#pager menu

[luveline]

i just saw someone on tiktok say “behind every girl that always wants to be around their partner is a little who’s dad didn’t choose her.” with aaron pls :(( and reader reveals her daddy issues? xxx

—hotch comforts you when you worry you depend on him for the wrong reasons. fem, 2k

You were aware of the irony. Girl who hates her father latches onto the first older man to give her any positive attention: the framing isn’t complimentary to either of you, and it’s not true, really. You love Aaron because he’s kind, and he’s handsome, and because he loves you first. You won’t pretend he’s perfect even if he might say that about you. He doesn’t have to be. 

Aaron is kind where all the other men in your life have been cruel. He is the person you go to when things go wrong, even if you don’t expect him to fix things for you. You know you have ‘daddy issues’, and you don’t want them to affect how you and Aaron are when you’re together, but it’s obvious to the both of you that you crave being looked after. The way Aaron takes care of you absolutely factors into why you love him. 

He wraps the tail end of your scarf into your coat and flattens the lump of it until it’s under your chin. “Alright?” he asks, not expecting an answer as he turns away to grab his own scarf. “Will that coat be warm enough? It might be a few hours.” 

“Fine. We’ll be inside most of the time.” 

“Mm,” he hums, reaching back to pinch your side. You laugh and he smiles but doesn’t say anything further, pulling open the front door, and holding it for you until you’re on the porch. 

“You know you don’t have to… spoil him, so much,” you say lightly. 

“It’s not spoiling, he only wants a few things.” 

You’d personally felt that Jack’s birthday wish list was a bit long, but you don’t care. You don’t have a vendetta against Jack's happiness. If Aaron wants to spend half a paycheck (alright, a quarter, if that) on some toys, he should do it. But he probably knows already that Jack won’t care if he doesn’t get all of that stuff. “I didn’t get half as much for my birthdays,” you say. 

“Believe me, honey, neither did I.” 

“One year someone’s mom got me a full box set of movies though. That was a good one.” 

“One year, I got two different pagers.” He snorts. “And now they’re useless.” 

“I never used a pager.” 

Aaron goes a bit red, self-shame or something silly like that. “Don’t tell me that.” 

“Cradle snatcher.” 

“Stop, that’s not funny.” 

It’s funny. You aren’t shockingly younger than Aaron but it’s definitely enough time to see the difference (not that you care, you quite like him with his permanent wrinkle between his brows and his big, big hands). “I really haven’t. I know what they are, of course, but I went straight to a cell phone.” 

He grumbles something unheard. Together, you get into his car and drive to the shopping centre nearest the house, a maze of storefronts with outdoor entrances, like a mall that’s been shaken and thrown out over two streets. It’s not entertaining but in a way, it’s good. Aaron holds your hand and you can walk around with your head held high, proud to be a well-dressed, in love-looking partnership. See, your face says to anyone who’ll look, I’m well-loved. 

After an hour or two he kisses your cheek and decides aloud that you need dinner. He doesn’t ask if you’re hungry, he just chooses, and you love it. 

“Thank you for letting me come today,” you say, sitting across from him behind a dinner plate and a towering glass of lemon water. 

“Did I let you?” he asks, distracted by his steak and fries, though he sounds as loving as usual. 

“You could’ve said no.” 

“I have no reason to. I like when you’re with me. Thank you for letting me bring you, then, and boring you half to death.” 

“Freezing me the other half.” 

“Ah, so smart, so clever,” he murmurs. 

“Witty.” 

“Always, aren’t you?” 

You wonder about the dessert menu, find your mouth working of its own accord. “It doesn’t feel believable, sometimes. That you want me around so much.” 

He pauses, resting his knife across his fork. With a free hand, he gestures to your hand. “Would you like more proof?” 

You aren’t sure what he means, the tennis bracelet he got you for your first anniversary, or the engagement ring that sits heavily on your marriage finger waiting to be traded for a golden band. Maybe he means the teeny silver bracelet that falls down your arm whenever you move, that one just for fun. 

“Not,” he says slowly, his eyes squinted to tell you that you’re caught, “that jewellery should be your sole proof.” 

“Would you like to prove it to me now?” 

He reaches over to squeeze your hand. “I want you around all of the time. If I could I’d have us sewn together at the hip.” He’s grinning, thumbing against your knuckles. “It might not be comfortable at night when you’re trying to climb all over me.” 

“You climb all over me, Hotchner, don’t lie.” 

Aaron nods appreciatively. “That’s right. You’re the second most important thing in my life, and that’s not your fault, only Jack is so endearing.” 

“He’s a lucky kid.” 

“No, he’s not,” Aaron says gently, “but I really do love him.” 

“Of course he’s lucky. He has a dad who loves him to pieces, his Aunt Jess is like, superwoman, and– you know, I know I’m not the same as that, but I love him.”

“You look after him,” Aaron says. 

“It’s honestly just nice that you seem to like him. You don’t act like he’s an annoyance for you, you aren’t angry to have to come out today to get him his presents.” 

“Well, no. It’s not something to be angry about. When you have kids, you’re signing up for every part of having them.” 

“I know.” 

He takes a sip of his drink and puts it down beside your own in what you know to be him buying a little time. “Honey, is there something… I don’t know, something you want to talk about? Is it Jack's birthday…?”

You feel your heart fall into your mouth, as though it began life somewhere else, heartbeat mortified on your tongue. He sees you fluster and immediately softens, turning your hand in his to stroke along the inside of your wrist. 

“Nevermind,” he says. 

“No.” You clear your throat. “It’s not about Jack’s birthday. It’s just… you know you weren’t always the best father you could’ve been.” 

He nods. “I do.” 

“But you are now. You’ve made sacrifices, you– you chose Jack.” 

“I couldn’t not.” You’re quiet. He understands. “Sweetheart, we don’t have to talk about it now. Would that be better? You can think about what you have to say, and I promise I’ll listen without judging you when you’re ready to tell me about it. Okay?” He gives your wrist a squeeze. “You aren’t upset, are you?” 

“I’m just thinking.” 

“Are you too distracted for dessert?” 

You let Aaron pick one for you. Let him pay the bill, he’d be insulted if you even asked about splitting it, and he might genuinely get annoyed if you offered yourself. You usually love it. Someone loves you enough that money is practically immaterial. Just last month he had to have the roof of the house redone, and you know his money isn’t infinite, as does he, and yet it didn’t stop you from being spoiled, because any money he has was money shared. You know if he suddenly turned pauper he’d still spoil you, same way you’re spoiled with soft touches and less chores than you should take. 

“You know I don’t think of you as my father, right?” you ask. 

Aaron chokes on a startled laugh. “Of course I do,” he says, coughing, clutching your elbow. 

“So if I tell you that sometimes the way you treat me reminds me of my father, you won’t take it the wrong way?” 

“No.” He smiles where he should frown, wraps an arm behind your back when he should be judging you. “Men are still men. And I am a father, so it makes sense that you’d have those connotations in mind sometimes.” 

“I don’t want you to be my dad, but I do wonder… I wonder if I want to be around you so much because my father didn’t want to be around me. Does that make sense?” 

“I think it makes sense to wonder about it,” he says diplomatically. 

You’re nearly back to the car and this is a strange place to bare your heart, but it’s not so dramatic, you suppose. “I just think that sometimes I cling to you so much, and it must be– I’m insecure about you.”

