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[hotchnisslvr]

reconciliation (pt.2 to how do we carry on?)

pairing: hotch x bau!reader

rating: t

genre: hurt/comfort with a happy ending

word count: 7.2k

tagged readers: @izakopanyi2 @polireader @jihyowrrld @twilightlover2007 @queenanababy @feyrecarol @rousethemouse @endofthexline @jxvipike @donttrustlove @hiireadstuff @jenna50 @michasia24

The coffee that was hot an hour ago is cold and bitter now. You grimace as the acrid taste slides down your throat. You try to place the disposable cup into your cup holder without taking your eyes off the road, but miss.The lid slips off and brown liquid sloshes over the edge onto the passenger seat. You curse as you grasp the wheel with one hand while you try to mop up the spill with what random napkins you’ve acquired since you started driving. Fortunately, your purse is spared any damage, but the road map and photograph you’ve kept on the seat aren’t as lucky. Ignoring the map, you pick up the photograph and shake it, splattering drops of coffee across the dash. The edges curl slightly, but the photo itself is fine. You hold it awkwardly between your fingers as you return your hand to the steering wheel.

There aren’t many cars on the road at this hour. You glance down at the dashboard and see 02:32 illuminated in green. You aren’t sure where you’re going, you just know you can’t stay there. Even your own apartment didn’t feel secure, not with how much of him is there. Your lives are so intertwined, you see and feel him everywhere you go. It’s what makes, made? God, you don’t even know anymore. It’s what is so beautiful about your relationship, how seamlessly your lives blend together that you’re not sure where yours and his start and end. You’re both so fiercely independent while being so devoted and wholly part of the threads that make up one another’s lives.

Or so you thought.

As you slow to a stop at the red light, the only car at the four way intersection, your eyes fall to the coffee stained image between your fingers. You’re smiling at the camera meanwhile Aaron is looking and smiling down on you, the soft shimmer in his deep brown eyes captured by the lens. It’s your favorite picture. You took it from the frame at the front table before leaving. The sound of his sobs echo in your ears as the red light reflecting on the photo paper shines green. You blink and drop the photo onto the center console before shifting your gaze back to the road. A sign ahead reads to keep left to stay on I-95 South. Richmond and Virginia Beach are in big white letters under it.

Three years you’ve lived in Virginia, and you’ve never made it to the coast. Shifting the steering wheel, you guide the vehicle into the left lane and take the exit.

•

As the waves lap at your ankles, you close your eyes and turn your face toward the sun, the briny sea breeze gently tossing your hair. You inhale deeply and the sigh you exhale is overtaken by the quiet roar of the ocean.

Turns out getting a beachfront house isn’t as expensive as one might think in the off season and fortunately for you, Virginia afternoons in September still reach the high eighties.

The beach house is nothing fancy, more like a beach shack if you’re being honest. It’s one floor supported on high rafters, old wooden steps leading down to the sand. You climb them now and they creak beneath your weight. A half rusted outdoor shower squeals to life when you reach the deck and twist the faucet. You shiver as you rinse the sand off of your legs and arms, and well, everywhere. There aren’t many crevices it doesn’t manage to stick to. You swipe the pink and white striped towel you’d found in the linen closet off the railing and wrap it around your body. Once it’s tightly secured around your chest, you work off the cheap bikini you’d purchased at a year round souvenir shop down the road and spread it out to dry.

The screen door squeaks on its hinges as you enter the house. You should probably go for a proper shower and wash the sea out of your hair, but you can’t be assed. Instead, you crack open the fridge and inspect the pathetic hodge podge of groceries you’d purchased at the corner store. Food doesn’t even sound appealing. It hasn’t for days. Every time you try to eat, you just feel sick. Your stomach roils at the thought and you grab a seltzer water before closing the fridge with a grimace.

As you exit the kitchen, your eyes catch your phone and keys on the chipped granite counter. The black screen of your phone glints beneath the fluorescent kitchen lighting. You’d turned it off when you’d arrived, ignoring the fact that you had 8 missed calls from Hotch and twice as many unread messages from him. There’d been one missed call from Emily, a name you never thought you’d see flash across your screen again. God knows how many times you’d called her phone just to hear her voice recording before leaving a message about how much you missed her and wished she were there to give you advice or talk through a case. For a fraction of a second, you wonder now if she’s gotten the chance to hear those voicemails you’d left her. Did she hear the pain in your voice? Did she feel guilt over the messages where all you’d managed to choke out were incoherent sobs? All this time you thought you’d been talking to a ghost, but she’d been out there all along.

You tear your gaze away from the counter, leaving your phone where it is and cross the cream colored carpet to the small bedroom. Yellow wallpaper splashed with repeating patterns of palm fronds plaster the four walls. The bed frame is made up of white wicker and you fall back onto the comforter, the front of which is decorated with images of shells and starfish. None of the patterns in this house match, but you don’t care. You care about very little right now.

Before you can run away down that thought pattern, there’s a knock at the door. You sit up, brow furrowed, as you lean forward on your knees, as if doing so will suddenly grant you the ability to see through walls and who could possibly be here.

Maybe the owner? A neighboring off season beach goer? Hesitantly, you rise from the bed and tug on one of the guest robes that had been hanging in the bathroom. You drop your towel and shrug it on, tying it tightly around your waist before approaching the front door. You move slowly for two reasons: one, no one should know you’re here and you don’t know why someone would be calling on you, and two; what if it’s Aaron?

The knocking repeats. It's light but firm, definitely not Aaron. A woman, you think. You twist the deadbolt and pull open the door, surprise etching into your features as a woman a few years older than you stands behind the second screen door.

“Hi, uh, can I help you?” you ask awkwardly.

The girl’s dark eyes travel up and down your body. She looks at you through the door from beneath long lashes, a knowing smile playing on her lips. You can’t control the shocked gasp that leaves your mouth when she asks for you by name.

You try your best to school your facial expressions and by the slight smirk that crosses the girl’s face, you know you did a pretty poor job of doing so. “Who wants to know?” you ask, wondering if she’s someone who’s crossed paths with you before through work.

“Aaron Hotchner,” she answers, drawing out the last syllable of his name with an amused glint in her eye.

You can’t fight the eye roll that follows. Unbelievable. “Sorry, he wasted your time.” You move to close the door, but she throws open the screen door and catches it with her foot.

Your eyes flash to hers and you see the challenge in the depth of her hazel gaze, equal to the one in yours. “Hotch wouldn’t have reached out to me unless he was desperate,” she adds. “I think you might want to hear me out.” She extends a hand toward you. “I’m Elle, Greenaway to the BAU, but when I left I shortened it to Greene.”

Your brow furrows as the name rings the slightest of bells in the back of your mind. Hesitantly, you accept her ring adorned hand and shake it as your brain sifts through the number of agents you’d heard stories about in the time before you joined the team.

“How did you find me?” you ask as you step aside and admit her into the house.

Elle nods graciously as she looks around, though there’s not much to size up in the small rental unit.

“You think Hotch didn’t immediately have Penelope ping your phone when you left?”

You exhale sharply. “I turned my phone off.”

A short laugh leaves Elle, “Not soon enough.” She turns, a hand on her hip. “You got any beer?”

Your brow furrows, wondering who the hell you just invited into your house. You shake your head as you cross into the kitchen and open the fridge. You withdraw a big bottle you’d bought at the corner drug store. “I’ve got wine.”

Elle smiles. “That’ll work. Let’s head down to the beach.”

•

“Thanks,” Elle says coolly as you finish tipping wine into the plastic cup in her hand. You cap the bottle and shove it down into the sand between the foldable beach chairs you’d dragged down from their place on the deck after you’d gotten changed into something more appropriate to wear outside than a bathrobe.

You retrieve your cup from where you’d been holding it between your legs and take a long sip before sighing and settling back into your chair, the canvas stretching as you do so.

For a moment, you and Elle sit there in silence; watching the orange pink colors of the sunset start to streak across the sky as the waves crash against the sand.

“I had no idea about Haley,” she says after another minute goes by and you stiffen. It isn’t that you and Aaron never talk about her. Keeping her memory alive is so important for Jack and you know a part of Hotch will always love her. That’s never bothered you though. Aaron had told you that he and Haley had talked about that if something ever happened to either one of them that they would want the other to eventually move on and find love again, that they didn’t want the other one to spend the rest of their life lonely. I’m sure neither one of them ever imagined something like what had happened to Haley would ever come to pass though.

“Did you know her?” you ask, your voice tight with emotion at the thought of ever having to endure a loss like that. You’d joined the team years after her death and hadn’t known Hotch during the time he’d grieved her loss. From the stories he and Jack had shared, she seemed like she’d been a kind soul and a good mother.

