#cosmetic cream jars

[singhenterprises]

The Ultimate Guide to Cosmetic Cream Jars: Sizes, Materials and Design

When it comes to packaging your premium cosmetic products, the type of container you choose can make a big difference in the overall presentation and effectiveness of your product. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about cosmetic cream jars, including sizes, materials, and design options.

Understanding Cosmetic Cream Jars

What are cosmetic cream jars? Cosmetic cream jars are containers specifically designed to hold and store cosmetic creams, lotions, and other skincare products. They are typically made of glass or plastic and come in various sizes and shapes.

They are important for packaging because they provide a secure and hygienic way to store and dispense cosmetic creams. The jars help to protect the product from contamination and exposure to air, which can degrade the quality of the cream. Additionally, they allow for easy and convenient application of the product by the consumer. The design and appearance of the jars also play a role in attracting customers and creating a positive impression of the product. Overall, cosmetic cream jars are essential for maintaining the quality and presentation of skincare products.

Sizes of Cosmetic Cream Jars

1. What are the common sizes of cosmetic cream jars?

Common sizes of cosmetic cream jars include 5ml, 15ml, 30ml, 50ml, and 100ml. 

2. What factors should be considered when choosing the size of a cosmetic cream jar?

Factors to consider when choosing the size of a cosmetic cream jar include the amount of product needed for use, the frequency of use, and the shelf life of the product. 

3. Are there any advantages to using larger or smaller cosmetic cream jars?

Larger cosmetic cream jars are advantageous for those who use a larger amount of product or use it more frequently. Smaller jars are more convenient for travel or for products with a shorter shelf life.

Materials for Cosmetic Cream Jars

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is often used for cosmetic cream jars because it is a strong and durable material that provides excellent protection for the contents inside. It is also resistant to chemicals and moisture, making it suitable for storing various types of cosmetic creams. Additionally, HDPE is lightweight and has a smooth surface, which makes it easy to handle and allows for easy labeling and branding of the jars. Overall, HDPE is a practical and cost-effective choice for cosmetic cream jars that meets the needs of both manufacturers and consumers.

Design Options for Cosmetic Cream Jars

1. What are some design options for cosmetic cream jars?

Some design options for cosmetic cream jars include different shapes, sizes, and materials such as glass or plastic. They can also have different types of closures such as screw caps or pumps, and can be decorated with labels, embossing, or printing.

2. How do design options affect the marketing and branding of cosmetic cream products?

Design options can greatly affect the marketing and branding of cosmetic cream products. The packaging is often the first thing that catches a customer's eye, and a well-designed jar can convey luxury, elegance, or simplicity. It can also help differentiate a product from competitors on the shelf and create a memorable brand image.

3. What are some important factors to consider when designing cosmetic cream jars?

Some important factors to consider when designing cosmetic cream jars include the product's target audience, the desired brand image, and the functionality of the packaging. It's also important to consider the cost and feasibility of the design, as well as any regulatory requirements for cosmetics packaging.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cosmetic cream jar is essential for the success of your product. By understanding the different sizes, materials, and design options available, you can make an informed decision that will enhance the overall appeal of your cosmetic line.

Remember, whether you are looking for a cream container manufacturer in Mumbai or a premium cosmetic container supplier, it's important to consider all the factors discussed in this guide to ensure that you are making the best choice for your brand.

[alisha3265]

Whether you’re looking for attractive yet appealing cosmetic packaging to spread brand awareness or you just want to reduce wastage, Yuniques offers a wide variety of flexible packaging solutions to perfectly suit your needs and keep your brand ahead of your competitors

[foundlingthings]

Cosmetic Jar

[kingdomoftyto]

Hey so are we gonna talk about the new sprite for the Metal Coat held item

idk about everyone else, but the knowledge that this gray cylinder has been a JAR this entire time has me S H O O K

[pet-preform-manufacturers]

Elevate Your Brand with Premium Cosmetic Plastic Jars from Teknobyte India

Teknobyte India Pvt Ltd is an eminent manufacturer and exporter firm in Delhi, India dealing in cosmetic plastic jars and many other types of plastic packaging products. The company was set with operating since 1995 and becomes one of the intensive Cosmetic Plastic Jar Manufacturer in the domestic as well as the international market. Their cosmetic jars are derived from quality materials which…

[yingying0322]

Wholesale Cosmetic Cream Jars: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Bulk Options

When it comes to packaging your beauty products, especially creams and lotions, choosing the right containers is crucial. Wholesale cosmetic cream jars offer an affordable and versatile solution for brands of all sizes. Whether you’re a startup looking to make a mark in the beauty industry or an established brand aiming to scale up your production, finding the right wholesale cosmetic cream jars can make a significant difference. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about buying cosmetic cream jars in bulk and how to select the best options for your business.

Why Wholesale Cosmetic Cream Jars Are Essential for Your Business

The beauty industry is highly competitive, and packaging plays a key role in attracting customers and ensuring product integrity. Wholesale cosmetic cream jars are not just containers; they are part of your brand’s identity. Here’s why they are essential: ​ Cost-Effectiveness

One of the primary reasons is cost-effectiveness. Buying in bulk allows you to take advantage of lower per-unit prices, which can significantly reduce your overall packaging costs. This is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses looking to maximize their budget without compromising on quality.

Customization Opportunities

Wholesale suppliers often offer customization options, allowing you to design jars that align with your brand’s aesthetics. From color and shape to logo placement, you can create packaging that stands out on the shelves and resonates with your target audience. Customization also includes material choice, such as opting for eco-friendly or sustainable materials, which can enhance your brand’s appeal in today’s environmentally conscious market.

Consistency in Branding ​ Consistency is key in branding. By purchasing wholesale cosmetic cream jars, you ensure that all your products have a uniform look, which strengthens brand recognition. Customers are more likely to trust a brand that presents a cohesive image, and consistent packaging is a significant part of that.

