#high cotton boutique

[samkkshopping]

Shreya Ghoshal Stuns in Black Abla Georgette Salwar Suit

Introduction:

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Also Check Out:

Sharara Suit || Festive Salwar Kameez || Party Wear Salwar Kameez || Engagement Salwar Kameez || Sangeet Salwar Kameez || Palazzo Suit || Plus Size Salwar Kameez

[poetryandfluffycats]

Dances and Daydreams

A/N: this is turning into a bsd blog😭 this oneshot is a part of this kidnapper nikolai au ive got going on (Quiz time! being the first oneshot) but its not like you have to read them in order or anything

Pairing: Kidnapper!NIkolai Gogol x fem!reader

Content: Nikolai asks you to dance, and daydreams fill your mind

Warnings: kidnapping, mentions of torture

Words: 522

Oneshot under cut!

Another day, another torture session.

Not real torture, anyway. Not the kind you hear about on the news, the kind that makes you say "what's happened to the world?" and then move on with your day. No, Nikolais idea of torture was something else entirely, something I wasn't sure how to put into words

"May I have this dance?" He held out a gloved hand to me, the other tucked neatly behind his back. A cheeky grin was plastered on his face, his sharpened teeth geaming in the dim light of the basement. It was a look I saw regularly, one he gave often since we started this game of house.

Rules were simple: Play the role of the perfect girlfriend, as perfect you can be whilst stuck in this basement, and he won't kill you. It was a promise, sealed with a pinky swear and a sloppy kiss to my forehead.

"Of course, Kolya" I tired my best to smile, although it probably came out looking like a grimace. The nickname Nikolai made me call him felt sticky in the mouth, like when you eat too much cotton candy and it gets stuck to the roof of your mouth.

Cotton candy... that would be nice right now.

I placed my hand in his, allowing him to pull me off the bed and into his arms. The hand not holding mine traveled down my back, resting on my waist and gripping my gown tight. My own hand moved up to his shoulder, squeezing slightly. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it certainly wasn't comfortable, either.

We began moving, swaying side to side as Nikolai hummed a tune I didn't recognize. The rhythm was a slow one, something you'd hear at a high school prom, or a wedding. I tired to imagine us somewhere else, anywhere but this shitty basement. On the dancefloor at our wedding, him looking his best in a fancy tux, I imagined it being white, and me in a pretty dress, like the one I had been eying up at the boutique near my work. It would be a beautiful day, a little girls daydream.

My nightmare.

The fantasy shattered in my mind. The image of Nikolai in a ironed suit, hair neat and tied back, eyes not covered by layers upon layers of facepaint quickly turned into him now. His hair was a fizzy mess in his braid, his jester get-up torn and covered in who-knows what, his cakey makeup that still failed to hide the deep bags under his eyes. The wedding venue morphed into the basement, the bright lights transformed into the flickering of the single candle in the corner, my big, poofy dress was back to the lifeless gown I wore.

This wasn't a wedding, it wasn't a fairytale.

It might as well have been my funeral.

"Dove? Everything okay?" Nikolai suddenly stopped in his tracks, using a hand to tilt my chin up.

I had started crying, god I was stupid. Crying over a wedding that didn't happen, a man I would never love. Crying over a psychopath.

"Yeah, I'm alright. Let's keep dancing"

[helaelaemond]

Pairing:  Billy Washington x ex girlfriend!reader

Word count: 3.4k

Summary: direct follow-on from this chapter but can be read as a stand-alone. After hooking up with Billy at a party, despite having not seen him for years and years, and despite him being married with a kid, you have to decide to visit him. Porn with significant plot.

Part of It’s All For You Billy!verse - reader and Billy were childhood friends, and on the cusp of adulthood, they took their friendship to a deep and meaningful love. However, as the years went by, reader tried harder and harder to build a better life despite life pushing back, whilst Billy let it overwhelm him. Despite their good relationship, reader wanted more from life than what he could offer, and she took a job overseas that he couldn’t follow her to. In the years apart, he found Becky, and things got worse. Much worse. Cranstead happened two years ago now, and reader is back in London, ready to continue her better life.

Praise, penetrative sex

Content warning(s): infidelity, baby as a plot point, angst

Rating: E

Masterlist

Thank you to @arcielee for being so supportive and encouraging with this verse, without your interest and love for the story, I'd never have the motivation to write more!

Billy gave you his address last time you saw him, and his number. It's the first time in years that he's not had you blocked. It's only been three days since the party where you hooked up, and you can't get him out of your head. Something in you craves him, calls out to him. The memory of him makes your blood sing, makes your bones ache.

Yeah, he tells you. Becky's on the night shift, come over. You can meet the baby.

You live in Shoreditch now, an area teeming with tech start-ups, high-end boutiques, and almost criminal levels of gentrification. From a selfish point of view, it's nice. For the first time in your life, you actually feel like you have a chance at financial stability. So you slip onto the Northern line at Old Street. Seven stops take you well into south London, right under the river, and at Oval you get off. It's the height of summer, and the night is muggy. It would have been nice to wear a dress, but the tube is way too sticky to be comfortable with that, so you stick to shorts and a cotton shirt in a blue that matches his eyes.

That's why you bought it. For his eyes. It's silly, maybe, but it makes you feel close to him. To Billy Washington. Another woman's husband.

The walk from Oval to his flat on Cowley Road takes fifteen minutes. You struggle to not hurry there, but the last thing you want is to turn up sweaty and messy. God, no, it shouldn't matter what you look like. You're just going to see an old friend, nothing more! You're not about to ruin someone's marriage, or enable him to cheat on his wife. Not again, anyway.

It's pathetic how your heart is racing when you press the buzzer for flat three.

"Yeah?" comes the familiar voice through the intercom.

"It's me," you reply. Your voice cracks.

You can hear the smile in his. "Come on up."

The lift in the building is broken but that's alright, it's only one flight of stairs. He's waiting in the doorway of his flat for you, and there's a warm blush in his cheeks.

Your heart pounds in your chest.

"Hi," he says quietly.

"Hey."

After an awkward pause, he bends down and kisses your cheek. "You wanna come in?"

You think about saying something smart. But there's a lump in your throat that keeps you silent, and instead you just smile and nod, and follow him into his flat. The front door closes almost silently behind you.

"Cuppa?"

"Please."

Billy leads you into the little kitchen and pulls out two mugs from an overhead cupboard. With a jolt in your stomach, you realise you recognise one of them. It's a cream mug that has little sprigs of lavender painted over it. It's the mug you painted on one of your first dates with him, back when you were teenagers. He kept it.

"Milk, two sugars?" he asks quietly.

"No milk, no sugar," you answer with a smile.

"Wow." He grins and glances up at you. "Things really have changed, huh?"

Leaning against the counter, you look around the small room. The surfaces are clean but cluttered with bottles and plastic plates and snacks for the kid. Tea and coffee, too, and bread wrapped in plastic. Just general untidiness, signs of a lived-in place. The hob could do with a good scrub, you think. But with a baby, it must be hard to find the time.

"Here," he says, handing you the mug.

You take it, and your fingers brush his. Time stars and ends where your skin touches. "You kept it."

His lips twitch and he knows exactly to what you are referring. "You left it when you went away. Was one of the only things I couldn't bear to throw out."

Nodding slightly, you take a sip. The black tea is way too hot to drink and it makes you hiss slightly.

"C'mon, let's go sit down." Billy leads you into the living room that is full of baby item. The sofa is just about big enough for two, and next to the door, a gaming set up is covered with toys and a play mat - it looks like it hasn't been touched for weeks. The curtains are drawn against the night, with the lump of a long-disused guitar behind it. On the wall hangs a photo of a smiling couple on their wedding day.

You have a closer look. The bride is pretty, her hair piled up with a little tiara and flowing veil, and her dress is nice. It has a plunging neckline, but the stiff satin sleeves are long, and the flowing lines are modest. Next to her, Billy is smiling in a suit that doesn't quite fit right, with hair pushed back in a way that looks alien. It's difficult to recognise him.

"You look happy here," you remark. Doing your best to sound casual is a challenge.

"I dunno if I was."

You look over your shoulder at him questioningly.

"It was only a month after Cranstead. I guess... I guess taking that step made me feel in control, and that felt good."

"Is that what the other night was?" you ask. "Taking control?"

"Nah. That was losing it."

You fold your arms over your chest. God, it all feels so stupid now. Why did you come here? What more is there to say? You left and you promised you'd be back for him. And he didn't wait. That's the end of it. Your eyes go to the other pictures on the wall - a pregnant Becky with Billy's arms around her belly, the ultrasound photo. Their baby. Their child.

"You really are a dad, aren't you?" you say softly after a moment.

"Yeah."

"I mean, I knew you were, but... but I couldn't quite wrap my head around it, you know? It didn't seem... real."

"You wanna see him? He's asleep right now, but you can pop your head in."

You should say no. You shouldn't want to see another woman's baby, but... you're curious. Morbidly so. And so you nod.

"C'mon."

Next door to the living room is the one bedroom in the flat. The light from the hallway spills in. Most of the room is taken up by the double bed he shares with his wife, and the sight of it makes your chest ache. That's where he holds her, and that's where she touches him. That's where he fucks her. Maybe he fucks her on the sofa, too. He used to love fucking you on the sofa in your parents' house.

At the far side is a cot, shoved between the bed and the wall. It's really cramped in here. Glancing over at Billy, he nods in encouragement, and you pad over, and look down.

Fast asleep in the crib is Billy's baby. Just over a year old, he looks so peaceful sleeping there. His hair is soft and light, and it looks like he's at the age where his features are starting to come in. Beneath the layers of soft baby fat, his jaw looks long and sharp, just like Billy's.

"What colour are his eyes?" you ask softly.

"Still blue." Billy is suddenly very close behind you. His breath grazes your neck. "Starting to get darker, though. Think they'll be brown like Becky's."

"Hmm. He's beautiful."

"Yeah." And then, as if it's nothing at all, Billy hooks his chin over your shoulder, and his arms come around your waist. And he holds you. He holds you, as if no time has passed at all, as if nothing has changed. And together, you look down at his child. For a moment, if you try hard enough, you imagine it's one you have given him. Never before have you wanted children, but to have them with Billy wouldn't be so bad.

Billy whispers quietly against your ear. "C'mon, let's let him sleep."

Back in the living room, your tea has cooled enough to drink. You sit next to him on the sofa, your legs pulled underneath you, and your arm slung across the back of it until your hand is dangerously close to Billy's shoulders.

"So," he says to break the suddenly heavy silence. "Why did you wanna come here?"

"I..." To talk. To fuck. To beg you to leave your bitch wife and come home with me. "Just to catch up, I guess." No, she's not a bitch. She's just not me.

His face lights up. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." His smile is infectious. "I guess I've got a lot to tell you."

"So tell me."

And just like that, it's the same as it always was. He listens like you're the only person in the world, like you're the most fascinating speaker, telling the most wondrous tale. You tell him what happened after you left - you left to go overseas as a holiday rep in the Med, and from there, you made your way up the ranks. After years of hard work, and a little bit of luck, you were offered a place in the contact centre as a manager, a huge step up in your career - and pay. Now, you can afford your own pretty large place in London. It's two bedrooms and overlooks a little park with huge windows and wooden floors.

"I told you I'd come back," you murmur after you've shared every detail of your life. Almost an hour has gone by.

"I know." He looks at you as he rests his head back against the sofa. "I just... I didn't believe it."

"What did I ever do to make you disbelieve me?"

"Nothing. You were always... great." He shifts slightly where he's sitting, and then suddenly his head meets your hand. Without even thinking, you card your fingers through his hair, and he sighs softly. "You've done something amazing with your life."

"So have you," you soothe. The pain in his voice tugs at your very soul - it is your job to make him feel better. That's always been your job, and how you love it so. "You have a life, Billy. A wife, and a son."

He snorts softly. "I love my kid, he's not a mistake. But..."

"But?"

"I think I'd be happier if I wasn't a father." He pauses, and closes his eyes. "I've never said that outloud before."

"Oh." Without even realising, you shift closer to him. Your knee ends up resting on his thigh. It's pathetic how even this little touch makes heat rush between your legs. "Well... it's very brave of you to admit. I think it's also impressive that you've recognised it in yourself."

"Two years of intense therapy has made me analyse everything I do," he says with a snort.

