#badge embossing

[akshayaquapri]

5 Simple Steps to Create a Custom Badge

Custom badges are a great way to showcase branding, personalize events, or add a professional touch to name tags. Whether for corporate use, schools, or special occasions, digital printing makes the process easy and efficient. Follow these five simple steps to design and print high-quality custom badges.

[brassnameco]

Elevate Your Furniture with Custom Brass Badges: Unveiling the Art of Embossed Elegance

Embossed badges take customization to the next level by introducing depth and texture to the design. The raised elements not only catch the eye but also invite touch, creating a multisensory experience. This tactile quality makes embossed badges a popular choice for those seeking to make a lasting impression.

[sully-s]

Open in a different window to zoom in. So this is just a deep dive behind all the stuff I put in my last post I rolled back my picture before I did all the lighting and color changes to make certain details more visible. Fun fact I almost scrapped this whole picture at this stage because A. I was just burned out; this piece took me forever. B. As I kept getting more and more "neat" ideas to stuff in, I lost any real focal point, especially with the color scheme. After hours of trying to fix it in PS and failing, I was about to give up. I was like fuck it make it a night scene. Let me tell you all a world of lighting makes lol.

Anyways, enough about my struggles, let me give you the tour.

I love the idea that this corkboard was originally Phoenix's mood board in the beginning it just had his childhood pics from like the yearbook and that one time Larry got a polaroid camera. Then, a new year clipping about Edgeworth being Demon Prosecutor which led Phoenix to make his thesis about court drawings just so he could watch and see with his two eyes how much Edgeworth changed. - Then, later, he added Mia because she was his mentor. then Vinny (from the movie "My Cousin on Vinny") because like Vinny, Phoenix never understands court procedure but has very good instincts; and last Elle Woods who also went to law school for a boy basically his spirit lawyer lol. - Later, after Maya joined, she thought it would be funny to replace Phoenix's real reason to Steel Samurai. Also, it was fun because Will Powers was their client, so he should be their reason. Phoenix let them stay because it made Maya happy, and Phoenix knew that with Mia's death, she needed it. - I was going to add a sticky note from Miles that he approved, but I do like that Miles will never admit out loud or in writing that he enjoys the show. - A year later, Pearls tries to replace all the Steel Samurais with her drawings of Maya. Which Phoenix encouraged her to make during Maya's disappearance because facts. - Tid Bit: I was sad to cover up Will Powers' signature I really liked how it came out

Moving away from the mood board idea, I like that the cork board just became Phoenix's catch all. So his Law Degree which isn't the original it's just a sad printed-out version of what should've been his fancy embossed one. I like the idea that Phoenix never went to graduation. (Can't be bothered he's on a mission to save his childhood bff.)

Lastly are postcards from Edgeworth, his way of making up for all the years he couldn't write back to young Phoenix. - Also, this picture takes place some time after the 3rd game but before the disbarment.

Calendar whiteboard that I forgot to add the last row too so I guess in Japaniforina the months are only 25 days long.

I spent a frustrating amount of time trying to figure out the logistics of this paper trail. It really doesn't need to make sense It just has to make the room messier. - You can imagine Phoenix is looking over phone records or court stenographer's record.

So Edgeworth is a nerd; we all know this. But it annoys me just a tad that his nerd-isum is always just Steel Samurai (like I get it, it's canon), but all geeks have many fandom loves, okay. - So I just love the idea that Phoenix and Edgeworth (who are in a relationship at the time of this pic ) watch Better Call Saul, and they both bought each other a little plushie of the character they joke is them. -Edgeworth bought Saul for Phoenix (because of Saul's heart, not because he does shady practices), And Phoenix bought Kim (because she a really good lawyer who seems cold and is a workaholic who would break the rules for their Saul (used phoenix's badge in the third game )) - They keep each other's plushies in their offices, and if one of them stops by when the other isn't in, they put a sticky note on it. - Which we can see that Phoenix did need reminding because, as you can see, the date is 18th, and no mention of a dinner ;)

7. Now the whole reason I drew this picture was too show off my headcanon that Phoenix has a Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law action figure that you know Gumshoe got him after Edgeworth vs. State happen because of Polly. And we all know that man would be a fan of old Hanabara cartoons. - I've loved this stupid tid-bit of a headcanon that it's been haunting me for years. That's it; that's all I really wanted to say with this piece, and look where it got

[vainvenus]

proofread possession | op81 | pt. 1

Pairings: Oscar Piastri x Fem!Reader

Synopsis: It's been a few weeks since the best day of Oscar's life and now it's the weekend of the Australian GP aka the weekend that replaces the best day of his life.

Includings: Journalist/photographer!oscar, mclaren driver!reader, oscar fanboys to the max in this, he's kinda of normal in this too, light stalking, reader is an absolute sweetheart we love you!!, this is short and surprisingly tame!

An: Triple header? Nah triple post!!! Sorry to my Oscar lovers I've been neglecting this fic 🫶🏿

@vanteel

It had been weeks since the best day of Oscar’s life.

Weeks since you had noticed him like really, truly noticed him.

Weeks since you’d walked onto that carpet at the F-175 event in that stunning black dress of yours and made eye contact with him of all people.

Weeks since you stopped, looked him right in the eye, and smiled like you knew exactly what you were doing to his brain.

And then you’d talked to him. Laughed at how eager he was on the red carpet. Got personal as if the two of you had known each other for years. Said you hoped you’d see him again at the next Grand Prix.

Oscar had been living on that memory like oxygen. Replaying your words in his head. Writing a half-baked piece about your mental toughness that never saw the light of day because every paragraph turned into a love letter disguised as sports journalism.

Now it was race week.

Media day loomed close and this time, Oscar had the flight back home booked, his camera gear cleaned, the badge request submitted through his publication.

But he didn’t have a paddock pass, the network he was with was supposed to get him one but now it was too late.

He was still going, yes but as a regular accredited photographer, buried under fifty other journos with lenses pointed at you. He’d get a glimpse. A quote if he was lucky. Maybe a photo from twenty feet away.

That should’ve been enough.

But it wasn’t. Not after you said you’d hoped to see him again. Not after the way you looked at him like he was worth noticing.

Oscar didn’t want just a glimpse anymore.

★

The brunette nearly missed the package.

It was sitting at his door when he got back from a morning shoot, slim and nondescript, the kind of thing he almost left untouched. No return address. Just his name, written in blocky, clean handwriting.

He crouched down and picked it up before entering his house. He felt the weight, oddly light, but something rigid inside.

His fingers fumbled the edge.

Inside: a sleek, velvet-lined envelope with the McLaren logo embossed in orange. And tucked just underneath it—

Two passes.

One was a paddock pass with his name printed in bold, and the other was a McLaren garage guest credential.

