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grecoisms · 3 months ago

Text

title: a heap of broken images (3/4)

pairing: kim wexler x lalo salamanca

rating: M

summary:

"If she wasn´t driving, she´d close her eyes. Let her imagination run amok. Then she could see the outlines of him, a haunting: dead and dark, like the path she used to take home when her mother was drunk and she would not sit next to her in the car, the act more out of defiance than fear."

"—Yet when we came back, late, from the Hyacinth garden, Your arms full, and your hair wet, I could not Speak, and my eyes failed" t.s.eliot - the waste land

Four in the afternoon finds Kim at her desk, paperwork done, eyes burning, brain foggy. Adrenaline from the aftermath got her so far, but eventually she bought herself a sandwich and a coke from the vending machine downstairs to give some energy, lest she lose the rest of her bravado. And she has to work, because when there is nothing for her brain to do, the darkest of thoughts comes a-visiting.

The fact that Jimmy still hasn't called does not help.

She eats her cold turkey sandwich more as a duty than hunger, but takes her time to savor the coke which calms her squeamish stomach. Objectively, she is done for the day. De Guzman has his new cell, she put in a good word for him in the report and plenty of written requests on his behalf - mostly asking for extensions regarding the trial. Her and her client's ways are now seemingly separate, until, of course the prosecution decides to sink their teeth into this particular narrative. And that moment will come for certain. What's more: Lalo threw in the family card, so when (if-if-if) trial comes, she would need to be ready and play onto his hands.

Son of a bitch of a case, she thinks around the billionth time she got that call in the morning.

As she finishes the last of her drink, she opens the case file Jimmy has put together, and searches for the family he has created out of nothing. Flotsam, jetsam. He spurred a solid story. A wife, two children, a mother-in-law. A house with a lawn. Dream come true.

The number she finds goes straight to voicemail; the email bounces back. Her only hope now remains an address, near Bellehaven. Deep in thought, she plays a rhythm with her pen, and weighs her options, but in her mind's eyes, she is already planning the journey. The whole thing could be over in two hours.

No harm in trying, is there?

According to the file, Beth McKinnon lives with her two children and her mother - the children's maternal grandmother - near Bellehaven Elementary school which the older boy, Christopher, and the younger girl, Ella, has been attending since 2001.

Looking around at the neighbourhood while driving, Kim has once again has to grudgingly congratulate Jimmy's taste: it's a better part of town, with freshly painted playgrounds and newly renovated, stocky little houses in a neat line, tinting both the faces and the sun a bit brighter. Even the grass seem greener in the yards, pun intended. One could hardly imagine a murderer living here, no siree.

The McKinnons live at the far end of Princess Jane's lane, in a yellow house radiating joy even from afar, with windowpanes and the doors white as baptism day. It's a house which Kim has only seen in magazines, and she understands not why her heart grows so heavy as she gets out of her car, May sun unrelenting on her bare neck.

It takes her two knocks and the bell to get an answer.

Then a woman opens the door, probably Beth: harsh expression on an otherwise kind face. Behind her, a small hall, with a small mountain of shoes leaning on each other, alongside the height chart on the wall, with Tom and Jerry stickers on it, and from the slight smell of popcorn Kim knows at once that this family is, at least, a real one.

"Yes?" Beth sounds suspicious, and Kim cannot blame her. If a sharp-looking woman in black and white would turn up uninvited at her door after work, she might have difficulty opening her doors.

"Mrs. McKinnon" she says. "I´m here to talk about Jorge de Guzmán."

It´s the flash of a second, but her eyes widen, just so. Deer in the headlights, caught at a crossroads. She can sympathize, she can wait, while Beth bites on her lower lip. It takes a bit of scrutiny, but then something must speak for her, because despite her hesitation, Beth opens the door wider.

"You better step in."

Inside, there are more shoes, just at the corner of the entrance.

Two of them, Kim notes, are brand new.

Beth leads her to a room just adjacent to the hall. A kitchen, which is so far from Kim's childhood experiences that for a second, she feels lost. Almost forgets to take off her shoes.

It is a cramped up little thing, with yellow walls and warm lights, with handwritten notes and childish drawings on the fridge, jam-smeared and juice-spilled with fingerprints. Cups and plates in the sink and the smell of stew with vegetables - holy halo. The clock above the door has the shape of a cat, its whiskers serving as its hands.

"Want a glass?" Beth asks but is already pouring her some water from the faucet.

"Sure." Kim answers, glass already in her hand, watching the mother's hands pale from squeezing another glass.

Neither of them drink. They just stare at each other across the room.

"So, what about him?" Beth's voice is defiant. She is trying to guess who Kim is and what she wants.

"Saul Goodman sent me." lies Kim, handing Jimmy´s card to her. "Everything is fine, but we might need your help again."

"If everything was fine" the woman points out. "You wouldn't be here."

A clever woman. Kim decides to play it straight.

"We may have to continue with the trials. You won´t need to undergo any unnecessary hearing, just show up, like you did before. No speaking, just your presence."

Beth does not move. Does not blink.

"I do not know what you uhm, arrangement entailed with Mr. Goodman, but I can assure you the same compensations. Or more, regarding the urgency of this matter."

Still no blinking, but a lot of brightness and wetness in her eyes.

Tears.

Kim looks away, tactful.

The cat whiskers ticks twice as loud in the silence as it usually would. She wonders if it ever kept Beth McKinnon wide awake at night.

Then something touches Kim's elbows and she winces despite herself.

"Mom" says Ella, fair-haired and yawning. "Can I have a ginger ale?"

Her fingers have a layer of salt on them, which she wipes on her white cotton pants. She has no socks on. Beth, who must have turned her head away for tactical reasons, does not notice any of this.

"You already had one, so no." she says, strictly to the cabinet.

"I'm thirsty."

"Here, have my water" says Kim. "I haven't touched it."

The girl looks up at her, eyebrows knitted in a very adultlike manner.

"But you are holding it." she says.

