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221brownstone · 5 years

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Vulture: Elementary’s Joan Watson Is the Best-Dressed Detective on TV

In the seventh and final season of Elementary, Joan Watson is blonde. The character’s style has constantly evolved alongside her detective career and partnership with Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller), but in all her years on the show, there has been very little change to Lucy Liu’s locks. With just 13 episodes left, though, Joan has drastically altered her hair, which in turn means one last style shake-up for the best-dressed detective on TV.

Credit for that goes to costume designer Rebecca Hofherr, who has worked on the CBS procedural since its second episode in 2012, and who has guided Joan’s transformation from predominantly casual-leaning clothing to more structured menswear-inspired pieces. Hofherr spoke to Vulture about the narrative and fashion influences behind Joan’s costume evolution, including how they put their own stamp on an iconic duo and the sartorial challenges of shooting a 20-plus-episode season in New York City.

Joan’s styling was much more relaxed in the first year of Elementary. As his sober companion, her relationship with Sherlock was initially a professional commitment. She was not yet a detective and she was very much in the background of the investigation scenes. “Her clothing was very casual because that’s what the job called for,” Hofherr says. As Joan got more versed in the crime-solving world, her role shifted from sober companion to Sherlock’s protégée. By the second season, her costuming moved toward a slightly more sophisticated and buttoned-up approach. “As cheesy as it might sound, you need to put on a little more armor when dealing with the NYPD and all these criminals,” says Hofherr.

Joan’s wardrobe isn’t an either/or between suits and dresses, or even casual and business attire. She didn’t become a detective and suddenly stop wearing comfortable clothing. The suits reflect a change in Joan’s status and independence as an investigator, but dresses and sandals are still a vital style ingredient. During one Hofherr’s first conversations with Liu, they agreed Joan should “feel like a real New Yorker.” Expanding on this, Hofherr included staple items such as blazers or sandals, which most women have in their closets to dress an outfit up or down. “It was really nice to be able to incorporate them into a professional world for Joan,” she says.

Discovering the true cost of a TV character’s wardrobe is an eye-opening experience. Joan’s closet is definitely packed with high-end items — Hofherr’s go-to favored designers for Joan include Victoria Beckham, Saint Laurent, Isabel Marant, and Stella McCartney, with Rag & Bone as her signature bootee choice — but to ensure her clothing reflected that New Yorker aspect, Hofherr also shopped at Zara and H&M. “It was really important to do a mix,” she says. “I think that’s pretty much how everyone shops. I don’t think it’s realistic to only shop at high-end stores.”

Noticeable costume repeats tend to be outerwear, but Hofherr also uses staple investment pieces such as high-waisted black pencil Victoria Beckham pants. (Dressing them with an inexpensive top, she adds, is “a great way to get a lot of outfits out of a really expensive pair of pants.”) There is an aspirational element to Joan’s garments, but the high-low mixing reflects how a lot of people shop. Hofherr also notes with a laugh that “pretty much everything Lucy wore from Zara, I also own. I was like, Oh, I can afford that.”

The one item that has appeared in all seven seasons? Joan’s red men’s Elder Statesman “house sweater.” Most people have a cozy garment that they only wear in the comfort of their own home, Hofherr explains, and Joan is no different. Sherlock and Joan’s brownstone home doubles as their office, but she wouldn’t be wearing suits at all hours of the day and night while solving a case. As Liu has worn this sweater so many times on the show, Hofherr says that not only has it molded to her body but it also has the pulls of a well-loved garment. It is also a color Joan doesn’t typically wear, which visually makes it a “nice change.”

Joan doesn’t eschew color, but a black-and-white motif runs through the first season to the last. Regardless of whether it is a suit, skirt, or a more casual outfit, sticking with the same color tone allows for experimentation with pattern. In the above outfit from season four’s “The Games Underfoot,” she wears a Saint Laurent polka-dotted tie with a checkered J.O.A. skirt and polka-dotted Ji Oh blouse. Sometimes the costume choice reflects Joan’s career, but on occasions like this one, it shows that Joan has a “fashionable side” too. “She can throw these things together and look really cute,” Hofherr says.

Two big style turning points emphasize Joan’s drive for equal footing with Sherlock as a detective. First came the ties, introduced at the end of season three. Suits followed, making their initial sartorial stamp in season five. The message is clear: Long gone are the days when Joan was Sherlock’s student. As with a lot of Joan’s costuming, she doesn’t stick to one specific suit-and-tie combo. In fact, the Marc Jacobs shirt above (which Hofherr got from one of her go-to sites, Shopbop) is a bit of an optical illusion, as it doesn’t even include a tie. Vests were thrown into the mix after Hofherr made the decision to stick with suits. It is also a nod to her relationship with Sherlock: Up to this point, Hofherr points out, vests have been Sherlock’s thing, so this costume mirroring is “a little nod to her respecting him so much.”

“I went to all ends of the Earth!” Hofherr laughs when talking about the many ties Joan has worn on Elementary. Men’s offerings were out of the question for someone of Liu’s stature, as they are just too wide and long. She snapped up everything Saint Laurent and Gucci had on offer, but she also shopped at uniform companies, bought a few kids’ ties, and even made them in-house. Maybe a Joan Watson tie line should be next? “If all these designers are going to sell women’s suits, I would love for them to start making women’s ties,” Hofherr suggests.

Another later costume addition was the Victorian-style Isabel Marant blouse. In part, this outfit was a hat tip to the original Holmes and Watson, but it also added another variation on the suit theme. One of the biggest challenges when doing a show with a full 20-plus-episode order is obtaining enough clothing, particularly for a fashion-forward character like Joan. Hofherr says that she needs 50 outfits a month — on average, Joan has five changes per episode — and costuming was made trickier because designers don’t typically replenish their collections between seasons. “We end up making a lot of clothes based on designs we love and change a few things because I can’t find 20 Victorian-style blouses or 20 men’s-style blouses,” Hofherr laments. “I can find five, but then that’s it for four months.”

Fashion seasons are not the only Elementary costume challenge, as shooting outside in New York City from July to May means having to find clothing that fits all weather cycles. (The 13-episode final season was a bit easier, though, because they only shot until December.) Sherlock sticks to the same styles — “This guy would buy 20 of the same shirts, the same sport coat, and the same pants,” Hofherr says — and he has also worn the same Tom Ford winter peacoat for seven years. On the flip side, Joan has many changes, but she isn’t going to have a different coat for each outfit, as that is neither practical or realistic for either the character or the designer. Hofherr’s preference was to have between five and ten on hand: “If we got the coats fitted and ready to go we could just recycle them episode after episode.” Outerwear is something that is repeated across various seasons — including the Alice + Olivia coat above — but accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves are switched out to keep things fresh.

Sometimes the weather also dictates the type of hat required: “I originally got that hat because we were shooting outside one day in the rain and they didn’t want to have umbrellas,” Hofherr says. The wider brim of this Barneys-brand men’s hat has since been worn on a number of occasions, as has the tie-waist Marissa Webb windowpane check coat (which will reappear in the final season).

Of course, the story also dictates what Hofherr chooses for Joan. At the end of season six, creator Rob Doherty didn’t know if they were going to get renewed, so they shot two different endings. This particular Diane von Furstenberg dress fit both the ending we saw and the alternative they filmed — though Hofherr couldn’t provide any other details without spoiling the end of season seven as well. “I wanted it to be timeless, as I didn’t know if it was the last time we were ever going to see Joan Watson,” she says. “It was a little bit of an ode to all the Joans we have seen throughout the seasons. I felt a suit would have been a different look for that final scene.” No surprise, then, that it is also one of Hofherr’s costume highlights.

Hofherr couldn’t pick a single favorite outfit, but this one she considers to be the most significant. At the end of season three, Sherlock has almost killed a man and relapsed, but Joan’s loyalty doesn’t waver. “This is where we start to see the Joan that we will forever know,” says Hofherr. “And I think this is the best version of Joan too.” The pink skirt is by Roland Mouret and the shirt is Uniqlo, which is another high-low outfit mix. It also happens to be the first time Joan wears a tie, which is a huge style turning point.

Hofherr also spoke in depth about working with Liu, not only as an actress but in her role as a director. (She has stepped behind the camera six times on Elementary.) Referring to Liu as “one of the most inspirational women I’ve had in my life” — she also did the costume design on the Liu-starring Netflix rom-com Set It Up — she says Liu is “willing to take risks, but she knows exactly when to take them.”

Which brings us back to the blonde mystery. Hofherr had already FaceTimed with Liu sporting her new hair color, but the styling was a task of its own. “She walked in for her first fitting of the final season and I didn’t recognize her,” said Hofherr laughing. They did plan fewer outfits than previous seasons’ fittings, she adds, “because we were figuring out what works with the blonde hair and what doesn’t.” Don’t worry: There are still plenty of outfits to come, particularly in the last two episodes. (Hofherr teased that Joan will have ten-plus changes.)

The signature black-and-white motif remains, including these fabulous Stella McCartney palazzo pants. “I always know it’s a really good outfit when all the crew members ask me what it is,” Hofherr says. That is the exact reaction Liu got when she stepped on set in this particular costume.

#joan watson #lucy liu #rebecca hofherr #elementary #elementasquee #behind the scenes #who dresses you girl #i think what you do is amazing #read more

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moondancewrites · 6 years

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Kaleidoscope Eyes - Chapter 1

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Lucy Larson (OC)

Warnings: Fluff, eventual smut

Summary: After the Infinity War, Bucky Barnes is invited to officially join the Avengers and move into their compound. For the first time in a long time, everything in Bucky’s life makes sense. He has a place he belongs, friends who care about him, and a purpose. But, there’s one thing that’s keeping him from feeling truly like his old self. It isn’t long before he realizes that the something he’s missing might be found in Lucy Larson, a Stark Industries employee who has worked her way up the ranks to become Maria Hill’s executive assistant at the Avengers compound.

A/N: This story exists in a perfect world where none of our beloved Avengers die in Infinity War and Cap and everyone come back to the Avengers compound to live and work. What’s the point of fan fiction if you can’t keep the ones you love alive, right? Be gentle on me - this is my first Bucky fic and it scares the hell out of me to write someone as complex as him. Also, this will switching POVs every once in a while.

Chapter 1

John Lennon’s voice filled the room, signaling the start of another day. Lucy reached for the console beside her bed, fumbling to turn off the alarm.

“Five more minutes,” she whined, hugging her pillow and squeezing her eyes closed to keep out the early morning sun.

“Ms. Larson.” F.R.I.D.A.Y.’s soft voice filled the room . Lucy turned onto her side, pulling her pillow over her head as if that would hide her from the omnipresent AI. “Ms. Hill wanted to make sure that everything was ready for this morning’s arrival.”

“This mornings …. Oh!” Lucy sprang up in bed, wide-eyed with excitement. “Y-yes, F.R.I.D.A.Y. Everything is ready. I just need to go down and do some final checks.”

The day was finally here. Today, all of her friends would be back home after saving the world, once again. Not wanting to waste another second, Lucy jumped out of bed and ran to the shower. While she washed her hair, Lucy went over the list in her head of things she had to do to prepare for the day.

Lucy had been given the task of setting up the living quarters for one of the newest member of the team. It took a little coaxing, but Steve had managed to talk his best friend, Bucky Barnes, into officially joining the Avengers. Maria Hill, Lucy’s boss, put her in charge of making sure that his room was ready for him when he arrived. Since Bucky didn’t have many possessions to start with, Lucy pretty much had a clean slate when it came to decor and wardrobe.

Steve wanted the whole room to be a surprise, so she’d been working solely with him to cultivate items the would suit the new Avenger. They had been texting back and forth the last few days as the team made their way back home. Although, honestly, Lucy could have probably done it without asking Steve a single question since she knew so much about Bucky already. She’d known Steve for years now and he talked about Bucky all the time. She felt like she knew him already. Sure, she knew about him before, but that was only through the official files and the gossip around the compound. But through Steve, she felt like she knew the real Bucky - not just the Winter Soldier or the White Wolf or whatever people called him.

As the hour drew nearer, the butterflies in Lucy’s stomach started to flutter a little faster. Would he like what she’d done with his room? What if he didn’t like it? Would he tell her? Would he even talk to her at all? People were speculating that he would be the silent type. She wouldn’t be surprised by that at all, given his history, but she was determined to be his friend. Or maybe just make him smile. That was the day’s goal.

She was doing some final checks in his closet when there was a knock on the door. Her heart leapt in her chest. “They’re here,” Gina, one of her old friends from data maintenance said from the doorway. “Holy shit … it’s freezing in here.”

“That’s how Bucky likes it,” Lucy replied. Gina squinted at her and Lucy’s gaze shifted back to her task.

“And you know just how … Bucky likes it?” Gina choked on her laugh and Lucy had half a mind not to throw a shoe at her.

“I just mean … That’s what Steve … Sergeant Barnes …” She was flustered and Gina knew it, which made it even worse.

“C’mon, Luc … time to meet ….” Gina flipped her hair back over her shoulder as she said, “Sergeant Barnes,” with a teasing exuberance.

“I hate you,” Lucy muttered through gritted teeth.

“Love you, too.”

“Welcome home, Buck,” Steve said with a kind grin, patting his friend’s back. The place was even bigger than they’d all described. It felt more like a town than a compound.

“Thanks,” Bucky said with a gulp. He pulled on the strap of his bag nervously, tightening it around his shoulder. He was half expecting there to be a huge crowd of people waiting for them to arrive. If the whole team had arrived as a whole, maybe that would have been the case. But it was just him and Steve for now - the rest of the Avengers would slowly make their way back throughout the rest of the day. Steve thought it best for them to get there ASAP so Bucky could start to become acclimated before they started training for whatever lay ahead.

“Look, I know it’s a big change. And I know you’re nervous-”

“I’m not-” Bucky started, but Steve shot him a look that made him shrug in admission.

“It’s going to take some getting used to. But your room is right across the hall from me. And I’ve put someone I trust in charge of setting it up for you.” Bucky’s eyes followed Steve’s gaze. “There she is.” Steve smiled widely, waving at a woman coming down the stairs. “Buck, this is Lucy.”

“Hi Bu- … I mean, Sergeant Barnes,” the young woman said with a wide smile. She reached out her right hand and Bucky took it. Bucky was about to correct her and say that Bucky was fine, but she just kept right on talking. “I’m Lucy, Maria Hill’s executive assistant. She runs the compound, so I basically do whatever she needs me to do. And she’s made it clear to give you whatever you need to make you comfortable and I’ve been working with Steve on your room and I think you’re going to like it. At least I hope you do. But if you don’t, you can tell me and I’ll change it right away.” She was still shaking his hand. That is, until Bucky looked down at their hands and she realized what she was doing. She pulled away and a soft blush appeared on her freckle-speckled cheeks. “Sorry.”

“Thanks,” was all he could think of to say.

“Why don’t you show us what you’ve done?” Steve suggested.

“You … you want me to come with you?” Lucy asked, pointing at her chest.

“You’ve done all the hard work - you should show him,” he told her, grinning that signature Cap grin that would make most girls swoon. Lucy just smiled, though, which Bucky found interesting.

If this girl talked as much as she did while showing them the room, Bucky was certain he’d have a headache after her little tour. He’d never heard a person talk so fast in his life. And with such … giddiness, he decided, was the best way to describe it. The girl was practically bouncing on her heels. And those were some tall heels.

“Oh, okay. Sure. I can do that. This way, gentlemen.”

“She was in charge of my room?” Bucky whispered under his breath to Steve as they followed Lucy to the living quarters.

“She’s a sweet kid,” Steve sighed. “She’s just excited to meet you.”

That baffled Bucky. “Why?” he asked.

“Everyone’s excited to meet you, Buck. You helped save the world. And you’re my oldest friend. They’ve all heard a story or two.”

“Oh, great.” Bucky rolled his eyes. He was already having second thoughts about this whole new living situation.

“Here we are.” Lucy stopped in front of the door abruptly and Bucky nearly collided with her. She turned on her heel, reaching in the pocket of her cardigan to pull out a keycard. She handed it to Bucky. “This will get you in until we set up the retinal scan.” He just nodded and he thought he saw a hint of a frown tug on her bright smile.

