#but this lip balm is a recipe for disaster

[atlafan]

Pleasing is like a boy you had a crush on for a while but you didn’t really know him, and then you got to know him and it was okay at first, like you still liked him, but then as time went on when he started to like you back, you lost interest, and now he’s the random dude who messages you once every 3-8 months hoping for a response

#pleasing #harry styles #I do like some of the products #like the hand and nail balm is great and I love the pleasing pen #and some of the polishes are okay #but this lip balm is a recipe for disaster

[wolken-himmel]

8k Followers Special

In which an alchemy mishap gives (Y/n) the ability to confer a blessing of good luck onto anyone, simply by kissing them.

Now, (Y/n) has a line of students lining up to be smooched.

Idea by anon.

"(Y/n)! Kiss me!"

"No— kiss me! I need it for an upcoming alchemy test!"

"Please— I need the luck to get the first wagyu sandwich at the cafeteria today!"

Although the Ramshackle mansion was under a complete lockdown, with the windows barred and the front doors closed off with a large bookshelf, the entire building shook due to the masses outside. Voices of hundreds mixed into one large mess, and only a few reached your ringing ears. Stuck with Grim, Ace, and Deuce in your dorm building, this hadn't been how you had expected to spend your afternoon.

The offset for this disaster had been an incident in alchemy class just earlier that day.

As you had been busy chopping up some leaves, you only noticed too late when your lab partner threw something strange into the potion mix. You narrowed your eyes at him and grumbled, "Grim, why did you add my lip balm to the kettle?!" You desperately tried to fish the little container out again, but it had already sunken to the bottom, its viscous content mixed into the rest of the liquid.

"Uh— it looked a little bit dry?" Grim explained innocently. "And I thought it could use a little bit of hydration."

From the table next to you, Ace couldn't help but snicker as he mumbled, "Your logic is flawed, Grim."

That seemed to have flipped a switch inside of the cat monster, and you had to hold him back in order to prevent him from attacking the red-head. "Tsk, no— don't you dare underestimate me!" the cat wailed and thrashed around to free himself from your grasp. "Me, the great Grim! Most powerful magician of all time—"

In his fit of anger, he had managed to knock over the small kettle on your desk. His paw had hooked onto the rim, making the kettle topple over, and the content to splatter all over you. The pinkish liquid mostly landed on your face, and only a few splashes appeared to be on your white lab coat.

A frustrated whine escaped your lips as you practically flung Grim at Ace. "Hey! You clumsy cat—" you yelled out in anger, only for that anger to morph into frustration. Taking off your safety goggles to wipe the pink liquid off proved to be a difficult task. "Uh... it's so slimy..." And it only became worse when you tried to remove the smudges on your face, especially your lips.

"Don't worry, nothing happened," Deuce assured while putting the kettle back into its original place. "But... your lips are kinda pink? Oh— and very well hydrated, thanks to the lip balm Grim added!"

Ace's smile turned into a mischievous smirk. "You should sell the recipe to Azul and market it as a magical lip balm. You'd get rich."

Grim seemed to approve of this idea, especially once money was mentioned. But, before he could voice his utter approval, you grabbed him once again tightly. "Come here, Grim! Revenge be upon you!" you exclaimed as a battle-cry before you squeezed him as tightly as you could, playfully burying your face in the patch of fur between his ears.

"Stop!" Grim laughed out loudly. "That tickles!"

Your little cuddling session was put to an end when a shadow looming over you blocked the light of the chandelier from above. The two of you froze in your places upon noticing that it was none other than Crewel who stood in front of your desk. "Grim and (L/n), your concoction looks marvellous," the professor said, sounding surprised as he looked at the remains of the pink substance in the kettle. "It's been a while since I gave an A to first-years, but you two deserve it."

"What— an A?" Ace cried out in disbelief. "For his glorified lip balm?"

Crewel, unbothered to react to his outburst, stepped over to the Heartslabyul duo and eyed their kettle suspiciously. "Spade and Trappola, your potion looks... chunky. You get a D." Without another word, and not allowing any protest, the professor disappeared to the next table.

Ace looked like he was about to explode. "What?! That's so unfair!"

Deuce, on the other hand, simply sank into himself in resignation. "Seems like you're lucky today, Grim..."

"Share your secret with us!" Ace exclaimed hastily. "Do you carry a rabbit's paw with you? Did you get up with the right foot?"

Grim shrugged. "Today was nothing special, aside from the little accident a few seconds ago." Having wrought his way out of your arms, he jumped into his own chair again and brushed his messy fur. "And then (Y/n) grabbed me and tickled the hell out of me—"

"Wait, Grim—" Deuce interrupted, "you have a lipstick stain on your forehead."

And indeed, there was a perfect, pink imprint, reminiscent of a pair of lips, on the patch of fur between his ears. A frustrated cry escaped his lips when the cat tried to wipe the stain off with his paw, but to no avail. The imprint couldn't even be smudged.

"Oops, must have been me," you cooed innocently.

"Yes, (Y/n)'s kiss gives people good luck!"

For a moment, Ace's eyes wandered between the two of you, more specifically Grim's lip imprint and your own pink lips. As if a lightning had struck him, the red-head jumped to his feet and gasped. "And your luck just started to kick in," he exclaimed and turned ro his partner. "Do you think what I'm thinking, Deuce?"

The sceptical glance you shot your two best friends, who really did seem to share one brain cell, didn't deter them from their theory. "I think it's just a coincidence," you remarked and waved them off.

"Ew, I can't get the lipstick off my fur!" Grim cried out, by now violently scrubbing his forehead.

"Alright, (Y/n)," Ace exclaimed excitedly. "Pucker your lips for us."

"No way I'm gonna kiss you guys!"

"It's for science," Deuce said and gave you the best puppy eyes he could muster.

A shiver ran down your back in playful disgust, especially when you grumbled in a low tone, "...alright, but make it quick." You feigned to gag. "I'll have to wash my mouth with soap afterwards."

"On the lips, please~" Ace said.

"Me too!"

You glared at them while scooting closer to your two friends. "You're idiots," you mumbled while pressing a quick kiss to Deuce's lips first in rather shy fashion, clumsy too. The tips of your noses touched briefly, and your cheeks were a bright red. When you pulled away, his lips were stained a soft pink as well.

Ignoring the way Deuce's looked like he was about to explode, you turned your attention to Ace and collected all your willpower to press a kiss onto his lips. Once it was done and over with, Ace chuckled out in amusement, "Hey, we gotta take our chances." Then, with his lips a faint pink, he leaned back into his chair, relaxed.

Before anyone could speak up again, Crewel had appeared by their table. "Spade and Trappola, it seems like I gave your previous test the wrong grade," the professor explained while handing them out their corrected papers. "You both get ten points added to your last test."

"Really?!" Deuce yelled out in disbelief, looking like he was about to cry out of happiness.

Ace threw his hands into the air. "It's working!"

As you were busy wiping your lips rather violently, you muttered quietly, "You're welcome... Just don't go around telling everyone about this."

"Of course!"

"Promised."

Yes, that's what they had said — assured you, promised you — and look in what a mess you were now: almost everyone on campus knew about your new ability to confer luck to a person with a simple kiss. The rumour had spread like wildfire, and now a massive amount of students had surrounded the Ramshackle mansion, demanding entry and to see you.

The furniture used to bar the front door wouldn't hold up much longer against the pounding from outside, and Ace, Deuce, Grim, and you were basically sitting ducks until your timely demise when you would be swarmed by your fellow students. And eventually, the bookshelf gave out and was pushed aside to allow a flood of students to enter.

This was it. This was how you would die.

However, it came to you as a surprise when Grim stepped forward, in front of the three of you, and put his paws out to stop the mass of students in the hallway. "For a generous 50 Madol, you can get a good luck kiss from (Y/n)!" he exclaimed, which caused the screaming and yelling to quiet down. His control over the crowd was astounding; instead of trampling all over you, they obeyed his command and got into line.

"Guys, why—" you stuttered out hesitantly.

"If you can't fight them," Grim explained, "just profit off of them."

Ace began laughing. "That's what Azul would say."

Upon noticing the unwillingness in your eyes, albeit mostly fear upon realising the sheer quantity of students in your home, Deuce put a hand on your shoulder and shot you a smile. "Come on, we'll make sure everything stays orderly," he shouted over the background noise.

The three's expectant gazes lingering on you, you were left no other option than to exhale and comply in resignation. "Fine, but get me some lip balm first—" you grumbled under your breath, "before my lips fall off from smooching a bunch of guys..."

"You heard my henchhuman!" Grim exclaimed in excitement. "Let's get to kissing!"

In no time, your three friends had managed to transform the ocean of students into one neat line... mostly. Although it was still loud and stuffy, you at least didn't feel overwhelmed anymore. The loud voices bickering and chatting still protruded the air, accompanied by the sound of Madol coins clinging loudly as they were handed over to your friends.

You took a deep breath and readied yourself to start kissing away.

The first in line was a group of Heartslabyul students. Much to your surprise, the three most prominent members, that being Riddle, Trey, and Cater, were in that group, as well. You eyed them curiously, and a smile grew on your lips once it was their turn to be kissed.

"Riddle, I didn't expect to see you here," you teased playfully.

Although his cheeks did turn a soft red, he quickly crossed his arms and let out a frustrated huff. "Don't worry, I'm not here to get a kiss myself. I don't really believe that luck can outweigh hard work in the long run—" His monologue was interrupted by a series of coughs from behind him in the queue. "Rather, I am here to make sure Cater and the rest of my dorm members don't do anything stupid." With that, he stepped aside without a kiss.

"They wouldn't dare to do anything like that," Trey remarked while stepping beside Riddle without having been kissed, as well. "And besides, a little dose of luck can be the little sprinkle of salt needed to perfect a cake that required a lot of work, to bring out the true flavour and sweetness."

"Yeah! You should try it out," Cater cheered and opened up the camera app on his phone. "Of course after I got kissed."

You couldn't help but roll your eyes in amusement. "Where do you want the kiss, Cater?"

"Well, my right cheek is fine! I wanna take a pic to post on Magicam," he explained and wrapped his arm around you sideways. With the lense of his phone trained onto the two of you, you pressed your lips to his cheek for a little while longer, until the familiar lightning of the camera struck. "Hehe, thank you~ What a memorable day!" A satisfied smile on his face, he walked away while diddling on his phone.

"You, too, Trey?"

An amused chuckle escaped the vice dormleader's leader's lips. "Actually, I'm just here to make sure Riddle doesn't collar anyone... I don't need luck for anything particular today," Trey explained, rubbing his neck sheepishly as he gazed at Riddle next to him.

"You two are just adorable," you cooed and broke out into a grin. Before either of them could react, you had already pressed a kiss to their cheeks each.

Trey was caught off-guard. "But— we didn't pay!"

"Shush, just go along," you said and waved him off.

Riddle, on the other hand, looked like he was about to explode with how red his face had gotten. His hands were clenched into fists as he seethed out, "Violating my personal space would normally grant you a collar..." However, he seemed to calm down soon enough, the sudden outburst leaving him flustered and embarrassed. "But you're lucky I'm lenient today..."

At last, Riddle shyly walked away, and Trey followed him worriedly.

Next in line was a group of Savanaclaw students, and at the very front of the queue, none other than their dormleader.

"Leona, hey— what would you need luck for?"

"I need to pass this semester, and that requires all the luck I can get— at least Ruggie always says so," he explained rather casually. "He urged the two of us to come here..."

"Right!" Ruggie chimed from behind his dormleader. "I myself need a little bit of luck to strike a few good paying jobs."

You hummed and leaned forward to press a kiss to the lion beastman's cheek, only for him to grab your shoulder roughly just as your lips were about to meet his skin. "What do you think you're doing, herbivore?" Leona hissed under his breath, glaring at you.

"Uh— kissing you on the cheek?" you asked in utter confusion.

"I want a kiss on the lips."

You narrowed your eyes at him. "No—"

Before you could free yourself from his grip and yell at him for his cheekiness, Grim appeared beside you and waved his short arms around. "That makes double, Leona!" your fellow dorm-member exclaimed happily.

"I'm willing to pay," Leona retorted.

Your jaw clenched and your hands tightened into fists, you hissed out, "You're a cheeky one."

He simply shot you a grin and raised his eyebrow mockingly. It took you all of your willpower to squeeze your eyes shut and press a quick kiss to his lips instead of slapping him for his audacity. "Wasn't so hard, was it?" he asked while you pulled away with a warm face, whether from being flustered or angry, you didn't know.

As he walked away in satisfaction, you were allowed to take a deep breath. "Ruggie, how about you?"

"Just the cheek will be fine!" he chimed, and you pressed your lips against where he had pointed to. A grateful grin appeared on his face as he ran after Leona. "Thank you, (Y/n)! I got a few job interviews to attend now. Catch ya later, shishishi..."

Next up, Jack and Epel.

You shot the wolf beastman a curious look. "Hey, Jack. Why are you here?"

"Just here to stop Epel from punching anyone," Jack grumbled while holding back a feral Epel by his collar. "He has the tendency to start fights when his dormleader isn't around to supervise him."

"You sure you don't want anything?"

"No."

A chuckle escaped your lips, and you tilted your head to the side, deep in thought for a moment. When you had made up your mind, you speedily leaned forward and pressed a kiss onto Jack's cheek. Before he could even register what had happened, you had pulled back again. "Here you go, it's on the house! Just because you're so sweet," you said, laughing. The gesture left Jack speechless.

"I... uh—"

"Now, where's Epel?" you asked while letting your gaze drift around, in search for the small boy that had vanished from Jack's side.

"Hey! I'm down here!" A look to your right revealed Epel, squished between two other Savanaclaw students. His lips were contorted into a large scowl as he marched up to you and puffed his chest out. "Way to make fun of my height..."

"Oh, sorry. It's just really crowded here." You shot him an amused smile. "What do you need the luck for?"

"I want lots of folk to buy my family's produce! Things have kinda slowed down again after Vil's advertisement."

"That's nice of you."

Epel nodded happily, an innocent smile growing on his lips. "Ma and Da will be so happy..." he muttered under his breath, his smile widening after you had pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. Without another word, he took off and disappeared into the crowd again, Jack following after him in concern.

Your eyes followed after them until they became one with the masses again.

"What a sprawling business you have up and running, prefect."

A turn to your left revealed a trio of three suit-clad students being the next ones in the queue. You narrowed your eyes suspiciously, quietly muttering, "Oh, the fish mafia."

Jade gasped, offended. "What an unsavory nickname for us gentlemen."

Your remark merely drew a chuckle out of Azul's lips. Although, his charming smile soon turned a little bit more serious again as he explained, "We're just here to get lucky, no shady business." At that, your shoulders drooped forward in relief, much to his amusement. "I just need the luck to get our newest menu to be popular."

"I'm just here in the hope of getting lucky on my next trip to the mountains," Jade said fondly. "There are these special mushrooms I wish to stumble upon."

"And I just wanna be lucky in general!" Floyd chimed and threw his arms into the air.