"Does it help?"

"Dunno. A bit. I guess." He looks at you, blue eyes piercing. "Makes me know exactly what I want."

"What do you want?"

"Right now?"

"Billy..."

His hand rests on your knee, and his thumb strokes your warm skin. "The other night wasn't a mistake for me. And I meant what I said?"

"When?"

He bites his lip. "When we were fucking. When I said I'm not letting you go. When I said I was yours. Did... did you mean what you said?"

"When?"

"When you promised not to leave again. When you said you belonged to me."

You swallow. "Billy, I... I meant that. But... but it's more complicated."

His beautiful eyes slowly fill with tears, round and shining in the dim light of the room. "I've made so many mistakes with you gone. Mistakes that... that got people killed. Nearly got me killed."

"But that also brought about life," you remind him softly. When a tear spills from his eye, you carefully wipe it away. "You've done so well for yourself, Billy. Don't cry, sweet boy."

He catches your hand and kisses your palm. His face is smoother than it was at the party - he's shaved carefully. The lips on your skin make your eyes close in bliss.

"I'm so sorry," he whispers. "I'm so sorry I didn't wait."

"It's alright. I promise, it's alright. I can wait longer, I can."

"I can't," he answers. And then, he leans close, and his hand is on your waist, and his forehead is against your temple. It makes you shiver. "I need you in my life."

"I'm here," you soothe. But feeling him this close to you is making the world spin. You should push Becky's husband away, the baby's father away, but those people are fading into the background. Selfishness makes you forget them, and in their place is just Billy. Your Billy. "Leave her."

"I can't. Not with the baby."

"I'll wait til he's older."

"Can't wait that long. Need you. All of you."

"Billy..."

Turning your head is a mistake, because he kisses you then.

His lips are soft against yours. He tastes like tea, warm and familiar. The touch of his mouth on yours is so gentle, so perfect, it has you floating in the clouds. Even when his strong hands guide you into his lap, he is careful and gentle. Last time, you kissed in a flurry of need and passion. This is deeper. This isn't just your bodies crashing together.

This is your soul finding its home with his.

"We shouldn't," you murmur.

"I know," comes his reply. He tugs your lip between his, sucking gently, before dipping down to kiss your throat. "Tell me to stop."

"I..." When he finds the seam between your neck and your shoulder, you whine softly. "I can't."

You take turns touching and kissing. It is haze, this moment with him. A flurry of touches and caresses, each more loving than the last, until all clothes are discarded, and you are skin to skin. Last time, you had both been too hasty to undress. But now, it is as if you have all the time in the world.

"You are so beautiful," he whispers. In his lap, he looks down your body with as much reverence as how he listened to your words. Like you're a work of art. Like you were made in the heavens for him.

A warm hand cups the swell of your breast and he kisses your skin, nipping gently here and there. The other caresses your side as you bury your fingers back into his hair and scrape his scalp until he groans in delight. You grind slowly in his lap. Billy's pretty cock is caught between you and his stomach, and with the right tilt of your hips, you slip it between your folds and whimper when it grinds against your clit.

The hand on your side finds its way between your legs. "My pretty girl," he whispers against your breast. When his long fingers press against the lips of your pussy, he takes your nipple into his mouth. Suckling gently brings forth another soft noise of delight from you. He's so good with his mouth, and his fingers.

That's one thing you've always remembered fondly about him. He never went to fuck you right away, either with his cock or his hand. He understood, somehow, that there was no much more to it. And he understands that now, too. He takes his time stroking your cunt from top to bottom, running his fingers through your wet crevices, tracing the silken lines there. He teases your entrance and presses his fingertip against it until you writhe slightly in his lap. You clutch at his speckled back.

"Billy," you whisper. "That feels so nice."

"You feel so nice," comes his gentle reply. "You're so perfect."

"Mmm. No, I'm not."

His lips kiss their way up your chest and neck and cheek until they meet yours again. "Yeah," he argues lovingly. "Y'are."

Between your legs, you take his wet hand and together your grasp his cock. You lift up your hips, and as he holds his base, you guide his tip to the little dip between your thighs that leads to absolution.

As you sink down on him and feel him find home inside you, you moan softly.

"Breathe," he soothes. "Oh, my pretty girl. You're so relaxed for me, aren't you?"

It's impossible not to preen at his praise. You know it comes from his heart. He's always made you relaxed, even in the throes of passion. It's never been difficult for him to slip inside. Hot and slick, that's how you always greet him.

"Slowly," you tell him. Arms wrap around his neck, and its your turn now to kiss his throat, his ear, his jaw. Oh, his perfect jaw, so sharp. You run your nose through his hair and it smells like lavendar. Your scent. After all this time, he... he surrounds himself with memories of you. Oh, God.

"You set the pace," he murmurs in response. Large hands splay over the skin of your back ane they run up and down. As you steadily ride him, one hooks under your backside to help you. You whimper quietly in thanks against his ear. The moan he gives you in reply is needy. "Good girl," he praises. "Oh, you take me so well. You make me feel so good."

When your pace quickens, and the pleasure is sharper, you bury your face into his neck and tears spring into your eyes. "I know," he soothes. "I know, sweet girl. Just keep going, just like that."

"Oh, Billy," you sigh. His cock is everything you need - almost. But he knows that. He's always known that, from the very first time you were together at eighteen years old. "Please."

"Please, what?" he teases, as if he is clueless.

Biting your lip, you lean back in his arms and try not to laugh. "You know what I want."

Billy's sweet eyes roam your body, your breasts, your stomach, and come to settle where his cock disappears into you. "Oh, look at you. So good, taking me like it's nothing."

"Everything," you breathe. "Like you're everything."

"Oh," he answers softly. "So good with your words."

His praise renders you speechless. Instead of replying, you gently tug on his hair to make his head lift up and bring his gaze back to yours. "Please?" you ask again. All the while, you ride him at a steady pace.

He repeats his question. "Please, what?"

Having to answer him makes your cheeks flush. "Your hand, Billy."

"Say my name again," he teases, grinning.

You draw it out happily. "Billy."

"Oh, well done." His eyes stay fixed on yours as he brings his hand between your bodies and catches your clit between his knuckles. It's a gentle touch, not restrictive, and he lets you grind to catch a rhythm that works best for you.

He knows you. Every inch.

"You're heaven," he praises softly. "Tell me. Tell me what you want, my sweet girl."

"Just this," you manage to answer. "Just you."

"Shit" he breathes.

Sweet words are exchanged as you fuck on the little sofa in his little flat, hidden from the world, from his wife. It doesn't last long after that.

He comes buried inside of you, the taste of your name on his tongue. You follow soon after. Teeth marks are left in his shoulder after your orgasm makes you shake and almost white out, needing something to fill your mouth to stop you from shrieking and waking the baby.

Her baby.

Not yours. Not your husband.

Panting, you stay in Billy's lap. He strokes your damp back, and you caress his messy hair.

"Is this how it's gonna be?" you ask after a blissful silence that is filled only with your matched breathing. "Sneaking here while your wife's at work?"

"I dunno," he admits softly.

"She deserves better than that."

"Yeah."

"Maybe... maybe we can be friends," you suggest. Inside of you, his cock is still warm. You shift your hips slightly. He'll be hard again soon.

"We're not gonna be friends," he answers, and there is a smile in his words. "We were never just friends, even when we were."

"Then what?"

"I dunno. I dunno how to stay away from you."

"Then don't."

"Doesn't having an affair make us bad people?" you whisper against his ear. It makes him shiver.

"Yeah."

You close your eyes and press your forehead to the bite you've left. "Maybe we'll go to Hell."

He shrugs. "I'm starting to think Heaven is right here, right now, with you."

"I don't want to be a bad person. But I can't lose you again."

"We'll find a way. I promise. We will."

"Alright."

[arsenalgbt]

deleted scene - deckai dysfunctional arranged marriage AU 👀

“What do you and Sebi call Declan again?”

“Hmm?”

Lucille smiles. “Do you like this one better?”

“Yes, actually.” Kai raises his arms and inspects his side. His tiny breasts are concealed by the wide strap breastfeeding bra. The design is seamless, meaning Kai won’t have bra lines showing against his tops, with premium cotton material that feels breathable in the summer. “Stretchy. It’s not suffocating.”

“That’s great. How about the colour?” Lucille asks. “Can I see the front?”

“This one’s good.” Kai looks down to the slightest twin peaks from his point of view. He turns to face Lucille, already past embarrassment of showing so much skin in front of Papa’s wife. “Should I get this in white as well?” Lucille told him earlier that he should not pick bras in black, because that particular colour absorbs more heat.

“And a size up, sweetheart, you’re growing still.”

Kai blinks. “My chest will get even bigger?”

“Oh, yes.” Lucille giggles, waggling her eyebrows. “The front clasps are not digging into your skin?”

Everything is perfect and Kai gets the same style in white, and another two but in one size bigger. Declan and Sebastian are just around the corner from the boutique bra shop, they are either still in the bookstore or exploring the high street.

“They’re just at the gelato shop,” Kai says to Lucille after checking his phone. “Ah, now I want one. Shall we?”

They meet in the middle. Sebastian drops Declan’s hand that he was holding as he runs to them.

“Kaichen!” He yells rather urgently. “Kaichen, why is Deccie eating toothpaste flavoured gelato?!” He has what looks like a vanilla flavour gelato with chocolate crumbles.

“I heard my name.” Declan pouts, cluelessly enjoying half-finished of his favourite flavour. Lucille is already laughing.

She chimes in, “He wants to know why you like toothpaste flavoured gelato, Declan.”

This is probably Declan’s -nth time being scandalised by Sebastian. “It’s mint chocolate chip!” he shrieks, but he’s grinning.

“You are so weird!” Sebastian makes a face, tugging at Lucille’s linen trousers. “Mama, Deccie is so weird.”

Lucille hums, and replies in English, “But you like him, no?”

Sebastian narrows his eyes at Declan who’s jutting out his bottom lip further, doing his best to look pitiful.

“He’s alright…”

Kai giggles, sneaking an arm around Declan’s waist, tilting his head for a kiss. Declan gives him exactly what he wants, and offers his gelato. In the end, Kai finishes the gelato and they head to the Palais Princier de Monaco to see the antique cars.

[oldtimesnew]

Yves Saint Laurent Boutique at Fortnum & Mason

Model in crisp cotton dress with a high neck and a demure bare back

Harper's Bazaar UK, April 1968

[powpowpunchout]

Looking Forward To It

Super Macho Man laid across the purple, velvet seats of his limousine as he scrolled through his flip phone.

He grumbled to himself every time he hit a wrong button. His fingers were far too big for this  new phone. He only got it a couple days ago, and while he did love the glistening, metallic blue cover, along with his initials spelt out with tiny, round, silver diamonds–yes, real diamonds, as if he’d ever use faux ones–it just wasn’t cutting it for him. It was way too small.

Yeah, yeah, it wasn’t ink-stained like the one he had to throw away, but how’s he supposed to text the ladies and call his friends if he keeps hitting the wrong buttons?

The world truly gives Macho Man its hardest challenges.

Macho Man shifted onto his side and adjusted his seatbelt. With the way Macho was laying, the seatbelt was going more across his neck than it was his chest. He didn’t care about whatever ‘safety hazards’ this potentially had, he preferred this pose over sitting up right and having the belt constantly dig into his pecs.

Without taking his eyes off the phone, Macho stretched his arm out and grabbed his drink off the personal bar that sat across from him.

The bar wasn’t anything too fancy, unfortunately. Just a sleek, black countertop with a thin, white light going along the edge. There was an assortment of glasses placed on the shelves underneath the counter–the glasses were held in place by mounted drink holders to make sure they wouldn’t fall over and shatter–and placed below the shelves was a small fridge compartment he could pop open to help himself to a fine array of liquor.  

A fine array of liquor that he wasn’t drinking, because it was noon. That’s not prime drinking time.

Instead, he was having water in a wine glass with his initials on it.

As soon as he brought it to his face, the limo hit a bump and water splashed him.

He sat right up and cussed. He grabbed a fistfull of napkins on the counter and started patting down his blue and white striped, deep-v, cotton cardigan. He shuddered as he felt the cold water seep through the fabric and touch his skin.  

“Ey, a heads up next time would’ve been great!” Macho Man shouted at his driver as he wiped the water off his face.

