and when he did it was usually under the guide of an executive. He wasn't his worse employee but he also wasn't his best and Bucky wanted Y/N to have the best.
- Clearly. - Y/N dried her hands. - As if you have a good track record of relationships.
- Is this about Anna? Are you still pissed off because of Anna?
- You can't treat people like crap and then expect them to forgive you.
- I know but you have to understand that me and Anna ...
- You are a father first, Sergeant. You can't potentially hurt your child because you're so blinded by this stupid notion of "a real family". You and Sadie are a real family, you don't need Anna and you can't force her. If Sadie was any older she could've gotten very hurt.
- I know but if it had gone well ...
- Bucky. - Y/N interrupted him. She didn't want to be mean, she didn't want to be hateful about a woman she'd never met, specially the woman who birthed Sadie. - If you think the woman who left a baby in front of your door and has never attempted contact would suddenly change your mind, you're naive.
- You wanna know what's funny? - he moved away from the fridge to get closer to her.
Y/N almost took a step back. She didn't like being close to Bucky, it was always weird for her. Bucky, despite being her boss, was an attractive man, an attractive and imposing figure and she sometimes would find herself divided between fear of what he would say and fear of what she usually did at night when she thought of him.
- I don't think anything is funny about that situation.
- Anna would've liked you. - he said before turning around, almost happy that he'd gotten her a bit speechless for a while, happy he got to be the dominant one for a bit. - And you would've liked Anna.
- I doubt I'd like any woman who would willingly sleep with you.
- She didn't like any woman who would willingly sleep with me either. - Y/N rolled her eyes, not really understanding what Bucky was trying to get at. He was always like this, jumped over bad moments looking for some peaceful solitude in an off hand joke or confusing statement. - Are we gonna continue being mad at one another?
- Who said I was mad at you?
- Fine, if you're not mad then take my office upstairs for your meetings.
Before Y/N could reply something regarding his very flawed logic who wouldn't win him any debate, Sadie came walking through the kitchen, dragging her backpack through the floor and her yellow raincoat so Y/N could help her onto the plastic garment.
- Hey squid. - Bucky lowered down to her help, taking over Y/N to help Sadie into her raincoat. - Do you want a thermos?
- What? - she looked at him eyes wide, probably not knowing what a thermos even was. The red head looked at her au pair, looking for clues about what her dad was talking about. Y/N just smiled and shrugged. - Yes.
- See? Told you she wanted a thermos. - Bucky picked her up to kiss her cheek, directing his voice towards Y/N.
- She doesn't know what a thermos is, Bucky. - Y/N took Sadie from him.
(...)
When she returned from dropping Sadie off, buying her an overpriced uniform and a thermos which she would probably only use by the time she was 12, she found an empty house. Bucky had made good on his promise, leaving a note telling her Steve was with him as well as where to find the key to the office. The office was usually locked due to Sadie, according to Bucky, having almost gotten hurt. If Bucky's dramatic retelling was to be believed, when Sadie had started to walk she'd manage to get into the office and grab a stapler which she was keen on using until Bucky caught her. However knowing Bucky and knowing 2 year old Sadie who still struggled to reach the handles of doors, she reckoned he was overreacting or probably saw something similar in one of those "scare the parents" TV shows.
Nevertheless, the office/study had been locked and Y/N had never had been inside, yet once she got inside, it looked like what she expected Bucky to have as a work space. It was white, bright and minimalist with a few knickknacks from when he had been stationed in Italy and some first version novels which had undoubtedly came from his mother. His desk was deep mahogany, neatly kept with all contents at a 90 degree angle.
She moved to seat on his chair, putting her laptop on the middle of her desk and logging into Zoom. She waited for the right time, her eyes hoovering over everything in his desk from the gold pens, to the tape and the photo frames. He had a big photo of Sadie when she was a newborn followed by a few others, yet what called her attention were two gold circled frames - one with a photo of Sadie and Y/N when she had first started to work for them and one of Y/N and Sadie at Christmas.
She didn't allow herself to dwell much on it, she had meetings to get to. Besides, this was nothing big. It was just a photo of his daughter that he liked which Y/N happened to appear in. She had bigger fish to fry now than wondering about Bucky.
(...)
The work day wasn't any better for Bucky. Steve was being, well, Steve and to describe Steve is to describe someone who likes playing both sides to get to a decision which everyone is happy with. He knew he shouldn't have brought up the stuff about his wife, Steve would never try to break a relationship, heck he wouldn't even think it. Nevertheless, now Steve and Y/N were upset at him - maybe they can unionise and start a little "We hate Bucky", maybe they'll get branded thermos.
- Sergeant Barnes? - his assistant knocked on the door. She was pretty, very pretty and Bucky was almost certain they'd slept together ... almost. Yet today not even the pretty assistant could sort his mood out. - Christopher Davis wants to talk to you.
- Christopher Davis? - oh yes, the best way to make his day, seeing Chris Davis. - What does he want?
- He says it'll be a quick word, Sergeant Barnes. Should I send him in?
- 5 minutes. - he sighed, closing his laptop. Maybe making Chris Davis squirm would make his day, yet again, he was sure the "We hate Bucky" club would not enjoy that. Besides, it was hair washing tonight for Sadie and last time he tried, he had ended up inside the bathtub.
Chris Davis walked into the office, the mere sight of him ignoring Bucky. Did Y/N seriously find that attractive? He was so bland, so boring, the only interesting thing about him was that he was rich and Bucky was almost certain he only finished his PhD because his godmother is Professor Anderson. Nevertheless, here he was, taking a seat in one of the chairs of his office without even asking. This is the guy who gets to see Y/N naked? Life really is unfair.
- What do you need Davis?
- I know this will probably be crossing a line but I was wondering if you could let Y/N have the weekend off.
- What Y/N? - he cocked a brow at him.
- My Y/N.
- My daughter's au pair Y/N? - Bucky rested against his chair, looking down at the man in front of him. - Why?
- I was thinking of taking her to the new restaurant downtown but she said she was busy with Sadie. I wouldn't ask but it's really hard to get reservations and I got one and I would love to take her.
Oh, this was fun.
- Y/N has always had the weekends off. She doesn't work weekends unless she wants to, specially not this weekend which I'll spend at home. Besides, she doesn't have a fixed work schedule.
- Oh ...
- Maybe fix your communication issues with her before you come and waste my precious time, Davis. You can go now.
(...)
Having meeting after meeting had really wasted all energy Y/N had and to congratulate herself for not crying when someone suggested another alteration to her project with a thick French accent, she decided to cuddle against one of Bucky's many small yet cuddly cashmere blankets in the couch of the living room watching Gilmore Girls. She was close to snoozing off when the front door opened and closed. It could be Bucky, Steve or a burglar but she was much too tired to actually check.
- Oh, Y/N, do I have some gossip to share with you. - Bucky. It was Bucky and it was the first time she'd heard him say the word gossip. That couldn't be good.
