#mining efficiency solutions

[mobiloittetechblogs]

Mobiloitte: Smart IT Solutions for Efficient Mining Operations

Mobiloitte: Smart IT Solutions for Efficient Mining Operations

[wealthwise93]

Lithium and Copper: The Metals That Will Shape the Future

🔋🌍 Lithium and copper are set to revolutionize the economy as the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy soars! 🌱✨ With innovations in battery tech and sustainable materials, the future looks bright for clean energy.

In the coming years, certain metals are poised to fundamentally change the global economy—foremost among them are lithium and copper. These two raw materials are becoming increasingly indispensable for the energy and transportation industries as the world shifts towards renewable energy and electric vehicles. Lithium: The Fuel of the Energy Transition Lithium plays a central role in the…

[little-p-eng-engineering]

Little P.Eng. Engineering: Leading the Way in Bulk Material Transport Design across North America

In industries where massive volumes of materials are processed, the importance of efficient and safe bulk material transport cannot be overstated. Little P.Eng. Engineering stands as a beacon of excellence in this niche, offering top-tier structural and mechanical designs for a variety of equipment across Canada and the USA.

The Genesis of Bulk Material Transport

Bulk material transport is an integral cog in the machine of large-scale industries. Be it mining, manufacturing, or agriculture, the ability to move vast amounts of raw or processed materials efficiently ensures seamless operations and reduced downtimes. This task's complexity demands innovative solutions tailored to specific needs and geographic conditions.

Decoding Little P.Eng. Engineering's Portfolio

Apron Feeders:

Role: Essential in mining and heavy industry, they deliver a steady feed of materials to other machines.

Little P.Eng. Precision: Custom designs account for rugged conditions, ensuring robustness, minimal wear-tear, and efficient feeding speeds.

Belt Conveyors:

Role: The backbone of many industries, they transport materials over short to long distances.

Little P.Eng.'s Approach: Focus on load-bearing capacity, adaptive designs for different terrains, and durability in varied climatic conditions.

Belt Feeders:

Role: Controlled feeding of bulk materials, often used in coordination with other systems.

Little P.Eng.'s Vision: Precision-engineered for accurate delivery rates and volumes, ensuring no overloading or wastage.

Mobile Conveyor Bridges:

Role: Vital for large mining operations, they offer flexibility in transporting materials across significant distances.

Little P.Eng.'s Craft: Mobility and stability converge, ensuring these bridges can be relocated effortlessly without compromising safety.

Mobile Transfer Conveyors:

Role: As the name suggests, these conveyors are mobile and are often used in tandem with other stationary equipment.

Little P.Eng. Insight: Prioritizing easy maneuverability, these conveyors also spotlight on energy efficiency and fast material transfer.

Tube Conveyors:

Role: They provide enclosed transport, often used for grains, powders, or any material susceptible to external contamination or spillage.

Little P.Eng.'s Touch: Airtight sealing, efficient transport mechanism, and designs that reduce maintenance downtimes.

In-plant Conveyor Systems:

Role: Within factories or processing plants, they link various stages of production or processing.

Little P.Eng. Expertise: Modular designs that fit seamlessly into existing infrastructures, ensuring no workflow disruption.

Pipe Conveyor Systems:

Role: Offering enclosed transport, they are often used for materials like coal, ensuring no spillage or dust emissions.

Little P.Eng.'s Specialty: Enhanced curvature ability, ensuring a smaller footprint and efficient transport even in space-constrained areas.

Steel Belt Conveyors:

Role: Handling materials at high temperatures or those that might be abrasive or cut regular belts.

Little P.Eng. Mastery: Heat-resilient designs, ensuring prolonged lifespans even under intense conditions.

The North American Landscape: Challenges and Innovations

From the icy terrains of Northern Canada to the industrious heartlands of the USA, each region poses its unique challenges. Whether it's dealing with permafrost or ensuring equipment can withstand desert heat, Little P.Eng. Engineering's designs embody adaptability, ensuring machinery performs at its peak regardless of external conditions.

Moreover, with both countries emphasizing sustainable operations, the engineering firm ensures eco-friendly designs, minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Conclusion

In an age where efficiency can dictate market standings, Little P.Eng. Engineering's contribution to the bulk material transport sector across Canada and the USA is undeniable. Through an intricate understanding of mechanics, topography, and industrial needs, the firm crafts solutions that don't just move materials but advance industries.

Read more:

Transforming the Landscape of Bulk Material Management through Structural and Mechanical Design

Tags:

Little P.Eng. Engineering

Structural design

Mechanical design

Mining equipment

Tailored equipment design

Bulk material transport

Modular design

Apron feeders

Belt conveyors

Belt feeders

Mobile conveyor bridges

Mobile transfer conveyors

Tube conveyor systems

In-plant conveyor systems

Pipe conveyor systems

Steel belt conveyors

North American industry

Sustainable operations

Material movement solutions

Efficient material transport

Custom machinery design

Industrial innovations

Canada industrial machinery

USA industrial machinery

Adaptability in design

Eco-friendly machinery

High-temperature material handling

Enclosed transport systems

Production workflow

Advanced material handling

Bulk Material Handling & Processing

Engineering Services

Structural Engineering Consultancy

Located in Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, BC; Toronto, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; Houston Texas; Torrance, California; El Segundo, CA; Manhattan Beach, CA; Concord, CA; We offer our engineering consultancy services across Canada and United States. Meena Rezkallah.

[reasonsforhope]

Green energy is in its heyday. 

Renewable energy sources now account for 22% of the nation’s electricity, and solar has skyrocketed eight times over in the last decade. This spring in California, wind, water, and solar power energy sources exceeded expectations, accounting for an average of 61.5 percent of the state's electricity demand across 52 days. 

But green energy has a lithium problem. Lithium batteries control more than 90% of the global grid battery storage market. 

That’s not just cell phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, and tools. Scooters, e-bikes, hybrids, and electric vehicles all rely on rechargeable lithium batteries to get going. 

Fortunately, this past week, Natron Energy launched its first-ever commercial-scale production of sodium-ion batteries in the U.S. 

“Sodium-ion batteries offer a unique alternative to lithium-ion, with higher power, faster recharge, longer lifecycle and a completely safe and stable chemistry,” said Colin Wessells — Natron Founder and Co-CEO — at the kick-off event in Michigan. 

The new sodium-ion batteries charge and discharge at rates 10 times faster than lithium-ion, with an estimated lifespan of 50,000 cycles.

Wessells said that using sodium as a primary mineral alternative eliminates industry-wide issues of worker negligence, geopolitical disruption, and the “questionable environmental impacts�� inextricably linked to lithium mining. 

“The electrification of our economy is dependent on the development and production of new, innovative energy storage solutions,” Wessells said. 

Why are sodium batteries a better alternative to lithium?

The birth and death cycle of lithium is shadowed in environmental destruction. The process of extracting lithium pollutes the water, air, and soil, and when it’s eventually discarded, the flammable batteries are prone to bursting into flames and burning out in landfills. 

There’s also a human cost. Lithium-ion materials like cobalt and nickel are not only harder to source and procure, but their supply chains are also overwhelmingly attributed to hazardous working conditions and child labor law violations. 

Sodium, on the other hand, is estimated to be 1,000 times more abundant in the earth’s crust than lithium. 

“Unlike lithium, sodium can be produced from an abundant material: salt,” engineer Casey Crownhart wrote ​​in the MIT Technology Review. “Because the raw ingredients are cheap and widely available, there’s potential for sodium-ion batteries to be significantly less expensive than their lithium-ion counterparts if more companies start making more of them.”

What will these batteries be used for?

Right now, Natron has its focus set on AI models and data storage centers, which consume hefty amounts of energy. In 2023, the MIT Technology Review reported that one AI model can emit more than 626,00 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent. 

“We expect our battery solutions will be used to power the explosive growth in data centers used for Artificial Intelligence,” said Wendell Brooks, co-CEO of Natron. 

“With the start of commercial-scale production here in Michigan, we are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient, safe, and reliable battery energy storage.”

The fast-charging energy alternative also has limitless potential on a consumer level, and Natron is eying telecommunications and EV fast-charging once it begins servicing AI data storage centers in June. 

On a larger scale, sodium-ion batteries could radically change the manufacturing and production sectors — from housing energy to lower electricity costs in warehouses, to charging backup stations and powering electric vehicles, trucks, forklifts, and so on. 

“I founded Natron because we saw climate change as the defining problem of our time,” Wessells said. “We believe batteries have a role to play.”

-via GoodGoodGood, May 3, 2024

--

Note: I wanted to make sure this was legit (scientifically and in general), and I'm happy to report that it really is! x, x, x, x

[electronalytics]

Industrial Overload Relays Market Industry Analysis Outlook by 2032

Market Overview:

Intrinsic safety modules are crucial components used in hazardous environments to ensure the safe operation of electronic equipment. These modules are designed to limit electrical energy and prevent the generation of sparks or excessive heat that could ignite flammable gases, vapors, or dust present in the surrounding atmosphere. By employing intrinsic safety modules, industries can reduce the risk of explosions and fires in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Intrinsic safety is a widely adopted protection technique in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, mining, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and others where flammable substances are present. These modules are typically used with sensors, transmitters, and other electronic devices that need to operate in hazardous locations.

The Global Intrinsic Safety Modules Market size is projected to grow from $2.7 billion in 2021 to a billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 7% 2023-2031.

Industrial Overload Relays: Overview Industrial overload relays are electrical devices used to protect motors and other electrical equipment from damage due to overcurrent conditions. They are an essential component of motor control systems in industrial settings. These relays monitor the current flowing through a motor and can trip the circuit if the current exceeds a predefined threshold, thus preventing overheating and potential damage.

Industry Analysis and Trends:

Industrial Automation: The increasing adoption of industrial automation across various sectors has driven the demand for overload relays. Automation requires efficient motor protection to ensure smooth operation and prevent downtime.

Energy Efficiency: There is a growing emphasis on energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. Modern overload relays often come with features that enable energy monitoring and optimization.

Smart Technologies: The integration of smart technologies, such as IoT and connectivity, into industrial equipment has led to the development of smart overload relays. These relays can provide real-time data, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance insights.

Safety Regulations: Stringent safety regulations and standards in industrial environments have led to the increased adoption of protective devices like overload relays. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for safe operations.

Miniaturization and Integration: The trend toward miniaturization and integration has led to the development of compact and multifunctional overload relay solutions, saving space and enhancing functionality.

Customization and Flexibility: Industries often have specific requirements for their motor protection needs. Manufacturers are focusing on offering customizable overload relay solutions to cater to various applications.

Global Industrial Growth: As industries continue to grow worldwide, the demand for machinery and equipment, including motors and overload relays, also increases.

Demand and Scope:

The demand for industrial overload relays is closely tied to the overall industrial growth, especially in sectors like manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities, mining, and more. As these industries expand, the need for reliable motor protection solutions becomes more critical. Moreover, the increasing adoption of automation and the integration of advanced technologies further contribute to the demand for modern overload relays.

The scope of the industrial overload relays market extends across various industries and applications, including conveyor systems, pumps, fans, compressors, HVAC systems, and more. As technologies evolve, the scope of overload relays may expand to include smarter and more advanced features, addressing emerging challenges in motor protection and predictive maintenance.

We recommend referring our Stringent datalytics firm, industry publications, and websites that specialize in providing market reports. These sources often offer comprehensive analysis, market trends, growth forecasts, competitive landscape, and other valuable insights into this market.

By visiting our website or contacting us directly, you can explore the availability of specific reports related to this market. These reports often require a purchase or subscription, but we provide comprehensive and in-depth information that can be valuable for businesses, investors, and individuals interested in this market.

“Remember to look for recent reports to ensure you have the most current and relevant information.”

Click Here, To Get Free Sample Report: https://stringentdatalytics.com/sample-request/intrinsic-safety-modules-market/13068/

Market Segmentations:

Global Intrinsic Safety Modules Market: By Company • Eaton • Rockwell Automation • Schneider Electric • Siemens • ABB • Pepperl+ Fuchs • OMEGA • Rotork • IMI Sensors • Extronics Global Intrinsic Safety Modules Market: By Type • Zener Barriers • Isolator Barriers • Converter Barriers Global Intrinsic Safety Modules Market: By Application • Oil and Gas • Mining • Power • Chemicals and Petrochemicals Global Intrinsic Safety Modules Market: Regional Analysis The regional analysis of the global Intrinsic Safety Modules market provides insights into the market's performance across different regions of the world. The analysis is based on recent and future trends and includes market forecast for the prediction period. The countries covered in the regional analysis of the Intrinsic Safety Modules market report are as follows: North America: The North America region includes the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The U.S. is the largest market for Intrinsic Safety Modules in this region, followed by Canada and Mexico. The market growth in this region is primarily driven by the presence of key market players and the increasing demand for the product. Europe: The Europe region includes Germany, France, U.K., Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Rest of Europe. Germany is the largest market for Intrinsic Safety Modules in this region, followed by the U.K. and France. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing demand for the product in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region includes Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific. China is the largest market for Intrinsic Safety Modules in this region, followed by Japan and India. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing adoption of the product in various end-use industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa region includes Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of Middle East and Africa. The market growth in this region is driven by the increasing demand for the product in the aerospace and defense sectors. South America: The South America region includes Argentina, Brazil, and Rest of South America. Brazil is the largest market for Intrinsic Safety Modules in this region, followed by Argentina. The market growth in this region is primarily driven by the increasing demand for the product in the automotive sector.

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Reasons to Purchase Intrinsic Safety Modules Market Report:

• To obtain insights into industry trends and dynamics, including market size, growth rates, and important factors and difficulties. This study offers insightful information on these topics.

• To identify important participants and rivals: This research studies can assist companies in identifying key participants and rivals in their sector, along with their market share, business plans, and strengths and weaknesses.

• To comprehend consumer behaviour: these research studies can offer insightful information about customer behaviour, including preferences, spending patterns, and demographics.

• To assess market opportunities: These research studies can aid companies in assessing market chances, such as prospective new goods or services, fresh markets, and new trends.

In general, market research studies offer companies and organisations useful data that can aid in making decisions and maintaining competitiveness in their industry. They can offer a strong basis for decision-making, strategy formulation, and company planning.

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[salem-s]

HI POOKS ive missed you ☹️

i also

has a smol lil idea 🤏🏽😝 between jock!rafe and nerd!reader TEEHEE

him "helping" her study for exams if you know what i mean........ *winkwink*

but for context she's been studying her head off for weeks, n day by day rafe has just been watching her exhaust n drain herself n one day he just has

an ideeeaaaa teehee 😁😁😁

loooooooove this. missed y'all too, been stupid busy it's actually criminal. 18+ MDNI.

GO ON, TEACH ME (18+) — RAFE CAMERON ONE SHOT

SYNOPSIS it's the last semester and you haven't had time to breathe. final after final. thesis' in mla, apa, chicago style. project come project with group members who don't know the date. it's grueling, time consuming, utterly depleting. luckily your sweet, not-so-academically-motivated boyfriend who has been watching you work yourself into a hole knows exactly what remedy you need to relax.

WARNINGS flllluffff and smut (obviously?) to the max (fem!receiving, fingering, m!masterbation, cum eating (sorry???)), angst if you squint. jock!rafe x nerd!reader mean so much to me, speccccccifically hockey!rafe. genuinely. fair warning i am absolutely in no way, shape, or form a scientist, so get ready for a lot of incorrect and probably inaccurate astronomy talk because i tried my best and this is also not edited my bad. 18+ MDNI.

WORD COUNT 8.3k. alright. absolutely abominable.

Within the last three weeks, you've become a ghost.

Late nights usually spent under his sheets are instead wasted away in a dark corner of the library. The smell of his cologne quickly leaves your memory's registry and is replaced with the scent of textbooks with aged spines. Your fingers crack and bleed from the tight, continuous grip you have on a pen rather than tracing the hills and ridges of his torso.

But the isolation is no stranger to you. All your life, you've been buried in books and overachieving in academic settings because you craved the knowledge. You take thorough time and appreciation in knowing things, doing research for school-related purposes or anything else under the sun that'll help you sleep at night because you're fascinated by the notion of always wanting more.

Your boyfriend, on the other hand, couldn't be more opposite: favoring athletics over academia, studying player charts and rulebooks and power-play strategies for the ice instead of doing his science lab. It's obvious his interests laid elsewhere: solely toggling between you and hockey. So, to him, he can't quite understand your intense and never-fulfilled thirst for knowledge, and continuously tries to press you to take breaks, but you never do, because you never did.

When you start reciting the thermal history of baryon asymmetry in your sleep, Rafe decides to take matters into his own hands.

And he was sleeping so peacefully, too. Well, he always does when you stay the night, curled into his chest and lulling him into a deep slumber by just simply existing and breathing all pretty. You almost didn't come over tonight, the excuse being that you have to wake up early to cram-study for your exam later in the afternoon, and Rafe simply refuses to let something like an exam stop him from a near three-week-hiatus of hanging out with you, so he offered the obvious solution: stay the night at mine and I'll help you study in the morning.

Rafe knows how hard you work. He knows. He's seen it. Witnessed it. Nearly caught flies in his mouth watching you complete your studies because of how efficient you worked. There have been numerous times you've helped him with his studying, even when you really didn't need to, but it usually ended up with his hand trailing up your thigh, a kiss to that sweet spot on your neck that makes him melt, and soon enough your back is against the mattress and he's making you forget all about his homework.

And you let him. Because it's his work that's getting put on hold. Not yours.

When he's tried to distract you from your studies? Pfft. Forget it. You're harder to move than steel.

It's always the same excuse, and despite how you try and act tough with him, your version of scolding rarely scares him, even when you really furrow your brow or send him a pointed look. If anything, it makes him simply grin and watch you try. It's always I'm almost done, or if I don't finish this now I'll lose my train of thought, or Rafe Cameron I'm three seconds from kicking you out and never letting you back in. You never kick him out.

But something weird flips in his stomach when he hears you sleep-talking, murmuring something he can't quite comprehend about stars and galaxies and planets.

You've been ducking his calls for nearly three weeks, and he knows it's nothing personal at all, you're just so fucking busy and burying yourself in a ridiculous amount of work that gives him a headache just thinking about it. It's no secret he misses you, and despite how tough he talks his shit at practice or at games on the ice and regardless of the stoic front he puts on for strangers, he's an absolute sucker for you. Softer than he ever has been. Feeling emotions he can't exactly explain and that scare the shit out of him. Utterly and irrevocably obsessed with you in a way that he's never been before.

Rafe groggily opens his eyes to peek at the time, just after three in the morning, and sighs gently through his nose at your incessant sleep-induced study session. Pulling you a fraction tighter, his hand strokes gently on the back of your head until your incoherent rambling, as cute as it is, gradually becomes quieter. After a few mere minutes of him gingerly lulling you back to sleep, you're out again like a light.