“Sorry sir.” He heard his driver say, his voice muffled by the rolled up window that separated the driver’s compartment from the passenger’s.

Macho Man huffed and continued drying himself off.

He was thankful his hair and slim, black jeans barely got a drop on them, but his golden necklace wasn’t as lucky. He paid good money for that dang thing–

Macho Man stopped. His eyes darted around.

Where was his phone?

Macho Man searched around until he spotted it on the black, carpeted floor, laying right next to a plastic bag. He was careful not to touch the bag as he reached out for his phone. There wasn’t anything nasty in the bag, just his ink stained robe and speedo, but still. He didn’t want to touch it.

Honestly, just thinking about those stains started to tick him off. He thought they’d be easy to wash off, that he could send them over to his personal washer and they’d come back spotless, but that’s not what happened.

Instead, he got a call from his washer saying they tried everything they could and had no luck, so Macho threw the clothes into a bag and went over to his tailor, who only shrugged and said he wasn’t able to do anything except suggest a seamstress. Her name was Mallow, she was apparently a good friend of his tailor’s and apparently ran a real high end boutique.

Macho remembered the written description his tailor texted him the other day. The outside of it was white and had large windows, along with a couple of potted plants by the glass front door, while the name of the boutique–’Mesmerize’--was written above in golden cursive.  

It was also pretty dang far from his mansion. It better be worth the trip.

Macho’s phone let out a little ‘Bing!’ sound. He barely lifted his brows when he saw he got a text from some jewelry brand’s representative that was interested in having him model a couple of their products.

He’ll answer it later. If he even feels like talking to them later.

He already had, like, three other brand deals he had to meet up with after the boutique, and he wasn’t looking forward to any of them. Those meetings were always so painfully boring.

Speaking of boring, this ride was boring. Macho Man turned his head towards the window and watched as the limo passed by a bunch of fancy looking stores and restaurants, along with–

Macho Man’s eyes widened. He pressed his face against the glass.

Did they just pass by Bear Hugger? He could’ve sworn they passed by Bear Hugger just moments ago.

Macho turned back around and folded his arms. He was kinda tempted to stick his head out the window and holler Hugger’s name, but unfortunately, that’d be too ‘attention grabbing’.

That sucks.

Usually, Macho doesn’t care about what garnered people’s attention, but apparently his driver did. His driver was also the reason this limo ride was probably his most boring one yet. They couldn’t blast any music, they couldn’t flash any colorful lights, and Macho couldn’t stick his head outta the windows or the sunroof. Heck, even the limo they were in was probably his lamest one.

It was short, only having about eight seats, while the exterior was white. The only things remotely interesting was the license plate, which just had Super Macho Man’s initials on it. There was also a thin line of gold that stretched across the bottom of the limo, which was the only pop of color it had. Other than that? Absolutely, painfully boring.

All because his driver didn’t want to ‘be spotted and swarmed by fans again’, and he was ‘tired of putting up with screaming people and flashing cameras’.

Macho Man rolled his eyes at the recollection. That guy needs to live a little.

If his fans went outta their way to chase down his limo, all just to say ‘Hi’, you bet Macho’s gonna give them a ‘Hi’ back. That’s dedication he can respect. Plus, it’s attention! Who doesn’t like extra attention?

‘Bald Bull.’ A voice in the back of his head said. Macho groaned.

He already felt like garbage when Bull told him a whole bunch of freaks started blasting his phone a couple days ago, he does not need a reminder.

Macho started to fiddle with the chains of his necklace. How was he supposed Bull’s number was gonna get around to so many people? How was he supposed to know they’d bombard Bull’s phone for hours on end?

He slumped against the seat and stared at his phone.

Maybe he should call Bull again.

Macho dialed his number, but as soon as he hit the green button, a message popped up.

‘THIS CALLER DOES NOT EXIST.’

His chest stung the moment he read those words–

Macho snapped his phone shut and threw it across the limo.

No it didn’t.

It’s cool. It’s whatever.

He doesn’t even care that he chucked his phone away. He needed a new one anyway.

He’s got bigger things to worry about, like those brand deals, and his stained clothes, and–

He turned his head towards the window again.

The fact that it’s cloudy. That’s another thing to worry about. What if it rains and his outfit gets all wet? Can’t let that happen.

Macho Man rubbed his temples.

He’s talking about the weather of all things now. This ride’s really taking a toll on him. He can’t wait till they finally reach the boutique.

~ ~ ~ ~

“...Then suddenly my neighbor comes knockin’ at my door–and usually we get along all fine ‘n dandy…” Bear Hugger rambled as he struggled to open a large bag of mixed bird seeds.

Piston Hondo nodded along. He held his arms behind his back, the feeling of the oversized, loose sleeves of his dark blue haori hitting him just above the wrists bothered him more than it should. And while he could roll down the sleeves of the crimson, buttoned up shirt he wore underneath, he’d prefer not to. His shirt’s sleeves were longer than his jacket’s; if he rolled them down, it’d look uneven. It’s such a minor thing, but it’d pester him to no end.

“...But she’s knockin’ at my door, I open it, and BOY, I have never seen her so angry since th’time I accidentally punched that tree through her window years ago. So I was thinkin’: Uh oh.” Bear Hugger was so focused on trying to open the bag that he didn’t notice he was starting to drift to the left. He almost ran into a garbage can, but Hondo quickly grabbed him by the end of his brown and white plaid jacket and pulled him back.

The path they were walking on was rather narrow. On the right of them was a cement fence that stood taller than Bear and completely blocked the view of whatever was on the other side, save for the tops of trees. On the left were black lamp posts, flowers that sat in thin, rectangular cement pots that completely contrasted the plants' loose and free forms, and the occasional wooden bench and trash can. Past the lampposts was a road, and despite there being numerous signs telling people to drive slowly, people just rushed on through, which made crossing to the other side to reach the stores quite risky.

“Thank ya!” Bear flashed Hondo a smile before he continued, “Anyways, I thought I broke somethin’ of her’s again, but instead she shoves a dingy lookin’ box in my hands ‘n tells me to keep my pets under control. I open th’box and out pops Knack!”

Hondo raised his brows. He’s met Knack a couple of times before. One of Bear’s many animals he’s helped care for in the past. Knack was much smaller than the other squirrels Hondo’s seen, one of his ears had been cut off due to a barbed-wire injury, and he was the type that preferred to lay around and snack.

“Turns out the li’l feller was gettin’ tired of waitin’ for me to feed him–and whatever my neighbor was cookin’ must’ve smelled mighty tasty, cause he went and snuck right in!”

Hondo tilted his head towards his friend, “Did you not feed him at the usual time?”

5 PM was the ‘usual time’ Bear went to his front yard and fed whichever animals were patiently waiting on his lawn. He used to feed them multiple times a day, but narrowed it down to one because he didn’t want to ‘spoil them’. Not that it made any difference. Hondo’s seen how much Bear feeds those animals. They were well beyond spoiled.

“Well, I was–” Bear’s cheeks turned a rosy pink, he stopped messing with the bag of seeds, “I got caught up with stuff.”

“Stuff?” Hondo repeated, his serious, monotone voice never changing, “Was it so important that you had to subject those animals to starvation?”

“Starvation–?! They hadda wait an extra ten minutes at most, they were fine!”

“I cannot believe I am friends with such a heartless man.”

“Awh, knock it off!” Bear pouted before turning his attention back to the bag, “Bad enough all those critters gave me the saddest pairs of eyes I’ve ever seen–and all that cryin’ they did! My heart nearly shattered last night, I don’t need t’feel guilty all over again.”  

Hondo let out a chuckle, his stoic face shifting for just a moment.

Hondo then adjusted his white headband and looked up.

The clouds were thick and dark. What started as a gentle breeze in the morning had grown into strong winds that carried a familiar, fresh, earthy smell.

It was probably going to rain soon.

How wonderful.

Hondo was looking forward to it, honestly. There was nothing more calming than the sound of water hitting pavement and roofs. The vibrancy of the plants that followed after, along with the scent of a just-drenched city was perfect.

Hondo looked back to the path and saw a water fountain up not too far away. It was shaped like a deep bowl, its color a dark gray and its surface far from smooth. Horizontal lines were carved into the surface and stretched across the entire base; if you were to run your fingers from the top of the fountain to the bottom, you were guaranteed to run into tens of little bumps along the way.

Surrounding the fountain was a wide, stone path, and in between the path and the fountain were little, light purple flowers.

Then there was the freestanding, wooden awning that stood above the fountain. It was nearly as tall as the cement fence, but unlike most awnings, this one didn’t have any fabric, which left its wooden pillars above bare. In a way, Hondo found it charming.

As Hondo and Bear got closer to the area, Hondo saw that the two benches placed under both sides of the awning were empty. Usually there’s a good handful of people who liked to meet and chat here, but most people were out eating lunch or scared off by the possibility of it raining.

Hondo turned to the hedges. There was an opening in the middle that led to a descending staircase that’d take them to the city’s park–

“Oh–!” He heard Bear Hugger cry out, followed by the sound of seeds scattering to the ground. Hondo whipped his head around and saw Bear holding the now half-empty bag close to his sky-blue shirt.

“Darn.” Bear said, a little, saddened expression on his face. He combed out the seeds that fell into his beard before shaking off the ones that got caught in the bottom folds of his loose jeans. A couple did manage to land on top of his brown, laced up boots, but they quickly slid off as soon as he stepped over the fresh puddle of seeds.  

He joined Hondo through the hedges and down the stairs. He took one last glimpse behind and saw a couple of birds helping themselves to the seeds. He chuckled.

“Welp, least they ain’t goin’ to waste.”

Hondo nodded.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Hondo started as they traveled down the cobblestone steps, “What were you busy with last night?”

“I told ya already,” Bear said as he grabbed onto the sleek, thin, black railing, “stuff.”

Hondo pressed his lips together. He clearly wasn’t going to get an answer, best not to pry.

Up ahead, just a few steps away, was a stone, square landing with a sign welcoming them to the city’s park. Neither of them bothered to stop and read it, they’ve been here plenty of times before.

The sign–and heck, the entire staircase down–was surrounded by an array of flowers, bushes, and trees. Most of the flowers were vibrant shades of blue, yellow, and purple, while the bushes and trees were perfectly trimmed. There wasn’t a branch out of place.

The men turned to the left and continued walking down.

The stairs were built in a zigzag-like path along a steep, luscious green hillside, which was a popular area for kids–and Bear Hugger–to sled down whenever it snowed.

Hondo eyed the trees they passed. Some barely reached his height, while others towered above them. Bear could probably name every tree that was here. Hondo? He could only name a few.

Hickory, oak, walnut…

There was one tree Hondo recognized yet never remembered the name of. But he did remember that they start to grow berries at this time of year. They were round, a bright red–sometimes orange and yellow–and they were incredibly tough. Hondo’s never bitten into one before–Bear even recommended against it; personal experience apparently–but he has plenty of those same trees around his neighborhood, and every time he’s crushed one with his foot, he was more than surprised to find the berry completely unscathed.

It’d be impressive if those berries weren’t so annoying. They were about the size of an eyeball, and it felt like one of those trees produced hundreds of those things. They were a horrible slipping hazard. And when those berries finally did crack open? They’d release a foul, musky odor and stain the streets with streaks of red.

In this park, however, those berries were nowhere to be seen.

Whoever was in charge of keeping this particular park clean did an excellent job at it. No berries or twigs covered the stairs, fallen leaves were raked away, there weren’t any vines or branches that wrapped themselves around the railings either. The lampposts scattered around didn’t have a single scratch on them, and the benches looked brand new despite being here for years.

The sound of running water caught Hondo’s attention.

They were approaching a small, arched, red-cedar wooden bridge that went over a thin, rushing creek, with a waterfall to the left of it.

Hondo crossed the bridge, but stopped and waited for his friend, who was observing the little fish that swam through the water.

Hondo listened to the water that trickled by. He listened to the tiny splashes that came each time one of those fish briefly leapt out.

He took a deep breath. That earthy smell was growing stronger.

He stared down the path that waited for them. A long, smooth, beige path surrounded by trimmed grass and all sorts of flowers. There weren’t any fences protecting the plants, the people in this area knew better than to trample what wasn’t theirs.

And at the very bottom of the hill? There was a pond with a fountain in the middle where the creek poured into. Hondo spotted a couple of ducks swimming through the pond. That’ll certainly put a smile on Bear’s face.

