#Spa Refill

[waterbeads1993]

Unveiling the Magic: 15 Astonishing Facts About CiaraQ Water Beads Pack (50000 Beads)

Explore the fascinating world of CiaraQ Water Beads Pack, which are 5000 rainbow wonders for imaginative décor, spa replenishments, and sensory play. Uncover unexpected information and let your imagination run wild now!

FAQs About CiaraQ Water Beads Pack (50000 Beads)

Q: What makes CiaraQ Water Beads Pack stand out among sensory play options?

A: The CiaraQ Water Beads Pack is a distinctive and captivating option because of its vivid rainbow mix, adaptability for a range of uses beyond sensory play, and its spa-like tactile feel.

Q: How can CiaraQ Water Beads be used for plant care?

A: CiaraQ Water Beads are a great option for taking care of plants because they release water gently. They give plants a steady supply of water, which keeps them hydrated and healthy.

[takaraphoenix]

When Peter shows up to Talia's big reelection gala with a boy less than half his age, she is furious. How can he be so selfish and vain to parade this obvious hookup around while she is running for mayor?

When Peter brings the same boy to brunch with all higher ups in Beacon Hills and it turns out said twink is the sheriff's son, she just knows he's doing this to torment her, personally. However, the angle of the kid being a prostitute suddenly seems off the table.

When Peter brings the boy to Derek's wedding, she yells at Peter about it, because this hoax was going too far, she did not want his fling in their family pictures. And Peter has the audacity to be all calm and reasonable, telling her that Stiles knows Jordan from the station and Jordan invited the sheriff and his son, so Stiles would have been there anyway. He dares accuse her of making a scene.

When Peter brings Stiles home for Christmas, because the sheriff has to work, she doesn't even say anything anymore. She just refills her mulled wine and glares daggers at the back of Peter's head.

When Talia gets reelected as mayor, Stiles brings the most delicious brownies to the party and even shares the recipe with her when she asks.

When Peter has this big case that takes him to New York for months, Talia catches Stiles pulling up to the Hale House repeatedly just to leave again, like he was remembering that Peter wasn't there. After the third time, she goes to his apartment with a tray of brownies.

When Peter gets back from New York and wants to spend quality time with Stiles and he has to compromise that he doesn't get Stiles every day of the week because Stiles and Talia have a spa-weekend planned and it's Peter who glares daggers into Talia's head? Well, maybe she feels a little vindicated.

When Peter drags her and their brother to an expensive jeweler in Los Angeles because he can't pick a ring on his own, Talia feels silly for ever having taken Stiles as something personally designed to offend her, because really, she had never seen Peter fret this much or stare at anyone with that much love.

--

When Talia announced her reelection campaign and told Peter, in no uncertain terms, to not embarrass her and he ran into the very very pretty and very very young sheriff's son while meeting a client at the sheriff's station, he'd followed an impulse in asking him out. He'd told Stiles, in no uncertain terms, that this was not a date and had the sole purpose of pushing Talia. The shit-eating grin and agreement he earned had been a bit of a surprise. It was the most fun he'd had in a long time and that had only been partially due to his sister's ire, the rest had all been Stiles' company.

--

When Stiles had been asked out to prank the mayor of Beacon Hills, he'd, well, honestly he hadn't thought much of it beyond figuring he'd get fancy food, gorgeous company and maybe a kick out of it. He hadn't meant to fall in love. Neither had Peter though, so at least he wasn't the only one.

[a-mint-bear]

Her Favorite Employee

Female Yandere x Female Reader

You're the personal assistant of your company's CEO. She's controlling, married to her job, and runs you ragged. But you're good at your job, and she loves to let you know how much she appreciates you.

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"What's on my schedule for this afternoon?"

A quick recap of what was on the docket for that day as you dropped off her coffee order. Soon she’d be in back to back meetings while you handled her calls and made the rounds to the various teams she oversaw. Same as most mornings.

“Wonderful. Make sure to have the Hillmore reports on my desk by three, and send a nice gift basket to Reynolds in Sales. His wife just had twins.”

You told her the reports would be done before her lunch with R&D, and you’d already sent a basket with her name on it two days ago which included a gift certificate to a local spa for the new mother.

“I knew you’d be on it.” She smiled into her coffee. “Much obliged, love.”

You nodded behind your tablet, trying not to be obvious about your lack of eye contact. It was torture when she called you that.

It was a lot, working under her. But at the same time, it was oddly… fulfilling. She gave you so many responsibilities and trusted, more expected, you to come through. Every time.

Not even six months ago you'd been just another employee. It was a decent job; Good pay and benefits, and the work was easy enough, the hours sucked sometimes but it wasn't like you had a rich social life it was cutting into.

You didn’t make any friends in the office, you weren’t sure any of your coworkers even knew your name. To them, you were just “that one girl who refills the paper in the copier”. Because someone has to, and you work with a bunch of animals who think that the paper just magically replenishes itself. Now you were “The Boss’ secretary”, that was at least more respectable? Maybe?

But before you were her assistant, you were just her “favorite employee”. And that was more trouble than it was worth.

She didn’t care much for being called by her surname like most of the superiors in the company, but no one was brave enough to call her by her given name. So most in the company just called her Boss or Miss. And she liked it that way. You were pretty sure she just liked how intimidating it made her seem.

She was always around. At first, you thought it might've been because she was your boss. She was probably just trying to see if you were any good at your job, maybe looking for a reason to fire you if she noticed anything off. But ever since you were hired, it just kept happening. Your first days in the office quickly turned into weeks and she was still circling you for seemingly no reason.

You could excuse it to yourself, maybe she was the micromanaging type. But her attention always seemed to be on you, almost exclusively, more than anyone else in the office. And it was… intimidating. For a couple of reasons.

She seemed to love… picking on you, if you could call it that. Any extra projects she needed done? You were her first choice. Fixing the new guy's botched paperwork before a big deadline? You were on it, of course. Overtime? Yup, you. It would be more annoying if you weren't getting paid really well. But you always got it all done, ahead of schedule, without any complaints.

And if she wasn't being oddly petty, she was being… oddly flirty.

Sitting on the edge of her desk when she talked quarterly reports over with you. Leaning a little too close when she took something off your desk. Her fingers brushed yours when you handed her things. A bump to your arm with hers here, a touch to your shoulder there… Every time you wondered if you were just imagining things, it happened again. She never did anything overtly inappropriate or pushed past any sign you were uncomfortable, but the truth was… you weren’t. It was a bit much to have this beautiful woman pay so much attention to you, but you weren’t going to lie, it wasn’t… the worst thing in the world.

It contrasted hard with her usual put-together image, prim and proper and out of reach from the mere mortals in the office. But as far as you’d noticed, she didn’t act this way in front of anyone else in the office. And you didn’t know what to do with that information.

You weren’t sure if any of it was on purpose, or if she was just flirtatious by nature. It was always hard to tell with women, as a woman. Was she into you? Was she even attracted to women?? Or did she get her jollies by flustering the office loner?

She stayed just as late as you most nights, if not longer. And checked up on you. And chatted with you when she had a minute. You just didn't get why. You weren't anyone special. And she was so…

She was gorgeous, always so well put-together and stunning. You'd never met a woman who was so beautiful it made you nervous, like a dumb teenager. But it couldn't outweigh how much she got on your nerves with how she was always in your business, so the conflicting emotions just made for long, exhausting workdays.

If she knew you were annoyed with her, she never let it show. But it wasn't long before you realized just why she'd been watching you so closely.

One day, all the creeping around and odd attention she was paying you started to make sense. The Boss Lady called you into a meeting with herself and the head of H.R. and just…

Offered you a promotion. Just like that.

"I've been really impressed by your work ethic.” She was being so poised and professional, every word out of her mouth sounded so assured, even though you were very much a deer in the headlights at the moment. “I need someone with a work/life balance that matches my own and can work with my schedule to be my personal Executive Assistant. Your hours would increase, but there will be a significant pay raise and company benefits.”

And boy, what a significant pay raise it was. You'd have to be a complete idiot to turn it down. It meant more responsibilities in the company and you'd be expected to dress up a bit more for appearance's sake, but a few suit jackets and skirts with nice dress shoes would be more in your price range now. It would mean spending A LOT more time with her though, and you weren't sure if your weak heart could take the damn near constant presence of this woman.