“What are you waiting for, Buck?” Steve said, nodding to the keypad on the door. Bucky pushed the card against it and the door slid open without a sound. He looked back at Lucy and Steve who were both standing the exact same way with the exact same expression. It almost made him smile. Almost.

What did make him smile was what he walked into. He hadn’t been in a place that felt like home in so long, but that place …. There was something about it that made him feel instantly safe and comfortable. Blue and green were the main colors in the room - a stark contrast to the dark reds and blacks and gloomy greys he was used to. The walls had a few art pieces on them. There was a really cool painting of a car that caught his eye. The bed looked like a gigantic cloud. He felt the urge to fall on it, just to see if it was as fluffy as it looked, but he restrained himself because of the company.

He could hear Lucy holding her breath behind him. He turned to her and nodded. “This is nice. Thank you,” he said. Lucy exhaled and that bright, giddy smile was back.

“You like it?” He nodded again. “Oh, thank God,” she sighed. “I know I’m not an interior designer by any stretch of the imagination, but with Steve’s help with the whole color thing … he said your favorite colors are blue and green, so I did both. And he said you liked tech and cars, so I got some stuff out of Mr. Stark’s art vault and found a few new pieces. And he told me your size, so I got you a closet full of new clothes.” Lucy walked over to the closet and Bucky followed. “See?” She beamed, turning on the light.

“Yeah. That’s … great.” There was that little tease of a frown again. Was someone that giddy even capable of frowning? “Thanks,” he said. He looked at Steve. “It’s great.”

“I told you he’d like it,” Steve told Lucy, patting her shoulder. “Lucy, want to explain the tech part to him while I go drop my bags off? Then I’ll come back and give you a tour.”

“Sure,” she said.

Steve closed the door behind him, leaving Lucy alone with her new neighbor. He wasn’t as scary as some of her coworkers made him out to be, but the few who described him as quiet and brooding hit the nail on the head. Even though he barely said a word, Lucy spoke enough for the both of them. She had a talent for it, if you could call it that.

When she went over everything with Bucky, he seemed pretty comfortable with it - way more comfortable than Steve had been. Hell, Steve still couldn’t figure out how to get half of the stuff to work.

“You’re pretty into tech, huh?” Lucy asked him as he played around with the buttons. “Steve is still figuring out how to use that thing.”

“That’s because Steve is a grandpa,” Bucky said matter-of-factly. Lucy busted out laughing, nearly falling into the dresser.

“Oh my God. That’s great.” Bucky smiled … actually smiled. And his smile was so … soft. And kind. And sweet. The smile fell from his lips, almost as if he could hear her thinking about how much she liked it. “I bet Wakanda was like heaven for you, then, with all their amazing tech.”

“Yeah, it was great. Until the whole war thing.”

Fuck. “Way to put your foot in your mouth, Luc,” Lucy groaned, covering her eyes with her hand.

“It’s fine. I’m used to war,” Bucky said with a little shrug. That sentence broke Lucy’s heart.

“I-” A knock at the door cut her off, followed by a bearded Steve poking his head in the room.

“Ready, Buck?”

“Sure.” Bucky turned to Lucy. “Thanks, Lucy.”

“You’re welcome, Sergeant Barnes.”

“Bucky … please,” he said with a soft smile.

“Good luck with that,” Steve laughed. “Do you know how long it took for me to get her to call me Steve?”

“You’re welcome, Bucky,” Lucy said, looking defiantly at Steve. Steve crossed his arms over his chest and Lucy smirked at him. “See you at the party tonight?”

“Wait … what party?” Bucky asked with wide eyes.

“The … welcome home party? For all of you guys? Steve, you didn’t tell him?” Now Lucy was crossing her arms over her chest.

“I was going to casually mention it later after the whole tour and everything. Ya know, ease him into the whole thing.”

“Oh …” Lucy dropped her arms. “Sorry. Well, anyway … see you later!”

“This is a bad idea.” Bucky adjusted the collar on his crisp white shirt. It fit like a glove. Everything did, actually. Even the boxers. Thinking about Lucy picking out his boxers made his cheeks get a little hot, which he was shocked by. He wasn’t sure until that moment that he was capable of blushing anymore.

“Nah, man. It’s a great idea. Everyone is going to be there - even the guardian’s gang is making an appearance before they go off to who knows where.”

“Oh, great. The racoon will probably try to steal my arm again,” Bucky groaned. Sam laughed at him but when he saw the look on Bucky’s face, he shut up.

“It’s gonna be great, man. Booze, drinks, girls …” Sam nudged Bucky’s metal shoulder.

“I repeat,” Bucky said, glaring at his friend, “bad. Idea.”

“Do you know how many fine women are going to be at this party?”

“I thought this was just a compound party … that’s what Steve said.”

“Yeah. There are some honeys that work here, man. There’s this one girl in deployment. Kristie ….” Sam licked his lips. “She’s mine,” he warned.

“They can all be yours,” Bucky said, holding his arms up. “I’m not ready for any of that.”

“Not ready? Pschhh. Man, we’re dudes. We’re always ready. And don’t act like you’re all brainwashed and everything because I know for a fact Shuri straightened you out. You’re you again, man. You can be a dude. A normal dude. And you know what normal dudes do?”

“What do normal dudes do?” Bucky found himself asking; his voice sticking on the word dude. He wasn’t used to that word yet.

“They get. The. Honeys.”

“Sam.” Bucky had to laugh at the man’s enthusiasm. “I’ll let you know when I’m ready to … get the honeys.” He grimaced hearing those words come out of his mouth. “But it’s not tonight, okay? I just got here and I’m already kind of freaking out.” Sam smiled at him. “And I don’t know why I’m telling this because you’ll just make fun of me.”

“Buck, Buck, Buck,” Sam sighed, throwing his arm around him. “Would I ever make fun of you?”

“You made fun of me five minutes ago …”

“Touche,” Sam said with a shrug. “But we’re friends, man. I’ll stop pushing.” Bucky let out a breath. “For now.” The music from the party got louder as they approached the big double doors. “But for now, it’s time to celebrate.”

“Wow,” Gina breathed, looking over Lucy’s shoulder. Lucy turned, curious to see what made Gina’s jaw drop like that. Sam and Bucky had just walked into the party. Bucky was wearing a white button down with black slacks and a black tie. His hair was down and falling in his face, hiding the pretty blue eyes that she couldn’t help but notice earlier in the day. “That man is wearing that outfit … yowza. You did a good job with wardrobe.”

“I guess I did,” Lucy said, unable to tear her eyes away from him. He wasn’t really her type - she liked nerdy, lanky guys, usually - but it was impossible to deny that he looked good.

“I’m going to go introduce myself.”

“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea,” Lucy told her. Gina’s brow furrowed. “He’s kind of nervous about the whole party thing.”

“Oh? Well, all the more reason. I just want to make him feel welcome.” Gina winked at Lucy. She was an insufferable flirt.

Lucy watched the exchange between Gina and Bucky from across the room. Bucky’s expression never changed and they only shared a few words before Gina turned around and made the ‘kill’ signal across her neck. Lucy chuckled, taking another sip of her drink.

While the others were all mingling and laughing and drinking and dancing … well, at least the Peters were, Bucky hid himself away in a corner, nursing a beer and observing the party going on around him. Steve came over and sat with him a few times, but each time he’d get pulled away by someone. Lucy kept her distance for a while, but after a few drinks she managed to get the courage to go up and talk to him.

“Enjoying the party?” she asked, sitting on the chair beside him. Bucky jumped. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s fine,” he said, waving it off with his metal arm. It was so shiny and she was so curious about it, but she didn’t dare ask him, at least not on the first day. That was more of a two month conversation.

“So … are you?” Lucy asked.

“Am I what?” Bucky responded, pushing his hair behind his ear. Over the course of the evening, his tie had loosened and the first two buttons on his shirt had come undone. It was a good look, although Lucy dared not mention it or even think it. She had a feeling he would sense it if she did.

“Enjoying the party.”

“Oh. Yeah. It’s fine.”

“I like getting together with everyone, but the music they play at these things …”

“It’s pretty bad,” Bucky replied with a small smile. Lucy smiled back. “It just sounds like noise to me.”

“Who’s the grandpa now?” Lucy teased. Bucky’s smile widened, his gaze falling to his beer resting on his lap.

“Touche,” he said. “But it is pretty bad.”

“I know. I prefer oldies.”

“Like …?” Bucky asked. He was actually talking to her. Like, having a conversation. Lucy could hardly believe it.

“Like the Stones.”

“Stones … Rolling Stones,” Bucky said. Lucy nodded. “I like them.”

“And the Beatles.”

“Them I haven’t really listened to yet,” Bucky told her. Lucy’s jaw dropped. “What?”

“You haven’t heard the Beatles?” she asked.

“I think I’ve heard a few songs. But not a lot. I like the Stones better.”

“Blasphemy!” Lucy exclaimed, clutching her chest. Bucky chuckled - actually chuckled. It was so soft she could barely hear it over the music, but it was there. Lucy tried to ignore the warm flutter of the butterflies. “The Beatles are the best. But … I suppose I’m biased.”

“How so?” he asked.

“I was named after one of their songs. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Bucky’s blank stare told her that he hadn’t heard it. “Ya know, Lucy in the skkyyy with diamonds,” she sang.

“Haven’t heard it,” he said with a shrug.

“It’s a great one. But I think A Hard Day’s Night is my favorite album. The movie is hilarious.”

“They made movies?” Bucky asked.

“Yeah! It’s great. It really has no plot except following them around for a day while they prepare for a show but the music is great and they’re funny. Especially George. Everyone likes John best but I mean, c’mon … George Harrison was the best Beatle.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Bucky replied, taking another sip from his beer.

“BUCK!” Sam stumbled over to them, nearly falling over Lucy. “Oh, hey Lucy! You are looking gorgeous this evening.”

“Thanks, Sam,” Lucy muttered, smoothing the skirt of her blue dress. At least somebody noticed.

“Buck, there’s a group of girls over there that keep asking me about you, man. You’ve gotta come say hi.”

“I’m good here,” Bucky said.

“C’mon, dude. Be my wingman …”

“Why don’t you go get red wing to do that for you?” Bucky quipped. Lucy didn’t expect Bucky to be so funny. But there he was, making her laugh for the second time already that day. She practically choked on her drink.

“Ha. ha. Very funny. Seriously, dude. We could both get …” Sam seemed to forget that Lucy was there until that moment. He cleared his throat, averting Lucy’s gaze. “They want to get you a drink.”

“Got one,” Bucky said, raising his beer. “And I’m fine here. Lucy’s telling me about how the Beatles are better than the Stones.”

“Bullshit,” Sam laughed. “Beach Boys are where it’s at.”

“I did not peg you for a Mike Love fan,” Lucy said, looking up at Sam.

“Well, it shows how well you know your friends then, huh, little Lucy?” Sam booped Lucy on the nose. Lucy pretended to bite at his finger and he laughed at her, shaking his head. “C’mon Buck …”

“You’re not going to stop until I go over there, are you?” Bucky asked, heaving a heavy sigh when Sam nodded in response. “Fine.” He got up, running his hand through his dark hair. Lucy wondered if it was as soft as it looked. “It was nice talking to you,” Bucky said, pulling her out of her musings.

“You, too,” Lucy said. “Give the Beatles another chance. You won’t regret it.”

Finally, Bucky could sink into the plush bed that he’d been thinking about all day. He’d managed to escape Sam and Gina and Beth and Tori, the girls he’d introduced him to. They all seemed nice. Gina actually came up and talked to him first, but that was right when he got there and he was still freaking out about the whole party thing.

The only thing that calmed his nerves was when Steve and Lucy came to talk to him. Then again, there was something about Lucy that made him nervous, too. A different kind of nervous. Kind of … uneasy. He wasn’t sure what it was about her. Maybe it was her giddy demeanor or the way her freckles bunched up on her nose when she laughed. Or maybe it was the fact that he couldn’t decide what color her eyes were - were they blue or green? Granted, he hadn’t been brave enough to look that close. But they were vexing, still. Maybe it was the fact that she talked to him like they were already friends and yet he knew nothing about her except that George was her favorite Beatle and she was named after one of their songs. Or maybe it was the way that blue dress accentuated her curves. He couldn’t put his finger on it and it was irksome, to say the least.

He tossed and turned for a while, trying to get comfortable. It wasn’t the bed - that thing was heaven. It was just his new surroundings, he told himself. Not the brunette in the pretty blue dress.

After about an hour, he gave up and started fiddling with the tech pad that Lucy had showed him earlier. He wasn’t sure how he got to it, but he found himself pressing play on ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’. He laid back, crossing his arms behind his head and staring at the ceiling as the music filled the room.

‘Picture yourself in a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade skies. Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly, a girl with kaleidoscope eyes’

“Kaleidoscope eyes,” Bucky murmured to himself, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Tag List: @feelmyroarrrr @lesqui @badassbaker @scarletts-letters @vechkinfan @seb-smut

#Bucky Barnes #Bucky Barnes fan fiction #fan fiction #Marvel fan fiction #Sebastian stan #Kaleidoscope eyes #Moondancewrites

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lovedtogo · 2 years

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I hope you have had a restful Christmas and would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. This beauty sold in our January sale today… our biggest ever sale has now started with up to 50% off items, with nearly all our items discounted. Do check it out and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. I am are super excited to share all the wonderful things we have planned for 2022, we have new stock, new designers and are now offering our clients a buy out scheme, as well as consignment (at the moment this is on a case by case basis, but we hope to have everything ready to be able to offer this more regularly in the coming months). I am back at my desk Tuesday responding to any outstanding consignment requests, if you have anything you would like to part with do get in touch as we are currently curating our next edits - including a Dior edit and more from our vintage closet (@lovedtogovintage). Finally we have a stock room full of our children's range... being a small team (with only myself full time) it can be challenging to run all aspects of the business and maintain everything all of the time and I have to admit we are behind with @lovedtogokids . As a result I am going to host a live on instagram to showcase all these pieces including Moncler, Gucci, Dior, Monnalisa and Ralph Lauren, to name a few. Everything will be heavily discounted, so if you have little ones, or grandchildren you would like to treat, look out for our next email which will confirm when this event will take place. As always if you need any support or advice please do not hesitate to get in touch, here @lovedtogo we pride ourselves in being open, honest and fair. If we think you can achieve more for your item elsewhere we will point you in the right direction or if you are looking for the perfect bag and we know where you can find it, we will let you know. Do check out our sale by clicking on the link in our bio and don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of our homepage…as I will be in touch in the coming weeks with all our latest arrivals and events. Speak soon, Lucy xx (at London, Unιted Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYR1M9OsBjq/?utm_medium=tumblr

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alpha-copy-alpha · 4 years

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Top 10 Fashion Apps That You Must Download Now

It wouldn’t be a stretch to state that you can get the whole design industry from the palm of your hand. From shopping patterns to mining motivation to fraternizing with influencers, you don’t have to leave your seat for five-star access to the design division. Download the relevant applications to bring fashion to your wardrobe.

Regardless of whether you’re hoping to upgrade your closet, start a business from the beginning, or simply have a great time, look through and download the must-have fashion applications.

The RealReal

The RealReal app offers reclaimed items. Great-condition luxury items are easy to sort through pages in this app. Products with steep discounts can be claimed. Favorite brands feed for future reference can also be created. You can even begin your consignment process to sell your pieces with The RealReal.

Stitch Fix

Join Stitch Fix to purchase your favorite items you love. It gives an option to send back the things that you didn’t like. Also, the brand offers Fixes for men and children, so there’s something for the whole family—even a broad size range and coordinated efforts with jazzy influencers like Katie Sturino.

Afterpay

On uncertain occasions, go for Afterpay, which lets you pay for your buys in portions more than about a month and a half. You additionally get simple access to all the brands that utilize Afterpay; those taking an interest can effortlessly look inside the application. Feel free to get shopping with this app.

Pose

It gives your day by day climate conjecture, while additionally offering outfit motivation dependent on weather. Plus, channel your hunt; you can peruse outfit pictures dependent on the event you’re dressing for: pre-wedding party, evening gathering, a day at the workplace, you can get the image accordingly.