Inventory Management

Buying cosmetic cream jars in bulk simplifies inventory management. With a steady supply of jars, you can maintain a consistent production schedule and avoid delays caused by packaging shortages. This is particularly important during peak seasons when demand for beauty products spikes.

Types of Cosmetic Cream Jars: Materials and Their Benefits

Choosing the right material for your cosmetic cream jars is essential as it affects not only the aesthetic appeal but also the product's shelf life and usability. Let’s explore some of the most popular materials used for cosmetic cream jars and their benefits.

1. Plastic Cosmetic Cream Jars

Plastic is one of the most common materials used for cosmetic cream jars due to its versatility and affordability. Here are some benefits:

- Durability: Plastic jars are less likely to break compared to glass, making them ideal for shipping and handling.

- Lightweight: Their lightweight nature reduces shipping costs and makes them more convenient for consumers.

- Cost-Effective: Plastic is cheaper than glass, especially when purchased in bulk.

- Variety: Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, plastic jars offer plenty of customization options.

2. Glass Cosmetic Cream Jars

Glass jars are synonymous with luxury and high-end beauty products. They offer a range of benefits:

- Premium Look: Glass jars provide a luxurious and premium look, enhancing the perceived value of your products.

- Chemical Resistance: Glass is non-reactive, making it ideal for storing products with active ingredients that might interact with plastic.

- Eco-Friendly: Glass is recyclable, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

- Preservation: Glass better preserves the product's integrity, preventing contamination and extending shelf life.

3. Acrylic Cosmetic Cream Jars

Acrylic jars offer the clarity of glass with the durability of plastic. Some of the benefits include:

- High Clarity: Acrylic jars are crystal clear, giving products a high-end appearance similar to glass.

- Durability: More durable than glass but still offers a premium feel.

- Lightweight: Easier and cheaper to ship than glass jars.

- Scratch-Resistant: Acrylic is resistant to scratches, maintaining a clean and polished look over time.

4. Metal Cosmetic Cream Jars

Metal jars, typically made from aluminum or tin, are another great option for certain types of cosmetic products. Their benefits include:

- Durability: Metal jars are extremely durable and resistant to impacts.

- Lightproof: They protect light-sensitive products from UV rays, ensuring the product's efficacy.

- Eco-Friendly: Metal is recyclable, making it a sustainable choice.

- Premium Appeal: Metal jars have a unique, luxurious feel that can differentiate your product on the shelves.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wholesale Cosmetic Cream Jars

Choosing the right cosmetic cream jars goes beyond material selection. Here are several factors to consider to ensure you make the best choice for your brand.

1. Jar Size

The size of the jar is crucial as it needs to align with the quantity of product you’re offering. Common sizes include 15ml, 30ml, 50ml, and 100ml. Consider your product range and how the jar size will meet your customers' needs. Offering multiple sizes can cater to different market segments, such as travel-size or full-size options.

2. Closure Types

The type of closure is just as important as the jar itself. Popular options include screw tops, flip tops, and pump dispensers. The choice of closure should complement the product’s consistency and ease of use. For example, thicker creams might require a screw top, while lighter lotions might benefit from a pump dispenser.

3. Aesthetics and Design

Your jar’s design should reflect your brand’s identity. Consider the color, shape, and finish of the jar. Matte finishes can provide a sophisticated look, while glossy finishes might appeal more to a younger audience. The design should also consider functionality; for instance, wide-mouth jars are easier to use for thicker creams.

4. Sustainability

With the growing emphasis on sustainability, choosing eco-friendly materials for your cosmetic cream jars can set your brand apart. Options include biodegradable plastics, recycled glass, or metal. Highlighting the sustainability of your packaging can attract eco-conscious consumers and align with global environmental goals.

5. Supplier Reliability

Working with a reliable supplier is crucial, especially when purchasing in bulk. Research suppliers thoroughly, check reviews, and perhaps request samples before making a large order. A reliable supplier will not only provide quality jars but also ensure timely delivery and excellent customer service.

Where to Find the Best Wholesale Cosmetic Cream Jars

Finding the right supplier for wholesale cosmetic cream jars requires research and diligence. Here are some tips to help you locate the best options:

1. Online Wholesale Marketplaces

Websites like Alibaba, Global Sources, and Made-in-China offer a wide range of cosmetic cream jars in bulk. These platforms allow you to compare different suppliers, read reviews, and request quotes, making it easier to find a supplier that meets your needs.

2. Trade Shows and Expos

Attending beauty and packaging trade shows can be a great way to find suppliers. These events often feature a wide range of manufacturers and suppliers, giving you the opportunity to see products firsthand and establish relationships with potential partners.

3. Industry Contacts and Referrals

Networking within the beauty industry can lead to valuable referrals. Ask for recommendations from industry peers who have experience with bulk purchasing. Personal referrals can often lead to trusted suppliers who deliver quality products.

4. Direct from Manufacturers

If you’re looking to place large orders, dealing directly with manufacturers can be beneficial. This allows for better pricing, more customization options, and a closer relationship with the producer. Manufacturers often offer better terms for bulk buyers and can provide insights into the latest packaging trends.

The Benefits of Customizing Your Wholesale Cosmetic Cream Jars

Customization plays a vital role in creating a memorable brand. Let’s explore some of the benefits of customizing your wholesale cosmetic cream jars:

1. Brand Differentiation

In a saturated market, standing out is crucial. Customizing your cosmetic cream jars allows you to differentiate your products from competitors. Unique colors, shapes, and designs can catch the eye of potential customers and encourage them to choose your brand over others.

2. Enhanced Customer Experience

Customization isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about the customer experience. Tailoring your jars to suit the needs of your target audience can improve user satisfaction. For example, a jar with an easy-to-use pump might appeal to busy professionals, while a luxurious glass jar might attract high-end clientele.