Not media access. Not a press group badge.

A personal pass.

A you’ve been invited by the team pass.

A you’ve been invited by her pass.

Oscar’s mouth dropped open.

And then he saw the note.

"Didn’t think you’d want to watch from the sidelines! I'll see you Thursday, bring your camera. ��� Y/N"

He let out a noise somewhere between a choked laugh and a whimper. He dropped into a crouch on the floor, holding the note in one hand and the passes in the other like they might vanish.

Oscar whispered, “No. No way.”

He pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes, like if he blinked too hard the passes might vanish, like the entire thing was some elaborate hallucination born out of too much admiration and not enough sleep.

But the credentials were real. The lanyard had weight. His name was printed in official McLaren font. And that handwriting? He’d stared at it long enough on hats, jackets, papers, and photo backings to know—it was yours.

That did it.

Oscar screamed.

A full, unfiltered, disbelieving scream that bounced off the walls of his house.

“WHAT THE FUCK?!!”

He paced, hands in his hair, shaking the note like it was some kind of sacred artifact.

“She remembered me! Actually remembered me!”

He dropped onto the couch, then immediately jumped off it again. “Im gonna be in the McLaren garage as her guest. What the actual fuck! This is mental!”

He bent over, bracing his hands on his knees, breathing like he’d just finished a race. “Bring my camera? I will. I will bring twelve.”

Another scream burst out of him, one pure joy.

“I’m gonna die. I’m gonna die and I’m gonna haunt that garage forever. She’s gonna think I’m gonna be chill and normal about this and I am absolutely not. Oh my god.”

He clutched the note to his chest like it was oxygen.

He was already planning on having it framed above his bed.

★

Oscar barely slept on the flight over.

Between refreshing his email, triple-checking the guest pass, and trying not to combust thinking about you, the three-hour flight felt like thirty minutes.

Conveniently or maybe fatefully his publication had booked him at the same hotel as most of the drivers, teams, and press. He hadn’t seen you in the lobby, but he swore he caught a glimpse of your race boots peeking out of a gym bag yesterday when he passed the elevators.

He didn’t linger.

He wasn’t a creep.

Now it was Thursday morning. Media Day.

And Oscar was inside the paddock again, only this time not as just another photographer. This time, his McLaren guest badge caught the sunlight like a VIP pass to a dream he didn’t want to wake up from.

Every step closer to the McLaren garage made his stomach twist tighter. He couldn't help but let the nerves get to him, be had been personally invited by someone he idolized for decades. He was nervously biting on his lip as he looked around like a lost child.

And then he saw you.

And all thoughts stopped.

You were walking through the paddock like you owned it, chatting beside someone in McLaren gear holding a clipboard. Your outfit was simple yet so you.

You wore a vintage papaya graphic tee, which he found cheeky and your jeans were that perfect mid-wash, straight-leg kind that fell just right over your burnt orange Gazelles.

Hair done. Nails done. Sunglasses sitting on your nose and your jewelry shining against your skin each time the Australian sun decided to shine on you.

Oscar already started to move his hands around his camera in attempts to get a candid shot of you speaking with whoever that was.

And then—

You spotted him.

He barely lifted his camera to his chest before you stopped dead in your tracks.

Your entire face lit up.

“OSCAR?!”

You were already jogging over, a grin stretched wide across your face like you were the one starstruck.

“Oh my god! You’re here!” You gasped, wide-eyed and glowing. “I didn’t think the passes would get to you in time!”

Oscar opened his mouth but nothing came out.

Because this felt unreal.

Because you remembered.

Because you cared.

“I...yeah...I got them.” He said breathlessly, laughing a little. “Tuesday afternoon. I practically screamed.”

You reached for his hand like it was instinct, tugging him a little closer into the shade of the McLaren hospitality unit. “I seriously was about to text someone like ‘if Oscar Piastri doesn’t show up today I’m throwing a fit.’ I’ve been checking every time someone came in—”

“You were…looking for me?” He asked, still stunned.

You looked at him like he was being ridiculous. “Obviously. I invited you.”

And God, you were close.

Oscar could smell your perfume—soft and clean. He could see the tiny smudge of eyeliner beneath your sunglasses. The flash of a smile that said I’m glad you’re here. The way you kept holding onto his sleeve like if you let go, he’d vanish.

“C’mon,” you said. “You’re not staying out here all day, are you? You’re coming with me.”

He blinked. “With you? Like...now?”

You raised an eyebrow. “You do have a camera, don’t you?”

He nodded, stunned.

“Then yeah." You grinned. “Come on, you're not my special guest for no reason. I’ve got press rounds to do and so many mini challenges with Lan and I need someone to make me look good.”

Oscar followed, limbs weak and heart doing laps in his chest.

Your special guest.

He was your special guest.

He didn’t know what he expected from Media Day but it wasn’t this.

He did not expect you to react as if he were an old friend you hadn't seen in years.

He did not expect you to tug him into your space, dragging him through the paddock with his head spinning and your laugh dancing in his ears.

And still, somehow, it felt exactly right.

[choccy-sippy]

Can badges! Not my usual go to merch but the extra embossed and gloss oil details are so good I'm obsessed

[buyobopfever]

The Heist

This year, me and three friends all made secondary Pokésonas. Coincidentally, we all also ended up rooming together at MFF this month. MFF's theme this year was "Heist", so my friend Blunder presented the idea of going for an art deco aesthetic for our badges, and perhaps debuting our secondary sonas as a PMD-style team of thieves. My imagination ran wild, and after a manic 7 days I came out of my fugue state with these completed. The four illustrations chronologically depict the theft of a Time Gear from a luxury casino for our client, a dubiously sleepy Totodile.

If you'd like to see the framed versions of the badges with our names and titles, I have them posted on my bsky.

(Those are teeechnically a mockup. The physical badges were printed by SleeplessTotodile, with the gold parts being done by way of adhesive gold foil for extra realism and that nice embossed look)

[dronebiscuitbat]

Oil is Thicker Then Blood (Part 43)

“Hey! I'm agh, back!” N was still completely covered in mud and filth, his coat littered in scratches and stains, his hat was clutched in his hands, and his brand new WDF badge in his pocket.

The badge was a bronze shield with the worker drone icon embossed on the front, he felt accomplished, he'd done this himself earned something for himself for the first time… ever.

“In here!” Uzi called from the bedroom, and N followed it, the door was wide open, and Uzi was laying belly down on the bed, absent of her normal hoodie and left in her purple tank top. Her tail was free as well, but it was curled up at her side, relaxed. She had cracked open a dusty book and was visor deep into it. N couldn't help the gold that creeped into his cheeks.

Excuse him for finding his girlfriend hot cute.

When their gazes connected, Uzi jumped up, looking equal measure concerned and surprised at the wreak of a dissasemy drone in front of her.