“Mm, but you have no reason to be,” he says, pulling you closer still, his fingers aligned against your ribs and warming through your layers. 

“My father didn’t like me, not like you like Jack. There were things that were far more important to him. But with you, I’m important, and– and I know it’s not the same relationship, but–” You groan, not sure what you’re trying to say to him, or what you want him to understand. 

“My father didn’t like me, either,” Aaron says, encouraging you to keep walking to the car. “He was not a nice person. And it absolutely affected how I feel now, even if I don’t always think about him. The way he treated me when I was young influenced the person I am now. And looking for the things I wish he was, looking for kindness, for a gentle partner, it doesn’t mean that I need a placeholder for him, does it? I know what you’re saying to me. Don’t think you’re wrong for wanting to be looked after.” 

You can’t help breathing out a sigh of relief. “Right.” 

“I’ve never been a young woman, and I don’t have a daughter, but it’s not hard to imagine how you felt. It’s okay to wish you’d been loved properly.” 

“I was never a daddy’s girl,” you confess. 

“It’s not fair. Everyone wants to be treasured when they're a kid. And it makes sense that you’re still looking for that feeling. We both know it’s not the same, but I really will look after you.” He smiles. “Okay?” 

“Okay. Sorry if it’s too weird.” 

“It’s not weird to want someone who takes care of you.” 

You bring your hands to his face. They’re smaller than his, you’ve shorter fingers with softer palms, but they fit perfectly on his cheeks. You tease the scratchy hill of his chin with your thumb before closing your eyes, reaching up for a kiss. The bags hanging from your elbows crack, crushed as Aaron gets his hands behind your back to hold you. 

“You’re too good to me,” you say softly, returning flat to your heels. 

Aaron pulls your face back to kiss your cheek. “You deserve everything you get, honey. I promise.” 

[fuck-customers]

Lady came in less then 10 mins before close and ordered one of every pizza on our menu. I'm internally punching her in her smug face cause screw you, who the fuck wants 6 pizzas at 3 'o clock in the morning anyway - but whatever.

Make the pizzas and by the time they're done cooking it's about 5 past close. I page her, and she doesn't come up. I page again, wait another minute and then decide if she's not gonna respect my time I'm just gonna go clean and she can sit her sorry ass at the pick up window until I come back. A few minutes turn to almost ten and still no sign of her at the pickup window, so I page once again. I hear the pager going off and realise the dumbass is at the register side of the window - the one that's got a thick ass curtain pulled down over it 🤦 I call out that she needs to come to the side window and put her food down before moving to wipe down the shelves nearby (only staying close so I can get the pager back). She meanders her way over, takes the pizzas and then asks about a few items on the menu. I answer kind of half assedly, without taking my eyes off my current job. She huffs and taps on the desk and goes, "you should at least look at someone when talking to them." Yeah, no, you've now eaten up almost 20 minutes of my close and I just want you to piss off already, you're not getting more of my time. She then tries to order five more things; two more pizzas and three other sides. I'm like ?? Are you fucking kidding???

"Sorry, we're closed."

"Oh. I didn't realise."

How the hell did you not realise?? Was the curtain over the register not an indication? Or the fact I'm pulling apart and cleaning several different bits of equipment?? Common sense is dead and I'm this 👌 close to knocking a bitch out.

Anyway, she continued to try to ask me about a few other menu items, where she could get cash out (after I told her my register was gone and even if it wasn't no, we don't do cash withdrawals) and what other areas of the club I 'recommend'. How about the ones the furthest away from me. I just keep directing her to the front desk because, seriously, take the hint - I do not want to talk to you. Our transaction is over, you have your food, now fuck. Off.

My manager came over to get the til later and said a lady had approached him and made a 'complaint' that the person in the food stall (me) was really rude to her (boohoo). I explained what happened and he pretty much said she sounded like she was being an idiot and he wasn't gonna take the complaint seriously anyway, so there's that at least.

Posted by admin Rodney

[blackjackkent]

@featherwurm replied to your post “Pondering on trying to spin up a little one-pager...”:

Man I would love to get script extender working but I've yet to crack it.

Unsure if you mean you can't get it installed or can't get commands to run successfully, so super apologies if I'm telling you stuff you already know (but posting this anyway in case it's useful to someone else).

Do you use BG3 Mod Manager? If so, there is an option to download and install the Script Extender quickly through that interface:

Run that command and complete the extraction, and then open the game via mod manager from the Go menu:

This will open the game directly (you may have to click a confirmation within Steam, although lately it hasn't been prompting me), and you will see two windows open at once - the game and also a console window.

Once you're loaded into a particular save, you can tab over to that console; hit enter a couple times and it will present you with the "server Lua console" input prompt:

You can then type any command you want into this prompt:

(If you've gotten this far but it's actually getting successful commands to run that you're having issues with - I'm def gonna try to put this cheatsheet together and update it as I learn more stuff, but if I can help with something specific in the meantime please let me know. :D )

[lorwolfofficial]

We're back! Apologies for the radio silence over the past few months, we're pleased to say that JimJim's arm has been healing well and is almost entirely recovered. Our team has been hard at work building, testing, and creating art assets for the achievement system - and we're pleased to announce that it will be launching today as soon as the scheduled maintenance has concluded!

We've also taken this time to go back and address some of the bugs and issues that have been reported. Recent code changes have been recorded in the latest Patch Notes 1.1.6.

It's finally ready; achievements have just landed in the world of Loria! Players can track their progress as they complete goals and unlock achievement-exclusive rewards through everyday, regular gameplay. Navigate to the Achievements page from the Den menu:

Achievements have been divided into four subcategories - General, Gameplay, Professions, and Den. If you have an achievement reward available to claim, it will display as a small red dot next to the tab name.

General: For completion of general gameplay tasks such as achievements completed, weekly activities completed, etc.

Starter: A category to help onboard new players to the game. Apparel items awarded in this category are not soulbound, and can also be purchased from Marvin's Mole Market.

Gameplay: Includes Arena, Campaign, Gauntlet, and Pageant tasks and awards several different exclusive apparel sets and recipes.

Professions: Covers every profession and awards weekly event vouchers.

Den: A category for miscellaneous tasks such as inventory management, wolf breeding, etc.

Completing an achievement may grant any of the following: Achievement points, Moonstones, Pebbles, Forum titles, Companions, apparel items, food, materials, and more. (As a side note, this update has almost doubled the total number of official game apparel!) Once an achievement has been claimed, it will be sent to the player via Notifications.

Achievement points and titles will display below a player's profile within the Forums. Titles can be set from the Account Settings page.

Some final notes:

Due to this being the very first iteration of Achievements, the majority of player progress made prior to this update can not be backdated. Achievements such as profession and companion level will be updated automatically by the system. Moving forward, players should expect some adjustments as we continuously work to ensure a fair and rewarding experience. We've set the rewards and requirements according to the predicted data of an average player who logs in over the course of a year, but this may change as more players engage with the feature and provide feedback. Some achievements will be met relatively quickly, while others are to be earned over paced regular gameplay. We plan to add even more achievements and rewards as the site and its features grow to ensure the average player always has something to work towards. We welcome any and all gameplay suggestions from our community to be posted in the Suggestions Forum.

New Recipe Search and Mining Ore

A new search, sort, and pager feature have been added to both the Crafting and Cooking professions. Now, players can easily search and sort through their ever-expanding list of recipes without having to scroll through the entire page.

