This weekend my mom had her chorale concert so C and I drove down in the rain and I saw some beloved Family Friends and we ate with my bff's parents (as we always do after these concerts) and it's such a nice tradition. He drove back bc I'm baby and I was too tired to go back to my place so I stayed over on a school night, which I rarely do, and on Monday morning he went to the store and got some seltzer and a single pear to eat with breakfast because he thought I would enjoy it. And I did! And it had snowed a little and the snow is more beautiful at his house.

Yesterday N and I went to the mystery movie, which was, happily and expectedly, The Boys in the Boat. An overall pleasant movie & experience and I enjoyed Callum Turner's blond hair & face. At the end when they are panning over the team I felt like they were just showing the same guy over and over because you spend so little time with most of the characters. There's Guy with Dark Hair and Guy with Blond Hair (main character) and six Guys with Brown Hair, and then slightly smaller smirky Guy with Megaphone Strapped to His Face. Rowing! They were certainly boys and they were in a boat.

Today I led my last virtual coffee break of the year (possibly at all bc I don't know if I'll keep doing it next year but it's such easy money) and we played Bingo and it was a big hit. I've pulled out my big binder of old cds and listened to Widespread Panic (Don't Tell the Band is one of my top 10 songs of all time I think) and Ryan Adams (god he made some great music). I'm doing laundry and ran the dishwasher and will get back to work soon.

I have 3 (three) nights in a row of Fun Club this week, then dinner w/ C's parents and their friends for his mom's birthday, then my mom is coming up and we're going to my cousin's kid's play and then a concert, and I'm exhausted already but it will all be good times.

At goodwill last week I was looking for a sweater for Fun Club's festive sweater decorating party, which I found, but I also found a sequin jacket/topper (white materials with gold beads/sequins) and a very spacey blue/green iridescent dress that I immediately fell in love with. I asked the ladies across the aisle to talk me out of it and they did not. I then bought a ticket to the J Roddy Walston Christmas to the Bone show next week so I'd have someplace to wear it. It's gonna be great!

The Mcdonalds' Love Language of Gift Giving

Luther and Mrs Mac hate Mac– this is undeniable. But it wasn't always that way.

Did they have to do this? Not necessarily. Breaking into a house and stealing other people's christmas gifts were extra risky with Mac being there. Mac gets excited and screams when he sees his gift, and they were probably aware of this, which is why he was the last to open his gift.

And yet they chose to bring Mac each time, even though they could've instead stolen the gifts to bring home, pretending like it came from them. I can think of a few reasons why they don't, but the one I'd like to believe is that while they couldn't afford decorating their home, they still wanted little Mac to experience unboxing his gifts the way most kids would– surrounded by a christmas tree and bright lights.

When Luther got out of prison, he showed indifference and even hostility to Mac the entire time, which was why Mac believed that Luther was going to kill him (and Charlie). But it turned out that Luther had listened to Mac when he said he always wanted to go to Cooperstown with his dad, and so Luther bought a ticket for them. When asked why he kept it a secret, Luther said that he just wanted it to be a surprise. For someone who didn't show much emotions, Luther wanted to express his apology by giving Mac what he wanted.

Mac does the same– he listens.

One of Mac's biggest romantic gesture in the show is buying the RPG for Dennis. He was even busying himself the whole day trying to figure out how to surprise Dennis with this. When he finally gave the RPG to Dennis, Dennis asked him, and how did you know I wanted a RPG? And Mac told him that it was because he knew Dennis... and that Dennis had mentioned it a lot of times. Giving a gift was Mac's way of showing Dennis that he cared, and Mac was all smiles after realising that his gift had an effect on Dennis.

Mac was also the one who immediately suggested buying a rat stick for Charlie's 'birthday'. And sure, this could be seen as manipulative, since Charlie wanted to quit rat bashing but I honestly think he knew that if Charlie didn't bash rats, he would still find some other animal to bash. That's because they've known each other since forever, and Charlie had a bashing stick when he was a kid too. And Charlie appreciated the gift, getting super emotional out of happiness.

(In the same episode, Mac bought Dennis a shirt too, but Dennis returned the actual shirt Mac bought for a nicer one. I think this was when Mac realised that he only enjoys giving gifts if the person receiving it actually likes the gift, which led him to listen to Dennis' wishes more and buy the RPG)

Okayyyy, the last. This is minor but Mac's insistence on buying a pear for Charlie when he found out Charlie had never eaten one. And now in the cook book, he has "Pear tart for Charlie" in his section, with a note of thanks because he thinks Charlie is going to like it. Super cute stuff

Sometimes I cannot believe how much I appreciate the Obikin fandom and how much it’s spoiled me for giving me ridiculously charming fic, incredibly funny and hilarious fic, fic that breaks my heart, fic that heals my heart, fic that makes me want to gnaw on my own arm because I’m in awe of how amazing the authors are, how much a fic can smack my id straight on, how I can roll around in the fluff or wallow in the angst, how the fic runs the gamut of Obi-Wan and Anakin’s lifetimes, whether set during the Clone Wars or during the time of the Rebellion, whether it’s something nice or whether it’s Anakin being all Vadery and awful, there’s always someone writing something that makes me want to barf up rainbows for how good it is. So here’s a bunch of STAR WARS fics I think everyone should read because the fandom is amazing and there’s very few things I enjoy more than the feeling of being sated on a bunch of good fic. Or lots of quality banging. Or crying about these two idiots having terrible lives. Or just crying about feelings in general because you guys are amazing at punching me right in them. WHAT KIND OF FIC YOU’LL FIND HERE:

CANON-COMPLIANT (-ISH, WHATEVER) AT LEAST UP UNTIL THE GALAXY GOES PEAR-SHAPED

FUCK THE NOISE OUT OF ANAKIN SKYWALKER'S HEAD

DARTH ASSHOLE CAT SHOULD BE GRABBED BY THE SCRUFF OF THE NECK AND SCOLDED BACK TO THE LIGHT

FUCK YOU, CANON, THINGS GO A LITTLE NICER IN THIS UNIVERSE

WORLD IS HARD AND COLD, OBIKIN FLUFF IS SOFT AND WARM

MODERN AUS CAN BE FUN AND CHARMING AS HELL AND A GREAT CHANCE TO MAP CANON DYNAMICS ONTO A WORLD WHERE THEY CAN HAVE A HAPPIER LIFE, IT'S A WIN ALL THE WAY AROUND

