#talking to that colleague is always such a confidence boost

[meliohy]

ok ok I talked to a colleague and now all's good. I'm motivated af for the interview this afternoon. I'm getting that fucking job. Everyone wants me to get that job anyway. I'm done being nice now I'm letting them know they better give me that job and sign the papers in the next month else I'm quitting. Good luck with finding yet another engineer to work in the middle of nowhere when you're already struggling to hire 💅

[targaryen-dynasty]

KINKTOBER SLEEPOVER.

GIF.

Modern!Maegor Targaryen x fem!Reader

Based on this request

WARNINGS: SEXUAL CONTENT-MINORS DNI; p in v, breeding kink, pregnancy kink, age gap, power imbalance, rough sex, degrading, power play, size difference

WORDS: 1.3 K

NOTES: Thanks for your request @hypocritic-trash-baby! This sleepover really shows me how difficult it is for me to write something with less than 1.5 K words lmao. But I still had so much fun writing modern!Maegor. Hope you like it!

If you had known that working three hours overtime each evening was a part of the job when you had applied, you would not have taken it – regardless of how damn hot your boss was. 

Maegor was just your type. He was in his mid 40s, incredibly tall and bulky, but not fat, and allowed you to savor your feminine energy, despite you being his junior personal assistant and supposed to assist him. Whenever he was around, you didn’t have to bother opening doors, and if Maegor heard of someone being rude to you, it was only a matter of time until that person would crawl back to apologize. 

And not to talk about the looks he gave you. 

It was thrilling. 

You scarcely saw the violet hue of his eyes whenever you were around him, always dark blown with something you couldn't quite decipher. Even if you weren’t alone with him, he undressed you with his gaze, and it always strayed to your middle, lingering there a bit too long. 

You felt desired, and it was no surprise your confidence got a good boost from it. 

This was the main reason for the skirts of your office attire getting progressively shorter, always straddling that fine line between being appropriate or unfitting. 

It was another endless evening in the office, though this time, you and Maegor were completely alone. All your colleagues had left earlier to attend the birthday party of Maegor’s senior personal assistant, Alys, while she had passed all her tasks over to you. 

… what somehow brought you into the current predicament. 

Your chest was pressed flush against the wall of Maegor’s office. He had ripped your precious heart motif tights between your legs, had pulled your thong to the side and had rucked your skirt up around your waist. 

Maegor towered over your small frame. One of his paw-like hands held your arms locked behind your back, while the other cupped your chin to tilt your head back, forcing you to arch your back to accommodate his cock as he pounded into you with reckless abandon. 

“Waited so fuckin’ long for this,” Maegor grunted into your ear, his hot breath fanning over your flushed skin. “All those short skirts…,” he trailed off, seemingly needing a few seconds to regain his breath. “... you were just beggin’ for me to fuck you, huh?”

Your mouth hung agape, and with his hand tilting your head back to a point it was borderline painful, you weren't quite able to make any more sounds than breathy whines and whimpers. “Y-Yes,” you mewled, the sound straining your throat to the point you had to cough once. 

Maegor seemed to notice your struggle, and even though his hips didn’t slow down, he was generous enough to ease the grip on your face, allowing your head to bow forward. 

“Oh, fuck,” he groaned, your name leaving his lips so smoothly, you almost came just hearing it, “takin’ my fuckin’ cock like the good girl you are.” While his hand kept your arms pinned behind your back, his other grabbed your thigh to raise your leg, draping it over his forearm as he braced it on the wall. 

The new angle had you seeing stars, his cock repeatedly attacking the sweet spot inside of you to the point you felt the urge to pee. Every moan hiccuped in your throat each time his hips slammed into yours, his heavy balls slapping against your aching clit, but not once giving you enough stimulation to push you over the edge. 

“That’s it, ‘m gonna get you all nice and ready for me. Gonna fill you up to show everyone you’re mine.” He said it as if he had been waiting for this just as long as you had, if not even longer. “Just knew I had to breed you when you pranced into my office for your job interview.” 

As he bent forward, he rested his forehead against the back of your head, looking down to where his cock was repeatedly disappearing inside of your cunt. “G-God, please, daddy… harder,” you whimpered, pressing your eyes shut. “N-Need you t-to… cum in me.” 

Your words made the animal behind you groan. “That’s what you want, huh? Bein’ fucked full of my cum until you’re pregnant with my child?” 

At this point, your mind was blank, his merciless pounding and words forcing every thought right out of your brain. You whined a string of incoherent words, rambling one ‘yes’ after the other. 

You could feel his thrusts becoming more and more erratic, a sign that let you know he was about to topple over the edge. With a few more thrusts, he fucked into you, until he released a breathy groan that heralded his orgasm. His twitching cock spilled his load deep inside of your cunt, and you squeezed him ever so tightly in response, milking him for every drop. 

While you thought he was done with you as he pulled out, a bit disappointed you didn’t get to come at all, your doubts were quickly pushed aside with his strong arms wrapping around you, turning you in his grasp, and lifting you from the ground. You squealed at the sudden action, more so when the coldness of his desk seeped into the naked flesh of your arse. 

Before you could say anything, he draped your legs over his shoulders and plunged his cock back into your cunt, his seed mixed with your arousal serving as lubricant. 

“You’re mine,” he growled, a threatening edge to his husky voice. “I fuckin’ own you and this sweet cunt of yours. Breedin’ you over and over, until I’ve knocked you up. Want everyone to know that I fuck you.”

His possessiveness intimidated you, but you didn’t complain, not when it meant you got to be fucked like this for the rest of your life. 

“You gonna look so fuckin’ radiant with a swollen belly.” You looked up at him with half lidded eyes, drool dripping from for parted lips – a clear sign that he had most definitely fucked you dumb by now. “Gonna be so, so full of me, pigeon, don’t think I’ll be able to keep my hands off of you.”

“Mae–Da-Daddy, please,” you called out desperately, not caring if it was loud enough to be heard outside of his office, since no one was there to hear it in the first place. Finally, you felt the heat in the pit of your stomach building again, the coil ready to snap at any given moment. “I want it, please. Need it so bad.”

Maegor smirked wickedly at you, and reached between your bodies to press his thumb to your clit, dragging it over the little bud in circles. It had your moans growing in volume as your climax washed over you, your convulsing walls clenching tight enough around Maegor’s thick cock to trigger his second release of the night. Your boss came with a shuddered breath leaving his lips, and by the way his jaw set, you could tell that he was slightly overstimulated already. 

You wanted to prop yourself up on your elbows when he pulled out, but his hand was quick to push you down again. A gasp escaped your throat at the impact, wanting to see just too badly what he was up to when he bowed forwards and brought his hand to your abused cunt. 

The uncomfortable feeling of being overstimulated filled your veins as Maegor dragged a thick finger through your folds, eventually sliding it inside and using it as a plug to stop his seed from oozing out of your cunt, making sure it wasn't fruitless. 

A few seconds passed until he pulled your thong back in place and fixed your skirt, helping you down his desk. When you met his dark blown gaze, you knew the insatiable man in front of you wasn’t satisfied.

“I’m not quite finished with you yet.”

[koiiiji]

lookism x reader. between takes

summary ; lookism actually is a series, and all guys are just actors, same as you, so you happen to meet with them backstage.

starring ; seongji, jungoo, jongun, gimyong

SEONGJI x demon!reader

the bustling film set was alive with energy. you were taking a break from your role, when you spotted Seongji Yook across the lot. his team was filming scenes for “lookism,” in the mountains of cheongliang too. you couldn't help but smile at the sight of your friend. Seongji noticed you and waved, making his way over with a grin. “nice horns. going for a new look?”

you laughed, adjusting your tail. “just trying something different. how’s the day going on your end?” he shrugged, glancing at his hands and feet. “i feel kinda weird with this,” he said, gesturing to the fake extra finger on each hand and foot.

“really?” you asked ironically, pointing at your demoniacal makeup, horns on your forehead and the tail behind you. “i think we’re both quite the spectacle here”

as you both found a quiet spot to sit, the conversation flowed easily. you talked about your roles, shared behind-the-scenes stories, and teased each other about your costumes.

“you make a pretty convincing demon,” Seongji said, his tone teasing yet sincere. “i’d say you’re stealing the show.”

“thanks, but i think you’re the real star,” you replied, meeting his gaze. “i saw you on set, your scenes have been incredible, your appearance in “lookism” will blow the whole show.”

there was a comfortable silence, the kind only shared between good friends. yet beneath it, there was an unspoken tension, that nobody dared to speak about. Seongji leaned back, watching the crew set up for the next scene. “you know, i’ve always admired how dedicated you are to your roles.”

your heart skipped a beat, his words feeling more personal than casual. “thank you, Seongji, i really appreciate it!”

and before you knew it, the break was over, and you both had to return to your sets. as you stood, Seongji hesitated for a moment. “hey, maybe we could grab dinner after filming wraps up?”

the invitation hung in the air, filled with possibilities. “i’d like that,” you replied, trying to contain your excitement.

with a shared smile, you parted ways, the encounter leaving you with a sense of anticipation.

JUNGOO x pirate!reader

cozy coffee shop was bustling with the morning crowd. you felt a bit out of place in your full pirate costume — with oversized shirt, high knee boots and tight corset, complete with a big hat adorned with feathers and all small accessories everywhere. your team took a break from filming, you all needed a caffeine boost. as you waited for your order, the door chimed, and in walked Jungoo Kim. you heard that his team filming “lookism” somewhere near your location. his costume torn in some spots and covered in fake blood, his skin in bruises from a fight scene and hair is messy. despite his rough appearance, he carried himself with his usual charismatic confidence.

your eyes met briefly, and you both did a double take. you recognized him instantly — you kinda were his fan, he is an actor you secretly admired and respected.

he recognized you as well, approaching with a playful grin, trying to play it cool. “ahoy there, captain,” he called out with a playful grin as he sauntered over. “looking for treasure, or have you already stolen it with that outfit?”

you laughed, tipping your hat. “just trying to keep myself and the crew in line.” you smiled, waving your head to the side where your set colleagues were sitting, feeling your cheeks warm. “and what about you, mister criminal? fighting off enemies before breakfast?”

Jungoo smirked, leaning in conspiratorially. “thought i’d see if the rumors were true about a captivating pirate queen causing a stir. seems they were right.”

you leaned back on the counter, smiling conspiratorially at him, playing along with his little performance, “ah, so you're not here by chance, and it's you the one who are looking for treasure here” you smiled teasingly, lifting your chin, the feathers on your hat trembled slightly.

“well, you caught me,” he chuckled, eyes twinkling. “i do have a knack for looking for treasures. maybe i should join your crew — think you could handle the competition?”

“only if you promise not to steal my spotlight,” you bantered back, imagining him in a tricorn hat and boots.

Jungoo leaned closer, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “i promise to keep the spotlight firmly on you. though, i might steal a dance from the captain.”

the playful exchange left you smiling, and you found yourself enjoying his company more than expected.

“i have to admit, i’ve been a fan of your work for a while,” he confessed, suddenly trying to sound nonchalant. “your performances are always captivating.”

surprised and flattered, you replied, “really? i’ve been following your career too. your fight scenes with sword are legendary.”

but as the director burst into the cafe and barked at everyone, urging them to return to set to start filming, Jungoo offered you a wink. “break a leg, captain. i’ll be here to catch you if you fall.”

with a wave, you returned to your role, feeling a bit more buoyant from the encounter.

JONGUN x black swan!reader

film studio was a maze of sets and props, buzzing with activity. you were navigating the corridors, adjusting to the thick black eye lenses you wore for your role as the black swan in upcoming film. they made everything difficult to see, but the effect was stunning on camera.

as you carefully made your way to the break room, you suddenly collided with someone. the impact, unexpected and strong, caused you to lose your balance and fall.

