#Emergency plumb care

[waterheaterrepairatascocitat]

Water Heater Repair Atascocita TX

{ Water heater replacement } may seem like it’s an incredibly expensive service that will take a long time, but this isn’t always the case. Are you trying to save a little bit of money on your next heating tank service, but you’re not sure how? If so, be sure to check out our online coupons for the best discounts and deals around. We’ve got the resources you’ll need to keep cash in your pockets. Water Heater Repair Atascocita TX wants you to have the best of the plumbing world without spending too much cash. Making sure your fixtures and appliances are in great shape is one of the most important things, and we want to be a part of that. For more information on how we can help, be sure to call our servicemen today for more info!

[waterheatergreatwoodtx]

Water Heater Greatwood TX

Water Heater Greatwood TX is a plumbing company that is more than qualified to provide you with the right service for a cost that you can afford. A Leaking Hot Water Heater can cost you many gallons of water if not repaired on time. Why wait when you can get this problem solved and keep more money in your wallet. It is always a good idea to take care of leakages if you don’t want to be surprised with a high water bill. Our Hot Water Heater Repair crew is well situated to provide you with outstanding assistance if you want to have this work done immediately.

[plumbingcareinc]

This is your monthly reminder to go and operate every water shutoff valve in your home, including the main shutoff if you have access to it – those things do seize up if they're not operated frequently, and you don't want to be discovering that fact for the first time while a busted faucet handle is blasting two gallons a minute onto your kitchen floor.

[goodguysapp]

Roof Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is Right for You?

Unsure whether to repair or replace your roof? Find the key differences, benefits, tips, and costs involved in roof repair and replacement. Make an informed decision for your home’s safety and longevity today! Are you confused about whether to repair or replace it? Call Good Guys Home Services for HVAC, Plumbing, and roofing services at (317) 896-0494. Visit our site for more.

[smartcarenepal]

Plumbing Service in Kathmandu – Smart Care

Looking for reliable plumbing services in Kathmandu? Smart Care is here to solve all your plumbing needs with expert solutions! From fixing leaky faucets to repairing clogged drains and installing new plumbing systems, our skilled plumbers handle it all. With years of experience, we provide quick, professional, and affordable plumbing services to homes and businesses across Kathmandu.

At Smart Care, we understand the importance of well-functioning plumbing in your daily life. That's why we ensure timely service and high-quality repairs using top-grade materials. Whether it’s an emergency repair or routine maintenance, our team is available to assist you with efficient and lasting solutions. We guarantee customer satisfaction and a hassle-free experience.

Why Choose Smart Care for Plumbing Services?

Experienced and trained plumbers

Fast response and timely service

Affordable and transparent pricing

Emergency plumbing repairs

Comprehensive solutions for all plumbing issues

For dependable plumbing services in Kathmandu, trust Smart Care, your local expert in plumbing repairs and installations.

[plumbingcareinc]

Top 10 Plumbing Problems & Helpful Tips

We all have always observed leaks in our lives. How to fix a leaky pipe is an issue that we all want to resolve. Various types of them exist, but the most common of the leaks is pipe leakage. We see a leaky pipe almost every day, and when this number of leaks crosses a certain level, we always think of how to fix these pipes. So let’s dive in and see what all possible leaky pipe repair we can find:

Broken Seals

It can be concerning to see damaged appliance seals, and plumbing problems are frequently the cause of these problems. If you find yourself in such a situation, you need to take immediate action. Seek the assistance of a local emergency plumber to handle and resolve these plumbing issues related to seals as soon as possible. Their prompt action might stop additional harm and get your appliances working again.

Why do seals break?

You might always wonder, after seeing a leaking pipe, how to fix a leaky pipe.

The reason why this happens is because when we buy a new appliance, it has all the parts intact. As time passes, things start to get older, and so do seals. These seals age and grow old the more we use them. These come pre-installed in appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. When these appliances are used more and more, the seal, which is made of rubber, comes out or deforms and even breaks.

Identification and solution

When your appliance has condensed water or pooled water outside, we can say that the seal is damaged or not working properly.

For the seals of appliances except for the heat-related appliances (like microwave oven), we look closer at the seal and try to clean it so that the unwanted dirt and debris get removed, and a firm grip can be established again.

However, if a seal has deformed (usually happens in heating appliances), then you may need to consider replacing the seal.

Clogged Drains

Many of us have seen blocked pipes in our lives and wondered how to fix leaky pipes. They are usually visible in public. When similar blockages occur in our homes in the drains, we call it a clogged drain.

Why do Clogged Drains Occur?

Since our drains carry the waste of the house from different rooms like kitchen, bathroom, etc, the clogging occurs due to the deposition of debris, scum, hair, soap, etc.

Identification and solution

If you observe broken pipes or water pipe leakage, it can be a clogged drain. It usually carries a foul odor with it and lowers the speed of drainages.

On identifying a clogged drain, baking soda vinegar or clog-removing chemicals are to be passed down the drain since they can make the clogging particles move within the drain, which leads to the normal flow of the drainage system.

Next time, ensure that you have taken the necessary measures, no big food particles are passed down the drain, use hair traps drain covers, and also be mindful of what you put in the drain.

Corrosion

These are some of the most common and odd-looking issues that happen in every home. It is the unwanted deterioration of the metals found in pipes, and they cause a lot of damage to the pipe system, leading to holes and many leakages. Before knowing how to fix a leaky pipe, we must understand the cause behind its corrosion.

Why Do Corrosions occur?

The main reason for corrosion is that exposure to moist air leads to damage to the pipes, which gradually widens over time and makes the gaps larger, allowing the water to leak and making the pipe non-usable.

Identification and solution

These corrosions can be identified by observing the different damaged portions on the pipe and by noticing some leaks.

Some techniques used to stop corrosion are the use of corrosion-resistant metals and protective coatings.

To reduce corrosion and increase the life span of metal parts and structures, scheduled maintenance, inspections, and prompt pipe leakage repair are very important. You can reach out to us for any such assistance.

If your house is older, it could be the time to install new pipes and address any routing problems that may have existed from the beginning.

Search for outdated copper, zinc, or lead pipes and fittings that don’t seem right. Remember that poor water quality can hasten corrosion as well. This should all be fixed at the same time.

Improper Pipe Routing

Pipe routing is the arrangement of pipes all across the building so that each section of the building receives proper water flow from one or multiple water reservoirs. The entire routing system looks complex, but it is pretty simple. However, a simple mess can destroy everything. Therefore, proper routing must be done with the help of professionals. Issues like reduced flow efficiency, Leaks, improper pressure distribution, etc, are some impacts of improper pipe routing.

On suspecting any improper routing, you must contact a professional plumber who can help you fix the improper routing and help you understand how to fix leaky pipes.

Damaged Pipe Joints

When water flows through joints, its flow direction is changed, which creates an extra amount of pressure and a difference in temperature in that joint. While it may not look noticeable in the beginning, as time passes, the effect of varying pressure and temperature is visible.

When these changes start to become noticeable in the form of noises like ticks and bangs, you may need to inspect for a damaged pipe joint.

Let us get to the part and understand how to fix a leaky pipe. These are usually fixed by replacing the pipe joint. Simply stop the water supply, change the joint using proper tools and attach it back. You are good to go now!

Underground Movements

When a person thinks of how to stop water leakage from pipe or how to fix leaky pipe, that person must do an initial checkup. Most of the pipes use the underground movement as a mode to maintain the aesthetics of the building while still doing the original task. It is like a PC desk having all the wires hidden under a box instead of being spread all around the table. But like everything, this also comes with its own set of drawbacks.

Its own quality is a drawback too, the pipes are not visible. That means you will have to carry out special movements or techniques so that you can actually identify the issues that might be affecting the pipe.

Possible Issues

There are many possible issues that might be affecting the overall underground movement. The growth of unwanted trees and roots can take place since water pipes carry a lot of moisture with them. Moreover, since there is a whole structure above the pipes, the vibrations also affect the placement of the pipes. If you notice problems like improper drainage, leaks, etc, this could be a reason.

Solution

Calling a professional help is the only possible solution as this involves multiple ways and techniques of dealing with underground movement. For instance, a camera inspection is used for analyzing the underground movements. This can be a great way of fixing a leaky pipe, too.

High Water Pressure

When water pressure exceeds its safety levels, it becomes a proper issue for the building. Moreover, the chances of facing these issues increase if you have a pressure booster pump installed. These issues can lead to burst pipes, which can be tragic in some cases. Noises and water pipe leakage also accompany high water pressure.

We got you covered on how to fix leaky pipe. In order to solve this issue, you may opt for replacing the pipes, and if it gets tough, reach out to a professional immediately.