WHAT DID CANON EVER DO BUT BREAK OUR HEARTS ANYWAY? TIME TO TELL CANON TO FUCK OFF AND WRITE AN AU

OBIKIN RECS - CANON-COMPLIANT (-ISH, WHATEVER) AT LEAST UP UNTIL THE GALAXY GOES PEAR-SHAPED: ✦ Lonely Hearts Club by izazov, obi-wan/anakin, nsfw, 7.4k    There are some things not even Chosen One can fix. Anakin learns this the hard way after a mission goes wrong. ✦ To be remembered by ToolMusicLover, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 16.3k    Various moments in Obi-Wan’s life, from his time as Anakin’s Master to the first nine years he spent on Tatooine. ✦ Out of the Bag by RagnarLothcat, obi-wan/anakin, nsfw, 8.1k    Obi-Wan has made his peace with his inappropriate feelings for his former Padawan. He knows there’s no room in their relationship for romance, and he’s used to denying himself for the greater good. He has everything under control: until Anakin comes back from a mission looking and acting a little different, and suddenly the relationship between Master and Padawan becomes a little fuzzy. ✦ every kind of love by loosingletters, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka & qui-gon & cast, 2.7k wip    Thousands of years pass and change is inevitable, even for the Jedi Order. Different groups break off, form new traditions, but in the end, they are all Jedi. And when the war comes, they fight for peace. ✦ of talks and romantic gestures by izazov, obi-wan/anakin, 3.8k    Obi-Wan just wanted to arrive back to Coruscant on time. Anakin had other ideas. ✦ nor the suns fall by treescape, obi-wan/anakin, 1.4k    “Hey,” Anakin says sharply—too sharply, he knows, and with a restless edge of fear. Obi-Wan’s eyes are blown so wide they’re hardly recognizable, barely a shadow of blue. They’re sliding closed again, the arc of his lashes too slow to be just a blink. Anakin takes a firm hold on his own voice, pitches it just keen enough to anchor beneath the blazing, barren sky. “Hey, stay with me, Obi-Wan.” ✦ wanting was enough by y0u_idjits, anakin/padme (& obi-wan/anakin), 1k    A reporter asks another question but she doesn’t listen, too busy noticing how Anakin’s smile goes softer, sweeter, as Obi-Wan answers, and she becomes aware that he has never once smiled at her like that. No, this is a smile reserved only for Obi-Wan Kenobi. The realisation burns her to her core. ✦ illicit affairs by Urgirl415, obi-wan/anakin (& anakin/padme), NSFW, 2.2k    Anakin needs something that Obi-Wan is more than willing to provide. Even if it means having his doorbell rung in the middle of the night. Or, Anakin cheats on Padme with Obi-Wan. Regularly. OBIKIN RECS - FUCK THE NOISE OUT OF ANAKIN SKYWALKER’S HEAD: ✦ Satellite Mind by intermundia, septemberist, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 19.3k    Five times Obi-Wan heard Anakin’s thoughts, and one time Anakin heard Obi-Wan’s. ✦ He’s Bringing Sweet Salvation by Is0lde, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, some d/s, 5.1k    Anakin has been naughty and learns a little about patience, consideration and what we deserve ✦ eat, sleep, wake (nothing but you) by decideophobia, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 6.7k    Obi-Wan twists his fingers inside him, pressing, pressing, and Anakin jolts with pleasure the exact same moment when an entirely different kind of noise rips through the room. A stomach growling. His stomach growling. Aggressively. ✦ Pretty Please by Gwendolyn (storiesofchaos), obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, d/s, 8.7k    And with Obi-Wan’s words, Obi-Wan’s mouth on sensitive skin, and the way his hand presses Anakin possessively against his body, it’s all too easy for Anakin to slip up again. All too easy for him to throw his head back as his eyes fall shut and moan out, “Daddy.” ✦ coming quietly undone by MisanthropyMuse, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 7.6k    “So, now’s later?” asks Anakin softly, one corner of his lips curling in amusement at the incoherent sentence that can only make sense for the two of them. “Force, yes,” responds Obi-Wan in a heavy sigh of relief, before raising his head and crashing his lips onto Anakin’s. ✦ hands-on by treescape, 3.6k    Anakin’s been driving Obi-Wan mad. Obi-Wan does something about it. ✦ One’s Craze by ToolMusicLover, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 17k    As Obi-Wan learns the extent of Anakin’s greatest desires perhaps he’ll also learn his own. ✦ turn softness to rage, then tears to rain by starwarsyndrome (I_write_fanfiction_sometimes), obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 5k    Anakin Skywalker is the force made flesh, and sometimes that tears him apart at the seams. Obi-Wan has always been able to hold him together. How he does it changes as the years do ✦ Be Mindful of Your Thoughts (And Words) by des_nuages_de_paris, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 7k    On a routine ship voyage across the stars, Anakin starts to get a bit bratty. Obi-wan decides to entertain him - and put him in his place. ✦ Baby Teeth by stardies, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, a/b/o, 8.2k wip    During a mission, Anakin runs out of suppressants. Obi-wan Kenobi is called in to tend to his former padawan. ✦ hang it off my shoulders by transkenobi, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 7.4k    Obi-Wan looks at him a moment, a frown flickering over his features but his eyes are unbearably soft. “I could leave. Or…” he swallows, averting his gaze for just a moment before he meets Anakin’s eyes again with a quiet resolution that Anakin recognizes all too well. “Dance with me.” Every irritated thought and rebuke comes to a halt and Anakin opens his mouth, brows knitting, completely thrown off. Of everything he’d been expecting Obi-Wan to say, it wasn’t that. What? “What?” ✦ a lesson learned is a lesson earned by RexIsMyCopilot, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, d/s, 4k    Anakin refuses to talk and Obi-Wan coaxes it out of him. OR Anakin learns a lesson and Obi-Wan learns one too. ✦ PARK THAT BIG MAC TRUCK RIGHT IN THIS LIL GARAGE by badut, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 4k    Anakin Skywalker loves dick, but he loves big dicks even more. Specifically Obi-Wan’s. This has now become a problem, but it all works out, eventually. ✦ touch of heaven with a wild side by demi_fae, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 1.3k    “That was one of the things we were able to figure out while you were…” Anakin gestured to Obi-Wan who nodded for him to continue. “You would have to ask Kix about the specifics, but it’s some sort of combination reproductive and defense feature, and at this point it’s basically orgasm or…” Obi-Wan choked back a laugh. “Or death?” He asked, expecting Anakin to laugh with him. The silence that met him told him more than anything Anakin could have possibly said. “Oh.” “Yeah.” ✦ Pretty Kitty by GayCheerios, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, d/s, 2.2k    “Master, you always take such good care of me,” Anakin says, a little chirp coming after his sentence, as his thumb rests on Anakin’s plump bottom lip. ✦ to seek something is to believe in its possibility by RexIsMyCopilot, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, d/s, 2.6k    Anakin teases Obi-Wan to get what he wants. Spoiler alert: it works. ✦ Punished Hole by WhyIsBubbleGumBlue, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, d/s, 1k    Anakin gets smacks on his bottom hole, and then they fuck. ✦ Taking Care by RagnarLothcat, obi-wan/anakin & quinlan, NSFW, 8.5k wip    A night out with Quinlan should be just the thing to help Obi-Wan relax after the outbreak of the war and all that entails. Anakin, as always, is there to make things difficult. OBIKIN RECS - DARTH ASSHOLE CAT SHOULD BE GRABBED BY THE SCRUFF OF THE NECK AND SCOLDED BACK TO THE LIGHT: ✦ flash point by treescape, obi-wan/vader, nsfw, 2.8k    After capturing Obi-Wan on Mustafar, Vader does the only thing he can think of to keep his former Master close: he freezes Obi-Wan in carbonite. Every so often, he can’t resist the temptation of seeing Obi-Wan again and brings him out. ✦ this too shall pass by Himboskywalker, obi-wan/vader & cast, NSFW, time loop, read the warnings, 5k wip    Anakin falls to the dark side and takes up the mantle of Darth Vader,butchers Jedi,betrays all he knows and loves, and he is left to burn on Mustafar by the man he once called master.Anakin becomes Darth Vader-and then he wakes up and lives it again-and then he wakes up and lives it again-and again-and again-and again. ✦ game plan by treescape, obi-wan/vader, NSFW, raised a sith!anakin, 11.2k    Or, Vader keeps capturing Obi-Wan during the Wars. Obi-Wan keeps escaping. It’s kind of a thing. ✦ Coming back and going forward by Enthusiastic_Enthusiast, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, read the warnings, d/s, 5.5k    Lord Vader has finally found a way to send his mind back in time. He is young and healthy again, and can’t wait to get his revenge on Obi-Wan, to make him pay for his betrayl, to push him down and make him pay. This time when the republic falls, Obi-Wan will witness it first hand, on his knees by Vaders side. The only problem? Vader isn’t the only one to return. ✦ Electric Love by thedeadparrot, obi-wan/vader, nsfw, 3.4k    Vader stepped forward, deeper into the cell, and reached out one hand. It pressed against Obi-Wan’s tunic, clean metal meeting dirty fabric. Vader’s suit only had the most rudimentary of sensors – he preferred to use the Force over his physical hands. But this was Obi-Wan Kenobi offered up for him, and nothing less than physical touch would do. OBIKIN RECS - FUCK YOU, CANON, THINGS GO A LITTLE NICER IN THIS UNIVERSE: ✦ After everything, only us by ToolMusicLover, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 9.2k    Eight years after the Clone War came to an end and Sidious was captured, Anakin and Obi-Wan spend an evening together. Distance and circumstance have separated them for too long, but on this night, Anakin ends up with more than he could have hoped for. ✦ After the Storm by Ripki, obi-wan/anakin & luke & leia, 7.3k    If asked a year ago where he would be in the future, Obi-Wan would never have imagined himself in the middle of nowhere, mending socks and discussing latrine maintenance. ✦ The strongest stars… by Tomicaleto, obi-wan/anakin & beru & cast, 7.4k    The war’s end seems to be close, with everyone looking forward to it. And when Anakin is doubting himself the most, an unexpected visit arrives at the Temple. ✦ Homestead by JSwander, whohatessand, obi-wan/anakin & luke & leia & cast, NSFW, 46.2k    After their failed altercation on Mustafar, Obi-Wan Kenobi secretly stows away with his former Padawan now turned Sith Lord and traitor to the Republic. ✦ O Trespass Sweetly Urged by Artemis_Unbound, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 8.6k    Anakin and Obi-Wan witness a sex ritual while on a mission. Obi-Wan doesn’t understand why Anakin is so scandalized by this, until Anakin admits that he’s never had sex. Obi-Wan…might need a minute to process that. ✦ climb like peas and beans by septemberist, obi-wan/anakin, trans!anakin, 4.9k wip    Anakin Skywalker is different in a way that he can’t quite name, until he can. Obi-Wan Kenobi never fails to see his apprentice for who he is. And everything changes. ✦ sun of my right hand by loosingletters, obi-wan/anakin & luke, 4.3k wip    What remains, keep it close. Holding the newborn he had carried from one end of the galaxy to the other, Obi-Wan Kenobi could not bring himself to give up the last member of his family. Instead of giving Luke to the Lars, Obi-Wan decided to raise Luke himself. OBIKIN RECS - WORLD IS HARD AND COLD, OBIKIN FLUFF IS SOFT AND WARM: ✦ Rotten Work by secretsolarsystem, obi-wan/anakin, 2.8k    Obi-Wan: I’ll take care of you. Anakin, with bloodshot eyes and a broken back from hours of terrible posture: It’s rotten work. Obi-Wan, who needs to bathe this man for his own sanity and health: Not to me. Not if it’s you. ✦ darkness shared, darkness halved by ahandsomebabe, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, d/s, 8.2k    Or: the one where Obi-Wan manipulates their force bond to give his partner multiple orgasms. ✦ Languages by Crowgirl, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 6.5k    So Anakin pulls out a map and makes a list. ✦ deception: epilogue by RexIsMyCopilot, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 6.2k    Anakin and Obi-Wan renew the physical part of their relationship after Rako Hardeen ✦ Levels of Sincerity {cahshee, ankai'a} by loosingletters, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka, 1k    In which Ahsoka Tano has the most embarrassing Masters in at least two languages. ✦ who a person truly is cannot be seen with the eye by RexIsMyCopilot, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, d/s, spanking, 3.6k    Anakin purposely avoids doing what Obi-Wan tells him to do. ✦ watch the time go by loosingletters, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka, a/b/o, 5.9k    Obi-Wan has scheduled pack-bonding time. Obi-Wan also has a lot of work to do, not that Anakin and Ahsoka care. Or, pack bonding with the disaster lineage in the middle of a galactic war. ✦ small gestures and grand vows by loosingletters, obi-wan/anakin & cast, 6k    Or, five times Obi-Wan and Anakin show how devoted they are to each other, and one time somebody demands proof and they are insulted. ✦ quiet the mind and the soul will speak by RexIsMyCopilot, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, d/s, 2.8k    “You look tired,” Obi-Wan observed, his hand on his chin, after a particularly long strategy meeting. He matched Anakin’s pace as they walked through the halls. “Yeah, well,” Anakin yawned. “Someone woke me up early this morning,” he teased in a quiet voice. OBIKIN RECS - MODERN AUS CAN BE FUN AND CHARMING AS HELL AND A GREAT CHANCE TO MAP CANON DYNAMICS ONTO A WORLD WHERE THEY CAN HAVE A HAPPIER LIFE, IT’S A WIN ALL THE WAY AROUND: ✦ Prompted - Chapter 18: Brotherhood by intermundia, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, modern au, 7.1k    Obi-Wan was already looking at the jail roster online when his phone rang. ✦ Prompted - Chapter 19: Hard Racing by intermundia, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, modern AU, F1 racing au, 6.5k    He wished he was back in his car, where everything made sense. His brain sometimes felt like a computer during a race, processing so much information in fractions of a second. He felt like he blended with the machine around him until he was just the operating system of the car, not a person at all. ✦ à la carte by RagnarLothcat, obi-wan/anakin & padme & ahsoka & quinlan & mace & satine & cast, NSFW, modern au, 55.6k    Anakin Skywalker is a perfectly normal grad student. He spends his days at the robotics lab, his evenings working at an upscale restaurant and his weekends on inadvisable hookups. That is, until Obi-Wan Kenobi saunters into his workplace and sweeps him off his feet. ✦ turn back now (i’m haunted) by tennessoui, obi-wan/anakin & cast, modern au, supernatural au, 41.7k wip    Anakin Skywalker’s house is haunted. Luckily for him, Padmé knows a ghost hunter. Unluckily for him, it’s the hottest, most english-professor ghost hunter he’s ever seen. And extremely unluckily for him, he’s starting to get the feeling he understands maybe ten percent of what’s actually going on here, not to mention what’s at stake. ✦ short shallow gasps by mysticmjolnir, obi-wan/anakin, d/s, 4.9k    Obi-Wan gets surprised by Anakin when he comes home from work. ✦ does he make you laugh? by y0u_idjits, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka, modern au, 3.6k    “Tell me it’s not about screwing the guy who’s screwing your husband.” “Ex-husband, and they’re not screwing,” Obi-Wan snipes at her. “And it’s not about that.” There’s a long pause. “Okay, it’s not all about that.” An Ocean’s Eleven AU ✦ recipe for disaster by tennessoui, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka, modern au, 9.8k    When Ahsoka tells Anakin she doesn’t want to learn piano anymore, Anakin is heartbroken. He doesn’t care about the instrument, obviously, but he’s practically in love with her teacher. Obi-Wan offers up a solution to their impending separation, and it’s not dating like any normal person would suggest. Instead, he’s gonna teach Anakin how to cook. Except Anakin’s a pretty well-known chef, and Obi-Wan is absolutely awful in the kitchen. ✦ cute guy, fast car, i’m all yours by wanderlove, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, modern au, 7.3k    In which Anakin saves a rich lawyer from a low-level Hutt enforcer and gets himself railed as a reward. ✦ For Me, It’s You by edge_of_night, obi-wan/anakin & shmi & qui-gon & cast, modern au, 15.8k wip    Obi-Wan knew one day he’d have to return home. As long as his father still lived, a piece of him would always be there. No matter how much he wanted to forget—he was raised there, he learned and grew, and spent his most formative years there. It’s also where he first fell in love. ✦ Morning delights by Tomicaleto, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, 1.1k    Obi-Wan woke up to the smell of Anakin cooking breakfast and decided to help. He swears those were his only intentions. ✦ Flashing Lights by des_nuages_de_paris, obi-wan/anakin & padme & satine & mace & cast, NSFW, modern au, 26.6k wip    “Trust me.” Obi-wan turned to him. “It’s better than photoshopping it out. It gives him an edge. The scar, the hair, the brows…” He looked back over at Anakin, feeling his stomach flip. “It makes him look tough. Not enough male models can be pretty and tough.” “So I’m pretty?” Anakin grinned. ✦ i saw you and i knew by TheSopherfly, obi-wan/anakin & cody & rex, modern au, ballet au, 12.9k wip    Anakin and Obi-Wan are dance partners at a contemporary dance company. They try to keep things professional. (It doesn’t work.) OBIKIN RECS - WHAT DID CANON EVER DO BUT BREAK OUR HEARTS ANYWAY? TIME TO TELL CANON TO FUCK OFF AND WRITE AN AU: ✦ the ageless dark by maragny, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka & cody & rex & cast, NSFW, sith!obi-wan, sith!anakin, 25.6k    Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Master and General of the Grand Army of the Republic, does not know what to make of his opponent, Separatist General and Sith Lord Darth Lessus…especially when he dreams of Lessus’ eyes, his smile, his voice saying Master, you’ve gone where I can’t follow. ✦ I only want you near me by Tomicaleto, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, dragon!obi-wan, 5.2k    Anakin tries to get used to having a dragon as a mate. Hunting days seem to be part of the routine. ✦ A Price Like No Other by loosingletters, obi-wan/anakin & cast, nsfw, a/b/o, raised a sith!anakin, 3.6k    Never found by the Jedi, Anakin Skywalker at fourteen was pretty, and valuable. He was worth slightly more than the average slave, could count his worth in peggats, truguts, wupiupi, and Republic credits; water, too, if need be, and there always was on Tatooine. And then the heat came. ✦ you love him dearly by shatou, obi-wan/anakin & cast, raised a sith!anakin, 2.3k    Anakin wakes up, panting, alone in the dark. Obi-Wan suggests meditation. ✦ tactile orders by treescape, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, senator!obi-wan, 3.2k    Anakin is assigned to accompany Senator Kenobi on a mission. They’re stuck on a ship together for four days. ✦ In Pursuit of Cold Water by JSwander, obi-wan/anakin & cast, NSFW, merman!anakin, 41.4k wip    Obi-Wan resolves to rescue a very stubborn merman from captivity and back to the ocean. ✦ et si les étoiles sont cachées by shatou, obi-wan/anakin & ahsoka, raised a sith!anakin, 2.8k    “Master, what were you thinking?” Ahsoka hisses, eyes darting from him to the closed door of his bedroom, from where the sound of Anakin’s pacing is obvious. Her hand is still clutching one of her lightsabers, alert. ✦ always and forever by obikinn, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, dragon!obi-wan, 2k    “I think you should fuck me while you’re a dragon, tonight.” -Anakin Skywalker, known monsterfucker ✦ Fine Pearls & Bad Leather by SingManyFaces, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, bodyguard au, 1.6k    Lord Kenobi spends the night in with the captain of his personal guard while abroad in the Lake Country. ✦ use my body to break your fall by tennessoui, obi-wan/anakin & padme & ahsoka & mace & yoda & rex & palpatine & cast, NSFW, sith!obi-wan, 63.5k    Obi-Wan Kenobi is too good at being a Sith Lord general of the Separatist army. The Jedi Council approaches Anakin with an offer he can’t refuse. These things are, actually, related. ✦ together again by Anonymous, obi-wan/anakin, NSFW, a/b/o, sith!obi-wan, 2.8k    Anakin has been in hiding for months when his Alpha finally finds him.

