#Modern Canva Party Invite

[benozandegilim]

Customizable Digital Invitation Canva Template with Personalized Photos | Editable Design for Unique Creations | Custom Photo Template Canva

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[boxdstars]

GIANT HALLOWEEN MC COLLABORATION!

Come one, come all! Artists everywhere are invited to draw YOUR (yes your!) Hogwarts Legacy OC to be placed in this epic collab! The background, placements of the characters, lighting, and overall editing will all be taken care of by myself. 

Artists of all skill levels are welcome to join - absolutely no pressure!

The Prompt

One Big Massive Halloween party! The setting will be in the Death Day Party room, so dress them up in costume! There is no time period exclusivity, so go historical or modern or straight up silly! They can be dancing, or running amok, or posing for the camera - the world is your oyster.

What YOU do

Draw a Hogwarts Legacy character, either your MC or OC. (or someone else's, with express permission from whoever's character you are drawing on the behalf of.)

Fully colored, at the very minimum half body but full body is preferred!

Digital Artists: Please use a big canvas and export a large image! Make sure to send it with a transparent background.

Traditional Artists: Scan it in OR take a clean, clear picture of your entry with good lighting! I can be flexible.

How to Enter!

Comment / Reblog AND DM me (just in case! Tumblr has been hiding notifications from us all). Tell me who you will be drawing! You can even draw 2 characters if you'd like!

DEADLINE

October 25th, 2023 - the collab will be posted on either Oct. 30th/Oct. 31st, Pacific Standard Time

How to submit!

Message me for my email or discord! Images sent over tumblr have terrible resolution.

#hogwarts legacy #hphl #hogwarts legacy fandom #hogwarts legacy mc #hogwarts legacy oc #sebastian sallow #ominis gaunt #tagging them because they’re the clickbait of the fandom teehee #dividers by saradika :) #BOXDHALLOWEEN2023

[bangaveragewhitewine]

Clean Slate

Steve Harrington X Reader 

It’s summer in Chicago, 1994. Being single in the city isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. You feel less strong single independent woman, and more like the lonely teenager who floated between friend groups. A blind date with a familiar face might just be the clean slate you didn’t know you needed.

Clean Slate playlist

Word count: 2.3k

Warnings/Content: Both you and Steve are in your late-twenties. Some mentions of anxiety and feeling lonely. Other than that, flirting. Steve being dreamy. No use of Y/N and the reader is referenced as a being woman.

Author’s Note: Being in your late twenties sucks, huh? I’m just getting back into writing again, inspired by the amazing authors who have made me fall in love with Steve Harrington & Eddie Munson again and again. I had such fun writing this and fucking around on Canva 💖

Please do not do any AI fuckery with my work or repost on other sites.

(divider by me, that’s why it sucks)

edit: Read Pinch Me a follow up to Clean Slate

This was a bad idea. With every step you took from the subway, your desire to be back on your sofa eating pasta in your pyjamas grew more and more. A blind date? You definitely hadn’t been in your right mind when you agreed to this. Thinking back on it, when had being wine-drunk with your best friend ever cultivated a good decision?

After a steady stream of bad first dates, disappointing situationships and one walking red-flag you had called your boyfriend for eight months, Annie had finally taken pity on you and took charge of setting you up with someone. Over almost room-temperature white wine and an empty pizza box, she had made you pinky-promise to trust her as Mermaids played in the background. She couldn’t stand any longer to see you cry over preppy yuppies and wannabe grungers who only wanted to meet you to hook-up or string you along (alongside several other women who also deserved better). She had seen how deep it cut when you were stood up, left waiting by the phone by some mediocre poser who had already moved on. Slurring her words, Annie had held your tear-stained face and told you that you were wasting the best years of your life on idiots who stamped on your big heart and dimmed your light. Bolstered by her words, and more wine, you ended up dancing and scream-singing in your little studio apartment to a mixtape of songs from your college days and fell asleep on your second-hand sofa with your pinky fingers linked.

A few days later, after the hangover had subsided and you had done your best to forget your tearful confession of just how lonely you felt in the city, Annie called you up to ask if you were free on Friday night. Thinking another girl’s night was on the cards, you said yes. 

“Great. I have someone I want you to meet, he works with my brother. Does Hardy’s at 8 work for you?” 

The pinky-promise with your best friend since college could categorically not be taken back and so you found yourself reluctantly agreeing. As long as he wasn’t a murderer, or as emotionally unavailable as your last three suitors, how bad could it be? 

“Well when you fall in love and have beautiful babies, just remember who set you up, m’kay?” Annie had said when you called her up, considering cancelling. “You’re going!”

After going away to college from your small town upbringing, a move to Chicago was supposed to be the ultimate dream, but inside you still felt like the awkward teenager from Hawkins, Indiana. The outsider at every party, every hang-out at the mall or the arcade. The add-on to every friend group who said ‘you can come with us if you want to’ instead of an actual invitation. When you called your mom on the phone, she insisted that you had it all, that you were a real modern woman. She had been married and was already a mother at your age, and she was proud that you had the opportunity to be the bright independent woman you always wanted to be. It just didn’t seem so shiny now that it was your reality. 

With the bar in your sights, you took a deep breath and swiped the tiny beads of sweat that gathered over the bridge of your nose. Summer in the city was heavy with humidity; you could feel the lining of your long slip dress clinging to your thighs, riding up under the delicate black floral. The claw-clip holding up your hair was truly doing the lord's work, keeping your freshly washed blow-dry blind date-ready. 

You knew very little about your date - his name was Steve, he was a teacher with great hair. He was going to be wearing a blue shirt and would be on the lookout for the girl with the pink rose embroidered on her bag. Your entire outfit had been put together around the one piece you loved that could be picked out in the Friday night crowd of the bar. Classic first date; Annie was committed to helping you live the rom-com fantasy you deserved.

Des’ree’s words of wisdom, and your best friend’s blunt insistence that you were a hot bitch, echoed in your head as you took a moment to compose yourself and let your hair down over your clammy neck. Inside the bar was barely any cooler as you made your way through the stragglers from after-work drinks mingling with those who were just starting their night out. The desire to go home had never been stronger as you propped yourself by the jukebox and waited, trying not to cringe as you thought about what you looked like to the couples and groups of friends drinking and laughing around you. It felt far too similar to the house parties of your youth. What if he didn’t turn up? Or worse, what if he did and turned on his heel after realising you were his date? What could be best described as an overwhelming feeling of dread crept over you as you fidgeted with the strap of your bag, trying not to look too eager for the mystery that was Steve. 

Hearing your name brought you back to reality and out of your doom-spiral. As if. Steve Harrington was making his way over, the crowd parting with ease for him. Surely you had hit your head and this was some sort of dream…

“Hey…” A smile crept onto his face as his eyes darted between you and the beacon that was the rose embroidered on your bag. A city of millions and your blind date was the boy who had defended your honour at the age of five years old after Daniel P. pushed you in the playground; Steve had called him a ‘butthead’ and told Mrs Holland on the other boy.

You hoped that the dim light of the bar hid your pink cheeks as Steve stopped in front of you, looking even more dreamy than he had at junior prom. The blue shirt made him glow golden, fitting just right over the breadth of his shoulders. His hair was coiffed perfectly, defying humidity and gravity and giving him a few more inches of height. 

“Steve..” You couldn’t help a shaky laugh as the realisation washed over you both. It was easier to tune out the rest of the bar as he pulled you in for a quick but tight hug. You could have sighed at the feeling of his arms around you; you might have done just that, melted into a puddle of a girl had he not peeled away to get a good look at you. An irritating little pocket of anxiety in your chest could hardly believe he remembered you. 

“Nice bag. I think you’re the girl I’ve been looking for.” 

You felt like you could swoon. Or moan. Steve Harrington was effortlessly charming, more so than when he reigned in Hawkins High. Losing his crown had humbled him, that and working retail in your dead-end hometown. He looked genuinely pleased to see you, someone familiar in a city of strangers. You feel your teeth sink into the dusty-rose of your lip as you smile. 

“Thanks.” You will your voice not to shake as your heart pounds hard. “Annie told me you had great hair. I should’ve known it was going to be you.”

His laugh is soft, but you can still hear it over the music and voices in the bar. With one huge gentle hand on your elbow, he steers you to the bar to order drinks, standing close enough to see the sprinkling of moles and freckles on his neck and cheek and the hair peeking from the unbuttoned top of his shirt. Steve Harrington was a man now, all grown up. 

“She did, huh? I think I’ve met her once, I work with her brother,” Steve edges closer so that you could hear him. “How long’ve you been in Chicago?” 

“She didn’t even know you were ‘The Hair’.” You smiled and felt the weight of his gaze; you couldn’t ignore the sparkling feeling in your tummy. “Um I left Hawkins in ‘86, went to college in Indy. Moved here in ‘93.” Steve leans in to hear you, nodding as you count up the years in your head. “You’re a teacher? So are you more Scott Clark or Coach Kelly?” 

Steve laughs again and shakes his head as he pays for your drinks. “Neither. Maybe a little Clarke, without the sweater vests. I teach third grade so they would definitely roast me if I did.” He runs a hand through his hair, smirking, “But I do coach basketball after school too, you got me.” He spots a seat and steers you to a little high-top table, pulls out the stool for you before sitting opposite, visibly relaxed. There’s something about how you have bypassed the awkward introductions part of the date that makes you feel a little more at ease. But this is Steve Harrington. Any minute now he’ll make a polite excuse to leave after remembering how bookish and weird you were in school. 

Except he doesn’t. 

“I still can’t believe it’s you. You look great,” he says, not trying to flirt too hard. Steve is looking at you like he’s happy you’re here. Happy you’re his date. 

“I can’t believe you remember me. I was.. so boring,” you laugh at your own expense before sipping your drink, looking at the ice clicking against the glass. 

“Quiet maybe. Not boring though,” he ducked his head, making you look into his golden brown eyes. “Hey. Clean slate? That’s why we left Hawkins. If you can forget how much of an ass I was in high school, I can forget…” Steve pauses and hums as he thinks back. 

Forgettable. Unremarkable. That’s how you felt, blending into the background everywhere you went. You hadn’t been a cheerleader, or even a band-geek. Yeah you went to parties, but usually left early. You didn’t monologue on the lunchroom tables or get detention, and in the one play you auditioned for, they asked you to paint the sets - you couldn’t fade any further into the background if you tried. 

And Steve had never been an ass to you; his kingly confidence had burned fast and bright in the school halls until his fall from grace. He had always been polite, kind even; he asked to borrow a pen a few times, scolded Carol Perkins when she pushed past you and made you drop your lunch one time. He did just enough on a group project on Macbeth to keep him on your good side…

“Huh.” Steve frowns, looking a little fond as you snap yourself back to reality. “I can’t remember anything embarrassing about you. All good.” 

Your cheeks flamed and you couldn’t stop the nervous giggle that bubbled up from your chest. “Smooth, Harrington. Wow, remind me how you’re single?” He was definitely just being nice. You could remind him about the time you drank way too much peach schnapps and lemonade at Tammy Thompson’s 18th birthday and had to be picked up by your mom, or when you said ‘orgasm’ instead of ‘organism’ in ninth grade - both of which still haunted you when you tried to fall asleep. But Steve just grins back at you. 

“I mean it! You had that pink scrunchie permanently attached to your body, and a little snort laugh. Totally cute, not embarrassing at all.” He stays smiling as he sips his beer, seeing how you’re stunned that he remembers. Not smug, totally hot and he’s not even trying. You’re aghast.

“You remember my fucking scrunchie…?”  “If you tell me you still have it…” “Steve, it’s literally on my bedside table.”

Steve’s laughter makes you join in, snorting involuntarily as your shoulders shake, which just makes him laugh more. It's been a long time since a date made you laugh like this, let alone feel like you’re floating. 

When you both settle, Steve reaches over and takes your hand. You remember how you had wondered how holding his hand might feel when you saw him walk Nancy Wheeler to class way back when. It felt better than you ever dreamed it might. 

“Hey. Lemme tell you something, when I saw you over there I wanted to come right up and say hi. And then I saw your bag…it made my week.” 

Butterflies soar in your belly and you feel your cheeks heat up again. “Steve..”

“But just know, I thought you were cute in school. I just.. had my own shit going on and I was pretty shitty for a few years. So if you can give a reformed asshole a chance, I’d love to hear about how you’ve been, and actually get to know you.”

Steve squeezes your hand as CeCe Peniston sings Finally to the bar. The song totally sinks in now as you squeeze Steve’s hand in return, making him beam a smile your way. 

“Okay, Clean slate. But Steve? I totally had a crush on you. Even when you were doing keg stands and goofing around in math.” You make him smile even brighter, even as he shakes his head. 

“So cute. Damn, you’re definitely trouble.”

“Guess you’ll have to find out.” You raise a brow and sip your drink again, feeling less anxious now. The drink helped, but knowing that you could make an impression on Hawkins High royalty was certainly bolstering. 

“One question. Very important.” You straighten up before leaning toward him, almost conspiratorially. You don’t miss how his eyes dip to your lips before meeting your gaze. 

“Go for it.” “Are you sure about the sweater vests? I think you could really make them work.”

Now it’s your turn to grin into your glass as Steve throws his head back. “Oh I’m so in trouble with you.” 

He lifts his glass, meeting you in the middle to clink it against yours with a signature Steve Harrington wink. Maybe something good could come from a wine-soaked pinky promise.

bonus Steve inspo for the girlies who made it to the end - ily💖

#steve harrington x reader #Steve Harrington x you #stranger things #steve harrington fanfic #Steve Harrington x fem!reader #Steve Harrington x y/n #steve harrington is a total dreamboat #my fic #steve harrington fanfiction #steve harrington fic #steve harrington oneshot #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington fluff #stranger things fanfiction #steve harrington x f!reader #bangaveragefics

[till-you-scream-and-cry]

Shattered

Pairing: Ethan x Vic x Fem!Reader

summary: one day you bump into Vic and Ethan at the vintage shop, innocently unaware that it;s a beginning of a bitter sweet story that will change your life

word count: 8,6k

contents: polyamory, angst, smut, some fluff, mentions of being sick and anxiety, leaving marks on the body after being not careful enough (can be triggering), mentions of suffocating

author’s note: i really love this stor, even though it took me forever to write it, i hope you’ll like it as much as i do 💕

Måsterlist | tåglist

*******

1. SMOOTH

It was a rainy, gloomy day. You hated this weather, and usually, it was a reason big enough for you to stay in bed the whole day. Especially on Saturday. But not this time. You lazily dressed and decided to turn this day around with some thrift shopping. For a few weeks, you were on a hunt for vintage flared jeans, which would flatter your body. Staying home and rewatching your favourite show seemed appealing, yet you had a party coming, and you needed some new piece of clothing to add you some confidence. Ever since your work friend found out that you’re into modern art, she kept begging you to attend various expositions of the rising stars of Rome. Since your loneliness stopped feeling like freedom lately, you agreed to every invitation, in the hope of meeting someone special by accident. A girl can dream of a romantic comedy style ‘meet cute’, you thought. 

While going through the racks, full of colourful blazers, you noticed a raised voice of a woman on the other side of the small shop. She was laughing in such a contagious way that you couldn’t help but peek at the source of her amusement. 

