#load balancer server

[dysphoria-tips]

Optimizing Performance with a Global Server for Load Balancer

This load balancing mechanism is crucial for applications with a global user base, as it helps manage traffic surges and ensures consistent performance. The global server for load balancer intelligently routes requests based on various factors such as server health, geographical location, and server load. This ensures that users experience minimal latency and optimal performance, regardless of their location.

How a Global Server for Load Balancer Enhances User Experience?

The user experience is greatly influenced by the efficiency of a global server for load balancer. By evenly distributing user requests across multiple servers, it reduces the likelihood of any single server becoming a bottleneck. This ensures that users experience faster load times and reduced latency, which are crucial for maintaining user satisfaction. A global server for load balancer also helps in managing traffic spikes, such as those during peak hours or promotional events, by automatically redirecting traffic to less congested servers. This dynamic adjustment helps in maintaining a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.

Implementing a Global Server for Load Balancer in Cloud Environments

In cloud environments, a global server for load balancer offers several advantages that enhance the efficiency and scalability of cloud-based applications. It provides a layer of abstraction between users and cloud resources, allowing for better distribution of traffic and efficient use of resources. This is particularly beneficial for applications with fluctuating traffic patterns, as the global server for load balancer can dynamically adjust the distribution of traffic based on current load conditions.

Global Server for Load Balancer and Its Impact on Application Scalability

Scalability is a critical factor for modern applications, and a global server for load balancer plays a crucial role in achieving it. By distributing traffic across multiple servers and data centers, it allows applications to scale horizontally, handling increased traffic volumes without degrading performance. The global server for load balancer can automatically adjust the distribution of traffic based on server capacity and load conditions, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently.

Security Considerations with a Global Server for Load Balancer

Security is a paramount concern when implementing a global server for load balancer. While it provides numerous benefits, it also introduces potential security challenges that need to be addressed. The global server for load balancer acts as a gateway between users and servers, making it a potential target for cyberattacks. It is essential to implement robust security measures, such as encryption, authentication, and access controls, to protect against potential threats.

Comparing Global Server for Load Balancer Solutions

Choosing the right global server for load balancer solution involves evaluating various options based on your specific needs and requirements. Different solutions offer varying features and capabilities, such as support for different load balancing algorithms, integration with other services, and scalability options. It is important to consider factors such as performance, ease of deployment, and cost when selecting a global server for load balancer solution.

Global Server for Load Balancer: Best Practices for Configuration and Management

Proper configuration and management are key to optimizing the performance of a global server for load balancer. Adhering to best practices ensures that the load balancer operates efficiently and effectively. This includes configuring load balancing algorithms based on traffic patterns and server capabilities, setting up health checks to monitor server performance, and implementing redundancy and failover mechanisms to ensure high availability.

Global Server for Load Balancer and Its Role in Disaster Recovery Planning

In disaster recovery planning, a global server for load balancer plays a crucial role in ensuring business continuity and minimizing downtime. By distributing traffic across multiple servers and data centers, it provides redundancy and failover capabilities that are essential for recovering from unexpected disruptions. In the event of a server or data center failure, the global server for load balancer can redirect traffic to operational resources, maintaining service availability and minimizing the impact on users.

Cost Implications of Using a Global Server for Load Balancer

The cost implications of using a global server for load balancer are an important consideration for organizations evaluating their infrastructure options. While the benefits of improved performance, scalability, and reliability are significant, there are associated costs that need to be considered. These costs may include the initial setup and configuration, ongoing maintenance and management, and potential fees for additional features or services. It is important to evaluate the total cost of ownership and compare it to the potential benefits and savings achieved through improved performance and reduced downtime.

Future Trends in Global Server for Load Balancer Technology

As technology continues to evolve, the future of global server for load balancer technology holds exciting possibilities. Emerging trends include advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can enhance load balancing algorithms and improve traffic management. Additionally, the integration of global server for load balancer with other technologies, such as edge computing and 5G networks, is expected to drive further innovations and improvements.

Conclusion

Incorporating a global server for load balancer into your IT infrastructure offers numerous benefits, including improved performance, scalability, and reliability. By distributing traffic across multiple servers and data centers, it ensures high availability and a seamless user experience. However, it is essential to consider factors such as security, cost, and future trends when implementing and managing a global server for load balancer.

[river-the-fox]

Understanding and Implementing a Global Server Load Balancer

A global server load balancer (GSLB) is a network solution designed to distribute incoming internet traffic across multiple servers located in different geographic regions. This distribution ensures that users are connected to the nearest or most responsive server, optimizing both load times and application performance. Unlike traditional load balancers, which operate within a single data center, a global server load balancer manages traffic at a global scale, enhancing redundancy and resilience. By understanding what a global server load balancer is and how it functions, businesses can better appreciate its role in improving global application delivery and maintaining high availability.

Key Benefits of Using a Global Server Load Balancer

The implementation of a global server load balancer offers several significant benefits for businesses operating on a global scale. One major advantage is improved performance; by directing traffic to the nearest data center, latency is reduced, resulting in faster load times for users. Additionally, a global server load balancer enhances reliability by providing failover capabilities; if one server fails, traffic is automatically redirected to healthy servers. This not only ensures uninterrupted service but also contributes to a better user experience. Understanding these benefits highlights the importance of a global server load balancer in maintaining an efficient and reliable global infrastructure.

How to Configure a Global Server Load Balancer?

Configuring a global server load balancer involves several critical steps to ensure that it functions effectively. The process begins with setting up the load balancer itself, which includes selecting the appropriate configuration options such as load balancing algorithms and health check parameters. Next, DNS settings must be configured to ensure that user requests are correctly routed to the global server load balancer. Additionally, policies need to be established for traffic management, such as geo-based routing and failover strategies. By following a structured configuration process, businesses can optimize their global server load balancer to meet their specific performance and reliability needs.

Comparing Different Global Server Load Balancers

When selecting a global server load balancer, it is important to compare different solutions based on their features, performance, and cost. Popular options include cloud-based solutions like AWS Global Accelerator, Azure Traffic Manager, and Google Cloud Load Balancing, each offering unique capabilities such as integration with other cloud services and advanced traffic management features. Evaluating these solutions involves assessing factors like scalability, ease of use, and support for various traffic routing policies. A thorough comparison helps organizations choose the global server load balancer that best aligns with their specific requirements and operational goals.

Addressing Common Challenges with Global Server Load Balancers

Implementing a global server load balancer can present several challenges, including managing DNS resolution, dealing with latency issues, and ensuring consistent session management. DNS resolution can be complex due to the need for accurate and timely updates across different regions. Latency issues may arise if the load balancer's configuration is not optimized for regional traffic patterns. Session management can also be tricky, as it requires maintaining user sessions across different servers. Addressing these challenges involves employing advanced techniques such as dynamic DNS updates, optimizing routing algorithms, and implementing session persistence mechanisms to ensure a seamless and efficient user experience.

Security Considerations for Global Server Load Balancers

Security is a critical concern when managing a global server load balancer, as it handles significant amounts of traffic and interacts with multiple servers. Key security considerations include implementing SSL/TLS encryption to protect data in transit, configuring DDoS protection to mitigate distributed denial-of-service attacks, and ensuring that access controls are in place to restrict unauthorized access to the load balancer. Regular updates and security patches are also necessary to address vulnerabilities and maintain a secure environment. By focusing on these security aspects, businesses can safeguard their global server load balancer and protect their global infrastructure from potential threats.

Advanced Features of Global Server Load Balancers

Global server load balancers often come with advanced features that can further enhance their functionality and performance. Features such as geo-based routing, which directs users to servers based on their geographic location, and weighted load balancing, which distributes traffic according to server capacity, are examples of advanced capabilities. Other features may include integration with CDN services, real-time traffic analytics, and support for application-layer protocols. Leveraging these advanced features allows organizations to fine-tune their global server load balancer to meet specific needs and improve overall application delivery.

Global Server Load Balancers in Multi-Cloud Environments

In multi-cloud environments, global server load balancers play a crucial role in managing traffic across different cloud providers and data centers. They help ensure consistent performance and availability by distributing traffic according to real-time metrics and policies. This capability allows businesses to leverage the strengths of multiple cloud platforms while maintaining a unified traffic management strategy. By integrating a global server load balancer with a multi-cloud strategy, organizations can achieve greater flexibility, resilience, and efficiency in their global infrastructure.

Future Trends in Global Server Load Balancing Technology

The technology behind global server load balancers is continually evolving, with several emerging trends shaping its future. Innovations include the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for more dynamic and intelligent traffic management, improvements in support for containerized applications and microservices, and advancements in automation and orchestration. Staying informed about these trends helps organizations adopt cutting-edge technologies and maintain a competitive edge. Embracing these advancements can lead to enhanced performance, greater scalability, and more efficient management of global traffic.

Evaluating the Performance of Your Global Server Load Balancer

Regularly evaluating the performance of a global server load balancer is essential for ensuring its effectiveness and reliability. Key performance metrics to monitor include response times, traffic distribution, and server health. Tools and techniques for performance evaluation include real-time monitoring dashboards, detailed log analysis, and periodic performance testing. By consistently assessing these metrics, businesses can identify potential issues, optimize configurations, and ensure that their global server load balancer continues to meet performance expectations and support their global infrastructure effectively.

Conclusion

Global server load balancer is a vital component for managing traffic and optimizing application performance on a global scale. By understanding its benefits, configuration processes, and advanced features, organizations can leverage this technology to enhance their infrastructure's reliability, performance, and security. Addressing challenges, staying informed about emerging trends, and regularly evaluating performance are key to maximizing the effectiveness of a global server load balancer. With proper implementation and management, a global server load balancer can significantly improve global application delivery and user experience.

[pero-me-encantas]

Key Features to Look for in a Global Server Load Balancer

When selecting a global server load balancer (GSLB), key features to prioritize include robust geographic load distribution capabilities, ensuring efficient traffic routing across dispersed servers or data centers. Advanced health monitoring tools are essential for real-time server performance assessment, enabling swift traffic rerouting in case of failures. SSL offloading and caching mechanisms optimize application performance, reducing latency for users globally. Effective traffic management algorithms, like weighted round-robin or least connections, enhance workload distribution efficiency. Comprehensive security features, such as DDoS protection and web application firewall (WAF) capabilities, safeguard against cyber threats. Lastly, integration with cloud services and APIs facilitates seamless scalability and management. Evaluating these features ensures that the GSLB enhances application reliability, performance, and security across distributed environments, meeting the dynamic needs of modern businesses.

Understanding the Role of a Global Server Load Balancer

A global server load balancer (GSLB) is essential for distributing network traffic across multiple servers located in different geographic regions. This distribution ensures that no single server becomes overwhelmed, leading to improved performance and reliability. By intelligently directing user requests to the most optimal server based on factors such as server load, location, and response times, a GSLB enhances the overall user experience and ensures high availability of services.

Key Features of Global Server Load Balancers

Global server load balancers come with a range of features designed to enhance the efficiency and reliability of network traffic management. These include geo-location routing, which directs users to the nearest server to reduce latency, and health monitoring, which continuously checks the status of servers to route traffic away from any that are experiencing issues. Other key features include SSL termination for secure connections, DDoS protection to safeguard against attacks, and advanced load balancing algorithms that optimize traffic distribution based on real-time analytics.

Benefits of Implementing a Global Server Load Balancer

The benefits of implementing a GSLB are numerous and significant for any business. First and foremost, it ensures high availability by distributing traffic and providing redundancy, so if one server fails, others can seamlessly take over. It also improves application performance by reducing latency and enhancing load times, leading to a better user experience. Additionally, a GSLB can help manage traffic spikes effectively, ensuring consistent service during peak usage times and contributing to cost savings by optimizing resource utilization.

Comparing Popular Global Server Load Balancers

Several global server load balancers stand out in the market due to their unique features and performance capabilities. NGINX Plus offers robust load balancing, security, and application delivery capabilities. F5 Networks provides advanced traffic management and security features suitable for large enterprises. Cloud-based options like Amazon Route 53 and Azure Traffic Manager offer seamless integration with their respective cloud services and provide scalable, reliable solutions for global traffic management. Comparing these solutions involves looking at their specific features, ease of integration, cost, and scalability to determine the best fit for your needs.

Implementing a Global Server Load Balancer: Best Practices

Implementing a GSLB requires careful planning and execution to maximize its benefits. Begin with a thorough assessment of your current infrastructure and traffic patterns. Choose a GSLB that aligns with your business requirements and has the necessary features. Ensure your implementation includes redundant paths and health checks to detect and manage failures effectively. Regularly monitor performance metrics to fine-tune settings and configurations. Finally, conduct periodic tests to ensure that failover mechanisms work as intended and that your GSLB setup remains resilient and efficient under varying load conditions.

