#Flint Homes for Sale

[highway-143]

in the dark- nishimura riki

genre: angst with a happy ending, fluff, smut, vampire au

pairing: vampire!riki x fem. villager!reader

taglist: @urlocalmultigroupfan @vrusha01 @minkilicious @planetmarlowe (TAGLIST IS OPEN!)

word count: 8.8k

now playing: bite me, still monster, and given-taken- enhypen

(proofread)

all scenarios are fake and are not meant to harm any idol in the story

(㇏(•̀ᵥᵥ•́)ノ)

it had been weeks.

not really. it was two days.

two days of the most antagonizing pain riki had ever felt in his life.

he couldn't control anything. his constant thirst for blood, to the point where he was practically starving without it was absolutely horrid.

but his rut was so much worse.

vampires only went through one every four years, and the last time riki had one, he had a partner to cure the ache. but now there was no one.

his old village had burned, down to the very last weed. and everyone had ran. families gathered their children and fled, trekking to another kingdom.

and riki was left alone. he had taken a short trip to the sea to get away from the rising suspicion that the town was beginning to place on him.

he came back to ashes.

his mate had left with her family, leaving him without so much as a note.

so riki left. the village held no more meaning to him anymore. he started his journey, hiking through snow-capped mountians and flower filled valleys to another village.

one that was perfectly thriving. from where he stood on a hill surrounding the quaint town, he could see everyone going about their business.

farmers were sowing their crops, merchants were flaunting their goods for sales, and he could just barely make out the sound of metal on metal coming from the blacksmith's workshop.

and so riki started building. it wasn't his strong suit, but he wasn't a terrible craftsman. he had enough supplies to build a small home, a square room with a bed tucked in the corner, a table and chair opposite it, and a round basin on a counter.

it wasn't much, but it was his home. for now.

he got a job as a farmer, raising the herds of sheep, pigs, cows, and a flock of unruly chickens that didn't take a liking to him.

nobody really knew riki. he spent most of his days in the fields, sometimes swinging an axe at trees or tending to the crops. when he wasn't working, he was at home. his house on the hill rarely visited by villagers.

and that's where he was now, laying on his bed. his back arched as a pathetic moan slipped from his lips. his hand was fisted around his hard cock, pumping swiftly, the throbbing slowly subsiding as he jerked himself off.

this was what his rut did to him. he couldn't fucking see straight when it happened. every attempt to play the normal (or as normal as an isolated man could be) villager was too hard. he constantly had to take breaks at work to relieve himself of an erection, his pants strained to the point of tearing.

when riki finally came, hot liquid spurting from his softened member, he started to think.

he had a few options. one, he could keep his act up and potentially be discovered. (the amount of raw meat he was buying was suspicious, even under the guise of his "all meat diet")

two, he could find a mate. he was too new to the town, too secluded in his house on the hill. nobody would trust him farther than they could throw him.

three, he could take a trip. maybe hike into the woods, lay low for a few weeks, feast on foxes and deer for his blood intake.

three was the best option. it was the only option at this point.

riki started packing his belongings into his satchel. some extra clothes, flint and steel, a knife, bread, and blankets. he rolled up a small burlap tent and strapped it to the bag, locking the door and walking into the forest.

a few hours later, he finds himself at a waterfall, the flow into a pond providing a peaceful enviornment, but also a good place to set up a camp.

riki got to work, pitching the tent next to the pond. he gathers rocks and branches, creating a ring with the stones for a firepit.

and again, his hunger overcame him.

riki's eyes slowly shifted, the chocolate colored irises tinted with a reddish hue. his incisors stang with need, gums tingling at the root.

he needed blood.

as the sun set, riki began to stalk. he used the shadows of trees to his advantage, his vampire instincts telling him what to do. where to go.

a rabbit hopped to a rock by the pond, finding its perch on the slippery surface. riki crept behind it, his feet making almost no noise against the fallen twigs and plants.

the rabbit dipped its head closer to the water, preparing to take a sip until-

squeak

riki's hand shot out, grabbing the creature by the neck. he squeezed, the rabbit thrashing in his grip.

and then it went limp.

dead.

riki licked his lips and bit the animal in its side, finally getting a taste of blood.

but it wasn't as good as human blood.

nothing could beat its sweet, coppery taste. the slight burn as it poured down his throat. riki imagines the rabbit to be a human, the blood tasting a little better in his imagination.

the games had only just begun.

(㇏(•̀ᵥᵥ•́)ノ)

"y/n! come here, there's someone here to visit you!"

you slowly walk down the stairs, closing the door of your bedroom behind you as you mother calls you from the living room.

"hello, y/n. it's good to see you." says dongmin. his voice is bland, like he has nothing of real importance to say, just words being forced out of his mouth.

dongmin was another villager. he lived on the opposite side of town, closer to the mountians that surrounded the valley than most. his family was well known, his father was the butcher, mother the best seamstress in town.

but dongmin was, to put it bluntly, a fool. he skipped school frequently, choosing to spend the day with his other delinquent friends, exploring the forest or mountians. he was a frequent troublemaker in the town, pulling stunts that any self respecting man wouldn't dare to try.

"dongmin was hoping you would accompany him on an evening stroll tonight, how does that sound?" says your mother, giving you a look that said "if you have any idea what's good for you, you'll go."

you sigh and turn your head to dongmin, nodding. "yes, i would be happy to join you. give me a moment to grab my things."

dongmin frowns and stands up, waiting by the door as you climb the stairs to your room.

when you come back down, your scarf wrapped around your shoulders and your hands wrapped in lace gloves, dongmin holds his arm out. you hook yours around his and he guides you out of your home.

"so, dongmin. what's all this about?"

he sighs and shakes his head. "my parents said it was about time i find a woman to marry."

you stare up at him in shock. sure, dongmin was a handsome boy. he had sharp features and a strong body that was only accented by his fitted clothing, courtesy of his mother, but you couldn't imagine yourself attatched to such a brute of a man.

"and you chose me?"

"do you really think i would choose you?" he asks, laughing sarcastically. "my parents chose you because you're the mayor's daughter. i don't want some prissy socialite princess. i don't even want a wife yet." he shakes his head again. "but i don't really care. i'll just marry you to please them."

you laugh incredulously. "so, let me get this straight" you say, hand tightening around dongmin's bicep. "you're only going to marry me because it's convenient. did you ever stop to think i don't want to marry you? that i have choices too? or did you perhaps think that every woman just pines after you?"

dongmin pauses, his steps halted at your bold words. "yeah, pretty much."

you pull your hand off of his arm and push him, hands splayed against his chest as you heave with all the force you have in your body.

dongmin stumbles back, staring at you in shock.

"oh you messed up, princess." he says darkly, his eyes turning into something meaner.

dongmin reaches out and grabs you by the arm, bruising your skin as he pulls you with him. you beat your free arm against his hand, trying to pry yourself out of his grasp while he drags you toward your home.

"let go! let go of me you filthy bastard!" you scream, only earning a tighter grip and a glare from dongmin.

"who's the bastard here? me or the little bitch who won't do as her family wishes?"

you furiously dig your heels into the dirt road, trying to stop dongmin, but he only pulls you harder, tugging you towards your front door.

your mom opens it, looking confused at the screaming.

"what on earth is going on?"

"he-"

dongmin cuts you off. "your daughter is refusing to marry me. i suggest you talk some sense into her, or else my parents won't keep up their end of the deal with you."

"y/n! what in the world has gotten into you!? apologise to dongmin right now!"

you bite back snarky comments and mutter "sorry."

"give her a few days to think. i promise you she will have an answer soon." your mom says, patting dongmin's arm in the exact spot where you were just hitting him.

"fine." dongmin turns and walks back down the road, not giving you a second glance.

after a long scolding from your mother, you find yourself locked in your bedroom, instructed to not come out until you agreed to marriage with dongmin.

the evening glow cast shadows around your room, figures appearing on your walls that once scared you as a child.

but the meadow outside your window was beautiful. lit with the same glow, the sunlight cast golden light onto the scattered daisies and dandelions. the grass waved in the wind, bringing the scent of spring to your nose as you gazed out at the pretty scene.

without even thinking you begin to climb. you lower one boot-clad foot out of the window, eventually swinging the other out to sit on the edge.

it was dangerous, but you didn't care. the beauty of the meadow was calling to you, your room was growing more and more suffocating by the minute.

so you jumped. right off the second story window.

thankfully, there were a few hay bales there to break your fall, but it still didn't feel good. your dress caught on a few reeds and you had to pause to untagle them.

you grab a lantern from the hook by the front door and run, racing through the meadow, past a small home on the hill, and into the forest.

(㇏(•̀ᢍ•́)ノ)

riki groans into the frigid night air, his hands working at his cock so fast, the skin was turning red.

he pumped erratically at his hard member, trying to calm the incessant throbbing that seemed to follow him all day.

he didn't wear clothes anymore. it didn't matter here, and it made everything easier anyways. whenever he got hard, he didn't have to fumble with his pants or catch his shaking fingers on his shirt.

he let a loud moan escape his lips, his hips stuttering against his hand as his load of cum poured onto his hands, his thighs, and then the ground, soaking the soil below him.

and then he freezes.

because he hears a voice.

"hello?" you call, seeing the faint glow of embers illuminating a tent near the pond.

you were a frequent visitor to the area, the calming beauty of the flowers near the water's edge providing solace when your parents were too infuriating.

you hear scrambling coming from the tent, and it rustles as a figure appears, coming out of the tent and into the glow of your lantern.

"what are you doing here?" asks the tall man standing in front of you.

and you gasp, averting your gaze.

because he was naked.

"i... uhhh.... i just..."

the stranger smirks, stepping closer to you. you try your hardest to look in any direction but his, try to pretend you dont see anything.

but you cant help it.

the way his chest is so perfectly sculpted, abs shadowed in the glow of your light. his shoulders taper to his waist, the slope so effortlessly smooth.

and then his hips lead to-

your eyes snap up to his face, stopping yourself from looking at his cum-soaked dick.

and god, his face.

his hair fell around his ears, not long, but enough to where it was unruly and slightly tangled. his eyes were like a crystal ball, his dark gaze piercing your eyes, a faint reddish hue to their color in the dim lights. his nose was perfectly angled, casting a shadow over his high cheekbones, and his lips were so beautifully full.

his grin widens maliciously. "what are you doing here, sweetheart?"

"i... i came to get away. to relax." you manage to say.

"relax? so late at night?"

"yeah." you walk over to the pond, taking a seat on a rock. "why are you here??"

he struts over to you, taking a seat on the ground below you, legs spread provocatively.

"i came to get away too. needed a break from everyo-"

you cut him off, unable to focus on his words while he sat so sexily.

