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#before this week i might have seen 3-4 mushrooms tops in my entire life
dlzdrz · 3 years
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Shrooms
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youblowuponesun · 3 years
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evidence of things not seen, chapter 7
Paul Stamets has been through hell lately.
He  never  signed up for this, and the promises made to him before the war  have  been broken so many times and so many ways he doesn’t even know  where  to start.  How much more can he take, a thousand years in the  future  with nowhere to go?  He’s trapped here, and as the days tick by,  one  thing is becoming more and more clear.
Everything that’s gone wrong in his life has been the fault of Starfleet.
chapter 7: a little bit of fun and games!
chapter 1 | chapter 2 | chapter 3 | chapter 4 | chapter 5 | chapter 6 | ao3
Alpha Centauri City was vibrant and clean and fresh.
The architecture was a little different, except for a few ancient buildings, but most of the streets were the same, and as the two of them walked together, the place came alive with memories.
Paul reached for Hugh's hand, and received a smile in exchange. It was magic, this place, all of a sudden he felt young again.
 Get it together, Stamets.
"Hey," Hugh said, pointing to an enormous old stone building. "You remember that? That was our first date."
"How could I forget?" They'd spent the afternoon exploring the natural history museum, just hours before Hugh was due to ship back out with Starfleet. "I couldn't believe my luck. I was completely smitten."
"You were not," Hugh laughed, shoving playfully at Paul's chest. He made an indignant noise.
"I was!"
"I was trying to impress you, and every time I said something you told me how wrong I was. In great detail."
"You were wrong."
"I was convinced you were going to blow me off."
"Okay, I know I came on kind of intense, but I wasn't an idiot."
"Could've fooled me."
"Hey."
Paul jostled Hugh with his shoulder, pushing him out into the street. A passing Andorian stepped aside just in time, fixing them with a disparaging look. Hugh gave a small smile in apology and waited until the woman was out of hearing range before he dissolved into laughter. Paul couldn't help joining in. He hadn't seen Hugh like this in a long time.
"It's funny," Paul mused, "I spent two weeks here between presentations, but I don't think I ever saw anything of the city except what we saw together."
"It's a good thing we've got this second chance." Hugh linked their arms together, pressing closer in. "I can't wait to see everything with you. We've got so much to look forward to."
"Yes, we have," Paul said, thinking of the plans he had for Hugh on their last night. "Right now, I think we ought to be looking for somewhere to eat."
"What do you feel like? It's my treat."
"Don't be ridiculous, this whole thing is my idea-"
"-and it was a great idea, babe, I feel better just being off that ship. I'm really glad you suggested it. Dinner's on me."
"You're the worst sometimes, you know that?"
Hugh gave him a sparkling grin. "That Creole place looks good. What do you think?"
"I think I'm going to enjoy this week."
~~~
There were more than thirty of them.
A class full of bright-faced young academics, some barely older than Adira and Gray, crowded into an upstairs room at a bar in Alpha Centauri City to listen to Paul talk about mushrooms.
Okay, it was a little more complicated than that, even after Starfleet had classified half the lecture he'd planned to give. But the students typed furiously on their PADDS, staring at him with wide-eyed fascination, and Hugh sat at the back with a forgotten medical journal in his lap and a slightly dreamy look on his face, Gray listened politely while Adira unabashedly played a game of Tetris on their PADD, Notan Waters watched from the sidelines with a glint in his eye that said he could devour Paul whole if he wanted to.
God, this was the life. Sharing his experience. Knowledge wasn't meant to be kept secret; the spore drive might be dangerous in the wrong hands, but the minds of the future should be prepared for the challenges coming their way.
Two or three of Waters's students actually asked questions - intelligent ones - and one eager young woman, Zainab, stayed behind to talk to Paul afterwards. She argued with him, obviously delighted to have found someone who cared about fungi as much as she did. For Paul, of course, the feeling was entirely mutual. He talked to her for at least half an hour, challenging the points she made and comparing fields of interest. Zainab had been reading modern mycology for fifteen years; though she had less experience than Paul, she knew plenty that he didn't. And she was familiar with his work. She had read an early paper of his and Straal's before she even went to college; she told him in great detail exactly how wrong he'd been.
It was incredible.
And he would have kept going far longer, if it weren't for Adira's extremely unsubtle yawn, Gray's jogging of his leg against the floor, and Hugh more delicately clearing his throat.
"Oh," Zainab said, "I think my group must be getting ready to head back to Earth. Thanks so much for today, Doctor Stamets, it was wonderful."
"Hey," Paul said, halting her before she could flee, "here." He sent a file over to her PADD. "That's my contact details. Whatever you end up studying, would you keep me in the loop?"
Zainab grinned at him broadly. "Absolutely. Thank you, sir!"
She ran out of the room with a spring in her step.
"Sorry," Paul said to Hugh, a little shamefaced. "I didn't mean to hold up our evening." They'd had plans, too, a dinner reservation, but a glance at the chronometer told him he’d missed it. "I'm sorry."