“whoa!” a deep voice exclaimed. you found yourself looking up at Park Jongun, who was also wearing the same intense black lenses for his role on the neighbor set.

“i’m so sorry!” you said, embarrassed as you tried to regain your footing. Jongun quickly helped you up, grabbing your wrist, pulling. you to his broad chesr, a little harder then he should have. his grip steady. “no, it’s my fault. these lenses make it hard to see anything.”

“tell me about it. i’ve been bumping into everything.” you laughed softly, brushing yourself off. he glanced at your costume, noticing the contrast between your delicate ballerina attire and his all bruised and blooded body makeup. “looks like we’re playing quite opposite roles.” he said, finally losing his grip and letting you go.

“yeah,” you admitted, feeling a bit self-conscious. “i had to lose a lot of weight for this role, so i’m not exactly steady on my feet.”

Jongun offered you a charm smile. “you look incredible, though. very convincing as a ballerina.”

“thanks,” you replied, appreciating his kindness. “i’m guessing you’re the tough guy in your film?”

he nodded, a hint of pride and amusement in his voice. “yeah, shiro oni, always ready for few crazy fights. but i promise i’m not as scary in real life.”

as you continued talking, you found Jongun to be easygoing and surprisingly funny. you shared stories about your roles and the challenges of filming with these horrible jet black lenses.

“next time, we should get a guide dog,” he joked, making you laugh.

“or maybe just a cane,” you suggested, enjoying the lighthearted banter.

eventually, it was time to return to your respective sets. “it was nice bumping into you — literally. let’s try to meet again when we can actually see each other.” Jongun smiled dazzlingly again, gently clasping your wrist, and leaving a light, soft kiss your knuckles.

“deal?” he asked with a charm grin, while you stand there smiling shyly, feeling a newfound connection.

“i’d like that,” you replied, feeling grateful for the unexpected encounter. with a wave, you both headed back to work, the meeting leaving you with a smile and the possibility of a new connection.

GIMYONG x targaryen princess!reader

sun was beginning to set over the bustling film set near the sea, casting a warm glow on the neighboring sets of two popular series. one set belonged to the fantasy series where you played a targaryen princess, and the other to the hit show "lookism," where Gimyong had one of the main roles.

he had often glanced toward your set during breaks, intrigued by the regal world of dragons and thrones. he'd heard about y&u from mutual crew members and quietly admired you from afar.

but today, fate seemed to favor him. a scheduling overlap meant both productions were on a break simultaneously. seizing the opportunity, Gimyong wandered over, pretending to be curious about the elaborate set design.

as you stepped outside, still in your flowing, black gown embroidered with red and gold threads, depicting scales, tails and heads of dragons on the sleeves and collar. you saw Gimyong standing nearby, looking somewhat out of place in his black coat. classic black trousers, white shirt and loafers amidst the medieval backdrop.

“hey, aren't you from "lookism?"” you asked, recognizing him from the posters plastered around the studio. he abruptly pulled his hand away from the blue weird machine that soon will be turned into your dragon with computers cgi effects help. he beamed at you, intensively nodding. he was a bit surprised but pleased you knew of him. “yeah, i'm Gimyong. i've been curious about your set for a while. it's got quite the atmosphere.”

you smiled, appreciating his interest. “it's definitely a different world over here. i'm [y/n], by the way.”

“it's nice to finally meet you,”he said, but paused himself for a moment, glancing back at weird blue platform. he noticed once, that your team usually shoot scenes of flying on dragon's back on this thing. brilliant pick up line immediately was born in his head.

“sooo that’s supposed to be your dragon on screen, right?” he grinned, swinging onto the platform from behind, trying to play it cool, but it came out a little awkward, as you can see he is clearly nervous. you giggled softly, but decided to play along, already understanding what he was leading to.

“yes, his name is Vermithor, really huge dragon.” you elegantly covered your mouth with your hand, trying to hide a shameless smile, at Gimyong’s attempt to flirt.

“you know, im kinda dragon myself, being the son of a golden dragon… so how about safe the dragon and ride-” you couldn't let him finish the sentence, bursting into laughter from his pickup line and such a self-confident face. Gimyong was truly humongous man.

in fact, he was not confused or upset by your laughter, because in the end he amused you. his light laugh joined yours and he was happy that he made you laugh.

“no, but seriously, i’ve heard great things about your performance.”

“thank you! it’s been a dream role for me,” you replied warmly, your genuine smile still playing on your lips. “i’ve seen a few episodes of lookism — i absolutely in love with it! your character is such a gentleman.” you exclaimed admiringly, remembering all the scenes where Gimyong was filming with his 'mother', and how cheerful his character was, representing a wonderful leader.

as you talked, the conversation flowed naturally, and Gimyong felt his initial nervousness fading away. he found himself captivated not just by your talent, but by your genuine enthusiasm and kindness.

“maybe you could give me a tour of your set sometime?” Gimyong suggested, hoping to extend the conversation — and his time with you.

“i’d love that,” you replied, intrigued by the idea. “and maybe i could visit yours. i’ve always been curious about how you bring such a cool fightings to life.”

with a shared promise to explore each other’s worlds, Gimyong returned to his set with a newfound excitement. meeting you had been even better than he imagined, and he couldn't wait when you will visit his set, to show off in front of you with his skills and muscles.

[alilixx]

Hugh Laurie X FEM!READER

Hello, hello everyone! As promised, I'm making a SHORT Hugh Laurie x Fem!Reader which will be more NSFW for my girls <3 because I'm working on a longer one alongside with a James x Fem!Reader, so this is more of a "teaser." I PROMISE TO STAY AS ACTIVE AS POSSIBLE. WRITE SOMES SHORTS STORYS ARE THE BEST THING FRRR (i'm not struggling). Don't forget my request are open. Love u <3

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After a tiring week at the office, you need to unwind, to escape. Deadlines have piled up relentlessly, interminable meetings and tensions with colleagues have turned each day into a marathon. Tonight, you decide to give yourself a well-deserved break. Slipping into your favorite dress, the one that always boosts your confidence, you head to a chic bar downtown, known for its pleasant ambiance and refined cocktails.

As you enter the bar, a wave of relief washes over you. The dim lighting, soft music, and relaxed atmosphere are exactly what you needed. You settle at the counter and order a Martini. The bartender smiles and serves you promptly, and you start sipping your drink, savoring each sip.

Your gaze sweeps across the room. You see groups of friends laughing together, couples whispering sweet nothings, and a few solitary souls, like yourself, enjoying their own company. That’s when you notice him. Seated a few stools away, a man alone, sipping a whisky. He has a familiar look, but you can’t quite place him immediately. His features are both charismatic and understated, exuding an intriguing presence without being overbearing.

Your eyes meet, and you feel a spark. Maybe it’s the effect of the Martini, or perhaps it's simply the desire to feel alive tonight, but you decide to make the first move. Taking your glass, you stand up and walk over to him, your heart beating a little faster with each step.

"Good evening," you say with a smile, sitting next to him. "I couldn’t help but notice you’re enjoying a whisky. Would you recommend it?"

He looks up at you, surprised but pleasantly so, and responds with a warm smile. "Absolutely. It’s one of the best I’ve had in a long time. And what about you, what are you drinking?"

"A Martini," you reply, holding up your glass. "It’s my favorite cocktail to unwind after a long week."

"A long week, huh?" he says, raising an eyebrow. "I know that feeling. I’m in town for the filming of my latest movie, and days on set can be exhausting."

"Oh, you’re an actor?" you ask, feigning surprise while finally recognizing him. "That’s fascinating. What kind of film are you working on?"

"A drama with a few touches of comedy," he explains. "It’s an exciting project, but very demanding. I needed to get out and change the scenery tonight."

"I completely understand," you reply, nodding. "Sometimes you just need to escape the routine and find a place where you can relax and be yourself."

The conversation continues, smooth and natural. You talk about your respective experiences, passions, and lives. He shares funny anecdotes from the set, and you tell him about your own work challenges. Time passes unnoticed, and you feel increasingly at ease in his company.

"So, what brings you here tonight?" he finally asks, looking deeply into your eyes.

"I just needed to get out, to escape," you answer honestly. "I love this place because it has a relaxing vibe and I can meet interesting people. Like you, for instance."

He smiles, clearly flattered. "That’s kind of you to say. I’m glad our paths crossed tonight."

"Me too," you say with a smile in return. "I didn’t expect to have such a great evening."

The chemistry between you grows stronger. The exchanged glances become more intense, and the mutual attraction is palpable. You order another round of drinks, and the conversation continues, a mix of laughter, confessions, and subtle flirting.

"You know," he says after a moment of comfortable silence, "I don’t want this evening to end. How about continuing the night somewhere else? Maybe in a more intimate spot?"

Your heart races at the thought of extending this moment with him. "I’d love to," you reply, taking his hand as he offers it to help you up.

You leave the bar together, the night air adding a refreshing touch to the excitement building inside you. Hugh leads you to a quieter street, slightly away from the lights and noise of the city. You walk side by side, your hands brushing against each other from time to time, each touch heightening the mutual attraction.

"So, where are we going?" you ask, curious.

"I’ve heard about a small lounge not far from here," he says with a smile. "It’s quiet and perfect for continuing our conversation."

You quickly arrive at a discreet yet elegant little establishment. The interior is cozy, with velvet armchairs and soft lighting. You settle into a more private corner, out of sight, and order drinks once more. The conversation picks up naturally, now with a more pronounced touch of flirtation.

"You know," you say, sipping your cocktail, "I really didn’t expect to have such a pleasant evening."

"Me neither," he replies, looking at you intently. "I’m thrilled that our paths crossed tonight."

You talk about everything and nothing, sharing anecdotes from your respective lives, laughing together, and discovering unexpected commonalities. Hugh tells you stories from the set, funny moments, and challenges faced. In return, you share snippets of your life, your passions, and your dreams.

"Tell me a bit about yourself," he says suddenly. "What are you passionate about in life?"

"I love literature," you reply with a smile. "Reading, writing, escaping into stories. It’s what helps me escape from reality, just like tonight."

"That’s fascinating," he says, nodding. "I’ve always admired people who can create worlds with words. It’s a talent I don’t have."

"Oh, but you create worlds with your acting," you counter. "You bring characters to life and transport people into stories. That’s just as impressive."

He smiles at you, touched by your words. "Thank you. It’s nice to talk with someone who understands and appreciates what I do."

Hours pass, and the atmosphere becomes increasingly intimate. At one point, Hugh leans slightly closer to you, his gaze locking with yours.

"You know," he murmurs, "I don’t want this evening to end."

Your heart races, excitement and desire mingling. "Neither do I," you reply softly.

He moves even closer, and before you can say anything, his lips find yours in a tender yet passionate kiss. You lose yourself in the moment, forgetting everything else. The world around you fades away, leaving only the two of you and this intense connection.

When you pull apart, you feel a pleasant warmth overwhelming you. Hugh looks at you with a tenderness and passion that makes you melt.

"We could go to my place," he suggests softly. "Continue this evening away from prying eyes."

You nod, unable to refuse such an invitation. "Let’s go," you murmur, ready to follow this unexpected path to the end.

You leave the lounge hand in hand, excitement and anticipation skyrocketing. Tonight, you’re ready to fully embrace this adventure with Hugh, without worrying about tomorrow.

Hugh hails a taxi, and you both climb into the back seat. The tension between you is palpable, each glance, each smile, each brush of hands heightening the intensity of the moment.