But maybe, SOMEHOW, it really was all in your head. Maybe the proximity to her while she was vetting you for the position just had you all mixed up?

Maybe the money was making you too eager to accept, but accept you did.

And it was normal, or as normal as things could be around that place, at least for a little while.

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You were scheduling some meetings for her and logging them in her calendar when another co-worker knocked on your office door.

“Oh hey, do you have a minute?”

You recognized them… You didn’t remember their full name but everyone called them Jay.

They started a few months after you did, and they seemed nice enough. Right now they looked a little out of sorts, which was unusual. They were usually the cool, flirty, sporty type who was good friends with everyone, not an awkward bone in their body. The two of you weren’t friends or anything, but there was no bad blood between the two of you.

You asked them what was up, and it took them a minute before finally spitting it out.

“Okay, so… totally tell me to screw off if I’m barkin’ up the wrong tree here.” It was kind of funny seeing them so nervous. “Would you wanna… go to dinner tomorrow?”

Without thinking, you pulled up your planner, asking if there’d been an email you’d missed about some team-building thing. But they just laughed.

“No, I meant… Just you and me.”

You froze, wondering if you had heard right. You cut to the chase, asking if they meant like a date?

“We don’t have to call it a date, if you don’t want to!” They held up their hands defensively, like you were someone they were worried about offending with this. You wondered how people saw you around here for them to be so nervous. Or maybe they just… really liked you that much. “But… yeah. I wanted to ask you out.”

You gave it a moment to sink in.

You weren’t automatically thinking of saying no. Did that mean you wanted to say yes? They were tall and attractive, in a “soft beanpole with a cute haircut” kind of way. They looked good in their usual button up with the rolled-up sleeves, and pulled the look off better than half the people around the office. The opposite of your very feminine boss. Looks-wise they were nothing alike, but both had the same confident, assertive air about them. Maybe that was appealing to you, and Jay was just as much your type as the Boss was.

You scolded yourself. Why were you thinking about her? Now?

At the end of the day, you didn’t see any reason to say no. It could be a nice time. This stupid not-a-crush you had on your boss was never going to go anywhere, so why not try and see someone who went out of their way to ask you out? If it didn’t work out, you would handle it like an adult.

Jay looked nervous that you’d been thinking for so long. You told them you had a pretty packed schedule, but if you could get a night off, it would be nice to have dinner with them tomorrow. You half-jokingly told them that if it went well, you’d slap the “date” label on it. Their cheeks went a bit red, but they were grinning ear to ear.

“Cool!” They laughed, a bit too loud before catching themself, playing it cool. “I mean uh… That sounds good. Let me know.”

They quickly left, muttering to themself to “keep it together”, probably thinking you couldn’t hear. It was kind of cute, in a weird way. Maybe they were shyer than you’d originally thought.

But now came the hard part. Getting a night off.

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“No, that won't do.” She didn’t even look up from her computer.

That’s all she had to say to your request. At first, you felt disappointed but you were ready to just turn around and leave, accepting it. But this was just... bothering you. You piped up, trying to reason with her. Her schedule was free tomorrow night and you were a week ahead on all the reports she’d put you in charge of. You hadn’t had a night off in a few weeks.

And you’d never complained. You’d even kind of liked the challenge, the effort you put into your work gave you purpose. Working as her personal assistant was the most rewarding job you’d ever had. And you even told her so.

So why?

She sighed, she seemed almost… annoyed?

“I heard some chatter in the hall this afternoon.” She just kept typing away. “Someone was asking about restaurant recommendations for a big date. They seemed excited about having finally asked out the CEO’s assistant. And that they were so surprised she’d said yes.”

So she knew? She knew you were asking for a night off for a date? What did that have to do with anything? But you kept quiet for the moment, wondering where she was going with this.

“Maybe it’s my fault.” she sighed, sitting back in her plush office chair. “I was too…generous. I wanted to make you feel comfortable working for me so I let you do what you wanted. I can admit to my mistakes.”

Generous? By working you like a dog day in and day out? By keeping you from doing something as simple as going on a date with someone who was interested in you?

You asked her why. Why was she so against you having a life? Why was she doing this?

You knew it was a bad-no, a super bad idea to be mouthing off to your boss. Possibly career-ending. But you’d done so much for her, every day for months on end and never letting her down no matter how difficult or grueling the task. And she couldn’t even give you this one night off?

You needed a reason.

“Oh, it’s quite simple.” She smiled her usual stunning smile. But you weren’t going to let it get to you this time. No ma’am. But as she got up from her desk, coming around to stand too damn close, you felt your resolve slipping.

“From the day you started working here, I knew I wanted to keep you by my side.”

As an employee, right?

. . .

Right??

“You were… quite the sight.” she sighed, a dreamy smile as she looked at you from beneath her long, dark lashes. “So put off by everyone. Always on your own. Uninterested. Unengaged. Unmotivated. At first I just wanted to frazzle you, make you lighten up a bit. You seemed so isolated, I figured a strong personality like mine would rub you the wrong way. But you had such an… interesting reaction.”

The both of you knew what she meant. The blushing, the nervous energy, all the times you tried so hard to act like you weren’t bothered by her attention. And most likely failed miserably.

“I saw how hard you worked. I could see your untapped potential. You were exactly what I needed. I knew I had to make you mine.”

You told her you didn’t understand. And maybe that was a lie. You couldn’t stop your thoughts from racing. She… wasn’t talking about work anymore, was she?

“I made you my assistant. You’re by my side, day in and day out. And… I thought that would be enough to satisfy this feeling. This... need. But it just wasn’t. And when I heard someone had taken an interest in you, I found myself quite…”

The intensity in her eyes felt so suffocating.

”Infuriated.”

You couldn't help but flinch when she laid her hands flat on your chest, just below your collar bone. Her touch burned itself into you, but you couldn’t take your eyes off hers. It felt like she’d devour you if you did.

“No one…” She grabbed you by your collar and yanked you closer, whispering in your ear. You hated the shiver it sent up your spine. “No one will ever take you away from me. Not another company. Not another department. And certainly not some little upstart from Sales.”

… She wasn’t talking about work anymore.

“If someone else took you from me... there would be no point in any of this. This job. It was so… stuffy and boring before you came along. Every day was just office politics and saying the right things to the right people.” She loosened her grip, straightening the collar on your suit jacket with an airy, light touch. “But you… You changed something. So I brought you to my side. And I’ve been watching, getting to know all about you. You play down your talents so you don’t draw any attention. But you can’t help yourself. What you want more than anything is for someone to say they appreciate you, that they need you.”

She had to know how this sounded, right? She almost sounded like…

“And I do.” She held your face in her hand, her thumb grazing your cheek so gently you could’ve convinced yourself her touch wasn’t real. “I need you, love. Without you, none of this means anything.”

Your breathing was shaky, you never imagined that this would- could ever happen in a million years.

She drew you closer, a soft gasp slipping out when you realized just how close. If anyone else popped in, it would be completely obvious what was going on. But you didn’t push her away. If anything, you wished she would just close the gap and take it out of your hands.

“So what do you say?” She whispered in your ear, the warmth of her breath making you feel weak. “Are you mine?”

As if you could say anything else.

Yes, Miss.

It was so soft a response that you weren’t sure you’d said it out loud until you saw her smile. A finger to your lips, she laughed. Not her usual teasing, mischievous laugh when she was trying to get a reaction out of you. It was sweet, delighted and charming.

She was so close, her breath on your lips, her lashes just barely brushed your cheek.

“And I'm yours, love.”

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this one has been a long time coming, writing femme yanderes is difficult lol

this y/n ended up being a lady, and it didn't come into play much. but the hypercompetent assistant girl in love with her powerful boss lady is a wlw pairing near and dear to my heart.