3. Increased Perceived Value

Customized packaging can increase the perceived value of your products. A well-designed jar can make your product feel more premium, allowing you to justify a higher price point. This is especially important in the beauty industry, where packaging often influences purchasing decisions.

4. Eco-Friendly Packaging

If your brand values sustainability, customizing your jars with eco-friendly materials can attract environmentally conscious consumers. Offering refillable jars or using recycled materials not only benefits the planet but also enhances your brand image.

Case Studies: Successful Brands Using Wholesale Cosmetic Cream Jars

Let’s take a look at some successful brands that have utilized wholesale cosmetic cream jars effectively:

1. Brand A: Luxe Skincare

Luxe Skincare opted for glass jars with gold accents, reflecting the high-end nature of their products. By purchasing these jars in bulk, they were able to maintain consistency across their product line while reducing costs. Their packaging has become a significant part of their brand identity, appealing to luxury consumers.

2. Brand B: Eco Beauty

Eco Beauty chose biodegradable plastic jars for their organic skincare line. By highlighting the sustainability of their packaging, they attracted a loyal customer base of eco-conscious consumers. Buying these jars wholesale allowed them to offer competitive pricing while staying true to their brand values.

3. Brand C: Trendy Cosmetics

https://shopic.mcmcclass.com/20240816155958325479783.jpg

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Brand

Choosing the right wholesale cosmetic cream jars is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your brand’s success. By considering factors such as material, size, design, and sustainability, you can select jars that not only protect your product but also enhance your brand’s image. Whether you opt for plastic, glass, acrylic, or metal jars, ensure that they align with your brand values and meet your customers' needs.

Remember, the right packaging can elevate your product, attract customers, and ultimately drive sales. Invest time in researching suppliers, considering customization options, and understanding your target market. With the right cosmetic cream jars, your brand can achieve the perfect blend of functionality, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness.

[miniaturedelusionangel]

plastic cosmetic bottle and jars

[yueyimold]

double injection plastic jar twist cover mold

China 2 component mold maker, offer multi shot cosmetic screw cap, two color cosmetics packaging lid, cream container closure bi mold, double injection plastic jar twist cover

[zenvista]

Experience the beauty of Zenvista's new perfume – a pink bottle with a stunning gold and silver cap. Feel fancy and elegant. ✨🌸 #ZenvistaPackaging #PerfumeMagic

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[bettercospack]

Convenient Flip Top Cap: Easy Access and Leak-Proof Design

Discover the ultimate convenience with our Flip Top Cap! Designed for hassle-free access, this cap features a flip-open mechanism that allows you to easily dispense your favorite liquids or products with one hand. Its innovative leak-proof design ensures that your contents stay secure and mess-free. Whether it's for beverages, cosmetics, or household items, our Flip Top Cap offers a seamless and reliable solution. Say goodbye to spills and fumbling with traditional caps – experience effortless pouring and controlled dispensing today!

[zenvistapackaging]

ZENVISTA PACKAGING||ZMJ19|| Black color pet jar with golden streak lid✨😊

[singhenterprises]

Premium Cosmetic Cream Jar Manufacturer and Chemical Packaging Solutions

Singh Enterprises specializes in high-quality cosmetic cream jars, chemical bottles, packing bottles, and chemical containers. With a commitment to excellence and a wide range of packaging solutions, our products are designed to meet your unique needs. Visit our website at https://www.singh-enterprises.in to explore our premium offerings and take your product packaging to the next level.

[lin-4]

Luxury Face Cream Jars Wholesale Custom Skincare Bottles Set

[sehtoast]

Aphrodisiac (Homelander x OC)

18+ | 5k, marathon sex, mild degradation, face fucking, aphrodisiac use, aggressive sex, ruined orgasm, orgasm denial, ceiling sex, floor sex, couch sex, bed sex, window sex, every flat surface sex basically, semi-public sex, elevator groping, multiple orgasms, overstim, dry humping, thigh humping, Homelander being Homelander, spidersona oc, porn without plot | Fic Directory

Inspired by the spider lotion debacle

There was never a day where the incessant bitching didn't grate on his nerves. Every fucking minute around Ashley seemed to consist of listening to her grind an entire department to dust over product error or oversights that even the world's least talented dipshit could notice. 

On one hand, he enjoyed watching her get worse. Seeing each and every little strand of hair fall out, piece by piece, literally pulling it out over her role as manager. On the other, it was fucking annoying. 

Until now. 

“And it's attracting horny fucking spiders!” Ashley shrieks into the receiver. “I don't care if you have to stay here all night– fix it now! If I see another wolf spider running around R&D to go fuck a bottle of lotion, you can forget giving your kids a Christmas this year.”

The words went in one ear and right out the other, but he did catch one phrase in particular that was oh so relevant to his needs and wants. 

Horny fucking spiders!

Not in the literal sense, of course. The last thing he needed was those eight legged pests vying for a piece of him, but he did have one spider in particular that he was more than happy to attract. 

One spidery man named Benjamin, that is. 

“What was that?” He asks with a lilt of amusement and true curiosity. Only one of those wasn't fake. 

“Oh, sorry, sir!” She shrimps away slightly. “Those idiots in research and development were making a new lotion for Spider-Man's upcoming cosmetic line, but, for whatever reason, it's attracting a bunch of spiders– I hope you're not arachnophobic!” She gives a nervous laugh. “Look up some time, there's cobwebs everywhere!”

He hums and purses his lips, shaking his head with a roll of his eyes. 

“Ashley,” he says lowly. “Do apex predators need to look up?”

There's that spark of fear, that helplessness that he fucking loves. She squeaks a negative noise. 

“No, sir.” 

“Then why the fuck would I care about cobwebs?” He snaps. “Or bugs for that matter?”

As he turns on his heel to go do his own research, he can't help the devious grin on his face. 

Horny spiders? What kind of cocktail of mistakes attracts such unpleasant pests– and, better yet, what are the odds that it would work on his spider?