Kim smiles, again, despite herself.

"It means I didn't drink from it" she explains, then hands her glass to Ella carefully.

"What do we say?"

"Thank you" repeats the girl dutifully, after having had her sip. "Why are you dressed like a penguin?"

"Ella!" Beth exclaims. "That is not a nice thing to say!"

"I'm a lawyer. This is how we dress sometimes."

"Do you get points if judges laugh at you?"

"I wish that was the case" laughs Kim. "Would make my job much easier!"

"Here" Ella hands the glass back. "We will have to dress in black and white soon."

"We?" asks Kim.

"Me and Chris. The end of school is here, silly." she beams up at the lawyer twice her size. "Are you going on a vacation too?"

"Ella - " starts Beth in a tired voice. "Give the lady some rest, please."

"It's okay, it's a good question actually." Kim crouches down. "I have a lot of work to do, but I have always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon."

"That's a good one" Ella agrees with a serious nod. "I will add it to my travel list. Do you want to know where we are going?"

But before she can whisper the secret to Kim, her mother intervenes.

"Ella" her voice is sharp, bearing no disagreement.

The little girl falls silent, and Kim stands up, her linen shirt rustling, crumpling in the movement.

"I need some time alone with the lady now" says her mother evenly. "You remember what I told you about adults talking?"

"That I can join in when I´m older" It would be comical, the disappointment of the girl, but she is so serious in her curiosity, with clever, round eyes. "But Mom...."

"No, no. Put up some socks and clean Chris´desk. He will be home soon."

"Can I turn on the radio?"

"Yes, but only till the fifth volume, okay?"

"Okay."

Ella leaves, but not before tiptoeing towards her mother to hug her clumsily, lovingly, careful not to touch her mother´s shirt with her salty fingers. Then suddenly, it´s the two of them again: Beth and Kim, heaviness like a rope around them. In what must be their shared bedroom, Ella turns on the radio, the song playing but a murmur: slow and thick like honey, and hazy like a dream.

It is Beth who breaks the silence first.

"Mr. Goodman assured me it was a one-time thing" her voice is softer this time, if Kim seeing her daughter broke some of the ice. "Assured me that the man who we will be helping is an innocent man, wrongfully put to trial. He called me, that lawyer of yours. Said we would get a nice sum of money which he then paid us in advance. No questions asked, just smiling in court." She waves her hand around the kitchen, with an open, beckoning expression. Hopeful, despite hope being a hemorrhage - once it starts, you just bleed and bleed.

"You would think once you buy a house, it´s all easy. You made it, you think foolishly. Have a family, a house with a backyard, a job nearby, no worries. But reality is harsher, no? You have a mortgage on the house, and the two incomes become one when your husband dies. Strange, how nothing is how you planned it."

Her hands tremble as she touches her forehead with them.

"You are not going on a vacation, are you?" it isn´t a question.

It all makes sense now: the shoes decked in the hall, ready for inventory. The cleaning and packing. The sudden shush, the mood swings. Big changes.

"If I didn´t have children, I would accept" whispers Beth, lowering her hands from her face. One of her nails is chipped, and is painted a different color than the rest. Ella must have done it. "But then again, they are the reason I accepted this farce in the first place."

"We can meet each other halfway, still." Kim suggests. "It doesn´t have to be like this."

"Like what?"

"Black and white. You are obviously under great stress, and we tend to make hasty decisions when we feel there are no other options." Kim steps a bit closer. "We can arrange so that your children wouldn´t have to go to court next time."

Beth narrows her eyes.

"And the next? Or the one that comes after? Can you give me a guarantee that it will be over the next time?"

"I can only guarantee you will be well compensated each time. Might be one more time, might be two. But we can promise you immunity, just like at the beginning."

This makes the mother laugh. It is a joyless sound.

"You cannot promise anything like that."

No, she cannot. Jimmy promised this woman something that he could not fulfill. A familiarity.

"Are you afraid of the police - is that it?"

"Police is one thing" Beth complies, fidgeting with the hem of her navy-blue shirt. "It´s the man I would be defending I'm mostly worried about."

Kim feels her throat and mouth dry. Yes, she can see how Jimmy sweetening the deal with reassuring this widow would make sense then, when he only had to worry about one trial, and not several. Strange, how nothing is how you planned it.

"You have..." she starts, but she finds that she cannot finish the sentence. Hears how empty she sounds all of a sudden.

"Nothing to fear?" Beth's spine goes rigid. "I might believe you - have I not seen that man in the courtroom. My god, you can make him act as polite as he needs to be, but I knew him by a single stare. He is a vile one. "

The blame in her look is blatant: perhaps blaming herself for believing, and blaming Kim for trying, for her mere presence here.

"Would you deny it?"

She would not.

Or worse, she cannot.

Then the entrance door opens, and before she can register, a lanky boy around twelve dashes across the kitchen, jumping up and down, fists closed before him.

"For God´s sake, Christopher!" Beth snaps. "How many times do I ha... what is that?"

Kim, who was born and bred near the tough sandhills of Nebraska countryside, already knows what that is.

A scream proves her hypothesis.

"I found it just next to the door" Chris holds up the lizard like a prize. "His name is Nepomuk."

"Bethany" the grandmother turns into the kitchen, panting, grey hair in disarray. "I´m sorry, I tried to stop him, but he wouldn´t listen."

Feeling more and more like an outsider, Kim decides to make her exit the exact moment the lizard lurches forward the open sink, just inside the pile of dirty plates and cutlery, followed by even more screaming.

When she looks back, she sees Ella, with her crown of hay, peering out from her window, the sun blazing her face so that she resembles more like an angel than a child.

As for Kim, she waits for self-hatred to reach her around the same time she gets to the car.

Gets in, lets her head fall on the wheel, and tastes shame like a medicine.

It doesn´t come as a surprise that her phone is dead.

Time to go home and hope.