Boss Lady's tentative full name is Lenora. she doesn't care for it, she goes by Nora. i originally gave her a last name to be called by in the story to make her seem more imposing, but it came off as awkward, like she has a name, but i didn't want her to be known by an unimportant surname

Jay started off as a lady, but i wrote her as more androgynous and it felt right to make them nb instead. it helped keep the reader's sexuality more ambiguous. i wanted to write them as wlw, but not strictly a lesbian. but she reads very much as a "useless lesbian" trope lol. Boss lady had to flirt with her for literal months on end before y/n caught on

i don't quite know how old Boss Lady is, i imagine her as late 30s, very early 40s, and there could be an age difference here, but it's not a necessary part of the story.

this Boss Lady COULD be the same Boss Lady as the one in Boss Lady has a House Spouse, sometime in the future of their relationship. maybe y/n gets burned out or quits for some reason and then becomes a domestic partner. But Boss Lady who obsesses over her employee was imagined as a separate Boss Lady originally. you can never have too many boss ladies.

and that header. i've said it before that editing the femme yandere headers is so awkward because the office lady ones just turn into their chests in tight button-downs lol

*whispers* would you guys find it weird if she called the reader "good girl"? 'cause i almost included it at the end there but thought it might be a bit much. i have a problem✌️

[aventoru]

when you’re stressed and overworking

character(s): jing yuan, blade, dan heng

warning(s) : reader kind of being a workaholic, being stressed from work, reader sacrifices health to meet deadlines, DON'T be like reader

a/n: heyyy everyone sorry for the disappearance, anyways im back now! also fyi this is a repost from my previous blog<3

JING YUAN

he dotes on you constantly, always reminding you to eat and drink whenever you're focusing on work

will even go as far as to take a day off from his duties to stay by your side

encourages you to take power naps with him!!! although those start off as 20-minute naps, they can turn into 2 hour naps real quick;)

you wake up with him staring at you with such a loving, gentle gaze that you can't even get mad at him for not waking you up sooner

sometimes you two even go on "work dates" when you return home from work

he realizes you shouldn't be cooped up at your desk all day so he suggests you both work at a cafe/tea shop instead

you actually get more work done in a new environment and he just ends up staring at you the entire time LOL

once you've finally completed your part of the project, he takes you out on a date where you eat your fav foods, do your fav activities, etc.

if he's feeling like it, might even take you on vacation for several days to relieve stress

of course, he'll always chide you about overworking and being a workaholic at times

but despite what he says, you know he'll always be there to support you in your passions and dreams <3

BLADE

at first, he doesn't really know how to act because he's always stressed out himself (HELP)

he's never had anyone comfort him when he's stressed so he is hesitant to approach you

usually, when he's stressed, people leave him alone so he leaves you alone too

but eventually he realizes this isn't working because he hasn't seen you for DAYS since you're always in your room working

he decides he could do the bare minimum - check up on you and making sure you're eating, drinking, and sleeping well

eventually gets more comfortable with these acts of service and makes sure to prioritize your health first, always!!!

even if you don't want to, he pulls you away from work and forces you to take care of yourself

when he goes to bed, he’ll try every way he can to pull you into bed with him as well

i feel like he’s a cuddler too, and would make you feel super comforted even when he’s saying nothing

just him hugging you tightly in silence is calming to you as you two fall asleep tgt

he's stern but it's all out of concern for you <333

DAN HENG

the most comforting person ever WHAT

he knows exactly what to do considering he's very good at working under pressure

he’s prepared!!! brings you little snacks and refills your water for you

of course, he makes sure you sleep well - better than him at least (unfortunately the members on the express are known for pulling all nighters)

knows other useful methods (the archive!) like meditation or hands you stress balls

omg he’ll totally creating a calming environment for you

sets up your room with things like calming music, water, snacks, comfy chair/cushion, a scent machine + anything else he knows you need

when you're too stressed out, he'll even hold you in his arms as you cry to release your frustration

despite not being the most expressive person, he’s there to listen to your struggles and to give encouragement and comfort as well

once you’re done with the project, he buys you a gift to congratulate you, telling you how proud he is of you

you two will spend a relaxing day together in private - doing spas, bingeing movies, playing games, anything you want

HE’S THE SWEETEST 🫶

[cutielando]

conflict of interest | rafe cameron

synopsis: in which Rafe defends your honor

pairing: rafe cameron x girlfriend!reader

my masterlist

Everyone on the island knew you were the Kook Princess. That title had long been taken from Sarah, specifically ever since you started dating Rafe Cameron, the renowned Kook Prince.

Life with Rafe was everything you had ever imagined it to be and so much more. 

He took care of you, made sure you never lacked anything, spoiled you rotten with gifts, spa days, holidays, boat days, movie nights, adventures, everything you could ever think of.

You two loved each other more than anything, your shared love proving to be a force to be reckoned with.

However, not everybody believed that what you and Rafe had was unbreakable. Amongst that crowd was also Topper, Rafe's best friend.

Topper knew how Rafe was, they had known each other ever since they were little kids. He knew how possessive and protective Rafe could get over things, especially over you.

But he couldn't help it.

He couldn't help the way your presence made him feel, the way butterflies would just go wild inside of his stomach every time he would hear your laugh or see your smile, he would just go numb every time he would smell your perfume, the sweet flowery scent he had come to obsess over.

Breaking up with Sarah meant he got to see other people, explore the island a little more. And the lucky bee had been you.

You didn't like Topper. Not in the slightest. You had always found him a little weird and too much of a soft puppy dog who couldn't think for himself.

Your heart and everything belonged to Rafe and only to Rafe. 

Of course, the both of you had seen the way Topper would stare at you at parties or when you would hang out with the other Kooks at someone's house. The way he would be way too eager to help you with anything just so he could get some time alone with you.

Rafe had been furious at first, of course. He couldn't even fathom the possibility of someone stealing you away from him. That was just not an option. He loved you way too much to let himself lose you.

Especially to someone like Topper.

Which is why the current situation you had found yourself in was not favorable for anybody.

Rafe had only left you alone for maybe 2 minutes while he went to the kitchen to get a refill for the both of you. You had been left talking to a good friend of yours when Topper suddenly appeared in front of you, drinking out of a red cup and swaying from side to side.

"Heyyyyy, Y/N" he was slurring so badly that you could barely understand what he was saying.

"Hi, Top" you smiled at him and redirected your attention back to the conversation you had been having with your friend.

That didn't seem to satisfy his need for conversation, because the next thing you know he was pulling your arm so he could get you to face him.

"Can we talk? I've got somethin I've been meanin to tell ya" he said, his grip not letting up.

You looked around, your eyes searching for Rafe. You knew Topper was harmless, but you were very uncomfortable with the way he was touching you and you knew Rafe would cause a scene if he saw it.

"Topper, I really don't think it's a good idea right now" you said, plastering a convincing fake smile on your face while subtly trying to get him to let go of your arm.

Your attempt proved unsuccessful.

"Come on, don't be a bitch. Rafe doesn't even have to know about this" Topper continued to insist, downing the remaining alcohol from his cup before grabbing your other arm. "I've been meaning to confess something to you, way before you and Rafe got together, I just didn't have the courage to do it. I think you need to know how I feel" his eyes were staring at you so hopeful, like a puppy in the rain.

It made you feel a little bad, but once you saw Rafe over Topper's shoulder marching through the crowd, his face contorted in anger, you knew a fight was most probably about to go down.

"You better watch what you're going to say very carefully" Rafe threatened from behind Topper, his eyes trained on the grip the blonde had on you.

You could see Topper's demeanor change, even drunk knowing that he shouldn't have even thought about messing with Rafe's girlfriend.

"Yo man, I was just playing a little, you know how I get at parties and shit" Topper finally let go of your arms before turning around to face your boyfriend, trying to talk himself out of the shitty situation he had found himself in.

"No, no, no. I'm curious now. What was the important thing that you wanted to tell my girlfriend while I wasn't here?" Rafe crossed his arms, his stance all that more threatening.

By this moment, you had backed down from the two with your friend, watching their interaction closely. You knew Rafe was about to lose his shit any moment, and you also knew better than to get yourself involved while he was this tense.

"I was just trying to make conversation and keep her company while you were away. You know how many creeps are at these parties" Topper slurred, sniffing and searching Rafe's eyes for any indication as to what he was thinking.

"Topper, I'm going to give you one last chance to tell me what you were doing with my girlfriend before I beat your ass so hard you won't feel your body" Rafe's voice had now turned downright dangerous, which you surprisingly found hot.

"I wasn't trying to do anything, man, she's yours and I would never-" Topper couldn't finish his sentence before Rafe punched him in the face, making Topper drop down on the floor in front of you.