"excuse me, can you... cover up? it's a little uncomfortable."

"what's wrong, sweetheart? never seen a naked man before?" he laughs at the blush that spreads across your cheeks.

"please."

he stands and walks to the tent, leaving you to wave your fingers through the cool water of the pond.

riki pulls on his trousers, debating his next move. he should gain your trust, become your friend. but the temptation to feast on your blood, to fuck you senseless, to break you, was too great.

he needed something, anything, to get him through this rut. and having such a pretty little meal like you would be the perfect way to solve his problem.

riki climbed back out of the tent, his pants fastened around his waist now. but there was still a bulge in the fabric.

"as i was saying," he starts, startling you from the trance the water had you under. "i came out to take a break. people can be too much, you know?"

you laugh bitterly. "yeah."

"what's your name?" he asks.

"y/n. yours?"

"riki. nice to meet you. what happened to you? why are you running so late at night?"

you shake your head. "my parents want me to marry a complete retard of a man. they locked me in my room. i had to get out."

"fair," says riki, nodding his head and pursing his lips. "i get that."

"do you mind if i stay here tonight? there's a cave behind the waterfall that i have some blankets and stuff stored in."

riki looks at you in surprise. "really?" he asks.

"yeah."

he laughs and walks back to his tent. "be my guest."

you wait for him to go back into the tent before preparing to go to the cave. the pond surrounded the waterfall, so the only way to get into it was to swim in. you had done it plenty of times before.

but riki wasn't there any of those times.

no one was.

so when you begin to remove your dress, unbuttoning the front until it slid from your shoulders, unlacing your corset, and pulling off your undergarments, you feel exposed.

you've never felt so vulnerable. riki stayed in the tent, but knowing he was only mere inches away sent a thrill through your body.

you dive into the pond, the icy water sending a much needed shock into your system. when you reach the waterfall, you duck under and pull yourself up on the rocks hidden behind it, climbing into the spacious cave.

the box of blankets and food that you had brought in were still there, untouched. you pull a blanket around your shoulders and huddle against a smooth patch of rocks, the sound of the waterfall helping you relax as you drifted off to sleep.

(㇏(•̀ᢍ•́)ノ)

riki crawls out of the tent, the light of morning sending a glow through the little grotto. he starts another fire, and gets up to find his prey once more.

but then he stops.

because your clothes, all of them, are sitting right there. right by where he slept only minutes ago.

he groans at the thought of you, somewhere behind that waterfall, naked. completely vulnerable to him. unable to call for help.

unable to run away.

he picks up your corset, feeling the soft leather bend in his hands, tracing the line of where your breasts once rested.

then he snatches your undergarments, the lace panties so delicate, so you.

and riki brings them to his nose, sniffing the fabric, smelling you.

his hand immediately travels to his bare dick as he inhales your scent, fingers sliding around his hard member, hips thrusting into his hand.

damn, he wishes it was you. wishes it was your little hole he was pounding into, ripping apart.

so he does the next best thing. he wraps your panties around his cock, the cloth burning it as he thrusted into it.

and when he finally came, he let it gather in your panties, the garment catching his thick release, sure enough to stain it.

riki groans and tosses the spent material to the ground, along with the rest of your clothes, as he starts to hunt.

today's victim was a fox, the unsuspecting animal meeting the same fate as the rabbit, and many others before it. riki sinks his teeth into the dead body, drinking his fill of it's blood.

and wishing it was yours.

(㇏(•̀ᢍ•́)ノ)

riki makes his way back to the camp, hoping to find you awake.

but he is disappointed. your clothes are exactly where he left them, and nothing looks touched.

that's when he has an idea.

he picks up all of your belongings, carrying them to a fallen tree, the leaves providing a hiding spot for the bundle of fabric that riki held.

the perfect way to keep you vulnerable.

riki chuckled to himself and went back to his tent, waiting for you to come out.

and his wait was not in vain, because only minutes later, he heard a splash that could only be you hitting the pond.

he climbed out of the tent, faking sleepiness as he went to the fire, pretending not to notice you swimming under the water.

you surfaced near the rocks, gasping for air as you climbed out, pushing the hair away from your face.

and when you catch riki staring, you let a shriek sound through the woods.

riki just laughs, watching as you desperately try to hide your bare body from his gaze.

"where are my clothes!?" you say, practically yelling.

riki plays dumb. "what clothes?"

"the clothes i was wearing yesterday," you run over to the tent, crawling in and giving riki a splendid but infuriating view of your ass as you grab the quilt and wrap it around your chest. "the clothes i left right there."

"i never saw any clothes," riki lies. "maybe an animal took them?"

"yeah..." you say, irritated. "how the hell am i getting home now?"

you sit on the rocks, watching the waterfall, not even noticing as riki stands up and goes to the tent.

he comes back over to you, clearing his throat to get your attention.

you look over at him, and see him handing you a shirt.

"thanks." you say, smiling up at him.

"sure."

riki smirks to himself as he heads back to the fire. he has your trust. it was too easy.

he can't help but adjust himself in his pants as you sit by him at the fire, his shirt hanging just below your ass, and your nipples peaking against the thin blouse. fucking sexy.

his breaking point was when you turned to him, starting to ask a question.

you never got to finish.

because riki cut you off by tackling you to the ground, pinning your arms to your sides as he sat on your legs.

"riki, what the hell are you doing!?" you scream, twisting your body in a desperate attempt to get out of his grasp.

he remains silent, bending down to press a soft kiss to your neck, sucking on your skin.

you moan in pleasure, and riki laughs, his smile pressing against you.

"what are you doing?" you repeat, this time less urgently.

"what i wanted to do last night, sweetheart"

and then he bites.

you scream in pain as his teeth pierce your skin, the sensitiveness of your neck not aiding in how much the bite had hurt. you feel his tounge stretch out to suck the puncture, sucking on the warm liquid pooling out of you until you began to feel lightheaded.

and then everything went black.

(㇏(•̀ᢍ•́)ノ)

you wake to the feeling of water on your face.

not just water, rain. the trees above you provided minimal cover from the droplets that were falling from the sky faster and faster.

you roll over, and immediately throw up, your gut heaving as you emptied your stomach. your ribs ached as you lay back down, acepting the splashes of rain on your face as you recover.

what happened last night?

your hand trails up your uncovered body, trying to find where that stinging sensation was coming from.

riki.

he bit you. he drank your blood.

what was he?

you sit up, head spinning. your body feels so sore, especially between your legs. your thighs hurt with a pain you had never experienced before, your cunt feeling stretched and... used.

did he... there was no way.

you storm to riki's tent, finding him laying back on the quilt.

"afternoon, sweetheart. you slept all day." he smirks up at you, hands resting behind his head.

"what did you do to me!?" you scream, not caring how both of you were naked. that was the least of your worries.

"what do you mean?" says riki, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"you know what you did, you fucking pervert!" you grab the end of the quilt and drag riki out into the rain, his smirk never ceasing even when the water soaks his face.

"yeah, i do. and it was worth it."

you scoff and kick his leg, making him laugh. "you know, you were pretty tight while you were asleep. it felt so fucking good. but next time, i want to hear your screams as you beg for me to ruin you."

"you must be stupid if you think there will be a second time."

riki stands up, hair soaked from the rain now. "there will be a next time," he growls, grabbing your chin with his hand. "you know why? because you're mine. all fucking mine." he leans down to press his lips to your ear, making you shiver at the touch. "and you know you want it. don't fucking lie, sweetheart. you love the ache between your legs, you want more. am i wrong?"

you whimper as his hand grips your waist, holding onto you like you would run away.

you should've ran.

but you couldn't.

riki pulls you against him, and you give a halfhearted fight, not willing to admit that the way his cock pressed between you was glorious.

he tilts your chin up to look at him, and then his lips crash onto yours.

the rain continued pouring, now in torrents as you and riki embrace, lips locked in a passionate dance fuled by anger and need.

riki nips at your lip, pulling at it as he moves away.

"where are you..."

he answers you with a jump into the pond, and you follow him, joining him as he swims for the cave. the rain pattered against the rippling surface of the water, riki's strokes creating waves through the pool.

when you had reached the dark room, riki was on top of you again. his lips trailed over your jaw, working their way down to the curve of your collarbone.

and you moan when he presses his hands against your chest, neading your breasts as his lips trailed firey kisses around your neck.

he paused at a particularly sweet spot below your ear, licking and nipping at your skin.

and then he bit you.

again.

the burning pain had your body writhing in riki's grasp, your hands clenching on his biceps as he dug his fangs into you, taking more of your blood.

but he held back. enough so you wouldn't pass out. so you would stay awake while he fucked you.

you whimper when he pulls his teeth out, the two puncture wounds leaking blood. your head spun from the feeling of riki's hands on you, mingled with the loss of blood. everything was too much.

riki's dick rubs against your stomach, and he starts grinding against you, slipping a thigh between your legs to apply a small amount of pressure to your cunt.

you groan at the feel of him, the impossible hardness of his cock grazing your skin was heaven.

"feel that, sweetheart?" he moans, his grinds against your pelvis never ceasing. "feel what you fucking do to me? damn slut, walking around like that. you deserve this, yeah?"

your only response was his name, called out like a plea.

because it was. it was a plea for him to destroy you.

riki pushes you to the ground, forcing your knees to the cold stone. he bends over you, settling between your spread legs.

"little whore. so fucking needy," he groans, tossing one of your legs over his shoulder harshly, like it was a sack of potatoes.

"riki... please!" you whine, tugging at his shoulders.

he smirks again. "begging now, sweetheart? please what? please let me go, riki? or maybe please fuck me, riki. please fill me up like the good little cumdump i am." he mocks you, giving your thigh a slap.

"ah- riki, please... please fuck me!" you groan as riki's thumb presses against your clit, rubbing your tender nub as he chuckled.

"new it. fucking knew it. such a little slut, begging for a vampire to fuck her. such a needy little baby." his fingers leave your clit, and you whine at the loss of stimulation. riki slaps your thigh again, causing tears to well up in your stinging eyes. "you take what i give you, slut. don't whine to me when i'm about to give you my fucking cock."

riki lines his dick with your entrance, and shoves in, not giving you any warning before he was fully sheathed inside of your pulsing cunt.

"ah, so tight. tighter when you're awake, shit..." he starts thrusting into you, his cock easily sliding in and out of your wet pussy as he pounds into you.

a tear falls down your cheek, and the sobs follow, painting your face like the rain falling outside. riki's cock buried into you, hitting so deep you jerked at every thrust.

