[zmpl]

you have fallen for AI before. even if you don’t believe you could ever fall for AI, you very more than likely have at this point. you have scrolled past an AI generated ad not realizing it was AI. you’ve seen a drawing online and thought “oh that looks cool,” not realizing it was not created a person. i’m not saying this to scare you, but i am saying it as a reminder that you are not immune to how realistic AI is becoming

[sourvixen]

[sourvixen]

[queenie435]

[sourvixen]

I love bothering my eldest while they're at work 😂

[loish]

As a person with acne, this helps my self-image: studying the faces of people who have it, and realizing they are still beautiful even though their skin has imperfections.

[fomomomoko]

🎵: Takedown from Kpop Demon Hunters I will never get over Catch22. Or Caleb. Or Kpop Demon Hunters.

[sourvixen]

Still plugging away at chapter two

[sourvixen]

Better Than A Book Boyfriend

Pairing: Zayne x Named MC

Word Count: 2382

Rating: Mature

Bookstore Spark

“Shit, I’m running late.”

No matter what I do, I oversleep on my days off.  Now I’m running around my apartment trying to find my clothes.

 Kit dashes off to her bathroom to finish getting ready.  It’s a nice day, so she chose a cute but understated jean dress for this outing.  The sheer dotted puff sleeves add a simple air of femininity to what would otherwise be a plain outfit.  She straightens out her dress across her body and stares into her mirror.

  “Earrings!  Now, where did I put them?”  She runs back to her bedroom and pushes things around on her dresser.

   There is a mess of jewelry boxes, which is impeding her ability to find what she wants.  Necklaces of all shapes and sizes are scattered about.  A few rings roll around as she continues moving things.  A ring catches her eye.  A delicate silver band glistens in the afternoon light that shines through the window.  She picks it up and looks at the intricate snowflake made of diamonds, slowly smiling.

“I can’t forget this.  I know Zayne will be wearing his.  Ah, there they are!”  She places the ring on her middle finger, grabs a pair of tear-shaped earrings, and runs back to the bathroom.  

The apartment’s bathroom is what you would expect for someone living on a Hunter’s salary.    It is dripping in luxury for its size.  Although it's windowless, the space is bright thanks to the overhead lighting and the task lighting positioned above the mirror.  A large, recessed medicine cabinet with mirrored doors rests above a vanity with a porcelain sink.  On the far wall is a modern standing shower with a sleek sliding door.  Among the timeless design are the classic signs of someone living there — toiletries on the vanity top, towels hanging by the shower, and open cabinet doors.  Staring at her reflection, she holds the earrings up to her face, waffling a bit before putting them on.

“Okay, anything else before I get out of here?  Should I fix my makeup?” Kit asks herself while studying her face.  Her almond eyes are highlighted in the inner corners by light blue eyeshadow, winged liner, and mascara on her lashes to give the perfect doe-eyed look.  Her sepia-toned eyes flit around to get a good look at her visage.  Slender fingers gracefully sweep over her pinkish hair, which is styled in a polished long pixie cut.  Her lips pucker to receive a swathe of rosy gloss.  Satisfied with her work, Kit puts on her glasses, leaves the bathroom, grabs her purse off her bed, and heads off to meet Zayne.

***

Beep beep. Boop.

Kit rhythmically presses on her phone as it continues making noise.  She blows a raspberry at her cell phone before slipping it back into her purse.

“Dumb game,” she frowns. “Now, where could he be?”  She looks around for any sight of her boyfriend.  Many people pass by, but no one that she knows.  Her neck relaxes, and her head is slightly off the back of the bench she’s sitting on.  A long sigh passes her lips.

“I guess I’ll walk around the park again and hope I run into him.”

The sky is clear and a crisp blue, like in paintings.  Trees bend and sway with the slight breeze that is flowing.  Children can be heard playing in the distance while their parents watch them fondly.  Kit’s white heels click across the brick pathway as she appreciates her surroundings.  She wanders for only a short time when her cell phone begins to ring.  Her hand fishes it out from her purse, and she answers it.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Kit!  It’s Yvonne.”

“Hey, how have you been?  Anything going on?”

“I’m fine, just on a short break at work.  I’ve been tasked to tell you that Dr. Zayne is running late.  There was an emergency surgery, and he stayed on to help.”

“Well, that explains why I’m still walking around the park like a lost child,” Kit laughs.

“I would have called sooner, but I was hung up at the front desk.  You know how it goes.”

“Yeah, girl, I do.  I’ve seen how hard you work.  Do you remember how long ago it was that he left?” Yvonne pauses for a moment.  “Let me ask Greyson.  He’s right here.”

Kit listens to them chatter but doesn’t make out anything. “Thanks, Greyson,” Yvonne confirmed.  “It was maybe twenty minutes ago.  Also, he seemed sorry, even if he didn’t say it when he asked me to call for him.” “You know how he is.  Wait, I think I see him now.  I owe you a coffee next time I come in!” “I’m going to hold you to that.  Bye Kit!” “Later, Yvonne!”  She ends the call, shoves her cell phone into her purse, and starts running towards him

“ZAYNIE!!” Kit exclaims as the distance between them becomes smaller.

