#tips for client boundaries

[kopfconsulting]

Client relationships can make or break your business, but they don’t need to break you. Learn how to manage emotions, spot toxic interactions, and maintain mental and physical well-being when dealing with challenging clients.

[savage-rhi]

Magenta 😥

[expphot0]

Behavioral Truths IT Support Wishes You Knew

Let’s face it: in the world of IT support, we often tiptoe around a simple truth—sometimes, the customer is the problem. While the customer service mantra “the customer is always right” might work for retail, those of us in the tech trenches know better. After years of supporting businesses across Arizona, we’ve collected enough stories to fill a techie’s nightmare journal. Today, we’re pulling…

[aedininsight]

How to Deal with Clients That Ghost

Getting ghosted by a client? 💨 It happens to the best of us. Learn how to set boundaries, follow up, & protect your time! 🚀 Read more! #Freelancing #ClientManagement #ProfessionalTips #DealingWithGhosting #WordPress #Freelancer #Management #Innovation

As a freelancer, dealing with ghosting clients can be frustrating and time-consuming. One day, you’re exchanging messages and making progress; the next, radio silence. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but ghosting happens even in professional settings. Here’s how you can handle it with grace and strategy. 1. Don’t Take It Personally The first step is to understand that ghosting often reflects more…

[ivesambrose]

Your 2025,

Happy New Year my loves 🤎

Frost & Fortune | 2025 Readings ✨

Services Offered

Client Love

Thank you for the tip 🎀

Picture 1

your central theme for this year deals with self expression, creativity, romance, children or your inner child as well as your health. You'll be refining your daily routine and approach your life with more structure and purpose instead of spontaneously doing what you want. A lot of you may have struggled with creative burn out or procrastination in the previous year but you'll be pushed out of your comfort zone when it comes to that. I see that some of you will sit down with yourself and really ask, "will a much younger and naive and vulnerable version of me truly look up to me or be happy with what I've become and who I am as a person?" In this question you'll find your answers and the changes you need to make. You might be a bit critical of yourself initially but understand that constrictive criticism towards yourself and making and effort afterwards is also a healthy thing to do. Some of you might even turn a turn a possible passion into a part of your daily life this can be getting a job that you're truly happy about it something that lets you fit in what you want to do into your daily routine efficiently. You might face situations that will test your resilience. You'll learn how to not emotionally lash out in situations. Keep your cool and decorum and navigate accordingly. You'll also learn how to pick your battles carefully. relationships will be significant focus. You'll learn who to associate with, who not to, how to show up for yourself and the significant people in your life. How to establish boundaries between you and the ones you consider acquaintances as well. Not everyone is your friend and shouldn't be. Some of you might be interacting with a lot of people possibly for career related purposes. Learn when to unwind, detach and take time solely for yourself. Don't fall into the trap of people pleasing. Certain relationships might be deepening too. Some of you might change homes or completely renovate your existing home. Some of you might be asserting your independence within your family as well. Others of you might be leaving your home/parents home and venturing off by yourselves learning how to navigate the world on your own and finding your voice. Your immediate environment will also play a prominent role in your life this year. Also expect a lot of short trips, learning and networking. Start of year: Focus on grounding yourself and building a solid foundation. It's okay to take things slow you're not running a marathon. Bring your focus on long term plans, establishing security at the same time enjoying life's pleasures.

Middle of year: Refine, work with diligence, keep a tracker or planner/journal, health(mind and body) will be primary focus.

End of year: Step into the spotlight and celebrate your growth. Look back at yourself with pride.

Picture 2

Your most transformative year yet. Central theme of destiny and finding one's soul's purpose. You'll be stepping out of your comfort zone regardless of the type of comfort it brought you and venture out into the unknown. The change will be profound and unlike anything you've experienced but it has been a long time coming. This will transform you into the person you're meant to be. Don't be scared. You have wanted this. Financial matters, inheritances, joint ventures might also play a role in your growth. Intuition will be at an all time high be sure to listen to what your instincts are telling you before being persuaded by the masses. You'll also be making a lot of meaningful connections this year. You'll finally be taking off a mask and freeing yourself from a cage you had put yourself in or felt you were in. You'll be honing your existing skills and learning new ones and will be manifesting opportunities extensively for yourself. All you need is blind faith. You'll be pushed to trust the unseen and the unknown. Put logic aside when it comes to your dreams and goals and other pursuits this year. Things will only make sense by the end of it. You'll be stepping into a more leadership role this year. People will be inspired by your confidence as well as charisma. There may even be a drastic change in your overall appearance or the way you talk and present yourself. Some of you might be moving away states or countries. It will be because it's time for you to pursue your dreams fearlessly. It's not about chasing them anymore, it's about making them a part of your reality so that it becomes normal and not something out of reach. A lot of people will be enamored by you and you might end up becoming their muse. You might also feel deeply connected to your spiritual side as well and have related experiences. Many experiences, places, people and even your dreams will inspire you immensely. Lot of deja vu moments as well. Again, trust in your gut feeling about places and people. You'll feel deeply connected to something this year, it will feel like home somehow or a part of you. This year is about finding the lost pieces of yourself and building cathedrals within your soul. You have immense power. Trust it. Start of year: A focus on building meaningful partnerships. Forging new ones too. (Professional, romantic or personal) Collaborations and commitments as well.

Middle of year: Communication, learning, trips, networking, ideas and recognition. Collecting and making a lot of memories. Lot of mental stimulation.

End of year: Significant development in your professional life, building a legacy, fame, reputation and taking note of your personal achievements.

Picture 3

Your central theme is personal growth through higher learning, expansion of ideas and unconventional approaches to life. This year is big on exploration as well as travel for you. You may have been following the norms or what's expected from you for a long time or because that was the only thing that was available to you so haven't yet gotten the chance to step out of the box but this will be changing now. This year also emphasizes focused determination and victory. All your obstacles will be overcome with sheer discipline. Remember where your awareness and focus goes, energy flows. Things will also gain momentum this year compared to the previous one so don't be surprised if things start coming through all at once after a period of stagnation. This is a good year for your creative pursuits as well as love. If you're a lover girl/lover boy, congratulations! Please romanticize your life even further actually. I feel as though you'll find someone or friends and people who are just as willing to pour into you and give as much as you do. You'll be learning to receive and nurture this year. Some of you might also be going for higher education which in itself is a huge achievement, please be proud of you and your academic achievements. You'll be very proficient in problem solving and finding clarity too. Your head will feel less like an entanglement of sizzling wires. you will be attracting individuals who balance out your energy and propell you forward as well. A lot of exchange of ideas and experiences. You may also want to build a community or become a part of one. A lot of you will be finding new hobbies as well and actually be sticking to them. Deep transformation is also unavoidable. Certain hidden aspects or information might come up but it will bring you more clarity than trauma. You will learn how to make proper financial investments or receive money from unknown or unconventional resources. You'll also feel like a version of you has died and is long gone but a new one blooms and makes sure those around you bloom as well. I feel a lot of you will make sure you turn your life into art/a cinematic experience this year no matter what. Start of year: You'll be cautious and communicative, pursuing knowledge and expanding your network. Let your voice be heard, let your ideas be known. New conversations, contracts, opportunities etc.

Middle of year: Noticeable and visible progress in every area of your life. Enjoy your journey.

End of year: A more balanced and harmonious energy, a focus on relationships as well as making yourself and your surroundings more beautiful.

[stclaretarot]

PICK A CARD ⭒ A SURPRISE IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS!

reminder that this is a general reading and messages found here may not apply to everyone. take what resonates, leave what doesn't, and don't force anything if it does not fit.

BOOK A READING WITH ME · LINKTREE · 18+ PATREON · TIPS ♡ tips, bookings, and feedback are highly appreciated!

GROUP ONE

cards pulled · seven of cups, page of pentacles, five of cups, eight of cups (reversed), spellcasting oracle: career, beauty, passion. 

channelled songs · i know him so well by whitney houston. love me by 112 & mase. you’ve got the love by florence + the machine. regular - english version by nct 127. 

my dear group one ♡ in the next six months, you will receive a surprise in your career! this is a new job based on looks -- others looks, if not your own. 

this may be a career in modelling, acting, or sales. it is something where you are as much the product “being sold” as you are the seller. or this may be a career where you are focused on beauty, on bringing out the beauty of others, such as a beautician, makeup artist, or stylist. 

for some in this group, you may be getting the opportunity to work with a celebrity client or as part of a truly MAJOR campaign. a national or international campaign.

while this may not lead to a life of fame and renown, or make you an overnight success, but it will be a point of turnaround in your career as it will set the foundation for your future. it will lead to better things, introducing you to better opportunities, and helping you in establishing a brand new clientbase. 

GROUP TWO

cards pulled · seven of swords, five of wands (reversed), knight of pentacles, spellcasting oracle: wellbeing, truth, trust. 

channelled songs · white xmas by sabrina carpenter. jiu by lay. starry eyes by the weeknd. forget her by jeff buckley. 

my dear group two ♡ in the next six months, you will be surprised the places that your impulsive decisions take you! these are quick, last-minute decisions that will lead to an abundance of (good) consequences. 

this may be with regard to impulsively taking a job, or going on a trip, or moving somewhere you, or starting a relationship. even just accepting an invite or attending an event you suddenly felt like attending. just something you do on a whim that you would likely not usually do. 

this decision will be as unnerving and overwhelming as it will be fun, as if you are unsure of why you even made this decision or chose to do what you chose to do. you may find yourself saying things like, “what am i doing? i can’t handle this. i need to return to my normal life.” 

but you need to put your trust in yourself, and in the divine, and know that these decisions are all good ones that you have made. 

honestly, in short, this surprise is one in which you will be surprising yourself!

GROUP THREE

cards pulled · two of cups, the moon, eight of pentacles, spellcasting oracle: love, beauty, answers. 

channelled songs · nightmares by the sea - original mix by jeff buckley. dive into you by nct dream. applause by lady gaga. the way things are by fiona apple. 

my dear group three ♡ in the next six months, you will be receiving a surprise in love! 

this love that is coming towards you is love that is happening an extremely unexpected way. there are things happening behind the scenes, with several people working to bring you and another person together. there are several people who want to see you and a particular person in a relationship with each other, and so they are pulling strings to get you two to meet each other and go on a date. 

this may be somebody you meet at work or through a co-worker, or, in a similar vein, may be someone a close friend knows through work. 

for some, this surprise in the next six months will be two-fold as this person is going to be revealed as a soulmate. 