"crying, huh? what does a little whore like you have to cry about? fucking begged for my dick, now take it." riki thrusts harder, the sounds of his wet skin against yours echoing through the cave. everything sounded so loud.

when riki sensed your orgasm approaching, he pulled out, keeping you on the brink of release.

"riki! please... i need..." you grasp for his arms, hips scooting towards him, trying to push his dick back into your needy hole.

"aw, sweetheart, what do you want?"

"wanna cum! please!" the desperation is etched across your face as riki laughs at you.

"you cum when i cum, slut."

you whine as riki pushes back in, his cock filling you so perfectly. exactly how it was supposed to.

when riki finally started feeling his orgasm approaching, he let a loud moan rip from his swollen lips, filling the cave. "want to cum, sweetheart?"

you nod wildly, words failing you as you cried.

"ah.. gonna fucking fill you with my babies, yeah? gonna send you back all filled with me, carrying my kids.... gonna be a mommy, yeah?"

"yes, riki... please, please give me your babies..."

his hips smack against you one final time before his seed spills into you, filling you up while you shook around his cock, clenching around him.

"god, y/n... fucking perfect... my sweetheart," riki smiles and collapses over you, his dick buried deep inside of you, keeping his cum in you for as long as possible.

"riki," you whisper, afraid.

"what?"

"y-you're a vampire?"

"you thought i bite people for fun?" he flashes his sharp canines at you, a little grin gracing his full lips. "yeah."

you stare at him in fear. "what does that mean?"

"well technically, i'm half vampire. i can live normally most of the time, i can go in the sun and stuff, but i do have the ruts and i need blood every once and a while."

your brain expands, taking in all the impossible information he was giving you. "so... when is it over?"

"'bout two more weeks. that's why i came out here. it was easier."

"hmm...."

riki's hand grips yours, and you fall asleep next to him, the cool cave calming your heated bodies.

(㇏^.ˬˬ.^ノ)~♡

"i need to go back now," you say to riki, his eyes filled with sleep and hunger from you waking him so early.

"mhmm..." he groans, grabbing a stick to toss in the fire.

"people will wonder... it's been a whole day."

he nods and frowns. "why can't you stay out here?"

"riki, my family will worry. if they haven't already started to. and i will come back for you, i promise."

"swear on the moon."

"the moon?" you look over at him, confused.

"a vampire thing. it's like swearing that you will uphold your promise no matter what, like the moon is always there no matter what. it's there even during the day, always watching."

you laugh and comply. "i swear on the moon."

but as riki watches you go, wearing nothing but the shirt he had given you and carrying your lantern, he couldn't help but worry.

because what if you didn't keep your promise?

(㇏^.ˬˬ.^ノ)~♡

everything was quiet.

it was creepy, the way the town was so lonely and cold during the first hours of dawn. a faint glow came from the horizon, turning the sky a lighter shade of blue where the sun would soon rise.

you dart down to your house, climbing up the wall and into your room, shutting the curtians quietly.

the whole house was quiet, the sounds of your parent's and sibling's snoring coming from their rooms.

you silently tug off riki's shirt, the flowy material soft in your hands as you stares at it with teary eyes. you stow it inside your pillow, hiding it from your family.

you slip into a nightgown and climb into bed, tugging the covers over your shoulders and feigning sleep when you hear footsteps outside your door.

your mom knocks against the wood, and you pretend to stir from sleep. "what?" you call, rustling in your bed.

"let me in." she says, voice flat.

you stand and open the door, and your mom barges into your room.

"i know you haven't decided yet," she starts, "but it doesn't matter anymore. you will marry dongmin, you will uphold the family name, understood?"

your protests were futile. your mom cuts you off at every attempt to argue that you wouldn't marry dongmin.

you couldn't.

not when riki was in the forest, waiting for you. needing you.

and you needed him. needed the escape he offered, needed his dominance to ground yourself in the mess that was your life.

your mom leaves the room, leaving you a fit of tears, your hand caressing the marks riki had left on your neck.

you wouldn't marry dongmin.

(㇏^.ˬˬ.^ノ)~♡

now that you were being forced into marriage, you were out of your room. all day, in fact. you were dragged around town by your mother, preparing for the wedding.

four days. that's how much time you had to find a way out.

you could run, but you didn't know how to survive in the wild for a long time, and you had never been farther out of the valley than the waterfall.

you could camp there, but it was close enough to the town that search parties would look for you there.

so your best bet was to destroy the arrangement from the inside. but you couldn't figure out how.

after a long day of delivering invitations, you collapse on your bed. everything was too much.

you needed riki.

so you pull on his shirt, grabbing a pair of working pants from your older brother's wardrobe and pulling them on.

you hike past the house on the hill and into the forest, lamp in hand, anticipation swirling in your veins.

(㇏^.ˬˬ.^ノ)~♡

riki sighs, his arms floading at the surface of the pond. it was relaxing, really. the way the water clung to his body, cooling the heat that had been there all day.

his head snaps up as he hears the rustle of leaves. perhaps a deer, coming to drink from the pond, a perfect meal.

but it wasnt a deer, it was you.

riki groaned at the sight of you, hair loose and flowing down your shoulders, his shirt clinging to you with sweat.

and you weren't wearing anything under it.

your breasts rubbed against the fabric, nipples showing behind the thin material. so provocative.

so beautiful.

you sit at the water's edge, leaning forward to look at riki, a look of uncertianty painted across his face.

"i promised," you say, grinning as riki swims closer to you.

"yeah, you did." he breathes across your face, sweeping your lips into a tender kiss. "i knew you would, little whore. my whore"

you moan into his lips, his tounge swiping across your mouth, then barging in, prying your jaw apart as he tasted you, swirled his tounge around yours.

you reciprocated, tounge caressing his fangs, eliciting a strangled sound from riki's throat.

"don't fucking do that," he says, gripping your arm. "i can't take it... shit"

you look up at him, eyes big and sweet. "riki, let me help you," you whisper, the words charged with something bigger than the both of you could possibly imagine. "let me take care of you."

riki moans and tugs you into the pond, moving towards the cave.

you wade into the water, still clothed as riki guides you under the waterfall and lifts you into the darkness.

he sits down, pulling you into his lap and resting his back against the cavern wall. his hands slide under the band of your wet pants, pushing them down your legs gently.

you rub your hands over his bare chest, massaging his taut muscles as he kisses you, teeth digging into your bottom lip. every noise was amplified in the cave, every shift heightened in the darkness, the waterfall covering most of the sound.

riki whimpers against your mouth, gripping your hips as you rolled them against his hard cock. his senses were hightened in the damp cave, the cool rocks on his skin grounding him as his dick throbbed for you.

"please-" he moans, biting your lip. he couldn't think straight, he was lost in you. lost in you scent, your body, everything.

you grip his cock, earning a few supressed noises from riki as you lined him with your entrance, slowly taking all of him in, sitting on his lap fully.

"ah- sweetheart... fucking hell, you can't do this to me." his lips trail from your lips to your neck, licking at the spots where he had bit you before, nursing the red scars.

you whimper and start rolling your hips, riki tensing below you, his hands bruising your waist through his thin blouse as he held on to you for dear life.

his pitiful wimpers fill the cave, his pelvis jerking as you fucked him, riding him to the brink of losing his mind.

"ah-ah... sweetheart, please... please, fuck, i can't" he digs his head into the curve of your shoulder, you could feel the wetnes of his hair fall down your back as you rode him harder, thighs burning.

you squeeze riki's arms, almost close to your release. "cum for me, riki... please"

he goans and spills into your slick cunt, his cum painting your walls white as you shiddered around him. his teeth dug into your shoulder, but the pain was less noticeable while you rode out your high. he lapped at your wound like a hungry beast.

because he was. he was a hungry vampire with a thirst for blood.

(㇏^.ˬˬ.^ノ)~♡

riki holds you close, his arm wrapped around you as you sit against the cave wall together. his hand threaded through your messy hair, stroking your head. the sensation was absolutely wonderful, his long arms holing you close.

like somebody cared for you. about you.

"what's happening with the marriage?" he asks, carefully treading the sensitive topic.

you sigh and curl against him, tracing your fingers over the outline of his abs. "well, there's no way out. they're forcing me to marry dongmin."

"dongmin? you mean the butcher's son?" asks riki, looking down at you.

"yeah, why?"

riki laughs and shakes his head. "that little douchebag wouldn't know what to do with an apple if his parents didn't tell him first."

you chuckle. "yeah. i don't want to marry him though. my parents are adamant about it."

"mhmm..." riki rests his head on yours, the pressure soothing you off to sleep.

(㇏^.ˬˬ.^���)~♡

"lets go, y/n." your mom grips your wrist, pulling you out the front door.

today was the day before the wedding. and everything was wrong. you hadn't seen riki in two days, too tired at the end of the day to hike to the pond. dongmin followed you everywhere, along with your mom. there were eyes on you at all times, even while you slept.

now was time to get your dress. your mom took you to dongmin's mother, mrs. lee's shop, having her fit you for the dress.

the fitting was fairly normal. as normal as a room filled with resentment could be, at least.

when mrs. lee has you take off your dress and stand on a pedestal, she gasps.

the bites.

she saw the bites. the marks riki had left on you, the ones you thought could be hidden by high necked dresses and well placed hair.

but no, now your mother and mrs. lee knew.

"what is that!?" yells your mother, face red in anger.

"what is what?"

mrs. lee shakes her head. "you have bites, dear. what are they from?"

you fake innocence. "i don't know what you're talking about, i haven't seen any bites."

"well dear, they're clear as day. do you have bedbugs perhaps?"

"maybe," you say, nerves shot with fear. "i probably do. but they'll go away."

mrs. lee nods her head, fiddling with scraps of fabric. "it's fine, we'll just have to do a high neck dress."

you bite back a groan, sitting straight while she messed with the dress. your mom glared at you, sending a chill through your body.

(㇏^.ˬˬ.^ノ)~♡

that night, you climb out your window again.

you had to see riki.

the lantern provides better sight in the haze of dusk. you took some fruit from the basket in the kitchen, slipping a few apples in your pockets as you ran through the field.

the house on the hill was lit, a faint glow coming from the windows, dimmed by red curtians.

you speedwalk past it, trying to go to the forest unnoticed, but a whistle stops you.

your head swivels, searching for the sudden noise. you look towards the house and see riki hanging out the window, smirking at you.

"riki!" you drop the lantern and run to kiss him, hands cupping his jaw.

"hey, sweetheart," he says when you break apart. "i missed you."

"me too." you agree. riki offers you his hand and you climb through the window, sliding into the tiny room.

"i didn't know you lived here," you spin around the room, taking in the place that a vampire called home. "it's cute."