Your eyes wandered between the three of them for a while, suspicious of their true nature and intentions. However, when you couldn't find any trace of dishonesty or deception, you muttered, "Alright, that doesn't sound too bad..." You ignored the way their eyes flashed strangely and rubbed your eyes in exhaustion. "Is cheek fine for you three?"

"Yes," Jade and Azul replied.

Floyd, on the other hand, exclaimed, "Lips, please!" His answer earned him strange looks from his two fellow dorm-members, and even you couldn't suppress the surprised expression on your face. An annoyed grumble escaped Floyd's lips as he waved all three of you off. "Hey, I've got nothing better to spend my money on, anyway." Unabashedly, he stepped forward and puckered his lips.

A nervous chuckle escaped your lips before you mustered all your courage to lean forward and press your lips against his. Floyd let out a disappointed sigh when you pulled away, and he would have demanded another one if it weren't for Jade's hand latching onto his shoulder and pulling him back. Jade was easy to please with a kiss to his cheek, and he retreated with a satisfied smile. Lastly, Azul, who was rather queasy when your lips made contact with his skin. When you pulled away, his cheeks were dusted a light pink, and he stammered on his words. So much that Jade spoke on his behalf.

"Come by to try our newest menu some time, prefect," the vice dormleader announced calmly. Without another word, the three Octavinelle students disappeared from your sight.

"Oh- Oh! We're next, Jamil!"

"I can see that, Kalim..."

Your attention was drawn to your next customers: two Scarabia students.

"Hey, (Y/n)!" Kalim exclaimed once he stood in front of you, unable to stand still any longer. "I need the luck to uh... get a lot of candy! I want my coins back at Scarabia to be turned into these yummy chocolate ones, by some strange case of luck!" The smile on his lips was large and innocent — adorable, even.

"Really, that's it?" You raised an eyebrow, and he nodded eagerly. So, you grabbed the sides of his head gently to hold him still, eliciting a little giggle from him. The kiss to his cheeks made his giggles grow louder, and when you had completely pulled away, a goofy grin had appeared on his face.

You removed your hands from Kalim's face and turned to his companion, who until now had stood beside him quietly. The questioning look you shot the Scarabia vice dormleader caught him off-guard.

"I... uh, I actually haven't been able to think of anything for myself," Jamil said awkwardly, taken back by surprise when he saw Kalim hand Grim the money for the two of them, despite Jamil's protests. "I've been too busy trying not to lose Kalim in this mess." He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll find something later on." Withour wasting another minute, you leaned forward and pressed a sweet kiss to his right cheek. The gesture left him dazed, almost hypnotised, and he immediately raised his hand to touch the patch of skin that your lips had touched.

Before Jamil could mutter as much of a 'thank you', Kalim had already grabbed his hand and pulled him away, saying that he wanted to look for his sweets now.

A smile grew on your lips at his words, but you were snapped out of it when a sneaky pair of hands suddenly grabbed a hold of your right hand and cradled it softly. Looking to your left revealed a blonde with large purple hat; it was none other than Rook. And Vil stood beside him impatiently.

A large smile decorated Rook's face as he got onto his knees, all the while still holding onto your hand. "Mon ange, I am here to have you confer your blessing upon this humble hunter, in the hope that he may score a lucky hunting session!" he cooed and gave your hand a gentle squeeze. "Of course, that hunter is none other than moi!"

"Rook, hello," you said and helped him to his feet again, amused by his antics. "Cheek is fine?"

"More than fine," he cooed, eagerly holding out the left side of his face for you. When your lips made contact with his pale skin, you swore you heard a swoon escape his lips. "Merci, mon ange!" The hunter shot you a charming smile before retreating to his dormleader's side.

You straightened your back to shoot the other blond a smile. "Good evening, Vil. What would you need luck for?"

"Working in the acting and modelling industry always requires a little bit of luck for auditions and what not," Vil explained smoothly. "So why not? I have nothing to lose."

"Alright. A kiss on the cheek?"

Vil shook his head and raised his arm instead. "On the back of my hand, please. It's not good for my reputation to run around with a lipstick stain on my cheek."

Although his request made you raise an eyebrow, you simply shrugged and took a hold of his hand. In one swift motion, you raised his hand and pressed a gentle kiss onto his knuckles. "Here you go, Mr. Schoenheit," you said while letting go of his wrist again.

Vil nodded in satisfaction and sauntered away elegantly, Rook following him loyally.

"Idia, this way!" the next person in line shouted.

"I-I don't want to, Ortho! I've changed my mind!"

A surprised look flashed over your face when you realised that it was Idia — in person, might I add — approaching you, or rather, being forcibly pushed towards you. He clamoured loudly, but Ortho wouldn't cease to stop his rocket boots until the two of them stood right in front of you.

Ortho shot you a friendly smile. "Hello, (Y/n)... please, would you be so kind and bless my big brother with luck?" he asked, his smile growing sheepish when Idia tried to wind his way out of his grip like a frenzied animal. "He may not look like it now, but earlier, he was a madman raving ecstatically upon hearing of you."

You hummed and turned to Idia. "Sure, where do you want the kiss?"

"C-Cheek, please..."

In contrast to his previous behaviour, Idia froze when you brought your face closer to his. He clamped his eyes shut and ceased to breathe — right until he felt your soft lips on his cheek. The tips of his hair flared up into a soft pink, the shade of the lipstick stain on his cheek. And only when you pulled away to make sure he hadn't fainted did he allow himself to smile in a silly and relieved way, as if he had braved a difficult fight.

"See?" Ortho chimed, also relieved. "That wasn't so hard..."

A chuckle escaped your lips at that, and you even leaned forward to pat his shoulder. "And you also get one for free, just because you're adorable, Ortho!" you announced before closing in and pressing a kiss to his forehead.

The robot-boy gasped in surprise, although his eyes soon fluttered close in appreciation. "Me? Oh, thank you! You're so generous!" A giggle escaped his lips as he pushed Idia forward and exclaimed, "Big Brother, say thank you as well..."

"T-Thank you..." Idia stuttered out, looking like he was ready to bolt out of this crowded place any time soon.

On their way out, the two Shroud brothers bumped into an entourage of Diasomnia students.

Sebek seemed to lead the group through the masses, rudely pushing students to the side and forcing his way through. "Finally! I managed to cut a way through the mass of people! This way, Master Malleus..." he exclaimed and gestured for his dormleader to step forward. "Everyone, make way— make way!"

"Oh, Sebek. This isn't making you popular..." Lilia muttered in amusement.

Silver, who had until then managed to fall asleep while standing next to his vice dormleader, jolted awake and let out a confused gasp. "Huh— Where are we going, Father?" he asked while struggling to catch up with the rest of the group.

Lilia floated up to ruffle the second-year's hair. "Just getting a good night kiss, Silver."

Once they arrived in front of you, you shot the group of a sheepish smile. "Oh, hello you three— and even Malleus..." Your eyes grew wide upon spotting the tall fae looming over you.

A giddy smile decorating his face, the dragon fae explained, "I could not resist the idea of being blessed with luck." Sighing wistfully, he began scratching his chin with his gloves fingers. "After all, I can certainly need it to receive invitations to some festivities I look forward to attending."

"Understandable, and you three?"

"I will use the luck to protect Master Malleus even better!"

Through his chuckles, Lilia managed to explain, "Silver wants to be lucky enough to not fall asleep as often anymore." Then he paused upon realising that the second-year in question had fallen asleep again. "And as for me? I think I'd like to have this luck make my culinary creations turn out even better than now!"

"Sebek, that's so you. Silver, that's totally understandable. And Lilia, you'll need the luck."

The first to be kissed was Malleus, who simply closed his eyes innocently, even having to bend down a little bit for you to reach his cheek, and then patiently waited for your kiss. A satisfied chuckle escaped his lips as he stepped back to eye you intently.

Next up were Lilia and Silver; as for Lilia, you simply pressed a kiss to his cheek, and as cheeky as he was, he returned the gesture smoothly, much to your surprise. You broke out into laughter and waved him off. As for Silver, who had fallen asleep, you simply pressed a kiss to his forehead. He stirred a little bit, but didn't wake up otherwise.

And last was Sebek. He straightened his back and raised his head like soldier in front of his king, ready to receive an order. His antics caused you to roll your eyes, but you nonetheless leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Although he might have been exploding inwardly, he tried his best to not let it show too much. So, when he walked back to Malleus' side, he was as stiff as a board.

Smiling, Lilia exclaimed, "We thank you for your generosity, (Y/n)!" Without further ado, the group of four turned around and walked away in closed formation.

A look of relief flashed across your face when you realised that the queue had come to an end for now, that the Diasomnia squad had been the last ones to be kissed. You sighed leisurely when Grim, Ace, and Deuce approached you. Your lips were sore, and you touched them to notice that your fingertips hadn't turned pink. "This is the end. My lipstick has worn off, anyway..." you muttered, confirmed by a look into a nearby mirror.

Ace got onto a chair to announce, "Everyone, we're sold out forever! Don't come back tomorrow or the day after that." A wave of disappointed sighs echoed through the living room of Ramshackle as the remaining students poured out.

"And as for us, we made tons of Madol!" Deuce cheered.

"(Y/n) and everyone sitting on a tree!" Grim began singing. "K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"

You mustered your most angry glare to direct at the cat monster. "Don't you dare continue that rhyme..." you hissed and wagged your finger at him.

However, Grim simply continued jumping around and singing, "First comes money. Then comes luck. Then comes my tuna!"

#twisted wonderland #twst x reader #twst #disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #reader insert #y/n #disney twst #twst x you #twst grim #twisted wonderland grim #deuce spade #ace trappola #riddle rosehearts #trey clover #cater diamond #leona kingscholar #ruggie bucchi #azul ashengrotto #floyd leech #kalim al asim #rook hunt #epel felmier #idia shroud #ortho shroud #malleus draconia #lilia vanrouge #gender neutral reader

[asexual-yearning]

Diary Entry #1

Words alone aren't enough to stave off the touch-starvation. I can read several hundred thousands of words, all of which flow like poetry to balm the feelings loneliness, but words cannot reach out to touch my skin. They cannot full body embrace me, they cannot keep my bones from creaking like an old door, cannot hold my soul in my body through the pressure of a solid-grounding hug. Every touch I receive is fleeting, ships passing in the night, hands brushing with quick apologies pushing passed lips of strangers I'll watch leave. Yet, touch itself is something I am uncomfortable with and I know it stems from a childhood with an emotionally distant mother, a physically absent father, and siblings who know not how to show affection nor how to receive it. It was easy for them, to search for it romantically, but I have always been different. Too shy, too stand-offish, too strange for my peers to see romantically. Of course, that was a recipe for disaster. Online chatrooms full of men who prey on young girls had become my source of attention, but words are still words and my dad taught me it's best to be the first to leave.

That's another problem. Fear of abandonment, of being vulnerable with someone and having to watch them leave. I've never been brave, I've never been anything other than small enough to leave room for everyone else, and I don't know how to ask for a fucking hug. I don't know how to explain if someone were to touch my gently-without any expectation of sex-I'd break down. If someone wanted to love me I'm afraid I wouldn't know how to let them.

Lynnie

#asexual #ace #panromantic #yearning #rambles #rambling #bleeding online hoping the only blood remaining is a better explanation for the feelings choking me

[drvitaltips]

[chocoluckchipz]

The Other You - 20

Read it on A03, FF.net, WattPad

< Previous

Hot streams of water running down his body. The cold despair in his heart. The hollow void, the numbing feeling spreading, conquering, overwhelming whatever was left of him. Her words echoed in his mind, louder with each passing minute. 

 “And even if I was single, I could never be with you. Our history—I can’t fully trust you, Adrien, and no relationship can work without trust. We can never be together!”

 His head hung low, Adrien let the water wash over him. Months of preparations and hard work had paid off for Marinette. She was the star of the show. Her career was practically guaranteed after tonight. He, on the other hand, had miserably failed. All of his attempts to coax her to like his civilian self had been for nothing because years ago he’d broken her trust, effectively ruining all of his chances with her in the future. 

One mistake. 

A lifetime to pay. 

Adrien closed his eyes, succumbing to the gripping pain in his chest. His fists clenched, his knuckles white. He'd tried so hard. He'd pulled all the tricks he could think of, and the only thing he'd achieved was to push her away even more. Two weeks ago, she'd tolerated him enough to agree to lunch. Now, she didn’t even want his friendship. 

Where did he go wrong? 

Or maybe that shouldn’t be the question. Perhaps, he should consider if all of his attempts were trivial in the first place? Was the hurt he’d caused Marinette too deep for her to ever fully forgive him?

He swallowed back the knot in his throat and shut off the water. Heartbreak aside, Adrien couldn’t spend an hour in the shower. He had a promise to keep.

“Trying to kiss her was a mistake, you know,” Plagg yawned, lounging on the vanity counter. “You’re two different people to her, or did you forget that? You were basically pushing her to cheat on her beloved cat."

"Don't rub it in," Adrien seethed through his teeth. "I didn't plan to do that. It just… just happened. I got caught up in the moment and… nothing happened. She pushed me away, so… Just drop it."

“Yeah, yeah. You’re attention-starved. Feeling too guilty to touch her as Chat, but can't do anything as Adrien, and it’s getting really hard to stay away. Right?”

“Do you really need to bring this up?” 

“Just pointing out the obvious, in case you missed it. That was the perfect recipe for a disaster! And now, she hates your guts again. Congratulations.”

His lips pressed into a thin line, Adrien glared at his kwami. Sometimes, Plagg really got on his nerves. Was there even a shred of empathy in that little body of his? Hadn't he witnessed all of Adrien’s struggles these last few weeks with his own eyes? Because staying away from Marinette as Chat Noir was one of the hardest things Adrien had ever had to do. Yet, giving her what she wanted from him was out of the question. Adrien would never forgive himself for taking advantage of her, and being with her as Chat Noir without her knowing his identity would be just that—taking advantage.

 “Are you sure you still want to go over there tonight?” Plagg had the decency to ask. “It’s been a long day. Don’t you want to relax at home with a nice movie and a snack?”

Adrien grabbed the towel from the bar and started to dry himself. “Chat Noir promised Marinette he’d come to celebrate her big day. We’re still going.” 

“I bet she won’t even be home. She’s probably still partying. You know, having fun like a normal person? Not sneaking away before everyone else to lick his wounds in private. If you wanted to help her celebrate, you should’ve stayed there.” 

Adrien shook his head. “She doesn’t want Adrien to celebrate with her. She wants Chat Noir.”

“And what do you want?”

Adrien stilled. Leaning on his arms onto the vanity, he met his own gaze in a mirror.

Him? His wishes? His desires? Did he even dare? And if he did find the bravery for that… 

What did he want? 

Love. He wanted to be loved. He wanted to be forgiven. He wanted to be accepted… All of him, not just his superhero side. He wanted to be with the woman he loved, to cherish and protect her, to hold her in his arms and kiss her breathless. He wanted to share his life with her. To wake up and fall asleep in her arms. He’d enjoy caring for her. To be by her side, to have her by his. He’d be the luckiest man alive if she’d just let him love her and love him back.

