#Cement block molds

[siliconeconcretemolds]

Extra Large Silicone Planter Molds for Sale

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Read More- concrete brick mould

[reasonsforhope]

"While tourists visiting Mexican beaches complain about piles of smelly seaweed, one Mexican gardener reckoned it was something like a gift.

The governments in places like Cancun have been required to clear away as much as 40,000 tons of sargassum seaweed, which smells like rotten eggs, but Omar de Jesús Vazquez Sánchez is steering it away from the landfills and into a kiln, where he makes adobe-like blocks that pass regulation as a building material.

He started SargaBlock to market the bricks, which are being highlighted by the UN Development Program as a stroke of brilliance, and a sustainable solution to a current environmental problem.

His story begins back in 2015 when, like any experienced laborer, he found rich people were stuck with a job they didn’t want to do. In this case, it was cleaning up the sargassum on the beaches of the Riviera Maya.

Omar grew up in poverty, immigrated to the US as a child to become a day laborer, and eventually dropped out of school and became a substance abuser. The American dream never appealed to him as much as a “Mexican dream”—a mix of memories from his childhood and dreams of being a gardener back home, so he moved back.

His time feeling unwanted as an addict and immigrant gave him a unique perspective on the smelly seaweed.

“When you have problems with drugs or alcohol, you’re viewed as a problem for society. No one wants anything to do with you. They look away,” Omar told Christian Science Monitor in a translated interview.

“When sargassum started arriving, it created a similar reaction. Everyone was complaining, I wanted to mold something good out of something everyone saw as bad.”

The ecology and environment offices of Quintana Roo, the legislative area that includes the city of Cancun, approved the SargaBlocks for use, and similar organic-based blocks have been reckoned as being capable of enduring 120 years.

The UN Development Program selected Omar’s work to be featured in their Accelerator Lab global broadcast to alert the world of its value and ingenuity.

There are all kinds of naturally-occurring pollutants or burdens that could be used in construction, and the UNDP hoped that by sharing Omar’s vision of the future of the Caribbean’s sargassum problem, it would inspire others to act in similar ways.

Bricks and cement can be great sources to use up naturally-occurring material that’s dangerous or burdensome—like this Filippino community using the ash from volcanic eruptions to make bricks.

Omar has been fortunate enough to be able to donate 14 “Casas Angelitas,” or homes made of SargaBlock, to families in need, and seems to be exceedingly close to achieving his “Mexican dream.”"

-via Good News Network, 4/24/23

[sguidwards-bestfriend]

New Dimension, Who's This?

honestly writing this cuz I saw @gin2212 's comment and made me teary, so were gunna finish this bad boy! not today but you know... it will happen

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, part 5, part 6

Explicit mentions of death (but of characters that are currently living) Kind of OG version of their deaths

Danny had only walked through the Wayne’s home adjacent gardens once, in a direct route to the barn. Batcow was a highlight of that little excersion.

Now, however, they were actually looking at the shrubbery shaped like boring spheres and rectangles.

He felt Jason become distant and floated back a bit, he’d turned left into a very small opening.

Inside were three unmovable cement benches that curved slightly into one circle. The well cut bushes were wilder in here, making it cramped and impossible to see over the hedge.

“This spot used to be my favorite, when the weather was nice. I’d come out here with a book and whatever drink Alfred had decided to make that day.” Jason looked down at a square of cement in the middle, probably where a table had been. The indents on the side of the seats, likely from the mold it was made from, had moss growing in it.

“This seems like the perfect hideout.” Danny smiled and sat on the bench opposite Jason.

Jason hummed in agreement, he coughed awkwardly even for Danny’s standards and spoke up again. “So, you’re the god of death?” Jason was probably really good at looking casual and intimidating to most people, but Danny could sense the tension emanating from his core as he sat near a branch mere inches from his face with his hands in his pockets, probably wishing he could lean against something to look nonchalant.

“Nope, I’m the king of the dead. They aren’t the same thing.”

“So, you’re not Hades?”

“I hope not, I’ve met him and he’s kind of a dick.”

Jason laughed softly, he liked how it sounded “Okay, cool, so the Greek gods exist.”

“All of the gods do, technically.” He waited for Jason to look at him. “I know it’s hard to wrap your head around, but the infinite realms isn’t really a dimension on its own. It’s the space between all dimensions. When you die you have to pass through it to get to your destination. Some people don’t have a place and they end up part of my realm, some get lost, some sell their soul, others forget their lives entirely and are part of my people from the second they pass over. Then there are the never-borns: souls that form from pure will of the infinite realms. All that is part of my domain.” Danny floated up a bit to try and catch a glimpse of the stars, the smog from Gotham blocking everything. He looked back at Jason and his stomach did a little flip that he decidedly did nothing about. “But just so were clear; hell, the underworld, and all those other things are in the infinite zone. They aren’t all the same thing.”

“Okay. So, you rule over those too?”

“Again no, once a soul gets into the correct dimension, I don’t really have anything to do with it.”

“Wait so if someone who believes in an afterlife sells their soul what happens?”

Danny slouched in the air and grunts, “That’s where all the fucking paperwork comes in. I really want you to imagine the most bureaucratic way to possibly move to a new country, but you have none of your documents. Being stuck in this dimension was a fun break at first, but now all I can think of are the stacks of A-13 forms that are probably covering the castle floors.”

Jason shifted and with it came a wave of uncertainty. “If someone was killed and brought back, what then?”

Danny has seen how ghosts in the zone get when they talk about their deaths. For many it’s all they remember of their life. If a ghost with years to think it through reacts explosively he’s not sure how it will go with a newbie. “Well, a few things. The soul could come back to a place without a body in which case you have a true haunting. If the death was quick, it could have flash formed a core, that’s like a soul that has died fully, and then shoved back into the living body. That’s how you get halfas like me.”

Jason still looked cool and collected on the outside but there was unbelievable turmoil seeping out of him. “What if the body was dead for a while? What if a soul or core was shoved back into a body on purpose?”

“I’ve only seen one revival before, but there was a lot of time warping there. The necromancers I’ve met who were trying to bring someone back didn’t have access to ectoplasm which had results that are very different to… having it.” Danny breathed out to calm himself, letting that calm wave wash over Jason as well. “Sorry.”

“No, it’s alright.” Jason shuffled his leather jacket, “You call it ectoplasm.”

“Yeah.” Danny answered with a lilt in his voice.

“The green goop filled pools you said you emptied, you mentioned they were corrupted.”

“I did yeah.”

“What would happen if someone was exposed to that?”

“Honestly, it’s not the first time I’ve come across it but never that much. For ghosts it can leave them sick and weak for days. Not like polluted water, more like if you switched out the water a healthy person drank for soda exclusively. It won’t kill them, but it will have a negative effect.” Danny thought for a second and remembered the one-time Sam got covered in a mix of good and contaminated ecto during a fight with Undergrowth. “I saw how a diluted version of it affected a living person, her mind was warped and she had the same sort of tunnel vision a ghost has if they have a particularly strong obsession.”

Jason took a breath, he’d been going strong so far. Danny may come to regret this, but he put a hand on his shoulder and floated where they’d be face to face, letting his bottom half fade away into the ghostly tail. “I won’t do it if you don’t want me to, but I can subdue your emotions a bit if you want to talk about it.” Jason looked up quickly and Danny scrambled to correct himself. “I haven’t been doing that! Well, like not in a controlling way, more like the ghost version of calming down a friend who’s freaking out. If you pushed past it I wouldn’t hold you back.”

“You should.” Danny couldn’t help the questioning noise that came out of him, “The first year I came back, I don’t remember it well, but I tried to kill Tim… and possibly Damian. If I do go too far hold me back.”

Danny nodded, “Back in the hall, when Tim was taking an unorthodox amount of coffee cups out of his room,” Jason snorted a bit and smiled, “you didn’t fight me stopping your emotions from bubbling over. I think, with even a little help, you do in fact make the right decisions.”

Jason’s hand came up to hold on to Danny’s forearm, “I went out to stop the top villain at the time, the Joker. I really did think I could beat him so I turned off my coms. He… He beat me to an inch of my life and left me to die in the explosion he’d rigged up.” Jason’s body was hot to the touch and he was obviously timing his breaths. “I can still feel the damn crowbar he used whenever I fall asleep. Batman had never been late before; he’d never let something like that go past him. My plan B was him, and he didn’t make it.”

Danny hummed. A benefit of their shared ghostliness in needing not to use his words, he pushed through waves of camaraderie and understanding.

“I had dug myself out of my own grave. I don’t remember much other than pain for months. Then Talia, Damian’s genetic mother, threw me into a Lazarus pit. The first thing I remember seeing was looking up at her terrified face, tinted in green.”

There was anger as he spoke her name, Danny controlled the waves of corrupted ecto that were threating to turn those emotions against Jason’s true wishes.

“I was fifteen, how does someone let a child do that. I was a kid!” Jason’s emotions were switching around and Danny could hear the forming core start too fuss. “I was just a kid.”

Danny came closer and wrapped all four of his arms around Jason, squeezing him just enough to feel a weight on him, but not so much it was restrictive.

Jason still seemed tense so, Danny did the only thing he could think of, he talked of his own death.

“My parents built the first ever physical portal to the realms. I was messing around with friends and they dared me to walk into the useless frame. My parents always had a tendency of forgetting lab safety and making just one mistake in every build. I’m not sure how they managed to put the on button inside it, but I tripped, hitting it on my way down. I could feel every bolt of electricity ripping me apart as the link between worlds opened directly on top of me. I died separate to my body and ended up like this.” Danny moved back and looked down at himself without letting go of Jason. “I tried to tell my parents at first, but they were always busy.

They spent the day I finally gave up trying to trap my sister; thinking she was the ghost their devices we’re picking up.”

Jason rested his forehead on Danny’s, sighing against the cold touch. “How old we-“

“Fourteen.”

“We were kids.”

“Yeah,” Danny kept his forehead against Jason’s. Two arms he left at Jason’s shoulders, the other two caressing his arms.

With a wave of confidence and fear Jason grabbed Danny by the waist and pulled him in for a real hug.

They held each other there, hidden amongst the foliage, until it started to drizzle.

“We should-“

Danny cut him off, pulling back to show the tears running down his face. “Can we go to your room?”

“Yeah, come on.”

They didn’t touch on the walk through the garden, or at the entrance, or in the hall. No, it wasn’t until the door was closed behind them that Danny came forward and just barely touched his arm.

Jason grabs him and pulls him in again, this time resting his chin on the top of Danny’s head. The attempt to calm Danny down just as he had for Jason made him start to cry again, this time much happier.

The surge pushed his kingly nature to shift into something more human. His arms went back to only two, his skin became that of a pale human’s (for the most part), his ears shrank down and his pointy teeth rounded out. And, surprisingly, his form gave him pajamas.

The ecto the change required didn’t accept the contaminated ecto that Jason had sent and Danny sagged into Jason, his knees buckling.

“Hey, hey.” Jason hushed, “I’ve got you.”

He sat Danny on the bed and went to get pajamas for himself. Once changed he laid down beside Danny and curled around him.

Danny was laying on his back, his legs bent over Jason’s thighs, who was laying on his side up against Danny. Creating a cocoon to hold Danny in.

They fell asleep quickly, Danny held Jason's hand on his chest throughout the rest of the night.

