#Collateral Beauty Blog

[littlemissmentallyunstable]

title: all those words hidden in the silence

pairing: kitt azer x (first person reader)

synopsis: you break into the castle for a mission where you may have to assassinate the king but you fancy teasing him a little first… given your history

warnings: swearing, intense-ness

a/n: don’t ask me how or why this idea came to me but it was super fun to write :)) btw the crossed out parts are to represent her ‘forbidden’ thoughts

taglist: @fleuriosa @midiosaamor @whatsamongus @zaraaaabear @lovethornes @emelia07 @sweetreveriee @userxs-blog @anintellectualintellectual @off-to-the-r4ces @hermesenthusiast

“Pretty night for a murder don’t you think,” I grin, swinging my dagger between my fingers nonchalantly.

The king turns around. The look of shock on his face leaves me satisfied but like any addiction, a part of me craves more. I watch as he slowly pales when he meets my eyes. I wasn’t sure he could pale any more, he looks like he hasn’t eaten in days. The king is weak. Perfect.

“Very pretty,” he muses, keeping on the diplomatic mask he’s crafted for himself, “the blood will match your new outfit.”

“Taking notes about what I wear now?” I raise an eyebrow, approaching him slowly. My steps long and swift, almost a glide. I watch as his Adam’s apple bobs in his neck as he swallows and wonder if he’s nervous.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” he sighs with a blank stare, “it’s just a change from seeing you in rags, did that little seamstress friend of our silver saviour sew it for you?”

He hits a nerve and he knows it as the corner of his mouth turn up to form malicious smirk. I want to rip it off of his cruelly beautiful face and tear each part into a million pieces of nothingness. So he can finally be the nothing he made her.

“You murdered Adena,” I growl, not bothering to hide my burning rage. Unlike the king, I’m not a fan of wearing a mask. I don’t play pretend, I don’t mess about, I’m real.

He dares to take a step closer to me, “she was collateral damage.”

“Why don’t I make you collateral damage?” I snarl, gripping tighter to my dagger. My knuckles turn white.

“It’s my talent sweetheart,” he tells me, “I’d be careful if I were you.”

His green eyes blaze with a synthetic fierceness. I laugh, throwing my head back and holding my stomach. He’s taken off guard and stares at me in bewilderment.

“Oh sorry,” I snort, trying to pull myself together, “it’s just hilarious to me that you think you’ll be doing the killing tonight.”

“I wouldn’t get so giggly sweetheart,” he murmurs, getting closer still, looming over me to cast his cowardly shadow, “you know I could if I wanted to.”

“No I don’t actually, you’ve had countless opportunities to do it,” I scoff, “so tell me, brave king, noble king, why haven’t you killed me yet?”

He paralyses for a second and I have the golden opportunity to end him right there. Lunge forwards and impale him with my handmade dagger. Watch the blood leak from his lifeless body. See as the last flicker of light leaves those hypnotising emerald eyes. But I don’t. I don’t do it and I don’t know why.

“You know why,” he whispered, sending a shiver down my spine. It’s like he’s answering both the question in my head and the one I had said aloud.

I quirk my eyebrow upwards and fold my arms, I won’t let him do this to me, he can’t play the vulnerable card before I do, “do I?” I ask.

“Are you going to make me say it?” he murmurs so quietly I can hear my heart thumping my chest, “is that what you want from me?”

So it’s true. He still loves me like I love him. And he won’t kill me because of it. Good. I have an advantage.

“Are you brave enough to say it?” I mumbled, tilting my face upwards to really look at him.

He’s still my Kitt. I can see past his pretence, far past it. I always have been able to. And even with his tired eyes and hollowed cheeks, colder gaze and harsher tone, beneath all of that he’s the boy I used to know. The boy I fell for in too many ways. The boy who was vulnerable with me. The boy who I was vulnerable with.

“I have guards posted on every door,” he diverts the conversation, “how did you get past them?”

I get the answer to my previous question. He is not brave enough to admit it. He’s still a coward then.

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” my lips draw into a thin smile.

“You know I could have you killed in an instant,” he muses, “my guards will obey my every wish, it wouldn’t be me to do it.”

He won’t call them. I already know it. But I’ll play his game, as tedious as manipulation is it serves well in the end.

“Too bad you won’t be able to reach them,” I shrug softly.

His face hardens, “what did you do?”

I don’t reply, staring at my nails to prove my disinterest. He tries calling for them, for help, for anyone. I yawn and roll my eyes. They won’t come. They don’t come. I see a flicker of rage in his eyes, a furious spark ignites somewhere inside of him. At least he looks less like a dead man walking when angry, at least now he had passion about something.

“What did you do!” he yells, his booming voice remaining me of his father, making me feel a little queasy.

“Demanding me isn’t going to make me tell you,” I say fiercely, “I’m not one of your subject Kitty.”

He flinches at the nickname. It’s like a reflex he has no control over. The mask cracks slightly. Whoops.

He glares at me, regaining his pathetic royal composure, the facade that is everything but him, “where’s my brother?”

“I don’t know,” I say.

“Yes you do,” he insists.

“No I don’t,” I exclaimed.

“TELL ME!” he screams, madly clawing at my arms, pinning me to the wall behind us.

My back hits it with an awkward thump. Pain rolls across my body and I bite my lip. He has me at the wrists, forcing me to drop my beloved dagger. Our faces are so close they nearly touch. I wonder if he can see the scar on my left eyebrow, the one he gave me. I don’t tear my gaze from his and for what feels like hours he stare at each other panting like exhausted dogs. His hands slowly drop my wrists and trail gently down my face. I’ve missed his touch. They reach my neck and in a sudden jerky movement he clasps his hands around it. I gasp, he smiles something blazing in his eyes. He’s hungry to witness my pain. Shame he’ll have to starve tonight.

“Go on,” I murmur, “strangle me, do it, I dare you.”

He breathes heavily, looking into my eyes like he used to after all those times we’d kissed. A mix of emotions rise into my chest, a bittersweet mixture of all I want to forgot. Part of me thinks it might be worth dying, if it’s at his hands.

“You can’t,” I whisper, “can you?”

“What do you want?” he asks hoarsely, dropping his arms and taking a step back. Disappointment hits my stomach. I didn’t want him to let go.

“Oh honey,” I say, strutting past him, “there’s a long list.”

“Tell me what you want,” he walks infront of me, stopping my tracks, “and I will let you walk out of here alive.”

“You won’t kill me either away,” I say, “what good is that promise?”

“Don’t be so sure,” Kitt says, “I might not do it myself but there are others who will. So what do you want?”

“At this current moment,” I ask, taking a step closer to him so I can feel him breathe.

He nods, “name it.”

“I want your blood,” I whisper, pushing him down harshly onto a chair, “on my dagger, your cold lifeless body in my arms,” I say, your lips on my lips I don’t.

A ghost of a smile haunts his empty features, as he grabs my chin, “you’re a pretty liar, but not a good enough one.”

“Do you want to test me?” I ask, straddling him so I’m sat on his lap. For the plan to work I need to be a distraction, that’s all this is, I reassure myself. I ignore the fact that I want to be in this position.

“Tell me this makes you feel nothing,” he says in a low voice, running his soft hands up my thighs and then up to the small of my back where he holds me like I’m weightless, like I’m a dancer.

I gasp sharply. All my oxygen stolen by a thief with emerald eyes. The same theif who stole my heart.

“Look me in the eye and tell me this makes you feel nothing,” he repeats again.

I can’t do it. And he knows it. This makes me feel more than I’ve felt in a long time. I open my mouth to reply but two rough unfamiliar sets of hands grab my arms. I look behind to see two guards on me.

Kitt grins, something cruel in his smirk make my heart ache, “two can play at the manipulation game sweetheart,” he says.

Sweetheart. My toes curl at the thought of being his sweetheart. I want to kick myself and then sob in a heap. I’d let my guard down again. I’d been vulnerable again. I’d let myself take it all as one big joke again. He wasn’t my Kitt anymore and I was naive to think he could be. I’d failed the mission, I’d failed to kill him, I’d failed to manipulate him, I’d failed to play it smart.

He just stands there, over me, crown looking too heavy for his head. I hate that look he’s giving me. I attempt to lunge at him but the guards’ grip is too strong and I’m held back. He’s still smirking at me. I spit in his face.

“Aren’t you beautiful when you’re angry,” he taunts, unbothered by my undignified behaviour.

I’d been so cocky before. How stupid did I look now?

“Fuck you Kitt,” I shout, a rawness in my voice that I didn’t recognise.

He chuckles, “not so sarcastic now are we?”

“I’m going to kill you,” I look at him, a dead seriousness set in my expression.

“That’s what you came here to do though and as it happens I’m not dead,” he shrugs at me. I wish his eyes weren’t so pretty to stare at.

“They’ll end you Kitt,” I tell him, “they’re planning to end you.”

Am I threatening him or am I warning him? I can’t tell anymore. My mind is too conflicted to decide.

“And I will destroy every last one until there’s just you and I,” he murmurs, before standing up and issuing his kingly orders, “take her to a holding cell boys.”

a/n: thanks for reading 🤍🤍 I promise more of my req fic will be posted soon

powerless masterlist

[dayseternal-blog]

Hey there! Thank you for your amazing blog ! 😍 I was wondering if you can recommend some emotional and slow burn enemies to lovers of naruhina fanfictions?

It would be so much better if it's happening in the historical era but I'm ok with the modern era too .

hello! I'm glad you like my blog :D

Enemies-to-Lovers NaruHina

“Blurred Lines” by @vegebulsoup - Rated E, Modern AU, One-shot.  Detective Naruto Uzumaki is having a hard time staying focused at work due to an elusive, dark-haired beauty.

“Turning Tides” by vegebulsoup - Rated E for BDSM/slight dubcon tones and lots of smut, Pirates AU, Multi-chapter, Complete. When a Hyuuga merchant ship is raided by pirates, Hinata is taken as collateral by the ruthless Captain Menma.

“January - Toward the future/Vision” from “Still Falling For You” by @chloelapomme - Rated M, Royalty AU, One-shot. Sick of a unknown disease which paralyzes his body little by little, the second prince of Uzushio, Naruto Uzumaki, has lost interest in life until the day a pretty street-dancer makes her entrance in his bedroom and gives him hope to have the future he wants to have.

“Love Toxic” by @nekomamoru​ - Rated E, Modern AU, One-shot.  She would remain the criminal if he was the law after her.

“The Dragon Huntress” by @mysterious-crimson-lotus - Rated T, Fantasy AU, Two-shot.  The Hyuuga are famous throughout the forest for many things. Their signature eyes, their stoic demeanour… and of course, their ability to hunt down dragons like no one else. It has been their duty to protect the five villages from the terror of the dragons for generations, and it is a duty that they have carried out without complain, and without a second thought.

“Snow White” by @nightowl27-writer​ - Rated E, Folktale AU, One-shot. He was supposed to kill her, not fall in love with her. But he was only human, and she surely was something much more divine.

“Secret Lovers” by nekomamoru - Rated M, Modern AU, One-shot.  It was a known fact among the business realm of Konoha that Hyuuga Enterprises and Uzumaki Corporation have been strong rivals, years spent attempting to overthrow each other in terms of profit and development.  If only her father knew the nature of the relationship she had with the enemy thus far.

“Emperor and the Desert Rose” by pizzansushi - Rated M for lactation kink, Royalty AU, Multi-chapter, Incomplete.  An amnesiac assassin is assigned a suicide mission, she must kill the Emperor. The lethal beauty Hinata sets out to do what she must to survive. In the end, will the Emperor Naruto Namikaze take her life?

“In a Demon’s Possession” by HoneyWriter78 - Rated E for non-con/dub-con, Demons AU, Multi-chapter, Incomplete. Pursued by the snake demon Orochimaru for their mysterious bloodline, Neji and Hinata accidentally trespass into Lord Kyuubi’s territory.

“Opposites Attract” by KyuubiLover100 - Rated E, Yakuza AU, Multi-chapter, Incomplete. Citizens of Konoha all know that “The Light cannot exist without casting its Shadow.” It’s the unspoken system that the city runs on. Everyone knows their place and their roles. Those in the Shadows do what those in the Light cannot. Uzumaki Naruto knows this and has known this since he was young. Hyuuga Hinata knows this as well and understands her Father’s wished, but still…

“Make Love, Not War” by agitosgirl - Rated M, Vampire / Werewolf AU, Multi-chapter, Incomplete (or Complete, considering how agitosgirl ends stories). In a world where Vampires and Werewolves have been feuding for eons, one battles changes it all. A young werewolf manages to find finally find love in these trying times. The problem? She’s supposed to be his sworn enemy…

“Enemies or Lovers” by @powerful-niya - Rated E, Werewolves & Vampires AU, Multi-chapter, Complete. The origin of werewolf and vampires were always conflict. Full of war and bloodshed. Over the years, the King of Vampires stepped up and sought out to put an end to this feud. But was killed in the process. Years later, the feud lived on but not within two.. of these creatures. They both tend to fully, put an end to this condescending battle, with their forbidden love. Can they do it? Or will they be killed also?

“Forced to Call You Mine” by Se7enthDragon - Rated M, High School AU, Multi-chapter, Incomplete. Naruto hates Hinata Hyuga. Hinata hates Naruto Uzumaki. However, being the son and daughter of two very successful men creates unfortunate events that leads them to being forced into an engagement with each other. It’s hate. They know. But is it what they truly feel for the other?

“Clandestine” by @waterrolls - Rated E, Canon-Divergent AU, Multi-chapter, Complete. A kickass Anbu Hinata. A grouchy Hokage Naruto. Two prickly personalities forced to work together.

“The Study Session” from “Endless Lemons” by agitosgirl - Rated M, One-shot. She’s covered in piercings and leather, and has a bad attitude. But she takes an interest in him. A very special interest…

“Hate to love” by suryass - Rated M, Modern AU, One-shot.  They hated each other, at least that’s what they liked to think.

“March - Fanfic/Fanart inspo” from “Still Falling For You” by chloelapomme - Rated M, Pirates AU, Multi-chapter, Complete. It’s time for Hinata to confront the thief who stole her treasure from her.