He wanted Marinette. 

Despite everything, despite his better judgement and Plagg’s nagging, he still wanted Marinette.

But he supposed it was too selfish of a desire for him. Not after what he’d done to her. 

Plagg hovered in front of him, his face unusually serious. “She either wants all of you or she gets none, kid. Don’t go there. It’s not going to end well.”

Adrien swallowed and shook his head, looking away. “We’re going. I promised I’d come, and I’m not failing her again, not even in something so small.”

“Even if it hurts you?”

Adrien didn’t answer, grabbing a bottle of hair balm and starting to work it into his hair. 

“I’ve hurt her worse,” he mumbled a short while later. “It’s only fair for me to hurt some too.”

“Oh, bullshit!” Plagg scoffed. “Like she didn’t hurt you enough in return! Kid, I usually don’t care, but you’re going overboard. You have to let her go. She said she’s never giving you another chance, so stop this. Stop destroying yourself.”

Adrien ignored him, brushing his teeth and relocating to his bedroom to finish dressing. He didn’t bother with what he wore much. He didn’t plan on de-transforming in front of Marinette anytime soon. A black t-shirt and dark green lounge pants, something comfortable in which he could plop into his bed upon returning. He checked up on the sleeping Nooroo and Duusu, refilling their food supplies, and only then turned to Plagg. “Ready?”

The kwami frowned, crossing his tiny arms over his chest. “When did you become a masochist, kid?”

“I’m not a masochist. I just want to finish what I’ve started. That’s all.”

Plagg groaned, throwing his paws into the air. “Do what you want, but you’re just setting yourself up for more hurt. What are you going to do when she finds out who you are? Because she will find out sooner or later.”

Adrien looked away, a dull ache gripping at his chest. 

Marinette couldn’t know. 

Not after he’d learned that there would never be a chance for him. Not after he’d gone behind her back again in something that directly concerned her. He hadn’t learned his lesson at all, no matter how much he claimed he did. She’d probably hate him even more if she were to find out. She’d probably assume he didn’t think she could do things on her own, which wasn’t true because he did believe in her and he knew how strong and capable and independent she was. She wasn’t Ladybug for nothing. 

He just didn’t want her to kill herself while she was at it. 

He only wanted to help, which was something she’d asked for herself. Only, Marinette would’ve never accepted help from Adrien, so he had no choice but to improvise. Would she still hate him? Most likely. Given their history and current relationship, Adrien didn’t expect anything less. 

“Adrien, please,” Plagg continued to nag. “You wanted to help her. You did it. Now, let her go. Don’t wait for her to kick your ass into oblivion for being stupid.”

He ran his hands through his hair. He hated the idea, but perhaps Plagg was right. If Adrien wanted to prevent his reveal and spare them both unnecessary hurt, he had to let her go. And now, while Marinette was distracted by her success, was perhaps the best time to do so. She was sure to be thrown into a whirlwind of events, work and new experiences quite soon. New people, new connections, new opportunities… She’d hardly miss him, if at all. 

He didn’t want to simply vanish on her like he did the last time, though. The least Marinette deserved was some kind of an explanation. Perhaps, he could say he was moving away due to his work. Or he could claim he’d always wanted to travel the world and now was his only chance. Ideally, he’d slowly fade away and she’d forget all about him soon thereafter. He’d think of something… 

He would have to break up with her. 

His breath stumbled in his chest. Legs giving out on him, Adrien collapsed into a nearby chair. They’d just started dating… Though, it was hard to even call it dating. Not with the way things were between them. And yet he’d have to break up with her before he could vanish. He’d have to break Marinette’s heart no matter what he did—let her go, or stay and reveal himself. He closed his eyes, gripping his head with his hands. 

He didn’t want to do that. 

He didn’t want to hurt her more.

He’d already lived through losing everyone important to him. His mother. His father. His friends.

He couldn’t lose his Lady as well.

He loved her.

“Kid, are you alright?” Plagg carefully touched his arm. “Don’t worry. There are other fish in the—“

“Shut up, Plagg! Can you, please, just shut up for just a moment?”

The kwami grumbled and turned away, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m just trying to be optimistic.”

Adrien closed his eyes and inhaled. 

In. 

Out. 

Breathe.

Let it all out. 

Repeat.

There had to be another way. He had to be able to do something to avoid hurting Marinette again. 

His eyes caught a glimpse of the clock. 

He’d have to think about it later because now he was morbidly late to their dinner, and Marinette was probably worrying over his tardiness. Without a second thought, he stood up and called for his transformation. Grabbing a package of wine and chocolates he’d prepared for her as a present, Chat jumped out the window and headed to her apartment. 

All pain and worries aside, today was her big day and he had to put her first, which meant her boyfriend had to be on his best behaviour and make her happy… even if his own heart was breaking with every passing minute because he couldn’t love her the way she deserved to be loved. 

Because she couldn't love him the way he wished she would.

***

Judging by the lack of lights in the windows, Marinette was most likely still out. She must have gotten held up at the after-party—nothing unusual for the industry and someone in her position, especially today. The balcony door he always used to get in was open, clearly signalling that she wasn't against him waiting for her inside.

He wasn’t hungry himself, but Marinette would probably appreciate a warm meal upon her return. There were two marinated steaks she’d prepared for them for tonight in the fridge. Perhaps, too heavy of a meal at this hour, and it wasn’t like he’d be able to cook them properly anyway. Cheese would do. Grapes and bread too. Some wine to finish the meal off.

Chat got all the ingredients he needed, cutting cheese and bread into slices and arranging them on a plate. He put the wine he’d brought in a chiller and washed grapes, taking them off the vine and putting them into one of his mother’s crystal bowls. She used to collect them back in the day. He chose the best one he could find.

Setting the table, Chat went through the trouble of finding candles and lighting a few in the centre of the dining table. Two plates at each end, two wine glasses and silverware. Food prepared and stored in the fridge, he was ready for his Lady’s return. To kill some time, he settled on a couch in the living room and turned on the TV just so he wouldn’t slip back into thinking about the inevitable break-up he’d have to mastermind.

Marinette came an hour later, stumbling on her high heels and sweetly grinning at him upon entering. “My Kitty. You came.”

Her face flushed, lips trembled, a sparkle in her half-lidded eyes, and messy hairdo… There was no denying it.

“You’re drunk.”

“I am not.” Marinette pulled off her shoes and threw them in a corner, immediately after pulling all the pins out of her hair and shaking her head. “Just a little tipsy. Nothing serious. But I had to. After that…" She bit her lower lip, looking away. “…celebrate. Yes, I had to celebrate. That’s it. My show was a blast so a few drinks were in order. Sorry, I'm late. Couldn't get out sooner. Ugh. I’m exhausted.”

“Congratulations on your success. You’ve definitely earned it.”

“Too bad Felix bailed on me,” she grumbled. “He would’ve loved the show, and he deserved to be there for all the ovations. I’ll give him an earful about it next time I see him.”

“I’m sure he’d love that.” Chat couldn't help a smile. One of the reasons he loved Marinette was just that—she cared for those she considered friends with her whole heart. Too bad Adrien wasn’t on her list anymore. He had to push through, though. He’d figure out what to do with his broken heart later. “Would you like something to eat or to bed we go?”

Marinette’s lips stretched in the most seductive grin she could manage at the moment as she wiggled her eyebrows and leaned closer. “We?”

Chat shook his head. “No, M’Lady. You need actual sleep. I’ll go home.”

She pursed her lips in a pout. “You’re no fun, Chaton. Food it is, then.”

“Alright. Just keep in mind I’m no chef, so it’ll be more like snacks.”

She stepped closer, her fingers dancing across his chest as she looked up at him from under those long eyelashes. “Say, Chat. Did anyone ever tell you you look like a snack?”

His heart was not strong enough for this. He almost responded when the scent of alcohol hit his nose. Chat swallowed, trying to get a grip on his own emotions, and pulled back. Maybe he was a masochist after all—letting this woman break him over and over again, yet still coming back for more. Did he secretly enjoy this torture?  

What was wrong with him? 

But… what a persistent woman she was! Stubborn and determined, confidently walking to her goals no matter what. Just the way he liked her. 

“Not today, Marinette. You need to sober up first.”

“I’m perfectly fineee.” She batted her eyes at him, pulling him closer. “Just taste and you’ll see—” 

Kwamis give me strength!

“I guess this means you’re off to bed and I’m going home?”

That seemed to do the trick. Marinette pursed her lips and withdrew, heading for the kitchen. “You promised me snacks. Don’t you dare to leave without feeding me first.”

“Would never dream of it.” 

Once at the dining table, he motioned for Marinette to sit while he brought out the food he’d prepared. Marinette settled in a chair and put her hands on the table, resting her chin on them. Her eyes focused on the candles’ flame. 

"Pretty. You're so thoughtful, Chaton. I love watching fire.”

“I thought you’d want something relaxing to look at after a hard day of work.” He sat across the table in his seat. “Enjoy the food. I’m sorry it’s not much.”

“It’s perfect," Marinette whispered, watching him with half-lidded eyes. She popped a grape into her mouth and chewed. “You’re perfect, Chaton. Way more perfect than I am.”

He wanted to smile, yet the dull ache that gripped his heart kept him grounded in the reality of the situation. If only she knew who she was saying these words to she’d take them back. A lump at the back of his throat, Chat focused his eyes on his plate. “You’re overestimating me. The real—” 

He sucked in a gasp at an unexpected touch. Somehow, Marinette was a breath away from him, his face cradled in her hands as she raised it to look at him. 

“Don’t you dare to object,” she said, looking him in the eyes. “You are perfect. I don’t deserve you. I never did, but I love you so much. Please, why won’t you accept me?”

“I love you too, Marinette,” he whispered, gripped with throbbing pain. 

“Then prove it.” 

She leaned up, her eyes fluttering close, her lips aiming for his. 

Chat tensed and pulled back. 

He couldn’t. 

No matter how damn hard he wanted to kiss her, he couldn’t do that because she would hate him even more if he kissed her. She’d never want to kiss Adrien. 

He couldn’t do that to her. 

He couldn’t do that to himself.  

“I think you’ve had one too many drinks,” he whispered instead. “You should go to bed and we’ll celebrate some other time.”

Her whole body stiffened. Eyes closed, lips pressed together, Marinette pulled back, turning away. When she spoke, her voice was sharp enough to cut steel. 

“Just admit it. You don’t love me. You never did.”

“What? No!” He protested without a second thought. Even knowing that a break-up was coming, Chat still hated the idea of her doubting his feelings. “Of course, I love you, Marinette, but you need to rest now. You aren’t thinking clearly.”

“I just had a few drinks. I’m not drunk!”

“You’ve got a tiny body, and you barely drink, if ever. A few drinks for someone else might not be an issue, but for you—” 

Groaning, she jerked around and stomped away. “Don’t patronize me! All I wanted was to kiss my boyfriend. How is that not thinking clearly?”

He looked away in desperation. Pathetic. He couldn’t even explain this to her. He’d only make it worse if he did. 

Then… could it be any worse than it already was?  

“Marinette, I’m sorry but—” 

“You can’t kiss me until you solve your issues, right?”

He nodded. 

“And when will that happen?”

“I don’t know.” 

Marinette huffed, throwing her arms into the air. “Do you want to know what I know? I know you don’t love me, Chat—” 

“Mari—” 

“Don’t you dare!” She swung around and pointed her finger at him. “Don’t you even dare to say I’m wrong because you know I’m right. You don’t love me. You don’t love Ladybug anymore and you never loved Marinette to start with. Why do you even bother with me at all?”

Something stirred in the pit of his stomach, coursed through his veins and ignited a fire in his chest. He might be a jerk and he might have withheld information and deceived her—mind you with good intentions—but he had never lied about his feelings! 

“You’re wrong! I do love you—"

“You refused to confess your feelings to Ladybug, and the minute you found out I was her, you distanced yourself from me! Tell me I’m wrong.”

“There’s a good reason—” 

"A good reason of not loving me!”

“No! It’s not that.”

“Explain then! Because I’m sick and tired of you keeping it vague. What issues do you have to deal with? Why are they stopping you from kissing the person you claim to love? Tell me, Chat! Why?”

His fists clenched at his sides, Adrien pressed his lips into a thin line and looked away. 

He couldn’t. 

Not yet. 

Maybe he could come up with another crazy idea to fix this?

He just had to ignore the fire rapidly spreading through his veins. 

He would resist.

He would contain it.

“Thought so,” Marinette whispered bitterly and turned around. “Leave. I don’t want to see you right now.”

“Marinette, listen—"

“Leave, Chat!” She hugged herself, the skin on her arms under her fingertips turning white. “I don’t want to hear any more of your lies and excuses.”

“I’m not lying!"

“Then why wouldn’t you tell me at least the reason you refuse to kiss me?”

“I can’t. Not yet…”

“Then come back when you’re ready to talk.” 

Chat clenched his jaw, fighting the tears gathering in his eyes. His breathing ragged, he closed his eyes, struggling to restrain the resentment and anger boiling inside his chest. 

It hurt. 

So much.

It tore him apart, ripped through his heart, destroying the last bits of caring he had. 

What was even the point now? 

She hated him. 

Not just the Adrien part of him anymore. 

She hated both sides of him now. Perhaps, it was his chance then? He didn't have to orchestrate anything. Marinette had already done all the work.

“So, this is it? Is this the end?”

“Only if you want it to be,” she said, her back to him. “I love you, Chat. I really do, but this hurts. I’m giving you my whole self every single day, and you keep pushing me away without an explanation. Why? Why do you hate me so much?”

“I don’t hate you… I just can’t tell you some things. Not yet, at least.  If I did, it’ll hurt you more than this.”

“So you’re, what? Protecting me?” 

He could see the anger in her eyes, could feel the spite in her words as she glared at him over her shoulder.

“I don’t need protection, Chat. I handled monsters on a daily basis for years. Sometimes, I even had to fight them and you! I can deal with whatever you’re keeping a secret from me. Don’t you see it hurts me more when I don’t know what’s going on?”

Chat clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white inside his gloves. 

It hurt her more when he kept his identity a secret? He doubted she’d think the same if she knew. 

“Why can’t you trust me? I’m not a weakling.”

He had never thought her to be one!

“Please, Chat. Just tell me what’s going on. I can handle ”

He had nothing to lose anymore. He had to let her go anyway, so maybe he should tell her everything. Fulfil one last wish of hers before closing this chapter of his life.

Right here. 

Right now. 

Cut it clean and be done with it. 

“You want the truth?” 

He didn’t care anymore. Too tired. Too weak to stop the words that avalanched out of his mouth. 

“The truth, Marinette, is that you are the one who doesn’t love me! You’re the one who pushes me away. You. Not me. And why? Because of one mistake I made years ago? One! And only because I was trying to be a good friend and wanted what’s best for you!” 

He shook his head, struggling to form a coherent thought. “I should’ve stayed away. It wasn’t my business. I should’ve let you make your own mistakes. But no! I had to help. I had to protect you. How stupid of me! You’re right. You’re strong enough to handle everything on your own. You don’t need me.

