#Angular Best Practices

[acquaintsofttech]

10 Angular Best Practices for MEAN Stack Developers

References :

Introduction

Angular is one of the major technologies in a MEAN stack application (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js). It is a robust frontend framework that is built on TypeScript. 1.02% of the top 1 million websites use Angular.

For developers that get everything right, it will ensure the development of highly scalable, maintainable and secure applications. However, do not take high performance for granted.

It requires one to follow good Angular coding practices. Angular plays a pivotal role in delivering intuitive user experiences and maintaining long-term project viability.

With power comes complexity. Poor structure, unclear component design, or improper state management can cripple performance. It can also lead to scalability and team productivity issues. This is something startups and scaling teams can't afford.

This article outlines 10 practical Angular best practices tailored specifically for MEAN stack developers.

Top 10 Angular Best Practices

1. Ensure Consistent Code Style:

It is not uncommon for Angular developers to pay more attention to what is being developed rather than how to develop it. Hence, although following a consistent code style might be trivial, it is the source of a high percentage of code inconsistencies.

This is important because bad code is hard to maintain and interpret. Inconsistent code may be as a result of varying indentation, naming conventions or bracket placements.

Here are the best practices to follow:

Implement a linter and integrate it into your build process. Implement automatic code formatter on commit with a formatter like Prettier.

Avoid disjoined naming conventions since it creates chaos. Instead opt for a logical naming system. Doing so will make it easy to locate files and understand their purpose. This is essential for maintaining large projects. It will work in your favor to follow Angular's recommended naming conventions. For example: feature-name.component.ts, feature-name.service.ts, feature-name.module.ts. Class names: FeatureNameComponent, FeatureNameService. The folder structure "reflecting module/feature hierarchy".

Design self-contained components which have the ability to communicate effectively without creating tight coupling. Use @Input() for passing data down and @Output() (with EventEmitter) for emitting events up. This will ensure clean, predictable interactions. Avoid direct DOM manipulation or direct access to parent or child components.

Angular is built on TypeScript hence ignoring types defeats one of TypeScript's primary benefits. Define interfaces and types for all your data structures, API responses, and complex objects. Make the most of the fact that TypeScript is built on JavaScript, but use these types rigorously throughout your components, services, and pipes.

2. Optimize Angular for Performance:

Implement best coding practices, which include using advanced strategies to improve the performance of your MEAN stack application.

Set changeDetection: ChangeDetectionStrategy.OnPush in your component decorators. This tells Angular to only check the component and its children if its input properties (@Input()) have changed (immutable data), or if an event originated from the component itself. This prevents Angular from checking every component and significantly optimizes the code.

Instead of loading all features at once, load modules only when needed. This helps reduce time-to-interactive and improve mobile performance. This ensures users only download the code they need, significantly improving initial load performance, especially critical in mobile-first markets.

Create dedicated services that encapsulate all HTTP requests to your backend APIs. Inject these services into components or other services as needed. Scattering HTTP calls throughout components creates redundancy, makes error handling inconsistent, and complicates API changes.

Perform code reviews regularly to catch mistakes and ensure the developers are following good coding practices. Automate this process as far as possible. Provide feedback when necessary to ensure code quality and provide more secure applications.

3. Secure Angular Apps Proactively

Don't let a lack of security hinder your application. Implement secure coding practices like:

Sanitize inputs when binding HTML using Angular’s built-in DomSanitizer.

Use route guards (CanActivate, CanLoad) to protect routes.

Use Angular’s HttpInterceptor to manage auth headers securely.

Prevent cross-site scripting and server-side XSS attacks.

Implement route guards on the navigation.

Update the Angular libraries regularly.

4. Test Thoroughly and Implement Error Handling:

Testing may feel optional during early development, but bugs in production are far costlier. Set up CI pipelines to run tests automatically on commits. Prioritize testing critical logic, API integrations, and reusable components.

That said, even the most robust applications encounter errors. However, the key to success is to handle the errors gracefully. This impacts user experience and provides valuable debugging information.

Implement the following with Angular:

Unit testing with Jasmine/Karma

End-to-end testing with Protractor (or Cypress)

TestBed for component isolation

Implement global HTTP error interceptors to catch and handle API errors consistently.

Use try-catch blocks for synchronous errors and .catchError or .pipe(catchError()) operators for RxJS streams.

Provide user-friendly error messages and logging for developers.

5. Angular State Management:

As applications scale, managing data and state across many components becomes complex. Without a clear strategy, "prop drilling" (passing data through many intermediate components) and inconsistent data sources emerge. Hence, complex applications should ideally consider a dedicated state management library like NgRx (Redux pattern).

This ensures more predictable state transitions, easier debugging with dev tools, and a decoupled architecture. However, it is best to implement state management when complexity demands it. Well-designed Angular services with subjects or behavior subjects may suffice for small apps.

6. Master RxJS and Observables:

Angular heavily leverages RxJS and Observables for handling asynchronous operations (HTTP requests, events, routing). Understanding these reactive programming concepts is crucial. Embrace Observables for all asynchronous data streams.

Learn common RxJS operators (map, filter, debounceTime, switchMap, takeUntil) to transform and compose these streams effectively. Always remember to unsubscribe from long-lived observables to prevent memory leaks. The async pipe in templates handles unsubscription automatically for you.

7. Use Reactive Forms for Complex Inputs:

While template-driven forms are simple, reactive forms offer greater control, scalability, and testability—ideal for applications with dynamic form logic or backend-driven validation.

Startups building dashboards or admin panels will benefit from the robustness of reactive forms early in development. Reactive forms integrate better with RxJS observables and allow features like:

Conditional form controls

Dynamic validation rules

Better test coverage

8. Write Reusable and Standalone Components:

Standalone components allow modular UI development without needing a module wrapper. This improves reusability and testability across your app. Consider using pure presentation components that rely solely on inputs/outputs and delegate logic to parent components or services.

This pattern supports design system consistency and faster UI iteration cycles, especially valuable in fast-paced startup environments. Avoid placing heavy business logic directly into components.

Instead, delegate it to services to promote the separation of concerns and enable easier unit testing. For MEAN stack teams where backend logic may also live in Node services, keeping Angular components clean reduces duplication and eases refactoring as requirements evolve.

9. Use a Scalable Project Structure:

Organizing Angular code from the outset can save countless hours of refactoring later. For MEAN developers building full-scale applications, adopt a feature-based structure over traditional layer-based structures.

This pattern scales well, keeps domain logic contained, and aligns with Agile delivery cycles. Avoid mixing services and components in generic folders like services or shared unless they are truly reusable across multiple domains.

10. Leverage Angular CLI and Strict Type Checking:

Angular CLI is more than a scaffolding tool—it enforces Angular coding standards and reduces manual configuration. When initializing new projects, always use the "--strict flag". 

This enables stronger typing, stricter templates, and better linting defaults. This translates into more predictable code, easier debugging, and fewer runtime surprises—a significant advantage when hiring new developers into fast-growing teams.

Outsource Development Requirements

Startups tend to prioritize speed over structure. Needless to say, this encourages bad coding practices. It also results in rework, wasted effort, and high costs.  When MEAN Stack developers cut corners, they are highly likely to accumulate "technical debt".

This results in higher bug rates, longer maintenance schedules, and at times project stagnation. Technical debt gives rise to hidden costs of optimizing the code prior to adding new features or modifying the existing ones.

Startups don’t fail from bad ideas—they fail from unscalable code. Best practices in Angular are your insurance policy for growth.

Hence, both startups and larger enterprise businesses are better off following the good coding practices as addressed in the previous section.  Besides this, businesses can also benefit from outsourcing their software development requirements.

Hire MEAN Stack developers from a leading company like Acquaint Softtech.  Adhering to best practices from the outset is a strategic investment that pays dividends. The MEAN stack is only as strong as its front-end discipline. Angular best practices keep it bulletproof.

It improves maintainability, scalability, performance, team collaboration, and reduces risk.  It also works out more cost-effectively, as does opting to outsource to a MEAN Stack development company.

Angular doesn’t forgive shortcuts. The habits you build today decide whether your MEAN stack flies or fractures tomorrow.

Conclusion

The MEAN Stack is a good option for businesses to deliver cutting-edge solutions. It is a JavaScript based solution hence it is highly flexible and swift.

Enforce Angular best practices to ensure the development of top-notch applications that are feature-rich and free from bugs.  It has something to offer to all types of businesses hence, whether you are a startup or a large enterprise, it is a wise decision to build your web application using the MEAN Stack.

However, it is important to implement the best coding practices to avoid technical-debt and deliver a stunning web app.

By outsourcing your requirements to a professional software development company and ensuring they follow the MEAN Stack best practices for Angular developers mentioned in this article, you can gain an upper edge.

FAQs

Why are Angular best practices important in MEAN stack development?

Best practices help maintain cleaner code, enhance scalability, improve performance, and reduce bugs in MEAN stack applications.

Can these Angular practices help my startup scale faster?

Yes, implementing these coding standards early on builds a robust foundation, making it easier to adapt and scale your product over time.

Should I outsource Angular development or build in-house?

Outsourcing to a reliable MEAN stack development company can speed up delivery, ensure quality, and allow you to focus on core business goals.

[i4technolab]

In a world where security is paramount, Java looks to be an unrivaled platform getting better with every new update. It is a premier programming language and an extraordinary ecosystem with the ability to deal with security concerns more effectively, thanks to its important tools and libraries.

Another aspect of Java’s unrivaled success is its “Write Once, Run Anywhere” principle. It doesn’t require recompilation when developing Java applications, which makes it the best choice for cross-platform software development.

Java is highly chosen for a wide range of projects, including AI/ML application development, Android app development, Bespoke Java software development, bespoke Blockchain development, and many more.

[stellarsecrets86]

Sun In Signs Of Groom Persona Chart

Other posts you might like:

Masterlist

[PS: These are my own observations. For entertainment purposes only. Have fun.💚]

🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩

(Sun in a groom persona chart represents his core identity, ego, and how he presents himself as a husband. It is symbolic of his willpower, leadership qualities, self-expression, and the life force that he brings into the marital relationship. The position of the Sun in the signs shows what kind of energy he carries, how he would handle responsibilities, and what role he would play in the union.)

Sun in Aries

In the groom pc, having Sun in Aries attracts bold, energetic, and passionate spouse. Most likely, he would be the head or the dominant in the relation. It makes him very adventurous, enthusiastic to try everything new in this marriage, but his individuality could overpower him and cause impatience or dominance. He is the protector of his woman, even taking on the role of "hero" when it comes to his girlfriend or wife. He is independent and may require a partner who can appreciate their energetic vibes while maintaining emotional equilibrium. His leadership can be inspiring, yet it should also be modulated to include his partner's needs.

{Spouse likely has a sharp, angular face with prominent features and a high forehead, exuding confidence and energy.}

Sun in Taurus

The Sun in Taurus makes the groom a practical and reliable person as he values stability. He feels good if his environment is comfortable and secure, and he works hard to make his partner feel valued. Taurus Suns are sensual and base a lot of their marital satisfaction on physical connection and comfort. They can be resistant to change and love routine and tradition. They are loyal partners but at times can be possessive. The beauty, luxury, and finer things in life are truly appreciated by this groom, and he often strives to create a beautiful home.

{Spouse may have a round or oval face with soft, symmetrical features and a pleasant, earthy charm.}

Sun in Gemini

He is curious, communicative, and versatile. He brings intellectual excitement and humor into the relationship, never a dull moment. Versatile and sociable, he likes to share ideas and enjoy lively discussions with his mate. His restless nature may at times make him appear inconsistent, absent-minded, and so on. He needs a partner who can appreciate his lively mind and understand his varied interests. This groom does well in relationships with good lines of communication and shared curiosity.

{The spouse could have a narrow, oval face with expressive eyes and lively, youthful features.}

Sun in Cancer

He is deeply nurturing, empathetic, and protective. He values emotional connection and creates a sense of home and family in the marriage. His intuitive nature makes him highly attuned to his partner's needs, often going out of his way to provide comfort. At times, he may struggle with moodiness or clinginess. A Cancer Sun groom needs a partner who understands his sensitivity and shares his desire for a close-knit family life.

{A moon-like, round or soft face with gentle, nurturing expressions is typical for the spouse.}

Sun in Leo

He is charismatic, warm-hearted, and proud. He looks at marriage as a stage on which to shine and generally assumes a leadership role in the relationship. Generous and loyal, he loves showering his partner with affection and admiration and expects admiration in return. While his confidence can be inspiring, he may at times come off as self-centered. This groom does best when his partner supports his ambitions and shares his enthusiasm for life.

{The spouse often has a regal, well-defined face with strong bone structure and a radiant, magnetic presence.}

Sun in Virgo

Husband is practical, detail-oriented, and committed to his self-improvement project. He brings stability and dependability into the relationship, many times going out of his way in order to solve problems and make good order. He loves his partner who shares an appreciation for organization and hard work. Sometimes, he could make his partner's life hard through being too critical or perfectionist, which might be a tense source in their relationship. When a Virgo Sun husband is appreciated for his work, he thrives.

{Spouse may possess a delicate, heart-shaped face with fine, symmetrical features and a refined appearance.}

Sun in Libra

Husband is charming, tactful, and loves to establish a marriage that is just harmonious. He prefers justice and desires a balanced partnership wherein both parties are equal. His love for aesthetics and romance alone can create a beautiful and loving environment for his spouse. Nevertheless, his need to evade conflicts may at times elicit indecision or repression of his own needs. A Libra Sun husband thrives well in a relationship where mutual respect and collaboration are established.

{The spouse likely has an oval or symmetrical face with balanced, harmonious features and an attractive, graceful demeanor.}

Sun in Scorpio

Husband of a Scorpio Sun in the groom pc will be an experience of depth, passion, and an almost irreversible commitment. Pressing into intense intimacy, or a probe into the depths of life, are the ways he might pursue his partner. He desires transformation for himself and from his partner. This could mean he sometimes can become possessive or controlling. A Scorpio Sun needs trust, honesty, and emotional toughness from his wife to have a successful marriage.

{Spouse may have a square or intense face with piercing eyes, strong jawlines, and an enigmatic aura.}

Sun in Sagittarius

The Sagittarius Sun in groom pc husband is free-spirited, optimistic, and adventurous. He has fun in the relationship and gives his partner an urge for new experiences. Freedom is important to him, and he needs a partner who will respect his need for freedom. While his enthusiasm is contagious, his lack of focus or commitment to some routines may frustrate the spouse at times. A Sagittarius Sun husband really thrives when his mate loves adventure and personal growth as he does.

{A long, oval face with high cheekbones and a bright, adventurous expression often describes the spouse.}

Sun in Capricorn

Ambitious, responsible, and intent upon building a stable future, the Capricorn Sun groom regards marriage as both an obligation and an opportunity to extend his role of provider and protector. Practical by nature, he works hard to assure a successful long-term partnership, though at times his work or responsibilities may make him appear a little distant or serious. An Capricorn Sun boyfriend thrives in an appreciation of his efforts within a relationship and feels supported on his journey to success.