“Road to Relationships” by agitosgirl - Rated E, Canon-Divergent, Multi-chapter, Complete. Hinata Hyuuga and Menma Namikaze have a very rocky relationship. It’s filled with fighting, sex, make ups and break ups. The two of them cannot tolerate the other, yet they hate being apart. But what happens when their pattern is altered completely? Will their relationship survive, or will it finally die?

“Acquaintances” by @secrettastemakerland - Not Rated, Canon-Divergent, Multi-chapter, Ongoing. Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuuga Hinata always had a weird relationship. They were either always fighting each other or fighting others for fighting one of them. Everyone in their class was always confused whether they liked each other or hated each other, thus their name of “frenemies.”

“Just Lock Them in a Closet Next Time” by secrettastemakerland - Rated G, Modern AU, Two-shot. Naruto and Hinata are invited to Sakura and Sasuke’s wedding, things can only go down up from there.

"Dirty Little Secret" by @sessakag - Rated E, Wartime AU, Multi-chapter, Ongoing. A story in which Naruto and Hinata are from warring nations but begin playing a dangerous game where it's only a matter of time before difficult choices have to be made.

Anyone can add on if you know of others!

[corbindavenport]

Shutting down the Wii Shop Channel Music browser extension

I released a browser extension in 2020 that played the Wii Shop Channel music in the background when you visited Amazon, Best Buy, and other online stores. I released a major update in 2022, and I've been working on a rewritten version, but I have now decided to discontinue the browser extension.

The Wii Shop browser extension needed to be significantly rewritten to comply with Google's Manifest V3 extension policies, which will go into effect in a few months. On top of that, Firefox has not implemented the same changes, so the extension would need a much more complex codebase to handle both web browsers.

More importantly, Nintendo has been increasingly litigious against unauthorized use of its intellectual property. I believe the browser extension's use of Nintendo's images and music falls under fair use, but I don't have lawyer money to defend that, and I'm no longer comfortable with one of my side projects being a potential target for Nintendo (potentially taking out my other work as collateral damage).

The Wii Shop Channel Music browser extension is now discontinued, and I have deleted the GitHub repository containing the code. I am aware there are forks and other mirrors of the project online, but I will not be working on them. The browser extensions are still available, and they will soon be updated to turn off all functionality and include a link to this blog post.

The list of shopping sites used by the extension will remain available, and nothing is changing with my ImageShare web app or other projects. I had fun working on it, and I especially enjoyed the occasional reviews from users saying it was the greatest invention of all time, but I think now is a great time to say farewell.

"But a thing isn't beautiful because it lasts." - Vision

[theharrowing]

Collateral 🗡️ POV: Jimin

Jimin learns that his boyfriend played a role in his recent attack and he decides to get revenge. 

Or, the one where Jimin attempts to kill a man, but needs to call for help, and 2seok arrive to take care of more than just a dead body.

PREVIOUS | INDEX | NEXT

❗ THIS IS A CHARACTER POV CHAPTER!!!

if you do not wish to perceive any POV that is not the main character, please feel free to skip this one!

🗡️Jimin x his ex, Jimin x Seokjin x Hoseok

🗡️ word count: 9.7k

🗡️ mafia au, complicated relationships, graphic violence, poly, smut, angst, fluff, nsfw, explicit, 21+

🗡️ warnings: power bottom Jimin with ex; bottom/sub Jimin & top/dom Seokjin with allusions to top/dom Hoseok. drugging someone using cocaine laced with pharmaceuticals with the intention of killing them; use of anal plug; anal sex; restraining someone against their will; sex pivots from consensual to dubious; cocaine use; murder; being cradled in the bosom of one friend while the other suffocates his dying boyfriend with a pillow; bdsm dynamics; wearing a collar; sounding - use of sounding rod; safewords; subspace; allusions to blowjob & anal fingering with the promise of sex.

🗡️ notes: mc is referred to in 3rd person (she/her) pronouns for this chapter! i don't have Jimin's relationship tagged in the overall fic because this is the first and last time we know him by name and it feels insignificant. this chapter is a bit brutal at times. heed the warnings.

🗡️ early draft beta read by @blog-name-idk - but it has undergone some pretty big non-beta’d edits

🗡️ posted feb. 2024 - originally nov. 2022 | read on ao3

Jimin stares at his reflection in the vanity mirror. He has recently colored his hair a nice medium brown, and his gaze traces the waves that perfectly rest over his forehead, marveling at a job well done. 

Beauty is a weapon that Jimin hones and uses expertly, and this new look of his is simply an act of sharpening his blade.

R&B music plays constantly through speakers placed in every corner of the room, setting the mood while Jimin slowly and delicately applies a dusting of pink eyeshadow, highlighting with white below the brows, and finishing with soft black lines along his lids that peak in a faint cat eye at the ends. Then he applies mascara and dots gemstones along his brows and beneath his eyes.

His right eye is still bruised with deep blues and purples surrounding the socket, but the swelling has gone down, and Jimin rather likes how dramatic it looks dusted in shimmery pink. 

To complete the look, Jimin applies a light pink gloss to his lips, then gently blots on a deep red eyeshadow just to the scabbed-over slit on the right side that has been healing nicely. The injury stands out, and one would never know a touch of powder has been added to accentuate it. 

"Perfect," Jimin says with a grin as he sits back in his chair in only his briefs and takes in his reflection. 

Jimin promised Yoongi he would lay low because it was the only way he figured he would have the freedom to return as quickly as possible and enact his revenge without the others worrying too much about him. The moment he left the mansion, he drove straight to his suite at Paradise. He feels guilty for lying, but lying is one of the few privileges Jimin has always had, and at times it comes as second nature to him.

Taehyung had let it slip that Jimin's soon-to-be ex-boyfriend is associated with the man who attacked him. While the family men were beating information out of the man, he name-dropped Jiyong and mentioned he is one of Ryujin's men who had been sent to spy on the family. 

Jimin hates that he was not a bit surprised to hear the rumor. He had been having suspicions for several weeks that Jiyong may have been up to something, and he has recently been keeping him at arm's length and not inviting him to any of the mansions. Since keeping Jiyong away from the property, his attitude has begun to take a turn, and he has been unpredictable and moody, which Jimin now attributes to him being unable to complete his mission. 

So, naturally, Jimin has decided the only thing left to do is corner the man, apply a little pressure, and force him to speak, all while slowly killing him. And what better place to do so than in the comfort of his suite at Paradise, where no one will dare interfere with his actions? 

His usual guard, who is already stationed outside his room, has been informed to ignore any screaming he may hear—aside from a safeword that Jimin has chosen, of course. The room is bugged for his safety, and Jimin tries not to imagine all the things his trusty guard has heard over the years. After all, that is how he was saved from the beating that could have ended up being a lot worse.

Jimin steps back from the vanity and gives himself one more glance before sliding down from his tall makeup chair and walking to his closet. The room is nearly the size of his suite, with rows of clothing, costumes, bondage gear, jewelry, footwear, and other accessories. He walks to the first rack, which is lined with robes and lingerie, and he grabs a mesh black knee-length, long-sleeve robe with feathers lining the hems. 

Beneath the robe, all Jimin wears is tight pink briefs, and he ties the black cord around his waist loose enough to allow plenty of skin to stay exposed, showcasing several semi-faded bruises on his chest and neck. Jimin considers painting over those with a little makeup as well, but a light knock on his suite door indicates that his time to prepare has come to an end. 

"One moment, jagi!" Jimin calls from the closet. 

He smooths his hands down the soft mesh of his garment and pulls his lips into a sweet, practiced smile. All the world is a stage, and Jimin is ready to put on a final performance for Jiyong. 

With one last glance around the suite, Jimin confirms that everything is in place, and he turns off the closet light and walks to the door. The room is simple, with a large bed in the corner and shelves of sex toys between the bed and the closet door. There is a tiny kitchenette between the closet and the en suite bathroom, where Jimin can prepare something small to eat, but he only uses the space to store alcohol and the occasional snack. 

There used to be a small dining table and chairs, but after the attack, Jimin had all superfluous furniture removed, leaving only the bed, makeup chair, and vanity. He had come too close to getting the back of his head bashed into the corner of the hardwood of the table, and he does not want to take the chance again. 

The lighting is dim, with pink and purple lights giving the room a bit of a romantic glow. On the bed are black satin sheets with wrist restraints tucked just below the pillows for bondage play. 

Jimin loves being restrained and made helpless during sex. There is something he finds so addicting about handing over all control and being used as his partner pleases. Of course, bondage play is reserved only for people who Jimin trusts. Even so, the restraints he ordinarily uses have a safety mechanism to allow him to break out of them easily, should he need to. 

The restraints currently nestled under Jimin's pillow have no such mechanism. 

When Jimin opens the door wide and takes in the sight before him, his smile nearly falters. Jiyong's hair is black, short, and messy—framing his handsome face nicely—like he rolled out of bed moments before arriving. He wears a simple white tee tucked into blue jeans, and Jimin wonders how it would look with bright, deep crimson red spreading over the thin, white fabric. 

"Hey, baby boy," Jiyong says as he eyes Jimin's attire with a smirk. "When you said you wanted to speak in private I didn't realize you meant you wanted to fuck. I would have put a little more effort into my appearance."

Jimin takes a step forward and rubs his hands over Jiyong's chest. He can feel his heart beating gently behind his ribs, and he tilts his head slightly down to capture Jiyong's lips in a chaste but sweet kiss. 

"I had plans to just talk," Jimin mutters against Jiyong's lips. "But then I thought about how long it's been since we've had some time for just ourselves and I couldn't resist changing into something more enticing."

"Enticing?" Jiyong responds with a grin. "You're absolutely breathtaking, baby." 

Jimin doesn't miss the way Jiyong's gaze lingers on his bruised eye and split lip as he grips onto his shirt and backs into the suite. He glances over Jiyong's head, making eye contact with the guard who stands with his arms crossed in the hall, just opposite his door. The guard nods once, and Jimin tugs Jiyong over the threshold and closes the door, which locks behind them. 

"Let me fix us a drink, okay?" Jimin suggests, and Jiyong nods as he eagerly reaches for the black cord around Jimin's waist that holds his robe closed. Jimin swats at his hands and giggles as he backs away. 

"Have a seat," Jimin says as he nods to the bed.

Jiyong does as instructed and sits on the edge of the bed. He rubs his hands over the dark sheets and keeps his eyes fixed on Jimin, who saunters over to the kitchenette while keeping his attention partially on Jiyong as best as he can. 

Jimin pulls two short, round glasses from a small drying rack on the counter and grabs a decanter of whiskey that Yoongi gifted him, pulling the intricately designed triangle crystal top off with an inviting pop as the rubber stopper comes loose from the opening. He pours them both a finger of whiskey and puts the decanter top back on, pushing it nice and firm to create an air-tight seal. 

"Whoa," Jiyong calls from the bed, "using the special occasion whiskey?"

Jimin hums and turns to Jiyong with a smile. "That's right. Jeonggukie also gave me some new product that I would like you to try. I had a sniff shortly before you got here, and I feel incredible."

"Damn, starting without me?" Jiyong chides. 

On a small mirror, Jimin has racked up a nice thick line of cocaine, triazolam, and codeine. He brings it over to the bed with an already rolled-up note and hands it to Jiyong, then turns back to the kitchenette for the glasses of whiskey. Jiyong wastes no time snorting the concoction. 

First, there's a hiss, then a gasp. Jimin turns to Jiyong with wide, worried eyes, and much to his pleasure, he watches as his darling boyfriend struggles to hold his composure. Snorting the medications could not have felt good, Jimin thinks to himself. Probably it burns his cocaine-raw skin like crazy.

"Everything alright?" Jimin asks sweetly.

"Fuck's in this?"

Jimin chuckles, adding a lilt of playfulness at the end. "Cocaine, silly."

Jiyong taps on his nostril with the knuckle of his bent index finger and sniffs several times. "Smells off. You said this was new?"

"Just came in last night."

"And you had some?"

Jimin hums and hands Jiyong his whiskey. "I did," he lies with a soft smile.

The line Jimin racked up was pretty thick, even for an avid user such as Jiyong, and he smiles as he grabs the empty mirror from the bed and sets it onto a nearby nightstand. It is astounding, really, how someone who snorts so much cocaine does not immediately find something off about the powder and refuse to snort it. 

None of the family men would have been that stupid. But, then again, none of them do drugs outside of what Jeongguk supplies.  

Jiyong swirls his whiskey and gives it a smell, then sips it slowly, and Jimin holds back laughter at his newfound paranoia. Originally, he had planned on mixing the pills in his whiskey, but after some trial runs, the powder of the crushed-up medication was always detectable, either visually or by taste. 

"Alright," Jiyong says as he adjusts his posture, sitting up and rolling his shoulders. He winces as he sniffles loudly. "What's the special occasion?"

Jimin holds his drink out toward Jiyong, which Jiyong taps his glass gently against, and as Jimin shoots back the bittersweet liquid, Jiyong follows suit and does the same. 

"Get on the bed, jagi," Jimin says. "I want to give you my good news with your cock buried deep in my ass."

Jiyong coughs, seemingly shocked by Jimin's words, and Jimin laughs as he leans to give him a weak pat on the back. As Jiyong bends forward and attempts to catch his breath, Jimin peels the empty glass from his fingers and sets both glasses beside the mirror on the nightstand. Also on the small, black table is his silver vial of unlaced cocaine.

Perhaps it is selfish, Jimin thinks, but despite his overwhelming desire to dig his claws into Jiyong and kill him with his own two hands, he wants to fuck him one last time. He even went through the trouble of prepping himself, just in case the pills kick in too quickly.

Jiyong stands from the bed and stumbles forward a step before correcting himself, and Jimin watches as panic flashes over his face while he begins to undress. He leaves his clothing in a heap beside the bed and sits naked on the mattress, cock half-hard and looking heavy between his legs. 

"Lay down, jagi," Jimin instructs, and Jiyong smirks as he scoots back on the black silk, then rotates himself to lay with his head on the center pillow. 

Jimin bites his lip and swishes his hips to the soft R&B that plays overhead as he rubs his hands down over his pecs and tummy, then back up, feeling the soft black fabric of his mesh robe. Jiyong watches intently, following the movement of Jimin's hands, and Jimin approaches and bends slightly at the hips as he sticks his hands under the robe to gather the hem of his briefs and pull them down. 

"Gonna keep the robe on?" Jiyong asks with a grin.