“You look like you got into a fight! What happened?” Her hand was on his cheek, he felt himself smiling, his tail wagging behind him.

“Your dad put me through their training course, turns out I'm not exactly built for uh… the ground.” He purred and put his hand over hers. His head already felt heavy, and he was almost overwhelmed by the urge to fall into the bed, taking her with him.

“Well? What was your time?” She asked smirking.

“Minute fifteen.”

“Ah dang, you beat me.” She replied in mock dissapointment, but N knew it wasn't something she meant.

“Huh?”

“I used to do that course the couple of times dad took me into the office. I got pretty good at it… my best was two minutes.” She explained, she pulled away from him face, leaving him wanting for more contact.

“How'd you get past the wall?” He asked, almost already knowing the answer.

“Kinda just had to run up it. It was always my worst enemy…”

“Heh… I thought so, I did too.”

“Let's get you cleaned up, okay?” In the next moment she had his hand and was leading him to the bathroom connected to their room, he blinked, fighting back the warmth that was crawling up his arm and into his processors.

“I can do that myself.” He hummed, although he didn't let go of her hand, or really suggest she leave.

“Let me take care of you?” Uzi replied, several tones lighter then her usual tone.

He blushed at that, feeling uncertain about his own words parroted back at him, he nodded sheepishly.

She locked the door behind her, before turning around, her tail was wagging gently behind her, and a blush was on her face. N giggled at her embarrassment.

“You sure? I really can do this myself.”

“Y-yes! I'm um… also testing a theory, just… shush.” She grumbled, closing the gap between them before her hands clasped around the fur of his coat, before she went to unbutton it.

N felt his core speed up, watching as she slowly undid each button, each move deliberative, as if she was trying to move through water.

“You feeling it too?”

In response, Uzi looked up at him, looking almost like she was in pain.

“Trying to fight it. Also part of my theory, just… hush please… don't make me kiss you.”

She got to around his waist and undid his belt, throwing it to the floor along with his hat, he shrugged off what was left, leaving the filthy garment to join the pile on the floor.

He felt exposed like this… it didn't help that Uzi had paused for a moment to look at him, eyes rolling over every groove of his sleek chassis even though it was still covered in grime.

He forced every eye away from her direction feeling self-conscious for the first time in… forever.

“S-sorry.” He heard her mumble, before she pulled a rag that was hung on the wall down and wet it in the sink, before crouching down and beginning with the grime caked on his legs.

Uzi was doing her best not to explode, but there was a reason she was doing this, and it wasn't just an excuse to see her boyfriend naked. No, she'd been doing quite a bit of reading while N had been out, specifically, biology.

Even more specifically, bat species, their habits, behaviors, what made them tick and why. Trying to figure out why they were being dragged into these trances and if they could control them in some way.

N meanwhile was trying to control himself.

No one had ever shown this much tenderness to him, and Uzi was being incredibly gentle with him, he wanted to melt. He was melting, he was putty, Uzi's putty and she could do whatever she wanted with him, he'd be good for her.

His purring became remincent of a motorboat, so loud and so strong it was vibrating his entire chassis, she finished his leg, wrung out the rag, and started on the other, she was quick and methodical, and made sure to be extra careful in places moisture could get trapped inside his plating, treating rust was a pain in the ass.

“How you feeling?”

“Mmm… good.”

He wasn't all there, she could tell from his voice, which is what she figured, N didn't seem to have the willpower she did, and got swept away with the gushy, fluffy feeling that came with the trance easier.

She was still fighting hers, ever present and buzzing uncomfortably in the back of her mind. She'd give it what it wanted, but she wanted to prove her hunch first.

Thankfully, she didn't need N to be all there for this to work… if it worked at all.

When she finished, he was finally free of the by then dried mud that had covered any part of his body that had been exposed while he'd done the course, which had ended up being quite a bit of him.

Then instead of getting him a change of clothes, she stopped resisting the urge that had plagued her since the second he walked through the door, and buried herself into his arms.

Her theory? Clearly, whatever weird instincts were having them do this wanted them close, otherwise neither of them would feel a pull this strong, so… if they were to willingly indulge this feeling, with as few layers on as possible separating them. Maybe they could control it. Maybe.

It was based on only a day or two worth of bat research, and most of it had proved completely useless. Most bats simply didn't behave the same way, being social, polygamous animals, who didn't seem to pair up, at least for long.

Except…. One.

A very obscure, very specific bat native to Australia. A false-vampire bat that paired for life. The yellow winged bat. Which wouldn’t you know it, typically slept in that pair, holding wings.

They couldn't do that, the ceiling wasn't tall enough, and N's wings were made out of blades. But this was the next best thing.

The silicone on silicone contact was almost scary if it didn't seem to be everything her body had been telling her to do for the past week, N immediately wrapped himself around her, ignoring her tank top in favor of running his hands underneath it.

N was warm, and safe. And despite being made out of metal he felt so soft. Her tail coiled and tightened around his waist, and his tail did the same.

“Biscuits…” He mumbled, causing her to try to hold in a cackle, but that meant it was working, the fog in her processor was finally starting to lift, further then it had even in moments where she'd thought she'd been fine, she took a deep breath.

So… they'd essentially been touch-starving themselves. Cuddles helped, but not what these new instincts wanted, animals didn't have clothes… so they didn't need any either… apparently.

“Are you freaking kidding me…?” Uzi was honestly more mad that this was actually working, the only thing her body wanted was skin-to skin contact?

“Mmm. Don't complain, this is nice…”

Uzi couldn't help but agree with him.

The next morning. The brain fog was gone.

Next ->

[baratrongirl]

Merry Christmas, little Beans

Today we received a Big Box from Japan. It contained 6 months or so of official Ace Attorney merchandise purchases, plus one doujin.

First there was the AA 456 Orchestral pin selection. Displayed here are all of the pins that I'm definitely or maybe keeping. There are 10 in total.

The next picture shows Apollo and Trucy can badges from the October 2024 Japanese Capcom Café (magicians), Phoenix and Miles wooden badges from the Capcom Pixel All-Stars Wood Badge collection (this link is super cute), and a tiny pin showing Apollo and Trucy throwing fish around.

Actually, it is a normal-sized pin, but it has such a detailed picture that it seems tiny. These pins were produced for a collaboration between Capcom and a rail company, and each one shows a location that you can get to by train. There are four Ace Attorney pins in total.

Size of pin compared to Bean.

Apollo and Trucy Trading-card style acrylic stands from the October 2024 Japanese Capcom Café. I haven't decided yet whether I'm keeping both can badges or both acrylic stands. I don't normally do acrylic stands because I entirely lack horizontal surfaces in my home (they're all covered in Stuff), but I really like the full illustrations.

