#30 piece makeup brush set

[recodestudios12]

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[londonprime]

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[bettyfrommars]

I'm on Fire

Chapter 2: Edgy and Dull

biker!Eddie Munson x fem!artist!reader

🚨18+ONLY, mature themes, eventual smut, mention of poverty, mention of hard times at home, alcohol consumption, smoking, some physical violence, cheating (not on reader), angsty situation, I'm not sure what else to put here, please let me know if I missed something. Word count: 4.4k

Series Masterlist Playlist

---------

“Sometimes it’s like someone took a knife, baby, edgy and dull, and

cut a six-inch valley through the middle of my skull”

“You know that saying, ‘shit happens and then you die’?” You had your headphones around your neck, makeup done, but only your sweats and ratty t-shirt on as you walked through the kitchen. “Shouldn’t it be, ‘shit happens and then you live’? Cause that just feels more accurate.”

Your roommate Katie had the day off, and she was reading a book in the love seat by the window, but you had to be at work by 2 to get ready for the gallery opening.

“I think we should get the latter one tattooed on us,” Katie responded, her eyes never leaving the pages of her book.

It had just occurred to you, only moments earlier, that you were missing an earring. Not a big deal, they weren’t expensive or anything, but you didn’t want to step on it in your bare feet or find out that your cat Charlie ate it by accident. You tossed your bed and couldn’t find it, and later you were on your hands and knees going through the carpet with your fingers when Katie brought her book down so that just her eyes were showing over the top.

“You lose your dignity again?”

“Yes, but also,” you stood up with a sigh, brushing yourself off. “I lost the pair to those silver hoops I always wear. Oh well,” you were running late, per usual, and getting distracted with the chore of looking for an insignificant piece of your jewelry was not helping.

You just didn’t want to go into work, that was the problem. You got dressed listening to Supernova by Liz Phair, and then you had to go into the third bedroom you used as a studio to grab something, and the three works in progress sitting there glaring back at you made you pause. The irony of it was, you'd started working at the gallery to be closer to the art world, but you worked so much, you rarely had time to paint. It was the definition of madness.

“See you at 5:30,” you called to Katie as you walked out the door. You were both suckers for any event that offered free snacks and booze. “Oh and please check Charlie’s food dish before you leave. Okayloveyoubye.”

As you approached your car where it was parked at the curb, your eyes locked on the brand new, passenger side tire, and you couldn’t help but think about the hands that put it there. You had a flashback of his smile, the way his mouth moved when he talked, the way the back of his hand grazed your knee when he was reaching for the CB. You had experienced an instant familiarity that didn’t make any sense to you.

You know what else didn’t make sense? You forgetting your keys inside because you’d be shit out of luck trying to get your car started without them. Also, you still had your slippers on.

------------

The sign in the window of Moon River Gallery announced the showing of original paintings and sculpture by Anna Stavros and Beckett Miller, and you were setting up the beverage table when the owner of the gallery, Judith, showed up. She only came for the events, to mingle and show off to her friends, but she wasn’t one to lend a hand, and she was never available when you had questions. In some ways, it was nice, because you could take care of the space and the other employees without too much micro-managing, but when she did show up---it was always emotionally taxing.

“You’re not wearing that today, are you?” Judith asked you, the sides of her mouth jerking down, her brows clenching together.

What you had on was similar to what you always wore at the gallery; it was simple and classic so that the customers and clients could focus on the artwork and not on you. But, it wasn’t cashmere or Ralph Lauren, and Judith was an honest to god snob. If she knew that most of your clothes were bought second hand at thrift stores, she’d have a stroke right in the middle of the showroom floor.

You looked down at yourself. “Um, yes. Yes I am,” even though you knew what you had on was fine, her comment still made you self-conscious and you crossed your arms over your chest.

You walked the floor with Judith to show her how you set everything up, and to give her an idea of how many had already RSVP’d. You were looking down the list of confirmed clients when a name toward the bottom caught your eye.

...Charlene Gregson & guest….

A few guests arrived early and Judith went over so that they could sing their praises to her. You caught the eye of one of your helpers, Jeffery, and waved him over, mouthing for him to meet you around the back of the stairs.

“Hey,” you brushed a piece of hair off of your face. “First of all, you’re doing great. The artist statements look amazing. But also, are you the one who took the confirmation for Charlene Gregson? I don’t remember her being on the original list.”

At first, Jeffery looked worried, like maybe had done something wrong, but then he softened and got a little flustered. “It’s one of Judith’s friends, they know each other from the country club.”

Judith was supposed to run all of the invites by you, so that you could be prepared, but she usually just expected you to read her mind.

“Do you know who the guest she’s bringing is?” You ask, thinking it would be her husband, and how you were curious to get a good look at both of them.

At the front of the gallery, Judith had her arms wide, taking bold credit for how everything was set up.

Jeff inched closer and whispered. “You’re going to love this. Apparently, she has a bodyguard that she takes with her to events.”

You turned to Jeff with your mouth open, assuming it was a joke, a permanent look of surprise frozen on your face, and it made him stifle a laugh.

The two of you stepped further to the side, behind one of the dividers. “A bodyguard?” You repeated what he just said, thinking maybe you got it wrong. “Is she running for president of the United States or something?”

“It’s so strange, right?” Jeff looked to see where Judith was and then kept talking. “The rumor is, she was robbed at gun point a few months ago, and ever since then, she’s been paying a member of the Coffin Kings to be her driver and her bodyguard whenever her husband is away.”

You held your breath at Coffin Kings. Wasn’t that the motorcycle gang rumored to have a clubhouse at Munson’s Garage?

“Did you get the name for this body guard by chance?” You had a weird feeling, but passed it off as sampling too much of the pre-packaged deli cheese.

“No, I’m sorry,” Jeffery looked so sad, like he had just let you down in the biggest way.

“It’s okay, it’s okay, “ you patted his arm, and then noticed that Judith was beckoning for you. “We’ll find out soon enough anyway.”

-------------

Soon enough came exactly 42 minutes later.

You were in the middle of explaining the nuances and inspirations for a large mixed media piece by the artist Anna Stavros for a handful of people when Jeffery scooted up to your side and took your arm, whispering, “she’s here,” into your ear and, rightfully so, you completely lost your train of thought.

You excused yourself from the group, and asked one of the other employees to refill their wine glasses---because drunk people buy more art.

The gallery floor was packed. There was an art walk happening on the entire street, so some of them came and went, but a few were lifers who only bought art from Judith because of her family name.

You followed Jeffery around so that you could have a clear view of the front door and, there she was: tall, blonde, and tan. She was probably in her late thirties; she had a face like Bridget Fonda with the body and style of Sharon Stone.

You gulped.

But you choked on your own saliva and started to cough when you saw Eddie out on the sidewalk waiting for her, smoking a cigarette. Turns out, your gut had been right; it hadn’t been the cheese after all.

He looked...really good. He had on a black leather jacket, heavy with buckles and zippers, on over a button down dress shirt that was undone all the way to the middle of his chest, allowing the hint of several tattoos to peak out. He wore black jeans with boots, and his hair was down, long passed his shoulders. It was kinda messy and curly and you wanted to touch it.

“10 out of 10 would let the bodyguard bend me over in a dark alley,” Jeff said in your ear, and you silently agreed.

You turned to say something else to Jeff, but just then a guest touched his arm and engaged him in conversation.

You made a beeline through the crowd to introduce yourself to Charlene, but Katie intercepted you breathlessly. “I know I’m late, I’m so sorry, I took a nap and I didn’t set the alarm and---”

“It’s okay,” you tell her. You’re not looking at her though, your eyes are on Charlene who has now gone over to talk with Judith. “I’m glad you made it. Here, have my wine. Eat all of the shrimp you want. I’ll be right back.”

You watched through the front windows as Eddie sucked on his cigarette, hooked one thumb into his front belt loop, and leaned back against the lamp post at the edge of the sidewalk. You took another look around you, and then grabbed a beer from the ice bucket at the beverage table and headed out.

“Did you come to take my tire back?” You called out to him as you stepped from the threshold and started to close the distance between the two of you.

He threw you a dirty look at first, but then recollection dawned, and he offered not a smile so much as little quotations appearing on each side of his mouth. He straightened, sliding his back up the lamp post and flicked his cigarette.

“Well, well, well,” he jerked his chin at you. “Fancy meeting you here.”

“You’re on my turf now, buddy,” you said, spreading your arms wide after glancing over your shoulder to make sure no one could see you from the window. “Thirsty?” You asked, extending the beer to him.

“How did you know what kind of beer I drink?” He asked with a few creases in his forehead, appraising the can as you handed it to him.

You shrugged. “It’s the beer I like, so, I guess that means you have good taste.”

Eddie looked tired. You noticed the dark circles under his eyes right away, and even though he put on a good, tough front, you could tell that he hadn’t slept well in days, maybe weeks. He dropped the butt of his cigarette to the sidewalk and crushed it with the toe of his boot as he cracked the can and took a swig.

The sidewalk was narrow and you pressed your back against the brick wall of the building across from him, allowing other art walk people to pass by as you talked.

He waited for a few pedestrians to pass by before he spoke to you again. “So, you’re gonna make me drink alone?”

“I’m on the clock,” you tilted your head, placing your hands behind your lower back so that your fingers grazed the brick behind you. “One of those beers and I won’t be able to stop.”

“I’d like to see that,” he said under his breath, putting his lips against the rim of his beer for another drink, trying is best to contain another grin.

“Wait,” he seemed to catch something a bit later than you gave it. “You work here? At this gallery?”

You could see that his face was a genuine mix of being shocked and impressed. His eyes shifted to the door a few times, and you wondered---was there also a hint of worry there? Fear that Charlene would come out and see him talking to you?

“I suppose you could call what I do work,” you returned, flippantly. “I can’t change a tire or do what you do, that’s for sure.”

“You don’t even own a tire,” he teased.

“Hey, that’s not true, I have the required number now, thank you very much.”

“You need to carry a spare in your trunk, just in case,” he wiped his mouth and put his chin to his chest, and then looked up at you from under his lashes. “Come by the shop some day, I have a few to spare. I won’t charge you.”

You were touched by the generous offer and it was a challenge to think of a new sarcastic thing to say.

“Do you want to come inside?” You knew deep in your soul that he wouldn’t; it was absolutely not his scene. Hell, it wasn’t even yours, to be honest. “There’s a lot of free food in there. Pounds of it, actually.”

His stomach grumbled and he worried for a beat that maybe you had heard it. He’d be able to grab a bite after he dropped Charlene off and she paid him. Every time he thought about her paying him, it made him cringe internally, like he was some kind of fuckboy escort service. But ever since Wayne got sick, he let her stick a couple hundred dollar bills in his pocket every now and then, because every dime helped.

“No thanks,” he shook his head, waiting again for another handful of pedestrians. “I don’t want the cops to get called on your party.”

You wondered why he said that. Was it because of how he looked? Or was there another reason? You wanted to ask, but then Jeffery came scrambling out onto the sidewalk, arms flailing.

“Hey, I need you!” He was in panic mode, but when he saw that you were talking to someone, he bashfully locked his fingers together in front of him. “Pardon me. I mean, I am in need of your assistance madame, posthaste.”

You pushed off from the wall and said, “duty calls.”

But then, Eddie pushed off of the lamp post and suddenly you were both close together in the middle of the sidewalk. You looked up at him, waiting, watching the way his lips parted as if he were about to say something.

“You should...if you’re not...if you have time later,” God he cursed himself for how he was babbling. Fuck, Munson, spit it out for godsake. She already thinks you’re a pimp and a loser, what else could go wrong?

“I mean,” Eddie cleared his throat. “If you’re free after this, my band is playing at The Hideout tonight. It’s a total dump, but the beer is cold.” He ended it with a little self-deprecating laugh that you recognized because you used it often.

You waved Jeff back inside and turned back to Eddie. “Um,” the answer you wanted to shout at him was YES, but you had a few things to consider.

You’re such an idiot, Munson. His internal monologue continued. Why would a woman like her ever be caught dead in a place like that with a guy like you?

“I’ll be here cleaning up until after 10. Will you still be there?”

