#“wow this would be a great opportunity to bring my tablet and get a lot of drawing done while i have nothing else to do”

[acoyote]

i really gotta stop pretending i'm not a creature of routine and schedules. i try to act like 😎 i can just go with the flow 😎 meanwhile i get all stressed out when i can't eat dinner at The Right Time. or my entire day crumbles because one (1) thing went wrong or differently than i expected

[akehoshimystar]

Chapter 2

Yuzuru: Florist cafe... Indeed, there are several cafes attached to flower shops in Tokyo.

Ito: Yes, they're quite popular. I thought there would be a lot of reference points for the interior, as it fits with the concept.

Not just in appearance, but running a flower shop in a serious manner...?

Roka: Yes! Not a “cafe run by a flower shop,” but a “cafe that sells flowers!”

Ai: ……..

Roka: It goes like this! After enjoying a meal and tea decorated with flowers, a staff member comes to the table with a flower basket...

Ito: (Something is coming.)

Roka: “How about some flowers!?” suggests the staff member!

“Wow, such a beautiful flower! Please give me one! This one is for you, my dear!” he says, offering a single rose!

Rare: Food?

Roka: “Eh? For me?! What a lucky person I am!!” So grateful, so heartfelt! Everyone will be moved to tears!

Ito: ...A cafe where you can give flowers to someone who came with you on the spot...

Roka: Yup. It can be used for confession or proposal, as well as for celebration, daily gratitude, or an opportunity to make up.

Of course, it's also perfectly fine to give it to yourself as a reward for your precious self!

What am I, a genius!?

Ito: …..!

Well... Isn't this a really great idea?

Yuzuru: Agreed. As expected from Roka-san.

Roka: Oh, I’m flattered. As expected from Aporia's Young Nobleman of Inspiration!

Ito: (Come to think of it, the dress-up event itself, “Drunken Mischief,” was Roka-san's idea.)

(When you think about it, he must be a person with practical imagination, or should I say, an ability to come up with ideas.)

(Though I have never heard him being called a nobleman.)

Ai: The naming sense and skit were unpleasant, but other than that I gotta admit it.

If Yashiro doesn’t disagree with Roka’s idea, then go ahead and take the lead in making it more profitable. 

Ito: Eh?

(Me? .….not Roka-san?)

Ai: Whose project is this again?

Ito: (….Oh.)

That would be me, sir.

Ai: Then see it through to the end.

Ito: (...Even if I'm not strong enough, or there are others who can do it better, I have to take responsibility until the end.)

Okay. I'll think about it.

Ai: Give me an answer by the day after tomorrow.

Ito: Understood.

Yuzuru: ………

Ai: "Adding to the 'interesting' aspect of this event that will lead to profits.” In order to bring about that idea…..

Yuzuru, support her. But don't interfere too much.

Yuzuru: Copy that.

Roka: Do you need this nobleman's help?

Ai: No thanks.

Roka: OK! I will help with everything I got!

Ai: This time, don't aim for a passing grade, walk in here with a full score. Got it?

Ito: ……Yes.

(………Not aiming for a passing grade, huh…)

And then, a few days later at night.

Kiho: ………After progressing from there, it turned out like this. I see.

“There is no reservation for this early hour, so if it's not a complicated matter, feel free.” He said. At Kiho-san’s suggestion, the meeting started at the bar counter instead of the office. After skimming through the proposal data I shared with him, he put down his tablet and made a “hohhh” sound.

Ito: I'd be grateful if you could point out anything that concerns you... What do you think?

Kiho: Nothing concerning about it.

Ito: ! You think so?

Kiho: I wouldn't lie about something like this, and I'm not just being considerate either.

By making the sale of fresh flowers a reservation system, you can avoid inventory risk and create an event that everyone can enjoy on the very day.

I honestly thought it was great. Wouldn’t Ai agree with this?

Ito: Thank you, I'm glad to hear this...

Kiho: Haha. Did you expect worse?

Ito: I had braced myself for that, actually. 

Shinobu: Making “flower stickers for staff” a bonus when ordering the menu. And we’re gonna have the best staff reward…. Isn’t that awesome?

When I saw it on Chattas, I couldn't hold back my “Wow” at all. I smell a fierce battle incoming. 

Ito: Haha...I probably spent most of my time setting up detailed rules to prevent things from getting too heated.

(And here I was wondering what to do when Kosaka-san told me to light up the competitive spirit.)

Kiho: The benefits are provided in a way that causes a loss to neither the staff nor the customers. I think you will be able to meet his order properly.

Is this Ito's idea?

Ito: No, this was also Roka-san's. He said that it's more fun and happier for the staffs to receive flowers.

Kiho: Yeah. That sounds like something he would say.

But I doubt someone like Roka would come up with a clever idea like using stickers instead of fresh flowers, which are more difficult to handle.

Ito: (Wow, Kiho-san is sure something else..... He’s very insightful.)

The stickers idea was the alternative I came up with.

As you stated, it would be very difficult to manage and clean up afterwards. I think fresh flowers are definitely more gorgeous though.

Kiho: Your idea is solid enough. Flowers are indeed beautiful and I would be happy receiving one, but I can't just leave them as they are afterwards. 

If I want them to last for a while, it takes some effort. There's a limit to the number of vases I can have.

Ito: (A statement from someone who has received an excessive number of flowers before.)

<The staff member who receives the most flowers will be given the title of “Best Florist” along with a reward> <Later, as a return gift to our customers, we will give away a bouquet coordinated by our staff members through a lottery> <The number of flower stickers and bouquet lottery tickets you receive is proportional to the net amount of the menu you order> My plan, the one that was merely passable for better or worse, was to aim for ensuring that our customers had a great time without any major dissatisfaction. Through advice from various angles, the content has evolved into something that is both “interesting and potentially profitable.”

Shinobu: I was surprised at how good the compatibility between the members and the concept was. I almost thought they were intentionally selected.

Ito: I mean, I was certainly surprised to hear that the members are usually decided by Roka-san's throwing darts...

Shinobu: That's one thing Roka-san never concedes. Of course, if the same person gets designated too many times in a row, there will be some adjustments.

Did the darts land on Yuzuru-san, Maochi-san, and Yu-san this time?

Kiho: Right. As for the rest, it’s Riku, me, and Ito.

Shinobu: Now that’s a solid line-up.

Kiho: Alright, looking forward to working with you. Now, let's get to the main topic.

Since I've become a member for this occasion, I have no problem telling the fortunes to customers directly in the store.

To make it a casual experience, as Ito suggested…..

Shall we go with “One Oracle”?

Chapter 3 >>

[coffeeshib]

Kara just really really wants to date Lena supercorp au?

“Date me,” Kara says.

“No,” Lena answers calmly.

Kara gasps, blinking fast, shocked by the nonchalant response. Lena merely looks at her tablet, her attention clearly divided. Her best friend sits cross-legged next to her on the couch, sweater and sweatpants and socks on, comfortable and relaxed.

“No? But—Lena, I’m cute and funny.” Kara scrunches her nose and squints at Lena’s tablet screen.

Lena pauses. “That’s true,” she says slowly, and finally looks at Kara. Lifting her hand up, she pushes Kara’s glasses back up on her nose using her index finger. Then, she only just returns her attention back to her tablet.

Alex squints at them from across the room. “Oh, great,” she groans, before standing up and taking her phone out of her pocket. “Where's Kelly?” she mumbles to herself as she leaves the living room, making her way to Lena’s balcony.

“Is that—wait, so is that a yes?”

“It’s a no, Kara. I only agreed with the cute & funny part,” Lena says, distracted.

“Lena.” Kara's mouth opens and closes, eyes blinking fast. “Wow, you don’t let a girl down easy. Sad girl down!”

“Well, get back up,” Lena quips. She strokes Kara’s knee, touch tender.

“I—what—?” Kara stammers, with wild eyes. Falling backwards on the couch, she stares at the ceiling. “I can’t believe you—is this how you usually respond when someone asks you out? So this is what rejection feels like.”

“Trust me, you’ll feel better after eating a plate full of potstickers.”

“Maybe.” Kara bites her bottom lip. Frowning, she sits back up and pokes Lena’s thigh. “But can I ask why not? I have abs, Lena.”

Lena wheezes. A few seconds later, Kara also shakes in silent laughter as well.

“Look,” Kara says, touches her glasses and licks her lips. She’s trying to keep a straight face on. “I’ll play with your hair everyday and give you lots of face kisses if you date me.”

“Well…” Setting the tablet down, Lena pretends to think about it.

Then, the balcony door opens and Alex shows up again, walking in. 

Lena shoots Alex a please help me look, but Alex pretends she doesn’t see it as she refills her glass of water. After that, she dashes out of the room so quickly she becomes a blur of red hair and black clothes.

Damn her.

Kara sees Lena’s face and pouts, taking her arms back. Lena whimpers, because the heaters aren’t on and it’s cold right now and Kara’s hands on her waist were keeping her warm, goddamnit.

Lena tries, and fails, to pull Kara’s arms back around her.

“Kara. Those arms, put them back where they came from—”

Kara does as told, and indulges her. “I have decided that this is the last time I’m going to cuddle you. I only cuddle people I date.”

“Lies.”

“It’s true.”

Lena breaks into a smile—or rather a smirk, really. “It’s not. Don’t threaten to deprive me of your warm hugs and cuddles.”

“Oh, Lena.” Kara sighs. “You see, I would pay so much more attention to you if you dated me. Your best friend who has abs. So, maybe date me?”

Lena considers it for a second, then wrinkles her nose. “I don’t think so.”

“Wha—” Kara stutters, offended. “I'll have you know I'm an excellent girlfriend. I'll bring you flowers and chocolate and give you nose kisses. You’re the perfect height to receive nose kisses from me.”

Lena only stares at her, the corners of her mouth twitching into something like a smile.

Then, someone laughs—loud.

They both look up to see Alex on the balcony with a ridiculous goofy smile on her face, phone next to her ear.

“Look at Alex. I want that. Did you know that Alex’s girlfriend takes her on a date every week, each Saturday, and has a special routine? Kelly gives Alex’s face ten kisses every night, all over her face. It’s relationship goals.”

Lena cracks a smile. “Gay.”

Kara nods solemnly. “Gay.”

“Women, huh, Kara.” Lena arches an eyebrow at her.

“Hush, Lena. I’m still coming to terms with it.”

Lena tilts her head, smiling amusedly. “Kara, you’ve been ‘coming to terms with it’ since… well, since you met me. I think you have it figured out by now.”

Kara shrugs. “I mean… I still don’t know for sure, Lena. See, I’ve never dated a woman before—”

“—What on earth are you talking about, you dated Lucy before she left National City—”

“—How do I truly know if I like women if I have never felt the warmth of a woman’s touch? I’ve walked my whole life confused, lost and scared, hidden from showing my true self to anyone—”

“—Kara, Eliza said “I know” when you came out to her—”

Kara sighs deeply, eyes wide. “How do I just know when I don’t even know how to hold a woman’s hand?”

Lena takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. “And I thought I was the dramatic one. Darling, you astound me.”

Kara sighs, sad and dejected. “Lena, what was that quote about tiddies?”

“The what now?”

“From Sappho’s. I think it was something like ‘may you sleep on the breast of your delicate friend’? Yeah, it’s that. Oh to sleep on the breast of my delicate friend.” Kara cries. “That’s what I want, too.”

Lena falls down on Kara’s chest, laughter bubbling inside her chest and trying to squirm away. Kara doesn't let her, instead she just cackles along with her. Lena bites Kara on the neck, who doesn't even flinch, which, what the fuck—instead just shifts Lena back to sitting up and then dramatically sprawls out on her back even more.

“Date me, Lena,” Kara says. “Date me, date me, date me—”

“Kara.” Lena sighs, squeezing Kara’s hand. “I am not going to date you. You would spend more time at the gym than you would with me.” She pokes her abs.

“Oh, no.” Kara sniffs. “But you like and enjoy how strong I am. Don't think I don't notice how flustered you get when I pick you up or hold you in my arms.”

Lena looks faintly pink. “That's none of your business,” she says calmly. “I like muscles, you're not special.” Kara only just now notices Lena’s wrinkled sweater from the earlier actions, and starts smoothing them.

“You look nice. You look really good in my clothes.”

Lena sits still as Kara fixes her up, keeping a poker face even when Kara tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“I look good in everything.”

“But my clothes are simply the best.” Then, Kara gasps. “Yet another reason you should date me.”

Lena sighs, shifting her weight around in Kara’s lap. It’s quiet for a bit, eyes on each other as they listen to Alex talking outside.

Kara takes the opportunity to cup Lena’s face. When Lena doesn’t move, just stays still in Kara’s lap, Kara gives Lena a kiss on the cheek.

Lena pulls back.

“Kara! What was that.” Lena raises an eyebrow, incredulous. Her hands slip under Kara’s shirt, palm on her abs.

“I'm trying to seduce you,” Kara says, trying to keep a straight face, and stops Lena’s wandering hands underneath her shirt.

“It isn't working.”

“Darn.”

Lena nods. “You need to work on your skill.”

“Yes, well… that's not exactly what the last person I had sex with said.”

Lena frowns. “Wait, what? When did you have sex with someone?”

“Hmm. Just yesterday, some woman from a friend’s birthday party. She was lovely. Pretty, too. Why, you jealous?”

Lena scoffs. “No,” she says. Kara pokes her cheek.

“Aw, jealous baby,” Kara coos. “How can you be jealous when you’re not even dating me?”

“I’m not jealous,” Lena insists. “I know what you taste like. I know how you are, and I’m very sure I’m not missing out on much.”

“Oh, really now.” Kara breathes a laugh. “I made you cry the last time we hooked up! You were begging so much—Kara, Kara, please! Kara please, want you to touch me, fuck me now, don’t stop, please, please—”

Lena lets out a strangled noise and quickly quiets Kara, squishing her palm against Kara’s mouth. After a moment, when Kara shows no sign of talking anymore, Lena hesitantly takes her hand off Kara’s mouth.

“So, it’s really a big no on dating me, huh.”

Lena pauses, biting her lip.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Amazing,” Kara whispers. “Lena, are we still pretending it wasn't you that I danced & flirted with at Kelly’s birthday party? I even guided you all the way back to your bed. It's been one whole day since you've last gotten—well, um. You know. Are you okay? How are you surviving?”

“I’m thriving.” Lena breathes out. “I’m living my best life. Been doing some soul searching, too. Finding myself.”

Kara wheezes.

“If you really want to date me,” Lena says, seriously, “you would make me some tea and let me do my work peacefully.”

Kara turns incredulous. “But Lena, I can't move.” She cries. “You’re in my lap, snuggled toasty warm against me and feeling me up. You get up!”

Lena slumps down until Kara’s back hits the couch and Lena’s lying completely on Kara. Kara immediately hugs her with her toned arms. 

“No,” Lena says. “I’m cold, warm me up.”

“Ice block human,” Kara whispers. “Date me.”

“No,” Lena says, groaning right into Kara’s ear. She tucks her face into Kara’s neck, her lips touching the skin there. “No, for the last time. I will not date you, Kara Danvers.”

“Golly—that’s not even my full name. How many times can you break a woman's heart today? Aren’t you quite the heartbreaker.”

Lena only makes a muffled sound against her neck.

“No more straps. I’m never giving you some ever again,” Kara decides.

“But I like it when you use the strap. Why not?”

Kara scoffs. “I meant the sour straps. Lollies—my snacks in the cupboards. But since you brought that up, I mean that, too.”

“Wait, are you serious?” Lena pulls herself away, now sitting on Kara’s thighs.

“Dead serious. I’m cute, funny, and I have abs. And as you already know, my strap game is rather incredible. Ask yourself if you deserve the hot package.”

Lena sighs, looking like she’s really considering it. “Kara.”

“I’m a hot item.”

“Come on now, Kara…”

Kara sighs and turns her head to the side, dramatically.

Lena shakes her head. “This doesn’t need to be complicated.”

Kara frowns. “Oh, I see it now. All this time, the only reason why you like me is because of my strap game. I should have known.”

“Oh my god.”

Kara fake sniffs. “No matter, Lena. You’re my favourite person. I still love you, even knowing this.”

Lena mock slaps her on the shoulder, turning it into a gentle hand when it moves up on Kara’s cheek.

“You’re ridiculous, you know that? And pretty, too,” Lena murmurs. Kara takes Lena’s hand off her cheek and presses a kiss to the palm, eyes never leaving Lena’s. Lena’s cheeks darken with colour.

“You’re prettier.”

Lena swallows. “Kara, I—”

“I can’t take this any longer.” Alex opens the door loudly and stomps her way inside. “Can you two stop fucking flirting for one goddamn minute?”

“Alex, I have no idea what you're talking about,” Lena states, blinking. “Kara, darling, could you please remove your hand from my boob?”

Kara gives Lena’s boob a soft squeeze, her other hand cupping bare skin from where she's slipped her hand underneath Lena's sweater.

“I don’t want to.”

“Okay, then.”

“Oh my god,” Alex says, covering her face with her hands. “I want to go home. I need to go—now. I got what I wanted a while ago.”

“Love you, Alex. You are more than welcome to,” Kara tells her. “You’ve been here in Lena’s penthouse long enough.”

“What—you talk as if you haven’t been here all day, too.” Lena frowns.

“It’s the weekend—no work, no other stuff. What’s wrong with spending my free time with my best friend?” Kara says, cupping Lena’s face lovingly.

Lena smiles. “You’re sweet.”

Alex stares at them, horrified. “Wow, it’s like… it’s like listening to highschoolers on a first date!”

“Um, but we aren't dating, Alex,” Kara reminds her sister gently.

“No, no, you're right, Kara. You aren't dating,” Alex agrees, and takes a deep, deep breath. “You're fucking married,” she hisses, wild-eyed. “I was the goddamn maid of honour at your wedding. You live here and you co-parent a cat with Lena. You've been married for like, three years now. Which makes your strange, awful flirting so much worse, Kara Danvers-Luthor!"

Kara and Lena only look at each other, snickering.

———

(not-so?) SURPRISE THEY’RE MARRIED

[thecleverdame]

Control and Release - 20

Series Masterlist

TEDTalk!Sam x Reader

Summary: With the rest of the staff caught in a snowstorm, you find yourself acting as a personal assistant to the notorious Sam Winchester.

Warnings: Dom/Sub, humiliation, embarrassment, sexual objectification, mutual masturbation, spanking, cum play, fingering, anal play, orgasm control, nipple clamps, dub-con, breath play.

Beta: @ilikaicalie

Words: 4k

Parts 21, 22, 23 & 24 are currently available on Patreon for a monthly pledge of $2.50. This includes early access to all my stories, including the ABO series Gods of Twilight and Patreon exclusive content.  >> CLICK HERE <<

-

“Holy shit,” you mutter, staring at your black and blue ass in the mirror. These marks aren’t faint or small. Your backside is covered with thick, deep blue welts from his belt. You woke up on your stomach, only to wince in pain once you rolled over. Then you sat up and nearly yelped at the ache. But now as you stand naked in the bathroom you can’t help but smile, twisting around to get a better look. While you’re going to have a hard time sitting down, it’s a thrilling reminder of last night. A reminder of something new and this connection that’s growing between you and Sam.

Your phone rings and you glance at the number, sighing before answering.

“Hey, mom-”

“Don’t you ‘hey mom’ me. You said you’d call me back and I haven’t heard a peep in forty-eight hours. I’ve been calling and calling.”

“The FBI took my phone. This one came by courier this morning, honestly, I just turned it on like ten minutes ago.”

“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

“Of course not,” you roll your eyes, glancing at your butt one last time. “A lot’s happened in the last twenty-four hours.”

“Do you want to come home? You can move home with your dad and I. We haven't touched your room.”