Klavier acrylic keyring from FANTHFUL, same design as the metal pin that I already have, but I really love the 3D effect from the layered acrylic.

Also Klavier and Apollo bookmark/keyrings from the online Capcom Store on Parco. The bookmark part is embossed fake leather, the keyring is small enough to be of actual practical use! (In comparison to all the giant keyrings which are more for hanging off bags than having keys attached.)

Finally, this picture shows an A4-sized "clearfile" (plastic binder) with the design from the Japanese-only physical release of the AA456 Odoroki Selection, and a doujin by my favourite Klapollo author, glucose. This one seems to be sweet rather than sexy, featuring such scenes as Apollo buying ice cream for Klavier because he has a sore throat and fever.

The Beans are very happy with their Christmas merch haul :D

[littlealienproducts]

Set of 12 Beautiful Butterfly Embossed Tin Badge by TimeTripAndCo

[cynicalmusings]

really want to sink my teeth into exploring steb’s character in that one fic which may debatably get written at some point… he clearly has a good heart and cares for zaunites, seen by his being the first to rush over to help heenot and looking genuinely concerned for his well-being + taking off his hat for the zaunites on the bridge, yet he still participates as an active member in the strike force, beating and gassing zaunites in pursuit of caityln’s goal.

that point of tension is really interesting to me — like, what do we think is going on inside his head? does he feel guilty? why not step back from the enforcers, then? is he trying not to let his actions get to him, or is he willing to do what he believes needs to be done for the greater good? but it still seems wrong to me that he would be comfortable with that ‘greater good’ considering the care he has for individual people. plus his reaction to caitlyn being promoted — at the very least, he wasn’t eager to jump on the bandwagon.

the way i think i’ll write it is that he has a very strong sense of duty towards his job and what that entails (i.e. protecting people, generally speaking but due to his stationing particularly those of piltover) which is at odds with what this ‘duty’ requires him to do, i.e. use disproportionate violence against innocents (or at least, against targets but with the inevitable awareness that innocents will be caught in the cross-fire), and he’s trying (and failing) to reconcile these two things.

it seems on the surface to be a values/ duty distinction, but that’s not actually the case — it’s more that his perceived, legal duty (his job as an enforcer) does not align with his true self-given duty of genuinely protecting people; it’s mainly a matter of recognising this, and understanding that his legal duty to the people may actually be a path away from his goal rather than the path to it, and that the ‘true’ duty takes precedence over the one written in paperwork or embossed on a badge.

it’s already ticking over in the back of his mind, but he manages to keep it far down enough that it doesn’t become an actual point of inner conflict of which he’s fully conscious until the reader forcefully confronts him with what he’s doing and what he’s complicit in… and then the interesting dissection can begin :))

[pheonixxfoxx]

The Last Japan Box Of 2024!

This was precisely the very last Japan box of the year! 🎉 Hard to genuinely believe it's already 2025. Why must time fly?! 😞

While it was smaller than previous boxes, there were still some fantastic flashy gets inside! 💙

As always, Jiraiya was a "purr"-fect little helper gray potato! 😸

The card frame is, OMG!! 🙀 It adds considerably to the already sexy card! Undoubtedly a must have for the collection, the moment my eyes gazed upon its glory!

This little cutie is SO soft! 💙 I in fact have a second one on the way. As I naturally want to snuggle him so badly, but carefully keep the plush mint at the same time! The issue will be properly resolved in the next box.

What we have here is an extremely rare find and something that I never believed would be obtained! This notable figure was from a Shonen Jump contest back in 2009! I initially learned of this thanks to a Japan Mercari listing. There are three figures total and the seller wanted $350!! This was a price that couldn't be justified! Luckily, a set appeared on Yahoo Japan and I won!! 🎉

Buggy reminds me of something out of Super Mario here! 😸 Not sure if I will remove him from the protective plastic? Oh and he's magnetic! The other figures in the set are Luffy and Chopper. While Luffy has a home, Chopper will probably be listed on eBay or Mercari soon! 🤔

The can badge in the middle of the top row, Buggy's name is embossed! I truly love running my finger over the raised lettering. 😺 To be honest, a second for the collection wouldn't hurt! One for me to carefully touch and the other to remain mint!

Astonishingly this magnificent figure had yet to enter the collection! However, here he ultimately is in all his glory! 🙀 All thanks to Book Off listing him dirt cheap on Japan's Mercari! There is just one of the larger Buggy figures missing from the collection now. Which is of his Emperor look, fortunately his price has really dropped!

The calendar art of Buggy here is super sexy, unique and love! 🤤 I'm naturally delighted it's an image where he isn't being tortured! So tired of seeing art depicting that!! 😞

The gorgeous card on the left is part of an absolutely stunning fan made set, featuring various One Piece characters! 💙 💙

In this image we have the impressive back of the card; this is indeed a true labor of love to One Piece! ☺️

This is the last item from December's box! It's an old 2012 Jump Festa poster featuring my handsome man and his brother!

Absolutely, another autographed card! 😸 Though, here me out! The English version of this card hadn't graced the collection until now! Not only that, I really like how the card is presented. It was in a lot and the seller was kind enough to sell this separate! 💙 They even included the One Piece TCG Chinese promo for free! Such an incredible seller all the way around!

Once again, that gold pen! Not sure if anyone bothers following what I babble about here? I wanted to mention that Mike Mcfarland just under went surgery to have a tumor carefully removed from his brain! While the surgery was successful, his road to recovery is a long one.

This is shocking, words unfortunately escape me. 😿 Without Mike's distinctive voice, Buggy wouldn't be the clown I passionately love and adore. The one who undoubtedly saved my life and has kept me going! 💙 I sincerely wish him a rapid recovery, and hope to fulfill my dream of meeting him one day!

Last item of this long post, which is just a close-up of the Chinese anniversary card! 😸 The next post will show off some of my surprising card pulls from OP 09! Still waiting for the two boxes that I preodered! Needless too say, TCGDistrict has lost a loyal customer…😾

[brassnameco]

Elevate Your Furniture with Custom Brass Badges: Unveiling the Art of Embossed Elegance

When it comes to adding a touch of sophistication and uniqueness to your furniture, custom brass badges stand out as a timeless and elegant choice. In this article, we'll explore the exquisite world of furniture embellishment, focusing on the craftsmanship and allure of custom brass badges, with a special emphasis on the art of embossing.

[guard-dog-233]

Yummy yummy

Dante embossed badge(⁎⁍̴̛ᴗ⁍̴̛⁎)

[velveteenmousestudios]

As is my personal tradition/rule, I can now post two very ambitious projects and one that was just pure creative fun. They were gifts this year for 2 writer/Fandom besties of mine and one bestie's awesome Fiancé!