He walked with a douchey smile to stand in front of the TV, sitting on top of the coffee table and staring at her, just waiting for her to question him on it and she was much too tired to avoid playing his game.
- What? Someone you fucked got pregnant?
- Someone came into my office asking about you. I didn't know that you were gonna be busy with Sadie this week. Isn't Steve taking her to Coney Island?
- What?
- You're using me and my kid as an excuse not to go out with Chris Davis? - he chuckled. - What? Is he a bad lay or something?
- Oh shut up!
- Small dick?
- This is highly unprofessional. - she turned around to face the couch.
- And sleeping on my couch isn't? C'mon, tell me, Y/N. Are you tired to pretend to orgasm or have you just figured out he's just bland.
- You're such a child! - she got up, folding the blankets so she could get away from her but he kept going after her. - Why don't you go pick up your daughter?
- Steve has her. I wanna know more, I thought everything was okay in the Y/N-Chris relationship. Is he one of those guys who cries when he cums? Is that it? Is he a crier?
- Why won't you shut up?
- Or maybe he can't find your clit. You know, he can barely find the copy room sometimes and that's way bigger.
- He is perfectly fine, I just don't want to hang out and I didn't want to hurt his feelings but because you can't lie to save your goddamn life I know have to go.
- He's taking you to Le Coucou, you may want to brush your hair before you go. The poor thing fought so hard to get reservations but obviously you prefer to eat buttered noodles with Sadie.
- I have been to Le Coucou.
- I know, I took you there. - he smirked. - And here I was thinking you'd soon start bringing your boyfriend around.
- I don't want to go. I'm tired, I need to wash Sadie's hair tonight and that will take time and I am not in the headspace to get ready.
- I'm sure Chris would love it if you came in with a soaked white t-shirt.
- You're a dick, Bucky.
Before Bucky could continue with his teasing about it, Y/N's phone started ringing. She grabbed it from the counter and put it up to her ear as she saw Sadie's school number. Bucky watched, mostly hoping it was Chris so he could tease her some more but as the colour drained from her face, he realised he wasn't. She put her phone down and looked at Bucky.
- We have to go. - Y/N looked overwhelmed, looking around fo something. - Sadie has appendicitis. They called an ambulance and she's going to the New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
- Shit. - Bucky rushed to grab his keys.
- Where's her toy, where's a toy? - Y/N started throwing pillows around, looking for Sadie's cuddly toy.
- Y/N, let's go.
- NO! - she screamed at him. - She's scared and when she's scared she needs her toy and I knew, I knew she was a bit off when I dropped her off and I should've known better and I ...
- Y/N. - he held her shoulders, stopping her in place. - I'll go find her toy, get the car going and drive there.
- But yo ...
- I'll get a cab. Now you go and stay with her, I'll meet you there with the cuddly toy. Go.
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#sebastian stan#sebastian stan x reader#sebastian stan/reader#sebastian stan imagine#sebastian stan x y/n#sebastian stan x you#sebastian stan/you#sebastian stan/y/n#bucky barnes#bucky imagine#bucky/reader#bucky x reader#bucky x you#bucky/you#bucky x y/n#bucky/y/n
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Elbert Greetia Episode 0
Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors.
Pale lips, bloodless white cheeks, trembling limbs.
My first impression was that she didn’t look like a person suited for sin.
Elbert: “Al, do I have to go too?”
Alfons: “Yes, seeing how it’s such a lovely evening. Also, there might be something you’ll like at the target’s mansion.”
Elbert: “I see. Okay.”
Victor: “Tonight, let’s pledge our loyalty to our evil deeds again.”
The Crown, an organization directly under Queen Victoria, is composed solely of “cursed” individuals.
From espionage to assassination, we undertake shadowy jobs that the police or the military cannot handle.
I’m a member of that organization, but一
(I don’t really like going on missions.)
Using my ability to “revive the opponent’s saddest memories” and seeing the target suffer with it is like adding to my sins, making it harder to breathe every time.
(But as Alfons says, maybe I’ll find what I’m looking for.)
Something that can atone for my sins. Something worthy of what I’ve taken away.
(The most beautiful thing in this world.)
I gently close my eyes, feeling a dark, murky lump wriggling deep in my chest.
Victor: “By the way, William found a cute Robin in the city today.”
(A robin?)
Robins are not very rare here in the UK. In fact, people love them because they are friendly and familiar.
If he’s specifically saying he “found” it, then it’s likely not about a bird.
Alfons: “When you say Robin, are you referring to someone very lovely?”
Alfons: “Or are you referring to someone who brings water to sinners and gets burned by the flames of hell?”
William: “Well, maybe both.”
William: “According to Victor, she apparently defended a poor girl who had stolen jewelry on the roadside and paid for the stolen items in her place.”
Elbert: “That’s very kind of her.”
Alfons: “But she seems like the type to suffer losses.”
William: “You could also say she has her own sense of right and wrong.”
(To think she’d defend someone who committed a crime...)
(She must be strong and kind.)
Elbert: “If she’s that kind of person, it might be best for us not to get involved with her.”
William: “That might be true.”
With a narrowed gaze and a smile, William seemed to be expecting something contrary to that.
William: “Hm? Aren’t you the little Robin I met earlier today?”
Kate: “Huh? Eh? What?”
As it turned out, the woman referred to as “Robin” appeared before us.
(Is that her...?)
Amidst the deep darkness and the blood-red dance hall, she stood alone, bathed in moonlight and shining brightly.
(I don’t know why, but I can’t take my eyes off her.)
Pale lips, bloodless white cheeks, and trembling limbs.
(She doesn’t seem like the kind of person who would be fit for sin.)
A feeling similar to envy suddenly came to mind.
Liam: “Is she your acquaintance, Will? Does she know about us?”
William: “We just talked a bit in town, Liam. She doesn’t know about the Crown.”
Liam: “I see. Then we’re in trouble. What should we do?”
Harrison: “I apologize for scaring you, but this is just a prop for a stage play.”
Kate: “Y-You’re lying...”
Harrison: “Pretending to believe would’ve been for your own good.”
Harrison: “What do we do about this, Will?”
William: “Of course, we should take her to the palace’s grim reaper.”
Jude: “Tch. I told you to lock the door.”
Roger: “Haha! I didn’t think anyone would trespass. You’re quite the naughty girl, aren’t you, little lady?”
Ellis: “Why don’t you come over here? You can’t escape, anyway.”
The moment she heard the words “can’t escape,” she grimaced.
Her appearance, a mess of fear and confusion, resonated with a younger version of myself.
------------Flashback------------
Maid: “Kyaaah!! Someone! Someone help! Madam is!!!”
---------Flashback Ends---------
The fear and confusion that had overwhelmed me when I peeked through the gap in the door and heard the maid’s scream from my mother’s room resurfaced.
(Poor thing.)
It was awful and heartbreaking.
My mother’s death was undoubtedly my fault. That's why my fear back then was something I deserved to experience.
(But you're different.)
You had no connection to the scene unfolding before us.