“You look like a cowboy in a gay club, please for the love of god, take that off!” the blond girl chuckled. 

The guy she was with wore dark jeans, and a brown vest which was at least a few sizes too small, almost ripping on his toned, muscular chest. He had nothing underneath. His long, black hair covered his back. In response to the girl’s words, he grabbed a white cowboy hat and put it on. She wheezed.

“I knew what you were gonna say…so I completed my outfit.” He chuckled and took a spin to show off his costume.

You grinned, and as he was turning, your eyes met. 

“Don’t you think it looks spectacular?” He asked you with a soft smile.

“You look amazing.” You said, unable to take your eyes off his face.

You hoped that this exchange would last longer, that maybe you’ll manage to at least get their names. Unfortunately, right after you complemented his clothes, the girl picked up her phone and started yelling at someone for not calling sooner. They left in a rush.

A few days went by, and you were stuck in front of the mirror, making last-minute touch-ups on your makeup before leaving. The gallery wasn’t big, but the number of people gathered there was quite impressive. You strolled around with your friend before she abandoned you to talk to some man she met a day before. Suddenly you found a painting which caught your attention. You stood there, with your mouth hanging open, trying to take in every detail of the canvas. 

“You like it?” 

A familiar, a bit raspy voice appeared out of nowhere. You turned your head and saw the blond girl from the vintage shop. You smiled softly, as you realized who she was. 

“I saw you earlier, but I wasn't sure if it was you.” She said and bit her lip. 

“It’s me.” You cocked your head to the side. Her face brightened up, her blue eyes got even shinier.

“Well… I’m glad we’ve met again. I’m Vic.” She reached her hand to you and smiled at the sound of your name. 

“And yes, I like this one.” You turned to the painting again. 

“I can introduce you to the painter, it’s a friend of mine.” 

You spent the next hour with her and the painter, discussing her art and the life of an artist in Rome. The long-haired man interrupted your conversation.

“Who am I seeing again, hello stranger.” he smiled and reached for your hand. 

“Hi, cowboy” You smirked and gave him your hand. He kissed it gently, without breaking eye contact.

“Just call me Ethan.” he grinned and winked at you. You didn’t expect to blush this easily.

You started talking, and it seemed to be no end to your conversation. The words were flowing smoothly, and no amount of silence in between felt awkward. Fewer and fewer people were surrounding you, and finally, Ethan offered you some wine at his place. Normally you’d hesitate, say no, and expect him to be yet another man looking for a quick fuck. But Vic’s company, and his calm persona, made you feel safe enough to take the risk. Worst case scenario, you’d have a wild night with these two. 

As soon as you got to his place, he grabbed one of the vinyls from his large collection.

“Ethan and his jazz…” Vic kicked her shoes aside and walked over to you.

“Don’t pretend that you don’t like it.” He chuckled, clinking with the three glasses he carried in his large hand. “Some more wine?” Ethan offered.

The alcohol and another great conversation, quickly allowed you to relax, melting on the couch, listening to Ethan’s velvet voice, talking about his new favourite musician. Vic stood up and changed the vinyl for the man he was talking about. The beat was faster, but also extremely sensual.

“God, it sounds like liquid sex…” Ethan tilted his head back and closed his eyes, enjoying every tune.

Vic started walking towards you, swaying her hips to the rhythm.

“Come here.” She whispered, beckoning you over with her finger. You couldn’t resist.

She threw your hands on her shoulders, slinking hers around your waist. She pulled you closer and started swaying with you.

“Just feel the rhythm, and feel me” she whispered into your ear, her lips tickling your earlobe.

You moved closer, your hips pressed together, and very little room was left between your breasts. You kept staring into her eyes, her gorgeous angelic face and devilish smirk. Ethan lit his cigarette and watched you two with a grin, he draped one arm around the back of the couch. In a quick glance, you saw that he unbuttoned his shirt a little, the stretched material parted and exposed his chest. Suddenly you felt two fingers under your chin. Vic turned your face to herself.

“So kissable.” She dragged her index finger over your lips. 

You kept looking at her with hooded eyes and a racing heart. Vic moved closer and pressed her lips to yours. The kiss was gentle and made you crave more. Her lips were so soft and tasted so sweet. You moved your hands to the back of her head, and tangled fingers in her hair. Vic sighed and deepened the kiss, slipping her tongue into your mouth, holding your jaw with one hand, and wrapping the other around your waist to pull you closer. Just when you started losing your breath, your hands started wandering over her body, you felt another hand on your back. Vic pulled away, still holding you in her arms. Ethan smiled, looking down at you with a smirk.

“Such a pretty girl…” He cupped your face and kissed you. His hand was large and rough from years of drumming, yet his touch was tender. He tasted differently, but just as good. He nibbled on your lip, making you let out a quiet sigh. 

Being trapped between them made you feel so safe, even though you barely knew them. Their soft touch, whispers, the way they looked at you. You let go, allowed them to guide you to the bedroom, and you’ve let Vic gently push you on the mattress. 

Their hands and lips were exploring every inch of your body, making your head spin. Vic’s slender fingers kept teasing your thighs, before finally slipping under the thin lace of your underwear. Your sigh was muffled by Ethan’s kiss and quiet hum, full of satisfaction at how easy it was for them to make you eagerly spread your legs, begging for more. Her fingers danced inside of you, making you let out a series of high-pitched moans, his hands were cupping your breasts, squeezing them as he nibbled on your nipples. Soon after, you gasped loudly, feeling a warm and wet tongue being dragged through your folds. The world started spinning, moments melted into one long bliss. Soon later, Ethan flipped you around and entered you with a low grunt. You collapsed on your front, resting your face on Vic’s stomach. Just moments later, you were trying to keep your head clear enough to tease her with your tongue, tasting her sweetness as she kept whining and writhing under you. It all lasted long enough to fill your every cell with pleasure. All three of you came at the same time, panting heavily, kissing each other in a pile of limbs, sweat, and sighs. Soon later you fell asleep, embraced by Ethan, with Vic cuddled to your back, her hands laced in your middle. It felt different from just a hookup, not only the sex was better, but the atmosphere these two created, and how they made you feel. 

Your peaceful sleep was interrupted by some movement and a pair of lips pressed to your forehead. You smiled, taking your sweet time before opening your eyes, trying to go back to the memories of last night. You knew that the moment you sit up, you wouldn’t have much time before having to leave the flat. Just as you wanted to rub your face with a yawn, you felt a kiss on your bare shoulder.

“Good morning, belleza” Ethan’s raspy voice brought you back to reality. You lazily opened your eyes and looked at him.

His hair was a little tangled yet still gorgeous, falling on his bare shoulders. His big brown eyes were watching your face. Ethan smiled softly.

“No need to be worried about anything, take your time,” he said and gently stroked your arm.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have stayed so long.” You blurted out.

“Nonsense. I hope you had as much fun as we did. And in that case, we obviously don’t want you gone so quickly.” He smiled again, melting away your racing thoughts. 

“I have coffee, but I need some help with pancakes.” Vic came back into the room, dressed in nothing but Ethan’s shirt. She looked at you with a bright smile. “Ciao bella.” She sat down at the edge of the bed and gently caressed your cheek. “How did you sleep?”

“Very good” You smiled back, nuzzling her hand.

“Alright, you two catch up, and I’ll take care of the food.” Ethan kissed Your head, then Vic’s and got out of bed. You watched him putting on some boxers, carefully studying the beams of sunlight hitting his toned muscles. 

A few minutes later the three of you were sat on the balcony, dressed only in underwear and tops, enjoying his pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. It felt like a dream, a perfect morning everyone would love after a night like yours. You could swear you had known them for years, the conversations were deep, and both of them were great listeners. You caught up with details of your life and listened to their stories of life as band members. Before you noticed, it started getting dark, and it was high time to get back home.

“Well… I guess here is where our lovely time together ends.” You sighed and grabbed your bag. 

“Why would it end?” They both looked at you confused. “We thought you had a nice time?”

Vic frowned a little.

“Well…yes. It was great. But I thought…” You stopped, seeing their faces. “Wasn’t it just a hookup?” You said a little embarrassed.

“Bella,” Ethan walked closer and smiled, “Why do you feel the need to label it? We felt a connection, we had a great time, we both like you…why should we end it?”

You listened to him, stunned by his accuracy. Yeah, why should you end it? Life taught you many times that it just doesn’t work like that, and that sooner or later the fairytale ends. They were hot, smart, and gentle, and made you feel safe. Your body was screaming to get ready for a painful disappointment. Yet they again surprised you in the best way possible. 

“Here is my number. Call me when you feel like meeting again.” Vic handed you a small piece of paper.

You smiled and left, leaving them in that cosy little flat, unaware of what was about to come.

*** 

The next few days felt like forever. Your inner battle kept you awake for a few nights, before you finally messaged Vic, asking for a meeting. She invited you to her flat and opened the door with a bright smile. Vic got some wine and handed you a glass.

“Ethan should come over in a bit.” She poured the wine and licked the dark red drop on the edge of the bottle. She looked at you and smiled softly. “I was getting worried you’ll never contact me.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” You took a sip and sighed, “Alright, I wasn’t sure if I should do it. It was great, really, but… I guess I thought it was too good to be true.” You chuckled. 

Vic kept looking at you. She stepped a little closer and tucked a loose string of your hair behind your ear. You smiled, trying not to spill the wine. Her touch was so intimate and gentle.

“So we’re too good to be true?” She asked with a smirk and took the glass from you. Vic took a sip and put it down on the table, almost reading your mind. 

“In some ways.” You whispered, watching her slowly licking her lips. 

“Good. Because we feel the same about you, cucciola.” Vic said and gently cupped your chin. 

She moved closer, wrapping her free hand around your waist, pulling you closer. She kissed you softly, letting you taste the wine off her lips. It tasted much sweeter this way. When she pulled away, you caressed her cheek, looking deeply into her blue eyes.

“How was I not supposed to fall for that?” You asked with a smile. 

“Hope I’m not interrupting.” Ethan walked into the flat and threw his keys on the table. “What a pleasure to see you again.” His warm smile made your heart flutter.

You grabbed some pillows and blankets and made a comfy nest on the balcony. You and Vic laid with heads in his lap, as he kept lazily playing with your hair. He was reading you a book, in his soothing, low voice. The sun was setting, the summer heat was finally fading away, eased by the evening breeze. One of the characters in the book Ethan was reading, mentioned a song, to him and Vic sighed. 

“Oh dear, I feel like I should know this one.” You mumbled, looking up at him with apologetic, wide eyes.

“Well…” Ethan leaned down to kiss your forehead. “Nights In White Satin is a classic, and one of my and Vic’s favourites. Up, up.” He gently patted your side to get up. 

A few moments later, he was smiling happily after finding a vinyl of said song. Vic lit up some candles and left the balcony door open, even though the wind got stronger and kept moving the long curtains. Ethan turned on a small lamp and as the music started flowing from the record player, he sat by the piano. His thick fingers were moving smoothly and with ease, adding charm to an already beautiful melody. Vic wrapped her arms around you and started swaying, softly kissing your neck. You smiled and let her lead you in a slow dance. The whole evening you spent dancing, drinking wine and talking. It felt surreal, but worrying about what was real or not was the last thing you wanted to think about.

Your friends were giving you side eyes, questioning your idea of living in a three-way situationship. Yet, every day you spent with Vic and Ethan, felt better than any experience you ever had with other people. Days turned into weeks, and somehow you spent over three months with them. Your relationship grew stronger, and you joked about being a throuple. Your insecurity made you have a serious talk with them, where you established that you’ll try being exclusive. At least when it comes to something more serious. They both agreed, reassuring you of their love for you. As unnatural as it felt, you were finally happy, feeling loved and safe with two people you started loving dearly. It was beautiful, so beautiful that you missed the dark clouds on the horizon.  

Knocking at your door woke you up from an afternoon nap. You rubbed your eyes and sat up, trying to find your phone. Three missed calls from Vic. You unlocked the door and opened them while yawning.

2. CRACKS

“Oh, it’s you! Hey, gorgeous.” You smiled and let her in. 

“Hey…sorry, you weren’t answering and… Did I wake you up?” Vic looked tense, squeezing the belt of her bag. 

“Yeah, a sleepless night. But don’t worry, I’m better now. You smiled and let her kiss you softly. 

“Well, you look adorable.” She smiled and stroked your hair before sighing loudly.

“So what’s so urgent? You look a little nervous.” You sat down with a frown. 

“Right…do you have any plans for a next month?” She asked, biting her lip.

“Next…what?” You crossed your arms on your chest. 

“You work online, so I thought that maybe… Ahhh, I’m sorry, I should’ve explained.” She chuckled nervously and sat next to you. “Next week we're going on that tour we told you about, for a whole month, and I wanted to ask if you’ll go with me.” She blurted out.

“With you? I mean…yes, I’d love to. It shouldn’t be a problem with my work, but…are you sure about that? Was that a mutual decision?” You moved closer and took her shaky hands in yours. 

“Of course I’m sure! The boys said they’re fine with that, it’s not unusual for us to bring someone on tour. And I want to take you.” She smiled.

“Wait…you keep talking about yourself, what about Ethan?” She looked down. “Vic? Is something wrong?”

“Fuck, I don’t know how to say this… Ethan wanted to bring his friend. He was excited when I asked about you, but apparently… Maybe he should talk to you about this.” She leaned back with a sigh. 

“Vic, talk to me, please.” You bit your lip, feeling a slight pinch in your chest.

“Recently he got in touch with his ex-friend. I refuse to call her otherwise. He said he wanted to spend some time with her, but that's it. As friends. If you’re not OK with that, we can talk to him…” 

“No. That’s alright. I’m not exactly excited about it, but if she’s a friend…” You took a deep breath. “From what you said, I feel like you don’t exactly like her.”

“God no. She’s pretty manipulative, and I watched him cry because of her too many times to like her. But it’s his choice.” She sighed, sliding down, placing her head in your lap. You leaned down to kiss her temple and wrapped your arms around her. 

“I’m sorry baby. But if that’s any comfort, I’d love to come with you. And if she’s mean to him, we can always add hair removal cream to her shampoo.” You whispered into her ear. Vic chuckled.

“My evil witch.” She booped your nose and turned on her side, kissing your thigh softly. 

The next few days went by surprisingly quickly. Eventually, Ethan showed up and shared the news about his friend. You wanted to act hurt and make him regret his choice, but when it came to it, you realized how immature and childish that would be. He reassured you of his love and spent a night with you before the first flight. 

He smoothed your worries, yet they came back as soon as you saw Her. She looked confident, had a big smile plastered on her face, and what made you wince the most was how his face lit up when he saw her. She jumped into his arms and kissed his face with loud, high-pitched noises. Vic watched you, which you noticed from the corner of your eye. She stepped closer and wrapped her arm around you.

“She’s insufferable, but a friend. He promised.” She kissed your cheek and grabbed the handle of your luggage. “Come on, I need a hot bath…with you.” 

After freshening up a little, you hoped to see Ethan. But his room was empty, and as Thomas informed you, he went out with Her. You got back to your room and cuddled into Vic.

“I shouldn’t be jealous, why am I acting so stupid?” You whispered into the crook of her neck.