GROUP FOUR

cards pulled · six of cups, the emperor, the sun (reversed), seven of wands, spellcasting oracle: boundaries, peace, love. 

channelled songs · flaming hot cheetos by clairo. dead of night by orville peck. dream run by nct dream. wonderkinz* by poptropicaslutz!

my dear group four ♡ in the next six months, you will be surprised with a reconciliation. 

this is a reconciliation you may, at one point in your life, have prayed and begged god for. but, now, at the time of the reconciliation, it holds no power over you -- to such an extent that, in some regard, you may have completely forgotten about this person, this relationship, and what they meant (or could have meant) to you. 

for some, this may be a romantic connection, but for most of you, this is a reconciliation with a parent/parent figure. particularly a father/father figure. 

this is a reconciliation that will act as more of a point of closure, of saying goodbye, than of starting things anew. and, with this reconciliation, you may receive proof that this person truly holds no place in your life, and choose to once and for all cut this person out of your life. to once and for all, free yourself from this connection and the hold this person had on you. 

you are setting boundaries and committing to it. you will be surprised how your life will blossom when you do so; when you commit to yourself and your highest good. 

[pittsick]

ohhhh maybe giving scenemo!pat his magic cross piercing. he’s hard partially because you’re pretty and have your hands on his dick, and partially because he’s a bit of a whore for pain. you notice, one thing leads to another, he’s fingering you in your back office while you try and give him care and healing instructions.

summary: when patrick gets his magic cross piercing and things leads to one another, he’s fingering you in your back office when you try to talk to him about the aftercare.

pairing: scenemo!patrick x afab piercer!reader.

cw: +18. mdni. 1.1k words. genital piercing. pain kink. clinical setting. professional boundary violation. dirty talk. brat behavior (Patrick).

taglist: @blastzachilles, @lvve-talks, @jordiemeow, @strfallz, @222col, @soulxinxthexsky, @diyasgarden, @jinxedbambi, @lexiiscorect, @religionlost, @bluestrd, @jclolz22, @destinedtobegigi, @imperishablereverie, @lovefaist, @shahabaqsa0310, @prismozo, @jesuistrestriste, @grimsonandclover, @nozhdyved, @artstennisracket, @yardofbrunettes

You’ve done plenty of intimate piercings before—Prince Alberts, frenulums, ladders—but something about this appointment has you tightening your thighs the second you read the form.

“Magic cross.”

And the name on the intake? Patrick fucking Zweig. Scene hair, chipped nail polish, three belts on his jeans and none of them functional. He’s got eyeliner smudged into the corners of his eyes and a grin that belongs on someone who’s been suspended from at least three high schools.

It’s not his first time at the shop; he had been here for his labret piercing a few years ago and an eyebrow one that he didn’t keep—but you hadn’t been the one piercing him at the time. A shame.

“I want the full cross,” he says again when you sit down on your rolling chair. “Horizontal and vertical. Gimme the pain.”

You arch a brow, snapping on a pair of gloves. “You know that’s four holes total, right?”

Patrick shrugs, fingers already at his zipper. “Yeah. I’ll try not to nut on your gloves.”

You roll your eyes, but your cheeks are warm. You’ve seen dicks in every shape and size—but not every client moans when you disinfect them. Not every guy twitches under your touch and breathes out, “fuck, you’re kinda making me hard just with the prep.” But Patrick does.

You ignore him. Kind of.

The setup is clean. Tools lined up. Two needles, two straight barbells, all sterilized. You mark him quickly—two vertical dots, two horizontal, all across the head—and give him a look.

“You ready?”

Patrick lies back with a deep exhale. “Ruin me.”

You pierce the vertical pair first. He lets out a guttural sound as the needle slides through, but it’s not a cry of pain—it’s pleasure. His cock jerks in your grip, fully hard now, tip glistening like he really might cum from the needle alone.

“Shit,” he pants. “That—fuck—that hurts so good.”

You keep your head down, focus tight, thighs clenching. Slide the jewelry in slowly, threading the bar through the fresh holes one by one. It’s precision work, and you do it perfectly—even as Patrick groans under you and clenches the edges of the padded bench.

Then come the horizontal. He’s sweating by the end, but still rock hard, his chest heaving like he’s been edged.

“Jesus,” you murmur, wiping him down and snapping off your gloves. “You’re a freak.”

“Compliment,” he gasps. “Say it again.”

You shake your head, fighting the throb in your own core. “Get dressed. I’ll give you care instructions in the back.”

By the time he walks into your cramped little office, he’s redressed—mostly. His belts are hanging undone, button half-fastened. He sits with a slight wince but a smirk still plastered across his face.

You clear your throat and grab the aftercare sheet. “No sex for at least six weeks,” you start, professionally.

He raises a brow. “Not even hand stuff?”

You ignore that; well, you try your best to. It wouldn’t be professional. “Clean with sterile saline twice a day. No touching unless it’s to clean—”

Patrick leans back, legs spread slightly, his tongue pressed to his lip ring. “So like, hypothetically, if I were the worst patient you’ve ever had—”

“Already are.” You can’t help but roll your eyes at him.

“—and I touched it anyway… and got really fucking hard again, just thinking about your hands?”

You blink at him. He’s already moved closer with the rolling chair, almost between your knees now, voice low and syrupy. “Would you let me show you how good my fingers are, since you were so gentle with me? Think of it as a payback.”

You open your mouth to say no. To say it’s not professional, you could get caught—yet, you can’t stop thinking about how Patrick reacted to you piercing him, his cock hard, his comments. So your legs unconsciously spread for him and you sigh like permission.

Then his hand is between your legs as soon as he sees your expression and you realize you’re soaking through your underwear. You have been since Patrick’s first dirty comment.

“Fuck,” he hisses, like it’s hurting him how wet you are. “You’re into this, huh? Got off on making me moan for it?” He’s smirking now. You don’t answer. You can’t—not when two of his fingers slip under the band of your panties and slide right in, like your body’s been waiting for it.

You gasp, legs spreading even more before you can stop them, hips bucking into his hand. Giving him more space.

“You’re fucking soaked,” he whispers, transfixed. “Holy shit—did stabbing my dick actually get you this wet?” It’s like he can’t believe it, licking his lips and the silver ring of his labret.

Your breath shudders. “Patrick—”

“I’ll be gentle,” he lies, already curling his fingers just right. “Promise.”

You brace your hands flat behind you on the desk, head tipping back as he starts to move. His fingers are rough and metal-tipped—cold rings sliding against your folds as he pumps into you, fucking you open like he’s trying to earn an A+ in making piercers cum in their own office.

He finally gets up from the chair just to lean in close, breath hot against your ear. “Should I stop?” he whispers. “Or should I let you finish telling me about cleaning it while I ruin your panties?”

You bite your lip hard enough to bruise.

“Don’t stop,” you grit.

He laughs—sweet, fucked-up, giddy. He angles his fingers again and you nearly choke on your own moan. Your thighs clamp around his wrist and he groans like he felt it in his own cock.

“God, you sound so good,” he pants. “Can’t believe I came here to get stabbed and ended up with my fingers in the hottest girl I’ve ever seen.”

You try to glare but it melts into a whimper. He speeds up, fingers rubbing against your walls to find the perfect spot that you’d make you cum. When he does, you see white, thighs shaking and whimpering.

Your orgasm builds sharp, fast, the kind that climbs with no warning. You clutch the edge of the desk, head spinning, thighs trembling more and more as he keeps working you—slick and messy, knuckles deep, wet sounds echoing between your moans.

“Come on,” he whispers. “Give it to me. Let me feel you cum on my fingers. You earned it, didn’t you?”

You fall apart with a broken sob, clenching around him so tight he curses. Your body jerks with it, trembling as he fucks you through the high, eyes dark and locked on yours like he’s watching art happen in real time.

When it’s over, you sag forward, chest heaving, thighs twitching. He pulls his hand out slow, sucking your wetness off two fingers like it’s dessert.

You stare.

“You’re gonna clean those before you touch your piercing, right?” You can’t help but ask, professionalism coming back into your mind.

He grins. “You gonna spank me if i don’t?”

You grab the aftercare sheet, eyes rolling and smoothing your skirt down.

“Maybe.”

[bethebesttoyou]

How to Get the Girl - Huening Kai

synopsis: self-proclaimed dating coach Y/N gets more than she bargained for when she takes Kai as a client.

pairing: Nerd!HueningKai x Mentor!Y/N

warning: as of now... just kai being hard on himself, self deprecating language, nerds and men are talked about a lot, OH fake dating... maybe smut in the future WHO KNOWS REALLY...

Wc: 3.0k

A/N: Hi. Im back. I actually feel really good about this one. Im already working on chapter 2 TEEHEE... Im trying to take this one slow so I can actually complete it. I also have been able to find time randomly to write, so updates might be here and there, but I have most of the storyline written out! I dont promise it'll be good, BUT I WILL FINISH. I HOPE.

Part 1 | Part 2 |

You swirled the straw in your drink, mixing the different color liquids together, the condensation relieving the lingering heat from your fingers. Outside of the small cafe, Spring could have been mistaken for summer, the heat visible from the black pavement, the amount of bare skin shown by strangers, carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the strong sun rays that casted out this random Tuesday afternoon. Focusing on all this, made you less nervous. 

After years in this business, you'd think meeting clients would get easier, especially the more frequent it got, but no, the nerves still kicked in, your worrying thoughts taking over: What if he's a creep? What if he's on a mission to expose you? Worse…what if it was your mom, luring you out? Catching you in the act? 

Being a dating consultant was not necessarily accepted in the general public… In its very definition, you sold your time, your affection, your looks and you practically sold out your gender, letting men in on the most hidden wants and needs of the female population. You spend most of your time with lonely men, often showing them the way to a woman's heart, the expectations and boundaries they shouldn't cross. You often liked to think you were doing good by your peers, getting rid of the possibility of future douchebags, future incels, one flirty smile and critique at a time. 

It hadn't been the path you set out for. You hadn't even known it was an option. You were just a sophmore in college when you had offered dating tips in exchange for tutoring, being a broke college student, you couldn't necessarily offer money.You had been on academic probation for the entire year, and you desperately needed to catch up after mentally quitting for the past 2 semesters, trying to fall back in line with the rest of your peers. To add on to the stress, you had been out of a job, constantly freeloading off of grants and living off your best friend's couch. You had been surprised when he had accepted the trade offer, not necessarily catching just how desperate his eyes would follow the movements of his seatmate. 