“You say this hurts? But do you know how much losing your friends, being cut off and cast away like you’re the biggest jerk in the universe hurts? Do you? And all because you tried to help a friend! You didn’t even let me explain!”

His hands gripped his head, he pressed his lips in a thin line for a few seconds, taking a quick breath before continuing. “But you know, I deserved this. I should've been smarter than to help you again as soon as I saw you struggling. And here’s the funny part—you’ll get a real kick out of it—I rushed to help you while you despised me so much you couldn’t even stand to be in the same room with me for more than five minutes! Really. I should win a Nobel Prize for being the dumbest person on this planet. Stupid, brainless, and pathetic because despite knowing everything, knowing you hated me and knowing you’d never forgive me… I still managed to fall in love with you. That, Marinette, is what really hurts.”

“What are you talking about?” Marinette whispered, her eyes wide, lips parted in shock.

He didn’t hear, though, all the pent-up, suppressed resentment spilling over, his voice cracking with every word. “I’ve tried Marinette. I’ve tried so hard to get you to like me. Like, not even love. I’d be happy if you just thought of me as a friend. I gave you my all, but it was useless. It was all for nothing. Because of one mistake. Because you’ll never trust me again and there is nothing I can do about it. Nothing! I tried! And I failed.”

Marinette grabbed his hand, her eyes frantic. “What are you talking about? Chat, I love you. Of course, I trust you. We’ve been partners for years. I trust you with my life. How can you even think I don’t trust you?” 

Adrien laughed. Bitterly. Resentfully. Almost insanely. “Oh really? Can you look me in my eyes without this mask on and repeat that?”

“Of course I can! I love the man underneath the mask, the man I know you truly are.”

He didn’t think twice. He didn’t think at all. He just commanded.

“Plagg, claws in.”

The moment the mask disappeared from his face, Marinette took a step back, covering her mouth with her hands. 

“Can you say you love me now, Marinette?” Adrien repeated, keeping his eyes on her.

Her eyes wide, she stared at him in silence.

Adrien closed his eyes and swallowed the lump in his throat away. 

This was a mistake. 

This whole thing was a mistake. 

He should’ve stayed away from her just as Plagg had insisted. 

"Claws out," he whispered and, turning around, walked towards the balcony. He didn't look back as he opened the door. No one called for him to come back or at least to wait, so he jumped out of the window and vanished into the darkness, leaving Marinette behind. 

***

His legs heavy, Chat ran. Ran as fast as he could, as far away as he was able to, stopping only when there was nowhere else to go. His vision blurring, he collapsed on his knees and leaned into his arms, letting a devastating cry out into the night from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

She didn’t answer his question which meant it was probably a no. 

She didn’t call for him when he was leaving. 

She didn’t follow him here. 

She really did hate him now.

Chat curled in on himself, hiding behind one of the beams. Numb and broken, streams of tears poured down his face. He hugged his knees. His head hung low, only one question violating his thoughts.

Why?

Why was he so stupid? 

Why couldn’t he be smarter and avoid repeating his own mistakes?

Why did she hate him so much?

Why? 

Was he so unlovable? 

Was it that impossible to forgive him even after everything he had done to apologize?

Why couldn’t he change anything?

Why did all of his efforts bring nothing but more complications and hurt?

Why did he still care in the first place? 

Why did he have to fall in love with the only woman who hated his guts? 

Why?

Why couldn’t it all just end? 

The pain. 

The despair. 

The throbbing, burning wound on his bleeding heart. 

He wrapped his arms around his body and tried to stop thinking. Thoughts were painful. They hurt. It would get better eventually. He might be all alone again, but it would change one day. He hoped it would. He just had to get through this.

Somehow.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but by the time his tears ceased, the city was starting to wake up. The eastern corner of the sky coloured yellow, chasing away the dark clouds above him. Dawn of a new day. A promise of light after the darkness. Chat used to love sunrises. Now, he looked at the first rays peeking from behind the horizon and felt nothing.

Tears ceased. The pain dulled or maybe he just got used to it. He wasn’t sure. He blindly starred in front of himself, releasing his transformation.

“Kid, what are you doing?! Get away from the ledge!” Plagg yelled, forgetting all about his usual request for cheese.

Adrien sadly chuckled. “Don’t worry, Plagg. I’m not suicidal. I… I just don’t want to be alone right now.”

Plagg understood without further explanation. He silently crawled into Adrien’s hands, nestling in his lap. They sat in silence for a few moments before Adrien spoke again. 

“Plagg?”

“Yeah?”

“Why was I chosen to be your wielder?”

“Why do you suddenly want to know that after all these years?”

“I don’t know.” He fell quiet for a moment, gathering his thoughts. “Maybe because if I know that there is something inside me that would always lead to destruction and failure, it’d be easier to stop wanting stuff, stop wishing for something wholesome in my life. You know, like if you know that you’re destined to be a villain, it’s easier to accept that and stop trying to be the good guy, someone you weren’t born to be. You can’t fight destiny, right?”

“What do you mean?” Plagg frowned, flying up to look at Adrien closer. “You weren’t destined for anything like that, kid. There isn't such a thing as destiny at all. And even if there was, you choose your destiny yourself.”

“Well, what about all those ‘they were destined to be this and that’ or ‘they are destined to be together’? There is something. People can feel it.”

"There are people who have specific talents and qualities to be something others can't because they lack said traits. And some people work better with each other than with others because they share similar values, goals and have compatible characters. It's not destiny. You're the owner of your life, kid, and you can choose to be whoever and with whomever you want. Easy. Don't complicate stuff that shouldn't be complicated."

“Then, tell me, what do we share for me to be chosen to be your wielder? Do we share values or goals? Or maybe I’m just so naturally good at destroying everything around me, Master Fu deemed me to be a fitting partner to the kwami of destruction.”

"Now you're talking nonsense. You need to rest."

Adrien shook his head. “No. There is obviously something and I want to know what it is. Do we share some kind of negative energy or bad luck tendencies? Tell me. Why was I chosen?”

Plagg sighed, looking straight into Adrien’s eyes. “Kid, the wielders of the Black Cat miraculous are chosen based on the purity of their hearts. Kindness, selflessness, compassion. Those are the qualities the Guardian is looking for because, believe me, it takes a whole lot of good in a person to counterbalance my destruction and control the chaos I embody. You weren’t chosen because of some negative energy voodoo or destiny’s cruel joke. You were chosen because, despite your circumstances, you were strong enough to preserve a pure, kind and selfless heart. 

“So, there,” Plagg grumbled. “You were chosen because you have so much good in you that only you could counterbalance me. That’s all it is. But don’t you start assuming you’re taking on some of my bad luck in return. That’s not how it works. I do not affect you in any way apart from draining your wallet for my Camembert.”

Adrien stared at Plagg, dumbfounded. “Then why does this keep happening to me? Why do I keep screwing up? If I’m such a great person, why can’t I be happy for once?”

“Because you’re human,” Plagg shrugged. “Humans do tons of shit all the time and sometimes, it’s just harder to get out of one particular pile of shit than out of another. That’s all.”

Adrien sadly chuckled. “That’s all?”

“That’s all.”

“Sucks to be human then.”

“Sucks to think there is something more to this life than a good wheel of Camembert.”

Adrien laughed. “You’re right, Plagg. You were right all along, and you know what? From now on, I’m listening only to you. You did manage to keep ‘Felix’ in line, so I’m sure you can keep Adrien out of trouble as well.”

“About time you recognized my talents. And since I’m the boss now, I say we should go home. It’s late and you’re shivering.”

He was cold. And sleepy. His eyes were practically closing on their own. He didn’t even notice. But Plagg did. He cared. Someone did care. Then, maybe Adrien should return the favour and care only for those who did the same for him?

“Your wish is my command, Boss.” He smiled, standing up.

“I like the sound of that,” Plagg smirked. “The Boss also says we’ll buy more Camembert from now on.”

Adrien petted his kwami’s head. “Absolutely. Especially since I’m also switching to the Camembert-obsessed way of life starting today. We’ll definitely need more of it now that you have to share.”

Plagg's eyes blew round. "Share? Who said anything about sharing? You get your own stack. You can afford it."

“And here I thought you liked me enough to share your precious cheese with me.”

“You really need to sleep. Transform and let's go already.”

Adrien took one last look at the rising sun and inhaled the morning breeze. For better or for worse, there were no more secrets between Marinette and him, apart from the ‘Felix’ part, perhaps. As always, he didn’t let it all out in the best of ways, but he did tell her everything. Now, all he could do was to wait and see what she decided to do with this mess. If she cut him off again… Well, that wouldn’t be surprising. They didn’t even have much between them this time around, to begin with. Why would she want him around? However, if by some miracle she understood and forgave and accepted him… 

Adrien bitterly chuckled, shaking his head. He really did need some sleep. Only a severely exhausted, delusional, sleep-deprived mess of a human would hope that Marinette could give him another chance after everything. 

Pushing the thought away, he called for his transformation and headed home, falling into the blissful oblivion of sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Things wouldn't seem so grave in the morning. He wasn't completely alone. He had never been.

He had Plagg.  

Next >

#miraculous ladybug #marichat #adrienette #ml #chat noir #marinette dupain-cheng #adrien agreste #ladybug #the other you

[griffinkid]

How big are the Smiggle backpacks? Do you always use a backpack when you are going places?

Oh always, can you imagine me trying to carry everything in my paws? Recipe for disaster! 😱

Numbers mean nothing to me, so here's a description to give you a size idea:

Actual dimensions are 36cm (h) x 26.5cm (w) x 11cm (d)

Will comfortably fit an A4 folder/notebook/etc, or a smaller laptop

You could get several thick books in there

The straps are well long enough to fit an adult and it's sized so that it doesn't look tiny on you

I regularly fill mine with a bulky planner, a reasonably big exercise book, a lunchbox, a pencil case, my Switch in its case, a big iPod classic, a snood or face mask, lip balm, multiple tins for plasters/hearing aid stuff/etc, and occasionally 1-2 small plushies. All of this fits just fine

Whatever you need to put in there, it'll probably fit!

#answered asks

[jemmabag]

How You Know It’s Time to Upgrade to a Larger Work Bag

Getting stuck with a small, unorganized bag for work is not a dream situation for modern women. The boss babes of the world need structure and style in their lives. While you might think investing in a larger bag could lead to more chaos with the roomier interior, that doesn’t have to be the case. And that’s especially true if you can find a work bag with innovative organizational components. The indicators proving you need more room may be a sign that your old bag could be the cause of any disorder. If you’re wondering when it’s time to set your sights on a bigger and better work bag, the following markers could give you a clue.

You Feel Like You’re Never Organized Whenever you reach into your current bag, do you feel like it’s unorganized? If there’s a lack of compartments, smaller floating items, and zero intention behind the bag’s features, it’s a recipe for organizational disaster. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some designers truly understand the needs of modern women. They use their knowledge to fashion masterful work bags with roomy interiors featuring an array of pockets and compartments for everything from lip balm to a tablet or laptop. Plus, they keep it all in a fabulously clean-looking, easy-to-navigate lining. There’s a New Job in Your Future Is there a new job in your future, or are you on the prowl? The right bag can make all the difference. It can help you stay on top of your responsibilities while looking elegant and feeling like your unstoppable self. If you’re commuting to job interviews or have already secured a position across the city, a designer convertible backpack tote is an excellent option. You can find gorgeous, sustainably made backpack totes with spacious interiors and padded, reinforced straps for a practical and professional piece that’s great for commuting. You Want to Look Professional and Stylish A thoughtfully designed work bag can upgrade your look, organizational skills, and even your confidence levels. It’s difficult to look professional and stylish without a good-looking bag, even if your outfit is on point. A small, old bag that’s falling apart destroys your work vibe. Plus, you never know what’s going to fall out of it next. There’s nothing like a larger work purse design from a luxury work bag brand to make things right. Whether you choose a work travel bag, a convertible backpack tote, or a larger work bag to fit notebooks, a laptop or tablet, and other essentials, check out the quality materials, the thoughtful features, and the little details. Large bags from designer work bag brands cannot be imitated. If you need a little push or a sign to encourage you to get a large designer work bag, let this be it. Large designer work bags are not just for show—iconic work bag brands create these pieces to support your everyday life. With thoughtful interior details, a variety of compartments, and beautiful exteriors, you can have a functional, high-quality work purse to bring to the office, company events, family dinners, and outings with friends. It’s an upgrade every modern woman should make in her life. About JEMMA Offering a luxury work bag experience unlike any other, JEMMA designs stunning pieces for the modern woman. The iconic work bag brand dedicates itself to delivering investment bags with unmatched attention to detail that can help you take on daily life. With functional interior pockets and compartments for everything from your lipstick to your tablet or laptop, you can stay organized and on top of your busy schedule. With gorgeous, sustainably and ethically produced Italian leather or Italian nylon exteriors, you can relish carrying a chic, timeless bag on any occasion. From work to play, JEMMA makes your go-to bag an essential part of your outfit, and those padded, reinforced straps will make it easy for you to take it everywhere. Check out JEMMA’s larger work purse options at https://jemmabag.com/ Original Source: https://bit.ly/3M4cZx3

#travel satchels #designer work bags for women

[mysmesomespacechips]

Merry Choi-mas! - Day 8

Summary: 12 days of Choi-mas: A collection of fluffy holiday-themed one-shots with the Choi twins. (AO3)

Christmas Baking: Saeyoung x MC

by @spacechip707

There was a time in his life when Saeyoung hated the kitchen. Besides the fact that it reminded him of his horrendous cooking skills, it had been a place that was mostly empty. Empty pantries. Mostly empty fridge. Empty sink, because he couldn’t bother to scrounge up enough of an appetite to actually eat a meal needing of dishes.

Then, she came into his life, and subsequently his kitchen, like a whirlwind.

She banished the room of its hallow atmosphere, stocking it with snacks and ingredients, albeit healthier than he would've like. The sink was almost always brimming with plates, pots, pans, utensils. And when it wasn’t, she was prompting him to eat something—a command he obeyed greedily. For first time in his life, his hunger was a ravenous beast, spurned by happiness and contentment.

It was why he was ambling towards the once desolate room only hours after dinner was consumed.

But, his feet froze a few strides short of the doorway when a sweetness wafted through the air. Normally, MC prepared her nightly jasmine tea around this time, filling most of the bunker with that delicate aroma. But this was hardly jasmine…it was thicker—and warmer.

Saeyoung’s mouth was already watering as his brain recognized the deliciously tantalizing smell of vanilla. He hurried to the entrance and found his suspicions confirmed. “You’re making cookies—mmph!”

MC abruptly slapped a hand over his mouth, her own finger pressed against her lips. “Shh!” She hissed, peering behind him to the hallway. “Do you want to summon Saeran?”

Saeyoung snorted, causing her to retract her hand with a grimace. “You say that like he’s a scary monster.”

“A Cookie Monster,” MC nodded solemnly. “I’ll give him some, but…I kind of want to make them first. You know how he is with cookie dough.”