Driving home is a rare challenge today. Kim has always commended herself on her work-ethic, but what she feels now is a bone-deep fatigue, licking at her innards. Full, that is how she feels, spilling over the edges. Meanwhile, the sky stares at her sordidly in a solid, sturdy sort of blood red as if it was running a fever all along its spine that separates earth from the heavens.

Horizontally consistent, vertically vast.

She wants to lie down so badly and let go. Just for an hour. Half an hour. Around her wish and her figure, the terrain changes, but she does not heed it - has started driving unaware: white line fever taking over her, and underneath it all, perhaps a real fever is on its way. Her skin feels hot all over, wants to crawl out of her own skin because staying in it has become quite burdensome as of late. Crossing that infamous bridge will soon become relevant, and is already on fire, however she tries to look at it.

If only Jimmy was here. It´s not a need, but a wish, a want. He could make this problem light, or at least lighter - would be experienced where she is not - would know the words that she lacks.

Worse still, there is also the question of him, and how much viler he will become if he knows the plan won´t hold up perfectly. Yes, it is obvious he is dangerous - obvious not just to lawmen, but to an outsider as well. Beth McKinnon got so afraid, she decided to run in the opposite direction. A question begs itself: why doesn´t Kim feel the need to do the same? There was a choice to be made a day, no, two days ago: to be seen or not, by Lalo Salamanca. She chose the former path and, in turn, could have a glimpse at him - the mercury face, the shrewd smile, the tense intent behind his masquerade. Nonchalant at first glance, but Kim is experienced in facades. Knows a well-crafted disguise when she sees one and beholds Lalo as he is: ambitious and passionate, calculating and cunning - a man with a sea of fire for a mind.

Still. Beth was right: right to reject her, right to run. No use of denying: he is a violent man, Kim could see it from his stance, the slope of his wide shoulders and the column of his thick neck that he cradled ferocity from a young age; below the blood, bordering on the soul.

If she wasn´t driving, she´d close her eyes. Let her imagination run amok. Then she could see the outlines of him, a haunting: dead and dark, like the path she used to take home when her mother was drunk and she would not sit next to her in the car, the act more out of defiance than fear.

Is this defiance then? she wonders, reaching the outskirts of Sawmill Village Apartments. During the journey home, the scarlet of the sky turned black, day turned to night. Against whom exactly? Or what?

Defying her limits, her expectations? True, she wouldn´t have done anything close to this six months ago. Not even three. Now here she is, jumping right into danger, consequences be damned - all thrill, no thought, no care. Some stubborn part of her always wanted to stand out, stand apart from the crowd, ever since she was a girl with gangly legs. After, around the time her eighteen-year-old self realized she did not merely want to survive but succeed, she learnt to fight differently. Because you need to adapt then and overcome your nature, which Kim found the hardest for people to do.

Or maybe, says her bolder voice growing stronger each day, you´re revolting against banality itself. Isn´t that why you hooked up with Jimmy in the first place?

Started as a hookup. Became something more.

Unnameable.

Until, well, until Lalo named it, smiling as he said so, a smile that did not reach his eyes, not really. She wondered if anything reached those eyes, really. Anything of substance. Even as a prisoner, even in chains, he was putting together pieces in a game only he saw and understood, a game which Jimmy and her got caught in accidentally.

Briefly, she hopes.

Lalo named it, what she dared not.

You love him. You love him. You love him.

A fact.

A weapon.

There was a thrill in it, this chess game, this haunted hunting. The knowing and yet not. Boredom was revolting to Kim - but was it always? She tries to remember if her wish to stand out as a teenager was her way of getting some excitement , but as she contemplates this while parking her car, she has a dawning sort of realization, and suddenly, she comes back into her body, alert and awake, as if though shaken from slumber.

Stops the engine and looks into the rearview mirror, as if it was a wishing well.

A woman nearing forty looks back at her.

How she resembles her mother!

And just how alone she was as a child.

There was no other way, she realizes, tired hand over tired face: she has always stood out, having been a pilgrim between schools, dreading the summertime without friends, a father who was a ghost, and a mother who should neve have given birth.

And given what she inherited from her parent; she had never managed to revolt against shit. If anything, she followed in her steps obediently, doing exactly what she had done.

Running, always running.

And now what?

Now Jimmy is in the desert, and she can transform Jorge de Guzman into Lalo Salamanca.

A fact.

A weapon.

The lights are turned on in the apartment.

Now this is a surprise.

She can see it from below, the warm glow of the living room licking at the terrace, and an almost irrational fear floods her.

Maybe the police found out their ruse. Or it´s already the cartel, sniffing around. Or another group, the people who tried to kill Lalo, perhaps waiting for her in the dark, with a shiv or a gun. And her phone is dead.

A shudder touches her, top to bottom, head to toe.

Her fickle and frequent visitor: Adrenaline.

Eyeing her car keys and thinking of the spare mirror and nail clippers she usually keeps in her compartment box; she shuffles through her chances. The power of surprise is with her, but nothing much. Cannot call the police, for various reasons - and who else is there to call now?

Kim takes a deep breath and with it, the risk as well.

Upstairs, just before the apartment, there is a static sort of silence.

When trying to push the keys in, she finds the door open.

The car keys - Kim holds those in her right hand, fist closed, so that two of the keys can peek out from in-between the triad of her fingers.

Index, middle, ring.

Very slowly, almost softly, she yawns the door open, heart hammering in her chest, proof of life. The hammering is so loud in her ears, she fears it will betray her.

And then just as softly, if not more slowly, she tiptoes to the living room, holding her breath, peeking to the left, towards the sofa.

"Kim" says a raspy voice from her right, from the kitchen.

Kim would recognize this voice, his voice, anywhere - and turns to see, dropping the keys on the ground, forgotten.

Yet Jimmy´s voice does not match Jimmy´s face: he looks like Kim feels, there is a haunted look on his sunburnt face and dry eyes, eyes that have a thousand-mile stare.

She opens her mouth to speak, but her words turn into tears, she is crying in earnest now - hot, honest tears.