He knows you haven't been sleeping well. Of course, you never told him, but with the way you barely put up a fight when he practically forced you to lay down instead of open your laptop like you wanted, he could tell. Within minutes, you fell asleep, and despite how much he's fucking missed you, he doesn't dare move or wake you up, nor will he even let you out of his arms before noon because it's obvious that there needs to be a considerable amount of distance between you and your textbook and your laptop.

However, when Rafe wakes up, you're not in bed with him.

No. Instead, you're sitting at his fucking desk. Laptop open. Textbook spread. Writing ferociously in your notebook as if life itself depends on the speed at which you write.

"Baby," he whispers pleadingly, rubbing blearily at his eyes and sighing with irritation, knowing it's diabolically early given the way the sun hasn't poked through his curtains yet. "Why're you up?"

You don't turn around. "Astrophysics exam at three."

Blinking a few times to register your words, his eyes, once again, peer towards the nightstand to look at the time, and sighs so gutturally deep that it nearly fills a ten second window.

"It's five."

"I know." Your hand doesn't stop writing. "Slept longer than I wanted to."

He nearly scoffs. "Come back to bed."

"No."

Rafe says your name quietly. A warning.

You still don't turn around. "I'm in the zone. Honestly. I'm good."

Silence fills the room as he simply stares at your back, watching the planes of your shoulders move in tandem with your handwriting with the aid of the small desk lamp you lit on the lowest brightness setting. His heart aches yet irritation bubbles in his gut at your stubbornness, wanting nothing more than to just pick you up, lock you away, and make sure you get the rest that he knows you need. By the look of your posture, he can tell you're wound up, tension solidifying in your shoulders and neck and spine to the point where he winces.

But when your hips shift subtly, a movement that seems subconscious to you, Rafe gets an idea.

A poor idea, one that is partially induced by the half-hard-on he's already sporting and also the slight, minuscule, microscopic sized possibility that you'd give in, especially since he knows how pent up you probably are after not having sex for what feels like forever. Not because you don't want to, because you do, and you've told him that you do, but you're always so fucking tired that when you end up hanging out, like tonight, you fall asleep within an hour of laying together. He figures you must be frustrated. Sexually. Mentally. Physically.

When you first started sleeping together, Rafe had been thoroughly surprised by your high sex drive, not expecting the sweet girl who tutored him every other day for a semester was a downright sin under the sheets. You keep him on his toes, open to any position, quickies in semi-public areas, teasing him in places you really shouldn't, and he can't get enough of it. So when the two of you haven't slept together in weeks, much less had any sort of intimacy, he can proudly assume you want him just as bad, if not more, than he wants you.

And Rafe's good at getting what he wants.

His body is moving before his mind can talk him out of it, wincing at the cool tiles against his bare feet as he saunters over to you, clad only in boxers, and perches behind you like a cat hunting a canary.

You feel his presence immediately. "No."

"What? I'm not doing anything."

"You're distracting me."

"I'm only standing. Not allowed to help my pretty girl study, hm?"

You sigh deeply, feeling his piercing gaze on the top of your head as he practically hovers behind you. He isn't even touching you, instead skimming his nimble fingers along the back of the chair, but it's almost as if you can sense it, hyperaware of his hands and his body and his heat so close yet so far. How badly you want to lean back into his touch, to collapse in his arms and let him have his way with you, but you can't.

You can't. Not when you have so much to do with such little time.

"You're hardly helping," you murmur under your breath. "Instead you're hovering menacingly."

You can practically hear him grinning.

"I'm sorry, baby." He hardly sounds apologetic. "What can I do, hm?"

"You can go back to bed."

"...Besides that."

You open your mouth to retort, but the snappy one liner rises and dies in your throat when you feel the pads of his fingertips barely ghost over your shoulders. The touch is barely anything, but it makes your breath hitch all the same, because it only now computes in your head that it's been so long without him. He's been here, doing what he can and abiding by your hectic schedule, but not where you've needed him because of your own stupid rules.

Your focus drifts for one, two fleeting moments before your gaze settles back on your chicken-scratch you call handwriting, and you're pulled from the fantasy and thrust back into your main objective.

"Unless you can hypothesize why there's an abundance of asymmetric baryon matter scattered in the universe," you mumble irritatedly, staring at your notes, "then nothing."

There are a few seconds of silence between you as you peer down at your notes, no doubt Rafe's also trying to decipher your anecdotes as well, and for a moment, you think he's dropped the topic. Because, given he only just found out the really bright stars in the sky are actually planets a mere two months ago, you assume he has no idea what baryon asymmetry means. Nor do you, at this point, taking into consideration how fried your brain feels.

But a flicker of hope emerges from the ashes: his hands.

Rafe's palms press onto each shoulder, giving a gentle yet reaffirming squeeze to your flesh, as he slowly works his way down your arms with such delicacy that you're sure he thinks you're going to shatter. You stiffen at the sensation of it, also realizing that he's leaning down the further he massages your arms, his cheek brushing yours from behind as he finds your knuckles, smoothing over the bumps and ridges before lacing his fingers with yours.

"Don't know nothin' about that," he muses low, placing a disgustingly chaste kiss on the corner of your mouth. "Teach me?"

Despite how the butterflies in your stomach have morphed into a full-blown stampede, you sigh dejectedly.

"Rafe."

He hums in response, placing kisses along your jaw.

"You're distracting me. Besides, I barely know it myself, I couldn't teach you if I tried."

The low, disapproving noise that comes from the back of his throat nearly makes you jolt. "Go on and try, baby. Who's Barry?"

You fold.

"Uh, baryon," you correct immediately, sucking in a harsh breath when his lips find that sweet spot on your neck, having the mental strength to want to push him away but your body betrays you, instead leaning into his touch. "He's not— It's not a person."

"Hm?"

Rafe's mouth plus his hands now settling on your bare thighs feel like sin, cursing yourself mentally for only wearing the thin tank you came in plus a pair of his boxers. It's becoming a problem, his methods of distracting you, because he's learning. Adapting. Evolving. Responding to trial and error methods of approaching you when you're locked into your studies. Every attempt is different, calculated, testing the waters and seeing which acts, which words, which sounds get you to respond the way he wants. At first you could withstand his advances, but now it's getting increasingly difficult, especially when you've been missing him in a way you've never longed for anything before.

"They're particles," you nearly choke out, teetering between giving in and holding your ground. "Subatomic. Made up of three quarks."

When he gently squeezes the flesh of your thighs, you nearly jolt, especially when calloused palms inch higher and higher every second, nimble fingertips dancing dangerously close to the leg hems of his boxer shorts. It's territory he's charted before way too many times, as now he knows your body like the back of his hand, but now it holds a different meaning. It's deliberate, calculated, meticulous. His hands are exactly where you want them, and it's almost as if he knows that.

"Good girl," Rafe praises low and baritone and sparks electricity below your hips. "Was getting jealous for a second there. Was about to find Barry and knock him out."

Despite your brain puddling into mush, you manage to roll your eyes and find a shroud of dignity left. "You're absolutely insufferable."

"And you're my smart, beautiful girlfriend. Go on, pretty. Tell me more. Why's it asymmetrical?"

You go to answer. You really do. Because you've been reading over this material for what feels like hours, you'd think you know the information as if it was written on the back of your hand. The answer is on the tip of your tongue, silently praising yourself on being able to remember despite your elevated arousal and exhausted state, and you really believe you can do what he's asking.

That is— Until his hand dips into your shorts.

Gasping, one of your hands flies up to curl around one of his biceps, talons digging into his muscular flesh at the ferocity at which his hand works. His thumb, like muscle memory, presses lightly on your clit, almost teasing you, while two of his fingers barely skim through your folds and gather the beginnings of a mess you're about to create.

And Rafe practically groans in your ear at the feeling.

"Fuck, baby," he curses low, baritone and grossly attractive that it makes your heart thrum. "All worked up, hm?"

You blink back to reality, staring at the cluster-fuck of notes on your - his - desk.

A flick of panic rises in your chest. "I can't— Rafe, baby, I—I can't just— You need to— I have to study."

"Easy," he responds as if he has all the time in the world. "Then study. Teach me."

If walls could talk, they'd roar with laughter with how wrecked you are, spluttering and writhing against his hand that's barely touched you, sinking your nails deep into his bicep as a feeble attempt to ground yourself to your dignity, to pull yourself out of the fog of arousal and get back to what you're supposed to be doing.

But it proves as a fruitless attempt when, instead of shoving him away, you're pulling him closer, betraying your own mind and giving in to what your body wants. And — with that invitation — Rafe slowly inserts one finger, and the realization of what you're doing, what he interrupted, what the broader aspect is, you're absolutely babbling.

"Wh—? Teach you? When I can't—? When I don't know—“

"You do know," he says reassuringly as the sound of your moan makes him sigh pathetically in your ear. "What's asymmetrical, sweet girl?"

The feeling of his finger inside you, the pad of his thumb pressing firmly on your clit, how his other hand has come up to delicately cup one of your breasts, it's all too much. The sweet honey cadence of his tone melts away all the walls you've been trying to build, and you feel in your heart how the protective barrier seems to dissipate into thin air the longer he touches you like this, speaks to you like this, holds you as if you're the only person worth taking care of.

You wave the white flag.

"Matter," you answer breathlessly. "The matter's not equal. It's—" You choke out a moan when he enters a second finger, pumping them in and out and curling them into your walls as if it's another casual morning. Yet with your silence, his movements gradually slow, and you realize that he's not going to keep going unless you keep speaking. Prick. "It's, uh, there's more matter in the... in the universe than there is antimatter."

"Why?"

You moan as his thumb slowly traces lazy circles on your clit, throwing your head back to rest against his shoulder as you find the strongest will to think of the answer, to give him what he wants so he can give you what you want.

"Don't know," you mumble, and when his hand starts to slow down and retreat from your cunt, a wave of panic washes over you. "I don't! No one does. Probably from the...the Big Bang."

Rafe sucks a particularly sweet spot on the column of your neck that makes you sigh breathlessly, almost in relief, that he's continuing. "Good girl. Keep going."

You rack your brain as his fingers mercilessly pump in and out, the wet sound absolutely obscene and, no doubt, drenching his previously clean boxers that you lazily picked out of his drawer late last night. It feels good. Too good. The kind of too good that is going to embarrass you, because you feel an orgasm brewing and he's only been at this for what feels like too quick to finish, too degrading.

But, fuck, you've missed him. You've spent so much time holing away in a dark corner of the library and studying material until the sun rises. There's been so much time spent away from him, knowing he's your greatest distraction yet craving him almost every single second of the day. You can't deny how nice it feels, not just his fingers plunging in and out of your cunt like it's a matter of life or death, but the scent of his faded cologne lingering behind you, the image of his tousled hair from the ridiculous bed head he gets, the feeling of his warmth standing broad and secure behind you, a presence that never goes unnoticed.

Without meaning to, you wriggle your hips against his hand, desperate for friction.

"Matter and antimatter cancel out," you mumble, and it's so incoherent that you don't even think he understands what you're saying. "When they meet. They...They destroy each other, release energy. But there's more matter than antimatter. Excessive. It's..."

When he adds a third finger, you let out a strangled moan, surprised and flustered and practically seeing stars.

"It's what?" Rafe challenges gently, kissing the corner of your mouth. "Doing so well, sweet girl."

Slowly, but surely, you feel the familiar coil begin to build in your core, and with the way your thighs tremble and you breathily moan in place of actual words, he can tell, too, but as soon as your whines replace your explanation, your teachings, his movements slow down in a rhythm that almost feels mean, too slow, not enough, not steady enough to keep that coil growing in the way you need it to.

You splutter pathetically in a desperate attempt for him to keep his pace. "It's called baryo...baryogenesis! The process that happened to make the matter asymmetrical. Hypothetical. Don't know. But we need it."

Rafe's fingers work deeper. Harder. More deliberate. Almost as a reward.

"We need it?" He repeats curiously, and whether the sudden interest in astrophysics is faux or real, you don't care, and frankly don't have the capacities to discern the implications of his tone right now, not when you're close, you're so close. "Why do we need it?"

The orgasm builds. And builds.

You let out a ragged moan, practically fucking his hand. "If—If the matter and antimatter were equal — er — symmetrical, there'd be radiation."

"Radiation?"

You nod, squeezing your eyes shut as you breathlessly take a ragged inhale. "From the destruction...the meet. When the matter and antimatter meet. The energy released, it— it's— there'd be too much radiation. We wouldn't — fuck — we wouldn't exist," you manage to get out, letting out a long exhale almost ceremoniously that, phew, you said it. Taught him what he wanted to know. Reiterated what you already knew, what you doubted yourself on.

You're close. Moments away.

Rafe can tell. He always can. And instead of prodding you further, instead he hums approvingly against the curve of your jaw, fingers working in tandem and thumb rubbing audacious circles on your clit, giving you the ferocity of what you need at the speed of which you need it, handing your orgasm over to you on a silver platter and a chaste kiss too sweet for his known-stoic demeanor.

His voice is saccharine. "Good girl. Did such a good job, go on, pretty, you deserve it."

When you come, it's nearly blinding. So many weeks of pent of tension and neglecting your needs to study, to memorize, to read and repeat. You tremble, moan so godforsaken loud for five in the morning, and rut against his hand like a bitch in heat (technically, you are), and Rafe holds you for every part of it. Every tremor, every whine, every sensation that feels like the lower half of your body is on fire. He's there, murmuring sweet praises in your ear and fucking you through an orgasm so debilitating that you practically see stars.

It's searing hot, a tidal wave of ecstasy from the waist down that turn your legs to jelly and your brain to mush, and the only thing you can focus on is the fucking bliss that came from the smooth motions of his hand. All this time, all these weeks spent ignoring the burn of arousal in exchange for studying catch up to you lightning fast, tenfolding the pleasure since you've gone so long without it, without him, putting your body and your needs secondary to work.

Your whines soon become breathy pants, chest heaving in and out in and out as a feeble attempt to try and catch your breath, to return back to earth as his hand gradually stops fucking you and working in tandem with your come down. Blinking blearily, your vision slowly returns back to normal as you peer down at his hand in your shorts, watching the way he eases them out with slick covered fingers and brings them to his mouth.

Craning your neck to shamefully stare, Rafe groans at the taste of you.

"You taste so sweet," he murmurs as he sucks on every last drop. "Lemme get some more."

You can't imagine how you look right now. Sleep deprived. Fucked out. Outright down bad and perplexed and the opposite of attractive. Yet here he is: staring down at you as if you've hung the stars yourself with a dark gleam in his eye that's a clear sign of what he wants. And this is the first time you're looking at him this morning, taking in his messy hair and bleary eyes and bare torso and it's almost a sin at how fucking pretty he looks right now.

Darting your gaze between his blue eyes, you furrow your brows as your breathing eventually evens out.

"But you already— And I need to—"

Rafe chuckles, and it's not the kind of chuckle that's lighthearted and anything nice. No. It's almost mean, out of disbelief, as if what you just said is the most offensive thing he's ever heard. It's practically a scoff, the same kind of noise he makes when, despite how smart you are, say something really fucking stupid.

"You're killing me," he says quietly, almost to himself. Then, louder, "You're done studying."

Your brows furrow. "But-"

"Nope," Rafe interrupts immediately, leaning forward again to iron grip your waist to get you to a — reluctant — standing position. "You need a break. I'm giving you a break."

"Rafe, I-"

The words die in your throat when he spins you around so you're standing and facing him, nearly wobbling on weak legs as you grab his biceps to stable yourself. But his hands are on your hips, holding you upright, holding you in more ways than he'll ever know, peering at you with a ridiculous combination of firmness, softness, and absolute concern.

After staring at you for a moment, he speaks.

"You need a break. You know more than you think you do, you're going to ace this exam, baby." One of his hands leaves your hip to settle in the crook of your neck, thumb brushing over your chin with such delicacy that it nearly makes you melt in his arms, bones exhausted and muscles sore from how much stress you've been putting your body under. He notices nearly immediately, already seeing how you're physically beginning to secede and believe his words. "Let me take care of you, yeah?"

The words are a solid promise, and as if they were the trigger words to get you to relax, your shoulders immediately sag and release the built up tension you have been carrying for weeks. You find yourself nodding in his hold, and as soon as you're doing so, Rafe is pressing forward to place a chaste kiss on your forehead, a wordless thank you, before guiding you towards the bed.

Rafe helps you lay down on your back, settling pretty and comfortable on the pillow before he's easing your boxers down over your ass and off your legs with slow, nimble fingers. His touch is deliberate, calculated, gentle yet pointedly driven in what he wants to do. No dancing around the subject, never with him. Always straight-forward, telling of what he wants. Certain.

"My pretty, smart girl." His voice vibrates against your lips. "Can't believe you're mine."

And he kisses you slow. Lazily. Brazenly. As if he has all the time in the world to be keeping you here, flushed and incriminatingly turned on, laying on his bed and marking your scent over his pillow. This is where he wants you, where he needs you, the place you love being with him because there are no outside factors interfering. No phones. No textbooks. No work. It's just you and him. Him and you.

You make out with him right back, nearly sighing from how much you've missed his mouth and how you can subtly taste yourself on his lips. His palm holds your jaw where he needs you to be, slipping a tongue in your mouth when you part your lips for him. And it never escalates, never turns hurried or rushed. Rafe keeps you here at his pace, slow and delicate and full of admiration. Your back seems to sink into the mattress, mold into his touch and make it impossible to want to ever leave again, make it audacious to even think about school work when he's taking such good care of you.

However, when your focus starts to drift into exhaustion, the kisses on your end getting sloppy and sleepy, you sigh dejectedly against his lips.

"I'm gonna fall asleep," you admit softly.

Rafe only kisses you again, swallowing the noise of surprise you make.

"Good," is what he says. "Let me give you one more."

Your heart flutters, and a retort rises in your throat but immediately dies when he starts kissing down your body, starting with your jaw, your neck, collarbone, breasts, stomach, hips, and — finally — down to the soft flesh of your inner thighs. Involuntarily, you part your legs for him, giving him all the access he wants, as he slots himself where he needs to be and throws your legs over his shoulders. His favorite spot, he once said to you, and then proceeded to go down on you. For. Hours.

His breath fanning over your cunt makes you squirm, and you know that you're embarrassingly wet already, feeling it on your inner thighs and feeling the coolness of it against his breath. It makes you writhe, sending a rather large jolt of electricity down your spine and you know that, given the circumstances, there's no chance you're going to be able to last very long.

"Rafe," you say into the darkness, smoothing your fingers through his hair as he hums in response. "Not gonna last long. I'm not— I can't—"

"Hey," he whispers softly, one of his hands pawing through the darkness to find yours and interlace your fingers. "Easy. I got you. I want to take care of you, let me take care of you, okay?"