She shifted to the side to reveal the disaster on the counter. Streaks of flour lined the marble top, chocolate chips and smears of peanut butter painted the normally clean surface. Saeyoung was pretty sure he saw icing splattering the tiles and the cabinets in the far corner.

"How many cookies are you making?” He breathed in awe. Already, three metal bowls filled with uncooked batter stood tall in the midst of the chaos.

“Five kinds, and three batches of each,” she shrugged.

Saeyoung’s stomach grumbled as another wave of vanilla hit his nostrils. Enchanted by the confectionary spell, his finger reached into the nearest bowl and swiped a generous amount of the creamy, raw goodness. He stuck it in his mouth, an unearthly groan squeezing from his throat.

“Hey!” MC gasped. A mix of betrayal and horror spread across her features as her eyes darted between his finger and his mouth. “You’re just as bad!”

“Sorry,” he said, ducking his head before taking another scoop with his thumb and shoving it into his mouth. He recoiled at the sting of the spoon swatted against his hand. “Ouch! That was the last one, I promise!”

She set aside the metal utensil in favor of a spatula and pointed it towards him with a threatening jab into the air. “It better be.”

Saeyoung squeaked and hid behind his fingers. “Oh, so scary,” he said, successfully eliciting a laugh on her part.

While she preoccupied herself with adding to her mess of flour and butter, Saeyoung waltzed over to the counter and sat on one of the island chairs with a flourishing spin.

He had every intention to watch her—and help if she so asked, when a mini mountain of wrinkled papers caught his eye. They lay sloppily scattered across the the only slab of countertop that was free of baking debris. They seemed old too. The parchment was tainted a yellowish-brown, and splatters of unknown substances stained the corners. But the thing that made them appear so ancient was the fact that they were handwritten.

He traced the lettering with his index finger, almost afraid it would smudge with the oil on his skin. “What is this?” He asked, though he could clearly read “Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe” scribbled across the top.

“An old family recipe,” she replied in between rhythmic beating of a whisk against metal.

Saeyoung wasn’t sure why her answer left a resonating pang in his chest. “Oh,” was all he could manage.

The whisking ceased. He was aware of MC’s gaze shifting towards him, flaying him with the concern that was no doubt pooling in her eyes. But, it wasn’t enough to tear his focus from the tattered document.

Despite having sworn off his past altogether, he sometimes wondered about his own family tradition. His mother was the worst parent to him and his brother, and their father’s benevolence was still ambiguous and would probably remain so. But biologically, he had a family tree. Grandparents…great-grandparents…a whole line of people who had normal families with things like Christmas traditions, funny stories, heirlooms.

How much of that had he lost as casualties of his tragic life?

“Saeyoung?” MC called, startling him out of his trance.

His eyes stung as he blinked for the first time in nearly a minute. He dashed away the smarting tears with his thumb. Clearing his throat, he leaned an elbow onto the counter in attempts to appear casual and forced a smile. “Yeah, sorry. Blanked out.”

Her brows wrinkled in a furrow just as her teeth drew along her bottom lip. Once again, her eyes flickered over his body, inundating him with that worried frown. “You okay? You went paler than this cookie dough.”

Her attempt at levity did little against the sudden weight inside Saeyoung’s chest. Absentmindedly, he dug his thumb into the area above his ribs. His mouth grew dry, and he debated whether he should even say anything. “I was just thinking…” he said finally. “About tradition. And how—well, I’ve never had any Christmas traditions.”

“Not everyone does,” she replied. The bowl hit the marble with a clink, and her hand reached across the counter to cover his. They were a little sticky, but that had no effect on their usual warmth. “But does it bother you?"

“Kind of,” he muttered. He threw his head back, preferring to look at the ceiling instead of the unspoken condolences rolling off of his wife. “It’s something I wanted to do as a kid, you know? Even if it was just with Saeran. The only Christmas tradition we ever had was trying to escape the wrath of our more-than-usual drunk mother.”

A humorless chuckle stole from his throat. He made the mistake of looking back at MC. Her face had grown exceptionally long in the few seconds he had averted his gaze. Her bright irises dimmed, the rosiness on her cheeks fled, and the ever-present smile on her lips was replaced by a dismal frown.

Panicked that he’d ruined her entire evening, he hurriedly grabbed the hand covering his. “I’m sorry,” he pleaded. “I didn’t mean to make this all depressing. I was just overthinking. Forget it, okay?”

She shook her head, her thumb grazing over his palm. Saeyoung swallowed hard. Had he made her so upset that she couldn’t even speak? Eager to fix it, he extracted himself from her grip and grabbed the metal bowl and whisk. “I’ll make it up to you! I’ll help.”

“Saeyoung…”

“No, it’s fine,” he said, brushing off the grave tone behind her voice. “Should I put some Christmas music on too?”

He was painfully aware of her reticence. Still, he beat the butter and sugar with increasing vigor, hoping the quickening tempo would prompt her to add the next ingredient and leave the entire conversation behind. He should’ve known better.

Her fingers appeared in his line of sight. Their gentle touch was enough to make his tense hands yield and slow to a stop. He let out a huff and released the bowl into her hold before resting his head against her shoulder.

He felt her comb through his hair with her signature kindness dispelling the void in his chest just as she did within the very room they stood.

“Saeyoung,” she repeated softly. “It’s okay that you didn’t have everything. But it’s equally okay to want those things. I know that everything we do now won’t always make up for what happened—or what didn’t happen. But, you know you can ask for them, right? Especially from me.”

“Yeah,” he rasped. He buried his face further into her shoulder, his arms winding their way around her waist. As he pulled her closer, that tang of vanilla drifted from her skin and filled his head, serving as a balm to his nerves. “Can I ask for some more cookie dough then?”

Her chest vibrated underneath him as she laughed. With a barely grudging sigh, she pushed him back into the seat. She grabbed a spoon off the counter and heaped it with a charitable amount of dough before offering it to him. “Only because I love you.”

He replied with a tiny smile, his tongue lapping at the gooey mix. MC watched him for awhile, her own smile gradually matching his. Then all at once, she stiffened. “What’s wrong?” He asked.

She beamed up at him, her hands gripping the side of his chair and spinning it around. “I got it!” She said, making her way to the pantry. It was a miracle she didn’t slip on the stray mixture spotting the floor. “Family recipes are usually just a main recipe with some added things here and there that supposedly make it better, right?”

Saeyoung glanced sideways at the stack of papers again. Baking was not his area of expertise, but he’d humor her. “Uh, I guess,” he drawled.

“So, let’s make our own,” she announced. She produced an extra apron from the pantry and extended the crumpled cloth to him. “A Choi family recipe. How does that sound?”

It sounded wonderful.

She waited for his verbal reply, practically bouncing on her toes. It was almost as if her entire body was trembling with giddiness, and the best part was that it was infecting him too. Saeyoung’s head was buzzing, though he wasn’t sure whether it was from ideas or from sheer elation.

He calmed himself for a brief moment, his instinctual logic giving him a mental kick. “MC…you don’t have to do this just for me.”

She snorted and rolled her eyes. “Who says it’s just for you?” She said, though her softened features betrayed her intent. “I want our children to have something especially from us. We would be pretty boring parents without at least a disaster story, if not a recipe.”

Saeyoung’s face heated at the mention of “their children”, but he managed a few easy laughs. “Okay,” he said, taking the apron from his hands. “Thank you.”

She gave him a shy nod as she fingered through the stack of papers in search of a base recipe.

He expelled a sharp breath as he waited. Even with the new resolution, the solemnity in the air was palpable, and Saeyoung was mentally slapping himself for it. Baking was supposed to be fun—not birthed from stress. This wasn’t an episode off of Grandpa Lamsay’s show, after all. He desperately needed to fix it.

Racking his brain for a way to lighten the mood, he slid the smock over his head. A pleased smirk yanked at the edge of his mouth as he read the print on the cloth. Bingo.

“Hey, MC,” he said, grabbing her attention away from the pile. “Did you do this on purpose?”

He stretched out the cloth so she could better read the “Kiss the Cook.” Judging by the blush blooming across her cheeks, she hadn't. He leaned towards her, his lips puckered and emitting exaggerating smooching sounds.

MC turned her head at the last moment, leaving Saeyoung to nearly plummet through the air. He caught himself against the counter and shot a glare in her direction.

“It says ‘cook’,” she said. “We’re baking.”

Saeyoung opened his mouth to reply, but she had a point. Fine. If she wanted to play that way…

He bumped her aside with his hip, ignoring her cry of protest. He opened the drawer and sorted through the litter of rubber bands, vitamins, and candles until he found a plain black marker. He wedged the top in between his teeth, and it came flying off with a pop. He crossed off the offending word on the apron and replaced it with a sloppily written, “Baker.”

“There!” he cried in triumph, turning to proudly display his deed to his wife who was gaping at him through grin.

She took a few steps forward before cupping his face and bringing it down to place a peck on his lips. “You’re too much.”

He hummed in satisfaction, nudging the tip of his nose into the bridge of hers. “Must’ve picked it up from you.”

A gasp spluttered from her mouth. She flattened her palms against his chest and shoved him in the opposite direction. “Don’t be cheeky,” she scolded with zero conviction. “Let’s just get started.”

If the kitchen was in disarray before Saeyoung arrived, it was a war zone after nearly two hours of his experimenting. MC couldn’t bring herself to mind though. Not when he seemed so….happy. It was the only word to describe the light radiating from his face, even when he wasn’t smiling.

Even now, he wasn’t. His mouth was curled downwards in a concentrated scowl as he carefully lined a batch of cookies with icing. His brows were almost knitted together, and MC had to suppress the beguiled squeak churning in her throat every time his tongue peeked out from the edge of his lips like a little kitten.

She was equally as happy. She had been joking slightly when she mentioned the start of a new tradition to pass down, but actually creating one…it was solidifying them as family.

She dusted the flour off her hands and abandoned her newest batch of cookies in favor of admiring the objects of her husband’s efforts. He had decorated quite a few with his childish caricatures made from sprinkles and icing. Granted, there were only about a dozen little biscuits that had actually survived the baking process. The first batch didn’t rise, and the second turned to coal while Saeyoung and MC had been distracted in a flour fight.

But she was proud of the fruit of their labor. They hadn’t tasted any yet, but they hadn’t veered off much from the basic cookie recipe they had started with.

MC peered over Saeyoung’s shoulder to get a glimpse of his current endeavor, which had taken the most of his time so far. She watched as he piped on red curly hair on two cookies shaped like gingerbread. He had already detailed the face as best he could with golden sprinkles for eyes and more red icing for shirts. “Are you making you and Saeran?” She cooed, noting the similarities.

“Nope,” he replied, never breaking focus. “It’s the first two of our children.”

MC choked on her next breath.

“It’s what?” She wheezed through her coughing fit. Heat flooded her face—no, her entire body—when she caught the smirk unfurling in the corner of his mouth. “You’re teasing me."

He turned on her with wide eyes and flimsy piping bag. “You started it with the whole kids talk. I’m thinking about making some more though. We have another two gingerbread. Do you think four kids is too few, MC?”

She swiped some of icing that had fallen onto the counter and smeared it across his smug face. He recoiled, but still released a few chuckles. “Shut up and taste one of the cookies already,” she whined. She poked at one of his elaborately embellished cookies shaped like a tree.

“Do you think they’ll taste good?” He asked, lifting one to his nose and taking a tentative sniff. “They smell fine.”

She urged him just to take a bite. He sunk his teeth into one end, mulling the piece in his mouth for a little while. His brows rose all the way to his bangs, and he shot her a thumbs up. “Mmmm!” He hummed.

MC grinned and extracted the other half from his hold. She was glad they had turned out well. Maybe this would save them from another experimenting session next year.

She eagerly chomped down on the biscuit, slightly unnerved by its softness. At first, it tasted like nothing, and then it tasted sweet--like sugar and vanilla. She was about to praise their concoction until it hit. A salty, bitter, almost sour flavor attacked her tastebuds, and it took everything within her not to gag.

“You tricked me,” she said through the half-chewed disaster in her mouth.

Saeyoung grimaced and spit his own mush into his hand. “But at what cost?” He shuddered.

Unable to take the acrid flavor anymore, she pulled his hand down and spewed the food into his palm. “Sorry,” she muttered when he tensed.

“You are so lucky I love you,” he muttered. He dumped the reject into the bin before thoroughly washing his hands.

MC deflated into the chair behind her. “Sorry it didn’t come out so well. I was really hoping we had something.”

“I don’t mind,” he replied, rubbing his hand against a towel. He tossed it to the side and glomped onto her side in a hug. His voice lowered into something more solemn as he spoke. “Even if we never find our own recipe, let’s make this a tradition. You, me, and tons and tons of flour every year. Saeran can join in too, if he promises not to eat everything.”

She laughed, slipping her arms around him to return to the embrace. “Sounds good to me.”

Their moment was cut short when a familiar set of footsteps thudded down the hall. Saeran slid into the doorway, a franticness glazing over his green eyes. They darted about the room, only to narrow in on the counter. “I knew I smelled cookies.”

MC opened her mouth to warn him, but her words were muffled into Saeyoung’s hand. His mouth turned upwards in a wide grin, and she knew exactly where this was going. “Yeah, we made some!”

She knew she shouldn’t have.

Not with Saeran being so innocent as he dropped over those cookies. But she couldn’t resist it. Besides, she’d just give him a dozen of the good ones later. She scooped a bunch in her hand and offered them to the younger twin. “They’re all for you actually. Surprise!”

“Thanks,” he muttered, though he had an appropriate amount of skepticism.

Saeyoung and MC stood from their seats, not bothering to watch him eat. By the time they heard the crunch, they were already by the doorway.

“What the heck!”

“And, that’s our cue to run,” Saeyoung said.

They bolted down the hall rushing to the safety of their bedroom lest Saeran bypass the security of every other room in the house. They slammed the door shut behind them, hearts racing and legs wobbling.

“Do you think he’ll be mad long?” MC asked.

A laugh burst from Saeyoung’s mouth. “Either way, it was worth it. Did you see his face?”

MC groaned, already imagining the hundreds of antics that would follow her husbands incorrigible pranks. “I just hope that my chocolate chip cookies will be enough to appease him later. As much as our attempted tradition went bust, I don’t want it to be our first and last attempt.”

Saeyoung softened as he turned to her. “Even if it is,” he said with a kiss to her cheek. “I’m happy to die next to you.”

“Saeyoung!” She cried in the midst of his giggles.

He was impossible, but she still looked forward to many more Christmas nights with him in the future.