It took him a few blinks to realize that you were accepting his invitation. “No, I mean yeah, that’s---we won’t even go on until after 10.”

“Okay, then, maybe I’ll see you later.” you started walking and smiled at him over your shoulder.

“Oh, wait,” Eddie called to you, remembering the earring he’d been carrying around in the pocket of his jacket, but you were already inside.

Just as you entered the gallery, Charlene Gregson was hugging Judith goodbye, and she brushed by you on her way out the door, smelling like suntan oil and Chanel No. 5. You waited, and then turned to see her go up to Eddie and kiss him on the cheek, before he went around to open the passenger side door of her black Porsche for her. She kissed him on the cheek? Why did this feel so… off? They weren’t dating and he wasn't just her driver/bodyguard. Something was fishy about it and you had the right might to find out.

------

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Katie whispered as the two of you made it on foot around the block from where you parked to The Hideout entrance. The venue was situated in a part of down with very few street lights, and so the only illumination as you approached were two neon beer signs in each window and a soft green fluorescent glow coming from inside the door. You could hear the music clear as day from outside, the beat thudding in your chest. It was coming from a jukebox: Possum Kingdom by the Toadies.

You passed by a long row of motorcycles parked out front and you thought about the biker bar scene in Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure when he accidentally knocked all of the bikes over and it made you laugh and bite your lip.

“Make up your mind,

and I’ll promise you

I will treat you well,

my sweet angel…”

Once the cloud of cigarette smoke cleared, you could see the stage in the back was empty, and you didn’t see Eddie.

To the right was a bar with a bunch of pull tabs in plastic boxes on the wall and three guys with beards wearing leather biker cuts, sat nursing their drinks.

“Do you see him?” Katie had her arm interlocked with yours now and she elbowed your ribs. She knew what he looked like from the few times she bought weed from him, but that felt like a bazillion years ago.

You shook your head, looking for a place to sit.

“Give it up to me

do you want to

be my angel?

So help me..”

That was when you felt a warm body come up behind you, breaching the wall of your invisible bubble, and you were about to kick whoever it was in the shin when you heard his voice in your ear:

“Now, you’re on my turf,” Eddie said. He took two long strides until he was in front of the two of you, and then he cocked one eyebrow up.

“This whole turf thing is getting serious,” you made eye contact with him and tilted your head. “We probably need to have some kind of dance off to settle it.”

He just licked his lips and made those familiar quotations show up on either side of his mouth, as if to announce that his lips were a statement in themselves.

Turns out, Eddie’s band Corroded Coffin wasn’t able to perform that night because their drummer broke his foot in a motorcycle accident.

“He’s loaded up on pain pills, he’ll be fine,” Eddie assured you after seeing the horrified look on your face. “We have someone who usually fills in, but he wasn’t available either.”

“So it’s just been me and my buddy Steve here hanging out,” Eddie finished. “I didn’t have you number, so I thought I’d just wait and see.”

Eddie was starting to make you feel a certain type of way, like when you put a chocolate chip cookie in the microwave for the perfect amount of time and it melts in your mouth.

“What do we have here?” A guy came up next to Eddie, and he had a thick head of dark hair with eyes all brown and pretty just like Eddie's. When he smiled, you could see that his right incisor was a gold tooth. He also had a leather biker kutte, or cut, on like the guys at the bar, there was a big tattoo on the side of his neck.

You felt Katie stiffen at your side. You had already made the introductions between her and Eddie, and they remembered each other, but now this guy was staring over at her with a certain level of elevated interest.

“Ladies,” Eddie gestured to the guy with the tattooed neck. “This is my buddy Steve. Steve, this is Y/N and her roommate Christie.”

“Katie,” she corrected. "Gosh, Munson, my feelings are hurt. How many times did we get stoned together back in the day?"

“Right, Katie, that’s what I meant.”

“Katie.” Steve Harrington repeated her name, blinking his big doe eyes, seemingly oblivious to everyone else in the room. He had a natural charisma and magnetism about him that was undeniable.

You could feel Katie’s skin getting hot. She was naturally funny and talkative, but she was suddenly retreating into her mute phase.

The boys invited you over to their table, and Katie made wide eyes at you as you went, wordlessly announcing that she thought Steve was hot. The next song on the jukebox started: You Could Be Mine by Guns n’ Roses, and that was when all hell broke loose.

Steve was about to reach the table when a big guy coming in the other direction shoulder checked him, knocking his arm back. You grabbed onto Katie and the two of you froze as Steve and the guy exchanged a few intense words. Eddie stepped in between with his back to you, acting as a shield for both of you in case it escalated.

“Get over it, man, that was fucking years ago,” Steve spat, standing his ground as the two had a bit of a stare-off.

The guy confronting Steve was maybe the same age, but he had more of a “clean cut” look so to speak, like he still clung to his glory days of being the captain of the football team in high school and tried to make it his whole personality. He was clearly wasted and stumbling on his feet a bit. You couldn’t understand what the whole thing was about, but it sounded like Steve might’ve had sex with the other guy’s girl at one point.

“Wrap it up, kids,” Eddie stepped forward. “We’ve got ladies present.”

The guy confronting Steve snapped a look at Eddie, and then his eyes landed on you and Katie, and he snorted.

“If they’re with you two, they’re not ladies. They’re nothing but cock sucking whores.”

Both you and Katie opened your mouths, shocked at the vitriol directed at the two of you for absolutely no reason, but as you were trying to understand why he said it, you noticed Eddies hands turn to fists at his sides.

“Someone needs to shut your mouth, it might as well be me,” and then Eddie swung at him, connecting his metal rings to the side of the guy’s face with a crunch of cartilage and bone. Katie yelped and stumbled back, taking you with her.

The guy Eddie punched recovered, his face already bleeding, and he lurched forward with an animalistic yowl, a long arm punch connecting with Eddie’s chin. Steve pushed the guy back, tackling him to the ground, wailing on his face with his fists as he went and people scattered. A wooden chair broke their fall and the arm rest splintered off.

The clean cut guy had two other friends, and they were both headed over to join in.

Eddie turned to you, his lip bleeding, piece of hair sticking to his cheek, his eyes wild. “Run! Get out of here!”

You didn’t want to leave him in that mess, but Katie was shouting your name and pulling at your arm, and the last thing you saw over your shoulder was one of the other friends try to swing on Eddie, but Eddie grabbed the guy and threw him to the ground.

“I’m too old for this, I’m too old for this!” Katie was repeating as you both raced to her car. She fumbled her keys twice. Just as she unlocked your door from the inside, you heard the sirens closing in: the cops were on their way.

You couldn’t let Eddie and Steve go to jail for defending you.

“Go around front,” you shouted as you slammed your door. “We need to get pick them up.”

“We need to WHAT?” Katie blanched, muttering to herself as she shifted into reverse. “I knew I should’ve never woken up from that nap.”

Her tires squealed as she rounded the corner, adrenaline rushing though both of you, your hearts racing. You rolled down the window as she screeched to a stop in front of the entrance. You couldn’t see Eddie, but you screamed for him, and you told Katie to honk the horn.

The sirens were getting closer.

That was when Eddie and Steve stumbled out of the door with a few other patrons, both with bloody lips and hands. You could tell by their faces that they hadn’t expected to see you there, but they were grateful. Speeding away on a motorcycle was not ideal in that moment, because two cop cars were already fishtailing around the corner, headed in that direction.

“GET IN!” You yelled, and the two of them realized in a split second they had no choice but to obey. Steve dove into the back seat first, followed by Eddie, and then you were shouting, “Gogogogogogo,” to Katie as she floored the gas and cursed you, saying she’d never go anywhere with you ever again.

Part 2.5

[ughkat]

focus on me | l.r.h

part four

{part five out!}

part three here

tutor!luke x fem!reader au

tutor x student, kissing, mild smut, fluff

not proofread

-

The weekend had finally rolled around, giving me some much needed time off from the stress of my classes. I had woken up only less than an hour before I began contemplating my days activities.

I scrolled through my phone aimlessly while I laid comfortably in my bed, a yawn escaping me here and there. Suddenly, as I was about to text Leah, an unsaved number had messaged me.

"Is this Y/n?"

I furrowed my brows at the text, unsure if I should respond. The area code was the same as mine, indicating the unknown person was nearby. I typed slowly, doubting my engagement.

"Who is this?"

I played it safe. Three dots appeared quickly before another message flashes onto my screen.

"Sorry, this is Luke."

The message read. My eyes widened at his words, frantically searching my mind for why the boy had my phone number, and why he was texting me on a weekend. I trailed my eyes around my room as my heart began to pick up its pace anxiously, searching for my words.

"Yeah, this is her, how do you have my number?"

I typed hesitantly. I bit my cheek while my thumbs hovered over my screen impatiently waiting Luke's reply.

"Your professor. He shared it with me before you started tutoring in case I needed to get ahold of you."

I read the text with suspicion. Couldn't he have just given my email address like a normal professor?

"Oh, okay. Did you need something?"

I replied dryly, suspense filling me while he took an agonizingly slow time to get to his reasons for contacting me.

"Would you like to come in for an extra session today?"

I narrowed my eyes at the text, his intentions seemings a little unclear.

"It's the weekend." I responded.

"We can get coffee? :)"

He persuaded. I half smiled at his words, tilting my head. Was Luke really inviting me out for coffee and covering it by calling it a "session"?. I let out a sigh, knowing I had no other plans today anyway.

"Sure, why not."

I typed, sending impulsively before I changed my mind. I bit my cheek anxiously at my own actions.

"Great. I'll meet you outside your dorms at 12.".

I let out a breath after reading his final message before checking the time. I had 30 minutes to get ready, the realization making me jump from my spot in bed.

I rushed to my desk to prepare my face, focusing intensely on my light makeup. I ran my mascara wand carefully through my long lashes, then my bottom ones. Adding a small touch of deep red lipstick to my lips for some color. I let my hair fall effortlessly down my back, some stray pieces framing my face, as I've always let my hair be used as a mask. Before getting dressed, I headed to the sink to brush my teeth.

Going simple, I landed on a pair of flared blue jeans and a simple body hugging black t-shirt, all paired with black boots and a casual leather jacket. I sprayed a few simple spurts of perfume around my before before heading back to my bed to check the time on my phone. I still had 10 minutes until I had to meet him, but the walk down stairs was already a good 5-8 minutes. I swiftly grabbed my small shoulder bag before heading out my dorm room.

Anxiously making me way down hallways and multiple sets of stairs I thought about why Luke would want to get a coffee with me. Are we actually going to have a session or was that an excuse to see me? I shook my head at my own thoughts, remembering my best friends words. If this was the same Luke she mentioned, there's no chance he'd willingly spend his free time with me.

I reached the bottom floor or my dorm, nervously opening the front door to the outside. The crisp fall air bit at my cheeks as I took a seat at a small bench beside the entrance. I quickly checked the time again, that being 2 minutes after 12. I fidgeted with my fingers nervously, overthinking that maybe Luke had stood me up. A few more minutes without him passed while I zoned out on my lap under me as I heard a deep voice approaching from beside me.

"Hey." He smiled. I perked up in my seat, returning the expression.

"Hi." I looked up at him, standing up from my seat. He looked me up and down before meeting my eyes again.

"To the music room...? Or..." I began, turning in the direction of my music class. He shook his head lightly, gesturing to the main road.

"We're getting coffee, remember?" He smirked. I narrowed my eyes suspiciously with a smile.

"So no session?" I chuckled lightly. He placed a hand on my back as he began to lead me in the right direction.

"C'mon." He laughed, "There's a cafe right around the corner.". I sighed with raised eyebrows, continuing in the direction away from the school.

"How do I know you're not a murderer?" I half teased. Luke's mouth dropped dramatically before laughing.

"I don't think if I was a murderer I would be allowed to work at a college." He chuckled. We made our way down a busy side walk, already seeing the coffee shop Luke had mentioned. I breathed in the cool air deeply, trying to calm my nerves. We walked in a comfortable silence until we approached the cafe.

"Here we are." He presented, "After you." Luke motioned inside with his hand. I gave him a nod of thanks before entering the dimly lit modern cafe. He ushered us to a small table next to a window looking to the street.

"Why exactly are we out for coffee on a weekend?" I asked, settling into my seat, "You don't even know me." Luke gestured at me with his hands, smiling.