“I’m not moving back to Albuquerque. I’m okay, really.”

“And what? You’re headed to Chicago all by your lonesome after what happened? That’s not a good idea.”  

“No, I’m staying here in Boston. Things have changed.”

“I’ll come there, then. I was looking at flights this morning. Your father and I can be there by this afternoon.”

“Mom, seriously, I’m fine,” you suppress the urge to get riled up. She loves you, but sometimes it’s too much. Slipping into the closet you find your tiny section of clothes amid Sam’s vast wardrobe.  

“Don’t be ridiculous, of course you’re not fine,” she fires back. “Who would be alright after something like that? I’m coming there to take care of you.”

“No, mom, just stop and listen to me. I’m a little shook but honestly, I’m doing good. I’m seeing a therapist. I’m going to be late for my appointment if I don’t hurry up and get dressed.”  

“No one should have to go through this alone, sweetheart.”

“I told you, I’m not alone.” You stop to look at the empty bed, Sam was up and out the door before the sun came up. “I’ve got people here. Just please, stop worrying about me so much. I’ll call every day, I promise.”

“I don’t like this. You said you were moving because there was nothing left for you in that God awful city and now you’re staying?”

“Things just...changed. I’ve got positive things here, but it’s hard to talk about it. I feel like shit for talking about anything good that’s in my life when people were just killed. I need time to process everything.”

“Who’s going to make sure you eat? Your appetite is always the first thing to go when you’re stressed. Are you in a hotel? Where are you staying?”

“I’m with a friend until I get my living situation figured out.”

“Thank God, hotels are so impersonal. With those tiny soaps and the coffee is never good. You need a home.”

“Look, I have to go. I’m going to call you later, okay?”

“Alright, I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

As you hang up you walk to the small dresser at the back of the closet and open the top drawer. The two photos that used to be on display are now tucked out of sight You take out the one of him in college. He’s so happy and in love, it’s hard to imagine your Sam is this same person.

If nothing else it’s a reminder of the fact that people are capable of great change.

-

Walking down the hallways of the hospital you glance down at the paper in your hand with a room number written on it. Pausing at room 7059 you confirm the name scribbled on the dry erase board and knock.

“Come in,” calls out a male voice.

“Hi.” You shuffle inside, leaning around the curtains pulled in a half-circle around his bed. “I’m sorry if I’m bothering you.”

“You’re the last face I expected to see,” Tim laughs and then coughs, grimacing in pain. “But you’re not bothering me. I’m bored out of my mind.”

“Are you sure? I can come back later…” you’re already backing out of the room as he leans forward, wincing in pain.

“Please, just sit down. I’d like the company.”

You step around his bed, sitting in the plastic chair pulled up beside it. Your eyes flutter closed as your ass throbs.

“Oh, I brought you something,” you remember, reaching into your bag and pulling out a copy of The Reckoning by John Grisham. “It was this or Danielle Steel. The gift shop didn’t have a lot of options. I don’t even know if you like to read.” It’s at that moment you spot a Kindle lying beside him on the bed. “Or if you already have an e-reader with access to any book you want.”

“This thing is my mom’s, it’s full of Agatha Christie novels and I don’t have her password to buy anything else.” He holds up the Kindle. “I do like to read and I prefer books. Thank you for bringing me something other than flowers.”

He gestures around the room.

“Wow,” you look at the dozen or so bouquets and potted plants. “I guess people go with what they know.”

“I guess,” he nods, smiling at you. “I’m glad you’re alright,”

“Thanks. I’m glad you’re alright too.” You shift in the chair. “That’s why I’m here. I don’t think I would be alive if it weren’t for you.”

“Eh,” he grumbles, looking away. “I’m not the hero in this story. Winchester is the one who took him out.”

“True, but you distracted him. People were running and you stepped forward, put your arms out in front of us.”

“That was nothing. Just instincts.”

You shrug. “Instincts that bought the rest of us a few seconds. Sam got there just in time, but if you hadn’t tried to help us, I don’t think it would have ended the same way for me. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” He nods, clearing his throat. “I heard Callie, the redhead who did the corporate travel arrangements...she died this morning in surgery.”

“Yeah,” you confirm, feeling the sadness swell into your throat. “Max died last night. They thought he might make it, but he didn’t.”

The death toll kept rising. It turns out Brent used a particularly nasty bullet designed to do the maximum amount of damage.  A lot of the people who survived the initial attack are struggling with serious complications.

“Shit.” Tim sits back against the pillow. You’re both silent as the murmur of the TV rambles in the background. “I’m starting to think I must be lucky. This is actually the third time I’ve taken a bullet. I’m three for three.”

“I heard that. You never know what’s rumor and what’s not but people said that’s why you left the service.”

“That was the second time. But the better story is the first time. I was just a kid. My brother accidentally shot me with my dad’s .22. He was grounded for a year and I got all the chocolate ice cream I could eat. Hell, I still do. My mom brought me some this morning.”

“Maybe you are lucky,” you laugh, checking your cell phone.  

Two messages are scrawled across the screen.

Sam: Meet me for lunch.

Sam: Parish Cafe at 1:30

“Someone important?” Tim grins.

“Important and demanding,” you chuckle, responding see you there and put the phone away. “Look I know I don’t know you and I don’t want to make this weird, but if you’re feeling up to it do you think we could get together next week?”

His eyebrows shoot up and you backtrack, shaking your head in embarrassment.

“I didn’t mean...I...God, I’m bad at this. I’m seeing a therapist, and yesterday she suggested that I reach out and try to connect with some of the people who were there when it happened. I was kinda hoping Millie would join us, maybe Lexi - God bless her.”

Tim laughs out loud at that, nodding in agreement.

“Sure, I didn’t have much of a social life before all this and I’m guessing I’ll be a captive audience for some time.”  

“Awesome.”

“I thought you were moving? Seems like this would be the perfect opportunity to get the fuck out of dodge.”

You stare at him, a million thoughts merging all at once.

“Things changed.”

“Important and demanding things?” he questions and you can’t help the blush that creeps into your cheeks.

“Yes,” you whisper, getting up. “So, I guess I’ll see you next week then.”

“Just let me know.” He gives you a little salute.

-

Sam’s seated in the back of the dark little restaurant, reading on his iPad when you join him.

“Sorry I’m late,” you slip into the chair across from him, biting your lip as the sting of the bruises take your breath away. “I don’t think my Uber driver has lived here very long.”

“I could have sent a car for you.” He finishes what he’s reading before looking up. A flicker moves from his eyes to his mouth, just a ghost of a smile. “I like that dress.”

You look down at the black and white gingham summer dress you bought yesterday. “Thanks, it’s new.”

“I don’t normally see you this casual.”

“I guess that’s true,” you grin at him. He looks handsome today. Sam always looks good, but there’s something about when he doesn’t wear a tie and lets the top buttons of his shirt lay open that you just love. “You like it huh?”

“Very much,” he confirms. He carefully places his tablet and his phone screen down on the table. It’s something new he’s started doing when he intends on giving you his full attention.

“So,” you take the cloth napkin, folding it over your lap. “This was unexpected. I thought you’d be too busy.”

“Not for you,” he responds succinctly and you feel your heart speed up.

This is Sam trying.

“You keep saying things like that and we might need to get a room after lunch,” you laugh, then realize how much easier this feels, more natural than before. You worried it would be hard to relax around him, but that’s not the case.

“That could be an interesting prospect,” he trails his finger around the edge of his water glass, lost somewhere between amusement and arousal. “Not today, but another time.”

“I’ll look forward to it then. You know, I haven’t officially asked yet, can I have my job back?”

“Of course,” he scoffs, “In fact, I’m thinking of placing you as a sort of mentor to a new guy I have coming in.”

“A mentor? I’m barely a secretary.”

“I meant more of a mentor for navigating the people, the office politics. What happened with Brent can’t happen again. I need someone down in the trenches watching the junior associates. After what happened with you and Max, and now Brent it’s clear it’s the wild west and I intend to reign it in. I should have seen it before.”

“What exactly happened...with Brent?”

“It’s not clear yet. I think Brent took the fall for a couple of other guys, they set him up to be a scapegoat. I suspected it at the time but I also have to walk a fine line. I can’t accuse senior staff of lying unless I have something to back it up. It undermines their authority. I’m bringing in several people from the outside for oversight, we need a fresh start.”

“What are you going to do about the building?”

“Have it demolished. I can’t expect anyone to work there. I was focused on expanding the campus, but now that’s futile. There are two buildings downtown, big enough for everyone but I have to ensure it’s the right fit. I’m headed there this afternoon if you’d like to join me.”

“I’d like that,” you watch him pick up the menu.

You could get used to this.

Two Weeks Later

“You found a place?” Sam inquires, looking through the stack of mail.

“Yup, it’s a loft. It’s small but there are tall ceilings so it doesn’t feel claustrophobic. Lots of windows. It’s exactly what I need right now.” You grin, plopping down on his couch. “They said I can move in next Monday.”

“Are you ready for that?” he inquires nonchalantly, skimming over a letter. “You said your therapist suggested you shouldn’t be alone, not for a while.”

“I’m not gonna be alone. We start working at the office on Wednesday, I always spend weekends with you and I’m hoping maybe I could see you during the week sometimes...it’s been nice spending time together, you know, other than sex.”

You watch him absorb this confession, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he sets the remaining mail aside and looks at you.

“It’s been different than I thought. I haven’t shared personal space like this in a very long time. I assumed I would feel suffocated, but I haven’t. You’re easy to be around.” He delivers this information deadpan and your entire face goes hot. “It’s been nice.”

“Maybe you could come to my place sometime? I can try to cook something, and I’ll probably have a futon by then. Maybe even a loveseat if my boss gives me a raise with this fancy new position. You can see how the other half lives.”

“That sounds...terrible,” he grins, watching you carefully.

“Yeah, it does,” you laugh out loud, genuinely happy for the first time in a long time. “But I am getting a new bed, I ordered it this morning. We could break it in…”

“You let me know once the futon arrives and I’ll drop by.” He gives in, checking his watch. “There is one thing we need to talk about.”

“That sounds vaguely ominous,” you chatter, giving him your full attention.

“You asked me to void our contract. I had it taken care of this morning.” He gives a curt little nod.

“I wanted to talk about that...about us and how this works now. I’d still prefer if our relationship remained private. For the time being at least.” You’ve been thinking about it more and more over the last few days.

“I understand,” Sam agrees easily.

“It’s just, people will assume a lot of things. And they’re nosey. I like this being just ours.”

“You don’t have to explain, I understand. My life entails more than you realize. No one pays attention to me because I don’t date actresses or get DUIs, but once you’re in the mix, eventually someone will take an interest.”

“We’re not very scandalous,” you snort, “Well, I guess kind of, but not in a ‘Page Six’ way.”

“True.” Sam looks relaxed, more at ease than you’ve seen him since this thing between you started. “You’re always welcome here,” he adds, before shifting his attention back to his work.

-

“You start work tomorrow?” Carol, your psychiatrist, is always examining you. But that’s why you come here, to be an open book. You’ve always been open to the idea of therapy and after everything that’s happened this can’t hurt.

“Yeah, going in on a Wednesday. We’re starting back up with a three day week.” It’s been a month since the shooting and life has inevitably moved despite the many changes. “I’m kinda nervous. I keep having this thought that I shouldn’t feel so normal. Like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop and have some kind of a breakdown or something.”

“Are you still experiencing triggers?”

“Yeah,” you admit. This is the most frustrating part for you. Ninety-nine percent of the time you’re fine but out of the blue you find yourself spiraling down this dark hole. The panic attacks hit you out of nowhere and disappear just as quickly. It’s normal, that’s what everyone keeps telling you, but the unpredictability of it is infuriating. “I went three days with nothing and then last night we were eating dinner and bam. I almost passed out. Five minutes later I was fine.”

“Was there anything that stood out about that moment? A loud noise? Someone yelling?”

“No,” you shrug. “I was in the kitchen. I don’t even turn the TV on anymore. I never noticed before how many guns there are. Someone’s always shooting or talking about it. The first couple of times it happened I thought that was it. CNN was on the background, maybe I heard something I didn’t realize. But I’ve officially marked that off as a possibility. The trigger must be something else.”

“Well, just keep an eye on it. Next time it happens try to make a note of the details. Write it down right away, or take a video with your cell phone. We’ll figure it out. And if it gets bad, you call me and we can talk about medication again.”

“Honestly, I feel fine most of the time. I was thinking this morning I must be a psychopath. You know I didn’t even cry at Max’s funeral?”

“We’ve talked about survivor's guilt. Everyone’s experience is different. That’s just one facet of it. Take things slow and if you start to experience any emotional discomfort, take a step back.” She suggests, supportive as ever.

“I will. I’m ready to just dive in. I’ve got this new position and a new apartment.” You smile, thinking about all the emerging possibilities.

“New relationship,” she adds, as if you’ve purposely avoided mentioning it. And maybe you have. It’s not that she doesn’t approve, but she’s cautious.

“I know you don’t think it’s a good idea, but we’re actually in a good place.”

“I never said that I thought it was a bad idea. I simply pointed out that you hold things back when it comes to him. You stop yourself from spilling too many details. Sometimes that can be a warning sign. And your work situation is less than ideal. You said he’s your boss?”

“More like...my boss’s boss’s boss. He’s at the top of the food chain.”

“Well, it’s probably better he’s that far removed.” She makes a note on her pad. “And your sex life remains one hundred percent consensual?”

“Yeah, God, you make it sound like there’s something wrong with it.”

“Again, that’s you projecting what you assume my opinions are. But I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t ask. You’re certainly not the first woman in the world who enjoyed being tied up. There’s nothing wrong with it as long as it’s not having a negative impact on your self-worth or emotional health.”

“No, things are really good, all around. It sounds so fucked up to say that, but I feel like my life has a future. Is that weird? It’s not that I was sad or depressed before, but I was treading water. Now I’m going somewhere.”

“Sometimes terrible things bring necessary change. You didn’t know how to move forward here, and now you do.”

-

The new offices are two high rise buildings connected by a walkway. It’s just temporary until Sam decides on where to build the new campus but for the next couple years, this is the home of W & S.

Glancing at the post-it in your hand you look again at the number in front of you.

Workspace 2852

The office team had decided everything is now labeled as a workspace. There are no more offices and cubicles. Only workspaces - that look exactly like traditional offices and cubicles. You trail down the aisle, cubicles flanking the left and offices against the right-hand wall. Coming to the end of the cubicles you check the paper again. You must have missed it.

“You alright, sweetheart?” Gloria from the travel team asks.

“I can’t find my desk. Maybe I’m on the wrong floor,” you explain.

She takes the paper from you, looking at the number and pointing to a small office tucked into the corner. “2852, right there.”

“No way,” you grin, getting closer only to find your last name scrawled across a piece of masking tape in the center of the door.

“Sorry about the tape. The nameplates are coming, that’ll have to do for now.”

“No, it’s fine.” You’re beaming like an idiot, opening the door and stepping inside. It’s small, but the ceilings are vaulted and it’s literally in the corner of the building. Two walls are floor to ceiling windows that overlook the city below. “Shit,” you mumble to yourself, scarcely able to believe this is your little corner of the world.

The office is naked, just a desk, computer and filing cabinet. But it’s yours.

There’s a single, white envelope on the desk and you have a feeling who’s left it for you. Inside is a note written on the back of a business card.

Enjoy. You deserve it.

“Sam,” you whisper, clutching the little card like it’s a bouquet of flowers. Turning the card over you’re met with another shock. The card is yours. Your name with the title of Department Liaison underneath.

“Sorry to bother you.” A new voice and two knocks come from behind you. You turn to find an unassuming man standing in the doorway.  “I know you're probably busy. I just wanted to drop in and introduce myself. I’m Cole Trenton.”

Cole Trenton, your new boss.

“Hi,” you beam back. He looks...nice. There’s a big smile plastered across his face as he extends his hand. His handshake is firm but not too hard, some men feel the need to crush you to prove a point but not him. “Y/N. I just got here. I’m not normally late but I couldn’t find my des- office.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He waves his hand dismissing any concern. Shoving both hands in his pockets he wanders inside, looking at your view. Whistling, he looks back at you. “Someone must like you. I’m right next door, mine is bigger, but nothing like this.”

“To be honest I thought I’d be stuck out there in cubicle land.”

“Not anymore.” He taps your desk with the back of his knuckles. “I’m not sure what your schedule looks like today, but I was hoping we could sit down and I could pick your brain. You’re my eyes and ears right?”

“Absolutely,” you affirm. “Welcome, by the way. We’ve needed someone like you for a long time.”

“I’m lucky to be here. Working for Sam Winchester was pipe dream up until two weeks ago. I just don’t wanna screw this up. I’ve heard he’s a bastard but he can make or break you.”

“He’s not so bad,” you feel the business card burning a hole in your hand. “He just has high expectations.”

“I’m alright with that,” he chuckles lifting his hands palms forward in a sign of submission. “Let me know once you’re settled in. Whadda you say we order a pizza and go over employee files. It’ll be the first act of official business in your new workspace.”

“That sounds great. It looks like you’ll have to bring your own chair.” You’re on cloud nine. You’ve got a boss that doesn’t hate you with his very marrow. “It’s nice to meet you, Cole.”

“You too.” He pats the door frame on the way out, leaving you truly immersed in this new beginning.  

[saveyourblood]

Stolen Dance | Ch. 10

Summary: “Maybe this was a pipe dream, a delusion you’d soon awake from or a phase you’d outgrow. You didn’t really care. For a brief moment in time, you were in love. That’s what you chose to care about. That what you made matter.”

The one where you’re a paramedic, he’s an FBI agent, and the time you spend together is borrowed.

Notes: Happy quarantine, US (and some international?) readers! I know most of you in school still have classes, but in case you’re bored, here’s some reading ;)

Word Count: 3.9k

Song: Make This Go On Forever - Snow Patrol

Warnings: mentions of abuse, violence, just general angst. 

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9

_____________________

“No special uniform?”

You smiled, setting your bag on your chair. 

After 2 weeks of intensive training, you were officially certified and capable in the eyes of the FBI. You and everyone else on the team knew you’ve been capable since the start; the only difference is now, the Bureau can’t be held legally responsible if you get hurt on the job. 

For the first time since you were hired, you came in wearing your normal attire — black pants, a fitted grey t-shirt, and a pair of boots. You kept your badge clipped to a belt loop, and it was the only accessory you wore identifying you as a paramedic. No more sticking out like a sore thumb. 

“Now that I’m a Federal Agent, I don’t have to,” you answered Derek’s question. 

You brushed past the man, pouring yourself a cup of coffee. You looked into the bullpen to see Spencer sitting at his desk, lost in thought. You felt him leave early in the morning — something about getting a jumpstart on paperwork.  

He looked tired. You reminded yourself to bring him a fresh coffee later. 

“What’s going on?” Emily asked as she entered the kitchenette. 

“Y/N is a Federal Agent now,” Derek boasted.

“Well, congratulations, Agent Y/L/N,” Emily said. She offered you her mug in a toast.

With a chuckle, you clinked your mug against hers, doing the same to Derek’s when he offered. 

“Ah! Good,” Penelope exclaimed from across the room. Her heels clicked on the platform looking over the bullpen. “You’re all here. We have a case.” 

You sat between JJ and Emily at the briefing table. You scrolled through the files on the tablet in front of you, reading some of the police reports while you waited for Hotch and Garcia to enter.

“Hey, are you gonna be okay?” JJ asked in a low voice.

You frowned, looking up at her. “Why wouldn’t I be?” 

“Spencer mentioned you went to visit a friend a few weeks ago,” she specified. “Said the two of you served together?”

You nodded. “Yeah, I did.”