Captain Janeway and First Officer Spock, custom amigurumi

--base: Taproot the Mandrake by The Stitch Tower on Etsy, ears/wigcaps/badges/details/color changes are free-handed

Mr. Truffles the Tribble (and 4 unexpected surprises)

--base: Head pattern of Taproot the Mandrake, body pattern of Mini Amigurumi Octopus by Sarah Hearn on Ravelry

--bed: repurposed organizer with fabric-wrapped paper bags and a "embossed" fabric name tag (puff paint with gold/silver/bronze Sharpie colored over it for dimension)

Yarns/Thread: Stylecraft DK, Paintbox Simply DK, Premier Just Chenille and Bernat Chenille, with Coats and Clark Metallic thread in Silver and Gold!

Note:

To offset the weights of their heads, both have been weighted, and are, in fact, sitting on their own and barely supported! Yes, I know the blue of Spock's shirt is less Original Series and more Subsequent Series Science Officer, but I couldn't get the right shade of blue at the time. I did, in fact, luck out on the red--it looked MUCH brighter on the website!

Message from Starfleet Pet Shelter: Mr. Truffles is a Domesticated Short-haired Tribble with a peaceful temperament...and allegedly neutered. (Seeing as there are 4 Trufflettes in their box, you can understand our skepticism of that lat part.) Good with children, animals and spouses. Reluctantly surrendered by a heartbroken Tribble parent who moved into a No-Pet apartment. Mr. Truffles and Trufflettes have been adopted by a loving Xenolinguist and researcher whom wished for affectionate reading companions. We wish them all the best going forward!

[theangrycomet-art]

Plumber Badge Headcannons

I can't remember if I made a post on this or not but I REALLY love the idea that Plumber Badges/Uniform markers actually serving ass Identifiers for rank and divisions and stuff.

If you can't read my hand writing, some of the divisions would be Explorer, Ambassador/Mediator, Medic, Enforcer/Combat Specialist, Teacher/Reseachr, Technician/Technology Officer, Reconnaissance/Intelligence Officer, etc, with Rank being shown through the markings above the base rank.

I think it'd be cool if the markings could be layered to show if an officer is qualified for multiple divisions. I'd need to tweak the design so that they could "layer" better but that's future!Comet's problem

These could be shown on custom badges, but they would always be painted/engraved/embossed or whatever on the plumbers pauldrons

[naoyaslut]

The Hills Ch. 27

pairings: ran haitani x (wife)reader

wordcount: 5k

warnings: anxiety, semi-stalking, overprotective husbando ran, police interrogations, little bit of makeup sex.

synopsis: detective vancouver makes an unannounced visit at your place of work, planting seeds of doubt about Ran and the Bonten organization.

a/n: i loove stories with a whole lot of drama, kidnapping, muder, actionnnn. I'm bringing this story back because there was such a bunch of nutty stuff happening and I feel like the way I ended it wasn't really giving me any closure, so off we go again! you can also read this story on AO3.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27

You try to maintain a sense of normality as you finish out the work week. You see your clients, pick up Kai from daycare, and spend most of your free time at home by yourself. Ran is preoccupied with speaking to lawyers and operatives within Bonten. In fact, you see more of Rin than your own husband.

As you sit at your desk in your office, feeling agitated, your eyes keep drifting towards the box of wedding invitations that still need to be sent out. The entire situation overwhelms you with fear. Although you were aware of what you had gotten into, you couldn't help but wonder if the new charges were a result of Kenji's death or perhaps Detective Tachibana's.

You knew that the authorities would never let a police officer's death go unpunished. It seemed like everything was falling into place now - they needed someone to blame, and Ran was likely their perfect target.

A light rapping at your office door broke you out of your own thoughts as you sat up straight.

“Come in,” you say, your attention now on whoever was at the door.

Yoko stepped in, a smile on her face while she held the door open.

“Everything okay?” she asked.

You nodded, flashing her friendly smile before readjusting in your seat. “Yeah, just fine. What’s up?”

“I finished up blocking off your calendar for the next couple of weeks, did you need anything else form me before I headed out?” Yoko asked.

“No, that was it,” you stood up, idly shuffling around some lose sheets of paper on your desk. “Enjoy your PTO,”

As Yoko left, closing the door behind her, you sank back into your chair with a heavy sigh. The late afternoon sun slanted through the blinds, casting long shadows across your desk.

You found yourself staring at the box of wedding invitations again, your fingers tracing the embossed lettering. The weight of everything - Ran's legal troubles, the whispers of betrayal within Bonten, the uncertain future looming before you - pressed down on your shoulders.

The quiet hum of the air conditioning and the muffled sounds of the city outside were suddenly interrupted by a sharp knock at your office door. You frowned, glancing at your watch. Your last appointment had ended over an hour ago, and Yoko had just left for her vacation. Who could be knocking?

"Come in," you called, straightening in your chair and smoothing your skirt.

The door swung open, and your breath caught in your throat as you recognized the man standing there. Detective Vancouver, his weathered face etched with lines of determination, stepped into your office. The late afternoon sunlight glinted off his badge as he closed the door behind him with a soft click.

"Mrs. Haitani," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

You swallowed hard, your heart pounding in your chest.

"Detective Vancouver," you managed, forcing your voice to remain steady. "This is... unexpected. Do we have an appointment?"

He shook his head, a wry smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "No appointment. This isn't an official visit."

Your eyes narrowed slightly as you studied him. He looked tired, the shadows under his eyes more pronounced than you remembered from the last you talked. His suit was slightly rumpled, as if he’d been wearing it for days.

As he stood there, his eyes scanned your office, taking in every detail.

“Not official?” you repeated, your stomach beginning to churn with nausea. “Then may I ask why you’re here in my office, detective?”

What was it with these detectives and these off the books meetings? Him being here could get you in more trouble with Ran, you weren’t supposed to be talking to anyone without a lawyer present. Ran didn’t want you talking to them AT ALL.

Detective Vancouver sighed, running a hand through his graying hair.

"Mrs. Haitani, I'm going to be straight with you. I've been working this case for years now, and I know there's more going on than meets the eye. I was hoping we could talk... off the record."

Your pulse quickened at his words. Off the record could mean anything - a trap, an opportunity, or something far more dangerous. You kept your expression neutral, years of living in Ran's world having taught you the importance of a good poker face.

"I'm not sure what you think I could tell you that I haven't already said, Detective," you replied, your tone neutral.

"Mrs. Haitani, I'll be frank with you. This case goes deeper than just your husband. There are powerful people involved, people who won't hesitate to eliminate anyone they see as a threat."

Your heart raced at his words, but you kept your expression carefully neutral.

"I'm not sure I understand what you're implying, Detective."

