#Cosmetic Counter Display

[bigassmoth]

Gifts for various tokyo debunker guys (Vagastrom, Jabberwock, Mortkranken) SFW

Alan: a simple bluefin tuna patch that you ironed and sewed onto his fishing bag. You did it as a prank, coordinating with Leo to snatch the bag while Alan was preoccupied. You both figured he would be confused and question who touched his belongings but ultimately let out his usual defeated sigh before letting it be. But the captain really loved his little fish, making no comment on it's sudden appearance. He always was positioned it to "see" the water while Alan fished. He wants to name it but he's bad with names. Your little joke turned out to be a great source of comfort for Alan, who is very grateful to have a fishing buddy.

Leo: very normal looking non-trending curry from a small mom and pop shop- so spicy even Leo needs milk. At first he was laughing at you for getting him such a cheap gift- don't you know that people send him waaaayyy more during his streams? Whatever, your try-hard NPCness was entertaining enough for the moment. But after getting half-way through, with his eyes red, Leo begrudgingly asks you for the shop location. The cute elderly couple has a new loyal customer. Too bad Leo keeps trying to get you to eat the toxic stuff, though.

Sho: keychain that looks like his motorcycle, where you hand-painted "Bonnie" onto the license plate. He uses it for his foodtruck keys. Typically he avoids such uncool accessories but the little charm has stolen his heart. One day he gets too rough with his lanyard and one of the rear-view mirrors breaks off. Spends the next two hours panicking while he glues it back on. Begins his project to reinforce the motorcycle through pins and resin. Leo says "just buy a new one" to which Sho grumbles, "It would be a pain in the ass to have to paint on 'Bonnie'"

---

Haru: annual membership to a tractor/pet supply store that carries materials and food for exotic and farm animals. Practical gift for a practical guy, he is beside himself in gratitude. The deals he gets as a member would theoretically slow his spending but we know how this guy manages him money- "I got a 20 pack of 50lbs of Horse Electrolytes for only 300,000 yen! Perfect for when we get horse anomalies :) and I also got the stuff I went there for, too." He is so happy you can't bring yourself to scold him for being such a sucker.

Towa: lavender and rose simple syrups which Haru adds to Towa's drinks- otherwise Towa drinks it straight. The guy doesn't need any more energy than he already has so it's usually mixed into a steamer or lemonade. Towa goes through the two big bottles you made within a week- and comes begging you for more (while you are in class). He would love to watch you make them, humming on your counter. After seeing the full process he savors them a bit more- and also starts bringing you mystery plants to make into syrup. Don't use the wolfsbane though, he plans on spiking Ren's energy drinks with that.

Ren: steam giftcard. He is ecstatic,he nearly cries before catching himself. He grumbles out a stiff "thanks" and pockets it. Of course he thinks VERY hard about what to spend it on- he has so many games afterall. He ends up purchasing a limited edition charity pack- one for ocean conservation. It comes with a squid character skin which he never uses but looks at often. He will brag about this cosmetic pack often while carrying you through the levels.

---

Yuri: "worlds best doctor" mug, he scoffs and says that you are passe and unprofessional. It is his favorite mug, he only wants tea in this mug. Sometimes he just looks at it all smugly and polishes it. When Jiro wants to cheer him up, he makes Yuri a cup of tea and makes sure to hand him the mug with the campy "World's Best Dr!" print on display. It always cheers him up a little.

Juri: traditional japanese tea set, at first he is confused. The beaker works perfectly fine, why does he need this fancy and cumbersome set-up? But it is nostalgic and he finds himself handling it perfectly. Yuri complains as the tea now takes longer to prepare- especially since Juri found a mysterious tea-pet on his windowsill and now gives the pet two washes for every pot.

[rosealinie]

𝔅𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔨 𝔅𝔲𝔱𝔩𝔢𝔯

ℭ𝔬𝔣𝔣𝔦𝔫 𝔐𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔰 - 𝔚𝔯𝔦𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔫 𝔟𝔶: ℜ𝔬𝔰𝔢𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔦𝔢

ℌ𝔲𝔰𝔟𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔘𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔱𝔞𝔨𝔢𝔯 𝔵 𝔚𝔦𝔣𝔢 𝔙𝔞𝔪𝔭𝔦𝔯𝔢 ℜ𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔢𝔯

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔰: 1/? ℜ𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔡 𝔐 ℜ𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔢𝔯 𝔦𝔫𝔰𝔢𝔯𝔱

--------------------------♱--------------------------------

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 1 - 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔅𝔢𝔤𝔦𝔫𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤

𝔑𝔢𝔵𝔱 ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯

--------------------------♱--------------------------------

ℑn the very heart of Victorian London, where cobblestone thoroughfares did teem with wayfaring souls of diverse station and age, there echoed the merry laughter of children as they did frolic, kicking a cherished sphere of leather. Couples and families did stroll, bearing their parcels with eyes aglow with the thrill of acquisition.

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of shops, there stood one solitary and enigmatic establishment, "𝔘𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔱𝔞𝔨𝔢𝔯," so it was inscribed. Herein, only those steeped in sorrow did venture—freshly bereaved widows and bastards alike sought solace within these somber walls. At the fore of the shop, a resplendent array of floral tributes did grace the entrance, whilst within, the true essence of a funeral parlor unfolded. Neatly arranged along the walls, coffins of various craftsmanship lay in repose, each adorned with a metal plate that bore the name of the wood, the price of the casket, and the nature of its design. All were polished to a gleam, as if cherished by hands long since departed.

In the very center of this solemn abode, more coffins were displayed, yet these were open caskets, revealing the exquisite linings of cotton, linen, silk, and velvet that did grace their interiors. A metal stand, sturdy and proud, did stand sentinel beside each casket, bearing forth the same inscriptions as those upon the walls, detailing the lineage of the wood, the cost of the final resting place, and the nature of its craftsmanship.

Thus, within this hallowed space, the air was thick with the weight of unspoken grief, a sanctuary for those who sought to honor the departed. The flickering light of candles cast gentle shadows upon the polished surfaces, whispering tales of lives once lived, now but memories entwined in the fabric of time. Here, amidst the somber elegance, the living did confront the inevitable, each detail a testament to the reverence held for those who had journeyed beyond the veil.

At the checkout counter, there lay a glass case of exquisite accessories, a veritable showcase of fine craftsmanship that did entice the eye. Within this transparent enclosure were displayed a myriad of treasures: delicate jewelry, timepieces of intricate design, eyepatches of varied hues, hats of all manner, bow ties, cosmetics, wigs, hair adornments, infant bibs, bonnets, and gloves, each a testament to artistry and elegance. Above each item, a small metal plate was stationed, imparting to the discerning customer the price, the nature of the metal or cloth, and the dimensions thereof.

Towards the rear of the establishment, a door stood resolutely closed to the public gaze, shrouded in an air of mystery. Before this portal rested a small cauldron, filled with water that danced with slices of lemon, orange, and lime, interspersed with fragrant blooms. Steam did rise from this vessel, yet the means by which it was heated remained an enigma, cloaked in the shadows of the shop.

Adorning the doorframe were clusters of flowers, artfully arranged to mask the dreaded scent of decay that might otherwise seep forth from the back room. Thus, only the sweet and refreshing aroma of floral and citrus did waft through the air, enveloping the front area in a pleasant embrace, a balm for the souls who ventured within.

Once upon a time, in an age long past, this establishment was deemed unfit for the public's eye, and yet, by some strange miracle, folk did venture forth regardless. The place was utterly besmirched, with spiderwebs festooning every corner, and dust cloaking every surface in a shroud of neglect. Coffins lay scattered haphazardly, whilst dreadful flasks filled with unsightly remnants cluttered the shelves of the building. The air was thick with a pungent odor, suffocating in its intensity, rendering the atmosphere most repugnant. Indeed, it was a sight most distasteful, though the aesthetic, to those with a peculiar eye, might have been deemed captivating—much like thyself, who found a strange allure in its grotesqueness, despite its revolting nature.

There be naught amiss in the ownership of a funeral parlor, yet for heaven's sake, one ought to maintain cleanliness and order! Thy husband, the undertaker of this establishment, had managed this abode alone for many a decade. The notion of such a venture had once seemed amusing to thee, yet it soon grew tiresome, and thus, for a time, thou didst refrain from participating in his labors.

However, upon a fateful day, thou didst decide to pay an unsuspecting visit, hoping to surprise thy beloved, for he had been in a state of melancholy that week, and thou wished to lift his spirits. Yet, what thou didst encounter was not the solemn dignity of a funeral parlor, but rather a veritable nest of vermin. What began as a visit filled with hopes of bringing a smile to thy love's countenance swiftly transformed into a full-fledged lecture on the virtues of cleanliness and organization.

For the fortnight that followed, thou and thy husband did labor diligently to render the parlor more presentable to the discerning public. Though the toil was arduous and the days long, thy husband’s countenance shone with joy at thy side, as if the very act of thy companionship had lifted his spirit from the depths of despair.

In witnessing the transformation of both the shop and thy beloved, a smile blossomed upon thy own visage, and it was in that moment of shared endeavor that thou didst resolve to join him in the stewardship of this establishment. Thus, it came to pass that the shop, once a haven of neglect, was lovingly restored to a state of care and dignity, reflecting the newfound harmony between thee and thy husband.

And so, it was through thy combined efforts that the parlor flourished, becoming a place not only of solemn farewells but also of warmth and camaraderie, where love and labor intertwined to create a sanctuary for those who sought solace in their time of grief. Thus, the tale of how thou didst come to work alongside thy husband in this noble pursuit was woven into the very fabric of the shop, a testament to the power of love and partnership in the face of life’s inevitable sorrows

[hexidous]

Silk and Sweat

Rating: Explicit (18+ MDNI)

Summary: Your apartment in the city is getting too expensive, so you pick up a side job as a stripper. When a customer gets handsy with you, the club manager Joel comes to your rescue.

Warnings: No use of Y/N but you do have a stage name. No depictions of reader’s physical appearance. Reader late 20s, Joel early 50s. Adult themes, depictions of stripping, sexual assault (not Joel), fingering, general horniness

Word count: 4.2k

Part II: Pretty As You Feel

Series Masterlist

-

Deep in the recesses of your closet hid a large box, collecting dust over the years. You had danced throughout college and kept some of your favorite work wears, just in case you ever returned.

You can totally still do this, you assure yourself as you sift through the long neglected contents.