Elle nods, her gaze fixed on the view though you see a glint of memory in her eyes. “Hotch wasn’t as serious then.” She pauses and smirks to herself. “Don’t get me wrong, he was still a hard ass, but there was also a lightness to him before and right after Jack was born. I remember when they first brought him into the office, such a tiny little thing all bundled up in his arms. Him and Haley had looked so at ease.” She sighs and takes a swig of her wine before continuing. “I think that’s when the job started to get to him, after he had a kid.” Her brow pinches for a moment. “I think Hotch started to see the men and women we put away more as the proverbial monsters that kids fear are lurking in their closets, except we know what horribly evil things the monsters are really capable of versus what a kid’s imagination can drum up. The worst their little minds can conjure up pales in comparison to the heinous files that cross his desk. I think Hotch wanted to protect that innocence so badly and shield Jack from all of the evil in the world that he threw himself further and further into his work, especially after how things with The Fisher King went down.” Your eyes don’t miss the way her hand presses against her abdomen. The stake jutting out of Emily’s stomach flashes in your mind and you flinch at the memory.

“Something happened,” observes Elle. She sits up in her chair, resting her elbows on her knees as she looks at you.

You scoff and take another drink, shaking your head as you do so. “Once a profiler, always a profiler.”

Elle chuckles and shrugs. “Old habits die hard.” Her features soften as she turns toward you. “Something happened though, didn’t it? I know you probably can’t share too many details. Hotch didn’t in the voicemail he left you.”

You perk up at that. “Voicemail?”

Elle nods, the gold hoops in her ears swinging as she does so. “Sorry,” she laughs coolly as she reaches into the pocket of her jeans. “I probably should’ve led with that.” She fishes her cell phone out and swipes her thumb across the screen. You brace yourself as Aaron’s throaty tenor echoes from the speaker on her phone.

“Elle, hi,” he starts and stops. An exasperated sigh follows. “It’s Aaron Hotchner with the BAU I—of course you know I’m with the BAU I don’t know why I led with that. Look, I know I’m probably the last person you want to hear from after all of these years but I didn’t know who else to call. I can’t,” his voice wavers here for a moment. “I can’t share details about the case we’re working on, but it’s bad and I had to make a decision.” He stops and clears his throat. “It was a decision that impacted the whole of the team and where it was for their protection, I may have ruined the best thing to have happened to me in years. Look, I know you left the Bureau. I know you changed your name to put distance between you and the BAU, and I don’t blame you. In fact, I think I understand you now more than ever. This job, the toll it takes—” his voice trails off and you hold your breath in anticipation. He goes on to explain who you are and why you left, obfuscating the exact details of the Ian Doyle case for security reasons. He explains how after no one had heard from you for forty eight hours that he’d worked with Garcia to ping your location, how he was more worried than anything else and just needed to know that you were safe. When Penelope had located you, he remembered that Elle had always talked about living on the coast. It had been a shot in the dark, but Penelope being Penelope, she’d been able to find Elle in a matter of hours. “I just need to know she’s safe,” he breathes. “Please, Elle. If anything happens to her, I don’t know what I’ll do. I can’t lose someone else. I have to do better; by you, by Haley, by the team. I’ll spend the rest of my life making amends, but please, with this case still active, I just need to know that she’s ok. Call me back,” his voice quavers. “Please.”

The line goes dead and Elle slides her phone back into her pocket. “That was three days ago.” Elle’s brow arches, looking for a response. “So,” she adds, drawling out the ‘o’ sound. “Sounds heavy.”

You draw in a deep breath and down the rest of your wine. Aaron had sounded so tired on the phone. Guilt squeezes around your heart as you think about what he and the team must be dealing with. It’s reckless and stupid of you to have just up and left when Doyle is still out there with you and the rest of his team in your sights. You didn’t even bring your gun, sure that you’d be sending in your resignation after this cover up; but hearing his voice on Elle’s phone, the pain in it. What you’d been trying to ignore this entire time begins to wriggle its way toward the forefront of your mind; and that’s the hell this must have put Hotch and Emily through. You know he’d never do anything to hurt you, not intentionally, but how are you supposed to trust him if he could watch you suffer through the agony of her loss knowing at any point in time he could’ve put a stop to it? You squeeze your eyes shut because you know the obvious answer. There are things he has to do as Unit Chief, choices only he can make. Choices that don’t involve you or the rest of the team, and that doesn’t change because you two are an item. Still, the conflict wages on inside of you. All of this is true and he’s made choices and decisions that impact the team before, just never on this scale; not something that alters memories and fucks the psyche so irreparably.

“The heaviest,” you finally respond.

“You can talk to me about it,” she says, and you know her words are genuine. “I know I don’t have clearance anymore, so the cliff notes version works too.”

So, you tell her. About Emily, about Hotch, what you can about Doyle, the circumstances around Emily’s death, the grief, her undeath, the betrayal you felt, and everything that brought you to this moment with her.

Elle releases a low whistle and scoops the wine bottle up from the sand, pouring herself another glass and topping yours off. “That’s—” She pops her lips, considering. “Elaborate.”

“I’d say mind-fuck, but elaborate works too.” You quip bitterly and take a drink.

Elle cocks her head. “Hotch doesn’t do anything without careful consideration.”

You inhale deeply before taking another drink, a warmth starting to crawl beneath your flesh as the alcohol sinks in. You hang your head as you respond. “I know.”

“There’s a reason that I left the Bureau,” Elle says after a long stretch of silence. “I made a decision that ended my career, and it’s one I’d make again if I had to.” Her voice grows tight for a moment before she clears her throat and continues. “This job will drain you until there’s nothing left. I remember on the day I left I told Hotch about how I’d get so excited when my phone rang because it meant we had a case; but after I got shot in my own house and was lying on the floor feeling that man’s fingers inside of my gut, something changed in me forever that day. I went back to work after some time, but it was never the same. After that, every time my phone rang I felt paralyzed with fear because I knew what it was like to feel the way those victims felt in the moments leading up to their deaths.” Her voice quavers for a second and she swipes at a stray tear before choking out a laugh. “You’re not the same after something like. I know what it’s like to come back from the brink of death, and it sounds like this Emily knows too.” She stretches out a hand and grips your knee. “The only difference is that after I nearly died, I had the team. I had Spencer, Derek, Penelope, and JJ, hell Hotch was the one that came to my house and scrubbed the blood off of my walls before I got out of the hospital.” Her brow arches in response to my widening eyes. “Didn’t know that, did you?” She smiles and reclines back in her seat. “Emily didn’t have that. She didn’t have her friends, family,” she corrects. “Let’s be honest, the BAU becomes your family after a while.”

You nod in agreement.

“She went through that alone,” Elle continues and a pang of guilt shoots through you. “She didn’t have her family to turn to in a time where she probably needed you the most.”

It’s your turn to swipe at the tears that loose from your eyes. “I know that.” Your voice is tight as you choke back a sob. “I’ve always trusted the team, every one of them. How—” you suck in a shaky breath. “How am I supposed to trust them after this? What’s to stop something like this from happening again?”

Elle’s lips purse. “That’s the job we signed up for, isn’t it? Working for the government and all the shitty red tape they weave in and around the work we do.”

“If I go back,” you start. “I don’t think they’ll forgive me. I left when they needed me most. Doyle is still out there.”

Elle frowns and tilts her head back and forth. “You’ll never know if you don’t though. I couldn’t go back. My actions decided that for me. You have a choice, but you’re the only one that can make it.” She glances down at her watch and then out at the sun. It’s almost completely sunken down beneath the sea over the horizon, the orange and pink sunset fading to the purple gray hues of dusk. “I should probably get going.” She sets her cup down in the sand and stands, turning to you as she does so.

“Here,” she says, passing you a card from the back pocket of her jeans.

You take it, fingering the edges of the sturdy cardstock. Elle Greene: Social Services Coordinator is embossed in dark blue font followed by a cell phone, office number, and email listed beneath it.

“Call me if you ever want to talk. There are ways to do some good in this world without sacrificing your own happiness in the process.” She smiles at you before she starts toward the path that leads around the house and back to the road.

After a few moments, you jump up and call after her. “Hey Elle!”

She turns, brow arched toward her hairline as she waits for you to continue.

“Why’d you come?”

She slips her hands into her pockets and doesn’t say anything for a while, her green eyes focusing on her feet. When she looks up at you, there’s the faintest of smiles on her lips. “The day I left the Bureau I looked Hotch in the eye and told him that I used to wonder why he didn’t smile. When I heard that voicemail, despite how defeated he sounded, there was something in his voice that made me believe he’d found something to smile about again. When you work the job that you do, that I used to do, you have to hold on for dear life when you find the things that can make you smile after witnessing the things we do. I guess I don’t want him to lose what made him find his smile again; even after all these years I’ve spent angry at Hotch, I never hated him.” She sighs and looks like she wants to say more, but chooses not to. “Running away doesn’t solve your problems, it just keeps them at a distance until you’re finally brave enough to face them. I hope you find clarity faster than I did.” Her jeweled rings catch the last rays of sun as she raises a hand in farewell. “I’ll see you around.”