The nerds in the lab give him some long winded explanation about chemicals. Something about compounds mimicking pheromones in sexually responsive female spiders, but his smile grew like the cat that got the cream. 

He plucked a jar of it from a staging table, giving it a deep, savoring whiff. 

It didn't smell half bad. Citrus scented, like Benjamin prefers his products. Lime and a hint of something… herbal– basil, perhaps. But, overall, very soft. Gentle even on his bloodhound nose. 

“Not bad,” he shrugs. “Mind if I keep this? I don't really give a fuck about the spiders.” 

The lab rat had little to say in the way of protest. Really, though. Who the fuck was going to tell him no? 

Homelander decides to grab a second jar on his way out. 

Back in his penthouse, he strips down in front of a mirror.  Stares for but a moment to take in the sight of himself.

The contradiction between his suit and his real body always did disappoint him, but he’s a little less harsh on himself these days.  Benjamin’s influence, he supposes.

With a sigh, he dips his fingers into a jar and pulls out a healthy glob of lotion.  He slathers it on his neck, where he knows his skin will remain exposed.  Homelander applies slightly less on his upper body, and barely bothers with his legs at all.  He does, however, apply it heavily to his core, painting his inner thighs, his cock, his sack, even his hole and cheeks with the gentle scent.  He can already sniff out the unique bond it creates with his natural smell and he hopes with every fiber of his being that his plan will work.

For good measure, he rolls his slicked body around in their bed a little.  Maybe the lingering scent will help him get lucky again when they lay down to sleep at the end of the day.

He doesn’t have to wait long at all to test his plan.  Tuesday was generally considered a boring day, full of meetings and stupid shit that none of them ever liked to bother with.  However, it couldn’t possibly stoke more excitement in Homelander at the realization he’d be standing before his little spider discussing boring old numbers.  It was the perfect opportunity to see if it works.

It didn’t take long at all for the team to trickle in.  Benjamin, with his mask on, greeted him with a hidden wink and a wave before taking his seat beside Noir.  The stragglers trickled in and he began.

“Now, you guys,” he started.  “I’m not one to lecture, but can any one of you tell me what the fuck is going on that we all collectively dropped a percent?”

The Deep raised his hand– because of course he did.

He hardly listened to anything that fish fucking moron had to say, instead focusing on the sound of something so very beautiful.  Something that was picking up in intensity bit by bit, damn near unnoticeable at first.

Thump thump.

Homelander’s almost kicking himself by the time he realizes.

Thumpthump. Thumpthump.  Thumpthump. Thumpthump.

When the deepened breaths kick in, he knows.

While A-Train and The Deep begin to bicker over whose most recent stunt was at fault for tanking their numbers, Homelander instead takes a minute to peer over at Benjamin.  He lets only the faintest smile crack his all-business expression.

Even those cute little emotive lenses were wide.

Benjamin’s heart rate had gone up quite a bit– blood pressure, too.  Underneath that red mask were a pair of cheeks flushed damn near the same color.  Dilated eyes.  

He can practically hear the bug gulp.

The web-head was more than well aware of his innate ability to clock his arousal at any given time.  God knows Homelander abuses the power on the regular, but it plays a special role today.

It makes him far more excited  to see how this goes. 

Homelander meaders innocently around the V shaped table for a time as he takes over the conversation once more, making his way to stand behind his little spider.

“Tell you what, though.” Homelander smirks.  “Bug boy here has been doing a great job with his assignments.”  He drops his hands on top of Ben’s shoulders, giving light squeezes that surely felt much more powerful to the receiver. He takes a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of Benjamin’s arousal.  “Does everything I say, never misses details.  Doesn’t launch fucking dolphins out of windshields.”

Across the room, The Deep averts his gaze to the ground.

“He’s a good boy.”

Benjamin begins to sweat at the mere fucking contact.  Something was different, something was very fucking different, and he wanted to jump Homelander’s bones like never before.  Whatever it was, he couldn’t name it.  At first, maybe he thought it was something about his appearance.  He did look extra handsome, but nothing seemed… different?  Same undercut, same suit, same handsome smile.

He still dominated the room just as he always did.  Still toyed with each of the members in his own cruel ways– well, playful ways with him, cruel only to the others.  

Ben simply couldn’t figure it out.

Until he said that.

The way he moved when he said it.  Homelander had leaned down to say it right next to his ear and he’d caught a whiff of something.

He had no idea what it was, no clue at all, but the intensified smell made his entire body go rigid and his cunt clench.  Ben tried to be subtle about his building arousal, but he knew that extra deep inhale didn’t go unnoticed.

Not with the way Homelander winked at him as he took his place at the head of the table once more.

Worse yet, now that Ben had caught that scent, he couldn’t stop smelling it.  It seemed to permeate the room.  It was everywhere.  Like it had embedded itself into his olfactory bulbs and it was all he could fucking smell.  Not even the complimentary Vought brand coffee with its typically overpowering odor could dominate his senses.

He squirmed through the whole meeting. Crossed his legs, clenched them tight.  Heard his heartbeat in his ears for the whole duration.  By the end, he knew he’d soaked a small patch right into his suit, and thank fuck the fabric was dark enough that it wouldn’t be visible or he’d be truly mortified.

Benjamin remained in his seat as the others left the room.  Used to be they’d give him sympathetic looks every time Homelander directed him to stay afterward, but it had become the norm over the past year.  Once they’d all left, he pulled his mask off.

“Did you hear a word I said?”  Homelander teased, pressing a button on the table to lock the conference room doors.  “Or were you too busy leaving a snail trail on your seat to notice?”

“I did, I–” Ben stopped as soon as his voice quivered.

“Really?” Homelander inquired, stalking over to stand behind him.  “On your feet.  Tell me what today was about.”  He was thrilled to the point of bursting to know it was working.  Oh the fun he was going to have with this…

Ben rose from his seat, head light and clouded with lust.  The wet fabric of his underwear grazed his hardened clit and he all but stumbled.  Before he could even speak, Homelander’s hands were upon him and that scent was fogging his senses tenfold.