Neither of them had nightmares.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

@bjurnberg, @skulld3mort-1fan, @akikkobara @undead-bi-dinosaur, @amyheart19, @phoenixdemonqueen, @not-your-average-url, @seraphinedemort, @theywontletmeusetheoneiwant,  @satisfactionbroughtmeback, @kyrianclawraith, @i-always-say-yea, @gin2212

[hometoursandotherstuff]

I am always looking for homes for normal people who can't afford millions, and it's crazy to see what's available and where. This is a questionable value - an 1883 Victorian in Alma, MI. It has 6bds, 4ba, asking $375K. It's a little weird, though.

Firstly, I don't know what they did to the beautiful original Victorian porch, b/c this brick wall, cement, and modern beams ain't it.

I don't know how they got such light wood. It looks original, but did they have it bleached and redone with oak stain? The new flooring has a weird inlaid pattern. I hate this entrance hall.

Definitely the original stairs.

There's a nice fireplace. This was once an elegant entrance hall.

So, they have a dining room.

This room is loaded with stuff, including an old fridge.

Okay, they've got a sitting room here.

And, the 2nd sitting room is also off the main hall, but they look modernized with gray paint. I don't see the fireplaces, either.

What did they do to this kitchen? I can't even talk about it. Glass block backsplash in a Victorian. Tile floors.

This must be the old service stairs.

The hall is so narrow and it's modernized. I wonder if the dark molding is original. The doors are original.

Uh, these 2 rooms look like good sizes, there's certainly a lot of stuff in them, and the pink one is in the turret.

This room is being used as the primary bedroom.

The bath was completely renovated. I hate it.

Bedrooms 4 & 5.

Oh, what did they do to the turret in here, w/that ceiling. They've got the home on all the flat screens b/c I guess they think it's beautiful.

The entrance to the attic- there's a counter for a mini fridge and you can also have toast.

The finished attic. I guess this can't be counted as a bedroom.

Or maybe it's this one that can't be counted. But, how cool is this? It's at the top of the turret.

There's a shower room up here.

In the basement, they have a bar. Geez, there's the house again on the TVs.

More screens w/the house.

I hope that guests don't have to pass this on the way to the bar.

The house is on a .25 acre lot. Truthfully, I think they ruined it. It's not much of a Victorian, anymore. Zillow says it's worth $360K, but I don't know if I would want it.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/611-Pine-Ave-Alma-MI-48801/115072964_zpid/

[shenglingyuan]

title: despair shared is a despair halved (ao3) pairing: togame jo/endo yamato summary: So Togame Jo was the name behind the brute force he just witnessed. Though it’s not as graceful as Takiishi’s fights, there was true strength behind his hits and tackles. And what was Endo if not a worshipper of the strong? While Takiishi wasn’t around, there shouldn’t be any harm in expanding his tastes a bit, right? (In which Endo yearns for someone he couldn't have and settles for Togame who was around. tags: mentions of Umemiya Hajime, one-sided TakiEndo, one-sided TogaTomi, mentions of Tomiyama Choji, sugar baby Endo, Friends With Benefits, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - No Sakura

i

Bored.

Yamato Endo was helplessly bored.

Summer couldn’t pass by fast enough, and it’s only been two weeks. Takiishi had to leave for a rare out-of-town family trip, and the guy didn’t even inform him how long he’d be away. Not that Takiishi tells him trivial things. He wasn’t the talker of the two, that was Endo’s role. So now, on the last summer before they enter high school, Endo was left to his own devices with no one to entertain himself with.

His wandering feet brought him to a part of town they didn’t usually end up in – the local garden park. After all, Takiishi has no interest in these areas – all low-lying, flat, and nowhere to stand tall from.

Colorful lanterns and streamers hang on strings all around, and people are busily bustling about. Right, it’s festival season. He remembered going with Takiishi last year, but the other boy didn’t seem to like the crowd. They went back home even before nightfall and watched the fireworks from afar on top of their apartment building.

It seems he’d be watching the fireworks alone for the first time in a long while.

He strolled aimlessly around the park, peeking at the food and game stalls and finding nothing interesting in particular. After a while, he ended up at the other end of the park where a stone path leads to a woody trail. He followed the trail, deciding to just go back home once he reaches end, until he eyed a group of boisterous men hanging around deeper into the thicket, passing around a lighter, puffs of smoke coming from within their group. They seem to be made of the same mold with the guys he and Takiishi liked to clash with. Suddenly, a mischievous idea formed in his head.

Endo continued walking, but this time, towards that group of men. This part of the park only had a narrow, cemented pathway, and the group was basically blocking it. When Endo finally reached them, he intentionally hit one of the men with his elbow, then exaggeratedly stepped back with a feigned expression of surprise.

“Oops, sorry man,” he raised his arms up as if to announce surrender, but a mocking smile was already on his lips. “Didn’t see you there.”

The guy he bumped into easily saw through his provocation, stepping forward to close the distance between them. “Think you’re so tough, kid?”

Endo shrugged, throwing the group a smug smile. “Why don’t you try me?”

Whoosh!

The guy quickly threw a punch in, but he was still a beat too slow that Endo saw it coming. Endo easily swerved out of the way, grabbed the man’s arm, twisted it around his back, and kicked him face-first to the ground. The man yelped in pain, his cheek bloody from being scratched from the hard ground.

“You bastard!”

“Hey!” Suddenly, someone shouted from behind. “What are you doing?”

Everyone turned their attention to the newcomer. Endo looked up and found another boy about his age frowning at their direction. He donned a red robe with the logo of a taiyaki sown on the right chest, and a bandana that held his noticeably wavy hair within it.

“Is this boy your friend?” One of the men pointed a rigid thumb towards Endo’s direction.

Endo, on his part, showed the newcomer a weak smile as if to say, “I’m the victim here.”

“No,” the boy answered, “But it doesn’t mean I won’t intervene here. Aren’t you ashamed of bullying a kid when you’re all grown men? Causing up a ruckus on festival grounds.”

The boy spoke at a pace slower than most people, but there was a certain air of authority in each word that left his mouth. He successfully drew all their attention as he walked closer, his wooden sandals clacking against the rocky pathway.

“Kids these days are so cocky,” one of the men commented. “Don’t come crying to mommy when you get hit, boy.”

The group of thugs came at them all at once. Endo was just about to get in position, but suddenly, he felt a swift rush of wind next to him. In a blink of an eye, the boy who just arrived was before him, fighting the group all on his own. Though many of the men were bigger than him, it didn’t seem to impede his ability to take them on. With an efficient combination of tackles and kicks, he was able to fight back and knock them down, even if he had to take hits himself. Endo wanted to help, but it seemed like he would only disrupt the new guy’s flow if he did. He had no choice but to watch as the group fell one by one, until it was only the boy left standing.

When everyone else was knocked out, or pretending to, he finally turned to Endo’s direction, “Are you okay?”

“No, man, are you okay? You’re the one who took their hits!”

The boy scratched the bridge of his prominent nose, not even bothering to wipe away the trickle of blood from where one of the men scratched his cheeks with his ring. “It’s nothing, I received worse.”

“I don’t think I got your name. I’m Yamato Endo.” He stretched out a hand, a strip of band-aid he had fished out from his pockets already between his fingers. “Here, for the wound.”

“Thanks,” the boy took the band-aid and expertly covers his wound with it, as if he’d been to countless fights before and have had to take care of himself right after. “Togame Jo.”

So Togame Jo was the name behind the brute force he just witnessed. Though it’s not as graceful as Takiishi’s fights, there was true strength behind his hits and tackles.

And what was Endo if not a worshipper of the strong?

While Takiishi wasn’t around, there shouldn’t be any harm in expanding his tastes a bit, right?

“Can I treat you to a meal around here? As a gesture of thanks.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I have to work.” He points at the logo on his chest. Now Endo could read the store name clearly – Taiyaki Paradise. “If you buy from our stall, that’d be enough for me.”

Endo spotted Togame later, serving dozens of people at a speed that would earn one a sufficient yelling from an impatient customer. But with his droopy-eyed and amicable smile, he seemed to be the calm reprieve in such a busy place. At this space, people lost the sense of rush and enjoyed the mix of scents wafting through the air. Every taiyaki sold was served with a gentle nod, and Endo couldn’t believe this was the same boy throwing grown men on the ground just a while ago.

Just then, a foreign-looking woman approached the stall and spoke to Togame. Confusion immediately befell his face. Endo found the chance to become the ‘savior’ this time.

He strode towards the stall. The woman was now attempting to construct a coherent sentence in a mix of English and Japanese, and Togame’s face just even more grew frozen from the confusion. The old man he was working for who probably know even less English already took over with serving the rest of the customers, leaving the poor boy to deal with the foreigner alone.

“Excuse me,” Endo stepped in, fluent English pouring from his lips. Both Togame and the woman looked at him in gratefulness, “may I help you instead?”

“She’s asking if the taiyaki got any type of nuts,” Endo relayed to Togame, “She’s deadly allergic to it.”

“Oh…no, there’s nothing of the sort.”

Endo told this to the woman, and then, “She’s ordering three.”

“Okay.”

Finally, Togame was able to serve the foreigner, and she left with a satisfied smile, chewing on the freshly made, nut-free taiyaki.

“Thanks for the help,” Togame turned to Endo with a relieved expression. “You saved me back there.”

“It’s nothing,” Endo waved his hand, “Can’t even compare it with your help earlier.”

“Are you here to buy from us then?”

At this point of the festival, the stream of people has become even more prominent, and the line for the taiyaki was starting to grow. Endo’s got nothing else to do. He was supposed to return home before that small fight broke out. He could pass time with this one.

“Got any space for an extra worker? Free of charge.”

Over the next two days of the festival, Endo spent it helping at the taiyaki stall, much to Togame’s surprise. The old man who owned the stall couldn’t be happier with the free service. He shared that he didn’t have much, and Togame was already working for him below the usual rates other stall workers ask from owners.

“I’m glad this boy could make friends with such a nice young man like you.”

Once out of earshot, Togame came closer to Endo.

“I’m sorry about Takeda-san. I hope he’s not imposing or anything, we’re not friends so don’t feel obliged about staying.”

“Eh? You hurt me,” Endo dramatically placed a hand over his chest, his jaw open in exaggerated shock, “I thought we have something going on here.

Togame looked at Endo then with wide eyes. In that instant, Endo completed the picture of Togame’s personality in his mind: strong but aloof, someone with fists without anyone to protect. A loner.

“Don’t tell me you got no friends?”

“Speak for yourself,” Togame was suddenly defensive, stepping back to busy himself on heating the taiyaki molds, “You’ve been hanging around here.”

“My friend’s away for a trip.”

“Only got one?”

“Look who’s talking.”

One by one, Togame pours the batter in the fish-shaped molds, a somber expression forming on his face. “It’s hard for me to make friends. And I’d rather not waste my time trying. I’m fine by myself.”

Endo started placing the fillings within each mold, moving like an expert when he was just hired yesterday. “That’s what I thought, too, you know. I never really got along with other kids. It just isn’t fun. Until I met Takiishi. He’s real strong, and when he fights it’s just the most beautiful thing. I take on the small fry for him so he can put his everything against the strongest, because really, that’s when he shines the most. And I just absolutely love watching it all go down.”