•

You pull your knees up to your chest and wrap your arms around them, the blue and green plaid fabric of the couch scratching the backs of your legs as you do so. You bite at your thumb nail as you eye your powered down cell phone from where it sits on the glass coffee table in front of you.

Elle’s words from two days ago hang heavy in the air around you.

Running away doesn’t solve your problems. It just keeps them at a distance until you’re brave enough to face them. I hope you find clarity faster than I did.

If you turn on your phone, you know there will be a barrage of voicemails and text messages waiting for you. Or, there won’t be anything more than there was when you first shut it down. You turned your back on them when they needed you. It would be easy to write you off, after all that’s what you did isn’t it?

You drop your head back against the couch and groan, the feelings at war within you tearing at your insides; your guts twisted with equal parts betrayal over Hotch not telling you and the guilt of leaving the team instead of facing that anger and hurt head on.

It’s a giant mess; a tangled web of necessary lies and the red tape that binds the hands of those in positions over you and the rest of the team. The rational part of you understands this. In black and white terms, you understand that Unit Chief SSA Agent Aaron Hotchner had to make a decision to protect another agent, SSA Emily Prentiss. While Ian Doyle is a fugitive from the law believing her to be dead, her going into hiding not only took the target off of her back, but off the backs of all of your team members, yourself included, who otherwise would’ve been collateral damage in Doyle’s relentless pursuit of vengeance against Emily. All of this makes perfect sense.

It’s when the emotional, feeling half of you comes into play that the black and white turns to splotchy streaks of gray and you struggle to make peace with the rational side of things. When you look at it through this lens, your boyfriend and long term partner, Aaron, watched you throw up from dehydration over how long and how hard you’d sobbed over the death of best friend, Emily. At any point, he could’ve put a stop to your pain and didn’t.

Your fingers slide into your hair, gently tugging at the roots as you try to sort through these warring versions of yourself and the pieces of information and emotions that come with each. Because in your heart, you know and understand it’s not black and white. It’s gray and it’s messy. So, why can’t you reconcile both halves of yourself and just be okay with this then? Why can’t you just be overjoyed by the fact that your best friend is back from the literal dead? How many people in this life can say that that’s happened for them? Why can’t you just tell Aaron you understand what he did because you do, but at the same time you don’t? You wouldn’t have told anyone, but then that would be Aaron showing you preferential treatment and you’d be in no better position than he or JJ when it came to hiding this fact from the rest of the team. It’s something you’d talked about extensively when you first started dating and so far, it has been fine. He makes decisions that sometimes you agree with, sometimes you don’t. It is always just part of the job. So what does it all boil down to? Where does this leave you?

“Fuck me,” you whisper aloud as you dive forward and swipe the phone off of the table before you can really think about what you’re doing. You hold down the button on the side and it titters to life. For a moment, you close your eyes as you feel the vibrations pulsing in the palm of your hand, each one a notification of some sort. When they cease, you swipe directly to your contacts and select Aaron’s. His is the first to show alphabetically anyway. Your thumb hovers over the call button for only a second, before you exhale a shaky breath and hit the dial.

The phone barely presses against your ear as you catch the tail end of his hello. It’s after hearing his voice, that you’re rendered speechless.

“Baby, are you there?”

Your chest rises and falls, your heart rate quickening beneath your chest. You sniff as tears prick your eyes, not realizing how much you’d missed his voice until now.

“Aaron,” you squeak out, your voice cracking on his name.

“Baby, I’m so sorry,” Hotch says, a plea in his apology. “I promise I’ll do everything I can to fix this. I miss you. I love you.”

A sob shudders free from your lips as all of your walls come tumbling down and you let yourself break down to pieces of ash and stone. “I’m sorry I ran when you needed me.”

“It’s okay,” Aaron soothes. “It’s okay. It's over. We got him.”

You sit up and swipe under your eyes with the backs of your hands. “Doyle?”

“He’s dead.”

Panic rises in you. “And the team? Is everyone—”

“Everyone is fine. No one was hurt.”

You close your eyes and sink back into the cushions as your pulse levels out. “I’m on my way.”

“There’s no need,” he replies coolly.

Your brow pinches. “I don’t—”

The sound of a car door slamming echoes beyond the front door. You stand and the old t-shirt that belongs to Aaron falls to your thighs as you do so. You’d not even realized you’d packed it until you pulled it on after your shower earlier. The linoleum creaks beneath your feet as you cross through the kitchen and unlock the deadbolt. When you pull open the door, you gasp and drop your phone.

Aaron’s lips tremble as he smiles at you and takes the phone down from his ear. He ends the call and slips it into the pocket of his slacks. “I got in the car and just started driving,” he says as his glimmering eyes flit across yours, always the profiler checking for micro expressions. A desperate smile clings to his lips as he looks at you. “Hi.”

“Hi,” you breathe in response; unable to think of what else to say at the moment

His smile falters as he takes a step closer to you. You see his hand twitch ever so slightly at his side.

“Honey, I—”

You leap forward and throw your arms around his neck. He breathes a sigh of relief into your hair as his arms fold around you, his hands pressed flat against your back as if he can somehow hold you closer than he already is. His hands slide up your spine to curl around the back of your neck. When he pulls away, there are tear stains on his cheeks.

You reach up and swipe your thumbs under his eyes, his skin smooth beneath your touch. A smirk tugs at one corner of your mouth as you wonder when he had time to shave.

“This doesn’t mean I forgive you,” you say, still cupping his cheek in your hand.

He nods as he leans into your touch. “I know,” he says softly.

“I know why you had to do what you did.”

Another tear leaks from his eye as he presses his forehead to yours, cradling your hand against his cheek. “I never wanted to hurt you or anyone else, but I had to protect you.”

“I know,” you say and you mean it. “I also know why you couldn’t tell me. I’m a coward for running away, but I just—I was so overwhelmed by everything. I didn’t know how to cope with your return, with Emily’s, with everything. I would’ve been a hindrance if I’d stayed, but I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have run.”

Hotch shakes his head as he steps back to look at you, the dark slash of his brow set as he does so. “What you did was not an act of cowardice. Trust me when I say you are not the only one that has a lot of anger and frustration aimed at me right now. Spencer snapped twice at JJ. Morgan laid into me, and I deserved it. JJ and I always knew that if and when this came to light, that there would be consequences for our actions. It was a calculated risk, and I take full responsibility for it. After you left, I gave everyone the option to leave if they didn’t think they could work the case. You knew you weren’t in the right headspace and pulled yourself out. It was the right decision and no one faults you for it.”

“I’m still so mad at you,” you say.

Aaron’s lips form a tight line. “I know.”

“But I also love you.”

His brow relaxes at that admission and relief floods his gaze. “I’ll take your use of the present tense as a good sign.”

You both chuckle at that and a shiver races through you as a sea breeze catches your hair and sends goosebumps up and down your arms. You wrap your arms around yourself and incline your head toward his SUV. “Your go bag in there?”

He nods and you flick your eyes up and down the length of his figure. “Go on then,” you encourage. “Get it and come inside before I change my mind.” You smile and you feel it reach your eyes for the first time in nearly a week. He withdraws the key fob from his pocket and smiles at it in his hand, before shaking his head with a quiet laugh and turns to head toward the car.

He pops the trunk and returns with his bag slung over his shoulder. “You look good in my shirt,” he compliments you with a sly smile as he passes through the front door. You close and lock the door behind him and point towards the bedroom. “Don’t think flattery will get you off the hook, Aaron.”

“You’re pointing me toward the bedroom, so I can only hope that’s a good sign.”

“Nearly a week has given me a lot of time to think,” you call after him as he disappears inside.

When he returns, his suit jacket is off and he’s loosening his tie from around his neck. “And what conclusion have you come to?”

“To be determined,” you muse as you approach him. You finger the tip of his tie and curl your fingers around it before tugging it free and dropping it to the floor.

One of Aaron’s brows arches as he regards you curiously. His hand curves around your hip and you press yourself against him. Heat pools in your belly, but you ignore the sensation, hard as that is after nine months without him. He dips his chin to kiss you and instead of meeting your mouth, he meets your finger instead. You press it against his lips and arch a brow. “Not so fast, Hotch.”

He winces and inhales sharply, a pink blush quickly coloring his cheeks. “I should’ve known it wasn’t going to be that easy.” He admits against your finger. “You only call me Hotch when I’m in trouble.”

Something between a scoff and a laugh leaves your lips as you poke him on the tip of his nose, the slope of which you’d missed so much since he’d been gone. “How about,” you start and loop your arms around his neck, “we just talk? From the beginning, tell me what went through your mind and what led to the decision. We can talk about Emily, her funeral, the grief. You can tell me what you can about Pakistan and I’ll tell you about how hard it was when you were gone. Tell me about when you and JJ knew you had to tell the team and I’ll tell you how it felt like I’d had my heart carved out of my chest and put through a blender. Tell me how it felt when I left and I’ll talk about the ways in which I wish I hadn’t but why I felt like I had to. Tell me why I should trust you and I’ll tell you why I want to, but am afraid. Tell me—”

Aaron catches your wrists in his hands and plants a firm kiss upon your lips. You envelope him with your own and revel in the familiar way they meld together, the taste of him like coming home. He pulls away, though his lips still hover over yours. “I promise I will tell you everything and more. We’ll talk until the sun comes up if that’s what it takes.”