With a huff of determination you put a bag together, setting your bagged heels at the bottom, followed by a few pairs of panties, a couple of dresses and your cosmetic bag.

There were plenty of strip clubs in the area, but you wanted to be sure to choose the right one. You never liked the younger crowds or nightclub-like scenes, the higher end clubs with older clientele suited your needs much better. Sure, they weren’t throwing handfuls of cash or making bills rain down with money guns to impress their friends, but you couldn’t stand dealing with a never ending sea of frat boys and batchelor parties.

You pull into the parking lot of the first club on your list, reading the simple red script illuminated by LED.

Silk Cabaret

You tried to quell your nervousness. It had been so long and you’re terrified they might turn you away in favor of teens and early twenties dancers.

A few words came to mind as you pushed through the doors. Lavish. Ostentatious, perhaps. The red walls were decorated with matching silk, meeting warm stained wood furnishings and accents.

“Hello!” A cute young woman greets you enthusiastically. “How can I help you?”

“Are you hiring dancers?” You ask, trying to project your voice and sound as confident as possible.

“I think so, let me grab a manager,” she chirps before standing up from her spot behind the counter.

You watch her disappear behind the wall dividing the entry room from the main section of the club. She emerges a moment later with a bright smile and cheery, “Follow me!”

You survey the rest of the club as you trail behind her. The bar was a large and L-shaped and tables covered in red cloth. The stage was displayed at the back of the room, a wide oval shape at the base with a short runway jutting out toward the center of the club.

The host leaves you to wait beside a bottle service section for a manager to come speak with you. After another minute or two of looking around, you noticed a figure emerge from behind a closed door.

Your eyes widen without your permission as you take in the man striding to toward you.

“Joel,” he says in a deep voice, jutting his large hand forward.

You try to maintain your composure as he envelopes your hand in his own and introduce yourself with a small smile, waiting for him to continue.

“You been fired from any clubs around here recently?” He asks, cutting right to the chase.

“No,” you reply with a small laugh. “I haven’t even danced in years. But I’ve never been fired, I’m not on drugs, no crazy boyfriend or baby daddy drama. Nothing that’s gonna give you a headache, I promise.”

You notice his lip curl upward in a slight smirk. “Haven’t danced in years, huh? What’s got you back?”

“I take it by that question you don’t pay rent in this city,” you tell him in a slightly amused tone.

“Ok you got me there. So you wanna start tonight?”

“Got my bag in my car,” you respond with a grin.

“We won’t pick up for a while, I can send you off with some paperwork if you want to come back around 7.”

“I don’t mind, it’ll give me some time to get acquainted,” you tell him as you head to retrieve your bag.

You return inside to find Joel now gone and you make your way toward the dressing room nestled behind the stage.

“One last thing,” Joel calls as you pass the now open door of his office.

Mildly startled, you turn to him and tilt your head, silently questioning.

“What’s your stage name?”

You bring your lip between your teeth, briefly wondering if you should assume a new moniker. Deciding against it, a name rolls off your tongue like an old friend. “Starla.”

-

You feel your anxiety laugh at you for thinking you were nervous before. Knowing one of the most gorgeous men you had seen in a long time would inevitably be watching you dance mostly naked would have excited you years ago. Now you feel almost sick as your heart races and and a knot forms at the base of your throat.

You shake your head, trying to force your unbelievably handsome new boss from your head.

You apply your makeup in a section of the bright, mirrored dressing room that’s unoccupied. You paint your eyes and lips darker and more exaggerated than you would normally and blush that looks ridiculous in the glaring light but perfect for both the dim club and flashy stage lighting. After running a brush through your hair, you stand to undress.

Your favorite dress was beautiful, but didn’t provide the easiest on and off access with the lace up back. Deciding to save it for the end of the night, if at all, you don a set made of a long skirt with a slit up the side and a tight matching top that pushes your breasts together enticingly.

You strap your heels on and shove your bag in an empty locker. With a steadying breath, you push through the thick, velvet curtain that shrouded the dressing room from prying eyes.

There was one customer now, chatting with the only other dancer you’ve seen so far. She looks to be a bit older than you, with spray tanned skin and gravity defying breasts.

You stand awkwardly beside the bar, unwilling to sit just yet.

“Hey there,” you hear in a soft, high pitched voice. You hadn’t noticed the bartender make her way toward you until she stood two feet away. “I’m Kenzie.”

“I’m-“ You begin, but catch yourself with a laugh. “I’m Starla. Gonna take some getting used to that again.”

“It won’t take long,” she responds with a knowing smile. “Want anything to drink?”

“I’m alright,” you tell her. Frankly, you’d love a drink to settle your nerves, but you weren’t about to pay strip club drink prices when you know soon enough there will be a room full of men willing to pay them for you.

“It’s on Phil,” she says with a nod in the direction of the man you noticed earlier.

He and the woman talking to him meet your gaze and give you a smile and wave.

“Thank you!” You call over, waving back. You turn your attention back to Kenzie. “Titos and clubs soda it is then.”

Kenzie returns with your drink and you sip slowly, waiting for the action to pick up.

By the time you reach the end, the only other people to walk in were two more girls, chatting casually as they made their way to the back.

“He said he’ll get you another if you’d like,” Kenzie says, grabbing your empty glass.

“I should probably take it slow,” you respond.

“Smart girl. I like you.”

You smile at her compliment and see Joel emerging from his office again, taking a stance beside the vip section. He catches your gaze and gives you a smile.

With nothing else going on you decide to approach him, the confidence of your former persona coming through.

“You look beautiful,” he tells you sincerely. Your stomach flutters and you feel a blush rise to your cheeks. You were used to lecherous compliments at the club, given with a lustful look over your body. But Joel kept his eyes on yours.

“Thanks. I guess I’m glad I didn’t the heart to give away everything when I stopped dancing.”

“What did you do before deciding to come back to this?” He asks, his eyes scanning the nonexistent crowd.

“I’m a graphic designer,” you tell him. “With outsourcing and AI it’s been a nightmare to find reasonable pay.”

He nods empathetically. “I bet.”

“How long have you worked here?” You ask.

“About ten years. I took work as a bouncer after serving in the military. Came here, got promoted after two and… Well, here I am.” He runs a hand through his tousled salt and brown sugar hair.

Before you can say anything else, another pair of girls come strolling by.

“Hi, Joel,” one says, slowly dragging the vowels out before giggling with her friend.

“Ladies,” Joel says curtly with a nod.

“What time does the DJ get in?” You ask Joel nervously.

“About an hour.”

Your stomach drops a bit. You haven’t been on a stage in years. “Do you mind if I maybe do a practice song or two before rotation starts? It’s been so long and I’m a bit antsy to get it over with.”

“Of course,” he answers.

“Thanks,” you turn to make your way over. “Sure hope it’s like riding a bike!” you call over your shoulder as you walk away. You think you hear a chuckle but you don’t dare turn around to check.

The preset playlist cycles through typical 80s hair metal and pop songs. Good to know some things don’t change.

You step through the curtain, thankful the room is nearly empty. Your eyes dart to where Joel was standing and you breathe a sigh of relief to see it empty.

You slowly sway your hips to the beat, grasping the cold metal pole in your hands. You spin around it, rotating your body with quick ease. Feeling more confident, you grasp higher and begin to climb.

The friction is painful between your legs, your thighs no longer desensitized to the intense grip. But you’re doing it. You carefully wrap your body around the pole, losing yourself to the beat as you transition into some basic moves.

You breathe a sigh of relief that your stage time maybe won’t be as painfully awkward as you feared.

You push through the curtain back into the dressing room.

“You’re wasting your time you know,” a girl sitting down to get ready tells you as she smiles at herself in the mirror, applying dark red lipstick.

Your brow furrows as you wait for her to continue.

“Joel Miller doesn’t fuck with the dancers. Trust me, we’ve all tried,” she says with a laugh. “I’m just giving you a heads up before you lose out on money trying to get in his chastity belt.”

“Thanks, but I wasn’t…”

“Mmhmm,” she says with an unbelieving raised brow and knowing smirk before returning to her routine.

-

The night begins to pick up, patrons and more dancers slowly filling the modest space. The DJ arrives and you introduce yourself.

“I’m Tommy,” he tells you with a warm smile. “Anything you like to dance to?” He asks.

“I’m not too picky,” you reply. “But I may have slight PTSD from the song Girls, Girls, Girls so please avoid that one.”

“That’s our promo song,” he says with a frown.

“Oh god,” you grumble. The thought of hearing that song every hour on the hour nearly giving you a headache.

“I kid, couldn’t help myself,” he reveals with a proud smile.

“Thank Christ. I almost quit.”

-

It’s not long before you hear Tommy call you to the stage for the next song. Your nerves are set alight as you make your way through the dressing room and enter the DJ booth.

“Hope you got a good set for me,” you tell him.

“I got you, superstar,” he replies with a wide grin.

You throw your shoulders back and emerge onto the large, glossy wooden stage, heels clicking with each step.

You freeze, hearing the familiar beginning notes of Girls, Girls, Girls and shoot Tommy a death stare. The song smoothly transitions into Alice Cooper’s Poison and you fight a smile as you watch Tommy shake with silent laughter.

You’ve danced to the song plenty of times and didn’t have to think much about your movements, your muscle memory doing all the work. You slowly shed your clothing and give attention to the men at the stage tipping you.

Sitting before a group of transfixed men, you arch your back and spread your legs. Your head comes forward and you lock eyes with Joel, who you hadn’t realized was staring intently at you. As soon as he notices your gaze, he scans the room, looking everywhere but the stage.

You finish your set and grab your money and dress.

“You’re an ass for that, you know,” you tell Tommy with a smile as you head to the dressing room.

-

You slip back into your former routine easily. Approach a man, laugh at his lame jokes, hand out light touches to his arm or knee, seem interested in his boring life.

“I’ve got someone coming in to see me soon, but I’d really love to dance for you,” you deliver your go to line with a purr.

“Can’t be havin’ that,” the man you’re talking to growls, a slight slur to his words. “Want ya all to m’self.”.

“Let’s go then,” you say, forcing out a giggle.

He hands you a few hundreds. “Half hour.”

You approach Joel and hand over the dance fee for the private room.

He nods and marks down the time. You lead the moderately intoxicated man by his hand and he uses his free one to slap your ass.

You turn around and see Joel puffing his broad chest out, ready to make a move. You shake your head subtly, indicating you could handle it.