{The spouse may have a chiseled, rectangular face with defined bone structure and a mature, poised look.}

Sun in Aquarius

The groom with the Sun in Aquarius is a nonconformist who values independence and individuality in his marriage. He brings a unique twist into the relationship and mostly confronts conventional standards. While intellectually and socially attached, he values a partner who sees his vision for progress and change. His detached nature may sometimes make him emotionally unavailable. This groom thrives in relationships where freedom and mutual respect are emphasized.

{Spouse could have a unique or unconventional face shape, often oval, with sharp features and a futuristic vibe.}

Sun in Pisces

The Pisces Sun is the groom pc is compassionate, dreamy, and emotionally intuitive. He marries with the utmost romanticism and idealizes his spouse. His creative and emotional nature makes him a tender and caring partner. Since he can sometimes be very imaginary and flee from strife, he can create misunderstandings. A Pisces Sun feels most happy with a spouse who can share his emotions and creativity.

{A soft, rounded face with dreamy, delicate features and expressive, soulful eyes is common for the spouse.}

[sensualnoiree]

wealth indicators in astrology

The 2nd House and its Ruler The 2nd house rules personal wealth, income, possessions, and material resources. A well-placed ruler of the 2nd house (in dignified signs or making favorable aspects) can signify strong potential for financial success. Wealth in this house is not just about material resources, but also about how we value ourselves, our talents, and our ability to manifest abundance through self-worth.

Jupiter and Venus (Benefics) in Key Positions Jupiter represents expansion, luck, and abundance, while Venus governs pleasure, wealth, and beauty. Their placement in angular houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) or making harmonious aspects (trines and sextiles) can indicate financial prosperity. Jupiter and Venus bring grace and fortune, but their spiritual lesson often revolves around generosity and the willingness to share abundance. Wealth is also cultivated through relationships and faith in higher principles.

The 8th House and its Ruler The 8th house deals with shared resources, investments, inheritance, and other people's money. A strong 8th house or a well-placed ruler can suggest gains through partnerships, inheritance, or financial support from others. Wealth from the 8th house comes through deep, transformative experiences and often asks for a surrender of control. It's the wealth of vulnerability and trust, leading to shared material or emotional resources.

Strong Earth Sign Placements (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) Earth signs are practical and grounded, making them naturally inclined toward building wealth through hard work, perseverance, and material stability. Earth placements teach the lessons of patience, discipline, and respect for the physical world. Wealth is accumulated over time through effort and practical application, but it also reflects our connection to the body and the material environment.

Pluto and Transformation of Wealth Pluto is often associated with power, control, and transformation. When in aspect to the 2nd or 8th house or their rulers, Pluto can signify major transformations in one’s financial situation—often through crises or periods of intense regeneration. Pluto teaches that true wealth is the result of deep inner transformation. Pluto forces us to face our attachments to material security and transforms our relationship to wealth through cycles of death and rebirth.

North Node in the 2nd or 8th House The North Node in the 2nd or 8th house suggests that the soul’s evolutionary journey involves learning how to master finances, resources, and self-worth. The North Node points to the soul’s spiritual work. Wealth accumulated in these areas is not just about money, but about understanding one’s true purpose and karmic lessons related to material possessions.

Saturn in the 2nd or 10th House Saturn represents discipline, structure, and long-term success. In the 2nd or 10th house, it often points to delayed but enduring financial stability through consistent effort and hard work. Saturn teaches us that wealth is earned through time and dedication. It can also represent karmic lessons around financial responsibility and the maturation process necessary for true success.

Venus-Jupiter Aspects Harmonious aspects between Venus and Jupiter are considered one of the best indicators of financial prosperity, as these are the two most beneficial planets. While this aspect can indicate material wealth, it also highlights spiritual abundance and the capacity for joy, love, and appreciation of life’s pleasures. It's a reminder that wealth is more than money—it's the richness of life.

MC (Midheaven) and Career-Related Indicators The MC, 10th house, and its ruler are tied to one’s public image, career, and long-term achievements. Favorable planets in the 10th or supportive aspects to the MC can point to career success and financial gain. Success comes through aligning with one's higher calling and being of service. True wealth is found in fulfilling a vocation that resonates with one's spiritual purpose.

Favorable Aspects between the 2nd and 10th Houses Harmonious connections between the 2nd and 10th houses or their rulers can signify the ability to generate wealth through career pursuits. Career and personal values must align for wealth to be truly sustainable. There’s a spiritual dimension to finding purpose in work that also brings material rewards.

follow for more astro insights like this and head on over to @quenysefields or my etsy --> sensualnoiree to grab my new astrology guidebook on reading your own natal chart :)

[monster-disaster]

A request for two exoskeleton aliens that are very addicted to feeling and fondling a cute squishy human they found

alien!Scad x human!Reader x alien!Talex Good to know: smut, threesome

A/N: Exoskeleton aliens were really specific and I hope my aliens are close to what you imagined. And if you wanted something more like Tarzan meets Jane type of thing, don't worry, I want to write something like that in the near future. :)

-

Your breathing is ragged and uneven as you hurry along the endless corridors that lead you outside to the ship that arrived not long ago. The sharp click of your sleek black heels against the gray tiles echoes through the empty hall in perfect rhythm with your rushing steps. Each knock bounces off the tall, blank walls, mixing with the soft, desperate huffs escaping your lips as you push forward. Your bag almost falls off your shoulder, but your fingers are tight and firm around the black straps. It wrinkles the white fabric of your shirt underneath it.

"They are here," Jim says, opening the door for you when he sees you approaching. "And you are late."

You can't help but scoff. "Thanks, Captain Obvious."

"Come on," he waves. "Hurry."

Keeping your thoughts about the man to yourself, you turn your focus to the grandiose spaceship that gleams under the bright sun at the top of the clear blue sky. The metal doors are already open, and at the base of the long stairs, you can see the guests among your other co-workers.

As a Cultural Ambassador, you meet beings from different planets all the time. It’s your job to understand their customs, their ways of life, and to bridge the gap between their worlds and yours. Yet, despite all your training and experience, you are still sometimes caught off guard by how different they can appear compared to what you are used to on Earth. That’s probably one of the reasons you love your job so much. There’s always something new to learn, something unfamiliar to explore.

From this distance, their skin appears to shift colors depending on the light; a shimmering green with hints of blue and purple that ripple across their form. As you walk closer, you realize their skin is more like an armor, a natural exoskeleton that covers them from head to toe. They stand tall and lean, with long arms and legs that bend in ways unfamiliar to human anatomy. The joints at their knees curve gracefully backward, resembling the powerful hind legs of a predator built for speed and agility.

"That’s new," Jim hums beside you, easily keeping pace with the rhythmic clicks of your high heels.

"Shut up," you hiss under your breath, eyes narrowing in annoyance as you keep your focus ahead. "They have a great hearing."

The closer you get, the more details you see. Their bodies are a blend of hard, angular bones and taut muscles. Though they may seem slim, there’s no doubt in you about the immense power lurking beneath their armor-like skin. They resemble the perfect fusion of the grace and agility of prey with the raw strength and precision of a predator. They carry all the best attributes of both types, presenting a striking balance of beauty and strength.

“Wow,” Jim mutters, but you only send him a brief, sidelong glance before turning your full attention back to the aliens.

You offer a calm and friendly smile, one you’ve practiced countless times for these occasions.

“Welcome to Earth,” you greet them in their own language. The unfamiliar words roll off your tongue with a heavy accent as you approach. Your posture is relaxed and open, with your back straight and your arms hanging comfortably by your sides.

"I hope your journey was comfortable,” you say, stopping a few feet away from them. “I’m Y/N. We’ve already communicated through messages.”

“Yes,” one of them replies, reaching out his hand for you. The gesture, while surprising, isn’t entirely unfamiliar. As diplomats of their home planet, they’re also learning your customs. You accept the hand and shake it briefly. “I’m Scad, and this is Talex.” The other male gives a wave, though the motion feels unusual coming from him.

“Are we ready to go?” you ask, directing the question mostly to your co-workers. They nod, stepping back to give you space to do your job.

“Yes,” Talex responds. His voice is smooth and gentle.

“Great,” you smile warmly. “Let’s make the best of your time here.”

_

The restaurant buzzes with life, rich with the soft music playing in the background and the low murmur of conversations weaving through the delicate clinking of cutlery and glasses.

You glance at Talex and Scad, who sit across from you. Their expressions are a blend of curiosity and cautious enthusiasm as they take their first bites of the steak you recommended. Their skin seems to shimmer under lights that cast a soft glow over the polished wood tables and vibrant artwork adorning the walls.

“So, what do you think?” you ask after a few quiet moments, letting them savor the flavors.

Talex hums thoughtfully, his large, all-black eyes reflecting the dim light above. “Much softer than what we are used to,” he replies. His voice is smooth and gentle, almost melodic.

Scad nods beside him, his slender fingers are still around the fork as he takes another bite. “But I miss more spice,” he adds honestly.

“More spice?” You raise an eyebrow, intrigued. When they nod in agreement, a smile spreads across your face. “Then we’ll have to try my favorite restaurant next time. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

“I still feel guilty we didn’t bring some of our favorite dishes with us,” Talex says, a note of regret lacing his words. “But we weren’t sure it would be good for human digestion.”

You suppress a laugh, trying to maintain your polite demeanor. “It’s fine, really,” you assure him. From what they shared about their home planet and their culinary customs, the dishes sounded raw and rather... challenging for your human system. You imagine vibrant colors and strange textures that would likely send your stomach into a confused spiral.

Scad takes a sip of his drink, his expression brightening as he savors the wine. The tangy notes dance on his tongue, and you can see the delight in his large, dark eyes as he nods appreciatively after every sip. “We are curious about your spices,” he says, his voice smooth and melodic, carrying a hint of excitement. “What kinds of flavors do humans use usually?” He tilts his head slightly, his long limbs moving gracefully as he continues to eat, a picture of both elegance and curiosity.

"It depends on the country, really," you reply. “Each region has its own unique flavors and combinations. If you enjoy spices, you might find a lot of countries’ dishes intriguing."

“And the dessert?” Talex chimes in, his eyes widening with eager anticipation as he looks up from his plate. There’s an almost childlike excitement in his strange, alien-like expression, as if he is already envisioning the chocolate cake you mentioned a few days ago, despite the fact that he still has half of his steak left.

You can’t help but laugh. “It will come soon,” you assure him with a playful smile spreading across your face. “I promise, it’s worth the wait!”

Scad glances between you and Talex, a curious tilt to his head. “Is it… sweet?”

“Very sweet,” you reply, leaning in slightly as if sharing a delicious secret. “It’s rich and creamy, with layers of chocolate that just melt in your mouth. The texture is like velvet, and it’s often topped with a ganache that makes it even better.”

You already talked about it with Talex, and he found your human sweets and snacks really intriguing. While they enjoy tastes and meals are a significant part of their social life, the thought of eating just for fun and not for company or nutrients is strange. They don’t even have these kinds of sweet tastes where they come from, so you want to show them as much as you can while they are here.

Their stay on Earth has been without a hitch so far. The aliens are kind and polite, always eager to engage in whatever activities you suggest to show or teach them about your planet and its diverse creatures. In turn, they share fascinating stories about their home, too. They express their appreciation for the comfort and softness that Earth has to offer, especially considering that their own planet can be quite hostile. The harsh conditions there have shaped them, resulting in their armor-like skin you noticed immediately when you saw them the first time. You also discover that the differences between their males and females are strikingly minimal, limited mainly to their genitals and colors. Much like the diverse spices found on Earth, their males tend to be more colorful with vibrant hues and patterns. And while you might expect aliens from such a harsh planet to be rough themselves, they are surprisingly refined, especially in their appreciation of technology and art. They are advanced in both fields, which makes every visit to museums and galleries a delight for them. They seem genuinely fascinated by Earth’s creations, examining each piece with an almost childlike curiosity. The more you get to know them, the more ideas you gather about other places and experiences they might enjoy here.

_

"So," Scad says, breaking the monotone rumble of the car as he studies the brochure you gave him. "This is… music?"

"Yes," you reply, nodding as you turn your attention from the window and the passing city to look at him. "From what you've told me, our classical music is actually quite similar to what you play on your planet."

"Do they have chocolate cakes?" Talex asks, already guessing the answer when he glances at you and sees the smile spreading across your face.

"No," you tell him, chuckling. "But we can get some after the concert. There’s a popular café near my apartment that sells cakes too."

The younger of the two smiles and nods eagerly. "I can’t wait."

Ever since Talex first tried chocolate cake at the restaurant, he’s been a little obsessed with it, much to Scad’s surprise. Scad hadn’t taken to the cake himself, but you’re determined not to give up just yet. You are sure there’s a dessert out there that will suit his tastes, too, and you are ready to help him find it.

The city is alive and buzzing with nightlife. Vibrant lights and neon signs spill through the tinted car windows, casting colored reflections over the seats. The hum of traffic mingles with the steady rumble of the engine as you make your way through the crowded streets. It’s Friday night, and the sidewalks are filled with people. Some are heading home after a long day, while others are eager to unwind with friends, ready to keep the night going until sunrise.

When you arrive at the theater, long rows of people are already lined up, chatting and shuffling impatiently, eager to get inside. The chill in the air nips through your black dress and matching jacket, which do little to guard you against the cold.

Once inside, you are greeted by a rush of warmth. The tickets are still in your hands as you watch your companions take in the opulent interior. Talex’s gaze drifts upward, transfixed by the golden details that gleam under the grand chandelier hanging from the intricately painted ceiling. The bright light dances off polished surfaces, illuminating the marble pillars and casting soft reflections across the hall.

"Your architecture is amazing," he murmurs, still staring upward as you gently take his arm to guide him through the crowd. "Our buildings are more like what you call ‘modern.’"

Scad nods in agreement, his gaze lingering on the sweeping staircases and rich wood paneling. "Our buildings are efficient to build, but not nearly as satisfying to look at."

"Come then," you say with a smile, still holding onto Talex’s arm. "I think you’re going to enjoy tonight."

Guiding them through the bustling lobby, you lead them up to the gallery. Once there, they take in the grand view from above, where the entire stage and rows of seats below spread out. The soft murmur of the crowd blends with the faint tuning of instruments from behind the curtain, building an air of anticipation.

"Amazing," Talex sighs again, and you only smile.

The short wait, until the concert begins, passes with quiet conversation as they occasionally ask you questions, but mostly, they are captivated, taking everything in while you watch them with patience and some pride. Seeing their awe gives you a renewed appreciation for it all; each detail of the theater seems more delicate, more grandiose through their eyes.

When the thick, red curtain finally parts and the first notes resonate through the hall, a flutter of anticipation stirs in your stomach. You want them to enjoy this, to feel something new.

As the night unfolds and each melody follows the next, you notice them gradually relaxing against the plush red seats, becoming immersed in the experience. Their alien expressions are subtle and hard to read, but with each passing day, you’re getting better at interpreting the quiet, telling glances they exchange and the slight shifts in their posture.