You smile and when you speak, your lips brush against his. “I guess I ought to put some coffee on then.”

•

White rays of early morning sunshine break through the sheer curtains, casting soft light across the bed sheets. For the first time in nearly a year, you wake with Aaron’s arm securely around your waist. You breathe in deeply and the faint smell of coffee lingers in the air, two empty mugs leaving brown rings on the nightstand.

You don’t remember when you two had laid down to go to sleep, but remember laughing about it being 3:00 AM at one point and continuing talking in spite of that; and talked you two had. You’d tackled everything from the decision he and JJ made at the hospital all the way up until right now. You laughed and cried, and so did he. You’d never seen Aaron cry before last night, and you were grateful that he’d felt safe enough with you to be vulnerable like that. As the night had worn on, you’d felt the fractured pieces of yourself slowly start to pull together; that you can both heal from this and maybe even come out stronger on the other side.

Your phone buzzes on the nightstand and you reach for it, now being as good a time as any to tackle the number of unread texts and unheard voicemails. You can’t avoid them forever.

8 voicemails from Hotch, 2 from JJ, 6, from Penelope, 1 from Derek, and 1 from Emily. Your brow knits together as you view the time stamp next to her voicemail and it’s marked only an hour ago. Why would she have called you so early? Surely, Hotch would’ve let the team know that you’re safe and that he’s with you.

You open the app and press play, bringing the phone to your ear to avoid disturbing Hotch and Emily’s voice fills your head as you listen in.

“I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now…” Her voice is tired and her tone is genuinely apologetic. “…I missed everyone so much, but you. It tore me up inside knowing we didn’t get to say goodbye, that I didn’t get to explain to you why all of this had to happen and you had to mourn me. I knew Hotch would take care of you.” She chuckles softly and you picture her shaking her head. “God, that man adores you, you know that right? Knowing he’d be there to help you through things was a small solace, but I knew that the weight of asking him to keep this from you and the rest of the team would take a toll on him. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Doyle, he never—he never would’ve stopped hunting me and he would’ve used or killed everyone close to me to do so. If there had been any other way, I would’ve done it.” She sighs heavily. “Anyway, Hotch texted the team and myself last night that he’d gotten to you safely in Virginia Beach. I imagine you and him had a lot to talk about last night. It’s probably going to look like I’m copying a page out of his book, but you’re the only person I haven’t looked in the eye and apologized to, so I’ll be there in about an hour or so. Hopefully, you open the door.”

Your eyes widen as you drop the phone back onto the nightstand. After glancing at the clock and noticing it had been an hour and fifteen minutes since she called, you slip out of bed. Hotch stirs, but doesn’t wake and his hand moves to shift under the pillow and he nestles deeper into the blankets. God, he must be so exhausted. From the red eye flight from Pakistan to immediately leaping into and closing the Ian Doyle case, this is probably the first proper sleep he’s gotten in weeks.

The sound of tires crunching over gravel draws your attention to the living room. You pull on a pair of sweats and throw off the oversized shirt you’d slept in in exchange for a tank top, forgoing a bra in the process. You rush into the bathroom and rapidly brush your teeth, accepting there not being any time to fix your tousled bed head.

Footsteps echo up the walkway on the other side of the front door as you approach and before you can think it through, you throw the door open. You only take a second to confirm that it is in fact Emily on the other side of it before rushing forward and throwing your arms around her.

A loud oomph erupts from lips, the sound muffled as you turn your face into her neck. It takes a few seconds for her to react, her arms slowly folding around you as she realizes that it is in fact a hug that you’re giving her and not an attempt to take her to the ground.

Tears leak from your eyes onto the fabric of her purple top. “I’m sorry,” you murmur into her shoulder.

Emily pulls away, her hands not leaving your shoulders as her brown eyes flicker across your face; her features drawn. “You’re sorry? You have nothing to be sorry for. I came here to apologize.”

You shake your head as something between a laugh and a sob bubbles up from your throat. “I’m so mad at you,” you start and reach forward with both hands to clasp her face in yours. “But I am so happy that you’re not dead and I understand why you had to do what you did.” You smile and drop your hands before playfully shoving her. “A bit though, isn’t it? Faking your death and fleeing the country? Where’d you get that idea? Lifetime?”

Emily smiles, flashing her teeth as she inclines her head this way and that. “I did always have a flair for the dramatics.”

The door creaks then and you turn to watch Hotch push the door open. He smiles as he takes in the sight of you and Emily reconciling. “I put on a pot of coffee,” he says. “How many mugs should I bring out?”

You look between him and Emily. “Three,” you answer, turning your attention back to Emily. “Definitely three.”

Emily smiles and follows you inside, greeting Hotch with a short hug before joining you in the living room. As Hotch busies himself in the kitchen and the smell of coffee starts to fill the air, you start to feel like life might finally start to return to normal.

[h3artstain]

A list of (realistic) things you can do to be more environmentally friendly

(from an earth-loving horticulture student.)

— COSMETICS

Use bar soap instead of soap bottles

Use old toothbrushes for cleaning surfaces

Try exploring and researching some homemade face/body/lip products

Use ice sleeves, sunglasses, and caps instead of sunscreen (Edit: I’ve seen people say that it is safer and even necessary to wear sunscreen at all times so try to use eco friendly sunscreen instead! In my country it’s pretty uncommon to wear sunscreen often as we usually wear ice sleeves which is why I did not know this oof)

Use coffee grinds or homemade tumeric masks instead of cosmetic products with exfoliator beads

Invest in a metal ear cleanser instead of cotton buds

Try placing more importance on skincare instead of contributing to exploitative beauty companies by buying makeup

Use cosmetic products that do not contain palm oil

— CLOTHING

Try as much as possible to rewear your outfits at least twice before washing them

Actually WEAR your clothes! I know some of y’all just wear them once for your Instagram post and let it rot in your closet forever. Stop doing that!

Thrift, stitch up holes in your clothes, and use second hand clothing instead of supporting fast fashion companies like SHEIN, H&M, Zara, etc.

Cut up your old clothing into yarn and do macramè with it

Cut patches of old clothing to turn into reusable cotton pads

Learn how to knit, crochet or stitch your clothes!

If you use tampons, try menstrual cups or discs instead. If you use pads, try reusable pads or period underwear. (Trust me, it works). Also, use reusable panty liners instead of disposable ones. They may seem expensive but you will end up saving a lot more in the long run

— GARDENING

Plant seeds/cuttings in your old bottles, jars, and containers

Propagate your plants and exchange cuttings with your friends instead of buying new plants

Make your own soil mixes instead of buying soil mixes

Better yet, don’t use soil for your indoor plants and try getting into hydroponics or semihydroponics instead. This saves so much water and doesn’t contribute to mining of soil

Fertilise plants with fruit peels, coffee grinds, and tea leaves. (DO NOT use chemical fertiliser on soil)

Plant more legume plants in your garden instead of using nitrogen fertilisers. (Look up the nitrogen cycle if you need an explanation on this)

Avoid pesticides unless really needed. Try sprinkling cinnamon powder on soil or spraying neem oil on plants and soil to keep away pests.

If you have a lawn, try looking into rain gardens and consider making one

Let the (non invasive) weeds in your lawn/garden grow! They are there for a reason!

Stop killing earthworms and millipedes in your garden. This also applies to snails native to your region. They are there for a reason.

Water used to wash fruits and rice can be used to water plants

— REDUCE, REUSE

Use the caps of jars as soap holders

Use recycled paper/notebooks

Wash and dry your glass/plastic items before throwing them in the recycling bin

Keep any plastic bags for future use

Use eco friendly or reusable dish sponges

Use reusable straws and cups

Invest in a fabric cup holder

Bring a water bottle with you wherever you go

Drink more water and less sugary drinks

Bring reusable bags for buying groceries instead of using plastic ones

Always keep a folded up tote/shopping bag with you in case you spontaneously decide to buy something

— ELECTRICITY

Set a timer on your air conditioning instead of letting it run throughout the night

Better yet, use a fan instead of an air conditioner

Open your windows! Aerate your home!

Allow natural light to enter your home during the daytime, so as to avoid turning on your lights

Switch to LED lightbulbs instead of regular lightbulbs

Turn off any switches in your house when they are not in use

Collect the water from your air conditioner/dehumidifier condenser and use that to water plants, clean surfaces, steam ironing, and flushing toilets. Do not drink it though!