“And everything went… fine? Good?”

You nodded again, smiling faintly. “It was good. I learned a lot about him, actually.”

JJ smiled as well. “I’m glad,” she said, patting your shoulder. “And I’m glad you’re back, too.” 

“Sorry for the delay,” Hotch apologized as he entered the room. “Let’s get started.”

Garcia was already at the end of the table, picking up the remote and clicking a few of it’s buttons. “Two men have been killed on the Southside of Chicago in the last ten days. The first is Michael Crowley — he was a repairman who was out late jogging one night. Second, Anthony Rango. He was a convenience store owner.” 

“No known connection between them,” Hotch interjected.

“Both men were beaten to death; Rango suffered a crushed larynx and something called a lefort fracture?”

“It’s a bilateral horizontal facial injury,” you specified.

“Looks like there was also some blunt force trauma to the back of the head,” Derek said. 

“So they were blitz attacked to gain control, then it was essentially fisticuffs,” Spencer theorized. 

“And they were both caught with their pants down,” Garcia said. “Like, literally, their pants and boxers were pulled down to their ankles.”

“But there’s no signs of sexual assault or robbery,” you stated. 

“So it was a message,” Rossi concluded.

“Either they led personal lives, or someone wanted to symbolically demean or embarass them,” Hotch said. “With this level of hands-on violence, this UnSub is filled with rage, and he’s probably just getting started. Wheel’s up in 30.”

“Wow,” Derek said, walking into the convenience store. A rack of bread and chips was knocked over, product spewn across the floor and crushed under the weight of either the metal or a body. There was a smear of blood on the floor that led to the frame. 

“Rango put up a fight,” you noted. “It looks like he regained consciousness at some point, probably soon after the initial attack.”

“He put up a hell of a fight,” Derek agreed. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, dialing a number and putting the device to his ear. “Baby girl, see if the convenience store owner had any military training.”

After a brief conversation, Derek thanked Garcia and hung up.

“So we were right?” You asked.

“But to intentionally pick a fight with a martial artist?”

You shrugged. “It’s possible he didn’t know. Rango could have been a victim of opportunity, like the jogger was.”

“Looks like our guy needed a drink after the beatdown,” Derek said, gesturing to the wine bottles on the floor. “He must’ve worn gloves, otherwise CSI would have taken them in for prints.” 

You looked up at the ceiling to notice a security camera. You went behind the counter, grabbing a napkin as you went. 

“He could have been an addict,” you said, pressing ‘eject’ on each DVD tray that hooked up to the surveillance system. “It would explain the impulsive behavior.” 

Derek clicked a few buttons on the cash register behind you. “You ever met an addict that left a full register?”

Each tray came out empty.

“He stole the discs before he left,” you said. “He was mission-oriented.” 

“Soda and candy were the last things bought,” Derek said, reading a receipt.

“Kids, probably,” you mentioned. “They’re lucky they didn’t get hurt.” 

The two of you began poking around the store, looking for details that local law enforcement may have missed. You mostly stayed behind the counter while Derek paced around the sales floor.

“Is it true you grew up around here?” you asked, looking through a few binders you found under the register. 

“5 blocks away,” Derek confirmed. “We passed the park I played football at on the way here. The corner down the street is where I played kissy-face with my first girlfriend.” 

“How old were you?”

“Ten.”

You laughed softly, then considered. “How did you make it out of here?” 

He looked up. “What do you mean?” 

You shrugged. “Junction City isn’t very big — after awhile, it felt like the Army was my only option. Which I was fine with, but… I don’t know. Chicago is a big city, but Southside seems to be a world of its own. I’m just curious how a cute little black boy from Chicago turned into one of the Bureau’s finest agents.” 

Derek scoffed with a smile. “Believe me — I wonder too.” 

His phone rang in his pocket. After taking off a glove, Derek answered it. “Hey, what’s up? Find anything at the diner?” 

Pause.

“What’s it say?”

His entire demeanor changed. His gaze darted around the store, absentmindedly lowering his phone. 

“Give me a second,” Derek mumbled into the phone.

“Derek?” you asked, coming out from behind the counter. “What’s wrong?”

Without answering, Derek stood up and walked over to the front door. He partially pulled down the security curtain, which was made of solid metal. 

“I gotta go,” Derek said before hanging up.

“‘Look up to the sky?’” you read the painted-on words. “Does that mean something to you?”

“Let’s go,” was all Derek said before ducking under the curtain and exiting the store.

“I know what this is about,” Derek said, walking into the room the station reserved for the team.

Spencer, Hotch, and Rossi had been there the whole time, while Emily and JJ seemed to have just gotten back from the diner. You followed Derek into the room, completely unaware of what was happening.

“This is about Carl Buford,” Derek stated.

Like in most situations, you gradually moved over until you found yourself next to Spencer; he was leaning against a table off to the side. You decided to simply stand next to him, your arms folded across your chest.

“Who’s Carl Buford?” you whispered, making sure Derek couldn’t hear you.

“A serial killer and molester,” Spencer said. “We arrested him almost seven years ago for the murders of three prepubesent African-American boys. He framed Derek for the last murder he committed.” 

“Carl Buford is in prison serving a life sentence,” Hotch reminded. 

“‘Look up to the sky’ is what he used to tell me,” Derek said. “Buford was an expert… at spotting and exploiting vulnerabilities of adolescent boys that he coached at the community center. He had the entire community center thinking he was a hero — parents, teachers… cops. Everyone. After my dad died, he locked onto me. And he manipulated me into compliant victimization. I’ve told you how I got into it with a local gangbanger when I was younger. Well, somehow, Buford got it expunged. I didn’t understand why a guy who barely knew me would do that. But… Buford gave me his time. He taught me how to play football. And then, one day… he took me to his cabin on the lake.”

“Morgan, you don’t have to do this,” Hotch said.

“They need to know, Hotch,” he disagreed. “They need to know this guy’s M.O.”

The room was dead silent.

“Buford built up my trust,” Derek continued. “And then he would lower my inhibition… with Helgason wine. And then… he would molest me. And every time he saw that dead look in my eye that said I wanted him to stop, he would just say ‘you better man up, boy. Look up to the sky.’”

“Did you ever tell anyone about that phrase?” you asked gently.

He shook his head. “No.”

“We’re probably looking at someone Buford abused,” Rossi said. 

“The victim could harbor a great deal of anger if he didn’t deal with his own abuse,” Hotch agreed. “With the right trigger, it could develop into this kind of rage.” 

“Buford ran the community center for years,” Spencer said. “An offender like him could have hundreds of victims.” 

“Let’s talk victimology: each of these men had interactions with kids right before they were killed,” Hotch said. 

“The killer switched from white victims to African Americans,” Rossi noted.

“You’d think if they were surrogates, he’d kill only black men,” Hotch agreed, already punching a number into his phone. “Garcia? I need you to compile a list of boys who played football at the community center twenty to thirty years ago.” 

“Excuse me, ma’am?” someone asked. 

You turned around to see an officer you didn’t recognize. He was middle-aged, but young compared to most of the other men on the force. “What can I do for you?” 

“You’re with the FBI, right?” 

You nodded. “That’s right.”

“Detective Gordinski wants these handed to your supervisor,” he said, giving you a file. “Nothing important, just paperwork, really.”

“Thanks,” you said anyways.

He was silent for a moment, then chuckled. “You know, I became a cop to get away from crazy shit like Afghanistan. Apparently, I can’t outrun it.”

He tried to walk away, but your interest peaked.

“You served?” you asked.

“Two tours,” the officer confirmed. “I was discharged after an IED went off and made me lose hearing in my right ear.”

“I was in Syria for 18 months,” you said.

His face lit up. “No way. What’d you do?”

The army had a weird way of bringing people together.

“I was a medic,” you replied. “I was hired on this team as a paramedic, actually. I worked as one for a few years after I got home.” 

“Goddamn,” he whistled. “It’s hard to find girls like you…?”

“Y/N,” you answered.

“Jacob,” he said, offering you a hand.

You shook his hand, smiling faintly. You saw Jacob wink at you before walking away, but you didn’t see JJ, Emily, and Spencer watching you from the next room. 

Back when Buford managed the center, everything was on paper, which meant Garcia unfortunately couldn’t help. JJ and Spencer ended up combing through the community center’s paper records, only to find gaps. They presumed Buford destroyed some of the files before he was sent to prison. The two of them were only able to come up with a partial list of names. 

Derek was incessant; he was the first one to suggest visiting Buford. Hotch was reluctant, instead opting for JJ to attempt a memory recall. It didn’t work, which meant you were back to zero in terms of leads. Derek eventually wore Hotch down, but on the condition that he’d go with Derek. You jumped in, saying you’d tag along.

“What?” you asked. “Garcia would, if she were here. I figured I’m the next best thing.” 

You and Hotch watched as Derek sat across from Buford. They were across the cafeteria, and you were behind a window, so it was hard to completely make out what they were saying. Eventually, though, You saw Derek get up and stand against the wall while Buford wrote names down on a pad of paper. They ended the conversation with a handshake. You could see the fire behind Derek’s eyes. 

“I’m gonna use the head before we leave,” Derek said after handing off the list to Hotch. He walked down the hall and to the bathroom. You waited a few minutes before following him. 

Basically all of the inmates were in the yard, which meant the floor was almost completely empty, even from guards. So, when you heard gagging come from the bathroom, you had a feeling you knew who it was. 

You opened the door, stepping in silently and turning the corner. Sure enough, Derek was hunched over the sink. He flipped on the faucet, bringing some water to his mouth.

“Are you okay?” you asked softly.

“You shouldn’t be in here,” he replied gruffly. 

You sighed, leaning against the counter. “You know that friend I mentioned? The one that died in front of me while I was deployed?”

“I remember,” Derek confirmed after a moment. 

“He wasn’t just my friend — he was my boyfriend,” you said, “and he died in front of me because we were being held captive. 

“He stepped on an IED. It blew his leg off. I ran out to help him, and I was knocked out cold. We were under fire, so no one realized we were gone until it was too late. They weren’t stupid — they knew he would die if he didn’t get proper medical attention. So, they sat him in the corner of the room, and they made him watch what they did to me.”

“You don’t have to do this, Y/N,” Derek said. 

“I know,” you promised. “You’re my friend. I want you to know. But mostly, I want you to know you’re not alone.” 

He shut off the water, standing up straight. “What did they do to you?”

“They started by punching. When that didn’t work, they moved onto whipping, and when that didn’t work, they laid me on the ground. My pants were halfway down my legs before Austin had enough. He told them everything they wanted to know. And, a few hours later, he was dead.” 

You laughed sadly, holding back the tears that threatened to spill. “You wanna know the worst part? A few weeks ago, I found out he was gonna propose to me. He had the ring made and everything. It’s sitting in a box in my closet — his parents couldn’t stand to look at it anymore.” you wiped your eyes. “I mean, seriously dude, compared to my life, yours is a cakewalk.” 

Derek chuckled. He approached you, pulling you into a hug. You wrapped your arms around him. 

“I’m sorry for what happened to you,” you whispered.

“I’m sorry too,” Derek replied. 

His hand cradled the back of your neck. It was soothing. 

“If you won’t ask him out, I will.”

You looked up at Emily with a frown. “What?”

“Jacob? That police officer from earlier?” 

“What about him?”

“You were totally flirting with him!” JJ said.

You snorted. “No I was not.”

“He winked at you,” Emily disagreed. 

“In some cultures, you’d be engaged,” JJ agreed with Emily.

“I’ll make sure Spencer fact-checks that one,” you said, standing up with a sigh. You refilled your mug with cheap coffee, bringing the pot over for the girls, who still sat at the table reading files.

“Seriously, what’s holding you back?” Emily asked.

“It just seems inappropriate,” you said, which wasn’t entirely a lie. “We’re working a case. It’s unprofessional.”

“That’s why you wait until the case is over,” JJ said, filling her mug. “That’s what Will did. Look how we turned out.”

“I’m not really looking for a relationship right now, you know?” you said. “I’m in love with my work.”

“I hear that,” Emily agreed. “It’s almost impossible to find men that understand that.” 

Spencer walked into the room. You did your best to not react. Still, he paused, assessing the atmosphere.

“What are you guys talking about?” He asked.

“Y/N and the cute police officer she was flirting with,” Emily said, cocking an eyebrow. “Care to join?”

Spencer frowned. “No,” he said honestly. He grabbed something and walked out of the room. 

Emily and JJ shared a laugh. 

“Sounds about right,” JJ chuckled. 

You cleared your throat. “I’m gonna go get the rest of the files,” you said after a beat. You left the room, hoping your intentions weren’t obvious. 

You picked up a stack of files that were sitting on a table opposite of the conference room. Spencer seemed oblivious, simply going back to what he was doing. You approached him nervously. 

“Hey,” you greeted, clutching the files to your chest. “Can we talk?” 

Spencer nodded. 

You walked across the station, eventually finding a hallway that seemed calm and secluded. 

“I wasn’t flirting with him,” you blurted out. “He was flirting with me, but I was only being nice. I didn’t suggest anything, and I didn’t give him any ideas.”

“I believe you.”

A weight lifted off your chest. You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. 

“Really?” You asked hopefully.

“Of course I do,” Spencer assured with a smile. “There are things I’m insecure about, but our relationship isn’t one of them.” 

You reached out, taking his hand. “So we’re okay?” 

“We’re okay,” Spencer promised. He glanced down briefly.

Your face fell. “What is it, Spence?”

“It’s nothing,” he said, rubbing his thumb against the back of your hand. “It’s just that sometimes, I wish we didn’t have to hide. It’s not that I want to make out with you in front of our coworkers —” you both laughed, “ — but it would be nice if we could just… be us around everyone else, you know?”

You reached up a hand to his cheek. “I know,” you said softly. “I love you, and I love our teammates. It’s everyone else at the Bureau I’m worried about. Semantically, there’s nothing anyone can do — we technically work in different departments, me being a medic and you a profiler. But if someone wanted to throw a fit, call it sexual harassment or a waste of taxpayer money… we could lose our jobs.” 

“I understand,” Spencer agreed. “It’s in our best interest to stay quiet. I get that. But that doesn’t change that sometimes it just…”

“...Sucks?” You finished. 

“Exactly.” 

With the help of Garcia and a few previous victims, the team was able to find the UnSub. Just like the profile suggested, Rodney Harris was a former victim of Buford’s. Thankfully, the BAU was able to apprehend Harris before he could hurt his ex-wife, son, and her current husband. 

“For once, I can’t wait to get on that stupid jet,” you said, rolling your head in an effort to stretch your neck. “I’m fucking exhausted.”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Emily said as you, JJ, and herself filed out of the conference room.

“Am I?” you asked.

JJ pointed to Jacob. “You forgot to ask him out.”

“You two really aren’t gonna let that go, are you?” you sighed.

“Come on, Y/N!” Emily practically whined. “He’s cute, and handsome, and a cop, and he served in the army, and he likes you. What more could you want?”

“Plus, the case is closed, so it’s not a conflict of interest,” JJ reminded with a smirk. 

The three of you approached the gentlemen on the team, who were clustered in front of the exit. You hoped none of them heard what was going on.

“What’s going on?” Derek asked. 

Dammit.

“JJ and Prentiss are trying to get me to ask out a cop that works here at the station,” you explained.

“Oh la la,” Rossi joked. 

“I’m not interested,” you stated bluntly.

“And yet, you can’t give a good reason why,” Emily pointed out.

You put a hand on your chin, feigning deep thought. “I could ask him out, but here’s the thing… I don’t think my boyfriend would like that very much.” 

A collective hush fell over the group. Emily and JJ looked at each other in shock, while Rossi and Derek simply looked impressed. You swore you saw the remnants of a smirk on Hotch’s face.

“Well, there goes pretty boy’s chance of getting with the new girl,” Derek joked.

“Seems so,” Spencer agreed with a laugh.

“You… you have a boyfriend?” JJ asked, stunned.

“Have since I moved here.”

“Who is he?!” Emily practically shrieked. “Can we meet him? Have we met him?”

“He’s a pretty private person,” you feigned. “I’d have to talk to him about meeting you guys.”

JJ and Emily continued to ask questions, threatening to get Garcia involved. You merely walked out of the station, smiling at Spencer before you left.

  You ended up sitting across from Derek on the jet. Spencer dozed off on the couch, like he normally did. You wished you had the ability to sleep anywhere you wanted. JJ and Emily were entertaining each other while Rossi and Hotch sat across from each other. 

Letting out a breath, Derek put his headphones around his neck. “So… this boyfriend.”

“Ask all you want, man: I’m not gonna spill,” you said.

“Does he know about the ring?” 

Your smile faltered. “No,” you said softly, “he doesn’t. He knows about Austin, but… I haven’t gotten around to telling him yet.” 

“Will you?” Derek asked.

“Tell him? Of course I will. It’s just… I’m still processing it. I don’t want to spring something like this on him while I’m still deciding how I feel.”

He nodded. “That’s fair. Just do both of you a favor and tell him before he buys a ring.”

“What makes you think we’ll get that far?” 

“You’re a good judge of character, Y/N,” Derek said. “You do no harm and take no shit. I can’t see you dating a guy without knowing it’ll go somewhere.” 

You lightly kicked him under the table, then grinned. “Thanks, Derek.” 

He smiled, putting his headphones on and leaning back in his seat.

You stared across the jet, eyes focused on Spencer. He looked so peaceful when he slept — knees pulled up, his arms wrapped around a pillow. You wanted to put his head in your lap and play with his hair like you did whenever the two of you watched a movie together. You wanted to hold his hand, lean your head on his shoulder, kiss his cheek. But when it came down to it, all you could do was watch him across the room.

He was right: sometimes, it just plain sucked. 

_____________________

Tags: @blueskies-whitehighs @geeksareunique @jodibullock1 @gurlrumple @thankyouforanonymity @goddessofmischiefs @crimeshowtrash @imsoft-barnes​

Want to be tagged in future parts? Shoot me an ask!

Like what you read? Let me know! Feedback seriously keeps me inspired to write <3

[plavigmaz]

How long have you been painting for? What inspired you to start? Do you have any long term goals and projects? What artists do you like best or are you inspired by?

Oh wow, thank you for all the questions! Let’s go one by one:

How long have you been painting for?

Not as long as I wish I was. I started traditionally painting in 2014-2015. And I’ve been painting ever since. I feel like I still need more practice. However, I’ve been using the drawing tablet since 2008, so at the moment I have more experience digitally than traditionally. But I don’t plan on giving up on either of them, but continue honing both skills!

What inspired you to start?

There was nothing particularly special.* I drew from a younger age and it never left my side. It continued throughout my life as a hobby until I decided in high school I wanted to learn more, have a painter/art teacher guide me (my thought was “I wanna get better at my hobby”). When I met them they said I had great potential and that was a turning point in my life since I had no idea then which college I would attend and what I wanted to actually do in my life. I guess having my life fuel realized as a quality was what inspired me to strive fully towards it.

*A certain someone told me: “but it is something that you never gave up on, and kept pushing even when things got tough, it never left your side, I would say it is special”. Aaaaaand Tiny Lizard me has a tough time embracing it even though I can’t deny it either.

Do you have any long term goals and projects?

Oh boy, I do. I’m doing baby steps in my goals:

Right now I’m having a mini crisis with traditional painting ^^; I’m trying to find an approach that feels comfortable to me and where I feel free doing so. Right now, I’m using charcoal on big canvases and I’m trying to combine it with paint. Still experimenting at the moment, also I wanna make as many paintings as I can during this phase. Just, let it all out! (Unfortunately, my hurt hand is stopping my process at the moment)

I’m trying to find what exactly I want with my original landscapes… Right now they convey certain feelings in me. Freedom, joy, anxiety, endless possibilities, mystery, loop. These are the things that spin in my hand at the moment when I look at them/draw them, but I just need to connect them with a subject that I would write about. What problematic would I undertake with these? For now it’s a mystery while I read through books and explore artists who had similar feelings and themes.