There was also that dark-wood pavilion not too far from the pond. Rectangular with a deep, red roof, it had a couple of picnic tables underneath it that made it the perfect spot to sit under when storms struck or the sun scorched.

“Ey, Hondo! Lookit this!” Bear called out.

Hondo went back to the bridge and to his friend’s side. Bear then pointed to the creek.

“There’s a li’l frog in there!” He sounded so excited when he said that.

It took Hondo a moment, but when he narrowed his eyes, he could see it. A tiny, muddy-green frog sitting atop a rock looking perfectly content, not minding to drops of water splattering onto its skin.  

“Ya know, I used to hunt for frogs when I was real young.” Bear said as they continued walking, “Anytime it rained at my ma’s, I’d go runnin’ out ‘n search through those puddles to see if I could find any. There were some real big ones.”

“Yes, I remember you mentioning this.” Hondo said, “I also remember you mentioning you were always covered in mud whenever you returned home.”

“Awh, yeah. Drove my ma nuts! Always had to clean after myself ‘n do the laundry to make it up to her.”

As the two neared the pond, they sat on one of the wooden benches nearby.

The sound of the waterfall, mixed with the sound of the fountain and leaves rustling with the wind, was quite soothing.

Bear shoved his hand into the bag of seeds and tossed them onto the sidewalk. Sure enough, a few ducks were already making their way over.

“Speaking of which…” Hondo whispered before turning to Bear, “Were you able to get that ink off of your overalls?”

“Nah.” Bear replied, happily watching the ducks waddle towards them.

“I see.” Hondo lowered his brows, “I am sorry to hear.”

“What? Why on earth are you apologizin’?”

“Your clothes got ruined.”

“Yeah, but it happens. I got plenty of extras, and I can just wear that stained one whenever I’m workin’ on m’projects ‘n stuff. ‘Sides, yer not th’one who got ink on it.”  

“Regardless.”

Hondo reached into the bag and grabbed a handful of seeds. He scattered a few of them out, his movements stiff.

“Hey, at least that ink explosion’ll make for a funny story when we all get together at th’bar.” Bear playfully nudged Hondo.

Hondo sharply exhaled. Maybe it’s because his sense of humor was different from Bear’s, or maybe it’s because that ‘ink explosion’ happened recently, but he didn’t find anything particularly funny about the situation or Macho Man’s negligence.

“I’m just thankful Overload won’t be joining us there.” Hondo gently closed his hand around the seeds, “The way he snapped at you for simply checking on him that night? It infuriated me. I cannot imagine myself being anywhere near that man outside of the ring.”

“I mean, th’guy lost.” Bear Hugger shrugged, “I can definitely understand gettin’ all riled up bout that.”

“Yes, but in what world is it okay to lash out like a child? There’s far better ways to handle anger rather than taking it out on the stadium’s property.”

“I’m–well–” Bear fumbled, “Shoot, I know. Some people just get real worked up–ya remember when you used to act like that?” For some reason, Bear wore a smile on his face when he said that, as if recollecting a fond memory.

“I do and it sickens me.” Hondo said, curling his hand into a tight fist, “But even then, I never took my anger out on others. I never pushed away staff members for merely doing their job, or shouted at people for something as minor as fingers tapping.”

That comparison bothered him much more than he wanted it to. To imply his past aggressions were anywhere near the level of Overload’s felt like an insult to his character.

Hondo was more than aware of how immature his anger got when he lost or became too critical of himself, but that’s where he thrived where Overload could never. Self awareness. Hondo has never seen a moment of reflection from that man. There was never a moment where he stopped and thought to himself that perhaps he had gone too far. Instead, he’d just shout and storm out of whatever room he was in, too pathetic to even tackle his problems head on.

Hondo remembered one instance–one singular instance–where, in a fit of rage, he tore a door from its hinges. He remembered the scene so vividly, despite how long ago it was.

He remembered being in the stadium’s bathroom. He remembered how freezing it was in there, how there was a faint, musky smell in the air. He remembered Bear Hugger and Great Tiger trying to talk to him, trying to calm him down, but all Hondo did was raise his voice louder and louder until he couldn’t stand staying in the same room with them anymore. He remembered how he clutched onto the metal knob and slammed the door shut, only to hear a snapping sound followed by a loud, echoed BANG when the door fell to the ground.

He remembered the shocked expressions on Bear and Tiger that night, and he remembered staring at the scene for what felt like an eternity.

And he remembered that slow, awful realization of how destructive that festering anger inside of him was.  

After that, Hondo took the time to look within himself and think. Hondo learned how to better control his anger. Hondo had friends he could rely on. Overload had none of that. And with his behavior? He didn’t deserve it.

The fact that Overload had been called out time and time again, not just by other boxers, but by the higher-ups for the several instances he had broken the stadium’s property in the past, yet nothing has changed twisted Hondo’s stomach into a burning knot.

The amount of times Hondo has witnessed Overload’s foul behavior before, the times he had to stand idly by while Overload shouted at people–at his friends–over something as minor as a foot tapping or humming–such minor things that everyone else could ignore just fine–truly disgusted him.

And as bitter as it was to think about, Hondo knew it didn’t matter what he–or anyone–said to Overload. The responses were always the same. A scoff, a roll of the eyes, perhaps a grumbled insult or two before he carries on with his day, or in some cases, stomps out of the room like a child.

It only took Hondo that one instance to realize he needed to change. How long would it take Overload?

As Hondo’s knuckles turned white, he thought to himself.

In a bitter way, Hondo did not care if Overload was stuck like this for the rest of his life. If he’s refused to listen after the numerous times he’s been called out, then so be it.

A foul man such as Overload deserves to be stuck in a pit of his own misery.

“Hey, ya alright? I didn’t wanna bring up any bad memories.” Bear’s voice pulled Hondo out of his thoughts.

“Yes. Fine.” Hondo said. He brought his head down and saw a duckling standing right next to his black shoes, staring right at him, eagerly waiting for him to drop his fistful of seeds onto the ground.

Hondo uncurled his fist, but instead of whole sunflower seeds and cracked corn sitting in his palm, there was powder.

“Sheesh, didn’t know ya were crushin’ them that hard.” Bear threw his brows up, “I kept hearin’ that crackin’ sound comin’ from ya, ‘n I was gettin’ afraid that ya were breakin’ ya fingers or somethin’.”

Hondo let out a dry chuckle with no smile to accompany it. He let the powder run through his fingers before grabbing another handful of seeds and scattering them about.

He then leaned against the bench’s black, metal armrest before propping his head up with his hand, watching the duckling eat with the other birds and squirrels.

The two men sat there, letting the sound of chirps and a running creek fill the silence between them.

A strange feeling of shame started to gather inside Hondo’s chest, sucking away whatever warmth he had until he felt hollow.

“After this,” Hondo said, trying to ignore the sensation, “there’s a store that we had passed by that looked rather nice. I believe it was an antique store? If you would like, we–”

“An antique store?!” Bear hollered, scaring away some of the birds, “Don’t gotta say no more! Course we’re gonna go after this! I haven’t been to one of those in forever. Ya always fine the darndest things there–”

Bear’s rambling, his beaming face, the joy radiating off of him from that single offer was just what Hondo needed to smother whatever shame had built up inside of him.

His tense body slowly started to loosen. He then pressed his back against the bench and–

A drop of water hit Hondo’s nose. He blinked.

Another drop followed.

As the rain started to come down and washed away the remains of his foul mood, as Bear’s voice filled his ears, Hondo felt a faint smile make its way onto his face.

~ ~ ~ ~

Macho Man stepped out of his limo, his bag of stained clothes being carried by a single finger.

He scowled.

This boutique didn’t match the description his tailor gave him at all.

The walls weren’t white, they were a porcelain color. Clearly. You wanna see something sparkling white? Take a look at his smile. That’ll paint the perfect image for you. But this boutique? Not white. He can say that with confidence.

And the windows? They weren’t even that large. They were maybe the size of his torso at most. And why didn’t his tailor mention the cream-colored borders around them? The borders that stuck out horribly from the wall. That felt like a pretty important detail to mention.

And those bushes placed in short, cement pots surrounding the front of the store? Don’t get him started.

For starters, they were placed. Not planted. Macho Man could see the bushes were clearly still sitting in their plastic, black pots that the stores shoved them in, and weren’t actually planted into the cement pots themselves.

Second off, the bushes themselves looked like they haven’t gotten a good trim in months. Too many branches and leaves were sticking out in front of the door, and Macho knows the moment he tries to squeeze past them, his clothes will get all scratched up and ruined. And the flowers they had–those were just as messy as the bushes. They were pink, puffy, and about the size of his fist, and they left a pile of petals underneath them. Great.

And why didn’t his tailor say anything about the vines that crawled up the walls? Some leaves were even dangling in front of the door. Do they really expect him to just waltz on through that as if there’s no bugs on those leaves? Ridiculous.

And the store’s name–’Mesmerize’–the one his tailor claimed was written in gold, was obviously not gold. Even with his sunglasses on, Macho could tell it was rose gold.

The outside honestly looked awful, but seamstresses are known for designing clothes, not exteriors, but this ‘Mallow’ person was on super thin ice now.

Macho’s scowl only grew when a drop of rain hit his lens.

He wants to get this over with. It looked like he was the only one here at the moment. Everyone else was probably out getting lunch, something he’d love to do right now.

Whatever. The service here better be good.

Macho Man pushed open the door as he took his sunglasses off to clean them. A little bell chimed out. He felt the tip of a leaf run across the back of his neck and shuddered.

The first thing to greet him was the intense smell of vanilla. Despite that, he didn’t take his eyes off his sunglasses. He kept his head down, walking ahead while he used the end of his cardigan to make the lens spotless.

He was able to get a decent look of the floor at least. It was a light brown wood–and he wasn’t sure if he was just hungry, or if the smell of vanilla was messing with him–but the color reminded him of caramel. He was also able to spot small, fluffy white rugs scattered around  with white, round-topped tables on top of them.

“Hi!” A cheery voice called out, “How can–oh.”

He raised his head slightly, locking eyes with a short woman who sat behind a marbled white counter. She had a short, curly, dark brown afro, her skin a sepia brown, and she was wearing some sorta detective get-up? That was the only thing Macho could think of when he saw her cotton candy-pink trench coat with black buttons. Pinned onto the coat was a white name tag with the name ‘Mallow’ on it.

Behind Mallow looked like some sorta work area? There were a couple of large tables with their tops completely covered in fabric, threads, papers, sewing machines, and whatever else clothes-makers have. There were shelves and racks filled with a bunch of other materials that looked horribly arranged, and the walls had a whole bunch of posters and post-it notes tacked onto it. What a mess.

He brought his attention back to Mallow, who was still staring at him wide eyed.

“Super… Macho Man?” She said with a tilt of her head. Her dark red–almost purple looking–lips stayed open, like she wanted to say more, but couldn’t find the right words.

Macho Man smirked and hooked his glasses onto the collar of his sweater. He knew exactly what was going on here. Who wouldn’t be left speechless by the sight of his giant, glistening body and smoking hot face?  

“I see ya already know me. You a fan?” Macho leaned against the counter.

“Your name’s like, plastered right on your top.” Mallow said, pointing to his name that’s been embroidered in blue thread on the top right of his cardigan, “And Michael told me you were stopping by. Not to mention the article about you. Something about nasty ink stains on your robe and speedo?” There was a hint of a lisp in her voice as she spoke.

Macho slumped at the mention of that paper. And his tailor. Thanks, Michael, for ruining his chance to surprise this woman with his arrival.

“Yeah. Check it.” Without warning, Macho dropped the plastic bag of clothes right in front of her. Mallow recoiled and quickly rolled away in her seat.

“Relax.” Macho rolled his eyes, “The dang thing’s clean. Ya think I’m just gonna drop soiled clothes on ya?”

The lady brought her legs to her chest, completely hiding her white, turtleneck crop top with her black leggings, “Wouldn’t be the first time.”

She grabbed a pen resting atop a nearby table and rolled herself back to the counter. She used it to open the bag and cautiously peered inside, almost as if she was expecting to see a dead animal in there.

“You tried washing it?”

“Yeah, ya think I’m an idiot or somethin’?”