HerHeadquarters

Are you getting your very own style business off the ground? Choose HerHeadquarters to fabricate your realm quicker, progressively active, and additionally fulfilling. It’s a systems administration application that associates you to other profoundly screened female business, people in a sheltered space where thoughts, techniques, and organizations are shared.

The Hunt

Kicking the bucket to know where those design bloggers got the outfit she’s wearing on Instagram? If you’ve seen any image of an outfit you love, however, don’t have the foggiest idea where to buy, this application will help you with this problem. It permits clients to post “chases” for garments, extras, shoes, and that’s just the beginning.

Like to Know It

When you sign in with your email on the application, your Instagram with a shopping connection will consequently email the prepared to-shop item. It’s not consistent, yet it is a simple method to transform your preferred blogger’s Insta feed into a shoppable list of things to get.

Wardrobe

Why not adopt them? Closet, the gigantic extravagance, and brilliant rental stage let clients lease your garments for an everyday expense chosen by you. That implies you, as well, can acquire from different Wardrobes. Even though its authors are taking a shot at growing, the application is accessible just in New York City, with the organization offering free rentals to ladies meeting for new gigs.

Object Limited

A standout amongst others stayed discreet, and it highlights vintage vendors, cool tastemakers, and creative’s from everywhere. Utilize the application to locate your next pair of fantastic old boots, seventies pants, or architect channels. Excellent arrangements are in abundance, and the curation is charming and vintage monstrous.

Drest

There is an intelligent gaming application for the design set. Drest, established by previous Porter proofreader Lucy Yeomans, resembles the Dollz PC games you played when you were a child, simply altogether grown up. You can dress your photograph practical symbol, and afterward purchase the pieces legitimately through Farfetch. A lot of your preferred extravagance style brands—Burberry, Stella McCartney, Gucci, Bottega Veneta—have marked on, assisting with making your fantasy closet a (computer-generated) simulation.

Julia Robert is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cyber security. She writes about the latest updates regarding mcafee.com/activate and how it can improve the work experience of users. Her articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs and websites.

Source: Fashion Apps That You Must Download Now

#Fashion Apps #mcafee.com/activate

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kentonramsey · 4 years

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Take These 5 NYFW Street Style Trends Out For A Test Spin

If you've been consumed with compiling your best-dressed list from the Oscars red carpet or finding yourself the perfect Valentine's Day outfit, we'd like to redirect your attention to where the real fashion is happening right now: the good ol' streets of NYC. The urban hub for all things style has been the site of Fashion Week happenings since late last week, and attendees are turning up in their most show-stopping attire for the occasion. So, naturally, we're taking notes. While NYFW gathers industry all-stars to ogle at the looks for next season, the city streets are where you can find what's trending right now. As much as we can't wait for all the sartorial treats that autumn has in store (we can practically taste the oat milk chai lattes already), our current wardrobes could use a little boost to push us through what still remains of winter. So don't put away your puffer jacket just yet, because if there's anything NYFW attendees have taught us so far it's that the key to piecing together a great cold-weather ensemble is to top it off with the right accessory: think chic hats, chunky jewellery, and fringe details. Ahead, we've rounded up the top five trends dominating the scene with all the shoppable items you need to pull off your own major street style moment. At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Chunky Chains

Ever get the feeling that your outfit is missing something, but you just can't put your finger on it? If you find yourself in this situation, you can't go wrong with a thick gold chain. It's edgy, fun, and is guaranteed to win you a compliment or two.

Free People Mega Chain Necklace, $, available at Free People

Lucy Williams x Missoma Gold T Bar Chunky Chain Necklace, $, available at Missoma

& Other Stories Chunky Chain Link Necklace, $, available at & Other Stories

Fringe Benefits

Take a classic item like a blazer, a handbag, or even a belt and turn it up a notch with a little fringe. This stringy upgrade to your outfit adds a sense of movement and whimsy that'll earn you major points among the fashion set. Photographed by Polly Irungu.

Photographed by Polly Irungu.

ASOS DESIGN Fringe Rhinestone Hip Belt, $, available at ASOS

& Other Stories Diamanté Fringe Sweater, $, available at & Other Stories

Pinko Go-Round Fringed Leather Bag, $, available at The Corner

A Belt To Do Mum Proud

Is it just us, or do mums go nuts over a solid belt situation? We've been spotting bold iterations of this accessory being styled glamorously over blazers and coats, allowing for the piece to take centre stage this season. Photographed by Polly Irungu.

Photographed by Polly Irungu.

Louis Feraud Vintage 90s Navy Chunky Gold Buckle Belt, $, available at asos marketplace

Cult Gaia Dani Canvas Tortoiseshell Acrylic Belt, $, available at Net-A-Porter

P.A.R.O.S.H. Buckle Belt, $, available at Farfetch

A Jaunty Cap

Whether you're aiming to enhance your accessories game or you simply want to cover up a not-so-cute hair situation (been there!), the classic beret is a nifty style solution that complements all kinds of outfit aesthetics. The hat is a closet staple with subtle European flair that'll never go out of style. Photographed by Polly Irungu.

Photographed by Polly Irungu.

& Other Stories Plaid Check Puff Beret, $, available at ASOS

Topshop Black PU Beret, $, available at Topshop

COS Felt Wool Beret, $, available at COS

Not-Your-Average Knee-Highs

If you thought you needed something over-the-knee to make a shoe statement, consider the low-key wow factor of these chunky black boots. Arriving just below the knee, this style offers a contemporary twist on the simple riding boot that's perfectly suited for winter. Photographed by Polly Irungu.

Photographed by Polly Irungu.

Prada , $, available at Farfetch

Hunter Refined Black Gloss Tall Rain Boots, $, available at ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Chunky Lace Up Knee High Boots, $, available at ASOS

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Rodarte Returns To NY In A Big Vote Of Confidence

NYFW Street Style Is The Antidote To Gray Weather

The Classic Nail Shade Sweeping NYFW

Take These 5 NYFW Street Style Trends Out For A Test Spin published first on https://mariakistler.tumblr.com/

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lost-n-stereo · 7 years

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Anyone up for reading 2k words of original fiction?

As most of you that know me know, I’ve been working on some original fiction that I hope to self publish sometime in the next year.

Well...I have the first 2,000 words of my debut novel ready to be read and would love to hear some feedback! This is just a little sneak peek, the prologue of my book, but I’d like to hear some honest feedback from my followers. For example, after reading these 2,000+ words, do you even care what happens next? Are the characters interesting? Funny? Lovable? Totally unrealistic? These are the things I’d like to hear from you!

What to know:

This is a second chance romance, set in flashback and present day form. Roxy is a college sophomore with big dreams and a ten year plan. When Silas, her summer fling from two years before, shows up in her life unexpectedly again she is forced to deal with the way she ended their relationship. New Adult/Contemporary romance that will be aimed for a mature audience. The sneak peek however takes place in a flashback, so it only contains strong language.

Any feedback is welcomed! If you love it, tell me! If you hate it, tell me! I’ll respond to any messages privately and just would love to hear what you have to think!

Prologue

Roxy

The summer before I turned eighteen started like every summer that came before it.

School ended, days turned hotter. Jeans and hoodies were traded in for short shorts and bikini tops. Cheap flip flops in every color of the sun stayed in a mismatched pile on the floor of my closet, their thin plastic straps threatening to fall apart every time I slipped my feet into a pair.

The sunny beach town where I’d grown up went through a transformation at the end of every spring. The first day of summer vacation was like a flood, visitors from all over the country pouring in, filling the cracks with their spending money and sunburned faces. Our businesses flourished while the townies complained. Townies like my parents and the self-proclaimed hippies they played bingo with every Saturday night of the off season.

The first day of that summer was brutal, in that the weather was too hot and the streets were too full. My white tank top was sticking to my skin and I regretted, not for the first time that day that I didn’t think to throw anything on top of it. Walking around half naked and sweaty was not my idea of a good time but neither was dying of heat stroke.

I waved to Mrs. McDougall, our eighty year old and slightly deaf neighbor, as I passed by her house.

“Good morning, Sherry!” She called out to me and I answered in kind, even though it was nearing two in the afternoon and my name is definitely not Sherry. My mother always told me to be nice to the elderly because one day I too would be eighty years old and slightly deaf, waving to neighborhood kids and calling them by the wrong name, and would I want them to treat me poorly?

So I did what any nice person would do and I waved, said good morning as the afternoon sun beat down on my neck and continued my walk downtown.

Downtown Seaview, which isn’t really a downtown by any definition of the word, is a long stretch of beachfront shops, restaurants and hotels on the right with the wide expanse of the Atlantic on the left. Our tiny North Carolina town might be aptly named, albeit a little on the nose, but it’s a go to spot for the wealthy and privileged three months out of every year. The boardwalk dead ends at the main attraction, a 65ft Ferris wheel that conjures up memories of my childhood. My friends and I racing towards the entrance, our fingers sticky from cotton candy and our laughs loud enough to hear from the other side of the boardwalk. First dates with boys that didn’t know the first thing about kissing, but still tried when we reached the very top because it was romantic and cliché. Swirling lights, pinks and purples, blues and greens, lighting up my grin as I soared high over the little town that raised me.

I was born there, had lived there all of my life but I was determined not to die there. Unless a freak accident whisked me away from this Earth before my eighteenth birthday, I was getting out of that beach town if it was the last thing I did.

Not that I don’t love it because I do. I walked down the busy street, smelling the delicious smells of the boardwalk. Churros from Mr. Cruz’s beachside stand. The scent of fresh lemonade, always squeezed daily with just the right amount of sugar, wafted through the air when I passed Lucy’s Sweet Shop. Lucy Reynolds’ daughter Emma has been my best friend since birth. I saw her through the window of the little café and waved at her to come meet me out on the street.

“Where are you going dressed like that?” Emma’s eyebrows were up so far I thought they’d disappear into her hairline. “I thought you were starting at Mickey’s today?”

Mickey’s Ice Cream Shoppe, one of the oldest relics of our small town, had been my summer job for the past three years.

“I am,” I said, shielding my eyes despite the fact that I was wearing sunglasses. My five dollar aviators were no match for the sun that day. “You and I both know I’ll get stuck wearing the uniform de jour and frankly, it’s too fucking hot to wear anything else.” I looked down at my outfit, simple cutoff jean shorts, white tank and purple flip flops. “Why?”

Emma shrugged. “I’m just so used to you being all,” she waved a hand up and down in front of my body. “You know, buttoned up and not showing these off.” She poked me in the boob and I slapped her hand away.

“Well, it’s hot. Do you expect me to wear flannels? Leave me alone,” I said laughing. “Don’t you have some work to do?”

“Bitch, you called me out here,” she said with a chuckle as she headed back towards her family’s shop. “Stop by after work and I’ll hook you up with some fries.”

“Better make it a burger too,” I called as she skipped her way through the front door. “A burger, Emma!”

I laughed as I made my way back down to Mickey’s, not really paying attention to where I was walking because I had walked that same route practically every day of my life. And it was because I wasn’t paying attention that I walked smack dab into a wall.

Okay, not actually a wall but the chest I ran into was as hard as one.

“Fuck, I’m so sorry.” Strong hands steadied me, warm palms grazing my arms, as the owner of the deep voice chuckled. “Alright there?”

“I’m fine,” I said as I pulled away. My skin tingled from his hands. “Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“No, it was me. I wasn’t paying attention at all. I’m sorry,” he apologized again.

When I finally looked up at him, and I mean I really had to look up because he was tall, I was stunned to see the most beautiful human being I’d ever seen smiling down at me. Dark hair, cut short on the sides but longer in the front, pushed out of his face in this sexy perfected way that made me want to bury my hands in it just to mess it all up. Honey brown eyes that were sparkling with amusement set under an arched eyebrow that screamed trouble.

Everything about this boy embodied money. From his designer board shorts all the way up to his two hundred dollar sunglasses. A soft grey t shirt stretched tight across his broad shoulders and I briefly thought about how his shirt alone probably cost more than my entire outfit. Wealth clung to him like the expensive cologne I could smell when he leaned close to me.

“I’m Silas,” he said, holding his hand out in the space between us. He laughed when I looked at it like a foreign object, reached for mine and made a show of us shaking hands. “And you are?”

I’d seen guys like Silas before, hell I’d dated guys like him before. Gorgeous tourists that think pretty local girls are there for their entertainment like the jet skis they can rent down at the beach. I wasn’t looking for romance, not from him. Not from anyone.

“Late for work,” I retorted as I backed away from him, a slow smile forming on my face. “Nice to meet you, Silas.”

“That’s it?” He called after me as I turned around. “After almost knocking me over, I don’t even get your name?”

I snorted when I faced him again, my feet carrying me backwards without needing to watch my steps. “You ran into me, remember?”

“At least tell me where you work!”

A group of freshman age kids walked past him then and Silas scowled when they laughed at him, one of them coughing out the word, “Desperate!”under their breath before scurrying off towards the beach.

“I guess you’ll have to find me,” I said as I raised my hand in a wave. “Later, Silas.”

I left him stunned into silence and smiled all the way to Mickey’s, the small ice cream shop already packed full with a mid morning rush. On days like that, when the temperature reached ungodly levels it didn’t matter if it was eight in the morning or eight at night, everyone wanted ice cream.

“Morning, Louie,” I said as I lifted up the counter to head towards the back of the shop where the lockers were.

Louie Monroe, owner and proprietor of Mickey’s, grinned at me as I walk past him. “Morning, Sailor. How’s my favorite employee doing this morning?”

“Hey!” I laughed as Ronnie Miller, another Mickey’s alum, punched Louie in the shoulder. “I’ve been working here just as long as she has.”

“Sorry, Ronnie. I’m just prettier than you,” I teased before giving Louie a delayed glare. “And what I have told you about using my real name? It’s bad enough my parents named me that in a damn beach town, I don’t need the tourists thinking of me as some novelty item they can fawn over.”

Louie laughed as he motioned towards two girls I didn’t know that were scooping ice cream into waffle cones. “Then you’re going to hate today’s uniform.”

I groaned when I finally took in what everyone was wearing that day. Navy blue shorts with wide buttoned fronts, white shirts with red ties and actual sailor hats.

Fucking sailor hats.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I said, turning to glare at Louie who was now bent over laughing so hard his face was as red as the raspberry ice cream we sold out of every day. “Why would you do that?”

“It’s in honor of you Sail…” I raised an eyebrow and he conceded. “Roxy, sorry. It was just a little joke to welcome you back. Uniform’ll change tomorrow, don’t worry.”

The only constant about working at Mickey’s was that there was no constant. Every day was like Halloween with a new theme and uniform to shake things up. Some days we wore crazy hats, some days we dressed like our favorite superheroes.

And apparently some days we dressed like fucking sailors.

“I’m only doing this because I need this job,” I said as I headed to the back where the lockers were. My locker every summer was number 21, which made no sense because there were only six lockers total. My sailor costume was hanging in the locker already, in my size, and I grumbled and complained the entire time I put it on.

My parents naming me Sailor wasn’t the only ridiculous thing they had done. They used to be investment bankers in New York but when my mother got pregnant with my older brother they decided to start their own business and work from home in the beach town my mother visited every summer as a child. When my brother was born my parents decided to name him Anchor, in honor of the ocean and their love of the water. Then came my older sister Coral and then finally me, Sailor Roxanne Reynolds.

It didn’t take me long to hate my name in a small town like Seaside. By the time I was nine I was going by Roxanne and by twelve I was just Roxy.

Which is why it annoyed me so much that Louie refused to call me by my preferred name. Being a townie in a beach town was bad enough. Add on top of that a novelty name and I was nothing more than a shiny seashell you could buy for twenty five cents at the corner gift shop.

But I wasn’t lying when I told Louie that I needed the job that summer. I was saving up to buy myself a car before college started and I refused to buy one until I earned every dollar myself. My parents had money, not a lot but enough to support our family in a tourist town year round, and while they would have happily purchased a car for me to take to Boston in the fall I wanted to earn it. West Bridge University was my dream since childhood. I had everything planned down to the letter. Double major in psychology and criminal justice. Date a few cute boys, go to some parties. Graduate and become the best forensic physiologist in North Carolina. Live a long and happy life.

Easy, right?

So that day I stood in the back room of my neighborhood ice cream shop, my annoyingly accurate sailor costume in hand and vowed to work my ass off that summer to make my dreams a reality.