(A kind person who even extends a helping hand to a sinner doesn't deserve to experience fear.)
(Why did you even end up in a place like this?)
William: "Let me invite you to tonight's dinner. What's your name, dear guest?"
Under the control of William's ability, she introduced herself as Kate.
I thought it was a sweet name.
As she was being taken to the castle, she had been staring anxiously at the sky the whole time.
Kate: "I'm sorry."
Elbert: "It's fine. Are you alright?"
I held her staggering shoulders, and she looked at me for the first time.
Kate: "I'm okay. Thank you."
Elbert: "Is that so?"
(Still, why am I captivated?)
Is it because I felt sorry for her?
Or is it because I heard that she is a strong and kind person from Will?
An inexplicable urge to gaze at her welled up from the depths of my heart.
(Or maybe...)
Because she's beautiful?
I felt like I heard a deep and heavy whisper from within my heart.
Then, as a result of negotiations between Victor and her, Kate decided to stay in the castle as a "fairy tale writer" for one month.
I asked Alfons if she was beautiful, but he simply denied it.
On sleepless nights, as always, I wander around the garden.
Gazing at the blooming white roses, I looked up at the castle and saw a light in a room that should have been empty until yesterday.
(Is she still awake?)
She probably couldn't sleep through the night either.
(One month, huh?)
(If, by any chance, I have the opportunity to accompany her on a mission, the only thing I can do is close her eyes so that she won't get hurt anymore.)
While I was thinking about such things, her eyes suddenly came back to my mind.
(But if she is what I am looking for...)
I would obtain her, even if I had to hurt this innocent girl.
Conflicting emotions of anxiety, fear, anticipation, and excitement surged and engulfed me.
Elbert: "Are you what I am looking for?"
Elbert: "Kate..."
No answer came back from the dimly lit window, and before I knew it, a freshly picked, pure white rose lay in the palm of my hand.
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Dyes widely used in the textile, food and pharmaceutical industries pose a pressing threat to plant, animal and human health, as well as natural environments around the world, a new study has found.
Billions of tons of dye-containing wastewater enter water systems every year, and a group of researchers from the UK, China, Korea and Belgium say that new sustainable technologies including new membrane-based nano-scale filtration are needed to solve the issue, adding that legislation is needed to compel industrial producers to eliminate colorants before they reach public sewage systems or waterways.
Published today in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, the study Environmental impacts and remediation of dye-containing wastewater was written by academics from the University of Bath, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), and KU Leuven, Belgium.
The research highlights that currently, up to 80% of dye-containing industrial wastewaters created in low- and middle-income countries are released untreated into waterways or used directly for irrigation. The authors say this poses a wide range of direct and indirect threats to human, animal and plant health
Continue Reading
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five years ago, louis was debating whether he should quit music or not.
today, he’s just finished his first highly successful world tour, with another upcoming to celebrate his second album, which ranked #1 in the uk—casually dethroning bruce springsteen—and top 5 in the us. there have been countless obstacles thrown in his path, but he’s overcome every single one and never let them crush his spirit. as a result, he’s in a place where he’s happy and confident in himself and his craft. this is a well-earned, well-deserved victory, and i hope he’s bathing in it (arm out of the water.)
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March 9, 2024 Japan release, US/UK likely a year later.
Sea Otter Siblings playset
Sister Marina and baby Manon. Rest of family sold seperately.
Set contains a shell shaped bucket, 2 shells, a crab, a fish, 2 goggles (one for kids and one for babies) a floatie boat for babies, a fish net, a snorkel, and the sister's dress skirt can come off to "turn into a bathing suit"
Been loving all the water vibes lately. like I said in the other post, they remind me of oshawott from pokemon lol
#calico critters#sylvanian families#new release#toy news#otters#sea otters#jp release#toys#toy collector
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Chokehold: Pt. IV
Vessel x Reader x Noah Sebastian
Things have already become a little messy as you spend more time in the UK. Lies being made and overwhelming thoughts are occupying your mind, despite the need for that to not even exist.
A/N: I did not realize how quickly two weeks just flew by since I last updated… so here’s a longer part with some drama for all of you<3
Word Count: 6.3k
Content warning: instances of extreme anxiety and overthinking, distressing situations, sexual tendencies, harassment, violence
—————————
“Hey pretty girl, I’ve been waiting for you to call.” Hearing his voice on the other end nearly blindsided you. Although you were the one to initiate the call, him actually picking up is what had you nervous.
“Hey Noah.” You responded, running your hand under the water coming from the faucet to check the temperature. You heard the sound of him shuffling around, presumably in his bed due to what time it’d currently be in LA.
“Are you taking a bath right now?” He asked, you could hear the tone of his voice perk up. You roll your eyes, typical Noah. “What are you getting ready for?”
You sink into the warm water and sighed when it hit your sore cunt, knowing you’re going to be feeling all of that for the rest of the day and into tomorrow. “Nothing, I just needed to take a bath. So what’s up with the sudden urge to talk to me?” His chuckle echoed through your phone speakers and bounced around the bathroom walls, not even giving you a chance before you find yourself smiling at it.
“I miss you that’s why.” He eventually says. “How did that technology detox go? Feeling less whacked out on it?” You snorted as you remembered the excuse you told Noah yesterday after the plane landed, technology detox… how convincing.
“Yeah… feeling like I should read more now and empower my brain with that rather than a screen.” You cupped water in your hands and splashed it onto your shoulders, not wanting to fully sink into the tub because you know you’d never get out.
“Don’t you read enough already?” Noah’s serious tone wrapped around you like a glove. One of the many things that irked you a bit about him was how much he enjoyed poking fun at your hobby for reading. He’d never been the one to just sit down with one of the books you recommended and actually see why you liked it so much. “I think you need to get out of your apartment more. Maybe come spend some time out in LA with me?”
There it was.
You squeezed your eyes shut. He was so quick to say it too, he couldn’t at least ask how you’ve been first? You didn’t know how to respond and once again found yourself fumbling to put a sentence together. Your best choice would be to tell him the truth, every single piece of it too. But yet something nagged at you from the back of your mind, does he really deserve the truth?
“You’re a little late for that Noah.” You responded, taking the folded cloth on the edge of the tub and adding body wash to it and began to gently clean yourself.
“Of course I am, let me guess you’re away at your parents house?” Well, if you insist. The smile that tugged at your lips was devilish, knowing that this will become much easier without him having a clue.
“I am. I spent my technology detox catching up with them.” You hoped you were sounding convincing enough for Noah. He’s gotten pretty good at knowing when someone is lying to him, so you grit your teeth as you await his response.
A chuckle from the line filled the silence. “That’s good to hear, Y/N. I know you were missing them. Chicago is still looking nice this time of year?”
You laughed at his attempts to make such casual conversation with you, any kind of conversing the two of you did ended with him fucking you senseless. “It’s nice, a little cold. It’s snowing here too.” You looked out the window that was tucked away a bit in the bathroom, giving some form of privacy despite the fact that Vessel had no neighbors. The snow had stopped falling sometime ago but the white dust that covered every piece of nature outside was relaxing to stare at, especially now that Noah had brought up being home.