“Because he’s more stupid and can’t see that it was a bad idea. But she’ll remind him why he wanted her out of his life. Just wait.” She kissed you softly. “Maybe we should grab dinner together? I won’t miss a chance to have a date in Paris with you.” Vic caressed your cheek.

On your way back, you kept drunkenly giggling, getting touchy and smearing each other’s lipsticks with sloppy kisses on the hotel corridors. You suddenly got quiet while walking past Ethan’s room. Even through the thick door, you could hear the loud moans and screams coming from inside his room. You gasped, pressing your hand to your chest. Vic grabbed your arm, her jaw clenched.

“Come…please!” She hissed, pulling you towards her room. 

As she closed the door with a loud bang, she grabbed your face, smearing your tears with her thumbs, and looking deeply into your eyes. 

“It’s just sex, she’s just another whore for the night, he doesn’t love her…” She held your head, which you kept shaking in disapproval. She gripped you more firmly. “He doesn’t love her!” You could swear her eyes started watering as well. 

Vic pulled you closer into a rough and messy kiss, moving onto your neck and chest, leaving love bites and lipstick stains all over. She moved you onto the bed, pushed her knee between your legs and snuck her hand in your underwear. You spent the next hour having the wildest and roughest sex, after which you immediately fell asleep, not having the energy to worry about anything any more. With your half-closed eyes, you saw Vic watching you, wiping her eyes and bouncing her leg.

After the gig in Paris, you managed to talk to Ethan. He kept avoiding eye contact, making sure his hair cover his back, covered in deep, red scratches. You watched him with empty eyes and excused yourself as soon as She walked into the room backstage. 

The next stop was London. You got your hopes up, knowing that she couldn’t come there because of an invalid visa. During the dinner at the hotel restaurant, you sat next to Ethan and tried to hold his hand. He winced.

“Sorry.” He smiled apologetically, taking your hand in his and kissing it softly. 

“I thought that we could go out, maybe grab some drinks?” You said, gently squeezing his hand. 

“Oh…wish you told me earlier. I wanted to meet with my buddy who lives here.” With his words, you eased your grip. Vic coughed and put down her glass with a loud clink. 

“He's back in town? Just in time.” She scoffed, making Ethan frown.

“I haven't seen him in months, I’m sure you both understand.” He looked at you softly. “I’m happy that you’re here.”

“Are you though?” You asked, taking your hand away, grabbing your drink and downing it in one gulp. 

“Of course I am, don’t be silly.” He leaned in and kissed your temple. “We’ll hang out later, I promise.” 

After the dinner, he vanished, like many times before. You took a long, bubble bath with Vic and got comfortable in bed, cuddled up. She woke up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, with a high fever. Thankfully, they had one more day before the gig, which she promised to spend tucked into bed, sipping the ginger-lemon mixture you made for her. 

“I love you, but it’s disgusting…” She winced and took another sip from the steaming cup. 

“Well, I don’t care. It works. You’re really not made for this weather, aren’t you.” You pressed your hand to her forehead and glanced at the clock. “Time for more paracetamol.” 

“Damn it, I had such fun things planned for us today.” She sighed and took the pill from you. “Please just go out with the boys, they promised to take good care of you.” She took a big gulp of water.

“I’m not sure if they even like me…” You mumbled, holding her cup in your hands.

“Nonsense, of course, they do. It was their idea.” She sent you a warm smile before falling back onto the pillows. “I need another nap…” She mumbled. 

“Sleep. I’ll leave you and go with them if that idea makes you happy. But please stay in bed.” You leaned in and kissed her head.

“I’ll be a good girl.” She mumbled, pulling the duvet over her back. 

Vic was right, you actually spent a really nice day with Damiano and Thomas, going through the best second-hand shops in London. You finally managed to talk to them and get a little closer. 

“I have no idea why he dragged this bitch along if he has you…” Thomas mumbled while pushing another chip into his mouth.

“Thom, come on…” Damiano scolded him. “Well, she’s not exactly liked by anyone but Ethan, but what can we do? Let’s watch him getting tired of her ass. Again.” Damiano rolled his eyes and winked at you. Only then you realized how much you were frowning. The idea of Her alone was giving you wrinkles.

You got back to your room with a bag full of candy for Vic. After a quick shower, ingesting all vitamins and meds you gave her, she devoured a whole pack of sour gummies and fell asleep. You kissed her cheek and made sure she was tightly wrapped in the blankets. The light in the room was dimmed, but you could see enough to make your way to the small table with a wine bottle. You poured yourself some and took a big sip. The moon was shining bright, the night was very peaceful. Almost too peaceful. You glanced at Vic and wrapped yourself in a big blanket, before going out on a balcony, to enjoy your wine in the moonlight. 

Watching people hurry to their next bar of choice, laughs, and occasional fights between lovers kept you entertained for a long while. Just as you were about to go back inside, you noticed a familiar figure. Ethan was standing on the pavement with some blond guy. They were really close, and suddenly Ethan pulled the guy by his shirt and kissed him. You gasped quietly as his companion tangled hands in Ethan’s hair, turning the kiss into a rough and sloppy mess. You bit your lip hard and went back inside. What seemed like a peaceful day, turned into another sleepless night. 

“I’m sorry baby… I think I know who that was.” Vic said softly, stroking your back the next morning. “Why is he acting like such a dickhead. I get hookups, but he could be more discreet, or at least admit to what he’s doing. What is this?!” Her cheeks got red, this time it wasn’t the fever.

The gig went very well, Vic was back in shape and kept praising your healing mixtures and English gummies. Ethan walked up to you after the gig and kissed you roughly. You were taken aback and gasped into the kiss. 

“Fuck, I missed those lips…” He mumbled, his sweaty chest glistening in the harsh lights of the backstage room. Yet all you could focus on were the dark love bites on his neck.

“Well, I was here all along.” You sent him a pale smile.

Later that night he came over to your room, as you and Vic were getting ready for bed. He stayed the night, showing you both how much pent-up energy he had. He was rough, almost angry, and you loved it. When you finished, he went out for a smoke and left you and Vic alone in the bedroom. Vic kept staring at him through the window for a long while, before turning her attention to you.

“He’s rarely this rough. His mind was elsewhere.” She said quietly. “Fuck…does it hurt?” She gently touched your bruised wrists.

“No…maybe a little.” you looked to the side and felt her warm fingers on your neck. “Cazzo…” She mumbled, and after seeing her face you knew he left more marks. 

“It’s alright, I’m not in pain Vic!.” You yelled after her as she wrapped herself in a blanket. She slammed the balcony door to muffle what she was saying. You could hear bits of it. Ethan threw his cigarette on the ground and rushed back inside. 

“Did…did I hurt you?” He sat at the edge of the bed, staring at your wrists with big eyes.

“It’s alright, there’s no need to make a big fuss…”

“Perhaps if your mind was here with us, not with god knows who, you wouldn’t go so hard and noticed what you’re doing?! I have marks too, and I need to perform in a few days!”

Ethan dropped his head and kissed your hands.

“I’m sorry, so, so sorry. It will never happen again.” He looked at you with teary eyes. 

Ethan’s face managed to melt even Vic’s anger. You got back to bed, and he covered every mark he made with a thousand kisses, gently massaging your skin. You fell asleep in a cuddle pile, like back in the good old days.

The next stop was in Barcelona. You knew who was about to join you, and you hated the idea of seeing Her again. But after the previous night, you wanted to believe that something in Ethan's mind has changed. You arrived at the hotel and went out for a late dinner. She wasn't there.

“Is it possible that someone stole her ID?” Thomas said at the table. Quietly, so that Ethan wouldn't hear, but loud enough to make you and Damiano chuckle.

“I'm afraid that's not the case. I saw her name under the guest's list in Ethan's room.” He cleared his throat and got back to eating. You felt Thomas' eyes on you for a long minute. He sighed and poured you some more wine. 

The next day you woke up to Vic's grunt. You rolled on your side and saw her pressing a pillow to her face.

“I'm not sure if you can suffocate yourself like that. If you wanted to get a little kinky, all you had to do was wake me up.” You moved closer and took away her pillow, exposing her flustered face. “Hey.” You said. 

She smiled back and opened her mouth to speak. Vic was brutally interrupted by the noises coming from the room next door.

“Fuck me harder!"

"You've gotta be kidding me!" Vic yelled and sat up angrily.

"What's…whose room is that?" You asked, knowing the answer damn well.

Your question was answered by a loud grunt which you knew all too well. Ethan. You felt sick to your stomach. How much of what he was saying was a lie? He technically loved you, but had no time for you at all, and somehow forgot to mention that he will drag his ex-friend/lover with him, to screw her on the other side of your wall. You suddenly felt the anxiety flowing in your veins, making your head spin and heart pump faster. You clearly weren't enough. He needed something you couldn't give him, hell, maybe it wasn't just sex. Maybe you didn't know the whole truth and Ethan needed Her to feel truly happy. Maybe he loved her more, and you were just a rebound after he ditched her? Maybe you were a fun fuck he had in Rome, but not a permanent part of his life? Maybe he never wanted a relationship with you two? Why the hell he suddenly stopped acting like your boyfriend, why did he flinch when you touched him, why was he so rough and absent the last time you had sex, why, why, why?!

You quickly got off the bed and ran to the bathroom, feeling physically sick. Vic followed you and held your hair, stroking your back gently. She didn't have to ask any questions. She knew exactly what was wrong. You flushed and sat down heavily on the floor, with your eyes red and watery. You felt like your chest was about to explode.

"Shush cucciola. Take this." She handed you your anxiety pill and a glass of water. You smiled at her, wondering if Ethan would do the same.

Later that night Damiano and Thomas decided to go out together and take a late-night tour through the city. Ethan was nowhere to be found, which meant he was busy with someone else. Vic was basically babysitting you, seeing how poorly you were. She kept forcing you to hydrate, encouraged some small meals and kept handing you snacks throughout the day. She wouldn't let go of your hand, reassuring you of her love with gentle touches. Knowing what you might hear or witness in your room, she kept dragging you around the city, until it got dark.

"I have wine, grapes, and some cheese. I'm afraid this will have to be enough." She arrived at the big porch of the hotel, facing the beach. 

You could go straight down the stairs from the lobby onto the golden sand. You sat close to the barrier, to see the waves crashing quietly in the pale moonlight. Vic got you some blankets and opened the wine. 

"I'm really sorry about what happened. I wish he understood how we both feel and most importantly how you feel." She whispered, wrapping arms around you.

"I could tell him everything, be honest, but… Vic I don't want him to think I'm jealous. After all, he said she’s just a friend. I can't let my insecurities ruin what we have."

"She…they were dating. Well, I don't know if there was an official title, but he was obsessed with her. They were exclusive, and he never did that before her. Or after. Until we've met you."

You looked at her with a frown.

"So…what happened?" You asked, and took a big sip of wine, subconsciously knowing you might need it.

"She…" Vic chuckled ironically, "She fucked his childhood friend." You gasped

"But how…and now he's OK with that? That's why Thomas hates her so much?" 

"Yeah, it was their mutual friend, but Thomas was really close with him. He never forgot what she did. Bitch basically ruined Ethan for months."

"So you think they're more than friends now? You wouldn't be so pissed if it was otherwise would you."

Vic looked at you sadly in response.

They haven't even noticed you bundled up in the corner. Ethan and Her ran down the stairs onto the beach. Vic's grip around you tightened. Ethan kept chasing that girl, clearly trying to take back something she took from him. She kept waving with a notebook and making loud squeaky noises. You knew this notebook very well. He kept it as a diary and shown you its contents only once, to share with you the poem he wrote after your first night together. 

Ethan finally put her down on the sand and pinned her, holding her hands above her head.

"…you need to give me a kiss or…" 

"Such a pretty yet naughty girl, hmm?" He leaned down and kissed her. 

They rolled on the sand, she was now straddling him. He kept playing with her skirt, mumbling something you couldn't hear. Maybe for the better. You felt the hot tears rolling down your cheeks.

"I can't do it any more. All I can think of is that I'm not enough for him. You never made me feel this way, but for him, I'm clearly just a fun accessory. Look at them…you seriously think he still loves me the way he did a month ago?"

Vic didn't respond for a long while. She kissed your temple.

"What do you want to do?" She asked with a trembling voice. 

"I need a break, go back home, clear my head. We'll talk when you're back." You said, feeling your throat tightening. 

"Maybe…maybe it was too good to be true. Maybe you were right." She whispered, swallowing back the tears. "I love you, but I can't give you the love of two people. No matter how much I want to make up for whatever this idiot is doing." 

You turned to her and cupped her face.

"You don't deserve to be struggling like this. Maybe it was a beautiful mistake. Beautiful, but a mistake." 

You got back to your room, and she helped you to pack your bags. The next flight to Rome was in over four hours, so you decided not to waste any minute. She ordered a taxi and went with you. She stood there in tears at the security check, watching you with pain. 

"Let me know when you're back from Berlin, OK? Please. Vic?"

She just held you, unable to articulate how sorry she was. Her tears stained your shirt, her nails were pinned to your back. 

"I'll let you know. Safe travels." She kissed you softly.

3. FALLING APART

You woke up with a small gasp, sitting up on the bed. The construction site next door didn't let you sleep for long. You rubbed your eyes and saw the dark smudges on your hands. You forgot to take off your makeup. A few moments later you realized why. You weren't in your bed, not even in your flat. Next to you were a man and a woman you met last night at the club. After glancing at him and seeing his long, dark hair, you understood every decision that led you to fucking them last night. 

You slowly and as quietly as possible slipped out of bed. You collected your clothes but gave up on your panties which were nowhere to be found. You got dressed, made your face look semi-presentable, or at least kinda clean, and left the building. You felt the dirty looks people were throwing at you, the judgemental comments muttered under their breaths. You couldn't care less. Your soul and heart were in pieces and for once you've decided not to judge yourself on how your body decided to cope.

Vic walked away, and you could still feel her salty tears on your lips. A painful reminder of your failed little paradise.

You got back to your flat and kicked the heels away. A long hot bath, painkillers for a hangover and some food finally helped you to feel more human again. At least for a few hours. As you were finishing up the leftover pasta, trying to catch up on a new episode of your favourite show, your phone started ringing. Vic.

"Hey" you mumbled, wiping the cream sauce off your lips.

"Hi, sorry I hope I'm not interrupting…" she mumbled incoherently.

"No, not at all. I'm just being lazy." You said in a tone that sounded oddly cheerful and fake.

"Well, we're in Rome…do you want to grab a drink? Just me, promise." 

You were ashamed to admit that you hadn't even thought that someone else might join you. Ethan hasn't sent you a single message since you left Spain. Not a message, no missed calls. Nothing, absolutely no contact at all. You were grieving, which was clearly working, judging by your reaction to her words.

"Oh, that's fine. Yeah, I'd love to see you. The usual? At seven?"

"Perfect. See you tomorrow." She finished the conversation fast, probably not sure what she could possibly add. Mentioning anything else would mean talking about Ethan, and none of you was ready for it.

When you've met, your heart quickly reminds you how much Vic meant in your life. You talked for hours, and after a few drinks moved to her flat. She kissed you the moment the doors got closed. Your hands were eagerly wandering over her body, sliding her clothes off her. Just as she was getting down to tug on your underwear, the lock clicked and someone got in.