"That's okay." Hugh glanced over his shoulder to make sure the kids weren't watching too closely while he approached, taking hold of Paul by the waist and delivering a deliberate smooch. "You have no idea how sexy you are right now."
"Okay, we might not be trying to listen, but we can hear you," Adira yelled from across the room.
Paul tried to keep it together. He did. But he caught Hugh's eye and it was a lost cause; they both dissolved into giggles.
Adira scowled at them, but Gray was already laughing, too, and finally they gave in and relaxed. There was nothing for it except to join in.
~~~
Apparently it was the norm now to have soundproofed bedrooms in every house. Most significantly, the holiday home they'd rented in the city.
Hugh fucking loved the future.
Paul had worn glasses to his lecture, because he thought they made him look more respectable and academic, but Hugh thought they just made him so hot he could burst. Especially with that black suit and old-fashioned tie.
"Don't you dare take those off," he ordered, directing Paul to sit down at the foot of the bed and very deliberately locking the door. "God, Paul."
Paul smirked at him, letting the glasses slide a little way down his nose so he could look at Hugh from over the top of the rims. Fuck. "I didn't know you had a thing for this."
"I don't have a thing for this."
Paul fixed him with a single quirked eyebrow. Hugh felt his cheeks heat up.
"Okay, maybe I do," he admitted. "I can't help it. You're so in your element like that, you're so confident and sure of yourself. You pack so much knowledge into that incredible brain of yours and when you let it out you manage to make it make sense even to a dumbass layman like me."
"Stop that," Paul objected, "you're not a dumbass."
"You understand your work so well you can make anyone understand it," Hugh pressed on. "You take time with students and you love anyone who wants to learn and you don't care what anyone thinks of you. And then..." he chewed his lip, looking at Paul through his lashes, "you dress like that and what the hell am I supposed to do except fall even more in love with you?"
"Hmm." Paul pulled off the glasses, teasing his lip with the end of one handle. Hugh swallowed audibly. "So what you're saying," Paul said, gorgeous blue eyes raking up and down him, "is that you're into this?"
"God, Paul," Hugh groaned, and closed the distance between them in two enormous strides.
"Hey," Paul laughed against his lips, falling backwards onto the bed, "hey, I'm not going anywhere. We've got all night."
"Mhmm, but I want you now."
Amusement danced in Paul's eyes, even as they darkened with desire. "Should I put the glasses back on?"
Hugh closed his teeth around Paul's collarbone. "Yes." He lowered his hands to the knot of Paul's tie. "You have no idea what it was like watching you tonight. A few of those kids thought you were pretty hot, too."
Paul did his best to scoff, but it came out a little breathy. "They did not."
"They did. But they couldn't have you." Hugh sank his teeth over one of the buttons of Paul's shirt, ripping it away to get at the flesh beneath. "You're all mine."
"You - yes, yes, babe, that's good - you must have been restraining yourself."
"I was." Hugh ran his fingers along the length of Paul's tie.
"And - ah - oh - you want me to suffer what you suffered?"
"That's right." Hugh drew back, examining his handiwork - a tapestry of marks all over Paul's bared chest. He pulled the sweaty shirt away, running the tie faux-casually between his fingers. "How do you feel about a little bit of restraint?"
Paul grinned.
~~~
Paul woke the next morning sore and satisfied. Hugh was still fast asleep beside him, and experience said he'd be out for at least another hour. He paused, watching Hugh fondly for a minute, then leaned down to kiss his forehead, carefully extracted himself from his arms, and slipped out of bed. Hugh frowned and mumbled something in his sleep, rolling over into the empty space Paul had left.
When they first moved in together, Paul had tried to stay in bed until Hugh woke. For a whole week, he lay awake in bed for a minimum of forty minutes, afraid to do anything that might disturb Hugh's well-earned rest.
It drove him crazy.
Finally, after Hugh innocently asked for the salt at breakfast and Paul snapped at him, he confessed how much it was killing him to wait for Hugh to wake up every morning. Hugh laughed and told him there was no reason to wait. He'd slept through earthquakes, Paul wouldn't shake him awake.
"Um. You said how much you were looking forward to waking up together every day."
"Oh."
"Yeah," Paul shrugged. "It's okay. If I won't wake you up grabbing my PADD and reading, I can handle it."
"Babe," Hugh laughed, "I didn't mean you had to sleep in with me. Especially not if it's putting you in a bad mood. I love how much I get to see you now, you don't have to torture yourself."
After that, it became Paul's habit to get up as soon as he was awake, shower and dress, make coffee for them both, and then sit on top of the sheets beside Hugh, reading, until he woke. Hugh was terrible at waking up. If he had the alpha shift, he set himself three alarms, and Paul still had to shake him out of bed sometimes. But no matter how slow he was, or how late he was running, he always found time to drink the coffee and to kiss Paul.
(Assuming Paul was still there, but he'd been forgiven for how he'd handled the stress of their first year on the Discovery, and they never talked about it now.)
Paul hummed to himself as he washed his hair, thinking of Hugh and last night and what else they could do with this discovery. Who could have guessed that Hugh would react so well to glasses and a tie?