Home. You mentally punched yourself in the gut over the fact that you just hopped on a plane to go all the way to London to stay with a man you’d only seen in person once, but constantly forgot to make trips back home to see your parents. You didn't even tell them you were coming here… That’s going to have to be another phone call you make today.
“I’m sure the snow is nice right now.” Noah snickered a little over the line until you heard another voice that sounded like Jolly calling for him. “Ahh duty calls, I must help Jolly move some shit around.”
“Tell him I said hi please!” You say enthusiastically.
“I will, but I better go before he comes in here and drags me out of my bed. Talk later?” The hope in his voice at the end is what made you want to sink into the water and never return.
“Of course Noah. Now go help Jolly out before he kills you.” You laughed a bit at the end as you could hear the door opening to Noah’s room, Jolly’s voice ringing out as he grew impatient. There was a little bit of a scuffle and some mumbled arguing then the call ended. You stared at your phone that rested on the ledge next to the tub now that it's gone silent, leaving the distant sounds of Vessel cooking in the kitchen to bring you back to reality.
You rested your head back against the tub and took a deep breath. For some reason you could not shake the anxiety that racked your body after the call with Noah, it came out of nowhere and made your chest feel tight. You took long and deep breaths, knowing this method usually helped when it came to your anxiety. But this time it made you feel worse.
The thoughts you tried to hold back hit you all at once. What the hell are you doing here? Why did you say yes? You have feelings for Vessel, but were they really enough for you to come all the way here? And if Noah had asked you before he did, would this be a completely different situation? Most certainly it’d be very different, but you didn’t even want to think about that.
You stared blankly at the water that has gone from warm to a cooler temperature and left your fingers pruned. Your foot moved through the water and you watched how swiftly it moved through the liquid, it was easy. If only your life could be like that, an ease to move through. But at this point it feels like you're moving through setting concrete.
And what if Vessel only wanted you here because he was bored and wanted something to do until he went back on tour? What if all those small things he did for you was just a facade? The second he leaves for tour is the second he stops caring about you, the second that all this gets thrown away and you’re left struggling once again to find the type of affection he gave you. He could so easily walk out of your life like so many have done before, what could possibly make him any different?
Hands gripped your arms tightly, pulling you out from the trance you’d put yourself in. Your eyes burned underneath the water when you opened them and your lungs screamed at you for air. Your body was pulled up from the position it had sunk into, allowing for you to take a deep breath and wipe the water from your eyes. Vessel was yelling but it sounded muffled to you, his eyes were wide with fear as you watched his mouth to try to figure out what he was saying.
“…Y/N please just focus on me.” You perked up once your ears had unclogged themselves and his voice was finally audible. “Jesus Christ you gave me a fucking heart attack.” His hand gripped tightly on your forearm, seemingly holding you up from slipping back under.
“What happened?” You asked. The confusion you felt from how you even ended up like that in the first place was all that came to mind as you tried piecing everything together.
Vessel sighed and pushed your hair behind your ear. “I don’t know. I came up here to tell you dinner was ready, when you didn’t answer I got a bad feeling and walked in on you just under the water and not moving.” He sounded terrified and looked like it too, he had tears threatening to break from his eyes as he spoke. “Why? Why would you try to do this to yourself?”
“I-’’ You didn’t know how to answer that. “I didn't intend for that to happen.” The look on his face broke your heart. He looked like he was so afraid to lose you, and in that moment you hated yourself for all that had run through your mind just moments before. His eyes searched yours for more than what you were giving him, he eventually gave up and sighed, pulling you to him and kissing your forehead.
“We can talk about that whenever you're ready.” He says quietly, holding you as tightly as he could. “Let’s get you out before you start turning blue again.” He lightheartedly said, standing up with his hands still wrapped around your arms which brings you to stand with him. He guided you to step out of the tub and onto the mat on the floor, taking the towel that was set aside for you and wrapping it around your body. He had you sit down on the toilet so he could towel dry your hair, his torso was pushed against your back as he carefully ran the towel through the strands.
“I can do this myself, Ves.” You say as he searched for a comb.
“You’re a delicacy at the moment. Anyways, I don’t mind it one bit.” He rummaged through the drawers and cabinets, looking for where you put your comb.
“Middle drawer on the left, it’s purple.” He happily pulled the drawer open and grabbed the comb, admiring the shade of purple that it was. He came back to you and gently ran it through your hair, being careful not to tug too hard when it came to any knots that formed. He focused until each strand was pristine and knot free, placing a kiss on the back of your head as a way to appreciate his work.
“What drawer do you keep your pajamas in?” He asked as he went towards the bedroom.
“Oh Ves please, you do not need to do any more for me.” You stood to protest him, following him out of the bathroom and into the room. “I promise you I will not break in half if you don’t help me with everything. You’ve done a lot already.” Your hand wrapped around his arm, squeezing it gently to reassure him. His eyes focused on your fingers that rested on his skin. He took a deep shaky breath, then stepped away from the drawers to let you find your pajamas.
You found your favorite t-shirt to sleep in; a very large gray shirt with a dinosaur couple on it sharing a spaghetti noodle like in Lady and The Tramp. You threw the towel that was wrapped around you onto the floor, pulling the shirt over your head and searching for a pair of boxers you loved to wear.
Picking up the towel to put it back to hang up in the bathroom, you could feel him watching your every movement. As you walked back into the room his eyes were stuck on you and not leaving anytime soon. He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed against his chest as he watched.
“So what did you make for dinner?” You asked, ignoring the fact that he would not take his eyes off of you.
He stood up straight and cleared his throat, eyes finally moving elsewhere. “I made potato soup. I thought the weather today made it a perfect soup for dinner kind of day.”
A smile tugged at your lips. “Little do you know… I love potato soup.” His eyes lit up so bright when you said that, almost like a kid who just walked into a candy store. “But will yours be as good as my mom’s?”
“Guess we’ll have to find out.” Vessel motioned you to leave the room first, quickly following behind you. The aromas coming from the kitchen were enough to make your stomach grumble loudly. Perhaps not eating all day wasn’t the smartest idea, but that just meant you could savor this dinner as much as you wanted to.
You stepped into the kitchen and let out a gasp at the sight in front of you; Vessel had gone out of his way to make the little table in the corner look like you were about to dine in a fancy restaurant. He covered the wooden table with a white cloth, pulled out some china that looked like it’d never been used before. There was a bottle of wine on the table waiting to be poured into the glasses nearby. You glanced down at what you were wearing and felt a tad embarrassed, maybe that’s why he wanted to choose your pajamas…
“You like it?” He asks.
“I love it,” you respond, walking to one of the chairs to take a seat. Before you could even reach for the back of it, Vessel had pulled it out for you and waited for you to sit before pushing it back to the table. “Did you really do all of this for me?”