I’d also like to continue the series of my pigeon art. Explore more about their every day life and struggle. Show how unique each of them look, both with their feather patterns and head/beak shapes! Draw a parallel between humans and pigeons on how alike they are (e.g. they are everywhere across the globe, they are expressive in their gestures in their own ways, etc.) And go into absurdity with them and beyond!

Digitally, I have lots of ideas written down like a series of TES landmarks, portraits of OCs in a baroque style, etc.

There is a life-long wish to bring one of my very old OC’s story to light in a format I’m still debating about, but her whole story is written down, with some twists and such. It is put aside so far because it’s not its time yet. Perhaps, I’ll abandon it in the end, who knows! I came to accept change as the only consistent thing.

Traditionally, I’d looove to bring some of the fanart on the big formats… A 2 meter wide, 1.5 meter tall format of an Oblivion landscape for an example. Honestly… I’ve been eyeing a 180x90cm canvas I have to paint a JoJo character for shits and giggles… I think I just need to go fully through it tho and not make one painting of it and call it a day, in general. (I already have one colleague yelling at me every time I casually reference jojo, I torture him because he’s the only one who gets them while everyone else is clueless hah).

One thing I need to keep in mind that, this is a lot of things and art takes time. So, things will always change, and some ideas will have more importance than others. Perhaps some projects/grand ideas will be realized much much later when I reach a certain “maturity” to do them. I mean that as being in an opportunity to realize them because of the experience I have gained. Like, I realized some ideas now that I wasn’t simply able to 2-3 years ago.

I hope it makes sense. Though in general, I want to continue studying art and improving. I’d love to have more courage to present my ideas to the public and to gain the freedom when expressing them on a canvas as well.

What artists do you like best or are you inspired by?

My inspirations keep changing and/or are sometimes just a specific artwork by the artist, but I have some that always make me stop and think, and appreciate art. Here are a few of them:

From left to right: Hiroshi Yoshida, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Clyfford Still, Cai Guo-Qiang, Vladimir Becić

[carrietrekkie]

Firelight - Part I  Fire and Ice

Hello Together!

Here is part one of four! I hope you enjoy it, it´s a longer one and there happened a lot in it!

This one belongs to my going-on Pike x Cathrin (OC) Story.

Warnings: Blood, Fear, some way of torture,... I made an extra warning for every chapter!

And if you don´t mind leave me a little FB!

„And today we learn that not everything can produced by a replicator.” Lieutenant Stamets smiled at me, checking another point on his list. I squinted on his tablet, this list seemed to go to infinity.

“Where do you store all that?” I was looking after another pallet of dark grey containers that just passed us by.

“I mean, this ship is big, but that?”

“Much will be exchanged immediately, installed or stowed so that it does not stand out.” He pulled me aside as something was carted past that occupied the whole corridor. “That has to go into the engine room.”

“Aye Sir!”

“Crazy.”

 A few hours ago, the Discovery had docked at a Starfleet utility station since then it has been here like a bazaar.

“Hey!” Tilly just turned the corner. „Have the energy coils already been there?”

“Should have been on one of the last containers.” Stamets looked at his list. “And they should be in the engine room.”

„Great.“ She turned towards me. „Captain Pike wanted to talk to you, he said it´s urgent.”

I shrugged my eyebrows. “What did I do?”

“He didn´t say that.” She smiled. “Any ideas?”

“Not at the moment.” I sighed. „I would say, have fun, but.“ I pointed to another load of spare parts.

“Are you kidding? That’s like Christmas!”

Smiling, I turned around and left the two alone with their toys. What could Chris want from me? Especially what he couldn´t tell me earlier as we had a cup of coffee together. A group of technicians was working on the bridge as I walked across it. I stepped through the doors of the ready room and found Pike sitting behind his desk.

He seemed to read something important, at least he looked like he had had better news before. Even when he looked up and smiled at me slightly, he still looked as if something had grossed his day enormous.

“Okay if you look like that I don´t know if I really want to be here.” I pointed at the door behind me.

“Sit down please.”

“Wow.” I dropped to the chair in front of his desk. “Not even a hello? Did I do something?”

He sighed heavily. “No, but I´m afraid I screwed it up.” He looked at me with an apologetic look.

“And you tell me that because?” I raised my eyebrows.

Captain Pike got up, walked around his table and instead sat down on the chair next to me.

“Captain Leland is here.” I blinked at him, a heavy stone slaped in my stomach. “He wants to talk to you.”

“Leland.” I narrowed my eyes. „Section 31, again.“ I jumped up, he looked after me.„No!“

„Cathrin!“

„I don´t want to talk to him!” I glared at him. The last time I talked to Leland, rather with his hologram, still scared me. I was not keen to meet him in person. “He is a mean and manipulative ass.” Now Chris glared at me. “Yes, I know, he is your friend but he is a bugger.” I made no effort to pack that nicely. “He wants to put me in some lab or something to get out of me what I can´t tell him!”

“I will not allow that!” He raised his voice a little.

“And you think that interests him?” I´m getting a bit louder too. “He would make it an order or bring on any other legal trick.“ Okay, now I´m already too loud.  “I reported Admiral Cornwell anything I know, even as Agent Tyler and I didn´t know how often we both talked about it!”

“I know all this!” I was sure we were heard on the bridge right now. He raised a hand placatory, calmly he looked at me. As he continued to speak, he lowered his voice again.

“Listen, I'm not particularly keen on it either, but unfortunately it was a pretty clear command.”

“Great!” I also tried to pull myself together. „I don´t even belong to Starfleet.“

 I felt a touch on my wrist and winced slightly. Pike pulled gently on my arm, I resisted for a moment, then stumbled upon him. For the first time I wished he would let me go.

“A suggestion.” He swung out of his chair. “We're going there together now, I will not leave you alone and I will not let Leland take you out of here.”

“You had already said that.” Now I felt sorry about losing my temper. It was not his fault and my anger, had met with him the wrong one. The completely wrong one.

“I was not sure if you got it.” He looked at me. “Let us go. Maybe after that the day could get better.”

+++++

„Listen, I can only tell you that again and again.“ I sank back in the chair, this conversation begans to annoy me. “Yes, when I arrived here I knew things into the future for almost two hundred years, but I have no access to it anymore. It´s like something blocking me.”

„But you also said it happened that every now and then somethings came up again.” Leland sat in front of me, as unsympathetic as I remembered him.

“Yes, but that feels like flashbacks. I can´t classify them, much less can I control them.”

“Leland, maybe we should give this thing more time.” Pike had kept his promise, even when Leland tried to kick him out, he had insisted on staying here. Now he was sitting next to me and his presence was the only thing that kept me from freaking out. “Cathrin is still getting used to her new situation and I believe is not an advantage if we push her or whatever else you think of.”

“Time Pike?” Leland smiled wearily. „That´s the only thing we didn´t have.”

“Captain, I would like to help prevent wars and catastrophes, to stop thousands, maybe millions of living beings are dying, but I can´t!” I glanced at him, still the hope in my mind, that he would understood it. “My head doesn´t allow it, no matter how hard I try.”

I stroked my legs, I didn´t want him to see how badly my hands were shaking. This man scared me and that was something I couldn´t stand very well.

“You told Captain Pike what is supposed to be happened in his future!” Leland pointed at Christopher. He sighed and shook his head.

“That was a coincidence, something arbitrary that had resulted from the situation.” I clawed my fingers in the fabric of my pants. Unexpectedly, hidden under the table top, I felt how Chris placed his hand on mine, holding it tight. I moved my thumb over the back of his hand, thankful to have something to keep me calm.  

“It was out of a conversation.” Pike punished his shoulders back. “And to be honest, that wasn´t very groundbreaking findings.“ I could have kissed him instantly for not wanting to beat this battle yet.

 “Forgive me, if I don´t believe you Christopher, but your report on the whole thing, came very late and was quite poor.” Leland rose from his chair, immediately followed by Pike. “But good, let´s try it with time, but don´t think you´ll get so much from it.” Leland stares at me, his dark eyes drilled into mine and I must force myself not to look away. “Find a way to get on that or I will find one.”

Then he rushed off without a word of farewell and Pike and I were alone in the office.

„Well that was lovely.“  Pike turned back to me. I jerked with the corner of my mouth, I couldn´t do more than that at the moment.

“I got a bad feeling about that thing, especially because I seem to be the thing.” I fidgeted for a moment, then stood up. “It´s over.”

“For now.” I put my head back before I let hang it down. “You have heard was he has said, he will not let rest it.” For the first time since I landed here, real fear crept into my thoughts.

“We will find a solution.” Christopher came to me. “We always do.” I gave him a small smile, at least I tried.

“I would like to believe you.”

“You can.” He put his finger under my chin, softly he lifted my head a little then he closed his arms around me. I was totally taken by surprise and almost wanted to wriggle out of his grip again but then I gave in and also closed my arms around him. I laid my head against his chest and heard his heart beat. As he leaned his head against mine I closed my eyes.

“We don´t leave anybody behind and if necessary, I give my life for nothing to happen to you.”

That he had closed his eyes too, I couldn´t see. I squeezed closer to him instead, relishing the feeling that his words had triggered in me. It felt so good to be in his arms as if that was the perfect place for me to be. Each fiber in my body screamed no, as he wanted to let go of me.

“Please don´t.” I only whispered. “Just for a moment.”

I felt him pulling me back into his embrace, his hand moved slowly up my back before he put it on the back of my head, with the other he held me so tightly he could.

"I feel like the loneliest person in the universe and if you let me go now, then I am afraid that nothing will keep me here anymore.”

I felt myself start to shiver but didn´t know if I was just upset or just cold. Maybe everything together or something completely different.

“You´re not.“ Now he pushed me off a bit, just so far that he could look at me. “And if nothing holds you, then I hold you.”

He smiled and at the latest, I no longer had any doubt that his every word was to be taken at face value. And it made the feelings that I cherished for him grow a little bit more.

“How about we leave this hospitable place and get you a big piece of cake?"

I raised an eyebrow. „You don´t know me as good as you think.”

“I´m working on it.” He smiled at me. “But I´m pretty sure about that one.”

“Okay, point for you.” I tapped him briefly on the chest and he used that as an opportunity to release the hug, but somehow I felt, it was just as hard for him as it was for me.

“All right, get out of here.”

“You don´t have to tell that twice.”

++++++++

 We left the office and strolled comfortably through the hectic space station.

“Is it always so busy here?”  It seemed a bit overcrowded given the rather narrow passageways.

"No, this is actually a mere transhipment station, when we drop, the supply ship disappears again and there is only a small crew left behind." He raised his hand to show me the way. "Constantly staffed and research stations are much bigger and better equipped." He looked at me as I sucked in every word he said. "To be honest, I wouldn´t even drink a coffee here."

"I thought that came out of the replicator all over?" I looked at him. "Well, let's say so." Pike grinned widely. "It also has something to do with where the replicator stands and how it is set and apparently they prefer tea here."

"What is left of tea?" "Nothing. If you want some. "

"Uhh. Sounds like a real thrill. "I shook myself. We turned a corner and passed something that looked like the engine room. "Okay, that looks like an antique cargo ship. How old is this station?

"It was one of the first deep space stations." Pike pulled me aside as a technician hurried past with an unknown component. "It's off duty in a few weeks, this is likely to be the last major transaction that is taking place." "Then I can feel really honored."

 Then something crashed and the whole station began to shake. I caught Pike slightly as he stumbled against me, but another explosion almost knocked us both down and he caught me before I got to know the grid.

"What was that?" I looked around while Pike was pulling out his communicator. "Captain Pike to Discovery, what happened here?" "We're working on it, but nothing indicates an attack." Owo's voice came from the device. “We measure increased energy levels and severe disturbances in the supply of the station.”

I heard a painful scream from the engine room. This type of pain sound was unfortunately more than familiar. "Oh my god." I left Pike and ran. "Cathrin!" But I didn´t listen to him, but stormed through the entrance and found myself in the middle of a battlefield. One of the machines seemed to have exploded, in any case it was burning on every corner and the air was filled with smoke. I heard the scream again, looked around and spotted the technician from just under an energy coil. Behind me, I could see Pike storming into the room. "Chris, I need help over here!" I rushed toward the man and dropped to the floor next to him.

 He had a severely bleeding headache, was smeared with blood and was just beginning to fall in shock. The explosion or a falling component had shredded his left leg. "Hey hello." I put a hand to his cheek and forced his attention to me "Tell me your name." I searched for his pulse, he walked frantically and irregularly. "No, don´t get up." Pike was kneeling opposite me and pushed the wounded man down again. "Well, I'm Cathrin and that." I pointed to the captain. "This is Chris." Pike smiled slightly. "And you?" "Darryl." He groaned in pain, then wanted to move again. "You should stop that." I tore open my zipper, took off my jacket and slipped it under his leg, then pulled up my sleeves, knotted, and pulled them shut. "I apologize for that." I handed Pike a sleeve, unsure he took it in his hand. "Pull tight." "OK."

We pulled on the sleeves, Darryl screamed and then started to whimper. But it helped, the blood flowed now much slower. I closed the knot, then let my gaze wander over his chest, a piece of glass stuck in it, near his heart. "Pull 'em out, pull!" Again he raised his head. "No, no, no, no way!" I wrung down the hand he just reached out. "That thing is probably keeping you alive." "I don´t want to die." He started shaking. "My wife, we get a baby." "Darryl." He squirmed in pain, I looked around but could not find a first aid kit.

"I've already requested help, can´t take much longer." Pike looked at me. He just wanted to open his mouth when I held him with a sharp look.

"Darryl, Darryl, listen to me!" I put my hands to his face and leaned toward him. "You will not die here, we will not let that happen! You will survive this, go back to your family and live a happy and long life, and if you don´t listen to me, I let him make an order out of it. "I pointed briefly to Pike, Darryl's eyes followed my finger, then back to me again. "Did you understand me?" "Yes Mam."

"Tell me about your baby." I smiled at him. "Do you know what it will be?" "A boy." Darryl rolled his eyes, slowly it became difficult to keep him awake, blood loss and shock took his toll. Pike reached for his hand. "Nice." I carefully pulled the fabric of his jacket aside. Little blood seeped from the wound, at least externally. "Does he already have a name?" Finally I saw how Dr. Pollard and her team materialized in front of the engine room. "No, we just can´t think of one." Darryl smiled weakly. "Every suggestion my wife makes is worse than the one before." Pike backed away as the doctor finally reached us. "How about Christopher?" "That sounds good." He closed his eyes briefly. “Sounds nice.”

I looked at Pollard. "I could only ligature the wound, there is a splinter in his chest, his pulse is weak and he is just losing consciousness." "Okay, I'll take care of him." Pollard immediately began investigating him, then gave the order and the transporter carried them away to the Discovery. I dropped back and got shaky on my legs.

I barely stood, when another explosion shook the station and the lights switched to red alarm, a siren thundered and everyone who stood hurried to safety.

 "They're evacuating, we need to get out of here right now!" Pike grabbed my arm and together we ran out of the engine room, which was starting to break into pieces around us. On our left side a fire burned, cut our way back to the Discovery.

"Pike on Discovery, two to beam!" We ran further away from the explosion. Lead shattered and forced us to duck. I stumbled and fell to the ground. "Shit!" I looked back, panic crawling through me, like the fire roller just shooting out of the engine room. "Cathrin!" Pike grabbed me under one arm, but the next bang knocked him over too. He rolled away from me and banged his head against the wall. "Chris!" Before I could even think of coming to him, the transporter finally caught us and seconds later we landed on the transporter platform.

"Oh, I'm sure that was more than hair-sharp." I looked back at Tilly, who was pure relief, and grinned at her. "It smells like burnt hair right here?" Then I rolled over and my good mood faded a bit. "Chris!" I pulled my legs up and crawled toward him. "Everything okay?

Dizzy, he sat up, I squatting and helping him get into a fairly upright position. Then he started to get up and I followed him. Slowly and shakily, he came to his feet. He had a violently bleeding wound on his forehead.

"Slowly." I held my arms so that I could catch him in distress. Well, I could try, he would probably knock me over. He blinked in a strange way and whiteness. "Okay, that's enough." I grabbed his arm and put it over my shoulders. "We're going to sick bay." Carefully, I guided him down the steps of the platform. "Tilly, can you announce us?" "Sure." She looked at me. "Are you getting along?" "I think so." I pulled my lips into a smile, then looked at him. "What did you mean Chris?" "I mean, I'm sure I'll have a headache tomorrow." "Tomorrow?”

[vulcanscully]

could you something with teenage spirk? them falling in love and maybe hand kisses!!! (normal ones too, but dkdnd)

(young!spirk is my kryptonite so thank you for this request. i got so carried away my bad)

He’d first seen Spock during orientation for the month-long pre-Cadet retreat. Jim, who had always aspired to be in Starfleet like his parents, leapt at the opportunity to meet fellow Starfleet enthusiasts his age from across the Federation and soak in as much as possible about the Academy and the various opportunities it presented. And California was certainly no Iowa. Everything seemed brighter. Or perhaps that was the feeling of overwhelming optimism for the future that spread through Starfleet members like wildfire and, consequently, to those selected for the retreat.

So, yes, there was a lot to soak in. But Jim hadn’t expected to be soaking in the half-Vulcan across the large auditorium for the entirety of Commander Roanes’ welcome speech.

He was lanky, and for that reason should have stood as hunched over as Jim did at seventeen (Jim’s mother affectionately called him ‘beanstalk”). But his posture was straight, he held his hands behind his back, and Jim counted him blinking maybe twelve times total as he stared at the Commander with complete attention.

Once, the Vulcan caught Jim’s eye, and Jim quickly stared down at his sneakers, where his gaze remained for the rest of the opening ceremony. What was wrong with him? This was the opportunity of a lifetime, and all he could focus on was the thought drumming in his head: What is it about him…?

Surely, though, it was coincidence that he happened to fall into step with the Vulcan on the way out of the auditorium (this was after waiting approximately six minutes for the opportune moment and annoying everyone on either side of him who tried to get out of his row of seats in that time).

“Hey!” he said, and the kid, who had been staring straight ahead, turned to look at Jim. Brown eyes. Huge. Oh, man. He shook his head theatrically. “Oh, sorry. I thought I recognized you from somewhere.” Nice save, Jim.

“That is highly unlikely,” the Vulcan replied in the standard monotone. “This is my third trip to Earth in sixteen years, the first and second of which taking place during my infancy and early childhood respectively.”

Jim smiled. “Oh, wow. Welcome, I guess!”

“I thank you.” They walked in silence for a few seconds, and Jim started to think this had been a mistake, when the voice started up again: “I am Spock.”

“Jim Kirk.” He reached out his hand, then immediately retracted it. “Oops. Sorry. Um, it’s nice to meet you.” Very nice, actually.

Spock looked at him as if to silently appreciate Jim’s recognition of that particular…sensitivity specific to Vulcans. Jim figured the guy had probably been awkwardly forced to decline a lot of handshakes in the last 24 hours.

“Have you received accommodations for the retreat?” he inquired.

“Uh,” Jim muttered, taking out his tablet to quickly navigate to his registration app. “Quad Z3, first floor.”

They treaded a warn path leading to the lower campus, falling into oddly comfortable conversation. Jim couldn’t help but notice the fact that they two had broken off from the crowd, walking…who knew where? The retreat spanned a significant chunk of the Academy campus. And Spock was actually…talking with him. From what he knew about Vulcans, Jim figured Spock would be the type to keep to himself and end idle chats with a human like Jim as quickly as possible. And yet.