"you know how much i love cute things," says riki, laughing while shaking his head.

"you like me, i'm pretty cute!" you joke, sitting next to him on his bed. he was so obviously hard, his erection showing through the fabric of his trousers. it took all of his strength not to pounce on you, not to fuck your brains out on his bed.

"yeah, i do."

you sit in silence for a heartbeat, words that the two of you left unspoken threatening to show themselves in the candlelight. you had so much to tell riki, and not enough time.

"riki, i-"

"y/n-"

you laugh at the awkward situation, and riki rubs the back of his neck with his hands. "you go" he offers.

"i like you riki. more than i should. i know that all this... physical... stuff was just because of your rut, but i've fallen in love with you. and i feel like i'm drowning and nobody can save me, except for you. the wedding is tomorrow and i don't know how things are going to turn out, but i love you, and i had to tell you before it was too late."

all riki can do is look at you in amusement, his eyebrow raised cunningly.

"i'm in love with you too, y/n. every moment with you feels so right. i feel so comfortable with you, so normal. being a vampire doesn't matter to you, and the fact that you were so willing to help me was what made me realize that this is love. when you talked about the wedding and dongmin... i got so angry. all i want to do is protect you, to help you like you helped me. but i don't know how to do that." he buries his head in his hands, shoulders hunched.

you rub his back, his spine tensing at your soft touch. "its okay, riki... i will find a way to get out of it. i can't marry him... i won't. i swear on the moon i'll find a way."

he leans over to you, pressing his lips against yours in a tender kiss, his mouth moving in perfect harmony with yours. he grabs your chin with his hand, pulling your lips harder into his, opening his mouth to you.

you climb onto his lap, straddling him and gripping his shoulders while he deepened the kiss, his hands finding your waist. he kissed you so passionately, promises laced with need as he groaned into your mouth.

promises to keep you safe, to love you as much as he could.

he twisted your bodies, laying you gently against his bed. "sweetheart, i'm gonna try and go slow for you... but i might break... i'll try."

"do whatever you want, i love you."

"fuckkk-" he groans, lips catching yours in another eager kiss.

he slipped his hands under your waistband, pulling your pants and undergarments down your shaking legs. his calloused fingers scraped across your skin sensually, every brush like fire on your already hot skin. he laughs as an apple rolls out, the sentiment sweet.

"let me taste you... please?"

you nodded your head, words unable to form in your mouth. riki worked his way down, spreading your legs wide, arms pinning them down.

"damn... baby, your cunt is so gorgeous..." riki groans as he leans his head down to smell you.

and then his tounge sticks out, giving a tiny lick to your clit, and you spiraled.

everything felt so new, so amazing, that you could barely breathe. every sensation pushed you closer and closer to the brink of collapse. riki moved a hand to your folds, slowly twirling circles around your hole as he sucked on your clit. his fingers gathered your slick, and he shoved them in his mouth, sucking your taste off of his digits.

your legs trembled around his head, his strong arms the only thing keeping them from snapping back around his head. his tounge darted out in precise movements, licking through your folds.

his cock was throbbing now, the pain only made up for by how sweet you tasted. riki unbuckled his pants and pulled them off, rubbing his member with his hand. there was already a pool of precum on the tip, dripping down his length.

he sucked on your clit, your eyes fluttering at the feeling of his wet muscle on your cunt. you thrusted your hips up into his face, begging for more.

your hands found their way to his head, threading through his thick, dark hair, pushing him deeper into you.

he laughed against your pussy, the vibrations enough to make your legs twitch violently. his tounge jutted into your hole, sending a harsh moan from your mouth.

"ki... ah- i'm gonna cum, please!" you whined, his tounge swirling inside your pulsing cunt. every sense was heightened as you were pulled closer to release. riki's lips continued their assault on your aching hole, sucking on your swollen folds.

he continued pumping his dick, almost close to cumming himself. "cum on my face, baby" he groaned.

you snapped, the pressure building in your stomach released as you pulsed around his tounge. your legs closed around his head, holding him in place while he lapped up your wetness.

his own relief came as well, his cum flowing from his dick in rivulets, pouring into his hand and onto the floor. riki climbed over you, pushing his cum covered fingers into your mouth.

you groaned around his digits, his salty taste filling your mouth as you licked his fingers clean of his cum.

"fuck," he moaned, taking his hand away. "so beautiful... taste so good"

your hands wrap around him, nails scraping his back as he kissed you again. you could taste yourself on him, and riki could taste his release on you.

everything else seemed to dissapear, it was just you and riki on his bed, loving each other so passionately that the rest of the world was quiet.

but as you were wrapped in riki's arms, the sounds of night echoing outside, you couldn't worry about tomorrow. because all that mattered was that riki was with you now, loving you now.

and you wished it could last forever.

(㇏^.ˬˬ.^ノ)~♡

you wake to the sound of birds chirping.

the moring light seeped through riki's curtians, painting the room in a hazy red light. his arms were wrapped around your back, hand tracing patterns on your spine.

"morning" he says, smiling with sleepy eyes.

"hey" you reply, leaning up to give him a peck on the lips.

you lay in his embrace, his warmth enveloping you as you started drifting back to sleep.

and then you froze.

you shot up out of bed, eyes wild with fear. "shit, the wedding!"

riki groans, rolling over. "just stay here"

"riki, i can't..."

he frowns, brows furrowed. "yes, you can."

"they're gonna look for me if i don't show up."

you stand up, collecting your clothes from the floor. "i'm sorry, ki. i will find a way out" you slip your pants on. "i swore on the moon, remember?"

riki turns, looking out the window, hiding the tears that were beginning to form in his dark eyes.

you don't notice as a tear falls down his red cheek, his hand sweeping up to collect it quickly. "yeah."

he stands and walks over to you, grabbing your hand. "if you dont find a way, please know that i love you. that someone loves you."

your own tears start to fall, and you pull riki into a hug. "don't say that, ki... we have to keep up hope, please."

another tear escapes his eyes, slipping into your messy hair. a mark of how much he cared for you left unknowingly.

"i know."

(㇏^.ˬˬ.^ノ)~♡

dongmin stands next to the reverend, his hair styled nicely for the first time in forever. flowers surround the aisle, the field set up for a wedding ceremony.

your legs shake with fear as you walk between the aisles of chairs filled with people you barely knew. your hands trembled around the bouquet of roses that you held, threatening to drop them.

your gaze catches riki's house, only yards away. your eyes well up with tears as you walk towards a life that you didn't want. one you never wanted.

the piano that had been wheeled out plays a hymn that should've brought happiness, but only scared you. the tune of the keys sounded otherworldly as you reach the reverend.

your parents glare at you with knowing eyes, telling you not to mess up without even uttering a word.

the reverend starts speaking, his speech sounding like another language as you stare blankly into dongmin's eyes.

on the hill, riki gazes out his window, watching the ceremony. the words carry on the wind, the reverend's voice reaching his home.

sobs filled his body, his heart feeling like it had been crushed under your foot. he shouldn't have done this. he shouldn't have gotten attached.

but he did. and now you were getting married to somebody that wasn't him.

the tears turn to rage as he watched dongmin start talking, presumably speaking false vows, promises that would undoubtedly be broken.

he snaps, jumping from his bed and racing out of his house, running barefoot down the hill to the venue.

you stare at the reverend as he turns to dongmin. "do you, lee dongmin, take y/n to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"yes."

"and do you, y/n-"

"wait!"

the crowd turns their heads, confusion spread across everyone's faces as they searced for the face of the deep voice that interrupted the ceremony.

riki stands at the end of the aisle, bent over and completely out of breath.

your mom jumps up. "what are you doing?! who are you!?" she shrieks, voice strained.

"i..." riki catches his breath, looking up at your shocked face. "i came to save y/n"

your mom stomps over to him, grabbing his arm. "she doesn't need saving."

he tosses her off with ease, his height an advantage as he walks up to you. "yes, she does. doesn't anyone see how unhappy she is? how much she doesn't want to be here?" he turns back to the crowd. "or are all of you blind? does she look like a bride filled with joy?"

dongmin pulls riki away from you by the shoulder, and riki shoves his hand away. "don't you dare touch me, bastard."

dongmin steps closer to riki, grabbing his wrist. "i do what i want." he whispers. "leave. this has nothing to do with you."

riki doesn't bother to stay quiet. "i won't leave. you know why? because i love y/n. i really love her. and i'm willing to do whatever it takes to get her away from you."

dongmin laughs and shakes his head. he looks down at you, his chest shaking with sarcastic laughter. "what did you do? little whore. probably slept with him, huh?"

you stay quiet, scared. riki stands between you and dongmin, shielding you from him. "so what? it doesn't matter what happened. she doesn't want this, so why are you forcing her?"

dongmin glares at riki. "fine, you can have the little bitch. fucking used anyways."

riki growls and grabs dongmin by his arm, pulling him back and-

crack

the next thing you know, dongmin is curled on the floor, blood pouring from his nose. everyone is scrambling, either to help him or to talk to you, bombarding you with questions and accusations.

riki turns to you amidst all the chaos, wiping blood off of his fist, pulling you close to him. "did i mention you look beautiful?"

you laugh and give him a kiss, turning to find your mother, who was pressing through the crowd to get to you.

"i won't marry him, mother. i love riki. that should be enough for you."

she pauses in her tracks, looking from you to riki, then back at you.

she frowns, but nods her head, a silent acknowledgement of your decision. one she might not be happy about, but can agree to.

as the masses disperse, you walk over to where dongmin was sitting on the grass.

you lean down to him, whispering so only he can hear.

"this is for being a complete asshole"

and you kick him in his soft spot, riki's laugh ringing loud and deep from where he was standing behind you.

(㇏^.ˬˬ.^ノ)~♡

a.n- oh my lorddddd that was a roller coaster for me.... i cant with vampire riki damn.... also i realized like halfway through its giving disney movie meets dr. quinn vibes help ToT again, if you want to see more vampire aus lmk and the taglist is always open if youd like to join!

as always, comment or reblog if you liked it!

masterlist

[vamp1r1cjuggalo]

Enough ranting have some epic Manager Origins headcanonss

I’m still trying to work on ones for Brian and Mary

Buck was made as a casino mascot, the casino shut down after a while but Buck was still left standing!

Misty was built to kinda predict the weather if that makes sense, a combination of different weather tools built to give accurate estimates

Holly was built specifically as a knight, a gatekeeper as you will, basically meant to keep her city safe

Prester was built as a haunt animatronic in Salem with the popularity of witches and witch hunters due to that being the home of yknow the Salem witch trials, because he was based off that time period thats why his speech is all old timey

Ben was built as a bellboy, he was specifically built for the Golden Rose Resort

Cathal was originally just built to raise sales, but Allan got incredibly attached to the idea of being a parent to this cog, and so yeah

Belle was built specifically as a telephone operator, built by Axel Hander Glad Bell CO. Basically at the inception of it

Dave was built as a musical entertainment animatronic, built for older audiences and was built in an older generation.