The ride to Hugh’s hotel seems both too short and interminable. You feel his gaze on you, and every time your eyes meet, a wave of desire washes over you. You exchange a few words, but it’s the unspoken promise in the air that dominates your thoughts.

When you arrive at the hotel, Hugh confidently leads you through the lobby. You take the elevator, and as soon as the doors close, he turns toward you. His hands gently rest on your hips, pulling you closer. Without a word, he lowers his head and captures your lips in a deep, longing kiss.

The elevator doors open on his floor, and you part just long enough to exit and walk to his room. Once the door is closed behind you, the intensity escalates. Hugh gently pushes you against the wall, his lips finding yours again. His hands explore your body with a restrained urgency, sliding down your waist, caressing your hips.

"You’re so beautiful," he murmurs against your skin, his lips trailing down your neck.

You shiver under his touch, your hands exploring beneath his shirt, feeling the warmth of his skin. Your clothes fall away slowly, piece by piece, as you move towards the bed. Each movement is charged with desire, each kiss deeper, hungrier than the last.

Hugh guides you to the bed, gently laying you down on the sheets. He leans over you, his eyes locked onto yours, burning with passion. His hands continue their exploration, discovering every curve, every contour of your body.

"You drive me crazy," he murmurs, his voice rough with desire. "I want you so much."

"I want you too," you whisper, your body responding to every touch, every word.

Hugh slowly descends along your body, his lips and tongue tracing fiery paths on your skin. Each kiss, each touch ignites you further, drawing you closer to ecstasy. Hugh takes his time, savoring each moment, each reaction of your body under his expert hands.

His lips leave yours, trailing gently down your neck. He lingers on this sensitive area, placing light kisses that make you shiver. You feel his warm breath against your skin, each exhale heightening the intensity of your sensations. He nibbles lightly at the base of your neck before continuing his descent.

He lingers on your collarbones, tracing circles with his tongue, leaving a trail of warmth behind. His hands follow the movement of his lips, gliding down your arms before returning to your hips, caressing them gently. Each touch is like a spark, igniting a fire of desire within you.

Hugh moves further down, his lips finding the hollow between your breasts. He plants soft kisses there before venturing further. His hands rise to caress your breasts, his thumbs tracing circles around your nipples, hardening them under his expert touch. You let out a moan of pleasure, your body reacting to each caress, each kiss.

His lips continue their descent, tracing a fiery line down your abdomen. He pauses for a moment to place a lingering kiss there, his warm breath against your skin. You feel your desire rise, each touch bringing you closer to ecstasy. His hands slide gently over your hips, caressing you, preparing you for what’s to come.

Hugh finally reaches your lower abdomen, his lips and tongue exploring every inch of skin. He looks up at you for a moment, his eyes glowing with desire, before leaning in to place light kisses on the inside of your thighs. He takes his time, savoring every reaction from your body, every shiver, every moan.

"You’re beautiful," he murmurs against your skin, his words making you shiver even more.

His lips and tongue continue their exploration, slowly moving up the other thigh before finally finding their destination. He kisses you with infinite tenderness and passion, making you lose your mind with pleasure. You feel his tongue tracing circles, each movement bringing you closer to ecstasy.

Hugh wraps his arms around you delicately, his hands gently caressing the inside of your thighs to keep you open and exposed to his attentions. His kisses become more intense, his tongue playing with your warmth, alternating between soft licks and firmer pressures. Each movement sends waves of pleasure through you, making you sigh and moan under his expert touch.

"Hugh…" you murmur, your voice trembling with desire and pleasure.

He responds with a satisfied growl, continuing his touches with total devotion. His tongue glides along your folds, finding each sensitive spot and exploiting it with precision that drives you wild. Your hands grip his hair, encouraging him to keep going, to push you even further.

He intensifies his movements, his hands becoming bolder, his fingers caressing your entrance as his tongue focuses on your most sensitive point. He alternates between gently sucking and vigorously licking, keeping you on the edge of ecstasy. You feel your breath quicken, your body responding to each stimulation, tightening under the growing intensity of pleasure.

"Oh my God, Hugh…" you gasp, your body arching under his attentions.

Feeling your pleasure building, he gently slides one finger inside you, then a second, his movements synchronized with his tongue. He penetrates you slowly, preparing you with infinite tenderness, his fingers quickly finding a rhythm that makes you gasp with pleasure. His touches are precise, his movements expert, pushing you further, keeping you on the edge of orgasm without ever letting you come down.

Ecstasy rises within you, each movement, each caress bringing you closer to the point of no return. You feel your muscles tensing, your body ready to explode under the intensity of pleasure. Hugh feels it too, and he intensifies his movements, his tongue and fingers working in perfect harmony to take you to the peak.

When the orgasm hits, it’s like an explosion of sensations, overwhelming you completely. You cry out in pleasure, your body arching under the intensity of ecstasy. Hugh continues his movements, guiding you through each wave of pleasure, keeping you in this state of pure bliss. But fortunately or unfortunately for you, it wasn’t over, and it was far from finished.

After your breathing settles, your lips meet, and the kiss you share is gentle, imbued with the passion of the moment you’ve shared. Hugh looks at you, his eyes shining with unsatisfied desire.

"I want you," he murmurs, his voice rough with longing.

"Then take me," you respond, the burning desire still within you.

He positions himself above you, and you feel his desire pressing against your entrance. He looks at you one last time, making sure you’re ready. You nod, and with a moan of pleasure, he slowly enters you, filling you completely.

The rhythm he finds is perfect, each thrust bringing you closer to ecstasy again. Your bodies move in harmony, each movement heightening the intensity of pleasure. Hugh leans in to kiss you, his lips finding yours in a passionate kiss, your breaths mingling.

The sensations are intense, each touch, each kiss, each movement bringing you both closer to the peak. You feel your pleasure rising once more, each thrust pushing you a little closer to the edge.

"Hugh, I’m going to…" you murmur, unable to finish your sentence.

"Me too," he growls, his movements becoming faster, more urgent.

The orgasm hits you again, overwhelming you with pleasure. Hugh follows almost immediately, lost in his own bliss. You both cry out together, your bodies tensing under the intensity of shared ecstasy.

As your breathing calms, Hugh remains beside you, his intense gaze never leaving you. His hands gently caress your skin, his fingers tracing light circles along your arm. He shifts slightly, his eyes glowing with renewed desire.

"I’m not done with you yet," he murmurs, his voice deep and promising.

Before you can respond, he gently turns you over, positioning you on your stomach. His hands glide along your back, massaging your tense muscles before settling on your hips. He lifts you slightly, positioning you on all fours in front of him. You feel his burning gaze on you, making you shiver with anticipation.

"You’re beautiful," he says, softly caressing your backside. "I want to make you scream with pleasure again and again."

He positions himself behind you, and you feel his hardness pressed against you once more. With a slow but determined motion, he enters you, filling you completely. The sensation is intense, each movement making you moan with pleasure. Hugh begins to move, finding a fast and powerful rhythm, his hands gripping your hips firmly to keep you in place.

"Oh yes, Hugh," you cry out, your body responding to each thrust, each contact. "Harder!"

He obeys, his movements becoming faster and more intense, driving you with every thrust. His hands glide from your hips to your breasts, gently caressing and pinching them, adding to the intensity of your sensations. You feel your pleasure rising again, each thrust bringing you closer to the edge.

"You’re so tight," he groans, his voice rough with desire. "I’m going to make you come again and again."

He continues to penetrate you, his movements becoming more and more frantic. You feel your orgasm building, inevitable and powerful. Your moans turn into cries of pleasure, your body tensing under the intensity of ecstasy. Hugh doesn’t slow down, pushing you even further, bringing you to a second orgasm even more intense than the first.

"Hugh, I'm going… I'm going to come!" you cry out, unable to contain your pleasure.

"Me too," he growls, his movements becoming faster and more powerful.

When the orgasm hits, it’s like a crashing wave of pleasure, overwhelming you completely. Hugh comes shortly after, his hands tightening on your hips, his groans of pleasure echoing in the room. You remain there, your bodies tensing and contracting under the intensity of shared ecstasy.

You then collapse onto the bed, your bodies exhausted but fulfilled. Hugh holds you in his arms, his hands gently caressing your skin, allowing you both to enjoy the calm after the storm.

To calm down, you decide to watch a short series. Eventually, as he caresses you, his touch becomes more intimate, and you take the lead. You position yourself on top of him, sitting on his thighs. You feel his hardness pressing against you, and slowly, you lower yourself onto him, taking him deeply inside. The sensation is electrifying, making you moan with pleasure.

"You’re incredible," he murmurs, looking at you with admiration.

You start to move, finding a slow and sensual rhythm, savoring each movement, each sensation. Hugh watches you, his hands on your hips, guiding you gently. You establish a perfect rhythm, each movement bringing you closer to ecstasy.

Minutes pass, and you feel your pleasure building again, inevitable and intense. Hugh shifts slightly, his lips finding yours in a passionate kiss. His hands slide along your back, caressing and guiding you.

"I'm going to come," you murmur, your voice trembling with pleasure.

"Me too," he replies, his movements becoming faster and more urgent.

When the orgasm hits you again, it’s like an explosion of sensations, overwhelming you completely. Hugh comes shortly after, his hands tightening on your hips, his groans of pleasure mingling with yours.

The next morning, you wake up in Hugh’s arms, the daylight gently filtering through the curtains. You turn to look at him, a satisfied smile on your lips. Hugh opens his eyes and returns your smile, his fingers gently caressing your cheek.

“Every movement counts,” you murmur, recalling the previous night, your eyes sparkling with desire.

Hugh leans in towards you, his lips brushing your ear. “Especially those of my hips against yours,” he murmurs in a husky voice, making you shiver.

He then gets up, leaving you in bed as he heads to the kitchen to find something to eat. You watch him, admiring his muscular back and the way he moves with grace. A few moments later, he returns with a tray of fresh fruit and coffee. He sets it on the nightstand and joins you on the bed, his eyes never leaving yours.

“I brought you something to recharge,” he says with a sly smile.

“Thank you,” you reply, taking a strawberry and bringing it to your lips, the sweet taste exploding on your tongue.

Hugh watches you with renewed intensity, and before you can react, he pulls you back to him. “But before we eat,” he murmurs, his lips finding yours in a burning kiss. “I’m still hungry for you.”

He gently pushes you back onto the bed, his hands sliding over your body with palpable hunger. You feel his desire against you, and your body responds immediately, desire surging again. Hugh positions himself over you, his movements urgent and determined.

“Ready for another round?” you ask, your voice trembling with desire.

“Always,” he replies with a smile, his eyes shining with mischief and desire.

Hugh enters you with renewed urgency, his movements fast and powerful. Each thrust is filled with passion, making you moan with pleasure. You quickly fall back into the rhythm of the previous night, your bodies moving in perfect harmony.

“Hugh, this feels so good,” you murmur, your hands gripping his shoulders, your nails leaving light marks on his skin.

“I want to see you come again,” he growls, his movements becoming even faster and deeper. Even though he had to go to a shoot soon, he didn’t care. He wanted to stay with you for as long as possible, so he drew out your orgasm to the maximum, tormenting you until you begged him to let you climax, which he finally allowed with a satisfied smile.

After the shared ecstasy, your bodies collapse onto the bed, exhausted but fulfilled. Hugh holds you tenderly in his arms, his hands gently caressing your skin, letting you both enjoy the calm after the storm. You stay like this for a few minutes, savoring the warmth and closeness of your bodies.

“Come on,” he murmurs eventually, gently getting up and leading you with him to the bathroom.

He runs a warm bath, the steam quickly filling the room. Hugh helps you into the tub, gently settling you between his thighs. The warm water gently laps against your back, creating an intense feeling of relaxation.