Challenges and Solutions in Deploying Global Server Load Balancers

Deploying a global server load balancer is not without challenges. Common issues include managing complex configurations, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure, and dealing with latency and synchronization across distributed servers. To address these challenges, it's essential to choose a GSLB that offers comprehensive documentation and support. Implementing automation tools can help manage configurations and updates. Additionally, leveraging advanced monitoring and analytics tools can provide insights into performance issues, enabling proactive management and troubleshooting. Regular training for IT staff can also ensure they are equipped to handle the complexities of GSLB deployment and management.

Future Trends in Global Server Load Balancing

The future of global server load balancing is likely to be shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can provide more sophisticated traffic management and predictive analytics. Integration with multi-cloud environments will become increasingly important as businesses adopt hybrid cloud strategies. Enhanced security features, such as AI-driven threat detection and automated response mechanisms, will also play a crucial role. Furthermore, the rise of edge computing will drive the need for more localized load balancing solutions, ensuring even lower latency and faster response times for end-users. Staying abreast of these trends will be essential for businesses looking to maintain a competitive edge in their network infrastructure.

Conclusion

Global server load balancers are critical components for businesses aiming to provide high availability, reliability, and optimal performance for their applications across the globe. By understanding the key features, benefits, and best practices for deploying GSLBs, businesses can enhance their network infrastructure and deliver superior user experiences. While challenges exist, solutions such as automated configuration and robust security measures can mitigate these issues. As technology evolves, GSLBs will continue to adapt, incorporating AI, edge computing, and multi-cloud integration, ensuring they remain essential tools for modern IT environments.

[lividsimmer]

Businesses Thriving with Global Server Load Balancers

Global Server Load Balancers (GSLBs) are crucial for businesses aiming to optimize performance, reliability, and scalability of their online services across multiple geographic locations. By distributing traffic across multiple servers worldwide, GSLBs ensure minimal latency and prevent server overloads, enhancing the user experience. This technology enables seamless failover, redirecting traffic to healthy servers during outages, thus maintaining high availability and minimizing downtime. Additionally, GSLBs support business continuity by balancing loads according to real-time traffic conditions and server health. This resilience not only boosts customer satisfaction but also enhances the overall efficiency and performance of digital operations. Businesses leveraging GSLBs thrive by providing fast, reliable, and uninterrupted services to a global audience.

Introduction to Global Server Load Balancers

Global server load balancer (GSLBs) are essential tools in modern network architecture, distributing traffic across multiple servers located in different geographic regions. This ensures that users receive faster and more reliable access to online services by directing them to the nearest or most efficient server, improving overall user experience and reducing latency.

How Global Server Load Balancers Work?

GSLBs operate by using algorithms to assess the availability and performance of servers in various locations. They analyze factors such as server load, response time, and geographical proximity to route traffic effectively. By balancing the load among multiple servers, GSLBs prevent any single server from becoming overwhelmed, ensuring consistent performance and uptime.

Benefits of Using a Global Server Load Balancer

mplementing a GSLB provides numerous benefits, including improved application performance, enhanced redundancy, and increased fault tolerance. By distributing traffic globally, businesses can offer seamless access to their services regardless of user location. Additionally, GSLBs contribute to disaster recovery strategies by redirecting traffic away from failed servers to operational ones.

Types of Algorithms Used in Global Server Load Balancing

GSLBs utilize various algorithms to distribute traffic, such as round-robin, least connections, and IP hash. Round-robin evenly distributes requests in a cyclic manner, while least connections direct traffic to the server with the fewest active connections. IP hash routes traffic based on the client’s IP address, ensuring that users consistently connect to the same server for session persistence.

Implementing Global Server Load Balancers in Your Network

Integrating a GSLB into your network involves selecting the right solution, configuring DNS settings, and setting up monitoring tools. Businesses must evaluate their specific needs, such as traffic volume, geographic distribution, and redundancy requirements, to choose an appropriate GSLB. Proper configuration and ongoing monitoring are crucial to maximize the benefits of global load balancing.

Challenges and Best Practices in Global Server Load Balancing

Implementing GSLBs can present challenges, including DNS configuration complexities, synchronization issues, and potential latency introduced by global routing. Best practices include regularly updating DNS records, ensuring consistent configuration across all servers, and using health checks to monitor server performance. Proactive management and optimization are key to overcoming these challenges.

Future Trends in Global Server Load Balancing

The future of GSLBs is shaped by advancements in cloud computing, edge computing, and AI-driven automation. As businesses increasingly adopt multi-cloud strategies, GSLBs will evolve to manage traffic across diverse cloud environments seamlessly. AI and machine learning will enhance GSLB capabilities by providing predictive analytics for traffic patterns and automated adjustments to optimize performance and resource utilization.

Conclusion

Application security services are indispensable for safeguarding modern software applications against an ever-evolving array of cyber threats. By integrating these services into the development lifecycle, businesses can proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, ensuring robust protection for their applications and sensitive data. The comprehensive features offered by these services, including vulnerability scanning, real-time threat detection, and compliance checks, provide a layered defense that enhances overall security posture. While challenges such as evolving threats and complex architectures persist, leveraging the expertise and advanced technologies provided by application security service providers can effectively address these issues. As technology continues to advance, the integration of AI and machine learning will further revolutionize application security, offering more sophisticated and automated protection mechanisms. Ultimately, investing in application security services is a strategic move that not only protects assets and builds customer trust but also ensures long-term business resilience in the face of emerging cyber threats.

[fear-is-truth]

# BEING BRUCE WAYNE’S ❝SUGAR BABY❞ AND FALLING IN LOVE WITH HIM — HCs

warnings — slowburn. brief mentions of sex synopsis — being a broke college student that caught the attention of none other than bruce wayne a/n — this is the fluffy slowburn sfw version… the 18+ one is still in the works

──⟢  fear-is-truth — all rights reserved. do not modify, repost, translate, or plagiarise my content.

it started when you were a broke college student in your early twenties, juggling classes, part-time jobs, and an unrelenting mountain of bills. bruce wayne, freshly thirty, was already a household name—gotham’s elusive billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist.

you first crossed paths at a charity gala, where you were working as a server, weaving through the crowd with a tray of champagne flutes. you’d only seen bruce wayne in tabloids before, so when you caught him leaning against a marble pillar, watching you, you simply froze.

“you seem a little… distracted,” his eyes flicked to the tray you balanced expertly. “nervous, or just tired of all this nonsense?” you gave him a polite, slightly weary smile. “neither. just trying to get through the night without spilling on anyone important. still got a paper to finish.”

his lips twitched in amusement, but he didn’t press further. at the end of the night, though, you found an obscene tip tucked beneath his empty glass—crisp hundred bills folded neatly, more money than you’d made all week.

weeks later, he appeared again—this time at a hole-in-the-wall café near campus where you worked part-time. it wasn’t his scene; he stuck out like a sore thumb in his tailored black coat, looking utterly out of place among the students.

he didn’t say much that first visit, just ordered black coffee and left another ridiculous tip. but he came back. again and again. sometimes he’d stay long enough for a brief conversation, other times he’d sit quietly in a corner, newspaper in hand. it wasn’t just the tips that stuck to you—it was the way he listened. bruce never made you feel small or dismissed your struggles, like so many others did.

when he first offered to help you financially, he did it with tact that left you room to preserve your pride. “you’re working too hard,” he said one evening. “let me take some of the weight off—just until things settle. consider it an investment in your future.” there was a sincerity in his voice that made it sound like a practical solution rather than a handout.

accepting his help wasn’t easy. you’d been so accustomed to clawing your way through life that the idea of someone else shouldering your burden felt unnatural. after days of hesitation, you finally agreed—but only on the condition that you’d pay him back one day. bruce had only nodded, though there was the faintest hint of a smirk, like he knew you never would.

he never made you feel indebted, though. if anything, he treated it like helping you was a privilege.

when your ancient car finally gave up, bruce didn’t even wait for you to ask for help. within the week, a sleek, brand-new model was delivered to your apartment, the keys tucked into an envelope with a simple note: you need something reliable. you tried to thank him, but he just waved it off. “just focus on getting where you need to go.”

your decrepit laptop, with its constant crashing and refusal to load anything on time, was next. one day, you came home to find a pristine, state-of-the-art model sitting on your desk, already set up and ready to use. you didn’t even have to ask.

bruce never demanded anything in return. the closest he came to asking for favours were the occasional lunches or dinners where he’d pick your brain about your studies, your ambitions, your dreams. he always seemed genuinely interested, never letting the conversation veer into anything too personal unless you led it there.

you realized over time that it wasn’t just the money, the gifts, or even the way he treated you like an equal—it was the steady presence he provided. bruce wasn’t there to fix your life or control it; he just wanted to make it a little easier. and somehow, that made all the difference.

when you stayed up late working on papers, bruce would sometimes settle on the couch nearby, a novel in his hands. he never intruded, but his quiet presence was a reminder that you weren’t alone. on particularly rough nights, he’d bring you a cup of tea without saying a word, setting it gently beside you before returning to his book.

on your birthday, he surprised you with a bouquet of your favourite flowers—something you’d mentioned in passing months ago—and a beautifully wrapped box containing a classic hermès birkin. the card attached to it read simply, “something to carry all those books in.”

his gifts were always thoughtful, never ostentatious in a way that would make you feel uneasy. designer coats, shoes, and bags—each impeccably tailored to your taste, yet discreet. the labels were always tucked away, hidden in folds and linings. they were things you could wear without being worried you’d get mugged. nothing about them screamed, “i have a sugar daddy.”

bruce never tried to “buy” your affection. you didn’t owe him anything—not in the transactional way most would expect. he just wanted to see you comfortable, to help you in ways that went beyond financial support. and, over time, you realized you cared for him too—not for what he could give you, but for who he was.

he had an uncanny ability to remember the smallest details about you. the way you took your coffee. the name of the professor whose lectures you dreaded. how the sound of rain on a window always calmed you. those little moments of attentiveness.

at first, bruce kept you at arm’s length emotionally, cautious about pulling you deeper into his complicated world. but as the months went by, as your late-night talks stretched into early mornings, it became clear that bruce didn’t see this as a favour or an obligation. he cared for you in a way that went far beyond surface-level kindness.

when you went through a bad breakup, he didn’t try to fix it or console you with empty platitudes. instead, he just wrapped his arms around you, letting you cry into his chest.

it wasn’t long before the line between benefactor and friend blurred entirely. he was no longer just footing your bills or buying you thoughtful gifts—bruce got greedy. he didn’t just want to take care of you financially; he wanted all of you.

one night, you were venting about your professors, frustration pouring out in a messy jumble of words. bruce listened intently, brow furrowed as he leaned back in his chair, giving you his undivided attention.

“you’re too nice to me,” you blurted, the words slipping out like a spew of vomit. before doubt could creep in, you leaned forward and kissed him. it was a kiss that changed everything—as you half expected him to gently push you away, his hand came up to cradle your face, deepening it.

the kiss led to one thing, then another, and before you knew it, you were tangled together in his sheets, lost in his kisses, his touch, his quiet attention to your every reaction. bruce wasn’t just passionate; he was thorough in a way that unraveled you completely—it was hands down the best sex you’d ever had.

when you woke up the next morning, still tangled in his arms, a wave of uncertainty hit you. maybe it was nerves or overthinking, but you couldn’t stop wondering if you’d crossed a line you shouldn’t have. sensing your unease, bruce kissed your shoulder, his lips warm and soft against your skin. “i hope you know this changes nothing… we’re fine.”

and just like that, you became his official “sugar baby.” not that the dynamic between you two changed drastically—it simply gave bruce an excuse to really spoil you.

the secrecy was part of the thrill, but also a necessity. bruce wasn’t ready to let the world know, and truthfully, you weren’t either. the thought of being reduced to a tabloid headline or a shallow label like “sugar baby” or “sugar daddy” felt like a betrayal of the genuine connection you’d built.

he started sending you to your favourite spa on weekends, claiming you deserved a break from all the stress. when you protested that it was too much, he just shrugged. “self-care is important,” he said, as though it was the simplest thing in the world.

your closet, which had been a collection of fast fashion and thrifted pieces, was slowly replaced with the row, max mara, burberry, and dior.

your jewelry collection grew as well. delicate van cleef & arpels bracelets, tiffany & co. pendants, and diamond-stud earrings from cartier found their way into your life. he gifted you a dainty rolex, understated yet stunning, with a cheeky note: “don’t be late to class.”

despite all of this, bruce was careful to ensure it never looked like you were “living large.” you stayed in your same modest apartment, though it was clear his influence was woven into the details: a state-of-the-art security system, upgrades to your furniture and appliances that made life a little easier.

dinners became a regular occurrence, whether it was a reservation at gotham’s most exclusive restaurant or an extravagant meal in his penthouse.

when you graduated, bruce was there, blending into the crowd in a simple black coat, inconspicuous among the sea of families and friends. you didn’t spot him at first—he wasn’t the type to draw attention when he didn’t want to—but when your eyes finally landed on his, he gave you the smallest of nods. after the ceremony, he approached you quietly, slipping a small velvet box into your hand. you opened it to reveal a key.