“You can’t tell me, can you?”  John smirked, pressing himself against the web-head’s rear.  He discards his gloves and reaches around to swipe his fingers over Ben’s clothed cunt, chuckling darkly at how wet he was already.  The other hand trails up to lodge his thumb in the bug’s mouth and he feels Ben’s entire body react to the taste.  “Feels like you were too busy making a mess of yourself to care.  You’re fucking drenched.”

Ben’s hips rock back against him, head tipping to make room for the lips beginning to peck at his neck.  The taste of Homelander’s skin is sweeter than he normally tastes. Sweeter than anything he’s ever had in his life.

He moans around the digit.

“Pretty little thing with my finger in your mouth.” Homelander purrs in his ear, fingers rubbing at his soaked core.  “Bet you wish it was my cock instead, right?”  He presses down against Ben’s tongue.  “Answer me, pretty boy.”

The bug nods furiously, hips pushing forward to seek more pressure from the hand between his thighs.  He bites against Homelander’s knuckle, drawing forth a deep, dark laugh from the man behind him.

Within seconds, he’s forced onto his knees and Homelander’s cock is lodged firmly between his lips, pounding the back of his throat without any buildup.  He gags twice, but ultimately takes little time at all to adjust to the girth filling him, moaning with every opportunity for breaths, hand dragging Homelander’s pants down enough to toy with his balls.

The taste from before is infinitely stronger and Benjamin feels his slick pool even more through his drenched underwear. But he wants this, wants this so fucking bad he can hardly stand it.  He wants to get used, wants to be fucked in every way imaginable.  Something more powerful than his own mind demands it.

“That’s right, fuckin’ choke on it,” John grits as he rams in hard, holding himself there.  “Fucking slut, all wet for me in a meeting of all things.”  He reaches down and lovingly taps against Ben’s cheek.  “Bet you’re so horny you’d have let me fuck you in front of them!  Claim you, take you apart with an audience.”  He draws out and drags his shaft across Ben’s flushed face.  “You were made for me– made for my cock.”

Ben nods, mouth open and tongue wagging out to catch his length once more.

Homelander begins to jerk himself off, tip pressed firmly to that needly little tongue that was just begging for his load.

“That’s it,” he growls between slick strokes.  “S-Swallow every drop and show me!  Show me how good you take it– ah!”

He moans freely through his orgasm, eyes fighting to stay open so he can watch every spurt that paints his lovely little Benjamin’s mouth and face.  He watches it pool along Ben’s tongue, shoot onto his upper lip, a little on the flare of his nostril.  With a hand in his hair, he tips Benjamin’s head back.

“Swallow,” he orders, pleased as can be when his little spider does so without any objection and shows him an empty mouth.

With a pleased pat to Ben’s cheek, Homelander pulls his pants up, smirking wickedly at the desperate, whining complaint from his love bug.

“Oh, you didn’t think I was gonna fuck you after this, did you?”  He muses playfully.  “I know I said you’re a good boy, but you’re too good.  Y’see, you ranked higher than me this month and that, babe, just hurts my feelings.”

“Wh– I didn’t mean to!”  Ben says desperately, crawling toward him on his hands and knees.  “Please, Johnny!  I need–”

“Mmm, nah.” He sighs theatrically.  “I don’t think I can right now.  Besides, the board of directors are gonna be using this room soon.  They’re probably already outside the door, so you should probably get cleaned up…”

With a whine bordering on truly pathetic, Benjamin wipes his face clean of come and saliva and rises to his feet.

“What a shame… I’d have liked to, though.  You just had to be such a good boy and outdo me.  Oh well,” Homelander lilts, unlocking the door and making his way out.  “Maybe next time.”

Next time comes fairly quickly, as does he.  Roughly an hour later, Benjamin cornered him in a hallway and dragged him into some random broom closet.  Webbed the door shut, jerked him stiff– not that it was difficult to do– and begged to get fucked.

So Homelander did exactly that.  Fucked him hard and fast against the wall, pace brutal and unrelenting, catering only to himself.  He spilled a thick load and slipped out, watching with satisfaction as it leaked from Ben’s sopping core and splattered onto the ground.

His little spider begged him for more, of course.  Begged for anything– fingers, his mouth, anything at all, to no avail.  Homelander left him there, desperate and nearly unhinged, to bring himself to an unsatisfying climax.  

Even then, it wasn’t nearly enough.

Homelander went about his daily bullshit duties for a time, relaxed and in such a great mood from having gotten off twice in one morning.  His little scheme had been more than rewarding and anything that came after was simply a bonus.

He slips into the elevator, deep in thought, but is pleasantly surprised to find his little love bug in there as well.  A glimpse through the mask lets him see just how feral the look in Ben’s eyes had become.

The elevator shuts.

“Lovely weather we’re ha–”  He tries to jest, but Benjamin pounces on him in an instant, forcing him back.  Homelander grins gleefully at the way Ben clings to the wall, effectively caging him.

“We’re going to your place,” Ben all but pants.  “And you’re going to make me come as many fucking times as it takes.”

What a delicious offer.

“Am I now?”  Homelander teases.  Ben lifts his mask just enough to expose his mouth before diving in on his neck.  Teeth sink into his flesh and the sensation tingles right down to his groin.  Never enough force to puncture, but just enough to make him fucking feel it.  “What’s got you thinking you can make me?”

The elevator was rising and anyone could come in at any moment.  They’d be caught red handed, but neither seemed bothered.

Those teeth bite even harder– probably as hard as his little spider possibly can– and he chuckles darkly.  

“Oooh, a bug bite,” he muses.  “Maybe they should call you Mosquito-Man inste– oh!”  He bites off a gritty moan.  In the midst of his tease, Ben reached down, pressed his fingers back to his taint, and pushed hard.  “Oh ff–”

The elevator dings and the doors open to the floor of his penthouse.  Benjamin, smirking, drags him down the hall.  As soon as they cross the threshold, the bug throws him against a wall.