By the time the concert ends, you can tell they enjoyed it without needing to ask. There’s a lightness in their steps and a glint of excitement in their eyes as you leave the bright hall of the theater and step into the vibrant, bustling street. The black car with your chauffeur for the night is already waiting, and it merges smoothly into the flow of traffic once you are all inside.

"So," you smile, glancing at them. "I take it you enjoyed the concert?"

"It was really fascinating," Scad replies thoughtfully. "Our instruments are quite similar, but more..." He trails off, searching for the right word that doesn’t seem to come.

"Modern," Talex offers, then makes a face, clearly dissatisfied. "Not quite the word, but…" he gives a small shrug as if words are too limited.

You nod with understanding. "I get it," you say warmly, appreciating their attempt to bridge the language gap.

"Can we come back again?" Scad asks, casting a last, lingering look over his shoulder at the theater as it fades from view with a left turn.

"Of course," you reply with a smile. "There are all kinds of concerts. We can look up the ones that might interest you the most."

"And now, can I get my cake?" Talex asks, a grin spreading across his face, his dark eyes bright with anticipation.

You chuckle and nod. "Yes, absolutely."

The café is still open and lively when you arrive, the warm air rich with the scent of freshly brewed coffee, mingling with the hum of conversations and the clinking of cups.

"What should I try?" Scad asks, eyeing the display, while Talex’s choice is clear from the eager look on his face.

"Well, since chocolate isn’t your favorite but you like our fruits, maybe something with berries?" you suggest, gesturing to the colorful pastries.

Then, turning to Talex, you grin. "And for you, we have something called hot chocolate."

"Oh?" Talex hums, intrigued. "It’s not like coffee, is it?"

You laugh, recalling his reactions to coffee’s bitterness. "No, nothing like coffee."

"And you might like green tea," you say, glancing back at Scad with a knowing smile. "I have a feeling you’ll enjoy it."

There’s so much you want them to try, so many flavors and experiences to share. You almost worry you will give both yourself and them a bit of a whirlwind.

"I trust your choices," Scad replies with a nod, and Talex quickly mirrors him.

When you get your order and scan the busy café, you can’t help but sigh. There’s no way you’ll find a free table anytime soon.

"Sorry," the cashier says with an apologetic smile. You give a friendly nod, reassuring her with a smile of your own, and bid her goodbye before rejoining Scad and Talex, who have stayed out of the crowd’s way.

“There’s no space here,” you tell them, handing over their boxes with drinks and cakes. “But we could go up to my apartment if you’re interested,” you offer, then quickly add, “But you’re also welcome to head home if you’re tired. I’d understand.”

"No," Talex responds immediately, only to let out a small groan as Scad nudges him with an elbow, a gesture he’s picked up since coming to Earth.

"We don’t want to be a burden, Y/N," Scad says, looking almost bashful.

"Oh, no, not at all," you insist, shaking your head. "I wouldn’t have offered otherwise. Come on, let’s go."

Your apartment is only a few minutes’ walk away, perched on the top floor with a lovely view over the city skyline. It’s nothing grand, but it’s cozy, and it’s home.

"I imagined something more... I’m not sure," Talex murmurs as he takes in the space with open curiosity. "You’re always so put together and professional, but your home is... soft and comfortable."

Scad nods in agreement. "And colorful."

Most of your furniture is secondhand, pieces you couldn’t resist picking up from flea markets or online listings. Colorful pictures and paintings fill the walls, lush plants soften the corners, and piles of blankets and pillows add texture to the couch and armchair.

“What is this?” Talex asks, pointing to a vintage birdcage hanging beside the TV.

You chuckle, feeling a bit sheepish. “It’s silly, I know. It’s an old birdcage, but I use it to hold my jewelry.”

“Birdcage?” Talex repeats, intrigued.

“People on Earth keep all kinds of animals as pets,” you explain with a smile. “But I don’t have a bird.”

“No?” Talex looks at you, flicking a necklace gently with his finger.

You shake your head. “I wouldn’t have time for a pet, and besides, I’d never keep a bird in that tiny cage.”

“It’s creative,” Talex nods thoughtfully, his face lighting up. “I like it.”

You laugh, pleased by his interest. “I’m glad you do.”

You spend the next hour gathered around your small dining table, chatting about everything from desserts to upcoming concerts as you browse tickets online.

“I think you’ll enjoy this one, too,” you murmur while confirming the order. “And how’s the chocolate?” you ask Talex, catching a glimpse of Scad as he rises from his seat to wander over to the window.

“It’s really good,” the younger alien replies with a hint of a smile. “But you already knew that.”

You laugh, barely hiding your satisfaction. “I had a feeling.”

Scad interrupts your banter, his voice thoughtful as he looks out at the city below. “Now I see why you chose this place.”

“Yeah,” you say, moving to stand beside him. The city is alive with people and traffic. Lights reflect off the glass buildings and stretch out into the night. “When I saw this view, I knew I’d want to see it every day.”

Scad turns his gaze back to you, his expression a mix of curiosity and admiration. “It’s beautiful. So much movement… so much life.”

“It’s easy to get lost in it. Sometimes, I find myself just watching the streets, the way people interact, how the city breathes.”

“It feels… different here. The energy is more vibrant than on our planet.”

Scad turns back to the window. "It’s lively… almost overwhelming.”

"It can be," you agree. "Is it so different where you come from?"

He nods slowly, his eyes still fixed on the scene outside. “It can be busy too, especially in our cities, but it’s not so vibrant. Now that we’ve started opening up to other planets, we’re seeing more species coming in, but nothing like this. All these creatures, and they can still coexist together.”

"I'm not even sure humans could survive on our planet," Talex speaks up from behind you, closer than you anticipated. "Your kind is so soft and vulnerable."

Before you can process the shift in the atmosphere, you feel the alien's hard chest pressing against your back. The sudden contact makes your breath hitch, yet it’s not enough to make you step away.

"We can be resilient too," you reply weakly, earning a chuckle from Scad.

"Hard to believe," he says, looking over you with an amused expression. There’s no malice in his words, so you don’t feel offended, even though an argument is ready to roll off your tongue. However, Talex’s long, slender fingers resting on your hips stop the train of your thoughts immediately.

"What are you doing?" you manage to ask, feeling your heart race.

"Humans are fascinating," Talex muses, his voice low and thoughtful, though it’s not the answer you wanted. "You are so fascinating."

Scad takes a step closer, his gaze locked onto you. "Soft."

You gulp, warmth flooding your chest and creeping up to your cheeks. "Yeah," you croak out. "You said that."

"And pliant," Talex adds, his breath warm against the crook of your neck, sending goosebumps rippling across your skin. "And I'm really curious."

You know you shouldn’t ask, but the question slips out before you can stop yourself. "About what?"

Scad grins, a mischievous glint flickering in his large, black eyes. "Call it human anatomy."

The room feels charged, your heartbeat echoing in your ears as you try to gauge their intentions. There’s an intensity in the air, a palpable curiosity that you can’t ignore. The way they regard you sends your thoughts spiraling.

"What exactly do you want to know?"

Talex leans in slightly, his expression earnest yet playful. "How does your kind express affection? How do you communicate intimacy?"

Scad watches you closely as if assessing your reaction. "We’ve seen some of your gestures, hugs, kisses. But we want to understand more. What does it feel like?"

You take a breath, caught off guard by their candidness. "It’s… it’s a way to connect, to show trust and care," you explain, your voice steadying. "Humans often use touch to convey emotions."

"Touch," Talex repeats, his fingers brushing lightly against your hip as he absorbs your words. "Like this?"

His touch sends a shiver through you, igniting a mixture of warmth and uncertainty. "Yes, but it can mean different things depending on the context," you clarify, your heart racing. "It can be comforting, passionate, or even just friendly."

Scad tilts his head, contemplating your response. "And how do you know what kind of touch is appropriate?"

You pause, considering how to articulate the nuances of human interactions. "It depends on the relationship and the situation. You learn to read the signs; the body language, tone of voice, and the setting. It’s all part of understanding each other."

Talex's eyes sparkle with curiosity. "And is it always clear?"

"Not always," you admit. "Sometimes it can be complicated. Misunderstandings happen."

"It seems much easier for us," Talex says, his fingers still exploring the fabric of your dress. His touch is light and curious. "There are rules and customs to follow."

"We have those too," you tell him, struggling to keep your thoughts organized. "But it can get... confusing."

"Is it confusing now?" Scad asks, stepping even closer until you find yourself effectively trapped between their hard, lean bodies.

"Yes," you reply, your voice steady despite the rapid flutter of your heart.

"And how should we make it more obvious?" he asks, his hand reaching out to gently smooth over your jaw, his touch both tender and electrifying.

"It depends," you reply. "What do you want to make more obvious?"

"Our desire to get to know you more... intimately," he states, his tone steady as he maintains eye contact. The admission hangs in the air between you, charged with anticipation.

You swallow, the weight of his words sinking in. "Intimacy is a delicate thing," you say softly, feeling your heart race.

Talex nods behind you. "We will be really careful then." He reaches for the zipper of your dress, and with one smooth motion, he pulls it down. The tight fabric loosens around your body, and soon, pooling at your feet.

A shiver of surprise runs through you as the cool air brushes against your skin. You can feel your blood burning in your veins as the aliens look over you, letting their gaze linger on the soft curves of your body and the detailed lace of your underwear.

"Everyone looks like you?" Scad asks, his fingers slipping down your neck and across your collarbone.

"No," you tell them. "Some are softer, some are harder. There are no rules about how we should look." You pause, searching for the right words. "Humans come in all shapes, sizes, and styles."

"Softer?" Talex asks, his brow quirking with curiosity. "You seem soft enough."

You huff a laugh, caught slightly off guard. "Thanks?"

"You are welcome," the alien grins, his expression a mix of playfulness and sincerity. "So? What is next?"

Scad groans, exasperated. "Talex!"

"What? You are slow," Talex retorts with a smirk, clearly enjoying the banter.

You clear your throat, trying to regain some focus amid their playful bickering. "Well, sometimes people kiss."

Scad's interest piques.

"We do that too," Talex adds, his tone serious. "Though, I bet it feels different for you."

"Let’s see," Scad says, and before you can fully comprehend his words, he cups your cheeks with a gentle yet firm grip and leans in, capturing your lips in a kiss.

It's not the slow, tentative approach you had anticipated; no, it’s fast and intense. Scad’s lips move against yours with urgency, his mouth parting yours before you can process anything, his tongue slipping in to explore. The texture of his tongue is surprisingly rough, and his movements are demanding, taking much more than you are ready to give.

A breathless moment passes before Talex interrupts with a hint of impatience in his tone. "Now, me," he grunts, pulling you away from Scad's grasp to press his lips to yours.

You barely have time to catch your breath before Talex steals it away again. His kiss is just as fervent, if not more so. He thrusts his tongue into your mouth, demanding your attention. You find yourself swept up in the intensity of the moment, feeling the heat radiating from both of them.

"Can I take these off?" Scad's voice breaks through the haze of your mind, and you have to force yourself to pull away from the kiss. Your lips feel warm and swollen, tingling from the intensity.

You know you should tell them no. You should stop this before it goes any further, but the heat of the moment is overwhelming. "Yes," you whisper, barely recognizing your own voice.

With surprising ease, the alien unclasp your bra. The delicate fabric falls away to the ground. A startled gasp escapes your lips as he pulls down your panties, too, the cool air rushing against your skin, followed immediately by the warmth of his hands gripping the softness of your ass.

"Wait," you squeak, instinctively turning to escape his touch, but instead, you inadvertently push yourself against Talex. The contact is electric, and you feel a rush of heat as your body presses against his.

"Fuck," Talex groans, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. His breath hitches as he feels your softness against his hard skin. "So soft."

The contrast between their bodies heightens your senses, and you can't help but feel a thrill at their reaction. The moment is charged with a mix of curiosity and longing, and you are caught in a whirlwind of sensations.

Talex's hands find their way to your waist, his fingers splaying out over your skin, grounding you in the overwhelming reality of the situation. You can feel the tension build as Scad watches intently, his gaze lingering on the two of you with a spark of excitement in his eyes.

"We should-" you stammer, struggling to find your words as Talex's hands glide over your bare skin without pause. Scad's gaze feels like a tangible weight on you, burning with intensity. "We should sit down," you finally manage to say, hoping the suggestion will give you a moment to clear your mind.

"That's a great idea," Talex agrees, his tone laced with eagerness as he gently guides you toward the couch.

They move like predators, each step quick and graceful, their limbs fluid and poised in a way that feels both alien and mesmerizing. Their legs, so different from yours, move with elegance. The warm glow of the city lights filters through the window, casting a soft illumination over the room and highlighting every hard line of their bodies. The yellow light dances across their armor-like skin, accentuating the sleek contours and the vibrant colors that shift subtly with their movements.

They sit down at your sides, caging you between them once again.

"I want more kisses," Talex demands, cupping your jaw to turn your head so he can capture your lips once again. His kiss is insistent, a mix of urgency and longing, and your moan is muffled against him, vibrating through his chest as he swallows the soft sounds leaving your lips.

Meanwhile, Scad makes himself busy, trailing his lips down your neck, leaving a tingling path of warmth that sends shivers down your spine until he reaches your breast. You can feel his curiosity as he gropes your soft flesh, exploring its weight with a gentle yet demanding touch. When he takes your nipple into his mouth, swirling his rough tongue over the sensitive bud, you squeak at the sudden sensation, the pleasure shocking you.

Talex pulls away briefly, peeking down at his friend with wide eyes of surprise, but it only takes a moment for him to follow suit. He pushes you back against the couch, claiming your other breast for himself. Your head falls back with a moan as they work roughly and impatiently on your sensitive flesh, their mouths moving in tandem, licking and sucking, igniting every nerve in your body.

The heat of their bodies pressed against you, combined with the dual sensations of their tongues on your nipples, sends waves of pleasure coursing through you. Each flick of their tongues and each gentle bite only heightens your desire, leaving you breathless and yearning for more. You can hardly process the rush of sensations as they alternate between teasing and devouring, their fervor making it clear how much they crave you.

“Is it good?” Scad asks, his lips brushing over your nipple as he speaks. Your skin glistens with his saliva, and you can barely form a coherent thought.

“Yeah,” you breathe out, your voice airy and light, caught in the haze of pleasure.

“What else do you do?” he presses.

You can’t believe you are getting flustered even now, but the intensity of their attention has your cheeks burning. You nibble on your lip, feeling the softness swell from their kisses. A mix of embarrassment and excitement floods your senses.

“Well,” you stammer, trying to gather your thoughts. “There are other ways to be intimate… kissing, touching… exploring each other…” Your voice trails off. The heat in the room makes it hard to concentrate on anything but the warmth of their bodies pressed against you.

Scad's gaze sharpens, and he leans in closer, his breath hot against your skin. “Show us,” he urges. “We want to learn.”

You swallow hard, heart pounding as you realize just how deep this exploration could go.