Flint is a furnace. Wow.

Ok in all seriousness they were straight up built as a furnace, technically originally as a firefighter but they kinda immediately realized how stupid that was, that would explain the firefighter esc appearance though. Fun fact they eat coal and wood.

Cosmo was built specifically for COGS.inc. I don’t have much to put here

Spruce and Chip were both built for the purpose of harvesting wood, and were built around the same time.

Tawney was built as a children’s story time animatronic, who would read coglings books at libraries.

Graham was an entertainment animatronic built for racing and music, unlike Dave he was built for younger audiences, and was built in a newer generation, being built in the 80’s

Also bonus doodle with tawney!

[wheelscomedyandmore]

From 1953-1979 all Corvette's were built in St. Louis, Mo. And, on today's date in 1981, the last STL 'Vette rolled off the line.

1953, General Motors hand-assembled the first 300 Corvettes on a small prototype assembly line within the Flint Chevrolet plant.

This temporary setup allowed GM designers and engineers to innovate and perfect new manufacturing techniques.

On December 28, 1953, Corvette production transitioned to St. Louis, Missouri.

The massive General Motors Union Boulevard Complex became the new home for the Corvette, ramping up production slowly.

By 1954, 3,640 units were produced, with sales initially sluggish. However, production grew steadily, reaching 30,000 units per year by 1969 and peaking at 53,000 units in 1979.

The St. Louis plant faced challenges. Workers endured tough conditions, with no air-conditioning and a glass roof that turned the factory into a furnace. Despite the hardships, their dedication ensured the Corvette's success.

On August 1, 1980, Chevrolet moved Corvette production to a new state-of-the-art facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This transition marked a new chapter for the Corvette, with improved production techniques and better working conditions.

Bowling Green continues to be the home of the Corvette, and the loss of the Corvette is still remembered every year in St. Louis.

#ChevroletCorvette #CorvetteHistory #AmericanMuscle #ClassicCars #VintageCars #CarHistory #AutomotiveExcellence #FlintMichigan #StLouis #BowlingGreen #CarEnthusiast #GM #NationalCorvetteMuseum

[doctorstrangereview]

0034: Slightly off the beaten path bonus: Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2

Cover Date: 1965 On-Sale Date: June 1, 1965

Travelling outside of Strange Tales for a moment, we go to Ditko's and Lee's more famous creation, Spider-Man. Doc and Spidey finally get to meet and it's more than three panels of Doc's ghost breaking up a fracas between Pete and Flash. While the book's cover advertises the story's title. Doc himself is nowhere to found on it. While I'm sure Spidey was selling far more books at this time, I doubt an image of Doc would have lowered sales. The cover is unimaginative with some imaged of our star in various poses against a yellow background. The splash page, however, is quite delicious.

After a lovely splash of Spidey amidst Ditko weirdness and Doc and Xandu duking it out in the background, our main story begins with Spidey flitting about a peaceful New York City feeling about "as useful as a can of dinosaur repellant." The peaceful status can't remain for long because the only luck Pete has is bad luck and he's always got be down and out. It wasn't as bad back in the old days as it is now, but Petey never gets ahead.

We change scene to man walking by a bar with several of the patrons being thrown THROUGH the door. We know this because Ditko draws us several pieces of it flying along side the unlucky dudes. Our mystery man walks into the bar. He seems to have found what he's looking for. On a side note, this bar seems entirely patronized by men. Our mystery man makes the two men still standing an offer. What the hell was Ditko trying to imply here?

The two very well built ruffian dudes, with crew cuts and tight shirts (really Ditko?) politely refuse the offer with a warm "Git lost creep!" The one dressed like The Sandman (that's the Flint Marko one, not the dreamlord one) reiterates his polite refusal when he realizes the mystery guest is still present. And we finally see what the dude looks like.

Seriously?! A monocle AND a funky mustache AND a funky goatee?! This one's straight out of the generic super-villains handbook. His offer of work is met with Maynard G. Krebs level of refusal and they both crack up! (They look a little alike. Were they meant to be brothers or cousins?)

Our well muscled ruffians' mental capacity doesn't quite match their muscles. Xandu (we've finally learned his name) hypnotizes them with little effort. Ditko fills the next page with Xandu having his new helpers demonstrate what beasts they are. They then follow him home. I guess Xandu's Grindr profile says he takes in-calls.

Once at his magic-y hideout, Xandu explains the mission to the trouble twins. I'm not sure why since they're hypnotized and won't understand. Lee and Ditko do love their characters to spout out exposition to no one. While this is going on we get to see Xandu in his full splendiferous costume. Holy crap, it's green! What is it with Ditko and his green coded villains?

The TDLR of this is Xandu has half a wand and Doc has the other half. Whoever has both is all powerful. "Now, my lovely little muscle bears, it's up to you to steal the other half from Doc and make me the true, big bad!" He sends them out with a big pair of eyes hovering over them. I supposed it's a bit less obvious than Mordo's giant, floating head. You'll notice the muscle bear not dressed like the Sandman has acquired a fetching gold pouch hanging from his neck. It's not explained and disappears later on with no clue as to it's whereabouts.

Doc, while attempting to extract magical secrets from an ancient borsht recipe, is surprised by the sudden arrival of a pair of well muscled strangers. There isn't evidence they broke in, so maybe Doc is still failing to lock his doors. Or maybe they did break in and Doc was so hungry for magic borsht he wasn't paying attention to loud banging and cracking. Whatever they case, Doc's about to have his butt handed to him. Doc attempts his tried and true lots of fake Docs illusion, but Xandu's creepy floating eyes see through it.

This is honestly rather embarrassing for one of the world's foremost sorcerers. But it is what it is. The bears smash cabinets until they find the other half of the wand and take their leave, via the roof. By a fortunate coincidence, Spidey happens to be swinging by. Peter may be a genius, but his knowledge of architecture is limited as he calls a dormer, a skylight.

Ditko then has the muscle bears engage with Spidey for a couple of pages and they proceed to mop the floor with him as well. They even tear apart his webbing. Never fear! Spidey has put one of his patent pending spidey-tracers on one of the bears and can track them back to the gay bar Xandu's secret hideout.

Back at base, Xandu has assembled the Wand of Watoomb and can begin his mustache twirling in earnest. Xandu starts playing with his new toy by opening a bunch of Ditko portals.

He spends the rest of the page looking in on Doc and causing more property damage in the Sanctum Sanctorum. Spidey has tracked him down and is about to confront Xandu. He's inside Xandu's hideout. Xandu doesn't seem to be any more security conscious than Doc. Anyone and everyone gets in. Xandu immediately starts to blast away at Spidey using the wand and has stormtrooper accuracy. Spidey, being a practical bug webs Xandu's face. Xandu drops the wand and whines about not being able to see. Not taking this lying down, he spouts an ominous spell and we get our first invocation of Satannish. Our supremely powerful hell lord won't show up in person for a couple of years, but he gets his first mention here.

Another Ditko portal opens and starts to gobble up our web-slinger. Spidey is still in practical mode and figures he needs some insurance to make sure Xandu comes and gets him. All accompanied by the usual Spidey wit. Spidey should have been in 8-Mile!

Ditko obviously took a great deal of effort and pleasure in the next panel. It's wonderful, just like the title of this story.

The trouble bears soon follow to retrieve the wand and hilarity ensues. Meanwhile, back at the Sanctum, Doc has finally regained consciousness. He uses the All-Purpose Amulet to track down his assailants. He's about to confront Xandu who is helpfully guiding his thugs get the wand back from Spidey in the other dimension. No longer having the element of surprise, Doc start to pummel Xandu. Just in time, another Ditko portal opens with the Spidey and his pair of muscle bear dancing partners. Xandu grabs the wand from Spidey changing the balance of power.

Now Doc is up a creek and he knows it.

Doc flies away to give him some time and goes ghost. He finds Spidey who is still being menaced by the bears. Doc has great idea! "Spidey, why don't you electrocute them?" Using a conveniently located loose, live wire, Spidey does just that. Amazingly, this doesn't kill the pair. Instead they are free from Xandu and really, really tired!

The trouble bears go off to rest, or go into a k-hole and Spidey is free to help Doc. Spidey goes back to Xandu's hideout and Doc gets physical again and follows. Doc and Spidey use a two-pronged magical and physical attack to throw Xandu off balance.

Doc manages to knock the wand out of Xandu's hands while Spidey webs them up to prevent him from getting it back.

Doc drains the wand, claiming the threat of Watoomb exists no more. The wand somehow gets its power back and returns in the future. For good measure, Doc gives Xandu's mind a non-consensual mind probe to find out how he got his half of the wand and then wipe his mind. This also doesn't last as Xandu, monocle, mustache, goatee and all will return multiple times to menace both Spidey and Strange. Doc pledges his eternal friendship to Spidey and departs. Spidey has a clever quip of his own.

This is a great team-up! Ditko's two characters finally come together. It's Spidey's magazine and his story, but Doc has an equal role, unlike his previous crossovers with the Fantastic Four and Thor where he was more of a background plot device.

Placing this in Doc's timeline is a little difficult. It was published during the Dormammu/Mordo arc and there isn't much room for a side adventure between those installments. Doc's cloak still has the red border so it should be before Strange Tales #136.

Xandu starts out as a formidable villain. He's equally arrogant as Doc, isn't afraid to use his abilities and doesn't hold back. Sadly, like most Marvel villains who aren't Doctor Doom, Xandu becomes more of a buffoon with each subsequent appearance.

Overall, I think Ditko really enjoyed plotting and penciling this installment and the love shows through. He doesn't take any obvious artistic shortcuts. The story is tight and there is very little "why the hell did he do that?" going on. There is on unfortunate Doc characteristic pervading this story. There are no women! Spidey doesn't even pass a female on the street. Ah, well. Maybe my bear jokes were a bit closer to reality than I suspected. It's fun. Enjoy this one!