 Dating tips started off as just that, where to take her, how to ask. It wasn't until you had a pretty personal conversation during a study break, when you realized that your sweet tutor needed more help than simple restaurant recommendations. You felt the need to actually spend hours teaching the mumbling Jisung basic self confidence and social cues. Taking him out to dinners, showing him principles of keeping a conversation going, showing him the fine line between sweet and flirty touches and phrases and obnoxious and gross actions. It felt pretty natural, he was already sweet and funny he just needed to get out of his head and by the end of it, Jisung had no longer hid behind his own shadow, even showing up to friend gatherings without you there, and eventually confessed his crush to the very same seatmate by the end of the semester. 

It was the excitement in his eyes, his shaky hands presenting the picture he took of her on their first date, the gratitude he showed, that made your heart swell with pride. It was like playing cupid, but focusing on the lacking side. It filled you with a sense of purpose and filled your life with romance, two things you had been lacking that year, and when it was close to the end, when Jisung seemed to take the reins on his own dating life, it felt kind of bittersweet. Nonetheless, you planned to move on, keep pushing forward and get an actual job when Jisung knocked on your door one night, a small comfortable smile, and a tall boy behind him making himself look smaller than he actually was, avoiding any eye contact with you. 

“He needs your help.” 

It wasn't monetary for the first few friends Jisung brought over, but once success just kept rolling around, and friends turned into strangers that overheard hushed conversations, you had a business in your hands. 

It was what brought you here, in this small cafe, on the other side of the city, waiting patiently for your new subject, looking out for the common trait of slumped shoulders of a young man. You often had the guys send in a picture of themselves, along with basic information: age and location, phone number, background check, a brief summary of what they needed help with, their budget, etc.  You would reject those that refused the picture portion of the form or the ones that were reluctant to share information about themselves in the spirit of safety. Having a few scary situations, it was best to no longer try your luck with those, and this form specifically was directed its way the bin when you caught a glimpse of the ‘additional comments’ section. 

I want to win her heart, in any way I can. I can't do that by being me.

You sigh, before handing back the printed out form to your best friend and assistant Yunjin. Her puppy eyes pleading with you.

“There's no picture, Yunjin.” 

“But he passed the background check! And he gave all the information we needed, in grave detail! And he…he just seems so sad.” 

“He reminds me of Jisung…” Yunjin adds, when you don't respond. 

“Fine. Send the email, but I'm taking your boyfriend as a bodyguard.” 

You turn back to the booth that held the clingy couple, watching them so lost within their intimate touches that they had lost the reason they were even there. You could have been in trouble by now and they wouldn't even notice. You roll your eyes before turning back to the glass door. In its frame stood a tall man, baggy clothes reaching for the door and then hesitantly pulling back. You watched as the nervous figure walked away from the door, before coming back and walking away again. You observe him for a minute, taking him in. He wasn't bad looking, at all. His hair was shiny and black and long, nearly reaching his shoulders, strands partially covering his face, you would only notice his coffee colored eyes were there because of the black frames that laid upon them. His pale smooth skin and bubblegum lips contradicted all of this, seemingly the only color he displayed. 

You decide it's enough watching when you see him scratch his head in desperation. You make your way towards the door, straightening the bottom of your shirt, and when you push the door in he's already looking up from the last step of the small set of stairs. He seems to be frozen and you're glad there's no one he's blocking from the entrance. 

“Huening Kai?” you ask, watching him unfreeze and move his mouth as if he's trying to respond but nothing is coming out. It takes a bit of resistance to hold in the laugh. 

“Are you coming in?” You ask again, to which he only clears his throat and just nods. 

Once back in with him following behind, he sits across from you, his hands in between his knees, his posture stood uncomfortably straight and his eyes avoiding your stare. You often give the guys a moment, understanding that the level of communication is commonly low, and he might need a moment to make some type of effort to start the conversation, when he doesnt, you take the lead. 

“Can I order you anything to drink? Before we start?” 

“I-I thought w-we already s-started…” He whispered. 

“Oh no! Our first meeting is just to go over certain policies and rules, and getting to know one another! You can relax… I won't pounce just yet!” 

“P-Pounce?” His eyes widen, none of your words seem to calm him down. 

“Well…not like pounce…more like um…well you know what I mean! A drink?” 

“I-i'll just have water…” 

After the drinks arrive at your table, you decide that the awkwardness has settled down long enough. If you want to make any subtle progress in this business relationship and gain his trust, you have to bring him out of his shell. 

“Okay!” you smile and clap your hands, loud enough to garner the attention of some of the tables around you, and he looks around in a panic,"Tell me a bit about yourself!” You look at him with an expectant smile. You felt relieved he wasn't anything horrible you were expecting, able to fall into the same routine. You expected him, just like the rest, to be uncomfortable, that was normal. You didn't expect this to be easy, you took precautions to make this a bit easier. Dress down, easy on the makeup, things that wouldn't feel too intimidating, not yet at least.

“I-I like music…”

“Hmm.. what kind?” 

“A-All kinds, really!” his voice raised, before going back to a mumble,”um what about you?” You smile, feeling the effort. 

“I dont listen to music much…” 

“What.” He says after a beat of silence. 

“Hmm? Oh! no yeah, i don't listen to music much, I mean not enough to have a favorite genre or something… I usually let the radio do its thing…” You shrug, reaching into your bag to bring out the forms. You don't necessarily notice the confusion on Kai's face, at least not until you sit up. 

“I-I've never heard someone say that…” 

“Hmmm…well…There's a lot of things about to be said that you probably never heard anyone say…” You laugh and watch as his seemingly permanent pink cheeks grow a darker shade. 

“Let's go over some of the ground rules, just to get those out of the way…yeah?” You try to find his eyes under his long bangs, trying to officially make eye contact, but instead he takes the time to look around again, not really answering you. He seemed embarrassed, constantly checking if someone was listening in, and again, all of this was common, yet his pained eyes tugged a string. 

“HueningKai…I understand these certain feelings can be a bit difficult to deal with, asking for assistance is never easy. I want you to know that this is, in no way, a sign that you lack something. I'm here to merely emphasize your traits, and teach you how to use them to be able to evolve…romantically. I'm here to be a stepping stool…nothing more. But in order for this to work, we have to both want to be here right? We both have to trust each other, that's the foundation of a business relationship…any relationship really… I need you to trust me, no one is listening in right now, I can promise you that. If there's any doubt or regret for setting up this meeting, I completely understand. Do not hesitate to stop this at any moment…even now. So be honest…do you want to continue?”

It was like something finally clicked, when he finally looked you in the eyes, and it was like his coffee eyes were given cream, the way a thin layer of shield melted away, his eyes softer now…a bit sweeter. Progress.

“C-call me Kai…J-Just Kai.” You smile again, and he seems relieved. 

“Okay. Just Kai.” You tease softly, before finally putting the packet of forms in front of him.

“First rule. No kissing.” you say, not noticing Kai taking a sip of his water until he chokes. 

“Oops…sorry~ But yes. No kissing. Touching is…okay, basic forms of PDA will be discussed between us the next time we meet, what we are comfortable with, our boundaries, but anything that can lead to sexual tension is better left in the vault…agreed?” 

“I-I, yes, okay.” He says, still recovering, clearing his throat. 

“Next, this…” You motion between you both and the form, “stays between us. Always. I vow to never disclose our agreement to other people, you must do the same. We will be using the real world as our practice ground, if anyone asks, I'm really your date, not girlfriend” You emphasize, “Date. We never disclose this to anyone, for the sake of your dignity and my business…” 

He nods. 

“No, say it.” He looks up from the form, gulps and repeats, 

“I,uh,vow to never disclose our agreement. To anyone…ever.” 

“Great! Rule three…this one is pretty easy, I can call it quits at any time. So can you. If at any point, you no longer wish to continue, I'm gone. If at any time I no longer feel comfortable with our agreement, I'm gone.” 

He nods again. 

“Last but not least, please… I cannot stress this enough…Please don't fall in love with me.” 

It’s the first time you see him crack a smile, scoffing. It only disappears when he sees your stale smile. 

“What’s funny? You don't know how many times these things have gone sideways, because men mistake help for feelings. Think of me as more of…mentor, a guide. Everything we do here is fictional, made up, lesson plans I've created, don't mistake it for the real thing. Some of the men I've helped ended up with no one, cause they decided to focus on the wrong girl, I'm warning you now.”

“T-that's fair.” 

“Okay! Great! Yay!” You switch your smile back on, and he's looking at you incredulously, but you only continue, “let’s get into the subject of our meetings… I went over your form and, theres a girl right?” 

“U-um y-yes…Saeri.” He mumbles, but the way he resists the smile that threatens to form on his lips when he says her name, reveals a lot more. 

“Saeri…Thats a pretty name. Tell me about her.” 

“She’s a childhood friend, w-we grew up together until we separated for college…we still talk sometimes but, um, she always talks about meeting the perfect guy, someone that can appreciate her and love her, with no conditions…” He pushes his glasses up, and you can see the frown on his face, deep in thought, “but she's never noticed me. I can do it, but shes always dated cool guys, popular guys. I want to show her, I can be that and more. I want her to notice me.” 

“Hmm… Have you ever thought of telling her how you feel?”

“O-Of course I have! Its all I think about…but I don't feel like enough for her yet… I want to be the perfect man of her dreams, I can’t do that if I'm still me.”

“That could only mean losing yourself in the process, no?” 

Hee thinks about it for a moment. 

“I-I dont mind. Not for her.” 

You nod slowly, processing it all. 

“Well, maybe, we can do both. Maybe you can still be you and the man of her dreams…who knows maybe you were everything she’s been looking for, she’s just been looking elsewhere…”

“Doubt it. Im not really her type. I want to be everything shes asked for and more…there has to be a reason why this personality has never worked for me.” 

It was also this portion of the conversations that made you feel a little sad, but you understood, like Kai and like most of your clients, love took effort, and risks and sacrifices, love took a lot. 

“Okay. We can do it! I believe in us! I do have a question though…we asked for your budget an-” 

“Money isnt a problem.” he says quickly, waving his hands, “Whatever I need to buy, or however much I need to pay you, I-I can afford it!” 

“Oh! Okay! Well great! I'll have you sign here! You can keep that copy, it also has the planned dates and lessons we're going to be having these next couple of weeks. I also have a wardrobe change planned next. Text me your availability and we will go from there! We’ll also have a shared google calendar for that…” 

“Next week! I-Im free next week…around this time” 

“Okay! Next tuesday at this time it is! I'll text you the address of where we’ll meet. Hmm… what else…Any questions?” 