Rafe kneeled down over his body and started punching him repeatedly, each time repeating "Stay the fuck away from my girlfriend" until he had to be physically pulled away from him.

One look in your direction and you knew your night had come to an end. You took his hand and let him lead you to his truck, not minding the blood that had transferred to your hand.

"Are you okay?" he questioned once you were both in the safe space of his car, his breathing now back to normal.

You nodded, looking worriedly at his bloody knuckles.

"I should be asking you that" you mumbled as you took his right hand in yours, inspecting the bruises already starting to form.

He shrugged, seemingly not in any pain which was a relief to you. "I'm fine, Topper has it worse than me. I'm just glad nothing happened and I came in time"

You leaned over the console and kissed his cheek, showing him that you weren't mad at him for getting into yet another fight.

"My knight in shinning armor. What would I do without you?" you joked, but there was truth behind your words. You really didn't know what you would do without him.

"I love you" he kissed your palm, intertwining your fingers with his.

"I love you too, my big bad boy"

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[shall-we-die]

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{HBD Dear MC!~}

A list of gifts they gonna give you 🎁

╞•⊰❖⊱•═══•༻🎂༺•═══•⊰❖⊱•╡

☰[Main list]•⊰ X Obey me!

#Part 1 📍 || #Part 2 || #Part 3 || #Part 4

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[Lucifer]:

A piece of music he composed, a bouquet of rare black roses, a vintage vinyl record of his favorite music genre, a handwritten letter and a necklace with a pendant.

[Mammon]:

A brand new car, an expensive watch, a gold necklace and the most expensive set of jewelry he could find. (With the help of Lucifer’s money of course)

[Leviathan]:

A signed rare copy of his favorite anime and manga series, rare figurines of his favorite characters, and a handmade bracelet made out of real gemstones.

[Satan]:

A box of homemade pastries that would always refill and never run out, a leather-bound notebook filled with his best poetry and a ring with a ruby attached to it.

[Asmodeus]:

A luxury spa package, his favorite book series and a perfume set that contained all his favorite scents.

[Beelzebub]:

A home cooked dinner, a bottle of champagne and a jar of his special honey.

[Belphegor]:

A big cuddly teddy bear, a warm blanket and pillows and, a big pillow-shaped chocolate cake.

[Diavolo]:

An exclusive tour of the Demon King’s castle, a luxurious robe and a box of sweets.

[Barbatos]:

A personal day out with him at his favorite places, a bottle of expensive tea and a vintage-style fountain pen.

[Simeon]:

A bouquet of rare pink roses and peonies, a box of chocolates as well as his homemade cookies, and a framed letter.

[Solomon]:

A handwritten book filled with magical spells and runes, a new spellbook which he designed himself, and a bottle of the rarest and most unique wine there is.

[Luke]:

A box set of his favorite stories, a new plushie and a box of his delicious pancakes.

[Raphael]:

A handmade sweater, a basket with all his favorite herbal teas and spices, and a box of his most precious herbs and plants.

[Mephistopheles]:

A box filled with all his favorite rare books, a handmade ceramic mug and a handcrafted blanket.

[Thirteen]:

A framed photo of the two of you together, a handmade plushie with all her favorite features and a big box of chocolates.

[knightyoomyoui]

TWICE x M Reader - "Cry For Me": PART 4

A/N: We're now down to three remaining parts for this series. Hopefully I still made the progress of the story clear despite the word count being minimized compared to the previous parts.  Been months since I posted the last part, so let's see where we left off and how it will go for YN and the girls again on their respective agendas.

PREVIOUSLY ON CRY FOR ME: PART 3...

"Well, I have to go now. I still have somewhere to go, I just came here to remind about our supposed meetup yesterday." Jeongyeon excused herself.

"Oh okay, be safe on the road Jeongyeon." You understand, nodding softly and smiling at her. "Goodbye and thanks for the time!"

"You too, YN." Jeongyeon waved her hand at you, but instead you returned the gesture by wrapping her around on your embrance, sending undescribable sensation tingling around her body. "I-it's really good to have you back, Jeong.", you remarked about the redefinition of your relationship with her. Jeongyeon listened, her heart surprisingly softened as she heard the tenderness in his voice.

Now that you disappeared in front of her and entered the building again, that left Jeongyeon to be stunned once again at your heartful and cheerful action, she sighed deeply and clenched her fists at how tough it is again to resist the glimpse of your old being while knowing the bitter truth of it that you still haven't changed, leading yourself astray.

She watched your back distancing away from her, breathing gets heavier as a result of a familiar longing feeling increasing, having her saddened at your lunch that brings her back to that particular time in the past when she had her first date with you and those other numerous times you had to take her outside before, almost giving the same vibes in comparison.

The next day, you were busy reviewing all of the documents you needed to sign and deliver to your coworkers for arranging when your thoughts turned to Tzuyu, realizing that you hadn't caught up with her yet after that disappointing and cold night you two had.

Checking the mini-calendar on your desk, you discovered that tomorrow marks your seventh monthsary with her. After completing all of the necessary papers, you closed several tabs on your computer and opened a new one to search the internet for the best restaurant to go to on a date with your partner.

Going through your automatic dispenser to refill your cup with some fresh black coffee, you dialed Tzuyu’s phone number and waited for her response as it rang. 20 seconds had passed, but your call was instead left unanswered and labeled ‘cannot be reached’. You just thought that she’s probably busy right now with her work, and you understood that it’s not even her break yet, so you’ll just save it for later.

You then went to another option of leaving her a message to invite her. “Hey Tzu, can we go out tomorrow? It’s your day off, and we can spend time together for our anniversary. You’ll definitely love our date, so please accept. Love you! ” You sent it to her before shutting it off and taking a sip of your hot beverage.

Hours later, after you have called it a time to dismiss as you just played games for an hour without any task left to do aside from those you have completed already, you reopened your message box and noticed that Tzuyu had replied. A grin appeared on your face as she agreed for you to take her out.

However, that wasn’t the only reason what made you happy.

You left the building and greeted your workmates to take care of themselves on way home and some goodnights, you went to your car and drift away towards the destination you have in mind to end this day in a positive note.

Not much of a kilometer away, you parked in a spa that is still brightly lit, along with the rest of the places here and the lampposts beside the streetwalks.

You stepped on the entrance and noticed that the door already had a sign hanging with a message saying “Sorry, we are closed,” but you just scoffed and continued to open the door for yourself. Upon entering the aforementioned place, the room was quiet, the ambiance was soothing, and widely spaced as there's no crowd around.

Except for this other short haired woman who shares the same room as him tonight. You watched her gather all the things that they usually use for their customers and return them to their rightful place.

Hearing your footsteps on the floor echoing through the room, she has found your presence from the distance. She looked around and you matched a wide gummy smile that almost identical but not as large as Mina’s.

She wears a simple gray masseuse uniform with thigh high stockings in combo. You walked closer to her and made yourself relax on the vacant chair near her.

“My special regular customer has arrived, I see.” She teased and hid a smile as she carries a tray along with her. “Exhausted with work?”

“Kinda. Still felt like I need it though.” You said as you leaned back on the chair and closed your eyes while you waited for her. “How about you? Was there many customers today?”

“Yeah,. there’s like some group of women who came here earlier to do some bit of makeover before they attend some event or something. I heard it was a wedding.” She said, still feeling the effects of multitasking on assisting them for massage and beauty service both being a manager and a worker at the same time.

“Hmm. Then we do both really need to make ourselves more cozy for tonight, aren’t we?” You smiled as you watched her approached you. She sat beside you and caressed your arm.

“Are you perhaps thinking about doing it, YN?” She wheezed.

“Oh I have a lot of things in mind.” You smirked, holding her hand and rubbing it with your thumb.

“I would like for us to go all the way but let’s save it for next time. My body felt like it’s about to crumble tonight.” She sighed, slumping her shoulders.

You just chuckled and slapped her arm. “Easy, I’m talking about accompanying you and doing some massage.”

Jihyo leaned aback. “You can? But you’re tired too, though. You don’t need to be if you can’.”

“Nah, don’t mind me. In fact, I can still do it. I mean, I won’t initiate on you in the first place if I knew I can’t, right?” You winked, making her blush. “Let me help you also this time and return the favor, you’re not the only one who has skills on helping people relax and I came here because I need you right now, Jihyo.” You said, hiding the double meaning of it by referring to your girlfriend Tzuyu who wasn’t able to provide your urge yesterday when she went through a bad day to be entertained.