— INTERNET

Delete your all of your unwanted emails

Delete your inactive social media accounts

Try not to post excessively on social media and stop scrolling excessively too. This not only reduces energy usage but also improves your mental health and productivity

Try to keep to one social media app instead of having so many

Reduce your internet usage

Save your eBooks on a thumbdrive instead of on cloud

Use Ecosia instead of Google

Stop being influenced by social media trends that only just contribute to consumerism

Download music instead of streaming

Reduce online shopping

— FOOD

Reduce intake of processed foods

Reduce intake of fish, beef, and dairy

Try eating vegan or vegetarian foods at least once or twice a week

Cook your own meals instead of eating out

Bring your own food containers when taking away food from stores

Beeswax wrap instead of cling wrap!

Buy loose-leaf tea or plastic free tea bags instead of regular tea bags

Eat more mushrooms, vegetables, and fruits and drink more water

Support local farmers

And finally, educate yourself more about ecology and the environment!

[wanderingsimsfinds]

WanderingSims Fave CC - Kitchen Decor List

1-2, 5, 15-17, 19-21, 37 - DaraSims - Kitchen Decor Set (Accessories, Knives, Plates, Spices, Kettle, Toaster, Stewpan, Pan, Saucepan, Apron)

3 - ShinoKCR - PB Dining Plates Stacked (TSR)

4, 7, 29, 33-34 - Martassimsbook - 4t3 Sims-KBB Baking Kit (Muffin Cups Bulk, Measuring Spoons, Utensils, Kitchen Tray, Whipping Machine)

6 - wondymoon - Krypton Cups (TSR)

8, 26, 28 - Martassimsbook - 4t3 novvvas Random Kitchen (Plates, Kitchen Utensils, Chopping Boards)

9 - Gosik - Orinoko Large Bowls (TSR)

10 - deeiuzta - Glam Cottage Kitchen Plates (TSR)

11-12, 25, 27 - Martassimsbook - 4t3 Slox Nival Kitchen (Bowl Stack, Bowl Stack Big, Recipebooks Standing, Recipebooks)

13 - wondymoon - Tantalum Bowls (TSR)

14 - Gosik - Orinoko Plates (TSR)

18 - Milla - Gift 15 Kitchen Hanger

22 - Martassimsbook - 4t3 Chicklet This and That Set Pt. 2 Cookbooks

23 - Pinecat - Timer Fire Alarm (TSR)

24 - Martassimsbook - 4t3 Nordica-sims January Gifts Pt. 2 Paper Towel

30 - Ungg999 - Decor Set 64 Paper Towel Holder (TSR)

31-32 - Martassimsbook - The Sims 4 Random Bins Set (Plastic Disposer, Waste Not Waste)

35-36 - over-waxedbanister - Imforsa Book Stand & Tablet Stand

[realness-remade]

i need to know if anyone else thinks the Drink Holder makes drinks taste different (and also if anyone agrees with me) reblog or not i dont caare

[how-masterful]

31 Fics of Fright

Day 16- The Perks of Being Stranded

Ainley!Master X Reader

Prompt: Autumn

Notes: This series is just a plethora of my favourite Halloween/ Autumn tropes by this point. What can i say, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! I promise we’ll be back to our scheduled spooky programming tomorrow. For now, enjoy some domestic Fall bliss.

Warnings: None

The Master found humans fascinating. Not in the same manner as the doctor, who would happily adopt any and all strays that wandered into his gaudy old police box. More in the fashion of a scientist, a researcher, putting the ants under the magnifying glass and watching how they scarpered. He lounged back against the park bench, watching the humans wander and stroll, partaking in their daily lives. 

He watched them with sonder, his gaze falling on them with curiosity. What meaningless tasks were they about to partake in? A couple and an infant walked down the path, obvious bags under their eyes as the child happily slept. Another was running down the street, mobile device tethered to their arm, ears happily plugged with headphones pounding drivel as they partook in sport. Another was laughing and filming her fellow preteen friend kicking at the mounted pile of leaves the groundsman had just taken approximately an hour and nine minutes to clean up. 

The Master half smiled, leaning back against the bench and folding his arms. They were the ones he currently found least appalling in that public park.

That was until he saw you heading down the walkway, carrying a paper bag and balancing your grip with two beverages in a cardboard case. Your bag slung across your middle, practically hiding underneath your woollen coat and knitted scarf, you almost seemed like one of the other humans. Almost.

You smiled as your eyes met his, your pace quickening as you found your way across the path to sit down on the bench, settling down into your seat with a well- deserved sigh.

“I forgot how impatient people were on Earth for their coffee.”

You said, the Master taking the brown paper bag from your clutches.

“Humans do rather lack the ability to wait their turn. Especially when it comes time to feed their caffeine addictions.”

“How’s the reset doing?” You asked, pulling the coffee cup from the holder and taking a sip. You hummed quietly at the warmth on your tongue, sinking back against the bench to match the Master’s posture. The Timelord pulled up the velvet edge of his sleeve, peering down at the golden watch that sat upon his wrist. The watch face beeped and buzzed, the Master pulling down his sleeve resentfully.

“The TARDIS is making progress, we should be able to return in a few hours' time.”

The TARDIS had suffered from an attack, the inside manipulated by matter and convulsing into an indomitable labyrinth. She was currently disguised as a public monument, the inside repairing itself at agonisingly slow speed. She’d dropped you both off in the 21st century, allowing you to kill time while she was able to restore. You hadn’t been back to Earth in quite some time.

“Well, in that case, we’ll have to keep making the most of things. I somehow managed to distract the barista with the black card so much they forgot to charge for the pastries.”

The Master truly smiled then, opening the bag and peering down at the freshly baked treats. 

“I presume they’re of the cinnamon kind.” He spoke, lifting it to his nose to sniff.

“How revolutionary, spices in the Autumn.”

You playfully snatched the bag away, replacing it with the Master’s disposable cup.

“If you’re going to insult my freebies, you can starve.” You teased, pulling the individually wrapped cinnamon roll out of the bag.

“And for your information, I got you a pecan nut twist. I couldn’t match your attitude with something salty, so I had to match your personality instead.”

The Master raised an eyebrow, gracefully taking the bag again from your hands and smiling at you expectantly. You knew that grin spoke of danger.

“Ok, that was a bit far. I’m sorry.” You admitted, taking a further sip of your drink. “I’m also slightly proud. But mostly sorry.”

“I’ll accept that apology,” he said casually. “Though, I suggest you don’t question why I'm taking so long to rescue you from peril the next time you get yourself into avoidably foolish danger.”

You gasped, scandalised, before laughing quietly in acceptance. You deserved that, really.

“I’ll make a note of it. I’ll also up my grovelling if that negates the silent treatment later.”

“I believe this… baked twist… will do, my dear. Though that offer is quite tempting.”

At that, the pair of you sat there in a comfortable silence, indulging in the quiet and eating your freshly baked goods. You leant against the Master's side, an unspoken further apology in your gesture, the Master's acceptance of the move speaking for his forgiveness. You both inhaled deep, allowing the crisp air to enter into your lungs. You had to admit, you’d missed these days- sitting in the fresh air and diving into a book, watching the world go by and appreciating your temporary freedom from work. Now all your time was free time, especially with the Master. The universe was your playground, each destination a set of coordinates and a trip into the vortex later. 

You sat and watched the world, the time passing wonderfully in the ambience of the Autumn. More leaves had fallen from the trees in the passing wind, the green grass disappearing beneath the ocean of red and brown. You loved the taste of the air, the delightful chill it sent down your spine. You could spend eternity in Autumn, you’d decided. Especially if the Master was at your side.

A stray cat had wandered across the path, a scruffy black cat with short hair and bright yellow eyes. It crawled its way towards the Master, meowing and nuzzling itself against the Timelords leg. You watched him bend down to delicately scratch between the feline’s ears, tickling under its chin. The cat blinked slowly under the Master's touch, meowing softly in enjoyment.

“I never suspected the Kittling’s would remain when the planet collapsed.”

He muttered to himself, the small cat nuzzling the Master's hand. You gasped, a smile spreading across your face.

“It’s a Kittling?”

“Yes, he’s quite far from where the others landed. But he seems to be keeping himself occupied.”

The Master placed the rest of the pastry back into the brown bag, offering it to the Kittling. The cat meowed, you supposed in thanks, before scarpering off back into the bushes.

“Are cats supposed to eat pastry?” You questioned, watching the leaves settle.

“He has a family to feed. It appears he’s halfway to domesticity.”

You looked up at the Timelord, a loving gaze. You watched him observing the various park goers, watching them pass in their busy lives. You supposed he’d also been slightly domesticated, not that you’d ever let him know that, your heart beating strong at the way his hand had unknowingly come to settle on top of yours.

“Since we have another hour or so left,” You began, the Master turning to you and meeting your gaze.

“Would you care to join me on a stroll?”

You felt a heat in your cheeks as the Master smiled, your heart lurching as he finally took hold of your hand, softly squeezing it within his velvet grasp.

“I would be honoured, my dear.” He replied, as the leaves continued to fall.