A bubble of guilt bursts in your chest, but you know he's sincere. He's never been a liar, a bad one at that, but he's always said what's on his mind and never bullshitted anyone. Rafe's an honest guy, and never saw the point in wasting time and breath by lying, so you know everything he says is what he feels, there's no sugarcoating it. So you take his words to heart, believe them, and secede.

"Okay." Your voice is impossibly gentle. "Thank you."

Rafe squeezes your hand once, twice, three times. "No need to thank me, sweet girl. I'm here for you. Always."

It's euphoric when his mouth meets your cunt. After spending so much time between your thighs, he knows your sweet spots like the back of his hand. He knows exactly where his nose needs to be to nudge against your clit, where his tongue needs to explore to get you absolutely wrecked, what his hands need to be doing to add to the pleasure. It's muscle memory, his favorite activity, the thing he praises himself on doing best, more than hockey.

Your head throws back against his pillow (pretty much your pillow, at this point) as your fingers curl deeper into his hair, not guiding his movements but grounding yourself to the moment, afraid you'll float away in the dark into the stars, never to return. But Rafe holds you, too, with his hand in yours and his other slithered under your tank top, squeezing and folding your breast in the way he knows you like it.

You make the mistake of shifting your hips, which makes his nose nudge firmer on your clit that sparks a wave of pleasure.

"Fuck, Rafe," you practically whine into the darkness, the sensation of his warmth slowly becoming too much to bear. "You feel so nice."

When he hums into your cunt, you moan again.

Gripping his hair a fraction tighter, your hips wriggle so desperately that his hand leaves your breast to press firmly down on your lower stomach, borderline your pubic bone, to hold you down against the mattress in order to combat your incessant movement. The restriction, the force of keeping your hips still when all you want to do is essentially ride his face, makes you let out a ragged breath, one of frustration as the pressure slowly builds.

It's embarrassing. Pathetic. How needy you are for him. How needy you've been for him all this time of practicing a three-week celibacy. You can't help it: not when he looks like that and has the audacity to be utterly and irrevocably obsessed with you, not to mention he's eager to please and well endowed to the point where it took you a few rounds in the beginning to get used to his size. You're not used to someone being so hell-bent on making you feel good, ensuring you take breaks, taking care of you in a way no one has before.

When he adds his fingers to the mix, your back nearly arches off the mattress.

Your trembling thighs shake on each side of his head, yet despite that plus the iron grip you have on his hair, Rafe's not stopping. He's nowhere near stopping. Instead, he sucks harder, moans deeper, plunges his fingers in tandem with his tongue that makes your body feel like fucking bliss. Hot, searing, completely turned on bliss. Debilitating bliss. Bliss that you'd write in the deepest confinements of a journal and go back to re-read whenever you're feeling down.

You feebly attempt to buck your hips up to essentially fuck his face, but his palm pressing down on your hip is firm, iron, steel. He knows you're close, he can practically feel how molten hot your veins are, especially when you whine a little needier and hold him a little tighter and your breath catches from the ferocity of your — quickly — building orgasm. His hips stutter into the mattress, trying to relieve an ounce of the pressure straining his own boxers that's becoming unbearable, but his focus stays on you. Always on you.

His mouth leaves your heat for a split second while his fingers work wonders. "You close?"

"Yes." Your response is immediate. Breathy. The kind of tone that makes something flip in his stomach. "I—I— Fuck. Need your mouth, Rafe, please."

In an instant, his lips reconnect with your cunt. Not even a millisecond later, something snaps in your lower half, a white, blindingly hot sensation that has you gasping and practically rendering you still as you come.

And Rafe's there to eat you out through it, moaning deep into your heat as you finish like this: flushed, desperate, so fucking relieved to have eased some of the tension out of your wound up body. He figures he could die like this, pinned between your thighs and burying his mouth in his favorite place until the end of time. Of course you taste so sweet, and he laps up every last drop like a man starved, almost grateful for the opportunity to taste you again as if being deprived for three weeks was absolute torture (it was).

It isn't until you're trembling from the aftershocks, jolting every time his tongue laps up another drop or plunges into your cunt with the same intensity as before, where you start to return back to earth.

Your thighs shake around his head as you ease him up off your heat by his hair, watching his silhouette in the darkness prop up on his elbows as you smooth down the parts of his messy hair that you previously gripped so harshly. It's your own feeble attempt as a wordless thank you, and he knows that, and reciprocates by pressing slow, chaste kisses on your inner thighs.

You hum, pawing at him aimlessly in the darkness to get him where you want him. "Oh my god."

Rafe's kissing up your body. "You okay, baby?" Your stomach, breasts, collarbone. "Feelin' better?" Neck, jaw, corner of your mouth.

You chase his lips, and he reciprocates immediately, slotting his tongue in your mouth and swallowing the low sigh emitted from your mouth.

You grin, which makes it pretty difficult to kiss someone, so he pulls an inch away to accommodate. "You always fuck me stupid. It's not fair."

"That's how it's supposed to be," he snorts, nudging your jaw with his nose. "Supposed to take care of you."

"You do." You answer immediately, earnestly, and as your brain begins to start working again, your hands are traveling from his shoulders to graze down his chest, nails scratching his toned muscles lightly as you skim the waistband of his boxers. You can feel it, you can feel how hard he is, straining his boxers uncomfortably and poking your thigh so adamantly that it makes it hard to ignore. "Let me return the favor."

You want to take care of him. You want to make him feel good, too.

But — of course — you fucking yawn.

A loud, wide, audaciously incriminating yawn.

Not even the darkness can hide it, and it's almost as if that's the trigger for him to snap out of his daydream, to feel the gravity of how tired you are. Your heart skips a beat as Rafe gently guides your hands away from his waistband, leaning back to sit himself up. Even though you're frowning, you spread your legs to accommodate, to which he immediately slots his body between your thighs and slides his boxers down just enough to pull his cock out.

"Lay still, pretty," he murmurs, sounding absolutely wrecked.

The silhouette of him makes you feral, leaning up on an elbow to reach forward and help him like he helped you. But, despite the darkness, Rafe's hand finds yours and pushes it away — again.

You huff. "Let me help."

"No," he challenges immediately, and if you really focus you can see him slowly jerking himself off.

"Even if I say please? Ask nicely?"

Despite his arousal, Rafe laughs hoarsely. "Such a sweet girl."

"I wanna make you feel good."

"You do. Always." You hear him let out a breathy moan. "C'mon, baby, lift your shirt up."

Despite how much you wanna stomp your foot, huff like a princess, challenge him until he gets annoyed and gives in, you do as he says, leaning up a fraction to pull the hem of your tank top over your stomach, breasts, head, to which it's discarded somewhere hazardously on the floor amongst the other clothes. His unoccupied hand reaches down, palm skimming over your bare stomach as he practically moans when he feels your exposed chest, grabbing a breast and rolling a nipple between his fingers.

So, if he doesn't want you to help him physically, you'll help him in other ways.

"I bet you look so pretty right now," you muse quietly, wishing you could see his face. You can picture it: brows pinched in pleasure, with pink, puffy parted lips, bright blue eyes blown black with lust, chest heaving with the intensity of his pleasure, cock standing upright as he practically fucks his fist. The image makes you shudder, and to ground yourself, you place your hand on the back of his that grabs your breast, squeezing his knuckles once, twice, three times. "I've missed you so much, Rafe."

He sucks in a harsh breath. "Yeah? How much?"

Your heart skips when you hear how wrecked he sounds, as if he's achingly close to finishing. It makes you realize that all these weeks spent away from him were probably more torturous for him than it was for you, abiding by your wishes with no complaints and putting your needs before his. Always.

"Everyday," you say ardently. "Thought about you every night going to bed, and even though I was so tired, I always touched myself and thought about you."

Rafe lets out a ragged moan, pace faltering.

"Thought about your hands," you continue sweetly, tone the opposite of your words. "Your smile. Arms. Cock. How nice you feel inside me. Like your cock was made for me."

"Fuck, it is," he breathily responds, squeezing your breast for emphasis. "All yours. No one else's."

You can tell he's close without even seeing him. The stuttering cadence of his voice, his breathy moans, how you can faintly hear his pace getting faster and faster as he grabs you tighter, anchoring himself to something due to the intensity of the buildup of pleasure. It's such a beautiful sound, when he gets like this, because it makes you fully understand that's he's just as attracted to you as you are to him, if not more.

"All mine," you practically purr, heart skipping at the way he whines. "Are you close, baby?"

His breath catches. "Yeah, fuck. Keep talking, please, sweet girl."

You're not one to deny him that. "You sound so pretty. I bet you taste good, too. I miss sucking you off, swallowing everything you give me. I wanna taste you, Rafey. I miss it. I love it. I love you—"

Hips stuttering forward further into his hand, Rafe comes before he can really register it with a moan so pornographic that it puts all other sounds to shame, because in this very moment, you decide this is your favorite one: him whining breathily and moaning your name over and over and over like a mantra, like it's the only word he knows or cares to say. In an instant, you feel spurts of his cum against your soft stomach and breasts as he releases a load so pent up that he cums long. And hard.

And you? You cheshire cat grin in the darkness, waiting until he's completely done cursing and pumping out the rest of his load before swiping the cool areas of your chest, gathering his mess on your fingers and bringing it to your mouth, humming in satisfaction at the taste of him, a taste you've been desperate for for so long. It's so good. So good. Better than ever before.

Rafe nearly collapses on top of you, holding himself up over your body by his elbows as you can practically feel him shaking from the ferocity of his orgasm, especially with the way he can fucking hear you sucking your fingers, an absolute filthy act that only makes his head spin more. It's like you're made for him. Really.

Your otherwise unoccupied hand comes to cradle his jaw, skimming the pad of your thumb over his cheekbone as he practically presses himself further into your touch, humming an appreciative thrum low in his throat at the sensation, as he still catches his breath from how brazenly, how quickly, he came simply from your words.

"Feel better?" You whisper gently, still feeling the way his body trembles less and less each passing second.

He nods in your hold. "Always with you. You're gonna kill me one day, I know it."

You laugh quietly, tiredly, utterly in love. There's a few seconds of silence between the two of you as the laughter dies out and the quiet in the darkness morph into something deeper, something more intimate, as you can feel his breaths on your skin as the thrumming ache of pleasure soon begins to settle into something softer, domestic, comfortable.

You speak before you even realize it. "Thank you for taking care of me."

Rafe opens his mouth to respond, to retort most likely about how it's his job, his responsibility, that he thoroughly enjoys taking care of you, even when you melt into putty in his arms.

"I'm just..." You trail off, and whatever he was about to say gets put on pause as he lets you find your trail of though. "I know I'm not the easiest to deal with. Especially when it comes to work. I—I'm stubborn, and irritable, and I'm sorry."

You swallow thickly, intimidated by the silence on his end, but you remind himself that it's not because he doesn't know what to say, but it's because he's letting you speak. Formulate your thoughts. Open up to him in ways you've never opened up to anyone before. It scares the shit out of you, yet you find it somewhat easier with him, because he's always looked out for you, listened when you spoke, tended to your needs without you having to ask.

"I'm not used to putting myself first. Not when it comes to school. I never...took breaks, or gave myself an out. It's always been go, go, go," you murmur sheepishly, attempting to ground yourself by gingerly running your fingers through his hair, grateful that the dark shields your vulnerability. "But I'll try to be better. To allow myself to have things. To have you."

When he does speak, it isn't for a minute or two, and you figure he's waiting for you to be completely done talking before he starts.

"You don't need to apologize," Rafe says gently. "Will I ever understand the stress you put yourself through? No, but that's because you're so gifted, baby. I know you have a lot going on, know that you feel like you need to put everything else first before yourself."

You sigh dejectedly, blinking blearily at the combination of tears threatening your waterline plus the borderline exhaustion you feel. Yet, you say nothing. You let him continue, say his piece, because you know he's been itching to talk about it, talk about your habits, mainly since he doesn't fully understand it yet wants to make it better for you in every single sense.

The words he says are so low and honest that it makes your heart stop, "I'll always be here for you, be your biggest cheerleader, give you what you need and more. There's nothin' that's driving me away from you, no exam, no paper, no nothing. I love you, sweet girl, and you're the only person I wanna take care of."

Smoothing down the awry pieces of his hair, you hum into the darkness and hold him as delicately as glass, and Rafe swears he's never been caressed like this before, never been loved like this before, never been in love like this before.

Rafe lets a hint of a smile ghost his lips, even though you can't really see it.

"Even when you call me insufferable."

You let out a ragged laugh.

"And when you put heart stickers on my stick without me knowing."

"That must've been someone else."

"Hm? What about the plants that spontaneously show up on my window sill?"

"I think you have a ghost."

Rafe's grinning so wide it hurts, pressing his cheek further into your hand in hopes that lines of your palm forever etch into his smooth skin. "No ghost. Just my botanist, astrophysicist, heart connoisseur of a girlfriend."

You snort unattractively, utterly entranced by his touch, his words, the way he makes you feel. Just him. "That's a mouthful."

"That's the point. I like having my mouth full."

Groaning (yet smiling so audaciously sweet that it's making your teeth rot), you gently nudge his cheek away in faux irritation and let your head drop dramatically against the pillow as his boyish laugh echos off the concrete walls, a sound so beautiful that you can't even pretend to be mad at him.

Rafe places one, two, three chaste kisses through chuckles on the back of your knuckle. "Let me clean you up, baby."

And he does. Slowly. Deliberately. You lay still on his bed and watch his silhouette move through the darkness, first venturing into the en-suite bathroom in his dorm (the perks of having the money to request such a room), and lightly dampening a wash cloth with warm water. With the light poking through the cracked bathroom door, you're delighted to see his face for a few split seconds, as well as see the shit-eating grin on his face when the light perfectly adorns over your body, over the fluids still coating your stomach and chest.

Rafe hovers next to you, standing next to the bed and leaning down to place a sickly intimate kiss on your lips before pulling back just as quick. "You look beautiful."

You roll your eyes as you peer up at him. "Are you gonna stand there and stare at me, or are you gonna clean me up like you said?"

The warm towel gently lowers on your tummy, and you hum at the temperature as you toggle your gaze between watching his hands clean up his mess and his face, brows pinched in concentration as he makes sure he gets every last drop. When he does, he's returning to the bathroom to rinse it off, and on his way out, he tosses the semi-clean washcloth in the hamper before flicking the light out, coating the room in darkness once more.

Within seconds, Rafe is carefully climbing into the bed, pulling the sheets over the two of you before wrapping an arm around your waist. His fingers butterfly splay on your bare spine to pull you taut to him, chest to chest, as he practically maneuvers your face to rest in the crook of his neck. His other hand rests easy on the back of your head, smoothing down your hair gently.

"You're gonna kill it later," Rafe murmurs low and sincere, his breath tickling the top of your head.

"Thank you, baby."

"I mean it," he says. "If you can recite it while I'm fingering you, then you definitely know it."

The sentence is absolutely obscene. "Rafe."

He boyishly laughs. "What? It's true. You did so well, sweet girl. Gonna ace it, I already know."

The praise settles a sense of comfort in your heart, slowly feeling lulled to sleep by the way his hands caress your body, cradle the back of your head and trace each vertebrae on your spine. You lift a finger in exhaustion, your attempt at a response, but all you can muster is a quiet hum as you shut your eyes.

"Sleep," Rafe says so gently you barely hear it. "I got you."

And you know he does. You know it like the back of your hand, something you never need to remind yourself of, not when he dotes and cares about you as if it's detrimental to the fiber of his being. With the way he's holding you, feeling his syncopated heart beat against your own, you fall asleep just like that: pulled taut to his chest and impossibly molded to his figure.

For the first time in weeks, you don't fall asleep thinking of astronomical theories or equations burned in your retinas.

No, you think about the scent of his cologne, the blue of his eyes, the dimples when he smiles. Sleep almost takes you immediately, comforted by the image of all that is Rafe Cameron.

© salem-s please do not copy or replicate work unless given permission.

notes lowkey loved writing bf!rafe????? didn't have to worry about all that emotional build up. was lowkey awesome. hope you enjoyed!

[cece693]

tony stark x male reader who’s kinda shy and quiet but crazy good at math and science and all those equations. something fluffy and cute thank youuuuuuu

Brilliant (Tony Stark x M! Reader)

Announcement: for those who have been following my Velvet Ring trilogy fic, I've created an AO3 account where I intend to flesh out the story. Here's the link! Also, since I'm not smart myself, I didn't go in-depth about science and calculations, so forgive me :(

Tony Stark was many things: a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist—but being in a committed relationship? That wasn’t exactly the headline he wanted plastered all over the news. Not because he was ashamed—far from it—but because Tony had learned the hard way that the world had a way of ruining what mattered most. And you? You mattered more than anything.

You were everything Tony wasn’t—quiet, thoughtful, reserved. While Tony thrived in the spotlight, you thrived in the solace of your work, diving deep into equations and theories that would leave most people with a headache. You were a prodigy in your own right, a quiet storm of brilliance and ingenuity. The kind of man who didn’t seek recognition, only results. Tony couldn’t help but admire that about you—and, though he’d never admit it out loud, you kept him grounded in a way no one else could.

Tonight, you were sprawled out on the couch in your shared apartment, wearing a faded hoodie and sweatpants you’d stolen from Tony long ago. A notebook rested on your lap, filled with scribbled formulas and diagrams. The room was quiet, save for the occasional scratch of your pen against paper.

The sound of the front door opening broke your focus. Tony stepped inside, tie loosened and suit jacket draped over his arm. He looked tired, but his eyes lit up when they landed on you.

“Hey, handsome,” he greeted, his voice warm as he crossed the room. “What did I say about math after ten?”

You glanced up, rolling your eyes. “You said it’s a house rule. I said it’s not enforceable.”

Tony smirked, plucking the notebook from your hands before dropping it onto the coffee table. Sitting beside you, he wrapped one arm around your shoulders, your head tucked into the crook of his neck. “You were late,” you muttered, resting your head against his shoulder. “Everything okay?”

“Just the usual corporate nonsense,” Tony replied, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “You know how it is—saving the world, keeping the board happy. Exhausting, really. I’m practically a saint.”

You huffed a quiet laugh, but instead of responding, your eyes kept flickering toward the discarded notebook on the table. After a moment, you shifted slightly in his hold, trying to reach for it. Tony groaned dramatically, tightening his grip.

“Oh, no, you don’t,” he said, pulling you closer. “I just got home, and you’re trying to ditch me for math? Do you have any idea how lonely I’ve been? I’ve been deprived of your presence all day, and this—” he gestured at the notebook—“is more important?”

You bit back a laugh, managing to wiggle out of his grasp. “I promise it'll be worth it."

Tony crossed his arms, slumping back against the couch like a sulking child. “Fine, but if I die from lack of cuddles and attention it's on you.”

Grabbing the notebook, you turned back to him, a small smile tugging at your lips. “You look fine. And for the record, this 'math' you're referring to is yours."