She frowned, “Well, seeing how you’re not wearing a shirt under that cardigan like any normal person would–”

“Alright, well normal people don’t have a rockin’ bod like me. I can’t just go around censorin’ myself like that!”

“Censoring your–” Mallow sputtered before burying her face in her hands, “Can you just tell me what I can help you with?”

“Well I can’t get the ink out, yeah? So can’tcha just, ya know, whip up a new one?”

She lifted her head, “A new speedo or a new robe?”

“Can ya do both?”

She opened her mouth–but Macho spoke over her.

“Nah, yeah, you can totally do both. How much will it cost?” Macho Man was already digging his hand into his back pocket, ready to whip out a check, but the lady shot out of her seat.

“Now hold on just a second!” She said, “I gotta see if I even have the materials, first of all, and second of all, I gotta see when I have the time to work on your clothes. I got other customers too, you know.”

“Are those other customers also super rich boxers?” Macho raised a brow.

“No, but they came before you.” She said, patting down her trench coat before walking to a white door on the other side of her work area, “I’m gonna go check some stuff, you better not move a macho muscle of yours.” She gave him a glare before she slammed the door shut. Macho couldn’t help but grin.

Yeah, her words were drenched in absolute irritation, but she did acknowledge he was muscular. And macho. So that’s a win in his book.

Super Macho Man waited.

And waited.

This is torture.

It’s only been a minute yet it felt like an eternity.

Does she really expect him to just stand here when he’s got things to do? He’ll give her five minutes tops before he ditches this place.

Macho Man slipped his hand into his pocket again and took out his flip phone. He opened it and skimmed whatever text messages he had. Nothing too interesting. A message from some cologne representative he’s gotta meet up with later today, another boring message about a brand deal, this one being about some fancy, golden wristwatches, and–oh! A message from his personal cleaning crew.

He opened it up and skimmed the contents. They finally cleaned out all the ink in the locker room, and they fixed up Overload’s locker as he requested. Macho smiled. Man, Overload’s probably gonna be so happy when he sees his locker all patched up.

Macho Man then raised his head and scanned the boutique’s interior, something he’s neglected to do since the moment he stepped in here.

The place wasn’t too colorful. Just white walls decorated with framed paintings of pink flowers sprinkled around, along with rose-gold poles drilled into the walls that were used to display whatever clothes Mallow had. And above the clothes was–

A thin, white shelf with candles on it? That looked like a fire hazard waiting to happen.

Macho then looked to the round-topped tables he had passed by earlier. They were displaying all sorts of accessories. One particular table that caught his attention had a small, rotating stand that showed off a bunch of shiny jewelry–jewelry that would probably snap into pieces if he even attempted to put it on. They looked way too small for him.  

As Macho’s eyes traveled across the boutique, the sound of rain and quiet, smooth jazz filled the silence.

Then his eyes landed on the window at the front of his store. He could see his limo out there.

He sighed. Oh, how he wished he could be driven back to his mansion and take a dip into his hot tub instead of standing here.

It wasn’t like this place was bad or anything, just super lame. Not to mention the smell of vanilla was starting to make him sick.

Okay.

He knows Mallow told him not to move a muscle, but she’s not gonna know if he quickly popped his head out the door to get a breath of fresh air. It’ll literally take a second. Not even that.

Macho walked over to the door, gently tossing his phone up and catching it in the air–then he stopped.

He looked down and saw something horrible.

Absolutely gut wrenching.

Sitting by the door was a newspaper rack.

And on that rack?

Was that awful paper about the night he got ink splattered on him.

He grabbed the paper, nose scrunching as he stared at the blurry image of him trying to hide his face.

He’s been trying so hard these past few days to avoid this slanderous story. To divert his eyes. To ignore the people who’ve asked him billions of questions about it. Seeing that picture of him–all dirtied and shameful–plastered everywhere was absolutely dreadful. So dreadful, in fact, that anytime he saw the photo? He looked the other way.

This was his first time actually holding the paper.

He knows he shouldn’t read whatever was written below. He knows there was a great chance that fans and onlookers alike have voiced their criticisms inside. He knows if he reads this, his mood will get completely ruined–

But what the heck, he’s gonna read it anyway.

He skimmed the article.

Okay. Bunch of boring words so far. It’s just reciting everything Macho’s experienced first hand. He can just skip over this and go right to the fans’ opinions about–

“Looks BAD?!” Macho hollered when he saw those words of a fan written out. He gripped onto his phone, nearly breaking the dang thing.

Who allowed this to be published? Who allowed this low life journalist to drag his name through the mud?

‘Looks bad.’ Oh, how Macho would love to hunt that person down and tell ‘em to say that to his face.

Macho buried his face into the paper, too angry to properly read and process the rest of the words. He was too caught up thinking about that one punk who said he–THE Super Macho Man–looked bad in ink stains. That look may have been unintentional and ruined his expensive robe, but you know what? He killed it in that outfit. He made it work. Just like how he can make anything work because–

Macho Man gasped.

All that anger left in a flash when he saw one particular sentence.

‘...On the night Super Macho Man briefly teased off his latest look, Octave Overload had lost yet another to Don Flamenco in a failed attempt at trying to claim the Belt of the Major Circuit…’

Macho Man can’t believe it.

He and Overload were mentioned in the same newspaper together!

This is amazing.

This is the best paper in the world, actually.

Doesn’t Overload like to collect newspaper strips? Macho Man saw a few of them hanging inside of his locker a couple of times. He should totally snip this out and give it to him.

Is Overload gonna be in the stadium tomorrow? He should check.

Macho flipped through the pages, eyes frantically darting through the paragraphs in hopes of seeing another mention of him and Overload in the same section again, but all he ended up seeing were more fan opinions and an interview with some guy who hates Sandman or something. Less cool, but he’s still totally taking this paper along.

The sound of someone clearing their throat snapped Macho back into reality. He whipped his head around to see Mallow back behind the counter, hands on her hips. Macho tucked the paper between his arm and walked over.

“So,” He said, “How’s th’schedule lookin’?”

“I’ll be able to start in about two weeks, three at the latest.” She then glanced at the bag of Macho’s clothes before looking at Macho himself, “It’s been a while since I’ve made anythin’ like a speedo, so I’ll have to get the materials for that.”

“And how long’s it gonna take for you to–ya know–actually make th’clothes?”

Mallow lowered her brows, “With a man as big as you? I’d give it six days, maybe more or less dependin’ on how busy my store gets.”

Macho Man groaned. He hated waiting.

“And how much is it gonna cost?”

“Well…” Mallow thought to herself before she sat on her chair and opened up a drawer. She took out a calculator, which made Macho Man groan again. He hated numbers.

And he hated waiting because of numbers.

“Ya know what–” Macho whipped out the checkbook from his back pocket, “Gimme that pen.”

Mallow hesitantly did so. Macho snatched it and started scribbling away.

“Th’clothes here looks good. I’m sure whenever ya finish my robe, it’s gonna look more than good, and I’m sure ya gonna charge some big, fancy price, so let’s just start out with a thousand and ya lemme know if ya need more along th’way.”

“A thousand–!?”

Macho tore off the check and shoved it in her face. She grabbed it, eyes as wide as saucers.

“And I’ll give ya an extra hundred if ya lemme take th’newspaper.”

“Mister–” Mallow sputtered, “Mr. Macho, those are, like, $1.50 each. I don’t–”

“Alright, alright. Here.” Macho wrote in his checkbook again.

He ripped the paper off and threw it onto the counter. Mallow grabbed it by one of it’s corners and pulled it towards her, absolutely baffled when she saw a check for a hundred and fifty dollars, along with–

His phone number?

She brought her head back up, a puzzled expression on her face.

“I’m gonna go now. Got places to be, babes to see. Just text me any updates bout my clothes, got it?”

“Yea–Yeah… Got it.” Mallow said, eyes still wide.

Macho nodded, “Good.”

He spun around and marched outta the boutique and right to his limo.

He opened the backdoor and tossed his phone onto the seat, grumbling a bit as rain drops managed to get inside and soil the inside of the car, but whatever. It’ll dry.

He slid inside and slammed the door shut.

While it sucked that he got water all over his clothes and hair again, he wasn’t really trying to keep himself dry anyways. No, his focus was on keeping the newspaper dry instead.

He took the paper out of his arm and unfolded it, smiling to himself when he saw it was completely spotless.

Hopefully Overload’s at the stadium tomorrow. He’s gonna flip when he sees this newspaper article.

[theartarium25]

Timeless Elegance: Luxury Home Decor Items to Elevate Your Living Space

Luxury home decor items are not just about extravagance but also about quality craftsmanship, exquisite materials, and timeless design. Elevate your living space with these curated selections that embody sophistication and opulence, transforming your home into a sanctuary of luxury.

1. Designer Furniture

Investing Luxury home decor furniture pieces is key to achieving a luxurious interior. Look for iconic designs crafted from premium materials such as Italian leather, solid hardwoods, or handcrafted metals. Pieces like Eames lounge chairs, Barcelona chairs, or Chesterfield sofas not only exude elegance but also offer exceptional comfort and durability. Online platforms and exclusive boutiques often showcase a variety of designer furniture collections that cater to different tastes and interior styles.

2. Artisanal Rugs and Carpets

Luxury rugs and carpets are more than just floor coverings—they are works of art that anchor your room with style and sophistication. Hand-knotted Persian rugs, Tibetan wool carpets, or silk rugs with intricate patterns and rich colors can add a sense of opulence to any space. Online galleries and specialty stores offer a wide selection of artisanal rugs, allowing you to choose pieces that complement your decor while showcasing the craftsmanship of skilled artisans.

3. Statement Lighting Fixtures

Illuminate your home with statement lighting fixtures that serve as both functional elements and artistic focal points. Crystal chandeliers, sculptural pendant lights, or minimalist designer lamps can enhance the ambiance of your living spaces. Opt for fixtures crafted from high-quality materials like Murano glass, brushed brass, or Swarovski crystals to create a luxurious atmosphere. Online retailers specializing in luxury lighting offer a range of styles from classic to contemporary, ensuring you find the perfect pieces to illuminate and elevate your home.

4. Luxurious Bedding and Linens

Transform your bedroom into a luxurious retreat with high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, silk duvet covers, and plush velvet bedspreads. Luxury bedding sets not only provide unparalleled comfort but also elevate the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom. Look for renowned brands known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail. Online retailers often offer a curated selection of luxury linens in a variety of colors and textures, allowing you to create a sumptuous sanctuary for rest and relaxation.

5. Fine Art and Sculptures

Integrate fine art and sculptures into your decor to add a sense of sophistication and cultural richness. Original paintings, limited edition prints, or bespoke sculptures by renowned artists can become focal points that reflect your personal taste and style. Online art galleries and auction houses provide access to a diverse range of artworks, allowing you to curate a collection that resonates with your aesthetic sensibilities and enhances the luxury of your living space.

6. Antique and Collectible Decor

Incorporate antique furniture, vintage collectibles, or rare artifacts into your home decor to imbue it with a sense of history and exclusivity. Pieces such as antique French armoires, Ming dynasty porcelain vases, or Art Deco sculptures add a unique charm and timeless appeal to your interiors. Online auctions and specialty antique dealers offer a curated selection of rare and collectible items, making it possible to acquire treasures that enhance the luxury and uniqueness of your home.

7. Designer Tableware and Serveware

Elevate your dining experience with designer tableware and serveware crafted from fine materials such as bone china, sterling silver, or hand-blown glass. Luxury dinnerware sets, crystal glassware, and artisanal serving platters not only enhance your table settings but also reflect your refined taste and hospitality. Online luxury retailers often feature exclusive collections from renowned designers, allowing you to create memorable dining experiences with exquisite tableware that exudes elegance and sophistication.

8. Customized Home Accessories

Personalize your living space with customized home accessories that showcase your individuality and discerning taste. From bespoke throw pillows and embroidered linens to monogrammed bath towels and handcrafted decorative objects, customization adds a personal touch of luxury to your decor. Online platforms and specialty boutiques offer bespoke services where you can collaborate with artisans and designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces that elevate the luxury and uniqueness of your home.

9. Luxury Home Fragrances

Enhance the ambiance of your home with luxurious fragrances that evoke sophistication and tranquility. Choose from scented candles, reed diffusers, or room sprays crafted by renowned perfumers using high-quality ingredients. Luxury home fragrance brands offer a range of signature scents—from floral and citrusy to woody and oriental—that transform your living spaces into sensory retreats. Online retailers provide access to exclusive collections, allowing you to select fragrances that complement your interior decor and personal style.