“My mother is human,” Spock was saying, and his voice was calming and in no way cracked every seventh syllable like Jim’s did, and oh my god, why did his eyes look so good when the sun was in them, and what the fuck?

“Really?” Jim’s eyes widened.

“On my planet, this fact often deems me unwelcome in…what you would call ‘social circles.’”

Jim crossed his arms over his chest. “I think that’s ridiculous. Being half-human just makes you more unique. Nothing wrong with that.”

“In my culture,” said Spock, “humanity is a disadvantage.”

“But do you believe that?” Jim blurted. He realized he may have overstepped, and clamped his mouth shut.

Spock tilted his head to the side. “An interesting question,” he said, which wasn’t an answer, but whatever, at least he wasn’t mad at Jim…could Vulcans get mad? Could half-Vulcans get mad?

“I am assigned to the floor just below yours,” Spock said, as if the awkwardness had never transpired. Thank God.

“Great!” Jim replied, trying not to sound excited and failing, “So. Um. I’ll be seeing you a lot!” Jimshutupshutupshutupshutuuuup. “I mean, you know. If you want.”

Spock didn’t confirm or deny the assumption. He let it hover in the air for a moment before saying, “I wish you a pleasant afternoon, Jim Kirk,” and heading toward the science ward.

Jim decided, looking back, that this was the moment when he’d gone completely stupid.

Everyone said California is hot, but Iowa was hotter. The evening breeze tickling Jim’s skin was a blessing, because, God, was he nervous.

It was the second-to-last day of the retreat. Any moment Jim hadn’t spent in Navigation or Interplanetary Geography 101, he’d spent roaming the campus with Spock at all hours. Earth temperatures felt like a perpetual winter to Vulcans, he’d learned. So maybe Jim had offered Spock his sweater once or twice. And maybe the second time, Spock had accepted.

They talked about everything. Jim knew more about Spock than he did about most of his close friends at school. And Spock was infinitely curious, full of questions about the planet his mother hailed from. Jim tried to answer them all to the best of his ability, even if he didn’t have enough experience to work with. He wanted to keep Spock asking questions. Keep Spock interested. And it wasn’t difficult, really. Somehow.

Maybe this was…something.

There was no telling until Jim gathered up the courage to bring up the subject they’d been dancing around all month. His parents had instilled in him the importance of honesty. Jim was nothing if not honest, sometimes to his detriment…

“Hello, Jim.” Spock had practically materialized beside him in a millisecond, and Jim all but jumped.

“H-hi,” Jim stuttered, vaguely wanting to die.

Spock cocked his head to the side. “Is something troubling you?”

Jim opened his mouth. Then shut it again. Then blurted, “Yes. You.”

Spock blinked. “I would ask that you clarify your meaning.”

“Yeah, okay.” Jim pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a long breath. “Okay. So, we’re all leaving soon, and…and I just wanted you to know that…I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you, Spock.”

“And I, you,” Spock replied automatically, but he was a thick-headed Vulcan and didn’t get it, so Jim practically cut him off:

“I…I went up to you in the auditorium at orientation, remember? And you were right. I didn’t recognize you at all. But…I did. Sort of. You just…felt familiar. Does that make sense?”

Spock was silent, which indicated that it clearly did not.

“I just wanted an excuse to talk to you. You’re…you’re amazing. You’re fucking smart. And really funny, even if you don’t think you are. And sincere. And you can deny that all you want, but it’s true. You’re just.” He gesticulated haphazardly with outstretched hands. “You’re just so much of a person, and I like that person. A lot. And I would really miss you if…if we left and didn’t talk ever again. So. Um. Whewh.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “Oh, man, you must think I’m such a fucking idiot. Emotions and all. Stupid and human and illogical or whatever–”

His eyes popped open in response to the sensation of Spock’s fingers on his own. “I believe I understand now, Jim,” he said, and his voice was just above a whisper.

Jim responded to Spock’s touch in kind, running his fingers along the palm of Spock’s hand. Spock was just a bit taller than him, enough that Jim had to raise his eyes slightly to meet Spock’s, and looking away was no longer an option.

And…holy shit, Spock was holding his hand. Which meant…

“Oh my God,” he mumbled, “Are we making out right now?”

Spock almost smiled. “You talk much, Jim,” he said. “At present, I believe you need not.”

“Sassy,” Jim said playfully, then shook his head. “Right. Shutting the hell up.”

And then Jim figured he’d use his mouth for other things.

He leaned up a bit, pressing his lips to Spock’s, lightly at first, a question. Spock’s lips parted in answer. They stood close enough to make a single silhouette in white moonlight.

And though each was miles–or lightyears–from where they lived, neither had never felt more at home.

[nepaltrekkingroutestrek]

Top 9 Tips Before Going To Everest Base Camp Trek

A few years ago I trekked to Everest Base Camp in Himalayas Nepal with torn ankle ligaments. Although it was quite uncomfortable for me, words can not describe the experience I had and also individuals that I met along the way. It is still an experience that I recall with just fond memories.

Practical hints for taking on Everest Base Camp, Nepal

With it being Trekking/Hiking period, people are getting ready for their trips around the globe. I thought I would share a few of my valuable hints for taking on Everest Base l to make sure you get the most out of your time.

Make certain you have suitable trekking boots.

You might believe this is a silly point but you will be marveled at the number of individuals I saw getting truly bad sores and their footwear breaking down during the walking. Remember, this is nearly a 150km round trip from Lukla Airport, so you want your feet to be as comfy as possible for the long days. I believe I tried on about 5 various brands before I located the ones that worked for me. I have actually now used them all over the world and I have never had a blister from them.

Top Tip: Sign in your town for stores that offer trekking/hiking boots. They normally have a testing location that you can try various boots and see what fits you finest prior to you get.

Bring a first-aid set and do not rely on your guide having one

Carry a small emergency treatment kit with you in case of an emergency situation. The size of your group, as well as health and fitness levels, will certainly establish a great deal where your guides are going to be put throughout the trip. Normally, there is a guide in front of the fastest individual and also a guide behind the slowest individual. If you resemble me, I am neither so I invested a great deal of time hiking on my own in the middle. At times we were expanded over a kilometer apart as well as other times only a couple of hundred meters, so if something occurs you require to be prepared.

Top Tip: You are just required to take a small first aid kit that will fit in your day backpack.

Take wet ones to keep fresh throughout non-shower days

Showers are scarce and to be truthful, eventually, you don't even notice, as everyone else remains in the very same circumstance. Having wet ones to wipe your body clean to maintain fresh can make all the difference specifically when you are dusty and also exhausted after your day of trekking.

Top tip: If you do not wish to make use of wet ones, take a face wash and use that to keep fresh.

Be prepared to pay for your showers & power

This is where I spent a lot of my cash on the hills. If you are not prepared, your money can go out very swiftly. Just how much you are billed for these amenities will depend on where you are remaining.

Top tip: I would recommend asking your guide ahead of time when you are still in Kathmandu so you recognize roughly how much to take up.

Take enough cash to last up the mountain

As specified above, you are required to spend for showers and power but likewise, anything that is not consisted of in your scenic tour package like additional beverages (tea/coffee) along the expedition, toilet paper, souvenirs (to aid support tourism) from the regional stores will certainly cost you extra.

I was caught off guard this one and needed to get cash from my guide up until I got back to Kathmandu as the only cash machine readily available at the time was in Namche Marketplace and it did not function.

Top Tip: Talk to your guide prior to you leave about how much you will need and also what is included in their fee.

Take Water Purifying tablet

You will certainly go through a lot of water particularly if you wish to stay refreshed and hydrated throughout your trek up to Everest Base Camp. Water will be boiled for you when it can but remember this is limited and also there are others with you on the expedition wanting the very same thing.

Remember you do not want to get sick specifically as the toilets are not easily available during the day.

Top tip: You can get detoxifying tables before you leave from your local store or online

Take an additional camera battery

The majority of things in the Himalayan Mountains are run solar panels, so power is limited particularly since they are attempting to restore after the devastating quakes a couple of years earlier. You do not intend to miss out on taking those impressive surroundings images due to the fact that your video camera, GoPro or smart device has gone flat. I discovered that by having additional battery saved the day me, specifically when we didn't always have the chance to charge our devices and also it needed to last a number of days.

Top tip: It will be ridiculous to obtain an extra battery for every little thing. Find out what you capture most pictures with and after that obtain an additional battery for that device.

Do not take way too many devices

Taking way too much is so simple nowadays, especially as all of us attempt to catch everything on SLR's, GoPro, tablets, also note pads. Then you wish to download it to your gadgets or computer system to share with the globe.

There is only limited power and you will be Trekking/Hiking for around 150km (depending upon the course), so you don't intend to be lugging all of these, as after a while they will get really heavy. Simply utilize your common sense and identify what you feel are essential to take.

Top Tip: If you are staying on longer and also are lugging a lot of devices, I know that the hotels in Kathmandu have holding storage lockers for your belongings while you are on the mountain.

Take your time and acclimatize

I believe we are all guilty of intending to get somewhere as fast as possible, I do it at all times. Remember you are very high up in the Himalayas, so acclimatization is very vital not just for you to succeed however also for your well being as you can quickly suffer from acute mountain sickness.

Top Tip: All the trips will have acclimatization days and your guide should give you the choice of doing these. If you are uncertain, you can always check with the company that you are opting for.

Remember this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so enjoy it

For most of us, we will only ever get to hike to Everest Base Camp Nepal once, so preparing will certainly offer you a far better possibility of success. If you resemble me, you can look back in years to come with a smile on your face and say, 'Wow! I did that!'

Also, bear in mind to have a good time with it. I also recall and think about the impressive people that I met and have actually been ended up being long-lasting pals with.

For more information about this subject and on travel in Nepal, please visit Nepal Trekking Routes [ https://www.nepaltrekkingroutes.com ] . There you will be able to browse different trekking packages and plan your Nepal trip. Find photos, videos and tips on travel in Nepal, trekking, rafting, flights, outdoor activities & read other articles on the subject.

[lovingdicaprio-blog]

Loving DiCaprio - Chapter Two

---

“I’ve missed you, sweetheart.”

My mother’s words warmed my heart, bringing tears to my eyes. “I’ve missed you too, mom.” I swallowed hard, fighting back the urge to cry. I succeeded, the hours spent prepping my face good enough of a reason to keep the tears from spilling. “I was supposed to call you last night but I got home late.”

“You went out?”

“Not exactly,” I was vague in my response, choosing to leave out the fact that I was with my father. “How are you?”

“It’s been a slow day, I’m glad you called.”

It was peaceful inside the car, a stark contrast to the chaos that was New York traffic outside my window. I focused on the sound of my mother’s voice, her tone had a soporific effect on me and distracted me from the cars rushing past my car.

“I’m nervous,” I admitted.

“Oh, sweetheart…” I didn’t mean to cause worry for my mother. I had an image of my panicked mother in my head. Diane Humphrey panicked a lot, and constantly fretted about me and my well-being. “Talk to me. Do you want me to fly to New York?”

Yes. “No, I’ll be alright.” I lied, struggling to keep my voice at bay. My heart was hitting hard against my ribcage and my palms sweated. I shifted on the hard leather seats of the sedan, wishing they were more comfortable. “It’s just first day jitters, is all.”

“Where are you?”

“Inside a taxicab,” I told another unnecessary lie to my mother.

I had found the black luxury sedan parked outside my building, with it a short text from my father wishing me luck for my first day at work. The car came with a driver, Paulo, who I was told was at my disposal for the remainder of my time in the city. I was touched by my father’s thoughtful gesture, and though my better judgment told me to deny his offer, I knew it would only further the rift between us.

New York was my opportunity at a fresh start and a chance for me to mend my broken relationship with my father. I trusted my mother would understand and accept my reasoning and was waiting for the right moment to tell her everything.

“Breathe, Jessamine,” she commanded.

I did as I was told, inhaling deeply before releasing a shaky breath. Once, twice, three times and felt me calming. My mother promised to keep me company for the remainder of the drive to work, passing time by entertaining me with stories from back home. The sounds of laughter soon filled the car and line, my eyes tearing.

“Sweetheart, you should’ve seen him,” she said between her laughs.

“I love you, mom.” The words slipped out before I could stop them. “I’m sorry,” I apologized quickly.

“I love you too, sweetheart. Always.”

I smiled. For the first time since my arrival in New York, I felt at peace.

—

I spun through the revolving doors of Akeley & Burke with my head held high, entering the spacious and empty lobby of the building. My previous fears had been replaced with confidence, thanks to my phone call with my mother, and I felt I could tackle whatever obstacle life threw at me. I walked towards the security turnstiles, digging into my bag for my identity card, and swiftly passed through and towards the elevator.

“Good weekend?”

I jumped, dropping my bag onto the lobby floor. I froze, my body rigid with fear. I struggled to breathe, my air passages closing, and I felt lightheaded.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

I looked down at the spilled contents of my handbag, kneeling to pick my possessions up off of the white marble floors. Two male hands helped me, handing me the last of my belongings before we both rose to our feet. I flushed with embarrassment, unsure of how to explain my seemingly irrational fear.

“Are you okay?”

I was unable to find my voice, terror making it hard to speak. My eyes scanned the lobby, searching for a face I knew I wouldn’t find. You’re safe. “I was so lost in thought,” I explained when I finally found my voice. My body relaxed and I was able to walk once again.

“I’m sorry for just popping up.”

“It’s fine, really.” I slung my bag over my shoulder. “Hi.”

The male searched my face, his expression unreadable. “Hi…”

I called for a car and stared ahead at the steel elevator doors.

“I’m Elliot,” he continued.

His voice broke my train of thought. He seemed friendly, and his demeanor revealed that he wasn’t a threat. His blonde hair was pushed away from his face giving me a full view of his face. He had blue eyes, plump lips and a jawline that could cut through steel.

“I’m Jessa.” The car arrived, and we both entered. “Pleased to meet you, Elliot.”

“The pleasure is all mine.”

He selected his floor and asked for mine. “The tenth.”

“You’re new, right?”

“Is it that obvious?” I leaned my full weight on the rails.

“No, I just know everyone who works here.”

I laughed, all traces of fear fading, though my knees remained weak. “Oh, really now?”

“I’m an accountant.”

“I’m an assistant.”

“Welcome to Akeley & Burke, assistant.”

The car stopped at the tenth floor, and I stepped out, bidding Elliot goodbye. I was buzzed through the reception by Simone. She sat at her crescent-shaped desk and smiled as I approached her desk. I admired how her burgundy dress complimented her cafe au lait skin and matched perfectly with her lipstick. Her straight black hair fell down her back.

“Lydia’s already inside her office.”

I looked at my wristwatch for the time. I had arrived on time with 15 minutes to spare. “Isn’t it early?”

“I think she’s been here all night.” Simone picked a small piece of paper off her desk with a message messily scribbled on. “She asked me to give this,” she handed me the paper, “to you.”

Come to my office, L. I glanced back up at Simone. “Thank you.”

“You know where her office is, right?”

“Yes.” I started walking. “Enjoy the rest of your day,” I called from over my shoulder.

I took a right turn, walking down a hallway, passing my cubicle, and towards the end of the hall. I stopped right in front of Lydia’s closed door and wasted no time knocking. Lydia’s voiced called for me to enter. I pushed the door open and almost tripped over a styrofoam cup that was carelessly strewn on the office floor, the first of many. I walked further into the office, appalled by the mess. Torn scraps of paper littered the floor, a trash can lay on its side in the far corner of the room and sweet wrappers peppered the mahogany desk.

“Ms. Collins?”

Lydia Collin’s head appeared from behind her large mahogany desk. She was in clear need of sleep and had aged a great deal since our last counter. Her wild copper hair was contained under a black headband, and green eyes encircled by dark rings from too much caffeine. She was a downright mess, and I wondered what reason she had for her unkempt appearance.

“Ms. Collins.”

“Call me, Lydia. I insist,” she lips split into a friendly smile.

My eyes scanned the room, and I resisted the urge to grab a broom and plastic bag. I stood awkwardly at the entrance, unsure of where to place myself in the chaos.

“It’s bad, I know.”

I looked up at my boss and smiled sheepishly, red-faced at the fact that I’d been caught out.

“It’s usually clean,” she continued, resting an elbow on her desk. She looked around her, her facial features twisting. “Wow… it’s really messy in here.”

“What happened?”

She huffed and that was a good enough answer for me. Lydia gestured for me to sit in the chair across from hers. “Please, sit down.”

I did as I was told, placing my bags on the floor beside me. I surveyed the documents scattered across her desk, the name ‘Appian Way’ showing up on most of the documents. I was curious, and couldn’t help but ask, “Are you working with Appian Way?”

“Good, you’ve heard of them then?”

“Vaguely,” I recalled the dinner at Daniel with founder and CEO. “I don’t know a lot about them though.”

“Did you know that they make environmentally friendly cars?”

I shook my head. “No.”

Whilst looking up Mr. DiCaprio, matters of his business sparked no interest in me. My focus was on his personal life, and the internet provided me with enough information on that to last me a lifetime.

“Here,” she handed me a tablet. “That’s their latest creation in environmental cars.”

I looked down at the screen and was impressed. A sleek and very expensive looking silver car was on the screen. It was parked in the middle of a deserted road against the backdrop of sky and skyscrapers. It was a powerful vehicle and commanded respect.

“Spectacular.”

“It’s grand, the safest vehicle in the world. Expensive too,” she added as an afterthought. “My job is to convince them that I’m the right person to help them sell the car to people.”

“When is the pitch?”

Lydia hauled herself to her feet and sat in her chair. “Today. I got the call late last night.”

I was aware of my shocked expression as I handed her back her the device. “You were headhunted?”

“It’s great, right?” she beamed, looking her age for the first time. “If I get this campaign, it could do wonders for my career.”

“What time is the pitch?”

“Four o’clock.” Her frown returned, deeper than before. “And I’ve still got so much work to do…”

“Can I get you more caffeine? Maybe clean up the office…?”

She smiled appreciatively. “Yes, please.”

I set out to the tea room, making the perfect cup of coffee for my boss. When I returned to her office, she had been joined by two creative who would be present during the pitch - I made coffee for them too. With all three caffeinated, I set out on my next task which was to clean the space. I was careful not to be disruptive, listening and offering my opinion where I felt fitting.

Two hours into the brainstorming session, I went on a sandwich and coffee run. They were grateful and worked all the way through lunchtime.

“Jessa?”

I looked up from my tablet screen. I was sat in a corner of the room, jotting notes when asked. “Yes?”

“Did you jot that down?” Lydia looked as though she would pass out at any minute.

I nodded. “You look like you’re about to collapse.”

“I think I might…” she yawned loudly, not bothered to cover her mouth. She excused the two creatives from her office, allowing her head to drop onto her desk the second the door shut. “I can no longer go on.”

“Don’t you think you should head home?”

“I just need a little more caffeine… something stronger,” she yawned again.

“The caffeine will kill you.”

“If I leave, what will happen with the pitch?”

“You don’t want to be falling in and out of consciousness during the meeting,” I countered. “Going home to rest is your best option.”

“You make a valid point.”

“Should I call an uber?”

“No, my girlfriend.” She gestured at her smartphone which rested on the desk beside her. “Press one and hold.”

—

With Lydia out the office, I was left to my devices. Simone had invited me out to lunch with our other colleagues and I gladly accepted the offer, seeing it as an opportunity for me to make new friends in the city. It was at an Italian restaurant 10 minutes from Akeley & Burke and they served the best Carbonara I had ever tasted.

I dropped my bag at my desk, grabbed a cup of coffee and returned to my cubicle to perform a more thorough search on Mr. DiCaprio, the man behind the multi-billion dollar company that was Appian Way.