“what’s this for?” you asked, already overwhelmed, fingers trembling slightly. “your new apartment,” he replied simply. then, after a pause, “unless… you’d rather move in with me.”

from then on, everything changed. bruce wasn’t just your benefactor; he was your best friend, your confidant, and eventually, your lover.

[chantersboard]

Perfection

Word Count: 3.1 K. Joel Miller x f!reader. You are a server at an event where Joel is the client and you make a mistake that needs fixing aka Joel fucks your face because you fucked up.

Warnings: MDNI 18+, smut, AU, oral male receiving, deepthroating/face fucking, swallowing, dubcon (power imbalance, reader works for Joel), reader has hair that can be pulled, orgasm denial

a/n: is this even a Joel Miller fic at this point or is it just straight up a Pedro Pascal fic? idk because this fic was 100% inspired by the Fantastic Four trailer and how goddamn neat and pressed he looks in one frame and then a stressed mess in another. That astronaut image is DOING things to me. so here's pedro with a southern accent I guess lmao. this is the meanest I've ever written Joel. I can't do this I need my soft sweet man back.

Enjoy!

#chantersboardwritessometimes for other work (I will make a masterlist one of these days... maybe)

Perfection

The staff had been warned: be on your best behavior; tonight’s host was a perfectionist. The tablecloths were steamed twice and the cutlery was washed and dried by hand. The fresh flowers in the centerpieces were measured and cut to be the exact same length. New curtains were flown in from France and crystal flutes were flown in from Italy. Every handrail and doorknob and bathroom faucet was polished until it shone.

No detail was overlooked for this event and you could tell as you walked through the room. You have been a server for almost a year now yet you’ve never seen a gala as polished as this one. Your white dress shirt and black pencil skirt are stiff with starch—a must from the host—as you balance a tray of champagne, smiling politely at whoever picks up a bubbling glass by the stem. It’s not long until your tray is empty and you make your way to the kitchen.

When you push through the swinging doors you find some of the kitchen crew crowding the entrance.

“Did you see him?” one of them asks.

Another one answers, “Guy with the red and gold pocket square and the salt and pepper beard? Yeah, I saw him.”

“Joel Miller,” someone says with ire. “He’s the reason we’re putting in all these extra hours.”

They continue to complain while someone loads your tray with new glasses. He made the chef redo several dishes. He said the napkins weren’t folded correctly. He sent a server home because their clothes weren’t pressed enough. He told someone in the quartet their instrument was out of tune. 

The outlandish complaints continue and a chill creeps up your spine. The host sounds absolutely horrible. You’ve worked events with bridezillas and micromanagers and clients straight from hell but this guy takes the cake. You make a mental note to stay out of his way. Better safe than sorry. 

You grab the tray of Italian flutes full of chilled champagne and begin to head back to the floor. Just as you’re turning the corner someone inside the kitchen calls for you. You turn your head, just for a moment, looking to see who needs you, when you slam into someone.

The imported glasses wobble and fall onto the tray and the golden liquid splashes in every direction. You watch a shiny flute tumble to the floor and explode into a million glittering shards.

“Shit,” you mumble. “I’m sorr—”

Your apology is caught in your throat when you finally look up. You recognize the red and gold pocket square first, then the salt and pepper beard. Yes, it would be just your luck to spill champagne all over the host Joel Miller. 

His hair is perfectly styled, no strand is out of place. The graying temples are slicked back and you wouldn’t be surprised if each individual hair was cut to line up just so. His facial hair is also trimmed neatly and it shows off his strong jaw. Manicured eyebrows sit above intense brown eyes. He is a handsome man, there’s no doubt about that. 

His suit fits him well, despite his stature. He’s tall and his shoulders are broad. You can tell he works out in some capacity. His jacket and shirt would have needed to be tailored to fit around his muscles.

The same jacket and shirt currently soaked in champagne. Your eyes widen in fear. What do you do? What do you say? 

“S-sir. I am so, so sorry.” You can feel the cold, expensive liquid wet on your chest. It has turned your white blouse sheer and it does little to hide that your nipples are hardening from the sudden change in temperature.

“You should watch where you’re going,” he says and you are surprised to hear a deep southern accent. 

“I-I know,” you stammer, trying to balance the tray of toppled glasses so that no more champagne spills over. “Sir, Mr. Miller, again, I really do apologize. There is a staff bathroom right down this hall. Please, let me help you.”

Joel takes in the sight of you. Your hands shake the tray as you look up at him. You wait to be yelled at, wait to feel the wrath of this perfectionist, but instead he licks his lips. His eyes lower, lingering to where your shirt is most sheer, showing every detail of your pebbled nipples. His scrutiny makes your knees wobble.

You chew on your bottom lip and Joel’s attention snaps to your mouth. He watches your lips for what feels like an eternity before he takes the tray from you. He lowers and leaves it on the floor. When he rises again you catch a whiff of his cologne. He even smells handsome. 

“You can’t even manage to hold a tray,” he says. His voice is leveled but you can still feel the anger beneath it. “So how can you help me?”

You open your mouth to say something but then promptly close it. You’re not really sure, you realize. It’s not like you have a spare suit tucked away somewhere. With your hands now free you wring them nervously. This is it. He’s going to send you home. He’s going to get you fired and then the kitchen staff will have more gossip to whisper about. 

“I don’t know,” you admit. “Please, Mr. Miller, I really need to work the rest of this shift. I need this job. I’ll do anything to make it right. Please.”

He looks at you a long time again before something sinister flashes in his eyes. He brings a hand to your chin and swipes his thumb across your lips. The way he watches you as his finger plays with your lips sends a rush of heat between your legs.  

“You’ll do anythin’?” He asks and he forces his thumb through your lips and into your mouth. 

For a moment you’re surprised at his sudden intrusion. He doesn’t even know your name, yet his finger is currently rubbing against your tongue. You close your lips around him and gently suck his digit. You understand now. He’s not just a perfectionist. He’s a man that knows what he wants and how he wants it and isn’t afraid to take it. 

And if it means keeping your job you’ll let him take whatever he wants. 

You nod your head and Joel abruptly pulls his finger out of your mouth. He wipes his finger against the collar of your shirt. 

“Well, go on then. Lead the way before you do something else stupid.”

—————

The staff bathroom isn’t spectacular. It’s a tiny room that houses a toilet and a sink. An empty mop bucket rests in the corner where someone scribbled F u C k on the wall. The room smells like cheap solid air freshener and almond hand soap. 

The door hasn’t even fully closed behind Joel when he starts shrugging out of his jacket. He throws the garment on top of the bucket and you wince when you see just how soaked his clothes are. 

“I should have you fired,” he says as he continues to undress, thumbing through the buttons on his shirt. “You’re not very good at your job.”

“I know.” You lean against the sink in the tight space. “I was careless. I’m sorry.”

His shirt hangs open and all that conceals his body is a thin undershirt. You grip the edge of the sink wanting to press your fingers into his chest. 

His shirt slips off his shoulders and he chucks it with the jacket. “Look at you.” He touches your hip and drags his hand up your body, over your wet clothes, until he cups one of your breasts. “Your uniform is filthy. It’s not meeting the dress code.”

His fingers find the tip of your nipple and he pinches, eliciting a whimper from you. He grunts. “It’s disgusting. Take it off.”

He steps back so he can watch as you undo the buttons on your blouse. You peel your shirt off and reach behind you to pull down the zipper of your skirt. You allow your clothes to fall to the floor and you notice Joel’s cock hardening in his dress pants. 

You nervously stand there in your underwear while Joel palms himself through his pants. “All of it,” he demands. 

You nod before unclasping your bra and adding it to the pile on the floor. Joel is watching you intently, the large bulge in his pants pressing dangerously against his clothes. You pull down your panties and let them puddle at your feet. 

You cross your arms against yourself. Joel is still mostly clothed and the contrast makes you feel shy and indecent. His eyes rake over your body, enjoying your nudity, enjoying your embarrassment. He likes that you’re uncomfortable and that realization turns you on. He has power over you and you desperately want him to take it.

Joel lowers the zipper on his pants and reaches inside and frees himself. A gasp slips past your lips when you see how incredibly large he is. Joel wraps his fingers around his cock and pumps himself. Even in his large hands his dick looks unbelievable. 

“You like what you see?” He continues to pump his dick and you stare at it in awe. He laughs dryly when you don’t answer. “Get on your knees.”

You hesitate. You want to protest, to explain that whatever he has planned with that huge thing, it won’t fit. But then he steps close and his free hand tangles in your hair. He pulls you down, forcing your legs to fold under you. Your knees press into the cold tile. 

He pulls on your hair so you’re looking up, past his stiff member, and at him. “When I tell you to do something, you fucking do it. Understand?” He shakes the hand wrapped in your hair and makes you nod. “Perfect.”

Joel brings his cock to your lips. “Kiss it.” He demands, and you do as you’re told. 

“Lick it.” You stick your tongue out and lick the head of his cock, tasting the salty precum already beading there. Joel inhales sharply when you lick him again, running your tongue along the length of him.  

Joel tightens his grasp on your hair and the pain translates to pleasure between your legs.

“You’re gonna suck my cock now.” For the second time he pushes a part of himself past your lips and into your mouth. Almost immediately your mouth is full of him. You loosen your jaw and allow him to push further into your wet hole. When you think he can’t fit anymore he pushes even further and you choke and sputter around him. 

He yanks your hair and slips out of your mouth a little. “If you don’t do this right I’ll be forced to fuck your mouth.” You look up at him with wide eyes. “Do you want me to fuck your pretty little face?”

“Nuh-uh,” you mumble against him. 

“Then suck me until I come.”

You take a short breath and hollow your cheeks around his cock. You begin to bob your head, pushing and pulling his dick through your lips. You suck on him, tasting his skin as his cockhead drags across your tongue.

You start to get comfortable with the size of him, taking more of his shaft into your mouth with each stroke. You press your tongue against him as you draw back and slurp him in as you push forward. You've got a momentum going and Joel rewards you with a moan. 

The sound travels through his body, into your mouth, and settles at your core. He’s in your mouth but you want him in your pussy. You want him to fuck you against the sink. You want him to tell you how useless you are at your job while he fucks you senseless.

But his hand remains tangled in your hair, binding you to this position, so you continue to suck. He moans again when his dick nudges the back of your throat. Hearing him satisfied turns you on further and you bring your hand between your legs. You swipe your fingers up your slit, gathering your arousal, and rub your clit. You hum in relief as you grind your hips against your fingers.  

Joel pulls your hair again, hard, and his dick pops out your mouth. “Did I say you can touch yourself?” His free hand squeezes the sides of your face and makes your lips pucker. “This is all you’re allowed to do.” He digs his fingers into your face for emphasis.

His hand releases your face so he can return his cock back into your mouth. He gently nudges himself through your lips, pushing until he touches the back of your throat. Then, he clasps the back of your neck into a strong hold. 

“Since all you seem to do is make dumb decisions I’m gonna fuck your face and teach you a lesson.”

You panic, afraid of the size and girth of him plowing into your mouth. You try to lean back but the hold on your neck and hair keeps his cock firmly in your mouth. 

He pulls his hips back and stares at you as he snaps his hips forward. “Don’t fight it.” He steadily picks up his pace. “Keep that mouth wet and open for me, baby.” In. Out. In. Out. “I want you to choke on it.”

His fingers tighten in your hair as he begins to move your head to meet his thrusts. He fucks your mouth hard and fast, pushing his cock into you until it won’t go any further. You do your best to relax and loosen your jaw while he uses you but he’s just too large. Your lips are stretched wide around him as he drills into you. 

Your face is a mess. Drool falls down your chin and tears start to well in your eyes. Your throat has started to burn but you don’t want him to stop. You’re enjoying the pull on your scalp and the assault in your mouth. You want him to keep using you. You want someone outside the door to hear his moans. You want to touch yourself, you want to get off with the taste of his cock in your mouth, and knowing you can’t only makes you more aroused. 

The wet sound of his hard dick pushing in and out of your mouth fills the room. He’s cursing under his breath watching himself disappear behind your lips. He pumps harder when you don’t expect and you gag around him. Tears freely fall down your face as you try to gain your composure. 

“That’s it. Breathe through it. It’s okay to choke on it.” His hips stutter. “Fuck. You take my cock so well. Your mouth feels so fucking good, baby. You like my big cock in your mouth?”