Come hell or high water, I was getting out of that town and nothing and no one was going to stop me.

#cece writes #my fiction #new adult #contemporary romance #college romance #second change romance #summer romance #romance #new adult fiction

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r3almellow · 7 years

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Nothing More Chapter 10

A/N: I’d like to thank everyone who has reviewed and those who have stuck around for so long. This is the first time I have written a fanfic that has made it to 10 chapters! Your support motivates me to keep pushing forward with my story! Thank you so much!

Rating: M

Ship: NaLu

Series: Fairy Tail

Chapter 9

xxx

The car ride was filled with silence that almost felt suffocating. Why did Natsu have to go and say that?! Dan was probably ready to press charges if her impulsive best friend decided to carry out his “promise.” Then she would have to bail him out, scold him, and threaten to never talk to him again. Lucy knew he’d probably beg for her forgiveness, but would commit attempted murder all over again.

That was Natsu in a nutshell.

Dan broke the silence. “It seems Dragneel hasn’t changed much.”

She laughed and gave him an apologetic look. “Sorry about that. He’s just a little overprotective.” Overprotective might have been an understatement. Gray and Erza were overprotective, but Natsu? There was always a hint of jealousy radiating out of him when it came to Dan.

Natsu was in a happy relationship, so maybe jealousy wasn’t the word for it. Was the idea of someone else taking up her time, something that he couldn’t handle?

Dan chuckled, his eyes still focused on the road. “Nothing wrong with that. It shows just how much he cares for you.”

While that was true, Natsu still carried some sort of grudge against the man.

It was then her mind ran back to just moments before Dan showed up at her apartment. Natsu was trying to tell her something, but in all honesty Lucy was too caught up in her own fears to listen. She knew it was something serious and she could feel it in her heart that what he had to say would change the dynamics of their relationship.

Lucy wasn’t ready to deal with that.

“Are you okay?” She heard Dan ask.

She caught him stealing a few worried glances in her direction.

Lucy only smiled and nodded. “Yeah, its just been a while since I’ve been to one of these.”

“A party?” He questioned.

Lucy shook her head. “No, a party is meant to be a place of fun, friends, and laughter. This event is meant to be nothing more than a competition to see who has the most money and who can get the most dirt on a person.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve been to such an event, but I don’t remember them being that unbearable.”

“Trust me when I say it’s a nightmare. I remember when my parents were called unfit because they decided to let me go to school in the city instead of being home schooled. All because nosey people wanted to know how “little Lucy” was doing.” She sighed heavily at the memory.

“Yikes.”

“It’s part of the reason why my family and I took ourselves out of that lifestyle,” she said flatly.

“Well, you won’t have to worry about that tonight. Anyone who tries something will have to deal with yours truly.”

Lucy smiled softly. “Thanks.”

He smiled back at her as they pulled up in front of a brightly lit mansion.

Getting inside the Orland home was easier than getting valet parking. Once inside Lucy was complete awe of the place. She had forgotten how much money the Orland’s put into their annual event. From a live band to the detailed ice sculpture of Magnolia’s famous Sakura tree in the middle of the room.

The Orlands really knew how to go all out.

“Legion Corps Vice-Captain and Heartfilia Heiress an item?” On most days Lucy would be ready to chew out the person who dared make any sort of accusation about her, but she was all smiles when she was met with her co-worker Jason.

She waved at him. “Hey, Jason! I didn’t know you were working the event tonight.”

“You think I’d miss the Orland’s try to bounce back after what happened? I’m lucky enough to get the opportunity.” He was right. The press were outside in droves, but only a select few were allowed inside.

Probably to minimize any false news circling the air.

Jason holds up his camera. “Mind if I get a picture of you and your date?”

Lucy and Dan happily obliged as Jason began to take a few pictures. He wasn’t the only one as a few others managed to follow his lead. No doubt these pictures would make it online articles and magazines. She can already feel a call from her father coming in within the next few hours.

Lucy could hear a few murmurs from press and guests alike as they stared at her and Dan. Let the rumors begin…

Just as Lucy was ready to glare daggers at the people an announcement of the hostess’ presence towards the stairs.

At the top of the staircase stood Minerva clad in a blue tight fitting dress. Next to her stood a tall man with blonde long hair. Lucy quickly deduced that, that was fashion designer Rufus Lore. He was known as the youngest designers, getting his start with Sabertooth Collections as a teenager. Lucy remembered his early years were filled with other designers claiming he stole his work. Claims that were never proven.

Minerva looked out into the crowd and cleared her throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending our annual charity event. As you all know, my father could not be here tonight to grace you with his presence.”

‘Because he’s a drug dealer.’ Lucy thought.

“While he may not be here, I hope to represent the company to the best of my abilities. Do not forget that we will taking donations for various orphanages such as “The Rosemary Children’s Association.” Sabertooth Collections as well as the Orland family, hope to give the children of Fiore a bright future and we need your help to make that happen. Aside from that, the night is young and all the champagne won’t stay chilled for much longer. Please enjoy the festivities.”

The crowd clapped as Minerva was escorted down the flight of stairs by Rufus. It didn’t the woman long to spot Lucy and Dan in the sea of people. She broke apart from Rufus who disappeared into the crowd and with a few graceful strides, Minerva was at their side.

Lucy sensed a few of the press snapping photos near them. Yep, she was definitely getting a call from her father.

“Mr. Straight, I’m so glad you could make it!” Minerva says offering him a handshake.

Dan shook her hand with a charming smile. “I was honored when you sent me the invitation, Ms. Orland.”

Minerva glanced at Lucy as if she was just now noticing her. She was scanning Lucy from head to toe as if she was trying to find a way to make some backhanded comment about her appearance.

While she’d like to comfortable shorts and a t-shirt any day of the week, fashion was something Lucy never played around with when it was time to get serious.

Minerva pulled Lucy in gave her a cheek to cheek kiss. “I’m so glad you were able to make it, Lucy. Tell me, how is your mother’s health?” Oh, right. That lie was still a thing.

“She’s better, thanks.” She needed to change the subject.

Lucy looked at Minerva then at Dan. “I didn’t realize you two actually knew each other.”

“Mr. Straight has been working closely with us to create the Legion Corps’ new line of tactical uniform. We have yet to really discuss the details with the public, but I believe within the next few weeks an announcement should be made.” Minerva said proudly.

Dan chimed in. “Our collaboration was part of the reason I came back to Magnolia. You’d be surprised to see the ideas we came up with within a week. I’m almost sad I have to leave. I would have loved to dive deeper into that beautiful brain of yours just a little longer, Ms. Orland.”

Was that flirting Lucy sensed? It was easy to forget Dan had a tendency of being a smooth talker, but one would think that after all these years he would turn it down.

Minerva waved him off. “You’re far too kind. The companies research team deserves all of the credit.”

The conversation was cut short when Rufus came in and informed Minerva that other people requested her presence. She politely excused herself from the two and disappeared into the crowd.

“How about we start off this night with a dance?” Dan offered as he bowed with a stretched-out hand.

Lucy giggled and took his hand in hers. “Of course.”

The sounds of jazz music echoed from live band as Dan gently pulled Lucy onto the floor. It took no time for Lucy to find herself in his embrace as they slowly moved with the music.

“Reminds me of our first dance.” He says in a quiet tone.

Lucy looked up at him confused. “Our first dance?”

“Back in college. You were so upset that night and all I wanted to do was make you smile again. Do you remember?”

How could she forget?

Xxx

Lucy had just finished working on a big assignment for her Multimedia Reporting class. She had spent the last few hours analyzing the same audio files of the big Second Trade war. Lucy had listened to those files so many times that when she heard the loud music blasting from the fraternity house as she made her way inside, it almost sounded foreign.

Lucy had no intentions of going to any sort of party after the busy week she had. On a good day, she would have no problem partying with her friends, but there came a time when a girl needed to be alone. She was ready to hit the sheets and read her favorite novel “A Cursed Love.” A book she never knew she needed until Levy presented it to her as a gift.

Surprisingly, it was Levy that had been the one to finally drag the blonde out of her dorm after countless hours of pleading and promising to help her study for her Spanish exam that was to come in the next few days. That girl was lucky Lucy loved her dearly or her butt would have stayed home.

Lucy threw on whatever she could find in her closet and wrapped her hair into a bun. It wasn’t her best look, but there was no reason to get dolled up for her current location.

Stepping into the frat house she spotted Natsu through the crowd of people and smiled. Suddenly the tiredness she felt seemed to melt away. He always had that effect on her. He was like a ball of energy that selflessly shared its power with others.

Natsu had offered her a drink and teased her about her low tolerance when she declined. She huffed and attempted to bite him. What else could one do in her situation? Let him slide? Nope! Natsu liked seeing her flustered and she wasn’t having any of it.

Lucy suddenly felt someone wrap and arm around her waist which startled her. She was relieved to see it was Cana who began to pull her away.

Natsu called out for her over the loud music asking to save him a dance and she accepted. A small blush crept up to Lucy’s face and she hoped it went unnoticed as the sight of him disappeared.

It wasn’t the first time the two had danced.

Natsu reluctantly became her test subject once she joined the dance team. Any moves or tricks she wanted to try out, he was her guinea pig. He wasn’t bad at dancing like she believed him to be. He wasn’t perfect, but he was good at following instructions when he wanted to.

This time, however, was different.

He wasn’t helping her with a new routine, he genuinely wanted to dance with her at a party. What if he wanted to dance to a slow song? That meant they’d be close. Really close. He’d have his hands around her waist while hers would be wrapped around his neck. She’d be able to get lost in his eyes as they swayed to the sounds of the music. She’d want to lean up and kiss him before any second thoughts cloud her mind.

The desire to ask him to go back to her dorm with her with hopes he’d comply, would have lingered as she slowly pulled away from him.

The idea of what could transpire between the two caused the pink blush surrounding her cheeks changed to red.

Maybe reading nothing but romance novels was bad for your health.

“Having naughty thoughts?”

Lucy was brought out from her thoughts and was met with a devious smirk from Cana.

“N-no!”

“Right and I’m not tipsy.” Cana mused.

If she was, it was hard to tell. Cana could fake being sober if she wanted. She was a master drinker and could drink anyone under the table. Many have tried and failed miserably to beat the brunette.

A habit that Lucy sometimes envied yet disliked at the same time.

“Did you need me for something?” Lucy asked quickly changing the subject.

“As a matter a fact I did!” Cana pulls out her phone and grins.

“I want you to take pictures with me so that asshole of an ex-boyfriend I have can see how much fun I’m having without him.”

“Trying to make him jealous?” Lucy asked.

Cana scrunched up her face in disgust. “Hell no! If he sees me having the time of my life with someone else and gets jealous then that’s his problem. I just want to prove that I don’t need his dick to be happy.”

“Wouldn’t a guy be better suited for that? Gray, maybe? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.” Juvia on the other hand…

“You’re much cuter than Gray and it gives me an excuse to do this!” Without a moment’s notice, Cana pounces on Lucy earning her a small squeak from the young Heartfilia. A second later Lucy heard the small click of a camera and evil laugh from Cana.

“Don’t we look so cute together!” Cana exclaimed as she waved her phone in Lucy’s face. Lucy looked at the phone screen and smiled. Cana had an arm wrapped around Lucy, who was in mid smile as her friend leaned in for kiss.

“You tried to kiss my cheek?” Lucy questioned.

“I was aiming for your lips, but I guess I’ll have to try harder next time.” Cana winks.

Lucy rolled her eyes at her friend’s teasing. Cana was never one to hide her sexuality and she was rather bold. No matter who you are, if she found you sexually attractive you were going to know about it.

Cana snickered. “I’m only teasing! Besides, I know a certain soccer player who would kill for a kiss from you!”

Lucy laughed nervously and waved off her friend’s accusations. “Natsu doesn’t like me in that way.”

There was no use in denying her feelings for Natsu. Most of her friends knew long before she even came to terms with it. However, there was no way Natsu would ever think of her as anything more than a friend. In the years that she has known him, there was no indication that he was remotely attracted to her the way she was to him.

Cana’s eyes widened and looked as if someone took the last bottle of beer. “Are you kidding me? He’s Lucysexual!”

Lucy’s looked at the brunette quizzically. “Lucysexual?”

Cana looked at her friend with a smug expression. “Erza and I made it up! He’s attracted to hot blondes, with big boobs and have the name Lucy Heartfilia.”

“Th-that’s not true!” She yelled.

Lucy would have expected Cana to come up with such a ridiculous word, but Erza?

Levy soon appeared with Juvia following close behind. “Are we trying to convince Lucy that Natsu likes her, because I’m all for that.”

Lucy made no effort to hide the betrayal she felt. “You’re supposed to back me up here!”

Levy shrugged as she took another sip of her drink. “I’m not going to lie. The two of you were always joined at the hip. He’s possessive of you and will probably kill the next guy who looks in your direction.”

Lucy wasn’t sure why she was looking sympathy from Levy. She would join forces with the pink haired man when it came to teasing Lucy. High school was all fun and games until her two close friends found a common interest and that was poking fun at her.

“I wouldn’t say possessive and Gray would do the same! I don’t see you guys throwing him on me!” Lucy eyed Juvia, hoping that the woman would agree with her comparison.

“Juvia used to think of Lucy as a love rival, but it is clear who her heart belongs to.” Ah, yes, the wonderful “Love Rival” phase that started at the beginning of their friendship. It took a while for Lucy to convince Juvia there was nothing going on between her and Gray.

Lucy rolled her eyes. “Why do I even bother?”

Cana thought to herself for a moment and then her devious smirk returned. That was never a good sign. “Why don’t we test this theory?”

Levy raised an eyebrow. “What are you proposing?”

“Natsu asked Lucy to dance. If a slow song comes on and he shows up that means our lovable pink haired friend totally has the hots for her.”

“I don’t thin-“ Lucy began, but was immediately interrupted by Levy.

Levy clapped her hands together and smiled brightly. “That sounds perfect!”

“How are we sure a slow song will play?” Juvia asked.

Cana looked at the DJ and grinned. “You leave that to me. I just need you two to be good little distractions and get those two away from Natsu.” She pointed behind the women.

The women looked over to find Gajeel, Gray and the man of the hour drinking.

“Piece of cake!” Levy said.

Lucy seemed to be the only one against the plan. “Hold on! Don’t I have a say in this?”

“Nope.” Cana said simply.

Lucy gave Juvia one last look, hoping to get through to her friend. “Juvia, you’re not going to go along with this?

“If this is a plan that involves Juvia getting close to her darling Gray then she is ready.” There was determination in Juvia’s eyes as she responded.

Lucy didn’t know what she expected.

“I’m going to go talk to the DJ. You guys get in position.” Cana orderd.

The three women broke away from Lucy to commence their plan. It didn’t long for Levy to drag Gajeel off and Gray was so busy with Juvia clinging on to him that Natsu was left on his own. Lucy looked over at Cana who was flirting with the DJ and whispering who knew what into her ear. The DJ blushed and nodded at Cana.

In no time, Cana made her way back over to Lucy.

“You’re up after this song. Go find him and make sure he asks you to dance.”

Find him? Wasn’t he…?

When Lucy turned her attention back to Natsu, all she found the space he had occupied filled by another person.

Lucy looked around. “Where did he go?”

“I saw him heading outside. Better hope he doesn’t leave.”

Lucy sighed. If her friends went through all this trouble just for her, she might as well go through with the plan, right?

Cana gave her a thumbs up as Lucy walked away.

What was the worst that could happen? It wasn’t like she was going to confess right then and there. He was just going to dance with her to a song…a slow song…possibly a love song.

Lucy’s legs started to shake and her confident stride across the room didn’t feel so confident.

This might have been a mistake.

Before Lucy could back out, she found herself opening the door and suddenly she wished she backed out of this sooner.

Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach at the scene that unfolded before her. Natsu was there with his lips pressed against Lisanna Strauss, who seemed to be really into the kiss.

Lucy was aware of Lisanna’s crush on Natsu. She was subtle about it, but if you paid attention Lisanna’s interactions with him, figuring out her feelings for him was a no brainer.