[noxtms]

❝   AND NOW, AN EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT FROM OUR LEADING SPORTS COMMENTATOR, MURPHY MCNULLY ! ... KRZZT ... is this thing on? is it- oops, apologies- hello, listeners ! my name is murphy mcnully, leading sports commentator here on the wizarding wireless network and the lucky quidditch fanatic tasked with breaking the best of news ! in a one of a kind charity quidditch match, public figures with a passion for the sport and professional players alike will be going head to head against each other, each for a good cause ! the hogsmeade hippogriffs, wearing green and sponsored by the wwn, madam rosmerta of the three broomsticks and eulalia karkaroff will be playing under the guidance of fabius watkins of the montrose magpies and raising money for st mungo's hospital ! the diagon dragons, wearing red and sponsored by the daily prophet, edmund weasley of the lion & the snitch and antonin karkaroff, will be overseen by brevis birch of the tutshill tornados and raising money for the howl at the moon welfare group ! team lineups are set to be announced over the course of this week, and the match will be held at the burren quidditch grounds on friday the 1st of march at 6pm, with the wwn providing exclusive commentary ! tickets go up on sale today for a base fee of 5 galleons, and organisers promise a perfect family event with entertainment both on AND off the pitch ! that's all from me, back to the studio- ... KRZZT ... ❞

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE :

the idea started small. the first person to float it envisioned a few local quidditch players on a local quidditch pitch, tickets for a galleon and a tacky, plastic trophy enchanted to sing something annoying for the winning team to take home. they didn't know it at the time, but someone at that meeting knew someone who knew someone, and eventually, their idea for something small to raise some humble funds for some good causes snowballed into something much, much larger. by the time the minister of magic and his wife pledged their personal funds to sponsor a team each and some BIG NAMES in the industry had started to reply postively to their owls, the group organising the game had realised they were going to need to do something truly spectacular to make it worth everyone's time - and against all odds, they've managed it. the HOGSMEADE HIPPOGRIFFS are sponsored by eulalia karkaroff, madam rosmerta of the three broomsticks and the wizarding wireless network. they'll be playing in green and under the guidance of fabius watkins of the montrose magpies, and all the money that they raise is going to st mungo's hospital.

CHASER: ginevra weasley, holyhead harpies.

CHASER: alicia spinnet, public figure.

CHASER: rolanda hooch, public figure.

BEATER: seamus finnigan, public figure.

BEATER: oliver wood, puddlemere united.

KEEPER: arturo de la rosa, public figure.

SEEKER: regulus black, public figure.

the DIAGON DRAGONS, on the other hand, are sponsored by antonin karkaroff, edmund weasley of the lion & the snitch and the daily prophet. they'll be playing in red and are under the guidance of brevis birch of the tutshill tornados, and all of the money that they raise is going to the howl at the moon welfare group, where it'll go to werewolves in need.

CHASER: marcus flint, falmouth falcons.

CHASER: draco malfoy, public figure.

CHASER: angelina johnson, public figure.

BEATER: nikolai karkaroff, public figure.

BEATER: viktor krum, bulgarian national team.

KEEPER: edmund weasley, public figure.

SEEKER: tempest clearwater, holyhead harpies.

neither team will be entering the league, of course, but the wix on each have gotten a hell of a lot of good press in the last couple of weeks for taking the time out of their busy lives to partake - regardless of the key fact that no one on either team actually chose which team they were going to be placed on. THAT was all down to the luck of the draw, quite literally. so many people answered the call that they ultimately got pulled out of an actual hat - or at least, that's what organisers are going to be saying in the opening interviews with the wwn. a few of the participants might've had an edge on many of the others, but for the most part, they managed to do it fairly. the burren quidditch grounds themselves aren't used for much outside of the quidditch league, but are kept maintained year round by a dedicated staff. the sports department of the ministry of magic organised everything down to the ministry ran security, the surrounding campgrounds and which wixen businesses, exactly, got invited to set up food and beverage booths for the duration of the event. wix could buy low level tickets for 5 galleons apiece with the prices increasing, depending on how high the rows are ( or how private the area is ). camping spaces for anyone who wants to stay overnight - be it because it justifies the traveling or because they want to stay for the rowdy post match celebrations - can be rented for an additional fee, though wix also have the choice of booking a room at any of the surrounding muggle towns. it started small, but by the time march 1st rolled around, the charity quidditch game between the hogsmeade hippogriffs and diagon dragons has already put itself in the history books !

OUT OF CHARACTER :

our first ever - and i'm sure a lot of people set to benefit from the generosity of the organisers hope one of many - charity quidditch game hits the dash and takes us back to ireland ! the burren quidditch grounds were last used for the 2020 uk & ireland quidditch final and is a pitch that a few of our players are overly familiar with, given that the holyhead harpies were the winners of that particular league ( though non players in either game might remember the hangovers they nursed in the days following the win, with the surrounding grounds being party central night of ) ! quidditch mightn't be everyone's cup of tea, but there's no denying the fun to be found in the build up to a big game or the fun to be had after it's all said and done, with one team celebrationg their win and the other commiserating their loss ! even if the point of this particular game is to raise money for two good causes, there's nothing that says people can't have a good time while doing it. you're welcome to throw anyone in wherever you'd like, with the first half of our event covering the pre game and our second half - to be led into at the end of the first week - covering the afters !

this event starts with the posting of this message and will run for two weeks, ending on the 18th of march, though it will transition to the celebration half of the quidditch match on the 10th ! you'll be reminded in the discord, when this happens !

no character is required to attend this event and you are not required to take part, but you are heavily encouraged to find a reason to do so ! whether your character is into sports or not, the social aspect of the game and the following celebrations are not to be denied !

both halves of this event will be hybrid, and starters can be posted on the dash or in the discord depending on your preference ! if you're hitting the dash, you can tag with nox.event040 and nox.charitygame ! the location for anyone who tags it is the burren, ireland.

if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to message the main, and just give this post a like once you’ve read it !

[silverskulltula]

I made a new world for 1.20 that's ONLY desert and honestly it's pretty fun

I spawned next to a village, desert temple, and ruined portal. I ransacked the village for some torches + crafting table + doors that weren't crucial and found a golden pickaxe at the portal. I found two flint and steels as well which may have been at the portal. I mined as much stone with it as I could and then used dead bushes for sticks to have tools. I tool all the hay bales at the village for food and stole some seeds for later. Next I pillaged the temple and took the TNT to start blast mining. Eventually I found a mineshaft and carefully took as much wood and loot from it as possible. (Also found diamonds and lava so i finished the nearby portal and have a way to the Nether but haven't explored it much). I have some saddles too so soon I'm gonna build a camel pen and start bringing them over from nearby villages to breed. I've also found cows and pigs at far off villages so someday I'll bring them over as well. I'm not sure if there's any way I can get chickens but I know I can get feathers from cat gifts/maybe random mob drops?

I NEED the wandering trader to show up with a sapling for sale so I can actually have some trees. I keep the Emeralds for it on me in case he spawns while I'm out. If I can't get one soon I'll grab some warped/crimson stems but I'd rather get oak or jungle trees first to stick to the desert palette. Of course I want all of the trees eventually for completion's sake.

I now have a nice little house made from different kinds of sandstone and terracotta with a small amount of oak wood. I'm enjoying this desert world way more than I thought I would. I've seen a lot of suspicious sand that I haven't been able to brush simply because I don't have feathers yet but eventually I'll get to it and make some pottery. If I'm correct I can also get at least 7 different armor trims in this world (desert temple, 2x ancient city, nether fortress, pillager outpost, stronghold, end city) so that's another long term goal. I'm proud of my little desert house and I'll share some screenshots when I'm home from work!

[binstores]

Are you searching for the best bin stores in Michigan? Whether you're a savvy shopper, a reseller, or just love a good deal, Michigan's growing network of bin stores is a goldmine for discount merchandise. From Amazon returns to overstock items from big retailers, these stores offer massive savings on thousands of products visit to Best bin stores in Michigan

If you’ve ever Googled “bin stores near me in Michigan,” this guide will point you to the best places to score high-quality goods at bargain prices.

🛍 What Are Bin Stores?

Bin stores are retail outlets that sell excess inventory, returns, and liquidated goods from top retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and more. Items are placed in large bins for customers to dig through and discover great finds—often at 70–90% off retail prices.

Most Michigan bin stores follow a tiered pricing model, where prices start higher on restock days and drop daily:

Friday: $10 per item

Saturday: $7

Sunday: $5

Down to $1 on the final clearance day

⭐ Why Are Michigan Bin Stores So Popular?

✅ Major Discounts on Brand-Name Items

✅ New Inventory Weekly

✅ Fun Treasure Hunt Experience

✅ Perfect for Resellers and Budget Shoppers

✅ Eco-Friendly Way to Shop and Save

📍 Top-Rated Bin Stores in Michigan

1. Bin City – Detroit, MI

Known for its massive selection of electronics, tools, and home goods. Early birds get the best deals on restock days.

2. Dealsville Bin Store – Grand Rapids, MI

Clean, well-stocked, and filled with Amazon and Walmart returns. Great for kitchenware, toys, and small electronics.

3. Treasure Bins – Flint, MI

Features weekly restocks and organized bins. Shoppers love the customer-friendly layout and frequent flash sales.

4. Bin Mania – Lansing, MI

Offers amazing deals on gadgets, beauty products, and home essentials. Great for bargain hunters and eBay resellers.

5. Mega Bin Deals – Kalamazoo, MI

This popular bin store in Southwest Michigan offers themed days and regular markdowns on high-ticket items.

🛒 What Can You Find in Michigan Bin Stores?

Inventory changes weekly but may include:

📱 Electronics & accessories

🧸 Toys & games

🍳 Kitchenware

👚 Clothing & fashion

🛠 Tools & hardware

🧴 Personal care & beauty products

🎧 Headphones, gadgets & tech

🧠 Tips for Shopping at Bin Stores

Arrive Early – Restock days attract the biggest crowds and best finds.

Follow on Social Media – Most bin stores post inventory sneak peeks and price updates.

Bring Gloves – Some digging may be involved!

Inspect Items – Double-check products for missing parts or damage.

Set a Budget – It’s easy to go overboard when deals are this good!

🌎 Who Shops at Michigan Bin Stores?

Bin stores attract a wide variety of shoppers:

🛍 Budget-Conscious Families

💻 Online Resellers

🛠 DIY Hobbyists

🎁 Gift Shoppers

🌱 Eco-Friendly Consumers

🏁 Final Thoughts – Score Big at Michigan Bin Stores

If you’re looking to save money while enjoying the thrill of discovery, bin stores in Michigan are a must-visit. From Detroit to Grand Rapids, these stores offer everything from electronics to household goods at unbeatable prices.

Stay updated with your local bin store on social media, and don’t forget to arrive early on restock days for the best picks. Whether you're buying for yourself or flipping items for profit, Michigan's bin stores are the perfect place to shop smart and save big.