"Vic? I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Weren't you going to visit…oh. Hey." Ethan stood there, struggling to form sentences after he saw you. Currently topless. You grabbed a top and put it on to keep some dignity.

"Look who showed up! Perfect fucking timing, as always!" Vic got up and put her top back on as well.

"My flat flooded while we were gone. You allowed me to crash here for a few days, remember? ." He threw the keys on the table. 

"You tend to crash things, you have a real talent." She scoffed. Vic's drunk thoughts were dangerously honest. 

You felt like a witness to a train wreck that was about to take place in front of your eyes. And it was now way too late to do anything about it. 

"Oh I'm sorry, I'm fucking things up all the time? Please. You got almost too fucking drunk to play in Berlin, and whose fault was that, princess?!"

"I was a mess because you fucked up hard enough for her to leave!" She yelled and pointed at you.

"Not my fault that you both imagined something that wasn't there!" He screamed.

Neither of you knew what exactly he was talking about. Your love or the fact that he picked Her over you two. Ethan seemed angry, but equally confused, only now realizing how it sounded. Vic shook her head, grabbed her jacket and left, slamming the door behind her.

"You meant us, didn't you." You said quietly, feeling your tears forming.

"I…you both were so vile towards my friend. You think I couldn’t hear your comments and the looks you were throwing her? I really wanted us to have a nice time, I wanted to save it all, have her and you and…"

"So I wasn't enough, huh." Tears rolled down your cheeks. "Fucking say it, Ethan, I wasn't enough! I was only a fun fuck, which apparently you need in every city you go to. Besides Rome, I was useless!" 

"How can you say shit like that! I loved you!" 

"Loved?" You asked quietly, your voice cracked.

"Love…you know what I meant." He mumbled, rubbing his face.

"Yeah, I think I know exactly what you meant." You shook your head, and grabbed your bag, ready to leave. “You love me so hard that you haven’t sent a single message since I left.”

"Fuck, please don't go! Please?!" He grabbed your hand and pulled you back in. You let him. “I didn’t reach out, I wanted to give you time. Stay, please.”

"What, is there more painful shit you want me to hear? What, fucking Her was better too? She's prettier, more confident, and maybe even doesn't have anxiety, she’s low maintenance. Just admit that I was your second choice, a backup! Unlike the perfect slut for Mr Torchio!"

"Shut up! Please! Don't make me sound like a fucking monster that I'm not!" 

You winced at his scream and widened your eyes. At that moment you hated him so much, yet your body was telling a completely different story. Something about the sense of impending doom made you crave him, this one last time. 

"Of course I love you, in my own way. I love talking to you, your voice, your eyes, your smile, your silly brain. I fucking love your body and sex with you was always amazing. Don't try to tell me I must think otherwise." 

He moved closer, making you take a step backwards till your ass hit the door. His perfume hit your nostrils, the scent of his shampoo, the cigarette smoke, the leather of his shoes. Your mind was going crazy.

"And even now, as much as I'd like to strangle you for what you just said, I'd fuck the soul out of you if I could."

You gasped quietly, making him smirk.

"Something tells me you wouldn't mind that at all. You want me to show you how angry you made me? How much I'd love to humble you and remind you how good it felt when I was inside of you?"

You nodded, completely giving up and letting your instincts take over. Ethan gripped your chin and kissed you roughly, pushing his tongue into your mouth. He gripped your breast and squeezed it hard, pushing his leg between your thighs. You whined and started playing with his belt, trying to unbuckle it with your hands. You missed his body, his touch, the attention he was giving you. Ethan pulled your underwear down and helped you undo his trousers. He set his cock free and gave himself a few pumps. He was already hard and wet from precum, twitching against your thigh. Ethan hooked your leg over himself and slid his cock inside with a loud grunt. His wild eyes were hooded and pinned into your face, turned into a grimace of pleasure. He started thrusting fast, causing you some pain from the stretch, but making you see the stars at the same time. Ethan gripped your throat with one hand, holding you steady with the other. You were both aggressive, loud and desperate, chasing your release. You screamed loudly, clenching around his cock. He came soon after you with a moan, making sure his cum was deep inside you. You kept panting, watching him with a pink face and parted lips. He kissed you softly, slipping out of you, letting his cum drip down your thighs. Ethan pressed his forehead to yours and whispered:

"I fucking love you, and I probably always will. But I can't give you what you need and the way you need it. Maybe I'm too scared, or maybe I simply can't. Maybe I’m built different. Maybe it's for the best if we go separate ways."

You wanted to scream, cry, or punch him for saying that. But you knew he was right. 

"It was too good to be true, but at least for a moment it was perfect." You said with teary eyes.

He smiled at your words, pulled his pants back on, kissed your forehead and left.

***

A few weeks had passed since you split up. Vic and you decided to try an exclusive relationship. And partially because of that, you became a natural part of the group – attended some events, local gigs, and parties and got closer with Thomas and Damiano. You gained new friends, memories and a loving girlfriend. It was all going so well, Vic gave you the warmth you were craving and helped you to understand what a healthy relationship can look like. Of course, you were happy, but some days were rough and all you could think about was Ethan. The memories kept coming back in dreams, familiar sounds and smells. Vic understood. She wasn’t jealous, mad and never questioned your feelings for her. She was grieving too, in her own way.

From what you've heard, Ethan also became serious with Her. You wish you could say you were surprised.  You could swear that every time you saw Ethan, he was looking very sad, and distant, with his head in the clouds. Once when you kissed Vic at one party, he stormed out of the room, his new girl was chasing him, spilling her entire drink on the floor. You’ve heard some bits and pieces of conversations between Vic and the boys, who kept saying that Ethan constantly goes back to the months spent with you two. Often as funny anecdotes or whenever he was tipsy, but usually after even mentioning you he was vanishing in his room to listen to depressing songs. 

At last, January arrived, and with it Damiano's birthday. It was a surprisingly warm night, and after a long party, the boys made a big fireplace in the garden of their band house. You curled up on one sunbed with Vic, tightly wrapped in blankets. Thomas and Damiano were across from you, and Ethan with Her right beside you. The sky was clear and studded with stars. You laid there peacefully, listening to Thomas playing some soft melodies on his guitar. Ethan was gazing at the stars, and you were pretty sure that you saw tears shining in his eyes.

"God, I wish you would look at me like that." His girl suddenly spoke, making Damiano snicker. 

"Yeah, I know," Ethan replied coldly, making all four of you turn your heads towards him.

"Well, why aren't you?" She asked, her tone got a little more serious yet still remained playful.

"There are only two women I could look at like that". Vic gasped at his words, so quietly that only you could hear it.

"Come on…you mean your sisters, right?” She nervously glanced at you and Vic. Thomas stopped playing and Damiano stared at you with wide eyes.

"No," Ethan said calmly.

"Why didn't you say it's me?" She was getting more and more mad, losing control over the usual, overtly sweet tone of her voice. Ethan kept looking at the sky.

"Because I never loved you. And I never will." 

Even the crickets and owls shut up at this point. The girl made a series of noises, like a child whose toy had been stolen. She stormed off while cursing under her breath, mumbling something about wasting her time. Thomas and Damiano stood up and cleared their throats.

"We should…yeah." Damiano winked at you and dragged Thomas back inside. As soon as they disappeared, Ethan spoke.

"It's you. It's always been you. My life is so miserable without you in it." Ethan sat up and looked at you with tears rolling down his cheeks. "I've been so stupid and scared of how much I feel for both of you…"

You and Vic both stood up and walked closer to him. You sat beside him, trapping him between your bodies.

"We've all been stupid. Or maybe not stupid, just…we expected a paradise to last. Maybe it doesn't have to be perfect. 

You caressed his cheek and kissed him softly. Vic kept stroking his hair. 

“I wish I never invited her for that damn trip, I wish I understood quicker how it must've hurt you. I wanted us to be exclusive, but it was so scary. I didn’t want to lose myself and my freedom. Only when I lost you, I finally understood what I value even more.” He said, and started crying. 

You looked at Vic, her eyes were wet, she kept biting on her lip. 

“Ethan, we love you. So dearly. We never stopped.”

“Never.” Vic interrupted you and smiled. 

“Maybe we just had to grow up a little, we had to fuck up to fully commit.” You said and wrapped your arm around him.

“I want to try again…if you want it too.” He sniffled and looked at you with red eyes.

“I do, I really do.” Vic smiled more and cuddled into his side.

“I kept dreaming of this, of course I want it.” You said, feeling the hot tear rolling down your cheek.

Ethan wrapped his arms around you two, cuddling you both close to his chest. His heart was pounding fast. Ethan kissed your heads and looked up at the starts, sighing deeply.

"We don't need this to be perfect. We have each other, and as long as we do, it will always be good enough.”

********

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[silent-raven13]

A new take on Sunflowers!

(AU: No Spider-man powers. Hobie is a famous Punk Star/model/celebrity. He happens to go to an art opening and fell in love with the works and the artist)

"Ehhh!" Miles look at the bouquet of flowers and boxes of expensive gifts. He didn't even settle in his new studio apartment, he saw so many gifts being delivered to him. It was already the next day after the crazy party. Checking on the message card, "To my Sunflower, XOXOXOX, Hobie. 💜🌻🤘🏿"

He felt so flustered that he took the bouquets of flowers in his arms taking a big sniff. "They smell so good." He hums feeling his cheeks warm. The art opening did filled him with surprises, he didn't think he would catch a certain celebrity eyes.

-Last Night-

"Yes. Yes. We're heading there, now." The twenty seven year old punker slouches in the limo being bored by his assistant making calls to their manager. He rolled his eyes, so this is what being famous is like. The constant meet and greets, events, and talkshows. Ugh, the popularity didn't seem to stop because of his own Controversy nature, being chaotic to break anything.

The fans love that from him. His bandmates are meeting him at this art opening he so badly wanted to go. It was a refresher to find something that's his interest, but his agency being on his ass was pissing him off. He wanted freedom! To enjoy his time with his friends.

Now, his assistant is here being observant because the last time he was left alone, he had brawl with some jackass at a bar.

Figures...

He lit up his cigarette being annoyed, a good burn of nicotine will help him. "You're supposed to quit smoking." His assistant said being on her laptop.

"Come on, Mindy. I've been stressed all the damn time. I need this." He inhale being annoyed. "Fuck quitting."

"Then you have to deal with Bruce."

"Fuck him, too."

Mindy sighs before the limo stopped at the gallery called, "New Verse!" It's own by a famous man, who believes in contemporary arts for the diversity artists. Right now, there's three arts presenting their worsts that are upcoming to the art field.

Young BIPOC artists that were born and bred in New York City. Hobie honestly saw one painting on the pamphlet from invite from his good friend, Pavtri. A funny actor that changed the game by his bubbly adorable personality, his girlfriend is one of the artists. Yet, the punker wasn't focus on her inspirational Indian American women with abstract strokes and figures.

Oh no, he's eyes was curious when he saw a powerful, very old school graffiti style with a modern take of using media with bright bold colors and insane texts. The handwritten calligraphy had rough ink with profound words like slurs, then a beautiful black man figure crying. Tears all colorful with small texts inside. So many going all at once that he wanted to see in person. The piece had the sizes about 300 inches by four hundred inches on canvas mounted on wall. He had to see it.

When the limo parked, "We're here." His assistant said.

Hobie got out of the car seeing paparazzis already there to take photos of him.

Great, these fucking leeches

He wore his latest high end outfit; ripped tight black skinny jeans with patches by Farfetched brand, accessories like chains dripping to the side of hips. He wore expensive Prada Monolith and re-nylon black boots, and red laces. A Sex Pistol t-shirt personally shredded, Two belts around his waist, one he's actually wearing on his jeans but the other more for fashion that is slanted to the side. Then his Celine black leather jacket with his own custom touches having spikes and paint on it. His own rebellious style. Then tons of jewelry on him; bracelets from his wrists, necklaces, and diamonds piercings. All top with a very masculine cologne by Tom Ford.

His wicks bounces by every step of his heavy boots as he got out already having his black shades on to cover his eyes. He saw some of the fans waiting for him. "OH MY GAWD, IT'S HIM! HOBIE! HOBIE! WE LOVE YOU!"

"HEY, HOBIE COME LOOK OVER HERE!"

Hobie quickly walks away with a scowl, he tries hard not to ruin his black lipstick by Fenty. All this work to look good and these paparazzis never leave him alone!

Life as a Star

When he finally enters the gallery, he saw a group of body guards being there. It seems there was a lot of famous celebrities around, too.

Great...

He should've known Pavtri would invite more people for his girlfriend. His assistant said, "Oh wow, you can network with these other celebrities. There's Peni Parks, I heard she is famous for her robotics in Japan. Her company release the latest Androids."

"Huh, so we're about to get controlled by the government." Hobie snorted.

"Come on, Hobie. Not this again."

"It's true." He took off his shades to find other familiar faces like Miguel O'Hara, the CEO of Alchemax with a teenage girl wearing a black dress having to look at a painting. A famous man like that likes art? Huh, who knew.

Then Jess Drew, a popular lawyer never losing a case and a very expensive one at that. Hobie had follow her cases, seeing how she went to trial about defamation of character to a famous celebrity.

Petra, a famous three gold Olympic Athlete, she had one her titanium prosthetic leg wearing ankle pants with loafers and tight beige sweater. Her brown pixie hair cut had a shave to the left side showing off her pierced ears.

Then Ben Riley, a famous skater. Noir-

Aye, no way he's here!

Noir is a very popular contemporary artist that causes many controversy on society's politics. One of the most respected activists, too. He would shred his own work in front of auction if he doesn't like the buyer. The man stays hidden with his black mask. Hobie respected that man, too bad his works are out of his price range, if he could get his hands on it.

One popular piece was a Rubik's cube that he presented in a gallery then mix it all up. Then place it on a white pedestal. The price of that work started off two billion.

Bonkers, Hobie knows. But that piece started a massive wave for the hidden artists. Noir seems to know Petra and Ben.

Interesting...

He noticed a popular street artist, activist, and poet name Zero. Kaine, a famous game streamer on Twitch. Kitty, a popular influencer. Peter Parker, a famous American Actor.

So many blokes here!

"Oh, look there's Gwen!" She spotted a familiar Pop Punk singer standing with her own female band, which is her girlfriend drummer, Margo and Silk, a girl who plays the guitar.

"Aye," Hobie was about to go over until, he stops when his eyes caught the art piece he been yearning to see. When he enters the room to find more works.

His eyes on the large piece, he took in every single detailed. "Mindy, luv. Can you please give me wine?"

"Sure thing, Hobie." She went out of the room to leave him to admire the works.

Hobie saw the artists name and description, "A cry for Help! By Miles G. Morales..." He read seeing the materials being made by spray paint, acrylic paint and other stuff. He didn't want to read anymore, so he can try to figure out the meaning of the work.

Taking a closer look, he saw details of Brooklyn, police brutality, drugs, and struggle. Then a light white out line of a man and woman with child that is very hard to see. If you're not paying attention, a person would think it's a decorative add-on.. Then more Corporate brands, then drug names, and money prices. The background of blue shading with imagery of activism. So many things going on that represented the struggle for black people, it touched Hobie. Especially the image of the black man crying.