Holds her shaking shoulders while she holds his - is it possible that he got thinner in these two days?

"Hey" her husband says; her other half. "I' m okay. We're okay."

Whispers it with such conviction that Kim almost believes him.

Although it is not exactly a lie he tells her, it is a quite colored and censored version of the truth.

He went out to the desert, the plan went amiss, crashed his car, got lost, spent one night under the stars and another at a motel near Claunch. But he isn't sure where he was exactly, not until he reached Camino Cerrito.

And though Kim has an argument to each of his stories, and twice as many questions to ask, she doesn´t. Not tonight. Not when Jimmy looks so pitiful, so pitiable: apart from his legs hurting, the burns and tidbit cuts, Jimmy also has a big bruise on his forehead, just below his hairline - blooming already into an angry, purplish color.

When her eyes carve a question mark there, he tries to rebuff her in advance:

"I fell" and looks down, like a child caught in the pantry.

Smiles, but even his smile seems to be in pain.

Only when he is naked in the bath, all bare and vulnerable, does Kim dare to ask her first question, the first in her mind after ordering her heart back in its place.

"Did you bail Lalo out?"

Is he out? is what she wanted to ask, but thought it too crude, like she was asking whether an animal escaped its cage.

"Funny story" says Jimmy, nodding, and looking anything but entertained. "Mentioned you have met. Knew your name and everything."

Kim rolls her eyes. She doesn't know it yet, but in a month, she will miss this lightness with every atom of her being.

"Did he call me Mrs. Goodman?"

"Yeah, he did" Jimmy´s mouth is a thin line. "But he is out and will be gone soon. Probably fleeing to Mexico after the stunt he pulled. Hopefully for good."

Silence follows, the comforting kind, the one you can sink into. Domesticity has many blissful corners like this, bus stops, as she calls in her head, where you can put down your baggage for a bit. She had never known a silence like this, not before Jimmy.

She washes his back with care, but as she tries to wash the back of neck with the wet sponge, Jimmy´s hand grasps hers, cutting the motion.

"Kim, I´m sorry." His voice is small - but his eyes are big. "You never should have had to go there, to him."

"Does it matter now?" she replies, sensible, reaching to cup Jimmy's face. "Went to the Detention Center on my own accord, it's not as if someone put a gun to my head."

Though the sentence comes without a thought, she regrets the words almost instantly. It's almost as if someone closed the blinds on Jimmy´s face, painting it dark, shallow.

"It was like he was gloating" he shudders, refusing to look at Kim, staring at the wall, eyes glossing over. "Like he knew. Knew that he has in his pocket now that he has met you, now that he knows you."

"He better remember me," Kim replies. "I saved his ass today."

"What?!"

"They tried to murder him in his cell this morning. With a home-made shiv."

"Jesus" this makes Jimmy look at her, sudden-pale under the sunburn.

"Oh, I guess he omitted this part when you talked?"

"Well, it wasn't a long chat. Kept staring at his neck, though. I thought he had had an accident, or I don´t know, some... nasty action."

Kim laughs despite herself.

She missed Jimmy so much.

"Nasty action?"

"He strikes me as a man who has a taste for deviance."

A muscle jumps in the inside of her thigh. She ignores it.

"Well, I am not sure whether he liked being choked or not, but pleasure wasn´t exactly the aim of the assailants."

"Who knows these days?" Jimmy mutters, repressing a yawn. "Wait, so did you..."

"Represent him against prosecution? No, but I was about to. They sent Khalil, from the DA's, another lawyer from the center, and a detective, too."

The water cools while she recounts today´s events, some part of her soul hoping that it will encourage Jimmy to open up as well.

"... and then I wrote to NMC, asking for extension. By the way, Khalil is furious with us, so there's that."

"Well, hopefully it won't matter anymore, I guess - with Lalo being gone."

Strange thing, the double entendre: gone as in distance, gone as to death. Kim feels the hair on her arms stand, trying to imagine Lalo Salamanca´s body in blood, but finds she cannot.

"You think they will try again?" she asks in a low voice.

"Dunno" says Jimmy slowly, as if tasting the words with care. "But that's not our problem anymore."

Ache in his eyes, but not his heart, surely.

This man of hers, he survived, he always did.

"Was it worth it?" she whispers, passing her hand through his dry hair, lighter by a shade.

"See for yourself" grins Jimmy, and lets some more water into the tub, while Kim goes through the duffel bag on the couch.

Inside, there lies an unseen amount of cash and a coffee mug, with a hole in its middle.

In her dream, Kim is balancing a duffel bag with innumerable shoes stuffed in it and a shiv that is made out of keys. In this world of dreams - as it goes - there exist dream laws, according to which the duffel bag and the shiv have the same and equal amount of weight.

No questions asked, especially because Kim has only one leg in her dream, so this balancing act is close to a well-versed miracle. She doesn´t question this, obviously. She is too busy balancing and making sure none of the items fall, because in this world, in this state, that is the worst thing that could happen, surely.

She can´t let it go.

Can´t let go.

Can´t.

Then - because this is a dreamworld, and not the real one - Jimmy comes to help her quite quickly, no questions asked, and she feels so relieved, that she might just fall on her knees herself.

Oh, but wait: that would defeat the purpose itself.

"Jimmy!" she says, loud in the syrupy texture of the dream space. "Quick, take the bag!"

But as he steps closer, it becomes apparent that he has no hands and thus cannot help her.

She says his name again, and in turn, Jimmy opens his mouth to speak.

Surely, to console her.

It's not consolation, however, that comes out of his mouth. No calming words. Kim is not sure it's a human voice, a human noise - it's something subhuman, a shriek, a shrill noise that´s like a...

"Someone's ringing the bell" she groans, reaching for Jimmy in the dark, shaking him up.

Jimmy whines into the pillow, frustrated.

"What time is it?" he moans, words muffled by linen.

"Four forty-two."

