#Affordable open-ear earbuds

[crazydiscostu]

Soundpeats Go Free 2 Earbuds

Enter the GoFree2 Open-ear Earbuds, a promising contender in the realm of wireless audio technology. The company has a proven track record for optimising their designs to fit the needs of the consumer and today we’re going to look at their latest offering. Product supplied for review purposes Go Free 2 At the heart of the GoFree2 Open-ear Earbuds lies a commitment to optimal fit and all-day…

[alexging]

dating sean diaz hcs pt 2

- before esteban fixed up a car for sean, u guys would always take the public bus around seattle

- his favorite dates r the ones where u guys go into random small stores and thrift shops

- both of u guys cackle REALLY LOUD at tacky shirts with stupid sayings and get looks from people 😭

- ur fav thing is to go “i found something ud like” and watch sean look up from the racks in excitement to see an overly patriotic shirt that says “don’t touch my truck”

- his face drops into a frown and he picks out something 10x uglier and say it looks like something ud wear

- sean secretly buys what u say is cute but u cant afford bc thrifting is so expensive for no reason these days

- “guess what i got” and he slithers it out of his bag with an evil smile 😭 suddenly him dissing u for an hour straight doesnt even matter anymore

- once esteban texts sean for dinner u guys hop on the bus back home. he never asks sean to come home for dinner alone though! common courtesy to invite the gf

- sharing wired earbuds on the bus ride home always. sean plays little love songs bc he only listens to music that he relates to in that specific moment 😭 corny but cute. he def has songs in his head that he thinks are ur guys’ songs and plays them every chance he gets

- when u first started eating with the diaz family it was so painfully awkward

- though he kind of likes it now, he did not want his girlfriend to get to know esteban or daniel too well LMAO he didnt want to be embarrassed by anything they possibly could say

- still, even when he tried so hard to avoid it, daniel and esteban still found their ways

- estebans the kind of dad to bring up embarrassing stories about sean when he was a kid bc he KNOWS how much his son would hate it

- “y’know (y/n), im surprised seanie boy over here even managed to get a girlfriend in the first place”

- “why is that, mr. diaz?”

- “i remember he thought girls couldn’t poop until he was in middle school! i had to break the news for him—he was in denial for weeks. his voice was shaking when i told him and everything!” u can see sean pause mid-chew in the corner of his eye 😭 “and please, call me esteban”

- you just awkwardly nodded and tried to not bust out laughing. sean notices and kicks u under the table which makes u ACTUALLY bust out laughing

- esteban and daniel knew from there u were one to be trusted

- “i bet (y/n) doesn’t poop” daniel randomly said when u left that night. seans immediately swiveled his head around 😭

- just like with lyla, daniel seemed to have a crush on u as well. the only difference is that sean tries to shut it down REALLY quick.

- “she shits all the time. sometimes i wipe her ass for her bc she shits so much”

- daniel’s “eww…” is like music to his ears

- u always playfully punch him when he does this in front of u and ask why he makes u look bad in front of him

- sean never admits its bc hes jealous of a little kid 😭 he just changes the subject and kisses u bc he thinks hes sneaky

- over the summer he randomly got a buzz and didnt say anything to anybody

- he just opened his front door standing there bald as if nothing happened and ur eyes wld just kind of widen

- u wld eventually tell him it looks good tho bc it DOES he pulls it off so well

- that summer u wld always randomly start feeling his head because the texture is so interesting

- it got to the point where hed just sit on the floor in front of wherever u were so ud get to feel his freshly mowed head

- he always ends up dozing off bc its so comforting and u wld feel his head pressed on ur inner leg.

- u also get the privilege of cutting/buzzing his hair 😋

- sean doesnt trust himself so u guys sit for 40 mins watching a brad mondo video before u start going ape on his hair

- he gets kind of nervous when u get close to his face and does that thing where u switch between a persons right eye and left eye while smiling awkwardly 😭

- surprisingly it turns out good!

- i feel like ud be super nit-picky on ur work, thinking its total ass. he wld just say its perfect over and over again

- he always stares at any reflective surface and smiles like a dork in front of it. even if u did do a shit job, he probably wouldnt notice or care all that much bc he loves blindly ❤️

im on winter break so i get to be cringe and free for endless hours thank u to like the 3 other people who also like sean diaz. u r all real ones

[flyingwargle]

the first few hours on the bus ride to a practice match are always quiet. they often leave early, still clinging onto the tendrils of sleep, letting drowsiness wrap around them as soon as they’re settled in their seats. it isn’t until they’re closer that the athletes will wake, one by one, reaching for packed cans of coffee or bottles of tea for a caffeine boost, but until then, it’s tranquil.

sakusa is always one of the last few to fall asleep, unaccustomed to sleeping in a vehicle. he’d already taken some melatonin, noise-canceling headphones over his ears. beside him, atsumu has his eyes closed with a similar pair of headphones, arms folded tightly across his chest, breaths deep. sakusa checks his phone, about to connect his headphones via bluetooth, when he notices the time: 8:34 am.

hm. he checks his calendar. the practice match against vc hiroshima is under today’s date. there’s another event, too. he taps on it. phone call with dr. kimura @ 8:45 am.

oh. sakusa blinks, drowsiness erased. he pats his pockets, franticness fading into resignation. for phone calls, he’d use earbuds because his headphones don’t have a microphone, and there is no way in hell he’d press his phone against his ear, no matter how thoroughly he’s sanitized it. plus, the speaker barely works, not after motoya spilled his pocari sweat over it during university.

his eyes slide toward atsumu. would he have earbuds? no, the more important question is – would he trust earbuds that were likely in his ear? when was the last time he saw him use earbuds, anyway? most of his teammates use headphones, even at the gym, and atsumu doesn’t listen to music while he works out (neither does sakusa, but that’s because they work out together, and being able to hear each other while benching is pretty important, in his opinion). still, there’s less than ten minutes left until the call, and he’d rather not reschedule.

he taps on atsumu’s shoulder, feels him startle, opening an eye in his direction. “omi?” he mumbles.

sakusa points to his headphones, and atsumu dutifully slides them off his ears and around his neck. “do you have a pair of earbuds i could borrow?” he murmurs. “i have a phone call with my physiotherapist in ten minutes.”

“oh, sure.” atsumu reaches for the drawstring bag by his feet, rummaging around until he produces a red airpod case. he flips it open for him, frowning at sakusa’s frown. “what?”

“why is there only one?”

atsumu twists it around, blinks, and then shrugs. “bit of a long story. ya better do yer call first.”

“is it clean?”

“i don’t remember the last time i used it, so probably.”

sakusa takes it gingerly, inspects it. there are scratches on the crimson airpod, the telltale sign of its age, but there’s no trace of wax anywhere. still, he runs a sanitized wipe over it, dries it with a clean handkerchief, and then puts it in his ear, connecting it to his phone just in time for the call.

it doesn’t last long, just a routine update on his physiotherapy and additional stretches that he can add to his regiment. he schedules a session for the end of the week and thanks the doctor, ending the call. when he looks over at atsumu, he’s looking out the window, watching the scenery blur by. sakusa disconnects the airpod and hands it back. “thanks.”

“any time.” atsumu holds the case out, and sakusa slides it in place. he doesn’t put the case back though, just keeps it in his hand while settling back in his seat. sakusa does the same.

“did you lose the other one?”

“nah, it’s with ‘samu.” his smile is fond, as it always is when talking about his twin. “ma could only afford one pair, so we split it an’ took turns playin’ music. ‘samu was always listenin’ to somethin’, but it distracted the hell outta me. i just listened to it whenever i was stressed.” the corners of his mouth fall, voice low. “when he told me that he wasn’t gonna go pro, i was pissed. he put the earbud in my ear an’ made me sit an’ watch ‘im cook while listenin’ to music. it…helped me understand just how much cookin’ meant to ‘im. we made up after that.”

sakusa doesn’t comment. it was strange that atsumu concentrated better in silence when his personality was so loud. however, as he observed over the years, silence equates to single-minded devotion, to dedication amplified to an extreme level. his twin seems to demonstrate the opposite.

atsumu lowers his eyes at the case. “i dunno why i took it after i moved out. i only used it with ‘samu, so i didn’t even notice there was only one ‘till he called me ‘bout it. he had to use sunarin’s case to charge his. i bet he has his own pair, now.”

the image of the twins in their high school uniforms, a pair of earbuds shared between them, unfurls in sakusa’s mind. it’s strangely endearing, how they didn’t fight over who would use the pair at any given time, how they made do with it instead of begging for another. “you care for your brother more than you let on.”

that causes a deep blush to spread across atsumu’s cheeks. he lets out a strangled cough and slides his headphones back over his ears. “whatever. i’m goin’ back to sleep.” he folds his arms across his chest again, tucks his chin, shuts his eyes. sakusa doesn’t miss the airpod case clutched in his fist.

it’s ironic that he loathed the twins on the volleyball court, but now that they’ve grown, he finds himself respecting their closeness more and more. he never had such a relationship with his siblings, and he considers motoya more as a friend. he slides his headphones back on, connects them to his phone, and starts a playlist. as music drifts around him, he closes his eyes, suppressing a smile. he’ll have to ask osamu for music recommendations when they meet next.

--

inspiration: this comic of suna taking pictures of the twins for the s4 ost album cover art but i fixated on the earphone part and nothing else

[silvernyxchariot]

Look what I found. Some Obey Me! drabbles in my documents, legit drabbles that are supposed to be 100 words long. No more no less. Edited, of course, to match GN!Reader. Instead of "Y/N" I used [ ].

Obey Me! Seven Brothers x GN!Reader

1) Lucifer

The cursed record played softly and filled the silence between Lucifer and [ ]. The eldest brother was hidden behind stacks of paperwork while the human exchange student pushed their earbuds in and continued to type on their laptop. Each of them looked stoic as ever. Lucifer didn't realize he was dozing off. Suddenly, [ ] snapped their laptop shut and began to leave, "It's time to start cooking dinner." Lucifer checked the clocks with an exasperated look. "It's fine. I'll cook again tonight," they stated without looking back. The Avatar of Pride sighed in relief as he watched his companion leave.

2) Mammon

The casino machines blared in [ ]'s ears. To distract themselves, they plugged themselves into their D.D.D. with earbuds to play games. They shared a seat with and leaned onto Mammon. The Avatar of Greed was at the dealer's table cheering for his next win. With each game, Mammon collected several Grimm, enough to afford fifteen dates at Ristorante Six. Some hours later, [ ] quit their game and squeezed Mammon's arm for attention. Mammon pouted while glancing at his mountainous pile of chips. He was looking forward to winning more but trusted [ ] to stop him from continuing his gambling high.