What surprised him is the soft touch up to imply make up, the figure had a smudge light lip gloss and glittery eyes, his skin cover with light newspaper textures with to-day's and past events of black trans struggles, and racism.

Bloody beautiful...

Mindy came by to hand him his glass a wine, she hums, "Your eyeliner is smudging."

"Thanks, darling." Hobie wipe the tear off his eye, "It's a fantastic piece, innit?"

"It's really sad..." Mindy frowns at the painting, "Crazy how colorful it is. Like they want you to be happy but when you look at it longer... you see the true ugliness of America."

Hobie sips his wine with a nod, "Exactly. It's perfect. How much is it?"

"300k."

"What? So little?"

"He's a new artist in the field. He's been popular through social media, but not in galleries. It's a different wave." She explained.

"Pfft, and he's black?"

"Yeah."

"Figures. Always the black man getting the short end of the stick." Hobie took out his black card, "I'll double the price."

"Are you sure?" Her eyes widen.

"Yes, I'm sure. I got payed from that stupid Pepsi commercial so I'm winning to buy this at a reasonable price." He said.

"I'll look for the seller. Stay here." She said before going to find them.

Hobie had no problem staying when he can admire this painting. Unaware of a black hooded man standing next to him. "You been looking at this piece for a while, huh?"

"It's a powerful piece." Hobie glanced over to find the person wearing a black hoodie.

"Meh, it's ight." He casually said.

"Are you bloody mad? This is one of the best works I've seen and trust me, I've seen bullshit artists from France, Japan, even the MET." He snorted.

"Gayatri's work is amazing. Zero's installation is freakin' cool." He added, "They are actually showing real struggles as women of color."

"I'll see for myself, but this right here! This is where it's at." Hobie said proudly.

The Hooded man chuckles, "Alright, but take your time looking at the other works." He left with that.

Hobie rolled his eyes but his nose tickle of scents of Sunflowers and tropical shea butter. "Who was he?" He mutter to himself, before going to the next work. The artist made five pieces. In the room there was only four massive works.

It seems Hobie fell in love with the artist, because the second work he loves it even more. It was a massive photo of a black male punker with tattoos, so much piercing on his face and had this scary look with so much spikes and ripples on his clothing. He had intense makeup, but the photo is only black and white.

The figure had a charming smile with his tongue out and wink while he holds a bouquet of sunflowers. The Sunflowers were painted in cartoon like, and there was other paintings of feminine and cutesy imagery. Stickers, and spray painted text. Hobie quickly read the name of the work, "A New Take on Sunflowers: Triptych Part 1 by Miles G. Morales."

Hobie went back to look at the piece, the Sunflowers were brighter almost glowing with youth. "A New Take on Sunflowers... By old Vinny?" He did love this work. He saw how the Punker represented gender fluidity, to embrace their culture yet love the things that aren't represented in their lifestyle. It could also show how someone 'scary' looking have a softer side by holding the flower with care and love.

"Hobie, your bandmates are here." Mindy came back to tell him.

"Be there." Hobie didn't wanna see them when he had these works to admire. The next painting was next to the punker photo. This time the second painting is a photo in black and white of two black women kissing being in the Ghetto of New York. They hold their Sunflowers. They had on weave, bright gold jewelry, tight clothing being so happy to be together.

Now that's love.

His eyes saw the color of the jewelry being the same yellow as the Sunflowers, and more happier texts and doodles around the two. The women had on wedding rings on, celebrating their marriage.

Hobie chuckles, "Cute." He saw the third part of this work. This one is a Puerto Rican mother, how did he know she's Puerto Rican? The massive flag in the background, and the woman sitting while braiding her daughter's hair with a soft gentle smile. The little Afro-Latina smiling at her big Sunflower as it aims at the two. It's a beautiful piece of mother and child.

Shit, why these works are affecting me so much

Hobie felt tears coming down his cheek, he never felt like this before. It's so beautiful and powerful. He needs them. He wants them in his penthouse!

"Hobie?" Mindy asked.

He quickly turns to her with his eyeliner already smudge, "I want all of these. Go buy them!"

"What? Hobie, you can't be-" Hobie glares at her. "Alright. Alright, I'll let the seller know!" She sighs, "Also, Karl and the rest of the band is here. Go say hi!"

"Ugh, fine." Hobie went to find his friends while his assistant went off to find the seller, again. His goal is to find the fifth work.

"Hey Hobs! What up, man?" His best friend, Karl high five him, he's the bass player of the band.

Riri chuckles, "Hey, share the love, bro!" She grins widely being the guitarist.

Mattea nodded, "Hey, Hobie." The drummer of the band.

Hobie gave them a hug, "Aye, mates. How's it going?"

"Great. With all these talkshows and trying to make our own shit, ugh we're exhausted." Riri said.

"Yeah, I released my own beer brand. Crazy, huh?" Karl chuckles.

"My own shirts." Mattea nodded, "We need to be smart because who knows what will happen with this band."

"What do you mean?" Hobie frowns.

"You know, we're all so busy trying to get our name out. It'll be better just in case if our band fall apart since you're busy with movies. Me with modeling." Riri added.

"And life." Mattea nodded.

"That's true. Ugh, we need to support each other. We still need to make our new album too." Hobie groans by this constant work load. "Fucking Bruce."

The rest groan. "Hobie! Hobie! I'm so happy you made it!" The group turns to find Pavtri holding his girlfriend's hand having to pull her with him. She giggles seeing how happy her boyfriend is.

"Hey, bruv. Been awhile." Hobie greeted him, "Luv. Nice to meet you." He holds Gayatri's hand and kissed it being a gentlemen when he wants to.

"Hahaha, nice to meet you, Hobie! I'm a big fan of Spider-Band!" She said.

"Have you seen, my sweet Gayatri's work!" Pavtri asked the punker with stars in his eyes. "Huh! HUH?"

"Oh honey," The female artist giggles, "He's been in Miles' room the whole time. I won't lie, his work is so good." She holds her side shoulder bag, "He even customized my bag. See!"

Hobie's eyes widen at the bag seeing the painting with Sunflowers and cute characters. "What? How? Can he do custom works?"

"Yeah, he does. I gave him one of my fabric works." She giggles, "You really like it, huh? It's moving, right?"

"I need to check it out." Riri said, "First some wine!"

"Same!" Mattea nodded.

"More like a crush." Karl knows when his best friend has a crush, it's very rare but it's obvious to see.

Gayatri giggles, "Really! Awe, you know he's single and ready to mingle." She loves playing match maker, with stars in her eyes being excited. "Zero, can tell you, he's so ready for a new man in his life!"

Pavtri pouted at the punker with fake tears, "Hobie, you promised you would admire my darling flower! My Gayatri's beautiful work! She took these beautiful hands," he holds her dainty hands, "and created this!" He jumps over to an installation of a blue cut out thick papers handing by a thread to show an abstract figure in blue. "All the dates we had to miss!"

"I will we have all the time." Hobie tries to explained then he was yank by Pavtri being forced to look at all of Gayatri's work. He even explain each one of them in great detailed.

Hobie spotted the last work of Miles G. Morales, it's at the end of the gallery on its own with nothing else around. He wanted to go see it, but he had to make his way through Zero's work, too. He didn't mind Gayatri's and Zero's work, they are amazing artist, but something about Miles' work. It got him, he needs to see the last painting.

After going through all his well known friends and admiring Zero's work. He found Miguel O'Hara's daughter gasping at Miles' painting, "Papá! Did you see that painting with the mother and daughter! It's so cute! Does he do custom work?" She asked, "I want one of me and mamá!"

"Alright. Let's see if we can book one." Miguel happily said to his daughter, his whole grumpy mood toward Peter changed when it was his daughter.

Jess giggles, "That Miles Morales is making waves with his work, being new to this game. I'm impressed."

"Yeah, the kid is freakin' good. He actually got some peeps from LA looking at his work. That kid is going to places."

The owner of the gallery is a tall thing black man, "Alright, gather around." Everyone went to see the speech which Hobie cursed himself, he was so close to see the final painting.

He smiles happily, "I like to thank my wife, Jess for support. My good friend Aaron for helping pitch in. This beautiful gallery is meant to bring all young diverse artists to the art game. I hope you enjoyed Gayatri's amazing works focusing on the hardship of Indian American women identity and gender roles. Zero's beautiful installations on her poems and politics of today." The two women artists came up with a smiling widely. "Sadly Miles couldn't make it today but his work focus on the struggles of Black and Brown acceptance in America."

Hobie frowns, he was hoping to meet the artist. Gayatri made it seem he was around. How odd?

"They are the future for young Contemporary artists, we know the field mostly represents a certain group, so I hope to help them achieve their careers with this gallery." He holds his glass of champagne being happy.

Then, a man in black hood came walking past the group surrounding the artists and owner of the gallery. Jess' husband finished, "I hope you enjoy the rest of the opening."

Hobie spotted the black hoodie male carries a bucket of paint, then when the artists and owner moved away. "Hey, what is he doing?" Karl asked out loud spotting the figure.

The figure throws black paint on the final painting by Miles. Everyone gasps even the security was about to go over. "Oh my god! Why would he do that?"

Hobie's mouth dropped in shock, "What the fuck, bruv!" He shouted out loud in anger.

The figure grins widely seeing the security guards being stopped by the owner, he took out his bright yellow Spray paint, and wrote in messy dripping text, "Miles wazz here!" He put down his hoodie revealing his face.

Hobie's eyes widen at such a handsome young man; big honey brown doe eyes, wearing earrings, septum nose piercing, and a bright glowing face. His hair a tapered Afro with a fade. Wait, this is Miles? Miles G. Morales?

"Easy. Easy. He's an artist. This is his installation piece." The owner explained.

Miles let the painting dripped showing how the painting still revealed a bit. "I call this, 'I'ma do my own thing.'" He grins widely at the crowd.

Noir nodded giving a loud clap in approval. The rest of the crowd awed, by the piece looking beautiful with the add on drips and markings. Gwen shouted, "Holy shit, Miles!"

"Wow, amazing!" Pavtri claps like crazy being so excited, "I was filled with so many emotions!" Everyone went back to looking at other works.

Hobie finally got the chance took a look at the painting, "Ruining it, eh?" He saw Miles finished talking to Pavtri, who hugs him before leaving them.

"Is it ruin to you?" Miles stood with a grin, he wore an oversize black hoodie, some tight jeans and black and yellow Jordans.

"Nah, it's perfect. I believe chaos, luv." Hobie grins at him.

Miles giggles, "I bet, you known for that."

"So you heard of me?"

"I mean, who doesn't know Hobie Brown? The lead singer of Spider band." He giggles in amusement, "So, I heard you're gonna buy my works. I'm surprised. I thought my shit would be too much for a celebrity."

"Pfft, I'm a different kind, Sunflower." He sips his wine, "I always love works about black empowerment and to support a fellow one at that."

"Aye, gracias papí." Miles spoke Spanish.

"Ah, so you're Puerto Rican?"

"I'm half black and half Puerto Rican, my parents are over there." He chuckles seeing the punker looking over to find the same woman from the painting and a little girl.

"Ahh, inspiration?"

"They were the reason for my Sunflower series." The artist explained, "Honestly, I was so nervous for tonight because I'm a new comer and being with these amazing artists of New York- Ugh, I can't believe I'm here."

"That's why you doubted your work?"

"Pretty much." Miles admitted, "Funny, you're easy to talk to."

"I'm always listening, Sunflower." He leans over to get a closer look at the artist, "And I listen to the person I like."

Miles felt flustered then giggles, "Haha, funny."

"Oh yea? Gimme your number and let see if I'm playin?" He flirted with a deep voice. Miles didn't know what possess him to hand him his smartphone but he did. The Punker happily type his number into the phone and put his private social media too.

"Text me, Sunflower." He winks at the artist as he handed back his phone.

"Okay." Miles did the basic hey.

Hobie chuckles, "So soon? You really want me."

"No-no, I mean- awe man! I suck at this stuff." Miles pouts.

"Oh yeah? So you want me to be forward," The punker lift his chin up about to lean in, their lips close to almost touching, "Because I can."

"Eh?" MIles' honey brown eyes widen, he didn't think the punker would be this bold!

"NO! My big bro!" A little girl ruffling shoves Hobie away from her brother.

"Billie!" Miles saw his seven year old sister, "Awe, come here." Thank god, because he wasn't ready for a kiss like that. His face felt so warm.

Billie happily hugs her brother being picked up, "Yeah! Only I give kisses to mi hermano!" She kisses her brother's cheek. "Your painting of me and mamí esta may bueno, hermano!"

"Awe, thank you, Billie-boo."

Hobie only rub his nose then sniff. Damn, he almost got to taste him. Shame, but he does like it when they play hard to get. Licking his lips, his eyes yearn for the artist. Something in him wants him. Putting on his charming smiles, "So this is your little sister?"

"Yeah, I am Billie!" The little girl stated, "Who you are? You don't kiss my brother!"

"Sorry, she loves me too much." Miles giggles. "Billie, this is Hobie. He's a popular singer. Hobie this is Billie."

"Hmph," Billie pouted giving a look at the punker.

"She is small. What is she? four?"

"I'm seven years old!" Billie huffs, "I am a BIG GURL!" She hugs her brother around his neck.

"Eck, Billie. Not too tight." Miles almost choked. "Sorry, she was like this with my friends."

"No problem. I love lil sprogs." He chuckles lowly, "Also, how do I book for a custom painting?"

"Oh, on my social I have a link to my studio website and there's a form for custom orders. You really gonna buy another painting from me?"

"Of course." He saw his assistant near him, "Mindy, darling. Have you met the seller?"

"Yes, sir. They are willing to sell all five works." She said.

"Alright, add another one. A custom on from Miles' website." Hobie smirks widen when he saw how Miles' eyes widen.

"Alright, if you wish to purchase it now, we need to go to the owner and have it ready for shipping." Mindy hums.

"Very well."

"Also, we should be leaving soon. You have a recording session tomorrow." She hums.

"Alright. Alright." He winks at Miles being a show off, he lifts Miles' hands up to kiss it, "It was wonderful seeing you. I hope we can meet again... without me buying paintings- perhaps a date?"

Miles' face went super flustered by the punker. He never thought this famous singer would be so sweet, so charming, so damn cute! "Huh uh." That's all came out of his mouth.

Billie side eye at her brother seeing how shy he became. "Lil one, I hope you will protect your brother from untamed men." Hobie smiles at her before handing her a crumble hundred dollar bill.

"Aye, Ayi! Cap'n!" Billie nodded at the tip.

Miles said, "Wait, you don't have to-" Hobie shrugs, "She can buy whatever she wants with it. Anyway, I'll see you later."

"Oh... Okay. Bye Hobie." Miles hugs his baby sister tightly feeling so bashful, his heart fluttering.

The punker left with a large receipt of five expensive paintings. He wave his fellow friends goodbye.

In the limo, he had a big smile on his face thinking about his Sunflower. "Never see you this happy? You really like the artist, huh?"

He sighs lovingly, "Yeah... do you know where he lives? I want to send him some flower." He breath exhale on the cold window letting it fog up, then he drew a crappy sunflower.