Jimin nods, feeling rather femme fatale, and saunters over to the bed, wasting no time to climb on top and straddle his boyfriend's hips one last time. 

"I prepped myself," he says sweetly, giggling as Jiyong's eyes go wide, and he reaches behind Jimin to feel for himself. 

A small burst of pleasure shivers through Jimin when Jiyong's fingers touch the end of the metal anal plug, and he lets out an exaggerated moan and throws his head back. Jiyong tugs on the toy a few times, then slowly begins to pull it out, sparking Jimin to let out a genuine moan as he falls forward into Jiyong's chest. 

"So eager you prepped yourself," Jiyong teases as he tosses the plug aside and presses two long fingers into Jimin's stretched-out hole, forcing a sob to fall from between his lips. 

"Need you now," Jimin moans, rolling his hips and fucking himself onto Jiyong's fingers. 

Jiyong reaches beneath Jimin with his other hand and grabs his cock. He presses against Jimin's hole, in which his fingers are still buried, and Jimin trembles and slaps Jiyong on the chest. 

"One or the other," he complains, feeling horny and impatient. 

Jiyong pulls his fingers out and gives Jimin's ass a light slap, groaning, "Alright, alright." 

As soon as Jiyong presses his cock head into Jimin's ass, Jimin takes over and sits up, rocking his hips gently despite the overwhelming stretch. Jiyong slides his hands over Jimin's ass, grips him with intention, but then drops his arms to his sides. A light sigh leaves Jiyong, and Jimin opens his eyes to find him staring at the ceiling, looking spaced out. 

"What's the matter, Ji?" Jimin purrs as he picks up his pace, rolling his hips up and crashing them down.

Grunts and groans come from Jiyong, and he blinks several times. Finally, he mutters, "What was in that cocaine?"

Jimin slows his hips to a languid pace and grabs both of Jiyong's hands. He pulls both hands above his head and leans forward, leaving a soft kiss on the tip of his nose. 

"What do you mean?" Jimin asks sheepishly.

"I feel...fuck. Tired."

Jimin hums, reaches above Jiyong's hand to tug on a thick black strap that runs from the bed frame, to just under his pillow, and pulls out a black leather wrist cuff. Jiyong does not enjoy being restrained, so Jimin works fast to secure the cuff, which locks in place with a velcro strap that wraps around the entire wrist. 

"What—" Jiyong yanks at his restraint and attempts to claw at the velcro with his other hand. "Jimin, this isn't funny."

Jimin, who continues to slowly fuck himself on Jiyong's cock, fishes out the second restraint and wrestles it onto his wrist. Jiyong grunts in a feeble attempt to beg Jimin to free him, but he doesn't seem to have a lot of strength left in him, and the words die on his tongue. Jimin giggles as he tightens the velcro, then he sits back up and bounces his hips high, slamming them down hard, hoping to cum fast before he loses him completely. 

"Triazolam and codeine," Jimin moans as he throws his head back.

"Wh—"

"The cocaine," Jimin groans as he makes eye contact with a very heavy-lidded Jiyong. "I laced it with triazolam and codeine."

Jiyong rocks his hips as if in a panic, possibly attempting to shake Jimin off, but it does him no good. Jimin is close anyway, and he snakes one hand into his robe to squeeze at his leaking cock head, hissing from the burst of pleasure that the contact brings. 

"Don't you want to make me cum, baby?" Jimin asks, moaning through each word as his high increases.

Jiyong stammers, "Of c-course."

"It's a shame I'll never cum on this cock again," Jimin whines as he rubs the dribbled streak of precum down his shaft. 

"Jimin," Jiyong mutters, "what are you doing?"

Jimin feels so close. He picks up his pace, squeezes his eyes shut, and sobs out as his orgasm rocks through him. He catches all of his release in his hand and leans his weight on his other hand, which presses into Jiyong's chest. 

Despite bringing himself quickly to orgasm, everything feels lackluster, and Jimin sighs as he lifts his hips and drops Jiyong's still-hard cock out of him.

Originally, he wanted to blacken Jiyong's eye and split his lip as the other man had done to him, but now that Jimin comes down from his high, he just feels disappointed. He feels sad. 

"Was this relationship a sham from the start or did Shin recently buy you?"

Horror widens Jiyong's heavy eyes. "Ji-Jimin, p-please."

"Answer me!" Jimin shrieks, balling his fist as his cum runs down his wrist. 

"I'm sorry, Jimin," Jiyong mutters. "Please f-forgive me."

"Forgive you for what, exactly?"

Jimin dismounts Jiyong and gets off the bed. He picks up his pink briefs and wipes his hand off with it, then grabs his silver vial of cocaine from the nightstand, unscrews the top, and brings the attached tiny metal spoon to his nose. 

"I w-was just supposed to sp-spy on the family," Jiyong mutters pathetically.

Jimin sniffs back the drug, dips the spoon in once more, and sniffs a second small pile into the other nostril. Then he screws the top back onto the vial and holds it tight in his fist as Jiyong continues.

"I wasn't...su-supposed to f-fall in love."

Anger and bile rise up Jimin's throat, and he turns to Jiyong with a frown. "Don't you fucking dare!"

"I d-do love you," Jiyong whines, and Jimin's fist trembles. He wants to punch Jiyong until his face is unrecognizable. But he doesn't want to fuck up his hands; Jimin needs his hands. 

"You love me? Which is why you sent someone to beat me up? Weird fucking way to show your love, Ji!"

Jiyong squeezes his eyes shut and shakes his head. A tear falls down the side of his face, the sight of which just adds to Jimin's fury.

"I didn't k-know—he wasn't supposed to do th..." Jiyong trails off, face falling to the side.

Jimin approaches and slaps Jiyong several times on the cheek. Jiyong startles and opens his eyes wide and pleadingly. 

"Baby," Jiyong whines.

"If you confess to me what happened I will unrestrain you, force you to vomit the pills, and we can part ways and call this done," Jimin lies. "Otherwise, you are going to die."

Jiyong's eyes open wide, and he swallows hard. "I was Sh-Shin's man from the start. But I stopped giving her inf-information. That's why she sent that guy, who—who—. He was supposed to rough up me. Not you. I'm sor-sorry."

"Ryujin sent you to spy on us, and then you got too close and betrayed her? So she sent a man to set you straight and he attacked me instead? Is that what happened?"

Jiyong nods frantically, eyes threatening to roll to the back of his head. "P-please, you can't leave me here to die. Someone will f-find out."

"People overdose in these rooms every week, jagi. Nobody will ask questions when Yoongi's men are the ones handing your body over to the morgue."

A weak, garbled sob comes from Jiyong, who attempts to scratch at his restraints. He kicks his feet out, but it is clear that his limbs are too heavy to move very well, and he gives up, curling on himself as best as he can as he cries. 

And Jimin, who thought he had everything under control, sobs before he can stop himself. In the six months that he and Jiyong have been spending time together, he has managed to catch feelings. 

They were compatible. They fit together nicely. And it was all a lie, doomed from the start because he was sent by the enemy and chose to keep that a secret even as they got close. 

The worst part is that if Jiyong had been honest with him about betraying Ryujin, they could have tried to make it work. It would have been an uphill battle, but he would have done his best to trust him.

Jimin turns away from the bed in time for tears to fall in heavy streams down his face. He can't do this. He can't follow through with the murder. He needs help. 

On the vanity counter sits Jimin's phone, and he walks over and picks it up in shaky hands, dialing Yoongi's number. Yoongi answers after one ring.

"Hello?"

"Hyung," Jimin sobs, voice squeaking. "Please don't be mad at me."

"Jiminah," Yoongi responds firmly. "I could never be mad at you. Tell me what is happening. What do you need?"

"I c-came to Paradise," Jimin hiccups. "I brought Jiyong and I drugged him but I can't finish him. I need help, hyung."

Yoongi chuckles. It is soft and bright, and it takes Jimin by surprise. He can't help but smile slightly from the sound.

"Jiminah, what did I tell you about trying to do everything by yourself?"

"I know," Jimin whines, feeling pathetic. "I'm sorry."

"Seokjin and Hoseok are at House of Cards. I can send them over now, or I can come to you in the next thirty or so minutes."

"S-Seokjin-hyung is fine."

"Don't cry, okay, Jiminie? Your hyungs will take care of it."

"Th-thank you, hyung."

The line goes dead, and Jimin lowers his phone from his ear. There was a part of him that feared Yoongi would be disappointed in him for going against his wishes of laying low. But he should know by now that Yoongi could never be disappointed in him. He has said as much many times, and he has never shown signs of faltering. 

Jimin takes a fortifying breath and holds it in his lungs before breathing it out slowly. His phone vibrates in his hand, and he lifts it to find a notification from Seokjin that says, "Be there in 5." 

Hyungs will take care of everything, Jimin reminds himself. They always do. 

The room is still and silent, and Jimin glances at the man on his bed—naked and breathing deeply, fast asleep. Jimin wasn't sure how much it would take to force an overdose, and his original plan was to smother him in the event that the pills were not enough. But now that he faces the need to finish the task, his arms feel shaky and weak. 

Jimin is not a killer. He may be family to a pack of ruthless men, but Jimin cannot bring himself to kill someone. 

With one more deep exhale, Jimin returns to his closet and grabs the clothes he came dressed in—a black long-sleeve velvet button-up and lace-front leather pants. 

The intention was to go to the club and find someone to fuck away his frustration with, but now as he slides on the thick leather pants, he does not feel like doing much of anything. He even considers finding something else to wear since it will be Seokjin and Hoseok taking him home, but he doesn't have the strength to choose a new outfit. Maybe his hyungs will consider his outfit amusing. 

Jimin manages to loosely tuck his shirt into the front of his pants before there are three firm knocks on the door. Seokjin always knocks thrice. Jimin smiles weakly to himself and shuts off the light in his closet, then makes his way to the door, keeping his eyes off Jiyong. 

When Jimin swings the door open, Seokjin immediately lifts his hands to Jimin's chin and bends to place a soft kiss on his bottom lip. Jimin gasps and immediately relaxes into the touch, and Seokjin places a second peck on his nose before standing straight and peering over his head. It has been years since Seokjin kissed him, and Jimin stands in a bit of a daze.

"I have always wondered what his cock looks like," Seokjin muses.

Jimin backhands him on the chest with a chuckle, coming back to earth as he shouts, "Hyung!"

"Tell us what you need," Hoseok says softly as his head appears from the side of Seokjin's broad shoulder. 

Jimin takes a step back and allows both men into the room, and as Seokjin walks past Jimin toward the bed, Hoseok closes the door softly and approaches Jimin, gently taking his chin in his hands just as Seokjin had. 

"Baby, your new hair color is stunning," Hoseok says sweetly, eyes sparkling. "You look so much younger."

Jimin sniffles and smiles, feeling tear streaks staining his cheeks. "I look younger because I've cried my makeup off like a child."

Hoseok chuckles and pulls Jimin into a firm hug, engulfing his head and shoulder with his arms. He smells like a freshly picked bouquet, and Jimin wraps his arms around Hoseok, sinking into the feeling; Hoseok has never hugged Jimin like this before. 

Then, Jimin hears it: a muffled voice groaning and struggling from behind him. Hoseok holds Jimin even closer.

"It'll be over in a second, baby, don't worry," Hoseok mutters against Jimin's head, and Jimin nods feebly and lets out a deep breath that he had been holding.

For years, Seokjin and Hoseok have called Jimin baby, and for years, Jimin thought it was condescending at best. But like this, tightly wound in Hoseok's arms, the name brings him comfort. Perhaps, he thinks, he had it all wrong. 

"Did he manage to confess?" Seokjin asks, and Hoseok slowly lowers his arms from around Jimin. 

Jimin is not sure what he expects to see when he turns around, but he is thankful to find that Seokjin has completely covered Jiyong with the black silk sheet. Seokjin glances around the room and begins to collect Jimin's things, grabbing his vial of cocaine and his cell phone and shoving them into his pockets.

"He said Ryujin sent him to spy on us and that he ended up fall—" Jimin stops himself, then sighs and nibbles on the inside of his lip. "When we started dating he began to lose sight of the mission. Apparently, the guy who roughed me up was actually sent here for him. Or so he claimed. I don't know. I don't fucking care anymore."

Hoseok wraps his arms around Jimin's shoulders, pulling him into a tight back-hug while Seokjin washes the whiskey glasses and mirror that had been left on the nightstand. 

"Oh, baby, you clearly do care," Hoseok says as he rests his head against Jimin's shoulder and nuzzles his nose below his ear. "And that's okay. We can help you forget."

"Forget, how?" Jimin asks, watching as Seokjin tidies up the makeup that was left on the vanity, then gathers the clothing that had been piled on the floor. 

Seokjin turns to Jimin and quickly raises his eyebrows a few times. "Any way you'd like, pretty bird. What's your poison, these days?"

What Jimin really wants is to be tied up and fucked senseless until he forgets the way Jiyong's cock felt inside him—until he forgets his own name. But he doesn't know how to ask for that, even if it happens to be something that he assumes is on the table. 

Luckily, Jimin doesn't have to ask because these two can read him like a book. Reading people is one of their many shared gifts.

"Let's get you home and take good care of you, hmm?" Hoseok suggests.

Seokjin smiles and sends him a wink. It all seems innocuous enough, but Jimin can hear it in their voices—can see it in their eyes.

Jimin nods and lets himself smile. "Okay."

On their way out of the club, Jeongguk and Taehyung show up to take care of Jiyong's body. They say Yoongi sent them, and they both give Jimin a warm hug, which is a strange thing to receive from either of them, much less both.

The ride to Seokjin and Hoseok's house is short; Jimin disassociates from the moment they get into the car, with only the sound of the large metal gate at the end of the drive pulling him from his daze. An SUV sits parked in front of the garage, so Hoseok pulls up behind it and gets out. Before Jimin can reach for the handle, his door is pulled wide open, and Yoongi stands before him with his arms outstretched.

"Hyung," Jimin mutters. He pauses before exiting, then steps out of the vehicle and into Yoongi's embrace.

"I'm so sorry for all you have been put through, Jiminah," Yoongi says against the side of Jimin's head. 

Jimin sighs and wraps his arms around Yoongi. Although he is grateful for so much care, he feels embarrassed by all the attention. The youngest two hugging him earlier was the final straw. 