“Do you,” Ben purrs with a trembling voice, “have any fucking clue how horny I am?”  He buries his nose in Homelander’s neck and takes a deep, long sniff.  “You smell like fucking sex!  That doesn’t even make sense, but–”  He licks a thick stripe from jugular to jaw. “You fucking do.”

With a dark chuckle, Homelander rips the mask off Benjamin’s head and takes a handful of his mussed hair.  He forces Ben to back up and throws him onto the leather couch, admiring the view of his spread legs and the darkened patch of slick soaking between them.

He leans forward until he’s crawling up the length of Ben’s body like a predator stalks its prey, fangs bared and eyes dark with the thrill of the hunt.

“I can still smell my come in you.”  

The statement alone is enough to make Ben’s cunt flutter with excitement.  In a flash, his suit and underwear are torn from his body and his dripping pussy is exposed to the voracious man before him. 

Homelander’s tongue swipes between his folds before he even has time to beg for it.  Ben’s head falls back with a cry of bliss, relief and excitement swirling in his head all at once.  His thighs are pinned to his chest and John makes the loudest fucking slurping sounds with every pass.

“F-Fuck!”  He mewls, trying desperately to rut against the tongue washing over his bud– but Homelander holds him in place.  When that warm, wet muscle delves into his hole, he keens and thrashes his head back and forth.  Ben’s hands grab desperately for anything, anything at all.  “Johnny, please!  I– No!”  He cries when it all halts abruptly.

Homelander comes back up with a slick soaked chin to kiss him, slotting right between his legs.  He swallows Benjamin’s complaint with a messy kiss, licking his taste inside.  Homelander was not a giving man by any means, but he wanted his little spider to indulge in the delicacy of himself.

He rocks his hips forward, mind hazing at the grind of the cup in his suit against his cock.  He mimes the act of flat out fucking Benjamin, grinding and humping against him with an otherworldly force.  If the bug were anyone else, his pelvis probably would’ve shattered by now.

Ben tangles his hands in Homelander’s hair and tugs harshly.  His hips rise and fall to meet each thrust and every brush of John’s suit against his clit makes him see stars.  He moans freely, unabashedly with each stroke and, oh, it feels so fucking good! 

He changes direction to start prying that stupid fucking suit off of Homelander.  All but shreds the cape, peels the top layer off and that scent hits him full force again.  With his legs around Homelander’s hips, Ben rolls them onto the floor with a heavy thud.

“Oooh,” John lilts.  He puts up no fight when his boots and pants are tugged free, and especially doesn’t complain when Ben suckles the tip of his cock through his briefs before ripping them clean off.  In seemingly a flash, the tip of his cock is breaching Benjamins’ cunt and that heat transcends his body and floods his mind.

With a needy little moan, he grips Ben’s hips and impales him in one sharp thrust.  His ego swells at the noises his little spider makes at the adjustment.  Ben is so wet he practically slid right in.  It’s always good, but now?  Seeing him so desperate, seeing such an unhinged look in his little spider’s eye– god, it made it even fucking better.

Benjamin starts riding him desperately.  There is no coordination to his movements, no sense of dignity or pride to be upheld with the frenzied way he fucks against him.  His eyes roll back, his head lolls around, and he moves like his life depends on it.  When Homelander tries to sit up, he shoves him back.

Ben digs his fingers into the tufts of hair on his love’s chest and lets the setae in his digits embed.  A dizziness rises from his cunt all the way to his head and the room fucking spins.  His breaths leave in frantic, heaving gasps.  He’s close, he’s close– he’s so fucking close!

Hands come down hard against his ass and grip with a punishing force to direct his movements.  He tries to fight it, tries to keep his own pace that was going to be enough, but Homelander would always win in a game of strength. 

His whimpering complaint becomes a pathetic moan as the cock filling him begins fucking him at a pace far more brutal that what he could accomplish himself.  Homelander fucks deep, fucks hard and furiously, strikes his cervix damn near every time and it hurts so good.  Ben falls against his chest, mind drifting away until he’s being rammed against a cold surface.

He peers from under heavy eyelids and the whole fucking room is upside down.  He’s pressed to the ceiling, whining and keening as he’s fucked raw.

“Think you’re gonna overpower me!?”

He doesn’t have it in him to even shake his head.

“Think I can’t take control from you in a fucking second?”  John grits between snaps of his hips.  Ben’s helpless sounds are like a fucking melody in his ear.  He reaches down and presses against Ben’s clit and gives the slightest rub that sends him over the edge.  His melody is a symphony screamed for him, only for him.  He doesn’t stop rutting, doesn’t stop fucking into him hard and fast even as Ben’s cunt flutters and clenches over and over again. By all means he should fucking let off and make Benjamin suffer the rest of the day for shoving him back like that.

“Think I can't take whatever I want!?” 

But he doesn’t.

Homelander drops down to the floor, keeping Benjamin impaled on his throbbing cock with ease.  He walks them to the window and slips out just long enough to spin him.

“Bet those fucks in the building across the street can see you,” he snarls.  He rams his cock into Ben so hard the glass creaks in protest.  Each thrust is pointed, accentuated by his words.  “Little.  Fucking. Slut! Show the world how good you take me. Let ‘em all see what a little whore you are!”

The cold from outside seeps through the fogging glass, penetrating Ben’s skin with an icy chill that contrasts the fire burning inside him.  He wonders if anyone can really see him like this.  Oh, if they only knew that their beloved Spider-Man was getting railed by The Homelander himself.  

Homelander leans back to take two bruising handfuls of Benjamin’s hips to push and pull him back and forth on his cock.  In turn, the web-head shoves his hands against the glass to push himself back into it.

“God, it’s fucking pathetic how bad you want me,” Homelander grits through clenched teeth.  “Dripping onto the fucking floor!”  