“You like him a lot, don’t you, that friend?”

Endo realized he had gone overboard again rambling about Takiishi. It’s not like he’s embarrassed about it, but when he drew his attention back to Togame, Togame was looking at him with a soft expression that suddenly made him self-conscious. “Yeah…he’s one of a kind.”

“Good for you that you have someone like that in your life.”

Good for me? That was a weird way to put it. But Endo supposed, getting hit from time to time was more than worth it for the chance of witnessing him in battle.

But being around Takiishi didn’t mean having him. Yet only Takiishi would satisfy his desires. So until he could have Takiishi, Endo could only cast his net outside, hoping for someone to fill the gap, even just for a while.

ii

The next time Endo saw Togame, he was fresh out of Furin and on a mission to gather strong fighters around him. But, of course, he wasn’t just gathering anybody – not only should they be strong, but they should also carry with them a piece of Takiishi’s color. If he’s to surround himself with people, they better be someone tolerable to have around, don’t they?

Now, Togame was strong, but he couldn’t be any more different than Takiishi. Where Takiishi was the fire that could raze down an entire forest, Togame was the still pond in the middle of a stone garden.

Yet, strength is strength. Endo could at least make one exception.

He found him once more in the local garden park, just about time for this year’s summer festival. Endo almost did not recognize him. Togame seemed to have hit another growth spurt from the last time they met. But he still carried that usual air of laxness. That part of him has obviously not changed a bit.

“Join me.”

Togame was unfolding two lanterns on the stall when Endo unceremoniously stopped by, dropping an invitation without any form of context or whatsoever. He was frowning when he looked up, but upon seeing it was Endo, his face smoothed out with a small smile.

“Hey, long time no see. Join you for what?”

“I’m gathering strong people, someone like you. Only thing you need to do is win our fights. What do you say?”

“Ah, you’re a bit too late with your invitation.” Togame hung one of the fish-shaped lanterns on the corner of the store banner, its body seemingly swimming in the gentle breeze.

“What do you mean?”

“I just joined another team recently. Shishitoren.”

Shishitoren beat him to Togame? Well, damn it. Here he was thinking he had found himself a diamond in the rough that won’t be discovered anytime soon. And it had to be Shishitoren out of everyone else. If he had stayed in Furin, they would have probably clashed sooner than later.

“Any chance of poaching you? You get extra benefits if you switch over to me.”

Togame laughed through his nose, “And what would that have been?”

“I dunno. What do you want?”

“Am I that valuable that I can negotiate with you?” Togame took another fish-shaped lantern laying on the nearby table and handed it to Endo. “Help me with this?”

“Look, man, I just want to achieve my goals easier.” Endo took the lantern and hung it opposite to the one Togame had just put up. “A strong fighter like you would be a big help for me.”

“What’s your goal?”

“What do you mean?”

“Shishitoren calls themselves devotees of power. They’re a bit rowdy, but they’re clear on what they want to do. To reach the top, to be free, they swore to persevere and never back down in front of anything. Sounds cool, isn’t it?”

“Sounds like a fantasy to me,” Endo pursed his lips, scrunching his nose at the soppiness of some groups in this town.  

“Well, why do you fight?”

Why indeed. By himself, Endo just usually found himself in the middle of trouble, pissing off older kids just because he looked at them a bit funny. But with Takiishi, a fight was something he specifically sought out, something he engineers, so that Takiishi could unleash the heavenly fire residing in his body and Endo could witness it all in its glory. There really wasn’t some big goal like what that Umemiya kept yapping about, nor an abstract desire to be free like Shishitoren.

At the end of it all, “It’s all just for Takiishi.”

Togame nodded, remembering the name Endo had praised unprovoked from their last meeting. “I understand, but I don’t think I can put my heart into fighting under such rationale.”

“Can’t believe I’m losing my touch.” Endo finally conceded, shaking his head. “Who the hell managed to convince you to join Shishitoren? I know those guys, you don’t feel like one of them.”

Just then, Togame’s expression morphed into something familiar, “There’s this new friend I made. Tomiyama Choji. He’s real strong, and there’s just something about him that makes joining Shishitoren much better.”

And that tone of voice. It’s almost like hearing himself talk about Takiishi. He’s afraid he had no chance to convert Togame from the very beginning.

“Guess I’ll see you out there. Don’t lose to anybody before me, got it?”

In a few weeks, Shishitoren’s reputation steadily grew in town, and along it were the names Tomiyama Choji and Togame Jo.

iii

Downpour greeted Endo on his way home. His gaze lazily followed down the droplets rolling against the car window. The woman on the driver’s seat had been on the phone since they left the hotel, leaving Endo to entertain himself. It worked in his favor, of course. After entertaining her for a whole night, the chance to disengage during the trip from the hotel back to his own apartment helps him better compartmentalize this specific aspect of his life. Sensible adults would probably frown upon knowing the shit he’s getting himself into, the more responsible ones would probably be concerned and raise the matter to proper authorities.

But who cares, really?

He’s grown indifferent to it, and Takiishi doesn’t even bat an eye when he disappears for a night or two. He’d be lying if he said he’s not getting his own share of fun, and the material and monetary rewards after were more than enough to support his and Takiishi’s lifestyle. Everything was fine as it was.

Except when it feels that it wasn’t.

Recently, Endo had been learning how relevant the concept of hierarchy of needs was in his life.

“Oh, what a poor kid. Why’s he letting himself get drenched like that?”

The woman’s remark pulled back Endo from his spiraling thoughts, and his eyes caught a familiar posture and shade of orange. It’s Togame.

“Wait, I know this guy… hey, I’m getting off here.”

“You sure?” The woman covered the phone’s mouthpiece, the call still going up until now. “We’re only a few streets away from your place.”

“Yeah, don’t mind me…You have an umbrella I can borrow?”

With a wave and a promise to meet next time, the car drove away, leaving Endo some meters behind Togame, who seemed to be so deep in thought that he had no sense of awareness of his surroundings. His head remained down, his steps slow and purposeless. Endo caught up to him in a few strides, umbrella in tow.

“Oi, Togame.” It took a few seconds before Togame acknowledged his presence, turning to him. The rims of his eyes seemed red and puffy. Was he crying? “You look like shit.”

“…What are you doing here?”

“Saw you on the way home…Why don’t you come with me and dry up, yeah?”

Surprisingly, Togame yielded to his suggestion, giving a defeated nod.

“I haven’t seen you since you joined Shishitoren, how many months has it been? You’ve become quite famous. I was even looking forward fighting against you.”

Endo had been filling the silence the whole time that he was parched by the end. Togame’s gaze remained trained on the ground, even until they reached Endo’s apartment. It seemed that Takiishi was out on his own. Usually, he would return at night, giving Endo the privacy to host Togame for a while.

“Come in, I’ll get you a towel.”

“…Thanks.”

Endo quickly ran to the bathroom and grabbed the nearest towel at hand. Togame was still by the doorway when he returned, looking lost within the confines of the apartment. He looked really pitiful right now, but Endo couldn’t find it in him to make light of this situation.

“Here you go. Let’s sit you somewhere. The couch’s all fabric, can’t get them wet or else Takiishi would be mad at me.” Endo led the way to next room where the kitchen and dining area were at. Finally, Togame settled down on one of the chairs with the towel draped over his head. “That Tomiyama you told me about last time, he’s the new leader of Shishitoren, isn’t he?”

“Yeah.”

“Is…he related to why you’re out there drenched?”

Togame turned his head away then, refusing to answer. Endo hit right on the mark. Bored as he was, he might as well dig further and get information about the new Shishitoren.

“Tell me. You’re already here anyway, and it’s still pouring outside. Let’s hear you out while we pass the time, yeah? Wait, I’ll just grab something to drink.”

He made his way to the fridge and grabbed two cans of beer, just among the many perks of being involved with adult women. Takiishi doesn’t like beer though, so it’s all on Endo to drink them. Naturally, they’ve just been accumulating at the bottom of the fridge, waiting for the perfect moment to be drank. Today was one of those moments.

“Here,” Endo placed an opened can in front of Togame.

“I don’t—”

“You will. Should help you warm up and loosen up, okay?”

Togame unwillingly took the can, taking a few sips, his face contorting to an expression of distaste. He didn’t look like he abhorred it, though. Endo took a swig right after from his own can, all too familiar with the sensation of alcohol running down his throat.

“So?”

“Ha…where do I even begin?”

“Why don’t you start from since the last time we saw each other?”

Togame started slow, seemingly having a hard time grasping the right words to use. Endo observed that he was trying not to put Tomiyama in a negative light. Well, no, that wasn’t completely right. The more Togame drank, the more words spilled out, and the more Endo understood that Togame just really had no bad things to say about Tomiyama, even if whatever went down at Shishitoren seemed to be that guy’s fault.

“He’s a walking ball of sunshine. Everyone’s just gravitated towards him, everyone’s happier when he’s around. He made Shishitoren better just by being himself…he’s just…in a rough patch right now. Until then, I have my own role to fulfill to keep everything together.”

Takiishi is a walking god, and when he fights the rest of the world disappears, only his glorious form remains. I feel things I haven’t felt before when he’s around, he makes my life so much better just by being around.

Wasn’t it uncanny how their thoughts sound the same?

“You know, when I first met Takiishi, it felt like having my prayers answered. At that moment, I’ve thoroughly believed that gods are real, and Takiishi is one of them.”

Togame looked at him as if he just spoke to him in alien language.

“What I’m saying is, people that we like, we idolize, we put them on a pedestal. We work hard to protect that image in our head that we turn blind to everything else, as long as we get to keep that person within reach. It’s a little selfish, really, but in the end, would it be all worth it?”

“It will be,” Togame muttered under his breath, crushing the can in his fist until it’s nothing but a flat lump of metal, “The sun will be loved. I will make sure of it.”

“Even if it burns you?”

“If I need to.”

Realization dawned on Endo as to why he’s so drawn to Togame – it was like staring into a mirror, seeing another version of himself devoted to a being so divine that he’s lost his sense of self. Wherein his purpose became for that being that has graced his sullen existence.

There’s something comforting about being pathetic alongside another one like you. Something akin to finding a small thread to hold onto in the dark.

Endo reached for it then, for Togame, wrapping his fingers around his wrists and stopping any form of protest from his mouth by taking it in his. In his dreams, there was only one man whom Endo devoted his kisses for. But that’s all what it was, a dream. In the waking world, there was only Togame. He was not Takiishi, but Endo could pretend otherwise.

Then it landed, a square hit to Endo’s cheek. It was different from Takiishi’s usual punches, which completely disrupted the small fantasy he had created in his head.

“What the hell was that for?” Togame growled at him, his usually mellow eyes turning murderous. His wet, disheveled hair made him look even more feral, igniting Endo’s interest on him even more. So, he’s not just the mild-mannered boy who keeps to himself but can pummel down people on his own, there was also a monster within with pains and desires similar to his.

He must keep Togame around.

“Seems like you needed it. Wanted it even.” Endo wiped away the taste of blood from the corner of his lips with a wry smile. It’s been a while since he took a hit from someone that’s not Takiishi. “Look, Togame, you might not believe me, but I understand you. Don’t look at me like that, I’m not being empathetic here. I’m proposing something that benefits us both.”