That caught his attention. His brows furrowed as he sat up straighter, his earlier theatrics forgotten. “Mine?”

You nodded, flipping open the notebook and holding it out to him. “You mentioned the other night that you were having issues with stabilizing the power output on the Iron Man suit. I’ve been working on it.”

Tony’s eyes scanned the pages, his expression softening with each line he read. Your neat handwriting detailed calculations, theories, and possible solutions. You’d even diagrammed potential fixes, complete with annotations on how they’d improve efficiency. “You’ve been working on this?” he asked, his voice quieter now. “For me?”

“Well, yeah,” you said, shrugging like it wasn’t a big deal. “I know it’s been frustrating you, so I thought I’d try to help.”

For once, Tony Stark was speechless. His eyes flickered between you and the notebook, the weight of your gesture hitting him like a freight train. You’d spent your time—not for your own research or projects, but to solve one of his problems. It wasn’t just the effort or the brilliance of your work—it was the care behind it, the way you always seemed to go out of your way to make his life a little easier.

Tony set the notebook aside, reaching for you instead. His hands cupped your face, his gaze warm and filled with an emotion he rarely let himself feel this deeply. “You’re incredible,” he murmured, his voice thick with gratitude. “I don’t deserve you.”

Before you could respond, his lips were on yours, soft and full of affection. It wasn’t the usual teasing kiss he’d steal when he was being playful—it was deeper, more vulnerable. A silent thank you, a promise that he’d never take you for granted. When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, and he smiled. “You’re too good to me.”

You laughed softly, your hands resting on his chest. “You’re worth it, Stark. Even if you are a little dramatic sometimes.” Tony chuckled, pulling you into another kiss, his heart full and his mind already spinning with ideas. If this was what it felt like to be loved by you, then he never wanted to let it go.

[therobotsarestuckinmyhead]

May I request headcanons for Optimus Prime from Transformers One, featuring a Cybertronian male romantic partner who shares similarities with Viktor from Arcane—an extraordinary inventor?

♡ [TFO] OPTIMUS w/ s/o Similar To VIKTOR From Arcane

how did you know i watch arcane though? regardless, i shall deliver anon. viktor is lowkey my babygirl so i loved this ask.

scenario: Orion fell for an inventor with a deteriorating health condition and that didn't change when he became Prime

warnings: slight angst given Viktor's health condition

— Optimus has always admired you in a way. There wasn't a single bot in the mines who didn't know you. Out of every single one of them, you were an outlier in every sense of the word and that caught young Orion’s optics.

— It was intrigue and curiosity that led the young Orion to you. The reckless mech was more than ready to be your lab rat, testing out your latest inventions. While he's no longer as reckless, he still takes the liberty of testing out your latest inventions. They save his aft out there on the battlefield numerous times.

— You're sort of like his personal modifications bot. You're the one that tweaks his frame with newer, more efficient weaponry and defences. Optimus appreciates it a lot.

— He looked up to you then, he looks up to you now. Despite being occupied with something as tedious as mining, you worked shifts like everyone else. Not only that but you managed to make mining a lot easier for everyone; from repairing their busted jetpacks to coming up with new ways to spot tunnels before they collapse, you made everyone's life easier and that doesn't change even now. Because now you're inventing things to help the Autobots; whether it's with issues related to simple industries or military, you're the mech with a solution.

— Optimus definitely asks you for your opinion on things, you always have a spot on the table to give your input. Not only because he loves you but also because you're educated and learnt. The Prime is more than grateful for your intelligence.

— But he hates, hates remembering how much healthier you used to be. Optimus looks at you, much more frail and tired looking now and it makes his spark ache. You're sick with something and nothing he does seems to be able to fix it.Prime has Ratchet on your case.

— Ratchet slowly figures out what's wrong with you. Your ventilation systems are rusted out from all the toxic gasses and moisture from the mines, your systems lack adequate galvanization and so they're rusting from the inside. You struggle with your temperature regulation and it's slowly damaging your frame.

— You're trying to engineer a cure but none so far have worked. Optimus is encouraging you to keep trying no matter what though and he hopes, Primus he hopes you find it because if there's anyone brilliant enough to find one, it's you.

— Optimus’ affections are gentle, he will cup your face and look into your tired optics with nothing more than adoration. Subtle gestures, standing up for you, holding your servo, gentle kisses to your helm. That's his thing and he will love it if you would reciprocate. You take a break from tinkering in your lab and come by to his office and give him a peck on his check or kiss on his forehelm and he will cling onto that for days.

— Whenever Optimus goes to the surface for expeditions, he brings back whatever interesting finds he sees. Anything that catches his optics, usually it's something that would remind him of you. Not to mention the way you have that soft smile on your faceplates when you get something interesting to do a study about.

— Optimus is hesitant to take you on expeditions to the surface but would cave in after some pressure from your side, he would never want to upset you. It's just that he doesn't want you getting anymore sick… and the surface is dangerous, you're not exactly a fighter. But Optimus has seen your inventions and their capabilities, you will be able to fend for yourself if you have your gadgets with you.

— Optimus routinely walks into your lab in the middle of the night to find you working and then proceeds to scold your workaholic tendencies. He can feel the lack of your warmth beside him on your shared berth and it makes him frown all the time because he knows where you would be.

— But he's somewhat of a hypocrite in that department because ever since Optimus became… Optimus, he's been busy with running Iacon; from administration to military, he rarely gets any breaks himself. So he doesn't go too hard on you. But he wants you to rest. Badly. He worries if it worsens your health.

— Sometimes, he will ask you about the workings of some of your latest inventions. Not because he's a science-mech or even understands what you're saying but your optics light up whenever someone seems to take interest in what you make. Optimus finds it adorable. Everything you say is entering one audial and leaving the other, he's busy admiring you. But he's trying to retain something, solely for the purpose of enquiring more so that you ramble on.

— You're best friends with Wheeljack and that… somewhat worries him, often. He doesn't know what to expect but when the two of you put your processors together, a lot usually happens.

— Other times, the two of you just sit next to each other and you fall into recharge with your helm against his pauldron after working the night in your lab for so long. Optimus doesn't move a bit, he just looks down at you with a fond smile and slowly shifts, picking you up and setting you down on your shared berth.

— Now that he's Prime, he's loaded with cash. Stacked. You have a new lab, a new everything with all the equipment you could've only ever dreamed of having back down there in the mines. Optimus unveiled it to you like a surprise and he had never seen you so excited in his whole life. You had the widest smile and kissed him across his face senseless.

— Your projects also get a lot of his funding! Yes, you're funded by the Autobot government now. Isn't that amazing? Optinus also thinks it's a great idea when you share plans of letting more brilliant minds into your lab for assistants and such. He thinks it's a good idea not because it would make your work easier but because at least there would be someone around to make sure you're not overworking yourself when Optimus is busy being Prime. Also someone would be there to aid you if your health gets in the way.

— His favourite part of you are your servos! They're so gentle and nimble, especially since they deal with such intricate machinery. It's somewhat rough but he likes them nonetheless. Optimus likes them anywhere on his frame to be honest.

— Your deteriorating health is a huge concern for him. It's eating his processor. He doesn't have long with you and he wishes, he wishes with every single joule of energy in his spark that he could buy more time with you. That you could find a cure; he has consulted nearly every medic in Iacon and it has been futile, it's an irreversible manufacturing defect… Optimus dreads it. So every second he spends with you, he cherishes it. He tries to make it as happy and lighthearted as possible.

yay im almost halfway done!

[thatfrenchacademic]

A list of my favourite legal latin expressions + what they mean

(aka latin is cool in specific legal contexts and we should keep on using it because it commucates what we mean more efficiently that if we had to find a way to say it in modern languages, BUT ALSO latin should not be a barrier to understanding legal language, the law is SHOULD be understandable and non elitist)

Erga Omnes / Inter partes : " we are making this EVERYONE'S BUSINESS" vs "this is a you-problem, so you get a you-solution"

Ex tunc / Ex nunc : "let's all pretend this has always been the rule" vs "cant do shit about the past, this is only for the future"

Nulla poena sine legem / nulla poena sine culpa: "no punishment without a rule being broken" / "no punishment if there wasn't a fuckup of some kind on your part"

Pater is est.../mater siempre... : "let's ... assume the daddy is the wife's husband, for now" vs "we all SAW where/who that baby CAME FROM"

de lega lata / de lege ferranda : "I'm saying that's what the law IS, tough luck" vs "I'm saying that's what the law SHOULD BE though"

Obiter Dictum : Court decided it had an opinion, and it wasn't going to be stopped by the fact that this opinion had nothing to do with the case

Fraus omnia corrumpit: Fraud. Corrupts. All.

Ex officio: No one asked, but i'm gonna do it anyway

Nemo auditur...: No you can't benefit from your own fuckup

Clausula Rebus: we agreed during specific circumstances... unfortunately, circumstances have changed.

Usucapio: I've been calling dibs on this for so long, at this point it's legally mine.

Ad nutum: because I WANT to, no I don't need to explain or justify that.

Sui generis: it's... it's its own thing.

Intuitu personae: this is based on THAT person - if it's not THAT person, all bets are off

Pacta Sund Servanda : you fucking SIGNED THE THING so now yes you gotta DO THE THING

[dayseternal-blog]

Hi!! Do you still do Naruhina recs? I'm interested in reading some fics with Third POV, where all the other people see how Naruto and Hinata are so crazy for each other. I also remember one of when people realized before Naruto that he was in love with Hinata.

I'd love if you could help me with this. THANK YOU! I ADORE YOUR RECS!

Hello! I work on them slowly when I feel like it!

Here's the one I think you're remembering:

“Figuring It Out” by max.tmy - Rated G, Canon-Divergent, One-shot. Uzumaki Naruto is in love. And there are several people who figure it out before him.

Here are some more!

Outside Perspective on NaruHina

"Giddy" by TariSilmarwen - Rated G, Canon-Compliant, Short One-shot. It's hard to keep newlyweds from announcing their relationship to everyone they see.

"Naruto's Apartment" by @char-lotteral - Rated M, Canon-Compliant, One-shot. It was 2 hours past their meeting time and yet Naruto still wasn't there. As her patience grew thinner by the minute, Sakura went with the only logical solution she could think of; busting his door open and beat him up good. She entered the room nonchalantly as if it were any normal day in his apartment. And what she saw drained the entire life out of her.

"Thump" by bashfulglowfly - Rated M, Modern AU, One-shot. Sakura wants to spend an evening having sex with Sasuke but the pair end up unwillingly listening to Naruto and Hinata

"Practice Makes Perfect" by @sessakag - Rated T, Canon-Compliant, One-shot. After returning from a week long mission, Sakura hears the news she's been waiting to for. Naruto's finally got his head on straight and asked Hinata out on a date. Things were finally progressing between the two, and she couldn't be happier for them both, but as she heads over to tease her teammate about his impending date, she makes a discovery that leaves her questioning if Naruto is truly serious about Hinata.

"Never Mine" and "On the Outside Looking In" by Sessakag - Rated T, Canon-Divergent, Two-shot. “You do remember that he’s happily married with four children and one on the way, right?” The words dampened her ardor quicker and more efficient than a bucket of ice cold water. Yuka pouted at her co-worker/friend, Yuri, intruding on her admiration of the man she desired more than anything.

"Facing the Sun" by @happyocelot - Rated T, Canon-Compliant, Multi-chapter, Complete. Hinata had been watching Naruto for years. What she didn't know was that Naruto would sometimes watch her back. Post-War.

"Torment Me" by @peppercornpresses - Rated T, Canon-Compliant, One-shot. A story told by one of Naruto and Hinata's bullies.

"In Between Drinks" by peppercornpress - Rated T, Canon-Compliant, One-shot. Lord Seventh invites his buddies out to drink since Sasuke is back in the village.

“Close Quarters” by @spyder-m - Rated M, Canon-Compliant, One-shot. Much to the chagrin of their teammates, since becoming couple, Naruto and Hinata are acting much more open and affectionately around one another… Even while in the middle of missions.

“Just to Inform You” by espeonbounce - Rated G, Canon-Divergent, One-shot. Everyone seemed to think he hated Naruto. It’s not that, he did like the boy, but Hiashi liked torturing him more.

“Flirting” from “Orange and Lavender” by ReadingBennie - Rated G, Canon-Compliant, Short One-shot. “Oh my god.  Look.” Ino pointed.

Chapter 91 from "Postscripts" by WaterRolls - Rated T, Canon-Compliant, One-shot. Prompt: can you write a drabble where boruto catches naruto and hinata kissing or making out and feels disgusted

"Things that Moan in the Night" by @wickermayne - Rated E, Canon-Compliant (lol), One-shot. You've moved into a new apartment and it's spacious, the rent was cheap, and your neighbours, Naruto and Hinata are so kind! There's just the one issue that the walls were thin, and sound passed through from your neighbours apartment into yours. That shouldn't really be a problem though...right?

"Taken" by @flowerslut - Rated T, Canon-Divergent, One-shot. “GET BACK! DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH H–STOP IT!!”

Untitled by flowerslut - Rated T, Canon-Divergent, One-shot. Prompt: Naruto and Hinata are just starting off their relationship and are the most adorable tangle of sweaty palms and blushing cheeks walking around being completely inseparable with constant teasing remarks thrown their way because it took them long enough to get together. SS are observing while being two of those providing said remarks.

"NH Month - Day Nineteen" by flowerslut - Rated T, Canon-Divergent, One-shot. Prompt: “It’s all in your eyes.”

"Miscalculation" by flowerslut - Rated G, Canon-Compliant, One-shot. Prompt: Training Together

"Secret, slow realizations" by @jadeandonyx - Rated G, Canon-Divergent, One-shot. Prompt: Secret lovers (Day 8)

"their kisses, their love" by @nekomamoru - Rated G, Canon-Compliant, One-shot. “The soul, the kiss, the heart; the first words of love.”

“Practicing” by Kinich Ahau - Rated G, Canon-Compliant, One-shot. Kiba helps Hinata out with her Naruto problem.

“A Push in the Right Direction” by Shawny Wong - Rated T, Canon-Divergent AU, One-shot. Kiba and Shino are ticked off. Hinata’s many suitors have become a real nuisance. No matter how often she turns them down, they keep coming back! If only she had a steady boyfriend…

“Oblivious” by PervyNinja - Rated T, Canon-Divergent, Multi-chapter, Incomplete. After the war, Naruto is not the only one to be approached by admirers - Hinata is oblivious, Kiba, Shino & Akamaru are protective and Naruto is just so confused.

That's all I could find/think of! Anyone can add on others!

[billythesimp]

Hellooo! I've seen your work and i was really amazed by your work. It's just pure mwah 🤌🏻❤️

I thought you were close on request before, so when i see it finally open i was in joy like fr. (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠) I have few but im gonna slow with you since im sure you also busy.

So mine is Wise (you can add any other characters) x reader (prefer fem but gn is also okay). “when he saw someone else start to flirt with you (and he is jealous).”

If not, feel free to skip this request. I completely understand. Have a nice day and make sure take care of yourself (⁠/⁠^⁠-⁠^)/❤️

How do I write a Jealous Character... Oki here I go then.

[Proceeds to then stare at the screen for another 10 minutes trying to write a jealous character]

I think he came out more overprotective then anything ;-;

Who's This Dear?

⋘ 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎…

Sorry for disappearing for a bit, decided to take a break and figure out a schedule that wouldn't give me writers block oh so quickly! Also another note, I promise I'm not just a Wise account, people just love this goof! Me included!

Wise x fem!reader

𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡…⋙

tw: OOC / Use of [Name] instead of Y/N

✦ Usually customers were not a big problem at Random Play, with the experience he had gained from being a store manager leading to him adapting to the more tougher requests and issues it came with. He keeps a calm face and offers solutions to many people's problems. And a lot of the time, they are satisfied with his care that regulars swear that Belle and Wise are some of the efficient and caring managers there are. They never get mad or yell, the handle almost every interaction with care and patience. Because of that, Wise prides himself in having gained that reputation on Sixth Street. 

✦ What he also has pride in is what a wonderful girlfriend he has working alongside them. Almost everyone they work with or know on the street know of Wise’s Girlfriend. While she may only work part time during the week, she’s made an effort in getting to know Wise’s connections and making friendly conversation with their fellow vendors on the street. Every time Wise sees her chatting up with their regulars or laughing with someone like General Chops or Master Tin, he can’t help but have his heart swell in joy that they really are such a great person and that everyone approves of them already. Really, Wise believes he scored with this one, the amount of times Belle has joked about them getting married may happen sooner rather than later. 

▿

That being said, it’s during one of the shop’s working hours that it happened. He decided to take inventory of what stock they had around the store, [Name] incharge of manning the counter as Bangboo 18 needed a well-deserved recharge. But as he was shelving some recordings, he heard the angelic laughter of his love that left him wondering just what they could have been laughing at. Peeking out the slot of the staff door, he watched as some random man leaned on the counter. He held a smug look on his face as she only waved him off, a pleasant yet confused smile on their face leaving a growing pit to form in his stomach. 

‘Who the hell is he?’

Wise straightened up his jacket before walking outside to see what they had been talking about. “Oh come now, don’t be so modest. After all, a pretty face like yours surely is what keeps this business going. Why not take a break, how about we get some lunch together after your break- eh?”

“Oh hey babe, how’s the counter treating ya?” Wise saddled up to the counter with his hand hovering over the small of their back, watching as they relaxed at his touch. “Oh- Wise! It’s been good, um. Do you know if we have this movie in stock by chance? I couldn’t find it on the system…” She tucked a hair behind her ear, smiling before letting him slide in and take a look on their small tablet holding all their movies listed in rented/overdue/in-house. The man before stepped back as he did this, slowly getting nervous. 

“Ah- yeah, I looked around and couldn’t find it. Hehe…”

“Hmm, oh [Name], you’re due for your break. I can watch things from here.” She perks up at this, smiling before asking him about sharing lunch together again. “I’m down for sandwiches- OH we could get to 141 and grab some snacks. I’ll go now actually!” With that, she entered the staff only only to return after with her purse and kissing him goodbye, waving to the stranger and wishing him luck with his movie search. 

“Hmm, sorry sir, Looks like what you’re looking for isn’t here. Could I recommend anything else for you? Perhaps something that isn’t already someone else’s property?” Wise sneers at the stranger, a kind-hearted look plastered onto his face despite the dark tone in his voice that only left the man to shiver at his work.

“Um, looks like it's not here… I’ll be going then.”

“Oh, please do.” With a wave, Wise’s closed eye smile turned into a deathly glare as he left and walked the opposite way from where [Name] had gone. Once he figured that he wouldn’t be coming back anytime soon, he let out a sigh of relief and slumped down. The one time he leaves his girlfriend alone and someone already tries to make a move on them. 

“Well that was a sight, huh?”