There was always a small pang of jealousy Lucy felt whenever Lisanna and Natsu were together. Whether if it was for a project or them casually hanging out, the sight of the two left a bitter taste in Lucy’s mouth.

Lucy begun to slowly understood Juvia’s jealousy earlier on her friendship.

To say Lucy was shocked wasn’t the best word. Heartbroken? Upset? There were so many words that could describe how she felt.

Natsu has never shown any interest in Lisanna, that Lucy could notice, so why in the world was this happening?

Maybe there was a spark between the two she was just too blind to see. An attraction that was so strong that Lucy could never begin to understand.

Not wanting to be spotted she closed the door gently and leaned up against it to keep herself steady.

Lucy felt the urge to cry. Her eyes burned as the tears formed and it took everything within her to choke back a sob.

She knew she was fool for believing that Cana’s plan would work. She was even more foolish for thinking he was interested in her in the slightest.

Her internal meltdown was interrupted when she heard her name being called.

She quickly wiped away a stray tear before looking up at the person. It was Dan Straight. “H-hey, Dan. I didn’t see you there.” Lucy blinked back the tears a little confused. She half expected Cana to be in front of her ready to eavesdrop, but the sight of Dan threw her off guard completely.

They had crossed paths a few times, but not enough for her to know him that well.

“Are you okay?” He seemed genuinely worried.

“Yes, I’m just a bit stressed. I was hoping coming here would relieve that, but I guess I was wrong.” Dan looked at her for moment. Lucy knew he could sense there was more to her story and whatever it was, was happening right outside that door.

“Dance with me.”

For the second time that night, he caught her off guard. “No, I-“

He puts up a hand to stop her.

“I will have none of that. Let me take your mind off of whatever it is. I’m not the most skilled dancer, but I can at least try to make you smile.” He held out his hand.

He was sweet, she had to give him that.

Lucy contemplated for a second.

She could decline, go home and possibly cry herself to sleep. The idea was tempting, but then she’d have to devise an escape plan because going out the front door was not an option.

That was too much work for an already emotionally tired mind.

The other option was to accept Dan’s offer. There was nothing wrong with dancing with him. From what she’s heard Dan was a nice guy and didn’t seem like a complete creep compared to most of the drunk partygoers.

Lucy smiled halfheartedly and took the young man’s hand.

Dan pulled her onto the dance floor pushing through the crowd of people.

Cana was the first to spot Lucy and her expression mirrored that of her other friend’s as she passed them. Confusion.

They didn’t know what had transpired moments before this moment. They didn’t know how hurt she was, but she would tell them and they’d understand.

At least, she hoped they would.

When the song started, Dan pulled her close and gently swayed to the sound of a guitar emitting from the speakers.

She closed her eyes in hopes to block out the stares she received, but the feeling of holes boring into her wouldn’t go away.

She tried to take her mind off it by listening to the music and listening to the rhythm of Dan’s heartbeat as she rested her head against his chest. It worked for a few seconds until she heard the faint sound of Gray’s voice. She could have sworn she heard him call out for the young man that currently plagued her thoughts.

When the song ended she politely thanked Dan and walked away. Not even a second later Cana pulled her over to the side still in complete shock. Levy and Juvia soon joined her their expressions unchanging. Lucy told them what she had seen and their faces forming into a mix of sadness and sympathy.

Lucy decided to head home after that. She didn’t see Natsu or Lisanna for that matter, but it was probably for the best.

As the days went by Lucy spent most of her time working towards getting an internship with Sorcerer Weekly, her dream job.

Lucy knew that this was an excuse to avoid Natsu which was the hardest thing to do. Being a part of extracurricular activities that sometimes-crossed paths with the soccer player and sharing the same circle of friends made things very difficult.

Natsu was the first to give up the charade and did all he could to move forward with their friendship. Even when she insisted she was busy, he would want to be “busy” with her. It took Lucy some time, a day and a half to be exact, until she started feeling comfortable around him again.

The image of him kissing Lisanna, never left her, however. That was something that would take her a while to get over.

Whenever Natsu wasn’t around Dan seemed to make his presence known to Lucy quite frequently. He would visit her after practice and walked her from class to class every chance he got.

Shortly after he asked her out on a date. Her friends thought it was a bad idea, but what was the harm?

Lucy thought that by agreeing to be his girlfriend would rid her of any feelings she might have had for Natsu.

Oh how wrong she was.

When senior year rolled in, Lucy had gotten accepting as intern for Sorcerer Weekly and got herself an apartment that was close to her new job. Dan had left for about a month and a half to start his military training, which left Lucy alone. Well, not completely alone.

She always managed to find Natsu either rummaging through her kitchen or passed out with Happy on her bed. The first few times she would scold him and wonder how he managed to get in without a key, but she quickly got used to him being there.

She got to see more of him, so she couldn’t complain too much.

Lucy would never admit it, but she loved coming home to Natsu.

She loved scolding him for leaving a mess or for breaking into her apartment. She loved being able to cook for him and Happy. She loved seeing a smile on his face when he asleep and wrapped up in her sheets. She loved how he always looked as if he had the best sleeps in her bed.

She loved him.

The time Natsu spent at her place caused the feelings she had for him to make its way back to the forefront. It was as if her efforts to push away her feelings and be happy with Dan went down the drain.

Lucy would be lying if she said she was excited when Dan returned. Natsu grew busy with his firefighter training and didn’t come over as much. Dan was still the charming prince that showered her with compliments, affection, and so much more, but it wasn’t enough.

Not long after, Natsu announced that he and Lisanna were dating. It made her blood boil.

Lucy couldn’t understand why.

She was in a good place with her boyfriend and yet the thought of Natsu being with someone else still managed to make her feel envious.

There was a huge part of her that couldn’t bring herself to feel anything but jealousy. The feelings she had weren’t fair. It wasn’t fair to Dan, Natsu or Lisanna and yet she still had them.

By the time Lucy was ready to put her jealousy behind her, Dan decided it was best for them to part ways. In a way, Lucy was hurt, but she was more relieved than anything. She didn’t want to continue to hurt Dan without him even knowing.

Now here she was a few years later, still alone and still in love with the same man she’s tried so hard to get over.

Xxx

Dan chuckled causing Lucy to look up at him. “Same old Lucy. You always had your head in the clouds.”

She must have been out of it because they had stopped dancing at some point.

She laughed nervously. “Sorry, I was…trying to figure out what your other reason was for coming back was. Did you have something else to do?”

Dan thought for a moment. “If I’m being completely honest with you, Lucy, I was more eager to see you again.”

Lucy looked at him shocked. “Y-you were?”

“I was afraid that you had moved on and I’d lost any chance I had of seeing your gorgeous face again.” Lucy blinked blankly for a moment to register what he was saying. She could feel her face grow warm.

Dan leaned in to get a good look at her. “You okay? Your face is looking a little red.”

Taking a step back Lucy nodded quickly. “Y-yeah! It just got really hot all of sudden.”

“I’ll get you some water.” Dan escorted Lucy off to the side and ventured into the crowded room in search for a suitable beverage.

Lucy sighed once Dan left. To think one of Dan’s reasons for coming was to see her again. As sweet as it was the thought alone turned her into a bundle of nerves.

“Is that who I think it is?” Lucy immediately perked up at the familiar voice behind her.

“Oh my gosh! Mira?!” Lucy pulled her friend in for tight hug and received one from Mira in return.

“I had no idea you would be here tonight!” Mira exclaimed.

“With what’s been going on with Minerva’s family I thought she could use a friendly face!” Lucy replied. Laxus then appeared behind the two with two glasses in hand. He greeted Lucy with a small nod in her direction and handed her the clear liquid that looked more like water than any form of wine.

“You’re only having water?” Mira wasn’t a lush like Cana, but it just seemed odd that she chose water as her drink of choices. It was then the realization hit Lucy. Her eyes widened as a blush appeared on Mira’s face and Laxus looked away awkwardly.

“Three weeks.” Was all Mira said.

Happiness couldn’t even begin to describe how she felt for Mira and Laxus. She contained her squeals by bringing her hands up to her mouth. “Congratulation!”

Mira’s smile widened. “Thank you! We’re hoping to announce it right after the wedding or at least before I start showing.”

“Your secret is safe with me! Not even my date wi-” Mira interrupted her.

“Date? You have a date? Is it with someone I know?” Mira always enjoyed learning about Lucy’s poor excuse of a love life. Lucy never understood why.

There were times when Mira would joke that Lucy and Natsu looked good together. A thought Lucy already considered.

She started ignoring the woman’s comments right after she suggested that Gray might have a thing for her. Good thing Juvia was nowhere near them at the time.

“You’ve crossed paths with him a few times.” Lucy said.

Mira’s eyes lit up and she eagerly looked around. “Finally! Where’s Natsu?”

Lucy frowned at the question. Why would she think Natsu was here? More importantly, why would she think he was here with her? “Why would I be he-“

“If it isn’t the dazzling Mirajane Strauss and her husband to be.” Dan’s voice sounded behind Lucy as as she felt his arm wrap around her waist.

Mira’s eyes widened in complete shock. Even Laxus looked surprised to see the man “D-Dan, I didn’t know you were back!”

“Not for much longer. Although, if given the right reasons, I might change my mind.” He looked over at Lucy with a warm smile causing her to blush. She heard a faint snort coming from Laxus and turned just in time to see Mira lightly elbow her fiancé in the stomach.

Mira brought a hand up to her mouth and she urgently looked at Laxus. “I’m not feeling too well. Laxus, would you mind escorting me to the restroom?” She gave Lucy a quick hug before pulling Laxus off.

That was weird to say the least.

Dan was the first to speak after the couple’s departure. “I hope she’s alright.”

“I’m sure she is…” Lucy’s words trailed off when her eyes were met with Minerva from across the ballroom floor. She was talking with a group of people when Rufus walked over and whispered in her ear. Minerva’s thoughtful smile she held for most of the night fell.

Minerva gave the guests an apologetic look and if Lucy looked hard enough there was some irritation as well. With a handshake, she walked away from the group of people with Rufus in tow, disappearing around a corner.

Something was up. Minerva was never one to leave a party. In fact, she lived and breathed opportunities that would put her family on the front page. What could possibly pull her away?

Lucy quickly turned to Dan ready to give the good old “I need to powder my nose” excuse, but he beat her to it. He was staring at his phone with annoyance dancing in his eyes.

“I have to make a quick phone call, beautiful. Excuse me.” He didn’t even give her time to answer before he briskly walked off.

‘It must have been important.’ She thought to herself.

Lucy didn’t dwell too much on his abrupt exit as it gave her the chance to figure out what was going on with Minerva.

Just as Lucy was ready to follow the raven-haired woman two men stepped in front of her.

Lucy had forgotten the type of people events like this attracted. Rich people, yes, but most of the guests were questionable, creepy, and snobbish. The two men before her fit all three categories.

Jose Porla and Duke Everlue were a part of one of the richest families in Fiore. One was a billionaire entrepreneur and the other was part of a lineage of authors.

Lucy had only met them a few times through their business with her family. Jose was the one that used to creep her out the most. When her mother was present he made no effort to hide his attraction her. He tried very hard to be the charming stud he wishes he was, but he just came off as pushy. “I never thought I would see the day when a Heartfilia would grace us with their presence again.”

Lucy put on her best smile. “Mr. Porla, it’s been a long time.”

He takes Lucy’s hand, leaning down to gently kiss it. “Please, call me Jose.”

The feeling of the man’s wet kiss and mustache brushing against her skin made Lucy’s skin crawl.

She pulled her hand away with a polite smile. “R-right…”

Jose looked Lucy over and as flattering as it was supposed to be Lucy felt like she was on display. “You have grown up to become quite a sight, my dear. You definitely are Layla Heartfilia’s daughter. Don’t you agree, Everlue?”

Everlue shrugged his shoulders clearly unimpressed by the blonde before him.

“I’ve seen better.” Was the short man’s reply.

Lucy didn’t let his words get to her. The man had weird taste and would call the most beautiful women ugly. Her mother was one of those women who received his harsh critiques.

Lucy smiled to show his words did nothing to her self-esteem. “You’re just as direct as ever Mr. Everlue. I would like to send out my sympathies for the loss of your old library. As a person who avidly visited the facility, it pains me to see the building be tarnished in such a way.”

The man shifted uneasily as if the topic made him uncomfortable. He glanced at Jose for a moment, who seemed to be too distracted by Lucy to even notice. “It doesn’t really matter to me. The building was old and set to be taken down anyway. Someone did me a favor,” he said with trying to show his disinterest.

A pretty indifferent statement for someone who almost had his building burned to the ground. Whether it was going to be torn down or not, that building was what put the Everlue family name on the map. It’s one thing to tear down the building on their own accord, but it’s another when someone else deliberately does it. It should have been unsettling.

Making note of his response, Lucy held her smile. “Of course. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way.” Far away from them was very ideal. “Wait!” She felt Jose grab her arm with long, clammy fingers. She flinched at the sudden contact and quickly pulled away.

Jose smiled one of those creepy smiles, as if Lucy wasn’t already weirded out. “I was hoping I could ask you for a dance.”

Not even on his best day would she consider him as a dance partner. “I would love to but I can’t because…because…”

Where the heck was Dan when she needed him? Her eyes darted around the room in hopes to find the missing man, but there wasn’t a trace of him.

Lucy felt a warm hand gently grasp her shoulder and she sighed with relief.

“Because she promised me a dance.” Lucy’s heart leaped out of her chest at the voice.

That didn’t sound anything like Dan. Not even close.

That voice was something she spent years listening to and could point out without having to second guess herself. There was still a sense of hope within her that she was wrong.

Lucy slowly turned her head to the person who now stood by her side and her heart stopped.

This could not be happening.

Next to her stood a tall man wearing a black suit which revealed his white partially unbuttoned shirt. On most people, such an attire would be deemed sloppy or unkempt, but the look was working for him. The next thing Lucy noticed was his jet black spiky hair. It was as normal as any other hair color, but on him it looked so unnatural.

Jose glared and looked the man up and down, as if he was sizing up his competition. “And who might you be, boy?”

The man in question gives Lucy a quick wink and holds out his hand towards Jose.

“Zeref Vermillion at your service.”

Only one thing came to Lucy’s mind.

‘You have got to be kidding me…’

xxx

A/N: Has a new challenger appeared?! Mwahahaha! I hope you guys enjoyed Lucy’s side of the story! I apologize for not coming out with this much sooner! Both my beta and I have become super busy, so please forgive the lateness! As always, please review and stay tuned!