“How long have you been doing this for?” he asks after some silence, watching you fish your bag for a pen. The question made you stop and think. 

“Hmm..3 years now?” 

“W-why do you do it?” 

He's watching you now, the look of pure curiosity in his eyes makes you feel smaller. It wasn't like he was the first guy to ask you, but something about his stare felt suddenly intimidating, it felt like it was trying to strip the shielding layer you hid under, trying to pry out the truth. You hadn't thought about a genuine answer. Before you can stutter out a response, you feel a hand on your shoulder, to find Yunjin has reached the table. 

“Hi. Don't mean to interrupt,” She says, mainly to Kai, his crimson face freezes, “but we have to go…we have that study group…” she whispers to you.

“Oh crap right…Kai! This is Yunjin, my assistant. When we spoke about rule 2, she's excluded from that, as she's the one that goes through the list of emails.” 

“Oh yeah dude. We go through like a hundred a day, don't be embarrassed” 

“Shut. up.” You elbow the standing figure. Kai only smiles bashfully, his glasses fogging from the heat radiating from his face. 

“Well…I’ll see you next week! Dress comfortably but still presentable. It'll give me a peek into what we're working with…We’ll still be getting to know each other, so I would go over the forms again and maybe see if any questions come up, maybe any rules you would like to have for me...” He stands once you stand, his hands nervously rub his pants smooth. You barely notice his hand reaching out for yours, staring at his towering figure. You forgot how tall he was, his stature catching you off guard, only coming back when you feel Yunjin nudge your hand. 

You grab his hand, trying to firmly shake it, but his clammy one only makes yours disappear. 

“It was nice to meet you, Kai. Can't wait to work with you.” you smile up at him, and he smiles softly. 

“T-thank you for your help…”

A/N: okay...so what do we think? Kai gets out of his stutter, he's just really nervous around girls... He's also a lover boy... ANYWHO tell me what you think!!! tell me you love it, hate it, cringed at it, IDK anything I would love to hear about it :3.

[luciferlightbringer]

Love in a Hopeless Place

Chapter 6

Hi lovelies! Please be warned that this is a heavier chapter that discusses trauma and depictions of violence! I'm sure I'm going overboard with the warnings, but I'm just wanting to make sure I cover all of my bases here! xoxo, Dany

Chapter 5|Chapter 6|Chapter 7|Updated through Chapter 12

Lucifer x prostitute fem!reader Word Count: 5.3k CW: Slowburn, Prostitution, Hurt/comfort, trauma, fluff, cuddles, depression, anxiety, protective "not-boyfriend" !Trigger Warning!: Physical violence, abuse, neglect, vague mentionings of underage sex work, drug use, torture, and drug dealing

The next couple of days seemed to creep by more slowly for the both of you, nothing drastic, just... slower, more... unpleasant. It could have been because of how good everything felt to be with each other, but at least for you, there had been another new factor.

You had still been seeing other clients while working for Lucifer, and sure, he took up the largest amount of time, but there were still others, some one offs and some regulars, and a handful of new clients. Most of them didn't give you much grief, but one of your newer clients had taken quite a shine to you, and wanted to see you more often. He was... ok...ish... not really. He was a little selfish, which was fine, but he also had an aggressive personality, and not the fun kind. He had not done anything "bad" to you yet, but he toed the line and that made you nervous.

This had not been as much of an issue until someone tipped him off that you did house calls it was Cynthhhhia, and in the last two days he had asked for you to go to his place, and he seemed to push the boundaries more outside of the brothel. Larry had always told you that if anyone made you ladies uncomfortable, that you could put them on your "No Kiss List", basically being banned from being scheduled with you, and depending on the intensity of the issue they could also get banned from the Lounge entirely.

Again, at this point, this newer guy, Jethro, had not done anything yet, so you still felt like you could handle him, but he was still a cause for some stress. The night of your next visit with Lucifer was a welcome one. When you got too Lucifer's, you pulled him into a tight embrace. He welcomed your hug, but noticed that it felt a little different, a little heavier than usual.

"Well hello to you too! Haha! Hey, you doing ok?" he said, looking at you with soft concern as your released him from your embrace.

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?" you smiled, trying to hide your stress from the day.

"Oh nothing, you just uh... felt a little tense is all," he said sheepishly.

"Oh! Haha, ya it's nothing. Just a long day. Lots of clients, lots of... you know," you said trailing off.

"Of course! Haha, how silly of me! Do you, uh... need a minute? Do you want to, like, take a bath or shower or something?" he asked, "By yourself of course! I'm sure a minute to yourself would be nice. Plus, I still need to finish up with dinner," he added nervously, he felt his checks tint pink.

You chuckled, you thought it was funny when Lucifer would overthink his statements and felt like he needed to clarify something.

"That sounds nice, I might just take you up on that," you smile.

"Great!" he smiled, "Chose any bathroom you like, dinner should be ready in like 30 minutes."

The two of you part ways as you headed to one of the close-by guest bathrooms and Lucifer headed back to the kitchen. Lucifer had some updates that he had wanted to tell you about from Charlie's meeting with Heaven, but he figured that could wait a little longer. Plus, he was now preoccupied by his own dumb comment.

'"You want to take a bath or shower or something? By yourself, of course!" no duh, you idiot! She understood that's what you meant, why did you felt like you needed to clarify that?! Why do you gotta be so weird sometimes?!' he scolded himself as he made his way to the kitchen. Lucifer definitely had people that would cook for him, but he liked that it gave him something to do sometimes while he waited for you to get there in the evenings.

Meanwhile, you drew yourself a bath and slipped into it. You examined the bruises on your legs and chest from where your earlier guest had bitten and grabbed you. You were normally all for kinks like these, but these feel more forceful, and therefore made you upset to look at. You hid your legs under the water and just floated in the big tub for a while.

You smiled to yourself again as you thought of Lucifer stumbling over himself 'You want to take a bath or shower or something? By yourself, course!' followed by that little nervous smile. It was cute, and it was funny that he kept forgetting that he could just request that if he wanted to. You wouldn't have minded, you honestly would have liked it. He would be so warm and soft, snuggling into your chest in the warm water. You realized you had only ever seen him down to a barely opened shirt, while he has seen you down to your lingerie, for a fleeting minute.

How odd it was, that he had been one of your longest running and most consistent clients and yet, you too had not been sexually intimate at all. It was nice, but also... a little disappointing? Why was that disappointing? Why did you care? And why did you actually like the thought of bathing with him?

Your thought process was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Uhh... occupied?" you said.

"There you are!" you could hear Lucifer through the door. "Jesus Christ, darling why do I have so many bathrooms?"

You shrugged, "Uhh.. cuz you're rich and its funny?"

"Hmm... That is true..." Lucifer chuckled on the other side of the door, "Anyways, dinner is ready whenever you are!"

"Ok!" you called out, and you started to get ready. As Lucifer walked away, he paused for a moment, thinking about how you were naked on the other side of the door.

He shook his head and kept walking, "Dude, stop it," he said quietly to himself.

A few minutes later, you were out, a toweling off your hair, back in your earlier clothes.

"How are you feeling?" said Lucifer as you entered the room.

"Much better, thank you," you said with a smile.

You and Lucifer sat down to eat, and Lucifer was finally able to tell you about the whole ordeal of setting up the Heaven with meeting the exhausting bureaucracy and drama of it all, and then... the aftermath of Charlie's meeting. Charlie had gone up with Vaggie, met with a bunch of the angels and seraphim, including Adam, the first man and leader of the yearly exterminations, and his right hand exorcist, Lute, and... it did not go well. Charlie had gotten them to start actually start thinking about the whole issue, then Adam dropped the whole "extermination" thing on the counsel, and most of the angels in the room knew nothing about the extermination of souls in hell! Consider the tea, spilled. Then on top of that, the council said their was not proof sinners could be redeemed, and Adam basically declared war on the Hotel.

Well, this was very stressful, but in a way that made you care more and made you forget about your worries from earlier in the day. You thought about Lucifer, Charlie, Vaggie, Angel... everyone at the hotel... You were wondering how they were feeling, how they were going to get out of this. So much for your idea about moving into the hotel. You chuckled to yourself.

"What is it?" Lucifer asked.

"Oh... it's stupid," you say with a wave of your hand, Lucifer gives you a look. You sigh, "Just... puts a little damper on my daydream to try out the hotel."

Lucifer cocked his head to the side, "You were thinking about moving to the hotel?"

You sat back and shrugged, "It was... a passing thought. Nothing serious. I realize that probably would have made things complicated, it's probably just easier this way."

Lucifer studied your face, "Maybe after the next extermination, see what happens. I just don't want you to get caught up in all of that right now."

"Ya," you say, staring off. Your worries returning back to thoughts of Charlie and the others.

Lucifer read the concern on your face, and placed a hand over yours. You looked up to meet his soft smile.

"It's gonna be ok..." he said with hesitation. "I don't exactly know how it is going to be ok, I would be lying if I said it wasn't nervous... but I trust my daughter... and her friends seem to be good people... outside of Alastor," his glared off to the side at the mentioning of the Radio Demon.

He was right, maybe not all hope was lost, maybe Charlie would figure out something. You smile at the face he made, then looked down at his hand on top of yours. Your face shifted in thought in response to something he had just said, "her friends seem to be good people..." Did he really believe that? Did that visit really change his mind that much? That's not what he had made it sound like the other day. You had forgotten about that comment, and now the reminder left you with a bitter taste.

Lucifer looked over and caught your expression, "What's on your mind?"

You look at him sideways, "Do you really believe that? That her friends are good people?"

"Well... as far as I have seen, why do you say that?" he said with worried confusion.

You look up at him, "I just thought that sinners were all violent psychopaths, hell-bent on causing as much pain a destruction as they can."

Lucifer froze, shit did he really say that the other day to his daughter, in front of you and all of Charlie's friends? Yeesh.

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "Jeez, I really did say that didn't I?" You gave him a slow judgmental nod. He sighed, "I... I was wrong, I shouldn't have said that... I'm sorry... I realized that I have never really taken the opportunity to actually get to know many sinners, and I've passed a lot of judgement on them the last... 10,000 years. They are not like that... you, are definitely not like that... Honestly, meeting you has made me really confused on the matter of how they decide who ends up here entirely."

Your slight distain turned you curiosity, and you raised an eyebrow, "How so?"