“You’ll want to behave, baby, I don’t give refunds,” you tell him sternly.

You begin dancing for him in the tiny private space. His suit is rumpled and his drunkenness seems to increase as he sits before you.

Clammy fingers grab at your skirt, trying to pull it off. You bat his hands away, annoyed. “It’s called a strip tease for a reason, have a little patience.”

“You sure are a fuckin’ tease,” he spits.

You turn to face away from him, bending slightly and slowly shaking your ass to hide the look of rage you don’t care to conceal. He smacks your ass again.

“Touch me one more time and see what the fuck happens,” you seethe in his face, unable to contain your anger at the drunken bastard.

“Better make it count then,” he growls through clenched teeth.

More nimbly than you’d expect, he stands up and presses you to the wall, using one hand to cover your mouth and shoving the other down the front of your panties.

You thrash against him but before you can make a move, you hear the curtain rip open. Joel storms in, dominating the small space with his imposing frame. He grabs the man off of you swiftly.

“She asked me to!” He lies in his defense.

You watch as Joel’s nostrils flare, his large muscles twitching. Before you can register it, he’s delivering blow after blow to the man’s face.

“And I’m pretty fuckin’ sure I heard you ask me to do that,” he says in a frighteningly low, steady voice.

He drags the man out and you stay frozen, trying to collect yourself.

Of course this would fucking happen, you think bitterly. You feel a dull throb between your thighs as you think about the way Joel defended you. And of course it would turn me on.

You’re not sure how long you stand there before Joel tentatively renters the room.

“Are you ok?” He asks, his voice soft and low, warming you from the inside like a cup of tea on a cold night.

“Yeah,” you say flatly. “Been through worse. It’s fine.”

“It’s not,” he says firmly. “I am so sorry that happened in my club. I should have stepped in when I saw him smack your ass.”

“It’s not your fault. Thank you for coming so quickly,” you reply honestly. “How did you know to get here so fast?”

He clears his throat almost bashfully and looks away. “I was standing close by and heard you yell at him. Heard too much commotion so I came in.”

“So much for not causing you a headache,” you joke, trying to lighten the air.

“You didn’t cause a headache for me, darlin’” he assures. “You wanna press charges?”

“So the law can favor the rich guy over the stripper and he sues you for hitting him? Nah, I’m good.”

He studies your face for a moment. “You ok to go back out?”

“Yeah. I think I could go for another drink now.”

-

The rest of your night goes by with relative ease. You notice Joel’s eyes on you a few times, but when you catch him he doesn’t look away. Silently assuring you that you’re safe under his watch.

What I'd give to be safe under his body, you think to yourself.

"As much as I've loved talking to you," you lie to whoever you're sitting beside now, "I gotta get a move on."

"One more drink," he pleads.

"My boss is kind of a hard ass," you lie again. "He’ll really lay into me if I stay in one place for too long.”

God I wish he’d lay into me, your filthy brain whispers again.

“Alright,” the man relents. “A dance then?”

“That I can do,” you respond, leaving your chair. You see Joel’s eyes fixed on you in your peripheral vision. It drives you wild.

You wait for a new song to come on before you begin to shake your hips between the man’s legs. He’s not terrible looking. Probably around the same age as Joel, but lacking the sex appeal that exudes from the man dominating your thoughts.

You straddle one of his thighs, arching your back and resting your forearms well above his shoulder. You pop your pussy, making your ass jiggle rhythmically. Your center just barely grazes his thigh and you close your eyes, imagining Joel beneath you. You shudder out a breath and change your position. You rub your thighs together, your thoughts of Joel cumulating to a dull ache between them.

The song ends and the man below you seems to notice your desire, mistaking it to be for him. He requests to keep going and you oblige, continuing to picture Joel with every tormented move.

Tommy announces that he’s about to play the last three songs of the evening.

“Might as well see it through to the end,” you whisper.

“Might as well,” he grunts back, adjusting himself in his pants.

You dance for the remainder of the night, collecting the cash from your final customer.

“Will I see you again?” He asks as you redress.

“I don’t know,” you reply honestly. “But if I keep dancing it’ll be here.”

“Here’s hoping you do,” he tells you as he stands. “It was great to meet you.”

“Thanks, you too. Goodnight.” You give him a small smile before heading to the dressing room.

-

Most of the girls have left by the time you change back into the dress you wore in. Your face feels heavy with sweat and makeup, so you decide to remove it all before making your way up to the DJ booth. You catch Tommy just as he’s about to head out.

“You know, I debated stiffing you for that stunt you pulled earlier,” you say, handing him a few twenties, tipping more than necessary because you know the value of having the DJ on your side. “But you did pretty good otherwise so I guess I’ll hock it over.”

“Why thank you, darlin’,” he tells you with a little bow of his head. “See you tomorrow?”

“With how sore I’m gonna be? You’ll see me in a week. Maybe.”

“Don’t wait till it hits ya, take an epsom soak tonight,” he advises.

“I think that is exactly what I’ll do.”

You find Joel in his office, sorting through stacks of bills and paperwork, a pair of glasses resting on the bridge of his strong nose. You thought he couldn’t get any sexier, but here you were, slowly melting from the inside out.

“Hi,” you say softly to get his attention. He looks up at you as hand your house fee his way.

“I don’t want that after what you dealt with tonight,” he says with a shake of his head.

“Like I said, been through worse. Just take it.”

He obliges, setting it alongside the other stacks.

“You can still help me feel better about it though,” you say, drunk off all the attention given to you that night. And the drinks.

“How’s that?” He asks, genuinely curious.

“I don’t like when control is taken from me,” you state. “I hate that his clammy little hands were the last ones to touch me.”

He stares up at you silently. It’s almost imperceivable but you take note of the way his brow furrows and chest rises and falls a little harder.

He doesn’t get up from his chair, but swivels it to face you fully. He takes one hand and places it on the inside of your thigh, just above your knee. He slides it upward at an excruciating pace, causing a shiver to run through your body. “This is what you want? What you’re asking of me?”

“Yes,” you whimper and nod your head. “Please.”

He continues up your thigh until reaching your cotton panties, a much more comfortable switch from the ones you wore while working. He drags a finger around the hem teasingly before brushing his thumb over your clit.

He looks up at you, waiting for your eyes to return to his. There’s a fire in them as he yanks your panties down roughly, causing you to yelp in surprise.

“Shut the door,” he commands. You quickly do as you’re told.

He returns his hand to your center, hissing as he feels the extent of how turned on you are.

“What’s got you so wet, baby?” He asks with a smirk, lightly running his fingers up and down your slit.

“Been thinking about you,” you admit breathlessly. “Couldn’t stop myself.”

He pushes two digits fully into you, eliciting a partly stifled moan. He sets a quick pace, causing your knees to almost buckle.

Joel takes off his reading glasses with his free hand. “Lift your dress,” he commands. “I want to see.”

You lift your dress and watch as he stares at his fingers brutally fucking into your pussy, his other hand returning to roughly grasp your hip. His breaths are more labored and his lips are curled into a slight snarl. The sight sends you closer to the edge.

He feels your walls start to constrict around his fingers and brings the hand on your hip to settle flat against your stomach, his thumb finding your clit and pressing quick circles into it.

“Oh fuck,” you cry out, your greedy cunt tightening further, wanting more.

“Shut that pretty mouth if you want me to make you cum,” he warns.

“Yes sir,” you whisper, biting your lip to stop from crying out.

“Good girl,” he praises in a softer tone.

That’s all it takes for the knot in your center to pull itself free, a wave of intense pleasure rushing through you. You bite your lip harder and place a hand on Joel’s firm, muscled shoulder to keep from screaming or collapsing.

You let your hand run down his strong bicep as he removes his fingers.

“On your knees,” he demands.

You readily sink between his legs and eye the massive bulge he has there. You want to reach out and touch it, free it from the strict confines of his pants and take him in your mouth. Wordlessly thank him. You want to fucking worship him.

But you know that you’re not the one in charge, you handed those reigns over to Joel with pleasure.

He brings his wet fingers to your lips and you eagerly take them in your mouth, twirling your tongue around his digits as you suck them clean. He groans, sending another twinge of desire to your spent pussy. You were insatiable.

He slowly pumps his fingers in and out of your hot mouth a few times, transfixed by your soft lips.

He takes his hand away and wipes his saliva on his shirt.

Standing up, his throbbing cock just inches from your face. You look up at him, silently begging for permission to take it out.

“Come on,” he says instead, offering a hand down to you. “I’ll walk you out.”

You take his hand and rise, disappointed.

He’s quiet as he walks you to your car and you worry that you fucked up by asking him to touch you. You were already warned that he didn’t mess around with the dancers. It was a good policy to stick to but you had met very few men working in clubs who had the willpower to follow through with it. Now he probably didn’t want you coming back.

“Thank you,” you tell him as you reach your car. “For walking me out, for saving me from that creep and for helping me feel better about it. I know that’s all it was, I won’t be weird about it. But I understand if you don’t want me to come back.”

He shoots you an offended look. “Jesus, no. You are more than welcome back here.”

He pauses for a moment before opening his arms to you. You shyly sink into them, reveling in how firm yet soft his warm body felt against yours. He pats your upper back, like a dad would to a kid. “I’m sorry again about tonight. Drive safe.”

“Will do,” you tell him before slipping into your car. You watch as he turns to head back into the club, taking in his broad frame with admiration. You were fucked.

[cityof2morrow]

Bella Brand: Bella's Beauties 005 - Signature Collection

Published: 11-7-2023 | Updated: 11-20-2023 SUMMARY “Inspired by the wealth of Bella Goth lore from the Sims/SimCity franchises (aka the “simsverse”), the Bella Brand Series includes more than a dozen sets and 230+ new business-themed items. Lore suggests that the wealth/influence of the Gilman, Crumplebottom, Bachelor, and Goth families increases considerably under Mortimer and Bella Goth, especially the latter. So, this series imagines what a prestigious Bella-based brand might look like…” For the Bella brand’s most loyal customers - a special edition hosiery/display rack and several recolors of the functional hosiery from the Bella’s Secret Remix set (Simmons, 2023).