Slowly, you open your legs, feeling a rush of anticipation. The movement prompts Talex to tear himself away from your breast, and both aliens look down between your thighs with keen curiosity.

“Our females look different,” Scad remarks. His voice is laced with intrigue. “They are hard everywhere, protected by their skin.”

“Well,” you gulp, your heart racing as you watch Scad’s hand slip down your stomach, “we are not.”

Talex nods in understanding, his gaze locked on your exposed skin. Scad’s hand slides between your thighs, and a gasp escapes your lips when his fingers brush against your heat.

“Fuck,” Scad groans, his eyes widening as he feels your softness. “She is so soft.”

Without hesitation, Talex mirrors his friend’s movements, letting his rough fingertips glide across your wet folds. “Show us,” he says, his voice low and eager. “How do we make you feel good?”

“Okay,” you breathe out, your desire intensifying. You reach down to your pussy, your heart racing. “This is my clit,” you explain, circling the sensitive bud. “It’s really sensitive.”

Scad pushes your hand aside, eager to replicate your movements. “And this…” you continue, your voice growing shaky, “…is where a male puts his penis during… sex.”

Taking the lead, Talex lets his long, slender fingers slip inside you. “So warm,” he groans, astonished by your softness. “And you are so wet, too.”

“I’m curious,” Scad hums, his finger flicking your clit with gentle precision. “Can I taste you?”

“Yes,” you answer, the word bursting forth with urgency. “Please.”

Scad’s eyes light up with excitement as he positions himself between your thighs. You feel a shiver of anticipation course through you as he leans closer, his breath warm against your skin.

“Just relax,” Talex encourages, watching intently, his fingers still moving within you. The sensations are overwhelming, leaving you dizzy.

Scad gently parts your folds with his fingers, and you gasp at the feeling of his touch. “You’re beautiful,” he murmurs, almost to himself, as he brings his mouth closer to your core.

When his tongue finally makes contact, you arch your back. Scad’s movements are curious and eager, his tongue exploring your sensitive skin with a mix of caution and fervor. You can’t help but moan, the sound spilling from your lips as pleasure washes over you.

Talex watches intently, captivated by the sight before him. “Is it good?” he asks. There is a hint of concern in his voice.

“Yes,” you gasp, unable to contain your pleasure as Scad works expertly with his tongue, flicking and swirling in ways that leave you trembling. “It feels amazing.”

“Show us what else you like,” Talex urges, his fingers still moving inside your pussy.

With a nod, you guide Scad’s head, pressing him closer as you feel the tension building within you. “Right there,” you guide, your voice breathy and desperate.

The alien responds to your instructions, his tongue rubbing against your clit, teasing and licking with increasing pace. You feel the pressure in your core tighten, the pleasure becoming almost unbearable.

“Don’t stop,” you urge, your hands gripping the couch as you surrender to the sensations. “I’m so close.”

Talex watches you, mesmerized by the way your body reacts to Scad’s touch.

The combination of their attentions, Scad’s mouth, and Talex’s fingers, drives you to the edge. With a final, overwhelming wave of ecstasy, you cry out, your body trembling as you release. The world around you fades into bliss.

Scad pulls back, his mouth glistening and a satisfied grin spreading across his face. His black eyes glimmer with delight.

“How does she taste?” Talex asks, breaking the silence.

“Better than any cake,” Scad replies, licking his lips as if to savor the memory. A flutter of excitement dances in your stomach at their unabashed enthusiasm.

You scoff a breathy laugh. “Well, I’m glad I could provide some competition for dessert.”

“Competition? You’ve set a pretty high bar. I think I need a taste for myself.” Talex grins, his gaze intense as he shifts between your thighs, replacing Scad.

You can feel the tension re-borning in the air, electric and charged with anticipation. The aftershocks of your orgasm still ripple through your body, but they are already ready to continue.

Before you can catch your breath, Scad captures your mouth in a searing kiss. You can taste yourself on his tongue, sweet and intoxicating, as he thrusts into your mouth with a delicious urgency. Meanwhile, Talex’s mouth is busy between your thighs, slurping up your wetness with hunger. The sensations blend and swirl around you, making it hard to think straight.

The dual stimulation is dizzying; you can barely comprehend the delicious heat pooling in your core. Talex’s hands grip your hips, holding you firmly in place as he feasts on you, his tongue dancing expertly over your sensitive folds. Each lick sends shivers up your spine, and you can’t help but moan against Scad’s mouth. Your body arches instinctively, craving more. Talex's warm breath against your skin mingles with the cool air of the room, heightening your awareness of every touch. His tongue flicks and swirls with a relentless need, driving you wild as he explores your softness and warmth.

"You're so responsive," Talex murmurs, glancing up at you with a wicked grin, his eyes dark with desire. "I could get used to this." The words send another thrill through you, igniting a deeper ache within.

"Me too," Scad hums, turning his attention to your breast once again. Your body arches instinctively toward Scad, craving the warmth of his mouth on your skin. His tongue flicks over your sensitive nipple, sending electric shivers coursing through you as he lavishes attention on your breasts. The combination of Talex’s relentless mouth between your thighs and Scad's eager lips has you on the brink of insanity. Your hands hold onto them desperately, tracing the hard lines of their bodies wherever you can reach them.

“Please,” you plead. “I need more.”

"I can give you more," Talex groans, his tone low and growly.

He shifts slightly between your legs, just enough for you to see the armor-like skin between his thick thighs stretching as his cock emerges from its sheath. Your eyes widen in surprise at the sight. The tip of his length is more pointed than you are accustomed to, and a hard plate runs along the underside, adorned with ridges. There’s an undeniable elegance in the way the plate curves along his length, the hard texture highlighting the contours of his cock. Veins bulge beneath the softer parts of his skin, pulsating with an intensity that mirrors your own desire. The sight is both mesmerizing and intimidating.

“So different?” Scad asks, his lips popping softly as he releases your sensitive, swollen nipple with a teasing smirk.

You struggle to articulate your thoughts, your mind clouded. “Well,” you breathe, “it’s certainly… different.”

Talex's chest swells with pride at your words, and he shuffles closer. His tip brushes along your folds, prodding at your clit before teasingly slipping down to your achingly empty hole.

“Please,” you whisper again, your voice thick with desperation, and then you muster your strength to look at Scad. “Stand up on the couch.”

His eyes widen in surprise. “What?”

“Just do it,” you urge, a mischievous smile spreading across your lips even as your breath hitches at the feeling of Talex pushing inside you. “Now it’s my turn to taste you.”

You can see the flicker of excitement in Scad’s eyes as he processes your words, his breath hitching at your offer. Without hesitation, he rises to his feet, the couch cushions sinking under his weight as he positions himself next to your head, his long, lean legs creating an enticing frame around you.

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely,” you reply, your gaze locking onto his, filled with playful challenge and seductive confidence. “Just relax and enjoy.”

With a deep thrust, Talex fills you completely. You can feel your drenched pussy clenching around his rigid length, fluttering and stretching as he pushes in inch by inch until your lungs burn because you don't remember how to breathe. You need several seconds to adjust around him and make yourself focus on Scad. You lean closer, your heart racing with anticipation. His cock stands proudly before you, glistening with arousal and impatience. You reach out, wrapping your fingers around him, feeling the warmth and firmness of his skin under your touch. The excitement of tasting him sends a thrill coursing through your veins, and with a sultry smile, you lean forward, your mouth parting in eager anticipation.

As you wrap your lips around Scad, you savor the heat and weight of him on your tongue. He gasps softly, shocked and delighted. The taste of him is unique, a mix of salt and something distinctly alien, igniting your senses and intensifying your desire. You can feel his body respond to your touch. His hips instinctively thrust forward as you take him deeper, coaxing low groans and snarls from his lips.

Talex watches with hunger, his movements inside you becoming more deliberate and forceful. Each grind of his hips drives you closer to the edge. “You’re incredible,” he grunts.

You bob your head, swirling your tongue around the sensitive tip of Scad’s cock, teasing him as you pull back just enough to watch his reaction. His eyes are wide, filled with a mix of pleasure and disbelief. “You really are the most fascinating human,” he breathes, his fingers tangling in your hair, guiding you as he thrusts gently into your mouth. You can feel him growing bolder, responding to your encouragement, as he begins to take control, setting a rhythm that matches the urgency building between you and Talex.

With each press of Talex’s hips, you feel the delicious friction igniting your core, pushing you closer to that tantalizing high. You moan around Scad, and at the same time, your pussy tightens, sending shockwaves through both of them. You can see the pleasure etched on their faces.

“Just like that,” Scad encourages, his voice thick with lust. “You’re perfect.”

You can feel the heat pooling in your core, the pressure building in your stomach.

“Close,” Talex growls, his breaths heavy and labored as he quickens his pace, each thrust pushing you toward the brink. “I can feel you tightening around me.”

With a primal roar, Talex fills you deep one last time, hitting that sweet spot that sends you spiraling over the edge. You cry out around Scad, the sound vibrating through him, and the world explodes in a kaleidoscope of colors and sensations. Scad releases into your mouth, and Talex follows closely behind, leaving you gasping for breath. Your body trembles in the aftermath.

You collapse back onto the couch, panting, your body glowing with satisfaction and spent energy. Scad and Talex join you, their bodies warm and comforting beside yours, their breaths mingling with yours in the heavy air.

“That was… incredible,” you breathe, still reeling from the intensity of the experience.

"Definitely better than the chocolate cake," Talex grunts, followed by the groan of yours and Scad's.

[sowerpatch]

paige and azzi for the so sick request

Paige Bueckers x Azzi Fudd Summary: Paige is doing her best to move on. She deletes the voicemail, crosses out the calendar heart, and skips every song that still sounds like Azzi. But the apartment remains too quiet, the city too loud, and healing—whatever it’s supposed to look like—feels just out of reach.

And then she learns that trying to forget someone isn’t the same as letting go.

Author's note: this is an AU where Azzi is a model. I hope this one is what you're looking for @anon Word count: 4,529

The voicemail played again. 

Same pause between their voices. Same soft smile folded into the recording. Paige stood barefoot in the kitchen, one hand resting against the marble counter as the message echoed into the stillness of her apartment. 

“Hey, you’ve reached Paige and Azzi. We can’t come to the phone right now, probably out or asleep—leave something sweet.” 

Azzi’s voice came after hers. Smooth. Teasing. That familiar upward lilt at the end like she had been smiling during the recording. Paige remembered the exact moment they made it—sitting on the couch after practice, limbs tangled beneath a shared blanket, Azzi half-laughing through the first take because Paige kept whispering ridiculous lines into her shoulder. They must have recorded it five or six times before getting one they both liked. It wasn’t even supposed to last a week. 

Paige hadn’t changed it in almost three months. 

Her thumb hovered over the delete button. Just like it had last week. And the week before that. She should have changed it the night Azzi left. Should have done it before the silence stretched long enough to make everything ache. But every time she tried, something in her refused to let it go. 

The apartment was cold. Not physically—she had turned the heat on hours ago—but it felt lifeless in the way spaces do when no one else breathes in them. Practice gear sat slumped over a chair in the corner. Her Liberty duffel bag remained unopened beside the door.  

The scent of sweat clung faintly to the jersey she had peeled off earlier and tossed onto the floor. None of it bothered her until now. Until she had to admit she had left everything untouched because she didn’t know what to do with herself anymore once the day ended. 

Azzi would have called her out. Would’ve taken the jersey, thrown it in her face, and told her to shower before the stink became a health hazard. She used to joke that Paige’s chaos had its own gravitational pull, that even her mess was loud. But she’d say it while curling into Paige’s lap or stealing her hoodie, so it never sounded like a complaint. 

Those things were gone now. The hoodies, the teasing, the weight of someone’s head resting against her shoulder at the end of a long day. Paige hadn’t heard her voice in weeks. She hadn’t realized how often she had played that voicemail just to remember the sound of it. 

It wasn’t healthy. She knew that. 

She gripped the edge of the counter, fingers tightening against the cool surface as if the stone could anchor her in place. Her reflection in the oven door looked thinner, more angular. Her eyes didn’t carry the same spark they used to during postgame interviews. Reporters had started noticing. Teammates had too. But no one said anything because Paige still delivered. Still dropped points. Still smiled like her life wasn’t caving in from the inside out. 

She had tried to convince herself she was over it. Over Azzi. Over the fights and the slammed doors and the messages that kept being left on read.  

She threw herself into the season, into practices that left her breathless and aching, because anything felt better than remembering how Azzi used to wait outside the gym with a smoothie and her arms open. 

Strength had become a performance. An armor. She let people see it, let them believe she had moved on, but the truth clung to her in quieter moments. In empty kitchens. In voicemails that hadn’t made sense for months. In the mornings when her bed felt too big and too cold. 

Her phone buzzed against the counter. An email. Nothing important. Probably Liberty PR. She ignored it. 

Instead, she opened her contacts and scrolled out of habit. She didn’t even need to search the name. Her fingers already knew the motion. The thread with Azzi was buried beneath dozens of new messages now, but it still lived in her phone like it had never left. 

The last message Azzi had sent was short. Tired. Paige had responded with something she thought would make her laugh. Azzi hadn’t replied. Paige had stared at that conversation more times than she wanted to admit, waiting for the three little dots that never came. 

She closed the app and turned back to the voicemail. Her stomach twisted, a slow pull that reached up into her chest. She didn’t want to hear it again. Couldn’t keep pretending that letting it play helped her feel closer to something that didn’t exist anymore. 

She tapped the message. 

It asked her if she wanted to delete it. 

Her thumb hovered. Hesitated. Then pressed. 

The screen blinked. Message erased. 

The apartment stayed quiet. 

She waited for something to shift inside her. Waited for the relief, the rush of liberation people always talked about when they let go. But all she felt was the echo of Azzi’s voice fading, the absence of it more painful than she expected. 

She walked back to the couch and sat down slowly, like her body weighed more than it used to. The fabric smelled like the body wash Azzi left behind. She had meant to wash it out. Never had. 

The TV was still on. Some commercial was playing in the background, bright and overproduced. Paige didn’t look at it. She stared at the phone in her hand instead. Her chest felt heavy. Her throat tight. 

The tears didn’t come. She was past crying. The sadness lived deeper now, settled into her bones like a season she couldn’t skip. 

She had told herself she was stronger than this. Had practiced the words. Rehearsed the tone. She was tired of being the girl in love with a memory. Tired of walking around with her head down and her heart full of things left unsaid. Tired of giving space to someone who chose to walk away. 

She had played every song that reminded her of Azzi until they made her sick. Switched stations. Skipped tracks. Blamed the radio when it found her anyway. 

Still, something inside her refused to shut off. Some part of her kept listening for Azzi’s voice in places where it didn’t belong. Kept waiting for the next whisper, the next glimpse, the next memory that might let her believe Azzi missed her too. 

The apartment stayed still. 

Paige leaned back and let the ache rise. She had deleted the message. She had taken the first step. 

But even now, she couldn’t turn off the part of herself that kept listening. 

- 

Another week, another struggle to forget. 