"That's why. I don't know you." He began. I tilted my head with curiosity. "I thought maybe you'd get a little more comfortable with me if we got to hang out in a less serious setting. Get to know each other before I start cramming you with guitar knowledge." He laughed. I nodded, his explanation making more sense than my delusions.

"Well, what do you wanna know?" I perked up with a smug smile, jumping immediately into his plans. Luke's eyes looked towards the ceiling with a sigh, smiling and thinking of a question. He looked back at me with a tilted head.

"What's your favorite kind of music?" He asked genuinely, leaning his elbows on the table. My eyes moved to the side, genuinely thinking about my answer as Luke's eyes burned into my face.

"Um... Mainly rock and stuff. Just loud sad guitars." I laughed. Luke chuckled, shaking his head.

"You like loud, sad guitar music but hate guitar? You make no sense." He giggled. We locked eyes momentarily before a young waitress approached to take our coffee orders. Butterflies took over my stomach after leaving the gaze of Luke in front of me. I couldn't help but want to throw myself over the table at him.

"What's your major?" He chimes back in as the waitress made her way to the back of the shop.

"Psychology." I stated bluntly, nodding proudly. Luke scoffed sarcastically, looking down at his hands.

"Of course it is." He teasingly mocked. I scoffed with a smack of my lips.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I half laughed at his smart remark. He shrugged in defense, throwing his hands up.

"You are just very obviously a psychology major, that's all." He laughed. I rolled my eyes.

"What about you?" I flipped the script to him. He looked up at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Me?"

"Yeah. What kind of music do you like, what did you major in, why are you back here helping my class?" I rambled smugly, watching his face contort at the rapid fire of questions.

"Well," He began, "I like any music. All music. I majored in music education. I've been in love with music since I can remember, so I wanted to share that love with more students after I graduated." I watched his face as he talked with his hands, his baby blue eyes sparkling in the afternoon sunlight. He made me feel in a way which was unexplainable.

"That's really sweet." I spoke softly with a smile. I found his passion for music to be inspiring yet intriguing. All I wanted was for him to talk to me all day about music. I could listen to him talk forever.

"You're really beautiful, you know that?" I spoke boldly. My eyes darted up from the table, I felt my cheeks begin to get hot.

"W-what?" I stuttered, nervously looking into his eyes.

"You don't need to hide your face." He began, reaching over the table and tucking a piece of hair from my face behind my ear, "You're beautiful.".

"I. Um- Thank you." I stuttered quietly. My heart raced at Luke reading me like a book, the waitress arriving with our drinks at a perfect time. He let out a chuckle as he sipped his coffee.

"Don't get shy now. We have a lot to talk about." He teased, handing me a straw for my drink. My shaky hand reached for the straw from his, brushing his finger slightly as I grabbed it.

"Do you have any friends around here? I always see you alone." He mentioned. Always? Does he watch me?

"Uh, yeah," I began, snapping myself from my anxious trance, "My best friend, Leah. She lives in the dorm buildings beside mine." I quietly sipped my drink. Luke nodded as he listened.

"Leah...?" He dragged out, waiting for a last name.

"Evans. Leah Evans." I finished. Luke looked down with a cheeky grin.

"What?" I urged, half smiling at his suspicious actions.

"Leah Evans, huh?" He chuckled. I raised an eyebrow cautiously.

"You know her?" I asked curiously, turning my head slightly. Luke nodded, followed my a shaking of his head.

"I knew her sister." He perked up at the word sister sarcastically, "We kind of dated when I went here, I fucked that up." He chuckled, playing mindlessly with his straw. My eyebrows raised with shock. Leah was right.

"Really." I forced a curious tone, hoping to egg more information put of the boy in front of me.

"Mhm. She gave me a pretty bad reputation, but I don't blame her." He mumbled, "I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm telling you this." He shook his head with a chuckle, looking at me briefly.

"No, it's okay." I chirped, "What happened, if you don't mind me asking..?" I looked down swiftly before back up at him. He let out a sigh, looking out the window beside us.

"Eh, I broke up with her over a text. I was drunk and out with my band I was in at the time." He began. My eyes widened at his words.

"I completely deserved the fall I took from it, I was an ass. I never dated again after her, though I had many chances." He chuckled pathetically.

"I'm sorry." I comforted, unsure of how to console him.

"Nah, it's okay. This was a while ago" He assured with a smile, brushing it off with a gesture of his hand.

Our time at the cafe was well spent, I had almost forgotten I was with my tutor. We approached my dorms giggling and finishing our conversation.

"So no session, I assume." I giggled, turning to look at Luke. He chuckled.

"You enjoyed you coffee though, yes?" He raised an eyebrow. I nodded with a smile. We stared at the floor momentarily before I spoke up.

"Would you like to come in? Or... Are you busy?" I slowly attempted to continue our time together nervously. Luke looked up at me with a tilted head. He smiled before speaking.

"Sure." He said simply. I turned to the front door of the dorms, guiding his way through the entrance. A few passing girls through my dorm glared in disbelief at the boy behind me, turning and whispering as they passed, making me self conscious. We made our way up the stairs to my level, continuing down to my room.

I swiftly opened the door with my key, inviting Luke in before me.

"This is it." I sighed, closing the door behind us. Luke's eyes wandered my simply decorated room, slowly making his way to my bed to sit.

"All by yourself?" He asked, motioning to the single bed, "Where's your roommate?". I joined him on the bed, sitting beside him.

"She went ghost after the first week. I got left without a roommate." I shrugged, "It's nice to be on my own but, it gets lonely." I sighed, forcing a smile. Luke nodded. He glanced to my corner, noticing my untouched guitar.

"Really putting the work in, huh?" He chuckled, eyeing the dust collecting between the strings. I rolled my eyes with a giggle, shoving him lightly with my body.

"I was supposed to put in work today, Mr. Tutor." I joked, leaning my face dramatically into his. Luke stood up and retrieved the guitar, returning to his spot beside me.

"Let's do it, then." He smirked smugly, handing the instrument to me. I groaned sarcastically, grabbing the guitar.

"Show me what you remember. What I taught you." He nodded. I looked to him before looking back down to the guitar. I placed my fingers on what I knew was a C chord, remembering to press my fingers down hard. My thumb strummed over the strings, playing a delightful sound. Luke's eye lit up at my continued progress.

"Look at you, little guitar god." He joked with a chuckle, leaning into my closer. We repositioned ourselves farther onto the bed, sitting next to each other in a criss cross position.

"Can you play a G for me?" He spoke softly, tilting his head to look at me. I couldn't help but tingle at his use of words, his voice so close to my ear.

"Um.. I think." I stuttered, readjusting my fingers to the new chord. I strummed lightly, this time the tune sounding less confident than the last. Luke reached his hand to the guitar, pressing his fingers down over mine. Butterflies fluttered through me at his touch.

"Like that, remember?" He looked at me again, our eyes meeting for a moment. I nodded gently. His baby blue irises burned into mine deeply, we shared a intimate moment before he snapped himself from his trance.

"Um. Here, try again." He stuttered, moving his eyes quickly back down to the guitar and throwing has hands back into his lap. I shakily pressed my fingers down and strummed once more, fixing my errors.

"That's your only problem." He explained, "You just aren't pressing hard enough." He spoke with a half smile, trying to keep his composure. His leg brush with mine briefly, making my breath hitch.

"I think I got it now." I spoke softly, looking back up at him. His eyes met mine once more, darting from my lips to my eyes back and forth.

Without warning, Luke leaned in quickly, pressing his lips to mine. I gasped against his mouth, losing grip of the guitar and catching it swiftly. I immediately melted into his lips before he pulled away abruptly.

"I'm sorry. Y/n, I don't-" He stuttered, looking away. I cut him off quickly.

"Luke." I looked at him, his eyes met mine, "It's okay." I half smiled, blushing uncontrollably. My heart raced and my hands shook at his actions. I was unsure of my next move.

"We cannot let your professor know about this." He started again, "I can get banned from campus.". He ran an anxious hand through his hair, bouncing his leg nervously. I understood Luke's concerns, as he was technically staff and I was a student. Though I prayed that wouldn't stop Luke from acting on his impulse again.

"It's our secret. I promise." I urged, moving in closer to him. Luke sighed at looked at me deeply, his eyes wandered my face.

"You're gonna be so bad for me, I know it." He spoke deeply, before letting out a desperate chuckle, hinting that he wasn't done with our quick scandal. I smirked at his words.

"Do you want to stop?" I tilted my head, sensing his already growing need for my physical touch. Luke let out a breath before placing a hand to the side of my face, reconnecting our lips once more. Only this time, our kiss deepened. He breathed heavy onto my lips, pulling me in closer. My stomach tingled at his touch, a shiver running through me at our promiscuous endeavors. He pulled away slowly, keeping a hand on my face as he spoke with a smug look.

"We're just getting started.".

[westcoastcreative]

So F***in Sweet

Manny finally arrives to make good on his post-work plans with his wife — but she’s got a little teasing to do first.

(Part 1 of this: Yoga and Coffee on a Quiet Morning w/ Manny • Part 2 of this: On His Way)

Manny got home about 11:30, stepping quietly through the house to ensure Bella stayed asleep for them.

The light glowing onto the wood-floored hallway beneath the door of he and his wife’s bedroom and hint of marijuana smoke he smelled as he approached made his lips curl up in anticipation of the scene that awaited him on the other side.

He slowly shrugged his kutte off, folding and draping it over his forearm before reaching for the doorknob.

The slightest peek at his perfect front teeth couldn’t help but reveal itself when he caught sight of her.

A mint blue silk robe covered her arms and torso, one of his bongs nestled between her strong bare thighs. Her big mane of curls was freshly coiffed, still lightly streaked with subtle summer highlights though it was now deep into fall. Her brows were brushed up bushily, face clean of makeup and dewy from recently moisturizing.

He loved her like this and she knew it.

“Oh you think you funny, huh?” Manny’s strong voice stayed soft.

His wife tried not to smile the same way he was, pushing the joy that teasing her stoic biker husband brought her into a pinched sideways smirk as he stalked closer, setting his kutte down at the foot of the bed.

“You want one?” she lifted up the pipe, keeping her bright eyes on the surprisedly thrown off expression in his own dark, gorgeously set pair.

He ignored the invitation, coming to stand right in front of where she was seated on the bed. His jaw clenched before a low utterance gritted from between his mustached lips.

“I know I told you to be naked.”

His wife glanced up in wide-eyed apology, placing her lips around the bong, lighting it and sucking in the hit she’d set up as she continued to coyly feign a plea of forgiveness. Manny watched her blow the smoke to the side before setting the pipe on her nightstand and raising up on her knees to place her hands on his shoulders.

“I know you did. But I needed a bath after your call got me turned on and then I got myself a little… sticky.”

Manny couldn’t help but offer a bit more generous smile at that. “Mmm…” he nodded once.

His wife ran her fingers down the edge of the robe, opening it slightly when she reached her breast so Manny could see what she’d layered underneath it: a one-piece lace teddy in the same light greenish-blue shade.

“This was hanging in the closet waiting to be put on for this first time and I couldn’t resist,” she said, her lips inches from his, eyes maintaining her innocence.

“Right…” Manny brought a hand up to swipe two fingers inside one of the cups of the lingerie’s bra. “And it had to be a color that makes your skin glow like this, didn’t it?”

His wife giggled playfully in response, her chin lifting slightly and eyes squinting victoriously at how easily she could get him to soften.

Manny didn’t let her gloat for long, ripping the robe down off of her shoulders and inhaling her flowery scent as her small frame shook closer to him with the force of his movement.

“You always gotta look so fuckin sweet,” he growled against her lips.

She drew her hands up his neck and scratched into the short hair at the back of his head, humming softly. She could feel his tempered frustration pulsing just below the surface.

Manny inhaled steadily — bracing them both for what was about to follow — as his fingertips circled the apple of one of her naturally rose-blushed cheeks. The look in his eyes turned from patient to commanding.

“Now, this is the last time I’m gonna tell you, amorcita…”

His touch ran slowly from her face down her chest and stomach, stopping at her lace-covered slit. With a slightly vengeful pursing of his lips, he pulled his hand back to slap directly against her clit.