He leaned forward, his eyes intense. "I think you do. Mrs. Haitani, I've been doing this job for a long time. I can tell when someone's caught in the middle of something they never asked for."

You felt a chill run down your spine, but you held his gaze steadily.

"Detective, I appreciate your concern, but I really don't know anything about my husband's business dealings. If you have questions for Ran, you should speak to his lawyer.”

Detective Vancouver's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied you.

"Mrs. Haitani, I understand your loyalty to your husband. But I need you to understand the gravity of the situation. We're not just talking about weapons trafficking anymore. There's evidence linking Bonten to Detective Tachibana's death."

Your breath caught in your throat, your heart pounding so loudly you were sure he must be able to hear it.

"Detective Tachibana?" you repeated, fighting to keep your voice steady. "I wasn’t aware he was dead."

You knew damn well he was dead. Detective Tachibana hounded you, much like this detective was… even showed up at the hospital a few years ago after you unfortunately caught a stray bullet compliments of Ivy.

It was only a matter of time that the authorities came up with information regarding his demise.

Vancouver's gaze didn't waver.

"He was killed a few years ago. Officially ruled a homicide, but we have reason to believe it was a hit ordered by someone high up in Bonten."

You felt the blood drain from your face as Detective Vancouver's words sank in. Your mind raced, flashing back to that night years ago when Ran had come home, his eyes haunted but determined as he told you everything had been "taken care of." At the time, you hadn't wanted to know the details. Now, the weight of that willful ignorance pressed down on you like a physical thing.

"I'm sorry to hear about Detective Tachibana," you managed, your voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't see what this has to do with me or my husband."

Vancouver leaned forward, his eyes intense.

"Mrs. Haitani, I think you know more than you're letting on. I'm not here to trap you or trick you into saying something incriminating. I'm here because I believe you're in danger."

Your heart pounded in your chest as you met Vancouver's penetrating gaze. The late afternoon sunlight slanting through the blinds cast stark shadows across his weathered face, highlighting the deep lines of concern etched there. For a long moment, neither of you spoke, the only sound the faint hum of the air conditioning and the muffled noise of traffic outside.

"Danger?" you finally managed, your voice barely above a whisper. "I don't understand."

Vancouver leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he fixed you with an intense stare.

"Mrs. Haitani, I've been doing this job for a long time. I've seen how organizations like Bonten operate. They don't tolerate loose ends or potential liabilities."

A chill ran down your spine at his words, but you fought to keep your expression neutral.

"I'm not a liability,"

Vancouver's eyes softened slightly, a flicker of sympathy crossing his weathered features.

"Maybe not intentionally," he said gently. "But you're a vulnerability, Mrs. Haitani. You and your daughter. And in their world, vulnerabilities are dangerous."

You felt your breath catch in your throat, your mind racing. Images flashed through your head - Kai's innocent smile, Ran's protective embrace, the shadows that always seemed to lurk at the edges of your perfect life.

The detective leaned forward, his voice low and urgent.

"I've seen how this plays out before. They'll do anything to protect themselves, even if it means sacrificing their own. And right now, with the heat we're putting on them, you and your daughter are liabilities they might not be willing to risk."

Your hands trembled slightly as you clasped them in your lap, fighting to maintain your composure.

Your heart thundered in your chest as you absorbed Vancouver's words. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across your office, the golden light seeming to dim as the weight of the situation pressed down on you. You could feel beads of sweat forming at your hairline, your silk blouse suddenly too constricting.

"I... I don't know what you want from me," you managed, your voice barely above a whisper.

Vancouver leaned forward, his eyes intense and earnest.

"I want to help you, Mrs. Haitani. You and your daughter. I've seen too many innocent people caught in the crossfire of these organizations. I don't want that to happen to you."

You swallowed hard, your throat dry.

"And how exactly do you propose to help me?"

The detective reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small business card. He placed it on your desk, sliding it in your direction.

You stared at the card on your desk, your heart pounding. The embossed letters seemed to swim before your eyes as you read "Detective Eli J. Vancouver" and a phone number.

"This is my personal number," Vancouver said softly. "If you ever feel that you or your daughter are in danger, call me. Day or night. I can get you into protective custody, give you a fresh start away from all of this."

Your fingers trembled as you picked up the card, turning it over in your hands. The weight of it felt impossibly heavy, laden with choices and consequences you weren't sure you were ready to face.

"Detective," you began, your voice shaky. "I appreciate your concern, but my husband would never let anything happen to me or Kai. We're his whole world."

Vancouver's expression softened, a hint of sadness creeping into his eyes.

"I'm sure he loves you very much, Mrs. Haitani. But love isn't always enough in this world. Sometimes, the people closest to us can put us in the most danger, even if they don't mean to."

You felt a lump forming in your throat, tears threatening to spill over.

"You don't know Ran," you whispered. "You don't know what he's capable of, what lengths he'd go to protect us."

The detective nodded slowly. "You're right, I don't know him personally. But I know men like him. And I know the choices they're forced to make in this life. Sometimes, protecting the ones they love means letting them go."

His words hit you like a physical blow, and you found yourself gripping the edge of your desk to steady yourself.

The detective's words hung heavy in the air, the silence stretching between you like a chasm. You stared at the business card in your trembling hands, unable to meet Vancouver's intense gaze. The late afternoon sun slanted through the blinds, casting long shadows across your desk and illuminating the dust motes swirling in the air.

After what felt like an eternity, Vancouver sighed heavily, the sound seeming to break the spell that had fallen over the room.

"I've said my piece, Mrs. Haitani," he said softly, his voice tinged with a mixture of resignation and concern. "The choice is yours now."

You looked up, meeting his eyes for a brief moment. The weariness etched into his face made him look older, the weight of countless cases and broken lives visible in the lines around his eyes. For a fleeting instant, you felt a surge of empathy for this man who had devoted his life to a seemingly endless battle.

"Thank you for your concern, Detective," you said softly, your voice steadier than you felt. "But I think it's time for you to leave."

Vancouver nodded, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face before he schooled his features back into a neutral expression. He stood slowly, straightening his rumpled jacket.

"Remember what I said, Mrs. Haitani," he said, his hand on the doorknob. "That number works any time, day or night. Don't wait until it's too late."

With that, he slipped out of your office, and out of the building leaving you rattled.

With shaking fingers, you reached for your phone, scrolling through your contacts until you found Ran’s name. Your thumb hovered over the call button, but something held you back.

What would you even say? How could you explain anything that had occurred in this office without Ran becoming instantly suspicious?

Opening the drawer to your desk, you slipped Detective Vancouver’s card inside, burying it beneath a stack of papers. Out of sight but not out of mind.

Glancing at the clock on your desk, you realize with a start that it was well past time to pick up Kai from daycare. Gathering your things, you tried to push the meeting between you and Vancouver to the back of your mind, focusing instead on the mundane details of your evening routine.