You hum in reply, honestly loving every moment of this. His thrusts are coming faster now and his breathing is heavy. His once perfectly coiffed hair now falls over his face while he looks down at you. His pleasure is apparent in every inch of his face. It wouldn’t be much longer now. 

“I’m gonna—fuck—I’m gonna come in your mouth. And you’re gonna swallow all of it.” 

Joel’s cock continues to piston in and out of your mouth while he chases his orgasm. You can feel him growing more tense as his fingers dig into your neck. He shoves himself past your lips desperately, and then finally, his pleasure reaches the peak, and he comes. 

He’s cursing as he pulls you close, shoving himself into your throat until your nose is pressed against him. His cock twitches against your tongue and his cum fills your mouth. You can barely breathe with your mouth so full and your nose closed against his body. 

You love every moment of it. You love the power he has over you, the feeling of his cock jumping in your mouth in time to his gasps of air, the thickness of his cum, the sting on your scalp and the ache in your knees. 

Once his breathing has slowed and his body has relaxed he loosens his hold on your head. You pull back, slipping his softening cock out of your mouth. You look up at him with your mouth open wide, your tongue cupping his cum. Joel watches you bring your lips together and swallow his release. You bring a finger to the corner of your lips and push any remaining cum into your mouth and lick your tips clean.

Joel smiles, satisfied with your performance, and extends a hand to help you up from the floor. Your knees wobble as you straighten and Joel pulls you in close, wrapping his arms around your waist to balance you. You breathe in the scent of him, his expensive cologne and his cum still coating your lips. 

Joel’s hand moves from your waist, trailing across your body and down between your legs. He inhales deeply when his fingers slip into your slit and finds it soaking with your arousal. 

“I ain’t gonna lie,” Joel says as he pulls a finger up and begins circling your clit. “That might’a been the best head I’ve ever gotten.”

You spread your legs a bit and allow Joel to continue rubbing your clit. You’ve been so turned on this whole time it won’t take long for you to come. 

Joel leans down and whispers into your ear. “You should quit your job and become a professional cocksucker.” His finger continues circling your bud, bringing you close to orgasm. “At least you’re actually good at that.”

You grab a fistful of Joel’s undershirt as the feeling in your core builds. Just as your body begins to tense, just as you finally get to come, Joel removes his hand from between your legs, your release denied. 

You whine. You actually whine and watch him as he picks up his shirt and jacket. Joel smiles as he looks at you, arousal and confusion etched into your face. 

“Did you forget this was a punishment?” he asks, draping his ruined jacket over his shoulder. “Do not touch yourself. You are not allowed to come. Put your uniform back on and learn how to carry a tray.”

Joel wraps his fingers around the doorknob and begins to head back out. You need to stop him, you need him to know you’ve never felt as sexy as you did in this small bathroom. 

“Wait, Mr. Miller,” you say, not even sure what your next words will be. 

Joel stops and looks over your naked body once more. 

“Go the rest of the night without incident,” Joel says as his eyes linger on your lips, “be perfect and I might shove my cock into your wet pussy as a reward.”

You simply nod to acknowledge what he’s said. 

If he wants perfection, you think as you plan how to work the rest of the night at Joel’s standards, I will give him perfection. 

[porterdavis]

From the essential Letters from an American by Heather Richardson: 

"Shortly after 1:00 this morning...“[a] 25-year-old engineer named Marko Elez, who previously worked for two Elon Musk companies [SpaceX and X], has direct access to Treasury Department systems responsible for nearly all payments made by the US government.”

What follows is a journey into the unthinkable. A half-dozen downy-cheeked codebros in the employ of a South African billionaire have seized control of the beating heart of the entire US financial system -- the computers that write 90% of the checks issued by the government as well as those that receive payments to the government.

Included in that, of course, is the complete financial data of every taxpayer and every corporation in the country. The leverage there for coercion, extortion, outright blackmail as well as general malicious mischief in delaying or cancelling payments is almost incalculable. And this is on a national level.

It's probably already too late. Those codebros, sucking down Red Bulls and sleeping on mattresses carted into the server rooms by their boss, have doubtless loaded all the data up into the cloud. There will be no Keifer Sutherland beating a ticking 24 clock arriving in the nick of time to press the cancel button. The horses are out of the barn.

The response so far has been laughable. The general public bears the bulk of the responsibility of this for petulantly choosing against voting for a Black woman, instead supporting a felonious conman. The Democrats in Congress know what's happening yet can only muster a few megaphones to stand in front of the Treasury building (the scene of the crime) and bark slogans to the believers.

The kids in the server rooms are there illegally, no matter what pretext Donnie or Elon attempt to sell. They need to be dragged out by force. I'm not talking about the Brooks Brothers republicans who swarmed the counting rooms in Florida in 2000 and swayed the election. I'm talking the SDS students who seized the administration buildings at Brown and Columbia in the 60's. Yes, it is illegal and yes, there could be physical confrontations with militia and/or police, but as the GOP itself used to say -- freedom isn't free.

Now for those of you who might call me out for calling for 'good trouble' from the relative comfort and safety of Canada, please be aware that I actually did walk the walk, paid in blood. Chicago Convention 1968. Campus shutdown and interrogation by the FBI in 1969. Other actions for which the statute of limitations has hopefully expired but will remain private. But do the math. I'm old. Nonetheless if circumstances seem to me to dictate it, I will break my boycott of the US and head to DC to at least provide cannon fodder.

But I really want to call on every concerned citizen to DO SOMETHING. Call your congressman (don't write or email, they view that as too easy to be meaningful). Show up at the field offices.

The American Democracy experiment is 250 years old and has suffered a grievous wound in the last three weeks. It's survival hangs in the balance. The best options if it fails is the US becomes Hungary, an 'illiberal democracy'. Next on the scale would be becoming like Russia, a totalitarian state run by a dictator and the oligarchs.

Last, of course, is Gilead.

DO SOMETHING.

[chattingupthemkillers]

Food based headcannons for the romanceables

Misaki

Has a very inconsistent eating schedule

Makes a massive pot of food and freezes it and it last them like a month

Sometimes does not do that due to money constraints and has to survive on like ramen until the next time they get a job

Snacks a lot in the day on whatever is around in the trailer

Struggles to cook fancy meals. If the writer is coming over they practice for like a week straight to try and get it right.

Ronin

Hasn't seen a vegetable since he left angelwood

Eats loads of fast food or instant ramen

Is good at eating constantly due to being on T.

Until he runs out of money. And will just not eat and be in a worse mood until he gets more money.

V

Rich kid who now lives alone is like wow he does not eat properly

Probably eats like plain bread and has like 3 vegetarian meals he knows and makes them religiously

Eats pretty consistently with like meals as he will eat when the animals eat

But other than that he forgets if he's investigating too hard

Angel

The most balanced diet out of all of them

Makes food herself and has some kind of plan that she keeps too for model stuff

Sometimes completely skips meals cause she just forgets but the MC will often remind her

Teaches recipes to anyone in the server who wants to know about them.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Mistle-hoe

Warnings: noncon and other dark elements. Not all kinks or triggers are tagged. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

Summary: You take on a job at the holidays to get some extra money, but you get way more than that.

Character: Lloyd Hansen

Day Thirty-One of the December Daze Challenge.

Prompt - how is the mistletoe following you around?

Note: As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.

‘Hey, where u at?’ 

You sigh at the text message and type a flurried response before you tuck your phone in your back pocket. ‘Work’. Of course, Alicia is so self-involved, she can’t remember the one thing you told her a dozen times.

Sorry, can’t make the New Year’s Eve shindig, I need the money. 

“These shirts are... scratchy,” Paulina distracts you from your irritation, sparking a new agitation just beneath your skin. You look down at the attire and shrug. “But fancy.” 

You look down at the sparkly monstrosity. Silver isn’t really your colour. For a price, it can be. That night, you’ll be making double overtime and a tip. It’s more than worth skipping one of Alicia’s ridiculous drunken spectacles. 

“A little,” you adjust the trap. The rest of your outfit is standard; black pants, black shoes, heeled just as the job description specified. You prefer your flats with the inserts but you can bear a bit of arch pain for the check at the end of the night. Rather, year. 

“Must be quite the event,” you comment as you take a loaded tray; lobster, shrimp, mussels. The typical fair would be macaroni and cheese bites or pigs in a blanket. Tonight, is a fine affair. 

“CEOs,” Krista comes up on your other side. “So I hear. Bunch of rich old men. Just make sure you’re generous with the wine. You’ll get a bigger tip.” 

“Huh, right,” you lift the heavy tray and balance it expertly. “It might even cut short the night.” 

“Looking at some of these guys, you’re probably right,” Paulina snickers. “I’m seeing a lot of silver, not just these things.” She pinches a sequin on her shirt. “Ugh, the liner on this is awful.” 

You agree. You could throw the tray of appetizers and scratch your own skin off. You’ve dealt with worse. It’s part of the job. Banquets, work lunches, even weddings. Serving isn’t as glamourous as those melodramatic reality shows might suggest. 

You carry the tray through the curtain and start your rounds. It is a rather stuffy gathering. Black tie and all. As you silently offer your fare, acting as the perfect conveyor of gluttony, you notice a peculiar detail. Among all the tailored jackets, silk ties, and quaffed haircuts, there are no women. Not aside from you and the other servers. 

It might just be that it’s a boys’ club. That good old glass ceiling is thicker than you expect. Still, these things are rarely very lively without a female element. That’s not really your concern. You’re not the event planner, you’re just a walking table. 

“That shrimp?” A voice calls over. You turn as a man beckons you closer with his glass.  

You approach him as he turns with interest to the tray. He keeps one hand in his jacket pocket as you present the tray with indifference. He sports a rather bristly mustache and tidy haircut. It’s a choice. With money like his, style is expendable. 

“Oh, would you look at this,” he brings his hand out of his pocket and raises it high above the tray, “what do ya know?” 

You lock down a stoic expression and peer up at the cluster in his hand. Seriously? Your uncle used to pull that trick on your aunts. It was always kind of gross. 

“So uh... looks like we got caught, huh,” the man snickers. 

You look at him, horrified. He can’t be serious. Yet, if he’s a rich as they say, you expect that boundaries are nothing but a paywall to him. 

“You know it’s bad luck to break tradition,” he wiggles the mistletoe over you. “Don’t wanna start the new year off on a sour note, toots.” 

You tilt your head. You’re actually speechless. Not just your usual deferential silence, you really don’t know how to response. 

He presses his knuckles against the tray with his other hand, still gripping his glass, and steps closer. Your lashes flick in shock and your turn your head at the last moment as he puckers so he gets your cheek. His lips are wet with alcohol. Smells like gin. 

“Mm, downer,” he pulls back, “I'll get the lips next time.” 

He winks and retracts his arm, tucking away the mistletoe. He scoops up one of the skewers of shrimp and struts off without another word. God, that was slimy. You bend your head and wipe your cheek on your shoulder. 

You should warn the others. Avoid the one with the pornstache. Ugh. Why do men do this? Just think off the money. 

As you turn, Paulina’s tinkling giggle draws your attention. A man offers her a drink from his glass. You’re disappointed to see her accept. That’s a firing offence in most jobs. Not only that, it sets a bad precedence. These men don’t seem to have much restraint as it is. 

You crawl through, putting the tray out to reach hands. The air is cool as it speckles over your bare arms. You sidle around as you carry only scraps and return to curtained off space by the kitchen window. You trade your tray for a smaller one set with pre-mixed martinis. 

Another lap. The time sifts by slowly. You’re definitely earning the double overtime. Two white-haired men ogle you as they accept a martini. One sucks the olives off the toothpick as he leers. You keep a tight-lipped smile and move on. 

“Ah, don’t mind if I do,” that same timbre draws you around to face the mustachioed man. He sets his empty glass on the tray and takes one of the stemmed martinis, “you like gin, baby face?” 

“Sir,” you neither confirm or deny. He slurps noisily and rocks on his feet. 

You don’t have the space to angle around him. He seems to know it as he widens his stance and corners you further. You nearly groan as you sense his arm rising once more. No! 

The mistletoe jingles over your head, a small bell among the leaves. You stare at him with open concern. You’re helpless with your armful of drinks. 

“Ah, come on, don’t be shy,” he shifts closer, leaning in as he turns his cheek to you, “just a little one, right here.” 

You stare at his cheek. You just want this to be over with. Then you’ll be more vigilant and avoid him like the plague. You go to peck his cheekbone and he quickly snaps his head around and presses his lips to yours. You gasp and recoil, struggling not to spill the martinis as they slosh dangerously. 

He cackles and drains the martini. “Cute, I like it,” he wiggles the mistletoe again. “Hard to get, huh?” 

You back up and turn. Humiliated. What the hell? 