“Let me take care of you,” he murmurs, his hands softly massaging your scalp.

You close your eyes, enjoying the sensation of Hugh’s hands in your hair, each movement gentle and attentive. He takes his time, lathering and rinsing your hair with infinite tenderness. The warm water and Hugh’s expert hands plunge you into a deep state of relaxation, each tension slowly melting away from your body.

“You’re incredible,” you finally murmur, your eyes still closed, a contented smile on your lips.

“So are you,” he replies softly, placing a light kiss on your shoulder.

After the bath, Hugh helps you out of the water and dries you off gently with a fluffy towel. You return to the bedroom, and he offers you one of his shirts to wear, which is far too big for you but incredibly comfortable.

“It looks great on you,” he says, looking at you with a tender smile.

You lie down on the bed again, and Hugh takes you into his arms, your bodies entwining in a soft and intimate embrace. You talk about everything and nothing, sharing anecdotes and laughter. The connection between you is palpable, every word and every glance reinforcing this special bond.

"I could stay here forever," you finally murmur, snuggling against him.

"Me too," he replies, placing a kiss on your forehead. "But I have to go to a shoot soon."

"I know," you say with a slight sigh, savoring the last moments before he has to leave.

Hugh gets up and starts getting ready, but before he leaves the room, he bends down to give you one last kiss, tender and passionate at the same time.

"I'll be back tonight," he says with a smile.

"I'll be waiting for you," you respond, your heart light despite the inevitable temporary separation.

After he leaves, you curl up in the sheets, his comforting scent still lingering. You feel incredibly lucky to have shared these moments with him, and you already look forward to the evening to come.

Looking for something comfortable and practical, you choose to wear one of Hugh’s shirts. It's far too big for you, but its softness and familiar scent comfort you. Wearing it makes you feel close to him, even though he's far away. You do a light makeup and fix your hair, ready for a busy day at work.

Upon arriving at the office, you receive a few curious glances from your colleagues. It’s clear that the slightly oversized shirt doesn’t go unnoticed. You laugh it off with them, explaining with a smile that it's a piece of clothing borrowed from a special friend, without going into details.

The workday passes quickly, filled with the usual tasks and a few professional calls. Despite the pressure of work, you feel calm, thoughts of Hugh and your morning together floating in your mind like a sweet melody. As evening approaches, you wrap up your tasks and prepare to return to the apartment. Your mind is set on the evening ahead, hoping to see Hugh again and enjoy a quiet moment together after a busy day.

Returning to the apartment, you find Hugh already there, looking tired but still as charismatic as ever. He smiles warmly when he sees you, his eyes lighting up with a joyful gleam. "You’re back earlier than expected," you say with a smile as you see him enter.

"I got lucky with the shoot," he replies, moving towards you with open arms to welcome you into a comforting embrace. He pulls you into his arms, and you snuggle against him, savoring the warmth of his embrace. His hands gently caress your back, making you feel safe and loved.

"I'm glad to see you," he murmurs against your ear.

"Me too," you reply, lifting your face to look at him. "Today felt long without you."

Hugh places a tender kiss on your lips before gently letting you go. "I was thinking we could have a quiet evening. Maybe have dinner together and watch a movie?"

"That sounds perfect," you say with a smile.

You spend the evening preparing dinner together. Hugh turns out to be an excellent cook, and you have fun making simple yet delicious dishes. You share anecdotes and laugh, the meal punctuated by small moments of tenderness.

After dinner, you settle on the couch, snuggling under a cozy blanket. You pick a movie that you both want to see, and as the images play on the screen, you get lost in pleasant conversation. Hugh wraps his arm around your shoulders, holding you close. His fingers gently play with strands of your hair, his touches light and affectionate.

"This evening is perfect," you murmur, eyes half-closed, enjoying the comfort of his arms and the warmth of the moment.

"I agree," he says with palpable tenderness. "I couldn’t dream of a better evening."

The movie ends, and you stay there, savoring the silence and the tranquility of each other's company. The hours pass, and you feel increasingly connected, the bond between you strengthened by this simple yet wonderful evening.

Before going to bed, Hugh pulls you into his arms again, holding you close. You share one last soft and sincere kiss.

"Good night," he murmurs, kissing your forehead.

"Good night," you reply, your heart full of gratitude and happiness. You fall asleep in each other's arms, hearts light and serene, ready to face a new day together.

tags: @nerdyfangirllife @kittenlittle24

[radiant-reid]

cate imagine the team is out for drinks and as usual when spencer’s rambling one of them cuts him off with a joke or something and the team laughs but y/n wasn’t having it and defended spencer. he would fall in love there and then and y/n would just give him a boost of confidence

"Actually, they did this study about serial killers with families-" Spencer starts, only to be cut off by Morgan.

"Pretty boy, come on. On our night off?" He asks. "Surely even your big genius brain needs a rest sometimes." It's affectionate and lighthearted, but it doesn't stop Spencer's excited expression from dimming when the team laughs. He figures it was a little weird to be rambling about serial murder at a bar, but it's always been a topic he could speak on.

You shake your head in disagreement, a little bolder around your new colleagues after a drink. "No, I wanna hear. It sounded interesting."

He just looks confused about that while he reads your expression. When he determines it's genuine and you're not setting him up to be laughed at, he smiles.

Morgan pats you on the shoulder as the rest of them get up, having already discussed that it's time to dance. "You know, you don't get these minutes of your life back, right, girly?" He asks rhetorically before slipping away.

When you look back at Spencer, he looks deflated again. "He's right." He confirms. "You don't have to listen to me just to be nice."

"I want to." You assure him. "Everything you talk about is fascinating, and you're very engaging."

He's not used to compliments like that, especially when it's something most people don't enjoy, and he can't help but melt a little while he looks at you with adoration. "T-thank you." He stutters out, cheeks flushed. "Stop me if I get too boring?"

You don't have to stop him at all that night.

[princessasmosprincess]

Pink and Red

Genre: Character study, meet-ugly, first day.

Characters: Original female character, Divus Crewel.

Warnings: None.

***

Lettie adjusted her magenta pencil skirt and coordinating blouse in front of the mirror, thankful she'd taken the time to have them tailored. One little thing to boost her confidence when she felt so lost. The way the fabric hugged her ample curves while skimming over her more problematic areas, she looked good and she knew it.

She swept her gaze over her appearance one last time as she touched up her apple red lipstick. Her makeup was pristine and modest, her auburn hair pulled back in a sleek chignon, the low heels she wore were sensible.

It was her, but at the same time it wasn't her. It was toned down, polished. It felt dull.

Lettie blew a kiss to her reflection, forcing a smile. This job wasn't what she wanted, but at this point, what other choice did she have?

She supposed working at a prestigious school for magic, even when teaching a (mostly) non-magical subject, was a dream for some. She should be grateful there was an opening at the school and that her Uncle Trein had been able to secure her a position. She was lucky the headmage had approved her application so readily, despite her limited teaching experience. She should be happy. And yet…

Lettie just wanted to make it through the year.

Her heels clicked on the stone floor, echoing down the hall as she followed a few straggling faculty members to the meeting room.

Lettie took a seat at the round table directly across from her uncle.

As stern as he appeared, he was always kind to her. She thought to use her Unique Magic to talk to him, maybe coax out a few words of encouragement. Her special skill came in handy when discretion was required, no one would know except for him. But he was deep in conversation with the teacher next to him and she didn't want to interrupt.

With a sigh, she cast her gaze around the room. The rest of the teachers and staff were dressed to varying levels of formality. Lettie supposed she could have gone with that adorable, flowy, rose sundress that had been relegated to the back of her closet, instead of this stuffy (though admittedly, chic) two piece suit. Trein had told her the dress code for faculty at NRC was rather lax.

But she wanted to make a good first impression, to look the part.

Headmage Crowley began the meeting. The usual “welcome back” speech, Lettie guessed. He then introduced each faculty member and allowed them to say a few words. Lettie did her best to memorize all the names of her colleagues. They were certainly a unique bunch, at least that made them each memorable. She hoped she wouldn't be too out of place among them.

Finally, the headmage got to her, “Ms. Violet Anastasis, our new music teacher,” and immediately she felt all eyes shift to her.

She stood and smiled, this was a role like any other and she would play it well. “You can call me Lettie, everyone does,” she addressed the room, “Thank you for welcoming me to Night Raven College, I look forward to working with you all.”

The headmage continued down the line to the rest of the teachers and coaches, all looking eager to begin a new school year.

“And last but not least, we have Professor Divus Crewel, Potionology and sciences.”

The teacher smirked as his name was called, lazily standing as he ran one gloved hand through his obviously dyed two toned hair. He was dressed to the nines in a black and white suit with a plush fur coat draped over his shoulders.

“Another year of keeping those naughty puppies in line.” He snapped a pointer against his leather glove, a wicked glint in his eye.

Puppies?

The meeting resumed as Headmage Crowley passed out teaching schedules and went over the names of this year's housewardens and vice housewardens, along with various events planned for the year and budgeting concerns.

Some teachers participated in the discussion, but Lettie was only half listening, her mind was still on Professor Crewel.

Every time he spoke it was puppies, dogs, pups, bad boys…

She was seeing red. Red like those garish, leather gloves he wore, despite the season being too warm to warrant such an accessory.

She needed to say something.

As soon as the faculty meeting adjourned, Lettie crossed the room to the other side of the table where he sat, flipping through his teaching schedule for the semester.

“Excuse me,” she said. “Professor Crewel?”

“Hmm?” He continued to scan his class list as if it were the most important thing in the world, all but ignoring her.

But Lettie was not deterred. “I don’t think it’s acceptable to refer to your students as ‘puppies’ to be trained into submission.”

He glanced up from his paper, one single, perfectly shaped eyebrow raised. Now he was listening.

Lettie took this as a cue to continue, “They’re children. Most of them don’t intend on misbehaving. And for the ones that do, it’s our job as teachers to-”

He stood from his seat, all six foot nothing of him easily towering over her, that ridiculous fur coat serving to make him look even bigger.

A few bystanders, including her uncle, silently watched the exchange but Lettie didn’t care.

She crossed her arms and tilted her head up to meet his gaze. If he could be intimidating, so could she, height be damned. “We’re supposed to gently guide them in the right direction. We’re mentors, not prison wardens.”

His cold, gray eyes, narrow and appraising, looked her up and down. “What an unfortunate shade of pink.”

***

Cross-posted on AO3

[coffeeheartaddict2]

Everybody hurts sometimes (13/18)

Shocks to the system

Characters: F!MC Casey Valentine, Tobias Carrick, Ethan Ramsey

Warnings: language, alcohol consumption

****trigger warning- this series deals with issues of abandonment and addiction*****

Category: Angst

Rating: Mature

Word count: 1754

Summary: Casey starts at Mass Kenmore, impressing the doctors over there, Especially Tobias Carrick. A confrontation not only has Casey reeling but learns about Ethan and Tobias.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry

Author's note: for those who are still with me after the last chapter, thank you. A bit of a reprieve in most parts of this chapter but it will get intense again.

🩺🩺🩺🩺🩺🩺🩺🩺🩺🩺🩺🩺

Casey’s first day at Mass Kenmore came. As much as she was sad to leave Edenbrook she knew she needed to be away from there also. For the first day she was paired with Aurora, which she was thankful for. There were some things that were similar but also different and Casey was thankful. The first day went with no hitch and the rest of her first week went well also. She has solved a few difficult cases and that boosted her confidence. Other residents wanted to be paired with her and even attendings were happy to start working with her after a couple of weeks.