The calendar still hung in its usual place beside the fridge, the same spot Azzi had insisted on last year when they moved into the new apartment together. She said kitchens deserved softness. Something tactile to keep them grounded, even when the world demanded efficiency. So she pinned a monthly calendar there, minimalist in design, each box etched in soft gray lines, every date handwritten in neat, looping strokes. 

Paige hadn’t touched it since March. 

The digital calendar on her phone handled everything that mattered. Practice blocks, media sessions, therapy appointments, charter flights. Her life operated on screens now, optimized and auto-synced, one notification away from whatever came next. 

But the wall calendar still held things her phone never did. 

There it was. 

June 22. 

A heart drawn with care, right in the corner of the box. A half-laughing scribble Azzi had made one morning, bare-legged in a Liberty hoodie, marker in one hand, coffee in the other. Paige had watched her write it. Had kissed her neck while she did. Had promised that year two would be easier than the first. 

That square was supposed to mean dinner reservations and flowers Azzi would pretend she didn’t expect. It was supposed to mean hands beneath linen sheets and forehead kisses shared beneath city light. It was supposed to be theirs. 

Now it was just a stain on the paper. A black heart Paige couldn’t bring herself to erase. 

She reached for it anyway. 

Fingers hovered over the box, just shy of touching it. The air between her hand and the calendar felt dense. Her breath came shallow, fragile in its restraint. She didn’t want to admit how many times this month she had stood in that same spot, staring at that same square, unable to make a move. 

Today was different. 

She opened the drawer and pulled out the same black pen she had used to sign her Liberty contract. The tip hovered. Her hand trembled. She pressed down, dragging a line across the heart. One slow, uneven stroke. The ink bled too much. The line wasn’t clean. It shook halfway through, curved without control, but she didn’t lift the pen until it was done. 

Then she stepped back, ashamed of the relief she thought she might feel. It didn’t come. 

Instead, the weight in her chest deepened. 

Her entire body felt tight, like her skin had shrunk a size smaller overnight. She walked away from the calendar but left the drawer open. The pen still sat there, uncapped. She couldn't bring herself to put it away. 

The apartment had grown too quiet again. The refrigerator hummed softly. Distant traffic murmured below. The silence pressed in from every direction, like it was trying to fill the gaps Azzi had left behind. 

Paige moved to the living room and dropped onto the couch. Her muscles ached, not from training, but from carrying things she couldn’t unload. Her knees came up to her chest, arms folding over them as if she could make herself smaller, less visible to the grief still hanging in the room. 

She reached for the remote and turned on the speaker system. The shuffle playlist from her “calm nights” folder came on, something she hadn’t updated since winter. A soft beat swelled from the speakers, gentle chords, hushed vocals. 

Her heart reacted before her mind did. 

Azzi. 

She knew this song. Knew the way Azzi used to sing it under her breath when she cooked. Knew the part where the chorus would build and Azzi would always miss the beat, every single time, without fail. Knew the way they used to dance to it barefoot in the kitchen, pretending the tiles were a stage and the world wasn’t waiting outside. 

She stood abruptly and turned it off. The silence returned, this time louder, angrier. 

Every song had become a landmine. Lyrics didn’t just haunt her; they narrated her. Every line felt like a memory she hadn’t asked to relive. She had stopped listening to music with lyrics altogether during workouts. She pretended it was a focus thing, but the truth was she couldn’t handle the words. Every single one became a reminder. A rerun. A timestamp of what used to be. 

She grabbed the remote and held it tightly in her fist. Her knuckles whitened. Her hand trembled. The music system stayed off. 

Her gaze fell to the coffee table. There were still pieces of Azzi there. A folded magazine with her face on the cover. A branded perfume bottle Paige had never moved. A book Azzi had been halfway through, a receipt tucked in at chapter nine. All of it sat there like it belonged. Like Paige hadn’t spent every day since the breakup trying to erase the shape Azzi made in this space. 

Her chest ached. 

She whispered the date aloud. 

“June twenty-two.” 

The words tasted bitter. She had imagined today so differently. Champagne. Warm hands. Azzi’s lips against her neck, soft and lingering, whispering a thank-you into her skin. Instead, she stood in the wreckage of what used to be, surrounded by echoes she couldn’t turn off, songs she couldn’t bear to hear, memories that felt too vivid to fade. 

She had stopped wishing Azzi would come back. That was the part that hurt most. 

The hope had died slow, quiet deaths over the weeks. Texts gone unanswered. Headlines read too late. Azzi smiling at runways and camera flashes like she never once fell asleep with her face pressed into Paige’s chest. The world had moved forward. Azzi had moved forward. 

Paige was still here. Still in this apartment. Still staring at a calendar she should have thrown out. 

She sat back down and folded her arms around her body like she could hold herself together. 

The city lights blinked against the glass behind her. Her own reflection looked distant, someone older, someone carrying things she had no name for. She wanted to get up. She wanted to scream. She wanted the music to play without reminding her of skin and perfume and the way Azzi used to say her name when no one else could hear. 

Instead, she sank deeper into the couch and closed her eyes. 

- 

The room buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, a hum of celebration weaving through the air like a living thing. Fairy lights hung overhead, casting soft glows across the faces of teammates and staff gathered to celebrate Coach Sandy’s birthday.  

Music pulsed gently from the speakers, filling every corner of the venue with a warm, vibrant energy. Voices rose and fell in waves of cheer, playful teasing, and heartfelt toasts. Plates clattered, glasses were raised, and the scent of fresh flowers mingled with the faint tang of champagne. 

Paige sat tucked away in the farthest corner of the room, her back pressed against the wall. The party’s noise surrounded her like a distant current, lively and full, yet somehow unreachable. Her legs curled beneath her, one foot tapping a restless rhythm against the hardwood floor. Her fingers moved mechanically over the screen of her phone, scrolling through a feed that blurred past in an endless stream of faces and moments that felt both real and impossibly far away. 

She wasn’t here. At least, not really. 

Her gaze was vacant, fixed on the small screen, seeking something she could grasp, something to fill the hollow ache that gnawed beneath her ribs. Then, suddenly, her thumb paused. The brightness of the screen sharpened as a new video appeared—Azzi’s name shining like a beacon at the top of the post. 

The world outside that corner faded further. The music, the laughter, the warmth of friendship all dissolved as the video played silently on her phone. Azzi moved with the kind of effortless grace that had once drawn Paige in completely, the kind of light that seemed almost unfair in its perfection. Her skin glowed under the studio lights, every movement smooth and deliberate, every glance a silent promise of something untouchable. 

Azzi’s eyes caught the camera, sparkling with confidence and charm. She smiled—a slow, knowing curve of lips that made her look invincible. The campaign’s polished sheen wrapped around her like armor, flawless and radiant, a stark contrast to the raw ache Paige felt coil tight inside her. 

Paige’s breath caught, the joy of the party unable to reach the hollow that spread with every frame of the video. Her fingers trembled against the cold surface of the phone as the room’s warmth pressed in from behind her, sharp and overwhelming in its contrast. She felt small, distant, a ghost in the midst of celebration. 

The image of Azzi was so vivid that it seemed to glow even after the video ended. Her chest tightened with a painful rhythm, the loneliness settling like a stone deep inside. While the world around her danced and smiled, Paige felt the weight of all the nights Azzi had been gone, all the silence stretching between them like an unbridgeable chasm. 

She locked the phone and lowered it onto her lap, hands curling into fists. The celebration pressed on around her, voices ringing with joy and connection, but inside, Paige sat trapped in a quiet solitude that music and laughter couldn’t reach. 

The contrast was impossible to ignore. Azzi’s life moved forward in gleaming bursts of light and acclaim. Paige’s world had shrunk into these quiet moments, marked by memories and shadows that refused to fade. The ache pressed into her ribs, steady and relentless, a reminder that even surrounded by people, she carried a loneliness no crowd could touch. 

Her eyes stung, but the tears held back stubbornly. She had learned to hold them in, to swallow the ache and keep moving. But tonight, with Azzi’s face still glowing softly on the screen, the weight of what was lost settled heavier than ever. 

Paige shifted against the wall and closed her eyes briefly, willing herself to breathe deeply. The party carried on, vibrant and alive, but she remained still, tethered to the quiet ache that hummed beneath her skin, wrapped in the ghost of a life she once believed could be hers. 

Paige barely looked up when a steady presence settled next to her. 

“Yo, Paige,” Tash said, her voice low but sharp like she always had something real to say. “You sitting here all quiet while the party’s poppin’ and there’s a whole vibe goin’ on around you.” 

Paige managed a small shrug, eyes glued to her phone screen. 

Tash glanced over Paige’s shoulder and smirked. “Girl, there’s this chick over there who’s been straight-up starin’ at you like you’re the whole damn show.” 

Paige lifted her gaze slowly toward the corner Tash pointed out. Sure enough, a girl stood awkward but steady, cheeks flushed like she was trying to muster the nerve to step forward. 

Tash shook her head with a half grin. “Listen, the team’s been watchin’. They know about the breakup. We all giving you space ‘cause we get it, but for real? This here?” She waved a hand at Paige’s quiet corner. “It’s gettin’ kinda unhealthy, girl. We see you killin’ it on the court, but off the court? You look like you’re fallin’ apart, piece by piece in the last three months.” 

Paige’s jaw tightened. She had felt that weight herself every damn day. 

Tash leaned in a bit, voice softer but still steady. “You deserve more than this lonely hustle. You deserve to breathe, to live, to maybe start fresh. Maybe start by just talkin’ to that girl. Ain’t gotta be nothing fancy, just a lil’ hello.” 

Paige cracked a reluctant smile, shaking her head just a little. “Sounds easier said than done.” 

Tash laughed, a rich, easy sound that filled the quiet space. “Yeah, it is. But I know you got it in you. You stronger than you let on.” 

Paige glanced back at the girl again—nervous, hopeful eyes catching hers. 

“Alright,” Paige said, voice soft but sure. “I’ll think about it.” 

Tash nodded, eyes shining with a mix of pride and encouragement.  

Paige took a slow breath and let it out. Maybe tonight, she thought, maybe she could try. 

- 

The café was small, tucked on the edge of a quiet street just outside Manhattan’s noise, the kind of place people passed without noticing unless they were looking for it. Paige liked that. It didn’t demand attention, didn’t try too hard.  

Inside, the windows let in warm streaks of late afternoon light, and the hum of low conversation gave it a kind of soft pulse, like a space that let you be who you were without explanation. 

Jenny had picked the place. The same girl from Coach Sandy’s party, the one Tash had pointed out with a nudge and a smirk. Paige had surprised herself by walking up to her that night. She didn’t remember much of what she said—just that Jenny smiled and listened, and for the first time in weeks, Paige hadn’t felt like she was stuck in place. 

Now Jenny sat across from her, legs crossed, an oversized sweater slipping slightly off one shoulder. Her hands curled around a latte cup, fingers painted in chipped green polish. She had a slight tilt to her grin that made it feel like every smile was half a dare. 

“Glad you made it,” Jenny said, resting her chin in one hand. “I was starting to think you were just being polite at the party.” 

Paige smiled faintly, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. “Thought about bailing. But then I figured if I don’t start showing up for things, I’ll just keep going in circles.” 

Jenny raised a brow. “Deep for a coffee meetup.” 

Paige laughed quietly. “Guess I’m trying to sound less emotionally unstable.” 

Jenny smirked. “You’re doing okay so far.” 

There was an ease to her voice, a comfort that didn’t press too hard. Paige let the conversation drift, the weight in her chest softening just slightly. She hadn’t done this in months—just sat with someone new, no pressure, no headlines, no expectations.  

She glanced out the window, the street catching the late gold of a slow sunset, and turned back with a breath that felt lighter than the one before. 

“It’s refreshing,” Paige said. “This whole thing. I haven’t done anything like this in the last three months.” 

Jenny’s teasing softened. “Bad breakup?” 

“Something like that.” Paige breathed out the word. It felt easier than she thought it would. 

Jenny didn’t press. She just sipped her coffee and gave Paige the space to continue if she wanted it. 

“I thought I could outrun the part of me that still misses her,” Paige said after a pause. “Turns out, I’ve just been running in circles.” 

Jenny’s fork scraped across her plate. The tip of her chocolate cake toppled forward, slow motion in real time, until the icing smudged right onto her shirt. She looked down with exaggerated dread. 

“Shit,” she muttered. 

Paige laughed under her breath. “I got it. Napkins.” 

She stood quickly, grateful for the small task. Moving felt better than sitting still with too many thoughts. She crossed toward the counter, stepping around a stroller and a couple debating over muffins. Her hand reached for the napkin dispenser when a familiar scent pulled her still. Warm citrus. Something soft and floral. Her stomach tightened instantly. 

She turned before she could think twice. 

Azzi stood less than three feet away, her profile dipped slightly as she spoke into her phone.  

Her coat was dark, elegant, cinched neatly at the waist. Sunglasses hung from her collar. The soft shine of her lip gloss caught the light when she smiled mid-conversation, a smile that struck Paige harder than it had any right to. 

Then came a quiet giggle. Light, effortless. It slipped past Azzi’s lips like nothing in the world was weighing on her. That sound had once been Paige’s favorite thing. Hearing it again felt like standing in the middle of a memory she had been trying to bury. 

Her chest pulled tight. 

It was that smile. The one she used to wake up to, pressed lazy and half-asleep against her own lips. The one Azzi used to give after long flights and longer nights, when all Paige needed was a glance to feel like she was home. Now it belonged to someone else, shared through a screen Paige would never see. 

Time slipped. Her fingers stayed curled around the edge of the napkin holder, motionless, as if any sudden move would break whatever spell had caught her there. Azzi’s voice, even muffled by the noise of the café, slid under her skin like memory. Familiar and foreign all at once. 

She hadn’t prepared for this. Seeing Azzi in person felt like getting caught in a dream she hadn’t asked for. There was no time to brace, no warning to close the parts of herself still aching. 

Azzi turned, as if sensing her, and her eyes met Paige’s with a sudden, precise stillness. 

That moment held everything. The weight of a summer undone. The silence between texts that never came. The ache of what love looked like after it changed its shape. 

“Paige,” Azzi said, her voice softer than the room around them. 

Paige struggled to find her breath. Her name in Azzi’s mouth still sounded like it mattered. She hated that it did. 

“Hey,” she managed, voice catching somewhere between practiced calm and something else that still burned. 

Azzi’s eyes flickered to the phone still in her hand, then back to Paige. “I’ll call you back,” she murmured into the receiver, her tone gentle and composed.  

That composure hurt more than anything. There was no flicker of hesitation, no edge of sadness in her voice. Just ease. Like seeing Paige was fine. Like it hadn’t meant anything at all. 

“I was just grabbing coffee,” Azzi said, adjusting the strap of her purse slightly. 

Paige nodded. “Yeah. Cool.” 

A thin stretch of silence opened between them. It pulsed with the weight of things neither of them had said for weeks. 

“You look good,” Azzi offered, her voice light but uneven at the end. 