And he really enjoyed the afternoon, too. Teaching. Hugh was right, he loved it, he'd forgotten how good it felt to engage with bright young minds who wanted to learn.
Thinking of bright young minds. He hoped Zainab would follow up on her promise to keep him in the loop. That girl had some extraordinary things on the horizon, unless he was much mistaken.
Paul emerged from the shower and made coffee, still humming. When they were on vacation, he liked to do it the old-fashioned way with a stovetop espresso machine. It filled the house with a fresh scent, started the morning perfectly. At about eight, Gray entered the kitchen, wrapped in a bathrobe and smiling. "Is there enough to share?"
Paul poured out four shots and handed two to Gray, to do with as he would. With his own and Hugh's, he made two cups of cafe con leche, and put Hugh's in a stasis field to prevent it going cold before he woke.
"See you later," Gray said, carrying his own two coffees upstairs. Paul smiled as he watched the kid go. It was nice to have Gray in the family.
He was just turning to go back to the bedroom when a faint buzzing noise stopped him, and he saw a call coming in from Notan Waters.
Already?
At least he was awake and presentable.
"Good morning," he said, smiling for Waters's benefit and hoping this would be over fast.
"Doctor Stamets. I wanted to thank you for yesterday, it was extraordinary. The students had an excellent time."
"I'm glad." Paul felt himself smiling a real smile then. "I enjoyed it."
"I could tell. You're a born teacher."
Something about Waters's smile didn't quite feel right. It seemed almost-
"You'd be well compensated if you were to teach for us more often."
- predatory.
But Paul really did enjoy himself, and if he were going to retire and teach someday - maybe not too far in the distant future - it would be good to get some practice. "Sure," he said, "whenever I'm in the area I'll let you know. I'd like to do it again."
"You misunderstand me," Waters said.
Paul frowned. "I do?"
"I'm calling to offer you a permanent position on our staff, Doctor. We can provide resources Starfleet can only dream of, and the greatest minds of the future of mycology would be yours to shape."
It was tempting.
He allowed himself for a minute to picture it - lecturing and leading seminars and sitting down one-to-one for tutorials. Going home every night to Hugh and Adira and Gray, setting the kids up somewhere in a good, normal school, letting them be regular people with none of the responsibility of Starfleet crew. Hugh in a hospital, able to focus on neurology rather than the jack-of-all-trades a ship's doctor had to be. Maybe wearing glasses and a tie more often.
It was a pretty picture. It might even make him happy.
"I don't think I'm ready for that," he said.
Waters frowned. "I believe that's a grave mistake."
"Look," Paul said, "the day's coming when that's exactly what I'll want. I don't think it's too far off, either. But not yet."
"I'll ask again."
"That's your right. In the meantime, I'd be happy to give more guest lectures. Yesterday was good, I'm very grateful for the opportunity."
"Well. We'll see if you're ever close enough again, shall we?"
Paul nodded. That would do.
"Enjoy your vacation, Doctor."
The line shut down, and Paul sighed, leaning back against the sideboard.
"Paul?"
He glanced up to see Hugh enter, rubbing his eyes and wrapped up in the bedsheets.
"Morning," he said, "I'm sorry. I meant to be back in bed by now."
"'S okay." Hugh stumbled a little as he crossed the room to Paul. "Y' good?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." He waved off the stasis field and handed Hugh his coffee, then reached for his own. He hadn't planned to wait so long before drinking. Paul made a face and spat the mouthful he'd taken into the sink.
Hugh frowned at him. "Don't do that."
"It's cold." He poured the rest of the drink away.
"Why didn't you bring it back to bed?" Hugh drifted closer, slouching beside him against the sideboard. Paul smiled back at him.
"Professor Waters called."
"Rude. Doesn't he know we're on vacation? What did he want?"
Paul almost told him everything, but something stuck in his throat. He wasn't interested in Waters's job offer. Not right now. And they were on vacation, everything was supposed to be easy. There was no reason to give Hugh anything to worry about.
"Just if I can do more guest lectures whenever we're local. I said I would, but I don't know when we'll be local again."
"Okay." Hugh nudged him sideways with his hip. "I hope it's soon. That was good for you."
"Yeah." Paul winked at him. "Something else was good for me, too."
~~~
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killian-whump · 5 years
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WHookWeek: The F Word
Hello, and welcome to my TED Talk. I’m KW, and I’m the head mistress of the Killian Jones Bang Train. In honor of Wish Hook Week, I’ve been asked by absolutely no one to provide an in-depth look at our facilities and the special amenities and stations we’ve added to accommodate Old Hook, Wish Hook, and Detective Rogers.
First, allow me to say that we here at the KJ Bang Train have every sympathy for those who choose not to acknowledge the existence of Wish Hook (or his tengential other versions). We have a highly sophisticated protocol in place for such riders on the Bang Train, which we have tentatively titled, “Shut Up and Bang the Other One Then”.
However, for those of you who have adopted a “the more the merrier” or an “if it has Colin’s face, I’ll bang it” approach in your life, we have adapted and expanded all of our stations to allow for this exciting new addition to the KJ Bang Train. Please, come along with me for a veritable word wall virtual tour.