After being there three weeks Casey bumped into Stephanie and her parents. She was surprised to see Casey at Kenmore. Casey stated she had just transferred from Edenbrook. Casey was pleased to see Stephanie doing so well. Casey went on her way. The Hill’s were pleased to see Casey again. They had been treated well at Kenmore but they were happy that they would be able to see Casey again.

Tobias was also impressed with Casey. He had heard some good things before she transferred across but he was excited that what he heard was the tip of the iceberg professionally. He also got to know her as a person and he could see why Ethan fell for her and eventually fell in love.

Six weeks after Casey had been at Kenmore, a very disheveled and annoyed Ethan Ramsey graced the walls of Kenmore. He was called for a consult on a patient. He did his consult and was making his way out. He heard Tobias first. He did not want him to see how far he had fallen but as he rounded the corner he saw not only Tobias but also Casey. They were having a very animated discussion. Ethan’s rational side in that moment went missing.

“Nice to know some things have not changed since medical school” called out Ethan.

Casey and Tobias paused their conversation and looked up.

“What’s up Ethan?” Asked Tobias, “what in your opinion has not changed since medical school?”

This causes more anger to raise up.

What has not….fucking hell Tobias, how is it not clear as day?”

“Again Ethan, I do not know what you are talking about”

“You always have to have what was mine don’t you?”

“What the fuck Ethan!” Exclaims Casey.

“Are you that far gone that you need to accuse Dr Carrick of stuff that is not happening?”

Casey walks away upset to the nearest On Call room.

“I will shadow Casey’s question of what the fuck? Dr Valentine and I are colleagues now, we do on occasion converse socially. I do not know what the hell happened exactly between you but I never seen you so happy than the last time I saw you. Now if you excuse me I have patients to see.”

Tobias walks off. He suspected something had happened between Casey and Ethan when he was asked by Aurora if Casey could transfer her but seeing Ethan in that state well, he was now concerned. He tracked down Casey and she was still shook.

“I would ask if you are ok but looking at you the question seems redundant” says Tobias. That caused a slight chuckle and a weak smile.

“I will be, you look like you have questions?”

“Well yes I do but hospital grounds are not the place, my place tonight for dinner and I am buying.”

“I will meet you at the end of my shift.”

Tobias contemplated calling Naveen also but he felt having some more answers would be prudent. Ethan looked like he was hurting but bringing up medical school and the shit that went down with Estelle, well he thought that they had moved beyond that.

End of shift, Tobias and Casey met and stopped off to grab some Thai food before heading back to his townhouse. Casey was apprehensive. She knew Ethan and Tobias were close but that is all she knew. They arrived and they had dinner first. They enjoyed their meal but the discussion was to be had.

“How much do you know about Ethan and his mother walking out on him and his dad?”

“ I know she walked out, with no idea as to why. I know Ethan for a while was dead set convinced it was because she did not love him. I know it kept him at arms length from his dad and was quite guarded for the most part. It took awhile for him to let me in and with Estelle, well it took several months before he felt able to commence a relationship..”

“Estelle???”

“How much has Ethan told you about medical school?”

“You were friends until you were not, competitive and you both fell for the same woman.”

“So not much then?”

“No, it was always something I would ask later but the time never came, so what happened?”

“Well we both met Estelle in our second year, she was a year above us. I liked her so did Ethan but she appeared to like Ethan more so I did nothing. Eventually Ethan let down his walls to enter a relationship. At the six month mark it was coming up to Estelle applying for residency, she wanted to know if her and Ethan were still going to be a thing. She told him she loved him, Ethan did not know how he felt. She was annoyed, walked out upset. I stumble upon her upset. She tells me Ethan and her split up, I offer to take her home and we detour and have a few beverages. She kissed me. I then suggest we should continue on to her house. She kissed me again at the apartment but I did not stop. I go home after we finish and when I come home I say to Ethan I heard you and Estelle split. To say he was pissed was an understatement. Things were never the same. She tried to get him back but he would not and when she could not have Ethan she tried again with me to which she was shut down. The lack of trust between us turned our competition toxic. One day we had a very tumultuous tutorial and I was pissed. I went home and there was a message from Edenbrook. By this time Ethan was rarely home and I deleted out of anger and that was the final nail. When he published Diagnostic Principles he reached out and we met but he could not trust me so we did not reconcile”

“Wow, intense, so you saving me helped rebuild some of that?”

“Yeah and letting him know that June would be up to something when you two disclosed. I had not messaged him since June was fired though so what the fuck happened?”

“In short his mother randomly appeared in the ED in the throes of an overdose of heroin and it went downhill from there.” Said Casey, starting to get emotional.

“And I will guess his policy of having nothing to do with her is still in play ?” Asked Tobias, as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it.

“He visibly froze untilI told him to get the naloxone, he then stormed out of the ER. Louise was in for the mandated three days. Ethan did not see her. He lied to Alan about being unwell and how he only found out on the third day.

“I know he always kept Alan at arms length but lying…”

“Louise reached out to Alan wanting to

Speak to Ethan after he returned from the Amazon, he was given the details and he did nothing. She is in Boston and the fact she could not be bothered to look him up directly really cemented to him how unloved he felt.”

“So what happened after the release from

Hospital.”

“He spiraled, pushed Naveen away, could not even say I love you to me, excessive drinking. I confronted him about it and how he needed to talk to a professional. He said there was nothing wrong and I had to end it, I wanted to be there for him but I could not if he was going to push away.” Casey is crying. Tobias gives her a hug and then places his forehead on hers.

“Wow, I had no idea, but you did nothing wrong ok.” He said. He places his hand on her cheek. “I am saddened he did this though”

“Me too” whispers Casey. Their lips are millimeters apart and they kiss, both caught in the moment. It is short and Tobias pulls away slowly.

“I’m sorry Tobias”

“What for? Telling me what happened? Kissing?”

“I do not know what came over me, I’m so sorry”

Casey stands up and walks to a window.

“I do not want a relationship now…”

“Casey, I think we can both agree we’re both caught up in the emotion of the moment. You are a wonderful woman, truly. I am not the relationship type and let’s be honest, if Ethan contacted you tomorrow and said he was seeking help, would you take him back?”

“Yes I would”

Tobias nods.

“I should leave though and again I am sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. Thank you for telling me what has been happening though.”

“That’s ok Tobias and thank you for filling me in about Med school.”

Meanwhile, in his penthouse apartment Ethan was furiously pacing and drinking. The fact that he had pushed Casey to the point she had to end it was dawning on him, instead of seeking help though he languished and drank as that is all he felt he could do to cope. He was angry at himself and he was angry at her and once again he was furious at Tobias. He took another drink and screamed.

The moment did not impact Casey and Tobias’s working relationship, in fact knowing where each other stood personally only improved it. Tobias reached out to Naveen, he told him about the confrontation with Ethan and how he was saddened about what had happened. Naveen wanted to be shocked at Ethan’s outburst but he could not. The drinking he could tell appeared to be getting worse, but despite this there was little issue with his work, his dealings with staff were still the same but Naveen could not help but feel that things were going to get worse and he was not looking forward to that.

———-

Authors note: well that ended up a little more angsty than planned. We have not seen the last of Louise. She comes back in the next chapter. Next three will be intense with chapter 17 and 18 being quite fluffy in comparison. For those who have endured thank you.

Tagging: @jerzwriter @jamespotterthefirst @genevievemd @alj4890 @youlookappropriate @cariantha @trappedinfanfiction @potionsprefect @liaromancewriter @bex-la-get @a-crepusculo @crazy-loca-blog @lucy-268 @binny1985 @ofmischiefandmedicine @tessa-liam @schnitzelbutterfingers

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

If there is anyone I missed or wish to be added or removed please let me know

[my-shields-are-down]

Ok so what’s your thoughts on 5x5?

I liked 5x05 overall.

I love Celina - I know she bugs people with all her "woo woo"-ness, but I grew up around all of that - my community was very open to the weird and different and alternative ways of doing things. I especially love that Nolan has to manage expectations with her and coach her on being the best cop she can be - and its' taxing on him.

I feel like Mr Nolan has been coasting this season. So he got a golden ticket - whoop-di-doo. His new TO assignment has only been interesting (to me) because of Celina. He let Bailey die instead of killing Rosalind. I'm surprised that Bailey hasn't made more out of that fact - that Nolan chickened out and didn't step up to save her. And then she proposed? What is he even doing this season?

Sorry, tangent. back to 5x05.

I felt sad for Tim most of the episode. From my perspective he spent all of his time in the hospital thinking about Lucy - even with ashley sitting on his bed, holding his hand. To me Tim seemed very sad and very alone. His eyes were on Lucy whenever she was nearby like he could sense her presence. My heart just ached for him. I thought the glimpse into life with Ashley was telling. Tim was going through the motions and not causing waves - eating the diets she put him on, considering retiring because she wanted to live in Bali on his free money, pretending he didn't have a dangerous job he loved. She struck me as being very self-centered and oblivious. How do you not know your boyfriend has been shot? They had sex right? Did she never give him head? I mean the gunshot that started all this was in his lower abdomen - did she never go down there?

Clearly they never talked about his job, his goals and aspirations, his dreams or his wants and needs. He's obviously my favorite character and she just ignored all the wonderful things about him. And that breakup was cold - but thank god she's now gone.

I loved Tim's thinking about Genny and Lucy. I'm so glad Lucy was the catalyst for reuniting Tim with his sister. You just know he loves being an uncle. The fierce protector will always protect Lucy. of course he locked down the information about his surgery - if Lucy didn't know, she could focus on running the station and not worry about him.

Great episode for Lucy I thought. She got to be acting Watch Commander, acting Sergeant and run the roost so to speak for a day. WOW - think about that = Obviously Tim trusts her, but Grey does too. As do many of her colleagues. Talk about a confidence boost - and if she chose to - another career path to consider. One way to be Tim's peer is to be a fast-rising sergeant.

And the end scene where it's the two of them. ah, that was bliss. I'm so glad she visited him in the hospital and kept him company. After that super scary situation and surgery, being dumped within minutes of waking up from the surgery, having the love of your life, your person, who just being around brings you so much peace, joy and happiness RUSH IN to make sure, to see with her own eyes that he’s ok? I mean come on - how fantastic is that for Tim? All that alone time? I'm so glad they finally are coming together again.

Especially after he woke up from the surgery and looked around for Lucy, and she wasn’t there. I’m so glad Tim got a bunch of happiness by the end of that episode.

Two thumbs up. Excellent Chenford episode.

[serenadeofher]

Sway me

synopsis; you are slowly starting to fall in love with your stupid client that has one of the biggest egos on this planet, but what if it’s forbidden to date any of your colleagues and especially clients

pairing; jungkook x reader

genre; e2l, romance, forbidden office romance, a little bit of fluff

warnings; vulgar language

wordcount; 1296 words

I’ve been standing here right by the entrance flashed by tall of the shiny decor in this huge ballroom. Everyone is dressed in their most beautiful clothes anyione has ever seen! My heart for fashion skipping a beat and the little 5 year old princess iside of me is screaming.

Before anyone notices me standing here like a crazy maniac staring at them I make my way towards the crowd that has been moving rythmically all over the dancefloor. At the end of the staircase I catch a glimps of my assistant Jihoon waving at me signaling I should come over.

As soon as I’m close enough he tells me with a grin on his face “Everything is done boss. The data is all on this little sd-card .” I reach towards the little black chip in his hand and put it savely in my bag. “Just don’t lose it . Otherwise I will have to start all over again.”

“Don’t worry I got this” I tell him with a reassuring smile.

“Did Mr. Gao arrive already?” I ask

“Yes he is talking to Mr. Kim at the buffet with the other investors. You can only make business when you have a full tummy.” he cacks jockingly.