“Quitatela para papi.”

[builtby-gvf]

These Days -Prologue || Danny Wagner x OC

authors note ||

This is my very first public piece of writing of any kind and i’m really nervous to post it to be completely honest. It’s a short prologue introducing some of the main characters. I do have some of the first official chapter written so if you enjoy this, expect that by next week. I’m thinking Friday updates after this but we’ll see how that works out in the future haha.

This is obviously a work of complete fiction, and these are not accurate representations of the boys, just a little fantasy I came up with in my head. This is really just me dreaming out loud.

These Days is a Danny x OC fic, and will contain mature topics in the coming chapters so 18+ please, but I don’t think I have any warnings for this chapter so without further ado, please enjoy !

“Just like good sex!” Josh laughs into the microphone, and the crowd goes absolutely feral as Sammy starts playing the intro to The Barbarians

“Children with their-“ BEEP BEEP BEEP

It was just a dream, as usual.

“Tilly!” Jamie yells walking into my room, “Its 8:30 and we have to be at the marina by 9:30 to catch the ferry. Get the fuck up and get ready, your bags are already in the car.”

“Jamiiieeee” I groaned, getting out of bed, “I was at a Greta show and they were about to play Barbs”

“God they’re even in your dreams? You can dream all about those bland white men when we get to Bellmare. 3 months of blissful, drama free time on the Island.” I could have sworn I saw his eyes roll back into his head, we needed this trip. “Now come on and maybe if we don’t miss the 9:30 we can make it in time for breakfast at Farrah’s.”

“I could go for an omelet….“ I sighed “Ok, ok I’m up.”

Jamie and I have been going to The Island, a.k.a. Bellmare, CT every summer since I graduated high school 4 years ago, but this summer is the first time we’ve stayed for more them a few days. This time we spent the whole year putting together money to escape Crullfeld, Massachusetts and all that haunted us there. We found a cottage that allowed us to bring our pets a day earlier so we truly had nothing to call us back. It’s going to be a summer of rest and relaxation.

I stepped onto the cool tile of the bathroom floor with the outfit I picked out last night in hand. It’s a pair of black running shorts, black Birkenstocks, and a pink crew neck sweatshirt from some other cookie cutter New England beach town. Perfect for a travel day. After brushing my teeth, washing my face, and brushing my hair, I applied light makeup before putting on my outfit, grabbing my bag, and going to find Jamie.

“Cute. Ready to head out?” He asks, wearing a similar outfit, just with a yellow sweatshirt.

“As I’ll ever be.” I smiled, “Can I do the music on the way there?”

“I guess, but when we come back in September it’s Taylor the whole way back.” He sighs. He makes fun of me but he’s just as obsessed with Taylor as I am with Greta.

“It’s 10:30” I say as Jamie drives his car off the ferry, “If we book it across the island we can make it to Farrah’s in 10 leaving us 20 minutes for breakfast?”

“Matilda” he says in the most condescending snarky tone I’ve ever heard, and gives me a disapproving look “We aren’t showing up 20 minutes before close. We can grab food at the market, let’s get checked in.”

“Fine” I roll my eyes, sighing. “You don’t need to speak to me like I’m a child though. And Im sure Farrah wouldn’t mind.”

RANDY CLARKE - Bellmare Cottage

T: Hey Randy! We just got off the ferry, is it ok if we check in now?

RC: Sure kid. Keys in the lockbox where you left it last night, code is 8503.

T: Thanks a bunch!

“Ok I texted Randy, he said it’s all set.”

We brought most of our belongings and the cats there last night.

R: Oh and I know I told yous that that the other cottage wasn’t booked until late August, but the guys who booked it moved up the reservation to today. It’s just 4 guys from Nashville, they seem like they won’t be a bother.

T: That’s fine, thanks for letting us know! See you around?

R: Im sure you will, kid.

“He said there’s some guys from Nash staying in the other cottage starting today”

“Nashville? Isn’t that where your little band is from?”

“I’m sure it’s just some random guys.” I say as we pull into the driveway of our little cottage.

Randy’s property has 2 homes: a 5 bed 6 bath with a pool, home theatre, and basically anything else you could want. Officially called Clarke Manor, the locals tourists alike all referred to it as just “The Manor”. The second house, the one Jamie and I rented, “The Love Shack”, a.k.a. “The Shack” is a little 2 bed 2 bath cottage with no frills. Kinda meant for honeymooners?

Running in with my bags ahead of Jamie, I ran upstairs and claimed the master bedroom. It has a queen sized bed with fresh, fluffy white sheets, a dresser, a tv, a little couch across from the bed, and a small en suite bathroom. But the star of the show is the ocean view, the one thing, aside from the bathroom, that made this room special. So you know I just had to take it.

I hear a little pitter patter and see the cats run up next to me.

“Hi babies” I smile. Jamie had taken the ferry last night to bring most of our stuff, including our 3 cats, Delilah, Chip, and Alice, to The Shack “I missed you all last night”

“Jamie! Come say hi to the babies, they missed us.” I yelled down the stairs

“I saw them last night-“ he tries to argue, but quickly looses when Alice practically jumps into his arms “Hi pretty baby” he coos at her walking into the room.

“Morgan just texted me saying him and Summer are on their way with some food, it’s your lucky da-“ he begins to say, until he realizes I took the nice room. His is nice too, nearly identical to mine, just no bathroom and no ocean view. “Fine, you can have it, but in 45 days, we’re switching. Anyway, Farrah sent them with some food so we can push going to the market until tomorrow, if you want to.”

Morgan and Summer are Farrah’s kids, and they’re the same ages as Jamie & I, 24 and 22. They went to the same elementary school as us until Farrah decided to move to Bellmare full time the year before Summer and I went into 6th grade. Summer was my best friend and Jamie was Morgan’s, and when they moved, that’s when Jamie and I became the pair we are today.

“Your wait is over, the food is herreee” Morgan sang into the living room, not bothering to knock “Jammieee where art thou”

“Tilly!” Summer said bringing me into a hug as soon as I walked into the room, “it’s so good to see you!”

“I’ve missed you so much Summer!” I said, hugging her back.

“No hello for me?” Morgan says in a mock-offended voice. “I’m distraught, Tils.”

I smiled and gave him the biggest hug.

“Of course I have a hello for you.” I look over his shoulder to see Jamie leaned against the door frame “But I think there’s someone else waiting for their reunion”

“Jamie, my beloved” Morgan jokes and walks over to where he is stood, wrapping his arms around Jamie the best he could being far taller. “Oh how I’ve missed you”

“Missed you even more” Jamie smiles, stepping back to look into Morgan’s eyes.

“Oi, when are you two gonna give it up and date already?” Summer laughs walking over to Jamie, giving him a light punch on the shoulder. “Nice to see you, brother.”

“And when are you gonna mind ya beeswax” Jamie quips back. “Nice to see you too, Summer.”

But honestly, she has a point. They’ve been flirting for years. It’s clear they like each other, we’re just waiting for someone to make a move. Maybe this is their summer of love.

The food Farrah sent was just a few burgers with fries, and we spent the next half hour catching up talking about this and then I had an idea.

“So, I was texting Randy when we got here this morning he said there’s 4 guys from Nashville staying at The Manor, maybe you two could bring a welcome gift and check it out?” I said, hoping they catch my drift

“You think it’s that band you and Summer like, don’t you?” Morgan smirks, and Summer’s eyes go wide

“Not me, Jamie does. But you two are gonna find out for me.” I say back

“I just think 4 guys from the same place where Greta Van Fleet live, staying at the big house, can’t just be a coincidence. I’ll go with you, Summer seems a little shell shocked.” Jamie laughs

“You’re just now telling me you think you’ll be staying next to Sam Kiszka this whole summer? And we’ve been here for 45 minutes? Let’s go, go get some muffins and find out!” She basically yells, looking at me wide eyed

“Calm down Sam lane, it’s probably not. But it could be… so listen to her and go bring over those muffins, I could be living next to Daniel Jean Louise Marie Wagner” I agree.

“Alright, we’re going” Morgan puts his hands up, turning to Jamie “let’s get a move on, J.”

They walk out the door to get the muffins from Farrah, and as soon as they do, I look at summer with the biggest smile on my face, “I might be neighbors with Greta van Fleet.”

“We may get to meet Greta” she smiles back, “Holy fuck”

So that was the prologue! Please let me know your thoughts, i’d love to hear them 🤍

[spookywhitt]

Ears Now comes the really interesting parts. The prosthetics! Having worked in a haunted house doing SFX makeup I wanted to do this the old fashioned way and the way I learned. Here we go!

Ears First you're going to need to take a mold of your ears. I loved Oomoo's body double casting. Mix up your body double according to instructions. With earplugs and a friend to help, begin brushing the stuff over your ear. This stuff cures fast so only do one ear at a time. Once that is done, cover the stuff with a few layers of plaster gauze. (Warning! Make sure you remove or cover ALL piercings if you have them. The Oomoo caught my daith piercings and it was a nightmare.)

Now you are going to take Ultracal 30 and mix it with water. Pour it into your molds and let set over night. When cured, gently remove from your molds.

Now prep your stone with vaseline to cover the pores.

Now sculpt your ears.

Once you are done sculpting you're going to need to prep your pieces for molding. Using a softer clay, make channels for your molding stuff to go through. For the molding I made the mistake of using TIN-CURE oomoo. Do not do this! Your Oomoo Dragonskin silicone will not cure if you use this sort.

Instead you can use what you used for casting your own ears: Ultracal.

Now, mix your Oomoo Dragonskin silicone and add a bit of liquid foundation makeup to add a little bit of color that matches your own skin tone. Prep the inside of your mold with vaseline to seal up the pores of the ultracal. Pour into the molds using the resin method of pouring from high to avoid bubbles. Now filled up, you're going to insert your ears (Cleaned off of clay). Let cure.

Tada! Trim up and you now have a fine set of ears. If you're doing Dracula, you will then use the same white makeup you use for your face onto the ears.

[giftsideas]

7 Amazing Birthday Gift Ideas for a 30-Year-Old Woman

As the calendar page turns to mark another year, celebrating the milestone of a woman's 30th birthday calls for gifts that embody elegance, sophistication, and practicality. Whether she's an adventurous jet setter, a fashion-forward trendsetter, or a wellness enthusiast, selecting the perfect present requires careful consideration. From timeless accessories to indulgent self-care treats, let's explore a curated selection of gifts tailored to delight and inspire the vibrant spirit of a 30-year-old woman. 

If you want to find more thoughtful gift ideas, find them with Think.gift - the best gift search engine.  

Leather Passport Case 

For the globetrotter within her, a sleek leather passport case offers both style and functionality. Crafted with quality materials and designed to endure the adventures ahead, this accessory not only safeguards her travel documents but also adds a touch of refinement to her journey around the world. 

Firenze Ring 

Elevate her jewelry collection with the timeless elegance of a Firenze ring. Inspired by the enchanting beauty of Florence, Italy, this exquisite piece captures the essence of sophistication and grace. Whether worn as a statement piece or layered with other favorites, the Firenze ring is sure to be a cherished adornment, symbolizing love, strength, and endless possibilities. 

Pearl Bar Necklace 

A symbol of timeless beauty and refinement, a pearl bar necklace adds a touch of understated glamour to her everyday attire. Delicately strung pearls exude elegance, while the modern design of the bar pendant offers a contemporary twist. Perfect for any occasion, this versatile piece effortlessly transitions from day to night, making it a cherished addition to her jewelry collection. 

Massage Gun 

For the woman who prioritizes self-care and wellness, a massage gun provides the gift of relaxation and rejuvenation. Designed to alleviate muscle tension and promote recovery, this powerful tool offers targeted relief at the touch of a button. Whether she's an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply in need of some pampering, a massage gun is a thoughtful gift that shows you care about her well-being. 

Gym Tank Tops 

Encourage her active lifestyle with stylish and comfortable gym tank tops. Crafted from breathable fabrics and designed to flatter her silhouette, these tops are perfect for workouts, yoga sessions, or casual outings. Whether she's hitting the gym or embracing outdoor adventures, a collection of trendy tank tops will keep her feeling confident and motivated on her fitness journey. 