3) Leviathan

Leviathan peaked over the side of the kitchen counter and gave [ ] puppy dog eyes. They were busy kneading meats and spices. "I'm not making rainbow pizza," they stated in between grunts. The immense weight of the meat made them think Beelzebub should have helped out, but that was probably a bad idea. As for Leviathan, the Avatar of Envy had finally decided to exit his room from a week-long gaming and anime viewing marathon. He craved a more substantial meal than the snack and preserved foods he had stored in his room and begged [ ] to help him out.

4) Satan

"He likes the sparkly puff ball toys." [ ] had brought Satan to their parents' home to take care of the animals. The various dogs had all gathered around to sniff the Avatar of Wrath who was laughing at how ticklish their noses were against his skin. He had been too distracted to notice [ ] had left the room to retrieve their ten-month-old kitten. The rambunctious little feline leaped and balanced on the dogs' backs to get to this new person. Satan froze but gasped loudly as he held his arms open for the kitten who rubbed his scent onto Satan.

5) Asmodeus

“I don’t know what this is,” [ ] held up a sample skincare product that was rising in popularity in the human world, "but I got a free sample at the rich people mall, where I live." Sidestepping the part about where they received the sample, Asmodeus was excited to receive a gift from his usual nonpartial human. They handed him the sample which he gladly took and started examining it. At first, the Avatar of Lust looked enthusiastic but then let out a disappointed huff.

"Oh, honey." Asmodeus sighed, "These ingredients are way more harmful than helpful to anyone's skin."

6) Beelzebub

The Avatar of Gluttony dribbled the basketball and continuously made perfect shots. He perspired as he exercised while [ ] sat in the cool shade of a willow tree. They had been left alone at Serenity Manor, oddly enough. "I've never really been to London* until recently," they shouted out to Beel who gave them a sweet smile. The 6th born tucked the ball under his arm and walked towards them. He had been pointing to a pile of his belongings which had consisted of a bottle of water and a towel. They handed both items to which he thanked them.

7) Belphegor

"What do you want to do?"

"Nothing in particular," [ ] said while joining a raid in a game with Leviathan on their D.D.D. The Avatar of Sloth sighed. The two had been staying in the attic all day. Neither had the motivation to exert energy if they had any at all.

"Let's order stuff from Akuzon." [ ] turned to him with a shrug of agreement and Belphegor pulled out his D.D.D. They scrolled through the various items, added them to their cart, and Belphegor groaned as he got up. "I'm gonna steal Lucifer's credit card," unlike Mammon, Belphegor was successful.

*I just assume the game is set in London for the human world. It’s been over a year since I played, so if it has been stated otherwise... oh well. 🤷‍♂️

[skkfujoshi]

Comparison is killing me slowly

The sound of a phone ringing broke Dazai out of his spiral about well…

Everything.

“Dazai is that-“Atsushi began

Dazai lifted his hand and stood up.

“Which direction?” “The warehouse close by I think.” “Stay here.We still have a train to catch.Watch for it,yeah?”he said casually,walking away

It only took a short time for Dazai to find the source of  the sound.It wasn’t a phone.Instead it was a small earbud.

A standard issue Port Mafia communication device lying limply on the floor.Dazai picked it up,tilting his head.

He put it into his ear and waited for the ringing to stop.When it did,it was Chuuya’s voice that came from the other side.

“Hey, Dazai…” “Chuuya?” “You’re probably wondering why I’m talking to you right now.It’s simple.I prepared a surprise for you on that train.” “What kind of surprise?”Dazai teased but he didn’t get a…response that fit “You’ll love it.One of your favorite recruits,Q.He wanted  to play with the weretiger and I didn’t feel like denying him.” “What!?Are you-“ “And you’re probably screaming right now,asking if I’m insane,right?The answer,Osamu,is no.Though…Your protégé might be headed there in a couple moments or so .”

Pre recorded…

Chuuya was bluffing,he had to be.Sure he was the boss now,but surely,surely, he wouldn’t be dumb or cruel enough to-

He heard Atsushi scream and ran.

That sort of thing didn’t seem like something Chuuya would do.Take the enemy out quick and easy…That was the Chuuya way.

This skewed a lot closer to…He shouldn’t think it but there really was no other way to describe that move.It reeked of Mori.

Dazai shouldn’t have been surprised…They were father and son.Of course there’d be…similarities.

He should’ve seen this coming.

It’s not like Chuuya was playing him…He was Mori’s son,his blood might not have ran Port Mafia black at birth,but for all intents and purposes it might as well have.

The potential to be cold,precise and efficient must’ve always been there for Chuuya.He just needed a push.

Dazai was just too dumb to see it.Unwittingly and unknowingly to both of them,he stopped Chuuya from succumbing to his nurture.And then he left.

“See?Told you leaving him was a bad idea.Now you have a monster on your hands”his thoughts taunted

Maybe he had Chuuya pinned wrong from the start…Maybe that was the issue.

He had assumed Chuuya’s lack of enjoyment in killing was a sign of distaste,but…That might’ve not been it at all.Maybe it stemmed from a more practical concern.Time and resources.

After all,wasn’t it resources that caused the Port Mafia to start hunting Atsushi down in the first place?A matter of practicality at least as far as Chuuya seemed to see it.

And Chuuya was always angry and more importantly…spiteful.He could recite insults thrown at him months back as if he heard them yesterday.He remembered slights very well.

And Dazai had slighted him hard.

Chuuya was also very adaptable .

After he learned that crying over people you killed was something frowned upon,Dazai never saw him do it again.

Once Dazai left,he found another skinny brunette to give him company.

Once everyone started playing dirty in this war,he simply followed suit.

It was one of the few things they had in common.In the mafia,you simply couldn’t afford to be stubborn.You’d be snuffed out.

He supposed Chuuya simply extended that to the rest of his life.Easier and more practical to swim with the current than against it.And if his morals were stopping him from doing so,those would be promptly rid of.

That was the best case scenario…But it didn’t quite work.

Because it wasn’t like Chuuya didn’t have an out.He was officially fired!The door was swung wide fucking open with a neon sigh saying “Get the fuck out,you idiot!” in all but literal means.

And yet,Chuuya still sat on that throne,no regrets or doubts at all it seemed.

Dazai supposed that also tracked.Chuuya had been powerless for a while,had no control over his life since age 7.A craving for-

“Dazai?” “Darn it,Doppo…I was just about to figure something out.” “And what monumentally important thing is that?” “How to commit the perfect double suicide of course!And now you ruined it.”

Kunikida sighed.

“Sorry for interrupting your very important business ,Osamu,but I wanted to ask you something.” “Hmm?” “Have you negotiated the agreement with the boss of the Port Mafia yet?You know,like the president asked you to?” “Oh.No.” “You little-“ “Before you get all yelly though,I did tell our ‘guest’ about it before I sent her back.She said she’d tell her boss.”

He turned to look at Kunikida then,his colleague staring Dazai down with suspicion.

Dazai chuckled.

“You haven’t looked at me like that since our first case.Should I be worried?” “It just seems awfully roundabout for you,that’s all.” “When you become an ex mafia member feel free to criticize.” “What?” “Oh yeah,I was in the  Port mafia once.Did I not mention that?”

Kunikida merely blinked,buried his face in his hands and sat down.

“Of course you were.” “You are taking this…Surprisingly well.Are you sure you’re not in shock or something.” “Dazai…No offense but I always had a feeling you were a criminal.” “Huh?Is it something about my face?” “Your everything is more like it.” “My eyelashes then?” “For fucks sake…Just…I’m just not gonna engage with this right now.”

Dazai chuckled,patting Kunikida’s shoulder.

“It’s for the best,you won’t win anyway.” “Ugh…Can I ask you something?” “I’m willing to give us another shot if you are.”Dazai said brightly  “I’d rather die and no,you’re not doing it with me.” “Darn…” “Did you know him?”

Dazai blinked.Kunikida looked up at him,a tad annoyed.

“The current boss.Did you two know one another?”

Of all the things Kunikida had to ask…

“Kinda.Worked together often that’s all.” “Let me guess.Short jokes?” “Constantly.How’d you guess?” “Yosano mentioned he was…”

Kunikida cleared his throat.

“Vertically challenged,for lack of a better word.”

Dazai burst into laughter.

Then they heard a knock on the front door.Looking embarrassed about his previous statement,Kunikida stood up and went to open it.

“Sorry,we’re not taking clients during this-“ “Luckily I’m not a client,detective.I’m the boss of the Port Mafia.”

Dazai bolted out of his seat and peaked past the paravane separating the office and seating area.In person?Why the hell would Chuuya even bother with that?Oh right…To torture him.

“We thought you were going to discuss this with our president over the phone.”Kunikida said,tone nothing short of scolding  “I wasn’t exactly in the position to give him my number,so unfortunately this was the only way.” “Actually,I gave him your phone number this morning.”Dazai corrected,walking over to the two

Kunikida was blinking at Dazai in an obvious gesture of “Please butt out before you screw something up”which Dazai,as usual,did not abide by.Instead,he locked eyes with Chuuya who,surprisingly,wasn’t giving him that disdainful,saccharine smile which Dazai hated so much. 

This one he was far more familiar with.Relaxed,but despite that toothier than average.He could just barely see one of his former partner’s canines peaking out.Chuuya smiled like that after he won fights.

Well,somebody sure was smug about their little train surprise.

“Dazai-san,how nice to see you again,it’s been too long.”he said,voice warm

Shame said warmth didn’t reach his eyes.In fact it seemed that Chuuya’s gaze flicked to Kunikida as soon as the sentence left his mouth.He was probably hoping that Dazai hadn’t told Kunikida about his past.

Ha!Joke’s on him.

Dazai took Chuuya’s extended hand and kissed it,earning the redhead’s attention again.

“Nice to see you again as well,Nakahara-san.And in your natural hair colour too,how lovely.”

Chuuya only gave him that tight,saccharine,frigid smile in response .Dazai hummed.If this was how he got it,maybe he could learn to like it after all.

“Chuuya Nakahara ?”Kunikida asked,shock suppressed but very audible still

Chuuya took his hand out of Dazai’s,rubbing it against his side aggressively as he turned towards Kunikida again. 

“Yes.The gravity manipulator,son of the previous boss of the Port Mafia,yadda yadda…Sure you heard of me.”

“Yes,I’ve heard.Doppo Kunikida.”Kunikida said offering his hand.

The two shook hands,Kunikida looking him up and down.