You pulled her arm to place her closer on you. The woman named Jihyo crashed against your body. She fixed her position on top of you, crouching against yours as you began kissing her deeply.

“And also, it’s fine with me if we can’t do it tonight. We can still find some way to help our urges while we give each other some body relaxation.”

“You do you, then. Take me to paradise, YN.”

Jihyo returned the intimacy, dragging her lips along with your movement. She felt her body heaten up with your hands groping her curves, on every parts you can reach on her. It was an easy access, as she’s petite compared to your size. You could’ve manhandled her under your dominance but you respect her decision to disregard it for now.

“I’ll be right back.” Jihyo cut your kiss with her as she gets up from your body, pushing herself away to stand and search for something to leave you for a while. Not wanting to keep you unattended, she signals you with a seductive “come hither” motion along with some bottle of herbal oil and lube she carries with her.

You immediately stand up and entered a familiar private room, the spot where you first met Jihyo after servicing you with her “special massage”. The table is all clean and prepared, she placed the bottles on the tray and not even bothering to have any questions, you just watched Jihyo taking off her uniform from top to bottom.

Carefully concentrating on every action she does, the clothes have been loosened and dropped on the floor. She steps out of her heels and just like that, Jihyo is now standing in front of you, barely naked with fabulous matching pair of red lingerie and black stockings.

You felt more intense as Jihyo smirked at you and she started climbing on the table. You viewed every glorious parts of her sexy and alluring body that wouldn’t be able to resist anytime.

“I can’t be the only who’ll be left hanging here without any clothes on. Take it off so that we can start.” Jihyo sat on the surface and she reaches for your coat, spreading it to slip through your shoulders. Then she proceeds to unbutton your white polo and opens up one of her desires for men, those packed set of abs that you’ve worked hard to built thanks also to Momo’s help.

She licks her lips as her hands travelled through your crotch and sensed something large bulging on the center. “Couldn’t control it, huh?”

“How could I be? You’re so damn sexy right now, Jihyo.” You said breathily as you sneakily glanced down at her deep cleavage forming as her arms compressed with the lustful touches she applies on your groin area.

“Let’s not keep your friend suffering while waiting, start ahead first with my back. It’s where it hurts a lot.” She said as she laid down on the table with her front figure first.

Her entire back frame all presented to you, you grabbed the bottle and spurted some amount of oil on your hands and rubbed it to create some heat, you then began spreading it across Jihyo’s toned back. Every glide, pound, and dig you create with your strong fingers across her succulent, slippery and smooth tanned skin, it arouses you more when you start hearing her hums and moans especially when you unclasp her bra and proceeded focusing on her sides.

And you spent the rest of the night with a much-needed session to satisfy and release your temptations and pleasures with Jihyo through different segments of a wild body massage.

The following day after finally meeting Jihyo, you shifted back to your responsibilities as a thoughtful and loving boyfriend to one of the gorgeous women you have ever pulled while pretending to not have any idea that you didn’t just met and became wild with another woman than her as usual. You visited Tzuyu’s house with her parents and there she was, dressed in a simple orange outfit that still fits her so great as always.

Her visual has this magic that makes her look blooming on every attire she puts on, and ofcourse the other part about it which is your favorite is that you’re the only one who could also take those off from her and admire her body even further.

Thinking that hopefully it happens on your special day with her and might be the perfect “next time” that she states few days ago to do it, you acted normal and presented yourself as a nice boyfriend to her in front of her parents. You excused her to them and brought her to your car.

As she sat beside you, you kissed her on the cheek and smiled at her. “Happy Monthsary, Tzu. I’ll do my best to make this special for the both of us, okay?”

“Okay.” She only replied with a smile that you weren’t aware that it’s full of force that she did with it.

You drove her to the restaurant of your choosing, after winning your consideration through some background check and reception it received from its previous customers. It had you assured that this would be a wonderful location for you to pour your love on this breathtaking woman.

Holding her hand, you had her following you to the entrance and to be assisted by the receptionist. “Reserved table for Mr. YN LN, please.”

“There’s one near at the back, sir.” She pointed at the direction after checking your inquiry. “I suppose you’re taking her on some lovely date tonight, sir.”

“More than that. It’s our monthsary today.”

“Oh is that so? Congratulations to the both of you. I wish you both a well-spent evening here at Twice’s.”

“Thank you.” Both you and Tzuyu replied and bowed at her respectfully.

“Follow me, please.” The receptionist led the way and showed you both the spot where you’ll both be having to enjoy the rest of the night being alone together just like what you needed to be.

You set the chair for Tzuyu like a gentleman and she takes it with no hesitation. You made your seat in front of her and both then looked around at the indoor atmosphere it possess.

“So, did you like the place?” You asked her. “I went to find the perfect one just for you.”

“It was great.” She answered plainly. You nodded and felt relieved at her response.

“We’re almost surpassing to a year now, yet it still feels like yesterday since the first time I met you.” You said to her. Tzuyu just watches you and nodded before she lowered her head.

“Have you perhaps thought of what it would be for us in the future, Tzuyu? I-if we’re still gonna be like this?”

“Sometimes.” She said nonchalantly.. “I do care for what’s going to happen someday but I don’t make it affect me too much, I just leave it off to what we have right now. Because I don’t want to call it in advance because of the things that could come for us to face first before we get through there.”

“But you don’t want to let it happen, right?”

“Happen what?”

“That there might be a time that it’ll take us two apart and ruin what we would’ve have grow together. Not only for us, but for our family that I wish we could create in the future.”

Tzuyu looked at you speechlessly after those words came out from your mouth. She wouldn’t deny that it was indeed sweet and touching, to hear your lover being frightful of the challenges that them as a couple might have to deal with and conquer together for the sake of a better life to maintain as time progresses.

But she can’t be fooled anymore by your fluffy talks and foolish acts of pity. She has learned enough about the real you. She starts to feel her hatred tense up, filling her insides at how could you just say all of that without any complete sincerity and determination.

If you can act at whatever you do or say in front of her just to hide your faulty secrets, she wouldn’t let herself to lose through these ridiculous game you have placed her in. She wants to strike back for making her feel disposable and underestimated. Just because you created these scheme that doesn’t mean that you’ll win also. You may be the one in control and know the mischievous moves you have to execute but if Tzuyu becomes just as unpredictable or should she say… even more, there’s got to be a way to turn the tables that seemed impossible around.

And that is through unveiling every piece of the lies and misconceptions that you have shared not only her, but for Nayeon and Jeongyeon who fell victim into his disguise.

If you may be thinking that you just could get away with all your pretend, Tzuyu wants to be the one who will be involve in putting the shameful side of yours in full attention and revelation for everybody to witness.

She would’ve love to share her future and dreams having you by her side but it all changes beginning today.

From wanting you to change her life for the better forever to Tzuyu wanting you to be gone out of her heart that you didn’t deserve to attain and non-existent to her.

Her eyes largened and stared down in fury at the table while she felt her fists clenching at the cloth of her dress imagining every amount karma she wants to unleash on you.

“Tzuyu, are you okay?” You asked her. “That table won’t do no harm on you, don’t threaten it too much with your stares.I’m right here, you can share what troubles you..” You joked.

If only you know that she actually wants to do it all on you by hurting you in any procedure she would do it in no time just to see you cry for her in mercy. Tzuyu thought about it.

“S-sorry. I might’ve spaced out. If f only the table can speak, it would express its fear on me.”

“Yeah, I wonder why you seemed mad. Did anything happen? Was there a reason?”

“Yeah, that’s me having a date with a cheater I couldn’t wait to expose and dump him out to where he belongs..” She said on her inner thoughts but again, she had to keep her composure, not wanting to create any scandal or ruckus in such public place that elegant people like her manages their time with their company.

She wants to embarass only you, and she rather prefer to see it all by herself to savor each moment.

“Nothing.” She fakely shook it off and chuckled.

“Okay…” You just understood her. “Just tell me if there’s something wrong, okay?”

“Alright.” But deep down, Tzuyu doesn’t want to, because doing it would rather worsen her mood knowing that the main problem is the one who is she currently facing at.