#fairy tail #nalu #nalu fanfiction #fanfiction #natsu #lucy #lucy heartfilia

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aph-2p-headcanons · 7 years

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2P!Romano Boyfriend Headcanons

sorry for being the absolute worst :,))

⦁ DUE TO AN EXCEEDING AMOUNT OF REQUESTS ⦁ AND SUDDEN BOOST OF PRODUCTIVITY ⦁ I PRESENT TO YOU ⦁ THE ONE ⦁ THE ONLY ⦁ F L A V I O V A R G A A A A A A A A A A A A S ⦁ *edgy airhorn noise* ⦁ okay. ⦁ ya boi is The Worst™ ⦁ in the mornings ⦁ he will CLAW you back into his arms if you try to leave - he is a light sleeper, so he can tell if you are trying to escape ⦁ like ⦁ he is a Demon ⦁ you can eventually get out if you a.) threaten him and his designs heavily b.) smorch him c.) cry ⦁ yes yes v original spookie, but he will use you to model his designs "stop moving" ":.))" ⦁ he is so controlling when he is using you as a model btw and if you cry he will feel so bad but also might be like "!!don't!!stain the satin :,,)" ⦁ he is the super extra guy that just shows up an hour late to an event with a half empty bottle of wine and swirls his fucking glass and sniff s ⦁ if he accidentally hurt himself he will either be like "oh that sucks" or scream bloody murder - he will go to you either way because he can't take care of injuries on himself by himself ⦁ he has a fashion blog and he posts so many photos of you modelling his stuff, especially on instagram - he is instafamous btw, people literally see him on the streets and are like !!!! ⦁ he probably can't reach a lot of things and gives up if he can't, but can be persuaded to use you as a stool "i offered to get on your sho-" "get on the ground there's no way i'm letting you wrinkle this" ⦁ will constantly be grooming you like a mom seeing someone she knows in public with her kid there ⦁ like he just produces a mini lint roller from a secret compartment on the bottom of his shoe "i could've just plucked tha-" "no you have a bit of dirt on your finger you'll stain it" "flavi these are brown pants" ⦁ he is a really good cook and will be excited to teach you things ⦁ he's a really good boyfriend like he will square up if someone insults you, especially your appearance - he thinks everyone is beautiful in their own way and wont stand for bullies ⦁ will drag you to Pride with him because he loves seeing the drag shows ⦁ he takes his coffee inhumanely black (luci takes it so sugary it's undrinkable) ⦁ a big chance you will slowly lose your closet items and then gain them back a day later "flavi did you take my sweater" "there are loose threads, i don't want them getting caught on anything" "that's,, actually really nice, thank you,," ⦁ he tries to teach you italian (if you don't already speak it) it's so cute "no, no, it's PREgo, like,, 'prey'" ",,preh" "nO--" ⦁ he never is not snapchatting you ⦁ he and gilen are probs caligraphy buddies and he'll make you this really pretty written piece of your name ⦁ luciano is secretly super into musicals, but flavio doesn't know any except for the classics. if you're into musicals, it's your job to introduce them to him "bell@ who is Rich Jake and why are you trying to protect him?" "nO fla V--" ⦁ he gets hot all the time and you might walk in on him in nothing but socks ",,,,,,,,,,,flav,,, your feet produc-" "i don't wanna hear it" ⦁ has a nice singing voice but only does it when he's distracted - he's super embarrassed about it so if you hear him he will LEAVE the vicinity ⦁ probably is like "hey u ever been to milan?" "no?" "okay well you're not gonna if you don't hurry up, we take off in an hour" ⦁ just,,, random trips?? ⦁ he really likes taking you places you've never been and will remember places and things you want to do ⦁ he is VERY strategic about dates. he usually hands you a bag (of clothes) (that he made) and a time of when you're leaving. that's it. ⦁ everythign is a surprise with him ⦁ "are you busy?" "actually yeah i gotta-" "no you don't get ready we're going on a date" "flavIO I HAVE TO WO R-" "I CALLED YOU IN ALREADY" "Y OU RE GON NA G E TM E F I RED" ⦁ he loves you don't worry ⦁ he also loves seeing you happy & will do everything in his power to see you smile ⦁ but that isn't difficult, things are never dull when ur dating Flavio Vargas ;)))

#2p headcanons #headcanons #2p #2p romano #aph romano #Flavio vargas #aph #aph headcanons #hetalia headcanons #2p hetalia #hetalia #boyfriend headcanons

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highqueen · 7 years

Text

Bedroom Headcanon [Pevensies]

Requested by @hevcia

Peter Pevensie:

Peter’s room is messy yet organized

It looks messy to a stranger, but he has his way of finding things when he needs them

Lucy is the only other person who knows how to find things

“Ed, can you get me my fountain pen?”

“Where is it?”

“It’s in that black box!”

“Where’s the box?!”

“You know what, never mind. Get Lu!”

Clothes are sorted in a way only Peter understands

His bed is the only thing that is neat every day

Lots of red; red blankets, red photographs, red pillowcases

With gold accents; gold stitching, gold photo frames, gold engravings on chairs

Peter has lots of family photos on his desk

He likes to look at them when taking a break from homework

His desk has lots of drawers

One is for writing utensils; pens, pencils, ink, erasers

There’s papers and assignments in other drawers

But one drawer at the very top contains an odd assortment of items

It has a miniature sword, a white unicorn model, a sketch of a centaur ripped from a book, a beautifully pressed flower, and a soft square of fake golden fur

They’re things that remind Peter of Narnia

Occasionally, on bad days, Peter pulls out the items, laying them out on his desk

He’ll touch each item softly

The fake fur is last, and it is the item that seems to give him the most energy to continue on

Susan Pevensie:

Susan’s bedroom is pristine and beautiful

Everything has its own little place

The drawers in her desk have little boxes to further divide the contents

She color codes papers and assignments, putting them in different folders

Her room is very cozy despite the neatness

Photos and paintings hang on the wall

Cushions are next to a window, a bookshelf stands next to it

She reads by the window often with a cup of tea on the windowsill

Susan has lots of clothes and sorts them by color

It confuses Edmund to no end

“Why do you have them by color and not by season?”

“It’s more logical. Outfits can be matched more easily by color.”

Most things in her bedroom are pale blue and lavender

Her bed has a pale blue canopy

The covers alternate in blue and lavender squares

She hides her journal under the mattress

And when she writes in it, she does so with the canopy shut

Her siblings wonder what she does under three

They never find out

Susan is smart and puts a random book cover on her diary

She switches the cover out every few days

But sometimes, the covers are strange and her siblings think she’s strange

“Why are you writing in a book about the evolution of bugs, Su?”

Edmund Pevensie:

Edmund’s room looks fairly neat

The bed is empty except for green and blue covers

Things on the desk are organized

Papers in a pile on one side and pens in a cup in a corner

The only thing a little out of place is a model of a chestnut brown horse, with a white stripe down its forehead

If you look under Edmund’s bed, it’s quite a mess

Whenever he finishes something, he just shoves it under his bed

That drives Susan crazy

“Edmund, please go clean your bed!”

“What do you mean? My bed is spotless!”

Once every week or so, Edmund is forced to clean out the stuff under his bed

It takes a few hours to put everything back

But once things are back where they belong, the space under his bed is neat again

For the next day or so

Edmund’s closet is always neat though

He doesn’t like wearing wrinkled clothes so everything is folded nicely

His room is full of greens and blues, with silver accents on various items

A bookshelf is in one corner of the room

Though there are more than just books on there

Many photos—of nature, his family, cityscape—are in frames on the shelves

Edmund takes these photos himself

In one box on the bottom shelf, Edmund’s photography paraphernalia fills the box to the brim

Lucy Pevensie:

Lucy’s room showcases her creativity

She has lots of her artwork framed and up on the walls

Ceramic pieces she made rest on her desk, the bookshelf, her dresser

Her walls are painted a plain, cream color

But Lucy uses her walls as a canvas and paints little designs and images onto them

Dolphins and sea creatures are on one wall

Land animals of all kind on another

Lucy’s favorite wall is of mythical creatures: niads, dryads, centaurs, fawns, river gods, giants, dwarves, mice with swords

And a beautiful, roaring lion in the center

The legs of her desk are painted too, vines and flowers climbing up the edges

Lucy has a few drawers of the desk dedicated for her art supplies

But most of the time, the supplies are scattered on her desk

The rest of the drawers are for school work, or store her completed sketches and drawings

Her bookshelf has many books related to art

Lucy arranges her book on the shelves according to color

It’s a pretty sight, seeing all the book spines gradually change in color the further down you go

She has a nice, comfortable armchair next to the bookshelf

She spends lots of time reading and drawing there

#narnia #narnia writing #narnia headcanon #peter writing #susan writing #edmund writing #lucy writing #my writing #peter #susan #edmund #lucy #headcanon

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portstlucieflhomes · 5 years

Text

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smut-camren · 7 years

Text

The Hand That Feeds // Chapter 3

original story http://archiveofourown.org/works/3673911/chapters/8142474

———————————————

Another update. Can you tell I’m bored today? lmao —————————————

“What is it Lucia?” Lauren asked looking at the reflection of Lucy in her vanity set mirror.

Lauren placed her brush down and opened the top drawer to the vanity, taking out bottles of perfume, blush, concealer, and eye-liner. She thoughtfully looked over her choice of lipstick before placing it on top of the vanity.

“I’m sorry to intrude Miss.” Lucy started. “I just- are you sure this is what you should do?”

Lauren watched Lucy enter the room through the mirror. Seeing the tension appear in Lauren’s shoulders caused Lucy to cower for a moment. She knew Lauren hated to be questioned, from a slave the most, and while Lucy was given plenty of pardons due to her status of the house, this was a topic that Lauren drew the line on.

“Forgive me, Miss!” Lucy cried. “I didn’t mean to second guess your choices. I just worry about you.”

Lucy felt a small pool of panic settle in her chest. She knew she had no place to do anything, but please her Mistress. Lauren had never been the type of owner to use her slaves for physical pleasure and enjoyment. Lucy had more value to her.

“What if Master doesn’t agree with this? We have plenty of slaves.” Lucy informed.

“I will tell him I wanted another personal maid. He’s agreed to you and with time he will with another,” Lauren answered. “However, I won’t tell him of my true intentions. He expects you to be my carrier, but unfortunately things aren’t working out.”

Lucy gulped, feeling a ball form in her throat and a fresh flood of tears. Lauren pulled Lucy into a hug. She had every right to say what she deemed necessary, but to see Lucy in a fit of sobs and tears would be too difficult to deal with. Lucy latched on to Lauren’s waist.

“You are still so important to me Lucy.” Lauren whispered, stroking a hand down brown strands. “Don’t you forget or dare question that. You mean so much to me.” She kissed Lucy’s brown hair.

Lucy sniffled, blinking back a tear about to fall. The entire situation was unfair, but what would be the most unfair is to drag Lauren down with her. Lucy nodded and swiped a finger under her nose. Lauren released her.

“We can talk about this later.” Lauren agreed. “I need to get ready.”

“Of course Miss.” Lucy sighed. “I understand.”

Laure gave Lucy one last hug; the light sound of sniffling filling the room.

“Help me get ready.” Lauren requested.

Lucy opened Lauren’s closet, while she continued to apply makeup to her face. They worked in the room in silence.

***

“You’re still not going to talk about it?” Dianh asked, fluffing up her pillow.

Camila pulled the cot away from the wall and picked up Dinah’s sheet. The cot wasn’t that much of a difference from sleeping on the floor, but it wasn’t as cold as the concrete floor. Dinah had no complaints sharing it with her. The additional body heat was appreciated at the times the temperature dropped during the night.

“I’ve told you already Dinah. I don’t have anything to say.” Camila groaned. “Can we go to bed without your bitching for once?”

Dinah let out a huff of discontent and laid down. Camila curled in next to her with the shared sheet over their bodies. She rolled over to see Dinah’s hazel eyes staring at her.

“If you don’t tell me I won’t give you some of the chocolate chip cookies Ryder gave me today.” Dinah threatened.

Camila sighed. She hasn’t had cookies in a year. Dinah grinned watching Camila conflicted about spilling her time with Lauren again because of how badly she wanted those cookies. Dinah yanked the blanket up to her chin when the door to the cell slid open with a sharp grind of screeching metal. Camila watched the shadow of Sebastian in the door way splayed out on the wall.

The romps of his boots were tapping through the silent cell. It stopped after two steps. Camila pressed a finger to her lips as Dinah looked back at her frightened. Sebastian only came into the cell after hours for two reasons, someone made too much noise and should be sleeping or the guards wanted some fun with the girls.

Camila had tried to cover Dinah with her tiny body & hoped he wouldn’t choose her. He had too much fun with newcomers, finding there was a need to expose them to what he referred to as tradition of the brothel.

“Camila!” Sebastian shouted. “Get over here!”

Dinah shivered.

“Roll over and close your eyes.” Camila instructed, before sliding from underneath the blanket.

She stationed herself two steps away from him. He looked her over in annoyance before clamping a collar around her neck. He quickly hooked a leash to it and yanked her out the door. A guard slammed it shut and Dinah sat up terrified.

“I don’t know what she sees in you.” Sebastian spat. “I don’t trust doing this with you, but she insisted and don’t think because I’m not there I won’t find out and send a five man team to catch you.”

Camila watched Sebastian walk passed the stairs leading to the second floor and headed to the front entrance. She felt a tickle of fear in her stomach as she entered unfamiliar ground. Sebastian exited the brothel and Camila spotted a black limo over Sebastian’s shoulder. The passenger door opened from inside and Lucy stepped out.

“Hello Camila.” She greeted. “The Mistress has instructed I pick you up to prepare you for tonight’s events. I’ll handle it from here Mr. Smyth, thank you.”

Sebastian handed over the leash and went back inside. Lucy entered the limo first and helped Camila settle inside. The colorful strobe lights and spacious design of the limo did little to calm Camila’s nerves.

She was going to be on a ride with a person she knew little about other than her name. The slam of the car door brought Camila back to Lucy who had silently removed the collar from Camila’s neck, replacing it with a red collar made of leather covered with diamonds, and on the ring was a tag with the letter C on the plate.

Lucy raked her fingers through Camila’s long hair before taking a brush to try and get out the knots. A bunch of painful strokes later, she managed to get Camila’s hair smooth and presentable. She proceeded to form Camila’s hair into a neat long braid down the center of her back.

Camila had found it strange that Lucy had been meticulous in grooming her without a single word. A weight in the center of her neck drew attention to Camila’s collar where Lucy attached a rich red leash made of polished leather.

“I’ll need your help getting this on.” Lucy instructed, presenting to Camila what she could only describe as a black leather looking diaper.

“What the hell is that?!” Camila growled.

Lucy looked over the strange instrument, with a relaxed demeanor.

“It’s a chastity belt.” Lucy answered. “The Mistress insisted I have you wear it for tonight’s date.”

Camila moved back, glaring between the belt and Lucy. She wanted nothing to do with it. It looked painful and completely uncomfortable. It had no opening and from the sides Camila could make out buckles with a padlock. This item had no intention of giving Camila the right to get herself free.

“Please don’t make me force this on you.” Lucy sighed. “I would hate to disappoint the Mistress too.”

Camila had little say in the choice of clothing, should it be considered an article of clothing in the beginning. She has never seen a design of its kind, and she has been forced to use every toy known to mankind for her clients. She slid over, allowing Lucy to put her leg through the hole.

“I’ll go over the rules when you are attending with the Mistress in public.” Lucy started.

***

Camila was left to sit in the limo, trying to contain herself from spiraling into a fit of panic. She had no information on where she was going, or where Lauren was. Lucy had been stubborn to not reveal anything.

The rules had been simple enough; the usual. Camila was to not make eye-contact, remain silent unless spoken to, remain by Lauren’s side at all times, and be obedient to Lauren’s every command. It gave no clue to what she had in store for her. Lucy’s calm behavior didn’t help.

Camila still couldn’t understand why Lauren wanted a night with her. And while the fact of Lauren’s half-demon lineage still upset Camila it had less of an angry effect like the first time they met. Her lack of a feisty reaction had given Camila little concern. Lauren treated Camila better than all the clients she’s been with before.

Camila’s skin tingled as she remembered the climax Lauren gave her with little effort. A jolt of anxious energy shot into Camila’s leg, causing it to shake. She couldn’t contain how excited she felt at the thought of getting the chance to cum again. For once, she didn’t have to fake it.

Camila watched the limo pull up into the parking lot of an area she has never seen. The majority of the state of Ohio was destroyed. The demons had knocked down most of the human structures, only keeping those of an ancient design and they had a strong liking for Gothic buildings. Whatever landmark they deemed important was rebuild with Gothic architecture.

Of course, churches or anything holy were left to rubble. Not that it bothered Camila. Her generation grew up without a religion, especially since it was illegal. Any building that was completely intact was owned by demons. Humans lived on the streets and if they were lucky in partially erected buildings the demons didn’t find worth completely destroying.

The limo came to a complete stop and Camila could see a line of guest in black shiny leather clothing, waiting to get inside. Camila hesitated to exit. Lucy opened the door.

“I’ll walk you to the club.” Lucy stated. “Come with me.”

The least expected possibility of what this building could be was a club. Camila had little time to think of why a place like that existed as Lucy exited the limo and took a hold of Camila’s leash. The limo door was closed and it drove away, bringing a rush of fear into Camila as she stood in the parking lot completely exposed. It didn’t help that she was wearing the contraption around her waist with a collar and leash that had been too decorative for Camila’s taste.

Lucy walked in front of her without a tremor in her step. She was aware of the eyes on her, but it had no effect on her as it did on Camila. The people in this group were demons, some half-breeds, humans who were without a doubt their pets. Camila had felt so misplaced, but the hungry eyes of the club-goers had seen her as a prized possession made of gold.

“Hi Sam!” Lucy smiled.