[downincmi]

Paper Cups Market Evolution: Innovations for Eco-Friendly Alternatives

The Rise of the Disposable Cup Paper cups have become an integral part of modern life over the past century, with over 100 billion used worldwide each year. While today they seem like an inevitable feature of life on the go, their dominance is actually a relatively recent phenomenon that stemmed from 20th century innovations in manufacturing and demand for single-use products. Paper glass first emerged in the early 1900s due to advancements in papermaking technology that made single-use paper products economical. Some of the earliest pioneers were restaurant chains like A&W Root Beer, who experimented with paper glass in the late 1930s as an alternative to heavy glass mugs. However, it was not until World War II that disposable paper glass began to truly take off. Wartime rationing of tin and rubber meant fewer reusable bottles and mugs were being produced. At the same time, urbanization was increasing demand for portable, disposable containers as work and school lunches moved outside the home. Innovations like cup holders in automobiles also made paper glass a natural complement to America's newly mobile post-war lifestyle. By the 1950s, paper glass had become ubiquitous in restaurants, schools, hospitals and other institutional settings as their convenience revolutionized industries like fast food and vending. Criticism and Sustainability Efforts While convenient, paper cups have faced considerable criticism over their environmental impact. An estimated 25 billion paper glass end up in landfills each year in America alone, where they take up to 450 years to decompose. Their plastic linings and coatings also render them challenging to recycle through typical methods. This has spurred increased efforts towards sustainability. Manufacturers began introducing paper glass made from recycled materials and developed new coatings that can be recycled through traditional means. Compostable and biodegradable paper glass using materials like PLA plastic are also gaining popularity for disposal through commercial composting facilities. Some cities have implemented Bring Your Own Cup programs and cup-sharing services to cut down on waste. McDonald's trial allowing customers to use their own reusable mugs is a major initiative driving more sustainable behaviors. While challenges remain in incentivizing broader behavior changes, paper glass manufacturers are collaborating to advance eco-friendly innovations that balance convenience and environmental impact. With evolving technology and regulation, paper glass of the future may look quite different as sustainability drives their continuing evolution. In conclusion, paper cups have become ubiquitous in modern societies over the past century due largely to 20th century manufacturing innovations enabling widespread single-use products. While originally driven by wartime rationing and a newfound consumerism, they came to dominate food service and institutional industries by offering unprecedented portable convenience. However, concerns over their environmental impact have spurred efforts to make paper glass more sustainable through recycling, compostability and behavior change initiatives. Their rise illuminates important debates around balancing disposability, efficiency and sustainability as consumption behaviors continue to shape cities, infrastructure and business models worldwide in the decades ahead. With evolving eco-friendly materials and policies aimed at reducing waste, the future trajectory of paper glass remains an ongoing story of innovation, capitalism and environmental stewardship.

[jamieuowmedia]

Stanley H2.0 Quenchers: What We Can Learn from A Water Bottle Trend

In November 2023, a woman posted a TikTok video of her going out to her burnt down car to retrieve her water bottle. In the video, she strolls up to what remains of her car, pulls out the reusable bottle from the cup holder, and muses to the viewer about how the ice inside her copper orange cup is still intact. This caused a massive craze over a not-so-successful line of water bottles that no one saw coming.

The Stanley H2.0 Quenchers craze really is nothing new. Prior to the Stanley cup trend, we’ve already seen plenty of water bottle brands come and go. From YETI bottles to Hydro Flasks, we’ve been obsessing over reusable bottles for nearly and entire decade. It almost feels like we’re guaranteed to witness the grand rise to prominence of a new water bottle brand every several years. What exactly is causing trends like this to take off?

A Short History of the Stanley Cup Craze

Stanley is not a new brand by any means. In fact, it’s been around for 121 years by the year 2024. For the past century or so, the brand had consistently marketed itself towards blue-collar working-class men and outdoorsy men who enjoy road trips or camping adventures. Its insulation technology and steel exterior has made it very appealing to folks whose water bottles need to pack some resilience for their physical activities. In 2016, Stanley launched a product that was not much different from the ones they put out in all the years prior. They made the tumbler’s bottom fit inside cupholders, added a handle for better grip, but that made little difference to the audience Stanley was targeting at the time, and sales of this bottle just never really took off. In 2019, Stanley stopped manufacturing the cup and stopped marketing for it.

However, cogs in a machine began turning for this unpopular bottle. The cup became a major part of the “WaterTok” trend, where TikTok users posted videos on how they make their water tastier through things like syrups or fruits. But the mug really began taking over the internet because of the video mentioned at the beginning of this article. Reilly posted a stitch of the video, and offered Danielle, the woman whose car burnt down, a new vehicle.

A literal craze over the cup began very soon after. The Valentine’s Day limited edition Quenchers caused fans to line up outside their local Targets and dash inside immediately after the shop opens, just to get their hands on a Stanley tumbler. Many TikTokers showed off massive collections of Stanley Quenchers they own in their houses, walls covered in shelves full of the cup, or continuously pulling out new cups to wash. Though many expressed confusion over the craze as well, unable to understand the rise of the tumbler as it’s just a well-made insulated cup.

What’s the problem then?

While other water bottles have never reached the Quencher’s extremes, trends that implements reusable bottles into a lifestyle’s core has happened before. Brands like YETI, Cirkul and Owala have certainly had each of their share in the spotlight, but the most well-known instance of a hugely popular reusable bottle is undoubtably the Hydro Flask. During 2019, Hydro Flasks rose to prominence through the VSCO girl trend, where teenage girls integrated the bottle into their lives along with an environmentally conscious attitude and an obsession with VSCO, an Instagram alternative where the number of interactions is not visible to the users. Although VSCO girls were mostly not looked upon very highly, they were still highly crucial to the popularity of Hydro Flasks, because reusable bottles were integral to the VSCO girl “environmentally conscious” image.

In our modern society where convenience and efficiency are revered, it’s only natural for disposability to be weaved into the fabric of our reality. Every day we are served coffee in disposable paper cups, sandwiches in disposable boxes, or juices in plastic bottles etc. It’s almost impossible to imagine the amount of waste we create just by going through our day-to-day lives, and reusable bottles provides us with a more environmentally alternative than plastic.

However, the consumerist culture surrounding water bottle trends like Hydro Flask and Stanley Quenchers has brought the opposite effect to the table. The popularity of these bottles is mostly driven by people who are buying into the lifestyle trend they belong in. Many fans of the Stanley cups are not purchasing the Quenchers because they’re in need of a new reusable bottle, but because they’re trying to catch up to the latest TikTok trend, their collection of the cup exists as a symbol of their loyalty to the trends. The wide range of water bottle options on our market is merely consumerism masquerading as the desire for self-expression.  When you’re being constantly bombarded by the latest trends, it’s hard to be rational about what you’re purchasing.

What Remains of the Stanley Cup

Good times did not last long for the Quencher. Very soon after the bottle’s takeoff, customers began posting to TikTok about their bottles being tested positive for lead. While lead-testing kits can produce reliable results, Stanley has released a statement confirming that lead is indeed part of its sealing material. Despite not posing immediate danger for customers, it still caused concern among fans of the company, with recent Quencher releases being of very little hype in both physical stores and internet discussions. After the consumerist dust settles, Stanley will undoubtedly go down in history as a water bottle trends that died one of the most rapid deaths.

[evelynjohn001]

How to Clean a Toilet Brush and Holder

Cleaning the toilet brush and its holder is essential for maintaining proper hygiene in your bathroom. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure that your toilet brush and holder stay clean and free from germs:

Materials You'll Need:

Rubber gloves

Toilet cleaner or disinfectant

Bleach or white vinegar

Scrubbing brush or old toothbrush

Hot water

Paper towels or clean cloth

Steps:

Put on Rubber Gloves: Before starting the cleaning process, it's important to protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves.

Empty the Holder: Remove the toilet brush from its holder and dispose of any excess water or debris in the holder into the toilet.

Disinfect the Holder: Fill the holder with a mixture of hot water and a disinfectant or toilet cleaner. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or grime.

Scrub the Holder: Use a scrubbing brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the inside and outside of the holder thoroughly. Pay special attention to the areas where dirt and bacteria may accumulate, such as the bottom and along the edges.

Rinse: Once you've scrubbed the holder, rinse it thoroughly with hot water to remove any remaining cleaner or disinfectant residue.

Disinfect the Toilet Brush: Fill a bucket or sink with hot water and add a cup of bleach or white vinegar. Submerge the toilet brush in the solution and let it soak for at least 10-15 minutes to kill any bacteria.

Scrub the Brush: After soaking, use a scrubbing brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the bristles of the toilet brush thoroughly. Make sure to scrub both the bristles and the handle to remove any dirt or residue.

Rinse: Once you've scrubbed the brush, rinse it thoroughly under hot running water to remove any remaining debris or cleaning solution.

Dry: After cleaning, shake off any excess water from the brush and holder. Then, allow them to air dry completely before placing the brush back into the holder.

Replace: Once everything is dry, place the clean toilet brush back into its holder.