Paige gave a half smile, unsure if it reached her eyes. “Thanks. You too.” 

“How’ve you been?” Azzi asked, and the question landed softer than it should have. She didn’t look away, but her fingers fidgeted with her sleeve, twisting it at the cuff. 

Paige hesitated. She wanted to lie. She wanted to say great, amazing, better than ever. But the truth clung to the edges of her mouth. “Trying,” she said instead. 

Azzi’s expression flickered with something—regret, maybe, or just discomfort. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly. 

Paige shook her head, not out of forgiveness, but because she couldn’t carry both of their feelings anymore. “It’s alright.” 

Another pause stretched between them. The kind that didn’t need to last long to feel unbearable. 

“I hope you have a great day,” Paige added, her voice softer now, almost kind. It was the only thing left to give. 

Azzi’s smile didn’t quite hold. Her eyes searched Paige’s face for a second longer than necessary, as if she wanted to say something else and couldn’t bring herself to do it. 

“You too,” she said, then turned toward the register. 

Paige stood still for a moment longer, her hands curling at her sides, then turned back toward the table—her fingers empty, her throat thick. 

Jenny glanced up as she approached, taking in Paige’s expression, the set of her jaw, the ache lingering just behind her eyes. 

“I saw the whole thing,” Jenny said gently. “You don’t have to explain anything. If you’re hurting and want to cut this short, I get it.” 

Paige lowered herself back into the chair, letting the warmth of the coffee soak into her palms. Her shoulders relaxed just slightly. 

“Thank you,” she said, voice soft but sincere. “And maybe one day, when I’m healed enough to sit across from someone without seeing her ghost everywhere... maybe then you’ll still be willing to extend a little friendship.” 

“I’ll be here.”  

And for the first time in months, Paige was looking forward to something. 

She sat there a moment longer, the taste of coffee still warm on her tongue, the ache in her chest softer but still present.  

Letting go wasn’t the same as forgetting. Forgetting erased, but letting go meant honoring what had been and deciding not to hold it so tightly anymore.  

She wasn’t ready for much. But maybe she could start there. 

[lxvvie]

One Night (I Can't) Stand.

loser!simon x loser!reader

You smelled smoke. Right after the direct sunlight bitch-slapped you awake.

You’d glare if you had the energy, but it was the sun and you were tired. Too tired. Too tired physically, and it wasn’t the type of exhaustion that came from being at work all day with your asshole boss and inept coworkers, oh no, this was… this was that ‘feel good’ tired, the one that came from a lot of—oh!

Oh.

You moved and… you were sore. In all the right places, too. Your body felt heavy and a little like Jello. You took a peek under the covers. Butt ass naked. Ohhh. So you did get some after all. Finally. Look at you, getting dicked down like normal people. After a bar crawl you were practically dragged to under the guise of “team building”. You cackled like some fuckin’ goofball, like you were in on some inside joke only you and the universe knew, and then you felt the bed shift a little next to you, heard a soft exhale, smelled some more smoke, and…

…Wait a minute. Who’d you fuck?

You were almost scared to turn over. The last time something like this happened, you shat where you ate. By proxy. It was one of your co-worker’s friends, some guy named… Jack? Joshua? Whoever the fuck. Anyway, the sex was… mediocre at best, you don’t even remember if you came or not (like who could forget an orgasm?), and afterward, you had to contend with said co-worker’s knowing smile every time you saw her. And then the poor guy asked you out (at her encouragement). Oh, you still cringe at the fallout from that.

Anyway… who’d you fuck again?

You took a deep breath, counted down from five, prepared yourself for the possibility of it being another shit-show, and then—

“The fuck was so funny?” Well, that eliminated… all of your co-workers. Deep voice. Nice, deep voice. Nice, deep, gravelly voice. Big dick energy voice. You think. The stuff fanfiction and bad boy fantasies are made of. Okay, you’ll hold that next cackle in. You turned over to face your bedmate and was immediately greeted to the sight of a pair of big brown eyes staring into your soul. Or, rather, staring through your soul. Same difference. You just know that he’s big. Huge. Physically imposing. Broad-shouldered. Muscular but not, what is it, incredibly defined? You can see the power in his body, and it was something to watch as he rubbed the back of his neck absentmindedly. Muscles under tan-lined skin. Angular, long face. A nose that was broken one time too many. Long eyelashes. Furrowed brows. Five o’clock shadow. Resting bitch face. Buzzcut that was growing out. He was cute in a grungy “fuck you and fuck them, too” kind of way. Mismatched features that matched him and made sense.

Shitty tattoos, though. Mm. A travesty.

So now you’re face-to-face with your bedmate who, from the looks of it, had been up longer than you, had also been watching you if his sitting up against the pillow was any indication, and was nursing one of cheapest cigarette brands known to man (shoutout to your chain-smoking HR rep for getting you hip to this information against your will while at job orientation), and… uh…

“…Who the fuck are you?” Smooth. Real smooth, blurting that shit out. Fuck your foot-in-mouth syndrome. It’s done you more harm than good.

Didn’t really faze the guy much, if any, though. He just quirked a brow. Took another hit from his cigarette. Flicked the ashes into the makeshift ashtray of a cracked shot glass. Exhaled and let the smoke settle over you two. Came back to staring into (or is it through?) your soul. Okay… this is awkward. Well, it was until—

“Who the fuck are you?” came the brusque response. You were taken aback. Don’t know why because you didn’t know the guy from a can of paint, but you were, and if he caught the shadow that passed over your face, he didn’t say anything. The high you had earlier from FINALLY getting some dick came crashing down stupendously upon this asshole’s broad shoulders.

You hate your co-workers and boss all over again.

And you hate that HR rep even more.

[letternotekisses]

ok but saucy thoughts aside im talkin bout talon assistant reader genuinely being cute and silly with her agents:

Moira more often than not lets you eat your lunch in her lab provided that none of it comes in contact with her projects. She was hyper focused - her perfectly manicured nails holding still a tawny brown ball of fur, adorned with a baby pink button nose that sniffled the air hesitantly. You’d practically squealed when she raised a needle to the poor thing, and she quirked a brow when you hurried over to clutch the animal to your chest.

Moira appeared unimpressed with you. Her angular chin upturned as she peered down at you, baby talking the rabbit she had planned to test on. You looked up at her with eyes big and watery enough to rival the little creatures, and she sighed dramatically. The geneticist had a feeling that wrangling the critter out of your arms wouldn’t be so easy now that you’d seen what plans she had for it.

So that is how Lucky came to be. Despite Moira’s cold disposition, she enjoyed your company, and would like you to continue body doubling with her whilst she worked. The only way not to send you fleeing from her lab in tears, clutching the rabbit to your chest, was to keep it around. It has its own little space laden with toys and plush surfaces - a rather spoiled little animal.

Moira allowed the rabbit to stay, under the one condition that she name it. She’ll never tell you why, but she named the little guy Lucky because not only was he ‘lucky’ to avoid her experiments that day - he also gives you more excuses to come into her lab - and she feels ever so lucky for it.

Sombra finds unique methods to get your attention. She lurks around the base almost as well as Gabe does, but she’s not necessarily doing it to be broody. She can get greedy with your attention, so she finds ways to lure you off base so that she can have you all to herself for a little bit.

Sombra often hacks into Akande’s email to send you on faux errand runs, just for little things like coffee where she can swoop in for some quality time. And don’t worry, she pays for the dates and ensures you’re back on base by the time your break is finished.

Sombra also leaves little gifts where she thinks you might find them. Although, they’re never really that little. You’re always taken aback by new, expensive top-range electronics laden in purple ribbon on your desk. You know who leaves them, because they’re backed up with the best firewalls around and the display has a tiny purple skull on it.

Sometimes she just straight deposits thousands into your account. As a treat. Sombra only rolls her eyes when you try to decline the amount, flustered and telling her that it’s ’way too much’ but she honestly couldn’t care less. She’s perfectly able to spoil you and that’s exactly what she’ll do.

Reaper likes to play off that he doesn’t enjoy your company (he’s coping) but he’s also always skulking wherever you’ve been. You’re a bit of a yapper, especially when it’s early mornings in the Talon communal area, so he likes to sit and listen to you. If you stagger whilst talking because you think he isn’t listening, he’ll give you a stare so hard that you swear you can feel it through his mask. So you keep talking and his shoulders sag with contentment once more. (He now knows every single type of coffee you like, and you should expect a mysterious package of literally all of them in the kitchen next week.)

He’s a grump, and sulked for an entire week when you once changed your perfume. Reaper even went to lengths to shadow-step into your room to throw the new one out and replace it with a fresh bottle of your old one. It wasn’t cheap, but as long as you keep using it, he’s happy to buy them for you.

He’s also happy to scare off any of the overconfident Talon grunts who think you’re easy pickings. In fact, I’d say he takes great pleasure in showing those idiots who the pretty secretary belongs to. (He’s been doing this behind your back because he’s too edgy and emo to approach you directly and would rather trail you in the corridors like some sort of creep, but he means well.)

Reaper gets a little jealous over your attention from time to time, but with help from his unorthodox teammates (and you) he learns to share.

Amelie is slower to approach, but she’s all the more meaningful when she does. She may not be able to feel, but she more than just tolerates your company. She finds herself inviting you over for bottles of wine more often, showing you her manor and her dear guard hounds who’ve come to be much too gentle under your affections. Yet, she can’t find it in herself to blame you.

You show her simplicity in a blank and cold world - and soon enough her manor grows less full of cobwebs and vines, instead beaming with sunlight and the tiny succulents you’d gifted her with. You won’t replace Gerard, but Amelie still lets you dust off the weathered picture frames as if you’d been married together in this old house for years.

You help manage her hair, winding long and silky strands between your fingers, brushing against the elegant slope of her back. She welcomes your touch, despite the warm and cold contrast of your skin on hers.

Amelie craves the casual and domestic intimacy you provide her. She introduces you to self defence and gun wielding so you can take care of yourself without her, and you introduce her to reality tv and an absurd collection of coffee mugs. She would not take it any other way.

Sigma’s musings start small when he hears you humming a certain tune one day. It’s catchy, likely a pop song you’d heard on the radio whilst on your way to work, or maybe it was a song you’d been blasting in your bedroom the night before? He’d found himself picking up on it, unable to shake it until he’s humming it himself.

Eventually when you sit down with him for tea, he questions you about it, yet when you tell him the name of the song and he listens to it, he doesn’t necessarily feel the same pull.

The next week, when you’re passing by his lab in a hurry, heels clacking against the glossy wooden floor and papers flying in a trail behind you, he catches you humming another song. Another tune. He smiles softly to himself, picking up the documents you’d left behind.

Sigma realises then that the song wasn’t necessarily catchy enough to stick with him. He’d only picked them up because they reminded him of you.

Mauga is always excited to have you around. Sometimes he can be a bit much, but with two hearts he’s bound to have twice your energy. So that’s why he absolutely insists that you sit on his back whilst he does pushups. No matter what you weigh he’s not gonna break a sweat, so you might as-well relax on his back while he works out, instead of wasting precious quality time you could have together.

He’d suggested that you sit on other things too, but you’d smacked his bicep hard enough that the muscle rippled and he got the message to behave. You were still sore from the last time he said that.

Mauga also is a big cuddler, meaning, if you’re doing something he doesn’t deem as important, you’re being quite literally swept off your feet and dumped onto a soft surface like a wet kitten. Where he then hauls you onto his chest and squishes your face into his bicep, unfortunately for you, two hearts means he runs WARM. And you’re out like a light in less than 10. Smug bastard.

Big dude loves to show you off, too. Takes you back to some of his old haunts (pays for all of your drinks) and puts a song he knows you like on the jukebox. Sure, the night ends in a bar fight, a back-alley fuck and the worst take out you’ve had in your life, but would you have it any other way? Absolutely-fuckin-not.

And finally, the big boss of them all, Akande. Who’s satisfied with the knowledge that each of his subordinates treat you well and good, but knows he holds the ultimate claim. He holds the golden chain of your leash.

He treats you softly, like a well pampered pet all trussed up in the finest materials around. But it’s not always money with him. Sure, Akande has it, and he’s gonna flaunt it, maybe stuff a few bills in your panties when you least expect it but he also knows you’re not just a pretty face. Both he and his top agents have become adjusted to you in their lives, morale is high, people have improved.

You’re here to stay, and it’s only locked into place when he awakes one morning, your legs are tangled underneath satin sheets, and you’re drooling on his bare chest. He laughs - a deep rumble that shakes his chest and has you groaning at him to stop moving in a sweet, sleep addled mumble. You even give him a little kick under the covers.

Akande makes sure you’ll never want nor need again, and he’s sure that his team feel the same way about this odd, sweet assistant that stumbled into their lives.

[cielito--lindo]

Best of Both Worlds

☁️ one shot based of my idol!katsuki headcannon ☁️ idol!katsuki x makeup artist!reader, vigilante!katsuki, fluff, slight angst, very slightly suggestive

“Y/N!” 

You winced as you heard Mitsuki Bakugou’s shriek vibrate throughout the neighborhood. This was never a good sign, you quickly rushed down the stairs and opened your front door. There stood the matriarch of the Bakugou household in all of her six foot glory, but it wasn’t her you were focused. Your gaze zeroed in on the dark bruises that littered her only son’s neck.Her manicured hands pulled him forward by his shirt collar. 

“Uh...how can I help you?”

“Fix him!” 

Katsuki refused to meet your eyes, his fist clenched, and cheeks red from embarrassment. “I don’t need to be fuckin’ fixed!” He grunted.

“I should take you to the fuckin’ vet to get fixed if you can’t keep your hormones in check!” She swatted the back of his head. Mitsuki’s bright red eyes looked at your pleadingly “Sweetheart, I know that this is highly inappropriate, but we have a photoshoot in an hour and I cannot have him looking like this!”

You bit your lip to keep from laughing, “It’s no problem, Mrs. Bakugou.” You gave her a small smile “My mother is out in the garden, I’m sure she’d be happy to fix you a quick drink to soothe your nerves.”

“Oh thank fuck.” She breathed out, loosening her grip on Katsuki. “You could learn a thing or two from her, brat.” 

“Whatever.” Katsuki grumbled, pulling away. You were both left standing awkwardly in the front hall. 

“Uh, come with me, I guess?” You cringed internally at your own voice, your self consciousness slowly creeping in. You didn’t really run in the same circles, but you knew of Katsuki Bakugou. The golden boy of J-Pop. The quickest trainee turned overnight idol. The first quadruple threat idol. Dancer, singer, model, even passed UA’s entrance exam to the hero course with flying colors.

But his parents pulled the plug on his hero career before it could start; making him focus on his music career instead.

It was hard to ignore the Bakugou family empire, especially since you grew up a few homes down from their large estate. You had become more acquainted with him since starting your internship with his family’s fashion line Nitro.

Katsuki muttered expletives as he followed you up to your room. The lack of girly decor almost threw him through a loop. Almost all of the girls he had hooked up with had nauseatingly decorated rooms with various scents that practically gagged him as he entered the room. 