For future safety, installing a Pressure Relief Valve can help you regulate the excess pressure.

Tree Root Infiltrations

When we notice an old house, we often see that the trees try to grow near the pipelines. When this is ignored, those plant roots tend to break the pipe structures, which ultimately damage the overall pipeline. Not only should we resolve the issue, but we should also make sure that the roots are removed as soon as we notice them growing next to the home.

Issues Caused

Many issues are caused due to Tree Root Infiltrations. Pipe Blockages are one of the biggest issues that further lead to reduced water supply. Pipe damage also occurs due to tree root infiltrations.

Solutions

In order to know how to fix leaky pipe, It is suggested to look for professional help if the problem can be controlled manually. You need to perform periodic checkups, which could help you detect the issue as soon as possible. Installing root barriers can also help you to prevent the damages caused by roots near pipes. If needed, remove the root and mindfully decide on a plant that suits the conditions and safety of your home.

Loose Water Connections

Water connections can get loosened in the appliances that actively use water as a mode to work or refill. For example, in Washing Machines, we can notice that there is a constant need to keep the washing tank full so that we can clean our clothes. During the washing cycles, if you notice water dropping continuously, then there is a loose water connection. Even in dishwashers, water may spray out, which occurs only because of Loose Water Connection issues.

Usually, these can be fixed with a pair of channel lock pliers. These pliers can easily tighten the connections. It should be checked thoroughly that the tightening should not be done in excess or you may find yourself with a broken seal.

Fixture Cracks

Fixture Cracks are the wear and tear caused to the fixture. These cracks usually occur because of ageing and rough usage.

Sealants and Epoxy putty can fill in the cracks, which will bring the fixture in a working condition. These are some common fixes to this problem, which are temporary. These are suggested in case if calling a professional is not the primary concern.

For the structural damages, however, one should call professional help since relying on temporary fixes might solve the purpose but will cause a long-term issue. Professional plumbers can restore the fixture to its original state or might replace it with a new one. Now you know how to fix leaky pipe.

[semisolidmind]

Just out of curiosity, would or has angel ever brought it up? The inevitability of them dying that is. I feel like its easy to guess that they’d try and set some sort of plan for the toys survival even when they’re long gone.

And idk i find that bitterly sweet. And maybe slightly morbid. That even after death they’d still worry over their little family. And to be honest I’d say it’s reasonable to think that Angel would be worried over that possibility too.

Gosh that’s a whole other form of love that gets me sad ToT the fact a person cares that much for you that they’re worried and want to do something at least to make their loved ones lives easier even when they’re gone.

Anyhow that’s gonna be one awkward talk. But probably one out of genuine fear and worry.

yeah, it's kinda sad to think about, but the toys know deep down that y/n isn't going to live forever. they really don't want to think about it.

but y/n does have a plan, or at least something like it. maybe they set up their will so that poppy, being the only one with a "human" name, is the inheritor of the house and land. or maybe y/n makes a deal to give protected nature reserve/historical buliding status to their property (cause the house is over 100 years old or something). idk, some way of ensuring the toys get to keep their home without being bothered.

i think y/n would leave a booklet of written instructions on how to operate certain house systems; how to fix the electricity, how to fix and operate the generator, how to fix plumbing, how to store food in the cellar, how to prepare food (a few cookbooks), and who to call for emergency food delivery. maybe y/n would become friends with the folks at the nearest grocery store and set up a plan for them to deliver food to the house, and to receive payment in an envelope while y/n isn't there.

they toys will have to learn to live without them, but their angel won't leave them without a little help.

[canary-prince]

Ways For US-Americans To Help If You're Abstaining From Voting

Can't vote on moral grounds, but still raring to do something? Stuck in America and unsure of how to meaningfully serve your community? Here are some ideas that I, a social worker serving house-bound citizens, can share out of personal experience. Feel free to add other ideas or links. We are not powerless.

Volunteer (these are just examples/sources of info)

Planned Parenthood needs volunteers for nearly every non-medical department

See if your state has a volunteer stewardship program, where you can help weed out invasive plant species and defend your natural ecosystem

If you have medical skills, become a street medic

Contribute to the preservation of Queer History

Put your labor towards the upkeep or repair of properties in Indigenous communities

Adult literacy is not great right now, and we're harder to lie to if we're literate; volunteer to help your neighbors who were failed by the school system

Resources to help the unhoused constantly need volunteer counselors, cooks, and someone to sort donations

The sick and elderly are very under-served, particularly if they're broke, so reach out to a local hospice to see what skills they need

Give (if you can't physically volunteer but have money to spare)

Donate to an abortion fund; this one is for Native peoples specifically

Donate to a book gifting program or book mobile; this link is for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Donate to preserve the histories of communities of color; this fund is specifically for preserving African American historical sites

Donate to protect the natural environment

Donate to help free those caged in prisons; this link is for the Innocence Project, which aims to challenge wrongful convictions

The arts are for everyone, but wealth gaps interfere; this fund is for art initiatives that contribute to community building, including increasing accessibility

Learn (resources that many communities have but aren't widely educated on)

Community Action Agencies: these are non-profits and private companies that act in service of their communities' human rights and quality of life. Many have utility funds, run food banks, manage emergency shelters, provide education and job skills opportunities, and participate in social activism.

Area Agencies on Aging: Non-profits that serve elders (and non-elderly disabled citizens) in a designated service area. They primarily offer services to prolong independent living (free or low cost in home care, meals on wheels, home safety modifications, and Medicare guidance) or help with transition into assisted living.

Habitat For Humanity: They aren't just in disaster zones or on foreign soil; they have local US chapters that provide critical repairs to families in need. They repair roofs, address barriers to access, and perform electric and plumbing work.

Durable Medical Equipment Loan Closets: Communal sources of vital medical equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, hospital beds, shower chairs, and more. May be able to provide incontinence supplies or diabetes supplies. Rarely but sometimes provide oxygen.

Non Emergency Medical Transportation/Alternatives to Mass Transit: Transportation for elderly, disabled, cognitively impaired, and low income citizens to help them reach medical providers, dental care, physical therapy, and eye exam appointments. Can also provide transit to shopping centers, the grocery store, religious events, cultural events, and polling stations. Offer door to door services for the housebound. IF YOU HAVE MEDICAID, YOU SHOULD NOT EVER BE PAYING FOR THIS. MEDICAID IS OBLIGATED TO MAKE SURE YOU REACH ANY AND ALL MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS.

Legal Aid Clinics: Sources of pro-bono or sliding scale legal advice and representation.

[noisyquokka]

I know this is a very vague request and im really sorry in advance 😭… do you think you could write some headcanons/reactions for wayv? I noticed that most nct content is for dream, sometimes 127, and rarely my wayv boys and i LOVE them 😮‍💨, i dont really have a concept in mind i would prefer if it was made with a female reader in mind but gender neutral works just as well, and idk maybe a little bit suggestive if youre in the mood for it?? Idk anyways thanks for listening and im sorry im not giving you much to work with :)

+ OMG OK I JUST SENT IN A VAGUE REQUEST FOR WAYV BUT I THOUGHT OF SOMETHING NOW, idk if you’ll see this but do you think you could do wayvs reaction to a female reader whos more dominant, not necessarily in the bedroom sense (although that too) but just someone who looks more feminine but automatically takes on more masculine gender roles in a relationship like being big spoon, or bringing home the bag, or being the one to take care of things and fix things? Again i don’t necessarily mean in a sexual way just more in a general relationship because i know you said you werent confident/comfortable writing nsfw stuff, but if you wanted to take a more suggestive route too i wouldnt be mad, youre the writer here, im just here to support ��, thank you again!

A/N - Not me having a whole-ass brain fart on gender roles as I wrote this🤪but ohhhohoo I love this idea!!! I'm sorry it took forever :( also some of these are longer than others, I apologize. But I still hope you enjoy 💛 Thank you for the request, Love!

WORDCOUNT - 1,165

WARNINGS - F!reader, suggestive if you squint from the other side of the galaxy??