As you stepped out of the office building, the air was thick with exhaust fumes and the faint aroma of street vender food, a heady mixture that seemed to encapsulate the essence of the city. You paused for a moment on the steps, fishing in your bag for your sunglasses to shield your eyes from the harsh glare.

Across the street, a non descript sedan sat idling at the curb, its tinted windows reflecting the golden light of the setting sun. To the casual observer, it might have seemed like just another parked car in the sea of urban traffic.

But in the shadowy interior, a figure sat hunched over a camera with a telephoto lens, the rapid-fire click of the shutter barely audible over the ambient noise of the city. The camera’s lens tracked Detective Vancouver as he exited the building, capturing his every move as he made his way down the street. Then it swung back, focusing on you as you emerged from the office’s revolving doors.

Unaware of your tail, you navigated the busy streets on autopilot, your mind still reeling from the conversation with Vancouver. By the time you reached the daycare, you were surprised to see that Ran was already present, carefully guiding Kai out of the building with her hand in his.

Seeing Ran and Kai together outside the daycare sent a wave of conflicting emotions through you. Relief at the sight of your family safe and whole warred with the lingering unease from your conversation with Detective Vancouver.

As you approached, Kai's face lit up.

"Mama!" she squealed, breaking free from Ran's grasp to toddle towards you on unsteady legs.

You scooped her up, wrapping her in a tight hug.

"Hi baby," you murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Over Kai's head, your eyes met Ran's.

His expression was unreadable, his amethyst eyes scanning your face as if searching for something.

"You're late," he said, his tone neutral but with an undercurrent of tension.

"I'm sorry," you replied, adjusting Kai on your hip. “I had some things I had to finish up at the office, I meant to give you a call,”

Ran's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied your face.

"Everything alright?" he asked, his tone casual but his gaze intense.

You swallowed hard, forcing a smile.

"Of course," you replied, bouncing Kai on your hip. "Just busy with work. How was your day, sweetheart?"

Kai launched into an animated recounting of her day at daycare, her childish chatter filling the awkward silence between you and Ran. As you listened to her, nodding and making appropriate sounds of interest, you could feel Ran's eyes on you, searching for any sign of deception.

"Let's head home," Ran said finally, reaching out to take Kai from your arms. "I'll make dinner tonight."

The drive home was tense, the air in the car thick with unspoken questions although you drove separately. It felt wrong to lie to Ran, well… Technically you weren’t lying, just holding back some info. It’d be better for him to hear it from you, rather than someone else.

You pulled into the driveway after Ran, parking your sedan beside the black SUV he drove. By the time you exited your own vehicle, Ran had scooped Kai up in his arms and was standing at the front door unlocking it with his house key.

You followed him inside in silence, listening to Kai gush all over him her hands slung tightly around his neck. She missed her dad, that much was obvious and the sight of watching those two interact with one another nearly brought tears to your eyes.

How could you do any of this without Ran. There wasn’t a world where you imagined where he wasn’t in the picture. The wedding you imagined, the big house, a big happy family, you never saw any of that slipping through your fingers in your shared future.

The evening pressed on as usual, after a bath you had Kai asleep and ready for bed by 8 PM. Ran spent a majority of the evening on the phone, busy, in his study. You knew there was a lot going on, hell Ran was probably just as stressed as you were. But you wanted to talk to him about the meeting at your office, you had to tell him, keeping secrets wouldn’t play out well for you in the future the longer you kept them from him.

Leaving Ran to take his important phone calls in his grand study, you retreated to the privacy of your shared bedroom. With a sigh of relief, you made your way into the spacious bathroom, adorned with marble countertops and sparkling gold fixtures. You indulged in a moment of luxury, carefully selecting your favorite bath oils and lighting scented candles before starting to run a warm bath. As you slipped out of your clothes and into the luxurious, oversized bathtub, you let all of your worries melt away in the soothing water.

The warm water enveloped you like a comforting embrace, the lavender-scented steam rising in delicate wisps around you. You closed your eyes, letting your head rest against the curved edge of the tub as you tried to quiet the tumultuous thoughts swirling in your mind. The soft glow of candlelight flickered against your eyelids, casting dancing shadows on the tiled walls.

Time seemed to stretch and blur as you soaked, the tension slowly seeping from your muscles. The quiet drip of the faucet and the occasional distant sound of traffic outside were the only interruptions to the peaceful silence. You let your mind drift, focusing on the sensation of the water lapping gently against your skin, the silky feel of the bath oils you'd added.

You weren't sure how long you'd been lying there when you heard the soft click of the bathroom door opening.

Your eyes fluttered open as you heard Ran's footsteps approaching the tub. He stood there for a moment, his eyes roaming over your form beneath the water before he began unbuttoning his shirt.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

You shook your head, shifting slightly to make room as Ran slipped out of his clothes and into the warm water behind you. His strong arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you back against his chest. You let out a contented sigh, relaxing into his embrace.

For a long moment, you both simply sat there in comfortable silence, the gentle lapping of the water the only sound in the room. Ran's fingers traced lazy patterns on your skin beneath the surface, sending pleasant shivers down your spine.

"You seemed tense earlier," Ran murmured, his lips brushing against your ear.

You felt a shiver run down your spine at Ran's words, torn between the comfort of his embrace and the weight of the secrets you were keeping. For a moment, you considered brushing it off, assuring him everything was fine. But the memory of Detective Vancouver's warning echoed in your mind.

Taking a deep breath, you turned slightly in Ran's arms to face him.

"Something happened at the office today," you began hesitantly, your voice barely above a whisper. "The same detective from earlier this week came in to talk to me again."

You felt Ran tense behind you, his arms tightening around your waist.

"What did he want?" he asked, his voice carefully controlled.

Swallowing hard, you recounted the conversation, watching Ran's expression carefully as you spoke. When you finished, a heavy silence fell over the bathroom, broken only by the gentle lapping of water against the sides of the bathtub.

Ran's expression darkened as you recounted your conversation with Detective Vancouver, his jaw clenching visibly. When you finished speaking, a heavy silence fell over the bathroom.

"He said what?" Ran's voice was dangerously low, his arms tightening around you. "That bastard had the nerve to come to your office and threaten you?"

You shook your head quickly, water droplets scattering from your damp hair.

"No, Ran, it wasn't like that. He seemed... concerned. He said he wanted to help."

Ran let out a harsh laugh, the sound echoing off the tiled walls.

"Help? By trying to turn you against me? By planting doubts in your mind?"

Ran's eyes blazed with a cold fury that caused you to freeze, despite the warm water surrounding you. You could feel the tension radiating from his body, his muscles coiled tight like a spring ready to snap.