Lucifer took a minute to try and find the words, "Uhh, well... fuck, ok... I guess I just don't understand why you are in hell in the first place. The way you treat people puts people I used to know in Heaven to shame."

You blow a puff of air out your nose in a laugh, "Maybe the way I treat you and hotel people, I'm not like this with everyone, you know?"

"Well ya... but still..." Lucifer held back his next question a moment, he didn't want to say anything to upset you. "Can I ask... um... how you ended up here?"

You prop your head up on your hand and thought, being alive felt so long ago. Lucifer waited nervously for you to answer, but he was pretty sure you didn't look mad at the question.

"You really wanna know?"

He nodded.

"Well... I was the oldest child of drug addict parents, who had no right having any kids, spent much of my life fending for myself and my siblings, my parents would not stop having fucking kids and I was basically the only parent for them. I had to do... whatever I could for them, steal from neighbors, stores, random people's cars, anything to get food and money for my siblings. When I was older, my grandmother got custody of us and it got a lot better, but we struggled a lot mentally and it was hard to shake the old habits. She had to knock some sense into me to stop stealing, but I could never get past the idea of needing to be the parent of the house. I didn't go to school until end of middle school, and when I started it was hard, I skipped school, never finished an education. I wanted to... but I was way too far behind by that point, and with so many kids, grandma couldn't get all of us caught up. I encouraged her to focus on the younger ones. I tried getting a normal job, but I ended up meeting shitty people and I get ended up selling drugs and my body to get by. It wasn't great but it made me money. I had bad and sub-par relationships, nothing great. During my last relationship, I was actually starting to learn about boundaries and shit, feeling like it might actually go somewhere... and then I was killed during a bad drug deal," you looked back at Lucifer casually as you finished your story.

Lucifer looked at you with so much heartbreak in his eyes. No pity, no belittlement, no tears, just sadness. "How are you still so full of kindness then? After all of that?"

You smiled, "Partly cuz I can act, but mostly because... everything stupid, reckless, or "sinful" I ever did... it was for my siblings. I always thought that I would damn myself to hell so that they didn't have to." You shook your head, "I sure did damn myself to hell, but... I don't know how successful I was, my siblings always seemed mad or annoyed with me... but... I just loved them all so much."

Lucifer stood up and wrapped his arms around you as you remained sitting, your head at his chest level. You were taken by surprise, but hugged him back, "What's this for?"

He released you slightly from his hug, and held your face in his hands. "If you gave your siblings even an ounce of the care you have shown me, I know you were successful, and I know they will never forget the sacrifices you made for them."

Your eyes go wide, 'Could it... could it be? Could he be right? Could you have saved them? Saved them from the same pain you endured? Could your actions have changed the course of their lives? Could you have saved them from a fate in hell?' Tears started to form in your eyes. 'No. No. No no no no no. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry, no crying in front of Lucifer.' You rip your face away from Lucifer's hands and wipe your face before the tears fall.

Lucifer ached to see you tear yourself away and wipe your tears. Until this moment, he had never realized how much of a wall you had up, how much you protected yourself, how much space you gave to him and how little you gave for yourself. He knew the dynamics were weird, this not being a normal friendship and all. Those dynamics were starting to make him so frustrated, he just wanted to hold you every night and tell you how much he cared about you... but things were way too messy now. He had no idea how to untangle this, and emotionally vulnerable conversations did not seem like the best idea right now with everything going on.

"Sorry," you say as you finish wiping your tears, "Thank you, really, I mean it. I'm just... not used to that."

Lucifer smiled, "Well... I hope this can be a good... beginning to that..."

'Nice job Lucifer, fucking nailed it, idiot.' he thought you himself.

You laugh, he laughed with you. Alright, enough of that, time for some tv and snuggles. You also remembered another question you had for Lucifer from you day at the hotel. You asked Lucifer about how he could teleport, and asked if the driver was necessary or if he could just pick you up from your apartment for your evenings together. He didn't know why he hadn't thought about that before, he had been worried about people following the car back to his place, or bothering you, and that would make him feel better. Plus, it would be cool to see your place. You guys made a plan for him to just teleport in to grab you in the future.

______________________________________________________________

The next couple of weeks were a weird mixture of fun and stressful, Lucifer started teleporting in to get you right at your set meeting time and he got to see your place. It was... small, really small, and there wasn't much to it. He made a comment oh how "minimalist" it was, but you just said you didn't need a lot, you weren't used to much, which wasn't completely a lie, but you didn't want to worry him with images of the other girls trying to break into your room.

Outside of that, Lucifer had the added stressors of worrying about Charlie, the hotel, and the upcoming extermination/war with Adam. You would go a visit the hotel crew with him often, but it only seemed to ease his mind while he was there. He started to complain again about struggling a little with sleep, he would fall asleep fine, especially with you there, but he started having nightmares that would wake him up in the middle of the night and would make it hard for him to fall back asleep. You were frustrated that you did not know how to help him with that, but you also knew he could take care of himself. You couldn't fix all of his problems.

You on the other hand... had reached a boiling point with Jethro. He continued to ignoring safe words, become more controlling, manipulative, and aggressive, until one day you had enough. You stopped the scene you were in and told him that he would not stand for his behavior anymore. Jethro did not like this, and you left his house with a black eye, as well as several other bruises across your body, may be even a sprain. You ran back to the Lounge as quickly as you could, trying desperately not to cry in public.

You got into the Lounge and ran up to your room to hide. Luckily, one of the girls you were closer to saw you, and told Larry. Larry texted you, asking what happened and if he could come up to talk to you. You agreed. Larry came up to your room, you opened the door for him to see you in tears, covered in bruises, trying to ice your eye. You told Larry what happened, and he told you he was putting Jethro on your "No Kiss List", banning him from the Lounge, and that he would handle Jethro if he tried coming back in.

You thanked him, he patted your shoulder, and asked if you wanted you clients canceled for the rest of the day. You asked who was left for the day, and the only one left was "Lance". You shook your head, just asking that no walk-ins get scheduled with you between then and now so that you could be ready by "Lance's" appointment. Larry agreed, and left you to your wounds. You had no idea how you were going to pull your yourself together and hide this all from Lucifer by tonight, but you had to try.

You went into the bathroom, ran a bath, played some music, and cried, partly from the pain, partly from fear. You were so in your head from the experience, that you did not do as well keeping track of time. Before long, Lucifer teleported into your room. Lucifer was a little shocked to not see you in your room, but then he heard the music from the bathroom. Oh ok, you must have been just running a little late.

He want to go knock on the door so that he knew you were there and didn't surprise you, but then he heard something else from the bathroom that made him stop. Was that... crying? Was that part of the music or was that you? He waited, the song changed, and the crying continued. That was definitely you. He finally knocked.

You were startled by the sound of the knock, "Uhhh... occupied?"

"It's me darling, I hope I didn't startle you," you heard Lucifer's voice through the door. You picked up your phone and looked at the time. Shit! You quickly got out of the tub.

"Oh! I'm so sorry, uhh... I must have lot track of time. Busy day. Lots of clients. Uhh... I'll be out in a minute!" you say has you hurried to get dressed. Luckily, you had already brought your clothes into the bathroom with you, so Lucifer wouldn't have to see all of the bruises.

"No rush! You take as much time as you need," Lucifer called back, then he went to go take a seat on your couch.

His words made you feel a little better, but you did not want to keep him waiting any longer than you already had. You quickly did what you could to put on makeup to cover up the big bruise around your eye, you could cover the coloring just fine, it was the swelling you were worried about. It had gone down a little, but it might still be noticeable.

Part of you wishes you had canceled on him, but that would have made you sad more than anything else, and it probably would have worried him. That is if he actually cared about you. Errrr... stop that. Lucifer is not like Jethro or the others, he actually does care, at least... to some amount. You just did not want anyone to see you like this, but especially him.

Eventually you finished your makeup and looked at yourself, it would have to be good enough for today. You painted your best sweet smile on your face, and walked out the door.

"All done! Ready to go?" you said cheerful.

"Yup!" Lucifer said, trying to match your cheerful tone, but he was worried. Why had you been crying? Why were you now trying to hide it? Why were you wearing so much make up today? He hadn't seen you wear this much make up since the first few appointments you guys had. He remembered that Charlie once said girls sometimes wear more make up when they were sad because "If you look better, you feel better", so he didn't comment. He just smiled, wrapped an arm around you, and teleported you both back to his place.

You were already more relieved to be back at his place, the stress of the day still held tightly to you, but it was better here. You swung your arms around Lucifer, enveloping him in a hug. Lucifer held you back tightly, softly but firmly. He was so comforting and soft, you wanted to live in that embrace.

He didn't know what was making you so sad that day, but he wanted to do everything to make you feel better. He had your favorite dinner and dessert made, grabbed you your favorite blanket for when you guys would cuddle on the couch and watch tv later, and he was going to find that tv last that you said you used to like to watch sometimes when you were alive, "The Office."

At one point, during desert, Lucifer looked over at you and saw a strand of hair flop down front of your face. He reached over to tuck it behind your ear, but because of the angle, you didn't see his hand until it was almost near your swollen eye. You flinched and practically jumped out of your chair, shouting "No!" and covering you eye with you hand, the other was wide with panic.

Lucifer flinched his hand back, and stayed still. What was that about? You had never reacted like that before.

"Darling, is everything alright? I didn't mean to startle you," he said softly, worry painting his face.

You realize you had misunderstood what he had been trying to do and panicked, 'Shit! Shit, shit, shit!' You couldn't tell what was the greater emotion in that moment, the shame of reacting to Lucifer, or the fact that the emotions from earlier where about to bubble up again. 'Do I try to push it down? Do I run for the bathroom? Shit. There is no hiding it, is there? He is going to find out about it now.'

You start to sit back down, still covering your eye, "I, uhh... I'm sorry... I don't... I didn't mean to yell at you like-"

"(y/n)" Lucifer said firmly, you look at him with your uncovered eye, tears starting to fill up the edge of your vision, "Please. Please tell me what's wrong. Why are you covering your eye? What made you jump so hard?"

You start to breathe heavily, "Are you sure you want to know?" you say with tears in your voice.

"Yes, my darling, I do. More than anything," Lucifer said, standing up slowly to come closer to you.

You look down, breathe, and lower you hand. Now that he was looking right at your eye, he could see how swollen it was under all of the make up.

"Is that... a black eye?" he said panicked. You nodded. He started to put some context clues together.

"Someone did this to you?" he asked, a little more sternness in his voice. You nodded again, the tears were starting to fall. "Someone from the Lounge?"