You glance around. Paulina’s sitting across to men’s laps as they feed her strawberries, one stroking her hip as the other keeps a hand on your thigh. Holy shit. This is getting strange. 

Krista is against the wall with another man, gray and balding. He whispers in her ear as she giggles and rubs his chest. Are you the only one working around here? 

You hurry behind the curtain and put the tray down. Where is Doris? This is her event. She should be keeping an eye on this. These men are animals. 

You peek through the curtain, scouring the room for her. You turn and go into the kitchen. It’s a frantic nest of chaos but she’s not there. Shit. You really don’t want to walk out, you need the money badly, but this is too much. You’re a server, not... what these men want you to do. 

“Oops,” the drawl makes you shudder as you walk directly into another body. The snicker that follows makes your skin crawl. It’s him. Again. “Think I’m lost, honey bee.” 

You look up at him and purse your lips. This is too much. This man is gross. 

“You can’t be back here--” 

“Baby, just a kiss,” he smirks. 

You stare at him, waiting for him to lift that stupid mistletoe. He doesn’t. You frown. 

“It’s caught,” he looks down and tilts his pelvis. The leaves are clips to his belt buckle, “would you look at that?” 

You take a step back as your nose flares. “Alright, sir, that’s inappropriate--” 

“Shhh,” he hushes you as he gets closer. “Go on, earn it, baby.” 

“Huh?” You grimace. 

“You think we’re paying top dollar for gin and fish. Go on and give it a kiss,” he grabs his belt and jingles the bell. “I’ll put an extra grand on your tip if you put one on mine.” 

You cringe and step back. He grabs your arm and you cry out. You bring your other hand up to shove his chest. 

“Hey, I’m not—I'm not prostitute, you weirdo,” you snarl as you wrestle with him. 

“Oh, that’s fine. I’ll go for an under the table favour,” he growls. 

“Get off--” You struggle with him, fighting his strength as he keeps one hand on your wrist and the other snakes around your waist. You raise your voice as you snarl. “Dude, fuck off of me.” 

The door to the kitchen swings open and you look over desperately. Thank god. You push against the man as you send Doris a pleading look. 

“Hey, this guy won’t-- leave me--” 

“Keep it down, sweetheart,” she tuts. “You’re going to ruin the party.” She looks at the man, “Mr. Hansen, have you found everything to your liking?” 

“Oh, sure,” the man replies brightly, “I don’t mind working for it.” 

You hit his chest with your fist and try to stomp his foot, “Doris! You can’t--” 

She struts away, disappearing beyond the curtain. You whine as the man squeezes you to him and you writhe. What the fuck? 

“Don’t worry, baby,” he nuzzles your temple as your squirm, his mustache tickling your hairline, “I’ll give you a special kiss too.” His hand slips down to your ass and he gropes until you squeal. “Feel like you need that kitty eaten good.” 

“You’re.... disgusting,” you sneer as you wriggle in his grasp. 

“Oh, you’re about to find out how right you are,” he snickers and pushes his crotch against you. “One fucking lick at a time.” 

[discordantwritings]

Always Return to You (Shanks x Reader NSFW)

Warnings: Some guys being creepy, gn afab! reader, love confessions, slight exhibitionism (the tavern is closed but yknow), PiV sex, creampie, not beta read

WC: 2.8k

Summary: You and Shanks have been flirting for a while now and you can’t help but wonder if it’s just entertainment for him- or if he has the same feelings that you do.

Note: I mean there’s a reason he’s bagged Buggy and Mihawk. This man has skills. This man has swagger. I hope I captured a sliver of his BDE.

When the Red Haired Pirates rolled into town you always knew you were in for some long nights serving at the local bar. You didn’t mind though, they always tipped well, were significantly nicer than your average pirate, and then, of course, there was the captain.

You never know what to make of Shanks. Logically you know he’s got a huge bounty and a reputation for being one of the strongest pirates in all the seas. But when he rolls into the bar with a lopsided grin and the laugh of a man who doesn’t have a worry you can’t see a terrifying pirate.

His crew and him hang around your bar for a week every few months while they restock in a large port nearby and you can’t help but look forward to when his ship cruises in. You’ve built quite the friendship up with Shanks over the years, finding him easy to get along with and easier to talk to. The two of you have shared stories until the morning hours and despite everything he’s experienced he still cares and pays attention to yours as much as you do his.

And, if you are able to admit just to yourself, you love the flirting. Shanks flirts with everyone, and you’re no exception to his wandering gaze and cheeky words. Even though his affections are not only for you you can’t help but feel special when his eyes travel down your figure. You give it as good as he gives too and Shanks always loves it, but neither of you have ever crossed that line.

He’s a pirate captain. You’re just some server. It’s never going to happen.

But that doesn’t stop the pang of jealousy you feel every time you see him leave the bar with someone else tucked under his arm. You would never do or say anything but deep down you wonder how it feels to have that strong hand on the small of your back or that bright red hair in your fingers while his head was-

“Did ya miss me?” You almost drop a drink when you hear Shank’s voice right next to you.

Looking up you see him leaning on the bar next to you, that stupid lopsided smile on his face. You have to fight down embarrassment that he just caught you in the middle of thoughts about him. Having been brought back to reality you finally notice the rest of his crew taking seats in the tavern, rowdy in a way that makes you feel like you’re having fun as well.

“Do you think I wait around for you to come back?” You don’t look at him, just continue loading drinks onto your tray for the other large party of pirates here.

“Of course not.” He slides a bit closer and helps you balance the final drinks. “Just thinkin’ about how I missed lookin’ at you.”

You shoot him an annoyed look, but there’s no malice behind it. “Yeah, yeah. You say that to everyone.”

“But I mean it with you.” He fires back.

“Keep dreaming.” You say as you walk away to deliver the drinks.

“Always of you baby!” He shouts with a laugh, finally moving back to his crew.

You roll your eyes but can’t help the large grin that comes over your face. Shanks has a way of making the atmosphere lighter and honestly, you needed it tonight.

The Red Haired Pirates weren’t the only group in here tonight- some low level scumbags occupied half of the tavern and you cringed when you turned to deliver their drinks and got greeted with drunken catcalls. But you took a deep breath and pushed all your emotions down as you handed everyone their drinks. At least with Shank’s crew here you know someone will tip well tonight.

Throughout the night you hover around the Red Haired Pirates, seeking the kind reprieve from the more obnoxious guests of the night. Everyone is kind to you and you catch up on the adventures they had while they were away. You don’t pay special attention to Shanks, but you can feel his gaze on you whenever you’re around. The way he looks at you versus the way everyone else does- it’s hard to place what’s different logically but it just is. You feel safe with Shanks, no matter what you know that if you ever seriously said no he would back off, which is not something you’d trust most men to do.

As the night wears on everyone gets drunker and sloppier and the guests start getting worse and worse. It’s becoming exhausting to ignore the hoots and hollers mixed with nasty whispers when you bring the next round of drinks. The Red Haired Pirates have been slowly leaving as the night wore on and not having that buffer was starting to take its toll. Luckily, Shanks was still there.

Despite the amount of drink you know he’s had he’s surprisingly composed as he sits back in the wooden booth. His gaze has something stirring underneath it and you follow his sight line over to the other crew of pirates. Sliding him another drink you decide to question him.

“They a rival crew or something?” You can’t imagine that sloppy group could compare to Shank’s crew, but you weren’t sure what else it could be.

“No.” He doesn’t stop staring. “But if those dirty assholes don’t stop eye-fucking you they are going to regret it.”

Oh.

His words stop your thoughts in your tracks and you can feel your brain having to hard reboot. Your body has no issues though and you can feel arousal pool down in your belly.

“You don’t-“ You stumble over your words as your brain finally catches up. “It’s not a big deal.”

Shanks finally turns his gaze to you and seeing him serious is a strange feeling. “It should be. You want me to deal with them?”

You glance back over at them and then down to your watch. “It’s almost closing anyways. They aren’t worth your time.”

“But you are.” When he says things like that normally he’s usually smiling with a light tilt to his voice but this time he’s deep and sincere. Your heart goes head over heels in your chest.

“I have to- um-“ You point back to the bar where a few patrons are waiting to pay their tabs.

“I’ll stay with you while you close, alright?” His words calm you, no longer having to worry about if any of your more unsavory guests are going to try and hang around after hours. You nod and smile at him before walking back to the bar to finish up your night.

You’re not sure if Shank’s egregious glaring was the reason the final hours of the night went so smooth but you’re certainly not complaining. The rowdy patrons slowly filter out as you start to clean up and Shanks is surprisingly helpful, putting up chairs while you mop the floor. However, thoughts have been gnawing at the back of your head.

Finally having everything cleaned up and ready for tomorrow you and Shanks head for the door but you stop halfway and have to speak up. “Shanks, can I ask you something?”

He stops and turns on his heels, slight concern on his face. “Of course.”

“Do you-“ Embarassment works its way up your neck and you avoid Shank’s gaze. “I just have to know if-“

Shanks is patient with you, not speaking as he walks closer to you.

“Do you actually like me.” You finally manage to spit out. “Because we have this thing and it’s fun but sometimes I wonder if this is how you act with everyone or-“

Your words trail off and there’s silence. After a few moments you work up the courage and look up at Shanks. His bright red hair falls over his face as he seems lost in thought. You don’t notice his arm moving until his hand interlinks in yours.

“I don’t think like is really the word I’d use.” He brings your hand up and presses a kiss to your knuckles. “Love might be more appropriate.”

“You can’t just say things like that.” There’s no hiding your embarrassment now, a blush probably covering every inch of your body.

“Why not?” He uses his hold to pull you in closer, your chest grazing his. “It’s true.”

“And you’re not just going to sail away and leave me here?” You squeeze his hand, searching in his eyes if he’s telling the truth.

“I always come back for you, don’t I? I certainly don’t keep coming back here for the food.” His eyes are shining and he has that signature grin back in his face.

“You’d keep coming back to me?” Your other arm comes up and drapes around his shoulder.

“Nothing could stop me.” There’s a sincerity and strength to his words that has you melting.

His face is so close to your now that he’s taking over your senses. You can smell the beer you’ve been serving him but the strong scent of the sea will probably always linger on him. You move closer, his lips painfully close to yours.

“Are you sure-“ You don’t even finish your question before Shanks has closed the small distance between you.

You’ve imagined what it would like to kiss him countless times but actually kissing him blows all of your fantasies out of the water. Slow but confident movements have you melting into him. His hand releases yours and snakes around to the small of your back, pulling your body flush with his. He doesn’t let up until you’re breathless, pulling away with a gasp.

Shanks rests his forehead against yours patiently giving you time to breathe again. Turning your gaze up you lock eyes with Shanks again and you see a flash of hunger in his gaze before he’s kissing you again. Your knees go weak and you feel the low rumble of Shank’s chuckle as he starts to lead you backwards until you feel the back of your knees connect with a table. Breaking away again you hop up to sit on the table, hands coming up to grab Shanks by the collar of his shirt to pull him in again. His legs go between yours, forcing your thighs apart as he leans over you.

“So.” His mouth comes down to your neck, words spoken in between opened mouthed kisses to the skin there. “You want me to bring you back to my ship now or bring you back to my ship after I’ve fucked you on this table.”

The moan that leaves you is involuntary and you hook your legs around his waist, hoping that answers his question for him. It doesn’t.

“Oh c’mon I want to hear you say it.” He comes back up to look you in the eyes. You try to turn away in embarrassment but his hand comes up and softly redirects your chin back to him.

“I want you to fuck me on this table.” You whisper, catching the way his pupils dilate at your words.

“That’s it sweetheart.” He returns to attacking your neck as your arms come up around his neck.

Using your grip you drag you hips up to his and grind down, moaning when you feel his clothed erection through the layers of fabric. Unable to help himself he ruts his hips into yours, biting down into your neck.

“Eager, aren’t we?” His hand is at the waistband of your pants, slipping under and down to your center. Fingers quickly find your folds and he chuckles when he feels how soaked you are.

“Been thinking about you all night.” You confess, lifting up into his touch.

“Fuck, me too.” He kisses you with a renewed heat and you gasp into his mouth when you feel his fingers push into you.

Taking advantage of that his tongue enters your mouth and you let yourself be swept up in the sensations. Two calloused fingers scissor inside you and you grip Shank’s bright red hair at the base of his neck.

It isn’t long until Shanks is pulling his fingers out and you whine at the loss. You’re about to complain until you see him bring his fingers up to his mouth and lick your slick off.

“Shit you taste good sweetheart.” You moan at his words and the heels of your shoes dig into his back. “Should I get a better taste now or later?”

Damn him and his choices. “Later- I need you inside me.”