“You two seem close.” “Nah.We just worked together often that’s all.Dazai’s just like this with all his coworkers,but…I’m sure you know that.”

Kunikida cleared his throat,implying,quite heavily to Dazai that they were gonna have a chat about this topic at a more appropriate time.Dazai might’ve dreaded that more than the prospect of a painful death.

He hated it the first time he had to discuss his past with Kunikida and he hated it even more now.

“You mind if we search you?”Kunikida asked

-

Chuuya shook his head.

“Not at all.In fact…You mind if I do it myself?Might be faster.” “As far as I’m concerned,go on.” “Great.You don’t mind either,do you Dazai-san?”Chuuya said turning to him

Oh,Dazai minded.Dazai minded so much and was glaring so hard that if looks could kill Chuuya would’ve been dead.It made Chuuya a little giddy to be honest.

He might not have been able to see his reaction to finding out about Q,but this was just as good if not better.Getting under Dazai’s skin after so long of Dazai getting under his was honestly better than any wine he’d ever tasted.

He batted his eyelashes at Dazai,daring him to say no and then try to come up with an explanation.

“Doesn’t bother me at all.” “Great.”

Chuuya let his coat slip to the floor,keeping eye contact with Dazai as it fell.He noticed,out of the corner of his eye that Kunikida’s face was bright red and his eyes went wide.

Good.The more he unsettles Dazai’s boyfriend the better.

He locked eyes with Dazai again and tossed his braid over his shoulder,undoing his vest in short order.

Dazai swallowed,lips pressed tightly and if Chuuya wasn’t mistaken a slight tint to his cheeks.Chuuya shrugged the vest off,picking the items off the floor and shoving them into the brunette’s crossed arms.

He turned his back to Kunikida and he made a low sound in the back of his throat as Mori’s scalpel from Chuuya’s knife garter.

“Why is this here?” “I always carry that around.More of a habit,really.” “Right…”Kunikida said,clearly unconvinced 

 He walked over to Dazai who looked downright furious(well,even more so,Chuuya supposed) as Kunikida dropped the scalpel on top of the other things.

“Anything else?”

Chuuya didn’t hesitate before offering his right leg,stabilizing his left one with ‘Tainted’. 

-

“Might have to check my legs.Just to be safe.”

Kunikida sighed,resigned and ran his hand over Chuuya’s leg.

Dazai wasn’t mad or jealous or anything.If anything it was more pity for Kunikida.The poor guy had no chance and wasn’t Chuuya’s type at all.

So no,he wasn’t upset.

Not at all.

Finally,Kunikida finished and Chuuya gave him a small smile in response before politely asking where the president was.Kunikida begrudgingly sent him on his merry way,before turning to Dazai who was busy dropping all of Chuuya’s things on the floor.

“Your ex is certainly…Interesting.” “I told you before.We never dated.” “Certainly didn’t stop you from undressing him with your eyes.”

Dazai scoffed.

“You jealous?” “In your dreams.We’ll talk about your issues later.As for now…”

Kunikida tilted his head in the direction of Fukuzawa’s office.

“Go do what you do best.” “You’re letting me eavesdrop?”Dazai asked excitedly 

His partner rolled his eyes.

“He’s still the boss of the mafia.I don’t trust him as far as Kenji can throw him.” “Consider it done then.”

Boss ChuuyaAU Masterpost

Previous fic part <— Next fic part —>

Overall AU info post

[redfoxwritesstuff]

Sunflower: Book 1, Chapter 14

Tom Hiddleston x OFC Series rated: M Chapter warnings: A bit high PG13 in our flashback and some anxiety. AN: Dude, I'm still fucking sick. Also, I edited and posted this while working because I'm sick and it's Friday and fuck these doctors, they don't get to dump dictation on me at the end of the week and be like "It's urgent." No, fuck you and the horse you rode in on, it's not Urgent if you didn't do it till now.

~~~~~<3

Mia slept like a rock but was up right on time. Of course, on time wasn’t late enough. She rarely got enough sleep when she worked nights but she would make up for that later, she always did.

Peeking in on Sally, she found the little one still asleep. It was seven in the morning, she would be waking soon. Generally, she wasn’t one to sleep in. 

Mia took the chance to make breakfast in her new kitchen. The task wasn’t terribly difficult, even though she hadn’t even had a chance to unpack thanks to each box being labeled so clearly with the contents. Having a packing and moving crew was surely worth every penny Tom had paid for them. 

~~~~~<3

Sally sat at their little dining table, too small for the space- something Mia never thought would be a problem in her life as pancakes were set in front of her. They had a busy morning ahead of them. 

Ikea opened at ten and Mia had every intention of being there at opening. She intended to find a nice enough couch that was also affordable. Tom had probably intended for them to get a nicer couch than an Ikea special but he wasn’t here to stop her. She was unsupervised with his credit card.

The ping of her phone drew her attention. It was a text message form Ashley with a link. “Your man was on The Late Show.” 

Sally was coping well with Tom’s absence so far. Mia didn’t want to risk ruining that when she had such a busy day ahead of them by reminding her that Tom had left so rather than just following the link, she spent time digging out her headphones from her purse. 

“Momma,” Sally called, “Can I get something pretty for my new room?” 

“Yeah, sure. We’ll see what we can find.” Mia was paying more attention to jabbing an earbud in her ear. “Finish eating while I get dressed, alright?”

~~~~~<3

Mia wasn’t one to watch late night TV. She was either sleeping or she was working. Plus the famous person or politician or whoever chatting with a host about movies wasn’t really her thing. 

She set her phone down on her dresser as she traded out her pj pants for a pair of jeans. The screen loaded onto a man already talking to Tom. It must have been a clip from the show, not the whole segment. As she got dressed, she couldn’t help but be absorbed in the short video.

~~~~~<3

“You were just in Vegas, right?” The man said, leaning forward in his chair. His dark hair was cut short yet somehow still just a little wild. He had large eyes and the infectious smile of a late night comedian. 

“I was, yes.” Tom smiled.

“It was an eventful few days I hear. You got up to some stuff.”

Tom chuckled. “Eventful yes, you could say that.” 

“And you left with some bling.” Tom’s fingers twitched ever so slightly as the ring was pointed out. He wasn’t sure where this was going but he knew he needed to tread carefully. “There’s pictures!” The man said, “Bring on the pictures.”

The screen switched to Tom and Mia running down the hall, her white dress flowing and sparkly high heels glittering in the too bright lights of a hotel hallway. her face was obscured by Tom’s shoulder but his face was clearly visible.

His cheeks were bright red though if they didn’t know he was out of his mind wasted, they could believe it was from the private moment being intruded on. 

The picture switched to them kissing in the bar some time earlier. Dim lights gave them a warm glow and they had drinks in front of them. Tom’s hand was on her neck and hers was resting on his thigh as she leaned forward. Her face was obscured by his as she leaned into the kiss. 

“You’ve kept a romance under warps, Mr. Hiddleston.” The host teased. Color flushed Tom’s cheeks.

“I do like to keep my private life to myself.”

“And how long have you too been together?”

“That’s private.” Tom dodged. “But all anyone needs to know is I care for her deeply otherwise I wouldn’t have married her.” 

“So it’s not a ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ situation?” The host pressed. 

“I’m as married today as I was Friday night.” Tom reiterated. 

“Tell us about her!” The host propped his head up in his hands. If it was possible, he would have had hearts in his eyes. It was clear that the host and Tom had a report and were familiar with each other in a friendly way. 

“She’s not a public figure.” Tom started, picking his words carefully. “Her privacy is important and I want to respect that. She’s not married to Actor Tom, she’s married to me and that’s a beautiful thing. Her name is Mia and-”

“Mia!” The host cried, popping up in his seat. “What a lovely name.” 

“She’s lovely.” Tom agreed and on the other side of the country, in a different time and place Mia’s face got hot. “She’s absolutely wonderful and we’re looking forward to our future.” 

The host continued to lightheartedly press for details but Tom stood firm. They showed a few more pictures from that night neither could remember but not a single image showed her face with the exception of the picture of them going into the restaurant over the weekend. 

Had no one gotten a clear shot of her? That didn’t seem likely. Had Tom known ahead of time and asked for her face to be hidden? Was her makeup smeared and her face being hidden to protect their dignity? 

~~~~~<3

“I’m done!” Sally yelled from the dining table, throwing Mia back into reality. Perhaps not reality, in a strange way what was happening on the screen was very much a part of her reality. No, her daughter’s voice had served throw her back into the present more than anything. 

“Go get washed up.” Mia called, slipping a shirt over her head and quickly finishing getting herself dressed. 

~~~~~<3

Ikea was overwhelming, as it always was. There were too many people, too much stuff and in general, far too much stimulation. But she would get through it and in the end she would be rewarded with Swedish meatballs. That was just how trips to Ikea went. You survived and then indulged in cafeteria food. She didn’t make the rules. 

They sat on couch after couch as she picked which one would be best for the space. None of them really felt big enough but she was not going to go somewhere with more expensive sofas. That wasn’t an option. She would just have a lot of empty space in her living room. More room for Sally to play. 

The one they picked was one of the largest. Under the cushions were storage compartments. It was a few hundred dollars and would likely break down after a few short years at best, needing to be replaced but she didn’t care. 

While she hadn’t planned on it, she went ahead and got herself a pair of matching end tables and lamps to set on them. While the apartment had plenty of overhead lamps, there was a warmth that came from table lamps that she loved. 

Sally picked out a soft rug to put on the floor. All in all, Mia didn’t feel too bad about the spending. It was less than a couch would have been if she went to Ashley’s Furniture or somewhere similar like Tom had probably intended. 