They hadn't eaten dinner - just went straight to bed, clothes discarded on the floor, worries forgotten. Now, in the early hours of the morning, half their soul still in sleep, stiffness in their joints, it's hard to stand up straight.

A phone starts to ring - Jimmy´s, in the kitchen, thrown just next to the aquarium. Kim doesn´t have it in her to ask.

"I'll get it" he mutters.

Half-awake, Kim staggers to the front door, barely aware of her surroundings - and therefore forgets to ask who is standing outside their door.

Opens the door, trusting and blind.

"Hey" says Lalo Salamanca, smiling his wolfish smile, eyes alight. "Can I come in?"

#lalo salamanca #kim wexler #lalo x kim #my writing #better call saul #bcs #bcs fic

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penname-artist · 2 years ago

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Some Ideas: Rey & his Music Albums

Pre-note: these were generated by an ai (I honestly forget which sites, because I scrolled through a few of those free ones)

Also, this is for an OC and they're not really albums, as badly as I wish they were (I mean unless someone can make music really well lol)

I wanted to create a few "aesthetics" and random ideas to use as album covers for Reyzor C's music. I'm planning to probably either recreate these images as my own art (and I do mean literally, from-the-ground-up on FireAlpaca recreate) or splice them together with other things and do some heavy-ass personal tweaking to make it into. Well. What I want it to be.

I've actually gone so far in giving Rey's musical career life as to create three full lists of song titles for all of his albums, so all of these images are connected - either to the albums themselves or to the titles (and don't ask why some of them are what they are, man, just, lemme drown in my aesthetic juice okay?)

For his first album, "Artificial", I had a few cover ideas, but this one feels like the most fitting:

and this is the song list within that first album:

1. Artificial

2. Xoxo

3. Hollow Hearted

4. Wasn't Gonna Say

5. Crisis Line

6. Give Me a Week

7. Getaway Car

8. Isn't That What Lovers Do

9. Keysmash

10. Breather

11. Visions

12. Waiting List

Though I didn't generate images for any of these songs in the first listing, I definitely have plenty of ideas for lots of them. I think Keysmash in particular would be a gritty picture of a keyboard someone threw into the dirt, maybe with flowers idk (flowers are a slightly recurring theme you'll soon notice)

I do have a pic I could fit in with Breather though since it feels somewhat in line with it. Please ignore that this bird is missing half a leg. Or don't, maybe it's meant to.

Next is the album cover idea behind his second one, "Pedestal", which I won't lie to you I debated as being the cover for Artificial, but I like them this way just a teeny bit more. This image has a nice lighting and retro vibe to it. Like an 80's roller skating rink floor.

And here's the list of songs for Pedestal;

1. Pedestal

2. Mixed Signals

3. Tunnel

4. Highway Blues

5. Vending Machine

6. Just Like Last Time

7. Is This Love

8. Fake a Smile

9. Trainwreck

10. Escapism

11. Don't Kiss Me Goodbye

12. Trial

13. Empty Skies

14. Supernova

I actually tried to get some decent ai photos for Vending Machine, but unfortunately they never felt quite right - usually the ai put it in the middle of a walkway and it was just kinda awkward so, eh. This was the best I was able to do with it:

I thought that this one was really neat, and kinda trippy. It looks like it belong in a Melanie Martinez song (which like, not complaining here, but yknow). It'd probably fit best with Escapism.

I think Don't Kiss Me Goodbye, whether Rey wanted it to be or not, would be his swan song, that thing he's best known for. And this may not be the cleanest fit (actually it's one of the weakest) for an art cover with that song, but I think that catches the fact that this was an afterthought song Rey didn't think was gonna blow up.

Honestly not sure where this one would fit best, as it's more of an idea for the cover of Artificial that I just wanted to keep because I like the theme and the vibe it emits. Might go well with Trial, it feels kind of dangerous-y and on the edge.

Next up is the third and most recently constructed album titles, and that is "Gravesinger" - does it feel like Rey's songs have a line of evolution yet? Cuz I was going for that.

Corpse

2. Six down

3. Fall

4. Might be

5. Hell’s happy hour

6. Existential Cryptid

7. Pie

8. X-rey

9. Body count

10. Born (and born and born)

11. Memory lane

12. Aries

13. The Fortune Teller

14. Infinity Wheel

15. Seafoam

Corpse is probably one of those songs that's way lighter and more whimsical than the title lets on, so I want to pair it with this image of a knight and flowers to give that vibe of something quietly rotting away.

Now. Pie was one of those names I just...I just wanted it, okay? For personal silly reasons I wanted it. And I did make a matching personal silly prompt:

Actually, I made two!

I think I like the second one better but the first one is still very fun.

Then there's Memory Lane, which I wanted to put this cool ocean wave picture on, since it feels similar to that retro vibe from the previous two albums (I think I used the same bot base "style" iirc)

Being the last song in his last (presumable) album, Seafoam is likely a song of Rey's response to the resounding success that was Don't Kiss Me Goodbye and his own mixed emotions surrounding it. As such, their covers are similar.

Aaaaand that's all I managed to get in, but I might go back and make more of these to slap on the song titles. Hell, maybe I'll even make the lyrics for them one day. Or figure out how to make music on the computer, idk. That's probably kind of a stretch given I know jack shit of music. Oh well.

Anyways enjoy the aesthetics!

#disney planes #reymund valentinas #rey valentinas #reyzor C #original character

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meatcodistributor453 · 1 day ago

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Push Back Racking Installation: Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a push-back racking system might sound like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be a breeze. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you get the most out of your warehouse or storage facility. Ready? Let’s dive in!

What is Push Back Racking?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of installation, let’s start with the basics. Push-back racking is a type of storage system that allows you to store multiple pallets on a single lane. Instead of accessing pallets through traditional rows, you use a sliding cart system. When you remove the front pallet, the next one automatically moves forward.

It’s like a vending machine for your warehouse! You’re maximizing storage density while keeping everything accessible.