Belle entered from the backdoor, playfully teasing her brother as he reeled back in shock out of her sudden timing, all the while Eous runs up to his second parent and leaves comforting pats on his legs. “What happened with [Name]? I thought she was watching the front for me?” Wise sighs before muttering out a small explanation, embarrassed as he never lost his cool like this before. Other than the time Belle got lost in a Hollow, he's never overreacted to this extent. He’s only glad that it was Belle and not [Name] who entered, he wouldn’t know how she’d react if she realized he was jealous and became protective of them.

“Way to show who’s the boss around here. Man, I kinda wish I could have seen it.” 

“Master, I have full access to the store camera’s and save every recording for the next 30 days until removal. I can pull it up on the H.D.D System for you.” Before Wise could refuse, Belle is already running into the Staff room to save the recording before it was too late. 

“Wise! I’m back! And I got your favorites!”

The bell rang as [Name]’s cheering caught his attention while they held up two small bags filled with various candies and snacks. He could only smile, approaching them and pulling them into a tight hug. “Thanks love, I really appreciate it. Now how about we watch a movie in my room for a while, huh?”

He is only grateful that he has such a loving and thoughtful girlfriend by his side.

[seoulfulbliss]

Park Jongseong (Part Two)

Author’s Note: The long-awaited part two! I worked so hard to bust this part out 😭, so it is a little long. I only intended for 3 parts and the third part has its own personality. I do also want to mention a potential trigger warning for some of you. This chapter does delve into themes of miscarriage and depression. Anything that is depicted could potentially be graphic for individuals who may have undergone that same duress. So, be forewarned. That being said, hope you enjoy babies 🫶🏾

(Friendly reminder, YOU DON’T HAVE PERMISSION TO COPY MY WORKS ANYWHERE.)

CEO! Jay x Estranged Wife! Black Reader 

Synopsis: A one-night stand with a handsome CEO leads to an unexpected derailment in your life plans. 

Content: Angst, talks of miscarriage, depictions of depression, bullying, neglect, pregnant reader, pregnancy kink, lactation kink, motherhood, smut, autistic child, ghosted friendships, misunderstandings, Jay’s mother reaaaalllllyyyy needs to get a life, eventual happy ending

Word Count: 11.5k

A life really can change in a whole week. One day you can be walking around with no knowledge of any duties or obligations outside of yourself, and the next, you could be staring down at two pink lines saying “congratulations, you’re having a baby.” 

And if that itself doesn’t taunt you enough, then the marriage license currently sitting in your hand might be a decent second option. If Jay was one thing, he was swift and efficient. Definitely a no bullshit type of guy. Maybe that efficiency is how you got pregnant. First times the charm evidently with potent sperm. 

Over the course of the last week, Jay handled everything for you. And by everything, understand that it meant absolutely everything regarding the rearrangement of your life.

You’re currently renting a spot and there’s no way you can get out of your lease? No problem, Jay can handle that for you. All it took was a phone call to the leasing office and it was terminated instantly. So there went your first excuse for why you shouldn’t move in. Then came the issue of furniture and moving your things. 

Well, you’re married to Jay. What could you possibly need this extra furniture for? Okay, you like the zebra print rug and the funky lamps with the pink base? Fine. You can bring that to his place and put it… somewhere safe (read: nowhere visible to Jay). Okay, why on earth would you need this couch? It served its purpose, just sell it. Oh, a relative gave it to you? Then give it back. Sigh. Okay fine, the movers can just put that in a storage unit. 

That’s exactly how the conversation went from start to finish. And each time, Jongseong found the perfect solution to your well-crafted problems. There went excuse number two. 

So then came excuse number three. Embarrassingly enough, you were not above throwing a tantrum in the tiny space of your apartment. There you sat, in the middle of your empty living room debating all the reasons why moving in would not be a great idea. Jay took to standing by the doorway a short distance from you. He had a slight air of annoyance about him that suggested he was itching to tape your mouth shut. With the way that you continued to ramble, his demeanor hinted that he honestly probably would. 

“But I don’t want to move. If I move, that means I lose autonomy over myself. As an independent woman, I take pride in never needing a man. Hell, my body already practically isn’t mine with the way it’s a container for your child. Now you’re asking me to share the same space? You’re already forcing me to take your last name!” 

Robotically, Jay just nods his head. Ohhhhh, so he’s not listening? Okay, time to up the ante. 

“Plus, how am I supposed to familiarize myself with a new environment when I’ve been living here for years? Come on. I’m a pregnant lady. Hormones are bound to start acting up any day. How would you be able to handle that? What if you piss me off so bad that I don’t want to see your face? Which is very possible with you, by the way. Besides, we hardly know each other. We’re not exactly the poster children for couples who can finish each other's sentences.” 

Jay just sighs. There is a response on the tip of his tongue. But you cut him off before he can utter it.

“And, I like the air here. It’s nice, fresh, and crisp. What if the air in your space isn’t suitable enough for the baby?” At this point, you’re totally just making anything up. The bigger the spectacle, the better. Maybe he’ll give in and leave this matter alone. 

“What if it’s full of pathogens and diseases, or nanoparticles that contribute to asthma? Would you take responsibil—”

Before you realize it, he is making his way across the room to you. Pulling you up by the arms, he makes direct eye contact. “Yes, I’ll take responsibility for all those things. You’re worried about the air? Let's get an air filter for all the rooms. Water is a concern? Okay, I’ll make sure we get an improved filtration system for all the faucets in the house. Hell, if you’re even worried about the thread count on the sheets, fine. Let’s buy more. Charge everything to my card.” 

Damn, so he’s a good lover in bed and husband material too? Then what the hell was up with his shitty attitude when you met him at the office? You were definitely undergoing a severe case of whiplash. First, he gives you an out of body experience during sex, then he’s brutally blunt over the technicalities of a business card, and now he’s aggressively caring in terms of the pregnancy. As much as you want to ride this ride again, the roller coaster is moving way too fast.

“You say that now, but what if you change your mind? I can be a hard woman to please—“

Smirk on his face, hands on your hips. “It didn’t seem that way the night we met.” And your mouth is snapping shut, because what the hell did he just say? 

“You…” his head tilts in amusement at your inability to find the right words. Oh, he thinks he’s cute, huh? You’ll show him cute alright. Finger pointed at his chest, this ought to give him a piece of your mind. 

“You can’t handle me, Jongseong. I come with a lot of particularities. The air filter is only the first of many requests. So you should—”

Then without any warning, Jay had you hoisted up over his shoulder, hand coming down harshly across your ass. A squeal of surprise stretches across the enclosed space of the room. “Did you just… spank me?” 

“Yes, because I don’t have time for this. We have a meeting with the registrar in…” he checks his watch, “an hour. And you’re too busy obsessing over the quality of air. Do you like wasting everyone’s time, or just mine?” 

He moves to the bathroom entrance. “Are you insane?!” You splutter as you hit at his back. “Who just slaps someone’s ass like that?”

By the way the next line of words fall from his mouth, you can tell he’s smirking. Smug little prick. “You didn’t have a problem with it back at XO hotel.” And you’re afraid Jongseong won’t make it to the courthouse with the way you contemplate strangling him. He sets you down by the bathroom sink before grabbing a pack of wipes. “Clean yourself up so we can leave. We’ll come back for the rest of your stuff another day.” 

Head hung metaphorically low, excuse number three was officially out the window.  

Fifty minutes later, you are across town at the courthouse watching the red ink of fate as the registrar stamps your freedom away. Congratulations to yourself, you suppose. So you were officially a taken woman on paper. Who cares? No biggie right? It’s just in theory, not practice. 

Except, oh. 

Jongseong bought rings, one for you and one for him. “It’s more convincing this way.” Who he was trying to convince, you had no idea. What you did know was the rock on your finger may be simple, but the price of it was anything but. Cushion cut diamond, with a dainty band. An ode to his personality once again; neat, simple, elegant. He definitely paid a pretty penny for this. 

That was something you noticed about him, his integrity. He lived up to his word. After that marriage certificate was signed off, he handed over one of his black cards. AmEx. Of course you knew he was loaded. But the casual way he said, “Use it for whatever you need.” Then positioning his hand behind the passenger seat as he reversed? Yeah, you nearly folded. His ex-fiancé had to be a strong woman to leave him. 

Living with Jay also proved to be…  interesting. His house was gorgeous. It sat on several acres of forested land. Foliage surrounded it like an accessory. If you analyzed it enough, you would think it was something out of a dark academia film. Much like his office, it too had the sleekness of mahogany paired with black and white accents. Except, you could tell where earth tones were prioritized to balance out the sharp monotony of its clinical aesthetic. Elegance topped with homely comfort. Jay really did have impeccable taste.

In his home, you had your own room. The reason being, him wanting to give you some semblance of personal freedom. You could respect him for it. There were still many things to figure out with your personal life. And you needed as much space as you could get to sort out your jumbled up career. Through the frenzy of discrimination, an unexpected pregnancy, and moving, you still hadn’t told your friends about your current situation either. You hadn’t been in the right headspace to do so. But you knew you needed the comfort and support that comes with friendship. So you planned to do so soon, before you started showing. Speaking of, apparently the thought of pregnancy was a thing Jay liked. 

Much like an onion, he had many layers about himself to peel back. But this was a layer you discovered through observation. Clearly, fatherhood was a desire for him. You could tell in the way he was concerned about your nutrition and comfortability. It meant a lot to watch him discuss your prenatal care with Dr. Paik. Especially in moments where you caught him in the early hours of the morning nursing a coffee while mulling over parenting books. Wanting to take care of people seemed to come naturally to him. 

He also happened to be laser focused on you. Primarily your body. You found him watching you occasionally in the space of his home. Whenever his schedule saw fit. If you were anywhere within his line of sight, his eyes were watching you. Like a hawk. 

You wanted to tiptoe to the kitchen for a late night snack? Surprise, Jay is still awake on the chaise lounge reading infographics in low light. And his eyes drink your legs in from the skimpy pajama shorts you wear. 

You wanted to make an early breakfast before he headed to work? Sure, do your thing. Just expect to be scared shitless by his silent form as he leans against the doorway watching you hum to yourself. 

There were even times when he came home late from long nights at the office. Those were… the more interesting days. If you were bent over the kitchen counter cleaning up the remnants of your dinner, then he was scooting past you like you were in a tight space in the otherwise openly spacious home. And best believe that when he brushed up against you, you were definitely feeling his dick print. 

And if you fall asleep on the couch late at night while doing research? He would come in, see you laying there so vulnerably and try everything in his power not to corrupt that image. But still, you felt him some of those nights. The way he would sidle up to the couch and watch you. You felt the featherlight touch of his hands on numerous occasions when he thought you were fully asleep. The way he would trail his finger lightly from your ankle up your thigh. And he would graze his fingers gently, in circles, around your inner thigh. Then he’d take a deep breath and remove them, like he was fighting to hold himself back. 

“It’s not healthy to sleep on the couch like this.” He’d whisper into your ear. And you would startle awake with a new level of hunger seeping into your skin.

Yes, these last few weeks of living with Jay were interesting. And the dangerous game he played sat as a reminder that you were in his domain. And you were every bit of the prey he believed you to be. 

Prime example being today. Jongseong sat at the kitchen table eating a yogurt bowl as he analyzed an ongoing project on his tablet. His work never really slept. 

“I read something interesting in a book recently.” He started out that morning. 

“Oh?” You hum in acknowledgment, stirring your cup of herbal tea on the counter. It had started getting harder for you to enjoy the scent of coffee. At 8 weeks, your body was really developing a dislike for certain foods and drinks with the way you got nauseous even looking at them. Your body had already begun to change to make way for motherhood. You were filling out. Your breasts becoming more sensitive and tender as they rounded out. Tea was the best gift you could provide yourself these days. You hadn’t quite started showing yet either. But there was a slight protrusion to your belly. Imperceptible to others, noticeable to you. 

“Pregnant women can start producing breast milk as early as 16 weeks.” You immediately still. That was not what you expected. And he was so casual with the way he said it too. Glancing back at him however, you can tell he is anything but. His eyes watch you intensely, like he’s just spilled a secret only meant for you two. A tiny smirk adorns his face. Goodness. He pushes his seat back as he makes his way over to your shocked frame. It’s like predator and prey the way his eyes hunt you down, keep you in place. Then he is standing behind you, practically flush against your back. Both his hands come to rest on either side of you on the counter. He was boxing you in. Then he leans down so his lips just barely touch your ear. 

“It’s called colostrum production. Then around the third trimester, the mommy’s breasts fully develop to provide milk for the baby. Sometimes,” he presses closer to you when he says this. “Mommy’s milk can leak all over her chest when she begins to lactate.” The way his husky voice travels through your ear to the pit of your stomach, if you weren’t already pregnant, you would’ve been by then. His hands slide off the counter to rest on your hips. You swear you’re no longer breathing, the way you feel his bulge against your ass. 

“I wonder what that would look like for you.” His eyes bore into your own mischievously. This is a dangerous game to be played, and Park Jongseong is winning. “Sounds like that’s your favorite fact about pregnancy.” You whisper breathlessly between you two. 

Smugness still lingers in his voice. “What can I say, I appreciate what a woman’s body can do.” And oh, you have to squeeze your legs together with the way his thumbs rub circles into your hips. Almost as if he can read your thoughts, he leans into you further. Breath fans your face, his nose brushing along your skin. “What’re you doing?” You whisper.

“Holding my wife. Is that a crime now?” He chuckles, far less innocently than he is trying to appear. Then he is leaning the rest of the way into your space. Just as his lips brush against yours, his phone rings. The ringtone startles you, breaking the spell. Now sober to your thoughts, you realize Jay is no longer toeing the line of this game. Groaning, he drops his head to your shoulder before reluctantly pulling away. You clear your throat awkwardly and sip your tea, gazing at him as he answers the phone.

“Hello?” Judging by the tenseness of his shoulders, he is less than pleased at the news he receives.

“Secretary Kim, please confirm that what you are saying is true. Is my mother currently on her way up to my office?” Deep sigh, “Okay, I’m on my way.” He hangs up. 

“Everything alright?” You inquire. He had mentioned his mother, and you had yet to meet her. Jay hardly ever brought her up since you moved in. So, curiously, you were eager to meet the woman who raised him. 

Distractedly, Jay nods his head. “Business to take care of.” Then he is off gathering his work necessities before heading out the door. In that moment, you had naively believed in those several minutes of peace that your pregnancy would go smoothly. Boy were you about to be wrong; on many fronts. 

What you didn’t expect was the brewing storm that came along with his mother. Park Eun-ju. Well… the devil certainly does wear Prada. Everything went downhill from there. 

You met her the same day Jay had cornered you in the kitchen. It was late afternoon when she charged into your shared home with her son. She came in blazing like she was the bull and you the matador. You had sat on the living room couch going over the proper procedures to file a discrimination complaint when she appeared. The fast paced click clack of heels on the marble floor being the only warning you got before she stepped her Prada clad shoes past the threshold to the living room. There stood Park Eun-ju in all her glory, decked out in a white pantsuit with red heels. Immediately, her presence filled up the space. She certainly was intimidating.

“So this is the girl.” Disdain dripped like poison in her words. Oh. Immediately, you stood at attention just as Jay rounded the corner.

“Mother—”

“Mrs. Park—”

She raised her hand to cut you both off. “I didn’t ask you to stand. Sit down.” And you damn sure did.

“Mom.” Jay tries again, stepping forward to touch her shoulder.

“Jongseong, why on earth am I just now finding out you filed for a marriage license a month ago? And why am I also just finding out that the girl is pregnant?” She hisses.

“I planned on telling you eventually.”

“Is it yours?” Her gaze left yours long enough to glance at her son in distaste. Okay, what the hell was her problem? What was she being so judgmental for? 

“Yes.”

“How can you be so sure? Have you confirmed? She’s a random woman off the streets. For all you know, she could be lying to you. How can we be certain?” That really ruffled your feathers. What did she mean ‘random woman’ and ‘off the streets?’ She was characterizing you as some broad who jumped from one hook up to the next. 

Cutting in, you make your presence known again. “Excuse me?”

“Mother, please.” Jongseong pleads.

“I’m just expressing concern. Have you thought about the circumstances?” She ignores you in favor of speaking to her son.

“I don’t appreciate the way you’re speaking regarding my character when you know nothing about me.” you state heatedly.

Jay turns to give you an exasperated look.

“And I don’t appreciate you whoring yourself out for my son's wealth.” She quips back acidicly. Your jaw is on the floor. Appalled, you turn to Jay hoping he will say something. There was no way he would let her speak that way about you, right? 

Wrong. 

Jay ushers his mother to take a seat in the chaise lounge chair before he is kneeling on the floor in front of her. Trying to placate her, he grasps her hands in his as he stares up at her.

“Mom, you always taught me to be responsible right? I’m trying to do the right thing. She’s 8 weeks along. The time frame lines up with the night we met and…” He trails off, glancing at you briefly. “You know how I've felt since Da-eun left. I hate breaking commitments, so I decided to marry her to spare us both the embarrassment of bearing children out of wedlock. Especially since the Park name now has a certain status to it.” Eun-ju hums off-handedly. “We’re in this together. That’s just something you’ll have to deal with. Besides, you’ll be a grandmother—”  She cuts him off again.

“I don’t approve.” The entire time Jay spent monologuing, you were stiff. Now, even moreso since his mother bluntly stated she would not be in support of what already was. “Jongseong, the Park name is now a household one. And out of all the women you could choose, you chose one beneath your caliber.”

You scoff in disbelief at her shady behavior. “What about the profiles of the women I gave you after Da-eun? Did you even look at them? Why not consider them instead of…” She trails off as she looks at you. Okay, you’ve had enough.

“What is your issue lady? Jay already explained the situation to you, and while the circumstances surrounding it are a little unorthodox, we’re still bringing a child into this world. You don’t have to like it, but you damn sure don’t have to bitch about it.”

“Hey.” Jay warns. His mother titters. 

“This is what I mean Jongseong, no class. She isn’t a woman I would've picked for you in a million years.” You bristle at that. The lady was itching for a fight.

“I can make my own decisions, mother. What’s done is done. It’s final. We’re married and we’re having this child. End of discussion.” A wave of silence stretches about for several moments before she speaks again. 

“Fine. If you’re so dead set on making your own decisions, then I’ll make this one for myself. I’ll be residing here throughout the entire term of her pregnancy.”

“What?” You and Jay both exclaim.

“Well it's only fair, right? If I’m the grandmother to be, then shouldn’t I be around to get to know your bride? I fear we’re not off to a very great start.” Ohhhhh the heifer was goading you. 

“Whose fault would that be.” You muttered through clenched teeth.

“Y/N.” Jay regards you with a stern look. His mother smirks over his shoulder. Oh god, this was going to be a long pregnancy. Gathering your things, you trudge back to your room to escape the mother-son duo. 