10. Spa-Inspired Bath Essentials

Create a spa-like retreat in your bathroom with luxury bath essentials that pamper the senses and elevate your daily routine. Invest in plush bath towels, organic cotton bathrobes, and designer bath accessories crafted from fine materials like Turkish cotton or bamboo fibers. Online luxury retailers offer curated collections of spa-inspired bath essentials, allowing you to indulge in comfort and style while transforming your bathroom into a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Conclusion

Embrace the allure of luxury home decor items to create an environment that exudes sophistication, elegance, and comfort. Whether you're investing in designer furniture, artisanal rugs, fine art, or personalized accessories, each piece contributes to elevating the aesthetic appeal and ambiance of your living space. Online shopping provides unparalleled access to a diverse range of luxury home decor items, making it easier than ever to curate a home that reflects your refined taste and enhances your lifestyle. Choose wisely, and transform your home into a haven of timeless elegance and luxurious comfort.

[femininefashionboutique]

Embrace Elegance: Discover the Latest Trends at Feminine Fashion Boutique

Welcome to Feminine Fashion Boutique, where fashion meets elegance, and every woman can find her unique style. Our boutique is a haven for fashion-forward women looking for high-quality, stylish clothing that speaks to their individuality. From chic everyday wear to stunning evening ensembles, we offer a curated selection designed to inspire and empower.

Unveiling Our New Summer Collection

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, it's time to refresh your wardrobe with our new summer collection. This season, we're excited to bring you a range of vibrant, airy, and effortlessly chic pieces that are perfect for every summer occasion.

Key Trends to Look Out For:

Bold Florals: Embrace the beauty of nature with our floral prints, ranging from subtle pastels to bold, eye-catching designs.

Lightweight Fabrics: Stay cool and comfortable with our selection of breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and chiffon.

Bright Colors: Make a statement with bright, cheerful colors that capture the essence of summer.

Effortless Silhouettes: From flowing maxi dresses to tailored shorts, our collection is designed to flatter every body type.

Fashion for Every Occasion

Whether you're planning a beach getaway, a garden party, or a casual brunch with friends, our boutique has the perfect outfit for you. Our versatile pieces can be dressed up or down, allowing you to create looks that are uniquely yours.

Must-Have Pieces:

Maxi Dresses: Perfect for a summer stroll or a romantic dinner, our maxi dresses combine comfort with style.

Casual Tops: Pair our breezy tops with jeans or skirts for an effortlessly chic look.

Statement Accessories: Complete your outfit with our selection of jewelry, hats, and bags that add a touch of sophistication to any ensemble.

Why Choose Feminine Fashion Boutique?

Exclusive Designs: Our pieces are carefully selected to ensure that you stand out from the crowd with unique and stylish designs.

Quality Materials: We prioritize quality, ensuring that our clothing not only looks great but also feels amazing and lasts for seasons to come.

Personalized Service: Our dedicated team is here to help you find the perfect outfit, offering personalized styling advice tailored to your needs.

Sustainability: We are committed to ethical fashion, working with brands that use sustainable materials and production methods.

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media for the latest updates, fashion tips, and exclusive promotions. Join our community of fashion enthusiasts and be the first to know about new arrivals and special events.

We invite you to visit our boutique and explore our summer collection. Whether you prefer to shop online or in-store, we're here to provide you with an exceptional shopping experience. Discover the latest trends, embrace your unique style, and let us help you look and feel your best.

Thank you for choosing Feminine Fashion Boutique. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you find your next favorite outfit!

[museenkuss]

Side story: I told myself that polyester is fine, those little scarves don’t have to be high quality, they can just be fun, I’m a student and don’t have much money to spend on fashion accessories like that.

Showed my mother my selection and she went “hm I at some point stopped buying plastic…the lower quality stuff simply gets too warm. I only buy silk and cotton.” :| how am I supposed to be ergonomic and make smart shopping choices in this environment?! I do NOT have a silk budget, stop encouraging my spending habits!

…and of course it’s nice to hear that my mother approves of my style and such but I went “and I do love the marimekko prints—“ to which she immediately went “oh there’s a boutique in the city! They have fabrics, too, and the prints are so colourful! :)” mother please I love them too but I can’t justify spending 130€ on a bandana.

[universeinapen]

The Old Man

The world wraps its hands around those with kind hearts and generosity. When an old man takes advantage of Em's offer to find his cat, she ends up in the same world he was in. Take revenge or find the best outcome, the choice is up for Em to decide.