"It's fine," Jimin grumbles.

Yoongi backs from the hug but takes Jimin firmly by the shoulders with both hands. "It is not fine," he says, looking Jimin sternly in the eye. "I know you had feelings for him. And I know you are a softie who hates to kill. But you are not alone. Please do not ever feel like you have to do anything alone."

"I was afraid to ask because you wanted me to lay low, and I went against your word," Jimin confesses. 

"Jiminah," Yoongi whines, knitting his eyebrow in frustration. "You know that no matter what, I will never be upset with you. I told you to lay low for your protection, but you are not a child. I trust you to do what you think needs to be done. Just please do not do everything by yourself. We are a family for a reason, and I am here for you, no matter what."

Jimin wiggles out of Yoongi's grasp and mutters, "Yes, hyung," as he attempts to follow Seokjin and Hoseok into their house, but Yoongi stops Jimin, grabbing his hand and giving him a gentle tug.

"One more thing," Yoongi mutters as Jimin turns to face him. Yoongi looks tired, like he hasn't slept since the last time Jimin saw him, and he wears a black tee with no button-up, which is concerning. Even in his own home, it is rare to find Yoongi dressed down in the middle of the day. 

"What is it, boss?" 

Yoongi sighs and nibbles on the inside of his mouth, crossing his arms over his chest. "Our darling knows you were the queen."

Anxiety drops to the pit of Jimin's stomach. "How—"

"She had a dream about the night she killed Seungri, and it was hard to hold back the fact that we knew all about the incident. She wanted to know how much we knew, so Namjoon and I took her to dinner and did our best to explain the events that led to that night. It...did not go very well."

"Oh."

"I do not think she is angry with you, but it is hard to say. But just be mindful of that, next time you see her. Maybe you two should have a conversation. I did not tell her much about your involvement; after a certain point she no longer wanted to listen."

Jimin swallows a lump and nods. Every inch of him tingles with anxiety, and he hates the idea of having to look her in the eye, knowing that she knows. He had planned to tell her eventually, but he was banking on not having to for a while longer—at least, not until he got to know her a little better. Curse Yoongi and his moments of kindness.

"Understood," Jimin mutters sullenly. 

Yoongi wraps his arms around Jimin once more and gives him a kiss on the cheek, which causes Jimin to grimace and attempt to wiggle away. 

"Everyone is so loving today," Jimin whines.

With a chuckle, Yoongi drops his arms from around Jimin. "The youngest two act like grumpy old men, so I have always kind of viewed you as our baby."

"Great," Jimin mutters as he rolls his eyes, though the thought of being the baby of the group does delight him quite a bit. Of course, he can never let them know that. "I'll lay low for real, this time. If dove needs space, then I can wait but if it seems like she wants to talk, let me know, and I can come right over."

Yoongi nods, flashes half a smile, and turns toward the path that connects his mansion with Seokjin's. With a final, fortifying breath, Jimin faces the house to find Seokjin standing in the doorway. His arms are crossed over his chest, but his body language is otherwise relaxed and patient—head leaning to the side against the door frame with one ankle crossed over the other. It feels oddly domestic to approach the man waiting for him in such a fashion, and Jimin hesitates before he takes a step forward. 

When they were younger, back when Seokjin joined the group and was getting trained to be a family man, Jimin was the only one not sleeping with anyone within the group, to his estimation. Taehyung and Jeongguk never came out and said anything at the time, but there was an abrupt shift in their demeanors one day—a playfulness that Jeongguk rarely displayed with anyone else—that led Jimin to believe that something had been going on. 

Seokjin quickly broke down Jimin's walls and his inclination toward avoiding platonic sex, and they spent a good two months exploring new depths of pleasure and pain, and waking up in each other's arms. And then Hoseok joined the team, and slowly, Seokjin began to replace his time with Jimin with his time with Hoseok. 

At first, Jimin felt salty about it, but as he got to know Hoseok, he understood their bond. Not only do they come from affluent families, but they are both sadistic little freaks with a bloodlust, and a penchant for manipulation. Perfect for one another.

Over the years, there has been an open invitation for Jimin to join them in bed. And over the years, Jimin has nearly caved many times. But fucking one's friends is oftentimes messy, and Jimin has always worried about being the cause of some rift between bonds of irreplaceable men, potentially making Yoongi's life more difficult. 

Not to mention, being his own top whore at Paradise has afforded him the ability to use others as a means to sexual needs and escape. So he has stayed out of their relationship.

But there has always been an inkling at the back of Jimin's mind—not only to see how Seokjin has changed over the years, but to discover what Hoseok is into, as well. Jimin has done well to keep his distance and stave off his curiosity, but today he is feeling rather vulnerable. Today he wants to experience subspace—something only Seokjin has ever helped him to accomplish.

As Jimin approaches the house and walks up the three concrete steps to the landing, Seokjin straightens his posture and holds out his arm. 

"Hoseokie is fixing up a quick stew. Would you like me to draw you a bath, or would you like to stay as you are?"

Jimin considers it. A bath does sound nice, but he would rather not be alone with his thoughts right now. "I'll stay as I am."

"Wonderful," Seokjin responds as he lets his door fall closed behind them and secures two deadbolts. The smell of something hearty and rich hits Jimin's nose, making him suddenly aware of how hungry he is. Jimin toes out of his shoes and kicks them near the neatly stacked rows of shoes and boots, and Seokjin does the same with a giggle—as if he knows Hoseok will be displeased with his carelessness, and he finds it delightful.

Jimin leans into Seokjin's hold as they make their way through the living room to the kitchen. Most of the houses on the compound are the same. Open concept foyer, living room, and kitchen with spare rooms on the first level and stairs that lead up to bedrooms and bathrooms on both floors. Each house has more rooms than its occupant—or occupants—have a need for, so many of the homes have guest rooms, offices, gyms, libraries, and so on. 

Seokjin and Hoseok have tailored several guest rooms to be sexual fantasy havens, decorated a certain way, and stocked with outfits and toys to suit that particular brand of fantasy. Hoseok is rather proud of his dollhouse room and has shown off pictures of pink walls and lavish furniture that appear as if the room had come straight out of a barbie dream house. Seokjin, on the other hand, brags most about his puppy playhouse, stocked full of harnesses and leashes, with various cages throughout.

It occurs to Jimin, as he is led to the kitchen, that he has not been back to this house since Hoseok moved in and began to decorate. There is a certain quality to the furnishings that gives the home a baroque feel—intricately hand-carved wood, gold leaf accents, and velvet upholstery. Count Dracula himself could have assisted with the interior design. Jimin smiles as he cranes his neck to see the various paintings and sconces on high, wainscotted walls.

In the dining area is a wooden table—as intricately hand-carved as everything else they own—that seats eight beside a wall of glass which overlooks a surprisingly minimalist garden. In the distance, Taehyung's mansion can be seen sticking out from a wall of tall shrubs and columnar trees. Just past the dining area, Hoseok is busy in a surprisingly modernly furnished kitchen with black marble counters and black steel appliances, dancing to a tune he hums while stirring a pot. 

"Have a seat!" Hoseok calls over his shoulder, and Seokjin guides Jimin to the chair at the head of the table, muttering, "Guest of honor." 

Jimin rounds the table and sits, then places his hands on the top of the hardwood and stares down at the mauve ceramic bowl and matte bronze utensils. He feels anxious and does his best to breathe deeply—in through his nose, pushing his belly out while keeping his shoulders down, and out through his mouth—to keep the swirl of panic that fights inside him at bay. Meanwhile, Seokjin is in the kitchen, presumably helping Hoseok while Jimin waits.

"Wine or soju, baby?" Hoseok asks.

"Or whiskey?" Seokjin suggests. 

Jimin turns his head, glancing from the corner of his eye to find Seokjin leaning against the marble counter with his black sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His dark hair is pushed off his forehead today, and he looks absolutely stunning—but, then again, Seokjin always looks stunning.

"Soju is fine," Jimin responds with a soft smile, and watches as Seokjin straightens his posture and makes his way to the fridge. Then, Hoseok spins with a large, steaming pot in mauve oven-mitt-covered hands, and Jimin's eyes follow as he rounds their large marble island and brings the pot to the table. 

Hoseok's wavy dark hair falls over his forehead, and after the pot is plopped onto a cloth pad in front of Jimin, Hoseok turns to him and winks, then straightens and makes his way back into the kitchen. Jimin stares ahead at the wafting steam as Seokjin and Hoseok come back and forth, bringing soju and side dishes before settling down.

"You happened to need comfort on a day that I was already planning to make short rib stew," Hoseok says cheerily. "I had everything prepped and simmering since this morning."

Seokjin serves Jimin a bowl while Hoseok fills everyone's glasses, and they dig in. The stew is hearty and does not pack too much spice or overwhelming flavor, which is exactly what Jimin's anxious stomach needs, and he feels grateful for his family men. 

Dinner comes and goes in a bit of a daze. The food is delicious, but Jimin's appetite is not what it normally is, so he slurps and chews slowly while Seokjin and Hoseok hold conversation around him. It is nice, Jimin thinks, to be present without having to contribute much. He is not sure he is really in the mood to talk, but he enjoys hearing the back and forth of his hosts, even if he struggles to catch exactly what they are discussing. 

After their meal, Seokjin clears the table while Hoseok fills their glasses with more soju. Jimin feels satisfied but not too full, and all the soju has helped relax him enough that the anxiety is at bay. Perhaps Seokjin and Hoseok being present has helped in that sense, too. Jimin is not entirely sure. 

"What would you like, baby?" Hoseok asks. "We could relax in front of the television...or we could head upstairs and take your mind off everything in other ways."

Jimin is pulled from his thoughts—most of which are just spaced out staring into nothing—and blinks at Hoseok, who sits to his right with his chin cradled in his palm.

Hoseok continues, "We could relax in front of the television...or we could head upstairs and take your mind off everything in other ways."

"I'm not sure," Jimin admits. "But I could use a distraction...more than what the television might offer. What did the two of you have in mind?"

Hoseok grins, then bites his lip, humming and cocking his head as if in thought. "I've wanted to have you in our home for so long, I feel too overwhelmed with possibility to choose."

Warmth floods Jimin's neck and cheeks, and he flits his tongue out to wet his lips, watching as Hoseok's eyes follow the movement. "Same," he mutters softly, suddenly feeling shy.

"Well," Seokjin offers as he returns to the table and drapes himself over Hoseok's shoulders, "we could tie you up, whip you, and all that usual stuff. Or, we can take you into one of the doll rooms and dress you up like our pretty little princess, then punish you until you cry."

"Or, we can also go easy on him," Hoseok chides as he turns to look at Seokjin with a playful smile.

Seokjin shakes his head and, staring into Jimin's eyes, says, "Baby doesn't want us to go easy. Does he?"

"No," Jimin responds with a delicate shake of his head, still in disbelief that his conversation is happening. "I want to lose myself."

"What a delight to know some things never change," Soekjin says.

Jimin does not miss the way Hoseok's face lights up with delight. The wide, toothy grin sends a shiver down Jimin's spine, and he has to look away, gaze falling to the cup of soju before him. He picks it up and takes a gulp of the cool, bittersweet liquid, then sets it down. 

"I know just the thing," Seokjin says as he stands up straight and holds his hand out to Jimin. 

Jimin scoots his chair back from the table and stands, then takes Seokjin's hand. A gasp escapes him as Seokjin tugs him close, forcing him to stumble into his chest. 

"Come this way, baby."

"Okay," Jimin mutters softly.

Hoseok stands and peers over Seokjin's shoulder. "Okay is an improper response for your hosts. What do you say to us, baby?"

Jimin knows this game—has played it many times with Seokjin before, and is absolutely unsurprised that Hoseok prefers the same. 

"Yes, sir," he tries and is rewarded with another devious grin and a nod of Hoseok's head. 

Jimin is led through the dining area, back through the living room, to a set of stairs beside the entrance, and then up. The master bedroom in these homes is a door at the end of the hall—a large room that takes up most of the second floor, but Jimin knows that he is not being taken there. Seokjin leads him to a large wooden door on the right.

As they approach, Hoseok takes the lead and keys in a passcode, which unlocks the door. When Hoseok walks in, dim lights flick on automatically, revealing a room with large, comfortable couches and chairs, a bed, and shelves upon shelves of sex toys—from impact toys to dildos and plugs, and more. 

Everything is black and dark red, with bursts of yellow and red light glowing from beneath and behind furniture and stationary devices, with no lighting overhead. Hoseok walks to a large black sofa in the center of the room and sits on one of the far ends with his arm outstretched over the back. 

"Go to Seokie, baby," Seokjin instructs, and Jimin mutters, "Yes sir," as he releases Seokjin's hand and makes his way to the couch, slotting himself beside Hoseok's open arm. 

"Jinnie, bear, what did you have in mind for us, today?" Hoseok asks, craning his neck to follow Seokjin's movements through the room. 

Seokjin stands before a large, dark armoire with a door swung open on the left side. Hanging from hooks on the inside of the door are various small toys, and Jimin immediately recognizes what Seokjin is reaching for because this is something they used to do together all those years ago. 

Jimin shifts on the couch, feeling a wave of apprehension return as he watches Seokjin take a small silicon rod and begin to wipe it clean with a cleansing pad. Seokjin has always been meticulous with cleanliness and sterilization after play, but he always gives his toys and tools an additional swipe with a gentle cleanser before use. 

With the door to the armoire wide open, Seokjin turns to the couch and raises an eyebrow at Jimin—a silent question. 

Jimin nods, whispers, "Yes, sir," and swallows thickly while Hoseok's fingers dance over Jimin's shoulder, sending a tingle of comfort through him. 

"Want to wear a collar for us, baby?" Hoseok offers.

Jimin does want to wear a collar, and he turns with wide, eager eyes and nods. "Yes, sir."

"We bought one just for you," Hoseok blurts out. He worries his bottom lip between his teeth before continuing. "I-if you'd like that one?"

"You bought me one?" Jimin asks, feeling affection burst and bloom in his chest. 

"We've been waiting for you to join us," Hoseok admits, blushing pretty and nervous as his cheeks take on a slightly darker shade in the dim light.

Jimin feels overwhelmed with joy but also with regret. Some part of him always assumed that there was no place for him in their bed—that their invitations were a courtesy simply extended to the man Seokjin used to fuck, and nothing more. 