Eye Makeup Brush Set 

Indulge her passion for beauty and cosmetics with a high-quality eye makeup brush set. From blending brushes to precision liners, this comprehensive set equips her with the tools she needs to create stunning eye looks with ease. Designed for both beginners and makeup enthusiasts alike, these brushes offer flawless application and effortless blending, ensuring she always looks and feels her best. 

Perfume 

Capture her essence with a signature scent that reflects her personality and style. Whether she prefers floral notes, exotic spices, or fresh citrus scents, there's a perfume that's perfect for her. From classic designer fragrances to niche artisanal blends, selecting the right perfume is a thoughtful gesture that allows her to express herself and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes. 

Conclusion 

As she celebrates her 30th birthday, showering her with gifts that cater to her interests and passions is a meaningful way to commemorate this special milestone. Whether it's a luxurious leather passport case for her next adventure, a timeless Firenze ring to cherish for years to come, or indulgent self-care treats like a massage gun and perfume, each gift reflects your appreciation for the vibrant, multifaceted woman she is. Cheers to the next chapter of her journey, filled with love, joy, and endless possibilities. 

Find the perfect 30th birthday gift for a woman with Think.gift - a top gift search engine.

[deejayjewelers]

Diamond Jewellery - How to Take care of your Fine Jewelry?

                    

Diamonds are not only a girl's best friend; they are cherished investments that radiate timeless beauty and elegance. These precious stones have captured humanity's fascination for centuries. Diamonds are not merely exquisite accessories; they are tangible representations of enduring love, milestones achieved, and moments frozen in time. Whether adorning an engagement ring, a family heirloom, or a statement necklace, the radiance of diamond jewelry is unmatched.

Just as a fine wine matures with care, your diamond jewelry deserves attentive nurturing to maintain its exceptional beauty and value. The journey of a diamond, from the rough to the polished gemstone, is one of meticulous craftsmanship. It is a journey that continues with you as the custodian of these remarkable creations, ensuring they remain as enchanting as the day they found their way into your life.

Hence, in this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey into the heart of diamond care. Beyond the dazzling glimmers and shimmering reflections lies a realm of responsibility and preservation. Together, we will explore an array of expert strategies and insights to safeguard your diamond jewelry's passion for generations to come. We'll unlock the secrets to preserving your fine treasures, ensuring that the brilliance and significance of your diamond jewelry endure, untouched by the passage of time.

Tips To Maintain and Preserve Your Precious Fine Jewelry

1. Safe Storage: Proper storage is key to preventing scratches and damage to your diamond jewelry. When not wearing your pieces, store them individually in soft pouches or a lined jewelry box to prevent them from coming into contact with other jewelry items. This is especially important for necklaces and bracelets, which can easily become entangled and damaged.

2. Mindful Wearing: While diamonds are incredibly durable, they are not impervious to damage. When wearing your diamond jewelry, it's best to follow the "last on, first off" rule. This means putting on your jewelry after you've applied makeup, perfume, and lotions, and removing them before engaging in activities that might expose them to chemicals or rough handling.

3. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Diamonds can be sensitive to extreme temperatures and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. High temperatures and sunlight can cause the metal to expand and contract, potentially leading to stress on the diamond settings. Additionally, sunlight can fade the color of some gemstones that might accompany the diamonds. Therefore, store your jewelry away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.

4. Professional Inspection: Regular professional inspections are essential to identify any potential issues with your diamond jewelry. Jewelers can check for loose stones, weakened settings, or any signs of wear and tear. Schedule a professional inspection at least once a year to catch problems early and ensure your pieces stay in pristine condition.

5. Avoid High-Impact Activities: While diamonds are incredibly hard, they can still chip or break if subjected to high impact. Avoid wearing your diamond jewelry during activities such as sports, gardening, or heavy lifting. Even seemingly harmless activities can expose your precious stones to undue stress.

6. Regular Cleaning: Just like any cherished possession, your diamond jewelry deserves regular cleaning to maintain its dazzling sparkle. To do this, create a gentle cleaning solution using mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Soak your pieces for about 20-30 minutes and use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt and oil buildup. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes to prevent scratching.

7. Professional Cleaning and Polishing: While regular at-home cleaning is important, it's also beneficial to have your diamond jewelry professionally cleaned and polished from time to time. Professional jewelers have specialized equipment and techniques that can restore the brilliance of your diamonds to their original state. This process also includes checking for loose stones and ensuring the settings are secure.

8. Cleaning by Type: Different types of diamond jewelry require slightly different cleaning approaches. For instance, engagement rings may accumulate more dirt due to regular wear, while earrings might need less frequent cleaning. Be sure to tailor your cleaning routine to each piece's specific needs.

9. Purchase Jewelry Insurance: Diamond jewelry is not only precious in terms of sentiment, but also in terms of value. Consider investing in jewelry insurance to provide financial protection in case of loss, theft, or damage. Having insurance will give you peace of mind and enable you to continue enjoying your jewelry without worry.

Ultimately, your diamond jewelry is not only a symbol of love and luxury, but it also carries with it sentimental value and a touch of history. By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your cherished pieces remain as exquisite as the day you first laid eyes on them. With regular cleaning, careful storage, mindful wearing, and professional inspections, you'll be able to preserve the brilliance and beauty of your fine diamond jewelry for generations, passing down not just stunning pieces, but also cherished memories.You can go the extra mile in safeguarding your diamond pieces. From professional cleaning and metal-specific care to guarding against extreme conditions and considering insurance. Follow all these tips to maintain the splendor of your fine jewelry collection. Remember, a little care today ensures your diamonds will continue to shine brilliantly for years to come, a timeless reflection of beauty and elegance.

[divainthed]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Makeup brush set 30 Pieces.

[londonprime]

Best 30 Piece Makeup Brush Set by London Prime Cosmetics

Get high-quality synthetic fibers makeup brushes from London Prime Cosmetics. This professional 30-piece makeup brush set is perfect for applying and blending all types of makeup.

[just-dreaming-marvel]

You Are Perfect

MAIN MASTERLIST

Bucky Barnes x PlusSize!Reader

Word Count: 1,900ish

Summary/Request: Can you write an imagine with Bucky and a plus size reader (if your comfortable with it) and basically the reader was going on a date but they got stood up and the date said next time to tell people their weight before going out, making the reader insecure, Bucky sees them crying when the come back to the tower, so he then tells her to clean herself up cause he’s gonna take her out and he reminds and shows her how beautiful she is. The rest is just fluff and you can add to it.

Notes: I hope I did this justice. 

You never liked dating apps. You honestly didn’t know someone who really did. But Natasha insisted you get on one so that you could try and find someone. She even knew that you had a crush on Bucky, and still insisted that you get on a dating app. That only made you come to the conclusion that Natasha knew that Bucky didn’t feel the same. He was your best friend after all, and that was probably all you were going to be to him.

Natasha set up your profile, checking with you on the pictures to make sure you felt comfortable. It was hard for you to feel comfortable sharing pictures sometimes, especially when you knew you were bigger than a lot of other girls. After the pictures, Nat had done the swiping and eventually set up a date.

That date was tonight and both Natasha and Wanda were in your room getting you ready. They had picked the outfit, done your makeup and your hair, all without letting you peek. Wanda, with your permission, had made it so your eyes couldn’t see. Allowing them to work freely on you without any worries of you seeing.

“Hey, Y/N,” Bucky greeted, knocking on the door as he opened it. “Do you— uh, what’s going on here?”

“Y/N’s going on a date!” Wanda exclaimed.

“A… a date?”

“Yeah! We’re getting her ready.”

“Speaking of which,” Natasha added, looking you over, “we’re almost done.”

“Good because I’m getting nervous,” you commented, softly. “Do I… Do I look okay?” Bucky didn’t answer right away.

“You look beautiful. Right, Buck?” Natasha pressed.

“Uh, yeah,” he answered nervously. “You look great, Y/N. I’m just going to leave you guys to it.” 

He quickly shut the door. You deflated, shoulders shagging and head down. All you wanted was to impress Bucky, which obviously wasn’t happening.

“Na-huh, none of that,” Natasha said, guiding your head back up. “You look beautiful and you will have great time.”

“What’s his name again?” You asked.

“Derek!” Wanda excited answered.

“He enjoys a good beer, he works out,” Natasha began explaining. "He’s a lawyer, I think. Don’t worry, not one of Starks. And occasionally enjoys long walks in Central Park.”

“Wow,” you rolled your eyes. “Sounds like I should just marry him now.”

“Hey,” Nat playfully swatted at you. “Stop. Can you agree to at least try?”

“Fine.” 

You took a long look in the mirror. Your friends had really gotten an outfit that flattered you, so your confidence did begin to grow. You were going to be able to do this. You were going to be able to have fun and begin to move on from Bucky. At least, that’s what you had started to tell yourself.

~~~

You arrived at the restaurant first, nervously playing around with the napkin on your lap. You had immediately ordered a drink when you arrived so that you couldn’t feel too awkward waiting there. So wrapped up in your own nervous thoughts, you failed to realize that Derek was going on 20 minutes late. Maybe he was stuck in traffic?

“Do you want to begin ordering?” The kind waitress asked.

“No, I think I’ll—“ 

You were halted by your phone beeping. You glanced at it to see a notification from the dating app. Maybe it was Derek. You quickly opened the app and pressed into the notification.

Derek: You might want to warn a guy about your weight before a date next time. Or change the pictures on your profile to more accurately depict you.

The waitress tried to hold in a gasp as she read the message over your shoulder. There were immediate tears in your eyes. Letting out a trembling breath, you stood up.

“Ma’am, how about I get the chef to—“

“I’m fine,” you cut the waitress off. “I’m so sorry to waste your time.” With shaking hands, you pulled out an a hundred dollar bill that Tony had given you for emergencies. You set the bill on the table. 

“No, I can’t—“

“Please, for your troubles.” A few tears escaped your eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

And you rushed out of the restaurant. The night was chilly and you had failed to bring a jacket. Looking around, you decided that you wanted to walk back to the Tower. You held onto your arms for warmth and you walked down the street and cried. When you got back to the Tower, your nose was red and running, not just from crying.

You were grateful that the Tower lobby was practically empty and that no-one entered the elevator with you. You wanted to go straight to your room, but your stomach had begun growling.

“FRIDAY?” You quietly called out to the AI.

“Yes, Y/N?” It responded.

“Is anyone in the kitchen?”

“At the moment, no. I do suggest you hurry. Sargent Barnes tends to get a drink around this time.”

With a sigh, you gave in to your stomach and allowed the elevator to stop on the common floor. You were on high alert as you headed for the kitchen, checking around every corner your came across. Eventually you made it to the kitchen, quickly grabbing a various amount of foods that you could carry. Struggling to see over the pile in your arms, you turned around and instantly ran into something—or someone. Causing everything you had grabbed to fly everyone.

“Yikes, doll,” Bucky chuckled. You quickly crotched down and began picking everything up. “Wait…” Bucky joined you. “Shouldn’t you still be out on a date?” 

You didn’t answer, you didn’t even make a move to look at him. You just kept your head down as you rapidly picked up everything.

“Hey,” Bucky said, setting his hand gently on yours. He leaned his head down, trying to get a look at your face. “Can you look at me, Y/N?”

“I’m…” you cleared your voice, having sounded like you had been crying. “I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. Look at me.”

“Bucky…”

“Did he hurt you?” You didn’t respond, letting a tear fall down your cheek and off your chin. “Y/N, did he lay a hand on you?”

“I…” You let out a whimper. “He…”

“I’m going to kill him,” Bucky growled, standing up. “Stay here. I’ll be—“

“No, Bucky, don’t!” You quickly got up and grabbed his arm to stop him. “Please. He didn’t touch me, I promise.”

Bucky took in your blood shot eyes and tear stained face, and his heart felt like it could shatter into a million pieces. He stepped closer to you, slowly reaching up his hand to brush his fingers against your cheek. You looked away.

“What happened?” Bucky whispered. “Tell me, please. I just want to help.”

You licked your lips as you nodded. Taking in and letting out a shuttering breath, you closed your eyes and tried to pull your thoughts together.

“He… I… He was late. And I…” You looked down out your hands, fiddling with them. “I thought it was just traffic, but after almost 30 minutes I got a message… and, from what he said, he had to have come to the restaurant and then left… my weight...”

“And what did the message say?” Bucky pressed, his tone gentle and kind.

“It… it said that I should have warned him about my weight before the date.”

“Your weight?” Bucky was shocked and so confused. What did your weight have to do with anything?

“And that I should change my profile pictures to more accurately depict me…”

“What? What gave him the right to say any of that?”

“I don’t know,” you mumbled. “But maybe—“

“No! No but maybe. You don’t believe any of that, right?” Bucky’s hands went to your shoulders and he moved his head to meet your eyes. “Y/N, please tell me that you don’t believe a word that bastard said.”

“He’s not wrong… I’m not as small as many girls. I need to lose weight—”

“Oh no, no, no, no, no. Y/N, listen to me.” His hands moved to hold your face. “You are perfect just the way you are. Your weight is perfect for you. And you deserve better than that asshole. You hear me?”

“You’re saying those things because you have to… you’re my friend…”

Bucky shook his head slightly, wanting to tell you that it was more than that. That he wanted to be more than that. But he knew now was not the time.

“We’re going out,” he stated, grabbing your hand and pulling you to the elevator.

“No, Bucky,” you resisted, so tried too. “I really don’t feel like it. Plus there’s that mess—“

“Steve will clean it up in the morning. He’s always the first one up and OCD like that.”

“Bucky… I really don’t feel like going out.”

“Fine. Then we’ll stay in.” He led you into the elevator, only for himself to step back out of it. “Meet me in the movie room in 10 minutes. Change into something comfy.”

The doors began closing. “Bucky—“

“I’ll come up for you if you’re late.”