Current KJ Bang Train Stops
Aside from the last 30-40 years of their lives, Wish Hook and OG Hook both had the exact same experiences and relationships. As a result, nearly all stations service both Hooks concurrently - a fancy word that means at the same damn time. However, most stations do have special kiosks and exhibits relating to one Hook or the other. Let’s take a look...
Stop 1: The Liam Jones Lookout Whilst technically a station, this small stop is more of a pause in the Bang Train’s route. We have never witnessed anyone actually getting off at this stop, aside from those few souls who forgot they were riding the Bang Train and thought they’d take in some brotherly love. Generally, these riders return to the Train a little shaken, having seen a bit too much brotherly love for their tastes. Still, the stop is here if anyone ever shows up to man the place.
Stop 2: The Millian Mile This gorgeous, scenic stretch of stations is the second largest stop on the KJ Bang Train’s route. We have canon-compliant banging, canon-divergent banging, and AU banging... all of which service both Hooks equally. We also have an additional station devoted to OG Hook for all your Underworld banging needs. Bang away, you tragic star-crossed lovers T_T
Stop 3: Golden Hook Gateway Don’t be fooled by this stop’s golden appearance. All that glitters is not always consensual. Or maybe it is. But it’s probably not. This stop caters to both Hooks equally, though one’s likely to have a slightly more positive experience than the other. AU bangings, canon-compliant FoeTP bangings, canon-divergent bangings... We’ve got all the dirty, filthy bangings you could possibly want here. Just make sure to wipe your feet before boarding the train again. We don’t know where you’ve been, you dirty fiend friend.
Stop 4: Tinkerhook Terminal This fun, spritely stop is the first of several located in our lovely Neverland Neighborhood. This stop caters to both Hooks with plenty of jungle bangings literally everywhere and anywhere bangings can occur. There’s also a special “Reunion in Neverland” Kiosk that caters solely to OG Hook and S3 bangings, as well as a Storybrooke Kiosk for any of your post-S3 bangings with either Hook (or both, we never judge).
Stop 5: Captain Pan Camps As soon as the Bang Train pulls in at this popular stop, you’ll be asked by our porter if you prefer the Dark Camp or the Light Camp. You’ll want to make sure you choose wisely, my friends, as there is a BIG difference between the two! Both cater to all of your Captain Pan bangings, albeit in very different ways. Both also have an OG Hook specific “Reunion in Neverland” Kiosk, as well as a “Wish Pan” exhibit that promises untold future wonders for both Hooks... or nightmares, depending on which camp you chose ;)
Stop 6: The Lost Boys Layover Stops are rarely as raucous (or dangerous) as this one, which is why we do not allow drop-offs with later pick-ups here. We used to, but no one ever seemed to return, or they showed up late and on death’s door from Dreamshade poisoning. Instead, the Bang Train will remain in station, ready for evacuation, for the duration of your visit. Make sure to check out the “Felix Fracas” exhibit and the Mess Hall, which serves a lovely foie gras. (Please Note: All of our Lost Boys are physically over 18 and mentally deranged.)
Stop 7: Tiger Lily Territory The last of our Neverland stops is a beautiful paradise of nature. Specializing in blow darts, Lost Boy evasion, and bangings, this stop also boasts a lovely Post-Series Kiosk dedicated especially to Wish Hook. If Wish Hook isn’t to your liking, shut up and bang the other one instead.
Stop 8: Hooked Queen Haven The third largest stop on the Bang Train’s route, and the largest non-canon stop, this station has a small Pre-Curse Carriage Ride to greet you as soon as you leave the Bang Train. This rollicking ride is the only part of the Haven that services both Hooks equally. From there, the station diverges down two separate paths. The left hand path is for Wish Hook, comprised of Pirate Queen and HQ Endgame stations, while the right hand path is for OG Hook’s continued pre-curse and post-curse Hooked Queen shenanigans and various AU stops.
Stop 9: Captain of Hearts Cave This rocky dungeon-like stop caters almost exclusively to OG Hook, though there is a small kiosk for those who choose to believe there was some banging attempts before the two Hooks’ paths diverged. Make sure to check out the “History of Male Submission” exhibit, which runs year round for absolutely no reason at all, unless you know what I mean, then you know what I mean, and would surely agree with its inclusion here. For no reason. At all. Have a nice day :)
Stop 10: Captain Gothel Grove This dark, ominous stop is definitely one for seasoned bangers only. Be sure this is where you want to stop before you get off the train, because once you’re here... Well, you might be here for a longer time than you’d like. This stop is exclusively for Wish Hook, as OG Hook refused to touch this stop with a ten foot pole, much to Mother Gothel’s disappointment. Warning: Don’t eat the mushrooms. Or drink the tea. Or... Really, just watch your back, like, the whole time. Forever. This one is a genocidal maniac.