Benefits of Push Back Racking Systems

Why should you consider a push-back racking system? Let’s look at some of the standout perks.

Improved Storage Efficiency

Push-back racking optimizes space usage. Instead of wasting aisle space for access, you can store pallets deep in a single lane. Perfect for warehouses where every inch counts!

Easier Access and Organization

With the "first-in, last-out" system, you only need one aisle for loading and unloading. That means less chaos and more streamlined operations.

Versatility in Application

Push-back systems work across industries—whether you’re storing food, retail products, or heavy equipment. They’re a jack-of-all-trades in the racking world.

Tools and Materials Needed for Installation

Before you roll up your sleeves, make sure you’ve got everything you need.

Essential Tools

Measuring tape

Spirit level

Drill and anchor bolts

Wrenches and screwdrivers

Safety gear (helmets, gloves, and steel-toed boots)

Key Components and Materials

Upright frames

Horizontal beams

Push-back rails

Carts for pallets

Anchoring systems

Pre-Installation Preparation

Jumping straight into installation without preparation is like baking without reading the recipe. Let’s make sure everything is set up right.

Evaluating Your Storage Space

Measure your space carefully. You’ll need to know the dimensions, ceiling height, and any obstacles like columns or sprinklers.

Ensuring Safety Standards

Check local building codes and safety regulations. Overlooking this step could lead to costly mistakes—or worse, accidents.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Now for the main event. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth installation.

Step 1: Planning and Layout

Start with a blueprint. Decide where each rack will go and mark the floor accordingly. Double-check your measurements because precision is key.

Step 2: Assembling the Frame

Begin by erecting the upright frames. Secure them to the floor with anchor bolts, ensuring they’re level and stable. Think of this as laying the foundation for a house—everything else depends on this step.

Step 3: Installing the Rails

Next, attach the push-back rails to the frames. These rails will guide the sliding carts, so alignment is critical. Use a spirit level to avoid any tilt.

Step 4: Adding the Carts

Place the sliding carts onto the rails. Test them to ensure they move smoothly. It’s a bit like testing the wheels on a shopping cart—any wobble can cause issues later.

Step 5: Securing and Testing

Finally, secure all components and conduct a thorough test. Load a few pallets to see how the system handles weight and movement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned installers can trip up. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping Pre-Planning

Don’t underestimate the importance of a good plan. Rushing in without one is like building furniture without instructions—frustrating and messy.

Overloading the System

Every rack has a weight limit. Exceeding it isn’t just risky; it’s dangerous. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Ignoring Maintenance

Once installed, your racking system needs regular check-ups. Neglecting maintenance is like skipping oil changes in your car—it’ll cost you in the long run.

Conclusion

Installing a push-back racking system doesn’t have to be complicated. With careful planning, the right tools, and a methodical approach, you can transform your storage space into a highly efficient operation. So, grab your tools, follow this guide, and take your warehouse organization to the next level. Happy racking!

Meatco Distributor

3265 Gateway Rd, Suite 350, Brookfield, WI

800–558–5104

#push back #milwaukee

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atplblog · 1 month ago

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Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] Our 2-lane coffee vending machine is a top-notch solution for delivering a variety of beverages around the clock. With its capability to serve up to two different drinks simultaneously, it offers unparalleled convenience. The machine operates with Cafe Desire instant premixes, eliminating the need for brewing or measuring. You can easily select and dispense any two beverages at once with just a single button press, making it perfect for busy environments. Built for durability and long-term performance, this machine ensures consistent quality and reliability, minimizing the need for maintenance and service calls. Ideal for enhancing any office, breakroom, or event space, it combines efficiency with high-quality drink preparation. How to Make Coffee and Tea : The Cafe Desire 2 Lane can brew two different hot beverages at once using its two canisters. Just fill each canister with a 1 kg pack of your chosen Cafe Desire premix powders—each pack makes around 80 cups. Make your hot cup of coffee or tea in seconds. You don’t need milk, sugar, coffee/tea powder.Use the Cafe Desire instant coffee/tea premix, a 3-in-1 product consisting sugar, milk powder and coffee / tea powder. Just cut premix packet and load the powder inside the vending machine and press the button, your coffee or tea will be dispensed instantly. Say goodbye to waste and pilferage! Manual brewing can waste about 15% of your ingredients. This machine’s digital meter helps you track usage and manage your supply efficiently. When you get your machine, just call us using the number on the box, and we’ll handle the quick, easy setup. Perfect for offices, cafes, schools, or anywhere you need fresh, home-made-tasting coffee and tea. Your staff and customers will love it! [ad_2]

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touti21 · 2 months ago

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How to Get Around New York on a Budget

New York City, with its iconic skyline and vibrant neighborhoods, can be an exhilarating destination. However, navigating the city can be overwhelming, especially when trying to stick to a budget. Fortunately, there are several affordable ways to get around the Big Apple without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore various options to help you travel efficiently and economically through New York City.

1. Utilize the Subway System

The New York City subway is one of the most extensive and affordable public transportation systems in the world. With 472 stations and 27 lines, it can take you almost anywhere in the city.

Tips for using the subway:

Get a MetroCard: Purchase a MetroCard at vending machines in subway stations. A pay-per-ride card allows you to add any amount and costs $2.75 per ride. If you plan to use the subway frequently, consider getting an unlimited monthly pass for $127.

Know the Schedule: The subway runs 24/7, but service can be less frequent during late night hours. Use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps for real-time updates and to plan your route.

Avoid Rush Hours: If possible, travel during off-peak hours (weekdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and after 8 PM) to avoid crowded trains.

For more travel tips and experiences, check out Trip.com for personalized recommendations and deals.

2. Biking Around the City

New York City has made significant investments in bike infrastructure, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Exploring with bikes:

Citi Bike: This bike-sharing program offers easy access to bikes throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. You can rent a bike for a day pass ($12 for 24 hours) or opt for a monthly subscription if you’re staying longer.