“Benefit? How?” Even though he still looked pissed, his eyes have already lost its rage, replaced by a somewhat hopeful look. It seemed that he had also realized the existence of the small thread that could provide him the smallest bit of comfort, and he was ready to reach out.

“You and I are both devoted to people we look up to. You with that Tomiyama, me with Takiishi. And as far as I can tell, we’re also both treated like nothing. But we stick around, yeah? Better to suffer than to lose the person. In this world, who else would understand us better than each other? It gets lonely, trust me, I know.”

Endo closed the distance between them once more, each word spoken like a snake slowly wrapping its prey with its own body, until finally, finally, the prey stops resisting and lets itself be consumed.

“What I’m offering is but a small escape from that loneliness.”

iv

A fire does not blaze forever, especially when its fuel had burn through.

Ever since leaving Furin, Takiishi’s blazing fire had been turning to a smolder, and it’s pissing the hell out of Endo. As for what reason was he following Takiishi around for, giving him everything he wanted, if the only thing he desired from Takiishi didn’t even get fulfilled? It could drive a man crazy.

“How about those bastards stationed on the pier? They’re a pretty new group but I heard the guy leading them’s crazy strong.” Ignored.

“Wanna go against Roppo Ichiza on our own? I’m sure that Kanji would give you a good time.” Nothing.

“If only there were more people as strong as that bastard Umemiya—” Finally, a smile.

Takiishi’s eyes shone, his lips curved up, and Endo swore he could see the spark reigniting in his eyes even just at that moment.

Of course, it’s Umemiya.

Endo pretended not to notice. It’s barely been half a year since they left Furin, he did not want to deal with that person too soon. Why did Takiishi have to be hung up over the most annoying person in town? That goofy ass hair and holier-than-thou attitude, speaking as if he’s a messiah sent to clean Furin and Makochi of its sins.

Fuck Umemiya.

Takiishi retired early that night, leaving Endo dealing alone with his frustrations. He should have known better than bring up that name, now he’s the one suffering the consequences.

Thankfully, Togame took the bite and accepted his offer from last time. Endo hasn’t had the chance to call him for a meet-up, and he didn’t think Togame would be the first to reach out anyway. Despite everything, that guy was still a prude whom Endo must taint for his own satisfaction.

After taking a quick shower, Endo sent Togame a message:

     > hey, you busy?

Ten minutes passed, and there was still no response.

Endo’s not one to give up though. He pressed the call button. After a few seconds, a familiar voice echoed from the other end of the line.

“What?”

“I sent you a text.”

“Oh, was that you? I don’t check my messages at night.”

“You bastard…Well, are you busy now?”

“…Not really. Why?”

“Let’s meet.”

Silence. Then, “I’m at home.”

“I can go there. Unless your folks are around?”

Another silence. Endo’s starting to get used to this. He gave Togame time to think.

“…Fine. I’ll send my address.”

Thirty minutes later and Endo found himself in front of a traditional-looking house situated near the border of the town. He had notified Togame of his arrival, so he saw him waiting just outside the wooden gate, sporting a new look with his usual loose waves now kept in a low braid. Somehow it gave him an additional air of danger that fit Endo’s tastes just right.

“Cute house.”

“You’re the one who insisted to meet here.”

“Hey, I was being sincere.”

Togame led the way inside, and it was all the bit traditional as it was outside, filled with wooden interiors and bamboo furniture. They walked further until they reached the end of a narrow hallway, where Togame slid open a wooden door, revealing a simple bedroom inside. Endo’s used to spending nights in fancy hotels with women, this…homey setting with another guy would be a first even for him.

“Mind if I use bathroom?”

“Go back and turn left, it’d be on your right side. You won’t miss it.”

“Cool, I’ll see you in a bit.”

Unlike the rest of the house, the bathroom was at least modern in style. For some reason, Endo thought it’d be also made of wood, and it would have made prepping himself kind of awkward. Now that he was here, he took a moment to gather his thoughts. He could get impulsive with his actions after all, and though he was the one who suggested this kind of arrangement with Togame, a part of him was still reluctant, loyal to Takiishi.

But Takiishi wouldn’t care. He must remind himself of that. It’s just the truth, and the sooner he could settle with the truth about Takiishi’s feelings towards him, the better it would be. Just because Takiishi’s fights make him feel euphoric didn’t mean he couldn’t seek for the same kind of high from someone else.

After a while, he returned to the bedroom and found Togame sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting. He looked up as soon as he heard Endo’s footsteps, the prominent point on his neck bobbing up and down as he swallowed.

“Feeling nervous?” Endo teased, taking off his flannel jacket and letting it fall onto the floor.

“Let’s just get this over with.”

“Likewise.” He stepped closer to Togame then, parting his thighs even further with his own knee, resting it just a hair’s breadth away from Togame’s crotch. He pulled out the condom and sachet of lube he had in his pocket and threw it on the bed, ready to be used at a moment's notice.

All the while, Togame’s green eyes never left him, the look of hesitation slowly being washed away by the similar hunger that Endo could feel taking over him. Seducing his partners was not a new thing for him, but he had only been with women before. It gave Endo some sense of pride when he saw that the same tactics seemed to be working on Togame.

Puberty’s done Togame wonders, that Endo could immediately tell as he loosened the knot on Togame’s samue and took it off for him. Shaped muscles have already begun to form on the curves of his body where the softness of childhood would usually amass. Whatever fighting he’s getting himself into in Shishitoren were reflected on his build and from the light scars streaking against his fair skin.

Togame followed suit, grabbing at the hem of Endo’s tank top and pulling it off him. Togame’s calloused fingers hovered on his shoulder, running over the edges of the ishibiya tattoo barely visible from the front. “This is new?”

“Yeah, designed for Takiishi. Figured I’d have it on myself, too.”

“…You’re hopeless.”

“Don’t I know that?” Endo’s fingers found its way towards Togame’s braid, pulling at the elastic holding it together and letting his hair loose. “You look more pissed than usual when I arrived.”

“…Choji’s got a new obsession. Couldn’t stop talking about him all day.”

“A person?”

“Umemiya Hajime.”

“Ah, fuck that guy.”

“You know him?”

“Let’s just say you and I have the same problems. I hate him. Ugh, can we not talk about that bastard? I came here specifically because of him.”

Togame shrugged, “You’re the one who asked.”

Hearing none of it, Endo pushed Togame onto the bed, straddling Togame’s thighs between his knees.

“Top or bottom?”

“What?”

“Do you wanna do the fucking, or do you wanna get fucked?”

For the first time since Endo knew Togame, he witnessed him get flustered. “I…I’ve never done this before.”

“Never mind. I’ll let you fuck me then. Surely, you’d know how that works?”

“Shouldn’t you…prepare yourself first or something?”

Endo raised an eyebrow. “So, you do know your stuff.”

“I don’t live under a rock.”

“Is that so?” Endo reached for Togame’s hand and pulled it towards his own crotch, making him feel his bulge under the tight fabric of his pants, then crouching low, he whispered next to Togame’s ear, “Don’t worry about me. I’ve done my fair share of prep. Just show me what you know. I’ll lead the rest of the way.”

“Fuck!”

Endo’s vision went white as Togame thrusted deep into him one last time, his orgasm spilling into his stomach. Togame stayed inside him for a while, his own breath ragged, and the sensation of being filled up by Togame’s sizable length prevented any other rational thought from forming. They’ve both lost track of time, has it been more than an hour? Truth be told, Endo would want to go for another round, but this rendezvous had already been too long for comfort.

Finally, Togame slowly pulled out and fell back on the bed next to Endo, panting as he caught his breath.

“Not bad for a first time, huh.” Endo remarked breathlessly.

Togame only grunted in response, mind still probably reeling from his own orgasm.

After a while, Endo pulled himself out of bed, unsteadily making his way back to the bathroom to clean himself, leaving Togame laying on the bed to recover.

The mirror revealed bright red streaks across his skin and small bruising marks around his hips. His lips felt especially tender and raw from all the kisses they exchanged. Usually, he hated kissing whenever engaging in casual sex, but once Togame broke away from his initial inhibitions, he devoured him and fucked him like a deprived man.

But the matter of fact was, Togame was one. And so was he. This tryst between the two of them was exactly a temporary salve to satiate each other’s needs, it was within reason to revel in the feeling he gets while doing the act, but there’s no reason to get attached beyond that.

In the end, one major revelation dawned upon him – All this while, he’s the one giving service to all those women. He didn’t realize being on the other end would feel this good. He needed even more now. And he needed it from someone else.

If it’s Takiishi, it would be different.

After cleaning up, Endo went back to the room for his socks and found Togame already standing, putting on a pair of pants. Their eyes met – Togame’s green eyes were somber in the dim light, so much different from the feral gaze he had while fucking him. The difference was almost funny if only remembering that feral gaze did not stir the pit of Endo’s groin again.

 “Got what you came for?”

“Yeah.” Time to go.

“Let me see you out.”

The short walk from the room to the gate was quiet, there was no need for them to exchange words of small talk. It’s all casual anyway. But when they reached the gate, Endo stopped on his tracks and turned to face Togame.

“I’ll call you again next time.”

“Not here, hopefully. We just got lucky my folks were out today.”

“I’ll take care of that, don’t worry.” Endo thought for a second, then he added,  “You can call me, by the way, if you need.”

With the objects of their affections being obsessed with the same person, Endo knew that sooner or later, Togame would be the one looking for a distraction.

And with the way Togame looked at him, he must have arrived at the same conclusion. They would need each other. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

With a final nod, Endo bade his farewell and headed out into the night, a small, satisfied smile lining his lips. For some reason, he felt that it won’t be long before Togame himself calls him for a meet-up, and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t looking forward to it.

After all, he had found himself something interesting this time, one that would fill the gap in his heart until the right shade of eyes finally stares back.

[mermaidenmystic]

"This round medallion of a mermaid is just one of the decorations on the outside of the Santa Barbara Courthouse. First the sculpture was made, then cement was poured into the mold that was left by the sculpture. Finally, the round disk was attached to the wall of the building." ~ Art Block Collections

[queen-of-elves]

Acceptable

Armitage Hux x reader - Modern Office AU + some background Reylo

Summary: You have been working for First Order for years now slowly giving up on the idea of your dream project ever gracing your presence until it finally happened, however, there is a slightly cold and rude problem, other team leader Armitage Hux. 

REQUESTS ARE OPEN (And I'm begging you to send me some)

A/N: There is not enough classic fanfics for Armitage and almost zero AUs so I am here to satisfy the bitches, it’s me, I am the bitches

+not betaread so be kind

Words: 5.8K

Warnings: some swearing probably, there is always swearing in my fics, talking about f themself cause corporate life is annoying, some inappropriate thoughts

Tags:@l0stinth3nightsky @this-harl0t-shant-be-unalive

Everyone in the company knew how mean and bossy Armitage Hux was, even if you were from a completely different department, but this project was going to pull you in his inner work team and it terrified you to get first hand experience with him. You heard plenty of times how he made new interns cry and the older ones want to commit a suicide. So you weren’t exactly thrilled at working with him even on a project you have literally dreamed of since being accepted to work for the First Order company, the most prestigious company among prestigious companies. The project required two different departments that almost never interacted which also didn’t help.