Stop 11: Hookriel Harbor This stop was originally much smaller and in a different place on the route, but it was upgraded and relocated as of Season 7. While the original station was devoted solely to OG Hook bangings, the new and improved station now focuses more so on Wish Hook and Wish Ariel’s relations. There still exists a kiosk for OG Hookriel, of course, along with all the original content from the first incarnation of this much-loved stop. Old Hook also gets some love here.
Stop 12: Sleeping Hook Spot This quaint little stop is centered on OG Hook’s AU/Divergent bangings with Princess Aurora. There is a small kiosk for potential Wish Hook post-series bangings, just in case you have need of it. This quiet refuge is just the place to calm your nerves before reaching the next stop...
Stop 13: Captain Swan Central Station The largest and busiest stop on the entire Bang Train line, this bustling hub boasts all the amenities one would expect from a 5-star establishment - a coffee shop, a gym, a pool where ill-fitting suits just happen to fall right off, plenty of hotel rooms with only one double bed, etc. There’s also special sub-stations for Lieutenant Duckling, Captain Swan Threesomes (just slap a name on the end of “Captain Swan” and there’s a station for it), Captain Swan 2.0, and just about every other variety of this endgame ship that your dirty little heart could possibly desire. Make sure to check out the special year-round exhibit entitled, “How Many Hooks Is Too Many Hooks?” Spoiler: The answer is none. There is no such thing as too many Hooks for Emma to bang at once.
Stop 14: Captain Charming Cove If you’re looking for a bromance, you’ll have to look elsewhere... for this is the bang train. We got nothing but bangings here, and these two DO bang at this stop. Choo Choo, All Aboard! We also have an MPreg Kiosk for all your mpreg needs. Nobody judges here. All Hooks welcome.
Stop 15: Krakillian Kreek A watery stop full of nothing but HUGS!!! (And tentacles. Please mind the tentacles and keep an eye on your orifices.)
Stop 16: Old Hooks Home This special stop caters to Old Hook, and Old Hook alone. Anyone and anything you might want to have Old Hook bang - it can happen here. Granny, Lady Tremaine, Old Emma, Young Emma, you name it. There’s also Taco Tuesdays and free bingo every night.
Stop 17: Hooking Utensil Utopia This Rogers-centric stop boasts the finest beignets in the world, as well as some top-notch detective work if you’re into that kind of thing. Oh, who are we kidding? You’re here to bang some Hooks... and the Hooking Utensil stop has the sweeeeeetest banging this side of the Pancake House. Wish Hook is also welcome, of course, both pre- and post- Hyperion Heights.
Stop 18: Hook Coven Crossing Still need more Hook? We’ve got you covered. Here at Hook Coven Crossing, your Hooks can bang other Hooks... and still more Hooks... whilst banging still more Hooks... and then a few more. All the Hooks are here, and they’re all waiting for you each other! :D
Stop 19: Last Chance Alley We here at the KJ Bang Train like to see to ALL of our riders’ needs... and that’s where Last Chance Alley comes in. All bangable ships that don’t have stops of their own can be indulged in here. We have kiosks for Red Hook, Black Hook, Wicked Hook, Hookfire, Stubble Sandwich, whatever we call Hades and Hook (why does that still not seem to have a name? maybe Blue Hook? No, that would be Blue + Hook...)... All the smaller ships are here, along with Captain Floor, Captain Bondage, some interactive “Make Your Own Threesome” exhibits and a self-contained Orgy Pile! Make sure to top off your ride on the Bang Train with this one-of-a-kind stop!
Stop 20: Right Back to the Start... The KJ Bang Train is life. The KJ Bang Train is love.
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ifishouldvanish · 7 years
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Broken (3/3)
@winterswanderlust said: Alright so I can’t stop thinking about this: how would footfetish!Gold react to Belle breaking a heel?? I keep picturing him giving the pair an honorable burial in their backyard or maybe making a funeral pyre. And god help him if Belle sprained her ankle in the process.
RATING: E TAGS: the adventures of shoe fetish!Gold, Belle breaks a heel, sprains an ankle, and apparently has an ice kink, Oops, Foot Fetishism, foot worship, male submission, Fluff and Smut WORDS: 1,512 A/N: Well, this was a ride. Enjoy the fluffy conclusion :)
Part 4 of Gold On the Soles of Her Shoes
[Ch. 1][Ch. 2] [Read On AO3]
He couldn’t wait for her to get home from the library. He’d picked up her Guccis from the cobbler this morning and all that was left was for her to try them on and see how they felt. He didn’t want to get his hopes up too much though— the cobbler made sure to stress the likelihood of the heel alignment being off ever so slightly, just enough to leave them unwearable despite their best efforts.
But oh, how happy his Belle would be to wear her favorite shoes again! Just thinking about the look of sheer delight on her beautiful face had him giddy all afternoon. And to see them back in their rightful position on her feet— the deep red suede contrasting her luminous, porcelain skin, the color of her pedicure peeping through the open toe, the T-straps accentuating her delicate ankles…
He shook his head before his thoughts could wander too far. But gods, how did he get so lucky? So blessed, to have a woman as stunning as Belle to call his wife?