The blonde-haired and blue-eyed guard at the door smiled at Lucy. He looked human for the most part, if he didn’t smile that is, because inside his mouth were a row of razor sharp teeth and he had pointed long ears. The color to his skin was a slight tint of red. Camila fought back the reflex to jump when he glanced at her.

“This must be Camila.” Sam noted. “Lauren has been waiting for you. Go on through. She is in her usual room.”

He waved at Lucy as she passed him and Camila tread into the club as if she were walking on eggshells. Sam had been kind, or he had tried, but his appearance had been too unsettling for Camila . The anxiety in her increased when she reached the inside of the club.

The music was deafening, filling Camila’s head with a dull hum and punching bass. It was much too dim, but had some light due to the blinkers on the ceiling. A thick puff of smoke from cigarettes filtered the room. The room was full of demons that proudly showed off their naked pets. Some of the humans had outfits designs to show off their body modifications Camila was sure their owners forced them to wear. The more tame and usual modifications she found in the group were nipple piercings with interesting jewelries, some that even lit up.

A lot of club-goers were adorned in black leather, some in shiny black or red latex, bright make up, and boots with ridiculously tall heels. Camila wondered how the girls wearing them could move around at all. Not a single human was off a leash, but they didn’t seem bothered by it.

Camila was brought upstairs to the balcony of the club and at the end of the floor was a velvet red curtain covering the VIP room of the club. Pulling back the curtain revealed a door and Lucy knocked before opening it.

What Camila saw on the other side made her speechless. Lauren had her back toward Camila, pouring two cups of water from a pitcher. She was wearing a beautifully laced red corset with sheer lace thigh high stockings, red and three inch heels. As she turned around Camila noted the cleavage exposed from the corset and a black ribbon tied into a bow in the front, but what shocked Camila the most was the lack of a mask.

Lauren walked over with a smile and kissed Camila’s cheek, lingering longer than she should have. Camila turned her head eagerly to reach Lauren’s lips, but had a finger pressed to her lips to still her. Camila gulped.

She had been just as beautiful as Dinah described her. Red plush lips, with a rounded face, pale complex with a tint of red in her cheeks, and thick shoulder length black hair. Lauren’s hand cupped Camila’s waist to bring her closer, so that their bodies were together. Camila has seen plenty of half-breeds. Lauren had to be the most human and attractive one Camila had ever seen.

“You have to earn your right for affection.” Lauren grinned. “You look amazing.”

Camila opened her mouth, but found it difficult to form a single word. Lauren laughed before she quickly kissed Camila and pulled at her bottom lip. She gasped.

“Thank you for bringing her here Lucy. I’ve already spoken with Keana about your ride home.” Lauren spoke, keeping her eyes on Camila the entire time.

“Goodnight Miss.” Lucy muttered, exiting.

Camila gulped. She had felt the most exposed with Lauren’s eyes on her. The way her eyes sparkled and darkened as she watched Camila made her body shiver. And while she was a quivering mess what confused her the most was how badly she wanted Lauren to touch her.

“I can still smell you.” Lauren noted. “Even through this.” She pointed to the belt surrounding Camila’s hips.

The room became ten degrees hotter. Camila’s mind was a mess, she wanted to keep her tough exterior up because at the end of the night she would end up back in the brothel and she would still remain a worthless whore. But right now all Camila wanted was to have sex with Lauren and that feeling was a whole different experience of its own for Camila .

Camila gulped. “I…reflex.”

Lauren’s brow rose to such a honest statement. The way she smiled gave Camila some relief to see she had said something less offensive.

“Give me your wrist.” Lauren gently said.

Without a single thought, Camila lifted her arm. Lauren slipped a blue band on to her wrist. She kept her hand on Camila’s palm, rubbing her thumb along the back of the Latina’s hand. The small contact of skin was enough to take a little edge off.

“Now everyone will know I don’t want to share you.” Lauren spoke proudly.

“Uh – where are we?” Camila asked.

Lauren led Camila the couch where she offered her a cup of water. The sip had done little to calm her nervous. Lauren moved over to be sitting close to Camila’s side. A hand rested on Camila’s thigh, but remained still.

“We’re in a BDSM club.” Lauren answered.

Camila jumped. “W-What?”

Lauren firmly squeezed Camila’s thigh; a finger starting the soft trail of circular patterns just above Camila’s knee to sooth her. Lauren kissed Camila’s cheek, bringing her attention back to her face.

“Relax.” Lauren hushed. “You’re safe here. Keana has very strict rules.”

“Who?” Camila questioned.

She nearly forgot she asked as Lauren’s lips drew closer to her own. Instead of pressing their lips together, however, Lauren decided to kiss Camila’s neck. A finger brushed over the front of the chastity belt and Camila cursed the thing for getting in the way of her contact with Lauren’s hand. The memory of how she got her to be a whining mess with just a few strokes of her clit made Camila flinch and whimper.

“She’s the one who owns this club with her boyfriend, Samuel. You’ve met him. They’re both an old family friend.” Lauren answered. “She’s very nice. She isn’t like most demons. She treats the slaves with respect. I’ve learned a lot from her.”

Camila looked Lauren over and scooted back, a tic of repulsion springing her body into action. The anxious feelings that had come earlier in the car returned with a much stronger urge.

“Is this what you’re into?” Camila asked.

“Yes, but we won’t be doing anything tonight. It’s much too soon.” Lauren informed.

Camila was startled. Lauren had been honest in her response with the same calm expression. Camila had a difficult time letting Lauren’s answer sink in. The evidence was clear. She had seen for herself what the club held. She’s heard of these clubs, but as far as she knew it was just rumors because a club in general usually wouldn’t interest a demon.

But if it brought in money it would bound to bring around someone who was willing to get into this business. Camila wouldn’t have expected Lauren to have such an interest in this type of night life.

“What?” Camila scoffed. “Then what is this for?”

“It will serve its purpose soon.” Lauren assured. “I am not going to subject you to anything extreme. I need your complete trust and willingness for that.”

Camila glared. Did it mean that Lauren was certain Camila would give into her? Camila had no intention of being obedient. She trusted no demon, half-breed or not and humans, aside from Dinah, Camila had no one else to trust.

“Stop making me feel like I matter.” Camila hissed.

Lauren showed no anger. She held a sympathetic face. It further angered Camila.

“But you do matter.” Lauren stated. “You matter to me. Why else would I bring you here? I wanted to show you more about myself.”

Lauren closed the gap between them and put a hand to the back of Camila’s head. She kissed Camila’s forehead before moving to the corner of her mouth. She can hear the rapid beat of Camila’s heart. Lauren noticed even the tiniest tremor in Camila’s bottom lip.

“Tell me about you?” Lauren asked. “Were you born a slave?”

It had been such a neutral toned questioned, with not a single trace of malice in it. Lauren had no intention of belittling Camila. She had genuine curiosity. Camila had still been sour about her predicament.

Camila broke their contact apart and paced around the room. She hated it here. It was too quiet. The room was too small. She could hear her thoughts and her instincts screaming at her to get away. She shouldn’t trust Lauren. She shouldn’t trust a demon. That was the logical part of her speaking. She knew how dangerous demons are. Camila’s seen them. She turned around, trying to mask her tears with anger.

“I don’t have to tell you anything.” Lauren snapped.

“That’s right.” Lauren agreed. “Whatever happens in this room will remain between us and whatever does happen is because you wanted it.”

Lauren carefully got to her feet, slowly putting her arms around Camila’s stomach. The hold was loose; lacking the strength Camila knew Lauren had. Lauren kissed the base of Camila’s neck.

“Call me stupid, but I find you fascinating.” Lauren chuckled. “Do you know what I want from you?”

“For me to be your faithful and mindless puppet!” Camila spat, in rage.

Lauren ran her nose along the length of Camila’s neck. “For you to willingly submit yourself to me not out of fear, but admiration and love, while in return you can be given something so rich nothing else can compare, and you have not the slightest idea what it is yet.”

Camila gulped. Lauren placed her thumb against Camila’s stomach moving it in a soft circular motion. The kiss from her neck moved to her shoulder and the space between her shoulder blades. The touches had been so tender with a sense of concern, as if Lauren had been trying to rid Camila of her internal wounds and heal them. Years of pain and hatred washing away and it scared Camila.

“I am giving you the life none of my kind is expected to ever give a mere slave.” Lauren explained. “Do you know why I wanted you?”

Camila didn’t trust herself to speak without a tremor in her voice and shook her head.

“You have everything I need.” Lauren answered. She pressed her nose into Camila’s neck and inhaled. “While you may physically have nothing to give, I see such high value in you, but you are not ready to know what it is until you’ve given me your trust.” A kiss landed on to her neck. “Underneath this marred skin, you smell divine. You can give me what I seek and in return I can give you the peace and happiness you deserve.”

Releasing Camila, Lauren looked over her exposed body. The stare hadn’t been primal or vicious, but rather tender and enchanted. Camila shivered. Lauren pressed a hand to Camila’s face and placed another down her back, going over every scar she could find three times before clasping onto Camila’s hips.

“Such an attractive and supple body,” Lauren commented. “There is potential and these scars do nothing to devalue you.”

A small whimper came from her mouth. That had been enough for Lauren to spring forward and pull Camila into a kiss. It took every ounce of power in Lauren to keep the kiss short and light as she wanted more than anything to put Camila on that couch and watch her moan until she came. Lauren had been the one to end the kiss and she needed a second to gain her control before looking back into brown chocolate eyes.

Camila’s heart was racing. The feeling back at the party was no comparison to what she was feeling now. Her face burned as if she broke into a sudden fever and her legs were so weak, she was sure she’d fall to the floor any second now. She wrapped her arms around Lauren’s neck for balance.

“I grew up on the streets. My family lost their house in the raids when everything crashed. I was just a toddler.” Camila admitted.

“I’m sorry that happened.” Lauren apologized. “Demons had always been cruel things.”

Camila felt tears build at the brim of her eye lids. She hated everything here. She hated the change of new world order and how useless humans were. They had no worthy value to them and living the life of a pet was not something Camila wanted, but it was turning out that way with Lauren around.

“They were drug dealers.” Camila sscoffed. “The demons were drug dealers and I thought they were okay at the time because they gave my dad a job. It gave us food to last the week. I didn’t grow up starving.”

With little resistance the tears dripped down Camila’s face and she violently wiped them away. She hated crying, she hated showing weakness to anyone, especially a demon, but these feelings were things Camila had refused herself to feel since the day she was brought to the brothel.

“My dad got attacked while he was delivering the drugs and lost everything. The dealers demanded he pay it all back with interest. Those greedy sons of bitches!” Camila spat. “That changed everything! My dad had to work harder. I helped him deliver more drugs to different people. Then mom died because she got sick from the stress. She was old.” Camila wiped away a few more tears. “We couldn’t afford the medicine! It was the flu. We should have saved her! We could have done something, but we had nothing.”

Camila’s teeth grind together with a scowl on her face. The memory of her dad did nothing but leave a bitter memory in comparison to her mother.

“That’s how I ended up here. My dad couldn’t handle mom’s death and he couldn’t handle raising me alone. So he sold me to a brothel at 17. It would pay off all is debt. I’ve never forgiven him for that.” Camila glared.

Lauren’s arm tied around her waist, pulling Camila closer to her side where their hips touched. The contact was nearly enough to ease all of Camila’s tension and cease her anger. Lauren kissed her forehead.

Camila gulped as the kiss moved to her neck. She couldn’t stop the moan that erupted past her lips as Lauren kissed her left breast and ran the tip of her tongue over the nipple. Lauren chuckled and kissed Camila’s chin. She whimpered. Lauren led them back to the couch, laying Camila on her back and wedged herself between her legs.

The blood in Camila’s beating chest rushed to her head, drowning her in the blissful feeling of Lauren’s hand stroking her thigh. Lauren placed her hands beside Camila’s head and pressed her center against her thigh. She groaned at the touch of hot liquid, smearing her skin.

“Look at you.” Lauren panted. “So beautiful.”

She dipped down, giving Camila a searing kiss that left her knees weak. She opened her mouth to feel Lauren’s tongue swiftly brush against the roof of her mouth and playfully tug at her bottom lip. Camila stared into blazing green eyes before shifting back to Lauren’s red and plush lips.

Lauren sat up, retrieving a small key from the table top and unlocked the padlock to Camila’s chastity belt. It was removed and Lauren moved Camila’s legs to have them bent and the back of her feet grazing the back of her thighs.

“Do you trust me?” Lauren asked.

She noticed the flinch in Camila’s legs. Lauren reached down, kissing Camila’s left knee lovingly before she kissed the right one. Camila couldn’t figure out if she wanted to say yes because she wanted to get off because she was so horny, or because she really did trust Lauren. Both would be ridiculous, Lauren was a demon. Camila had no reason to be this turned on. She especially had no reason to trust her. She gulped.

“Yes.” Camila exhaled.

Lauren grinned. She took a hold of Camila’s hand and kissed each tip of her fingers before positioning it between Camila’s legs.

“Touch yourself.” Lauren ordered.

“W-What?” Camila whimpered.

“Have you never done it before?” Lauren asked.

Flustered and embarrassed Camila shook her head no. She had no reason to masturbate. She grew up on the streets. The only concern she had as a kid was staying alive and trying not to end up getting raped. And of all the people she’s been with at the brothel, none of them cared to see her rub one out. It wasn’t a needed skill or behavior.

“Shame.” Lauren sighed. “It feels really good right about here.”

She directed Camila’s finger to her clit and rubbed it firmly. Camila gasped. Seeing the amount of clear fluid from her center, Lauren took Camila’s middle and ring finger and pushed it inside. Camila cried out as her fingers easily slipped through the folds down to the knuckles on her palm.

Camila started a steady push and pull of her fingers as they pulled down and curled once they went back inside. Lauren sat back, watching between the movement of Camila’s hand and her facial expressions. She let out a loud cry as her fingers swiveled inside and she pressed her thumb against her clit.

In less than five minutes, Camila found herself covered in a sheet of sweat and near climax. Lauren moved in closer, keeping her eyes on Camila’s hand and she let out a cry just as she came. A thread of clear fluid shot out, puddling on the couch and Camila lay back out of breath and motionless.

Lauren smiled, kissing Camila’s knee and brushing back brunette strands of hair from her sticky face. She had to help Camila sit back up and gave her a cup of water to cool her down. Camila leaned over, seeking Lauren’s lips for a sweet and soft kiss.

“Can you stand?” Lauren asked.

Camila took a hold of Lauren’s wrist and they stood together with the help of Lauren’s support.

“Let me show you around the club.” Lauren stated.

“What about -”

“We don’t need it anymore.” Lauren assured. She could sense Camila’s uneasiness. “As long as you have the wristband you’re safe.”

Lauren put Camila’s leash back on and put an arm around her waist.

“Do you still trust me?” Lauren questioned.

“Yes.” Camila answered without hesitation.

Lauren smiled and led them out of the room.

#lauren g!p #series #update #submission #the hand that feeds

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zerogmechnet-blog1 · 4 years

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jeremystrele · 5 years

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An Incredible Adventure In Renovating An Iconic Piece Of Architectural History

Homes

by Lucy Feagins, Editor

The Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin-designed home of Mary and Marc Parlange in Toorak. The couple first purchased the home in 2017, soon after moving to Australia from Canada, and knew very little about the Griffins’ legacy! Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The view from the front patio into the study window, which has an interior window so you can see through into the inner courtyard. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The living room featuring a vintage Hans Wegner chair found in the warehouse Angelucci. Vintage lamp also from Angelucci. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Mary Parlange is a writer and editor who has covered the latest developments in science, engineering and medicine for more than 20 years. Vintage 70s bentwood leather chair by Farstrup Mobler in Denmark. Vintage ceramic lamp from Angelucci. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

A wall of the master bedroom. ‘Marc saw this painting in a restaurant in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso when he was working in rural Burkina on a research project. The restaurant owner promoted local artists by displaying their work on the walls,’ explains Mary of this painting’s origins. The stool was purchased when the couple were living in Switzerland, in celebration of their 20th wedding anniversary. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The front (TV) room. Vintage Eames chairs made in Australia in the 70s by Herman Miller, found by Mary at Angelucci. Lamp by Herman Miller. The rug belonged to Mary’s parents, from Belgium. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Left: Mary showing a remnant of a knitlock concrete tile, showing how the pieces slide together and interlock. The use of these unique tiles meant that there was no mortar used in constructing the walls. Right: In the dining room. A painting from Mary’s parents’ collection, depicting the US southwest landscape, by Peter Meyerson. ‘It reminds me of New Mexico, where I grew up,’ Mary says. The mountain lion is also folk art from New Mexico. The Polar bears are by an Inuit artist, bought for Mary by Marc when they were living in Vancouver. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The corridor to the inner courtyard. The cupboard door design is the same as the one used for the windows. ‘The Griffins often designed all the elements of a house, including light fixtures and rugs,’ Mary tells. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

A view from the kitchen into the corridor surrounding the inner courtyard.Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The guest bedroom. The bed belonged to Mary’s mother – forged in wrought iron by an artisan in rural New Mexico. The painting is by Forrest Moses and was also part of Mary’s parents’ collection. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The Master bedroom. In the shelves are a small collection of Russian nesting dolls (matryoshka). ‘My parents started collecting them when my father (a particle physicist) traveled to the USSR for scientific collaborations’, Mary tells. Photo – Caitlin Mills. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Author Mary Parlange moved from Vancouver to Melbourne in late 2017, as her husband Marc took an academic position at Monash University. When scouting for a home in their new city, the couple bid on some contemporary houses, but ‘hadn’t really found the right place.’ After scrolling though real estate apps, Mary stumbled across the Salter House, designed by Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion Mahoney Griffin in 1924.