You both break away for a few moments to fumble with your pants and you kick yours off fast, the wood cold against your bare ass. When Shanks’ pants come down you can’t help but stare. He’s big and while you are slightly afraid he’s not going to fit you would be lying if you weren’t up for the challenge.

Shanks seems equally captivated by you, his hand pushing your thighs apart so he can get a better look. “I could feel you were soaked but damn, all this for me baby?”

“Just for you.” Those words seemed to be exactly what Shanks wanted to hear because he wastes no more time.

Gripping himself he drags the tip of his cock through your slick, mixing it with the precum leaking out of him. He slaps his tip onto your clit and your hands shoot out to his shoulders to stead yourself.

“Stop being such a tease.” You huff.

“Oh c’mon you know you love it.” But he relinquishes to you, lining himself up with your entrance.

Even just the push of his tip into you stretches you and you take deep breaths as he slowly sinks further into you. The stretch rides the line between pain and pleasure and you claw at Shanks’ back.

“You’re doing so good for me baby. Taking me so well.” He whispers in you ear, soothing you as you adjust to his size.

It takes you a bit for the pain to completely fade into pleasure as he sits in you as far as he can go. When you’re finally ready for him to move again you nod, and Shanks begins to move. His pace is slow and you feel every inch of him drag in and out of you.

“Fuck baby you’re so tight.” His head is pressed against your shoulder as he uses all of his self control to go slow with you.

“I just think-“ You cut yourself off with a moan as he bottoms out again. “That you’re just fucking big.”

Shanks laughs. “Two things can be true.”

You can’t stop the smile that comes over your face. His sense of humor was infectious like that. Your laughs turn into a moan as he picks up the pace, and you can’t help but feel like you’re being split in half. Your fingers dig into his shoulders as he pulls you in for more deep kisses.

The slow build of your orgasm comes creeping up on you, your walls clenching around Shanks. You know he feels it because he stops kissing you to let out a deep groan as his thrusts stutter. It doesn’t take him long to recover though and when he trusts into you again it’s faster and deeper than before. His hand comes down between the two of you and his skilled fingers work your clit while he whispers in your ear.

“Need you to cum on my cock baby. Want you to remember this every time you work. Can you do that? Cum all over this table for me baby?” His filthy words and fast movements send you spiraling and it’s not long before you’re cuming with a scream.

Shanks isn’t too far behind you. “Where-“

You don’t need him to finish his sentence and you use the remaining strength in your legs to lock his hips to yours. He cums deep inside you with a shudder and you’ve never felt so full.

The two of you sit there intertwined as you both come down from your orgasms, heavy breaths the only noise in the room. When he finally pulls out you can feel his cum begin to leak out of you and you have to admit you love the feeling.

“I’ll be right back.” Shanks kisses your forehead as he walks away for a moment but comes back with a damp rag to clean you and the table up.

“So.” You link your arms around his neck. “I think you might have to carry me back to your ship.”

That lopsided grin is back on his face. “Baby if it were up to me I’d carry you everywhere.”

“So romantic.”

“Anything for the person I love.” He grabs your hand again, kissing your knuckles.

You know life will be hard with a partner who’s a notorious pirate, but you know your heart is his and you wouldn’t want it any other way.

[hwaddist]

i gonna be so real and honest here and say that some of you do not know how to read:

QSMP2024 is still the same damn server with the same damn lore and they are STILL ON THE SAME DAMN ISLAND

Phil pointed out yesterday how they were 200k blocks away, today Luzu tried using the waystones but they were deactivated because the waystones in the og spawn and surrounding areas are still there, when Cucurucho was going around talking to the islanders he asked “how are you liking THIS PART of the island”

there wasnt no lore restart nor this is a new server, the lore is still there, but this is day TWO of this new era of fucking course theres no lore, bad even said that today on stream that “there could be lore at any point.” the eggs even have immunity!

yes! it was kinda shitty that Richas and Pomme went without Phil to rescue Cellbit and Baghera but maybe, just maybe, you guys should remember that this people have lives outside of the server and maybe phil couldn’t make it to the recording of the video!

Willy pointed out today that the reason he stopped logging in when he first joined the server was because everyone else was already way too OP with literal castles and armor so tough they would barely get scratched by mobs when he barely had diamond armor, so he got discouraged and didn’t logged on again. Now that everyone is back at being balanced he wants to log in again! Maybe even tell Vegetta to log in again!!

edit but also general minecraft knowledge: they probably traveled so far out to get new world generation because they jumped from 1.18 to 1.20 (from what i can see because the spawn wouldn’t generate stuff like deep dark don’t generate on already loaded chunks), so that is why they are 200k+ blocks out. also the create mod didnt got taken out, its just disabled at the moment because the admins probably dont want another tubchunk.

you guys SERIOUSLY need to stop doomposting and trust in the admins and in Quackity.

UPDATE: Baghera has talked about having planning issues and thats why they had to cancel the rescue mission with Phil!

and Fit said that his lore is STILL ONGOING

[agentbobr]

pissed abt the new discord mobile update so heres my rant.

the new hud is ugly, laggy and impractical. the lil servers button will ALWAYS have a blue light unless you read every server message which is dumb. they should have an option to turn that off or revert it back to the old HUD (like how reddit has its current site and its "old site HUD" verision), it feels laggy to swap between servers and messages and its slow, making it hard to balance having two conversations at once. you cant even see which people are online in servers by swiping to the side anymore and have to press the search button (which takes a moment to even load, adding more to the lag factor), not to mention, messages look weird now since you ALSO cant side swipe to see whos online/status messages, you must press the search tab and then itll lag to load and show up like how instagrams messaging system does, with it separating the media sent, link and some other stuff. overly complex and unneeded.

not to mention, the new "midnight" color background doesnt even look midnight, you'd expect it to be pitch black on all parts but instead they made it blueish, which is dumb and knowing current discord, they'd put pitch black behind the discord nitro color themed backgrounds (which is also stupid but thats a whole other can of worms.)

overall the new interface is annoying, laggy, UGLY, and hard to traverse, the seperation of areas was unneeded, made worse by the fact that discord themself have said that a setting to make it go back to normal wont be made and if anyone doesnt like it, to delete their accounts. (most likely not caring due to the fact that they have no competition in purely texting apps), it is also full of glitches such as: people being able to send messages but it STILL being in the text box, being so laggy its unuseable and from what ive seen, nobody online is happy as it completely removes all user-friendly access to things and makes it generally hard to use.

[calsartisttrashbin]

uhhh writing for miss kimiko bc i realized i've just been posting all this to a discord server haha

tw - mild cursing and murder? but like two curse words and not directed at anyone hehe

also writing is loosely based on this art i did of her haha

Heavy footsteps pounded against the asphalt outside the bar, barely overshadowed by the music seeping out from within, with both sounds echoing throughout the abandoned alleyway the man staggered through. Already decently inebriated, his feet seemed to be a good minute behind him, the toes of his once decent dress shoes scuffing and catching against the ground as he continued to try and escape- who was he trying to escape again? It didn’t matter - not when the person chasing after him was sure to end him if they ever caught up. I mean sure, he breached that damn contract a little, but he figured he could get away with it! He was pretty sure it wasn’t explicitly stated that laundering some money from that filthy rich company wasn’t allowed, but then again his foggy head didn’t remember reading the fine print. Seriously, who does anyway? 

The sound of a second pair of footsteps entering the alley snaps him out of his lamenting, muttered curses leaving his lips as he continues to drunkenly stumble forward, bumping into the red brick walls every few strides. He had no idea who exactly that cursed company had sent after him - and he had a feeling if he did, it would be the last thing he learned tonight. The footsteps continued to close in on him, the slow, patient stride never speeding up, yet always sounding as if they were just a hairsbreadth behind him. He picked up the pace, hitting his shoulder against the corner as he rounded it and- shit. It was a dead end. No fire escapes, no back door, no dumpster to hide in - nothing. 

His momentum carried him forward as he tried to stop, his already terrible balance doing nothing to help as he fell face first onto the concrete, the ever steady footsteps closing in closer and closer, the painfully slow steps only furthering his panic. He scrambled to get up, his palms scraped from his initial fall, limbs shaking from the combination of alcohol and adrenaline, which made it a near impossible task. The quiet clink of metal echoed from behind him. First a quiet, soft click, from what sounded like a lighter. Then a heavier, much louder sliding of a mechanism - the loading of a gun. His heart drops as he scuffles against the ground as far away from the person approaching, turning around to press his back against the brick wall to finally face his pursuer. 

The smell of cigarette smoke hits him first, his blurry vision first focusing on the lit end of a cigarette hanging from the person’s mouth, then flitting to the pistol in their hand, then to the purple tie hanging from their neck, and finally focusing on their face. The expression he was met with was a tired one, eyes boring into him from where he sat on the ground. He recognized that expression, the purple tie - it was the woman he had met a total of maybe two times, some paperwork assistant, or something like that. Was everyone in that shady company some kind of assassin?! He continued to try and back up as far as he could, pressing himself further and further against the wall, the scuffling of his shoes against the ground drowning out his stammered attempts at a negotiation. Before a proper word could come out of his mouth however, the silenced shots of a pistol drowned them all out. Once. Twice. Then, silence.  

She sighed, the quiet sound now the only thing other than her footsteps echoing against the bricks, and walked over to the now still man, standing above where he lay limp against the wall he had seemed so determined to try and become a part of. Standing over him, she examined her shots, clicking her tongue as she noticed her first shot had been just shy of his heart. Oh well, her second shot had been right between the eyes, so that mostly made up for it. She reached into her pocket, unfolding what had been the man’s contract, a red inked stamp standing out across the front page, reading ‘[BREACHED]’. She spun her kunai on her index finger in the other hand as she unfolded the paper, before using it to pin the paper over his face, the blade stabbing into his forehead. Blood began to seep through the paper, adding more crimson to the contract as she stood back up, taking her cigarette out of her mouth as she looked down at her work. The smoke curls into the air as she stands there for a moment, as if in thought, before the sound of a car at the opening of the alleyway snaps her out of it, and she backs away, putting her cigarette back between her lips and shoving her hands into her pockets as she turns away, calmly walking back the way she came, her steps still echoing, slow and measured, as he lay slumped there.

[heartbreakgrill]

stiles stilinksi: breakable heaven; pt. 6, “i’m always waiting for you just to cut to the bone. it’s cool, that’s what i tell ‘em. no rules, in breakable heaven.”

a/n: angsty chapter for u. prepare to be frustrated and emo.

tagging: @ariianelle

stiles: i’m glad to know you. just wanted to tell you that.

y/n: :) that made my day, thank you

y/n: i’ve got to get to work, but i’ll text later :)

stiles: have a good shift!

stiles: not sure if you'll see this, but dad wanted to go out to dinner, so i guess i'll see you soon. try not to picture me naked when i'm ordering ;)

–

"y/n, finish up that table, then i'm cutting you. too many people on tonight, okay?"

y/n looked up from the pile of silverware she was wrapping. she was excited by her manager's words, so she smiled- though, in the restaurant business, false promises were often made. she was skeptical.

so, she asked,"really?" he nodded back at her before moving along. y/n was ecstatic.

it was a saturday night, and, usually, when she got off, it was nearly 11pm. she never liked going anywhere that late. so, getting out this early meant she could head over to danny's. her friends had texted in the groupchat about watching a movie. now, she could include herself in the plans, too.

y/n's table was waiting for their food still, so she went into the kitchen to check on it. luckily, it was all done. she loaded it all onto a tray, before balancing it on her palm, and taking it out into the dining room.

as she walked through the restaurant, y/n just so happened to lay eyes on none other than stiles stilinski and his dad, the sheriff. she nearly tripped over her own two feet at the sight. she clearly hadn’t gotten stiles’ text. he met her eye and smiled awkwardly, his hand waving in a small, shy manner. the sheriff was ordering his food, so he hadn’t noticed the interaction.

y/n smiled, half-heartedly, and unloaded the tray at her table. she was thrown off just a little. he seemed to do that to her, quite often- throw her off balance. "i'll be around if you need anything else, alrighty?" she glanced over at stiles a few times throughout her cadence, "okay, enjoy your food! thank you so much."

she bee-lined for the server station and dropped her tray off. then, looking back up, she met stiles’ gaze again. she felt tingly with anticipation, excitement, especially he met her gaze again and grinned.

he had a devilish quality to his smile. it was something about how his lips creased his cheeks, something about the glint in his dark eyes. it was mischievous and taunting.

y/n jerked her chin towards the back of the restaurant, where the bathrooms were. it was an empty area right now, even though it was a saturday, and offered them an out-of-view spot for a quick greeting. stiles nodded and excused himself from the table.

y/n leaned up against one of the booths, a confused, yet delighted expression on her face. she watched stiles round the corner, grinning, now, fingers nervously tugging on the sleeves of his hoodie. that smile made her heart beat quicker.