He smiled as he walked away to grab the pot of soup. “Maybe.” He filled a bowl for you and then for himself, settling down across from you with an expectant expression on his face. “Aren’t you going to try it?”
“I was waiting for you before I started, I never eat until whoever is in my company is ready to.” You say taking the spoon and picking up the thick liquid, taking a quick whiff of it before putting it in your mouth. His eyes were on you again as you let your tastebuds decide whether it was better than mom’s or not. “Hmm.”
Vessel raised a brow as you teased. “Did I beat your mum’s recipe or not?”
“Woah, slow down there pretty boy. Give me some time to decide.” You chuckled while taking another scoop of the soup to your mouth and tasting it again. It felt like you were a food critic and Vessel was the chef whose reputation depended on your word, you honestly found it adorable. “I’ll give it a 9.5/10.” His face lit up as he smiled wide, finally digging into the food himself.
The two of you sat in a comfortable silence as you ate. The slight tension that was between the two of you after the bathtub incident had gone away, at least you felt like it wouldn’t exactly be the main topic of conversation at the dinner table. But, you remained silent anyways, not wanting the word bath to come out of his mouth.
—————————
Two days have passed since then, no word about it has been spoken between you guys. Vessel seemed to not want to start that conversation and just leave it to you to bring it up whenever you're ready, if you’d ever be ready.
You spent a lot of time cooped up in his house, sitting in silence with a book in hand and enjoying each other's company. It was really nice. A refreshing feeling in your life compared to every other failed attempt at something you would even consider a “relationship”.
He’d cook for you and you’d watch, putting random songs on that made him laugh each time he’d turn around and notice you dancing around. You’d stand behind him and place your hands on his hips, moving them around to try and get him to dance along as he laughed even harder at your attempt.
That was one of the things you were really starting to like about him; his laugh. The way his nose scrunched up and how tight his eyes would close as he let out the most genuine, hearty laugh you’ve ever heard. The times where he’d just make absolutely no noise and stand there bent over with his hands on his knees after you did something stupid were your favorite.
It was something you knew you couldn’t deny for longer, how you felt for Vessel. It was becoming so obvious to yourself now and more than likely he picked up on it too, certainly he had feelings for you as well and he was not afraid to show you that he did. But there was that part of you that was slightly afraid to admit it and show him the same.
Your eyes flickered from the words on the pages in front of you when Vessel’s phone lit up on the table beside him, a sigh coming from him as it disrupted the focus he had on the book he read. You went back to yours, realizing that you’ve completely lost where you even remembered reading last.
You rested your head back against the couch and put the book in your lap, looking over at Vessel as he smirked at his phone while typing away. You watched curiously as he paused, seemingly waiting for a response, then quickly typing again. He glanced at you while you watched and a smile now sat on his face. “How do you feel about clubbing?”
You perked up in interest. “Did it a bit when I was younger, why?”
“Just got a text from III asking if we’d want to join him and the others at a club tonight.” He sat back on his side of the couch, mimicking how you were currently sitting. “He kinda wants to meet you. As does II and IV…”
“They know about me?” You ask in surprise.
He rolled his eyes. “Well duh, Y/N. They’re my closest friends, of course they know about the beautiful American girl staying in my house.” He ended his sentence with a wink that made you blush.
“As long as I get to meet your friends and spend time with you, I think clubbing sounds like fun.” You smiled and then laughed as the thought hit you. “And maybe I’ll be able to get your ass to dance with me.”
“I’m always in the middle of making food when you try, would you rather I let it burn so I could dance with you?” Vessel is quick to sass you as he stands up and stretches. “I’ll call an Uber at 9, does that give you enough time to get ready?”
You glanced at your phone to check the time, it was only 7 o’clock. “That gives me plenty.” You hopped up from your spot on the couch, walking past Vessel and giving him a kiss on the cheek that flushed immediately after your touch.
As you headed back to the room to get ready, you couldn’t remember if you packed any clothes you’d consider clubbing attire. When you used to go all the time as a teen with all your friends, you’d pick the sluttiest thing in your closet, which would always help you get into the club despite the bouncer’s suspicion on your fake ID.
You rummaged through the closet, looking for your dresses you knew you’d packed. And nothing. Absolutely nothing. Instead of giving up hope on your past self for packing everything, you go to the dresser drawer where you had put away the skirts you took with you.
The gasp that escaped you when you realized you had packed the one skirt you’d been dying to wear came into view; it was a black leather mini skirt that zipped up on the side. You threw it onto the bed as you ran back to the closet, searching for the perfect top to go with it. You settled for a black lace bodysuit that was long sleeved and decided putting on your platform calf boots would complete the outfit well.
You never got the chance to dress up and look nice anymore, so you decided it was best to go all out. Even if you were going to be in a dark club where the only people who would be able to see your makeup would have to be standing nose to nose with you. At least you knew Vessel might like it.
You stood in front of the bathroom mirror and started your makeup, taking a little bit of time to try and make sure you didn’t fuck up the eyeliner and your eyebrows too much. It was refreshing getting ready like this and feeling like your younger self again. It didn’t take long for your makeup to come out the way you wanted it to, a good sign that tonight was going to be a great one.
Finding your phone, you check the time; 8:45, not bad for being rusty in your makeup abilities. You grabbed a small purse you like to use occasionally and put your wallet and phone inside.
“Ves?” You called out as you spritzed your perfume on.
“Yeah?” His voice echoed back from his room.
“I’m ready whenever you are.” You left your room and entered his room, eyes growing wide once you saw what he was wearing; black skinny jeans paired with a black t-shirt and leather jacket, his black boots completing the attire. “Are we that emo or what?” Despite the chuckle that came from you, it was hard to take your eyes off of him and how fucking attractive he looked. He turned around and did a double take at you, his eyes wandering over every part of your outfit and face.
“Funny thing is, we’re all just going to be a group of emos.” He smirked as his eyes glanced at the amount of your thighs that were exposed by the skirt for the millionth time. “I’ll order an Uber now since I’m all good to go, and also let III know that we’re heading out.” Vessel stepped closer to you as he tapped away on his phone, after a minute he put it back in his pocket and noticed how close he’d accidentally got to you. His eyes lingered on yours again as he pushed your hair behind your ears, his fingers trailing along your jawline and lifting your chin a bit to examine your makeup. “You look good, really good.”
Your cheeks heated up as he kept his fingers on your chin, his thumb ran over your bottom lip with a little force. “Are you trying to smudge my lipstick?” You asked, lightly swatting his hand away.
A smirk curled at his lips. “I’m just testing it to see if it’ll stay after a makeout or two.” He grinned cheekily as you shoved at his chest making him stumble back a tad. His phone buzzed in his pocket, the notification coming from the Uber informing you that they had arrived.
You followed Vessel downstairs, letting him lead the way to the car waiting outside for the two of you. The Uber rolled down the window and double checked that she was picking up the right people, after Vessel confirmed it was right he opened the back door for you to get inside, letting you settle before shutting it behind you.