Hoseok scoots to the edge of the couch and slides himself away from Jimin, then he makes his way to the same armoire Seokjin stands near. From a drawer on the right side, Hoseok produces a black, rectangular box, then he stands on his toes and kisses Seokjin on the cheek before returning to Jimin, sitting beside him on the edge of the sofa with his body angled in and their knees touching. 

Jimin waits eagerly as Hoseok opens the box, revealing a very thin black leather collar with pale pink metal o rings hanging from various points around the length. Jimin's breath gets caught in his throat as tears well in his eyes, and he looks up to Hoseok, then to Seokjin, and back at the choker.

"This is—" Jimin begins, but his words get caught. "Thank you."

"Your hair was that pretty pale pink back when we bought it," Seokjin says as he approaches with a small silicon toy in one hand and a bottle of lube in the other.

Jimin smiles and runs an index finger over the hoops. His hair was pale pink when he met Hoseok, which means—

"You bought this for me that long ago?"

Hoseok hums and smiles softly. "We always wanted you to come to us, baby."

"I'm sorry," Jimin mutters quietly before he can stop himself. 

Seokjin tuts his tongue and sits on the couch beside him. "Nonsense. We knew you would come when you were ready. Well, we hoped, anyway." 

Hoseok interjects, "Admittedly, we did get a little jealous every time you brought some new guy around. We began to wonder if you held a grudge."

Gently, Hoseok removes the collar from the box and holds it up to Jimin's throat with a smile. As he wraps the thin leather around Jimin's neck and leans in closely to tighten it, Jimin breathes in Hoseok's floral, musky scent. The cold metal hoops kiss his skin and cause goosebumps to break over his arms.

"Perhaps a little," Jimin admits softly. "I guess for a while, I felt replaced."

Hoseok finishes clasping the collar, then sits back and gently takes Jimin's face in his hands. His pretty lips are downturned in a frown as he says, "I'm so sorry, baby."

"We have you here now, and that is all that matters," Seokjin says as he gets onto his knees on the floor.

Jimin straightens out and sits back on the couch while Seokjin crawls between his knees, and Hoseok's hands slide from Jimin's face, down to his neck, and to his chest. Seokjin sets the items in his hand beside Hoseok, then places both hands on Jimin's knees and rubs them up to his thighs. The warmth of Seokjin's hands and the distant but familiar sight of him looking up at Jimin from between his legs stir up myriad emotions. 

Seokjin leans forward and, with a smirk, finds the end of one of the strings on Jimin's pants with his teeth. Jimin's breath hitches as Seokjin gazes up at him through his lashes and begins to slowly sit back, untying Jimin's leather pants using only his mouth. Jimin finds himself panting as Seokjin runs his hands down and up his thighs, then further, to his waist. 

"Let's get you out of these," Seokjin purrs with a smile. "As much as I love the sight of you in leather."

Jimin nods, already feeling a bit dazed, and he lifts his hips as Seokjin gathers the waistband of his pants and briefs and tugs them down, past his thighs. Seokjin pulls, forcing Jimin's legs straight up in the air and he slides down in a slouching position, giggling softly as his hands grip the edge of the cushions for stability.

Rather than free Jimin's legs from the leather pants, Seokjin stops with Jimin's knees restrained and his legs standing tall, and rubs down the backs of Jimin's bare thighs, spreading him slightly. Jimin gasps and struggles to hold himself in position as Seokjin's fingers tease near his balls and down to his ass. 

"Hyung," Jimin whines, though for what he whines, he is unsure. 

Hoseok helps Jimin by sitting high on his knees beside him and tugging at the pants, freeing his legs. As soon as Jimin's feet fall free from the fabric, his legs spread, and Seokjin takes advantage of the position and pushes his thighs open, spreading him wide. Jimin hardly has a chance to adjust before Seokjin's warm, wet tongue is pressing and laving against his half-hard length. 

A breathy whimper punches from Jimin's lungs, and he shivers as Seokjin leaves sloppy, wet kisses along his thighs and groin in no discernable rhythm or pattern. Jimin slowly, gently lowers his legs and attempts to sit up and get more comfortable, but Seokjin presses Jimin's hips firmly into the couch, and Hoseok removes the cushion behind him, slowly lowering him onto his back. The couch is far deeper than Jimin realized when he sat, and he nearly distracts himself by wondering how thick those cushions are, but the sound of a lube bottle snapping open instantly dissolves all thought. 

"Have you sounded since doing it with me?" Seokjin asks. 

Jimin shakes his head, then remembers Seokjin probably can't see the movement and says, "No, sir."

"We'll go nice and slow, baby," Hoseok says as he pets Jimin's hair. "Just tell us what you need, okay?"

"Yes, sir."

"And if you go non-verbal and need me to stop?" Seokjin asks as he drags his teeth over the soft flesh of Jimin's inner thigh.

"Clap my hands, sir," Jimin whimpers as the idea of becoming so high from pleasure that he might lose his ability to speak tingles through him. 

"Good baby," Seokjin and Hoseok say in tandem, sending a wave of arousal and excitement crashing over Jimin all at once.

All Jimin wants is to be so good for them that he breaks and becomes a shell of himself—a vessel for nothing but pleasure. Jimin does not reach that level of high with anyone else. Not with his now-dead ex, and certainly never with his clients. 

His achievement of subspace relies heavily on not only his level of trust but also on the unique types of pain that he has only explored with Seokjin. He found out about subspace by chance with Seokjin and has never allowed anyone to come close since. 

Jimin closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, relaxing into the couch as best as he can while Seokjin gathers his cock and gently holds it in his hand, pointed straight up. Jimin prefers to sound while only partially erect, and he tries only to think of things that will stop him from becoming too hard, replaying the visual of alertness draining from his exes eyes as the laced cocaine pulled him from consciousness. 

Remembering the murder that had taken place mere hours ago is probably a mistake, and Jimin nearly begins to spiral and panic. But then the blunt tip of a small, silicon rod begins to enter the hole of his cock, and Jimin returns to reality. Seokjin is so painfully slow that as Jimin's eyes fly open and he stares up at the ceiling, all thoughts that had previously plagued him are wiped clean.

The stretch of his urethral opening is a familiar sting Jimin does his best to adjust to, and he gasps and claws at the couch as he tells himself over and over silently to breathe, just breathe, in slowly and out just as slowly, breathe, breathe, breathe.

"Does it hurt, baby?" Hoseok asks as he gently pets Jimin's hair.

"Yes, sir," Jimin manages through clenched teeth.

"Color?" Seokjin asks, stilling his movement but keeping the silicon inserted.

In the past, they always used the stoplight safeword system, where green signals for Seokjin to keep going and red signals for him to stop.

"Green, sir," Jimin responds, almost desperately.

Seokjin continues to slowly press in, stretching Jimin open with the small tool. The feeling no longer stings, but it does feel intrusive in a way that makes him want to squirm and claw and fight. It also feels so good—so unbelievably, incomprehensibly good—that Jimin trembles and sinks and does his best to disappear completely. 

"You're doing so good for us, pretty baby," Hoseok says sweetly, running his hand over Jimin's clothed chest, grazing his fingertips over a nipple and sending sparks through him. 

"Th-thank you, sir."

The pressure in Jimin's cock evens out, and Jimin tilts his head to find that the sounding rod has been completely inserted, with nothing but a little black loop sticking out from his tip. Jimin drops his head back to the couch and lets out a deep exhale. Already, he feels tingly and breathless—light as a feather on the breeze.

"I'm going to stretch you open a fuck you now," Hoseok mutters into Jimin's ear, making Jimin gasp. "Does that sound good to you, baby?"

"Yes, sir."

"And if we completely lose you to subspace, what should we do?" Seokjin asks.

"Continue to fuck me," Jimin mutters with a smile. "Use me until you're done and clean me up."

"You're sure about that?" Hoseok asks as his teeth graze over Jimin's throat.

Jimin has never been so sure of anything in his life. "Yes, sir," he whimpers desperately. He trusts them with his life. 

A lube-slick hand strokes Jimin's cock, and his sense of reality cracks. The pleasure feels so intense with the sounding rod snug inside him, that all he can do is gasp and continue to weakly claw at the cushion below him. 

Jimin hardly recognizes the weight on the couch shift, nor his upper half being lifted enough to tug the shirt over his head before his back is returned to the warm, soft cushion. 

When Jimin's legs are spread and a long, slick finger is prising him open, he realizes that he is lying fully on the couch—that he has been shifted around entirely. Punchdrunk on dizzying euphoria, all Jimin can comprehend is what his body feels; nothing else in the world exists. 

And when a warm, wet mouth engulfs his cock at the same time as two fingers stretch him open, Jimin fades completely from his body and floats to the ceiling. 

For the first time in years, Jimin feels the warm, peaceful hug of subspace, and he is totally and completely gone. His body and mind and trusted solely to these two handsome devils, and he is completely at their mercy.

* * *

thank you so much for reading!!! i hope you enjoy these extras. i lament only writing from one point of view, so these have been a lot of fun for me. hopefully it’s not too confusing plopping them into the story as early as chapter 10.

REBLOGS AND COMMENTS ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF THIS SITE, BUT LIKES ARE ALSO SUPER APPRECIATED!!! THANK YOU FOR READING, I LOVE YOU!!!

tag lists will be on separate reblogs! they’ve gotten too big to contain as one! if you would like to be tagged in this fic, please let me know!!! 💜💜💜

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[c0untry-mouse]

It's bloody well your turn, 27! Top 10 hottest fictional women/people of all time?! 😁

Well well well... If it isn't the ask I was going to answer whether anyone asked me or not. 😂

Some would call me "over prepared", "unable to count" or just plain "thirsty"... and they would all be correct.

So let's do this...

1. Ava Silva - Warrior Nun

I tried to limit myself to one character per work of fiction and this was the hardest one to narrow down from simply ALL OF THEM. EVERY SINGLE WOMAN IN WARRIOR NUN IS AN ABSOLUTE SMOKE SHOW. This is helped, considerably by the fact that they all can, and would, snap my neck. Woof. But I made myself choose. So here we go. (SorryBeaSorryLillithSorryMummySupesSorrySexyDoctorJillianSorryTheAbsoluteDeityOfHotnessThatIsShotgunMary!!!)

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

2. Bette Porter - The L Word. She's a legend for a reason. If you're ever having a bad day just hit up YouTube and find a super cut of Bette Porter swearing. Never fails. 16 year old me would turn myself inside out for this woman. (37 year old me probably still would too, who am I kidding)

Exhibit A

3. Jane Rizzoli - Rizzoli and Isles. See the last 6 months of this blog for my complete derangement facilitated by doomsday luring me over here from Supercorp. Yes we know Angie Harmon is kind of evil, yes we do still very much want to get under it anyway. Black button up supremacy!

Exhibit A

4. Bo Dennis -Lost Girl. It's Anna Silk? Playing a pansexual succubus who needs to have lots of sex or she dies?? And did I mention it is Anna Silk?? Just an amazing sex-pollen crack fic come to actual life.

Exhibit A

5. Carson Shaw - A League of Their Own. Ok, I will admit to being severely under-medicated when this show came out. And that was probably a factor in me going absolutely BATSHIT FERAL for Abby Jacobson in this role. The dimples? The arms? The cheeky little smile and the innocent little face. Urrrggghh. I. Just. Want. To. Squish. Her.

Exhibit GAY:

6. Faith - BtVS. One of the first hotties to penetrate this prickly exterior. She's a smoke show. Everyone knows it, especially her. When she swaggers in to season 7 after busting out of jail to stop the apocalypse ? ((Chef's kiss))

We present to the bench m'lord

7. Stella Gibson - The Fall. Urghhhhhhhh. Look. It's Gillian Fucking Anderson playing the most sexually liberated, yet morally dubious character we've ever seen. She wears suits. She tells men to fuck off. She drinks wine like she's making slow love to it. SHE KISSES ARCHI PANJABI.

If it pleases the court

Exhibit B

8. Jane the Vicar - Collateral. Ok, this one is maybe out of left field but I needed Nicola Walker on my list and I narrowed it down to This Nicola Walker because a) canonically (heh) gay and b) vicar's outfit (ok sue me). She also maintains that pathetic wet cat of a woman vibe that she does so well while being slightly less depressing than in Scott and Bailey.

The prosecution rests

9. Debbie / Lou in Ocean's 8. Yes. I know I'm breaking my own rule. Shut up. It was going to just be Debbie but I was looking at the evidence and it really is the pair of them together where the magic happens. We've seen both these actors be depressingly unsexy in other things (sorry. *cough*Carol*cough*) but in this they Just Eye Fuck for 2 hours and it's AMAZING.

Exhibit A

10. Villanelle - Killing Eve. Show me one woman who does not want to be murdered intimately by Villanelle and I'll show you a fucking liar. I present her 2 best looks for the jury...

Exhibit 1 - the suit and tie and ring a ding ding situation...

Exhibit 2 - the cable knit that rewired my ovaries and made me genuinely want to have little murderous babies for her.

10a. Commander Lexa - The 100. Gone but never forgotten. Continuing a pattern of brunette, lethal and soft as a kitten's arsehole for one specific blonde woman.

Honourable mentions...

M'lady

Mare of Eastown!! Every time a male show runner tries to make a beautiful woman less beautiful by mucking her up a bit I howl at her for a decade.

Diana Leatherby in Tipping the Velvet. I read the book at the tender age of 16. When I say I will never see a wooden chair the same way I mean it. Anna Chancellor in the BBC adaptation is only maybe 70% the hottie my brain cooked up tho.

Root and Shaw in Person of Interest - lost out because I couldn't choose between them!

Alex Danvers in Supergirl. Chyler Leigh is hot as fuck in this role, especially with her shaved hair. But I haven't watched enough of the actual show to judge her personality. I get the impression she becomes a bit of a cunt....

Mickey Knight in the JM Redmann books. Excluded because no one will have heard of her but lives in my heart and sexy musing forever. 🔥😘

[princessofmerchants]

Hey ! first of all: I recently discovered you blog & totally fell in love with it🥺, especially after my "Nessian Hangover".