Tips:

Clean your toilet brush and holder at least once a week to prevent the buildup of bacteria and germs.

Consider using disposable toilet brushes for a more hygienic option, especially if you prefer not to clean the brush and holder frequently.

To maintain a fresh-smelling bathroom, add a few drops of essential oil to the toilet brush holder after cleaning.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your toilet brush and holder remain clean and hygienic, helping to keep your bathroom a healthy environment for you and your family.

[ecobud]

Ecobud’s Stainless Steel Cup with Straw: An Eco-friendly Choice For Everyday Use

In the growing focus on sustainability, embracing eco-friendly choices in our day-to-day life is becoming increasingly important. As part of this movement, changing the way we drink beverages is a significant yet simple step we can take. Introducing Ecobud's Stainless Steel ‘Dazzle’ Cup with Straw, a perfect fusion of style, functionality, and eco-friendliness. Manufactured with sustainability in mind, this cup is more than just a beverage holder — it's a declaration of our commitment to protect the environment.

In an era of environmental awareness and activism, the wastefulness of single-use plastic cups has drawn significant criticism. In its place, reusable drinking containers, particularly those made from durable and recyclable materials like stainless steel, have become a sustainable choice. The Ecobud Stainless Steel Cup is one such option, armed with features to woo both environmentally conscious consumers and those simply wanting a reliable beverage container.

This article dedicates itself to exploring the many perks of the Ecobud Stainless Steel Cup with Straw. Each aspect is discussed in detail, from its robust design and eco-friendly nature to cleaning and maintenance guidelines. It will also delve into options for personalising your cup to reflect your style. So, grab a comfortable seat and join the journey towards sustainability and responsible product choice through the Ecobud Stainless Steel Cup lens.

Durability and Design of the Stainless Steel Cup

The Ecobud Stainless Steel Cup with Straw stands firm on its promise of durability. Made from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel, this cup is designed to endure daily use without the risk of breaking. Its robust nature makes it an ideal choice for outdoor activities, road trips, or simply surviving the chaos of the morning rush hour. Furthermore, the intelligent design of the Ecobud cup offers a practical and stylish solution to your drinking needs. Some key design features include:

Ergonomics: The Ecobud Stainless Steel Cup boasts an ergonomic design that fits comfortably into your hand, ensuring ease of use, whether sipping your morning coffee or a refreshing iced beverage during an afternoon break.

Lids and Straws: The cup has a secure, leak-preventing lid designed to accommodate the reusable stainless steel straw. This innovative combination eliminates the need for single-use plastic straws, reducing plastic waste in our environment.

Eco-Friendliness

The Ecobud Stainless Steel Cup with Straw scores high in the sustainability domain. By choosing this reusable cup, you reduce the environmental impact associated with single-use plastic and paper cups. Here are a few points highlighting the environmental benefits of using the Ecobud cup:

Plastic Reduction: Australians consume millions of single-use disposable coffee cups per year, ending in landfills or littered across streets and beaches. By switching to reusable cups, such as Ecobud's Stainless Steel Cup with Straw, you actively reduce the demand for plastic cups and minimise waste.

Reduced Paper Consumption: Paper cups, often lined with plastic, can take years to break down in a landfill. The production process of these cups also results in deforestation and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Using a reusable stainless steel cup eliminates the need for paper cups, reducing the burden on our planet's resources.

Tips for Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining the pristine condition of your Ecobud Stainless Steel Cup with Straw involves some easy steps. Proper cleaning and care ensure that your cup remains fresh, clean, and ready for use. Here are some tips on cleaning and maintaining your stainless steel cup:

Regular Cleaning: Clean your Ecobud Stainless Steel Cup after each use to prevent the build-up of stains or odours. Wash it with gentle dish soap and warm water, and use a bottle brush or sponge to scrub the interior and exterior surfaces. Don't forget to wash the lid and straw separately.

Rinsing: Rinse your stainless steel cup thoroughly to eliminate any soap residue or lingering smells.

Air Drying: To avoid bacteria and mould growth, let your cup air dry fully with the lid off and detached from the straw.

Storage: When not in use, store your stainless steel cup in a cool, dry place to maintain its appearance and functionality.

Creativity and Personalisation

The Ecobud Stainless Steel Cup with Straw offers plenty of room for creativity and personalisation, enabling you to make it truly one-of-a-kind. Explore the following ways to customise your reusable cup:

Colour Options: Ecobud offers a vibrant array of colours and finishes for their Stainless Steel Cups, ensuring that you find one that suits your personal taste and style.

Engraving: Make your cup stand out with a personalised engraving, such as your name, initials, or a special quote. This unique touch makes your Ecobud cup truly your own.

Conclusion

The Ecobud Stainless Steel Cup with Straw is the perfect eco-friendly addition to your daily routine, boasting a durable design, a positive environmental impact, and options for personalisation. By choosing reusable and sustainable drinkware like this stainless steel cup, you support a cleaner, greener future for our planet.

Explore Ecobud's wide range of eco-friendly products, including our reusable cup with straw, and switch to greener living. Together, we can make a real difference for the environment, one sip at a time.

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[reincarnatedonthefirst]

Since I’ve stopped working and I’m focusing I’ve been focusing on my health for the last four years, I’ve been very careful about how much I spend on household items. Hand soaps, toilet paper, paper towels are things I grab from hospitals and doctor’s offices whenever I’m there.

So, you know I went absolutely crazy at the hotel yesterday.

I couldn’t check in when I got there at 3PM yesterday because no rooms were available. Before heading out to Whole Foods to kill time, I emptied the paper towel holders in both the men’s and women’s hire lobby bathrooms and took out the rolls of toilet paper.

Later on, after checking in, I popped into a few hotel rooms that were waiting to be cleaned by the staff and removed toilet paper, boxes of tissue, and toiletries that the previous guests didn’t take with them (nowadays, before I leave a hotel room, I take everything I paid for except the towels).

This morning, after checking out, I made one last round in the hotel and plucked a few cups and rolls of toilet paper from idle housekeeping carts in the hall. I was not satisfied with my haul so I dropped my luggage off in the car and went back into the hotel through the lobby and made another round on the first floor, looking for more rooms waiting to be cleaned.

What I found instead was the damn mother load of housekeeping supplies: the storage room. I went in, turned on the light, and nearly fainted at the sight of large bins filled with mini lotions, single packet makeup wipes, and disposable razors.

I didn’t have time to think about which items to prioritize and just started stuffing things into my Trader Joe’s shopping bag that I’d been wearing on my shoulder. I left the storage room with a big pack of plastic cups, about 12 single pack makeup wipes, 4 disposable razors, and 4 mini Dove soaps. I went home with a nice stockpile of bathroom supplies.

Is it kleptomania when you enjoy stealing from faceless corporations!? I really do think I have a problem (if you would even call it that). I seriously love not having to pay for essential household items that these greedy companies normally make you pay an arm for and a leg for. I think I’ve paid a total of $2 for toilet paper over the last six months. 😐

[buypackagingmaterialsonline]

Buy Disposable Paper Cups in Wholesale at Low Price

Enhance your paper cups shopping experience with Gujarat Shopee online store. From where you can buy wide range of disposable paper cups in wholesale or bulk at best price. Best deals. Easy and fast delivery all over India. Great offers.

[tattattoosuppliess]

Professional Tattoo Kits: Essential Tools for Tattoo Artists

A professional tattoo kit is the cornerstone of every successful tattoo artist's arsenal. These kits come with a comprehensive range of tools and equipment necessary for creating stunning tattoos with precision and safety. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your tattooing journey, investing in a quality professional tattoo kit is crucial. Let's explore the essential components you can expect to find in a top-notch tattoo kit.

Tattoo Machines:

Tattoo Kit Professional typically includes one or more tattoo machines. These machines, also known as tattoo guns, are the primary tools used to apply ink to the skin. Look for machines with adjustable settings for speed and needle depth to accommodate different tattooing techniques and styles.

Power Supply:

A reliable power supply is essential for operating your tattoo machine. Professional kits often come with a digital power supply that allows precise control over voltage output. This ensures consistent and stable power, which is crucial for achieving clean and crisp tattoo lines.

Tattoo Needles:

Various types and sizes of tattoo needles are included in professional kits. From round liners and shaders to magnum and flat needles, these tools allow artists to create different line weights, shading effects, and fillings. Make sure the kit includes a variety of needle configurations to suit your tattooing needs.

Ink:

High-quality tattoo ink is a must-have in any professional kit. Look for kits that include a range of colors, including primary colors for mixing, black ink for outlining, and various shades for shading and coloring. Ensure the ink is sterile, organic, and safe for use on the skin to avoid any adverse reactions.

Disposable Tubes and Grips:

Disposable tattoo tubes and grips provide a hygienic and safe option for tattooing. These single-use components reduce the risk of cross-contamination and ensure a clean working environment for each client. The kit should include a selection of disposable tubes and grips in different sizes.