It's time to collect all the shinies - precious gemstones can now be mined throughout the caves of Loria! Players can now rarely find Sapphire, Ruby, Amethyst, Citrine, and Emerald gems. As of now, these gems can be used to craft the exclusive Achievement daggers. We plan to release many new crafting recipes and apparel items featuring these rare gems.

New Breed Sneak Peak

Shown above are a couple sketch ideas for Lorwolf's upcoming wolf breed - Direwolves! We're aiming for this breed to be big, bulky, and powerful; with massive fangs and a short bob-tail. It will be similar to lynx cats in appearance and will have a special affinity for nature and ancient magic.

In other news, our annual Black Friday sale returns next week; more info about that will be coming soon! Thank you for sticking with us, especially when development may seem slower than usual. Our small yet passionate development team is committed to bringing the best experience to our players. We are so proud of how far we've come, and we want to thank you for your continued patience.

Moonsblessings, Alaunis, JimJim, and Swell

[glacialdeath]

plotted started for @blacksun4ever

Rukia had her back against the gate of the school, waiting between the line of the schoolyard and the sidewalk that led home. From here, with a view of the school field if she turned, Rukia might have seemed like a sibling waiting for their brother or sister. But Rukia had her full attention on her soul pager, rapidly clicking the buttons while holding it with both hands and her head leaning in close to the screen. That was when a piercing high pitched trill of her pager would ping once more, startling her with a hop before the shock turned into renewed annoyance in the form of an aggravated sigh. This had started just earlier, and she was intent on figuring out if there was some kind of setting to disable it. This new particular ring was paired with a notification in threatening red font that conveyed that her return was overdue. It was just another little reminder that she was a fool if she thought she belonged here or that she could keep up this charade for much longer. 

For a moment, seemingly given up on her task to silence her pager, Rukia would peer towards the sounds of laughter from children in the school yard, glancing for only a moment before she would peer away too quickly, as if disturbed, sending her gaze right into the ground with a sigh. Her heart was torn by this place, causing her hand to rise to her chest to quiet it, caught in its sweetness and ease. Compared to her life in the seireitei it was lightweight and easy here. Which is why it was so freeing and tempting to stay here, even if she didn’t really belong here. Taking in a breath in the world of the living felt different: the air felt lighter, and even the noise of wild children felt freeing, not as restricting as the silent pressures and etiquette of nobles she had been suffocating in. 

It wasn’t as though she needed another reminder on her phone, her gigai had been another reminder that was in her face all the time with its constant freezing up and rigidness. Rukia would reach out her hand in front of her, flexing her fingers with a slight struggle before clasping it in a fist. Neither her body or her head felt like it was right. Lately, she felt like the ripples on a pond, with feelings of uneasiness settling in her stomach. Maybe she just needed to see if the synchronizer boost she had taken would finally kick in, or else it would be another trip to Urahara��s. Rukia would have just given a thought to passing off turning off these new notifications to Urahara, but that was when she saw the key words of ‘silence reminders’ in one of the menus, disabling it just as it set off one last defiant tone before being cut off. Triumphing over technology for once, Rukia would sigh with accomplishment. “Finally, stupid pager.”

[forgottenbones]

Motorola T900 Talkabout 2-way Pager, sending email, menu browsing, alert tones

[wandamfonseca]

Burger TNC: The Ultimate Webflow Restaurant Template for Modern Burger Brands

In today’s digital-first world, your restaurant’s online presence is as important as your food. For burger joints and modern fast-food brands looking to stand out, a sleek, responsive, and conversion-driven website is no longer optional—it’s essential.

That’s where Burger TNC, a top-tier Webflow restaurant template, comes in. Specifically designed for burger restaurants, food trucks, cafes, and fast-food chains, Burger TNC combines design elegance with practical functionality to give your brand the digital flavor it deserves.

Visit: Burger TNC

Burger TNC is a premium Webflow template built with the unique needs of burger brands in mind. Whether you’re launching a gourmet burger spot or refreshing your existing food business website, this template offers the perfect starting point.

Why Burger TNC Stands Out Among Webflow Restaurant Templates

Dozens of Webflow restaurant templates are available, but few are crafted with such precision and care for burger-focused businesses. Here’s why Burger TNC is different:

Bold & Appetizing Design

Burger TNC features mouth-watering imagery, bold typography, and attention-grabbing calls to action. The layout is designed to showcase your food in the most appetizing way possible, helping you make a great first impression the moment someone visits your website.

Optimized for Conversions

Every page in the Burger TNC template is built to drive action — whether that’s making a reservation, placing an online order, or viewing your menu. The user journey is smooth, intuitive, and focused on converting visitors into loyal customers.

Mobile-First Responsiveness

More than 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. Burger TNC is 100% responsive, ensuring your website looks and works perfectly on all screen sizes — from iPhones to tablets.

Easy Customization with Webflow

No coding experience? No problem. Burger TNC is powered by Webflow’s visual editor, letting you update images, edit text, or redesign full sections effortlessly. You can keep your site fresh and up to date as your menu or branding evolves.

SEO & Speed Optimized

A beautiful website is worthless if no one finds it. Burger TNC is built with clean code, fast loading speeds, and SEO best practices, helping you rank higher on Google and attract more local foodies.

Who Should Use Burger TNC?

Gourmet burger restaurants are looking for a premium look online

Food truck owners needing a professional one-pager or multi-page site

Fast-food brands with delivery and takeaway options

New restaurant owners seeking a polished, ready-to-launch digital presence

Existing burger joints in need of a modern website redesign

Visit: Restaurant Webflow Template

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the burger business, your website should be as bold and delicious as the meals you serve. Burger TNC is more than just a Webflow restaurant template—it’s a complete digital toolkit tailored for modern food brands looking to grow online.

Its stunning visuals, smart structure, and ease of use are the secret ingredients to taking your online presence to the next level. Don’t settle for generic templates that fail to capture your brand’s soul.

Choose Burger TNC—and serve your customers a digital experience as satisfying as your burgers.

[catatoniclee]

Coffee and stargazing

The hospital is behind you now—literally and emotionally. The Brick & Beam Café sits on a quiet corner in Lawrenceville, its exposed brick walls and warm lighting offering a welcome change from sterile white tile and fluorescent hum. Jazz hums low in the background. The scent of espresso, cinnamon, and something buttery wraps around you the moment you step inside.

Michael is already there, tucked into a corner booth. He’s out of scrubs for once—dark jeans, a soft button-down, sleeves rolled to the forearm. There’s a copy of The New Yorker open in front of him, untouched. He’s watching the door.

When he sees you, something shifts in his face—not surprise, not relief, but that quiet, anchored happiness that says “there you are.”

“Hey,” he says, standing halfway to greet you. “I wasn’t sure you’d make it.”

“You paged me like it was a STAT coffee consult,” you reply, sliding into the seat across from him with a smirk.

He laughs, and it’s the kind of sound that belongs far away from trauma bays. Relaxed. Human.

You both order—he goes for a black Americano with one sugar, and you get your usual, which he already knew. There’s a slice of lemon poppyseed loaf between you that neither of you claims but both occasionally steal from.

“You look different out of scrubs,” you tease after a beat.

“Yeah?” he asks. “Better or worse?”

“Just… more like yourself.”

Michael looks down for a moment, then back up at you with a soft kind of honesty. “I think I’m still figuring out who that is. But I know this part—being here, with you—feels right.”