#mystic messenger #mystic messenger fanfic #mystic messenger fanfiction #mysme #mysme fanfic #mysme fanfiction #saeran choi #saeyoung choi #choi twins #writing #merry choimas

[purplesurveys]

890

Quick! Chinese or Mexican? ...food? Oh man, I love them both. I’ll have to go with Chinese. When it comes down to it, it hits closer to home and I find that their flavors and options are more diverse. I like Mexican cuisine too, but I realize I only like certain dishes. How many significant others have you had in your WHOLE life? One. I have to ask: What does the last text you received say? “Good afternoon. Cooper is scheduled for deworming tomorrow. Thank you. Please disregard if done.” I’ve never had a vet clinic send me regular reminders before so I really appreciate the staff at the one I regularly visit now. I just feel like little things like this are good indicators of a clinic with good service and one that actually cares for the animals that people bring in, so yeah it looks like I’ll be a regular visitor here. How about the last text you sent? "Hi daddy sorry to ask this - you know I’d do it if [I’m capable of doing so] – but could you or mommy call the vet clinic to book Cooper’s grooming? I really don’t like phone calls” Pretty self-explanatory message right there. Have you shared any kisses today? I’ve only given kisses to my dogs today, but they’re the best boys.

Did the last person you kissed have soft lips, or were they kind of crusty? Soft. Do you think your life will be any different a year from now? It will definitely be different. It’ll only start rapidly changing from here. Can’t wait to see what my surveys will look like a year from now. What all is in your wallet? There’s an empty vape pen, a little over ₱700, some receipts I haven’t thrown out, and bits of tobacco from a cigarette I had stashed inside to hide it from my mom, who’s prone to checking out my bags without my knowledge and who will kill me if she found out I’ve started smoking. The tobacco bit’s disgusting, I know...I just never had the time to clean it out while I was still in school. How many windows are in your bedroom? There are two windows but each have six panes on them. Have you ever been in a fist fight? No. I had ‘wrestling’ fights with my cousin when we were kids but we mostly kicked and slapped each other. When was the last time you went to the doctor? End of May. I had a UTI and it gave me a nasty fever that didn’t go away for a week. Are you going out of town anytime soon? That’s still not possible. We’re getting a spike in cases – higher than ever – because the government hasn’t been doing anything since March and yet they’ve loosened lockdown rules for so many cities. With more people going out despite seeing no action from the government, it’s a complete recipe for disaster. Y’all have been back to normal for a few weeks, while we’re still on square one.   Do you hate your ex? I don’t. I even got back with her. When are you going to get a haircut? Not for a long, long while. I just had it drastically cut last February and my hair grows quite slowly, so it’ll be a while until it once again gets too long. Can you fit your hand around your wrist? Yup. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose? Yeah, it’s called hating myself. When was the last time you applied chapstick? Years ago. I did apply lip balm a few months ago though, when I was headed to a party. Are you a coffee person or a tea person? Coffee for sure. I’m not very well-versed at all when it comes to tea. Do you have a weird laugh? No. I mean at least I don’t hate the way it sounds. What kind of deodorant do you wear? Dove something. Do you have videos on YouTube? No, I never post my own videos on there. When's the last time you had a phone conversation for more than ten minutes? I had a serious conversation with Gabie over the phone yesterday. I was feeling insecure about jobs and careers and the future, and I needed to get it out of my system. Do you laugh at inappropriate times? Sometimes. It’s not an issue people find with me, though. What's your fast food restaurant of choice? KFC if I’m really aiming for that greasy, heartburn goodness. Usually though I’d go for Jollibee because it’s among the most affordable fast food.

All the people you've kissed, what did their names start with? G. Are you in any kind of pain right now? My lower back hurts as always, but it’s not as big of a nuisance now. My knuckles are also feeling a little sore. Are you the jealous type? Only with my girlfriend, but I don’t let it get toxic. I just play jealous to get her attention and a few words of reassurance work for me. What did you and your ex fight about most? We didn’t fight a lot, actually. The biggest issue was her completely cutting me off in the last few months of our relationship which was obviously confusing, and ended up being the catalyst for our breakup. Do you have a foot phobia? No, but I’ve always been baffled by foot fetishes. To each their own, I guess. Well, are you a germaphobe? I’m particular about certain things but I wouldn’t call myself one. I just don’t like wearing other people’s clothes (even if it’s newly-cleaned) and sharing my spoon, fork, or bottle/cup/tumbler with most people. Do you get frustrated easily? When I’m driving OR already stressed to begin with, yes. Don't you love long hugs? Depends on the person. And long kisses? Only with my girlfriend. Have you ever purchased condoms? I’ve purchased a pack for a friend because they were too embarrassed to get one. Since I don’t need condoms and because a potential judgey look from the cashier won’t bother me, I volunteered to get it for her. Do you have a dirty mind? A lot of references will drive my head into the gutter, but I keep them inside as I know other people might not be comfortable with such comments. What's your favorite soda? I don’t like soda. Do you check the mail everyday, or somebody else? Nope. We know whenever mail comes because the delivery man will ring our doorbell to inform us anyway. Did you think braces were cool when you were little? I did. I owned a few stainless steel necklaces as a kid and I used to wear some of those around my teeth and pretend I had braces because I was a disgusting weirdo who couldn’t wait to be a teenager lol. Do you ever go without makeup or doing your hair? I go without makeup alllllll the time, but I always fix up my hair before going out. If I have no time to wash it I’ll tie it up in a ponytail or bun so that I don’t look untidy. Put your iTunes on shuffle RIGHT NOW and tell me the first song it plays. I’ll use the most recent playlist I made; it gave me the song Into It - Chase Atlantic. Recently heard about this group and it’s exxxxactly the sound I’m currently into. What is the last song you added to your iTunes library? The last song I added to my most recent playlist is Heaven Is a Place on Earth - Belinda Carlisle. The playlist is for songs I feel like would be awesome to hear when I’m cruising down the highway at 1 AM, and this song seems like an awesome closer to the playlist.   Are you embarrassed by any of the songs in your iTunes? No. They’re there because I like listening to them. When was the last time you were sick? May until the first few days of June. Did you get anybody else sick? Throughout the quarantine I’ve been the only one who’s gotten sick. Which is still weird to me, because I never get sick haha. Have you had your flu shots? I never get them, but I’ve had vaccinations for other viruses/illnesses like cervical cancer. What brand is your camera? I just use my phone as a camera, so Apple. I used to have a Nikon DSLR. Do you like raisins? No. Who was your valentine this year? My girlfriend. When did you first kiss the last person you kissed? January 2015. And when did you last kiss the last person you kissed? Two weeks ago. Did you borrow that shirt from somebody? No, it’s always been mine. What was the last thing you put in your mouth? The last bits from my chicken wing. Do you like to swim? I like wading in the water, but I don’t swim or like do strokes and stuff. How many vacations have you been on in the past year? Within the last 12 months, one. Have you ever gone on vacation with your boyfriend/girlfriend? Nah, just a day trip to the beach. I don’t want our trips to be funded by our parents because it just feels wrong lol, so I’m waiting till I’ve earned enough on my own to take her on a vacation. Are you supposed to be doing homework, young man/lady? My plate is empty for now. Do you have to wake up early tomorrow? Not too early, but I do have to take Cooper to the vet in the morning or at least before lunch so that we can be done before the queue could get longer. Do you have any prescriptions currently? I don’t. Are you upset about anything? I was earlier. My dad raised his voice at me but I was able to have a good cry about it, so I think I’m mostly doing better now.

#survey #surveys

[clarencenicholsonata]

What Brand Storytelling Is & How To Do It (With Examples!)

Here at Wishpond, we talk a lot about marketing tools -- today, we want to talk a bit more about how to put them to best use to make your company shine.

You put a lot of effort into building your company. It may have started as a side job, probably involved a lot of late nights, planning, research, strategizing and unexpected setbacks. (One thing nobody ever said about launching a successful business is, “it was super easy.”)

You may not think this is something you want to advertise, but the truth is, the human struggles behind the logo are sometimes what consumers respond the most to.

You don’t need to live-stream your company meetings, but brand storytelling is one of the most talked-about trends in marketing today, and one of the most important skills.

By the end of this post, you’ll understand why -- and what’s more, you should have an idea of how to start putting together your own brand story.

What is brand storytelling?

It helps to know what your brand story is NOT. Your brand story is NOT the facts about your company, your founding date, or a few perfunctory paragraphs on your “About Us” page.

What brand storytelling is using narrative to forge a genuine connection with your audience and consumers. Today - with so many messages thrown at consumers every second, from every direction - knowing how to craft one that resonates with them is an invaluable skill.

As much time as we spend pointing out the logical reasons our service and product is the best (which you should keep doing!), it's also important to keep in mind that consumers' emotions are one of the strongest drivers of purchase decisions.

Consumers today want to know that there are people behind the brand. They want to know about their values. They want to feel something about your product, they want to be able to relate, and they want to feel good about buying it.

They’re not just buying your product. They're buying how it makes them feel.

The Science Of Brand Storytelling

(Note: This is actual science, so skip this part of you want to go straight to the marketing tips, but stick around if you want biological proof it's worth your time.)

It takes time to develop your brand’s story and learn how to tell it well, and it’s not something you can integrate into every marketing message. Sometimes, your brand story has to be a standalone campaign, designed and executed separately.

This can seem like a lot of effort if you’re new to brand storytelling. That’s why it helps to know the science behind it.

Our brains respond to stories. We are biologically programmed to respond to them. According to the UNHCR, certain types of stories influence our actual brain chemistry, releasing oxytocin (a hormone so associated with social connectedness it is sometimes referred to as ‘the cuddle hormone’)

This OneSpot infographic has more about the statistics behind storytelling.

That’s the power of a brand story.

How to Do It

So now you know what it is and that it pays dividends.

Now for the most important thing: how do you do it?

As with anything in marketing, there’s not a defined set of blueprints: stories are as unlimited and individual as the companies and the people that tell them.

However, here are a few guidelines we can give you to help structure a good brand story.

Focus on Your Values

Example: Warby Parker

Warby Parker here shows the effectiveness of focusing on their values.

Their promotional video doesn't involve the high tech or high style or high fashion other eyewear brands go for. Instead, it zeroes in on the affordable, fashionable eyewear it's known for, to great effect.

Warby Parker's ads and social media have skyrocketed it to one of the most recognizable and successful eyewear brands on the market.

Tips for highlighting your values in brand storytelling:

If you’re wondering how to get started, here’s a quick exercise. Have you and three other teammates list your company’s top five core values.

Once you agree, brainstorm a list of ways these show up in real, tangible ways in your products or services. This could be in your customer service, in your method of production, in your commitment to quality -- there are several ways values can express themselves! This might be the start of a few ways you can tell your brand’s story.

If you do any social outreach that ties in with your values, don’t be shy about showing it! Instagram, video, do a match-for-match donation program, partner with relevant charities; corporate social responsibility is becoming increasingly important.

Embrace Your Roots

Example: Burt’s Bees

The humble lip balm embraced its image with this charming and simple ad. They openly reject the idea that their founder started the company with anything as buzzwordy and techy as a strategy or investor capital.

What he did have was a bunch of bees.

This is genius brand storytelling. The ad sticks closely to the brand’s colors and text, aligning it both for loyalists and those only vaguely familiar with it.

If you’re not convinced, the proof is in the earnings report. In 2018, Burt’s Bees was reported to have sold, on average, once every second somewhere in the world.

Address Your Customers’ Pain Points

Example: Aerie

We’ve mentioned Aerie before for their mastery of communication through this campaign. They’ve based a lot of their current brand image on their Aerie Real campaign, which focuses on a diverse set of models.

On that note, notice how the campaign website doesn’t immediately appear to be a clothing store: it almost looks like a lifestyle blog or advice column. And they walk the talk with their range of models.

Tips for addressing your customers’ pain points in brand storytelling:

Mine your customer reviews for what customers are saying they love about your product; it might not be what you think! For example, while you might be super proud of your camera’s formidable technical specs, your customers may appreciate that but be more thrilled by its lightweight or incredible battery life. Realizing what’s really causing problems day-to-day for your customers, and adding that to your brand message, is powerful.

Address your customers’ pain points in more than one way. For example: provide content and helpful advice, place relevant reviews front-and-center, if you offer a service, maybe host a webinar offering tips and helpful hints.

Understand Your Audience

Example: Trader Joe’s

While it appears simple, this Trader Joe’s ad demonstrates the uniqueness and effectiveness of their marketing strategy.

It effortlessly dodges alienating any of their audience, as it knows it has a wide base of different shoppers, and it emphasizes its unique value and what all these very different people come to Trade Joe’s for: supermarket shopping that’s friendly, off-kilter, fun, convenient, affordable and, at the same time, tasty, exotic and high quality.

Trader Joe’s is known for their marriage of high quality and low prices. Their tone is relaxed and friendly, but adventurous and knowledgeable: like an exceptionally well-traveled friend who knows all the best spots to eat and has tons of exotic recipes to try.

One article notes about their dedication to their brand story in everything from their job titles to their product descriptions.

(One other point about understanding the audience: note the subtle singling out of their wildly popular product, Cookie Butter, at the start of the video. A treat for Cookie Butter loyalists, and an easy way to promote the product to anyone who’s been thinking of trying it. Nicely played, Trader Joe’s.)

Be Authentic

Example (of how NOT to tell your brand story): Fyre Festival

As marketers and business owners, there’s a sort of morbid fascination in dissecting the entire cycle behind the infamous Fyre Festival. Which is not entirely bad, because there’s a lot to learn from the ashes of it.

One of the best ways to understand the importance of valuing authenticity and honesty in your brand story is watching what happens when you don’t.

The foundations now-infamous Fyre Festival was built entirely on the captivating story they told their investors in a pitch deck and ticketholders on Instagram about the kind of experience they could create.

The pitch deck, promotional photoshoot, and video are on-point in messaging, and you can see why -- with the right hype team, in the right environment -- investors could be excited enough to pour in more than $20 million.

Yet, Business Insider pointed out the myriad exaggerations (and outright fabrications) that Fyre’s brand fable weaved to conjure up their capital. This included:

Wildly inflated attendee estimations

Listing big-name partners that were not involved with the venture (including Snapchat).

Stating they owned land in the Bahamas that they didn’t.

If you don’t know how this ends, the short version is a very public disaster unrolling in real-time on the days of the festival, a media circus, two separate documentaries about the fiasco, and jail time for the founder.

There you have an overview of brand storytelling and a run down on how to think about telling your brand's story.

What are your favorite examples of brand storytelling? Let us know in the comments!