You were ready for the first meeting between two departments, each under the supervision of completely different people and personalities, to be just a horrendous trainwreck. But Armitage Hux being the team leader of the other one? You didn’t have to be some kind of prophet to know this was going to be painful just to watch. Even though you were anxiously expecting disaster to occur in the first meeting, the sunshine side in you just had to shine through. So you had an exceptionally good morning, you were on time, had a delicious bagel and the sky was sunny, therefore there was no chance of Hux fucking up your day.

The office building was huge but not exceptional among the other skyscrapers littering the city, molding it into cement block maze. The windows provide enough clearance for you to see the busy people already moving around in the offices above, you even noticed some of your own team members anxiously waiting for your arrival while preparing the rest of the documentation for today's team meeting. 

You knew you were ready, your team also knew but that didn’t put to rest the anxious little monster growing inside your stomach. Still, you put on your best brave smile and entered the lobby, greeted the receptionist Clara and continued down the hall to wait for the elevator. Beeping your employee card on the scanner, to let you proceed to the elevator, put you right back into your morning routine, well, just for your coworker and a sort of subordinate, Rey bombard you with questions in the waiting line. 

“Did you hear it?” Her voice sounded an octave higher than usual or maybe it was just your tired brain not used to loud sounds yet, nothing a good old coffee couldn’t fix in minutes.

“Hm?” Your brain was still too tired to properly answer and so you only mumbled an acknowledgement to her question. Slow sips of your latté seemed to clear your mind a bit, thank god for sales like bagel plus free coffee at the local cafe otherwise you would be unusable these days.

“You know what I mean.” You were sure if you were to meet eyes with Rey, she would pierce you with that intense gaze. 

“The merge.” There was no merge, so far you weren’t even aware of any cuts in finances for this year or the one to follow. Whatever Rey was talking about was most likely just a bunch of bored employees gossiping and conspiring together, nothing major, nothing serious. This realization calmed you down even though The Merge sounded quite apocalyptic.

“I can assure you there is no merge, especially not between our two departments, Miss-” A voice interrupted but it did not intend to finish that sentence as if the owner was too busy to learn Rey’s name at all. He turned his attention to you, measuring you over, his calculating glare went over the ink stained hands to your low set black heels with that tiny cut on the left side you were so desperate to hide with black marker.

Armitage Hux waiting in front of the elevator for your arrival was definitely not on your list for today. He looked like a pristine image out of some magazine with men’s suits, his deep blue shaded suit with silver cufflinks perfectly paired with an expensive looking watch he was now checking printing itself in the back of your brain forever. Quite a nightmarish image of a handsome man with such a cold and cruel demeanor.

“You are both late. Meeting room 3 in 5 minutes.” And with that he was gone again, like a ghost, maybe he is a ghost of this building, stackup nitpicking cold monster that was stabbed by his tired employee centuries ago and now has to haunt the rest of you. He didn’t even turn around making you puzzle if he was truly addressing you.

“What’s going on?” Whisperyelled Rey, her wide eyes scanning the surrounding as if Armitage was going to pop up from the corner to remind her she has now 4 minutes left to be present in the meeting room.

“Trouble.” You simply answered your bewildered friend, there was no better answer to it after all. The morning you dreamed of was slowly fading into a nightmarish mess but at least you had now caffeined your brain enough to proceed to normal functions. Plus your team had your back, there was nothing to be afraid of except Armitage Hux and he was simply a man in a suit. Just an ordinary man in a tailored suit with a stoic expression.

And you were right, the team really had your back but Armitage definitely didn’t, he was mean and bossy and nitpicking and just so fucking insufferable. However, the meeting ended with both departments and their leaders arriving at a consensus, not a happy one. It almost reminded you of those messy divorce screaming matches in tv shows, except this was veiled in professionalism and formal language.

Of course your suffering didn’t end just as did the meeting, he was probably a sadist, prolonging your pain with his “Word?”. You were sure it wasn’t even a question, it was just an order for you to follow him straight to his office.

Armitage Hux’s office was neat as it can be, if it weren’t for the few scattered papers on the desk you would guess this was one of those exhibitions of furniture in Ikea. Well, even the Ikea display has more personality, some fakeass photos of happy couple/family. His office is neat until it’s bare, devoid of indicating anything about the owner’s personality. 

That’s kinda sad.

“Listen, I know that the project is not top notch of the quality it could be but I think we have a solid plan we can now expand upon.” You had to win this argument, you wouldn’t let him defeat you over a project you so desperately wanted for years. So, if he wanted to fight you were ready to bare teeth at this twig in a suit. 

“Oh, and before you say it’s-,” you couldn’t even finish before he interrupted you, “acceptable.”

 “What?” You blurted out, completely stunned by his remark. Did Armitage Hux, after all that tousling about in the meeting room, admit the plan your team created is acceptable. Yes, there were few changes happening after the “discussion” of both teams but nothing you have not foreseen already that also didn’t mean you were happy with said changes. But consensus between two completely different departments is everything the leadership asked for.

“The proposal is acceptable, I don’t understand why I should be doubtful, so far you have only proven to be a valuable asset for the company.” Armitage was always the epitome of professional and now he was complimenting you. He was complimenting you, right? Maybe you had too much coffee, maybe you had not enough coffee and maybe God was spinning on his chair and laughing at you up in the sky.

“Oh, thanks. I will take it as a compliment, even though you sound like a formal email impersonator.” Gosh, did you really just say that to him? There was a cold sweat pooling down your back, anxiety ranking up. Was he going to yell at you for such a statement, what you have heard so far it wouldn’t be unusual for him to yell at people over smaller things.

“I don’t.” His expression could be only described as a deadpan expression. It’s actually kinda funny, not entirely scary. He doesn’t laugh, noted, but you do and you also make people laugh and so you set your new target.You almost look around to see a hidden camera or an entire camera crew as if in The office. And while you amused yourself in your mind Armitage sported back his expression to emotionless stare before turning his attention back to the documents on the desk. 

“You do.” A small laugh escaped your lips at that moment and with his attention divided elsewhere you took it as an ideal time to run away exit the situation and also the office.

But before you could escape this storm of a man, he had to add. “Until the next meeting I expect you and your team to finish said plans.” And with that the conversation and mess of a morning comes to an end. However, there is still a lot of time for unexpected surprises before the day ends.

And so it began, the little you running circles in your brain over the thoughts of your new co-leader, the cold redhead slowly sneaking in your head again and again. It helped the clock to tick faster which was a good thing but the constant train of thoughts disassembling every part of your interaction with him over the time was like a cold shower every single time.

The last time you checked the clock read 5 minutes after 8pm and with that you started to pack your things ready to head home, have little dinner and continue with the paperwork over a random kdrama playing as a background noise. And as you bid everyone goodbye you noticed Armitage’s crouched figure in his office, going over some even more boring paperwork than was the one waiting on you at home. It was probably true, the first one to be in the office and the last one to leave that was Armitage’s schedule.

Sad.

And so you set your mind on a new plan, a horrible and cruel plan to ruin your late morning and exchange it for an early cold shower wake up and speed walk to a cafe not only for your favorite bagel but also a special delivery of coffee.

God, what am I even doing this early?

When the alarm buzzed you were around 100% sure you were making a mistake. Waking this early should be a crime. No, It is a crime. Especially when you were a busy little bee like you always are and spent the whole night until 3am working. But part of you knew it was going to be worthy, today was the day you were going to crack that tough ice cold exterior of Armitage’s facade.

If waking up this early wasn’t a mistake the cold shower definitely was but in all honesty you were just afraid you would fall asleep on the bus, so cold shower it was. In the end it was kinda worthy, you got your favorite bagel without having to wait in long line; got another free coffee, you had no idea if the sale was still on or if you just looked so terrible they felt sad for you and just had to give it to you; you also got Armitage his coffee and as a big finale you were on time, actually very early overall. 

The office was ruefully empty. And there was no Rey to talk to, you knew she wasn’t going to be in the office until 9am but you still hoped even she would find the idea of early start amusing. In reality you expected to get laughed at when she finally decides to grace the office with her presence.

You might have felt alone in the empty corridors of the building but it was not so empty after all. The curtain might have been drawn but you could see a slim light escaping in between them from his office, the artificial light was definitely not sunshine. 

He must have stayed up all night.

Mustering courage you knocked on his door before waiting on an invitation to let yourself in. It was useless, there was no sound coming from the office and so you knocked again and then again. Realizing he was not going to answer you decided to open the door and check up on him anyway.

He was sleeping on his desk with his suit jacket over the chair behind him and loose tie around his neck. The dress shirt slightly crumpled at the edges, his red hair tousled around and neck craned in such an uncomfortable position you were sure of his incoming back pain.

“Knock, knock.” You tried to say softly, just lightly waking him up but instead you groaned, your voice still not comfortable from no use this morning, startling him awake.

“I-” His form jolted, eyes flying open and searching the room for the culprit of his rough awakening. Blue eyes finally gazing upon you, Armitage looked boyishly handsome that morning, it was not just the wide expression but the state of disarray you found him in.

You decided against speaking, part of you afraid your blushing form would say something stupid, the stupid thoughts of the redhead not leaving you alone. The, almost like a cardboard, coffee cup made an uncomfortable noise once you pushed it on the table toward its owner, making the moment even more awkward.

He took a slow sip, still not fixing his hair or attire and part of you wished he never would, it suited him and you probably liked it even more than it actually suited him. 

“How did you know what coffee I drink?” His voice still hoarse and laced with sleepiness painted your cheeks even more crimson red. God it made you imagine things, you didn’t even know from where the thoughts were coming but there was somehow no way to stopping them. Your view of Armitage Hux completely shattering and rearranging itself into a different image.

“It's just black coffee, Hux, I assumed you would like black coffee, you are like the embodiment of black coffee.”

“Thank you, that's very considerate of you.” His lips touched the cup in a cautious move before he took a sip, trying to hide his small smile but you noticed it, you definitely noticed it and you knew you won. You won Armitage Hux over with a simple gesture of kindness.

”Was it a compliment or?” You wanted to laugh and you wanted to see more of a happier Armitage from now on. You felt like you got closer to Hux at that moment, a possible friendship started to blossom between the two of you. 

“Who knows.” Shrugging, he moved on to finally fix himself a little, smirk still apparent on his lips complimenting his tired stare. In that moment you wanted to experience more moments like this and you sure were going to try.

********

Finally it was the day the board would either accept the project or deny it. You couldn’t sleep for two days prior and even before that you slept only around 15 hours in a week, you felt almost dead. Both of you, Armitage and you, were now staring at your notebooks, ready to receive the final answer to your now weeks long struggle. 

Armitage's notebook beeped, a notification sounding off, sending you flying across the desk almost into his lap, not even considering it could be a completely different email or even personal thing.

You and Armitage got closer, just as the both of your teams, over the weeks you spent on this project, countless nights together in the office seemed to harden your relationship even more. You had fun, Armitage was not only a hardworking perfectionist and handsome man, he was also very funny, like ridiculously funny in your opinion.

The email was long, like unnecessarily when it comes to formal corporal emails but the end of it was just so promising. Both of you skimmed over the words, searching for the phrases denied. There was none, the only thing in the end it contained was so sweet and wanted approval for your project, relieving you both of disappointment.

You were not sure who was the first, if you or Armitage, but now the both of you were jumping as high as you could while clinging to each other, a victorious hug. It could take only seconds or minutes, you squealing and Armitage yelling, hugging each other and jumping once again, but when it was over, the embarrassment in both parties was apparent. 