DETAILS Requires ALL EPs/SPs. You need Mesh Set 001 (Simmons, 2023) and the Display Counter (BellasSecret_Counter_Somedaythesun)from the TS2 Maxis Match Lingerie Store Set (SomedayTheSun, 2023). This set includes a hosiery rack linked to Marble Display 001 from Bella’s Beauties 003 (Simmons, 2023) and recolors of the hosiery apparel items from the Bella’s Secret Remix set (Simmons, 2023) – all of these items are required for all textures to display in-game. Optional recolors of items from the Bella Brand Gift Set 001 (Simmons, 2023) are included as well. The counter uses recolors from the Bosenklavier Model B grand piano (Bon Voyage EP). Find recolors for the counter interior in the Bella Brand: Retail Floor Set (Simmons, 2023). Recolors may include swatches for items in other Bella Brand sets such as signs, packages, cosmetics, etc. Objects in Sims 2 are limited to two recolorable parts, so not all items are recolorable in the same way. Find additional recolors for Bella Brand sets on this site under #ts2recolors, #co2recolors, and #co2bellabrand.

ITEMS Bella Brand Legs & Heels Mannequin (1735 poly, HIGH) Bella Brand Signature Hosiery Rack (788 poly) DOWNLOAD (choose one) from SFS | from MEGA

*A known game bug may disable some shelf slots. If you cannot access more than 2 slots on the hosiery/lingerie racks (the ones with 4 or 6 bars), download ONE these fixes: MORE_Custom-objects-placeable-on-shelves (Numenor, 2006) MORE_Custom-objects-placeable-on-shelves+LOCKEDTILES (Numenor, 2006) Object Freedom 1.02 (Fway, 2023)

Functional Apparel Objects Apparel objects are debug items and show up as “clothing pile” in the catalog (Misc > Dressers). They must be placed on one of the DEBUG displays/shelves or they’ll float. Once purchased, take them out of the sim’s inventory and choose from one of the following: Purchase Clothing. Select an outfit (or several) of any type. Each apparel object is worth §100 towards the TOTAL cost. Sims save more money (and your businesses make more money) if they use one apparel object per new outfit. Sell. Recycle the object for §100 simoleons.  If you exit the Buy Clothing window without adding anything to your shopping cart, §100 will be added to the sim’s household funds instead. Apparel objects are worth §100 regardless of how much sims pay for them on OFB/community lots. Pricing an item below this amount can function like a discount sale (i.e., pay $75 in-store and §100 towards the purchase or a 25% “discount/rebate.” You can decide whether this counts as cheating). Pricing it above this amount is not recommended since sims will end up losing extra money. Debug objects have slots which “catch” fellow clones if you place them too close. To prevent this when trying to clutter them close together, turn “snap objects to grid” OFF and “move objects” OFF.

CREDITS No copyright infringement intended. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. CCA = Creative Commons Attribution. Thanks: @catherinetcjd, @gayars, @gummilutt, @haziewhims, @kashmiresims (Rach’), @somedaythesun, whoward, Easy Shine Removal Kit (PF Forest, 2023), Reducing GUIDs/OBJs Tutorial (HugeLunatic, 2022), Sketchfab and Blender Communities. Sources: SEE CREDITS (ALT).

[biotic-raptorian-angel]

The Makeover

Angela awoke to the soft, gray light of dawn filtering through the narrow window of Moira’s minimalist apartment. It was quiet enough to hear the humming of the city below. She stretched under the sheets, savoring that sweet moment between rest and waking.

Just then, Moira’s distinctive, low voice drifted from the direction of the kitchen. “Good morning, Dr. Ziegler,” she greeted, the faintest trace of playfulness in her tone.

A contented smile spread across Angela’s face as she tugged the blanket aside and padded barefoot across the polished floor. She found Moira leaning against a sleek kitchen counter, sipping tea. The scientist offered Angela a measured smile, warm in a way that only Angela truly recognized.

“Good morning,” Angela replied softly, sliding her arms around Moira’s waist in a light embrace. Moira tipped her head, pressing her lips to Angela’s temple.

Tonight was the big night: a prestigious medical awards ceremony, at which Moira would be recognized for her advancements in biotic and genetic research, and Angela for her contributions to nanite medical technology. Not only would it be a formal affair, but also the first time they’d appear publicly—together—as a couple.

By late afternoon, the two of them had cleared time in their schedules to prepare. Angela had already teased Moira about rummaging through her wardrobe; it was an inside joke that the scientist never wore anything that wasn’t pants, suits, or lab coats in a strict color palette of blacks, greys, and purples.

But Angela had a plan. She trotted out from Moira’s bedroom, rummaging through the closet until she found it: an exquisite, floor-length gown in deep emerald green. It was nestled at the far end of the closet, an artifact from some event long forgotten. Angela couldn’t hide her triumphant grin as she tugged it from the hanger.

Moira watched from the bed, an air of skepticism in her gaze. “You’re joking,” she said curtly, though a hint of amusement quirked her lips. “I haven’t worn that in ages.”

Angela hugged the gown to her chest, eyes bright. “Exactly! You haven’t worn it in ages. We’ll dust it off, and you’ll look incredible. You do realize this is an awards ceremony, right? We can show them all that Moira O’Deorain can dress to impress.”

Moira raised an eyebrow. “I do that already.”

Angela laughed, then placed the dress carefully on the bed. “You impress with your intellect, Liebe. Tonight, I want to show them another side of you.”

Moira’s hesitation was evident—she had never felt entirely at ease with lavish clothing or flashy displays. But there was something about Angela’s excitement that was contagious. With a soft sigh, she relented. “Very well. But on one condition.”

Angela cocked her head. “Name it.”

Moira drew closer, arms folding. “If I’m wearing that gown, then you’re wearing a power suit.” She smirked, clearly expecting Angela to balk.

Angela blinked, then grinned broadly. “Deal. You’re going to look phenomenal. And you know what? So am I.”

The next hour was a playful whirlwind of transformation. Angela, perched on a stool, directed Moira to sit in front of her vanity. Angela had come prepared with her own cosmetics bag, armed with all the essentials: a palette of warm, subtle eyeshadows, high-quality mascara, blush, highlighter, and a lipstick in a flattering wine-red shade.

Moira watched every brush stroke in the mirror, a mixture of curiosity and wary surrender in her gaze. “I can’t recall the last time I did my makeup,” she murmured.

Angela dipped a brush into a shimmering eyeshadow, leaning in with gentle concentration. “That’s why you’re in good hands,” she teased, applying color carefully to Moira’s eyelids. “I do have a steady surgeon’s hand, after all.”

Moira scoffed affectionately. “Don’t remind me that I’m your newest lab project.”

Angela laughed, the sound light and fluttery. She finished the eyeshadow and moved on to the blush. “I’ll have you know,” she said, “this is a labor of love, not science. You’re going to be stunning, Moira.”

The moment lingered. Beneath Angela’s playful teasing, there was a palpable sense of closeness. Moira’s sharp features, usually so stoic, softened under Angela’s attentive care. The hush of brush bristles and the faint scent of cosmetics filled the space between them.

Soon enough, it was Angela’s turn. She traded places with Moira, smoothing down the front of the crisp white shirt she’d set out to wear beneath a tailored black suit. Moira studied her with a measured eye, rummaging through a little collection of accessories—tie clips, cufflinks, sleek belts.

“Let’s see… you’ll need these,” Moira decided, choosing a set of stylish silver cufflinks. “And a matching belt. Something to accentuate your waist.”

Angela beamed. “Yes, ma’am.”

“None of that,” Moira muttered, though her lips twitched in amusement.

Moira took it upon herself to fix Angela’s hair. Gathering Angela’s long blonde locks back from her face, she twisted them into a chic updo, leaving a few strands to frame her cheeks. She was meticulous, every pin placed with mathematic precision.

Next came a subtle touch of makeup that Moira applied with surprisingly steady hands, given she rarely practiced such an art. Angela closed her eyes, her heart fluttering as she felt the gentle brush glide across her lips, painting them in a soft, natural pink.

When Angela opened her eyes, she saw Moira’s reflection in the mirror—there was admiration there, a quiet pride.

“You look formidable,” Moira said, voice almost reverent.

Angela reached back and gently squeezed Moira’s hand. “So do you, my love.”

Finally, the pair stood in the apartment’s small living room, taking in the full effect of one another’s transformations.

Moira looked regal and slightly out of her element in the emerald gown, but her tall frame carried the design beautifully. The deep color set off the subtle red in her hair and made her mismatched eyes appear even more vibrant. The jewelry Angela chose—a slender silver choker and matching earrings—added just enough sparkle without overwhelming Moira’s sleek elegance.

Angela, meanwhile, radiated confidence in her tailored black suit and crisp white shirt. She’d swapped her usual heels for low, sharp pumps and wore her hair in that refined updo Moira had meticulously styled. The effect was simultaneously powerful and undeniably alluring.

They stared at each other for a moment, taking it all in.

“You clean up nicely,” Angela teased, brushing a speck of lint from Moira’s shoulder.

Moira’s lips curved. “Yes, well, I might say the same of you.” She glanced at the mirror, as though mildly surprised to see herself dressed in such finery. “I almost don’t recognize myself.”

Angela stepped forward, sliding her arms around Moira’s waist. “I do,” she whispered. “You look every bit like the brilliant, commanding woman that you are.”

For once, Moira had no witty retort; she simply inclined her head and captured Angela’s lips in a soft, fleeting kiss.

When they arrived at the awards ceremony, all heads turned. Conversation seemed to stall at the sight of them gliding through the elegantly decorated ballroom. Moira’s gown and Angela’s suit could have been ripped straight from the pages of a fashion magazine—both of them brimming with a magnetism that transcended their usual professional attire.

Whispers followed in their wake. Some recognized Moira’s signature sharp features, made softer by the flowing gown and precise makeup. Others did a double-take at Angela, who was accustomed to wearing refined dresses, not sharply tailored suits.

An old colleague of Angela’s approached her with wide eyes, a dazzled expression plastered on her face. “Dr. Ziegler, is that really you? You look… incredible!”

Angela felt her cheeks warm, though she grinned widely. “Thank you,” she managed, trying to keep composure.

The praise continued in Moira’s direction, but the scientist met it with her usual reserved, confident nods. No biting commentary, no curt dismissals—just a gentle acceptance of the compliments. Angela suspected that Moira, despite all her bravado, was actually soaking up the rare admiration for her appearance.

As the ceremony went on, the recognition for their medical achievements was sprinkled with more than one admiring glance at how impeccable they looked. Yet beyond the outward transformation, both women discovered a shift in their self-assurance. Angela felt an invigorating strength in the snug suit, an energy that made her walk taller. Moira, meanwhile, radiated a cool elegance, strides that felt smoother in the trailing gown.