The date went smooth in your opinion, although you have been noticing that Tzuyu is acting strange and less expressive than usual. You tried your best to cheer her up and with the smiles she’s been giving to you, it does made you assured that it’s effective of making you look a concerned and caring boyfriend for Tzuyu.

Unfortunately, your plan to have an intimate time with Tzuyu failed as she requested to go home already because she is tired and getting sleepy. You helped her sleep and left her home, with her parents thanking you for making Tzuyu happy on celebrating another milestone of your relationship with her. Unbeknownst to you, Jeongyeon who got stuck into a light traffic inside a taxicab, saw you and Tzuyu depart from the restaurant. Observing Tzuyu holding a large bouquet of flowers while holding your right hand as both strolled through the sidewalk and crossed the street, Jeongyeon felt an immense jealousy for the girl you replaced instead of her who was the first wife you ever had.

She slowly frowned. The cab then continues to detach her away from the painful sight she has just witnessed as the vehicles went moving again.

Meanwhile, Tzuyu on her bedroom, woke up right after you closed the door. A teardrop filled with hatred and anger fell on her face, her heart aching knowing at the fact that you’ll be back on doing your habit of leaving her again to whoever that girl she had caught you sharing a time together at the gym.

The next morning, Momo received a message from you and she directly informed Nayeon about it, saying that you wouldn’t be able to meet her today at the gym because you’re busy and you just had your body massaged few days ago.

Nayeon then began wondering who would you be seeing next today if not Momo already. She then alerted Jeongyeon that you may try to connect with her while Momo did the same for Sana. Tzuyu on the other hand, was left unbothered by Nayeon now because she already knew that the two would be having a date yesterday.

This is now a part of their plan to keep you on track on whatever bullshit you may attempt to do behind their backs, and Nayeon would be leading the way to remain her eyes spying on you discreetly as the rest of the girls update her about your possible whereabouts to visit.

You could say that Nayeon has became obsessed on chasing hell to put your deceitful intentions into its rightful punishment.

Without any of their idea, you arrived to a café after craving for some freshly brewed coffee solely made by your most favorite barista in this place.

You went to the cashier and there she is, immediately serving you with all welcome. “I suppose you had enough of palpitating your chest with your bland coffee you got there on your office.”

“You’re too harsh on me, but you’re also right Chaeyoung. Well, what’s new that you would like to recommend me to try?”

“Our special Caramel Mocchiato iced coffee. Tasted it yesterday and it’s splendid. Would you like it?”

“Ofcourse, I have trust on your taste. It was great, I could tell when I already got one from the source too.” You winked and clicked your tongue, turning Chaeyoung’s cheeks reddish as she remembered that moment you’re implying at.

“Damn it, now’s not the time to be flirty, YN. I’m at work.” She warned you.

“Alright alright, fine. Give it to me.” You said as you started pulling out a credit card on your wallet. Chaeyoung sighed and shook her head at your silliness. You grabbed a seat for yourself and waited patiently for your beloved girl to serve you the coffee you’re excited to taste made purely by the skills of this pretty barista.

“Here’s your Caramel Mocchiato.” Chaeyoung said, placing it on your table. She stood in front of you as she observed you take a sip from it. You simmered it on your mouth and analyzed your opinion about the drink she recommended you.

Chaeyoung’s nervousness was then replaced by uplift when she saw your face brightened after you swallowed it. “Take it as my new usual now, Chaeng. That was delicious.”

She playfully punched you on the shoulder. “Told you. I’m glad you like it.”

“I knew I would be, it was made by you. You never cease to disappoint me so far, Chaeyoung. Maybe this is why I still keep myself chasing for your interest.” You said with a smile. Chaeyoung grinned and pinched your cheek.

“You want a good news? I’m liking every single bit of what you do to me, YN.” She stated before she walked away with confidence from you. You wheezed and chuckled, delighted to hear it from her.

10 minutes after you left, Chaeyoung was still servicing the customers in line with their orders until a certain someone reached her turn, who not only demanded for her choice through the menu, but also the full attention of the barista to join her for an abrupt discussion about something serious, which led the latter into curiousity.

[whatdoseitmeantobehuman]

Lens of survival part 5 small steps forward

The morning kitchen had become your domain. There was something peaceful about being up before dawn, watching the sun rise through the facility's windows while the smell of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air. Today's breakfast spread was becoming your signature: fluffy pancakes (Jett's weakness), crispy bacon (Phoenix wouldn't shut up without it), fresh fruit (Sage and Viper's preference), breakfast burritos (Reyna insisted everyone needed proper protein), strong Turkish coffee (Fade wouldn't function without it), and a variety of other dishes that catered to everyone's morning cravings.

"Something smells amazing," Killjoy announced, bouncing into the kitchen first as usual. Her hair was still messy from sleep, robot parts clutched in one hand. "Oh! You made Brötchen!" You smiled, sliding the basket of fresh German rolls toward her. "With extra seeds, just how you like them." The others began filtering in, drawn by the aromas and chatter. Reyna immediately began fussing over portions, insisting everyone take more than they initially served themselves. Harbor praised your masala dosa while Gekko inhaled his breakfast tacos. Even Omen lurked in his corner, occasionally reaching for more food when he thought no one was looking.

"So," Raze said through a mouthful of pancakes, "we're thinking of having a girls' day out this weekend." You froze, spatula hovering over the griddle. "Shopping, lunch, maybe some spa time," Killjoy added excitedly. "You should come!" Your hands started trembling slightly. The outside world. Public spaces. Crowds. The last time you'd gone shopping in your world, he'd had cameras following your every move, drones disguised as security bots tracking each step... A gentle hand touched your shoulder. Sage.

"We noticed you haven't left the facility since arriving," she said softly. "I... I can't," you whispered. "He always found me when I went out. Always." "Not here," Reyna said firmly, purple eyes fierce with protection. "No one touches what's ours." "And we'll be with you the whole time," Jett added, zipping over to steal another pancake. "All of us girls together!" "Plus some invisible backup," came Cypher's quiet voice from the doorway. He'd been watching the exchange, reading your fear. "If you wish to go, several of us can maintain a discrete perimeter. Not to control," he added quickly, seeing your expression, "but to support." "Yeah!" Gekko chimed in. "Like your personal security team! Super stealth mode!"

"I believe the term is 'guardian angels,'" Chamber added smoothly, adjusting his collar. "Though perhaps with more firepower." You looked around at their faces - the women's excitement, the men's quiet determination to help you reclaim this piece of normalcy. This wasn't the suffocating protection of your world. This was family looking out for their own. "Okay," you said softly, then stronger: "Okay. Yes. I'd like that." Raze whooped, nearly knocking over her orange juice. "Shopping spree!" "First stop, proper clothes," Killjoy declared, eyeing your facility-issued basics. "You need something that says 'you.'" "Then lunch at this amazing Vietnamese place I know," Jett added. "And perhaps," Fade suggested with a knowing smile, "a stop at that Moroccan spice market downtown? For... culinary purposes, of course."

You caught Cypher shifting slightly at that, and had to hide your own smile. His sweet tooth was becoming an open secret. "We'll set up a rotation," Sova said, already in tactical mode. "Different vantage points, regular check-ins..." "Without being obvious about it," Yoru cut in gruffly. "We're not trying to scare her more." The planning continued over breakfast, agents talking over each other with suggestions and ideas. You moved around the kitchen, refilling plates and coffee cups, letting their voices wash over you. The fear was still there, but it was different now - manageable, shared.

"Hey," Brimstone called out as the meal wound down. "Whatever happens Saturday, just remember - you've got an army behind you now. Literally." "And in front of you, and beside you," Astra added with a wink. "The stars align in your favor, little light." You looked at the chaos of breakfast dishes, the mix of languages and laughter filling the room, the way even the most hardened agents had softened around the edges over shared meals. "Thank you," you said, not just for the upcoming trip, but for everything. For giving you space to heal. For letting you feed them. For showing you what safety really meant. Cypher caught your eye from across the room and gave a slight nod. You knew he'd be watching Saturday, not through cameras and drones, but in person, ready to step in if needed. Not because he owned you, but because he - all of them - cared.