I didn’t get much from the company’s Wikipedia so I expanded my search, the deeper I searched, the more I found. I was impressed with his extensive portfolio. Appian Way, a multinational corporation, was founded by Leonardo DiCaprio when he was only 19 years old.

“Having fun?”

I jumped when my boss appeared beside me. “You’re back.”

“I didn’t mean to startle you…”

I smiled sheepishly as I pushed off my chair, feeling silly for my unwarranted fear. He won’t find you, he can’t. “Are you feeling better?”

“Much. Come to my office,” she began to walk in the direction of her office, “and bring your tablet with you.”

Lydia and I worked through the afternoon preparing for the four o’clock meeting and were later joined by the two creatives who had been present in the morning. The last minute prep seemed to boost Lydia’s confidence, and calm her nerves. At three o’clock, Lydia picked up her jacket, a broad smile on her face as she shrugged it on.

“Are you ready?”

My face twisted in confusion. “For?”

“The pitch,” she said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “You have to come with, you worked hard helping me prep.”

I couldn’t deny my boss’s offer. I pushed to my feet and straightened the material of my dress. “Absolutely, let me grab my purse.”

—

From the backseat, I watched as the Appian Way building came into view. The structure was so tall, it passed the clouds in the sky. Our car parked at the curb in front of the building and I began to feel anxious, intimidated by the manmade wonder that was the Appian Way.

“How are you feeling?”

“Positive,” I turned to my boss who sat beside me. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I just might pass out.”

I smiled, stepping out of the car and onto the pavement. I looked up at the sapphire building and swallowed hard. We walked through the revolving doors, entering the vast stupendous lobby. Like Akeley & Burke, the Appian Way lobby was tiled with marble. We stopped at a security table and were handed visitor security cards and directed to the elevators.

“115 levels,” said one of the creatives in disbelief as we were whisked up to the last level of the building.

We were buzzed in, passing through the door of the security glass door at the entrance. We were asked to wait a moment and taken to a seating area of the reception. We were offered water or coffee, an offer we all declined, our nerves getting the better of us. The two-minute wait was excruciating, and I was relieved when the blonde who’d welcomed us asked for us to follow her into the conference room.

“Good luck.” My statement was directed to both my boss and the creatives.

When the door was opened, Lydia walked in first followed by the creatives. I was the last in the room and made quite an entrance. Not minding my step, I tripped and landed on both my hands and knees. Heat rose in my cheeks, and I wanted the ground to swallow me up.

A hand was extended to me and I reluctantly grabbed it, a fire igniting inside me at the contact. I was hauled onto my feet, and to balance myself, I placed my hand on a hard chest.

“So we meet again, Jessa,” murmured a familiar voice, loud enough only for me to hear.

I pushed off his chest like it was on fire and flinched at the loss of contact. “I’m sorry about that,” I flushed, the embarrassment and lust making me dizzy.

“I won’t be forgetting that entrance any time soon.”

“Mr. DiCaprio,” Lydia’s voice brought me back to reality, reminding me of the presence of the five other people in the room. “Meet my assistant, Jessa Williamson.”

Leonardo’s eyes stayed fixed on me, despite my boss addressing him. “We’ve met.”

Lydia’s eyes shot to me, searching for answers but all I could give was a shrug. My breathing was shallow, and there was a loud ringing in my ear. Breathe. I inhaled through my nose, letting the air pass through my slightly parted lips. Leonardo placed his hand on my back and led me to the table, and despite the clothes separating us, my skin was set alit. He pulled a chair out for me, and subtly commanded for me to sit.

I did as I was told without protest. Mr. DiCaprio took his seat beside me, gaining questioning glances from those around the room. No one dared question him. Lydia began to speak, and I was impressed watching her. She had them eating out of her hands, and didn’t seem intimidated by Mr. DiCaprio’s questions. She answered each thoroughly and with ease, the confidence emitting off her. Lydia Collins remained calm despite the immense pressure, I admired that.

“What do you think, Jessa?”

Leonardo was addressing me, his chair turned towards me. His gaze was intense, his entire focus on me. I shifted in my seat, looking at my boss to avoid his stare. “Of?”

“Which concept did you like best?”

I reverted my eyes back to the man sat opposite me, admiring his looks. I drank him in, he radiated sensuality and it wildly turned me on. “The last was pretty impressive, but they were all great.”

Leonardo stood, holding his hand out to me. My better judgment told me to reject his offer, but my body betrayed me by clutching onto the hand, yearning for the sensation his touch brought unto me.

“I agree with Ms. Williamson,” he spoke, his hand not releasing mine. I wondered if he felt the same charge that passed through us. “I look forward to working with you, Ms. Collins.”

I turned to Lydia who looked both perplexed and thrilled. “Thank you, Mr. DiCaprio. My team and I won’t let you down.”

—

“Lydia Collin’s office, Jessa Williamson speaking,” I formally greeted.

“Jessa.”

I was surprised to hear my father’s voice on the other end of the line. “Richard, is everything alright?”

“Yes, everything is fine.” He seemed anxious and unsure of himself. “I didn’t think you’d still be at the office.”

“I was replying to a couple of emails.” The lie passed through my lips with ease, and I felt guilty.

I’d been lying more often than I should’ve been. The truth was that I didn’t feel like being cooped up in my expensive apartment alone.

“How was the first day on the job? Maybe you can tell me all about it at dinner tonight.” His statement was phrased as a question. “Vanessa is still out of town…”

I stayed silent, thrown by his proposal.

“I understand if you’ve made other plans.”

“Of course not,” the words rushed out my mouth. “Dinner tonight sounds great.”

A sigh of relief sounded, giving my father away. He was nervous to ask. “Really?” he couldn’t hide the shock in his tone.

“Yes, really.”

“I’m 10 minutes away from Akeley & Burke…”

“I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

I hung up and killed the power of my computer. I began packing my bags when I became aware of another presence in the room. My initial fears subsided when I reminded myself of the fact that Akeley & Burke was a highly secured building, and no one unwanted could get through. Not unnoticed anyway. It was a little after seven in the evening, and most people had vacated the premises so it was quiet on my floor.

“Dinner plans?”

I had heard the voice enough to immediately recognize as Leonardo DiCaprio’s. His voice was smooth, and perfect for the bedroom. “Mr. DiCaprio.”

“It’s after working hours, Jessa, you can call me by my first name.”

I remained straight-faced, giving nothing away. “Mr. DiCaprio.”

The corners of his lips curved into a smirk. “Feisty, I like it.”

I pushed off my chair, steeling myself though my knees were on the verge of buckling. “I was just leaving,” I pushed past Leonardo, swiftly making my way to the elevator, conscious of his footsteps following behind mine.

“Where are you rushing off to?” He called after me.

“Dinner with my father,” my pace didn’t slow until I reached the elevator.

It had been a long and exhausting day, draining both physically and mentally. I looked forward to the moment I stepped past the threshold of my apartment and collapsed onto my bed. A confrontation with a man who left me feeling needy, craving his touch, was the last thing I wanted.

“You’re running from me?”

“Don’t flatter yourself, DiCaprio,” my manners were a thing of the past, irritation igniting in me. “I’m meeting my father for dinner.”

A car arrived and I stepped inside, my irritation intensifying when Leonardo followed me. I made an attempt to exit the car but he caught me by the elbow and tugged me back into the car.

“Let go,” I bit out.

He released me, and when I turned to escape the doors had closed. I made an exasperated sound which amused Leonardo. I put distance between us, leaning against the elevator wall and closing my eyes. Though I couldn’t see, I felt his eyes on me.

“It’s rude to stare.”

“What is the matter?”

“You,” I replied bluntly. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to see you.”

My eyes shot open, and dryly I responded, “Ha-ha, very funny.”

His face remained passive. “I wasn’t trying to be funny.”

“I don’t have time for this,” I murmured.

“Tell me, are you sleeping with anyone?”

Irritation turned to fury, and I balled my fists at my side. “Excuse me?”

“It’s a simple question, Jessa.”

“My personal life has nothing to do with you!”

“I want to know who’s standing in my way.” He stated simply, adding a shrug towards the end.

“I’m not interested.”

There was a ghost of a smile. “We both want each other…”

“I’m sure there’s plenty of women who’d jump at the opportunity to get into bed with you.”

“I’m not interested in other women.”

I was relieved when the elevators opened. “Goodbye, Mr. DiCaprio.”

“We’re not done, Jessa.” He stood in front of me, blocking the way. “So? What do you say?”

“Fuck you,” I spat, pushing past him and dashing out into the lobby, running past security and out onto the sidewalk.

“Jessa?”

I smiled at the sight of my father and gladly stepped into the open door of his Rolls Royce.

“How was the first day?”

I huffed, breathless. “It’s been a long day, Richard…”

[michellelewis7162]

Opting For An Advertising Agency

Opting For An Advertising Agency

 Despite just how great your item or the company you are using is, it will definitely certainly not develop the profile it ought to have unless it stands apart amongst its own competitions in the market. In reality, a great advertising campaign may be such an advantage to your service that having the right marketing company benefiting you may bring in all the difference in between results and breakdown. As such, it pays investing a long time assessing many companies so as to choose one that matches your service needs to have finest. In purchase to do this it is a really good idea to establish specifically what type of marketing you need. Here are actually a few locations to consider: Top Promotional Agencies

  Whether you are seeking a complete re-branding of your image or even focusing on specific regions. Equally, whether you desire to help make modifications to currently effectively set up services and products or create a slogan or even logo design for brand new brands. Issues such as the size and also lineage of the company figure in here, as a sizable firm could be better equipped to generate an entirely brand-new graphic for you while a much younger, much smaller company could possibly have even more inventive suggestions for a new item launch Top Promotional Agencies.

Make a decision whether you are wanting to branch off in to a brand-new market or generate better awareness in an existing market. You might, for instance, wish to entice a much younger or even extra sophisticated viewers or even feel your existing market portion may be increased in places where you have typically prospered. In either situation it deserves examining the advertising and marketing companies expertise of functioning in your particular industry and also whether the organization has the sufficient number of get in touches with to be actually capable to reach your audience. If you are actually trying to increase buyer understanding of a brand-new stable of detergents, point out, will the companies adventure of launching a wholescale campaign for a bathroom proper business have any importance? What jobs for one audience could not necessarily help yet another, therefore ask inquiries about what type of initiative matches your item as well as attempt to recognize whether you are actually offered general solutions or your specific necessities are actually taken into account United States.

Recognize whether it is actually the web content or even the type of your advertising that requires focus. In other phrases, are you trying to establish certain associations for your services or products so they come to be promptly recognisable to customers? Or even do you experience the stations through which your message is actually being actually broadcast are inadequate and require boosting? It is no good tapping the services of an advertising and marketing company fizzling with excellent ideas however without the infrastructure to become able to execute them.

The above aspects must aid you identify which services you prefer the advertising organization to carry out. Inevitably, different firms will possess different strengths as well as weak spots, therefore pay attention to exactly how much experience they possess of the sort of marketing you prefer carried out and also the quantity of results they have possessed in identical initiatives in the previous Top Promotional Agencies.

 It is constantly an excellent concept to maintain your eyes open for campaigns that wow you and name up the marketing team of the firm to ask that handled their campaign as well as what it resembled partnering with all of them. Every bit as, ask ex-clients of advertising agencies you are actually especially thinking about what their adventure of partnering with the company was actually. Was actually the organization positive as well as did it tailor the project to suit particular demands, or was there a feeling that the agency provided standard universal solutions to particular complications?

 The moment you have actually tightened your search up to pair of or three advertising and marketing firms, there are a variety of additional specific inquiries to think about:

 1. Determine who would supervise of your account as well as set up whether the account supervisor will stick with you for the duration of the campaign or even a much more younger account manager will certainly take over once the campaign is up as well as managing. Preferably you would like to be functioning along with the exact same crew from beginning to end.

 2. Ascertain how regularly the profile supervisor will definitely provide you updates regarding the development of the project, consisting of the costs accumulated as well as any sort of client reviews received. Before the campaign also starts make certain that there are no surprise costs and there is actually a device in position to identify how the project is going Top Promotional Agencies.

 3. It is an excellent suggestion to inquire the prospective advertising firm to make a trial initiative to find out exactly how effectively you function all together, what technique the agency observes, exactly how carefully it listens closely to your demands and also how proactive it is actually. As an example, assess how the organization would certainly manage the opportunity of dealing with certain consumer promos and devotion systems that would offer your provider more character, or request that they create a sales method for one of your newest items United States.

 When you have taken the steps described in this article you must possess a far better suggestion of the type of marketing organization that agrees with for your type of campaign. The only thing that remains today is to be actually diligent when formulating a deal concerning what you are obtaining and what you are actually not as well as whether the relations to settlement include any sort of efficiency warranties. The greatest of good luck, and also heres hoping you decide on an advertising organization you can easily possess a lengthy and productive collaboration along with.

 How to Find the very best Digital Marketing Agency

 In purchase to find the greatest electronic advertising agency, initially, our experts require to understand "what is actually electronic advertising", "will digital marketing benefit your organisation" and address the question "how perform I get more tops for my company?" - which should be the objective of any sort of advertising United States.

 What is actually a Digital Marketing Agency?

The thesaurus definition of Digital advertising is the advertising of products or even companies making use of electronic technologies, primarily on the world wide web, however also featuring mobile phones, present advertising and marketing, as well as some other digital channel. Thus simple to sum up in one sentence, however, it may be a complicated method to receive best and to make certain that all of your digital advertising and marketing is functioning with each other, not as silo tasks. This is where the experience and experience of the most effective electronic marketing organizations may be extremely helpful.

 Traditional marketing, newspapers and paper directories, such as Yellow Pages, are actually increasingly less efficient for companies. Whilst a few years ago people would certainly most likely to a computer to explore for a product and services, nowadays folks are connected to the internet all the time, each day and "real-time online". Searching for details, a product and services is actually as quick as well as straightforward as exploring on a laptop or even personal computer at the office or getting their mobile telephone or tablet. Digital advertising focuses on obtaining your information, products and also services in face of people when they are actually seeming online. The most ideal digital companies know the acquiring process of your items and solutions and guarantee that your info is actually prominent to the prospective customer at the ideal opportunity. In the electronic advertising planet, the several phases of the buying procedure i.e. research study, point to consider as well as purchase are called "micro-moments" and also the finest electronic marketing company will definitely offer the applicable details, service or even item at the targeted time in the getting process Top Promotional Agencies.

 Whilst some digital advertising and marketing companies will additionally develop and handle standard advertising or business advertising and marketing, such as newspaper advertising and marketing, professional electronic marketing firms will certainly focus on online marketing instead of "advertising and marketing firms" who frequently concentrate on TV, broadcast and also printing advertising and marketing Top Promotional Agencies.

 Regardless if your business is business-to-business (B2B) or even business-to-consumer (B2C), digital marketing could be a quickly, often on-the-spot, as well as dependable means of acquiring introduces your business as well as driving up earnings. The absolute best digital advertising and marketing organizations will take care of each one of the digital advertising based upon return on assets (ROI) making sure the tops produced are at a price that makes service sense as well as boosts revenue degrees. Digital marketing will profit your company and responds to the question "how do I acquire even more leads for my business"?

 Digital advertising and marketing, often described as internet site advertising, can easily be broken right into a variety of vital attributes and services:

 S.E.O Services

Internet search engine optimisation, a lot of typically abbreviated to "SEO", is the process of obtaining your internet site located on online search engine like Google when people make a search appropriate to your business, product or services United States.

 Regardless if your internet site is actually ecommerce or even offering services it are going to drive leads as well as sales into your service if it is actually located for the hunt terms folks utilize (typically described as "keyword phrases") to search for all of them in Google.

 Search Engine Optimisation requires expertise as well as understanding of how Google reviews your website. What messages as well as details you prefer Google to review for a web page or even web site as well as knowing where to place that info so internet search engine can easily locate it. An excellent SEO business will have a proven performance history of ranking internet sites higher in the hunt results Top Promotional Agencies.

 Search Engine Optimisation functions finest when the established procedures of getting ranks are applied in conjunction with newest styles that are steering visitor traffic. An example of the is the "near me" phenomenon, which has found a 150% development in the final 12 months, where smart phone customers are actually incorporating "near me" to their hunt inquiry i.e. "SEO Company near me". These consumers are looking to acquire as well as purchase from a regional company or product distributor.

 Although SEO may be a stand-alone solution, it is very most successful when incorporated with PPC, social media and image advertising and marketing. S.E.O is actually also the foundation of efficient PPC, social networks as well as image administration campaigns United States.

 Pay out Per Click

Pay For Per Click (PPC) commonly described as "Google Advertising" or "on the web advertising" is actually where you place adverts at the leading of the search engine results page for certain hunt conditions. These search phrases could be the phrases people utilize when in the "investigation" stage of creating an investment or targeted at the "buying keywords" when potential clients are seeking to acquire Top Promotional Agencies.

 Although your advert, relying on your finances, may be revealed each time a hunt is actually made, you merely pay for when a world wide web individual clicks on your advert as well as is actually taken to your website or calls you route from the search results page webpage significance you only spend when you receive a click from a possible consumer thus the label for this type of marketing of Pay Per Click (typically shortened to PPC).

 The amount of you purchase each click on is actually calculated by a couple of factors. The "price every hit" (abbreviated to CPC) is calculated due to the high quality and also relevance of the advert to the hunt term being used as well as the relevancy of the web page on your site that the prospective consumer arrive at. These aspects contribute to your total "quality score". The higher your quality rating, the much less you pay per click on and a lot less you spend per lead right into your organisation Los Angeles.

 In the UK, Google possesses the huge bulk of hunt traffic and also a lot of your budget ought to be positioned their, nonetheless, you are going to not would like to miss out on the much smaller, however, still sizable capacity for consumers coming from online search engine like Microsoft's Bing platform, and also a little component of the finances should be actually alloted to other internet search engine. Additionally, the extremely finest PPC monitoring companies will definitely likewise discuss spreading your PPC budget plan over a variety of campaigns intended for different component of the customer experience. A little component of the spending plan need to be actually designated to the study phase of the purchasing process when folks are utilizing vast search phrases to locate info, a little portion of the budget when individuals are actually seeking yours, your rivals or even market forerunners company name. The bulk of the budget plan when potential clients are actually making use of hunt terms directly pertaining to creating a purchase and last but not least, a little portion of the spending plan to re-market (present your advertising to individuals who have actually revealed a passion in your product or services through exploring your internet site) to capture and also increase transformations from the customers formerly publicized as well Top Promotional Agencies.

 The very best PPC Agency are going to be a Google Premier Partner. A Google Premier Partner status shows that the firm possesses a tested performance history in delivering top quality projects, which generate excellent competitive/low CPC's and also supply higher and also favorable ROI's. The best PPC organization are going to possess a robust PPC administration process in location to quickly respond and also capitalise on adjustments in the PPC projects of your competitors.

 Unlike SEO, that can easily take a while to become fully effective, Pay Per Click is instant in the fact that as quickly as your campaigns are actually live they can easily be actually generating tops for your company.

 Pay Per Click is actually strongly reliable when executed together along with SEO. A well-optimised site will strengthen the quality rating of your Google marketing campaign leading in a reduced "cost every click on" implying you acquire additional tops for your finances Top Promotional Agencies.

 Social Media Marketing

Social Media platforms like Facebook as well as Twitter are currently reputable spots for a service to entice leads. Facebook has more than 38 MILLION active and routine individuals in the UK as well as the variety is actually expected to rise to over 42 MILLION through 2020. Regardless if your organisation offers to individuals or other companies, your possible consumers get on Facebook and using it commonly Los Angeles.