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230801 https://ift.tt/2mDbcYR via IFTTT

#IFTTT #RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230801

[letterdrill08-blog]

Fascination About face mask

The N95 mask is design and style for prime protection and lengthy use time. It's easy to breath as a result of, delicate into the skin, and easily limited. It is sized for Asians, and the result is actually a mask that is definitely tight for safety, nevertheless comfortable to don.The N95 Respirator Surgical Masks aid lessen exposure to bacteria by filtering particles smaller sized than 0.one Microns. Made for an infection control, the N95 Respirator Surgical Mask is relaxed and simple to use, with twin preset straps so it stays set up, when a nose band permits a far more tailor made in shape. The identify of this home made face mask states all of it—banana acts as an astringent, assisting to tighten facial pores and skin and cut down the appearance of wrinkles. In addition to the yellow fruit (the recipe recommends a medium-sized banana), you’ll also need to have 1/four cup of whipping product. Mash them collectively, then include the contents of 1 500-IU Vitamin E capsule. n95 face mask priceface masks priceface mask in the vicinity of me priceface mask sheet priceface mask with eye protect pricenon woven face mask priceface mask in delhi priceface mask 3 ply pricele gear pro additionally face mask cost It can be conjectured that the very first masks might have typically been employed by primitive people today to affiliate the wearer with some type of unimpeachable authority, such as "the gods" or to or else lend credence to the person's declare over a presented social job. Masks and puppets were being typically integrated in the theatre work of European avant-garde artists through the change on the nineteenth century. Get an index of vital oils that function for all pores and skin sorts. Not all necessary oils work for all skin styles. Some might burn off or hurt delicate pores and skin, one example is. Huge measurement Beard Web manufactured from breathable health care grade non woven material. Soft relaxed thread elastic for safe positioning and ergonomic healthy above the consumer's face. Want to show daily right into a very good pores and skin day? Want to know tips on how to continue to keep your skin youthful, refreshing, and glowing 24/seven? Every single person desires to look and feel their greatest constantly. Our assurance is directly proportionate to the way we sense about ourselves. Deriving the top outside of on your own is having said that a process that could be greatly assisted with the usage of intelligent merchandise. Korean masks have a protracted tradition connected to shamanism and afterwards in ritual dance. Korean masks have been Utilized in war, on equally soldiers as well as their horses; ceremonially, for burial rites in jade and bronze and for shamanistic ceremonies to drive away evil spirits; to keep in mind the faces of wonderful historic figures in Demise masks; and while in the arts, significantly in ritual dances, courtly, and theatrical plays. In certain regions, once-a-year shamanic ceremonies concerned masked dances and these strongly abstracted masks are arguably probably the most placing artifacts created On this region. For this refreshing (and delicious!) treatment method, mash up a handful of ripe strawberries with 3 tablespoons of floor almonds. Insert 2 tablespoons of yogurt and mix right up until the mixture includes a pasty texture. Often a slave or simply a felony was quickly granted the insignia and status of royalty, only to generally be killed once the festival ended.[16] The Carnival of Venice, in which all are equal powering their masks, dates again to 1268 AD.[seventeen] The usage of carnivalesque masks while in the Jewish Purim festivities almost certainly originated while in the late fifteenth century, although some Jewish authors assert it has constantly been Element of Judaic custom.[18] Masks are sometimes utilised to avoid recognition. As being a disguise the mask functions being a type of security to the wearer who needs to believe a task or job without being determined by Other folks. (You can pierce the capsule using a needle to squeeze out the contents.) Stir the combination and after that unfold it on to your face, eliminating immediately after 10 to 15 minutes. For more straightforward Do it yourself face masks like these, and home made solutions of every type, look into the reserve Homemade: 707 Items to help make Oneself to economize and the Earth. And don’t pass up these other each day patterns which will make you search youthful.

5 Tips about face mask You Can Use Today

I like a superb lip balm yr-round, but especially in the cold months when my lips can chap. So consider my surprise Once i realized you might make your own using beeswax, almond oil, honey and a bit of outdated lipstick. Pacific Northwest Coastal indigenous teams ended up usually highly proficient woodworkers. Their masks were being generally master-parts of carving, from time to time with movable jaws, or perhaps a mask in a mask, and areas moved by pulling cords. A Review Of face mask in the past, kings and commoners alike have been entertained by dance and mime accompanied by audio where the dancers normally wore masks, a vestige of the before period when these dances were being enacted as spiritual rites. In line with George Goyan, this apply evoked that of Roman funeral rites exactly where masked actor-dancers represented the deceased with motions and gestures mimicking Those people from the deceased although singing the praise of his existence (see Masks in Effectiveness above).[39] Europe Japanese masks are part of a very outdated and highly subtle and stylized theatrical custom. Although Detailed Notes on face mask are in prehistoric myths and cults, they've produced into refined art types. In an effort to fulfill the ever altering needs of our consumers, we are engaged in producing and exporting a wide gamut of Face Mask. These face masks are generally used in medical surgical procedures for stopping transmission of human body fluids in the client towards the surgeon. Also, these masks can be found in bulk with tamper absolutely free packaging. The use of masks in rituals or ceremonies is a very historic human follow across the world,[5] although masks can be worn for cover, in looking, in sporting activities, in feasts, or in wars – or just employed as ornamentation. The identify of this homemade face mask says everything—banana acts as an astringent, helping to tighten facial skin and cut down the appearance of wrinkles. Besides the yellow fruit (the recipe endorses a medium-sized banana), you’ll also have to have 1/four cup of whipping cream. Mash them together, then insert the contents of one five hundred-IU Vitamin E capsule. Additionally, there are an abundance of solutions readily available which have been built to provide certain applications in aiding and controlling your skin. Olay Whole Outcomes 7-In-1 Anti-Ageing Product + Serum Duo SPF 15 is a fantastic illustration of an item that focuses on anti-growing older while offering a concentrated moisturizing components. It fights all main signs and growing old and will help you feel and appear younger than prior to. Items including the Nivea Oil Manage Gentlemen’s Face Clean are high-quality offerings in the sphere of elevating oily skin and furnishing you that has a refreshed appear. The ample skin forms, tones and ailments are all achieved and cared for with the numerous list of solutions out there on Amazon India. A rib knit a few-gap balaclava makes it possible for the wearer to guard the face versus cold air or hinder recognition. Shigong dance masks were Utilized in shamanic rituals to thank the gods, although nuo dance masks shielded from negative spirits. Marriage ceremony masks have been utilized to pray once and for all luck and an enduring relationship, and "Swallowing Animal" masks have been connected to defending the home and symbolised the "swallowing" of disaster. Want to show daily right into a excellent skin day? Want to know tips on how to continue to keep the skin younger, contemporary, and glowing 24/7? Just about every man or woman really wants to feel and look their greatest at all times. Our confidence is straight proportionate to the way in which we truly feel about ourselves. Deriving the top outside of your self is on the other hand a undertaking that may be drastically assisted with the usage of intelligent items. The nō or noh mask progressed from your gigaku and bugaku and so are acted completely by men. The masks are worn all through quite very long performances and they are Therefore extremely gentle. The nō mask may be the supreme accomplishment of Japanese mask-producing. Even though they usually demonstrate competent craftsmanship, they practically generally lack the spiritual character of the normal tribal masks. Oceania

Rumored Buzz on face mask

We have been featuring Elastic Face Mask. The face masks are used by the health and fitness treatment staff for facial safety from airborne infections. These face masks are intended from your really soft product which enables air stream in such a fashion that the person does not experience suffocation. To check When you have oily pores and skin, push a paper napkin for your forehead. Whenever you pull it absent, it ought to be soaked in oils. These are often fabricated from leather-based with appendages of fur, feathers or leaves. Some protect the face, some The entire head and are sometimes hugely abstracted types. Navajo masks appear to be motivated with the Pueblo prototypes.[33][34] Masks and puppets were being frequently integrated to the theatre function of European avant-garde artists from your switch of your nineteenth century. Masks are a familiar and vivid element in many people and classic pageants, ceremonies, rituals, and festivals, and in many cases are of the historic origin. The mask is Ordinarily a Element of a costume that adorns The entire overall body and embodies a tradition important to the religious and/or social lifetime of the Local community as entire or a selected group within the Neighborhood. Masks are utilised almost universally and manage their power and thriller equally for his or her wearers as well as their audience. Depart the combination on the face for a minimum of 5 minutes right before rinsing it off. You may also test these basic Do it yourself face masks that will help unclog your pores. Masks in several sorts (sacred, useful, or playful) have performed a crucial historical function in the event of understandings about "what this means to get human", given that they permit the imaginative working experience of "what it can be like" for being reworked into another identification (or to affirm an existing social or spiritual identity).[22] Not all cultures have regarded the usage of masks, but A lot of them have.[23] Masks in performance In lots of cultural traditions, the masked performer is often a central principle and is highly valued. In the western custom, actors in Historic Greek theatre wore masks, as they do in standard Japanese Noh drama. In some Greek masks, the wide and open up mouth with the mask contained a brass megaphone enabling the voice of your wearer to become projected into the big auditoria. In medieval Europe, masks had been used in secret and wonder plays to portray allegorical creatures, plus the performer symbolizing God frequently wore a gold or gilt mask. Backed because of the prosperous knowledge, we are able to offer Face Mask to respectable purchasers. The provided variety of face masks is designed employing higher grade Uncooked material and revolutionary know-how in demanding compliance with Our supplied blue swine flu mask is created from high quality raw material, procured from very reliable sellers in the market. The provided swine flu mask is accessible at pretty economical prices. In the following paragraphs, I share my most widely used recipes for 6 various pores and skin kinds. You'll locate the ingredients for these recipes in the kitchen area. The key is to make use of face masks formulated for your skin form. Pat your face with gentle yellow mustard for just a bracing facial that can soothe and encourage your skin. Try out it on a little test location very first to ensure it gained’t irritate. Lemon facial masks While some do-it-yourself face masks and scrubs work most effective on oily, dry or delicate skin, I have pulled together an index of nine astounding masks and eight scrubs that Focus on all skin forms. These recipes are great for get-togethers and for groups given that they work on every type of pores and skin. Searching for face masks? We are in this article to aid. Our facial masks handle a variety of skin care problems. Acne considerations? There's a mask for that. Store our big selection of face masks for acne.

[gladiator-mcboots]

List of useful things i figured out in no particular order

Getting a new album or two of music improves your mood significantly

Whitening toothpaste work really well, especially arm and hammer

Rose water is great for acne and blackheads and it smells nice

Toss some fresh ginger or ginger powder into hot water with a bit of sugar, bam instant nausea miracle cure works every time even for anxiety nausea

Do the same with mint for stomach aches

toothpaste or baking soda are good for getting hair dye out of stuff

freeze cookie dough for later so when you want to bake but ur too lazy you can bake that

Mix 1 tsp Coconut oil, 1 tsp beeswax, 4 drops tea tree oil, 2 drops peppermint oil and 2 drops lavender oil in a double boiler, pour into empty lip balm thingie. tea tree oil treats zits and peppermint oil soothes when theyre painful, lavender just makes it smell less wierd

1 part Coconut oil + 2 parts chocolate = That magic syrup that hardens when u pour it on ice cream

Unscented stick deodorant cures razor burn

Wash cuts then use alcohol or iodine, washing gets out the dirt that alcohol can’t disinfect

this is going to be really long and require multiple parts so if you want to see it all

air plants and spanish moss are even easier to take care of than cacti. just mist daily or every other day. plus they look really cool.

never use regular glitter on your face, use cosmetic glitter, regular can scratch your eyes and thin skin. don’t go blind for beauty.

Half assing is always better than not assing. especially with work. a shit grade or late grade lowers your average less than no grade.

Everyone should have a heated pillow, so nice when u can’t quite get your room the right temperature.

duvets are amazing. especially the heavy ikea ones that smell like nostalgia.

keep a recipe book, write down or print your favorite recipes small and keep them in one of those binders meant for pokemon cards. Great for when you dont know what to cook.

get a book or something to put on your lap when you use a laptop. you can permanently damage your skin by leaving a hot laptop on you.

nut butter + anything is more or less a meal as long as you use enough of it.

add cut up veg to ur ramen for immediate improvement.

internet explorer is often able to get past impero and those sort of programs that bosses or schools use to block access to things, if not, then try PingVPN but make sure it’s not something you can get fired/detention for because it sometimes is

the site to make  ẗ̡̠̠͈̠̒h̗̜̻͂̾ͮͣͦͅi̹̻ͦͤ̈̑̌̽ͣsͫ́ͪͭͭͪ̅͏̠ ̗̼͖͓͈f̞͓̩ͯ̒ô̯̪͑̇͌͆n̶̹̠̞̻ͭͨ̓ͤ͊ͮt̡͕̞ͫ̏̊͗ is here http://www.eeemo.net/ 

Ghostery is one of the best ad/spam/popup blockers out there

if you cant push back your cuticles, put lip balm on them wait a minute and its easy as pie

on the subject of pie its easy to make you just need puff pastry and some pie filling and you bake it 

forests are amazing for stress and confusion and general life disasters, running out into the forest and not coming back in for hours has saved my life literally and metaphorically, like hiding from your problems in your room but theres birds and fresh air and sometimes a person walking a cute dog

did you know if you pull up a cattail (the reed with the brown corndog looking thing on top) and strip the stem down like shucking corn the fleshy green part inside the base is edible and it tastes like celery so yeah if youre dying in the wilderness corndog celery might save you

everyone should have duct tape in their home, fixing things, making things its great even astronauts use it

always keep bandaids on you, you never have them when you need them so in theory if you always have them...

to get dried acrylic paint off the floor (assuming your floor wont be ruined by water) wet a cloth and leave it on the spot for an hour or two, it should come off with gentle rubbing

use concealer around the outside edges of your lips to make your lipstick look really smooth and professional blend it away from lips

get creative with makeup! no point being boring on your own time when you can make it fun! add glitter! fake jewels! bright colors! make the wings so big you can fly away from your problems!

hair removal cream is way easier than shaving your legs when you have the time to wait for it to work

One way to avoid procrastination is to exhaust all possible sources of procrastination before you get started on productive things. then you can get in the zone and work more efficiently.

luster dust is basically the same thing as highlighter, i discovered this during a baking disaster.

gel nails are great to stop you from biting your nails

pets help anxiety so much they really do if you deal with this and are considering a pet just get the pet i swear it will help so much

candles are better than febreeze

Horses are assholes, don’t trust those long nose fuckers.

You should totally paint your room. a lot of trouble but so worth it.

Part 2 to follow, go forth and be somewhat successful

#useful tips #life hacks #life experiences #for future use #for future reference #my stuff #life tips #tips and tricks #advice

[clarencenicholsonata]

What Brand Storytelling Is & How To Do It (With Examples!)

Here at Wishpond, we talk a lot about marketing tools -- today, we want to talk a bit more about how to put them to best use to make your company shine.

You put a lot of effort into building your company. It may have started as a side job, probably involved a lot of late nights, planning, research, strategizing and unexpected setbacks. (One thing nobody ever said about launching a successful business is, “it was super easy.”)

You may not think this is something you want to advertise, but the truth is, the human struggles behind the logo are sometimes what consumers respond the most to.

You don’t need to live-stream your company meetings, but brand storytelling is one of the most talked-about trends in marketing today, and one of the most important skills.

By the end of this post, you’ll understand why -- and what’s more, you should have an idea of how to start putting together your own brand story.

What is brand storytelling?

It helps to know what your brand story is NOT. Your brand story is NOT the facts about your company, your founding date, or a few perfunctory paragraphs on your “About Us” page.

What brand storytelling is using narrative to forge a genuine connection with your audience and consumers. Today - with so many messages thrown at consumers every second, from every direction - knowing how to craft one that resonates with them is an invaluable skill.

As much time as we spend pointing out the logical reasons our service and product is the best (which you should keep doing!), it's also important to keep in mind that consumers' emotions are one of the strongest drivers of purchase decisions.