"On it." She nodded.

-Present Day-

Hobie chilling outside enjoying his pool after his record session. His Smartphone vibrating, he looks to find Miles calling him. "Sunflower! Surprised you called, miss me?" He flirted removing his dark shades.

"Hobie, I think you send me too many flowers...." He said.

"Oh? Fifty bouquets didn't come to you?"

"Fifty? There's like one, two, three.... forty nine-" Miles stops hearing the door bell, "Never mind, fifty."

"Then you got them all. How about the gifts?"

"Hobie, you shouldn't have sent this- I- It's nice of you for-" Hobie waves it off, "Nah, it's fine. I got money and wanted to spend it on you, Sunflower. Now, that you called- How about a lunch date?"

"Huh? A date?"

"Yup." Hobie sips on his sparkling water.

"Ummm," Miles felt bashful again, "Sure... where-where?"

"I'll pick you up. I know a great place. Also, I might bring another bouquet for you." Hobie happily said.

Miles nodded, "Okay. Do i need to wear anything?"

"I prefer lingerie."

"Huh!"

"Joking. I'm joking, luv. Something you want to wear. Don't worry it's a chill spot."

"Alright, man." The artist bite his bottom lip, "I... I don't do sex on the first date, by the way...."

"Oh? I'm surprised you expected me too." The singer chuckles.

"No, I mean- I'm so sorry that's rude. I just have to always-" Hobie chuckles, "It's okay, luv. I promise I'll give you a kiss on the cheek."

"Just a kiss on the cheek." Now he sounded disappointed.

"Or you want on the mouth with tongue?"

Miles never felt so embarrassed, "Your a jerk, Hobie Brown."

"You seem to like it." He laughs.

"I do actually." His pouty lip more enhance as he listens to Hobie's voice. Something about this punker got him thinking about him. He had a beautiful dream with him and it feels like he known him. Its weird.

"Then, I'll pick you up soon. See you later, Sunflower."

"See you, Hobie." Miles hears him hung up, then he hung up. The artist never felt like this. Touching his lips feeling the cracks of his dry skin, "I need to moisturized! Lip scrub! Look good for him!" He rushes over to the bathroom to get ready.

A special bond formed between the artist and the singer.

#punkflower #hobie brown #miles morales #spiderman #across the spider verse #spider verse #spiderverse

[dulcewrites]

I’m in a modern fcc mood, so here’s some funny aemyrah stuff

You Drive Me Crazy

Aemond knew something was off the moment he pulled onto the property, and saw an unfamiliar car sitting in the driveway of his childhood home.

Closer he got, the more the sense of annoyance crept in. The car was not unfamiliar after all. Quite the opposite; he recognized the beat up black Audi, hot pink license plate, and ‘Please let me merge before I cry’ bumper sticker.

She was here.

When he had time, Aemond made it a habit to come visit his mother on the weekends. He knows she has been taken the newly empty house hard. Daeron starting the semester at a new boarding school. Alicent had been trying to find hobbies to past the time. Aemond remembers coming over one weekend to find her reading a book on the history of backgammon. Aemond did not believe his mother when she mentioned wanting to take painting lessons. Chalking up to another idea that would eventually fall through as she moved onto the next idea that briefly stimulated.

As he walked up the door, he could hear music coming from inside. Taking a deep breath before using his key to open the door.

He walks through the large foyer on the home, moving towards the living area as Amy Winehouse fills the space. The first thing he notices is the canvas tarp on the floor. Then two easels and various paints all around. A bottle of wine and a cleared sushi platter.

His mother and Myrah are curled up on the couch giggling over something on Alicent’s phone.

Aemond goes over to turn down the music coming from the turntable, making both of them look up from the phone.

“Oh, Aemond,” Alicent’s cheeks are flushed and her smile is warm. She gets up from the couch; Aemond takes in the paint splattered button up and black leggings she had on. He has never seen his mother so… casual. “I forgot you said you were coming over.”

He leans down as she kisses him on the cheek, but his gaze stays trained on Myrah. He has no reason not to be cold towards her, but something about the way his body feels like it is vibrating when she is around makes him want to chalk it up to simple dislike.

“Are these for me,” Alicent smiles at the flowers in Aemond’s hand before turning back to Myrah. “Isn’t he sweet.”

“The sweetest.”

The mirth on her face only made him feel more out of place in his own home. It was something he noticed when she painted the portrait for their mother or when he saw her again at Helaena’s apartment warming party; it feels like she always has a joke running through her head. A joke she makes no effort to let anyone in on. Doe like eyes playful and light.

“I am going to put these in some water.”

Alicent takes the flowers with her to the kitchen.

“Do you think it is appropriate to be drinking with someone paying you,” Aemond waits until Alicent is out of earshot.

Myrah tilts her head to the side in confusion. “Your mom invited me over. She opened the wine, and asked me if I wanted any. I’m teaching her to paint Aemond, not operate heavy machinery. Neither of us even finished our glass.”

“It is still highly unsuitable.”

“Ok, I am sorry,” he can tell by the smile on her face, and the way she brushes a coil back into her ponytail, she does not mean it. A laugh follows to seal a level of nonchalance.

He was rueing the day he even brought up getting a portrait of him and his siblings for his mother’s birthday. If he never brought it up, then Helaena may have never reconnected with Myrah, and he would not get this odd concaving feeling in his chest every time he sees her.

Alicent’s footsteps become closer as she sets the pink tulips on the table in the living area.

“I am so glad you are here,” she beams at Aemond. “Now I can show you one of my drawings. I have not painted it yet”

Aemond’s sight goes from Myrah to the two easels in the room. His brows furrow as he tries to make out what it is on the one his mother is gesturing to. He can see a head and eyes but blinks blankly.

“It is quite an ambitious feat to go for a human portrait on her third try,” Myrah pipes up to help. “But I think she almost has your brother’s likeness down.”

He then looks at the easel next to Alicent’s. On it a faint charcoal drawing of what now is clearly Daeron. His short curls, his freckles, his big dark eyes. Their mom’s eyes.

For everything Myrah may be, she is talented.

Alicent’s sheepishness at Myrah’s compliment makes his heart sting a bit. His mother has never been good at taking praise.

“It is lovely.”

��When I am done, I think I will send it to him.”

Myrah stands off the couch will a soft sigh. “I can help you clean up, and then I have to hit the road.”

Alicent pouts. “So soon?”

“Yeah, I’ll let you two have your mother-son time,” she gives a small smile. Aemond takes note of the way her shirt dwarfs her when she get up. The yellow, orange, and pink of the tie-dye.

The three of them tiddy up the living room. Aemond tries not focus on when their hands brush when they pick up the paint. He sees the ladybug ring on her finger, the one that matches Helaena’s butterfly one.

“Remember what I said: traveling picture, Pilates picture, then pretend candid with your friends,” Myrah hugs Alicent before turning to Aemond and giving him a simple nod. “Aemond.”

“Myrah.”

Her keychain covered in fuzzy balls and trickers jingle as she leaves. Her foot is barely out the door before Aemond looks at him mom.

“What was that about?”

Alicent’s dark brows shoot up is false confusion. “What was what?”

“The ‘traveling and Pilates’ pictures thing,” he crosses his arms.

“Well,” Alicent sighs, pondering if she should tell him. “I asked Myrah to help me set up a dating profile.”

Aemond blanches, and does nothing to hide it.

Dating. “That is extremely weird for her to agree to.”

“I am lonely, Aemond,” Alicent shrugs truthfully. “I have not been on a date since I was 25.”

His disposition softens. Aemond knows his mother has been through a lot, too much, at the hands of his father. Viserys did not ask for anyone’s permission to date; in fact, he did not even wait till he was single to.

“Fine, but I get full sign off on who you go on date with.”

Alicent rolls her eyes. “Whatever you say sweetheart,” she bites her lips for a moment. “You should be nicer to Myrah. She’s nice and fun.”

Aemond just grunts.

“…. And pretty.”

Alicent gives him a sly smile. “Like really pretty. If I was your age, I’d want to date her.”

Aemond narrows his eyes. “Then why don’t you set her up with Aegon, since she’s so amazing.”

Alicent narrows hers back. “Fine, maybe I will.”

Aemond scoffs. Like hell she will. Not that Aemond cares at all, but Aegon wouldn’t know what to do with someone like Myrah. He already made an ass of himself when she did the portrait. Aemond was sure she only laughed at his jokes to appease an already awkward situation.

“Maybe I will set her up with Jace.”

Aemond can’t help but let out a incredulous laugh.

It doesn’t matter… because Aemond doesn’t care what Myrah does. Let alone who she dates. He really really doesn’t care. It is that no one should be subjected to spending more time with certain members family of his family than need be.

Plus he already has to see Myrah now because of Helaena and his mother. The idea of her being at family events on the arm of his brother or nephew is vommit inducing. If Myrah could dance circles around Aegon, she’d slaughter someone like Jace. Wit does not run in that side of the family he’s afraid.

“Whatever,” is all he can come up with.

He does not care.

#Aemond: *has a crush* #Aemond: maybe I just hate her idk #if you see typos no you didn’t 🫶🏽❤️ #modern fcc inspo

[desertfangs]

Vamptember Day 30 (take 2) - Museum

Prompt: "Museum" | Armand/Daniel, and a wild Benji appears | 1258 Words

Modern day. Daniel and Armand steal a painting. Definitely self-indulgent silly fluff, but it's the last day of Vamptember and I wanted to end on a happy note.

----------------

Daniel stared up at the painting hanging on the museum wall, trying very hard not to laugh. 

The painting itself was ridiculous enough but remembering how it came to be was even funnier, and looking at it now brought back a flood of memories from the days when he and Armand had lived in Brooklyn. Life had been an exhausting whirlwind, an endless parade of activities and experiments and classes and shows and parties. Daniel had still been human, trying to run at the pace of a vampire who was determined to dive into life with all the passion an immortal could hold. That had been four decades ago, but in some ways, it felt like yesterday. 

Armand came up beside him and lightly touched his arm. 

“The rest of the guards?” Daniel asked. Armand had handled the first two when they’d entered, ‘convincing’ them to turn off the cameras and then go to sleep, but there were a few others roaming the premises. 

“All sleeping,” Armand smiled mischievously. 

“How lucky,” Daniel said, smirking back. He nodded up at the painting. “That was a wild night, wasn’t it?” 

Armand stared up the canvas. In it, Armand stood in front of Daniel, who was definitely drunk, flipping off the artist or the viewer. Armand was looking straight ahead. It had been painted using a Polaroid for reference, one of dozens taken of them during that party. The artist, a young woman, had stuck that particular Polaroid in her bra while waiting for it to develop, which was why Armand hadn’t taken it like he’d taken the others she’d snapped of them. She’d invited them back a week later to unveil it. 

The colors she’d chosen for her painting were bright, almost neon, pink and orange and yellow, which made it look sort of a like an-off brand Warhol. 

“You didn’t want to go to that party,” Armand said. 

“Yeah, well, I was exhausted. It was, what, the tenth night in a row? The twelfth? You could read my thoughts but you couldn’t tell how exhausted I was?” He sounded defensive and he didn’t mean to. They hadn’t broken into the art museum to fight. “What does it matter? It was decades ago and I went. There’s the proof.” 

“I didn’t say it matters. I was merely stating my recollection of the night in question.” 

Daniel sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You want to know my recollection? There was a lot of tequila and disco music, and the host wouldn’t stop taking photos, which reminded me of you when you first got your Polaroid camera. We left early, and when we got home, you and I had way more fun alone in the bedroom.” 

He put his arm around Armand’s shoulders. Armand gave him a sideway glance. “You’d have wasted your life away in bed if I’d have let you.” 

“With you? Definitely.” 

Armand gently removed Daniel’s arm from around his shoulders and touched the frame of the painting, testing to see if anything happened. This was a smaller art museum, not the Met, and while they had security, it wasn’t top notch. It didn’t need to be. This particular painting was valued at about two thousand dollars. A lot for something that looked like the 70s threw up on a canvas, but nothing compared to other works. 

“Are you sure you don’t want to just leave it here?” Daniel asked. “I mean, your face has adorned museums before.” 

God knew Marius had painted him enough times. Hell, Daniel knew for a fact a painting of Armand was currently hanging in an art museum in Brazil. It was a portrait Marius had painted from memory one night on a whim. It had looked so real that Daniel had spent six straight hours staring into its eyes before passing out in front of it. Marius had moved it out of the house, afraid that it was causing Daniel distress. He’d still been a little unstable at the time. 

“It’s ours,” Armand said firmly. 

He’d tried to buy it from the artist the night she’d invited them over to show it to them. She’d refused but promise to give it to them in a few years. But then they’d moved to Miami and the painting had been forgotten. Until last week, when a brochure for the museum had arrived in the mail and there it was, hanging in the background. 

Daniel had looked up the artist only to learn she’d died a few years ago and her family had donated her collection. The museum was not interesting in selling. 

Daniel shrugged. “Okay, boss. It’s your call.” 

Armand tugged on the frame and it came off the wall easily. Daniel waited, half-expecting alarms to sound like in a heist movie, but the museum was dead silent. Armand turned and headed for the exit. “Don’t forget the money.” 

“Right. Got to support the arts.” Daniel couldn’t help being sarcastic but he did pull out the thick stack of hundreds and leave it on the ground below where the painting had hung. They walked out into the lobby, where two guards were snoring softly in their chairs, the monitors in front of them blank, and went out the front door. 

“That’s ugly,” Benji said, as Armand hung the painting in a prominent place in the upstairs hall. 

“It’s art,” Armand corrected. 

“Did you really used to dress like that?” He looked at Daniel curiously. 

“The polo shirt? Yes. It was actually cool to dress like that back then. I was a very cool guy.” 

Armand made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a snort. Daniel shot him a look but his back to was to them and he didn’t see it. 

“In hot pink and yellow?” Benji was incredulous, clearly offended by the thought.

“The colors are a stylistic choice,” Armand said, stepping back to examine how it looked now that it was hanging on their wall, portrait Daniel flipping the bird to anyone who passed by. 

“You should wear glasses again,” Benji said. “You look better with them.” 

“Don’t you have Pokemon to catch?” Daniel asked. 

Benji rolled his eyes. “You’re the only one who plays that game. But I do have to get back to Fortnite. My friends are waiting.” He turned and left, disappearing into his room.

“You realize he’s not actually a child anymore,” Armand said. He put his arm around Daniel’s waist. 

“Yeah, yeah.” 

Daniel looked at the painting. Armand’s hair was cropped short in it and his eyes were magnetic, his expression slightly mischievous, his smile curved in amusement. “You’re beautiful there. She really captured you.” 

Armand tightened his arm around him. “So are you.” 

“I look like a drunken asshole.” 

Armand kissed him on the cheek, quick and feather-light. “You were happy that night.” 

Daniel smiled. Even as he flipped off the camera in the painting, you could see it in his eyes and his little smirk. He’d been tired and tequila-drunk, sure, but happy. 

“Are you happy? Now?” Daniel asked. 

Armand studied his face, those alluring brown eyes burning into him as if he might finally break through the wall that kept him from reading Daniel’s thoughts. 

“In this moment? Yes.” 