the art of pie-making.

❥ pairing: woozi x baker!reader

❥ genre: fluff! sea-side town au

❥ warnings: none

❥ word count: 971

❥ let your adoration spill

❥ notes: this is also set in the g&b + bruise universe! i just love the setting of those pieces so i find myself writing for them a lot. this is also my first time writing for jihoon so please enjoy the fruits of my labor!!

jihoon is very romantic.

although he seems quite standoffish and has a bit of a tsundere attitude, he is probably the most romantic man you’ve ever known. grandiose gestures, extravagant outings, and luxurious gifts are not what make jihoon romantic. his soft way of loving you, and genuine care is what does.

those small acts and gestures that you know are reserved just for you make you swoon more than a diamond necklace ever could. you wouldn’t trade the press of his lips against your wrist, that small smile he gives you across the room to say he misses you, or the brush of his knuckles across your cheek when he thinks you're asleep for all the money in the world.

so you can’t say you find it surprising when you catch a glimpse of a photo of yourself tucked into jihoon’s wallet.

you were in the kitchen, busy prepping ingredients for the several pies you were baking. one was for you and jihoon to enjoy after dinner tonight, while the others were for friends. despite how taxing making multiple pies at once was, it was also helpful to get feedback from friends so that when you went to the market this upcoming week you knew what pies would sell well and what pies wouldn’t. also, it was a bit therapeutic to have something to do and it didn’t hurt that the kitchen always smelled amazing.

you heard jihoon even before he said your name, something he does to not startle you when he comes up behind you like this. feeling the warmth of his hand on your hip, he leans over to press a kiss to your cheek.

“morning,” he murmurs against your skin, hooking his chin over your shoulder.

“morning,” you reply softly, “you aren’t going into the workshop today?”

he makes a grumble, and you feel it from where his chest presses into your back. It's a bit soothing to be honest, like a cat purring.

“i am, i have to finish those rings for mr. seo and his wife. i would much rather stay here with you, and these pies. what flavors are you making this time?”

mr. & mrs. seo were an elderly couple that lived not too far from joshua’s farm. mrs. seo’s wedding ring had an unfortunate incident that ended with it being broken and jihoon despite the majority of his expertise being in woodworking, has proficiency with metalworking as well. so it's known around town that he can fix things like broken rings and what have you.

you nod over to the pile of fruits sitting atop the counter, “apple, blackberry, and pear. do you have a preference for the one we keep?”

“hmm,” he pretends to mull it over but you know what he’ll end up choosing, “let’s do blackberry.”

you nod with a small smile, “okay, blackberry it is. i packed lunch for you, it's by the door so you can grab it on your way out.”

“getting rid of me already?” he teases with a squeeze of your hip, but before you can reply he steps away from you, “fine, i know where i’m not wanted."

this pulls a giggle out of you, before you shoo him out of the kitchen. “don’t forget your lunch! you call out, before returning to your pies. however, when you go over to grab the apples to begin cutting them you find something underneath your foot. bending down to pick it up you realize it's jihoon wallet. funny enough, you find your own face staring back at you.

a picture of you from years ago, when you and jihoon were newly together. you had taken a day trip to the next town over, a spontaneous idea of yours wanting to see jihoon take a break from how hard he was working at the time. In the photo your smile is wide, and you’re holding up a kitten. one you two had found by happenstance, and would not stop following you and jihoon. you ended up taking the kitten home and he’s been with you ever since, most likely rolling around in the back garden at this very moment.

you snap out of your reminiscing to realize jihoon would most likely need his wallet, and so you tear out the front door not even thinking about slipping on a pair of shoes. catching glimpse of jihoon almost at the bottom of the small hill your home resides on you call his name.

he turns back to see you rushing down towards him, his brow furrowed in concern. he reaches his arms out to steady you once you are near enough to him, and you catch your breath as best you can.

“you forgot this!” you say, once your lungs feel normal again, holding out his wallet.

his expression softens but you can still see the tinge of concern that pinches his features.

“you didn’t have to rush over this,” he replies, “look at you, you don’t even have shoes on. what if you hurt yourself?” he brushes his knuckles against your cheek, his other hand taking the wallet from your fingers.

“you keep a picture of me,” you say, brushing past his comments.

he gives you a bewildered look, “in my wallet?”

you nod, smiling.

“of course I keep a picture of you,” he says plainly, “i love you, and i wanna see you all the time.”

your heart nearly bursts, and you throw your arms around jihoon squeezing tightly. you feel him sigh and start rubbing a hand down your back.

“i love you,” you say, lips against his neck, and he chuckles.

“i love you,” he replies, before bending slightly to hook his arm under your knees and hauling you into his arms, “so please don’t chase me down without your shoes ever again.”

notes: thanks for reading! i really enjoyed writing this <3

Yancy has never celebrated Valentines Day. Granted, he's never had a partner that it would be appropriate to do something with on the day. Relationships were… not his thing. At least past sex and/or shibari sessions.

That is until Ace entered his life.

He wanted to impress him, but more than anything, he needed to show Ace that he meant the world to him. That Yancy would do anything and everything to make him happy, to see him smile. He would tear everything down if he so asked.

He invites Ace over to have a nice, intimate evening. Just the two of them, after his personal chef makes a romantic dinner for two and leaves. When Ace walks in, nearly every flat surface of Yancy's apartment is covered in flowers. Varying shades of reds and pinks, roses and carnations, and peonies decorate the space. A pink, rather large stuffed bear is on the couch holding a fancy tray of chocolate covered strawberries.

And then Yancy emerges, smiling ever so fondly at Ace as he approaches. He's dressed down in a nice turtleneck and slacks, cupping Ace's cheek as he presses a soft kiss against his lips. “Happy Valentines Day, baby,” he says softly before holding out a sleek black box that contains a diamond bracelet. “Thank you for bein’ mine.”

https://www.namdardiamondsusa.com/products/pink-diamond-pear-shape-bracelet

Ace has had many Valentine's days before. Some nice, but most were forgettable or disappointing. Especially since most of his ex-boyfriends tended to expect this day to be the day they finally—

Bad thoughts.

The fondest memories he has are those of family days. No outsiders, just a nice meal and gifts, showing love for those who really mattered. Everyone together at the table, work off their minds. Adrian always gave the best gifts.

But this year is different.

Because this year, Ace has Yancy.

And Yancy is the most important person in his entire world. There is nothing the mob boss could do that would break the love Ace has for him, burning in his chest so strongly it's almost painful.

Ace'd been invited over for dinner, and he'd panicked for a good twelve hours, undecided on what to wear, what to say, what to give to his boyfriend even though he'd already had four different gifts picked out. From leather jewelry to gold, to a very nice tailored suit to—

He's still not sure about the last present he wants to give Yancy.

It's very scary for him.

Suffice to say, he's extremely nervous yet excited when Jacob drops him off at the mob boss' apartment. Upon stepping inside, he freezes, and his breath catches in his throat. Everything is so beautiful. His favorite colours, his favorite flowers, is that a big teddy bear—?

Yancy's appearance almost startles him, being so overwhelmed with everything in front of him. Tittering nervously, Ace kisses Yancy back and blinks down at the gift that's being give to him. It is beautiful, like everything around them, like Yancy himself. "I, ah, I, I—" Words escape him, and he just squeaks shyly, gesturing for Yancy to kiss him again.

"It's perfect," he whispers, hugging his boyfriend in a futile attempt to try and hide the tears in his eyes. "Thank you so much."

"I love you."

Alkai 🧍‍♀️

👪 FAMILY - what is their family like? what is your ocs relationship to them? does your oc have any siblings?

👻 GHOST - do they believe in ghosts? what are their "ghostly experiences", if any?

🤥 LYING - are they good liars? do they have tells to show they're lying?

🥞 PANCAKE - what is their comfort breakfast?

🍓 STRAWBERRY - do they eat their fruit & veg? what is their favourite fruit or vegetable?

😨 FEARFUL - when scared, do they go into "flight" or "fight"?

⚾ BASEBALL - can they play sports? what is their best position if they play a team sport? what's their strong suit (speed, power etc.)?

🙈 SEE-NO-EVIL - whats a side of your oc that they don't want to show other people?

🪤 MOUSE TRAP - what will always lure them into certain danger? a loved one in danger? a promise of something they are always searching for?

🌩️ LIGHTNING - are they scared of lightning?

🌠 SHOOTING STAR - if they could make any wish with no repercussions, what wish would they make?

💖 SPARKLING HEART - are they a subtle or a showy lover?