Mary describes ‘when we walked in it just felt right, like Goldilocks finding the right bed.’ Their offer was accepted and as the reality set in, Mary reveals ‘we looked at each other and said “what have we just done?” At the time, we knew almost nothing about the Griffins or the history of the house. We just knew this could become a home.’

The ‘home-making’ process was not a straight forward or simple one, with their builder Stuart McLean reminding Mary and Marc ‘you can’t open a can of worms without expecting to find any worms.’ The budget and timeline were revised countless times to accommodate the essential excavation and re-stumping of bedrooms, reinforcing of walls, rewiring, gutting and refitting of bathrooms, and all closets, built-in shelving and door hardware being replaced. Floors were repaired, sanded, stained and finished, and fireplaces were updated.

In addition to these extensive structural changes, interior walls were painted matte white, against an exterior grey. The landscaping was also completely redesigned by Sam Cox, introducing Castlemaine slate, and native planting ‘more in line with Griffin’s landscape philosophy.’

Mary describes the joy of moving through the home, where different ceiling heights create a sense of opening out, and inviting in. The iconic Griffin designed knitlock concrete tiles create a curved ribbing effect, and give the home a distinctive and timeless aesthetic.

For such a unique house, it is almost uncanny how well the couple’s furniture and artwork sits against the Griffins’ design. Beloved items include the bed in the guest room, forged in Pojoaque New Mexico, which originally belonged to Mary’s mother. The home tells a story of the family’s globe-trotting life, with pockets of folk art from their travels peppered through the property. Mary particularly highlights the combination of her parents dining table, paired with the Hans Wegner sofa and chair (restored by Angelucci 20th Century). She explains that everything fits together in this house ‘like it was pre-ordained.’

This stunning renovation was a major undertaking, ‘from the time we moved to Melbourne to when we moved into the house, we lived in seven different apartments and AirBnbs’ Mary admits. But the process has not only delivered a beloved home, Mary has also developed a new passion for the life and work of the Griffins. She explains ‘we have lived all over the world, and this has – by far – been the biggest adventure and most rewarding result.’

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lopezdorothy70-blog · 5 years

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Top 7 Ways to Support Sustainable Fashion

dailymotion

30 Tips in 30 Days Designed to Help You Take Control of Your Health

This article is included in Dr. Mercola's All-Time Top 30 Health Tips series. Every day during the month of January, a new tip will be added that will help you take control of your health. Want to see the full list? Click here.

Shopping is often referred to as "retail therapy." Some suggest buying stuff, especially new clothes, can make you feel better - more relaxed, perhaps, or prettier or popular. While shopping for the latest trendy fashions may boost your mood temporarily, most people agree the positive vibes seldom last long.

Even if they did, there is more to modern fashion than meets the eye. Underneath all the glitz and glam portrayed in store windows are layers of what a new BBC documentary refers to as "fashion's dirty secrets."

If you think turning over your wardrobe frequently has little impact on world events, you may want to take an hour to watch the film. From start to finish, it will compel you to seriously consider how the fashion industry is actually wreaking havoc on the environment and endangering human health.

BBC Reporter Suggests Our Clothes Are Wrecking the Planet

In the featured 2018 documentary, BBC investigative reporter Stacey Dooley unearths some of the fashion industry's "dirty secrets."1 Her conclusion: Our clothes are wrecking the planet. At the onset of the film, Dooley is quick to admit she is a fan of fashion.

"It's retail therapy," she says. "For me, shopping is a way to unwind. I buy a treat, and I get home, try it on and take loads of photos wearing it." Like many, she puts the clothes on, poses in front of a full-length mirror and uses her smartphone to snap a bunch of photos. Later, she posts her favorite pictures on social media, which attracts a flurry of comments from friends and followers.

Dooley notes how easy it is to get pulled into a relatively new trend called "fast fashion," which alludes to how designers and retailers introduce new collections on a weekly basis to keep consumers hooked on clothing. Because clothing lines turn over rapidly, buyers often feel pressure to keep pace with the latest trends, even when they already have a closet full of perfectly useable clothing.

"Fast fashion lures us into buying more clothes than we need," asserts Lucy Siegle, a journalist and author specializing in environmental issues and one of Dooley's interviewees in the documentary. "It's a production system that brings us clothes at intense volume." The problem is our insatiable demand for cheap copies of catwalk fashion is having a devastating impact on the environment.

Like Dooley, you may be surprised to learn that fashion is second only to oil on the list of the top five most polluting industries in the world. That revelation took Dooley on a global adventure to further investigate the impact fashion has on vital aspects of living such as air quality, the economy, human health and water supplies.

Nonorganic Cotton Is One of the Worst Offenders of the Environment

Nonorganic cotton is one of the fibers Dooley reveals as doing the most harm to the environment, particularly as it relates to its devastating impact on fresh water supplies.

Finding out that cotton is one of the "bad guys" may surprise you, especially if you have been influenced by the U.S. industry group advertising that, for nearly 50 years, has promoted conventionally grown cotton as the "fabric of our lives."2 Dooley notes some of the "dirty secrets" associated with nonorganic cotton include the:

Pesticides used in cotton farming

Dyes and other chemicals used in manufacturing items made from cotton

Immense amounts of water needed to produce and process it

In the film, Dooley is told it can take upward of 15,000 liters (about 4,000 gallons) of water to grow the cotton necessary to make some brands of jeans. "I've never associated clothes production with pollution before," she said.

Vital Waterways Damaged by Cotton Production and Textile Manufacturing

In addition to being chemical-dependent, conventionally produced cotton also needs water - lots of water. Dooley discovered the amount of water needed in some cases is enough to nearly drain a sea in a few decades. On a visit to Kazakhstan, Dooley heard firsthand about how the water level of the Aral Sea began receding in the early 1970s.

The Aral Sea is situated between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan - the world's sixth-largest cotton producer among 90 cotton-growing countries.3 At the time cotton began making inroads, fish started dying from the chemical runoff from cotton fields. Now, in an area that used to be covered in turquoise blue water, you find a sparsely populated, barren wasteland.

The Amu Darya, one of the rivers that fed the Aral, was diverted into cotton-production farms in Uzbekistan and sucked dry before it could reach the sea. In Kazakhstan, what used to be a thriving seaport is now nearly 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the water's edge. The country's fishing industry has been obliterated by its neighbor's cotton industry.

Sadly, the former Kazakhstani seabed is heavily contaminated with pesticides, which prevents plant growth. Locals say wind-driven toxic dust has led to high rates of cancer, tuberculosis and other illnesses among those eking out a living there. The negative impact of cotton is felt daily in the local economy, public health and weather.

"You don't understand the enormity of the situation until you're here," asserts Dooley, standing on the dry earth that was once the Aral seabed. Camels and horses roam in an area once teeming with fish and other sea life. "[D]id I know cotton was capable of this? Of course, I didn't. I had no idea."

Beyond cotton, textile manufacturers themselves also misuse water resources. Dooley visited Indonesia to get a firsthand look at the Citarum River, known as the world's most polluted river. The area around the Citarum is home to more than 400 factories thought to be releasing toxic chemicals into waterways across the region on a daily basis.

Touring the river by raft, Dooley observed several hues of colored dye being pumped into the water and well as bubbling, bad-smelling foam. Toxicology results indicated the river is heavily polluted by heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, which damages the health of local residents who depend on the river for drinking water as well as for bathing and washing clothes.

"To me, this feels like a complete catastrophe, and it's worth bearing in mind that Indonesia isn't even in the top five garment manufacturing countries globally," Dooley commented.

Sustainability: A Real Issue That Needs To Be Addressed in the Fashion Industry

In the U.S. alone, the impact of fashion has been outlined as follows. Every year:4

13.1 million tons of textile waste are created

11 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills

68 percent of the water used to create one pair of jeans revolves around fiber production alone

Because sustainability is such a huge issue for the textile industry, as part of her investigation, Dooley attended the Copenhagen Fashion Summit - a gathering billed as "the world's leading business event on sustainability in fashion." Unfortunately, not many of the clothing brands participating in the event were willing to speak to Dooley on camera.

As such, she stated, "This summit is a sign that some in this industry are working to clean up fashion, but I have felt the brands' refusal to talk to me make it look like some of them have something to hide."

That said, Dooley was able to speak to Paul Dillinger, vice president of global product innovation for Levi Strauss & Co., the $5-billion American brand that produces denim jeans and jackets and other clothing. "We're working on a solution that takes old garments, chemically deconstructs them and turns them into a new fiber that feels and looks like cotton, but with zero water impact," he said.

Beyond that, Dillinger says, "In the meantime, we are doing everything we can to use less water in our finishing. We share information on how to reduce the water footprint of our cotton with everyone else." While all that sounds great, he and Dooley agreed the industry and consumers are not yet ready for large-scale change.

"This is a big industry. It's so broadly decentralized that affecting change is nearly impossible," Dillinger notes, "especially when the [consumer] appetite doesn't want change. For that reason, there will need to be a regulatory solution. It has to happen, because there just isn't enough water."

The only lasting solution it seems is for the fashion brands to invest themselves in environmentally friendly production methods. Those new methods, Dooley notes, must run in a parallel path alongside government oversight.

This would include laws and regulations designed to place limitations on water usage, while closely monitoring and responding to other negative environmental impacts brought about by textile companies.

Discarded Clothing Also Has Huge Environmental Impacts

While it may seem the number of textiles discarded are not important, as most fabric should be biodegradable, the reality is the large amount of clothing thrown away every day contains more than cotton. Procedures to treat clothing include using specialized chemicals, such as biocides, flame retardants and water repellents.5

More than 60 different chemical classes are used in the production of yarn, fabric pretreatments and finishing. When fabrics are manufactured, between 10 and 100 percent of the weight of the fabric is added in chemicals.6 Even fabrics made from 100 percent cotton are coated with 27 percent of its weight in chemicals.

Most fabrics are treated with liquid chemicals to ready them for the fashion industry, going through several treatments before being shipped to a manufacturer. A number of chemicals used on clothing are known to present human health and environmental issues.

Greenpeace International7 commissioned an investigation into the toxic chemicals used in clothing. They purchased 141 different pieces of clothing in 29 different countries. The items were manufactured in 18 countries. The chemicals found included high levels of phthalates and cancer-causing amines.

The investigators also found 89 garments with nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). Twenty percent of the garment reflected levels above 100 parts per million (ppm), whereas 12 of the samples contained levels above 1,000 ppm. Because any level of phthalates, amines or NPEs are considered to be hazardous, you do not want them coming into contact with your body through clothing.

While you may think the potential danger of these chemicals comes from wearing clothing containing them, that is just one step in the cycle of harm. When the material makes it to a landfill, these toxic chemicals can leach out into the groundwater. Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) have been widely used in textile marketing and have been linked to a variety of health problems in humans.8

PFCs are so ubiquitous they've been found in the blood of polar bears9 and in tap water supplies used by 15 million Americans in 27 states.10 Fortunately, Greenpeace has listed PFCs as one of the hazardous chemicals used in clothing production targeted for elimination by 2020.11 So far, progress has been slow.

"It fills me with dread," says Dooley. "It's hard to think that the clothes I'm wearing could do so much damage, but I now see how the industry is such a threat to the planet."

youtube

The Care What You Wear Campaign

We simply have to start caring about what went into the clothes we wear, which is why I'm participating and donating proceeds from my Dirt Shirts to the Care What You Wear campaign. Marci explains the incentive behind the campaign thus:

"We want to empower consumers and businesses to care about what's behind the way it looks. It's not just about looking good in clothing. It's about feeling good and doing good in the world. When you think about caring about what you're wearing, it's about going deeper and saying, 'Where did this apparel come from? How is it being grown? Where is it being made? Who's making it?'

It's not that different from the Farm to Table Movement, where people are saying, 'Where is my food coming from? How is it being grown and produced?' It's the same thing.

We're waking up to our source inside. We're awakening to that desire to know what we're putting in and on our bodies as an extension of ourselves. It's not just what you eat. It's also what you wear that is a part of you. We need to be thinking about fiber no differently than we are about food."

Startups Are Changing the Industry From the Ground Up

Though not explicitly mentioned in the documentary, one of Levi Strauss' big moves in terms of sustainability involves its partnership with a Seattle-based textile startup called Evrnu.12 In 2016, the two created the world's first jeans made from the reclaimed fibers of five recycled cotton T-shirts. This renewable fiber uses substantially less water than the traditional cotton process.

Such a change is significant considering the Evrnu team notes it takes a staggering 20,000 liters (about 5,300 gallons) of water to produce the amount of cotton needed to make a single pair of jeans. After discovering it takes 700 gallons of fresh clean water to make a simple cotton shirt, Evrnu founder Stacy Flynn recognized the need for sustainability.

Determined to find a way to combat such waste, Flynn launched Evrnu as a startup. By 2014, Flynn and her team had created a new, sustainable alternative from recycled clothing.

Although the full impact of companies like Evrnu are yet to be seen, Flynn says, "It shows that even big players in the textile industry are open to change for the good of the environment, as well as willing to seek out and find the new eco-friendly solutions that are emerging."13

About the new product, Dillinger said, "This first prototype represents a major advancement in apparel innovation. We have the potential to reduce by 98 percent the water that would otherwise be needed to grow virgin cotton."14

7 Ways You Can Help Reduce the Negative Impact of Fashion

Given Dooley's passionate call to action, you may want to consider how you can help reduce the negative impact of fashion. For one, as a consumer, you can vote with your purchases - buying sustainable brands and avoiding companies and clothing items you know are damaging the environment. Beyond that, you can:

1. Choose fabrics made with organic cotton, hemp, silk, wool and bamboo; learn more by reading my article "Why Opting for Organic Cotton Matters"

2. Resist the pull of "fast fashion" and only buy clothes you can commit to wearing for a long time

3. Trade clothes among your family and friends, especially items that have been hanging in your closet unworn for more than six months

4. Select items colored with nontoxic, natural dyes

5. Avoid screen printed items because they typically contain phthalates

6. Be mindful of when and how you wash synthetic clothing so as to minimize the shedding of microfibers

7. Keep in mind that most donated clothing actually ends up in landfills

While in Indonesia, Dooley spoke with Ade Sudrajat, chairman of the Indonesian Textile Association (API), who said, "I feel ill. The situation I face makes me desperate." Without better regulation and oversight from government, Sudrajat says, "The planet is gone. Water is our life. Water is our future."

Though she has investigated environmental issues before, Dooley says she was marked by the enormity of the problems going on inside the fashion industry, which she claims have become "a tremendous threat to the planet."

"For me to tell you that I'm never going to shop again would be completely dishonest," she concludes. "But I do recognize how powerful I am as a consumer. This is a situation that needs addressing - and fast. There has to be a real sense of urgency now because to be totally honest with you, we're running out of time."

Tip #11Grow Your Own Food

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