I know this might be a bit off-topic from your usual content, but there's something about Cassian's relationship with Mor that really irks me...and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

His actions, like pulling away from Nesta's hand in ACOWAR, left me feeling frustrated and sympathetic towards Nesta. And then there's that whole thing in Wings and Embers where he's all secretive about Nesta with Mor and doesn't wanna tell her about Nesta, which gave off major mixed signals?? I mean, describing Mor as something between a lover and a friend, while also being like family? That was so confusing, how can she be all three to him? it just felt so ... inappropriate and I felt so bad for Nesta bc obviously she deserves someone who has only eyes for her.

But then in SF he says all romantic feelings turned into familial bonds after the incident so what was that about then in WaE and pulling his hand away in ACOWAR?

Also in WaE it sounded like he primarily slept with Mor out of jealouy but in SF it does seem like he did had romantic feelings towards her ? :/ ...

And when he thought in SF about how hauntingly beautiful Mor is and how it takes his breath away and that she is lovely and perfect .... it just drove me mad tbh because this sounded very romantic coded to me which made me feel so bad for Nesta.

it has been all so confusing and inconsistent to me and also just frustrating how he talked so poetic about a woman he slept with (or did he also call Nesta also hauntingly beautiful or lovely or perfect and I'm not remembering it?), or how he didn't wanted to show Mor that he has feelings for Nesta?? :/ - so I just wondered what you thought about all of that, in hopes to calm me down or clarify bc it really almost ruined him for me (maybe I was misinterpreting stuff?).

hope that's not a weird question bc of how spesific it is haha

BTW I love your love for Nesta bc same🖤.

I love this ask, Anon, and how detailed and specific it is. It is a question after my own heart! My response is long so it's after the break.

Thank you for saying you love my love for Nesta - that means the world to me. What I especially like about your ask is, it is about canon Nesta, who is the Nesta I most treasure, and by extension about canon Nessian. I sometimes feel like a lone voice in the drafty moors of Tumblr with my deep and abiding love for canon Nessian, so the fact that this ask lets me talk about them in canon makes me happy!

I have given this a lot of thought since receiving your question, and I'm not sure how satisfying parts of my answer will be, so my apologies in advance for the fact that I am not actually going to offer an explanation for how and why all the details you listed can co-exist in a single, utterly comprehensive whole for the Cassian-Mor relationship when Cass is unquestioningly Nesta's by the end of ACOSF.

Instead, here's why the lack of things utterly lining up for these three doesn't bother me in the long run, and only slightly bothered me during the pre-ACOSF / post-ACOFAS era.

It is clear to me as a reader that SJM pivoted in a significant way between ACOMAF and ACOWAR when it comes to Mor.

I came across a post recently that explains exactly my thoughts on this. The post focuses on the current ship war but the evidence in it describes how during ACOMAF it was clear Moriel (Mor and Azriel) was likely to be endgame, but then SJM shifted Mor's arc to where she was more attracted to women, which meant needing to retcon a lot (and unfortunately a lot of Mor's charm and nuance was collateral damage that I am still hoping SJM repairs).

I think Cassian in ACOMAF needs to be read in the context of a planned future love triangle of sorts between Azriel-Mor-Cassian, into which I do think SJM planned to throw Nesta as a big bomb that beautifully blows up Cass's corner of the triangle. But the parts in "Wings and Embers" where Cass says to the reader he is worried about what Mor will think about his fixation on this human woman, I think were meant to preserve some kind of angsty triangle for the next book, which SJM (thankfully) jettisoned. I hate love triangles so I honestly would not have been a fan if that had been where SJM landed.

Now, in ACOWAR and ACOFAS, I think the Mor stuff with Cassian gets a bit more confusing, so I agree with you there. Cassian doesn't know for sure Nesta is his mate until she screams for him during the Battle of Hybern at the end of ACOWAR, so the stuff before that - e.g., him removing his hand from hers - I read in a few ways. I think being buffer to Mor with Azriel all those years messed with his head a lot, and in a way, Mor finally coming to terms with her sexuality is a really solid catalyst for her beginning to distance herself from the triangle dynamic she was a part of for 500 years, which I think was more healthy for everyone involved.

But remember, Nesta is still proud and surly in ACOWAR, not in any inherently bad way but in a way that probably didn't signal to Cassian she was particularly interested in him, even as he was drawn to her like a magnet and couldn't keep away because part of him loves her claws so much. Cass rightly protects his own heart when he has the foresight to do so in ACOWAR and ACOFAS. I always knew they would work their shit out eventually, but during the messy process of doing so I don't begrudge him a little distance when Nesta, in her trauma response to what was happening to her and around her, sometimes lashed out at the strongest individual in her vicinity who she knew could take it like a boulder weathers the storm - that person was always Cassian for her.

When I first read ACOSF, I absolutely assumed going in that Mor was going to be catty about Nessian finally starting to get together. When she wasn't, it was jarring to me. But once I finished my first reading of ACOSF, I came to a striking conclusion about Mor, ACOSF, and SJM:

The story SJM needed to tell in ACOSF would not have been aided or forwarded by Mor intervening in the Nessian dynamic in a catty way, or being a foil to anything about Nesta in that story's arc.

In other words, SJM could have written a version of Nesta and Cassian's book that included Mor challenging Nesta's right to be with Cassian, but that was unequivocally NOT the book SJM wanted or needed to write (hopefully my double negative landed correctly here, lol).

So, SJM pivoted, and sent Mor to Vallahan, so SJM could write the story she needed to write. As a writerly choice, I adore everything about it - Nesta didn't need to be fighting with another woman over rights to her mate, she needed women friendships that were pure and gloriously blank slates upon which and with whom to write and tell her and their collective story - so SJM introduced Emerie and Gwyn. SJM even brought in Mor later to teach Nesta the waltzes, and their brief exchange in which Nesta called her Morrigan and Mor invited her to call her Mor, and Nesta accepted the invitation to do so, is another breathtakingly vulnerable moment for Nesta that fills my heart right up. To this end, the promise that Mor will begin to train with the Valkyries in the next book has me so excited.

Now, there are two lines in ACOSF I still want to comment on (then I'll reign in this very long post, lol). First, I agree that Cassian's observation in his pov of how breathtakingly beautiful Mor is at the cafe toward the start of the book can come off romantic coded, though for him at this point I don't think it is. But whether it is or not, we need to remember he and Nesta still have a whole book's worth of stuff to work through with their romantic relationship.

I suspect SJM included that moment in part to set up some stakes for the Nessian arc - that, although Cassian hasn't had sex since he met Nesta, he is still a man who is drawn to admiring a beautiful woman inside and out. If Nesta had already won his exclusive attention in this regard before any of their arc began in that book, what would be the point of the book? (By the end, I do think Cassian only has eyes for Nesta, and it is absolutely because they claim each other - I don't think in the long run he would have been able to settle for less, and nor should he have.)

And, since Nessian aren't in a relationship at that point in the cafe at the beginning of the book, I'm not mad at him for admiring Mor's beauty per say. I think if Nesta invited it then, he would admire hers a lot more, and with a much more deep seated attraction. ACOSF is about them both letting their inner barriers down to allow the other to love them, so that kind of attraction still needs to be earned between them at that point in their story. His observation about Mor's beauty is in a different category entirely from where Cassian eventually lands with Nesta, so there is nothing threatening about it for me.

The other line that feels weird to me most times I read it, is when Mor baldly tells Nesta early in ACOSF that she would have sent Nesta to live in the Court of Nightmares. The only explanation I have for this moment and exchange is that for SJM it was more in service of Nesta's arc, and less about making sense coming from Mor. What I mean here is, at that moment Nesta feels wretched and all things terrible about herself, and it's a feature of that kind of disordered thinking that others around you either seem to echo what you're thinking about yourself, or sometimes do echo it in reality, if through a trauma response you've hurt those around you (*she says from personal experience*), or if through their own trauma response those around you respond in kind (as I think may have been happening with Mor in this scene).

Do I love that Mor says something so cruel to Nesta in that moment early in Nesta's healing journey? No, I do not. Do I see why it helps to heavily charge these early scenes for Nesta as she truly hits rock bottom regarding her feelings about herself? Yes, I do.

Which leads me to how I'll conclude this. I hope SJM intentionally develops Mor's story so she isn't just a device in the story arcs of others. For better or worse, some kind of reckoning between her and Az needs to happen, likely in the next book, for either to truly move on. But I hope Mor gets the attention a character like her deserves in future books.

I am A-OK with her mostly-absence from ACOSF because I don't think she would have been a productive part of Nesta's healing arc, and at the end of the day that is the heart and soul of ACOSF for me - Nesta healing.

The reason ACOSF-Nessian has my whole heart is because, it's so clear to me the ways Cassian supports Nesta's healing and is the catalyst for a lot of her growth into a person who loves herself and sees herself as worthy and deserving of love and happiness.

If he was a bit of a hot mess in the period between first meeting Nesta and getting to finally be with her as accepted mates, I don't begrudge him that.

[motherdaughterholyspirit]

Going to be blogging here with my think pieces bc I want to be off Ig more

I love the appeal of the American Gothic and have for many years. There was a long time it resonated with me because its harrowing images of a cross hailing over these pockets of a failed American dream. Poverty and violence hammering down a God fearing, repressive and resentful community. I saw myself in that- abstaining and howling. Hungry and never indulging.

I clung to these narratives of despair, the aching beauty in the horrors of trauma. Our mother's quiet rage, our father's apparent fury. It mirrors home, it mirrors the suffering that is felt in these sacrifice zones, in these places lost to exploitation of the land and its people. It is the consequence of being collateral in capitalism. There are so many layers to peel back. It feels self destructive almost to seek out these kind of aesthetics. Its a beautiful and startling outlet to be able to do photoshoots and write poetry capturing these heavy emotions I feel, but it is painful work.

What is the natural conclusion to nihilism? Suicide or existentialism maybe, at least from what I've observed. I've gone through the motions, moved through existential, absurdism, stoicism... i can go on and on. Where is this going? I feel like I'm running this blog and beating a dead horse. Indulging in a phase of my life I may have moved on from. Clinging to the narrative I no longer want to live by. There is beauty in the violence, this will always be familiar to me and these heavy emotions may never leave me, but I feel a need to move forward anyway.

Its not all in vain by any means. In my time exploring my identity through the lens of the American Gothic I've been able to establish a stronger connection to my roots, my family and the land we inhabit. Its funny how you grow up resentful of a place and now I have so much respect for it. I was angry at my community for a long time, but I see them with more clarity now. Being able to explore that rage through photography and literature has been so liberating.

Perhaps there are some stones unturned: female power, female wolf archetypes, and wild women may be the next phase if I continue on the path of capturing the American Gothic. But for now I'm listening to this song, thinking about my own inclination to wandering and searching.

[radio-charlie]

If the social justice culture that has prevailed for the greater part of this past decade survives, I will be both awed and taken out at the knee. There's such a swelling tide of disillusionment with it. Because more and more people are starting to see that poison has been steadily pumped into its waters since its inception. And they may not say it, but you can see it. Those who were willing to give us a chance are starting to think we're all nothing but a bunch of bullshitters.

I'm not going to go: "Oh wow. So many thinkers/opinion-havers/activists I looked up to are moles, straight-up saboteurs, or garden-variety cloutseekers. What hope is there then for a tidal wave of destructive force against the global 1% besides the severely anti-semitic far right. Guess I'll join forces with them now." Because I understand, from my own involvement in these communities and my observation of those around them, that there's more to social justice both online and off than such nonsense. And that there were many beautiful, selfless people who meant well, who got sucked into something and destroyed, or were forced to sell out just to protect what little they had. It also helps that I don't view the favorite targets of the far right as acceptable collateral damage lol.

But not everybody is approaching the issue from that angle. A lot of people look at what goes on with us through the lens of status-quo-friendly actors. Your average 13 yo boy is not being exposed to social justice through a pro-choice, indigenous rights advocate Bengali woman's blog. He is very much not doing your readings. He is instead being exposed to le wokeisme through memes by pepe reactionaries and federal agents pretending to be Marxist-Leninist catgirl hackers on the internet.

Already the odds were stacked against us. A lot of people assumed we were full of shit. I don't even want to know what they think now.

[fincrifblog]

“From Dreams to Reality: How IDFC FIRST Bank Personal Loans Make Big Moments Possible”

There’s a point in everyone’s life when a big moment knocks at the door—be it buying your first car, renovating your ancestral home, launching a side hustle, or even taking that long-awaited international vacation. But let’s face it: not all dreams come with a fully loaded savings account.

That’s where a personal loan can step in—not as a burden, but as a bridge. Among the many lending institutions in India, IDFC FIRST Bank has made a name for itself by offering personal loans that are not only accessible but also personalized to fit your financial reality.

In this blog, let’s explore how IDFC FIRST Bank personal loans help turn aspirations into achievements—and why this might just be the smartest financial tool in your arsenal.

Why Do People Turn to Personal Loans?

The beauty of a personal loan lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to pledge assets, explain your purpose in great detail, or wait for weeks. Whether you're managing an emergency or seizing an opportunity, personal loans offer a fast and flexible way to access funds.

Here’s why they’ve become so popular:

No collateral needed

Quick disbursal

Fixed repayment schedules

Multi-purpose usage

But getting a personal loan isn’t just about quick cash—it’s about choosing the right lender. And IDFC FIRST Bank is one that puts your convenience first.

IDFC FIRST Bank: A Modern Bank for Modern Borrowers

IDFC FIRST Bank brings a new-age banking experience, combining technology, transparency, and trust. Their personal loans are crafted keeping real-life needs in mind—from salaried millennials to experienced professionals and even entrepreneurs.

Here’s what makes IDFC FIRST Bank a preferred choice for a personal loan:

1. Customizable Loan Amounts

Borrow anywhere between ₹20,000 to ₹1 crore, based on your income, credit score, and repayment ability. It’s ideal whether you’re handling a small personal project or funding something big.

2. Fast Approvals and Instant Disbursal

Many borrowers receive approval within minutes and funds within a day. If you’re pre-approved, it can be even faster.

3. Flexible Tenure

You can choose a repayment term from 12 to 60 months, giving you control over how to manage your monthly EMIs.

4. No Hidden Fees

All charges—processing, prepayment, foreclosure—are clearly stated upfront. For individuals, foreclosure comes with zero penalty after 12 EMIs, which is rare in the market.

5. Paperless Application

Everything from eligibility check to document upload can be done online. No branch visits, no queues—just smart banking.