The lamps were on clearance and that helped keep the cost low. The tables were the cheapest they had. Hopefully Tom wouldn’t mind. 

~~~~~<3

Mia was anxious as she stood in line waiting. She had paid for their lunches with her own debit card but this was going to go on Tom’s card. She had no plan B for if it didn’t go through. 

It was a international card, wasn’t it? Would it go through okay? What would she do if it didn't? What if they asked for her ID? 

It was irrational, she knew that. Tom was traveling and had been spending money without issue on this card for as long as he was there from what she had seen. Places rarely asked for ID for credit card transactions anymore. There was so much fraud protection that it had just fallen to the wayside. 

All the stress was for nothing. The card went through perfectly fine. No one asked her who she was to use it. No one questioned her. No one said “stop!”. It went perfectly, painlessly fine. As part of her knew it would.

The furniture would be delivered the next day. It was surreal to spend so much money at any one time. But it was done and she survived the flood of panic that came with spending his money. In the moment though, as she swiped his card, she thought she was going to revisit her Swedish meatballs. 

Would it get easier over time? Mia decided she’s really rather not find out. If she had her way, she wasn’t going to be doing anymore major spending on his card, at all. It was better she didn’t get used to this. Tom wouldn’t always be there to financially save her. He wouldn’t always be there to replace her couch. This was temporary. 

Sitting in the car before leaving IKEA, she shot a text to Tom letting him know she had spent his money as he had requested and how much the total was. 

She hadn’t heard from him all day. In the morning she had assumed he was still sleeping after working the late night appearances but now it was quickly becoming afternoon without a word. 

What did it mean? Why wasn’t he texting her? 

It drove her insane the rest of the day. She checked her phone repeatedly for a hello or even so much as an acknowledgment of the purchases.

 Nothing came however, leaving her to wrestle with the thousands of ‘what if’s that quickly took up residence in her mind. Time after time she started text messages only to delete them instead of sending. 

It was fine if he didn’t text her, right? It was okay if they didn’t talk, right? They were just strangers, really, at the end of the day. This was fine. 

~~~~~<3

The elevator walls were not mirrored but the polished stone may as well have been. Dark copies of the bride and groom surrounded them. They were alone and yet not, in this magical space. 

Tom advanced on her slowly. She matched every step he took forward with one of her own backwards. There wasn’t enough air in the elevator car as it moved up and up. 

Her heart was on cloud nine and the evaluator was taking the rest of her there. 

She couldn’t breathe. It felt like she was gasping for air in all the best ways before her back hit the polished stone wall. There was no where else to go. She couldn’t take any more steps backward. 

Her future didn’t stop just because her back hit the wall. Was this a sign of what her life would be like? Was this what her future with him would be like? Advancing faster than she could keep up? 

Her future put his hands against the stone on either side if her head, palms flat and fingers splayed. His elbows buckled and then he was supporting his weight with his forearms, oh so much closer than he had been.

His face hovered just inches from hers. His breath smelled strongly of whiskey but the air around him smelled of his cologne. The mix of the two together was intoxicating.

Leaning forward, she closed the distance. The soft velvet of his lips felt amazing against hers. There was a light stubble to his face, hardly visible but as he pushed into her, she could feel it. 

She wrapped her arms around his neck as his hands roamed around her waist and pulled her closer to him. Pinned between him and the wall, she didn’t have anywhere to go. There wasn’t anywhere she wanted to go. 

His hands groped her ass through the layers and layers of fabric that made up the skirt of her dress. Pulling up and forward, he had her off her feet. Wrapping her legs around him, only possible due to the many folds of the skirts, she embraced her future closer, trying to wrap herself around the very concept.

His lips left hers and made their way down her neck, leaving a path of damp butterfly kisses down to her collar bone. Nipping and sucking at the soft flesh had her squirming in his arms. 

The elevator wasn’t moving fast enough. There wasn’t a way she could get enough of him in here. At least, there was no legal way. There were cameras in the elevators and the halls. Again and again she told herself that.

His hand was large and warm. The warmth soaked into her breast. She arched into his touch. His touch was firm and strong. Muscles twitched and moved under her hands as she slipped them into his jacket after struggling with the buttons. 

She hadn’t felt like this in years. It was more intoxicating than all the wine they had shared. She felt powerful. Desirable. Wanted. 