 Facebook is great at elevating understanding in the course of the clients "analysis" phase, advising them of your product or services in the course of the "consideration" stage and also placing your details items in front end of prospective customers at the "buying" phase. Along with such a large target market and the adaptability to target clients throughout the buying procedure, Facebook can easily be actually a great pathway to create tops and also sales and to provide a terrific roi.

 A good digital advertising agency will possess an effective performance history in delivering extremely helpful Facebook ad campaign. The best digital advertising firms will have the ability to display the transformation fee as well as cost per top of your social networks advertising.

 Again, social networks advertising and marketing and also especially Facebook advertising and marketing may be held out as a stand-alone activity however it functions so considerably far better when mixed along with SEO and/or PPC. When a prospective consumer visits your website their personal computer is indicated as having actually explored. This then allows you to target the individual of that computer, who has shown an interest in your products or services.

 Track record Management

When looking at buying, a potential client will comb the internet to locate feedback and also assesses coming from previous clients. Your internet marketing and also sales can easily live or pass away through the testimonials for your company, companies or even items. Ensuring that favorable customer reviews are simple to find and also any type of bad reviews is dealt with effectively, may be a huge advantage to your sale cost Los Angeles.

 Digital advertising business call this "reputation management" or even "on the web credibility management" however, actually, it is actually creating systems to produce client assessments as well as client feedback following favorable consumer total satisfaction is caught as well as effortless to locate for prospective clients.

 Many businesses are actually involved with enabling everyone the potential to candidly offer feedback. You can certainly not please each one of the folks each one of the time, and also firms stress that a poor testimonial is going to have an unfavorable impact on their company. First of all, if someone is actually figured out to leave behind a poor testimonial for your organisation they will find a platform to accomplish so as well as there are 1000's of systems to pick from. It is actually far better to have control of where customers are actually promoted to leave behind a testimonial. Second of all, a bad or even bad testimonial, if taken care of well, can easily be actually a beneficial for your business. Involving along with a bad evaluation highlights that you appreciate reviews and consequently, you appreciate your consumers. One effectively managed negative testimonial may be as helpful for your organisation 10 really good reviews Los Angeles.

 Appearing for a Marketing Agency?

 Choosing a Marketing Agency is actually a good approach to deliver your business to the next amount, however discovering the right advertising and marketing agency that will definitely carry out all the essential job and bring you extra clients may be challenging. As well as just before you surrender your challenging earned funds to the first company that arrives your way, you must think about a handful of traits.

 The Internet has actually right now boosted a lot better than it was actually before as well as transformed the lifestyle of lots of people in numerous methods. However today's reputable professionals state that this is actually merely the beginning of its own growth. They claim that nowadays the on-line world is actually much even more crucial for our team than a number of various other tools, in addition that are going to influence our lifestyles in a handful of added directions in the nearest future. For case, based upon brand new research study data, the majority have actually currently switched towards the on-line internet to study and research study rather than mosting likely to the public library. Similarly, the future of the newspapers furthermore seems closed given that a growing number of people are actually utilizing the Internet to obtain the newest details.

 The TV is upcoming toward to the Internet equally. Even more and also a lot more TELEVISION programs along with sports happenings are actually now transmitted on the world wide web and also more individuals are investing a lot less time enjoying television. Because of that, also the FIFA World Cup 2010, was transmitted on the net.

 Therefore if you run a business or a huge provider, and if you wish to acquire additional potential customers and also consumers, it is needed to possess a compelling web existence. Extra companies are mesmerizing and recognize this, in order that is why, a considerably volume of business owners are making use of the services of an advertising firm.

 So exactly how can A Marketing Agency be helpful for your details business design?

 What a marketing organization performs, is actually looking into and also studying the market extensive particulars for the client's market, consequently the organization may create great advertising and marketing project. The function of that is the client's services and products to get to the potential consumers. Nevertheless discovering the right advertising and marketing company may be tricky. While a standard organization uses the traditional advertising and marketing techniques like paper advertisements, TELEVISION commercials, magazines and also advertising boards, an internet marketing firm will certainly market the client's organisation online. As well as to carry out that it is really significant that the firm has properly experienced staff that has actually learnt the search motors, affiliate advertising, SEO, PPC, write-up advertising and marketing, email advertising and marketing as well as numerous various other approaches.

 The advertising and marketing agency, as a portion of ensuring and also marketing the customer's internet site, might design and readjust the internet site also. By doing this it will definitely see to it that the website is not simply appealing however that will certainly carry even more leads as well as customers.

 Also identical to a typical organization, the goal of an internet marketing agency may brand name your business and also the products, not simply market and also industry the service. As well as naturally, this is performed completely on the net.

 Therefore Would You Hire A Marketing Agency?

 This is actually the absolute most common inquiry that lots of local business owner inquire personal rather often considering that they are puzzled. Remembering the massive ability of advertising and marketing on the web, tons of businesses want to examine the traditional technique of marketing as well as have actually set up a big existence online with the help of an advertising company.

 Also numerous company owner have made a decision to take factors in their very own palms and also market their services and products online, but unfortunately a lot of neglect coming from the shortage of understanding.

 However the fact remains that, an increasing number of people are using the Internet as their principal source for information, news, music, enjoying sports activities but more vital searching for product or services they need.

 Opting For the very best Digital Marketing Agency

 It is vital that you decide on the best digital advertising company because they are needed to aid you obtain exposure and existence on the internet for your provider. When opting for one you must pursue one that is nearby and also is located near where your company is actually found. Through performing this you will certainly save attempt as well as time traveling to the advertising and marketing firm. It will definitely also be actually very easy to correspond quicker as well as much easier rather than incorporating complication to your guidelines by utilizing e-mail or even the phone. With the age of the internet, it is crucial that the digital marketing organization you decide on is actually seasoned.

 Before chatting to possible internet advertising firm, you should detail your targets and also vital outcome locations that you would certainly like for the marketing firm to deal with. Make a quick checklist of four or even more really good agencies and also ask for a face to face consultation to share your list along with therefore you may view how they will definitely answer your concerns and if they can easily offer you the crucial outcomes you want. After the consultations, perform an evaluation of the offerings and also capacities each of these firms along with your company's budget plan and also marketing goals. As soon as this is actually done you need to manage to decide on the company that absolute best meets your necessities. Most agencies when trying to find an electronic advertising company are actually trying to find an organization that will definitely give you social networking sites advertising, mobile phone advertising and marketing, SEM, producing a blog post, SEO as well as far more.

 Listed here are actually some other recommendations to aid you choose the appropriate electronic advertising and marketing company.

 - Experience-when you tap the services of a digital advertising agency, they should possess a significant volume of experience within this industry.

- Look to see if this marketing firm has applied productive marketing tactics for a firm in a sector similar to yours.

- You ought to also take a look at the high quality of each agencies function before you settle the deal

- You need to examine the employees of the business to view their credentials and experience because you desire your organization in good palms.

- Look carefully at the plan of services this firm is actually providing. Lot of times, they are going to deliver the best site style, mobile and also e-mail web remedies, internet marketing, SEO as well as SEM, copy and also web content writing as well as additional.

- Checkout their site, social networks webpages, and also the blog post and see exactly how they have actually implemented their marketing culture. Observe that every little thing is upgraded.

- Check out the track record of the electronic indicating organization you are actually thinking about allow deal with a lot of the scenario.

 These are actually just a number of a lot of things to consider before choosing a digital advertising and marketing firm. Take your opportunity to discover the organizations you are thinking about working with prior to creating the decision.

[mycasandstarrs]

SPN 8x14: “Trial and Error”

THEN: Crossroad demons and deals. Hellhounds. Kevin on his Prophet job. Goofer dust. The key to the Men of Letters Bunker.

Back at Fizzles’ Folly.

Days in the Life of Kevin Tran.

I guess Kevin abandoned his vegan diet.

He’s got something!

He’s also got a nose bleed. Ouch.

Dean decorating his room at the Bunker. :’)

Top it off with the picture of him and Mary. Please Dean, I don’t want to cry this early.

“I haven't had my own room – ever. I'm making this awesome. I got my kickass vinyl, I've got this killer mattress.”

I love him so much.

WHAT A DICK HEAD MOVE, SAM.

HA, Dean put up a grenade launcher is a decoration piece. AND there's the Purgatory weapon!

Dean cooked in the Bunker kitchen! Goddamn it, I love nesting/domestic Dean.

(I hope Dean cooked for Mary when she was around.)

The burger was so good Sam took it with him. Bless.

Eugh. Poor Kevin.

A “small” stroke???

“I figured out how to close the Gates of Hell.”

“Come here, you smelly son of a bitch.”

Aww, the happiness!

“The tablet says, ‘Whosoever chooses to undertake these tasks should fear not danger, nor death, nor...’ A word I think means getting your spine ripped out through your mouth for all eternity.” Oh.

Trial #1: Kill a hellhound and bathe in its blood.

“Look, you get on the net – see what you can dig up. I'm gonna go for a supply run because we need goofer dust, and the kid needs to eat something that's not ground-up hooves and pigs' anuses – not that there's anything wrong with that.”

Dean’s on a roll this episode.

I would have loved to have seen Garth and Kevin interact. That would’ve been awesome to see.

“This whole ‘saving the world’ thing – it's a marathon, not a sprint. You got to take better care of yourself.” Good words from Sam.

“Did you know that there are, like, 6,000 kinds of tomatoes?” haha. Sam probably did.

Sam’s got a lead: The Cassity’s.

“I got you a present. The, uh, blue ones are for the headaches, and the greens are for pep. Don't O.D.” Oh my god, Dean.

Shoshone, Idaho.

“Hey, pal, who runs this joint?”

“You're looking at her.”

Ellie.

“You guys here about the job?” A perfect opportunity to blend in.

Carl Granville.

“So you're not a Cassity? “

“No, my wife is. Her and her family own the place. I'm just one those, uh – what you call 'em? Trophy husbands.”

“You bed down in here. Breakfast is at 5:00, dinner is at 8:00, and in between, you're mine. Questions?”

“I miss my room.”

Dean, please. the room looks fine.

“Okay. Job is yours if you want it. But I better warn you – it's crap work.”

haha.

Alice Cassity.

“She's a real piece of work, huh?”

“Alice Cassity's a piece of something, all right?”

A piece of shiittt.

“So, what are we thinking?”

“What, dealwise? Well, Ellie's the help, so that rules her out.”

“And Carl doesn't really seem like the sell-your-soul type. So, Alice?”

“Ding-ding-ding.”

They couldn’t be more wrong.

“Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy. 

Hellhounds are near...

RIP Carl Granville. Killed by a hellhound.

“This wasn't a wolf.” Ellie knew.

“Let's grab our stuff and get out of here.” NO NO NO. Not yet!

Carl made the demon deal to be with Alice.

“You think our demon signed up more than one schmuck while he was in town?”

“Wouldn't be the first time.”

y e p

Sam, the man with the plan!

Time to meet the rest of the Cassitys.

Noah Cassity. “He's 71, worth a billion, and just married wife number 5, a 20-year-old lingerie model.”

Alice is the oldest.

Then there’s Cindy Cassity. “She had a single on the country chart a few years ago. Then she started hitting the bottle, and, well... Her last album was a bunch of holiday songs for dogs. My favorites were ‘Jingle Bark Rock’ and ‘Don't Pee on this Tree: Happy Arbor Day.’"

Margot, the youngest. “She ran away just before Alice and Carl tied the knot, lives in Paris.”

“Okay, tonight is an all-hands-on-deck situation. I'm gonna need one of you inside, serving dinner and pouring drinks – a lot of drinks.”

“Okay. Well, have fun. I won't wait up.”

“And somebody's gonna man the grill.”  

“What kind of grill?”

Goddamn, Dean’s great.

“I do like a man who can handle his meat.” OOOHHH ELLIE.

Dean would be a great chef.

There was no more wine in the bottle! Don’t be so damn dismissive.

Cindy is the devil.

“Get cancer and die, old man.”

“You first, sweetie.”

pfft.

“Are they always like this?”

“More or less.”

“How can you work here?”

“I love the property, I love the animals, and I tune out the people.”

Ellie’s awesome.

There’s the bombshell: Crowley was the demon that made the deal.

Kevin’s got a way to see hellhounds. "The dire creatures may be seen only by the damned or through an object scorched with holy fire."

You two are in WAY over your heads.

Dean in glasses!!! Hot diggity damn.

“I think you're really hot. You want to go to my room and have sex?” weLL SHE WAS REALLY DIRECT ABOUT THAT.

Wow, that was really hard for Dean to turn down (and I can’t say I blame him).

“Ellie, um... Rain check?”

“This is one night only. Sorry.”

Oohh, that should have been your clue, Dean.

RIP Margot Cassity. Killed by a hellhound.

“You can't do this. You can't—”

“Yes, I can. You want to know why? Because it's what I do. And, buddy, I'm the best.”

Well okay then.

“I'm a grunt, Sam. You're not. You've always been the brains of this operation.“ DEAN NO

“And you told me yourself that you see a way out. You see a light at the end of this ugly-ass tunnel. I don't.”

“'Cause that's what I have waiting for me – that's all I have waiting for me. I want you to get out. I want you to have a life – become a man of Letters, whatever. You, with a wife and kids and – and – and grandkids, living till you're fat and bald and chugging Viagra – that is my perfect ending, and it's the only one that I'm gonna get.”

You ever lose the will to live? ‘Cause that’s how I feel after hearing Dean’s monologue.

“I Touch Myself” by the Divinyls. One of my favorite songs. Ellie’s got good taste.

“Margie used to say that – that if we were rich, we'd all be happy.” Margot sold her soul for her family to be rich.

“This is gonna sound crazy, but there is something evil out there.”

“I know.”

“You know?”

“It’s coming for me.”

There you go.

Damn it, Alice!

Ellie made a deal to heal her mom from Parkinson’s.

“That was a stupid move, Ellie.” SAID THE MAN WHO MADE A DEAL TO BRING BACK HIS DEAD BROTHER. Though I guess that gives him the full right to say it. Still, Dean, don’t judge her.

“I did it for my mom, Dean. What would YOU do for your mom?”

“Crowley didn't tell you about the 10-year ticking clock?”

“What? I knew that when I died, I wasn't going to heaven, but he never said anything about that or monsters.”

That’s despicable.

Euch, the hallucinations.

Sammy to the rescue!

RIP hellhound. Killed by Sam.

:( I hate the idea that Ellie’s going to Hell when she dies. I love her, she’s awesome.

“We'll track down another Hellhound, and I'LL kill it.” Stubborn as a donkey, Dean.

“I want to slam hell shut, too, okay? But I want to survive it. I want to live, and so should you. You have friends up here, family. I mean, hell, you even got your own room now. You were right, okay? I see light at the end of this tunnel. And I'm sorry you don't – I am. But it's there. And if you come with me, I can take you to it.”

“Sam, be smart.”

“I AM smart, and so are you.”

“Better than me, better than dad. I believe in you, Dean. So, please – please believe in me, too.”

I love Sam’s monologue to Dean. I love it and appreciate with all my heart.

Trial #1 is complete.

“I'm good. I'm okay. I can do this.”

[ixvyupdates]

Glimpse the Future with Amy Webb @amywebb (Thanks @TWiT)

The last couple days I’ve been listening to the latest TWiT podcast, hosted by Leo LaPorte (@leolaporte) and featuring guests Amy Webb (@amywebb) and Greg Ferro (@etherealmind). Wow have I ever loved their conversation and the insights they shared on a variety of topics including AI, the ascendency of China, Amazon, EU anti-trust law, and more! I highly recommend this show to you. In this post, I’ll share a few of those insights to (hopefully) clarify my own thinking and encourage you to delve more into these issues and referenced resources.

I am loving the conversation in this latest ?@TWiT? podcast with author and futurist @amywebb cc #edtechSR https://t.co/CRoUrKKxom

— Wesley Fryer ??? (@wfryer) July 25, 2018

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

First, if you are not already, follow Amy Webb (@amywebb) on Twitter. I’ve just purchased her book, “The Signals Are Talking: Why Today’s Fringe Is Tomorrow’s Mainstream,” and can’t wait to immerse myself in more of her thinking and informed vision of the future. Her next book, which she briefly mentioned on this TWiT podcast episode, is about AI and the 9 companies which are vying to control it globally. That book (which has not even been released yet) is already banned in China (via the rights purchaser who is blocking its sale and distribution) and that fact alone ought to get everyone’s attention. Amy has the pulse of a great deal that matters in our society and with technology, and is a voice anyone with an eye to our collective future should listen to.

#book2read #JustBoughtOnAmazon: The Signals Are Talking: Why Today's Fringe Is Tomorrow's Mainstream by @amywebb https://t.co/Mttai1LVS9

via @leolaporte @TWiT cc @edtechSR #future #edtech #futurism

— Wesley Fryer ??? (@wfryer) July 28, 2018

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Dean Shareski (@shareski) posted a thought-provoking article recently (“Flogging the Dead Horse of RSS”) which brings to mind a question related to the ideas in this TWiT podcast: How did I serendipitously come to find and listen to this show?

iReading: Flogging the Dead Horse of RSS by ?@shareski? via ?@techlearning? s/o ?@feedly? #GoogleReader https://t.co/SBYlfLSWzj

— Wesley Fryer ??? (@wfryer) July 28, 2018

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The answer is I’m subscribed to the TWiT podcast, along with about 100 other podcasts, using my favorite podcatcher app on my smartphone, PocketCasts (@pocketcasts). I also now love being able to ask one of the Google Home Minis in our house, “Hey Google, play the latest episode of the This Week in Tech podcast,” and have it immediately start playing. Virtually “discovering” or encountering Amy Webb isn’t an act of random serendipity for me, it’s rather the result of intentional and deliberately plotted serendipity. I love to highlight this strategy and others in a conference breakout session I usually title simply, “Discovering Useful Ideas.”

An updated OPML file of my current podcast subscriptions. Culled this down from 140 to just over 100. Lots of great stuff here… https://t.co/y6l72jCLJj

— Wesley Fryer ??? (@wfryer) July 8, 2018

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In this podcast, Amy Webb is unequivocal that China is the ascendent nation on our planet, and will be the dominant force economically, politically and culturally in the 21st century. This is a prediction I’ve glimpsed myself in four visits to mainland China dating back to 2007, and as I consider the academic choices of our youngest daughter in high school (whether to continue studying French or to switch over to Chinese) as well as our future / prospective schools to work in as professional educators, this gives me pause. If your school is not offering Chinese as a language choice today in 2018, it should be and that needs to change. If you or your child has an opportunity to study Chinese and potentially become fluent in the Chinese language, definitely give it a try. If you or those you counsel / advise have the opportunity to live, study, and/or work, or at least travel in China, DO IT. Of course ours is a big world, and there are many of pathways to a satisfying and “successful” life which do not involve the Chinese language or China, but increasingly our lives as a globalized society will intersect more. This also makes me consider the importance of translating the books “I have inside me” and want to write and publish in the years ahead into Chinese.

“More excitements coming soon!” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Wesley Fryer

I also found Amy’s points in this TWiT podcast about the short-term thinking (generally) of U.S. society, businesses and government leaders relative to other nations and regions of our planet very provocative and important. I think it is common today for many in the United States to take our global position as economic and hegemonic leader for granted, and assume our status quo will be maintained into the future. This isn’t a safe assumption and warrants reconsideration on multiple levels.

One of the blog posts which I’ve been thinking about writing for several months now would address things I’ll likely term, “Our Grand Challenges.” As a society in the United States and more broadly on our planet, we’ve got some important things to figure out and change.

How are we going to provide for the health and medical needs of ALL our citizens? (Hint: It’s not by continuing to let insurance and pharmaceutical companies write the legislation which becomes our laws.)