Outside, dusk settles in, casting warm golds and purples against the rain-damp sidewalk. People pass by, unaware of the two doctors at the corner booth, leaning closer, laughing more easily than they did inside the hospital walls.

There’s no talk of patients. No pages. No loss. Just you and Michael, sipping slowly, learning the shape of each other’s smiles in a place where time finally feels like it belongs to you.

And when he walks you to your car later, hands tucked in his coat pockets, he pauses just long enough before saying goodnight. Just long enough to give you the choice.

You step closer.

And when his lips meet yours—gentle, unhurried, honest—it tastes faintly of coffee and something new blooming.

A few days later:

It’s raining. Just enough to make the pavement shine like black glass, to give the air that metallic, just-washed smell. You’re standing under the awning of Casetta’s, a small, candlelit Italian place tucked between a bookstore and a closed-for-the-season gelato shop.

You spot Michael through the window first—already seated, already scanning the wine list, already clearly nervous. He’s wearing a navy blazer over a soft gray shirt. No tie. His hair is still a little damp from the rain, and there's a half-folded napkin in his lap, like he didn't know what to do with his hands when he sat down.

You step in, the warmth of the place instantly wrapping around you—soft chatter, the clink of cutlery, Frank Sinatra playing faintly in the background.

He stands the moment he sees you. “You look…”

He trails off, trying not to stare. Then: “...like trouble.”

You grin. “Only the good kind.”

A bit later:

The candle flickers between you as you swirl your wine. The pasta was perfect, the company better. There’s laughter—real, open laughter—especially when Michael tries (and fails) to properly pronounce the dessert menu.

“‘Zabaglione’ is a trap,” he mutters. “I’m a trauma surgeon, not a linguist.”

You’re both leaning in closer now. The table’s small, but it’s more than that—it’s the orbit pulling tighter, the comfort building without force. You talk about more than work now. Childhood stories. Favorite books. Regrets. Hopes.

“I think I forgot what this felt like,” he says quietly, swirling the wine in his glass. “Letting someone past the layers. No pager. No performance.”

You reach for his hand—open, palm-up, between the plates. “Then let’s not overthink it. Let’s just… be here.”

His eyes search yours for a moment. Then he flips his hand, lacing his fingers gently with yours.

And for a few sacred minutes, there’s no past or future. Just rain outside, candlelight inside, and the quiet possibility of something lasting.

Later that night, the rain has slowed to a fine mist. Michael walks you to your car, his coat draped over your shoulders even though you told him you weren’t cold.

At your door, he pauses. The city hums around you, but between you, there’s stillness.

“I want to see you again,” he says softly. “Not just at coffee. Not just in the break room.”

You smile. “Good. Because I wasn’t planning on this being a one-night menu.”

His laugh is low, breath warm as he leans in. And the kiss that follows is deeper this time—no longer uncertain, no longer careful. It’s full of promise, and something much more rare in both your lives:

Hope.

It’s past midnight. You’ve driven out just far enough to escape the city lights — Michael insisted. Said something about needing air, stillness, and “a little gravity reset.” Now you’re parked on a quiet overlook, a gentle rise above a sleeping patch of forest.

There’s a blanket spread over the hood of your car. A thermos of hot tea between you. And above: an endless sky, stars blinking into view like they’ve been waiting for someone to notice.

You lie side by side, shoulders brushing, looking up. Michael’s hand finds yours without effort, like it’s already muscle memory.

“I used to do this in med school,” he says quietly, his voice nearly swallowed by the night. “Come out to some field in the middle of nowhere, stare at the sky, and try to remember how small I was.”

You glance over. “Comforting or terrifying?”

“Both,” he says, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. “But it made the chaos feel a little less personal. Like the world wasn’t just… blood, codes, loss.”

You squeeze his hand. “And now?”

He doesn’t answer right away. Just watches a plane pass far above, its tiny red light blinking against the void.

“Now I think…” He turns to look at you. “Now I think I was always waiting for someone to share the stars with.”

You’re quiet, because sometimes there’s nothing better than silence wrapped in meaning.

A shooting star rips across the sky—quick, brilliant, gone. Michael turns back to the sky but doesn’t let go of your hand.

“You know,” he says softly, “if you asked me right now what I wanted more than anything... it wouldn’t be a better residency program, or fewer night shifts, or even sleep.”

“What would it be?” you whisper.

He shifts closer, forehead touching yours under the open sky.

“More nights like this. With you.”

The stars blink on, cold and ancient, and still, somehow, it feels like they’re winking in approval.

"I'd like that very much."

[lilianajareau]

The restaurant was small and tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, the kind of place you had to know existed. All dark wood and soft lighting, it smelled like fresh rosemary and warm bread, and the clink of silverware was softened by the low hum of conversation and jazz guitar in the background.

Liliana slid into the booth across from Ophelia, her shoulders relaxing for the first time in what felt like weeks. She was still in her slate-gray dress from the hospital gala—an elegant afterthought to her twelve-hour shift and the surgery that had nearly made her cancel tonight. Her blonde hair was pinned in a low twist, a few pieces already falling loose, and there were faint shadows under her blue eyes—but they still lit up the moment they met Ophelia’s.

Ophelia looked up from the wine menu and smiled like she’d been waiting for that look. She wore a sleek, black wrap dress that clung to her in all the right places, her brown hair down and curled just a little, soft and deliberate. There was something extra in her tonight—not flashy, not showy. Just present. As if she’d peeled off the whole day at the BAU the moment she stepped through the door.

“You made it,” Ophelia said softly, like she wasn’t sure she’d believe it until Liliana was right here in front of her.

“I made it,” Liliana echoed, sliding her hand across the table until it met Ophelia’s. “No emergencies. No pages. I turned my pager off.”

Ophelia arched a brow. “You? Rebel.”

“I’m wild,” Liliana deadpanned, then cracked a tired smile. “God, I’ve missed you.”

They fell quiet, fingers intertwined on the table, letting the space between them fill with everything they hadn’t been able to say in passing texts and missed calls. It wasn’t tension—it was longing, but softened by familiarity. The kind of ache that came from two people orbiting the same life but rarely in sync.

“I thought about canceling,” Liliana admitted after a beat. “I was so tired I almost couldn’t see straight when I left the hospital.”

Ophelia didn’t flinch. “Why didn’t you?”

Liliana looked down at their joined hands. “Because the only thing that felt worse than being tired was not seeing you.”

Ophelia’s expression melted, warm and full. She brought Liliana’s hand to her lips and kissed the knuckles gently. “I’d wait through a thousand missed dinners if it meant I still got this. You. Here. Even just for one night.”

Their food arrived not long after, but they barely noticed. They talked about nothing and everything—about one of Ophelia’s teammates who brought a pigeon into the office as a joke, about Liliana’s new resident who fainted in the OR, about the dream vacation they’d been planning for a year and still hadn’t booked.

At one point, Ophelia reached across the table and brushed her thumb across Liliana’s cheek. “You’ve got this little line right here when you’re exhausted. It’s not always there.”

Liliana closed her eyes briefly and leaned into the touch. “Do you know how often I think about you during surgeries? When I need something to ground me?”

Ophelia smiled. “Do you know how often I carry you in my pocket when I’m staring at crime scene photos, trying not to lose hope in humanity?”