Anyone could come into this office at any time, it was not uncommon for most of the higher ranking employees to just not knock and barge in and if they saw the team leaders of the current biggest project in the company disheveled and out of breath, who knows what they would think.

There was a common understanding of this premise and so the following actions were understandable, while you tried to smooth your skirt down, Armitage did the same to his hair and also his tie. He was still out of breath and a bit flushed, his look of happiness making you warm again.

“You should trust your guts more.” And again with his disheveled appearance, this man was going to be the death of you for sure. And while he was busy sporting himself back into his usual calm and perfect form you had to admire how far the both of you have come. 

“Trust my guts? Armitage, I have a crippling anxiety.” Wholehearted laugh clawed its way out of your throat, making him smile. “That’s like the worst advice ever.” You continued still giggling like a little girl with your cheeks starting to hurt from all the happiness flowing inside you.

“I tried.”

“I appreciate it.” You gave him a small shy smile, your cheeks were still too warm for you to completely concentrate. “Thank you.” You whispered in the end.

“You are welcome.” Nodding fondly over this conversation, Hux gave you a smug expression, which you have completely missed because you turned your attention back to the documents you had to prepare for the next meeting.

“Even though you should be the one thanking me for my amazing advice.” Armitage chimes in, relaxed expression kept in place while he slightly nudged you in the ribs.

“Was it a joke?” Your face morphing into a shocked amused grin, you turned to him, observing the man momentarily. “Did Armitage Hux just make a joke?” You were not aware that Armitage Hux, the cold hearted redhead, could joke but you liked it and hoped it would stay like this for a while.

“I regret ever interacting with you.” You could see the slight smirk forming on Armitage's face when he spoke, unable to contain it. Since starting working on this project you and Armitage really got close, you would even call him your friend now. Yeah, he was still sometimes a cold prick but you could see the appeal of him. Handsome, smart and very passionate for his work with a decent sense of humor, Armitage Hux was definitely a catch. This project really opened your eyes when it came to him.

“You don’t.” Your elbow met what you firstly assumed would be a bony mass but in reality was well defined muscles under what you deemed was branded suit.

“I do.” He couldn’t fight the smirk off now. It was awfully obvious. The past you would probably be slightly horrified over the thought of Armitage Hux smirking. The picture of it being painted under the impression that he is obviously an evil corporate man. However, seeing him smirk now sparked something completely different in you. The silly picture of an evil man from a cartoon you used to hold in your mind when someone said his name was replaced with a charming looking redhead man in a suit with a warm aura around him. 

“Nah.” You felt silly, stupid and giddy over this man and how warm he made you feel even though everyone viewed him as a cold and mean man he never was. “You love it.” 

“Yeah, I do.” The stare he gave you made something carnal turn in you, it was not an alien feeling but with Armitage there was a new intensity to it. Red liquid heat pooled inside your belly under his loving gaze.

Oh.

“I-I have to go and- inform the team, you know- so they like- know and- stuff.” You titered a bit, unsure how to continue such a conversation. Did Armitage Hux really make your heart skip a beat now? First he jokes and now he makes your heart flutter, the world truly is full of wonders

.

“Yeah, totally. I-” He seemed absentminded for a second, something you could hardly ever see on the young team leader’s face. Everyone might talk about his cold attitude but no one could deny how dedicated Armitage was to his work. Even though you weren’t from the same department you knew long before this project presented itself in front of you, that he was the first in the office and also the last one to leave. His workaholism seemed even more prominent with his quick responses to your emails regarding the shared project no matter at which hour you would send them. It was something worth admiring and fearing at the same time. And now you were the one stuck in their mind and still staring at him. 

“Hey, would you like- to go for a coffee or something?” His voice cracked in the middle, maybe it was trying to stop him from continuing but he still pushed through, the final bits of courage sending him past the finish line, finally asking.

OH.

“Your proposal is acceptable.” You tried to imitate his voice, those words as a reminder to the conversation you had with him after the first meeting.

“Thank god.” The relief on his face was comforting to see. Armitage was really keen to go out with you and it made you happy beyond anything.

Bonus little bits with Armitage’s POV:

He really hoped he could avoid Ben this morning but luck seemed not to be on his side this time. Armitage and Ben have been friend-workers since they both started in the company. They actually knew each other even before since they both went to the same college. At first they were not awfully close, Ben liked to annoy the fuck out of Armitage while he was trying to enjoy his morning coffee, lunch or evening run. Basically destroying nice things he liked but somehow the two of them stuck together and formed a sort of friendship over some time. That of course didn’t change anything on Ben annoying him with every single ounce he had in himself, which was the exact reason he really wanted to escape him this morning. This perfect late morning, he decided to enjoy himself and to read in bed until it was completely necessary to go to work. He never did that but recent sunshine in his office seemed to brighten his life and mood all the time so why not to enjoy a slow morning, he was after all always on time for 5 years straight now.

Armitage could see Ben towering over the cubicles scattered over the big room on the second floor of the company building. Ben was currently laughing over something some brown haired woman said, Armitage recently learnt her name was Rey and Ben was incredibly fond of her. This information was obviously carefully and pragmatically locked down inside his brain to be used later if the time called for it.  

And so Armitage hoped he could silently walk down to his office without Ben annoying him so early in the morning, leaving him to reminisce about what today could bring him, especially if it was in the form of a cute co-leader he recently had the chance to meet. He was wrong, obviously, well not really, but yes, he was wrong.

The young redhead was correct when his thoughts browsed back to you and if you would be as cheerful in his presence as you were yesterday. What he however didn’t mean to summon was not only your attention but also Ben’s.

“Armitage!” And there you were, a sunshine smile and loud voice directing everyone's attention, including Ben’s, to yourself before they turned to see him.

He simply nods in acknowledgement without realizing his face was graced with a slowly spreading smile. Ignoring his previous distaste in morning conversation, giving her a small wave didn’t seem so annoying as greeting Ben.

“Well, well, well, who is trying to sneak by.” God, just his voice could irritate Armitage to death on most days but today it was exceptionally nightmare inducing.

“I wasn’t sneaking by. I was simply walking to my office.” He answers curly, not giving even a glance to Ben, his expression still souring into deadpan one.

“You should take your coffee with some milk, you are awfully bitter in the morning.” Ben sniggers, amused at his joke.

“You're the one who is quite giddy today. Did the board meeting yesterday go that well?” But Armitage is ready to fire back right at him.

“Nah, not really.” This finally got Ben to shut up and Armitage to go about his morning in silence.

******************

“I didn’t think you were the type to go crazy over a woman.” Ben’s laugh is loud and childish, echoing on the open walls of the main hall between offices. 

“Don’t be ridiculous.” The look he gave to Ben was one of his favorites, offended and beyond believe irritated. It was a perfect illusion for him to uphold, ‘cause in reality Hux’s mind was in a midst of complete panic but still he kept on his killer pace to his office, maybe to lose Ben in the big space where the rest of the desk of their subordinates was located.

How much does he know?

This thought however, stopped Armitage in his walk, contemplating if he should address it more. And finally where he was sure his tongue wouldn’t twist itself in his mouth when he spoke of you, he turned around. 

“You talk like a cartoon villain, you know that, right?.” Ben’s tall form was not leaning on the side of one of the tables , his gaze partly fixed at his phone before it’s lifted to assess the redhead’s reaction. It was deliberate, it was all planned out, a humiliating and uncomfortable situation Ben could trap him in easily, to get all the answers he wanted.

Now he knew he couldn’t win against that ridiculous giant, this was always a losing game. If he took it too seriously Ben would admit to only be joking, trying to get a rise out of him, if he continued to ridicule or ignore his questions Ben would only tease him more, a truly lost game in Armitage’s eyes. “God, please go and do your job.” But still he could try to collect any advantage he could get his hands on, the advantage being taking everything and shutting himself in his office until the end of the day.

-collects all his things and gets up to leave

“I am working.” Ben’s cheerful voice still followed him, digging into his back in a teasing manner. “No, You are not!” Armitage was aware how his voice boomed through the office making some employees turn their heads over the ruckus but Ben was quite oblivious to his friend’s voice’s effect. He actually couldn’t help but laugh at his friend for moments still unaware of the attention he was given by his colleagues hidden among the various desks in that room. However, even Ben was deemed to notice the confused look he was given by one of the younger secretaries over the small cubicle wall.

“Sorry.” His hands flew up in an apology or a manner that reminded most of them of surrender, before he decided to lift himself up from the desk and proceed to an elevator. Ben of course caught a glimpse of her, so familiar brown haired woman who was already entering one of the elevators. Feeling his chance, Ben's quick walking, caused by his slight embarrassment from the situation prior, turned into jogging when he thought he was already out of sight for the rest of his colleagues.

“Hi.” The elevator was empty except for the said brown haired woman, she looked pretty, exceptionally pretty. Well, she always looked beautiful and so to level the playing field, Ben put on one of his charming smiles before he glanced her way.

**************************

“You should ask her out.” This was coldly stated in the midst of conversation about going for a drink since both of the men’s projects were going to finish soon. The sentence positively stunning Armitage into a statue with a cold sweat pooling slowly down his back while his dark haired counterpart continued to munch on his sandwich.

“Ask her out or I will.” This time those words were slurred between Ben finishing the prelast bite and attempting to stuff the rest of the sandwich in his mouth. Ben’s tall form was stashed between the seating area and one of the tables, he was crunched over but no one of it helped to not make him stand out in the crowd of eating people with his broad shoulders. Ben always towered over everyone, except over Phasma from accounting actually, but everyone else was a victim to his high stature. It was almost comical just as his words. Still, Armitage fumbled with his hands, dropping from one the document he was reading while not being able to control the other, his grip on the sandwich slipping until it unceremoniously slammed in his lap and into the napkin he thankfully unfolded on it.

“What?“

“Ask her out or I-”“I heard you the first time.” Ben was used to Armitage’s cruel remarks or even interruptions but this was the first time he did so with such a vigor.

 “Why did you ask then?” There was a knowing smirk painted on his lips, the redhead falling into his trap one more time.

“I know you won’t ask her out.” This confused Ben greatly. What did he mean? The dark haired man adored teasing his pale friend on a daily basis but it was almost unheard of Armitage opposing him. He did attempt to oppose several times and it was not exactly as playful as Ben wished for, usually it consisted of Hux reminding him to get back to work and where is the fun in that? But this time, this time Armitage had something on Ben and he absolutely didn’t like it.

“Rey wouldn’t like that, would she now?” What was left of the knowing smirk on Ben’s face disappeared seconds after those words were muttered into the air between the two men. This time it was Ben who was left with red cheeks and ears, absolutely flabbergasted and fumbling hands with the wrappers of his now gone lunch.

************************

Armitage didn’t even realize how organized you were but now that he had the chance to see inside your office he was lost for words. Who would have thought someone like you would have neatly organized folders with color marked projects and spreadsheets for time management not only for your team but your work.

“You are awfully organized.” He truly was in awe at how your space looked. 

“Thanks?”

“I expected to find a battlefield in your office but it’s- surprisingly tiddy?” He didn’t mean tiddy, he meant a perfect, absolutely and adoringly perfect environment for him to exist, something that almost seems to be made just for him.