Kun

you had told him that you were quite independent from the beginning of your relationship

perhaps you hadn't been persuasive enough, or it didn't register in Kun's head...

because when he comes home from tour, he doesn't expect to find you in the kitchen, cursing under your breath with your head ducked beneath the sink

it appears you're too busy groveling at the plumbing to notice his presence, the clanking of metal on metal hitting his ears

"What... are you doing?" is followed by a thud! and another hushed curse as you emerge from the cabinet, rubbing at the crown of your head with a grimace

you're met with warm hands and a concerned gaze as you straighten up, adjustable wrench in your grip

"The shut-off valve for the cold water failed," you wipe the sweat from your brow, eyeing the small space you have to work with under the sink, "so I went and picked up replacements for both."

and Kun's just standing there like 'woah, babe, go off'

but also a little worried

cue the "shouldn't we call a plumber", and the "are you sure's"

it's not that he believes you're incapable, far from it!

he's just got no clue about the tricks of that trade lmao

asks if you need help

will literally sit by and watch like a curious Retriever whether you need extra hands or not (without being in the way, of course)

he has no idea where your confidence comes from when it comes to these types of things, but it's kinda... 😏

you finish the job in two hours, checking for any leaks after you turn the water back on and let the water flow through the pipes to clear the air in the lines

after this, he quickly adapts to you taking lead around the house with similar things

he's so used to being the leader/taking lead on so many things that it's so refreshing for him.

you're just the type to say "Hey, I've got it!" with no expectations

he's gonna find his ways of thanking you for the things you do btw

cooking you dinner, cleaning the entire house, buying you something you've been eyeing for forever.

also lives and breaths you cuddling him

back hugs, waking up to you pulling him back into your arms before you're both falling asleep again

this man is so content being little spoon if it means you're right there

Ten

totally into it!

I'd bet that this man goes full doting boyfriend

probably the most curious out of all the guys

would be super invested if you were an HVAC technician or something just because of how physically demanding the job is

asks you if he could tag along to work one day like an excited child

to which you tell him that it's not as exciting for him to watch considering most of the job is you crawling into tight spaces

like you'd literally be in some dusty attic, sweltering as you work

it happens anyways, because you find that your HVAC unit is outdated, so naturally, you choose to update it yourself

cue a sneaky head peeking around the corner every chance he gets because, contrary to what you had said, Ten is very entertained

the man has the biggest heart eyes for you through the entire process - which is roughly 6 hours

"your attention to detail is beyond admirable!"

"I'd say it's necessary when I'm working with electrical, Babe."

wants to learn how to do whatever it is you're working on

doesn't matter what it is you're doing

soaks up whatever you teach him

mans is a whole sponge istg

at the same time he's absolutely gonna tell you to keep being the boss-ass bitch that you are

WinWin

supportive but a lil insecure :(

like he loves you loads, supports you 100% in all that you do

but sometimes it'll make him feel like he's not doing enough in terms of your relationship

I don't see the insecurity coming from your confidence of taking on a more masculine role, but more out of worrying that his time is so limited with you and around the house so when he is home, he feels like it's not enough

feels like he shouldn't tell you at first

like it sounds a little like an excuse to be an ass

but eventually thinks it's the best thing for your relationship

y'all take communication so seriously so why start holding back over something like this

you're quick to reassure him that he does more than enough

like sir, sit down and kick your feet up, you literally do so much for me, I will write you a whole list rn

it works to a certain extent, so you offer him some options "to make up for it" cough I'll leave this up to interpretation💀

fair to say that all is better with a little communication

Xiaojun

I say this solely for his safety and benefit

do not, under any circumstances, let this man know you can do some of the things that you're capable of!!

boy is too petty and competitive to have this knowledge

I feel like he'd be the type to see you so confidently take care of yard work and the next week turns into a competition of who can complete said tasks better

he wouldn't do it to make you feel less than, or to put you in your place (as if you wouldn't set his ass straight)

he's just a little dramatic

a lil competitive

he loses almost every time 😔

either makes excuses for it ("I didn't know there were levels to the lawn mower", "the handle on my rake was broken") or stays quiet

will be whiny for a few days afterwards

you have no issue giving him something to whine about-

Hendery

full cheerleader mode!!

he literally grew up with three sisters, ain't no way he's gonna be against a strong and independent woman doing her thing

is the best assistant when you need an extra set of hands

literally the kid that holds dad's flashlight while dad fixes the car except you don't have to remind him to hold it steady

he's on top of it, baby 😎

mans takes this as seriously as performing open-heart surgery

I'm talking brows set in concentration and hands as steady as my granny threading a needle (that woman was so talented)

tools are in your hand before you've even finished telling him what you need

bro is just that good

loves helping you to the point that when you don't need his help, he's just a pouty boy in the corner

like Kun and Ten, he'll just watch and cheer you on in those instances

he is the ultimate ally

YangYang

I could see him drawn toward a woman who takes initiative in a relationship

probably finds it attractive as hell

at the same time, I could see him not caring much about traditional gender roles

sees it as a social construct that is meant to be broken

he digs how dynamic you can be in any situation, definitely!

that said, he is the reason you fix so many things 🧍🏻‍♀️

listen, him being your boyfriend does not guarantee your safety from The Menace™

feels bad about it sometimes

but like... you never complain

YangYang swears he's a magnet for finding patient people that can tolerate his antics

which is exactly why he's wrapped around your finger

MASTERLIST

[todoplumbingpasadena-tx]

ToDo Plumbing & Heating

832-810-0393 

At ToDo Plumbing & Heating Company, we’re committed to providing superior plumbing and heating services across all Pasadena, TX ZIP codes: 77501, 77502, 77503, 77504, 77505, and 77506. Our experienced team is here to handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs with professionalism and expertise. We pride ourselves on delivering reliable, high-quality service that ensures your home or business stays comfortable and efficient year-round. Trust ToDo Plumbing & Heating Company for all your plumbing and heating needs, and experience exceptional care tailored to your local community. 

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$40 off for water heater installation

Services:

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Commercial Plumbing

Emergency Plumbing

Drain Cleaning

Water Heater

Tankless Water Heater

About:

Business Name:  ToDo Plumbing & Heating 

Phone:  832-810-0393 

Email: Service@plumbingpasadena-tx.com 

Website:  https://plumbingpasadena-tx.com/

Address: 1104 Center Street #10, Pasadena, TX 77506

Working Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM to 8PM Sat-Sun 9AM to 6PM 

Payment Methods: Visa, American Express, Discover, and cash

[dandelion-wings]

From the first whumptober list: 07 only for emergencies, anything involving kaeya

Thank you for all the prompts! I'll be weaving the ones I write in between other prompts, but I'll start with this one, as I promised. :>

Warning on this one for some suicidal ideation and possibly body horror? More an attempt at psychological horror tbh.

---

Kaeya does have to admire the breadth of the Abyss Order's ambitions this time around. To seize the power of a fully-revitalized Nail and turn it into a weapon of the Abyss would be a formidable accomplishment. Dragonspine would become as corrupted as the Chasm, but with no hope of Celestia's power ever cleansing it, the taint spreading inexorably out to swallow first Monstadt and then the rest of surface Teyvat.

It's a final chance for them, do-or-die; once the Honorary Knight blazes all the way to the center of the Order's stronghold, the Order's fate will be decided there, one way or another. It's no surprise they've committed so much to this backup project. Though, knowing what he does about their leader, Kaeya wonders if this division of forces is acting under orders or upon their own initiative. Perhaps, if the Order survives, they'll find themselves facing them as rivals.

Only if the Knights can't stop them. They've made good progress so far. Sixth and Seventh Companies have secured the entrances to Dragonspine; Fourth Company has fought their way down into the depths of the newly-uncovered tunnels in which the Order is doing its work. The Lectors who had laid out this spell-array are dead, and the Mages who had been conducting it with them. Nothing is left to defend the array laid out at their feet.

Except for the monsters still disgorging from the doors of the domain on the cliff above, hilichurls and rifthounds in what seem like endless numbers, led and conducted by a pair of powerful Heralds. Eula and her knights are holding them back, if barely. There's no telling how many reinforcements the Heralds have, or how long those defenders can hold.

"We should have brought Lisa after all," Jean says, her voice choked with self-recrimination. Then it firms as she wraps herself in the authority of command. "Kaeya, do you have any ideas?"

It isn't said knowingly. It doesn't have to be. He knows what she knows, what he's fed her and what she's gleaned, the slips he's made that were halfway admissions, the quiet questions she's asked with care to restrict them to only the moment's needs. The patchwork of her knowledge is enough for this.

He's not sure *his* knowledge is enough for this. Kaeya left home with only partial instruction in the Order's rites and the older magic of Khaenri'ah's alchemy. Maybe they should have brought Albedo, too--but 'should haves' do them no good. Partially-learned or not, he can feel the Abyssal power gathering in this arcane circle, surging through the artificial leylines plumbed alien and invasive through the stone. Those can't be cut from without, and the spell is self-contained, an almost-living thing pulsing with its own power, regrowing the lines of its own sigils when they tried to smudge them from the cavern floor.