Length: 5399 words

~~~

All one could hear was the honking of car horns as they raced down the street, the caws from the birds that echoed between the tall buildings, the stomping of footsteps and distant chatter, and, of course, the screaming of the stray cats living in the alleyway. 

This collection of noise was either a nightmare of overstimulation or it was the simple background noise to life to most people. To Em, the surrounding noise made her heart pound with life. She felt the most alive while feeling the electric energy of the air when the sun was high and the skies were clear. The boutique in which she worked to keep organized each and every day was a mile walk away from her apartment. In her city, it was faster to walk than to try the bus. 

It didn’t matter how many times she made this trip per week, she never got tired of knowing that everyone around her each had their own stories and goals where they were heading to. She always stopped by to watch street performers and her bag always had cat food that she gave to the stray cats in the alley. Em never wanted one of the furry friends in her life to go hungry. 

Friday was when Em would go to the market and pick up groceries for the week. Nothing fancy, she never had time to cook up something gourmet anyways. The bag she carried over her shoulder tugged down on her but she wasn’t one to let the small challenges get in her way. 

As she continued down her normal path, she noticed someone who wasn’t rushing from one place to the next like most of the others in the city. It wasn’t a street performer and this person was wearing too nice of shoes to be homeless. Instead, it was an older man with hair white like cotton candy. 

He was muttering something that sounded like “Here, Luna. Here, kitty. Where have you gone off to?” The old man had his back turned mostly towards her with only a sliver of his face visible. A black cardigan was draped over a light gray shirt that resembled a lost grandpa. His hair flowed wild and tall around his head as if static electricity ran through him. 

“Hello, do you need help?” She approached him, noticing the look of distress on his face. He spun around to face her, making his previous distress turn into a look of relief. A small smile appeared on his face. 

“Yes, actually. I am wondering if you saw this cat around nearby. I lost my dear Luna and I am running out of energy to keep looking. I’ve asked some others if they’ve seen my cat and if they could help me, but I’ve found no luck. Here,” he pulls out a crumpled-up photo from the pocket of his cardigan. “Have you seen this cat?

Em leaned in closer to the photo of a tiny gray and black cat. Its ears stood up almost as tall as its head and it was so skinny she wondered if it was getting enough food. Em glanced back up at the man who was still trying to feign a smile. 

This cat was one of the strays she would feel in the ally. It had appeared relatively recently, within the last week or so. The cat had a patch of black fur on the tip of the cat’s right ear that always caught Em’s eye. When she would go into the alley, this cat would be the first to greet her, meowing loudly from behind one of the discarded and molded cardboard boxes. 

She glanced between the photo and the man and had to suppress shaking her head in fondness. Pet owners always look like their pets. 

Em glanced at the sky, noticing that she still had a fair amount of time to give him directions to the alley and get back to her apartment before the sunset. “I might have seen that cat this morning in the alley over there,” she pointed. “I’ll take you.” 

She gives him directions to the alleyway and motions that’s the place she has seen the cat. As she does this, she reaches into her bag and grabs her phone. Going into the camera on her phone, she hits record. If anything were to happen to her, there would at least be proof of who did it. 

In the alley, there was a pile of sleeping cats next to one of the discarded boxes in the alley. On the other side, a cat was roaming around and occasionally pawing at the bricks of the building. In the morning, the cats were rambunctious and excited about the food Em would bring. Now, however, the cats were cast in a sleepy spell as they tried to stretch out in the remaining light for the day.

The man enters the alley and looks around. He crouches near the other cats, one of them leaping up and moving out of the way. His head turns from side to side before he gets up and faces Em again. “She’s not here. Thank you for the advice, however.”

“She might come around in the morning. That’s when I usually see her.”

A ray of the low sun’s light caught Em in the eye, making the world light up in painful sparkles. Red flashed against the back of her eyelids. Her eyes fought to open against the light, looking at the old man that stood before her. 

His face shone with youth in the blinding light. The wrinkles of his face smoothed and his skin snapped back with elasticity. His eyes brightened with a more vibrant color, the gray-blue turning bold. His pupils narrowed the slightest bit, making his stare piercing. The old man’s hair seemed to multiply on his head and the gray faded into black. The ends of his hair were the darkest and pieces of hair on the top of his head stood up in tufts. There was a smile on his face with sharp teeth that sparkled with the last of the day’s light. Yet, with his smile, there was a darker emotion behind his eyes. Panic, pain, Em couldn’t tell what it was. 

Just as the light moved to shine down on both of them, the clouds moved and forced the light away. The illusion on the man fell away, him aging 40 years in the span of a second. His hair receded, the skin on his face sagged, and his teeth were no longer bright shining white and instead yellowed and decayed.

“Hmm. Alright. I’ll come around to look when I get the chance. Let me give you my number just in case you see her.” He grabbed out a pen and wrote on the back of the crumpled photo, then pushed it into her hands.

Em shook herself out of what she just saw, knowing that the light often played tricks on her eyes. “I don’t want to take your photo. What if someone else recognizes it?”

“I have plenty more back home. Have a good day, miss.” The man turned around and began to walk out of the alley. 

She still felt immense guilt about taking the photo and rushed after him, tossing her phone back into her bag without a second thought. Em was surprised at how fast this old man could move. Once she was no longer concealed by the buildings of the alley, she looked over in the direction she saw the old man leave only to see that he was no longer in sight. He had disappeared in the few seconds it took Em to get out of the alley. 

She was stuck with the photo with the number written on the back. Even though she wished the end of the conversation could have turned out differently, there wasn’t much she could do now. Just in case, she would keep the photo safe. 

The emotional fatigue trudged on Em’s shoulders as she arrived home. If it wasn’t for the fact that she had perishables in her bag, she might’ve ignored her chores and gone right to bed. She fished around for the items that needed to be put right away, yet got distracted by her phone laying at the bottom of her bag with the screen still on. A video showed, ready to be played. 

The recording must have stopped after the phone was jostled in her bag. However, as Em peered at the video thumbnail, she noticed that the video capture had issues. Pixels of bright colors dotted the screen like the file was corrupted. Em thought about just deleting the video, but something told her she should watch it back. 

She sat down at her dining room table, the one covered with the few things she bought at the store. While leaning over the table and holding her phone, she pressed play. 

Most of it was a recording of the ground and the sound of her and the man walking. It was full of the sound of cars and the conversations of the other people who had walked by. There was a flash of the ally as Em had turned and the sleeping cats were visible as a blur. Random colors popped up in random places, but it was nothing too distracting.

The whole video seemed normal until the shoes of the old man came into the frame. More colorful pixels popped up, starting at the corner and trickling closer to the center of the frame as more of the man came into view. 

Now, here was what wasn’t mentioned earlier. When the bright ray of sunlight got into Em’s eyes, she brought the hand that was holding the phone up to shield her vision. 

Em almost dropped her phone when the recording captured what she thought was an illusion of the light. Just like how it was in person, she saw how as the bright light shone down on the old man, the features of his face softened to make him look at least 30 years younger than he had before. 

It was just a glimpse she was able to get before the screen was covered in bright colored pixels. A high pitched noise crackled out what audio had been there and rang in Em’s ears. When the camera caught the ground again, the corruption faded away until the inside of a grocery bag was seen, screen turned to black, and the recording stopped. 

A meow called out from behind Em loud enough to be heard from a whole other room. She turned around and on her couch, a cat stretched out, its paws pushing deep into the cushion as its back arched into a deep downward dog.

It was gray with a patch of black fur on the tip of its ear. The cat from the alley! The one neither the man nor Em could find just an hour before.

Em rose from the chair, “What are you doing here?” She reached out to pet the cat and it nestled up against her hand. It was a good thing she was given the photo after all, she could message the man and let him know that she found the cat. After going back to grab the photo from the rest of her stuff, she typed out a quick text. 

Hello, this is the girl from earlier today that you gave the photo of your cat to. Great news, I found Luna. She must have followed me home. I will bring her to the alley tomorrow afternoon. If that doesn’t work, let me know. 

~~

The cat did not appreciate being carried around in a bag. Its meows echoed against the buildings and drew harsh looks from the other people walking on the street.

“You’re the one who ended up in my apartment instead of staying in the alley. I’m not going to adopt another person’s cat,” Em whispered to the cat under the revving engines that surrounded her. 

As Em got to the alley, she glanced at her surroundings. The cats that were always active in the morning were hopping from one trash can to another. No other person was around.

The cat meowed loudly and began to fight its surroundings. Even with Em trying to soothe the cat and keep it from running off, the cat managed to claw at Em’s arms which caused her to retract her arm out of the cat’s way. It leaped out of the bag just as the bright morning sunlight shone into Em’s eyes. 

The cat lit up in sparkles and its form began to stretch out. Its arms lengthened to human arms and the cat’s paws turned into shoe-covered feet. In a matter of seconds, what was once a tiny cat with an interesting pattern turned into an old man, the same old man looking for a cat. 

Once the facts registered in Em’s head, she backed away with a shout. This was not something that was supposed to be possible. Cats don’t turn into humans. Humans don’t turn into cats. Her eyes went from the ground to the man and back again what would have seemed like 20 times. 

“I see that you have found Luna, and kept my photo as well,” he came up to Em and grabbed the photo from her hand. She was in too much shock to fully react to how close he had gotten. 

“You have been the first person to ever help me find my cat. I have been looking for her for such a long time.”

Em shook her head. “But you are the cat, I just saw you transform from the cat into you. How does that even happen? Who’s Luna?” She rambled on with a million more questions, each one making her question reality further. 

The smile that was on the man’s face faltered and Em couldn’t stop seeing the resemblance between him and his cat, err, cat form. 

“Luna was the fiance I lost a long time ago. She was a beautiful woman who I loved deeply. Luna couldn’t have understood what happened to me, I had to let her go.”

“This is unreal. Cats can’t turn into humans.” Em didn’t know whether she should feel scared or angry. Emotions flooded through her as her world spun in circles. 

“Give me a moment to explain. 40 years ago,” the old man/cat started. “I was irresponsible and careless. It didn’t matter what happened to other people, as long as I got what I wanted. However, one of the men I manipulated was a lot smarter than me and had abilities I still don’t fully understand. He had placed a curse on me to randomly turn me from human to cat. The first few months were the worst. I wouldn’t allow myself around anyone else in fear that I would suddenly turn into a cat. So much of my time was spent in fear-filled isolation until I finally learned to control the curse, for the most part. I can decide when I turn, but I always must turn at least once per day otherwise I lose control again.”

“That’s… a lot,” Em said, trying to digest his words.

“It is, and it is a very challenging curse to live with. Ever since that day, I haven’t been able to live a completely normal life. The man I hurt told me that the only way to remove the curse was to have someone take it from me. I have been looking for someone to help me for so long. Will you take the curse from me? You’ve already shown me so much kindness and help.”

“I’ve just met you and I still can hardly believe that this is real. There’s no way that I can take on a curse. I still have my job, there are bills to be paid, I’m supposed to go see my family in a few weeks.” 

“And you can still do all of those things. I want you to help me get rid of the curse for good. I’ve found information about the man who gave me the curse, we can go find him and make him remove it from you. I would do it myself, but I’ve gotten too old. The transformations have taken so much out of me. I need your help.” 

The world continued to spin for Em. Everything felt so ridiculous and she couldn’t believe that he would want her to face the same struggles he had. He was the reason for his own curse, but as she looked at the man, she felt that he had changed over the years. Maybe being a cat for so long forced him to become a better person. Maybe it would be a good thing to remove the curse for good so no one would have to have the same fate. 

“I still can’t give up my time.”

“Two weeks. That’s all we need. It will give you a few days to learn how to control your transformations. I can help you with that. Then, we go over to where he is. I figured out that he’s just a few towns over, the train can take us there. Take the time off of work. Say it’s a family emergency. I need you to help me. I need to remove this curse.” 

She glanced at the world around her as if to remind her of where she was. As she did that, she spotted the cats still roaming around in the area. They almost seemed to be watching her. She had enough vacation time that she could take a two week vacation. She wouldn’t be able to take any more time off for the next few months though. 

“Okay, I’ll do it. Two weeks, tops. Then I have to go back to my normal life.”

“Of course. Now, all you have to say is ‘I will take the curse from you.’”

As Em repeated his words, the sun’s light hit both of them, causing sparkles to fill the sky. Em’s world got so much bigger as she shrunk down into cat form. Her fur was a deep brown, the same color as her hair. 

The old man looked about the same. He still had his wild hair and wrinkly face. However, he seemed a little more tired as if he just lost a few lives. He looked down at the now small Em, “Thank you.”

The old man seemed so tall now to Em. His height towered over her. She glanced up at the sky and saw a bird flying overhead. Her immediate urge was to hunt it. The claws hidden underneath the fur of her paws poked out. Her new ears twitched with each new sound, so much louder than it was before. She stretched just like how she saw the man the night before. The feeling of her much smaller body was so strange with the addition of fur and a tail. Everything felt weird and wrong, at least it was only for two weeks. 

When Em looked back to the level of the old man, he started to walk away. This wasn’t what she expected him to do and was not what she agreed to. She dashed off towards him, trying to get him to stop. Her screams came out as screechy yowls that turned heads as she slipped between and around the legs of strangers, tumbling over her four feet instead of the two she was used to. She followed him as he left the alley and crossed the street. The car-filled street seemed so much more dangerous now that she was smaller. 

Maybe he will be back. Maybe he is getting stuff for us to start traveling. He needs to come back, I don’t know how to turn back into a human. How long am I going to be stuck like this? 

She lost sight of the man and seeing the huge world around her made her fur stand up, turning her into a puffball. With careful actions, she went back to the alley.

He’s not going to come back.

The voice startled her, her head whipped around to find the friendly orange cat that always tried to climb up her legs when she would give food to in the mornings.

As she tried to talk like how she would as a human, a loud meow came out instead. What do you mean, “he’s not going to come back?”

We noticed that when he appeared in the alley he acted weird. Right away, we knew that Luna was not his name and carefully observed him as he would disappear at random points of the day. The third night he was with us, we saw him transform back into a cat before coming to the sleeping pile. He threatened to take us all away the next time he transformed into a human if we tried to stop him from sharing our food or talking to you. We are sorry that this happened. 

Another cat that was on one of the moldy boxes jumped down and made Em poof up again. This was the black and white cat that favored canned tuna over anything else. 

We will help you learn how to survive in the city. It’s not easy being a stray. The food isn’t as good as the stuff you give us. But we have made things work. 

Em spent the entirety of the first night trapped as a cat. It got cold and her stomach growled as she found a spot in the sleeping pile. She would always be grateful that the cats remembered who she was and welcomed her in. There was an advantage to feeding the cats every morning for so long. 

You’re not going to turn into him, right? One of the cats asked her the following morning. Em had been sitting near the street, willing herself to turn into human form so she could hunt the man down. She wanted to warn her job about her future attendance. Her rent was going to be due in a week. Most of all, she didn’t want the man to win. 

He manipulated her just like he did the others. She knew exactly what to have expected, but she still fell for it. Her ears twitched as she was pulled out of her thoughts. If you mean manipulate anyone else into getting this curse, then no. I won’t turn into him.

Her meows came out harshly, but she meant what she said. She was better than that, better than him. 

Come then, let’s get some food.

This cycle repeated for the next few days. The cats of the alley showed Em where they got their limited food from and how to hunt the city mice. At first, Em was deeply disturbed by the idea of eating rodents and trash. However, her stomach growled louder with each day and she showed no signs of turning back into a human soon.

Did you know that the bakery down the street just tosses the rest of the sausage they made after two hours?

There’s a lady in the apartment a few stories up with a kid who loves to throw his vegetables over the balcony. The shop owner across the street never says a thing.

Come with me, I’ll show you how to leap across the roofs of buildings. 

The other cats, each with their own given names which Em picked up quickly, told her information about the city. Even though Em had lived here for a very long time, she still learned new things from the perspective of a cat and from the other cats. 