~~~

Though you didn’t want to, you did as you were told and met Bucky in the movie room 10 minutes later. You had changed into your comfiest, baggiest clothes, trying to hide your body from the world. When you arrived, Bucky had your favorite movie up on the screen, the popcorn machine going, and he was carrying blankets to the couch. That man worked fast.

“Right on time,” he smiled at you. 

“You really didn’t have to,” you replied, shyly. 

“Oh, I really did.” He plopped onto the couch, patting the spot next to him. “Come, sit.”

Fiddling with your sleeves you walked over and sat next to Bucky, making sure there was a decent amount of space between the two of you. Bucky sighed, noticing what you were doing but decided to give you your wanted space for a little bit. He started the movie and had FRIDAY dim the lights before handing you a blanket. 

Not long into the movie, the popcorn was done and Bucky went up to get it. He put it in a large bowl before sitting himself next to you. You inhaled sharply as he set the bowl between you and rested his arm behind you on the back of the couch.

It was the middle of the movie now and you reached into the bowl for some popcorn, at the same time Bucky did. Your eyes snapped to look at him. Without taking his eyes off of yours and before you could pull away, he carefully took your hand and brought it up to his lips, gently kissing your knuckles.

“You are perfect,” he whispered, breath fanning over your hand. “Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, okay?”

“Thank you, Bucky,” you breathed out. “For all of this. You really didn’t have to.”

“I couldn’t let my favorite gal’s night be completely ruined.”

“I’m your favorite gal?”

“Since day 1… you deserve better than a man who doesn’t see your worth.”

“And you think you’re that?”

“I’d like to try to be that for you. If you’d let me… so, Y/N, what do you say? Will you let me try and show you how perfect you are?”

You tried to suppress a smile. “I’d like that."

[audreydoeskaren]

Abridged history of early 20th century Chinese womenswear (part 4.2: 1930s-hair, makeup & accessories)

Source here

Previous posts in the series:

Part 1: 1890s

Part 2: 1900s & 1910s

Part 3.1: 1920s-silhouette

Part 3.2: 1920s-design details

Part 3.3: 1920s-accessories, hair & makeup

Part 4.1: 1930s-silhouette & design

A super late Happy Chinese New Year to all fellow humans who celebrate it!! I’m going to discuss hair, makeup and accessories of the 1930s today in no particular order.

Undergarments

At one point between 1932 and 1934 women in China decided to ditch the breast binders worn since the 1890s and wear brassieres instead. This allowed the natural shape of women’s breasts to show and the contrast between the bust and waist lent the dresses of the mid 30s a soft hourglass shape. The brassieres of the 1930s didn’t have stiffening, boning or foam and relied only on their structure for support, so the shape of the breasts looked very soft and rounded.

Source here

30s Du Barry lingerie sewing pattern for brassieres and drawers. This may not be very representative because brassieres made by different companies looked different, but they usually looked like modern bras with vertical darts and no wires or foam cups.

I must again redirect you to this article on breast binding in China, if you can’t read Chinese Google Translate works just fine. There’s one thing that I’d like to comment on though; the author named breast binding as the sole reason for the small bust measures of women at the time and argued that it caused health problems and hindered the growth of the chest. I think this is true to some extent, but other reasons for the generally small stature of women in this period (and indeed the centuries before) included malnourishment, bad healthcare and lack of exercise. Women weren’t educated about healthy diets and the importance of physical exercise before the 30s, not to mention the non-existent healthcare they received, so they were much shorter and skinnier, and suffered from more illnesses than the average modern woman. Before industrialization, food production was also often insufficient so a lot of women were malnourished.

As popular as brassieres were, some Chinese women chose to go braless. However, I have usually seen braless women in advertisements/pinup posters, so I suspect this would not be very socially acceptable on a daily basis.

Source: lai yiching0926 on Pinterest. I get so many primary sources from this person y’all may as well check out their board on Chinese calendar painting it’s bomb. I also have a Pinterest board where I collect primary sources if anyone is interested, my Pinterest username is also audreydoeskaren.

However, being braless doesn’t mean wearing nothing underneath a cheongsam. Camisoles were worn on the upper body and drawers (which were becoming proto-panties) on the lower body; alternatively a slip could be worn. 30s drawers are really pretty in my opinion, they were high waisted and had an a-line shape, decorated with lace.

To my knowledge, Chinese women in this period did not yet wear girdles, corsets or any other kind of shapewear to take in the waist, at least I have never seen their edges peeking out from underneath the cheongsam. I guess this was also unnecessary as the cheongsam was a light one piece dress and didn’t require any support at the waist.

From my observation, stockings were kind of optional in this period. In the early 20s and before, Chinese women wore short stockings tied up by garters at knee level, but as the skirt hem rose to knee length in the late 20s they probably stopped doing that as the garters would show when they inevitably flash their knees. I assume longer, nude stockings would be worn, held up by a garterbelt or something, but a lot of images of this era showed women with no visible stockings. Teenagers and younger women could wear low knit socks like Western children, but these were not acceptable on grown up women unless they were doing sports. Tights were not yet a thing either.

On top of these undergarments, some women chose to wear ankle length petticoats or pants underneath the cheongsam. This was especially the case around 1934 when the side slits were mid thigh or higher and constantly showing your drawers was likely not the most respectable thing. These petticoats and pants were most commonly white and had decorative trim. Petticoats could have slits down both sides like the outer cheongsam or a flared hem. Pants were straight cut and wide legged. Later in the decade the slits became lower so petticoats and pants weren’t that necessary anymore but many women still chose to wear them, which is fine by me because I think it’s a cute look. Likewise there were many examples of women around 1934 wearing high slit cheongsam without petticoats or pants, especially if they were dancing, so this was likely a matter of personal preference (Western dances like tango, waltz, foxtrot, charleston and swing were introduced to China and popularized in the 20s and 30s. The Paramount dance hall in my native city of Shanghai is a monument to that).

Source here

Mid 30s photograph, high slit cheongsam with pants.

Source here

Later 30s fabric ad, low slit cheongsam with flared petticoat. 

Outerwear

A noteworthy development in the mid 30s was that wearing actual, full blown Western fashion became popularized, but only as outerwear, sportswear or eveningwear; Western day dresses were not often seen on Chinese women. In regards to Western outerwear, a variety of them could be worn over cheongsam. In addition to the fur trim wrap coats popular in the late 20s, women wore capes, vests, suits, coats, knit cardigans and others. It was completely ok to mix and match Western accessories and jackets with cheongsam.

Source here

Short cape.

Source here

Early 30s women’s suit. I know I use this image a lot, it’s just really useful and beautiful :)

Source here

Early 30s fur trim wrap coat.

Source: Sayuu G on Pinterest, link

Long coat with lapels.

Source: Yuan Li on Pinterest, link

Cardigan and jacket. This kind of short sleeved, straight front, collarless jacket on the left was very popular in the mid 30s.

Another cute mid 30s accessory I’m very fond of is the gauntlet glove i.e. gloves that have a very wide trunk opening. I think they have an equestrian flair and look very badass.

Source: Yuan Li on Pinterest, link

1935 cover of The Young Companion. (Why are the useful images always so small? Woe is me)

Earrings were really common in the 30s, you could see them in almost all of the reference photos in this post. 

Hairstyles

Since around 1930 the history of Chinese and Western women’s hairstyles had almost completely synchronized so if you know about vintage Western hairstyles you’re welcome to skip this part.

In the beginning of the 30s the most common hairstyle was a short bob with optional fingerwaves (called waterwaves in this period? I’m not great with terminology). Some bobs in the late 20s/early 30s could be so short that they look like buzz cuts. The defining feature of the fingerwave was the shimmery wave-like pattern in the hair created by pinching and combing the hair while it’s wet with setting products. Just a side note, the way fingerwaves are done in most Chinese period dramas nowadays, uh, leaves much to be desired. That’s because a lot of hairstylists just attach a wavy extension (which you can easily purchase from Taobao...) to the actresses’ forehead and call it a day, but that doesn’t really replicate the structure of the fingerwave and makes it look like the 铜钱头 in Kun Opera instead.

Source: Helen Xu on Pinterest.

Early 30s very short bob.

Source here

Early 30s fingerwave

Another very common hairstyle in the 30s was this mid length bob (either side part or middle part) with a lot of volume at the bottom. I am so puzzled as to how this is achieved, maybe with teasing or curling only at the bottom? That sounds odd.

Source here

Mid 30s fabric ad.

This ad is forcing me to go on a tangent about fabric dyes. This label, Indanthren, sold fabrics dyed from a range of blue or blue-ish colored synthetic dyes made by the German company BASF (which was merged into IG Farben at this time). Because of the introduction of synthetic dyes to China, almost all colors under the sun could be produced or imported so there weren’t really any specific color limitations to the clothing of this period.

Back to hair. Contrary to popular opinion, fingerwaves were not in fashion throughout the 30s, let alone the entire republican era. As the 30s progressed, the fashionable hair length became longer, making it more difficult for fingerwaves to be performed; they were replaced by roller sets and pin curls which are more suitable for longer hair. In the mid 30s, brush out curls with a side part were extremely popular. At this point bangs kind of became a Chinese cultural heritage and a lot of women would wear brush out curls with bangs. There are literally a million patterns for setting brush out curls and every woman probably had her own tricks, so everybody’s hair looked a tad different but the overall idea was the same as Western brush out curls: women would set the hair in the night and sleep with the rollers/pin curls to let them dry, then in the morning they would brush them out until the desirable wavy shape is achieved. Many women also used curling irons to achieve the same hairstyles with heat, which was faster and didn’t require waiting overnight. With that said, the fingerwave didn’t just disappear either, it was often used in conjunction with brush out curls to sculpt specific hairstyles. I’m not a professional vintage hairstylist so I can’t always clock if a hairstyle is done with fingerwaving, brush out curls or both. From my own experience with brush out curls, they are usually more voluminous and have more fizzy ends and the waves don’t line up so perfectly like with fingerwaves because the process is more uncontrollable (or maybe I’m just clumsy).

Source here

Typical mid 30s curls.

The fashionable hair length grew longer toward the end of the decade, with the finished curls reaching either the shoulder or the nape of the neck. Hairstyles became kind of rectangular in silhouette and flat at the crown. They were often pulled back at the sides to create a more rectangular shape for the face.

Source: lai yiching0926 on Pinterest.

Late 30s hairstyles.