There are four around the edges, perfectly spaced: Pyro and Cryo, Hydro and Electro, each drawing out their respective power from the artificial leylines to feed into the spell. Each had contained an Abyss Mage until the Knights' weapons had brought them down, but it was already too late to disrupt the spell in that way; the leylines were already tuned, their energies in perfect balance, fueling the magic without need of any further instruction.

A fifth, an inner circle slashed across with interconnected lines, lies in the middle. Kaeya doesn't have to be able to see through the stone above to know that it's directly beneath the Nail it was constructed to corrupt.

"I have one," he says, giving Jean a smile and a wink to hide the catch in his throat. Then he turns to Amber, hovering anxious on Jean's other side, watching the battle on the cliff above with an arrow ready for whenever Eula needs her shot. "Any chance I could borrow a Baron Bunny? Already armed, if you don't mind. This is going to take some concentration."

Amber bites her lip, glances once more up at the Reconnaissance Company's fight, and then, before Jean can make it an order, pulls a bunny doll out of her pouch and pours the Pyro into it that makes it swell to proper taunting size. "Be careful with it. And don't waste it!"

"Oh, I won't," Kaeya assures her, with enough of a smirk to make her glare. "I have big plans."

Then he steps over the edge of the spell's outer circle, the energy of the false leylines thrumming in his ears like his own pulse as he makes his way to the central sigil. He can feel the spell, not quite conscious, eager and hungry, growing stronger with each pulse of the leylines and seeking an outlet as those energies grow to a peak. It takes all his will to keep walking forward towards its heart.

He hooks the Baron Bunny's arm into his belt as he steps into the center of the circle. The sigil is familiar, if more elaborate than the one he knows--the one that can turn a noble of Khaenri'ah into a creature of the Abyss Order, able to command both their lessers and the Abyss' power with ease. All the extra curlicues and channels and bindings, the artificial leylines and all the power they've brought to bear, are there only to force their way through Celestian defenses. Once those are broken down, all that's necessary will be the Abyss' touch.

It wants something to corrupt, does it? Kaeya can give it that.

The pulse of the leylines in his ears takes on a faint whine when he takes his place there, and his Vision throbs in counterpoint at his hip, cold enough to burn. Of course. If this was a common circle, the sort he saw cousins step into, he would have thrown it away--but this spell array is already designed to pierce Celestia's power. No point in taking the full force of this thing when even a fraction of it can be spent on doing so. No point in throwing away the only defense he has. He touches his Vision once, pretending that his fingers aren't trembling as he caresses its cold, smooth surface for the last time. Then he draws his sword.

*"I am a noble child of Khaenri'ah, descendant of Chlothar Alberich,"* he says in perfect court Khaenri'ahan, the language of the Mages, however harsh it may sound to Mond-trained ears. *"My father is head of the Alberich Clan, and I am his rightful heir. I am born a sinner by the decree of those who hold unlawful sway over this world, and I dedicate myself to those sinners who came before, that our salvation come in the washing clean of our blood."*

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Jean flinch and start towards him as he slashes his sword across his wrist. He glances up long enough to shake his head at her, smiling tightly. Jean, her face drawn with worry, takes a step back and holds her ground.

Kaeya doesn't know how they had planned to open the path to the Nail. But for a Khaenri'ahan's rebirth, the only possible route is through that in which Celestia's curse resides--by allowing the Abyss to enter, and burn out the heavenly taint in the blood.

The Abyss floods in. Kaeya can feel the power rushing through him, Electro crackling up his nerves, Hydro flooding his throat and chest, Cryo sinking into his bones. Pyro is last, and his Vision resists that fiercely: the familiar crystalline shield flaring around him, a burst of cold that leaves frost on his clothing and instant numbness in his flesh all up and down his left side. Then both shatter under the flames that come sweeping up from below, even fiercer in response. Kaeya can't choke down the drowning scream as they envelop him and his Vision dissolves into fragments and smoke.

His frostbitten, crisping skin is barely a concern now, though, because the Abyss has him, and it has far worse intentions than burning him alive. The power of the artificial leylines had already been pulsing in his ears; now the pulse grows all-encompassing as those invisible threads of magic dig into him, sliding up through his feet, through his fingertips, though his laid-open wrist, through his hidden right eye. Invisible or not, they crawl through his flesh like roots through earth, their power dissolving meat and blood and bone like crumbling soil. Tendrils twine through his rib cage and he screams again, burbling and wet; others wind through the stiff cartilage of his throat and the scream dies as his voicebox collapses.

Someone else is screaming in his place, but a tendril comes creeping out from the back of his left eye, shoving his eyeball from its socket, and he can't see who. All he can tell from the voice is that it isn't Jean.

His heart rabbits in his chest, panic at the invasion, panic at the force of it, at the magic tearing him apart. He knew it would be like this, and yet he had no idea. This is so much vaster, so much worse than anything he's seen his cousins go through. The artificial leylines don't send the Abyssal taint seeping gradually through him; they force their way into his flesh, his blood, his mind, overpowering him with no recourse. One twists around his frantic heart and crushes it with casual ease.

What matters isn't the leylines, or what they're doing to a body that was never going to survive this transformation. What matters is the Abyssal power throbbing through them, remaking the flesh they tear through into entirely different and unnatural form. Remaking his mind, too, far more swiftly than he had ever imagined. It becomes more and more difficult for Kaeya to stay focused on his own goals here. The Nail, Mondstadt, the people around him, the people he wants this power to protect-

He *wants this power*, and that, that thought the Abyss lets him have, lets him focus on, even as it tears his will away. Of course he wants it. That's what every Mage wants, isn't it? The strength to conduct their magic as they see fit, to command their lessers as they deserve, to destroy their enemies in the name of a nation that fell hundreds of years past and serves now as an excuse for present cruelties? Of course he wants this power. It's his birthright.

And there's so, so much of it. Kaeya sucks it greedily in, letting the leylines fill his new body to the brim. He struggles to contain it, this power that had been meant to shatter and rebuild a Nail. From within, with them still wound inside him, he can reach out and grasp the artificial leylines as no one could from without; he snaps their connections one by one, forcing them from his new, shadow-wrapped form, using the very power they'd given him to uproot them from the stone and let them curl, dying, in freezing air. As the last one breaks free, the spell registers its own completion and subsides, the sigils drawn across the stone in Chasm mud and the casters' own blood erasing themselves silently from the cold cavern floor.

Kaeya can't grin in this form, his face a rigid mask of ice, but the hollow laugh that rises from his throat will do. He lifts a hand in a casual gesture and Cryo spins out from him in a whirling circle, at once familiar and new. Icicles brush against something that had clung to the tattered clothing still hanging around him even as his old flesh burst open, something that begins to twitch and move. Kaeya spares the Baron Bunny barely a glance. He has other targets now.

"Kaeya?" Jean asks, starting towards him across the now-untouched stone. She holds a hand out towards him; her eyes are wide, and frightened, but there's a determined set to her jaw that Kaeya recognizes. He'd found it charming, once. A strength that he appreciated, and was fond of.

In her other hand is her sword, blade bared, even if she holds it low. He thinks that he would have appreciated that, too, in the past that is suddenly all cold memory, with no warm feelings lingering. Now he only looks at it in calculation, aware of the threat that it poses.

Not so much a threat that he has to fear it, not brimming with the power that he is. He cackles again, drawing the icicles inward and flaring up a shield in their place, triangular panes of glass far thicker and harder than the paltry power of his Vision had been able to call before. Behind its hard barrier, he holds out his own hand in turn.

"Jean," he says, in a parody of the affectionate tone the human him might have used, his new voice twisting it beyond all pretense of sincerity.

He can see her falter at that, then step forward again, believing, no doubt, that it's only the hollowness of his voice that's altered his tone. She's always been so trusting, so faithful, so confident in his loyalty. How useful that's always been. How useful it's been this time, to help him shuck off the misguided emotions of weak human flesh and become what he was always meant for. Something overshadowing Mage or Herald or Lector, some unnamed being greater than each, a form of which the lesser nobility had been only an anticipation. The creature that the last heir of the Alberiches was destined to be.

"Jeanie," he croons, taking a step closer, watching her grip loosen on her sword at a name he knows held resonance for them both, still does for her--something hated as a child, yet a matter of affection now as well as irritation, knowing it for a sign of his own supposed fondness. Fascinating how humans can turn an offense into a friendly gesture. "Don't worry. It's still me."

And only then, with her a few steps away, her swordhand hanging at her side, her defense beginning to relax, does he make a sharp motion with that outheld hand and send a rain of icicles crashing down upon her.