Alrighty here we goooo

👪 - In the pirate au Griosk is their father figure, raised by him and the two are rather close - but additionally in my personal au - Meria, a jewelry shop owner, acts much like a mother figure to them, and additionally a dog tattoo artist named Renny also watches over them, but neither play as active of a roll in their lives (it's different for Altair though)

👻 - They think ghosts are only a human thing, what that means not even they could tell you, but they've never had any proper ghost encounters, they still believe in them though due to stories

🤥 - It depends on the situation, their fins move in a particular way and their smile always seems a little more mischievous - when it isn't a lie they're taking seriously, if it is something that actually matters they'll blatantly avoid eye contact and their smile is strained

🥞 - A pile of pancakes, topped with bacon, a mountain of whipped cream, and loaded with syrup and butter, they'll destroy it before you have time to blink

🍓 - If it's presented as an option yes, their favorite vegetable is mushrooms while their favorite fruit is pears

😨 - They always have the capability of going into fight, but if it were to ever go wrong, well, Alkai doesn't cope well with death especially if they are the cause of it, luckily it would take a lot for them to fight while afraid, so often they choose flight

⚾ - Alkai goes hard on volleyball, and doesn't persay play by the rules- which is to say they'll sometimes use their hook as a bat to spike the ball, but ultimately their strength is their speed

🙈 - They don't like to seem vulnerable around others, which is why they actively avoid confrontation, they don't like anyone knowing they can be more than the goblin they front as, the only exception to this is with a s/o or close friend/family, in which case it becomes the opposite if that's all they see them as

🪤 - If they have something to gain from it then they can easily be coaxed into danger, even if it's as little as something shiny

🌩️ - They're not unless it's really close, if they can feel the bolt rumble the ground their scales flair and they turn into a statue

🌠 - That's a hard question, considering laws and repercussions never stop Alkai anyway, but maybe if someone they loved died and they had the chance to bring them back as they were, that would be their choice

💖 - Subtle majority of the time, they'll leave little gifts around to be found, go out of their way to do things for their partner that they hope they notice, but there are times they actively seek to take their partner on dates and to do romantic gestures, it's a balance

psychoanalyzing Aziraphale and Crowley through the ages instead of doing my research project that's due next week. pt. 8: St. James Park 1862

I don't have a ton to add to the beautiful discourse that's already out there about this scene.

Crowley is terrified. He hardly moves at all. He's terrified of Hell. He's terrified of explicitly asking Aziraphale for something, something he actually can't do for himself. And he's terrified of the idea that he actually has something to lose now, namely Aziraphale.

Aziraphale is ... deeeep in denial. He's trying to pretend everything is tickety-boo and he's just feeding the ducks with Crowley. He's so distracted by the idea of pears that he doesn't even notice at first how distressed Crowley is. He thinks they're doing another round of their usual banter and romantic gestures, and they're really, really not.

And when Crowley asks him for the holy water, everything comes crashing down for him. Not only has Crowley interrupted their usual dance -- betrayal No. 1 -- he has asked Aziraphale for the ability to end his own life. "It would destroy you." Crowley says that's not what he wants it for.

"I'm not an idiot, Crowley," he pleads. And he changes tack. At the Globe, it was, "If Hell finds out, they won't just be angry, they'll destroy you." Here, it's, "Do you know what trouble I'd be in they knew I'd been fraternizing?" Personally, I think this is deliberate. He's reminding Crowley that even if he doesn't care for his own life anymore, he does care for Aziraphale. I also think he knows how this will hurt Crowley, and he says it to push Crowley away, to protect Crowley from his association with Aziraphale, which has brought them to this point.

And it does hurt Crowley. Crowley is furious, because angry is the only way Crowley knows how to be vulnerable.

Also, 3 of the, what, 8? times Crowley calls Aziraphale angel on screen are during the breakup scenes. Is he reminding Aziraphale or himself of the distance between them, to try to shove away the closeness? Or is he trying to remind Aziraphale of the closeness and the care they have for each other, pleading for a different reaction? EITHER WAY IT'S HEARTBREAKING.

Finally, God bless whoever made those YouTube videos with the brightness amped up to see Crowley's eyes better, because seeing the way his eyes slide sideways to stay locked on Aziraphale in this scene just cranks the angst up to 11. *chefs kiss*

Some ISWM lead headcanons <3<3<3 enjoy

Burt

Is built like a brick wall

Uses he/they/star pronouns

Probably makes his own Inventions in star spare time

Doesn't get along super well with Celci but she'll go to him if something needs fixed before she'd ever go to Mark

Questions life too much

*insert existential poem here* "I just asked if you wanted coffee 😐"

Knows more than he says

Biromantic xenogender

Had experience with time loops before going to space

Worked their way through life

Took things apart as a kid "to see how it worked" (I did this lol XD)

Enjoys cuddling with his platonic partner

Gunther B. Gunnerson

Burt's platonic partner ❤️

Leans on burt a lot

Gives his partner all the cuddles in the multiverse

This mans is a he/moon bisexual

Loves the moon 🌙

Had never heard of neopronouns before burt told him about them and he got super excited when he found moon/moonself pronouns

Calls burt affectionate nicknames like "big guy" "bebe" "moonlight" "lovely" "cuddlebug" etc. Burt calls him "moonbeam" "starlight" "flower petal" anything poetic really

*checking burt out* "Your hotter then your reactor bebe"

Likes old western/sci-fi movies and detective/mystery books

Started a journal because burt has one but his is mostly just drawings of his favorite things (guns, burt, his crew, ADS drones etc)

*does some minor repair* Mark and Celci "since when do you know how to do that???" *gestures and gives heart eyes to burt* "I learned from the best"

Hopeless romantic

Will shot anyone/thing that trys to hurt moon partner

Mark

Can and will be a little bitch (affectionate) at any given chance

If you can't find him just have Chica track him down

Definitely has at least three plushies on his bed

Uses he/space pronouns

Celci "go jump off a cliff" Mark "gladly, provided the captain doses it first"

Gets jealous when the other leads get more attention from the captain than him

Yandere for the captain but tries not to take it too far

Was completely oblivious about Burt and Gunther's relationship until Gunther planted a kiss on Burt's cheek right in front of space, Celci and the captain

Fights with Celci cuz he sees her as space biggest competition for the captain's attention

Definitely wasn't raised in a stable home environment

Celci

Born and raised in Alaska, hence why she has a high cold tolerance

Likes green tea with honey

Oreos and milk are one of snow favorite snacks

Doesn't hold grudges but she finds the other leads generally aggravating most of the time

Usually in the know about almost everything going on in the ship at any given time

Sexually ambiguous

Took her a while to understand neopronouns but once she did cold started using she/snow/cold pronouns

May not get along with someone but will respect their pronouns

Has a blue and white snowflake shaped popit on cold desk

Enjoys thrillers/supernatural books and spy movies

Cried a little when the captain gave snow, Mark, Burt and Gunther pronoun pins 📌

Enter the wormhole to the small text!! @captainsaltypear kinda inspired this when we traded burt headcanons once so thank you 😊 but also sorry for tagging you twice in one day pear

returning the favor. all the non sex ones for Pearson [too tired to pick all the numbers you're free to ignore the ones you don't want to do <3]

YUIPPEEE RUNNING AROUND AND YELLING SCREAMING WHEN PEOPLE ASK ME WHATS WRONG I JUST YUELL I LOVE MY FREAKING WIFE!!! AN D RUN OFF WITH NO EXPLANATION

How did you two meet? // Deciding between Pearson being a customer at Ace's shop and Ace escorting a monsterkin friend to the R.I.P., or OR maybe they met bc Atom was trying to pilfer something and they went uh where's your . guardian. and they got so distracted by Pearson that Atom was able to get away with the item LOL

Was it love at first sight, or did it take awhile for you to warm up to each other? // It wasn't immediately romantic, but con artists are either best friends or sworn enemies, and in this case Ace was quick enough on their feet to entertain rather than enrage so they're pretty good friends off the bat :]

What do the people around you think of your relationship? // Arthur is canonically very protective of their family, but I recall at some point Shou saying Arthur would egg on their thing? Or maybe that was Meryl icr- but the point stands that Arthur is hostile until they're not LOL. We already know how Salem feels (other fella dot mp3), I'd like to think Meryl would be alright with it? If not supportive. Polyam for the fucking win (separate relationships but still friends), and. I think Atom is just suffering. Atom voice stop tryna fuck my dads-

Do you have pet names for each other? // 'Pear' is a pre-established nickname Ace has for Pearson, but they both also default to normal 'dear', 'babe', etc. (Eventually I think they let people call them 'Fen' too, but only people they're close to [short for 'Fengari (Φεγγάρι)'], and Pearson would be one of them.)

Have you given your ship a name? // gestures to the ship tag. but a different one might be ace of hearts :] as an alternative

Who is the more dominant one in the relationship? // Taking this as not a sex question because I know more. Ace tends to be the one that pays in the Tallyho vers bc Pearson is flat broke, while in other versions Pearson is the one who pays for things, and you'd think that'd be an indicator of the more controlling one of the relationship, but it's honestly an even split. They both have their moments either way, but in terms of physically fighting for one another, Ace tends to do it more often because they have the power to.

What does each of you think about PDA? // It's a useful tool to avoid the police <3 (casual hand-holding is a favourite of Ace's outside escaping the police)

What do you two find to be the most attractive about one another? // Ace finds everything about Pearson attractive. A conman entrepreneur that hates his family, is outrageously Irish, and is pansexual? Their colours even match. What's not to love? Pearson would probably find Ace easy to coexist around, honestly...no expectations, no duties, they're just two stable adults shooting the shit.

10. What was your worst fight? // In Tallyho vers, regardless of canon complicity, it's probably to do with Salem (either them seeing him or working for him in the more canon-compliant vers). Outside of that it's probably just. arguments over who left what out. 11. Best gifts you two have exchanged? // Ace is a fella who gives a lot of gifts, because the shop just kinda...spawns them. They find a random object in their shop that definitely wasn't there before, get the strong feeling that 'x would like this', and they give it. Probably the best gift they've given was a hand-made one, like a ring or something. Pearson's best gift is himself, obviously- 12. Do you want/have kids? // Atom is more than enough for Pearson. Ace has Breun sooner or later, and that's good enough for them too- 13. Have you ever broken up? // Over the Salem thing, at least. It wasn't official, as they never really say they're dating, but... 14/15. Scariest/Happiest moment together? // Scariest is probably whenever Atom is in danger and they barely make it to save them. Atom is so incredibly important to the two of them, despite how Ace never really says anything (they're more actions than words). Happiest moments are domestic things. The R.I.P. succeeding is relief and pride, plus Ace isn't there for that- but shit like cooking together in the kitchen or just sitting down and resting after a long day... 16. Are you or will you ever get married? // Pearson is technically still married. If anything, they'd do it for tax benefits and the excuse of their spouse to get home to, like I stated a while ago. They do love each other, but a 'genuine' marriage isn't in the cards I think. 17. Ideal way to spend time with one another? // Doing anything but work. Walks on the docks, getting a bite at markets, etc.

19. What areas do the two of you like to be kissed on? // Ace likes the hand or the neck. Ace can't exactly 'kiss' most of the time, as most of the time they don't have a face, but they do make sure to kiss Pearson all over his silly face when they do, and he seems to like it well enough :] 20. What are the biggest relationship flaws the two of you have? // Ace is so fucking emotionally constipated and thinks everything is quid pro quo. Pearson seems the type to only be genuine behind closed doors, and I could be wrong about that, but he's also...probably rather closed off about the whole 'love' thing in Tallyho at least, not wanting to label it or say it, and being a complete mess about it. 21/22. In what ways are you similar/different? // Oh brother I could go on about this for hours. Let's just start and end it at they're both ourple conmen for similarities. As for differences, well...Pearson isn't a corpse. Nor does he have a storefront he runs. And I don't think he's being hunted down by anyone? So- 23. Who is most affectionate? // Outwardly, probably Pearson. He seems the type of fella to buy flowers and shit if he has the funds. Makes sure his partner knows he's paying attention, even when he's very stressed. 24. If the two of you are apart for a long time, who takes it the hardest? // Ace can't die. They just see it as training for the break that won't end. Pearson probably takes it worse. 25. Who said "I love you" first? // Out loud? Probably Pearson. Ace says 'I love you' in different ways. 26. What was your first kiss like? // Sticky.

29. What do the two of you wear for couples' Halloween costumes? // The idea of Morticia and Gomez Addams in a modern vers struck me (with Atom as Pugsley and Breun as Wednesday) (Meryl stays home to hand out candy maybe), but in Tallyho, probably Jekyll and Hyde, actually. 30. Who is more possessive over the other? // Ace doesn't get too possessive and neither does Pearson probably, but I think Pearson gets clingy when drunk at the very least.