The Uber turned in her seat and looked at your outfit. “My dear you are beautiful, I love the top.” You smiled wide at her compliment and thanked her, returning the compliment on her brighter hair color.
Vessel joined you in the backseat and the driver pulled off, putting on some music for you to listen to. Vessel’s hand rested on your thigh as he stared out the window, you watched him as the passing lamp posts illuminated his face ever so often and he would tap his fingers along with the beat of the song playing on the radio. You placed your hand on top of his, pushing your fingers between his and encasing his hand with yours. The size difference was a little silly, especially since yours was on top, but it didn’t matter to you.
The drive took only thirty minutes from his house to the club that was in the middle of London. It was pretty packed already, a line was extended out the door as a bouncer slowly let people in.
“You can drop us off here,” Vessel says. “Thank you for the ride.”
“Thank you honey!” You say as you got out of the car and waved to the sweet driver. Vessel’s hand rested on your hip as he guided you to the sidewalks, his eyes scanning around for the familiar sight of his friends. The brisk air hitting your bare thighs sent shivers up your spine as you found yourself trying to look for them too, but realizing you had no idea what they looked like.
You noticed the group of three guys standing together, one waving over at the two of you and the others in a conversation with one another. Vessel’s pace quickened a bit as you grew closer to the group, watching as the tallest of them was giving Vessel a thumbs up the entire time.
“Gentlemen.” Vessel says sarcastically, earning a glare from the one who stood more eye level with you. “This is Y/N.” He motioned to you. “Y/N, this is III, II and IV, my bandmates.” The tallest out of the four of them and the one giving Ves a thumbs up was III, a bright smile on his face as he reached to shake your hand. The shortest (and probably the one who looked the most innocent) was II, he took your hand in his and kissed it after saying a hello. IV is who you stood eye level with but only because of the shoes you were wearing. Instead of taking your hand in his, he opted for pulling you in for a hug.
“I’m a hugger, sorry.” He says as he felt you tense up a bit, not expecting a hug.
You just smiled and hugged him back. “That’s alright, hugs are never a bad thing.” IV pulled away with a grin on his face and turned his attention to your outfit, he gave you the “okay” symbol with his hand and a nod of approval.
“Let’s get inside as soon as possible before you freeze.” II pointed out the fact that you were shivering, leaving Vessel to swiftly put his jacket over your shoulders and wrap his arm around you to pull you into him. “I was waiting for you to do that for her.”
“Shut up.” Vessel said as he turned to the line. It had shortened quite a bit since you’d arrived, now only a couple of people stood waiting to be let in. Thank goodness because it was really cold out and you needed a drink.
Luckily the bouncer just glanced at all of your IDs and let you inside, he clearly had enough of dealing with people for the night and at this point did not care who he let in. III had taken over leading the group through the club as he had a clear path splayed out in front of him of where he wanted to go. He stopped at a larger booth towards the middle of the club that was pushed further away from where the dance floor was in comparison to some other booths. He flung himself in and sat in the middle, letting II and IV fill in next to him. Vessel motioned for you to sit and he followed, squishing you a bit against his shoulders and IV’s.
A waiter had come over and III was shouting an order for shots over the loud music, giving him a thumbs up as he walked away. You sat back and listened as the boys caught up with each other, constantly yelling back and forth with Vessel occasionally leaning against you in order to hear II a little better.
Once the first round of shots arrived, you had become part of the conversation as it moved onto concerts, a topic you were very familiar with. You all cheered each other with your shots, then threw it back into your mouth. The liquor burned at your esophagus as you did your best not to make any faces at it. After not drinking as much as you used to, you weren’t exactly that great at hiding the fact that you hated tequila.
“Are you not one that likes tequila?” III shouts to you.
“I’m not one to do tequila shots.” You laugh at yourself, the others join you. Vessel draped his arm over your shoulders, his fingers traced delicate patterns on the fabric of your body suit. His face was close to yours, as you felt his lips grazing against your cheek.
The boys cheered on the waiter as he brought two more rounds of shots for the table. Vessel laughed at them as they downed them with ease, you on the other hand watched in jealousy. You brought two shot glasses to sit in front of you, taking one in your hand and throwing it back. The burning wasn’t as bad as the first time, but it still made you make a face.
“You’re keeping them down at least, that’s a good sign.” II shouted from across the table. “Please do not throw up. I don't want to see that.”
You shook your head. “Oh I don’t throw up anymore. Too many years of partying has turned my stomach to steel when it comes to most alcohols.”
“Most.” IV teased. You gave him a good shove as you raised the next shot to your lips, this third one going down a lot easier. “See you just needed to warm up a bit, miss party girl.”
“That’s exactly right.” You said, leaning back to rest against Vessel’s chest. He held you close with one hand that pressed gently against your stomach, you both sat and listened to the conversation the others had. It was interesting to see how they interacted in a regular setting compared to on stage, their personalities were so different but yet at the same time, you could see their stage presences shine at some points.
The first notes of the song that you always had to dance to when you were in a club began to play: S&M by Rihanna. You were a basic woman, you hear Rihanna come on you have to dance along to it. You sat back up quickly, turning to push at Vessel to get him out the booth.
“Move I need to go dance.” You say, shoving him closer to the edge.
“You like this song?” He asks with a smug look on his face, leaving the booth and putting a hand out for you to take.
“I love it, actually.” You say as you stand up. “And you’re going to dance with me.” Your grip tightened on his hand and you pulled him to the dance floor, where many people crowded around and danced to the beat of the song. Pushing your way through a bit until you found a spot you liked, letting go of Vessel’s hand so you could move around. The alcohol in your system really had you feeling yourself and the confidence boost it had given you was like no other, allowing you to move your hips around like no one was watching.
Your eyes flickered up to meet with Vessel’s, noticing they were fixated on you as you danced around. You smirked as you took one step forward and pressed your body against his, taking his hands to rest on your hips. You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled his face closer to yours, your nose brushing against his.
In one sudden gesture, Vessel had flipped you around and pressed his chest into your back. His one hand now resting on your lower stomach, and the other? He couldn’t help but place it around your neck. Your eyes closed at the light pressure he was applying on it, a new found butterfly fluttering around in your stomach from the sensation.
The song ended and transitioned into another one that wasn’t as fun to dance to. You pulled Vessel off the floor and back to the booth, noticing another round of shots on the table. You laughed at how pleased III looked with himself and choice of liquor.
“Are you ever going to order an actual drink?” You shout at him, noticing that II and IV had separate drinks they were sipping at.
“No! Those aren’t as fun.” He protested.
You shook your head. “Well you have fun with that, I’m going to find the restroom.” They all waved you off, except for Vessel who landed a smack on your ass as you walked away.
The restrooms weren’t too hard to find as the bright neon sign practically blinded you no matter where you stood in the club. You only went in there to check on your makeup, specifically because of Vessel choking you a bit as you danced. Your eyes teared up some and you couldn’t help but wonder if it messed up your eyeliner at all. Standing at the mirrors you checked your eyes closely, noticing nothing smudged. Perfect. Your hair got a little messed up though, but nothing that didn’t add to the intensity of your look already.