Was this what love felt like? Was this what it felt like to be loved? It was the best feeling in the world. 

~~~~~<3

Tag List: @winterisakiller @alexakeyloveloki, @jennyggggrrr, @dangertoozmanykids101 @tilltheendwilliwrite @tinchentitri @wizardcherryblossom @buttercupcookies-blog @violethaze @kats72 @soulpiercing

[twst-drabbles]

Kalim 5

Summary: Kalim asks you to grab him by the collar. There’s really no ulterior motive to it. He just wants to out of pure fun. What a weird dude.

(Janitor AU again! I felt the need and I must answer to its call lest I succumb to sleep.)

Without so much as a warning, and almost bursting the good mood you had, Kalim slammed open the door to the almost empty staff room with a demand.

“Janitor! Lift me by the collar!” His voice would’ve made your ears ring had you not been wearing some nice earbuds. Expensive kind. High quality sound all the way. Music has never been so sweet to you. Either way, you had to pop them out to properly level your voice. You don’t want to be too loud and have that bounce off of Kalim and have him be louder in turn.

You stopped chewing your food, blinking up at Kalim as he lightly bounced on his heels with that silly grin on his face. You swallowed without coughing, somehow.

“You sure?” You wiped the crumbs off your face. “I have a pretty tight grip, bub.”

You didn’t even question it. Kalim is an honest man and when he sets his mind on something, it’s really better to go along with it rather than fight it. Well, you could divert that energy into something else and hope that would catch Kalim’s attention but that’s more Jamil’s job than yours.

…actually, where is Jamil? He’s usually not that far behind. He doesn’t even trust him to navigate the halls by himself.

Kalim nodded, laughing as he stood in front of you. You got up from your chair in turn. “Yeah, I just want to see how strong you are.”

“Alright, I’m not holding back.” You pushed back your sleeves just to emphasize your point. Kalim’s eyes only grew wider.

His funeral.

You got a firm grip on his collar without so much as a warning. Kalim almost gasped but you choked that out when you lifted him off his feet. Just because you had the help of the faeries to keep these halls clean didn’t mean you weren’t doing your job. You had no magic, so all you had to rely on was your own brawn to carry you all the way.

“Wow!” Kalim caught his breath and let out the excitement bottled up in his heart. “It’s like I’m not even heavy to you!”

No he is, but you had the proper muscle to take it. Vargas would be proud of you, you’re sure of it. Though you don’t really want to hear his opinion. He’d inevitably turn it back to praising himself.

“Takes a lot to clean up this collage. If I wasn’t this strong, I would’ve been dead in a ditch by now.” So many hallways and windows, statues to clean and artifacts to dust off. Even with help, it’s still a bitch. Doesn’t help that you’re the type to do the job thoroughly even though you’re more than sure you can afford to slack off.

“Hm! You’re pretty amazing, Janitor!” You gently put Kalim down, feeling your joint hurt a little.

“Thanks, Kalim.”

It’s nice to be complimented.

[hemipenal-system]

2 - Muzzled

(author's note: this has some mild mentions of domestic abuse/implied sexual assault in it. read safely)

Siobhan tapped her foot anxiously against the floor of the train. She wasn't normally in this part of the city, especially not this late at night. She couldn't help but be stressed, and her music wasn't working at all to calm her down. Her damn earbuds already didn't fit these ears. They made specially shaped earbud tips for wolves, but they were expensive for only being useful three days a month. The stares she was getting weren't making her feel any less nervous.

It wasn't her fault she looked like this. She didn't exactly want to be a nine foot tall, four hundred pound column of tightly wound muscles and teeth either. Hell, she was bent at an uncomfortable angle to even fit on the train. No one was going to fuck with her, but that didn't help her anxiety. She could feel everyone in her immediate vicinity staring, eyes boring through her thick fur and into the scared creature underneath who was much more scared than she looked.

Thank fuck humans couldn't read werewolf body language for shit. She was doing her best to look aloof, not looking at anyone, zoning off into her music and occasionally glancing at the station map on the wall to check how close she was to her stop. She wasn't looking at them, but they were sure looking at her. Stonemere didn't have a lot of werewolves.

She would have been a rare sight anyway, but she couldn't afford to miss three days of her life right now, so she did her best to dress up regardless of her body looking like this right now. The end result was even more surprising: The aforementioned massive grey-furred werewolf, adorned with a dozen golden clip-on earrings and chains, as well as a matching septum ring, and a green and black flannel that she wore open because it wouldn't close over her massive torso with the biggest pair of jeans she could find. Honestly, it was a great outfit, and she would have felt much cuter literally anywhere else.

At least she got herself a nice berth on the train. There were two empty seats around her in either direction – the only ones in the entire train car. Who would have sat next to her? It seemed like every day there was a new story on the news about "a savage werewolf who snapped out of nowhere and mauled an innocent child," or whatever. The muzzle she had on definitely didn't help.

Stonemere had incredibly strict muzzle laws. Within city limits, werewolves who were permanent residents had to file their shift days and proof of lycanthropy along with proof of residency. (Like it wasn't immediately fucking obvious when she was shifted, since you know, she was a massive fuckoff wolf now) All werewolves, when in an enclosed space with non-wolves, had to wear a muzzle while shifted, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, unless they could get fifteen open unoccupied meters in any direction from them and maintain it over time, replacing the muzzle when that space became unavailable. Failure to comply with these laws was a class B misdemeanor, and the juries here always found a way to rack additional charges on to extend the sentence.

Honestly, Siobhan's muzzle was kind of sexy – at least, she'd heard other wolves say so. It was just a simple black and gold basket muzzle, nothing fancy, but it fit well and gave her breathing room. She'd worn it to a couple parties before and gotten some nice compliments and some fun nights. When she moved into town, a friend of hers recommended the grayfur leatherworker, and she had it made custom with thick leather strapping and golden rivets. Supposedly it gave her a menacing look. She didn't really see it. (The shock collar on her neck added to the effect, but that didn't even have batteries in it. A lot of wolves her age wore it as a symbol of protest.)

There was a smell to her left. She turned. A girl was sitting next to her, looking at her like she needed something. She was tall for a human but seemed small next to Siobhan, and had long blonde hair that ran almost down to her waist. She was drenched in perfume, but the wolf's nose was better than that. She also smelled like blood. Looking into the wolf's dark eyes with much less fear and anger than everyone else on the train, she lifted her hands.

May I sit here? Most wolves lost the ability to speak when they shifted, since their vocal cords weren't shaped for human speech anymore. Younger wolves used assistive text-to-speech apps, but over the years packs in densely populated areas had developed a variant of ASL that they often used to save on the trouble of communicating. Some humans learned it to understand their partners, but why would she have used it? Siobhan's ears worked fine, even if she had earbuds in. Charles Mingus wasn't loud enough to drown out the speech around her.

When she finished talking, she held her hands up, allowing Siobhan to curtly sniff at them. That was something fewer humans knew. It was entirely unnecessary, more a gesture of respect than anything, but it was meaningful. Siobhan looked back at the smaller human, who upon second inspection was practically shaking, eyes red and surrounded by dark circles. Are you alright? Why didn't you speak?

The human tapped two fingers against her mouth, then shook her head. Nonverbal. She took one of Siobhan's hands within one of her own, and kept signing with the other. I need help. The wolf didn't need to ask what she needed help with. The suspiciously finger-shaped bruises on her neck and the small cut over her eyebrow made it clear enough. I got away from him, but I don't know where he is now. She was breathing slowly, carefully. She was trying to hold herself together, and rapidly failing. I don't have anywhere to go.

Siobhan nodded. Stay here. S-I-O-B-H-A-N.

A-S-H-L-E-Y.

Siobhan put one arm around the girl, signing with her other, What did he do to you? The girl looked her in the eyes again, freezing up, before burying her face into the wolf's chest and releasing one shaking, heavy sob after another.

Fuck.

Siobhan draped her head over the human's shoulder, feeling her own eyes begin to water as the girl let out god knows how many horrific experiences silently, quickly dampening the fur she was sobbing into. She couldn't help but sniff the girl a bit. She smelled like blood and perfume. There were hints of smoke, and city grime. She'd had curry at some point, and smoked a couple times since. There was something else, too. When Siobhan processed it, she understood why she was wearing so much perfume. She tapped the human's shoulder, prompting her to look up.

It's a full moon. Why aren't you shifted? Ashley practically started crying again on the spot.

I haven't eaten. I ran four days ago. The shift took a lot of energy. She must have been absolutely starved to stave it off. She was pressing herself closer to Siobhan now, enjoying the feeling of the soft fur on her shoulders from the arm draped over her. She wasn't alright, but she wasn't in danger anymore.

Can you afford to?

Ashley nodded, raising her hands again. He knows I'm a wolf. He would have looked for that. Siobhan understood immediately. She was deliberately starving herself to prevent changing. Every werewolf was conspicuous for these three days. If they were all looking for a wolf, and she wasn't one? That gave her three days to get some ground between her and him before the moon days ended and she would have looked human again. She just had to-

"Ashley!" Both girls' heads snapped up. The man rushing towards them had on a nice suit, but he was disheveled. His brow was stained with sweat, and the way it was going his dress shirt probably would be too. His tie wasn't straight, and one leg of his pants was pulled up slightly. He was a mess. Under the sweat, Siobhan knew his scent. Ashley smelled like his blood, and he smelled like Ashley. One of his sleeves was cuffed halfway up his arm, and he had gauze around his forearm.

If the wolf hadn't been sure already, the look Ashley gave her confirmed it as the human seemed to fold into herself, becoming small in the seat, practically begging her to do something.

"Ashley! I'm so glad you're alright! I was so worried about you, I don't know how you could just run like that! Just come home, baby, alright? We don't need to do things like this! You-"

He stopped as Siobhan stood up, stepping back slightly as the wolf shed her flannel, handing it to the cowering human, who had begun shaking again. Cover your head. People are probably going to start filming. She didn't do anything aggressive, just moving in between Ashley and the man as the girl wrapped the shirt over her had and the lower half of her face. She was right. People were filming. They were trying not to be obvious about it, of course, but Siobhan could see the glint of camera lenses from behind books and backpacks as everyone on the train car watched the spectacle.

The man, to his credit, maintained his confidence fairly well as the wolf twice his size blocked his path to Ashley. "Ash? Who's your friend? I didn't know you knew any other-" As he talked, he moved back forwards, attempting to negotiate Siobhan to the side. Ashley was practically crying again behind her, quick sharp breaths indicative of what was happening to her.

Siobhan didn't mean to snarl. It just sort of happened. The man was trying to move past her, and then he was flat on his ass, scrambling backwards, trying to get to his feet and save face somewhat. Siobhan stopped snarling, but she kept her teeth bared, moving towards Ashley and pulling her close. Nothing was going to happen to this girl, and no amount of bluster this man could conjure was going to get to her anymore.

He could conjure quite a bit of bluster. "I'll be at home, Ashley. When you change your mind and get off this silly escapade of yours, you know where to find me. I can't always-" Siobhan snarled again, and he was gone. She locked eyes with the nearest person holding up a phone, and suddenly all the phones were too. That didn't matter. Ashley was safe and that was the only thing that did.

Come on. I know where we are. There's a really good smoothie place two blocks from here that does twenty-four hour service. Let's figure this out. Ashley nodded eagerly, cracking a weak smile at the wolf, eyes teary and mascara running.

…

Thank you.

Siobhan nodded enthusiastically at Ashley as the latter stared into her smoothie with a strange mixture of gratefulness and embarrassment, taking another bite of her half-eaten ham sandwich with appropriately wolfish intent. Siobhan tried to smile. Don't worry about it at all. I wasn't doing anything else tonight anyway. You can crash on my couch for as long as you need, girl. How are you doing, you know? She gestured vaguely to everything around them.

Ashley shrugged. Oh, I'll be alright. I play a lot of Tetris. Things are looking better now. I can figure it out now. She smiled – an actual smile, not an "I don't know what to do with my face" smile – at Siobhan.

…

Ashley snuggled up under the blanket. The apartment was small, but it was enough for the two of them for now. Siobhan showed her how to work the lights, pausing for a moment to place a single affectionate lick on the very tip of her golden-furred muzzle, before crossing the room and climbing into her own bed, leaving one arm out from under the covers.

Good night, Ash.

"Good night, Siobhan."

[wthtorke]

Metamorphosis

The Collector x Trans (FTM) Reader - Warnings: Menstruation, minor violence, kidnapping - Seen early on Patre0n!

Asa didn't discriminate. That's what the news said, what all the journals said.

It was true. He usually went after families, not caring about the arrangement. Two mothers, two dads, two sons, two daughters...it didn't matter.

Though there was a first time for everything in life, he supposed.

He didn't plan on catching his eye at the crosswalk, almost forgetting to hit the gas pedal once the traffic light turned green again. He didn't plan on housing another specimen so soon.