They finished dessert slowly, drawing the night out as long as they could. When they stepped outside, the air was cool and smelled like rain on concrete, and Liliana curled her arm around Ophelia’s waist, tugging her close.

“You staying at mine tonight?” Ophelia asked, her voice low, hopeful.

Liliana nodded, resting her head briefly on Ophelia’s shoulder. “Yeah. I want to fall asleep next to you and wake up late and not care.”

“Then come on,” Ophelia said, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Let’s go home.”

The ride back to Ophelia’s apartment was quiet, but not in a heavy way. Just peaceful. The kind of silence that came with finally being near each other again. Liliana rested her head against the passenger window, watching the blur of streetlights pass while Ophelia drove one-handed, her other hand resting palm-up between them, fingers occasionally brushing Liliana’s.

By the time they stepped into the apartment, it was nearly midnight. The space was warmly lit by the soft glow of lamps Ophelia always left on when she knew Liliana would be coming over. The scent of sandalwood lingered faintly in the air, mingling with the smell of rain on the windowpanes.

Liliana kicked off her heels and let out a breath that felt like it had been trapped for days. “God. I missed this place.”

Ophelia came up behind her, wrapping her arms gently around her waist, chin resting on Liliana’s shoulder. “It missed you too. It’s quieter when you’re not here.”

Liliana turned in her arms, her hands sliding up to cup Ophelia’s face. She studied her girlfriend in the low light—brown eyes warm, tired but steady, that familiar line of strength around her jaw softening now that the day was done.

“You look at me like I’m made of something rare,” Liliana whispered.

“You are,” Ophelia said simply.

They kissed—unhurried, deeper now, the kind of kiss that wasn’t about seduction but about coming home. About stitching time and space back together after too long apart.

Ophelia led her to the bedroom without needing words. The city’s noise outside was muffled by the rain and the heavy curtains. They undressed each other slowly, not like people rushing toward something, but like people relearning each other with every button undone, every sleeve slipped down an arm.

When they curled into bed together, Liliana's head rested against Ophelia’s chest, her hand lying over the steady beat of her heart. The rhythm soothed her. Her breathing slowed to match it.

“I feel like I’m always giving myself away,” Liliana murmured after a while. “To patients, to residents, to emergencies. And then I come here and you... you give me space to be a person again.”

Ophelia tightened her hold, her fingers stroking slow, rhythmic lines down Liliana’s back. “You give so much of yourself to the world. I just want to be the place that gives some of you back.”

They stayed like that in the stillness, limbs tangled under soft blankets, warmth shared in every breath. No demands. No rushing. Just the quiet presence of two people who chose each other again, even in the chaos, even in the in-between.

Before sleep pulled them under, Liliana whispered, “Let’s not let it be this long again.”

Ophelia kissed her forehead. “It won’t be. We’ll make time. Even if the world tries to steal it.”

And in the hush that followed, wrapped in the quiet promise of each other, they finally rested—not just their bodies, but their hearts. Together, safe, and home.

The rain had softened to a whisper outside the windows, steady and soothing. Inside the bedroom, time slowed to the rhythm of breathing and the occasional creak of the old radiator. The world, for once, was leaving them alone.

Ophelia shifted just enough to look down at Liliana, who was still tucked against her, blonde hair fanned across her chest like gold thread. Her eyelashes were brushing the hollow of Ophelia’s collarbone, and for a moment, she thought Liliana had fallen asleep.

But then Liliana stirred slightly and murmured, “You know what I missed the most?”

Ophelia’s voice was soft, just above a whisper. “What?”

“This. Just… being close to you with no one needing me. No gloves. No blood. No rush.”

Ophelia’s hand found Liliana’s and laced their fingers together. “You can always take your time here.”

Liliana tilted her head up, blue eyes heavy-lidded but bright in the dim light. “Sometimes I forget what that even feels like.”

Ophelia shifted fully onto her side so they were face-to-face, only inches between them. “You don't have to be strong every second. You know that, right?”

“I know,” Liliana said, voice just barely holding. “But sometimes being strong is the only thing holding me together.”

Ophelia brushed her fingers along Liliana’s cheek, then down to rest at her jaw. “You don’t have to hold it all by yourself. Let me carry some of it. Even the invisible parts.”

Liliana let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding—shaky, but grateful. “I don’t deserve you.”

“Yes, you do,” Ophelia said firmly, and kissed her again—slow, grounding, like punctuation at the end of an honest sentence.

They lay there for a while longer, legs tangled beneath the blankets, skin pressed to skin in quiet reassurance. Liliana finally closed her eyes, the tension in her body easing into sleep. Ophelia stayed awake a little longer, her fingers tracing lazy, absentminded patterns along the ridge of Liliana’s spine.

“I love you,” she whispered, unsure if Liliana was still awake to hear it.

But Liliana, with a sleepy smile and eyes still closed, murmured, “I know. I love you too.”

And with that, the last weight slipped from both of their shoulders. The city would still be waiting in the morning—so would the surgeries, the cases, the long hours and the unknowns. But for now, in this soft, sacred bubble of night, it was just them.

No emergencies. No expectations.

Only love, in its quietest and most enduring form.

Morning arrived gently.

It didn’t crash in with alarm clocks or sirens or the buzz of a pager. Instead, it crept in like sunlight through the gap in the curtains, painting pale gold across tangled sheets and soft skin. The rain had stopped sometime in the night, leaving behind the clean, still hush of a city catching its breath.

Liliana stirred first, blinking slowly against the morning light. For a moment, she wasn’t sure where she was—no hospital monitors, no fluorescent lights, no cold tile beneath her shoes. Just warmth, soft cotton, and the steady rise and fall of the body beside her.

Ophelia.

Liliana smiled quietly to herself and rolled over onto her side. Ophelia was still asleep, her brown hair tousled and spilling over the pillow. She looked younger in sleep—less guarded, less worn by the weight of her job. Her mouth was slightly parted, one hand curled gently beneath her cheek.

Liliana took the moment, selfishly. She traced the edge of Ophelia’s brow with her eyes, followed the slope of her nose, the curve of her lips. There was a beauty in being allowed to look like this, unobserved, with no clock ticking behind her thoughts.

A sleepy voice broke the quiet. “You’re staring again.”

Liliana laughed softly. “I’m allowed.”

Ophelia opened one eye, dark and warm, and reached out to pull her closer by the waist. “Mmm. I missed waking up to this.”

“To me being a creep while you sleep?”

“To you being here,” Ophelia corrected, burying her face in the crook of Liliana’s neck. “You smell like my shampoo.”

“I used it,” Liliana admitted. “The one that smells like cedar and vanilla?”

“You know that’s my weakness,” Ophelia mumbled into her skin. “Now I’m legally obligated to marry you.”

Liliana chuckled and tucked a strand of hair behind Ophelia’s ear. “Rain check until after my next 36-hour shift.”

They stayed like that, tangled in each other, for longer than they should have. No one reached for a phone. No one worried about schedules. The world could wait—just this once.

Eventually, Liliana stretched and murmured, “I could make breakfast.”

Ophelia groaned and clutched her tighter. “Or we could not move at all.”

“There’s no food in the house.”

“There’s you in the house. That’s enough.”

Liliana blushed and shook her head, but she didn’t move.

Later, when the sun was higher and their hunger outweighed their laziness, they shuffled into the kitchen barefoot, wrapped in each other’s shirts. Liliana fried eggs while Ophelia made coffee, their movements easy and wordless, like a dance they hadn’t forgotten.