She's not quite so relaxed as she seems, flinging herself sideways and throwing up a Gale Blade to blast the icicles and the cold slowing cloud they carry away. Kaeya is already moving in another attack, a double-pronged cross of slashing ice-bolts. As they fly, there's a shout from the edge of where the circle had been, and he sees a glimpse of Amber, white-faced and furious--oh, that's still funny, that's always been funny, and now it's *hilarious* without the twinge of self-consciousness that had used to accompany his amusement.

The arrow flares against his shield, and there's the slightest smear of half-melted ice where it struck, but the shield crisps over and goes smooth again without him having even to will it. What's been poured into him exceeds the Abyssal taint of any being the Knights have met before. He's far, far too powerful for his shield to be pierced from without, even by Pyro, even should someone (*ah*, that fear still twinges before the Abyss soothes it away) be here with a flaming claymore.

But from within-

Baron Bunny, unheeded and forgotten, reaches the climax of its dance and explodes.

His shield, crafted to withstand any attack from without, cracks asunder. Despite everything, Amber is screaming his name. And Jean, flung back by his ice-bolts but rising bloodied and grim-faced, shouts, "Amber, now!" Amber swallows her terror and fires into the air, her Vision flaring at her hip and Pyro consuming the arrow as it flies and curves into an arc. A rain of blazing arrows descends upon him, seeking out those cracks, carving them wider. His cracked shield shatters and sends him to one knee on the ground.

No matter. Burns twinging all up and down his right side, Kaeya springs to his feet, fencing himself again in swirling icicles as Jean sprints towards him, already making the gestures to call another shield. He'll shield himself, vanish away, and have that flaring pain healed by one of the samachurls he knows are retreating behind that domain door. Then he'll return and demonstrate to Amber what depths of cruelty he can reach that she had never imagined.

Just as his shield starts to shimmer into existence, the icicles fading to generate it instead, a Gale Blade pierces through and breaks it again. Jean follows, flinging herself into him, driving him down and slamming him into the stone.

There are tears in her eyes as she bears him down under her, knees driving into his abdomen and forcing the breath from him before he can speak another incantation. His armor should hold against her, but the right side of it has melted, and she wedges her blade into an exposed crack at his neck and holds it there, pressed against what isn't any longer skin but is still vulnerable to a blade infused with a Vision's power. Even a monster needs a head.

But she hesitates, the way he'd known he would. Amber has come up behind her, arrow nocked, but she's hesitating too. What had the Baron Bunny been for, after all? He doesn't understand now why he'd thought it so essential then that he break his own shield and armor, make this easier for them, account for this hesitation and give them a chance to overcome it and actually win. Senseless foolishness. That human sentiment has only made his position more difficult now.

"Kaeya," she breathes. "This isn't you. I know you, and you would never truly want to hurt us, or threaten Mondstadt. If you're still in there, if there's any part of you that's still yourself, please-" Her voice catches, and she swallows and goes on. "-please understand."

Not so long a hesitation after all. Anemo pulses down the length of her blade, dissolving the armor where it touches, dissolving not-flesh beneath, as a wind begins to rise. Marveling at how little she *had* known him, this blessed human who thinks him one of her own, Kaeya lifts his hand in a sharp gesture to call more icicles, bring them raining down on Jean and Amber both. With Jean's head bowed and Amber looking down, he can drive spears of ice right through the napes of their necks, smash their skulls with heavy hail, watch their eyes go dull and their faces slack in an instant as blood sprays....

The gesture he makes calls nothing, aborted with a sharp jerk as that image, so deliciously satisfying, nonetheless stirs cold horror in his breast. The fraction of an instant he'd had to react is lost in that convulsive motion, that moment of senseless, foolish sentiment. Wind rises, whipping around them, scented with sweet dandelion and crisp Vision-cleansed Anemo and the bitterness of his death as it carves icy armor away from not-flesh. With his armor gone, Amber will only need one arrow.

A thought an odd, distorted relief, as the thought of their deaths was an odd, distorted horror. And yet it's that horror that he clings to, that relief, the breeze seeming to twist the distortion further even as it sheers his armor away. Kaeya grasps at it, fleeting emotion--the pain he can suddenly feel at the sight of Jean's tears, the guilt at Amber's white face--growing stronger as agony wracks him from head to toe. He wants to be what they think him to be, the person they love enough to apologize to as they put him down. He *wants*-

He's still imbued with enough power to shatter a Nail. What he *wants* is what he can *do*.

What Kaeya draws around himself is an entirely different armor, one he's worn all his life, a human seeming and a human form. It doesn't fit quite right over what he's become, even as he tries to shift his own form into living flesh again, heart and lungs and muscle and bone and one scarred eye and one good one, a hand that reaches up to wrap around Jean's sword-arm, gently, not sure if he's trying to urge her to press it in or drag it away. He smiles at her as gently as he can.

"It's okay, Jeanie," he whispers, in the voice he does remember how to use, nothing hollow about it in the least.

Jean wrenches her arm away from his hand, her sword from his neck, as the Dandelion Breeze dies. "Kaeya!"

She has the sense, at least, not to abandon all caution, sword still in hand as she rises and reaches down to help him up. Amber, though, drops her bow to fling herself at him, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face in his shoulder, her scolding muffled but its intent still clear. It takes Kaeya a second to register more than far too much heat, nearly painful, but then he remembers what he's supposed to do--who he's trying to be--and returns the hug.

"Keep that up and I'll start thinking you actually like me, Outrider," he tells her, which does the job of making her pull away to glare.

Overhead, the sounds of battle has stopped. Jean looks that way, then back at them. "We should go ensure that domain is sealed, and then return to Mondstadt. I would like Lisa to examine you."

"And Albedo," Kaeya adds. He can see that his semblance of humanity is ill-fitting without as well as within: through the tatters of his sleeves, his hands are blackened from the fingertips past the elbow, and what show of his shins through his pants are likewise. Other things are wrong too, he's sure. Amber keeps shooting sideways looks at his right eye. If anyone can help him sort those problems, it will be Gold's perfect homunculus.

But those are minor concerns in the grand scheme of things. Should they never fade, he knows that the Knights will keep him anyway, Amber will defend him as fiercely from strangers' disapproval, Klee will adore him nonetheless, Jean will attest to his loyalty against all detractors. He has no fear of undeserved rejection.

Which perhaps wouldn't be so undeserved. Kaeya looks at Jean's back ahead of him and thinks of how easy it would be to send a lance of ice through it, and the revulsion at the thought doesn't entirely eclipse the satisfaction. He swallows against a wave of nausea that suggests he has a gut again and clenches his hand into a fist at his side before it can even twitch towards the requisite motion. He won't. He wants to be the person they think they know, the Kaeya who won't, ever, no matter how much Abyssal power runs through him.

And should he fail, next time he won't make Jean be the one to stop him. He'll rob the Abyss of its victory himself.

[seat-safety-switch]

Ever since I was a child, I was hypnotized by shiny metal objects. We had this brass candlestick holder that we'd bring out at Christmas. Uncle Alive Tom would pop a bright red candle in it and put it on the kitchen table in our townhome. While the adults were getting too drunk to watch me, I'd sit next to it at the table and just stare at the reflections of the flame dancing in the shining metal.

This experience is not dissimilar to every human being in existence. We, all of us, like shiny things. That's why our coins are lustrous and pretty, inherently conveying a sense of value. Folks bought up copper for centuries, before we figured out that we could use it to make crappy house plumbing or substation wiring for the methamphetamined to steal. So it's a little strange that I, myself, drive around in a car that is mostly shoplifted flat black barbecue paint and expired Bondo.

Don't I want my car to be polished and beautiful? Sure, but then some dickhead in a parking lot will just bump into it, or I'll find a door at the junkyard that's less rusty, but a different colour. When that happens, I don't want to be agonizing over paint depth, clearcoat/tie-coat compatibility, or even sanding the panel very well before farting out a stream of Ultra-High-Temperature Burger Black that isn't surveyed very well by the arc of the security cameras at the shopping centre. Job done, and I can move on with my life, performing important tasks like repairing my other crapcan cars, or looking at Craigslist for the fourth time this hour to see if any more have emerged to buy in the interim.

And don't worry, I still get my share of looking at shiny things. After all, everyone else is very worried about keeping their cars nice. All I have to do is be inside my own car, and be very careful not to look too long at my hood while stuck in traffic. When my own car catches fire, I get to recreate those ancient childhood memories. That gives me a real warm feeling, as long as I climb out of the window in time. The door latch doesn't really work, you see. Got paint in it.

[kodared]

☆ Welcome home Neighbor~! ☆

-----------

after sleeping over at Howdys, you mentally prepare yourself to meet the others...

... where is your phone?

Chapter 4/?