Shoes

Again, full westernization here. 30s shoes had higher and thinner heels than 20s shoes, although they were still thicker and lower than modern stilettos. The heels were usually curved Louis heels. 30s shoes often had a single strap across the foot and a wrapped design at the toe. Spectator shoes and Oxfords that covered the whole foot were also worn. Likewise, strapless pumps were fashionable too, sometimes with an open toe design, especially toward the end of the decade. 

Source: genibee on Flickr, link

1935 Sears catalogue. Maybe not very representative since shoes made by different companies looked different, just showing what was possible.

Interestingly, I have never seen an image of a 30s Chinese woman wearing boots or booties outside of an equestrian context. I guess boots either weren’t feminine enough or were too inconvenient under the long cheongsam.

Sportswear

A very interesting development in the 30s was the popularization of sportswear as a result of women doing sports. Wealthy or aristocratic Chinese women have been riding and hunting in an attempt to emulate European lifestyle since decades, but these sports remained elite and untouchable for common women; in the 30s however, more accessible sports like swimming, volleyball and tennis became in vogue. The popularity of swimming was in large part due to the influence of female swimming champion 杨秀琼 Yang Xiuqiong (her name is spelled differently in Cantonese because she was from Hong Kong), who was seen as a national hero for winning a ton of medals in international swimming competitions and breaking records. China began trying to participate in Olympic games around this period and there were also many other women athletes competing in different sports, so sportswear became a necessity.

The design of swimwear in this period followed closely the design of Western bathing suits, usually a tight, short, one piece bodysuit.

Source here

1933 cover of The Young Companion featuring Yang in a swimsuit. There was a stigma around female swimmers at this time though, mostly because of the revealing clothing they had to wear to allow freedom of movement. Many press reports called Yang a “mermaid” because of her physical beauty, trying to reduce her to a sex icon instead of the glorious athlete she actually was. All of the whack rumors about her being a concubine of some rich dude was also really disgusting and distracting from her achievements.

I’ve also seen multiple times this two piece design with shorts and a modernized 肚兜 dudou (a Qing Dynasty undergarment with a function akin to that of a corset cover).

Source: EMKAY on Pinterest

30s pinup girl in two piece swimsuit.

For land sports, women usually wore a short sleeved open collar shirt with shorts, short knit socks and flat pumps.

Source: Jason Tse on Pinterest

1933 cover of The Young Companion featuring a tennis player. 

Makeup

The makeup look of the early 30s was almost identical to the late 20s look, with the thin, elongated eyebrows, large oval shaped blush and delicate red/mauve lips. This continued all the way until around 1938-39.

Toward the end of the decade, the eyebrows started to return to a normal thickness and became kind of arched instead of flat. Eyeshadows became lighter or non-existent. Women used cake mascara to darken their eyelashes, which were separated and evenly spread out. The location of the blush moved slightly downward. Red lipstick was still the most popular but the lips were plumper than in the early 30s. Overall very subtle and small changes to makeup. There were a bunch of Western and Japanese makeup companies trading in China at this point, I couldn’t name any specific ones beside Nivea which was quite popular for affordable skincare products like cream and sunscreen. I assume that actresses and pinup girls would also use Max Factor, but I’m not sure how widely used his products were among the general population. The Hong Kong brand 广生行 Kwong Sang Hong (whose Shanghai branch was called 双妹 “Twin Sisters” and whose advertisements we have seen too many times in this series) was also really popular.

I know I promised to talk about makeup more in this post but unfortunately there really isn’t much to talk about :( So see you next time when I dig into the 1940s!

[vampireoutofbusiness]

Caeles

NAVIGATION

Caeles: 'kae̯.les', meaning 'heavenly'

Synopsis: A lazy morning is way better with your boy.

Warning: Just a little cheeky peter, too much fluff

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*Do not repost my writing without giving credit*

Who knows how much longer you would have slept if Peter hadn’t climbed on top of you. You were used to it at this point, every morning you’d feel him stirring next to you until his 99% asleep body found yours. Suppose he needed to cuddle you no matter his state of continuous

Much to your dismay, the sun was beaming into the room, decorating the bed, walls, etc. with golden light. Morning. What a vulnerable time of the day. Barely awake, wrapped in covers, and in the bliss of how beautiful Peter Parker looked in the morning hours. You would never get tired of waking up to this.

His chin rested on your chest, slowly rising and falling with your breathing. Freckles dusted his cheeks while his long lashes rested just above them. Peter's hair never looked bad, even with bedhead.

You brushed a few pieces of hair out of his face, smiling at how beautiful he looked asleep. Your thumbs ran over his cheekbones, feeling the soft skin under yours. You could trace Peter's skin all day if he let you (although he probably wouldn't oppose the idea).

You reached to your left to grab your phone, its clock reading 9:24. As much as you wanted to stay in bed, you had to meet May for breakfast at 10:30 and you needed to shower and get ready.

"Baby boy," you whispered, leaning forward to kiss his forehead.

He slowly opened his big brown eyes, taking time adjusting to the sunlight. The corners of his mouth turned up when he was met with your gaze.

"Hi," Peter said, bringing his face closer to yours and kissing your lips softly. "You know we can stay here...just you and me...and these."

He kissed the tops of your boobs peeking above your pajama top to which you let out a happy sigh.

"As great as your proposition sounds," you began prying him off of you, "I need to shower."

"Do you?" Peter gave you a sly smile.

"Needy this morning, are we?"

You managed to get him off of you and get out of your extremely comfortable bed before he grabbed your hand.

"So what if I am?" He sat with his legs on either side of you hanging off the edge of the bed and wrapped his arms around your legs. "Just wanna make you feel good."

You brought your hands to his cheeks making him lean into your touch.

"You want to know what would make me feel really good?"

Peter nodded eagerly, kissing your palms. You leaned forward and stopped your lips when they were just brushing his.

"If you make the bed." You kissed the tip of his nose and pulled back to see a frown on his sweet face. "You're the last one out today so therefore you make it."

"Not fair," he whined, pressing his face against your stomach.

"Oh you know it is," you replied, gently pulling his head back from your torso. "Come on, we haven't seen May in weeks."

Peter would never cancel on his aunt but loving on you was extremely tempting now. Although it always was, he thought you were a goddess and he was simply lucky enough to be the one who got to love you.

He also knew how to take a 'no' and that you happily wore the pants in the relationship so he would let you go. Besides, he had a front-row seat to watch you do your makeup which he loved.

Like it usually went, he made the bed quickly but neatly. Then came into the bathroom to see you at the counter, satin robe loosely tied, collarbones and chest exposed. Your hair dampened until you blow-dried it. Makeup was set out on the corner for your use while Peter made commentary or touched a few items.

"Careful...careful," he told while you applied mascara.

"Babe, if you keep saying that then I probably will poke my eye out."

"Sorry but this step doesn't get any easier for me to watch."

"Why don't you go get dressed?" You suggested, putting away your items. "We have to leave in twenty minutes."

"You-"

"Oh and make sure to wash your face and brush your teeth- and your hair," you pointed to the adorable mess, "maybe work on that. Now, what were you going to say?"

"You um, you look very pretty," he gave you a shy smile.

"And you," you snaked your arms around his waist, "you look heavenly."

Peter's cheeks grew a bright pink at the compliment. But it's true, Peter Parker is heavenly.

[studylustre]

random tidbits i have learnt in 2021 so far and i am sharing with u all bc if im going to prosper WE’RE ALL GOING TO PROSPER

makeup 💄

• to all my fellow makeup enthusiasts out there: etude house curl fix mascara is IT. it actually keeps my lashes curled all day without smudging and?? somehow?? is a breeze to remove?? 10/10 would recommend

• want to try out false lashes but struggle with finding a) ones that look natural and not ott and b) have a thin enough band that they look good on hooded eyes?? i am here to save the day w/ my newfound love: miche false eyelashes are the one

• follow-up tip for false eyelash application: don’t look straight ahead into the mirror. if u can, look down at an angle into a handheld mirror - this helps u see the lashline better

• pro tip from my girl jackie aina (if u dont watch her videos yet U SHOULD she’s a gem): putting concealer on before foundation provides a more natural finish. bonus points for leaving the concealer to try down a little before blending for optimum coverage + easier blending!!

• if ur struggling to get ur red lipstick to stay put, put a piece of tissue over ur lips, dust with setting powder and press down. WORKS EVERY TIME

• u can set ur liquid eyeliner with eyeshadow + an angled brush for extra staying power

food 🍙

• if u love onigiri like me but struggle with making it last, wrap ur leftover onigiri in clingfilm and then cover in a thick towel before putting it in the refrigerator. this stops the rice from getting too cold which makes it go hard!!

• u dont need to buy dumpling wrappers from the store bc it’s super easy to make urself!! just mix a 2:1 ratio of plain flour and hot water with 3/4 tsp of sea salt. knead into a ball until it’s smooth, cover and let it rest for 30 mins, roll it out until it’s thin (u know the typical dumpling wrapper thickness) and dust with cornflour, then cut with round cookie cutters for the wrappers and ur good to go!!

• next day rice is a must for fried rice but if ur trying to make a fried rice dish last minute w/ freshly cooked rice, just cook it w/ less water and leave in the fridge without a lid once it’s cool to dry it out more!!

clothing ✨

• the secret to cute outfits without freezing to death in early spring?? THERMAL CLOTHING AND LAYERING. put on a thermal cami/thermal tights/thermal whatever and if ur extra like me, wear ankle socks beneath ur tights for a) padding in ur shoes for extra comfort and b) extra warmth!! i used to swear by uniqlo’s heattech for cozy but non-bulky outfits (i’m avoiding uniqlo these days tho so if anyone has a good alternative for heattech pls hit me up)

• got an oversized outfit but not sure how to style it without it looking shapeless?? if ur styling an oversized sweater over a shirt or dress, try tying a belt around the bottom of the sweater, then lift the excess sweater fabric over the belt to cover it. this should cinch in ur waist and give ur sweater that cute tucked in look that u have probably seen all over tiktok. alternatively u can grab a hair tie and tie it around the front of ur sweater, then tuck the tied end underneath and roll it up!! (i hope this makes sense idk it’s kinda hard to explain without a visual aid)

misc 💌

• white wine gets out red wine stains

• baking soda + lemon is rly good for removing tough stains from pots and pans - just sprinkle a layer of baking soda and add lemon on top and leave it to do its magic for a few hours before scrubbing

• if u struggle with extremely dry hands like me, o’keeffe’s working hands cream is incredible and outperforms all the expensive hand creams i’ve tried

[kirschteinsj]

Pinky Promises

Nanami x fem! reader

Warnings: nothing too much! maybe language but overall just a bunch of fluff and lovey dovey stuff 

Word Count: 2.9k

Summary: Domestic Nanami and reader, just thinking about how much they love each other. sappy and cute stuff.

A/N: Hi! ^_^ Second time posting, I’ve had this one shot saved for a bit now! finally posting it lolz. I've noticed a lot of people have written domestic Nanami pics or drawn art, very glad society as a whole has this perception of him. it truly heals the soul I think. anyway, I hope u like this and sorry if there’s any grammar errors I wasnt able to catch U_U im thinking of doing a hc post next.... unsure hm, we’ll see ^_^!!

“I’m hooooome.” He says loudly as he steps through the apartment door, setting his briefcase down and taking off his beige coat. Putting down the grand kitchen knife she was using to chop up spinach, she rushed to the door with a smile and engulfed the tall blonde into a tight hug, saying hello. She took a deep breath, inhaling the soft scent of his cologne, the smell of something sour and musty soon taking over. Her face scrunched up and she let out a giggle.

“Oh god, Nanami, you stink, what did you go against today?”

“Nothing too bad. Just a grade 3,” He sighed “A smelly grade 3.” He sounded disappointed, probably because he knew he stunk too. Though the smell was horrendous, she still remained in his arms and he still held on just as tight.

“Are you tired? I was thinking of making dinner with you tonight but if you’re too tired I can-”

“No no. I’m fine. Just let me wash up and I’ll help out.”

“You sure?” She asked looking up towards him, questioning once more to reassure. He looked down and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head.

“I’m sure, dear.”

While he showers upstairs, she gets back to readying the ingredients so they could begin cooking their masterpiece as soon as possible. Tonight she had chosen chicken alfredo with a tossed salad; One could say it was her favourite, but saying that would imply that she would eat it when cooked and served by whomever. But to her, she would only eat it when it was him who had made it for her.