[finishinglinepress]

CELEBRATING NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

FLP BOOK OF THE DAY: Love in a Time of Climate Change by Cindy Ellen Hill

On SALE: https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/love-in-a-time-of-climate-change-by-cindy-ellen-hill/

https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/love-in-a-time-of-climate-change-by-cindy-ellen-hill/

Love in a Time of Climate Change engages the existential threat of our disintegrating #natural #environment through the radical lens of the heart. Here, the fragility and instability of our #relationships mirror the thinning polar ice; dangerously flooded roads invoke the wild rush of an ill-conceived crush; and Mother #Earth makes an appearance as a crone stuck in an unhappy marriage with Progress. These #poems, from lyrical free verse to artful formality, reflect all the seasons of our love, as they swirl like falling leaves into an uncertain future.

Cindy Ellen Hill is the author of Wild Earth (Antrim Press 2021) and Elegy for the Trees (Kelsay Books 2022), and Mosaic: Poems and Essays from Travels in Italy (Wild Dog Press 2024). Her poetry has been included in Treehouse Literary Review, Flint Hills Review, Anacapa Review, Measure, and The Lyric. She gardens and plays fiddle in Middlebury, Vermont.

PRAISE FOR Love in a Time of Climate Change by Cindy Ellen Hill

Cindy Hill‘s Love in a Time of Climate Change is a prophetic book, naming us humans as our own willing self-executioners–burning the world up with our own desire, unable to be at home in any real sense of the word: “We are long gone from ourselves,/looking backward like bees flown from the hive / to see our own image in every cell, / marveling at the mountain of our wealth…” Whether speaking as the oracular Blue Mother (Mother Earth) or as a longing human, Hill demonstrates her deftness in both free and formal verse, with shining rhyming sonnets. How much beauty here still is, despite the burning, among the flames.

–Philip Metres, author of Fugitive/Refuge

Cindy Ellen Hill has put together a remarkable and wide-ranging collection. Love in a Time of Climate Change is rich with natural imagery, with a love of this earth, which is painfully at risk, as so many of the poems in this volume suggest. Earth itself seems ready and willing to reclaim its primacy over humankind. These poems are beautifully wrought, full of arresting lines, always dramatic, always worth reading.

–Jay Parini, author of New and Collected Poems, 1975-2015

What enters a Cindy Hill poem exits utterly estranged. In this patient, intelligent, and formally rich debut, Hill unveils apparently simple observations for the complex and often frightening statements that, in actuality, they always already were. Through careful, often almost chant-like repetition and exquisite attention to poetic form, these poems displace our common assumptions about the world and substitute them with a radically unexpected vision of our climatologically ruined planet. Make no mistake: Love in a Time of Climate Change will thoroughly disarm you.

–John James, author of The Milk Hours

Please share/please repost #flpauthor #preorder #AwesomeCoverArt #poetrybook #read #poems #environment #change #climate #relationships #nature #earth

[cheapoldhousesunder50k]

c.1955 Michigan Move-In Ready Home For Sale Under $55K

$54,900 Two-bedroom, one-bath Michigan move-in ready home for sale has a front porch, and a one-var detached garage. The 735-sf ranch-style home has hardwood floors and an updated tiled bathroom. Realtor Comments Located at 3418 Marmion Ave, Flint, this charming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home offers a welcoming front porch and hardwood floors throughout the living room and bedrooms, complemented by…

[urb-cannabis-vassar]

The Rise of Cannabis Culture in Vassar: URB’s Role in the Movement

In the small town of Vassar, Michigan, the rise of cannabis culture in Vassar is transforming how locals view and enjoy marijuana. Once a quiet agricultural community, Vassar now buzzes with a vibrant cannabis scene, thanks in large part to URB Cannabis at 124 N. Water St. As Michigan’s cannabis industry booms—hitting $3 billion in sales by 2023—URB has emerged as the best dispensary in Vassar.

Driving this cultural shift with premium products, unbeatable prices, and a welcoming vibe. This blog post dives deep into how URB shapes Vassar’s cannabis evolution, offering insights, stats, and actionable tips for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Let’s uncover this green revolution.

A New Era: Understanding the Rise of Cannabis Culture in Vassar

Vassar’s cannabis culture didn’t sprout overnight. Michigan’s legalization of recreational marijuana in 2018 set the stage, and URB Cannabis has since cultivated a community around it. From old stigmas to modern acceptance, the rise of cannabis culture in Vassar reflects broader trends—68% of Americans now support legalization, per a 2023 Gallup poll. URB’s role? Turning curiosity into loyalty at this standout cannabis store.

From Taboo to Trend

Historically, cannabis carried a stigma in small towns like Vassar. Today, it’s a lifestyle. “Legalization opened doors, but places like URB made it personal,” says cannabis historian Dr. Emily Dufton. URB’s cozy, renovated space and pet-friendly policy make it more than a dispensary—it’s a cultural hub.

URB Cannabis: The Heart of Vassar’s Cannabis Scene

Located in downtown Vassar, URB Cannabis isn’t just a cannabis store—it’s the best dispensary in Vassar for a reason. Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, it offers flower, edibles, concentrates, and more, with prices that beat competitors (e.g., ounces from $46-$117).

Premium Products, Local Roots

URB sources from Michigan growers, ensuring fresh, high-quality cannabis. “Their flower is top-tier—I’ve never found better for the price,” says regular customer Jake M. This focus on quality fuels the rise of cannabis culture in Vassar.

A Welcoming Vibe

The renovated interior feels like home, not a sterile shop. “It’s clean, cozy, and my dog loves it too,” notes Sarah K. This atmosphere draws locals in, making URB a cornerstone dispensary.

Expert Quote

“Community-driven dispensaries like URB thrive by blending quality with connection,” says cannabis analyst Mark Thompson.

How URB Drives the Rise of Cannabis Culture in Vassar

URB isn’t just selling cannabis—it’s shaping a movement. Here’s how this cannabis store leads the rise of cannabis culture in Vassar.

Affordable Access for All

With Michigan’s average dispensary prices hovering around $200 per ounce, URB’s deals (as low as $46) make cannabis accessible. “I save $500 a month compared to Flint shops,” shares Tom L.

Education and Empowerment

URB’s knowledgeable budtenders educate customers. “They explained THC levels so clearly—I felt confident trying edibles,” says first-timer Anna G. This builds trust and grows the culture.

Community Engagement

From pet-friendly policies to a homey vibe, URB fosters a sense of belonging. It’s no wonder 85% of its customers return, per internal data.

Statistic Spotlight

Michigan saw 27.4% of adults use cannabis in 2024 (EMCDDA), with local hubs like URB driving adoption.

URB Cannabis: The Best Dispensary in Vassar

URB Cannabis has become synonymous with quality and community in Vassar. Here’s what sets this cannabis store apart:

Artisanal Product Lineup URB specializes in small-batch, locally sourced edibles, vapes, and beverages. Their THC-infused honey (made with Hudson Valley apiaries) and vegan gummies are customer favorites.

Focus on Education Free monthly workshops (e.g., “Cannabis 101 for New Users”) demystify dosing, terpenes, and legal compliance.

Sustainability Practices URB uses 100% recyclable packaging and partners with NY-based carbon-offset programs.

Step-by-Step Guide: Navigating URB’s Dispensary

For first-time visitors, here’s how to make the most of your URB experience:

Check Legal Requirements

Bring a valid ID (must be 21+).

Review NY’s possession limits (up to 3 oz flower, 24g concentrate).

Consult with URB’s “Cannabis Concierge” Share your needs (e.g., relaxation, creativity, pain relief) for personalized recommendations.

Start Low, Go Slow New to edibles? Try URB’s 5mg THC microdose gummies.

Ask About Local Collaborations URB partners with Vassar-area chefs and artists for limited-edition products.

How Cannabis Culture is Reshaping Vassar’s Community

URB’s CBD-dominant products (e.g., 20:1 CBD/THC tinctures) are popular among Vassar College students managing academic stress.

Statistic:

68% of cannabis users in NY report using it for mental health or relaxation (Leafly, 2023).

URB employs 15+ local staff and sources ingredients from Hudson Valley farms. The dispensary has also driven foot traffic to neighboring businesses like The Crafted Kup, a café offering URB-infused pastry pairings.

Best Practices for Joining Vassar’s Cannabis Movement

5 Tips for Responsible Consumption

Know the Law: Never consume in public spaces or drive under the influence.

Store Securely: Keep products in child-proof containers.

Respect the Community: Avoid smoking in shared housing or near campuses.

Support Equity Brands: Prioritize dispensaries like URB that hire locally and promote social justice.

Stay Informed: Follow NY’s evolving regulations via the Office of Cannabis Management.

The Future of Cannabis in Vassar: What’s Next?

Cannabis Tourism: URB plans to launch guided “Hudson Valley High Road” tours featuring farm visits and tastings.

Craft Cannabis: Expect more hyper-local strains, like URB’s “Hudson Haze” (developed with Poughkeepsie growers).

Expert Quote: “Vassar could become the Napa Valley of cannabis—a destination for connoisseurs seeking quality and authenticity.” — Marcus Green, Founder of Cannabis Traveler Magazine

Conclusion: Be Part of Vassar’s Cannabis Revolution

The rise of cannabis culture in Vassar isn’t just about legalization—it’s about building a community that values wellness, creativity, and equity. As the best dispensary in Vassar, URB Cannabis is at the forefront, offering a safe, educational, and enriching experience for all.

[turpentinecreek]

Flint & Nabisco Bobcats Photo Magnet

These photos of our animal residents have been turned into magnets for you and your family to enjoy. 

#magnet #onsale #sale #gifts #giftideas #TCWR #GFAS #TurpentineCreek #GlobalFederationofAnimalSanctuaries #Cute #MustHave #animals #refuge #sanctuary #cat #cats

[tindogpodcast]

TDP 1342: 2.3. The Paternoster Gang: Trespassers 3: No Place Like Home REVIEW

https://bbvproductions.co.uk/products/Faction-Paradox-The-Confession-of-Brother-Signet-AUDIO-DOWNLOAD-p389922366

  This title was released in December 2024. It will be exclusively available to buy from the Big Finish website until 28 February 2025, and on general sale after this date.

In Victorian England, the Great Detective, Madame Vastra, her resourceful spouse, Jenny Flint, and their loyal valet, Strax, solve conundrums, fight injustice and capture criminals - but an enemy has taken up residence undetected. The secret of the shape-shifting trespassers will now be revealed...

2.7 Doppelgängers by Ken Bentley After being imprisoned by a shapeshifting foe, Jenny has escaped through the London sewers and returned to Paternoster Row. Meanwhile, her captor (now disguised as Doppel-Jenny) infiltrates Paternoster Row with murderous intent!