Word Count: 3113 Out of 9322

Human Reader/ Welcome Home

   Finding yourself in this position at the ass crack of dawn was probably the most ideal way to start your morning. It seemed that you were moved from the counter you once rested at, to the cot Howdy had prepared for you.

It was nothing spectacular but it meant a lot to you, it was obvious as well Howdy took great care to make sure you wouldn't be disturbed in your sleep, practically cocooning you in a dark green blanket. 

…

However, it did nothing to stop you from tossing and turning throughout the night. 

      Vivid memories of nothingness surrounded you while you desperately tried to get the chill of eyes off of your back, even if there were none. 

The cold chill that rattled up your spine was enough to influence you to finally get up, even if it meant being awake before Howdy, you took this time to examine where exactly you were.

It looked to be a section of Howdys shop you'd never seen before, the only way you knew it was still Howdys store… or was this his House? Were from the tan walls being covered with what looked to be old baby pictures of him. 

You had to admit he was a cute lil bug, words you would never say to him of course

Your cot was made in the living room area, you could only assume Howdy was somewhere around here as you wriggled yourself out of the blanket cocoon Howdy trapped you in. 

You saw a set of stairs leading up into the overhead section of the Bugdega, so without much thought, you walked up and saw it lead into Howdys office, you had been here the previous day so you quickly made your way to the bathroom.

Your hair by now was… certainly something! There seemed to be no hairbrush in here so you did the best you could with sink water and your hands, thankful there was plumbing here at least. 

      You also took care in rubbing at your healing scabs with some soap and water, god only knows what it would be like to get an infection here. You could practically hear Howdys concerned voice now just thinking of an infection. 

After a few minutes of attempting to do your usual morning routine, you emerged from the bathroom and began to open the door leading to Howdy's main store area. You saw the sign at the front was still flipped to “Closed”, So you decided to not mess with anything in the shop. 

You did however snag an orange to snack on while you wait, you did have store credit after all. 

As you sat down on the stool Howdy had left behind the counter, you decided to marvel at the sunrise that was coming above the Town, your hands busied with peeling the orange.

You ‘really wished your friends were here’ you thought as the orange was successfully peeled. It was times like these you would offer each one of your friends their own section and share. Maybe Howdy would like some? 

If you had known any better you would have saved the bug a slice, but your hungry brain had other plans as you practically demolished the thing. 

…

With nothing to busy your hands with, boredom practically seeped from the bright walls into your bones. 

Until you remembered you should still have your phone! Nothing like brainless media to jumpstart the mind in the early morning, as you reached into your pocket praying there was service here, you noticed one key flaw. 

Your phone was missing. 

     It was always in your jacket pocket, you made sure to always keep it there, hell you remember in middle school having a chain that attached to your phone case to keep it in that exact spot!

It wasn't like you to lose things, so you kept searching your pockets, maybe you dropped it in the forest?? There was no way it could just disappear. 

With that final resolution, you decided that taking a morning stroll through the woods wouldn't hurt. You would just have to take care to be back in time to greet Howdy and thank him for his hospitality. 

The doors to the Bugdega still let off their audible alert as you walked out, you guessed there was no need for Howdy to lock the doors at night? 

…All of a sudden sleeping over at Sally's doesn't sound that terrible,

—---------------------------

…You did your best to trace your steps in the woods but it seemed like you were getting positively nowhere with your phone hunt. The forest seemed to stretch on forever, also cementing the fact you had probably jumped to another world in your trespassing escapade. 

‘This blows’       You thought as you let out a sigh and began walking back to town. The sun had officially risen in the sky enough for it to be considered early morning, so you knew Howdy would probably be concerned if you didn't return soon. 

Before you could return to the safety of Howdys shop, you saw a large… bird? Who you had not yet met, you internally thanked yourself for washing up in the morning as you heard her voice from afar.

  “ ‘Ello there Neighbor!”

…If they kept calling you neighbour you swear you were gonna scream. 

She rose one of her wings to politely wave at you, and you guessed it was only polite to wave back when you were able to get a better look at her as you approached Howdys shop. 

Before you could enter the shop though she approached you with rapid speed, If you weren't so damn awkward maybe, just maybe you could have entered fast enough. 

“My! Arent you a wonder Chickadee!”

She of course took hold of your hand that was going to push against the doors to Howdys shop to give you a warm handshake,

“My names Poppy! Poppy Partridge, what's yours ‘Honey?” 

She had a voice that reminded you of your old southern Grandma, it was honestly comforting to you, in a weird, missing home sorta way. 

“My names Y/N, nice to meet you, Ms.Partridge,” 

She let go of your hand and smoothed her feathers down, clearly excited to finally meet you for the first time, 

“Oh please my dear! There's no need to call me Ms.Partridge, just call me Poppy!” 

The Ms. must have just slipped out as you were thinking of your grandmother, she always preferred formalities, it was nice to hear the same expectations weren't held by Poppy. 

Her eyes held the same curiosity all of the other residents of this town had shown. However, she was being much more polite and made an effort to not stare or cause you to be uncomfortable, which was nice. 

As she began to speak again you saw her eyes pop up behind you, and you heard the familiar sound of the door system going off, 

“Y/N! I was wondering where you ran off to!” 

…Seems Howdy had finally woken up, you moved to give Howdy some space to step out of the shop but as you looked up he looked... Really really frazzled.

His normally smoothed-down hair now contained a cowlick in the back and his hair poked out in all different directions. His outfit was different as well, you don't know why you hadn't expected him to be wearing pyjamas, but you definitely weren't expecting him to be a slipper kinda guy. 

Poor guy looks like he saw you were missing and ran out to look for you without taking any consideration for getting dressed, now you really feel like an ass. 

“Ah, sorry Howd’s... My phone was missing so I went to go check the woods for it, didn't mean to scare you,” 

Your eyes instinctually looked at the ground instead of him as you smoothed down the back of your hair, a nervous habit you’d developed in middle school that you could never kick. 

Howdy let out a sigh of relief,     “Don't apologize Y/N! M’just happy you're alright!” 

He seemed to turn his attention to Poppy after consoling you of your worries, 

“And a good morning to you Poppy! What brings ya to my shop so early? Hate to say but I haven't restocked on flour yet!” 

Poppy let out a good hearty laugh at Howdys joke, she must have been the towns baker, which definitely made sense given her southern accent and very friendly nature,

“I just saw this one walkin’ by so y’know I had to stop by and greet the new neighbour!” 

…New neighbour? Did they all seriously expect you to stay here and move in? You had hoped you would be rescued by now, or at the very least shown how to leave by today. 

Howdy though seemed none the wiser to Poppy's comment, letting out a small laugh as he turned to enter the shop once more,

“Well! Lovely seein’ ya Poppy! But I gotta take my leave unfortunately, These shelves won't stock themselves!” 

“Good seein’ ya Darlin’! See ya’round Y/N!” 

You rather liked Poppy and Howdy, but not enough to permanently reside here, I mean for fucks sake there was no toothpaste. You would be lucky to survive past 40 here- 

Why are you genuinely thinking of the logistics of this?? ‘We need to find a way home’ you thought as you followed closely behind Howdy after giving Poppy a wave of goodbye. 

Before Howdy could head to his back office to get washed up for the day, you had to know something.. 

“Hey, Howdy?” 

“What's up Y/N?” 

  He stopped in his tracks leaning slightly on the doorway with his second set of arms, that friendly smile still on his face even if he was tired

“...Do you think I'm going to be stuck here..?”   

Your sorrowful expression must have been evident because Howdy began walking towards you, your eyes meeting the floor again as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. 

“I mean! Don't get me wrong you are all lovely! I just miss my friends, and my mom of course must be worried!” 

Your words quickly became more frantic as Howdy neared you, they tumbled out like you had said something wrong even though you knew for a fact you did not. 

Howdy though didn't say anything other than pull you into a firm hug, you were beginning to enjoy his dad hugs, they made you feel safe. 

“... You'll be alright Y/N I promise, ill make sure to get ya home,” 

…Oh thank the gods he wasn't gonna just end it at you'll be alright. Your panic practically bled out into the floor as Howdy hugged you for a second more, and then stood to pat you on the shoulder. 

“ I'm gonna get ready for the day, Don't forget to eat breakfast Y/N!”

…And with that Howdy had gone into the back office to get ready, leaving you once again alone with your thoughts. 

It made you feel comforted to know that Howdy would make sure you get home, that momentary comfort gave you enough strength to sit on your stool behind the counter and mentally prepare for the day ahead of you. 

You hadn't forgotten yesterday when Howdy said you would be meeting the Neighborhood today after all. 