Top Life Scenarios Where an IDFC FIRST Personal Loan Shines

Let’s look at some real-world scenarios where a personal loan from IDFC FIRST Bank can be a game-changer:

1. Planning a Wedding

Indian weddings are beautiful but expensive. A personal loan can help you cover venue costs, designer outfits, photography, catering, and more—without dipping into retirement or emergency savings.

2. Renovating Your Home

Whether it’s fixing up old plumbing or creating a modular kitchen, home improvements often come with unexpected expenses. A personal loan allows you to take on the upgrades now and pay over time.

3. Traveling the World

Dreaming of exploring Europe or Southeast Asia? Don’t postpone it for years. A personal loan lets you fund the entire trip—including flight tickets, hotel bookings, and experiences.

4. Starting a Small Business

Have a side hustle idea or want to go full-time on your own? Use a personal loan to buy equipment, manage early inventory, or fund marketing without needing investors.

5. Handling Medical Emergencies

When health is on the line, you don’t have time to shop around. IDFC FIRST Bank’s instant disbursal helps ensure treatment doesn’t have to wait.

Are You Eligible? Here's the Criteria

Applying for a personal loan with IDFC FIRST Bank is quite straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:

Age: Between 23 to 60 years

Monthly Income: At least ₹20,000

Employment: Salaried (in a recognized private/public firm) or self-employed with stable income

Credit Score: Ideally above 650

Work Experience: Minimum 6 months in current job or 2 years of total experience

Documents You’ll Need

Keep these handy for a smooth application process:

PAN Card & Aadhaar (for KYC)

Proof of address (utility bill, passport, etc.)

Salary slips for the last 3 months or ITR for self-employed

Bank statement for the last 6 months

Passport-size photograph

Some customers may get pre-approved offers requiring little to no documentation.

How to Apply for an IDFC FIRST Personal Loan

You can apply in three easy steps:

Visit the IDFC FIRST Bank Website or App Fill in basic details and choose your preferred loan amount and tenure.

Upload Documents Digitally verify your KYC and income documents.

Get Approved & Receive Funds Post-approval, funds are usually credited within 24–48 hours.

Alternatively, you can apply through platforms like Fincrif, which helps you compare multiple lenders, check your eligibility in advance, and even get the best interest rates.

A Note on Interest Rates and Charges

IDFC FIRST Bank offers competitive interest rates starting from 10.49% p.a.. However, your final rate depends on:

Credit score

Income level

Loan tenure

Existing liabilities

Other common charges may include:

Processing fee: Up to 3.5% of loan amount

Late payment penalty: Charged per missed EMI

Foreclosure/Prepayment: 0% after 12 EMIs (for individuals)

Smart Borrowing Tips

If you're considering a personal loan, here’s how to make the most of it:

Borrow Only What You Need: Avoid over-leveraging yourself.

Keep Tenure Balanced: A longer tenure means lower EMIs but more interest overall.

Use the EMI Calculator: Available on the IDFC FIRST Bank site and on Fincrif, it helps plan your repayments wisely.

Avoid Multiple Applications: It can affect your credit score.

Repay Early If Possible: Save on interest by prepaying when you can—IDFC FIRST Bank doesn’t charge individuals for early closure after a year.

Conclusion: Make Confident Choices with IDFC FIRST Bank Personal Loan

Life is full of opportunities—but they often come with a price tag. With a personal loan from IDFC FIRST Bank, you can fund those key moments without compromising on your financial stability.

Whether it’s personal growth, family responsibilities, or seizing a once-in-a-lifetime chance, the right financial product makes all the difference. With fast approvals, flexible repayment, and customer-first policies, IDFC FIRST Bank offers more than just a loan—it offers peace of mind.

So the next time you’re thinking big, don’t hold back. Let your dreams take flight—with an IDFC First Bank personal loan backing you up.

[aaron-petti]

WEEK 6 - Where will I get the Money?

SCENARIO: Beyond the $50 you are using to finance your business, write a blog post that identifies which financial source you would consider for a future business start-up (or if you are taking your business forward). Consider some of the points made in BDC’s article, “4 factors that could affect financing your start-up” when thinking about your financial source.

Personal Investment – The first and preferred source of funding would be some of the limited savings I have.  I would prefer if all my funding were from personal investment, but the reality is I will need to source would be:

My professional profile – Am I a risk and how much?

Work Experience – my extensive experience working in customer service has given me an edge in “what makes the customer tick.”

Negotiation – I have experience owning my own business and as such I have learned the subtle art of dealing with lenders of all sorts.  The overall process from the ask to paying them back.

My Project’s viability - This is where a solid business plan comes into play. -Location is easy – Traveling Mobile business

Client acquisition – Word of mouth, social media, partnerships with local businesses

2-3 customers daily would be ideal

Love Money – In particular – Family.

Parents – They know my work experience and skills. 

My Guarantee – terms would be simpler than a bank. Discussion would be interest/no interest, percentage of business or would this be partially a gift?

Business Loans – May be difficult to be approved and if so at what cost?

Professional Profile – Similar to #1 above but the main difference is now without a job (I have been unemployed since 11/24) it will be difficult based on their rules.

Collateral – The other factor is the bank, if approved, will almost definitely want to put a lien on my assets (truck and potentially my house).

My financial projections and credit score – Credit score is good but again one of the main criteria is steady income. May be difficult.

My main takeaway from this exercise is, without your own personal nest egg to invest it will be increasingly more difficult to source finances.  The beauty of my business model is that Petti’s Travelling Car Detail should be able to start form scratch and utilize most of the revenue to invest back into the business.

[miosalonvioletsoftware]

Tips & Tricks To Create Salon Menu That Boosts Sales

An important element of how to manage a salon is to create salon menu with the right pricing strategy. You are who you are because of the services you offer. A good salon menu will help your clients decide which treatment they’d like while a salon menu done exceptionally well will even sell treatments for you.

When you have your salon pricelist incorporated into your online salon booking software, your clients can easily schedule their appointments at their convenience.

Besides having a paperless menu, it is also important to have a hard copy for your walk-in clients.

In this blog, we’ve discussed some fool-proof tips and tricks that will help you create salon menu that will sell your services to a prospective client.

Do these To Create a Salon Menu That Boosts Sales:

1. Know your clients:

2. Categorize treatments properly:

Once you’ve decided your target demographic, you need to neatly put your services into different categories. This makes it easier for your clients to find the services they are looking for. Think of it like a restaurant menu. If a customer wants pasta, they’ll straightway head to the main course section. Similarly, in your salon too, it should be easy for a client to find hair and nail-related treatments. It’s always better to bundle up similar services under one category. Likewise, it is absolutely necessary for a Salon to have Inventory Management Software to automate and manage salon inventories and product consumption.

3. Treatment Description:

When a client is scheduling their appointment on the beauty salon software, they can’t really ask anyone what the service includes. Thus, it is important to walk your clients through what they can expect from each service by including a little description of each treatment. When the features and products used in the treatment are mentioned, clients are more likely to book an appointment. For example, if your salon or spa offers two types of pedicures at different prices, how would your clients know which one is better than the other?

Key Tip: Understand the Art of Adding Values to Your Salon Services

Writing a salon menu description like this will definitely result in an increase in your overall bottom line:

Regular Pedicure: A therapeutic treatment for your feet that removes dead skin, softens hard skin, and shapes and treats your toenails.

Premium Pedicure: A purifying and detoxifying treatment that includes cut, file, detox, dead skin removal, aromatic oil massage, and polish.

Good copywriting matters: Great copywriting isn’t just for your salon website and marketing collateral. It is extremely crucial for your salon menu as well. Since a salon menu has space limitations, clear, concise copy is important. Avoid using industry jargon. Use language and words your clients would understand.

You may be interested in: How Salon Management Software Helps Increase your Revenue?

Choosing a salon menu design: The first impressions of your salon menu count. Believe us; people are going to judge you on the basis of how your menu looks. Instead of having the salon price list on the cover of your menu, how about keeping it simple and straightforward with ‘salon menu’. It sounds less rigid and gives your clients the impression that your salon is flexible and easy-going.

Whether it’s a hard copy or a soft copy on your beauty parlor software font matters. You want your menu to be easily readable. Don’t reduce the font size only to squeeze in more information. Also, another way to ensure your services sell is to have enough white space. It makes things look a lot more professional.

Did you know? You can Increase your Salon Revenue by 30% from your Existing Customers

Research suggests that your salon menu reflects the quality of your skills and services. When getting copies of your menu printed, make sure you use high-quality paper and ink. A frail piece of paper lying on your front desk definitely won’t speak well of your salon standards. If you’ve got a room in your budget, get it professionally designed and printed. It makes all the difference to your sales.

Now that you have most of your salon menu sorted, the next important step is to get your prices right. Most salon and spa owners exhibit zero confidence when deciding upon the prices of their services.

Firstly, it is extremely important to be upfront with your pricing. People like to know what they’re getting into and what they can expect from the services you offer. This way, people can decide before they arrive or by viewing your menu on your online salon booking software.

A common trend we’ve noticed with regard to salon menus is the power of the number 9. It really helps increase demand and ultimately sales. For example, if you’re introducing a new type of nail art in your salon and were thinking to charge Rs. 550 or 600, try Rs. 599 instead.

Tips to keep in mind before you create salon menu

1) Keep your prices realistic. Based on the direction of your business, the cost structure, expenses, and your resources, you must set your prices.

2) The price of each service you set must cover the cost associated with it. Pricing your services too low may attract a large sales volume but will not improve your bottom line. On the other hand, if your prices are too high, your sales volume will be low and you will not be able to cover operating costs.

3) Your clients are not always looking for the lowest price. Salon owners have this mindset that only when their services are priced low, they can attract clients. Remember, many clients are willing to pay premium prices if you’re offering quality services and friendly customer services at a convenient location. Hence, it is important to know the competitive advantage of your salon to meet your customer’s demands.

Quick read: 7 Tips To Be A Great Salon Receptionist! What You Must Know?

4) Lastly, if you are offering discounts to your clients, make sure you have a good strategy. Instead of cutting down your prices, a good practice is to add value to your salon services. This way, you will be able to attract clients and maintain a steady bottom line.

When you create salon menu, approach it from a marketing perspective. Put yourself in the client’s shoes and think if you would choose those services if you were in their place. Instead of just describing the treatment, inform the reader as to how it can benefit them.

When you create salon menu in the right way, it will not just boost sales but will also see a steady increase in the number of appointments on your online salon booking software. Your menu is a reflection of you and the services you provide. To create a last impression in your potential customer’s mind, automate all your salon processes with MioSalon.

[graphypixllc]

Beauty Salon Trifold Brochure

In the highly competitive beauty industry, standing out is essential for attracting new clients and retaining existing ones. One effective yet often overlooked marketing tool is the beauty salon trifold brochure. This compact yet powerful piece of collateral can make a lasting impression on potential clients and provide crucial information about your services, values, and promotions in a way that’s visually appealing and easy to digest.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the importance of a beauty salon trifold brochure.

What is a Beauty Salon Trifold Brochure?

A beauty salon trifold brochure is a marketing tool designed to provide information about your beauty salon’s services, pricing, promotions, and more. It is called a “trifold” because the brochure is folded into three sections, creating six panels. Each panel provides ample space to showcase different aspects of your salon while remaining compact and easy to hand out.

A well-designed trifold brochure should tell a story — highlighting what makes your beauty salon unique and why potential clients should choose your services. Whether handed out at a local event, displayed on a counter at your salon, or used for direct mail marketing, a trifold brochure serves as a visual representation of your brand and offerings.

Why Is a Trifold Brochure Important for Your Beauty Salon?

1. Tangible Marketing Material

In today’s digital world, having a physical marketing tool may seem outdated, but there’s something powerful about tangible content. A trifold brochure can be taken home, stored in a purse, or placed on a bulletin board — keeping your salon’s name in front of potential clients for longer periods.

2. High Perceived Value

When designed well, a trifold brochure communicates a sense of professionalism and quality. It tells customers that your salon is serious about its brand and the services it offers. People are more likely to trust a business that invests in professional marketing materials.

3. Great for Local Marketing

Beauty salons thrive on local clientele, and handing out brochures at events, trade shows, or within your community can help attract the right audience. By keeping your marketing materials physical, you increase the chances of standing out in a sea of digital ads and online promotions.

4. Easily Customizable

One of the greatest benefits of a trifold brochure is its versatility. You can customize it to suit seasonal promotions, highlight a new service, or introduce new staff members. Because it’s easy to print and distribute, you can quickly make adjustments to stay current with the trends in the beauty industry.

Conclusion

A well-designed beauty salon trifold brochure is a valuable tool in your marketing arsenal. It helps build brand awareness, convey your services, and attract new customers — all in a compact, easy-to-digest format. By including essential elements like eye-catching visuals, clear service offerings, and contact information, you can create a brochure that speaks to the heart of your business and resonates with your target audience.

[theharrowing]

White Lies 🤍 0: Introductions

Yoongi is everything you could ask for. He is attractive, confident, and smart. And his partner Taehyung is as possessive as he is beautiful. Too bad a relationship would be a major conflict of interest.

You need to have them at all costs.

🤍 Yoongi x Female Reader x Taehyung

🤍 word count: 0; screencaps of twitter feeds & text messages.

🤍 college au, cop au, partial social media au with a lot of written story, strangers to lovers & established relationship, yandere, hurt/comfort, smut, fluff, angst, slash, poly, minor character injury & death, graphic violence, nsfw, 21+.

🤍 warnings: ACAB includes our MC, sorry you found out this way.

🤍 this is a sequel to Boy Blue! i highly recommend that you start at the beginning to fully understand the the dynamic & history between Yoongi & Taehyung. there will be a lot of references to Boy Blue; this fic will spoil the shit out of it. this MC/reader character is not the same MC/reader character from Boy Blue.

🤍 for full notes & warnings, see the master list.

🤍 note: those of you who read Boy Blue...you finally get to meet one of the characters for the first time. are you excited??? this is the first of several surprises hehe.

🤍 posted nov. 2023 | read on ao3

INDEX | NEXT

Profiles of starting characters:

reader/mc:

Yoongi & Taehyug:

Seokjin:

note: time stamps & dates are important but also a bit loose. if you see a mistake just pretend you don't! more profiles are likely to be added, and i may or may not remember to edit this post so just vibe with it. 🤍

also note: the image for mc is a statue of medusa, and it is not meant to suggest that she is white. her physical description is going to be kept as vague as possible.