You nodded, "A client," you whispered.

"Did he do anything else?" he asked, trying to hold back the growing anger in his voice. You nodded. "Can you show me?" You froze, looking down, more tears falling, "Please don't be mad at me, I didn't want you to know, this shouldn't be something you worry about-"

"Darling," he says cutting you off again, "I am not mad at you, I am however mad at the sick fuck that did this to you. And I will worry about you, because I want to. Do you understand me?" You were not used to hearing him talk like this, it was scary, but in a comforting way. His words were growing in anger, but you understood it was not at you, it was for you.

You look up at him to see that his eyes had changed color, basically inverted, black slitted pupils now surrounded by golden irises and deep blood red sclera. They were terrifying and beautiful at the same time. You nodded, finally answering his question, and you started to take off your sweater. Lucifer saw your arms and torso littered with different sizes of bruises and deep bite marks. At the sight of them, horns grew out from his temples and a tail lashed out from his back. Again, he looked scarier, but for some reason, you were not afraid. You actually felt... safe? You had never seen someone so mad for you before.

Lucifer gently and slowly reached out for your arm, trying to make sure not to scare you further. "Is it like this on your legs too?" You nodded. You were about to ask if he needed to see them, when he pulled you into a tight hug. You were confused, but welcomed it. His hugs were always nice but this one felt, even better? All of your bruises and bites started to feel, lighter, and then the pain was gone. Lucifer released from your hug, and you looked down to see all of your marks were gone.

'He could heal too?! Fuck, is there anything he can't do?'

"Better?" he asked. You nodded. "Good, now. I'm gonna need a name and location. Now." he paused, "please."

You hesitated, you weren't supposed to tell anyone who you had been meeting with. But... he had not specifically asked for digression, and he was banned from the Lounge, and it would probably save Larry and the girls some trouble, and... fuck it, it was hell! Who cared!

"What are you going to do to him?" you asked. He smirked with a wicked smile, carefully reached out to softly hold your chin, and with a demonic resonance to his voice, he whispered, "Why darling, I'm going to make him suffer in a way that this realm has not tortured and tormented a soul in EONS, I am going to rip him his own dimension of time and space where he will be able to experience his body being ripped apart, piece by piece, and put back together, over and over again, for the rest of eternity."

You had no idea how to picture that and you didn't care... it was terrifying, but Lucifer's power was fucking HOT.

"Uhh... Jethro Hanson. Big house out in Pentagram city, near the inner city, very bright red, can't miss it," you spit out. He smiles, unfurls his six, big, beautiful wings from his back, gives you a soft kiss on the hand and says, "I'll be right back," before opening a portal above him and flying into it. It closes behind you and leaves you alone, in the dining room.

Your heart was racing, there were too many feelings swirling inside your mind, joy, sadness, rage, fear... lust. God, his full demon form was hot, what the hell? After a few minutes, the adrenaline wore off, and you found yourself on the couch starting to cry again, but this time... it felt GOOD. These tears were cathartic like nothing you had ever felt before, a hard, powerful cry.

After about 15-20 minutes, Lucifer reappeared, the same as he looked when he had left, just wiping his hands on themself after a job well done, as you would after a job well done. Lucifer heard your cries and ran to you, getting in his knees in front of you on the couch and cocooning you in his wings.

"Darling, what's the matter? I'm so sorry, did I scare you?" he said with words full of worry.

You shook your head, smiling and pressing your forehead to his, "No. Not at all. I'm just... I'm good. Really. I'm just not used to... feeling cared about, and... protected..." You choke out, before continuing to sob.

'Shit, shit, ok, what do I do?' he thought to himself. Then he remembered. He retracted his horns and tail, set his eyes back to their normal color, picked you up, laid down on the couch, and positioned you to lay on top of him, your head on his chest, wings wrapped around you. As you laid there, he rubbed your back as you continued to cry. "And as long as I am here, you will never have to know life without that, ever again," he said softly, so softly that you couldn't make it out over the sound of your own sobs.

Slowly, your tears started get get quieter, and your breathing started to slow. As Lucifer laid there with you on his chest, he started to card his fingers through you hair. What a dream you were to him, he had be so cared for by you, and now he was able to give that care back to you. That was honestly all he had wanted, was to have someone to be cared by and for. To have... someone to love.

Love?

Love.

'Oh my god... do I love her?' he thought at he looked down at your soft face. Studying the features of your face as you laid on his chest with this new idea, everything suddenly made sense. The nervousness, the desire for closeness, the way you lit up his world, the way your smile would wash his cares away.

He loved you.

That was about to make everything wayyyy more complicated.

______________________________________________________________

As usual, leave a comment if you want added to the taglist so that you can get notifications when future chapters drop!

Taglist: @froggybich @wonderlandangelsposts @glowinthedarkbones1150 @marydragneell @crescent-z @superdinosaurnacho @jam0001 @kyo-kyo1 @so-get-this-sammy @lilzebeth @kelppsstuff @loquacious-libra @pinkhoneydrop @luleck @writer-girl99 @lavenz @stormz369 @littleladydemon @soujiswife @melday0105 @luluxx118 @sseleniaa @futureittomainn @cktkat @zaneyyyy @uravitsy @liecoris @starlitvenus

[mariacallous]

The email arrived unexpectedly last week :

We will finish what remains of the project contract, but then we are ending doing business with Americans and American business. I know it’s not your fault, but your president just started a war. We still love the American people but good luck.

And that, as they say, is that.

There goes 20% of my cash flow.

It’s my first time being boycotted — my first time canceled.

I’m a voice-over actor. I provide the intelligent, trustworthy and engaging voice you hear narrating a TV commercial, a medical device explainer or a YouTube mini-documentary. I’m the voice on those annoying requisite training webinars you likely arrow-through quickly. I’m the aural comfort and security that helps relay information or nudges you toward trusting a brand or message.

But the trust in “that American sound” has been shattered. My client — an international organization that interacts with countries on every continent — no longer wants money going to American individuals or industry, and no longer wants an American-sounding voice to be associated with its hope-filled endeavors.

This isn’t a Ukrainian client. This isn’t some retaliatory Chinese, Iranian or North Korean company’s move. The company isn’t based in the European Union. Instead, it’s friendly Canadians, who are justifiably and patriotically uniting against our now-enemy nation led by a mad king.

And this is how our former allies are reacting. I can’t wait to see the actions from nations that have always hated us.

When the email arrived, I wanted to protest the decision — to upload proof of my entire-adult-life voting record or share links to my vast writings on LGBTQ issues and left-leaning initiatives.

Look! See! I’m just as pissed off as you are! We’re on the same side! I agree with you!

But it doesn’t matter. Everyone in the United States is guilty by association. The world has lost patience with us, even if we didn’t vote for Donald Trump. We are lumped together — whether we actually support the bad guys or we’re just lost causes suffering under them — and there will be economic consequences for all of us.

Rejection is part of any creative person’s life. We’re prepared for the “we’re taking a change in direction” speech. New CEOs, creative directors or VPs come in and tinker with existing contractor relationships. Decision-makers are replaced by new blood. It’s part of the gig, and I’ve endured such losses over the years.

But this email — this loss — stung. Any freelancer will tell you that when you succeed in finding that elusive client — the one who respects boundaries, appreciates your work without micromanaging or requesting changes, and then (gasp!) always pays you on time — you want to hold onto them for dear life.

Things were going so well.

Now this precious gift of a dependable income stream vanished, thanks to Trump’s ridiculous tariffs and “let’s make Canada the 51st state” trash talk. It’s a devastating blow while I’m already worrying about more and more companies using AI to write their scripts, edit their videos and even narrate the damn video, too.

Still, when the initial shock and hurt of losing this contract wore off, I had to tip my hat to those Canadians. I get it. I don’t blame them. Enough is enough. Someone has to have the balls to take a stand. And I have great respect for my Canadian friends and colleagues.

At least my former employer had the integrity to tell me the truth. He could’ve said my work wasn’t meeting their standards, claimed they wanted a new sound, or blamed it on budgetary tweaks. He could’ve just ghosted me.

Instead he wanted me to hear — and thought it was important for me to know — that our fearless leader’s words and actions will have consequences.

So, I’m being boycotted… by friendly Canadians.

I guess I’ll go commiserate with the former U.S. government employees who’ve also been tossed aside with violent, willy-nilly abandon. I have an inkling we’re going to be hearing similar accounts from average and not-so-average Americans feeling the pinch in the coming months, as the more forward-looking nations wash their hands of us (and our nonsense) and make harsh retaliatory and defensive moves.

The most daunting questions remain. With so many bridges burned — when all of our former allies have turned away from us and stepped forward as new global powers led by reliable and mature leaders — what will happen to the citizens of this country and this American experiment?

Blue state or red state, we’re all in the same bucket. We’re the bad guys to everyone — and anyone on the right side of history doesn’t come to save the bad guys. It will be up to us to save ourselves. But can democracy win in the face of so many actively rooting for it to fail?

I don’t know.

But I will keep fighting by using my voice and my writing, because what else can I do?

Brush up on my military contractor sound, since that’s where we’re headed? Or just adopt a British accent and acquire a new mailing address?

Right now I’m in mourning — over all of it.

[i-dared-myself]

The Bag

Seonghwa x reader

In which a misunderstanding leads to a pleasant arrangement.

This will be my first series, with multiple parts. It will be smutty as all heck. The entire series will be rated 18+

There’s a man at your door. He’s lithe and is wearing a black trench coat that immediately makes you think he’s here to assassinate you.

Except why? Why would he be here to kill you?

So you pull away from the peephole with a heavy sigh, opening the door. You smile pleasantly, raising an eyebrow.

“Can I help you with something?” you ask, using your body to prevent the man from seeing into your house.

He smiles, pink lips curving upwards. He sweeps some of his white hair away from his face, revealing more of a gorgeous face that makes you swoon on the spot.

“I believe so,” he answers. There’s a bag hanging from his grasp, further proving your point that he’s a hitman. “I was told this was the correct address?”

“Correct address for what?” you suspiciously inquire. You’re a sex worker, but usually your agent gives you a heads up when someone’s coming.

He tilts his head slightly. The bag rustles as he adjusts his stance. “I think I have the wrong place, then.”

“Wait!” You hold out a hand. “I think I know what you’re talking about. But… Why don’t you come inside to talk?”

Once you step aside, he follows you to your living room. You’re never sure when you’ll get a visitor, so you keep the place tidy at all times. You keep any personal photographs or decorations in the rooms where your clients aren’t allowed.