He would have dinner ready for her when she got home. Chicken Marsala with mushrooms and prosciutto, paired with Pinot noir. He decided he’d give her her shoes to try on before they ate. This way, if the repair as a success, she could wear them at the table. If not, then at least she’d still have a home cooked meal to look forward to. But also, he just didn’t think he could stand to wait until afterwards.
So, before dinner. Definitely before.
Dinner was coming along swimmingly, and he was whisking the simmering Marsala sauce to life when he felt a familiar pair of arms wrap around his chest.s
Sneaky little minx, he thought. He hadn’t heard the sound of her heels clunking on the front porch. Unless… she was still wearing her flats? They’d seen Dr Whale yesterday though, and he’d given her the green light to wear heels again. He was certain she’d rush to wear one of her tallest pairs today.
She pressed a kiss to the nape of his neck— or, as close as she could reach— and squeezed him tightly. “What’s all this, hmm?”
“Nothing. I just figured I’d prepare a little something special to mark the occasion.”
Belle giggled in his ear and his heart swelled in his chest. “And what occasion is that?”
“The one where I manage not to burn this sauce when my wife is clearly trying to distract me.” He said, carefully stirring the pan’s contents while she gently swayed the two of them from side to side.
“I’m not trying to distract you!” She laughed. “Though I suppose I could…” she murmured, clutching a hand through his hair,  tugging it lightly and gently scraping his scalp. Gods above. “But did you ever think that maybe you’re the one who’s distracting?”
He cleared his throat. “And what responsibilities might I be distracting you from at the moment, sweetheart?”
Belle pressed another kiss to his shoulder. “Smells delicious.” She said, changing the subject.
“It’s also done.” He said, tapping the whisk on the edge of the pan before setting it on the spoon rest.
“Hm… I wasn’t talking about dinner, handsome.”
He turned off the stove and moved the pan to another burner to cool, then spun around to face her. “I don’t know what you’re after, sweetheart, but all this flattery will get you nowhere.” He warned playfully.
She was failing miserably at holding back the smile on her face, and it made it impossible for him to maintain the stern expression on his. Reaching up on her toes, she pressed her lips to his, and goodness— her kisses always left him breathless, no matter how soft or how deep, how chaste or how impassioned.
“I have something for you.” He managed to say.
Belle grinned and arched her brow. “…Do you?”
“I do.” He nodded, smiling again.
She freed him from her arms and watched as he hitched into the living room to retrieve a shoebox that had been hiding in plain sight on one of the end tables.
“Before I give this to you, I must caution you, sweetheart.” He began. “The cobbler did their best, but well— they just might not be the same.”
“Oh, Rum—” she blurted, catching on. “you didn’t have to—”
“I wanted to.” He assured. “They were your favorite.”
She raised a brow at him. “Are you sure they’re not just your favorite?”
His lips curled into a lopsided little smirk. “…They might be in the top ten. Or, five.”
Belle nibbled her lip and pulled the lid off the box slowly, smiling brightly at what she found. “These are my shoes?!” She gasped, taking the right shoe out of the box. “They look brand new! They got the scuffs out and everything!”
“Aye, they did. But— again, you ought to hold your judgement until you try them on, sweetheart. They might not…” He trailed off, giving her an apologetic look.
“I understand.” She nodded and huffed out a little laugh. “I did quite a number on them, didn’t I?”
He just smiled. She had, wearing them as often as she did.
She plopped onto the sofa with the box in her lap, staring up at him. He raised his brows expectantly, eager for a verdict.
“…Rum?”
He cleared his throat. “Yes, sweetheart?”
“Would you like to… help?”
He blushed, embarrassed for being so neglectful. Of course he’d like to help.
“Yes. Yes, of course.” He blurted, rushing to his knees and smiling up at her. He took her hand and pressed a kiss to it. “It would be my honor, sweetheart.”
He carefully traded her Valentino flats for the restored Guccis, taking his sweet time with the ankle straps. With them fastened comfortably, he pushed himself back up to his feet and offered his hands to her. She took them and he pulled her to her feet before taking a step back, giving her room to walk about.
The first thing he noticed was that she was unsteady. He wasn’t sure if it was because it was her first time wearing heels since her injury, or because of the shoes themselves. But she was pacing clumsily across the rug like a newborn calf learning to use its legs, and he’d be endeared if not for the disappointment sinking in his chest.
“How…  How do they feel, sweetheart?”
She stopped pacing and looked at him with a put-on smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “They um… feel kind of… off.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” he said, stepping up to her and rubbing his hands over her arms. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s alright, baby.” She said, giving him a peck on the cheek. “You really didn’t even have to— it’s fine, really.”
“Well… I guess they’re as good as rubbish, then.” He sighed.
“Hey— That’s not entirely true…” She said, cupping his face.
He knit his brows together. “What do you mean? You can’t wear them out, Belle. You could hurt yourself. Again. Even worse. I won’t have it—”
“That may be so.” She laughed. “But just because I can’t wear them out doesn’t mean I can never wear them in.”
He blinked at her with an empty expression, and she bit her lip. Oh. Oh.