Consumers today want to know that there are people behind the brand. They want to know about their values. They want to feel something about your product, they want to be able to relate, and they want to feel good about buying it.

They’re not just buying your product. They're buying how it makes them feel.

The Science Of Brand Storytelling

(Note: This is actual science, so skip this part of you want to go straight to the marketing tips, but stick around if you want biological proof it's worth your time.)

It takes time to develop your brand’s story and learn how to tell it well, and it’s not something you can integrate into every marketing message. Sometimes, your brand story has to be a standalone campaign, designed and executed separately.

This can seem like a lot of effort if you’re new to brand storytelling. That’s why it helps to know the science behind it.

Our brains respond to stories. We are biologically programmed to respond to them. According to the UNHCR, certain types of stories influence our actual brain chemistry, releasing oxytocin (a hormone so associated with social connectedness it is sometimes referred to as ‘the cuddle hormone’)

This OneSpot infographic has more about the statistics behind storytelling.

That’s the power of a brand story.

How to Do It

So now you know what it is and that it pays dividends.

Now for the most important thing: how do you do it?

As with anything in marketing, there’s not a defined set of blueprints: stories are as unlimited and individual as the companies and the people that tell them.

However, here are a few guidelines we can give you to help structure a good brand story.

Focus on Your Values

Example: Warby Parker

Warby Parker here shows the effectiveness of focusing on their values.

Their promotional video doesn't involve the high tech or high style or high fashion other eyewear brands go for. Instead, it zeroes in on the affordable, fashionable eyewear it's known for, to great effect.

Warby Parker's ads and social media have skyrocketed it to one of the most recognizable and successful eyewear brands on the market.

Tips for highlighting your values in brand storytelling:

If you’re wondering how to get started, here’s a quick exercise. Have you and three other teammates list your company’s top five core values.

Once you agree, brainstorm a list of ways these show up in real, tangible ways in your products or services. This could be in your customer service, in your method of production, in your commitment to quality -- there are several ways values can express themselves! This might be the start of a few ways you can tell your brand’s story.

If you do any social outreach that ties in with your values, don’t be shy about showing it! Instagram, video, do a match-for-match donation program, partner with relevant charities; corporate social responsibility is becoming increasingly important.

Embrace Your Roots

Example: Burt’s Bees

The humble lip balm embraced its image with this charming and simple ad. They openly reject the idea that their founder started the company with anything as buzzwordy and techy as a strategy or investor capital.

What he did have was a bunch of bees.

This is genius brand storytelling. The ad sticks closely to the brand’s colors and text, aligning it both for loyalists and those only vaguely familiar with it.

If you’re not convinced, the proof is in the earnings report. In 2018, Burt’s Bees was reported to have sold, on average, once every second somewhere in the world.

Address Your Customers’ Pain Points

Example: Aerie

We’ve mentioned Aerie before for their mastery of communication through this campaign. They’ve based a lot of their current brand image on their Aerie Real campaign, which focuses on a diverse set of models.

On that note, notice how the campaign website doesn’t immediately appear to be a clothing store: it almost looks like a lifestyle blog or advice column. And they walk the talk with their range of models.

Tips for addressing your customers’ pain points in brand storytelling:

Mine your customer reviews for what customers are saying they love about your product; it might not be what you think! For example, while you might be super proud of your camera’s formidable technical specs, your customers may appreciate that but be more thrilled by its lightweight or incredible battery life. Realizing what’s really causing problems day-to-day for your customers, and adding that to your brand message, is powerful.

Address your customers’ pain points in more than one way. For example: provide content and helpful advice, place relevant reviews front-and-center, if you offer a service, maybe host a webinar offering tips and helpful hints.

Understand Your Audience

Example: Trader Joe’s

While it appears simple, this Trader Joe’s ad demonstrates the uniqueness and effectiveness of their marketing strategy.

It effortlessly dodges alienating any of their audience, as it knows it has a wide base of different shoppers, and it emphasizes its unique value and what all these very different people come to Trade Joe’s for: supermarket shopping that’s friendly, off-kilter, fun, convenient, affordable and, at the same time, tasty, exotic and high quality.

Trader Joe’s is known for their marriage of high quality and low prices. Their tone is relaxed and friendly, but adventurous and knowledgeable: like an exceptionally well-traveled friend who knows all the best spots to eat and has tons of exotic recipes to try.

One article notes about their dedication to their brand story in everything from their job titles to their product descriptions.

(One other point about understanding the audience: note the subtle singling out of their wildly popular product, Cookie Butter, at the start of the video. A treat for Cookie Butter loyalists, and an easy way to promote the product to anyone who’s been thinking of trying it. Nicely played, Trader Joe’s.)

Be Authentic

Example (of how NOT to tell your brand story): Fyre Festival

As marketers and business owners, there’s a sort of morbid fascination in dissecting the entire cycle behind the infamous Fyre Festival. Which is not entirely bad, because there’s a lot to learn from the ashes of it.

One of the best ways to understand the importance of valuing authenticity and honesty in your brand story is watching what happens when you don’t.

The foundations now-infamous Fyre Festival was built entirely on the captivating story they told their investors in a pitch deck and ticketholders on Instagram about the kind of experience they could create.

The pitch deck, promotional photoshoot, and video are on-point in messaging, and you can see why -- with the right hype team, in the right environment -- investors could be excited enough to pour in more than $20 million.

Yet, Business Insider pointed out the myriad exaggerations (and outright fabrications) that Fyre’s brand fable weaved to conjure up their capital. This included:

Wildly inflated attendee estimations

Listing big-name partners that were not involved with the venture (including Snapchat).

Stating they owned land in the Bahamas that they didn’t.

If you don’t know how this ends, the short version is a very public disaster unrolling in real-time on the days of the festival, a media circus, two separate documentaries about the fiasco, and jail time for the founder.

There you have an overview of brand storytelling and a run down on how to think about telling your brand's story.

What are your favorite examples of brand storytelling? Let us know in the comments!

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230801 https://ift.tt/2mDbcYR via IFTTT

#IFTTT #RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230801

[letterdrill08-blog]

Not known Factual Statements About face mask

Our equipped blue swine flu mask is made from high quality raw material, procured from extremely dependable vendors out there. The supplied swine flu mask is obtainable at really affordable charges. The Face Mask are used by the health treatment team for facial security from airborne infections. These face masks are developed with the extremely smooth substance which lets air flow in this type of manner the person doesn't experience suffocation. A rib knit 3-gap balaclava lets the wearer to guard the face from chilly air or hinder recognition. It can be conjectured that the very first masks could possibly have generally been used by primitive people to associate the wearer with some sort of unimpeachable authority, which include "the gods" or to usually lend credence to the person's declare over a presented social job. These kinds of an artist holds a respected position in tribal society because of the work that he / she produces, embodying don't just sophisticated craft tactics but additionally spiritual/social and symbolic knowledge.[27] African masks may also be used in the Mas or Masquerade in the Caribbean Carnival. Goaltender mask, a mask worn by an ice or field hockey goaltender to shield the head and face from damage By furnishing people by using a secure seal, the N95 Respirator Surgical Masks support reduce the contamination by microorganisms exhaled by Other folks. Along with dust and debris, the N95 Respirator Surgical Masks can be accustomed to assistance prevent the unfold of your flu (influen h1n1 virus). Remain wholesome with no want to prevent public areas Request Masks in different types (sacred, practical, or playful) have played a vital historical role in the development of understandings about "what it means being human", given that they allow the imaginative working experience of "what it really is like" to get remodeled into a special identification (or to affirm an existing social or spiritual identification).[22] Not all cultures have recognized the use of masks, but A lot of them have.[23] Masks in general performance Pat your face with moderate yellow mustard for a bracing facial that could soothe and encourage the skin. Attempt it on a small exam area to start with to verify it gained’t irritate. Lemon facial masks Prior to sturdy transparent materials for example polycarbonate were invented, visors to guard the face had to be opaque with compact eyeslits, and had been a form of mask, as frequently in mediaeval satisfies of armour, and (as an example) Outdated Norse grímr intended "mask or visor". Disguise Head to your posh spa and you will address by yourself (for the mere $100-$300) to an all-around body scrub. Or An Unbiased View of face mask can shell out as many as $fifty on a elaborate physique scrub. Why purchase when you can also make a homemade overall body scrub away from basic substances your self? All you may need is salt or sugar, system oil and a good, warm bath. The Iroquois manufactured impressive wood ‘Phony face’ masks, Utilized in healing ceremonies and carved from dwelling trees. These masks look in an awesome number of styles, determined by their precise purpose. Face Mask make it possible for completely all-natural respiratory through mouth and nose, incorporates a unique air cushion seal which inserts throughout the face, supplying optimum comforts, reducing useless Place by gentle inner mask and ensuring great It is usually acknowledged the masks, noise, colour and clamour are supposed to drive absent the forces of darkness and Wintertime, and open the best way to the spirits of light and the approaching of spring.[forty one]

About face mask

I love a very good lip balm 12 months-spherical, but specifically in the chilly months when my lips can chap. So think about my surprise After i realized you can make your own personal making use of beeswax, almond oil, honey and a bit of aged lipstick. Completely coat your face Using the combination, Permit dry wholly, then rinse with warm h2o. Your face will come to feel new and rejuvenated. Learn the most effective Do it yourself face masks For each and every type of skin problem. We supplying Disposable Face Mask. The offered face masks can be found with bacterial filtration effectiveness and plastic coated nose clip for convenience. Our adroit designers use substantial-quality primary content and the most recent technology to manufacture these face masks which decrease the distribute of infectious liquid droplets. Apart from this, clients can avail these face masks from us at nominal price ranges. Request With one way exhalation vent valve for respiration convenience Adjustable elastic head bands Stitched outside the house filter spot to stop leakage Among the list of problems in anthropology is getting the exact derivation of human lifestyle and early pursuits, with the creation and use with the mask only one spot of unsolved inquiry. The usage of masks dates again numerous millennia. For slightly pampering, head on the fridge and get an egg. When you have dry skin that needs moisturizing, independent the egg and beat the yolk. Oily skin requires the egg white, to which a little lemon or honey is usually included. [31] In Papua New Guinea, 6 metre-significant totem masks are placed to guard the living from spirits; While the duk-duk and tubuan masks of New Guinea are utilized to enforce social codes by intimidation. They are really conical masks, comprised of cane and leaves.[32] North America Pores and skin Care is vital to each of us and plays an important part inside our grooming course of action. Amazon India provides you a substantial selection of products that are created to satisfy your skin care requires. You could browse by our range to find the item of one's selection by utilizing beneficial research parameters for instance manufacturers, vendor, price tag, availability and normal customer testimonials. You can even get a much better knowledge of the product or service by experiencing handy user generated reviews. Right after finalizing your option, provide the products delivered to your doorstep and comprehensive the transaction by using one particular of numerous convenient payment solutions. Find the most effective pores and skin treatment merchandise online by purchasing at Amazon India. Ritual masks happen through the world, and although they tend to share quite a few traits, highly unique kinds have produced. The perform on the masks may be magical or spiritual; They might seem in rites of passage or for a make-up for just a form of theatre. Similarly masks may disguise a penitent or preside over important ceremonies; they may help mediate with spirits, or provide a protecting position towards the Culture who utilise their powers. Shigong dance masks ended up used in shamanic rituals to thank the gods, though nuo dance masks protected from terrible spirits. Wedding masks were used to pray forever luck and a long-lasting relationship, and "Swallowing Animal" masks ended up connected with shielding the home and symbolised the "swallowing" of disaster. It can be conjectured that the 1st masks could have generally been used by primitive persons to affiliate the wearer with some form of unimpeachable authority, including "the gods" or to in any other case lend credence to the person's claim on the presented social part. Then wipe 5 Tips about face mask You Can Use Today off and rinse with neat water. Your face will come to feel cleanse and smooth. Unsure which a person of those masks will operate best for your skin? This is certainly the very best face mask For each skin variety. Yogurt facial masks The continued attractiveness of sporting masks at carnival, and for children at get-togethers and for festivals including Halloween are fantastic examples. Presently these are usually mass-created plastic masks, usually affiliated with well known films, Tv set programmes, or cartoon people - They may be, on the other hand, reminders of your enduring electricity of pretence and Perform and the facility and charm of masks. Ritual masks

Indicators on face mask You Should Know

This stone mask from your pre-ceramic neolithic time period dates to 7000 BC and might be the oldest mask on the planet (Musée "Bible et Terre Sainte") Masks had been accustomed to alienate and silence prisoners in Australian jails during the late nineteenth century. They ended up crafted from white fabric and coated the face, leaving only the eyes obvious. Masks are a significant A part of numerous theatre forms all through globe cultures, and their utilization in theatre has frequently made from, or proceeds to get part of aged, very advanced, stylized theatrical traditions. Present-day theatre In this economic system, why commit $30 or maybe more over a leg wax when you can do it on your own? I've a lot of friends who wax their own individual legs And that i discovered a recipe for a sugar "wax" around the Double X Web site for Ladies. The Definitive Guide to face mask shares her loved ones's recipe. Through the entire world, masks are employed for their expressive energy as a function of masked overall performance - equally ritually and in many theatre traditions. The ritual and theatrical definitions of mask usage commonly overlap and merge but nevertheless offer a useful basis for categorisation. In Females of coloration, skin could show up ashy or dull from dead pores and skin buildup. These face masks, combined with frequent exfoliation and day-to-day utilization of moisturizers should really soothe dry, chapped skin. Masks in different varieties (sacred, simple, or playful) have performed an important historical position in the event of understandings about "what this means to be human", mainly because they allow the imaginative knowledge of "what it is like" to generally be reworked into a unique id (or to affirm an current social or spiritual identification).[22] Not all cultures have recognised the usage of masks, but most of them have.[23] Masks in performance Another custom of European masks formulated, additional self-consciously, from court docket and civic situations, or entertainments managed by guilds and co-fraternities. These grew outside of the sooner revels and experienced develop into obvious via the 15th century in destinations like Rome, and Venice, where they created as entertainments to enliven cities and cities. So the Maundy Thursday carnival in St Marks Square in Venice, attended through the Doge and aristocracy also included the guilds, including a guild of maskmakers. Other Details:Mini-fiber substantial electrostatic filter, filtration efficiency of dust & powder is over ninety five%.Repel continually contamination of unsafe blood and saliva constantly. Treatment plans and Masks offered out there currently are of the very best get and will Engage in A serious function in influencing your Over-all visual appeal. Amazon India offers you a lot of the most effective skin care products that can actively impact your grooming and assist you reach the most out of your respective overall look and pores and skin tone. Store on the net at Amazon India to locate the greatest remedies and masks. Distinct variations of masks started to emerge in pre-Hispanic The united states about 1200BC, Despite the fact that there is evidence of considerably older mask forms. Welding mask to guard the welder's face and eyes within the brightness and sparks created for the duration of welding In Activity the protective mask will normally Use a secondary function to make the wearer look much more remarkable for a competitor. Robbers as well as other criminal perpetrators typically don masks as a way in concealing their faces and therefore identities from their victims and from law enforcement.