Your ears were ringing from being around the loud music and your throat felt a little scratchy, probably from the amount of yelling you’ve been doing trying to have a conversation with the group. Perhaps a club wasn’t the best choice for your first time meeting Vessel’s band… oh well you were having a great time and couldn’t really care about the practicality of it all.
Once you were satisfied with yourself, you left the bathroom and returned to the loud club. Squeezing past multiple people making out along the back wall and eyeing the small group of people doing lines, you accidentally bumped into someone while you weren’t paying attention.
“Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.” You shout to the man, hoping you didn’t spill anything he was holding. He turned around and the expression on his face went from annoyed to elated.
“Is alrigh’ darlin’.” He slurred, patting your shoulder. You gave him a smile and went to head to the booth, when you realized he would not let you move from in front of him. “Where… do ya think you’re goin’? Come dance with me…” His hand gripped your shoulder tightly as he pulled you towards the dance floor.
“No, I’m not interested. I need to get back to my friends.” You pry at his hand that was seemingly glued to you, his grip was that strong. “Man let go of me!” That only spurred him to drag your body to be pressed uncomfortably tight against him, the smell of alcohol poisoning your airways as he breathed heavily on you.
A loud smack and a sharp pain rang from your ass as his hand came down hard against it, giving it a painful squeeze afterwards. You were quick to react; shoving him away as hard as you could muster and then landing a hard blow on his face with your fist. The people around you gasped as he fell to the floor covering his nose that was bleeding profusely. Your arm raised again as you stepped over him, about to give him another for good measure, until a hand wrapped around your fist. You turn around and see that Vessel was standing behind you, his eyes burning into you.
“Good god woman.” II said as he stood by Vessel’s side, analyzing the damage you did.
III and IV came over and pulled us away. “Security is coming, we gotta bounce.” Vessel kept you close as you followed the others out the back door of the club and into the freezing night. You walked a few blocks until it was decided security wouldn’t go that far looking for you.
“What the hell happened?” Vessel was the first to speak, his voice remaining calm as he could tell you were shaken up.
“Um-” You begin, but cut yourself off as you hissed at the pain that started to radiate from your fist. “I was coming back from the restroom when I accidentally bumped into that guy. I said sorry and tried to leave but he wouldn’t let me. He had such a tight grip on my shoulder and he wanted me to dance with him. He then held me super tight against his body and smacked my ass hard, I’m probably going to have a bruise.” You glanced at your hand that had a splatter of the man’s blood on it. “So I just punched him.”
Vessel held your hand gently as he examined it, careful to not press too hard against your bruising knuckles. “You okay?” He whispered.
“I’m sure I’ll be okay once I take some pain meds.” You shrug.
“Y/N.” His voice was stern and his eyes burrowed deep into yours. “I didn’t mean like that.” It clicked in your mind, he was asking about how you were mentally. You glanced at the others that stood around, clearly worried about you as well. All you could do was shrug in response, not exactly feeling like breaking down crying in the middle of a London alley right now.
Vessel nodded and glanced at the boys over his shoulder, giving some sort of unspoken message to them. “Let’s get you back home then, yeah?”
You smiled at him. “That would be wonderful.”
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Today, we're at the 1728 Baroque style manor, The Ivy, in Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK. 4bds, 4ba, £3M / $3.647M. It's got everything- history, modernity, whimsy, etc. Look at this delightful home, and I have to say it's a bargain at £3M.
Clearly an artist lives here. The sitting room is a wonderful mix of old, new, and art.
Details of the fireplace mantle and fascinating art piece above.
Cozy little room. Love the fireplace and dark moody walls.
This room looks like an office space or a work room.
Love the vintage kitchen with the original fireplace, and look at that green Aga stove! It's old, but they're built to last and that size is worth $22K.
The entrance foyer from the garden- notice the original worn path down the middle.
It doesn't have to be, but this makes some fabulous art atelier.
Marble fireplace at the foot of the stairs.
The halls are certainly wide enough for more stuff.
Another sitting room off the hall.
Additional cute little kitchen.
This bed is sure private- it's almost totally enclosed.
I don't think that any of the bedrooms are designated as a primary. They're all pretty grand. Although, I do like this one.
Pretty vintage bath. Look at the shell in the tub, and it's an unusual looking tub, too.
How pretty that little sink is.
Looks like this is a bedroom, but isn't used as one. Every room is filled with art.
Nice light-filled library in the attic. It looks like they mat pictures up here.
Stunning gardens.
I don't know, I don't think this is a swimming pool. It's more like a water feature.
Such lovely grounds.
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It's bread baking day at the Merriman household, and Felicity is happy to have her friend Elizabeth helping out with the tedious chore. Today they're making loaves of Sally Lunn bread, a soft and dense loaf rich with eggs and sugar, reminiscent of French brioche.
The recipe comes from Felicity's Cookbook, which I've owned for years and have used quite often. I made this bread for the very first time this week, and I was very happy with how it turned out. It's soft, flavorful, and doesn't require any kneading. As much I as I enjoyed it, I don't think it will ever be my go-to bread recipe, since it's so exceedingly rare for me to have eggs, milk, butter, and sugar in my kitchen all at the same time!
Unlike Felicity, I never learned to make bread when I was her age. When I grew up and moved out into my own place, I brought my childhood copy of Kirsten's Cookbook, and the recipe for whole wheat round bread was what got me started and helped me learn to make my own bread instead of buying it. I've been doing that ever since. I even taught my mom to make homemade bread, which had always intimidated her.
Felicity's Cookbook mentions that the origin of the name "Sally Lunn" is not known for certain. It might come from the French words "soleil-lune" which means "sun-moon", or "sol et lune" (sun and moon) due to the golden top (sun) and white interior (moon). I checked to see if this is still a mystery 30+ years after Pleasant Company published this book, and apparently it still is. The Sally Lunn Eating House in Bath, England claims that the recipe originated from a French Huguenot refugee named Solange Luyon, whose name was then Anglicized as Sally Lunn, but there's still no solid evidence of this being true either.
In the UK, Sally Lunn bread is usually made as buns, while in the American South it's a loaf made in a round or tube pan. I thought it would be cute to make it in doll-sized mini loaf pans so Felicity and Elizabeth could help.
The recipe is below the cut, with a few of my (experienced bread baker) adaptations.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
6 tablespoons butter, softened
3 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1 & 1/4 teaspoons salt
Shortening or butter to grease the pans
Here are the mini loaf pans I used. Or you can use just one standard sized tube pan or loaf pan, but the minis are cuter and in my experience the bread turns out better in small loaves.
Directions:
Measure the milk in a saucepan and warm it over medium low heat. Turn off the heat.
Measure the warm water into a small bowl. Add the yeast and stir. Then stir the warm milk into the yeast and water. Always use WARM water and milk only, NOT HOT liquids. Yeast is alive and temperatures above 140F will kill the yeast.)