—------------------------------------

…Though as you and Howdy approached the bright blue house, you wondered if you would ever be mentally prepared enough to do this. 

The house in question was shaped like a dog house, leading you to make the guess that this neighbour was a dog, which you loved dogs! You just wished they weren't gonna be like twelve times your size. 

You supposed it was better than the red house that was adjacent to it, That house had literal eyes that followed you as you and Howdy walked, and while Howdy waved to it you did no such thing, thoroughly creeped out by the animated eyes. 

I̷t̵ ̷d̸i̸d̴ ̵r̵e̸m̶i̸n̸d̵ ̵y̷o̷u̷ ̴o̵f̶ ̵s̴o̷m̴e̵t̶h̴i̷n̷g̶ ̴t̷h̶o̶u̶g̶h̵.̷.̷.̸ 

Howdy looked at you one final time, offering a warm smile, before knocking firmly on the door, you saw a Blue flash of wind and, poof! Howdy was gone! 

…Or so you thought before you looked three feet away and saw him being hugged by a giant blue dog

“Howdy! Been awhile Pal Where have ya Been! Ya need to stop bein so cooped up in your Shop!” 

..That voice was very familiar but you couldn't quite put your finger on it, Howdy once again being the ray of sunshine he was tried his best to pat the Blue dog on the back as he laughed, 

“My Store doesn't stay stocked with hotdogs without me Barnaby!” 

So the dog's name was Barnaby? Very fitting. 

Barnaby set Howdy down, going to speak to him before his big round eyes landed on you, oh shit. 

You loved hugs just as much as the next guy but you were a human, not a puppet.

“So you're the new Neighbor!”

Just like you expected he swooped you up in a big hug, which surprisingly was super gentle, you supposed it made sense for him being made out of fur and fluff. You might as well savour it, 

“M’ Name’ths Y/N!”   

 You did your best to hug the dog back, his fur was silky soft, and he would make a great pillow, 

He let out a very loud and boisterous laugh 

“ I like the cut of your Jib Kid!” 

    With one final squeeze, he set you back on solid ground, your world still spinning when you saw his paws.

He. Paints. His. Beans. 

Move out of the way Howdy and Poppy, Barnaby was the new favourite. 

You would have stayed excited if it were not for the piercing stare you felt coming from your side, as you turned to Barnaby's open doorway, you saw a yellow puppet man, y̵o̸u̸ ̷c̸a̴n̴t̸ ̵q̸u̵i̸t̸e̵ ̸r̴e̷m̸e̶m̵b̶e̵r̸ ̴h̷i̴s̵ ̷n̸a̶m̶e̵.̶

“Good to see you feeling better than yesterday neighbour,” 

The startling stare you felt must have been coming from somewhere else, this guy spoke in a smooth voice and if you were a child, it just might have lulled you to sleep. 

“ Y/N! This is Wally, my good friend since forever!” 

Barnaby moved to wrap his arm around Wally, their height difference very amusing to you, finding yourself barely able to stifle your giggles. 

���pleasure to meet you Wally, sorry about yesterday, ‘got a bit overwhelmed.” 

Your anxious laugh shone through as you offered a hand to Wally for a handshake,

“Ha. Ha, Do not worry about it,” 

He shook your hand probably the softest anyone in this town yet, as if he was scared you would shatter if he put the slightest pressure into the handshake.  

You couldn't help but smile at his automatic-sounding laugh, he was quite an odd fellow, you imagine if he was taller it would have come off as creepy, however, you can comfortably punt him at this height. 

“ You guys in the mood for Biscuits? I invited Eddie and Frank so they will be over soon!” 

“ Sounds lovely Barnaby, I would love to!” 

Howdy being the kind and considerate soul he was turned to you,

“Whaddya say Y/N?” 

“Sure! I wouldn't mind some biscuits!”   … You hoped they weren't dog treats.

—------------------------------------

…mmm you sure did love dog treats. 

You sat on Barnaby's comfortable sofa while fiddling with an iced cookie he handed you a while ago, Howdy and Barnaby seemed to reserve themselves to a conversation in the kitchen, 

Leaving you with Wally.

“...So Wally,” 

His head practically snapped over to make eye contact with you, you could have sworn his smile grew a little wider too,

Shaking off the weird tension you continued,

“How long have you lived here?”

“my, what a silly question friend, i have lived here for as long as i can remember!” 

… okay that totally was not weird at all. 

“You’ve never lived anywhere else? What about your family? Surely you lived with your mom and dad before moving here?” 

Wally scooted forward to grab his tea off of the coffee table in front of the two of you, stirring his sugar as he continued,

“why would I need to move friend? its perfect here!  

Mmm okay, that was enough talking to Wally you decided, As much as he was a charming fellow he was starting to creep you out a bit, and that staring habit of his provided no comfort. 

It wasn't long before Eddie and Frank arrived as well, a barking doorbell could be heard resounding throughout the house before Barnaby practically charged at the door to let them in,

“Good to see you Y/N!”   Eddie began, friendly as ever. You set your biscuit down on the table to greet him properly,

“Good to see you too Eddie!”   You turned to see the same grey puppet from yesterday,

“And you must be Frank,”  

You really thought you were being polite but you guessed Frank wasn't much of a talker…

Or he was just too busy trying to classify you in one of his books he had brought, Eddie having to nudge him with his elbow to elicit a proper hello. 

“Nice to meet you Y/N,”  He was very brief and simple with his greeting before going back to looking you up and down, and back at his book. 

His voice definitely matched his nerdy outfit, he sounded like a boy you would have teased in elementary, you would never tell him that though.

“What genus are you?”

… “what..?”  

You were properly confused, but at least he was very straightforward with his curiosity, you much ‘preferred this over being stared at’ you thought as you glanced at Wally. 

After that… question, which you could not answer for the life of you, You all found a spot on Barnaby's couch or on one of his various chairs,

With all eyes on you, you took a deep breath preparing yourself for the bombardment of questions that would surely be shuttled your way. 

Just as Frank began to pull out his book to question you, (was that a list??) 

You all heard a frantic knocking at the door, Barnaby once again practically charging through the door to let in whoever was there, 

Whoever it was snuck past Barnaby and made a straight beeline to where you were seated, She looked the most human out of the group, even compared to Eddie, except for the horns that poked out of her well-kept hair. 

“oh, i forgot to mention i invited Julie, sorry barnaby,” 

….You where beginning to really dislike Wally

------------------

As always my Ao3 has more Active Updates with this Story! Expect Chapter 5 to be posted sometime Tonight or Tomorrow!

~Till next time ! ＼ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ／

[stonesparrow]

Early Riser Ch. 4

The Ishigami-Oki-Ogawa party continues their quest!

Once they reach a farming town, they revive what looks to be a family of rice farmers, since it’s still rice planting season and they can actually try to start production. 

“We’re certainly thankful that you freed us,” the patriarch of the family says as soon as he realizes what’s going on, “but…who are you people? You don’t exactly look like the sort who’d be affiliated with the government or the military.”

Mr. Ogawa steps forward. “Apologies for the rudeness. My name is Ogawa Makoto,” he says. “This is my wife Hikari and daughter Yuzuriha, and our friends, the Okis and young Senku. We’re all just ordinary folks, really. The kids were the ones who discovered how to undo the petrification.”

The Kuratas, as they introduce themselves by, are certainly surprised that teenagers managed to figure out how to revive statues, but Mr. Ogawa manages to talk them into being on board with the plan since they’re not particularly keen on the idea of the military seizing control of their farm.

“This is all…a lot to take in,” Mrs. Kurata says. “We were just about to finish up the month’s planting, and now it looks like we’ll have to do it all over again, only with new, unforseen challenges.”

The main issue is the lack of electricity and fuel. The Kuratas have an emergency generator, and there’s the one that the Okis brought from Tokyo, but the Kuratas’ runs on gasoline, and non of them are exactly equipped for restarting the oil drilling industry. So with few other options, they start preparing for a return to more traditional living, breaking out a stash of candles and books on more old-fashioned but still effective farming practices. 

The Kuratas also prove to be quite generous, assuring them that they needn’t set up in tents outside the house but instead should sleep inside with the family. Mr. and Mrs. Oki are given the guest room, while a storage room is cleared out for Mr. and Mrs. Ogawa. Yuzuriha is invited to share the Kuratas’ daughter Ryoko’s room, and the boys set up in the living room on the couches.

It’s a bit cramped, and with the plumbing out figuring out how to deal with the toiletries situation was a hassle and a half, but it’ll be their life for the next several weeks.