That’s how you found yourself tired and drained by week 10. The reality of it all was finally catching up to you. If living with Jay was interesting, then living with his mother was hell. In the short time she had been there, you learned just how much of a ‘boy mom’ she could be and how much of a momma’s boy he could be. That electrifying moment in the kitchen with Jay never occurred again. There wasn't an opportunity for it to. Unlike before, when you both freely danced around each other, now moments between you two were terse and tense. Heavily weighed down by the presence of his mother. She was literally everywhere. breathing down your neck. Nagging. 

When you cooked a meal, she would criticize the way you did it. If you didn’t clean up enough around the house, she would give you an earful about it. “You should learn how to be a proper housewife.” She would say, as if you didn't aspire for more. She would also make slick comments when Jay wasn’t around. Telling you to monitor what you eat lest you blow up like a house. For crying out loud, you were pregnant and she was demanding so much from you. 

When she accompanied you both to prenatal appointments, she always had to add her two cents. As if all mothers experience pregnancy the same. If you had a concern about something, she would giggle under her breath like you were stupid. While you may not have been pregnant before, you still weren’t daft to your representation in the world. You knew the mortality rate among black women in childbirth compared to their counterparts. You wanted to make sure your body was healthy for you and the baby. Jay did too. In this regard, you both moved like a unit, doing your best to support the future to come. You may not have wanted to be a mother, but you certainly wanted to give Jay this. It warmed your heart the way his eyes would light up at the prospect of fatherhood. You just wished he would stand up to his mother more. Especially when she infantilized him. 

She was constantly droning on about what motherhood meant to her. And she made sure to let you know that Jay was more her son than your husband by making you feel insecure about what little you did know about him. 

“He doesn’t like his clothes washed with this detergent. He has sensitive skin.”

“He doesn’t want his food touching. It’s a texture issue.” 

“Why aren’t you ironing his clothes for work? Do you really consider yourself a wife?” 

Blah, blah, blah. She was stressing you the fuck out. She did everything in her power to push you away, and nearly succeeded at it. One incident in particular nearly made you call it quits. Minding your business was an art form for you, but that all went out the window when this meddlesome woman kept picking at you behind her son’s back. You were sitting on the living room sofa wondering why you hadn’t received information back about the complaint you filed when she waltzed in wearing her favorite brand. Prada.

She took a seat in the chaise lounge analyzing you. Already antsy from a lack of response from the state board, you knew you were a ticking time bomb. And she was getting ready to light the fuse. “You know, I don't know what my son sees in you.” Chuckling smugly, she crosses her legs. “His humanitarian spirit seems to follow him everywhere. Maybe that's why he has such bad luck with women.” Your brows furrow as your eyes dart in the direction of the hallway leading to the bedrooms. Jay said he was taking a shower when he first walked in. That's why she felt so emboldened to brandish her dislike outwardly. 

“He always did feel the need to help strays.” The evil witch was full on smirking. No longer trying to mask her hatred.

“The only reason I am refraining from calling you out of your name is due to the little respect I have for your son. My advice to you would be to leave me alone. Before you poke a bear that will not fall back asleep.” 

She waves your words away. “I’m not worried about your empty threats. I’m worried about your character. Your motive. I don’t trust you.”

Squinting at her, you give her your undivided attention. “In the time you have been here, I have done nothing to give you the impression that I wasn't a decent human being.” 

“What you consider decent isn’t the same for me. Why won’t you just admit you’re using my son for his money?” The way you wanted to throttle her was scarily real. You’ve never had someone disrespect you so blatantly before. Not even the dick who denied you your license was this bold.

“Not once have I entertained the thought of using Jay for his money. I didn’t want this marriage and I certainly didn't want to move in. He sprung it all on me. My parental rights were going to be signed away to him the moment the baby was here.”

“Yet you spend the money on his black card freely. With that ring on your finger, you must have an expensive taste.” It’s crazy the way she makes your eye twitch.

“Because he wanted it this way. He practically twisted my arm just to agree with him.”

“You could have refused.” Eun-ju rebuts.

“I’m starting to think this conversation is more about you hating me than anything else.” You observe.

“I don’t want just anybody having access to his finances and success.”

“What are you really trying to say?” You spit out.

“Are you a gold digger?”

“Excuse me?” How many times can this woman surprise you with her rhetoric? 

“Well, I’ve seen plenty of girls like you. Only in it for the money. Trying to tie a man down by having his child. What do you ladies call it? A baby daddy?” Your jaw has practically unhinged, the way it is on the floor. She giggles. 

“It’s hilarious really. The lengths a person would go for some cash. I asked around about you, and heard you were without a job. Something about failing to obtain a license? So what, you’ve decided to come and mooch off my son?” 

Your lip trembles at the accusation. “How dare you discredit my hard work—” 

“Is it money you need? I can write you a check right now.” It is insulting how her accusations carry the weight of your failure. She digs into her purse to retrieve what she needs to write you a check. 

“How much do you need?” She dabs the tip of her pen onto her tongue before opening the checkbook. Immediately, you slap it out of her hand. The items clatter to the floor as she gasps out loud. It is just your luck that Jay comes back from showering. 

Misinterpreting the previous events, he storms over to you in anger. Grabbing your wrist, he drags you away from his mother. “What do you think you’re doing?!” He yells. You indicate to his mother who is clutching her pearls in disbelief. 

“Did you not just hear the awful things she said to me?” His grip on your wrist tightens. “I don’t give a damn about petty squabbles. That is my mother. You don’t raise your voice at her in this house and you certainly don't attack her.” Tears threaten to spill from your eyes. So that was her objective, get him to gang up on you. Okay, fine. 

“Are you going to give her the same speech?” The grip becomes impossibly tighter, you wince. 

‘This isn’t a group discussion.” His mother giggles with mirth. “Where on earth did you find this woman, Jongseong? What horrible manners.” 

“Mother.” He warns. You whimper at the hold he has on your wrist. 

“Let go. It hurts.” You whisper. He drops your hand like it burns him. 

“Don’t argue with her again.” That night, a bigger rift is wedged between you and Jay. You take to avoiding him the next few days. Although it is misplaced, it is obvious he is mad at you. So you just stay out of his way. 

In your isolation, you are finally prompted to tell your friends about your predicament. Jalissa, Maci, and Dreux, all sit in various states of shock on the other line. “Wait, back up. You’re practically 11 weeks pregnant and you're just now telling us?” Dreux.

“Bitch, is that why you’ve been avoiding us?” Jalissa.

“Was it that guy you met at the bar?” Maci.

“I’m sorry I’m just now mentioning it. Between finding out and the stress of marriage and moving, it just slipped my mind.”

“Marriage?!”

“Moving?” Maci and Dreux shout at the same time.

“Girl, what the fuck is going on?” Jalissa again. So you explain in depth meeting Jay at the club, the night you had, finding out you're pregnant, the marriage certificate, moving in, and the predicament with his mother. 

“Damn. you know those boy moms don’t play about their sons.” Dreux mumbles tiredly. It is clear she is frustrated by the overall situation and your lack of notifying them. “I just wish you had trusted us with this information when you first found out. We could’ve figured this out together.”

Jalissa rolls her eyes playfully, “But then she wouldn’t be staying with a super rich, super hot guy. Sounds like he’s gonna be financing hot girl summer when Y/N recovers.” Maci giggles along with her.

“No, Jalissa. We’re not doing that.”

“Why not?” She pouts. 

“Because I respect him and what we have. I would never use him like that.”

Dreux hums in a way that lets you know she’s preparing for a debate. She always did love to prove a point. “You respect him even through all the bullshit his mother is putting you through?”

“He’s good to me.”

“Yet he still lets her talk to you any kind of way. Sounds hypocritical to me.” Silence resonates through the phone. Maci chews her lip nervously at the tense atmosphere. Jalissa makes a motion with her hand as if to say, “clock it.”

“You know, you always did get stuck in these fantasies instead of living in reality.” You recoil in bewilderment. What the hell did she mean by that? Dreux continues.

“I need you to be serious. He is a rich, Asian man in circles you couldn’t even dream of standing in. His mother already treats you like shit, and you decide to have his baby anyway? What makes you think they would accept you? As a black woman, you have to be realistic about these things. Especially when you’re giving him a black baby. Do you think those snobby people would accept it?” She states.

You scoff. “It’s 2025. It’s not that serious.” Even as you say it, you feel doubt creeping in your gut. You know the stipulations Korean culture has surrounding their first born sons. As an only child, Jay’s circumstance regarding you is a bit unconventional traditionally. 

Jalissa cackles. “Nah girl, I've seen Crazy Rich Asians. They don’t play about their rich men. Especially their sons.”

“This is why you should’ve come to us.” Dreux again.

“Maybe I didn’t want you to lecture me.”

“Maybe you need it.”

“Where is this coming from?” 

“I just think it’s funny how you encouraged me to get an abortion in college over minor things when you’re out here living lavishly, posted up in a mansion with a rich man's baby on the way. Ah… but I guess babies are only important when you have a sugar daddy to provide for you, right?”

Maci gasps as Dreux breaches the topic that really bothers her.

“Dreux.” 

You and Dreux go way back, longer than you had been friends with Jalissa and Maci. You were friends in high school and went to college together. Your freshman year was wild. Dreux practically had to babysit you as she was the oldest. You were also a lot more impulsive back in those days. You begged her to go to a party she didn’t want to attend. That’s how she met Donovan. Messing around with him, she got pregnant that same year. Initially, she wanted to keep it. But in good faith, you had to realistically lay out her options for her. She was a struggling college student in her freshman year who had to take out loans just to enroll. She couldn’t take care of a baby. Especially with Donovan putting his hands on her. You couldn’t let her do that to herself. It wasn't over minor things. So, you slid an abortion pamphlet her way, and the rest was history. You thought Dreux had been fine with it as time went on. But evidently, she still harbored some resentment for it. 

“Uhhhh. Y’all wanna fill us in?” Jalissa smacks her gum.

“She knows what I’m talking about.” Dreux hisses.

“You know I was just protecting you.” 

“Personally, I think you just didn’t want me to have it. You didn’t want to have to compete with a baby. You always did like all the attention.” The accusation stings. Dreux did have to take care of you a lot more than you would care to admit during those times. But you wouldn’t selfishly suggest an abortion to her because of that. 

“That’s not true and you know it. That guy was hitting you, and you didn’t have the financial support to provide for the child anyway. I was doing what was best for you.”

“Load of good that did. You don’t even know what’s best for yourself.” She snarks back.

Uncomfortable, Maci tries to interject. “Uhhh, guys?”

Honestly, you’re too fed up to care what Maci has to say. You have been battling with bullshit for the past several weeks, and the moment you come to your friends for support, this is the nonsense they hit you with? You were already on a short fuse from how mother witch wound you up. Now, the fuse was even smaller. 

“Well, you know what I think Dreux? I think this all stems from a place of jealousy. You think I purposefully didn't tell you because deep down, you have this belief I don't trust you to be happy for me. Honestly, from where I’m sitting, it doesn’t seem like you are. I know you always wanted to be a mother, but don’t take your previous decisions out on me. You could’ve said no, and we would’ve figured it out together.”

As mature as Dreux is, you can tell that she knows you’re right. Which is another thing she hates. Being wrong. She stares at you angrily before spitting the words, “Fuck you” at the screen and dropping from the call. You let out a shaky breath. That came from left field.

“Now why would you say that to her?” Jalissa frowns.

“She literally came at me first.” You splutter.

“But it was clearly something she was still sensitive about.” Maci chews at her lip again.

“How did this conversation turn into lecturing me?” 

“Maybe when you started making crazy decisions.”

“Jalissa, you are the last person to critique any decision making.” You snap.

“Oop,” Jalissa holds her hand to the screen. “Don’t start with me. You already pissed one of us off and I’m very close to getting there too.” 

The attitude in the air is astounding to you. You don’t know how this conversation derailed into a train wreck. Now you had to deal with your friends being frustrated with you too?

Maci interjects successfully this time. “Maybe we should just table it for now. Then pick back up another time.” 

“Good idea. Call me when you get the stick out of your ass.” Jalissa flips you off as she hangs up. Maci smiles awkwardly, then drops from the call too. All you are left with is a black screen. 

For the first time throughout this whole debacle, you feel yourself begin to cry. So many obstacles were hitting you left and right. You truly didn’t expect to feel abandoned like this by your friends. You understand where Dreux’s disappointment and frustration stemmed from, but why couldn’t anyone be happy for you? 

Week 11 was tricky for you. Your friends weren’t answering any of your texts or calls. You tried your hardest to apologize to Dreux, but she wouldn’t even respond. And Jalissa wouldn’t accept your apology until Dreux did. Maci didn’t have a backbone to save her life. So, she went with the majority. That left you dealing with the strained atmosphere of the house alone. Jay was back speaking to you, but most of his responses were clipped. They were hardly conversational. What frustrated you was the fact that he still took care of you though, making sure you were taking your prenatal vitamins and eating proper meals. For the most part, his mother didn’t say much to you again. Feeling like she got the upper hand. She would huff and puff occasionally, but most of what she had to say was whispered out of her son’s earshot. You just ignored her.  

The hormones didn’t make it any better either. You knew pregnancy could present itself differently for most women. But you didn’t know it would be like this. It started out small. Just little aches in your lower back. They ranged from 30 minutes to an hour. On and off. Then came the uncomfortability in your abdominal area. At first, you could handle it. But as the days progressed, the slight pinch started to feel like heavy cramps. But this was temporary. When the aching would stop, you would simply go about your business. Chalking it up to stress, you did your best to take it easy. 

You had no idea what was to come. 

When that letter came in the mail, it really was imminent that a trainwreck was bound to occur.  You had received a response back regarding the complaint you filed. Request to pursue this formally was denied. Denied. You could only chuckle humorlessly at your luck. They wouldn’t accept your fucking request, citing that the issues had been on your end and not the board. If you want to apply for licensure again, then you need to comply with their rules. Which was frustrating, because you had. But in this moment, you could only feel defeat. There was no more fight left in you. With one situation piling up after the other, you finally hit your breaking point. 

And just when week 12 hits, nearing the end of that third month, stress finally catches up with you.

You hadn’t really understood the signs when it happened. All you know is that you woke up from your nap that day alone. Jay was at work and his mother was out. The pain had started out low, then intensified excruciatingly. It was the worst abdominal pain you had ever felt. Worse than period cramps. The pain practically immobilized you, the way you could hardly move. But somehow, you made your way to the bathroom. You didn’t get far before you collapsed onto the floor. You knew immediately that something was wrong. You writhed in pain for what seemed like hours, when you felt it. The gush of something warm and wet between your legs. Pulling yourself up to lean against the tub, you see it. A puddle of blood forming beneath you. 

“No.” You whisper brokenly. The trainwreck was already knocking at your door. 

You sat in pain with the knowledge that your body was failing you. That’s how Jay found you two hours later after coming home for a late lunch. Calling out to you, your whimpers lead him to the bathroom. There you sat, in tears as blood coats your lower body and hands. It looked like a murder scene. Horrified, Jay rushes out to call Dr. Paik as you sobbed quietly on the bathroom floor.  

Carrying a child was an interesting phenomenon. The body adapts to make way for motherhood, shifting parts of your body to sustain a child. Evidently, pregnancy can shift other organs too. Like a heart. Make those overwhelmed at the idea of carrying a child excited with the prospect of eventually holding them. That’s what it did to you. But your body… your body had given up somewhere. Threw in the proverbial towel that misery picked up. 

Miscarriage. They happen primarily in the early stages of pregnancy. You were still within that window. Marginally. There was no baby. 

In that moment, it felt like you were floating. Barely hanging onto this thread called life. Everything dulled to grey, like your perception of color had muted into the background of a rainy day. Attachment settled on you easily. You hadn't known this was something motherhood could provide. But there you were, laying in a care facility staring, but not seeing. Mind elsewhere. You felt empty. You were. 

You’re not sure when you began looking forward to the concept of bringing life into the world. Maybe it was because of the way Jay cared for you. Maybe it was the raw vulnerability in his face when he discussed the idea of building a family. Maybe it was the excited look on his face when he talked about information he had learned in those parenting books. Maybe it was the thought of eventually feeling your child’s first kicks. Maybe it was simply the thought that you and Jay had created a life. But you were disappointed that your body couldn’t follow through with it. Honestly, you felt that Jay was too. 

He never said much about it, didn’t push it. But in ways he used to hover before, he had stepped back. The first few days after, you hardly saw him. He had things to handle. Work never stopped. Which saddened you. The both of you just lost a baby. Shouldn’t he be here grieving with you? You sat at home, the weight of failure looming over you. You felt less than a woman. Ashamed of what your body could not do. And Jay… just worked. Leaving you to drown in that guilt alone.

With Jay absent, you were left in the house to deal with his mother by yourself. However, you avoided her like the plague. You stayed holed up in your room. Didn’t want to eat and could hardly even sleep. She still found ways to antagonize you. 

The straw that broke the camel’s back was the last thing she said to you before you snapped. “Even your body can’t work properly to give my son a child. How could you possibly hold the Park name?” After that, you aren’t sure what happened. All you know is, you blacked out. 

And when you came to, Jay was holding your thrashing body while Eun-ju screamed in horror. She was clutching her neck, it being an angry red. The pearl necklace she had been wearing laid scattered on the floor. You had tried to choke her. She deserved it. 

After that, Jay sent his mother away. He paid more attention to you then. Not necessarily physically, but your mental care. Dr. Paik recommended some mental health clinics to him. Said it might be helpful in situations like yours. Depression from losing a baby. They had both noticed you weren’t taking care of yourself too. So, Jay hired a caretaker to cook and clean after you for a few months. Someone who would make sure you took your vitamins, walked around the house, and stretched your legs. 

Her name was Ok Young-Ja. An older woman in her early sixties. She took care of you in ways that Jay couldn’t, ways he knew he couldn’t. Some days when it felt too much, she would get you out of bed and run a bath for you. Soaking in the warm water, she would entertain you, humming old trot songs occasionally. Then you would say, “Tell me your story.” And she would. 

Throughout that time, Young-Ja was a silent force keeping you steady. Truly, it felt like she was a lifeline, your support in a dark place. 

You hadn’t spoken to your friends much since the incident. They were heavily on social media living their best life. They didn’t seem interested in reconciliation the way you had been. Instead, trying to force you to come back and grovel. In your current state of mind, you didn’t need it. There was no meeting them halfway. So you left them at their destination and kept searching for your own. 

That had been hard too. But as days turned to months, you realized that you deserved more than what life had tried to take from you. 

So, you decided to get better. Not just for yourself, but because you felt like you owed it to your baby to no longer feel at fault for what couldn’t be. 