Measure the butter and sugar into a mixing bowl and beat them together with a hand mixer or whisk until they are creamy and soft.
Crack 1 egg into the mixing bowl and beat it into the butter and sugar mixture until it's well blended and creamy. Then do the same with the second egg.
Stir in about 1/3 of the yeast and milk mixture into into the butter and sugar mixture, then add the salt and 1 cup of flour.
Once these are all mixed together, do the same with the second cup of flour and another 1/3 of the yeast mixture. Then do the same with the last cup of flour and last 1/3 of the yeast mixture. Mix it all together until it's soft dough with no lumps. If it feels too dry to mix, add one or two tablespoons of milk until it's soft and mixable.
Scoop 1/3 of the batter into each of your three greased mini loaf pan. Or into the single pan.
Cover the pan(s) and let the dough rise for about an hour in a warm place. On the kitchen counter is fine. Or set it in the oven but do not turn the oven on. Don't put it in the fridge or anywhere cold.
After an hour, turn on the oven and pre-heat it to 350 degrees.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes if you're making three small loaves. Keep a close eye on them and take them out once the tops are a nice golden brown, like in my pictures. If you're making a single loaf in a single pan, it will take closer to 45 minutes to bake. Keep an eye on that as well and take it out the moment the top is golden brown.
Let the bread cool off for a few minutes. It will continue to cook on the inside as it cools, so let that happen before cutting a slice with a serrated bread knife.
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Thinking about Pat, Pran, and pursuit
Talking with @dudeyuri I have been once again thinking about the PatPran dynamic, specifically as it relates to "pursuit".
I sort of got into this in my mega post about subversions in Bad Buddy, specifically in section 1, where I wrote about how Pat and Pran trade off who is the seme ("pursuer") or uke ("pursued") over the course of the show, and how Pat occasionally places himself in the role of uke as part of his flirtations with Pran (he initiates face wiping, he pretends to be sick to get a sponge bath, etc.). Pran does the latter a bit too, like during the episode 7 bet at the noodle stand when he pretends not to be able to open the water bottle and asks Wai to do it for him to make Pat jealous, or when he asks Pat to help him with his printer. But it is mostly a Pat thing to feign helplessness in order to get Pran to care for him/take the seme role in situations.
I think the fact that many of these instances of playing the "uke" come during the episode 7 Bet is especially interesting and telling. Pat and Pran have established that whoever falls in love first loses. To win, you have to make the other person fall in love - you have to flirt with them/play the seme role (we can talk all day about the logic of the Bet, the thin veneer of deniability they build for themselves, but anyways...). Therefore, Pat and Pran have made a bet to be the seme in each other's lives (and thus, also to be the uke, as when there's a seme there's a uke). And sometimes, like I said above, they actively take the role of the uke as a means of pursuit (pretending to be sick, etc.).
All this connects to @telomeke-bbs 's post about how Pran feels uncomfortable being pursued - he feels more comfortable as the pursuer. @telomeke-bbs points out that Pat could have gotten the inspiration to set up the Bet from Pran himself, realizing this would be a way to woo Pran that is more comfortable for him. Pat pursues Pran by giving Pran a way to participate in flirtation in the way that is most comfortable for him: to play the pursuer (by orchestrating the Bet, where the point is to both be pursuers). Not only this, but Pat gives Pran further chances to be the pursuer during the Bet by casting himself as the uke. Even in flirtatious trope moments initiated by Pat, he is casting Pran as the seme as he knows that will be most comfortable for Pran (and Pat doesn't really care if he is the pursuer or the pursuee).
We've seen Pat do something like this before, when he was helping Pran brainstorm the bus stop. Pat initiated a little role-play game and cast himself in whatever role would make Pran be most comfortable (what if I am the boyfriend and you are the girlfriend? No. Ok, how about if we are both boyfriends? No. Ok, what if I am the girlfriend and you are the boyfriend?). Pat is happy to do whatever, cast himself in whatever role, in order to make Pran happy and content. Even if it is the more "feminine" (and ergo, typically less desirable) position.
We can also talk about how Pat takes the (originally feminine) role of Riam to help Pran with the play... but I digress slightly.
We know these things about Pat and Pran - Pat is the open one, who is free with his emotions and physicality, who wants to post about them on Instagram; and Pran is more private, keeping his emotions to himself, finding comfort in his room, wanting to keep their relationship private. Pat is happy to meet Pran where he is, to make him comfortable, while also pushing him out of his comfort zone a bit (Pran allows Pat to be more open about their relationship after seeing how happy it makes him, Pran actively participates in the Bet, etc).
So the Bet, and thinking about Pat and Pran and pursuit in general, tell us about:
1) Pat and his personality: how he is easygoing, adaptable, unconcerned about his own perceived masculinity (he's happy to be "feminine" where needed - now THERE'S a whole other post for another time)
2) Pran and his personality: how he is more reserved, uncomfortable accepting help or being flirted with, prefers being in control (also things we saw in the Our Skyy 2 episodes)
3) Pat and Pran's relationship and how well they know one another: Pat knows what will make Pran feel more comfortable and arranges things to make them so ("I always let my lover win")
4) how Pat and Pran love to role play and how much of their dynamic is about committing to the Bit: Pat pretends to be sick to get Pran to sponge bath him, Pran pretends not to know what he is doing, they both pretend not to know the inevitable outcome of this bet/the flawed premise they started with (they are both in love already)... Pat and Pran are all about committing to the bit and putting on a performance (pretending to hate each other, hiding rheir relationship, the theatrics of the Bet, the times they stage fights or role play scenarios, etc). Pat pretending to need Pran's help for things is just another example of this.
This obviously relates to the ideas of Pat as the helper and Pran to one who needs help as explored in the Our Skyy 2 episodes, and there's more to say about how Pat helps Pran by pretending to need help himself (e.g., helps Pran act on his feelings through the Bet by orchestrating scenarios where Pat is the uke), but I want to take another angle before leaving off.
Pat is so easy going and flexible in many ways, which complements so well with Pran... but this can be a detriment too. Pat is so good at being what other people want him to be (... like doing what Ming wants: competing, being good at sports, being the popular manly guy, etc.) that he doesn't reflect on who he is/what he wants. The prime example: it took him a long time to realize he was in love with Pran/that he was interested in all genders. And thus, as Pran's arc over the series (and Our Skyy eps) has to do with Pran giving up control, allowing himself to be helped, opening up his heart, Pat's arc has to do with him coming into his own, realizing what he wants, and being who he wants to be - casting himself in roles so to speak (the choice to be the uke, play Riam, etc vs being told to/forced into it). Think of the relationship Pat has with his dad by the end of the series, and how much he abandons the type of guy/roles Ming wanted him to play, in favour of being the guy he wants to be.
^as always, I am thinking of this post by @grapejuicegay about Pat and his relationship with his father
#bad buddy#bad buddy meta#ranch thoughts#finally getting some of these thoughts out there... they just keep circling and circling#bb#bb meta
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