Days usually pass like this: Senku wakes up, takes his turn in the “bathroom” they made outside, then goes to the rebuilt quail coop to collect eggs for breakfast. The little birds have a shockingly high egg production, good for increasing the protein in their diets. Yuzuriha will either be hanging up laundry outside or doing mending indoors, while Mrs. Kurata and Mr. Oki are cooking, Taiju is chopping wood, the Ogawas are tending to the vegetable garden, and Mrs. Oki, Mr. Kurata, and Ryoko prepare for a day of hunting and surveying.

Mr. Kurata is thoughtful and pragmatic, while Mrs. Kurata is skilled at seeing the big picture when it comes to their agricultural plans. They’re both a bit stunned by Senku’s skills with mechanics and engineering, but thankfully they seem to care more about efficiency than questioning Senku’s abilities.  

Ryoko is nineteen, a talented shot, and an extremely bright personality that Mrs. Oki, grumpy as she is, quickly takes a liking to. Taiju seems to enjoy talking to her about sporty things, and after a while Yuzuriha starts calling her Ryoko-nee. Senku isn’t sure what to make of her, honestly. She’s very chatty, and seems to hate the feeling of dead air with no conversation. Even when Senku’s tinkering away at something in the shed alone, she usually finds out where he is and tries to talk to him.

And then one evening Senku finds her sitting up against the side of the toolshed gazing out into the distance with a strangely lost look in her eyes. 

He stands there silently for an uncomfortable amount of time before she finally seems to notice him. “Oh. Hi.”

“...Hi.” 

They stare at each other for a long moment. Finally, Ryoko breaks eye contact and leans back against the tree. “You know. We had a cat.”

She smiles wistfully. “Her name was Wasabi, and she was a real spirited little thing. Scratched me more times than I can count, really. And an excellent mouser. She’d bring all sorts of dead birds into the house and leave them on the furniture, it drove my mom nuts.”

Ryoko sighs. “She was eight years old.”

Senku does the math. Cats live an average of thirteen to seventeen years. If Wasabi was still alive, she’d be eighteen. Not impossible, but…

He sticks his hands in his pockets. “...I’m going to go check on the fencing around the quail coop. You want to help?”

Ryoko is silent for a moment, then takes a deep breath. “You know what? Yeah.”

It becomes a thing for them, hanging out when Ryoko runs out of words.

-----------------

A few weeks later, they venture out to the Kuratas’ neighbors and revive them as well, and steadily begin to rebuild the local farming community. They’re still being rather careful not to revive too many people at once, especially since they’re getting all their water from local rivers and relying pretty heavily on small scale vegetable farms as well as hunting for their food. 

Summer passes, and the food stockpile continues to grow. Senku works with the one electrical engineer in the community in order to salvage the parts to rig up solar panels to provide electricity to everyone, which allows them to work in the night as well as the day. The Ishigami-Oki-Ogawas also move out of the Kuratas’ place into an unused home owned by an older granny whose children left the farm life for the city, and every day there’s something to fix, something to build, and something to talk about. 

There might not be video games anymore, but there are still books—some that are definitely a bit damaged, but in good enough condition to read. There’s still board games. There’s even an old CRT that one of the older folks has that Senku manages to revive for everyone to crowd into the town library in order to watch frankly ridiculously ancient tapes on. 

It’s a nice life, as busy and strange as it is. 

Eventually, their revival fluid supplies start to dwindle, and Senku decides it’s about time that they set out in search of some proper machinery for both the Haber and Ostwald processes in order to more consistently produce ammonia and nitric acid respectively. Their best bet is to go to the factories of Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings, the country’s leading chemicals company, which is conveniently located in Tokyo. 

Obviously Senku is going on the mission, though Taiju and Yuzuriha elect to stay behind in the farming community since their skills probably aren’t the most helpful for revitalizing chemicals production. Mr. Ogawa decides to go with him, along with a few of the engineers they have. They also make plans to stop by the hospital to collect some medications and other items that are in short supply in the town clinic. 

When they get there however, they’re met with a huge surprise. A blonde couple in ratty looking clothes stands before them in front of the hospital doors, people that Senku at least recognizes from a few photographs sent over text.

Mr. Ogawa breaks the stunned silence with a calm, “Hello there. Do you speak Japanese? English?”

“English is better,” the man says hesitantly. “You are survivors?”

Suddenly, the woman gasps and points directly at Senku. “You’re Byakuya’s boy!”

“Byakuya?” Mr. Ogawa blinks. “Senku-kun, do you know these people?”

Senku laughs, and there’s a lightness in his heart as he does so. 

“In a way. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Nikitin.”

[clatterbane]

How fun! With our repeated plumbing problems (with another episode involving an emergency plumber last week), we ended up with some smelly smelly mold growing back under the bathtub. It didn't help that a washcloth or something apparently also fell back under there at some point.

We have been cleaning and disinfecting things as well as possible every single time the drain backs up. It's just nigh impossible to thoroughly scrub way back in the corners under the tub, with the way things are set up in there.

So yeah, today Mr. C decided that the best plan was to actually move the bathtub out enough to reach back in there and get it scrubbed out better. (There is normally maybe a 2" gap between it and the back wall. Just enough for some shampoo bottles to fall down if you're not careful, but not enough to even reach a human arm in to retrieve them.)

Which involved disconnecting the pipe going down to the troublesome floor drain, and cutting through the caulk somebody put in between the tub and the wall at one end. Not much fun, but at least it is a freestanding tub otherwise. And at least now it won't be caulked to the wall the next time that drain backs up. 😫

Yeah, he was doing the dirty work in his underwear. And I really don't blame him. His ass is not normally pixelated. I hesitated to post this, even so. Also explaining the terrible angle.

After some scrubbing, it got sloshed down with bleach again. That's sitting for a while, before it gets another good scrub with strong floor soap.

I do feel kinda bad that he's the only one who is consistently doing jobs like this around here, largely thanks to being the only one with both legs. Though, especially with as allergic as I am to mold? I maybe don't feel as bad as I could about not jumping in on this particular job. He commented that he was just as glad he didn't get any pics of the moldy mess to show me, it was that nasty.

[kemendin]

Been feeling the WildStar nostalgia this last week so I thought I'd talk a bit about these lads - Caspian and Darius Serapis, who were both born in WS and more recently made their way into SWTOR.

Caspian's known as Seeker in WS, having discarded his clearly Cassian birthname when he defected from the Dominion about a year after his arrival on Nexus. Being both a) from a prominent Highborn Cassian family and b) one of the Dominion's foremost Eldanologists, this didn't sit too well with his loyalist older brother. A respected officer in the Radiant Legion, Darius spent over a year hiding the shame of Caspian's defection, while at the same time tracking down his errant sibling with the intent of physically dragging him back to the Dominion if necessary.

While they were close as children, Seeker and Darius come to borderline hate each other by the time they're adults. Darius' heavy-handed, militant manner and fierce devotion to the Vigilant Church clash constantly with Seeker's defiant questions and growing disillusionment with the so-called destiny of the Dominion. This comes to a head when Darius finally catches up with his brother. Seeker makes it clear that not only does he reject the Dominion and the Church, he has every intention of plumbing the secrets of Nexus for proof that the Eldan were false gods, and he will hurl that evidence into the face of Emperor Myrcalus himself if he has to.

Fortunately, Seeker manages to escape his brother's custody before an incensed Darius can make up his mind about executing him on the spot for heresy. They don't meet again until a worsening of Seeker's genetic disorder - a side effect of his Highborn lineage - requires the primal pattern of another blood relative to stabilise his own. By this point both of them are Extremely Tired And Done with this whole situation, and ultimately Darius agrees to a) save Seeker's life and b) take a record of Seeker's death back to the Dominion so they'll stop hunting him, and they go their separate ways.

Given this whole history, it's been very interesting to spin them a new story in SWTOR. For one thing, with Caspian as my canon (ish) Jedi Knight and Darius as my also canon (ish) Republic Trooper, they're actually on the same side, which from the outset meant that they do get along a hell of a lot better than in WS. Caspian is still the defiant, logical disbeliever, but the Force is as close to 'faith' as he actually gets in any universe so far, and overall he's less steely than his original WS self. Darius is still the stern and hardened soldier, deeply loyal to the Republic, but he doesn't have the unyielding fanaticism of the Church. And I think the fact that Cas is also a warrior, in a way, gives them something significant to have in common. They're not best friends by any means, but they respect each other's roles and do care about each other in a usually unspoken way (unless it's Darius openly yelling at Satele Shan over letting his little brother run around with the Emperor's fucking Wrath. He has Concerns. They are entirely warranted).

I've got at least one SWTOR fic I want to write with the two of them, on Corellia during the class story. So it'll be fun to see how Darius' voice emerges here in the galaxy far far away.