😈😈😈 HELLO, MY LOVES!!! ARE WE READYYY??? i am still trying to wrap up Collateral before i get too far into this fic, but the muse has been wanting to work on this and nothing else, so here is a teaser. and yes, you are not mistaken, Kim Seokjin is alive. 😈😈😈

i cannot thank you enough for keeping the hype for Boy Blue alive. it was such a wild ride that i thought people would hate me for, and it became somewhat of a cult classic. this fic will have all the twists and turns that you have come to expect from Boy Blue, with some wild new additions because my writing style has changed a bit in the last two years.

REBLOGS AND COMMENTS ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF THIS SITE, BUT LIKES ARE ALSO SUPER APPRECIATED!!! 🤍🤍🤍 BUCKLE UP BECAUSE THIS IS GOING TO BE A WILD RIDE!!!

tag list: @bangtan-tee-86 @ffion451 @fluffybuns69 @here4kpopfics @iloverubberduckiez-blog @lovemeforeternity @mgthecat @moonleeai @oceansmerchild @unsureofwhathappens 🤍 visit the master post to read the warnings & request to be tagged!

INDEX | NEXT

White Lies is copyright 2023 theharrowing, all rights reserved. No translations or reposts allowed!

[lettersfromandie]

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

Half of the year has passed and it's just now that I had the time and energy to do my 2023 highlights 😅 Lol better late than never! I'm doing this anyway for archive and memories when I look back and reminisce those times 🤍

Drag Race PH S1 Stars in Cebu

Finally met the queens from Drag Race Philippines Season 1 - Minty Fresh, Eva Le Queen, and Lady Morgana! They were all so beautiful and stunning! From their makeup, costumes, to their performances, they all SLAYED! Queens from the local Cebu drag scene also surprised us with their wow-mazing performances especially Letina Lyccah's performance. Lip syncing Alexia's Happy while throwing and giving out products named "Happy" to the audience was the best!!! (I got Happy peanuts lol). Such an entertainment to enjoy Sinulog night with some of the most famous drag queens in the country.

Spring Vacation in South Korea

Savored what was left of spring when we visited South Korea last year. Wrote more about this memorable trip in four South Korea 2023 blog posts hihi

Honne Concert

It wasn't just a Honne concert. It was Honne + Beka !!! Crying Over You is my favorite Honne song, so to witness them perform it with Beka made it all the more complete as if I'm listening it in Spotify but BETTER. The end of their concert tho with those visuals made us 🥺🥺🥺 (iykyk). Enjoyed the concert so much especially that I was with the company of my friends who I hadn't seen for a while hehe.

Turned a year older

This was a sad birthday because I was not able to enjoy it as much as I would have wanted to. Failed to enjoy the moment when I had a short dinner with my family because I had to go back to school immediately for a rehearsal :( My birthday fell within Intrams + Cookout week so acads and org life was just very hectic :/

Oh well, the world does not stop for me. I turned 22 last year. But wasn't feeling it just like Taylor Swift. It was Nothing New > 22, if you know what I mean.

My First Internship

Summer who? We don't know her! We only know internship!! Last academic year was wild and hectic because we only had a one-week break from second sem and immediately transitioned to being interns. Honestly, I've never legit worked before so this internship was somewhat my first work experience. For a month I mostly did marketing collaterals for an HR management system they developed.

I really wanted my first work experience to be in an organization that's not toxic and stifling. Looking back, I'm glad that I had my internship in MYT because everyone was so welcoming and approachable. We always had free lunch and snacks, and we also joined in their foundation's outreach program on our last day. I love that they also give back to the community and sponsor scholars.

I was also able to sit down and talk to the founders of the company and learned so much from them as well as my growth here. I'm so grateful for the experience because I also learned so much especially with being resourceful on how I can create marketing collaterals with the resources available (thank you Canva for making video animation and editing possible and easier! haha).

Exploring the City of Smiles

Visited Bacolod with the fam! Went to The Ruins, Campuestohan Highland Resort, Ilaya Highland Resort, etc etc (only a few we could fit in our sched). And of course we indulged in their most known delicacies - Eron's Cansi, Calea's cakes, Napoleones from Merzci (+ other brands actually), BongBong's Piaya, Chicken Inasal in Manokan Country, (Bar) 21's Batchoy, and brunch and pastries at Cafe Bobs! We indulged in more food than places so this was a food trip haha happy tummy = happy Andie!

Mayday Parade's 2nd Concert in Cebu

Three Cheers for Five Years since they last played in Cebu for the first time in 2019. That time they promised to be back. Five years later, they kept their promise. Mayday Parade, thank you for accompanying my emotional masochist ass when I was in high school (oahverrr). I'll always be an emo kid 🖤

Performed in a Musical Play

As a wannabe musical actress, I took the opportunity to perform in a short and sweet musical play competition representing our university. We won and were headed for nationals yayyyy

I was really excited when they chose me to be in the musical because that time, I was not able to deliver a lot of acting performances in my org. I couldn't say that I was that good in acting. But to be feeling (lol), I was kinda confident in my singing since I grew up listening and singing to Disney and musical songs. So this was my chance to do what I love.

It was my first musical play (and a competition at that), but playing in a musical in front of a large audience kinda excites the theater kid in me 🥰 (Broadway and West End, I know you're too far, but a girl can dream HAHA LOL)

Last year was very busy and hectic tbh so these were the highlights that I can remember BUT there's so much learning and growth that happened that year. Gratefulness for everything is just pouring everywhere despite the sad and overwhelming days <3 Thank you, 2023! 🌟

Love,

Andie

[beliramonline]

Maximizing Corporate Impact: Strategies For Selecting The Perfect Gifts from Beliram Online 

Introduction

In the world of business, relationships are key. Whether it's with clients, partners, or employees, fostering strong connections is essential for success. One powerful way to nurture these relationships is through the exchange of corporate gifts. These tokens of appreciation not only express gratitude but also serve as reminders of the partnership and can strengthen loyalty. Beliram Online, renowned for its exquisite collection of silver decorative items and home decor items, offers a wide range of options perfect for corporate gifting. In this blog, we'll explore strategies for selecting the perfect corporate gifts from Beliram Online, maximizing their impact and reinforcing valuable connections.

Understanding the Importance of Corporate Gifts

Corporate gifts play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing business relationships. They serve as tangible expressions of appreciation, gratitude, and goodwill. When chosen thoughtfully, corporate gifts can leave a lasting impression, demonstrating the value placed on the relationship. Additionally, they provide an opportunity to showcase the brand's identity and values.

The Appeal of Silver Decorative Items and Home Decor Items

Beliram Online is synonymous with elegance and sophistication, offering a diverse range of silver decorative items and home decor items. From intricately crafted vases to stunning photo frames, their collection exudes timeless beauty and craftsmanship. Silver, known for its durability and timeless appeal, adds a touch of luxury to any setting. By selecting silver decorative items and home decor items from Beliram Online, businesses can ensure that their corporate gifts stand out and leave a lasting impression.

Strategies for Selecting the Perfect Corporate Gifts

Know Your Audience: Before selecting corporate gifts, it's essential to understand the preferences and interests of the recipients. Consider factors such as their personal tastes, lifestyle, and professional background. Beliram Online offers a diverse range of products, ensuring that there's something for everyone.

Align with Brand Values: Corporate gifts offer an opportunity to reinforce brand identity and values. Choose gifts that reflect the ethos of your company and resonate with the recipients. Whether it's a sleek silver desk accessory or an elegant home decor piece, select items that embody excellence and sophistication.

Focus on Quality: Quality speaks volumes. When selecting corporate gifts, prioritize craftsmanship and durability. Beliram Online is renowned for its high-quality products, ensuring that your gifts are not only visually stunning but also built to last. Whether it's a silver-plated tray or a handcrafted decorative item, invest in items that exude quality and refinement.

Personalize the Experience: Personalization adds a special touch to corporate gifts, making recipients feel valued and appreciated. Consider engraving the recipient's name or company logo on the gift for a personalized touch. Beliram Online offers customization options, allowing you to create bespoke gifts that leave a lasting impression.

Consider Practicality: Practicality is key when selecting corporate gifts. Choose items that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Whether it's a stylish pen holder or a set of silver coasters, select gifts that can be used and enjoyed on a daily basis.

Maximizing Impact with Beliram Online: More Than Just Gifts

While corporate gifts are a wonderful way to express appreciation and strengthen relationships, Beliram Online offers much more than just exquisite items for gifting. Their collection extends beyond traditional corporate gifts, encompassing a wide array of products that can enhance various aspects of business operations and corporate branding. Here are some additional ways to maximize impact with Beliram Online:

Branding and Marketing Collateral: Beyond traditional gifts, Beliram Online offers customizable items that can serve as effective branding and marketing collateral. From engraved silver plaques to logo-branded desk accessories, these items not only reinforce brand identity but also serve as promotional tools that can leave a lasting impression on clients, partners, and stakeholders.

Employee Recognition and Incentives: Recognizing and rewarding employees is vital for maintaining morale and fostering loyalty. Beliram Online's collection includes a range of items suitable for employee recognition programs and incentives. Whether it's a personalized award or a luxurious desk accessory, these gifts can motivate and inspire employees, driving performance and engagement.

Corporate Events and Celebrations: From grand corporate galas to intimate gatherings, Beliram Online offers products that can elevate any corporate event or celebration. Whether it's elegant tableware for a formal dinner or decorative accents for a themed party, their collection includes items that can add sophistication and style to any occasion.

Client Engagement and Relationship Building: Building strong relationships with clients is essential for long-term success. Beliram Online's curated selection of gifts allows businesses to engage with clients in meaningful ways, whether it's to commemorate milestones, express gratitude for their partnership, or celebrate special occasions. Thoughtful gifts can help businesses stand out and strengthen connections with clients.

Office Decor and Ambiance: The ambiance of the workplace plays a significant role in employee productivity and satisfaction. Beliram Online offers a range of home decor items and office accessories that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any workspace. From elegant photo frames to stylish desk organizers, these items can create a welcoming and inspiring environment for employees and visitors alike.

In conclusion

In the fast-paced world of business, the art of gifting transcends mere transactions; it's about fostering connections, building relationships, and leaving a lasting impression. Beliram Online, with its exquisite collection of silver decorative items and home decor pieces, offers businesses a platform to elevate their corporate gifting experience to new heights.

Through this exploration, we've delved into the importance of corporate gifts as powerful tools for expressing appreciation, reinforcing brand identity, and strengthening relationships. We've highlighted the appeal of Beliram Online's diverse range of products, which blend timeless elegance with impeccable craftsmanship, making them ideal for any occasion.

From personalized awards to branded marketing collateral, Beliram Online goes beyond traditional gifts, offering a myriad of options to suit various business needs. Whether it's employee recognition, client engagement, or office decor, their curated collection enables businesses to make a statement and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

As we conclude our journey, let us remember that corporate gifting is more than just an exchange of items—it's an opportunity to create memorable experiences, foster meaningful connections, and drive success. With Beliram Online as your partner, you can unlock the full potential of corporate gifting, leaving a lasting impact on those who matter most.

So, why settle for ordinary when you can dazzle with extraordinary? Explore the world of Beliram Online and discover how you can transform your corporate gifting endeavors into unforgettable experiences that resonate with elegance, sophistication, and timeless charm.

Elevate your corporate gifting experience with Beliram Online—where every gift tells a story and every connection is cherished.

In partnership with Beliram Online, let's redefine the art of corporate gifting and make every gesture count.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Here's to building lasting relationships, making meaningful connections, and maximizing impact through the power of corporate gifts.

Cheers to a brighter, more beautiful future with Beliram Online.

[bathskitchen]

How To Finance A Kitchen Remodel ? Beautiful Baths & Kitchens 

Smart Ways to Finance Your Kitchen Remodel: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

Embarking on a kitchen remodel is an exciting venture, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. If you're wondering how to finance your dream kitchen without breaking the bank, you're in the right place.However, financing such projects is a crucial aspect that requires careful consideration. In this blog post, we'll explore smart and practical ways to finance your dream renovations under the banner of Beautiful Baths & Kitchens, ensuring your home becomes a masterpiece without straining your budget..

1. Create a Budget:

Before diving into financing options, it's crucial to establish a realistic budget for your kitchen remodel. Break down the costs, prioritize essential upgrades, and leave room for unexpected expenses. A clear budget will guide your financing decisions and help you avoid overspending.

2. Savings and Cash:

If you have savings set aside, consider using them to fund part or all of your kitchen remodel. This approach eliminates the need for loans or credit, saving you money on interest. However, make sure to retain an emergency fund for unexpected expenses that may arise during the project.

3. Home Equity Loans:

A popular financing option for home improvement projects is a home equity loan. This type of loan allows you to borrow against the equity you've built in your home. Interest rates are typically lower than those of personal loans, making it a cost-effective choice for substantial remodels.

4. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC):

Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC lets you borrow against your home's equity. However, instead of receiving a lump sum, you're given a line of credit to draw from as needed. This flexibility can be advantageous for phased remodels or projects with varying costs.

5. Personal Loans:

For those without substantial home equity, personal loans are a viable option. Unsecured personal loans don't require collateral, and the application process is often quicker than that of home equity loans. Compare interest rates and terms from various lenders to secure the best deal.

6. Credit Cards:

Credit cards can be a convenient way to finance smaller kitchen remodels. However, be cautious of high-interest rates, and try to use cards with promotional 0% APR periods. Paying off the balance within the promotional period can help you avoid accruing interest.

7. Contractor Financing:

Some contractors offer financing options to their clients. While convenient, be sure to scrutinize interest rates and terms to ensure they align with your financial goals. Additionally, research the contractor's reputation and reliability before committing to their financing.

Conclusion:

Financing your kitchen remodeling frederick county requires careful consideration and planning. Evaluate your financial situation, explore different options, and choose the method that best suits your needs. Beautiful Baths & Kitchens is not just a brand; it's a commitment to transforming your living spaces into havens of beauty and functionality. With careful consideration and strategic financing choices, you can embark on this remodeling journey with confidence, knowing that your home will soon boast the elegance and charm that Beautiful Baths & Kitchens is known for. Happy renovating!