Ben squeezes his eyes shut and shoves back with all of his might, audibly cracking the glass and sending them both stumbling backward.  John catches him by the waist but doesn’t interrupt the motion.  They collide with the statue of Atlas, sending it and all of its beauty to the floor to shatter.

Homelander slips out of Ben and lifts him with one arm to the bedroom, shoving him onto the edge of the bed and yanking him just right to ram back inside with a throaty groan.  He reaches down and grasps a handful of those unruly brown locks and makes Ben stare into the mirror on the wall.

“Watch yourself get fucked.” He commands with an exceptionally sharp snap of his hips.  “Look  how fucking helpless you are!  I can do whatever I want to you, and you fuckin’ love it!”

Ben stares through lidded eyes.  He’s drooling, he’s got tear tracks down his face and handprint shaped bruises already forming at his hips.  And Homelander?

He looks like a fucking animal.  His eyes glimmer with specks of gathering crimson.  His fangs are bared, his brow is knit, and every muscle in his body flexes with restraint.

“Look at me!”  He demands.  As soon as Ben’s eyes meet his in the reflection, he slams into him hard once, twice, and a final third time before blowing his load deep inside.  His jaw tenses hard and his eyes screw shut.  A tense, rattling moan emerges from within his chest and he presses tight against Ben’s rear.  “That’s it– oh, fuck yeah!”

In Homelander’s blissful stupor, Ben seizes the opportunity to shove back and escape his grip.  There is always, always a point when John comes in which he is totally at ease– and the flicker of red behind his eyelids gives it away all too well.  Ben splays him out onto his back, right along the edge, and bends his legs toward his chest juuust enough to–

“O-oh, fuck–” Homelander keens.

Benjamin presses forward, taking his cock to the hilt in a position miming missionary with a special twist.  A reversal of sorts.

Maybe he’d let the switch up slide for a minute.  He always did like this position.

The web-head ruts forward and fucks John’s cock into himself with practiced ease.  Homelander’s legs wrap around his waist and the strokes deepen.

He can feel slick drooling down his balls and Ben looks like a glorious, fucked-out mess above him.  The bug’s clit grazes the base of his groin with each shallow thrust and he swears he sees something nearly rabid dance in those sweet, chocolate eyes

“Good boy!”  Ben gasps. “Lettin’ me fuck you– lettin’ me take what I want!  Knew you would, knew you’d let me have fun too– mmm, fuck!”

He wants to roll his eyes, but Benjamin feels so fucking good at this angle that he doesn’t know what to even do or say.  

“S-So good, baby,” he coos.  “So fucking hot!”

He relaxes a leg and shimmies a hand between to stroke his little spider’s nub and the stutter of his hips satisfies him to no end.

“That’s– ah– that’s good…” Ben mewls.  “Oh, fuck, rub my cock, baby!”

His fingers dance through the threads of come and slick between their bodies as he brings Benjamin higher and higher.  He watches his little love bug begin to hold his breath and thrust faster, harder, more and more until–

He all but screams, hips stuttering and legs quaking while his body practically fucking convulsed from his orgasm.  Ben heaves a sharp breath and his mind all but completely shuts down when that scent somehow floods his senses tenfold.  He collapses forward, engulfed entirely in the aroma.  His limbs twitch, his lower lip quivers, and his cunt doesn’t stop pulsing.  “Wh– what– I…” he tries, but no other words come out.  His vision starts to fade and the sheets hit his back.

He feels Homelander moving inside him again and he can’t even think.  He’s lost in the haze, lost in John, lost in whatever that fucking scent was.  Whatever it was– all of it– he just knew he fucking needed more and more.  Even when his vision whites out from his next climax, he needs more.

When he’s fucked with his head hanging off the bed, blood rushing to his skull, he needs fucking more.

Even when his cunt is overflowing and come soaks the mattress, when Homelander nearly lasers his fucking head off, when the walls are charred, when he’s confident he won’t be able to stand, when he’s fucked and eaten so raw he can’t even feel between his legs, he still needs more.

“Wh– What the fuck…” John pants weakly in his ear.  He’d finally collapsed, finally gone limp. Even his legs were beginning to tremble. “It was just fucking lotion, how are you–”

“Wha..?”  

Lotion?  

“The f-fucking– you know!  The cosmetic line. Your stuff.”

Ben peered up at him halfheartedly, barely coherent but just enough 

“S'fucking, I dunno. Hold on…” Homelander slung his arm over to the nightstand and palmed around for the jar. When he found it, his fingers dipped into the opening. He forgot to close it. 

Ben's eyes shot open the second the jar came near. 

“It's… Those dipshits in the lab fucked up. It's a horny spider magnet.” He explained with a weak grin. As if unconscious of his actions, Ben began to grind weakly against his leg. “I didn't think it'd work, but fuck… It worked.”

Ben looked at him in disbelief, but the way his body reacts to the simple change in proximity tells him it’s true.  How fucking funny, too, that the jar would sport his V-bodied spider crest.  Almost like it was designed specifically to reduce him to a begging wreck.

“You m-mean you– John!”  Ben whines and buries his face into Homelander’s neck.  The scent lingers strong there, making the throbbing between his legs begin once more.

“Not my fault you’re so fucking insatiable, babe.  That’s on you.”  He snorts a laugh.  Homelander trails his hand to Benjamin’s lower back and rubs soft, soothing circles.  “And no, I don’t know how long it lasts.  I just snagged it from the labs and uhh… slathered it all over myself… And rolled it onto the covers.”

“I’m gonna kick your ass– but later,” the bug promises playfully.  He slides his slicked core against Homelander’s thigh with languid rolls of his hips.  “Just… Lemme–”  If Homelander was somehow tired, then he’d just have to help himself.  “Fuck...  Thigh for now, dick later, okay?”

With a yawn, Homelander nods in agreement.  “Deal.”

It was going to be a long night.