“So?” You sit on your couch, crossing your legs. Your robe moves up, revealing plenty of your thigh. You notice his gaze lingering on the exposed skin before flicking back up to your face.

“I think we both know why I’m here,” he says. When you nod in agreement, he continues. “It’s difficult to communicate with sex workers without being arrested.”

You huff a laugh out of your nose. “Yeah, it is. So, how do you want to do this?”

He seems taken aback by your words. He sinks down onto the opposite armchair, eyebrows raised. “Usually you would tell me.”

Your lips part in realization. “Ah, okay. So you’re a sub.”

He narrows his eyes a fraction. “That’s awfully presumptuous of you.”

“Sorry.” You shift in your seat, pulling the robe down more of your leg. “Switch then? It doesn’t matter to me. We can do whatever makes this best for you.”

He looks very confused now. “Okay… Why don’t we go over a list of kinks first. I want to have clear boundaries.”

You smile, glad to have a client who’s so understanding. “Great idea. I’ll grab a pen and paper.”

He waits patiently as you dash off. You go to your office, where the supplies are, bringing them back to him. You lay the paper and the pen out on the coffee table for him, returning back to your spot.

“Alright then.” He clicks the pen once, pressing the tip to the paper. 

When he looks to you expectantly, you assume he needs guidance. You clear your throat. “Just write down your kinks and we’ll talk safe words after.”

He frowns. “I don’t see how that has anything to do with this. You list yours and I’ll write them down.” 

“Don’t be embarrassed,” you soothe gently. “It’s okay. I’ve done a lot of things and whatever you say wont faze me.”

His entire face screws up in bewilderment. “I uh- Okay. Let’s compromise then. We’ll list a kink and we’ll both say yes or no.”

You run your tongue over your teeth before sighing. “Fine. Go ahead.”

“Bondage. Yes.”

“Yes,” you answer, watching as he writes it down. “Sadism or masochism. Yes.”

“Yes,” he replies. There’s silence except the scratching of the pen. “Piss. No.”

“No,” you say as well. “Role playing. Yes.”

“Yes.”

And so it goes on.

Eventually you think you’ve said everything in the book, and it looks like his hand is cramping from how he’s stretching it. He places the pen down, gaze settling on your face.

“Safe words?” he prompts.

“Right. What would you like to use?” You look up at the clock hanging on your wall, noting with an anxious feeling in your stomach that it’s pretty late.

“Are you familiar with the colour system?” he questions, to which you nod. “Excellent. We’ll use that then.”

Then he reaches for his bag, and you’re half-expecting him to pull a gun from it. What if this whole thing was a ruse to catch you off guard?

He rifles through it for a minute. “Would you prefer to do it here or in your bedroom?”

You stand awkwardly. “Actually, I’m expecting company. Would you mind if we had our session another time?”

He looks at your strangely, as if you’ve said or done something weird. “But… The time was booked for today? Why would you have people coming?”

You scowl at him, crossing your arms. “My agent must’ve forgotten to tell me about you. I didn’t know you were coming. Don’t worry, you won’t have to pay for any of the time you lost.”

He inclines his head. “Excuse me?”

You stare at him. “What?”

His tongue darts out to wet his lips, and you can’t help yourself from dropping your gaze to his mouth. “I’m afraid there must have been a misunderstanding here. Why don’t you tell me what you think has happened?”

You pull your robe tighter around your body, suddenly unsure of yourself. “You paid to have sex with me. You contacted my agency and they sent you here after you were tested and signed the form.”

He smiles faintly and stands. “Ah. I see.”

You lift your chin. “And what do you think happened?”

“I’m also a sex worker.” He takes his bag in one hand. “I was sent here to fuck you. I must’ve been sent the wrong address.”

You make a small noise from the back of your throat. “Well. I understand now.”

He shifts between feet shyly. All of his confidence has leaked out of him now that the air has been cleared. “I guess I’ll be on my way now. It’s been lovely meeting you.”

“And you.” You force a smile, mind racing. He’s halfway to the door when you call him back. “Wait! What’s your name?”

He hesitates. “Seonghwa.”

You tell him yours before shuffling closer. You’re never this sheepish. You seduce your clients and make them see stars before sending them on their way. You don’t know why you’re acting this way all of a sudden.

“This has been an evening wasted.” You avoid eye contact, staring at his collar instead. It’s a nice jacket, honestly. Good quality. “But we could make sure it doesn’t go to waste.”

Seonghwa uses two fingers to tip your chin up, chuckling as you meet his gaze. “I like where your head’s at. I’m free Saturday.”

You grin, ignoring the intensity of his eyes. “So am I.”

Seonghwa’s hand comes out, phone held in the palm of it. “If you give me your number, we could coordinate something fun.”

You plug your phone number into his device. “I’ll even make it free of charge for you.”

“I suppose I’ll return the offer.” He smiles playfully, nose scrunching up. “I’ll text you and we can make arrangements.”

Seonghwa leaves through your front door, and you can’t help but wonder what was in the bag.

The next part will have the smut. This first one was more of a set-up. In the series, you can expect to see all the members.

Oh, the ideas are swirling in my head. It will be entirely filthy smut in the next part.

Series master list

Part two

Taglist (Open):

@velvetmoonlght @jinnie-ret @hansmic @iameverycliche

[kopfconsulting]

Learn the power of saying “No, but” in your business to set boundaries, protect your mental health, and preserve your passion. Discover how this simple phrase can help you maintain control, provide excellent service, and avoid burnout.

[brattyzanny]

HELLO HELLO HELLO! Thanks for giving my post a chance. This is my first time posting a smutty story in a million years so pls be kind pls. It’s a little short too but im testing the waters!

Next post will be a theme poll for a Suguru Geto fic. And i will be doing small little posts when i feel inspiration or if the voices get the best of me loll. Ok ok ONWARD!

****************************************************************************************************************************************************

MDNI BLANK PROFILES DNI

1.4k words

TW: use of slut, baby, good girl, cream pie, oral (f and m receiving) size kink if u squint. Uhhh possibly thinking of a pt2?

Art by @/ilameys found on Pinterest.

*************************************************************

You’ve had enough. Enough of his teasing. Enough of his indifference. Of his constant mixed signals. First he brushes past you in the copy room with more than the appropriate touching that was allowed between a boss and an employee. He basically ground his erection into your ass that was covered by a tight black skirt. The second too long glances at your outfit every morning when you go to get the papers you needed from him. The slightly inappropriate questions he asked when you would bring in the files for him to sign or when you came in his office to ask a question about a client. Then he forced you to stay overtime due to his secretary’s mistake. Making you stay an extra two hours overtime. All for him to have his face in between your thighs groaning and suckling onto your clit.

“K-ento. Please I-I’m so close please” you stutter out as your back arches and your hands tangle into his hair pressing him closer against the most sensitive part of you. Kento sucks on your clit harshly and shoves his thick fingers into your tight pussy, curling into that perfect spot to make you cum all over his tongue and fingers, crying out his name.

“Good fucking girl.” He growls as he brings his fingers up to his mouth, sucking your sweet taste off, moaning as he did so. His eyes were dark with lust and hunger. All for you. The sexy little office siren who wore tight little skirts pushing the boundaries of the workplace code of conduct specifically to get his blood pressure spiking whenever he looked at you. You’re panting and biting your lip staring at him as he pops his fingers out of his mouth to work on getting his belt and pants unbuckled.

“Gonna make you cum on my cock next. that’s what you want right slut? For me to fuck this little pussy on my desk?” You whimper and nod at his dirty words feeling your cunt clench around nothing. “Come’mer and suck me off first. Wanna fill that pretty little mouth.” He growls as he pulls you off the desk and onto the floor beneath him. You go to grab the waistband of his grey boxers and let his cock spring free. Eyes widening at his sheer length. Nanami was absolutely hung. You swallow harshly and look up at him to see that playful smirk gracing his red and wet lips.

“What? Can’t handle it slut? If i remember correctly…you’re the one who was trying to suck my cock this morning. Don’t be shy now. Open that pretty little mouth for me.” He spoke lowly tapping the tip of his dick against your lips. You oblige and open your mouth, your tongue rolling out slightly flicking gasoline the tip, collecting the sticky precum gathering there.

“Good girl. You can take it baby.” He hisses as you push your head down onto his cock. You moan around him and grip the base, stroking the rest of his length until you can’t take anymore of his long and thick cock into your mouth. His hips buck and his hands come to tug at your hair, pulling it into a makeshift ponytail. Your eyes water as you feel his bulbous tip hit the back of your throat as you take him deeper and deeper until your nose meets the short blond hairs of his happy trail, keeping your eyes on his the whole time.

“Mmmh that’s right, take me into that tight throat haah. Such a pretty little sl-slut on her knees for her boss.” He degrades you as you suck and lick against his hard member faster, his hips stuttering before he pulls you off of his dick and pulling you up by your hair to meet him in a heated kiss. His lifts you into his arms as if you weigh nothing. Walking the both of you to his chair. He takes a seat and lets you grind your weeping cunt onto his painfully hard member, swallowing your moans and whimpers of his name. His hand comes down and smacks your ass hard.

“Ahh N-Nanami please. W-wanna ride your cock ple-ase!” You whine against his neck as his hand comes down on your ass again and again, surly leaving a mark to last until tomorrow. His other hand reaches between you and aliens the tip of his dick with your dripping entrance.

“You on birth control baby? Once i get inside you…i wont be able to pull out. Wanna fill this tight cunt with my cum.” He groans into your neck, leaving little bites and marks across your flushed skin. You nod and try to push your pussy down on him but his grip on your hips is too strong. “Use your words baby. You gonna let me ruin this pussy? Gonna let your boss take you in his office?” He growls bringing one hand up to your neck tightening ever so slightly.

“Yes please Kento. Wanna feel you cum inside my pussy. Please let me ride you please plea- haaah!” Your pleading gets cut off by him slamming your cunt done onto him, fully sheathing his cock inside your tight walls. “Mmmh fuck y’so tight for m-me.” He groans stilling your hips so you get a chance to get used to his massive size. He feels your pussy fluttering around him, sucking him deeper into the sopping mess of you. Your desperate pants and whines makes him lift your hips for you, slowly fucking you down onto him. His hair is now sticking to his forehead with sweat, the two of you looking a complete mess as you shamelessly fuck each other dumb. The adrenaline of your inappropriate behavior adding to the sweet, lustful bliss.