That wasn’t exactly what he’d meant but it was close enough and Daniel decided not to push his luck. Instead, he leaned against Armand, and stared up at the garish neon depiction of them both from another time, when they were also happy, and hoped this time it would last for a while.  

_____

AO3

Vamptember has been so fun, I've loved trying to come up with stuff for the prompts, and I've had a great time reading/seeing all of the stuff other people came up with. Thank you to the folks who made it happen, you are awesome!

#vamptember #daniel/armand #daniel molloy #armand #devil's minion #vampire daniel #humor #silly fic #self indulgent fluff #fanfic #my fic #vc #vampire chronicles

[stingslikeabee]

❝  looks worse than it was.  ❞ his sunglasses discarded, he offers her a grin - the grim mark across his left eye something of a focal point for many. the pink flesh that surrounds the white of his gaze, an old wound so easily disguised with the swagger of designer shades (so unfortunately garish without them). regardless, he isn't uncomfortable beside her; not when he knows her so well, and has so many of her girls on speed-dial. he retracts into his seat before stealing a sip of his drink - urges her to do the same with a look. "i mean - i could tell ya th'story but it's no different than all the others. i pissed off the wrong person-" a small chuckle, a lean in close beside her - close enough to bump a shoulder with her own - sebastian no stranger to touch "what about you? got any horror stories-" he pries, grin widening "any marks y'care to share? y'know me, melissa, i'll be respectful." and then a snort. him? respectful? flirtatious perhaps - but never respectful.

unscripted asks . always accepting

"Really? I guess I should have seen the other guy, hm?" the brunette quipped with a small smile, amusement twisting the corner of painted lips while crimson nails held a glass which Melissa did not yet touch. Not because she wasn't feeling it - but because the bartender of that place in particular was really good; the colors of the ingredients mixed nicely, creating an artificial sunset landscape in her glass that was rather enticing.

But no more than Sebastian - although the woman was positive that whatever story he shared would be different if he offered to do it for a second time. It was just so difficult to pin him down - and it was precisely part of the charm, wasn't it? Melissa was used to screening people for her girls, selecting those who would not be dangerous and came with deep pockets... And after all these years reading men for pleasure and partners for business, she was drawing blanks with him.

Sebastian had no reason to harm her, but the man was no protector - maybe, just maybe, this was why they worked so well together and the reason their partnership was seeing such a nice profit for both parties involved (and her little flowers, of course).

Eventually, Melissa did sip the cocktail - only because the colors seemed to have settled and she could do with something refreshing on the tongue. The brunette never moved her eyes from him, however - and his attempts at encouraging her were weak at best, but the modern-day madame knew he wasn't trying; not really. It was no actual quest for intel but more of something to amuse himself with.

And where was the harm in a little game between friends?

"I'm sure you can imagine I have my own secrets from the time I was not yet a gardener; there is a reason I'm no longer a pretty flower myself, darling," Melissa chuckled, another sip of the drink going down but with slight less grace than the first - almost as if she was preparing to share some incredible confession.

And her body language matched it - the brunette leaned forward, the movement highlighted in how the jewelry around her made soft jingling sounds, as if bells were toiling at a distance. The perfume got stronger, the twinkle in her eyes brighter - honey-colored hues like expensive whiskey and inviting Sebastian to get drunk on them, too.

"My issue was always with ties, belts and phone cords. The more respectable they act in public, the more likely they are to use it for control. Luckily, my scars are only internal," she spoke with such tranquility about the topic that one had to wonder - was it even true? The horrors of the profession were not difficult to picture, but had Melissa lived through it at the time she was paired to clients by another, perhaps a less attentive and prudent agent?

"I like keeping my neck free of fabric since then - besides, I look fabulous in a plunging dress. Not a bad canvas for some of the necklaces I own," the woman chuckled, moving just a bit backwards and imposing distance once more between the two of them - but the conversation remained charged, as if the brunette had not shifted at all, "Wouldn't you agree? I'm more than willing to receive the next commission in diamonds, if you happen to be short on cash."

#mencnfire #v: House of Flowers #replied #choking tw #they are both awful #a pair of scoundrels #they will be best friends

[clothinginepal]

Embrace Bohemian Elegance: Discover Hippie Woman and Vintage Printed Dresses

In the world of fashion, there's a timeless allure to pieces that embody the free-spirited charm of bohemian style. Enter the realm of Hippie Woman and Vintage Printed dresses, where femininity meets individuality in every stitch. Let's explore the unique characteristics of each, celebrating their eclectic flair and nostalgic appeal.

Experience Feminine Freedom with Hippie Woman Dresses

Hippie Woman Dress is more than just garments; they're a celebration of femininity and self-expression. With their flowing silhouettes, delicate fabrics, and whimsical details, these dresses exude a sense of effortless elegance and bohemian charm. Whether adorned with floral patterns, intricate lace, or colorful embroidery, Hippie Woman dresses invite you to embrace your inner goddess and dance to the rhythm of your own heartbeat. Perfect for sun-soaked days and moonlit nights, these dresses offer a versatile canvas for expressing your unique sense of style. Pair them with sandals and a floppy hat for a carefree daytime look or dress them up with heels and statement jewelry for a night out on the town - the possibilities are endless.

Timeless Charm with Vintage Printed Dresses

For those who crave a touch of nostalgia in their wardrobe, Vintage Printed dresses are the perfect choice. Inspired by the fashion trends of bygone eras, these dresses feature retro-inspired prints and silhouettes that evoke a sense of romanticism and vintage allure. From bold florals to quirky geometric patterns, Vintage Printed dresses capture the essence of old-world charm with a modern twist. Each dress tells a story of days gone by, inviting you to embrace the nostalgia of a bygone era while still staying firmly rooted in the present. Whether you're attending a garden party, sipping cocktails with friends, or simply strolling through the city streets, Vintage Printed dresses add a touch of whimsy and sophistication to any occasion.

Transition Seamlessly with Style

Transitioning between seasons and occasions is effortless with the versatile charm of Hippie Vintage Printed Dresses. From breezy summer days to crisp autumn evenings, these dresses offer the perfect blend of comfort and style for any time of year. Whether you're lounging in the park, exploring new destinations, or celebrating life's special moments, Hippie Woman and Vintage Printed dresses adapt to your every move with grace and elegance. With their timeless appeal and bohemian flair, these dresses are sure to become cherished staples in your wardrobe for years to come.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Wardrobe with Bohemian Chic

In a world where self-expression reigns supreme, Hippie Woman and Vintage Printed dresses offer a stylish canvas for showcasing your unique sense of fashion. Whether you prefer the flowing femininity of Hippie Woman dresses or the nostalgic charm of Vintage Printed styles, these dresses allow you to embrace your individuality with confidence and grace. From casual outings to formal affairs, let your wardrobe reflect the beauty of your spirit with dresses that effortlessly blend femininity, freedom, and timeless elegance.

#Hippie Woman Dress #Hippie Vintage Printed Dresses

[james-smith07]

Plating Perfection: The Art and Science of Sandwich Platters in Modern Catering

Have you ever marveled at the beauty of a perfectly arranged sandwich platter at an event? Beyond just a convenient meal option, sandwich platters in modern catering blend both art and science to create appetizing, visually appealing, and balanced offerings. This culinary craft has evolved significantly since the invention of sandwich, becoming a staple in gatherings from casual brunches to formal receptions. Let’s unwrap the layers of creativity and precision that go into designing these edible masterpieces.

The Evolution of Sandwich Catering

From simple finger foods to elaborate gourmet offerings, the humble sandwich has come a long way since its invention. Initially crafted as a practical solution for eating on the go, sandwiches have transformed into centerpieces of catering platters, showcasing culinary innovation and elegance.

Understanding the Basics: Sandwich Platter Components

A great sandwich platter starts with a solid foundation. What are the elements? Typically, you've got an assortment of bread, a variety of fillings—from meats and cheeses to vegetables and spreads—and finally, the garnishes that add that extra touch.

The Role of Bread in Sandwich Platters

Think of bread as the canvas for your art. The choice of bread can make or break a sandwich platter. From rustic baguettes and ciabatta to soft brioche and traditional white loaf, each variety offers a different texture and flavor profile that complements specific fillings.

Selecting the Right Fillings

The heart of any sandwich, the fillings, should balance taste with visual appeal. Classic combinations like ham and cheese are timeless, but modern catering often involves exploring more adventurous flavors like smoked salmon with dill cream cheese or roasted vegetables with hummus.

The Importance of Texture and Color

Just like in a painting, texture and color play crucial roles in sandwich platters. A mix of crunchy and soft, vibrant and subtle, ensures that each bite is a delight and the platter is a feast for the eyes.

Arrangement Techniques

Arranging a sandwich platter is like composing a photograph. It's about creating layers, heights, and dimensions that draw the eye and invite guests to dive in. Circular, linear, or tiered—each layout serves a purpose and sets the mood.

Thematic Sandwich Platters

Ever attended a Hawaiian-themed party or a rustic wedding? Thematic sandwich platters can enhance these experiences, featuring ingredients that reflect the theme, like tropical fruits in a Hawaiian setting or artisanal cheeses in a rustic one.

Dressing Up Your Platter: Garnishes and Extras

Garnishes are not just decorative; they enhance the overall flavor. Think of capers sprinkled over a seafood sandwich or a sprig of mint on a lamb and yogurt concoction. These little extras can elevate a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience.

Catering for Diverse Dietary Needs

Today’s caterers must navigate a maze of dietary preferences and restrictions. Gluten-free bread, plant-based fillings, and allergy-aware setups are essential for inclusivity in modern catering.

The Art of Presentation

Presentation can make as much of an impact as the food itself. Creative use of platters, interesting color contrasts, and attention to detail in the layout can transform a sandwich offering into an art display.

Trends in Sandwich Platters

What's hot in the world of sandwich platters? From mini-sandwiches that allow for more variety and easier consumption to the use of exotic ingredients and bold flavor pairings, staying on top of trends is key to keeping offerings fresh and exciting.

Cost Considerations in Sandwich Platter Catering

While creativity is crucial, cost-effectiveness also plays a vital role. Balancing high-quality ingredients with budget constraints requires skill and knowledge of where to source the best products for the best price.

Training and Skills for Perfect Platters

Creating outstanding sandwich platters isn't just about having a good recipe; it requires training in food safety, composition, and flavor pairing. Professional caterers often undergo specific training to master these skills.

Conclusion: The Future of Sandwich Platters in Catering

As we look forward, the evolution of sandwich platters will likely continue to mirror broader culinary trends and societal changes. From eco-friendly practices to global flavor infusions, the future of sandwich catering is as promising as it is delicious. So next time you enjoy a sandwich from a beautifully curated platter, remember there's more than just ingredients at play—it's a rich blend of history, art, and science, all tucked neatly into a delightful package.

[tejomayabanquet]

Tejomay Banquet Hall- The best wedding venue in Pune

The Perfect Setting for Your Special Day: Tejomay Banquet Hall

When it comes to celebrating the most memorable days of your life, the venue plays a pivotal role in setting the right tone. Tejomay Banquet Hall in Pune is a venue that transcends the ordinary, offering an exquisite backdrop for weddings, engagements, and a wide range of events. This luxurious venue combines elegance with convenience, making it the ideal choice for those seeking engagement venues in Pune, wedding halls in Pune, or even corporate event venues.

Tejomay Lawns: Where Dreams Come to Life

At the heart of Tejomay Banquet Hall are the Tejomay lawns, a lush, expansive outdoor setting that is perfect for hosting grand wedding ceremonies or intimate gatherings. These lawns serve as a versatile space, adaptable for various setups, including traditional Indian weddings, chic cocktail parties, or formal corporate events. The Tejomay lawns and banquet provide a picturesque canvas upon which your event dreams can become a reality, enhanced by Tejomay lawns and banquet photos and Tejomay lawns and banquet Pune photos that capture the essence of the venue's beauty.

Engagements, Corporate Events, and Beyond

Whether you're searching for engagement halls in Pune or small wedding venues in Pune, Tejomay Banquet Hall caters to every need. Its distinction as one of the best wedding venues in Pune comes from its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity, offering amenities that ensure your event is nothing short of spectacular. For corporate gatherings, it stands out among business event venues and corporate events in Pune, providing an impeccable setting for meetings, seminars, and celebrations alike.

Celebrate Every Occasion in Style

Beyond weddings and engagements, Tejomay Banquet Hall is a hub for all of life's celebrations. Whether you're looking for birthday party lawns near me, small birthday party halls in Pune, or reception venues in Pune, this venue promises an unforgettable experience. Its versatility makes it the ideal choice for various events, affirming its status among the wedding venues in Pune and banquet halls in Pune for engagement.

Conclusion: A Venue Like No Other

Choosing Tejomay Banquet Hall for your wedding, engagement, or any special occasion means choosing a venue dedicated to making your dreams come true. With its breathtaking Tejomay lawns, comprehensive amenities, and exceptional service, it stands as the pinnacle of wedding venue Pune and engagement hall excellence. We invite you to celebrate your most cherished moments with us and create memories that will last a lifetime.

As you plan your wedding or engagement, remember that Tejomay Banquet Hall is more than just a venue; it's a place where your dreams take flight. We wish you joy and happiness as you embark on this beautiful journey. For bookings and more information, visit our official website at Tejomay Banquets, or contact us at:

Location: Opposite Hotel The Greetings, Hadapsar – Saswad Road, Wadki, Tal. Haweli, Dist.Pune Maharashtra-412308

Contact Info: 7447446465, 8625987789

Email: [email protected]

Choose Tejomay Banquet Hall for a celebration that mirrors the grandeur of your dreams, making every moment unforgettable.

#welcome home #wedding #wedding venue

[arletbeischel]

Where Memories are Made: The Top Bridal Party Venues for Your Special Day

Planning a wedding is an exhilarating journey filled with countless decisions, and one of the most significant choices is selecting the perfect venue for your bridal party. Whether you envision a romantic garden affair, a sophisticated banquet hall celebration, or a rustic outdoor gathering, choosing the right venue sets the tone for your special day. In this comprehensive guide, we explore a variety of bridal party venues tailored to different preferences, ensuring that your wedding celebration is nothing short of magical.

Enchanting Garden Venues

For couples dreaming of a fairy-tale wedding surrounded by natural beauty, garden venues offer an enchanting setting that evokes romance and whimsy. With blooming flowers, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes as your backdrop, garden venues provide a stunning backdrop for exchanging vows and celebrating love. Whether you prefer an intimate garden ceremony or a grand outdoor reception, these venues offer endless possibilities for creating timeless memories amidst nature's splendor.

Timeless Elegance of Historic Estates

For those seeking a touch of old-world charm and grandeur, historic estates and mansions serve as exquisite venues for bridal parties. Steeped in history and architectural splendor, these venues exude timeless elegance and sophistication, transporting guests to a bygone era of opulence and refinement. With their majestic ballrooms, ornate décor, and manicured gardens, historic estates provide a regal setting for exchanging vows and celebrating love in style.