“That’s kinda rude, Armitage.” He was not known for making a lot of people laugh, maybe Ben but it was more of a laugh at his own account, with you it was somehow ridiculously easy, apparently.

“I was complimenting you.” He objects, trying to defend his honor, it was not in his intentions to come off as rude as it might have seemed. 

“Sure.”

 Again with the laugh.

“You should take it as a compliment. Organized people are h-,” he paused, gulping down his words until it weighed heavy in his stomach,”good.” 

“Good?” There was a suspicious smirk playing on your lips as if you knew what he wanted to say but Armitage almost sure you had no clue, you simply wanted to tease him a bit more.

 But God, what if you did catch his misstep? No, surely you didn’t. He gave you one more questioning look to make sure you were none the wiser. 

“Yes.” He had to clear his throat, to compose himself a bit by bit but there was an unbearable weight at his chest, almost too consuming. “For business. Organized people are known to be very reliable and hardworking employees.”

Yes, good. They are good. I totally didn’t mean hot. Because organized women are totally not absolutely hot. And I totally just didn’t realize it’s a thing for me. Ha ha. Please, act normal.

Armitage’s brain must have looked like a scrambled egg now, trying to unravel all his thoughts into a coherent solid state so he could function properly while unsuccessfully avoiding all his thoughts involving you and this office.

“Found it.” You held up a blue folder with a little yellow sticky note poking out of the main pages.

Oh, yes, the scripts for the main document, that’s what brought the two of you inside your office. That’s why he was now stuck between walls adored with shelves upon which sat dozens of cute plants. A complete opposite of his office but very cozy, it was obvious you decorated the room with a clear idea of making it a positive and comfortable environment. The purple sofa in the corner ideal for-

Yep, Armitage was fully aware he was fucked.

[modcrete]

AAC blocks, also known as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks, are lightweight, precast building materials used in construction. These blocks are made from a mixture of sand, fly ash (a waste product from coal combustion), cement, lime, and water. The mixture is poured into molds and then cured under pressure using an autoclaving process, which involves steam curing.

[dreamtigress]

My partner's classroom is a cement block box with no windows and an ongoing black mold issue. He's taught there over 5 years. We legitimately plastered some blue sky poster paper over some of the drop ceiling tiles to brighten up the room and make it seem like there was some window to the outside world.

the only reason i ever miss high school is because it produced genuinely hellish photos such as this one

[cretivemachinery]

Automatic Paver Block Making Machine

An Automatic Paver Block Making Machine is an advanced machine designed to produce high-quality paver blocks used for pavements, driveways, and walkways. It automates the entire process, including material feeding, mixing, vibrating, molding, and stacking, ensuring consistent shape, strength, and finish. This machine offers high production efficiency, reduces labor costs, and can handle various raw materials like cement, sand, and aggregates. Its precision and durability make it ideal for large-scale paving projects in residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

[jadanblog]

How to Build a Strong Parapet Wall: Best Practices for Construction

Did you know that a poorly constructed parapet wall can collapse under extreme weather conditions, causing serious damage and safety hazards? Whether you’re building a new structure or reinforcing an existing one, constructing a durable and reliable parapet is crucial for both aesthetics and safety. In Nepal, where weather conditions can be unpredictable, proper construction techniques ensure longevity and resilience. This guide will walk you through the best practices for building a strong parapet wall, even if you have no prior construction experience.

Purpose of a Parapet Wall

Before diving into construction techniques, it’s important to know why parapet walls are essential. These walls serve multiple functions, such as:

Safety Barrier: Preventing accidental falls from rooftops and balconies.

Protection Against Weather: Shielding the roof from wind, rain, and snow.

Structural Support: Enhancing the overall strength and durability of the building.

Aesthetic Appeal: Adding architectural charm and a polished look to buildings.

Choosing the Right Materials for Durability

The durability of a parapet wall heavily depends on the materials used in construction. Some of the best choices include:

Bricks: The most commonly used material due to affordability and strength.

Concrete Blocks: Ideal for added durability and weather resistance.

Stone or RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete): Suitable for high-rise buildings and modern structures.

When selecting materials, consult with a best construction company to ensure high-quality, locally available options that suit your budget.

Proper Foundation and Reinforcement

Even though a parapet wall is a vertical extension of the roof, it still needs a strong foundation to withstand environmental factors.

Key Best Practices:

Ensure the parapet wall is anchored properly to the roof slab.

Use steel reinforcement bars (rebars) for added structural strength.

Maintain a minimum wall thickness of 9 inches for brickwork to prevent instability.

Apply waterproofing solutions to avoid moisture damage and cracks over time.

By reinforcing your wall with proper foundation techniques, you can prevent premature wear and tear.

Ideal Height and Thickness for Stability

The height and thickness of a parapet wall play a significant role in its stability.

Recommended Guidelines:

Standard Height: 2.5 to 3.5 feet (optimal for safety and aesthetics).

Thickness: Minimum of 4.5 inches for a single brick wall, and 9 inches for added durability.

Wind Load Consideration: In high-wind areas, adding reinforcement is necessary to prevent toppling.

Consulting with a construction expert ensures that the height and thickness are appropriate for your specific location and structure type.

Waterproofing to Prevent Leaks and Damage

Parapet walls are highly exposed to rain and moisture, which can cause cracks and leaks if not properly treated.

Waterproofing Solutions:

Apply a cement-based waterproof coating to protect against moisture.

Use bituminous sheets or polymer coatings for extra durability.

Ensure proper drainage outlets to prevent water accumulation at the base of the parapet.

Taking these precautions will extend the lifespan of your parapet and reduce maintenance costs over time.

Finishing Touches: Plastering and Paint for Longevity

The final step in building a strong parapet wall is to ensure proper finishing to enhance durability and visual appeal.

Best Practices:

Plastering: Use a cement-sand mixture with waterproof additives to create a smooth and durable surface.

Painting: Opt for weather-resistant exterior paints to protect against UV rays and rain damage.

Decorative Options: Add design elements like cornices or moldings to improve aesthetics.

A well-finished parapet not only looks appealing but also adds to the overall protection of your building.

Conclusion

Building a strong parapet wall doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these best practices—choosing quality materials, ensuring proper reinforcement, maintaining the right height, and applying waterproofing—you can construct a durable and stylish parapet that enhances both safety and aesthetics.

If you’re unsure about the right materials or techniques, consulting with the best construction company in Nepal can provide expert guidance and top-notch craftsmanship.

[kaylhayden]

Roof maintenance tips to prevent water damage

Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues homeowners face, especially when it comes to their roofs. A well-maintained roof acts as the first line of defense against the elements, but if neglected, it can lead to serious problems. In Louisville, KY, where heavy rain and seasonal storms are common, roof maintenance is crucial to prevent leaks, mold, and structural damage. Here are some practical roof maintenance tips to help you protect your home and keep water damage at bay.

1. Inspect Your Roof Regularly

One of the best ways to prevent water damage is by performing regular roof inspections. Ideally, you should check your roof twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall. Pay attention to the following:

Shingles: Look for damaged, cracked, or missing shingles. Even a small issue can lead to leaks when water seeps underneath.

Flashing: Check the flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents. Flashing helps create a waterproof barrier, and if it’s cracked or loose, it can allow water to penetrate.

Gutters and Downspouts: Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris. Blocked gutters can cause water to back up and overflow, potentially damaging the roof and the foundation of your home.

If you notice any damage or wear, consider calling a professional roofing contractor, like Humberto Maradiaga Roofing Installation Services in Louisville, KY, to handle the repairs.

2. Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters are a leading cause of water damage. When gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, they can’t channel water away from your roof properly. As a result, water may pool on the roof, increasing the risk of leaks.

To prevent this, clean your gutters at least twice a year, or more frequently if you have overhanging trees. Make sure to remove all debris and check for any signs of damage, such as rust or sagging. If cleaning gutters isn’t something you want to do yourself, hiring a professional roofer, such as Humberto Maradiaga, can ensure the job is done right.

3. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

Overhanging branches can pose a serious threat to your roof. In addition to causing damage to shingles and gutters during storms, tree branches can drop leaves and twigs, which contribute to gutter clogs. Some branches may even scratch and damage the roof’s surface.

If you have trees near your roof, make it a habit to trim them regularly. A professional roofer can also help with this task if you need assistance in safely removing branches that are too close to the roofline.

4. Check for Moss and Algae

Moss and algae growth on your roof may look harmless, but it can actually cause water damage. Moss can trap moisture against the shingles, leading to rotting and decay over time. Algae, on the other hand, can cause discoloration and weaken the roofing material.

If you notice moss or algae growth, it’s important to clean it off promptly. You can use a mixture of water and bleach or purchase a roof cleaner designed for this purpose. If you prefer professional help, a roofing contractor like Humberto Maradiaga can provide roof cleaning services to ensure your roof remains in top condition.

5. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Small cracks and gaps in your roof may seem insignificant, but they can lead to big problems if left unattended. These openings allow water to seep in, which can damage your insulation, drywall, and even your home’s foundation.

Inspect your roof regularly for cracks, especially around the edges and near flashing, and seal them with roofing cement or caulk. If you’re not sure how to do this, a roofing expert like Humberto Maradiaga can seal the gaps for you and make sure your roof remains watertight.

6. Professional Inspections and Repairs

While DIY maintenance is important, it’s also essential to schedule professional roof inspections periodically. A licensed roofing contractor can identify potential issues that may not be immediately visible, such as hidden water damage or structural problems. In Louisville, KY, Humberto Maradiaga Roofing Installation Services offers comprehensive inspections and repairs to ensure your roof remains in excellent condition year-round.

7. Upgrade to Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials

If you live in an area prone to storms, consider upgrading your roofing materials to impact-resistant options. These materials are designed to withstand the force of hail and heavy rain, which can prevent water from seeping into your home. Talk to a professional roofer like Humberto Maradiaga about the best materials for your climate and budget.

Conclusion

By following these roof maintenance tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage and keep your home protected. Regular inspections, cleaning gutters, trimming trees, and addressing small issues before they become big problems will help prolong the life of your roof. If you need assistance with roof maintenance or repairs, trust Humberto Maradiaga Roofing Installation Services in Louisville, KY, to provide expert care and ensure your roof remains in top shape for years to come.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

I’ve never seen anything like this- some damned fool decided to make this 1900 Victorian in Lincoln, Illinois, open concept. They took down all the walls! 3bds. 2ba. $329K. You gotta see this.

No refinished or replaced wood floors- wall-to-wall carpet. I’m thinking that this was an entrance hall w/a sitting room to the right and they removed the wall. I also think that they walled up the area under the stairs.

The front door and what was once the entrance hall to the left and sitting room to the right. At least they left the fireplace and window moldings. I’m sure the tray ceilings were added.

They left the original railing, but notice that the outer string’s been painted sort of a rusty brown.

New open concept layout. The two columns are supporting the ceiling b/c the wall to the 2nd sitting room was removed. 

You can see that there was a hall and a wall by the stairs where they most certainly blocked off a door.

There’s no way that the kitchen was this big- I’m thinking that this window was originally in what was the dining room. 

I imagine that somewhere in this mashup was a butler’s pantry.

I’m so confused, I don’t even know what this was, or if that fireplace and windows are new, in which case it may be a new addition.