she hadn't seen him much this week because they were both busy- y/n studying and working, stiles fighting off the supernatural and struggling to keep himself sane.

of course, they'd still found time to see each other. like, on wednesday, when stiles came over after school. they had sex, and then he actually stayed. he stayed and held her until the sun set. and, they talked, though half asleep, about whatever came to mind- his mom, her plans for college. private things that only close friends- possibly more- would discuss. there was a moment where stiles felt so secure and trusting of her that he almost slipped, almost told her about everything with scott, lydia, everyone. but telling her meant dragging her into his mess.

and, she was becoming somebody he could not lose.

so he was still torn on that decision.

instead, he talked about his friends in a distant manner, one that left out any big plot lines. y/n still tried not to feel insecure when he brought up lydia. she noticed, when he revealed more and more, that stiles hung out with lydia a lot more than he hung out with y/n. it was a small detail that she shouldn’t have even lingered out in her head- but, especially since last sunday, y/n felt any and all defenses had fallen down. she was attached, so deeply now. she was reading between every line, analyzing every detail.

but, she couldn’t be mad about who he hung out with. she couldn’t feel jealous- even if she was- because it didn’t matter what feelings y/n had. that wasn’t what they had agreed. no matter how many of his sweet gestures and words, they had still not established any kind of relationship, label, anything.

he just wasn’t hers to lose.

eventually, that wednesday evening, the soft light and lowered volume of y/n's television hazily drew them to sleep. when they woke, it was 5am. school would start in just three hours. they headed, barely awake to be aware of themselves, to the front door- y/n adorned in stiles' lacrosse hoodie again. she didn't have enough consciousness to stop herself from hugging him goodbye.

or to even process the fact that he kissed her on the forehead.

later in the day, in the middle of english, the moment clicked in her brain. she couldn’t think about anything else for the rest of the week.

y/n wanted to tell danny about it- but he’d instill a fear in her, or maybe even a hope that wouldn’t bring any good. because, it was moments like that where y/n was sure she had him.

moments of tenderness, connection.

but, alas…

"i texted you," stiles kicked his shoe against the carpeting of the restaurant.

y/n raised her brows, "oh, yeah?"

"to warn you," he shrugged, "i didn't want you to think i was stalking you."

y/n replied with a giggle, "you'e one of the few people i'd be okay with stalking me."

stiles chuckled, glancing, up and down, at his shoes, cheekily. "listen, uh, i don't know what you're doing after this...but would you wanna hang? i know your parents are home, but my house is free. we wouldn't even have to slum it in the jeep. my dad has to go into the station.”

y/n straightened her back, perked up by the plans he was making. "yeah, that's actually...yeah. i'd love to."

screw watching a movie with her friends; she'd rather see stiles.

"i actually get off as soon as this table leaves. don't know if i told you, but my car's in the shop, so my mom has to come get me. would you mind picking me up from my house later?"

stiles glanced back at his dad. "yeah, uh," he met her eye, his smile morphing into something nervous, "that works. i know you've probably met my dad, but you should come over and say hi. he'd love it."

y/n's mouth dried out a little. she swallowed thickly, "oh, maybe. yeah. that would be nice." meeting his dad.

he wanted her to meet his dad.

that was, sure as hell, a clear sign of attachment.

"no pressure," stiles set his hands out in the air between them. "sorry if that was weird. i know that's not- that's not...yeah. just, forget it. i'll see you later? text me."

“wait,” y/n grabbed his forearm, “i want to.” she met his eyes. it was a firm decision on her part.

meeting stiles’ dad shifted things just a little bit further. she was growing more distressed about everything going on between them. she needed answers, but didn’t even know what questions to ask.

but, then stiles moved his hand, slid his arm up till his fingers were in hers, and she relaxed a little. “okay.”

she had to drop his hand when they turned the corner because y/n didn’t want to get in trouble with her boss. immediately, her skin was cold. stiles led her to their table in the back corner of the restaurant. she didn’t notice, but he flexed his fingers, feeling the ache of the loss of her in his hold.

“dad,” stiles patted his shoulder as they walked past the sheriff, settling, on their feet, across the table.

the sheriff looked up from his phone and immediately smiled, the expression morphing his face to look almost identical to his son. y/n grinned at the resemblance. “hey, who’s this?” the sheriff stood on his feet, and shook y/n’s hand heartily.

“i’m y/n, i’m-“ she glanced at stiles’, her smile dropping. what was she to him?

what was this to stiles? there was a question, finally.

“we go to school together,” stiles simply said. he didn’t know what to call it.

though he knew what he wanted to.

y/n tried not to give much depth to the statement stiles made. she knew as well as he did that there wasn’t much else he could say without blurring lines and throwing things off. she put a pin in it.

“well, it’s nice to meet you, sweetheart,” sheriff patted their joint hands with his other one.

y/n nodded, “you, too. i’ve heard a lot about you.”

sheriff shot stiles a look, “all good things, i hope?”

“always,” she assured him with a gentle laugh.

“how long you been working here?” sheriff proceeded to ask one of the basic questions all dads would inquire about.

“about two years. i was the hostess before i turned 18 a few months ago,” y/n explained, motioning to the entrance of the restaurant.

sheriff shoved his hands in his pockets, “oh, i recognize you now. me and the deputies used to grab food here a lot. things are a bit busier now, so that’s not really a possibility, anymore.”

“i remember that!” y/n nodded. “you’re a rowdy bunch!”

sheriff laughed, “oh, don’t i know it. they let you eat on shift? stiles, why don’t you buy this young lady some dinner?”

stiles raised his hands defensively, his dad’s tone a playful offense towards him. y/n set a hand on stiles’ wrist, laughing, “no, you’re okay! i get off soon, actually.”

“how soon? why don’t you join us?” sheriff continued. he probably wouldn’t leave the poor girl alone until he bought her something.

y/n glanced over at her table, who looked to already be finishing up. “probably here in, like, ten minutes?” she looked to stiles, to see if he’d permit the change of plans.

he shrugged, “don’t let him pressure you.” while y/n didn’t know what he was thinking, stiles was aware of the flustered feelings flurrying in his mind.

y/n giggled, rolling her eyes, “i’d love to join you guys. i’ll be back, okay?”

sheriff asked, before she could leave, “well, what’re ya eating?”

she thought for a moment, then gave him her usual food order. sheriff forced stiles to go find their waitress. y/n offered to lead him to the server station, where she was probably doing something.

“he likes you,” stiles murmured as he followed y/n. he pushed the sleeves of his jacket to his elbows, feeling warm for some reason.

y/n turned back to him with a smug expression, “i’m likable.”

stiles snorted, a light smile taking over his face. “you are.”

they shared a flickered look, for just a short moment. it was interrupted by y/n’s coworker, who had a question about something minuscule. she excused herself, smile now tightened by her lips.

the gaze they had exchanged soaked across their skin longer than it had lasted. the air between their eyes was heavy with anticipation and questioning.

still, confusion lingered.

but, dinner ended up being a lot of fun. they sat there for two hours, laughing, chatting about school, especially y/n’s plans for her future. the sheriff was quite interested in her education, like any good parent would be, and supportive of the dreams she shared.

y/n told them how she wanted to go to seattle, how she wanted to study psychology and one day become a forensic scientist. it was something silly that she was sometimes insecure to bring up with some, but the sheriff was fascinated.

stiles, however, was shocked by this. it was a piece of information he had yet to learn about her.

he watched her talk passionately about the subject, her eyes glazed over in excitement. sheriff told her a lot about the schooling process, since most of his deputies had gone to school for something like that. and, he’d been in the business a long time. he gave her helpful advice that she was more than grateful for.

the sheriff listened intently to y/n, but still noticed how his son’s eyes lit up with absolute adoration.

the entire evening was wonderful. it left both of them feeling full, happy.

y/n was nearly sure that, after this dinner, stiles would say something. he would do something. he’d confess that he wanted her in every way he could, he’d ask her to be his, and the fairytale ending would come. he had to.

oh, how wrong she would be.

-

later, after she went home, showered and changed into something a little more comfortable, y/n texted stiles that she was ready to leave. he replied, immediately, that he was on the way.

y/n waited patiently in the entryway of her house. she heard her parents upstairs, who were drinking wine and watching television. yesterday, they’d finally been able to go out to dinner as a family. she resented them, sometimes, for how little their presence was in her life. but, in moments like this, right now, she was just happy to listen to the distant muffle of their favorite show, to their laughter and love pouring down the hallway and stairs. she didn’t feel alone. the house didn’t feel empty. love felt like it was pricking at her fingertips.

stiles' headlights arched across the windows as he pulled into her driveway. y/n grabbed her bag- packed this time with overnight items, just in case what happened wednesday happened again. she at least hoped it would.

she locked the front door behind her. as she neared the jeep, stiles hopped out and walked around to open the passenger side for her.

y/n smiled up at him, happy to be standing so close to him again, "sorry my hair is wet still. i didn't have time to dry it."

stiles looked taken aback by her apology. he gently took the bag off her shoulder as he replied, "there's no reason to be sorry. you look...pretty, still."

she blushed, "thanks." she was now positive something was going to happen, something good. it filled her with the kind of energetic hope that gave her a head rush.

as she climbed into the jeep, her hair brushed near stiles' face. the smell of her shampoo was so prominent because she had just taken a shower. it made his knees weak.

stiles shut her door behind her, then went to his side of the car. he put her bag in the back seat.

carrying it, he realized that she was planning on spending the night.

this fact, combined with her smell, and the way she looked sitting in his jeep- it all brought elation to his already heightened mood.

tonight, he would tell her.

he would tell her everything. about scott, lydia, allison, isaac. about the supernatural, about the strange town they lived in.

he trusted her. he cared for her. and he could not protect her how he should if she didn’t know. (sure, he’d forced scott, lydia, and allison to each drjve by her house every once and a while to ensure things seemed calm. but that wasn’t good enough.)

most importantly, he was going to tell y/n of his feelings for her.

once they settled in at the stilinksi residence, stiles finally got to show y/n around his bedroom. this, he was most excited for. his room was a proper display of his personality, decorated by his life’s blood and growth.

y/n was mostly enamored by all of the red string he had pinned up in the walls, at the many piles of casework he probably should not have access to laying around his desk and floor. even though it was hectic, the layout made complete sense, because it was stiles. she felt like she was seeing a piece of his soul that he kept tucked away.

and he was- stiles didn’t usually have people over. just scott, lydia once or twice. she was special.

he’d been forced to clean up before she came, in order to hide away all of the evidence of the supernatural- like the pictures of dead bodies now stuffed underneath his bed. it was still messy, and he kept apologizing, breathlessly shoving things away. but, she didn’t mind. she told him to stop. stiles liked that y/n never really minded any of the things he thought were obvious flaws about himself.

soon after, they settled into his bed to watch a movie. y/n begrudgingly agreed to watch the first halloween, much to stiles delight. he nearly kissed her with excitement once she finally gave in to his badgering. y/n noticed this.

though they were watching a slasher film, it was peaceful. they leaned back against headboard, shoulder to shoulder. though they usually ached to touch one another, both were comfortable with the warmth radiating between their parallel bodies.

thirty minutes into the movie, though, his phone started buzzing, rapidly, with text message after text message. stiles didn’t even read the screen. he knew it would be scott or lydia with some dead end lead that he just didn’t want to follow right now. the week had been long. he needed to be human for two hours. he needed to bask in her radiance.

stiles turned it on silent, mumbling out an apology.

y/n,shrugged him off. at first, she didn’t think of anything. but, then, her skepticism started when, ten minutes later, he started checking his screen, with his phone tilted away from any prying eyes- her prying eyes.

“everything okay?” y/n shifted on the bed, crossing her arms over herself.

stiles flinched at the sound of her movement, worried she would glance over and see words that would probably send her running. lydia was messaging him about another dead body. throat slit. scott was also sending texts about the alpha pack. not anything a teenage girl would be too into.