How are we going to fundamentally change our political culture, so elected officials in Washington D.C. don’t have to spend most of their time fundraising and pandering to wealthy donors, and instead can learn about issues, listen to each other, and seek political compromises on a wide variety of important issues?

How are we going to change our behavior to sustainably care for and “serve as stewards” of our planet, rather promote the short-term interests of corporations and investors?

How are we going to manage our information and media landscape, so the voices of extremists and actions of “bad actors” do not dominate our collective attention and exercise such out-of-balance influence over our shared political agendas?

I could go on (and likely will when I finally write that post), but I’ll stop and note that Amy’s analysis in this TWiT podcast got me thinking even more about the importance of LONG TERM thinking and strategies for our society and institutions. We need more long term and “long game” thinkers and leaders. This can and should start and be fueled by conversations in our classrooms tomorrow.

Finally, Amy’s commentary in this TWiT podcast got me thinking (as I often do) about the importance of understanding technology, understanding code, and embracing rather than fearing the challenges as well as opportunities which are presented to us today in 2018. I’m reminded of Virginia Postrel’s (@vpostrel) outstanding 2011 book, “The Future and Its Enemies: The Growing Conflict Over Creativity, Enterprise, and Progress.”

s/o to @vpostrel "The Future & Its Enemies" by @cogdog in his #ASCUE17 keynote https://t.co/VytH7yTYjD pic.twitter.com/xOIXa20pzF

— Wesley Fryer ??? (@wfryer) June 24, 2017

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We need more “dynamists” (rather than “statists”) in our communities and households, as well as more informed optimists like Amy Webb. I won’t pretend to have a picture perfect view of the future through my own metaphorical palantir, but I definitely feel like I’m seeing further than I could before after listening to Amy. I’ve added her to my Twitter list of “yodas” I follow via Flipboard. You should too!

“Shelly Fryer and Wesley Fryer in Shanghai” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Wesley Fryer

Did you know Wes has published several eBooks and “eBook singles?” 1 of them is available free! Check them out!

Do you use a smartphone or tablet? Subscribe to Wes’ free magazine “iReading” on Flipboard!

If you’re trying to listen to a podcast episode and it’s not working, check this status page. (Wes is migrating his podcasts to Amazon S3 for hosting.) Remember to follow Wesley Fryer on Twitter (@wfryer), Facebook and Google+. Also “like” Wesley’s Facebook pages for “Speed of Creativity Learning” and his eBook, “Playing with Media.” Don’t miss Wesley’s latest technology integration project, “Mapping Media to the Curriculum.”

Glimpse the Future with Amy Webb @amywebb (Thanks @TWiT) syndicated from https://sapsnkraguide.wordpress.com

[darwindurham4-blog]

Are You Sick of Making Other Peoples' Dreams Happen As Opposed To Your Personal?

Online motion pictures are terrific benefit to those film enthusiasts which would like to view their favourite classic flicks which are unattainable on DVDs. On schedule individuals are actually keenly aware of the effects of straggling, Klapow stated. I suggest you begin through utilizing the diversity approach if you are a first-timer in writing internet information. They must be willing to back-up claims and also claims they bring in publicly on visit the up coming internet site web and to you privately. While looking into the MMPI 2, I went on a mission to discover the test completely free online. There are actually several gifted people online prepared to offer their tips for no charge at all. Additionally, having a profile on one or more adult dating websites extremely improves your opportunities from locating your only and also through making multiple accounts, you additionally have the possibility to get in touch along with other people The accusations against Price represented an unusual shame for the online store. This implies people which reveal elements of net dependence could be actually more established to obtain internet regardless and also most likely to aim to navigate protection process or even overlook advice about on the web security. Wow is the leading large multiplayer on the web job having fun game out there. There are more than 19 million people in the The big apple and also finding a single person will be actually difficult to perform. Get a hold of a pc and also be sure that it is actually attached to the Net. Along with raising requirement of cost-free on the internet motion pictures websites, there have actually developed bunches of SPAM websites as well. Great write-up above conflict individuals - indeed, I have actually had to handle plenty of these life drawing personalities in my lifestyle. Finding simply the right web hosting solution for your site could be a difficult process, especially if you are actually not that acquainted with the different companies readily available. Friendster enables you to effortlessly find people based on their sex, enthusiasms, and age (depending upon their privacy setups) while likewise participating in activities coming from the internet site's substantial selection. There are many on the web apparel retail stores offered on the internet where you can easily find the most up to date Outfit Concept and style. Even more folks on the web at all times", because of mobile phones linked constantly". For instance, you could click on a hyperlinked title in the list of folks presently in the news, or click on the Random Browse choice to know a person you never heard of in the past. Along with all these various ways to talk to psychics available, lots of people have become aware of web call analyses yet never ever consider them. The Web 2.0 social media sites where folks socialize with each other have actually likewise made the task simpler as lots of people are actually members from well-liked websites like MySpace, Facebook, Friendster, Twitter, etc Steve Scenario (born August 21, 1958) is actually a United States business person most effectively referred to as the co-founder of The U.S.A. Online (AOL). This is achievable to automate every thing from prospecting as well as arranging your tops, even following up along with individuals and enrolling all of them right into your business. The intro of 3G modern technology in to the web as well as telecommunication space has actually triggered making use of Tablet computers as a handy tool of associating with individuals and labels on the web. To cultivate an expert Internet site that obtains results, this is completely important to locate the appropriate programmer.

[idecadentcollectorladyposts-blog]

Knowing ICal Time Regions.

The Pro is actually dressed to wow: two bring scenarios, a tshirt clip, two wire resources, a 6,3 mm to 3,5 mm connect adapter and 8 special ear sets. And when our experts experience tough condition, our company are actually conflicted in between what our team believe and what our experts think. We have an amazing stream resource no person else possesses ... This is an opportunity the USA has certainly never had. Yet at the same time, as a male who has actually composed a ton of stuff, it is actually very feasible perhaps mediocre writing and simply slid with the splits.

Think of all of them as an advertising and marketing plan to bring in people to apply, but at that point they experience an extra personal and interior procedure. I imply our team designate every little thing and also whatever this is this only is - i think my method is observe my impulses and also produce one thing i experience is artistic, that arises from inside, then attempt to offer that in a obtainable as well as fair way. The framework components don't imply that the ThinkPad 10 is actually a specifically lightweight grip - at 597g this is actually substantially heavier than the 437g apple ipad Sky 2, for example. Possibly the fitness/activity monitoring features can be great on the Pebble Opportunity if smartbands live up to their potential. I assume the greatest difficulty to obtaining AAA video games developed for iphone (instead of 10+ years of age activities being ported to iphone) is actually that the majority of iOS players seem to assume any sort of price over $3 is actually a higher price for a game. And the energy will not originate from clogging the rivers, however by letting all of them circulation-- the much faster, the far better-- via in-stream hydrokinetic power. i thought about this ran Emerald Opportunity on my iPhone 4 (AT&T) and this's revealing a +15.5 2nd delta, much more than I will have counted on provided the fact that it synchronizes with the mobile high rises (though they may just be off through a repaired amount, very). Basically, Bullet Opportunity acquires a ton of points straight when it relates to dual stick shooters. It features a spreadsheet that could help deliver a typical guideline from just what you can easily assume to pay in electricity costs for old/existing hosting servers versus new servers. Inning accordance with a report discharged and also administered by Hydro Environment-friendly Energy in January, fish going through their generator had a 97 per-cent survival cost. Even though you neglected the time-freeze feature and just looked at Opportunity Locker in the situation from a regular shoot 'em up, Opportunity Locker feels one-of-a-kind because of the way that it participates in. Squall was attempting to reject his emotions for her in the beginning yet as even more time passed in her provider, he realized that if he didn't state exactly how he definitely felt, he was actually heading to shed her and also practically did. The daemon in Maxwell's experiment generally had the relevant information this possessed pertaining to the rate of particles as well as changed it in to energy. Gigabit ethernet-- while not as quick as USB or Firewire-- can easily assist streaming video and also various other functions all at once. Nevertheless, I do not assume Mr. Elberling is completely correct about iPad running out compared to a fourth from the whole entire tablet market. More notably, this maybe-dependable-maybe-not answer is additionally Apple's CYA last resource for every single concern they do not would like to waste time addressing with you. After a decent amount of play, I think Strike Staff's IAP is in fact rather dainty as well as practically unnecessary. Inevitably my preferred may be Rydia's Concept, however if you ask me again in a few months I bet that'll transform. The upcoming reason is I believe the Change is also challenging and also has way too many pieces. Due to the fact that the fuel tissue company is actually so hard (review my The discomfort factor for Blossom Electricity and also other fuel cell creators ), Blossom Power is actually most likely not lucrative after 11 years. Having said that, if you combo these with glyphs of power, you can lessen the price but still obtain the power profit of your attunement. In the overall results, 36 per-cent from those evaluated pointed out that the early morning between 9 and 11 was their most productive time of time. This will provide the island a screen system from electrical power circulation as opposed to the typical tree-and-branch design used through standard electricals, which indicates that energy could be distributed extra properly inning accordance with lots and need. I carry out presume there's lots of space around for everybody - Private Outsourcing is actually simply removing the ground and also that's aided through raised connection and brand-new modern technologies readily available to any individual happy to do more in their time. Some I believe I have actually answered in my personal thought-gathering (which I'll discuss), some will certainly require a 2nd browsing, and others may merely must be actually dealt with in fan fiction. Currently the build right now possesses, 3 map sets from 5 degrees each consisting of manager phases. Inning accordance with records from Xcel Power as well as quotes from those knowledgeable about indoor developing, a solitary light used to expand 16 straight feets from flowerpot takes in about fifty percent as a lot energy as the typical Colorado house in a one-month time frame. A song that does not get loud enough to wake you up till halfway through are going to squander pair of even more moments from the moment you must get off to function. Individuals appear to assume that twitter will not permit you create new clients that imitate the formal one, but that is actually not really the instance. I really did not like The Legend from Zelda: Ocarina of Time up until I addressed my first problem. It falls to the Wi-Fi-only iPad individual to utilize Trip to visit a trusted opportunity common or to make use of an application that presently has that function integrated in. After that, the individual will need to improve the internal clock manually. Nonetheless, in addition to the Wii, one of the most famously discovered versions of both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 are their 2007 models, both which eat considerable amounts of energy. Some additionally question the motivation of gamifiers, yet I ask yourself how many cynics have in fact met the males and females working toward a much more gamified planet.

[kojakgraphics-blog]

Is Paper and Print Still Important?

Is paper and print still important? From traditionalists to technologists, we asked the experts...

There’s no denying we live in a digital world, but it seems that printed communications still hold a place in our hearts, despite what the naysayers will have you believe. To find out just how important the medium still is, we called on a diverse group of experts, all involved in the paper and print industry in various different ways, to share their thoughts, and their favourite work. From traditionalists to technologists, here’s what they had to say…

THE PAPER MERCHANT Emma Linley, creative papers product manager, Antalis A world without print would be a pretty dull place! Print is still a vital part of the marketing mix and helps to provide a real world point of context for many campaigns that would otherwise exist only online. The role of print may be different to the part it has traditionally played in communications, but it’s clear that it still has an important place.

In an increasingly digital world, printed and digital communications complement each other, and one should not be seen as a replacement for the other. Incorporating printed materials into the mix can maximise a campaign’s impact.

For marketers and designers, the challenge is to find the critical balance of digital and printed mediums, which effectively maximises the impact of their campaigns and cuts through the clutter, in an era of message overload.

The integration of print and digital has been proven to increase response rates and an integrated campaign can help ensure that messages are received across multiple channels. The paper element can be used in many different ways. For example, it can push people online, via bridging technologies such as QR codes and augmented reality applications, or it can be used to reinforce messages from digital media. Introducing direct mail to an integrated campaign can raise the campaigns effectiveness by up to 62 per cent.

Digital, however sophisticated, cannot replicate the look, feel and individual characteristics of paper and other substrates.

Paper and print is a very tactile and eye-catching medium, which opens up an incredible range of opportunities for designers and marketers that wish to create beautiful, multi-sensory pieces of work. This is fuelling interest in some of our tactile creative papers, such as our Curious Matter and Curious Skin ranges, as designers seek to drive consumer engagement by creating printed products that have a broader appeal than purely visual.

While the world is going digital; paper is a vital component in communicating a brand message, add to that different printing technologies and you have a very powerful tool. Nothing quite puts your brand in the consumer’s hand like print.

THE GRAPHIC DESIGNER Craig Oldham, founder and creative director, The Office of Craig Oldham Like Streetfighter, Mortal Kombat, and those shit Alien and Predator movies, there’s a lot of versus action out there. Print versus digital is the best that communication design has to offer up. Hardly surprising then that I feel it’s a bit of a no-brainer.

People often forget, because it’s been with us for such a long time, that print, especially the book, is a technology — a piece of equipment created to perform a task. And if the last 50 years have told us anything it’s that technology is there to improve things, and offer new and alternative ways of doing them. But it’s exactly that — an alternative.

Technology’s modus operandi isn’t simply to overwrite that which precedes it, it’s to better it, and provide another option, another way. We accept this in the case of the size of our mobile phone, the sophistication of our computer or TV set, yet many struggle when it comes to design, thinking they have to go with one or the other — because of the populated fallacies that print is ‘dying’ or that analogue methods of communication are no longer effective when compared to their digital counterparts.

The reality is analogue and digital don’t live in competition, they’re different beasts. It’s not this or that, one or the other, they are just two different technologies — they are two different tools at your disposal. And your job as a designer is to pick the right tools for the right job.

As I skirted around earlier, just a few indents ago, print has been with the human race for centuries, and like digital it too had its moment with us where it was the new fad. Before mass print came along (until the technology came along) the only source of information most people had was one book and a priest, so thank Christ when Martin Luther rocked up with his poster, a bag of nails, and a different opinion. He used the right tool (print) for the right job (mass communication). And it worked for him. Fast forward a good 500 years and it’s still going on. Sticking with the poster, it’s since recruited for wars, symbolised youthful rebellion, iconised men and women to fame and fortune, and equally to death and terror. Even in an age where digital could be seen to be the popular choice, it’d be hard to deny that it was the poster that elected the first black president of the United States of America. But that’s only because Shepard Fairey understood what confuses so many, just like Luther did. They employed the right technology to best communicate their ideas.

Although I am admittedly a bit of a print fan, this is only because I haven’t been offered much, in terms of a draw, from digital yet. It’s still relatively new to us and as a result I don’t think it’s been used to its full potential yet. Its best is still to come. But I don’t think we’ll get there until people stop seeing digital as a contrast, as the counter to analogue – the point will be forever missed that it’s still about creating something. It’s about having a great idea and making it happen through the right and relevant channel. Wether that’s a bit of print or a bit of digital, a poster on a church door or www.wwwdotcom.com

THE MAGAZINE DESIGNER Jeremy Leslie, founder and creative director, magCulture Print remains important for many reasons but the main one is that nobody has yet come up with a better way to curate, manipulate and present content. If someone presented ‘the printed magazine’ as a brand new idea people would be wowed. They offer finite quantities of well-tooled material that are subtle balances of the familiar and surprising, matched to expectations of the reader and easily navigated and explored. The best examples become almost friends, regular parts of your life that can bring both joy and irritation.

Of course digital media offers many alternative qualities that can trump print, immediacy being the most obvious one. But as the web gets ever larger the filters involved in navigating become more and more imposing. The increasing personalisation of search results means we read what Google assesses we want rather than offering us serendipity.

My relationship with what I read online is so much about function and need, while print offers a more considered visual structure and hierarchy that subconsciously provides intense messaging about importance and relevance. I enjoy The Guardian iPhone app, but compared to that tiny screen the printed format offers a far subtler hierarchy and more easily assessed gauge of the content.

There are exceptions of course; The New Yorker has transferred its content successfully to both the web and tablet. And I’m proud to be have designed the groundbreaking site Aeon, offering a new long-form essay to read every weekday. It has quickly built a loyal readership, as have many other sites.

But it’s intriguing seeing how many successful content-orientated websites have recently added print elements to their publishing strategy. Music website Pitchfork has often been cited as one reason behind the downfall of the traditional music magazine, so there’s an irony to the fact they are about to publish the third edition of their quarterly Pitchfork Review, a beautiful piece of publishing produced in-house. The website will always be the main focus, but the fact they are publishing in print is recognition that there remains a hierarchy of importance in terms of form. The spontaneity, immediacy and breadth of the web matches much of what the music fan wants. When it comes to selecting the best material and publishing it to be kept, for now only print will do.

THE SCIENTIST Dr Kate Stone, founder and MD, Novalia I struggled to think of a stand out reason why print is important, I struggled because there are so many reasons, each significant in different ways, so I thought I would list just a few of them. Print communication is pervasive, we all come into contact with it many times a day. As well as advertising print is used to cover walls in our homes, patterns on fabric and even used on floors and tables.

Print is physical. We live in a physical world; until our brains are uploaded to the cloud there will always be a need for physical media. We like to touch, taste, smell and feel things, print does them all. Print can be temporary like a newspaper or permanent like art, becoming valueless or priceless with time.

Print is big or small, covering the side of a street block, or just a postage stamp. Print is low cost in low and high volume, from millions to just one, there is a cost effective process for any amount.

Print is local, a low labour intense process means we don’t need to manufacture on the other side of the world, shipping costs and times often mean we can’t. Print is renewable and recyclable, most of the raw materials do actually grow on trees. Print does not crash or need a software update when most needed (although I may be helping to change that, oops).

Print is accessible. Print changed the world, before the printing press books were written by hand one by one. This was a liberating and empowering information revolution. Although we live in a physical world it is now clearly a digital age, with many declaring the death of print, but it’s simply a re birth of an old medium, enhanced with much of what digital communication has to offer.

Digital offers two way communication, sound, video, instantly updates, connectivity and data logging. I am excited about combining digital and physical communication, print can become a significant portal to the digital world. Adding printed touch and Bluetooth with a connection to the internet via your mobile device to print is now possible. My work is about figuring out how and why we could/should do this. I’ve created interactive print because I was curious, fortunately that seems to have inspired a new vision and excitement for print.

THE TECHNOLOGIST Marcus Kirsch, founder, SenseLab London Before a medium or idea enters the mainstream, and during any relevant paradigm shifts affecting it, its role and relevance enters a phase of exploration and experimentation. Those phases tend to be significantly more important than the smaller incremental progress it makes, once it is a big or otherwise large scale entity. As for any system, size can mean stagnation of some, if not all, of its parts.

The same is obviously true for print and its future since digital publishing and the internet appeared on this planet. Personally, and taking reference from culture and history, I believe a ‘Blade Runner’ scenario is more likely than a ‘Things to Come’ scenario, meaning nothing new will ever completely kill the old. It will mix in various ways, traces of decades if not centuries still humming about in the years to come.

American science fiction author Bruce Sterling, being one of the future digital types that roam Silicon Valley, was one of the first to say that there was still a strong point for him to write ‘The Hacker Crackdown’ as a book – a finite edit of a point. And this is probably print’s strongest point. It is an opinion and view, a set of data, frozen in time and frozen within its references. We still learn best through comparing things that are different. Bigger and smaller are relative and help us make sense of things. Which is why I still carry a copy of ‘Future Shock’ with me – the 70s book that is still weirdly contemporary. It makes it more important that it is frozen in time, back in 1970 by Alvin Toffler.

So I find it rather exciting that it is a new era for print: an opportunity to explore itself out of stagnation. As we see in the examples below, books, references and non-linear storytelling are part of both print and the digital world, and on top of it all there is a strong case for the print medium containing stories and information, frozen in time as comparative and contextual parts of a greater story.

By: Staff Writer at TheDrum.com

Reposted by: John Macharsky