She even learned to stop meowing when talking to the other cats, instead communicating the soundless ways the others had been with her.

I don’t think I can do this. Em stood on the roof of the bakery. Tessa, the orange cat, circled around her with her tail flicking around. 

You have to trust your new instincts. It’s no different than leaping from box to box. We can leap 6 feet. I’ve heard of cats jumping from floors to the top of the fridge. The other building is just a few feet away.

If Em was in her human form, she could leap across the gap with no problem. The distance would be nothing and she moved similarly when jumping across cracks in the sidewalk. Now, going from a little over 5 feet tall to a foot tall, every gap is a world away. 

Her ears twitched once again and she sensed her surroundings. It has gotten a lot easier to tune into her cat senses, making it easier to sense sudden movements and catch birds from the air. She couldn’t deny that pouncing at prey was pretty fun. 

Getting into a pouncing position, her front legs lowered and her eyes trained on the next building over. Em wasn’t going to psych herself out again, she was going to do it. She leaped into the air and across the gap that previously felt a mile long. Tessa shortly followed her, cheering as she went. 

A few mornings later she woke up to an empty pile. Her cat form looked around to find the other alley cats surrounding some sort of object. She stretched a deep stretch before heading over to the other cats. 

In the middle of the group sat a very shiny object. It was the fanciest pet collar she had ever seen. The collar itself was a deep blue velvet and was jewel encrusted. She recognized diamonds, tanzanite, and black opal placed into silver prongs.

Em got closer to the collar and placed a paw on it. With the touch, she felt herself expand and grow until she was fully human once again. Her first transformation stretched her muscles beyond their limits and Em was left in a lot of pain. 

The collar moved with her transformation, staying in her hands with her fingers tightly curled around it. This action revealed a small note that was previously tucked underneath the collar.

A compensation for your troubles

She just knew that the old man had left this collar here. Of course, he couldn’t have helped her find the person who set the curse or given her a stash of food that wasn’t mice and other rodents. He gave her a random collar that taunted her as she looked at it. 

Em no longer could hear what the cats were saying. They stared at her as she held the collar. Was this supposed to be an appreciation gift? Was this supposed to help her on her journey to supposedly stop the person who gave the old man the curse, which he never gave her any information to help? She wanted to throw the collar, to find the old man and make him wish he never stepped foot into the city. 

Row, a white cat gone gray in the city debris, rubbed his head against her leg. She took a deep breath, knowing the cats could always sense how she was feeling. The collar was heavy and the jewels encrusted into it could make her rich, giving her enough money to search the world for those who wronged her. She could go state by state, country by country until she found out who these people really were and what she could do to them. 

“I know, I won’t turn into the old man. I won’t do the same things he has done. He won’t turn me bitter and full of despair.” 

Panic gripped her chest, her job. She surely wasn’t going to have a job when she got back to the boutique. Her phone was nowhere in sight. It fell out somewhere when she first turned into a cat, completely forgotten about as she no longer had thumbs. 

But she could now see her family. She could sleep in her own bed at the apartment. There was so much she could do again now that she has started to figure out how to control her transitions. 

Em returned to her apartment that night. A lot of the food in the fridge had to be thrown out and she was glad she had enough money to cover rent. The collar sat sitting on her table, glaring down at her. At least the nice lady next store allowed her to use the phone to call her work. Em explained that a family emergency came up and that she had to leave immediately. She never got a chance to use her vacation time after the sudden transition. 

Em was fired that night for being a no-show so many times. 

As Em sat on her couch eating dinner of salmon and fruit- the latter of which she missed dearly while as a cat, she was paranoid of the next time her human limbs would turn to those of a cat. How long would she be stuck as a cat again? 

Transitioning between cat and human became easier over time. Em slowly learned how to control her transitions and how to keep them away from other people. She understood the struggles the old man talked about with how isolating it can be when she couldn’t control her transitions. At least she had a group of cat friends to keep her company when stuck in cat form. 

Without a job, Em was close to losing her apartment. She was starting to pack things up and sell what she wouldn’t be able to quickly move in the few hours of human form she would sometimes have. Sure, she could have used the collar to keep her rent, but that felt selfish of her. 

Use the collar for something good. Something that old man would never even think of. Tessa would often tell her as Em was trying to find her way back to her feet, sometimes literally. 

The old man spent his years bitter and in isolation. His energy went to finding someone else to take the curse. Em never should have let the man use her, but now that it has happened, she vowed to be better.

She started up a cat shelter in one of the For Lease shops along her street. The money from the collar allowed her to pay for the lease, all the equipment, and to gain the knowledge needed of starting a shelter. She brought all the strays from the alley and gave them a nice cat room with lots of toys and delicious food.

I’ve never been in a place like this before. Row said after she turned into a cat for the night. How did you manage to do all this?

Em could only focus on the sweet smell of the cat treats she left open on the counter. She wanted to hop up and take one but told herself that it was for the others. 

The collar gave me the money for everything. You all told me to not be like the man, and I took that to heart. I’m doing something better.

Em cried each night after she helped a family sign the paperwork to adopt a cat. It was good that the cats were going to someplace much better than the streets, but it hurt to see each of them go.

As more stray cats appeared in the city, Em would go and bring them to her shelter. Each cat loved the space and it always helped that Em was able to communicate with them.

For the nights that she got stuck in cat form, she had created a room of her own in the back of the shelter decked out with the things she couldn’t have had in her apartment. With both a bed fit for a human and one for a cat, it never mattered whether she was in human form or cat form. 

Maybe the old man would come around again and she would force him to help her remove the curse. However, Em seemed to be making the cat life work much better than the old man ever could have. One thing was for certain, she was never lonely. In fact, the curse only expanded her friend circle, giving her more insight into the world around her.

Check the story out here https://hubpages.com/literature/the-old-man-a-short-story to help support my writing!

[wise-journey]

Exploring Tampere’s Charm: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating through Finland’s City of Dreams

Envision pristine lakes shimmering under the Northern Lights, a robust story of industrial revolution blending with cutting-edge technology, and a vivacious cityscape steeped in enchanting Nordic appeal. This is Tampere, the hidden treasure of Finland that promises an unforgettable adventure.

Picking the Right Time

Tampere, a destination for all seasons, offers a unique allure throughout the year. Winter enthusiasts should plan a visit between December and February to enjoy thrilling sports like skiing, sledding, or ice fishing. If endless daylight and milder weather are more to your liking, the months from June to August offer the perfect setting of a sunny Nordic summer.

Navigating to Tampere

Reaching Tampere is a breeze no matter where you’re coming from. Tampere’s international airport hosts flights from all corners of the globe. Those journeying from Helsinki can enjoy a relaxing, picturesque two-hour train journey that directly lands them in the heart of this thriving city.

Finding Accommodation

Tampere presents a myriad of accommodation options, suitable for all tastes and budgets. Immerse yourself in the city’s past by opting for a stay in one of the historical cotton factory hotels. For peace-seekers, idyllic lakeside cabins provide a serene retreat amidst nature's embrace.

Immersing in Tampere's Activities

Soaking up the Culture Delve into Finnish culture with a visit to the Tampere Art Museum or the Vapriikki Museum Centre, which hosts a plethora of exhibits ranging from archaeology to games and natural sciences. And don't miss a captivating performance at the iconic Tampere Theatre. Culinary Indulgence Savor the delectable local cuisine. Tantalize your taste buds with 'Mustamakkara', the city’s famous black pudding, best enjoyed at the bustling Market Hall. Complement it with a pint of locally brewed beer for a quintessential Tampere gastronomic experience. Embracing Outdoor Activities Commune with nature on a refreshing hike through Pyynikki or Pispala’s scenic landscapes, skate on a crystalline frozen lake in winter, or unwind with a traditional Finnish sauna session by the lake.

Essential Sights and Essential Tours

Marvel at architectural masterpieces like the Tampere Cathedral and the Pyynikki Observation Tower, which offer stunning views of the city. For a unique cultural dip, consider a guided tour of the Finnish Labour Museum or relive your childhood at the Moomin Museum.

Experiencing Nightlife

Tampere’s nightlife promises a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. Unwind at the city’s wide array of bars and clubs, or groove to live music performances at Tullikamari.

Transportation in the City

Getting around Tampere is a breeze, thanks to its efficient network of buses and trams. During summer months, bicycle rentals are a popular choice. The city’s compact size also makes it a joy to explore on foot.

Retail Therapy

Shopping in Tampere offers an irresistible blend of high-street fashion stores and local boutiques. Visit Finlayson for iconic Finnish design items or the Laukontori market for local goods and farm-fresh produce.

Handling Money

Finland uses the Euro. Although credit and debit cards are widely accepted across Tampere, it's a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for local markets and smaller restaurants.

Insider Tips

To truly appreciate the magic of Tampere, take your time. Immerse yourself in the local culture, take a bite of the regional cuisine, and let yourself sway with the rhythmic pulse of the city. Tampere is a city that lingers in your heart long after your visit. Whether you're a culture vulture, nature enthusiast or a culinary explorer, Tampere promises a world of experiences catered to your interests. With its dynamic lifestyle, friendly locals, and picturesque surroundings, this Finnish gem makes for an unforgettable voyage of discovery. Read the full article

[victoriasecretstore]

Luxury Women's Underwear

Luxury women's underwear is the most indulgent and luxurious item available. In addition to the fact that these undergarments are often made of silk and cotton, they come in a variety of styles and designs. Whether you're looking for something simple or something that's going to be out of this world, there are plenty of brands you can choose from. Here are a few to consider: Podprsenky Victoria's Secret

La Perla: La Perla is a luxury women's underwear brand that's been creating beautiful intimates since 1954. They are known for their beautiful fabrics and the quality of their fit. Their intimates are also loved by celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian.

Coco de Mer: Coco de Mer is a luxury women's underwear label that started as a tiny underwear boutique in London's Covent Garden. Now, their collection includes bodysuits, suspenders, and robes, along with their popular lace cup bras. A great place to start is their new season collection, which features minimal embroidered tulle bodysuits and chantilly lace robes.

Lilysilk: Lilysilk's designs are low-key, but are designed to last a long time. The company also makes a point of planting a tree for every product they sell.

Agent Provocateur: Agent Provocateur is a British brand that began in 1994. Joseph Corre, son of Vivienne Westwood, founded the brand. Today, their intimates are worn by stars such as Gigi Hadid and Rita Ora.

Myla London: Myla is a design house that focuses on making delicate, feminine, and effortless creations. Their underwear designs are easy to wear, but still provide the sexy details you're looking for. There are many different styles of underwear available, including the bralette, which is a very useful piece of lingerie.

Love Stories: Love Stories is an Amsterdam-based brand that makes luxury undergarments. Their bralettes, cover-ups, and other underwear pieces come in a wide range of sizes, from XS to XL. They are moderately priced and have similar designs to those found in more high-end underwear brands.

Studio Pia: A great undergarment brand, Studio Pia uses organic peace silk to create its designs. Each product is made with rich colors and brilliant craftsmanship. It's also known for its adjustable band sizes, which are up to three dress sizes.

Other luxury women's underwear brands you may be interested in are Organic Basics, Bondage, and Natori. These companies are all excellent choices. You can order luxury women's underwear online and have it delivered worldwide. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can return the undergarments in their original packaging. For a refund, you'll need to provide your order number and email address.

Choosing the right undergarment is an art. The right style can really make a difference, and can even increase your confidence. If you aren't sure where to start, a consultant can help. LA MUSA can guide you to the best luxury lingerie for your body type.

The lingerie industry is reviving. This means there's a better selection of undergarments to choose from than ever before.

[chloefashionmarketing]

Mint Velvet Market Research

Mint Velvet is an upper high street fashion company located in York. I thought I would try a modern fashion take boutique described as classy glamour from the owner. They mainly target women fashion with more elegant designer clothing to target working women wanting modern high street fashion for going out with selling clothing, shoes and accessories such as jewellery. Mint Velvet prices range from the cheapest of £30 to the highest up to £200 pounds. Mint Velvet has social media and a website to promote their fashion wear. Moreover it is in the town of York which stands out from other independent store located in town as it appears to have a city modernised new store look making higher clients to be more aware of the clothing Mint Velvet sells. Also they do offer vegan friendly clothing by selling fake leather bags and use cotton with less water wastage for their clothing. Mint Velvet address: 91-93 Low Petergate, York YO1 7HY

https://twitter.com/mintvelvet?t=adM0IrKTKKNWqhSi5u-gFg&s=09

[cbelleschic]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: J. Crew Factory High-Rise Skinny Jeans Light Wash Button Fly Sz 28.

[fashioneditswebsite]

How to make your summer dresses work in Fall

If you haven't swapped out your wardrobe yet, here's how to transition your favorite summer dress for Fall. With the proper layering and autumnal accessories, your favorite summer dress can still be worn this season. Despite the clouds closing in, your frilly florals are more versatile than you think. From pastel maxis to breezy baby dolls, there's still time to revive your go-to summer styles this September. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nela Klonowski (@_nelamaria) After all, a wardrobe staple can—and should—last longer than just one season. We've gathered the best ways to wear your summer dresses this Fall from leading stylists. Here are some tricks to make your summer dress autumn-ready (Alamy/PA) How to layer correctly When transitioning our dresses for cooler months, our first step is to layer as many knits over the piece as possible, but there's more to it than that. "The key to layering lies in incorporating a variety of textures such as velvet, suede, and wool," says Sally Boddington, CEO of fashion boutique White Coco. "Additionally, selecting colors and accessories that reflect the mood of the season is essential." Warm caramel colors can transition your summer dress through to autumn (Alamy/PA) "The key to layering is incorporating a variety of textures, such as velvet, suede, and wool," says Sally Boddington, CEO of fashion boutique White Coco. Additionally, selecting colors and accessories that reflect the season's mood is essential." Adding plum, taupe, and espresso tones through your accessories can make a white summer dress look like an autumn staple. Ensure your ensemble is made from breathable fabrics to make it versatile for the erratic British weather. "Start with sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses made from lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen," says Philips' garment expert Lamprini Fameli. Then, add a lightweight cardigan and a slouchy blazer if you're commuting for an office-appropriate look. Styling summer silhouettes Midi dresses are not the only ones that can work in autumn. If you've got a mini skirt, you're not ready to part with it. Focus on balancing the silhouette with seasonal accessories. "The aim is to strike a balance between style and comfort by ensuring sufficient coverage," says Boddington. "Pair your mini dress with a chunky knit, sheer tights, or knee-high boots for a sleek look. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hand In Pocket Boutique (@hand_in_pocket) "You can also layer a contrasting tank or rich-coloured knit over the dress, and complete the ensemble with statement gold jewellery to add a touch of warmth and sophistication." Blending seasonal colors Pairing your summer brights or vivid pastels with your autumn wardrobe can be tricky. "Opt for a tonal approach by pairing these lighter hues with deeper, richer tones to create a harmonious look," says Boddington. "Introduce autumnal textures like wool or suede, which will not only complement the colours, but also add depth and warmth to your outfit, ensuring it remains season appropriate." Millen says the big colors for autumn/winter 2024 are rich and warm: "There will be a lot of aubergines and burgundies, which for me is a great alternative to the blacks that I wear." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Runway Boutique (@shoptherunwayboutique) Styles to test Rock Chick Boddington says don't be afraid to juxtapose accessories with your summer dress. "Toughen up your dress with a leather jacket, biker boots, and chunky silver accessories for an edgy, 'indie sleaze' feel." FAUX LEATHER BIKER JACKET- Zara THREE PACK OF MEDAL NECKLACES- Zara Rocky Brown Distressed Boots -Steve Madden Boho Chic If you're transitioning your Broderie Anglaise dresses into Fall, style the floaty number with a tasseled cardigan, caramel velvet accessories, and ankle boots for a relaxed yet polished look. farm Rio fringe cardigan Suede Ankle bootie Sam Edelman  Slouchy Lieutenant Hat- free people Country Glamour If you're channeling cozy countryside comforts this Fall, pair your summer dress with a palette of greens and browns. "Opt for a wax jacket, tall leather boots, and a trilby hat for a sophisticated and rural-inspired aesthetic," says Boddington. Waxed-effect parka-mango Cashmere Scarf - Uniqlo Britt Riding Boot - Michael Kors Read the full article

[mysterymirrors]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Y2K Mid-2000s Lace-Up Faux Suede High Rise Mini Skirt - Brown - 0.