So, I’m guessing that this is now supposed to be the new open concept family room/kitchen.

Here’s some room off the new family room that has an alcove. I have no idea what it was, or if the wall on the right is new.

Maybe it’s supposed to be a 1st floor main bedroom? B/c here’s a new bath. 

Then, they put in this closet, but what’s that square thing in the corner?

Well, whaddaya know? They left the niches on the stairs. 

I bet they think it’s real cool that they left the arched doorway and framed the window. 

But, why is it all open, like this? There’s no privacy.

Here we have a mantel, but the fireplace is completely walled in. 

More than likely, that vanity alcove was once a sink in the main bd.

And, a sunporch off the main bd. Notice that they switched to painting the woodwork black. 

What a skimpy sink.

You couldn’t call this a finished basement.

They modernized the back of the house and put on a big new deck.

Fenced yard.

New cement driveway and garage.

Interesting- 2 houses on the block.

http://www.sethsellslincoln.com/listings?cirrusStandardStatus=Active&cirruslistingId=CA1022013&fbclid

[profile-234]

How to Choose the Right Drywall for Your Home

When it comes to building or renovating your home, selecting the right drywall can make a world of difference. While it may seem like an afterthought, the type and quality of drywall you choose affect the durability, look, and even energy efficiency of your space. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right drywall for your home, and why Century Restoration and Maintenance in Marietta, GA, is the go-to expert for all your drywall needs.

1. Understanding Drywall Types

Drywall, often called plasterboard or sheetrock, comes in several types, each serving a specific purpose. The most common types are:

Standard Drywall (Regular Drywall): This is the most commonly used drywall and is typically the choice for most rooms in your home, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways. It’s affordable and works well in dry areas without excessive moisture.

Moisture-Resistant Drywall (Green Board): If you’re planning to install drywall in a bathroom or kitchen, moisture-resistant drywall is your best option. Its core is treated to resist moisture, making it less prone to mold growth and water damage.

Fire-Resistant Drywall: For areas that require extra protection against fire, like garages or around a furnace, fire-resistant drywall is the ideal choice. It’s made with a special layer that can slow down the spread of flames, providing an additional layer of safety.

Soundproof Drywall: If you live in a noisy neighborhood or want a quiet, peaceful room (like a home theater or music studio), soundproof drywall is designed to block sound more effectively than standard drywall.

Impact-Resistant Drywall: High-traffic areas, such as hallways or the walls of children’s playrooms, can benefit from impact-resistant drywall. It’s designed to withstand more wear and tear, reducing the risk of dents and holes.

2. Consider the Location and Function of the Room

When choosing drywall for your home, it’s crucial to think about the specific needs of each room. For example:

Bathrooms: Since bathrooms experience high humidity, moisture-resistant drywall (green board) is a must. In more humid areas, you may want to opt for a cement board or fiberglass-reinforced panels instead, as these are even more moisture-resistant.

Kitchens: While kitchens may not get as humid as bathrooms, they still face a lot of cooking heat and steam. Moisture-resistant drywall or regular drywall can work here, but remember to ensure proper ventilation.

Basements: Basements tend to be damp. If you’re finishing a basement, you’ll want to use moisture-resistant drywall or mold-resistant drywall. Additionally, basement drywall may need a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from seeping through the walls.

Living Rooms, Bedrooms, and Hallways: Standard drywall works perfectly in these rooms, as they aren’t exposed to moisture or extreme conditions. However, if you’re concerned about sound, consider using soundproof drywall in areas where you want peace and quiet.

3. Evaluate Thickness for Durability

Drywall comes in different thicknesses, generally ranging from 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch. The thickness you choose will affect the durability of the walls and the ease of installation.

1/4-inch drywall is often used for repairs or over existing drywall. It’s flexible but not as durable.

1/2-inch drywall is the most common thickness for residential walls. It offers a good balance between weight, durability, and ease of installation.

5/8-inch drywall is thicker and more durable, making it ideal for ceilings or walls that need extra strength, such as those in high-traffic areas or around fire-rated zones.

4. Choosing the Right Finish

While choosing the drywall type and thickness, you’ll also want to think about the finish. Drywall comes in different finishes, such as:

Smooth Finish: This is the most common finish. It provides a clean, sleek look and is ideal for most rooms.

Textured Finish: If you prefer a more decorative look, textured drywall finishes, such as knockdown or popcorn texture, can add character to your space.

Taped and Finished Drywall: For a more polished look, drywall joints need to be taped and finished. This process helps hide seams and nails, giving the wall a smooth appearance once painted.

5. Why Choose Drywall Services from Century Restoration and Maintenance?

Choosing the right drywall isn’t just about selecting the correct type; it’s also about ensuring it’s installed properly. That’s where Century Restoration and Maintenance in Marietta, GA, comes in. Whether you’re remodeling, building a new home, or need drywall repair, their team has the expertise to get the job done efficiently and correctly.

Century Restoration and Maintenance specializes in both drywall installation and repair. Their experienced team ensures that your drywall is correctly measured, cut, and installed to meet your exact specifications. They also offer drywall finishing services, ensuring that every wall is smooth and seamless, ready for paint or other finishes.

Their services are perfect for all types of drywall needs, whether it’s residential or commercial. From drywall for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms to ensuring your home has the proper fire-resistant and soundproofing features, Century Restoration and Maintenance is dedicated to providing top-quality drywall solutions for your home.

In conclusion, choosing the right drywall for your home involves considering factors like location, moisture levels, soundproofing needs, and thickness. To ensure a job well done, always rely on professionals like Century Restoration and Maintenance, who can guide you through the process and provide expert installation services.

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Terrace Waterproofing Bangalore

Terraces are a quintessential part of any building in Bangalore. Whether they serve as a serene escape for evening tea, a gardening space, or an additional outdoor area, terraces enhance the quality of urban living. However, the city’s tropical climate, with its heavy rains and high humidity, can lead to water seepage and leakage issues, which is why Terrace Waterproofing Bangalore is essential for homeowners and businesses alike.

In this blog, we will dive deep into the importance of terrace waterproofing, the best techniques available, and why choosing the right Waterproofing Solutions in Bangalore can save you from costly repairs in the long run.

Why is Terrace Waterproofing in Bangalore Important?

Bangalore’s weather, characterized by extended monsoon seasons, can wreak havoc on poorly maintained or unprotected terraces. When water seeps into the concrete, it weakens the structure and compromises its durability. Over time, this can lead to cracks, mold growth, and even severe structural damage.

Here’s why Terrace Waterproofing Bangalore is a must:

Prevent Structural Damage: Water penetration into the terrace can weaken the building’s foundation over time.

Increase Lifespan of the Building: Effective waterproofing extends the life of your structure by preventing deterioration.

Enhance Aesthetic Appeal: Water stains, mold, and algae can ruin the appearance of your terrace.

Cost Efficiency: Investing in Waterproofing Solutions in Bangalore now saves you from expensive repairs later.

Challenges in Terrace Waterproofing in Bangalore

Waterproofing terraces isn’t as simple as applying a surface layer of coating. It involves addressing common issues that Bangalore homeowners face:

Heavy Rains: The city’s monsoon rains can result in water stagnation if the terrace slope isn’t adequate.

Temperature Fluctuations: The concrete on terraces expands and contracts due to changing temperatures, leading to cracks.

Improper Drainage: Poor drainage systems exacerbate waterlogging, leading to seepage.

Aging Structures: Many old buildings in Bangalore lack proper waterproofing, making them vulnerable to leaks.

To overcome these challenges, high-quality Terrace Waterproofing Bangalore services are essential.

Common Methods of Terrace Waterproofing in Bangalore

Bangalore’s unique climate demands tailored solutions for terrace waterproofing. Here are some of the most effective Waterproofing Solutions in Bangalore:

1. Bituminous Waterproofing

This method involves applying a layer of bitumen-based material to the terrace surface. Bitumen provides excellent water resistance and is ideal for areas prone to heavy rainfall.

2. Polyurethane Coating

Polyurethane coatings are popular for their flexibility and durability. This liquid-applied membrane covers cracks and creates a seamless waterproof layer.

3. Cementitious Waterproofing

One of the most affordable and easy-to-apply methods, cementitious waterproofing involves using cement-based coatings. It’s highly effective for minor seepage issues.

4. EPDM Membranes

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) membranes are synthetic rubber sheets known for their durability and weather resistance. They are ideal for long-term waterproofing needs.

5. Liquid Waterproofing Membranes

This technique involves applying a liquid waterproofing solution that hardens to form a protective layer. It’s versatile and can adapt to various terrace designs.

6. Injection Grouting

If the terrace already has cracks, injection grouting can seal them from within. It involves injecting a waterproof material into cracks to block water pathways.

Each of these methods can be customized to suit your terrace’s specific needs. Consulting experts in Terrace Waterproofing Bangalore ensures you choose the right solution.

Signs You Need Terrace Waterproofing

How can you tell if your terrace needs immediate waterproofing? Watch out for these warning signs:

Visible cracks on the terrace surface.

Damp patches on the ceiling below the terrace.

Mold or algae growth.

Water stagnation during rains.

Paint peeling off from walls and ceilings.

Ignoring these signs can lead to bigger problems, including expensive repairs. Contacting a reliable provider for Waterproofing Solutions in Bangalore at the earliest is a wise move.

Benefits of Professional Terrace Waterproofing Services

While DIY solutions may seem tempting, they are rarely effective in the long run. Hiring professionals for Terrace Waterproofing Bangalore offers several benefits:

Expert Assessment: Professionals analyze the terrace condition to identify the root cause of water seepage.

Customized Solutions: Not all terraces are the same. Experts provide tailored Waterproofing Solutions in Bangalore based on your terrace’s requirements.

High-Quality Materials: Professionals use industry-grade materials for lasting protection.

Warranty Assurance: Many professional waterproofing services offer warranties, giving you peace of mind.

Long-Term Savings: Though an initial investment, professional waterproofing prevents costly repairs later.

Choosing the Right Waterproofing Solutions in Bangalore

With numerous service providers in Bangalore, selecting the right one can be daunting. Here’s what to look for:

Experience: Opt for companies with a proven track record in Terrace Waterproofing Bangalore.

Customer Reviews: Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge customer satisfaction.

Material Quality: Ensure the provider uses high-quality, weather-resistant materials.

Comprehensive Services: Choose a company that offers end-to-end waterproofing solutions, from assessment to execution.

DIY Maintenance Tips Post-Waterproofing

After investing in professional Waterproofing Solutions in Bangalore, follow these maintenance tips to enhance your terrace’s durability:

Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Clean your terrace regularly to avoid debris accumulation.

Inspect for cracks and address them immediately.

Reapply coatings as per the service provider’s recommendations.

Conclusion

Bangalore’s unpredictable weather demands a proactive approach to terrace maintenance. Terrace Waterproofing Bangalore isn’t just a one-time investment; it’s a long-term solution that protects your home or office from water damage and ensures the structural integrity of your building.

By opting for professional Waterproofing Solutions in Bangalore, you not only safeguard your property but also enhance its value and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re building a new home or maintaining an existing one, waterproofing your terrace is a step you cannot afford to skip. Don’t wait for leaks and cracks to disrupt your peace of mind. Invest in Terrace Waterproofing Bangalore today and enjoy a leak-free lifestyle, rain or shine!