I just shake my head at him but can’t help a little chuckle leaving my ips.

“But you know who’s also here?” Jihoon says in his teasing voice wiggling his eyebrows.

The only reaction he gets out of me is a glare. His true nature is just geting the best of him again. But why should I llie. That’s exactly the reason wy you aren’t just his boss but also quite close to him.

“It’s him you know…” he scans my face for some sort of reaction he doesn’t get, “come on I know you like him too” he teases again.

“Oh shush” i respond a little too harsh than intended, “you know I’m a men-magnet… aswel as a women-magnet!” I add after a second and he laughs.

“Of course you are boss” he agrees.

As I’m about to scan the crowd one particular pair of eyes across the dance flor catches my attention. The eye cotact is ntense just as he intents. The glass of liquor in his hand meets his lucious lips. He takes a small sip and a smirk appears on his face.He knows damn well he has got you wrapped around his finger.

But he also knows I have him wrapped around my whole hand.

If we are playing this game I am gonna win.

“Bring it on Jeon!“ I mouth his way knowing he understood by the way his eyes glow up. I lic my lips daring him now before going towards him and onto the dance floor.

He quickly puts his empty glass onto one of the tables beside him and walks confidently towards me. He reaches out his hand before even reaching me making it obvious he’s coming my way. “May I have the honour?” he asks politely in his deep voice.

If only all of these people around us know what kind of a prick he actually is.

“The pleasure is all mine” I return and something in his brown orbs turns dark.

The song changes and we just start to move in the rhythm of the music.

“You look stunning” he says, his breath gracing my skin. “I always look stunning” he chuckles “but I gotta say you are something yourself Mr. Jeon. Look at you having every women and men drooling over you in your yellow suit.”

He answers: “Is that so?”

“Oh come on stop it. I don’t need to boost your ego. It is already big enough. You were literally elected the most handsome men alive Jungkook. And I didn’t see anyone on the internet disagreeing on that matter.”

“Are you finished with your little talk?” his eyes are softening up the longer he looks at me. Our eyes lock again and the music comes to its peak as we pose along, me in his arms carried by him and him bending over me. “I wish I could scream out to the world and tell everyone how much I love you!” Jungkook whispers his hand reaching for my face and his face coming closer to mine. He is so close our lips almost touch but before anyone of us can move in to kiss the other, he pulls me back up.

We finish finish our last steps as the last tones of the music fade away. Jungkook presses a last kiss on top of my hand accompanied by a little bow out of respect and I chuckle.

Loud clapping comes from the side and as I look to the source of it I see Mr. Kim and Mr. Gao, followed by a few men, standing there with the widest grin on their faces.

Crap if they suspect anything I’m dead. Mr. Gao expresses how surprise he was. He had never seen a couple dance so pretty. His words not mine.

“Is there something you want to tell me _?” Mr. Kim whispers my way. “Nope! I couldn’t let a gentlemen down could I?” I said to him way too confident to my liking.

He probably just understood how boldly you just lied in his face but he drops the topic.

Mr. Kim starts to talk about business again, as the other men standing with us in a circle joined his conversation.

After some time I excuse myself and go outside to get some fresh air. This whole night talking to different business partners, showing my best side only and that dance performance on top of it took a toll on me.

Jungkook was sitting there already but he was totally in his own world right now.

“Thinking about me handsome?” I say shifting his attention to me. Welcomed by his toothy grin I sit down. “Always!” he answers making me slightly blush. It is silent for a second before I start to talk again.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course!” he is curious now.

“Why?… Why me out of all these women? You literally have any women who just walks by you whipped and ready to suck your the soul out of your body.”

“Why not?” He ask back “ just like you said yourself they don’t care about looks.”

It’s silent for a bit.

“You are just you _ and that’s what I love about you” he admits scooting closer to you. “The only big difference is that I really want something serious with you, you know” his lips start to travel along my neck leaving soft kisses.

“Sometimes I just have the desire to wake up to your beautiful. No matter if you are sleepy or slept enough or if you are mad or sad or happy. I just don’t want to miss out on any moment I could spend with you!” his words are literally melting my heart. I never had anyone say something so beautiful to me.

“Jungkook…” I say

“I know” he interrupts me.

“I’d love that too but you know damn well we are not allowed to date our clients. And our project isn’t done yet we can’t” the sad tone in my voice evident.

“I know love… I know.” he sighs all hope leaving his body.

“Let me show you how much I love you at least!” he lures.

His hand taking mine and he pulls me up.

“Let me take care of you just for one night” he begs.

And I don’t refuse letting him move his hands all over my body.

[ruchirathor]

Building an Unbreakable Spirit: The Power of Resilience in the Modern Workplace

Introduction

The professional landscape is a dynamic terrain, filled with both exhilarating peaks and unforeseen valleys. Tight deadlines, unexpected setbacks, and even challenging colleagues can test even the most seasoned professional. The key to navigating these inevitable roadblocks lies in cultivating a vital characteristic: Resilience.

Resilience is more than simply bouncing back from adversity. It's the ability to adapt to challenging situations, learn from setbacks, and emerge stronger than before. It's a cornerstone of professional success, allowing individuals to navigate the ever-changing complexities of the modern workplace with composure and resourcefulness.

The Value of Resilience in Today's Workplace

In today's fast-paced and competitive environment, resilience is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. Here's how resilience empowers professionals:

Enhanced Stress Management: Resilient individuals are better equipped to manage stress effectively. They possess the emotional intelligence to remain calm under pressure, leading to improved decision-making and a more positive overall work experience.

Superior Problem-Solving Skills: Resilience fosters a proactive approach to challenges. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, resilient professionals adopt a solution-oriented mindset, seeking creative ways to overcome obstacles and drive positive outcomes.

Increased Adaptability: The ability to adapt to change is paramount in today's dynamic business world. Resilient individuals embrace change as an opportunity for growth, readily adjusting to new technologies, evolving priorities, and unforeseen circumstances.

Boosted Confidence and Motivation: Successfully navigating challenges builds self-belief and fuels intrinsic motivation. This newfound confidence empowers individuals to tackle even more ambitious goals and persevere through difficulties with unwavering determination.

Sparked Innovation: Resilience encourages a "never-say-die" attitude that fosters exploration and calculated risks. This openness to new ideas can spark innovation, leading to groundbreaking solutions and propelling organizational success.

Developing Your Resilience for Professional Growth

Cultivating resilience is an ongoing process that requires commitment and focused effort. Here are some actionable strategies to build your resilience muscle:

Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Embrace the power of a positive attitude. Challenge negative self-talk and adopt the belief that setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth. View challenges as stepping stones on your path to success.

Focus on Your Sphere of Influence: There will always be elements outside your control. Instead of expending energy on frustration, focus on what you can control – your attitude, your effort, and your responses to situations. 

Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is the foundation of resilience. Make time for activities that promote well-being, including exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and pursuing hobbies you enjoy. 

Build a Strong Support System: Having a network of supportive colleagues, mentors, or friends can be invaluable. These individuals can provide encouragement, guidance, and a safe space to vent frustrations and process challenges.

Celebrate Your Achievements: Taking the time to acknowledge your successes, big or small, is crucial. Celebrating your accomplishments reinforces positive behaviors and builds confidence, making you more resilient in the face of future challenges.

Embrace Setbacks as Learning Opportunities: Everyone experiences setbacks. Instead of dwelling on failures, view them as valuable lessons. Analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and leverage that knowledge to navigate future challenges with greater wisdom.

Conclusion

Resilience is not a shield that renders you invincible; it's a suit of armor that equips you to navigate the complexities of the professional world with composure, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination. By incorporating these strategies into your professional development plan, you can cultivate an unbreakable spirit that will empower you to thrive in the face of adversity and propel you towards achieving your career goals. 

[sujiverse]

— ୨ৎ . . . the dating history !

kwon soonyoung : dating period. november 2018-present

❛ 내가 너를 위해 모든 것을 걸 거라는 거 알지?

kwon soonyoung and kang suji weren't really close even if they frequently saw each other at the company. they would often exchanged greetings whenever they saw each other but it was nothing more than that. soonyoung would sometimes strike a conversation with her but it would always end as soon as it starts as she wasn't really interested to him. when it was announced that she would be a part of the group he was going to be in, he was hoping he would develop a closer relationship with her. however, much to his dismay, suji's demeanor towards him turned noticeable colder.

growing up, suji wasn't competitive. she generally maintained a laid back personality towards her peers and didn't mind other people. yet, something about soonyoung's presence stirred an unexpected sense of rivalry within her. suji had always been recognized for her dancing ability. throughout her life, everyone around her would praise her abilities. this continual encouragement boosted her confidence and fueled her passion for dancing. however, when she joined pledis entertainment and saw him, something shifted within her.

his dancing ability was captivating. his movements were smooth and precise, executed with an effortless grace that charmed those who witnessed him. at that point, suji felt compelled to prove herself for the first time, not only to others but to herself. she kept comparing her ability to his. it came to the point where every time they meet at the practice room, she would analyze his tactics, quietly challenging herself to meet or exceed his ability.

she couldn't simply see him as a colleague or a friend, but a rival whose approval she unconsciously desired. yes, she respected him, but she also felt a sense of tension whenever they spoke, knowing that her desire to compete was there. soonyoung knew what she felt for him and didn't scare him, in fact he made it as a reason for him to strive even more. he knew she wouldn't be able to resist him anyways.

and he was right, months before their debut, she began warming up to him. it caught him by surprise when there was a time she came to him first, it wasn't the suji that he had known but he didn't care about how she changed. surprisingly, they became close very quickly. compared to the other members, they spent a greater amount of time together, and it was him who made her laugh so much that she started crying. and that, well, that just increased his admiration for her.

the other members weren't astonished when suji and soonyoung started flirting with each other in jest one day. they started having regular conversations and practices where they would joke around. because they had observed the underlying tension and mutual admiration between the two dancers, the majority of the members had expected this development. at first, they weren't passing judgment on them, but maybe a few of them placed speculative wagers on when it may occur. their pleasant, playful flirtation ultimately turned into something more. they grew close through late-night practice sessions and supportive moments during trying times, talking to each other about their concerns, doubts, and dreams. they started dating after a few months and only told the members when they were a year into their relationship.

lee seokmin : dating period. january 2020-present

❛ 내가 사랑이 뭔지 알면 그건 너 때문이야.

the first friend kang suji had when she first arrived at pledis was lee seokmin. she could still clearly recall how he came up to her; she could see him counting to himself involuntarily to help him relax and not be afraid to approach her. suji pretended to not have a clue when he came to say hi, but on the inside, she wanted to smile at how adorable he was. they clicked right away and became close. she would often bring him snacks as gifts and even drew a portrait of him during practice, while he would talk to her about his childhood and sang her favorite songs — just because she expressed her appreciation for his voice to him.

he liked her. most of the members knew it and kept it from suji because they could see how he was scared he'd lose her. he was afraid that he would lose their friendship. seokmin was like an open book to suji, thus she knew him. she was aware of the changes in his behavior toward him, but she was afraid she would also misread his actions, so much as she wanted to call it out, she preferred that he tell her straight.

years passed, and despite the growing intensity of his feelings, seokmin never found the right moment to confess. their friendship grew stronger, so he was happy with his choice. for some reason, his eyes seemed to be always focused on suji and soonyoung, even though he felt content with his life and the way things were going between them. he wasn't bothered by how they became close, he was happy for them because they weren't that close when they were trained; rather, he was bothered by their actions.

he realized that the two were gradually developing feelings for each other. in his heart, he believed that distancing himself might be the best way to protect both of them from potential heartbreak and the friendship that they have. It was a difficult decision for him, and it tore his heart every time he saw her. when she approached him, he mustered a grin and pretended everything was normal. deep down, he wanted to cry, to express his frustration and anguish over the widening distance between them.

when suji couldn't take it any longer, she spoke to him. she told him how she felt because of how he separated himself, how terrible it was to be left in the shadows, not knowing why he began treating her as if they didn't know each other, and then seokmin confessed to her. he cried as he poured his heart out to her, telling her about his bottled-up sentiments for her and his hyung. seeing the latter cry, of course, made her cry as well and they had a crying session with suji telling him she had felt something before because of his actions, she still did at that moment but only a tiny bit as she was already dating soonyoung.

after a conversation with her, the couple decided to talk to him and suggested a set up which the three of them agreed to. suji and seokmin weren't official not until january 2020 where he asked her to be his girlfriend — with the help of soonyoung.