It started out slow. You would get up and help Young-Ja with little things around the house. She would fuss, telling you to take it easy. But you wanted to do this. It took your mind off things. Besides, spending time with Young-Ja had been the brightest part of your life in the few short months she cared for you. Then you started helping her with groceries. It felt good to smell fresh air, to feel the humidity on your skin. Young-Ja was happy for you too. You could tell by the way the creases near her eyes dipped in just a bit further at the stretch of her smile. She would pat you on the back like you were her baby, gushing about how good you were doing. 

Then the time came for her to depart. Six and half months after being married to Jay, three and half since you miscarried. You knew Young-Ja had done all she could do for you. She did too. Patting your back as she held you, it was too easy to cry. Jay had been there to send her off. He thanked her and paid her probably way more than they agreed upon. And she was off on her next journey. 

Hollowness ate at your heart those first few days. Jay hovered, almost as if afraid you would revert back to that catatonic state. But you grew stronger by the day. This was only a temporary sadness. Still, you laid in bed most nights wishing he held you. You felt him do so once, when he thought you were sleeping. Apparently, he only liked to let his inhibitions loose when he was sure he wouldn’t be embarrassed for it. That night, he had cried laying in the bed embracing you from behind. Silent sobs wracked his body as he cried into your shoulder. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Muffled gasps whispered into the night. You let him, pretending to be asleep. 

Everyone grieves differently. After that, it didn’t happen again. Still, you pressed on in your quest for healing. 

Keeping busy with house chores, you became obsessed with routine. Like clockwork, you would get up, cook for Jay, send him to work, clean whatever you could, and prepare dinner. It was monotonous, becoming boring over time. Especially on the nights when Jay came home late. Those were the nights he wouldn’t eat, deep in the throes of building out a new project. 

In his frustration, he would brush you off, sheltering in his office space. That door stayed closed often, as if you and he were separated by two entirely different worlds. But you were, weren’t you? And his mother still did well to remind you.

Another long night for Jay had turned into another lonely night for you. You were doing your best to take care of things and stay upbeat despite the previous months of pain. You wanted to care for Jay, longed to befriend him in ways you hadn’t truly been half a year ago. He was your husband. You wanted to know every detail about his personal life. But even if she no longer set foot in the house again, his mother found ways to remind you that you both were not the same. 

It didn’t take much to hear the heated conversation spilling beyond the door of Jay’s office. Though muffled, it was easy to pick up on his mother’s complaints. “Staying with her isn’t an obligation! There are plenty of other women out there suitable for you.” 

“Mother,” Jongseong sighs into the receiver. “You know why I married her.”

“And she lost the baby, Jongseong. Don’t you want to be happy? With a real family. Can she even provide that for you?” He is silent for some time.

“Just… think about it, alright? Look over those dating profiles I sent you.” Backing away from the door, you reclaim your spot in the kitchen. Jay looks haggard when he comes out of the office. You are cleaning up the dinner he didn’t eat. “You’re still awake?” He questions.

“Yeah.” You mumble dejectedly. Hearing that conversation, you became hyper aware of the insecurities surrounding your body. It hurt to hear his mother question the validity of your womanhood. It hurt even more so that Jay did not disagree. He hums, observing you. “Don’t stay up too late.” You were from different worlds. Maybe Dreux was right.

After that, you took to only focusing on yourself. Your conversations with Jay went nowhere unless he personally started a conversation with you. He just let you be, chalking it up to the lingering effects of depression. What he didn’t realize was that you were pulling away.

Saturday morning found you out at the local park. You took to jogging recently, finding new hobbies to preoccupy yourself. Running made you feel good, helped clear your head when it was too cluttered. That’s why you built it into your routine. You were running the same route, when fate began to align. 

It was coincidental, the way this giant dog came barreling into you. His leash had flapped in the wind as he plopped himself onto you. There you sat, on the ground, a giant pile of fur in your arms. Annnnnd he was licking your face. Giggling, you push him away. “Down boy.” You laugh. 

“Sully!”

“Omg, we’re so sorry.” Two feminine voices rang out at the same time. Two women dressed in walking gear rush forward. 

“I don’t know what’s gotten into him! He really likes people, but he’s never acted like this.” Yellow windbreaker with the turquoise hair apologizes. 

The brunette with the long hair bows at you. “We sincerely apologize. We're dog sitting for a neighbor, and this stubborn guy decided it was a great time to yank his leash away.” She helps you stand up.

Dusting yourself off, you observe them. They seem really sheepish about the turn of events. The shorter colorful one red in the face with embarrassment. The taller one bowing once again. That’s how you meet them, Hyori and Mei. A Korean and Japanese woman respectively. A gay couple. You picked up on it by the way they held hands. It was cute. The rest was history.

By the tenth month of your marriage to Jay, you found yourself well-integrated into the couple’s lives. After that incident in the park, you would see each other often. And Hyori, feeling bad about the previous events, took the initiative to invite you for coffee as an apology. Their treat. Since then, you three were practically attached at the hip. 

Jay was super busy most nights. So, you didn’t think he would notice the days you stayed out late. 

Delighted to have new friends, you spent as much time as you could with them. They pulled you further into a lighter headspace. One night in their flat, over a few drinks, you tell them your story. Tears had been shed, with both women comforting you. Out of all your failures recently, this was an accomplishment you could be proud of. You had made genuine connections in your adult age. That was no small feat. Most people stress the complexity of finding people to befriend in their adult age. Some citing horror stories. But these two? Their generosity made it easy to settle in your friendship.

Nothing could pull you from the cloud you were on. Not even Jay. Or so you thought. He had come home one night, his secretary in tow. Kim Yeonmi. You remembered the name, but had never met her. She was pretty, tall in a modelesque sort of way. Her hair was pulled back into a bun. Broad shoulders suited her slim frame. 

“Um, hi.” You mumble in surprise. She just nods her head, not opening her mouth to speak. Rude. You direct your attention to Jay. He scratches his neck awkwardly. “What’s going on?”

Yeonmi cuts Jay off before he can speak. “There’s a gala we have to attend for one of Park Enterprises' business partners. Jay invited me as his date and thought it a good idea for me to get dressed here so we can arrive on time.” She wraps her arm around his. Oh. 

“A date.” You hum. 

The intensity of Jay’s stare bores into you. He asks Yeonmi to go get ready before turning to you. The click clack of her heels sashaying across the floor fills the empty space for several moments before he speaks. Hands in his pockets, “It’s an annual event. For several years, Yeonmi has gone with me. I would’ve invited you but… I didn’t know your plans. You’ve been out a lot recently.” The last part sounds like an accusation if you focus on it too much. So instead, you hear his statement for what it is.

“Okay, Jay.” 

He furrows his brows, “Okay?”

You shrug your shoulders. “If that’s all it is, there’s no need for an explanation right? It’s not like there’s anything else going on… is there?” 

Immediately, he denies. “No,” he said that with conviction. Must be true. 

“Then we’re fine.” And you had meant it. But you became increasingly frustrated as the night went on. Furious that he had another woman in your house together. Getting ready for an event, just to be draped across his arm like eye candy. Yeah, you were pissed. Little did you know though, the night was only just beginning for you. 

This proved to be true, when hours later, Jay stumbles into the house quite tipsy. “Jay?” You called out as you heard sluggish footsteps down the hall. Making your way to the living room, you find Jay leaning against the wall tugging off his tie. His eyes find yours in the open space. 

“Wow,” He drawls. “Look who's actually home tonight.”

You scoff at the words tumbling from his mouth. 

“Are you drunk?”

“Didn’t have a hot date lined up?” He asks, completely ignoring your statement. Who was he to question you? 

“Didn’t you?” You reply back. He tilts his head back in amusement. “The only woman I want on my arm is the one standing in this room.” A smirk forms on his face. You can see the hunger in his eyes underneath the lowlights of the living room.

“That’s too bad. She didn’t get an invite.” He stalks over to you, eyes drinking in your half naked form. You were only in a long shirt and panties. You didn’t have it in you to be self-conscious when you first left your room. But the way his eyes took you apart, you were beginning to feel the effect.

“Would you have come if I begged?”

“I would’ve done a lot of things if you begged me.” By now, he is standing in front of you. The first three buttons of his dress shirt unbuttoned successfully. His hands come to rest upon your waist. The smell of him is intoxicating. The room is heavy with a sensual atmosphere. You both were teetering back on the edge of that dangerous game.

“Yeah? Say it again.” He commands with a whisper. You shudder at the attention of his gaze. He presses you into the wall behind you. “You like it when I beg? Tell me again.” His lips graze your jawline. How you got in this predicament so quickly? You hardly know. But what you do know is this, Jay’s actions are being controlled by his alcohol consumption. Clearing your mind, you push him lightly. 

“You're drunk, Jay. Let me get you some water.” What you don’t expect is for him to corner you at the sink as you get him a glass. He cages you in. Hot breath fans your ear as he says, “Will you let me touch you if I beg?”

“Jay—” You start.

“Please.” The brokenness of his whisper drowns out any other noise. Including your rational thinking. 

The tightrope you both were barely balancing on snaps. 

Throwing all caution to the wind, you set the glass aside and pull him into a searing kiss. He groans into your mouth, finally getting to have a taste after so long. His hands grip the flesh of your cheeks as he grinds against you. His lips taste of tangerine whiskey sour. Your favorite drinks respectively. 

“Jay.” You whisper against his lips. He hoists you up on the counter, standing between your legs. Pulling away, he stares dazedly at your face. “I fought so hard against this carnal need. Do you have any idea what you do to me? Those nights I found you lying on the couch, I wanted to mount you and bulldoze you on every surface. Like a bunch of rabid animals. That’s how I wanted to fuck you.” 

Whimpers spill from your lips as you try to clench your legs shut. “Uh uh,” Jay lightly slaps your thighs. “Keep these open for me. Yeah?” You nod your head dumbly. 

“Good girl.” He whispers against your lips. 

Then he’s pulling back to stare at your cunt. Your pussy is already wet with anticipation. A wet patch forms on your underwear. Jay groans when he sees it. 

“So wet already. All this for me?” 

“Yes.” You whine. 

Biting his lip, he chuckles before leaning back in to kiss you. The kiss is messy with desire. You both nip at each other’s lips, battling for dominance. Jay’s fingers trail down to your clothed pussy. He rubs circles over your clit. You swallow a moan deep in your throat. 

“You like that baby?” His fingers work desperately over that sweet spot. 

“Yeees,” you’re practically sobbing. He smirks. Then he’s pulling your panties aside and shoving his ring and middle fingers in you. Gasping, you tilt your head back as he sucks marks into your neck. The wet squelching of him finger fucking you echoes through kitchen.

“So fucking messy.” He sticks his tongue into your ear. 

“Oh, God.” You cry out. Just as the band in your abdomen is about to snap, he stops. 

You huff in frustration. “Why’d you stop?”

“Because I’m starving. Don’t you want to let me have this pussy for dessert?” That was the fairest warning he could give before he was on his knees. Pulling your panties down in one go, he devours your pussy on the kitchen floor. You hold on to the counter as he eats you out like a dying man. 

Your toes curl at the pleasure his tongue gives. His eyes brand your soul as he laps at your clit messily. He groans into your cunt when you pull his hair. It doesn’t take long from that point for your orgasm to creep upon you. With a high pitched keen in the back of your throat, you cum all over his face. 

He continues to bury his face in your pussy as he works you through it. Lapping up the rest of your juices, he pulls back. He gives you a cheeky smile, lower half of his face wet with your fluid. 

“Let me make love to you.” And he does. He takes you apart on the same couch he envisioned fucking you on multiple times. You’ve thought it before, but Jay is a great lover. A pleaser. He loves to give pleasure to his partners more than receiving it. Even still, you give him what he is owed. His hand guides your head as you slobber all over his cock. 

“Fuck.” He grunts, as you hollow your cheeks. You flick your tongue around the head as you fondle his balls. Pulling back, you let your drool drip down his length before you dive in to suck his balls. 

If Jay didn’t know any better, he’d think you to be a succubus. Because you were definitely sucking his soul, straight out of his ballsack.

Not wanting to cum too soon, he pulls you off. Then he lays you on the couch and lines himself up with your entrance. “Do you care if I wear a condom or not?”

“No. You’re my husband, right? Cum in me. I’m yours.” And Jay is groaning as he sinks into your heat. You hold hands as he rocks into you at a steady pace. 

It doesn’t take much longer for you both to reach your high. You pull him closer as he cums inside of you. Lips locked in a passionate kiss. “Thank you.” He whispers against your lips. 

That night had been euphoric. You were content to believe that everything had progressed for the better. But perhaps, the joke was on you. You and Jay seemed to find middle ground. Him actively working on talking to you and coming home at reasonable times. After that night of passionate sex, he even took to kissing you. But most things don’t last if his mother is involved. That was one thing Jay couldn’t improve. Her deplorable behavior. She set Jay up on a date. 

How you found out was accidental. Jay had discarded his phone on the counter when he walked in the house. He went to shower, stating he had a business dinner to tend to later that night. It really was a shame that he had his text previews on. Because his mother kept blowing up his phone with messages. The final one? A picture of a fair skinned young woman with an innocent gaze. Then the time and place. Followed up with, ‘don’t be late.’

Everything around you seemed to stop. There was no way Jay was about to go on this date his mother had set up. Had the sex meant nothing to him? Was he… playing you? 

Confused, you just set the phone down and waited for him to come back out. He was dressed in burgundy dress pants with a crème polo shirt. He wore an Armani watch with a brown band and gold face. Hair slicked back, he looked good. And he smelled it too. 

“Hi.” He smiled softly, kissing your cheek. He moved behind you to pick up his phone. You analyzed him as he read the messages. Facial expression unreadable, he pockets his phone, moving towards the walkway entrance. Picking up his wallet and keys, he turns back to you. There you stand in the living room doorway. 

“I’ll be back later tonight, baby.” Baby. A slip of the tongue that he had gotten used to calling you. 

“Where did you say you were going again?” 

“Bella Noche Bistro. I have a reservation for 9 PM. I’m already running behind. I need to be out the door.” He rushes over to give you one more kiss, and then he is gone.

Bella Noche Bistro at 9 PM. With Hwang Soyeon. The exact same text message his mother sent him. The son of a bitch was playing you.

Trying to calm your mind, you spent the next hour and a half cleaning. Part of you wishes you never cleaned Jay’s office. However, the other part of you that strongly identifies as his wife, is glad. Going through his drawers, straightening up things, you discover something you probably shouldn’t have. There, sitting on top of another stack of papers is a document. Which reads ‘Divorce Agreement’ in bold letters. 

Jongseong planned on… divorcing you? Sitting down, you take a moment to gather your thoughts. So, that’s why he was out at these late night dinners. He was shopping for a new wife. At least that’s what you told yourself. 

Every part of you is pissed regarding this. How could he do this to you? After everything you’ve been through? Your entire life was upended for him. You suffered through a traumatic miscarriage. You were depressed, alone. But you stuck it out and stayed with him. Yet this is how he repays you? 

Betrayal shot like an arrow deep into your heart. The red string of fate that tied you to Jongseong felt so much like a noose in this given moment. Everything is so impossible with this family. Between his mother and him, you aren’t sure who deserves your wrath more at this moment. But not to worry. You would bide your time. This marks the official checkpoint of you checking out. You were done, tired of being life’s punching bag. So you put the paper back, close the drawer, turn off the light, and walk back out of that fucking place. Showering, you figure out exactly what to do. 

You wouldn’t act now though. You would be patient.

And you would mention nothing of it to Jay when he comes home with syrupy lips of whiskey. And you would say nothing as he kisses you, making love to you again and again. All while shopping around for dates. And you would just smile, as he left for another day of work. Then you would pick up the phone and call Hyori. Because Hyori and Mei had their own plan separate from you, one that required an upheaval of their lives. 

A relative of Hyori’s had passed away. And being their only next of kin, left her a nice, spacious home off on the coast. As her inheritance, she wanted to turn it into a bed and breakfast. They had floated the idea to you a month ago, stating that they would move there permanently. It hand stung then, to hear that your two new friends planned on leaving. You felt selfish in wanting them to stay. But now, there was no need. Because you were about to give the Park family exactly what they wanted. 

If a divorce was what they wanted, then a divorce was what they would get. 

A few days later, when Jay is out, you would go back to his office to look through his things. The document in question, unmoved from where you left it. It seemed as though he was really considering this. Well, you’d just have to beat him to the punch then wouldn’t you? Flipping through the pages, you would find the dotted line your signature needed to be on. In just a few short swoops, it would be signed. Once again, sealing your fate. 

And a week from now, when Jay comes home. You will be long gone. 

© seoulfulbliss— all rights reserved to this archive. please don’t repost without my permission. modifications of any kind is not tolerated, this is my creative content.

[gothicxreylover]

I want to request a Yandere Angeldust from hazbin hotel

Yandere Angel Dust Headcanons

(Reader is gender neutral, and angel dust is based off the pilot)

1. Possessive Love

Angel Dust is naturally flirty and carefree on the surface, but when it comes to you, he becomes incredibly possessive. Anyone who flirts with you or even looks at you the wrong way is met with his sharp tongue and, if necessary, a bullet from his gun.

2. Constant Attention

Angel thrives on attention, and he demands the same from you. If you spend too much time with someone else or seem distracted, he gets pouty and passive-aggressive, making sly comments to pull you back to him.

3. Manipulative Tendencies

Angel knows how to use his charm and wit to keep you dependent on him. He’ll shower you with compliments and gifts, only to subtly remind you that no one else will ever love you the way he does.

4. Violence as a Solution

While Angel tries to keep things lighthearted, his yandere tendencies surface when he feels threatened. Anyone who tries to harm or take you away is met with his deadly efficiency. He might even make jokes while dealing with them, masking his true rage.

5. Clingy Behavior

Angel constantly wants to be near you, whether it’s hanging out, holding your hand, or cuddling. If you try to create some space, he panics, convinced you’re slipping away, and will go to extreme lengths to keep you close.

6. Paranoia

Angel constantly worries that someone will take you away or that you’ll leave him. This paranoia makes him overly protective, often shadowing you or interrogating you about your interactions with others.

Small Story: “Strings Attached”

The dim neon lights of the Hazbin Hotel cast a glow over the room as you sat on the couch, flipping through a magazine. Angel Dust lounged next to you, his long legs sprawled out, one arm casually draped over the back of the couch.

“Whatcha readin’, babe?” he asked, leaning closer to peek over your shoulder.

“Just a magazine,” you replied, chuckling at his exaggerated curiosity.

Angel’s grin widened, but there was a flicker of something darker in his eyes. “You’ve been real into that thing. Almost like you’re ignoring me.”

You rolled your eyes, playfully nudging him. “Don’t be dramatic, Angel.”

Before you could react, he grabbed the magazine and tossed it aside, pulling you into his lap with surprising force. “Dramatic? Nah, doll, dramatic would be if I started tearin’ this place apart ‘cause you’re not givin’ me enough love.”