Bike Lanes: The city boasts over 1,000 miles of bike lanes. Use them to navigate safely and enjoy the scenery while cycling through parks like Central Park or along the Hudson River Greenway.

Safety First: Always wear a helmet and follow traffic rules. Be mindful of pedestrians and other cyclists to ensure a safe ride.

If you’re planning to explore other cities, consider booking a bike tour through Trip.com for a unique experience.

3. Walking is Key

New York City is incredibly walkable, especially in densely populated areas like Manhattan. Walking not only saves you money but also allows you to soak in the local atmosphere.

Walking tips:

Plan Your Route: Use apps to map out your walking routes. This can help you discover hidden gems and local eateries along the way.

Explore Neighborhoods: Each neighborhood has its unique character. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Greenwich Village, the vibrant art scene in Bushwick, or the historic charm of Lower Manhattan.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Since you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, wear comfortable footwear to make your experience enjoyable.

For further travel ideas and walking tours, check out Trip.com for booking options.

4. Buses as a Budget-Friendly Option

The city’s bus system complements the subway and offers another budget-friendly transportation option.

Bus travel tips:

Fares and Transfers: Bus fares are the same as subway fares ($2.75). You can transfer between the subway and bus using the same MetroCard within a two-hour window.

Routes: Buses can be slower due to traffic, but they are a great way to see the city from street level. Routes like the M15 along 1st and 2nd Avenues offer great views of the East Side.

MTA Bus Time: Download the MTA Bus Time app to check real-time bus locations and arrival times.

For bus tours or to explore specific attractions, consider booking experiences through Trip.com.

5. Ridesharing and Taxis

While ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft can be more expensive than public transport, they can still be a cost-effective option if you are traveling with a group.

Cost-saving tips:

Pool Options: Use rideshare pool options to share a ride and reduce costs.

Check Fares: Compare prices between rideshare apps and traditional yellow cabs, especially during surge pricing.

Avoid Late Night Fares: Try to avoid late-night rides when fares can significantly increase.

If you prefer guided tours, look into ride-based experiences on Trip.com for more economical options.

6. Free Ferry Rides

One of the best-kept secrets of New York City is its free ferry service. The Staten Island Ferry offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

Ferry tips:

Staten Island Ferry: This iconic ride runs 24/7 and is completely free. Make sure to take advantage of the views and snap some great photos!

East River Ferry: While this ferry isn’t free, it provides a scenic way to travel between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens at a reasonable price.

For ferry tours or scenic experiences, book through Trip.com to find the best options.

7. Utilize Tourist Passes

If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, consider purchasing a tourist pass. These passes can save you money on entry fees and often include transportation discounts.

Popular options include:

New York Pass: Offers access to over 100 attractions and allows you to skip the lines.

CityPASS: Includes tickets to major attractions like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, along with discounts on transportation.

Check Trip.com for more information on tourist passes and how they can enhance your travel experience.

Conclusion

Exploring New York City doesn’t have to be expensive. With a combination of public transportation, biking, walking, and strategic use of rideshares, you can navigate the city affordably while experiencing its vibrant culture and diverse neighborhoods.

Make the most of your travel experience by planning ahead and utilizing resources like Trip.com to find the best transportation options, tours, and local experiences. With a little planning, you can enjoy the excitement of New York City without overspending!

So lace up your walking shoes, grab your MetroCard, and get ready to explore the wonders of New York on a budget!

#new york #city #cars #travel #luxury #free palestine

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atlantisplus · 1 year ago

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https://flokii.com/blogs/view/98098/boost-your-office-experience-with-top-quality-atlantis-vending-machine

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meshop · 10 months ago

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Shop online at me shop

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mystlnewsonline · 2 years ago

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21 Missouri Lottery Millionaires in 21 Weeks

(STL.News) The 21st week of 2023 ushered in the Missouri Lottery’s 20th and 21st million-dollar-plus prize winners of the year. Both winning tickets were purchased in southwest Missouri, and both winners acknowledged a little extra luck on the day of their big win. First, a $1 million prize was uncovered on a “Silver & Gold” Scratchers ticket sold at Walmart, 1150 Highway 60 East. in Republic. While claiming her prize on May 22, the winner described how luck played a role in her win and how the outcome could have been entirely different if she had stuck to her original plan. “I was actually focused on one of the other (vending) machines, but there was a gentleman there that was taking a little bit longer,” she explained. “I was in a hurry, and so I turned around and used the other machine. And there you go!” For a $3 million winner who claimed his prize later that same morning, it was a good luck penny that pointed to potential good news. The Scratchers player was getting gas at Eastgate Express, 22993 Professional Lane in Lebanon when he came across a penny facing heads up on the ground. He snatched it up before scratching the “Big Riches” ticket he had just purchased inside. “That’s my lucky penny, and it will get framed!” the winner shared. To date, there have been a total of 655 Missouri Lottery prizes worth $1 million or more. Of those, 210 have been on Scratchers tickets. “Silver & Gold” is a $10 Scratchers game, which currently offers more than $25 million in unclaimed prizes, including another $1 million top prize and three prizes of $50,000. For the $30 “Big Riches” ticket, more than $61.9 million remain in unclaimed prizes. That includes one additional $3 million top prize and three $100,000 prizes. SOURCE: Missouri Lottery Read the full article

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cyborg-franky · 3 years ago

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Ask Game

OH MAN I GOT SO MANY THANK YOU I love you all and these were all super dumb and super fun.

@ivy-spivy [Buggy/Ace/Franky] 6. go clothes shopping with, go to ikea with, go grocery shopping with. Lord, lord.... lord. My wife looks at me with fear on their face as they know I am the most grumpy, angry piece of shit when I have to go grocery shopping and if it was with Buggy or Ace the place would get set the fuck on fire. Franky would have been my first choice for taking me clothes shopping cus we have the same style but for everyone's sake. Franky for grocery shopping. Buggy for clothes shopping, lets make man bad choices together baby. Ace and me go to ikea and pick out really ugly furniture for the house and Marco isn't happy we came back with useless crap and why is our dining room table something from mad max.