And when they sat down across from each other, plates full, steaming mugs in hand, Liliana looked up and said softly, “I want more mornings like this.”

Ophelia didn’t hesitate. “Then let’s make them happen. Not when we’re free. Because we need them.”

And there it was again—that quiet vow. Not dramatic, not dressed in roses or rings, but steady and certain. A promise to choose each other, not just in the soft moments, but in the in-between.

In the heart of the morning light, with eggs cooling on their plates and bare feet brushing under the table, love looked like this: simple, honest, and exactly enough.

[axxa-the-allikatt]

Can you tell im chronically online? No, you cannot stay delusional. Anyways! I love green grapes, esp these large crunchy ones my mother bought. And books, I’m a fucking sucker for a good book selection. (My mother and her wallet doesn’t approve) but that sums it up. I also have written a few fanfics myself but uh, I’m more reader first writer second kinda guy yk? Could I write my fav ship myself? Yes, but that takes the fun out of it.

Anyways how u doin? Whats your favorite fruit and song. And what’s your opinion on thick books? (I’m talking like Harry Potter sized books for reference, and or bigger. 300+ pagers maybe? Might be 200 not sure)

Inquisitively, 🕊️

Hello anon 🫡. I’m doing depression, wbu?

Anygays, I’m a lychee person. I love apple juice tho.

I’m a proud owner of 108 books so far. It would have been wayyy more but my wallet is crying tears of spare change. I live laugh love murder mysteries, especially older ones like from agatha Christie but fiction like Harry Potter will always have my heart.

If you couldn’t tell from my fics, I’m an avid bl reader, so I’ve recently shifted to reading more bl novels and manhwas so shame on me TwT.

I have zero idea what my tastes are when it comes to music. It could go from anywhere between ‘it took me by surprise’ to ‘gods menu’ to ‘class fight’ so whatevs. Hbu?

Also, what’re your fav anime? I’m currently obsessed with moriarty the patriot (yes, it’s for my bl ailing heart).

From yours truly, hissykat <3

[getittogetherk]

January 6, 2025

Haven't written again for another month, but it doesn't feel like it, i think partly because i do my weekly short "journal" in my spiral notebook in which i reflect on the past week's activities. this one-pager also encompasses a week's worth of weight, mood, sleep, and steps.

i re-read last month's journal entry and my thoughts have remained fairly constant, although my actions have not. i'm definitely more conscious about what i eat and how much i move, but perhaps partly because of the holidays, i have still not been eating the way i have wanted to. i can't blame the holidays too much, as i should still have self control, but i have very little self control when there is say, mac and cheese available.

some highlights of the last month: eemo came to town, so there was much hanging, chatting, a few walks, and some intense games of splendor. i hosted a mini Christmas Eve dinner with mom and eemo, but the roast duck that i thought i'd be so proud wasn't particularly cooked, and although the sides were tasty, without a main entree, there just wasn't enough of them, and i underestimated how much of a "serving" actually was per the menu. Christmas Dinner at lana's. at least two pickleball sessions, one in altadena, and one just yesterday in burbank. fishing with oppah's family at crystal lake and getting to know andie and donovan more.

some lowlights: the terrible month or so of weird beefing, and being iced out by anh, and rethinking our friendship, who she is, who i am, if i can trust her, if i know where i stand with her. my car basically breaking down. i took it to the dealer last week and he said the engine was bad, it was burning oil, and i need to take it to the dealership right away, as the engine is a known issue and part of a class action settlement, so i have an appointment to take it in tomorrow morning. the subsequent thought/realization that i'll be spending about $35,000 that i had not previously budgeted for this year, which means at least two years' worth of savings.

overall though, i know there is much to be thankful for. my mom and dad are alive, and though in various states of misery, anxiety, and depression, they are there, and fighting, in their own ways. i have really great and solid relationships with lana, danielle, matt k, matt t, patti, raymond, steven t, amir, amy, caroline, and tracy, and that's more friends than i have fingers. i love them, i trust them, i can hang out for hours on end with them, and i feel seen and cared for by them, and all of my idiosyncrasies and quirks accepted, and at times even appreciated. my job, though very stressful at times, has been blessed by a pretty solid work environment. i like michael and joyce very much, and i feel like they like me as well. i have good rapport with the people around me like kiana, brianne, fatima, sook, and tinka, and what i thought had been the most solid relationship at all, with anh, though that has been tested. i have a living environment that i'm fairly proud of. i like the furniture and layout, and although it's messier and more cluttered than i'd like, is a constant work in progress and i'm tackling small jobs at a time.

i want this year to be different. eemo got me an annual membership to Headspace, and i've used it three times already. i'm trying to breathe more, relax, meditate, be mindful, reduce screen time specifically, but just also the "noise" in general. i don't know since when i've just been needing sound, and visuals, and just constant distraction around me, even as i fall asleep and should be relaxing.

the resolutions are the usual, although the "resolve" i'm hoping has more conviction. lose weight. read more. eat healther. sleep better. travel, both domestically and internationally. invest in relationships. i think i'd also like to give more, too. i donated a little over $500 last year, and i'd like to give more this year. but last year i also started "giving" at least 8 hours a day to the animal shelter, helped out joyce's group at skid row one evening, assisted in sandwich making one afternoon, and also helped pack backpacks for the homeless for 2-3 hours one saturday.

i feel more hopeful for this year than i have for years' past.

[thedaveandkimmershow]

So far...

We watched the movie, "Noelle" to kick off the month. We pivoted to A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 'cause we hadn't watched it before or on the Day as we intended. Still, it was a sweet experience with which to catch up.

Next thing I know, Kimmer mentions "An Echolls Family Christmas" from the 2004 tv series Veronica Mars.

Definitely not your typical seasonal classic... but a classic none-the-less.

From IMDB:

"Veronica investigates missing poker winnings, and Keith is hired by Lynn Echolls to track down one of the potential stalkers of her husband, Aaron."

Gambling. Infidelity. Deceit. A stabbing. And a Victorian quartet caroling for party-goers.

Like I said, not your typical seasonal classic. 😉

The next evening, we're actually teeing up "My Dad's Christmas Date" on Amazon when we get distracted by my Wonder Years YouTube playlist and find ourselves hijacked by "The Wonder Years (1988) Interview with Dan Lauria" that runs straight into "The Wonder Years (1988) Interview with Danica McKellar" that runs straight into "The Wonder Years (1988) Interview with Crystal McKellar" at which point we had the presence of mind to shut it down so we could, you know, sleep.

I say we were "hijacked" but the truth is, because we're such enduring fans of the show (and the new one), it was all fascinating. About forty minutes worth of fascinating before we managed to pull ourselves away. 🫤🤨

Aside from television seasonal distractions, Kimmer's busy setting up Christmas gatherings on the 21st and 25th. She couldn't get the Thanksgiving Day band back together on one night... but between the two dates, that's everyone with a touch of overlap. HUZZAH!

There has already been, by the way, a lot of discussion and thought focused on the menus for both evenings. So this train's definitely a'rollin'. 😁

And we are completely, legitimately looking forward to those Christmas evenings. Without a hint of irony (he said), it's gonna be a relaxing, enjoyable time. Both times.