Standing in the distance is a tall, well-built man.  His hazel eyes stay fixed on her every movement.  The stoic expression on his face softens as she gets closer.  A small smile forms at the corners of his mouth.

“Hey you,” Kit cooed softly as she came to a stop in front of Zayne.  She reaches up to brush a strand of dark hair out of his eyes.

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.  Things were busy at the hospital.”

“It’s okay.  I just got off the phone with Yvonne, and she told me you were on your way.  Besides, I know this comes with dating the all-important Dr.Zayne!”

“Don’t,” Zayne blushed, his ears tinged with red.  “Yes, my job is important, but so are you.”  He leans in and lays a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“I know.  I wasn’t here that long.  I might have been running a little late myself.  But enough about that, you look very nice today.”  Kit clasps her hands around his.  Her fingers caress the scars that cover them. “As do you.”

“Oh, do I?  Shall I do a little spin?”

“Yes, I’d like that,” flattered Zayne and smiled, holding her hand above her head.  Kit giggles as she twirls in circles. The organza sleeves of her dress flutter in the breeze.  The sun’s rays make her amber skin glow.  As Kit stops, she stumbles and thumps into Zayne’s chest.  Her delicate fingers flex against his muscular body.  Sugar brown eyes appraise the exposed fair skin of his collarbone to his noble jawline.  

“Are you okay?” Zayne asks.

“I am now,” she breathed as she took a small step back.  

“Are you sure?  Your face is flushed, and you have your mouth open.”  Zayne gives her a light pinch on the cheek and chuckles. Kit clears her throat.  Her mouth opens a few times before she manages to form words.  His eyes linger on her lips.

“Um, so, are you ready to go?  We should get moving.”

She loops her arms around his forearm and presses her face against his cool skin.  Zayne’s stride was longer than hers, yet their shoes made a melodic dance along the stone walkway.  The canopy of mature trees sways as the wind sighs.  In the distance, children are playing tag while their parents have a lively chat.  A group of college-aged young men is playing Frisbee. The air is alive with the sounds of their laughter and cheers, creating an infectious energy that sings through the warm atmosphere.  

“How did your surgery go?”

“It went well for a minimally invasive heart surgery.  It required small incisions between the ribs, and I worked with a thoracoscope while repairing the patient's heart.  They’ll be in the ICU for a short time but will recover just fine.”

“A thoracoscope," a puzzled Kit asked.  Her brow furrowed a tiny bit as she spoke.

“It’s a thin tube with a camera that allows me to examine the chest cavity.”

“So like a tiny periscope!”

Zayne holds a hand over his mouth to stifle a tiny laugh.

“Sure.  Kit, you never told me where you were taking me today.  Am I allowed to know, or is it a surprise?”

“We’re almost there, so I’m not telling.  We’ll just need to cross the street and walk a little further.”

She walks ahead, pulls his arm, and directs him to the crosswalk.  Cars rush past as the pedestrian signal flashes a red open hand.  An older man sees them coming and pushes the button for the crossing signal.  Zayne smiles and nods politely towards the man as they stop at the intersection.  The light soon changes, and their soles tick against the asphalt.  They pass people enjoying their meals at an outdoor restaurant seating and plenty of conversations are buzzing through their ears as they pass.  Kit’s button nose raises as she catches the scent of spices mixed with the flowers in flower boxes.

“Are you hungry?” asked Zayne.

He knows me so well.  

“Yes, but don’t worry.  There’s a cafe where we’re going.  Ta-da!”

She triumphantly raises her arms and leans toward the building where they have stopped.  Tall windows are decorated with posters of the latest book releases. People chatter and walk around tiered carts that rest by the entrance. Above the double doors is the word ‘bookstore’ in large brass capital letters.  A breeze flows as the doors open, carrying the scent of dry paper and coffee.

“Well, aren’t you just full of surprises?” he jested.  “I certainly would not have guessed a bookstore.  What tricks are you up to?”

“None, I promise,” she assured.  “The next book in a series I’ve been reading is out, and I have been aching to get my hands on it.  I thought a certain someone would enjoy coming along.  Maybe he’d get something fun.  No Avicenna this time.”  Kit rolls her eyes faintly as she giggles.

“I can’t believe you remember that.” Zayne rubs the back of his neck and lets out a defeated sigh.  “Let’s get you inside and find your book.”

***

Kit and Zayne weave past round tables displaying the current popular finds.  Shoulder-height shelving lines the walkway, creating a path that the customers follow.  The sound of a coffee grinder blends with the low murmur of casual conversations from the cafe.  Kit points to the stuffed animals near the children’s section.  He gives a confirming nod, and his eyes catch sight of one she might like.  He took a mental note to remember to return for it without her.

“We need to go down this aisle,” Kit confirmed as she took a sharp turn to the right.

Zayne glances at the category markers on top of the shelves.  “How long have you been reading romance novels?”