“Hah. M’gonna speed up yeah? You want that baby?” He groans feeling your pussy clench around him again. You nod feverishly, wrapping your arms around his neck and preparing to follow his lead. Your desperate pants rolled the space as Nanami manipulated your hips on top of him. His cock hitting so deep inside of you each time he bottomed out. The sound of skin hitting skin and both of your moans were like music to his ears. Nanami grunted and moaned in your ear whispering encouragements.

“Mmmh y’take me so well baby. Fuckin cunt is sucking me in…..fuckk youre so wet for me.” He groans as he lifts his hips to meet yours at a bruising pace, making you cry out his name over and over. “I-im so cl-one Nanami! Haaaaahh please let me c-cum!” You whined desperately as your fingers gripped his hair tighter feeling yourself teetering on the edge of orgasm.

“Such a fucking slut. Cumming for your boss in his lap? Haaahh fuck cum for me baby cum for me like the dirty little slut you are.” He growled against your neck as he picked you up and placed you back on the desk, now pounding into your pussy at an inhuman speed. All it took was for him to start rubbing tight circles on your clit for you to squirt for him, completely drenching his half down pants and your thighs. “Fuck baby I’m gonna fucking cum. Fuck fuck fuck I’m cumming” growling into your neck as he bit down he releases rope after rope of hot cum inside your pussy, fucking it back inside you slowly. You whimper and shake as he eats your legs down and kisses your forehead softly. His hair is sticking to his with sweat, his breaths coming out in shallow pants. “You okay baby?” He asks pushing back some of your hair.

“Never better boss.” You giggled. Nanami had an unreadable look in his eyes. He stared at you for a long minute before saying, “Come back to my place tonight. Let me take care of you.” Your eyes widened at his request. Sure you’ve wanted to fuck him for a little bit but you didn’t think that he would ask you to come back to his house. “Why? This isn’t enough for you? I thought this was a casual fuck Kento.” You say half joking. Your heart rate is increasing again as a small feeling of hope shines through your nonchalantness. You hope he means it. “I dont want to just fuck you here. I dont want to just be your boss who’s cock you suck from time to time. Let me take you home and show you how much more i could give you. Please.” He rasps in your ear, placing gentle kisses along your neck. You hum at the feeling as you think. Before long you push his chest, making him lean back to meet your gaze. “I’ll go with you, but you’ve sure have a lot to live up to.” You tease feeling his dick slowly hardening again inside you, making you clench around him and whimper.

“No problem baby, this was me being gentle.”

[maikaartwork]

Hello,! I am artist that has started newly sharing my art here. I have gotten a couple comments under my posts asking if I do commission, and on one someone warned me it could be a scam. I got a message from a different person asking for a commission. Here is pics from the conversation. For this one, since it’s my first official ask, I am not asking for money (also I can’t really GET scammed that way), but do you think this would have been a scam,?

I saw a post you made about being careful of scams, thank you for it

First: you did so well, congrats! You were so respectful and pleasant, didn't let them pull you into paying, keeping your goal in mind, being patient about your boundary, love to see it!

It does look scammy to me, yes.

Although it could have also been a dense boomer (using this as a loose description generally for someone that has no idea how Internet works and how much portfolio is worth to an artist building an audience) or someone that is really, really bad with English (and reading comprehension). Is that likely? Not really, but I always try to give the benefit of the doubt.

I sometimes do a reverse image search through google images, just to see if the photos I am presented with are just pulled from google.

If you're still unsure, you can always ask for more photos of that person from different angles - best case scenario, they are a real client and you get more reference pics for shading or face shape or whatever. Worst case: they can't provide any because they are a lying liar that lies and has pics of some rando they found on their grandma's facebook and will not waste time on you and your pesky questions.

In the future, when money gets involved, that's when you'll clearly know. Fishing for PayPal details, offering generous tips, not taking any alternative payment options, rushing the payment process - you know the drill.

In the future, just keep doing what you're doing - be as lovely as you were here and keep your assertive stance about using actually secure payment methods - ko-fi, paypal invoices, hell, even Patreon has a shop option now. Anything that can be cancelled by the buyer post-commission - BAD. I'm assuming you got to me through that one post I made a while ago, so I won't repeat myself too much ;)

For those that are reading this and have no idea what the post is: you can find it HERE.

There is also a deep-dive on how these scams work post from @scam-alerts HERE. I don't pretend to be an expert so feel free to do research of your own.

Finally: I wish you all the best on your artistic journey, hope it brings you much joy and success!

[ivesambrose]

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

More timeless readings here

Services Offered ✨

Client Love 💞

Thank you for the tip mon cher 🌹

To book a personal reading with me message or send me an email with your name and query on ivesambrose@gmail.com

The next chapter of your life indicates a period of discipline, structure and determination. Long term plans or goals instead of short term gratification. I feel previous months of stagnation, struggle and mental turmoil has led to you having the mindset of being rather unfazed towards anything because you have likely realised that regardless of what you 'see' you're in control. You've learnt to trust your intuition and inner guidance over anyone else. You might encounter power struggles in between but this will lead to emotional growth nonetheless.

There is a lot of joy, celebration and new connections to look forward to as well. It might seem like despite the good happening to you and what you've wanted for so long finally being yours, you feel rather defensive. Remember to push through despite past struggles. To fully be in the present and enjoy what you have and what you deserve. For some of you I do see you making really good friends but due to past experiences you're rather guarded towards them. The message I'm getting is that yes, do use discernment when dealing with people. Do establish necessary boundaries. But don't let promising friendships falter due to fears.

You can also expect your dreams to be more within reach, renewal and unexpected help coming through, the path getting clear when you least expect it, healing from mental strain that have remained unspoken.

Lastly, you will experience a balance in giving and receiving. This will be necessary when it comes to your material and spiritual growth.

The next chapter of your life calls for adjustment and change. Drastic ones. If it's causing you some tension know that this area of your life requires that change. You can't expect to step into the next chapter of your life otherwise. I see that this involves your daily routine, health, work, with opportunities of personal growth and recognition in those areas. You may also be stepping into a new role of responsibility that requires self discipline on your part. You will be pushed to focus on your physical health a lot more. So if you feel like you're getting sick often it's a sign to stress less about it and take mindful steps towards it instead. Be it getting a proper check up or holding yourself accountable. You don't have to rush anything however, improvement will happen gradually. Some of you likely just need more movement but not the kind that puts your body on overdrive. There will be rapid progress and sudden opportunities coming your way out of the blue, a lot of communication and even travel. Career wise, it's looking really good! You will also be transitioning away from a very difficult time of your life. You may also have new intellectual pursuits, you'd want to learn new things or will be acquiring a lot of necessary knowledge. you will also find yourself juggling many tasks or projects at once but this will lead to a sort of mastery over your life You'll be feeling rather accomplished.

The next chapter calls for self expression, communication as well as creativity however some challenges or conflicts might arise as you assert your individuality or learn to find your voice in new environments.

You can however, look forward to emotional growth, new beginnings in your emotional life as well creative expressions.

Steady and solid growth when it comes to your finances as well. Something that makes you feel like you don't need to rely on others and you have financial freedom so one less thing to feel anxious about that has possibly been weighing down on you far too much .

Once again, try not to over exhert yourself or you'll end up attaching the experience to something that should come to you rather smoothly. In other words, you really need to drop the mindsets of the people that have been projected onto you and have become your belief systems. It's time to make some of your own without losing sight of what you truly value.

You can also expect more mental clarity and better insights in regards to what to do, where to invest, your life's purpose and what truly brings you joy. But instead of running from it like you did before, you'll embrace it.

You might feel more drawn towards arts, aesthetics, cooking, gardening etc as well.

Having time and proper consideration towards things you earlier didn't have the state of mind for.

[sniffanimal]

General Dos and Don'ts for commenting on art on Tumblr:

1. tags can and will be seen by the artist so if you wouldn't say it to their face dont say it in the tags. it may not be intuitive that tags aren't just organizational or for yourself, they are public! And the artist will see the tags in the notification for the reblog. Also, avoid playful rudeness like "This is so good I'm gonna kill you" or "I hate this so much I'm gonna eat it!!" unless you're already friends with the artist. DO: leave kind comments in the tags and keep rudeness, critique, and criticism to yourself!

2. don't compare the art to any other artist unsolicited. this is rude because generally speaking artists don't particularly like being compared to other artists, even if it seems like a compliment to you. It can come across as saying they seem derivative or unoriginal, or that the other artist is way 'better' than them so it should be good to be compared to them when you're accidentally creating a hierarchy. Intent is very hard to communicate in tags and also even having good intentions can be miscommunicated. It's best to avoid comparison altogether DO: talk about the elements of the art you like without comparison!

3. don't compare someone's OC to an existing person/character. Like above, it isn't a compliment as it comes across as saying they're unoriginal, or that the enjoyment of that art comes from your enjoyment of the existing character and not the artists OC. DO: compliment the character design without comparing it to another character.

4. don't give critique or criticism unsolicited. it's very rare an artist will ask their audience for no-holds-barred critique. comments about what is ugly, not working, can be fixed, etc should be kept to yourself. critique can be helpful in learning settings and when directly asked for! but unless you're explicitly told to comment on changes for the art, like if you're a commission client or critique group, don't! DO: talk about what works, what is done well, or don't say anything about the composition at all!

5. don't say "I usually hate XYZ but this is cool!" If an artist did something/drew something, odds are they like the thing! And odds are also that their friends all like the thing too, so by saying you don't like it, you're insulting the artists interests. I think it's generally fine to say "I don't go here/I haven't watched this yet/etc" since those are fairly neutral and personally I like introducing people to things they might not know about! DO: keep your negative opinions about elements of the art or source material to yourself

6. take care when asking questions. I have seen people offer critique or comparison in the form of a question in a way that feels rude or accusatory. Things like "Did you mean to draw the legs too long?" or "Why did you copy glup shitto?" don't come from a place of conversation. If you have a burning question, think about how to ask it in a way that opens the door to a discussion. "Can you show me how you sketch bodies?" or "What are some of your biggest inspirations?" can get you the same answers with more empathy and less hostility. DO: be careful with asking questions, be nice!

7. lastly DO: tip artists, Reblog their stuff not just like it, sub to their Patreon, follow them on other social media, buy their merch, commission them, and interact with them! put the social in social media (just respect boundaries!)

These are surely personal opinions, and maybe some artists like comments that I've suggested you avoid, but from general opinions from other artists this seems to be generally accepted advice!