Y/n adored him. He adored her. To her, he was her light. She could simply not imagine life without him, not after he had come in and changed her in such a way. She never in a million years would have thought to be so in love with someone. To have known someone who cared enough to hear all about her day or listen to all her tangents, whether they made sense or not. Who listened to her talk forever about anything just so he could see the faint glow of passion in her eyes. Someone who remembered the small details in regards to the things she loved and the things she despised; Like how she hated the feeling of peanut butter on her fingers and how she absolutely admired the scent of fresh pages in a new book. Sometimes, she felt undeserving of him.

He admired her like no other. Never did he believe he’d be capable of opening up to anyone in such a way, at least not until she walked into his life. He could write a million lists, all full of everything he loved about her. The way she smiled cheekily at him after a witty remark, how she'd give every hug as if it was the last, the way she was oh so patient with him. It took him time to become vulnerable in the slightest, he just didn’t know how to do so without burdening her. She knew his job was hard, he’d told her. But rather than running away like he expected, she stayed with him right by his side. She refused to leave him over that. If anything, it made her want to stay more since she felt the need to be there for him. It felt like a punch to the gut but a good one. “So, is this love?” He had asked himself then. Nanami had someone who brought out the much more joyful side to him. At the end of the day, he knew he’d walk through the front door only to see her, arms wide open and with a big smile offering a cozy hug. She was his home. Sometimes, he felt undeserving of her.

Putting the final piece of broccoli into the container, she tidies any clutter and went back to their shared bedroom. Sinking into the bed and falling on it with a plush thump, she lets out a deep sigh mixed with some sort of a groan. She herself was exhausted from work too to say the least. She didn’t deal with curses or anything like that, but she did teach a class of 9 year olds which one could consider just as frustrating. Yawning, she checks her phone to read the time: 6:15 PM. Nanami hadn’t been in the shower for too long, a small nap wouldn’t hurt. Quickly, she settled for a little 30 minute nap. That way, she could get up soon enough to help him out in the kitchen and not abandon him to do everything on his own. She turns her phone off and slowly, her eyes shut.

…

Y/n slowly opens her eyes and notices a grey throw blanket placed on her, something that she doesn’t recall going to bed with earlier. “Must’ve been Nanami.” Grabbing her phone, she turns the screen on, wincing at the incredible blue light piercing into her skull. “Fuck.” she mumbles. Once her eyes adjust, she glances back at the screen for the time: 7:30.

“FUCK,” she says, voice croaking “I overslept.” With the speed of light, she leaves bed and runs down the hall to the bathroom to freshen up. She soon makes her way over to the kitchen silently, slightly ashamed and guilty. Y/n mumbles a whine with a frown, “He’s probably done making things now. I could have helped.”

The kitchen is filled with the delicate scents of sauces, cheese and herbs. She watches him from the door frame, admiring her boyfriend. He stood in front of the stove mixing at the sauce for the alfredo, which scent alone made her mouth water. Nanami seems to be in his own world, as he stands humming to himself softly, stirring the pot of sauce and adding in the broccoli and spinach, not seeming to notice y/n. With a final stir, he carefully sets the lid and turns to rinse his hands. Her gaze sits upon his figure, how his grey oversized shirt slightly clings to his shoulders and loosens as it goes down his body. Looking down, she noticed the bright red christmas pyjamas he had on, the ones with adorable little reindeers all over them. Grinning, she remembers how she had bought those for him. She purchased a matching set for the two of them and insisted on wearing them all day on Christmas last year. Nanami had responded to the idea with a stern “No” which left y/n in shambles. She didn’t expect him to agree, but hey, a girl can dream. However, on Christmas day, lo and behold, she had woken up to find Nanami sitting on the couch, watching the news with his reindeer PJs on. Immediately, she had attacked him with hugs and kisses and all Nanami did was sit there and accept them, secretly loving it the whole time.

A deep voice throws her out of her thoughts. “You know, it’s rude to stare, right?”

Y/n chuckles quietly and makes her way over, wrapping her arms around him from behind, snuggling into his back.

“I like to stare at you, you’re cute,” she breathes in his scent once again, “ah, you smell so much better now. Like the nami I know.”

“I am not cute. I am a grown man.”

“C’mon, you can’t possibly be saying that right now. Not while you’re wearing these pants.” She coos, gently patting his butt. He goes silent, refusing to rebuttal knowing that he’s lost. He leans against the counter, his front facing her. Though he didn’t say anything, y/n sees this as an open invite to his arms. The rope of his arms finds her waist this time, her arms in an embrace around his neck.

“Whatever, tell me, how was your day, hm?” He posed, changing the subject.

“Same old, yenno. The kids and I had a discussion today about drugs and safety. It was cute, hearing them rat out their neighbours for smoking cigs and talk about how yucky they thought alcohol is. It was… sweet. How was work for you, hon?”

“Shit.” He retorts, closing his eyes, “Work is shit.”

“Oh come ON, I’m sure it’s not always that bad, right? Say, how’s your friend doing, you know, the one who kinda looks like one of my makeup brushes! Isn’t he good company?”

“Yeah, if good company means having to deal with a nuisance to society on a daily basis then by all means, yes, Gojo is wonderful company.” He joked, loosening his grip on her and making his way over to the stove to check on his sauce. She follows, opening the first drawer and pulling out a silver spoon, “You’re so mean sometimes. I think he’s a great guy to be around! I met him once, such a flirt.”

He teases calmly, “If you love him so much, why don’t you get with him?”

Taking her spoon, she lowers it into the pot and brings it back up to her face, blowing on it carefully before she puts it to her lips to taste. “Hmm, I would. But I don’t think he’s as big as you. I’ll have to pass.” She smirked, putting the spoon into her mouth as he watched and sighed in disappointment.

He glares,“God, you’re something else.”

“I’m just kidding, babe.” Bringing her spoon down for another taste. He swats at her hand and she retreats it with a whine. “Don’t do that. You’ve tried it already, and will again when we get to eat.” He scolded tenderly, “Plus, you shouldn’t be given these privileges anyway. It’s not like you helped out or anything.” He smiled, teasing her.

“Nanamiiii, I’m sorry,” she whines, half laughing, “I promise, I was going to help! I just got a little bit sleepy and sort of lost track of time…” He turned over to her and lifted her face with a finger under her chin. Laughing, he delicately caresses her cheek, tapping it admirably with a curled finger. The blonde chuckles and looks her in the eyes, “I’m just joking with you, love. I know you’ve been tired lately, I can tell. Why haven’t you been resting?”

Her smile falls and she sighs. Y/n wrapped her arms around his waist and brought him into her, hiding her face into his chest. It was true, she was exhausted but she didn’t deem it to be anything so serious. Work was just heavy this past week from having to grade her students’ work in time for report cards. All she wanted was the best for her kids and was finding ways to get the kids out of their comfort zones enough to do well in class. That reminded her, Nanami also mentioned having a student of his own.

She takes her face out of his chest and glances upwards. “It’s just this week of work, I promise I’ll be back to normal soon. I’ve just been busy with lesson plans and activities, yenno. Anyway, speaking of students, how’s the one you’ve been assigned to?” She posed in a soft tone. Half smiling, he turned around to add the strained pasta to the sauce, scattering it into the pot.

“He’s special. Quite lively. And cheerful. He reminds me of you sometimes,” his voice strains as he stretches to grab the bowl of cooked chicken to finally add into the pot, finishing the meal, “He’s got potential.” Y/n beamed with happiness. Nanami really seemed to like this kid and if he thought you had potential, then it sure as hell meant you had it.

She lets out a squeal, “EEEEEEK!!! That sounds amazing! I’m so happy for you!” Nanami suppressed a laugh and rolled his eyes, “It’s not that-”

“This calls for a drink, don’t you think?” She babbled with excitement, “We should have some wine! Right?”

Grabbing her wrist as she skipped her way over to the bottle, he reminded her, “You have school tomorrow. You always end up having more than needed and struggle to wake up in the morning.” Y/n frowned at his words, to which he noticed and tried to fix, “Tomorrow’s Friday, you can drink plenty tomorrow, hm? I’ll drink with you.”

“Ugh, fine. You’re right. But you have to promise.”

“I promise you ca-”

“No! You have to pinky-promise.” She demanded, pouting as he stuck out her pinky finger.

His heart skips a beat. Was she always this cute? Her angelic eyes stare into his tired ones. Bottom lip poking out, awaiting Nanami’s pinky to interlock with her own. He knew she took pinky-promises very seriously despite her grown age. It was among one of the many petty details that he cherished. Something about this pinky-promise was enough for her to ensure trust onto someone, it made him laugh. Her naivety is what made her so kind hearted, what allowed her to see the best in people. He felt that this naivety is why they’re together to begin with. He didn’t ever think she’d give him a chance. He reminisced of their first few encounters. The way she did her hair back then, the way she dressed, her shy smile and how she’d look at the floor whenever she’d blush. Maybe it was her timid nature that made him fall head over heels for her. Or maybe it was her generosity. Perhaps her beauty. He was unable to simply confine the reasoning for his infatuation with just a few traits. She grew overtime, more comfortable and less shy, she was more confident around him but he knew he could still make her blush so badly that she’d have to hide her face from him. He enjoyed their banter, her company. He felt it was luck. Or maybe it was fate. Who knows. He didn’t want to think so much about it. He wanted to live in the moment, adore her in this present time. In that instance, he felt the strong urge to kiss her. And so he did.

The kiss was short and sweet, yet full of an unfathomable amount of love. It took her aback, she didn’t quite see it coming. She too stood in the present moment, then and there, cherishing the man she loved.

His lips leave hers and he extends the smallest finger on his hand, declaring, “I pinky-promise.” And a ginormous grin washes over her face. In a whisper, she squeals and scoops her arms around his torso, resting her head onto his chest. They stay like this for a while, not too long really, but to them it felt like an eternity being in each other’s affectionate embrace. He goes to speak and she feels the vibrating boom of his voice make his way up from his chest.

“I love you.”

She sighs, “I love you too.”

Turning her head, y/n smoothly gets on her tip toes and clasps her arms around his neck, giving it a tender kiss and attempting to make a trail leading up to his sharp jaw. Catching onto her tactics he laughs, putting his big hand against her face and pushing her back.

“Seriously?” He chuckles, “You couldn’t wait till after dinner? Come on, take out the plates.”

“Wait for what? I was just kissing you! You’re so dramatic, Nami.” She lies, playing innocent. She knew damn well what she was trying to do. She wasn’t going to admit to it though. Taking out the plates and utensils, she readied the table.

…

After dinner and meaningless conversation, the two lovers tidied and headed towards their room. “Do yo wana wah a mohee tomowwow nie?” Y/n proposed from the bathroom as she brushed her teeth. He perks his head up, confused, “Do I want to what?” She spat into the sink and rinsed her mouth, repeating her question.

“I said, do you wanna watch a movie tomorrow night? Like at home? There’s this documentary I saw on Netflix, it looks really good! It’s crime related.”

“That sounds fine with me. Though, that’s only possible if you don’t end up drinking too much. I always have to get you to sleep early when you drink.” He states nonchalantly, nose poked into a thick book. She rolls her eyes and smiles, “I promise I won’t drink all that much.” Shifting his book to the opposing hand, Nanami silently takes his pinky finger and holds it out to y/n. She snickers and reciprocates.

“You’ve now pinky-promised. Don’t break it, y/n.”

“I never do.”

The nightstand lamp illuminates the room with a soft yellow glow. Shadows of objects on the nightstand hang on the walls. Laying in bed on her phone, y/n turns over to Nanami, who was still reading his book. “Nami, come lay next to me, I wanna cuddle. Please?” Her voice faint. He looks down at her and puts his book away immediately. He could use a cuddle too. Bringing himself down, he lays on his back, y/n closing the gap between the two. Their legs intertwine, her arm and head resting on his chest while one of his hands rested on her bum, the other dotingly playing with her hair. Neither of them spoke a word for a while. Until y/n broke the silence.

“So, were there no other pairs of pants you had left to wear or-”

“Please, be quiet.”