But, Asa was always open to new experiences.

Asa remembers the clothes he was wearing. He remembers how his hair was tied, the brief look he gave him, checking to see if his car was still before walking quickly to the other side, clutching his backpack to his side, fishing out his phone, pressing a button before bringing it to his ear, turning around the corner.

He didn't know what it was, but he never saw someone like him before.

When you don't consider people -people-, the faces start to mingle. His students always looked the same, as did the other professors, just like every grocery store cashier.

The pain of every collector. Repeats.

Sometimes, a family would catch his attention, and then he'd set to work, collect the one who survived and go about his way. If the one who survived was his chosen one, great. If it wasn't…Well, he'd find a use for them. He always did.

But this...was something else. Something new.

Asa was patient and collected as his civilian persona, but he found the thoughts of that one man still intruding when he should be grading papers and going on with his dull day, barely holding out until nighttime, when he could let go of the facade he endured.

He felt inspired, and as much as that was pretty common depending on his current project, this person sparked something different. He had ideas, many ideas.

It was only natural that he went after him. Surely seeing him again would either confirm his growing obsession or shatter it at once. Maybe he was exaggerating. Asa parks his car in a different street, with a clear angle and better view, and waits.

A brief look at his watch told him that it was any second now if this person was as punctual as he thought he was, as he analyzed him to be.

And so he was. Asa leaned back into his seat, not caring to hide the predatory look in his eyes as the same man came into view again. Taking his time to run his eyes through his form, Asa both scratched over old ideas he had for his body and allowed new ones to come forth. He watched as he walked, noticing how dressed he was, how his hair was brushed and free of tangles, falling over his shoulders freely this time around. His height was average, if maybe on the short side. Not hard to overpower.

Asa gripped the steering wheel as he dove deeper into the man’s looks, way past the surface, past the normal eye. His lower lip looked raw from chewing and biting, anxiety. The dark circles under his eyes spoke of restless nights with very little sleep, if any at all. He wore earbuds, which he pressed into his ear as he switched songs on his phone. His backpack and shoes were in neat condition. Taken care of, a stark contrast to his self-care. He’s easy enough prey.

People think Asa seeks the perfect person when in reality, he doesn't care nor expects anyone to be perfect.

His creations are perfect or close to perfection in his eyes but before that? No one is.

He only gets people who fall into certain…Parameters. So he has less work and because well-. He can't afford to blow up his savings on it now, can he?

At least he couldn't until Arkin was dumb enough to have that ruby in his pocket when he got him. Even though he is filthy rich now, Asa still does things the same way because what kept him safe until now was Constance.

Another day, another family, another survivor, and another training started.

Although some specimens were more complacent than others and naturally had better training with that. He found that the newest additions were…odd.

Not particularly badly behaved, but as much as he hated it, Asa had to adapt.

The hotel was cold, very cold.

And it took him embarrassingly a few nights to notice that his newest specimen needed special attention. Asa was well aware of some of the specimen’s biology and how, once a month, they need...care.

But that hadn't happened many times with him, though. He had Abby, who was modest and very private about this matter, and he just let her be.

And any others...simply hadn't been under his care for so long they’d menstruate, either by not surviving or because it wasn't their time in that month yet.

And then dying before it was. Before it ever came to be.

Asa wasn't afraid of blood nor disgusted by it, and he surely didn't care where it came from.

Asa's interest in this specimen, in particular, was just how androgynous they were.

He had no idea of their assigned gender until he saw the scars on their (his? Probably) chest.

It was different. New and exciting. Until the problems started, that is.

Anxiousness and panic were expected and dealt with swiftly. As much as Asa himself had trouble breathing sometimes, the specimen in question seemed to be somewhat acquainted with the exercises he made them do.

Then it was the cold. Whereas Asa was completely fine and so were some of the others collected, this one was shaking.

And then, of course, the menstruation.

The stereotypical 'moodiness' a period was supposed to bring had nothing on the struggle Asa had with him.

Yes, him. He'd made it clear that he was a man when Asa approached what he assumed was the wrong way. He fought him a lot, fussed about being touched, didn’t want any help, and was consequently roughed up a couple of times because of that.

Until he was completely exhausted and so in pain, Asa finally had access to him.

His weight was average for his height, which was supposed to be good until Asa realized that he had lost a lot of blood. This wasn't normal.

Normal cycles weren't supposed to be this heavy. The blood was vivid and fresh, and by God, he was still shaking.

The groaning as he tried to reach for his belly also wasn't a good thing.

But who said collecting living people was going to be easy, right? Still, Asa refused to let him just...perish like that.

He wouldn't die because of a period, no. But the circumstances he was in were surely aggravating that a lot.

So Asa made some changes.

First, a warm shower would do him good, but he couldn't just tell him that. So he struggled with him all the way to the clean bathroom and fought him some more to take his clothes off again, feeling angry when he recoiled from him again.

Patience.

The steam seemed to snap something positive in him as he leaned against the wall under the showerhead. He let the hot water flow down his front, hands trying to pool it on the bloated belly, holding the warmth to himself for as long as he could as his eyes closed ever so briefly, the water flowing clear through his torso and gaining a reddish tinge as it went down the drain.

It was mesmerizing.

The look he was given was one of confusion that soon turned guarded again as Asa started washing him as slowly and gently as he could muster, only having to do some minor corrections as he was still very afraid.

Asa had a clean set of clothes for him, comfortable pants, a long-sleeved shirt, pads, and...underwear.

Asa handed him each piece as he got dressed, noticing how he expertly placed the pad on the underwear, folding the flaps and sticking them to each other, giving it a look over before putting them on.

As he lifted his leg to dress them, however, Asa noticed how his face contorted in pain as he lifted them, adjusting them around his hips, letting out a few pained breaths.

Asa had no idea a period could be this....inconvenient to someone. He wondered if the pain was from his uterus or what else.

But he'd find out again as he handed him the pants.

He stared for a second before sighing, lifting his leg again and groaning out this time, losing balance. Asa stepped forward to steady him.

What in the world was this?

"Endometriosis." He said. His voice made Asa's pupils dilate, so different from the angry "No"s and scared "Stop"s he heard the last few nights.

"My flexors are stiff, I can't-...they hurt."

Asa recalled that from his college days, the name and meaning of the word. He also remembers grimacing at it, closing the book right after reading about it.

Some work, indeed.

Asa moves him to a different room this time, closer to the bathroom, cleaner, with a small cot for a bed. The look of both longing and gratitude he gave towards the bed was enough to make some of the tension melt off of Asa's shoulders.

As troublesome as it was, Asa knew how to use this to his full advantage, having had more than enough experience on how to make specimens not only listen but comply with him.

A month from then, Asa found himself in yet another room, sitting on another bed. An old bed frame, better than the previous cot. He slid up the last sock on his, now favorite, specimen's foot, lifting said foot so he could stretch his whole leg, fine water droplets still lingering in his hair from the shower he had minutes ago.

Asa watched as he moved closer to the wall, making space beside him on the bed. He looked up at Asa with eyes that resembled nothing to the angry, scared ones from one month ago, now content and relaxed, with a hint of a question to which Asa smirked as he lowered himself to the bed. He welcomed his favorite into his arms as he petted the still damp hair, feeling shy but determined hands rest on his chest as well as his warm breath on his shirt, slowly evening out as he fell asleep.

Hard work always paid off. Always.

[antagonisticism]

Chapter One: Passing Notes

The morning was quiet. Temperate waves hit against the rocky beach in slow succession. Their meeting point only marked as they receded with slightly darker sand than what blanketed the drier areas of the beach. Cold air whipped and cut into the men in the dark suits as they stood, motionless despite its howling protests. 

Their suits were spotless and uniform. It was only at their shiny black leather loafers where the sand had kicked up around them and the cuffs of their pants that gave any indication they had actually walked to their positions rather than levitating onto the shoreline. Black sunglasses hid their eyes from view. Clear earbuds were in the right ear of each man on duty. They stood spaced out but in a semicircle around the reason they were there. 

One man stood farther inland and extended his hand in welcome to the other that just showed up.

“Glad you could make it on such short notice.” The man gripped the gentleman’s hand firmly. “Detective Esirpras, I presume?”

Detective James Esirpras  shook his hand with the same amount of force as he gave a curt nod. 

“Special Agent Barlowe, thanks for giving me a call.” He turned his head to the direction of the semi-circle. “That’s the body you spoke about?” 

The special agent nodded and they started to make their way down the beach toward the body in question.

“Yes, sir.” He said. “Found it at about o-five hundred by a couple walking their dog. They said it was their dog who alerted them he was even washing up on shore.” 

He squinted his eyes as the morning sun poked through the clouds to shed its light upon them. Still not enough to break off the winter wind’s chill. James crouched down for a further inspection of who laid before him. 

“Damn dog started whining and wouldn’t move from its spot next to him. Had to get a couple guys to pull it away when we got here.”

Waterlogged bodies were always the worst one could afford to handle as a new case. Destroyed evidence and bloating were the first two inconveniences that came to mind. The body here had minimal entry wounds from what the detective could see. 

It was a middle aged man. Salt and pepper hair clipped short. Navy blue polo and khakis. His shoes had either been taken by the assailant or washed away at sea. A gold watch on his wrist flaunted his wealth as it still ticked along even after a nasty ordeal. 

The Detective pulled out gloves from his pant’s front pocket. He put them on with a quick ease of experience. 

Slowly, he pulled back the right side of the corpse’s collar. A jagged open wound where he had bled out was situated between neck and shoulder about an inch deep. The first signature. James trailed his eyes up to the lips. There, they were sewn shut with black thread so tightly the skin had no no give. The second defining signature. He blew out a harsh breath. 

“Wallet had my card?” He asked, already knowing the answer. 

“Yes, sir. Wallet had no ID, credit cards, nothing. Just your laminated business card in one of the slots.”

James stared a little longer at the dead man.

“We usually would work this case ourselves. What, with multiple bodies with the same signature.” The agent began. “But seeing as how this is the work of someone already well acquainted with you. . .”

The detective glanced back at him as he stood. “I appreciate it. I’ve called in the crime scene techs and medical examiner. They’ll be here any minute. Do you and your boys want in on this?”

Special Agent Barlowe shook his head. “We’re already backlogged from the Palinski case. You can take head and just keep me informed of any changes.”

James nodded in agreement as he pulled off his gloves. 

A sharp honk sounded near the entrance of the beach and both men glanced up. A gunmetal gray van had pulled in. Outdated and boxy, with tinted windows discouraging anyone from looking inside. Detective James Esirpras knew that van all too well. 

“Cavalry has arrived.” He said. 

“Alright.” Barlowe looked around at the men who were still standing in their positions, unmoving. “We’ll head out, then. Like I said, keep me updated on any changes. I’ll leave the rest to you.”

He didn’t wait for a response from James. Instead, he lifted his hand and made a sharp motion to move forward. The suits followed the order and the group of them marched off the beach. James nearly rolled his eyes at the action. A jarring sight of what should normally be seen on a beach. He stopped when his eyes landed on the entrance of the beach and the woman they were walking towards. 

Madeline Juliet Sanaz. A short brunette with full lips always curved into a half-smile, as if she always knew something devious. The oversized waterproof muddy green overalls that were state issued for watery crime scenes she was wearing didn’t do her justice, but they did make for an entertaining look. They were clearly one of her coworker’s she had borrowed for the job. James watched as she tied her hair up into a messy bun before she reached into the back of the van to grab a camera and evidence markers. 

His view shifted back to the body when he spotted the Medical Examiner starting to walk his way. An older man with a hunched back and a black leather bag full of tools to obtain and preserve evidence. 

James could have sworn the man was like someone out of one of those Tim Burton films. What, with gray-white hair being tousled to and fro by the wind, deep bags under the man’s eyes, and a tight expression on wrinkled old lips. 

He hobbled through the sandy terrain. It was a slow pace that made James tap his finger against his crossed forearms impatiently.

“Great day for the job, huh?” The detective said jovially as soon as the examiner got to the body. He knew the answer before it came.

An unenthusiastic grunt. 

“He hasn’t gotten his morning cup of coffee.” A low, serene voice commented behind him.