[universalinfo]

IMPRESS WITH PRESENTATION SKILLS LEARNED FROM HOUSTON ACTORS

Acting auditions in Houston, Texas, offer much more than you might expect. They’re not just for actors starting out. These auditions hold valuable lessons. These lessons can really boost your work presentations. How? Theater techniques make your talks more lively and impactful. Let’s explore these techniques together. We’ll see how they can transform your professional presentations. This way, your presentations will capture attention and deliver your message effectively.

Starting with the Basics: Getting to Know Your Audience

Just like actors, you need to understand your audience. In Houston’s diverse acting world, actors quickly learn to change their style for different groups. You should do the same in your presentations. First, find out who will be listening. Learn about their background and interests. What do they want to learn from you? By knowing this, you can make your talk fit their needs. This makes your message connect better and leaves a stronger impact with acting auditions houston tx.

Scripting for Success: Making Your Message Clear

In theater, scripts are carefully written. Each word matters. The same goes for your presentations. Clarity and being to the point are very important. Focus on what you really need to say. Use simple and clear sentences. This way, your audience stays interested and remembers your message better.

Rehearsals: Building Your Confidence

Actors rehearse a lot. This helps them feel sure of themselves. You should do the same with your presentations. Practice your talk several times. This will make you feel more confident. It also helps you keep track of time, improve your material, and get better at difficult parts.

Embodying the Role: Body Language and Voice Modulation

In acting, the way you express things matters as much as the words you choose. This idea holds true for presentations too. To stress your main ideas, use your body language and change your voice. Stand tall and confidently. Look your audience in the eyes. Use your hands to add emphasis. Change your voice’s tone, pitch, and speed to keep things interesting. These changes help underline your key points.

Engaging the Audience: Interaction and Response

In Houston’s lively theaters, actors are great at keeping their audience hooked. You should do the same in your presentations. Ask your audience questions. Use polls. Start discussions. This kind of interaction makes your presentation more lively. It also keeps your audience paying attention and involved.

Setting the Scene: Visual Aids and Props

In theater, visuals play a big role in storytelling. Do the same in your presentations. Use slides, charts, or even objects to back up your points. These aids make your talk more engaging. They also make it easier to explain complex ideas.

Adapting to Feedback: Flexibility and Improvisation

Actors often change their act based on how the audience reacts. You should be ready to do the same. If you see your audience losing interest, be ready to switch things up. Maybe share a related story. Or, turn to a more interactive part of your talk. Being able to adapt keeps your audience focused on what you’re saying.

Emotional Connection: Telling a Story

Top-notch actors connect emotionally with their audience. Strive for this in your presentations. Share stories or examples that are personal. Make sure these are things your audience can relate to. This emotional touch makes your presentation more impactful and memorable.

The Finale: Strong Closing

In theater, the final act leaves a lasting impression. End your presentation with a strong closing that reinforces your key message. Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a thought-provoking idea or a call to action. Finally, always seek feedback, just like actors do after auditions in Houston. Ask colleagues for their thoughts on your presentation. Use this feedback to continuously improve your skills. For more details visit us at https://exaltedarts.org/.

Conclusion

The world of acting auditions in Houston, TX, offers more than just performance techniques. It provides valuable lessons that can transform your work presentations. By understanding your audience, crafting a clear message, practicing, using effective body language, engaging your audience, utilizing visual aids, adapting to feedback, creating emotional connections, ending strongly, and continuously learning, you can elevate your presentations to new heights. These theater-inspired tips will not only make your presentations more effective but also more enjoyable for you and your audience.

Read More:Acting Potential in Houston

[evanscambell]

No Age Limit to a Glowing Grin: Your Guide to Adult Orthodontics

Forget the stereotype of braces being just for teenagers! Straightening your teeth is no longer relegated to childhood and early adolescence. The truth is, more and more adults are embracing orthodontic treatment and achieving the confident smiles they've always desired. Whether you're looking to address crowded teeth, gaps, or bite issues, there's a growing array of Orthodontic Treatment For Adults options that cater to your specific needs and lifestyle.

Why Choose Adult Orthodontics?

The benefits of a straight smile extend far beyond aesthetics. Improved oral health, better chewing and speaking, and a boost in confidence are just some of the reasons adults are choosing to invest in themselves.

Enhanced Oral Health: Crooked teeth can be harder to clean, leading to a higher risk of cavities and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment can make brushing and flossing easier, promoting better overall oral health.

Improved Function: Misaligned teeth can affect your bite and chewing ability. Aligning your teeth can lead to improved chewing efficiency and even reduce chronic jaw pain.

Sharper Confidence: A confident smile can unlock personal and professional opportunities. Adult orthodontics can give you the smile you've always dreamed of, boosting your self-esteem and allowing you to radiate confidence in every situation.

Best Teeth Straightening For Adults:

The good news is that gone are the days of clunky metal braces being your only option. Today, there's a range of discreet and comfortable tooth-straightening technologies available, making adult orthodontics more appealing than ever. Here are some popular options:

Clear aligners: These virtually invisible, removable trays gradually move your teeth into place. They're comfortable to wear, barely noticeable, and allow you to maintain your regular lifestyle with minimal disruption.

Lingual braces: Attached to the backs of your teeth, lingual braces are completely hidden from view. They're ideal for adults who prioritize discretion and want a virtually invisible way to achieve a straight smile.

Ceramic braces: Similar to traditional metal braces, ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your natural teeth, making them less noticeable.

Taking the First Step:

If you're considering adult orthodontics, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified orthodontist. They will assess your individual needs and discuss the best treatment options for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions and express any concerns you may have. Remember, a good orthodontist will be a partner in your journey, guiding you every step of the way.

Embrace Your Journey:

Adult orthodontics isn't just about achieving a straight smile; it's about investing in yourself and your well-being. It's a chance to improve your oral health, boost your confidence, and ultimately, smile brighter than ever before. So, ditch the age-related skepticism and embrace the exciting possibilities of adult orthodontics.

Remember, it's never too late to unlock your glowing grin and shine your brightest smile.

Additional Tips:

Talk to your dentist: Your dentist can be a valuable resource when considering adult orthodontics. They can assess your oral health and provide a referral to a qualified orthodontist.

Do your research: Read about different treatment options and compare costs before making a decision.

Ask for recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have undergone adult orthodontics and get their recommendations.

Make a plan: Discuss your budget and payment options with your orthodontist to ensure you can comfortably afford the treatment.

Start your journey to a confident smile today and discover the magic of adult orthodontics!

[leadersclubofindia70]

Overcoming Stage Fright: Techniques To Boost Your Confidence In Public Speaking

Public speaking is a powerful skill that can open doors to numerous opportunities in both personal and professional spheres. However, for many individuals, the fear of speaking in front of an audience, commonly known as stage fright, can be overwhelming and hinder their progress. The good news is that stage fright is a common experience, and with the right techniques and strategies, it can be overcome. In this blog post, we will explore effective techniques to boost your confidence in Public Speaking Institute in Delhi NCR can help you overcome stage fright.

1. Prepare Thoroughly

Thorough preparation is widely recognized as one of the most powerful strategies to overcome stage fright. By acquainting yourself with the topic of your speech and developing a strong grasp of the subject matter, you can significantly boost your confidence. It is crucial to create an outline or script that serves as a roadmap for your presentation and to practice it multiple times. The greater your level of preparedness, the more self-assured you will be when addressing an audience.

2. Visualize Success

Utilizing visualization can be a potent technique to conquer stage fright. Take a moment to close your eyes and envision yourself giving a flawless presentation. Imagine the audience responding positively, your poised body language, and the exhilarating sensation of achievement. Through consistent visualization of success, you can reprogram your brain to associate public speaking with favorable outcomes, ultimately diminishing anxiety and enhancing self-assurance.

3. Start Small

If speaking in front of a large audience overwhelms you, start speaking in smaller, more intimate settings. Join a local Toastmasters club or seek opportunities to present in front of a supportive group of friends or colleagues. As you grow more at ease, gradually expand the size of your audience. This incremental approach allows you to build your confidence step by step, giving you the courage to tackle more extensive speaking engagements.

4. Practice Deep Breathing And Relaxation Techniques

Utilizing deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques has been found to be effective in soothing nervousness prior to delivering a presentation. When you feel anxious, take a few moments to focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple technique triggers the body's relaxation response and can help reduce anxiety levels.

5. Embrace Positive Self-Talk

Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths, skills, and past successes in public speaking. Repeat affirmations such as, "I am confident," "I am well-prepared," and "I have valuable insights to share." By consciously reframing your thoughts in a positive light, you can boost your self-confidence and diminish stage fright.

6. Engage With The Audience

Instead of viewing the audience as a threat, shift your mindset to see them as allies. Always bear in mind that they are present to actively listen to you and gain valuable insights from your expertise. Make eye contact with individuals in the audience, smile, and use inclusive language to create a sense of connection. Engaging with the audience helps you establish rapport and distracts you from focusing solely on your anxiety.

7. Seek Feedback And Learn From Each Experience

After each public speaking engagement, seek feedback from trusted individuals who observed your presentation. Constructive criticism is an invaluable source of insights that can help identify areas for improvement. Your response could be improved by providing more specific examples to support your points. By continuously learning and growing from each experience, you will become a more confident and effective public speaker.

Conclusion

Stage fright is a common fear that can be overcome with consistent effort and the right techniques. Public speaking is a skill that can be honed and improved through dedicated practice and time. By preparing thoroughly, visualizing success, starting small, practicing relaxation techniques, embracing positive self-talk, engaging with the audience, and seeking feedback, you can boost your confidence and overcome stage fright. With determination and practice, you will become a compelling and confident public speaker, opening doors to a world of exciting opportunities.

The Leaders Club of India is an Institute in Delhi NCR that can provide valuable support and resources to help you overcome stage fright. Joining a club like the Leaders Club of India offers you the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and experiences. Through networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs, you can gain insights from seasoned speakers and learn from their expertise.

The Leaders Club of India can provide a safe and encouraging space to practice your public speaking skills. You can participate in mock presentations, receive constructive feedback, and grow in a supportive environment. Additionally, the club may organize speaking opportunities, enabling you to showcase your abilities and gain valuable exposure.