Tattoo Inks Cups and Holders:

Small ink cups and holders are essential for organizing and holding tattoo ink during the tattooing process. These disposable cups prevent ink spillage and contamination, ensuring a smooth workflow.

Transfer Paper and Stencil Stuff:

Transfer paper and stencil stuff are used to create stencils of the tattoo design before applying it to the skin. This ensures accurate placement and allows the artist to outline the design before tattooing begins. A professional kit should include high-quality transfer paper and stencil stuff for crisp and clear stencils.

Cleaning Supplies:

Hygiene is paramount in tattooing. A professional kit should include cleaning supplies such as sterilization pouches, autoclave bags, and barrier films. These items help maintain a sterile working environment and prevent the spread of infections.

Protective Gear:

Gloves, aprons, and disposable covers are essential for protecting both the artist and the client during the tattooing process. A professional kit should include a supply of disposable gloves in various sizes and other protective gear to ensure safe and hygienic tattooing practices.

Instructional Materials:

Some professional tattoo kits may include instructional materials such as manuals, DVDs, or online resources. These materials can be invaluable for beginners looking to learn proper tattooing techniques, safety protocols, and aftercare instructions.

When choosing a professional tattoo kit, it's essential to consider the quality and reputation of the brand, the contents of the kit, and your specific tattooing needs. Investing in a high-quality kit ensures that you have the necessary tools and equipment to create stunning tattoos while prioritizing safety and hygiene.

For more information visit us:

Tattoo Gun

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[polypack]

Why You Need Paper Cups & Cup Holders in Your Life

Spilled drinks, wobbly towers of cups, and mountains of washing up - these are the unwelcome guests often crashing your parties, picnics, and on-the-go adventures. But what if there was a simple solution that offered convenience, practicality, and even a touch of eco-consciousness? Enter the dynamic duo of paper cups & cup holders

Why Paper Cups?

Let's face it, washing dishes after a fun gathering can feel like a chore. Paper cups offer a guilt-free escape from this dreaded task. They're disposable, eliminating the post-party cleanup blues. But it doesn't stop there

Variety is the Spice of Life: Whether you're hosting a sophisticated cocktail party or a playful kids' birthday bash, you'll find paper cups in a variety of styles, sizes, and designs to match your theme.

Eco-Conscious Choices: Many paper cups are now made from recycled materials and are biodegradable, making them a more sustainable option than traditional plastic cups.

The Power of the Cup Holder

Paper cups are convenient, but let's be honest, they can be a bit wobbly. This is where the cup holder steps in, adding a much-needed touch of stability and security.

Say Goodbye to Spills: Whether you're navigating a bumpy car ride or a bustling party, a sturdy cup holder minimizes the risk of spills and accidents. No more ruined clothes or sticky carpets

Multitasking Made Easy: Cup holders come in various designs, some equipped with handles or compartments for snacks and napkins. This multifunctionality makes them perfect for picnics, outdoor events, or simply enjoying a drink on the go.

The Perfect Pair

Together, paper cups and cup holders form an unbeatable combination for effortless convenience and peace of mind.

Hassle-Free Parties: Whether it's a backyard barbecue or an elegant gathering, this combo offers a stress-free way to serve drinks without worrying about dishes or spills.

Picnic Perfection: Pack your picnic basket with paper cups and a cup holder, and you're set for a mess-free and enjoyable outdoor experience.

On-the-Go Essentials: Throw a few paper cups and a cup holder in your bag for car rides, road trips, or sporting events. You'll be prepared to enjoy your beverage comfortably and conveniently.

Investing in paper cups and cup holders is not just about convenience, it's about embracing a simpler, more fun approach to enjoying your drinks. So ditch the dishes, grab this dynamic duo, and let the good times flow spill-free.

[swifly1]

Elevate Your Brand with Customized Disposable Products

In the bustling world of food and beverage businesses, standing out is crucial. One effective way to do this is by using custom disposable products. From custom printed paper cups to custom napkins with logo printing, these items not only serve a practical purpose but also act as a marketing tool.

Custom Disposable Cups

Whether you run a coffee shop or a fast-food restaurant, custom disposable cups are essential. You can buy custom logo plastic cups or opt for custom branded paper cups. These are available in various sizes and styles, including double wall paper cups online USA and custom clear disposable cups.

Custom Food Wrapping Paper and Takeout Boxes

Custom food wrapping paper is another excellent way to showcase your brand. It’s not just about wrapping food; it’s about wrapping your brand identity around every product you sell. Similarly, custom takeout boxes set online and custom takeout container set online can enhance your brand visibility.

Custom Napkins and Wet Wipes

Hygiene is paramount in the food industry. Offering branded fresh naps online in USA or custom wet wipes to your customers can elevate their dining experience. You can also buy custom napkins online, including custom napkins with logo.

Custom Toothpicks and Toothpick Flags

Toothpicks may seem insignificant, but they can make a big impression when customized. You can buy custom toothpick flags or even get your own logo plastic cups online USA.

Custom Kraft Bags and Paper Bags

For businesses that offer takeaway services, custom kraft bags, custom paper bag with handle, and custom paper bag with large handle are ideal. They are sturdy, eco-friendly, and offer ample space for branding.

Other Customizable Items

There are many other items you can customize, such as custom printed towelette packets, custom salad bowl, custom toothpicks, custom-printed sugar sticks, and even a custom cup holder online.

In conclusion, customizing your disposable products is an effective way to promote your brand. So why wait? Start exploring these options today!

For More Info: -

Shop Custom Printed Plastic Cups

Shop Custom Sugar Sticks

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[holyarbitermaker]

Your Coffee, Your Way: Exploring the Benefits of Personalized Reusable Coffee Cups

In a world that thrives on personalization and sustainability, it's no surprise that the concept of personalized reusable coffee cups has taken the beverage industry by storm. Coffee lovers from all walks of life are embracing the idea of having their coffee, their way, while reducing their environmental impact. In this article, we delve into the numerous benefits of personalized reusable coffee cups and how they are transforming the coffee culture for the better.

 A Unique Statement

Personalized reusable coffee cups offer an opportunity for individuals to make a unique statement. From custom colors, patterns, to names or inspiring quotes, the cups reflect the owner's personality and taste. It becomes a fashionable accessory, making it easy for baristas to recognize their regular customers and build a stronger connection.

 Environmentally Friendly

The detrimental effects of single-use coffee cups on the environment are well-documented. By choosing Promotional Coffee Mugs With Logo , you contribute to reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. These cups are typically made from sustainable materials such as stainless steel, bamboo, or glass, ensuring a greener planet for future generations.

Enhanced Insulation

One of the significant advantages of personalized reusable coffee cups is their enhanced insulation. Unlike traditional paper cups, these cups keep beverages hot or cold for more extended periods, preserving the desired temperature of your drink throughout the day. This feature ensures a delightful coffee experience without rushing to finish your beverage before it loses its warmth.

 Cost-Effective Investment

While the initial cost of a personalized reusable coffee cup might be higher than a disposable one, it proves to be a cost-effective investment in the long run. Many coffee shops offer discounts to customers who bring their own cups, leading to savings on each purchase. Over time, these savings can be substantial, making the cup pay for itself and more.

Hygienic and Easy to Clean

Reusable coffee cups are designed with ease of use in mind. They are easy to clean, often being dishwasher-safe, and some come with special lids that prevent spills during transportation. Moreover, since they are personal, you can ensure they are always kept hygienic by washing them thoroughly after each use.

Reduction of Paper Cup Waste

By opting for a personalized reusable coffee cup, you directly contribute to reducing paper cup waste. According to research, over 16 billion disposable Promotional Coffee Mugs are used each year, and only a fraction gets recycled. Making the switch to reusable cups can significantly impact this wasteful statistic.

 Customizable Size Options

Unlike disposable cups with fixed sizes, Ceramic Coffee Mugs come in various capacities, accommodating different coffee preferences. Whether you enjoy a small espresso shot or a large latte, there's a reusable cup tailored to your needs.

 Ideal for On-the-Go Lifestyles

For those with busy lifestyles, personalized reusable coffee cups are a game-changer. They are spill-resistant, fit most standard cup holders, and are lightweight, making them perfect companions for commuters, travelers, or anyone who enjoys coffee on the go.

Promoting Brands and Local Businesses

Customized coffee cups can be a creative marketing tool for businesses. Local coffee shops or companies can offer personalized cups to their customers, effectively promoting their brand while encouraging eco-friendly habits.

Supporting Sustainable Initiatives

By investing in a personalized reusable coffee cup, you become a part of a global movement promoting sustainability. Each small step contributes to a larger goal of reducing waste and protecting the environment for future generations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Custom Coffee Mugs offer a plethora of benefits, from showcasing your unique style to minimizing environmental impact. As the world becomes more conscious of the need for sustainable practices, embracing the trend of personalized reusable coffee cups is not just a fad, but a significant step towards a greener and more personalized future in the world of coffee. So, why wait? Choose your coffee, your way, and make a positive change today with a personalized reusable coffee cup.