"Now," Reyna declared, breaking the moment, "who wants seconds? You're all too skinny!" And just like that, the normal breakfast chaos resumed. But something had shifted. A door had opened - not just to the outside world, but to healing. To trust. To freedom. You started gathering ingredients for tomorrow's breakfast, already planning something special. One meal at a time, one step at a time, you were finding your way home.

[wazzappp]

I am. Thinking. About the Hell Charger.

Does it need maintenance? Does it's oil need to be changed, tire pressure checked and gas tank refilled? I know in the comics there are scenes where Robbie is working on it. But there's also parts where it seems to just. Heal itself?

AND ROBBIE IS CONNECTED TO THE CAR SO HOW WOULD THAT FEEL FOR HIM? Would taking a day to wash it be like? A spa day? Would refilling the tank be like eating some nice warm soup? IM THINKING TOO HARD ABOUT THIS.

If Gabe tapped out Morse code on the hood could Robbie feel it? IF LISA PATTED THE ROOF WOULD IT BE LIKE HIM GETTING HEADPATS?

Just. Robbies loved ones showing affection and communicating through the car. Ough.

[katgametable]

TAZ Balance Episode 40: Lunar Interlude III: Rest & Relaxation

Written 15 May 2025, shortly after relistening, having listened to the entire Balance arc some time ago.

During their downtime, the three pursue their own pursuits.

Magnus approaches Carey, and after clarifying he’s not asking her out, asks her to teach him to be more like a Rogue - in exchange for helping her make a wooden puzzle box to for Killian’s birthday. They bond while practicing stealth and dexterous moves, and at the end, Carey gives Magnus her own first set of thieves’ tools, and Magnus gives her a carved ring with a rose she can give to Killian - if she wants.

Merle has taken a spa break to help recover from losing his arm, and invited the Director to join him. They talk about faith, and Merle’s concern that Pan isn’t actually interested in looking after him, but his soul wood arm awakes and gestures, and Merle concludes maybe Pan does care. The Director explains that she spent a long time supporting other people, until she decided to take hold of her own destiny; she lost some good friends in doing so, but she feels it was the only choice she could have made.

Taako has decided to teach Angus McDonald magic. He shares some of his past; that he was a cook and used transmutation magic to make a show of it, until something went wrong and a lot of people were poisoned, and now he doesn’t cook very much. He starts Angus out easy, with Mage Hand, and after a week and a half he can do that and Produce Flame. He gives Taako some flavourless macarons and asks to learn Prestidigitation to flavour them, but when Taako points the Umber-ella, it acts by itself to cast Scorching Ray, destroying the macarons. It then points itself at the wall and casts more Scorching Ray, spelling out the letters LUP, before running out of magic and falling still.

After spending some time working on themselves, the three head to Leon’s workshop to redeem their Fantasy Gachapon tokens. Leon, fed up with their shenanigans, attempts to use candy to bribe them into doing it properly. Magnus and Merle succeed in this incredibly easy task, with Magnus getting a featherweight cuirass (a lightweight leather cuirass that gives a bonus to acrobatics while having the same AC bonus as Magnus’ previous armour, which I don’t recall being described previously) and Merle gets a pair of awareness frames (nerdy-looking spectacles that give bonuses to investigation and perception checks, which should stack nicely with the true heart clasp’s insight boost). Taako steals the candy from Leon and replaces it with his Gachapon token. Leon collapses in tears, and Taako takes the token back and uses it to get the hole thrower (a handheld catapult that can put holes in things).

Having broken Leon, they head for the Fantasy CostCo. Merle gets Matthias the living grimoire (which gives advantage on arcana checks and prepares a spell Merle doesn’t already know) and Strongmouse’s Laughing Amulet (which allows Merle to attempt to get an HP refill if he tells a joke Strongmouse (Griffin) likes; but if the joke isn’t good enough, he gets hit with lightning). Magnus gets a magnetic charge (a ball that can emit magnetic repulsion), a tarantula bracelet (which casts Spider Climb) and a champion’s belt (which gives the option of using wisdom or charisma instead of strength for a check, which doesn’t make sense for Magnus so I might’ve misunderstood; maybe it’s the other way around). Taako buys mockingbird gum (which allows him to emulate another’s voice), an arcane trickster’s glove (which turns Mage Hand invisible and allows use of arcana instead of stealth or sleight of hand for related checks) and the no sodium salt shaker (which turns poisoned food bright pink, and any food taste delicious). Magnus sells the gems he stole from Luca for a communal pool, and they spend it on 2 healing potions, a haunted doll that can absorb a third failed death save, and a non-magical rapier for Magnus.

Level up time, going to Level 10. Magnus needs a rapier, because he’s now a Rogue! Multi-class, anyway. He’s learned Thieves’ Cant, he can use those tools Carey gave him, he can sneak attack with his new rapier, he’s got cunning action, and he’s taken expertise in stealth and thieves’ tools. He’s also found out he hasn’t been using his shield correctly, and if he’s using it, that brings his AC up to 20. He really min-maxes. There’s also proficiency increase, and more hit points.

Merle learns new spells Insect Plague and Tree Stride, plus he’ll get a new cantrip and possibly more spells to go with his new Level Five spell slots. He’s also now got Divine Intervention, which Griffin decides to retcon to make Merle’s Pan-assisted Banish at the end of Crystal Kingdom Divine Intervention. And he’s got the proficiency increase and hit points.

Taako now gets Polymorph once a day free, probably more spells, and the proficiency and hit points.

I like that Magnus decided to diversify from rushing in and taking the hits, and his friendship with Carey was rather sweet. Merle’s choice for the Director to join him at the spa was a bit weird, but it seems he’s sensing a loneliness in her. And Taako taking on Angus as a pupil is nice. I just wonder what’s up with the Umber-ella?

Plenty of new items, many I don’t recall, so not sure they’ll be used. I think they keep getting excited by the idea of the items, but don’t think much about what they might actually be used for, and just spend all their money willy-nilly. And then forget what they’ve got.

Still, some interesting breadcrumbs to explore further, and the possibility of some very interesting item usage.

[biteofcherry]

How would GoT Steve react to you asking him to do a spa/pamper with you?

He'd happily run you that bubble bath amd refill your wine glass, but he's not participating actively 😆 He miiiight allow you to put a face mask on him. A little bit of it, one kind. Nothing else.

Unless you want him to join you in the tub 😏 but that would mean getting very active before going all lax...

[miloscat]

[Review] Sonic Dream Team (ATV)

Hardlight finally gets let off the leash.

Based in the British town of Leamington Spa, Sega's studio Hardlight has been pumping out Sonic mobile games since 2012, mostly numerous versions of Sonic Dash but also Sonic Jump (the smartphone version) and the mobile non-Team version of Team Sonic Racing. These games, with their streamlined gameplay and aggressive monetisation/grinding mechanics, have rarely impressed me. Finally, Sega has allowed them to make a real game and the result is a pretty gosh dang decent Sonic experience.

Cream is an important part of the plot for maybe the first time ever as Eggman has kidnapped her in order to hijack her unconscious mind to steal the power of the dream dimension or something. Luckily, Sonic and pals follow him into the dreamscape to help the sheep lady Ariem (geddit?), guardian of dreams, to fight back. You know, this game presented the perfect opportunity to incorporate Sonic Team's Nights into actual Sonic lore after decades of cameos (or, for that matter, reference the existing lore of Sonic Shuffle)... but oh well. The dream setting gives a good excuse for the level design to be surreal and out there, but Sonic is usually just like that anyway.

The core loop is about getting dream orbs to unlock new levels. The main source of these is challenge levels which like various Wii Sonic games remix each main level with specific goals. While there aren't too many levels in total (12 in the story mode, plus boss fights) they get good mileage out of these, or replaying for collectibles on alternate paths. What I like about the level design is the semi-open spaces that are often included, little playgrounds to test your characters' abilities and explore between the linear platforming sections and grind rails. While there's a lot of asset recycling, all the levels are fully 3D—no filler 2D sections in sight—and often manage to have some memorable setpieces, despite being relatively small. Beating the campaign also unlocks a handful of harder stages, added in a postlaunch update, which offer a fun and satisfying challenge.