"Ran," you said softly, placing a hand on his chest in an attempt to calm him. "He didn't turn me against you. I'm here, aren't I? I'm telling you everything."

His gaze softened slightly at your touch, but the anger still simmered beneath the surface.

"You should have called me immediately," he said, his voice low. "This detective is dangerous, Y/N. He's trying to manipulate you, to use you to get to me."

You chewed on your lip, torn between the logical reasoning of Ran's words and the growing fear that Vancouver's visit had instilled in you.

"I-I know," you whispered, your voice trembling with uncertainty. The memory of Vancouver's warning about liabilities flashed through your mind.

Was Ran really be capable of hurting you? You hesitated, unable to trust your own thoughts. After all, if you became a threat to the organization, he would likely dispose of you without a second thought. Your heart raced as you grappled with this terrifying realization, unsure of what to believe anymore.

Ran's expression softened slightly as he took in your trembling form. He cupped your face gently in his hands, tilting your chin up to meet his gaze.

"Y/N," he said softly, his bright eyes intense as they searched yours. "I need you to listen to me very carefully. You and Kai are everything to me. Everything. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't do to keep you safe."

His thumb brushed across your cheek, wiping away a tear you hadn't realized had fallen.

"I know you're scared," he continued, his voice low and soothing. "And I'm sorry for that. I never wanted this life to touch you or Kai. But you have to understand - Vancouver, the police, they don't know me. They don't know us. All they see is what they want to see."

You swallowed hard, your eyes searching Ran's face. Despite the intensity of his gaze, you could see a flicker of vulnerability there, a desperation to make you understand.

"I know," you whispered, your voice barely audible. “I know you love us, Ran. But... the things Vancouver said..."

Ran's jaw clenched, a flash of anger crossing his features before he controlled his expression.

"What exactly did he say?" he asked.

You hesitated, weighing your words carefully.

"He said... he said that sometimes, in this world, the people closest to us can put us in the most danger. Even if they don't mean to."

Ran's piercing gaze bore into you, his fingers tightening around your waist with barely noticeable strength.

"And you believe him?" His voice was low and laced with a dangerous edge.

You froze in his grasp, feeling both vulnerable and desired as he pulled you closer. Your reply came out in a trembling voice, the tension between you palpable.

Ran let out a frustrated sigh, releasing his hold on you and stepping back. "Let's just get some rest," he said, motioning towards the bedroom.

He stood in the bathtub, water trickling down his toned body as he reached for a towel from the closet. As he helped you out of the tub, he gently wiped you down before retrieving your robe and holding it up for you to step into.

But before you could leave the bathroom, Ran pulled you close once more, his hands cupping your face tenderly.

"I hope you know that I love you more than words can express," he murmured, leaning in to kiss you.

His kiss was passionate and fervent, his tongue tracing over your bottom lip in a show of affection. You melted into his embrace, feeling loved and cherished in his arms.

As Ran's lips moved against yours, a heady mixture of desire and unease swirled within you. His hands slid down to your waist, fingertips ghosting over the damp silk of your robe. You shivered, not entirely from cold.

"I love you too," you breathed as he finally pulled away. The words felt both true and somehow insufficient, failing to capture the complexity of your emotions.

Ran's amethyst eyes searched yours, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them.

"Then trust me," he murmured, his voice low and hypnotic. "Whatever Vancouver said, whatever doubts you have... I need you to believe in us."

You nodded, wanting desperately to banish the nagging worry that had taken root. Ran's fingers intertwined with yours as he led you to the bedroom, the plush carpet soft beneath your bare feet.

The room was bathed in soft amber light from the bedside lamps, casting long shadows across the walls. As you approached the bed, your gaze was drawn to the cityscape beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, a glittering expanse of lights that seemed to mirror the stars above.

Ran released your hand and moved to close the heavy curtains, plunging the room into a cocoon of darkness and privacy. You perched on the edge of the bed, the silk of your robe clinging to your still-damp skin. The mattress dipped as Ran sat beside you, his warmth radiating through the thin barrier of fabric between you.

"Y/n," he murmured, his husky voice sending shivers down your spine. His fingers traced the curve of your shoulder, leaving a trail of heat in their wake.

"C’mere," he whispered, pulling you onto his lap with strong arms encircling your waist.

Ran's lips brushed along your pulse point, causing your heart to race and your breath to hitch. His hands roamed freely over your body, teasing at the sash of your robe until it fell open, exposing your skin.

You allowed it, even assisting him by shrugging off the silk fabric from your shoulders, eager for his touch. The cool air of the room contrasted with the warmth radiating from Ran's body as he leaned in closer.

“I love you,” Ran said, his voice filled with adoration as his hand trailed up your inner thigh. You couldn't help but let out a soft moan as his fingers reached their destination at the apex of your thighs.

“I love you too,” you squeaked, your voice trembling with desire as he continued to explore every inch of your body with skilled fingers.

“Prove it,” he rasped, laying you down on the soft comforter and hovering over you like a predator ready to claim its prey. Your heart raced with anticipation as you eagerly complied, showing him just how much you loved him in every way possible.

His lips pressed against yours once more, his tongue eagerly exploring and entwining with your own as you writhed beneath him. Your legs parted instinctively, inviting him to come closer. He wedged himself between your thighs, his body pressing against yours in a primal embrace. You could feel his hardness against you, the tip of his growing arousal rubbing slowly and teasingly against your slick folds. Each touch sent shivers down your spine and fueled your desire for more of him.

You arched into Ran's touch, your body responding to his with an intensity that left you breathless. The world beyond your bedroom faded away, leaving only the intoxicating sensation of skin on skin, the mingling of their breaths in the dim light.

Ran's amethyst eyes locked onto yours, dark with desire yet tinged with something deeper - a possessiveness that both thrilled and unnerved you. His fingers tangled in your curls as he claimed your mouth in a searing kiss that spoke of barely restrained passion.

"Mine," he growled against your lips, his voice rough with need.

Your own reply was lost in a gasp of pleasure as Ran entered you in one smooth thrust. You moved together in a familiar dance, bodies entwined and hearts racing. The air grew thick with the scent of your lovemaking, punctuated by soft moans and whispered endearments.

As you neared their peak, a distant sound filtered through the haze of passion - the chime of Ran's phone on the nightstand. He ignored it, focusing instead on bringing you to the edge of ecstasy. But even as waves of pleasure washed over you, you caught a fleeting expression cross Ran's face - a tightening around his eyes, a tension in his jaw that hadn't been there moments before.

In the afterglow, as they lay tangled in sweat-dampened sheets, that same tension lingered in the set of Ran's shoulders. His fingers traced idle patterns on your skin, but his gaze was distant, as if his mind had already left your intimate cocoon for darker waters beyond.