When the awards were announced, the two of them received polite applause and more than a few dazzled stares. Standing side by side on stage, Moira’s emerald gown catching the light, Angela’s suit jacket accentuating her poised figure, they shared a secret, triumphant smile. In that moment, they were each other’s greatest supporters—bound not only by professional respect, but also by the magnetic pull of love that had steadily grown between them.

As the evening wound down and the crowd began to disperse, Angela slipped her hand into Moira’s. “Did you enjoy tonight?” she asked softly.

Moira gave a curt nod, though her eyes were warm. “I suppose I did.”

Angela lifted an eyebrow, smirking at Moira’s typical understatement. “Only suppose?”

Moira leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper, lips close to Angela’s ear. “I felt… powerful,” she admitted. “In a way I didn’t expect.”

A shiver of delight ran through Angela. She linked her arm with Moira’s, guiding them toward the exit. “You looked absolutely stunning. And you always have been powerful, my dear. Now everyone else sees it too.”

Moira dipped her head in a gesture of agreement—maybe even gratitude. “It’s not just the gown. It’s… everything. Us.”

Angela’s heart skipped a beat. She pressed a quick kiss to Moira’s cheek, lipstick leaving the faintest imprint. “Yes,” she replied softly. “Us.”

They stepped out into the cool night air, two luminous figures stepping away from the lavish ceremony, side by side. And in that moment, Angela decided that no matter how many accolades or transformations they went through, the real victory was in each other’s gaze—steady and glowing, proud and loving.

[fleckcmscott]

Frills and Thrills

Summary: A typical night becomes anything but typical.

Words: 1,398

Warnings: Swearing

A/N: This piece was inspired by the below behind-the-scenes photo; the cinematography of One From the Heart (thanks, Lawrence Sher!); and this very 80s song. No, I am still not looking forward to the sequel - but I will take a hot Arthur Fleck anytime. 😎 Please enjoy! Special thanks to @sweet-nothings04 for her help and support! A very tardy Christmas piece is on the way!

If you have any thoughts or questions, please comment, feel free to message me, or send me an ask. Requests for Arthur and WWH are open!

"That'll be $43.67."

Arthur counted out the bills in his wallet. Before transferring his three prescriptions to Groves Pharmacy - a brisk nine-minute walk from his Burnley address - he'd called for the beige and blue tablets' prices. With his lack of Gothamcare, he'd hoped they'd be cheaper than at Helms. "Disappointed but not surprised" was that night's journal entry.

He'd try the new insomnia pills first, get a fourteen-day supply of the other two whenever he could. See if a good night's sleep in the bed he was almost used to would encourage positive thoughts, lighten black moods to grey. After all, they'd improved since Y/N. Still there, still a teeter on the edge of an abyss. But with a guide rope in the shape of a woman's hand.

Leaving $2.41 in his pocket, he surrendered exact change. Took the white paper bag with blue lettering. Offered a quiet thanks and sidestepped from the pharmacist's counter.

Y/N waited in the cosmetics section, purse on her shoulder, a passive expression on her face. He recognized the creams on the top shelf, a flicker from when he'd shopped for Penny. The silhouette logo, the black label, the rounded corners of the jar. Anti-wrinkle Oil of Olay, then, when money was too tight, the knock-off poured into her Oil of Olay jar. His subtle subterfuge had gone undetected. Wrinkles continued to form in the usual fashion. He'd continued to save a quarter and make the swap.

As Y/N picked up a pink compact, Arthur slinked behind her to speak in her ear. "You're already pretty."

Giggling, she hung the rouge in its spot between concealer and cream foundation. "You make me blush enough already. Did you get what you needed?"

A crooked half-smile. "I think so." He entwined their fingers and started towards the exit, an attempt to halt any further questions that might lead to med and money talk.

Aisle three's endcap had an Easter display, a thousand plastic wrappers crying out for attention. Jolly Jack chocolate bunnies and Cadbury mini-eggs, pastel baskets and cellophane grass. The plush baby chicks were awfully cute, perfect the kids at the children's clinic. He'd jot a reminder to come back after the holiday, grab some plastic eggs and props at half price.

"My parents used to dress us up and take us to our grandparents for a picnic and Easter egg hunt," Y/N said, crouching to browse a set of die cut decorations. "Do you want to do anything for Easter?"

In spite of his mother watching a televised mass and sharing a bag of jellybeans, the day hadn't ever been personal. The Fleck household was anathema to miracles. Even with the miracle he was currently living, he had no desire to celebrate a victory he didn't believe in. "No. Why?"

"You've got a heavy eye on the Peeps - my little sister likes to put them in cocoa. And I thought you were Catholic. Or at least raised Catholic, with all the prayer candles and icons in your apartment."

The answer came firmer than intended. "Those were Penny's."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed. You wouldn't have hung a Madonna over the bed. I bet you weren't responsible for that ugly cat candle, either."

Snorting, he rolled his eyes, recalling all he times he'd dusted his mother's knickknacks. The sculpted candles were the worst. They'd developed a weird film sticker than nicotine stains, and grime stuck in every crevice. On bad days he'd been tempted to throw them out. On good days he'd care for them, because Penny loved them so. Inklings of whimsy in a life of indifference.

The never indifferent woman at his side rose to walk with him. Grove's automatic doors opened and they spilled onto the busy sidewalk.

Two blocks up, a light sprinkling began, lent the pavement a velveteen sheen. With each step that sprinkling grew heavier. From a drizzle to a patter to an outright shower. Puddles formed beneath their feet, threatening shoe seams with leaks. Arthur crumpled his paper bag, shoved it in his tan jacket's pocket, and jerked his hood over his head.

The toe of Y/N's kitten heel skidded past a pool as she hopped to the right. "The weather report didn't mention rain!" she cried, ambles escalating to a jog.

A fierce gust sent sheets of water sideways, whipped the hem of her pleated skirt to flash her thighs. Arthur looped his arm through hers, pulled her into an alley to take refuge under the canary, corner awning of Mott's Spirits. Cigarette smoke drifted from the crowd gathered along the storefront. Her wrinkled nose kept him from lighting up himself.

She gathered the collar of her wool coat. "Well, I'd like us to do something small, if that's all right. It's been years since I've celebrated anything, really. I want to put all that behind me again, like last Christmas. Easter Parade's playing at the Majestic this week. I haven't seen it but the summary sounded like you. A song-and-dance romantic classic."

How could he argue with the sweetness of her reasoning? That he was the reason she wanted to celebrate? He gave a little nod. "I think Tuesdays are half price."

Just then, a bell rang out, crisp and clear despite the downpour. A bicycle messenger sped their way, a dozen plastic bags hanging from the ten-speed's handles. Arthur darted in front of Y/N, sought to protect her from the incoming splash. She yanked him tighter, out of the menace's path.

But it was no use. Muddled water pelted the back of his trousers, liquid ice soaked through white socks. He jolted to his tiptoes, teeth clenched against the stinging cold.

Y/N bent to survey the damage. A groan left her, which quickly became a laugh. "What an asshole," she said, then laughed all the harder. The warmth of it loosened his stance, and he found he had no choice but to join in. She settled back against the shop's window, stuck out her lower lip to blow a damp lock of hair from her forehead. The lock remained in place. "If only I'd had my umbrella."

Neon light from a Gotham Lottery sign spilled across her face. "Winners aren't born. They're made!" was the lotto's slogan, and Arthur had finally found a winning ticket. Orange accentuated the tawny flecks of her irises, rounded the curves of her cheeks. A perfect frame even an imagination as vivid as his couldn't improve.

A drop trickled down his scalp, skimmed the side of his neck, sneaked beneath his collar. He'd caught Easter Parade on television years ago. Studied Astaire's steps, how he'd slipped a diamond ring on the leading lady's finger. What would Y/N look like, Arthur wondered, in a lace bonnet, its ribbons tied under her chin? A hat he could loosen while they kissed, hold as a shield against prying eyes?

A couple of swells like them would make a beautiful pair, better than any Vanderbilt or Wayne.

When his thumb traced her jaw, her full lips parted, as if about to ask for a dance. Dark brows raised, her pupils dilated, full of unquenchable life. The affection in them, the openness. The caring curiosity and eager readiness to accept all of him made him tremble. Her love felt like rain on his skin, and for once he understood why someone might sing in it.

He leaned closer, until her breath brushed his lips. "Kiss me."

Her arms wound about him in an instant, a sudden, welcome pressure on his ribs. He cupped her face. Guiding, following, bracing. Their mouths a messy collision of desire and devotion and dreams. Her frame vibrated against his, the pulse under his fingertips beating to the rhythm of his heart.

At last, a wave of giggles broke them apart. Arthur pushed himself to stretch beyond his shy nature towards the forward, confident instinct he was learning to polish. His eyes flitted between hers, a demure smile adorning his cheeks. "I'd like to make love, if you wouldn't mind."

The blush he caused so easily crept across her face anew. "Last one home is on top," she said, and pressed the tip of her nose to his. "Give me a head start."