James nearly lept and pulled out his weapon from surprise. He sharply turned to the voice’s owner and swore. Madeline had yet again snuck up on him with the ease of a panther. James had always been hyper-vigilant since childhood, aware of his surroundings at all times. Friends back home would regularly say he was impossible to scare because of it, and it was true. However, Madeline continually seemed to know how to make it impossible for him to spot her presence. 

Ever since her arrival to the department, she snuck up on him in more ways than he would like to admit. 

“You need to get a bell tied around your neck, Mads.” He snapped. 

“Kinky.” She whispered back with the same devilish tone she always took around him. 

He stared.

She winked, walking past him to get to the body and her boss who had crouched down to work on it with his bag of tricks. 

Their usual routine and almost now a ritual of sorts. 

“If you two are finished.” The medical examiner, Dr. Allard, quipped. “I would like to get these photos and evidence bagged quickly. It’s shitty enough he has been in the water as long as he has.”

“At least it’s low tide and we have time to survey the area.” James muttered. The other man glared up at him while Madeline turned her face to hide her expression. “Just trying to be positive, doc.”

“You are trying to “be positive” over the body of a murdered man?” He scoffed. “This is the body of a person, Detective. Maybe show a little respect. Some somber decorum.” 

James muttered something along the lines of “sir, yes, sir” while circling the examiner and body. 

The process was quiet and methodical as more and more crime scene techs swarmed the area. Each either taking notes, or pictures, or placing markers by possible evidence. They all worked as a unit, knowing the ins and outs without having to even look up. Efficiency was their first language as no stone was left unturned without someone documenting it. Seeing as this wasn’t the primary location where the murder occurred, it was quick. 

Before the two hour mark, they had completed all of their collective checklists and gotten a gurney to move the body.

Dr. Allard sharply told James that he would be giving the body a look over after lunch and to be there by dinner to go over any significant or insignificant findings. 

From there, the morning and afternoon went by quickly. Calls on other cases he had been assigned and a meeting with the Captain to debrief on what had happened. He compartmentalized the expectation of what would happen next. This man, this type of case, was nothing new. The victim’s wallet emptied out with nothing but James’ business card. He never knew who the victims were and had to wait for a way to identify them. Again and again, ever since the start of his career as a detective. Each one more hopeless than the last. Never a break in any of the cases like them.

Their files danced around his head in a taunting fashion. 

Never to be solved. 

After briefing the captain, he went to the bathroom to wash his face. The ghosts still hung around him as he pushed past the door to the sink. His right hand reached out to turn on the faucet, but he paused when he saw himself. 

Chocolate brown hair clipped close on the sides and slightly longer to comb back on the top. A strong jaw with stubble clenched in tension of thinking about the past and the present. His eyes met themselves in the mirror. They were the color of coal, dull and exhausted. 

He stared at himself for a minute longer, then turned on the water. 

He was trying to fight the disappointment welling up inside of him. A case like this would be hard on anyone on his team, but especially him. He had graduated from the police academy top of his class with unending praises. Every higher-up he met consistently told him of his bright future ahead of him. They promised the most adventurous journey of his life. 

And then, Julia Harford happened.

She had been a young college girl from out of town. Pretty blonde hair and a bright smile. At least, that was what her drivers license had shown when they finally found her in their system days later. 

Her body had been found in a motel off the interstate. It was laid on the bed ever so carefully with blood from the knife wound in her neck spreading slowly throughout the sheets, staining them crimson. Her lips had been sewn shut and her eyelids closed. She looked like an angel, he had thought. One not allowed to watch or speak of the horrors this life had put her through. 

He had spent months on that case going over video footage and eye witness statements. Interviewed countless friends, possible enemies, and yet no one gave him a single reason why they would kill her. None had the ability to harm a hair on that girl’s head when it really came down to it. 

It nearly broke him. A psychological warfare he had never been familiar with. The unknown killer taunted him with just enough evidence to let him grasp in vain for the right answer that never came.

“How long are you going to stand there sighing and groaning?” Madeline’s voice shot through his wandering thoughts and reeled him back into the present.

He caught her gaze in the mirror. “This is the men’s room.”

She was leaning back on the fully open door with arms nonchalantly crossed and shrugged. 

“You came in here ten minutes ago and Dr. Allard is cursing up a storm. I chose the safer option.”

They stared back at each other for a few minutes longer through the mirror before James sighed, shaking his head. 

He turned off the faucet and walked to the paper towel dispenser by the door. 

“I’m assuming the autopsy is not going well?” He asked, patting his hands dry. 

“There’s something he needs to show you.” She bit her lip, troubled. “I’m sorry in advance.”

James nodded and walked past her to the hallway outside. They walked together in silence. Each step closer to the dreaded show and tell he knew was coming. The final signature this killer did to keep the detective’s attention. One of the only constants in each case he worked involving this mystery monster. 

“He has a note in his mouth, doesn’t he?” James asked, already knowing the answer. 

Madeline was quiet for quite some time. They kept walking. He hit the elevator button and the doors slowly opened. Coworkers, attorneys, and the like all rushed out and skirted past them. They waited as the others walked out before stepping into the elevator. Mad's head was tilted down where James couldn't see her expression as the elevator doors closed and she whispered the dreaded answer.

“Yes.”

[bondew]

I got bored- I love my freckled, fluffy red head! (Oh Cade, u and ur neatly brushed hair are loved too)

Two Bathroom Stalls.

Cadence Lane.

The piercing sound of my alarm rings in my ear the next morning. It’s around 6am and I’ve only slept for 4 hours. I stumble to the mirror and I flip it back to face me. As the sun peeks from under the curtains I brush my hair so it doesn’t reflect my mind. My room is completely clean, well excluding my desk drawers. I shove on a tight black turtle neck and white dress pants. I don’t change my black stud earrings, I don’t really have any other pairs anyway. I swing my bag onto one shoulder and slide on my loafers as I step out.

Tossing a mint into my mouth a sudden hoard of people pile into the hallway. They sound like squawking vultures as they push past me. I run my hand through my hair and make my way downstairs. My first class is at 8, I was meant to finish my project last night but because of the situation I have to do it this morning. I skip breakfast and end up in the library. Without saying a word I sit down and open up my laptop. Skimming through the essay I quickly edit it, I’m confident that I won’t miss any mistakes. There is hardly ever any, I am the top of the class for a reason.

I put my earbuds in and open up my notebook. My peace doesn’t last long, the stampede of boys stride into library. I notice one of them sneak away from the group as they wander around and talk to girls. He heads to the non-fiction section and grabs a thick, hard covered book about bugs. My computer is still open so when he decides to ignore all the other free tables and sit in front of me he is partly blocked out. I can see his freckled forehead and fluffy orange hair over the top of my screen but this decreases as he slumps down and starts to read. Shaking my head back to reality I tap on my page with a pen and start to write. My playlist is open on my screen and every time a song changes I glance up.

I’ve basically fallen asleep but when a book slams closed I suddenly jolt up.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to wake you! U-uh I have to get to class!” The orange-haired boy says as he runs out of the room. Glancing at my watch I gather my stuff and sprint out just behind him. I arrive in the lecture room just before the clock hits 8, I’m panting and all eyes are on me. Fixing my hair I stand up straight and rush to a seat before anyone says anything.

Dazz Shawn.

It was probably a mistake choosing to study literature and theatre. I basically have no free time. I’m only a couple minutes late and luckily the director doesn’t seem to care. Dropping a heavy book about bugs and my tote bag on the floor I head backstage where I’m warmly welcomed.

We do a lot of theory in theatre obviously, I mean it is still a university class but today we have prac, the best part. For some weird reason the teacher randomly decided this year was the year we were going to do a performance! I mean I’m not unhappy, I love plays! But it was kinda out of the blue. I landed the male lead somehow so.. um yeah. I can’t really afford to be late to class anymore. The stage has been prepped with half-painted sets and random boxes since somebody lost the proper ones.

I washed my hair this morning so it’s all kinda fluffy and sticking out weirdly, nobody has really noticed. Not like I expect them to anyway! Like it’s just washing my hair.. haha. Um.. thankfully all my friends are studying things like, physics, sports science and mathematics so I don’t have to embarrass myself in-front of them when I’m horribly acting.

“Oh, by the way Dazz! You obviously know that we are doing Romeo and Juliet but just confirming you’re all good for the kiss?” My teacher interrupts my train of thought while I’m sitting on the edge of the stage. My legs instantly stop swinging and I go bright red.

“Yeahhh.. wait who’s Juliet again..” I struggle out.

“Right!” He flips his clipboard, “Hmm.. oh right of course! It’s Olivia Irwin!” He looks at me and smiles innocently.

“Yep! Ok all good!” I say quickly. Like obviously I knew I was going to have to kiss someone like it’s Romeo and Juliet for gods sake! But Olivia?! She’s like the prettiest, most talented person ever! Well atleast in this school!

Now don’t get the wrong idea I definitely don’t have a crush on her! Like I don’t really have a type but I just can’t date or crush on someone who has seen me trip into like three paint buckets!

[solreefs]

short thing I wrote personifying my creativity for my creative writing class

Creativity takes a seat next to me, uninvited, and kicks its feet up on the desk while I try to balance chemical reactions. I glance up to see it smirking at me. “Go away,” I say. “I can’t afford any missing assignments this semester.”

Creativity ignores me and spins in the chair. “I was thinking,” it says as it gives itself a push off the desk, “about that story you tried to write last year.”

“I might come back to it,” I reply, perhaps a little too defensively. “But it was a half-baked concept at best, and you know I do better with essays anyway.”

“Hm.” Creativity comes to a stop and looks at me, long and hard. “You’ve tried quite a few stories, you know. And they all had their own good bits. Maybe you could combine some of that.”

I roll my eyes. “Sure. I’ve got chemistry stuff to finish before three. We’ll talk later.”

Later rolls around, at about nine p.m. I sit down on my bed and open a google doc on my tablet. “Well?” I ask. “Let’s hear some ideas.”

“Can’t.” Creativity lounges on the floor, eating chocolate from the stash under the bed. “No ideas.”

“But you said earlier-”

“That was then. Now, I’ve got nothing.”

I flip it off and leave to go take a shower.

Creativity likes music, so once I’m done in the shower, I go back to my room and take out my earbuds. Creativity grabs one and shoves it in its ear, while I take the other and pull up a playlist on my phone. Creativity hums along with the melody as it sits next to me on the bed, and I doodle in a notebook, not thinking, just letting my hands do what they want.

“You like mysteries,” Creativity says suddenly.

I nod.

“Why not write your own?”

I sigh. “Mysteries require a lot of planning, and you’ve never been a fan of that.”

“That might change.” Creativity winks. “You know how I am.”

I do. I set aside the notebook and pick up my tablet once again. As Creativity whispers ideas, I create bullet points- ideas for names, notes on the setting, lists of questions to go over about how the characters and the world work. When Creativity is at last silent, I refine my list, narrowing down name choices and answering some of the questions.

I scroll through the document, pleased at what I’ve come up with. “So what’s the plot?” I ask. “What’s the mystery?”

Creativity grins. “Screw you,” it says, and jumps down off the bed to go steal more of my candy.

[akhabarfactory]

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Unboxing: Specifications & Price in India

Beginning with the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro unboxing, the process is uncomplicated. The first thing you'll notice is the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro. OnePlus has included some amusing components in the packaging, including as extra ear tips, a USB-C cable, and even a goofy sticker, which adds a touch of fun to the overall experience. The buds have an intriguing design. OnePlus appears to have prioritized sustainability, as evidenced by the logo and packaging, which incorporate recycled materials. The case features a stylish LED indicator light on the front, a USB-C port at the bottom, and a manual pairing button. Opening the case shows the buds, which are neatly designated left and right for simple identification. OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Specifications:Design and Build QualitySound Quality and FeaturesBattery LifeOnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro PriceOnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Price in India

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Specifications:

Design and Build Quality These buds are extremely light, making them ideal for longer usage. The stem design is unique, with a somewhat conical shape that narrows as it approaches the top. This design not only looks excellent, but it also makes gesture controls easier to access and utilize. Sound Quality and Features The OnePlus Buds have a 12.4mm dynamic driver system with BassWave 2.0 technology, providing a deep, rich bass experience suitable for bass-heavy music. They also have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which can cancel noise up to 49 dB and can be adjusted based on your surroundings. Battery Life The OnePlus Buds delivers impressive battery life. With ANC switched off, the buds can last for up to 12 hours on a single charge. When coupled with the charging case, you may enjoy up to 44 hours of playback time. Even with ANC turned on, the buds provide 5.5 hours of playing, which increases to 20 hours with the case.