@childofblackmaria [Thatch/Kiku/Marco] 8. share a car with, share a bank account with, share a cake with Thatch for a cake, we'd have a nice cup of tea and eat the cake he more then likely made himself and it'll be wonderful. Kiku I think she would be the best to share one with, I'd not be mad if she spent all the money because she deserves everything. Marco with a car because I just live for the mental image of that long legged bastard in a small car.

ANON: [Luffy/Sanji]Zoro] 10. netflix and chill with, go ice-skating with, play dodgeball against I think Sanji would be great to go ice-skating with? like he has grace and would be so fun to watch and probably the one that would catch me before I hit the fucking side of the wall and re arrange my own face.

Luffy for dogeball though every single one of them I would hate, hate, hate to be against. I feel Luffy would at least see it as a FUN GAME BETWEEN FRIENDS and I'd escape with my life. Netflix and chill [I hope to fuck you mean platonic] Zoro. He wouldn't care what I watched and we'd just vibe. Get drunk watching bad horrors.

@lawscorazon [Marco/Ace/Thatch] 3. fight aliens with, fight zombies with, fight capitalism with Aliens with Thatch? they might be scared of his hair and think he was a xenomorph or something? Marco with zombies because he's good at dealing with plague-esc issues I guess? also we can fly. Can't catch us up here fuckers.

Ace for capitalism. BURN IT ALL TO THE FUCKING GROUND.

@secretsnailor [Smoker/Pops/Thatch] 4. write a book with, read a book to, hit with a book Write a book with pops! he would have so many wonderful stories and adventures that would be so interesting and great to note down!

Thatch would be all cuddled up in bed with his hair rollers in, his little fancy silk PJs as I read a book to him, cheesy romance novels with awful sex scenes. Or I read from his favorite recipe book. Throw a book at Smoker and just run like the bitch I am.

@sarcasm-vending-machine [Ace/Kuzan/Shanks] 3. fight aliens with, fight zombies with, fight capitalism with I already picked Ace for the last one before. I feel Shanks could just haki all the aliens out the sky... or scare them away... Kuzan could freeze all the zombies...

@smoleeveewrites [Ace/Marco/Thatch] 5. go on a six hour road trip with (no car radio, you choose who drives), sit next to on a six hour plane flight, sit across from on a six hour train journey Marco for the roadtrip, he would be a delight to drive with. I think we'd keep the convo light, playful, fun, point out dumb shit as we drive. Maybe stop at dumb roadside attractions.

Watch as he has to take many breaks to stretch those long ass legs of his. Thatch for the flight, he'd just read, watch the movies, be pleasant, keep in his lane. Though he would moan for hours about the state of the food on t he flight and I'd be tempted to choke him on his scarf.

Ace for the train. I think he would love the train and be distracted by what was going on outside. There's room for him to like.. fuck off and get snacks too. We'd have a table on the train and we could play card games or watch dumb shit on our phones together.

@howlingartbean [Kid/Sanji/Thatch] loooord

2. fist fight, get drunk with, share a flat with SHARE A FLAT WITH THATCH, He would be so pure, he'd bake and cook for us, he'd be so soft and sweet and always make sure I'm eating and drinking water. I don't care how often his hair is a problem for the drain he still beats Sanji and Kid.

Get drunk with Kid, I feel he'd be at least a fun drunk friend. We'd start fights with tree's and trash cans. Screaming at one another in the middle of a street at 5am and one of us ends up crying and makeup running down out face, spoiler alert that's Kid.

I'm fairly certain if we were only allowed to use fists I'd win against Sanji. He'd more then likely be like 'not worth my hands bitch' and storm off to cry about it to like Zoro or something.

@eustasssimp [Marco/Thatch/Ace]

6.go clothes shopping with, go to ikea with, go grocery shopping with

Thatch would be the best to go grocery shopping with... he'd keep me sane or at least push me around in the trolley like a spoiled child as I sit and eat something before we get to check out and he stacks cereal boxes on me.

Ace and me love out Ikea dates now, we go and eat in the little restaurant place, play hide and seek in all the set up fake rooms the place has. We either come out with thousands of pounds worth of crap again or we get lost and the store has to call Marco to come and pick us up.

Marco and me going clothes shopping. He buys another 20 of the same purple shirt and gets even higher heels to wear, even strappier. He helps me buy the ugliest shirts so you can see me a mile away and think I'm going to rip you off with a used car. Just living out best gay vacation uncle vibes.

@my-muses-in-op [Thatch/Shanks/Rayleigh]

6. go clothes shopping with, go to ikea with, go grocery shopping with

Thatch for the latter 100% as said above.

Me and Shanks go to Ikea and by awful shit that our spouses would hate. We also talk about our spouses aggressively. 100% we by the bed that looks like a pirate ship.

Rayleigh can maybe take me to get some adult clothes instead of me living my best drunk vacation uncle vibes. Makes me dress nice so I'm allowed in places there isn't a 'dollar menu' option.

I go home and Marco and Ace are like 'wtf are those' at my full length pants and appropriate going outside in the cold attire. ---------------------------------------------------------

ANON [Marco/Izou/Ace]

10. netflix and chill with, go ice-skating with, play dodgeball against

Izou would be MAGICAL ice skating but like I really love the idea of Ace falling on his ass and accidentally melting the entire ice rink out of frustration. Plus Ace ice skating means I don't have to be against his ass in the dogeball section.

Izou for dodgeball, I feel like he'd consider the entire thing a waste of getting sweaty and just throw one perfectly aimed ball at my face, beat me and just like... go and get a drink. Not a hair out of place as he murders me and I'd still say thank you.

Marco for netflix and chill. I'd cuddle up to this big bird and we'd watch stuff and just vibe and if it was that kinda chill he'd be good enough to arrange me so I could still see the TV screen.

#ask game #thank you #this was fun #so much sillyness

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