32. Is jealousy a problem at all? // Finanically, probably, but relationship wise? Nah, they're both chill. 34. Who confessed first? // Again, probably Pearson, if it does happen. Ace isn't a words guy. 36. Who apologises most? // Ace. They hate being in the way and will apologise for literally fucking anything. 38. How do you comfort one another during difficult times? // Providing distractions, letting the other talk, offering solutions off experience. Neither of them are the type to willingly wallow. 39. How would both of you react to find someone hitting on the other? // That's just how it goes. They're not in an exclusive relationship, neither of them really care unless it's clear it's unwanted.

Elegance Redefined: The Timeless Charm of a Single Diamond Necklace

A single diamond necklace is more than just a piece of jewelry; it's a symbol of timeless elegance, sophistication, and enduring beauty. From dazzling solitaire pendants to delicate diamond accents, the allure of a single diamond necklace transcends generations and occasions. In this article, we explore the history, craftsmanship, significance, and styling tips for single diamond necklaces, celebrating their enchanting allure and timeless appeal.

 

A Brief History of Diamond Necklaces

Diamonds have captivated humanity for centuries, revered for their unparalleled brilliance and rarity. The tradition of adorning oneself with diamonds dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were cherished as symbols of wealth, power, and status. In the realm of jewelry, diamond necklaces gained prominence during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, adorning royalty and aristocracy in intricate designs that showcased the beauty of these precious gemstones.

Over time, diamond necklaces evolved to cater to changing fashion trends and personal preferences. From elaborate diamond-studded collars to more understated designs, the versatility of diamond necklaces has ensured their enduring popularity across cultures and generations.

 

Craftsmanship and Quality

The craftsmanship and quality of a single diamond necklace play a pivotal role in its allure and value. When selecting a diamond necklace, consider the following factors:

Diamond Cut: The cut of a diamond determines its brilliance and sparkle. Popular cuts for single diamond necklaces include round brilliant, princess, pear, and emerald cuts, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal.

Diamond Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of imperfections or inclusions within the diamond. Higher clarity grades indicate a greater level of purity and transparency, enhancing the diamond's overall beauty.

Diamond Color: While traditional white diamonds are classic choices, colored diamonds such as fancy yellow, pink, or blue diamonds add a vibrant and distinctive touch to single diamond necklaces.

Setting and Metal: The setting of the diamond within the necklace, whether bezel, prong, or pave, can influence its visual impact. Additionally, consider the metal type (e.g., platinum, white gold, yellow gold) that complements the diamond and reflects your personal style.

Certification: Opt for diamonds that come with reputable gemological certifications, such as those from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS), ensuring authenticity and quality standards.

 

Significance and Symbolism

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, single diamond necklaces hold deep significance and symbolism for many individuals. Some of the symbolic meanings associated with diamond necklaces include:

Eternal Love: Diamonds symbolize enduring love and commitment, making single diamond necklaces popular choices for romantic gestures, anniversaries, and engagements.

Strength and Resilience: The exceptional hardness of diamonds symbolizes strength, resilience, and inner fortitude, making diamond necklaces meaningful gifts for overcoming challenges or celebrating personal milestones.

Timeless Beauty: Diamonds are renowned for their timeless beauty and rarity, reflecting enduring elegance and sophistication. A single diamond necklace embodies classic style and grace that transcends fleeting trends.

Luxury and Prestige: Throughout history, diamonds have been associated with luxury, prestige, and exclusivity. Wearing a diamond necklace conveys a sense of refinement and sophistication.

 

Styling Tips for Single Diamond Necklaces

Whether worn as a statement piece or layered with other necklaces for a modern look, single diamond necklaces offer versatile styling options. Here are some tips for styling and accessorizing with a single diamond necklace:

Solo Statement: Let the single diamond necklace take center stage by wearing it as a solo statement piece. Opt for a neckline that complements the necklace, such as a V-neck or scoop neck, to highlight its beauty.

Layering: Experiment with layering your single diamond necklace with other necklaces of varying lengths and styles. Pair it with dainty chains, pendant necklaces, or gemstone strands for a layered and eclectic look.

Day to Night Transition: A single diamond necklace effortlessly transitions from day to night. Wear it with casual attire for daytime outings and elevate your look for evening events by pairing it with an elegant dress or formal attire.

Mix Metals: Embrace the trend of mixing metal tones by combining your single diamond necklace with necklaces in different metal finishes. Mixing white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold adds depth and visual interest to your ensemble.

Occasion-Specific Styling: Consider the occasion when styling your single diamond necklace. For formal events, opt for understated elegance with a classic diamond pendant. For everyday wear, choose a versatile design that complements your personal style.

 

Shopping for a Single Diamond Necklace

When shopping for a single diamond necklace, consider the following factors to ensure you find the perfect piece:

Budget: Determine your budget range to narrow down options and focus on diamond necklaces that align with your price range and preferences.

Style Preference: Consider your style preferences, whether you prefer classic, modern, vintage-inspired, or minimalist designs, to find a single diamond necklace that resonates with your aesthetic.

Diamond Quality: Pay attention to the 4Cs of diamond quality—cut, clarity, color, and carat weight—to select a diamond necklace that meets your desired standards of brilliance and beauty.

Metal Type: Choose a metal type for the necklace setting that complements your skin tone and matches your existing jewelry collection or preferred style.

Certification and Warranty: Purchase from reputable jewelers or retailers that offer gemological certifications and warranties, ensuring the authenticity and quality of the diamond necklace.

 

Conclusion

A single diamond necklace embodies timeless elegance, sophistication, and symbolic significance, making it a cherished jewelry piece for special occasions and everyday wear. Whether adorned as a symbol of love and commitment or as a personal expression of style, a single diamond necklace holds enduring allure and beauty that transcends time and trends. With careful consideration of craftsmanship, quality, styling options, and shopping tips, you can find the perfect single diamond necklace to enhance your jewelry collection and celebrate life's memorable moments in exquisite style.

Buncha Little Macs! Honestly I initially wasn’t a big fan of SugarMac, having been more on the MarbleMac side, but that couple grew on me because of how wholesome they are TvT That and how the episodes about their relationship have some fairly solid advice on romantic relationships (ie, the whole “small gestures of love are good too” in Hard to Say Anything)

I actually kinda like the design for their canon kid, but the rumored name of “Big Sugar”??? Ehhh not so much haha. So in my next gen, his name is Sweet Apple while his brother there on the upper right (who’s the middle child) is Piney Apple and his sister there on the upper left (who’s the youngest) is Red "Angie" Anjou.

Also for MarbleMac, I’m wondering which direction I’ll take that ship in (polyamory? divorce? Marble moves on? who knows)

Some more info below👇

Sweet Apple was always fascinated with his dad's yoke and would always beg to wear it since he felt it would "make him a big boy." Big Mac told him that once he was strong enough to carry it around for a day, then he could wear it. As you can see here, he did manage to do just that :^)

Each of them have their own nicknames for their paternal aunts. Sweet Apple calls Applejack “Auntie Jacki” and Apple Boom “Auntie Bloomy”. Piney calls Applejack “Aunt AJ” and Apple Bloom “Auntie AB”. Angie calls Applejack “Auntie Jack-jack” and Apple Bloom “Aunt Blooms”.

Angie was named after a type of pear as Big Mac's attempt to connect better with his maternal family. After he and his sisters got to properly know Grand Pear, they met the rest of their Pear relatives, including their maternal grandmother Cinnamon Pear (this is an actual character who appeared in Perfect Pear btw, I'm one of those who headcanon her as being Pear Butter's mother). Cinnamon Pear was even the one who suggested her name, while discussing potental baby names with Big Mac and Sugar Belle (Sugar Belle was pregnant with Sweet Apple at this time).

Of the siblings, Sweet Apple’s the only one who got to meet Granny Smith and Grand Pear :,)

When they were little and told that they would have another sibling, Sweet Apple was excited to be a big brother again while Piney wasn't since he still wanted to be the baby. Though Piney's dislike of the idea was forgotten for awhile when he and Sweet Apple had a bet on whether their sibling would be an earth pony like them or a unicorn like their mom.

Sweet Apple is best friends with Lil Cheese and the two of them often spend time together in Sugarcube corner, which is convenient since Sugar Belle delivers her sweets there whenever she can.

The kids adore their maternal aunt, Fizzlepop Berrytwist aka Tempest Shadow (I like the headcanon that Tempest is Sugar Belle’s older sister who ran away before she was born since it makes for great angst material). “Auntie Fizzy” (only the kids can call her that) loves the kids but she’s awkward around them, lol.

Angie’s enrolled in the School of Friendship, which is where she wanted to study ever since she’s heard about it. Her Auntie Jack-jack even helped convince her parents to enroll her there. She’s noted to be really active in various clubs and extracurriculars but struggles a bit with her grades.

Like his mother, Sweet Apple is interested in baking and alongside his best friend, they apprenticed under the Cakes to learn all the best recipes. Currently, Sweet Apple’s planning on going to college and taking a culinary course.

Piney’s the only one of them who doesn’t have a cutie mark yet, something that he’s insecure about.

Angie often listened to stories from Sugar Belle about Starlight Glimmer and while her brothers don’t think too positively of her (Sweet Apple is scared of her while Piney is wary and always onguard when she’s near), she can’t help but be intrigued with her. She wants to know what the road to villainy then reformation is like and whether powerful magic might have a correlation to emotional instability. It’s this fascination with the Headmare that was part of her reason for wanting to go to the School of Friendship.

Piney struggles a bit with middle child syndrome, mainly feeling that he doesn't have anything great going for him like his siblings.

A comprehensive Guide to Diamond Pendants

Diamond necklaces have long been cherished as timeless pieces of jewelry, symbolizing luxury, love, and sophistication. Among the various styles available, diamond pendants stand out for their versatility and ability to add a touch of glamour to any outfit. In this in-depth exploration, we delve into the enchanting world of diamond pendants, exploring popular styles such as Solitaire, Halo, Drop, Trilogy, Cluster, Heart, Designer, Cross, Alphabet, Gemstone, Lab Grown, and specific cuts like Round, Princess, Oval, Pear, Emerald, Heart, and Marquise. Join us on this journey as we uncover the unique characteristics and significance of each style.

Solitaire Diamond Pendants: The Epitome of Elegance

Solitaire diamond pendants are revered for their simplicity and timelessness. A single, dazzling diamond takes center stage, capturing attention with its brilliance. These pendants are a classic choice, perfect for those who appreciate understated elegance.

Halo Diamond Pendants: A Circle of Radiance

Halo diamond pendants encircle a central diamond with smaller diamonds, creating a halo effect that enhances the overall brilliance. This design not only adds sparkle but also gives the illusion of a larger center stone, making it a popular choice for those seeking maximum impact.

Drop Diamond Pendants: Graceful Cascades of Brilliance

Drop diamond pendants feature a series of diamonds arranged in a descending pattern, resembling a graceful cascade. This design imparts a sense of movement and fluidity, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate dynamic and eye-catching jewelry.

Trilogy Diamond Pendants: Symbolizing Past, Present, and Future

Trilogy diamond pendants feature three stones, each representing a different time: past, present, and future. This design holds profound sentimental value, making it a meaningful gift for special occasions such as anniversaries or milestones.

Cluster Diamond Pendants: A Symphony of Sparkle

Cluster diamond pendants showcase an arrangement of smaller diamonds grouped together, creating a captivating cluster. This design maximizes brilliance and is perfect for those who desire a bold and dazzling statement piece.

Heart Diamond Pendants: Capturing the Essence of Romance

Heart diamond pendants are the epitome of romantic jewelry. With a charming heart-shaped diamond as the focal point, these pendants symbolize love and affection, making them an ideal choice for sentimental gestures and special occasions.

Designer Diamond Pendants: Unique Creations for Individual Style

Designer diamond pendants feature distinctive and innovative designs crafted by renowned jewelry designers. These pieces are perfect for those who seek unique, one-of-a-kind creations that reflect their individual style and personality.

Cross Diamond Pendants: Symbol of Faith and Elegance

Cross diamond pendants seamlessly blend elegance with spirituality. Whether simple or ornate, these pendants are a timeless representation of faith and are often chosen for religious milestones or as meaningful gifts.