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Price

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Price in India

OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro Price in India is at a affordable price of ₹3,299. The music quality, particularly the improved bass and active noise cancellation, together with the elegant appearance and long battery life, make these buds an excellent value in their price range. If you prefer wired earphones, these may not be for you; nevertheless, for those looking to invest in a pair of dependable, low-cost true wireless earbuds, the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are well worth considering. Don't forget to share, and leave a comment with your thoughts on these buds and your budget for such things. Also Read: Vivo V40 Pro Specifications & Price in India: The Game-Changing Smartphone You Won’t Believe Exists Read the full article

[gadgetsboy]

Nothing Finally Unveils its Latest Wireless Earbuds

Before it started selling smartphones, Carl Pei's Nothing brand had its humble beginnings with the introduction of the Nothing Ear (1), a pair of wireless earbuds which set the tone for the company's future hardware releases, especially in terms of design and aesthetics. With that in mind, Nothing recently announced its latest pair of wireless earbuds as the new Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a), a more affordable model. https://youtu.be/f2C2pTOqScg As expected, the earbuds pack features and refinements that improve upon older models in the brand's audio lineup, in addition to integrating AI functionality via ChatGPT. As per a statement from CEO Carl Pei: “By integrating ChatGPT with Nothing earbuds, including the new Nothing Ear and Ear (a), and with Nothing OS, we’ve taken our first steps towards change, and there’s more to come... As always, we look forward to feedback from our community.” Nothing Ear (2024) For the new Nothing Ear, the company has used the same branding and design as on its earlier flagship earbuds - it's not the Nothing Ear "3" or "2a", just simply the Ear. It even comes with a design similar to Ears 1 and 2. But as far as upgrades go, a lot of the new stuff can be found - or instead heard - inside the earbuds. Nothing says that the new Ear has its most advanced driver system, featuring a custom 11 mm dynamic driver, including a ceramic diaphragm for a rich sound and crisp-sounding highs. Nothing also says that the dual chamber design has been improved, with two additional vents to improve airflow and more precise sound quality. The new Nothing Ear supports both LHDC (Low Latency High-Definition Audio Codec) 5.0 and LDAC codec for wireless streaming over Bluetooth and powerful audio, reaching up to 1 Mbps 24 bit/192 kHz with LHDC 5.0 and up to 990 kbps and frequencies up to 24 bit/96 kHz with LDAC. Nothing also allows users to fine-tune their earbuds via a built-in equaliser available within the Nothing X app. The app includes features such as Q Factor and frequency control and separate profiles for different genres. Thanks to the Ear’s compact custom driver, users get a longer battery life of 40.5 hours after a full charge with the charging case or 8.5 hours of non-stop playback. For quick power-ups, the Ear supports wireless charging at 2.5W. Ten minutes of fast charge provides ten hours of listening time with the case. The Nothing Ear likewise supports a new Smart ANC algorithm, which can check for noise leakage between the earbuds and the ear canal to adjust noise cancellation accordingly. This is in addition to Adaptive ANC, which automatically applies one of 3 noise cancellation levels (high, medium, and low). Finally, there's also improved Clear Voice Technology, which uses a new talk mic design, allowing for less obstruction when speaking on a call. Nothing Ear (a) The more affordable of the two earbuds, the Nothing Ear (a) stands out thanks to a slightly different look, which is emphasized even more thanks to a new bright yellow colourway, something that's rarely seen on Nothing's hardware line (which mainly revolves around black and white). The Ear (a) also features a smaller charging case, which is another difference from Nothing's mainline wireless earbuds. Despite its lower price point, it offers essential features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and long battery life - a quick 10-minute charge can deliver up to 10 hours of playtime. With the latest Nothing OS update and ChatGPT via Nothing phone, users can access AI functions directly via their Nothing earbuds, including the new Ear and Ear (a). Even better, Nothing plans to add more ways to interact with ChatGPT, like sharing screenshots and using custom Nothing widgets. If you want to grab Nothing's latest earbuds, you might want to order them now—the Ear and Ear (a) are priced at $149 and $99, respectively. Pre-orders are open now. Sales start a bit later, on the 22nd of April. Read the full article

[fitlybuy123]

Game On: Exploring the World of Sports with Bone Conduction Headphones

In the world of sports, where every beat and bounce counts, having the right gear can make all the difference. One revolutionary piece of technology that has been gaining traction among athletes is bone conduction headphones. These innovative devices are changing the way we experience sports, providing a unique way to listen to music or calls while staying aware of our surroundings. Let's dive into the simple yet impactful world of sports bone conduction headphones.

What are Bone Conduction Headphones? Bone conduction technology might sound like something from a

sci-fi movie, but it's actually quite simple. Instead of using traditional speakers that go inside or over your ears, bone conduction headphones rest against your cheekbones, sending vibrations directly to your inner ear. This leaves your ears open, allowing you to hear ambient sounds while enjoying your music or calls.

Stay in the Zone: Awareness and Safety For athletes, staying aware of their surroundings is crucial. Whether you're jogging in the park, cycling on a busy street, or hitting the gym, bone conduction headphones let you stay in the zone without completely blocking out external sounds. This means you can enjoy your favorite tunes while remaining aware of traffic, fellow runners, or the coach's instructions on the field.

Comfortable and Secure Fit: Designed for Movement Sports bone conduction headphones are built with active lifestyles in mind. They often come with a secure and comfortable fit, ensuring that they stay in place during rigorous activities. No more adjusting your earbuds mid-run or worrying about them falling out during an intense workout – these headphones are designed to move with you.

Sweat and Weather Resistance: Built to Endure Sports and outdoor activities often come with sweat, rain, or unexpected weather changes. That's why many bone conduction headphones are designed to be sweat-resistant and weatherproof. Now you can continue your workout, come rain or shine, without worrying about damaging your headphones.

Seamless Connectivity: From Calls to Music Beyond their sports-friendly design, bone conduction headphones offer seamless connectivity to your devices. Whether you're taking an important call on the go or pumping up your energy with a workout playlist, these headphones make it easy to switch between tasks without missing a beat.

Versatility for Every Sport: Running, Cycling, and More One of the standout features of sports bone conduction headphones is their versatility. They are suitable for a wide range of sports and activities. From running and cycling to weightlifting and team sports, these headphones adapt to your fitness routine, providing a soundtrack to your every move.

Long-lasting Battery Life: Powering Your Workout A good workout playlist should keep you motivated from start to finish. With the long-lasting battery life of bone conduction headphones, you won't have to worry about your music cutting out mid-session. Many models offer hours of playtime on a single charge, ensuring that your headphones can keep up with your active lifestyle.

Easy Maintenance: A Hassle-Free Companion Nobody wants to spend extra time fiddling with their gear. Bone conduction headphones are often easy to clean and maintain, making them a hassle-free companion for your sports adventures. A quick wipe-down after a workout is usually all it takes to keep them in top condition.

Affordable Tech for All: Accessible Innovation Despite their advanced technology, bone conduction headphones are often quite affordable. This accessibility means that athletes of all levels can benefit from this innovative piece of tech without breaking the bank. It's a small investment for a big enhancement to your sports experience.

The Future Sounds Good: Embracing Innovation As technology continues to evolve, so does the world of sports gear. Bone conduction headphones represent a step into the future, where athletes can enjoy their favorite music or stay connected without compromising safety and awareness. As more sports enthusiasts discover the benefits of this technology, it's clear that the future sounds good – and it's playing through bone conduction headphones.

In conclusion, sports bone conduction headphones are not just about listening to music; they're about enhancing the entire sports experience. From safety and awareness to comfort and versatility, these headphones are a game-changer for athletes who want to elevate their performance without sacrificing the joy of movement. So, whether you're hitting the pavement or conquering the trails, consider making bone conduction headphones your trusted companion in the world of sports.

For More Info:-

Lightweight sweatproof earbuds

sweatproof headphones for workouts

Open ear bone conduction headphones

Noise canceling bone conduction Australia

[superhubnz]

Exploring the Latest Trends in Stylish and Affordable Bluetooth Earphones

Introduction

In the world of tech accessories, Shop Earphones Online Store have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Gone are the days of tangled wires and bulky headphones; instead, we now enjoy the convenience and freedom of wireless listening. As technology continues to evolve, so do Superhub, offering a range of exciting features and stylish designs. This article delves into the latest trends in stylish and affordable Bluetooth earphones, making it easier for you to find the perfect pair that fits your needs and budget.

True Wireless Earbuds - The Evolution of Freedom

The true wireless earbuds revolutionized the market, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. These earphones come without any cords or wires, providing unparalleled freedom and comfort. Recent advancements in battery technology have significantly improved the battery life of true wireless earbuds, allowing users to enjoy several hours of uninterrupted music playback or call time on a single charge. Furthermore, many models now come with fast charging capabilities, ensuring that you're never without your favorite tunes for long.

Active Noise Cancellation - Immersive Listening Experience

Noise-canceling technology has become a must-have feature in modern Bluetooth earphones. It enhances the audio experience by filtering out external noises, making it ideal for commuting, working in noisy environments, or simply immersing yourself in your music. The latest affordable earphones now offer active noise cancellation (ANC) that rivals more expensive counterparts. This development allows consumers to enjoy a quieter and more focused audio experience without breaking the bank.

Sweat and Water Resistance - Perfect for Active Lifestyles

For fitness enthusiasts and those leading an active lifestyle, sweat and water resistance in Bluetooth earphones are essential. Manufacturers have recognized this trend and have started incorporating IPX ratings in their more affordable models. IPX4, IPX5, or IPX6 ratings provide protection against sweat and splashes, making them suitable for workouts, running, or even light rain. This opens up a range of options for users looking for budget-friendly earphones that can withstand their active routines.

Enhanced Connectivity - Seamless Pairing

The latest Bluetooth earphones now come equipped with advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth 5.0 and beyond. This ensures a more stable and efficient connection with your devices, reducing dropouts and latency issues. Additionally, many earphone models now support dual-device pairing, allowing you to switch between your smartphone and laptop effortlessly. This seamless pairing experience contributes to a smoother and more enjoyable listening journey.

Customizable Fit and Comfort - Designed for Everyone

Comfort is a top priority for users, and manufacturers are increasingly investing in ergonomic designs for their earphones. Many affordable Bluetooth earphones now come with various ear tip sizes and adjustable ear hooks to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for every individual. This level of personalization not only enhances comfort but also improves sound isolation and audio quality.

Voice Assistant Integration - Hands-Free Convenience

Voice assistants have become an integral part of modern life, and the latest Bluetooth earphones have integrated this feature seamlessly. By supporting popular voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa, users can easily access information, manage tasks, and control their music using voice commands. This hands-free convenience makes these earphones not just a listening device but also a virtual personal assistant.

Style and Aesthetics - Fashionable Accessories

Bluetooth earphones are no longer just functional gadgets; they have become fashion accessories too. Manufacturers are now focusing on sleek, stylish designs with a variety of color options to cater to different tastes. Additionally, some brands collaborate with renowned designers or celebrities to create limited-edition earphones, adding a touch of exclusivity to their product lineup.

Conclusion

The market for stylish and affordable Shop Earphones Online Store has seen tremendous growth, and the latest trends promise even more exciting developments. From true wireless earbuds to active noise cancellation and customizable fit, these earphones offer an impressive range of features at reasonable prices. With advancements in technology and the increasing demand for budget-friendly options, it's easier than ever to find a pair of Bluetooth earphones that perfectly blend style, functionality, and affordability. So, whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a music lover, or a tech-savvy individual, there's a perfect pair of Bluetooth earphones waiting for you to explore.