[tmarshconnors]

The 13 Laws of Manipulation

Manipulators can come in all shapes and sizes. As different as they may be as individuals, there are certain things that manipulators have in common with each other, and that is the fact that they’re sneaky, deceptive, and underhanded and will resort to using any tactic if it means they get what they want at the end of the day. They care little about your feelings or anyone else’s for that matter, even the people they love. The only thing that matters is them is their own agenda and getting what they want.   Manipulators resort to one, two or several tactics to get to achieve their goals, always at someone else’s expense. While the tactics may vary from one manipulator to the next, there are 13 laws of manipulation that every manipulator will use at one time or another:

Law #1 - Hide Your Intentions. Lying is perhaps the oldest and most effective form of manipulation around. Manipulators often resort to this tactic when they try to avoid responsibility or twist to the truth for their benefit. Some manipulators even resort of lying when there is no real reason to do so, simply thriving on the pleasure of creating chaos or the knowledge that they’re playing with someone else’s feelings. A skilled manipulator knows how to work this angle so subtly that you don’t even realize the lie that they spin until it's too late. There could be several reasons why a manipulator resorts to lying. It could be to take advantage of another. To conceal their true intentions so you don’t know what they’re up to. Or perhaps even to level the playing field, so they can remain one step ahead of you. An employee who was concerned about their job might approach the boss and ask about the possibility of being laid off or fired. The boss, in an attempt to conceal what’s really going on, might tell the employee there’s nothing to be worried about when in fact, plans were already being made to replace him once he has completed work on the project he was assigned to. A colleague who has been eyeing that same promotion you are might withhold potential information so that they could put themselves ahead of you.

Law #2 - Attention Seeking. A little bit of drama in life keeps things interesting, but for a manipulator, drama happens all too frequently. Why? Because they created it on purpose. Manipulators like being the center of attention to validate themselves and give their egos the confidence boost they believe they need. A colleague at work might resort to creating conflict between colleague A and B by telling tales to each of them about the other. This thereby ensures that while colleague A and B are at odds with each other, they then turn to the manipulator for “comfort”, which then makes the manipulator feel important. In a relationship, one partner could constantly pick a fight to ensure that the other’s attention is continually focused on them and trying to resolve a problem which may not exist.

Law #3 Behaving Emotionally. Manipulators could be highly emotional individuals, prone to dramatic or even hysterical outbursts when they want things done their way. Melodramatic, loud, obnoxious, over-the-top, even at the slightest provocation a manipulator will resort of emotional behavior, which is most of the time inappropriate in a social setting. A couple loudly arguing in the restaurant because one partner is behaving unreasonably when things are not done their way resorts to this behavior, hoping their partner might be embarrassed enough to give in to their demands makes this an extremely effective manipulation technique when used correctly.

Law #4 - Playing Victim. Everyone always feels sorry for them. They seem to have the worst luck in the world. No matter what problem you may be having, they find a way to make you feel guilty for even talking about it by pointing out how their problem is “10 times worse” than yours. We all suffer from a stroke of bad luck every now and then, but the manipulator has managed to skillfully use that unlucky streak to elevate their own “victim” status and put themselves above everyone else. A friend who constantly plays up all the negative.

Law #5 - Taking Credit Where It’s Not Due. Manipulators have no qualms about getting you to do most of the legwork, and then swooping in at the last minute to take credit like they have done the lion’s share of the job. A common tactic which is often used in a professional setting, especially in group projects or teamwork. These crafty manipulators flit around delegating jobs, seemingly appearing “busy” when in fact they’re not really doing anything at all, but when it comes time to take credit they have no problems about pushing you aside and taking credit for the ideas and the work that you’ve put in.

Law #6 - Depend on Me. Manipulators want you to feel like you “need” them in your life. That you simply cannot live without them. In a social setting, they’re the “popular” ones whom everyone else seems to flock to, making you desperate to want to be a part of that group. In a relationship, they could be the partner that constantly reminds you “what would you do without me”, or “how would you survive without me”. They do you favors and help you out at a time when you need it most, making you feel indebted to them so they can come and cash in on these favors at a later date (with a manipulator, no favor ever comes for free). Manipulators create this false belief that you need them in your life, because the more you depend on them, the more control they have over you, which is exactly what they want. They prey on the vulnerable and make themselves the “indispensable friend” in your life, basking in this special status they have created. The more you lean on them for support, the more opportunities they have to prey on your emotions and exploit you for their own advantage.

Law #7 - Selective Honesty. Have you ever felt so disarmed by how a generous person you know could suddenly turn around and stab you in the back? Or felt so wrong-footed when you realized you only knew half of what was going on? That’s because the person who was feeding you with information was a manipulator, and the reason you feel stabbed in the back or wrong-footed is that they only fed you information that they wanted you to know while purposely withholding the rest. Selective honesty, a powerful manipulative tactic that can be used to disarm an unsuspecting “victim”. A tactic which is today very prominent within professional settings especially. Manipulators at work use it all the time to get ahead. If there are five people up for the same promotion at work, the manipulator will try to give themselves the upper hand by withholding important information that they know while simultaneously assuring everyone else that “this is exactly what’s going on”. They lead you to believe that they are being generous by clueing you in on what’s taking place but in reality, they’re making sure you’re at least two steps behind them every step of the way.

Law #8 - Pretending to Be A “Friend”. Don’t be fooled by the overly friendly person you just met on your first day at the office. They could be pretending to be your friend while gathering information about you which they could later use to their advantage. While some people may genuinely be friendly, start to raise the red flag if this person is being a little too friendly by asking very personal or probing questions, especially if you’ve only just met them. This tactic is prominent within a professional setting, and if your gut is telling you something is off, it probably is. The manipulator could even exist within your own circle of friends. They pretend to be your “friend” by subtly being the one who is in control of the conversation. The conversation will always be what they dictate it should be, and it will only happen when they determine it should happen. This “friend” might also pressure you into making decisions by giving you very little time to think about it. Phrases like “if I’m really your friend, you’ll do this for me” roll off the tongue of the manipulator too easily and always for their benefit.

Law #9 - Non-Committal. Do you know anyone in your life who has a hard time committing to anything? Even after you’ve told them how important it is and that you could use their support right now? The non-committal individual is no friend of yours, they’re a manipulator. They take pleasure in withholding their approval or support if it means there’s an opportunity for them to give themselves the upper hand to control the situation for their benefit. They’re only looking out for themselves, and they will especially refrain from committing to anything if it means having to assume responsibility. Being non-committal is a manipulation tactic often used in romantic relationships. When a romantic partner is being non-committal, it keeps the other on their toes and keeps them coming back for more, thereby giving the manipulator the upper hand. The longer they withhold their commitment, the more bending over backward you’ll be willing to do just to get their approval.

Law #10 - Playing Dumb. Is that colleague you know genuinely unaware of what’s going on? Or are they feigning innocence to avoid taking on extra responsibility? Playing dumb is a manipulative tactic that often goes overlooked, but if you pay close attention, you’ll find it apparent within a lot of professional settings. If you a leader of the group project at work, would you assign extra responsibility to that one team member who “wasn’t as sure of something”? Or assign that extra responsibility to another? The employee who was then “playing dumb” gets away with doing far less, but getting the same amount of recognition as everyone else in the group. When there’s a conflict between a group of friends, could that one friend who “doesn’t know what’s going on” be telling the truth? Or could they be feigning innocence, knowing full well they were responsible for instigating the conflict in the first place? In a romantic relationship, could your partner who “doesn’t know what you’re talking about” be telling the truth when you confront them about an issue? Or could they be “playing dumb” to avoid being caught in a lie? Sometimes, the “innocent party” may not be so innocent after all.

Law #11 - Pointing the Finger at Others. A manipulator will always try to keep their hands clean by first, never assuming responsibility, and secondly by always trying to point the finger at someone else so they get off scot-free whenever there’s a problem. Especially when that problem could potentially jeopardize their reputation and expose them for who they are. If you know anyone in your family, friends or even among your colleagues who always blames the problem on anything and anyone but themselves, you could be dealing with a manipulator. Keep a lookout for anyone who’s the pattern of behaviour involves always making someone else the scapegoat.

Law #12 - Telling You What You Want to Hear. It’s hard not to feel good when you’re being flattered, and you’re more inclined to like the person’s who’s doing all the flattering more than others. If there’s one person in your life who’s always telling you all the things you want to hear, wouldn’t you be more inclined to want to follow them or spend more time with them? It’s hard not to feel good around people like these, but telling you all the things you want to hear is not necessarily the sign of a good friend. They could be buttering you up so they can cash in on a big favor at a later date which you’ll be “guilted” into helping them with “because they’ve been so nice to you”.

Law #13 - Controlling Your Decisions. A classic setting when manipulation in the form of controlling another’s decision is present is within a romantic relationship. While it is perfectly normal for you to base or change your decisions because of your partner, is it because there exists within you a genuine desire to make them happy? Or are you doing it because you don’t want to risk making them angry? There’s a very fine line between what constitutes manipulation in a relationship. If you find yourself canceling plans far too often with friends because your partner expresses their displeasure or makes you feel bad, that’s manipulation in play. If you refrain from wearing clothes that your partner dislikes (even though you love it), or stop yourself from getting a haircut because your partner said “they don’t like short hair”, that’s a subtle form of manipulation. They’re controlling your decisions without making it seem obvious that they are. It could start off innocently enough with a remark or two, with something so minimal like expressing how the clothes you are wearing does not look good on you or the kind of dress you are wearing should be something else and suddenly you find that your life has turned into nothing but decisions that don’t make you happy because they’re being dictated by someone who supposedly loves you.

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Discover more about self-esteem if you are dealing with issues

Low self-esteem can significantly affect various areas of life, including relationships, work, and health. However, one can enhance their self-esteem by following the guidelines provided in mental health counseling and eradicate self doubt.

Know more about low self-esteem

Low self-esteem can result from feeling uncertain about one's abilities, personality, or the worth one bring to others. Various factors can contribute to low self-esteem, such as feeling insecure in life, questioning one's gender, sexuality, or body, or experiencing a sense of detachment from family, friends, or colleagues.

Know more about good self-esteem

On the contrary, having good self-esteem means there is no scope for self doubt. It involves having positive convictions about one's abilities and position in society. It can arise from:

Being self-assured about one's capacity to effect change and confront life's obstacles

Possessing a strong sense of confidence and self-respect in one's identity

Believing that one belongs within their family, school, or circle of friends.

Self-esteem components you need to know

Your level of confidence, your feeling of identity, your sense of belonging, and your self-assurance in your talents are all parts of your self-esteem.

Self-confidence

Self-confidence is rooted in the sense of security in yourself and your life. For this, feel confident that your needs are fulfilled. It includes having a place to live, physical health, and stable finances.

Sense of identity

Your sense of identity is crucial to your self-esteem as it encompasses your understanding of yourself. Your self-assurance in your appearance, gender, sexual orientation, profession, beliefs, culture, or any element of yourself is included. It's essential to be self-assured in these areas because they help you comprehend your needs and desires in life.

To feel that you belong

Belonging is an essential aspect of self-esteem, as it involves feeling accepted and valued by the groups you associate with, such as your family, friends, colleagues, or community. Even if you have a lack of belonging in one group, such as your workplace, you may find a sense of belonging in another group, such as your family or a hobby group. Feeling connected to others can boost your self-esteem and provide a support system for you during challenging times.

The importance of self-esteem

Having good self-esteem is essential because it allows you to approach life with a positive outlook and helps you to:

Feel secure and confident in yourself.

Stay motivated and driven towards your goals.

Overcome challenges in your life.

Manage stress and anxiety

Maintain a healthy body image and self-image.

The first step that you must take for yourself

The voice inside your head that either encourages or discourages you can have an impact on your self-esteem. It's crucial to practice self-kindness and to challenge negative self-talk. A useful approach is to talk to yourself similarly you would speak to your friends.

Conclusion If you are keen to learn more about self-esteem and deal with self doubt and make improvements within yourself, you can always get yourself enrolled in a self-esteem app. A self-esteem app can educate you about self-esteem and provide you with useful information on how to improve it. Self-esteem apps can provide tools and techniques to help you manage your negative thoughts, challenge negative beliefs, and boost your self-confidence.