[sofiiel]

Love poultice: eddie x reader ══════════════════

Content: Mental health. Sleep scratching. Unintentional self-harm. Comforting fluff. Soft Eddie.

══════════════════

You're drying your body off after a long, soothing shower. Eddie pokes his head inside the bathroom, judging if it's ok to come in.

You've been very quiet lately, with that far-off look in your eyes. He'd tried his normal tricks to bring you out of yourself. He'd upped his goofy game to one hundred and ten percent, and he'd become baby bunny levels of snugly.

Nothing was working, and that void chasm in your gaze was only getting wider. Eddie wanted little more to dive in and fill it up like a warm giant bubble bath.

"Um... I just need to, eh to-" Eddie's brain broke, he'd been so eager to check on you, that he'd forgotten to come up with a reason to need the bathroom.

"- toooo- toothpaste, yeah." He said.

You glance up at him briefly, making eye contact through the mirror. "Toothpaste?" you question.

Part of you wanted to laugh, but that half was being smothered by a dark, weighty pillow.

The momentary sparkle that fizzled for a second was enough for Eddie. It gave him hope, he could help, even a little.

Bopping into the bathroom with new resolve, Eddie hummed and took up his toothbrush. From the corn of his eyes, he carefully watched you.

"What's going on with you, babe." He thought to himself. He'd asked you a dozen times this week.

"Don't worry about it" you'd say and defuse him with a quick kiss.

He frowned slightly, that was always a good way to stunt his train of thought, and you knew it a little too well.

With a sigh, he spits and rinses, dropping his toothbrush on the counter. Turning to you with his hands reaching out. "Here, let me help." he offers.

You pause for a moment, you don't want to be a burden, but your mind is screaming to feel something soft and you nod.

Eddie faintly smiles as he is passed the towel, coming close his lips land gently on the curve where your neck meets your spine. It sends a tingle down your back.

Carefully, Eddie pats the towel around your body, kissing a patch of skin each time before drying. He's still humming, his eyes giving their attention to his task.

He doesn't notice the tears welling into your eyes as you watch him. But he can feel the tension slowly seeping out and away from you, and he smiles a bit more.

He dries you off from head to toe, stopping at your legs, he sets the towel on the bathroom floor. Tiny long erratic welts draw his fingers to trace them.

Eddie does so as if his touch could spit them open to bleed.

You tense again, he saw them, of course, he saw them. And this time there were so many. Much more than before. You thought you'd gotten better.

You thought you'd made progress. They're unsightly.

Eddie breaks your vicious thoughts as he kisses as many of the scars to be as he can manage.

And your tears spill over. "I don't know why." your voice breaks.

It stings Eddie's core, but he stays calm. "It's ok," he says, pushing warmth into his voice. "Hand me the cream."

Through blurry vision, you look at the little cosmetic jar on the counter. Grabbing it, you hand it to Eddie as he stands up.

"And they're all over the place this time," you whispered.

His hand brushes the side of your face before cradling your cheek, his arm is warm against the side of your neck as he looks deep into your eyes.

In his gaze you can faintly see the reflection of your crying face, you feel like a mess. Though, Eddie is looking into you like one might a scenic ocean view.

Silently trying to convey that you were no less beautiful simply because of a storm blowing in.

He plants a short sweet kiss against your lips, "sit down, and I'll put cream on them." he said. His eyes briefly cut to look down at older scabbed-over slashes around your shoulders and arms.

He wasn't sure how he'd missed, them.

You give in and take a seat on the toilet lid.

Eddie rubs the cream into his hands and then tenderly spreads it around your scarred skin.

Your head hangs a little, feeling defeated. Unsure of why your mind seemed to hate your body so much, enough to attack it. You didn't want to make an appointment and have that talk again, Meds only do so much. The back and forth of therapy to figure out "why" again.

Exhausted tears stain your cheeks, a drop onto Eddie's hands as he massages the cream across your thighs.

He pauses and peers up at you, You'd had numerous talks about your sleep scratching before. It was one of the reasons he offered you to move in with him.

"Babe?" He questions to gain your attention.

You can make out his pained expression through the watery glaze in your eyes.

He raises up to kiss you, it's long and slow, and mind-numbing. His lips move lightly against yours, his palms pressing into your thighs.

"It's been a hard week, I've seen it." He confesses.

"But you gotta let me love you when your mind and body doesn't." He whispers, kissing the curve of your jaw, "Let me do it for you."

Eddie's arms wrap around your back as your arms wrap over his shoulders. He's locked you in a firm embrace as you cry into his neck. Carefully moving himself so that you can sit on his lap.

He rubs your back and continues to kiss the top of your head.

"I'll call in for you today and tell them you won't be coming in." He murmurs. "Neither will I."

With a squeeze, he pulls back to get a look at your face. "We can slice up cucumbers and wear them like sunglasses and make that green mud shit for our faces. Take a walk, drive, and pick up a snack and a movie." he hummed, rocking you slightly.

"But first, we'll sleep in, and I'm gonna koala cling to you so that silly brain of yours will have to leave you alone." With those works he swipes away the remaining tears with his thumbs.

"But only if you let me."

You respond by showering his face with little kisses, and Eddie chuckles. "Is that a yes?"

"Yes" you answer.

He flashes you a strained smile as he heard the smallest hint of laughter in your words.

"Good, wanna go unmake the bed by jumping on it?" he asks.

"Jumping? Or..." you lull quietly coy.

Eddie rubs the back of his neck, "Well I...I mean, sure if you want."

"It's stress relief," you tell him.

Eddie grins and as you stand up he takes both your hands and leads you out of the bathroom to the bed.

"So tell me what you need."

"I need you to love me."

══════════════════

A/N: this may have been incoherent, self-indulgent mess of nonsense, but kicked myself out some comfort writing before work. Good ol' emotional unpacking. Be sure to take care of yourselves today ❤

══════════════════

[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.

~~~~~

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