With that, Y/N held her purse horizontally above her head and sprinted into the deluge.

~~~~~

Tag list (Let me know if you want to be added!): @harmonioussolve​​​​​ @ithinkimaperson​​​​​ @sweet-nothings04​​​​​ @stephieraptorr​​​​ @rommies​​​​​ @fallenstarsabyss @gruffle1 @another-day-in-chuckletown​ @hhandley80​​​​​ @jokerownsmysoul​​​​​ @rafaelbottom @ralugraphics​​​​​ @iartsometimes​​​​​ @fleckficgirl

[youhideastar]

Deleted Scenes from new look!

As promised, here are the deleted scenes from my brand-new wlw Wangxian fic, new look! Heads-up that there's some nsfw text behind the cut.

The fic itself is pretty short, so there’s only two deleted scenes – both false starts from the beginning of the fic. Once the train got rolling, it stayed on its track pretty well, thankfully.

The finished fic begins with what’s really a prologue, laying out Lan Zhan and Wei Ying’s shared history through makeup. But my preference, always, is to show rather than tell (that’s a preference, not a rule – telling is essential sometimes), so my first crack at beginning the fic was this:

There’s a noise of dismay from the open door of their shared bathroom. “Lan Zhan!”

“Mn?”

Wei Ying pokes her head out of the bathroom doorway, looking apologetic. “My makeup is taking over your bathroom counter again – you should have said something! I’ll dump this crap somewhere else.”

Lan Zhan walks over to lean against the doorway. She surveys the vanity, which is indeed now home to assorted brushes, palettes, bottles, and cylinders of mysterious provenance. Good.

“Wei Ying,” she says gently, taking her girlfriend’s hand. “No.”

Wei Ying blinks. “No?”

“Wei Ying. You live here,” Lan Zhan reminds her. She understands why Wei Ying needs many reminders. “It is not my bathroom counter. It is our bathroom counter. And you may strew it with as many cosmetics as you desire.”

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying mumbles, folding herself into Lan Zhan’s chest; Lan Zhan’s arms come up to hold her with the ease of instinct. She should always be holding Wei Ying.

Wei Ying’s face is tucked into the curve of Lan Zhan’s neck, because sometimes Wei Ying likes to pretend that Lan Zhan is taller than she is. Into that hollow, Wei Ying mutters, “’Strew it’? Who says strew it?”

“I do.”

“You fucking nerd,” Wei Ying says. “I love you. And I’ll prove it by ‘strewing’ my makeup all over y—our bathroom counter.”

Lan Zhan holds her a little closer. “See that you do,” she says, comfortable.

So cute!!! If I do say so myself. But it just was not conveying as much information as I needed to convey. So then I wrote up the current, prologue-y beginning, which was originally going to be followed by this:

And now that Wei Ying’s palettes and brushes have taken over half the bathroom vanity—now that the kitchen table is stained with stray drops of nail polish—Lan Zhan likes knowing that, when people see Wei Ying in her crimson-lined lips and mascara-darkened lashes, long hair spilling out of her high ponytail, holding hands with clean-faced, short-haired Lan Zhan… they think it means something about what she and Wei Ying do in bed.

She likes knowing that they’re full of shit.

People think the careful penciled arch of Wei Ying’s eyebrow means that it’s Wei Ying panting underneath her, elbows giving out, moaning high in her throat when she’s not whining, “Lan Zhan, how could you, ah – have mercy, have mercy on your poor Wei Ying, ah!”

Which it is, sometimes.

But it’s this, too: Lan Zhan on her knees, no thought in her mind but please her, please her, face upturned in worship as Wei Ying uses her mouth, one hand clenched in her hair, murmuring, “That’s it, just like that, my good Lan Zhan – always so good for me.”

It had surprised Wei Ying, too, in fact, when they first talked about it.

“Really?” she had asked – Lan Zhan didn’t miss the hope hiding under her disbelief. “But you’re so…” She waved her hand at Lan Zhan: her square shoulders; her undercut; her bra meant to contain rather than display.

“Is it so hard to believe?” Beat. “That I might want to give you everything I am – put all of it at your service? That I might want to worship you as you deserve?”

Wei Ying swallows. Her eyes have gone dark; hungry. “No,” she says, rough, “that sounds like you.” Beat. She looks vulnerable. “I always wanted to, but no one else—” Beat. “They only wanted the—the other stuff.”

“They were fools,” Lan Zhan says, serene. Wei Ying admitted early on that she likes it when Lan Zhan is mean about her exes. Lan Zhan is all too happy to oblige.

This is very close, actually, to what we get in the final version, especially toward the end. But the beginning, with Lan Zhan thinking about how other people perceive them as a couple, didn’t really fit with where the fic was going – the focus is and should be pretty tightly on perceptions of Lan Zhan specifically. That said, I do wish I could have found an efficient way, in the finished fic, to signal that they switch. Not for any story-serving reason, just because it would make me happy. ☺️

That’s all – I hope you enjoyed!

[greenvincentine]

These towns were all the same.

The corner in Chattanooga did not strike her as any different from a downtown curb in Charlotte, just as the holiday decorations seemed not to distinguish Albany’s sidewalks from those in the various cities of, say, Ohio or Pennsylvania. And she’d seen a few, because sidewalks in various cities are what you see when you can’t stop moving.

It was the same with friends, lovers, the last husband, and even a couple of distant cousins; all of them offered identical disappointments, cruelties, and neglect. Because of this, she went through people the way a five year-old goes through a box of animal crackers. The moment she heard the single word—or spotted the one gesture—that had previously signaled that this cousin or that neighbor might injure her in a small or large way, she packed a bag and unfolded a map.

She was never wrong about people. That girl at the cosmetics counter near the bottom of the escalator was like ice, and so it was child’s play to correctly guess that the department store worker who greeted her at the top of the escalator would be just as aloof. Those three women walking together past display windows might be her girlfriends for a year or longer, should she choose to stay in this town. Then the day would arrive when they were not her friends. Arrival and departure.

She could take a bus the rest of the way. She knew precisely where each one was headed, long before the destination sign came within view. All buses have the same destination. They were all the same.

[ninglook]

Diamond and gemstone display cabinet sharing

We are a mid to high end store display cabinet design and manufacturing company with a history of 22 years.

💁 We have professional designers and first-class production factories.

🏭 We have a 30000 square meter production base and an 800 square meter high-end display cabinet experience exhibition hall.

❤ We specialize in providing customized design services for jewelry display cabinets, museum artifact cabinets, cosmetics display cabinets, and other store display counter shelves

If you need it, please contact us:WhatsApp:+86 17343322768

[karaloza]

Legend of Zelda Theme Park - Epona Ranch (UPDATED)

Only a few Zelda titles include a ranch–by any name–as a noteworthy area in the game, but for those that do, it’s often a highlight, populated by endearing characters and animals. Because the names vary, it took me a while to settle on Epona Ranch for the theme park, named after Link’s beloved mare in several games, and I’ve taken inspiration not just from the ranches, but from various slow-paced rural towns and horse-centric scenarios across the franchise for the features in this area. Visually, however, it mostly takes after Lon Lon Ranch from Ocarina of Time, with an encircling wall (represented by a brick-patterned strip on the map), an entryway lined with farmhouse-style buildings, and then a large open area with more buildings on the far side. A large horse paddock occupies much of the central space. The area music loop references ranches, small towns, and assorted horse-centric scenarios from the games.

Attractions

Epona’s Ponies: Located in the barn on the right-hand side as one enters, this is a fairly typical live pony ride—one where the ponies are hitched to a carousel in order to minimize the risk of mishaps. There are two such carousels to cut down on wait times; one goes clockwise and the other counter-clockwise, and the ponies are regularly swapped between them and cycled in and out of active use for their own health and enrichment. Stringent height and weight limits are also in place to protect the animals, so this ride is limited to younger/smaller folks.

Petting Pens: An open-air pen next to the pony ride barn contains goats, sheep, and alpacas to interact with. Large chicken coops are also present, but the animals are not accessible to guests, as evidenced by signs reading “Please do not bother the Cuccos! Miss Malon takes no responsibility for the consequences!” Epona herself—a silver bay thoroughbred—is often on display in a side pen. For the safety of both guests and animals, hand-washing at the sinks provided is required upon entering and leaving the pen.

Malon Meet-and-Greet: Miss Malon herself makes scheduled appearances next to the petting pens, where she will pose for photos, sign autographs, and sing “Epona’s Song” to delight the guests.

Miss Malon’s Equestrian Extravaganza: Once or twice a day, the central horse paddock becomes the site of a live show in which experienced equestrians demonstrate trick riding, jumps, and other horseback stunts.

The Great Gallop: The main (mane?) attraction of Epona Ranch is located in the building complex opposite the entrance. In this screen-based motion-sim ride, guests mount “horses” and compete in a horse race! The screen provides a first-person view of the track, updated in real time as the “horse” runs and leaps (or fails to leap) over obstacles in accordance with the rider’s inputs. The winner of each race receives a special button to wear.

Shops

6. Sera’s Sundries: A souvenir and gift shop offering clothing, housewares, knick-knacks, and toys with a country style, named after the rural village shop in Twilight Princess.

7. The Stable Store: A shop for all the horse girls (and horse guys and horse enbies) out there, offering toys, figurines, books, and other items to delight the would-be (or actual) equestrian. The exterior design is inspired by the Stables of Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom.

8. Kochi Dye Shop: All-natural fiber garments and accessories are dyed on-site in a stunning variety of colors and patterns. Buy as-is or request a custom job for an extra fee. Named after a similar business in Breath of the Wild’s idyllic Hateno Village.

Eateries

9. Chateau Romani Milk Bar & Grill: A family-style barbecue restaurant where the whole party can chow down on steak, ribs, chicken, and country-style side dishes. The name Chateau Romani comes from the “special” (alcoholic?) milk in Majora’s Mask, and the “Milk Bar” part of the name isn’t just cosmetic; this place has an unusually extensive milk and dairy menu, including goat’s milk, almond milk, soy milk, and a number of cheeses. Ample patio seating is available, and “live” entertainment is provided courtesy of a pay-to-play animatronic musical duo with a wide repertoire of familiar LoZ tunes!

10. The Apple Cart: The humble apple is a favorite snack for horses and humans alike, and this outdoor booth provides all you could want—whole or sliced apples on their own, dried apple treats, apple fritters, apple mini-pies, squeeze pouches of applesauce, bottled apple juice and (soft) cider…but not, ironically enough, horse apples!

Miscellaneous

Epona Ranch doesn’t have its own Spirit Train station but is served by the one located in the Lost Woods. Guests near the west side of the area have a clear view of the train as it passes through.

[elegantarchivistparable]

Customized Jewelry Boxes: Reflections of Artistic Personality and Class

When it comes to jewelry, it’s not simply about fashion; it has emotion, worth, and feelings attached to it. Whether it's an antique ornament purchased from an auction or an elegant necklace from a boutique, the need to keep jewelry safe and well arranged is a must. That's where custom jewelry boxes come in to save the day. These boxes do more than store pieces of jewelry; they protect and showcase them with a precision as sharp as your personal taste or brand identity.

In the age where people are more inclined towards personalization, custom boxes are gaining popularity and are now a must have for businesses and individuals alike. Let us discuss how custom jewelry boxes achieve practicality and beauty at the same time.