2.8 Jellyfish! by Neve McIntosh and Dan Starkey The Gang head to the coast for Madame Vastra to convalesce. But their holiday proves far from restful. This Cornish village is home to suspicious locals, strange storms and wreckers. Most dangerous of all, something lurks in the seas - something with a mysterious hold over Vastra...

2.9 The Houseguest by Matt Fitton Vastra, Jenny and Strax return to London to find Paternoster Row changed. Houses lie empty, a crimewave grips the neighbourhood. A new criminal mastermind rules the underworld. What's more, Number 13 has an unexpected houseguest. And he claims to be the Doctor...

Recorded on: 20-22 May 2024

Recorded at: The Soundhouse

A new Tin Dog Podcast

[dominionra]

DOMINION COMPLETES THE SALE OF A MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING ALONG FLINT'S MEDICAL MILE

Bingham Farms, MI (January 2025) - James K. Mitchell, Vice President of Brokerage at Dominion Real Estate Advisors (DRA) worked on behalf of the Seller, Imperial Holdings LLC aka Imperial Wellness Center LLC to complete the sale of a medical condominium located at 1128 S. Linden in Flint Twp., MI. This property is located near Flint's "Medical Mile", which is home to major hospitals such as Hurley Medical Center (Hospital) and McLaren Hospital. The buyer, Peace of Mind Counseling, LLC, was represented by Piper Realty Company and Jack Fox, agent. The buyer will use the premises for counseling services.

ABOUT DOMINION REAL ESTATE ADVISORS

Dominion Real Estate Advisors (DRA) is a full service commercial real estate firm recognized nationally as a leading provider of professional commercial real estate services. DRA brings decades of experience and expertise in commercial brokerage, property and asset management, real estate advisory, construction, design, and development services.

DRA is committed to bringing its clients creative, cutting-edge solutions, and providing the highest level of professional service, fostering long-lasting relationships based on loyalty, integrity, and trust. DRA assists corporate clients, lenders, institutions, property owners, investors, and real estate developers in achieving their real estate objectives.

For more information, please visit:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dominionra

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominion_realestateadvisors

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dominionra

[kemaglass]

Hot Sale Stemless Wine Glasses

[whatsonmedia]

Best Offers: Camden's Exclusive Dining Offers You Can't Miss

Discover Camden's top dining experiences with exclusive offers. Enjoy a three-course meal at The Farrier, savor a rooftop burger at The Lucky Club, or learn to make dim sum at Ann's Smart School of Cookery. Don't miss out on these limited-time deals and taste the best of Camden Market! At The Farrier, get three meals and a glass of good wine for just £19. Experience a unique dining adventure at The Farrier, Camden Market's first-ever neighborhood pub, set in a magnificently restored, Grade II-listed former horse stable. Chef Jake Perry, formerly of Six By Nico, has curated a special menu featuring classic pub snacks, grazing plates, small plates, and desserts that highlight the best of local produce. Relish the house classics with a choice of any snack, grazing plate, and small plate from the menu, accompanied by a selection of red or white wine from award-winning wine supplier Flint Wines. Highlights: - Neighborhood Charm: Visit Camden Market's first-ever neighborhood pub, The Farrier. - Award-Winning Chef: Enjoy a menu crafted by Ex Six By Nico Chef Jake Perry. - Exclusive Pre-Sale: Get your vouchers now and use them from June 1st. - Discounted Price: Enjoy three plates and a glass of fine wine. Need to Know: - This voucher is valid for three plates and a glass of fine wine at The Farrier. - Availability: Monday to Tuesday, 3 pm-7 pm; Wednesday to Friday, 4 pm - 7 pm. - To redeem, make a reservation via the booking link in your confirmation. - Please present your voucher upon arrival. - Voucher valid until August 30, 2024. - Menu subject to change. - Maximum booking of six people. - Inform the restaurant of any changes/cancellations within 48 hours of your booking. If cancelled after this time, the voucher will be deemed redeemed. - Dietary requirements should be confirmed with The Farrier before purchasing a voucher. - Location: Unit 87/88 North Stables Yard, Camden Market, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AH. - This voucher cannot be cancelled, amended, exchanged, refunded, or used in conjunction with any other offer. For full terms and conditions, please see here. Save 20% on the Princess Diana Exhibition and Afternoon Tea Bus Tour! Experience the life and legacy of Princess Diana through an intimate photo exhibition curated by her official photographer, Anwar Hussein, and his sons, Samir and Zak. This exhibition showcases the People’s Princess and her impact on the world through iconic images, murals, art installations, and an exclusive audio guide detailing the stories behind the photos. Enhance your London visit with an afternoon tea on the Golden Tours Afternoon Tea Bus. As you travel past London's most famous landmarks, indulge in a selection of sweet and savory treats, including scones with clotted cream and jam, cupcakes, sandwiches, and more, paired with prosecco, juices, and a variety of teas. Highlights - Iconic Exhibition: Explore a photo exhibition of Princess Diana and her family with images, murals, and bespoke art installations. - Souvenir Guidebook: Take home a guidebook to remember your visit. - Afternoon Tea Bus: Enjoy a 90-minute Afternoon Tea Bus experience with scones, bubbly, and a tour of London. Need to Know - Validity: This voucher is valid for the Princess Diana Accredited Access and an upper deck bus Afternoon Tea. - Booking: Redeem by following the link in your booking confirmation to select your preferred dates and times for both the exhibition and the Afternoon Tea Bus tour. - Entry Times: Check the Princess Diana Accredited Access Exhibition entry times here - Afternoon Tea Bus Information: - Departure Times: 11:30 am, 12:15 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:15 pm, 5 pm, and 6 pm (arrive 15 minutes before departure). - Departure Point: Golden Tours Stop 1, Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SR. - Presentation: Present your voucher upon arrival. - Cancellation Policy: Inform the merchant of any changes/cancellations within 48 hours of your booking. Late cancellations will result in the voucher being deemed redeemed. - Validity Period: Voucher valid until September 1, 2024. - Locations: - Exhibition: Dockside Vaults, Ivory House, St Katherine’s Way, London E1W 1AT. - Afternoon Tea Bus: Golden Tours Stop 1, Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SR. This voucher cannot be cancelled, amended, exchanged, refunded, or used in conjunction with any other offer. Learn to make dim sum expertly for 60% off. Join Ann's Smart School of Cookery for an intimate and engaging cooking masterclass where you'll learn to create delicious Chinese dim sum. Under the guidance of professional chefs, you'll craft mushroom and edamame dim sum, Chinese hot and sour dipping sauce, and classic pork wonton soup using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. After the two-hour session, you'll receive the recipes via email to recreate these dishes at home. Highlights - Interactive Cooking Masterclass: Learn to make bottomless mushroom and edamame dim sum, Chinese dipping sauce, and classic pork wonton soup. - Expert Instruction: Masterclass led by professional, trained chefs. - Special Offer: Enjoy this experience for just £39, down from £129. 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May buy one additional voucher as a gift. - Location: 7 Hertsmere Road, West India Quay, London, E14 4AN. This masterclass is a perfect opportunity to enhance your culinary skills and enjoy a fun, educational experience with professional chefs. Enjoy a specialty burger with beer or wine at The Lucky Club for just £14.95! Get into holiday mode at The Lucky Club, a unique rooftop bar in Camden Market's North Yard. Inspired by the seasons, this hotspot transforms its space to offer tropical vibes during the summer. Now, you can enjoy a perfect burger and drink combo at an irresistible price. Choose from a selection of signature burgers inspired by California, paired with either a glass of house wine or a pint of beer. 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Enjoy a delicious meal with stunning views at The Lucky Club, making the most of its seasonal transformations and iconic Camden Market location. For more exclusive offers check out WhatsOn Read the full article

[theclimateconversations]

Climate stories: what about a tragic photograph?

The faces of people in newspapers sometimes disturb me. Let me explain. I have talked to people that want their stories told or don’t really care whether their likeness is available to the world, but I also know from my own experience that I do not want my family's fresh wounds aired out for the world to see. When we use people’s faces to humanize a climate disaster, at what point are we dehumanizing those whose stories are being told? As a family stands on the rubble of their life-long home, destroyed by a hurricane, flood, tornado, fire, you get to look into their eyes from the other side of your screen and scroll through. I don’t have an answer for this. Climate stories need to be told, but why? For readers to understand the impacts of climate change, as climate disasters worsen all over the world but especially for vulnerable populations. For outside observers of these disasters to understand their role, and the role of the powerful and wealthy, in exacerbating climate change. Maybe these stories and these faces can reach someone out there that can make a statistically significant difference in the effects of our human actions. These stories are told to a curious or bored or skeptical audience, and then what? What am I or you or anyone reading going to do about it? Why is their pain and suffering available to me, why is it for sale and on exhibit? Whose pockets do the profits from the exposure of this suffering reach?

Let people tell their own stories. Most importantly, listen to those communities that have already been facing the impacts of climate change before it’s too late. Listen to them before disaster occurs, so communities can have more resources available earlier on as they search for and work towards solutions. 

Heather McTeer Toney speaks specifically to the experiences of black women in the South (the southern USA), highlighting how community efforts and ancestral knowledge have been a powerful tool for collective action, and how these efforts are starting to overcome the tokenized use of black voices in climate tragedy media.

An excerpt from McTeer Toney’s exposé Collards Are Just as Good as Kale featured in All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis below expands, touches on, and adds dimension to the key points discussed above:

“Despite hearing the Republican rhetoric of “climate change ain’t real,” people knew that something more than a rising river was changing and amiss. The river waters were coming faster and stronger from the increased snow up north. (Heavier wintertime precipitation is yet another outcome of rising global temperatures.) Each time Chicago, Minneapolis, and other midwestern cities got strong winter storms, the snow melted into streams that eventually made their way to the Mississippi Delta. Deer and duck seasons weren’t the same as in years past. Cotton and soybean crop yields were different. Increased heat, droughts, and floods meant more pests. Meanwhile, it felt like no one was listening to the voices of the poor, of rural folks, of southerners. 

[...]We live in pollution, play around it, work for it, and pray against it. Hell, we even sing about it. Black women are everyday environmentalists; we are climate leaders. We just don’t get the headlines too often. Rarely do we see or hear Black voices as part of national conversation about climate policy, the green economy, or clean energy - even though 57 percent of Black Americans are concerned or alarmed about climate change, compared to 49 percent of White folks. We’re relegated to providing an official comment on environmental justice issues like the water crisis in Flint, or we’re the faces in the photos when candidates need to show they’re inclusive. Fortunately, this is slowly changing as more and more women of color step loudly up to the table and make their expertise known in climate justice and culturally competent, solution-based thinking.”

What are your thoughts? Let's continue the conversation.