He coughed. “You mean—”
“Mhmm.” She nodded and leaned into his ear. “…In bed, Rum.”
God, how the mere flicker of the thought excited him. He shook it away. “I— you should wear shoes you feel good in, Belle. Not some old things you can hardly walk in, simply because I like them.”
“Well, I liked them too! I still do. In fact… I uh, think I might like them even more now.”
“I—” He opened his mouth to protest, but no words came out. “…I don’t understand.”
“I broke these heels and sprained my ankle, yes. But then you came to my rescue. These past two weeks, you’ve taken such good care of me. I was feeling frumpy and down on myself, and you went out of your way to make me feel confident and beautiful again. These are so much more than just a pair of shoes I can’t walk in anymore, Rum. They’re a reminder of how lucky I am to have a husband who cares as deeply for me as you do. I can’t think of another pair I’d rather see on my feet while we make love, than these.”
Her words rendered him speechless and he huffed out a disbelieving laugh. "Belle, I—”
She stretched up on her toes, draping her arms around his neck and pulling him in for a kiss. She was stealing the breath from him again, but that was perfectly fine. She could have it.
“Thank you.” She said, smiling at him. “Now let’s get these things off and have dinner.” She adjusted his tie and pat his chest, wetting her lips. “…You can put them back on for me later.”
Gold swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. “Yes. Yes, anything you want, sweetheart.”
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howellrichard · 5 years
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14 Sensational Books for Your Summer Reading List (2019 Edition!)
Hiya Gorgeous!
If you’ve been tuning into my weekly Wellness Wednesday live series on Instagram and Facebook, then you know that I recently launched our #CrazySexyBooks club with my friend Sheri Salata’s new book, The Beautiful No (and I also recently shared the next book I’m reading, which is also on this list!). I’ve been having such a blast connecting with our amazing community over our shared love for reading books that make us think, question, laugh out loud, vision, tear up and everything in between.
That’s why I couldn’t be more jazzed to bring you my 2019 summer reading list, hot off the press! It’s got something for everyone… fiction and nonfiction, brand new and classic must-reads. These books touch on everything from environmental issues and the powerful feminist themes behind Mary Magdelene’s gospel, to psychedelics, small business marketing and finance, wellness, and set-your-heart-on-fire inspiration!
But before you dive in, I’ve got a special gift just for you…
My 2019 Summer Reading List
1. Mary Magdalene Revealed by Meggan Watterson
This amazing new book by Meggan Watterson, a Harvard-trained theologian, dear friend and one of my spiritual teachers is my latest pick for our #CrazySexyBooks club. In Meg’s words, Mary’s gospel reveals a radical love at the heart of the Christian story (and for many of us, it’s a story we haven’t heard yet!). I feel that love as I read this beautiful book, and I think you will too. It’s a love that transforms everything—and it’s available to all of us. Add this book to your morning spiritual practice. Your heart will open and your soul will thank you.
Get Mary Magdalene Revealed here!
2. More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth
We all have so much to learn from Elaine Welteroth, who broke barriers as the youngest Editor in Chief of Teen Vogue and paved the way for it to become the socially conscious publication it is today. I love this quote about the book from another woman I admire, Malala Yousafzai: “More Than Enough is a guide for young people who want to find their voice, a crash course for those who want to challenge the status quo, and an adventure story for all of us.” So whether you’re young in years or young at heart, this one is a must-have for your summer reading list.
Get More Than Enough here.
3. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Calling all dreamers, small biz owners and solopreneurs! I didn’t think talking about money could be fun, but Mike Michalowicz has proven me wrong. If talking financials makes your head spin but you want your company to grow (and be profitable!), this one is a must-read. You’ll get practical advice paired with case studies that’ll help put you and your business baby on the path to success.
Get Profit First here.
4. How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
You might know Michael Pollan for his famous food-centric books such as The Omnivore’s Dilemma and In Defense of Food. This time around, his unique brand of skeptical curiosity takes us into the world of psychedelics. Pollan started the research for this book by exploring how some people are using LSD and psilocybin (the active ingredient in psychoactive mushrooms) to treat health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction. In doing so, he discovered a whole world of possibilities for using psychedelics to expand our consciousness, better understand our own minds and transform our fears around dying (especially for cancer patients). If that sounds too trippy to you, I encourage you to keep an open, expansive mind! This book is fascinating.
Get How to Change Your Mind here.
5. Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
My BFF’s sizzling new book launches on September 10 and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve been along for the behind-the-scenes ride for an entire year as Marie wrote this glorious gem. I’m devouring the advanced copy now and let me tell you, this brilliant baby is full of spirit-stirring wisdom and life-changing perspective. It’ll fire you up and fill you with hope and the knowledge that it doesn’t matter how many crazy roadblocks threaten to throw you off course, your dream is and always will be figureoutable. I may be biased, but I have a feeling you’ll agree. This masterpiece will definitely be a fall #CrazySexyBooks club pick!
Pre-order Everything is Figureoutable here.