What are Custom Jewelry Boxes?

Custom jewelry boxes are tailor made packages for every piece of jewelry, be it rings, earrings, necklaces or bracelets. Unlike generic boxes, these boxes are made with specific measurements, designs, branding, materials, and style in mind. Whether for retail or personal use, these boxes have a certain class to them.

Interior design options are endless starting from sleek matte finish surfaces to luxury velvet interiors. Customization is especially handy for businesses within the jewelry and cosmetic industries as they are able to provide unforgetable experiences while building brand identity.

Why Custom Made Jewelry Boxes Are The Best Choice?

By selecting a standard box, you may get by temporarily, but for value, image, and safety, custom is always the way to go. Here are some reasons below:

Accuracy

As we have previously mentioned, jewelry pieces are different. A box might not be able to provide adequate protection or presentation. With custom sizing, each piece will be perfectly fit so that the chances of scratches, tangles, or damage are reduced.

Brand Customization

Retailers benefit greatly from custom jewelry boxes incorporating their logo, color palette, and design style. Each box acts as a marketing tool and advertisement for the brand, promoting it passively each time the product is opened or gifted.

Improved Customer Service

Beautiful packaging is indeed valuable. Buyers today place as much importance as the product itself, so a smooth box can significantly increase the perceived value of the jewelry inside.

Quality and Wear

When making your custom box using high quality material, you greatly increase protection from dust, light, and moisture. This keeps your jewelry in pristine condition for longer.

Custom Luxury Jewelry Boxes: A Class Apart

For premium jewelers or specific events, custom luxury jewelry boxes represent an heightened level of wearability. Commonly, these boxes are made from velvet, leather, rigid cardboard and have silk linings, gold foil printing, magnetic closures and other such embellishments.

These boxes are perfect for engagement rings, high end watches, or anniversary gifts. They change the opening of a box into a memorable event. Such boxes to tend to kept and reused making them enduring symbols of your brand or memory.

Carring Rigid Cosmetic Packaging's Role in Jewelry Presentation

Cosmetic rigid packaging is a term usually associated with beauty products but its use in jewelry packaging is increasing. Why? It is highly fashionable, gentle on the eye, and it retains the structure of the box, preventing bending and wear with frequent handling.

Cosmetic rigid boxes, for instance, are made from softer materials but tough outer shells. This makes them ideal for protecting fragile items from damage. They further have fresh and sober lines that are matched with the elegance of finer jewelry. This makes them more suitable for displaying the jewelry at luxury counters or eCommerce deliveries.

Materials and Design Options for Custom Jewelry Boxes

In designing a fitting jewelry box, the right materials and features have to be included. Some options include:

Materials: Rigid cardboard, leatherette, velvet, wood, or Kraft paper.

Inserts: Foam silk or felt with cut-outs that hold the jewelry in place.

Lids: Lift-off lids, magnetic clasps, or drawer-style pulls.

Branding: Hot stamping, embossing, debossing, or screen printing.

Add-ons: Ribbons, metallic embellishments, or window cut-outs.

Each of these components works toward enhancing sophistication allowing your packaging to be a reflection of the product enclosed.

Environmental Considerations

Sustainability is becoming a necessity for quite a number of consumers. This has influenced brands to incorporate greener options. Custom jewelry boxes made using recyclable or biodegradable materials not only benefits the environment, but helps to gain trust from eco-friendly consumers.

There is an increasing number of box manufacturing companies that are adopting green practices including the use of soy inks, FSC-certified paper, and reusable designs.

Ideal Uses for Custom Jewelry Boxes

Jewelry boxes are not only intended for retail outlets. Here is a list of where they can truly stand out:

Boutique Brands: Offer exclusive packaging to complement your branding.

Gift Boxes: Jewelry can be offered as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and engagements.

Subscription Boxes: These are meant for jewelry club members. Primary focus would be to reinforce brand recognition with consistent packaging.

Events & Promotions: Branded boxes can also be handed out at product launches and other events.

When selling or giving away jewelry, the most appropriate box elevates its perception.

Pairing Jewelry with Other Premium Packaging

If you are in the cosmetics business as well, marrying the design of your jewelry packaging with your cosmetic rigid boxes creates a cohesive brand experience. For example, using the same colors and logos on your lipstick and earrings boxes strengthens visual identity and trust.

Such cohesion improves branding, but also simplifies marketing because the entire product offering feels psychologically united.

Final Thoughts

Packaging is the first tangible contact a customer has with a product. Custom jewelry boxes have a chance to change that interaction to unforgettable. Whether it’s trying to lift a brand image, offer a gift, or retain a valuable item, bespoke options are a reasonable and fashionable choice.

These boxes of custom design and quality materials, with added luxury trims, increase value and experience in the offering. Jewelry boxes, as well as others, can adopt design techniques from other markets, like cosmetic rigid packaging, which would increase elegance and sturdiness.

Your stunning jewelry deserves more than basic packaging. Stand out and make an impression with custom luxury box packaging that reflects the beauty of your jewelry.

Custom jewelry boxes

[alliedpackworld1]

Bottom Paper Bags in Delhi – Strong Support for Everyday Packaging

When packaging needs both reliability and functionality, Bottom Paper Bags in Delhi from Allied Packworld stand out as a preferred choice for businesses across industries. Designed with reinforced bases, these bags offer exceptional durability and support for a wide range of products — from food to fashion and beyond.

What Are Bottom Paper Bags?

Bottom paper bags are specially constructed with a gusseted or block-shaped base that provides a flat, stable surface. This structure makes them ideal for carrying bulkier or heavier items, allowing the bags to stand upright and support contents more efficiently than flat paper bags.

Benefits of Bottom Paper Bags

Increased Load Capacity: The reinforced base distributes weight evenly, making it easier to carry heavier items.

Enhanced Stability: Bottom bags can stand upright, making them ideal for storage, display, and ease of use at checkout counters.

Eco-Friendly: Made from recyclable kraft or art paper, these bags are a sustainable alternative to plastic.

Customizable: Available in various sizes, colors, and printed branding to suit business needs.

User-Friendly Design: Their sturdy build and shape make packing and unpacking quick and easy.

Applications Across Industries

Bottom paper bags are widely used by:

Grocery stores and supermarkets

Bakeries and food delivery services

Fashion and apparel stores

Cosmetic and gift retailers

Event organizers for giveaways and hampers

Whether it’s for everyday retail use or premium packaging, these bags offer reliability without compromising on appearance.

Why Choose Allied Packworld for Bottom Paper Bags in Delhi?

Allied Packworld is known for crafting paper bags that meet the highest standards of quality and design. Our Bottom Paper Bags in Delhi are engineered to handle real-world packaging demands with finesse.

What We Offer:

High-Quality Materials: Choose from brown kraft, white kraft, coated papers, or laminated options.

Robust Construction: Every bag is made using precision machines for strong bottom seals and clean folds.

Tailored Solutions: Available in plain or printed options with your logo, brand colors, and messaging.

Bulk Order Capability: We handle small and large orders efficiently, with timely delivery across Delhi NCR.

Eco-Conscious Manufacturing: Our processes minimize waste and support sustainable practices.

Customization Options

Printing (flexo, offset, or screen)

Handle types: flat paper, twisted paper, or rope handles

Sizes ranging from compact takeaway bags to large shopping bags

Lamination and embossing options for luxury packaging

[bakeryshowcase]

Display Counter: The Perfect Showcase for Your Products

A properly designed display counter is a crucial fixture in any retailing store, bakery, or showroom seeking to capture the interest of customers and stimulate sales. Sells you products could be baked goods, jewelry, electronic devices, or cosmetics, the display counter has a significant bearing on the image of products. Not only does it present products in an extremely attractive manner but also keep them clean, organized, and easily visible. A contemporary display counter is available in different forms—curved glass, flat glass, open top, or closed cabinets—to play a particular role. For food shops and bakeries, a refrigerated display counter maintains perishables in good condition but showcases them in an attractive manner. A glass display counter in retail outlets provides a secure yet exposed area for luxury items such as watches or accessories. The display counter should complement the interior of your shop without sacrificing functionality. With clear lighting on the shelves, tough materials, and judicious compartmentalization, an excellent display counter draws out the soul of your shop. It also encourages impulse buying by highlighting spotlight or seasonal products. Spend in a high-quality display counter is spending in the face of your business. Individuals are naturally drawn to neat, clean, and professional-looking displays. A tidy display counter puts your products in a better light and your space tidier. Whether your requirements are to have a new shop or even enhance your existing facilities, the display counter is an important contributor towards facilitating product visibility and consumer interaction. Opt for the correct display counter, and allow your products to speak for themselves—stunningly and efficiently.

For more information visit https://foodcare.co.in/display-counter/

[slackcreekvendingmahine]

The Rise of the AI Vending Machine

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the traditional vending machine is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. Enter the AI vending machine — a smart, automated retail solution that combines artificial intelligence, real-time data analysis, and consumer personalization to reshape the way we shop on-the-go.

As industries embrace automation and smart technologies, the AI vending machine stands at the forefront of innovation in the retail sector. Whether it’s snacks at a gym, beauty products at a mall, or electronics at an airport, AI-powered vending machines are redefining convenience.

What is an AI Vending Machine?

An AI vending machine is a smart retail unit that uses artificial intelligence to provide enhanced functionality beyond traditional vending machines. These machines are equipped with advanced features such as:

Facial recognition and biometric authentication

Inventory tracking and automatic restocking alerts

Smart payment options (including mobile wallets and contactless cards)

Consumer behavior analysis and personalized recommendations

Voice-activated interfaces or touchscreen interactions

By integrating AI, these machines learn customer preferences over time, adjust stock based on demand trends, and even suggest products based on previous purchases or the time of day.

Key Benefits of AI Vending Machines

1. Enhanced Customer Experience

AI vending machines deliver a seamless and personalized shopping experience. Instead of a static list of products, customers are presented with suggestions based on past behavior or trending items. Some machines even offer multi-language support and intuitive interfaces to serve diverse demographics.

2. 24/7 Smart Convenience

These machines operate around the clock without requiring staff, making them perfect for high-traffic areas like airports, hospitals, gyms, and office complexes. With AI-powered inventory monitoring, they ensure popular items are always in stock, enhancing customer satisfaction.

3. Data-Driven Inventory Management