Alphabet Diamond Pendants: Personalized Luxury

Alphabet diamond pendants allow wearers to personalize their jewelry with initials or meaningful letters. These customized pieces add a touch of sentimentality and are cherished as unique expressions of personal style.

Gemstone Diamond Pendants: Infusing Color into Brilliance

Gemstone diamond pendants combine the allure of diamonds with the vibrant hues of gemstones. From sapphires to rubies and emeralds, these pendants offer a pop of color and individuality.

Lab Grown Diamond Pendants: Ethical and Exquisite

Lab grown diamond pendants are crafted with diamonds produced in a laboratory, offering a sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds. These pendants appeal to those who prioritize environmental consciousness without compromising on beauty.

Round Diamond Pendant: Classic Brilliance in Every Angle

Round diamond pendants are a timeless choice, known for their exceptional brilliance and versatility. This classic cut suits various styles, making it a popular and enduring option.

Princess Diamond Pendant: Modern Elegance with Sharp Angles

Princess diamond pendants feature a square or rectangular cut with pointed corners, exuding modern elegance and a distinct, angular sparkle. These pendants are favored by those seeking a contemporary and sophisticated look.

Oval Diamond Pendants: Sleek and Stylish Elegance

Oval diamond pendants offer a unique twist to the traditional round cut. With their elongated shape, these pendants create an illusion of length, adding a sleek and stylish touch to the wearer’s neckline.

Pear Diamond Pendants: Timeless Teardrop Elegance

Pear diamond pendants, also known as teardrop pendants, feature a distinctive shape that combines the round and marquise cuts. This elegant design is revered for its timeless and graceful appearance.

Emerald Diamond Pendants: Art Deco Opulence

Emerald diamond pendants showcase a rectangular step-cut emerald, exuding Art Deco opulence and sophistication. These pendants are perfect for those who appreciate vintage-inspired glamour.

Heart Diamond Pendants: Capturing Love’s Essence

Heart diamond pendants are a timeless symbol of love and romance. Featuring a heart-shaped diamond as the centerpiece, these pendants evoke sentimentality and make for cherished gifts on special occasions.

Marquise Diamond Pendants: Regal Elegance with Tapered Ends

Marquise diamond pendants boast an elongated, boat-shaped cut with tapered ends. This regal and elegant design creates a flattering illusion of length, making it a popular choice for those who desire a statement piece.

Conclusion:

Diamond pendants, with their diverse styles and cuts, offer a world of possibilities for expressing individuality and celebrating special moments. From the classic allure of solitaires to the intricate brilliance of clusters, each pendant style has its unique charm and significance. Whether chosen for personal adornment or as a thoughtful gift, a diamond pendant is a timeless investment that transcends trends and continues to captivate hearts. Aspire to adorn yourself with the brilliance and elegance of diamond pendants, where each piece tells a story of style, grace, and enduring beauty.

Elevate Any Occasion with a Fresh Fruit Arrangement

Fresh fruit arrangements have become a delightful and popular choice for gifts, centerpieces, and party treats. These vibrant displays not only offer a visual feast but also provide a healthy and refreshing option for any occasion. Whether it's a birthday celebration, a wedding reception, or a simple gesture of appreciation, a thoughtfully crafted fruit arrangement can leave a lasting impression. In this article, we'll explore the art of creating a stunning fruit arrangement and share tips on how to make it a memorable addition to any event.

Selecting the Right Fruits:

The key to a successful fruit arrangement lies in the selection of the freshest and most appealing fruits. Consider a mix of colors, textures, and flavors to create a visually striking display. Vibrant options like strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, and oranges can add a burst of color, while more subdued tones like apples, pears, and grapes can provide a balanced contrast. Fruit Edible Arrangements near me

Tools You'll Need:

A Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: These are essential for precise and safe fruit cutting.

Skewers or Toothpicks: These will be used to secure the fruits in place.

Decorative Vase or Container: Choose a container that complements the occasion, whether it's a sleek vase for a modern look or a rustic basket for a more natural feel.

Design and Assembly:

Plan Your Design:

Before you start cutting, have a clear vision of how you want your arrangement to look. Consider factors like size, shape, and color balance.

Prepare the Fruits:

Wash and thoroughly dry all fruits. Peel and slice them as needed, removing any seeds or pits.

Create a Base:

If you're using Styrofoam or Oasis Foam, secure it in the container. This will help anchor the fruits and maintain their position.

Skewer or Arrange the Fruits:

Start with larger fruits at the base and work your way up, using skewers or toothpicks to secure them. Layer the fruits, alternating colors and textures for a dynamic effect.

Add Greenery (Optional):

Consider adding fresh mint leaves, basil, or other edible greens to add texture and a touch of elegance.

Fill Gaps:

Ensure there are no empty spaces by strategically placing smaller fruits or filling gaps with additional greenery.

Handle with Care:

Once your arrangement is complete, move it with caution to prevent any shifting or toppling.

Customizing for Special Occasions:

Weddings: Incorporate edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, for a romantic touch.

Birthdays: Add a personal touch with chocolate-dipped fruits or small, themed decorations.

Holidays: Use seasonal fruits and colors to evoke the spirit of the occasion.

Conclusion:

A well-crafted fresh fruit arrangement is a versatile and delightful addition to any event. It not only pleases the eye but also offers a healthy and delicious treat for guests. With careful selection, creative design, and attention to detail, you can create a memorable fruit arrangement that elevates any occasion. So, next time you're looking for a unique and thoughtful gift or centerpiece, consider the beauty and freshness of a carefully arranged selection of fruits.

"Modern Love, Timeless Stone: Diamonds in Pop Culture"

Diamonds have transcended their geological origins to become cultural touchstones, symbolizing love, luxury, and endurance. These multifaceted gems have captured hearts and imaginations through their presence in pop culture, leaving an indelible mark that continues to sparkle through time.

From dazzling red carpets to iconic movie scenes, diamonds have played pivotal roles in defining moments of fame and romance. The mesmerizing Hope Diamond, for instance, has adorned the necks of royals and graced museum exhibitions, captivating audiences with its deep blue hue and storied history. Its allure extends beyond its dazzling appearance, weaving tales of mystery and intrigue.

In the world of music, diamonds have adorned the fingers and necks of celebrities, becoming synonymous with opulence and success. The engagement ring given to singer and actress Ariana Grande by comedian Pete Davidson featured a prominent Pear-Shaped Diamonds. Singers like Rihanna have even celebrated their allure in song, immortalizing diamonds as both a status symbol and a testament to enduring love. Diamond-studded accessories have graced album covers and music videos, cementing their place as cultural icons.

Cinema, too, has embraced the symbolic power of diamonds. Whether portraying heists, romantic gestures, or tales of triumph, diamonds often take on roles of their own. Who can forget the suspenseful diamond heist scene in "Ocean's Eleven," or the iconic line, "A diamond is forever," which became the cornerstone of De Beers' advertising campaign and encapsulated the eternity associated with these precious stones?

Diamonds also grace engagement rings, solidifying their connection with love and commitment. From classic round brilliant cuts to unique and intricate designs, diamonds reflect personal stories and aspirations. When displayed on a finger, they symbolize a promise that transcends time, a symbol of unity and devotion that has remained relevant across generations.

The enduring fascination with diamonds in pop culture can be attributed to their timeless allure. Diamonds are not just minerals; they embody dreams, aspirations, and the essence of enduring love. In a world of ever-changing trends, they remain a steadfast symbol of elegance and longevity.

As pop culture evolves, diamonds will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in shaping narratives of love, success, and prestige. Their shimmering presence in movies, music, and iconic events underscores their status as more than just gemstones; they are everlasting symbols of the human experience, encapsulating our desires, dreams, and connections.

A-Z: music (but specialized words)

Aboes: is a wind instrument originating from a natural region of the central French Pyrenees.

Babandil: is a percussion musical instrument, mainly used as a metronome in Southeast Asia.

Cabasa: is spherical or pear-shaped, with the surface covered with pearls. The larger the diameter of the cylinder, the louder the particular metallic sound when rotated or shaken.

Dance: Gestures and movements of the human body that express moods.

Epinette: Kind of harpsichord, the difference with this instrument being in the arrangement of the strings

Flamenco: Music of Andalusian origin expressed by a singer accompanied by guitarists and castanets.

Gavotte: French dance originating from the city of Gap.

Harp: String instrument stretched over a triangular frame of very variable dimensions.

Interlude: Short piece introduced in a ballet, an opera or a play to serve as a transition.

Jota: The jota is a traditional Spanish dance that is widespread almost everywhere in this country.

Koto: The koto is a plucked string instrument used in traditional Japanese music and as an accompanying instrument in traditional arts

Lamento: A Lamento is a piece of music with a lamenting character.

Malaguena: The malagueña is a melodic song with a traditional Spanish ternary rhythm and comes particularly from Malaga.

Naqareh: The naqareh is a Middle Eastern drum with a rounded back, usually played in pairs.

Octave: In music, an octave is the interval between one musical pitch and another with double its frequency.

Parlando: A piece of music to be sung or played in the style of a recitative.

Quintet: a jazz quintet is a musical ensemble made up of five solo musicians or five groups of musicians.

Riff: A riff is a combination of notes, chords, or a chorus played repeatedly by the rhythm section or soloist of a band.

Santur: The santur is an Iranian musical instrument, diffused throughout the Middle East. It is a struck string instrument, just like the piano which appeared later, of which it is the common origin.

Tabla: The tabla is a percussion musical instrument from North India, also played in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan.

Unison: When several instruments sound the same note together, they are said to be playing in unison.

Vihuela: Instrument with six plucked strings, very popular in Spain in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is the ancestor of the guitar.

Wagner: Wilhelm Richard Wagner (1813-1883) was a German composer, theater director, writer, conductor and polemicist of the Romantic period, particularly known for his fourteen operas and lyric dramas.

Xylophone: Percussion instrument consisting of a row of wooden slats. Depending on the instrument, the number of slats, and therefore that of the notes, varies.

Zarzuela: it’s a Spanish lyrical theatrical genre that combines theatrical action, orchestra, songs and spoken dialogue.

Engagement Pie {Elriel}

Naked Texts & Pie #5

Warning: nsfw. 18+. Dom/sub.

Written alongside @snelbz . Thank you for reading this awfully dirty mini-series that was just meant to be a drabble. (;

Azriel was about to have a panic attack.

Inside of his mind was not a pretty place to be, not that it lacked ideas of flowers and baked goods, but because it was a complete and utter mess.

All day, while Elain was gone, he had been running around like a chicken with his head cut off, unaware if he was doing everything right but sure hoping he was.

He was hoping it would be perfect.

He glanced at the clock.

He had about half an hour until she got home.

At this point, Azriel and Elain had been dating for a little over a year, and living with each other for nearly six months. Since Feyre and Rhysand’s wedding, they knew, without a doubt, that they were meant to be together.

Then again, they had always known, just had never confessed it.

Their families had been less surprised by their sudden relationship and more surprised by the state they returned to the wedding reception in, but neither of them could find it in themselves to care. They were happy, blissfully, wonderful happy and in love.

Azriel opened the oven for the hundredth time, peeking inside to make sure things were still going smoothly. The pie was still there, it hadn’t run away, but it still didn’t have that beautiful golden brown crust that Elain’s always did. Sure, he could text her, ask what exactly he had done wrong, but that would ruin the surprise. He’d done his best to keep everything a secret so far. He wouldn’t ruin it now by texting her a question he could easily ask Google.

After doing so, it looked like he had done everything right, so he let it cook longer, forcing him to wait longer in anxious anticipation.

Azriel paced back and forth, fully aware that he had everything in place. He just needed the damn pie to hurry up and get done.

Elain would be home in twenty minutes, and Azriel needed to be in place when she walked through the door.

At ten until six, Azriel looked in the oven once more. It looked a little bit better, but not as done as he wanted it to be.

He’d wait until the last possible second. It wasn’t ideal, as there were other parts of his plan that required that pie to be done and, preferably, not piping hot, but he’d make do.