“yep,” he set his phone down, accidentally loudly, on the bedside table. stiles tried to get comfortable, again, though now his heart was pumping with anxiety.

stiles reached out his hand and set it on her thigh. he glanced over at her, grinning. touching her helped draw him back down to earth. y/n met his look, relaxed a little, and leaned her shoulder into his.

stiles turned to her completely, then, gently took her face into his hands. he kissed her.

she responded immediately, arching her body up into his. y/n wrapped her arms around his neck, tangling her fingers into his hair, touching the side of his neck. she felt his heartbeat there. it was so fast. she just assumed it was because of making out with her, but it also because of the threat lingering in the air of beacon hills. as they continued to move against each other, he calmed down more and more.

stiles hand slid his other hand up her leg and around her hip, just under her shirt. his mind wandered, for just a moment, as to where his lacrosse hoodie that he had let her borrow was. then, an image of her, cradled in it, sleeping softly in her bed, flashed through his mind. the romantic thought intensified the passion in his touch. y/n felt the electricity burn hotter.

this time was so different than the rest. there was a tenderness in stiles, in his lips, that y/n hadn't ever felt before. it was fueled by something other than just lust, more than a want- it was a need. a need for her, like she was a drug, and he was an addict. she both sobered him up and brought him to the best high of his life. stiles felt it- the ache in his chest when she was away, the whole of it stitching back up in moments like this.

the encounter was borderline love-making.

after it was over, stiles tugged y/n into his arms, holding her closely to his chest. she let him pull her wherever he needed her to be, curling into his body easily.

he ran his fingers through her hair, gently brushing out tangles. the caresses nearly put her to sleep. then, stiles’ spoke, his voice low and close to her ear since his cheek was pressed against her head, “i’ll get up in a second and get you towel.”

she hummed in response, “can you grab me some water, too, please?” her mouth was dry.

stiles nodded, “anything, baby.”

it was just two words, barely an entire sentence, but it meant so much to her. it shocked her nervous system. woke her up.

and it solidified everything for the both of them.

y/n cleaned up once stiles got her a towel. then, he went down to the kitchen to grab her a water bottle as well. while he was gone, she slipped into another one of his hoodies. she sat on the edge of the bed, legs dangling. she hadn’t noticed before, but stiles phone had continued to buzz. it broke her peace.

y/n looked at it. the phone stared back, dauntingly.

she shouldn’t- it wasn’t her place.

she wasn’t that type of girl.

she couldn’t let what sam had done to her be the baseline for every single relationship for the rest of her life. she couldn’t let his stupid decisions ruin her trust for every other guy she’d meet.

especially not stiles. he meant too much to her for sam’s mistakes to demand behaviors from her that would surely ruin it.

but, then it buzzed again. the taunting anxiety and fear washed over her.

what if he was like sam?

she had to know.

y/n looked around, ensuring she really was still alone in his bedroom. she reached out a hand that was beginning to shake and turned the phone over. it was screen down- another giant, waving, teasing red flag.

she retracted her hand like she’d touched a flame.

the screen was black. she stared, blankly, waiting for something to happen. it buzzed again, stirring the silence, lighting up the home screen, and she flinched. the picture behind the notifications was of stiles and his dad. the grin on stiles’ face almost made her smile. but, then, a series of texts popped up.

lydia: where are you????

lydia: need you

lydia: please

ten other texts sat beneath these. she didn’t need to open them.

they were ten texts from lydia.

ten texts in a row from lydia.

y/n’s throat felt tight. she quickly flipped the phone back over, stood from the bed, and started getting dressed, in her own clothes, this time. she was determined to get out of there as quick as she could. she texted danny in the process.

her shirt had landed on stiles desk. she picked it up, tugged it on like a layer of protection against everything. she noticed it had knocked over the picture frame stiles had on his desk. y/n touched it, carefully situating it upright. as she did so, y/n saw lydia’s signature on the back of the drawing.

tears welled up in her eyes.

of course she’d been right again.

stiles came back as soon as she started to pull her shoes on. he paused at the door, clutching her water between his whitening fingers. he was nervous from the pace at which she moved. his eyes followed her around the room as she collected her bag. he attempted to decipher her behavior. what had happened?

“hey,” he called out. she didn’t look up. she didn’t reply. “here’s your water.”

“danny’s coming to get me,” y/n murmured. she shouldered her bag, finally. it overflowing because her things were stuffed messily inside.

“what?” stiles stepped towards her, dark eyes and brows furrowing.

y/n barely met his stare before looking away, “he’ll give you your hoodie back.” she was afraid that if she looked for too long, she’d give in.

“i want you to keep it-“

“monday, probably.”

then, y/n walked right past him, out the door of his bedroom. he turned as she went through, wanting to stop her. but, stiles’ phone started ringing on the bedside table. her steps faltered. she glanced back. stiles glanced at his phone with a distant look. he quickly grabbed it, eliciting a sickened chuckle from her lips.

stiles was completely and utterly confused. he didn’t know what he’d down wrong.

he denied the call, but scrolled through the messages as he chased her down the stairs, hoping answers lay there. stiles was having trouble processing all of the information being thrown at him. he was overwhelmed.

but, from what he understood, he needed to get to the school. lydia was in trouble. he couldn’t ignore the problem this time. they needed his help.

before that, though, he needed to stop y/n. he needed to tell her everything. he still didn’t understand what he’d done to majorly fuck things up right now, to chase her away- but maybe telling her how he felt would help.

“y/n, let me take you home. we can- we can talk about things-“

“don’t,” she had reached the front door, and was ready to run. but, she had turned back to interrupt him as he stumbled over his words. she didn’t want to hear his pathetic excuses.

“don’t what?” he was breathless. “what did i do? what are you talking about?”

y/n’s tears were spilling over her eyes. stiles frowned and reached out a hand. he needed to comfort her, needed to wipe away her tears. his fingers nearly touched her cheek. y/n snapped herself out of leaning into his wanting embrace. she slapped his hand away. stiles flinched back.

“i’m not fucking stupid. don’t play that game with me.”

stiles’ shoulders slouched. he clutched his phone, knuckles white. it continued buzzing. y/n looked down at it. she rolled her eyes and turned back towards the door. her hand clutched the doorknob.

“i’m not playing a game,” stiles stepped forward again, voice lowered from the fear that it would crack. “please, talk-“

y/n was about to turn back to face him, just to argue and fight him, but his phone started ringing. she did look up at him, just to give him an expectant glare, brows raised.

this would answer everything for her, if he took the call, if he chose lydia over her.

he stared back, juggling the device between his hands. stiles didn’t want to answer the phone call from lydia because that would end the fight. he would have to stand there and watch y/n walk out of the door. he needed to fix things with her before she left.

but, then, though the last call had ended, lydia started calling again.

stiles huffed, an apologetic look in his eyes as he answered, “hey, lydia- yeah, i’m on my way.”

he maintained sickening eye contact with her as he hung up the phone. a breath choked out of her throat. she turned on her heel, slammed the front door behind her back, just as danny pulled into the driveway.

stiles had seen this movie before, and he didn’t like the ending.

and, y/n had tried to change the ending this time around, but peter always lost wendy, and wendy had always had to leave neverland.

[dozyarchive]

✦ Patron Saints, Chapter Four ✦

The one where the boys meet Saint.

IT HAD TAKEN SAINT A TOTAL OF FIVE HOURS TO COMPLETE THE MEAL, INCLUDING SOURCING THE DRINKS AND TABLEWARE. Despite the interruption from before, Saint was able to complete their work in peace. The food had taken the most time, with there being two main dishes, a side, and a dessert.

   “I see you’ve been very busy. You even made dessert!” Laswell had popped in towards the end of preparations. Saint had just set the last pieces of Tanghulu to rest, beginning to get drinks.

   “ Oui . I would be no chef if I could not make a full meal. That includes desserts. Would you like to try a bite? I have extra pieces.” Saint holds out a piece of Tanghulu to the woman, a small smile on their face. They know Laswell has a slight sweet tooth, and she never turns anything Saint offers down.

   “Of course I would,” she smiles, taking the candied fruit and carefully biting it. Sweet, from the candy coating, and a slight tartness from the fruit. Laswell hums, popping the rest in her mouth before speaking.

   “I think the boys are going to love this. Do you want any help setting the table up?” Saint shakes their head.

   “I can do it myself. I was a server for four years. Laswell, I can handle a tray or two,” they smile, loading one of the larger trays with the meat dishes, and another with the salad and drinks. They would come back for the Tanghulu once the meal was started, letting the last batch harden properly.

   “Do you think this will be enough food? Or should I have prepared more?” Saint throws a look over their shoulder as the two walk to the common room, where the (kind of small) dinner table sits. Everyone would be eating there, as the main mess would be filled with everyone else, and they would definitely be eyeing the food.

   “I think this should be good. They do have large appetites, but I think they’ll just be happy to have something other than the slop they get from the mess hall.” Laswell moves to get in front of Saint, holding doors open and guiding them.

   “I hope so, I would be a bit insulted if they preferred that over my cooking. I mean, I didn’t spend 18 years of my life in the kitchen for my food to not be good.” Saint twists as they approach the doors to the common room, careful of the food they have balanced on their trays. They make their way over to the table, setting one down before the other.

   “I don't think you could make anything taste bad, even if you tried. You’d rather die than ruin a good meal,” the other woman jokes, picking her seat. Her smile is warm, but it shrinks a little bit as she sees the tension in Saint’s shoulders. 

   “Are you going to be eating with us, Laurence?” Laswell’s voice is soft, gentle, carefully probing for an answer.

   “I’m…” Saint pauses, their hands stilling on the dish they held. “I’m going to try. I would like to get more comfortable with the people who will be my team. I like the Capitaine plenty, and I trust your judgment.” 

   Saint finishes placing everything down, taking a deep breath before reaching for their phone to call for the team.

   “I know you’ll be fine, Laurence. And if you ever need me, I’ll be here for you.” Laswell speaks softly, reaching for their hand. Saint lets her take it, and the smile they respond with is small but sincere.

   “Captain, ye said the new Lieutenant is our chef now, but I ken brass wouldn’y send em over ‘ere just fore that. Did Laswell latch them on ya?” Soap is observant and smart, but that only goes so far when it comes to matters of bureaucracy. 

   “Somethin’ like that. It’s not much to talk about, just know that Saint will be here for the foreseeable future,” Price supplies. The two walk to the common room, finding Gaz along the way. 

   “You seen Ghost?” Price looks over to the youngest of the group. Gaz shakes his head, but smiles.

   “Saw him earlier, said he was gonna go get Laswell. Praying for her, hope she survived the ride.” Price chuckles, slowing down as they near the common room. Speak of the devil and he shall appear, Ghost was leaning on the wall, out of view of anyone looking through the doorway.

   “‘M not that bad of a driver Price. Laswell didn’t complain either.” His voice is gruff, but a hit of amusement bleeds through.

   “I wouldn’t say you're a good driver, though,” Laswell’s voice joins the banter, the boys looking to see her standing in the doorway.

   “Now, stop standing around, Laurence worked hard on this and I don’t want it to go to waste.” She turns away, walking back into the room. Price follows first, the others behind them.

   “I heard you requested a specific meal? What’d you ask for?” Price asks as they walk, seeing the table set with multiple plates, Saint next to a small tray of drinks. They were facing away from them, pouring what looked like whiskey. Price smiled, sure that Laswell had told them of his love of the drink.

   “Steak au Poivre, as well as a second meat dish up to their choosing, some sort of salad, and dessert if possible. They chose the drinks. There’s apparently a science to what drinks go with what foods, so I left that up to them.” She answers him quickly before moving to stand behind Saint.

   “Laurence, leave it be, they can get their own drinks. Boys, I would like you to meet a friend of mine, as well as your new teammate.” They turn, facing the men before them.

   “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I am Lieutenant Laurence “Saint” Darroze. I hope we get along well.”

   The person facing the men was far from what they expected.

A/N. I love food <3 Please feel free to leave comments with feedback!

1001 Words.

[multidimensionalsock]

REST APIs

REST (Representational State Transfer) is a type of API where all the information needed to perform an action is passed to the API at the time the request needs fulfilling. The server does not need previous knowledge of the clients session in order to fulfill their request.

The alternative to this is that the client having a 'session' with the server, where the server keeps information on the client while it's active, which can take up a lot of server processing power and memory. For large services handling possible hundreds of thousands of clients at a time, keeping a 'connection' can take up a lot of server processing and memory.

REST speeds up processing time for both the server and client. With sessions, they can end up split over multiple servers, meaning servers have to communicate to get data which can slow down response time. Because the server needs no prior knowledge of a client, any client can handle any client's request easily, which also makes load balancing easier, a request can be sent to any server that can handle it which is currently the least busy.

All REST APIs use HTTP methods. A client sends a request via HTTP to a specific endpoint (location on the web), along with all of the information needed to complete that request. The server will then process it and send back a response.

Core features of REST:

Client-Server Architecture - a client that sends requests to a server, or set of servers via HTTP methods.

Stateless - client information is not stored between requests and each request is handled as separate and unconnected.

Cacheability - data that is expected to be accessed often can be cached (saved for a set amount of time) on the client or server side to make client and server interactions quicker.

Uniform interface - no matter where an endpoint is accessed from, its requests have a standard format. Information returned to a client should have enough information and self description that the client knows how to process it.

Layered system architecture - calls and responses can go through multiple intermediate layers, but both the client and server will assume they're communicating directly.

Code on demand (optional) - the server can send executable code to the client when requested to extend client functionality.