Sophistication of Urban Loft Spaces

Modern couples with a penchant for sleek sophistication and urban chic may opt for bridal party venues in trendy loft spaces or industrial warehouses. Characterized by exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings, and minimalist aesthetics, urban loft spaces offer a contemporary backdrop for wedding celebrations with a touch of edgy flair. Whether you're hosting a glamorous rooftop soirée or an intimate candlelit dinner, these venues provide a blank canvas for expressing your unique style and vision.

Rustic Charm of Barns and Farmhouses

For couples drawn to the rustic charm of the countryside, barns and farmhouses provide a cozy and inviting backdrop for bridal parties infused with warmth and charm. With their weathered wood beams, sprawling pastures, and rustic ambiance, these venues capture the essence of rural romance and simple elegance. Whether you're planning a barn wedding with a rustic-chic aesthetic or a laid-back outdoor celebration under the stars, barns and farmhouses offer a picturesque setting for creating cherished memories with family and friends.

Exclusivity of Private Estates and Villas

For couples seeking privacy and exclusivity for their bridal party, private estates and villas offer an unparalleled sense of luxury and intimacy. Nestled amidst lush landscapes or perched atop scenic vistas, these exclusive venues provide a secluded retreat for couples to exchange vows and celebrate their love surrounded by breathtaking beauty. With their luxurious amenities, personalized service, and breathtaking views, private estates and villas offer a romantic setting for creating unforgettable memories on your special day.

Conclusion

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and choosing the perfect venue for your bridal party is essential to creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. Whether you envision a romantic garden affair, a sophisticated ballroom celebration, or a rustic countryside gathering, the top bridal party venues cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. By carefully considering factors such as ambiance, aesthetics, and amenities, you can select a venue that reflects your unique style and vision, ensuring that your wedding celebration is nothing short of magical. So go ahead, explore your options, and let your love story unfold in a setting that feels like a dream come true.

[sepanbanquet]

Where Wedding Dreams Meet Luxury at Banquet Halls in Glendale

Welcome to the world of platinum weddings, where the most amazing combinations of luxury and love are found. Sepan Banquet Hall is a location that perfectly captures this grandeur in the heart of Glendale, which is well known for its beauty and elegance. It’s a location where aspirations are vividly brought to life rather than merely imagined. Let’s travel through this magical world of banquet halls in Glendale, where elegance and extravagance permeate every corner.

Platinum Planning Tips Arranging a high-end wedding in Los Angeles is a skill that requires a careful balancing act between extravagance and minute attention to detail. A platinum wedding’s distinctiveness and customization are the keys to success.

Themes and Decor: When choosing a theme, think timeless elegance meets modern luxury. . Whether it’s a modern, stylish affair or a timeless romance from a fairy tale, the theme should represent your own journey. Think of elegant color schemes, large-scale flower arrangements, and custom installations for décor that make an impact. Personal Touches: A platinum wedding is elevated by the little details. A touch of exclusivity is added with personalized stationery, monogrammed invitations, and distinctive guest goodies for family and family. From a spectacular entrance to a memorable send-off, consider crafting an immersive experience for your guests. Each moment should seem like a celebration of your special love story. Latest Tech: A platinum wedding may also be made even more spectacular by incorporating technology. Think of innovative ideas like digital guestbooks where guests can leave heartfelt video messages, or live streaming services for loved ones who can’t attend in person. At Sepan Banquet Hall, we make sure that these technologies are seamlessly included, enhancing the event without detracting from its elegant nature. These contemporary elements appeal to modern couples who want to combine innovation and tradition for their wedding. Gourmet Delights The culinary arts are at the forefront of any memorable wedding experience. A cuisine fit for a platinum wedding needs to be both delicious and elegant.

Outstanding Cuisine: Offering a diverse range of flavors, the culinary crew at our hall specializes in Mediterranean, International, and Mexican cuisines. Every meal, from sophisticated canapés to decadent main dishes, is expertly prepared using only the best ingredients and presented in a polished manner.

Bespoke Menus: Sepan Banquet Hall provides the option to design custom menus since our team understands that your culinary tastes are as distinctive as your love tale. The staff at Sepan collaborates with you to create a culinary experience that matches your preferences and wows your guests, whether you’re thinking of serving a gourmet multi-course meal or an exquisite buffet.

Venue Highlight Sepan Banquet Hall, one of the top banquet halls in Glendale, is the height of elegance for your golden wedding. Its adaptability is what truly sets it apart from other options, giving it the ideal canvas for your upscale party.

Luxurious Spaces: With its opulent ballrooms and chic decor, Sepan Banquet Hall provides an ambiance of sophistication. For your big day, the hall’s lofty ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and exquisite furniture create a grand atmosphere. Versatility for Your Vision: Sepan’s adaptable venues can be customized to match your vision, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand soiree. The versatile nature of our venues makes it the top choice among couples seeking a one-of-a-kind wedding venue in Glendale. Lightning and Acoustics: The lighting and acoustic features of Sepan Banquet Hall are yet another unique feature. Whether you want a bright, lively environment or a delicate, romantic glow, the appropriate lighting can completely change a room and create an ambiance that goes with your chosen theme. Our cutting-edge sound system makes sure that every note, whether it’s from a DJ, a live band, or the exchanging of vows, sounds clear and unique. These technical aspects are handled with precision and attention to keep the atmosphere as elegant as the rest of your platinum wedding.

The Sepan Difference When it comes to Glendale banquet halls, Sepan Banquet Hall really stands out for its dedication to providing an unmatched wedding experience.

Attention to Detail: Our staff at Sepan are experts in luxury events.. Their meticulous attention to detail guarantees a stress-free and perfect wedding day from the very beginning of preparation to the very end.

Personalized Service: Every couple at Sepan is special, and so ought to be their wedding. In order to make sure that your wedding is more than simply an occasion but rather a representation of your own style and love tale, the team goes above and beyond to offer tailored services.

Sepan’s Signature Touch on Your Special Day The selection you make about the location of your ideal platinum wedding in Glendale will impact the atmosphere of the whole event. Sepan Banquet Hall is unquestionably the best option in banquet halls in Glendale for anyone looking for style, sophistication, and a personalized experience.

In the hands of Sepan’s experienced team, your wedding day will be more than just an event; it will be a lasting memory, a celebration of love at its most luxurious. At Sepan Banquet Hall, we don’t just host weddings; we craft experiences that are as unforgettable as they are luxurious.

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Bollywood Parties Toronto

From Beats to Bliss: The Irresistible Allure of Bollywood Parties You Can't Ignore!

Attending Bollywood Parties Toronto is a mesmerizing journey that transcends mere social gatherings. It's an immersive experience where vibrant beats and cultural richness converge, creating an irresistible allure that captivates everyone entering this glamorous world. 

From the glitz of the red carpet to the rhythmic dance floors, Bollywood parties offer a unique blend of entertainment, culture, and unabashed bliss.

The Rhythmic Pulse of Bollywood Beats:

At the heart of every Bollywood party is its pulsating beats. The infectious rhythm of Bollywood music, infused with a kaleidoscope of melodies and beats, sets the stage for an unforgettable night. 

The DJ becomes the maestro, orchestrating the symphony of classic and contemporary tunes that echo through the venue. 

Whether you're a seasoned dancer or someone tapping your foot in the corner, the irresistible allure of these beats compels you to join the dance floor.

Glamour and Glitz on the Red Carpet:

Bollywood parties are synonymous with glamour, and the red carpet is where the magic begins. Attendees showcase their sartorial splendor, donning outfits that range from traditional ethnic wear to chic contemporary ensembles. Celebrities and commoners alike revel in the opportunity to make a style statement. 

The red carpet becomes a fashion spectacle, giving a sneak peek into the diverse tastes and trends defining the Bollywood party scene.

Cultural Extravaganza:

Beyond the surface glitz, Bollywood parties are a celebration of culture. From traditional dance performances to live music, these events pay homage to the rich tapestry of Indian traditions. 

The fusion of modernity and tradition creates an immersive cultural experience. Attendees are transported to a world where the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and rhythmic movements tell the story of India's cultural diversity.

Unleashing the Dance Diva:

Bollywood parties are a haven for dance enthusiasts. The dance floor transforms into a canvas where attendees unleash their inner dance diva. 

Whether you're a professional dancer or someone attempting your first Bollywood dance steps, the energy on the dance floor is infectious. 

It's a space where inhibitions are shed, and everyone becomes a part of the collective rhythm, moving to the beats that echo the spirit of Bollywood.

Networking with the Who's Who:

Bollywood parties in Toronto are not just about revelry but also networking hubs. 

Celebrities, influencers, and industry professionals often grace these events. The allure of rubbing shoulders with the who's who of the industry adds an extra layer of excitement. 

Attendees find themselves immersed in conversations beyond the dance floor, opening doors to new opportunities and connections.

Blissful Memories:

As the night unfolds and the beats continue to weave their magic, Bollywood parties leave attendees with blissful memories. The laughter, the dance, the cultural immersion – all contribute to an unforgettable experience. 

Whether you attend as a Bollywood enthusiast or a casual partygoer, the allure of these events lingers, leaving a lasting impression that beckons you to return for more.

Conclusion:

Bollywood parties in Toronto are more than just social gatherings; they celebrate music, culture, and the unbridled joy of being alive. 

From the beats that make your heart race to the cultural extravaganza that unfolds, these events are a testament to the magnetic allure that keeps drawing people in. 

So, buy tickets from Top Toronto Clubs to attend Bollywood Party Toronto and never miss the opportunity to join the rhythm, dance under the stars, and create memories that will remain in your heart long after the melody fades. 

It's not just a party; it's an invitation to a world where every beat resonates with the spirit of celebration, and every step on the dance floor becomes part of an unforgettable journey through the irresistible allure of Bollywood.

Look at our homepage to get more information about 1!

#Bollywood Night Toronto #Bollywood Toronto #Bollywood Club #Bollywood Party Toronto #Bollywood Parties Toronto #Vimeo #SoundCloud

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Zenone Wakad: 2 and 3 BHK Comfort and Luxury !!!

Welcome to Zenone Wakad, where the essence of tranquility merges seamlessly with the pleasures of modern living. This blog invites you to explore the unique features, amenities, pricing, specifications, and connectivity that make  Zenone Wakad a coveted residential gem.

Unveiling the Highlights:

Serene Living Spaces:

Zenone Wakad offers thoughtfully designed 2 and 3 BHK homes, providing residents with spacious and serene living environments.

Prime Location:

Nestled in the prime location of Wakad on the Aundh-Hinjawadi BRT Road, Zenone ensures easy accessibility to major hubs like Aundh and Hinjawadi.

Meticulously crafted interiors:

Discover well-planned living spaces where each room reflects a spacious design and thoughtful layout, creating the perfect canvas for your dreams.

Elevate Your Lifestyle with Amenities:

Recreation and Relaxation:

Immerse yourself in a world of luxury with amenities like a swimming pool, clubhouse, jogging track, party lawn, children’s play area, open gymnasium, amphitheater, and sit-out area.

Safety and Security:

Experience peace of mind with features such as a video door phone, a firefighting system, a security cabin, and rainwater harvesting.

Pricing and Floor Plans:

2 BHK Homes:

Starting from ₹91.5L (all inclusive.), Kalcon Zenone Wakad offers spacious living spaces that go beyond residences, providing comfort and inspiration.

3 BHK Homes:

Starting from ₹1.12CR (all inclusive.), experience the epitome of fine living with meticulously crafted homes and optimal ventilation.

Connectivity at Your Doorstep:

Seamless Access to Key Locations:

Situated on the Aundh-Hinjawadi BRT Road, Zenone Wakad offers proximity to Shree Datta Mandir Wakad, Bird Valley Wakad Restaurant, Sayaji Hotel, Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, The Orchid Hotel Pune, D-Mart Thergaon, Ginger Pune Wakad, and Aditya Birla Hospital.

Conclusion:

Embrace a life where every moment unfolds with joy at Zenone Wakad. Reserve your dream home and step into a haven where happiness blossoms like a flower in full bloom. Your journey to elevated living begins here.

Feel Free to connect with us for more details: https://zenonewakad.com/

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Pixels and Puns: A Frolic Through the Algorithmic Abyss

In the labyrinthine corridors of modern creativity, where the whispers of muses are drowned out by the cacophony of notification pings, there lies a curious crossroads. Here, the ancient, dust-covered world of art clasps hands with the neon-bathed, circuit-veined landscape of technology, birthing a creature most bizarre yet mesmerizing: Digital and Computational Art. Picture, if you will, a realm where Leonardo da Vinci meets Elon Musk in a VR chatroom, debating the aesthetics of the Mona Lisa's digital twin, all while a pixelated Shakespeare performs a soliloquy in the background. Welcome, dear historians, to the mad tea party of the 21st century.

Our tale begins with the alchemists of the digital age: artists wielding code as their wand, conjuring visuals that defy the mundane laws of physics. These sorcerers of the screen transform cold, logical algorithms into a riot of colors and shapes, birthing art that pulses with life, much like the gyrations of a TikTok dance challenge gone viral. Imagine, if you will, a canvas where the brushstrokes are lines of Python, and the palette is a rainbow of RGB values, creating portraits that could out-sass the Mona Lisa herself.

In the bustling agora of this digital renaissance, interactive art emerges as the mischievous trickster. It beckons viewers closer, whispering promises of a performance where you, dear spectator, are the puppeteer. Here, art evolves with the flick of a wrist, a step to the left, or a shout into the void. A sculpture that morphs in response to your heart rate, perhaps reflecting the collective anxiety of watching the finale of your favorite series. Or a painting that shifts hues with the trends on Twitter, forever trapped in a cycle of existential crisis as it ponders whether it's more #BlueOrGold.

Venture deeper, and you'll stumble upon the oracle of this digital domain: AI and machine learning. These ethereal entities weave narratives from the data detritus of our lives, creating art that is as unpredictable as a plot twist in a telenovela. Imagine a machine that paints dreams from your Instagram feed, blending cat videos with political memes to reveal the absurdity of your subconscious desires. Or an AI poet that composes sonnets from Reddit threads, capturing the zeitgeist in verses that would leave Shakespeare clutching his pearls.

Yet, amidst this carnival of innovation, a question lingers like the last guest at a party who can't take a hint: What does it all mean? As we frolic through the algorithmic abyss, are we witnessing the zenith of human creativity or the beginning of our obsolescence? Fear not, for the answer is as clear as the plot of an avant-garde film festival entry. Digital and computational art is not the end but a new beginning, a testament to the timeless dance between science and art, where each step forward is a pirouette into the unknown.

And so, dear historians, as we stand at the precipice of this digital frontier, let us embrace the chaos. For in the kaleidoscopic landscape of digital and computational art, we find a reflection of our own multifaceted existence. It is a realm where code meets canvas, pixels ponder philosophy, and algorithms aspire to emotion. Here, art is not merely seen but experienced, a dynamic entity that invites us to question, to interact, and to marvel at the strange beauty of a world in flux.

In conclusion, as we navigate the pixelated pathways of this brave new world, let us remember that the essence of art remains unchanged. It is the mirror held up to our collective soul, reflecting the beauty, the tragedy, and the unending hilarity of being human. So, raise your virtual glasses, dear adventurers, for the journey through the algorithmic abyss is but the latest chapter in the grand odyssey of human expression. And what a meme-worthy chapter it promises to be.

#science art #science #science education #education #art