Another cool feature is the character roster. For one of the very few times in the entire franchise—thank you Rush—there is actual gender parity [within the binary, of course], with your playable cast coming in pairs: Sonic and Amy (can air dash and light speed dash), Tails and Cream (can fly briefly), and Knuckles and Rouge (can glide and climb). On a basic level they all play the same, with a homing attack and boost: this is damaging like in "boost formula" games, but with a short Frontiers-like recharging bar that's also quickly refilled by pickups scattered throughout the game world. Once they're unlocked, you can freely swap between them during a level, and their strengths all feel useful at different times.

Actually, forget what I said about gender balance because just recently Shadow was added to the game. He is playable in bespoke challenge stages in a separate mode, but you can unlock him for story mode... by playing and consistently beating challenges for... [carry the two] upwards of forty days!?? So this game does retain some obnoxious mobile game-isms in the form of time-restricted content and reward tracks. Anyway, Shadow is fun to use with unique abilities borrowed and adapted from his powers in Shadow Generations: he can slow time with Chaos Control and warp short distances in arbitrary directions. I just wish I could simply play his levels without being forced to come back for the randomly allotted dribs and drabs.

Being set in an otherworldly mindzone isn't quite used to its full potential. The opening world is a beach zone where much of the landscape, and the crab boss, are made up of inflatable pool toys, a fun idea. The second world's goop factory and robot boss are a bit less inspired, but the third world's spooky hedge maze is cool and plays with gravity à la Lost World, ending with a fight against a creepy bat-octopus monster. The final world is Eggman's idealised metropolis, the aptly named Ego City, filled with statues of him (and some Colours-style pronouncements over the tannoy). This ends not with a proper boss fight but a platforming gauntlet, although the giant multi-armed dream-Eggman that you clamber all over is a cool enough setpiece to justify itself.

At the moment I can't say how the extra stages end, because the current version of the game contains a bug that means Ego City Act 3 Challenge 6 can't be completed, and you need all the orbs to unlock the final bit. I'm told a fix is on the way, but who knows when it will release? I should note that this game remains for now locked to the Apple Arcade service which many Sonic fans aren't happy about. I don't mind too much, there's plenty of games in the series locked to certain formats or that have been delisted. Being playable with a controller or on touchscreens, the control scheme is simple and despite a few welcome accessibility features, it can be a bit clumsy to control at times. Some of that can perhaps be attributed to my Apple TV model, which can technically play the game but with problematic performance and frequent crashes, even on the lowest graphic settings. Using a Mac or connecting a controller to a higher-end smart device is what I'd recommend if you can.

After toiling in the mobile game mines for so long, I'm so glad Hardlight got the chance to show their stuff with a more full-featured Sonic game, and it's a commendable effort considering its relatively small scope and probably low budget. I'm disappointed by the performance issues and crashes though, considering I've played games that seem more technically demanding on this same device without problem. The music doesn't have quite the same punch as the series' heavy hitters either, but it's pleasant enough. Anyway it's worth playing if possible, and hopefully one day there'll be a version where the side levels aren't locked on a three-per-day cycle.

And that brings to an end my six-month-long journey through the Sonic franchise! It was supposed to be a brief jaunt but turned into a monumental odyssey, with soaring heights and crushing lows. The series is constantly reinventing itself, for better or worse, and I wouldn't have it any other way. What a rollercoaster, a thrilling exercise in radical creativity, unselfconscious attitude, and corporate meddling. I can't wait to see what the next roll of the dice brings us!

[pis3update]

SPAckage by heaven@mail.bg

"A simple XML tuning mod. Getting a package at spa will refill all needs to the top - Bladder & Energy included."

More Info + Download @MTS.

[thepeanutbutterwizard]

Death of destiny au

Feel like Aspheera would join in on the whole monthly spa day hostage crisis thing. Because the exfoliation there helps her shed come off easier. Also girly talk and the whole backstory about Wu.

Skylor: Oh my gosh you were Uncle Wu’s first girlfriend?

Aspheera: No! I was only using the TREACHEROUS DECEIVER for his knowledge of spinjutzu.

Nya: Wow he really fumbled the bag. You’re like super cool though.

Aspheera: Thank you. One day I will have my REVENGE! But for now I would like to enjoy this coconut cucumber water.

Deep tissue massages are great for working out 1000 years worth of imprisonment, and the staff drain and refill the pool with non-chlorinated water so 'Samurai Xs' gills don't get irritated

Other fun girls days include robbing banks and high end department stores

[vallorouslly]

Headcanons

...if Logan went to Aulani in Hawaii for a week:

he'd have a swim shirt, either navy blue or even a pink ombre one.

he'd hang out mainly in the adults only pool before going to the lazy river a few times and then down the waterslides.

at the luau on property, he'd eat the shit out of the pork at the buffet (the fire dancing was his favorite part of said show).

he'd visit Pearl Harbor and cry at this quote: “Dear lord, lest I continue my complacent way, help me to remember somehow out there, a man died for me today. As long as there be war, I then must ask and answer, am I worth dying for?” -poem Eleanor Roosevelt had during WWII.

going out to the memorial of the USS Arizona, he would have a moment watching 'the tears of the Arizona' linger on the top of the water.

he'd end up thanking some Vietnam veterans he encounters at PH and most likely chat with them for a few minutes each.

he definitely owns a christmas designed reusable cup and refills it all the time to get his money's worth.

his mom would've booked him a spa day.

[hils79]

Title: Man, Interrupted

Fandoms:  盗墓笔记重启 | The Lost Tomb Reboot (TV), 盗墓笔记 - 南派三叔 | The Grave Robbers' Chronicles - Xu Lei

Relationships: Wang Pangzi & Xie Yuchen, background HeiHua, background Iron Triangle OT3

Summary: 

Maybe next time they’ll be able to make it through a whole spa treatment without having to cancel.

(Five times Pangzi and Xiao Hua's spa date was interrupted, and one time it wasn't)

“I was seconds away from closing the deal when Xiazi called, telling me he’d got into a ‘situation’ and asking if I could help because he was in danger of losing one of his appendages.”

Pangzi winces. As difficult as Wu Xie and Xiaoge can be at times, he wouldn’t trade them for anyone, least of all Hei Xiazi.

Xiao Hua sighs and refills their wine glasses. Generally, Pangzi is more of a beer man, but the wine Xiao Hua has provided is, of course, the finest quality and is light and refreshing in the warm and humid air of the bathhouse.

“Unfortunately,” Xiao Hua continues as he sips his wine, “the appendage they were threatening to remove is one I’m rather fond of so I had to drop everything and help. Lost the deal, which I suppose is no great loss. Do I really want to do business with someone who doesn’t accept that helping a friend comes first?”

Pangzi can’t help but smile. Out in public Xiao Hua is every bit the ruthless businessman everyone believes him to be. But here, when it’s just the two of them with no prying ears, he shows that beneath all that there’s a softer side to him. Pangzi isn’t really sure how to define Xiao Hua and Hei Xiazi’s relationship. Xiao Hua has never given it a name, and Pangzi isn’t one to presume. Hei Xiazi is definitely more than ‘a friend’, but Pangzi doesn’t bother correcting Xiao Hua.

“We have little choice when it comes to matters of the heart,” Pangzi says as he sips his own wine. He knows for a fact that he’d give his own life and anything else he could offer if it meant saving Wu Xie and Xiaoge. It’s certainly not what he imagined all those years ago when he first met them.

Xiao Hua hums his agreement. “And how is retirement treating you? Are things easier now that you’ve finished building the house?”

“A little,” Pangzi says. “But we’ve still got the restaurant to run, and you know what Tianzhen is like. He can’t sit still for more than five seconds without—”

A door somewhere nearby slams open. Pangzi is on his feet before he’s even fully finished processing the sound, with Xiao Hua right behind him.

“Who is it? What’s happening?” Pangzi frantically starts searching for a weapon but there’s nothing to be found beyond a small pile of fresh towels. Well, if he has to fight, he still has his fists, and he knows Xiao Hua can handle himself just fine in a fight without any weapons. If anyone has made the mistake of thinking they can attack the two of them while they’re vulnerable, they’re about to learn a very sore lesson.

“Xiazi?” Xiao Hua sounds a mixture of annoyed, concerned, horrified, and several other emotions that Pangzi can’t put a name to. He can see why as Hei Xiazi staggers in. He’s limping badly, a trail of blood spotting the damp floor behind him and turning it an unpleasant shade of pink.

Read the rest on AO3