In the meantime, I've been firing up our Christmas card-making machinery since Thanksgivingtime. I started with buying Christmas stamps from the Capital Hill post office right there by the light rail station. On Black Friday I picked up two sets of cards from Hobby Lobby. Fifty percent off. Then I updated our address list, reaching out to various friends and family as necessary (each of whom responded within hours). With our letter in mind, I gathered the various details spread our across our year that I might wanna include as our kind of Year In Review to share with family and friends. The effort took about a week. Finally, I've been thinking straight through to yesterday what I'd like to write each person, each family, with whom we're sharing Christmas wishes. Little handwritten ditties on the inside of each card aside from our 2024 one-pager.

It's a full-blown process, obviously. A process that requires a lot of thought about individuals and families, friends all, which is what I enjoy about indulging this effort every year to this day.

☺️

Lastly in this holiday update, we finally got our Advent Calendar up 'n running. Seven days late, our plan is to open a door once in the morning and once in the evening until we're caught up. For the first time, we're using a square wooden calendar painted bright red with drawers around the outside and a Christmas scene portrayed in white at the center. I found it at Value Village days after Christmas 2023 and have been looking forward to putting it in play for its intended purpose. 

Each drawer contains two Starlight peppermint candies and a kid's Bible verse that, when you add 'em all up, does a good job of communicating a basic biblical story while the season in which we're caught up spins and swirls around us. In it's own way, the calendar helps us maintain a steady pace toward Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a counterbalance to the headlong rush this experience would otherwise be.

And yeah.

That speaks to us.

☺️

[thestoriesincoffeestains]

"I don't mind such a beautiful distraction," Rowan said, giving Felicia a bright smile. They were both laying it on thick, which only encouraged Rowan to up her game. "But if guests start dancing on tables when we start playing 'Wannabe,' I expect you up there, too." Rowan wished she was joking. The menu of foods she could get her baby to eat was a one-pager. "Spoil away," she said. "Unfortunately, the boys gained my love of everything cheesy."

"I think so," she nodded, "Of course I have the things I like, but I've been trying to force myself to not stay in those comfort zones," the blond beamed. "Not going to lie, I was going to go if I liked it on a week night," she shrugged with a cocky smirk, "I liked everything I saw so, you'll see me at brunch but I can't promise I won't be distracting you while you work." She chuckled, "So, I know with the boys you joked about not getting anything but chicken nuggets-- that can't be true, and if it is let me spoil you with some good adult meals."

[yangmeracau]

Buat aku yang pertama kali liat dapur setelah menikah, suka terharu sama anak anak aku yang selalu bilang enak setiap aku bikin masakan apapun.

Sedari kecil aku gak pernah makan sebagaimana orang kebanyakan. Aku yang masih kecil suka makan di rumah rumah tetangga karena orang tua aku keduanya bekerja, dan aku tinggal di rumah sendiri.

SMP, aku disediain makan setiap hari 3 kali dengan nasi dan 1 jenis lauk. Pagi tahu kuah kecap, siang ikan goreng dan sambel tomat, dan malam biasanya sayur sop hambar pakai kerupuk. Begitu terus selama 3 tahun.

SMA aku mondok lagi, diajarin beli makan ke warteg pakai samping gejet dan bikin aku yang tomboy terkesan urakan didepan para santri yang lain. Aku juga pernah kabur, manjat pager karena udah kepalang telat mau latihan PASKIBRA di sekolah. Berita itu pun jadi bahan olok olok ustadz saat ngaji.

Kemudian, aku bener bener kabur gak balik lagi. Lantas indekos makan nasi dan ati ampela goreng setiap pulang sekolah. Bingung mau makan apa.

Tiba-tiba sekolah buka asrama, bapak daftarin aku kesana terus diajarin masak sama temen-temen asrama. Dari situ pun aku mengenal telor kampung dengan 2 mata sapi.

Kuliah aku diurus sama nenek, trus nenek meninggal. Lalu diurus sama bapak, trus bapak meninggal. Paman ngajak aku tinggal di rumahnya. Aku tidur di kamar sepupu aku berdua di ruangan yang agak sempit.

Namun, perjalanan panjang membuat aku sering tertabrak trotoar. Sampai akhirnya aku pindahan tinggal di gudang rumah warisan bapak yang saat itu dikontrakan.

Kecuali kamar atas yang jadi gudang. Aku berbenah dan hidup di sana, seringkali ketindihan. Keseringan malah. Menu makan aku berubah jadi capcay kuah kadang-kadang lele goreng.

Uang bekal bulanan aku habiskan semuanya untuk membeli makanan, gak pernah terpikir untuk nabung dan membeli kebutuhan lain.

Setelah menikah, barulah aku melihat dapur kecil di kontrakan sangat minimalis. Aku gak tahu apa yang aku masak, tapi suami makan semuanya tanpa berkomentar.

Sampai akhirnya aku malah jualan masakan di grabfood. Niat nya bantuin ngembangin usaha siomay mamah. Tapi malah jadi segala dibikin dan bahkan punya pelanggan tetap.

Anak-anak aku jadi kritikus menu menu yang aku buat. Kalau kata mereka enak, berarti enak. Kalau makanan mereka gak habis bahkan ada muntahan, berarti emang gak enak.

[vapehk1]