But yours? Filled with movie posters and a whole wall dedicated to your music collection. A smattering of art supplies sat in one of the corners; a sketch pad on your bed. 

“Didn’t know you painted…” 

You shrugged “Eh, runs in the family and helps with the quirk.” You watched as Katsuki plopped himself onto your bed like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Well, sure, get comfortable.” You muttered under your breath.

A ghost of a smirk graced the blonde’s angular features that made your stomach do a flip. Fuck, get a grip.

”Just..hold still.”

You hovered over him, but couldn’t really get the angle right. A small noise of frustration left your lips as you gave up and sank to your knees. 

Katsuki’s eyes widened slightly at the scene in front of him. He wasn’t blind, you were cute…pretty even. Different from the models he was used to; he was a man after all. It wasn’t until your soft hand cupped his jaw, moving it around as you worked to cover up the bruising. He let out an involuntary sound, not quite a moan, but if you continued like that, it definitely could be.

”Did I hurt you?” Concern coloring your tone, eyes flicking up to meet his.

He cleared his throat, feigning nonchalance. “Tsk, you wish.” He grunted, earning an eye roll from you.

”Forgot you’re a big strong man.” Your expression deadpan as your fingers glided over the final bruise, the ugly purple color disappearing. Katsuki flinched as it tickled him. “Strong, but ticklish. Good to know.” 

“Shut the fuck up, dude.” He shoved you gently out the way as he admired your work in your mirror. “Huh, that shitty quirk of yours is actually helpful for once.” He grinned, all sharp teeth.

”Glad I could be of assistance, O Great One.” You bowed comically low. 

“You can’t do hero shit with this, can you?”

”Nah, I’m in the business course.” You leaned against your bed frame “S’why I’m at Nitro. I wanna be a makeup artist.”

Katsuki could see the potential in you, his parents wouldn’t shut the fuck up about it. He would never admit how he vouched for you to get the internship at his parents company after Mina had sung your praises for weeks when you did her birthday makeover. He recognized the dedication you had to your craft and appreciated the details you always made sure to include; shit that anyone else wouldn’t bat their eyes at. “Sounds like a shit plan.” He said instead.

You flipped him off with a smile “Eat shit and die, Golden Boy.” 

His grin turned into a snarl at the mention of the stupid nickname the press had given him. “Fuck you.” He spat, hauling your bedroom door open and stomping down the stairs. ”Let’s go, hag!” He bellowed.

Mitsuki’s expression remained unchanged as her eyes scanned her son for any imperfections missed. Her eyes softened as you came down stairs “Excellent work, kid!” 

“T-thank you!” You beamed “Uh, just be careful. The hick-bruises are still there, but just concealed with Glamour. I’m still working on the duration of my quirk, but it should last up to 6 hours, if you notice it starts to fade, I can go over and re-up it.”

Mitsuki nodded “That should be enough time. We owe you one, kid.” She turned to walk away, but stopped in her tracks. “Actually, starting today, you’re the brat’s personal makeup artist.”

“WHAT?!” You both screeched. Katsuki was practically foaming at the mouth as his mother dragged him away.

”See you on set, y/n!” Mitsuki waved as she shoved the screaming blonde in the car. 

“Jesus fuckin’ Christ, Kats.” You pinched the bridge of your nose as the blonde stood shirtless in front of you. Claw marks decorated his muscled back, not deep enough to draw blood, but enough that it was going to be a bitch to cover. “Did you fuck a tiger or something?” 

Katsuki made a face at your comment “Of course not! Nasty ass.” He sneered. 

You rolled your shoulders and hovered your hands over his skin, you could feel the warmth rolled off of him. “I hate to see how she ended up.”

”Eh?” He grunted.

”The girl, idiot. I don’t know what kind of shit you’re into, but it’s making my job so much harder.”

”Oh, right.” Katsuki cleared his throat, he couldn’t see your eyebrow quirk up in confusion “You’re just jealous I’m getting some.” His usual snark returning, you quickly pinched him in retaliation “Ow!”

“Oops, sorry! Quirk malfunction.”

As the years went on, the cover ups became bigger and more elaborate to the point where you were becoming concerned. It wasn’t until he arrived at your trailer with sunglasses hiding a massive shiner. 

”Alright, what the fuck is going on, Bakugou?” 

Katsuki winced, you only called him by his last name when you were upset. God, this 6 am call wasn’t helping. “Just went a little too hard at the gym.” He waved off your concern as he sipped his iced coffee “It’s not that big of a deal.”

You stared at the blonde in disbelief. “You really expect me to believe that this-“ You gestured to the ugly wound on his face “was an accident. You realize that your face is literally insured by your company, right? You’re a fuckin’ idol!” 

“I didn’t ask to be one!” Katsuki growled, getting in your face, crowding you against the cabinets of the trailer “I didn’t fuckin’ ask for all of this, ok? So just shut the fuck up and do your job. Or I can find some other goddamn extra to do it.” 

The feeling of adrenaline surged through you, making your hands shake as they hovered over his eye. The soft glow of your quirk working flickered as you tried to focus. “Done.” You murmured quietly.

Katsuki snatched his glasses and slammed the flimsy metal door shut on his way out, mentally kicking himself for losing his shit on you.

You felt your knees buckle once he left. In the half-decade you had worked together, he had never spoken to you like that. He could be a dick, sure, but it always had this teasing undertone to it. Bantering came easily to the both of you, it wasn’t until recently that your banters had started to turn in a direction neither of you were expecting.

Katsuki watched as you flirted with the craft services attendant for almost an hour. Every time you laughed or tossed your hair, he felt like breaking something. Why the fuck should I care? It would get her off my fuckin back. 

But then it happened. The attendant reached over and tucked a stray piece of hair behind your ear.

A feeling he couldn’t place overwhelmed him, suffocated him. His resolve broke instantly. 

Before he could stop himself, he felt his body move on its own.  He stalked over and snaked his arm around your waist, pulling you close.

”Wha-“

“Back. Off.” He bit out, the attendant practically tripped over his own feet trying to get away.

”What the fuck, Kats?!” You pushed him away “He was cute!” 

Cute?! “With that shit haircut? Please. Your standards need to be higher, you deserve better than that fuck boy.” He pulled you back in and walked you over to your station. 

His words surprised you, but you masked it with a scoff. You felt your body betray you as you felt yourself melt slightly against him. “Oh, yeah? Like who? You?”

Katsuki gave you a toothy grin “You couldn’t handle me, angel.” You blinked rapidly, like you couldn’t comprehend what was happening. 

But you didn’t pull away until after he was called.

Katsuki counted it as a victory.

The nickname and flirty banter had stuck ever since. But now, as your hands finally stopped shaking, you couldn’t tell if you had fallen for the same game as all those other girls.

”Y/n, you’re being called to set!” A voice crackled over your walkie talkie. 

“Y-yeah, I’ll be right there.”

The rest of the shoot went by in a blur. Every time Katsuki tried to get your attention to apologize, you found a way to avoid him. He thought he finally had his chance by the last shot. Just finish this and you can go home, you thought to yourself.

You approached him, quickly deactivating your quirk and restarting the process. 

“Ang-“

You quickly cut him off. “All done, sir.” Katsuki’s face hardened at the cold professional tone in your voice. He wanted the warmth back, the teasing lilt as you took your time tending to him. 

Carmine eyes followed as you quickly exited the soundstage. 

You rushed back to the makeup trailer, grabbing your things and hauled ass back home. You needed to wash off the stress of this weird ass day.

This is how you were meant to live your life. Covered in your softest robe, your skin slathered with your favorite assortment of lotions, freshly bathed and shaved. A pint of your favorite ice cream perched on your tummy. 

The lap of luxury. 

You quickly channel surfed as you tried to find your favorite channel that only played Anthony Bourdain re-runs until something caught your eye.

Your spoon clattered to the ground, drops of ice cream decorating your floor.

A news broadcaster was at a scene downtown, explaining the most recent string of crimes stopped by a new vigilante. You didn’t even register what he was actually saying, your eyes were glued to the vigilante in the background he was referring to. A slightly blurry figure, decked out in black and orange with a mask hiding the majority of his features. But you’d recognize that jawline anywhere. You spent enough time studying that side profile; you could carve it out of stone from memory. Those hands that you hadn’t stopped dreaming around since the day you felt them around your waist. 

Suddenly, the pieces started to fall into place.

The cuts, the bruises, the constant lame ass excuses and cover ups.

Oh my god. Was he even fucking anybody?!

Japan’s Golden Idol was moonlighting as a hero and no one noticed.

You scrambled for your phone and dialed the number you knew by heart. It only took about two rings before he picked up - your eyes widened as you watched him on your screen. A small smile on his face before answered. It took all of your self-restraint to not scream.

”Ready to let me fuckin’ apologize?” His voice sounded strained to your ears.

”What’re you doin’? You sound out of breath.”

You watched as he winced “I’m..uh-finishing out a workout with Kirishima!” 

“You fuckin’ liar” You muttered under your breath as you watched him pace in the background

“What?”

“Uh, lemme talk to Kiri!” You panicked “He booked me for the upcoming gala and I had questions about what he needed.”

Katsuki’s figure quickly dashed out of frame “I-uh ditched him. Fucker was too slow. Look-shit, gotta go. See you tomorrow.”

You were only left with one thought as the noise of the dial tone filled your ears.

This was gonna be so much fun...

y’all i can’t believe i actually wrote this - on a fuckin ipad. My old ass laptop finally died on me [rip big bertha] and now I’m struggling on this shit. Buuuut anyway, pls let me know if you liked it! If you didn’t, please don’t tell me. Let me be delusional in peace.

[fiftysevenacademics]

How slutty is his ponytail?

Rating men's ponytails in wuxia/xianxia I've seen. Part 1. Part 2.

Zhang Chulan (I Am Nobody) 0/10

This is the most ridiculous, unslutty ponytail ever invented. It's almost as if a hairdresser enjoyed humiliating him. But this is how his grandpa did it when he was little, and maybe he keeps it that way to remind him of his yeye. If Zhang Chulan ever wants to lose his virginity, he's got to lose that ponytail first.

Gong Ziyu (My Journey to You) 1/10

Given that the first scene we see him in, he's chilling with a woman in a brothel, this guy really should have a sluttier ponytail than he does. His anemic, prissy little spout tells us he really does watch porn for the plot.

Zhou Zishu (Word of Honor) 1/10

This man cannot stop abusing himself, whether it's pounding poisoned nails into his body or deliberately choosing to wear this hairstyle, even when he's got the sluttiest man in the jianghu in his bed. If I were Wen Kexing, I'd hold him down and take a pair of shears to this mop and make him start from scratch.

Jiang Xiaoyu (Handsome Siblings) 2/10

This childish, bouncy, and unique little side pony is practically a character in its own right but not a very slutty one. It does suit his overly confident character, though, and could be sluttier if he would lose that god-awful fringe.

Gong Shangjue (My Journey to You) 3/10

Gege's no-frills ponytail and sturdy, angular guan want us to know that he is a dangerous man capable of violence and cruelty. Hot? Yes. Slutty? No. (Didi Gong Yuanzhi doesn't wear a true ponytail, so he's not rated.)

Murong Jinghe (Kill Me Love Me) 3/10

Like Gong Shangjue but with a more dramatic guan with a bigger hairpin to show that he's got a big dick and probably likes to fuck nasty. (I didn't finish watching this show, so maybe this isn't his best ponytail look.)

Lan Wangji (The Untamed) 4/10

Hanguang Jun's ponytail is as repressed by that ornate guan as his libido is by the Lan Clan's 3,000 rules. His ponytail screams "I am not a slut!" so loudly that it's a case of "methinks the lady doth protest too much."

Zhuo Yichen (Fangs of Fortune) 5/10

Zhuo Yichen is like a xianxia Mona Lisa. His ponytail is the equivalent of her suggestive little smile. Even when he's being brutally choked and his face stepped on, it still looks neat and tidy, like a painting.

Jin Xiaobao and Zongzhen Huaien (Meet You at the Blossom) 6/10

Canoncially slutty, Jin Xiaobao flaunts and tosses his hair and his golden guan and ribbon are an important part of the plot. His hair always looks like he just rolled out of someone's bed because he probably did. Huaien wears his ponytail in a more menacing manner and is kind of a dick about Xiaobao's hair ornament gift but in the end they agree that gays should have slutty hair.

[wayslidecool]

arabic numerals ranked from worst to best by their potential as the lens in new year's glasses

#10: Seven (7)

seven is a very awkward number for a lot of things, and new year's glasses are no exception. its weird angular shape leaves no opening to put a lens in, and unlike the next entry, it's too wide to comfortably squeeze between lens in the second and fourth digits. and the impressive thing about 7 is that this is a number with plenty of writing variations, and yet i can't think of a single one that makes it an efficient lens! sorry 7. i think you're the best number for a rating scale, but that's about it.

#9: One (1)

the 2010s were a rough time for new year's glasses, huh? coming off the high of the 1990s and 2000s, people were determined to make the 2010s work, but that's a tall fucking order. the saving grace of 1, and the reason it's above 7, is that it's skinny enough that you can slide it between numbers and use the fourth digit of the year as the lens, but the fact you have to resort to that is only further evidence of how much 1 sucks at being the lens.

#8: Two (2)

two is definitely a tier above the previous two entries. it's an interesting and versatile enough shape that you can mess with it to try and make a viable spot for a lens, what with the upper loop and lower angle, but i feel no matter what you try, you always gotta make some concessions. like, you have enough to work with that a talented enough designer can make something that works, but usually the result is more "functional" than "good".

#7: Four (4)

now we're getting into numbers that could actually make for passable lenses. i mean, check it out! we have a closed loop here and everything, that has GOT to count for something! what makes me put four relatively low on the list is that with its right-triangle shape, i can't imagine it being a very comfortable shape for a lens, especially with how much ends up sticking out and downwards. still, a vast improvement over the previous three entries, even if it's basically just a worse 9.

#6: Five (5)

i feel like depending on what you prioritize in new year's glasses, these next two entries could end up going below the previous one, but personally, i think the not-closed round loop feels like a more practical spot for a lens than 4's closed-but-angular loop, y'know? so what if the loop isn't closed, it still mostly surrounds your eye, and feels generally passable to me. this is a number that wouldn't inspire the idea for new year's glasses, but certainly works now that the idea has been established.

#5: Three (3)

three is basically the same thing as 5, and i could even see some people putting it below 5, since 5's loop is a bit closer to being closed than either of 3's loops. that being said, 3's dual-loop is ultimately what gives it the edge to me. it ends up feeling more versatile to me. i feel the bottom loop is generally the correct choice, but just having the option of the top loop as well really helps it out. either way, after suffering through the 2010s and 2020s, i expect the 2030s to be a welcome breath of fresh air.

#4: Nine (9)

now we're getting to the really good ones. i mean, the 1990s are when the trend of new year's glasses started! if this number was good enough to kickstart the trend, then clearly it's a good number to put the lens in. having a closed round loop really goes a long way, it turns out! what puts 9 below the next three entries is the tail. having that swoop down towards your face feels like it'd be a bit uncomfortable, and this issue doesn't crop up with the next three entries. still, 9 is a trailblazer and its place in the New Year's Glasses Metagame needs to be respected.