So he continued to pace in the kitchen until he heard the garage door rising, signaling Elain’s arrival home.

Hurrying to the oven, he threw the door open and pulled the pie out. The second it was exposed to the natural light of the kitchen, and not the watery bulb of the oven, he knew he fucked up.

It had bypassed golden brown and gone straight to brown, but thanks to the lighting in the oven, he couldn’t tell. He swore under his breath as he laid a towel on top of the washer and set the pie on top of it, letting it cool.

He’d ordered take out from Elain’s favorite restaurant, which had been delivered just a few minutes before, so thankfully even he couldn’t mess up dinner.

Right at six, he could hear Elain’s feet climbing the wooden steps to the front porch and he quickly sat at the kitchen table and popped open a bottle of wine, filling the two glasses.

When Elain entered, her purse on one shoulder, her keys in her hand, she stopped and a slow smile spread across her lips at the display.

“Wine and Rita’s?” she asked, setting her belongings down on the counter. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

Azriel smiled as he set the wine bottle down in the middle of the table. “Nothing special. You’ve just been working so hard that I wanted you to have a relaxing night with your favorite food.”

Her smile widened as she sat across from him, but then she stilled for a moment. “Do I smell…pie?”

“No,” Azriel said, then quickly changed his mind. “Yes. It was a candle.”

She blinked once, twice and said, “Huh. I didn’t know we had an apple pie candle.”

She let it drop after that, filling Azriel in on her day. It had been uneventful, a change from her usual hectic schedule, and she was grateful for that. The past month or so, she would come home, scarf something quick and easy down for dinner, and collapse in bed, ready to do it all again the next day. Tonight, she actually had some pep in her step.

“Dinner, wine,” Elain mused, running a finger over the back of Azriel’s hand. “Did you have anything else in mind tonight?”

One of her eyebrows was raised slightly and he knew exactly what she was referring to, which yes, he absolutely did, but first, he had something else he needed to do.

“Actually, yes,” he said, standing. He leaned down to press a kiss to her lips. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

Her other eyebrow had raised to match, clearly showing her surprise. “Okay.”

He disappeared for a moment, and when he returned, he held a pie in his hands, dark brown crust and all. It also had a massive “X” cut into the direct center. It didn’t look like a venting hole.

Covering the bottom half of her face with both of her hands, Elain tried to stop the giggles from bubbling from her lips, but she couldn’t. “I knew I smelled pie,” she said, still laughing.

“I sort of burnt it,” he admitted, setting it down in front of her.

“I see that,” she chuckled, leaning forward to kiss him. “I’m sure it will still be delicious.”

He was about to say something when she asked, “But what is that?” gesturing to the center of the pie.

“That….” Azriel started to say something, but wasn’t sure what. All he knew is that he was a nervous mess and not a lot currently made sense. “X marks the spot.”

Elain blinked. “What?”

“X marks the spot.”

She blinked, again. “I don’t follow.”

Azriel sighed. “Pirates… When they bury treasure… X marks the spot.”

Elain’s head fell to the side. “Babe, are you drunk? Are you high? Are you alright? You’re not-.”

Azriel sighed, and reached into the pie. His hand broke the crust, and Elain was so surprised by the gesture that she jumped, and a nervous laugh escaped her. “Az, what are you doing?”

His hand came back up a minute later, covered in apple filling. “You know, I had a whole, romantic thing planned out with the pie. Pie is our thing, and it was going to be cute as hell-.” His words fell off as he opened his hand, revealing a beautiful pear-shaped diamond on a thin, rose gold band.

Elain stared, her mind taking a second to process what she was looking at. He picked up one of the napkins from their dinner and wiped the ring off, as well as his hand, before dropping to one knee from the chair he was sitting in. With his clean hand, he took hers in his. He prayed she couldn’t feel it shaking as badly as he thought it was.

“I know we haven’t been together long, El, but I love you so much. You’re my entire world and my best friend. I can’t—.”

Elain’s lips crashed into his and they went tumbling to the kitchen floor. She pulled back, just enough to see his face and breathed, “Yes.”

Chuckling, Azriel said, “You didn’t even let me finish.”

“It doesn’t matter,” she said, kissing him again. “My answer is yes. Yes, yes, yes.”

He sat up and Elain crawled off his lap, sitting next to him on the kitchen floor. He took her hand in his again. “Let me at least ask the important part, yeah?”

She was grinning like a fool, but she nodded, waiting for him to go on.

Resting the ring against the tip of her finger, Azriel asked, “Elain, will you marry me?”

“Yes,” she breathed, and a tear slid down her cheek. “Yes. Yes! Of course, I will.”

He slid the ring onto her finger with shaky fingers before her mouth was crashing into his, once again.

Azriel wanted to ask that question for so long, and now that he had, not at all the way he had planned, it didn’t even seem like it had happened.

Yet, as she flung her arms around his neck, everything seemed completely and perfectly right.

Elain leaned back and peered at the ring. It was magnificent, lovely, perfect.

She slowly looked at Azriel. “You….hid it in the pie?”

He cringed, but laughed softly. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

Her eyes went wide and she glanced at the ring again. “You didn’t bake it with the ring in there, did you?”

“No, of course not,” he chuckled, pulling her back into his lap.

She went willingly, straddling his hips and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. “Okay, good. The pie would have been inedible then.”

“I think it’s inedible now,” he scoffed, his hands gripping her hips, while his lips found her neck.

“I think I should be the one to decide that,” she said, her voice going high and breathy.

“There’s something else I’d rather eat instead,” he replied, tilting her face down to meet his as his lips crashed into hers.

Elain hummed against his mouth as she fell into the kiss. After the millions of kisses that they had shared and the constant lovemaking that had come along with being helplessly, madly in love, Azriel never grew tired of being intimate with Elain.

In fact, he couldn’t get enough of it. Every time he was with Elain, he just wanted it more and more. He couldn’t grow tired of it, ever - it was impossible.

His hands swept up her back and tangled into her hair, and she cupped Azriel’s face in her hands.

He could feel the cool metal of her ring against his cheek.

Azriel rose, taking Elain with him, and laid her down on top of the table. Her head fell right next to the pie. She couldn’t help but glance over at it.

She giggled as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close.

“Something funny?” He asked, ducking away, trailing his nose down her neck as his lips found her collarbone.

“No.” It came out as more of a breathy moan than the sigh she was meaning it to be.

“Really?” His hands gripped her wrists, unwrapping them from around him, and he pinned them above her head with one hand. “That little laugh would suggest otherwise.”

His free hand began undoing the buttons on her shirt one by one, and Elain was practically vibrating beneath him by the time he was pushing her shirt to either side of her body.

Her bra was made of nothing but lace, and he could see her pebbled nipple through the fabric. He toyed with the idea of taking it off, but his lips closed over it, the rough lace scratching against the sensitive skin. She whimpered softly, her back arching off the table to better accommodate his mouth, and when he tugged on her nipple with his teeth, the whimper became a moan.

Gazing up at her, he said, “Is anything funny now?”

Elain sucked in her bottom lip as she slowly shook her head. “No.” Azriel raised a brow. “No, what?”

Elain couldn’t help her spreading grin as pure excitement radiated throughout her body. “No, sir.”

Azriel smirked in return as he gave her his first order. “Stay still.”

“And if I move?” she asked, quietly. Since their first time, Elain learned that she liked to test her boundaries.

Azriel liked it, too - when she was naughty.

“Then I’ll stop,” he said, and slowly let go of her wrists before putting his fingers in the band of her black skirt and yanking it off. “And you don’t want me to stop, do you?”

She shook her head, watching everything he did, biting her lip. Her hands were gripping the edge of the table to hold herself in place. As he dragged her panties down, as slowly as he could, she wanted to reach out and touch him. She was nearly naked, while he was still completely clothed, but she figured that was exactly how he wanted her.

It typically was.

He was quite the tease, but Elain secretly enjoyed that fact.

Azriel took a step back from where she lay and crossed his arms as his eyes swept across her body, taking in every beautiful inch.

In response, Elain spread her legs wide for him.

Azriel took in a deep breath and nearly growled.

He loved the sight of her, longed for it, thrived on it. It made him weak in the knees, still, and he was certain it always would.

“I am amazed,” Azriel breathed, “by your beauty.”

His comment only made her spread her legs wider.

He smirked. “What do you want, sweet girl?” He trailed a finger up the inside of her thigh, getting so close to where she needed him, but not quite.

“You,” she sighed, but it sounded more like a gasp.

“I know that,” he drawled. “Be more specific.”

“Your mouth on me, please,” she replied, gripping the edge of the table harder.

Azriel smirked again as he gently brushed his thumb over her entrance and then circled her clit once. “You’re saying you want me to eat your pie?” He asked, raising an eyebrow and looking up at her face.

“Yes, sir, please.” The words were breathy and quiet and he was fairly sure she was already trembling.

Azriel fell to his knees as Elain’s head fell back in pure ecstasy. It was the anticipation, the want, the need…

The second his tongue swept between her slick folds, Elain was already on edge.

Azriel had that effect on her.

Those hands that gripped the edge of the table tightened, and Elain’s eyes fluttered shut.

He knew exactly what he was doing. He had the first time, and he sure as hell did now as he took his clit between his lips and sucked, gently.

“Az,” she breathed, fully aware that when she said his name, it sent him wild.

He took her ass into his hands and pulled her closer to him.

She could never last long when his mouth was on her. The things he could do with his tongue made her see stars and she knew this time wasn’t going to be the exception. Azriel knew it, too.

He flicked his tongue over her clit and pushed a finger inside of her. “Are you close already, Lainey?”

She nodded, feeling his breath on her sex.

A second finger joined the first, and he curled them upward. “I couldn’t hear you. I said, are you close?”

“Yes, sir, I’m so close,” she panted.

Her arms were straining and he swore he heard the wood groan beneath her hands as she struggled to keep them where they were. It was surprising she’d held on for this long. He knew how badly she longed to have her hands in his hair or even kneading her own breast, still covered in that pretty, lace bra.

“Don’t come yet,” he crooned, pressing a kiss to the top of her sex.

He was torturous.

Purely evil, and yet, Elain thrived on it. Her entire body shook as pleasure swept through her. She was so close. So very close to the edge, ready to fall into the oblivion that was being loved by Azriel.

Her body jerked, and Azriel held onto her tighter.

Elain tried to obey, and tried to stay perfectly still, even though her entire body fought against it.

Azriel’s tongue continued to dance along her sex, continued to suck on her most sensitive of parts.

“I need you,” Elain begged.

Azriel didn’t respond, he only tugged her close, sucked her harder, praised her longer.

“Az, please.” It was more or a groan than anything else and he responded by sucking her clit between his lips and pulling hard. At the teeniest press of his teeth, she began to shake, and then he began to pump his fingers in and out.

Elain shattered, crying out and letting go of the table. Her hand dove into his hair and she lifted her hips, doing whatever she could to keep his face where it was.

Azriel worked her through her orgasm and when she stilled, he stood, wiping off his face and looking down at her. She was still breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling, but that full bottom lip was caught between her teeth again as she watched him. She knew what was coming.

“You weren’t supposed to come yet,” he breathed, dragging a finger from top of her sex up her stomach and between her breasts. He reached her face and worked her lip from between her teeth. “You disobeyed me.”

“I’m sorry,” she breathed, even though she really, really wasn’t. The last thing she was was sorry.

“You’ll have to be punished now,” Azriel said, softly.

“Punished how?” Elain asked.

Azriel watched her for a moment before he said, “Turn around.”

She did as she was told, rolling onto her stomach, her ass in the air. “Is this okay?” she asked.

“Beautiful,” he breathed, and raised his hand before smacking her across her ass.

Elain gasped at the contact and had to bite her lip to keep from exploding into a fit of delighted giggles.

The sharp intake of breath was her only response, she fought to keep in the quiet cry or moan that he wanted to draw from her. She was feeling bratty tonight.

Glancing down at the ring sparkling on her finger, she knew exactly why. She got to experience this sensual rush for the rest of her life. She was Azriel’s.