How Much is a Vape? Unraveling the Mystery with a Dash of Humor

Imagine stepping into a store where everything's a gadget from a sci-fi movie—some are sleek and flashy like a spaceship, while others seem more like they were cobbled together in someone’s garage. Welcome to the world of vaping, where the variety and complexity of devices can make you feel like you’ve just walked into a tech convention crossed with a fashion show. Choosing a vape can sometimes feel like selecting a drink at a bar where the menu is in Klingon. But fear not! Whether you're about to embark on your vaping journey or just looking to upgrade your setup without dipping into your vacation fund, this guide is here to demystify what that shiny new gadget is going to cost you. Let’s light up the facts (figuratively speaking, of course) and puff our way through the economics of vaping. The Basics of Vaping Technology First things first: What exactly is a vape? In the simplest terms, a vape device is a peace treaty between technology and your nicotine cravings (or flavor cravings for the non-nicotine crowd). At its heart, any vape comprises three amigos: the battery, the atomizer, and the e-liquid. The battery is your fuel tank, the atomizer is the engine, and the e-liquid is, well, the flavorful cargo. Back in the day, vaping started with those cig-a-likes at gas stations, but now we’ve got more types of devices than flavors of soda. From small, discreet pens to big, cloud-chucking mods, vaping technology has evolved faster than your smartphone’s obsolescence cycle. If you think the jump from flip phones to smartphones was something, the vape evolution is kind of like going from a pager to an iPhone overnight. Types of Vapes and Their Cost Speaking of variety, let's break down the main contenders: 1. Disposable Vapes: These are the instant noodles of the vape world—cheap, convenient, and perfect for the commitment-phobic. Typically, they’ll run you anywhere from $5 to $20. Ideal for parties or trying out vaping without committing to a relationship. 2. Vape Pens: A step up in both commitment and price. These handy devices are sleek, straightforward, and can cost you about $20 to $50. They’re like having a dependable car that doesn’t need much but occasionally asks for gas. 3. Mods: Here’s where things get serious. Mods are customizable, powerful, and not afraid to show it. Prices can vary wildly from $30 to over $100, depending on how much horsepower you want under the hood. It’s the sports car of the vape world. 4. Pod Systems: The clever middle-ground between pens and mods. Pods are user-friendly with a bit more oomph than your average pen. Expect to spend about $20 to $50, which isn’t bad for getting the best of both worlds. Each type has its quirks. Disposables might leave you hanging during a vape shortage, while mods might need more upkeep than a needy Tamagotchi. But whatever your choice, there’s a price tag attached that reflects its features and flexibility. Factors Influencing the Cost of Vapes Not all vapes are created equal, and neither are their price tags. Several factors can jack up the cost: Quality of Materials: Plastic or titanium? The choice of materials can either save you a lot of money or add a zero to your bill. Brand Reputation: Just like sneakers, sometimes you pay for the name. The vape world has its own Nikes and Adidas, and prestige can cost you. Tech Features: Some vapes come with apps, touchscreen controls, and even voice recognition. It's like choosing between a basic phone or the latest flagship. Adding these features can turn your vape from a bicycle into a motorcycle in terms of price. Just remember, the more bells and whistles, the bigger the dent in your wallet. Maintenance and Ongoing Costs Buying a vape isn’t a one-and-done deal. Like owning a car, there are running costs. E-liquids are your fuel, and coils are akin to oil changes. Regularly buying juice can cost you about $10 to $30 a month, and coils can add an extra $5 to $20, depending on how often you vape. Here’s a fun fact: maintaining a vape can be cheaper than other hobbies. It’s definitely less expensive than, say, golf, where you not only buy clubs but also pay for every round. And unlike golf, you won’t lose your vape in a lake (hopefully). Watch the video below. https://youtu.be/Ik2GYPGx3f4 Where to Buy Vapes: Finding the Best Deals Navigating the bustling market of vape shops and online stores can feel like trying to find a quiet spot at a rock concert. Whether you're a seasoned vaper or a curious newcomer, knowing where to shop and what to watch out for can save you from buyer's remorse and ensure your vaping journey is as smooth as a well-oiled atomizer. Local Vape Shops: Starting with the brick-and-mortar route, local vape shops offer a hands-on experience that online shopping just can't match. Here, you can get face-to-face advice from vaping veterans, test flavors, and even get a tutorial on how to maintain your device. The catch? Prices at physical stores can be higher due to overhead costs. But, if you value service and instant gratification, paying a few extra dollars might be worth it. Online Retailers: For those who prefer shopping in their pajamas, online vape stores are a treasure trove of options. Not only can you find almost every type of vape product under the sun, but prices are often lower than in physical stores. The key to winning at the online game is to verify the authenticity of products (watch out for counterfeits!) and to check customer reviews. Sites like DirectVapor, VaporDNA, and MyVaporStore are popular for their wide selections and reputable service. Deals and Discounts: Whether you're browsing online or walking into a shop, keeping an eye out for sales and promotions can lead to substantial savings. Signing up for newsletters can give you an edge with access to exclusive deals and first dibs on new products. Also, consider buying in bulk, especially for e-liquids, as many retailers offer discounts on larger purchases. Conclusion Navigating the vibrant and varied world of vaping doesn't have to be as mysterious as a foggy night in Vape Town. Starting with a basic understanding of the technology behind vapes—comprising the battery, atomizer, and e-liquid—we explored the landscape where these devices evolve from simple tools to sophisticated gadgets. How much is a Vape? We then categorized vapes into disposables, pens, mods, and pods, highlighting how each carries its own price tag influenced by factors like material quality, brand prestige, and tech features. We also discussed the ongoing costs associated with maintenance, such as e-liquids and parts, which are vital for keeping your vape in top shape. When it comes to purchasing, we learned that whether you choose to visit local shops for immediate satisfaction and expert advice or hunt for bargains online, being vigilant about deals and wary of too-good-to-be-true offers is crucial. By understanding these aspects, you're better prepared to make informed decisions, ensuring your vaping experience is both enjoyable and cost-effective. If you want to know more, please refer to this article: https://keystonevape.com/best-vape/the-best-disposable-vapes-2024-you-cant-miss/ Read the full article

[mysterious-prophetess]

Stuff to keep in mind for works set in previous decades

Level of Tech

For example!

1970's is when betamax was invented—1975 to be precise. VHS came along in 1976. Home releases of films were not instantaneous and, if you're going to reference a film being on TV or VHS/Betamax/Laser Disk, you might want to research when that happened.

E.G. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back was in theaters in 1980, but wasn't on home media until 1983.

Music media was on records in the 70's for the most part, but cassettes were making a huge splash by the 80's. The 90's was all about the CD, and by the 2000's, and onward, MP3s became king.

Phones—Portable phones were like purses in the 70's (and a military item at first) or in cars. In the 80's, there were huge bricks. Like, literally.

The 90's saw stuff like Nokia's and primitive flip phones and Blackberries.

People also used pagers—which sent texts because phones coudln't really do that yet. That's right, with early cellphones, you needed a WHOLE separate device to text. (BTW it was called "Beeping" and those were also called "beepers." That's what the Kim Possible theme song was talking about with "Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me.") PDAs were more of a later 90's early 2000's thing.

The first Smart Phone wasn't in existence until 2007, when the iPhone debuted, and you needed a special cell plan to get one AND it was AT&T exclusive.

Before that point, it was a flip/slide phone world, and if your parents didn't have data (and almost no one did on a regular basis), going online cost you extra on your phone bill.

I still remember the panic of trying to cancel accidentally hitting the browser button on one of my old flip-phones.

Minutes/Data plans—people used to only have so many minutes to call people (yeah, call people) a month. I can remember some plans only had 800 minutes. Some had less. If you called someone on the wrong network, that could eat up your minutes.

Texts, when they became a thing your cellphone could do, also cost you minutes/data. Same restrictions applied.

Public Telephones—I'm sure people have seen phone boxes, and phone banks—those were real. Payphones were real. You had to put in quarters or dimes to use them (hence "Here's a quarter, call someone who cares" is a saying that has been orphaned by time and technology advancing).

Collect calls were a thing too where you dialed and it would bill the other end's phone bill.

Of course, there was a famous commercial that had people figure out how to scam collect services.....

Computers—By far, these have advanced the most. The first personal computers were from the 70's, but they were primitive and the screens only displayed green-scale text. You had to have a boot disk, and an operating disk you PHYSICALLY inserted into drives to get a computer to run and these were clunky devices. Programs needed you to use computer commands to make them run.

Floppy disks used to be actually large and floppy.

Then came the smaller "floppy" disks that were really rigid, AKA the modern save icon.

As previously stated, the 90's was when CDs became king.

USB drives weren't common until the 2000's, and they were SMALL. We're talking megabites and not Gigabites were common and the gigabite drives were EXPENSIVE. Solid state? That's within the last decade and a half or so, and those started off as super-duper expensive.

It was also during the 90s that boot software became part of the bios, likewise with the OS, and we were given more user-friendly interfaces that didn't require the command menus.

Game consoles—

In the 70's, the Magnavox Odyssey was out and it was the first.

The late 70's /early 80's consoles were actually the second gen consoles. Those include the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, Intellivision, and Vectrex. (BTW there were handhelds in this generation too) Gen 3 is where the Sega Master System and NES/Famicom come into play.

Sony didn't get into the console wars until Gen 5 with the PS1, and Xbox didn't wade into the fray until Gen 6. We are in Gen 9 right now.

This isn't even touching on landlines, tvs, and other appliances!

So, Tl: Dr—Please do research if you're writing fanfiction for works set in any era before now because tech has evolved so rapidly.