His tone was teasing, but the grip he had on your waist was firm, almost too tight. You tried to shift, but his spider-like legs locked you in place.

“Angel, what’s gotten into you?” you asked, half-laughing, trying to diffuse the tension.

His grin faltered for a moment, replaced by an intense stare. “You’re mine, ya know? Ain’t nobody else gonna treat you like I do. And if anyone tries to take you away…” He trailed off, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Well, let’s just say I ain’t afraid to make a mess.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, and despite the fear creeping up your spine, Angel’s arms wrapped around you in a gentle, almost loving way.

“Don’t look at me like that, doll,” he murmured, his cheek brushing against yours. “I just love ya too much, that’s all. You’re my everything, and I ain’t lettin’ anyone screw that up.”

His lips pressed against your temple, the gesture sweet and possessive. “Now, let’s forget all this heavy stuff, huh? C’mon, let’s watch somethin’. Just you and me.”

You nodded, unable to find your voice as Angel pulled you closer, his smile returning but his eyes still glinting with that unmistakable, dangerous devotion.

[pixelartpeach]

Theory that solves(?) "founding of Hyrule" timeline inconsistencies:

Origin of Hyrule no. 1: Skyward Sword. Zelda, Link, and the Skylians settle the surface world at the game's conclusion. Notably, their dress looks nothing like the Zonai era.

Origin of Hyrule no. 2: Tears of the Kingdom. Rauru and Sonia are the king and queen who founded Hyrule. Notably, Zonai mechanisms and architecture greatly resemble the pre-Skyward-Sword-era Lanayru mining tech and symbolism, though Skyward Sword's art direction is more cartoony than TotK, so that has to be taken into account.

That's where it gets cyclical. If TotK's forgotten era came first, then:

Zonai influence should be ALL OVER Skyloft

The Gerudo should not exist, because they're (implied to be) descended from Groose, a Skylian; at the very least, there should have been a whole Gerudo culture in the Sky

Where did the Secret Stones go?

We should have seen Zeldra flying around in the sky, let alone Dinraal, Farosh, and Naydra

But if Skyward Sword came before all things Zonai, then:

The Lanayru Mining Facility (assuming it to be Zonai in origin) should not exist

Hyrule should have already been founded by Rauru's time

Of the two, Skyward Sword being first on the wild surface makes more sense. But if that's the case, there are even more questions:

Where did the Secret Stones come from? Are we to believe that Hylia gave them to the Zonai, since the Golden Trio have already left the Triforce and departed?

What about the Zonai themselves? They supposedly descended from the heavens. Were they just up so high that the Skylians couldn't find them? Did Hylia cleave the ground twice? Did they spontaneously appear up there like mice in grain bins?

Why is there a whole Temple of Time with bells that Rauru, one of two of the LAST of his species, woke up and went to sleep to? In fact, why is there an entire kingdom's worth of structures already built before the Sky Reckoning?

My solution:

The Zonai did exist pre-Skyward Sword, and did descend down from the sky ages ago. They built the Lanayru Mining Facility, utilizing the power of Timeshift Stones in their work. This is not Rauru and Mineru's era.

The Zonai are among the people that stay behind to fight Demise alongside Hylia, while the Skylians were sent up to Skyloft. The people of the Surface are entrusted with the Secret Stones as weapons against Demise, with the caveat that they keep them hidden. That's why they're called Secret Stones despite being well-known to Ganondorf in TotK, it was PARAMOUNT that Demise not know he could get any stronger.

The war ends. Just about every civilization is obliterated by it. The Zonai retreat as far from Demise's seal as they can to lick their wounds. They take the sages' Secret Stones with them, so as to not be caught unawares and lose them to Demise when he eventually reemerges.

Skyward Sword.

The evil is defeated, the Skylians come down to the Surface. That's the signal that it's safe to return now. Shortly after the Skylians officially start to settle, the Zonai, who know how things work, help them build a proper civilization.

Time passes. The Surface is officially a bunch of scattered clans with varying degrees of territory. People are content, though nothing is particularly efficient. The Skylians take on Zonai fashion and building styles as generations pass. The Zonai themselves dwindle.

Rauru, married to the leader of the Hylians, looks to unite the scattered clans under one banner in the name of prosperity and shared resources, idolizing the pre-Skyward era where the gods walked the land. He and Sonia officially name the place Hyrule, and any clan that signs treaty with them is considered within its borders. Mineru, meanwhile, has made her first construct models based on the Lanayru Mine Robots of old, which add to the appeal of joining Hyrule as its subkingdom territories.

Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda's first 12 memories.

Between the Master Sword going back in time and Zeldra's ascent, Zelda and Mineru get to work with as many constructs as possible to protect the Sky Isles they plan to send upwards. They need a TON of Zonaite, and recycling is a priority, leading to the gachapon machines.

Zelda knows enough about her kingdom that she knows where the land is particularly rich is where the people of her time settled, and Zonaite is shown to enrich soil greatly. This is why all the old Zonaite mines are underneath the towns in modern Hyrule, despite changing geography through other eras, and Tarrey Town's new-ness.

Zelda ascends.

The secretive Sheikah clan, having seen the Blood Moon's rise when the Demon King took power, realize that Demise isn't, in fact, all gone. They decide this means that their job serving Hylia isn't truly done, and return to help the fledgling kingdom as best they can. They bring the knowledge of the Master Sword of Skyward Sword days with them.

Ganondorf first shakes the seal he's under without form, leading to the first Calamity and the initial rise of Calamity Ganon. This is 10k years before BotW. This is also the first documented use of the Master Sword to seal the Demon King away, recorded in the tapestry.

The Sheikah are forced to abandon their technology. The Yiga/Sheikah split happens.

Literally all the rest of Hyrulean History happens after this.

Breath of the Wild.

Tears of the Kingdom.

[jealousmartini]

how other quirks and even other side effects of quirks help balance or cancel the side effects of my magnetism out.

Everyone shut up. I'm gonna info dump more quirk facts about my magnetism in bitesizes chunks because I'm making a full documentation and analysis of my quirk but it's literally nowhere near done and I need to get this out there

Cool down

So when I have overdone my quirk usage, my body immediately goes into something called a cool down. This is when the temperature of my body simmers down to a significantly cooler temperature. Because my body operates like a magnet, which means I also operate as a battery and a charger at the same time, so the constant use of power makes my body heaten up. Here's how it works. (Ignore the sudden use of third person)

The science behind it

Marcelynn's entire body works like a magnet, but the outlines of pads on the tips of her fingers like Uraraka as well as a bigger one on the palms of her hands are her main areas of output.

Rubbing her hands together (which is what she does when she wants to create more power) creates static friction ->

which makes heat ->

which is then converted into energy and the more friction she uses, the more it amplifies what energy is stored in her body ->

and then boosts power.

Doing this too much can make my quirk go into overdrive, which means the amount of static friction and energy I have stored into my body is too much for me to physically contain. Signs that show quirk over-use are heavy headaches and heavy limbs, sudden hiccups, twitching, and achey joints. As well as low iron deficiency symptoms such as dizziness, energy loss and fainting.

And a separate sign, overheating.

So when I am taking a break, my body realises this, and my temperature slowly drops to adjust to a cooler temperature that's usually colder than the environment around me. This happens because my body is trying to release all excess energy and static I've stored that my body cannot contain, which shows through the loss of heat.

The chilly issue

Of course, now, this isn't always the best thing for me depending on the environment and the weather I'm in. Going into cool down in already cold environments will make me chilly and cold. This is because her body is trying to refrain her from overheating too much, by comparing the temperature of the environment around me to mine and drops it lower than the environment.

Problem solving

But its okay! There's a solution to this. Anything or person that comes in contact with her that has a higher temperature than her will automatically have their body heat altered and shared with hers to raise her temperature to a comfortable warmth but it lowers theirs in the process too.

To maintain warmth — The solutions

-> Hotot showers and baths

-> Hot packs

-> Heat related quirks

Because both Bakugo and Todoroki have heat related quirks, they both happen to be incredibly complimentary to my cool down and overheating.

The way their quirks would come of aid to me is by being in some sort of physical contact with me. It doesn't have to be much. Even leaning into each other is enough to share and convert coolness and heat to and with each other. But when physical touch comes to you like second nature because of a certain someone's magnetic influence, it seems like instinct and comfort has other plans.

BAKUGO'S [UNINTENTIONALLY] CHOSEN METHODS OF (HEAT) RELIEF? 💭

-> Lying on top of me for maximum efficiency

⤷⌗ — He only does this when he reallllyyy needs to. Like after a long, hard day of training. Sweaty bastard collapsing into me like a dead weight.

-> Sitting close to me, arms interlocked for extra closeness

-> Dropping his head into the crook of my neck because I'm his ice pack

-> Visiting my room after any minor inconvenience

⤷⌗ — By any minor inconvenience, I mean almost all the time.

"Does anyone have any ibuprofen? My head hurts" — The solution

Even Uraraka's anti gravity counters my quirk's heavy headaches, heavy limbs, and dizziness side effects. When Uraraka over uses her quirk, she gets light-headed and queasy, which is actually really funny because of the way her side effects exactly oppose mine, that it takes combining each other's quirks by holding onto the other's hand to cancel out each other's side effects. But thing is, Uraraka has a stronger sense of affection for me since we're close. So..

OCHAKO'S CHOSEN METHODS OF RELIEF?💭

-> Forehead kisses

⤷⌗ — Platonical. Literally a short cutesy "mmwah!" on my head is enough to making me feel light headed

-> Holding hands as a means of syncing quirks

-> Playing w/ each others hair, massaging each others brains

-> Lying on top of each other, or cuddling as a means of grounding

Low on battery? — The solution

Remember when I mentioned energy loss, and fainting in my list of side effects? Well there, too, is a solution for these inconveniences. But first? Check this out… ⌵

Magnetic Influence

Is the name of the literal subconscious "push" or "pull" that people have depending on how strong or weak their magnetic fields sync to my field is and vice versa.

Everybody has a natural magnetic field, but the source of the influence always comes from me the strongest because, well, I'm a magnet. It is that all other magnetic fields react to mine on different levels, negatively or positively depending on how compatible we are and how well we compliment each other. This will determine how attractive I find the other person and if I'm even attracted to them at all (vice versa).

The positivity and how strong my magnetic influence is on someone is usually determined by our dynamics. Compatibility can look like anything mind you, especially positive compatibility which doesn't have to take the form of the conventional idea of what it looks like to be harmonious.

And our dynamics can cover literally anything too like our personality types, quirks, drive, energy (basically our freak), our interests, our pros and cons, our strengths and weaknesses, our specialities and even physical features.

That's why I seem to have high interest in a collective of people -> Uraraka, Bakugo, Deku, Mina, Kirishima and Denki (Not in that order plus Sero is an honorable mention), which ties into the nature of my quirk, pulling towards compatible fields which amplifies and boosts things like my mood, my social battery and my energy in general. Think of it like dopamine seeking in a way, being around each other is incredibly beneficial to both me and the person I am super attracted to because it amplifies their energy just like mine.

❜❛ But, what does it mean when the opposite happens? ❜❛

Are you really tired, or are you just comfortable with me? — The illusion of exhaustion

See It's usually those who you feel the most comfortable with who you seek refuge in and gravitate towards when you're at your lowest, rinsed of all physical and mental strength. Because you know, subconsciously, their presence alone will make you feel better again. And it's also those people whose presence that is so comforting and familiar, it confuses the brain into thinking it's time for bed.

This is the illusion of exhaustion. When you are so used to returning back to orbit the person you've come to associate with the feelings of and comfort so strong that your brain can't tell the difference between that person and home, that it physically makes you relaxed and at ease.

Marcelynn's main sources of recharge being Uraraka, Bakugo, Deku, Mina, Denki and Kirishima (which will be elborated on in the future.) That being said...

MARCELYNN'S METHODS OF RECHARGE?💭

Being within close proximity

-> Parallel play (which is doing something in the same space as someone else but not directly interacting w/ each other)

⤷⌗ — I value my alone time. But when I'm feeling lonely, I love to spend time with my friends whenever I can. I think quality time might be one of my love languages.

⤷⌗ — Home work dates and studying sessions are a really good example.

-> Sitting next to/inbetween her favourite individuals

-> Mainly hanging out w/ "them"

-> Wordless facetime calls

⤷⌗ — Happens a lot w/ Bakugo. He'll call me whilst we're all at our own houses for the break, and we might yap for a bit but it will mostly be quiet on both our ends of the line. He just likes having me around and will find a way to spend time when he can if we can't be in person

Physical touch (reciprocating and receiving)

-> Falling asleep with or against the other

⤷⌗ — Happens whenever Uraraka, Bakugo or Kirishima crash at my room way more often than I'd like to admit... or even when I crash at THEIRS.

-> Linking arms and holding hands

⤷⌗ — Uraraka and Mina are my absolute go-tos for hand holding. Our hands just immediately intertwine with each other the moment we're close. We are like this🤞🏾

⤷⌗ — I mainly link arms w/ Bakugo because he's self-conscious about his sweat even though idgaf .. 💬

-> Leaning against another

⤷⌗ — I do this with everyone in that list. It's like my Y-axis is permanently off balance because of those lot.

⤷⌗ — Midoriya, Uraraka, Mina and even Todoroki leaning into me. While Kirishima immediately relaxes back and adjusts himself to make us both comfortable but Bakugo is lowkey kinda stiff as a stick before he does the same.

-> Hugging / cuddling

⤷⌗ — I say cuddling but most of the time it's just Bakugo barging into my room and tackling me to the bed. Well it's that or I'm sat next to him and he very cooly slings his arm over my shoulders. He totally didn't start doing that because Kirishima did..

-> Having her hair played with

-> Head pats

Conclusions?

Marcelynn's dynamics will be thoroughly explained. Uhm.. yeah, some of them go crazy so get ready for that.

· · ───────── ꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ──────── · ·

ⓘ all rights reserved type shit. No copyrighting or whatever you know the drill.

Mootie tags if yall gaf: @intimidaid @starry-com @angelic-daiquiri @coquettebratzdoll @bendys-wife @hrrtshape @theshifterbride @deepinthegroves

[wachinyeya]

by Elena Kryvoshei, Mon 30 Jun 2025

Scientists have developed recyclable solar cells that use only water, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals and potentially addressing a major environmental challenge in the solar industry.

Swedish researchers have developed a method for fully recycling advanced solar cells using only water, potentially addressing a significant environmental challenge as the solar industry continues its rapid expansion.

The new technique could help address concerns about waste from perovskite solar panels, which are more efficient than traditional panels but difficult to recycle.

Solar energy has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the global market expanding at a rate of around 24% annually over the past decade. This growth is expected to continue, with industry estimates suggesting the market will triple in size by 2028.

Part of this expansion will come from newer perovskite solar cells, which can convert up to 25% of solar energy into electricity. Traditional silicon-based cells typically achieve an efficiency of only 15-20%.

However, these high-performing perovskite cells have presented a significant recycling challenge. Until now, breaking them down required toxic chemicals that could harm the environment.

Researchers from Linköping University in Sweden have published findings in the journal Nature that could change this situation. They’ve developed a water-based method that completely breaks down perovskite solar cells without using harmful chemicals.

“We can recycle everything—covering glasses, electrodes, perovskite layers, and also the charge transport layer,” said Xun Xiao, a postdoctoral student and co-author of the research.

Professor Feng Gao, another paper co-author, emphasized the importance of considering recycling from the start: “If we don’t know how to recycle them, maybe we shouldn’t put them on the market at all.”

Instead of toxic chemicals, the researchers created a water-based solution containing three additives: sodium acetate, sodium iodide, and hypophosphorous acid.

Each ingredient serves a specific purpose in the recycling process. Sodium acetate helps separate the cell’s materials, while sodium iodide helps reform the perovskite crystals so they can be reused in new solar cells. Hypophosphorous acid keeps the solution stable.

The process involves heating water to 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit) for 20 minutes before submerging the solar cell. After the cell breaks down, the team separates the recycled perovskite crystals using a centrifuge spinning at 5,000 rotations per minute for three minutes.

The most impressive aspect of this breakthrough is that solar cells made from these recycled materials maintain the same efficiency as the original cells. This means manufacturers could potentially reuse the same materials multiple times without losing performance.

This development addresses a key sustainability concern in the solar manufacturing industry. While solar power itself produces clean energy, the production of solar panels requires the mining of critical minerals from around the world. These materials are often difficult to source and have their own environmental impact.

The ability to recycle these materials multiple times could reduce the need for new mining operations and lower the overall environmental footprint of solar energy.

The creation of fully recyclable solar cells could also help bring down solar energy prices in the long term. By reusing expensive materials instead of constantly mining new ones, manufacturers might reduce production costs, making solar power even more competitive with fossil fuels.

Currently, the solar industry faces significant recycling challenges. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, only about 10% of solar panels worldwide are recycled properly. The vast majority end up in landfills where their valuable and sometimes toxic materials can’t be recovered.

By 2050, experts predict that solar panel waste could reach 78 million tons globally. This makes the development of recyclable solar cells increasingly urgent from both environmental and economic perspectives.

The cost difference between traditional recycling methods and this new water-based approach is substantial. While conventional recycling of perovskite solar cells requires expensive chemical solvents and specialized disposal processes that can cost up to $25-30 per panel, early estimates suggest the water-based method could reduce these costs by 60-70%.

Solar panel prices have already dropped significantly in recent years, helping drive the industry’s growth despite political opposition from some quarters. The Trump administration had voiced opposition to solar development, but the industry continued to expand regardless.

Perovskite solar cells represent the next generation of solar technology due to their higher efficiency. They can convert a quarter of the sun’s energy that hits them into usable electricity, significantly better than most panels currently on rooftops around the world.

Their main drawback has been the end-of-life disposal issues. Unlike many other products, solar panels contain specialized materials that need proper handling when they’re no longer useful.

The water-based recycling method developed by the Swedish researchers represents a potential solution to this problem. By making the entire recycling process less toxic and more efficient, they’ve addressed one of the few remaining environmental concerns about solar energy.

The regulatory landscape for solar panel recycling varies widely across the globe. The European Union leads with its Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, which requires manufacturers to take back and recycle solar panels at the end of their life.

In the United States, most states lack specific regulations for solar panel disposal; however, California has classified them as universal waste, requiring special handling. China, the world’s largest solar producer, has recently begun developing national standards for recyclable solar cells and the disposal of solar panels.

If scaled up successfully, this technology could help ensure that the growing solar industry remains truly sustainable throughout the entire lifecycle of its products.

The findings come at a critical time for renewable energy. As more countries and companies commit to reducing carbon emissions, the demand for solar power continues to increase. Ensuring this growth occurs in an environmentally responsible manner is crucial for effectively addressing climate change.

By developing methods to recycle the most advanced solar cells fully, researchers are helping ensure that clean energy solutions don’t create new environmental problems along the way.