#3: Six (6)

if 9's only issue is the tail getting all up in your face, then what better way to solve that then just turning it upside-down? it might just be me, put having it brush up against your forehead feels much, much less intrusive than having it brush up against your face. and plus, it can give the impression of a raised eyebrow! bonus! the 2030s-2050s are going to be a refreshing breath of fresh air following the awful new year's glasses of the 2010s and 2020s, but the 2060s are going to be a true new year's glasses renaissance.

#2: Eight (8)

hey, so remember how i put 3 above 5 since i felt the double loop made it a bit more versatile? well now imagine that, but both loops are closed. 8 makes for such a good lens, it's a little surprising we didn't see new year's glasses in the 1980s (i'm guessing having two of the same number is more inspiring than two different numbers?) either way, eight isn't content to give you just one closed loop. it'll give you a second closed loop right above. (or below!) 8 is a versatile number with many options, and i hope i can live to see the day we see it in new year's glasses. a true stand out in its field.

#1: Zero (0)

still, even with all the good years ahead, it's hard to ignore the fact that the best years are sadly behind us, with the 2000s being the absolute pinnacle of new year's glasses design. i mean, come on. a single loop with no frills is basically what glasses designs default to already, so using the middle two zeroes as the lens for glasses? impeccable design. the 1990s were good enough to kickstart the trend, but the 2000s were good enough to make us want to brute force the 2010s and 2020s. if that's not the mark of a good design, i don't know what is.

sadly, it's likely we'll never see design this good again. the next year with the middle two digits being two zeroes is 3000, and while we might be able to execute double-zero designs at the turn of each century, they'll end up looking weirdly lopsided in the process. i believe humans are hubristic enough to try and brute-force bad decades, but multiple bad centuries? forget about it.

oh well. happy new year

[a-little-lostmoon]

some LU headshots in my style for personal reference. subject to change bc drawing consistently is a bitch but overall i think i’m happy w them! (ignore the comic/writing idea in the upper right corner it may or may not be made into a full think idk yet—)

typed notes for each lu member + a little extra below cut

wild—

oval eyes

rounder oval ((ish)) face

amber earrings

healed scarring

androgynous

i tried to reference the boys’ canonical character models to individualize their features more. i love botw and totk sm but personally i’m not the hugest fan of the way the characters look for it? even so, i think the rounder sort of eye shape works really well for my wild

his colors specifically i drew to be a bit more sunset kissed/orangeish bc i was referencing a wild photo in which the time was sunset. thats abt it. but i think it’s really pretty on him so i’m probably just keeping that whenever i draw wild

warriors—

cheek bones/jawline

rounder ears

pointy eyes ((eyeliner that could stab a person))

cheek scar bc i felt like it

i stole away some of wars’ side fringes, forgive me i couldn’t decide whether i wanted them to cover up his jawline and chickened out. if anyone actually read the comic thing you’ll see smth abt the old man and wars talking abt how his hair parted to the other side of his face during the war. i made it to ‘vent my frustrations’ bc i drew his hair part referencing HW photos of link instead of LU wars and it’s now become my headcanon.

his hair color is vivid bc HW color pallet is pretty damn vivid and his eyes & earrings are a deeper blue to match his scarf. color coordination!

anw he’s a pretty boy so i made him pretty — that’s pretty much the rest i have to say abt that

time—

tired eyes

longest ears

(slight) rbf

both time & legend have half circle/oval eyes ((kind of. at least that’s what i tried to go for to give them a more worn/serious look))

i’m not the best with differentiating ages. i tried to make him look a bit more worn/oldest but i also wanted all of them to still carry some of that classic pretty boy link look. don’t have much else to say but he has the longest/angular ears bc fairy boy. let’s pretend four’s don’t look longer than his i drew him later and forgot

twilight—

<-takes more features from malon ((who i haven’t drawn yet so you don’t have any reference on that))

pretty boy face (wasn’t intentional but it is what it is)

twilight princess link is v pretty. twilights usually one of the more rugged (for lack of a better term) looking ones bc he’s among the taller ones/apart of the “adult” squad but i accidentally made him very pretty looking. oops. don’t know if that will remain consistent for him if i draw him more so we shall see

him and time share less features than i might’ve wanted? you can see a bit of time’s jaw in the way his face curves but overall they don’t share many features. again, he takes more after malon. but their hair textures are incredibly similar if that means anything

gave him jade studs bc they reminded him of midna and are practical enough that he can just keep them in the whole time (bc he will lose them or forget abt them if he takes them off)

sky—

rounder face

big eyes

lips

big ears

his hair color was a bitch to get right im not sorry i had to say it color is so hard to work with. in any case! skyward sword link has bigger looking eyes cus of the style and i just ran w that. his earrings are magenta to match sun’s dress but look red when the light catches them right (or wrong ig bc they look red in dim light too) just bc i realized his earrings were red to match his outfit/crimson.

sky and the next three (everyone sans wind) probly look the least off their character models

legend—

oval iris

full rbf

multiple piercings ((this is important for u to know))

longer narrow face & features

boy’s a strawberry blond bc i said so. and also legend purple eyes propaganda. i don’t know where exactly that originated but like i love it and im on board. he also has purple stud earrings he always keeps in — curious, isn’t it. he probably has more than i gave him but well, thats all i gave him. it gets the picture across. hc that legend realized he couldn’t get more fingers for his rings but he could get more piercings that could handle jewelry that did almost exactly the same thing. practicality!

also i couldn’t decide on legend’s hair length. its all hidden by that hat of his so i just… didn’t draw the back half portion of his hair. does that make my legend bald at the back of his head? you decide.

hyrule—

wide face narrow chin

freckles!!!

bigger earlobes

the earlobes is me projecting /hj but i tried to reference the og link’s face shape for him which idk if i like yet. he has freckles and more accent colors in his hair and eyes which is a subtle thing but a sorta maybe reference to his fairy magic. no piercings for him! i forgot them/didnt see them on og link and can’t really imagine when hyrule would ever get the time to pierce them so he and wind can do that together eventually to bond. legend will do it probly — he obviously has the experience and wild can’t be trusted (offered to pierce winds ears with a knife canonically)

wind—

big eyes

void eyes

big ears but rounder than skys

soft face

fluffy hair

wind’s 100 yard stare *does* things to the chain but none of them tell him that because he’d definitely use it to freak people out. i couldnt decide between going lighter sun bleached hair wind or bright blinding yellow toon link hair so i kind of meshed them together to create that. tried to make him the youngest looking

four—

symmetrical angles ((and then i drew a polygon quadrilateral bc thats the shape i used as a reference)) for cheeks and eyes

minish feather ((earring))

minish ears & nose

hime bangs

yk the picture of a minish that comes up when googled? thats what i used as a reference for his features. ears specifically, nose somewhat. four’s eyes are usually the greyish hazel color you get from mixing all of their colors together but i liked the split look for this piece more. his hair color is also wind’s but inverted so wind’s lights are four’s highlights and his darks make up the brunt of the base color as a slight reference to how it’s occasionally theorized/hc that wind is four’s descendant.

and the hime bangs were bc i wanted a little more “link side fringe” variation and i thought the sort of straight cut looked nice. hime bangs are not the right term tho bc he parts them to the side and doesn’t have that straight cut on his forehead but i’m too lazy to fight the correct term

— thank u for reading, go hydrate and eat if you have not <3

[saturnsbabyboii]

🍓Synastry Astro Observations🍓

(Cause I haven't been active for three months)

🍓Regardless of the sign a planet is in, it is important to check the aspects it makes to other planets. This is especially the case for synastry charts and readings as aspects create an activation that can enhance, block or overturn the energy of said planets.

🍓People with Sun conjunct Sun aspect are very competitive with one another. This is usually exasperated when one or both have this aspect in a Fire house.

🍓Natives with Mars squaring others Neptune are usually challenging people realities. For the Mars native, the Neptune person is usually a cause of drama or someone that is petty or inauthentic. The Mars person can easily see through the Neptune person facade. However positively, the Neptune person can soothe the Mars native, despite their defensiveness. For the Neptune native on the other hand, this could be a relationship where the Mars person helps them overcome and outgrow harmful cycles, or actualize their dreams. Worst case, the Mars person is very harmful to the Neptune native mental health and psyche. They could be an abuser of sorts.

🍓Mercury trine Mars are people that can help each other process things and brainstorm as they work very well with one another balancing ideas and workload. This is the dream team for any project.

🍓People with their MC in square aspect to your Sun might feel embarrassed to be seen with you in public. Best case they prefer to be more personal and private with you, bringing you into their personal space and away from their outer persona.

🍓Personally, I have found that the predominance of Squares usually only works in context of friendship rather than in romance, sex or family. Although it could create conflict between personalities, when done right, it can signify support, companionship or even someone that'll be instrumental in helping you break out of toxic patterns or elevate into a higher level and field.

🍓MC square MC is an indication of having drama or a falling out publicly.

🍓Lunar Nodes in aspect to your personal planets have a strong effect on you, although it would be temporary. Meanwhile, someone Nodes in your angular houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) will play a big role in your life. This is would be particularly true if they're in aspect to your Ascendant/Descendant/IC/MC.

🍓Aspects between Venus and Venus create more harmony and attraction than positive aspects between Mars and Venus/ Mars and Mars.

🍓Jupiter conjunct Saturn are two sides of the same coin. They're two people with the same ideals and principles yet they approach and practice them differently.

🍓Even though it is not "official" or as widely done, but I give great importance to the compatibility between the houses in synastry, regardless of the planets present. Since the houses are a reflection of our life map, it can help us better understand our similarities and differences, plus our possible standpoints.

🍓When looking over synastry with a parent, take a good look at the aspects made by their Saturn and Chiron to your personal placements. Chiron in specific can show where/what they unleash or heal their trauma through you.

🍓Mars opposition Saturn is a high indication of a relationship being described as a "Cold War".

🍓Having Chiron and/or Pluto conjunct someone inner planets means you're are here to serve them karma or bring them justice.

🍓Ascendant conjunct Venus creates a very beautiful pairing. Whether it's romantic or platonic, this pair accentuate one another's beauty.

🍓Check the aspects your Neptune makes to the other person. The planets aspected indicate where do you overlook traits, paint a false picture, or what are you in denial about regrading the person. This works in terms of justifying behavior, making up a connection, and possibly lying on or magnifying "bad traits" in others that don't exist. It also goes the other way around.

🍓The placement of someone's Moon in your houses can summarize their emotional state towards you or what they find in common with you on a deeper level. For example:

Someone's Moon in your 1st house can be a person that feels endowed or in awe of your appearance (especially when their Moon is inconjunction with your Ascendant). You may carry yourself in a way that they relate to or deeply desire. This person may also be someone that shares superficial feelings of you or thinks that you're shallow. Possible jealousy.

Someone's Moon in your 2nd house is a sign of codependence, specifically of the Moon native towards you. Since the 2nd house rules resources and self esteem, this person may require a lot from you, and might be a bit too comfortable taking things from you. You yourself may also enable this behavior and don't see a problem with it. In some cases, this could be a person that is emotionally supportive and reinforcing of your own worth. In contrast, this could be someone that creates blockages and hinders your material growth.

Someone's Moon in your 3rd house will be a person that you feel very comfortable talking to. This can be someone you find out that they're from the same hometown as you or have lived/is living in your childhood neighborhood. A potential life long roomie. An indication of a nurturing or "motherly" way of communicating with one another.

Someone's Moon in your 10th is similar to that of the 1st, in that the Moon person would be either in awe or jealous of you. In this house, this is exhibited overtly. This person could be your biggest cheerleader or biggest hater. Something about you succeeding (or even failing) affects them deeply. It's likely that this person won't have your best interest at heart and may use associating with you as a way to gain fame or monetary wealth. In positive cases, this person could be a confidant in professional environments.

🍓People that have more than two planets in your water houses (4th, 8t, 12th) will have a profound effect on you for the rest of this lifetime. These houses are not only related to our deeper selves and private life, but they're also karmic. Our relationship with such people is much more darker and intimate, showing hidden aspects of ourselves that we may not be aware of. Being around them may be draining as those relationships can feel like a blood oath, to say the least. Particularly for the 12th, this person can unravel you in the best (and worst) ways possible. As the house of hidden enemies, this person might be harmful to you in an unforeseen ways. If both of you share planets in these houses then it's an indication of trauma bonding.

🍓A person with their natal Mars in your 8th house can be someone oddly provoking. Its giving "why do I even like you?". These are not the people you usually find attractive yet they have a strange hold on you. They're your forbidden fruit.

🍓Aspects made to the ascendent can explain ones first impression of another. For example, Venus in aspect to the ascendent describes a sense of intrigue and attraction based off of desire (Opposition), envy (Square), resonance (Conjunct), belonging (Trine), or curiosity (Sextile).

Bye Ugly xoxo

[whencyclopedia]

Etruscan Pottery

Etruscan Pottery, produced over five centuries, was nothing if not varied. Indigenous wares such as the glossy black bucchero were made alongside red- and black-figure pottery imitating, yet modifying those produced in the Greek world. Geometric, floral, figure, and narrative decorations were appreciated and adapted from the Near East and Ionia, with even foreign potters and artists themselves settling in the cities of Etruria, such was the demand from the Etruscans for fine pottery for everyday use, at special banquets, and as offerings to their gods and dead. Pottery was also the material of choice for figure sculpture, best seen on the lids of large funerary urns, and as decoration for buildings in the form of statues and decorative plaques. Besides what they have left us of their own work, the Etruscans, great collectors of fine pottery that they were, have secured for posterity some of the finest Greek vases ever made and which now star in the collections of museums worldwide.

Villanovan Pottery

The Villanovan culture was a precursor to the more developed Etruscan civilization during the Iron Age in central Italy from c. 1000 to c. 750 BCE. In this period pottery was made by hand, not on the wheel, and used clay containing impurities of mica or stone which was fired at a low temperature producing relatively primitive wares. This type of pottery, known as impasto, was used to make bowls, storage jars, cooking pots, cups, and braziers. By the end of the 8th century BCE, potters had managed to improve the quality of impasto through long practice and refinement of technique.

Villanovan cemeteries contain burials of cremated remains in urns which are biconical (two vases with one smaller one acting as a lid for the other) and often carry simple incised decoration of geometric patterns, whirls, and swastikas, or even simple human 'stick' figures. Some urns have metal strips applied as decoration using lead or tin. One rarer type of urn, instead of a ceramic lid, has a bronze helmet on top with an impressive angular crest and embossed decoration.

Another common form where terracotta was used was the production of small models of houses, made to contain the ashes of the deceased. Perhaps imitating real architecture, these have decoration on the exterior walls of geometric patterns and an aperture above the door for releasing smoke. They also have roof decorations, probably imitating the terracotta additions which became so typical in later Etruscan architecture.

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