And he was hers. Forever.

His hand cracked against her skin again and she had to close her eyes and bite her lip to keep from moaning.

He did it again and again, but then he suddenly stopped.

“You’re getting even more wet for me,” he breathed, dragging a finger along her center. She was unable to stop her whimper. He added, “That’s not the point of a punishment.”

He knew exactly what his spankings did to her. He loved it, and if he kept on with it, she’d be dripping all over their kitchen table.

Without warning, he picked her up, carrying her into the living room and tossing her on the couch. She bounced gently, a pleased smile on her face.

“Take off the rest of your clothes,” he ordered, pulling his own shirt over his head.

Slipping the button down off her shoulders, Elain reached behind her and unclasped her bra. She watched as Azriel removed his belt and dropped it to the floor.

She tried not to let herself feel any disappointment as he discarded the belt. He’d used that once or twice before and the unyielding, stiff leather had drawn more than a few orgasms from her as he spanked her with it.

He popped the button on his jeans and said, “Touch yourself.”

Propping her feet up on the couch, she spread her legs for him and slid her hand over her pussy. He was right. She was soaked and so, so turned on. She circled her clit with one finger. She moaned softly, “But I want to touch you.”

“That’s too bad,” he replied, his eyes settling on her sex. “You’re being punished.”

She slid her finger between her folds, teasing herself. Adding a second finger, she just barely dipped them into her entrance, but no more than her finger tips. She was so sensitive, still riding the high of her orgasm and fought off a moan as she watched Azriel watch her.

Dragging the zipper down on his jeans, her eyes tracked the motion and she stilled, waiting for him to take them off.

“I don’t remember telling you to stop,” he said, regaining her attention.

Her fingers began slow motions, yet again, but she didn’t take her eyes off of where his own hands worked at removing his denim. She breathed, “And how long will this punishment last?”

Azriel’s eyes sparked as his chest rose and fell, slowly. “It’ll end when I want it to.”

Elain nodded as her fingers slid up inside of her and she let out a soft, low moan.

Azriel licked his lips as he tracked her every movement. “Keep up the good work and I may just let you choose your own punishment.”

“I’d rather have a reward.” Her voice was soft, low, but it was shaking slightly. The anticipation got her off just as much as her own fingers did.

He paused with his jeans hanging low on his hips. She could see the waistband of his black boxer-briefs underneath. “Oh? And what would that be?”

“I want to touch you,” she said again, slipping both fingers inside herself again, deeper this time. Curling her fingers up, she reached for her g-spot, eyes falling shut when she skimmed over it. Her head fell back against the cushions and she groaned.

His approach was silent, but she felt his hand on her face and when she opened her eyes, he was standing in front of her. His cock was in his hands and he stroked it once. “You want to touch me?” He asked.

“Yes, please.” She continued to pump her fingers in and out and licked her lips as her eyes bounced between his eyes and his thick, proud length. It was just a few inches from her face.

“How do you want to touch me, Elain,” he asked, dragging a thumb over her bottom lip.

It was that tone, that deep, sensual tone of his that drove her mad.

“I want to take your cock into my hands,” she breathed, the words hitched. “Into my mouth.”

Azriel hummed, as if he was debating it. He nodded to the fingers that were pumping in and out of herself. “You can touch me when you’re finished touching yourself.”

Elain nodded, her hand moving faster as she pumped those two fingers in and out, then another, easily sliding in alongside the others.

Azriel stroked himself, slowly, again and again as he watched.

Elain’s other hand trailed between her legs and she began to circle her clit, pulling a loud moan out of herself. As her two hands worked, she drew closer to the edge, and Azriel’s breathing grew shallower.

Her words were high pitched and she was struggling to keep her eyes open as she asked, “Can I come? Please, I’m so close.”

He ran his thumb over her lip again and waited until she was looking up at him. And then he smirked. “No, baby, you can’t.”

Elain wasn’t proud of the whine that she let out, but she slowed her fingers. She didn’t withdraw them, because she knew he wouldn’t like that, but stopped circling her clit. If she didn’t, she was going to come and as fun as another punishment really would be, she wanted her reward.

“Good girl,” he crooned, tilting her chin up to look at him. She’d been staring at his cock. There was a milky bead of precum on the tip and she wanted to lean forward and lick it off.

As if he could sense her thoughts, he ran his thumb over the thick head, spreading the wetness over the length. She tried not to whine again.

“You want me in your mouth?” He asked, shifting his hips forward slightly.

“Please,” Elain breathed, nodding eagerly.

“Do you think you’ve been punished enough?”

She frantically nodded, and Azriel wondered if she even knew she was bucking her hips, searching and needing release. He loved when she got like this, so needy and begging for whatever he’d give her.

Instead of giving her what she wanted though, he crouched, taking the hand that had been circling her clit in his. Raising it to his lips, he licked the tips of her fingers. He moaned quietly. “I will never get tired of the taste of you.”

Elain whimpered softly, her other hand still pumping in and out of herself.

“Do I taste as sweet to you as you do to me?” He asked, leading that hand back to her swollen clit and stood.

She began the slow circling again and nodded, and he knew if she was incapable of speaking, she was going wild with lust.

In the quietest of voices, Azriel said, “Prove it.”

Elain wasted no time wrapping her lips around the head of his cock and lathering him with her tongue. Azriel let out a long, slow breath at the contact and when her finger slowed against her clit, he shook his head. “Don’t stop.”

Elain moaned, and the vibrations against him had Azriel’s fingers weaving their way into her hair as Elain took Azriel further into her mouth.

She continued the slow circling of her clit, but slipped the rest of her fingers from wet pussy. She reached for his cock, to wrap around what wouldn’t fit in her mouth, but he caught her hand. Her fingers were glistening, still costed in her essence, and he brought them to his mouth. “We can’t waste that,” he murmured, before sucking them between his lips one by one.

Elain’s eyes fluttered shut and she moaned softly as he released her hand and slipped his free hand into her hair as well, absolutely controlling her and the pace with which she worshiped him.

Or so he thought.

Opening her throat, Elain took him as deeply as she could, gazing up at him as tears welled in the corners of her eyes. Azriel was unable to stop the groan as he fucked her mouth and throat with no abandon, until she began to gag softly.

He withdrew himself, dropping his jeans the rest of the way, and sat down on the couch next to her. He took her face in his hands and kissed her roughly. “That’s new,” he crooned, his lips dragging down her neck.

Her laughter was sensual as she continued to stroke him. “I wanted to surprise you. I didn’t think you’d be surprising me, too,” she admitted, bringing her hand up to admire the diamond sparkling on her finger.

Azriel wrapped his hand around hers and brought it to his lips, where he kissed the back of her hand, just below her ring.

“I’m just glad you’re not asking me to wait for this again until our wedding night,” he murmured.

Elain grinned. “I don’t think I would survive the wait. I’d have to marry you tomorrow.”

Azriel’s eyes sparkled as he took her hips and pulled her on top of him. “That wouldn’t be so bad.”

Elain moaned quietly as Azriel teased her at her opening. “I don’t know. I kinda wanna make you wait.”

“That, and you want a big wedding,” he said, leaning up and trailing kisses along her throat.

“Not a big wedding,” she replied, trying to lower her hips. His grip was firm though, and she only managed another inch, teasing herself just as much as he’d been teasing her.

Resting her hands on his shoulders, she tried to rock her hips, wanting more of him inside of her. He still held firm.

His smirk was devilish when she looked up into his face. “I never said you were done being punished.”

Her mouth fell open in surprise. She squirmed and his grip on her hips tightened, his smile growing. “Az, please.”

“Hmm?” He leaned up again, capturing her lips with his and his thumb found her clit. Her body gave a jerk and her thighs burned with how hard she was trying to lower herself onto him.

Pulling away, she pressed her forehead against his. “Please… I’ll be a good girl for you. I won’t come until you tell me to. I just need to feel you inside of me.”

He nipped at her bottom lip with his teeth and released his hold on her hips.

She sank down onto him, not gently in the slightest, and moaned as he filled her in one rough stroke. She bucked her hips, not rising but needing the friction as her lips crashed against his.

It was thrilling. There was always a rush that consumed Elain’s body the moment he filled her. A spark of excitement that never grew old, never faded.

Azriel knew it, too. There was a look that crossed her face that only showed itself the moment he entered her.

It was beautiful.

Consumingly gorgeous.

Elain’s head fell back as she rocked her hips - her hips that Azriel’s fingers were digging into, yet again, but he didn’t guide her.

She did that perfectly well on her own.

With his bottom lip sucked between his teeth, Azriel’s eyes scanned Elain’s body, from her tilted back head, to her breasts at eye level, then to where they were connected.

“Better?” Azriel asked, his voice low.

“Yes,” she breathed, eyelids fluttering shut.

He wrapped a hand around the back of her neck and brought her lips to his. The kiss was not gentle, but he knew that wasn’t how she wanted it. Sure, they had sweet, soft sex sometimes, something they both adored on occasion, but nothing drove Elain wild as much as rough sex did. He had never dreamed she’d be as submissive as she was but gods, he was so glad of it. She was the other half he’d been waiting for and the fact that she was his for the rest of his life…

He growled quietly as he pressed his other hand to the small of her back and rocked his own hips up into her. She gasped against his lips and braced her hands on his shoulders as they found a rhythm that had her groaning his name.

There were very few things that pleased Azriel more than hearing his name on Elain’s mouth while they fucked. It broke him, unleashed something unearthly.

His hips thrust harder up into her, and each time he did so, his name grew louder and louder on her lips.

Azriel felt that magnificent, familiar feeling rising within him but he didn’t move his eyes from Elain. Her face was still close to his, her breath hot against his mouth. He cursed before kissing her, yet again, bringing her lip between his teeth and gently tugging.

Before she could anticipate it, he flipped them so they were laying on the couch, his body covering hers, and lifted one of her legs so it rested on his shoulder. It opened her up, allowing him to thrust harder, deeper, and she began clawing at his back. She cried out, and he groaned as she screamed his name.

His fingers gripped her chin and her lust-filled gaze found his. That hand slid between them and found her clit. The next thing he said wasn’t a request. It was a demand.

“Come for me.”

Elain did. She shattered, her body shaking with the force of the orgasm that slammed into her.

Azriel couldn’t hold on much longer, the feeling of her coating him, spasming around him, having him meeting his own end.

He came, one hand digging into the couch cushions, the other gripping her ass. His fingers would surely leave a mark.

Elain didn’t mind.

He fell onto her body, breathing heavily, sweat coating his skin. As Elain caught her breath, her arms wrapped around him.

His face was buried in her neck, and she felt his lips moving and heard him murmuring before she could understand what he was saying. But then she heard him, clearly, and she wondered how it had taken them years to realize it together.

“I love you, I love you, I love you.”

His words weren’t just a quiet praise and reminder, but also a promise, as strong as the one that she now wore on her finger.

He pulled back, his eyes finding hers, even as his chest was still heaving as he caught his breath. Reaching up, she ran a hand through his sweaty hair. “I love you, too.”

His gaze was soft as she leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. They stayed like that for a few minutes, slowly kissing each other, not in any hurry to start anything up again, but just enjoying the taste and feel of each other.

When Elain’s stomach growled, however, Azriel pulled back and looked at her with a raised brow.

“Work up an appetite?”

She laughed, quietly. “Maybe so.”

“Well, Rita’s is gone,” Azriel muttered, “but, there’s pie.”

Elains laughter grew louder, and even Azriel couldn’t help but smile down at her.

“It’s a little burnt, but I’m sure it tastes alright,” he went on. "Maybe."

“Pie sounds good,” Elain said, eyes bright. “Even if we can only eat the filling.”

Azriel scoffed. “That’s the best part.”

“True,” she agreed, and rolled off the couch from beneath him. “I’m going upstairs to clean up. Meet me in bed.” She stopped at the bottom of the stairs and looked over her shoulder. Azriel's eyes scanned every inch of her body as she said, “You bring the pie.”

Azriel was off the couch before she could finish her sentence, doing just that.