Real-time data collection and analysis help operators understand which products sell best and when. This allows businesses to optimize their product mix, reduce waste, and improve profitability. Automated alerts can notify vendors when items are running low or about to expire.

4. Reduced Operational Costs

With minimal human intervention and automated restocking systems, AI vending machines help cut down on labor costs. Maintenance schedules can also be AI-optimized to prevent breakdowns and downtime, further saving costs.

5. Versatile Product Range

AI vending machines are not limited to snacks and drinks. Today, they’re being used to sell cosmetics, PPE, phone accessories, health supplements, and even fresh meals. With integrated cooling or heating features, they support diverse product categories.

Real-World Applications of AI Vending Machines

1. Gyms and Fitness Centers

AI vending machines in gyms can recommend post-workout protein shakes or recovery supplements based on the time of day or user profile. They can even upsell combo deals tailored to fitness goals.

2. Hospitals and Clinics

In healthcare settings, AI vending machines can provide contactless access to essential items like masks, sanitizers, over-the-counter medication, or snacks — particularly useful during late hours or in emergencies.

3. Retail and Shopping Malls

From selling high-end cosmetics to tech gadgets, AI vending machines in retail environments create an interactive, futuristic shopping experience. Integrated marketing displays also allow brands to promote special offers in real time.

4. Education Campuses

On university or school campuses, smart vending machines offer students access to stationery, snacks, and hygiene products. AI algorithms help keep stock relevant during exam periods or semester breaks.

Why Businesses Are Investing in AI Vending Machines

The AI vending machine market is projected to grow significantly as businesses seek new revenue streams and more efficient retail models. For entrepreneurs and established brands, the technology offers:

Scalable deployment across multiple locations

High ROI due to low overhead costs

Real-time business intelligence and reporting

Enhanced brand engagement through personalized interaction

AI vending machines also align well with cashless and contactless payment trends, supporting a future-ready business model that meets evolving consumer expectations.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite their many benefits, AI vending machines do require upfront investment and robust backend support. Reliable internet connectivity, data privacy compliance, and regular software updates are essential for smooth operation.

Businesses should also consider location, target audience, and product suitability when investing in smart vending solutions.

Final Thoughts

The future of vending is undeniably smart, and AI vending machines are leading the charge. With unmatched convenience, operational efficiency, and customer-centric design, these machines are reshaping the retail landscape across industries.

Whether you’re a business owner exploring new sales channels or a consumer enjoying the benefits of intelligent automation, the rise of AI vending technology represents a win-win for all.

[cityof2morrow]

Bella Brand: Blackfyre 001

Published: 11-7-2023 | Updated: 11-20-2023 SUMMARY “Inspired by the wealth of Bella Goth lore from the Sims/SimCity franchises (aka the “simsverse”), the Bella Brand Series includes more than a dozen sets and 230+ new business-themed items. Lore suggests that the wealth/influence of the Gilman, Crumplebottom, Bachelor, and Goth families increases considerably under Mortimer and Bella Goth, especially the latter. So, this series imagines what a prestigious Bella-based brand might look like…” Mysterious sims with a taste for glass, goth and lace will love the Blackfyre Collection, brought to you exclusively from the Bella Brand. Indulge your “bold and beautiful” era with an intimate item from this exciting new collection! Another remix of the original Bella’s Secret set (HChangeri/WR/Retail Sims, 2006 via LiquidSims Archive) and some fun new additions.

DETAILS Requires ALL EPs/SPs. You need Mesh Set 001 (Simmons, 2023) and the Display Counter (BellasSecret_Counter_Somedaythesun)from the TS2 Maxis Match Lingerie Store Set (SomedayTheSun, 2023) – these items are required for all textures to display in-game. The counter uses recolors from the Bosenklavier Model B grand piano (Bon Voyage EP). Find recolors for the counter interior in the Bella Brand: Retail Floor Set (Simmons, 2023). Recolors may include swatches for items in other Bella Brand sets such as signs, packages, cosmetics, etc. Objects in Sims 2 are limited to two recolorable parts, so not all items are recolorable in the same way. Find additional recolors for Bella Brand sets on this site under #ts2recolors, #co2recolors, and #co2bellabrand.

ITEMS Blackfyre: The Victoria (1334 poly) Bella Brand Display Rack 001 (384 poly) Bella Brand Display Rack 002 (256 poly) Blackfyre: A Gothic Bust in Lace (2886 poly, HIGH) Blackfyre: Another Bust in Glass (308 poly) Blackfyre Plunge IPX Bra (486 poly) Blackfyre Widowmaker (547 poly) Blackfyre Boy Shorts Pile (166 poly) Blackfyre Bikini Panty Pile (276 poly) Blackfyre Corset (556 poly) Blackfyre Bra & Panty Set (571 poly) Blackfyre Boy Shorts (172 poly) Body by Bella Blackfyre Bra (450 poly) Body By Bella Blackfyre Panty (152 poly) Blackfyre Babydoll Dress (551 poly) DOWNLOAD (choose one) from SFS | from MEGA

*A known game bug may disable some shelf slots. If you cannot access more than 2 slots on the hosiery/lingerie racks (the ones with 4 or 6 bars), download ONE these fixes: MORE_Custom-objects-placeable-on-shelves (Numenor, 2006) MORE_Custom-objects-placeable-on-shelves+LOCKEDTILES (Numenor, 2006) Object Freedom 1.02 (Fway, 2023)

Functional Apparel Objects Apparel objects are debug items and show up as “clothing pile” in the catalog (Misc > Dressers). They must be placed on one of the DEBUG displays/shelves or they’ll float. Once purchased, take them out of the sim’s inventory and choose from one of the following: Purchase Clothing. Select an outfit (or several) of any type. Each apparel object is worth §100 towards the TOTAL cost. Sims save more money (and your businesses make more money) if they use one apparel object per new outfit. Sell. Recycle the object for §100 simoleons.  If you exit the Buy Clothing window without adding anything to your shopping cart, §100 will be added to the sim’s household funds instead. Apparel objects are worth §100 regardless of how much sims pay for them on OFB/community lots. Pricing an item below this amount can function like a discount sale (i.e., pay $75 in-store and §100 towards the purchase or a 25% “discount/rebate.” You can decide whether this counts as cheating). Pricing it above this amount is not recommended since sims will end up losing extra money. Debug objects have slots which “catch” fellow clones if you place them too close. To prevent this when trying to clutter them close together, turn “snap objects to grid” OFF and “move objects” OFF.

CREDITS No copyright infringement intended. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. CCA = Creative Commons Attribution. Thanks: @catherinetcjd, @gayars, @gummilutt, @haziewhims, @kashmiresims (Rach’), @somedaythesun, whoward, Easy Shine Removal Kit (PF Forest, 2023), Reducing GUIDs/OBJs Tutorial (HugeLunatic, 2022), Sketchfab and Blender Communities. Sources: SEE CREDITS (ALT).

[slackscreekvendingmachine]

The Rise of the AI Vending Machine

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the traditional vending machine is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. Enter the AI vending machine — a smart, automated retail solution that combines artificial intelligence, real-time data analysis, and consumer personalization to reshape the way we shop on-the-go.

As industries embrace automation and smart technologies, the AI vending machine stands at the forefront of innovation in the retail sector. Whether it’s snacks at a gym, beauty products at a mall, or electronics at an airport, AI-powered vending machines are redefining convenience.

What is an AI Vending Machine?

An AI vending machine is a smart retail unit that uses artificial intelligence to provide enhanced functionality beyond traditional vending machines. These machines are equipped with advanced features such as:

Facial recognition and biometric authentication

Inventory tracking and automatic restocking alerts

Smart payment options (including mobile wallets and contactless cards)

Consumer behavior analysis and personalized recommendations

Voice-activated interfaces or touchscreen interactions

By integrating AI, these machines learn customer preferences over time, adjust stock based on demand trends, and even suggest products based on previous purchases or the time of day.

Key Benefits of AI Vending Machines

1. Enhanced Customer Experience

AI vending machines deliver a seamless and personalized shopping experience. Instead of a static list of products, customers are presented with suggestions based on past behavior or trending items. Some machines even offer multi-language support and intuitive interfaces to serve diverse demographics.

2. 24/7 Smart Convenience

These machines operate around the clock without requiring staff, making them perfect for high-traffic areas like airports, hospitals, gyms, and office complexes. With AI-powered inventory monitoring, they ensure popular items are always in stock, enhancing customer satisfaction.

3. Data-Driven Inventory Management

Real-time data collection and analysis help operators understand which products sell best and when. This allows businesses to optimize their product mix, reduce waste, and improve profitability. Automated alerts can notify vendors when items are running low or about to expire.

4. Reduced Operational Costs

With minimal human intervention and automated restocking systems, AI vending machines help cut down on labor costs. Maintenance schedules can also be AI-optimized to prevent breakdowns and downtime, further saving costs.

5. Versatile Product Range

AI vending machines are not limited to snacks and drinks. Today, they’re being used to sell cosmetics, PPE, phone accessories, health supplements, and even fresh meals. With integrated cooling or heating features, they support diverse product categories.

Real-World Applications of AI Vending Machines

1. Gyms and Fitness Centers

AI vending machines in gyms can recommend post-workout protein shakes or recovery supplements based on the time of day or user profile. They can even upsell combo deals tailored to fitness goals.

2. Hospitals and Clinics

In healthcare settings, AI vending machines can provide contactless access to essential items like masks, sanitizers, over-the-counter medication, or snacks — particularly useful during late hours or in emergencies.

3. Retail and Shopping Malls

From selling high-end cosmetics to tech gadgets, AI vending machines in retail environments create an interactive, futuristic shopping experience. Integrated marketing displays also allow brands to promote special offers in real time.

4. Education Campuses

On university or school campuses, smart vending machines offer students access to stationery, snacks, and hygiene products. AI algorithms help keep stock relevant during exam periods or semester breaks.

Why Businesses Are Investing in AI Vending Machines

The AI vending machine market is projected to grow significantly as businesses seek new revenue streams and more efficient retail models. For entrepreneurs and established brands, the technology offers:

Scalable deployment across multiple locations

High ROI due to low overhead costs

Real-time business intelligence and reporting

Enhanced brand engagement through personalized interaction

AI vending machines also align well with cashless and contactless payment trends, supporting a future-ready business model that meets evolving consumer expectations.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite their many benefits, AI vending machines do require upfront investment and robust backend support. Reliable internet connectivity, data privacy compliance, and regular software updates are essential for smooth operation.

Businesses should also consider location, target audience, and product suitability when investing in smart vending solutions.

Final Thoughts

The future of vending is undeniably smart, and AI vending machines are leading the charge. With unmatched convenience, operational efficiency, and customer-centric design, these machines are reshaping the retail landscape across industries.

Whether you’re a business owner exploring new sales channels or a consumer enjoying the benefits of intelligent automation, the rise of AI vending technology represents a win-win for all.