“Not very long.  Tara showed me the second book one day after work.  I liked it so much that I borrowed it and the second one from the library when I gave Tara hers back.  I couldn’t put them down!”  She kneels in front of a bookshelf, running her finger along the spine of each book as she searches.

“Would you mind if I left for a moment?” Zayne requested.  “I saw something I would like to buy.”

“Yeah sure,” acknowledged Kit.

“Don’t wander off.”  His voice held a note of provocation, almost like he was trying to goad her on.  Kit’s eyebrow raises a touch as she responds.

“I’ll be here for a minute so come and get me when you’re done.”  He pressed his palm onto her head and mussed up her bangs.  A vexed expression crosses her face, and her lips press into a grimace as she fixes her hair.  Her gaze flicks upward, but he has already started to walk away.  His broad frame swayed slightly as he rounded a corner and was out of sight.

***

Kit and Zayne sit across from each other at a small, round, wooden table.  His hands cradle a warm paper cup.  A small plume of steam dances from the lid as he carefully drinks.  Kit is ravenously shoveling a croissant into her mouth.  She licks her lips to get the flaky crumbs sticking to her lip gloss.

“Have you been skipping meals again?”  His brows furrow, and he gets a familiar wrinkle between them.  

“No.”  Her finger traces imaginary circles on the table.

He peered over his cup and raised an eyebrow as he sipped.  “No?”

“Don’t start.  I was in a rush to see my handsome man.”

“Does flatter usually get you out of trouble?”

“Is it working now?” Kit asked cagily.  I hope he falls for it, she thought.  But he’s so attractive when he scolds me. 

“It isn’t.  Are you ready to go home?  You’ll finish that book if we stay here any longer.”

“I’m not that far in it,” she exclaims with a huff.  “I had already read some of it before I had to return it.  Work got in the way, or else I would have finished it – and yes, I am ready to go.”  An affection-filled smirk spreads across her face, accented by the glow of her cheeks.

The walk back through the park was as peaceful as the first time.  They reminisce about the time  Kit was at a get-together with her colleagues.  She points off into the distance.

“Do you remember when we wandered around and found that old villa – and I pretended to be a witch?”

Zayne chuckles lightly.  “I do.  The most lovely witch I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

Her heartbeat quickens and her face warms.  The sounds around them vanish as she looks into his eyes, pupils wide.  Their conversation about past dates continues when they reach Zayne’s car.  Its black exterior is as sleek and impressive as its owner.  Zayne walks Kit to the passenger side and opens the door.  His fingers ache to reach out and caress her skin as she slides into the seat.  He closes the door, walks to the driver’s side, opens the door, and sits in his car.  His rigid posture softens as he drives.  He steals a few glances over to see Kit absorbed in her book.

“It’s finally getting good!  The couple are finally together at an inn — and there’s only one bed!!”

“Read it aloud, please.  I want to know what I will do to you once we're home.”

[chanafehs]

Provoke the blade and suffer its sting 🗡️

[sourvixen]

Forever thinking about these two

[sourvixen]

I'm back-ish

So ... I haven't used this damn thing since maybe during the pandemic. I'm only back because I started writing a fanfic and my friends are asking where am I going to post it when I'm done. I honestly hadn't even thought that far ahead. So maybe here ..?

[cosmic-noir]

To all plotters and schemers out there!! Hope you’re ready for me to kick your butt!

[the-halloween-hamster]

[papenathys]

south asian fitzwilliam darcy moodboard

"I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself. My good opinion, once lost, is lost forever."

[ image ID in alt text ]

[ismarus-art]

Gillian of the Scaled Fish 🌟🐟 - no backstory for this lady, sorry! TuT

<3 my shop <3 

[thegeminisage]

“frugal” eating recipes be like

oh its SO EASY, just buy this fifty dollar item for forty-nine dollars off with a coupon that you can’t find and don’t have time to cut out at a store that doesn’t have outlets in rural areas and then you can fill in the rest with odds and ends that are SURELY already taking up space in your kitchen that you totally somehow forgot about! [photo of a table full of perfectly arranged meats and fresh vegetables] this little family secret is SO easy and delicious just looking at it will make you gain ten pounds ;) so make sure pace yourself! this right here should be enough to stock your fridge for the next ten months at LEAST so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of mealtime again for awhile!

[thegeminisage]

you know what website actually has my motherfucking back? myfridgefood, put all three (3) things in ur cabinets into their site & even if it’s some stupid shit like “bread cheese and pickles“ they’ll still throw at least half a dozen Depression Meals™ your way

[imfemalewarrior]

For my followers! 

-FemaleWarrior, She/They 

[lord-armitage]

Also try Jack Monroe’s Cooking on a Book Strap. Basically austerity meals Jack made for themselves and their young child when they were living on benefits, everything works out at pence a meal. Sidenote: Jack Monroe is a fantastic queer person and activist and you check them out regardless.   

https://cookingonabootstrap.com/

[tygermama]

Budget Bytes -

recipes broken down by cost per recipe and per serving, meal plans, meal prep, tips on stocking a pantry and how to freeze food