6. A Bright Future by Joshua S. Goldstein and Staffan A. Qvist
I had to share this book because I know how passionate this community is about protecting our planet! The authors unpack how several countries have already replaced fossil fuels with low-carbon energy sources and how the rest of the world could follow in their footsteps to (literally) save the world. This is a compelling, no-nonsense, yet hopeful book that will motivate you to influence change however you can.
Get A Bright Future here.
7. The Beautiful No by Sheri Salata
We just wrapped up chatting about this scrumptious book in our #CrazySexyBooks club, but it’s not too late if you haven’t had a chance to read it yet! Like many of us, Sheri dedicated a big chunk of her life to a career she loved (working with Oprah!). As fulfilling and magical as that was, she found herself wishing for a life she loved just as much. So she left it all and went on a soul pilgrimage. And lucky for us, she shares what she learned and how you can apply it to your own life in this transformative book. I can’t recommend it enough. And my mom agrees!
Get The Beautiful No here.
8. City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
I adore Elizabeth Gilbert and her captivating new release is perfect for this time of year. This instant bestseller is set in the New York City theater world during the 1940s. It’s got love, sex, glamour, adventure and a little dose of danger—what more could you ask for in a yummy beach read? Grab a champagne cocktail and drink in these delicious pages.
Get City of Girls here.
9. From Poop to Gold: The Marketing Magic of the Harmon Brothers by Chris Jones
Team Crazy Sexy and I have been reading this book and absolutely loving it! If you’ve seen the genius ads for brands like Poo-Pourri and ChatBooks, then you know Harmon Brothers! This book takes you behind-the-scenes of these viral ad sensations that have not only cracked up millions of people, but also boosted these companies’ reputations and helped them sell a whole lotta product. If you’re an entrepreneur like me, then you’re always hungry for proven tips about what works and what flops—and this book is loaded with ‘em!
Get From Poop to Gold here.
10. Let Your Fears Make You Fierce by Koya Webb
We’ve been exploring fear and how to make it work for you (instead of against you!) in a couple of our recent Wellness Wednesdays. If those conversations resonated with you, you’re gonna love this book. Koya Webb, holistic health coach and yoga teacher, shares how she’s turned her fear into one of her greatest superpowers—and how you can too with her straightforward tips, breathing and journaling exercises, mantras and more. I met Koya at an event this spring and I instantly loved her. I can’t think of a better way to spend a summer afternoon!
Get Let Your Fears Make You Fierce here.
11. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
I love my therapist and think folks can benefit from talking to someone. Unfortunately, there’s a long-standing stigma that going to therapy is somehow a sign of weakness. That’s why I’m so grateful for this wonderful book—we can start to break down the harmful notions our society has about mental health. Lori Gottlieb’s intimate portrait of her experiences as both a clinician and patient pulls back the curtain on the world of talk therapy. It’s funny, eye-opening, thought-provoking and so much more.
Get Maybe You Should Talk to Someone here.
12. Beauty Water by Tori Holmes
If you’ve been following me for a while or hanging out with me on Wellness Wednesday, then you already know how I feel about hydration! It’s one of the most important (yet undervalued) aspects of living a healthy life. Now you can turn your H2O routine into a nourishing self-care ritual with this gorgeous book. It landed on my desk a few months ago and I’m grateful it did. This book is packed with 50 recipes for deliciously quenching elixirs that use ingredients like CBD oil, ashwagandha and lion’s mane. Cheers!
Get Beauty Water here.
Looking for something special to read this summer? These 14 gorgeous books are at the top of my list!
13. Do Less by Kate Northrup
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book as soon as my dear friend Kate told me she was writing it. If you’re ready to ditch the damaging belief that your worth is based on your productivity, then I suggest picking up a copy for yourself! Instead of trying to squeeze every last thing into your time, Kate encourages a more minimalist approach to life rooted in mindfulness and presence. These powerful lessons are the soul medicine that our busy, overwhelmed, stressed out world so desperately needs! For more on this topic, check out this fascinating interview with Kate on Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger podcast.
Get Do Less here.
14. The Future of Fashion by Tyler Little
I’ve written a couple of articles recently about the environmental, human and animal impacts of fast fashion. If that topic moves you, you’ll really dig this book. It’ll help you understand the problems with the global fashion industry on a deeper level, as well as what innovative people and businesses are doing differently to flip the script. You’ll be inspired and empowered to make sustainable shifts in your own life!
Get The Future of Fashion here.
I can’t wait to hear what you decide to add to your summer reading list! And don’t forget to join me for Wellness Wednesday on Instagram and Facebook. Going live has become one of the things I look forward to every week—I love this special space we’re creating together. In addition to chatting about #CrazySexyBooks, we dish on lots of juicy tips to help you live your healthiest, happiest life. It’s also a chance for us to just connect and get to know each other better… so fun!
You can catch up on past Wellness episodes here and sign up for reminders (so you never miss another one!) here.
Your turn: What books are on your summer reading list?
Peace & bookworm buddies,
The post 14 Sensational Books for Your Summer Reading List (2019 Edition!) appeared first on KrisCarr.com.
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